There are lies, damn lies and statistics. This famous line, loosely attributed to Benjamin Disraeli, refers to the use of statistics to shore up a weak argument.
The Local Governance Working Party has published their results of a survey of nearly 2000 respondents, who were asked what they wanted or didn'twant for a governance structure for the region.
The working party's efforts to run a consultation is laudable. They put the call out, the results are what you get back.
What people need to keep in mind is how many people - or how few - became involved in this survey.
Media, and that included us, reported that Wairarapa residents were largely in favour of amalgamation, while those who were strangers to Wairarapa thought it should go on its own.
"Largely in favour" is 87 per cent, which might sound like an overwhelming endorsement.
But percentages hide reality, and I admit we got caught out.
A press release issued explained how there were 396 Wairarapa responses to two different submission forms, but the percentage provided is for the total of the "long submission form", which puts the crucial question: should Wairarapa be part of a region-wide council.
So, 87 per cent of what? Is it for everyone in the region who filled out the long submission (1230) or just those in Wairarapa (203).
The short form has a completely different question: is Wairarapa a part of the Wellington region.
Your councils are pitching for the one unitary authority and misleading survey results like these probably do not help. If you believe what the councils are doing is right, let them know.
There are factions, for and against, who will make a lot of sound. That is the nature of campaigning and they have every right to do so. Those factions may end up influencing the decision on how we are governed.
If you're happy for other people to shout loudly in your name, then that's fine. Otherwise, I urge people to get on line, or write letters, and start making some noise yourself.
