Central Government politicians rarely understand Local Government. They like to blame Local Government for delaying housing permits, or whatever will get their names in the paper for looking like they are being strong.
Every now and then parts of Local Government come unstuck, like Tauranga. Things look pretty bad and the City has massive problems. However, this is should be addressed by processes which can involve other authorities stepping in and assisting. Often it is just that the personalities that have been elected just can’t get on. The voters have a chance to reposition those at the table at the next election.
When a Minister decides to remove an entire Council it is a very provocative step. Down here we remember Nick Smith replacing elected members with Commissioners.
We, who have experienced this, should be standing up and warning Nanaia Mahuta that the process she has embarked on should be a short one and that whoever she appoints should have considerable experience of Local Government, not Wellington stooges.
Nanaia Mahuta intends to appoint commission for Tauranga City Council – NZ Herald
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