22 July 2024

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Public forums

Enquiry (to Mayor Tania Tapsell)

I have the below for response if desired from Justin Adams re possible introduction of public forums. Sending to the mayor as she previously commented at a meeting her concerns around public forums.
Adams said public forums were “an unalienable right” for ratepayers to raise issues to those voted in to serve them.

“Rotorua Lakes Council is one of the only councils in the country not to have public forums and if the argument against it is people will come and rant maybe the councillors should pay more attention to what is occurring within the council organisation that is upsetting the public that needs rectifying."

In his view, councillors against public forums would be “voting against democracy” and the system and people that elected them. He said they require reminding they are elected to represent the public not ignore them.

Response

From Mayor Tapsell:

“Democracy is important, and authentic and meaningful engagement with our community is a key priority of this Council.

“Public forums are only one of many ways communities can engage with their Councils and it’s had mixed results elsewhere. We currently allow petitions which require others to also support the issue before it’s brought to Council, and of course public consultation to hear individuals and groups which a significant amount of locals participated in recently and successfully influenced Council decisions as a result.

“Residents also can contact us directly with their concerns, which they do, and we address these as best as possible.

“I’m supportive of the public having input into council processes and this new Council significantly improved our processes and transparency by holding meetings and workshops in public and ensuring agendas are published publicly one week in advance of meetings.

“While I’m not sure Public Forums are needed I do look forward to discussing what further value they might add to our existing opportunities with the rest of our Council on Wednesday [24 July 2024].”