Council representation
The council has announced its representation proposal for the next 6 years. It wants Tauranga to be split into 8 wards and for each ward to be represented by 1 councillor. Each ward will have a population of about 17,000 - a medium size town. There will also be a Maori ward with 1 councillor. Residents will ONLY be allowed to vote for their ward councillor, no other councillor. So, people only have a one-ninth say in who represents the city. Furthermore, residents can only speak to their ward councillor about council and local matters; they can't speak to any other councillor.Too bad if your ward councillor turns out to be a dud; you can't go to anyone else for help. How will one councillor manage to look after 17,000 people and do all his other council work as well? Complaints and suggestions could be diverted to the mayor but he or she couldn't possibly cope with the demand.The council plan could turn out to be another disaster.
The council IGNORED the popular choice which was 9 general councillors elected from 1 ward constituting the WHOLE OF TAURANGA. Every resident on the general roll would have a vote for all 9 councillors, not just 1 ward councillor as the council has proposed. Residents would be free to speak to any one of the 9 councillors about matters that concerned them. There would be 1 Maori ward councillor to make up the rest of the team.
The council also decided that Tauranga did not need community boards. Astonishingly, the council considered that having 1 councillor to talk to would provide enough opportunity for the public to participate in the governance of the city. IS THE COUNCIL TRYING TO SHUT UP AND SHUT OUT THE PUBLIC VOICE?.
The council's scheme is out for public comment until the 4th of October. Go to the council's website to read the feedback form and have your say. Call for at least 9, and maybe more, at-large general ward councillors to be chosen by every resident on the general roll. Also call for 3 community boards to be established so that the public voice can be heard. Community boards are legally constituted bodies to which EVERY RESIDENT living in Tauranga will belong without having to enrol or pay a subscription, and councils are required by law to pay attention to what they have to say. Boards will cost no more than $4 a year per head of population, and probably much less,That will be money well spent if if giving locals their say before the council starts throwing money around prevents expensive stuff-ups.
If you have any questions about the review process and the system I have suggested or would like to read, and perhaps support, my submission, contact me through Neighbourly.
Poll: Could we live without public bins?
Many public rubbish bins are being removed by councils due to the large costs of regularly emptying them. Do you think we can adapt and live without them?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
-
11.9% Yes
-
87.6% No
-
0.5% Other - I'll share below
Are you a first home buyer?
Hello!
Are you a first home buyer? Is your mortgage going up and up with rising interest rates and you’re now struggling to make ends meet? Have you lost the ability to save any extra cash?
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare a special episode on the interest rate crunch and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear your stories.
Please comment below if you would like to share your story, or email tova@stuff.co.nz. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
ORTHOPAEDIC MATTRESS: A BED FOR ALL OR JUST A MARKETING HYPE?
Hi Neighbours,
Are you tired of waking up with back pain or feeling restless after a night's sleep?
If so, consider an orthopaedic mattress to improve sleep quality and well-being.
But the question arises, "Is an orthopaedic mattress good for everyone?"
We'll explore the benefits of orthopedic mattresses and help you decide if they're the right choice for your sleep needs.
Orthopaedic Mattress vs. Normal Mattress
The term "orthopaedic mattress" often sparks curiosity, and rightfully so. While it sounds like a specialised medical product, it's important to understand how it differs from a regular mattress.
Regular mattresses may be comfortable but might not provide enough targeted support for back pain or sleep posture.
Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to focus on aligning the spine and relieving pressure. They can help ease back pain, joint discomfort, and muscle tension, leading to healthier and more restful sleep.
Can Anyone Use an Orthopaedic Mattress?
You might wonder if orthopedic mattresses are exclusive to those with specific health conditions.
The truth is orthopaedic mattresses are designed to support your body's natural alignment.
It suits athletes, busy professionals, parents, or anyone who values good sleep. They are perfect for anyone seeking a more supportive and comfortable sleep surface.
Consider an orthopedic mattress if you want to wake up refreshed and pain-free.
What is an Orthopaedic Mattress, and How Does It Help Reduce Back Pain?
An orthopaedic mattress is not a gimmick; it's designed for orthopaedic health. It uses memory foam or latex to support your body's shape.
By aligning your spine, it reduces pressure on joints and muscles. This benefits those with back pain or arthritis. The support prevents sinking, avoiding discomfort.
Studies show it improves sleep quality and reduces back pain. Find the right firmness and type for your body and sleep preferences.
Beds4U: Your Destination for Orthopaedic Mattresses and Better Sleep
An orthopaedic mattress can be a game-changer for better sleep and back pain relief. It benefits anyone who values proper spinal alignment and comfort while sleeping.
The mattress focuses on supporting the spine and providing personalised comfort. It makes it valuable for all types of sleepers.
Whether you experience back pain or not, an orthopedic mattress can significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being. It's a worthwhile investment for a healthier and more restful sleep experience.
At Beds4U, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep and offer a variety of orthopaedic mattresses to suit your needs.
Explore our collection of orthopaedic mattresses to find your perfect sleep companion today!
Loading…
