Former Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby believes the entire local government engagements process needs to be reviewed.
Stuart Crosby
Back for his fourth term on Bay of Plenty Regional Council after 12 years as Tauranga mayor, Crosby, 69, is well placed to comment.
He also served as president of Local Government New Zealand for three years from August 2020.
“The current system is not serving New Zealand well,” he says.
“But what I would oppose is some ad hoc [new system] being imposed.
“We need a [revised] version after a formal inquiry with some recommendations that engage people.
“We need a complete overview of the structure moving forward.
“The worst thing that could happen is a kneejerk reaction from whoever is the government of the day,” he says.
Crosby says central government relies on local councils to deliver many of its hopes, dreams and ambitions — and if local government is broken, as he believes it is, frustration is inevitable.
“The key in my view is to get that balance right between local democracy and local voice. That’s the balance you want to achieve and I believe we can achieve it.”
He also stressed the importance of ensuring regional experience is heard and considered.
“If the system of relationships within the organisation and in groups that comment to the government, iwi and others, is not cohesive, then you have a problem.”
Bay of Plenty regional councillors at their induction day
