Upon reflection on the latest local body elections across the Wellington region, that secured the participation of generally no more than 30% of electors, it is imperative that there is active consultation regarding the major issues facing the community. That is the financial limiting of access to water, by the installation of household volumetric water meters, a proposal of the regional council, and the pushing of amalgamation. A vote in Hutt City and Porirua saw just over 15% of electors in these areas were in favour of a referendum on the subject.  The lack of active participation by voters in general suggests there is something wrong with our voting system. The changing of the local body election system from first past the post to another system is not the answer. What is required is what all Upper Hutt candidates promised that is active consultation with voters, that is achieved by participatory democracy. The basic and guiding principal of local councils was the principal of subsidiarity that is where a larger group does not do for a smaller group that which it can do for itself. The historical loss of local wards has reduced participatory democracy, as has the decision to hand over our water assets to a council corporation due to council being put under duress by central government. Even the attempt to include the voice of Māori by a place, as of right, at the council table by means of a Māori ward, was taken away without consultation. I stood for council to oppose water meters and amalgamation I intend to create the opportunity for people across the Wellington region, to come together to join me in opposing them as well as protesting the creation of a combined council’s water entity, as I promised.  Teresa Homan Teresa 5 Elm Street

A “thank you” to Teresa Homan for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

16/10/25