Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

This year will see local government under increased pressure.

We have worldwide environmental, economic and social crises happening and being at the bottom of the world hasn't made us immune. Our government is under the pump to perform and, in turn, expects local government to keep pace.

The speed of technological communication has enabled communities to be engaged with decision making like never before. That means those with the responsibility for making decisions on behalf of communities must inform and engage with their communities like never before.

Local government is, after all, about government at a local level and the community pulse a critically important measure of performance. The government moved quickly to take over from the Auckland Super City when the Rugby World Cup transport performance was off the pace. It moved to sack the Environment Canterbury Councillors and has now appointed a supervisor for Christchurch City.

Without examining the many complex issues no doubt involved with Christchurch, there is a simple lesson; community democracy is a very powerful right and its voice should always be respected. In these days of exemplar communication tools, there should be little excuse for not engaging fully with those that ‘pay the piper'.

It is impossible to please everyone and sometimes unpopular decisions will be made that are deemed to be the right ones – in the circumstances – by decision makers. The important ingredient is transparency of decision making. The regional council will soon be releasing its 10 year plan for community engagement and that will be a really important process to test the pulse of the Bay of Plenty.

I will keep you posted.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss any regional council matter, phone 027 222 2419 or email [email protected]