Real democracy. When will we ever achieve it? For years, we have been asking Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby for the true democratic system of a citizens binding referenda. He has always refused this community.

Tauranga City Council has a very efficient computerised system for gathering rate taxes to they ensure they get their demands to everyone.

They can sell your home if you do not pay.

Why is this system not also used to get the opinions from all of us on how our money will be spent?

Right now TCC is getting ready to spend about millions on a new palace with art and
library attached.

Our councillors, who are paid by us to do as we want, do not know how to ask us if we want to pay this huge expense. They blindly support the ‘consultative process' which they know is an insult and does not work.

We demand this palace proposal is fully debated in our city and the decision be made by us in a democratic binding referendum.

K Evans, Tauranga South.