New kids on the council block

Charles Digby

With local elections virtually done and dusted for another three years, there are a number of new mayors, councillors and community board members about to get to grips with the challenges of governance.

For these newcomers, the next few weeks and months will be a steep learning curve. They will need to figure out what their council does and what's involved with being an elected representative. Aptitude, commitment and good intentions can only go so far. Information and understanding is what really makes the difference.

Te Kuiti farmer Charles Digby took the plunge in 2010, after spending five years as Federated Farmers' Waitomo District chairperson. He said those years were effectively an apprenticeship.

While always passionate about the Federation, it was a relentless surge of rates increases which convinced him to take action and run for council.

"The induction process can be daunting and tricky to negotiate, but I found time spent lobbying the council from 2006 to 2010 had brought me fairly well up to speed with local government rules and processes. The Federation was a great help during this time," he said.

Being philosophical and patient was also key to understanding the role, as it can also be time-consuming. Expect to work at least 20 hours a week, reading briefing material, attending meetings and workshops. This can impact on both the family and the farm.

"You get used to feeding out in the dark on meeting days. It also helps if you have an understanding wife," Mr Digby said.

"There is no room for egos; you are not going to change the world. Often it is about finding small gains and locking them in, so that cumulatively, over time, a noticeable difference is made. If you can accept this, then the role might be right for you," he said.

Mr Digby has no regrets. He is running again in this month's local body elections.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is also a helpful starting point, providing information, advice, and workshops designed to ensure newcomers are fully equipped to deal with the challenges and responsibilities that come with office.

LGNZ chief executive Malcolm Alexander says councils have a unique place in the leadership and governance of New Zealand as the tier of government closest to the people.

"Democracy requires the active participation of citizens if it is to work well and elections provide a unique opportunity for people to contribute to the economic success and vibrancy of their communities," he said.

While LGNZ assists those wanting to be an effective mayor, councillor, or community board member, it is equally important to look at the big picture from the ratepayer's perspective. Federated Farmers Local Elections Manifesto has good information on what it thinks elected representatives should have at the top of their minds as they go about their work.

This isn't just about keeping a firm lid on spending and rates, although that is crucially important. It's also about making sure the council's funding and rating policy is closely aligned to who uses the services and benefits from them; making sure that core activities, such as infrastructure, public services and regulation, are managed and delivered effectively and efficiently; ensuring that consultation and engagement with communities is open-minded and constructive, and decisions are backed by both robust facts and sound principles.

Being able to articulate the council's case in Wellington is also becoming increasingly important.

The Federation's local government spokesperson Katie Milne says the Federated Farmers' manifesto is a fantastic guide for would-be councillors.

"Anyone considering running for council would do well to look at it. The manifesto outlines our world-view and how we would like councils to be more efficient and fair to rural ratepayers," she says.

"As a guide it illustrates the principles of good governance and how one can become an efficient, conservative councillor."

A large proportion of the Federation's policy work is submitting on local issues, to local councils on behalf of our members, because the Federation recognises the importance of local government.

Federated Farmers looks forward to continuing to work positively with councils and their elected representatives over the next three years. We are here to help.