The lack of transparency in local government, a matter that is not only evident in our own Waipā District Council but also across many councils throughout New Zealand.
Local councils exist to manage regions effectively and to provide essential services to their communities. However, their core responsibilities are increasingly being sidetracked by “pet projects” and initiatives that fall outside their primary purpose, with little or no visibility or accountability.
Unfortunately, when residents request information from the Waipā District Council under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA), much of the content is heavily redacted. With all due respect, the Council is not the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) or the New Zealand Secret Intelligence Service (NZSIS). There is no justifiable reason for such excessive secrecy from an organisation that is supposed to serve the residents and ratepayers of Waipā.
To be clear, I understand that some limitations must exist—particularly when it comes to personally identifiable information (PII), staff-related matters, and contracts that are still under negotiation. But beyond these specific and justifiable exceptions, the default approach should be full disclosure to residents and ratepayers, not just the “media”.
The residents and ratepayers of Waipā and indeed all of New Zealand deserve unfiltered access to the truth. Currently, too many meetings are held behind closed doors, and information is withheld, making it nearly impossible for the public to see the full picture.
As we approach the 2025 local body elections, I strongly urge voters to support mayoral and council candidates who pledge a commitment to full transparency at the Waipā District Council.
