Time for change

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 232, 23 February 1988, Page 6

Time for change

The Waimarino is getting a shock to its system at present. And the local government arena is probably feeling it most. But it doesn't start or stop there. It extends into all facets ofjife and embraces areas that have been sacred and hitherto not subject to public debate or scrutiny. Understandably, it's going to hurt a little. The changes evident in today's new-look Bulletin are not just coincidental with its change of ownership. They reflect something of what's happening at a grassroots level. The Waimarino's unique infrastructure is changing. It becomes real as institutions like country post offices and railway stations disappear, amid talk of jets landing on the local airfield, strategic marketing plans, timeshare resorts and high-class hotels. Even our method of local government is feeling the pressure.But to suggest as Raetihi Mayor Garrick Workman did this week that much of the current debate within council is due to "electioneering" is wrong. Last week's district council steering committee meeting was a revelation in that regard. It was also disquieting. To think that it was the first time outsiders such as press and the public were present is shocking. To see a debate where Ohakune was clearly divided against Raetihi and the county is disturbing. To see a bid to hire a professional and qualified engineer for the enlarged council fail is frightening. And to hear a council officer tell councillors a decision on a building project is not their business is exciting. A major concern, however, is that the new district council does not plan to have committees, which means council officers are due to have more executive power. And if there are to be no community councils to represent individual urban areas, a situation will develop that is alarming and, we predict, potentially troublesome. These points warrant explanation and public debate. At this late stage in the amalgamation process, however, we can only hope they are subjects that will be addressed during the council elections over the next few weeks.