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Daveforcouncil
daveforcouncil.nz
I'm exposing the fake political arguments of my coalition aligned opponents who plan to take over the council and slash our services. Authorised by Dave Stewart, 36 Ocean View Road Coastlands.
Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?![]()
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Many of the managerial techniques that have arrived in the public sector over the austerity years - such as results-based pay, corporate contracting, performance management or evaluation culture - have their origins in a budgetary revolution that took place in the 1960s at the US Department of Defence.![]()
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In the early 1960s, Defence Secretary Robert McNamara was frustrated with being nominally in charge of budgeting but having to mediate between the seemingly arbitrary demands of military leaders for more tanks, submarines or missiles.![]()
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In response, he called on the RAND Corporation, a US think tank and consultancy, to remake the Defence Department's budgetary process to give the secretary greater capacity to plan.![]()
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Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?
daveforcouncil.nz
Many of the managerial techniques that have arrived in the public sector over the austerity years – such as results-based pay, corporate contracting, performance management or evaluation cul...
📌 Smarter processes matter too. It's how we have our cake and eat it too - benefitting from expansive Council services without pay through the nose. I will make sure Council seriously considers regional collaboration and cost-saving tech — like AI-generated LIMs — to improve services.![]()
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🔗 Read more here: daveforcouncil.nz/843/
Otto knows.
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My incredible Free Agreement Offer is available right now at Matariki Markets in Mitchell Park.![]()
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We have given away an abundance of agreements and made several happy voters as we navigate practical solutions to problems with a focus on Whakatāne First.![]()
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Ratepaters everywhere are being screwed and we are the only ones telling you the truth about WHY.![]()
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###Matariki Special###![]()
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Two for One Deal.![]()
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Get one Free Agreements and the second one is free as well.
📌 Removing GST from rates would save the average household $450–$650 a year. That’s an easy, fair change the Government could make right now.![]()
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🔗 Read more here: daveforcouncil.nz/843/
Māori wards and constituencies are vital to local decision-making and have many benefits for our communities. However, we have to vote in the upcoming local body elections to retain them.![]()
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This two-page resource provides trustworthy information on:![]()
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Why we have Māori wards and how they work![]()
The key issues now![]()
How our communities benefit from Māori wards![]()
Actions you can take to retain Māori wards![]()
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Māori wards Explainer – What’s happening and what you can do
daveforcouncil.nz
Māori wards and constituencies are vital to local decision-making and have many benefits for our communities. However, we have to vote in the upcoming local body elections to retain them. This two...
📌 If the Government shared just half the GST from new builds, councils would gain $1.3 billion annually. That’s real support for local infrastructure.![]()
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🔗 Read more here: daveforcouncil.nz/843/
Wellington Takes Big Brother Approach To 'Localism'![]()
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Wellington Takes Big Brother Approach To ‘Localism’
daveforcouncil.nz
Government to give itself power to override councils on housing in RMA changes Source June 18, 2025 PDF The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to nega...
Good to see some progress on this much needed upgrade.![]()
Sport and recreation are essential functions of council activity and we need to measure the support for these projects with much more than a spreadsheet.![]()
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An overwhelming majority of citizens made presentations to the Long Term Plan in support of this, and it's good to see some action taking place at last.![]()
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easternbayapp.co.nz
The Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub project is moving ahead with a new governance structure in place and a staged investment approach – setting the foundations for long-term improvements to one of the Wh...
On top of more funding from central government, local authorities need the flexibility to creatively address their financial and infrastructure needs. You might have recently received electoral roll confirmation forms for the local body elections later this year. Going by our historically low participation rates, many of those envelopes, as well as the voting forms themselves that will be sent later this year, will remain unopened....![]()
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Local Government New Zealand recently estimated an extra $11 billion is needed over the next seven years to meet unexpected cost increases. The credit rating agency S&P Global has downgraded 18 councils and three council-controlled organisations, and given negative outlooks to three more councils.![]()
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The auditor-general reported in February that inflation has driven up the costs of construction, insurance and debt servicing. This is putting pressure on operational expenses and capital improvements at the same time as demand for council services is increasing.![]()
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Article: Rates will never be enough – councils need the power to raise money in other ways
daveforcouncil.nz
Local Government New Zealand recently estimated an extra $11 billion is needed over the next seven years to meet unexpected cost increases. The credit rating agency S&P Global has downgraded ...
The broken funding model that is causing ratepayer pain needs to be fixed and it's not simply a case of closing the library or increasing tipping charges and selling the Aquatic Centre. Ratepayers need to demand better quality decisions and choices by central government.![]()
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Article: The local government funding model is broken ‒ but can be fixed
daveforcouncil.nz
The broken funding model that is causing ratepayer pain needs to be fixed and it’s not simply a case of closing the library or increasing tipping charges and selling the Aquatic Centre. Rate...
Good to see some progress on this much needed upgrade.![]()
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Sport and recreation are essential functions of council activity and we need to measure the support for these projects with much more than a spreadsheet.![]()
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An overwhelming majority of citizens made presentations to the Long Term Plan in support of this, and it's good to see some action taking place at last.
easternbayapp.co.nz
The Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub project is moving ahead with a new governance structure in place and a staged investment approach – setting the foundations for long-term improvements to one of the Wh...
Be wary of charlatans' peddling false narratives about rising rates. The real reasons behind Aotearoa's eye watering rates hikes are very different from the spin being spun by coalition aligned fakers.![]()
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The Real Reasons Behind New Zealand’s Rates Increases
daveforcouncil.nz
New Zealand’s rising rates are primarily due to increasing costs for local councils, including infrastructure upgrades, population growth, and inflation, leading to higher rates to fund esse...
Central Government Must Stop Treating Ratepayers Like A Bottomless ATM![]()
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daveforcouncil.nz
I'll be continuing my Free Agreements Offer to the ratepayers of Whakatane atWhakatāne Sunday Marketarket Matariki Event this Friday.![]()
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Did you know that central government used to give back the GST component of rates to councils but did a 'One Off' deal in 'hard times' and then reneged on that deal?![]()
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This year central government will withhold $1.5 billion of GST component of rates from Aotearoa's long suffering ratepayers.![]()
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In Whakatane the amount is over $9 million - each and every year!!!![]()
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I think that's a very, very, very bad deal.![]()
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There's are many reasons ratepayers all over this country are facing eye watering rate hikes and garbage central government decisions like this are way too big to ignore.![]()
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Do you agree or disagree?Matariki Market this Friday at Mitchell Park next to the RSA 8am-1pm.
Thanks to all the electors that came to chat at the Whakatāne Sunday Market today.![]()
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I think I made a few friends and I know I got more than a few votes.![]()
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No one wanted an argument when I explained that arguments are hugely expensive and really, we ratepayers can't afford to have a group of people paid handsomely to sit around a table and argue and squabble.![]()
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Every one who Stopped for a chat agreed with the first proposal - that if the government in Wellington - be it a Labour or National led government - made demands on councils, the cost should be funded and not added to our eye watering rates.![]()
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This is the only way to make a real difference to our unaffordable rates a d to stop Wellington from treating ratepaters as a bottomless ATM.![]()
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I found this was a great way to start a real conversation about why our rates are unaffordable and it was good to be able to start with an agreement and expand of some real discussion about why we need a ratepayer revolt against the attacks from Wellington on our finances.![]()
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Let's agree more about this and make this a big issue in Aotearoa's local body elections.
Sunday morning at Whakatāne Sunday Market with my incredible offer of free agreements extended for another week from your old mate The Mad Lefty.![]()
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How does it work?![]()
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Take a seat and let find what we agree on. That's it. ![]()
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Arguments are expensive and we agree on so much.![]()
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Leave the arguments for the disagreeable folk.![]()
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Have a great Sunday.
Yet another case of Big Brother Government in Wellington telling local councils what to do with huge costs associated and no funding - yet more of the multi-million dollar rip off that Wellington bureaucrats throw at ratepayers, who they clearly see as a bottomless ATM![]()
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"Councillors have been astounded by the inflexible parameters, risks to children and others’ safety, and the potential extra costs of consultation and physical safety enhancements. Auckland Council and Auckland Transport both opposed the Government’s automatic raising of speeds back to 50 km/h but the rule came into force anyway. AT already estimated publicly the road and sign changes could cost it $25m, which the Govt refused to subsidise."![]()
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Untangling the hidden costs of driving faster past schools
daveforcouncil.nz
Yet another case of Big Brother Government in Wellington telling local councils what to do with huge costs associated and no funding – yet more of the multi-million dollar rip off that Welli...
Whakatāne Sunday Market opening special today until 1 pm:![]()
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Arguments from $10, Agreements FREE!!!![]()
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daveforcouncil.nz
Rise and shine Whakatāne ![]()
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See you at Whakatāne Sunday Market ![]()
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Drop in for a chat and join the ratepayers revolt!
Opinion: Regulatory Standards Bill - what you need to know.![]()
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Eroding the power of Te Tiriti o Waitangi — whether explicitly or implicitly through laws such as the Regulatory Standards Bill — has serious strategic, legal, and economic consequences for Aotearoa New Zealand’s trade agreements and exposure to ISDS cases. Here’s how and why:![]()
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Opinion: Regulatory Standards Bill – what you need to know
daveforcouncil.nz
Eroding the power of Te Tiriti o Waitangi — whether explicitly or implicitly through laws such as the Regulatory Standards Bill — has serious strategic, legal, and economic consequences for Aotear...
As we head into the coming local body elections we will hear a lot of hot air from coalition aligned actors telling us we need to heed the outgoing government's edicts and decrees.![]()
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But as we all know, national and it's mates have lost the room and will be most likely out at the next election, whenever Winston decides that will be.![]()
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What responsible leaders need to ensure is that we have a plan to fix our broken funding model and stop the rot that is setting in with underfunded demands on ratepayers from Central Government.![]()
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The choice is clear on October 11.![]()
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Do you stand with your fellow citizens in Whakatane, or are you supporting the burglaring bureaucrats in Wellington?
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Let’s demand courage. Vision. Long-term thinking. A mayor and councillors who are eager to work together for all of us — motivated not just by managing the now, but by building a strong foundation for the future. Let’s be honest about the challenges, and clear-eyed about the kind of community we want to be. Let’s vote for leaders who can hold this nuance — honestly, logically, and compassionately. Because ultimately, the four wellbeings weren’t just policy. They were a reminder of what really matters. And whether they stay in law, they must stay in our decisions....![]()
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Opinion: Yes, let’s not forget what councils really do. Becs Mackay
daveforcouncil.nz
Let’s demand courage. Vision. Long-term thinking. A mayor and councillors who are eager to work together for all of us — motivated not just by managing the now, but by building a strong foundation...
"To react to this fiscal crunch by cutting public spending – both capital investment and current – is the wrong approach macroeconomically. It risks making the problem worse: depressing growth further, and reducing tax revenues and hence the resources available to improve public services. The economy will not sufficiently grow while people sit for months on NHS waiting lists unable to work; while children from poorer backgrounds are held back from achieving their full potential at school; and while the housing market is so dysfunctional that lack of affordability prevents people taking up economic opportunities."![]()
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There are other options available![]()
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daveforcouncil.nz
Opinion: The Language Of Fear. Our discussions shouldn’t be about debt, but about what our debt is paying for and who is benefitting from it.![]()
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daveforcouncil.nz
Our discussions shouldn’t be about debt, but about what our debt is paying for and who is benefitting from it.
Councils need to prepare for the upcoming change in government and not surrender to ideological stupidity as some people are doing.![]()
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This is at best, a one term government.
Councillors sound alarm on ‘evil twin’ bill
www.nzherald.co.nz
A councillor has urged her council to take a stand against the Regulatory Standards Bill.
Freed from the shackles of a re-election campaign, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry talks honestly about rates, funding, and the balance of power between central and local government. When you vote in this year's local body elections - and you should vote - be wary of the candidate who promises zero rates increases. "Zero rates increases are of course possible," says Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, "but they do have serious consequences on local services and infrastructure delivery....![]()
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RNZ: Local councils and the battle for money
daveforcouncil.nz
Freed from the shackles of a re-election campaign, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry talks honestly about rates, funding, and the balance of power between central and local government. When you vote...
Podcast: Local councils and the battle for money.![]()
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Local councils have more effect on our daily lives than policies from the Beehive. But more than half of eligible voters fail to have their say on who represents them.![]()
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Freed from the shackles of a re-election campaign, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry talks honestly about rates, funding, and the balance of power between central and local government…![]()
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Podcast: Local councils and the battle for money
daveforcouncil.nz
Talking my language and amplifying the message that Central Government needs to fully fund it’s undemocratic demands on ratepayers.
In the leadup to National's first budget I protested that the planned tax cuts were unaffordable and stood on a roundabout in my home town and let everyone know I was concerned. The support was just incredible. Soon I was joined by more and more people and we made a big noise predicting that everything that has happened was the only outcome from such disastrous policy. The Postpone The Tax Cuts Facebook Page remains a valuable historical resource recording how many people predicted the disaster that is this National led coalition government would be....![]()
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Postpone The Tax Cuts Campaign – 2024
daveforcouncil.nz
In the leadup to National’s first budget I protested that the planned tax cuts were unaffordable and stood on a roundabout in my home town and let everyone know I was concerned. The support ...
Ko Wai Koe?![]()
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daveforcouncil.nz
Source Feb 21, 2025 PDF Whakatāne High School’s Jack Karetai-Barrett interviews candidates leading up to the local body elections this year. This week, he talks to Dave Stewart. Recently,...
Wai Manuka launches in New York - The Beacon, May 21st 2025![]()
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Wai Manuka launches in New York – The Beacon, May 21st 2025
daveforcouncil.nz
Source Wai Manuka launches in New York Alisha McLennan Wai Manuka is making strides in New York, receiving a second order only two weeks after company’s first order landed. Chief executive Joe Har.....
Our National led coalition government is deliberately creating social instability.
Govt should defuse NZ's social timebomb – but won't
newsroom.co.nz
Analysis from the University of Auckland: New Zealand is hurtling towards a sharply divided country of extreme wealth and extreme poverty with an insecure middle class
In 2025, as we look towards Nicola Willis’s second budget it seems everyone is talking about National's unaffordable $14 billion tax cuts. In 2024, Whakatane was doing more than talk about them. The Postpone The Tax Cuts campaign by the Whakatane Act Local group were taking to the streets of our hometown calling for the tax cuts to be postponed until they were, if not justifiable, then at least affordable....![]()
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Wasteful Spending and Fiscal Responsibility, Coalition Style
daveforcouncil.nz
In 2025, as we look towards Nicola Willis’s second budget it seems everyone is talking about National’s unaffordable $14 billion tax cuts. In 2024, Whakatane was doing more than talk about t...
Support Dave's campaign by ordering a Ghost Pizza. You don't get a pizza but your money goes to a worthy cause. Shop online and at Checkout choose your preferred payment method. We support Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Credit/Debit Cards and Bank Deposits.![]()
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daveforcouncil.nz
Every council in Aotearoa agrees and every economist accepts that government keeping the GST portion of our rates is a 'tax on a tax'. Government needs to get back to basics and stop treating ratepayers like a bottomless ATM . Return the $1.1 billion GST component of rates back to councils....
Government Needs To Return $1 Billion GST To Councils
daveforcouncil.nz
Every council in Aotearoa agrees and every economist accepts that government keeping the GST portion of our rates is a ‘tax on a tax’. Government needs to get back to basics and stop t...
The Sunday Market organisers have always had a strong community-minded focus and offer stall spaces free to community groups such as Waste Zero Whakatāne, school fundraising groups and political parties before elections. It is also a prime spot for us as a community board and for Whakatāne District Council to have engagement with the public on various topical issues, such as the long-term plan. As a community board we would like to take this opportunity to support the organisers of the Sunday Market and acknowledge how much mahi goes on behind the scenes to make it happen every week....![]()
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Letter: Support the Sunday Market
daveforcouncil.nz
The Sunday Market organisers have always had a strong community-minded focus and offer stall spaces free to community groups such as Waste Zero Whakatāne, school fundraising groups and political p...
Without a growth strategy, we are planning to fail.The kōrero that will showcase the plan for Whakatāne’s local growth strategy. Tuesday 10 June - and we’ve made it easy for busy business owners to attend.![]()
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☕ Business Breakfast – 7:45AM![]()
RSVP: forms.gle/zW8TWQGd4vskR2aA7![]()
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🍷 Business After 5 (BA5) – 5:00PM![]()
RSVP: forms.gle/m5nGYSMEYsmvmYEo9![]()
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📍 Whakatāne Museum (51–55 Boon Street)![]()
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Same content. Same opportunity. Two time slots.![]()
Choose what works best for you!![]()
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#WhakataneBusiness #BusinessBreakfast #BA5 #EasternBayGrowth #HaveYourSay
Source Dave Stewart In response to Mayor Luca’s opinion piece (Beacon, November 8) progressing the argument for a more powerful mayor, I would like to give some observations. To start with, we need to be upfront with our readers and describe the New Zealand Initiative correctly – it is a “right wing think tank”. It used to be called the Business Roundtable in the days when it advanced the political and financial ideology we now refer to as neoliberalism....![]()
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Letter: Pushing for autocratic structure
daveforcouncil.nz
Source Dave Stewart In response to Mayor Luca’s opinion piece (Beacon, November 8) progressing the argument for a more powerful mayor, I would like to give some observations. To start with, we nee.....