Until 9 October, I was on the selection panel of the 2021 Good Citizens Awards.
The selection panel were told that if a member of the community feels strongly enough to nominate a fellow constituent that those nominated usually got an award.
I am concerned to learn that the person who many observe to be the most active in advocating for community, in fact she does it full time, has not been selected this year.
I did not nominate her, but up until I resigned from the selection panel, six respected members of the community had already nominated her. These six nominators represent a cross section of the community and are respected community contributors themselves.
I urge the Waitemata Local Board not to turn these important community awards into a farce; they must give credit where it is due. Not doing so would undermine the efforts of all nominees and recipients of the 2021 awards.
On another matter - encourage the Chair of the Waitemata Local Board, Richard Northey, and members of Auckland Council’s senior leadership to stop ignoring or not replying to emails. It is a form of abuse of the public who put a great deal of unpaid time into holding elected members and Auckland Council to account.
Finally, on 4 November I requested a 10-minute deputation at this meeting of the Waitemata Local Board. I wanted to speak on the numerous and inappropriate claims for mileage that the chair of this board has made since being a councillor and local board member at Auckland Council.
It states very clearly on the Auckland Council website that, I quote, "A deputation is delivered in a public meeting and is recorded on the official minutes". It also says "You can talk about issues facing you or your community”.
I have been a ratepayer in Auckland for over 30 years, contributing over $120,000 in rates over that time. I have never previously asked for a deputation, nor an audience in front of councillors. I expected Chair Richard Northey to honour what is promised on Auckland Council's website, the opportunity for me to talk about the issue of use of rate payer funds to travel between one’s bach in the Coromandel and Auckland.
In closing, I note once again, the minutes of the last board meeting are incorrect.
Sarah Trotman
Advocate for the Communities and Residents of Waitemata
Published 3 December 2021