Once again, the rights of individuals have been over ridden.
EDITORIAL: January 12, 2004

In an earlier story, VillagePRESS pointed out the inadequacies of the current system of voter protection should you get sick and the importance of the right person on the Waitemata Hospital Board.  Just one person to look after the individual safety of Rodney resident should they get sick – and it became evident that this representative had no control over the Auckland Hospital Board if the sick resident was transferred, as has to happen so often, to an Auckland hospital.
    VillagePRESS has pointed out major inadequacies of the administration (not medical competence) of the Auckland Health Board. Waitemata Health Board covers Rodney and the North Shore and for some inexplicable reason, the disconnected West Auckland (Waitakere) area.  
    Living in Rodney without a hospital means a substantial delay in emergency cases where residents are “rushed to hospital”, even if to the North Shore Hospital.
    With the fastest growing population being in Rodney, increased govt funding is going to the Waitemata Health Board but little if any will be spent in Rodney.
    Latest central govt alterations to the system is the introduction into local politics of a change in electoral system, to STV (Single Transferable Vote). Not a bad idea in principle but – as is so often the case with bureaucracy – thought out “in an office without windows”. 
    Once again, the rights of individuals have been over ridden. In theory, local authorities were given a choice, and Rodney chose to stay with FPP (First Past the Post), but health boards were not given a choice. Waitemata Health Board made submissions that were ignored.
    In the current system there are 11 board members, of which the govt appoints the Chairman and three others, but voters select seven only; one representing Rodney. This representation will in future be on the basis of who gets the majority of readjusted votes at large instead of constituencies.  
    Under STV each person votes for who they want most, if not then who next, etc. Each voter will choose people living within their own district.
    The imbalance of population will see Rodney (principally a rural area) with perhaps quarter of the voters in either of the other areas.  So effectively Rodney may have only the voting ‘clout’ of a very small share of voters.
    Only Rodney’s current elected representative, Jill Jeffs, because of her long experience of local body matters, is likely to have people outside Rodney aware of her name; but she will retire this year after long and valued service to Rodney.
    It was only because Mrs Jeffs at meetings repeated pushed for the recognition of Rodney in board reports that this currently happens. Without a Rodney resident on that board, Rodney will likely become a backwater in health matters.
    Waitemata Health Board is the biggest such organisation in NZ.  It is well time it split Rodney and North Shore off from West Auckland – or each area has at least required representation – or Rodney becomes a stand-alone local body with health included, as Mayor John Law appears to seek.
    Whatever, Rodney residents need to put considerable thought and effort into the coming elections – don’t vote and you get what you deserve.

        -- Peter E Rodgers, Managing Editor Jan 12,04

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