Nelson City Council
Maori Ward Seat
Petition Demanding Poll

A petition is now circulating demanding that the Nelson City Council conduct a poll to ascertain whether the community wants a separate Maori Ward seat on future Councils.

Grey Power Nelson’s Local Body Committee is appalled at the way this decision was railroaded through Council without any consultation.

Although the law does not require Council to consult on such a decision, this is probably the most important decision the Council has ever faced.

To exclude the community is an insult and we urge members and the community at large to support the petition demanding a poll, to show the Council we expect them to represent the whole community as they were elected to do.

Copies of the petition are available to sign at the Grey Power Office, in all libraries and numerous business premises.

Grey Power is neither for nor against such a seat on Council, but is totally opposed to the undemocratic way in which the Council has introduced it.

If you would like a copy of the petition to obtain signatures for your area please phone Errol Millar 54 67928 or Kevin Gardener 54 52010.

Grey Power on child abuse

Grey Power are encouraged that Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is looking at the prospect of introducing mandatory reporting of child abuse, together with the sharing of private information between agencies.

Those are two suggestions that were contained in the Government’s Green Paper for Vulnerable Children launched last year.

Ms Bennett is holding a series of community meetings around the country to discuss the Green Paper.

“For too long we have let child abuse occur and fester in our communities and the time is here to have the cycle broken,” said National President Roy Reid.

“We cannot hope to have a healthy and prosperous country while we allow such atrocities to happen and it is essential that each and every one of us be vigilant around children and report any uncomfortable feelings we have as to a child’s care so it can be checked out.”

“In such instances it is better to be wrong than to be right, but action may just save the life of a child,” said Mr Reid.

Press Release: Grey Power New Zealand
Friday, 27 January 2012, 10:11 am