Ask us First petition organiser Jackie Elliott has sent an invitaion to elected representatives for Mana and Ōtaki electorates and Greater Wellington Regional Council to join Kāpiti residents on a march to Parliament.
Hon Jan Logie
Hon Hekia Parata
Hon Nathan Guy
Hon Kris Faafoi
and Hon David Carter, Minister for Local Government.
Fran Wilde, Chair Greater Wellington Regional Council
Cr Nigel Wilson, Kāpiti Representative to Greater Wellington Regional Council are all on the invitation list.
Ms Elliott says in November 2011, 7662, Citizens of the Kāpiti Coast were signatories to a petition to the Kāpiti Coast District Council requesting a democratic ratepayer referendum on Water Meters.
“Our request was ignored by Kāpiti Coast District Council who voted on 5th April 2012 not to hold a ratepayer referendum under any circumstances. On Thursday 28th of June, they make their final vote on districtwide water metering and volumetric charging.
“Meanwhile, there is huge dissatifaction, distrust and lack of confidence in the community of the current Council. The long term debt they are creating. The policies they are proceeding with without electoral mandate. And most of all their apparent contempt for the ratepayers.”
Ms Elliott says her group have requested the petition be returned to them and numbers have now boosted to 8012.
Ms Elliott says on May 31st a districtwide “VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE” was launched requesting the immediate resignation of Elected members of Council and a new Local Body Election on the basis that by voting against a referendum they are in breach of their oath of office as our elected representatives.
In a statement to the elected leaders Ms Elliott says “Citizens of Kāpiti are collectively marching to Parliament with the “Ask Us First” petition in the last week of June to bring it to you, our elected representatives with a request for democracy on the Kāpiti Coast. And that there is Government intervention here urgently. Please let march organisers know by return email, which of the dates is most suitable for your to meet us on the steps of Parliament. Monday 25th of June, Tuesday the 26th of June or Wednesday 27th of June. We will select the day most of you can come and meet us.”
