The Republic of New Zealand Party

Possibly the most universal complaint about local government, is the spiralling cost of rates. Council’s primary concern should be the supply of core services and efficient governance of the public purse, says Brett Docherty, Republicans spokesman on Direct Democracy.

“For too long councils have pushed pet projects whilst overtaxing their public and neglecting core services. Councillors need to be reminded that they serve the people,” he says.

The Napier candidate explains that the Republic of NZ Party would bring local government costs back under control with binding local initiatives (BLI), similar to mechanisms used in Switzerland. 

“Arbitrarily raising rates to fund projects makes a mockery of democracy,” says Docherty.

Republicans will introduce a process of Binding Local Initiatives (BLI), into local government.  Special projects will need to be properly mandated by the citizens who pay.  No local project would be commissioned unless the threshold of approval authorises it. 

Republicans will actively seek alternative funding options for suitable projects as approved by the public. Important infrastructure projects would be eligible for combined funding from central government.

“We need Binding Local Initiatives (BLI) now,” says Docherty