Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta makes an announcement at the New Plymouth District Council regarding Māori wards. A constitutional law expert says it is a "troubling black hole" in the transparency of local government, while a leader in the sector suggests change may be on the horizon. Local Democracy reporter Felix Desmarais asks: how much is the public missing out on in secret council workshops? “It’s a known and troubling black hole in the transparency framework,” he says, almost before the question is asked. (File Photo)Jennings says, in his view, the discussion that goes on in confidential workshops results in council meetings that are “very vanilla” and just a rubber-stamping process.

Source: Stuff March 30, 2021 03:00 UTC