by Jim Cable

It was a great turnout of concerned citizens and media coverage with the protest against Three Waters (a key part of the broader He Puapua plan) last Thursday.

It brought the issue to public fore.

It seemed rather ironic how those who asked for democracy were removed from the building by the Chief Executive (Dougherty) and locked out. 

And then their request for a referendum was refused by Councillors with only Crs Mel Courtney, Trudie Brand, and Tim Skinner voting for a public referendum.

In contrast, a few months ago a criminal group, Extinction Rebellion, who chained the doors, preventing Councillors and staff undertaking democracy, were later embraced by Council — and even offered an apology and cup of tea by the Mayor and Chief Executive.