Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) has designed six sets of questions that can be used when talking with a candidate standing for local body elections.
These days it is hard to work out where people stand on issues, or how well they will represent your needs and views. Our questions are focused around personal motivation, integrity, transparency and accountability, including encouraging broader community participation in decision-making.
A key objective of these questions is to emphasise the accountability of leaders to be transparent about their policies and political agendas.
Voting this year opens on 16 September and closes on 8 October. Questions are applicable to all positions. Read on or download them now.
TINZ is non-partisan. It is up to the public and individual citizens to form their own view on responses, and to take the initiative to ask candidates about their views and knowledge. Candidates should have contact information on the voting form or on the Council or local authority website.
Questions for candidates
Personal Motivation
- Why are you standing for election?
- Tell me what you think of local government or local democracy
- Tell me about your involvement in other social or political activities
- What is your opinion on local government and 3 waters reforms?
- What should local government be doing about climate change in our area?
Access to information
- Could the local authority you are standing for be more open with its information and meeting access? If so, how?
- What are your ideas for helping people who don't have good internet access, to be involved and have their say?
Participation
- What part of the community or business sector does the.Council need to work more closely with?
- What are your ideas for getting more public participation in local government decisions?
- Who do you think is missing out?
Manawhenua
- Who are the manawhenua where you are standing?
- How will you support their involvement in decisionmaking as per the Local Government Act?
Accountability
- How will you balance short term benefit with long term needs and concerns? Give an example.
- How can I trust you will follow through on your promises?
- As a councillor how will you work collaboratively with your fellow councillors to deliver on your promise?
Download the questions now for reference.
