Mayoral Websites
Aaron Bhatnagar reviews the Auckland Mayoral Websites. His scores are:
- Dick Hubbard 0/10 (no site)
- John Banks 8/10
- John Hinchcliff 6/10
- Steve Crow 2/10
- Alex Swney 8.5/10
- Lisa Prager 7/10
- Coralie Van Camp 0/10
- Ray Presland 0/10
Is there a site somewhere that has links to every mayoral campaign site in the country? That would be useful.
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Tags: Local Body Politics
August 12th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
It would be nice if Mr Bhatnager would include all of the Auckland Mayoral Candidates in his reviews, including my own.
Steve Taylor
http://www.ddp.co.nz
August 12th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Well you _could_ have provided links to at least those ones in your post
August 12th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Where is your page Steve?
The link you have given is for a political party rather than for you as a candidate.
August 12th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
You forgot the govenment and labour websites are city vison propaghanda.
And the City Vision scum are printing their posters on the back of labour electorate MPs hoardings from the 2005 general election. With the public opinion of Labour at present that may backfire badly on them along with their 23-38% rates increases and council mismangement.
August 12th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I will have my two web pages when I run for Mayor of Kaipara District but will not bother with a special one. NOt at this stage anyhow.
I think my CRMS web site and my personal one at Orcon tell enough of what I am on about.
August 12th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
If you want a second term learn from Auckland Mayors and dont let the council put up rates.
August 12th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
The affiliation is Direct Democracy, hence the http://www.ddp.co.nz link. Mind you, the media has been silent on my Candidacy, despite repeated press releases. Oh well, will have to wait for the formal list to be released after nominations close.
Steve Taylor
August 12th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Steve Taylor said: “the media has been silent on my Candidacy”
No surprises there. You’re a joke candidate without the benefit of being amusing.
August 12th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Zutroy:
Do you have anything of substance to say, or are you simply content to take cheap shots? This is an adults blog – so please engage as one.
Steve Taylor
August 12th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Some boring Wellington Local Body Websites (including my own)
http://www.lizkelly.co.nz Porirua Mayoralty
http://www.nickleggett.co.nz Porirua City Council
http://www.porirua.net.nz Porirua Mayoralty
http://www.hayleywain.co.nz Wellington City Council & CCDHB
http://www.annemolineux.co.nz Kapiti Coast District Council
August 12th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
To be fair Steve, you’re not exactly a credible candidate.
I’ve never heard of you and your campaign seems (in my area at least) non existent.
August 12th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
And more to the point, the leader of the DDP, Kelvyn Alp, was described by the NZ Herald thus:
” A former leader of the Armed Intervention Force – the defunct paramilitary wing of the separatist Maori Government of Aotearoa – Alp now fronts the Direct Democracy Party. Among other things, the party believes the generally accepted version of the Treaty of Waitangi is a counterfeit and the country’s top politicians have been bought by vested interests. ”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10339555
Even worse, your party list for the 2005 general elections included neo-Nazi nutters like Kyle Chapman and Anton Foljambe.
August 12th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Tom:
I believe that I am very credible – however, I prefer the public to have the opportunity to make up their own minds, as opposed to being censored by the MSM out of hand.
Zutroy: Mr Alp will be with you shortly – he prefers to face his accusers 1:1 – hope you are up for it.
Steve Taylor
August 12th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
What are you going to do – burn some crosses in a field?
August 12th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
No, I thought engaging in some intelligent debate would be useful – if you would just wipe the froth and spittle from your chin for a minute, and do likewise.
Steve Taylor.
August 12th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
“No surpiese there…”"
No he’s a threat to the trough feeding estabilishment, no wonder the MSM won’t touch him with a barge pole. I’d rather be a lepper than try to fight “city hall”
August 12th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Zutroy Says:
August 12th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
And more to the point, the leader of the DDP, Kelvyn Alp, was described by the NZ Herald thus: blah, blah, blah… allow me to reply to you in the same manner in which i replied to richard in another thread;
Why not just seek the information from the source Zutroy?
Why you would choose to assess the credibility of any given party based on the Googling of one man is beyond me, especially given the fact that most of what is reported is not credible in anyway i.e. The NBR Article by Deborah Cone Hill (where she got taken to pieces in the “Right of reply); at no time did she email, call or attempt to make contact with me. Instead she decided to plagiarise content from other reporters to fill her article.
If you want to know anything, simply ask the questions. It is not like I haven’t answered these all before in various other forums, but am willing to continue to do so until the record is set straight.
FYI and so the same ground is not covred as has been done on many occassions as people seek to undertake personal attacks as oppossed to any rational debate or discussion…
Allow me to provide you with a brief outline of REAL information sadly lacking on the net, as to my history in regards to work, education, and association with groups and organisations are members that belong to both communities.
Work history:
I have for the most part been self employed. I started my working life in various positions such as cartage and warehousing, manufacturing and I have even pumped gas. I spent time in Security work before joining the NZ Army where I served a short stint (completion of basic and corps training before joining 1st battalion, Linton Military camp); following this I continued with that type of employment in a private capacity over a number of years including positions abroad. I currently own the CARATAPA group of Companies (there are four other companies under this one) and have shareholders in one of those companies. Pheonix International Limited (another of my Companies within the CARATAPA group) currently has Mining and associated business interests in the Solomon Islands. I also am consulting to a number of people and organisations on matters unrelated to my business interests.
Education:
Although I was in the accelerate classes in College (advanced learning) I decided not to stay around and complete my School Certificate (I personally saw no point as far as it related to me), however before leaving I did compete at the 1986 New Zealand Secondary School Science fair at the Auckland museum – My entry was a first in the field of electro-phoreses and molecular reconfiguration inasmuch as it related to using variating rates of electricity and heat to deconstruct the bonding of cellulose to break that down in order to create commercial quantities of Sucrose and Lactose (to cut a long story short it succeeded, hence the admission to the Science fair).
Associations:
1) – Former associations with a group known as ‘The Maori Government’; very enlightening indeed as I got the chance to gain an insight into what many of the complaints are concerning Maori and related issues. I also used a Maori Government passport overseas on a number of occasions, which spoke volumes as to the validity of some of the claims made (no longer associated) – much more to the story but that can be clarified if any specifics are asked for.
2) – NZAIF:
This followed on from those of us that often worked together on private security operations abroad. At the time the NZ Defence Force was being run into the ground by the Government as they saw no need to have an effective force to protect the country, we happened to disagree and to this day, I maintain that we do in-fact need an effective Defence Force (retired from active participation).
3) – Iron Thunder Motorcycle Club; Started in 1998 by a group of us including my older brother. Another brother came aboard not long after and I am still involved with that to this day. No, it is not a gang, it is a Motorcycle Club.
4) DDP; Well you obviously know about my involvement in the Direct Democracy Party. The party was formed approximately 5 months before the last elections. We did not fear well at that time and did not seriously think we would, however, we learnt the process and procedural aspects of running the party and campaigns, so expect to mount a serious challenge at next years general elections. The party is currently funded for the most part by us.
As for having Kyle Chapman as a candidate at the last election despite the controversy, the reason is simple… I refuse to write oiff anyone that chooses to be part of real change and not that of lip service. he asked for the opportunity and was afforded such. He is no longer party of the Direct Democracy Party and I wish him all the best.
I can not think of anything else at this time. I hope that address your concerns
Was there anything else?
August 12th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
“Among other things, the party believes the generally accepted version of the Treaty of Waitangi is a counterfeit and the country’s top politicians have been bought by vested interests. ”
He he, truer word spoken in jest?
August 12th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
C’mon Zutroy – time to pony up.
Steve Taylor
August 12th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Porupine
I certainly believe that the ‘Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975′ is based on a falsehood, yes. I also believe that if the “real” English translation was applied, we would not see such vigorous debate on the issue.
I do believe that many of our so-called representatives in parliament are bought and paid for by vested interests; if they are not so, then one of these certainly apply – inept, ignorant, incompetent or plain corrupt.
Steve Taylor is a polar opposite to myself and holds many views on subjects that oppose my own, however we manage to co-exist very well together and compliment each other in our roles. The reason we are able to work so well together, just as we are with those in our party, is because we put the “needs and necessities” of the people of this Country ahead of our own and not our own “wants and desires”.
The policies we propose are what we believe will solve many of the problems this country faces, based on the information we have to hand. We are always open to considering any information that contradicts our position and welcome any and all input from people to help develop those policies also.
August 12th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Try http://www.ocof.co.nz for the Lower Hutt mayoral and councillor race, including the blog http://hutt-views.blogspot.com
August 12th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
What part of Auckland is that, chris?
August 12th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Kelvyn or Steve, is it true you had Kyle Chapman (formerly of the National Front) on your party list as Zutroy claims? I even asked nicely, so a simple “yes” or “no” would suffice.
August 12th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
“Kelvyn or Steve, is it true you had Kyle Chapman (formerly of the National Front) on your party list as Zutroy claims? I even asked nicely, so a simple “yes” or “no” would suffice.”
And Anton Foljambe- another (former) leading light of the NZ fascist movement.
August 12th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
So, Kelvyn or Steve, are they (Chapman and Foljambe) members of your party on your party list?
August 12th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
DDD does have a bee in her bonnet , oh dear dear, fly away naughty bee and sting a skin head , how bizzare , how bizzare ?
DDD are you a f##king bent cop ? Asking questions like one . What a wombat .
August 12th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
I don’t know about you d4j, but it concerns me that people with ties to neo-nazis are using the cloak of direct democracy for their own political gain. I note that despite Mr Alp’s claim that Kyle Chapman is no longer involved with the party, they have nonetheless endorsed him for the Chch Mayoralty.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
why don’t you just fuck off..!..nazi-fascists..!
(christchirch based..are you..?..
feckin’ figures..!
phil(whoar.co.nz)
August 12th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
“As for having Kyle Chapman as a candidate at the last election despite the controversy, the reason is simple… I refuse to write oiff anyone that chooses to be part of real change and not that of lip service. he asked for the opportunity and was afforded such. He is no longer party of the Direct Democracy Party and I wish him all the best.”
Kelvyn – While this may be strictly true, the DDP still supports Kyle, a fascist. Kyle is running for Mayor of Christchurch and a community board, and the DDP are official supporters of his campaign.
On the other hand, it is good to see you’re no longer pretending to have been in the SAS – perhaps you and the truth are coming slightly closer together? Still a fair way to go though.
And Steve, before you tell me I should confront Kelvyn face to face with my disagreements – I have, and he bailed. Around the last general election, Kelvyn begged me to meet him to “set the record straight” on facts like his laughable past (including pretending to have been in the SAS), and having two fascists (both former leaders of the National Front) – Kyle Chapman and Anton Foljambe – run as candidates for his party.
There’s a number of very good reasons why nobody takes the DDP seriously – maybe it’s time you realised that.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Tom wHoever ,
I was going to stand for mayor here in ChCh as Mr Chapman being in race to wear the cloak of crap and gold chains is bit like a troglodyte having lunch with the Queen . I hope he wins as the city is a tragic mess thanks to the fabian socialists Moore, Barnett , Dyson and Dalziel !!!!
Anything goes in this cess pit country Tom , why do you think 800 kiwis are outta here each week , f##king place is a nimbyland full of idiots . I have had neo -nazis wanting to join up to our Fathers Coalition and they soon got shown the f##king door !!
August 12th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Dead Duck Dux Says:
Tom H Says:
I can confirm that Kyle Chapman and Anton Foljambe were in fact members of DDP, and both stood at last years elections; also by standing for the party they were on the list. One thing that this Party does not do, is place anyone on the list at a higher place than those that stand for electorates.
As for the “endorsement” of DDP for Kyle Chapman’s Mayrol campaign: Kyle asked me if I would endorse his mayrol bid; my reply was that I endorse anyone that seeks to place themsleves up to be scrutinsed when seeking public office, because when all is said an done, it is the public of that region that will decide if he stacks up.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Hitler was a f##kwit much like Helen Klark !!
August 12th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
“were” or “are” members of the DDP?
August 12th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Interesting Mr Alp. The reason I ask is Mr Chapman proudly advertises the fact he is endorsed by your party on his website. Can we take it from your statement “I endorse anyone that seeks to place themsleves up to be scrutinsed when seeking public office” that you will also be providing endorsements to John Banks, Kerry Prendergast etc?
August 12th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Asher Says:
“On the other hand, it is good to see you’re no longer pretending to have been in the SAS – perhaps you and the truth are coming slightly closer together? Still a fair way to go though.”
1) Let’s get this straight asher once and for all. Never have I claimed to have been SAS, however what I have said (a matter of public record) is that I along with a number of others were indeed trained by former SAS. So that is correction number 1 where you are found very much lacking.
2) As for the great “confrontation” you describe, again let us get the facts straight. Yes it is true that I was going to meet you in Wellington I believe when I was next down there around that time. I was unable to make it then, but here you are saying I bailed out? HAHA You are becoming quite the joke. You have not now, nor have you ever had any facts to contridict me ASHER, in fact, I hope you kept the emails I sent you so you can “leak” them to people as they would prove you are full of the preverbial.
Any other question?
August 12th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Yeah, “were” or “are”???
August 12th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Tom H
If they wish to emblazen thier websites with the DDP logo, I think that would be great as it is great advertising for DDP. As for endorsing anyone (including those you listed) who wish to put themselves forward to seek public office, of course. After all, the public will decide on the issues.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Are Foljambe and Chapman still members of the DDP?
August 12th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Duck, sapper’s have just let a line go boooommmmmmmm? Army , mayors and pollies , what a thread ?
August 12th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
So if a Nazi wanted your endorsement, you would give it to them too?
You need to realise Mr Alp, that an endorsement is an indication of support for the candidate. If you were to endorse such a candidate, you would be doing the direct democracy cause a great disservice.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
DDD
When the party was formed in 2005 the Membership Fee payable, enabled each Member to be such, for a 3 Year period, so technically you could say “yes” they are still members is in absence of a cessation of membership in writing to the Party Secretary.
Are they active members of DDP? No
DDP Party Membership is now based on a yearly subscription as outlined on the DDP website.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Hello, Kelvyn??? It’s a simple question: Are Foljambe and Chapman still involved in the DDP?
August 12th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Sorry, crossed posts. Thanks.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Sappers report all ducks and duxs are blown to dead smithereens .
Over and out , Cave shut down .
August 12th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I am sitting here wondering why no-one is wanting to discuss the Direct Democracy platforms of BCIR, a written Constitution, and Representative Recall with Kelvyn or myself, instead of doing exactly what the current politicians do, which is to practice attempted and misguided character assassination, thereby steering debate and scrutiny away from policy and solutions. Classic bait and switch.
I look forward to meeting the politician (or one in waiting) who meets with universal consensus and approval – in the meantime, in absence of any evidence to date that the character assasinations against Kelvyn hold any water – can we stay on topic please?
Steve Taylor
August 12th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Tom H Says:
August 12th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
“So if a Nazi wanted your endorsement, you would give it to them too?
You need to realise Mr Alp, that an endorsement is an indication of support for the candidate. If you were to endorse such a candidate, you would be doing the direct democracy cause a great disservice”.
I think you should look at Kyle Chapmans website again Tom, you will find that the “CAMPAIGN” is also endorsed by DDP. So to sum up, I will reiterate that I will support any campaign where anyone is willing to place themselves in the public eye and seek to enter public service.
You may be thinking that is a play on words, but to the contrary, if you are runnign for Mayor, Councillor or Community Board Membership, i will also endorse your efforts. You see ultimately the people will decide and it is not for me, or any other to tell you how you should vote, or what ideology you should subscribe too. I believe in “Freedom of Choice” and people are free to decide for themselves, and if they are not free to do that, then there is something very wrong indeed.
August 12th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Just in case you aren’t aware of who you have endorsed Mr Alp, here is DDP party member Kyle with some National Front buddies (and yes, one is wearing a nazi armband and that is the nazi salute). Lovely.
http://www.fightdemback.com/files/images/_KCnazifuckers.jpg
August 12th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Tom:
Can you tell me how old those photo’s are please? I am interested in finding out. Thanks
August 12th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Mr Alp, I think you are being disingenuous. If a party is willing to endorse absolutely anyone who asks to be endorsed, then an endorsement is worthless and not worth doing.
The vast majority of the public take an endorsement as a positive expression of support for a candidate and their policies.
But just to make sure there is no misunderstanding, is it your assertion that if say a convicted rapist stood for Council, you would endorse him?
August 12th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Kelvyn
Surely you must have known Kyle’s past when you allowed him to stand on your ticket?
Is it true you and Kyle belong to a “militia” get up in military garb and shoot guns together on a weekend?
August 13th, 2007 at 12:02 am
DDD
Yes I did know of Kyle Chapmans past. At the time I asked him if he had changed his views and was willing to do the yards to prove that the past was behind him. He said he was. I also asked him if there was anything he was at the time involved in (at that time) that could bring the party into question, he said he was not.
What he was involved in prior to DDP, or what he may have became involved in after he ceased to be actively engaged with DDP is of no consequence to the party as each person decides their own future actions and will undoubtedly be judged by them.
No it is not true that we belong to a militia as you describe. I can guarantee as fact that I do not, have not and will not belong to any militia to which Kyle Chapman belongs. You may be refereing to his “Phantom Recon Unit” or something similar, correct? That I believe he became involved in and possibly started after he left active participation in DDP.
David Farrar:
I think you are missing the point I have been making; I am unaware of any convicted rapist standing for the mayoralty of any City in New Zealand, but I am certainly open to be corrected on that point. It would go against my own moral ethics to support such a candidate, however, I fully support any person that is willing to be publically scrutinised when running for public office. I doubt very much that such a person as you describe would in fact seek such a profile and open themselves up to such personal attacks.
Hell if what is coming my way is anything to go by, even though most is based purely on assumption, I think the odds of a convicted rapist seeking my endorsement are nil.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:58 am
Steve Crow once offered me a lucrative contract to do his (adult) web sites for him, having taken wy own adult site to no 1 at the time. I told him I’d “think about it” (ie: “no”). As a result, I am not surprised his political web site is equally devoid of any productive content. Go Steve – there is more to life than money and selling Porn baby. He he.
August 13th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Manukau: Dick Quax and Peoples Choice. Dick doesn’t have his own website as he is not running as just himself, but as part of a team. A mayor won’t make a difference to Manukau as you need a majority in the council. That is what Peoples Choice is about: a team running to unleash Manukau.
August 13th, 2007 at 11:34 am
check out http://www.johnbanks.co.nz
good stuff
August 13th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Manakau off its leash – now there’s a scary thought.
August 13th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Steve Taylor
You’re absolutely right: there doesn’t appear to be many people here who are interested in debating issues; they only seem to nitpick around the edges of character assassination. Pretty small-minded really. It doesn’t take much intelligence to do that. I had hoped this blog might attract people with more political and intellectual competence. Ah well. One can still hope.
August 13th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
who wants to talk to feckin’ nazi-supporters..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
(heh-heh..!..the security code for this comment was ‘evel’..)
August 13th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Tom H
David Farrar
DDD and others;
After consideration of the points you have all raised as to the ‘endorsement” issue of Kyle Chapman in his Mayoral bid, I have taken those concerns on board and as a result I contacted to Kyle earlier this afternoon to voice those concerns. I do see how that impression can be concluded despite my intention. Hence, a change will be made on his website in the very near future.
I thank you for bringing this to my attention and expressing your concerns. Appreciated.
[DPF: Well done for listening to concerns and criticism and acting on them]
August 14th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
No Mayoral site but what about the provinces.In HB try hawkesbayelection07.blog.nz
August 16th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Christ Kelvyn, A good chunk of the army could claim they were trained by SAS members. One of the corporals I had for basic was ex-SAS and during my 18 months or so in the terries I had at least one other part of my training run by an ex-ranger.
Nah, you have fostered that ex-SAS and merc myths through the media to give you more credibility
August 16th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Kerry – Is that the best you have got? By all means please produce the evidence to contradict anything I have personally stated (without refering to media spin and sensationalism). You may hold any belief system you wish, it is of no consequence to what I am trying to do nor the efforts to do them.
But I thank you for your input regardless. It is said that you can judge a man by his enemies. I see the strength of those enemies increases as their position of self-preservation and self-interest become increasingly threatened with public knowledge – nothing like trying to shoot the messenger when you have nothing to counteract the message is there?
August 18th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
In the interests of accuracy:
“Direct Democracy”: Frequently Asked Questions
(A publication of the Direct Democracy Party of New Zealand).
Go to http://www.ddp.co.nz for a Power point presentation of these notes, or email Steve Taylor, Deputy Leader, Direct Democracy Party of New Zealand, for more information.
Where is “Direct Democracy” on the political spectrum: left, centre, or right?
o With Direct Democracy, there is no such postional concept as “Left”, “Centre”, or “Right”. A voter is a voter, regardless of their personal political leanings.
What does “Direct Democracy” do?
o Direct Democracy assures that sovereignty is lodged in the assembly of all citizens at all times for those who choose to participate, as opposed to Representative Democracy, whereby sovereignty is exercised by a subset of the people, elected periodically, but otherwise free to advance their own agendas.
o Direct Democracy deals with how citizens are “directly” involved with voting for various laws, instead of voting for representatives to decide for them.
What does “Direct Democracy” look like in practice?
• Direct Democracy is characterised by three pillars:
• 1/ Initiative: (whereby any citizen, on collecting sufficient support, can trigger a Binding Referendum).
• 2/ Binding Referendum: (whereby the voting population is granted an opportunity to veto government legislation).
• 3/ Recall: (whereby voters can remove an elected official from office if the elected official fails to represent the interests of the electorate).
What other countries practice “Direct Democracy”?
• Switzerland provides the strongest example of a modern direct democracy, as it exhibits the first two pillars at both the local and federal levels. In the past 120 years more than 240 initiatives have been put to referendum. The Swiss populace has been conservative, approving only about 10% of the initiatives put before them; in addition, they have often opted for a version of the initiative rewritten by government.
• The United States of America is another example of Direct Democracy in action. Despite being a federal republic where no direct democracy exists at the federal level, over 50% of the states (and many localities) provides for citizen-sponsored ballot initiatives (also called “ballot measures” or “ballot questions”) and the vast majority of the states have either initiatives and/or referenda.
How do people vote in a “Direct Democracy”?
o Direct Democracy may include e-democracy, comprising the use of electronic communications technologies, such as the Internet, in enhancing democratic processes within a democratic republic or representative democracy.
o This avenue is best coupled with more traditional forms of vote casting (phone, fax, letter, and personal 1:1 communication) so as to ensure fair democratic inclusion of those who may not have internet access or connection.
When was “Direct Democracy” first practiced?
• Direct Democracy has an ancient history dating back to 449 BC in the Roman Republic: “citizen lawmaking”—citizen formulation and passage of law, as well as citizen veto of legislature-made law were both practiced in Rome.
• Direct Democracy in its more modern form began in 1847, when the Swiss added the “statute referendum” to their national constitution. And in 1891, when they added the “constitutional amendment initiative”.
What other components of “Direct Democracy” are available to voters?
o Direct Democracy may include Constitutional amendment initiative, the most powerful citizen-initiated, direct democracy governance component.
o It is a constitutionally-defined petition process of “proposed constitutional law,” which, if successful, results in its provisions being written directly into the state’s constitution.
o Since constitutional law cannot be altered by state legislatures, this direct democracy component gives the people an automatic superiority and sovereignty, over representative government. This method of Direct Democracy is currently used in 18 US states.
o Direct Democracy may include Statute law initiative, a constitutionally-defined, citizen-initiated, petition process of “proposed statute law,” which, if successful, results in law being written directly into the state’s statutes.
o This method of Direct Democracy is used in 21 US states.
o Direct Democracy may include Statute law referendum, a constitutionally-defined, citizen-initiated, petition process of the “proposed veto of all or part of a legislature-made law,” which, if successful, repeals the standing law.
o This method of Direct Democracy is used in 24 US states.
Why should I as a voter consider voting for “Direct Democracy”?
• Improved representation at a local level.
• Reduced potential for conflicts of interest.
• Reduced potential for political corruption.
• Issues decided on own merits, not “special interests“.
• More rapid Government transition.
• Reduced influence of major political party donors.
• Reduced patronage and nepotism by elected officials.
• Greater political transparency.
• Efficient and voter-sanctioned decision making process.
• Increased Representative accountability via Voter Recall option.
What do the critics of “Direct Democracy” say about such a system of Government?
1/ “Direct Democracy won’t work with a large population like New Zealand (4 million people)”.
A: Developments in technology such as the internet, user-friendly secure software, and personal computers can now implement large scale applications of Direct Democracy. Switzerland has 7.3 million citizens, and the USA has 300 million citizens – Direct Democracy is working well for both countries.
2/ “Voters will get tired of voting on issues by Referendum”.
A: With the advent of the Internet and cell-phones, e-democracy is a now a potent and efficient tool now regularly used by New Zealanders to practically and efficiently cast their vote on an issue.
Common examples of e-democracy now include:
• On-line opinion polls.
• Text voting.
• Phone polls.
• Formal surveys (e.g.: Colmar Brunton, TNS, Gallup)
3/ “Direct Democracy is simply imposing the tyranny of the majority onto the minority”.
A: There is absolutely no historical evidence to prove this has ever happened. Binding Citizens Initiated Referendums (BCIR) is a definite safeguard against a demagogue gaining power, and such protection is enforced via a formal written Constitution.
There have been a number of demagogues in countries dominated by party politics, but none in Switzerland, which has operated BCIR for over 130 years without incident. Conversely, the “tyranny of the minority” has exerted significant disproportionate power in New Zealand over recent years.
4/ “The voters are too stupid to understand the complexities of the issues at hand, to then have any credibility voting one way or the other on them – expertise on specific Government portfolios is important to ensure good Governance”.
A: But voters are still seemingly smart enough to vote in these same critics to represent them under a Representative Democracy? Currently, New Zealand has an unregistered vet as Minister of Health (Pete Hodgeson) an unregistered dental nurse as Minister of Police (Annette King), an ex- history teacher as Minister of Finance (Michael Cullen), and an ex-University lecturer as Prime Minister (Helen Clark). Direct Democracy offers the electorate “informed consent” on issues of the day, by ensuring the electorate is fully informed about the issues of the day, as opposed to assuming that members of the public are “too stupid” to think for themselves and then to decide on issues.
5/ “New Zealand voters under a system of Direct Democracy will only want to look after their own interests, rather than considering the needs and values of a society as a whole.”
A: This criticism may be equally made of a Representative Democracy; however it assumes a view of New Zealanders that is not in keeping with how most New Zealanders operate in everyday life. New Zealanders are renowned for “looking after their neighbour”; “lending a hand”; or “helping out a mate”. We are famous for “banding together for a common cause”, even if their may not be any direct benefit to us at the time. This criticism ignores the reality of the New Zealand psyche.
For more information, purchase a copy of “People Power: How to make the Government listen to you, for a change” by Steve Baron & Jonathan Eisen.
Publisher: The Full Court Press, PO Box 44-128, Pt Chevalier, Auckland. ISBN No: 0-9583681-4-7
Direct Democracy Party of New Zealand: http://www.ddp.co.nz
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Dead Duck seems anxious to know if I am a member of the DDP. The answer is no – I resigned some time ago. I was one of five DDP candidates with an NF background at the 2005 general election, but am no longer associated with either group. I am Chairman of the National Democrats Party (www.nationaldemocrats.org). Kyle Chapman is Deputy Chairman. I have no problem with the DDP, although I am puzzled by the vagueness of their platform. Kelvyn is a good guy, and I’m pleased that he has endorsed Kyle’s bid for Christchurch Mayor. I understand Kelvyn is intending to run for Mayor of Manukau, and I wish him well.