28 November, 2024

Wood takes term-limit move personally

A bid to limit local government elected representatives to a maximum of three terms has upset veteran Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member George Wood, who says board chair Toni van Tonder aimed her support of the measure at him.
“I think that’s an attack on me, quite frankly. What else can it be?” he said at the board’s November meeting. “I think you want to get your six people on the board.”
Van Tonder’s recommendation – in response to proposals put up by a national working group on local government, on which Auckland Council and its boards are giving feedback – was passed four to two.
Van Tonder said the move was not aimed at Wood, who brought a lot of knowledge to the table. “If this was to be upheld, although I consider it is very unlikely [regionally and nationally], I too would have to shuffle off after three more years on the job.”
She said her stance was philosophical, in support of creating space for new people to be encouraged into public office.
Member Gavin Busch, who voted with Wood, said he doubted Auckland Council would take the same position as the board.
Any changes affecting local body elections would not be introduced until the 2028 polls.