Redstone supports call for more women on councils

Heretaunga ward contender, Ann Redstone, applauds associate Local Government Minister and Minister for Women Louise Upston’s call for more women to put their names forward for this year’s local authority elections.

Redstone suggests Hawke’s Bay councils need take a look at whether they are doing enough to encourage women into role representing the various community sectors, asking whether there isn’t a “glass ceiling” mentality.

“Hastings District Council currently has five women and nine men in council seats and Hawkes Bay Regional Council is made up of nine councillors, only two of whom are women,” she says.

Redstone, who lives in Haumoana is standing for the Hastings City Council on a platform of increasing local police presence, business growth, a strong voice for local communities and coastal protection for the Cape Coast.

She agrees fresh thinking is needed and is hopeful, along with Upston, that more local women will feel confident in their ability to represent their wards this election.

She full supports Upston’s comments “local government and local democracy can only work when everyone’s voice can be heard…diversity in governance is strongly linked to better performance.”

Nominations opened last week for district, city and regional councils, local and community boards, licensing trusts, and district health boards.

Electoral officers are accepting candidate nominations now until 12pm onFriday 12 August.

“Come on ladies, join me, we can do anything,”’ is Redstone’s rallying cry.

For more details about how to stand as a candidate visit:http://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/Publications/making-a-stand-made-easy.pdf.

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