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by Cr Esther Whitehead, QLDC

WAsked to sum up this term in one word, I thought ‘sludge’, both literally (I think we all know the reference there) and metaphorically. In behavioural economics, metaphorical ‘sludge’ refers to friction. It’s the deliberate or unintentional barriers that slow people down or quietly exclude them. In the corporate world, it protects profit. In local government, it results in the status quo.

We all know that feeling when we call customer service for our power, internet, insurance etc, after being on hold forever and retelling your story 10 times, you realise there is no face, just a process. This is the same but in local government form. It’s the endless loop of consultations, the feedback summaries that note your concerns but don’t necessarily change the outcome. I was asked recently whether I still have faith in local democracy. I’m not sure I ever held a purist view, I always saw the holes - it’s flawed, now I understand the flaws better! While I’m stepping down as a councillor at the end of this council term, I will always engage with the democracy that we do have. It’s all we have.

Against the corporate backdrop, QLDC looks almost woke. It pushes climate goals, runs a Tiriti lens across process, embeds a wellbeing framework and has excellent and committed staff, but the broader experience? Still sludge. Ratepayers and staff/elected members speak up, submit thoughtfully, ask for transparency and then watch as little changes. You know that saying ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’, meaning that the whole entity possesses qualities that surpass the simple addition of its individuals, it should be true, but somehow I see brilliant staff members in an entity that’s sludgy and their brilliance can’t shine.

When the community complains, they’re told: “We understand your frustration.”
Sludge.

Over time, it erodes trust. People stop participating, not out of apathy, but because the time delays outlast their energy. And that loss of trust? It hollows out democracy.

But here’s the thing: sludge isn’t inevitable. We are a hugely engaged community. I have seen your persistence to engage, I have seen your scrutiny. We can hold real conversations. We can talk straight. Many of us in this community try and have moved the dial, we thank all those inside and out of the machine for this. Sludge can’t thrive in silence, and you’re not silent.

In a flawed system, one vote still matters. Our now-Mayor won his councillor seat on a coin toss. Seriously, don’t leave it to chance!

Come along to traverse the stuff you care about (480 words here ain’t enough), at the Let’s Talk About ... Local Government, hosted by Catalyst Trust, Happiness House, Queenstown Libraries and Citizens Advice Bureau, at Queenstown Events Centre, 15 July, 6pm-7.30pm. Speakers are the Electoral Commission’s Caleb Mitchell, and myself Cr Esther Whitehead.