Latest news with #CliveManley
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Council chief executive warns of abuse, harassment of elected members
Police have assured Clive Manley they will take harrassment complaints very seriously. Photo: Ruapehu District Council A district council chief executive fears the abuse directed at elected members is putting people off running for office - and it is time to call it out. A 2022 Local Government New Zealand survey found nearly half of elected members nationwide had faced some form of abuse. Ruapehu District Council chief executive Clive Manley said his region was no different and, although he didn't want to talk about individual cases, he said some councillors had been harrassed, both in person and online, for speaking out. "They can end up with a lot of personal attacks and comments, whether they are women or [older] or whatever," he said. "We should be able to robustly engage on a topic and come up with a good solution, without the fear they they are going to be personally attacked. "Without going into details, individuals get called out for who they are, rather than what they are speaking about, and that's totally wrong." The survey found 43 percent of elected members experienced harassment, prejudice or threatening behaviour . Half of them faced harassment in their communities, and a third encountered abuse while shopping or picking up children from school. Manley said much of the abuse directed at his councillors came from "a small group of repeat offenders", especially online. "As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from council's Facebook page, if they cannot engage respectfully." He was speaking out about the issue, because - as council chief executive - he wanted to encourage anyone considering standing to feel confident doing so. "Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election, and serve their community. There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign, and to continue their work safely once elected." He said the tools included guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. He had also discussed the issue with local police. "They have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously." Manley said public office needed diversity and anyone considering standing in Ruapehu for the local elections should feel confident they'll be supported by council. "Local government is about working with local communities and addressing issues locally, and we want the best possible candidates standing, not thinking 'if I do this, I'm going to get harassed in the supermarket, or in the street or where I work'." "I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to their community to put their hand up and stand for these positions, whether it's central or local, and know we do need a diversity of view to make the place better." Nominations for local elections open on 4 July. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
No Place For Abuse In Local Democracy
Ruapehu District Council Chief Executive Clive Manley is calling out the abuse and harassment directed at elected members, warning it has no place in local democracy and must stop. 'Serving your community as a councillor or board member is a privilege - but it also takes guts,' said Mr Manley. 'No one should face abuse, intimidation, or discrimination simply for doing their job.' A Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) survey found that nearly half of elected members nationwide have faced abuse, racism, gender discrimination, or other harmful behaviour. 'Unfortunately, Ruapehu elected members also report being subjected to abuse and harassment,' he said. 'This behaviour is deeply concerning and has no place in Ruapehu. Our democracy relies on people being able to speak freely and represent their communities without fear. If harassment continues unchecked, it risks discouraging good people from standing and undermining the diversity and effectiveness of local government.' Mr Manley noted that much of the abuse comes from a small group of repeat offenders, especially online. 'These individuals demonstrate little understanding of how local government operates and what it takes to be an elected member - or how hard they work. As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from Council's Facebook page if they cannot engage respectfully.' With nominations for the 2025 local elections opening on Friday 4 July, Council is urging anyone considering standing to feel confident in doing so. 'Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election and serve their community,' said Mr Manley. 'There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign and to continue their work safely once elected.' These tools include guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. Mr Manley said he has also discussed the issue with local Police, who have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously. 'We want people from all walks of life to consider standing,' said Mr Manley. 'We need a council and community boards that reflect the diversity of our district - and no one should be put off because of bad behaviour by a small minority.' 'If you've got something to say and want to make a difference, we encourage you to step forward. You won't be alone - you'll have our full support.'
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Steps Up Climate Action With Toitū Carbon Reduce Certification Programme
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council Chief Executive Clive Manley said Council was committed to playing its part in addressing the climate crisis and building long-term resilience for the district. Ruapehu District Council is taking a significant step in its climate change response by undertaking the Toitū Carbon Reduce certification programme, a science-based initiative that supports organisations to measure, verify, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Chief Executive Clive Manley said Council was committed to playing its part in addressing the climate crisis and building long-term resilience for the district. 'Climate change is already having a real impact on our communities – particularly in key sectors like agriculture and tourism,' said Mr Manley. 'By undertaking the Toitū Carbon Reduce certification process, we are creating a robust, science-aligned plan to better understand and reduce Council's own environmental footprint. It's about taking responsibility, leading by example, and making sure we're doing our part to support a more sustainable future for Ruapehu.' The Toitū Carbon Reduce certification follows international best practice under the ISO 14064-1 standard. It requires Council to measure our significant operational greenhouse gas emissions – including electricity and fuel use, waste, business travel, and other emissions – and develop a plan to reduce these emissions over time. The results are independently verified to ensure accuracy and accountability. The work is being led by Council's Policy, Strategy and Sustainability team funded by a new targeted Environmental Resilience Rate consulted on as part of the current 2024/34 Long Term Plan for introduction in the 2025/26 financial year. Mr Manley said the new targeted rate will cost ratepayers just $21.22 per year (per rating unit) – a very modest investment for the long-term environmental, economic, and strategic benefits it will deliver well beyond regulatory compliance. 'This work will support better decision-making across our organisation – from procurement to infrastructure planning – and provide verified data that helps guide future policy. It also enables Council to access lower borrowing costs for environmental projects help through the Local Government Funding Agency, helping reduce financial pressure on ratepayers.' He added that the programme would deliver shared value for the wider community. 'Having a certified carbon reduction plan in place shows our commitment to sustainability in a way that's transparent, measurable, and credible. It helps us build trust with our communities, iwi, suppliers, and central government, and positions Ruapehu to be part of wider regional and national climate solutions.' The baseline emissions year for the certification is the 2024 financial year (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024), with certification targeted for October 2025. Council plans to share progress as part of its 2024/25 Annual Report. The Toitū Carbon Reduce certification programme will enable Council to measure, verify, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help in building long-term resilience for the district.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Steps Up Climate Action With Toitū Carbon Reduce Certification Programme
Ruapehu District Council is taking a significant step in its climate change response by undertaking the Toitū Carbon Reduce certification programme, a science-based initiative that supports organisations to measure, verify, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Chief Executive Clive Manley said Council was committed to playing its part in addressing the climate crisis and building long-term resilience for the district. 'Climate change is already having a real impact on our communities - particularly in key sectors like agriculture and tourism,' said Mr Manley. 'By undertaking the Toitū Carbon Reduce certification process, we are creating a robust, science-aligned plan to better understand and reduce Council's own environmental footprint. It's about taking responsibility, leading by example, and making sure we're doing our part to support a more sustainable future for Ruapehu.' The Toitū Carbon Reduce certification follows international best practice under the ISO 14064-1 standard. It requires Council to measure our significant operational greenhouse gas emissions - including electricity and fuel use, waste, business travel, and other emissions - and develop a plan to reduce these emissions over time. The results are independently verified to ensure accuracy and accountability. The work is being led by Council's Policy, Strategy and Sustainability team funded by a new targeted Environmental Resilience Rate consulted on as part of the current 2024/34 Long Term Plan for introduction in the 2025/26 financial year. Mr Manley said the new targeted rate will cost ratepayers just $21.22 per year (per rating unit) – a very modest investment for the long-term environmental, economic, and strategic benefits it will deliver well beyond regulatory compliance. 'This work will support better decision-making across our organisation - from procurement to infrastructure planning - and provide verified data that helps guide future policy. It also enables Council to access lower borrowing costs for environmental projects help through the Local Government Funding Agency, helping reduce financial pressure on ratepayers.' He added that the programme would deliver shared value for the wider community. 'Having a certified carbon reduction plan in place shows our commitment to sustainability in a way that's transparent, measurable, and credible. It helps us build trust with our communities, iwi, suppliers, and central government, and positions Ruapehu to be part of wider regional and national climate solutions.' The baseline emissions year for the certification is the 2024 financial year (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024), with certification targeted for October 2025. Council plans to share progress as part of its 2024/25 Annual Report. The Toitū Carbon Reduce certification programme will enable Council to measure, verify, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help in building long-term resilience for the district.
