Being bigger is not always the answer

It’s been an interesting month, but the overarching concept that comes through is that in New Zealand society, size matters. Apparently, big is always better. But is it?

I’ve always felt that the likes of Fonterra are too big and we are such a tiny country that accommodating the multi-mega businesses is not really us.

It would appear that the corporate mentality is gradually taking over, to the detriment of the cooperative approach.

For instance, we are constantly hearing about PostShops, banks and police stations closing, especially in rural areas.

Everything is dictated by profits. The notion of service has gone out the window, it seems.

Sure, to be viable, any business needs to make some money, but the obscene amounts paid to chief executives and shareholders is indicative of where the everincreasing profits go.

Then there are district health boards withdrawing funding from mental health agencies (of course, the volunteer sector is expected to pick up these services).

The elderly are being told that if they own their homes they are wealthy, maybe even too wealthy to need superannuation.

So it looks like service versus self-interest, co-operatives versus corporations. What troubles me is who is left behind in this process.

One bright spot in my week has been the announcement that the super-city project is off – for now, anyway. But I have to wonder whether the employment of the three local government commissioners was money well spent, given the length of the consultation process.

These good people obviously came into the process with megacity mindset.

It was interesting that the majority of the objectors who made submissions came from the Hutt Valley, regardless of that area’s comparatively small percentage of the Wellington region’s population.

They obviously felt strongly on this issue. Where were Porirua in the submissions?

I get the impression that local body politics does not inspire many of our citizens.

Just as well we weren’t bundled in with Wellington. If we can’t get off our couches to take an interest in what goes on here, how would we get on if the power was all south of us?

I was also amused to see that the idea of a ‘‘bigger, brighter’’ market for Cobham Court seems to have faded.

The transfer of the Lions market to Waitangirua is really great for us – we live just up the road – and it is good to see the people turning out, even in inclement weather.

Good on Porirua! Its loyalty is being repaid by an increasing number of stalls and in produce and food.

Last month, our members were given valuable information about the Health and Disability Advocacy Service. Does anyone have suggestions as to how that service could become better known in our community?

What resources does this service offer that are you aware of?

Do you have any ideas as to the best way to communicate the activities of the service to the public? If you can help me in this regard, I would appreciate it.

This month, Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett will be with us. Many of our members live outside Porirua City, but those in Tawa are affected by the decisions of our council nevertheless.

If you have issues you wish to raise with the mayor, take this opportunity.