A standard code of conduct may be an improvement

Newsroom reports:

Councils could soon be required to follow a standardised code of conduct, after a series of high-profile stoushes involving local body politicians in recent years.

The news has been cautiously welcomed by local government representatives, but one expert has warned against codes being “weaponised to muzzle political opponents”. …

Watts’ priorities for a standardised code included highlighting freedom of speech for elected members, democratic decision-making, and conflict-management principles, without restricting council decisions.

Too often Councils have used codes of conducts to muzzle Councillors because of their political views. The principles cited seem to push away from that, which is good.

Victoria University of Wellington law professor Dr Dean Knight told Newsroom council codes of conduct were “a well-meaning idea that turned into a monster” and needed a reset.

“The real danger here as we’re seeing numerous instances of them being … weaponised to muzzle political opponents and to be used as an instrument of politics.”

Dean is very right on this.

The ultimate penalty for councillors’ misbehaviour came through the verdict of voters at local body elections, rather than by “unduly chilling” their ability to speak their minds and hold council staff to account for poor advice.

Agree.