Women in Local Government
Conference 2010 is approaching. This is our main opportunity in the year to pull the spotlight on to local government issues and to show who we are, what we're about and what we have to offer.
But some people have noticed that when they're looking at the Conference brochure or website, "who we are" seems to be a whole lot of men. They're now asking us, "so where are the women in local government?"
The diversity of local government isn't reflected in our conference speakers this year, and this is of concern. But I'm looking forward to seeing our current women members at Conference 2010 in force, making sure our voices are heard and that no one can be left thinking local government is just a man's world.
And where are the women in local government? Following the 2007 elections, women made up 32 per cent of all elected members, and 46 per cent of DHB elected members. Three city councils and ten district councils have women mayors, and out of Local Government New Zealand's 15 National Council members, five are women.
In 2007, women candidates were more likely than men to get elected, and that's where I see an opportunity for us to get more women onto our councils - by encouraging them to stand for election this year.
We still have a way to go, and I urge women to attend Conference, network with other women members, and be involved. Together we can encourage more women to stand for election and take part in local government, both by our actions and by our presence and profile as active, committed members of our councils and boards.
Kerry Prendergast
Vice President, Local Government New Zealand
Posted 11 May 2010
