Executive Orders

It is great to have a democratic country even though at times you wonder if we do.

There are certainly problems with our system but it's still the best option.

At times I wonder if it would be good to have executive orders available to enable decisions to be made quickly and when serious issues arise to deal with an issue before consequences mean negative outcomes.

Only trouble is when the wrong person is in power there is the opportunity for abuse.

Back to the drawing board.

What stirred my mind on decision making was the move by Government to change the earthquake strengthening rules which were implemented following the terrible Christchurch earthquake.

There is a propensity by Government to over react at times and the office dwellers rush to grab the scenario that will deliver safe haven from all and sundry 'just in case'.

We don't have the ability to sue but it another issue that at times one may think it should be an option.

The decision to change the rules is the correct one. The effect of new  earthquake regulations up and down the country was substantial and we have seen Councils rob ratepayers of millions for no reason other than to comply with excessive compliance . It is a scandal in fact but in sleepy New Zealand we watch the bureaucrats and the startled elected members vote in favour of a fix because it's not their money.

The rates bill arrives and the people mutter and moan and carry on their stunned way believing in the elected members analytical skills.

Which brings me to the decisions made following Gabrielle.

There is a linkage with Christchurch (and may be other events) .Decisions to categorise areas 1,2 , 3, following the flood were made with extreme speed. This was not an earthquake but the invisible powers moved very fast to stamp authority over the affected briefly inundated areas.

Not a lot of thought, not a lot of analysis .

This was a very complicated situation and these decisions were to have massive consequences for the people involved. Still are.

Commonsense  unheard of. 

The trouble is distortions were created following these backroom agreements. Major distortions.

People always react to situations and when presented with options it is human nature to exploit the best option. This is what happened and the result has been major distortions between cases and many have become disenfranchised by the process.

In the case of Gabrielle it is too late to change the flawed decisions .Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes but I don't believe anyone will.

Communities were destroyed by the hastily made decisions and no one will be held accountable.

Even though the new changes to earthquake strengthening rules are welcomed the category system needs examining .