A digital divide has opened in Wairarapa's local democracy with the area's district councils at different stages of broadcasting meetings and workshops to residents over the internet.
Wairarapa's district councils are using digital tools in different ways for meetings. Here, a Carterton District Council meeting is captured by smart phone. Photo: Supplied / LDR
Each of the councils acted quickly to open up decision making during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Public health restrictions on movement meant most residents and councillors were confined to quarters.
Legislation was amended on a short term basis to allow for online voting, broadcasting, and smaller quorums at meetings.
The video conferencing programme Zoom became a household name, and alongside Facebook, became a virtual chamber for authorities and governments worldwide.
Some councils across New Zealand have kept their business online, but others have taken a more cautious approach.
Masterton's council quickly launched into a new normal online.
Hearings on its annual plan and speed bylaw changes were held online, and broadcast live on Wairarapa TV and its own YouTube channel.
Although Masterton's residents and ratepayers had a taste of live streaming during lockdown, the council has stopped broadcasting meetings for the time being.
Masterton District Council is "investigating and testing options that would enable livestreaming in a way that provides sound and vision of appropriate quality", chief executive Kath Ross said.
"The aim is to achieve a livestreaming result that enables all participants, including those in 'remote' locations, to see and hear adequately, while minimising extraneous noise.
"We are looking to provide online access to meetings in way that minimises cost, but not at the expense of quality.
"If the result is not of sufficient quality it will be a deterrent to people viewing meetings, the overall aim of livestreaming."
Carterton District Council (CDC) has continued with permanent broadcasting.
The council live streams all its meetings on Facebook, including this week's catch up at Gladstone's Hurunui-O-Rangi marae.
Elisa Vorster, CDC's communications and engagement coordinator, said it was new to the council, but "our staff were ready to set everything up post-lockdown so we could livestream our meetings".
"As with any livestreaming event, there can be challenges regarding sound, internet connectivity or sometimes viewers not recognising which person at the table is speaking.
"We are always reviewing our setup, in case there is something to make it better for those watching the livestream, while still accommodating for anyone who is in the public gallery."
Vorster said up to 300 people watch the meetings, either live or later.
South Wairarapa District Council opened up its council and committee meetings to media, and shares them later on YouTube.
It had planned to set up broadcasting facilities in its Martinborough chambers. However, it has returned to the nearby Waihinga Centre, and records proceedings.
Its chief executive Harry Wilson said his team has "established a good routine" of publishing all our meeting videos to our YouTube channel.
South Wairarapa District Council opened up its annual plan process through internet software, earning a record number of responses through all channels.
Its recent long-term and spatial plan pre-engagements also saw almost 700 people use online tools to offer comment.
"It's become business as usual. Sound quality has been a bit of an issue, which we are seeking to address.
"The viewing numbers are low but the important thing is that, from an openness and transparency perspective, the videos are there online for anyone who wants to view them, at any time they like."
Wilson said the council would need to fully consider the security, privacy, regulatory and communication implications of livestreaming.
"To date, there hasn't been pressure from the community to prioritise this work, and so it's something we will likely include in our Long Term Plan process."
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