It's true ...

http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/Council/The-Mayoral-Office/Media-Releases/Community-Committees/

I have been appointed to the Hutt City North/Eastern Community Committee. What that means is I am now formally representing the wishes of local residents on council related issues in the Eastern and Northern areas of Lower Hutt (From Waiwhetu, through Waterloo, Fairfield, Naenae, Park Ave, Taita, Pomare, Stokes Valley, and Manor Park.)

I'm still getting my head around what happens next - I'm only acquainted with one other committee member, and have met another once or twice. But I like the look of the committee - it has a younger, fresher look than the previous committee. (Either that or as I age I'm starting to think you can still be 'young' until later!)

I have some issues that I see the committee advocating on behalf of the local community that I've heard through my network of local friends, but I realise as the lowest of the low (in terms of democratic pecking order) that influencing will take a united and committed committee.

What this does mean is I can't publicly be too partisan, or strongly advocate for one party ahead of any else as I am a representative for all of the residents - so the focus of this blog will have to change from National Politics to local issues.