IMAGE - Newstalk ZB

This is the year for local government elections, and it seems strange that central government continues to remain uninvolved in local elections – or does it?

The National Party in the past has said they will not publicly support a local political candidate, yet in Auckland, arguments have centred around Len Brown (known to support Labour) making decisions which conflict with the New Zealand Government, which is dominated by National.

It is said that central political parties use local elections to work out where they need to put the efforts into which region. Local elections also indicate which political bent each region has.  

So does it matter if central politics gets involved in local politics? Personally I would say it does – after all, money buys advertising, and advertising can hugely sway votes (read all about how to make anonymous electoral donations here.)

Don't get me wrong –there is a distinct difference between local and central politics, however when they work together and put the public as their main focus, things change in the regions very fast. Think about it – when the local Mayor doesn't have the same political view as the PM, how slowly do the wheels of progress turn?

Looking around the regions, Northland is generally a conservative area. It’s no coincidence NZ First was the party of choice and why John Carter was chosen as Far North Mayor. Representing National, Carter supported the area for four decades, and the public didn't forget.

Whangarei, which is slowly becoming more cosmopolitan, retains a strong conservative base, which is why it typically has a National or NZ First MP. Strangely, though, the Mayors through the years have been a mix of National, Labour and Green supporters.

As Kaipara falls under Northland, and has a lot of farmers, the region should continue to support the National Party, despite the bump in 2013 when local elections were cancelled.

I personally encourage political parties to get involved in the up and coming elections. Local elections are local democracy.  Remember, it's not all about Auckland. Strong candidates should stimulate strong growth in our fine region.