Seabed Authority clears air on ‘box ticking’ consultation
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has dismissed claims that the lack of timely notices on critical matters, such as seabed mining, was a waste of taxpayers’ money by SBMA during their recent consultations in Aitutaki last month.
Edward Herman, Director Partnerships and Cooperation, explained that communications with the island council have been long planned, especially amid challenges with competing priorities.
In a letter to the Editor from an anonymous writer from Aitutaki, the concerns are not just about being notified ahead of time on a controversial matter, but that SBMA was wasting taxpayers’ money on such trips, which the writer described as a “box-ticking” tactic.
The SBMA delegation and Prime Minister Mark Brown, arrived in Aitutaki for these consultations on January 29.
The writer described the late notice for the consultation as ‘sneaky’ and ‘exclusive’ tactics, saying the notice was only published when the delegation arrived in Aitutaki.
“To what extent should we be holding public servants to account, for withholding ample and sufficient notice to us, the people,” the writer stated.
“We all know air Rarotonga flights and accommodations can’t be booked on the day (they have been here overnight). Is this what our taxpayer dollars contribute to?
“It’s blatant box ticking. Reducing our people’s right to transparent information, and that we are being involved throughout the process in good faith.”
The writer also argued that the SBMA’s social media notices were not formally distributed through any of their channels ahead of time. These include email, government email, social media, and newspaper.
Herman has acknowledged the writer for bringing their concerns to light and explained that they have been working with the Aitutaki Island Council weeks in advance for these community engagements.
“Finalising our plan and logistics has been a challenge with competing priorities from all stakeholders involved,” he said.
“Our Pa Enua public engagements are coordinated through our agency and the respective island councils/administrations.”
According to Herman, SBMA had agreed for initial communications to come through the Aitutaki Island Council platforms in Aitutaki.
SBMA later that month and prior to traveling to Aitutaki, released a Facebook statement about the consultation on January 27, which Herman explained was shared across the ‘Aitutaki Island Community Notice Board and Hub’ Facebook page the next day.
Herman acknowledged the concerns raised and assured SBMA’s commitment to providing more prior notice and platforms to reach a wider audience in the future.
Aitutaki Mayor, Nick Henry, was contacted for a comment on the concerns raised, as well as his perspective of the consultation.
On the consultation, Herman acknowledged Aitutaki residents who participated for their hospitality and participation, as well as the mayor for his assistance in helping organise the meetings.
“We value these engagements to keep our people informed on the work that is going on in this sector, but more importantly, the feedback, questions, and concerns raised to help keep us accountable and focused on the service to our people,” he added.
Despite being ‘poorly’ advised, the concerned Aitutaki resident reiterated that they are known to be opinionated, so it can’t be a coincidence that so many people were involved in this visit, including Aitutaki’s Island Council.
“Notice after arrival around midday of a consultation taking place that very night is preposterous! We deserve better, especially when the impacts of this work will be severe,” he added.
Source: Cook Islands News Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National