1780s - Versailles, France
Throughout history, humans have had a habit of making decisions based on what they think the people want, assuming they know what’s best for others. One lesson we’ve learned over the past few hundred years is how important it is for governments to understand their people. The ill-fated French monarch, Marie Antoinette, is a prime example of this. We are all familiar with her famed words, “let them eat cake”, which, whether she really said them or not, illustrate the depth of understanding (or lack thereof) she had for her people and their needs. Had Marie and her husband released a survey, asking the people of France what they wanted for their country, and then acted on the responses, their reigns may have ended very differently.
Photo by Stephanie LeBlanc on Unsplash
Present day - Christchurch, New Zealand
Public consultation has become a vital part of the decision-making process in our modern democracies. Central and local governments are now talking to the public and listening to their opinions on a range of topics before they go ahead with projects. Here at Global Research, we are delighted to support turning the public’s ideas and opinions into reality. An idea uncovered in one of our post-quake public consultation projects has recently been successfully brought to life – thanks to the people of Christchurch having their voices heard.
In 2013, the Christchurch City Council put out a draft New Brighton Centre Master Plan document for consultation, as part of its Suburban Centres Programme. CCC asked for feedback on a number of issues relevant to the New Brighton community, including roading corridors, the pedestrianised mall, public toilets, and an indoor entertainment hub.
But, it was in the free-text written answer section where respondents really made their voices heard.
Photo by: Patrick O’Neill
During Global Research’s analysis of the public submissions, our team noticed one topic that kept arising – something that had not been identified by CCC as an issue for comment.
Of the 1421 comments analysed for the project, around one-fifth (322) mentioned introducing some type of pool complex to the beachside suburb. This idea had initially been introduced by local community board members and was enthusiastically taken up by the wider Brighton community. Many of the people who participated felt that while they supported the draft Master Plan presented by CCC, they wanted to see the idea of a pool complex added.
So, in 2016 the CCC launched a community consultation on the Hot Saltwater Pools project, the results of which showed that yes, there was community buy-in for this initiative. Fast forward to June 2021, and the people’s own He Puna Taimoana hot pools have been open for 12 months. The massive success of the hot pools is a reflection of the voice of the community. They are now a valuable asset for the community of New Brighton and wider Christchurch. Additionally, the value of asking open-ended questions to really understand what the community wants is confirmed.
From the Monarchy of Versailles to the People’s Independent Republic of New Brighton, cake won’t cut it if hot pool soaking is what people want!