The Invercargill City Council is currently consulting the public on the progression of the new Te Unua Museum of Southland rebuild. As a significant cultural institution in the region, this museum belongs to the Southland community, and the decisions made now will shape its future for generations to come. While many community members have expressed skepticism about whether their voices will be genuinely heard, it is essential that everyone in the community takes this opportunity to ensure that YOUR MUSEUM reflects YOUR community’s values, needs, and aspirations.
One of the primary reasons for public skepticism is the perception that the options presented in the consultation process are limited and unattractive. For instance, one of the options could result in the museum losing its green star rating, which is crucial given the energy-intensive nature of museum operations. Sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity, and compromising on this aspect could lead to higher operational costs in the long run, affecting the museum’s financial viability. Similarly, the potential loss or delay of a carpark, which is essential for visitor access, raises practical concerns. The reality is that most visitors will arrive by vehicle, and without adequate parking, the museum will be less accessible.
Another option under consideration is the reduction of the digital experience from a high level (70/30) to a medium or low level. However, the documentation provided does not offer sufficient clarity on what this reduction means in the context of the museum’s public programming strategy. This lack of detailed information makes it difficult for the public to make an informed decision. The option to proceed with the full scope of the design, which includes taking on additional debt, also raises significant concerns about the financial implications for the community. It is crucial that these long-term financial and accessibility considerations are clearly understood by all stakeholders.
Public consultation should be a cornerstone of democratic governance, providing a platform for citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes that affect their communities. However, skepticism around public consultations has grown, largely due to the perception that these processes often lack authenticity and transparency. Many people feel that local authorities approach consultations with decisions already made, reducing the exercise to a mere formality. This belief undermines trust in the system and leads to a sense of futility among the public. When people believe their input will not be genuinely and openly considered, they are less likely to participate, which further damages the legitimacy of the consultation process.
This skepticism is reinforced by the lack of feedback following consultations. When community members take the time to make submissions or share their views, they expect to see how their input has influenced final decisions. However, when there is no visible link between public submissions and outcomes, or when authorities fail to provide any feedback at all, it reinforces the perception that the consultation was merely a box-ticking exercise.
Additionally, when local authorities encourage select groups (or those already aligned with proposed plans) to respond, an illusion of public support is created while marginalising dissenting voices. This manipulation of the consultation process skews the results and reduces the diversity of perspectives that are crucial for informed decision-making.
Members of the public expect consultations to be forums for genuine debate and authentic participation, where a range of views are considered, and decisions are made transparently. However, when consultations are dominated by special interest groups or when authorities provide only selective information, the scope of the debate becomes limited. This selective sharing of information often guides participants toward a predetermined outcome, rather than fostering open and honest dialogue. Such practices undermine the integrity of the consultation process, reducing the opportunity for meaningful public input and reinforcing the notion that the process is rigged.
In conclusion, while skepticism around public consultation is understandable, it is crucial for the Southland community to remain steadfast in its determination to respond. This museum is a vital part of the community’s heritage and identity, and the decisions made today will shape its future. By making your voice heard about what matters to you (rather than feeling confined to the options presented), you ensure that the Southland community has expressed its values, needs, and aspirations. Your input is essential to reinforce that Te Unua is YOUR MUSEUM and its development should serve YOUR community and region.