Waimakariri MP opposes Ohoka plan

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey admits opposing a private plan change for a proposed North Canterbury residential development was not an easy
decision.

Doocey has expressed his opposition to a proposed development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, despite the developer being a member of his extended family.

The Waimakariri District Council has received about 630 submissions in response to the 850 section development proposed by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.

The company is part of Carter Group, and is run by Doocey’s cousin Tim Carter.

‘‘Some people felt I had a conflict of interest, but I was upfront from the beginning and I felt that I had a job to do as the local MP to listen to people’s concerns,’’ Doocey said.

‘‘In a way, with Carter Group being a prominent company in Canterbury, it was inevitable this issue would potentially arise.

‘‘I feel at times people did make personal attacks because of my family connection with the developer which I feel was uncalled for.

‘‘I can’t be responsible for what people do in my extended family - they have to be responsible for their own decisions.’’

Despite the family connection, Doocey said he decided, after hearing the concerns of residents, the proposed developed would be bad for the community.

He cited the loss of productive soils, the risk of flooding and transport issues among his reasons for opposing the development.

‘‘In New Zealand the loss of productive soils is a major issue and this plan change would lead to the loss of productive soils.’’

A new National Policy Statement on productive land was released by by the Government on Sunday, September 18.

Doocey said several residents in Ohoka, Silverstream and south Kaiapoi had raised concerns about flooding, which were highlighted in the recent heavy rain events.

Transport was another issue highlighted by residents, with Tram Rd already under pressure from congestion.

Doocey said he had written to Environment Minister David Parker and raised questions in Parliament in response to residents’ concerns.

He also disputed the developer’s assessment the proposed development was consistent with the National Policy Statement on urban development.

Under the NPS, housing developments were allowed in urban environments which had existing or planned public transport services.

‘‘Ohoka is neither urban nor serviced by public transport,’’ Doocey said.

‘‘I’m supportive of green fields development in areas in close proximity to planned urban development areas with links to existing infrastructure such as roading and three waters.’’

North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne said he had also been contact by concerned residents and had raised questions with Government ministers.

‘‘I’ve been quite surprised at the backlash,’’ he said.

‘‘The feedback I’ve had from the Ministers is that it’s examples like this,that’s why we’re looking at the RMA (Resource Management Act).

"We need to make it a bit more consistent so we can get better co-ordination with future developments.’’

■ A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said submissions were being processed, with a summary to be prepared for a further submission period of 10 days before hearings were held.

No date has been set for a second submission period or for hearings, which will be heard by independent commissioners.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.