Waimakariri mayor plans to ensure local voices are heard
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.
Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along with mayors, council chief executives and Ministry for the Environment officials.
The steering group will advise the government on the Natural and Built Environments Bill, the Spatial Planning Bill and the Climate Adaptation Bill, which were set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
‘‘We will be working to make sure local government’s and our communities’ voices are heard and understood.’’
Gordon has already raised concerns with Environment Minister David Parker during last year’s Local Government Conference around the ability of developers to make private plan change requests while a council is in the process of reviewing its District Plan.
The question came to light after a private plan change request was lodged by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The request sought to develop a new sub-division at Ohoka, while the council was still completing its Waimakariri District Plan review.
Gordon asked if there could be a moratorium placed on private plan change requests.
"I have heard back from the Minister’s office, and it is being considered as part of the RMA reforms."
He said he would raise the question again through the Ministerial Advisory Group.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Childs trike
Have 4 yr old boy stopping for 9 days at xmas. Has anyone got a small bike or scooter l could borrow or buy at good price as probably wont b used again ! He has two older sisters who might share.
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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