‘We’ve lost control’: Farmers push for new breakaway Canterbury council
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form of unitary council.
"We have lost control," he said.
"These areas we are talking about have so much in common and we think it would work well with the proper governance.”
Douglas’ Dome Hills farm in the Kakanui Mountains is split by the Otago and Canterbury regional council boundary. As part of the Waitaki District Council, he answers to three different authorities on the same property.
Douglas is visiting all the councils from Waitaki up to Selwyn to pitch the idea of a new breakaway organisation, which would be a combination of a territorial and regional council, fronting the Ashburton District Council last week.
Joining Douglas was Andrew Simpson (both pictured), a high country farmer at Balmoral Station and a property developer in the Mackenzie District.
He said three layers of Government control - local, regional and central - was one too many.
"We need to get rid of that extra tier of governance that is complicating good decision-making.”
Douglas and Simpson say amalgamation would push back against the growing urban influence on rural-based issues, consent costs and processes.
The pair also said regional councils were too political and overstaffed.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown asked if they thought it was best for the six councils to become "one super council” or to create a South Canterbury regional council to cover those areas.
Despite using the term unitary council, there are several models to consider, and the councils needed to workshop what that could look like, Douglas said.
Whatever form it takes, the biggest question was how the representation would work, Douglas said.
"The mayors are telling me the present model is unsustainable.’’
He said there was a unique opportunity for the districts to come together "to control our destiny in our region”.
The sales pitch intrigued Ashburton’s council, but the members didn't indicate whether it supported the idea.
Brown said he would raise it at the next Canterbury Mayoral forum later this month by which time Douglas would have completed visits to all six councils.
The presentation in Ashburton came hot on the heels of Environment Canterbury’s Mid Canterbury councillor, Ian Mackenzie, suggesting the proposed shake-up of the representative borders could be the catalyst for such a breakaway.
An Environment Canterbury spokesman said the regional council is aware of the discussions, “but it would be a matter for Central Government to decide”.
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Marketing Strategies for Sustainable Selwyn Businesses
The Selwyn Responsible Business Network warmly invites you to a marketing and promotion workshop dedicated exclusively to businesses committed to environmental and social initiatives.
This workshop is designed to empower Selwyn businesses who are already doing amazing environmental and community work but need the tools to effectively share their story, build trust, and attract conscious customers. If you are passionate about your positive impact, this evening is for you.
What You Will Learn:
This interactive evening will feature industry experts who will teach you how to:
Learn how to promote your environmental practices and community work without "greenwashing."
Reach customers who prioritise ethical and sustainable brands.
Create content that is compelling and trustworthy.
Build your story using your values and mission to create engaging narratives.
Expert Speakers:
We are delighted to be joined by a panel of experts in building ethical brands. They will share their years of expertise, answer your questions, and offer tailored advice.
Jo O'Brien | Senior Marketing Advisor, Selwyn District Council
Fleur Harris | NZ Word Trees
Charlotte Cook | Capa Collective
They possess a wealth of experience in marketing and promotion from various perspectives. They'll be ready to share their insights and expertise, answer your questions and offer valuable advice.
Join us to learn how to showcase your positive impact and strengthen our Selwyn business community. Whether you're a long-standing business or just starting out, we encourage you to come along!
The evening will proceed as follows:
Date: Thursday, 5th March
Time: 5:30 PM for drinks & nibbles, 6 PM start
Venue: Lincoln Event Centre
Cost: Free
RSVP: events.humanitix.com...
To help us with catering arrangements, please register your attendance. However, if you're unable to register beforehand, you are still absolutely welcome to come along!
I look forward to seeing you on the evening.
Maree Hamilton
Email rbacoordinator@gmail.com
Phone: 022 438 4496
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A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors! We extend our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors: Selwyn District Council, Rātā Foundation, Community Operations South Island - Department of Internal Affairs - COGS, Lottery Community, Lincoln University and Lincoln Community Trust.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.6% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.2% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
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