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By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council will on Tuesday (June 25) move to adopt what is projected to be a 27% general rates rise under its 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP) - one of the biggest rises compared to other councils around the country.
The increase … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council will on Tuesday (June 25) move to adopt what is projected to be a 27% general rates rise under its 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP) - one of the biggest rises compared to other councils around the country.
The increase is based on a 10.5% increase in the council's operating expenditure from $22.8m in the current financial year to $25.2m in 2024-25.
Under council's 2024-34 LTP consultation document the "main drivers" of the proposed rates take increase were:
* Rebuilding council's corporate service functions and to implement new IT systems,
* Reviewing council's overarching regional plans,
* Progressing the 'one district' Te Tai o Poutini Plan,
* Construction of the Westport Flood Protection Project.
The LTP is council's key planning document for the next 10 years.
Specifically, it outlines a work programme and the financial implications in detail for the next three years.
The remaining seven years broadly outline the council's priorities.
The council in April presented to ratepayers its "preferred option" of a 27% general rates increase in year one.
This was based on borrowing to "smooth rates increases" to subsidise the budget demand.
The second option was for a 44% rates increase where ratepayers would bear the full cost.
The LTP anticipates a 12% rates increase in 2025-26, then rates increases by "no more" than 7.5% per year for the life of the plan.
However, aside from general rates, ratepayers in each of the 23 special rating districts - which look after individual flood protection assets across the 650km-long region - will also be seeing variable annual increases in the special rates they pay individually.
The council began LTP deliberations in April 2023 in meetings with staff and consultants in nearly a dozen closed door workshops.
After the council called for submissions in April, it received just 25 voices of interest on the plan's priorities.
Of those, six were directly heard during a public hearing on May 21.
The two key issues identified in the LTP draft were "balancing the budget" and funding the Predatorfree Te Kinga programme at Lake Brunner.
The council also sought specific feedback on other areas.
They included its financial and infrastructure strategies and the transfer of major flood protection assets from district council ownership.
The two assets for transfer are the Greymouth Floodwall and the controversial Havill Wall at Franz Josef.
Following the May 21 submissions hearing, council agreed to go with the preferred 27% rates increase option with borrowing.
It also decided in principle to fund Predator Free Te Kinga beyond 2025-26 - when the Government funding runs out.
This will average about $1 per ratepayer but council will also now investigate other funding models including a trust.
Prior to the May hearing, the council received a qualified opinion from the Office of the Auditor General on the LTP consultation document around the risk of not incorporating climate change.
The council took the decision on May 21 to acknowledge that.
A report for the council on Tuesday notes uncertain economic times as it moves to invest in "several large capital works" in the next few years.
These include the $22.9m Westport flood scheme, improvements to the existing Greymouth Floodwall, further flood protection for Hokitika, and the ongoing Waiho River flood scheme at Franz Josef.
The council's special meeting agenda notes its ongoing exposure to a range of "unavoidable cost pressures" which mostly are funded by rates.
These included "shifting of costs and responsibilities" from central government to local government including proposed environmental law changes.
With 500 trees now newly-planted on a slope in a Whitford farm paddock, Ryman Healthcare is well on the way to fulfilling its promise of a more sustainable invoicing process.
For every resident who switches from paper to email invoicing, Ryman has pledged to plant a tree, and has partnered with … View moreWith 500 trees now newly-planted on a slope in a Whitford farm paddock, Ryman Healthcare is well on the way to fulfilling its promise of a more sustainable invoicing process.
For every resident who switches from paper to email invoicing, Ryman has pledged to plant a tree, and has partnered with Trees for Survival Charitable Trust to achieve this goal.
Click read more for the full story.
It's NZ Volunteer Week (16-22 June) and we know there are real good sorts in your community.
Often these kind acts and regular volunteering efforts go unnoticed but let's put a stop to that.
Let us know below who is making a difference in your neighbourhood so we can all … View moreIt's NZ Volunteer Week (16-22 June) and we know there are real good sorts in your community.
Often these kind acts and regular volunteering efforts go unnoticed but let's put a stop to that.
Let us know below who is making a difference in your neighbourhood so we can all appreciate them for the great work that they do!
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
When it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?
From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of… View moreWhen it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?
From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of cinnamon, each spice brings not only flavour but also a host of nutrients and healing properties to our winter dishes. So, whether you're sipping on mulled wine, indulging in gingerbread, or savouring a hearty stew, every bite promises to not just please your palate but also contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Click read more for the full story.
Give your berries room to grow and plenty of airflow with this helpful trellis finished in Resene Kwila Timber Stain. Keeping the canes off the ground means berries stay healthy and are easy to reach when ready to pick.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list — until 31 July 2024 if you sign up for one … View moreIt could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list — until 31 July 2024 if you sign up for one of our new home offers at Kevin Hickman Village, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*. There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.
*Terms and conditions apply
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was considering local solutions for healthcare, but wanted to know more details on the plans.
In a major shakeup of the health system in 2021, locally-elected district health boards were scrapped and replaced with the centralised Te Whatu Ora.
However, in an interview with RNZ in February, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti indicated some health decision-making would return to the regions.
Responding to questions from Local Democracy Reporter, Reti said he expected to receive advice from the Ministry of Health soon.
This included future operating and funding models for primary and community care.
‘‘Community involvement in health service planning, with local solutions to local health challenges will remain essential to the delivery of health services,’’ he said.
‘‘These local groups should be involved in the design and delivery of services, so the healthcare focuses on the needs of, and is effective for, the community.’’
Local primary health organisations (PHOs), such was the Waitaha Canterbury PHO, played a key role in supporting their local communities and were providing input into Health NZ’s primary care development programme, he said.
The Government has also signalled Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards will play a key role in supporting high-quality community-led health care.
Gordon said since the demise of the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) there were gaps in ‘‘local accountability’’.
He is the council’s representative and deputy chairperson of the Waitaha Canterbury PHO board.
‘‘I have found since the centralsation of healthcare it has been a struggle to find local accountability. Even a local contact or authority to speak to.
This must be addressed.
Having a local voice close to the issues is vital.’’
The lack of a local board chairperson meant concerns would often be raised directly with the health minister, Gordon said.
‘‘The important thing for me is the patient and ensuring they are cared for and their needs are met, and if we have an issue, where do we go to get answers?’’
Black said retaining a local voice in healthcare was crucial, particularly for rural districts.
‘‘The important thing is we retain what we have and if we can increase health provision, that is where I would be lending my support.’’
She said the Hurunui District Health Services Group had been making good progress working with the former CDHB.
But this work had been on the backburner since the board was dissolved, ‘‘so whether there is the energy to reconsider this, I don’t know’’.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon
The Government's plans to scrap the blanket speed reduction policy has been cautiously welcomed by West Coast leaders.
The blanket speed limit reduction policy will be reversed by July 1, 2025, under the draft new Land Transport Rule, which was… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon
The Government's plans to scrap the blanket speed reduction policy has been cautiously welcomed by West Coast leaders.
The blanket speed limit reduction policy will be reversed by July 1, 2025, under the draft new Land Transport Rule, which was released this week for public consultation.
The Government has previously announced the draft rule would take into account economic impacts, travel times, and community views alongside safety when deciding speed limits.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the untargeted approach of the previous policy slowed drivers and the economy rather than targeting high crash areas.
Under the proposed changes, speed limits reductions made since January 2020 will be reversed on local streets, arterial roads, and state highways.
"It will also require variable speed limits outside schools during pick up and drop off times to keep young New Zealanders safe," Brown said.
Greymouth mayor Tania Gibson said she welcomed the policy.
In March, Gibson questioned the extent of the proposed 30kph speed limits put forward by her council's transport department for the draft West Coast Regional Speed Management Plan.
"I never agreed with what we were looking at with speed."
Gibson said the speed review was probably "a bit of a wasted exercise" now, but the need for better safety around schools was widely acknowledged.
West Coast Regional Transport chairperson Peter Ewen said proposals under the previous policy had seen some communities "up in arms" about various speed limit plans.
But it was good to see school zones better targeted under the new proposal, Ewen said.
He did not foresee much change to the current draft West Coast plan as a result of the latest Government announcement but it would be a case of "wait and see".
"The process we went through, we will have to review.
"A lot of the process we went through is probably a waste of time now - it's irrelevant if those are the changes that are going to come," Ewen said.
Buller mayor Jamie Cleine said he agreed with the speed limit roll back intent but believed it would have little impact on the current West Coast proposals.
Regardless of higher or lower speeds, "people should drive to the conditions," he said.
However, there had been suggestions under the blanket policy to slash speeds for "long sections" of West Coast state highways to 80km.
That had needed "a reality check".
Cleine said he was pleased variable speed limits around school zones were being "reinforced".
Buller had also proposed low speed areas in some rural settlement/new subdivision areas under the draft regional policy which he believed should stay - although his council was split.
It recently voted against the introducing the lower speeds in a six to five decision, "which was bizzare".
Cleine said the council had already been funded for that work and its decision meant it would now have to give it back.
"I'm going to be bringing that back to the June 26 meeting because it is in line with the new Government's policy.
"(The Government) actually stated quite clearly that they are going to reinforce reduction of speeds around schools. I just want councillors to have a wee think about that."
Brown encouraged feedback on the proposed rule online at www.transport.govt.nz...
We've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Mitre10 cards are:
Cynthia Chozas from Botany Downs
Mabel Dawson from Stratford
Michael Pascoe from Amberley
… View moreWe've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Mitre10 cards are:
Cynthia Chozas from Botany Downs
Mabel Dawson from Stratford
Michael Pascoe from Amberley
Sarah Gebhard from Nelson
Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 25th June.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
An alleged fuel spill of thousands of litres of fuel oil into Westport's harbour is being investigated, with officials seeking more information as accusations fly.
The Kings Birthday Weekend incident, on June 1, saw West Coast authorities … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
An alleged fuel spill of thousands of litres of fuel oil into Westport's harbour is being investigated, with officials seeking more information as accusations fly.
The Kings Birthday Weekend incident, on June 1, saw West Coast authorities spring into action to contain the slick after a troubled fishing boat limped into port.
The boat was apparently taking on water while also leaking fuel oil, via an internal bilge pump.
The port set up some booms to contain the spill while staff, working with a regional environmental response team, undertook a cleanup by suctioning about 2500 litres of fuel mixed with seawater into containers.
A further inspection on June 2 found about 200 litres of fuel residue lingering within the harbour basin.
On June 4, the West Coast Regional Council-- which has environmental oversight for the region's waterways - said the impact looked worse than it was.
The incident sparked social media outrage with people expressing outrage at the "f...ing disgusting" spill.
West Coast Regional Council compliance manager Chris Barnes said on Monday (June 17) he had decided to continue an environmental
investigation into the incident because what had occurred was not really clear cut.
"I want more information," he said.
"There's some accusations that came out I don't believe were true - but there is a bit more that doesn't meet the eye."
He expected an update with more information within council's quarterly environmental monitoring report early in July.
Meanwhile, the council was called out about 4am on Monday to a potential environmental incident about 25km southwest of Westport.
It followed a vehicle crash on State Highway 6 in the vicinity of Costellos Hill, about 5km north of Charleston.
A car towing a trailer had come to grief after apparently losing control.
The front part of the vehicle was left suspended over a waterway.
Barnes said a member of the public who called it in was concerned about oil leaking from the vehicle going into a creek.
Fortunately the vehicle's occupants escaped unscathed but the scene looked "pretty nasty", he said.
An assessment at the scene ruled out any major impact on the waterway, he said.
Each week, nominations on Neighbourly get turned into a Stuff story and we are always on the lookout for amazing neighbours who deserve to be recognised.
It could be someone who helped you when you were in a tight spot, a local who goes above and beyond for the community or just a neighbour who … View moreEach week, nominations on Neighbourly get turned into a Stuff story and we are always on the lookout for amazing neighbours who deserve to be recognised.
It could be someone who helped you when you were in a tight spot, a local who goes above and beyond for the community or just a neighbour who checks in on you.
Nominate your 'Nice Neighbour' by clicking here.
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by … View moreDon’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owners.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
You are invited to join us for an exclusive afternoon of classical music with the Canterbury Quartet, hosted by Kevin Hickman Village.
The Canterbury Quartet are experienced professional musicians who have performed in some of the finest symphony orchestras around the world.
Don't miss … View moreYou are invited to join us for an exclusive afternoon of classical music with the Canterbury Quartet, hosted by Kevin Hickman Village.
The Canterbury Quartet are experienced professional musicians who have performed in some of the finest symphony orchestras around the world.
Don't miss this opportunity for a harmonious blend of exquisite string quartet music and complimentary refreshments. You are welcome to bring a friend along, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Click read more for more information.
In 2023, Apple amended its autocorrect function to allow Iphone users to freely use their intended word without mentioning 'ducks'. Is this a sign of the times? Are swear words no longer taboo in our communities or workplaces?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to… View moreIn 2023, Apple amended its autocorrect function to allow Iphone users to freely use their intended word without mentioning 'ducks'. Is this a sign of the times? Are swear words no longer taboo in our communities or workplaces?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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