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By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coasters could pay a universal rate for flood protection assets in future - regardless of where they live.
The West Coast Regional Council will consider various options as part of a rating district review due by 2027.
Currently, 23 special … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coasters could pay a universal rate for flood protection assets in future - regardless of where they live.
The West Coast Regional Council will consider various options as part of a rating district review due by 2027.
Currently, 23 special rating districts pay targeted rates to maintain river stop banks or coastal protection walls in their area.
The rating district setup, on behalf of local communities, includes the three main towns of Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika, the tourist hotspots of Punakaiki and Franz Josef, and multiple farming communities along the region's 650km length.
A report to councillors for the 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP) said the rating district review was included in consultation to indicate it "was required".
The way individual rating districts were founded had resulted in "a range of different rating scenarios" and constitutional arrangements.
It left "a level of complexity and inefficiency" in the gambit of what each rating area was for.
Haast submitter Vance Boyd said the benefit of rating districts was viewed differently within particular communities and it was a potentially divisive issue.
At the same time small communities struggled to raise the necessary capital to add protection.
Boyd said the council should rate across "the whole district" rather than relying on individual rating for particular areas.
Councillor Peter Ewen said the "bigger picture" of wider community benefit from protection assets had to be highlighted.
This was relevant for those outside a particular rating area who gained the benefit of accessing a service centre like Greymouth for example.
"The whole community benefits from those rating districts, it doesn't matter where they are," he said.
Long-time Westport surveyor Chris Coll also said the special rating district net should be thrown for the widest community benefit.
He estimated up to 15% of the town of Westport could fall "outside" the projected flood protection scheme for his area, yet all residents in the area would benefit from it.
Council chief executive Darryl Lew noted Westport was "a greenfield scheme" at this point and identifying the tangible benefit was yet to be worked through.
But the question of direct and indirect benefit would be assessed as the scheme design was finalised in the next couple of months.
Lew also noted Southland had now gone to "one targeted rate for all its special rating districts".
Councillor Brett Cummings said having one targeted rate might impact council's ability to tap external funding for new protection projects and that needed investigation.
Ewen noted one submitter viewed a universal approach to special rating areas as potentially penalising them for choosing to live "in less risky areas".
However, it was always on property buyers to be aware of the risk in the first place, he said.
James Sutherland, for Federated Farmers, said the proposed review should go out for full consultation given 6500 ratable properties across the region were not currently within a special rating area.
The report noted rating district asset management as "crucial to support the region" because it:
* protects economic productivity,
* reduces natural hazard risk to communities,
* promotes safety and wellbeing.
During formal LTP deliberations, Cummings said the review was not just about rates but the constitution of the rating districts.
Lew agreed, saying a lot of the submitters had focused only on benefit.
But all aspects of the current rating schemes needed to be reviewed including that some were rated based on land value, others on capital value.
The question of council back-office costs for individual districts also had to be assessed, he said.
Nationwide protests are taking place today (Thursday) having been organised by Te Pāti Māori and other connected to Toitū Te Tiriti movement.
There is likely to be some traffic disruptions so Waka Kotahi are closely monitoring the situation. Below are the locations of these gatherings across … View moreNationwide protests are taking place today (Thursday) having been organised by Te Pāti Māori and other connected to Toitū Te Tiriti movement.
There is likely to be some traffic disruptions so Waka Kotahi are closely monitoring the situation. Below are the locations of these gatherings across the country.
Northland:
Whangārei, Farmer’s car park, 9am.
Kaitāia, Commerce St, 9am.
Auckland:
West Auckland, BP Hobsonville, 6.30am.
South Auckland, Z Petrol station, 6.30am.
North Auckland, Palmers Albany Garden Centre, 6.30am.
Central Auckland, Aotea Square, 11am.
Waikato:
Hamilton, Kirikiriroa Marae, 7.30am.
Matamata, Matamata Woolworths, 6.45am.
Te Puaha, Weraroa Marae, 8.30am.
Hauraki, Victoria Park, 12pm.
Waiariki:
Tauranga, Whareroa Reserve, 8am.
Whakatāne, SH30, 7.30am.
Ōpōtiki, Waioweka bridge, 7am.
Taupō, Lake Terrace, 8am.
Tūrangi, Tūrangi town centre, 9am.
Rotorua, Lake Rd intersection, Old Taupō Rd, Fenton St and Sala St, 7am.
Ikaroa-Rāwhiti:
Tūranganui a Kiwa, Heipipi Park, 7am.
Hastings, Hastings Clock Tower, 7am.
Wairarapa, Masterton Town Hall, 12pm.
Te Tai Hauāuru:
Hāwera, Hāwera Netball Courts, 10.30am.
Palmerston North, Te Marae o Hine, 7.15am.
Tokoroa, Leith Place, 8am.
Wellington:
A hīkoi to Parliament 12pm.
South Island:
Christchurch, Bridge of Remembrance, 11am.
Nelson, Church steps, 12.30pm.
Dunedin, Queens Gardens, 12pm.
These items have been recalled, some in the last few days. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake
Mrs Rogers Naturals brand gluten free batter mix
… View moreThese items have been recalled, some in the last few days. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake
Mrs Rogers Naturals brand gluten free batter mix
The Collective brand Suckies strawberry probiotic yoghurt
Product recalls:
Country Road two-tone demm mug
Postie Little Kids adventure pants
Fortis heavy duty weight bench
Honda outboard marine engine
Quincy Mae baby/kids nightwear
Ryobi airwave stapler/nailer
Puretec Filtration
Grabstore pruning saw / chainsaw
Full Speed Ahead crankset
We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.
If you’ve been considering a move to Kevin Hickman Village, our new release of apartments are selling now.
These two and three bedroom apartments are modern and generously sized with a neutral colour palette throughout, ready for you to make your own. Featuring an open plan living, dining and … View moreIf you’ve been considering a move to Kevin Hickman Village, our new release of apartments are selling now.
These two and three bedroom apartments are modern and generously sized with a neutral colour palette throughout, ready for you to make your own. Featuring an open plan living, dining and kitchen area these homes are perfect for hosting friends and family.
Many of these apartments have spectacular views over the racecourse and out to the Port Hills.
Click the link for more information.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, or talk to your healthcare provider.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Large areas of West Coast land have been tagged in its proposed new district plan for mining despite not holding current mining licences or permits.
A further hearing for the proposed combined district's Te Tai o Poutini Plan will begin on … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Large areas of West Coast land have been tagged in its proposed new district plan for mining despite not holding current mining licences or permits.
A further hearing for the proposed combined district's Te Tai o Poutini Plan will begin on Tuesday in Westport where the proposed planning criteria for the mineral rich region will be examined.
TTPP consultant planner David Badham, in his opening Resource Management Act report to the hearing panel, has flagged an issue with the "disconnect" between the mining zones proposed in the plan as opposed to what is currently permitted for mining purposes in the identified areas.
He specifically flags the Buller Coal Field Zone(BCZ) and the Minerals Extraction Zone (MINZ).
"My overall observation is that there appears to be a significant disconnect between the notified spatial extent of the MINZ and the BCZ, and the proposed criteria used to identify the zone," Badham said.
"Specifically, there appears to be large areas of land that have been included … with no evidence or link to current (mining licence) authorisations.
"As such, there appear to be a number of areas proposed and notified as MINZ and BCZ that do not currently have a defendable basis to be included."
He also touches on a key submitter concern from the region's largest coal miner, Bathurst, on the legal impact of the proposed plan's rules on the 'existing use rights' of miners already operating.
The proposed TTPP will also allow mining in other rural and 'open space' zones across the region outside the MINZ and BCZ.
Badham also said concerns had been raised about the proposed "lawfully established" definition for mining.
This would apply to existing coal mining and ancillary coal mining licences issued under the Coal Mines Act of 1979.
Badham said he understood the definition will need to be more specifically addressed by the hearing panel but in his opinion, existing use definitions within the TTPP do raise "legal issues".
"This primarily relates to the status of existing (mining) licences, and whether or not the rights provided under those licences extend beyond their expiry."
He makes two key recommendations:
* Mine and minerals zoning criteria objectives and policies in the proposed plan should be "a key consideration" for the hearing panel because the wording and approach to these policies will impact the future approach to mine rezoning requests.
* The proposed indigenous biodiversity policies applying to the minerals and mining chapter be deleted.
Badham says while changes to the National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB) have been signalled by the current Government, "they have not yet been made".
"As such, I understand that the wording of the NPS-IB must be considered as it is currently worded, not as it may be amended by central government, possibly in the near future."
He is also proposes amendments to,
* permitted activity rules for mineral prospecting and exploration,
* mineral extraction and processing,
* activities ancillary to lawfully established mineral extraction and processing.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Ryman is proud to be recognised as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages once again! So we want to say THANK YOU Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 … View moreRyman is proud to be recognised as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages once again! So we want to say THANK YOU Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 more years of trust and excellence! #Ryman #MostTrusted #Community
Click read more for more information.
Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish… View moreWinter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
These members have been drawn as our winners of the $100 petrol vouchers. Congrats to:
Sheryl Thompson from Hamilton
Tane LcLeay from Three Kings
Sandeep Kaur from Hastings
… View moreThese members have been drawn as our winners of the $100 petrol vouchers. Congrats to:
Sheryl Thompson from Hamilton
Tane LcLeay from Three Kings
Sandeep Kaur from Hastings
Sarah Bolton from Thorndon
Not a winner? Good luck next time!
Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 4th June.
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a … View moreA huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Ryman Healthcare offers the very best of retirement living and aged care with retirement villages throughout New Zealand. You'll find Ryman retirement villages near you, each with a unique personality and a range of living and care options. Gain a lifestyle you can thrive in and connect with … View moreRyman Healthcare offers the very best of retirement living and aged care with retirement villages throughout New Zealand. You'll find Ryman retirement villages near you, each with a unique personality and a range of living and care options. Gain a lifestyle you can thrive in and connect with like-minded people in a welcoming community.
In addition to independent and assisted living, Ryman villages offer a range of care options. Depending on the village, the levels of care we provide include rest home, hospital, specialist dementia care, and respite care. In some instances we may also be able to offer rest home care in an assisted-living apartment. This option enables you to remain in your own apartment but with a little extra support.
Click read more for the full article.
Create a colourful bouquet that won’t need watering. Get the whole family involved and let everyone choose their favourite Resene testpot colours to finish their flowers.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Now is your chance to dress up your walls and save 25% off* the extensive range of Resene wallpapers available at your local Resene ColorShop! Patterned or bold, textured or neutral – there’s something to suit all tastes. Offer ends 17 June 2024.
* Discount off the normal retail price at … View moreNow is your chance to dress up your walls and save 25% off* the extensive range of Resene wallpapers available at your local Resene ColorShop! Patterned or bold, textured or neutral – there’s something to suit all tastes. Offer ends 17 June 2024.
* Discount off the normal retail price at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers. Excludes wall decals, WallPrint and clearance items. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
View the full selection of wallpapers at your local Resene ColorShop and get a taste of some of the options online.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Nearly three years after a devastating flood displaced hundreds of residents in Westport, they have been told a solution is near.
But at the Westport Rating District Joint Committee annual meeting, held in public for the first time on Wednesday, … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Nearly three years after a devastating flood displaced hundreds of residents in Westport, they have been told a solution is near.
But at the Westport Rating District Joint Committee annual meeting, held in public for the first time on Wednesday, residents called for more transparency and raised fears the town remains as vulnerable to the next big flood.
The committee is charged with making recommendations to the West Coast Regional Council on the build and future maintenance of the ring bank flood protection scheme for the West Coast town.
Phil Rutherford, a former Buller District councillor, said greater clarity was also needed in the map of the proposed scheme for residents needing to know "who is in and who is out", he said.
Later in the meeting chief engineer for the scheme, Peter Blackwood, said mitigation options for two areas currently excluded under the scheme - Snodgrass Rd and Carters Beach - have yet to come.
Lifelong Westport resident Kevin Smith recalled the 1970 Westport flood, but "the talk" of the last 54 years had not translated to action by the authorities until the July 2021 event.
And the 2021 and 2022 floods "were no bigger" than previous 'record' floods, stretching back more than 70 years, Smith said.
"What was different was the amount of damage," he said.
Westport's inland flood defences on the Buller and Orowaiti rivers at Organs Island had served their purpose in 1950.
But since then, Westport had expanded in a way that heightened risk to people, he said.
"The 1950 flood, everything worked very well. It was a bigger flood than what we have just endured. Why aren't we learning?
"I think we should have a report on what caused the damage. The damage was man-made. What we have done is built in silly places."
Smith said the community needed to work through the flooding damage and the causes.
For now, Westport remained as vulnerable as it was in the July 2021 floods, he said.
"There is a flood coming: will we get the walls built in time? That's up to you people."
Councillor Brett Cummings said repair work had already been done on the historic flood defences, just east of Westport, to help with the next flood.
And councillor Frank Dooley defended council's expert approach to solve the problem, which it was required to do by statute, "not based on community opinion but on expert opinion".
Snodgrass Rd resident Paul Reynold, a trenchant critic at the way Westport's inland flood defences and the Orowaiti overflow had been left to deteriorate, suggested councils approach was "anything but expert".
The regional and the Buller District councils "had a hand in causing the flood".
"We've had three years of charade around avoiding the cause," Reynolds said.
"There has been no effort to define the cause of the 2021 flood - no problem can be solved without first identifying what caused the problem."
Reynolds said the underlying issues were identified and presented to both councils in 2015.
"Council already had a document by 2021 warning of the risk.
"It was ignored for six years … in the filing draw of council."
He suggested the current scheme, including flood defence walls, was not the best option.
"The walls will eventually burst in the event of a major flood - with the loss of life."
Regional council chief executive Darryl Lew said the Government's $22.9m contribution, announced a year ago, had now come through after a technical review found its scheme "was sound".
The money - in reality $15.6m for physical flood protection works - was now being drawn down and should be built by 2027.
He said the benefit classes for properties falling within the scheme will soon be be formally identified as the design is finalised.
Get the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine … View moreGet the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider, or visit our website.
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