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By local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The Reefton man who was the third-highest polling candidate for a West Coast Regional Council seat in the last elections is putting his hand up for the seat left vacant by the untimely death of Westport’s Frank Dooley.
Dave Hawes who polled 794 … View moreBy local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The Reefton man who was the third-highest polling candidate for a West Coast Regional Council seat in the last elections is putting his hand up for the seat left vacant by the untimely death of Westport’s Frank Dooley.
Dave Hawes who polled 794 votes in 2022, compared to Dooley’s 1769, was not far behind runner-up and sitting councillor Mark McIntyre, who took the second Buller seat on the council with 849 votes.
Under the Local Electoral Act, the Regional Council has only two options to deal with the vacancy for a second Buller representative.
It can leave Dooley’s seat vacant until the council elections next October or appoint someone in the interim.
A by-election is held only if there is a year or more to go until the next council elections.
The council resolved yesterday to appoint a qualified person in the new year, from a short-list to be drawn up by chairperson Peter Haddock, and councillors Mark MacIntyre and Brett Cummings.
Hawes said the most democratic option would be to appoint him – since Buller voters chose to put him next on the list two years ago.
“I don’t need the job but I’m willing to serve now, as I was then. I was a Buller District Councillor for 15 years, and I worked with people of all political stripes.”
Hawes’ ‘green’ credentials – 15 years leading DOC’s Reefton work crew - might work against him in a strongly pro-mining council, he said.
“But I’m a pragmatist - I come from old Westport and Reefton stock and my aim has always been to get the best outcome for the Buller.”
Regional councillors at Tuesday’s meeting this week’s noted major decisions were looming for Westport’s flood protection scheme, and suggested the appointee should be someone with a sound knowledge of the town, its land tenure and flood walls.
McIntyre said financial skills would be important, and the loss of Dooley had left a ‘ big hole’ for the council to fill in that regard.
Chief executive Darryl Lew said the ideal candidate would have all those attributes, but the council would in future have access to financial advice from the soon-to-be appointed independent chairperson of the Risk and Assurance committee.
Hawes said the primary objective should be fair and competent representation, and there was a risk in allowing a group that did not represent Buller to cherry-pick a councillor for the district.
Buller was bigger than just Westport, and there could be advantages in having a Buller rep who did not actually live in the town, he said.
“There’s going to be some tough calls to make with those floodwalls; some people will be left unprotected to protect others, and it might help to have a councillor with local knowledge but no skin in the game.”
The former BDC councillor is semi-retired and putting time into the Reefton Historical Society and local Powerhouse Trust – which aims to be generating hydro-power by Christmas.
Neighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your … View moreNeighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your thoughts below.
Hundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand … View moreHundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand families having to cut back on essentials.
Ryman residents were overwhelmingly in support of the idea, with many volunteering to help choose the gifts to fill over 1000 shoeboxes with thoughtful items.
Click read more for the full story.
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to … View moreKia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Less than a week left to enter this merry competition.
With lots of spot prizes to win (as well as the title of NZ's Merriest Home), it's worth getting out your camera phone and taking a picture of your festive abode!
Check out the Christmassy homes here.
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
With Christmas fast approaching, Police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams.
The holiday season can already be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam.
A phishing scam is an online scam, where the offender pretends to be a … View moreWith Christmas fast approaching, Police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams.
The holiday season can already be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam.
A phishing scam is an online scam, where the offender pretends to be a trustworthy person or organisation to try and get a victim’s personal information.
Police has received a number of phishing scam reports with offenders targeting people who are selling items or services online like Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace.
The offenders pretend to be an interested buyer, and urgently request to buy your product and arrange a courier pickup.
The victim receives a fake courier website link to complete a verification process asking for personal details, like bank account numbers, passwords, and phone numbers.
Once provided these details, the offender uses these to access a victim’s bank account, tricking the victim into proving any multifactor authentication code sent from the victim’s bank.
The money in the victim’s bank account is then taken by the offender once access is gained.
Police are urging members of the public to be cautious, especially when someone in person or online is asking you to give them money or your personal details like bank accounts and passwords.
Never comply with a request asking you to provide or ‘verify’ your online banking details.
Legitimate organisations will never ask you to do this.
If you are unsure if it is real, please contact your bank by the phone number on their official website or go to your nearest branch.
If you receive a courier website link from a potential buyer, this is likely a scam.
Please do not fill out the verification process.
Use the social media/trading platform’s reporting tools to report the scam and the user involved.
You can also make a report to Netsafe at report.netsafe.org.nz.
If you have handed over your online banking details, contact your bank immediately and suspend your account.
If you think you have been scammed (provided your banking details and/or suffered a loss), please gather as much information you can and make a report to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
Get creative by making a gorgeous leaf-printed tablecloth and gift your guests the perfect hand-painted decoration all painted in Resene testpot paint colours.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
Westland mayor Helen Lash is putting the West Coast Regional Council on notice that it’s under close scrutiny as it manages the latest multi-million dollar Franz stopbank project.
The council has agreed to accept up to $7.9 million from the … View moreBy local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
Westland mayor Helen Lash is putting the West Coast Regional Council on notice that it’s under close scrutiny as it manages the latest multi-million dollar Franz stopbank project.
The council has agreed to accept up to $7.9 million from the Government to strengthen the vulnerable community’s defences against the Waiho (Waiau) River.
The cost will be split 60/40 - with local ratepayers contributing up to $3.1 million.
Lash - who chairs the Waiho Special Rating District joint committee - said Franz Josef people had been down a “hellish’ road to finally approve that decision, at a tense meeting in the town last week.
“There’s clearly a lot of distrust of the regional council.
"There is no denying that and it’s not just from this community. I’ve seen it up and down the coast and we have to manage that, going forward.”
The council’s 10-year strategy for the Waiho, based on scientists’ advice, was to gradually release the river from its southern stopbanks, reducing the risk to Franz Josef on the north side.
South bank farmers and residents had earlier hopes of a government buy-out, but that had been ruled out and their property values and equity had plummeted, Lash said.
All Franz Josef ratepayers were now having to take on debt to pay for stopbanks that might not survive the ten-year loan period, given the increasing ferocity of floods and storms.
“These people are being asked to fund something that leaves them potentially with no asset - I’m talking people on the south side – why the hell would you want to support what they’ve just agreed to?"
As the mayor, and chairperson of the joint rating district committee made up of regional council members and locals, she supported their decision, but said they had little choice.
“It’s a terrible dilemma. The south bank people could walk away tomorrow with nothing. Nothing can save them at the end of the day, and I would not want to be in that position."
The choice had been made harder because the West Coast Regional Council had not been upfront with the community in the past, the mayor said.
“It hasn’t held meetings, it hasn’t been clear about the reserve funds it rates them for and it hasn’t provided information about what it’s doing."
The present council was trying to make up for that, with repeated visits, apologies for the past, and a special consultation process over the latest loan, she conceded.
But she said the legacy of distrust and despair was understandable.
The regional council had in the past forged ahead with stopbank projects, ignoring local advice, then sending out the bills, the Westland mayor said.
“It’s about transparency. They’ve forgotten along the way that they’re there to serve the communities they work for. Franz Josef is a brilliant community, the people work bloody hard and the council forgets it’s that hard graft that pays for all their rockwork."
She had personally copped some of the fallout for that, Lash said.
“Because it’s one of my communities. I’ve never made any bones of what I think of the structure of the regional council – it’s always been a boys’ network and it still is."
Regional council chairperson Peter Haddock has apologised several times for the council’s past dealings with Franz Josef ratepayers.
“We can’t change what happened in the past, and we are sorry for that, but we do things differently now and we’ve got to focus on the future and how we work together for this community,” he told LDR.
When the council resolved to accept the government funding offer it also approved a condensed version of conditions insisted on by Franz Josef ratepayers last Wednesday.
It resolved to consult them further on the loan before setting rates; to consult them on priority works; and to keep them “apprised of all stages of the works".
Lash said the motion ratepayers passed last week stipulated the joint committee would have prior approval of all intended stopbank works, and that the council would present it with monthly invoices and progress reports.
“Without that exact wording the Franz Josef committee would not have agreed to the loan so it’s disappointing the council did not include all those conditions verbatim, in their motion.”
The council’s motion left it too much “wiggle room” to retain control, Lash said.
“They refer to it, but I’m concerned they could still try to do what they want, not what the ratepayers are willing to pay for, so we’ll be watching them very closely,” she said.
The Westland mayor says the District Council should be the lead agency in dealing with Government over the future of Franz Josef for the sake of transparency.
The West Coast Regional Council has been approached for comment.
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A … View moreKmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
Surprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!
They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes … View moreSurprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!
They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes up for grabs, including international travel.
Tickets are just $15 each, and every purchase supports life-saving research. Get yours online today at heartlottery.org.nz.
By local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
Local politicians have paid tribute to one of the region’s more colourful councillors - Frank Dooley - who died suddenly at the weekend in what’s understood to be a medical event.
The Westport chartered accountant, who was 70, was the chair and … View moreBy local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
Local politicians have paid tribute to one of the region’s more colourful councillors - Frank Dooley - who died suddenly at the weekend in what’s understood to be a medical event.
The Westport chartered accountant, who was 70, was the chair and more recently chief executive of Buller Electricity.
He was elected to the West Coast Regional Council two years ago, vowing to get it back on track after a couple of turbulent years.
The council’s chief executive, Darryl Lew, said Dooley was widely respected by staff members for his financial and corporate knowledge and the huge energy he brought to his role.
“Frank read every detail of every council paper which came before him and made sure he knew it through and through.
“He was not afraid to ask questions to ensure he understood exactly what the issues were about nor to challenge when he thought something not right. Staff respected that.
“When he began his role as councillor in 2022 it was his first local government role. He had a lot to learn about systems and processes but took to it with aplomb. Our council would not be where it is today without Frank."
An all-staff meeting was held [Tuesday] morning at the council office in Paroa, Lew said.
“Several staff members who had worked particularly closely with Dooley were, understandably, very emotional.”
Regional council chairperson Peter Haddock said the loss of Dooley was very sad, and a shock.
“Frank was a strong campaigner and had the best interests of the Buller region, the West Coast and its ratepayers at heart.”
In Local Democracy Reporting's (LDR) observations, Dooley often showed a tenacity for detail and due process in council affairs and could be terse at times with what he saw as inefficiency or evasion.
He was unfailingly patient with media inquiries.
But he clashed often with deposed former council chairperson Allan Birchfield, and as chairperson of three council committees, frequently ordered him out of meetings.
Dooley was for a time trespassed from Buller District Council buildings after a fiery exchange with deputy mayor Sharon Roche.
He sued Buller mayor Jamie Cleine for defamation over the incident – but lost, after a judge-only trial in October.
The Buller mayor himself declined to comment on the news of Dooley’s sudden death, but noted Dooley had seemed unwell at times during the trial.
He referred LDR to the memorial notice on the Buller District Council’s Facebook page.
The notice describes Dooley as a deeply valued and much-respected community member.
“Frank was a highly respected West Coast Regional Councillor who provided leadership and support to that organisation.”
ABirchfield - Dooley’s sparring partner for the last two years - was somewhat less gracious.
“My mother told me if you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all."
Funeral arrangements are still to be finalised, but at this stage, are set for Saturday in Westport.
Pamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and … View morePamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and daughter, she has discovered a variety of restaurants that showcase the diversity of New Zealand’s culinary scene. Whether you’re planning a road trip, dreaming about your next cruise, or simply searching for a great dining spot, these are Pamela’s top food recommendations to inspire your next adventure.
Click read more for the full story.
If you've decked your halls with all things jolly, we think it deserves to be shown off!
Share a photo of your home in its Christmassy glory and be in to win a spot prize. Some of these entries will be chosen as a finalist for the grand title of NZ's Merriest Home which Neighbourly … View moreIf you've decked your halls with all things jolly, we think it deserves to be shown off!
Share a photo of your home in its Christmassy glory and be in to win a spot prize. Some of these entries will be chosen as a finalist for the grand title of NZ's Merriest Home which Neighbourly members can vote on!
Entries close Sunday, 15th of December so share a photo today 📸
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