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Some of the West Coast's 650 whitebait stand holders owe the West Coast Regional Council for failing to pay their consent fees.
The matter came up as the council discussed its new policy to address non-rates aged receivable debt.
Council chairperson Peter Haddock said the combined … View moreSome of the West Coast's 650 whitebait stand holders owe the West Coast Regional Council for failing to pay their consent fees.
The matter came up as the council discussed its new policy to address non-rates aged receivable debt.
Council chairperson Peter Haddock said the combined whitebait debt more than three months old owed by standholders was unacceptable.
"We've got white-baiter debtors of $40,000-plus. I would have thought if you don't pay your licence, there is no licence.
"We're not a benevolent society here," Haddock said on March 5.
At the end of January, the council had $1.55 million in outstanding debt of more than 30 days old.
Of that, whitebait stand-holders collectively owed $44,076 of unpaid fees for 90 days or more.
This is despite whitebait stands on West Coast rivers being in hot demand and lucrative for holders in good years.
Individuals can in a good season earn tens of thousands of dollars from selling the delicacy.
Many stands have are held inter-generationally, with their right to keep it a recreational activity fiercely defended in recent years.
Council charges West Coast whitebait standholders an annual resource consent monitoring fee of $201.25.
The fees are usually invoiced in July each year.
Whitebait stand consent holders must also pay an annual administration charge of $115 for each individual whitebait stand consent file held.
Councillor Brett Cummings said whitebait and also gravel take debtors should have their privileges withheld.
"If they are not paying their gravel or whitebait fees, they should be removed."
Chief executive Darryl Lew said council was legally unable to withdraw a consent on the basis of non-payment.
However, acting consents and compliance manager Chris Barnes said it could for whitebait standholders.
Councillor Peter Ewen said the overall $1.55m debt currently owed to the council affected the financial bottom line.
He wanted to know the quantum of debt written off annually as an impact on the rates strike.
"All this reflects on our rates strike at the end of the year - our bottom line," he said.
Other overdue debtors, by more than three months at the end of January, included $91,846 for 'sundry debtors,' $133,856 for 'work order' debt, and overdue gravel compliance monitoring fees of $66,735.
Cummings said the debt backlog was unsettling.
"It's scary. You wouldn't run a business like this."
Councillor Frank Dooley said the council had to be highly active about debt collecting, although its new policy adopted in November had seen $100,887 recovered in one month.
Ewen said a significant problem for the council was payment for work funded by Government departments, which took time to flow through.
He said the 'aged debt' breakdown presented to the meeting should be itemised by sector so it was transparent who owed what.
"I would like to know what the Crown's outstanding debt is."
Lew said most of the Government agency payment debt was to do with the council's infrastructure programme via Kanoa.
Following negotiations recently it was now "proactively paying us ahead of time".
"We're not effectively bankrolling these things any more.
Hop into Easter with our Gift Guide 2024! Whether you're spoiling the grandkids or surprising your closest pals, we've gathered delightful gifts to make this Easter memorable.
Explore now and find the perfect treasures to cherish the season with those you love. Don't leave it to … View moreHop into Easter with our Gift Guide 2024! Whether you're spoiling the grandkids or surprising your closest pals, we've gathered delightful gifts to make this Easter memorable.
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Can't make your roses sing? Wanting to know when to start planting your broccoli? We are kicking off our Q&A series with Jo McCarroll in the hot seat answering questions on all things gardening from 9am Friday.
As well as being the author of Vege Patch From Scratch, Jo is also the … View moreCan't make your roses sing? Wanting to know when to start planting your broccoli? We are kicking off our Q&A series with Jo McCarroll in the hot seat answering questions on all things gardening from 9am Friday.
As well as being the author of Vege Patch From Scratch, Jo is also the editor of NZ Gardener magazine and has been for 15 years. She is looking forward to answering your gardening questions.
Whether you're dipping your toe in the soil or have seasoned green fingers, we welcome you to...
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Today, we celebrate the heroes living right under our roofs, who uplift and empower us every day – the wives, mums, daughters, and nans.
Take a moment to say thank you to these incredible women who shape your lives with their grace and courage.
Don't forget to use NZ Compare to … View moreToday, we celebrate the heroes living right under our roofs, who uplift and empower us every day – the wives, mums, daughters, and nans.
Take a moment to say thank you to these incredible women who shape your lives with their grace and courage.
Don't forget to use NZ Compare to brighten your household bills!
Choosing the right care centre is an important decision. To help you, we’ve put together The Ryman Care Guide to highlight the care, kindness and comfort that our care centres provide.
At Ryman villages, we offer care options customised to suit your needs. Our villages all offer rest home … View moreChoosing the right care centre is an important decision. To help you, we’ve put together The Ryman Care Guide to highlight the care, kindness and comfort that our care centres provide.
At Ryman villages, we offer care options customised to suit your needs. Our villages all offer rest home care, and most also offer hospital and specialist dementia care.
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Banish plastic and add style with painted cane and wicker baskets in your laundry in your favourite Resene colours. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Please follow our top tips to reduce the risk of mail theft:
✉️ Clear your letterbox in a timely manner
✉️ Put a hold on your mail delivery if you’re going away
✉️ Provide clear delivery instructions for couriers to leave a package safely hidden or secured within your property
… View morePlease follow our top tips to reduce the risk of mail theft:
✉️ Clear your letterbox in a timely manner
✉️ Put a hold on your mail delivery if you’re going away
✉️ Provide clear delivery instructions for couriers to leave a package safely hidden or secured within your property
✉️ Install security cameras and/or security camera messaging near your letterbox or front of property
✉️ Where practical, consider click and collect over delivery
✉️ Send parcels to a work address or ensuring you're home when they arrive
✉️ Contact Police (111 for immediate issues or 105 if it is after the fact) if you see people loitering around vehicles or looking into car windows
✉️ Engage in neighbourhood groups so more people can keep an eye out for suspicious activity
These tips are being shared after a 44-year-old woman will appear in Pukekohe District Court on 28 March charged with theft.
An alleged mail thief in the Pukekohe area has hand-delivered herself into Police, following assistance from the community.
Counties Manukau South Senior Sergeant MJ Riddle says Police were aware of locals discussing a mail theft on social media. A report was made to Police at the time in January and had included enough detail including CCTV footage and a vehicle of interest. Following Police enquiries, the woman has brought herself into the Pukekohe Police Station a few days later.
“This is a great result for the community and a timely reminder to the public to continue reporting any thefts from letterboxes.”
Senior Sergeant Riddle says
“Our community should be able to receive parcels and mail without concern of interference but unfortunately there are people in our communities who take advantage of opportunities to commit thefts from mail boxes and front porches."
“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of dishonesty offending to report it as soon as possible,” she says."
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The Hokitika seawall extension project is to be pushed ahead despite the West Coast Regional Council not having any money yet to build it.
The northern extension to the 2013-built Hokitika Seawall has been in the pipeline for the past two years … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The Hokitika seawall extension project is to be pushed ahead despite the West Coast Regional Council not having any money yet to build it.
The northern extension to the 2013-built Hokitika Seawall has been in the pipeline for the past two years under council's Infrastructure Resilience Group 'shovel ready' programme for the town.
The programme includes the three stage Hokitika River stopbank programme on the southern edge of Hokitika, now at its second stage and awaiting final sign off by KiwiRail.
On Wednesday, the council announced it will drive forward its goal of providing better long-term coastal protection for the Hokitika residential area along the Revell Street-north beachfront.
Council chairperson Peter Haddock said they hope council can win some of the new 'shovel ready' money, set aside in the Coalition Government deal with NZ First, to build the extension.
But a requirement for the new money is the consent application is lodged to ensure no subsequent delay to what are supposed to be 'shovel ready' projects.
Haddock warned council is contesting for an annual pool of about $100m of funding nationwide.
"The priority for the Government will be that the projects are all ready to go because in the past a lot of projects that were 'shovel ready', weren't ready."
Haddock said council has applied knowing it will need to show it has the consent in train to qualify.
"It is in one of the tranches for funding. We have put that up for the Hokitika seawall, however it will depend on priorities around the country."
The new consent application encompassed future sea protection emergency work, a retrospective emergency work provision for the current 2013 seawall, and consent for the proposed extension.
Haddock said the emergency provision would allow council to be more proactive in the face of a future extreme event.
At the same time he expected some pushback from residents in the seawall extension area who stood to lose easy beach access from their properties.
"It will be contentious."
The township, founded in 1864, has a long history of inundation with the sea flooding the CBD within living memory.
Haddock said they hoped to have a formal hearing by about September - dependent on the availability of commissioners.
Council natural hazards analyst Dr Sharon Hornblow said Hokitika's natural hazard exposure is clear as it is built "within a dynamic coastal environment".
"Erosion issues are part of a long-term balance between sediment supply and highly active coastal processes," she said.
In particular the Hokitika shoreline is in a state of "dynamic equilibrium" balancing sediment supply from the river and earthquake induced landslides, with coastal bars and erosion troughs impacted by flood flows and storms.
Hokitika's seismic location between the Alpine Fault and the offshore Cape Foulwind Fault meant vertical land movement, along with sea level rise, is a future consideration, Hornblow said.
Council had decades of coastal erosion monitoring data, with the most recent data from 2021 showing "the potential" for river and storm surge flooding.
"Future projections for the Hokitika shoreline are more frequent severe flood events, coastal storms, future sea level rise from measured temperature increases and ice melt, and further sediment transport as well as coastal erosion," Hornblow said.
Extending and completing a new sea wall presented "a proactive short to medium-term option".
Hornblow said it would potentially help mitigate the ongoing impacts of sea level rise and the increased coastal hazard exposure while council worked towards a longer-term strategy for the area.
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"What I have harvested from that greenhouse this year, that’s the cleanest crop I have ever grown. No whitefly at all. It’s pretty exciting,” says Anthony Tringham, who grows heirloom tomatoes commercially under the brand Curious Croppers, in Clevedon, Auckland
WIN ONE of FIVE $50 Gift Cards - It's only a few clicks away! Simply complete our easy Broadband Survey and unlock your chance to WIN! Start Survey now.
Our recent neighbourly poll revealed some challenges with broadband providers, and we're here to help. The survey will help us get a … View moreWIN ONE of FIVE $50 Gift Cards - It's only a few clicks away! Simply complete our easy Broadband Survey and unlock your chance to WIN! Start Survey now.
Our recent neighbourly poll revealed some challenges with broadband providers, and we're here to help. The survey will help us get a better understanding of your experience with your current broadband provider. Let your voice be heard.
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Have you nominated a small business in your community yet? The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards close this week!
Whether you know a great plumber, supermarket, mechanic, bookstore, hairdresser, gardener, pharmacy, builder, shoe store, cafe or electrician - show some love to a small business and… View moreHave you nominated a small business in your community yet? The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards close this week!
Whether you know a great plumber, supermarket, mechanic, bookstore, hairdresser, gardener, pharmacy, builder, shoe store, cafe or electrician - show some love to a small business and make a nomination today.
You'll not only help drum up some support for them in your community, you could also help them win a $10,000 prize package. Plus if your nomination is a regional finalist you'll win a $100 Prezzy® card too!
The sweetest time of the year is just around the corner, and we’ve put together a great deal that will make it even sweeter.
Bennetto Chocolate has helped us put together an amazing chocolate box that’ll be the perfect addition to an NZ House & Garden subscription this Easter. Simply … View moreThe sweetest time of the year is just around the corner, and we’ve put together a great deal that will make it even sweeter.
Bennetto Chocolate has helped us put together an amazing chocolate box that’ll be the perfect addition to an NZ House & Garden subscription this Easter. Simply purchase a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and the Easter Bunny will deliver you a Bennetto Chocolate Box worth $50 for FREE! T&Cs Apply.
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