Audit Office gives 'Adverse opinion' to District Council proposed LTP
11 April, 2023
Audit Office: Assumptions of proposed amendments to Horowhenua District's 20 Year Long Term Plan "not reasonable or supportable"
"Credibility" questioned
Long Term Plan, "does not provide an effective basis for public participation"
Final verdict: "Adverse opinion"
Audit Office gives "adverse opinion" on information contained in Horowhenua District Council's 20 year Long Term Plan (LTP) Amendments Consultation document.
The report included in a copy of the draft LTP said:
"The consultation document does not provide an effective basis for public participation in the Council’s decisions about the proposed amendment to its 2021-41 LTP.
"This is because the assumptions underlying the information in the consultation document are not reasonable or supportable.
"The Council is assuming that it will retain ownership of three waters infrastructure assets and remain responsible for the service delivery of three waters services for the next 20 years.
"The Council has not amended its assumptions that underpin the information on three waters infrastructure assets in the consultation document.
"The assumptions are therefore not reasonable or supportable, which affects the credibility of the proposed LTP amendment.
We did not determine the effect of the reform on the proposed amendment, because it was impracticable for us to do so," said the report author on behalf of Audit New Zealand.
Three waters refers to water, stormwater and waste-water services which are expected to be managed by four new publicly owned entities from 1 July 2024, replacing the services managed by Council.
Legislation to establish the four new publicly owned entities - the Water Services Entities Act 2022 (the WSEA) was passed by Parliament on 14 December 2022.
Council's chief executive Monique Davidson is reported to have said, "The right thing is what do we think the cost of Three Waters would look like if we were to retain the responsibility of it."
That sounds more like wishful thinking. But perhaps the Council that adopted the proposed 20 year plan for Consultation despite the Audit Office findings and Council's chief executive Monique Davidson knows more than the rest of us what the political landscape is going to look like after the general election. Either way wishful thinking is probably not the best basis to be making 20 Year financial forecasts on.
Link to additional coverage by Stuff: www.stuff.co.nz...
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.9% Yes
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22.2% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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