Waimakariri mayor plans to ensure local voices are heard

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.

Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along with mayors, council chief executives and Ministry for the Environment officials.

The steering group will advise the government on the Natural and Built Environments Bill, the Spatial Planning Bill and the Climate Adaptation Bill, which were set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).

‘‘We will be working to make sure local government’s and our communities’ voices are heard and understood.’’

Gordon has already raised concerns with Environment Minister David Parker during last year’s Local Government Conference around the ability of developers to make private plan change requests while a council is in the process of reviewing its District Plan.

The question came to light after a private plan change request was lodged by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.

The request sought to develop a new sub-division at Ohoka, while the council was still completing its Waimakariri District Plan review.

Gordon asked if there could be a moratorium placed on private plan change requests.

"I have heard back from the Minister’s office, and it is being considered as part of the RMA reforms."

He said he would raise the question again through the Ministerial Advisory Group.

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