Atkinson confirmed as Waimakariri Deputy Mayor
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Neville Atkinson has been re-appointed as Waimakariri deputy mayor.
Mayor Dan Gordon says he had no hesitation in asking Atkinson to do a second term.
‘‘He was my choice after the last election and he has been a loyal and hard working deputy mayor, and he provides exceptional support to myself and to the council.
‘‘There is no other choice for me.’’
Atkinson’s appointment was confirmed on Thursday, October 27, following the swearing in of councillors for the new term.
‘‘It is quite a thrill to be back and I am enthusiastic for another three years. The comments around the table yesterday were very supportive.
‘‘Support from your community is fantastic, but support from your peers is something else.’’
He says the next three years are sure to be a busy time with reform coming from central government, particularly around the future of local democracy.
‘‘It needs fundamental change in the funding model and I believe that has to come from the tax dollar.
‘‘It is fine to send more our way, but if there is no tax dollars with it where does it go?’’
Joining Gordon and Atkinson around the council table were newcomers Jason Goldsworthy, Brent Cairns and Tim Fulton.
Returning councillors Philip Redmond, Al Blackie, Niki Mealings, Joan Ward, Paul Williams and Robbie Brine were also sworn in.
Gordon says he has met with all 10 councillors since the October 8 election and plans to confirm portfolio and committee appointments at the first ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, November 8
‘‘There will be some tweaks and improvements, but there are no major changes.
‘‘With three new councillors there was always going to be a bit of change around the table, so it is about trying to get the right mix.’’
Drainage will be a separate portfolio, while Gordon will take the lead on a new government reform portfolio.
‘‘We have Three Waters, Resource Management Act, the future of local government and other changes we are dealing with, so it is important we have a strong voice,’’ he says.
* Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
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Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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47.2% Yes - we like to be prepared
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41.7% Nah
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11.1% This is on my to-do list!
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