Westland District’s civil defence spending questioned
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A new civil defence centre to be built by the Westland District Council at the Hokitika Airport has raised questions about who will pay.
The West Coast Regional Council is charged with co-ordinating and funding the regional Civil Defence and Emergency Management function for the entire West Coast.
Each of the three district councils also retain their own civil defence functions with staff, but are co-ordinated under the umbrella of the wider regional CDEM group during a natural disaster.
The fact that Westland was planning to build an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Hokitika was raised by councillor Peter Ewen on September 12, and previously at the August meeting.
"I've never seen any paper come across this table," he said in reference to it.
Chairperson Peter Haddock said the matter was aired at a recent West Coast mayors and chairs forum and Westland had provided some clarity.
"Westland District Council are proposing that they build their own building up there - that they will be funding.
"It's something they're doing on their own bat but it was confirmed ... that they will not be using it as the main centre for the West Coast," Haddock said.
Chief executive Darryl Lew said the West Coast Emergency Control Centre remained in Greymouth.
But each of the districts were planning some form of EOC.
"There will be no call on this council's budget for the civil defence line on that," he said.
Ewen said as long as that cost fact was formalised he would be happy. He noted the prior experience of the regional council being billed by the district council for a share of the new Hokitika beach access cost, based on a verbal agreement.
"I'm reminded of the beach ramp problem. There needs to be paper work on that," Ewen said.
The regional council received an invoice from the district council for a share of the $90,000 plus cost of reinstating access to the Hokitika Beach.
It refused to pay when it emerged the bill was the result of a 'gentlemen's agreement' between staff on both sides, but with no formal documentation.
West Coast CDEM group manager Claire Brown recently said the move by Westland was strategic and would enable a physical separation between the business as usual functions at council's central Hokitika chambers and its civil defence function.
The move to establish a 'bricks and mortar' emergency operations centre near the Hokitika Airport was also regionally strategic.
Brown said it was a substantial piece of work but necessary in view of the "larger picture" overshadowing the region - namely an Alpine Fault rupture - and necessary to provide wider strategic resources for the region not just fixed to one location.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.1% Yes
-
46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
Loading…
