Canterbury council leaders support plans to scrap reforms
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's council leaders are supportive of Government plans to scrap a raft of reforms, but are keen to see more details.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the new Government has listened to the concerns of rural councils about the difficulties implementing a range of policies.
"The issues are complex and I look forward to seeing what balance a new approach can bring."
The new Government has announced sweeping changes including the repeal of Resource Management Act and Three Waters reforms, as well as changes to the National Policy Statements on Freshwater and Indigenous Biodiversity.
Dobbie said he would like to see a resource management system which was more accessible, with "good checks and balances to scrutinise more complex matters".
While rural communities like Hurunui have few government services, the district did receive government funding to deliver services, so any funding cuts could have significant impacts.
Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward (pictured) said it was "too early" to determine the impacts of the reversal on reforms.
"It is a fairly difficult economic environment at present and I think the Government recognises the issues being faced by our communities and businesses."
Millward said the council had lobbied for changes to the Three Waters reform.
He hoped the new Government would support "better and more affordable models" being proposed by councils.
Kaikōura District Council acting chief executive Peter Kearney said his council was supportive of the proposed legislative reviews.
"Where there is opportunity for us to proactively approach government for additional funding that will add value to our community we will certainly be seeking to explore those possibilities.
"At this stage there is still much for the new government to work through and we remain optimistic the detail will provide a constructive and pragmatic way forward."
The coalition Government has agreed to review the National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity, while the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater will be replaced.
Work on the new Significant Natural Areas, which aims to give greater protection to important native habitats, will be stopped.
New resource management legislation will focus on property rights as a guiding principle.
The new medium density residential standards, which was introduced as a joint Labour and National initiative, will now be optional for high growth councils such as Waimakariri.
The changes would be accompanied by ACT's plan to share a portion of GST from new builds with councils
New Zealand First has also secured a $1.2 billion regional infrastructure fund.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
-
72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
16.2% Hmm, maybe?
-
11.1% Yes!
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
-
90.1% Yes
-
9.9% No
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Loading…
