Mayor Kirton Calls For Council To Support Largest Possible Water Services Partnership To Minimise Future Water Rates
Mayor Kirton said that while some residents attending recent public meetings continued to advocate for a standalone model Council had already resolved that standalone options are not financially viable for Ruapehu.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is urging Council to support joining the largest possible water services partnership with Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Rangitīkei – and hopefully Whanganui – to secure the lowest cost water services for Ruapehu water customers.
Mayor Kirton said that while some residents attending recent public meetings continued to advocate for a standalone model Council had already resolved that standalone options are not financially viable for Ruapehu.
'I listened carefully to those calling for Council to go it alone,' said Mayor Kirton.
'But I do not believe people promoting this view fully appreciate the scale of water rates and set-up costs that would result – increases that would be simply unaffordable for most Ruapehu ratepayers, and something I am not prepared to support.'
Financial modelling has estimated that adopting a standalone model would see water users paying a massive $3,955 in annual water charges with an in-house Business Unit or $3,543 for a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) model on top of other rates.
This compares to an annual water charge of $1,611 for a four-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) or $1,483 if Whanganui joins based on Palmerston North's calculations.
Joining the larger WS-CCO would see water customers would save $2,344 with a four-council WS-CCO model or $2,472 with the five-council model in the first year alone.
In addition, the rates increase required for 2025/26 would need to rise significantly from the currently forecast 9% to cover the set-up costs associated with an inhouse standalone model.
'These levels of increase are not only unaffordable – they're unnecessary,' said Mayor Kirton.
Mayor Kirton stressed that the Government has made it clear that councils must work together, especially rural and smaller councils, and that all Water Services Delivery Plans must meet the new regulatory and financing standards.
'Besides the financial risk, if our plan doesn't meet Government requirements, a Commissioner will be appointed to rewrite it – removing Council from the process altogether.
The Minister has written to councils reinforcing the need to collaborate regionally. Ignoring that guidance is not a real option – we don't set the timeframes or rules, but we must operate within them.'
He acknowledged concerns around the loss of local voice, jobs, or control over catchment areas but said robust safeguards are in place.
'There will be protections for local input and identity through legislation, regulatory oversight, a commitment to one vote per council, and a Statement of Expectations to reflect Ruapehu's needs.
It should be noted that the Regulator will decide on water standards and when work needs to be done while the Commerce Commission will determine water costs removing these issues from Council control whatever model we end up with.
We will retain ownership of our assets, and because of our geography and response needs, we'll continue to require a locally based workforce.
Mayor Kirton said joining the larger WS-CCO will provide access to greater scale, financial resilience, lower long-term costs, and protect Ruapehu's ability to sustainably deliver compliant water services into the future.
'The largest possible WS-CCO is the right long-term choice for our district. It offers strategic and financial advantages that cannot be matched by any standalone or smaller-scale approach.
I'm calling on Council to show strong leadership and support the model that gives our communities the best outcomes at the most affordable cost.'
Council is scheduled to decide on its preferred water services delivery model on 25 June, ahead of submitting a formal Water Services Delivery Plan to the Government by 3 September 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Spending slumps 22% on Auckland's K Rd, businesses pin hopes on City Rail Link opening next year
Some weeks, the octogenarian hasn't made enough to pay her rent to the Methodist Church, which owns her building. She's scraping by on income from properties she bought during better times, but predicts business will pick up 'after the doom and gloom of winter'. Helen McIntyre outside her shop Buana Satu on K Rd. Photo / Jason Dorday The numbers paint a stark picture. Council data shows card spending on K Rd dropped 22.5% between April/May 2024 and the same period this year. The Karangahape Rd Business Association reports slightly better figures – down 16% in some months, and 9.3% for the year to June. Either way, the figures are bleak. McIntyre blames not just the economy, but also years of the street being dug up from construction projects, the removal of car parks and a rise in anti-social behaviour. The disruption started with the $30 million 'Karangahape Rd Enhancement' project, which took several years and included a cycleway and rainbow-coloured overbridge; there has been the furore over removing car parks in late 2023, and Project K to upgrade streets around the City Rail Link. 'We've got I don't know how many bus stops, but hardly any parking,' McIntyre says. 'People want to come here, grab a bite, do some shopping, not pay $20 to $30 to park.' She points to Wilson's parking on nearby Cross St. 'It's awful and expensive. People just go somewhere else.' Still, she insists K Rd remains a 'good little community', even if most businesses are struggling. Not every business is struggling, however. At Paperbag Princess, a recycled clothing store, manager Chloe Bailey says some Saturdays are 'a sensory nightmare' thanks to the crowds. 'On a good day, the store is packed,' she says. Most items are priced between $18 and $20, but even that can be a stretch for some customers. Paperbag Princess staff Chloe Bailey and Ruben Cirilovic say that on a good day, the recycled clothes shop is packed. Photo / Jason Dorday 'People don't have the luxury of money or time,' adds her colleague Ruben Cirilovic, saying the new Western Express bus service hasn't brought the foot traffic many hoped for. Jamey Holloway, general manager of the K Rd Business Association, is the street's unofficial cheerleader. He disputes the council's city centre data figures showing a 22.5% drop in card spending over the past year from data by Marketview, which tracks consumer spending for the council and the business association. According to Marketview data for the business association, the drop in spending was more modest in May and June – down 7% and 9.3% respectively compared to the same months last year. Parnell and Ponsonby had similar declines in June, Holloway says. Council data paints a broader picture, showing a 6.6% fall in card spending across six central precincts between April and May this year, compared to the same period in 2024. Karangahape led the downturn with a 22% drop, followed by Wynyard Quarter at 10.8% - a figure likely influenced by the closure of the key pedestrian bridge during much of that time. A council spokeswoman noted that the business association's data covered a wider area and included 50 more stores, many of which outperformed those common to both datasets. The difference in coverage, she says, helps explain the variation in reported figures. Holloway noted that K Rd's spending data doesn't capture large non-card transactions, like buying a vehicle or a painting from one of the many art galleries along K Rd. The area also lacks grocery and petrol spending, which props up figures in other parts of the city. Business is tough along K Rd. Photo / Jason Dorday The biggest discrepancies, he says, were last winter when interest rates started to bite, and there were months when spending was down 16% – 'slowly we are clawing back'. Holloway says one sector where people are spending less money is restaurants, a view shared by the council's economic development office head, Pam Ford, quoting figures showing hospitality spending – covering cafes, bars and restaurants – has taken a notable hit. Between July and December last year, Karangahape had a 20.7% drop in this category, compared to a 6.8% decline across the wider city centre, she said. In August last year, popular Peruvian restaurant Madame George announced its closure, citing the economic downturn making it 'impossible' to continue. Bar Celeste, on Viva's list of Top 60 Restaurants in Auckland, closed in June this year; and last month, Candela announced it was closing at the end of August and being replaced by the second Auckland outpost of Benny's American Burger. Candela was crowned Supreme Winner of Viva's Top 50 Auckland Restaurants in 2022. Bar Celeste closed in June this year. Photo / Babiche Martens The narrow K Rd restaurant Flor closed a year ago. Herald food critic Kim Knight called it a wondrous restaurant, where everything the chefs touch turns to gold. 'Please let this be for keeps because I want to eat here again and again and again,' she wrote in March last year. A few months later, it was closed. Owner Dan Gillett blames a big downturn in business, saying Flor was busy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, but not the rest of the week. Gillett has also closed a wine shop focused on organic, biodynamic and natural wines after finding customers were opting to buy online and choosing delivery instead of shopping in the store on K Rd. The physical business was not viable, says Gillett, whose business is now entirely online. As for the reported 22.5% drop in spending on the strip, Gillett doesn't dispute it. 'It's probably fair, maybe even an understatement. 'Three to five years ago, K Rd was cool and vibrant. Amazing restaurants were opening,' he says, recalling (Herald restaurant critic) Jesse Mulligan writing that K Rd was becoming the city's best dining destination. These days, Gillett says, visiting K Rd is 'a pain in the arse', pointing the finger at the new street layout, which he believes has attracted 'drunks, druggies and rough sleepers'. K Rd Business Association general manager Jamey Holloway says the City Rail Link will be transformative for the famous street. Photo / Jason Dorday Asked about anti-social behaviour on K Rd, Holloway says the street has always had a spicy reputation, but safety remains a recurring concern. Last year, concerns over crime and safety bubbled to the surface, prompting locals to raise the issue directly with Police Minister Mark Mitchell. At the heart of the unease was a newly opened City Mission-run facility on Day St, housing 60 residents, half of whom were considered high-needs. Over the past year, the City Mission, which has around-the-clock security and a support worker at the Day St facility, said it had continued to work with the K Rd community on issues that arise, and the police were not aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour. While the initial turbulence around the facility has since calmed, according to Holloway, new challenges have emerged. The removal of emergency housing across the city has led to a visible rise in rough sleeping, with about 10 people now living on the street in the K Rd area. 'It brings challenges,' he says. Property owner Muy Chhour remains unconvinced that the area has fully turned a corner. She believes more needs to be done to make visitors feel safe and is calling for a reduction in the proportion of high-needs residents at the Day St facility – from 50% to 20%. Chhour, whose father established an Asian supermarket on K Rd and owns the landmark Rendells Building, is not surprised that spending is down 22%, a view echoed by St Pierres Sushi marketing director Nick Katsoulis and Hemp Store manager Chris Fowlie. Katsoulis, part-owner of the nationwide chain of St Pierres Sushi stores, says: 'Many offices seem to have vacated the K Rd area, and the combination of roadworks and gradual reduction in parking availability has likely been the main reason for the decline.' It's been a bleak winter on K Rd. Photo / Jason Dorday Fowlie says the 22% drop in card spending feels about right, saying the night economy is doing quite well, but the day economy is struggling. Still, Fowlie sees a silver lining. 'K Rd isn't completely screwed,' he says. It's unique, it gets compliments, and events still happen. But perceptions matter. People think it's hard to get here, and everyone is struggling." He likes the improvements along K Rd – wider footpaths, the cycleway, greenery and shrubs - but says parking is a big issue, and he's frustrated by the slow pace of work, including the year-long construction on a 50m stretch of Mercury Lane that's 'not anywhere near finished'. 'I'm not sure what the magic wand is,' admits the store manager, who believes the street needs a serious rethink to become a destination rather than just a thoroughfare. Right now, K Rd risks becoming a place people rush through, rather than linger in. Fowlie is concerned that the area's role as a major bus and transport corridor could shape its identity in an unintended way. 'One of the risks of being a bus corridor and transport route is that you end up with a few convenience stores around the station entrances. 'Public transport centres around the world are not renowned for being particularly nice. They are usually pretty depressed and crappy and full of rubbish and down-and-out people. We have to have a serious think, so we don't end up like that around the CRL stations.' Fowlie says businesses are clinging to the hope that the CRL will bring a wave of revitalisation. But he also warns that the rail link's arrival will trigger fresh development, and with it, more years of construction and disruption. Hemp Store manager Chris Fowlie. Photo / Jason Dorday Holloway says Fowlie is not wrong about post-CRL development, but hopes the new construction will be in chunks that are easier to chew. After years of disruption and delays to the CRL – now pushed back from its original 2024 opening to mid-2026 – K Rd businesses are bracing for yet another challenging year. 'It'll feel like another round in a boxing match,' Holloway says. Adding to the pressure is the persistent sight of empty storefronts. 'There are 23 shops up for lease,' Holloway notes, a figure that mirrors 2022 levels, and a source of sleepless nights in the battle to restore vibrancy. In anticipation of the CRL, new businesses are moving in: Toa Architects, bars A Space and Frog; Mexican restaurant Sagrado Cantina, and art galleries Coastal Signs and Charles Ninow. And yesterday, it was announced that a $100 million, 11-storey timber office building near the Ponsonby Rd end of K Rd would go ahead after an agreement was reached between the developers and the council. Independent planning commissioners had previously rejected the plans. 'The CRL is going to be transformative,' Holloway says. 'It's the point at which Pinocchio becomes a real boy and Auckland becomes a real city.' Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Luxon to tell National faithful 'we're turning the corner'
National leader Christopher Luxon. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro National Party members are gathering in Christchurch to cap off a week in which MPs attempted to steer public minds back towards the government's cost of living policies. Members will also farewell a party stalwart, with former president Peter Goodfellow retiring from National's board of directors. While leader Christopher Luxon will be speaking to the converted, he will be acutely aware the cost of living has become front of mind . Earlier this week, he was asked what his message to the party faithful would be. "Look, they know it's been a tough time, they know that we're turning the corner," Luxon said. "But really ... this country's got great potential and a great future ahead of it, and we've just got to keep working at it." National's deputy leader, Nicola Willis, said the conference would be focused on the steps the government was taking to make the country "an easier, better place to do business, to hire people, to create well paying jobs". "It is our job as a government not to moan about the things we can't control, but to focus on how we can make things better here in New Zealand, and we're very proud of the efforts we're making," she said. It is a stark contrast to this time last year, where Luxon's message ahead of the first conference since National returned to government was its focus on action and delivery . It shows just how much the cost of living crisis is lingering, and National has spent the week attempting to convince the public it has got it under control. With no announcement to make at this week's post-Cabinet press conference (bar the card surcharge ban, which had already been announced), Luxon and Willis gave a more than 10-minute address about the economy and cost of living, and actions the government had taken. "The most important thing we can do to make you better off is to double-down on our long-term economic plan," Luxon said. Willis used her speech to remind people of National's tax changes, FamilyBoost policy and a falling Official Cash Rate. It prompted Labour to accuse the government of "more spin than a front-load washing machine" . The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor has Labour in front of National as the party New Zealanders consider most able to handle the cost of living, despite releasing no substantive policy since the election. In 2023, National won 38.06 percent of the party vote, but since then has failed to poll above that. Recent polls have had National in the low thirties, with some showing the left bloc would have enough numbers to form a government. Other polls give the coalition the numbers to form a government, but only just. National party ministers will hold panels on health, education, law and order, agriculture, and the economy and cost of living. Members will also elect board positions. Long-serving board member and former party president Peter Goodfellow will be retiring from the board. Goodfellow was president from 2009 to 2022 before stepping down but remaining on the board. ANZCO Foods founder Sir Graeme Harrison, who joined the National board in 2021, has also decided to retire. Current board member Rachel Bird is up for re-election. Under National's constitution and rules, board members serve three years and then retire. They can then be eligible for re-election. Craig Carr, Andrew von Dadelszen and Edgar Wilson have also put their names forward for the vacancies. Party president Sylvia Wood and board members Jannita Pilisi, Stefan Sunde and David Ryan are not up for re-election, and so will remain on the board. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
James Gough Retires After 15 Years As Christchurch City Councillor
Press Release – James Gough Come October, I will have served 15 years on Council. Ive worked alongside three mayors, four chief executives, and numerous elected members to help navigate our citys rebuild and transformation. Thanks, Christchurch – it's been a pleasure. I'd like you to be one of the first to know that I won't be seeking re-election as a City Councillor in the 2025 local body elections. Serving our city as the councillor for the Fendalton Ward has been one of the great privileges of my life. Stepping down on your own terms is a luxury not all councillors are afforded, and while it's impossible to please everyone in this role, I hope to leave with more friends than foes. If I've made a meaningful difference to Christchurch, then every moment's been worth it. My journey began on the community board in 2007, before being elected to Council in 2010 – just four months before the devastating Canterbury earthquake. Those few moments on 22 February 2011 changed our city forever. I stood for Council wanting to help shape Christchurch's future. For the next five terms, I've had the honour of doing just that. Come October, I will have served 15 years on Council. I've worked alongside three mayors, four chief executives, and numerous elected members to help navigate our city's rebuild and transformation. It's been an extraordinary journey, and I'm proud to have played a part in Christchurch's story during a defining chapter. Throughout that time, I've maintained active links to the private sector through governance, investment, and advisory roles. While Council has always been my core role, those experiences broadened my perspective and allowed me to bring commercially grounded insights to the table – especially in places where simply increasing rates was never an option. I've valued the opportunity to work through complex challenges with a pragmatic, outcomes-driven mindset. There have been wins and losses along the way, but I believe I got more right than wrong. One thing I've come to deeply appreciate is that a city without a strong and vibrant heart is a city without a soul. 'Donut cities' don't work, and much of my energy has gone into ensuring our central city thrives. That's been a key focus in my roles as Chair of the Development Forum and, more recently, as Central City Revitalisation portfolio lead. I've always prioritised tangible, deliverable outcomes over virtue signalling. For me, it's always been about people. My approach has been to apply a business lens with a people focus – delivering what matters most for the residents of the city I love. I'm proud to have played a role in many initiatives, including the Development Contributions Rebate Scheme for inner-city housing, the Barrier Sites Policy ('Dirty 30'), securing a 30,000-seat capacity for the new stadium, the Cost Share Agreement, the global insurance settlement, Hagley Oval, the Old Municipal Chambers reinstatement, Urban Polo, Electric Avenue, and the restoration of Mona Vale Homestead. I've also valued the smaller local wins, like the Bishopdale Library rebuild, the Hartley Avenue Overbridge repairs, the Garden Road bridge rebuilds, the restoration of the 'Bath House' at Mona Vale, the 'Serenade' sculpture in Fendalton Park, or even down to the right-turn arrow at Harper Avenue. Christchurch is, hands down, the best city in the world. A Goldilocks city that's 'just right.' Our people are remarkable, our natural environment is a gift, and our city is big enough to matter yet small enough to stay connected and try new things. I feel incredibly fortunate to call it home. The time feels right for the next chapter. Family has always been my foundation. My wife and I have three wonderful young children who remind me daily why I do what I do. They continue to shape my priorities as I transition into contributing from a different vantage point in the private sector. What I've enjoyed most at Council is working constructively to solve problems, applying a commercial mindset to move the dial on what matters. I've tried to bring to Council how I try to live my life: to do good and leave things in a better place than I found them. I've never been driven by the politics and have always felt comfortable working across political lines. While I've found less joy in increasingly ideological environments where common sense gives way to dogma, I'm energised by working with capable, outcome-focused people to add value. That's where I believe I can contribute best, and that's the path I'm following. I've been fortunate to contribute across both public and private sectors, with governance roles at Gough Group, Christchurch City Holdings, Countrywide Residential, Canterbury Development Corporation, Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals, the Canterbury District Health Board, and as Chair of Venues Ōtautahi. I currently serve as an independent director of Canterbury Rugby and Te Rūnanga o Waihao Holdings, and Chair of Civic Building Ltd – a joint venture with Ngāi Tahu Property. I'm also a director of The Terrace and Transwaste, and an independent advisor for Development West Coast. Being recognised as a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors in 2022 was an honour, but what I value most is the depth of insight these roles have offered, especially in commercial strategy, corporate finance, and long-term decision-making across sectors such as property, infrastructure, investment, economic development, health, and sport. It's work I find professionally and personally fulfilling, especially when it leads to outcomes that benefit others. While I'm stepping away from Council, my commitment to Christchurch remains constant. I'll be dedicating myself full-time to property and governance, and I'm excited to take on the role of Executive Director at The Terrace – a company I've served as a director since 2021, working alongside my uncle, Antony Gough, who founded the development. Antony and I have always been close, and I previously worked with him at Hereford Holdings before entering Council. I have huge admiration for what he's achieved, not just commercially, but in helping shape a post-quake Christchurch that is bolder, better, and more connected than what came before. At 76, he's earned the right to enjoy more holidays and ease off the daily pressure. I want to acknowledge Antony's extraordinary vision, drive, and contribution, not only to The Terrace and the property sector, but to Christchurch. I've learned a great deal from him, and admire his relentless optimism, practical wisdom, and commitment to investing for the future. I'll bring my own style – though likely not as brightly dressed – to build on that legacy. Although my focus is shifting, my love for our community isn't. I intend to stay connected at a grassroots level by standing for the Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board this October. I'll be running alongside Bridget Williams for Community Board, and David Cartwright – a well-respected and experienced former Chair and Deputy Chair of the Community Board – who will be standing for the Fendalton Ward Council seat under the Independent Citizens banner. If elected, the ward will be in capable hands. David brings stability, a strong understanding of local government and business, and a deep connection to our community. I also want to acknowledge Mayor Phil Mauger and my fellow councillors. It's been a privilege to serve alongside passionate and dedicated people who care deeply about our city. Mayor Phil has been a breath of fresh air – grounded, generous, and someone who genuinely wants Christchurch to thrive. I've especially appreciated his common-sense approach and good humour, even in challenging moments. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Phil and wish him every success ahead. Christchurch is my home, and my passion for our city will never change. Above all, thank you for your trust, support and encouragement over the years. It's been a truly rewarding journey, and I look forward to contributing in new and meaningful ways in the years ahead. Here's to new challenges, fresh opportunities – and a bit more time with family and friends.
