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NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Bigger may be better: Late advice shake-up forces councils to rethink water reform plans
At a meeting on Thursday, Rangitīkei District Council confirmed its preference to establish a multi-council water services council-controlled organisation (WS-CCO) under the Government's Local Water Done Well reforms. The three-council proposal remains on the table, but Rangitīkei unanimously resolved to progress 'newly ignited conversations' with Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council. The surprise move comes after new guidelines from the Department of Internal Affairs, the Local Government Funding Agency, and the Commerce Commission on achieving economy of scale and financial sustainability requirements. Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson said the Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and Whanganui councils were newly approached in early May about collaborating with the Palmerston North and Horowhenua councils to form a larger entity. A key element of the new guidance was that a WS-CCO servicing 50,000 connections would achieve the greatest cost efficiencies for bill payers. 'The understanding that 50,000 connections would unlock greater savings for all those involved has absolutely contributed to other councils re-entering discussions about a wider model,' Watson said. A three-council entity with Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, and Whanganui councils would service about 31,000 connections. Rangitīkei consulted with residents in March on three models for the future of water services delivery: A multi-CCO with Whanganui and Ruapehu district councils (the preferred model). Keeping the status quo of in-house delivery. A multi-CCO with as many councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible. At the time, the third option was not viable because other councils had indicated they preferred alternative models. Following the latest advice, talks have reopened on a wider regional approach. Rangitīkei was now awaiting the decisions of its potential partners, Watson said. Staff would finalise the water services delivery plan by September 3. 'We will inform Rangitīkei residents as soon as the final grouping of councils is clear,' Watson said. 'This is one of the biggest decisions councils will make for their communities in decades.' A decision in Whanganui was deferred on Tuesday to an extraordinary council meeting in early July. Mayor Andrew Tripe said four viable delivery options remained on the table: a multi-CCO with Ruapehu and Rangitīkei, a Whanganui District Council CCO, a multi-CCO with as many councils as possible, and an in-house business unit. Most community feedback showed residents felt Whanganui had invested well in its water assets and did not want to 'cross-subsidise' other councils. 'However, we are looking at a joint council proposal which could include a non-harmonised model, ring-fencing costs for each council but giving the benefits of scale – otherwise known as local pricing.' The council was continuing to back a three-council model as the best level of scale to achieve cost benefits, but Tripe said the possibility of achieving 'greater scale' would be investigated. Under local pricing, residents within each district would be charged on the same basis as currently, but any savings were shared. Advertise with NZME. 'All three councils' customers in this case benefit from these savings, while paying costs that relate only to the delivery of services in their district. So customers pay less than they would have if councils were to go on their own.' The cost benefits could be around $18,000 per Whanganui connection over 30 years, or $588 a year. 'Local pricing may also offer further savings to Whanganui if there is a greater scale, something which requires further investigation.' Tripe said councils took their preferred options to consultation before the new guidelines were received. 'It is pertinent that we consider them now, as considerations such as public liability and ring-fencing of assets, even with an in-house model, do come at a cost. 'The adoption of a water services delivery plan for our district is one of the most significant changes to local government in decades. 'It is vital that we do not rush this process.' On Wednesday, Ruapehu district councillors decided to ditch a standalone option in favour of the three-council CCO and investigating a wider regional entity to reach the 50,000-connection threshold. The decision brings potential collaboration with Waikato back to the table. The Ruapehu council will engage with its community on the new information and options available. No new preferred option will be offered. The council will meet on June 25 to make a final decision.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Bigger May Be Better: Late Advice Shake-Up Forces Councils To Re-Think Water Reform Plans
Plans for the future of water services in the Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Ruapehu districts are in disarray after late advice from government agencies. The district's three councils have been weighing options for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater reform after identifying and consulting on a joint water services entity as their preferred model. But the eleventh-hour advice is shaking up proposals by smaller councils to continue providing standalone services or with small clusters of neighbours in joint models. In the central districts, councils are scrambling to re-open talks on forming bigger regional collectives. At a meeting on Thursday, Rangitīkei District Council confirmed its preference to establish a multi-council water services council-controlled organisation (WS-CCO) under the Government's Local Water Done Well reforms. The three-council proposal remains on the table, but Rangitīkei unanimously resolved to progress 'newly ignited conversations' with Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council. The surprise move comes after new guidelines from the Department of Internal Affairs, the Local Government Funding Agency and the Commerce Commission on achieving economy of scale and financial sustainability requirements. Rangitīkei mayor Andy Watson said the Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, and Whanganui councils were newly approached in early May about collaborating with the Palmerston North and Horowhenua councils to form a larger entity. A key element of the new guidance was that a WS-CCO servicing 50,000 connections would achieve the greatest cost efficiencies for bill payers. 'The understanding that 50,000 connections would unlock greater savings for all those involved has absolutely contributed to other councils re-entering discussions about a wider model,' Watson said. A three-council entity with Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and Whanganui councils would service about 31,000 connections. Rangitīkei consulted with residents in March on three models for the future of water services delivery: • A multi-CCO with Whanganui and Ruapehu district councils (the preferred model). • Keeping the status quo – in-house delivery. • A multi-CCO with as many councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible. At the time, the third option was not viable because other councils had indicated they preferred alternative models. Following the latest advice, talks have re-opened on a wider regional approach. Rangitīkei was now awaiting the decisions of its potential partners, Watson said. Staff would finalise the Water Services Delivery Plan by September 3. 'We will inform Rangitīkei residents as soon as the final grouping of councils is clear,' Watson said. 'This is one of the biggest decisions councils will make for their communities in decades.' A decision in Whanganui was deferred on Tuesday to an extraordinary council meeting in early July. Mayor Andrew Tripe said four viable delivery options remained on the table: a multi-CCO with Ruapehu and Rangitīkei, a Whanganui District Council CCO, a multi-CCO with as many councils as possible, and an in-house business unit. Most community feedback showed residents felt Whanganui had invested well in its water assets and did not want to 'cross-subsidise' other councils. 'However, we are looking at a joint council proposal which could include a non-harmonised model, ring-fencing costs for each council but giving the benefits of scale – otherwise known as Local Pricing.' The council was continuing to back a three-council model as the best level of scale to achieve cost benefits, but Tripe said the possibility of achieving 'greater scale' would be investigated. Under Local Pricing, residents within each district would be charged on the same basis as currently, but any savings were shared. 'All three councils' customers in this case benefit from these savings, while paying costs that relate only to the delivery of services in their district. So customers pay less than they would have if councils were to go on their own.' The cost benefits could be around $18,000 per Whanganui connection over 30 years, or $588 a year. 'Local Pricing may also offer further savings to Whanganui if there is a greater scale, something which requires further investigation." Tripe said councils took their preferred options to consultation before the new guidelines were received. 'It is pertinent that we consider them now, as considerations such as public liability and ring-fencing of assets, even with an in-house model, do come at a cost. 'The adoption of a water services delivery plan for our district is one of the most significant changes to local government in decades,' Tripe said. 'It is vital that we do not rush this process.' On Wednesday, Ruapehu district councillors decided to ditch a standalone option in favour of the three-council CCO and investigating a wider regional entity to reach the 50,000-connection threshold. The decision brings potential collaboration with Waikato back to the table. The Ruapehu council will engage with its community on the new information and options available. No new preferred option will be offered. The council will meet on 25 June to make a final decision.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rangitīkei District Council Confirms Collaborative Approach To Water Reforms
At the Council meeting held Thursday 22 May 2025, Rangitīkei District Council cemented its desire to work collaboratively with neighbouring councils to establish a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation. It unanimously resolved to progress newly ignited conversations with Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council, alongside Whanganui and Ruapehu District Councils - should they choose to. Rangitīkei District Council consulted with residents in March on three models for the future of water services delivery in Rangitīkei, as required by Local Water Done Well. Model 1: A Multi Council-Controlled Organisation with Whanganui District Council and Ruapehu District Council (Council's preferred model). Model 2: Keep the status quo – inhouse delivery. Model 3: A Multi Council-Controlled Organisation with as many Councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible. At the time of consultation, Model 3 - the development of a Council-Controlled Organisation with as many Councils in the Manawatū-Whanganui region as possible, was not viable. This was because other Councils had indicated a preference for alternative models. In early May 2025, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, and Whanganui District Councils were approached about collaborating with Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council to form a larger entity. 'We have received new guidance from the Department of Internal Affairs, the Local Government Funding Agency, and the Commerce Commission on the role each will play in the regulation of Local Water Done Well, and how Councils can best achieve economies of scale in a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation,' says Rangitīkei Mayor, Andy Watson. A key element of this guidance is that a Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation servicing 50,000 connections would achieve the greatest cost efficiencies for bill payers. 'The understanding that 50,000 connections would unlock greater savings for all those involved has absolutely contributed to other councils re-entering discussions about a wider model,' says Mayor Andy. In the meeting, Mayor Andy extended an apology to Rangitīkei residents that the consultation document presented was not as comprehensive as Council would have liked; 'Government timelines are tight. Councils across New Zealand have had to consult with their communities without a full picture of what Local Water Done Well will look like, and certainty around how it will be implemented.' Of the 90 submissions received during public consultation, feedback was largely supportive of Council's preference to collaborate. Feedback also indicated Council's preferred model at the time - a smaller entity with Ruapehu and Whanganui District Councils (servicing approximately 31,000 connections) - would ensure local voice was balanced alongside the desire to decrease cost. There was concern from some submitters that an organisation too big would silence the Rangitīkei voice. Deputy Mayor and Central Ward Councillor, Dave Wilson, addressed these concerns directly, Deputy Mayor and Central Ward Councillor, Dave Wilson, addressed these concerns directly, assuring Rangitīkei residents that local voice will be prioritised in the governance structure of any future entity. 'Local voice remains central and will be prioritised. I understand and appreciate the concerns shared by our communities; however, I am also confident Rangitīkei voice will be protected in a larger Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation because that is the desire of Rangitīkei District Council,' said Councillor Wilson. Rangitīkei District Council will look to ensure that the constitution of the new Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation identifies key issues where agreement among the councils is required. In addition, Council accepted the preference expressed by Rangitīkei rural water supply schemes to not be transferred to the new entity. Partnership with iwi was also top of mind. Rangitīkei District Council resolved to continue working with Rangitīkei iwi and hapū on how best to combine their responsibilities as kaitiaki of the water ways and land with the councils' responsibilities for a safe and efficient provision of water services. The strong working relationship Rangitīkei District Council has with its neighbours was seen by Councillors and staff as a real strength of its strong negotiating position. Rangitīkei District Council Chief Executive, Carol Gordon, reiterated that relationships built on trust and transparency have been and will continue to be central to success. Rangitīkei District Council's decision is subject to its potential partners making their decision clear in the coming month: Palmerston North City Council will make its decision Wednesday 4 June Horowhenua District Council will make its decision Wednesday 4 June Ruapehu District Council will make its decision Wednesday 25 June Whanganui District Council will make its decision in early July Once all decisions have been made, staff will finalise the Water Services Delivery Plan which must be submitted to Government by September 3, 2025. We will inform Rangitīkei residents as soon as the final grouping of councils is clear. 'This is one of the biggest decisions Councils will make for their communities in decades. The three waters, Local Water Done Well debate has involved a huge workload over the last few years. 'I thank all who have engaged in this important work, and the staff who have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage. I am so proud of our Councillors and their drive to deliver long-term benefit for Rangitīkei,' says Mayor Andy.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Neighbors describe 13-year-old crashing car into Robbinsdale home
The Brief Police say a 13-year-old boy crashed a SUV into a Robbinsdale home on Monday afternoon. The crash left a man inside seriously injured. Law enforcement says they plan to criminally charge the 13-year-old boy's family member. ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Neighbors along Grimes Avenue in Robbinsdale heard a large crash on Monday afternoon and rushed out of their homes to a sight they won't soon forget. What we know According to Robbinsdale Police, a 13-year-old boy was behind the wheel of a Chevy Tahoe that left a gaping hole in a home with two people inside the front bedroom. "To see a car sticking out of the outside of it was pretty weird," neighbor Andy Watson told FOX 9 of the crash on Tuesday. Police say this all happened because during a trip to the store, a woman allowed her young family member to drive the car around the neighborhood, and on the way home, the boy mistook the accelerator for the brake. According to an online fundraiser, the homeowner suffered eight broken ribs and a broken collarbone in the crash. Dig deeper At the scene, there was some confusion over who was driving the car, as both people inside tried to claim responsibility. However, witnesses helped police confirm that it was the 13-year-old boy at the wheel. Robbinsdale Police now say they plan to recommend a criminal charge of aiding and abetting criminal vehicular operation against the woman with the child.
Saudi Gazette
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
British Army 'absolutely ready' if ordered to deploy to Ukraine
BUCHAREST — The British Army has said it is ready to deploy to Ukraine if requested by the week, 2,500 UK troops from the Army's high readiness force, the First Division, have been taking part in a large Nato exercise in Romania — on a training area just 16 miles (25km) from the border with mobile phones have been banned on the exercise, most soldiers are aware that there are now initial discussions to send troops to Ukraine Andy Watson, who is commanding the British contribution to the Nato exercise, says his brigade "is absolutely ready" should they receive orders to deploy to this week Keir Starmer said that he was ready and willing to send British troops to Ukraine to help guarantee its security, should there be a so far he too is unclear as to what they might be asked to terms of numbers of troops that might be needed, Brigadier Watson said "clearly what the force package would look like would be dependent on what the prime minister and the Ministry of defense would like".But he said "it's absolutely not" something the UK could do on its own. "I think the prime minister has been very clear that the UK would contribute to efforts, but absolutely not doing it on our own," says Brigadier Steadfast Dart is Nato's largest exercise this year and meant to demonstrate how quickly allies can come to the defense of an ally under attack. But while it's meant to demonstrate Nato's readiness, it also highlights its limitations UK has shown it can move large numbers of troops and equipment, including more than 700 military vehicles, 1,400 miles (2,253 km) across Europe at relatively short notice as part of Nato's new Allied Reaction that it can operate alongside allies. More than 10,000 military personnel are taking part in the exercise from eight European that is just 10% of the number that most military experts believe might be required for any peacekeeping operation inside Ukraine which might require a force of more than 100, of the nations taking part, like Spain and Italy, have not even met Nato's own spending target for defense of 2% of GDP, set more than a decade ago. Many, including the UK, have experienced recent cuts in the size of their armed British forces were sent to Helmand in 2009, the British Army had more than 100,000 regular it is at its smallest since the Napoleonic wars, at just over 70,000. Even before the cuts, the British Army was stretched sending a force of 9,000 required additional defense spending for urgent operational equipment, as well as a rolling deployment of fresh troops every six months. A regular Army of around 73,000 would now struggle to do something on a similar Dart is meant to show that Nato's European allies can respond to a for a large Nato military exercise, US forces are not directly involved. But America remains Nato's most powerful and largest military member and its absence from any plan to guarantee Ukraine's security would leave a gaping why Keir Starmer and his defense Secretary John Healey are calling for the US to be involved, despite the Trump administration's insistence that there will be no US boots on the said on Tuesday that European nations would have to play a leading role but he added that "it is only the US that can provide the deterrence to Putin that will prevent him attacking again".Nato's intervention in Libya in 2011 illustrated how European nations struggled without their biggest US was supposed to take a back seat in the bombing campaign but was still heavily relied on for logistics — air-to-air refueling — and providing intelligence and at Exercise Steadfast Dart, Colonel Gordon Muir, who commands 4 Scots troops and previously fought alongside the US in Afghanistan, said "there's a famous Highland saying — that friends are good on the day of battle". He said there are few circumstances when you want to go it full-scale invasion of Ukraine should have been the wake-up call that European nations needed. Most of its members are now spending 2% of their GDP on Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte now says that is not enough and is pushing for more than 3%.The Trump administration says it should be more like 5% of GDP. The UK government has still not set a date for its new spending target of 2.5%. Europe has also been slow to ramp up defense Exercise Steadfast Dart shows that some lessons are being learned from the war in Ukraine. There is an emphasis on trench and urban warfare as well as combatting watch British and Romanian troops repeat drills of clearing a recently excavated zigzag of snow-covered trench of the British troops taking part in this training have also recently been helping train their Ukrainian counterparts in the Richard Gillin, of 4 Scots, told me, "we're definitely ready for Ukraine".Though they do not know whether such a deployment would happen — or what role they might be asked to perform — any operation in Ukraine would give the British Army a new sense of purpose and help with its recruitment crisis. Lance Corporal Lewis Antwis, of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, said "people have joined the Army for a yeah, I think the boys would be ready". — BBC
