Latest news with #GaryKircher
Otago Daily Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
After-hours healthcare services to be improved
People in need of health services in Oamaru will find it easier to be assessed out-of-hours after a funding boost. As part of a number of key Budget 2025 initiatives announced by the government, Oamaru has been marked for improved after-hour services starting next year. Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher welcomed the news Oamaru would have its after-hours services improved. "The after-hours emergency department has always been a critical service provided by Oamaru Hospital, so it is great to see that Health NZ is making further improvements to support our wider Waitaki community. "A significant proportion of our population will benefit and, in a time when government funding is under huge pressure, it's awesome to hear that this service will be improved." Health NZ Te Whatu Ora acting funding and investment director Jason Power said the services would be tailored for local need and workforce availability. "This is about putting patients first — whether they live in a small rural town or a large city. "The government has announced significant investment to maintain existing urgent and after-hours care services and to deliver new and improved services where they are needed. "Health New Zealand will now work with providers and the workforce to ensure that these services can be delivered," he said. "This is a complex work programme and implementation will occur over the next two years. Our primary care teams will work with the sector and other key agencies such as ACC on key next steps. "We're modernising how care is delivered so patients can access urgent help more easily and reliably. That means flexible care teams, better use of digital tools and investing in the workforce to ensure services remain sustainable and available when people need them most." Health Minister Simeon Brown said the moves were about ensuring that people can get timely, quality care when they need it. "This investment means South Islanders will have faster access to care, with shorter trips and more treatment available locally — especially outside of normal hours — while reducing pressure on emergency departments." As part of the funding package a new after-hours service will be trialled in Twizel. "Budget 2025 is investing $164million over four years to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, meaning 98% of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour's drive of their home," Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said. The funding includes targeted support for more than 70 rural and remote communities, including after-hours support, 24/7 on-call in-person clinical support and improved access to diagnostics and medicines.
Otago Daily Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Community input sought over water
Waitaki District Council will consult the community on becoming part of a four-way "coalition of the willing" behind a multi-district water services entity. Following last week's extraordinary council meeting, Waitaki residents will now get the chance to tell the council which of four possible water service models they prefer. The approved consultation document outlines four options for managing Waitaki's water services. Option 1: The Southern Water group — a joint Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) with Clutha, Central Otago and Gore districts (the preferred option). Option 2: A standalone Waitaki CCO. Option 3: An in-house business unit. Option 4: The South Canterbury group — a joint CCO with Mackenzie, Timaru and Waimate districts. Councillors agreed a motion put forward by Cr Tim Blackler that consultation documentation include a ranking system to rank those options in order of individual preference. The ability of option 4 to be viable was questioned in the meeting, after Waimate District Council confirmed its preferred option was to establish an in-house service. District Mayor Gary Kircher agreed. "I think this reflects the complexity of the discussions we've been having all the way through. Certainly, my experience has been some parties haven't been as engaged or willing to engage as others. "There's only so many times you can ask someone to dance with you and so many rejections you get before you think that maybe there's not a dance there for you at all. I have had good discussions with Mackenzie and Timaru and you know, they are showing more of a willingness than Waimate has, which is commendable. "Equally, the southern group has been very open right through ... They have been literally the coalition of the willing." No matter what option is chosen, water will no longer be part of rates bills. Instead, it will be billed to residents, similar to power bills. All options are more expensive than the existing charges included in rates bills. Mr Kircher said he was confident the council's preferred option was the best for ratepayers. "I keep reiterating that with our community, this is the decision we are making with the best interests of our community at heart. "We are not giving away our water. "We're not packing that, all the pipes, in a box and shipping them off to some unknown buyer. "We're not putting them on TradeMe. "This is very simply a case of trying to do the best thing for our ratepayers around how water and expenses are going to be governed. What we're trying to do is make sure that they are going up by the least amount and that's certainly been my goal all the way through this, to make sure that people get good water services, delivered well and at the most affordable price — which, in all fairness, it won't be affordable for everyone ... but that's the cost of what has to be done." Councillors around the table and joining online were supportive of the meeting's outcome but also expressed frustration with the complex process being imposed by the government. The council's longest-serving councillor, Jim Hopkins, said he supported the consultation document but with reservations. "In this instance, we're not actually consulting with the community. We're consulting, in fact, with invisible examiners, people in Wellington who have the capacity to say, 'no, no, change that, we don't like that'." Cr John McCone urged people to get involved in the consultation process. "This is very important. On the legislation side, it will be determined partly by the submission put in [to the government]. So, don't sit on your hands." Cr Jim Thomson summed up the magnitude of what the council was consulting on. "It's not the water that comes out of the tap that we drink or we wash with, it's also the cost involved as to where that water goes once we've used it or processed it. The issue is actually bigger than Ben-Hur." The council must submit a water services delivery plan to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 3. Public consultation meetings will be held in Otematata, Palmerston and Oamaru. There will also be a Waitaki-specific Facebook Live session and updates across print, radio and social media. The consultation runs to June 6. A joint statement from Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley, who chairs Southern Water Done Well, Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher, Gore District Mayor Ben Bell and Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan said they were committed to working together to deliver a solution that met evolving community expectations and Local Water Done Well's new economic, environmental and quality standards. "We know that prudent and efficient investment and affordability are key concerns for our communities. "However, the new rules and regulations under Local Water Done Well legislation will increase the costs of water services delivery in the future, no matter which model we choose. "One thing that has stood out is that the more people who share the cost of water services, the more affordable they become for everyone. "This issue [the future of water services delivery] is bigger than any one council." Local Government Minister Simon Watts told the Oamaru Mail he was pleased with the progress to date, more than half of the councils having gone out for consultation. "I'm encouraged that a majority of councils that have gone out for consultation to date have identified a multi-council CCO as their preferred option. This demonstrates their understanding of how this model can support financially sustainable and affordable water services for their communities." As of May 12, 60 councils have commenced consultation on their water services delivery plans. Of those councils: 40 have indicated a preference for a multi-council CCO. 20 have indicated a preference for a single-council model — either enhanced status quo [in-house] or a single council CCO. And just like Network Waitaki, the water company wouldn't be out to make a profit, it would exist solely to provide a reliable service to the people it serves at the most affordable price possible. Both organisations also have large infrastructure responsibilities. Network Waitaki has invested in ensuring our district has a modern and resilient electricity network. But it has its own challenges coming, requiring even more investment. Likewise, the new water company will need to invest in renewing and upgrading the infrastructure that treats and delivers our water and manages our wastewater and stormwater. This is not optional. Tightening water regulations mean we need to lift performance, and that takes investment. There are some myths floating around that need dispelling. For example, some people worry that Waitaki ratepayers might end up subsidising water upgrades in other districts. That won't be the case. The CCO will be structured so each council pays for the water services in their own district, charges will be separate and fair. There's also concern that having a regional company will mean delays when something goes wrong. But like any good utility company, the new provider will have teams based around the region to make sure they can respond quickly and meet strict performance targets. There will be more accountability for service levels than we have now. Finally, while we might feel like water services are 'more local' when they're inside the council, the reality is that central government regulation is increasing and the degree of local control is already starting to shift. Setting up a dedicated, locally owned company allows us to stay ahead of the changes and ensure we keep control where it matters most, in our communities. So here's the question I will leave you with, most people would agree that Network Waitaki is doing a good job of managing our electricity network. If that model works for power, why wouldn't it work for water? Please take the time to submit as part of our consultation. Information can be found on the council's website or in our libraries.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Company fined for wetland herbicide damage
A North Otago helicopter company has been fined for spraying glyphosate-laced herbicide over a 16,724sq m swathe of native plants at a Waitaki Valley wetland, actions that will take up two decades to undo, court documents reveal. Heliventures NZ Ltd last month pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court to two breaches of the Resource Management Act. The charges, detailed in online sentencing documents, relate to damage to indigenous vegetation and wetlands during aerial herbicide spraying at a property (Fairview Forest) owned by NZCF (Investl) Ltd in March and April 2021. "NZCF [the co-offender] has pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced in relation to similar charges in May 2024," Judge K.G. Reid said. "Prior to the aerial spraying, NZCF identified for restoration purposes approximately 31ha of area that covered waterways and areas within a 20m setback from waterways," the judge said. "The restoration areas were identified for the purposes of obtaining a retrospective resource consent from WDC [the Waitaki District Council] to clear vegetation which had been unlawfully cleared by NZCF when Fairview Forest was established in 2011-2012," the judge said. "Following the receipt of the geospatial files, and prior to spraying, the Heliventures pilot conducted a pre-spray flyover to check for any red flags. No other steps were taken to identify areas of ecological significance or to check the integrity of the information provided to Heliventures by NZCF. "On April 21, 2021, a compliance officer from WDC observed the helicopter spray operation in progress while he was visiting a neighbouring property. These observations led to an investigation which identified that areas of indigenous vegetation and wetland had been cleared. "Fairview Forest is situated on gentle hill country in the headwaters of the Awamoko Stream. The property contains valley-bottom wetlands which contain indigenous vegetation. "The area affected by spray was 16,724 square metres. The extent of damage varied from severe damage to the whole of some areas to less severe but still significant damage in other areas ... some of this vegetation may well recover, but regeneration of some plant species may be difficult. "Overall, even if recovery was to occur it could take 10 to 20 years to reach a similar pre-spraying state if areas are left to recover naturally." Heliventures NZ was convicted on both charges and fined $16,800. The judge ordered 90% of that to be paid to the prosecuting authority, the Waitaki District Council. The maximum fine available to be imposed was $600,000. However, the judge took into account the company's genuine remorse and good character, along with a glowing reference from Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher. "In summary, he states that there is 'no doubt that Heliventures is a company which has a community focus and which has brought many improvements to our district and beyond through all the good work they do, whether paid or voluntary'." The judge said the helicopter company should have made basic checks before spraying.
Otago Daily Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Tourism faces drastic funding cut
Waitaki tourism funding is likely to be slashed by the district council as it trims budgets in the face of a potential double-digit rate rise — throwing the Unesco-accredited Waitaki Whitestone Geopark's future funding in doubt. The Waitaki District Council approved its draft 2025-34 Long Term Plan (LTP) in early February. It subsequently attracted "a record" 650 submissions between February 4 and March 3. However, the original draft proposals would have meant an average 10% rate hike for most ratepayers — and some Ahuriri Ward rural ratepayers were facing a projected 24% rates increase. Now, council staff have been tasked by councillors with finding ways to pare down the LTP's proposed budget allocations to ease the burden on ratepayers. At a council workshop on Monday the mayor and councillors were told a review of 16 in-house digital services projects had now resulted in a more realistic budget. This would see a $5.6million forecast spending slashed from the LTP over the next nine years. To do that, staff had removed $2.2m forecast for the Pathway to Progress project, $1.5m forecast for digitisation property trials and eliminated five projects completely — removing a further $1.9m of forecast spending on digital services projects initially projected through the LTP budget. At the workshop, councillors directed staff to decline $500,000 in funding for tourism promotion. Councillors suggested staff ask the regional tourism promotion team where it could spend funding of just $455,000 over three years. Councillors declined to go along with Tourism Waitaki's suggestion a reduction in funds should be from the Waitaki Business Park and Waitaki Whitestone Geopark. Mayor Gary Kircher recognised the "brutal and tough" nature of leaving the decision of allocating the money to Tourism Waitaki alone. The Whitestone Geopark, Oamaru and Waitaki Visitor Centre, general tourism promotion and the Waitaki Business Park were all in need of funding. Councillors were divided on funding for the Geopark — which requires $200,000 per year for the next three years. Cr John McCone was not a fan of subsidising tourism. "I say this for the simple reason this is a private enterprise. "It's about tourism, which only brings in 4% of the GDP in the district, as opposed to 45%-50% of the primary industries. "I don't see anyone in that business putting their hands in the pocket to actually help support it," he said. Cr Tim Blackler said he disagreed. "I think anyone that thinks the purpose of the Geopark is just solely to deliver tourism [has missed] what the purpose of the Geopark is. "We've really got to familiarise ourselves with what it's meant to represent and in fact what they actually are achieving out in the community at the moment." Other potential LTP savings could be forthcoming after councillors declined to spend a penny on a new $400,000 toilet strategy. The workshop also directed staff to look at removing $17,000 a year for the Gardens Aviaries by 2027. Mr Kircher said given the state of the current aviaries, "it's probably done". Councillors were in agreement, with Cr Jim Hopkins summing up the feeling: "It's a substandard facility." "It is not what one would establish as an aviary if you were building it new," he said. "I think there is an element of cruelty in keeping those birds here, even though they're probably acclimatised." Cr Hopkins said it "warrants us closing it", as attitudes and standards of animal welfare had changed.
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
In-house water delivery service preferred by district council
Photo: RNZ Any chance of Waitaki setting up a regional water company with neighbouring South Canterbury authorities has been scuppered, with Waimate district preferring to go it alone. Waimate District Council chief executive Stuart Duncan confirmed the council's preferred choice was to operate in-house. "The government's Local Water Done Well legislation mandates council to have a preferred option. "After weighing all risks and supposed benefits of the joint-council WSO [water services organisation], the council is of the opinion that the Waimate district would be better served by in-house water delivery services. The final decision will rest with elected members and the people of our district. Public consultation will begin on May 15." Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said the decision was not unexpected. The government's new Local Waters Done Well legislation requires the Waitaki District Council to present the Department of Internal Affairs with a costed water services plan by September. The options presented are continuing to deliver water services in-house or forming a council water services organisation to deliver water services. The Waitaki council last year approved further investigation and development of Otago and Southland joint council options. It noted the Clutha, Gore and Central Otago District Councils and the Dunedin City Council had already resolved to support this work. They had also supported and assisted in the Timaru District Council-led investigation and development of North Otago, South and Mid-Canterbury joint options, relying on Waitaki, Waimate, Timaru and Mackenzie to proactively participate. The Canterbury option was now "highly unlikely", Mr Kircher said. "While that was an option, it wasn't the council's preferred option," he said. "We're still very focused on getting the best deal for our ratepayers and doing our best to manage the increasing costs of water. "That remains our focus and we know that still remains the focus of Central Otago, Clutha and Gore, the other members of the southern group." Consultation with the Waitaki community starts on May 9. Asked if Waimate District Council felt it was unappealing to work with Waitaki, Mr Duncan responded, saying: "Waitaki are consulting on three options ... The South Canterbury CCO model will leave the door open for Waitaki to join. It should be understood that we are consulting on the immediate future, and all future in-house arrangements can join a CCO in the future, and CCOs can join with other CCOs at a later date."
