Latest news with #GreyDistrictCouncil
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Leaders open to council merger
Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson. Photo: Grey District Council A "mega merger" of the West Coast's four councils into a unitary structure is not off the cards, local government leaders say. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott has just backed a full-scale merger in the Deep South. On the West Coast, an attempt in 2015 to merge the four councils through a citizens-initiated referendum resulted in the Local Government Commission ordering a combined district plan instead — Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP). Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson said the region's leaders were always talking about ways of working more closely but much of that had yet to move beyond discussion. "I'm not opposed to it ... it has to come as far as I'm concerned, and it will come eventually." However, merging councils could also effectively mean "throwing out the baby with the bath water" and ending in "bureaucratic excess," Mrs Gibson said. Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said he did not believe the current government had an appetite to impose amalgamations on the West Coast, "but I wouldn't be surprised". "I honestly think Local Water Done Well will be a bit of a test as to how councils work together," he said. Buller, Grey and Westland district councils are considering forming a joint company or CCO (council-controlled organisation) to take over three waters (drinking water, wastewater and stormwater) functions throughout the region. West Coast Regional Council chairman Peter Haddock said he believed a restructure had to come, based on the need for "rates affordability". It would have to be on the basis of "fair representation" across the whole region. He could foresee that, bringing about at least a two-council unitary authority structure that absorbed the current environmental functions of the regional council and combined with the current Westland and Grey district councils into a southern West Coast unitary council. "There's got to be a way forward in the future. That's a question for the new council. "However, the one plan [TTPP] is the key to it," Cr Haddock said. The TTPP provided a model for collaboration by implementing a regime "run by the same set of planning rules" regardless of local authority boundaries in the region. "That will be the founding document for it going forward. "[But] I still believe there has to be some form of service centre in Buller, Grey and Westland." Mr Cleine said he could definitely see a merger coming but he did not sense any real groundswell yet to formally instigate it. "There isn't an appetite I don't think for a full governance merger-type scenario — just because of our geography." He had "no fixed views" on the possibility, apart from not wanting Buller district swallowed up by a mega council administering the whole region. "We shouldn't rule out some form of closer working together on the West Coast ... apart from not having one structure." He agreed the Local Water Done Well reform was an important step and a tangible foretaste for wider restructure. The joint CCO proposal was a "no-brainer to access cheaper capital" for asset provision, given the Westland, Grey and Buller councils faced a combined bill of $250 million to upgrade three-waters infrastructure. If that got runs on the board it might give more impetus to other efforts to come together, Mr Cleine said. "Seeing how that lands and getting that up and running could be a good vehicle to look at other areas." Westland Mayor Helen Lash was not available for comment. — Greymouth Star
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
West Coast Councils May Join Forces To Manage And Improve Drinking Water, Wastewater & Stormwater Services
Press Release – Westland District Council Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson said there were efficiencies to be gained from working together. We are finding ways to do better. Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund, said the three councils could create a West Coast entity entirely … West Coast councils are signaling they may join forces to manage and improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services. Their preferred option for all councils under the Government's Local Water Done Well reform is a multi-council CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) – a water organisation jointly owned by the Grey, Westland and Buller district councils. This could save ratepayers about $1000 a year, compared to keeping services in-house, as the three waters get much-needed investment. Grey alone needs to spend about $60 million, Westland $90 million and with Buller needing to spend $100 million on water projects. The alternative option proposed by Councils would see each council continue to deliver its water services through a separate, standalone internal business unit model The councils believe they will be stronger by working together, and now want to hear what the public think via submissions. Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson said there were efficiencies to be gained from working together. 'We are finding ways to do better.' Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund, said the three councils could create a West Coast entity entirely focussed on water. 'This is the most economically viable option, and Coasters would still control and own three waters infrastructure.' Westland Mayor Helen Lash said the consultation was about ensuring Westland residents had a clear voice in decisions about their water services. 'We are working alongside neighbouring West Coast councils to consider all viable options, but ultimately, feedback from our community will be crucial in guiding what's right for Westland.' Westland District Council chief executive Barbara Phillips, said the consultation would help shape the future of local water services. 'While each council is consulting separately, we've been working closely together to explore a range of options that could benefit the wider region, without disadvantaging our district, and deliver the best outcome for Westland for the future.' Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said he had thought for some time that working with other councils was a smart idea, especially if this could bring multiple benefits for residents of Buller. 'Now I look forward to hearing from the community on where we gave got to so far and potentially working further with both Grey and Westland. Government has mandated significant changes, and working collaboratively with others is an essential avenue to explore.' The Government is reforming the three waters sector, and has made it clear the status-quo is not an option, in the wake of the Havelock North water contamination. The Grey, Buller and Westland councils are now asking the West Coast public for feedback on different options. They believe a CCO is most affordable and could save money by procuring joint contracts, supplies, sharing software and vehicles, and streamlining decision making. Councils – including elected members – would no longer be involved in day-to-day decisions. The CCO would be responsible for its own funding and charging customers. It would take on council water-related debt. Property owners without a sewer and water-line to their property – and who use a tank for drinking water and sceptic tank for sewage – would not get a water bill. Metering water, to charge for use, would be a decision for the new Coast-wide entity, if the councils agree to proceed. The other option put forward by the Grey and Buller councils would see each continuing to deliver water services as a stand-alone business unit within their council. This would need more staff to support reporting requirements. An in-house unit would not allow each council to borrow any additional money for water project. Councils would continue to own their districts' water services assets. Under the stand-alone internal business unit model, councils would still be responsible for daily operations, long-term strategic planning, and managing and developing water services infrastructure, whilst being required to meet the new regulatory requirements and would remain accountable to the community. Under this option, property owners would pay higher charges than they currently do. Councils' debt levels increase under this option. The Grey District Council is planning to meet with stakeholders, and then hold a public drop-in session on June 4 at Monteith's from 5pm to 7pm. A webinar will also be held, and advertised in advance, for those unable to attend. The Westland District Council is planning to hold a public drop-in session on Wednesday 21 May at Snakebite in Franz Josef from 2.30pm to 4pm and Monday 26 May 10am -12 noon at Council reception. Submissions close on June 16.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Scoop
Private Dump Owners Unhappy Over Council Court Action
Article – Lois Williams – Local Democracy Reporter The company, under Timaru-based directors Tony Moir and Bruce Tinnelly, is being prosecuted by the regional council, on charges of discharging contaminants to land. The owners of a private dump near Greymouth say they are still 'disappointed' that the West Coast Regional Council has chosen to take them to court. The case against Taylorville Resource Park Ltd (TRPL) for allegedly dumping unconsented toxic waste came up for review this week in the Greymouth District Court. The company, under Timaru-based directors Tony Moir and Bruce Tinnelly, is being prosecuted by the regional council, on charges of discharging contaminants to land. The pair are also co-directors of Paul Smith Earthmoving Ltd. The council alleges the waste, not covered by the landfill's resource consent, included drums full of sandblasting media; 'road- derived sediments' containing heavy metals, and reels of fibre optic cable – all from Christchurch. TRPL has pleaded not guilty to the charges as what it calls 'an interim measure.' 'We are currently working with a team of experts, scientific and legal, and have sought further time from the court to resolve these allegations,' a TRPL spokesperson said, after the case was called yesterday. (subs: Tuesday 29/4) The company is planning to apply for a new resource consent from the WCRC that would allow it to expand its operations and accept a wider range of waste materials. Under its existing consent, it can take cleanfill, demolition and construction waste, asbestos, coal tar and tyres. But if it wants to take other contaminated material it must apply for consent from the WCRC on a case-by-case basis, a restriction it describes as 'unusual and cumbersome.' The new Class 2 consent would mean it could accept waste – like the material it is being accused of having – as of right. The original resource consent for the landfill was granted by the Regional Council without notification – a sore point for neighbours and the Grey District Council. The council takes its public water supply from bores beneath the Grey River, and though the intake is upstream of the landfill, the council says the dump is still a potential risk. Public feedback was sought for the landfill's expansion plans, with the company advertising in local media. The company was now working 'proactively' through that feedback with the community and stakeholders and making good progress, a spokesperson told LDR. The landfill sited above the Grey River has been controversial since it opened in 2021. Neighbours complained of the stench coming from the dump after it accepted horticultural waste. The Grey District Council called for the closure of the dump after tests revealed water from an unlined cell was leaching into local drains. The Environmental Protection Authority took over the WCRC inquiry at the council's request; shut the dump down, ordered TRPL to dig out and line the offending pit, and eventually cleared it to reopen. In 2023, two landfill workers were knocked out by poisonous gases in the pit they were clearing. TRPL and Paul Smith Earthmoving have admitted Worksafe charges of endangering the lives of the two men and will be sentenced for those offences in July. But TRPL says it now complies fully with Worksafe and environmental requirements, and the landfill poses no risk to the Greymouth water supply. 'We now meet national landfill standards, after making significant investments in the site, and to our health and safety operations.' The company understood the 'sensitivities' around Greymouth's water supply, particularly given the recent contamination issue – which was not related to the landfill, the spokesperson said. 'We wish to again provide assurances to the community as to the safety of the water supply in relation to our facility.' 'That assurance is based on the landfill location downstream of the supply intake, but also on extensive scientific reports that have found the issue to be one of low to very low risk.' When the company formally applies for its new resource consent, it will be asking the West Coast Regional Council to publicly notify the application, the spokesperson told LDR
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Private Dump Owners Unhappy Over Council Court Action
The owners of a private dump near Greymouth say they are still 'disappointed' that the West Coast Regional Council has chosen to take them to court. The case against Taylorville Resource Park Ltd (TRPL) for allegedly dumping unconsented toxic waste came up for review this week in the Greymouth District Court. The company, under Timaru-based directors Tony Moir and Bruce Tinnelly, is being prosecuted by the regional council, on charges of discharging contaminants to land. The pair are also co-directors of Paul Smith Earthmoving Ltd. The council alleges the waste, not covered by the landfill's resource consent, included drums full of sandblasting media; 'road- derived sediments' containing heavy metals, and reels of fibre optic cable – all from Christchurch. TRPL has pleaded not guilty to the charges as what it calls 'an interim measure.' 'We are currently working with a team of experts, scientific and legal, and have sought further time from the court to resolve these allegations,' a TRPL spokesperson said, after the case was called yesterday. (subs: Tuesday 29/4) The company is planning to apply for a new resource consent from the WCRC that would allow it to expand its operations and accept a wider range of waste materials. Under its existing consent, it can take cleanfill, demolition and construction waste, asbestos, coal tar and tyres. But if it wants to take other contaminated material it must apply for consent from the WCRC on a case-by-case basis, a restriction it describes as 'unusual and cumbersome.' The new Class 2 consent would mean it could accept waste - like the material it is being accused of having - as of right. The original resource consent for the landfill was granted by the Regional Council without notification – a sore point for neighbours and the Grey District Council. The council takes its public water supply from bores beneath the Grey River, and though the intake is upstream of the landfill, the council says the dump is still a potential risk. Public feedback was sought for the landfill's expansion plans, with the company advertising in local media. The company was now working 'proactively' through that feedback with the community and stakeholders and making good progress, a spokesperson told LDR. The landfill sited above the Grey River has been controversial since it opened in 2021. Neighbours complained of the stench coming from the dump after it accepted horticultural waste. The Grey District Council called for the closure of the dump after tests revealed water from an unlined cell was leaching into local drains. The Environmental Protection Authority took over the WCRC inquiry at the council's request; shut the dump down, ordered TRPL to dig out and line the offending pit, and eventually cleared it to reopen. In 2023, two landfill workers were knocked out by poisonous gases in the pit they were clearing. TRPL and Paul Smith Earthmoving have admitted Worksafe charges of endangering the lives of the two men and will be sentenced for those offences in July. But TRPL says it now complies fully with Worksafe and environmental requirements, and the landfill poses no risk to the Greymouth water supply. 'We now meet national landfill standards, after making significant investments in the site, and to our health and safety operations.' The company understood the 'sensitivities' around Greymouth's water supply, particularly given the recent contamination issue – which was not related to the landfill, the spokesperson said. 'We wish to again provide assurances to the community as to the safety of the water supply in relation to our facility.' 'That assurance is based on the landfill location downstream of the supply intake, but also on extensive scientific reports that have found the issue to be one of low to very low risk.' When the company formally applies for its new resource consent, it will be asking the West Coast Regional Council to publicly notify the application, the spokesperson told LDR
Otago Daily Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
'Very relieved': Greymouth boil water notice finally lifted
File photo: Getty Images A boil water notice for Greymouth and the surrounding areas has been lifted, more than two weeks after it was put in place. The boil water notice was brought in on 9 April after Coliform bacteria and low levels of E Coli were detected in test results. The Grey District Council says it received a revised direction from the water regulator, Taumata Arowai earlier this week. It said checks of the water treatment facility yesterday and this morning determined the council now complies with the requirements. The source of the contamination is still not known, and the investigation is continuing. Council group manager operations Kurtin Perrin-Smith said the council is considering all potential areas of concern in its overall investigation. Mayor Tania Gibson said it had been stressful for the community and council, and thanked everyone for their patience. "We know it hasn't been easy. We are very relieved." She said looking for the source of the contamination had been like looking for a needle in a haystack. On Wednesday, Gibson said their water had tested clear for five days. She said there had also been no reports of sickness as a result of the water contamination.
