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RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Napier City Council backtracks on proposed library closure
Napier Library will remain open for at least five days a week. Photo: Tom Kitchin After facing public backlash over a proposal to close Napier Library, the council has decided to keep it open. In a bid to save ratepayers, the council proposed shutting Napier Library for two years until the new library was built. However, after widespread push back from residents , the council has backtracked and will keep the library open at least five days a week. "The submissions were clear that people think the library is an important community asset, and they were willing to pay slightly more rates as a result. Reducing its days of opening will still help keep the rates increase low," Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said. Local independent bookstore owner Gareth Wardini is one of many who wanted to see the library stay open, and told RNZ he was thrilled with the outcome. "I'm delighted it is going to stay open because I think it's a core resource and a place for many people to teach themselves to read, teach kids to read and enjoy books," he said. Gareth and Louise Wardini. Photo: Supplied / Florence Charvin Napier City Council received 1007 submissions on its annual plan, the highest feedback in 10 years, and 67 percent of respondents wanted the library kept open for as long as possible. Wardini said it was evident the council had listened. "A lot of the community signed petitions and made it clear they wanted to keep the library - fair play to the council as they've listened and done what people wanted," Wardini said. The proposed interim closure of Napier Library would have meant a saving of $620,730 for 2025/26 rates. But the future of the National Aquarium is not so clear - the council's preferred option is to demolish the old aquarium and build a new one to the tune of about $28 million. The council said this facility would be cheaper to operate, however, only 17 percent of submissions supported this move. An alternative option is for the council to hand the aquarium's operation to a third party, and the council will now develop a business case for another round of public consulation. Decisions will be final when the council adopts its 2025/26 annual plan in late June. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Napier Council Staff Bristle At Restructure Of More Than 100 Jobs
Article – Linda Hall – Local Democracy Reporter Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the process was part of a wider effort to deliver $3 million in labour savings for the 2025/26 financial year. A Napier City Council staff member not caught up in a planned restructure of more than 100 jobs says staff morale is now so low that he's looking for a way out. 'This no longer feels like the organisation I loved,' he told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] on Wednesday. The council confirmed on Tuesday it was reviewing its organisational structure and consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its four directorates. Staff were told not to talk to the media, but Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] has since been sent some of the proposal documents, dated May 15, 2025. They say the vision is to create a structure that will 'foster innovation, improve operational efficiency and be more agile and responsive to change'. Over the past two months each of the four executive directors at Napier City Council had reviewed their team structures, looking at role duplication, vacancies, and projects that might be put on hold, the document said. The document said in phase one of consultation related to the restructure, 100% of staff who gave feedback on the proposal agreed on the need for change. The restructure plan is now in phase two, with a decision set to be made in June. Phase three would see positions disestablished – many of them frontline workers – with reporting lines shifted and new positions introduced as business functions move into their new directorates. Proposed job losses include parking officers, Napier Assist Officers, project managers and services development and design engineers. The restructure reportedly cites the commercialisation of key community facilities, including Ocean Spa, Par 2 Mini Golf, Kennedy Park Resort and the Napier Conference Centre as a key driver. A staff member told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today]: 'NCC used to be very proud – telling people and staff that it takes care of its employees, regardless of their income, because the work done by people like gardeners is important to our community. 'We were told we're a family, and we look after our own. 'Our gardeners still do an awesome job, the best in the country, I'd say. But what happened to the organisation that once had such a strong sense of civic spirit and pride?' The worker said they were astonished by an internal email sent out on Tuesday noting that only six pieces of feedback had been received on the proposal. Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the process was part of a wider effort to deliver $3 million in labour savings for the 2025/26 financial year. 'A key driver of this change is the community's clear call to reduce labour costs, as voiced during last year's Three-Year Plan consultation,' Wise said. 'The council has reviewed all directorates and functions to identify efficiencies, such as addressing role duplication and unfilled vacancies, and has proposed changes where there are opportunities to build a leaner, more agile structure. 'The goal is to ensure we're better positioned to respond to the specific challenges facing Napier, as well as the broader pressures on local government across New Zealand. 'This is a genuine consultation process. Our priority now is to work through it in partnership with staff, ensuring they understand what's being proposed, have the opportunity to provide feedback, and are fully supported before any final decisions are made.' Another staff member told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] the savings demanded by the mayor and some councillors was being used to rationalise the job losses, following two 'poorly justified and hugely expensive capital projects', the proposed new library building and new council office. A third staff member said if elected representatives claimed the matters were purely operational and outside their involvement, they would be misleading the public. 'They have been consistently briefed on the development, including a closed-door discussion between councillors and executive directors as recently as 11am yesterday (Tuesday, May 20). 'There is no question elected members are fully involved in the proposed restructure.' Mayoral candidate Richard McGrath said he believed it was an appropriate time to reassess if NCC was meeting its expectations of delivering the right levels of service to its community and also meeting the expectations of the local Government act. 'I acknowledge it's a difficult time for all involved, and I have faith in CEO Louise Miller as she leads through this process.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Napier Council Staff Bristle At Restructure Of More Than 100 Jobs
A Napier City Council staff member not caught up in a planned restructure of more than 100 jobs says staff morale is now so low that he's looking for a way out. 'This no longer feels like the organisation I loved,' he told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] on Wednesday. The council confirmed on Tuesday it was reviewing its organisational structure and consulting with staff on a proposal to reshape its four directorates. Staff were told not to talk to the media, but Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] has since been sent some of the proposal documents, dated May 15, 2025. They say the vision is to create a structure that will 'foster innovation, improve operational efficiency and be more agile and responsive to change'. Over the past two months each of the four executive directors at Napier City Council had reviewed their team structures, looking at role duplication, vacancies, and projects that might be put on hold, the document said. The document said in phase one of consultation related to the restructure, 100% of staff who gave feedback on the proposal agreed on the need for change. The restructure plan is now in phase two, with a decision set to be made in June. Phase three would see positions disestablished - many of them frontline workers - with reporting lines shifted and new positions introduced as business functions move into their new directorates. Proposed job losses include parking officers, Napier Assist Officers, project managers and services development and design engineers. The restructure reportedly cites the commercialisation of key community facilities, including Ocean Spa, Par 2 Mini Golf, Kennedy Park Resort and the Napier Conference Centre as a key driver. A staff member told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today]: 'NCC used to be very proud – telling people and staff that it takes care of its employees, regardless of their income, because the work done by people like gardeners is important to our community. 'We were told we're a family, and we look after our own. 'Our gardeners still do an awesome job, the best in the country, I'd say. But what happened to the organisation that once had such a strong sense of civic spirit and pride?' The worker said they were astonished by an internal email sent out on Tuesday noting that only six pieces of feedback had been received on the proposal. Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the process was part of a wider effort to deliver $3 million in labour savings for the 2025/26 financial year. 'A key driver of this change is the community's clear call to reduce labour costs, as voiced during last year's Three-Year Plan consultation,' Wise said. 'The council has reviewed all directorates and functions to identify efficiencies, such as addressing role duplication and unfilled vacancies, and has proposed changes where there are opportunities to build a leaner, more agile structure. 'The goal is to ensure we're better positioned to respond to the specific challenges facing Napier, as well as the broader pressures on local government across New Zealand. 'This is a genuine consultation process. Our priority now is to work through it in partnership with staff, ensuring they understand what's being proposed, have the opportunity to provide feedback, and are fully supported before any final decisions are made.' Another staff member told Local Democracy Reporting [Hawke's Bay Today] the savings demanded by the mayor and some councillors was being used to rationalise the job losses, following two 'poorly justified and hugely expensive capital projects', the proposed new library building and new council office. A third staff member said if elected representatives claimed the matters were purely operational and outside their involvement, they would be misleading the public. 'They have been consistently briefed on the development, including a closed-door discussion between councillors and executive directors as recently as 11am yesterday (Tuesday, May 20). 'There is no question elected members are fully involved in the proposed restructure.' Mayoral candidate Richard McGrath said he believed it was an appropriate time to reassess if NCC was meeting its expectations of delivering the right levels of service to its community and also meeting the expectations of the local Government act. 'I acknowledge it's a difficult time for all involved, and I have faith in CEO Louise Miller as she leads through this process.' LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Napier City Council restructure: Staff bristle at potential loss of more than 100 jobs: ‘No longer feels like the organisation I loved'
They say the vision is to create a structure that will 'foster innovation, improve operational efficiency and be more agile and responsive to change'. Over the past two months, each of the four executive directors at Napier City Council had reviewed their team structures, looking at role duplication, vacancies and projects that might be put on hold, the document said. The document said in phase one of consultation related to the restructure, 100% of staff who gave feedback on the proposal agreed on the need for change. The restructure plan is now in phase two, with a decision set to be made in June. Phase three would see positions disestablished – many of them frontline workers – with reporting lines shifted and new positions introduced as business functions move into their new directorates. Proposed job losses include parking officers, Napier Assist Officers, project managers and services development and design engineers. The restructure reportedly cites the commercialisation of key community facilities, including Ocean Spa, Par 2 Mini Golf, Kennedy Park Resort and the Napier Conference Centre as a key driver. A staff member told Hawke's Bay Today: 'NCC used to be very proud – telling people and staff that it takes care of its employees, regardless of their income, because the work done by people like gardeners is important to our community. 'We were told we're a family and we look after our own. 'Our gardeners still do an awesome job, the best in the country, I'd say. But what happened to the organisation that once had such a strong sense of civic spirit and pride?' They said they were astonished by an internal email sent out on Tuesday noting that only six pieces of feedback had been received on the proposal. Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the process was part of a wider effort to deliver $3 million in labour savings for the 2025/26 financial year. 'A key driver of this change is the community's clear call to reduce labour costs, as voiced during last year's Three-Year Plan consultation,' Wise said. 'The council has reviewed all directorates and functions to identify efficiencies, such as addressing role duplication and unfilled vacancies, and has proposed changes where there are opportunities to build a leaner, more agile structure. 'The goal is to ensure we're better positioned to respond to the specific challenges facing Napier, as well as the broader pressures on local government across New Zealand. 'This is a genuine consultation process. Our priority now is to work through it in partnership with staff, ensuring they understand what's being proposed, have the opportunity to provide feedback, and are fully supported before any final decisions are made.' Another staff member told Hawke's Bay Today the savings demanded by the mayor and some councillors was being used to rationalise the job losses, following two 'poorly justified and hugely expensive capital projects', the proposed new library building and the new council office. A third staff member said if elected representatives claimed the matters were purely operational and outside their involvement, they would be misleading the public. 'They have been consistently briefed on the development, including a closed-door discussion between councillors and executive directors as recently as 11am yesterday [Tuesday, May 20]. 'There is no question elected members are fully involved in the proposed restructure.' Mayoral candidate Richard McGrath said he believed it was an appropriate time to reassess if the council was meeting its expectations of delivering the right levels of service to its community and also meeting the expectations of the Local Government Act. 'I acknowledge it's a difficult time for all involved, and I have faith in CEO Louise Miller as she leads through this process.'
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Local Elections 2025: Napier Councillor Richard McGrath Running For Mayor
Kirsten Wise has a challenger for the Napier mayoralty - city councillor Richard McGrath. McGrath says instead of sitting back and listening, he's going to stand for change in the October local body elections. 'I don't think we are going in the right direction for our community. People are struggling with the cost of living and want to see their council spend money appropriately,' McGrath said. 'Napier council has ignored its core infrastructure for too long, putting nice-to-have projects ahead of its needs. 'How did the new library get promoted ahead of the new hill reservoirs, or more water bores?' Construction of the new civic centre which includes a new library is expected to start by the end of June. The lead contract, recently awarded to Hawke's Bay consortium MCL Stead, is worth $70m plus. McGrath was voted in during a byelection in 2014 and says the council needs to prioritise water, roads and infrastructure. 'I didn't vote for the Long Term Plan last year knowing the library was in there ahead of water. 'I don't get why some projects are leap-frogged ahead of the basic needs. Yes, we do need balance, but I don't think we have that right now.' He considers himself approachable and said he will always be available to speak and listen to the Napier community. 'Your thoughts matter to me. Together we can be solution-focused, delivering the right projects at the right times for our Napier families.' SUB HEAD: Councillor changing sides from NCC to HBRC Meanwhile, Hayley Browne will not be standing for a seat at the Napier City Council. Instead, she is turning her attention to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council. She says she is ready to step up in her career. As deputy chair of the Hawke's Bay Climate Action Committee, which Napier City Council has recently pulled out of, she helped oversee the development of the first Climate Change Risk Assessment. 'I want to work on the big issues and one of those is climate change. I'm realistic about the tough challenges but I can see a pathway forward. 'Our region is full of people who care, who innovate, who step up. I'm standing to help us channel that energy into long-term solutions that serve everyone.' Browne is a second-term councillor. SUBHEAD: 2025 local election timeline July 4 - Candidate nominations open and roll opens for public inspection August 1 – at 12 noon, Candidate nominations close and roll closes August 6 – Public notice of candidates' names September 9-22 – Voting documents delivered October 7 – Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to council's secure ballot boxes. October 11 – at 12 noon Election day – voting closes midday October 11 – from 12 noon Progress results October 16-22 – Declaration of results October/November – Elected members' swearing in ceremonies
