Latest news with #NeilVolzke
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Taranaki councils seek feedback on combined water proposal
All councils must submit a draft Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by 3 September. Photo: 123RF Taranaki councils are seeking public feedback on a proposal to team up to establish a regional council-controlled organisation to deliver drinking water and wastewater services. The Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) is the preferred option of the New Plymouth (NPDC), Stratford and South Taranaki councils for meeting the requirements of the government's Local Water Done Well strategy . All three also have an option to continue delivering all water services through an in-house business unit - similar to what they do now, but with some changes to meet new legislative requirements. Additionally, NPDC is consulting on an option for its own WSCCO. Taranaki Mayoral Forum chair and Stratford District Council Mayor Neil Volzke said the councils started looking at a range of options in March last year, a big part of the discussion being what a joint water services model could look like in Taranaki. "What was clear from the extensive investigations was that by working together, a regional model was a viable option well worth looking at and this has become the proposed model for each council." He said reforming water services was a complex issue, with a range of advantages and disadvantages inherent in every model being considered. "This is an incredibly important decision, probably one of the biggest that we have faced in many years - which is why it will be important to hear from our communities on what they believe is the best long-term option." Due to the nature of stormwater services, including it being influenced by other council services such as roads, parks and land management and growth planning, stormwater would continue to be delivered by each council. Ways to have your say are available on each council's website. Submissions close 5pm, Friday 30 May. All councils must submit a draft Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by 3 September 2025 . Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
Taranaki Councils Seek Public Input On Options To Deliver Future Water Services
New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki district councils are proposing to team up to establish a regional council-controlled organisation to deliver future drinking water and wastewater services to Taranaki residents, with public feedback opening today. The regional Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) is the proposed option the three councils are seeking community input on, as each Council looks to meet the government's Local Water Done Well (LWDW) strategy to tackle New Zealand's water infrastructure issues. While the regionwide organisation is the proposed way to deliver the safe, reliable and affordable services required under LWDW, the councils have put up other options as well. All three have an option to continue delivering all water services (including stormwater) through an in-house business unit, similar to what they do now but with some changes to meet new legislative requirements. Additionally, NPDC is consulting on an option for its own WSCCO. Taranaki Mayoral Forum chair and Stratford District Council Mayor, Neil Volzke says the councils started looking at a range of options in March last year, a big part of the discussion being what a joint water services model could look like in Taranaki. 'What was clear from the extensive investigations was that, by working together a regional model was a viable option well worth looking at and this has become the proposed model for each council.' He says reforming water services is a significant and complex issue with a range of advantages and disadvantages inherent in every model being considered. 'This is an incredibly important decision, probably one of the biggest that we have faced in many years which is why it will be important to hear from our communities on what they believe is the best long-term option.' Due to the nature of stormwater services, including it being influenced by other council services, such as roads, parks and land management, and growth planning, stormwater will continue to be delivered by each council. To find out more and ways to have your say go to each council's website: Stratford District Council: New Plymouth District Council: South Taranaki District Council. Submissions close 5pm, Friday 30 May. Fast Facts Local Water Done Well is the Government's plan to tackle New Zealand's water infrastructure issues. It recognises local decision-making and flexibility, allowing councils to choose to deliver water services on their own or with other councils. All councils must submit a draft Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval, 3 September 2025.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
Nominate Your Local Stratford Champions For A Citizen And Youth Citizen Award
The Stratford district is home to go-getters, doers, supporters, helpers, organisers, leaders - you name it, we have people in Stratford that will put their hand up for it - and it's time to celebrate those people through the annual Citizen and Youth Citizen Awards. Nominations are now open and close on Friday 30 May 2025. Nominating local champions for these awards is a long-standing tradition for the Stratford district, going back 30 plus years. They identify people in the community who have shown leadership, inspiration, or dedication to a cause, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the Stratford district. Mayor Neil Volzke says, 'When you ask someone what they love about the Stratford district, the most common answer is 'the people' and these awards shine a light on that.' 'The people that make up this community are what makes Stratford a special place to live, work and play. It's no surprise that we continue to receive quality nominations year on year for these awards. I'm confident that our citizen awards will continue to showcase the best aspects of our community for another 30 plus years.' 'I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate those doing great things in our district,' says Neil. Nomination forms for both the 2025 Citizen Award and Youth Citizen Award (recognising our 12-24 year old champions) are available online here or printed copies can be picked up at Council's Service Centre, the Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre and Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre. Successful recipients will be announced in July 2025, with a celebration ceremony held early August. Did you know? You can view previous recipients on our website here. These Awards were introduced in 1991 126 citizen awards and 21 youth citizen awards have been presented since they were introduced An Outstanding Citizen Award was introduced in 2018. This award recognises outstanding achievement, be it through longevity of service, a past award recipient who has continued to service the community, or someone who has contributed an outstanding service to our community. This award has been presented 5 times to date.
