Latest news with #Ruapehu
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Council chief executive warns of abuse, harassment of elected members
Police have assured Clive Manley they will take harrassment complaints very seriously. Photo: Ruapehu District Council A district council chief executive fears the abuse directed at elected members is putting people off running for office - and it is time to call it out. A 2022 Local Government New Zealand survey found nearly half of elected members nationwide had faced some form of abuse. Ruapehu District Council chief executive Clive Manley said his region was no different and, although he didn't want to talk about individual cases, he said some councillors had been harrassed, both in person and online, for speaking out. "They can end up with a lot of personal attacks and comments, whether they are women or [older] or whatever," he said. "We should be able to robustly engage on a topic and come up with a good solution, without the fear they they are going to be personally attacked. "Without going into details, individuals get called out for who they are, rather than what they are speaking about, and that's totally wrong." The survey found 43 percent of elected members experienced harassment, prejudice or threatening behaviour . Half of them faced harassment in their communities, and a third encountered abuse while shopping or picking up children from school. Manley said much of the abuse directed at his councillors came from "a small group of repeat offenders", especially online. "As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from council's Facebook page, if they cannot engage respectfully." He was speaking out about the issue, because - as council chief executive - he wanted to encourage anyone considering standing to feel confident doing so. "Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election, and serve their community. There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign, and to continue their work safely once elected." He said the tools included guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. He had also discussed the issue with local police. "They have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously." Manley said public office needed diversity and anyone considering standing in Ruapehu for the local elections should feel confident they'll be supported by council. "Local government is about working with local communities and addressing issues locally, and we want the best possible candidates standing, not thinking 'if I do this, I'm going to get harassed in the supermarket, or in the street or where I work'." "I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to their community to put their hand up and stand for these positions, whether it's central or local, and know we do need a diversity of view to make the place better." Nominations for local elections open on 4 July. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Budget 2025: Taumarunui rail yard ready for economic rebirth
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says the removal of Auckland Transport commuter train carriages from the Taumarunui rail yards clears the way for new opportunity. Photo: LDR/Supplied The removal of the last derelict Auckland Transport train carriage from the Taumarunui rail yards clears the way for new economic development opportunities, the Ruapehu district mayor says. Mayor Weston Kirton says it's a turning point for the central North Island town. "Not only does it address a long-standing concern for the community, but it also opens the door for us to fully explore the economic potential of this strategically important site," Kirton said. More than 50 scrapped carriages were relocated to Taumarunui in 2016 by Auckland Transport while awaiting sale or repurposing. Kirton, a long-time rail enthusiast and active member of the Taumarunui Rail Action Centre, advocated for the carriages to be reused or re-purposed wherever possible. But they were left to deteriorate, creating an eyesore that frustrated locals and limited the potential use of the rail yard area. "It was disappointing to see the carriages deteriorate to the point that some had to be scrapped," he said. "Their poor condition made removal increasingly difficult and costly, requiring major engineering work to move them by rail, while transport by truck was also prohibitively expensive." One of the last Auckland Transport carriages is trucked out of Taumarunui. Photo: LDR/Supplied Kirton said the timing of the final removal was useful, coinciding with the Government's Budget 2025 commitment to investing $461 million into the national rail network. The investment would put the spotlight back on regional freight and infrastructure, Kirton said. "With the new pet food factory in Taumarunui ramping up production, our rail yards could once again play a vital role in enabling efficient, reliable, and low-carbon freight services." Kirton said the Taumarunui rail yards had historically been central to the district's economy, transporting timber, livestock, and agricultural products. "There's real potential for them to do so again in a way that supports modern industry and sustainability." Ruapehu District Council had been working with stakeholders and regional partners such as Accelerate35 to explore how the site could best be used to support long-term economic growth and local employment, Kirton said. "This is an opportunity for Taumarunui to re-establish itself as a key player in regional logistics and rail-enabled development. Council is keen to hear from any businesses or industry who would like to explore this opportunity." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Challengers emerge in race for Ruapehu mayoralty
Two Ruapehu district councillors have announced their mayoralty bids ahead of October's local body elections. Photo: LDR/supplied Two contenders for the Ruapehu mayoralty are calling for change as the district's incumbent mayor weighs his future. Ruapehu district councillors Lyn Neeson and Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase have announced they will contest the Ruapehu mayoralty in this year's local body elections. Neeson - in her seventh year on the council - announced her candidacy for the October elections at this week's Ruapehu Federated Farmers AGM. The former Federated Farmers president and Ruapehu/Whanganui Rural Support Trust chair and trustee said she would campaign on fresh ideas, financial oversight and inclusive leadership. "I have been a proud councillor for seven years and see that the time is right to offer my skills as leader of a strong council," Neeson said. "We have some serious problems and we need direction and fresh ideas. We also have massive opportunities that are not being realised." Neeson said she was "strong on financial accountability" and wanted to support all sectors of Ruapehu district to succeed. The recent $700,000 out-of-budget overspend in parks and recreation highlighted the need for closer oversight of financial projects, she said. "I'll focus on getting the basics right and ensuring our core infrastructure is managed and maintained, and I'll listen to the community." In 2022, standing for local government for the first time, Hadley-Chase challenged former mayor Weston Kirton and councillors Adie Doyle and Elijah Pue for the top job. She was unsuccessful - Kirton won - but was elected to one of the council's three new Māori ward seats. The first-term councillor told Local Democracy Reporting she aimed to bring "self-determination for all" to the mayoral role. "In just one term I have learned many lessons and built many more relationships with people from all walks of life. "I intend to serve them all and as Mayor. That will give me the time and privilege to be able to do so." Hadley-Chase said she was well known for "rangatiratanga o ngā hapū me ngā iwi" (tribal self-determination). "That iwi includes all people, not just Māori. Self-determination for all people!" Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver Incumbent mayor Weston Kirton has not yet announced whether he will look to extend his mayoral reign. "I haven't decided totally yet," Kirton said. "I feel as though there's a lot of work to be done but I've got to consult." Ruapehu district brought Kirton back as mayor in 2022, more than 20 years after serving a two-term mayoralty from 1995 to 2001. He said the job was incredibly busy. "I've done 60,000km in 18 months - but I've still got fuel in the tank. I enjoy getting out there and talking to people, trying to solve problems." Deputy mayor Viv Hoeta confirmed she would run again for a general ward seat on the council. She is serving her third term as a councillor and completing her first stint as deputy mayor. "I am very involved in my community and understand the dynamics of working collectively for our district whilst ensuring the community I live in has a voice at the decision-making table," Hoeta said. Councillor David "Rabbit" Nottage said he was likely to make a bid for a fifth term as a councillor. "I've got a lot of support for it and I like what I do. I'm happy just to be on the council and support whoever's the mayor in the best way possible for the district." First-term councillor Brenda Ralph confirmed she would run again. "As my first term included many issues that needed to be deliberated and consulted [on], the opportunity to provide more community-focused benefits was not possible," Ralph said. "If I am re-elected, I hope to provide more than just emotional support for our community but [also] a clear focus on getting the basics and needs for our district in place." Councillor Janelle Hinch was undecided about standing again. "Re-election would allow me to see important projects through to completion, building on the experience I have gained to push for policies and initiatives that matter to our communities," Hinch said. "However, the role comes with significant demands, time commitments, professional and personal sacrifices. I need to weigh these factors carefully before making a final decision." Councillors Robyn Gram, Korty Wilson and Channey Iwikau did not respond when asked if they planned to run again. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- RNZ News
Mysteries, ghosts, fires, avalanches and crevasses: the history of Tongariro National Park
Photo: Supplied The Tongariro National Park is home to outdoor activities including the world-renowned Alpine Crossing, which thousands of people walk each year. Author Hazel Phillips has gone off track somewhat, in her latest book, to uncover some of the characters, mysteries, ghosts and tragedies of the park and it mountains. With a particular focus on Ruapehu. A tramper, mountaineer, and resident of the Ruapehu District, Hazel Phillips, spent many days on the mountain exploring for her new book.
