Latest news with #TamahAlley
Otago Daily Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Alley, Quinn to contest mayoralty
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley. PHOTO: ODT FILES The race is on with two candidates putting up their hand for the mayoral chains in Central Otago. It will the first election either contestant has faced because sitting mayor Tamah Alley was appointed by her fellow councillors following the resignation of her mentor Tim Cadogan. Mr Cadogan left office at Labour Weekend last year, timing his resignation to avoid a by-election as it was within a year of the next round of local body elections. Mrs Alley, a former police officer and two-term councillor, was appointed by the district councillors at a meeting on October 30. Before being appointed as interim mayor, Mrs Alley was the only Local Government New Zealand zone chair who was not a mayor or deputy mayor. Challenging Mrs Alley is Roxburgh resident Mark Quinn. He is the founder of Challenging Councils — a movement set up to reclaim control over local government decisions and ensure councils are operating in a fair and transparent manner. He could not be contacted yesterday. Mr Quinn's LinkedIn profile says he worked as a self-employed troubleshooting business consultant, as a quotes administrator for Mitre 10 in Rangiora, and as a shellfish manager for Talleys in Motueka before being self-employed for the past 10 years. Currently, Mr Quinn has an almond orchard in Roxburgh. He has been travelling the country holding meetings for Challenging Councils. Challenging Councils' website says it is time for action and to hold councils to account for rising rates and council debt. It says Challenging Councils is not political, incorporated, funded or conspiracy theorists.
Newsroom
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsroom
Plummeting participation in council elections ‘a threat to democracy'
Central Otago's Tamah Alley is the country's newest mayor and, at 40, one of the youngest. Just one in three mayors are women, and she sits on a council that's entirely Pākehā-European. But it's not those demographics that concern the former police officer: "After all, for a long time policing was relatively dominated by older white males as well, who make great officers."
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Waitaki's water move might not comply, partners warn
Waitaki's former southern council partners have fired a warning after its decision to quit the group and go it alone on water services. Waitaki district councillors today voted to exit the Southern Water Done Well partnership, cutting the district loose from Clutha, Central Otago and Gore. In its place the district will instead pursue an in-house water services delivery unit. The decision comes after the Department of Internal Affairs said joining a four-way, multi-district water company was the "only viable option" for the district. The proposed partnership would have united the four councils' water services into a single regional organisation, with a shared cost of $13.8 million for establishment. Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley, Gore mayor Ben Bell and Clutha mayor Bryan Cadogan said in a statement after the vote the government had been clear about its expectations for council collaboration. 'When considering next steps, councils will need to be mindful of whether alternative options comply with Government regulations and expectations.' The trio acknowledged councils had to make decisions in the best interests of their communities but said a jointly-owned water company remained the best option. 'The government has been quite clear about its expectations for councils to work together to deliver Local Water Done Well legislation. 'Southern Water Done Well meets those expectations and sets a strategic, long-term direction for delivering financially sustainable, efficient water services while retaining local control." Clutha and Central Otago district councils meet this Thursday to decide their water services delivery model, while Gore District Council's meeting is on Monday. Public consultation across the four councils drew in over 1000 submission with the in-house business unit model the preferred option in Waitaki (54%) and Clutha, while only 26.7% supported the joint entity, most popular in Gore and Central Otago. Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said after today's decision the council would focus on an in-house water business unit for the next two years at least, subject to the DIA reviewing and approving the plan. "I'd like to thank the community for sharing their opinion, the councillors for their consideration of this important topic, our officers for the hard work they've put in over the last 12 months, and our partner councils in the Southern Water Done Well group,' he said in a statement.
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Otago Central Lakes Signs Regional Deal MoU With Government
The Otago Central Lakes has taken the first official step towards developing a Regional Deal with Central Government, having signed an MoU with Government Ministers this week. In late February the region, which comprises of the Otago Regional Council, Central Otago District Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council, submitted a light touch proposal to the Department of Internal Affairs in line with the Regional and City Deal framework. The proposal outlined the region's current challenges, which are set to intensify as population and visitor numbers continue to rise. With some of the fastest growth in New Zealand over the past decade - and projections showing this will continue for at least 20 years - the region's popularity, natural beauty, and appeal to investors make it a magnet for growth. The proposal aims to manage this growth effectively, ensuring it enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Glyn Lewers, Mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council was pleased Central Government had heard the calls from the region 'Our entire region is seen as a highly desirable place to live and visit, but we can't manage the impact of growth alone. We need to work with Central Government on affordable and sustainable tools that enable us to continue to manage growth and ensure the entire region retains its status as a destination of choice'. Central Otago District Council Mayor Tamah Alley said 'while it is by no means a done deal, it is a huge step forward and shows a commitment by the region and Central Government to address some of the unique challenges in our communities. Central Otago understands the growth issues Queenstown has faced in recent years and we are already seeing some of those emerge in our district. Working alongside ORC, QLDC and Central Government to future proof our communities across infrastructure, housing and economic growth is a smart play'. Chair of Otago Regional Council Gretchen Robertson was grateful to see Central Government had recognized the challenges faced by the Inland Otago Districts. 'The Otago Central Lakes region is faced with enormous pressure from rapid growth, which is only forecast to continue. Looking ahead this is a great step forward to give the region the ability to get ahead and manage the impacts of that growth and ensure the region remains one of the greatest places on earth to live, work and play.' In the coming months representatives from the Central Otago Lakes will engage in negotiate with Central Government around the contents of the deal, while final approval will remain delegated to individual Councils and Cabinet.
Otago Daily Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Long-term plan approved; 12.47% rates rise confirmed
The Central Otago District Council has approved its long-term plan, confirming an average rates increase of 12.47% — slightly lower than the 13.01% originally proposed. The decision was made at an extraordinary council meeting held in Alexandra yesterday. Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley and chief executive Peter Kelly said the final version of the plan reflected the feedback of residents and demonstrated the council's willingness to listen. Mr Kelly said adjustments were made as a direct result of public consultation. "A number of things changed as a result of the consultation, which reinforces that councils do listen and that's really important in today's day and age." Ms Alley said it was important to note society was the sum of its parts and councils were not just about roads, water and rubbish. "We are pools, we are parks, we are libraries, we are blossom festivals and this long-term plan, in particular, is not CODC's long-term plan — this is Central Otago's long-term plan." People did not move to Central Otago just to be able to flush their toilet or turn on their tap; they came for the "nice-to-haves", she said. However, there would be people for whom the rates increase would be a bitter pill. "There are people who would like us not to be doing anything more than roads, rubbish and water — but I think a record number of submissions supporting the facilities we have chosen to retain is really an important thing for our community." After hearing submissions from more than 1200 residents, including just over 300 from under-18-year-olds, councillors met on May 20 and made their decisions on the shape of the long-term plan. Among the changes made after consultation were the retention of 12 council-owned properties that had been proposed for divestment; keeping the Alexandra outdoor swimming pool open with a review in the 2027-37 long-term plan; and the council taking over the Ida MacDonald Roxburgh Pool Punawai Ora. The council is usually required under the Local Government Act to produce a long-term, or 10-year, plan every three years and one should have been produced last year. However, due to uncertainty around the delivery of Three Waters — drinking, storm and waste — councils were given the option to defer, which Central Otago accepted.
