Latest news with #TaniaGibson
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
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
'It stinks' - Weary Grey District locals gear up for another round in dump fight
Mayor Tania Gibson, with Adrian van Dorp, is worried about the district's water supply. Photo: LDR/Lois Williams The Grey District Council will need to spend at least $60,000 to make its case against the latest resource consent application by the Taylorville Resource Park . Mayor Tania Gibson says the council will not give up the fight against what it sees as a future threat to its $20-million water supply from the private landfill. TRP Ltd has applied to the Regional Council for consent to discharge contaminated water - a mix of stormwater and landfill leachate - from a retention pond to land, and groundwater outside the dump site. The discharge site sits above a water supply intake, which supplies drinking water to Greymouth. The application is being processed on a limited notification basis, and only the GDC, Te Runanga o NgatiWaewae and two neighbours of the landfill are considered affected parties with the right to formally oppose or support it. One of those neighbours is WCRC chair, Peter Haddock. "Tonkin and Taylor have given us an estimate for the work the council will have to do for our submission, and we'll need to present at the hearing , then our lawyers are involved, that's why we've said $60,000 and it could be more." That was a cost to the community that ratepayers could ill-afford, Gibson said. "No-one's coming to save us but ourselves. But it's just diabolical to have to fight this when we don't want them discharging to water and land above our water treatment plant. " The mayor met with Taylorville residents on Tuesday, to tell them what the council was planning to do, she said. "They are pretty devastated and upset. But we have to fight this with facts, not emotion. We are going to go in with as much specific technical information as we can and we will need to engage someone with that knowledge. " The GDC's independent water testing had shown contaminant levels rising in the road drains and groundwater near the dump, Gibson said. TRP Ltd is about to apply for a more comprehensive resource consent , for a Class 2 landfill, which would allow it to expand and take a wider range of waste materials as of right and has asked for that application to be publicly notified. It had applied for the current consent as an interim measure last September but the council was only now getting around to processing it, a company spokesperson said. For residents living near the dump, the prospect of fighting the major Class 2 consent is daunting. Adrian and Christine Van Dorp, who can see the operation from a bank on their lifestyle block, are considered affected parties. "We've been sent three hundred pages of stuff to wade through to make a submission and I can't see how we're going to stop this, but we can at least try to stop them expanding." The application states that any effects on groundwater will be less than minor and it would be impossible for contaminants to find their way into the Grey River. But the Van Dorps say it's beyond belief that the dump was ever consented in the first place. Adrian Van Dorp neighbours the Taylorville Resource Park, a private landfill, which has applied to the regional council for consent to discharge contaminated water. Photo: LDR When former Regional Council Andrew Robb subdivided his adjoining farmland five years ago, neighbours were given no warning that the land would become a landfill, Adrian Van Dorp said. The current Regional Council chair, Peter Haddock also owns undeveloped land next to the landfill and is considered an affected party. "We're all interested to see what he submits," Adrian Van Dorp said. "There are 28 of us living around here and the damn thing is a blight on the neighbourhood. It's affected property values and it literally stinks. "When the winds blowing one way we get it - and the smell makes you feel sick. When it blows the other way our neighbours across the terrace get it. " Haddock was asked for his views and told LDR the submission period on the short-term consent had been extended and he was considering the available information. The company in its application submits that any discharges would have less than minor effects on waterways. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
West Coast Councils May Join Forces To Manage And Improve Drinking Water, Wastewater & Stormwater Services
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.
Otago Daily Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: climate, speed and the Pope
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including doing our bit for the climate, the speed problem on Glen Rd, and a Pope with intellect and compassion. Hopes expressed for qualities of next pope I am no fan of the Catholic Church because, too often throughout its history, it sided with the powerful and persecuted the very people it was formed to protect, a state of affairs that continues today in spite of efforts to change. But I deeply admired and respected Pope Francis who had this to say, in Laudato Si, his encyclical in 2015: "The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth ... The problem is that we still lack the culture needed to confront this crisis. We lack leadership capable of striking out on new paths ... Doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain." I sincerely hope that the College of Cardinals choose a replacement for the late Pope with a similar blend of intellectual ability and compassion. Doing our bit One of the catch-cries from our politicians when trying to sell a policy is to use the phrase "we need to do our bit". This time around it is by spending billions of dollars on building up our armed forces to do what? Support other nations to slaughter human beings and turn their cities into rubble, and/or expecting another nation to rescue us from whomever. What about the opportunity costs with that money? Don't "we need to do our bit" as a nation to prioritise our spending on our citizens' health and wellbeing, protection of the natural world, curbing the causes of climate change and dealing with the immediate and after-effects of destructive weather events? Wouldn't New Zealand be wiser "doing our bit" towards being as neutral as possible whilst expressing a voice for peace? Irony abounds I find it ironic that the Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson tells Denniston Plateau campers/protesters to "bugger off" when the region Gibson lives in is one of the more severely affected by climate change, i.e. ocean rising and flooding in Westport and Hokitika. Community and government leaders, in their limited and narrow outlook are ignoring climate impacts on coastal communities. Leaders of change are needed to start, not delay, transitioning away from fossil fuels, greenhouse gases in keeping with our targets. Climate scientists and specialists are scrambling to keep up with emissions rapidly increasing. Parochialism is not helpful. We are all affected by businesses, industries and communities not acting to reduce for monetary reasons. Communities are concerned about employment because mining has been their wealth. Assistance to transition communities dependent on industries that increase our greenhouse gases is needed. But no, we have the usual obnoxious remarks by Minister Shane Jones, calling protesters "blow-ins". Not helpful. The protesters' actions are motivated to protect a unique environment, a taonga and give a wake-up call that mining is harmful to the planet and future generations. What he said: the road is used as a race track Lindsay Hardy: thank you. As a Glen Rd resident for several years I can affirm everything he said ( ODT 23.4.25). The road is regarded as a race track, and therefore treated as such. Speed limit rules do not apply. It's as fast as you can, as far as you can. It is busier than a state highway. It traumatises newcomers — I have seen this and they have told me. On windless days the valley is enclosed in petrol fumes encouraged by roaring vehicles with no mufflers belching out clouds of dark residue. I go to the beach to ease my lungs. For me, the most difficult thing to adjust to was drivers towing empty trailers who delight in crashing down the road as fast as they can. I honestly think it's a miracle there's been only three incidents in 18 months. I have had double glazed windows installed which reduced the noise. I often considered asking the city council about speed bumps, which are on many roads in the city. But rightly or wrongly, I feel the local culture is that Glen Rd is for vehicles, not residents. We live beside an officially designated race track, so that's our fault and we must live with it. Many of us can only park on one side of the road. So thank you Mr Hardy for saying what we are all thinking. Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
