Latest news with #WestonKirton
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Mayor Kirton Calls For Council To Support Largest Possible Water Services Partnership To Minimise Future Water Rates
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council Mayor Kirton said that while some residents attending recent public meetings continued to advocate for a standalone model Council had already resolved that standalone options are not financially viable for Ruapehu. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is urging Council to support joining the largest possible water services partnership with Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Rangitīkei – and hopefully Whanganui – to secure the lowest cost water services for Ruapehu water customers. Mayor Kirton said that while some residents attending recent public meetings continued to advocate for a standalone model Council had already resolved that standalone options are not financially viable for Ruapehu. 'I listened carefully to those calling for Council to go it alone,' said Mayor Kirton. 'But I do not believe people promoting this view fully appreciate the scale of water rates and set-up costs that would result – increases that would be simply unaffordable for most Ruapehu ratepayers, and something I am not prepared to support.' Financial modelling has estimated that adopting a standalone model would see water users paying a massive $3,955 in annual water charges with an in-house Business Unit or $3,543 for a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) model on top of other rates. This compares to an annual water charge of $1,611 for a four-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) or $1,483 if Whanganui joins based on Palmerston North's calculations. Joining the larger WS-CCO would see water customers would save $2,344 with a four-council WS-CCO model or $2,472 with the five-council model in the first year alone. In addition, the rates increase required for 2025/26 would need to rise significantly from the currently forecast 9% to cover the set-up costs associated with an inhouse standalone model. 'These levels of increase are not only unaffordable – they're unnecessary,' said Mayor Kirton. Mayor Kirton stressed that the Government has made it clear that councils must work together, especially rural and smaller councils, and that all Water Services Delivery Plans must meet the new regulatory and financing standards. 'Besides the financial risk, if our plan doesn't meet Government requirements, a Commissioner will be appointed to rewrite it – removing Council from the process altogether. The Minister has written to councils reinforcing the need to collaborate regionally. Ignoring that guidance is not a real option – we don't set the timeframes or rules, but we must operate within them.' He acknowledged concerns around the loss of local voice, jobs, or control over catchment areas but said robust safeguards are in place. 'There will be protections for local input and identity through legislation, regulatory oversight, a commitment to one vote per council, and a Statement of Expectations to reflect Ruapehu's needs. It should be noted that the Regulator will decide on water standards and when work needs to be done while the Commerce Commission will determine water costs removing these issues from Council control whatever model we end up with. We will retain ownership of our assets, and because of our geography and response needs, we'll continue to require a locally based workforce. Mayor Kirton said joining the larger WS-CCO will provide access to greater scale, financial resilience, lower long-term costs, and protect Ruapehu's ability to sustainably deliver compliant water services into the future. 'The largest possible WS-CCO is the right long-term choice for our district. It offers strategic and financial advantages that cannot be matched by any standalone or smaller-scale approach. I'm calling on Council to show strong leadership and support the model that gives our communities the best outcomes at the most affordable cost.' Council is scheduled to decide on its preferred water services delivery model on 25 June, ahead of submitting a formal Water Services Delivery Plan to the Government by 3 September 2025.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Mayor Kirton Calls For Council To Support Largest Possible Water Services Partnership To Minimise Future Water Rates
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is urging Council to support joining the largest possible water services partnership with Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Rangitīkei – and hopefully Whanganui – to secure the lowest cost water services for Ruapehu water customers. Mayor Kirton said that while some residents attending recent public meetings continued to advocate for a standalone model Council had already resolved that standalone options are not financially viable for Ruapehu. 'I listened carefully to those calling for Council to go it alone,' said Mayor Kirton. 'But I do not believe people promoting this view fully appreciate the scale of water rates and set-up costs that would result – increases that would be simply unaffordable for most Ruapehu ratepayers, and something I am not prepared to support.' Financial modelling has estimated that adopting a standalone model would see water users paying a massive $3,955 in annual water charges with an in-house Business Unit or $3,543 for a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) model on top of other rates. This compares to an annual water charge of $1,611 for a four-council Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) or $1,483 if Whanganui joins based on Palmerston North's calculations. Joining the larger WS-CCO would see water customers would save $2,344 with a four-council WS-CCO model or $2,472 with the five-council model in the first year alone. In addition, the rates increase required for 2025/26 would need to rise significantly from the currently forecast 9% to cover the set-up costs associated with an inhouse standalone model. 'These levels of increase are not only unaffordable – they're unnecessary,' said Mayor Kirton. Mayor Kirton stressed that the Government has made it clear that councils must work together, especially rural and smaller councils, and that all Water Services Delivery Plans must meet the new regulatory and financing standards. 'Besides the financial risk, if our plan doesn't meet Government requirements, a Commissioner will be appointed to rewrite it – removing Council from the process altogether. The Minister has written to councils reinforcing the need to collaborate regionally. Ignoring that guidance is not a real option – we don't set the timeframes or rules, but we must operate within them.' He acknowledged concerns around the loss of local voice, jobs, or control over catchment areas but said robust safeguards are in place. 'There will be protections for local input and identity through legislation, regulatory oversight, a commitment to one vote per council, and a Statement of Expectations to reflect Ruapehu's needs. It should be noted that the Regulator will decide on water standards and when work needs to be done while the Commerce Commission will determine water costs removing these issues from Council control whatever model we end up with. We will retain ownership of our assets, and because of our geography and response needs, we'll continue to require a locally based workforce. Mayor Kirton said joining the larger WS-CCO will provide access to greater scale, financial resilience, lower long-term costs, and protect Ruapehu's ability to sustainably deliver compliant water services into the future. 'The largest possible WS-CCO is the right long-term choice for our district. It offers strategic and financial advantages that cannot be matched by any standalone or smaller-scale approach. I'm calling on Council to show strong leadership and support the model that gives our communities the best outcomes at the most affordable cost.' Council is scheduled to decide on its preferred water services delivery model on 25 June, ahead of submitting a formal Water Services Delivery Plan to the Government by 3 September 2025. People can provide feedback on their priorities for a future water services delivery model via an online survey on Council's website:
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.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Budget 2025: Taumarunui Rail Yard Ready For Economic Rebirth
Article – Moana Ellis – Local Democracy Reporter Mayor Weston Kirton says its a turning point for the central North Island town. 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.' 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.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Budget 2025: Taumarunui Rail Yard Ready For Economic Rebirth
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.' 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.'
