Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region.
'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.'
Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach.
'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua.
'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.'
Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.'
'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said.
Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers.
'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community.
'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said.
Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed.
'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury.
'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said.
Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region.
Environment Canterbury Councillors endorsed a range of public positions relating to central government reform and issues impacting the region at the May 2025 Council meeting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Scoop
Marlborough Is Zoned For Growth, Says Mayor In Face Of RMA Reforms
Marlborough's mayor says the council is well on its way to meeting housing growth targets for the next 30 years, even without new Resource Management Act reforms. Housing and Resource Management Act (RMA) reform minister Chris Bishop announced on June 18 that amendments to the RMA to allow central government to override council district plans if they are deemed to constrain economic development. 'Local government has been one of the largest barriers to housing growth in New Zealand,' Bishop said. 'Some council planning departments are basically a law unto themselves.' Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said she did not believe her council was one that Bishop was speaking to directly, as staff were actively working to meet a growing housing demand. 'We've got the zoning in place for the [next 10 years], and certainly the planning in place for 30 years, and we're actively working to fill the gap.' Council environmental policy manager Pere Hawes agreed, saying the Government was more focused on councils ranked as tier one and two in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, which were urban centres and high-growth provincial centres. Blenheim was tier three, which covered all other areas. Hawes said the council was focused on expanding urban residential zoning to accommodate the next 30 years of growth, and was working with developers to encourage them to develop the land. 'We have always monitored the supply of land for housing versus the demand for land for housing,' Hawes said. The council's Urban Development Monitoring data was publicly available in an interactive real-time dashboard on the council website, he said. Hawes said the council had zoned enough residential land for at least the next 10 years. The council's 2021 Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment said the region was still 900 dwellings short of the Government's mandated 30 years of housing growth. But Hawes said there was good news on that front. A block of land named Kerepi, on Blenheim's northern edge, east of Rose Manor, was also rezoned urban residential in February, after consultation and hearings last year. The developer lodged a subdivision consent application in June. 'That provides roughly 160 lots, and that's eating into that 900,' Hawes said. Taylor said she was also looking for opportunities to eat into the housing shortfall. 'I met with a developer last week. 'It's a small development, it's under 100 [houses], but the way you eat into 900 in Marlborough is probably developments of 100 or 200 at a time.' Hawes said the real work lay in encouraging developers to build new homes. 'We can zone land, but we can't make the landowners develop it. 'There's a lack of a lever to initiate the development. 'Maybe that there's an issue that Government will look at as part of the [RMA] reform process.' Bishop planned to introduce new resource consent laws to Parliament, the Natural Environment Act and the Planning Act, at the end of this year.
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Scoop
Care For Kāpiti, Stand For Council
Up for a challenge? Show you care for Kāpiti by standing for Kāpiti Coast District Council in this year's local elections. The Council is calling on those with the passion, dedication and energy to give back to the community and take the leap into local government. The candidate nomination period is open now for one mayor, two districtwide councillors, one Māori ward councillor, seven general ward councillors and 20 community board members. Completed nomination forms must be received by midday on 1 August 2025. Chief Executive Darren Edwards says being on Council or a Community Board is an exciting challenge and a genuine way of shaping the future of the Kāpiti Coast District. 'The most important quality that someone can bring to the Council table is that they care about this place and its people,' Mr Edwards says. 'Council mahi covers a huge range of issues so there is a lot to get your head around, there are tough decisions to weigh up and make, important relationships to build and, yes, quite a bit of reading. It's not an easy job but hopefully a rewarding one. 'If you've got that foundation of care, you can make a real difference to the future of our district. 'We need people from all walks of life and those people to be able to work together to make decisions in the best interests of the entire district. There's a whole lot of training available for those who get elected. Our message is don't be shy, care for Kāpiti and get involved.' Mr Edwards says a good place to start for those thinking about standing is Council's Pre-election Report, which provides a succinct overview of its recent past and a look ahead. This report is available to read online now. 'The Pre-election Report provides a summary of major projects and finances, and outlines the major challenges facing our district and the role of Council in addressing these. It's essential reading for those looking to stand and voters alike.' Like everyone, Council is facing significant cost pressures which must be balanced with the need to invest in building our future resilience. 'We're a growing community living in a coastal area – those two factors alone require us to think and plan carefully for the future,' Mr Edwards says. 'There are a host of other challenges – and opportunities – to consider as well. 'If you care for Kāpiti, work well with others and would like the opportunity to shape the future of our district, please think seriously about standing in this year's elections.' Visit to find nomination forms and the Pre-election Report. Nomination forms are also available from Council's Paraparaumu service centre. Key dates for local elections 2025 Enrol Enrol by 1 August - not enrolled by 1 August? You can still vote, but you need to enrol and cast a special vote. If you wish to be on the Māori roll in this year's election, please change rolls by 11 July at Stand Nominations open 4 July and close 1 August at noon exactly. Nominations can be done via our online portal, by downloading nominations forms, or picking them up from Council service centres or libraries. Completed forms need to be returned in person to Kāpiti Coast District Council's main office at 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu. Our electoral officer and Council staff will also be offering opportunities to hear from them directly at candidate information sessions in July, which will be held on the following dates: Online webinar Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5:30pm Please register through our website ahead of time to ensure you can access Zoom and our webinar when it starts The webinar will be recorded and added to our website 2-3 working days. In person, Paraparaumu (two sessions) Saturday 19 July 2025, 10am Saturday 19 July 2025, 2pm No need to register Council Chambers, Ground Floor 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu Vote
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Scoop
Waikato District Council Adopts Future-Focused Long Term Plan
On Monday 30 June 2025 Waikato District Council officially adopted its 2025–2034 Long Term Plan (LTP), setting a clear direction for the next nine years. The plan outlines how Council will continue to invest in essential services and infrastructure to support our growing communities while keeping rates as affordable as possible. Mayor Jacqui says the LTP is grounded in community feedback and focuses on prioritising what matters most. Budgets are firmly focused on core infrastructure deliverables and ensuring an effective Council to deliver them. 'To ensure we had the right strategic direction and service levels our ratepayers expect the first step in developing this LTP was to check in with our residents. Over 550 people shared their opinions with us,' she says. 'We have listened carefully, made some tough calls, and created a plan that focuses on what matters most; like roads, water, libraries, and parks while being realistic about what we can afford.' The LTP includes a general property rate increase of 4.25% from 1 July 2025, alongside changes to some targeted rates to better reflect the cost of delivering local services. Depending on where you live and the services you receive, total rates bill could go up by between 4.25% and 11% when targeted rates are taken into account. The targeted rate increases will mean urban properties experience increases closer to 9% to 11% because of significant water and wastewater costs. 'This plan is about doing what is needed now and preparing for what is to come,' says Mayor Jacqui. 'We are not trying to do everything at once. This LTP is focused on lowering costs, increasing efficiencies, and ensuring prudent financial and asset management of over $2 billion in Council assets. We are laying the groundwork for smart, innovative and sustainable growth.' Key changes and initiatives include: IAWAI Flowing Waters, a new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) with Hamilton City Council, to deliver water and wastewater services from 1 July 2026, helping keep future costs down. Reprioritised our roading maintenance programme to make the $46 million in NZTA subsides work efficiently over the next two years. A refreshed approach to rubbish and recycling, with price updates and a new monthly drop-off service for Te Aakau starting in the next couple of months. Continued support for community assets, including updated targeted rates for some community halls, an expanded catchment for Whatawhata Hall and plans to repurpose the Ruawaro Hall into a war memorial and recreational space. More targeted investment in growth infrastructure with over $160 million planned to support development, partly funded by developers. 'We are committed to delivering what our communities need now, and in the future,' says Mayor Jacqui. 'This plan reflects your priorities, and we are grateful for your feedback to help shape it.' To find out what's happening in your area, visit to read the plan.
