Amendments discussed
Central government is asking councils for feedback regarding proposed amendments to the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Litter Act 1979.
These amendments would cover changes to the way the water levy is allocated to territorial authorities and what they can spend money on, clarification of roles, improved tools for compliance and other controls for littering and other waste.
WasteNet Southland, a joint initiative between Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council, compiled a list of submissions put forth to the Gore assets and infrastructure meeting last night.
The submission was noted as generally supportive of the proposed amendments.
However, it asked for a few changes — for example, an adjustment of the method of allocation in funds for the Waste Levy, to account for and reduce discrepancy between councils.
Cr Hovell put his hand up in support, stating traditionally the 50% the government had taken, it had put back in to the waste sector.
Discussion between councillors ensued.
Cr Hovell explained the 50% was similar to recycling schemes, where businesses could apply for funds when applicable due to the minimisation of waste.
Cr Hovell also mentioned the importance of a local voice being heard in Wellington, and said there was a distinct way Southland did things.
"I think it's important to reinforce to government we do things slightly different here and that needs to be recognised," he said.
Cr Fraser seconded this, and said it was important to be vocal despite being a minority compared to larger councils.
"When you're fighting numbers, we need to be quite the best we can be," he said.
Cr Phillips put a recommendation WasteNet speak to its submissions, which was seconded by Cr Fraser, and the call to approve the submission was carried unanimously.
gerrit.doppenberg@odt.co.nz
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Election meeting to be held
PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Gore District Council is encouraging people to put their hands up for the local body elections and is holding a public meeting to explain what they are all about. Whether you are a potential candidate or just want to understand the process, the council will be hosting an evening tomorrow to answer all your burning questions. Starting at 5.30pm, it will aim to arm prospective candidates with information such as who is eligible to stand, nomination rules, what being a councillor involves and campaign basics. In general, Gore District Māori engagement lead Vanessa Whangapirita (left) and deputy electoral officer Frances Shepherd are also available for any questions regarding October's elections. The council wants to remind the people of Gore: "Don't forget, it's your place. Your vote. Your future."
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Scoop
Red Carpet Being Rolled Out To Potential Candidates
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is rolling out the red carpet to the community this July, as nominations open for the upcoming local body elections. The Regional Council is seeking nominations to fill its 14 seats across the region – including its three Māori constituency seats. Toi Moana Acting Chief Executive Reuben Fraser says this is the opportunity for those members of the community who have a passion for regional issues to take the stage. 'We're rolling out the red carpet and asking our community to take the spotlight for these elections,' Mr Fraser says. 'Being a regional councillor is about making the decisions that help define the future for our community – decisions that help us direct and then deliver on the work in our plans and policies. 'Our councillors are one of the vital links between the organisation and our community, so it's important that the makeup of our council reflects our communities.' Nominations for the upcoming elections open on Friday 4 July, before closing on 1 August at 12pm. Voting papers will be sent out from 9 September, with postal voting closing at 12pm on 11 October. 'While the job isn't always an easy one, it is an incredibly rewarding one,' Mr Fraser says. 'As a councillor you're helping shape our region's future through every conversation you have with your community, and at every meeting you attend and represent them at.' The best place to start for anyone thinking about standing, is to watch the recording of the recent Candidates Information Webinar says Mr Fraser. 'This year we recorded this event and have made it available on our website – so if you missed it, you haven't missed the opportunity to find out a bit more about what it means to stand for Council and be a Councillor.' Mr Fraser says the recording will give people a broader understanding of not only the role of a Regional Councillor, but also some of the rules around campaigning and the elections process. All information about the elections, including the nomination form, is available at
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Scoop
Gore District Council 2025–34 Long-Term Plan Sets Strategic Course
Gore District Council has formally adopted its 2025–2034 Long-Term Plan (LTP), following a significant consultation process and months of rigorous financial planning. The Council has set an average district-wide rates increase of 8.82% for the 2025/26 financial year, which is lower than what had been flagged in its draft LTP. The average rates increase over the nine-year life of the LTP is 7.32% per year. Total rates revenue is projected to rise from $29.5 million in 2025/26 to $51.2 million in 2033/34 Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said there had been some really tough conversations around the Council table and in the community. The Plan sets a strategic course for the next nine years, aiming to strike a careful balance between affordability for ratepayers and the long-term financial sustainability of Council services and infrastructure, he said. Mayor Bell thanked the community for its input into the LTP. More than 500 submissions were received during the month-long public consultation, a significant increase from previous years. As a result of community feedback and further financial modelling, the key outcomes in the LTP were: • Reducing property maintenance and salary budgets by $550,000 • Including $500,000 in projected revenue from asset sales • Continuing to fund community events These changes helped lower the proposed initial rate increase and reduce operational debt. Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said the Council had faced some of the toughest financial decisions in recent years. 'With cost-of-living pressures and the largest reform programme in decades underway, we needed a plan that ensured essential services could continue, while also recognising that our community simply cannot afford steep rate hikes,' she said. To help ease pressure in the short term, the Council has opted for an unbalanced budget in the first three years of the LTP. This approach allows the Council to deliver critical services and maintain assets, while beginning a pathway to financial recovery. To smooth rates and maintain service levels, a portion of operational expenditure for activities such as depreciation, IT upgrades and District Plan costs will be debt-funded in the early years. 'We know this is not sustainable in the long term, but this measure provides financial breathing room while the Council reviews operations and works towards returning to operating surpluses,' Ms Lascelles said. Over the life of the LTP, the Council plans to invest $184 million in capital projects, with the bulk (89%) targeted at core infrastructure, including three waters and roading. Much of this investment is needed to replace ageing infrastructure and meet regulatory requirements. The Council has received an adverse audit opinion due to the treatment of three waters budgets in the LTP. This reflected timing, not mismanagement, Ms Lascelles said. She stressed that the underlying financial information for the first two years of the LTP was robust and based on the best available information the Council had at the time.
