Latest news with #CliveManley
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Ruapehu And Whanganui To Form Joint Water Services Entity
Ruapehu District Council (RDC) will join with Whanganui District Council (WDC) to form a two-council Water Services Council-Controlled Organisation (WS-CCO) to deliver future water services under the Government's Local Water Done Well reform programme. RDC had voted to support the two-council WS-CCO model at its meeting on 9 July, with the decision contingent on WDC confirming its preference to partner with Ruapehu. That confirmation came today, with WDC elected members voting 8–5 in favour of the joint model. Chief Executive Clive Manley welcomed the confirmation and said it was an important milestone that enables both councils to begin work on the detailed planning and implementation. 'This has been a long and complex process, and a significant amount of work has gone into getting us to this point,' said Mr Manley. 'Now that we have clarity and agreement from both councils, staff can progress the necessary steps to implement the new water services delivery model. Until we had confirmation of our partner council, there were key aspects we simply couldn't move forward on.' The immediate priority will be the development of a joint Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) with WDC. This plan must demonstrate how the proposed two-council WS-CCO meets the Government's legislative requirements - particularly around financial sustainability - and must be submitted to the Minister of Local Government for approval by 3 September 2025. 'Given ministerial approval of the WSDP, Council staff will be working closely with Whanganui to operationalise the new WS-CCO as quickly as possible,' said Mr Manley. 'The target is for the WS-CCO to be fully operational by mid-2027. In the meantime, water users in Ruapehu will continue to be serviced by our existing provider, Veolia, with no change to service levels.' Mr Manley noted that WDC had also voted to include stormwater services in the new WS-CCO. Ruapehu is still considering whether to transfer its stormwater services or retain them in-house. This decision will not impact the establishment of the WS-CCO. 'We'll make a decision on stormwater in due course, but it doesn't prevent us from moving forward with the rest of the WS-CCO implementation,' he said. Mr Manley added that this partnership builds on the strong history of collaboration between the two councils. 'This new water services partnership adds to a growing list of shared services between Ruapehu and Whanganui. Both councils are committed to continuing to explore opportunities that improve efficiency and reduce costs for our communities.'
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Ruapehu Networks Recovering From Overnight Storm
Ruapehu Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley says the district's local roads and water systems are recovering well following yesterday's extreme weather. 'The Emergency Operations Centre, which was activated as a precaution ahead of the storm, was stood down at 9.30pm last night,' said Mr Manley. 'While there were a number of slips and fallen trees that closed local roads - including Raetihi-Pipiriki Road at Mangaeturoa North Road, Tokirima Road at the Ohura River bridge by Maraekowhai Station, and Roto and Saddlers Roads - our contractors have been working since first light to clear the debris. Most affected roads are expected to reopen by mid-morning, although Raetihi-Pipiriki Road has sustained a major slip and will take longer to clear.' Ohura Road was reduced to one lane about 5km from Ohura township, and there has been some shallow flooding near Waitangata Road close to Matiere. High turbidity levels caused by heavy rainfall, along with increased water demand during the school holidays, put pressure on drinking water supplies. 'Taumarunui, Ohura, and Owhango water treatment plants were taken offline during periods of peak turbidity,' said Mr Manley. 'However, water treatment operations are now returning to normal. The Waimarino (National Park), Ohakune, and Raetihi plants continued operating throughout the event without any issues.' Mr Manley added that the district's wastewater systems were put under pressure due to the large volumes of water entering the system, but these are expected to stabilise as water flows subside. As of 10.30am this morning, Waka Kotahi NZTA reported that State Highways 43, 3 and 4 remain blocked at various points due to slips and were advising people to avoid unnecessary travel. 'If you do need to travel out of the district, please use the NZTA Journey Planner at to check the latest highway conditions.' With the ground still saturated and local roads likely to be fragile, drivers should take extra care, reduce speed, and watch out for surface flooding.' Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said that he wanted to thank those involved in the emergency response. 'I want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of council contractors and emergency services who worked overnight and are now busy supporting the recovery. I would also like to thank the Pipiriki Campground for stepping up and looking after a family who became stranded due to the road closure. It's a great example of the community showing manaakitanga and caring for others,' he said. Anyone encountering flooding, slips, or other road hazards is urged to call Council on 07 895 8188 or report the issue through the Antenno app.
RNZ News
27-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Far North District Council ordered to pay former CEO Blair King $210,000
The Far North District Council has been ordered to pay more than $210,000 to former chief executive Blair King. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf The Far North District Council has been ordered to pay more than $210,000 to former chief executive Blair King, who resigned in 2023 less than a year into the role. The council's legal costs relating to King's departure case are even higher, adding up to just over $220,000. The figures were revealed to RNZ this week via a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request. They do not include other costs, such as staff time or expenses incurred recruiting King's replacement. The six-figure payout continues an unfortunate tradition at the council, where only one of the past four chief executives has left without an employment dispute and a hefty settlement. Some occurred when a new chief executive was hired, or had their contract renewed, shortly before a local election then fell foul of incoming councillors. Clive Manley, who was dismissed by then Far North Mayor Wayne Brown, received a severance payment in 2008 of $248,000. The reason for his departure was never disclosed. His successor, Dave Edmunds, who was rehired by Brown's council just four days before the 2013 council elections, went on "temporary leave" a few months after John Carter was voted in as mayor. In January 2014 it emerged Edmunds had left the council but the reason for his departure, or whether he had received a payout, were not revealed. However, the council's annual report, released in November that year, showed a severance payment of $193,846. Councillors then employed Colin Dale, the former head of Manukau City Council, as acting chief executive until a permanent replacement could be found. In 2017 the council hired ex-Air Force Group Captain Shaun Clarke. While councillors opted not to renew his contract for another two years from 2022, there was no employment dispute around Clarke's departure and no payout. King, the former head of Tararua District Council, was hired at the end of 2021 and started work in March 2022. According to an Employment Relations Authority ruling released late last year, King formally resigned in February 2023, alleging a "toxic" environment and being "ghosted" by councillors. Moko Tepania. Photo: Peter de Graaf/RNZ The authority found the relationship breakdown between King and then newly elected Mayor Moko Tepania started at a meeting in Kaikohe in November 2022, though accounts differed as to exactly what happened at that meeting. King argued he had been constructively dismissed and the council's behaviour had created a "toxic work environment", while the council filed a counter-claim alleging he had breached good faith obligations by failing to engage properly. The authority found fault on both sides, dismissing the council's counter-claim and some of King's complaints. However, the authority sided with King by finding he was subjected to "an unjustified disadvantage" during the Kaikohe meeting. The authority also found the council had failed to engage with King after a confidential follow-up meeting called to discuss his future with the organisation. The exact figure for the settlement paid to King, according to the council, is $212,750.00. The total legal costs were $220,115.21. Tepania said both parties had come to a settlement, and no further comment could be provided. The council's current chief executive Guy Holroyd, who previously headed Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust, said it was not appropriate to comment on an employment matter. King was contacted for comment but had not responded by publication time. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Fund Recognised At National Local Government Awards
Ruapehu District Council's 'Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives Fund' has received a Highly Commended citation at the 2025 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards. The Awards celebrate programmes that demonstrate professional excellence and innovation in local government management. Chief Executive Clive Manley said Council staff were proud to see the Fund recognised by their sector peers as a leading approach to local placemaking. 'Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives' was developed to enable Community Boards to take a leading role in local placemaking within their rohe,' he said. 'The $500,000 contestable fund was made possible through the previous Labour Government's Better Off package, designed to support councils with the transition of water services to new entities while investing in community wellbeing. Community Boards used the Fund to back projects that supported Ruapehu's environmental, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing - aligned with Council's goals for sustainable development and inclusive governance,' said Manley. Executive Manager Community Development Pauline Welch said Council received over $2.5 million in applications - five times the amount available. 'Choosing what to fund was the hardest part. We received 34 applications and were able to support 15 projects,' she said. 'These included stream restoration, new playgrounds, trail upgrades, predator control, upgrades to a kōhanga and community halls, local events, equine learning programmes, assisted learning swimming lessons, funding for community art centre operations, the bronze Kaimanawa horse statue in Waiouru, and seed funding for the Raetihi Temepara restoration. Together, these projects delivered environmental improvements, upgraded community facilities, promoted inclusive learning and recreation, celebrated local culture, and strengthened community connections across the district. Council was pleased to be able to support some of the many hardworking, volunteer-based community groups and organisations that often struggle to access funding. The success of the Fund shows just how far a relatively small investment can go when made available to those with a passion for their communities. While this was a one-off fund, Council encourages any community group with a placemaking project to apply to the annual Community Development and Pride of Place Fund,' she said.
RNZ News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Council chief executive warns of abuse, harassment of elected members
Police have assured Clive Manley they will take harrassment complaints very seriously. Photo: Ruapehu District Council A district council chief executive fears the abuse directed at elected members is putting people off running for office - and it is time to call it out. A 2022 Local Government New Zealand survey found nearly half of elected members nationwide had faced some form of abuse. Ruapehu District Council chief executive Clive Manley said his region was no different and, although he didn't want to talk about individual cases, he said some councillors had been harrassed, both in person and online, for speaking out. "They can end up with a lot of personal attacks and comments, whether they are women or [older] or whatever," he said. "We should be able to robustly engage on a topic and come up with a good solution, without the fear they they are going to be personally attacked. "Without going into details, individuals get called out for who they are, rather than what they are speaking about, and that's totally wrong." The survey found 43 percent of elected members experienced harassment, prejudice or threatening behaviour . Half of them faced harassment in their communities, and a third encountered abuse while shopping or picking up children from school. Manley said much of the abuse directed at his councillors came from "a small group of repeat offenders", especially online. "As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from council's Facebook page, if they cannot engage respectfully." He was speaking out about the issue, because - as council chief executive - he wanted to encourage anyone considering standing to feel confident doing so. "Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election, and serve their community. There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign, and to continue their work safely once elected." He said the tools included guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. He had also discussed the issue with local police. "They have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously." Manley said public office needed diversity and anyone considering standing in Ruapehu for the local elections should feel confident they'll be supported by council. "Local government is about working with local communities and addressing issues locally, and we want the best possible candidates standing, not thinking 'if I do this, I'm going to get harassed in the supermarket, or in the street or where I work'." "I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to their community to put their hand up and stand for these positions, whether it's central or local, and know we do need a diversity of view to make the place better." Nominations for local elections open on 4 July. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
