Latest news with #Coasters
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
West Coast Regional Council Chair Defends Rate Rises
The West Coast Regional Council is defending its rate rises, and contesting figures put out by Taxpayers' Union showing the council topped the country for rate hikes over the past three years. Council chair Peter Haddock said the figures were flawed. The West Coast Regional Council's [WCRC] total rates increase this year was in fact 18 percent - higher than the Taxpayers Union figure of 12 percent, he said. The council itself previously reported the increase as 12 percent, but the figure did not include targeted rates and charges for Civil Defence and the new District Plan. But the total rate rise over three years was lower than the Taypayers' Union figure of 65 percent, Haddock said. "Our cumulative rate increase was more than 10 percent less than that … it was still high at 55 percent over three years but there are very good reasons why Coast rates have increased," he said. The council had previously started to fail on delivering mandatory work programmes because of cost cutting in previous years, and it was running an unbalanced budget, using mining bond deposits and prudent flood protection reserves held on behalf of ratepayers, to cover operational costs, Haddock said. "As a council, we couldn't continue this approach which amounted to kicking the can down the road," he said. "It would mean the next generation had to pay for unbalanced budgets just to make increases in WCRC rate requirements look better on paper." The cost of administering the new combined District Plan had also landed on the regional council, along with the cost of upgrading flood protection for Westport, Franz Josef and Hokitika. "I know West Coasters are doing it tough, and I know average incomes for many people are considerably less than the rest of the country. But I also know kicking the can along isn't good business practice," Haddock said. The impact of the 18 percent rate rise on individual ratepayers would vary. "Those with properties with a higher capital value will pay more rates than those with a lower capital value, that is fair." "We will not … live beyond our means. The government expects us to be financially prudent, and more importantly, so do Coasters. We've worked hard to rebuild council and ensure it is positioned to deliver for the community." The WCRC's job was to create the environment for the community and businesses to thrive, the chair said. "Our environment is dynamic … we've been investing heavily in flood protection work to ensure our communities remain safe and businesses can keep operating." Striking the right balance between development and management of effects was difficult when those effects took a long time to appear or were not fully understood, but the council had to ensure future generations did not have to pay for its mistakes, Haddock said. As the council completed the flood protection schemes, the costs passed on to the community would significantly reduce, he said.
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.
