Latest news with #LocalGovernmentAct2002
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Locals Challenge Puketāpapa Local Board And Auckland Council's On-Leash Policy Change For Monte Cecilia Park
Dog Lovers of Monte Cecilia Incorporated (DLMC), an advocacy group representing over 500 dog owners and allies, has filed a judicial review in the High Court challenging Auckland Council (AC) and the Puketāpapa Local Board's (PLB) decision to change dog access rules at Monte Cecilia Park. DLMC is also seeking an interim order from the Court to restrain Auckland Council and the Puketāpapa Local Board from enforcing the On-Leash Policy until the judicial review is resolved. The group alleges that the PLB's decision to impose an on-leash rule for the park's popular off-leash 'Bowl' Area was made without sufficient evidence, failed to consider alternative solutions, and disregarded overwhelming public opposition. DLMC further contends that the decision was inconsistent with the Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2019, predetermined by the PLB, and in breach of the Local Government Act 2002. Notably, 88% of public submissions opposed the change, and a petition with over 1,000 signatures was submitted to the Council in support of maintaining off-leash access. 'This decision unfairly penalises responsible dog owners and undermines the well-being of both dogs and the wider community,' DLMC said in a statement. 'We are committed to ensuring that Monte Cecilia Park remains a safe and welcoming shared space for all Aucklanders.' DLMC is seeking to overturn the on-leash decision and reinstate the previous off-leash rule. The group underscores the importance of evidence-based and community-driven decision-making, and remains hopeful that the Court will recognise the merits of the case and uphold the rights of dog owners in Monte Cecilia
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
EDS Says Proposals For Climate Adaptation Have Significant Gaps
The report of the government's Independent Reference Group on Climate Adaptation was released today. It contains a series of recommendations including: Improving the quality, consistency and accessibility of natural hazard risk information Mandating council adaptation planning under the Local Government Act 2002 Legislating to reduce liability risks for decision-makers A 'beneficiary pays' approach to investment in risk reduction measures, with the Crown only contributing to protect its own assets, or where 'broader national' benefits can be realised or costs reduced or avoided. Funding support for iwi/hapū/Māori adaptation initiatives for Māori land and cultural infrastructure No buyouts for property owners after a transition period of 20 years Continued hardship support provided by central government after major events but not connected to property values 'There are some good elements in these proposals', said EDS's Policy Director Raewyn Peart, who is currently writing a book on climate adaptation. 'Certainly, more consistent, higher quality and more accessible information on hazard risks will benefit everyone. Recognition that iwi and hapū will require funding support for their adaptation initiatives is also positive. 'It's also good to see adaption planning being mandated, although additional support will likely be needed for some councils to adequately resource this. Plans will need legal status so they influence other decision-making. 'Unfortunately, the report also has some notable gaps. Although the Reference Group states in the body of the report that development in high-risk areas should be avoided there are no suggestions on how this should be achieved. 'This an issue that needs urgent action. Thousands of homes are still being built in hazardous areas and this needs to stop. EDS has recommended that government promulgate a National Environment Standard, with immediate effect, to clearly state that councils must not consent development in areas subject to high hazard risk. 'The other notable gap in the recommendations is the lack of any provision for managed retreat. The approach being proposed is essentially 'unmanaged' retreat where people will be left to make their own decisions on whether to stay or leave a high-risk area. 'This means that relocation, if it occurs at all, is only likely to take place post-event, after damage has occurred and an insurance payout is available to cover at least some of the loss. Those without adequate insurance, or other means to leave, will likely be trapped in an increasingly risky environment. 'It will be exceedingly difficult for councils to plan withdrawal of service provision, as unmanaged relocation generally occurs in a haphazard manner, and gradually over long periods of time. 'On the other hand, managed retreat enables people to be moved, in a coordinated and safe manner, and before costly damage occurs. It gets everyone out of harms' way. The danger of waiting post-event was highlighted by the consequences of Cyclone Gabrielle when 11 people lost their lives. 'It was also disappointing to see no mention of the need to allow space for rivers to shift as floodplains are modified by climate change. 'EDS is keen to work with government as these proposals are fleshed out into legislation later in the year. What we need is an enduring solution that is fair for everyone,' concluded Ms Peart. Environmental Defence Society EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence. Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes. EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement. EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference. EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Core Service Delivery The Focus Of Bay Of Plenty Regional Council's Annual Plan 2025/26
Key points: 3% increase (including inflation) to general rates (reduced from a forecasted 8.2%). A 2% reduction in the combined total targeted rates (reduced from a forecasted 6.3% increase). Increases and decreases will vary between targeted rate types. $48m dividend from Quayside Holdings, Regional Council's investment arm, reducing rates by an average of $400 per household. Estimated average annual increase per ratepayer of $11 (including GST). Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has achieved a more moderate rates increase than projected for its Annual Plan 2025/26 through reviewing budgets, considering affordability concerns and adapting to changing economic conditions. The Annual Plan 2025/26, which was adopted yesterday [ SUBS: Tuesday June 24 ], sees a $7.3 million reduction across the budgets, resulting in a 3% general rate increase for ratepayers. The budgets for year two (2025/26) of the Regional Council's Long Term Plan 2024-34 were anticipating an 8.2% increase to general rates and a 6.3% increase to targeted rates. However, with a changing economic climate and shifting direction from Central Government, Regional Council recognised the need to address rates affordability, while still delivering on the essential services required by local communities. Chair Doug Leeder says the focus is to deliver the work programme set with the community through the Long Term Plan 2024-34 in a fiscally responsible way. 'In the current environment, the challenge for councils is to achieve a balance between affordability and continuing to deliver the levels of service agreed upon with our ratepayers. 'We believe that this Annual Plan strikes the right balance between managing debt, keeping rates affordable and continuing to sensibly manage our infrastructure, while delivering the levels of service that the community expect from us.' Through the Annual Plan 2025/26, an operating expenditure of $195 million has been set to ensure continued investment into the Regional Council's core services. This includes: Public transport planning and operations through the bus network Restoration and enhancement of the region's natural resources through land management, biosecurity, climate change adaptation, and freshwater monitoring and management Flood resilience and natural hazards risk management Regulatory compliance and resource consenting. Chair Leeder says while the operating environment is dynamic and ever-changing, the Regional Council remains committed to its critical work that benefits local communities. 'Many of the decisions we make now are for today, tomorrow and beyond. The focus of this annual plan is to deliver both immediate and future benefits, ensuring that our services are provided in the most efficient manner possible.' The Annual Plan 2025/26 was developed through a series of councillor workshops over the past six months with no formal community consultation held. Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to consult on the Annual Plan only if there are significant or material differences from the Long Term Plan (according to our Significance and Engagement Policy). While cost savings have been identified, the Annual Plan remains consistent with the overall financial and strategic direction set out in the Long Term Plan 2024-34, so consultation was not required. Some of the key savings identified for this year's Annual Plan 2025/26 include: Public transport: $3.87 million. The government announced a reduced level of funding subsidy from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for public transport services, leading to a review and reduction of the public transport programme. Freshwater: $370,000. Delays in planned work following changes to the Resource Management Act in October 2024. Regional Council will continue this work when a new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is released. Flood Protection and Control: $280,000. Funding from Central Government (Beyond the Deluge) has reduced interest and loan costs for flood protection and control assets (such as stopbanks and floodwalls). Rotorua Catchments: $800,000 moved to 2026/27 financial year. The funding for the Ohau Wall has been aligned to the timing of the work. This means total funding for the project ($1.6m) is spread over 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years with $800,000 in each year. Corporate: $627,000. Cost savings through better financial management, reducing interest costs and refining IT systems. The budgets in the Annual Plan 2025/26 are used as the basis for setting rates (general and targeted).
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Councillor Dale Williams Steps Down From Carterton District Council
Carterton District Council has received the resignation of Councillor Dale Williams. The resignation was submitted in accordance with Clause 5, Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, which requires elected members to resign by written notice to the Chief Executive. Geoff Hamilton, Chief Executive of Carterton District Council, acknowledged the resignation. 'I wish to thank Councillor Williams for his contribution to Council, and the community, and wish him all the best for the future.' As the vacancy has occurred within 12 months of the next local government election, Council will not be filling the position. This decision aligns with Section 117(3) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, which permits councils to leave a vacancy unfilled in the final year of the triennium, provided a formal resolution is passed and public notice is given. A resolution to this effect will be made at an upcoming Council meeting, and a public notice will follow confirming the decision.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Order For Regional Council Candidate Names To Be Random
Candidate names will appear in random order for the 2025 triennial election, Waikato regional councillors have decided. At the 30 April meeting, councillors were asked to consider three options for regional council candidates, all of which cost the same: Alphabetical order: the candidate names are arranged in alphabetical order of surname. Pseudo-random order: the order of candidate names is determined randomly, and all voting documents use that order. Fully random order: the order of candidate names is arranged randomly for each voting document. A council report said that in the 2022 local government election, 73 per cent of councils used fully random order, 25 per cent alphabetical and 2 per cent pseudo-random. At the time of writing the report, no local councils in the Waikato region had determined their ordering preference for this year's election. The Local Government Commission considered the impact of candidate name order on election outcomes as part of its Review of the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Electoral Act 2001. This included a limited analysis of data from the 2007 local elections and a review of relevant international research. The commission concluded that the issue is complex, and there is currently no definitive evidence that can be directly applied to local elections in New Zealand. However, a selection of key research papers compiled by Taituarā consistently found that candidates listed first on the ballot generally receive a higher share of votes. This effect is especially pronounced in elections where voters have limited knowledge of the candidates. The studies found the magnitude of the effect varies, with some studies reporting an increase of around 1 percentage point, and others noting gains of up to 3 percentage points for first-listed candidates. With respect to the candidate profile book which accompanies voting papers mailed to voters in September, the candidate statements will appear in alphabetical order, no matter what order candidates are listed on the voting documents. Candidate nominations open on 4 July and close at 12pm on 1 August. More information about the 2025 elections, including the job of councillor, can be found at Election Day is Saturday, 11 October. In a decision made in September 2023, councillors agreed to stick with the first past the post voting system. This meeting was livestreamed. You can watch the recording here:
