Latest news with #MoniqueDavidson
Scoop
3 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Resident Satisfaction On The Up
Horowhenua residents say they're more satisfied with Council than they were last year. Every year Council asks the community to provide feedback on how satisfied they are with the services and facilities we provide. This year we asked more than 8,000 residents for their views, and when we crunched the numbers their overall satisfaction rate was 63 percent. That's upslightly from last year's 62 percent, and it's much better than the 49 percent satisfaction score from 2022. 'While there will always be more work to do to improve the amenities and services we provide, we're proud of this result,' says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 'It shows that the hard work being put in by your Council and its kaimahi is paying off – and that you're seeing the results.' Things people liked included our libraries, which recorded a 94 percent satisfaction rating, and kerbside rubbish collection, which scored 92 percent. On the other hand only 39 percent of respondents were satisfied with footpath maintenance, and just 40 percent believed Council is open and transparent with its decision-making. The Net Promotor Score (NPS), which measures customer loyalty and satisfaction and can range from 100 to –100, dropped from –9.5 last year to –13.2. 'We appreciate the frankness with which people have told us we can do better in some areas, and we're working hard to improve,' says Monique Davidson. 'The survey is so useful to us. It allows us to celebrate when the community tells us we're making a difference – but it also helps us focus closely on what isn't working as well.'
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Stand For Something, Stand For Council: Nominations Open For Horowhenua Election Candidates
Are you passionate about your community? Eager to help shape the district's future? Then it might be time to stand for Council. Horowhenua District Council is calling for people to stand in this year's Local Government Election where a Mayor, councillors, and community board members will be elected for the next three years. Candidate nominations for this year's local body elections are now open and close at midday on Friday 1 August 2025. To be a candidate for an elected member position, you must be a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years old, and enrolled on the electoral roll. Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says she encourages people to throw their hats in the ring, but notes it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. 'Being an elected member is a serious job which carries a great deal of responsibility,' she says. 'You'll need to be a great advocate with expert relationship building skills as you carry the community's expectations into every decision. You will be responsible for ensuring all voices in our community are heard as you make decisions that balance financial prudence with the community's wants and needs – striking the balance is easier said than done.' Local government is ever-changing and with central government reforms including changes to waters services, the Resource Management Act, and potential structural changes of local government to navigate, as well as transformational local projects such as the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway, this next Council term will be one of the most significant in the Horowhenua District's recent history, she says. 'While there will be challenges, there will also be great opportunities, and it is the role of Council's elected members to see the bigger picture, set the direction, and together with the organisation deliver on a collective vision and strategy. 'We need a diverse range of elected members who together represent all sectors of our community. Voters want to see someone who represents their views and values among those they can vote for.' To learn more about standing in this year's election and download a nomination form, go to where you can also read the 2025 Pre-election Report.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Teams Up With Palmerston North And Rangitikei To Deliver Water Services
Horowhenua District Council will join Palmerston North City Council and Rangitikei District Council to deliver water services and recognises Whanganui District Council and Ruapehu District Council as potential willing partners. Today's decision is projected to save the average Horowhenua household between $195 and $300 per year by 2027/28. The Government's Local Water Done Well policy requires all councils to decide how they will continue to deliver safe, reliable water services sustainably into the future, either alone or in partnership with other councils. Taking into account feedback from public consultation, elected members unanimously voted today to form a Joint Water Services Organisation with the two other councils, and leave the door open for Whanganui and Ruapehu to join if their respective councils vote in favour of this option. The Water Services Organisation will manage resources across councils, enabling lower operating costs and improved efficiency which will generate the estimated annual savings. It will also be able to borrow up to five times the amount it generates from water services charges through the Local Government Funding Agency, which is almost twice as much as Council can currently borrow. This means that the cost of increased investment in water infrastructure can be spread across the lifetime of the assets. 'Scale does matter and I am confident we have made the right decision. It's important we take a long-term view of water services delivery and while I acknowledge while this is a crucial milestone, it is only the start of a challenging journey ahead,' says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. 'I know some councils including Kāpiti and Manawatū have decided to go it alone rather than join forces with their neighbours. 'But our analysis – which was rigorous –convinced us that we can provide more sustainable water services by teaming up with other councils. 'And in the long term it will be cheaper for ratepayers too.' The next step is for the councils to work together to produce a Water Services Delivery Plan, which must be submitted to the Government by 3 September 2025. 'I'd like to acknowledge our hard-working Local Waters team, which just celebrated its first six months operating and maintaining our water assets and services,' says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 'They are doing an excellent job for the community and will continue to do so as we work through the many decisions, we need to make about how the new water services organisation will work. In other words, for now it is business as usual.' Ruapehu District Council and Whanganui District Council will decide on their preferred Water Services Delivery Model at their respective Council Meetings on 25 and 26 June. Modelling suggests that if all five councils formed a Water Services Organisation, savings of over $300m could be achieved over 30 years.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Votes For Local Waters Bylaw
Press Release – Horowhenua District Council The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them. Council has today voted to adopt the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, following a period of public consultation. The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them. It protects public health and safety, safeguards the environment and helps Horowhenua District plan for future growth. While much of its content comes from combining existing bylaws there are changes, with the addition of stormwater regulations and a new registration requirement for businesses operating from trade premises. The registration process and will allow Council to determine whether trade waste is being generated, in which case businesses will need to apply for a consent. The new stormwater section introduces regulations to protect the stormwater network and the environment, including preventing contaminants being discharged into the network. A common requirements section brings all information on water services including charges and payments and connection or disconnection from council networks into one bylaw, removing some previous inconsistencies. There are also new rules around some water connections, for example introducing minimum pipe sizes. 'The new Bylaw is relevant to many in our community, from businesses to homeowners and rural residents,' says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 'I recommend everyone have a look at it.' The bylaw replaces the previous Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 and Water Supply Bylaw 2020 as well as the revoked Wastewater Bylaw 2015. It comes into effect immediately.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Votes For Local Waters Bylaw
Council has today voted to adopt the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, following a period of public consultation. The bylaw brings rules about drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and trade waste into one place, making it easier for businesses and the public to understand and comply with them. It protects public health and safety, safeguards the environment and helps Horowhenua District plan for future growth. While much of its content comes from combining existing bylaws there are changes, with the addition of stormwater regulations and a new registration requirement for businesses operating from trade premises. The registration process and will allow Council to determine whether trade waste is being generated, in which case businesses will need to apply for a consent. The new stormwater section introduces regulations to protect the stormwater network and the environment, including preventing contaminants being discharged into the network. A common requirements section brings all information on water services including charges and payments and connection or disconnection from council networks into one bylaw, removing some previous inconsistencies. There are also new rules around some water connections, for example introducing minimum pipe sizes. 'The new Bylaw is relevant to many in our community, from businesses to homeowners and rural residents,' says Chief Executive Monique Davidson. 'I recommend everyone have a look at it.' The bylaw replaces the previous Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 and Water Supply Bylaw 2020 as well as the revoked Wastewater Bylaw 2015. It comes into effect immediately.
