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Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Talk of axing regional councils 'unhelpful'
Environment Canterbury's chairperson says he's open to talking about the future of regional councils, but the current chatter is unhelpful. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Resources Minister Shane Jones have suggested regional councils could be abolished as part of the Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms. Speaking at Wednesday's (June 25) council meeting, Canterbury's regional council (ECan) chairperson Craig Pauling said the recent commentary was unhelpful. ''There has been some discussion over the last week on scrapping regional councils, and I don't think the conversation in the way it is happening is very helpful,'' Mr Pauling said. ''But it is a conversation which needs to happen and we have been doing it. ''We agree the current structure and funding is unsustainable, but it is not simple and it is just about scrapping regional councils and creating unitary authorities. ''As a regional council, our job is to strike a balance between environmental and economic considerations, along side our treaty partners.'' Mr Jones, a New Zealand First MP and Minister for Regional Development, repeated his warnings to Local Democracy Reporting this week that regional councils are on borrowed time. "Regional councils in my view have reached a very low ebb." With the abolition of the Resource Management Act, he said he believed regional councils did not have a future. 'Which is why after the next election there will be local government rationalisation and the very strong stance we're taking is that there is no longer a purpose for regional councils." With the RMA split into two new Acts, people working for Regional Councils would no doubt end up playing some kind of role in a reformed level of regional governance, the Minister said. The Prime Minister has said there were too many layers of government and the question would be considered as part of the RMA reform. There are 11 regional councils throughout New Zealand, which are tasked with managing natural resources such as land and water, supporting biodiversity, providing regional transport and building resilience to natural hazards and the effects of climate change. In some parts of the country these roles are taken on by unitary authorities, which combine the functions of a local and a regional council. Mr Pauling said debate around the role of regional councils is not new. The Canterbury Mayoral Forum, which represents local mayors, has been exploring what the future of local government could look like and ECan has a workshop planned for next month. Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting last month, Mr Pauling said he saw a future for separate district and regional councils. ''There needs to be a partnership between local, regional and central government and we (ECan) are good at bringing people together. ''If you are in Kaikōura, your main focus is Kaikōura, but at a regional level my focus is Canterbury.'' A single regional plan has been signalled as part of the RMA reform. ECan is already working on an integrated regional plan which would bring together seven regional plans, four river plans, the 10 District Plans and the various spatial plans developed by local councils. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has expressed support for establishing a unitary authority. However, North Canterbury mayors Dan Gordon (Waimakariri), Marie Black (Hurunui) and Craig Mackle (Kaikōura) have previously expressed support for Environment Canterbury continuing to have its regionwide functions. It is unclear how public transport and other Greater Christchurch issues would work, if the Christchurch City Council became a unitary authority. The future of local government was the subject of a review led by former Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jim Palmer and presented to Government in 2023. The panel proposed a greater role for regional councils. Local Government New Zealand has also been pushing for changes. By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Otago Daily Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
ECan chair undecided as election looms
Craig Pauling. Photo: David Hill / North Canterbury News The chair of Canterbury's regional council is undecided about his future, as the local election looms. Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling said he is contemplating a tilt at Parliament next year or stepping back from politics. There has been speculation Mr Pauling could run for the Green Party in the Banks Peninsula electorate in next year's general election. But he admits he still has unfinished business around the council table. ''There are things I want to do, so I'm still weighing it all up. ''Becoming an MP is certainly one of the options and I have talked about going to Parliament, but I haven't made my mind up. ''The chair role is an awesome honour. It has been rewarding and it has its challenges too.'' Mr Pauling has served two terms on the council. He was elected chairperson in October, following Peter Scott's resignation the previous month, having served as deputy chair and acting chair. The pair had contested the role in October 2022, with Mr Scott's name being drawn out of a container after an eight-eight split in the vote. Nominations for election candidates open on July 1 and close on August 1, ahead of the October elections, so he doesn't have much time if he wants a seat at the council table. Mr Pauling said if he was to stand for Parliament next year, the selection process would likely begin towards the end of this year. A third option is to step away from politics and go back to his passion for environmental planning and policy making. ''There is always heaps to do, so it is about making the decision which is right for me and my family.'' Mr Pauling is of Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga and European descent. He has whakapapa to Taumutu, Rāpaki and Ngāi Tūāhuriri. ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
Press Release – Canterbury Regional Council Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region. Environment Canterbury Councillors endorsed a range of public positions relating to central government reform and issues impacting the region at the May 2025 Council meeting.
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Notre Dame head coach already impressed with a former Wisconsin wide receiver
Notre Dame head coach already impressed with a former Wisconsin wide receiver Former Wisconsin wide receiver Will Pauling appears to be making a significant impact at Notre Dame, just months after joining the program. When meeting with the local media last week, Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman highlighted Pauling's first impression on the practice field. On3's Tyler Horka shared the coach's comments on a recent podcast episode. "[Freeman said] he's never seen a wide receiver practice with the intensity and the purpose and the intentionality that Will Pauling does," Horka said. The Notre Dame beat writer then added his own sentiment, saying, "I'd be looking out for Will Pauling. Because we didn't get to see him much during the spring, he was coming back from the injury he sustained at Wisconsin. So you haven't seen the best of Will Pauling in a Notre Dame uniform, and you might really see it when it matters the most." Pauling transferred to Notre Dame during the winter transfer window. He spent two seasons at Wisconsin (2023-24), during which he appeared in 23 total games and caught 116 passes for 1,244 yards and nine touchdowns. His best season with the program came in 2023, during which he led the team with 74 catches, 837 yards and six scores. The rising senior wideout originally joined the Badgers as a transfer in 2023, following head coach Luke Fickell and wide receivers coach Mike Brown from Cincinnati. Brown then left for the same position at Notre Dame following the 2023 campaign, making Pauling's connection to the program an easy one after he entered the portal in December. 247Sports lists the wide receiver as a three-star transfer. It ranks him specifically as the No. 655 overall player of the transfer cycle and the No. 117 recruit at his position. While those marks put Pauling far from the portal's best, his production at the Power Four level makes him an intriguing addition to the Fighting Irish's wide receiver room. According to Freeman, the former Badger is already making a strong impression. Wisconsin saw two starting wideouts in Pauling and C.J. Williams (Stanford) transfer out after the 2024 season. The program added Jayden Ballard (Ohio State) and Mark Hamper (Idaho) during the winter transfer window, though it then saw Hamper transfer to Cal during the spring. Entering 2025, Ballard projects to start with returning contributors Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna. Chris Brooks Jr., Joseph Griffin Jr. and Kyan Berry-Johnson should follow that top trio. While the Badgers appear well-set with Kekahuna starting in the slot, Pauling's production at Notre Dame will be worth watching. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
