Latest news with #ResourceManagementAct1991
Otago Daily Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
No plans for new 5G towers, providers say
Opponents of controversial 5G telecommunications technology can relax slightly, after it was revealed none of the main mobile providers have plans to build new cell towers in Oamaru. The Oamaru Mail was recently contacted by a concerned Kakanui resident after they saw workers connected to a mobile infrastructure group, but all providers contacted by the Mail have stated they have no plans for new towers. National company FortySouth, which owns the cellular structure network operated by OneNZ, told the Mail it had no immediate plans for new 5G cell towers in Oamaru. A spokesperson for 2degrees also confirmed it had no plans for new 5G towers anywhere in the district. "We constantly review and prioritise our coverage investment based on customer needs and demand. "There are two 2degrees sites with 5G enabled in Oamaru, one central, one on the south edge. "We don't currently have plans for additional 5G sites, but we have plans to upgrade the RAN equipment at a couple of other nearby sites to provide enhanced 4G service." A spokesperson for Spark said it had recently upgraded one 5G cell site serving Kakanui and the surrounding area but was not planning to build new towers. "For Oamaru and North Otago, the 5G rollout is still in progress with some sites still to be upgraded — this means existing cell towers will have 5G technology added to them rather than new towers built." A spokesperson for the Waitaki District Council said the council had "no knowledge" of any providers with plans for 5G towers in Kakanui or anywhere else at the time. At present, councils have limited control on where 5G cell towers are erected if National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities (NESTF) are met, as the activity is classed as permitted. On private land, installation requires only the landowner's agreement, bypassing public notification completely. The NESTF, part of the Resource Management Act 1991 framework, allow companies to install low-impact telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G cell towers, as long as they adhere to local district plan rules. The government is consulting on changes to the national policy statement for infrastructure. "The current environmental standards around telecommunication facilities were drafted in 2016 and are now very out of date. "Changes to the standards will update rules around poles and other infrastructure and create a more efficient consenting environment," Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said. That consultation ended today. While not mentioning cell towers specifically, the consultation document states one of the intended results is to provide "greater certainty, particularly in growing cities, that infrastructure services can continue to be provided or as planned, and that housing and other development can also occur in a compatible way".
Scoop
3 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Community To Have Their Say On Central City Water Reservoirs Design
Press Release – Hamilton City Council The two new 25 million litre water reservoirs, to be built next to the existing reservoir on Ruakiwi Road, will support growth in the central city, increasing the supply of water for drinking and firefighting, while continuing to supply Waikato Hospital. Landscaping, materials, and viewing paths are all up for discussion as Hamilton City Council seeks more community feedback on the design elements of two new waterreservoirs planned near Hamilton Lake. The two new 25 million litre water reservoirs, to be built next to the existing reservoir on Ruakiwi Road, will support growth in the central city, increasing the supply of water for drinking and firefighting, while continuing to supply Waikato Hospital. The first reservoir is planned to be constructed by 2028, while the second is expected to be needed from 2040. The project is funded through the Government's Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which supports various projects that will enable around 4000 new homes and 10,800 new residents in the central city by 2035. Public feedback earlier this year helped shape the proposed design and layout of the reservoirs, and since then Council has been working with residents surrounding the site. Now the community are being encouraged to have their say on design elements like materials, public access, and landscaping until Sunday 13 July. Unit Director Design and Deliver Kelly Stokes said community feedback, amongst other considerations like cost and maintenance, will help shape the design and site features, including potential connections to the lake. 'This is a significant project for Hamilton, it's more than just a piece of new infrastructure, it'll be a landmark for years to come. We're encouraging the community to get involved, we want to hear people's thoughts on our proposed design, which includes public access and a viewing path.' To find out more and have your say visit or chat with the project team at the public drop-in session at The Verandah Café, Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5pm – 7pm. What happens next? Public feedback and staff recommendations will be presented to Elected Members at the Community and Natural Environment Committee meeting 5 August 2025. To enable the construction of the reservoirs, later this year applications will be made to designate land under the Resource Management Act 1991 and reclassify land under the Reserves Act 1977.
Scoop
3 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Community To Have Their Say On Central City Water Reservoirs Design
Landscaping, materials, and viewing paths are all up for discussion as Hamilton City Council seeks more community feedback on the design elements of two new waterreservoirs planned near Hamilton Lake. The two new 25 million litre water reservoirs, to be built next to the existing reservoir on Ruakiwi Road, will support growth in the central city, increasing the supply of water for drinking and firefighting, while continuing to supply Waikato Hospital. The first reservoir is planned to be constructed by 2028, while the second is expected to be needed from 2040. The project is funded through the Government's Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which supports various projects that will enable around 4000 new homes and 10,800 new residents in the central city by 2035. Public feedback earlier this year helped shape the proposed design and layout of the reservoirs, and since then Council has been working with residents surrounding the site. Now the community are being encouraged to have their say on design elements like materials, public access, and landscaping until Sunday 13 July. Unit Director Design and Deliver Kelly Stokes said community feedback, amongst other considerations like cost and maintenance, will help shape the design and site features, including potential connections to the lake. 'This is a significant project for Hamilton, it's more than just a piece of new infrastructure, it'll be a landmark for years to come. We're encouraging the community to get involved, we want to hear people's thoughts on our proposed design, which includes public access and a viewing path.' To find out more and have your say visit or chat with the project team at the public drop-in session at The Verandah Café, Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5pm – 7pm. What happens next? Public feedback and staff recommendations will be presented to Elected Members at the Community and Natural Environment Committee meeting 5 August 2025. To enable the construction of the reservoirs, later this year applications will be made to designate land under the Resource Management Act 1991 and reclassify land under the Reserves Act 1977.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Environment Court Decision Following ORC Application For Enforcement Order
Following an application for an Enforcement Order over the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Environment Court released its decision yesterday. The application for the Enforcement Order has been approved by the Environment Court. ORC's Chief Executive Richard Saunders welcomed delivery of the decision and Enforcement Orders, ultimately to 'avoid, remedy and/or mitigate adverse environmental effects' caused by operation of the QLDC-owned Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant. 'The decision paves the way to begin a plan of action so QLDC is able meet its consent obligations and achieve compliance against the Court's Orders,' he says. On 23 January ORC sought an Enforcement Order from the Environment Court to address current compliance issues at QLDC's Shotover treatment plant, which followed the issuing of two abatement notices and 10 infringement notices. (*note below). Environment Court mediation was the next step in deliberations and the Court released its decision yesterday. Mr Saunders highlighted ORC had taken several steps since problems arose with the plant's operations, dating back to 2021. 'The decision and enforcement orders give a clear indication of what's required to operate, remedy and upgrade the wastewater plant, while maintaining transparency with ongoing monitoring of these processes,' Mr Saunders says. The decision outlines 7 pages of seperate enforcement orders, in an Annexure, including upgrades, contingency measures, timeframes and milestones to be met. The Enforment Orders cover off Operations and Management Manual, staff Training, Sampling and Monitoring, Repairs and Improvements to the wastewater plant, Upgrades to the plant and a new Disposal Field solution; the latter requiring a consent application be made for a new disposal system by May 2026, which must be implemented by December 2030. The Environement Court decision also noted parties can apply for further Enforcement Orders, if required. The Decision is now on ORC's website. Mr Saunders noted that the ORC continues to closely monitor the Shotover treatment plant site and continues to undertake its regulatory role. Information on the Shotover treatment plant is available on Council's website: Consent application for discharge Mr Saunders highlighted yesterday's Environment Court's decision is separate to QLDC making an emergency/retrospective consent application for earlier works at the Shotover site. In early-May QLDC made an emergency works application to the ORC, including QLDC having requested public notification; an option available to all applicants under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The QLDC application is for retrospective consent for its emergency works at Shotover River wastewater treatment plant. The emergency works enacted by QLDC were to bypass the problematic (soak) disposal field and to discharge treated wastewater directly into the Shotover river. ORC is still assessing the application and further updates including a date for notification will be provided on the ORC website *Background Two abatement notices are in place and 10 infringements have been issued since the start of 2024. Five of these infringement notices have been issued this year (2025) relating to issues that happened on site towards the end of 2024. All the (5) new notices that have been issued, relate to the alleged discharge of contaminants (namely treated wastewater) to land on the Shotover Delta in circumstances which may result in contaminant (or any other contaminant entering water; namely groundwater), the Shotover River and/or Kawarau River.
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.
