Latest news with #SimonPickford
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Coast Councils Forge Ahead With Plans For Water Service Delivery Under Local Water Done Well
Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils are set to form a multi-council-controlled organisation for water services delivery under the coalition government's Local Water Done Well legislation. Buller District Council voted in favour of a joint Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 30 June 2025, with Grey District Council following suit on 3 July 2025, and Westland reaching the same decision yesterday. Now a consensus has been reached, the councils will begin work together on a joint Water Services Delivery Plan in accordance with the coalition government's Local Water Done Well reform. This plan must be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by 3 September 2025. The new arrangements are expected to start coming into effect from 1 July 2027. Buller District Council Chief Executive Simon Pickford says: 'By teaming up with our regional partners, we will be combining our technical expertise and sharing services to deliver reliable, cost-effective water solutions that meet the requirements of the legislation. 'Working together unlocks efficiencies we couldn't achieve alone, and we're excited to further enhance our working relationship with the councils on the Coast.' Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund says: 'This agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering water services that meet the requirements of the Local Water Done Well framework. By collaborating regionally, we're building a platform for more resilient, efficient infrastructure and achieving better value for our ratepayers.' Westland District Council Chief Executive Barbara Phillips says: 'By working together with our neighbouring councils through a shared Council Controlled Organisation, we're ensuring Westland residents continue to receive safe, affordable, and sustainable water services, something we could not achieve alone. 'This collaborative approach allows us to meet regulatory standards, share expertise, and invest in future-proofed infrastructure while retaining local control and ownership.'
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Buller's Master Planning Wins SuperIdea Award
'Big thinking from a small town' was recognised with a top award at last night's SuperLocal: Local Government NZ conference in Christchurch. Buller District Council's Master Planning work with the Resilient Westport team took out the SuperIdea - Tū Auaha Award. The award recognised the concept framework 'Cutting Our Own Track', developed with urban design experts Isthmus to explain how it might be possible for Westport – facing its own unique opportunities and challenges – to move toward a stronger, safer, more resilient and prosperous future. The LGNZ award acknowledgement described the work as courageous. 'After devastating floods, Westport didn't just recover, it reimagined. 'Cutting Our Own Track' is a courageous, locally led plan to adapt to climate change, reduce future risk, and stay connected to place. Big thinking from a small town showing the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand what's possible.' Buller District Council Chief Executive Simon Pickford says the recognition reflects a huge amount of work on the part of the project team and wider team. 'This work was characterised by an extraordinary amount of engagement with the local community. The team really focused on tapping into the thoughts, experiences and aspirations of people in this community about their vision for Westport's future – their sense of place and what mattered. The stakeholder workshops, Let's Talk Buller engagement process and extensive community outreach were just some of the ways this was realised. 'This award isn't just about being recognised nationally for this piece of work, it is a reminder of how much is at stake with Westport's journey into the future and how important it is to never stop thinking and planning for what's to come. We're truly thrilled with this award but will never take our eyes off the real prize, which is a safer, stronger, more prosperous Westport,' says Mr Pickford. Master Planning Project Lead Paul Zaanen says: 'It has been a humbling experience to work with members of the local community on this planning. Without the input of the community members who participated in the design process, this outcome for the future would not have been realised.' The Westport Master Plan is in its very early stages – a significant programme of works will be undertaken over a long period – from early land access negotiations, right through to urban design. Each and every step and stage will be anchored in community engagement, which is critical to the success and intergenerational nature of the plan's intentions. Council is committed to working collaboratively with the community and various other stakeholders as the plan progresses over time. Stages One and Two of the Master Planning process were government-funded through Resilient Westport and the Better Off Fund. Stage Three, implementation, is being led by BDC.
