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At KCDC’s first meeting of the new triennium on 7 November 2019, significant changes to the Council’s governance framework were made with little to no explanation of the rationale behind the changes.
The Local Government Act provides for the Mayor to establish committees and appoint his … View moreAt KCDC’s first meeting of the new triennium on 7 November 2019, significant changes to the Council’s governance framework were made with little to no explanation of the rationale behind the changes.
The Local Government Act provides for the Mayor to establish committees and appoint his choice of elected members to serve on those committees. In this triennium, the Mayor disestablished the (previously separate) Operations and Finance Committee and Strategy and Policy Committees. Instead, it appears he amalgamated them into one ‘super’ Committee, now called the Strategy and Operations Committee.
Given KCDC is the second most indebted Council in the country, the absence of a finance-specific committee may serve to diminish specific focus and scrutiny of Council finances. Such a major change needs explanation and justification.
The second significant change to the governance framework was the introduction of portfolio management positions. The accompanying Officer’s Report explains that, “A portfolio approach enables individual councillors to be given responsibility for a particular focus and enables individual councillors to take an active leadership role within the community.”
The 14 portfolios identified in the report fall into 2 categories, A and B. Elected members holding portfolios in category A receive an additional $14,610 per annum in remuneration, and those holding portfolios in category B receive an additional $9,056 per annum in remuneration. The Officer’s Report provides no detail on how these portfolio holders will report back to the Council or the community. Nor does it detail how their roles will influence inputs to decision-making.
An Official Information Act request for all documents and correspondences relating to portfolio management since the commencement of the triennium, provided me with little written evidence that councillors are taking an “active leadership” role in those assigned areas.
The documents obtained indicate that initially, staff were assigned to be liaison officers to the portfolio holders, but that action seems to be as far as the implementation of the new governance framework has progressed. The scope of work specific to each portfolio and the public reporting requirements from portfolio holders is not defined. There are no ongoing meetings between portfolio holders and staff. Discussions with various councillors indicate they too are confused with respect to how to make substantive progress within these specific portfolio governance roles.
Some Councillors have more than one portfolio assigned, whereas Councillor Randall has no portfolio assignment at all. I understand he was never offered one.
This new governance framework was to be reviewed by Council three months from the commencement of the triennium. This has not happened. In an email dated 21 January 2020, the Mayor explains to councillors that, “…this is a new approach so there is a suck-it-and-see element”.
My investigation of the new governance framework suggests the implementation of portfolio management has been woeful. There is no accountability mechanism in place for the community to judge the effectiveness of councillors in these roles. The non-assignment of a portfolio to one councillor seems undemocratic for him and his constituents. And the single ‘super’ Committee structure is of concern for reasons that I will outline in a future column.
Hey neighbours, there are few Kiwis who haven't experienced cold or damp housing at some point in New Zealand, whatever part of the country you call home. So what's being done to change that for future generations?
Here's … View moreHey neighbours, there are few Kiwis who haven't experienced cold or damp housing at some point in New Zealand, whatever part of the country you call home. So what's being done to change that for future generations?
Here's how a passive revolution and building code changes could help our health - and the climate.
We found this photo in a retro booklet all about the Waterloo Pumping Station (now known as the Waterloo Water Treatment Plant) from 1981, and had to compare it to what it looks like now!
The station opened on 15 May 1981, and was designed to use the artesian underground water resource of the … View moreWe found this photo in a retro booklet all about the Waterloo Pumping Station (now known as the Waterloo Water Treatment Plant) from 1981, and had to compare it to what it looks like now!
The station opened on 15 May 1981, and was designed to use the artesian underground water resource of the Lower Hutt Valley to its maximum extent 💧
Eight wells supply water from the Waiwhetu aquifer to the Water Treatment Plant located right next to the Waterloo Train Station 🚉
Learn more about the treatment plant here: wellingtonwater.co.nz/your-water/drinking-water/
Over 70% off Crazy Deals, be quick. Floor stock deals, only while stocks last.
Do your garden borders need some love this weekend? I ordered the wrong lime product for my garden and can’t use as I need lime sand. Central Otaki pickup, trailer and shovel needed, easy access. Paid $75, sell $60
Are you spending a lot more time at home these days and constantly tired of freezing during winter? Let us help you make your home warmer, drier and healthier all year round with a tailored retrofit double glazing solution for your home. Get your free measure and quote here or call 0800 658 658.
In this week’s issue we go undercover with tips and tools for glasshouses. It’s time to make your bird-friendly garden count, prune fruit trees, watch out for frosty weather, move seedlings under cover and pick celery before disease strikes.
Plus make your own hanging chandelier planter and … View moreIn this week’s issue we go undercover with tips and tools for glasshouses. It’s time to make your bird-friendly garden count, prune fruit trees, watch out for frosty weather, move seedlings under cover and pick celery before disease strikes.
Plus make your own hanging chandelier planter and follow Jane Packer’s advice to decorate your kitchen and dining spaces with flowers. Be in to win Jane Packer Flowers and the NZ House & Garden July issue.
Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:
Pro tip#4 As the weather cools, we begin to mow a lot less. So it’s a good time to remember to wash under our mowers after each use. Decomposing grass & weeds underneath your mower can spread over the lawn, then lead to future problems like fungal diseases. #keepitgreen.
" Hit " brand steel benders and cutter's for steel reinforcing steel rods 12mm to 16mm
Mounted on timber plank
Good condition
The newest market in the area. Ōtaki Yard Markets bring together a community of passionate growers, crafters, bakers and makers in a fun environment.
The markets will feature the best local artisan products and delicious cuisine from an array of food trucks.
Music from 10 am - 1 pm performed by … View moreThe newest market in the area. Ōtaki Yard Markets bring together a community of passionate growers, crafters, bakers and makers in a fun environment.
The markets will feature the best local artisan products and delicious cuisine from an array of food trucks.
Music from 10 am - 1 pm performed by local artists.
We are joining forces with organisations from across the global water community to thank water workers for their work during COVID-19.
During the national response to COVID-19, our priority was providing clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment to our community.
Thanks to all of our … View moreWe are joining forces with organisations from across the global water community to thank water workers for their work during COVID-19.
During the national response to COVID-19, our priority was providing clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment to our community.
Thanks to all of our crews, contractors and consultants who worked to provide three waters services and deliver on projects during the response. 👏
LG Dishwasher, approx 5 years old, in need of repair. Otherwise good condition.
View at Rod Clifton Motors.
Volunteering New Zealand is mobilising the kindness DNA with our new #AotearoaOfKindness campaign for National Volunteer Week!
We're calling on people to share their stories of acts of kindness. We're calling on people to thank those who have shown acts of kindness that contribute to an … View moreVolunteering New Zealand is mobilising the kindness DNA with our new #AotearoaOfKindness campaign for National Volunteer Week!
We're calling on people to share their stories of acts of kindness. We're calling on people to thank those who have shown acts of kindness that contribute to an Aotearoa of Kindness.
Call to action – keep shaping the world we want to live in:
• Look for where kindness, mahi aroha, work for love, has impacted your life.
• Show your thanks to those people giving kindness and mahi aroha through #AotearoaOfKindness.
• Connect or reconnect with a community or a cause that’s important to you through volunteeringnz.org.nz/finding-volunteer-roles.
Do you want to improve your flexibility and balance?
No prior booking required, all you need is a mat and a blanket. All ages welcome. $10 drop-in or $80 for a 10x pass.
Looking forward to seeing you on the mat!
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