Waimakariri CEO encourages residents to get involved

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill

A strong local voice is essential, says Waimakariri District Council acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.

In his pre-election report, Millward said it was essential candidates and voters debated the issues ahead of the local government elections.

Population growth, Covid-19 recovery, rising inflation, central government reform and climate change loom as challenges for the district, he said.

‘‘Since the Canterbury earthquakes the district has experienced a significant and prolonged period of growth and change.

‘‘With our population growth set to continue and reach almost 100,000 by 2050, there are a number of big issues on the horizon that will affect us all.’’

Covid-19 uncertainty had caused significant disruption, impacted the community and the business environment had ‘‘become increasingly difficult’’, Millward said.

Three Waters and Resource Management Act reform and the future of local government review also meant there was a need for a strong local voice, he said.

‘‘There’s a lot that’s still unknown about how these reforms will impact the council, but it is likely there will be an increased focus on community wellbeing and community outcomes.

‘‘There may also be a greater focus on spatial planning and key infrastructure provision at a regional level. Should this happen, it is important a local voice is still heard.’’

Global issues such as climate change, reducing carbon emissions, sustainability and ‘‘supporting a sustainable-focused economy’’ all required local solutions, Millward said.

‘‘Environmental challenges are taking place at the same time as the ongoing growth of the district.’’

To address these issues required ongoing collaboration with the Greater Christchurch Partnership councils, he said.

This included decarbonising the transport system, increased resilience to natural hazards and climate change, accelerating the provision of affordable housing and improving access to employment, education and other services.

He said the councils had undertaken climate change risk assessments and joint spatial planning.

The role of local government in mitigation and adaptation strategies was also being considered.

The changing economic environment in the wake of Covid-19 meant the council and the district were experiencing higher than normal staff turnover, while attracting staff was increasingly difficult.

‘‘Wherever there is change there is also opportunity and potential,’’ Millward said.

‘‘Throughout the next three years the role of a councillor and community board member could change in terms of how you advocate for the community and set the direction for the district’s development.

‘‘There is significant work ahead to achieve and the council’s elected representatives will have to understand, relate and respond

to a number of challenges in short time frames – often in partnership with other groups, areas and stakeholders.’’

Millward said the council was in good shape to face these challenges with its AA long term credit rating with Standard & Poor’s

and its AA CouncilMARK rating in Local Government New Zealand’s excellence programme.