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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council is considering charging for official information requests as it struggles to keep up with demand.
In a report to recent council committee meeting, Waimakariri District Council governance team leader Thea Kunkel said the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council is considering charging for official information requests as it struggles to keep up with demand.
In a report to recent council committee meeting, Waimakariri District Council governance team leader Thea Kunkel said the council had responded to nearly 300 requests for information in the last 12 months.
The requests were received under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.
Councillors were due to workshop a draft charging policy this month, before adopting it at the next month’s council meeting.
Chief executive Jeff Millward said the requests were adding to staff workload.
‘‘We are making sure we respond to them promptly, but it is causing quite a bit of work.’’
The legislation allowed for councils to charge for costs associated with processing a request, but until now the council has not charged for an official information request.
But three recent requests were ‘‘considered substantial’’, so staff had advised there would be a charge if the work was undertaken, the report said.
The council received 71 requests between March and May, compared to 61 for the same period last year and 32 in 2022.
Staff had spent 194 hours responding to requests over the last three months and it was estimated to have cost the council $8588.
Charging guidelines provided by the Ministry of Justice suggested staff time be charged at $76 per hour, with no charge for the first hour.
The requests were for information on a range of topics, including drainage, proposed solar farms and other consent applications, property purchases, security at council facilities, threats to councillors and staff, and annual plan processes.
One recent request wanted information regarding Kintyre Ln in Ohoka from 2007 onwards.
Staff estimated it would take more than 40 hours to collate the information.
Last year, several information requests were in response to the inclusion of statements relating to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the council’s 2023/24 annual plan.
Known as Agenda 2030, it was adopted by the United Nations’ 193 member nations, including New Zealand, in 2015.
It comprised 17 goals, including eliminating poverty, a focus on health and wellbeing and action on climate change.
The council has come under increased scrutiny since Covid, which has led to a heightened awareness of the right to access official information, the report said.
It has also led to the council beefing up its internet security due to a growing number of threatening emails, including death threats, and security staff were increased during last month’s long-term plan hearings.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Manure from grain-fed horses in 40l bag. 4 bags for $30, or $8 a bag. Free delivery Rangiora. Limited supply. Support your local community. Phone 021 118 0071 or email lionshorsemanure@gmail.com
Dry, easy to light, made from recycled wood, packed in 4kg boxes. 4 boxes for $30, or $10 a box. Free delivery Rangiora. Limited stock. Support your local community. Phone 021 1180071 or email lionskindling@gmail.com
Pig manure and aged sawdust in 40l bag. 4 bags for $30, or $8 a bag. Free delivery Rangiora. Limited supply. Support your local community. Phone 021 118 0071 or email lionspigmanure@gmail.com
Nearly new. Has remote and exercise bands. Works well. Buyer must collect before Saturday 22nd June. Text 027 600 0093 to get address details.
We're extending the consultation period for the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw 2024 to Sunday 23 June 2024.
We want to make sure that everyone has had the opportunity to get informed on the proposed amendments to the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw 2024. Have your say now! 🗣️
👉 … View moreWe're extending the consultation period for the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw 2024 to Sunday 23 June 2024.
We want to make sure that everyone has had the opportunity to get informed on the proposed amendments to the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw 2024. Have your say now! 🗣️
👉 waimakariri.govt.nz/ourbeaches
Hello Neighbours
Today we're going to highlight an underrated oral hygiene habit: Tongue Cleaning
Why Should I clean my Tongue?
Studies show that using a tongue cleaner is almost TWICE as effective at removing biofilms / tongue coatings that cause bad breath than a toothbrush alone. And, … View moreHello Neighbours
Today we're going to highlight an underrated oral hygiene habit: Tongue Cleaning
Why Should I clean my Tongue?
Studies show that using a tongue cleaner is almost TWICE as effective at removing biofilms / tongue coatings that cause bad breath than a toothbrush alone. And, getting rid of that stinky gunk helps freshen breath.
Tongue cleaning improves our ability to taste subtle flavours in foods.
This healthy oral hygiene habit slows the growth of plaque.
For the ultimate technique to end bad breath forever, scrape your tongue with the tongue cleaner and then brush your tongue (and the rest of your mouth) with our HealThy Mouth Blend!
If you want a super Fresh Breath every day www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...
Exceptional Products & Services
Room to Heal in Rangiora
Reiki Practitioner
Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Bioptron Medical Light Therapist
Love and Light
Rae
The Waimakariri Residential Red Zone Recovery Plan included proposed development of Recreation and Ecological Linkages throughout the regeneration areas. In Kaiapoi South, these included the Courtenay Esplanade, accessway, and connection to The Oaks.
Timing of work:
Fastgrass plan to commence … View moreThe Waimakariri Residential Red Zone Recovery Plan included proposed development of Recreation and Ecological Linkages throughout the regeneration areas. In Kaiapoi South, these included the Courtenay Esplanade, accessway, and connection to The Oaks.
Timing of work:
Fastgrass plan to commence the works from Monday 17 June 2024. The works are likely to take four to six weeks, subject to weather.
How the work may affect you:
There will be some pathway closures while work is underway. There may be some minor construction noise but we will try to keep disruption to a minimum. Works will be carried out between the hours of 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturdays only.
Winter is here and it is a great time to get all your interior painting and decorating projects sorted.
Get in touch with Andy and the friendly team
We've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Mitre10 cards are:
Cynthia Chozas from Botany Downs
Mabel Dawson from Stratford
Michael Pascoe from Amberley
… View moreWe've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Mitre10 cards are:
Cynthia Chozas from Botany Downs
Mabel Dawson from Stratford
Michael Pascoe from Amberley
Sarah Gebhard from Nelson
Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 25th June.
Driven Automotive Rangiora is now carrying out motorcycle WOFs.
Phone us on 03 3135329 to make a booking.
Is anyone interested in seeing Unsung Hero (movie behind King and Country) at Palms or Northlands on wednesday? could share transport.
Each week, nominations on Neighbourly get turned into a Stuff story and we are always on the lookout for amazing neighbours who deserve to be recognised.
It could be someone who helped you when you were in a tight spot, a local who goes above and beyond for the community or just a neighbour who … View moreEach week, nominations on Neighbourly get turned into a Stuff story and we are always on the lookout for amazing neighbours who deserve to be recognised.
It could be someone who helped you when you were in a tight spot, a local who goes above and beyond for the community or just a neighbour who checks in on you.
Nominate your 'Nice Neighbour' by clicking here.
Come and join us at the Cheviot Village Matariki Market on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June. Located in the Knox Community Centre Church building, cnr Hall and Reeves Street, Cheviot from 10am to 2.30pm both days. Great quality, local stalls, with parking close by and free entry. See you … View moreCome and join us at the Cheviot Village Matariki Market on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June. Located in the Knox Community Centre Church building, cnr Hall and Reeves Street, Cheviot from 10am to 2.30pm both days. Great quality, local stalls, with parking close by and free entry. See you there!!
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