Waimakariri mayor plans to ensure local voices are heard
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.
Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along with mayors, council chief executives and Ministry for the Environment officials.
The steering group will advise the government on the Natural and Built Environments Bill, the Spatial Planning Bill and the Climate Adaptation Bill, which were set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
‘‘We will be working to make sure local government’s and our communities’ voices are heard and understood.’’
Gordon has already raised concerns with Environment Minister David Parker during last year’s Local Government Conference around the ability of developers to make private plan change requests while a council is in the process of reviewing its District Plan.
The question came to light after a private plan change request was lodged by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The request sought to develop a new sub-division at Ohoka, while the council was still completing its Waimakariri District Plan review.
Gordon asked if there could be a moratorium placed on private plan change requests.
"I have heard back from the Minister’s office, and it is being considered as part of the RMA reforms."
He said he would raise the question again through the Ministerial Advisory Group.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.7% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
