Mayors Memo

22 Aug, 2022

Kia ora,

Busy times in recent weeks marked by exceptional moments have kept me well-occupied, including:

· Making my written submission about Three Waters for the Water Services Entities Bill which is before Parliament’s Select Committee for Finance and Expenditure. My three-month experience on the Government’s Working Group for Representation, Governance and Accountability about the Three Waters informed my submission which can be found at https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/submissions-and-advice/document/53SCFE_EVI_124081_FE8688/jason-smith

· Assisting Council officers in writing Kaipara District Council’s submission for the same Water Services Entities Bill. It differs from my own and is broad in its range of subjects discussed, including recommendations for improving how 25,000 Kaipara District people can be heard in the proposed Entity A which includes 1.5 million Auckland people. This can be found at https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/submissions-and advice/document/53SCFE_EVI_124081_FE9932/kaipara-district-council

· Appearing in person before the Commissioners at the resource consent hearings for the Pakiri sand mining off the Mangawhai coast. Kaipara District Council opposes the proposed sand mining.

· Appearing before the Environment Court in the case about the proposed Dome Valley landfill which KDC opposes. We are supporting the case against the landfill being led by Ngati Whatua Orakei and Environs (Te Uri O Hau). With its limited resources KDC is a s274 party rather than a full appellant such as Fight The Tip or mana whenua.

For all these appearances I have taken a principled approach representing all the people of Kaipara District as mayor. Speaking for decisions of Kaipara District Council is part of the role of the mayor, but also representing all the people is part of the public service of this role. I really enjoy this.

Also enjoyable is the outcome of a recent Extraordinary Meeting of Kaipara District Council, which is to ask the Mangawhai community what it thinks about a new idea for Council to buy some well-located land in Mangawhai for future sporting and recreational facilities. The fastest-growing town in Northland has some green spaces but what about new sports grounds? Growth means there’s a fund to make parks nearby. At no cost to ratepayers for purchasing the land, reserve contributions gathered from Mangawhai subdivisions in recent years would pay for it. A Council decision will be made at the September Council Meeting, after consultation with the community. You may want to have your say at http://www.kaipara.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Nominations for the next Council are now closed and I’m delighted to report there are sufficient candidates for the October 8 election so there won’t be any by-elections required to fill gaps. Thanks to those who are standing up for election. Good luck to all.

Nga mihi,

Mayor Jake

Dr Jason Smith, Mayor of Kaipara District