Mayors Memo

Kia ora,

Keeping connected with friends and family is important for each of us, it’s part of what keeps us healthy, resilient and having an enjoyable life. Connections for small Kaipara District Council are likewise important. Even though Council is able to make many decisions for and on behalf of our local communities, these are not done in isolation. The direction of neighbouring councils and of central government are part of our own local decision-making. We’re all connected.

Within the next few weeks Kaipara District Council expects to receive the Government’s analysis of what the Three Waters Reforms will mean for our council and our communities. Earlier in the year we provided raw data about our water systems as requested. Since then we’ve heard there is a nation-wide $185 billion funding gap for the next 30 years of water pipes and pumps. In the Government’s proposal Kaipara’s Three Waters assets would be merged with those of our neighbouring councils, including Auckland, Far North and Whangarei. Government has said Council will be able to opt out of these reforms. With upcoming Kaipara-specific information we’ll soon be in a place to decide which way to go. I’m looking forward to getting this information, sharing it with you and hearing your views on this before we make our local decisions about local assets for any far-reaching proposal.

Another far-reaching decision linked with a neighbouring Council is the recent approval of the resource consent for the Dome Valley Landfill. This is disappointing news. Kaipara District Council voted unanimously to make a submission opposing the 60 hectare landfill in the headwaters of the Kaipara. We believe the landfill is the wrong idea in the wrong place at the wrong time. It remains to be seen if there will be appeals to the Environment Court. For now I’d say the story is not yet over, though it’s certainly stink.

Stink is also a choice word to describe how we’re feeling on getting advice that Kaipara’s local roading budget grant for the next three years has been reduced in real terms. Waka Kotahi have indicated funding for Local Road Maintenance which will be $6.2M ($2M per annum) less than our original bid request and an estimated $3.6M ($1.2M per annum) less than the minimum to maintain the previous National Land Transport Plan’s Level of Service here. While in dollar terms this is a $4.9m increase from 2018 – 21 Long Term Plan funding for this programme, in reality it represents a reduction once inflation is taken into account and is expected to result in a reduction in Level of Service over the next three years. We have made considerable progress with our roading work over the year and will continue to work hard for you, but this initial news is disappointing.

For Council it’s been a hard enough road to travel, so it’s difficult when decisions made far away appear to have us headed backwards. As a wise man once said, accidents often happen when you’re backing up. I’d rather keep moving forward together. Take care as you go.

Nga mihi

Mayor Jake

Dr Jason Smith, Mayor of Kaipara District