Coastal Commentary NRC  Rick Stolwerk

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With Rick Stolwerk

Northland Regional Councillor, Coastal South

 

Kia ora all.

In the month of June 2021 the Northland Regional Council (NRC) signed off its Long Term Plan, which is effectively the blueprint for what we as a council will be doing for you the ratepayer over the next ten years so please see the Te Mahere Roa 2021-2031 – Long Term Plan at nrc.govt.nz/media/wsidxsbe/final-long-term-plan-2021-to-2031.pdf

In brief this plan covers the following topics focused on community outcomes:

· Healthy waters for the environment and our people.

· Safe and effective transport networks connecting our region.

· Resilient, adaptable communities in a changing climate.

· Meaningful partnerships with tangata whenua.

· Protected and flourishing native life.

· A strong and sustainable regional economy.

Yes, these are high-level outcomes, but they do cover many aspects of the environment that we all live in and wish to enjoy into the future. Please continue to communicate with me by email or phone and lodge your concerns on the NRC Environmental Hotline 0800 504 639.

 

What does the Te Mahere Roa 2021-2031 – Long Term Plan mean for Mangawhai?
Of concern to us all is water quality, including coastal/estuarine and fresh water.

Increased effort is going into improving not only water quality but also maritime safety in the Mangawhai Harbour. These measures include further monitoring and testing for weather quality as well as additional efforts to guarantee the safety of all those using the harbour. There is also funding provided in the LTP to improve water resilience.

The targeted rate for sporting facilities and emergency services continues for the next three years. This rate has assisted in the construction of the Mangawhai Activity Zone and pays for the Mangawhai Regional Surf Life Saving lifeguards over the busy summer period. This fund also supports the ambulance and coastguard services in this area.

The Bream Bay Bus Link from Kaiwaka through Mangawhai on to Whangarei has received strong patronage and will more than likely continue following the end of the two-year trial.

The Piroa-Brynderwyn High Value Area Pest Control Group has had stunning success due to a committed and hard working group of locals. The funding for this group continues over the next three years. The biodiversity outcomes are improving all the time so well done to you all.

 

Other initiatives affecting Mangawhai
The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group are required under the CDEM Act 2002 to have a strategic five-year plan which sets out how Civil Defence arrangements will be delivered in its area. The Northland CDEM Group Plan 2021-2026 draft is available for public consultation from 21 June 2021 to 1 August 2021 (five weeks).

Once again please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions on this topical and worrying issue.

 

Nga mihi
Rick

 

* Disclaimer: These are my personal views and not those of NRC or NRC councillors.