New NRC 10-year plan launched

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Funding for emergency services, a mid-North bus service trial, and pest management at Whangarei Heads are among several key issues in the Northland Regional Council’s new 10-year plan.

Chairman Bill Shepherd says councillors formally signed off the proposals for its Long Term Plan (LTP) 2015-2025 recently and will be seeking public feedback on it until April 24.

Councillor Shepherd says changes to the LTP process mean the council can now produce a simpler, clearer 'Consultation Document' as the basis for that feedback.

"Rather than focusing on the work we already do – and which many Northlanders are already familiar with – the Consultation Document just highlights the main changes and new initiatives we're considering and how we might fund these."

Region-wide key issues for feedback include funding for emergency services (council has agreed with district councils to assume full responsibility for funding life-saving), to enhance services and deliver new environmental initiatives (through a 5% increase in targeted region-wide rates), and buying land for environmental benefit.

Councillor Shepherd says striking the right balance between affordability, value for money and ongoing improvement has remained a top priority for council in developing the proposals in the Consultation Document.

"We've got some big decisions to make and we really need feedback from our communities to do it. You can have your say on all the key issues we're seeking feedback on, or just the ones that interest you, but you're not limited to just what's in the Consultation Document.”

The Consultation Document is available at regional council offices and public libraries, or online at wnrc.govt.nz/ltpfeedback.

The council will hold feedback meetings in early May in Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Whangarei and Dargaville for those who would like to present their views to councillors in person. While you don't need to have given written feedback to speak at these meetings, you do need to register to do so by 3pm, Friday April 24.

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