Mayors Memo

11 July, 2022

Kia ora,

Big news in Kaipara is that deputy mayor Anna Curnow will not be seeking re-election at the upcoming Council elections. Anna has made a huge contribution to stable local government in Kaipara for nearly a decade and is widely known and popular across the district. As mayor I have greatly valued her wisdom, experience and support. We’ve made a great team and, with both of us separately confirming neither will be seeking re-election, the increased opportunity for others to emerge to lead Kaipara District Council is now brought into focus. Nominations for mayor and councillor positions open on 15 July and close 12 August, and the postal elections will conclude on election day, 8 October.

For certain there will be new leaders then, but for now with fewer than 100 days remaining of the current council term there’s plenty going on:

· The Annual Plan 2022/23 has been unanimously adopted by Council with the average general rates rise slashed from an earlier-forecast 7.13 percent to 4.86 percent. Few Councils across New Zealand have been able to slash the rates from what had been forecast in the way Kaipara has done. While the cost-of-living crisis bites, Council has taken hard decisions to help Kaipara people along in these challenging times. The fact the decision was unanimous speaks volumes about this Council, and while the gains have been hard-won they are worth every cent. We’re still growing a better Kaipara, but tightening our belt to suit the times.

· Three Waters legislation for the proposed Water Entities is now open for submissions which close on 22 July. I encourage everyone to make a submission to the Three Waters proposals. Kaipara District Council does not support the proposed reforms and is a member of the Communities 4 Local Democracy group of 31 Councils from across New Zealand which is seeking a better approach to three waters reforms. C4LD has prepared a simple toolkit for anyone anywhere wanting to have their individual say, which can be found at communities4localdemocracy.co.nz/demand-better. So, Kaipara people, here is your opportunity to have your say about Three Waters!

· SNAs (Significant Natural Areas) proposed rules are also open for submissions until 21 July, as part of the Proposed Indigenous Biodiversity National Policy Statement. This subject has been controversial and there were protests at neighbouring Far North District Council about this. Make your own submission at environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/national-policy-statements/proposed-nps-indigenous-biodiversity/.

Having your say is the mood for the season, so get into it Kaipara. What a positive way to spend a dark winter evening.

Nga mihi

Mayor Jake

Dr Jason Smith, Mayor of Kaipara District