Summary
of 2009 – 2019 Northland Regional Council - Northland Community Plan.
Attending
the submission hearings on Thursday 21st May and Friday 22nd May 2009 was not
only informative but a great opportunity to experience firsthand the efficient
process carried out by the staff and councilors of our Northland Regional
Council. The rules were hard and fast; times were restricted to the ten minutes
allocated, there was to be only questions in relation to the submissions and
there was to be no statements made or the entering of debate by councilors. I
applaud Chairman Mark Farnsworth for the control he exercised during the
process and the friendly way in which any stepping outside the boundaries was
challenged. The chair stood away during a potential conflict of interest item,
with Deputy Chair Ian Walker handling the proceedings during that time.
Conflicts of interest were declared at the commencement of the day and during
times of the interest the councilors well and truly did not get at all
involved. There was definitely great self control as submissions on some of the
more hot topics were presented. Top marks to those councilors from refraining
from these sessions.
Lets
now in my opinion address some of the interesting points raised;
Rescue
Helicopter Services in Northland funding - The pros far outweighed the cons as
submissions were presented by pilots from previous and current missions, by
senior doctors who attend to the patients brought in, by the ambulance
personnel and by medical professionals in the Health Authorities. The
capabilities of the current helicopter proved to be totally suitable for the
Northland Region when highlighted and the reasons why the choice of the machine
being finally understood.
River
Management was a topic that also portrayed the advantages of the continuance of
these projects. Flooding has and still is a serious problem that affects many
in our districts and must be at the top of our priorities. Mangroves were a
problem in many areas causing silting of harbour areas and retaining water
resulting in having properties at the risk of flooding. Some would like to see
them culled out but that is for the authorities to decide on.
The
dredging of the Hatea River providing its availability to the increase of
larger craft entering and bringing much needed dollars to the area of
Whangarei.
Most
take the extraction of minerals as uninteresting and only applicable to
diamonds and gold. One submission emphasized that Northland had an abundance of
minerals waiting to be extracted and further the wealth of our region.
A
most interesting fact during a submission on Stock Effluent Disposal Facilities
was the risk of not only the inconvenience of having to refill the windscreen
washer bottle after following a stock truck, but the potential more of a bio
security risk with the spreading of disease as other countries had been
devastated by.
New
Council Controlled Organisations and the sharing of services highlighted the
cost effectiveness of the introduction of such.
The
message was loud and strong in regards to the protection of waterways and our
harbours with zero tolerance being the only answer and the asking of the
Regional Council to ensure the environment was to be protected.
Many
valued clubs, groups, and associations were asking for much needed help to
ensure the future of their services being available to society. It is obvious
that the sponsor dollar is becoming less and now these people have to look at
other ways to gain incomes including help from councils with ratepayer’s
assistance. An avenue that has many varied comments forth coming to these
possible applications.
The
Events Centre again received much criticism, the feeling that people were still
festering over the way things had been done and how some of the codes were now
being treated after construction as the involvement of these groups was
instrumental to its initial approval.
Marsden
Point Rail Link was the receiving of many comments and the importance of its
development for the local economy.
The
Port shares appeared to really come through the process fairly well unscathed
as I believe many did not have sufficient information to make comment on this
item.
Mixed
reaction to broadband, but it is probably not understood by many who have no
inclination or access to computers. Realistically we must improve these
services if we want Northland to be home for both local and international businesses
and must ensure advancements are made to accommodate the needs.
The
reliability of the supply of and affordable cost of electricity to our region
was discussed briefly as the reality of power cuts taking away the requirements
of many where the flick of a switch is a god given right.
We
can only hope that after hearing the many quality submissions that the ink on
the draft plan is far from dry and changes will rightfully be made according to
some of the valued wishes by our people.
Overall
the two days were interesting, informative and increased our vision on the many
varied topics that affect our region. It was most pleasing that Chairman Mark
Farnsworth spent the whole two days present listening to the opinions of the
citizens who had taken the time to participate in the Northland Community Plan
process. Top marks. The staff were not only professional but most pleasant and
hospitable to the many that circulated through the public gallery over the two
days. It was a great opportunity to become more familiar with the faces
normally only seen on election garb every three years while we all chatted over
a tea, coffee and biscuits during the breaks.
We
sincerely look forward to the next round and wait eagerly to view the changes
made to the 2009 – 2019 Northland Regional Council - Northland Community Plan.
Warren
Slater
Maunu