What has happened to personal responsibility?

I am not a Climate Change Denier, and I embrace the “Bluegreen vision” of making good environmental decisions based on good science, and not political rhetoric. Sea level rise is Tauranga is not a given when you look at the data collected since 1973 by NIWA (there has been virtually no sea level rise in the past 42 years). That is not to say there won’t be sea surge as a result of major storm effects. But should ratepayers pay for those affected? For example - If you live along Beach Road in Tauranga you know that you are at risk from both storm surge plus a potential Tsunami. The individual householders have made their decision to live there, and they do so in the knowledge of the risk. Local Government – your City and Regional Councils (ie Ratepayers) – should not be held responsible for any poor risk assessments by individuals. I say “let the buyer beware.” Furthermore talking of 1-1.5 metre sea level rise in Tauranga is just plain farcical (and not based on good science).

I commend Hon Nick Smith for his energy in achieving RMA reform, but in my view the current Bill has a couple of flaws, and one of these is in the area of Natural Hazards. By putting the onus on subdivision consent decision-makers to take a risk management approach to consider the likelihood and consequence of all natural hazards that may affect the potential subdivision, we are moving further towards a “Nanny State.” He seems to have missed the National Party’s underlying values that include individual freedom and choice; personal responsibility, and limited (local and central) government.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me

Why have we stopped mechanical mangrove removal?

Regional Councillor Jane Nees, in her 11th October editorial, noted that many people ARE CONCERNED about the rapid spread of mangroves around Tauranga – and yet seven years after the Regional Council made an exciting start by mechanically removing just over 100 hectares of mangroves, no further mature mangroves have been removed. This is a scandal, and it is sad that this programme has been hijacked by passionate, but illogical, greenies. Bill Bayfield (the Regional Council CEO) had the guts to start this mechanical removal, and seven years on the benefits are obvious, and that decision has been justified. For goodness sake Regional Councillors, stop procrastinating and get the job finished.

We were never asking for every last mangrove to be removed from our harbour, but we were entitled to expect at least 400 hectares cleared. You receive $40m a year as a Port dividend, and we expect you to made a serious attempt at remediating the sedimentation and nutrient buildup. You are doing catchment improvements for the rivers that enter our harbour, but unless you get out of your ivory tower and re-start the mangrove removal, then you might as well kiss your past good work goodbye. We were told in 2009Why have we stopped co that the Regional Plan will allow reasonable mangrove removal from our harbour – what has changed? I urge you to stand up against a few vocal activists who worry about a few snails, and look after this wonderful jewel that makes the Western Bay what it is. As Nike say – just do it….

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me at andrew@vond.co.nz

Thank you Tauranga City Councillors

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our City Councillors for saving our inner-city greenspace. All but one voted to drop the sales process. For listening and making a common sense decision, we, and future generations, thank you. Once lost, this greenbelt entrance to our city would have been forever lost. However the job is not quite finished. We now need to establish a “reserve” status for this land, so that future councils can’t repeat the expensive fiasco that proceeded this sensible outcome.

Community Amenities Group’s (CAG) aspirations for our City

My support of CAG’s aspirational vision for our city (including a downtown stadium at the Domain) is definitely not in conflict with my call for Council to stick to their core business. My 14th August editorial in the Weekend Sun clearly quoted from the 2002 Local Government Act, and its subsequent amendment in 2010. The 2010 Amendment (and I quote) “encourages councils to focus on core services by requiring councils to have particular regard to the contribution to their communities of:

• network infrastructure

• public transport services

• solid waste collection and disposal

• the avoidance and mitigation of natural hazards; and

• libraries, museums, reserves, recreational facilities, and other community infrastructure”

These “core services” completely align with the aspirations of CAG. We now have a wonderful opportunity to revitalise our City Centre. Please Councillors – accept the intent, and let’s get it done with urgency. Finally we have a vision that we can all be proud of.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me at andrew@vond.co.nz