Please note that views expressed in this column are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect Regional Council policy.

Frustrations & pleasures as a returning Regional Councillor

Having been a Regional Councillor from 2004 to 2010, and then having a spell for 6 years, I am finding it too often frustrating. Yes for 5 of my previous 6 years on Council I chaired our Transport Committee (and the Regional Transport Committee for 4 years). These days I “sit on the back-benches”, but my passion for improving our environment hasn’t diminished.

Last week Staff briefed me on the Kaituna River diversion project – aimed at increasing the fresh water flow to revitalise the Maketu Estuary. When we discussed this in 2008 to 2010, this project was to cost around $4m. Today it looks to be closer to $13m - but I have to say that, having just visited the site, I am very supportive of this project. It has cost too much, and taken too long, to get to this point, but the reality is that it is a great project – that should have great outcomes for the environment. We are finally seeing ACTION, not just words. Well done BOPRC.

Our Regional Council has some big issues to deal with, but we also have to learn to live within our means. Central Government ensured prudence in the public service sector as a result of the GFC (Global Financial Crisis), and it is time for Local Government to wean itself off its “Cost Plus” mentality. Ratepayers can expect me to continue to champion my bi-line “Action not Words”.

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