Blueprint to align charges urged

An initiative which aims to bring continuity to dog fees and charges across Napier and Hastings could by used as a blueprint for other industries looking for better ways to run their businesses between the twin cities.

Dog fees vary greatly between the Hastings District and Napier City Councils and, for example, it costs $30 to microchip a canine in Napier but $42 in Hastings. To apply to keep two or more dogs in Napier it costs $30 and in Hastings, $150. The fee for a working dog in Napier is $42 and in Hastings $46.50.

Havelock North ward councillor Wayne Bradshaw said over the years both councils had worked together on issues successfully and the latest example was the alignment of sports ground charges. "This was long overdue. Now as a leading proponent of Hawke's Bay councils working better together, I am calling for a blueprint to be developed to align rules, bylaws, policies and regulatory processes within all of our councils over a set specified time frame."

Cr Bradshaw did not want to wait until the political debate over whether Hastings and Napier should amalgamate was settled.

He was a member of the Omarunui Joint Landfill Committee, a group run by both councils which together owned and ran the landfill near Taradale.

It was an example of how the two councils were already working together, he said.

"I believe that this successful committee has generated such goodwill and financial benefit for the region that it is a model of what can be achieved for the future."

Cr Bradshaw said it should begin with dog fees and the cost of doing business with councils.

He gave an example of council hourly charge rates which show a building inspection staffer cost $107 from Napier and $132 from Hastings.

Napier planning staff charged $124 when Hastings charged $114 to $175.

The hourly cost to hire engineering staff from Napier was $124 and from Hastings $175.

"I am sure that there are many other areas that by taking a pro-active and inclusive approach to working together the councils will deliver some very good efficiencies and aligned rules, policies and processes.

"Rather than wait for whatever the future may bring, the councils need to work together now to deliver the best outcomes for their residents. We need to set aside personal agendas and put the greater good first and do it now."