Dannevirke: Ratepayers to decide on district plan

Lianne Simpkin (left) the Tararua District Council's economic development and communications manager, with resident Lee-Anne Stone at last Wednesday night's stakeholders meeting for the council's long term plan. Photo / Christine McKay

By last Tuesday night staff at the Tararua District Council had produced their 15th draft of the long-term plan.

"Audit New Zealand have become extremely pedantic and want the draft down to just five pages," Tararua District mayor Roly Ellis said. "It's been a circus."

At the second stakeholder's meeting last Wednesday night, the council's consultation document, Living Well in the Tararua - It's more than just a promise - was presented and council chief executive Blair King said it's now up to ratepayers to have their say.

"We want to know if you think our council is going in the right direction, or if you're not happy," he said.

Key questions Mr King said, were, does council have the financial competency to continue delivering and is the direction taken by the council going to improve our economy or not.

Signalling a proposed rates increase for the next year of three per cent, compared to 3.45 per cent in the current year, with an average annual increase of 2.7 per cent over the next 10 years, is a result of prudent financial management, Mr Ellis said.

Following the first stakeholders workshop last November, business leaders and community representatives delivered a clear idea of what was required to take the Tararua forward - growth, jobs and economic sustainability.

Malcolm Thomas, who works part-time with the Tararua District Council on strategy and planning policy, told the council it was in a strong financial position.

"This gives the community choices," he said. "Living well in the Tararua means good core infrastructure, economic development and prudent financial management."

The Tararua District Council's biggest activity is roading and footpaths and Mr Thomas acknowledged there had been a great outcome from the NZTA's review of funding for the next three years.

"We're confident we can maintain our roading network for the next 10 years," Mr Thomas said. "But the community might say they want more."

Mr Thomas said there had been an increase in council funding for economic development, with plans to increase that spending again.

"Can we afford to give it (economic development) a real kick in the guts?" he asked.

Mr Ellis said the increase in this funding was aimed at boosting spending locally, retaining residents and attracting new people to enjoy the unique lifestyle here in the Tararua.

"Job numbers have started to increase in the district and we aim to facilitate continued growth in business and population over the next 10 years," he said. "We also plan to keep council debt and rates at levels which allow the community to grow."

However, Mr King said two significant changes in the council's approach were existing pensioner housing and kerbside solid waste bag (rubbish) collection.