Friday Council Countdown

18 July 2025

Councillor Duncan of Taupo District Council again, and these Friday posts may be a regular thing for a while because there is a lot happening in the enthralling space of local government right now:

REALLY?  We have the monthly meeting of the ‘Tree committee’ next Tuesday 22 July (my shorthand for the Taupo Roads and Reserves Committee).  This time we have a six-page staff report that recommends declining a resident request for removal of several large trees on a reserve some 500 metres away from their property to improve their view of the mountain.  I am not sure what intrigues me the most – that anyone could be so bold to even ask, or that this Council feels itself so obliged to seriously entertain.  I look forward to lengthy and vigorous debate on this matter of great importance.

STOP!  Some unsafe roundabout designs are currently being tendered for construction by the engineers at Taupo District Council, the two locations being Crown Road / Taharepa Road and Tauhara Road / Taharepa Road.  Don’t get me wrong, these are good places for a roundabout – but one of these designs if not amended I am 100% sure will result in some pretty poor road safety outcomes. On this you will just have to trust me because I do it for a living, so keeping an eye on it.  

ABOUT BLEEDING TIME: Local government minister Simon Watts introduces the Local Government Amendment Bill to Parliament which includes rates caps and stronger transparency and accountability measures, see: Bill to ‘refocus’ councils enters Parliament – Inside Government NZ

ADVICE WITH A WARNING: To any budding candidates for the coming local body election, I offer you this insightful 9 min piece of advice from Christchurch Councillor of 18 years Sue Wells.  However BE WARNED: as helpful as this message is no doubt intended, this message is calibrated to moderate the ambition of any elected member who might dare to challenge the status quo – so please don’t be entirely like her.  See: What to expect when you’re elected – a beginner’s guide for local government candidates by Sue Wells

SORRY BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY ANYWAY: Former Taupo District Council CEO Gareth Green apologies for the unforeseen additional 3% rates increase:  Independent review of New Plymouth District Council plan finds significant errors | The Post

A NEW LOW – Mayor Trewavas & Councillors Taylor, Westerman & Fletcher all attended the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Superlocal annual conference in Christchurch 16 & 17 July.  Sounds like there was a bit of excitement with some protests outside:  Local Government New Zealand Hits New Low | Scoop News

EXPOSE: Find out yourself: What Is the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Really?

JMA SAGA KEEPS ON GIVING: The July 31 Council meeting when this all gets decided draws nearer, and Councillors continue to receive communications from concerned citizens daily.  Here are a few recent news items including an interview of Christine Rankin who also encourages people to start giving a damn this next local body election; Public turnout high for JMA workshop and also of relevance: Government to stop Council plan changes | Beehive.govt.nz

IS THAT EVEN ALLOWED? Against the wishes of the Council CEO but for greater transparency, I am releasing a copy of the 26 June staff assessment which concluded that public consultation for the JMA is not required.  

PUBLIC MEETING: This MONDAY 21^st July 6.30pmish at the REAP Centre with the theme of 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠? Speakers include myself and a bunch of others, flyer will follow so keep an eye out.

FRIDAY FUNNY: What do you think of the next ratepayer funded contribution to the Taupo Sculpture Trail:  The 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐔𝐒?