NEWS AND YOUR VIEWS FOR OUR DISTRICT

      

04-Sep-12

Letter to the editor: KDC and the crossroads

Dear Kaipara community,

Kaipara District is at the crossroads and we have the options of sinking further, or by all working together to gradually rescue ourselves from the unbelievable mess that we are in.

Please, do not see this as an ‘east’ vs ‘west’ thing, or a ‘rural’ vs ‘town’ thing — though I do appreciate that some of our former councillors did try to cater to very sectional interests.

There has been a lot of news and activity lately regarding our district, especially:

  • The rates notice for the first instalment of 2012/2013 rates is with us.
  • The Review Team’s report has been presented to the Minister and now released.
  • On 29 August the outgoing council voted to pass the Annual Report 2010/2011 and Long Term Plan 2012/2013.
  • The elected council has been replaced by commissioners.


My appreciation of the situation is:

  • The Review Team’s report vindicates the long standing contention of many that:
  • Council’s condition was so bad that the elected mayor and council had to be replaced as a matter of extreme urgency.
  • Audit New Zealand’s actions warrant investigation.
  • Certain past rates are illegal, and past development contributions may also be illegal.
  • The use of consultants has been detrimental to the district.
  • Community consultation has been very poor.
  • …and more. Read full report here
  • If, and only if, the commissioners implement the recommendations of the Review Team will some, but not all, of what I and others have been requesting for years be satisfied.
  • There needs to be a a detailed investigation of ‘illegal debt’ and also ‘recoverable funds’ — and that these are NOT the responsibility of ratepayers to fund.
  • Council is probably insolvent.
  • The current rate demand for many within the district most probably includes illegalities.
  • The now adopted LTP, which will form the basis of future rating for 2012/2013 is almost certainly illegal.
  • Apart from going to court to challenge the legality of the current and future rate instalments (an expensive exercise) the only ‘power’ the general community has is to make it very clear that rates will be withheld (ie the rates Strike continue and expand) until the commissioners con rm that they will seriously address the community’s concerns — and any penalties imposed already will be removed. (How can one be expected to pay a penalty for a continuing illegality by council?).


In summary, the last few weeks have shown mostly very major progress and the opportunity for a new start for Kaipara. The legality of the Long Term Plan, and hence legal authority to strike rates, is a cloud hanging over us all — the community, Central Government and commissioners.

We, the community, should show ‘Willingness to work with the commissioners — but only on the basis of mutual respect, respect for the law and not sweeping the past under the carpet.

John Dickie
Mangawhai Heads