Rangit¯ıkei seeks slice of action
Economic development, regional growth, infrastructure - these are the issues listed by Rangitı¯kei District mayor Andy Watson at the top of his hit list for the new government to act on.
They’re closely followed by worries about the new law on earthquake-prone buildings, and roading.
Expectations are reported to be running high in the wake of the Labour-New Zealand First deal which saw an NZ First policy of $1 billion a year for regional development taken on board.
Incoming Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said people ‘‘from all over the country’’ had been calling him, seeking a slice of the pie.
But he warned that new Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had already indicated the money wouldn’t be enough to meet the possible demand and ‘‘strict budgetary rules’’ would have to be followed.
Watson said governments had ‘‘stepped back’’ from being heavily involved in paying for the likes of wastewater plants, meaning councils had been forced to pick up more of the tab.
‘‘These are things that affect all councils,’’ he said.
Rangitı¯kei was also deeply involved in the new earthquake safety legislation, especially as it might impact on the small towns in its district, like Marton and Taihape.
It appears building owners are quite quickly going to be confronted with the choice or spending big money to bring old buildings up to the new code - outcome of the Christchurch quakes or demolishing them.
Watson said maintaining roads was also a constant drain on Rangitı¯kei’s coffers, citing the ‘‘incredible expense’’ of the Taihape-Napier highway.
He said the 150-kilometre or so route functioned as a tourist drawcard, access for freight and an alternative to the now-defunct Manawatu¯ Gorge road.
But because it’s not a state highway, his council had to help pay for the road’s maintenance.
Taihape Community Board chairwoman Michelle Fannin said the board’s strategic plan was near completion and was expected to be made public in December.
‘‘We’ve always got a huge wishlist but we need to look at the criteria to make sure we fit it,’’ she said.
‘‘The more focused we are, the more help we can be to ratepayers.’’