YOUR VIEWS

Set the record straight

In response to Chair Rachel Keedwell (her letter on May 13, p15).

I stand by the comments I made when interviewed by the Whanganui Chronicle (which also ran in the Horowhenua Chronicle, May 6, 2022, p17) for my speech to Federated Farmers, but should clarify reference to any particular iwi was not made by me.

In discussing consent issues in general, I gave any example of a farmer that approached me having issues over a water take consent in 2019.

They are now going to limited notification process after three years of negotiation.

Be very clear, I am not debating whether a person should or shouldn’t receive a consent.

I simply argue the process should be accessible, transparent, and timely for all involved.

I make no apology for bringing issues that ratepayers face to the council table or making them public to be discussed. And, where appropriate on behalf of ratepayers, I ask for changes in Horizons policies and processes to make improvements for our environment, business, and communities.

I do not see this as interfering as Chair Keedwell does.

It is unfortunate that Chair Keedwell cannot remember the numerous times I have brought consent processioning issues to the council table over the past few years, including forwarding a number of complaint emails from ratepayers.

This led to me moving a motion on August12, 2020, to have an independent review of Horizons consenting process.

This motion was passed with a majority voting FOR my motion (Chair Keedwell voted against this motion).

The review has led to some improvement, but there is more to do. This is not a blame game.

At the Federated Farmers meeting and interview, I offered solutions that might help to improve clarity within Horizons’ consenting process, to better guide all parties in the consent process.

I have documentation and contact details to support the comments I have made.

Feel free to contact me on this issue or any others you face with

Horizons, as I am here to represent you.

Cr David Cotton david@tasmantrust.co.nz

Cr Cotton represents Whanganui at Horizons Regional Council.

Correspondence on this issue is now closed - Ed.