Council’s plans for the next 10 years

The Far North District Council is inviting feedback on its 2018-2028 long-term plan, with the deadline of April 4.

Mayor John Carter said the LTP affected all ratepayers and most communities, so it was important that everyone had their say.

“Many of the key proposals will affect your rates. This is your one in three-year chance to influence the direction and priorities of the Council, so I encourage you all to have a say,” he said.

The council had achieved a good deal since the last LTP was adopted in 2015, he said.

“We are well under way with work on a new sewerage scheme in Kerikeri and a world-class sports facility, Te Hiku Sports Hub, for Kaitaia. We have completed the long-awaited Pou Herenga Tai — Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and repaired and strengthened roads damaged by one of the biggest storms to hit the district in decades. At the same time, we’ve been addressing historic infrastructure gaps across the district, such as fixing dusty roads.”

It was a challenge for the council to keep assets in good condition while also providing affordable services, however. The council also needed to cater for growth where it was occurring, meet community needs and expectations, and be open to opportunities that delivered economic and social prosperity.

“We propose to focus on maintaining, and getting the most out of, existing services and infrastructure, while keeping debt and rates as low as possible,” Mr Carter said.

“We also propose to take advantage of government subsidies and other funding, and develop new infrastructure where possible to deliver the economic and social prosperity our communities are seeking.”

The LTP’s key proposals were to: ■ Create an $11.8 million community and civic hub for Kaikohe. ■ Build a new $4.6 million cycle trail from Opua to Taumarere. ■ Extend the Twin Coast Cycle Trail with a $26 million network of cycle trails over 21 years. ■ Transfer ownership of Russell’s wharf to Far North Holdings. ■ Spend $5.1 million upgrading Kaitaia’s sewerage system. ■ Establish a $100,000 fund for ‘placemaking’ projects that would improve the ‘liveability’ of places. ■ Continue allocating $100,000 a year for community infrastructure projects, and $80,000 a year to support events and festivals. ■ Support Te Kao’s choice to install rainwater tanks for drinking water, including different funding options. ■ Grant $230,000 towards toilets and a pay shower in the Kawakawa tourism hub (Te Hononga). ■ Put $160,000 towards a Kawakawa square next to the Hundertwasser toilets.

The consultation document outlined the plans, and other issues that might affect the plan over the next 10 years. ■ The consultation document can be viewed at www.fndc.govt.nz/ltp2018 or at any council service centre.