Media Release: Friday 16 December 2016

Issues resolved - focus moves towards planning for growth

Two issues have been put to bed, and the Horowhenua District now turns its attention to planning for predicted population growth.

Initial findings of a third engineers report:

An independent engineers report commissioned and paid for by the Horowhenua Mayor Michael Feyen, has confirmed two previous report findings that the Civic Building is safe to occupy.

Mayor Feyen says initial findings of the report carried out by KoruV.S.L., confirms the building is safe to occupy and has highlighted some work that could be done to improve the life of the building.

“At times, in the past two and half years, this has been a difficult issue which has regrettably tested relationships and created significant uncertainty.

“I now look forward to building relationships and working with Council and staff as we focus on the growth of the district,” he says.

Horowhenua District Council (HDC) Chief Executive David Clapperton welcomes the findings.

“It has reconfirmed the building is safe,” he says.

“The proposed remedial works outlined by this and previous reports to lengthen the life of the building will be costed and planned in the New Year. If extra funds are required then it will be included in the 2017/18 Annual Plan process,” he says.

Legal position regarding Deputy Mayor:

Last week, the Local Government Act 2002 was tested. The Deputy Mayor was removed from office by a decision of Council and a new Deputy Mayor was elected.

During the meeting, Horowhenua District Mayor Michael Feyen elected to reinstate the former Deputy Mayor. The unprecedented action, prompted questions about the intention of the Act.

As a result, HDC employed Simpson Grierson to provide an opinion on section 41A of the Local Government Act 2002.

Mayor Feyen says the opinion provided by Simpson Grierson highlights that the Mayor can appoint the Deputy Mayor. And, if they so wish, Councillors can elect to remove the Deputy Mayor from office and elect another Councillor in their place, as has occurred. The legal opinion is that this can now only be revoked by a majority vote of Council.

While I accept the opinion, I will continue to push Central Government on the issue,” says Mayor Feyen.

“I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Wayne Bishop and all Councillors as we plan for substantial growth in the District,” he says.

Deputy Mayor Wayne Bishop says while it has been an unorthodox approach he is very happy to take on such a significant role in the community.

I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor Feyen, Councillors, Council’s Leadership team and the wider community in this important role,” he says.

Other activities:

Horowhenua District Mayor Michael Feyen says he is incredibly proud of some of the achievements that have been made during his short time in office.

“Democracy has been strengthened through the introduction of the live streaming of Council meetings – Last week, thousands of people viewed the meeting online. This is a great step forward,” he says.

Earlier this month, Council completed public filtered drinking water taps in Foxton and Foxton Beach and options to improve the reticulated water supply in Foxton have been aired.

Growth:

2017 is shaping up to be a year of achievements and planning in Horowhenua District.

Mayor Feyen says he’s pleased to report that following discussions with HDC’s Chief Executive, there is a commitment to improving engagement with the community and that will be evident in 2017.

Included in that will be:

• We will go back to the Foxton Beach community about findings of the consultation process about improvements to their reserves

• The findings of Levin Town Centre consultation will go back to the community for consideration

• The upgrade of Foxton’s Main Street will be completed after consultation with the residents

• Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom will open its doors in Foxton

• Horowhenua District Council will work with New Zealand Transport Agency and communities affected by the motorway extension into the district.

ENDS

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