Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

MOU brings improved efficiency to environmental management

MOU brings improved efficiency to Ruapehu environmental management


Protecting the quality of Ruapehu’s air, land and water just got a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ruapehu District Council (RDC) and Horizons Regional Council.

Under the MOU Ruapehu compliance officers are now contracted to provide the ‘on the ground’ response to any issues associated with the dumping of refuse, dead stock and abandoned vehicles in riverbeds, and air quality complaints within Ruapehu District boundaries.

Ruapehu Group Manager Community Services Margaret Hawthorne said that while Horizons still has the legislated responsibility for managing the district’s air, land and water resources the MOU will mean a more rapid response if a site visit is required from a locally based compliance officer.

“People wanting to report issues from burning fires or pollution threats to land or rivers and streams will still need to call Horizons in the first instance,” she said.

“Horizons will qualify the call and decide if an on the ground response is required from a Ruapehu compliance officer.

“The RDC compliance officers attending the callout will manage the event to stop, or prevent any further nuisance or damage being caused, and collect any evidence if required.

Horizons strategy and policy group manager Dr. Nic Peet said that any decisions relating to enforcement action will still be made by Horizons.

“Horizons staff will also still undertake planned inspections of consented activities in the Ruapehu District, such as vegetable washers, wastewater treatment plants and farm effluent.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Dr. Peet noted that community education is another important part of the MOU.

“As with the all compliance activities education is the preferred approach in the first instance,” he said.

“Both RDC and Horizons are excited about the benefits this arrangement will bring to the protection of Ruapehu’s environment.”

“As a district with an economy built on, and around, its natural resources the MOU helps brings the compliance end of environmental management closer together between Ruapehu’s two territorial authorities.”

Horizons 24/7 pollution hotline and free phone number is 0508 800 800.

*End*

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.