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

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

 

High level of engagement as Napier Port consultation closes

23 November 2018

Submissions have now closed on the public consultation on how to fund the growth of Napier Port with thousands of submissions received by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

The Regional Council has been consulting on four potential options to fund the Port’s growth and by 5.30pm yesterday, following submissions closing, it had received almost 3,500 submissions.

Mr Graham says submission numbers were now being collated and submissions checked. Final submission numbers would be presented at hearings on 4-5 December but, on a preliminary basis, the majority of submissions (just over 57%) support the Regional Council’s preferred option of floating a minority stake in the Port.

Just over 28% of submissions support retaining 100% ownership and control of the Port and funding the growth through borrowing, paid for through rate increases. Just under 10% supported none of the options and the remaining submissions were split between the options of selling up to 49% of the Port to a minority investment partner or leasing the Port out for up to 50 years.

Regional Council Chair Rex Graham says there has been a high level of public engagement in the process, which set the Council up well to further consider the issue.

“We’re really pleased with the public engagement in this process. We’ve received nearly 3,500 submissions from across Hawke’s Bay – seven times more than we received during consultation on the Regional Council’s last long-term plan,” says Mr Graham.

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.

“Regardless of the preferred option or perspective expressed, submissions have been thoughtful and considered and the Council will be very well informed when it comes time to make decisions on this important issue for Hawke’s Bay.”

All the submissions will be available at www.hbrc.govt.nz on 28 November 2018. Hearings will be held on 4 and 5 December, with approximately 88 submitters requesting the opportunity to speak to their submission.

“The council has conducted an extensive consultative process and all the information has been available for nearly seven weeks. We held six public meetings, had a presence at the Hawke’s Bay and CHB A&P shows and run hundreds of print and radio ads since 3 October. We’ve also held media briefings, published opinion editorials in the local newspaper and published multiple social media posts all designed to encourage participation.”

Mr Graham says once the hearings are completed the Regional Council will consider all the feedback with the intention of deciding on a course of action before the end of the year.

“This is an important decision for the future of Hawke’s Bay. Our Port underpins the operation of our economy and we simply must find a solution that enables it to grow, and in a timely way, in order to continue to support our region.

“On behalf of all councillors, I want to thank every submitter for having their say on this issue. This will be really important in enabling the Regional Council to make decisions on this matter.”


ends

© Scoop Media

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


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... 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.