WE have the information, unreasonable delay providing it #LGOIMA

Contrary to DCC Bylaw 23 no camping restriction applied over summer

DCC’s delay in providing official information on freedom camping numbers (Which Is Available) appears to equate with what happened over LGOIMA requests lodged after the South Dunedin Flood of June 2015. Delay, derferment, and obfuscation occurred then as now. There is no reason to believe anything has changed internally, magnified by today’s ‘official response’.

[redacted screenshot – click to enlarge]

****

DCC now has a laborious text response as first acknowledgement of the LGOIMA requests it receives. An associate has been working on improvements to the below on suggestion back to the system. The short information request is highlighted by whatifdunedin:

From: officialinformation @dcc.govt.nz
Sent: Monday, 13 March 2017 7:55 a.m.
To: Elizabeth Kerr
Subject: Confirmation of receipt of LGOIMA request – 577864

Dear Elizabeth

I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your official information request dated 13 Mar 2017 7:55am

We support public access to official information. Our obligation under the Local Government Official Information Act 1987 (the Act) is to provide you the information requested as soon as reasonably practicable unless there is a good reason for withholding it.

We will process information requests as below:

1. We will let you know as soon as we can (and in any case within 20 working days) whether your request will be granted or declined, and if the request is declined why we have declined it.

1. In some cases it may be necessary for our decision to be made after 20 working days. When this occurs we will advise you the anticipated delivery date together with the reason why it is necessary to extend that time within the 20 working days.

1. If your request is complex or requires a large amount of collation and research, we may contact you with a view to either refining your request or discussing the possibility of charging for aspects of your request in line with the DCC charging policy.

1. If we decide to release the information, we aim to provide it at the same time as we give our decision. If this is not possible we will provide the information as soon as reasonably practicable.

If you need to contact us about your request, please email officialinformation@dcc.govt.nz or call 03 477 4000. Please quote reference number: 577864

The timeliness of our decisions and the reasons for them are reviewable by the Office of the Ombudsman. You can view the Ombudsman’s guidelines for the processing of information requests at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by calling freephone: 0800 802 602.

Yours sincerely,

Official Information Request Service

Below are the details of the request

Your request:

New information request – Warrington Domain

I have been informed that DCC recently ran a survey of the freedom campers at Warrington Domain, asking (in no particular order here):

1. where they were from
2. their age
3. how much they were spending
4. what activities they were doing in Dunedin, and
5. what type of vehicle they were in.

I’m told the survey ran for two weeks; and that it was conducted by Ashley Reid.

I request a full copy of the survey results (with names of campers redacted for privacy), to be received by email at earliest convenience.

I note hearings for the Proposed Reserves and Beaches Bylaw will be held this week. Prompt receipt of the survey information would be enabling. Thanks.

File attachment
No file uploaded

[ends]

*****

Points:

1. The Reserves and Beaches Bylaw review that had hearings this week did not include a review of freedom camping; freedom camping is specifically excluded from this bylaw review. The freedom camping bylaw review is heralded to take place in about a month’s time.

2. The point numbering error in the response of 13 March above is the DCC’s.

3. The running foot, or footer, italicised in red (“Dance like no one is watching; Email like it may one day be read aloud in a deposition.”) in the redacted screenshot above, has been raised with senior staff this afternoon and has since been sorted.

4. The LGOIMA response received today must be seen in light of a response to another request I made for information about Warrington Domain lodged on 22.1.17 [ref no. 570874]:

[excerpt; my underlining]

14. How many freedom campers have been staying at Warrington Domain nightly from 1 July 2016 to 15 January 2017? (please state number of vehicles; and number of individuals if known)

15. What is the average length of stay per vehicle at the Domain?

DCC response (28.2.17):

14) We do not perform a count of freedom campers at each site daily. An estimate may be available as a result of a recent survey that was conducted across camping sites within the city. Please advise if you wish to refine your request to include an estimate of numbers.

15) See the answer to question (14) above.

****

whatifdunedin’s ‘amateur’ response and translation:

WE have the information —WE are going to control it. Let’s play cat and mouse, if it turns out the information is ‘maybe’ awkward or not in OUR political favour [before a Bylaw review]. Besides, WE need processing time to [‘line up ducks’] before the information, analysed…… hits the iPads of elected representatives. Micromanaging is GOOD. Vive la DCC Operatives !!

—

Related Posts and Comments:
● 15.2.17 Warrington : DCC dictates loss of community’s grassed recreation reserve to freeloaders
8.2.17 Hands Off Enjoyment of OUR Beaches #DCC
● 6.2.17 Uncontrolled freedom camping at Warrington Domain this weekend —DCC ‘hell model’ [no enforcement]
● 1.2.17 “Fake news” from DCC boffins & Community Board re freedom camping at Warrington Domain #TheBlight
10.2.16 Dunedin freedom camping #DCC #enforcement
16.12.14 DCC: Freedom Camping issues
7.12.09 Coastal protection zones

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

This post is offered in the public interest.

*Image: warrington domain, cropped detail of supplied colour photograph taken 14.2.17

Dunedin Voting Paper Returns

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█ Daily return of voting papers for Dunedin City Council

█ Daily return of voting papers for other 2016 Local Elections

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

*Image: screenshot tweaked by whatifdunedin – click to enlarge

‘Focus on getting the right people elected here’ #Dunedin

ODT 3.10.16 (page 8)

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Election candidates’ names and profiles:

DCC & Community Boards
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-dunedin-city-council

ORC
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-orc

—

Voting Paper Returns
Since voting opened information on numbers of votes returned each day has been made available:

█ Daily return of voting papers for Dunedin City Council

█ Daily return of voting papers for other 2016 Local Elections

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

DCC Voting Paper Returns

Voting Paper Returns – check these out daily

Once voting opens information on numbers of votes returned each day will be available:

█ Find out the daily return of voting papers for the Dunedin City Council

█ Find out the daily return of voting papers for other 2016 Local Elections

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Check out election candidates’ names and profiles here:

DCC & Community Boards
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-dunedin-city-council

ORC
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-orc

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

*Image: electionz.com

DCC & ORC Electoral Officer on Voting

### channel39.co.nz Wed, 22 Aug 2016
Nightly Interview: Pam Jordan
Most residents should have received their local body elections voting packs in the mail by now. Tonight we’re joined by Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council electoral officer Pam Jordan, who’s going to explain the ins and outs of voting.

Channel 39 Published on Sep 21, 2016

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█ Check out election candidates’ names and profiles here:

DCC & Community Boards
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-dunedin-city-council

ORC
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-orc

On the STV voting system
Go to this post and comments to read more about STV – note comments by STV advocate Steve [Stephen Todd of Wellington]:

26.8.10 In defence of STV

█ For more, enter the term *candidate* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

Election Candidates : DCC, ORC and Community Boards

Updated post
Sat, 13 Aug 2016 at 12:50 a.m.

█ Check out election candidates’ names and profiles here:

DCC & Community Boards
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-dunedin-city-council

ORC
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information/elections-to-be-held-and-nominations-orc

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### dunedintv.co.nz Tue, 9 Aug 2016 6:52 pm
Nightly Interview: Pam Jordan
Nominations close soon for the local body elections, and it’s a busy time for the officials, especially those at the helm. Dunedin returning officer Pam Jordan, has one of the busiest jobs.
Ch39 Link

Channel 39 Published on Aug 8, 2016

****

Tuesday, 9 August 2016
ODT: Too few standing to fill council roles
Just three and a-half days from the deadline for nominations in October’s local body elections, there are not enough prospective candidates to fill Otago’s councils and community boards. While candidates regularly leave nominations until the last minute, electoral officers across the southern region say for this election the response is particularly slow. Dunedin’s community boards have just 10 nominations for 30 positions, while in the Clutha district there have been only five nominations so far for the 27 positions available. Electoral officers have called on candidates to get cracking and submit their nominations before they close at noon on Friday, 12 August.

****

[older item]

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Only a week to go

This item was published on [FRIDAY] 05 Aug 2016

Candidates wishing to stand for this year’s local authority elections have a week left to put in their nominations.

Nominations close at 12 noon on Friday, 12 August.

The Electoral Officer for the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Regional Council, Pam Jordan, says the following numbers of nominations had been received by 10am today [Fri, 5 Aug].

Dunedin City Council (DCC):
● Mayor of Dunedin – 1
● Council – 8
● Community Boards (six vacancies for each of six boards) – 5 in total

Otago Regional Council (ORC):
● Dunedin Constituency (six vacancies) – 0
● Dunstan Constituency (three vacancies) – 4
● Moeraki Constituency (one vacancy) – 1
● Molyneux Constituency (two vacancies) – 1

Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for the DCC (including their local community board) or the ORC can obtain nomination forms and candidate information at www.dunedin.govt.nz/elections or phone 03 4774000.

Candidates can also get further information from Local Government New Zealand at www.lgnz.co.nz/vote2016/candidates.

The names of candidates are put on the DCC website as nominations are received and processed. Candidate profiles will be published once nominations close. The elections are held by postal vote and voting papers will be sent out from 16 September. These must be mailed back in time to be received by 12 noon on Election Day, Saturday, 8 October.

Contact Electoral Officer on 03 4774000.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

DCC encourages Election Candidates

█ FYI Dunedin Issue 41 July 2016 (PDF, 251.1 KB)

Read online or source back copies at:
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/fyi-dunedin

█ HOT PRESS.— Fees and Charges
Most DCC fees and charges will rise by an average of 3% from 1 July.

IMPORTANT DATES
Nominations for candidates open Friday, 15 July and close 12 noon on Friday, 12 August.

ENROLMENT TO VOTE
Check your enrolment details online at www.elections.org.nz or at any NZ Post Shop.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Election Year. This post is offered in the public interest.

*Images: screenshots by whatifdunedin

Dunedin City: Representation Review determination

Received.
Friday, April 08, 2016 11:04 AM

From: Donald Riezebos [mailto: Donald.Riezebos @dia.govt.nz]
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 10:33 AM
To: Mick Lester (HDC); Belinda Smith Lyttle; Brian Miller; Carissa Cooper; Chalmers Community Board; Colin Weatherall; Geraldine Tait; Leanne Stenhouse; Martin Dillon; Moira Parker; Mosgiel Taieri Community Board; Otago Peninsula Community Board; Saddle Hill Community Board; Strath Taieri Community Board; Sue O’Neill; Te Rauone Beach Coast Care Committee; Waikouaiti Coast Community Board
Subject: Local Government Commission Representation Review Determination – Dunedin City

Attached is a copy of the Local Government Commission’s representation review determination for Dunedin City, along with our media release. These are embargoed until 11.00am at which time the media will be advised.

Regards

Donald Riezebos | Principal Advisor
Local Government Commission Mana Kawanatanga a Rohe

Media Release
8 April 2016

Commission announces decision on representation arrangements for Dunedin City Council

The Local Government Commission today announced its decision on the Dunedin City Council’s membership and ward arrangements for the 2016 local elections.

The Council had proposed that:
• The council be elected at large (rather than from wards)
• The number of councillors remain at 14
• The boundaries of the Chalmers, Otago Peninsula, Saddle Hill and Waikouaiti Coast Community Boards be altered by transferring two areas between communities and excluding other areas from communities altogether
• A Rural Taieri Community Board be established comprising the Strath Taieri Community Board’s area and the rural part of the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board’s area

There were 16 appeals against the Council’s proposal.

After hearing from the Council and the appellants the Commission has decided to:
• uphold the Council’s proposal for the Council to be elected at large
• retain the existing community board system (apart from renaming the Chalmers Community Board as the West Harbour Community Board and two boundary alterations).

The boundary alterations are the transfer of an area above Sawyers Bay from Waikouaiti Coast Community to West Harbour Community and the transfer of Quarantine Island from West Harbour Community to Otago Peninsula Community.

The Council’s representation arrangements for the 2016 local elections will therefore be as follows:
• A Mayor and 14 councillors elected from the City as a whole
• Six community boards as follows:

Strath Taieri Community Board
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board
Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board
Saddle Hill Community Board
West Harbour Community Board
Otago Peninsula Community Board

• Each community board will have six members and one councillor appointed to the board by the Council

The determination is available on the Commission’s website: http://www.lgc.govt.nz

Summary of the Representation Review process

Councils are required by law to undertake a representation review every six years. The following is a brief outline of the process:

• The Council makes its proposal
• The Council invites submissions on its proposal
• The Council considers submissions and makes a final proposal
• People can object to or appeal against the proposal to the Local Government Commission
• The Commission may hold an appeals hearing
• The Commission makes and releases its Determination

Ends

Media contacts:
Donald Riezebos | Principal Advisor | Local Government Commission
Simon Cunliffe | Communications Advisor | Local Government Commission

Downloads:
● 4549539DA – Blank Document [Determination 7.4.16]
● Dunedin City – Media Release

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Related Post and Comments:
11.6.15 DCC representation review

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Dunedin freedom camping #DCC #enforcement

“It could happen here.”

—

### ODT Online Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Freedom camper influx irks residents
By Vaughan Elder
Warrington residents are concerned about a spike in freedom campers, some of whom leave faeces littered through the sand dunes. The concern comes as tensions are rising in Brighton Rd, residents there telling the Otago Daily Times last week they were worried about freedom campers cramming into the Ocean View Reserve.
Read more

### ODT Online Fri, 5 Feb 2016
Campers upsetting residents
Tensions are rising in Brighton Rd as reports of more than 30 freedom campers cramming into the Ocean View Reserve become common. The Dunedin City Council has no plans to change its freedom camping bylaw, despite community concern and more than 280 infringement notices being issued since it came into effect last year.
Read more

### DunedinTV Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Nightly interview: Scott Weatherall
The city council’s new policy for freedom camping is upsetting some seaside residents. Campers are piling up at the Ocean View Reserve near Brighton, which is one of just two designated sites. Saddle Hill Community Board chairman Scott Weatherall joins us to explain the situation.
Ch39 Video

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The Dunedin City Council bylaw allows freedom campers to stay a maximum of two nights in Dunedin on any council-owned gravelled or sealed land set aside for parking, except in cemeteries, scenic reserves and some prohibited zones on Otago Peninsula, as long as the vehicle was self-contained with a toilet, grey waste and waste capacity for three days.

Limited spaces for non-self-contained vehicles are available at Warrington Domain and in the car park at Ocean View Reserve.

█ DCC Webpage: Freedom Camping
If you are a freedom camper coming to Dunedin, this page will tell you all you need to know before you get here.
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/isite/freedom-camping

█ Freedom Camping in Dunedin (PDF, 333 KB)
8 Dec 2015. This brochure on the Freedom Camping Policy provides guidelines for campers.

[screenshot – click to enlarge]

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC Proposed 2GP (district plan) —DEFEND YOUR PROPERTY

█ Proposed Second Generation District Plan (2GP)
https://2gp.dunedin.govt.nz/2gp/index.html

—

ODT hasn’t treated the following “Opinion piece” with due deference, it’s something to miss —no link at ODT Online. Mr Pickford probably forgot to ask that his propaganda be broadcast. Ah well.

ODT 12.10.15 (page 7)

The PROPOSED 2GP at 1600 pages is the biggest TURN OFF in Dunedin Planning History, ever.

—

The 2GP is the second generation district plan; and YOU, THE COMMUNITY, OWN this regulatory document once it is fully operational. Unfortunately, City Planning thinks THEY own it for your own good. Forget that. Eyeball the bastards and be prepared to defend your realms. Expect to meet with senior management of DCC, get past the desk staff. Most important —go straight to the top: group and general managers, and the chief executive. Avoid lower pond life. Cut to the chase.

Make no mistake, your property if it lies in the City Rise will be GREATLY AFFECTED. There’s very serious stuff going on if you live in a natural hazards zone. But what about your business, read very carefully. Buy a Resource Management specialist if you want to truly defend your property, its use and its value – or if you seek something different, time to stop writing invective just DEAL to the 1600 pages before the submission deadline in November. Write further submissions. Appeal the 2GP to Glory at Environment Court. Go to the High Court if you must. Etc. Etc.

Start your submission with the fact that the hearings panel is not INDEPENDENT and you protest this – councillors should not be sitting on the panel – at the moment Cull’s followers have a voting majority to push their green agendas through. STOP THE ROT. Already, you haven’t been served natural justice. Demand experienced independent commissioners from out of district that DCC hasn’t got to.

The DANGER is, if you’re a Ratepayer and you think you can deal with the 2GP through a DCC-produced summary you are BARKING MAD, you will sign your life away immediately. Wise up.

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Related Posts and Comments:
3.10.15 DCC: Public Notice Draft 2GP + “Community Presentations”
3.10.15 DCC appointees to draft 2GP panel #greenasgrass #infatuation
2.10.15 DCC Draft 2GP hearings panel lacks FULL INDEPENDENCE
30.10.15 DCC 2GP molasses and the dreadful shooflies (You)
28.9.15 Message to DCC: The People can’t deal with your 2GP documentation…
26.9.15 DCC: Proposed 2GP to line pockets of cowboy developers #FIGHTDIRTY

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC 2GP molasses and the dreadful shooflies (You)

TWO MONTHS FOR CONSULTATION WAS NEVER ENOUGH FOR THIS MUCH CHANGE, FORFEIT AND IMPOSITION

█ Proposed Second Generation District Plan (2GP)
https://2gp.dunedin.govt.nz/2gp/index.html

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Received from Anonymous [not a city councillor]

█ Message: It looks like they have pushed the panic button.

—

From: Simon Pickford
Sent: Wednesday, 30 September 2015 11:54 a.m.
To: Council 2013-2016 (Elected Members); Community Board – Chalmers 2013-2016; Community Board – Mosgiel Taieri 2013-2016; Community Board – Otago Peninsula 2013-2016; Community Board – Saddle Hill 2013-2016; Community Board – Strath Taieri 2013-2016; Community Board – Waikouaiti Coast 2013-2016
Cc: Executive Leadership Team (ELT); Anna Johnson; Nicola Pinfold
Subject: 2GP update

Dear Councillors and Community Board members,

I just wanted to give you a brief update on the 2GP and public enquiries. As of the end of day 2 since the 2GP was notified we have had approximately 100 people through the drop-in centre on George Street whom we have answered questions for. We have also had just over 80 phone enquiries, and many emails. Staff are working overtime to return phone calls and get back to people as quickly as possible. However, with a small team of planners and a few on long overdue leave, some calls may take a day or 2 to clear. We have also received a large number of people through the DCC libraries and service centres.

Any District Plan is a difficult document for people to get their heads around and many people will need assistance. We are working hard to provide first class customer service on this project, but the first few days are always the most challenging as both the public and the planners work through this process.

We estimate around 90% of calls are related to natural hazards provisions. The natural hazard questions have related to both what the 2GP provisions are and also questions related to how things have been mapped which we have referred to the Otago Regional Council where appropriate, as they (and their consultants) undertook the scientific analysis.

We hope to get to you a list of frequently asked questions and their answers in the next couple of days so you know what people are asking and what the answers are.

We would really appreciate your support in helping your communities to be involved in this process, by encouraging people to seek advice and get involved but also help them to understand that the first few days may require some patience with the flood of enquiries and as we learn better what people are interested in so we can streamline and provide additional information around those questions.

Please also encourage them to come to the community meetings. Some suggestions provided by you that staff are responding to are trying to resource a staff member to go to the Mosgiel service centre to help with enquiries and to provide people with another option than the George Street centre. They will also look to add an additional meeting at Macandrew Bay. If you have any other suggestions or concerns please contact Anna Johnson directly so she can look to improve our service where we can.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards

Simon

Simon Pickford
General Manager Services and Development
Dunedin City Council

—

Related Post:
28.9.15 Message to DCC: The People can’t deal with your 2GP documentation…
26.9.15 DCC: Proposed 2GP to line pockets of cowboy developers #FIGHTDIRTY

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC rates increase, despicable 3.8%

### dunedintv.co.nz June 29, 2015 – 6:09pm
DCC to raise rates for the coming financial year
A rates rise is being implemented by the city council for the coming financial year. The council’s just adopted its long term plan, which sets out rates. That’s resulting in a 3.8% increase for the 2015/16 financial year, starting on Wednesday. The council previously set itself a 3% limit on annual rates increases, but big ticket items like the proposed Mosgiel swimming pool have put pressure on councillors.
Ch39 Link [no video available]

****

### ODT Online Mon, 29 Jun 2015
Long term plan to be decided
By David Loughrey
The Dunedin City Council will sit today to decide on a long term plan that should result in a 3.8% rates rise when rates are set for the next financial year. What Mayor Dave Cull called “a bloody big agenda” will include debate on the Government’s Remuneration Authority review of councillors’ pay, under which Mr Cull’s pay will rise in the new financial year by 2.9% to $150,150, and councillors’ up 7.3% to $54,500.
Read more

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█ Agenda – Council – 29/06/2015 (PDF, 124.3 KB)

█ Report – Council – 29/06/2015 (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Setting of Rates for 2015/16 Financial Year

█ Report – Council – 29/06/2015 (PDF, 96.4 KB)
Adoption of the 2015/16 – 2024/25 Long Term Plan

█ Report – Council – 29/06/2015 (PDF, 6.5 MB)
Adoption of the 2015/16 – 2024/25 Long Term Plan – Introduction, Sections 1 and 2

█ Report – Council – 29/06/2015 (PDF, 14.6 MB)
Adoption of the 2015/16 – 2024/25 Long Term Plan – Sections 3 – 7

█ Report – Council – 29/06/2015 (PDF, 421.8 KB)
Management Report on the Audit of the LTP Consultation Document

█ Other Council Reports

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Mosgiel Taieri Community Board threatened with demise

Received from Maurice Prendergast
Sun, 14 Jun 2015 at 12:32 a.m.

—

[Undated email by excerpt. -Eds]

From: Maurice Prendergast
To: Bill [Feather]
 
In response to your e-mail below in which you seek feedback from Board members on the recommendation of the Representation Review team, I offer my comments as described below.
 
Effective representation and fair representation; while enshrined in legislation, are really just haughty ‘weasel words’ because while members may masquerade during election campaign as being representative of a particular catchment/community; once elected they can freely abandon their ‘fine principles’ and commit their loyalties to quite alien causes. Case in point: Rural electors who thought they would be effectively and fairly represented by a rural Councillor/ representative of the huge City hinterland found that same Councillor voting to remove their one precious budget consideration (the seal extension budget) and curiously voted for the same amount of funding to favour the provision of cycleways. Conclusion: there is no discipline that binds elected members to the principles of fair and/or effective representation. Cr Wilson has demonstrably personified this. This segment of Local Body law should be removed and pronounced unworkable.
 
Number of Councillors: The most effective Councils since re-organisation in 1989 were those with 21 and 18 councillors. Why? Enhanced salaries for (presumed) talented chairmen of Committees generates a ‘dash for cash’. Currently (at 14 Councillors) the mayor ‘cabals’ by having guaranteed loyalty from his six Committee Chairmen whose salary he has enhanced by bestowing upon them lavishly paid Chairmanships; thus securing an implied loyalty to the Mayor (or be sacked). Peter Chin introduced this draconian practice. When I was Deputy Mayor back in the mid-nineties the Mayor (Turner) relied on trust and appointed for three years. Peter Chin changed that to annual reviews – just to stop his footmen straying from loyalty to him I guess. So having secured six avaricious troopers, on any given issue he can be sure of six votes plus his own (7) which curiously is half of 14 and in the event of a tied vote he can exercise his casting vote to get across the line. That is what is so magical about the number 14, and that is why it will be strenuously defended (or even reduced). So a decision to have only 14 Councillors gives the Mayor a guarantee that he will preside over his ‘Fiefdom’ This was never possible when (say) there was 18/20 elected members. There was always up to 14 and then 12 (when the number dropped to 18 Councillors) who were not ‘tainted’ by having accepted gratuities from the Mayor. In a perverse way this always guaranteed honourable behaviour and reasoned decision making by Council and ‘debt laden vanity projects’ never saw the light of day. I don’t expect a ‘buy-in’ from the public at large because the rank and file electors (largely) don’t like Councillors, and if there were more I would anticipate an ‘uninformed’ revolt – which is a pity because this would be guaranteed means of discipline. But my analysis is that an addition of (say) six more ‘back-bench’ councillors at (say) $50,000 per annum, ($300,000) would be about the best investment the ratepayers could have made in the recent past. And the remedy is staring us in the face. Who was that philosopher who said “those who ignore their history shall be condemned by it”. The exercise of power that currently burdens us in debt is the product of having insufficient disaffected/ unsullied members – members who have retained the capacity not to be corrupted.
 
Community Boards: I am ambivalent about the Review Team’s proposal. Community Boards have never worked as expected by the Commissioner when established in 1989, and while I have served on six or seven Boards during the 35 year life of the ‘new City’, with the exception of the Strath Taieri Board it has been an unrewarding experience. The Boards suffer from not having any decision making authority and consequently suffer from having no sense of purpose. Initially each Board was granted $2000 per annum (euphemistically referred to by the CEO of the day as ‘drop dead’ money) – such was his limited respect for the function of the Boards and intended for the most menial of chores like keeping the toilet paper and light bulbs up to their community Halls etc. Then a Committee/Working Party was established to review the function of Boards with power to decide – a committee stacked with Community Board members and unsurprisingly the annual grant went from $2000 to $10,000 pa; but this change was not intended for any particular purpose. Without any strict purpose set down for these funds it has often generated an exercise in a kind of cronyism where conflicts of interest seemed to flourish. The distribution of these funds is attended by a set of criteria which is carefully described as ‘Guidelines’. Of course nobody can be nailed for imprudent expenditure of these funds because their distribution is bound by the discretionary word ‘Guidelines’. I attempted to get some kind of discipline on board at a recent Board meeting by changing the operative word Guidelines to a more disciplined caption ‘Rules’ but I did not even get the support of a seconder for my motion. Therefore every other member seemed to be comfortable with the freedom of having no rules associated with this ratepayer funded slush fund, and this kind of caballing is in my view why the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board is being abolished. I cannot raise an argument against that recommendation. E&0E)
 
Sincerely,
 
Maurice Prendergast
 
————

From: Bill Feather
Sent: Thursday, 11 June 2015 3:10 p.m.
To: Sarah Nitis; Martin Dillon ; Maurice Prendergast; Blackie Catlow; Mark Willis
Subject: Representatation Review
 
Good afternoon all,

You each will have received a copy of the findings and recommendations of the Hearing panel released last evening. If not a copy of the report is attached.

The Council are to consider this report at an extraordinary meeting on Monday 15th June at which a number of Community Board Chairs including myself will attend.

I am interested to gauge the feeling of the community over the Review Panel’s recommendations and would like for you to forward to me your assessment of community support or otherwise that you learn of over the next day or two for the recommendations under consideration. The media broke the news this morning in the ODT and are planning a follow-up in more detail in either tomorrow or Saturday’s edition.

Your thoughts are important please respond earliest.

Regards

Bill

[Bill Feather, Chairman, Mosgiel Taieri Community Board]

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Related Post and Comments:
11.6.15 DCC representation review

█ For more, enter the term *mosgiel* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC representation review

Updated post Thu, 11 Jun 2015 at 11:10 p.m.

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Representation Review Report Released

This item was published on 10 Jun 2015

The Representation Review Team has completed its review and will discuss its findings with the Dunedin City Council at an extraordinary Council meeting on Monday.

The independent panel reviewed the Council’s representation arrangements after hearing people’s views on the structure we have for electing representatives, whether we have the right number of Councillors and how our wards and community boards meet the needs of our communities.

The Representation Review Team’s recommendations include that the Council be elected at large (which means there would no longer be wards and Councillors would be voted for by all residents) and that the number of Councillors remains at 14.

The Review Team recommends several changes to community boards, such as establishing a Rural Community Board to cover the Strath Taieri and Taieri rural communities. It recommends adjusting the boundaries of Chalmers, Otago Peninsula, Saddle Hill and Waikouaiti Coast Community Boards and reducing the number of elected members on each community board from six to four. The Council would continue to appoint a Councillor to each board. 

Review Team Chair Associate Professor Janine Hayward says, “The Review Team is grateful to everyone who participated in this process. We heard from many people from all parts of Dunedin with a wide range of views and perspectives. It is heartening to see how highly people value our local democracy. We encourage everyone to continue to participate in the next phase of consultation also.”

Members of the Review Team will be present at Monday’s meeting to discuss their recommendations with the Council, which will then agree on a proposal that will go out for public consultation.

Councils are required by law to look at their representation arrangements on a regular basis.

The other Review Team members are Len Cook, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Mayor Dave Cull.

Report – Council – 15/06/2015 (PDF, 8.6 MB)

Report – Council – 15/06/2015 – low resolution (PDF, 1.9 MB)

Contact Associate Professor Janine Hayward, Representation Review Team Chair on 03 479 8666.

DCC Link

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### ODT Online Thu, 11 Jun 2015
Wards’ abolition proposed
By Shawn McAvinue
Dunedin city’s three wards should be abolished and council candidates should vie for the votes of every resident, a team including Mayor Dave Cull has recommended. Under the plan, the number of community boards would be cut from six to five, with fewer members on each board.
Read more

Is this really the end of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board ?? The board with the mostest…. conflicts of interest, and greatest propensity to misuse city council grants ?? HAPPY DAYS.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC seeks feedback on representation arrangements

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Feedback Sought on Local Government Representation

This item was published on 02 Apr 2015

An independent panel is reviewing the Dunedin City Council’s representation arrangements and wants to know what residents think.

The Representation Review Team is keen to know people’s views on the structure we have for electing representatives, whether we have the right number of councillors and how our wards and community boards meet the needs of our communities. It also asks whether we need guaranteed Māori representation and how we can encourage more people to vote in local elections.

Review Team Chair Associate Professor Janine Hayward says, “The review is an exciting opportunity to think about how the current representation arrangements are working for Dunedin residents. We look forward to hearing from as many people as possible.”

The DCC is made up of 14 councillors and a mayor. The mayor is voted for by all Dunedin residents while 11 councillors are elected by Central Ward residents, two are elected by Mosgiel Taieri residents and one is elected by residents in the Waikouaiti Coast-Chalmers Ward. Under this structure one councillor represents 8,869 residents.

The DCC also has six community boards, elected by their communities. In total, these boards represent a third of Dunedin’s population.

Councils are required by law to look at their representation arrangements on a regular basis. The Review Team has been meeting with community boards and other groups and also wants to hear from the public.

█ Residents are encouraged to fill in a short feedback form, which is available at http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/represent, or pick up a printed form from the DCC Customer Services Agency in the Civic Centre or from Dunedin Public Libraries and service centres. Feedback is due by 30 April.

█ There will also be a public meeting in the Dunningham Suite, City Library, at 7pm on Monday, 20 April where people are welcome to ask questions and pass on their views.

Public feedback will help the Review Team make recommendations to the Council in June/July. Formal public consultation will be held later in the year on a proposed structure to apply for the 2016 local elections.

The other Review Team members are Len Cook, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Mayor Dave Cull. Contact DCC on 477 4000.

DCC Link

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2013 MAPS
Waikouaiti Coast-Chalmers Ward Boundary map
Mosgiel Taieri Ward Boundary map
Central Ward Boundary Map

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Community board (Mosgiel-Taieri) clandestine meetings

“The key principle of LGOIMA [Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act] is about transparency and openness.” –Sandy Graham, DCC Corporate Services manager

### The Star Thu, 14 Nov 2013
Board warned off private meetings
By Tim Miller
A catch-up over coffee nearly landed the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board in hot water after members of the public complained it was meeting in secret.

Read more (page 3) at http://digital.thestar.co.nz/olive/ode/str_daily/

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### dunedinty.co.nz November 11, 2013 – 7:11pm
Nightly interview: Bill Feather
One group of Dunedin’s elected officials do their work often under the radar of the media. They are the members of the city’s six community boards, which each have six members, plus one councillor appointed by the DCC.
Video

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QUESTION
Cr Kate Wilson is the DCC appointee to the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board; and Cr Mike Lord, to the Strath Taieri Community Board.
The two councillors are required to travel to community board meetings outside their own constituencies, for which they may now claim a travel disbursement.
Is Mayor Cull ensuring (more) money for friends? Surely not.
Shouldn’t Cr Wilson and Cr Lord stay on their own home turf, reducing the impost on DCC ratepayers?

Profiles for new councillors were supposed to be available at the DCC website from 8 November. It hasn’t happened.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image – dcc.govt.nz Bill Feather

Exercise your right to VOTE

### ODT Online Thu, 3 Oct 2013
Alarm at low voter turnout
By Chris Morris
There are calls for online voting to be fast-tracked as Dunedin City Council voting returns slump towards a record low in this year’s local body elections. The idea was raised by Local Government New Zealand president Lawrence Yule as voter returns for the DCC election crawled to 11.7% by yesterday afternoon.
With 10 days until postal voting closes at noon on October 12, the figure is well down on the same point in the past two DCC elections.
In 2010, 21.12% of voters had responded by now, and in 2007, returns stood at 18.09%. In both cases, last-minute rushes saw returns reaching 52.96% (2010) and 47.47% (2007).
However, this year’s results were shaping as a record low, at least in recent memory, although another last-minute rush was possible, Dunedin electoral officer Pam Jordan said.
Mr Yule told the Otago Daily Times the returns to date in Dunedin were a ”worry” and underscored the need to move towards online voting.
Dunedin’s results appear to be at odds with most other local authorities across Otago, where returns to date are similar to the 2010 election.
Read more

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Dunedin electoral information via the DCC website:
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/electoral-information

● DCC Candidates —Mayor, Councillors, Community Boards

● ORC Candidates

● SDHB Candidates

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC website: Candidate profiles

HOT PRESS —.
David Shearer stands down from Labour Party leadership
Mr Shearer stood down as party leader this afternoon, citing discontent amongst his caucus and poor party polling results.

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LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

DCC has published all candidate profiles and photographs at its website.

Unfortunately, the web page formatting allows no easy cross-comparison between the candidates since there is no ‘one-glance’ photobank of candidate images (named and dated!) with hover statements and links provided to the full candidate statements.

As usual, the DCC website is from the dark ages.
Happy fishing, everyone.

Why are web designers and graphic designers in the employ of the council? To provide clear information to the council, residents, ratepayers and visitors. No stars for the Nominations Received pages (DCC, ORC and SDHB) and their navigation.

This is not a criticism angled at the highly organised and efficient electoral officer for Dunedin, Pam Jordan.

Visit the DCC website for more electoral information.

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Mayoral Candidates 2013 Left to right, (top) Hilary Calvert, Dave Cull, Kevin Dwyer, (middle) Pete George, Aaron Hawkins, Olivier Lequeux, (bottom) Steve McGregor, Lee Vandervis, Andrew Whiley

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Related Post and Comments:
16.8.13 DCC nominations —All the mops, brooms and feather dusters

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC nominations —All the mops, brooms and feather dusters

Updated 22.8.13 at3:25 pm

Dunedin City Council Media Release
Local Body Nominations Close

This item was published on 16 Aug 2013.

Some local body candidates have been elected unopposed following the close of nominations. Current Dunedin City Councillor Andrew Noone has been re-elected unopposed to represent the Waikouaiti Coast-Chalmers Ward. Three community boards – Mosgiel Taieri, Strath Taieri and Waikouaiti Coast – have also been elected.
Read more

More information is available at www.dunedin.govt.nz/elections.

CANDIDATE PROFILES are now available, follow the links here or go to the DCC website (Link).

Mayor (1 vacancy)
1. Calvert, Hilary
2. Cull, Dave – Greater Dunedin ● Supports propping DVML
3. Dwyer, Kevin
4. George, Pete – Your Dunedin
5. Hawkins, Aaron – Green Dunedin
6. Lequeux, Olivier
7. McGregor, Steve
8. Vandervis, Lee – Independent
9. Whiley, Andrew – Independent

Central Ward (11 vacancies)
1. Benson-Pope, David – Independent ● Tired former councillor
2. Bezett, John – Independent ● Stadium Councillor
3. Calvert, Hilary
4. Cole, Phillip – Independent
5. Copeman, Ali – Greater Dunedin ● Otago Chamber of Commerce director
6. Crawford, Julian Lloyd – Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party
7. Cull, Dave – Greater Dunedin ● Supports propping DVML
8. Dixon, Malcolm – Independent
9. Dwyer, Kevin
10. Elder, Rachel – Independent ● Supports ORFU and stadium, dubious
11. Evans, John P.
12. Garey, Christine
13. George, Pete – Your Dunedin ● Supports propping rugby
14. Hall, Doug – Independent
15. Harrison, Lindsay – Independent
16. Harwood, Nigel – Independent
17. Hawkins, Aaron – Green Dunedin
18. Hernandez, Francisco (Fran) – Independent
19. Hudson, Paul Richard – Independent ● Stadium Councillor / ex DCHL
20. Lequeux, Olivier
21. Loo, Tat – Independent
22. MacTavish, Jinty – Greater Dunedin ● Supports propping DVML
23. Mitchell, Kim
24. Mosley, Irene – Greater Dunedin
25. Neill, Kevin – Independent
26. Nicholas, Letisha – Greater Dunedin
27. Peat, Neville – Independent
28. Ross, Tom
29. Staynes, Chris – Greater Dunedin ● Supports propping DVML
30. Stedman, Conrad ● Metro Realty, pumps city real estate… few values
31. Stevenson, Teresa – Independent ● Tired councillor (first elected 1992)
32. Thomson, Richard – Greater Dunedin ● Supports propping DVML
33. Vandervis, Lee – Independent
34. Voight, Warren – Independent
35. Whiley, Andrew – Independent

Mosgiel Taieri Ward (2 vacancies)
1. Dillon, Martin
2. Lord, Mike – Greater Dunedin
3. Wilson, Kate – Greater Dunedin ● Supports propping DVML

Waikouaiti Coast – Chalmers Ward (1 vacancy)
1. Noone, Andrew – Independent ELECTED ● Stadium Councillor (first elected 1998)

Chalmers Community Board (6 vacancies)
1. Aitken, Mel
2. Austin, Jack – Independent
3. Cole, Peter – Independent
4. Dwyer, Kevin
5. Eddy, Duncan – Independent
6. Griffin, Francisca
7. Johnson, Trevor Alan
8. McErlane, Ange
9. Pedofski, Raewynne
10. Taylor, Jason – Green Dunedin
11. Walker, Steve ● Loves cycling too much?
12. Walker, Rachael

Otago Peninsula Community Board (6 vacancies)
1. Cameron, Wayne
2. Garey, Christine
3. Kellas, Lox
4. Langsbury, Hoani
5. Neill, Christine
6. Pope, Paul – Independent
7. Stevenson, Edna – Independent

Mosgiel Taieri Community Board (6 vacancies)
1. Catlow, Blackie – Independent ELECTED
2. Dillon, Martin ELECTED
3. Feather, Bill ELECTED
4. Nitis, Sarah – Independent ELECTED
5. Prendergast, Maurice Daniel – Independent ELECTED
6. Willis, Mark – Independent ELECTED

Saddle Hill Community Board (6 vacancies)
1. Hutchings, Jayin
2. Jemmett, Pamela
3. McFadyen, Keith
4. Moyle, John – Independent
5. Stenhouse, Leanne
6. Usher, Jonathan
7. Weatherall, Scott – Independent

Strath Taieri Community Board (6 vacancies)
1. Anderson, Russell – Independent ELECTED
2. Dowling, Bevan Thomas ELECTED
3. Dunn, Karen ELECTED
4. Matthews, Noel ELECTED
5. Williams, Barry – Independent ELECTED
6. Wilson, Joan ELECTED

Waikouaiti Coast Community Board (6 vacancies)
1. Brown, Mark ELECTED
2. Collings, Gerard ELECTED
3. Morrison, Alasdair ELECTED
4. Russell, Richard ELECTED
5. Scurr, Tracey ELECTED
6. Tait, Geraldine ELECTED

DCC Link

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC Community Boards

MOSGIEL-TAIERI COMMUNITY BOARD
Discretionary funds: Conflicts of interest? Accountability? Rort?

”They provided no quotes for what they say they need funding for, and other applications, like the BMX track at Outram, we asked them to go away and come back to us with quotes before we could grant them the funds.”
–Brian Miller

### ODT Online Sun, 23 Jun 2013
Member calls his board a shambles
By Tim Miller – The Star
A member of the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board says the board is a shambles and has abdicated its responsibilities in giving money to a community group last week. Brian Miller believes the granting of $4500 to the Taieri Community Wellbeing Strategy Group, which aims to promote the Mosgiel and Taieri community, meant the board was handing over its responsibilities to an unelected group. Other community board members spoken to by The Star said the board had done nothing wrong and worked well. Mr Miller said the group would overlap the responsibilities of the board and its funding application did not face the same scrutiny other applications did.

”This would be the worst board I have been on. It’s a shambles.” The group had an unfair advantage because chairman Bill Feather and board member Teresa Christie had been working with it behind the scenes, Mr Miller said.

Board member Martin Dillon also voted against the funding. Mr Dillon said he had issues with the way the funding application had been made, but had no problems with Mr Feather and Mrs Christie being part of the group asking for funding.
Read more

*Teresa Christie is the wife of Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Dunedin City Council contracts

### ODT Online Mon, 30 May 2011
DCC contractors in firing line
By Chris Morris
The performance of Dunedin City Council contractors holding $10 million maintenance contracts is to be scrutinised, amid claims the workers are literally spraying money away. Council staff, together with Crs Andrew Noone and Lee Vandervis, will meet Fulton Hogan representatives next month to discuss complaints about shoddy and inefficient work practices.
Read more

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Mayor Dave Cull shows prudence

### ODT Online Sat, 13 Nov 2010
New meeting schedule
By David Loughrey
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull has introduced a new structure for the council’s community boards and committees that he hopes will be more efficient and allow councillors’ time to be better used. At an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, the council will vote on the proposal, which would mean more time to do what Mr Cull described as the “important work” of working parties and steering groups.
Read more

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PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2010, 2.00 PM
Fullwood Room, Level 3, Dunedin Centre

Agenda – PEC – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 28.8 kb, new window)

Report – PEC – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 98.9 kb, new window)
Marine and Coastal Area Bill Submission

Report – PEC – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 125.6 kb, new window)
Reconstitution of Working Parties

Report – PEC – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 318.6 kb, new window)
Review of Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy

Note:
Southern Cycleway Feasibility Study – no report from the Transportation Planning Manager (Acting) is available for download at the DCC website (see reference in Agenda to pages 6.1 – 6.119).

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DUNEDIN CITY COUNCIL EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2010, 2.30 PM
(or at the conclusion of the Planning and Environment Committee,
whichever is later)
Fullwood Room, Level 3, Dunedin Centre

Agenda – Council – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 36.3 kb, new window)
Extraordinary Meeting

Report – Council – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 37.9 kb, new window)
Appointments to Outside Organisations

Report – Council – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 184.7 kb, new window)
Meeting Schedule 2011

Report – Council – 15/11/2010 (PDF, 3.8 mb, new window)
Lovelock Avenue Project

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2010, 2.00 PM
Fullwood Room, Level 3, Dunedin Centre

Agenda – CDC – 16/11/2010 (PDF, 49.8 kb, new window)

Report – CDC – 16/11/2010 (PDF, 177.9 kb, new window)
Annual Plan Submission Update – Karitane Foreshore Reserve Toilet Facilities

Report – CDC – 16/11/2010 (PDF, 64.8 kb, new window)
Development Plan Timeline for John Wilson Ocean Drive

Report – CDC – 16/11/2010 (PDF, 108.7 kb, new window)
Reconstitution of Working Parties

Report – CDC – 16/11/2010 (PDF, 452.7 kb, new window)
Mosgiel Memorial Gardens – Proposed Easements

Report – CDC – 16/11/2010 (PDF, 55.6 kb, new window)
Annual Plan Submission Update – Skateboard Facilities at Thomas Burns Street and Mornington Park

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Post by Elizabeth Kerr

Dunedin City moves to three-ward system

LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
MANA KĀWANATANGA Ā ROHE

Determination of representation arrangements to apply for the election of the Dunedin City Council to be held on 9 October 2010

Download:
1980346DA – Doc1 (Word document, dated 26 March 2010; 12 pages)

Go to item 40. for the Commission’s Determination.

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THINK HARD

Does the determination lead to Dunedin residents having their democratic rights eroded as the Dunedin City Council adopts — or is forced by central government to adopt — council-controlled organisations (CCOs) for governance of council activities and finance, including the stewardship of council-held community assets?

As mentioned at What if? recently, there will be a vicious substantial loss of democracy for residents in the Auckland super-city. Dunedin City is not immune. The bulldozing through of the Otago stadium project gives us a strong basis for suspicion.

The October elections may land us in a heap of worse trouble. Starry-eyed idealists baying for a clearance of all existing councillors have to open their minds a little more. The devil(s) we know…

Residents must do their research, nominate strong election candidates, exercise their voting rights, and avoid burying heads in sand thinking they have no critical interest or responsibility in the affairs of community and local government.

Look where the shifting sands got us. A quaint place of darkness and flipflops, awash with sharp shells and bloodied feet: non transparent corporate behaviour from Dunedin City Council.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr