Good afternoon Lynn

 

Please find attached the acknowledgement letter for your request for
information.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Kay McAlpine
Customer Services and Administration Officer

Taranaki Regional Council
47 Cloten Road | Private Bag 713 | Stratford 4352, New Zealand
P 06 765 7127 | F 06 765 5097 | [1]www.trc.govt.nz [2]Link to
Facebook [3]Link to Twitter [4]Link to YouTube
Working with people | caring for Taranaki

 

If you are not the intended recipient, any use, distribution or copying of
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Talking Taranaki May 2021

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Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - May 2021

From the Chair

Let's make the most of this journey

[4]David MacLeodKa mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all. It’s no
exaggeration to say we’re on the cusp of a new era in the way local and regional
communities govern and manage their environment, their social, cultural and
economic development and the delivery of essential everyday services.

Change is already well under way. Here at the Taranaki Regional Council, we’ve
just signed off a new Long-Term Plan that includes significant investments to
allow us to implement the far-reaching new requirements that are part of the
Government’s Essential Freshwater reforms. This will be one of the biggest
projects we’ve ever undertaken.

We’ve also decided to introduce a Māori constituency for next year’s local body
elections. We heard eloquent arguments for and against during the public
consultation and hearings, and in the end we decided that it’s the right thing
to do. We believe the majority of our community supports a move to better, more
meaningful Māori representation on the Council. 

But all that’s just the start of the changes. The Government recently announced
a two-year review of the future of local government. It will look at what we do,
how we do it and how we fund it, as well as current representation arrangements.

We haven’t seen such a comprehensive review since the 1980s, and now is the
ideal time to have another good look.  

It’s timely because the Government’s also working on new legislation that will
replace the Resource Management Act, rolling out the ‘3 Waters’ reforms, and
building a national pathway to zero emissions. 

Each of these is likely to have a great deal of impact on all councils. The RMA
alone accounts for well over half of TRC’s programmes and activities, while 3
Waters and climate change will also bring new responsibilities to us.

So there are a lot of balls in the air. One thing we can be sure of, though, is
that in five years’ time, councils will be quite different from what you know
today.

Change brings challenges and opportunities – but we’ve seen before that Taranaki
can meet these with imaginative and positive responses. I’m confident we can do
so again. In the meantime, we’re getting on with the immediate priorities. 

You can find out more about our Long-Term Plan in this edition of Talking
Taranaki. You’ll also find news about other aspects of our work in supporting
livelihoods, improving lifestyles and taking Taranaki forward.

David MacLeod, Chair

New faces on the TRC executive team

[5]Abby Matthews and Daniel HarrisonAbby Matthews has been appointed TRC’s
Director-Environment Quality following the retirement of the long-serving Gary
Bedford. Abby was previously the Science and Innovation Manager at Horizons
Regional Council.

Another recent newcomer is Daniel Harrison, the Director-Operations. Daniel was
previously the Council’s Rivers Manager and his promotion followed the departure
of Stephen Hall.

Abby and Daniel join Fred McLay (Resource Management) and Mike Nield (Corporate
Services) in the executive management team led by Chief Executive Steve Ruru.

Improving lifestyles

[6][IMG]
Removal of West Stand bleachers, Yarrow Stadium.

Heavy lifting on the main pitch

Our time-lapse video captures the removal of the 351 2.8-tonne bleachers from
Yarrow Stadium’s West Stand, to allow access for piling and other work to
strengthen the structure to meet earthquake standards. The piling is now well
advanced. 

Good progress is also being made on demolishing the East Stand, which will be
replaced by a new stand designed to be suitable for a wider range of uses. 

The $50m Yarrow Stadium redevelopment project follows the closure of both stands
in 2017 and 2018 when they were found to be earthquake-prone. The Government has
awarded the project a $20m 'shovel-ready' COVID-19 recovery grant.

Keep up with news about the project on the Yarrow Stadium Facebook page,
[7]www.facebook.com/YarrowStadiumTaranaki, or at
[8]www.trc.govt.nz/yarrow-stadium

Taking Taranaki forward

TRC Long-Term Plan in a nutshell

The TRC adopted its Long-Term Plan 2021/2031 on 17 May. It includes:

* Funding for additional freshwater-focused scientific, technical and cultural
resources, as well as increased land management services, to implement new
requirements, regulations and standards under the Government’s Essential
Freshwater package. The extra environmental spending will total just under
$3 million over three years, most of it starting in 2021/2022.
* Investigating alternative fuel options for the Citylink bus fleet, with
conversion to start mid-2022, and investigating options for new Citylink
routes and extra services on existing routes, with trial services starting
mid-2022. Budgeting provisions for the fuel conversions and extra services
will be made in the 2022/2023 Annual Plan.
* Contributing $100,000 towards development of a Regional Recovery Plan to
ensure the region talks with one voice when seeking COVID-19 recovery
assistance from the Government.
* Refurbishing the Council’s Stratford office at a cost of $6 million over two
years, to be funded with a loan repaid from rates.
* Restoring financial support for Wild for Taranaki, the regional biodiversity
umbrella group, to $235,000 a year.
* 2021/2022 rates increases of less than $30 for the year for the average
householder, and of around $60 for a farm worth $2 million, with smaller
increases budgeted in subsequent years. Rates for many commercial and
industrial ratepayers will reduce slightly in 2021/2022. Yarrow Stadium
targeted rates are all reducing by 45%. 

[9]See the full LTP document

Around & about the region

[10]Riparian plants
A million plants on the move

A million native plants are being distributed to nearly 1000 Taranaki farmers
and landowners this week under TRC’s 27-year-old Riparian Management Programme,
in which farmers voluntarily fence and plant their streams. This year, $5m in
Jobs for Nature funding will help many complete their riparian plans. The rest
must order next year’s plants by 1 July to get the wholesale rate.

[11]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/RIPARIAN2021

[12]Freshwater vision workshop
Freshwater visionaries  

About 16 people attended a public workshop in New Plymouth last month to share
ideas on what Taranaki's long-term vision should be for the future of the
region's rivers, streams and lakes. TRC is developing the vision as part of
reviews of plans and documents that set out how freshwater will be managed into
the future. Ideas gathered at the workshop and in an earlier survey are now
being analysed. The aim is to settle on a vision that’s ambitious yet achievable
(difficult but not impossible) and sets a timeframe (30 years, for example).

[13]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/VISION

3D mapping for Taranaki

Detailed 3D maps of Taranaki will be available later this year following an
aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) laser survey now under way. The
$750,000 project is funded from the Provincial Growth Fund, via Land Information
NZ Toitū te Whenua (LINZ), with contributions from Taranaki’s councils and
Auckland  University. TRC is the lead agency.

[14]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/LIDAR
Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[15]Tom Cloke

[16]David Lean

[17]Charlotte Littlewood

[18]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[19]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[20]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[21]Mike Davey

[22]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[23]Michael Joyce

[24]David MacLeod (Chair)

[25]Neil Walker
 
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Copyright © 2021 Taranaki Regional Council, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have had interaction with the Taranaki
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Our mailing address is:
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Private Bag 713
Stratford, Taranaki 4352
New Zealand
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https://govt.us11.list-manage.com/track/...
8. Yarrow Stadium web pages
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9. TRC's Long-Term Plan 2021/2031
https://govt.us11.list-manage.com/track/...
11. Riparian planting
https://govt.us11.list-manage.com/track/...
13. Taranaki's freshwater vision
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14. LiDAR comes to Taranaki
https://govt.us11.list-manage.com/track/...
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16. mailto:[email address]
17. mailto:[email address]
18. Contact Elvisa Van Der Leden
mailto:[email address]
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20. mailto:[email address]
21. mailto:[email address]
22. mailto:[email address]
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24. mailto:[email address]
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Good morning Lynn

 

Please find attached response to your information request.

 

 

Kay McAlpine
Customer Services and Administration Officer

Taranaki Regional Council
47 Cloten Road | Private Bag 713 | Stratford 4352, New Zealand
P 06 765 7127 | F 06 765 5097 | [1]www.trc.govt.nz [2]Link to
Facebook [3]Link to Twitter [4]Link to YouTube
Working with people | caring for Taranaki

 

If you are not the intended recipient, any use, distribution or copying of
this message is prohibited. Please notify us immediately and erase all
copies of this message and attachments. Thank you.

 

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

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Latest news from the Taranaki Regional Council

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[3]Talking Taranaki - Taranaki Regional Council newsletter

Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - July 2021

From the Chair

Time for courageous conversations

[4]David MacLeodKa mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all. You might
be aware that the delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services
has been in the news lately, as the Government puts more flesh on its Three
Waters reform proposals.

These services are crucial to us all, and sadly, we’ve seen how catastrophe can
result when their delivery goes wrong. But Three Waters is only one part of the
significant changes taking place in the way communities are governed and
supported by their local councils. 

We’ve also got the new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act, the
swiftly developing national pathway to zero emissions, and new efforts to honour
the Treaty of Waitangi by ensuring Māori have an effective role in
decision-making at all levels.  Overarching it all is a formal review of the
future for local government. 

It’s clear to me, and many others in local government, that all this adds up to
a real opportunity to re-imagine the way in which local government might lead
and support its communities. We’re looking at a future that will be
fundamentally different from that of 30 years ago when the current model was put
in place. And we need to be open to change and ‘giving up’ some of what we have
known in the past.  

The onus is on us as communities and local authorities. Unless we are open to
having some of the courageous conversations that are needed to take us into a
new future, we will not be good ancestors for the future generations that will
come after us. 

In the past week we’ve seen encouraging signs that the Government is committed
to working in real partnership with councils and local communities to ensure we
find the best way forward. 

Individual councils need time to discuss and digest the unfolding Three Waters
proposals, and consult their communities, for example. So it’s heartening that
the Government has recognised this by abandoning its initial timeframe and
creating some breathing space. It’s also put its money where its mouth is, with
a commitment to cover Council costs and ensure none is worse off after the
reforms are implemented.

I see these as signs of good faith. They give me more confidence about the
future. 

Rapid change is challenging. I can empathise with farmers feeling pressured to
the point that they mount a protest. The pressure is real, and councils are
feeling a similar squeeze. 

But be assured that TRC remains committed to finding outcomes that will
strengthen Taranaki communities and ensure the region has the voice it deserves
at a national level.

If you have any ideas, questions or concerns, talk to your TRC Councillor.
You’ll find our contact details in this email.

And watch this space!

David MacLeod, Chair

Supporting livelihoods

[5][IMG]
Weed of the Week: Pampas

Putting a hex on unwanted plants

Have you met Taranaki Regional Council’s very own Weed Wizard? He’s been putting
out weekly videos highlighting pest plants to help you identify the weeds that
are common in Taranaki. 

He takes a light-hearted, engaging approach, but he knows his stuff. And the
information he shares is very useful if you care about Taranaki’s precious
native biodiversity.

With scores of weeds in the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA), it's going to
take a team effort to start controlling them. We know it's an uphill battle, but
every little bit will make a difference.

Catch all the Weed Wizard’s videos at [6]www.trc.govt.nz/WeedWizard. 

Pampas is the first weed off the block, but you can also learn about a dozen
others ranging from African clubmoss to wild cherry. Generally there is no
obligation to remove these weeds from your property, but it’s a really good
thing to do!

Here at TRC, we focus our own control efforts on the 16 plants in the Taranaki
Regional Pest Management Plan. Of these, we do direct control on five while the
other 11 must be controlled by landowners – including nasties such as old man's
beard, giant gunnera and ginger. 

See www.trc.govt.nz/pest-plants.

Taking Taranaki forward

Who are heroes of our environment?

Nominations have opened for this year’s Taranaki Regional Council Environmental
Awards, which recognise efforts to protect and enhance the environment – at any
scale from neighbourhood to regional. 

The Council has presented 313 environmental awards since the programme began in
1993. Awards are made across five categories – business, dairy farming, land
management, community and education. 

Nomination forms are available online at [7]www.trc.govt.nz/enter-awards-2021.
Nominations close on 20 August and awards will be presented in October.  
Sponsorship support from Fonterra, Corteva and Contact Energy mean they can be
presented at a catered evening function.
[8]Waitara Taiao were among the TRC Environment Awards winners in 2020.

Waitara Taiao were among the TRC Environment Awards winners in 2020.

Around & about the region

[9][IMG]
Winter magic at Tūpare

Winter magic at Tūpare

For an antidote to winter, check out Tūpare, on Mangorei Rd, New Plymouth. Its
many deciduous trees take on an austere majesty at this time of year, while the
winter-flowering plants really stand out. Head Gardener Mitch Graham offers his
insights in the video above.

[10]WWW.TUPARE.NZ

Fresh look at representation  

Community feedback is sought on the way the Council proposes to rearrange its
representation following its April decision to  introduce a Māori constituency
(ward) for the  2022 local body elections. The initial proposal is  to remain at
11 elected members, with one  elected from a region-wide Māori constituency. The
other 10 would be elected from the existing  four general constituencies (New
Plymouth, North Taranaki, Stratford and South Taranaki),  but with South
Taranaki dropping to two members from the current three. Submissions close on 13
August, with a final proposal to be decided in September.

[11]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/HAVEYOURSAY

Team to design new stand

A consortium led by GHD Woodhead Creative Spaces and New Plymouth-based firm
Boon has been awarded the design contract for Yarrow Stadium’s new East Stand to
replace  TSB Stand. The architects will be supported by Beca (structural and
civil engineering), Aurecon (mechanical and electrical services) and Holmes
(fire services). More contracts will be confirmed shortly. It’s the biggest
component of the project’s total $50m budget and the design priority is
flexibility - making the new stand more usable, more often, by more people..

[12]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/YARROW-STADIUM
Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[13]Tom Cloke

[14]David Lean

[15]Charlotte Littlewood

[16]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[17]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[18]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[19]Mike Davey

[20]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[21]Michael Joyce

[22]David MacLeod (Chair)

[23]Neil Walker
 
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[35]Subscribe to Talking Taranaki

Copyright © 2021 Taranaki Regional Council, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have had interaction with the Taranaki
Regional Council in the past, and your feedback is important to us.

Our mailing address is:
Taranaki Regional Council
Private Bag 713
Stratford, Taranaki 4352
New Zealand
[36]Add us to your address book

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9. https://govt.us11.list-manage.com/track/...
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Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - September 2021

From the Chair

Region busy as Delta clouds clear

[4]David MacLeodKa mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all. 

The arrival of the Delta variant came as a rude shock to many of us, even if
we’d realised it was highly likely given the alarming news emerging from other
nations near and far. 

The clouds have since cleared somewhat, at least for those of us outside
Auckland. But hopefully one lesson endures: We simply can’t afford to be
complacent. Vaccination is the major key to minimising future COVID-related
restrictions on our personal freedoms and on economic activity. I hope the
majority of New Zealanders can be vaccinated quickly.

The impact of a sudden lockdown varies from person to person and from sector to
sector, with some doing it tough. No one could deny, for example, that these are
particularly challenging times for those in tourism and hospitality. And while
Taranaki isn’t a Queenstown or a Rotorua, highly dependent on overseas visitors,
it’s always a worry when our biggest source of domestic visitors is locked down
for an extended period.

Overall, though, Taranaki resilience shone through during the two weeks or so of
strict lockdown we endured. As always, calving and the demands of springtime
kept our farmers fully occupied. Our essential workers performed to their usual
high standard. And as restrictions eased, other activities resumed with no major
hitches.

Some Council officers had essential-worker status during the hard lockdown so
they were ready to respond to any pressing matters such as pollution. Other
staff worked from home on resource consent applications and other administrative
duties. 

With the easing of restrictions, our business is more or less back to normal.
And normal means busy. There’s a lot going on out there – from land management
to biosecurity, from biodiversity to environmental monitoring, from gardens to
public transport, and so on. Some of this work is highlighted in this
newsletter.

Equally relentless are all the big changes being driven from Wellington:
Essential Freshwater, Three Waters, RMA reform, and the overarching review of
the future for local government. 

The Essential Freshwater reforms are the most pressing issue for many in
Taranaki, and in this email you’ll find details of our new web pages designed to
help you understand what the changes mean for you. 

Last but not least, I’d like to thank all those who gave us their feedback as we
considered representation arrangements for next year’s local body elections.
Your submissions were thoughtful and useful, and our decision is covered in this
newsletter. It’s a reminder that none of us can make assumptions about the
outcome of any consultation process until the decision is actually made. 

David MacLeod, Chair

Around & about the region

[5][IMG]
For the love of leaf-veined slugs

More backyard adventures

Taranaki’s award-winning Backyard Biodiversity series was revived for the
August-September lockdown, with six new videos encouraging families to engage
with the environment. This one’s on slugs and others cover topics ranging from
feeding native birds to eliminating pest plants. The videos were produced by
Council and Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust educators working from their homes.
Their 2020 series was a winner in local government awards..

[6]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/BACKYARD-BIODIVERSITY

11 councillors next year  

There will be 11 councillors elected next year, including one representing a
region-wide Māori constituency.  That’s what councillors decided after reviewing
representation arrangements and considering public submissions. Five members
will be elected from the New Plymouth constituency, two from North Taranaki, one
from Stratford, two from South Taranaki and one from a new Māori constituency.
Councillors had also considered a 13-member council, with three South Taranaki
members and two from one or more Māori constituencies. There are currently 11
councillors, including three from South Taranaki.

[7]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/SEATS22

On target amid big changes

The Council achieved most of its targets for the year to 30 June, in the face of
the continuing roll-out of profound changes driven by central Government as well
as COVID-19 disruptions. Chair David MacLeod says it’s pleasing to have finished
the year in a strong financial position, as outlined in the 2020/2021 Annual
Report.

[8]WWW.TRC.GOVT.NZ/21REPORT

Protecting livelihoods

Essential reading on freshwater

A new section of the TRC website is designed to help farmers and others stay
up-to-date with the latest information on the Government’s Essential Freshwater
reform and how it might impact day-to-day farming activity in this region.

There’s information and resources on new regulations and requirements including
those on winter grazing; the synthetic nitrogen fertiliser cap; intensification
and land-use change; stock exclusion; feedpads, feedlots and stock-holding
areas; structures in rivers and lakes; and wetlands.

The information and associated resources  will be updated and expanded as the
package continues to roll out. 

Find it all at [9]www.trc.govt.nz/essential.

Improving lifestyles

Never fear, the gardens are near

Pukeiti, Tūpare and Hollard Gardens are at their gorgeous springtime best,
providing a perfect escape from pandemic anxiety. Visitors have been wowed by
the early large-leaf rhodos, such as this one near Pukeiti’s new fitness trail,
and many more colourful treats lie in wait. The gardens are open all day, every
day and entry is free. Garden workshops and other events are subject to
last-minute changes. See [10]facebook.com/PukeitiGardens,
[11]facebook.com/TupareGardens and [12]facebook.com/HollardGardens.

Taking Taranaki forward

Clear progress at Yarrow Stadium

The Yarrow Stadium Plus project remains on track, with the COVID-19 lockdown
causing only relatively minor delays. 

As our picture shows, demolition of the East Stand (TSB Stand) is almost
complete, and work is well underway on designing a replacement. GHD Woodhead
Creative Spaces and New Plymouth-based Boon will be leading the redesign, with
local hapū involved. The brief is to design a stand more usable, more often, by
more people. 

Meanwhile, good progress is also being made on repairs to the West Stand (Noel &
Melva Yarrow Stand), where the main focus has been stabilising the underlying
ground with new piles. Installation of new LED lighting is about to begin, with
work starting on the new state-of-the-art hybrid turf later this year. See
[13]facebook.com/YarrowStadiumTaranaki.

Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[14]Tom Cloke

[15]David Lean

[16]Charlotte Littlewood

[17]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[18]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[19]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[20]Mike Davey

[21]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[22]Michael Joyce

[23]David MacLeod (Chair)

[24]Neil Walker
 
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Meet the winners of the 2021 TRC Environmental Awards!

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[3]Talking Taranaki - Taranaki Regional Council newsletter

Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - November 2021

From the Chair

[4][IMG]
The 16 winners of the 2021 TRC Environmental Awards

16 good reasons to celebrate

[5]David MacLeodKa mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all. It's a
pleasure to bring you some inspiring stories about great people doing fantastic
work - this edition of Talking Taranaki is devoted entirely to the 16 winners of
our 2021 TRC Environmental Awards.

They're a great reason for a celebration, particularly towards the end of what
has been a challenging year.

The awards recognise a wide variety of environmental undertakings across the
region, including:

* A Ngāruahine iwi initiative that saw the return of threatened freshwater
species to waters where they hadn’t been seen for years.
* A Rotokare educational programme whose graduates refused to leave.
* A 22-year effort on behalf of QEII Trust that resulted in perpetual
protection for thousands of hectares of Taranaki bushland.

All the winners are introduced in the short video above - scroll down for
details of each. I know you'll be impressed.

This year’s awards take to the total to 329 since the programme began in 1993.

The usual presentation ceremony at a catered evening function couldn't take
place this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. We're presenting the awards in
a series of ceremonies at the Council chamber in Stratford that started last
week and continue this week.

As always, we're grateful for support of category sponsors Fonterra (dairy),
Corteva (land management) and Contact Energy (education). Their backing allows
us to make it a real occasion for the winners.

David MacLeod, Chair

Our winners

* [6]Education awards
* [7]Community awards
* [8]Business awards
* [9]Dairy awards
* [10]Land management awards

Education awards

Category sponsor: [11]Contact

Ratapiko School
[12]Ratapiko SchoolFor empowering students to take action to build a sustainable
community.
Ratapiko School may be small in numbers but its pupils have giant-sized
enthusiasm for the environment. With a roll varying from nine to 30 in the past
three years, they’ve planted 800 trees, upcycled 1500 plastic bottles to make a
greenhouse for seed growing, trappped possums and rats and established an
orchard and garden to provide food for the community. They’re proud to be an
Enviroschool, working to improve their community environment. [13]Video profile

Waitara East School
[14]Waitara East SchoolFor empowering students to take action to build a
sustainable community.
Waitara East students truly are ‘ngā kaitiaki mō āpōpō’ or the future caretakers
of our planet. The school has a long-term commitment to sustainability and
students are immersed in all things environmental, with support from iwi, hapū
and Enviroschools. As the students gain more knowledge, they learn how to use it
in the real world. [15]Video profile

New Horizons Aotearoa
[16]New Horizons AotearoaFor empowering rangatahi to take action to protect and
restore the environment.
New Horizons Aotearoa is a successful mentoring programme especially for
intermediate-aged rangatahi who may not otherwise get an opportunity like this.
More than 220 students have been through the programme since it started in 2015.
The environment is an important aspect and the rangatahi have built more than
150 high-spec predator traps since 2018. That’s enough for a 15km trapline
protecting 12,500ha. [17]Video profile  

Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust
[18]Rotokare Scenic Reserve TrustFor empowering young people to take action to
protect and restore the environment.
It’s not just precious native species that are being protected, encouraged and
nourished at Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust’s renowned sanctuary near Eltham. The
Trust is also cultivating wildlife warriors and environmental advocates through
its Youth Ambassador Programme. Almost 50 young people have been through the
programme in its first five years, taking a hands-on approach to their learning.
[19]Video profile

Coastal Taranaki School
[20]Coastal Taranaki SchoolFor empowering rangatahi to take action to protect
and restore the environment.
Students from Coastal Taranaki School have a key role in efforts to protect
precious native species in the Blue Rata Reserve and Taranaki maunga. For three
years they’ve successfully managed a line of 26 predator traps along Hangatāhua
Awa (Stony River), making regular checks for rats, stoats and possums. It’s an
important contribution to a successful wider effort. [21]Video profile

Community awards

Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust   
[22]Te Korowai o Ngāruahine TrustFor significant improvements to native
biodiversity in the Kaūpokonui Stream.
Threatened native fish species including piharau (lamprey) can move freely up
and down Kaūpokonui Stream for the first time in 120 years thanks to Te Korowai
o Ngāruahine Trust. The Trust took the lead in removing a weir at Glenn Rd,
securing a resource consent, gaining funding, and liaising closely with councils
and other stakeholders including Ngāti Tū Hapū, DOC, Heritage New Zealand, Fish
and Game, landowners, and Fonterra. The weir has long been a major impediment.
[23]Video profile (Te Reo)
[24]Video profile (English)

Wildlife.ai Trust
[25]Wildlife.ai TrustFor supporting environmental and educational projects in
Taranaki with smart digital tools.
The New Plymouth-based Wildlife.ai Trust is harnessing the power of artificial
intelligence for use in environmental conservation projects. The Trust develops
open-source technology that significantly reduces time and costs for
conservation groups, particularly in the collection and analysis of data. It
works collaboratively with a broad range of conservation and education groups in
Taranaki, developing tools that bring technology, environment and communities
together [26]Video profile

Valda Poletti and David Clarkson
[27]Valda Poletti & David ClarksonFor enduring commitment to environmental
protection and improvement, and inspiring others to take action.
Valda and David are widely known for their internationally significant Te Kainga
Marire native garden. They’ve also helped to bring enduring and significant
improvements to native biodiversity in the wider New Plymouth urban area. They
restored and protected a remnant forest wetland in the Pukatea Dell next to the
garden. They also established the Friends of Te Henui and worked with the
community and the NPDC to restore forest remnants all along the stream.
[28]Video profile

Keith Holswich
[29]Keith HolswichFor outstanding contributions to the protection of culturally
and environmentally significant sites within the Ngāti Rāhiri rohe.
Keith has played a key role in ensuring that details of more than 100 places
significant to his Ngāti Rāhiri hapū are accurately logged and recorded to
ensure they are not damaged or lost through inappropriate use or
development. His work will allow his hapū and iwi, and the wider general public
to learn more about the rich history of Taranaki land. [30]Video profile
Business awards

Taranaki District Health Board
[31]Taranaki District Health BoardFor a solid and broadly based commitment to
sustainability, recognising that a healthy population needs a healthy
environment.
From rooftop solar panels to predator traps in the grounds, the Taranaki
District Health Board is committed to action at all levels to protect the
environment, reduce emissions and cut waste. It’s breaking new ground on the
journey. The new East Wing will have Taranaki’s first 5-star Green Building
excellence rating. Staff are also embracing the environmental cause.  [32]Video
profile

Mitre 10 and Mitre 10 MEGA, New Plymouth
[33]Mitre 10 & Mitre 10 MEGA, New PlymouthFor achieving a significant reduction
in single-use plastics going to landfill, and for promoting recycling and
sustainability.
The green-fingered can keep on being green, thanks to an initiative by Mitre 10
and Mitre 10 MEGA in New Plymouth to recycle the plastic pots that plants and
seedlings are sold in. The containers are unsuitable for kerbside recycling but
under this initiative, they are shipped to Auckland to be chipped and made into
new plastic pots. Hundreds of kilograms are being shipped for recycling. All
pots are accepted, even those supplied by other businesses [34]Video profile

Dairy awards

Category sponsor: [35]Fonterra

PW and J Campbell Trusts Partnership
[36]PW and J Campbell Trusts PartnershipFor environmental stewardship and the
protection of wetlands and other important native habitat.
Peter and the late Jan Campbell, and daughters Claire and Helen and their
families, have protected 36 hectares of wetlands and bush on their 376 hectares
at Waverley. The wetlands are fenced at margins of up to 20 metres, and 15,850
native plants have been planted to protect the wetlands and watercourses feeding
them, with more plants to come. They’ve also fenced 10km.  [37]Video profile

Woodleigh Ltd
[38]Woodleigh LtdFor environmental stewardship and the protection of wetlands
and other important native habitat.
The presence of matuku (Australasian bittern) and other endangered species
convinced Bruce Middleton to make the environment a priority when he converted
his 227ha Waverley farm from drystock to dairying.  The family has protected an
extensive wetland on the property with 15km of fencing and 5,400 native plants,
with more plants to come. [39]Video profile

Land management awards

Category sponsor: [40]Corteva

Neil Phillips
[41]Neil PhillpsFor a significant contribution to the protection and enhancement
of precious native habitats in Taranaki and enlisting landowner support for
these efforts.
Thousands of hectares of native bush and other valuable habitat in Taranaki is
protected forever thanks in large part to the efforts of Neil Phillips, who’s
retiring as the region’s QEII National Trust’s representative. In his 22 years,
the number of covenanted sites increased from 82 to 470 and the area under
covenant increased by more than 9700ha. [42]Video profile

Holmleigh Trust Partnership – Peter and Nicola Carver
[43]Holmleigh Trust Partnership - Peter and Nicola CarverFor environmental
stewardship, sustainable land management and native habitat protection.
Peter and Nicola Carver have shown how well they understand the land, making
significant gains for the environment while successfully running a three-farm
hillcountry and dairy operation east of Hāwera. They have planted exotic
forestry and retired native bush on 47ha of highly erodible land. They’ve
completed more than 3km of fencing, with another 3km under way. [44]Video
profile

Bruce and Christine Maechler
[45]Bruce and Christine MaechlerFor environmental stewardship and improving
ecosystem health through riparian fencing and planting.
Streams and even drains have been protected with fences and more than 3000
plants on Bruce and Christine Maechler’s 49ha organic drystock farm at Rāhotu.
Nearly 5.5km of watercourse banks have riparian protection, which keeps stock
out of waterways, reduces runoff and encourages native biodiversity. One of
their protected streams now has a full canopy after planting started 14 years
ago. [46]Video profile

Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[47]Tom Cloke

[48]David Lean

[49]Charlotte Littlewood

[50]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[51]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[52]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[53]Mike Davey

[54]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[55]Michael Joyce

[56]David MacLeod (Chair)

[57]Neil Walker
 
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[69]Subscribe to Talking Taranaki

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Private Bag 713
Stratford, Taranaki 4352
New Zealand
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Latest news from the Taranaki Regional Council

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[3]Talking Taranaki - Taranaki Regional Council newsletter

Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - March 2022

From the Chair

Gearing up for a busy year ahead

[4]David MacLeod

Ka mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all. This may be the first
Talking Taranaki for 2022 but we’re already in the thick of what will be another
busy year of challenge, change and opportunity.

It’s shaping up to be a huge year for reform in the local government sector.
Work on the future of local government, Three Waters and a planned overhaul of
the Resource Management Act (RMA) is continuing apace both at national and local
levels. We will keep you up-to-date on significant developments.

The Council will also be stepping up engagement with the community around the
implementation of the Government’s [5]Essential Freshwater rules. Please do take
the opportunity to provide your thoughts and feedback.

There’s also the small matter of local government elections to fit in later in
the year!

And of course, we’re starting our third year of life against a backdrop of
Covid-19. It’s a worrying time for many right now as case numbers grow. Please,
take care of each other and reach out for help if you need it. I’m confident the
Council is well-prepared and has plans in place to ensure the continuation of
essential services, while keeping our staff and the community safe.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge those affected by the recent heavy rain and
Cyclone Dovi events. While devastating, it was heartening to see how everyone
pulled together to help with the clean-up. Thank you for your mahi.

David MacLeod, Chair

Around & about the region

Roof replacement underway at Yarrow Stadium

Yarrow Stadium is on track to reopen for the 2022 winter sports season, with
work currently underway to [6]replace the West Stand roof. Subsoil drainage is
being installed on the main pitch (below), ahead of laying the new GrassMaster
hybrid turf. Meanwhile, work continues on the design for the new and improved
East Stand.
 

Annual Plan process streamlined

The Council has agreed to follow a streamlined process for the preparation and
adoption of the 2022/2023 Annual Plan. As the proposed Plan contains no
significant or material differences from the [7]2021/2031 Long-Term Plan, no
further public consultation is required. This is in accordance with the Local
Government Act 2002. A separate special consultative process will be held for
the adoption of fees and charges under section 36 of the Resource Management Act
1991.

 

Unlocking curious minds

Do you have an idea for a collaborative research project? Since 2015, Curious
Minds Taranaki has helped fund 60 projects and funding of up to $20,000 is now
available for science, technology, and mātauranga research projects. Curious
Minds is a Participatory Science Platform delivered by Venture Taranaki in
collaboration with the Council and funded by the Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment. [8]Applications for the 2022 funding cycle close 21
March.
 

Taking Taranaki forward

New year, new fares for Taranaki buses

It’s been an eventful start to the year for Taranaki public transport, with a
new simplified [9]bus fare system and additional regional [10]school bus
services proving popular with passengers.

As of 31 January, the number of bus fare zones in Taranaki reduced from 25 to
just four. There is now a flat fare for all passengers travelling within a
single zone, with an additional $1 for each boundary crossed. That means a
single journey anywhere within New Plymouth (including Bell Block and Egmont
Village) is just $2 and a trip from Hāwera to New Plymouth is just $5, with a
Bee Card.

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The start of the school year saw three new school bus services introduced,
spelling great news for South and Central Taranaki high school students and
their whanau. Two dedicated Your Connector services run from Hāwera, one going
to New Plymouth Boys’ High School and Francis Douglas Memorial College and
another to New Plymouth Girls’ High School and Sacred Heart Girls’ College. 
There is also a new Inglewood to New Plymouth school service while the Okato to
New Plymouth Boys’ High route has been updated.

Feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive, with passengers appreciating
the improved accessibility and simplicity. 

Caring for Taranaki

Support for residents affected by COVID-19

With COVID-19 now spreading rapidly through Taranaki, many of us will be in some
way affected.  If you or family members are unwell, we wish you a full
recovery. 

If you are self-isolating because you have COVID-19 or are a household contact
make a plan and reach out to your networks.  Think about who can safely deliver
essential supplies to you. But if you are having trouble accessing food or other
items call the Government’s welfare support line 0800 512 337, seven days a week
from 8am to 8pm.

If you employ staff or are self-employed, you can [12]apply for Government
COVID-19 financial support – this includes farmers. This helps you pay wages for
yourself and employees who can’t come to work and can’t work at home.

Over the coming weeks Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB) is running a series
of rural community vaccination clinics. First, second, booster and tamariki (5
and over) vaccinations are available, as are MMR immunisations for those aged 15
– 30.  No bookings needed, just walk in. The TDHB’s vaccination team will be
happy to answer questions and talk through any concerns you may have.

For more information about regular or pop-up vaccination clinics in Taranaki, or
to keep up-to-date with the situation in our region, please visit
[13]www.tdhb.org.nz
Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[14]Tom Cloke

[15]David Lean

[16]Charlotte Littlewood

[17]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[18]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[19]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[20]Mike Davey

[21]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[22]Michael Joyce

[23]David MacLeod (Chair)

[24]Neil Walker
 
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Our mailing address is:
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New Zealand
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Latest news from the Taranaki Regional Council

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[3]Talking Taranaki - Taranaki Regional Council newsletter

Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - May 2022

From the Chair

Positive steps towards a better Taranaki 

[4]David MacLeod

Ka mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all. 

As a Council we have been working hard to strengthen our relationships with iwi
and while there is still a long way to go, I would like to acknowledge a
significant step forward.  The Council and eight Iwi Authorities recently put in
place an agreement for the next three years that supports tangata whenua to
respond to and participate in freshwater and other Council planning processes. I
look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the work we need to
do as a region.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Commission has confirmed the representation
arrangements for October’s election, retaining 11 councillors including one from
a new Taranaki Māori Constituency.  It’s good to have that certainty and I
encourage anyone who believes they can contribute to think about standing. 

As rural readers will be aware, the annual riparian plant distribution is fast
approaching. You may have heard the Council has commissioned an independent
review of the Riparian Management Programme and how it takes into account the
effects of adverse weather events. This programme has achieved what it set out
to and farmers can rightly be proud. It is good practice to periodically review
the work we do and whether anything could be improved.

Finally, with the peak of the Omicron outbreak seemingly behind us and New
Zealand at Orange, it feels as if life is edging ever closer to a new normal.  I
would like to thank the Council staff who went the extra mile to ensure Council
services remained largely unaffected throughout. 

David MacLeod, Chair

Improving lifestyles

Tell us what’s important about freshwater

As the Council develops the region’s new Natural Resources Plan, the community
is being invited to have a say.

The Council is working with the community, iwi and industry to find out what’s
important about how the region’s freshwater is protected, managed and used, says
Director Resource Management, Fred McLay.

“The Natural Resource Plan includes rules and limits on how freshwater is used,
and it’s really important that we hear from the community so that the rules give
effect to what the community wants.

“Through workshops, hui and online forums, we’ll be asking people to tell us
about their vision for our rivers, lakes and streams. We’ll also be asking for
feedback on other things like what the targets and limits should be to deliver
on the community’s vision.”

In early April around 50 people representing the primary sector and commerce and
industry attended workshops to share their views on what’s important about
freshwater.

In 2021, a group of enthusiastic people also attended a community meeting about
their vision for freshwater, explains Mr McLay.

“What people care about is coming through loud and clear. Swimmability is
important, as is freshwater that is clean, clear and fresh. People also want our
freshwater to support biodiversity not only now, but for future generations.”

The Council has generally positive relationships with community members, iwi and
industry through its existing environmental programmes and receives regular
feedback on a range of issues.

“The freshwater engagement process aims to build on that as well as encouraging
input from others who may not already interact with the Council.”

Mr McLay encourages anyone interested in contributing to the conversation to
[5]register their interest.

“We’ll let registered people know the dates and locations of in-person and
online opportunities to have a say, and also keep an eye on our website for
details about how to get involved.”

Engagement with the community is a key feature of the Council’s approach  and
part of the Government’s [6]'Essential Freshwater’ package, which introduces new
rules and regulations aimed to stop further degradation of New Zealand’s
freshwater resources and improve water quality.

Around & about the region

Pest Bulletin a 'must-read' for rural community 

A heads-up for rural landowners that the next [7]Pest Bulletin will arrive in
your inbox in early June. This quarterly email has important updates on the
self-help possum programme, Towards Predator-Free Taranaki and pest plants.
Please read it as it replaces possum reminder letters.  
 

Sit back and enjoy bargain bus travel 

Bus fares are half price until the end of June, as part of the Government’s
three-month reduction of public transport fares. The discount applies on the
Citylink, Connector, Southlink and school buses. Travel from Hāwera to New
Plymouth is $2.50 with a Bee Card, or $3 cash. Trips within New Plymouth are $1
with a Bee Card or $1.50 cash. [8]D[9]etails. 

Watch: Preparing for a marine oil spill 

[10][IMG]
The Council recently conducted a marine oil spill response exercise in New
Plymouth's inner harbour, alongside [11]Port Taranaki, [12]New Plymouth
Underwater Ltd and iwi.

We do these regularly to ensure everyone is familiar with the equipment and
processes required in the event of a real oil spill. A Council ecologist was
also involved, monitoring the location and wellbeing of penguins and other
species in the affected area – just as they would do in a real situation.

Taking Taranaki forward 

Planting the seeds for future generations 

It was a busy first term for the Council’s Education team, with schools
embracing the opportunity to take learning outdoors.

One of many highlights was a collaboration between schools more than 20km apart.
Working with Education Officer Dr Emily Roberts, Ōmata School students potted up
seedlings that were growing on the path through their school bush. They gifted
them to Lepperton School, even enclosing hand-written letters with tips and
encouragement! 

Meanwhile the Lepperton tamariki (above) got to work clearing patches of
tradescantia from the Tegal QEII Bush before planting the native seedlings they
received from Ōmata.

Both schools have areas of remnant bush close by that have been identified as
Key Native Ecosystems and provide fabulous outdoor learning opportunities. 

Emily also worked with Waitara High School on this year's seagrass survey. Orapa
Reef is home to Taranaki's largest seagrass meadow. Kārepo/seagrass provides
valuable habitat to a great diversity of coastal birds, fish and invertebrates.
In addition to providing a health check of the reef the survey is a great way to
connect the rangatahi with the local environment. It was awesome to have Nioka
Behan-Kitto (Otaraua Hapu) and Vicky Dombroski (Te Ara Taiao O Whai-Tara) along
to provide local cultural and historical perspective.

To find out more about our Education programme or make a booking, email
[13][email address].
Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[14]Tom Cloke

[15]David Lean

[16]Charlotte Littlewood

[17]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[18]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[19]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[20]Mike Davey

[21]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[22]Michael Joyce

[23]David MacLeod (Chair)

[24]Neil Walker
 
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You are receiving this email because you have had interaction with the Taranaki
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Our mailing address is:
Taranaki Regional Council
Private Bag 713
Stratford, Taranaki 4352
New Zealand
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What is the state of the region's air, climate, land and water, what are
we doing to improve it, and what environmental challenges do we face?

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[3]Talking Taranaki - Taranaki Regional Council newsletter

STATE OF ENVIRONMENT

Taranaki ready to take on challenges

This edition of Talking Taranaki is dedicated to [4]Our Place: Taranaki State of
Environment 2022. The report, released late last month, sets out the current
state of our region’s air, climate, land and water. It looks at what is being
done to protect and restore the environment as well as what the future holds.

It’s fascinating but at times sobering reading. Taranaki can be proud of many
aspects of our environment but we have a lot of work to do in other areas, such
as freshwater health.

On a positive note, the report contains some great examples of community-led
success stories. This is the kind of Taranaki passion and ‘can-do attitude’ that
will help us overcome the challenges ahead.
[5]Cover of State of Environment report
Some of the key findings are set out below. I encourage you to have a look at
the full report – it’s written for the everyday person so you don’t need to be a
scientist to understand it! This is your data, your knowledge. Let’s use it to
understand the place we call home, to spark conversations and if you haven’t
already, to take action.  

David MacLeod, Taranaki Regional Council Chair

* Taranaki is one of the [6]sunniest and
windiest regions in New Zealand. 
 
* Climate change already affects
Taranaki. In coming years we can expect
more frequent and extreme rainfall
events, fewer frost days, increasing
drought conditions and milder winters.

   

* We have [7]monitored air quality for
more than 25 years at up to 30 sites.
Taranaki is one of only two regions in
New Zealand not considered at risk of
exceeding current national air quality
standards.
 
* The Council supports a Government
proposal to introduce even stricter
standards to protect our health, which
may make compliance more challenging in
some places.

* The [8]area of land used for dairy
farming has increased by 43% over the
last 30 years. The number of dairy cows
remains similar.
 
* [9]Soil conservation works over the
last 25 years have resulted in a 29%
net reduction in mean annual sediment
load, with a further 15% reduction
expected as existing works mature.
 
* An assessment of [10]soil health at 18
active land use sites in 2017 found the
majority of soil health indicators were
in the target range. Exceedances were
typically for high macroporosity
levels. This is a result of soil
compaction, a common issue throughout
New Zealand.
 
* 1,336 sites with a [11]risk of
contaminated soil have been inspected.
There was no contamination at 56%, low
levels at 40%. No known sites present
an unacceptable risk to the community.
Eighteen sites have been remediated.

* The amount of [12]solid waste to
landfill is currently reducing by about
3% per year.
 
* 40% of [13]original native forest and
bush habitat remains intact, ranging
from 55% in the hill country to less
than 5% on the ring plain. More than 8%
of New Plymouth is covered in
indigenous vegetation.
 
* Five rare and threatened [14]native
bird species have been reintroduced to
Taranaki since 2000: whio, hihi, tīeke,
pāteke, kōkako.
 
* [15]Possum numbers are still relatively
low across the ring plain. However,
there has been a gradual increase since
2015.
 
* Since 2009, Taranaki land owners have
planted 46,000 poles to treat
[16]erosion-prone land; erected 237km
of fencing and planted 894ha in trees
along waterways and retired 5,523ha of
erosion-prone land.

* New freshwater legislation provides for
cultural understandings and mātauranga
Māori; [17]empowering tangata whenua to
be involved in the management and
monitoring of freshwater.
 
* Demand for [18]surface water for a
range of domestic, farming and
industrial uses has increased 3% since
2013.
 
* [19]Groundwater is generally suitable
for stock drinking water, but often
requires treatment where it is used as
drinking water for people.
 
* Between 2015 and 2020, [20]sampling for
faecal indicator bacteria found that
the health risk was low more than 90%
of time at 19 monitored beaches and 65%
of the time at 18 freshwater sites.

* Long-term [21]water quality trends show
more beaches improving than
deteriorating in terms of bacteria
levels, while 63% of freshwater sites
were deteriorating.
 
* Vulnerability to the effects of
sedimentation and nutrient enrichment
was high or moderate-high in 10
[22]estuaries.
 
* 45% of [23]native freshwater fish
within Taranaki are at risk of decline
nationally, work is underway to improve
habitat and address barriers to fish
passage.
 
* Over the past five years the Council
has helped restore and protect more
than 100 [24]wetlands.  8.4% of
Taranaki’s wetland habitat remains.
Intrigued? Want to read more?

View the full report
at [25]www.trc.govt.nz/state-of-the-environment-report-2022/. To request a free
hard copy call 0800 736 222 or email [26][Taranaki Regional Council request email].  You can also find
the report in all the region’s libraries.

Your Councillors

New Plymouth Constituency

[27]Tom Cloke

[28]David Lean

[29]Charlotte Littlewood

[30]Elvisa Van Der Leden

[31]Craig Williamson

Stratford Constituency

[32]Matthew McDonald

North Taranaki Constituency

[33]Mike Davey

[34]Donald McIntyre

South Taranaki Constituency

[35]Michael Joyce

[36]David MacLeod (Chair)

[37]Neil Walker
 
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Our mailing address is:
Taranaki Regional Council
Private Bag 713
Stratford, Taranaki 4352
New Zealand
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Latest news from the Taranaki Regional Council

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[3]Talking Taranaki - Taranaki Regional Council newsletter

Taranaki Regional Council newsletter - September 2022

From the Chair

Council in great shape for the future

Ka mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, greetings to you all.
This will be my last 'Chairman's chat' as I prepare to say farewell to Taranaki
Regional Council after serving as an elected member for 22 years, the last 15 of
those as chairman. I want to start by thanking everyone who has supported and
helped me over those years including my fellow councillors, the amazing staff
and, of course, the public.

It's only from working as a team that we have managed to achieve so much over
the last two decades and that comes down to the kotahitanga I have seen again
and again from the people of Taranaki.

As the Māori proverb says:
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

It is the people who made my time on the Council such a pleasure. It is people
who have made it a privilege to serve. It is people who have and who will
continue to take our region forward.

A huge amount has changed since the early 2000s as the Council has worked hard
to improve lifestyles and support livelihoods across the region. There are too
many programmes to list all of them but I'm particularly proud of the work to
improve our waterways through riparian planting and the efforts to control pests
like possums through our Towards Predator-Free Taranaki programme.

I've also been pleased to see how the Council has moved towards a partnership
approach with tangata whenua and stepped up to fix Yarrow Stadium when it was
discovered the East and West Stands were earthquake-prone.

There is an enormous amount of change to come such as freshwater reforms, Three
Waters reforms, Resource Management Act reforms, local government reforms and
adapting to climate change but I know the Council has the right people and right
approach to meet all of these challenges and opportunities.

Ngā mihi maioha, thank you with appreciation.
David MacLeod, Chair

2022 Local Elections

Make your mark and vote

Voters will get the chance to make their mark and choose who will make the big
decisions around the Taranaki Regional Council table when voting packs arrive
from 16 September.

There are 24 candidates running for 11 seats across the region with the election
ending at noon on Saturday 8 October. Voting papers should be posted before 5
October to ensure voters make their voice counted.

Council Chief Executive Steve Ruru urged Taranaki residents not to miss the
chance to have their say.

“We really want to see as many people as possible getting involved in local
democracy as your councillors will be making some big calls that will directly
impact on people’s lives.

“We know that the turnout for local elections has been low in recent years so
it’s vital we get the message out to people that your vote counts. Please take
the time to find out more about your candidates and what they stand for and get
those voting papers in the post as soon as possible.”

The Council uses the first past the post electoral system and this year’s
election will see the addition of a Māori constituency for the whole of Taranaki
and a reduction in the number of South Taranaki Constituency members from three
to two.

Elsewhere, voters will elect five members in the New Plymouth constituency, two
members in North Taranaki and one member in Stratford and the councillors will
serve a term of three years.

For information on the candidates, please head [4]here.

Around & about the region

East Stand's design revealed 

[5][IMG]
Yarrow Stadium’s new East Stand has been revealed with the release of
artist’s impressions of the design. The stand has a flexible ‘double sided’
design meaning it can be used by those watching the main pitch or the sports
field behind it and is fully accessible to those with mobility issues. There are
three spaces in the hospitality area, the kitchens can be opened for weekend
sports as well as large-scale events and there are a mix of toilets including
gender neutral facilities to cut down on waiting times. Construction of
the stand starts this year and is scheduled to be completed by 2024. For more,
click [6]here.

Alligator weed and wallaby biosecurity threats 

Alligator weed has been discovered in a lagoon near Waitara and a private
ornamental pond in Stratford – the first confirmed sightings in Taranaki. This
invasive pest plant clogs waterways, increases the risk of flooding and can be
toxic to livestock. Inspections so far indicate it has not spread beyond
the lagoon system and pond. Surveys will continue. Meanwhile, a wallaby found in
Mōkau also sparked concern, given its proximity to Taranaki. The Council is in
close contact with Waikato Regional Council and to date, no further wallabies
have been found. We’re always on alert for Taranaki’s ‘next pest’ and you can
help. If you see an unusual  species, upload a photo to Find-A-Pest or call
us on 0800 736 222.

Tools available for farmers to report nitrogen use 

Three new tools are now available for dairy farmers to report the amount of
synthetic nitrogen fertilser they are using. The tools are provided by
fertiliser companies Ravensdown and Ballance as well as a regional portal called
N-Cap. Farmers who are Ravensdown or Ballance customers can use their tools
while all other farmers should use the N-Cap tool. Farmers have until 31 October
2022 to submit their data. For more information head [7]here.
[8][IMG]

[9][IMG]

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Copyright © 2022 Taranaki Regional Council, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have had interaction with the Taranaki
Regional Council in the past, and your feedback is important to us.

Our mailing address is:
Taranaki Regional Council
Private Bag 713
Stratford, Taranaki 4352
New Zealand
[20]Add us to your address book

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