2020 is the time we start looking ahead to our Long Term Plan 2021 – 2031. For this plan, the first step is to hear from you about what we should focus on over the next ten years.
Are we on the right track with the current work programme? Are there new projects that we need to include? Are there activities that we can stop in order to start something new?
Now is the time, at the very beginning of drafting the Plan, when you can have a say on the direction Council should be taking. There are some key areas that we’re keen to hear your thoughts on.
As a starting point, the Council has developed four high level strategic priorities that set out the things we see as most important.
Look out for an information brochure arriving in your letterbox in the next week, or check out a copy on our website. It has more information about what the Council sees as the issues for each priority and also makes some suggestions on possible ways to respond. We’d really like to hear your thoughts on this and any other issues or ideas that are on your radar.
There are lots of ways to share your thoughts with us.
Remember, we’d love to hear from you before 17 April 2020.
There won’t be any formal hearings, but all feedback and a summary will be reported to the Council. We will also make this information available on our website.
The Council will consider your feedback and suggestions as it develops the work programme and budgets for the Long Term Plan 2021 – 2031.
We plan to run a formal submission process in March/April 2021, where you’ll have another opportunity to provide us with your feedback. This process will also provide an opportunity for you to present your views to the Council in person.
What effect the increased funding needed to complete construction of the Dam will have on the Long Term Plan 2021 – 2031 is still being assessed.
We have at least a year to identify the source of the required extra funding. As a result, the additional cost will not have any impact on the 2020/2021 Annual Plan and your rates for next year. There is provision in our Revenue and Financing Policy for funding dam cost overruns. That includes additional rates funding from irrigators and other water users. Until we confirm how the increase will be funded, we can't speculate on the rates impacts.
Under the agreed funding model, cost over-runs up to $3 million are shared equally between Tasman District Council and Waimea Irrigators Ltd. The Council is committed to pay for increases over $3 million but that does not automatically mean it’s funded entirely through rates.
The Council will be asking other funding partners to look seriously at opportunities to contribute to the funding mix.
The local government process of running both a Long Term Plan and an Annual Plan process can seem confusing, but the Plans do work together.
Long Term Plan
The Long Term Plan (LTP) is reviewed every three years and outlines the Council's activities, services, capital programme and finances for the next 10 years. It also sets the Council’s strategic direction.
Annual Plan
An Annual Plan is the Council's budget for one financial year and is produced in the years between Long Term Plans.
It explains how the Council intends to finance the activities and services that were specified for the year in the LTP, including any adjustments that are needed if circumstances have changed.
As a Tasman District Councillor I am able to give back to my community as well as represent the wider Tasman community. As a new Councillor I appreciate the support from Golden Bay people and together we can work to keep Golden Bay a great place to live.
We have our fair share of challenges and working towards solutions is something that I am keen to continue to see through. Protecting our environment and increasing the opportunities for biodiversity to thrive is a key programme for me, and that includes reducing emissions and considering climate change effects. The Council, as a group, is moving in that direction, but solving problems is not straightforward; there are a lot of steps to take, not the least being talking and consulting with our community and one size doesn’t fit all. Housing is a key issue, which I will be working on.
It’s a very positive group on the Council, and as time goes on and I get to grips with how everything works I’m looking forward to getting some gains for people. We’re starting the Long Term Plan review process, and everything is up for review so this is a great thing to get involved in: participating and helping build the Golden Bay we’d like to see in the future, for example improving the options for housing. Our Community Board has much potential and achieves a lot, I value my membership of this hard working group.
Councillor Celia Butler
Golden Bay Ward
The Committee approved the Proposed Plan Change 72 – Moorings and Coastal Structures and Proposed Mooring Area Bylaw to go out for public consultation, which will begin in May.
Changes to the range of plastics that will be accepted in kerbside recycling were approved. From 1 July 2020 only plastics numbered 1, 2 and 5 will be accepted as these are most likely to find a market for reuse.
The Committee agreed to begin an early engagement process with the community to gather ideas and information to help with drafting the Long Term Plan 2021 – 2031. Feedback is invited until 17 April.
The Speed Limit Bylaw consultation was approved and is now available on the website. Submissions on the proposed changes to speed limits in four locations are invited until 30 March 2020.
The Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2020/2021 was approved for public consultation. Submissions are invited from 13 March to 17 April 2020.
A submission on Arataki (the New Zealand Transport Agency’s 10 Year View on Transport Priorities) was approved and will be forwarded to the Agency for consideration as part of their long term planning process.
The Committee approved the submission to the Health Committee on the Taumata Arowai – The Water Services Regulator Bill; and endorsed the submission on the Government’s proposal to amend the waste disposal levy (already submitted by the Engineering Services Manager under delegated authority).
A report on Air Quality Monitoring in Riwaka, Brooklyn and Motueka was received. These areas have been subject to numerous complaints about air quality and the report recommends further research.
The Council has been busy planning for the upcoming 2020/2021 year.
The new Mayor and Councillors have endorsed the third year of the current LTP 2018 – 2028 where it is proposed to continue to maintain and improve the District’s infrastructure, respond to continued population growth and manage natural resources.
Major projects we will be progressing include the continued construction of the Waimea Community Dam, the Champion/Salisbury Roundabout upgrade and the Māpua water trunk renewal.
With the District’s natural environment, a key focus of our work is to complete a biodiversity and biosecurity strategy, to carry out a survey of estuarine fish and continue the review of the Tasman Regional Policy Statement and Resource Management Plan.
The construction of the new library building in Motueka is another big project planned for the coming financial year.
Net debt – Forecast net debt is $199.7 million by the end of 2020/2021.
Rates revenue – Total rates income increase will be 2.97% plus growth.
Check your rates for 2020/2021 with our rating tool.
The Annual Plan 2020 – 2021 will be formally adopted at an upcoming Council meeting and is effective from 1 July 2020, the start of Council’s financial year. The full 2020 - 2021 plan will also be available to read once it has been adopted.
We’ll be changing the range of plastics we collect for recycling.
From 1 July this year we’ll only collect plastics that can be recycled in New Zealand – these are plastics 1, 2, and 5 (PET, HDPE and polypropylene).
These three plastics are the ones most commonly found in our households and represent around 85 – 90% of the plastics we use. This means most of the containers that you use will still be recycled: plastics used in soft drink and water bottles, clear plastic meat trays, plastic milk bottles, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry products, and ice-cream, butter and takeaway containers.
The plastics that we will not be collecting from 1 July are plastics 3, 4, 6 and 7 (PVC, LDPE, rigid polystyrene and other specialty plastics). These plastics are used in some food and product packaging like single serve yoghurt pottles and most sour cream containers, but are not able to be recycled in New Zealand.
In the past we have exported these plastics, but these are now very difficult to sell to overseas buyers. We are also concerned that some of these plastics may not be recycled appropriately and we are now stockpiling them.
We’ll be developing detailed information between now and 1 July to inform everyone about the change. Meanwhile, take the time to think about the plastics you buy and how you dispose of them. Most plastic containers have an arrowed triangle symbol on them, with a number to identify the type of plastic they are made of. If you can, take time to choose products in recyclable plastics (1, 2 and 5) or, better still, choose products in reusable containers.
The next time you get behind the steering wheel of your car, pay attention to how many potential distractions you encounter while driving to your destination. Hot food, that annoying DJ, a text alert: Can you still #BeUndistractable in the face of all that?
You may have seen this road safety campaign, filmed in partnership with Nelson City Council and Marlborough District Council, which together with us make up Top of the South – Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough Road Safety. Featuring local actors and voice artists in several different distracting driving environments, the ads were filmed locally and have been popular on social media.
Transportation Technical Officer Chloe White says the campaign aims to get everyone thinking about focusing while driving and avoiding common distractions, such as eating, texting, the radio, scenery and GPS services.
“Obviously people still need to use their sat nav and GPS, but do it while you’re not driving – before you start the engine, or pull over if you need to.”
Nominations close at 12 noon on Monday 16 March for the Motueka Ward By-election.
Nomination forms and information are available at the Motueka and Richmond Council offices and libraries, and on the website.
You can enrol to vote or amend your enrolment details by:
Voting documents will be delivered from Monday 20 April, and must be posted back or dropped off to Council, with polling day closing at 12 noon on Tuesday 12 May.
Results will be declared on Saturday 16 May.
Friday 3 April, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm at Headingly Centre, Richmond
Nelson and Tasman residents are lucky to have many recreational, health and social services available that make ageing a positive experience. Our annual celebration will showcase some of these at Richmond’s Headingly Centre on Friday 3 April from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Admission is free with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Lunch will be available for purchase.
Come along and check out a wealth of information, hands-on activities, talks, demonstrations and have-a-go sessions. With more than 80 stallholders, there is plenty on offer, no matter where your interests lie.
Tasman District Council Community Partnerships Co-ordinator Lani Evans says the Expo is a great chance for those interested in planning well for their later years to find out some valuable information. “This will be particularly useful for those nearing retirement age and their families too.”
We encourage people to bike to the event, and are offering free bike check-ups at the Expo. We’re also offering a free bus service for those who would like to travel from Richmond. The shuttle will leave every half hour from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm from the NBus Richmond stop on Queen Street, outside The Warehouse.
Tasman District Council provides grants for youth aged 15 – 20 to pursue leadership opportunities. Applications are open at any time.
Scholarships of up to $500 each are available to students from within the Tasman District to participate in youth leadership opportunities, such as The Spirit of New Zealand, Outward Bound, Festival for the Future and other experiences, conferences and workshops.
The Nelson Airport Kaiteriteri to Māpua multisport event is back, bigger than ever on Saturday 2 May. It now includes kayaking, and a two or six person multisport team challenge.
The challenge starts at Kaiteriteri Beach with a 6km kayak leg, followed by a 32km bike ride and ending with a 10.5km run. Teams of two will complete the kayak, cycle and run or teams of six can split the disciplines equally.
The popular marathon cycle event has been expanded to 52km which will now take riders out to Kina Beach and back. Runners and walkers have the choice of full or half marathons or 10km distances. All events finish at the Māpua Wharf so everyone can celebrate and enjoy the region’s fine wine, craft beer and sumptuous seafood.
Entries are open now and can be purchased online.
The K2M event has benefitted from the Tasman District Council’s Special Grants Fund which is designed to encourage and support significant new events or projects within Tasman District. The fund is open now for applications.
The six-month trial period for the Wakefield Community Bus is over and it’s shown to be a service well worth keeping and even extending.
The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust runs the service and has made a couple of minor changes: the service now runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, stopping on request, and one-way passengers may now use their tickets twice.
Dedicated bus stops signs, partially funded by the Council, will appear shortly at all the stopping locations, a visible reminder that this service is here to stay.
There is no doubt that the service fills a gap in the Nelson Tasman public transport system. The feedback shows it is serving part of the community who aren’t able to drive to Richmond. To quote Barbara, a regular passenger, "It is a fabulous service. My husband and I would be stuck at home if there was no bus as neither of us drive".
The Trust emphasises that the bus is for everyone, old and young, immobile and athletic. We have supplied a cycle rack for those who would like to bus in and cycle back, or perhaps do a short tour around the Richmond area.
What's the vision for the future? The Trust would love to expand to a daily commuting morning and afternoon service that would fully serve the needs of everyone, not just those who can do the trip on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But to do that we need more help from you. Find more information on the service and how you can assist online or phone 020 4196 0553.
By Ian Viapree for Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust.
At the time of printing, Phase B water restrictions are in place for Richmond, Hope, Brightwater, Redwood Valley, Eighty-Eight Valley, Dovedale and Māpua/Ruby Bay.
You can’t fill or top up pools or water the lawn. You can still water the veggie garden but non-productive gardens must only be watered every second day with a hand-held hose, timer system or bucket. If your address is an even number, water on even numbered days and likewise for odd days.
Phase A water restrictions are in place in Wakefield and Tapawera. That means residents are not permitted to fill swimming pools, but they can be topped up. Watering grass and lawns is not allowed but as long as you use a hand-held hose you can still water your plants and veggie gardens and wash cars if it’s really needed.
Various restrictions are also in place for water permit holders around the district. If any restrictions apply to you, we will have sent you a message letting you know what your current restrictions are.
However, the situation can change quickly if we receive rain. View the most up to date information on water restrictions.
Even if you aren’t currently affected by water restrictions, please conserve water as much as possible.
The project to update the services at Māpua is progressing well.
Work is finished on the section from the Iwa Street roundabout to Langford Drive and the water supply is now connected to the new main in this area.
Work is progressing well on Stafford Drive. Over the coming weeks we will be working on the inland side of the road, all the way to Pine Hill Road. Two crews will be working on either end of this section to ensure the project will be finished in good time.
Once the pipe is installed as far as Pine Hill Road, work will focus on getting properties connected to the new water main.
After Easter, work will start again on Aranui Road from the Langford Drive intersection. There is also one more piece of work to be done at Māpua Wharf, installing a liner inside an existing manhole, then the road will be properly resealed.
Thanks for your patience and understanding while we carry out this major upgrade.
Statement of Proposal:
Under the Revenue and Financing Policy, the Council can set a Schedule of Fees and Charges to recover some costs associated with the Council’s services. Some of these charges are set by statute, and others by the Council. All charges are reviewed each year to determine whether they need to change or not.
Tasman District Council approved the Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges for public consultation at its meeting on 27 February. The Draft Schedule covers the year from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.
The full Statement of Proposal is available for viewing on Council’s website at and during normal office hours at all Tasman District Council Offices and libraries.
Submissions are invited on the Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2020/2021, and must be received by 5.00 pm on Friday 17 April.
Submissions may be made online or delivered to your local Tasman District Council office.
Tasman District Council is seeking the public’s views on its intention to consider granting a lease for the operation of a commercial cinema business on a portion of Council land at 30 Old Wharf Road, Motueka. The land is currently being used for this purpose but a new lease agreement is now required. This land, owned by Council, is freehold but is considered a “park” pursuant to Section 138 of the Local Government Act 2002.
The lease will be for the portion of the existing building located on the Council land at 30 Old Wharf Road. The lease area includes use of the communal access and toilets within the Motueka Recreation Centre.
The lease is intended to be issued to Eureka Solutions Limited who are the existing occupants of this portion of the building and have operated their cinema business in the park for many years. The lease area will be limited to the land/building under the roofline of the building where it is located on the “Park”. It will be clear that use of the surrounding “Park” is not included in the lease.
There will be provision for a small ‘sandwich board’ sign to be placed near the road to direct customers to the lease area during times when the business is operating. No other signage will be allowed.
View the plan showing the proposed lease area.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Mark Johannsen on 03 543 8400, or mark.johannsen@tasman.govt.nz.
Written submissions or objections should be sent to: Tasman District Council, Private Bag 4, Richmond.
Submissions or objections will be received up to 4.00 pm on Monday 13 April 2020. Please state whether you would like to speak to your submission in the event that a hearing is required.
The Harbourmaster has (or may soon) grant authorisations for the following events. These events may affect public use of the maritime area for a certain period of time.
Event: Māpua Channel Closure for Māpua Boat Club Regatta
Date and time: Saturday 21 March, 12.00 pm – 3.30 pm.
More information about the Harbourmaster’s directions for events.
Tasman District Council provides free microchipping for dogs under six months of age and in early April will be providing free microchipping clinics.
An invitation to one of the sessions will be sent to owners of dogs with no recorded microchip number. Look out for more information in the next Newsline or email dogcontrol@tasman.govt.nz or phone 03 543 8400.
Applicant: Golden Bay RSA
Event: ANZAC Day Parade
Location: Commercial St, Takaka (SH6), between Junction St (adjacent to GB Pharmacy) and Pioneer Park
Date and time: Saturday 25 April 2020, 8.30 am – 10.30 am
Applicant: Richmond/Waimea RSA
Event: ANZAC Day Parade
Location: Queen St from Wensley Rd to Gladstone Rd (SH6)
Date and time: Saturday 25 April 2020, 10.00 am – 12.30 pm
Applicant: Nelson Bays RSA
Event: ANZAC Day Parade
Location: Aranui Rd, Māpua – from Higgs Rd to the tennis courts
Date and time: Saturday 25 April 2020, 10.30 am – 11.00 am
Applicant: Motueka RSA
Event: ANZAC Day Parade
Location: Pah St, Motueka – from Bennett St North to Countdown carpark
Date and time: Saturday 25 April 2020, 6.00 am – 7.30 am
Applicant: Richmond/Waimea RSA
Event: ANZAC Day Parade
Location: Whitby Way, Wakefield – from Edward St to entrance of Wakefield carpark
Date and time: Saturday 25 April 2020, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
Objections for all the above close Wednesday 25 March 2020
Applicant: Nelson Car Club
Event: Gravel Hillclimb
Location: Riwaka-Sandy Bay Rd – from the intersection with SH60 to just over the crest of the summit
Date and time: Sunday 3 May 2020, 8.30 am – 4.00 pm
Objections close: Sunday 5 April 2020
Applicant: Downer
Event: Mission Bridge Rebuild
Location: Moutere Highway
Date and time: Tuesday 24 March – Friday 5 June 2020
We want our local roads to be safe. Making sure the speed limit is appropriate for the conditions is an important part of a safe roading network, so we have been reviewing the limits across Tasman District.
In November 2019 we consulted on a Speed Limit Review and submissions identified that a different speed than what we had proposed was wanted for three roads (Gibbs Valley Road, Hoddy Road and Wharariki Road). Legally, we are not able to set a speed limit significantly different to what was proposed in the consultation, so those roads were withdrawn from that process. We are now asking for feedback on the newly proposed speed limits.
Gibbs Valley Road – current limit is 100kmph, proposed to change to 60kmph
Hoddy Road – current limit is 100kmph, proposed to change to 40kmph
Wharariki Road (Freeman Access to western end) – current limit is 100kmph, proposed to change to 60kmph
We are also proposing to extend an existing 50km/h speed limit on Abel Tasman Drive in Pōhara 25m to tie in better with the new shared path location and increased activity by the café. This results in a proposed speed limit set 75m from Selwyn Street.
Get all the details at your nearest Council office or library or on the website.
Submissions are invited until 4.00pm on Monday 30 March 2020.
Submissions should include your name, full contact details and should state if you wish to speak to the Council in support of your submission.
Consultation closes 31 March 2020.
We’re reviewing the way we manage Moutere/Waimea Ward parks and reserves, and we need your help to make sure these public spaces suit locals and visitors now and in the future.
Tell us which reserves you use regularly, what you love about them, and any changes you would like to see to the way they are used or managed. What’s your vision for their future?
Have your say on our parks and reserves.
Unless otherwise stated, all meetings will be held at Council Chambers, 189 Queen Street, Richmond.
Kingsland Forest Hearings: Monday 16 March, 9.30 am. No public forum
Motueka Community Board: Tuesday 17 March, 4.00 pm. Motueka Service Centre, 7 Hickmott Place, Motueka. Public forum
Extraordinary Full Council: Thursday 19 March, 9.30 am. No public forum.
Audit and Risk Committee: Thursday 19 March, 1.30 pm. Public forum
Full Council: Thursday 26 March, 9.30 am. Public forum
Kingsland Forest Plan – Deliberations: Friday 27 March, 9.30 am. No public forum
Tuesdays, 1.00 pm onwards. Murchison Sport, Recreation & Cultural Centre.
Older & Bolder is a FREE group get together, with some great activities and trips throughout the year. Attendees are asked to bring a plate to share for afternoon tea. Coffee and tea provided. All welcome, but please note that sessions are designed for ages 50+.
Tuesday 17 March: St Patrick's Day
Tuesday 24 March: Croquet
Tuesday 31 March: Bingo with Bethany
March brings us two exciting author talks. On Tuesday 17 March from 1.00pm – 2.00pm, award-winning poet Jessica Le Bas runs a What Makes Good Writing? workshop. This fun, interactive workshop will introduce the fundamentals of good writing and get you inspired.
Then, on Saturday 28 March from 11.30am – 12.30pm, Christine Leunens will speak about Caging Skies, the book she wrote which inspired the Oscar-winning film Jojo Rabbit.
Both events are free, and everyone is welcome.
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, 8.00 am – 12.00 pm, Rabbit Island Boat Ramp/PWC area.
Tasman District Council and Maritime NZ are offering this free training course for new owners of personal water craft (jet-skis). Places are limited so please register your interest by emailing matt.wood@martimenz.govt.nz or harbourmaster@tasman.govt.nz.
Want to find out what it’s like to travel in Madagascar and Sri Lanka? Come along to the talks taking place at Motueka Library this month.
On Thursday 26 March from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm, Joan and Peter Minchin will be talking about their experiences in Sri Lanka.
On Tuesday 31 March from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm, John Croxford will be talking about his Madagascan holiday.
Both events are free, and everyone is welcome.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.30 am – 12.00 pm, Motueka Recreation Centre.
A seated exercise programme focusing on strength and balance with some fun along the way (stand up optional).
$5 per person.
Runs until 30 April 2020 – Monday to Saturday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Golden Bay Museum Te Waka Huia o Mohua, 73 Commercial Street, Takaka.
Fact and fiction intertwine as Toy Murchie, with Bronwynn Billens, unravels the story of the bodies discovered along Selwyn Street, Pōhara in 1976.
Runs until the end of June. Motueka District Museum, 140 High Street, Motueka. We are showcasing the fishing industry of Blind Bay (Tasman Bay) from the Hookers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries through to today. Come and read the stories of the fishermen, their catches, their disasters and their tragedies. Get the kids to draw pictures of the blackboards and try your hand at netting making.
Fridays, 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm. Murchison Sport, Recreation & Cultural Centre.
All levels welcome, please note that under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
$2 per person.
Any queries, contact the Rec Centre team on 03 523 9360 or 021 426 981.
Tuesdays from 9.30 am. Murchison Sport, Recreation & Cultural Centre.
A fun and interactive music session for kids five years and under, followed by Kindy Gym where the kids can have fun together while the parents enjoy a relaxing cuppa and a chat.
Gold coin donation.
If you’re new to town or just feel like meeting new people, one of our many library groups or events could be just what you need.
We have monthly movie nights at Richmond Library, book groups at Richmond, Motueka and Takaka libraries, a weekly craft group at Richmond Library, regular Scrabble sessions at Motueka Library, weekly sessions for small children and their caregivers, free computer classes and more.
Find out more, or give us a call on 03 543 8500.
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