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James Palmer spoke
of his personal disappointment at the Council decision on Māori
representation, but staff respect that it was a decision for Councillors to
make before making a presentation about the LTP process and incorporating an
update of current events including:
· Council is in a period of change, and in
the future will have a bigger level of impact on the big issues
· Key to this is the partnerships that
Council has with many organisations across the community.
· Pre-engagement with community told
Council where money should be spent.
· Council has a heavy reliance on
investment income.
· General rates revenue is very low.
· Council have made a commitment made to
save $500,000
· Port of Napier needs a new wharf and how
it is to be funded.
· Consultation topics are still under
consideration.
·
Showing the options indicative
rates increases.
Councillor Barker advised this is not a status quo
budget, and is Council wanting to make changes for the betterment of the
environment.
Mr Mohi reminded Mr Palmer of a promise made four
years ago to employ a Māori staff member at the executive level, which Mr
Palmer acknowledged, advising that the proposed appointment of a Tumuaki is
presently still under discussion in line with proposed staff structure
changes.
Marei Apatu spoke of strategic relationships that
the Māori committee have with Council and Councillors, and the vision
for the future, while querying what council’s expectation of the
Māori Committee is. Māori Committee members concerned about only
rubber stamping of Council decisions, and could be more value for the Council
if they offered support to Council. A lot resource sitting around the
Māori Committee table that could be of use to Council.
Mr Palmer told the committee that as Council moves
into more of an implementation phase they will endeavor to bring issues back
to the Māori Committee for comment.
Mr Mohi spoke of the Māori Committee’s
desire to work more hand in hand with the Regional Planning Committee.
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