The uninformed will often say that it is just too hard to rapidly begin to convert our fleet to electric vehicles. Actually, as Norway have shown, it’s quite easy.
Author: TeggTalk
I'm interested in "big-picture" issues, so I try not to sweat the small stuff. I will focus on Thames Coromandel issues, but there will be times when broader topics will get attention.
Holding institutions and office holders to account is important. Sometimes I will express strongly held opinions. I wish this to be a forum for speaking truth to power*, and for a respectful exchange of ideas and opinions. But I am not interested in personal denigration and abuse and I will not tolerate it in comments. If you troll or spam you will be banned.
Denis Tegg
* Speaking truth to power means believing deeply in what you say and fighting every day to have that heard. It may not be popular; it means taking a risk, it means standing for something.
April 2021 Newsletter
Te Huia Rail Link
The month kicked off with the official opening by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of the new rail link between Hamilton and Auckland – Te Huia. The carriages have been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard – as good as anything I have seen within New Zealand or overseas. It’s a very smooth quiet ride with a cafeteria, tables for commuters to work on with their laptops, USB ports and free Wi-Fi. It’s a five year trial, with the expectation that more frequent services going further into the Auckland CBD will be added. Potentially in the future, stops could be added to make it more convenient for Thames-Coromandel people heading to Auckland.
Regional Coastal Plan Review
Councillors received two briefings in April on the Regional Coastal Plan Review.
Topics covered included – Policy Programme overview · Regional coastal plan policy direction papers · Coastal Marine Area and Coastal Environment Line – scope of the Coastal Plan Review · Motiti Island decision.
The review will be wide ranging and is likely to cover the following issues –
· Air · Aquaculture · Biosecurity · Coastal Water Quality and Discharges to Water · Disturbances · Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity · Historic Heritage · Marinas · Moorings · Natural Character · Natural Features and Landscapes (Seascapes) · Natural Hazards · Noise · Public Access · Structures · Surf Breaks · Surface Water Activities · Tāngata whenua
Consultation with key stakeholders and the general public is ongoing so keep an eye out for opportunities to have your say throughout 2021.
Long Term Plan Consultation
Public consultation on the Long Term Plan occurred during April with over 1400 submissions received.
One of the proposals in the LTP is to provide low-interest loans to homeowners to carry out retrofitting of their properties. On 26 April I spoke to the AGM of the Mercury Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association in Whitianga about the sustainable home loan program. Public feedback from that meeting and overall has been very positive.
Council will hold hearings this week to consider the submissions and hear from submitters who wish to appear in person.
Maungatautari sanctuary
On 20 April I had the great pleasure of visiting the Maungatautari sanctuary with other councillors and to witness the release of three kiwi back into the bush. WRC is an active supporter of this wonderful initiative. It’s well worth a visit to see firsthand what is being done to protect so many of our endangered species.
Meeting with Iwi
Together with WRC Deputy Chair Kataraina Hodge I also met with representatives of Ngati Maru in Thames and Ngati Tara Tokanui in Paeroa for a meet and greet and to hear their concerns
Responsible Investment
on 28 April the Finance and Services Committee of the Council held a workshop to consider the Council’s Responsible Investment Policy. There was discussion around the Council divesting its investment funds from fossil fuels and other environmentally and socially damaging activities, and having a specific climate change related investment policy. Evidence shows that divestment and a responsible investment policy produces better returns. A final decision will be made shortly.
Regional Pest Management Plan Review
Public consultation on this plan has been extended until 4 pm 14 May 2021- see here for more
Two Weeks Left to Have Your Say
There are only two weeks left to have your say on the Waikato Regional Council Long Term Plan with submissions closing on 30 April. We are keen to hear your thoughts on what the council has proposed in the next few years.
Here are some of the issues we are consulting on…
Check out this interview on what the Long term Plan it is all about, and this Facebook Live session on the Sustainable Homes Loan Program which is one of the keys issues on which we would love to hear your views.
Submissions on the Long Term Plan, the Regional Pest Management Plan and the Regional Coastal Plan are now open and can be made until 30 April 2021.
download the LTP consultation document here
submit issue by issue online here – (you will first have to login using Facebook/Twitter or by registering)
use a printed form here
or email your submission to haveyoursay@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Need help? Call 0800 800 401
Denis Tegg — Waikato Regional Councillor for Thames Coromandel
Waikato Regional Council Proposes Sustainable Home Improvement Programme
Waikato Regional Council is proposing a programme which would assist homeowners with low interest loans to make sustainable improvements such as water tank and solar power installations, clean heating, insulation, double-glazing, ventilation, and septic tank upgrades.
Read More »My March Regional Council Update
One thing I noticed during the election campaign and since I have been elected is that many people are not that au fait with what Waikato Regional Council actually does. So I thought I would give a rundown of some of the activities I have been involved with in March.
Read More »