Kauri are some of New Zealand’s most important taonga – both ecologically and culturally. But the trees are being killed by incurable kauri dieback disease. Three small areas in Thames Coromandel have been infected – Whangapoua, Hukarahi, and Tairua, but most trees are thankfully disease-free. With government funding provided under a National Pest Management Plan, Waikato Regional Council is partnering with local iwi to protect these magnificent trees.
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I’m Standing for Re-election as Thames Coromandel Representative on Waikato Regional Council
As your Thames Coromandel representative on Waikato Regional Council since 2019, I’ve had a significant influence on the council’s actions to control rates, tackle climate change, improve water quality and public transport, boost economic development, and enhance the overall well-being of our communities. This is great momentum, but there is so much more I wish to achieve for our communities. That is why I am asking for your vote to re-elect me as your regional council representative.
My positive influence on WRC’s actions includes:
Community Benefits/Rates
- A loan scheme I proposed for eco-retrofitting homes is now WRC’s flagship policy (at no cost to general ratepayers). This scheme will provide low-interest loans to households of up to $15,000 for installations such as double-glazing, insulation, heat pumps, water tanks and solar panels, repayable by way of a targeted rate.
- A zero-rates increase in the first year of the Covid-19 crisis and better rates relief for low-income households
Public Transport
- Planning is more advanced for new public transport services in Thames Coromandel than in any other Waikato rural district, due to my advocacy
- Future of Thames Urban Bus future secured, and $400,000 to volunteer community transport
- New subsidised transport services for disabled persons started in Thames Coromandel
Economic Development
- $200,000 grant towards the purchase of the iconic New Chums Beach headland
- Regional development grant of $2m for the development of Sugarloaf Wharf, Coromandel
Climate Change
- 45% reduction in WRC’s emissions resulting in lower operating costs for ratepayers
- A bold plan to make Waikato public transport carbon emissions “negative” by 2027 and greater emphasis on public transport connections in rural areas
- Focus on drought, drinking water supply, river and coastal flooding and other climate change risks
- Ending WRC investment in fossil fuels
- Installing solar power on council buildings gaining significant savings for ratepayers
- Keeping WRC climate-focused with a climate action committee, a climate action roadmap and a decision-making framework
Protecting Waterways Forests and Wildlife
- Secured government funding for kauri dieback and wilding pine control on the Peninsula
- Local pest trapping, kiwi care, and restoration groups receiving almost $2 million
- $1million ‘Shovel Ready’ funding gained for local ‘Clean Streams’ and river restoration projects to keep our waterways swimmable
Read and Download my Election Flyer
About Me
Check out my profile and what I stand for here
What future do you want for yourself and your whanau?
Please get in touch to discuss your hopes and concerns for our region
Email: denistegg4wrc@gmail.com
My election campaign website and blog: www.teggtalk.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/denistegg4wrc
Help with my election campaign?
If you would like to help with my election campaign or make a donation please email denistegg4wrc@gmail.com and I’ll be in touch.
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Top 10 National Climate Risks All Apply Locally
New Zealand’s first nationwide climate change risk stocktake has highlighted ten areas of most concern. The extreme risks identified all apply in Thames Coromandel. The risks from sea-level rise feature heavily in the extreme/urgent category of risk.
Of the 43 risks identified, ten that require urgent action in the next six years are highlighted. Risks to buildings from more frequent extreme weather, wildfire, and coastal flooding were on the “urgent” list – as was preparing for social hurt to communities from people being displaced from their homes.
Applications Open for Waikato Regional Council Environmental Initiative Funds
Waikato Regional Council is inviting applications to its Environmental Initiatives Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide grants to community projects that directly benefit the environment or provide environmental education. Funding up to $40,000 is available. Projects may be funded for up to three years. Applications are open this month and close 5 pm 27 July 2020. Funding up to $40,000 is available. Projects may be funded for up to three years. Applications are open this month and close 5 pm 27 July 2020.
Ridiculous climate change loophole in RMA has been closed
Up until this week decision-makers could not decline large climate-polluting projects such as coal mines and fossil fuel power plants even though they could have huge climate-polluting impacts. Now that ridiculous loophole has been closed. Changes just made to the RMA now means consents for large projects can be declined if they have significant climate change impacts that are inconsistent with the Zero Carbon Act.Read More »
Denis Tegg - teggtalk 