Dear Members,
First my apologies for giving you an update much later than I had expected.
There has been a lot of activity since our Special General Meeting in March, and I hope my note will help you have a good understanding of our efforts and position.
LIMs
Despite promises from Council solicitor Tim Power there has been absolutely no consultation with CRU regarding this issue. The reality is that there is still a paragraph regarding coastal hazards with a link to the Jacobs reports. I wrote to the Council in April, informing them that such a note on every single LIM report in the district was not in line with the Weir ruling, but have had no response.
You can read my letter on our website along with other letters at:
https://www.cru.org.nz/communication-with-council-2022
Jacobs Volume 1 and 2
In July last year, we sent an official information request to the Council asking for the instructions Jacobs was given to produce a vulnerability and susceptibility assessment instead of the contract deliverable - a coastal hazard risk assessment.
Council’s unwillingness to engage with us on this matter forced us to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman. Our complaint number is 561464. Through this process we have learned the following:
There are no terms of reference for volumes 1 and 2
There is no contract for volumes 1 and 2
The council have confirmed to the office of the ombudsman that neither Council nor Jacobs also hold any records/documentation regarding volume1 and 2
Council informed us that Jacobs volume 3 is currently underway but neither do they nor Jacobs have any records/documentation regarding Volume 3.
The investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman is ongoing.
I will keep you informed of any developments.
Social Impact Report
I received a call from a consultant from Maven that is undertaking a Social Impact Assessment on behalf of the Council to assist CAP (Jim Bolger and Co.). After a long conversation and a discussion with the committee we decided that CRU would not participate in the exercise for two reasons:
The approach that the consultant was undertaking was a templated one limiting our input and reporting our concerns
CRU’s focus is on good science, planning and law – a social impact study is outside of our remit
Local Government Elections
With the election 10 weeks away, it is important that we lobby those that are in council running for another term.
To date, we have been able to constructively engage with 4 elected members – Councillor Halliday, Prvnov, Compton and Randall.
But we need to do more!!!!
Currently, Councillors Holborrow and McCaan have put their hat in the ring for the Mayoralty. These two Councillors have chosen to ignore our concerns regarding coastal hazards, LIMs, CAP and information requests despite being the largest ratepayer group on the coast with members throughout the district.
I urge you to reach out to them to see if it would be worth voting them back in.
Their contact details:
Districtwide Councillor & Deputy Mayor
Mobile: 027 296 1628
Email: janet.holborow@kapiticoast.govt.nz
Districtwide Councillor
Mobile: 021 212 2953
Email: robert.mccann@kapiticoast.govt.nz
Another candidate that is running is no other than our solicitor (now resigned) Chris Mitchell. It was a great loss to CRU when he resigned – he has kept us in good legal standing for close to a decade.
He brings an exceptional understanding and legal knowledge that none of the other candidates possesses.
He is committed to change and his message is clear – people should be encouraged to participate in decisions which affect them.
His website:
https://www.chrisforkapiti.com
I’m excited about his candidacy and hopefully, you will be too!!!!
CAP
The Coastal Adaptation Panel are holding an information forum on 23 July (this Saturday), from 11 am – 2 pm. All the Panel members are going to be present along with Council staff.
While this forum is less than ideal (presentations and then informal discussions of cups of tea)– attendance of our members would be welcome. To date, CAP has had a woeful turnout in their various community engagements.
CAP have also posted a “Have your say” on their website:
https://haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/coastal?tool=brainstormer#tool_tab
It is a good tool for us to use with comments that are relevant:
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly for more information and visit our website and Facebook.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday.
We have strength in our numbers
Thank you for your patience with this long update.
Regards,
Salima
CRU – Chair
