This Week At Council – 30 September 2025
Published on 01 October 2025
Final Council meeting of the triennium had a packed agenda, including the valedictory speeches of Councillor Tim Blackler, Councillor Jim Thomson and Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher.
At Tuesday's final Council meeting of the triennium, the Mayor and Councillors considered the following issues.
Project Reclaim Final Report
A final report on the completed Project Reclaim was received. Councillors noted that the project had been delivered under-budget and ahead of time, with potential opportunities for the use of Palmerston Landfill for disposal of Council waste until its consent expires in 2027.
Beach Road Future
A report presented four options for reopening Beach Road, and two options for its closure, along with associated costings.
After a discussion of how the costs would be spread over a projected 40-year period, as well as other areas of open coastal road which require attention, the Mayor and Councillors voted to defer any decision to the next Council and after further consultation with adjoining landowners to Beach Road.
Chief Executive KPIs
The Mayor and Councillors discussed the KPIs for the Chief Executive, setting targets and deliverables for the Chief Executive.
These will be reviewed by the new Council following the 2025 Local Government Elections.
Corriedale Water Upgrades
Council considered the water upgrades required to the collected water schemes managed by Corriedale Water Management Ltd.
This is about installing of end-point treatment units to ensure water meets the Acceptable Solutions for Rural Supplies Standards set by the Water Services Authority, Taumata Arowai.
Council approved the project to go ahead, subject to consultation with Corriedale Water Management Ltd and domestic household users on the supply.
Future Water Services Advisory Group – Terms of Reference
Council approved an amended terms of reference for a Future Water Services Advisory Group, proposed by Councillor Blackler at the August meeting of Full Council.
This will provide advice and support to the Council and Chief Executive on the future of water services, under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.
Regulatory Amendments, Alcohol and Dog Reports, Loch Laird Labour Weekend Liquor Ban
Council approved minor-changes to the Parking Bylaw ahead of the installation of new modern parking meters in the Waitaki District, which will be pay by plate – with no requirement to display a receipt.
It also received the Alcohol, Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) report for 2024/25 and the Annual Dog Control S10A Report for 2024/25. These are available on Council’s website now.
Council also approved the Loch Laird Labour Weekend Liquor Ban for Labour Weekend 2025, following the success of the same measures implemented since 2021.
District Plan Subcommittee Recommendations
The Mayor and Councillors considered recommendations for exemption applications to the Proposed Waitaki District Plan made by the District Plan Review Subcommittee.
Exemptions applications are to be made to the Ministry for Environment, as part of the Government’s Plan Stop legislation passed in August 2025.
Council approved most proposed exemptions but removed Geosites that are listed in the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark.
When the Ministry responds, Council will tell the community the outcome – and which parts of the Proposed District Plan will be stopped.
Harbour Area Subcommittee Recommendations
Council also considered recommendations to running power to the Holmes Wharf, with a transformer and lighting – including street lighting.
This is not a current Council project and has no assigned budget. The Council requested a report into the options, including costs, and cost recovery or revenue which can be gained by a potential project.
This will be presented to the next Council.
Valedictory Speeches
Valedictory speeches were given by Councillor Tim Blackler, Councillor Jim Thomson and Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher – who are stepping down from their roles at Council.
These speeches will be available individually on Council’s YouTube channel from Wednesday 1 October 2025.
ENDS
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