Mayor replies

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 307, 3 October 1989, Page 7

Mayor replies

In reply to Leigh Ryland's letter in MAILBAG last week I would like to make the following points. Yes, Leigh, the 1330 residents of Raetihi do count very much as do all residents of the Waimarino District where decisions made by the District Council are concerned. During events leading up the Waimarino Amalgamation I fought hard as a Raetihi Mayor on behalf of the Borough where issues such as representations, employment of staff and the appointment of

costs were debated and resolved. Remember this: • Raetihi insisted on the same representation as Ohakune. They got it. • All staff were placed in their desired position. • Raetihi paid only 20% of the cost of the combined administration account. • The main works depot was retained in Raetihi. (Since then a major upgrading of facilities at that depot has been undertaken by the Waimarino District Council). In short Raetihi came out of that Amalgamation pretty well. This time round it is

a completely different ball game. It is not simply an Amalgamation of three small Councils but a major reform of local government affecting the whole country. The Labour Government in implementing this reform made certain decisions that have affected the Waimarino and of course the whole Ruapehu District. The most important of these are: The siting of the main administration office in Taumarunui with a service centre in Ohakune resulting in a loss of jobs locally. As well no provision was made for agencies either Turnpage 8

MAILBAG

Mayor replies on council staffing matters

From page 7 in Raetihi or Waiouru. The Transition Committee however recognised the need to continue operating a postal - council agency at Raetihi and an agency at Waiouru. Two administrative staff will operate the Ohakune Service Centre and one staff member will operate the Raetihi agency, in the Raetihi

office. This decision was made earlier in the year when a staff structure for the whole Ruapehu District was recommended by the General Manager and approved by the Transition Committee. I would hope however if it is proved too difficult at Raetihi for one person to cope with the workload then consideration may be

given to the appointment of a part-timer to assist. • "The New Role for District Council's" The Minister of local government via the Commission has made it very clear that the new District Councils must operate more as boards of directors. They are basically pol-icy-makers. The General Managers and their management teams must ensure those policies are implemented. In doing so the GM's must choose and appoint the staff they feel best suited to the various positions. Neither the Transition Committees or the District Council's can expect the GM's to be accountable of they are not able to appoint their own staff. It is for this reason that we have the current situation in Raetihi, Ohakune and Taumarunui respect to staff appointments and in particular the Raetihi Agency. In this instance the Waimarino District Council has made a policy decision ie, there will be a postal agency in Raetihi operated by the Council. (This decision has been upheld by the Transition Committee). However, how that postal agency operates is entirely over to General Manager Cliff Houston and his Corporate Services Director Eddie Parker. As long as that agency provides the

postal and Council service required of it by the new District Council then Council should not interfere. But if the service deteriorates or breaks down then the General Manager is accountable. He sorts it out very quickly or is taken to task by the council for allowing a situation of that sort to occur. Now whether we like it or not, this is how the new system will work right throughout the whole council operation. Having made this point it doesn't necessarily mean I agree with all that is happening in local government circles and where the future of the postal agency is concerned I most certainly have expressed my angry concern to Cliff Houston. However, neither I, the Transition Committee, or indeed the new Ruapehu District Council can interfere with managerial decisions. This doesn't mean we are all puppets, as you suggested Leigh the other night publicly in Raetihi, nor does it mean Raetihi is being given the rough end of the stick in respect of the new appointments. In fact as I understand it the two office positions filled so far and the positions of Area Manager, Rural Over- . seer and Urban Overseer have been offered to and accepted by "Raetihi" employees, one of whom is your husband! In closing I will add how difficult and frustrating it has been cop-

ing with staff-related problems at the Waimarino District Council office. I have tried my best to ensure each and every one of our staff received a fair go. I deeply regret that the three staff members to whom you refer Hope Vaughan, Rhonda Perkins, Gordon and Michelle Fredericksen, have not been offered

employment in the new organisation. The three in question have received all the support and assistance I could offer them and I really feel for them at this time. I know its small compensation indeed but I want them to know as I want all the Waimarino to know just how much the Waimarino County, the

Raetihi Borough and the Waimarino District Councils have benefited from and been appreciative of their services. Thank you Hope, thank you Rhonda, thank you Michelle. I just wished it could have worked out some other way.

G. S.

Workman

Mayor