South Ruapehu ward mooted

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 261, 1 November 1988, Page 1

South Ruapehu ward mooted

A southern ward of the Proposed Ruapehu District taking in Waiouru and the Waimarino has been suggested by Waimarino Mayor Garrick Workman.

At the Waimarino full council meeting last week Mr Workman put the idea to councillors and visitors from Waiouru, who represented the Army and the civilian population at the meeting. He said if the Waimarino and Waiouru combined within the Ruapehu district and were represented by at least six ward councillors, then the southern part of the district would have a strong, united voice. The proposal suggests up to 14 members with no less than two members per ward, so the maximum number of wards possible is seven. Mayor Workman's idea was generally well received by the meeting, though one Waiouru representative, Mr Murray Fitchett, suggested Waiouru would be better alone at least initially "to find their feet". He said Waiouru had never had its own form of local government. Other Waiouru representatives did n o t share this view. M r Gordon Maclachlan said he supported a southern ward and that the view of Waiouru "finding its feet" would have limited value. Chairman of the recently formed area committee for Waiouru, Gordon Mottram, said he didn't think there would be enough support for Waiouru to

have its own ward. He said Waiouru had its

own "Peculiarities" because of the Army camp. Earlier in the meeting there was discussion on the military nature of Waiouru and the transient nature of

the population, which most felt had historically meant little support and interest in local government. Army representative Major John McLeod

said this position was changing because o f the user pays philosophy. He said the Army paid a lot of money to local authorities and Turn page 2

South Ruapehu ward mooted

From page 1 now wanted to see a return for its investment. The population of a combined southern ward would be over 7,000 while Taumarunui county and borough would b e about 12,000. Councillor Griffiths said the solution would defuse any army camp/local government representation problem. "If they are itinerant people they won't stand (for local government), if they are interested in the area they will," he said. Boundaries Also discussed at the meeting were the boundaries of the proposed district. They discussed whether representatives o f Waimarino and Waiouru should try to meet with Rangitikei county to discuss the southern boundary. Cr Harding had suggested that all of the Irirangi Naval land be included in the district. He said the Defence Department wanted all their land under one authority. At present it is divided among the Waimarino, Rangitikei and Taupo.

He also talked about an "eastem corridor" of land adjacent to Army land which is currently part of Rangitikei. Cr Harding said the inclusion of the land he mentioned in Ruapehu would be logical because of its Pinus contorta problem. He said the weed would be better controlled if under one authority. Rangitikei councillor Ashley Strachan disagreed with this, saying the regional authorities, which will encompass all districts, would be responsible for noxious weeds anyway. Major McLeod said the inclusion of the eastern corridor in Ruapehu would be sensible. Cr Griffith said the land could become a liability because of the Pinus contorta. Cr Bennett said Cr Harding's suggested boundary changes was being greedy. Mayor Workman said there was no point going to Rangitikei to discuss the boundaries without a consensus of opinion. Cr Thompson suggested the boundary changes be looked at as a submission to the Local Government Commission.

Early amalgamation The meeting discussed the combination of administration facilities within the Ruapehu District. District Manager John Murrihy told the meeting, while it had earlier been suggested that the Ruapehu authorities combine their administration activities from April 1 1989, that it was impractical "for many reasons". He said the authorities planned to begin to work together from April 1 in such areas as computer facilities and engineering. He said there was merit in starting to work together rather than leaving it to the last minute. Transition committee The Waimarino District Council nominated Mayor Workman and Councillor Doug Bennett as representatives on the proposed transition committee. District Manager John Murrihy will serve on the committee ex-offi-cio (without voting rights). The Waiouru representatives said they would discuss their representation later.