Andrew von Dadelszen Former Regional Councillor

I was disappointed to see any rate rise from the regional council this year. They might be proud at holding the increase to 2.54 per cent, but with the strong increase in investment income, there doesn't seem to have been a lot of 'naval gazing” to ensure 'value for money” for our ratepayers.

Our city ratepayers are really struggling in the current economic climate and this is an opportunity lost to show some real empathy. Based on the figures published this week, the regional council is planning to spend $87.2m on operational expenditure and a further $18.6m on capital expenditure – a total of $105.8m. This is in fact close to an 11 per cent increase in the total 2010-11 spend.

Another note of concern was the decision to inject $100,000 into the current budget towards a pilot iwi secondment programme to build iwi capacity. This is on top of a budgeted $588,000 for direct 'Maori engagement”. Political correctness seems to be out of control and with local iwi now receiving very large treaty settlements, it is time that they put up their own hand and took over this role of iwi capacity building.

On a positive note, having read the agenda for the finance and corporate committee meeting last week, I noted solid efficiency gains have been made in the vehicle usage. Staff reported that purchasing decisions are smarter, with fleet utilisation showing improved efficiency and although council staff is travelling greater distances per annum they have still managed to reduce their vehicle fleet by almost 10 per cent over the last three years without hindering the effectiveness of our service delivery. The total vehicle fleet has reduced from 123 in 2008-09 to 113 currently and noting that within that fleet, the use of 'pooled vehicles” has increased from 12 to 40. That is all good.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email andrew@vond.co.nz