Central Government is in the process of listening to submissions regarding proposed changes to Health and Safety legislation. Changes to workplace legislation have been based on an Australian model.

Councils will be classified as a Person who Conducts a Business or Undertaking, known as a PCBU.

Legislation is expected to be adopted by Parliament late-2015. This will have implications and ramifications for councils, businesses and organisations, including those not-for-profit, throughout New Zealand.

Marine reach ministries request

This week Marine Reach Ministries requested Tauranga City Council to consider a 50 per cent discount on their berthage fees.

‘Pacific Hope' is currently moored near the harbour bridge while it has a refit. The voluntary work they do around the South Pacific is fantastic.

In Tauranga there are many not-for-profit organisations doing great work, which struggle to survive.

The media has highlighted Waipuna Hospice is currently looking for extra funding, to keep up with an increasing number of patients.

My understanding is a late submission came through the Annual Plan earlier this year, but somehow slipped through the system and wasn't discussed by elected members at the time.

The item is to ‘lie on the table' while some background information is sought regarding what arrangements were made prior to the item appearing on the council agenda.