The new Waiari Water Supply project steering group was updated with an overview of the recent resource consent process.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) was introduced back in 1989 to ensure that projects like this were done in an effective and sustainable manner. The consent which was granted allows for 60,000 m3 of water to be withdrawn from the Waiari River, just east of Te Puke, to supply expected population expansion in the Papamoa and proposed business park at Rangiuru near to the freezing works.
The project, including pipelines, will cost around $100 million funded principally by development contributions paid for by the growth and will be completed around 2017-2018. This is a good example of infrastructure being required before the growth occurs. You can't allow houses to be built if there is no water for them and you can't create shortages for existing homes by supplying from the existing water plants. Ditto for wastewater, stormwater, roading and you get the idea of where the city's priorities for resources really lie.

Water usage
Councils should not take their eyes off the ball, nor have eyes bigger than their tummies when it comes to expenditure priorities. Past councils' attempts to have the best of all worlds has proved that you can't do it successfully. Splitting available rates funding means too little infrastructure too late. The present 10 year plan which in reality is a three year plan will need to be reduced, rather than expanded as has happened in the past. Tauranga city rates are right up there with the best, despite what you read, when you compare real apples with real apples. So the Waiari Water Project should be the last big project for a long time.
By the way, our city water consumption continues to fall as people control their water usage (and their bills).

Under the radar
The Stewarts and Carruthers Trust Funds are on the radar again. These two trust funds were set up for the relief of poverty in Tauranga. William Charles Stewart, who died in 1899, left property in Trust to the then Borough Council. John Carruthers, who died in 1965, left income and capital for provision for housing for aged and needy persons. Previous councils cashed up the assets and invested the money ($550,000). Income only is distributed but the ravages of modern inflationary economy's means that its ability to help is watered down with the passage of time. In my opinion Councils are not the best vehicle for this kind of charity and nowadays organisations like the local Acorn Foundation are set up specifically to administer and maintain worthwhile community charity.

Lifetime interest
Talking about charity I have noted reference to a now deceased local identity, Springheel Jack. I remember him well. His real name was Frances Hodgkins and with his Scots terrier Angus were well known locals who pounded the streets promoting nature and conservation of the environment.
He could be described as somewhat eccentric and his unkempt appearance attracted critics. But to some of us kids at school he was a well spoken naturist with a fascinating knowledge of what was going on with our environment. We had a sack of DDT in the shed which, like many others did in those days, was used prolifically. He once drew for me a detailed drawing of a submarine which I had for many years. It must have taken him hours to draw. As is the way of the world there were those who baited him and his outbursts sadly resulted in him being banned from schools. For me he created a lifetime interest in animal and wildlife welfare as I'm sure he did for many others. He died many years ago and it's good to see that he is now being remembered. I digress.

A growing subject
Trees bloody trees and its in the news that now Central Government is getting in on the act of what you can and cannot do with trees on your own property. Despite what you read most people appreciate trees. But they grow – especially in Tauranga – and need to be maintained. Sometimes felled. If sensible maintenance is not allowed then people simply won't plant them. Imagine what's coming if Government combine with Local Government in determining what you can and cannot do with your own trees. Government is presently backtracking on its initial plan to let you do more or less what you want. Councils will have a couple of years to produce a list of protected trees so if you want your tree on or off the list, get on to your Council. In Tauranga your tree may be on the protected list without your knowledge, so check it out. A few years ago staff drove around picking out 'notable” trees – without reference in some cases to the owners.

Boundaries
In other interference without reference, Government is now reverting to original boundaries in the makeup of the Auckland supercity and Rodney District and Franklin District will more or less remain intact. Rules are changing rapidly for the supercity make up. I predict a right royal stuff up. We should take note of what's going on around us. Tauranga/Western Bay/Regional Council will be high on the list for the next round after this supercity amalgamation. It won't be to the benefit of the people in my view. Look out for people promising this and that – all that glitters is not gold, especially around Local Government.
In the first indication of a speed wobble, Government is to allow the Mayor a budget for a 'Mayors' Department” (my words!) to check up on what the supercity bureaucracy is up to. And therein lies the problem.