Our new Mayor, Phil Mauger, addressed this year’s first meeting of U.3.A. Phil is very different from our previous Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, and I miss her. I have yet to meet anyone who voted for Phil, but as the turnout for the local body elections was low, that is perhaps not surprising.
Phil is enthusiastic for his new role and told us the last few months have been a very big learning curve for him.
He spoke about the City’s Annual Plan, the draft of which will be out for comment next month. At it stands there will be a rates rise of 5.6%, and recent revaluations mean lower priced houses will have a higher percentage rates rise.
The longer term plan looks at development and growth in Greater Christchurch. Spatial planning identifies where residential growth can occur, and where transport and activities could go. Plan Change 14 would give effect to the Government’s demand for intensification of housing. Planning would move to regional committees, but there is concern that local communities may not be able to have input about their areas, and any transition will not be easy. Christchurch is the only city who did not accept the Government’s plan for intensification, and the Council is working to get exemptions.
Long term the city faces challenges over inflation, insurance, and interest rates. Phil suggests the Council could sell the tiny bits of surplus land it owns. At present 16 cents of every rates dollar goes to servicing debt. Our city is on the cusp of realising the investment of the past decade, and we need to balance needs and challenges. He pointed out that Te Pai, the Convention Centre, brought in $45 million in its first year of operation, and believes the new Metro Sports Centre and Stadium will bring in even more.
Questioned about the Airport Company’s plans to build a new airport in Tarras, Central Otago, Phil said it would be unlikely to benefit Christchurch. Going ahead with the project depends on getting resource consent, and that is unlikely, especially with climate change.
When an audience member noted that in the past Government has ignored local knowledge and advice, Phil responded that a better relationship with Government is being developed and they are listening to us.
Referring to Three Waters, Phil pointed out that an alternative proposal has been endorsed by 39 Mayors, which offers Government an escape route. He believes the original proposal would lead to problems similar to those that have been experienced with the amalgamation of Polytechs.
Our new Mayor wants to keep rates down
and keep good services in town
Ruth's Reflections 
Lianne Dalziel has written a thoughtful article about the need for local people to be involved in decision-making.
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/what-christchurch-can-teach-auckland-about-resilience?utm_source=Newsroom&utm_campaign=0c61aa8191-Daily_Briefing+09.02.2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-0c61aa8191-97940560
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I wonder if the alternative proposal will get a good look at, now that Three Waters is going back to the drawing board, in a manner of speaking.
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It seems likely.
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