Brendon McMahon

Local Democracy Reporter at New Zealand Herald

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Articles

Leaders open to council merger

1 week ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

A "mega merger" of the West Coast’s four councils into a unitary structure is not off the cards, local government leaders say. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott has just backed a full-scale merger in the Deep South. On the West Coast, an attempt in 2015 to merge the four councils through a citizens-initiated referendum resulted in the Local Government Commission ordering a combined district plan instead — Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP).
Historic landmark process given tick

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoThe community trust instrumental in the revival of historic Oamaru over the past 35 years has now formally signed its assent to a process to achieve National Historic Landmark status for the area.
‘Step too far’ to appoint commissioner

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoTensions flared in the Waitaki District Council chamber in Oamaru on Tuesday as veteran councillor Jim Thomson threatened to resign as chairman of the district plan review (DPR) subcommittee, following a divisive debate over how to handle procedural matters related to the proposed Waitaki district plan.
Ceremony marks beginning of bridge replacement

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoAn official sod-turning has been conducted for a $11.6 million Kakanui Bridge replacement, 12km south of Oamaru. Formalities were conducted mid-afternoon yesterday on the western approach for the new bridge on the edge of Kakanui village. Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki blessed the site earlier in the afternoon.
Challenged over disclosure

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

The Waitaki District Council is being challenged over the disclosure of an August 2024 Environment Court decision, potentially impacting its proposed district plan process. The proposed plan was notified for submissions on March 1, which were set to close on May 9.
Review of staff numbers inevitable as budget honed

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

A review of Waitaki District Council staffing is inevitable as it finalises a budget for the next few years. The council held a workshop on April 15 to begin honing department budgets for the proposed 2025-26 long-term plan (LTP). The discussions followed a revision of all council departments under "transformation" from July last year. Departments were cut from four to five with the respective managers now termed as "directors".
Council staff budgets to be honed

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoA review of Waitaki District Council staffing is inevitable as it finalises a budget for the next few years. The council held a workshop on April 15 to begin honing department budgets for the proposed 2025-26 long-term plan. The discussions followed a revision of all council departments under "transformation" from July 2024.
Civic trust’s audit costs ‘very, very sobering’

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoA key driver for the Oamaru heritage tourism sector says "disproportionate" audit costs are a significance issue. However, the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust has had "a good year", its chairman Richard Vinbroux says. The trust has been instrumental in putting the town of Oamaru and its built heritage on the international tourist map in the past 30 years.
Vandalism of reserve ‘gutless’

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoThe action of a vandal doing burnouts on a community reserve in Kakanui has been called "pretty gutless". The small recreational area just above Campbells Bay is owned by the Kakanui Ratepayers and Improvement Society (KRAIS). It affords a stunning coastal view towards Moeraki and is normally frequented by picnikers and surfers.
Pause possible for draft district plan

1 month ago | odt.co.nz | Brendon McMahon

Waitaki district councillors may yet pause the draft Waitaki district plan, despite it already being with the public for consultation. The draft plan was ratified by the council for release last December — more than a year after it was initially planned to be ready for public consultation. A district plan outlines the rules around the use of land within a district. Plans are usually reviewed by councils every 10 years.