​Delegations discussion continues at community board level

Discussion relating to proposed changes to community board delegations continued in Ranfurly this week.

The Maniototo Community Board, which met on Thursday 25 January, was asked to consider the proposed changes to the Board’s role in decision-making, so that it would better align with the Local Government legislation governing their powers.

The Vincent (VCB) and Cromwell (CCB) community boards met on Tuesday (23 January). VCB agreed with the proposed amendments and CCB resolved to provide a submission on its view by the closing date of 11 February on the proposed changes. Read more: Proposed changes to community board delegations begins - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz)

Central Otago District Council Chief Executive Peter Kelly, reiterated via Teams his comments made to the VCB and CCB on Tuesday.

The purpose of the proposed changes was to invite discussion about whether the delegations were fit for purpose, The proposed changes were not designed to erode the powers of community boards, which were still the “eyes and ears of the community”, but to invite opinions about their decision-making powers in the future.

“Are the decisions still appropriate to be delegated to community boards? This is testing it and having a discussion around it.”

The matter would then be taken to full Council, he said.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said the delegations had not had a substantive review since the formation of the Central Otago District Council following amalgamation in 1989, that there had been significant change in the past 30 years, and there would continue to be change against a backdrop of predicted rising rates and debt.

Maniototo Community Board member Cr Stu Duncan said the proposed amendments could work to the community’s advantage because the Board could be asked for opinions on reports about district-wide matters as well as the grass roots matters affecting the Maniototo ward.

The board moved to accept the proposed changes.

The Teviot Valley Community Board will meet Thursday 8 February to discuss the proposal.

Recordings of this week's meetings are available on the website: Meeting Recordings - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz).