Delegations decision delayed until after districtisation consultation
The Central Otago District Council has elected to defer further discussion on the proposed changes until after a special consultative procedure on districtisation later this year.
At the Council meeting in Alexandra today (Wednesday 28 February 2024) councillors considered a change to their Registrar of Delegations. This is a document controlled by Council and Governance that sets out what powers Council has delegated to its community boards, committees and Chief Executive Officer. It can be amended by a resolution of Council without public consultation.
Council has for many years delegated many functions to community boards that would more typically would sit with the Council.
Against the backdrop of the current climate, where there is an increased importance to think with a district-wide lens, staff have been investigating whether the delegations to community boards are still fit for purpose or whether some of the delegations should be rescinded back to Council. This would ensure practices are more in line with the intention of the Local Government Act.
During January and February 2024 staff engaged with community boards to gauge their opinion on the proposal to return much of their delegations to Council. Each board was invited to make any comment that they wished on the day as well as the ability to make a submission which then could be considered with any changes proposed. Both the Vincent Community Board and the Maniototo Community Board agreed with the proposal at their meetings in January.
The Teviot and Cromwell community boards made a written response and a representative spoke in the meeting.
A paper was presented that recommended that Council re-consider the level of delegations. Chief Executive Peter Kelly reiterated that this does not change who owns the assets as has been alluded to; they belong to the Council.
“This is purely about decision making rights. Any change to where assets lie would require a Council decision and consultation with the community at a future date.”
Eight members of the community spoke during the public forum and raised concerns that a change in delegations pre-determines districtisation of some ward functions (such as property and parks), and that the districtisation conversation should come first.
After considering the comments from the community and a considerable debate in which every councillor expressed their view, Council elected to defer further discussion on the proposed changes until after a special consultative procedure on districtisation later this year.
