1402 - KBA Minutes 11 February 2014

Kaikohe Business Association

Chairperson: Steve Sangster – Secretary: Elodie Vujcich – Treasurer: Joe Nol

PO Box 497 – KAIKOHE

Ph: 09 4011099 – steve@guardians.org.nz; elodie@computer.co.nz; joenol@xtra.co.nz

Minutes of a meeting of the association held 5:43pm Tuesday 11 March 2014 at the Northern News office.

Meeting opened with prayer.

Present: Mike Shaw(chair), Elodie Vujcich, John Vujcich, Lynne Popham, Shaun Reilly, Fred Sadler, Kelly van Gaalen, Ngaire Powdrill, Ngahuia Cassidy, Johnson Hohaia, Jill Reilly, Joe Nol, Brian Warren Earl Clifford, Noel Birchall, Arthur Harawira, Neil Campbell, Nina Campbell, Gary Gabbitas, Felix Ueberfeldt

Apologies: Steve Sangster, Maggie Gubb, Ngawai Gray, Sue Dunlop-Christie, Sally Macauley, John Schollum, Ann Court, Jack Poutsma Mike /Shaun U

Finance Report: in the bank $4200 odd. Moved: that the finance report be adopted Elodie/ Joe U

Correspondence: -

Sally tabled a report on the Lindvart Park lights. The report is available on the KBA website.

1. Council update/ Unitary Authority – John Vujcich

The main concerns John has, and echoed by a number of people are:

 This is a major change being proposed and very little time to get it right

 There is legislation changes required for Local Boards to be allowed and we haven’t seen the form this will take.

 How do we put local back into local government?

 The suggested economic benefits at $5M are very small.

 There is a direct loss of jobs to our towns and communities

 Are we really getting better representation when we Kaikohe/Hokianga will end up with one councillor, at most 4 for the whole of the current FNDC?

 Local Boards don’t have any real financial and strategic powers, far less power than council and cannot levy rates, pass bylaws, borrow money, employ staff or buy or sell assets.

 Centralisation will result in the loss of local identity, understanding and appreciation of local problems, community engagement, and collective local wisdom.

 One final thought. Many reviews on good governance worldwide generally agreed good governance have elements of stakeholder inclusion, strategic thinking, accountability and fairness. Many of these key elements are also those that support social learning and lead to the development of resilient communities. Does the proposed structure achieve better governance?

Further discussion, including concern about a headquarters of a new larger governance body being in Whangarei. Noted that if the HQ were to definitely be in Kaikohe we would welcome the proposal. Special meeting of the KBA to be held next Tuesday 18 February, to discuss and agree on a submission to the Local Government Commission.

Moved: That the KBA submit a response to the Unitary Authority draft proposal, including expression of concern that the relevant legislation has not been enacted Mike/ Elodie U

Project plans for KBA in 2014 – Kelly asks for our input, with a goal of an overall vision for Kaikohe. Felix comments that we need tidiness, rubbish and graffiti cleaned up; again disappointment in the spectacle of the old Info Centre and the Kaikohe Hotel site.

Signage opportunities on noticeboards at our town entrance; now with the Heritage Kaikohe sign on the Plough – see Kelly.

Cycle trail: Taheke Road to Station Road – how to move on this part?

Earl- unable to continue shuttle service in town because it was subsidised by a Ministry of Education contract, which was won by a large bus company. There is a need for a transport service for older people who come into Kaikohe to shop.

Maori Tourism: the TTMT is seeking to leverage off the Bay of Islands brand and develop a trail that takes in the BOI, Ruapekapeka, Kawiti Caves, Ngawha Hot Springs, Rewa’s Village and back to the Bay. Will be marketed to the independent traveller initially, with a view to expanding it into the cruise ship market as the products are market ready.

Security/CCTV cameras – some people have been apprehended.

Nga Whanau Fest: Ngahuia and Johnson introduced themselves – Festival at Taheke Marae this year 8 March, looking to move around the marae sites, as means to help raise funds for that marae. Asking businesses and others to sponsor with vouchers, food,, other contributions, to help make this a success. Please see attached information.

Gold Card – please investigate for yourselves, decide what discount or ‘free’ item your business can offer and contact the Gold Card people. We can attract older shoppers by saturating our town with Gold Card opportunities.

7:35 Close of meeting with prayer

The next meeting will be held Tuesday 11 March, 5:40pm at the Northern News offices.