Committee Meetings
Committee meetings are held on 1st Monday of each month and advertised public meetings are held anually or when deemed necessary to advise members of, and get feedback on particular issues.
The AGM is held near the end of February.
Meeting Minutes
.Minutes of the Whangamata Ratepayers Association Incorporated Meeting
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Date/time: 1.30 pm, Tuesday 14th February 2012
Venue: Coastguard Headquarters, Whangamata Marina
Present Brett Wilson (Acting Chairman) John Rive (Secretary)
Pam Johnson (Treasurer) Tim Hart
Elaine Raines Elaine Raines
Waveney Vaughan Bill Watson
Graeme Webb Jack Wells
The Chairman opened the meeting by paying a tribute to Ross Wightman (who passed away last month), a past Chairman and Deputy Chairman who had served both the Association and the local Community extremely well.
A minute’s silence was then observed.
Apologies were accepted from Don Avey, John Hares and Don Tate.
Brett W/Bill W Cd
Minutes of the previous meeting held 6th December were confirmed.
Bill W/Brett W Cd
Matters Arising
1. Bill W reported that he had manned the small table that the WRA was allocated at the Lion’s Anniversary Craft Fair. The Mangrove update was picked up by a large number of people, some took the membership form away, and few paid their subs on the spot.
Bill also stated that a significant number of locals wanted the mangroves out and were prepared to assist in clearances.
After discussion it was agreed that the WRA should take a bigger stall in the next Fair.
Correspondence - General
1. Letter of 28th December from John R to the Coastal News regarding proposed rate increases, the cost of the Waste Water Scheme, and the capacity of the scheme.
2. Email of 24th January from Evan Vaughters (TCDC) detailing the water useages and waste water throughput over the Christmas/New Year period. These showed that there were less people in Whangamata than in the previous year.
3. Letter of 29th January from John R to the Coastal News detailing the Waste Water Costs, proposed rates increases and the capacity of the plant versus actual (details from The Evan Vaughters email above).
4. Letter of 4th February from John R to the Peninsula Press in reply to comments made in “Barclay’s Briefs” in the 2nd February Issue. At the date of the meeting this letter remained unpublished.
5. Mangrove Advertisement placed in the Coastal News late January.
6. Email from Steve Baker (TCDC CFO) confirming the effect on rates if the proposed changes to Waste Water and Water take place.
7. Chairman’s Report mailed 10th February.
8. TCDC Summary Order Papers for meetings on 14th and 24th December.
Correspondence – Mangroves
1. Letter of 9th December from Brett W to Peter Buckley (Chairman WRC) expressing dissatisfaction with Resource Consent Applications and the Commissioners’ findings.
2. Letter of 16th December from Bob Laing (WRC CEO) in reply to Brett W’s letter above. WRC view was that there were few grounds for appeal.
3. Copy of the Forest and Bird Appeal of 20th December to the Environment Court against the Commissioners. Forest and Bird only want the drainage and already cleared areas; no additional mangroves to be pulled out.
4. Email of 21st December from Simon Friar (local WRC Councillor) detailing the mangrove cost to date versus the money paid by residents ($505k v $196k).
5. Email of 30th December from HarbourCare to Scott Simpson (National MP for Coromandel) requesting that mangrove removal be a permitted activity under National Coastal planning rules.
6. Copy of the WRC Appeal to the Environment Court dated 11th January. Their appeal was for the original 38 hectares instead of the Commissioners’ 22 hectares.
7. Letter of 11th January from Tompkins Wake (WRC Lawyers) detailing actions the WRA could take regarding the Environment Court Appeals.
8. Letter of 19th January from Brett W to Tompkins Wake outlining the WRA over the process and outcomes to date.
9. Email of 19th January from Tompkins Wake regarding the appeals.
10. Email of 19th January from the Environment Court explaining the reasons for the delay in receiving the Forest and Bird appeal.
11. Letter of 23rd January from Tompkins Wake giving further explanations as to the Environment Court processes.
12. Copy of the WRA Appeal to the Environment Court dated 25th January and signed by Brett W. This appeal broadly supported the WRC appeal but also outlined the concerns the WRA had regarding the hearing.
13. Emails between the WRA, Emily O’Donnell (WRC) and Tompkins Wake regarding the possible awarding of appeal costs by the Environment Court against any of the parties.
14. Report dated 11th January by Rivers and Catchment Services tabled at the WRC meeting on 6th February attended by Brett W, John R, Graeme W, and Ian Feasey (HarbourCare). The financial blow-out was outlined in the report: - Targeted rate - $309k, Current total costs estimates - $1.1m. Likely cost if it goes to the Environment Court – additional $200k to $300k.
Brett W stated that after driving to Hamilton for the WRC Council meeting the scheduled meeting with the WRC Chairman, CEO and Simon Friar was cancelled in a very off-hand manner when the group arrived. The cancellation was so late that Simon Friar was not aware until the group informed him after the Council Meeting, some 30 minutes before this second meeting was due to start.
Mangroves
1) Following the tabling of the correspondence regarding mangroves the Chairman reported on the activities of the Mangrove Sub-Committee as follows: -
- Brett W reported that the Committee had met several times since the Commissioners’ decisions had been made public and had spent many hours engaging with Emily O’Donnell, Simon Friar, Brian Coffey, Ian Feasey, Brian Grant, and Tompkins Wake regarding the appeal under s274 to the Environment Court.
- The main problem here is that despite it being pretty unlikely that any costs would be awarded against the WRA, it was possible.
- Graeme W stated that he was withdrawing his appeal in support of the WRC due to it being made as an individual. Even if the possibility of costs awarded against him was remote he could not afford to take such a personal risk. He also stated that he felt very strongly that once again, the process is in the hands of those with the deepest pockets, and the “ordinary bloke” cannot take part.
- The possible liability of the WRA was discussed and Tim H advised that the maximum liability of the WRA would be the $7,500 in the bank.
- Brett W advised that unless the WRA progressed with its appeal the WRA would not be able to be part of the mediation process.
- Graeme W also stated that in his opinion the whole process under the RMA was hijacked by the “experts”, all holding differing opinions and arguing with each other; this meant that the Whangamata residents and others who love and use the harbour, are taken no notice of.
- The anomalous situation of the National and Regional coastal Plans as regards Mangroves was also highlighted.
- After considerable discussion a motion was put to the meeting: -
“That the Committee recommend to the AGM that the WRA continue with its s274 appeal to the Environment Court, supporting the WRC, noting that the maximum liability of the WRA is its cash assets.”
John R/Graeme W Cd
Financial
Pam Johnson tabled that attached information dated 1st February 2012: -
Total membership – 250 (2011) v 323 (2010) Current Account $1,608
Term Investment $5,894
Total $7,502
Accounts for payment Total $104
Report accepted and payments approved.
Pam J/Bill W Cd
The Attached Audited Financial Statements for the 2011 year were tabled by Pam J.
These were accepted.
Pam J/Brett W Cd
General Business
1) Jack W advised that he had been contacted by a Sunday Star Times reporter who was based in Tauranga and that he had prepared a report which he requested be circulated around the Committee.
He expected the reporter to visit Whangamata in two weeks.
Both Brett W and John R who had read the report stated that it was excellent.
2) Jack W further advised that there had been some major changes within TCDC: - Peter Mickleson, Manger Policy and Planning was leaving and Steve Baker had been appointed CFO.
Annual General Meeting
1) After discussion the following Committee members were confirmed for the 2012 year and would be put forward at the AGM on 25th February. Tim Hart advised that he would not be standing again due to time constraints. The Chairman thanked him for his efforts.
Chairman: - Brett Wilson Secretary: - John Rive Pam Johnson: - Treasurer
Committee: - Don Avey, John Hares, Andrew McLeod, Elaine Raines, Don Tate, Waveney Vaughan, Bill Watson, Graeme Webb.
Ex-officio: - Jack Wells
2) Pam Johnson agreed to have the members listing, 50 copies of the Annual Accounts, Subscription forms with pens etc. for Waveney V and Elaine R to collect subs at the meeting.
3) John R reported that the Old Hall had been booked and that the Committee needed to be there at 9.00am to assist with chairs etc.
4) Graeme W volunteered to have a display of mangrove information with early photographs of the harbour at the AGM.
5) John R undertook to contact John H regarding sound equipment.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 3.00pm.
Next Meeting: - Tuesday 6th March; 1.30pm at the Coastguard Building by the Marina.
CONFIRMED …………………………………………………… DATE ……………………
`
Date/time: 1.30 pm, Tuesday 14th February 2012
Venue: Coastguard Headquarters, Whangamata Marina
Present Brett Wilson (Acting Chairman) John Rive (Secretary)
Pam Johnson (Treasurer) Tim Hart
Elaine Raines Elaine Raines
Waveney Vaughan Bill Watson
Graeme Webb Jack Wells
The Chairman opened the meeting by paying a tribute to Ross Wightman (who passed away last month), a past Chairman and Deputy Chairman who had served both the Association and the local Community extremely well.
A minute’s silence was then observed.
Apologies were accepted from Don Avey, John Hares and Don Tate.
Brett W/Bill W Cd
Minutes of the previous meeting held 6th December were confirmed.
Bill W/Brett W Cd
Matters Arising
1. Bill W reported that he had manned the small table that the WRA was allocated at the Lion’s Anniversary Craft Fair. The Mangrove update was picked up by a large number of people, some took the membership form away, and few paid their subs on the spot.
Bill also stated that a significant number of locals wanted the mangroves out and were prepared to assist in clearances.
After discussion it was agreed that the WRA should take a bigger stall in the next Fair.
Correspondence - General
1. Letter of 28th December from John R to the Coastal News regarding proposed rate increases, the cost of the Waste Water Scheme, and the capacity of the scheme.
2. Email of 24th January from Evan Vaughters (TCDC) detailing the water useages and waste water throughput over the Christmas/New Year period. These showed that there were less people in Whangamata than in the previous year.
3. Letter of 29th January from John R to the Coastal News detailing the Waste Water Costs, proposed rates increases and the capacity of the plant versus actual (details from The Evan Vaughters email above).
4. Letter of 4th February from John R to the Peninsula Press in reply to comments made in “Barclay’s Briefs” in the 2nd February Issue. At the date of the meeting this letter remained unpublished.
5. Mangrove Advertisement placed in the Coastal News late January.
6. Email from Steve Baker (TCDC CFO) confirming the effect on rates if the proposed changes to Waste Water and Water take place.
7. Chairman’s Report mailed 10th February.
8. TCDC Summary Order Papers for meetings on 14th and 24th December.
Correspondence – Mangroves
1. Letter of 9th December from Brett W to Peter Buckley (Chairman WRC) expressing dissatisfaction with Resource Consent Applications and the Commissioners’ findings.
2. Letter of 16th December from Bob Laing (WRC CEO) in reply to Brett W’s letter above. WRC view was that there were few grounds for appeal.
3. Copy of the Forest and Bird Appeal of 20th December to the Environment Court against the Commissioners. Forest and Bird only want the drainage and already cleared areas; no additional mangroves to be pulled out.
4. Email of 21st December from Simon Friar (local WRC Councillor) detailing the mangrove cost to date versus the money paid by residents ($505k v $196k).
5. Email of 30th December from HarbourCare to Scott Simpson (National MP for Coromandel) requesting that mangrove removal be a permitted activity under National Coastal planning rules.
6. Copy of the WRC Appeal to the Environment Court dated 11th January. Their appeal was for the original 38 hectares instead of the Commissioners’ 22 hectares.
7. Letter of 11th January from Tompkins Wake (WRC Lawyers) detailing actions the WRA could take regarding the Environment Court Appeals.
8. Letter of 19th January from Brett W to Tompkins Wake outlining the WRA over the process and outcomes to date.
9. Email of 19th January from Tompkins Wake regarding the appeals.
10. Email of 19th January from the Environment Court explaining the reasons for the delay in receiving the Forest and Bird appeal.
11. Letter of 23rd January from Tompkins Wake giving further explanations as to the Environment Court processes.
12. Copy of the WRA Appeal to the Environment Court dated 25th January and signed by Brett W. This appeal broadly supported the WRC appeal but also outlined the concerns the WRA had regarding the hearing.
13. Emails between the WRA, Emily O’Donnell (WRC) and Tompkins Wake regarding the possible awarding of appeal costs by the Environment Court against any of the parties.
14. Report dated 11th January by Rivers and Catchment Services tabled at the WRC meeting on 6th February attended by Brett W, John R, Graeme W, and Ian Feasey (HarbourCare). The financial blow-out was outlined in the report: - Targeted rate - $309k, Current total costs estimates - $1.1m. Likely cost if it goes to the Environment Court – additional $200k to $300k.
Brett W stated that after driving to Hamilton for the WRC Council meeting the scheduled meeting with the WRC Chairman, CEO and Simon Friar was cancelled in a very off-hand manner when the group arrived. The cancellation was so late that Simon Friar was not aware until the group informed him after the Council Meeting, some 30 minutes before this second meeting was due to start.
Mangroves
1) Following the tabling of the correspondence regarding mangroves the Chairman reported on the activities of the Mangrove Sub-Committee as follows: -
- Brett W reported that the Committee had met several times since the Commissioners’ decisions had been made public and had spent many hours engaging with Emily O’Donnell, Simon Friar, Brian Coffey, Ian Feasey, Brian Grant, and Tompkins Wake regarding the appeal under s274 to the Environment Court.
- The main problem here is that despite it being pretty unlikely that any costs would be awarded against the WRA, it was possible.
- Graeme W stated that he was withdrawing his appeal in support of the WRC due to it being made as an individual. Even if the possibility of costs awarded against him was remote he could not afford to take such a personal risk. He also stated that he felt very strongly that once again, the process is in the hands of those with the deepest pockets, and the “ordinary bloke” cannot take part.
- The possible liability of the WRA was discussed and Tim H advised that the maximum liability of the WRA would be the $7,500 in the bank.
- Brett W advised that unless the WRA progressed with its appeal the WRA would not be able to be part of the mediation process.
- Graeme W also stated that in his opinion the whole process under the RMA was hijacked by the “experts”, all holding differing opinions and arguing with each other; this meant that the Whangamata residents and others who love and use the harbour, are taken no notice of.
- The anomalous situation of the National and Regional coastal Plans as regards Mangroves was also highlighted.
- After considerable discussion a motion was put to the meeting: -
“That the Committee recommend to the AGM that the WRA continue with its s274 appeal to the Environment Court, supporting the WRC, noting that the maximum liability of the WRA is its cash assets.”
John R/Graeme W Cd
Financial
Pam Johnson tabled that attached information dated 1st February 2012: -
Total membership – 250 (2011) v 323 (2010) Current Account $1,608
Term Investment $5,894
Total $7,502
Accounts for payment Total $104
Report accepted and payments approved.
Pam J/Bill W Cd
The Attached Audited Financial Statements for the 2011 year were tabled by Pam J.
These were accepted.
Pam J/Brett W Cd
General Business
1) Jack W advised that he had been contacted by a Sunday Star Times reporter who was based in Tauranga and that he had prepared a report which he requested be circulated around the Committee.
He expected the reporter to visit Whangamata in two weeks.
Both Brett W and John R who had read the report stated that it was excellent.
2) Jack W further advised that there had been some major changes within TCDC: - Peter Mickleson, Manger Policy and Planning was leaving and Steve Baker had been appointed CFO.
Annual General Meeting
1) After discussion the following Committee members were confirmed for the 2012 year and would be put forward at the AGM on 25th February. Tim Hart advised that he would not be standing again due to time constraints. The Chairman thanked him for his efforts.
Chairman: - Brett Wilson Secretary: - John Rive Pam Johnson: - Treasurer
Committee: - Don Avey, John Hares, Andrew McLeod, Elaine Raines, Don Tate, Waveney Vaughan, Bill Watson, Graeme Webb.
Ex-officio: - Jack Wells
2) Pam Johnson agreed to have the members listing, 50 copies of the Annual Accounts, Subscription forms with pens etc. for Waveney V and Elaine R to collect subs at the meeting.
3) John R reported that the Old Hall had been booked and that the Committee needed to be there at 9.00am to assist with chairs etc.
4) Graeme W volunteered to have a display of mangrove information with early photographs of the harbour at the AGM.
5) John R undertook to contact John H regarding sound equipment.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 3.00pm.
Next Meeting: - Tuesday 6th March; 1.30pm at the Coastguard Building by the Marina.
CONFIRMED …………………………………………………… DATE ……………………
