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Former planning consultant Keith Hovell is standing for a district-wide seat on the Gore District Council is this year’s local body elections.
A former planning consultant, who plans to stand for the Gore District Council, is not sure if it should exist saying it is not sustainable and the area it covers needs to broaden.
Keith Hovell was a planning consultant for the Gore District Council from 2003 to 2021.
His reasons for standing in this year’s local body elections include: level of wasteful and at times unnecessary spending, the lack of true consultation and regard to the views of residents and ratepayers on key issues, low level of support from the public, and how the current council operates.
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“The Gore District Council is no longer fit for purpose, and it is time to push the reset button,’’ he said.
During Hovell’s time as the council’s planning consultant it sought consents to build the Longford Bridge across the Mataura River, which was declined in the Environment Court, and carried out the controversial ‘Streets Alive’ roading project, which was wound-down after residents presented a petition to council.
“Had the council undertaken meaningful consultation on both projects it would be close to $200,000 better off,’’ he said.
”…greater transparency of council and decision-making is required. Spending on legal fees when problems arise appears to be at unprecedented and unnecessary level.’’
The council had 26 ordinary public meetings of the full council during this term, which had averaged 63 minutes in length. The council has three committees and only one of these, community strategy, had met in public, he said.
“There is little debate and discussion at meetings, with staff recommendations being adopted without proper rigour or regard to what other options may be available.’’
The council needed to be replaced with a new Eastern Southland District Council, encompassing the Ardlussa Community Board area including Riversdale and Waikaia, together with Edendale and Wyndham, and the Hokonui Hills.
“At this scale, financial management would be much improved. Attracting and retaining staff will become easier, avoiding much of the spending currently occurring on consultants, for which there is no long-term gain for the district.”
The local body elections will be held in October.
