Hold the bathwater - keep the baby

• Author: Maureen Pugh National Party List Mp
• Published date: 10 August 2022
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

It makes sense to have consistent rules for the region

For example, the rules about where signs can go, how big they must be, what the setback rules are for properties, or what activities are permitted in rural areas can all be aligned across the region. I believe we are one big step closer to that reality with the Te Tai · Poutini Plan.

Some have questioned the motives of those involved in the process so I wanted to explain that I have had constant feedback over the past few years about the details of the discussion and where the plan was likely to land. It's important to remember where this all started which was with a few locals exercising their democratic rights by signing a petition to amalgamate the four councils.

The combined district plan was the compromise that was reached after a lot of meetings and discussion with the Local Government Commissioners.

Now that it is here for consultation this is the time to provide your feedback and ensure you have input into the final version. This is the draft and it is subject to change.

A lot of concern has been raised with me about the letter that many ratepayers received about rules that have immediate legal effect. That is standard practice when a district plan is being notified.

So when I received the letter advising that our farm had been identified as containing SASM "Sites and Areas of Significance to Maori", I rang the chairman of Ngati Waewae, Francois...