48-593: Otago Regional Council ( ORC ) is the regional council for Otago in the South Island of New Zealand . The council's principal office is Regional House on Stafford Street in Dunedin with 250–275 staff, with smaller offices in Queenstown and Alexandra . They are responsible for sustainably managing Otago’s natural resources of land, air and water on behalf of the community. Property owners pay rates to both
96-528: A Quaker. At university she was a student radical and joined the Communist Party . Hobbs marched with HART in the 1981 Springbok tour to oppose Apartheid . After the tour she developed a strong interest in Māori issues and became fluent in the language. In May 1996, she was offered the position of principal of Wellington Girls' College , but never ended up taking the job, instead moving into Parliament on
144-854: A code of practice for New Zealand commercial radio, specifying that 20 percent of music played should have New Zealand origins. Following the 2002 general election , Hobbs continued as the Minister for the Environment and Minister Responsible for the National Library and Archives New Zealand, and picked up new roles as Minister of Disarmament and Arms Control , Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for Official Development Assistance, Associate Minister for Biosecurity, Associate Minister of Education, and Minister Responsible for Urban Affairs. In 2004, Hobbs told Prime Minister Helen Clark that she did not expect to seek
192-507: A fit for purpose planning framework in place" to deal with incoming water permits. Along with this conclusion, the Minister made a series of recommendations to the council including a fully developed freshwater management planning regime to assess water consent applications, to develop and initiate a "programme of work" which would fully review the RPS by November 2020 and a refurbished and original Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), and finally for
240-571: A motion recommended that the Council pause their land and water plan until the Government issued its updated plan. Malcolm was supported by four other councillors including Crs Gary Kelliher and Michael Laws. Malcolm's motion was defeated by a margin of 7 to 5. Opponents of the motion including Cr Alexa Forbes argued for the continuation of the land and water management plan since it had already cost NZ$ 18 million while Cr Elliot Weir described pausing
288-680: A post in Cabinet again after the 2005 general election . Hobbs contested the election and was returned to the Wellington Central electorate with a 6,180 majority over the National Party candidate, Mark Blumsky . She made her decision about not seeking a Cabinet role public during the negotiations to form a government in October 2005. After resigning from Cabinet, Hobbs served briefly as Labour's party Vice-President and became
336-685: A teacher in the United Kingdom , in compensation for never having made a traditional working-holiday as a young woman. She spent two years as the Headteacher at Prince William School in Oundle , Northamptonshire , United Kingdom. Hobbs stood as a Labour candidate for the Otago Regional Council at the 2019 local elections and was successful. On 23 October, she was elected as chair, with Michael Laws as her deputy. In
384-403: A vote on 8 July 2020, she lost the role and was replaced by councillor Andrew Noone. She resigned from the council on 1 November 2021. Hobbs had one son, Daniel, with her first husband Walter Logeman. Her second marriage was to maths teacher Geoff Norris with whom she unexpectedly had a daughter, Claire. Her father was Leslie Hobbs, a political journalist, who wrote The Thirty-Year Wonders ,
432-584: Is a New Zealand politician who was a Labour Member of Parliament from 1996 to 2008. She was initially a list MP and then (from 1999) represented the Wellington Central electorate. She served as Minister for the Environment and, later, as one of two Assistant Speakers of the House of Representatives . She represented the Dunedin constituency of the Otago Regional Council from 2019 to 2021. Hobbs
480-425: Is a mixture of elected councillors and government appointed commissioners. Councils may use a first-past-the-post or single transferable vote system. The chairperson is selected by the elected council members. Regional councils are funded through property rates , subsidies from central government, income from trading, and user charges for certain public services. Councils set their own levels of rates, though
528-495: Is divided into sixteen regions for local government purposes. Eleven are administered by regional councils, and five are administered by unitary authorities , which are territorial authorities that also perform the functions of regional councils. The Chatham Islands Council is not a region but is similar to a unitary authority, authorised under its own legislation. The regional councils are listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of
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#1732772131075576-722: The 1999 election , Hobbs won the Wellington Central electorate, defeating the incumbent member, ACT Party leader Richard Prebble . After Labour's electoral victory in 1999, Hobbs joined the Cabinet , becoming Minister for the Environment, Minister of Biosecurity, Minister of Broadcasting, and Minister Responsible for the National Library of New Zealand and Archives New Zealand . In February 2001, she briefly resigned from Cabinet while an enquiry investigated her allowance-claims; she returned in late March after receiving official clearance. As Minister of Broadcasting, Hobbs set
624-512: The Local Government Act 1974 . The regional councils replaced the more than 700 ad hoc bodies that had been formed in the preceding century – roads boards, catchment boards, drainage boards, pest control boards, harbour boards, domain and reserve boards. In addition they took over some roles that had previously been performed by county councils. The boundaries of the regions are based largely on drainage basins . This anticipated
672-469: The Local Government Act 2002 , along with reference to the Gazette notices that established them in 1989. The Act requires regional councils to promote sustainable development – the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of their communities. The current regions and most of their councils came into being through a local government reform in 1989 that took place under
720-535: The RMA to extend the date for expiry of the deemed permits..... I prefer that ORC takes steps to resolve the matter rather than taking up the time of Parliament." Later, the date for expiry of water permits and discharge permits was reached and on 1 October 2022, the 30th anniversary of the Resource Management Act , they officially expired. After the 2019 election, on 23 October 2019, former minister of
768-491: The Resource Management Act 1991 : Regional councils have responsibility for functions under other statutes; Notes: (1) These regions have unitary authorities . (2) The Gisborne Region is still widely but unofficially known by its former name East Cape or as the East Coast. Some outlying islands are not included within regional boundaries. The Chatham Islands is not in a region, although its council has some of
816-557: The Assistant Speaker of the House in March 2008, after Ann Hartley resigned. In December 2006 Hobbs announced (during a radio interview) that she would not seek re-election at the 2008 general election , confirming much speculation to that effect. She was succeeded in Wellington Central by Grant Robertson , who had worked for her while she was a minister. Before leaving Parliament, Hobbs signalled her intention to work as
864-481: The Council has $ 964.3m in total assets, exceeding their budgeted amount by $ 225m. The Council's most valuable asset is Port Otago, which is worth approximately $ 700m and of which, the council owns 100% of. On 19 May 2019, the Government launched an investigation into the Otago Regional Council, analysing the council's ability to deal with incoming water permit replacement applications as a result of
912-530: The Council in protest of the Government's move to block the notification of their land and water management plan. In mid March 2024, the Otago Regional Council voted to continue funding free fares for children aged between five and 12 years old after the Government ends funding for subsidised bus fares on 30 April 2024. While the Government's Community Connect fare subsidy for people aged between 13 and 24 years old ends on 1 May 2024, Community Services cardholders and total mobility services users are still eligible for
960-441: The Council was subsequently called for on 8 July 2021, where she made an opening statement including "I was too effective in pushing the water reforms" and that "she would not back away from arguing for the environment". It was clear that she had lost the support of the council and she was removed as chair through a majority vote (9–2). Andrew Noone was then elected unopposed as Chair and stood successfully for re-election in 2022 in
1008-677: The Council's decision and urged the Government to "do more to stop councils from continuing to implement important freshwater rules ahead of freshwater reforms." On 20 September 2024, the ORC voted during an extraordinary public meeting to continue on the Council's land and water regional plan despite government ministers Simmonds and McClay advising that they pause until the National-led government issued its updated national freshwater management policy statement. Councillor Kevin Malcolm had submitted
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#17327721310751056-536: The Dunedin Constituency. Marian Hobbs resigned on 1 November 2021, and did not stand for re-election in the 2022 Local Elections. In June 2022 the council approved an annual plan of $ 109m for 2022–2023 with an 18% rates rise. In mid December 2023, the Otago Regional Council decided to continue work on its freshwater management policy despite a change in government following the 2023 New Zealand general election . ORC chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said
1104-581: The Government amendment was intended to give clarity to local councils about the Government's freshwater management policies and minimise "duplication and inefficiencies." On 23 October, the ORC voted by margin of seven to five not to approve a motion expressing deep concern about legislation passed in the New Zealand Parliament on 22 October preventing the notification of the Land and Water Regional Plan. On 25 October, Cr Bryan Scott resigned from
1152-483: The Government replaces its national policy statement for freshwater management (NPSFM). While Forest & Bird advocacy group and Labour MP Brooking criticised the Government for undermining local government efforts to protect water quality, Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane said that the delay would help give the council an understanding of developments in the Otago region. Agriculture Minister McClay said that
1200-413: The Government's plans to overhaul national freshwater management policies would affect the Council's land and water management plan. The Ministers reiterated the Government's message that the ORC stop work on its plan and adapt to its planned changes. On 22 February, the ORC voted by a margin of 8-4 to continue working on its land and water plan despite the Government's new directive. While Robertson welcomed
1248-565: The Green Ōtepoti), Elliot Weir, Lloyd McCall and Tim Mepham. Most Otago Regional Councillors are unaffiliated, with only one being listed as "Independent" and one affiliated with the Green Party's Dunedin branch. The longest-serving members of the Otago Regional Council are Bryan Scott, an Independent from Dunedin, and Gretchen Robertson, who is an Unaffiliated Councillor from Dunedin and the current chairperson since 2022, with Lloyd McCall from
1296-622: The Labour list. Hobbs stood unsuccessfully in the 1994 Selwyn by-election where she came a distant third. She contested the Kaikoura electorate in the 1996 election and came second to National Party 's Doug Kidd , but entered Parliament via the Labour list , where she was ranked 12th. Upon entering parliament Hobbs was designated opposition spokesperson for broadcasting, communications and information technology by leader Helen Clark . In
1344-550: The Molyneux Constituency as Deputy Chairperson since 2022. Both Bryan and Gretchen entered the ORC in 2004. The responsibilities of the Otago Regional Council are the same as other Regional Councils in New Zealand, but for the Otago region. The responsibilities include: In the Otago Regional Council's annual report, containing the Council's financial report from 2021–22, the Otago Regional Council states that
1392-444: The ORC notified its regional policy statement in after voting on 32 recommendations from an independent hearings panel during a closed doors meeting. The regional policy statement is an overall policy framework that governs the management of Otago's natural environment including its land and water plan. Crs Law and Kelliher objected to the Council's decision-making occurring behind closed doors. The Council defended its decision to exclude
1440-420: The Otago Regional Council to develop a plan change to provide an appropriate "interim planning and consenting framework" which would manage freshwater until allocation limits are set up. In the report, David Parker expressed disagreement with Professor Skelton's recommendation that he begins a process to change the date for expiry of specific deemed permits until 2025, commenting: "I am not in favour of changing
1488-615: The century-old water permits being replaced with Resource Management Act (RMA) consents. This investigation took place after a council report was leaked to the media which detailed concerns about the council's lack of ability to deal with new water permit applications, which the Minister for the Environment David Parker summarised in a letter to the then Chairperson Marian Hobbs which stated that Professor Peter Skelton concluded that "the Otago Region does not have
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1536-777: The council would aim to notify the Government about its land and water plan by 30 June 2024. RMA Minister Chris Bishop disagreed with the ORC's decision, stating that the National-led coalition government had extended the deadline for councils to submit their revised plans to 31 December 2027 in order to accommodate the Government's planned changes to RMA legislation and scrapping of the previous Labour Government 's National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020. In mid-February 2024 Councillors Robertson, deputy Chairman Cr Lloyd McCall and senior ORC staff met with RMA Reform Minister Bishop, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay to dicuss how
1584-689: The environment Marian Hobbs was confirmed as the Chair of the newly elected Council through a majority vote by her fellow councillors. Hobbs attracted criticism from her fellow Councillors after she wrote to Minister for the Environment David Parker during the national COVID-19 lockdown asked him whether or not he would consider appointing a commissioner to the Council if she lost a vote on policy implementation. Marian Hobbs before her sacking as Chairwoman had on multiple occasions affirmed that she would not step down willingly and although she did declare "my chances are nil" when asked about her possibly retaining
1632-535: The half-price concession. Council Chair Gretchen Robertson justified the decision, citing the real demand for public transport and the need to make them accessible to the youngest users. The Council also voted by a margin of 7-5 not to extend half-price bus fares for university students. Fares for university students reverted to NZ$ 2 for Bee card holders and NZ$ 3 for casual users. 45°26′S 169°50′E / 45.433°S 169.833°E / -45.433; 169.833 Regions of New Zealand New Zealand
1680-612: The issues associated with the changed plans should a new land and water regional plan not be notified. On 22 October 2024, the ORC cancelled a scheduled vote on notifying its land and water management plan scheduled for 23 October after the New Zealand Government announced an amendment to the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill preventing regional councils and local territorial authorities from notifying freshwater plans before
1728-471: The lead up to the following election Hobbs wavered between again contesting Kaikoura or Wellington Central , having moved to Wellington permanently after becoming a list MP. She chose to stand in Wellington Central because she lived there and stated she hated travelling. Hobbs was selected as Labour candidate for the seat over Victoria University dean of law Professor Brian Brooks, teacher Elaine Whelan and former Wellington City Councillor Hazel Armstrong. In
1776-415: The legislation were coordination of civil defence and development of a regional plan, although the constituent TLAs could agree on additional responsibilities at the point of formation of each united council. For example, in a number of cases the united council took responsibility for the allocation of revenue from regional petrol taxes. The united councils were based in the facilities of the largest TLA in
1824-475: The local and regional councils (e.g. the Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council). The Otago Regional Council consists of 12 members elected from 4 constituencies. Dunedin (6), Dunstan (3), Molyneux (2) and Moeraki (1). Otago regional councillors are elected for three-year terms. The latest elections in 2022 have resulted in 4 new councillors, including Alan Somerville (Affiliated with
1872-497: The majority vote as a sign that the Council was mature and not divided, Crs Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher warned that the Council's vote could give Simmonds justification to dissolve the Council and install government-appointed commissioners. Cr Alan Somervile said that the Council's vote was not about opposing the Government but was rather about "looking after the environment." During the Easter Weekend in late March 2024,
1920-778: The mechanism for collecting it usually involves channelling through the territorial authority collection system. The Auckland Regional Council (now the Auckland Council ) was preceded by the Auckland Regional Authority (ARA), which existed from 1963 to 1989. The Wellington Regional Council was first formed in 1980 from a merger of the Wellington Regional Planning Authority and the Wellington Regional Water Board. In 1978, legislation
1968-478: The plan as "terrible." In response, Simmonds reiterated the government's commitment to reforming the national freshwater policy statement and the Resource Management Act system . Councillors are expected to meet again in October 2024 whether to publicly notify the proposed plan or pause work on the plan. In addition, the ORC moved that staff engage with government officials to discuss the national freshwater management policy review process and identify actions to address
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2016-526: The position, she instead wanted the public to witness the removal of her as Chairwoman. Her position was not completely unfounded, as it is thought that a comfortable majority of councillors already supported new leadership. On 15 June 2020, nine of the Councillors wrote to the Chief Executive, asking for an extraordinary meeting to be called to remove Hobbs as Chair. An extraordinary meeting of
2064-539: The powers of a regional council under the Resource Management Act 1991 . The Kermadecs and the subantarctic islands are inhabited only by a small number of Department of Conservation staff and there is no regional council for these islands. Regional councils are popularly elected every three years in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001, except for the Canterbury regional council, which
2112-440: The public from the meeting on the grounds that the hearing panel's report and recommendations were subject to appeals. In late March 2024, the Council voted by a margin of 7-5 to notify its land and water plan by 31 October 2024. Labour Party Members of Parliament Ingrid Leary and Rachel Brooking and environmental groups praised the Council for taking steps to protect Otago's waterways. By contrast, Federated Farmers criticised
2160-712: The region and largely dependent on the TLAs for resources. They were allowed to levy rates but in most cases had minimal operating budgets (below $ 100,000 per annum). The notable exception was Canterbury, where the united council had a number of responsibilities. Only one united council undertook any direct operational activity – a forestry project in Wanganui. Source: Summary of the Functions and Activities of United Councils . Dept of Internal Affairs, 1984. Marian Hobbs Marian Leslie Hobbs (born 18 December 1947)
2208-515: The responsibilities of the Resource Management Act 1991 . Most regional boundaries conform with territorial authority boundaries but there are a number of exceptions. An example is Taupo District , split between four regions, although most of its area is in the Waikato region. There is often a high degree of co-operation between regional and territorial councils as they have complementary roles. Regional councils have these specific functions under
2256-490: Was passed enabling the formation of regions with united councils . Twenty regions were designated, excluding the Auckland and Wellington areas. For most of the country this was the first regional level of government since the abolition of provinces in 1876. Councillors were not elected directly – they were appointed from the various territorial local authorities (TLAs) within the region. The only responsibilities mandated by
2304-773: Was raised in Christchurch and was educated at St Dominic's College , Dunedin . Before entering politics, Hobbs worked as a teacher at Aranui High School and was the principal of Avonside Girls' High School in Christchurch. She helped to establish the Chippenham commune in Christchurch and is by religious affiliation a Friend (Quaker). In 1993, Hobbs was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal . After leaving school, Hobbs renounced her Catholic beliefs, later becoming
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