March 4 2025
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Northland Field Days roars to life School cultural leaders chosen Dargaville High School announced its selected house heads and kaiārahi last week at a school assembly …
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Motor mower racers tear up the track as the action, spectacle, flavour and fun of Northland’s biggest outdoor event kicked off last Thursday. With every site filled, and new sports and games to enjoy, the three-day showcase of rural innovation brought in the crowds from far afield.
Should churches and charities pay tax? The government will take into consideration the opinions of all citizens who make their voices heard …
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Mayor shares fluoride stance with Grey Power Topics of water supply, the fate of Dargaville’s pool and roading quality were discussed at February’s …
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Council commits to finishing housing upgrade by Andy Bryenton
Despite numerous expressions of disappointment, the Kaipara District Council voted last week to increase the budget of the Fagan Place pensioner housing redevelopment by $1.2 million. The cost blow-out has been linked by staff to certain important parts of the job not being scoped or approved when original budgets were set. “How does that happen?” said councillor Williams, articulating the frustration, which was palpable around the council table, as funds from the District Leadership Depreciation Reserve were diverted to help complete the task. While some councillors expressed regret that the vote was necessary, others were more scathing of the entire project, which seeks to replace several Fagan Place dwellings with new, healthy homescompliant ones by July.
“The residents never wanted it. We did it to give them happiness, which I believe they will not get from this,” said councillor Nayyar. “Behind closed doors I have been battling this,” said councillor Paniora, who contends that she had warned of a budget overrun two years ago. “An investigation needs to be conducted into this whole affair.” With significant financial implications for cancelling the project now that it is advanced to the point of some of the homes being built, councillors voted six to three to push ahead with further funding, taken from the DLDR reserve. However,
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many voices around the table called for an inquest into just how this housing upgrade project could have gone so far off the original budget, and why. “We need to have a full review of a number of our processes” said councillor Howard. “I’m embarrassed to be part of the decision that was made, but we have to push on through. I hope there will be some sort of review,” said councillor Vincent. That investigation is coming, with KDC chief executive Jason Marris confirming that an independent external review has been launched, covering all the processes that led to this situation.