May 7 2024
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Council management in transition u by Andy Bryenton
A major restructuring of the Kaipara District Council’s staff has seen some roles disestablished and a new, more efficient and less costly structure planned out, with big changes in upper management.
Rally will return to Dargaville
The Ventia Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi has a return date set, with the necessary permissions now lodged with the …
P3
Drainage board’s dissatisfaction The Raupō Drainage Board committee met for the first time last week since a contentious council decision …
Plans were advanced for a rethink well before elected members made their request for savings. Five overarching council departments, which Jason compares to five different core businesses within the KDC, have been reworked into four, with a redefinition of several senior and mid-tier managerial roles. Some services, which were counter-intuitively handled by different departments, are now gathered together under a more streamlined structure. continued on page 3 …
p Council CEO Jason Marris has undertaken a major managerial reshuffle to save ratepayers $1.5 million
A local champion on the track u by Andy Bryenton
P5
Native parrot returning
The kākā population in Kaipara is showing a promising revival after Pest Free Peninsulas Kaipara reported …
Council CEO Jason Marris was asked to achieve $1.5 million in savings from staff budgets. By orchestrating a comprehensive rethink of how the council delivers on projects and services, he’s achieved this challenging fiscal task. “What we needed to improve was looking forward, and preparing the district for years to come,” says Mr Marris. “The economic environment is very tight, and we have to get the most out of the money we’ve got despite significant inflationary pressures.”
P7
Dargaville student Kody McDermott has brought home one of the most important trophies and titles in New Zealand Motocross following a three-day national championship campaign in April. Kody won the Bad Boy Fireworkssponsored women’s 8–11 years 85cc class, beating a determined field of contenders to secure the trophy. This win puts her at the top of the sport for her age group, riding a Kawasaki KX85 two-stroke motocross racing bike with the support of her family and a group of local sponsors. “The next goal is to win some more championships, especially at Woodville,” says Kody. Her sights are set on a major forthcoming event at the Manawatū track.
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Along with the right to attach a number one designation to her Kawasaki, the young racer also acknowledges that being a champion comes with expectations and opportunities. Her title-winning three-day campaign at the Flipp MX Park near Himatangi in late April was supported by her pit crew, made up of dad, Scott, and mum, Megan. Receiving big thanks from the family team are supporters continued on page 3 …
p MX champion Kody McDermott, with supporters Scott McDermott, Carl Adnitt, Ray Bireknhead and Megan McDermott
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