Robby Roche - Councillor for Kaikōura

One of the many reforms ahead of us this term. Keep an eye out for the webpage KDC is developing that attempts to make sense of them all for you.

The Panel of the Review present their draft report The Panel of the Review will discuss their draft report and recommendations before opening the floor for questions and answers.

A big shout out to Linda Bennett and her big heart! If you are wanting to send a box of goodies to Auckland, get hold of her or drop in at New World or Farmlands to get a box. Then get it back to Farmlands. I understand she is looking at sending a pallet of Kaikoura support north mid next week!!

So as a Councilor one of the things I push for....alot....is local or social procurement. This means asking our council to place a greater emphasis on supporting local contractors/suppliers when we go out for tenders etc.
Now it's your part!! Please turn up and have a go!! Please talk to anyone geared up or skilled up in our town and ask them to contribute. What you got to lose? Have a go Kaikoura. I love the potential in this project.

INVITE FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS LOCATED IN KAIKŌURA - LINK PATHWAY PROJECT

Kaikōura District Council invites expressions of interest from local builders and contractors who would like to take part in construction of the Link Pathway from the West End carpark along the Esplanade to Point Kean.

The Pathway is being constructed in 2 stages, the first of which is broken into several sections which may differ in construction. This provides opportunities for contractors large and small to tender for parts of the project. All construction materials will be supplied by KDC. This is an opportunity to be part of a very special project in the Kaikōura District.

Expressions of interest should be submitted by Monday 12 December 2022

Please send by email to: [email protected] who will then brief contractors individually on the likely details of the works packages prior to tenders being invited for those packages in January 2023.

On Wendsday I joined fellow Elected Councilor Bond and council staff at the annual White Ribbon Riders event. This year was a real focus on Men dealing with violence and how we as men deal with things in relationships. The stories of success were amazing, our local Kapa Haka group performance, Atiria Sterling singing........ absolutely awesome event! Well done Sarah and the team from Council.

So the new council is now formed! We have also had a Powhiri at Takahanga, a 2 day retreat at Lyford where we had a full on presentation of all the projects and sectors of council. We also had a tour of the Council sites of importance. It was interesting to hear about the changes since some of our councilors were last at the table. I think we have a good wise team. We are all voted in this term, so it's what the community wants. Thank you all.

Yesterday we had a small but quite powerful inauguration ceremony at council. The detail and work that went into it was unbelievable. I'm sure the other councilors and Mayor would agree, it felt like an honor to be there.
Tomorrow we attend a powhiri at Takahanga. and then next week 3 day retreat.
I'm actually now very excited about this term. Again, thank you all for the support.

Local Elections 2022 - Progress Results We have received the Progress Results for the Kaikōura District Council Local Elections 2022, which are outlined in the link below.

Wrapped to announce that preliminary results are out and I will be returning to council for another 3 years.
Congratulations to the other successful candidates and commiserations to those unsuccessful this time around. It's a big deal putting our names out there and you/we can be proud of how we presented ourselves during the campaign. I enjoyed getting to know you all a bit more.
To everyone who voted....thank you so much. I promise to do the very best to my abilities and I am humbled by your support.

Good Morning Kaikoura!! Tomorrow is the last chance to vote in the local body election. This is your chance to influence who represents you in council for the next 3 years.

Pretty good turn out so far (47.5% return rate best in NZ) but please don't assume the candidates you like, will get in or back in without your vote!!

You will need to hand deliver your envelopes to Council or Library now, as the postal date has passed.

I've loved the last 3 years.....I hope you will concider ticking me for another 3 year term as Councilor.

Please feel free to share this post.

Found some notes from 3 years ago. I can feel proud that I stuck to my beliefs this term!! I only said "silo" 6 times!!
More work to do yet! Love Kaikoura....Vote Robby

KAIKŌURA HITS NO.1 ON NZ LEADER BOARD FOR VOTING RETURNS!

Fantastic news this morning that we are currently top of the NZ leader board for voting returns at 36.8%. We want to beat our fantastic 2019 performance when nearly 62% of votes were returned for the Mayoral Election. If you haven't voted yet, there is still time to vote in person! Voting closes noon on 8 October.

IF YOU HAVEN'T VOTED YET: You can still vote in person at Council offices and the Library at 96 West End.

IF YOU ARE NOT ENROLLED TO VOTE: There's still time to enrol to vote and register for a Special Vote. See our website for details https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/local-elections-2022/

We also said fare well and thank you to Cr Millton on Wednesday. I have to say that despite our difference I have really enjoyed sitting beside Derrick these last 3 years. Those conversations we had that often carried on after the meeting was over, will be missed.
Again, despite our difference, I felt heard by Derrick and I certainly heard him. Great example of "playing the ball not the man" and I feel richer for the experience.
I saw his heart during this term. With the issues we faced, he showed a side I did not expect.
I wish you all the best Derrick. It's certainly not good bye......it's more like ... see you across the table!!

Yesterday was our last Council meeting and this photo sums up the last 3 years beautifully. Big smiles as we were all just hanging out not wanting the moment to end. I have loved being part of this progressive and passionate team. I’ve been accused of acting shamefully for being up front about wanting to keep this team together. Truth is… I will work with anyone.. but my preference is to see these great men and woman continue the great work that has being done and see some key projects through to the end for our wee town.
You might have votes but has your whanau and friends? Talk to them about how you feel and encourage them accordingly. Now’s the time!

Nearly vote time!

This is awesome! I'm really noticing a change starting in how we can be involved in our community education! Well done to all who organized and everyone who attended.

Ka pai! What a awesome turn out for our options evening.

Time is of the essence, if you need more information or support, talk to your form teacher.

Mandy will be in C1 Thurs/Friday Formtime if you want to talk options with her too, make sure you head to form class first!

Senior option choices for 2023 need to be submitted by Friday 23rd September.

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I have been thinking alot about the Kaikoura local election lately. I remain committed to "playing the ball not the man". The issues and potential we face in this next 3 years are pretty big.
Can I suggest that you, the ratepayers weigh up how your hopeful Councilors and Mayor act right now, matters in the future?. Can I also suggest that what is labeled "shameful" should not include an attempt at creating unity. Please examine what is being said by "us", the candidates, and make your decision for the future, not from a distant past, but on the recent, relevant past, and current performance.
I'm shamelessly advocating for retaining the Councilors and Mayor you have had for the last 3 years. My reason.......We need to complete the work we have started, we are half way through some big stuff, we need the mahi and relationships formed, to remain intact, in my view.

I have just watched the media release on the tragic accident that occured this morning off our coast. My sincere and heart felt condolences to the families of the 5 deceased.
Our town has yet another tough issue to face, in the days to follow. But our track record would show, we will support one another.

Already we have seen the love and support flow for the families as well as toward the rescuers and helpers. Thank you to all who spent the day bringing everyone home. You are true legends.

To our Police, Coast Guard and Mayor who fronted the media, thank you. Your hearts were clear to see as you communicated the facts. A tough job, that I think, you did with incredible grace and dignity.

What an awesome turn out last night at the candidates evening. I think Kaikoura is spoilt for choice! I made it pretty clear last night that I hope to continue with a team led by Craig Mackle. Whilst I know and really respect the other candidates I believe we need to finish what we started.
Thank you to Rev and Bob and Charlie for an enjoyable and really well managed evening. I can't believe we stuck to the time slots and all without a red card issued!!

I'm really looking forward to the candidates evening on this Thursday night 7pm at the beautiful Upper Room on West end. I hope I get the chance to show my heart for Kaikoura. There really are some good people standing this term, I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing everyone.

Well .......we have an election!! There's some great new names with fresh thoughts in there and a few names from the old days.
I'm excited!!

On this day 4 years ago my daughter Kim and I made it to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It's also the day I decided to run for Mayor and Councilor of my beloved Kaikōura

4years later, what better day to announce that I will be standing for Council again. I've enjoyed the last 3 years and I'm keen to do another term. I've chosen to not stand for Mayor this term as I want to support and promote a Mayor for another 3 years, as Councilor.

This next term is critical for our town in my view. I hope to return to carry on the work we have started.

A great way to support education in Kaikōura is to join the governance.

Are you interested in joining a local school's Board of Trustees? Join us at Te Hā on Thursday to find out what being a board member is all about!

Yet more good news for our town! I really have enjoyed being a part of this council this last 3 years. I feel like we have walked the talk in terms of seeking partnership to solve some of the issues we face.
Well done to Will and the team for getting this initiative over the line. Great job.

BREAKING NEWS - $7.8m Infrastructure Funding for Kaikōura!

Earlier today Housing Minister Dr Megan Wood announced a $7,800,000 funding agreement with Kaikōura from Kāinga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.

It will fund Council infrastructure that will support over 400 potential new homes across two sites - Vicarage Views & Ocean Ridge. Whilst the new housing is subject to developer's resource consents, if approved the project will include housing for the elderly and those on low-medium incomes.

Amongst the infrastructure upgrades will be new roading, footpaths, and a cycleway connecting Ocean Ridge with Vicarage Views, the town and schools.

For kids living in Ocean Ridge it will provide a safer route to school that no longer involves State Highway 1.

Check out the Latest News story on our website to find out more about this exciting funding announcement and what it means for Kaikōura.

https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/latest-news/7-8m-infrastructure-funding-for-kaikoura/

I think the next 3 will be crucial for local democracy in Kaikōura, as we negotiate the reforms before us.
Thank you to those who have helped me come to this descision. It was a bit different to the first time I decided to run, and your advice was critical to my descision.

We had a good monthly meeting yesterday. So nice to be back in a room with my fellow Councilors.
A couple of things stood out to me.
1) Kaikōura has travelled well through this covid hour we are in. The relationship between the local Health centre and our Council staff has been incredible. Even being stretched, both services were well prepared and performed well. Jen and I both experienced these supports, personally, and are so grateful to the staff. You are Legends.
2) It appears there is a real challenge getting staff in a few critical areas for our council. I believe we, as a community, need to look at how we can foster the next generation to persue some of these roles. I'm keen to see a korero develop on how we can challenge rangatahi/youth to aspire to being Planners, Building Inspectors or any other profession with in council. It won't fix the problem this week, but in 5 years time......it could.
My thoughts this week.

One of the cool things about our Scout hall is the ability to have "Monday night meals". Super stoked to support this community outreach and Juana O'Keefe to deliver this amazing weekly event.

I went to the opening of the "Hit the Poster" exhibition tonight. Wow! To hear Artist and tutor Matt Moriarty comment on how talented and advanced our local young people are was awesome! So proud of the next generation.
The exhibition is on until April 10th.

Yesterday I was asked in a forum looking at the future of local democracy, how I thought our focus on waste solutions effected our efforts toward local economy and in particular the circular economy. I have to say it was tough to retrace the last 5 years in answering this.
The people asking the question obviously knew our history and infact commented on how Kaikōura historical practice in Innovation in Waste solutions were used around Auckland RCCs to this day. I was encouraged by that and so happy that my colleagues and kdc staff heard that. But for Kaikōura, it's a retreat from those days in my view. It's gone.

It's not all bad. This week I also sat with the Kaikōura Youth Council as they looked at the consultation documents for the Container Deposit and Kerbside standardisation legislation being considered by government. Wow! There's the next wave of ready to pick up the waste minimisation and diversion action.

So if you are like me, a bit disappointed in what's been happening in our town with regards to Waste solutions
, hang in there......this too will pass.