Regional river management funding rate agreed

Environment Southland councillors this week (20 May) unanimously agreed to introduce a regional rate for river management funding in the region.

During April, the public was asked for its preference on three options on river management funding changes. The options asked whether this activity should be funded through a regional rate (based on capital value), a blend of regional and local rates (based on capital value), or the status quo – a 50% general rate (based on capital value) and 50% from 140 targeted rates (based on land value).

At Tuesday’s Council meeting, Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell said the majority of submissions on river management funding supported the regional rate option. This is consistent with the Council’s approach to funding most of its activities, and recognises the regional benefits river management provides.

“There was significant support in submissions around the concept of river management rating equity based on the concept that the region benefits as a whole.”

The public was also consulted on the draft 2025-26 Fees and Charges Schedule and associated Statement of Proposal.

Chairman Horrell said the River Management Funding Review Statement of Proposal attracted a total of 24 submissions, and the 2025-26 Fees and Charges Schedule and associated Statement of Proposal attracted a total of 13 submissions.

Last week, the Council heard six submitters speak on the River Management Funding Review, while four submitters spoke on the proposed Fees and Charges Schedule.

Submissions from two Catchment Liaison Committees (CLCs) sought more transparency and accountability, and sought guarantees in relation to their roles going forwards.

There are eight CLCs which provide advice to Environment Southland on catchment work plans, programmes, and associated budgets, by providing important local knowledge.

Chairman Horrell said transparency and accountability was core to democracy, and this included quarterly public reporting showing where money was spent, in reports tabled at Regional Services Committee meetings and Finance and Performance Committee meetings.

Several submissions on the Fees and Charges Schedule opposed the proposed introduction of a new monitoring fee for gravel consents, in addition to existing royalties charges.

Councillors supported the introduction of the monitoring fee, alongside an investigation into the possible introduction of a waiver clause relating to royalties charges, where there was a significant public good purpose, Chairman Horrell said.

The 2025-26 Annual Plan, including the matters consulted on, will be finalised for adoption by the Council on 25 June 2025.