Sophie McInnes
@sophiemcinnes.bsky.social
Parent - local govt - student - chronic volunteer. Mode shift enthusiast. Work harder to change faster, for future generations' sake 💚 Personal account.
Very glad that the "Willows Walk" event was yesterday - sunshine instead of rain! A 2km ramble through ECan's Waimakariri regional park to look at how braided river and dryland ecosystems co-exist, and have been modified by flood protection works, including nature-based solutions.
#SelwynDistrict
#SelwynDistrict
March 11, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Very glad that the "Willows Walk" event was yesterday - sunshine instead of rain! A 2km ramble through ECan's Waimakariri regional park to look at how braided river and dryland ecosystems co-exist, and have been modified by flood protection works, including nature-based solutions.
#SelwynDistrict
#SelwynDistrict
If you ever happen to be in Rolleston, I can highly recommend Helado for a sweet treat, coffee, or both! Iced latte with gelato 🤩☕️🍦😋
March 2, 2025 at 5:03 AM
If you ever happen to be in Rolleston, I can highly recommend Helado for a sweet treat, coffee, or both! Iced latte with gelato 🤩☕️🍦😋
What a fantastic start to Chch Pride month! So much colour and joy 💖🌈🏳️⚧️💃🏾🧚♂️
March 1, 2025 at 8:41 AM
What a fantastic start to Chch Pride month! So much colour and joy 💖🌈🏳️⚧️💃🏾🧚♂️
Our poor last speaker is discussing infrastructure funding & finance. Started with an apology for thinking on her feet during the presentation, have as the previous speakers upturned several topics 🤦🏻♀️ Basically: choose your projects, vehicles, term etc carefully, and never borrow for renewals.
February 28, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Our poor last speaker is discussing infrastructure funding & finance. Started with an apology for thinking on her feet during the presentation, have as the previous speakers upturned several topics 🤦🏻♀️ Basically: choose your projects, vehicles, term etc carefully, and never borrow for renewals.
Well that was fun. Biggest takeaway for my district of Selwyn is that we'll be able to retrospectively levy out-of-sequence residential dvpts (I.e. our 4k+ fast tracked homes) for the necessary infra, rather than reprioritising existing dvpt contributions and rates. Seems positive, but needs detail.
February 28, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Well that was fun. Biggest takeaway for my district of Selwyn is that we'll be able to retrospectively levy out-of-sequence residential dvpts (I.e. our 4k+ fast tracked homes) for the necessary infra, rather than reprioritising existing dvpt contributions and rates. Seems positive, but needs detail.
DPMC Emergency Recovery settings & policy. Faster isn't necessarily better, priority list needs flexibility too. Q over govt involvement: scope, nature, $ contribution, and what "locally-led, centrally-supported" means. Recognition that no council has long-term emergency recovery specialists on tap.
February 27, 2025 at 11:10 PM
DPMC Emergency Recovery settings & policy. Faster isn't necessarily better, priority list needs flexibility too. Q over govt involvement: scope, nature, $ contribution, and what "locally-led, centrally-supported" means. Recognition that no council has long-term emergency recovery specialists on tap.
NZTA Road Efficiency Group with their transport insights web portal. Collates local road condition assessments from across NZ using consistent data collection methods. Assists with benchmarking and asset management planning.
www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and...
www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and...
February 27, 2025 at 11:06 PM
NZTA Road Efficiency Group with their transport insights web portal. Collates local road condition assessments from across NZ using consistent data collection methods. Assists with benchmarking and asset management planning.
www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and...
www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and...
Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, on the lack of services in rural areas, inc allied health, and difficulties travelling several hour to access services elsewhere. Campaign to get rural paramedics funded to answer ACC calls. Need incentives for docs, nurses etc to stay in NZ and work rurally.
February 27, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, on the lack of services in rural areas, inc allied health, and difficulties travelling several hour to access services elsewhere. Campaign to get rural paramedics funded to answer ACC calls. Need incentives for docs, nurses etc to stay in NZ and work rurally.
DIA on Local Water Done Well. Made it very clear that staying in-house ≠ status quo, because new regs & standards will apply to all. Councils that retain direct ownership of assets won't get extra debt headroom. Frustration that LG must consult while Water Serv Bill is at select cttee acknowledged.
February 27, 2025 at 10:04 PM
DIA on Local Water Done Well. Made it very clear that staying in-house ≠ status quo, because new regs & standards will apply to all. Councils that retain direct ownership of assets won't get extra debt headroom. Frustration that LG must consult while Water Serv Bill is at select cttee acknowledged.
Also wastewater standards, which are expected to decrease WWTP consenting $$ by 40% - and 60% WWTPs need reconnecting over the next 10 yr. Will be extremely expensive to implement however. Potential centralised procurement to standardise parts as well as standards? Central govt won't but LG could.
February 27, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Also wastewater standards, which are expected to decrease WWTP consenting $$ by 40% - and 60% WWTPs need reconnecting over the next 10 yr. Will be extremely expensive to implement however. Potential centralised procurement to standardise parts as well as standards? Central govt won't but LG could.
Taumata Arowai spoke about the new standards, firstly rural drinking water supplies. "Acceptable solutions" to be released soon and will apply to council-owned supplies soon, adding private supplies later. Mostly settling tanks and end-point treatment; must be simple to maintain in isolated areas.
February 27, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Taumata Arowai spoke about the new standards, firstly rural drinking water supplies. "Acceptable solutions" to be released soon and will apply to council-owned supplies soon, adding private supplies later. Mostly settling tanks and end-point treatment; must be simple to maintain in isolated areas.
Ok, here's the runsheet, forgot to add that before..
February 27, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Ok, here's the runsheet, forgot to add that before..
Ata mārie koutou! What a beautiful morning in Pōneke 💖
LGNZ Rural & Provincial kicking off with a roundtable of issues.
🩺 Health: lack of rural GPs, tier 2/3 services closing (obs/gyn, a&e).
🚸 Education: bus routes, property maintenance, building capacity.
🚛 Roads: funding, speed, multimodal.
LGNZ Rural & Provincial kicking off with a roundtable of issues.
🩺 Health: lack of rural GPs, tier 2/3 services closing (obs/gyn, a&e).
🚸 Education: bus routes, property maintenance, building capacity.
🚛 Roads: funding, speed, multimodal.
February 27, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Ata mārie koutou! What a beautiful morning in Pōneke 💖
LGNZ Rural & Provincial kicking off with a roundtable of issues.
🩺 Health: lack of rural GPs, tier 2/3 services closing (obs/gyn, a&e).
🚸 Education: bus routes, property maintenance, building capacity.
🚛 Roads: funding, speed, multimodal.
LGNZ Rural & Provincial kicking off with a roundtable of issues.
🩺 Health: lack of rural GPs, tier 2/3 services closing (obs/gyn, a&e).
🚸 Education: bus routes, property maintenance, building capacity.
🚛 Roads: funding, speed, multimodal.
Case study discussion from Fonterra and Palmerston North DC re partnerships. Trade waste, innovation, logistics, joint procurement, shared outcomes etc.
An excellent opportunity for me to slide in a link for the Selwyn economic development strategy, Kai Aku Rika:
www.selwyn.govt.nz/community/bu...
An excellent opportunity for me to slide in a link for the Selwyn economic development strategy, Kai Aku Rika:
www.selwyn.govt.nz/community/bu...
February 27, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Case study discussion from Fonterra and Palmerston North DC re partnerships. Trade waste, innovation, logistics, joint procurement, shared outcomes etc.
An excellent opportunity for me to slide in a link for the Selwyn economic development strategy, Kai Aku Rika:
www.selwyn.govt.nz/community/bu...
An excellent opportunity for me to slide in a link for the Selwyn economic development strategy, Kai Aku Rika:
www.selwyn.govt.nz/community/bu...
LGNZ update on what they've been up to recently, and prep for local body elections later this year. Heaps of advocacy and submissions on new legislation. Support to elected members inc counselling & new women's network. Local Govt 101 for prospective candidates out soon 👍🏼
February 27, 2025 at 2:15 AM
LGNZ update on what they've been up to recently, and prep for local body elections later this year. Heaps of advocacy and submissions on new legislation. Support to elected members inc counselling & new women's network. Local Govt 101 for prospective candidates out soon 👍🏼
Panel featuring non-LG voices.
🏗 Nick Leggatt (InfraNZ): LG needs to be more confident.
🧓🏼 Peter Matcham (Grey Power): effectiveness over efficiency.
👥 Elena Higginson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa): we need visible care and action, not just 📈
💼 Catherine Beard (Business NZ): work together, regionally.
🏗 Nick Leggatt (InfraNZ): LG needs to be more confident.
🧓🏼 Peter Matcham (Grey Power): effectiveness over efficiency.
👥 Elena Higginson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa): we need visible care and action, not just 📈
💼 Catherine Beard (Business NZ): work together, regionally.
February 27, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Panel featuring non-LG voices.
🏗 Nick Leggatt (InfraNZ): LG needs to be more confident.
🧓🏼 Peter Matcham (Grey Power): effectiveness over efficiency.
👥 Elena Higginson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa): we need visible care and action, not just 📈
💼 Catherine Beard (Business NZ): work together, regionally.
🏗 Nick Leggatt (InfraNZ): LG needs to be more confident.
🧓🏼 Peter Matcham (Grey Power): effectiveness over efficiency.
👥 Elena Higginson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa): we need visible care and action, not just 📈
💼 Catherine Beard (Business NZ): work together, regionally.
Interesting session by Office of the Auditor-General re accountability & transparency in LTPs and Annual Plans. Noted that debt and interest repayments are increasing rapidly. Main issues inc CG funding uncertainty & decisions to defer infra renewals. Performance measures should be locally relevant.
February 26, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Interesting session by Office of the Auditor-General re accountability & transparency in LTPs and Annual Plans. Noted that debt and interest repayments are increasing rapidly. Main issues inc CG funding uncertainty & decisions to defer infra renewals. Performance measures should be locally relevant.
Simon Watts MP, Minister for Local Govt. LWDW, esp economic reg & wastewater standards; ask for help if struggling. City/regional deals are about certainty. Recognition that many costs at LG level are created by CG 💸 Accountability & transparency around performance targets. Infrastructure deficit..
February 26, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Simon Watts MP, Minister for Local Govt. LWDW, esp economic reg & wastewater standards; ask for help if struggling. City/regional deals are about certainty. Recognition that many costs at LG level are created by CG 💸 Accountability & transparency around performance targets. Infrastructure deficit..
Mike Wakefield from Simpson Grierson with their "Reform Radar", and the need for govt to deliver consistent messaging, legislation and funding options if they want all of this to work. Esp Local Water Done Well, which must be consulted on now (at an LG level) while the Bill is still in select cttee.
February 26, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Mike Wakefield from Simpson Grierson with their "Reform Radar", and the need for govt to deliver consistent messaging, legislation and funding options if they want all of this to work. Esp Local Water Done Well, which must be consulted on now (at an LG level) while the Bill is still in select cttee.
Simon Court MP on RMA reform. Existential dread intensifies, as he describes how human needs (esp growth) must be met, and environmental impacts are inevitable. Community reckons delay progress, eg. Wānaka McDs. ONL landowners need compensation for the restrictions imposed by that designation. Etc.
February 26, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Simon Court MP on RMA reform. Existential dread intensifies, as he describes how human needs (esp growth) must be met, and environmental impacts are inevitable. Community reckons delay progress, eg. Wānaka McDs. ONL landowners need compensation for the restrictions imposed by that designation. Etc.
LGNZ all of govt hui today, starting with Pūrea Nei 🥰 When I first came to one of these in 2019, there was barely a karakia. Now we waiata!
Apologies for the bad photo of today's runsheet.
Apologies for the bad photo of today's runsheet.
February 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
LGNZ all of govt hui today, starting with Pūrea Nei 🥰 When I first came to one of these in 2019, there was barely a karakia. Now we waiata!
Apologies for the bad photo of today's runsheet.
Apologies for the bad photo of today's runsheet.
Capital works progressed in Selwyn since the new LTP was adopted, were 86% water and roading infrastructure. The remainder is mostly community infrastructure, maintaining or extending rural facilities due to age or population growth. So very "nice to have" 🤷🏻♀️🤔
www.selwyn.govt.nz/news-And-eve...
www.selwyn.govt.nz/news-And-eve...
February 17, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Capital works progressed in Selwyn since the new LTP was adopted, were 86% water and roading infrastructure. The remainder is mostly community infrastructure, maintaining or extending rural facilities due to age or population growth. So very "nice to have" 🤷🏻♀️🤔
www.selwyn.govt.nz/news-And-eve...
www.selwyn.govt.nz/news-And-eve...
I have too little lived experience to not use this book as resource material, not least because very few of these young people will be in a space where they can speak directly to a select committee themselves.
February 10, 2025 at 3:08 AM
I have too little lived experience to not use this book as resource material, not least because very few of these young people will be in a space where they can speak directly to a select committee themselves.
Lastly, but also at the heart of it all, the sheer manaakitanga from Kāti Irakehu towards manuhiri. The kai was absolutely outstanding, as were the waiata, and of course Ōnuku is such a beautiful marae in one of the most gorgeous locations imaginable 🤩💖
February 6, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Lastly, but also at the heart of it all, the sheer manaakitanga from Kāti Irakehu towards manuhiri. The kai was absolutely outstanding, as were the waiata, and of course Ōnuku is such a beautiful marae in one of the most gorgeous locations imaginable 🤩💖
Ngāi Tahu had excellent kaikōrero lined up, followed by the official speeches. Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa was particularly excellent: "we are not the radicals." The panel discussion featuring Chris Finlayson, Stacey Morrison, Juliet Tainui-Hernandez, Lianne Dalziel was also worth the wait.
February 6, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Ngāi Tahu had excellent kaikōrero lined up, followed by the official speeches. Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa was particularly excellent: "we are not the radicals." The panel discussion featuring Chris Finlayson, Stacey Morrison, Juliet Tainui-Hernandez, Lianne Dalziel was also worth the wait.