Waikato's deputy up for river job

Waikato District Council has nominated Deputy Mayor Clint Baddeley as the representative for territorial authorities on the new Waikato River Authority.

The new authority – soon to be formed as part of the deed of settlement between Waikato-Tainui and the Crown – will have 10 members, including five from iwi, and will set the direction for restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the river.

There is a good chance the position will be contested, with an appointment to the position ultimately to be determined by Environment Minister Nick Smith.

But Mr Baddeley has previously served on the Guardians Establishment Committee and his council considers him to have credibility with the major parties which will be involved with the new authority.

Waikato District Council has increased the value of its management contract with TLC Ltd for the management of the Huntly Aquatic Centre by $85,000 a year to allow it to take over operation of the Ngarua-wahia pool as well.

A council report said that "due to the low level of complexity and the contractor's known ability to perform this type of work" it was deemed appropriate to issue the work to TLC rather than separately tendering it.

Commissioner David Hill has approved Waikato District Council's notice of requirement to extend and realign Onion Rd, following a hearing in February.

The project is part of a wider plan for integrated roading links between Horotiu and Rotokauri in advance of the construction of the Te Rapa bypass. Mr Hill said significant social and economic benefits would flow from the proposal while adverse effects would be "insignificant, once operational".

The bypass designation is under appeal, but work is scheduled to begin later this year.

Marra Construction has been awarded a $152,000 contract for an extension to the Ngaruawahia dog pound in Brownlee Ave. Work is due to be completed by June 30.

- © Fairfax NZ News