Same old colonial approach - Iwi leader on collective plans rnz.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rnz.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Moana Ellis Local Democracy Reporter14:02, May 25 2021
David Unwin/Stuff
Supporters of Māori wards have been out in force as councils decide whether to introduce wards in time for the 2022 elections, including in Feilding. Whanganui s council is the only one in the wider Manawatū not to back Māori wards.
Whanganui has lost the opportunity to introduce Māori wards at the 2022 local body elections but mayor Hamish McDouall says iwi may get seats this year on key council committees. Whanganui District Council has been taken to task by Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa chairman Pahia Turia for not contacting the iwi for its view on Māori wards, despite saying it would only consider Māori wards if three local iwi – Ngā Rauru, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa and Tūpoho – signalled their support.
Proposed Marton industrial zone appealed
15 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
3 minutes to read
Consultants were assessing the proposed site for a Marton rail hub in February. Photo / supplied
Laurel Stowell is a reporter for the Whanganui Chroniclelaurel.stowell@whanganuichronicle.co.nzWhangaChron
A plan change that could convert 40ha of rural land to a site for timber processing and a large rail yard has been appealed. Rangitīkei District Council wants to rezone 217ha of land between SH1, Makirikiri Rd and the main trunk rail line from rural to industrial.
It was prompted by interest from Rangitīkei Forestry Holdings in establishing a bioforestry operation and logging yard in the area near Marton Junction.
Marton rail hub on track as planning work starts on proposed site
17 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM
3 minutes to read
Consultants assessing the proposed site for the Marton rail hub, off Makirikiri Rd. Photo / Supplied
Whanganui Chronicle
Planning work has started on-site for the construction of the Marton rail hub, proposed to be built off Makirikiri Rd.
The development of the rail hub was announced in 2020 in a partnership between Rangitīkei District Council, Te Rūnanga O Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment s Provincial Development Unit and Rangitīkei Forestry Holdings.
Once complete, it will be a key logistical hub for the lower North Island forestry industry. More than 80 jobs will be created during the construction phase and 22 full-time positions when operational.