Welcome
SEA CHANGE is for people of the Far North who know that to address climate change, environmental and community issues we must demand a sea change from those we elect to:
FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL
TE HIKU, KAIKOHE-HOKIANGA, BAY OF ISLANDS-WHANGAROA COMMUNITY BOARDS
NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL
Latest Kōrero
SEA CHANGE is keen on informing and promoting better governance in the Far North. Contributions are made from various locals who are actively participating in our democracy.
What would a town do with 12 million dollars?
Let a community decide, not a company.
Imagine if last year Paihia had been given $12M of public money. If the community had been asked, what do the people of this town most need, what do you think they would have said? Read More...
Far North Holdings Survey Results
What People Think
There are shocking levels of dissatisfaction among respondents for the district’s council-controlled organisation, Far North Holdings Ltd. Read More...
The Long Term Plan
Time for our say
FNDC has a Long Term Plan which locals can contribute to. Here are some suggestions from a SEA CHANGE contributor... Read More...
Wastewater In the Far North
What's wrong, and what needs fixing?
We have 17 waste water treatment plants in the Far North District: 5 along the west coast (Opononi, Rawene, Kohukohu, Ahipara, Kaitaia)... Read More...
SEA CHANGE requests your views on Far North Holdings
Our SEA CHANGE group is curious whether Far North residents view current FNHL decision-making as appropriate for meeting current needs and to set up the district for future generations.
Take Survey...
They're Not Listening To Us
“They are not taking any notice of us, the residents,” calls a friend from Rangitane last year. “We’ve found out Far North Holdings (FNHL) plan to rebuild the wharf and change the recreation area to parking, yet only a few residents have been consulted.”
Read More...
Swimmable Kerikeri River?
“Swimming not advised” says NRC’s sign at the pier by the Stone Store. NRC’s CEO replied to my recent inquiry “The source tracking results have shown the faecal contamination at...
Read More...
Collaboration To Decide FNHL Intent?
Seachange, before the elections, proposed an action plan for Council which included “Collaboration with Far North residents to develop a new Statement of Intent and new Terms of Reference for Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL)....
Read More...
Far North Holdings - A force for good?
Far North Holdings Limited is our company; its only shareholder is the Far North District Council. To become a force for good...
Read More...Previous Articles...
WHY IS A SEA CHANGE SO IMPORTANT?
Local government has a big part to play in planning for a better future. What does ‘good’ local government look like?
- It consults, and listens carefully to people, before decisions are made
- It is a unified body, and so is able to unify others
- It understands and provides for residents’ basic needs
- The end goal for elected members and officers is to provide positive outcomes, not just to fulfil the demands of prescribed process.
- It contributes to well-being, with flourishing communities and ecosystems
- It builds a culture of hope and trust, not alienation and division
BY LAW COUNCILS HAVE TO:
"Promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of communities in the present and the future."
"Recognise and respect the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and maintain and improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decisionmaking processes.”
To be asked for all decisions by FNDC and Far North Holdings.
1. COLLABORATION.
Have the following all participated in the process from the start:
- Hapū/whānau ?
- Communities ?
- Voices for nature?
- Voices for future generations?
2. GREENHOUSE GASES.
Will they be:
- Created ?
- Avoided ?
- Reduced ?
3. RESILIENCE.
Will this decision make the community:
- More vulnerable to climate change? or
- Improve resilience?
4. NATURE.
Does this decision:
- Protect
- Restore or
- Destroy nature ?
5. LOCAL PRODUCTION/LOCAL EMPLOYMENT.
- Does this decision favour local people and production?
- Who wins?
- Who loses?
6. LEADERSHIP.
- How does this process ‘walk the talk’ and provide a role model for communities?
- Will the decision foster harmony within community or create divisions?
7. SIDE EFFECTS.
- What harmful social, cultural and environmental side-effects have been identified?
- Have alternatives been fully considered?
8. TREATY PRINCIPLES
Have the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi been respected, including
- Tino Rangatiratanga ?
- Active Protection of Tāonga ?
- Partnership ?
FIRST 90 DAYS
USE THE 8 SEA CHANGE CRITERIA
in all council decision-making.
DECLARE A CLIMATE EMERGENCY
PASS RESOLUTIONS
to transition to carbon neutrality and zero waste by 2030.
INTRODUCE INCLUSIVE DECISION- MAKING PROCESSES
for plans, policy development and infrastructure planning.
ACTION NEW GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT PRINCIPLES
in all purchasing.
APPEAL NRC’S GMO RULES
FNDC to join as a party with Whangarei District Council.
PASS RESOLUTION FOR CHANGE TO SINGLE-TRANSFERABLE-VOTE SYSTEM
to bring in a fairer democratic process for the next (2022) local elections.
'SEA CHANGE' TO BE PRESENTED AT MAYORAL FORUM
for adoption Northland-wide.
WITHIN 3 YEARS
ANNUAL AWARDS
for businesses, organisations, marae, and individuals for working towards carbon neutrality and zero waste.
CORRECT MĀORI SPELLING
for all signs in Far North.
'JUST TRANSITION' PLANS
for climate change for each community.
FAR NORTH HOLDINGS
Collaboration with Far North residents to develop a new Statement of Intent and new Terms of Reference.
BETTER TRANSPORT OPTIONS
More EV stations, EV buses, cycling & walking. Use of rail, coastal shipping & barges for logs and freight.
ECOSTAR CERTIFICATION
for FNDC offices, departments and Far North Holdings.
LONG TERM PLANS
have detail on carbon neutrality, zero waste, better transport options, climate change action plans, inclusive decision-making processes.
NAME OF NRC
Consider changing to reflect the role of environmental governance eg 'Environment Tai Tokerau'
HOW THINGS COULD BE IN 2022
- A web of trust connects people, businesses and councils
- Every council and community board meeting is live streamed
- People are choosing locally-grown produce and locally- made products
- Swimmable rivers and healthy ecosystems
- Action for a “just transition” to climate change is well underway
- Network of electric mini-buses, more charging stations for EVs
- Safe cycling in and between towns
- Council operations have gold Ecostar certification and carbon accounting for electricity, trips and waste
- Transfer stations recycle all plastic used in the district and community repair & repurpose sheds operate in all areas
- Riparian plantings connect to native forest creating corridors for birds from coast to coast