Designs for two community hubs will proceed as originally planned after a motion agreed by Council to reallocate the funding did not receive iwi support.

The previous Council decided to build community hubs in Dargaville and Mangawhai with the two tranches of Government funding provided through the Better off Funding package. Of the $4.04 million Tranche 1 funding, $1.02 million was allocated to design and prepare for the Dargaville hub on land already owned by Council and $3.02 million would go to land purchase and hub design in Mangawhai. Tranche 2 funding ($12 million) was to be spent on building the hubs.

When the Government withdrew the offer of Tranche 2 funding, they allowed Councils to revise their plans for Tranche 1 spending ($4.04 million). This was a key consideration of the new Council as there was a strong preference to ensure the funds were used on immediate projects to benefit the community. Council provided a list of alternative projects that the funding could be used for in Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Dargaville.

To change the funding allocation, Council needs to demonstrate iwi support. In advance of the meeting last week, support was not provided by iwi to reallocate the funding to new Dargaville projects. As a result, Deputy Mayor Larsen tabled a motion to continue with the original plans for the Dargaville hub and to reallocate the $3.02 million, currently allocated to Mangawhai, across several projects in Kaiwaka and Mangawhai. However, confirmation has since been received from iwi that those projects were also not supported. 

Mayor Craig Jepson said while it was disappointing not to receive iwi support for the reallocation, the funds were still being used to benefit Kaipara communities.

“While the new Council would have preferred the funding to be used on projects that could be funded now, we know the community hubs have been long desired by the community. This will allow us to get them shovel ready and prepared for any possible future funding opportunities,” says Mayor Jepson.

Without receiving iwi support the plans revert back to the original proposal to design the community hubs and purchase land in Mangawhai (if needed). The two community hubs could each include a library, digital facilities, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose space that can be used for events, activities and learning. 

About the Better off Funding

Better off Funding is part of the Three Waters Reform process (now known as Affordable Waters Reform) to recognise the significance to the local government sector (and their communities) of the transfer of responsibility for water service delivery. The purpose was to support councils to transition to their new role post-reform.

To be eligible, funding must be used to:

• help transition communities to a sustainable and low-emissions economy; or
• deliver infrastructure or services that enable housing development and growth; or
• deliver infrastructure or services that support local place-making and improvements in community well-being.

The funding criteria do not allow for money to be spent on roading, any waters infrastructure or other operational costs.

Funding was provided in two tranches. Tranche 1 funding for Kaipara District Council came to $4.04 million. Tranche 2 of $12 million was withdrawn before the election.

Kaipara District Council prepared a staged plan to get community hubs designed and consented to ‘shovel ready’ stage in Dargaville using Tranche 1 funding and build them (as much as possible) with Tranche 2 funding. Communities were consulted on building new libraries in Dargaville and Mangawhai before they were included in the Long Term Plan 2021-2031.

View the Council discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (from 3:02:19, 3.18.40).