Palmerston North City Council

 

Minutes of the Council Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 14 May 2025, commencing at 9.00am.

Members

Present:

Grant Smith (The Mayor) (in the Chair) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Apologies:

Councillor Rachel Bowen

 

Councillor Rachel Bowen entered the meeting at 9.44am during consideration of clause 78.  She was not present for clauses 77-25 to 79-25 inclusive.

Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 1.00pm after consideration of clause 80.4-25.   She entered the meeting at 3.25pm after  clause 80.11-25. She was not present for clauses 80.5 -25 to 80.11-25 inclusive.

Councillor Billy Meehan left the meeting at 4.32pm after consideration of Motion W He entered the meeting again at 4.38pm after the consideration of Motion X.  He was not present for Motion X.

 

 

Karakia Timatanga

 

Councillor Debi Marshall-Lobb opened the meeting with karakia.

 

77-25

Apologies

 

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

1.   That Council receive the apologies.

 

 

Clause 77-25 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Declaration of Interest

 

Councillor Debi Marshall-Lobb declared a conflict of interest in Item 8, Annual Budget Deliberation (Motion N) and took no part in discussion or debate on that motion.

Councillor Vaughan Dennison declared a conflict of interest in Item 7 Community housing partnership programme (clause 79-25) and took no further part in discussion or debate.

 

78-25

Public Comment

 

Anthony Lewis made a public comment on the suggestion that the branch libraries of Awapuni and Roslyn could be closed.  He was deeply opposed to this suggestion as a vehicle to reduce rates, and spoke on the value of libraries.

 

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

That Council receive the Public Comment.

 

 

Clause 78-25 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

79-25

Confirmation of Minutes

 

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the ordinary Council meeting of 30 April 2025 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

 

Clause 79-25 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

80-25

2025/26 Annual Budget - Deliberations

Memorandum, presented by Scott Mancer, Manager – Finance, Cameron McKay, Chief Financial Officer and Chris Dyhrberg Chief Infrastructure Officer

Councillor Rachel Bowen entered the meeting at 9:44am.

The meeting adjourned at 11.00am

The meeting resumed at 11.22am

 

 

Operating Budgets

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion A: Reduce the internal Marketing budget (from within overheads) by $200K, noting that this will mean a reduction in the level of service.  

The motion was lost 4 votes to 12. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Vaughan Dennison, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen,  Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Orphée Mickalad, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

B

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood.

RESOLVED

Reduce the catering budget by $100K.

 

Clause 80.1-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor

On Motion C (a):  Reduce the Economic Events budget by $50k

The motion was lost 4 votes to 12. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison,  Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson and Orphée Mickalad.

 

 

 

 

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor

On Motion C (b): Reduce the Community and Commemorative Events budget by $100K, by holding some events every second year and reducing scale of some events (excluding ANZAC and Remembrance Day).

The motion was lost 5 votes to 11. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen,  Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Orphée Mickalad, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion D: Amend the Te Manawa Museum operating grant to same level as 2024/25 amount plus inflation.

The motion was lost 3 votes to 13. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Moved William Wood, seconded Billy Meehan

On Motion E: Reduce the Climate Change and Sustainability budget by $267K The motion was lost 3 votes to 13. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Vaughan Dennison, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

F

Moved William Wood, seconded Mark Arnott.

RESOLVED

That Council work with Canine Friends Pet Therapy charity to develop a discount scheme for their dog registrations (if appropriate).

 

 

Clause 80.2-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

G

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood.

RESOLVED

That the Professional services budget is kept to the draft Annual Budget 2025/26 level of $14.1M.

 

 

Clause 80.3-25  above was carried 11 votes to 5, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and William Wood.

 

Against:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Lew Findlay, Patrick Handcock and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

H

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor

 

On Motion H: Amend Strategic Priority Grant funding increase to Year 24/25 amount plus inflation. ($1,661,703 this year – change to $1,701,583 for 25/26) ($166,452 reduction from draft Annual Budget)

The motion was lost 3 votes to 13. The voting being as follows:

 

For: Councillors Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Orphée Mickalad, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

1a

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

1.   That Council instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a draft Annual Budget 2025/26 for consideration and adoption by the Council at its meeting on 4 June 2025 and that it incorporates the operating budget changes agreed above and the following:

a.         An increase of $372K in the operating expense budget for Transport (Roading) for the maintenance of street trees offset in part by a $223k reduction in the operating expense budget for Active Communities (Sportsfields and Local Reserves) (Attachment 3).

 

 

Clause 80.4-25 above was carried 15 votes to 1, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillor William Wood.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 1.00pm

The meeting resumed at 2.05pm

 

Councillor Leonie Hapeta was not present when the  meeting resumed at 2:05pm

Operating Programmes

 

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor

On Motion I: Remove Programme 1539 - City Ambassadors - $75K  

The motion was lost 3 votes to 12. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Orphée Mickalad, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion J: Defer Programme 1949 - Civic & Cultural Precinct ($82K) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget

The motion was lost 4 votes to 11. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Lew Findlay, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion K: Remove Programme 1180 - Focus Group research - $20K

The motion was lost 6 votes to 9. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and William Wood

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen,  Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

L

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood.

RESOLVED

Defer $250K of Programme 1520 - Digital Transformation to 2026/27.

 

 

Clause 80.5-25 above was carried 8 votes to 7, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

M

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

RESOLVED

That Council create a new operating programme for funding of $7,500 to MaLGRA for 2025/26 to enable them to retain a space in Hancock Community House.

 

Clause 80.6-25 above was carried 10 votes to 5, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad and Karen Naylor.

 

 

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Rachel Bowen

On Motion N: That Council create a new operating programme to provide civic support for the Palmerston North Boys High School Hockey Turf project of $33.5K in 2025/26 and refer $33.5K per year to 2026/27 and 2027/28 annual budget processes. 

The motion was lost 7 votes to 7. The voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, and William Wood

Against:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and Kaydee Zabelin.

Note:

Councillor Debi Marshall-Lobb declared a conflict of  interest, withdrew from the discussion and sat in the gallery.

 

O

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Brent Barrett.

RESOLVED

That Council create a new operating programme to provide civic support for Massey’s Te Waimana o Turitea Botanical Gardens project – of $50K in 2025/26 and refer $50K per year to 2026/27 and 2027/28 annual budget processes.

 

 

Clause 80.7-25  above was carried 8 votes to 7, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock and Orphée Mickalad.

 

Against:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Lew Findlay, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

P

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Orphée Mickalad.

RESOLVED

That Council create a new operating programme to provide support for Manawatū Rugby in Community Rugby and towards Cyclones and Turbos teams of $25K in 2025/26 and refer $25K per year to 2026/27 and 2027/28 annual budget processes. 

 

 

Clause 80.8-25 above was carried 10 votes to 5, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.

Against:

Councillors Brent Barrett, Patrick Handcock, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Q

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Rachel Bowen.

RESOLVED

That Council create an operating programme to fund the costs of Te Ahu a Turanga gateway carpark at $20,000 in 2025/26, and refer ongoing management costs to the 2026/27 annual budget and 2027 Long-term Plan.

 

 

Clause 80.9-25 above was carried 13 votes to 2, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Karen Naylor and William Wood.

 

2a

Moved Grant Smith, seconded William Wood.

RESOLVED

2a. That Council create a new operating programme of $90,000 for the investigation of bus and vehicle pickups and drop offs off-road zone and other options in large green space-road reserve on Featherston Street opposite Boys High and direct the Chief Executive to report back on the findings of the investigations and potential options to inform future annual budgets. 

 

 

Clause 80.10-25 above was carried 12 votes to 3, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson and Karen Naylor.

 

1b

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Orphée Mickalad.

RESOLVED

1.   That Council instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a draft Annual Budget 2025/26 for consideration and adoption by the Council at its meeting on 4 June 2025 and that it incorporates the following:

b.         Operating programmes (including carry forwards relating to Programme 1520 – Digital Transformation and Programme 2346 - Organisation-wide system replacement or new systems initiatives) as outlined in Annual Budget 2025/26 – Schedule of Proposed Operating Programmes (Attachment 4); with amendments as agreed above, and any related resolution(s) from Item 7.

 

Clause 80.11-25 above was carried 13 votes to 2, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Karen Naylor and William Wood.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 3.10pm

The meeting resumed at 3.25pm

Councillor Leonie Hapeta returned to the meeting at 3.25pm.

 

 

Capital New

R

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

Reduce Council’s planned capital new spend on vehicles and plant by $677K by:

a) reducing Programme 99 - New Vehicles by $157K (Was $322K – change to $161K); 

b) deferring Programme 2449 - Fleet upgrade to alternative fuel ($357K) to the 2026/2027 AB;

c) deferring Programme e 1875 - Upgrade to Electric Vehicles ($163K) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget.

 

Clause 80.12-25 above was carried 11 votes to 5, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

 

Sb

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

b. Deferring Programme 1853 - Development of existing reserves ($85K) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget;

 

 

Clause 80.13-25 above was carried 9 votes to 7, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

 

Sc

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

c.  Deferring Programme 1846 - Walkway Extensions ($189K) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget;

 

Clause 80.14-25 above was carried 11 votes to 5, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

 

Sd

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

d.  Deferring Programme 1847 - Esplanade New ($61K) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget.

 

 

Clause 80.15-25 above was carried 13 votes to 3, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Brent Barrett, Lew Findlay and Roly Fitzgerald.

 

T

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

Defer Programme 902 – Seismic Strength Council Building ($2.042M) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget 

 

 

Clause 80.16-25 above was carried 9 votes to 7, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta and Lorna Johnson.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion U: Defer Programme 2335 - Stoney Creek Road ($1M) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget.

The motion was lost 7 votes to 9. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Vaughan Dennison,  Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen,  Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded Kaydee Zabelin

On Motion V: Defer Programme 1194 – CET Arena Masterplan ($8.528M) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget.

The motion was lost 3 votes to 13. The voting being as follows:

For: Councillors Brent Barrett,  Karen Naylor and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, , Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison,  Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, and William Wood.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded Billy Meehan

On the Motion W: Defer Programme 2456 – Cliff Road ($1.862M) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget;

and

Defer Te Motu O Poutoa project by one year by deferring Programme 1895 – TMOP ($5.651M) and Programme 2239 - TMOP design ($1.104) to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget.

The motion was lost 6 votes to 10. The voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and William Wood

 

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Councillor Billy Meehan left the meeting at 4.32pm

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion X: Remove Programme 2499 - Smart Cities Budget - $51K

The motion was lost 4 votes to 11. The voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta and Lorna Johnson.

 

 

Councillor Billy Meehan returned to the meeting at 4.38pm

Amendment for recommendation Y

Moved Vaughan Dennison, seconded Leonie Hapeta.

Amend Programme 2231 - Public Transport - additional bus shelters to $400K 700K.

The amendment was passed 9 vote to 7, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and William Wood.

Against:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Y

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

Amend Programme 2231 - Public Transport - additional bus shelters to $700K.

 

 

Clause 80.17-25 above was carried 12 votes to 3, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Rachel Bowen, Lorna Johnson and Billy Meehan.

Note:

Councillor Debi Marshal Lobb did not vote.

 

5

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

5.   That Council refer a budget of $700,000 for Programme 2231 – City Wide Public Transport – Additional Bus Shelters to the Annual Budget 2026/27 process.

 

 

Clause 80.18-25 above was carried 15 votes to 1, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillor Roly Fitzgerald.

 

3

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Patrick Handcock.

RESOLVED

3.   That Council adopt Option 1 – Maintain the status quo with no changes to the existing layout for left hand turning lanes onto Rangitikei Street from Featherston Street, at no cost

 

 

Clause 80.19-25 above was carried 10 votes to 6, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan and William Wood.

 

Extension of meeting time

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

That the meeting time be extended to 7pm.

Clause 80-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

8

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

That Council agree the proposed capital new programme budget reductions set out in the tabled item to the meeting of 14 May 2025, excepting Programmes 1846, 1847 and 902 (already dealt with) and 2452, 1099 (excluded).

 

 

Clause 80.20-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

1c

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

1. That Council instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a draft Annual Budget 2025/26 for consideration and adoption by the Council at its meeting on 4 June 2025 and that it incorporates the following:

c. Capital new programmes including carry forwards and amendments as outlined in Annual Budget 2025/26 – Schedule of Proposed Capital New Programmes (Attachment 5) with amendments as agreed above.

 

Clause 80.21-25 above was carried 15 votes to 1, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillor Karen Naylor.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 5.05pm.
The meeting resumed at 5.15pm.

Capital Growth

1d + 9

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

That Council agree the proposed capital growth programme budget reductions set out in the tabled item to the meeting of 14 May 2025.

1.   That Council instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a draft Annual Budget 2025/26 for consideration and adoption by the Council at its meeting on 4 June 2025 and that it incorporates the following:

d.         Capital growth programmes including carry forwards and amendments as outlined in Annual Budget 2025/26 – Schedule of Proposed Capital Growth Programmes (Attachment 6); with amendments as agreed above.

 

9.  That Council agree the proposed capital growth programme budget reductions set out in the tabled item to the meeting of 14 May 2025.

 

 

Clause 80.22-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Capital Renewals

AB

Moved William Wood, seconded Karen Naylor.

RESOLVED

Reduce Programme 1879 - Council Vehicles by $500k (Was $1791K – change to $1291K).

 

 

Clause 80.23-25 above was carried 14 votes to 2, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion AC: Reduce Programme 281 - CAB renewals by 102k.

The motion was lost 6 votes to 10. The voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith), and Councillors Mark Arnott, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and William Wood.

Against:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On Motion AD: Defer $610k from Programme 1127 - Shade House & Bonsai Display to 2027/28.

The motion was lost 3 votes to 13. The voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Mark Arnott, Karen Naylor and William Wood.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith), and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad,  and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

 

 

Moved Karen Naylor, seconded William Wood

On the motion Tabled item Capital Renewals: That Council agree the proposed capital renewal programme budget reductions set out in the tabled item to the meeting of 14 May 2025.

The motion was lost 2 votes to 14. The voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Karen Naylor and Orphée Mickalad.

Against:

The Mayor (Grant Smith), and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott,  Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

1e

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

1. That Council instruct the Chief Executive to prepare a draft Annual Budget 2025/26 for consideration and adoption by the Council at its meeting on 4 June 2025 and that it incorporates the following:

e.         Capital renewal programmes including carry forwards and amendments as outlined in Annual Budget 2025/26 – Schedule of Proposed Capital Renewal Programmes (Attachment 7); with amendments as agreed above.

 

Clause 80.24-25 above was carried 14 votes to 2, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Orphée Mickalad, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Billy Meehan and Karen Naylor.

 

Rates

 

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Brent Barrett

On motion Alternative 4(a): That the Uniform Annual General Charge be $200. 

The motion was lost 8 votes to 8. The voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

Against

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Leonie Hapeta, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, and William Wood

4 a

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

RESOLVED

4.   That the draft Annual Budget 2025/26 include the following rating assumptions:

(a)That the Uniform Annual General Charge be $300. 

 

 

Clause 80.25-25 above was carried 13 votes to 3, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against:

Councillors Brent Barrett, Patrick Handcock and Lorna Johnson.

4 b

Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

RESOLVED

4.   That the draft Annual Budget 2025/26 include the following rating assumptions:

b. That differential surcharges be changed for the FM group of semi-rural properties (0.2 to 5 ha) to make the discount (compared with the MS group) be 45%. 

 

 

Clause 80.26-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

Amendment for recommendation 4b

Moved William Wood, seconded Lorna Johnson

4b That differential surcharges be changed for the FM group of semi-rural properties (0.2 to 5 ha) to make the discount (compared with the MS group) be 42.5% for the 2025/26 year, with a proposal for further movement to 40% being referred to the 2026/27 annual budget process 45%

The amendment was passed 15 votes for and 1 against. The voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, , Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Against

Councillor Brent Barrett

 

4 c

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

4.   That the draft Annual Budget 2025/26 include the following rating assumptions:

c.   Targeted rates for services adjusted as necessary to reflect changes to the budgets for the activities concerned.

 

 

Clause 80.27-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

6 + 7

Moved Grant Smith, seconded Debi Marshall-Lobb.

RESOLVED

6.   That Council note that the priority for Programme 1003 – Whakarongo Intersection Safety Upgrades as set in the 2024-34 Long-Term Plan has been changed and is now intended to enable greenfield residential subdivision development, as set out in Attachment 8.

7.   That Council note that where assumptions change as a result of external funding application decisions, Officers will report to Council. The categories of programmes to which this applies are:

a.   NZTA funding requests as outlined in section 2.4.2

b.   Better Off Funded programmes as outlined in Attachment 5

c.   Multi-Cultural Facility as outlined in section 2.4.2

 

Clause 80.28-25 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

 

 

 

81-25

Community housing partnership programme

Memorandum, presented by Julie Macdonald, Manager Strategy and Policy.

 

Moved William Wood, seconded Leonie Hapeta.

RESOLVED

1.   That the Chief Executive report on options and budget requirements to address identified opportunities for a community housing partnership programme.

 

Clause 81-25 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Debi Marshall-Lobb, Mark Arnott, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Note:

Councillor Vaughan Dennison declared a conflict of  interest, withdrew from the discussion and sat in the gallery.

 

 

Council Work Schedule

The Council work schedule was not considered.

 

 

Karakia Whakamutunga

 

Councillor Debi Marshall-Lobb closed the meeting with karakia.

 

The meeting finished at 6.13pm.

 

Confirmed 4 June 2025

 

 

 

Mayor