Candidate Briefing & Information Pack Buller District Council Chief Executive February 2016 Buller District Council CEO Candidate Information Pack 1
Contents 3> Background 4> Community Overview 5> The Region & Getting There 6> Mayor & Councillors 7> Council Structure Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Oparara Basin The Buller Coast Road Cape Foulwind 2 Candidate Information Pack Buller District Council
Background Why has this position become vacant? T he position of Buller District Council Chief Executive has become available immediately due to the resignation of our current CE. However, we re excited to start the recruitment process in search of a new community-focused CE, one who embraces the Buller Way. Council Mission & Vision The Buller District Council is the territorial authority for the northern West Coast. Our goal is to promote the well-being of our local communities. We have a wide range of responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Our mission is To serve the residents of the Buller District, conscious of their needs, by providing facilities and services and creating an appropriate environment for progress and development. Customer Service Principles We respond to all customers within an acceptable timeframe External customers have priority over internal customers We are courteous, respectful, responsible and professional with each other and external customers at all times We approach all issues/enquiries with constructive and positive communication We take responsibility for our own individual behaviour We talk to customers about causes and effects, providing reasons for decisions that affect others We take ownership of our job role and responsibilities Buller District Council CEO Candidate Information Pack 3
Community Come join us in New Zealand s Happiest Place - The Happiness of New Zealand Report UMR Research 2012 Karamea Area, The Buller District Our History The rest of New Zealand call us - Coasters. Early Coasters came mainly from Ireland, Scotland and England to mine gold, coal, or break in the land. To survive they had to pull together and that togetherness still exists today. Coasters work hard and play hard with a strong sense of family, community and a tremendous sense of humour. Living The average house price is around the $195,000 mark (QV May 2015). This is one third of the price of Auckland properties and half that of the national average. This means that Buller people have a much higher rate of home ownership than in most places and there s a great range from quaint early settler cottages by the sea to brand new 4 and 5 bedroom homes. Schooling Top 10 reasons why people move here Easy lifestyle and quality of life We re kid-safe and family focused A strong sense of community and caring So much to do right on your doorstep World-renowned scenery A great range of value-for-money housing Getting to work, school or play takes minutes An unbeatable range of sport and recreation Great retail, support services and cafes Great transport links to main centres More than seven pre-school and early learning centres provide safe, quality learning environments for littlies from Karamea in The Buller Guide to Living Well the North through to Reefton. We also have eight primary schools has been created as a tool to providing caring creative learning throughout the region; and three inform people about what Buller secondary schools (in Westport, Reefton, and Karamea) cater for is like as a place to live, work, our Buller secondary school students. Meanwhile, many different invest and play. To download courses in tertiary education are offered at Tai Poutini Polytechnic the guide, visit bullerdc.govt.nz. campuses in Westport and Reefton. 4 Candidate Information Pack Buller District Council
The Region Flanking the Tasman Sea, the Buller District extends from the famous Pancake Rocks & Blowholes at Punakaiki in the south, through Westport (the largest town in Buller) to Karamea and the Kahurangi National Park in the north. Inland to the east is the characterful pioneering gold mining town of Reefton. The lives of people here have been shaped by the heroic landscape, and our settlements still display plenty of pioneering spirit. For visitors, there s our famous West Coast hospitality and a boggling array of adventure and recreation possibilities to suit any taste with wild and tranquil rivers, dramatic seascapes, impressive wilderness and nature that will come to you. Getting there The District is well served by scheduled public transport services, East-West Coaches offers services from Chirstchurch to Reefton and Westport, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. You can also fly between Wellington and Westport with Sounds Air, which takes 40 minutes. Hokitika Airport is the largest airport on the West Coast with direct daily flights, with Air New Zealand link flights direct from Christchurch. From there, Westport is a 2-hour drive away. Driving from Nelson to Westport takes approximately 3 hours, 20 minutes, 4 hours (via Lewis Pass) from Christchurch, 10 hours from Queenstown, and 4 hours, 40 minutes from Picton depending on the vehicle and conditions, etc. For a comprehensive list on drive times and distances, visit buller.co.nz. Buller District Council CEO Candidate Information Pack 5
Mayor & Councillors Garry Howard - Mayor I m a third-generation Coaster who is passionate about Buller, its people and its sustainability. I believe in giving back to the community. I have a strong track record as a volunteer for Red Cross, Search and Rescue, plus various local committees. I consult, listen, and advocate for our region. It s about people! It s my goal to make sure our whole community is informed and involved in decisions. My top priorities are affordability for ratepayers, water issues, governance, and the rates review. I aim to provide strong leadership and sound financial management, utilising the skill base in our community. The bottom line is, I care! By working hard with our councillors and council staff, we can make a real difference for the people of Buller from Karamea to Springs Junction, Punakaiki, and everywhere in-between! The Buller District Council consists of 11 elected members the Mayor and 10 Councillors. The district is divided into three wards Seddon (2 elected representatives), Westport (6 elected representatives) and Inangahua (2 elected representatives). The Mayor is elected at large. Councillors Inangahua Ward Cr Graeme Neylon (Deputy Mayor) Cr Dave Hawes Seddon Ward Cr Sheryl Rhind Cr Lynn Brooks Westport Ward Cr Andrew Basher Cr Greg Hart Cr Graham Howard Cr Robyn Nahr Cr Sharon Roche Cr Phil Rutherford Buller Gorge 6 Candidate Information Pack Buller District Council
Council Structure Council Structure The Council staff is headed by a Chief Executive, who oversees a management team consisting of the managers of the three Council operational areas Community and Environment, Operations and Corporate Services. Chief Executive Manager Operations Manager Community & Environment Manager Corporate Services For more information on all the wonderful opportunites and experiences that Buller has to offer, please visit bullerdc.govt.nz or buller.co.nz Buller District Council CEO Candidate Information Pack 7