New regional pest management plan now operative

MEDIA RELEASE

28 August 2014

New regional pest management plan now operative

Waikato Regional Councils new regional pest management plan has today been put into operation on the casting vote of the chairperson Paula Southgate.

Cr Southgate said after the council meeting the decision would not rule out councillors challenging parts of the plan they were concerned about in future where appropriate.

The tight vote followed concerns from some councillors about the wording of the plan and their understanding of it.

Cr Kathy White was concerned about wording that suggested a potential increase in the use of toxins to control pests and other matters. Cr Clyde Graf moved the plan lie on the table pending further discussion, even though others noted the plan had been developed under a proper and expensive process and couldnt be changed without starting the process over again.

The vote on Cr Grafs motion to let the plan lie on the table was split 6-6. The motion was then defeated by Cr Southgates casting vote.

Subsequently, the vote on making the plan operative was passed on the chairs casting vote.

Those voting against making it operative were councillors Graf, White, Stark, Bramley, Hennebry and Husband. Those voting for include councillors Southgate, Buckley, Simcock, Kneebone, Alan Livingston and Vercoe.

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New regional pest management plan now operative