Latest news with #Pauling
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
ECan chair undecided as election looms
Craig Pauling. Photo: David Hill / North Canterbury News The chair of Canterbury's regional council is undecided about his future, as the local election looms. Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling said he is contemplating a tilt at Parliament next year or stepping back from politics. There has been speculation Mr Pauling could run for the Green Party in the Banks Peninsula electorate in next year's general election. But he admits he still has unfinished business around the council table. ''There are things I want to do, so I'm still weighing it all up. ''Becoming an MP is certainly one of the options and I have talked about going to Parliament, but I haven't made my mind up. ''The chair role is an awesome honour. It has been rewarding and it has its challenges too.'' Mr Pauling has served two terms on the council. He was elected chairperson in October, following Peter Scott's resignation the previous month, having served as deputy chair and acting chair. The pair had contested the role in October 2022, with Mr Scott's name being drawn out of a container after an eight-eight split in the vote. Nominations for election candidates open on July 1 and close on August 1, ahead of the October elections, so he doesn't have much time if he wants a seat at the council table. Mr Pauling said if he was to stand for Parliament next year, the selection process would likely begin towards the end of this year. A third option is to step away from politics and go back to his passion for environmental planning and policy making. ''There is always heaps to do, so it is about making the decision which is right for me and my family.'' Mr Pauling is of Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga and European descent. He has whakapapa to Taumutu, Rāpaki and Ngāi Tūāhuriri. ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
Press Release – Canterbury Regional Council Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region. Environment Canterbury Councillors endorsed a range of public positions relating to central government reform and issues impacting the region at the May 2025 Council meeting.
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Notre Dame head coach already impressed with a former Wisconsin wide receiver
Notre Dame head coach already impressed with a former Wisconsin wide receiver Former Wisconsin wide receiver Will Pauling appears to be making a significant impact at Notre Dame, just months after joining the program. When meeting with the local media last week, Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman highlighted Pauling's first impression on the practice field. On3's Tyler Horka shared the coach's comments on a recent podcast episode. "[Freeman said] he's never seen a wide receiver practice with the intensity and the purpose and the intentionality that Will Pauling does," Horka said. The Notre Dame beat writer then added his own sentiment, saying, "I'd be looking out for Will Pauling. Because we didn't get to see him much during the spring, he was coming back from the injury he sustained at Wisconsin. So you haven't seen the best of Will Pauling in a Notre Dame uniform, and you might really see it when it matters the most." Pauling transferred to Notre Dame during the winter transfer window. He spent two seasons at Wisconsin (2023-24), during which he appeared in 23 total games and caught 116 passes for 1,244 yards and nine touchdowns. His best season with the program came in 2023, during which he led the team with 74 catches, 837 yards and six scores. The rising senior wideout originally joined the Badgers as a transfer in 2023, following head coach Luke Fickell and wide receivers coach Mike Brown from Cincinnati. Brown then left for the same position at Notre Dame following the 2023 campaign, making Pauling's connection to the program an easy one after he entered the portal in December. 247Sports lists the wide receiver as a three-star transfer. It ranks him specifically as the No. 655 overall player of the transfer cycle and the No. 117 recruit at his position. While those marks put Pauling far from the portal's best, his production at the Power Four level makes him an intriguing addition to the Fighting Irish's wide receiver room. According to Freeman, the former Badger is already making a strong impression. Wisconsin saw two starting wideouts in Pauling and C.J. Williams (Stanford) transfer out after the 2024 season. The program added Jayden Ballard (Ohio State) and Mark Hamper (Idaho) during the winter transfer window, though it then saw Hamper transfer to Cal during the spring. Entering 2025, Ballard projects to start with returning contributors Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna. Chris Brooks Jr., Joseph Griffin Jr. and Kyan Berry-Johnson should follow that top trio. While the Badgers appear well-set with Kekahuna starting in the slot, Pauling's production at Notre Dame will be worth watching. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rates Rise Trimmed To 5.8% For Canterbury Ratepayers
Canterbury ratepayers are set to get some relief, with the regional council slashing its proposed average rate rise to 5.8 percent. Environment Canterbury consulted on an average rate rise of 9.9 percent, after signalling a rates hike of 15.5 percent in last year's 2024/34 Long Term Plan. But staff found further savings, following cuts to public transport funding, allowing councillors to endorse a revised rate rise of 5.8 percent during annual plan deliberations on Tuesday, May 28. The council has been under pressure from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to increase bus fares, with less funding available for public transport. Chairperson Craig Pauling said the annual plan had produced a good outcome for the region. ''I was pleased with council's detailed and good-spirited debate, and our consistent focus on strategic outcomes for Waitaha. ''We don't always get the things we want, and some of the decisions we had to make were unfortunately the result of changing government policies and investment priorities. ''But I feel we've landed in a good place for the region.'' Pauling said public transport, river resilience and biodiversity remained priorities for the council, despite the pressures of the economic climate and changing government policy. The council was forced to rethink its investment in public transport due to reduced funding from central government. As signalled in the consultation, bus fares will increase, with the flat fare trial coming to an end in February next year. Standard adult fares will increase from $2 to $3 from July, with increases for child fares, total mobility card holders and community service card holders. A two-zone fare structure in be introduced in February, with Waimakariri and Selwyn bus users paying $3 to travel within their own own district and $4 to travel into Christchurch. A proposed two-year trial to establish a third zone linking Darfield, Kirwee and West Melton with Rolleston was dropped following submissions. Councillor John Sunckell proposed the council go ahead with the trial, funding $150,000 a year from reserves to reduce the targeted rate. But staff noted it was not eligible for NZTA funding and proposed investigating further support for the Malvern Community Vehicle Trust. The council will meet again on June 25 to adopt the annual plan.
