Keeping track of the flow and quality of the rivers and reservoirs in a Region the size of ours is a big job and costs about $3.8 million a year. Under our current funding policy, 70% of our science and research costs are shared between all ratepayers in the Region. The remaining 30% is covered by consent holders using the resource.
This work involves:
Consent holders are charged based on the type of resource consent held and the quantity of extraction or discharge. A fixed administration fee is also incurred for surface and groundwater takes ($30 plus $0.38 per cubic metre consented as a maximum daily take).
1. How much of the research am I funding?
The total annual science and research cost to Horizons, including charges for fixed equipment, computer software, laboratory costs, staffing and research agency fees is $3.8 million. 30% of this cost is funded by consent holders through the research charges, with the balance being funded through the General Rate.
2. How often is this research charged?
The charge is levied each year unless the consent is cancelled, or expires, or is transferred.
3. To what period does my invoice refer, and how often are invoices sent?
Your invoice refers to 12 month period 1 July 2012 - 30 June 2013. These invoices are issued annually, midway through the invoice period (around January/February each year).
4. How are the charges calculated?
During the Long Term Plan process Council decided to introduce a new structure for fees with more categories. This new structure more fairly distributed costs between lower and higher volume discharges.
|
Type and Quantity |
2012-13 Annual Fee |
|
Discharge to Land <25 |
143 |
|
Discharge to Land>25 to 50 |
191 |
|
Discharge to Land >50 to 100 |
286 |
|
Discharge to Land >100 to 200 |
382 |
|
Discharge to Land >200 to 1,000 |
763 |
|
Discharge to Land >1,000 to 10,000 |
859 |
|
Discharge to Land 10,000+ |
954 |
|
Discharge to Water <25 |
286 |
|
Discharge to Water>25 to 50 |
382 |
|
Discharge to Water >50 to 100 |
572 |
|
Discharge to Water >100 to 200 |
763 |
|
Discharge to Water >200 to 1,000 |
1,526 |
|
Discharge to Water >1,000 to 10,000 |
1,717 |
|
Discharge to Water 10,000+ |
1,908 |
|
Unspecified Volume Discharge |
1,431 |
|
Land Fill |
1,908 |
In addition, Council now recovers additional research charges for sites that require Council to do more monitoring. These charges are included in the table below:
|
Additional Research Site |
2012-13 Annual Fee |
|
Silver Fern Farms |
10,086 |
|
Tararua DC |
69,355 |
|
AFFCO Feilding |
3,035 |
|
DB Breweries |
2,795 |
|
Fonterra |
2,795 |
|
Horowhenua District Council |
4,657 |
|
Manawatu District Council |
13,040 |
|
Longburn (MDC & Fonterra) |
1,863 |
|
NZ Defence Force |
3,964 |
|
Palmerston North City Council |
5,589 |
|
Rangitikei District Council |
13,200 |
|
Riverlands Manawatu |
2,023 |
|
Bulls (Rangitikei District Council and Riverlands) |
1,012 |
|
Ruapehu District Council |
12,108 |
|
Scanpower |
3,066 |
|
Winstone Pulp |
1,863 |
5. Why do I have to pay?
Council has determined that consent holders receive individual benefit from the research that is carried out.
The individual compliance fee (separately charged) covers the costs of monitoring a holder’s individual consent.
The research charges contribute towards the costs incurred by Horizons in researching and identifying the cumulative impact on our environment of all such activities across our Region. Information gained from this research can also be used by applicants during the resource consent application process.
This research is essential for our many regional organisations, farms and other industries, who are dependant on this information. Further, the findings enable us to continue to provide communities and users with ongoing services, including water for recreational use, clean drinking water and a safe habitat for native fish.
By maintaining and further developing knowledge of our region’s natural resources, the interests of the consent holder, the needs of the wider regional community and the resource itself are all protected.
7. How can I have my say regarding these charges?
Research charges are determined by Horizons Regional Council’s elected Councillors following public consultation.
You can make submissions to Horizons' Draft Annual Plan during the consultation process in April each year, and during the three-yearly Long-Term Council Community Plan consultation process. For more information on how to get involved contact Horizons' customer services team on toll free number 0508 800 800.
8. What do I get for my money?
Cleaner, safer water both now and for the future. By researching the effects of all current resource consents including your own, the Council is able to ensure that such consents can be effectively maintained, whilst sustainably managing the environment now and for the future.
9. What about those people who benefit from this research but are not charged this fee?
All ratepayers, both rural and residential, contribute a total of 70% to these research charges through the general rating system.
10. Why isn’t this fee also being charged to my neighbour?
If you believe that your neighbour should also be liable for this charge, please provide full details and we will investigate this matter.
11. Who can I contact for more information?
To find out more contact Horizons' customer services team on toll free number 0508 800 800 or email help@horizons.govt.nz