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KDC inquiry update
The Audit Office says it expects to complete its inquiry into Kaipara District Council (KDC) by March next year. In May this year, the Auditor-General announced it would conduct an inquiry into KDC’s procurement, contract management and governance practices, with a particular focus on roading contracts. The inquiry follows weaknesses identified through Council’s annual audit and several requests to the Auditor-General to investigate KDC spending decisions. The Audit will also consider emergency procurement, value for money and the respective roles of elected members and management. It may also broaden its scope if other matters arise.
Charge for dog attack
Police have charged a 43-year-old man with manslaughter following a six-month investigation into a dog attack that killed a Kaipara woman earlier this year. Emergency services were called to a rural property off State Highway 12 on February 17 where a visitor to the property, Mihiata Te Rore, suffered unsurvivable injuries and died at the scene. The man, who owned the dogs, was arrested in central Auckland. Police extended their sympathies to Te Rore’s whānau and thanked those who provided information, particularly members of the Kaihu community. Police said they can not comment further as the matter is currently before the courts.
Health centre opens
A new $35 million Child Health Centre and $18.5 million car park extension have opened at Whangārei Hospital, clearing the way for construction of a new acute services building.
The purpose-built centre provides outpatient and community health services for children aged up to 16, or 21 in some cases. These include paediatric medical and community nursing services, healthy lifestyle programmes, eczema and allergy clinics, visiting specialists and electroencephalogram clinics.
Connected to the hospital by a link bridge, it is close to the Special Care Baby Unit, paediatrics and maternity services. The centre also includes family waiting areas, therapy and play spaces, a playground and landscaped grounds.
The completed car park extension provides 573 spaces for patients, staff and visitors. Relocating child health services has freed the former clinic site for the planned acute services building and ward tower, while the extra parking will help the hospital continue operating during construction.
