Brent Cowles - Ahuriri Ward Councillor - Waitaki District Council

25/02/2026

Kia ora everyone,

Yesterday Council confirmed our decision to join Southern Waters for the future delivery of Waitaki’s water services.

Earlier in the process, we had hoped to move forward alongside Timaru and Mackenzie in a combined six-council arrangement. That option, based on the independent modelling, showed the strongest overall outcome in terms of affordability and risk.

However, Timaru and Mackenzie have made their own decision to partner separately. I respect that — each council has to weigh up what it believes is best for its community.

For Waitaki, the evidence in front of us supports joining Southern Waters as the most prudent long-term option currently available. The modelling demonstrates stronger affordability outcomes and lower overall risk compared with standing alone.

I remain optimistic that over time, other councils may choose to come on board. If that happens, efficiencies only improve — and that benefits ratepayers.

One thing I want to be upfront about: no matter which model any council chose, water costs across New Zealand are going to increase. Higher environmental standards, compliance requirements, ageing infrastructure and the scale of investment required mean that is simply the reality.

Our job now is to make sure those increases are as small as possible, and to keep costs as low as possible for as long as possible, within the legislative framework we’ve been given.

A genuine thank you to the staff, elected members and advisors who have worked through an enormous amount of analysis to get us to this point. It has been detailed, complex and time-pressured work.

Happy to make time to chat with anyone who wants to talk it through.

Cheers,

Brent

17/02/2026

Parking, people, and where I stand

After today’s meeting there’s been some pretty strong commentary online about the parking meters, council staff and the way things have been handled. I get it – parking is never popular or sexy, and this rollout has been messy.

What I want to be really clear about is this: the issues we’re dealing with have built up over multiple councils and multiple years. Staff have been trying to operate in a space where there hasn’t been a clear, structured parking strategy set by Council. That’s on governance – not just on the people doing the day-to-day work.

I also want to say this very plainly:
• Robust criticism of decisions is absolutely fair.
• Personal attacks on individual staff are not.

The reports you see in meetings might be presented by one person, but they usually represent the work and input of a whole team, and they sit on top of decisions and directions that have evolved over a long period of time. Singling out one individual as if they alone are responsible for every past and present decision simply isn’t accurate, and it’s not acceptable.

Today, this council did two important things:
• We acknowledged that the current approach isn’t working as it should.
• We agreed to pause and reset, and to come back with a proper parking strategy for the district – in public.

On the specific point about the 15-minute grace period:
• It was clear in the meeting that the way this has been applied has created confusion and frustration.
• The expectation going forward is that whatever grace period we have is simple, consistent, clearly communicated and fair – both for drivers and for enforcement officers who have to apply it on the street.

I’ve seen the “do you trust them?” line. My view is this:
• I back our staff to do a good job when Council gives them clear policy, clear delegations and a coherent strategy to work to.
• I also back this Council to front up when things aren’t right, to change course, and to put better frameworks in place – which is exactly what we started today.

This council is trying to take a longer-term, strategic approach to parking. That means not just reacting to the latest complaint, but putting in place a clear, district-wide strategy that balances turnover for businesses, access for residents and visitors, enforcement that’s fair, and financial sustainability for the organisation.

Going forward, I’ll be pushing for:
• A district-wide parking strategy that’s evidence-based, not reactive.
• Clear rules around grace periods, signage and enforcement so people actually understand how it works.
• Regular reporting back to Council so we can see what’s happening on the ground, not just hear about it when people are angry.

You absolutely don’t have to agree with every decision we make – that’s democracy. But I hope people can see that we’re at least doing the hard, unglamorous work of fixing something that’s been muddied for a long time, rather than kicking it down the road yet again. Parking will never be popular – but getting it right matters for our town now and into the future.

02/12/2025

There’s change afoot in just about every direction you look in local government at the moment. The workload is significant, and piecing together each of the reforms – and what they mean for our communities – while trying to get the best outcome with a joined-up, common-sense approach is a real challenge.

I was recently asked to comment on the proposals for regional council changes and what they could mean for Waitaki Valley residents. As you’ll read in the article, my main priority is that we have a strong local voice and solid representation wherever decisions are being made about the things that matter to us – our rivers, land, infrastructure and communities.

This all connects directly with the wider conversations on RMA reform, “waters done well”, and rates capping. None of these sit in isolation.

If you have concerns, questions, or would just like to chat through any of these issues, please feel free to get in touch and we can line up a coffee (or another refreshment of your choice). I’m here to listen.

Cheers,
Brent

December 03 2025, Otago Daily Times
THE government’s plan to scrap regional councils has sparked fresh concern that nearly 2000 Waitaki Valley residents could be stranded in political limbo.
The long-running regional divide , which means about 1900 residents in the Ahuriri area vote for the Waitaki mayoralty but are covered by the Canterbury Regional Council rather than the Otago Regional Council, is back in the spotlight.
Waitaki District Council Ahuriri ward councillor Brent Cowles said people in the ward were still working through what the proposal to ditch regional councils in favour of combined territories boards (CTBs) might mean in practice.
Residents must have ‘‘ clear, effective representation wherever regional decisions are being made’’ , he said, especially because the district spanned two regions.
The council would need time to understand the reforms, consult the community and decide how best to protect local voices on issues such as rivers, land use and transport, he said.
Two options have been put forward to deal with the issue faced by Waitaki Valley residents .
In ‘‘ district adoption’ ’ an isolated population would be ‘‘ adopted’ ’ by an adjacent district.
‘‘ That district’s mayor has additional voting power to reflect their adopted community,’’ the proposal consultation document said.
‘‘ While isolated populations currently can’t vote for the mayor who will represent them on the CTB, the government is considering whether this should be allowed.’’
The other option was ‘‘ additional representation’’ .
In this case, a district with isolated populations would be represented on all CTBs their district was aligned with.
‘‘ They have a voting share that is proportionate for the areas of their district that are part of that region.
‘‘ Instead of the mayor, it may be a local ward councillor who attends the CTB to represent the interests of the isolated population .’’
Either, the Local Government Commission would determine which approach was best for each isolated population (as part of its work determining voting power), or a threshold could be set to determine when each approach was used.
‘‘ For example, isolated populations could be represented by district adoption if there are less than 1000 people living there and by additional representation if there are more than 1000 residents ,’’ the consultation document said.
Cr Cowles said on the face of it, both options were trying to deal with the possibility isolated communities could fall through the cracks.
For now, rather than being worried about the model to be used, people mainly wanted certainty that decisions would not be made far away without local input.
‘‘ Ensuring that doesn’t happen will be front of mind for me in any submission or discussion on the reforms.’’
Upper Waitaki Community page founder and former valley resident Sarah Row-land said while people were still figuring out what the changes would mean for the valley it was important community views were listened to.
‘‘ My experience has been that rural communities worry about being sidelined in decisions that affect them, despite their role in underpinning the region’s economy .
‘‘ In terms of alignment, the valley has historically had a clearer geographic and political pull toward Otago than Canterbury , and for many it simply feels like a more natural fit but whatever the direction, it has to be shaped through genuine community consultation — otherwise decisions end up being made about people rather than with them.’’
Copyright © 2025

11/11/2025

Today I attended the Armistice Day memorial with fellow councillors, honouring all who served and those who still serve. Thank you to the veterans, service personnel, whānau, and community members who joined us in reflection at the 11th hour. We will remember them. Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. 🌺

22/10/2025

A New Term and a Positive Step Forward

Today marks the start of a new Council term, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our Waitaki community.

Many will have seen the news that the Minister for Local Government has proposed appointing a Crown Facilitator to support the next stage of our Water Services Delivery Plan. I see this not as a setback, but as an opportunity — a chance to fully explore all options and work collaboratively with the Minister and the Department of Internal Affairs to find the very best solution for Waitaki.

Our previous decision to keep water services in-house was always about ensuring local accountability while we explored what the best model could look like. That hasn’t changed — the only difference now is that we’re working to a clearer timeframe.

This next phase gives us the opportunity to refine, strengthen, and future-proof our approach, ensuring we deliver affordable, sustainable, and resilient water services that suit the unique needs of our district.

Constructive leadership and collaboration remain key, and I’m optimistic that through open dialogue and good partnerships, we’ll achieve the best possible outcome for Waitaki. 💧

11/10/2025

Waitaki District Council Election Reflection

It’s great to see stability and experience retained around the Waitaki District Council table. Every councillor who chose to stand again has been re-elected — a clear sign that our communities value consistency, knowledge, and those who understand how local government actually works.

I’m also genuinely excited and appreciative of the new councillors who’ve made the cut — fresh perspectives combined with experience always bring great energy and ideas to the table. Together, we’ve got a strong, balanced team ready to get on with the mahi.

A big congratulations to Mayor-elect Melanie Tavendale, whose knowledge of local government, governance, and this council will be a huge asset in leading us forward.

To everyone who took the time to vote — thank you. Your confidence and insight matter. It’s easy to be loud from the sidelines, but real progress comes from those willing to engage constructively. I have a deep appreciation for the silent majority who see through the noise and back those focused on outcomes, not outrage.

Here’s to a term ahead built on collaboration, common sense, and continuing the progress we’ve made together for Waitaki.

Cheers,
Brent

07/10/2025

🗳️ This Saturday is D-Day – Get Your Vote In!

Time’s ticking — your voting papers need to be in by Saturday. Don’t sit this one out. Apathy is the biggest threat to local democracy.

The right people around the table matter. Don’t be swayed by those promising to single-handedly change the world — that’s not how local government works. It takes teamwork, experience, and an understanding of how decisions are actually made.

✅ Vote for people with proven experience
✅ Vote for collaboration over disruption
✅ Vote for those who understand the system and can deliver within it

Change is healthy — but make sure it’s change for the better.
Your vote helps shape the future of our district. Don’t waste the opportunity.

28/09/2025

📌 This Week at Council

We’ve got two important meetings this week:

Performance, Risk & Audit Committee – this afternoon at 2pm

Full Council Meeting – tomorrow, with a big agenda ahead of the Waitaki Citizens Awards

If you’d like to follow along, you can find the agendas on the Waitaki District Council website or simply tune in on YouTube.

I know council meetings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but staying across what decisions are coming up – and engaging in the ones that affect, interest, or matter to you – is how we keep our community voice strong.

As your councillor, I’m always available for a chat about things that impact or concern you. And don’t forget, there’s a public forum at the council meeting if you’d like to share your views directly.

View meeting details, including dates, times and locations as well as agendas and minutes from Council, Committee and Community Board meetings.

28/09/2025

🗳️ Your Vote Matters

Local democracy only works if we all take part. Even though my position as your councillor is confirmed due to no opposition, we still need your voice heard in this election.

Your vote will decide our Mayor, Environment Canterbury representatives, and the Licensing Trust. These roles shape decisions that affect our region every single day.

If we don’t engage, we risk weakening local democracy — and that’s something none of us can afford. Please don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Make sure your papers are filled out and returned on time.

✅ Have your say.
✅ Make it count.
✅ Keep our community strong.

28/09/2025

An update on where I am sitting.

Send a message to learn more

06/07/2025

Our Role in the Community

I’ve always believed in listening—properly listening—to our community. That’s a big part of why I put my hand up to be on council. I genuinely care what people think, and I value every piece of feedback I get.

But it’s also important to understand that while we consult with the public, our job isn’t just to take a vote and go with the majority every time. We’re elected to make informed decisions—sometimes on massive, complex, and multi-generational issues. And often, that means diving into a mountain of information, listening to expert advice, and thinking well beyond the next few years.

It’s amazing that we have a passionate community that engages but how we engage often needs to be looked at. It’s ok to dissagree or have an opposing opinion but deliver that with respect If you want to be heard, have the decency to be open and listen to all opinions and information and then let it inform your viewpoint. It’s ok to give a sh but it’s not ok to give our team sh . Engage respectfully and share your passion in a positive manner please.

Public consultation is an important tool. It helps guide us. But it’s not a referendum. At the end of the day, I’m here to make decisions that I firmly believe are best for our community—now and into the future—after I’ve done the homework and considered all the facts.

That might not always be the popular route in the moment, but I’ll always front up and explain why I’ve voted the way I have. Because I reckon that’s part of what real representation looks like.

If you have things you want to talk about, please give me a bell as many have 027 5255505. Most wont be surprised I love a good yarn.

Cheers,
Brent

03/07/2025

I’m Standing Again – Ahuriri Ward, Let’s Do This

Righto team – after nearly three years of representing our patch on the Waitaki District Council, I’m chucking my name back in the hat for re-election in the Ahuriri Ward.

It’s been a heck of a ride – budgets, bylaws, big decisions, and the occasional bit of bureaucracy that needed a good nudge. I’ve worked hard to be a voice for our rural communities, to ask the questions that need asking, and to make sure our money is spent wisely (not just shuffled around on spreadsheets).

I’ve pushed for better planning, stronger local services, and more transparency. I don’t sit on the fence, and I don’t say yes for the sake of it – I stand up for what makes sense for us.

There’s still plenty to do, and I reckon I’ve got more to give. So if you want someone who shows up, speaks up, and backs our communities – I’d appreciate your support.

Let’s keep things moving forward, the Waitaki way.

Cheers,

Authorised by,
Brent Cowles
Councillor – Ahuriri Ward
027 5255505