WAIROA DISTRICT COUNCIL
PO Box 54, Wairoa – Telephone +64 6 838-7309 – Facsimile +64 6 838-8874
19 September 2016
Mr Denys Caves
FILE REF A06.10
48 Kopu Road
Wairoa 4108
CC:
[FYI request #4467 email] Dear Mr Caves
OFFICIAL INFORMATION REQUEST - ROCKET LAB ROADING EXPENDITURE ON
MAHIA EAST COAST & TAWAPATA ROAD, ONENUI STATION
Firstly, will apologise for the slight delay in responding.
We are in receipt of your information request dated Thursday, 18 August 2016, specifically:
“What is the total expenditure to date on the public roading access partnership with
WDC & Onenui Stn via Mahia East Coast Rd & Tawapata Rds to the Rocket Launch
pad site .
State the total cost of the Rocket Lab share ?
How much have Rocket Lab actually paid, when & To Whom??
What specific amount was the NZTA Subsidy allocation for this public roading
installation ?
Assuming the NZTA Subsidy was 68% [excluding Storm damage & minor
improvements ] what is the actual cost to WDC & what Budget element was utilised .
Do Rocket Lab have any current outstanding accounts payable to WDC related to this
roading access?”
Our response as follows:
GENERAL
Wairoa District Council’s Engineering Department has a minor improvements schedule
planned for the Mahia East Coast Road which will include safety works on up to nine corners
as well as visibility and site rail additions. This is in response to the forecast increase in traffic
movements associated with the Rocket Lab launching programme. The anticipated budget
for this work is $100,000 which is funded through the minor improvements work category
within current budgets although no work has commenced to date.
The repair and reinstatement of 2 flood damage sites has also been approved by NZTA at a
budget of approximately $150,000. This is funded from the emergency work activity category
in response to the September 2015 rain event.
A heavy metal build-up budget of $200,000 was also allocated under Council’s renewals
budget category.
The formation of the road corridor at the end of the current Wairoa District Council road is
being carried out by Rocket Lab to a Wairoa District Council approved design. No ratepayer
funds are allocated for this work.
I understand Rocket Lab has contracted QRS to supply construction services for the
launchpad infrastructure. However, Wairoa District Council has had no involvement in this
arrangement nor offered any financial assistance in any form
SPECIFIC RESPONSES
What is the total expenditure to date on the public roading access partnership with WDC &
Onenui Stn via Mahia East Coast Rd & Tawapata Rds to the Rocket Launch pad site .
No partnership exists.
State the total cost of the Rocket Lab share?
N/A
How much have Rocket Lab actually paid, when & To Whom?
N/A
What specific amount was the NZTA Subsidy allocation for this public roading installation ?
As detailed above in general section.
Assuming the NZTA Subsidy was 68% [excluding Storm damage & minor improvements]
what is the actual cost to WDC & what Budget element was utilised.
Budgets as above
Do Rocket Lab have any current outstanding accounts payable to WDC related to this
roading access?
No
Please note if you are unhappy with the response to your request, you can complain to the
Ombudsman.
Under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the Ombudsman
can investigate:
decisions to withhold information or to delete information from documents released to
you;
delays or extensions to the time limits for responding to requests;
charges for supplying information;
the way in which information has been made available;
release of information subject to conditions; and
the response to a request for a statement of reasons for a decision affecting the
requester.
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If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact me directly on (06) 838-7309.
Yours sincerely,
Fergus Power
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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