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COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
12 FEBRUARY 1996
A meeting of the Community Services Committee
was held on Monday 12 February 1996 at 4.00 p.m.
PRESENT: Councillor Garry Moore (Chairperson),
The Mayor,
Councillors Carole Anderton, Graham Condon,
David Cox, Anna Crighton, Ishwar Ganda,
Pat Harrow, Lesley Keast and Gail Sheriff.
IN ATTENDANCE: Councillors David Close and Ron Wright.
APOLOGIES: Councillor Barbara Stewart and
Youth Council representatives. Councillor Graham Condon arrived at 4.50 p.m.
and was not present for clauses 3, 4, 11.1 and
part of clause 5. Councillors David Cox and Anna Crighton
retired at 5.55 p.m. and were not present for clause 2. The Mayor retired at 6.40 p.m. and was not
present for part of clause 2. Councillors Lesley Keast and Ron Wright retired
at 5.35 p.m. and were absent for clauses 2 and 7. The Committee reports that: PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
1. CTV - REGIONAL PROGRAMME CONTENT -
MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF HORIZON TELEVISION
Officer Responsible Author
Communications and Promotions Manager Kevin Roche, Committee
Secretary
Corporate Plan Output: Volume II page 7.5 text 12
The purpose of this report is to inform Councillors on the meeting held with representatives of Horizon Television regarding the regional programme content of CTV. 1. BACKGROUND Members will recall that at the 13 December council meeting Ms Sue Wells addressed the Council seeking support for the retention of locally produced programmes on Canterbury Television. The Council resolved: 1 Cont'd
1. That the Council express its support for the continuation of a high level of local content on CTV.
2. That Council representatives meet with the new owners of CTV prior to Christmas to express the council's opposition to any reduction in the local content of programmes screened on CTV.
3. That staff report to the February meeting of the Community Services Committee on the outcome of this meeting.
2. PRESENT SITUATION A meeting was held with Mr Trevor Egerton, CEO, and Ms Maureen Simton, Director Programmes, of Horizon Television on Wednesday 20 December 1995. It was attended by the Mayor and Councillors Garry Moore and Ron Wright. Mr Egerton gave an assurance at that meeting that an equal amount of local content to that presently shown would continue on CTV in the future. In addition he indicated that they would be "revisiting" the decision to discontinue the services of several well known CTV personalities. He indicated that he was keen to assure viewers that CTV would improve, rather than regress, under the new management structure. Recommendation: That the degree of local content on CTV continue to be monitored and further representations be made to Horizon Television should the assurances regarding the degree of local programme content not be realised.
2. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Officer Responsible Author Employment Services Manager Jan Francis Corporate Plan Output: Employment Services Volume II page 7.6 text 14The purpose of the report is to advise Councillors of the current services and future plans of the Employment Services Unit. 1. BACKGROUND The Christchurch City Council has over a long period responded to unemployment in a wide variety of ways. The Council has been aware that there are no magic single answers - there are only multiple ones, and has therefore worked across the whole spectrum of possible responses, from economic and social objectives, short-term palliatives and crisis management, to long-term horizons. 2 Cont'd Dating from the late 1970s the Council has been involved with Government Schemes aimed at job creation for unemployed people. The Council has acted as the Initiator, piloting new projects/ideas such as the Canterbury Development Corporation, Business Grow, Target 2,000, Project Employ, the Youth Employment Initiative, and the Adult Community Employment Programme. Many of these initiatives have been introduced in other parts of the country. The Council also plays a major role as Co-ordinator, of local forums and seminars and establishing regular networks with community agencies, business organisations, central Government agencies, Maori and Pacific Island groups. The Council is further involved as a Stimulator through activities such as events, promotion, marketing, support for small business, fostering city pride, the Of Course you Canterbury campaign. The Council has recognised that whatever the causes of unemployment the effects are felt locally and require local solutions. The Council has always attempted to increase the opportunities for people in the city by using, developing and changing Government Employment Schemes and by increasing the amount of Government money coming into the local economy. The Council has long recognised that it has a major role in the local economy in terms of regulatory functions, its annual turnover and as a major employer. All council activities have real or potential spin-off effects on the local economy. Many councils in New Zealand have specific policies aimed at promoting economic development and employment. A survey in 1990 covering 40 local authorities showed 56% were involved in such activities. 2. THE NEED Unemployment began to emerge as a significant problem in the late 1970s and has continued through to the present day although recent trends show a declining unemployment rate, particularly in the last 12 months, where a fall of 20% was recorded in Christchurch. There are still 13,257 people registered as unemployed in Christchurch (NZES 25.1.96) and three times as many people unemployed in New Zealand than in 1985 at the time of the then `crisis-level' Employment Promotions Conference. As at 25.1.96 registered unemployment in Christchurch was: 2 Cont'd Age Number
15-24 5,345
25-29 2,225
30-39 2,704
40-49 1,946
50+ 1,043
Total 13,257
In addition, as at February 1995* the number of beneficiaries receiving income support in Christchurch was: Domestic Purposes 8,381
Sickness and Invalids 8,748
Emergency Unemployment 3,000
Job and Training 12,346
---------
TOTAL 32,475
===== * NOTE: Current statistics will be tabled separately. Employment growth in Christchurch, as elsewhere in New Zealand, has been accompanied by a significant shift in the type of employment offered. The majority of recent employment growth has occurred in self-employment and part-time work. `Despite the general improvement in the level of unemployment in the city, particular groups are still heavily over represented on the unemployment register. For example, young people generally are over represented in the unemployment figures. People aged between 15-24 years represent about one quarter of the city's working age population but 38 percent of the registered unemployed. Maori aged 15-64 years represent about 5 percent of the City's working age population but 14 percent of those currently registered as unemployed. A similar picture is evident for Pacific Islanders who represent approximately 1.5 percent of the working age population but 13 percent of the registered unemployed'. Christchurch City Update `95 The numbers of people experiencing long-term unemployment also remains relatively high with 5,400 people registered as unemployed for 26 weeks or more (40% of the register). Figures show that if people remain unemployed for 26 weeks the chances of re-employment declines rapidly. Weeks 0-13 14-25 26-51 52-103 104+
Numbers 5,692 2,165 2,387 1,403 1,610
Total 13,257
There is obviously a need to prevent people from becoming long-term unemployed.
2 Cont'd The Council has a critical role to play in employment development in Christchurch and there is a need for a continued co-ordinated strategy which provides local solutions for local problems. 3. CURRENT SERVICES The Council currently pursues a strategy which recognises a role for the Council in business development and retention, training, co-ordination of services, provision of information, labour market research and assistance for long-term unemployed people. Employment Services
Over the past eight years Employment Services has attempted to increase the options and opportunities for all unemployed people in Christchurch with particular attention to those most disadvantaged in the labour market. (Note: A table detailing the structure of the Employment Services Unit is attached - buff paper.) Currently this includes: * Youth through the Youth Employment Service and the Jobskills wage subsidy scheme (2,583 placements into work over an 18 month period). * Those aged over 25 through the Adult Community Employment Initiative (ACE - 173 placements to date). * Work placement in Council Units under the Taskforce Green and Community Taskforce programmes (97 people in the last 12 months). * Training in computing, word processing, work experience through the Christchurch Training Centre for those registered 26 weeks or more and/or with low school qualifications and for community organisations. * Community Initiatives Support - resourcing community projects which cater for the long-term unemployed and seriously disadvantaged unemployed people (work with 16 groups in the past 12 months). In addition to this direct service provision Employment Services assists with the co-ordination of a number of networks in the city. 4. FUTURE PLANS Employment Services sees a need to continue to provide a wide ranging service to unemployed people in Christchurch, given the level of unemployment and the type of new employment creation. 2 Cont'd Youth Employment Service (YES)
The Government declined to extend the wage subsidy for the Jobskills (Youth) programme beyond March this year which has meant a reassessment of the activities of the Youth Employment Service. Overview
In its 18 months of operation the Youth Employment Service has been extremely successful in its provision of services to young unemployed people. Many aspects of the scheme such as post placement support and assistance for young people who have been unemployed for 13 weeks or more have been picked up by the Government under its Youth Action Programme. A strength has been the ability of the service to provide a range of activities for young people and in the prevention of long-term unemployment. Access to training programmes, recreational activities and vocational training has assisted with job placement. Support for employers has also been shown to improve the chances of successful job placement. Although the full wage subsidy under Jobskills has been an encouragement for employers, partial subsidies may now be useful for the continuation of the service. Approximately 50% of new vacancies placed with the Youth Employment Service over recent months have been from existing Youth Employment Service employers. New Zealand Employment Service (NZES)
CCC Joint Service Delivery Proposal
New Zealand Employment Service and other agencies (New Zealand Income Support Service, Youth Health Service, Careers Service, Community organisations) have recognised the benefits of providing a total Youth Employment Service for young people entering the labour market. To this end a project team comprising NZES and YES staff has been set up to investigate the possibility of a joint service, co-located and providing all services (including those currently run by NZES) for the 16-24 age group. These services would include partial wage subsidy programmes. This is an exciting proposal and would be a first for New Zealand where NZES services were delivered `off site' for a particular age group, in conjunction with the local authority. City Council Role
It is envisaged that the City Council component would comprise: 2 Cont'd * Working with those recently registered and new school leavers (in conjunction with NZISS). 0-13 weeks registration. * Being pro-active in the prevention of unemployment by working in schools and with transition teachers. (Children of beneficiaries are 3 times as likely to become beneficiaries themselves compared with children of non-beneficiaries). * Working with those aged 21-24 not catered for by NZES programmes. * Working with those who are unregistered but are clients of community organisations. * Providing programmes in conjunction with community groups. * Providing programmes for refugees and migrants. * Work with both employee and employer after placement into work. The project team expects to meet during February and to present recommendations at the beginning of March, to pilot the joint service from March. It is anticipated that such a service would then be on-going.
Adult Employment Initiative (A.C.E.)
This initiative has the aims of both assisting unemployed people over 25 into work and assisting organisations in the not-for-profit sector, with service provision. The take-up of the scheme has been extremely positive and although too early to judge the success, in terms of long-term job placement, the response is such that the continuation of this programme would be desirable. The joint responsibility of the programme by New Zealand Employment Service, Trust Bank Canterbury Community Trust and the Christchurch City Council has proven successful in terms of variety of projects, monitoring and sector penetration. The involvement of Maori, Pacific Island and employer representatives on the committee has added to the ability of the scheme to reach a wide market. To date 256 positions have been approved with 173 placements having been made. The difference between approval and placement represents the time taken to fill vacancies and is at an acceptable level compared with other job subsidy programmes. The target for the current year is 600, and with applications totalling approximately 100 per month it is expected that this target will be met although not all positions will have been filled by June 1996. However, as Trust Bank Community Trust provides 50% of the Top-up funding, all Council funding will be allocated by the end of the financial year and the remaining commitment recovered from Trust Bank Community Trust, throughout the 1996/97 year.
2 Cont'd The target for the 1996/97 year is at least 500 placements. The target is reduced to accommodate the group programme (see below) and is dependent upon continued support from Trust Bank Community Trust. It is also dependent on the success of the programme in putting people into permanent work at the end of the programme. Group Programme
A new programme targeted at long-term unemployed people who can be best facilitated into employment through group programmes is proposed for the 1996/97 year. This is a programme for at least 20 long term unemployed people, who, in conjunction with the Adult Community Employment Programme will work primarily in Council projects, fully subsidised for up to 52 weeks. A co-ordinator of the programme will be employed, with assistance from the Community Employment Group, to assist these people into sustainable employment at the end of their projects. This has been identified by the Council's Taskforce Green Co-ordinator as an area requiring attention and it is hoped close supervision and training will ensure a better outcome in this area. This scheme may also act as pilot for some more direct intervention for long-term unemployed people into central/local Government funded work schemes. Community Initiatives Support
Community organisations involved in employment generation suffer from a lack of secure funding and the volatility of Government employment policy and programmes. The City Council has played a vital role in assisting with funding for these groups. Council funding has been used in conjunction with the New Zealand Employment Service, the Community Employment Group, Trust Bank Community Trust and the Lotteries Board. In the last financial year the total amount of grant money to Christchurch through the Community organisations employment projects, assisted by Employment Services was $3,234,937. The Council contribution being 8.6% of this total ($275,654 - including youth projects). An independent report on the activities of all CCC funded groups was commissioned and showed excellent results from these projects with regard to the services provided for seriously disadvantaged unemployed people. Projects included: Wai-Ora Trust - Landscape project in conjunction with the Parks Unit, a Youth Skill programme, and a temporary employment scheme in an apple pack house.
2 Cont'd Needs Analysis work at Addington and Waltham Community cottages. Wahine Tu Kaha - A Maori Women's Enterprise Development project to assist Maori women in self-employment and employment. Mature Employment Service - A service for unemployed people over the age of 40, which includes one to one counselling, CV preparation, small business assistance. Kingdom Resources Trust - A Trust which provides individual assistance and courses to job seekers, primarily in the Spreydon area. Otautahi Women's Labour Pool - A Roadshow project which provides information and resources to schools to encourage girls to make a wider range of occupation choices. Moauli Prints - A Pacific Island print making project which enables Pacific Islanders to develop their talents and skills in screen printed textile designs. Young people in the project have gained entry to the Christchurch Polytechnic Diploma Arts and Design Course. It is intended to dedicate more staff resource to this area in the next financial year to enable new projects to be developed and to further assist existing groups. 5. THE COST Youth Employment Service
The joint service intended to be trialed between March-June would be undertaken within the existing Employment Services Budget. The total commitment under the Jobskills Scheme will be known by the end of March when placements under the scheme will cease. A report will be prepared for the Committee's April meeting detailing budget variations and recommendations. While the outcome of the combined service delivery proposal is unknown it is reasonable to expect that the Christchurch City Council would provide overheads and staffing, equivalent to that currently provided. It is envisaged that these staff would be working more in the area of prevention and community-based activities. It is anticipated that the service would be available to at least 5,000 young people. Specific targets will be developed by the joint service. This represents a cost of: 1995/96 1996/97
Staff and Overheads 444,279 497,553 55% of staff and overheads
(7.15 FTEs)
Projects 40,389 45,232
2 Cont'd NOTE: The increased costs are due to increased overhead charges and wage rises and do not represent additional staff or increased activity costs. Adult Community Employment
The placement of 500 people over 25 into work and 20 long-term unemployed people group projects is budgeted as follows: The costs are made up of: 1995/96 1996/97
Staff and overheads: 203,145 135,696
Direct Costs 497,720 409,585
Total 700,865 575,281 The decreased cost is due to the joint delivery service, undertaken since the preparation of the 1995/96 budget. The reduction in direct costs is due to the recovery of costs from New Zealand Employment Service for the wage subsidies of those people employed within Council Units. Community Initiatives
1995/96 1996/97
Direct Costs 150,000 150,000
Staff and Overheads 40,389 90,464 NOTE: The increased cost represents a dedicated staff member and increased corporate overheads. SUMMARY * Since 1987 the Christchurch City Council has steadily increased expenditure on employment programmes. * In 1995/96 the expenditure was $2,876,980 (66% of the Economic Development and Employment Budget). This included $1,375,600 for wage subsidies to employers under the Jobskills programme. * It is proposed to budget $1,666,154 for Employment Service in 1996/97 (54% of the Economic Development and Employment Budget). The wage subsidy to employers is removed from this budget. Recommendation: 1. That the Council approve the changes to the 95/96 programme outlined above including the piloting of the joint NZES/CCC service delivery proposal. 2 Cont'd 2. That the 96/97 budget be based on the proposals given above including: * A joint Youth Employment Service with NZES. * An Adult Community Employment Scheme involving the placement of 500 people over 25 into work and 20 long term unemployment people in group projects. * A continuation of resourcing Community Employment Projects at the levels given above. * A special focus on the long-term unemployed in association with community groups. 3. That a report be provided on the links between the Employment Services Unit and Community Development and Recreation sections of the Council. 4. That a report be provided on how the original recommendations of the employment Taskforce can be carried out in Christchurch.
PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
3. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT Mr Mark Prain, General Manager, Sustainable Cities, addressed the Committee on the Sustainable Cities Strategy for Youth Hui which is to be held in Christchurch on 11-12 March 1996. The hui is targeted at 16-17 year old youth to allow them to gather to hear and interact with a variety of key areas regarding the future of their city, ranging from social, educational, health and cultural through to future planning. A number of Christchurch City Council staff will be directly involved with the hui, which will be co-Chaired by the Children's Advocate, Lyn Campbell, and include Community Services and Environmental Planning staff. Principal funding for the event has come from Trust Bank Canterbury Community Trust which will ensure there is no direct costs to students attending and school principals have been asked to nominate two to three students to attend. 3 Cont'd Mr Prain sought additional financial assistance from the Council in the vicinity of $2,500 to $3,000 to cover the costs of guest speakers. The Committee resolved that the sum of $2,500 be granted from the Leisure and Community Services Unit youth initiatives budget towards the cost of the hui.
4. SISTER CITIES NEW ZEALAND CONVENTION RR 2139 The Committee considered a report from Julie Battersby, Communications and Promotions Unit, on the forthcoming annual New Zealand Sister Cities Convention which will be held in Whakatane over the weekend of 22-24 March 1996. Details of the programme were advised to Committee members. The conference will include a youth convention as part of the main event this year and encouragement is being given to Sister City Committees in Christchurch to enlist youth amongst their memberships. The Committee resolved: 1. That the information be received. 2. That Councillor David Buist, as regional representative for Sister Cities New Zealand, represent the Christchurch City Council at the 1996 Sister Cities New Zealand Conference.
5. CHRISTCHURCH YOUTH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT RR 2222 The Committee considered a report from Julie Macdonald, Community Adviser Youth, on the activities of the Christchurch Secondary Schools Youth Council for 1995. Main activities undertaken by the Christchurch Youth Council (CYC) during 1995 were summarised as follows: 1. Youth Card In 1995 the youth identification card was provided to over 13,000 high school students which generated revenue for other youth activities. 2. Publicity Publicity for the CYC was achieved by information displays in schools and a short news item on CTV. 3. Participation in City Council Activities Representatives from the CYC attended meetings of the Community Services Committee and the Burwood/Pegasus Youth Advisory Board. 5 Cont'd 4. Support for Youth Activities The CYC has begun to develop criteria for distribution of funds to be allocated by the Christchurch City Council and the CYC scholarship for tertiary study was awarded for the third year to assist two secondary school pupils with university study. 5. Youth Entertainment The CYC continued its support of youth entertainment events in Christchurch by events such as the Lipsync competition and also through 4YP. 6. Contribution to Wider Issues The CYC made submissions on a number of aspects affecting young people to organisations such as the Southern Regional Health Authority, Office of the Commissioner for Children, Mental Health Foundation, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Healthlink South. The Committee resolved: 1. That the information be received. 2. That members of the Community Services Committee and representatives of Community Boards meet informally with the incoming Youth Council to discuss their goals and aspirations, especially in relation to the Council's youth initiatives. 6. DRAFT STATEMENT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES RR 2267 The Committee considered the draft Statement of Strategic Objectives prepared by the Director of Policy, Jonathan Fletcher. The statement resulted from the Councillor seminar held on 6 December 1995. It was intended to reflect the Council's vision for the ideal Christchurch. It is proposed that the statement once approved by the Council be included in the draft 1996/97 Annual Plan for public submission. The Committee resolved that the draft Statement of Strategic Objectives be endorsed and referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for recommendation to the Council for inclusion in the 1996/97 draft Annual Plan subject to the following amendments: 1. Page 8, second paragraph should be amended to include "the many diverse traditions and cultures that make up the unique identity and heritage of Christchurch". 2. Page 9, third paragraph - delete the reference to "Green Belt". 3. The title of the document should be changed from "Statement of Strategic Objectives" to "Statement of Vision for the Future". 6 Cont'd 4. There should be an inclusion of a specific reference that Christchurch be a great place for children. 5. On page 8, Economic and Social Wellbeing section, the reference to per capita GDP should be deleted and reference be made to "high levels of employment". 6. Under the Economic and Social Wellbeing section an addition should be made "that residents experience a sense of fun living in the city".
7. REVIEW OF THE VOLUNTARY LIBRARIES RR 136 The Libraries Manager, Sue Sutherland, reported on the terms of reference for the project team to review voluntary library service delivery. A review of voluntary libraries has been included as a target in the 1995/96 Annual Plan. The purpose of the review is: * To document the services delivered from the various libraries and evaluate the current expenditure as it relates to these services. * To assess the needs of the user communities for voluntary library services. * To determine whether the current services are the best way to meet these needs. * To establish performance measures for the delivery of voluntary library services. The report provided details of the project team membership and methodology which will be used. The Committee resolved that the information be received and noted that staff would investigate the appointment of an additional person from outside the library service on the project team. 8. SISTER CITIES KOREA DAY RR 2293 The Committee considered a request from Mr Clyde Sugden, Chairman of the Songpa-Gu Sister City Committee that 1 March be marked annually as Korea Day and be included in the Council calendar of events with the Korean flag flown. The Committee resolved: 1. That the request from the Songpa-Gu Sister City Committee be agreed to on the basis that a Korean flag be supplied to the Council to be flown from an appropriate site. 2. A report be provided to a future meeting of the Committee addressing the issue of an appropriate recognition for other cultures in a similar manner. This could include consultation with the Ethnic Council. 9. ARANUI RANGATAHI TRUST RR 2218 The Youth Adviser, Julie Macdonald, reported on the request arising from the November meeting of the Community Services Committee that a report be prepared regarding the funding proposal put forward by representatives of the Aranui Youth Programme. The group had originally requested financial assistance from the Council towards the purchase of a building in Aranui together with salary and other associated costs. The report advised that since the original request the circumstances had changed with the group being granted charitable trust status and in addition receiving a grant of $82,500 from Trust Bank Community Trust for the purchase of a house on the condition that the Council confirm funding to cover establishment expenses and running costs. A revised funding application seeking $40,000 had been submitted. The Committee resolved: 1. That the Community Services Committee grant the Aranui Rangatahi Trust $20,000 from the LACSU Youth Activities budget. This is half the amount requested which included $10,000 projected net surplus (see Appendix One - blue paper). This funding is to be used for the stated purposes with the following provisos: (i) That the Trust actively works with other groups already in the area to promote common objectives, (ii) That the Trust develops the centre as a base for wider activities (beyond the basketball programme) as discussed in its funding application, (iii) That the Trust makes public the findings of the evaluation exercise and seeks to incorporate any recommendations from this into its programme, (iv) That the Trust continues to work with the City Council by keeping the Community Activities Officer (Burwood/Pegasus Board) and/or the Community Adviser - Youth fully informed of progress, (v) That the Trust is able to demonstrate it has met these conditions to the satisfaction of the Senior Community Adviser through the Community Activities Officer (Burwood/Pegasus Board) and/or the Community Adviser - Youth. 2. That any further Council funding be dependent on the group meeting satisfactory outcomes from its programmes. 3. That if, for any reason, the house in Hampshire Street is not purchased by the Aranui Rangatahi Trust this funding is withheld until a new proposal can be properly considered. 4. That staff report back in six months time on the financial position of the group and their performance. 10. PETITION - TRAFFIC SAFETY, CLYDE ROAD RR 2082
With the agreement of Committee members, the Committee resolved that this item be deferred to the March meeting of the Committee for consideration and discussion.11. ITEMS RECEIVED The Committee received the following reports: 11.1 Seattle Week Celebrations RR 2254 Julie Battersby, Communications and Promotions Unit, reported on the forthcoming "Seattle Week" celebrations organised by the Seattle Sister City Committee for the week commencing Thursday 22 February 1996. A number of official visitors from Seattle will be travelling to Christchurch for the week together with a group of 30 visitors including Seattle/ Christchurch Sister City Committee members and members of the Friendship Force. The week will include a number of cultural items and day trips around the Canterbury region, technology link-ups between Christchurch and Seattle, and concert in association with the University Orientation Week. A detailed programme for the week's activities was provided for the information of Committee members. 11.2 Ferrymead Historic Park RR 2197 John Chivers, Senior Planner, Environmental Policy and Planning, updated the Committee with progress on Ferrymead Historic Park following the Council resolutions of 13 December 1995. He advised that following the December meeting of the Council the Trust Board had confirmed in writing they would follow the restructuring proposal approved by the Council and the Trust had reduced its staff and terminated the contract with the Tramways Society to provide a 7-day scheduled tram service. As yet the Trust has not provided an operating budget to 30 June 1996 in terms of the Council resolution. Council officers are preparing an offer to put to the Trust Board for purchase of the land involved in respect of this were made early in February. At a meeting with Trust Board representatives chaired by Councillor Garry Moore the Trust proposed that a group of commercial eminent persons be formed to manage the financial affairs over the next 12 months and an invitation was sent to seven people inviting them to participate. The invitees were: Sir Allan Wright
Mr George Bellew, Chief Executive, Christchurch International Airport Ltd
Mr Martin Hadlee, KPMG Peat Marwick
Councillor Ian Howell
Mr Peter Townsend, Chief Executive, Canterbury Development Corporation
Mr Bob Stewart, South Island Group Manager, DB Breweries
Mr Graeme Marriott, Marriott & Associates
11 Cont'd With the exception of Mr Townsend, who is taking up a new position with the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, all have indicated their willingness to serve on an advisory panel to the Trust and an initial meeting has now been held. The responsibilities of the CEP will include the following: (a) Preparation of a short term business plan for the day-to-day operation of the Trust's business over the next few months (at least to 30 June 1996). (b) Negotiation of the land sale to the Council, with the objective of paying off the Trust's current, short term, and long term debt. The final purchase agreement would be approved and signed under seal by the Trust Board's Chairman and Secretary. (c) Preparation of a long term business plan for the Trust. This will include consultation with the Societies and consideration of their interests in formulating the plan. The meeting concluded at 6.45 p.m. CONSIDERED THIS 28TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1996
MAYOR