Tena kotou katoa
and hello to you all
It’s been another incredibly busy month dealing with
difficult issues, but on a more positive note, also getting out and about in
our wonderful district connecting with our people.
Council held 19 engagement events about our Annual Plan
across all parts of the district during April.
While these were all about rates, many constructive
discussions took place, and I really want to thank the people who came along to
talk with us.
Rate increases are never easy, but the simple fact is that
if we continue to provide the services we do in the same way, our proposed
13.75% rate increase for 2024/25 barely covers the cost of that.
Many will know that ours is similar situation to the rest
of the country, in fact our proposed rate is below the national average, it
doesn’t disguise the fact that it’s a bitter pill for our communities to
swallow.
So, thanks again for your involvement both in our
discussions that took place and through your submissions.
Anzac Day saw my usual mad dash around the district to be
present at as many services as possible.
I started the day at dawn in Huntly, shot through to
Pookeno for their 9am commemoration, then down to my civic service in
Ngaaruawaahia and then back up to Otaua for the unveiling of their honours
board.
The excellence attendance levels at all these events
confirmed the strength in our communities and significance of this special day
to our country.
A huge thank-you to all those involved in running Anzac
commemorations throughout our district – such an important contribution to such
an important day.
In terms of our Council projects, it was awesome to witness
the celebration of the latest piece of the upgrade to the Pookeno Tennis
Courts. The installation of hi-tech floodlights marks the completion of a
fantastic recreation facility for this growing community.
During this past month we’ve also seen the completion of
upgrades to the courts at Tuakau and Pukekawa, as well as the completion of
stage one of the walkway at Te Kauwhata Domain, to name a few.
This morning, I was back in Pookeno to mark the completion
of the latest stage of the Munro Sports Park development.
With more earthworks for sports fields and the car park
complete, next up is continued work on the masterplan for sports and play
facilities, like a skate park, playground and fitness trail for example, to be
built here is underway with the community.
And finally, I’m at Raglan tomorrow for the official
opening of the Whaaingaroa Wharf. This is one of our district’s most prized
assets, for locals and visitors alike.
Largely funded by the previous government’s Provincial
Growth Fund, the wharf, including the new pontoon and walkways, is looking
spectacular.
It’s been a hugely collaborative effort between us, the
local community and other agencies to get to his point and I congratulate
everyone involved.
If you haven’t been there for a while, get over there and
check it out.
Ngaa mihi nui
and warmest regards,
Mayor Jacqui
