COUNCIL NEWS

From The Acting Mayor – April 2024

By Melissa Sadler-Futter

I’m thrilled to connect with you through The Star as your Acting Mayor this month, during

Martin’s leave of absence. 

If we haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet, “hi”, my name is Melissa, and I live in Featherston with my family. I’m here to address any questions or concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at melissa.sadlerfutter@swdc.govt.nz

Throughout the summer months, Martinborough has witnessed some good progress on several key

projects. Among these advancements, the enhancement of lighting at the square’s crossings stands

out as a positive step in the right direction. 

With temporary upgrades such as signage and solar lighting, this initiative aims not for perfection, but for tangible improvements in safety and visibility for pedestrians and drivers alike. These measures are in place for the interim until the permanent lighting solutions, which meet the required New Zealand safety standards, can be installed in the second half of this year. We believe this work and the adjacent work taking place to reinstate the internal lighting of the square will greatly improve the safety and usability of the area going forward.

The most significant progress in the area though is that of Hinekura Road. Work to reopen the

road started early in the New Year and has already been completed to a point that the road is open to

all traffic. As I write this piece, work continues to complete some finishing on the road. 

At the very first meeting of the triennium, the current Council was tasked with deciding on a matter concerning Hinekura Road, which had been closed for about six months. I am delighted to see it open today, to say the least! And if I feel this way, I can only imagine how relieved the Hinekura community are. 

The effect the road closure has had on the community has been profound and I look forward to celebrating this positive milestone with the Hinekura community in due course.

As an elected member one of the key elements of these two very different projects that I have

appreciated has been active, passionate, and driven community involvement. In both cases, via a

number of different ways, council have heard the opinions of those championing these projects and

the importance of them to the community.

Which brings me onto a topic of a district-wide nature. 

You may or may not be aware that South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) has decided to defer the adoption of the 2024-34 Long-term Plan (LTP), opting instead to create an Enhanced Annual Plan for 2024/25. 

This decision came after careful consideration following the Government’s announcement of the Water Services Acts Repeal Bill, which has introduced significant changes and complexities for councils across New Zealand. By deferring the LTP, SWDC aims to provide more clarity and assurance to its communities amid ongoing water reform discussions and other upcoming central government-led change.

The decision to defer the LTP allows SWDC to navigate the uncertainties surrounding water reform

and to better define the long-term priorities for its water network. 

Moreover, the deferral provides an opportunity to finalize the Featherston Masterplan, confirm NZTA roading funding, and refine asset management plans, thus ensuring a more informed and strategic approach to future planning leading into the 2025-2034 LTP.

Community consultation for the SWDC Enhanced 2024/25 Annual Plan is set to begin in April, giving our communities a chance to contribute to the determination of service levels and budgets for the upcoming year. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more details about how you can participate and provide feedback on the Enhanced Annual Plan for 2024/25. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to learn more, your dedicated Martinborough councillors and community board members will be available to assist. Your input matters, we have seen the difference your engagement can make and we look forward to hearing from you.