Home » August 2022 » Currently Reading:

Chief Executive’s column

August 2, 2022 August 2022 No Comments

Climate change is definitely among us, as the recent downpours and flooding have proved. 

So it’s very relevant that Councillors have been attending workshops with our Climate Change Advisor Melanie Barthe, who has devised a two-pronged strategy around mitigation (reducing our greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (adapting to the effects of climate change). 

The Ruamāhanga Strategy and action plan gives the Council ways to reduce its own corporate emissions and to help the community to do so too. We as a Council are only too aware of the climate-related risks we are facing and we must adapt by identifying all our risks and how best to mitigate them. 

We are also not alone; we are working collaboratively with other Councils in the region and the Regional Council. You’ll find more information on Council’s climate change work on our Climate Change Wairarapa webpage.

Recently I went to the annual gathering of Local Government NZ. It was not the easiest of conferences. Dominating the picture was the Three Waters reforms, plus many other reforms that are waiting in the wings. 

Three Waters is contentious, to say the least. The idea that Councils should have their water assets merged to gain greater efficiencies is one that has divided communities. Even those who agree we face huge water costs in future if we don’t work together may have concerns about the way control over those assets may be diluted. While ownership will still stay in Council hands, our district will have one share in a much bigger entity, if the reforms go ahead as planned. 

Our own councillors have put forward a submission and that is on our website (on our Three Waters page). It is worth a look.

As always, the best course of action as individuals is to stay informed on all those issues and initiatives that matter to you, and exercise your vote when the local body elections come around in September-October. 

Being a Councillor or community board member is not an easy job. It requires a lot of reading, time, the ability to communicate, and the ability to listen. It is also very satisfying seeing the positive difference one’s input and decision-making has on our communities. 

Having elected members as part of local government is a very important part of the democratic process and for those who are thinking of picking up the baton, and to those who are thinking of putting it down, we thank you.

Lastly, let me put in an ad for Sports NZ’s Rural Travel Fund grants and our Council community and youth grants. Applications to the Rural Travel Fund, which we administer, closes on August 12 and I know it helps many sports teams get to games and tournaments. Our community and youth grants, which close on August 19, are likewise very well received. The grants page on our website will tell you more.

Harry Wilson Chief Executive  South Wairarapa District Council

Comment on this Article:

FEATURED BUSINESSES

Sports

Golf pro-am success _ without clubhouse

By Karen Stephens A record field of 172 players, including 43 professionals from New Zealand and Australia, battled light winds, warm temperatures and even light early-morning fog at Martinborough golf’s 2024 CER Electrical and Holmes Construction pro-am on February 1. At least that was the range of excuses for some …

Featherston wrestlers go offshore

Two members of Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club’s senior class have again been asked to join a New Zealand team overseas.  Wairangi Sargent and Angus Read will take part in the Journeymen Tournament and Training Camp over Easter in New York state.  Over the week they are there they will be …

Martinborough Golf Club has tumbled down

The demolition of the Martinborough Golf Club is complete. In the last days prior to Christmas a fully-insulated pole shed, much like a top end farm outbuilding, was erected to act as both office and temporary clubhouse. New septic tanks, internet connectivity, power, water, and Porticom loos were installed. On …

Regular Features

News from First Church

 Many folk imagine that going to church is a bit of an ordeal, a waste …

FROM THE MAYOR

By Martin Connelly In February the local Lions Club invited me for dinner and asked …

Driving Growth and Collaboration: Martinborough Business Assn Committee

The Martinborough Business Association Committee plays an important role in fostering economic growth and collaboration …

How Well Do We Know People in our Community?

Michael Bing talks to Lyle Griffiths Michael was raised in Auckland, attending St Peters College …

BOOK REVIEWS FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS

By Brenda Channer – Martinborough Bookshop “Whether Violent or Natural” by Natasha Calder This debut …

Community Garden News

By Debbie Yates This is definitely the month of thank you. Nga Mihi Nui! We …

EVENTS

Saturday 10 February: 10th annual Citizen Science Kākahi Count at Western Lake Shore Reserve, 18km …

Recent Comments