COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS

Being the newest member on the Martinborough Community Board, I was given the opportunity to write for this issue of our ‘Martinborough Star’ about the Board’s structure and activities from a ‘newbie’s’ perspective.

For those that don’t know me, I’m now a long-term resident of our town and still as much enamoured of it as when I discovered it in 1974. Martinborough is small enough to allow individuals to influence how it functions and for any one of them to be able to suggest exciting improvements. I have plenty of ideas on both aspects, but more importantly, am delighted when other locals, who I hope always consider I’m approachable, let me know theirs! These three factors were the deciding ones for me to ‘put my name forward’.

With some trepidation, I attended my very first Board meeting at the end of January and since then have enjoyed an all-day tour of some District ‘Amenities’. Lots to learn! It’s going to take some time for me to get up to speed with how germs of ideas and (of course) niggles when things aren’t working well, progress into positive results; but from my first impressions; the system works well for our town. Regular Board workshops are held: these are invaluable as an adjunct to meetings. They allow time for plans and improvements to existing ones to be nutted out before final decisions are made. I’m looking forward to the first one (for me) very shortly.

Information contained in the various Officers’ reports to the meeting indicated there has been considerable progress made on issues from 2016. A couple of highlights: the Waihinga Centre project is under way. I live quite close to our famous Town Hall and get to see daily progress on the rebuilding. Secondly the very good news that Martinborough has been included in the future upgrade to Broadband facilities. Some years ahead; but we’ll be keeping our foot in the door on that one; and angling for an earlier timeframe.

Finally, I’m honoured to be one of your Board members. It’s an impressive team and with the excellent associated Council staff, have the ability to do great things for Martinborough. I’m determined to do my best to be a part of that.

Maree Roy