Councillor Comment

Well, this is the first time I have been able to attend a Council meeting, and report on this the same day.

The meeting started with Cr Pip Maynard paying tribute to 2 stalwart members of our community who had recently passed away.  We remembered Lani McGregor and Alan Styles, both of whom had contributed greatly to the Marae and the Community.

We then had 4 presenters make oral submissions to Council – Lee Carter, Daphne Geisler, Warren Woodgyer and John Errington.  All made mention of the increase in our rates and the impact this was having, especially on those with fixed incomes.

Along with the presenters, we had approx. 50 people who came to listen and support those who were making presentations.  We thank you all for your thoughts, suggestions and generally caring for our community.

Innovating Streets: As you will see the road in front of the Square, opposite the end of Kitchener Street, has started to be painted and over the next couple of weeks, weather permitting, the painting will be completed and the planter barrels, raised platforms and seats, will be installed.

Once the installation has been completed there will be a period of approximately 8-12 weeks where everyone will have a chance to comment on the design, location, and what aspects you like or dislike about it.  The temporary installation will be there for up to 12 weeks, plenty of time for everyone to have their say and complete either an on-line survey or a paper survey. If the evidence and community feedback, combined, overwhelmingly point to one way, it will either be retained, modified, or removed. 

If you have a mobility issue, or cannot get out and about, then I am more than happy to drop a copy of the survey into you.  Please let me know or ring the Council and let them know.  Remember, the voting papers won’t be available until after the installation is complete. Do try it out before completing the survey.

Alcohol Bylaw: The proposed Alcohol Bylaw 2021 was presented to Council and has been revised and updated to reflect a more modern and relevant bylaw.  This was approved by Council and will go out for public consultation on Monday 2^nd August and submissions close on Thursday 2^nd September.  

There are two major changes within the document, one is to remove the liquor ban currently in place on Fitzherbert Street, Featherston and the other is to put a liquor ban on the Square and surrounding streets in Martinborough from midday to 9pm on the day of Toast Martinborough. Both of these now reflect the current situation in Featherston and Martinborough.  

I encourage you to read the Bylaw and submit your comments to either support/suggest change/ or just make a comment. You can do this online at www.swdc.govt.nz/alcoholbylaw, download a submission form from the website, or pick up a paper version from the library or Council offices.

Enjoy the month of August, it is a beautiful time of year with spring bulbs coming out in flower and the suggestion of warmer weather to come. 

Pam Colenso.  0274414892 or 06 3069503