Councillor comments

The Waihinga Centre.It is now over a year since the Town Hall “Feasibility Study” was presented, all the proceeding work is the result of the study which laid the basic foundation and assisted in providing a mandate to which our various teams have worked. We have a very able Comms team who are far more capable than I but I would just like to reinforce a couple of points about the new centre.

1. The core project cost of 5.2million and the additional playground and streetscape costings from the “Study” have been adhered to as a result of careful negotiating by our diligent construction team.

2. The focus of the project is the new Library, I Site and Plunket/toy library facilities it is these activities that create the vibrant hub that will enhance a strengthened refurbished Town Hall. All these components combined will create an efficient, sustainable and exciting centre we can all enjoy.

3. The project is bold but it is a sixty/eighty year one that is for future generations to utilise and appreciate. A facility for all ages, kids Library holiday programmes can be improved with space, libraries globally are expanding services in their endeavour to involve communities more. Programmes for baby boomers!! (Keeping up with technology in retirement)

4. We should not underestimate the benefits of an I Site (Information Centre) with 40,000 plus visitations a year a good indication that our district is a popular destination and the many benefits that accrue from tourism are blatantly obvious. The new facility will provide a wonderful meet and greet venue. Attracting visitors and adding to their experience.

To conclude Martinborough’s population increased by 10% since the 2006 census, our school is adding class rooms, having good public facilities assists economic growth allows people greater choice when considering a place to live. Great to have a good turnout at the public meeting on the 12 of February discuss and view the new plans.

Super City

I’m not going to dwell on this issue but would say that this has a far ranging influence on the local government and service delivery in future years. It is extremely important to at least make an effort to read volume 1 the summary document on the “Draft Proposed Reorganisation of the Wellington Regions Councils” and or the Volume 2 which has a lot more detail.

The information can be sourced from the SWD Council web site www.swdc.govt.nz or the Local Government Commission web site www.lgc.govt.nz or hard copies at our local Libraries.
The estimated cost of the draft proposed Super City is 184 million with annual savings of 30 million with a pay back of 8 years. There will be advantages and disadvantages, all gains will come at a cost.

The Local Government Commission is asking for written submissions on their draft proposal and I urge all who have a view please do so. Submission date closes 4 pm on 2nd March 2015. Email to submissions@lgc.govt.nz or post to Local Government Commission PO Box 5362 Wellington 6145