Councillor notes

By the time this goes to print, the new Waihinga Centre will have been opened three months and it is great to see so many people using the Library, Toy Library, Plunket, I-Site and Knucklebone Cafe.   Just recently, I had the pleasure of having afternoon tea in the cafe and sitting there looking out at the Cruize Martinborough vehicles – people using the Square and also people using the centre itself. It was great to see and be part of the vibrancy of the Centre and town.

Even though we have had a small amount of very welcome rain, a reminder  that there are watering restrictions in place .  Remember, if your street number is an even number (16) or an odd number (21) then it is only on the odd or even day of the week that you can use hand-held hoses to water gardens.  If we adhere to this, then there will be plenty of water for everyone.

It is usual to get warmer weather as schools settle into term one of the new year . A gentle reminder that children will be walking and  biking to and from school, so please respect the 40km road signs while driving past our schools.  The speed restrictions are there for driver protection as much as for protecting parents, children and teachers each day.  Be alert and stay safe.

Nominations are open to all residents of SWDC to put names forward for our Civic Awards.  There are five categories:

Young Achiever

Services to the Environment

Sport

Arts and Culture

Community Service

Nominations can be made on the prescribed form on the SWDC webite  www.swdc.govt.nz  Nominations close on Friday, 8th March and

presentation of the awards will be made by Her Worship the Mayor, Viv Napier, on Monday, 25th March. Please get the completed nomination forms in as soon as possible.

It was lovely to see the article in the Times Age profiling rural women – especially to see Lisa Portas of Palliser Ridge and the work she has done to assist the farm to diversify and strengthen its brand.  Lisa and Kurt have the Woolshed Store, Palliser Ridge Farm Tours and farm accommodation, Kaikoura Lookout.  Well done Lisa – it is great to hear what you and Kurt have achieved in such a short space of time.

Last but not least, thank you to businesses for your patience and understanding while the town’s water issues were resolved.  It has been a long three weeks and one I am sure no-one wishes to repeat.  Thank you to Council staff, contractors and consultants who worked very hard to resolve these issues.  At the Council meeting on the 20th February, it was decided to go ahead with the manganese extraction plant.  This has moved from the LTP 20/21 time frame to 19/20.  Once the plant is up and running, it will give Council the option to treat the water supply should the need arise.

Pam Colenso pam.colenso@swdc.govt.nz 0274414892