From the CEO

Hello everyone. 

I hope you’re warm, dry and well after Cyclones Gabrielle and Hale. We extend our deepest sympathies to those in our district who have experienced damage and isolation, and of course, to those who have suffered extensive damage or loss of loved ones in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne districts. It has been shocking and puts us all on notice about the need to adaptation.

The need to be prepared for climate change and to improve our existing infrastructure is something that preoccupies us at Council. 

In Featherston, a lot of work is being done on urban planning, flood hazard mapping and wastewater treatment. 

In Martinborough roading is a continual focus, both in the town with street lighting and the continual maintenance of vulnerable roads like Cape Palliser, White Rock and Tora. 

In Greytown, a flash flood recently reminded us of the age of some of our infrastructure which of course would be very costly to fix if we tackled it all at one time. The creation of a climate change committee in this triennium and the water leaks campaign we are running are indications that we mean to give adaptation our full attention.

Can I also say a huge thank you to the roading, communications, front desk and other staff who swung into action when Hale and Gabrielle hit. These two events saw us stand up a special Incident Management Team which linked in with neighbouring Councils, Civil Defence and other agencies to ensure we took a Wairarapa-wide response to these events. The learnings will be invaluable.

Finally, it’s great to see the Martinborough Fair return to its normal schedule this year and we trust that local businesses and producers will be rewarded with good turnouts. 

Good luck! 

CEO Harry Wilson