From the mayor

Congratulations on the Star being up and running again!

Another sign that things are getting back to normal, albeit a ‘new normal’.  It has been very busy, despite the lockdown, and I would like to thank your three Martinborough Councillors Maynard, Colenso and Jephson for their support. There has been a lot of work by many people in our community to ensure vulnerable people were being looked after, and information was getting out to everyone.

Deserving praise is Reid and Reid, which donated 20 litres of hand sanitiser when our medical centres were struggling – fantastic stuff that smelled of gin. Our thanks!

Now we are moving into the recovery phase, there will be a number of initiatives being implemented over the next few months.

Destination Wairarapa has launched a promotion centred on the ‘Great Wairarapa Escape’ – drawing domestic tourism back, and hopefully replacing some international tourism. South Wairarapa earned $73 million in tourism, $20 million in international, so we need to increase domestic by 40% over the next 12 months to make up for the shortfall.

On employment, South Wairarapa is one of four small councils chosen to trial an employment subsidy scheme. This is to assist local unemployed people finding work immediately, including by providing employer subsidies or employee training, for permanent, full-time, seasonal or part-time work. If you are newly unemployed, or looking to hire, contact me to discuss. If successful, this will continue on an annual contract with Ministry of Social Development.

Additionally, we are awaiting responses from the Government on whether they will provide funding for some of our shovel ready projects’, which will help us start some of our essential infrastructure projects. Even if we get just a few approved, this would be of massive benefit to us all.

So lots going on and definite signs of a healthy economy going forward.

Don’t forget, I am available every Thursday 8am to 9.30am at Council offices for you to drop in and chat.

Cheers,

Mayor Alex