From the Mayor

Autumn has arrived, with the cooler temperatures coming as a wakeup call as we approach the winter months. A few years ago, this would have signalled the shoulder of the tourism season, and businesses would be winding down. Not so this year, with Martinborough seeming as busy as ever – long may it last.

We have had excellent attendance at public meetings, both for the proposed Long Term Plan, and Spatial Plan. The submissions closed on the last day of April, and we will consider all submissions during May.

The eco-reef trial along Cape Palliser Road look set for installation, and I’m excited to see how this will influence maintenance of the road to Ngawi. This road is one of 6 Special Purpose roads in NZ, which means the maintenance is funded by NZTA. There is a plan to remove this subsidy in a few years, something I will be fighting to avoid.

 The Innovating Streets project funded by NZTA is progressing well. SWDC have been working behind the scenes with contractor Boffa Miskell analysing community feedback and working on a final design for the temporary installation.

Moving forward with a temporary installation will allow us to engage the community in a more meaningful way by giving our community the opportunity to imagine new ways of using the area, how people can utilise public spaces, invoke greater engagement and to collect informed feedback. I am very interested in seeing this in place and how it works with the towns flow and character.

There will always be people against change, but an open mind on this trial is needed – the square is changing both in usage, volume and value to the community. It has been great this summer, seeing families and tourists picnicking and enjoying the shade, and this is something we need to encourage.

And finally, we will soon announce the date and criteria for the South Wairarapa Community Awards – start thinking about members of the community who deserve recognition for their achievements or work they undertake.