From the Mayor

Winter has hit with a vengeance, and has caused all sorts of problems – mainly in roading. We coped remarkably well – I had 17 media calls about looming flooding disasters, and they seemed disappointed there were no stories to report on. 

Cape Palliser Road was closed due to a culvert washout, and we are looking to enlarge the pipe size for future events. Hinekura Road is closed due to the slow slip, something we are working to resolve with urgency. We are expecting further storm damage as fronts sweep the country.

Council by now will have passed the Long Term Plan on 30 June, a lengthy and demanding process for staff and Councillors alike, as we attempt to ensure the robustness of the district services against rates increases. We have confirmed a rating review to ensure fairness for all ratepayers as to distribution of costs, but feel we have presented a fair and sensible plan.

The NZTA run Innovating Streets trial will begin shortly – your Mayor and Councillors have not been formally involved in this project, and I’m keen to see how the trial works out.

Council meetings are available for review at any time on our website (we now record video for transparency) and I do encourage you to attend if there is anything on the agenda that is of interest. There is a lot at play with Central Government reforms progressing, and I do invite you to drop in to my Thursday morning sessions, or email me if you have questions on how they may affect you.

Kia kaha Mayor Alex