From the Mayor

Following a fantastic summer, with bouts of rain to keep things greener than normal, it is unfortunate to find ourselves in a ‘red traffic light’ situation. 

I suppose it had to happen, and we will have to learn to live with this virus in some form or another. I encourage you to visit the Covid-19 website to read about where to get vaccinated for your whole family, aged 5 years+, where to get tested, how to self-isolate safely, and locations of interest, to name a few.

I have had a lot of complaints about businesses not complying with the rules around face masks and Vaccine Pass checking. Breaches will be reported to WorkSafe and the police, so it is in the community’s interests to follow whatever rules are in place.

Following a bequest, members of the community working with artist Sam Ludden to commission a fantastic artwork for the Waihinga Centre, and we look forward to this in the coming months.

Berm mowing is improving around the town as residents get used to the new status quo. If you know of residents struggling to mow their berms, please contact the Council to see if we can assist finding someone to help.

The camping along the coast this summer has been well used, and it’s great to see there are places left in the country where the public can enjoy our coast affordably. There have been a few issues with behaviour and rubbish, but these are minor in comparison with the numbers I have seen over the summer.

This will be a big year for the Council, with much central Government activity and imposition of change that affect ratepayers and residents. A new DHB structure, 3Waters, RMA reform, and so on, mean there will be much on the table for us to consider and respond to. Among other things, the Council is reviewing the Long Term Plan as part of its annual planning process and is focused on the rating system review for later this year. Such fun!

Keep well Mayor Alex