From the Mayor

Wiremu Dawson and his moko, from Hau Ariki Marae, alongside May and Peter Croft, during the blessing of and welcome to the new foodbank premises.

Review of rates under way

The first comment I make is intended to be helpful for people who are concerned about rates. The Council is undertaking a process called a “Rating Review” which looks at the principals and policies that determine how rates get set in the district. 

If you would like to be consulted, please let me have your name and contact details and I will make sure you are put on the list of those to be contacted.

There will be a public notice when the consultation is occurring, but sometimes notices in newspapers and other such places get missed.

Last month the Council received some positive feedback from the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), regarding the Martinborough wastewater plant. As many of us are aware, this plant had been served with an abatement notice.

The Council has put a proposal to GWRC for the following future work on the plant. This work covers:

1. Desludging

2. Monitoring wastewater flow and quality, prior to future upgrades, and

3. Investigating UV treatment.

GWRC has accepted the Council’s proposals and has cancelled the original abatement notice and replaced it with three ‘To Do’ abatement notices aligned with the three projects listed above. 

As each project is completed the relevant abatement notice will be lifted. While this is not where we finally wish to be regarding the wastewater plant, we are starting to make progress.

One of my earliest columns in the Star highlighted the good work being done by the foodbank. The foodbank goes from strength to strength. Towards the end of August, I accepted an invitation to go to a blessing of their new premises on Princess Street. This new building offers many benefits including more space, more parking, and much greater flexibility for the foodbank.

Another development that has happened is that the Martinborough foodbank has begun a partnership with the Greytown food bank. This new alliance, formed to assist people across the district, has the delightful name of “The Social Crust.”

Foodbanks cost money. While the government allocates some funding, the majority comes from people and firms across the district. Locals helping locals. 

In her welcoming address and blessing May Croft, foodbank coordinator, thanked the many people and firms that help. Later, Peter Croft laid out some future plans which involve opening a shop and a food manufacturing plant. By doing that, Peter explained, the food bank can generate some of its own income and be a little less dependent on the government.

On behalf of our district, I thank May and Peter and every other person who gives up time, energy and love to support the foodbank. Despite what has been a reasonably positive economy in the Wairarapa, the need for foodbank services continues to grow.