Ramblings from a Councillor

Throughout life occasionally we need to be reminded of the obvious or that which is taken for granted.
Martinborough today has lots of good happenings; like a 10% population growth since the 2006 census, the school roll increasing, class rooms having to be built, a bulging Kindy, two Day-care Centres, houses are being built, new investment in vineyards and we are seeing an increase of visitors during winter months. Our barmy breezy summer days continue to attract visitors, enjoying our cafes and overflowing into the vineyards on hire bikes, casually strolling or relaxing on a vineyard tour bus, many staying over to sample the variety of accommodation on offer.

The attraction of Martinborough for visitors and new families only occurred over time and through the significant investment of individuals who had faith and vision to plant grapevines, build wineries, refurbish hotels and invest in retail and accommodation. Yes, these people invested in the private infrastructure that allowed a tired rural town to be rediscovered to the town it is today. All those people had foresight, courage and stamina to see their development through.

The Waihinga Centre is similar to the Medical Centre in some ways but different in that it will assist in providing recreational and social wellbeing an essential ingredient in a thriving community.
The development is a partnership between Council and the community, it has followed a structured and well organised process, many people have been involved in many ways and consultation has been thorough. Unfortunately with a project like this not everyone is going to agree, but that’s life.

The Waihinga Centre will only further enhance our town, provide a wonderful facility that all can enjoy and be proud of.

With the proposed Targeted Rate Council is providing a solution, will we have the courage to take up the challenge as our forefathers did in 1912?

Nothing comes easy everything has a cost and requires lots of hard work, an opportunity knocks let’s get behind the Council and “knock the bastard off”!
Cr Max Stevens