Ramblings from Council

On amalgamation:
How does one describe the action or perhaps the inaction of the Local Government Commission (LGC) who almost a year ago was going to announce their preferred option for the Wellington Region’s Councils? The continual delay of the announcement is unsettling for council staff and especially in employing senior management from outside the area, who have no desire to take a position that may be redundant in a year or two.

The latest information from the LGC is an announcement will be made prior Christmas. It is acknowledged that the LGC is very busy but there appears little respect for the position of rural councils. If the option is a repeat of the Northland and Hawkes Bay then a referendum may well create a position where status quo transpires.

However be prepared for changes in rates if amalgamation does occur. The final determination of rates will only be known once the funding policy is set by the new Council. With an enlarged new council capital values are most likely to be used. The rates per capital value in the South Wairarapa District (SWD) are generally lower than those of other councils in the region who have higher rates per capital value. This will mean if rates are standardised across the region as they have been in Auckland and differentials are not used, property rates in the SWD may increase substantially. There has been a number of rating models done across the region; the TDB report commissioned by Hutt City indicates a net out flow of rates from the SWD if the above scenario comes to play.
Whatever the outcome there is bound to be a cost to the ratepayer!

On The Annual Report:
Congratulations to management and staff for the smoothest transition in preparing the Annual report and sticking to budgets during the year, a great result and a big tick from the Audit Office. Whatever our residents may think of Council, there are plenty of good works being done behind the scenes.

On The Long Term Plan:
Every three years Council beds down the next 3years budget and plans ten years ahead for infrastructural expenditure which can often extend out twenty to thirty years when planning major projects. Council will look at holding a series of sector and public meetings to discuss issues then put the Draft Plan out for submissions. It is important that you relay your views and concerns to Council whether it is rubbish, tidy towns, footpaths or better road metalling, by either attending meetings or putting your views to paper, all submissions are welcome.
Many thanks Cnr Max Stevens

Councillor comment
Where has the year gone – again! By the time this is printed we will know what the BIG announcement is regarding the future of our region – Unitary Council, part of the Wellington Super City or something else! A hot topic of debate just on Christmas.

I have personally found the year to be one of accomplishments by Council committees with members working hard to progress action. The Wairarapa Library Service is a superb facility we take for granted with an excellent selection of books and an easy system to reserve something special – online or in the library. They are gearing up for the school holidays with a summer reading programme.

The swimming pools are all set to go – the Big Slide in the Martinborough pool available with funding from the Community Board. There is a FREE School Holiday Programme being held for all South Wairarapa children in Featherston for children aged 11-17 years with siblings. Starting on Monday 12 January 2015 – Friday 23 January 9-3 pm. Enrolment closes on Thursday 8 January and forms available at all the Libraries/Facebook. Transport arranged.
The Graffiti Working Party has been a conduit between Council, Youth, Police, Community Services Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrol and CityCare. Last count graffiti was decreasing and we are encouraging workshops on Street Art and Youth groups – Martinborough and Featherston started up new groups this year.

The Roading programme is progressing well – there is a steady tidy up of repairs on country roads happening. You can always phone/email me or Council with any issues.

The GWRC Draft Natural Resources Plan is something farmers should follow up for cause and effect to their businesses. Some of the proposals will be extremely costly to implement and you may not perceive any benefits to your operation. For Council this will have consequences regarding more regulating of all discharges, control of damming and diversion of water, gravel extraction and freshwater allocation etc. More info available at www.gw.govt.nz/regional-plan-review
SWDC has achieved an excellent pass mark for our annual Audit and the new GV’s are out for property owners to peruse. Enjoy the Christmas Season and have a safe and Happy New Year.
Cr Julie Riddell