Regional Report

Greater Wellington Regional Council is a large organisation by anyone’s standards. With an annual budget of over $233 million dollars it delivers its services throughout the Wellington Region including Kapiti and Wairarapa.

It has a variety of functions which include environmental policy and monitoring, pest control, biodiversity, harbour management, catchment management and regional parks. Arguably though, the two most important Regional Council roles, with regards to the economy of the Wairarapa, are water quality and public transport. Decisions made concerning both these matters can have far reaching effects on Wairarapa’s productivity not to mention convenience and efficiency for individuals.

The recent earthquake(s) highlighted the absolute importance of the region’s public transport system for commuters and tourists alike. The train link is vital for Wairarapa and it was gratifying to see the effort that all staff went to, in getting the trains and buses running again as soon as it was safe to do so.

Another little known service run by Greater Wellington Regional Council is the Contact Centre. This call centre based in Wellington takes just under twenty thousand calls per month from throughout the region. The majority are public transport enquiries but the balance could range from noxious weeds to safe swimming spots.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has had a somewhat chequered career in Wairarapa. Depending on who you speak to, it is either loved, hated or the person has no idea what it does. With the Rimutaka Range dividing us from Head Office in Wellington and only one Wairarapa representative at the Council table, it is easy to feel somewhat estranged from the mother ship.

It’s fair to say that the new Council understands this and wants to work at rebuilding the Wairarapa relationship. A new portfolio has been created named ‘Wairarapa Issues’ in recognition of the importance of this large tract of land to the Wellington Region.

There’s no doubt that there will be challenges as we work to meld town and country viewpoints. There is however a willingness from GWRC to make the relationship work and I look forward to reporting on the progress through this column.
Adrienne Staples