A Word from the Mayor
Welcome back to the new year, I trust there has been some time to relax and appreciate what our district has to offer.
As a district we pride ourselves in connecting and caring for our community in times of need, our resilience and determination is currently being questioned with the effect of COVID-19, but with some thoughtful consideration and respect to the needs of others we can get through the weeks and months ahead.
It is devastating to accept the fact that our three Autumn A @ P shows in Amuri, Cheviot and Hawarden have had to make the tough decision to postpone for the year of 2022. I want to extend to show committees my thanks, this hard decision to protect community and public health is respected and appreciated.
Our young people are nearing the end of the holiday break and with that their enthusiasm to return to the classroom. May I remind all road users that on top of the usual reminders of road safety that we remain vigilant particularly around school buses. I would like to reach out to all learners and educators and wish them well for the year ahead. I am certain that the preparation to return to the classroom is welcomed by many with the certainty of familiar routines.
One of the biggest impacts is the recent change to implement Vaccine Passes to access service centres and libraries. I know this has not met with approval for some of our district residents but for others it has been suggested that it hasn’t come soon enough. It is important to appreciate this decision has not been made lightly, however with the uncertainty of the omicron variant the health and wellbeing of our community is paramount.
The 3 waters reform remains our focus and I urge a viewing of the Comunities4LocalDemocracy He hapori mo te Manapori website. This group is representative of 24 local authorities who want better services, with local responsiveness and accountability, public ownership and meaningful Mana Whenua engagement. C4LD believe there is an alternate option than the “one size fits all” proposal and that the delivery of better services while remaining affordable and locally responsive is achievable.
In the words of Nelson Mandella “It always seems impossible until it’s done” seems to be a fitting way to describe the journey we are taking, I look forward to the day when we can get back and enjoy our significant events and live in relative peace and harmony.
Kia Kaha and take care
Marie