A Word from the Mayor
Last week in Otautahi Christchurch Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) hosted its annual conference with over 700 delegates from across New Zealand in attendance.
The theme was based around “SuperLocal” with the view to invest for the future. I was fortunate to be joined by fellow councillors Councillors Robbie Bruerton, Vanessa McPherson, Pauline White and Karen Armstrong, given the host proximity it was a fabulous opportunity to network with other councils across the country.
The two days offered a sensational line up of keynote speakers, panel discussions and a political debate from ACT, National, NZ First, Greens and Labour parties, an address from the Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, the minister responsible for LG Keiran McAnulty and the leader of the opposition Christopher Luxon.
Susan Freeman-Greene, CEO of LGNZ presented her vision for our future with the challenge to define the universal commitment to communities and outline what we do and how we do it and stated her belief that our strength is our difference and that localism is in action is when central government funds, and locals take the lead, all leaders sight illustrate Mayors Taskforce for Jobs as evidence for success. I was privileged to present from a Hurunui perspective our challenges and successes to the AGM on Friday morning.
Super Local has the citizen in focus and supports and creates the pride of place through trusted voices, faces and places. The collective vision is incumbent on us all to lead, protect and strengthen through a democratic and effective local government lens.
Sophie Howe from Wales is the worlds only future generations commissioner, her role was to provide advice to the government and public sector on delivering social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing for current and future generations. She spoke of the desire to prevent problems from occurring or getting worse, about collaboration and being able to recognise that we can achieve our long-term goals by working together and co-produce and encourage involvement with citizens to achieve much better results.
At conference I took the opportunity to talk with many mayors and councillors from across the country, there is a general feeling of frustration over challenge to maintain our roads – all districts are experiencing potholes, uneven travel surfaces, slips and road closures. We are mindful of the extensive damage to many of our road surfaces, and at a district level we are committed to work through these issues. I am mindful that we are venturing into a time of increased pressure from a farming perspective with lambing and calving and the road conditions may exacerbate your pressures, we are working through the maintenance of all the roads – this may take some time and may require some patience, and therefore I ask that you all keep an eye on your friends and neighbours. My door is always open and I welcome your thoughts.