We have just finished our last Council meeting for the year and my feelings are complex. On one hand, I feel relieved, we survived it, we're still here, and despite all the challenges we've collectively made the best decisions we can to support, grow and care for our region through some of the most difficult circumstances of this generation.

Since we've been confronted with the realities of climate change, we've forgotten, we also survived unprecedented times through the global pandemic, Covid 19. I think we're all hoping for sun, summer and a decent break here in Te Tairawhiti.

Then on the other hand I feel a deep and pressing need to keep at it. Recovery is a long, complicated and evolving process. Since the Cyclone I'd seen recovery as a return to 'life as we know it', but there's no going back. Instead, we're looking forward.

Being an elected member for Te Tairawhiti is an honour and a responsibility I take seriously. When I am called to chambers and look at the table of councillors I know I am in good company. The members you elected are ferocious, they are all deeply passionate about our region, they are logical, practical and come with a wealth of lived experience. The conversations we have are diverse, they are robust and they are grounded by our collective desire to do right by our region and our people.

Making decisions and being a leader often means being unpopular for the greater good. Nobody knows that better than the staff at the Gisborne District Council. But here's some insider observations from a new councillor;

- they are the best at what they do.
- Staff are dedicated to Te Tairawhiti, their reach is far, wide and deep
- They believe deeply in providing the best care, information and service to our people.
- They are us. The people that work at the council are our own, born, bred, and raising families right here in Te Tairawhiti.

I know I'm preaching to the converted here but hear me out, the pressures on our council and our region are compounded by a few factors, we have a huge region, a small population, and one unitary authority with limited resources to do it all. But this council, under this leadership, is ready, able and capable of rising to the challenge. There is no 'one' organisation who has all the answers, we must all play our part to realise the big and beautiful aspirations we have for ourselves. Nobody is coming to hand it to us, we must build it for ourselves, one step at a time.

I'm happy to leave 2023 in the past, bring all the lessons into 2024, and dig deeper than I ever have, because that's what is required.

Sunrise 1 jan

Merry Christmas to you. Be safe these holidays, make good choices and enjoy the sun while we have it.

Ma te wa,
Rawinia Parata - GDC Councillor