... from the Desk of Terry Sheldrake 

As you read this article - council will have met for the last time in 2021. As all of us know living with the challenges of Covid 19 has meant significant change to how we live our lives. Council as with every other business has also had to adapt and be ready to respond.

Our open Agenda included the following:

Reports from the Chief Executive and Staff for Decision, Draft Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2021: Draft Resolution Register Public Bus Transport Contracts Extension

Town Beach Clean-up Request for OPEX

Confirmation of the Council and Committee Meeting Schedule for 2022

Reports of the Chief Executive and Staff for information included a CEO Activity Report September – November2021

Makorori Beach Management Plan Update

Tairawhiti Resource Management Plan – Removing minimum Car Parking provisions

At Councils 30th September meeting we had a delegation of Nga Hapu o Tokomaru present to us NHOTA sought

  • A return of Tokomaru Bay land historically taken for Harbour purposes, where title is still held by council
  • Following decision, a letter of intent to return to NHOTA for their use in Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (the Act) proceedings
  • Future joint management protocols for this land as part of a High Court decision on their claim under the act and
  • Partnership and relationship building outcomes with Council

While acknowledging the mana of Nga Hapu O Tokomaru Bay Akau, Council is unable to arbitrate within the common marine coastal area as that is a role for the Courts. As no one is able to own land now within the common marine coastal area, any adjacent council land must first be surveyed and assessed for alternative purpose and where this does now exist its legal successors defined as part of pursuing its return.

This is just one example of a delegation presenting to council as we work through the year.

Great to see the building development progressing down at the former Olympic Pool sight along with the Midway Surf lifesaving building. I can further report that our Waste Water Treatment facilities redevelopment work is also progressing well.

Once again due to the recent storm damage our beaches need yet another pre summer clean up. Council staff is very involved in assessing the significant damage that occurred at that time.

With regard to government and the three waters reform our council is very involved with government across a number of work streams happening nationally, in an attempt to try to bring about change to the proposed mandate and our council is an active part of those initiatives.   Quote Mayor Stoltz “our community has spoken loud and clear and I’ll continue to advocate in their best interests”

At this time I want to publically thank our Gisborne District Council staff for their work throughout this year in what has again been very trying conditions   

Have a safe and Merry Christmas we at council look forward to working with our community in 2022.