There is as always a continuous raft of various topics and issues for council staff and councilors alike to manage understand and address.

As reported at the recent local government conference hosted in Blenheim, central government Minister Mahuta made a major announcement regarding the three waters reform.  This is just one example of a significant issue that our council as local government will be having to deal with. This is complex and involves the three waters, drinking, and waste and storm water.  

The expectation of central governments demands at a local government level are major I will be very interested to see once we finish our own local consultation/deliberations  just what our formal response will be re this central government lead three waters reform. For this to be successful government are looking for every local authority in New Zealand to participate further looking to commencing with a proposed newly created four water service delivery model operating by 2024.

I do understand councils community critics re frustrations across issues such as sewage discharge into our rivers however the result generally is due to old and very difficult to fix underground infrastructure. Result affordability (money) what we can/cannot afford hence the process of community consultation and completing our Long Term Plan. Constraints, time frames and budgets along with establishing our rate intake, nothing is simple.

The balance of investment into infrastructure and future proofing for major once in a life time events is also crucial when you consider the recent devastation of flooding in the Buller region. Our investment into the raising of the Waipaoa stop banks is important future security for our horticulture sector and residents living across the Poverty Bay flats.

Other discussions currently on the table include what our council’s representation could/will look like with the introduction of guaranteed Maori seats. What do we consider to be the actual appropriate number of councillors, rural representation, city representation, boundaries, and the potential of introducing community boards are all considerations currently on the table. Understanding that we do have a large geographical region for which we need to provide the best representation possible?

As someone with a sporting background I cannot let today go without wishing our latest two local Olympic athletes Taylor Reid and Alicia Hoskin all the best at the Tokyo Olympic Games. In fact as you read this Taylor has already raced (NZ am this morning) in the individual men’s Triathlon. He competes again this Saturday morning in the team’s event, on behalf of Mayor Stoltz and all councillors’ good luck to them both.

On an aquatic note our new Pool complex is making great progress and I’m sure there will be regular updates on progress very soon. It is also good news to see the current main pool back open again after yet another fix.  It is clearly time for the replacement complex.

Should you wish to discuss anything council related with anyone of us being your elected councillors, please visit our GDC website www.gdc.govt.nz for contact details.