Message from the Chief Executive
Ni hao (kia ora/hello), I would like to acknowledge New Zealand Chinese Language week and the contribution the Chinese community have made and continue to make to our district.
It’s five months since I started my new journey as Council's Chief Executive, motivated to make a dierence and serve the Horowhenua community. I believe that organisational culture determines any organisation's success. For me it starts and ends with leadership and leadership is all about our people. Therefore, I've taken the time to understand Council's challenges and opportunities and along with the Executive Leadership Team and wider sta, we are committed to focusing on people, partnerships and priorities. It's a long road ahead and I remain enthusiastic about the journey we're embarking on – a journey focused on enabling what matters to you, our community. A future where Council, Iwi, local businesses and our community work together to find innovative ways to improve service delivery to serve the Horowhenua community.
I'm pleased to have gotten the recent evaluation report on the Future of the Levin Landfill Business Case to Council. Whilst the decision has been deferred to the new Council, it has provided direction and the next steps in this challenging and complex matter.
In the short term I'll prepare a briefing paper for the incoming Council, outlining the options associated with the decisions, including risk and cost analysis and any other considerations on whether it should be included in the 2021-2041 Long Term Plan Amendment or the 2024-2044 Long Term Plan. In the long run Council needs to invest and put its weight into developing and driving a broader Waste Minimisation Strategy in partnership with Iwi, hapĭ and the community. That will ensure we'll make the right decisions not only on the Future of the Levin Landfill but all future service delivery and operations associated with waste services provided by Council.
A priority for us at the moment is the 2022 Local Government Elections. If you're an enrolled voter, you would have received your voter packs in your letterbox. Let us know if you didn't receive it.
If you are not enrolled, it's not too late – you can still request to cast a special vote. We've tried to make it easy for you to vote, you can even vote while doing your shopping. Make sure to return your ballot papers to us before 12 noon on Saturday 8 October 2022. More info on the ballot boxes and special votes on page 4.
The past couple of years have been challenging, and it's easy to feel disconnected from the people and places important to us. This week is Mental
Health Awareness Week, and I hope you're doing something this week that will give you joy. It doesn't have to be significant as long as it fills your cup. Whether you're reaching out to someone you have lost contact with, visiting your happy place, reading a book, or doing a coee catch up. Reconnect with the people and places that lift your spirit and give you joy.
As the longest reigning monarch, we acknowledge Queen Elizabeth's remarkable service and devotion. She had a strong sense of duty and dedicated her whole life to the service of her people. Our thoughts are with King Charles III and the Royal Family. Condolence books are available at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pď, Shannon Library and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom for people who want to pay their respects by writing a message.
On a final note, I would like to acknowledge the out-going Council and Foxton Community Board for their work over the past three years. Being an Elected Member is both challenging and rewarding, and requires a lot of time and commitment. On behalf of our community, thank you for your dedication which has helped shape and influence our district today, and into the future.
Xia ci jian (Mà te wà - see you next time)