FROM THE NEWS DESK

This week we have columns from regional council representatives giving readers an insight into the Waikato Regional Council’s goals and work in 2017. Chairman Alan Livingston is rightly suggesting the next six months will be a good time to lobby politicians as we head towards a general election. It will be a time when incumbent MPs will start talking about what they’ve achieved and those challenging for positions begin talking about how we could make New Zealand a better place to work and live. The pre-election period will certainly be a good time for the Waikato to lobby those in the capital about what the region needs to grow further into the future. Read more on page 6, Conversations. On page 13, in our Rural Delivery section, regional councillor for Waihou, Hugh Vercoe, speaks about the regional council’s annual plan tasks, and how it can do more for people without increasing rates. Healthy Rivers, motorways and housing will impact on the regional council’s work this year.

Lawrence Gullery