Greetings to you all.

The past three months in my new role as Deputy Mayor have gone extremely fast.

Itos been a big learning curve, finding out how my role works, how I can support Tracey in her role as Mayor, learning how local government works, how I can implement my pre-election goals and attending many public and council events.

I feel very privileged and excited to be Tararuaos first Maori woman deputy Mayor, a member of Te Maruata as a Maori elected member and young elected member. I look forward to the learning, connection and opportunities that this offers the Tararua.

I appreciate everyoneos Aroha and support through this time and look forward to working with you and for you all in the future.

With the weather finally warming up, families and groups will be heading out to Tararuaos rivers and beaches.

The current national drowning toll since December 24, 2019 sits at 7. As a swim teacher I personally think 7 too many. In 2019 there were 78 recreational and non-recreational preventable drowning fatalities, very similar to 2018.

There are things you should look out for around rivers.

A swift current: Know how fast the water is flowing and if you get into trouble identify a safe area to get out.

Objects: Check to see if there are any rocks, logs or objects floating or under the water.

Watch out for rips around our beaches.

Rips: Identified by a smoother surface with much smaller waves, with waves breaking either side.

If you get caught in a rip stay calm, relax and float. The rip will not pull you under it will just take you for a ride. Fight the urge to swim back to shore against the current. This will use up the energy you will need to stay afloat.

Parents can help support their children by enrolling them in swimming lessons. Swimming lessons can reduce child drowning incidents by up to 88%. Our districtos swim schools offer swimming and water

safety lessons to all students of all ages.