Decision delay on O2NL frustrating
I had the pleasure last week of spending time at Age on the Go, an annual expo held at the Horowhenua Events Centre in Levin.
Council takes a lead role in arranging it. There was a well-prepared and diverse group of stallholders offering information and opportunities for people to experience ageing well in Horowhenua. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear local people's stories and positive feedback about the event from visitors to our district.
Council had a strong presence at the expo, with our rates rebate team, Youth Voice members and Council officers seeking feedback on the 2040 vision for Horowhenua. The entertainment provided by Aiga Samoa was delightful.
The 2040 vision strategy for Horowhenua is being developed with a theme of growing neighbourhoods and building stronger communities together.
The Levin town centre strategy is in development and we are also working on plans for how growth can be managed in the district. This includes plans for growth into Gladstone Green to the east of Levin.
This is all important work, but we are hampered by the delay in a decision on the O2NL expressway. Council approaches this challenge by planning for each potential route, or the current route if the project does not go ahead. However, if you are a potentially affected landowner, you do not have that option — you are in limbo. If your circumstances have changed and you want or need to sell your property, you will be frustrated by this disruptive and trying circumstance. Council is conscious of the stress this situation causes for potentially affected landowners. We expect news from NZTA at the end of October and we hope for a decision to provide certainty about the future of the O2NL project.
While there are always challenges to manage at Council, there is lots to celebrate in the district too. Council's website contains news about the work Council does and a calendar of upcoming events. It's a great way of finding out what's happening in the district.
The Balls, Bullets and Boots exhibition is on at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ until 11 November. It documents stories of rugby from the playing field to the battle field using impressive leading-edge technology, and features local players. The exhibition was developed by the NZ Rugby Museum and is supported by Horowhenua Historical Society and Horowhenua District Council.
Taste Trail Horowhenua is another event coming up on 24 November. It's a great day out celebrating the food we produce as a district.
Warm regards,
Jo Mason
The 2040 vision strategy for Horowhenua is being developed with a theme of growing neighbourhoods and building stronger communities together.