Message from the Mayor
Kia ora Horowhenua,
Firstly, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who joined in commemorating ANZAC Day at services across our district. It's always a moving experience to see young and old come together to honour the spirit of ANZAC Day and remember the sacrifices of the service men and women of generations past. Lest we forget - Hītara waha huka.
My sincere thanks to the Defence Force for supporting our services, along with Muaūpoko Tuturu Group, Waiopehu and Horowhenua Colleges' Head and Executive students, Horowhenua College Services Academy, the RSA, and Levin Brass Band. And speaking of community events, wasn't the Annual Big Dutch Day Out at Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park absolutely fantastic? It was great to be part of the opening of Dutch Week in Foxton again. This was the 14th year we celebrated Koningsdag, Kings Day in Foxton. It's events like these that highlight the vibrancy and diversity of our district. With so many visitors every year, it's clear that our community knows how to come together and celebrate in style, and in orange. A big shout out to De Molen Windmill, Foxton Trust, and Oranjehof, The Dutch Connection for pulling this fun-filled day together to celebrate our Dutch culture and community here in Horowhenua.
Now, let's talk about staying connected. Have you heard about "Catch up with Mayor Bernie"?
It's an opportunity for us to have a casual chat about anything and everything - whether it's Council related matters or just a friendly catch-up. Our next session is on Friday 31 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, with sessions in Foxton and Shannon the following weeks. I'd love to see you there.
Council is committed to supporting meaningful community development, and we understand the crucial role that positive community wellbeing can have in growing our people and Horowhenua. I encourage you to make use of the opportunity to give your feedback on the Community Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2027, read more on page 2. Government recently announced its plan to rescind the 2021 legislation which enabled councils to make their own decisions on whether to establish a Māori Ward. The 2021 legislation resulted in our Council establishing a Māori Ward, with two Māori Ward Councillors who have contributed to the decisionmaking process from a Te Ao Māori perspective. I have valued this input, which compliments the input of other Councillors, all working for the good of our district. Council is waiting on next steps from the Government which, should this legislation change proceed, will involve decisions needing to be made in August this year.
If you're someone who likes to stay up-to-date with the latest Council information, I highly recommend downloading the Antenno app. It's the fastest way to get all the updates you need, whether it's from the Council or any other important news. So go ahead, download it from Google Play or the Apple App Store. If you know someone who could benefit from it, be sure to spread the word.
Let’s stay connected, whether it's at our community events, our catch-up sessions or through the wonders of technology.
Ngā mihi,
Mayor Bernie Wanden