Looking to our future in district
As we navigate the general election period, this week was a reminder of the amount of work happening at all levels across the district, the region and the country to enhance well-being in our communities.
The week started with a large gathering of mayors and other elected members from across the country to talk about the Future for Local Government Review, and start forming a collective view on a vision for the future.
Communication, participation, partnership with iwi, funding and potential re-organisation were all discussed. What was clear is that we have a group of leaders who are open to working together to create a system of local government which works for our communities. I was impressed by the abililty of all mayors to think bigger than their particular areas, and focus on what’s good for building well-being across the country.
With rates climbing every year, the current funding model isn’t sustainable into the future, but we can’t fix the funding model without looking at the form and function of the way we deliver services for our communities.
Outside Auckland, there hasn’t been a major system change since the 1980s, and the world has changed in the interim. Some of our organisations, such as the Local Government Commission, have been largely unchanged since the 1950s.
It was great to see that the sector is working together effectively to create change and think to the future.
Central government will not lead this change, it needs to come from us — councils and communities.
The next day was a day of regional discussions. The Wellington Leadership Group approved a draft Future Development Strategy, which outlines how growth could occur across the region. This will now go out for consultation with communities across the region (including the Wairarapa). As all of the region is facing significant growth, this strategy helps define how that will be delivered along transport corridors and in appropriate spaces as well as the types of development.
On the same day, we discussed emergency management and transport.
Also last week, the risk and assurance committee considered the draft Annual Report, which will come to the council in October. It’s always a good time to take stock of the enormous amount of work which the council does alongside the community as we start work on the Long-term Plan.
Another important discussion was with the reference group which helped create the recently adopted Age Friendly Approach. A meeting of stakeholders and organisations will be held to bring together ideas, projects and initiatives.