Wait to see what new Govt will do
Coalition agreement will have an impact on council
The formation of the new coalition agreement and new government arrangements will have a significant impact on work at council. In terms of policies, the coalition Government has agreed to progress the National Party’s policies set out in National’s Fiscal Plan, Tax Plan, 100 day plan and 100 point economic plan, except for the specific exemptions agreed by the parties.
This means Affordable Water and Resource Management legislation may be repealed in the first 100 days. We will be working through what this means for council and particularly our long-term plan in the coming days and weeks.
In the meantime, work on the longterm plan continues, and we’ll be having another open briefing this week as we work towards a consultation document to be released early next year.
This will set out a work programme which delivers infrastructure and services for the community in tight economic times. We are committed to tightening our work programmes and keeping rates rises to a minimum, while carrying out essential work and ensuring we prepare for the growth which is coming to our district.
On another note, it was great to attend the opening of the refurbished Raumati South Memorial Hall on Sunday. The hall is an important asset for the community, a place to connect. It’s also important for community resilience, as it will be a gathering point for people in the case of emergencies.
The opening was a time to reflect on the history of the hall and its place in Raumati South. Former councillor and Ō taki Community Board member Jackie Elliott spoke of the importance of the hall through the decades, and told stories of the way the hall has been used over the years. Jackie’s family had donated land for the hall, and she holds a wealth of knowledge of the history of the area.
Bede Laracy, chair of the Raumati Community Board, spoke about the need for a community conversation to make sure the hall is used to maximum benefit and in a way which suits the local community. Thanks to community board member Tarn Sheerin and chairwoman of the Raumati South Residents Association, Clare Hynd, for their effort in organising this event.
Later in the afternoon it was a pleasure to drop in and take part in an art workshop funded through the community board and Creative Communities. Organised by Michelle Scullion and delivered by renowned artist Tony McNeight, the workshop covered a variety of skills and subjects.
It’s great to be able to fund these projects which provide people with the opportunity to learn skills and connect with each other. I’d like to acknowledge councillor Martin Halliday for his support for the workshop and the Raumati South event.