Allan’s vision for Councillor role

My objectives for the time I have in Council this term are to work with the residents and ratepayers to achieve the type of community they want.

The two main centres, Waihī Beach and Katikati, have Community or Town Plans formed by working with groups and individuals from their community and public consultation. Now it is up to the Councillors and Community Boards to bring these plans into reality.

I would like to think we are looking at the shape of our towns as they are now and do even better in the future.

At the same time, we have smaller communities with wishes and plans of their own, and they also need help to realise their goals.

It is important that the profile of these small settlements and the ward as a whole get recognition by councils and agencies and that they can develop the facilities they want.

My home area of Athenree, Waihī Beach, has many a gem to share with the world, and it is time it was recognised as a place to go in the Bay. We have a great beach, eating places, shops, bush and coastal walks, fishing, surfing, and history.

As there is little more than a year left in this term, I will need to get out there and meet the people.

Waihī Beach has stormwater issues, which is likely to worsen if we can’t get some expensive, fundamental drainage projects underway.

Rates are also a reality, and I will do all I can to maintain a balance of service levels and facilities with reasonable rate increases. We all want to see this, and councillors are always trying to live in the now and look to the future.

The hope for a Katikati by-pass is still there in my mind, and we must never stop keeping it in front of all those who hold the purse strings and make the roading decisions.

Like many regional districts, Western Bay is growing rapidly, and while Ōmokoroa is in the limelight, we see fast growth from Maketū to Waihī Beach.

These things are opportunities and challenges for our Council, and I am excited to be part of it.

If I have a wish, it is that people talk to me and let’s see if we can make it happen.