Disconnect with council ‘needs fixing’
There is a disconnect between the Riverton community and the Southland District Council and it needs fixing, the area’s new community board chairperson says.
Michael Weusten, a first-time Oraka Aparima board member who has an engineering background, was chosen as the chairperson by his fellow board members at its inaugural meeting of the new term on November 10.
‘‘There’s a feeling there’s been a disconnect between the local community and the [Southland District] council,’’ Weusten said.
It was ‘‘no one’s fault’’, but the community wanted stronger engagement with the council.
‘‘I am going to deliver on that ... the community have said they want their voice heard more, I am their advocate and that’s my focus.’’
The Oraka Aparima Community Board represents Riverton, Colac Bay, Fairfax, Gropers Bush, Gummies Bush, Hazletts, Longwood, Otaitai Bush, Pourakino Valley, Round Hill, Ruahine, Taramoa, Thornbury, Tihaka, Waianiwa, Waimatuku, Waipango, Wakapatu and Wrights Bush.
The Fiordland Community Board’s new chair is Diane Holmes, who said the big issues facing Te Anau were the scarcity of workers and no rental properties to put them in.
Holmes, who owns the RD Petroleum service station and workshop with husband Bill, said several restaurants and hospitality businesses had not reopened due to a lack of staff to hire.
The board would be discussing the issues with the council, ‘‘to see if there’s anything they can influence’’.
The Stewart Island Rakiura Community Board members have chosen Aaron Conner as board chair for the next three years.