Councillor Comment

Greetings.

As you will know by now, at a special meeting on August 13, council asked the Minister of Local Government to appoint a Commissioner (possibly two) to undertake the governing of the Kaipara District. This was in response to the findings of the Council Review Team who have been meeting with key groups and stakeholders in the district over past weeks and analysing the problems faced.

The finalised Long Term Plan will be on the agenda for adoption at the August 29 Council meeting. This will probably be our last meeting as the Commissioner/s will take over policy and decision-making as soon as appointment/s are made to the role, and this is likely to be by mid September.

Council staff will continue to provide services and carry on with the day-to-day running of the district just as usual. If you want information, have comments or complaints then ring the Help Desk on 0800 727 059 or the Kaiwaka office.

This is the final column I will write for The Mangawhai Focus. I’d like to thank Rob Pooley very much for his friendship and consistent fairness and acumen in covering council happenings over the ups and downs of the last couple of years.

With other councillors, I have great admiration for the commitment of many individuals, and a huge range of organisations run by volunteers, which make living here rich, varied and satisfying. To the Mangawhai community, many thanks for your support in the past – I have appreciated it during my time as a councillor for the Otamatea ward.

Best wishes,

Julia Sutherland