Mayors Memo

20 Sep, 2021

Kia ora

Current Covid Rules around Kaipara District Council
Kaipara District Council continues to meet online rather than with in-person meetings until the end of September, as the rules for gatherings of people remain restrictive. Elected Members and staff would all have to remain wearing masks while trying to make speeches, deliver presentations or debate issues, and neither of our meeting venues has any amplification or sound system. So, while we’re at Alert Level Two or higher, for now the Council will continue to meet on a Zoom-type format and broadcast meetings live and recorded on its Facebook page. The next Council meeting is Wednesday 29 September.

Road works and site constructions have begun again at Alert Level Two. Lockdown delays for labour and supply chains mean Council projects are inevitably affected. This is the thing with this Covid age – we all have to give up things, be prepared to shift expectations and adjust plans. Three key projects currently affected are:

1. Mangawhai Shared Path where the team is working hard to get works, particularly the Village sites at Molesworth/Moir/Insley St rapidly back to speed. The time lost during lockdown can’t be picked up, even with double-shifting of workers as is happening. Latest indications now are that the current Mangawhai Shared Path projects are unlikely to be completed before the Christmas rush. Watch for more information on this as we go.

2. Pahi Wharf site works with local contractors couldn’t start on time, due to the lockdown. Auckland’s Level 4 lockdown has slowed the construction of the pontoon which is being designed and made there. It may be possible the pontoon will be in place by the Pahi Regatta in late January 2022, but only with a good deal of luck.

3. Kaihu Valley Trail will be able to progress to resource consent once key hui a iwi have taken place at marae there with Council and cultural impact assessments completed. For now Covid Alert Level Two rules around size of gatherings keep us from meeting. This is an understandable delay for the project, and we are looking forward to getting the wheels rolling fast again soon.

As Council we’re all doing our best to keep things moving in these challenging times. From what I see and hear across the District you’re doing the same too, so thank you to everyone, especially our essential workers like farmers, food retailers and health providers who’ve been getting on with the job. And everyone getting on with their jabs, too!

Nga mihi nui

Mayor Jake
Dr Jason Smith, Mayor of Kaipara District