It is quite incredible that two months of 2017 have passed already. Councillors reconvened in late January and since that time have had plenty to deal with.
Town Plan
You will be aware a group is working on a master plan for Mangawhai. Belinda Vernon (group chair) presented to Council at our February meeting. They are still on track to release their "draft for discussion" document by mid-year.
Councillors had a strategy session at my house in late January. Out of the session we agreed that we should consider a similar project for Dargaville. The issues will be quite different compared to Mangawhai but the need is as strong. In mid-February Councillors and staff met with the Dargaville Business Forum, Dargaville Community Development Board, Kauri Coast Promotions and Iwi to talk about the general idea, which I am pleased to say had unanimous support. The meeting concluded with parties going away to have a think about how such an initiative for Dargaville could be structured. Obviously like the Mangawhai Plan a high level of input from the wider Dargaville community will be necessary.
Citizens Awards
KDC had a practice of recognising those that have made a significant contribution to Kaipara. These awards ceased when Commissioners were appointed. I continue to be humbled by the huge amount of voluntary work many of you do to make our communities what they are. Before having this role I did not understand the extent of that involvement. So with that in mind we have decided to re-instigate the Citizens Awards. We will be calling for nominations shortly. A Council subcommittee of four, one from each electing Ward (initially Anna Curnow, Andrew Wade and Peter Wethey) and myself will make the selection. Membership of the selection committee will rotate annually, amongst ward Councillors.
Museums
Kaipara is very fortunate to have three outstanding Museums in Dargaville, Matakohe and Mangawhai. I attended a function at the Lighthouse to unveil a revamped Kaipara (Dargaville) museum. I suspect many of our citizens have not had a look through these treasures that we have. Set a weekend aside and have a look through all three. Financially they all need your support and I think you will be surprised at the quality of what’s inside and also the innovative way that our history is portrayed – well worth doing.
Roading
I continue to get calls about the state of some of our roads. This year has been a challenging one for us with spring work being delayed due to a late wet period in late September/October
followed by the dry! Roading is by far the largest expense item we have and in fact is the majority of what we spend. We have about 1500 kilometres of road paid for by only 14,000 ratepayers. We also have a level of debt that we have to lower so reducing debt without having an impact on roading is close to impossible and a huge challenge for us, but it is Kaipara's reality.
One lane bridges
Great to see that project is about to commence finally. Removing the bridges plus the roading alignment that will accompany that will be a great benefit to the western side of our region.
Annual Plan (budget)
Councillors have begun looking at next financial year’s budget and work Plan. That document will come forward for your feedback in early April. Your input is sought before we adopt the final version in June. So please, take some time to have a look and comment back to us on where your rates are being spent.
