Message from the Mayor

Published on September 01, 2023

Kia ora koutou,

It certainly seems to have been rather cold and wet over the last month, but it is great to see that spring is arriving and that daffodils and blossoms are adding some welcome colour to the district.

Recently Council was shown the results of our Voice of the Customer Survey. We had over 2,000 individual responses to this survey and the definite highlight was that there is over 70% of residents who think that Horowhenua is a great place to live. This was compared to a figure of 39% in 2022. Those of us that have lived here for a while already knew that of course, but it is fantastic to see that confirmed in this survey.

The survey also saw some really positive and significant increases in our Communications and Engagement results and showed that the efforts to be more transparent and open with our community are working well.

We are now into our new financial year and the focus for Council will be to deliver the 2024 Long Term Plan. Now is the time to start thinking about your vision for our district’s future. The Long Term Plan sets out what we are planning for, including our community outcomes, services, finances and infrastructure. Community involvement is a key part of shaping this Plan and the future of our district, and we will be communicating with you over the coming months about how you can get involved in the process. As a Council we are facing uncertainty through government reform and unprecedented growth all while needing to make sure we deliver for our community – which is why Council is putting focus on getting the basics right.

One of the highlights of the year is our Civic Honours Awards event and we are currently calling on the community to put forward nominations for these special awards. Our district cannot function effectively without the contribution of some amazing people, committed to helping others and building strong and connected communities. The Civic Honours Awards recognises exceptional individuals and volunteer groups who go above and beyond, but often fly under the radar and not get the recognition they deserve. The nominations are open until Friday 15 September.

Closing on the same day, are nominations for our Youth Excellence Scholarships. We have twelve $250 Youth Excellence Scholarships to award to outstanding young people achieving excellence in one of four categories – Community Service, Sport, Academia or Arts and Culture.

Another highlight of the year is the Electra Business Awards and the induction of luminaries into the Horowhenua Business Hall of Fame and it has been great to see that an honours board has been installed in the foyer of the Civic Building. It was wonderful to be part of its unveiling this week during the Electra Business and Innovation Awards entrants function. It’s fitting to house the honours board at the Council building which will allow for the public to view the board when they visit. I would like to acknowledge the many Horowhenua businesses who entered the awards this year and wish them all the best for the finals in October.

As part of the effort to be more open and transparent, Council joined Antenno, a mobile app which enables two-way engagement between councils and their communities. It’s free to download and use, and is an easy way to stay informed about council news, events and activities. One of my favourite features is the ability to report issues or concerns to Council. For example, if you see a damaged footpath that needs repair, instead of waiting till you get home to ring it in, you can do it right there and then using the app.

Finally, on Tuesday 29 August I had the privilege of co-hosting the Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington Pasifika Roadshow with Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban. The evening was held at Council for our Pasifika community and prospective students who want to know more about study opportunities and student support at Victoria University of Wellington. This is just another example of how Council and community can work together for the betterment of its residents.

Until next time.

Bernie Wanden