Message from the Mayor
Published on May 05, 2023
Kia ora
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us to commemorate ANZAC Day at one of the services across the district. Attendance numbers show that the tradition and significance of ANZAC Day continues to be held in high regard. It was heart-warming to see so many members of our community, both young and old, there to honour and remember the sacrifices of the men and women of generations past.
As part of our consultation on the Long Term Plan 2021-2041 Amendment (LTPA) and Annual Plan 2023-2024 (AP), Council looked at additional ways of engaging with our community. We have been conscious of the need to engage other than through the traditional submission process. We initiated a number of new ways of connecting with the community such as Facebook Lives, a Citizen’s Panel, Cuppa with a Councillor and Let’s Korero Horowhenua, and arranged a bus tour of some of our infrastructure facilities. Feedback on the community engagement events has been positive, and I hope these engagement initiatives have helped the community with making the submission process easier to navigate.
The LTPA and AP consultation closed on 1 May. We have had some robust conversations with our community on the rates review where we are looking at a fairer distribution of rates, the future of the Levin Landfill and the need to bring forward our water infrastructure programme. Thanks to everyone who engaged with us. We received 414 submissions and I would like to acknowledge those who took the time to submit their views on the direction of the district. The next step will be the hearing of submissions scheduled for next week and the deliberations at the end of the month, prior to the adoption of the final LTPA and AP, and the setting of the rates in late June.
The 10th Annual Big Dutch Day Out at Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park was again a huge success. This event is a highlight on the Horowhenua event calendar, attracting a wide range of visitors. It was great to host the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and other special guests. Attendees were able to participate in a clog art competition, try out Dutch food and visit the Rozengeur - Smells like Roses scented art exhibition.
May will be another busy month on the events calendar. We are marking the Coronation of King Charles III, on Saturday 6 May. Join us for a tree planting and community volunteer recognition event at Thompson House Park at 11am. This is an opportunity to recognise the coronation of King Charles III, and to acknowledge some of our community organisations who continue to serve our community.
New Zealand Sign Language Week commences on Monday 8 May and in preparation I visited Tararua Educare, where clever pre-schoolers shared their sign language learning with me. This year’s theme is ‘Together we can make New Zealand Sign Language thrive.’ I look forward to sharing some of my learnings with you on social media.
Till next time, stay well.
Bernie Wanden