As we head into the summer break, I want to wish everyone a safe and restorative holiday season. This is a time to slow down, enjoy time with whaanau and friends, and make the most of what our district has to offer.
Summer is a great time to rediscover the district. Our parks, lakes, pools, walkways and local spots are there to be enjoyed, whether that is a simple picnic, a swim, or a day exploring somewhere new. We have pulled together tools like the new Play Map and kids’ summer passport to make it easier for whaanau to plan time together and see the district through fresh eyes.
If you are heading out and about, please take care. Be patient on the roads, plan ahead, and take extra care around water. Looking out for one another helps ensure summer memories stay positive ones.
Looking back on the first two months of your new Council, we have been focused on real community voice, choice and control. All committees are now stood up, public forums have been introduced, and we are exploring ways to take meetings out into the district. Raglan has already hosted a meeting and a formal Bylaw Hearing, and while there are still connectivity challenges to work through, the direction is clear. Decision making should be visible, accessible, and accountable.
We are also continuing to look closely at how Council does its work. In some cases, that means making difficult calls to stop or reset projects that are not fit for purpose, even when those decisions come at a cost. It is important to be upfront about these moments, to learn from them, and to do better going forward.
This week, Craig Hobbs, Council’s Chief Executive, made the decision to halt a major business improvement project. The initiative would have required a multi‑million‑dollar investment over the coming years. In light of evolving government expectations, imminent legislative changes, and our ongoing drive to improve efficiency and reduce costs, this is exactly the kind of prudent decision I have been advocating for and I am pleased to see it implemented. There will be a cost of halting the project but in contrast to the millions required to proceed, so with affordability also firmly in mind I feel comfortable we are doing the right thing in reducing spending where we can.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with Council this year, whether by coming to a meeting, making a submission, or simply getting in touch. Your voice matters, and it shapes the choices we make.
I hope the coming weeks give you the chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy summer in our beautiful district. I look forward to continuing the work together in the new year.
Mayor Aksel
