There has been a lot of talk about the Long Term Plan (LTP), and rightly so. It is important, it shapes the future of our district, and it really matters. But amidst all the koorero and conversation, I want to acknowledge something very special – the privilege it has been to hear directly from more than 70 submitters who came in person or online to speak to their submissions in chambers this week.
These hearings are a powerful reminder of why we do this work. We hear your passion, your care for community, and the thoughtful ideas you bring forward. While Councillors are reflecting on what they have heard in the last two days, we also are drawn back to every conversation – formal and informal – over the last 18 months about what matters most for our future in our district.
But while we have been talking and listening, rest assured we have still been hard at work getting things done. Every single day, our teams are out in the community delivering the services you rely on. We’re issuing books to kids, families and whaanau from our six libraries, maintaining more than 20 cemeteries, emptying hundreds of public rubbish bins, caring for parks and playgrounds, and keeping our roads and water treatment plants running smoothly and a whole lot more.
It is this work, serving our communities that is at the heart of council – walking the talk, not just during consultation, but every day of the year.
Now comes the next step. Council will deliberate carefully, weighing your feedback with expert advice to make the best decisions we can for our people. These will not always be easy decisions – but good leadership is not about taking the easy road. It is about doing the right thing, and that is what our communities deserve.
Ngaa mihi and kind regards
Mayor Jacqui
