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Mayors Memo

 

Dr Jason Smith, 2019-241Kia ora. 

Bright things going on all around us in Kaipara as we reach mid-winter solstice and Matariki. 


It’s been a season when we’ve gone to the dogs, reviewed our arrangements for dog control and also reviewed the dog bylaws and dog management policies. The decision to bring control of wandering dogs and stock back in-house has been made, and the new dog bylaw is also due for adoption by council this week. So, you could say the stars are aligned on the dogs right now.

For Council it’s a time when we are lining up for the new year beginning 1 July. After many months of alignment, preparation and adjustment, the Annual Plan 2019/20 has been shaped from Year Two of the Long Term Plan adopted last June. We have found $1million of cost-savings which means we’ve held the line on the predicted 5.26% average rates increase, keeping to what was forecast more than a year ago despite many changes around us, focusing on efficiency and letting nothing go to waste.

Talking of waste, the proposed 1010ha Auckland Council landfill on the Wellsford side of Dome Valley has been in the news in recent weeks. As far as I can see the scale of it could affect everyone between the two oceans and two harbours of Kaipara District. On SH1 and Wayby Valley Road which many Mangawhai residents use as a short-cut off the main highway, extra congestion from more than 350 trucks per day in each direction could create travel challenges for all Kaipara people. The possible risk of the landfill poisoning the Kaipara Harbour is unacceptable and local Maori have placed an aukati rahui on the site, highlighting their concerns. Environmental, social, cultural and economic well-beings of Kaipara people may be challenged here. You may want to follow this story which still has a long way to go.

By contrast, only a short way to go until the next local body elections, coming up in October. Information meetings for prospective candidates are happening soon. From where I stand I reckon the skills required for someone to be a great elected member for Kaipara District Council are to be a good reader, energetic listener, fresh thinker and clear decision-maker. If you know someone like that or you’ve got those skills plus a passion for Kaipara, then do consider standing for council. Together we can all have thriving communities working together with more bright things around the council table. From the stars to the people, here’s to this season filled with new beginnings and bright things!
Nga mihi nui mo te wa o Matariki,

Mayor Dr. Jason Smith

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