March and April have literally got away on me with meetings. The Annual Plan is out for consultation and your feedback and submissions are needed to gauge what is most important to ratepayers and residents.
I was invited on a very worthwhile visit to the Lower Valley and Ngawi organised by the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) whose motto is “A resilient community, ready and capable”. We met at the ANZAC Hall which made a very favourable impression on the Wellington and Kapiti visitors. It was noted that at least 50% of the busload had not been to South Wairarapa or the Lower Valley and this is significant as it is these people who operate Emergency Management Centres and River Watch Alarms.
This was an orientation tour of the area impressing upon them the geography, remoteness, hazards and risks in this area should the Civil Defence Emergency Management Team need to step up. The Lake Opening, River diversion, Barrage Gates, Stopbanks, Floodways, Drainage Outlets and Protection of the Land and remote coastal villages were a revelation.
Cr Colin Olds and Mike Gray Greytown CD Team Leader were also on the trip and we appreciated how hard Paul Walker and Craig Hamilton Wairarapa Area Co-ordinators are working toward making their colleagues aware of the uniqueness and vulnerability of this area.
The lunch stop at Ngawi made me appreciate all the hard work the local community are putting into beautifying the area – new plantings, recycling depot, water tank for campers and reserves and roadsides mown. Just shows what taking a pride in your community can do – thanks.
Neighbourhood Support has come to Featherston and Robyn Ramsden is the Coordinator doing a fantastic job – she has more people wanting to join up than time to organise. These people are also “ears and eyes on the ground” in a Civil Defence event alongside the Community Patrol and Civil Defence Team.
We are about to launch NS in Martinborough and residents are invited to an informal meeting at CIRCUS on Sunday 18 May at 3pm to hear what NS can do for your town and rural community. Please come along and bring a neighbour – this programme has back up support including Police who will be at the meeting.
Graffiti – there is a bit happening in Martinborough – please call Council 24×7 and report it in – 06 3069611 – and if on private property you can collect a free Graffiti Cleaning Kit from the Council Office.
Julie Riddell
