I can’t believe we are now in December; the last two months have flown by. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy your family festivities, have fun and be safe. I would like to thank past and present councillors, community board members and council staff for the work you have done for our community and district over the past year. I would also like to thank all the community organisations and groups who make South Wairarapa a wonderful place to live.
Recently we were all reminded that the unexpected can happen. Please make sure you have your family emergency plan organised and food and water for at least three days. You can contact a community board member if you need help with your plan; contact details for them are on the SWDC web site. Please remember to contact and check on neighbours especially those who are elderly or with disabilities.
Coastal areas also needed to consider the possible Tsunami threat. If you live at the coast or are visiting the coast please remember that if the earthquake is ’Long and Strong, Be Gone’. Move to higher ground until the Tsunami or the alert has passed. Use this advice As well as getting updates from telephone contact and media.
If a Tsunami is triggered close to the NZ coastline there may be only a matter of minutes before a wave hits the coast. It is advisable to have a ‘grab bag’ in case you need to evacuate. Suggested items could include: copies of important documents, family photos, water and food, essential medication, clothing for all weather, sturdy shoes and a first aid kit.
A reminder that if you want to obtain building consents, resource consents, alcohol licences (and especially special licences for events in December or January) please apply early as all councils have through the Building Act, the RMA, the Local Government Act and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act a close down period.
The following dates will apply for the close downs. Building consents 20 December- 10 January; Alcohol consents 20 December -15 January; LIM’s 24 December – 15 January.
The Council office will be closed from midday 23 December 2016 and reopen on Wednesday 4 January 2017. You can report any issues or hazards during this time in the South Wairarapa by calling our office number 06 306 9611 – your call will be automatically diverted to City Care who will man these phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week and respond and act as needed.
Best wishes for Christmas and 2017 Viv Napier
