Following on from possibly the wettest February in memory, it’s great to see the town looking green and lush. Council contractors have had a hard time keeping up with mowing and weeding public spaces.
On these weather events, despite the deluge, our roads and stormwater held up well.
Visitation and business activity in the South Wairarapa have taken a hit with the Government’s Covid restrictions, and I hope we will see freeing up of these later this month. I have been discussing a plan with Destination Wairarapa to encourage visitation and shopping throughout our district to boost business turnover, once we see what any changes to the present system will be.
There have been various disruptions at libraries, where people have taken out their frustrations with Covid precautions on staff. This is unacceptable, as I’m sure the vast majority would agree, and encourage you all to express your appreciation to library staff on the fantastic work they do.
Consents for subdivision and building continue to come though at near record levels, despite a slowing in the property market. Rural subdivisions in particular appear to be the growth area.
It is disappointing to see the closure of Wharekaka, but having discussed it with the Trust Board, I can see the invidious position they were in, with nursing shortages, lack of funding from DHBs, and a change in the way aged care is approached by successive governments over the past few decades.
I am sure, however, that it will be re-established with a stronger business format in the near future.
That’s all from me, keep safe! Nga mihi
