Firstly I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope you had a festive season.
The wet 2022, carried into a wet start for 2023 with Cyclone Hale impacting many parts of the country. Thankfully the South Wairarapa eastern hill country didn’t receive the heavy rainfall that hill country areas east of Masterton or further afield north of Gisborne received.
However, our rural residents where still impacted again with flooding, roads slumping and slips closing roads. While Council staff, roading contractors and sub contractors all worked to open up access to our rural residents, access on the Tora Road was opened by locals earlier and ahead of contractors arriving. This has occurred on many occasions in the past where locals have helped locals and shows how resilient and capable our rural and isolated residents are.
Inspite of efforts of staff, contractors and locals, how roading network is still fragile. Council is planning for emergency works and applying for funding from Waka Kotahi so that we can keep our rural roads open and accessible to families, businesses and tourists.
During the Cyclone Hale event, Council staff initiated an emergency planning process to oversee and respond to any issues that occurred during the Cyclone. Council has never before managed events in this way, so while we didn’t experience the issues that other areas of the country faced, the lessons learnt by Council will benefit our communities in the future.
At the December Council meeting discussions occurred regarding the lighting of the pedestrian crossings in The Square. A number of residents have supplied feedback to Community Board members and Councillors, while some have researched ideas and options to make the crossings in The Square safer. These matters are going to be discussed at Committee and Council meetings during February so progress is occurring.
With the majority of the induction programmes for newly elected members completed, work is now starting on the upcoming Annual Plan process which will determine what the priorities are for the 2023/24 year. There will be many topical issues such as drinking water, waste and storm water, roads, both urban and rural, water tables and culverts for rural residents and many many more issues.
If you have ideas about what should be prioritised in the Annual Plan, contact a Councillor and have a discussion about that. The more information we have from our communities, enables us to take your ideas or concerns and table them with fellow Councillors and staff.
Finally, I’d like to let you all know that the new Martinborough Community Board members are starting their drop in sessions again at the Waihinga Centre on Saturday mornings. This gives you an opportunity to speak to your elected members to share information and raise any concerns. The first event occurred on Saturday, 21st January and was very popular.
If you wish to contact me and discuss any issues, please email me on aidan.ellims@swdc.govt.nz
