Another grape harvest has been completed, and by all accounts for most it has been a season to forget, due to the constant rainfall we have experienced. With ANZAC Day commemorations around the district occurring today the weather played ball thankfully. Our dawn parade in The Square was well attended and it was great to hear Martinborough School pupils reading the names of local servicemen who lost their lives overseas, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.
I’d also like to remember Mike Beckett who has passed recently. Mike has been a stalwart behind the Martinborough Star for many years. I first met Mike in 2001 when I came to Martinborough as the new sole charge Police Constable. Over the years I had many discussions with him regarding Policing and more recently covering Community Board/Council issues. Mike was always keen to get a story and share information across our whole community and I have appreciated his work. He leaves big shoes to fill, but I am sure those who have taken over from Mike will ensure that his legacy with the Martinborough Star will continue.
Over the last few months, both Councillors and Council officers have been busy working on the 2023/2024 Annual Plan which is the document which sets the rates for the coming year. Both rates and taxes are two things in life which we unfortunately can’t avoid and the discussions that have occurred have been very robust.
By the time you read this edition of the Star, you will have received the Annual Plan Consultation document and hopefully digested it. If you have any questions after reading the document, please contact an elected member and if we don’t know the answer, we well endeavour to find it and come back to you.
There will be a one month consultation period closing on the 27th May and I really encourage everyone to have their say and send their submission in for Councillors to consider. If you live within Martinborough or are a rural resident, please take the time to let Councillors know what you think of the proposals in the document, or what you think that Council should be spending your rates on.
We want to hear from you, hear what your thoughts are on the rates and where they should be spent so please get your submissions into Council.
Finally, I am hoping for the June edition of the Star, we will have an update for you all on the pedestrian crossing lighting around The Square and on Jellicoe Street.
All the best for May and I am hoping that we have seen the end of the rain which has been relentless for the last 6 months. Again, if you wish to contact me and discuss any issues, please email me on aidan.ellims@swdc.govt.nz
