Things are busy as usual here at the Council. We have many projects on the go, with staff making progress on some impactful work for our community.
The major focus for us has been kicking off work for the 2024-34 Long-term Plan (LTP), which outlines to the community the future direction of the Council.
We’re required to review our LTP every three years, giving us the opportunity to re-evaluate where we’re headed. Council and elected members have started workshopping, initially working through an environmental scan to help set the scene. Community engagement will take place later this year before formal consultation early next year.
As part of developing the LTP, we’re required to review Council’s significant Financial Policies, and part of this will includes a full Ratings Review. The ratings review does not impact the amount of rates revenue Council earns, rather it is about the share of that revenue across different cost categories.
Ultimately, it’s a chance for elected members and the community to understand how rates are organised. Look out for public consultation on the proposed changes to some of the financial policies behind the LTP, including the Revenue and Financing policy, due out mid-September as part of the consultation process.
Some legislation we’re keeping a close eye on as we come into the election period and LTP was the passing of the final Affordable Water Reform legislation through Parliament, with Royal Assent given on 22 August.
This sets out the duties, functions, and powers of the 10 entities that will manage water infrastructure across New Zealand. While this came as no surprise to us, there are still unknowns surrounding the transition to these new entities, including uncertainty about its future pending the outcome of the upcoming election.
So, at this stage we carry on with business as usual and move forward with projects that are underway, such as the Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.
On the social front, I hear I missed a fun-filled evening at the Waihinga Centre recently where the local Presbyterian Church held a fashion show to raise funds. We have a great community, and their generosity comes to the front at such times. Good work, all!
Well, it certainly feels like winter is slowly making its exit. I’m enjoying the lighter mornings and evenings and looking forward to the return of summer.
