As part of its Representation Review, South Wairarapa’s District councillors have proposed scrapping the three community boards that make up part of the governance structure servicing this community.
This “disestablishment” proposal is out for community “consultation” and “feedback” until September 8.
Some councillors believe chopping the three boards will reduce costs and even strengthen local democracy, though at least one admitted the Martinborough Community Board helps do some of the work he can’t get done.
So as readers consider whether to address SWDC’s consultation request, The Star has set down some of the achievements of the current MCB over its first two years.
1. Pain Farm Estate:
- Organising and holding a successful public meeting on Pain Estate issues;
- Creating and locking in the first-ever Memorandum of Agreement over Pain Estate with SWDC;
- Achieving a repayment of expenses charged by Council to Pain Estate that realised $300k;
- Ensuring SWDC sought legal opinion on the status of the estate’s Trust and where that should be held.
2. Organising and holding a community resilience programme which included public involvement in a series of training programmes on disaster management and recovery;
3. Reinstating the Martinborough Xmas parade;
4. Promoting the improved Pedestrian Crossing lighting for Memorial Square and all other Martinborough crossings;
5. Running an ongoing series of Community Drop-in sessions each month;
6. Creating plantings around the edges of Martinborough Golf Course with Wairarapa biodiversity group;
7. Supporting submissions for continuation of Cape Palliser Road funding;
8. Assisting with the reinstatement of Hinekura Road;
9. Providing submissions to: SWDC Annual Plan, Wairarapa Combined District Plan and other consultation documents;
10. Providing support for reinstating the lighting infrastructure in Memorial Square;
11 Expanding the local Flags promotional programme for Martinborough;
12. Allocating grants to local community projects, including a first round for a number of years from Pain Estate funds. Recipients include – Sports Clubs, Playcentre, Local Marae for resilience support, Pump Track project, Martinborough Museum, community Fireworks.
13. Providing and attending Lunch for Social Seniors group at Christmas.
