Survey shows opinions mixed

A random survey of over 1,200 people submitted their views on four broad options for the wider region’s future local government. Seventy-seven per cent of wanted some change, according to an initial analysis of submissions.  Only 23 per cent wanted no change.

In Wairarapa the highest proportion (45 per cent) favoured options in which Wairarapa would have a stand-alone Wairarapa council taking on regional council responsibilities. Twenty-five per cent wanted all existing councils to remain the same but share more services.  Twenty-three per cent were in favour of a single council for the whole Wellington region including Wairarapa, with 10 local boards elected to look after ‘local’ services.  Seven per cent said there should be another choice of option.

Wairarapa Governance Review Working Party chair, Lyn Patterson, said the consultation was just one of a series of activities underway in the region in order to identify a preferred governance option that best supports the delivery of local government services  for Wairarapa.

“When new legislation is introduced in November “It is important that Wairarapa is in a position to present its own proposal based on good information and community views” Mrs. Patterson said.

The working party includes the three mayors, seven elected Wairarapa councillors and the three council CEOs. Work on the financial implications of becoming a single council was underway with an initial study of options for Wairarapa by local government experts Morrison Low.

The working party aims to start painting a picture of what a single Wairarapa council might look like –  for example how many councillors there might be and how communities of interest would be represented.

Meanwhile, results of a Colmar Brunton opinion survey will be released in mid-August. They will help inform the Wairarapa councils’ views on the preferred option.

Members of the public can find more information at the working party’s dedicated website, www.wairarapasfuture.govt.nz and at council offices and libraries throughout Wairarapa.  They can have their say through the website or by writing to their district council.

Palliser sunset

The fishing was a bit slow but who cares with a sunset like this to admire? Looking across Palliser Bay towards the Rimutakas and Tararuas with the Kaikouras just showing in the left hand corner.

Martinborough’s Culinary Legend Calls It A Day

The French Bistro Served its Last Meal On 21 July.

“Where am I going to get the most authentic French Bistro food I have ever enjoyed in New Zealand now Wendy and Jim are closed?” Patrick and Mary Desbonnets were regular diners at The French Bistro since it opened ten years ago. Anyone who has met Patrick will know that he is discerning when it comes to things French – especially food and wine. Closure of The French Bistro is leaving a huge gap in their dining enjoyment.

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Artists of Martinborough

Our third artist in this series is painter, Jane Kellahan, a new resident of Martinborough.  Welcome to Martinborough Jane, Greytown’s loss is our gain.
 
Jane grew up on a farm in Ohariu Valley, Wellington and has been painting since 1995. Largely self taught, she attended courses at Central St Martins and Camberwell College of Arts in London. 
 
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