I'm excited to share with you our recent initiatives and upcoming plans. I'm also delighted to discuss our path toward a more vibrant and interconnected future for our district.
At the core of our efforts lies a commitment to utilising our resources effectively for your benefit. We understand the importance of maintaining and enhancing our infrastructure to deliver high-quality public services and facilities. Our Annual Plan 2023/24, mirrors this commitment, highlighting projects aimed at sustaining the well-being and resilience of our communities. These initiatives go beyond physical structures; they are about enriching your lives by ensuring access to dependable services that help to contribute to how we live, work and play across our district.
Our vision is to create communities where you can thrive, where essential services are readily available, and where infrastructure is robust. We prioritise projects that improve community well-being, encouraging a sense of belonging and support for every resident. Your needs remain our top priority, and we’re here to ensure they are met.
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of our operations. We believe in keeping you informed about our progress, challenges, and successes. Your trust is invaluable, and we’re dedicated to being open and honest in all our activities and key projects.
Investing in our infrastructure is a long-term commitment. It’s a long game. Our district sits in the middle of three of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities - Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. To keep pace with this growth, we’re focused on both maintaining our existing infrastructure and developing new facilities. However, we cannot do it alone; we rely on partnership and support from others, such as central government and the business community, to ensure our district thrives.
This year, we’ve made improvements in our infrastructure projects, demonstrating our dedication to community safety now and in the future. Our efforts extend beyond major projects to everyday activities such as road maintenance, water infrastructure, and rubbish collection. Despite the challenges due to the rising cost of living, we’re working hard to maintain our service levels within our agreed budgets.
Looking forward, the year ahead promises growth, positivity, and collaboration. We’re excited about the future and are committed to delivering on our promises. Together, we can shape an exciting future for our district, where every resident thrives and feels a genuine sense of belonging.
I’m thrilled to share some of our recent infrastructure investments highlighted in our Annual Report 2022/23:
- Town2Surf Cycleway: A two-metre wide cycleway connecting Raglan town centre with the main beach, funded by the Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund, offering a safe route for walking, running, and cycling.
- Ngaaruawaahia Town Centre Revitalisation: We’ve acquired the old Waipa Tavern site to support the town centre’s revitalisation, creating spaces for learning, creativity, engagement, and connection, in consultation with mana whenua and the wider community.
- Community Development Projects: We developed the Tuakau Skate Park in partnership with Tuakau Youth Sports Trust, and acquired land at Te Kowhai for sports fields, providing recreational spaces for our community.
- Improvements in Recycling Facilities: Our new recycling sorting facility in Huntly allowed us to sort recyclables efficiently, while upgrades to recycling drop-off centres and support for educational programs contribute to reducing waste in our district.
As well, we made significant upgrades to our water treatment plants, ensuring a safe and reliable supply of water for our residents.
I’m incredibly proud of our achievements, and these milestones are a testament to our collective dedication to building a thriving community.
Together, we are shaping a future where our district flourishes, and every resident's well-being is nurtured. Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and shared success.
Ngaa mihi nui and warmest regards,
Mayor Jacqui Church