Waikato District Council has
announced the release of its 2022/23 Annual Report, reflecting on the
significant accomplishments it has achieved in the face of challenges.
Waikato
District Mayor Jacqui Church says "The Annual Report is not only a legal
requirement it is our opportunity to have a personal conversation with you. We
want to inform and highlight to you our community, our progress on the project
that you consulted with us through the Long-Term Plan, our financial standing,
and the impact of community initiatives.”
Despite
both economic and weather-related challenges, the Council has maintained its
resilience by focusing on delivering programs that enable communities to be liveable,
thriving, and connected.
Showcasing
its dedication to community safety, this year Council has enhanced natural
spaces and completed significant projects such as the Te Awa River ride and the
Whaaingaroa Wharf Upgrade in Raglan, as well as prioritising transport
infrastructure improvements through road safety enhancements and a new Traffic
Bylaw.
"We
are dedicated to exploring fresh ideas and delivering on our commitments. At
the same time we remain focused on ensuring that our road maintenance, water
infrastructure and the everyday activities like rubbish collection work. While
the cost of living is challenging for us all, we’ve been diligently working to
maintain our levels of service within our agreed budgets. The year ahead is a
time for growth, positivity, and working closely with you in our communities seeing
what future investment looks like. In short, we are genuinely excited about the
upcoming year" Mayor Church says.
In
the face of transformative changes, including the election of a new Mayor and 13
Councillors, with nine Councillors being new, the Council remains committed to
promoting community inclusion and resilience.
"Our
community's hard work has made a difference during challenging times. We teamed
up with local leaders and groups and focused on talking and working together
with different community sectors, forming partnerships like the Rural Economic
Advisory Panel. This helps us improve how we do things and supports our
communities. It's all about making sure everyone thrives - rural, urban and
lifestyle!"
“We're
all about finding smart, budget-friendly ways to provide our services while remaining
dedicated to supporting our communities needs efficiently," says Mayor Church.
For
more information, including detailed financial statements and key achievements,
please refer to our Annual Report, available on the Council’s website.
