Message from the Mayor
Published on March 15, 2024
Kia ora Horowhenua,
Today marks the day where we officially start the one month consultation period for Te Mahere Tūroa 2024-2044 – the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2044.
When I reflect back to the 2021-2041 LTP, we were facing significant challenges such as the impact of COVID-19. Our growth was gathering momentum and much of our planning was focused on providing the infrastructure to manage that growth.
In three short years much has changed. The cost of living crisis that we are enduring has had a major influence on how we operate the business of Council, just as it has impacted households throughout the district.
Council knows that the 17.4% rates increase being proposed is unpalatable and much greater than we have seen in the past, but we need to have that open conversation with you to ensure that we face these challenging times head on to balance our community’s aspirations, while living in our means.
It is also important to realise that 14% of the proposed rates increase is a direct result of the increase in costs we are having to meet in depreciation, interest, insurance and utilities. We are not adding anything new to this plan. We are very conscious of the need to get back to basics, and that delivery of our core services is a priority.
We have had many months and hours in workshops, discussing and debating the consultation document, and like most other districts throughout the country, are now having to face the harsh reality of a Local Government funding crisis. That reality is going to require some challenging choices for us all.
Now more than ever, Council has been looking at ways to reduce costs, without changing or drastically reducing the services residents currently receive.
We need your feedback on three key questions:
- What services do we need for our community?
- How should we manage our waste?
- Sharing costs - who should pay for what?
I hope you all do take the opportunity to have your say. We do need your voice and views to help shape our district into the future, and while I cannot promise that everything you want will be agreed upon, you can be assured that we will listen and engage with you.
The LTP sets our direction for the next 20 years including what we will do, how much it will cost and how we will fund it.
Under the Local Government Act 2002 we have to develop a LTP every three years with full consultation of our community each time.
While the LTP has certainly been a focus recently, there have been some other highlights happening in the district. It was great to be part of Pasifika Day celebrations at the Levin Domain, and despite some inclement weather it was fantastic to see and enjoy the diversity in culture of our growing Pacific Peoples community.
It was also great to see the opening and blessing of the Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union administration building also on the Levin Domain last week. After many years of planning and fundraising, it has now been realised which is a great credit to all involved. It will be a real asset to the rugby fraternity and the wider community for many years to come. I particularly liked the addition of all the players' names who have represented the union inscribed on the pillars of the veranda, dating back to 1899. It is a fabulous recognition.
I have also enjoyed continuing my ‘Catch Up With The Mayor’ sessions in Foxton and Shannon recently and despite getting a puncture in Shannon last week (thanks again Steve for helping me out) the conversations have been engaging and robust.
Look forward to catching up with you all during the LTP consultation period.
Ngā mihi
Bernie Wanden