Wairarapa can thrive with innovation, spirit and support

Saturday, 31 August 2024

Ron Mark is the mayor of Carterton.

OPINION: The recent LGNZ SuperLocal Conference in Wellington hosted a solid line-up of Cabinet ministers sharing insights and updates on key issues affecting local government.

I took plenty away from a productive few days.

The prime minister took the stage with just 10 minutes to speak. But he cut to the chase and gave a crystal-clear assessment of the nation's finances and the Government's perspective on certain council priorities.

He didn't mince words and set out his expectations for local government, particularly considering forthcoming changes.

For those of us who've been paying attention, there were no surprises. Some may have found his directness jarring, but I appreciated his candour and the clarity with which he communicated the government's position.

It's always better to know where you stand, even if the news isn't exactly what you hoped to hear.

Throughout the conference, several other ministers outlined the realities we are dealing with and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Simeon Brown, the minister for local government, and Shane Jones, the minister for regional development, both emphasised our challenges and opportunities before us.

Jones, in particular, offered 'a ray of sunshine' with the Provincial Development Fund, which could continue to provide valuable support for our regional projects.

A comment from Brown about the importance of transparency and access to information brought a smile to my face.

“It is unacceptable that unelected bureaucrats can prevent elected council members from accessing the information needed to represent their communities.

“Ratepayers expect their voice to be heard at the table, and elected members should be entitled to access information to assist in decision-making. We will review the current settings to ensure that democracy is upheld.”

This struck a chord for many of us. Access to accurate and timely information is crucial for making informed decisions that reflect our communities’ needs and desires. It's encouraging to hear this recognised at the highest levels of government.

Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston was a highlight of the conference. Her passion for and belief in the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) was palpable and her announcement of $9 million in funding through to 2026 is a huge win.

This funding provides much-needed security and certainty for planning, ensuring that we can continue to create and sustain employment opportunities for our young people in the Wairarapa. It's a testament to the importance of the MTFJ and the work that we're doing at the local level to support our youth.

On that subject, it was a privilege to award an MTFJ certificate of appreciation to Braiden International in recognition of their commitment to training young people in our community. Braiden International has been based in Carterton since 1990 and are the market leaders in disability products and specialised vehicle adaptations.

If there is one area where I am not so enamoured with the Government, it is their Local Water Done Well legislation.

The likely costs to be foisted on residents and homeowners aren't clear yet, but the indicators are ugly, and they will be totally outside the control of your democratically-elected representatives.

That aside, it’s time to celebrate Wairarapa folk.

Big congratulations to the Masterton District Council for its LGNZ award and to Featherston councillor Colin Olds, a finalist in the LGNZ SuperHuman category. His dedication and commitment to our region, and Featherston in particular, are truly commendable.

It's fantastic to see their hard work recognised on a national stage.

Congratulations too to the Wairarapa finalists at the Wellington Gold Awards. Greytown Distilleries won their category, an impressive achievement highlighting Wairarapa’s innovation, quality, and thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

As we look ahead, it's clear that there are challenges to navigate, but also significant opportunities to seize. With the support of both central government and our community spirit, I'm confident that we can continue to make strides in ensuring a bright future for all.