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Tēnā koutou katoa, greetings to you all --

The consultation period for the Local Water Done Well initiative has now closed for South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton, and the Tararua Districts.  All councils have shown a preference for the Wairarapa-Tararua model, which has garnered strong community support in each area.

The support percentages are as follows:

• South Wairarapa - 89%
• Carterton - 69%
• Masterton - 60%
• Tararua District - 67%

The next steps for all councils involve hearing from submitters who have indicated their wish to speak to their submissions, followed by council deliberations. Common themes within the feedback include the ring-fencing of debt, standardisation of pricing, trust towards a localised and collaborative approach, and concerns about the loss of local voice, which is especially strong in Tararua.  This is significant as the district has faced similar issues through amalgamation in the past.

Hearings are scheduled for 7 May, with the final decision on whether to proceed to be made at an extraordinary council meeting on 11 June.  Regardless of the final decision, a Water Services Delivery Plan needs to be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) by each council by 3 September, demonstrating financial sustainability.

The DIA understands our Long-Term Plan priorities around all water projects.  These plans will be the basis for the delivery plan but will need to reflect the structure of delivery and meet the new economic measures.  Projects will be identified for future delivery but this will not hold up current planned works, such as for providing extra resilience to water supplies.

The Council is actively seeking ways to reduce expenses due to the rising costs, such as water services.  This challenging situation necessitates difficult decisions, such as recently discontinuing the Business Network operation and reassessing the delivery methods of various services.  We are currently inviting feedback through the draft Annual Plan consultation.  It is clear from ratepayers that we need to reduce cost, which means giving up some things we might like.

In other news, we are thrilled to announce that Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway will open in June, offering significant safety and economic opportunities. The Council has worked diligently in preparation for the changes this reliable connection will bring, anticipating growth and looking forward to its realisation.  Many will be eager to travel the road by car and cycle for the views and experience it offers.

Noho ora mai  - all the best
Tracey Collis - Mayor