COLUMN: The Daily Chronicle
The time was right for me to resign from the Council table at the first meeting of the year as I’m more involved in Parliament as National’s Junior Whip.
I publicly stated I would resign from Council once becoming a Member of Parliament in 2005, but I realised this would have made ratepayers fork out around $20,000 for a by-election to replace me. Now my seat around the table will remain vacant until local government elections later this year.
I leave Council with mixed emotions – happy knowing what Council has achieved during my eight years involvement and sad because I will miss the many acquaintances I have made around the table with staff and the people in the district who have supported me. (My rural postie is delighted to see the volume of mail diminishing).
I stood in 1998 promoting a more youthful voice representing rural people. I soon realised after a few meetings that Councillor’s needed to vote district wide and the issues were far more complex. Some of my highlights were:
Shannon Water – (Bore versus River supply) I chaired a successful public meeting to get resolution on what water supply the community wanted.
Waitarere Beach entrance – helped get a positive outcome on the new entrance to the beach. I am proud of what Waitarere Progressive Association has achieved with Council.
Chairing the Development Committee – involved forming a closer working relationship with Kapiti Council. The textile major regional initiative came out of robust work where 101 options were identified.
Leading Council onto the Tukorehe Marae with Mayor Robinson and speaking Maori in the meeting house was a special occasion for me.
Being Councils representation on the initial working party for the Foxton Windmill. This project proved how a small community with vision was able to work hard and deliver a major iconic attraction for our district.
As spokesperson for the Shooting Star Grants allocation I learnt a lot about local politics. Every project had potential with the chosen ones The Events Centre and Windmill now proving their worth.
There have also been some small disappointments:
Being on the Drag Strip working party was frustrating with the true benefits still to be realised for our district once a suitable location is found.
Promoting our major retail hub in Levin requires a cohesive approach and I felt Go Levin needed more time to deliver. There does seem to be a more positive feeling with retailers at present, which is great.
While I’m supportive of sustainable development, Council needs to try and balance some protection of our highest producing soils for future generations.
I’m sure my office will still receive calls and visits from ratepayers seeking advice and I’m happy to help where I can. I will watch the inquiry into rates that the Labour Government has been forced into with interest. I’m sure this will highlight that a fair portion of your rate increases has come from Central Government passing legislation that whacks us all in the wallet.
As I publicly stated from when I became an MP my council honourium has been held in an account at Council. Over the coming months I intend to distribute this to groups and community organisations already identified in the Horowhenua community.
Ratepayers at times are critical of Council’s performance. Council needs people that can make a contribution, bring fresh ideas and are committed to seeing Horowhenua deliver the best for our people.
I encourage people to get involved. For me it’s been a learning and rewarding experience. Thank you.