The first challenge was the "imminent opening" of the expressway and handing over of the old state highway to council where he noted changes on top of the projected travel patterns, and repositioning by commercial operators, could be anticipated.
But council had made a lot of investment over the years in the Paraparaumu and Waikanae town centres, due to its understanding of the long-term impact of the expressway, while keeping an active focus on Paekakariki, Waikanae Beach and Otaki, he said.
Managing projected growth from the expressway and the conclusion of the Transmission Gully project was important.
"This growth is simply not going to fall into our laps."
He said other council's closer to the Wellington central business district were looking to leverage off the expressway to stimulate growth in their communities.
"We have to be competent in the effectiveness and costs of consenting and building processes.
"Our open for business policy has to be more than just a slogan.
"We are making significant progress but it's still a work in progress."
Issues associated with climate change was a challenge as was creating a new district plan to allow communities to "proper in a sustainable manner".
All the challenges had to be faced "through a sustainable budget".
Outcomes of the challenges faced couldn't be delivered without "good partnerships" between elected members, council staff and the community.
He finished by referring to the importance of section 14 of the Local Government Act which states local authorities conduct business in an open, transparent and democratically accountable manner.
"This is an aspirational principal and is intended to build trust - trust that enables collaboration and partnership with our communities."
