Our mayor is spot on, it's a great place to live

MY ARM was aching after I finished my phone call with Carterton mayor Ron Mark on Tuesday afternoon.

I was quizzing Mr Mark on his feelings about Carterton being No1 in the North Island for population growth.

They do say a good journalist only knows one question to ask: and that's the first question. What do you think about Carterton being the highest growing district for population? After I had filled 11 note pages of shorthand, Mr Mark asked for another question.

"No ... no, I think that's everything," I said.

It's always pleasing when a mayor is passionate enough to speak from the heart. Obviously it's good for soundbites for a newspaper, but when a mayor cares about their district, and isn't afraid to let it show, then you can feel there's some energy going on.

It is not unreasonable that Wairarapa could become the "saviour" of the Wellington region, as opined by Mr Mark.

When I lived in Wellington, Kapiti was often seen as the golden paradise for retirement, for the simpler life, for the sunshine and the beach. I'm sure it is pretty nice over there, generally. It has got a nice beach.

But after being the editor of the Kapiti News for several years, I've learnt there is considerable angst about living in Kapiti. You think Wellington's got commuter problems?

You should try getting past Pukerua Bay at rush hour.

Houses are pretty expensive over there.

The locals are divided over the expressway, angry about potentially being charged for water, and apparently the coastline, in 50 years or so, is going to eat up a lot of beachfront housing.

Mr Mark is absolutely right in that people are seeing Wairarapa as attractive, and are voting with their feet - and their money. It's only going to get bigger and better.

Our infrastructure will hopefully improve as the population need increases, but I think the big thing to watch is our hospital. Kapiti doesn't have one, which puts a bit of a tarnish on growing old on the golden coast. Mr Mark talks about people retiring mortgage-free in Wairarapa, but if our hospital services reduce, that will make us unattractive. Let's be vigilant.