In comparison to central government, the 2024 year has been relatively mundane for councils; dominated by Long Term Plan (LTP) reviews and the ongoing Local Water Done Well reforms with huge amounts of time, planning and resource being poured into these two items alone.
The LTP is the key council document that sets our future direction for the next 10 years and with all the cost pressures confronting us and the need to get costs down, a back to the basics approach is what the Stratford District Council tried to deliver. This will remain our focus for the immediate future.
Although not council projects, for me, two infrastructure projects were highlights for the year. The new bridge across the Manganui Gorge on Mt Taranaki is quite special and is already proving to be a popular, almost iconic, attraction for visitors to the National Park. It’s an important part of the Taranaki Crossing network of walking trails and improves access to the ski field.
The other project is the nearly completed sealing project on SH43 that will now provide a sealed surface from Stratford to Taumaranui. Successive mayors have asked for and lobbied for this specific roadworks for over 60 years and with the help of Minister Shane Jones finally it has happened. The cherry on the cake was the new two-lane bridge near Stratford that removed a pinch point and enhanced traffic safety.
A low light for the year was the announcement that after 60 years of publication, the Stratford Press is to close down, this is really disappointing. I have a genuine affinity for the paper dating back to my days as a delivery boy, as an advertiser when I was a business owner, as an information outlet while I have been the mayor and as a columnist when writing opinion articles. The Central Taranaki community will miss the service the Press has provided and I sincerely thank all those associated with what has been a great community newspaper.
So to 2025 and what lies ahead? As well as a continuation of the 2024 issues, we can add in the local government elections. Several councillors have already signalled their intentions to either seek or not seek re-election in October. With retirements pending, some new faces at the council table are guaranteed and while other elected members will make up their minds closer to the election, there will be opportunity for new people to get involved. This time around, voters will also be asked whether they wish to retain the Māori ward introduced in 2022.
During the 2025 year the current elected members will make the final decisions on the future delivery of water services. Right now that looks like a choice between an in-house business unit similar to how we operate now, or a regional model involving the three district councils. Other options will be in the mix and when the preferred recommendation is released for public consultation, I predict there will be a wide range of opinions for us to consider.
But over the next few weeks, it’s time for a break, a time to recharge and then return in January with a new enthusiasm to face the challenges ahead. I thank all this who have contributed to our community in 2024 and in particular our volunteers, clubs and organisations. Collectively they make our place what it is. From my family to yours, have a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year.
