It was a milestone for this district recently with the official opening of the Ashburton Library and Civic Centre, Te Whare Whakatere.

I have been fortunate as a Councillor to work in this amazing building since January and it is well used by a wide variety of people, young and old. It is certainly the House of Ashburton (Te Whare Whakatere).

Also at the opening, the Mayor and Councillors planted a shade tree in the library courtyard. It was an honour for me to be asked to find the right tree for the courtyard space.

My choice is a tree that is not well-known, Zelkova serrata - Japanese Elm. It is an upright and erect, spreading, graceful tree, with autumn colours that range from yellow to purple.

To me, it is an honest and soothing tree. It is a symbol of tolerance, patience, peace and harmony.

Another project I’d like to see physically starting and finishing (ASAP) is the second bridge over the Ashburton River. We’ve been talking about it, planning for it the last 20 years and it is time for walk the talk.

Tinwald is the third biggest suburb of Ashburton and growing. Most people from Tinwald will have to cross the river at least twice a day for work /school/sport/shopping/etc and they use an 80-year-old bridge that is showing its age.

A second bridge is not a luxury or nicety but a necessity, not only for Ashburton District but also for better connections with the whole South Island.

It will take local traffic away from State Highway 1 and travelling through Ashburton will be easier and quicker. It will connect the community better on both sides of the river.

As a Councillor, you look to the future and plan for the next generations.

And the second bridge will be a big part of growing this amazing district on both sides of the river and beyond.