Another year is drawing to a close and it’s pleasing to look back and see some big and small projects that have been ticked off.

Moving into the new library and civic building Te Whare Whakatere last January remains the highlight of 2024 for me – every day I see visitors and staff enjoying the space. It has exceeded our expectations and continues to surprise those who are coming to the library or using meeting rooms for the first time.

Looking out of my window to Baring Square East, I can also see that green space now being used daily by people lunching or meeting others, and for community events like Light up the Night and the Hakatere Noodle Festival.

Council hoped that Te Whare Whakatere would be a wonderful addition to the town, and it has proven to be exactly that.

Our other completed projects don’t quite have the same high profile, but they are equally as important. We have upgraded several water treatment plants, renewed many parts of our water and wastewater networks and spent millions more on improving our roads.

When we hear the Government telling councils to stick to this core business, we can genuinely say that has been our focus for a long time and that we have been consistently delivering safe drinking water, responsibly dealing with wastewater, and disposing of rubbish on behalf of our community.

As well as planning on how to keep all that infrastructure in good condition, we need to add more for population growth.

As Councillors, it’s always a balance of what we have to do to meet community and Government expectations and what we can afford to do, with the occasional project that’s not strictly essential but makes the district a place that helps attract and retain people with the skills we need to continue growing our economy.

As 2024 ends, I also think about the good people we have lost. Their passing is sad not only for their family and friends, but for this district, and we honour their memories by carrying on their good work.

It’s been tough, but the green shoots of a more positive year are on the horizon. I know all those around the Council table are looking forward to 2025 and some exciting projects, including the second bridge.

As a council we’ll also be talking with the community about how we provide Three Waters services, as per the Government’s reforms. This is an important conversation and we’ll help you understand the next steps when the time comes.

For those of us around the Council table, it’s time to consider our plans for the next term, as Local Body Elections will be happening next year. It is a rewarding role, though sometimes a challenging one, and I encourage anyone thinking about standing to come along to our Council meetings, ask questions, and be informed.

I’m looking forward to spending time with family on Christmas Day and then refuelling with some summer days in the sun. I hope you can recharge your batteries too.