It’s been an action-packed first year in office with lots happening.
The announcement of the $21 million Adventure Park earlier this month has been a real highlight for me – it’ll be a significant boost to our city.
Ascot Park’s Conclusion Walkway and sections of Te Ara Piko have been upgraded, Aotea Lagoon’s miniature train is up and running and we’ve started work on the Splash Pad.
We’ve renewed our focus on Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour, with creation of a new dune and wetland, and have a new harbour catchment and strategy plan.
We’ve held some fantastic events – Symphony at the Lagoon, the Summer Concert Series, Matariki, Miromoda and Porirua Grand Traverse to name a few. We’re looking forward to this summer, with exciting acts coming up, along with a new-look Waitangi Day Festival in 2018.
Our CBD has been buzzing with new businesses, our successful monthly Night Markets have been joined by the Saturday Farmers Market, and pop-up businesses are coming soon to our waterfront.
Earlier this year, we heard lots of your views when we consulted on the 2017 Annual Plan and we’re now consulting on the Rating and Revenue and Financing policies as we start thinking about next year’s Long-term Plan. We’re also keen for you to share your ideas for Porirua’s future as we review our District Plan.
Our rangatahi have been in the spotlight too, making submissions at our Annual Plan hearings, at JOBfest, and when we celebrated our young leaders. Ka pai – keep up the awesome work.
We’re still cleaning up from last year’s earthquakes and floods but have made real progress, with Moonshine Road repairs now finished, along with several other major sites. Our new Emergency Operations Centre is up and running, so we’re more prepared to respond to emergencies.
I’ve been proud to be part of what’s been happening in our beautiful city and am looking forward to the next 12 months.
31 Oct 2017
