The first comment from the Mayor for the year usually leads with good wishes for the future, however, like last year, I'm going to focus on the resilient nature of Tasman residents who once again were hit with a natural disaster.

This time the whole region was affected with the major impact coming from land slips driven by rain in volumes we have never seen before. Some of our waterways and land could not deal with the relentless tropical rain, the scars of which will remain visible on our landscape for years to come.

What was evident though was the seamless way the shared resource Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management operated. Staffed predominantly by personnel from both Councils and supported by staff from other Councils, emergency services and related Government Departments the operation swung into action very quickly on the morning of 14 December when it became evident the event was going to escalate and rapidly – a great example of one of many shared services within the region.

As we have experienced in the past the recovery will take a number of forms depending on the affected community. Each have their unique and distinct needs and each will have their priorities as to the clean up in their area amongst the plans to reinstate essential infrastructure – something Tasman's engineers are very well aware of.

Once again it was the communities that rallied to help their friends, relatives and neighbours often going above and beyond to ensure safety and some comfort. It is this caring for each other that makes Tasman unique. I commend everyone for this demonstration of support and resilience.

The year was already going to be a busy one and it has now taken a step up in order of magnitude as we prepare to deliver Tasman's Long Term Plan in an environment where the cost effective delivery of essential services is a priority. We will be talking to you soon about this process.

Until then please enjoy what the District has to offer, it is outstanding, unique and we all deserve a break.

The Mayoral Column at this time is typically divided into three, with a view to the past year, the holidays and the year ahead.

The past year has been challenging not helped by an economy that is sluggish at best. As well as affecting businesses, employment opportunities and general confidence it has an impact on the decisions the Council has to make and will do so for some time as we see ratepayers living with uncertainty and increasing costs. However, these conditions do not lessen the demand placed on Council services within Tasman's communities. There will always be a need for roading, water treatment and distribution, sewerage and rubbish collection and in these times the demand on community services such as parks and libraries increases.

The Annual Plan process for the 2011/12 year was certainly influenced by the economic climate, as it was the year before by the floods the District experienced. We have planned and operated within the realistic budget and people have seen the priority setting for what it is - living within our means.

The amalgamation debate has continued on throughout the year having begun post the 2010 local government elections. It will continue for some time yet with the Local Government Commission delaying its decision on whether or not to proceed to a poll in Tasman and a poll in Nelson until at least February next year.

While this Council's views have been extremely clear if the Commission decides to proceed with the proposal, the choice whether or not to amalgamate will be in the hands of voters of Tasman and Nelson. Until a definitive outcome is announced the Council will continue to deliver cost effective essential services to Tasman and will continue to plan for that to be an ongoing feature of our decision-making.

Next year will be just as challenging, with the amalgamation debate bubbling away the Council has to prepare a Long Term Plan (LTP) which must delivered within the first half of the year. While the LTP is focused on looking 10 years ahead it does so within the current economic climate. The LTP is a document that needs to provide some level of certainty. Infrastructure development, historically the dominant feature in our plans, does not happen in single year increments. It requires forethought and solid growth strategies. The multiyear focus of the LTP allows the Council to plan ahead, participate proactively and support the future of the District. It allows Council to prioritise things in the order of need, community desires and the ability to pay.

Our theme in the current round is incremental change with sustainability and accountability at its core. We need to ensure the plan will meet the needs of the future as well as giving as many people as possible the opportunity to participate in the decision-making.

While doing nothing is not an option the appropriate action is most important. Residents will have the opportunity to play a role in this process when we come to you early in the new year to discuss the LTP. I hope that you take the time to get involved.

We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. One that we share with thousands of others over the holiday period and it is not a hard place to relax and enjoy what we have got. What is best of all is that we don't have to go home after the holidays.

Over the past year we have seen how giving and prepared Tasman people are, helping their family, friends, neighbours and others in time of need. I would like to acknowledge the spirit of kindness and generosity displayed during the floods of this year, the assistance given to our Canterbury friends and those that have given their time and expertise to incidents like the Rena grounding. It is this selfless giving to others that make communities like Tasman special.

Finally, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and hope you have and take the time to relax and enjoy the summer season in Tasman. I also hope the New Year brings you rewarding and fulfilling opportunities.

The Council voted last week not to establish a Maori ward within Tasman. The rationale for this decision was about enhancing effective engagement with all iwi and Maori in the District. The one key message I have taken from my conversations with Maori throughout this process is that the Council needs to listen and play a constructive role in building the relationships. It would be near impossible for one person to represent the interests of all iwi. We recognise future initiatives need to enhance effective engagement with iwi.

Mapua's waterfront area will be well on its way to being cleaned up post the tragic aquarium-destroying fire. As custodians of the publicly owned land we were as conscious of the need to clear the site before Christmas, as we were to making the area safe environmentally and structurally in the interim. Working with the people responsible for the building, the site and the relevant insurance company we are committed to ensuring this site is clear before the Christmas period with no additional cost to ratepayers.

We have seen a number of improvements in Mapua over the last year further strengthening its role as one of the jewels in the District's crown. We are committed to working with the business owners, residents and developers in the area to ensure everyone is treated fairly and the area develops to benefit those that live in Mapua and the increasing number of visitors the area continues to attract.

The last two weeks have been extremely busy as my colleagues and I discuss the Council's Long Term Plan, which will be released for consultation early in the new year. The plan is our opportunity to look ten years ahead to ensure the District continues to develop whilst meeting the needs of those currently living here. Pitched into a time of economic uncertainty we need to keep a very close eye on the affordability of rates. Within this environment came the recent news that we are one of the three areas bucking the national trend with a population growth of 1.6% last year so we need to keep the other eye on the provision of core services to cater for this growth to ensure we can maintain the environment, built and otherwise, to the standard we know the people of Tasman expect.

Recent events are encouraging for the future of the District. The national aquaculture conference was held earlier this month with a focus on the opportunities new legislation has provided and a visit by the Prime Minister and Ministers for Agriculture and the Environment to be briefed on the Lee Valley Dam.

Both events have turned the eyes of political and commercial decision makers towards the future and current opportunities within Tasman for economic leadership. We as a Council will be ensuring that economic opportunities are realised, but we will be doing so while maintaining affordability and good environmental outcomes.

I was recently invited to take part in a visit to Christchurch, more specifically the Red Zone, the Avon and the Sumner cliffs, which included Councillors and staff charged with delivering services after a natural disaster. We heard about and saw the effects of the disaster, and were quickly reminded of the role the Councils of the area had in the immediate aftermath of not one, but three significant events.

This visit, following on from our own disastrous floods over the last year, made it very clear how important timely decision-making and quick action is to alleviate the impact of disasters for those directly affected and to make the recovery as speedy as possible. The conflict between the need for urgency, the bounds of legislation we all currently operate under and the available finance was no more keenly felt than by those who had to make the decisions required to help a city and province recover its feet. We all came away with a renewed admiration for the resilience of the Canterbury people and the commitment of those charged with and delivering the city's rebuilding plan and valuable lessons to be incorporated into our own planning.

As to the future plans for the Council we have advanced the search for a new Chief Executive with the first of the advertisements appearing in late October. It is envisaged we should be able to announce a replacement to Paul Wylie in the first few weeks of 2012. Contrary to some comments the position has attracted quite a keen level of interest with a number of qualified candidates expressing an interest in the role before it was advertised. I am confident we will be able to appoint a well qualified Chief Executive who will contribute well to the ongoing growth and development of the District.

The last week saw the end of the Local Government Commission hearings in the region. The Commission has indicated they are working towards a decision regarding the future of the amalgamation proposal before the end of the year. If the Commission does decide to proceed to a final reorganisation plan there will be a poll conducted in both Tasman and Nelson. The Commission has indicated such a poll would occur in late March to early April 2012. One thing that has stood out for me has been the passion within the written and oral submissions, either for or against the proposal. This process has provoked a great deal of feeling as well as reasoned arguments.

We welcome the latest addition to the Council, Councillor Paul Sangster representing Golden Bay. Recently elected through the by-election to replace Noel Riley who stepped aside for health reasons, Paul returns to the Council table in the seat he previously held from 1989 till 2004. Paul's return is timely as we prepare the Council's Long Term Plan for the next ten years. While it is under review, and we are looking to manage any changes incrementally, it is important to the ongoing success of the District that we have a full quota of elected representatives from all wards available to make the strategic decisions for the draft plan before it goes out for consultation.

On Wednesday 28 September 2011 Deputy Mayor Tim King and I presented the Council's submission regarding the Local Government Commission's draft reorganisation plan to the Commission itself. It was on the first of five scheduled days of hearings of submissions by the Commission as they decide whether to continue with the proposal to form a union between Tasman District and Nelson City.

The Council's submission is made up of two parts. The first being why the Council does not believe the current proposal provides for the benefits depicted by the initial petition and the second being focused on the changes required to the draft plan if the proposal goes forward.

A number of comments have been made about this Council's position throughout the amalgamation process. Some have cited intransigence and having our 'heads in the sand' regarding what some believe is an inevitability. We believe we are doing our duty in representing the best interests of the District.

We are putting forward the case that the two areas, Tasman District and Nelson City are markedly different. They are served well by Councils who are charged with meeting quite different aspirations and needs managed through representation that takes into account the unique and distinct communities that make up each area. Amalgamating these two areas will dilute the current representation models taking residents and ratepayers a step away from important decision-making.

We currently have a situation where our Community Boards have agreed to a number of delegations in excess of what the Commission proposed in their draft plan and wards that have clearly stated they do not want a Community Board to replace their effective Community Associations.

Right from the start of the process we have heard of the potential savings that could be made from such a union that have ranged from $10 million through to $5 million and recently to a comment that any savings are the responsibility of the new Council. We have always queried the supposed savings with a mind to achieving any possible savings now without the cost of amalgamation. The details have yet to surface and it is our belief driven by this lack of detail and historical experience that they do not exist.

If the proposal does proceed to the two polls, one in Tasman and the other in Nelson, where over 50% in each poll has to vote for amalgamation for it to happen, we are asking the Local Government Commission to identify the full costs involved before people are asked to vote because once that vote is taken there is no turning back. People should have all the facts so they can make an informed decision. The question most asked of us as a Council is 'what is this going to cost me?' Without detailed facts and scenarios that have been provided in previous amalgamation debates we can only provide historical examples and make assumptions based on information provided to us by the Commission. That is responsible logic, not intransigence.

Much of the debate has been centred on 'lost opportunities'. Like the purported costs and savings, despite constant requests, the 'lost opportunities' have yet to be defined or presented. It appears many of them are based on one name for the region. We have lived with that since 1989 and both areas seemed to have maintained an economic growth beyond most other regions.

What is important is serving the best interests of each areas' residents and ratepayers and we believe the current governance arrangements achieve that.

It is also important that Tasman's communities retain their identity.
To reiterate, we remain determined to achieve the best outcome for the residents and ratepayers that this Council serves. We do not believe the draft plan goes any way to improving this aspiration and in its current form it will only result in lost representation at an increased cost with no definable benefit.

As you may have read recently the Council's CEO has resigned to take a similar position for the Buller District Council with a possible leaving date yet to be finalised. This unforeseen move at this time raised a number of questions for the Council to debate. Central to the debate was the timing and associated costs of any decision against the essential and continued need to maintain the delivery of services to the District regardless of the uncertainty brought about by the amalgamation debate.

After a lengthy discussion the Council decided to advertise for a new CEO. The mechanics, timing and costs of this and a clear picture of the sort of person we are looking to fill the role will have been discussed by the time the 23 September 2011 edition of Newsline is delivered. I have no doubt there will be significant media coverage.

We recognise that between Paul leaving and a new CEO being appointed there will be a need for the role to be filled. As a result while the recruitment process is underway we will be appointing an acting CEO from within existing staff. As the Council is a very lean operation this situation is not ideal in the long term, especially in a time where delivery and direction will be essential.

I have complete confidence the management and staff of the Council will continue to deliver excellent services through these challenging times and the elected members will provide direction and support for this to occur.

The amalgamation debate is about to enter its next phase where the Local Government Commission, at the end of September, will begin to hear verbal submissions on its draft reorganisation plan. From there they will take the opportunity to consider whether or not the proposal should go any further with an expected announcement at the end of the year. The Council will be speaking to its submission, which is summarised in the 9 September 2011 edition of Newsline, elaborating on the three main concerns of representation, cost effectiveness and the supposed lost opportunities. Remember, amalgamation will not proceed unless two steps are satisfied; first the commission has to decide to proceed with the proposal, if it does there is then a poll of all voters in Tasman and Nelson where at least 50% of those who vote need to vote in support of the amalgamation for it to progress.

Tasman District Council's CEO Paul Wylie announced his resignation and as of 5 December 2011 he will take up the position of CEO in the Buller District. Paul's decision is unrelated to the amalgamation debate but rather gives him a five year contract with Buller rather than the two year extension he had with Tasman. Paul is excited to be helping Buller address what is really a once in a lifetime chance for the District.

Council will announce its decision shortly on the process and timeframe for the appointment of a new Chief Executive. This is important in order for the Council to continue its focus on delivering services to the residents and ratepayers of our District.

By the time you read this the Council's submission regarding the Local Government Commission's Draft Reorganisation Plan will have been delivered. You will find it on the Council's website and in offices and libraries.

While focusing on the key issues regarding the loss of representation and the cost effectiveness of the proposed changes, the submission also asks the Local Government Commission to provide more information if they decide to prepare a final proposal for a poll of electors in both Tasman and Nelson.

The proposal has always been short on the specifics and any further requests for such information have been met with the response, 'that is the decision of the new Council'. Quite frankly, it is too late then.

Nowhere else are people asked to make such a significant decision without the provision of such information. I urge people to continue to demand the information they want to know – asking for it does not mean you are being intransigent, nor do you have your head in the sand.

Since the last issue of Newsline we have had two public meetings focused on the current amalgamation issue in Golden Bay and Motueka. Organised by the respective community Boards the meetings gave the 130 and 80 attendees respectively the opportunity to hear from both sides and a chance to explore some of the keys issues.

Representation, governance at a local level, lost opportunities and the impact on rates were the topics attracting the most interest at both meetings in varying degrees. In Golden Bay the focus on the local governance, ie the role of the Community Board with the Local Government Commission's draft scheme, was not a new theme. The Council has been working with the Bay's Community Board since last year to identify the role and responsibilities wanted by the Board. And the end result was nearly mirrored by the Commission' suggestions.

In Motueka the focus was more on the opportunities lost or otherwise and the possible impact on the rates paid by each areas' ratepayers. This is where the conversation was the most passionate with people wanting definite answers which will only be available if amalgamation occurs when such decisions are the responsibility of a new Council.

As the closing date for submissions to the Local Government Commission draws closer the level of interest in the draft reorganisation plan issued by them for the union of Tasman and Nelson has grown - and rightly so, as it is a once in a generation, or possibly lifetime, decision.

In the meantime the Council has written an open letter to the Commission asking them to correct the many and fundamental flaws in their informing reports. We have done this to ensure all people, not just those in Tasman, have the correct facts in front of them when they come to express their opinion about what is proposed.

Some commentators have accused us of being intransigent and having our heads in the sand in taking this action and our position overall. We, however, do not agree as it is our duty to ensure that the best interests of the District are served and we do not believe this proposal achieves this.

At the beginning of this process people were told that all the options would be investigated, this has not happened. What we have is a proposal that has raised a number of concerns regarding its treatment of the District's representation, of the many and varied communities of interest in the District and region and the proposed costs to the average ratepayer.

Prior to, and continuing throughout, the process a great deal of rhetoric has been heard. However, as evidenced by the letter to the Commission, we are concentrating on ensuring residents have clear and accurate facts in front of them. This is especially important if they are going to be asked to make a decision next year.

If people have issues with their respective governance bodies they are in a far better position to make truly beneficial changes in the current environment and not take the risk that some are asking you to take and accept a proposal that comes with unquantifiable costs attached.

Adopting the Annual Plan last month marked the end of the 2010 year and heralded the start of the 2011 financial year for the Council.

It is going to be a productive and noteworthy year. The proposed union between Tasman and Nelson will be a key challenge to work through.

Despite the still challenging economic times the Council must continue to invest in the District to provide the necessary services and meet the expectations of those who live here. While the amalgamation debate continues with no definite outcome the Council continues to be committed to delivering excellent services at an affordable cost.

As the Annual Plan shifts from draft to actual and the work programme continues, the Council now has to switch its mind to the upcoming Ten Year Plan. One of the early elements is to engage with the community to review and test the outcomes desired by the communities we serve. There is a small story regarding this initial process within the latest issue of Newsline.

With the submission period for the Local Government Commission's amalgamation proposal currently open I have been invited to public meetings in Golden Bay 18 July 2011 and in Motueka 1 August 2011. These will be valuable meetings for those interested, and I urge you all to be interested, this is a once in a generation decision you are being asked to make. While the Council does not yet have a position it certainly has grave concerns about the quality of the information that has obviously been used to inform the recent decisions by the Local Government Commission. I will be discussing this issue at the meetings because I am concerned Tasman residents may be asked to vote next year with incorrect information at hand.

The Council will be contacting the Local Government Commission with the major concerns we have regarding the fundamental mistakes and the resultant flawed assumptions made in their reports. To this end the Council will be finalising an open letter requesting that the mistakes be corrected and explanations be provided for the assumptions made on the basis of the errors within the reports.

I am of the belief, regardless of the outcome, the issue should be considered with the correct information, which it currently isn't able to be. If the proposal comes to a vote next year you really need to know what you are voting over and the ramifications of the decision.

In addition to the letter we will be sending a submission to the Local Government Commission from the Council on the draft reorganisation scheme and this will be made public as well.

After the initial publicity surrounding the Local Government Commission's decision to continue the process with its delivery of a draft reorganisation scheme I think it is time to take a step back and review what is in it and what does it mean for Tasman.

The Commission has requested submissions on the draft scheme to be received by 19 August and I can assure you this Council will be submitting. While yet to be finalised the submission will be focused on the representation issue and include a large number of corrections to the information within the reports the Commission used to inform their draft scheme.

One thing that has concerned me in these initial days is the constant repeating of the view that 'cost savings that will run into the millions each year' and that there have been 'lost opportunities'. Both reasons have been featured regularly in media commentary, but neither has been the focus of further questioning, nor has there been any evidence presented whatsoever to back either claim up. Whereas there is evidence, nationally and internationally, that expected cost savings are not realised in practice and that the opposite occurs.

These two fundamental reasons will be among the extremely important factors to many in the District and region when they are weighing up which way they view the draft scheme.

I urge Tasman residents to take the time to review what is proposed and if there is anything anybody wishes to be clarified, give me or the Council a call. If you wish to make a submission these need to be addressed to the Commission via the process outlined in this issue of Newsline.

We will be providing information to people about the process in a neutral manner, but this will not stop us asking for the answers to the questions that we believe Tasman residents need to assist them in making up their mind if the proposal goes to a vote.

This is probably one of the biggest decisions residents will have to make about how the place you call home is governed and developed in the future and, as such, I urge you to be involved.

As we continue to work our way out of the recent recession there is a need to recognise opportunities for local sustainable growth and development within the region. One of these opportunities is the employment, training and development of our own youth as businesses and other institutions look to rebuild and grow their enterprises. Sustainability within a local employment market is a key element within regional growth and while many bemoan a lack of skilled and readily employable candidates it appears there is no shortage of raw talent looking for local opportunities. I strongly support our employers who give our young people the opportunity to enter the job market.

By the time many of you read this the decision of the Local Government Commission regarding the Tasman District and Nelson City union proposal will be public. I urge all residents to look closely at the result. If the Commission decide the proposal be stopped that is the end of the matter, however, if the Commission decides to proceed with a draft reorganisation plan the outcome will be in the hands of residents. If this is the case the Council's role will be very limited, but we will be providing as much information as possible to ensure you are able to make a fully informed contribution.

We now have to wait until 16 June 2011 to hear what the Local Government Commission has in store for the District regarding the proposal for a union with Nelson City. Whatever the outcome the role of the Council will be very limited. The Council's very clear stance on the proposal has not changed and all submissions to the Commission are publicly available on its website www.lgc.govt.nz. If they do put a draft reorganisation proposal out for submissions the role of residents and ratepayers will be paramount whatever camp you fall into – this is about how you wish the place you live in to be governed.

The Annual Plan submission process finished last week with the last of the public hearings. The Council will now have to take all the submissions into account and decide what is to be included in the plan for 2011/2012 and what is to be excluded. This is a difficult exercise with the need to manage expectations within a very clear directive to minimise increases to rates made all the more difficult by the recent natural disasters and the economic recession. In addition to the work already identified within the Long Term Plan, the Council received requests for additional services, initiatives or support to the value of an extra $24 million, making the prioritisation process just that little more testing. I will assure ratepayers, however, that this Council is committed to the objective of delivering excellent services at an affordable cost.

One of my key roles as Mayor is to be able to objectively review the challenges facing our District, understand the wider implications and what solutions other regions are coming up with to address similar issues, then share that information to ensure that Council is making the best decisions it can.

I am currently Chair/member of a number of committees and groups that enable me to take this wider view. The Zone 5 group that I chair, for example, is a function of Local Government New Zealand and includes elected members from Nelson, Tasman and Buller down to Westland, Christchurch and the Chathams. It is a real honour to Chair this Zone Group and what I take from our meetings and discussions is invaluable, as is my role on the Land and Water Forum. The Land and Water Forum is a group consisting of primary industry groups, environmental and recreational NGOs, iwi and other organisations brought together to advise on how water should be managed in New Zealand. Both of these groups take time and effort but are an essential contributor of knowledge and influence within my role as Mayor. They enable me to cast a wider perspective on our community issues and help identify cost-effective and beneficial solutions.

While I enjoy and take pride in these roles, the relationships and experiences have a purpose – the betterment of our District. We need to have a voice at a national level as we can be affected by the decisions made there. Through membership of these groups we can get a great deal of volume in our voice and I can best serve you, the residents and ratepayers of our marvelous District.

The Local Government Commission has recently informed the people of Tasman and Nelson they require more time to make their decision regarding the future of the proposed union between the two areas. No-one knows beyond the three Commissioners what that decision will be – drop the proposal or take a draft reorganisation proposal to Tasman and Nelson residents for consultation. If it does proceed to consulting on a draft proposal it is an opportunity for the people who live in each area to have a say on how the combined areas could be governed. While the Council will have a role, it will be limited to ensuring all those who choose to play a role have the information they require to do so. We want to avoid any political interference or the misinformation that has been evident at times. The Prime Minister is on record saying the Government will not lead any Council amalgamation unless it is supported by the respective communities. The Council will be keeping you abreast of the developments, the process and how you can play a role and I would strongly encourage our community to tell the Local Government Commission what you think, should they choose to go to the next step of a draft proposal.

In the last few weeks the Council has passed a Bylaw governing freedom camping within Tasman. As expected this decision has split the community with many for and against. The majority of the voices against the Bylaw believed the Council is striking at the heart of a birthright of New Zealanders. The Council is not against freedom camping, the Bylaw is an attempt to manage irresponsible camping as requested by our community. In light of the interest in this Bylaw we have built in a 12 month review period.

Most of us are aware of the issues we are dealing with regarding the use, or more pointedly, the misuse of alcohol. These have recently been well publicised in the local media specifically around the relationship between the Police and the hospitality industry in Nelson City. While it appears to be a localised problem I believe it is an issue that deserves wider discussion.

We, as a community, both Tasman and Nelson, need to take notice of the reported alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour and look beyond the current two groups who are being held responsible. Yes the hospitality industry needs to work with our law and order providers, but we also have some responsibility. The Police and the bars are the visible endpoint of a widely accepted attitude to alcohol. It is a matter of individual, family and community responsibility. We are all aware of the impact alcohol can have on all three levels of a society, and as members of such a society we have the ability to provide a positive influence.

Without a positive contribution to the issue from within the community, the alcohol and violence issue will always be seen to be someone else's to solve despite the fact we have all been part of, experienced or bemoaned it.

Community action against the well known effects can start at home, in the flat, in the club or amongst friends. Let us as a community make it our responsibility.

In the past few weeks I have been reminded of the role volunteers often play in shaping the future of our communities. Earlier this month Jane and I were guests at the TrustPower Community awards at which the Nelson Tasman region was represented by SAVE or Students Against Violence Everywhere. Presented by two of the region's future leaders, Johny O'Donnell and Jemma Wastney, the programme drew special recognition from the judges for the resilience, relevance and organisational skills displayed in achieving the outcomes it has already. So impressed, that while the programme did not receive an award, awards judge Tariana Turia is planning to come down personally to witness and glean from this group how it has achieved its success to apply those lessons to programmes at a national level. This programme is only one of many occurring within our communities today, all run by volunteers. Our community relies a great deal on such volunteers and we all appreciate their contribution to our lives.

Last week I received a delegation from Fujimi-machi, Richmond's sister city in Japan. In a time that has seen their own country rocked by one of the biggest earthquakes in history, tsunami and now nuclear concerns, this group took the time to recognise generously through gifts and donations the people who hosted students from their area, the Richmond Friendly Town Committee and the Council itself. Looking beyond the catastrophe in their own country the Mayor Kazuhiko Kobayashi and the Fujimi-machi community made a specific donation to the rebuilding of Christchurch and offered their condolences and hope to those affected. We were moved by their generosity.

By the time you read this the public meetings the Council has hosted throughout the District regarding the Draft Annual Plan will have finished. Written submissions, either through mail or via the Council website, should be forwarded to the Council before 4.30 pm 21 April 2011. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please make them known to us before the closing date. For those who took the time to attend the meetings I thank you on behalf of the Council for the time you took to contribute.

By now you will have received the Newsline Special edition which is the summary of the Annual Plan for 2011-2012. If you haven't please call us and we will send one out to you. The first thing many will notice is the proposed rise in the current rates for the coming year. While many will accept that we have to rebuild the Council's disaster recovery fund and have the added bogey of inflation, there is still an increase in these difficult economic times.

We have made some significant cuts throughout the plan, but we have not delayed essential and necessary infrastructure nor deferred loan repayments. We, as a Council, believe that doing such things only increases the burden later as those works become imperative and the cost falls on future ratepayers, often the same ratepayers as today.

Our Annual Planning process is about continuing the planned essential infrastructure development throughout the District, one of the largest in the country, identified in the Long Term Plan. When making these decisions we carefully weigh up the options of affordability now and in the future and often the 'steady as we go' principle wins out.

As a provider of services to the District we have a responsibility to ensure we can do this efficiently. In making the decision at the last Annual Plan to include additions to the current Council buildings, efficiency was at the core. Before proceeding with the extension Council is reviewing all options to ensure the most cost effective expenditure for ratepayers while providing for our staff to deliver services ratepayers need in acceptable timeframes.

The Annual Plan is a proposal, meaning that it does not become final until the residents and ratepayers of Tasman have had the opportunity to submit. I urge you to look at the proposed plan and engage with us when we come to your town, but if you cannot make it to a meeting please take the time to let us know your thoughts.

For the past few weeks since 22 February 2011 we, as a District and region, have been working to provide assistance to those affected by the latest Canterbury earthquake. We all know someone in Christchurch, either family or friends, and there is no doubt a number of local people will have lost someone close to them. It is at times like this when we really see what it means to be a New Zealander. Without being asked many people have dropped everything to help in whatever way they can, whether they can afford it or not.

The region, because of its proximity and links, has become the natural refuge for many escaping the ongoing issues driven by the quake. In the days immediately following the quake the Lewis Pass saw 'peak hour' volumes as people drove north for some respite for them and their families. Just how many will return and how many decide to stay permanently will only become apparent as the clean-up continues and once those here have had time to assess their options.

If the evidence of the immediate response is anything to go by I am confident in the knowledge that the region's people will welcome any who either take temporary refuge or choose to stay permanently with open and supportive arms.

We are here to welcome and support the people of Christchurch as they escape the devastation, grieve their losses and rebuild their lives. In some small way the Council is directly assisting by providing expertise and assistance in response to the event and cleanup as have many of the contractors that work in partnership with the Council.

Late last week I was in Motueka and I visited Te Awhina marae. The marae, as with others in the region, has been open to support people displaced in the earthquake providing refuge and a place for them to take stock and contemplate their future, feeding and housing complete strangers without question or payment. You cannot help but be humbled and impressed by the efforts of so many.

To those who have contributed, large or small, without a thought of recompense or need for thanks, you are the people who make this region special and I thank you.

As part of the Annual Plan process the Council manages each year we have a number of projects and initiatives that affect local communities. Councillors are voted in by, and represent, the various wards which make up the Council. Within each of these wards are communities that require different levels of investment in infrastructure depending on their needs now and in the future. In the latest issue, and the prior issue of Newsline, examples of such initiatives were and are highlighted; Takaka’s waste water treatment plant upgrade, the reticulated (piped) drinking water schemes affecting Motueka and Takaka and the flood protection scheme in Motueka. The cost impact of each of these schemes is significant and while they are deemed essential by some, the Council is well aware the affected communities need to identify their priorities as they may not all be affordable.

As elected representatives we represent the whole Tasman District, however, there are times, important times, where the individuals who live in communities contribute to the decision-making process. To this end we will work in partnership with the Community Boards as they help the Council consult with their communities and assist the Council to make decisions that will enhance these communities and the District as a whole.

It is very important to me and Councillors that we engage successfully with local communities or individuals on decisions that affect them. In the past the Council has been accused of ignoring the wishes of ratepayers in important decisions and we have taken that criticism on board. We are committed to facilitating community input and will make the discussions and decision making as transparent as possible, especially to those most affected. In order for this process to be successful ratepayer and resident feedback is essential, as this allows Council to understand local wishes when making decisions.

If people have any questions regarding the projects in question please do not hesitate to contact your local Councillors and/or Community Board.

As we enter the second month of the year, with our summer holidays already becoming a distant memory, the number of significant projects the Council is charged with delivering this year is beginning to become evident.

The Annual Plan process provides a sharp focus point for the Council and this year is no different. Throw in the repair bill from the Christmas floods in Golden Bay and Murchison and the list of projects grows markedly. We, as Councillors, are acutely aware of the impact our decisions have on the affordability of living in Tasman for individuals and businesses so prioritisation of the essential items is an imperative. While we are looking for assistance, and have had a sympathetic ear, from Central Government and other national sources there will be a cost to the District. The impact of the cost on ratepayers has been, and will continue to be, the focus of Council consideration.

Catering for growth and the need to maintain the infrastructure we already have in place is always a delicate balance. To maximize the benefit to ratepayers the Council looks for opportunities to leverage funding from external sources such as the Ministry of Health’s subsidy for drinking water scheme. Council will be asking the communities and community Boards of both Motueka and Takaka whether there is local support for application to the government’s drinking water subsidy scheme.

This is why the Annual Plan consultation process is so important as we need to clearly identify what is important to the people of Tasman and what they are prepared to pay for. The draft Annual Plan is being formulated at the moment and will shortly be out for consultation to the residents and ratepayers. We appreciate your involvement and feedback – it is your District.

The deluge that hit the top of the South Island on the 28th certainly caught a number of people by surprise. It was a privilege for Jane and I to visit some of those affected by the floods and play a very small role as many in our community turned out to help others in need. Throughout the District, from Murchison to the northern part of Golden Bay, the rain-driven floods caused havoc and heartbreak, houses were inundated, farms were hit badly and roads and bridges were destroyed. Following the deluge I could see this was not going to be a normal event. As the area reeled from some of the biggest floods recorded reports came in far farther afield showing the West Coast and Marlborough were affected just as badly.

The story in the 28 January 2011 Newsline the Mag talks about the devastation, the clean-up and what is being done to reinstate what we can. We may not be able to replace everything that was destroyed, but in reinstating the infrastructure we are going to do so with the lessons taught to us by the event.

I always like to start the year optimistically and this year is no different. Yes we have had a quick, but very sharp, lesson from Mother Nature about who is in charge but it should not deter us from the work we need to do or the love of the place we call home. The work list is long but achievable and we will be looking to engage our local communities as we progress through the extensive programme. The council work programme and the return of the Local Government Commission’s findings will be high on the list of community conversations in the first few weeks as will the number of initiatives happening throughout the region.

It is something we were acting on before the Local Government Commission came to town, but their visit reinforced our resolve to build sustainable and positive relationships with Tasman’s communities. Recognition of the role and its importance by all parties will be a key outcome I will be looking to achieve this year.

I wish you all the best for the rest of this year.