Wairoa District Council Defends Against Negativity
Wairoa is transforming into a vibrantly energetic part of New Zealand and will no longer accept spin-driven criticism.
This is the message from newly-appointed CEO of Wairoa District Council Fergus Power, in response to recent criticism by
the New Zealand Taxpayers Union over a proposed budget increase.
Describing it as just another example of ‘Wairoa-bashing’, Mr Power said it was a cheap shot that distracted from the
fact that the district is very much open for business.
“I have been appointed to bring about a transformation within Council, and within the district. The first step requires
active rebut of the sort of nonsense that has been promulgated for years – that Wairoa is in decay, has inept
leadership, and is incapable of a sustainable, prosperous future. In fact, Wairoa district has the youngest and most
vibrant population structure of all of the cities and districts in the Hawke’s Bay region – with 25% of the population
aged between 0-14,” said Mr Power.
“That is backed up with some of the warmest and most welcoming people, a rich and proud Maori culture, the kindest
climate imaginable, and a surfeit of fish, game, and opportunities to recreate in the vast outdoors – which includes the
stunning Lake Waikaremoana and Te Urewera National Park, and the world-renowned beaches of the Mahia Peninsula, with
sun, sand and surfing”, he said.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said Wairoa would no longer accept baseless scaremongering.
“I will defend Wairoa district’s reputation aggressively. We are no longer a punching bag. We are punching above our
weight and we have much work to do as a community”.
"When the punching bag looks like blue sea, warm sand, sunshine, and an energised and dedicated community committed to a
complete transformation of the district – it becomes a slightly harder target. In fact, why would you even want to
diminish it?
NZTU criticism was centred around the Draft Annual Plan 2014-2015, which is currently in the consultation phase.
The plan includes a 5.43 percent increase in the budget, which does not include the funding requirements for the Mahia
and Opoutama Wastewater Schemes. Ratepayers not involved in either wastewater scheme are not affected by these funding
requirements.
Participants in the wastewater schemes are being consulted with separately, as they have several options for repayment.
Figures that relate to these schemes in the Draft Plan reflect the default repayment option, although the choices those
participants make will have a significant impact on the projected rates requirement.
All Wairoa ratepayers are sent individual draft rates notices, which record the proposed rates amount for their
individual properties under the Draft Annual Plan.
Visit www.wairoadc.govt.nz to view the plan in full and make an online submission. Consultation closes at noon on
Thursday, June 12.
Ends