Ruapehu's Christmas Messages

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 567, 20 December 1994, Page 15

Ruapehu's Christmas Messages

Mayor's Christmas Message

One of the most encouraging aspects about the Ruapehu District is the willingness of the people to make our communities better places to live in. In all of these communities and throughout the entire District I have met and/ or had the pri vilege of working with citizens who devote a great deal of their time voluntarily in many different ways. In Taumarunui and Raetihi for some time now the efforts of those who contribute in this way are recognised via the citizenship awards that were constituted by the previous Borough Councils. This year's recipients, Joan and Jock Black and Tom Tyson in Taumarunui andRay and Val Littlewood in Raetihi thoroughly deserve their awards as do those who have received similar recognition in the past. We congratulate and thank them sincerely for the contribution they have made over the years. Similarly I extend a vote of thanks on behalf of the Council and the District to the many other people who do likewise. 1994 has in many ways been a year of real progress for the District. District Councils such as ours face a multitude of challenges in a changing and demanding environment. Naturally we are expected to ensure that basic maintenance of utilities is carried out to an acceptable standard and improvements made where appropriate and where possible. If I have one concern it is in this par-' ticular area. Maintenance standards and techniques havecaused us problems at times throughout the year and the Council is determined to improve this aspect of its performance in future. We are also expected to address many of the social issues that affect our communities in different ways. The health issue is a prime example and it is heartening that we are making progress in Taumarunui now as we seek to safeguard an acceptable level of health service for the town and District. In the Waimarino construction of the new health Centre will begin next month and in Waiouru I have been advised that the revamped Maternity Service is operating satisfactorily. The establishment of a Safer Community Council is an excellent initiative that promises benefits for Taumarunui and other communities once the scheme has been set up and is able to be expanded throughout the District. The Mainstreet programmes in Taumarunui and the Waimarino are another step forward in the development of those communities.

The Ruapehu Invitation Sports Festival and Awards brought the entire District together in a manner not achievedbefore. Our thanks to deputy mayor Cosford and his team for their efforts in this regard along with major sponsors Ruapehu Construction Limited and Sport Waikato. In conclusion I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of your elected representatives, plus Chief Executive Cliff Houston and his hardworking team, to wish you all a very merry Chri stmas and a happy New Year. Garrick Workman Mayor, Ruapehu District

From Colonel R.C. Mortlock Commander, Army Training Group.

As we come to the end of 1994, it is timely to thank all personnel for their continued contribution to the efficient operation of the Army Training Group dur-

ing the year. 1 994 has been a very busy and demanding year for the Army and the Army Training Group and 1995 is likely to bring more of the same. It is therefore very gratifying that personnel have risen to the challenge and achieved allocated tasks. Thanks are also due to families, who at times make great sacrifices for the good of the service. Their support is, as always, much appreciated. Our thoughts are also with those personnel who are overseas, particularly those on peacekeeping duties, many of whom will be spending Christmas without their families. Throughout 1994 we have enjoyed the full support of the wider community around Waiouru and acknowledge the supporf of the Mayor and Councillors of the Ruapehu District Council. We look forward to this co-operation continuing throughout 1995.

On behalf of the Military Community in Waiouru we wish all those associated with us throughout 1994, a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Ruapehu South Junior Council:

Merry Christmas from the members of the Ruapehu (South) Junior Council.

The Junior Council is a local body which aims to discuss and address the concerns of our student community. It is similar in nature to the Ruapehu District Council but operates at a student level only. Members of the Junior Council have an obligation to bring forward issues concerning either their school

or area. Some issues are likely to be taken one step further (e.g. litter, pollution of rivers) and passed onto the RDC which will then deal with them accordingly. This year the Ruapehu (Sth) Junior Council had representatives from both Raetihi and Ohakune Primary Schools. The influx

of Ruapehu College students near the end of the year added some spirit and a touch of radicalism. The Council' s initial focus for 1994 was the Conservation Week project which took place during the final week of August at Rochfort Park. Basically the task inTURNTOPAGE16

Xmas Messages

FROMPAGE11 volved the removal of harmful plant material, weeds and scrub. The idea was to prepare the grounds for the planting of native trees in September. Days later an official ceremony would take place with the Minister of Conservation, Dennis Marshall, in attendance. Litter and graffiti were the main discussion points. Members were officially titled, Litter Control officers and were awarded the authority and responsibilities under the Litter Control Act 19. This was part of a comprehensive solution to keep the Waimarino "clean and green". Generally this year's Junior Council has made a commendable effort in terms of helping the community. Throughout the Council' s existence many students have found it to be a learning experience. Meeting procedures, aspects of the common law and the general function of local government are what some students have learnt. A special thanks to our presider Mr Graham Parker (deputy principal ofRuapehu College), Don Sattler, Bev Kerr (secretary) and Mayor Garrick Workman for their time, energy and commitment to the Ruapehu (Sth) Junior Council for 1994. Anenas O'Sullivan, chairman ofthe junior council