Council turned full circle

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 239, 12 April 1988, Page 3

Council turned full circle

The following is the speech made by the nevv Waimarino District Council's Mayor Garrick Workman, to newly sworn in WDC councillors, staff and public. "Tonight (Tuesday March 5) marks the beginning of a new era in the history of Local Government here in the Waimarino now that the Waimarino District Council has been sworn into office. "To some extent the wheel has turned full circle whereby once again one Council will administer the affairs of this district as was the case when it all began nearly a century ago. "The difference being now of course that great progress has been made both in the rural and urban areas with the advent of water and sewerage schemes, electric power development and reticulations, roading and footpaths, recreational areas. "Thanks to the foresight, the hard work and the fine administration provided by successive County and Borough Councils and

residents over the years. "From tonight we must continue this work as one Council, building on the past thinking only Waimarino in the process and what is best for the Waimarino in the future rather than our own particular patch or project. "I feel proud to have been elected Mayor of this District Council as I am sure you feel likewise being elected as councillors. Certainly I congratulate you all on your election and I firmly believe working together along with the advice and assistance we will receive from John Murrihy as District Manager that we have the makings of a very good team. "The challenge is there for us as a Council, to prove worthy of the support we received at the recent elections by providing an effective and efficient unit of Local Government. Or at least as effective apd efficient as possible given our size. "I believe not only must we demonstrate to Waimarino residents that this amalgamation was worthwhile, we

must -also demonstrate to the Local Government Commission, or more to the point the Government, that small units of Local Government such as ours are worthwhile. "But probably more importantly demonstrate to ourselves that we as a Council are worthwhile and in 'we' I include all our staff who

play such an important part in ensuring that the policy of Council is implemented. "I mentioned the word team before as I believe good teamwork is the only way in which we will achieve our objectives. "We have coming before the Council table in the near future sev-

eral major projects. There are sewerage schemes at Rangataua and Pipiriki to be implemented. A water scheme for Ohakune that is causing concern not only from a financial viewpoint but whether or not chlorination or ultra-violet treatment is preferable. "Tourism. To what extent this Council should become involved? Pipiriki Road that could become a major tourist route if it were upgraded. "At all times of course expenditure for major works such as these must be balanced against our ability to finance them. "This year's estimates, in other words our budget, is in the process of being prepared. We must ensure that any rate increase required to fund these estimates is realistic. "Ratepayers must have the ability to pay. By the same token essential work must be undertaken now ' to avoid a backlog situation developing that could create problems with regard to unreasonable financial burden in future. "These are only a few of the concems we must address. Let us as we have just sworn faithfully and impartially and to the best of our ability execute the powers invested in us i as in my case Mayor and you as councillors of this Waimarino District Council."