Mayoral column Feb 2025

It is incredible to think that we are already well into 2025, with a hot summer finally starting just in time to feel the days getting shorter! And it has been a great summer for Ōpōtiki with an incredible line-up of activities and events that brought the community together and showed off our best and brightest. Particular thanks to all those who worked so hard to make the Lantern Festival and summer activities so successful this year.

But there has also been a lot of tragedy recently. In particular I need to acknowledge the terrible fire in town and I am just so thankful that no one was hurt. But the loss of property and business will be deeply felt and our thoughts are with all those impacted – I know our community will come together to really support and help through this tough time. On behalf of the community, I would also like to thank our volunteer fire brigades who dropped everything from here and surrounding areas and worked hard to get it under control so quickly. Thanks to this great group of volunteers.

There is also a lot happening on our roads about the district and I have had good conversations with the team at Waka Kotahi NZTA who are working hard in our area at the moment and making sure we’re updated and across their mahi. Big works include SH2 Waimana gorge, SH2 at Matatā and the SH35 roundabout. Please take extra care on our roads and slow down around all these areas and have patience.

And I can’t see out the week without an excited reference to Te Matatini. Best of luck to all the participants, but particular shout-out to the amazing teams from our rohe (I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite!).