Open hours over the festive season

Where has the year gone? I know it’s such a cliché, but it seems like only yesterday that I was writing my Christmas message for 2023! As we come towards the end of the year it’s timely to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past 12 months.

In South Taranaki we completed many projects including the Nukumaru Station Road extension (Te Ranganuku Road), the new Waimate West reservoir, the 5km multi-use Loop Track in Pātea and, most recently, Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, the district’s new Library, Arts and isite Visitor Information Centre in Hāwera.

In addition, good progress has been made on Stage 2 of the South Taranaki Business Park, as well as planning, design, and public consultation work in support of the town centre revitalisation projects for Waverley, Eltham, Ōpunakē, Pātea and Manaia. Planning and design of Ōpunakē’s proposed greenspace was completed as well as a new pump track. Planning and design are well advanced for Stark Park and traffic calming/pedestrian refuge measures have been completed along the main highway in Eltham. Elements including signage and wayfinding had been implemented in Pātea. Behind the scenes work on project Tūkau, (a possible shared Iwi/community multi-purpose space in Manaia) is progressing with the Council committed to undertaking work on both the Manaia Town Hall and Sports Complex.

Meanwhile, the Council’s town revitalisation efforts in Waverley have not only transformed the town’s public spaces but also provided a significant boost to the local economy. Thanks to lead contractor Waina View Civil Ltd employing local contractors, these projects have created both economic and social benefits for the town. This has also fostered a strong sense of community ownership and pride in the revitalisation initiatives. Waverley residents can now enjoy enhanced public spaces, from safer pedestrian crossings and a vibrant café deck on the main street to scenic pathways and green spaces at the Waverley Domain. These improvements have not only beautified the town but also made it more accessible and inviting for residents and visitors alike.

Looking ahead to 2025 there are plenty of projects and challenges we face (such as how we progress management of our 3 waters infrastructure, adapt to the impacts of climate change and fund our infrastructure while keeping rates affordable) but I am very excited about our District’s future.

Thank you to the many clubs, organisations, schools and individuals across the District for the great work you have done for our community over the last year, and those of you who have welcomed me to your meetings, events and special occasions. The opportunity to get out and meet you all is one of the great privileges of my role.

Christmas is a great time for catching up with family and friends, but it can be a stressful and lonely time for many. Please remember to treat each other with kindness and respect. Finally, if you’re driving over the holiday season, take care on the roads, stay calm, take plenty of breaks and please don’t allow any distractions while driving.

Have a great Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year and I look forward to seeing and working with you in 2025.

Phil Nixon, Mayor of South Taranaki