Thank you Thames-Coromandel

"I want to thank everyone for voting me in for a second term as Mayor of Thames-Coromandel and congratulate those who were elected or re-elected to Council or on Community Boards.

It's a real honour to represent our region and we're all very excited and committed to achieving some big things together over the next three years.

From the progressive results published so far, it's clear, that you the voters, have approved of the significant progress we've made as a Council over the past three years. You've given us a clear mandate to continue with our work programme to keep rates under control and to invest wisely in projects that will make the Coromandel stronger.

Some work we'll be getting stuck into straight away will be embedding our Council's Economic Development Action Plan focusing on three major projects; the Coromandel Great Walks, the Coromandel Harbour Facilities Project and building the Hauraki Rail Trail cycleway from Kaiaua to Kopu.

This will all be done by being efficient and financially prudent.
 
Must haves the priority - not the nice to haves

Our Council and Community Boards will only be spending where necessity dictates.

Not on my watch will there be spending on the nice to haves, it's about the must haves and anything else will be put on hold.

Our Council relies on discretionary spending, particularly as approximately 55% of our customers live in another residence outside of the district most of the time.

We're a holiday and visitor destination and we benefit from this in the good times.

We're not out of the woods economically. It'll be over 12 - 18 months after the global economy improves before NZ starts to see a lift, so we won't see any significant changes any time soon, but we need to start building foundations for it to all fall into place.

Financial results tracking well

The good news is our financial results are reflecting Council philosophy - to deliver a high level of service to our customers, while being financially prudent.

As part of Council's organisational restructure, direct operating costs have fallen from $38.3m in 2011/2012 to $35.9m in 2012/2013 while still meeting performance requirements.

Actual rating income for the 2013 year end has marginally exceeded that of 2008/9, which translates into an average property rate of $2,094 (2012/13), as compared with $2,077 (2008/9).

If you're interested in finances, check out www.tcdc.govt.nz/ar2013  for our 2012/13 annual report.

Let's work as a team for a stronger Coromandel

Like any region, there's always going to be problems we'll face. How we deal with it, is how we'll be judged.

We've got a really great team at Council and I know from experience, that whatever organisation you belong to, whether it's a club, a sports team or business - you're only as good as your team - and it's giving everyone the opportunity to develop their ability to step up.

So in this next term, let's work together and step up to make the Coromandel a better place to live, work and play."

Glenn Leach: Thames-Coromandel Mayor

ENDS

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