10 June 2016

Kapiti Mayor Standing Again

Kapiti Mayor Ross Church formally announces he is standing again for the Kapiti Mayoralty.

“I have unfinished business” says Mayor Ross Church.

“In 2010 I talked about my three term vision. Firstly, council needed to get on and do things – to invest in much needed infrastructure. Second, we needed to make sure that Council became more responsive to Community needs and wants. Thirdly, we needed to make sure we took advantage of the new infrastructure and new attitude”.

“We have ticked off two out of three. From 2010 to 2013 the Council invested in the Coastlands Aquatic Centre, we bought land for the dam, we bought and began to develop Otaraua Park, we invested in flood protection in Raumati Beach and elsewhere, we invested in much needed roading projects, and look at the CWB now (cycleways, walkways, bridleways) – the place is humming.

“Since I’ve been mayor, Council has changed its stance on so many issues, becoming much more community focussed. We have slowed down the planning around the District Plan, we have found better ways to deal with the coastal hazard issues, we have found a way to re-build the Paekakariki Sea Wall with huge community input. There is a new attitude which I want to continue to build on and develop. My style is to stay calm, to delegate, and to empower, so that everyone can contribute to the future of Kapiti in a way that has meaning to them.

“In the next three years we need to build on the good work of the past two terms. We need to continue the collaboration between Council and the Community. We now have strong and meaningful partnerships with our youth, our older population, our Iwi partners, our Colleges, our schools, and other Councils in the Wellington region, and so many other communities of interest, and these will only be enhanced as we continue to grow and develop. We need to continue to plan for the inevitable growth around the Expressway, which opens around Christmas-time. Our on-going development (be that economic, social, cultural, or environmental) is crucial for future generations of Kapiti people.

On a personal note, Mayor Ross wished to thank the community for the huge support he received re the passing of his wife, Mayoress Vicki.

“I owe this community so much, and one way I can try to pay something forward for Kapiti is to continue the work that Vicki and I started together. I look forward to continuing to work with you all”.

ends

© Scoop Media