Ruapehu’s newly sworn-in Council for 2016-19: L2R: Murray Wilson, Adie Doyle, Jacques Windell, Vivienne Hoeta, Kim Wheeler, Cynthia Dowsett, Marion Gillard (dep Mayor), Mayor Don Cameron, Ben Goddard, Karen Ngatai, Graeme Cosford, David (Rabbit) Nottage, Council Chief Executive Clive Manley.

New Council united in vision

An air of enthusiasm for the next three years greeted the swearing-in of Ruapehu’s newly elected members at Council’s first meeting for the 2016-2019 term on Tuesday (1 Nov 16).

Returning Mayor Don Cameron who has been re-elected for his second term said that he was looking forward to building on the achievements of the previous Council in advancing opportunities for Ruapehu and its communities.

“The former Council made great progress in establishing the framework required for Ruapehu to capitalize on growth opportunities as part of the Accelerate25 Regional Growth programme and advancing township revitalisation efforts.”

“The new Council is committed to maintaining a focus on economic development with all Councillors stating their intention to work as a team for the benefit of the District and its communities,” said Mayor Cameron.

“While sorry to have lost some long standing councillors and their experience we have gained five new members who are bringing new skills, ideas and ways of looking at things that will be of great benefit to Council and the District.”

“Although we can’t expect the new Council to agree on everything and will no doubt vigorously debate issues from time to time, their commitment and willingness to work together for the benefit of all is a really good sign,” he said.

Mayor Cameron said that the new Council was committed to continuing the process of community consultation and working with Iwi.

“Council is undertaking to hold township meetings on a more regular basis to get face to face feedback directly from communities.”

“With Iwi we want to continue working cooperatively when the opportunity presents itself while developing and enhancing our mutual understanding.”

“While the new Council shares a common vision for growing Ruapehu’s economy we also share social objectives and want to see the opportunities from economic growth available to all.”

“Council’s overall focus is to drive and support the development of safe, prosperous rural communities that are able to capitalise on our agriculture, business and tourism sectors while sustaining our beautiful environment.”

“I hope that Ruapehu communities are as excited and confident as I am that the new Council will be able to assist the District on this path.”

© Scoop Media

From Glen Johnson In Ukraine: Update on the counter offensive

BUCHAREST, Romania -- At the end of September, Nataliya (24), a paramedic from Kharkiv, packed a suitcase with only a few of her belongings: essential documents, a scattering of summer and winter clothes, books by Haruki Murakami and the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko – and her favourite lamp.

“I don’t see a decent future in Ukraine for at least the next 10 years. I don’t want to raise my children or waste my life there,” said Nataliya. “Crises, devastation, crime, and a bankrupt country. And with a government like we have now, this will never end.”
More

Gordon Campbell: On Secret Coalition Talks, Plus A Music Playlist

Routinely, the centre-right complains that Big Government treats people like children. Huh. Have to say, National, Act and New Zealand First are doing a pretty good job of infantilising the New Zealand public. We keep being told “good progress“ is being made in forming the next government, while getting no inkling about what that means in practice. In the information void, it's all guesswork. Maybe Act’s Treaty referendum is still on the table, maybe not. Maybe National’s tax cuts and foreign buyers tax are proving to be stumbling blocks, maybe not. More