Best wishes for festive season

This has been a busy year for the Hutt City Council which was achieved one of the lowest average rate rises in New Zealand and received praise for its careful management of the city’s finances. We have made provision in the long term plan for infrastructure including parks and special projects to improve our environment. During the year the Hutt City Council (Graffiti Removal) Bill was approved and we continue to make gains in the removal of graffiti vandalism across the city. There has also been progress in building business confidence across the city with the government decision to retain the science innovation centres here in Lower Hutt. We have also introduced a business stimulus package to attract new business to Lower Hutt. We plan to help Lower Hutt grow into the future as a place where people wish to come and raise their families. We have a great city and council is committed to making it even better.

I would like to wish all our residents a very happy festive season and hope you keep safe and look after each other. I would also like to extend my very best wishes for 2013.

 

Local views important in governance debate

Current discussions on amalgamation are creating divisions among the city local authorities at a time of economic adversity. Writing in the “Your Shout” column of the Hutt News (Tuesday, December 18, 2012) I said it is a time when we should be working closely together for the benefit of our citizens and ratepayers.

Much of the debate has been force fed by campaigners for a super city.

As Mayor of Lower Hutt, my position is simple. There is strong community support for the status quo. If change is forced upon us, then people have told us a united Hutt Valley is the preferred option.

A super city proposal attracted just three per cent support in polls and consultation across the city.

My pursuit is the truth in all these issues and to be the flag bearer for my community and the views they have expressed. It disappoints me that some say Hutt City is doing nothing or not prepared to work with others. This is simply not true. We have one of the best working relationships with other councils in the region.

I personally chair the Local Government NZ Zone Four group of Mayors. I recently hosted a forum where all the councils in the region presented their views. I was able to encourage everyone’s voice to be heard.

We must proceed with a common bond of doing what is best for the individual cities and the region.

Lower Hutt has nothing to gain from being swallowed into a super city. We would share in the cost of everyone’s 20-year spending plans and be penalised for being prudent and keeping our own costs down by reducing debt.

I do not think that would be fair on the ratepayers and residents of Lower Hutt.

Hutt City has taken a pragmatic approach and put in place a business stimulus package. We have worked hard to retain big business, including growth in science and technology, encouraged small businesses and focused on creating a city we can all be proud of.

Across Lower Hutt, and the greater Wellington region, we have plenty of stories of people who are having a difficult time. For some businesses this year has been one of the most difficult.

These are people who deserve to have a say in how their money is spent.

Lower Hutt is strong. Our average rate rise was among the lowest in New Zealand, we have low debt, and we have good infrastructure in the city. We have great parks and open spaces.  And we have made financial provision in our long term plan to ensure our infrastructure is kept at a good standard.

We also have a share in our own council controlled water company, Capacity, which is doing very well.

If amalgamation is the game, then the three-council proposal has a real benefit for Lower Hutt and the region.

Comprising three entities – a united Hutt Valley, a united Wairarapa and Wellington-Porirua-Kapiti combined – the model would retain local democracy through efficient and effective local authorities with the potential to cooperate strongly on regional issues.

In the event of one united Hutt Valley, we have a shared heritage with Upper Hutt and a similar economic and community profile.

One united Hutt Valley can stand alone and provide for the needs of our community.

We must remember, in all this discussion, the wishes of our residents and ratepayers are important and that they are wise enough to know what is best for Lower Hutt.

Democracy is all about the people.

 

Service acknowledged in Mayoral statement to council

 Te Omanga co-founder Marion Cooper  was congratulated on being elected patron of that organisation in my Mayoral Statement to the full council meeting on 11 December 2012.

 Betty and Peter Hodgins who have been delivering meals to the elderly for 30 years and contribute to the Lower Hutt Food Bank and Kickstart breakfast programmes at St Michael’s Primary in Taita, received Wellington Local Hero medals. Scott MacKenzie, a Wainuiomata volunteer who set up a charitable karate academy also received a Hero Medal.

Mayoral Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Rod Gillespie and James Young for demonstrating business leadership in Lower Hutt.

 Education

 Secondary Schools across Lower Hutt have all completed their annual prize giving with an impressive list of academic and sporting achievements. Top scholars across the city were:

Damon Hutley, St Bernards College, Yuxuan Zhou. St Bernards College,

Hayley Markland, Wainuiomata High School, Shannon Admas, Wainuiomata High School,

Daniel Browne, Taita College, Wadza Munatswa, Taita College,  

Vicky Watson, Sacred Heart College, Barbara Parren, Sacred Heart College,

Brian Ng, Hutt Valley High School, Madhuri Shenoy, Hutt Valley High School, Sobhanya Kim, Naenae College, Courtney Brown, Naenae College,

Allie Eathorne, St Orans College, Tamra Lindsay, St Orans College,

Karen Zhang, Chilton St James, Ruth Benitez, Chilton St James.

Sport

Petone Rugby Club chairman Brian Simmons has decided to stand down from that position. He has served on the committee for 36 years which is a commendable effort.

Colourful Naenae resident Michael Stewart completed his 500^th marathon, a southern hemisphere record.

Community

 A  Chinese delegation led by the vice Mayor of Xi’an Municipal People’s Government, Li Jing, visited during the month. As one of the largest cities in China, Xi’an shares an aspiration with Lower Hutt in developing science and technology as a key focus for future growth. The on-going relationship has the potential to create opportunities in areas of tourism and education.

Three young dancers from Lower Hutt, Kia Jewell, Olivia Nash, from the Mary Rodgers Ballet Academy, and Georgia Ryan , the Children’s Dance Centre, have been selected to take part in  the regional heat of a national final for the Denee Dance challenge. This competition is run by the prestigious London-based Royal Academy of Dance.

  

Bereavements

Former All Black and Petone player Bob Scott, who played 17 tests for New Zealand, was a well-known identity who is honoured in the Walk of champions in Jackson Street,.

 Ian Atkins, former stalwart of Hutt Valley cricket and former member of the New Zealand Junior Cricket Advisory Board, who contributed to the development of Hutt Valley cricket.

 A prominent member of the Lower Hutt legal fraternity, Greg King, who established himself as a national identity through his courtroom work defending high profile cases.

 Former Hutt City Councillor Margaret Ryan, QSO.

 Lower Hutt-born Sir Stuart Macaskill CNZM, QSO, who was a former Wellington Regional Council Chairman. He served on the Upper Hutt City Council from 1971 and was deputy Mayor for six years

  

Strong community voice being heard

A strong and united community voice has opened the door for developing new facilities at Naenae’s Walter Mildenhall Park.

A reclassification proposal for the park which would have allowed building housing on the reserve will not proceed.

This issue has a history dating back to 2008 when housing on the Park was included in the North East community plan.

We have received the message loud and clear that the community wishes Walter Mildenhall Park to be preserved as a recreational hub serving community needs.

There has already been considerable activity in the area with the establishment of the Naenae computer club and the recently opened recreational area for young people Now there is the possibility of regional bowling centre with potential multiple community uses.

Chair Cr Ross Jamieson did a good job in guiding the committee. Submissions were very convincing and presented with passion in support of retaining the original purpose for Walter Mildenhall Park.

A good council listens and we have listened to the wishes of the community.

Productive year for council

Our council has had a very productive year in 2012.

I told a gathering of business and community leaders in December that our long term plan through to 2022 has a balanced work load that includes significant infrastructure work, improvements to our  parks, and a commitment to specific projects that will enhance our city.

Our average rate rise for this year is among the lowest in New Zealand and we received a very favourable financial rating which commended the council on its management of finances and debt.

During the course of this year, we have been actively engaged in making provisions for earthquake strengthening of the council administration buildings. Council has made a decision that will see the heritage aspects of the building being retained.

This has been a very thorough and robust process, as you would expect from a prudent council like ours. I would like to acknowledge the work of my deputy David Bassett and Crs Roger Styles and Chris Milne who have worked closely with our officers and consulting engineers to come up with options considered by council.

Council has also shown leadership at a national level with the passage of the Hutt City Council (Graffiti Removal) Bill which passed into law in September of this year. I personally have a strong commitment to control of graffiti vandalism and I was in the House at all stages of the Bill including the Select Committee submissions.

We have received a number of inquiries from other local authorities throughout New Zealand seeking information about how they too, could implement such a Bill. I would like to publicly thank Hutt South MP Trevor Mallard for his work in shepherding the Bill through the House.

The hard work of council is done at the committee level. That is where issues are talked through in detail and arguments for and against are the most robust.

My Chairs of Committees have done a good job in managing these issues and ensuring the voice of the community was kept to the fore in considering the best recommendations for the good of the city.

So I would like to express a universal thank you to my chairs and our councillors and officers who serve on the committees.

This year seemed to be a year of consultation with our community. The annual plan and the long term plan consultation was followed by the Representation Review of community boards, many policy and town planning issues were consulted the community, and finally the Local Government Reform was put out to public discussion. Supercity or not will be a focus for our community and council for a while to come.

But all of these processes in terms of local democracy, are important processes that must be upheld.

In the past few months, councillors have been working on an urban growth strategy for the city. We are excited about the future and what it holds for us all as a community.

Such intensification will mean additional pressure to provide additional facilities and services including recreational opportunities for inner city residents.

We are fortunate to have a number of keystone businesses which generate a lot of activity, many of them in science and technology. Government has committed to Lower Hutt as a science innovation centre by deciding to locate one of three Callaghan Innovation centres here. Technology Valley is the way to move our city forward.

There have been other successes in encouraging business to stay within Lower Hutt. We are also actively promoting a business stimulus package to encourage business to expand their operations within Lower Hutt.

We are making good progress.

This year has been an intense year, a challenging year, a year of hard work and positive results.

 

Weaving movie magic in Petone

Trying a touch of magic by wearing Gandalf’s Mystical Silver Scarf woven on traditional looms by Petone- based textile company Stansborough, was quite an experience. The Warner Brothers decision to commission Stansborough to design and weave textiles for the Hobbit movies was a significant achievement for a local company.

They have worked hard to gain success and we are very proud of their achievements. This is great for the company and great for Lower Hutt city.The company also produced the Fellowship Cloaks and other fabric for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Top score for Pomare school

Pomare Primary School was the winner from a Hutt City Council Charity Golf Tournament played at Wainuiomata Golf Club in November.

I presented a cheque to Pomare School principal, Chris Worsley, for $10,500 following the sponsored tournament. Additional fund-raising icnreased that total.

It was a great day for golfers and will provide a real boost for Pomare School. Students from the school got involved in the tournament and made for a great day.

Organiser of the event, Adam Wheeler, said there was good support from sponsors and players. Another charity tournament is scheduled to follow next year.  

Pictured is Mayor Ray Wallace, right, and Hutt City Council organisers with parents and staff from the Pomare Primary School.

Mayoral congratulations to Wellingtonian of the Year

Wellingtonian of the year for 2012 Neville Jordan is an inspiration to a rising generation of young people with an eye for success.

I presented the science and technology award to the Petone-born Neville Jordan who is Executive chairman of Endeavour Capital, prior to him being named supreme winner at the Wellingtonian of the Year event.

On behalf of Lower Hutt residents, I congratulated Neville who has maintained strong links with Lower Hutt through his successful business career.

He has long supported and encouraged innovation and new ideas and actively engaged in helping  emerging enterprises.

We are growing as a progressive science and technology valley with more than 800 businesses working in these sectors and contributing heavily to the $5 billion science and technology pumps into the economy.”

Neville Jordan justly deserves his title of Wellingtonian  of the Year after a lifetime of commitment to the region.

He is a true inspiration for people with good ideas which will benefit New Zealand in the future.

I also congratulated Irene Livingstone, from Petone, who received a community award for work with the Hutt Rape Counselling Network.

One Hutt Valley preferred option in any local government change

Democratic representation is important for people living in our valley.  I have told readers of the Vibrant Hutt magazine that we need to have our voice heard.
As Mayor of Lower Hutt, I look at proposals to amalgamate councils in our region and I’m concerned about the potential loss of open democracy and regional representation. 
A reputable Colmar Brunton research study came back and said 61 per cent of people living in Lower Hutt want to keep the existing boundaries. We tested the findings by conducting our own consultation. There were nearly 1000 responses and the majority view was to keep our current boundaries.

The people of the Hutt have a number of concerns:

·         We don’t want to be liable for the high debts of some councils in the region.

·         Other councils have published plans to increase spending and rates by double that planned for the Hutt.  Our residents don’t want to fund those spending plans.  A Supercity could lead to higher rates for the Hutt.

·         We don’t want to lose control of our future.  Under a Supercity  Hutt residents would need  to get  support from Wellington and Porirua councillors to secure funding for local initiatives and important infrastructure projects.

·         We don’t want a council that could be dominated by party politics

If change is to happen, community feedback strongly favours a merger of Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt councils into one Hutt Valley Council. We have much more in common with Upper Hutt than we do with the rest of region, including areas such as the Kapiti Coast.  The Valley councils have a similar culture, similar debt and rate levels and similarly prudent plans when it comes to future expenditure.

The two Hutt cities already work well together. Our Silverstream landfill initiative is a great example of two local authorities working together to provide a top facility that is one of the best in New Zealand. We share an efficient wastewater system and work together well to deliver many other quality services.
Of course we would have key issues to work through if the two councils were to become one Hutt Valley Council.  This includes matters like where staff would be located and details of elected representation.
As Mayor of Lower Hutt, I will discuss these matters with Upper Hutt City Council over the coming months with an open mind. I will also ensure that any decision is discussed with out community. 

               

Community round - up

This has been a busy month with a wide range of activities being undertaken by various communities across the city.

Ultra Fast Broadband

Chorus have been working in Jackson Street installing ducting and junction boxes for the laying of Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) since around August. They will be finished in Jackson Street by the end of November with other work around Petone due for completion by the end of December. The contractors have done their best to minimise disruption. Petone residents will benefit from being one of the first to have UFB installed.

McKenzie Pool Plans

Final plans for the McKenzie Pool project are expected to be available later this month and construction work will get underway once the plans are approved. The upgraded pool will be a real benefit to the community and I am very pleased at the strong community interest in this project.

JSP gets new committee

The Jackson Street Programme has been doing a great job and new members have joined the committee following the recent annual meeting. This is good to see and reflects the significant achievements in the past year under leadership of chair Leonie Dobbs and Jackson Street Programme Coordinator Robert Hutton.

Consultation feedback

Results of the consultation on local government amalgamation have been considered by the various community boards and committees and a recommendation will go forward to the full council on 11 December. There was a good response to consultation across the city with 960 submissions received.

New traffic lights

Good progress is being made on new traffic lights being installed at the intersection of Hutt Road and Jackson Street. The change is to improve an expected increase in traffic flows pending completion of the Countdown supermarket which is being built in Jackson Street.

White Ribbon campaign

The New Zealand White Ribbon Campaign to end men’s violence against women has been launched across New Zealand. I been made a White Ribbon Ambassador and to me, violence against women or anyone, is unacceptable.  On average, 14 women die and more than 3500 men are convicted for assaults on women every year. As a community, we must take responsibility to end this violence. A very successful special breakfast was held at the Hutt Union Community Health Centre in Pomare and a locally – produced White Ribbon song was presented as a gift to the community. It was great.

Alcohol survey

I urge readers to visit our libraries and fill out a Hutt Valley Alcohol survey which is being conducted in response to the Alcohol Reform Bill. The survey is important and will guide council in developing a Hutt Valley Local Alcohol Plan. Give us your thoughts on how to combat alcohol problems in our community.  Binge drinking, particularly among our youth, is becoming a major issue. It is simply not acceptable for a 12-year-old to be out in the community at night drunk. The parents, in the first instance, need to be held to account. If for various circumstances they are not coping, then responsible government agencies need to provide them with support. We must work together as a community to help solve this problem.

A good job, well done!

The Eastbourne Community Board has worked well with the community to support the upgrade of the C L Bishop Park including construction by council of a new toilet block, installation of new play equipment, and extension of the grassed area around the Eastbourne pool. It was great to be there and see all the children having a lot of fun. Residents of Eastbourne have put a lot of work themselves into the park including volunteers who helped build the swimming pool. The park is an example of a strong community working together. The park will benefit the community for many years to come.

Vibrant Village

The Vibrant Village project for Eastbourne will enter its third stage with a number of community groups including the Eastbourne Rotary Club considering how they can be involved. The Vibrant Village project is moving forward and will gain momentum as community groups come on board and lend their support.

 

Work of public art trust praised by Mayor

Dowse Square is a place for people to meet and mingle and explore interesting things and the E Tu Awakairangi Hutt Public Art Trust is making it even more interesting.

The trust funded the Ronny Van Hout Fallen Robot sculpture which occupies a special space in the Dowse Square and is partially immersed.  This adds to its intrigue and stimulates interest.

I have publicly acknowledged the excellent work by the E Tu Awakairangi Hutt Public Art Trust for funding the sculpture. The trust is planning further purchases which will enhance the city and the square

Technology Valley marks the future

Lower Hutt continues to emerge as a science and technology heartland within the Wellington region. This is where it happens – innovative, hi tech, product development and manufacturing with the potential for sustainable economic growth.

Government’s commitment to the city by deciding to locate one of three ATIs here confirms our place as a key player in growing New Zealand Gross Domestic Product through science-related industries I told Vibrant Hutt.

We already have more than 800 businesses that are based on science and technology. Most are reaching out globally to sell products which have been developed locally here, in Lower Hutt.

Organisations like business gold award winners Mesynthes built their business on a new technology product for wound and tissue repair that is being marketed around the world. They work with leading surgeons, clinicians, nurses and researchers throughout the world.  There are many other organisations that have been equally successful.

The long-term growth of our economy in Lower Hutt demands fresh thinking and an entrepreneurial attitude, expert input, and involvement and support from the whole community.

The Hutt City Council is already working with companies to assist them in their growth by easing the way for business in the form of resource consents and a business stimulus package designed to encourage developers to our city.

We are also working with the technology valley working group which has a mission to transform the valley through regional engagement in research, technology and engineering.

One of our shared projects was sponsoring scholarships through the Open Polytechnic for primary school teachers to undergo intensive study in science. The objective is to develop skills so that they can ignite a passion for science among young people.

Capturing the interest of young people is one way of developing a life-long interest in science.

There has also been support for creating clean environmentally friendly energy converting oxygen and water into hydrogen from electricity generated by solar panels and wind turbines. This was demonstrated to Pacific Island leaders at their forum held in Rarotonga. The Pacific leaders were impressed.

There are also lots of new ideas outside the mainstream of science and engineering manufacturing.  This is our community working together across all levels to deliver on science and technology in our city with people from all walks of life to make a difference in our city.  

The opportunities for new technology to make an impact on our city are huge. We need to have confidence in our future in the knowledge that we have a potential in the field of science and technology.

We need to continue to bring forward ideas that can be nurtured and developed into business enterprises which will provide the opportunity for jobs in science and technology  for our young people and build prosperity for our city .

Still loving Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt is a great city...that was the opening to my contribution to the 10th anniversary edition of the Dominion Post recently.  Our people love living here. It is a place with a wonderful range of natural features . Families can go to the beach, climb the hills or walk along the river banks.

There is a vibrance.  The Jackson Street  heritage zone includes  shopping and restaurants. Businesses in the central city including the  Westfield Mall offer a  offer a  diverse range of shopping and services.

We have encouraged the growth of business enterprise. Innovation and 800 science-based companies provide a firm base for growing into the future. Lower Hutt businesses are living locally and doing business globally. This is an emerging trend in Lower Hutt as we secure our future prosperity.

The Hut City Council has considered its future and provided for infrastructure. New community facilities are also included in the new Long Term Plan. The council itself is in good shape and was winner of the Gold Award, the only local authority in New Zealand to do so.

As the Mayor of Lower Hutt, I can say this is a great place to live and our current campaign, I love Hutt City, has wide support.

The last decade has been a period of significant change, but through it all, our people in Lower Hutt still love living here.

Lower Hutt - an interesting place to live

Creating a vibrant Hutt City is all part of the game plan for the future as we build on our existing strengths to attract prosperity to the city.

Writing in the latest edition of Vibrant Hutt I noted that summer should be a busy time with a strong lift in visitors from the 91 cruise ships planned to come alongside at Centreport.

Local adventures planned include Quad-Bike Adventures in Wainuiomata,  Pencarrow Lodge, Waiwhetu Marae and Lord of the Rings Tours in the Hutt Valley.  With Lower Hutt,  Wellington and New Zealand in the international spotlight ahead of the release of The Hobbit movies, regional movie tours are expected to be in hot demand this summer.

And we will be promoting the Hutt as an interesting place to visit. This is happening as members of the community are being asked about their views on the future of our city and how it should be governed.

Government wants central and Local Government to work in partnership and deliver a more productive and competitive economy. Lower Hutt shares that view. We are striving to create an environment for local business to thrive and to attract new enterprises to develop prosperity.

A business stimulus package was put together by the council from savings achieved within our own operating budgets.  The passion to build our local community is a powerful force that has already achieved good gains.

We are part of New Zealand incorporated with many science-based organisations in Lower Hutt working locally and trading globally.

This is a unique profile where Lower Hutt is identified alongside Auckland and Christchurch as a significant centre for innovative science and promotion of high value business. We are a key player in a New Zealand drive to build new international business through innovation driven by science.  We will be the base for one of three newly established Advanced Technology Institutes.

The current discussion on boundaries for local authorities within the Wellington region includes consideration of an expanded status quo with more shared services or a combination of merged city boundaries.

My wish is for Lower Hutt residents to have the opportunity to express their view about the future of their city. And, for Lower Hutt residents, this means a discussion document will be circulated soon to confirm their preference for the future of Lower Hutt.

Your local city councillors are mandated to listen to those views and will give them careful consideration.

Update on city news

There has been a good response to calls for community feedback on local government reform for the Wellington region.  The submissions close on Friday 26 October. You can also make a submission on line at www.huttcity.govt.nz/yoursay. This is your chance to make your sure your views are heard.

Big splash

Opening of the Eastbourne swimming pool for the season on 10 November will be an opportunity for the community to celebrate improvements to the surrounding grounds at Bishop Park. I am sure all Eastbourne residents will be pleased with the outcome.

Pencarrow Road

Pencarrow road usage continues to be monitored under the terms of the new policy approved by council earlier this year. The reports I have received indicate there is a willingness to comply with the wishes of residents in regard to minimising the impact of increased vehicle movements. This will continue to be monitored with the onset of the cruise ship season when tourist numbers visiting Pencarrow are expected to increase.

Town Hall Closure

Safety was the key factor in deciding to close our Town Hall pending earthquake strengthening of the Civic Buildings in Laings Road. Our officers, who are working with engineers and planners, decided the only practical course of action was to close the Town Hall. Options for the future will be considered by the council prior to Christmas.

Jackson Street programme

The Jackson Street Programme does a great job in promoting awareness of the retail shops, cafes and other businesses along the street. Business owners are encouraged to attend the annual meeting on 25 October and to get involved.

Movie time

Grandparents who look after their grand-children are being acknowledged by the Petone Community Board. They are hosting a group to a film at the Lighthouse Cinema on Monday 29 October to mark the International Day of Older Persons with a small fund made available through the council. This is an excellent gesture for a day dedicated to the celebration of older people throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world.

Welcome to Russ

I would like to send a Mayoral welcome to new Petone Community Constable Russ Kalivati.  Russ was previously stationed in Naenae where he developed a close relationship with community groups. Welcome Russ and I know you will do a great job.

 

Team effort achieves strong performance

Congratulations go to Hutt City Council councillors and staff for doing a good job following council’s formal adoption of the annual report for the year ending June 2012.

The council had managed its business carefully and produced the lowest average rates across New Zealand.

Councillors and staff have worked hard and kept focused on achieving benefits for our ratepayers.

This has been a team effort and my congratulations go to all councillors and council staff for their leadership and contribution to keeping the council on target,” he said.

The city embraced science and technology and encouraged new enterprise through a business stimulus package designed grow prosperity and create jobs.

The excellent financial management of the city was commented on by the international credit rating agency Standard & Poors, which reaffirmed council’s AA “very strong” credit rating.

The council also received a number of awards during the year including a Baldrige Gold award for Business Excellence, the only local authority to receive the award.

Lower Hutt’s population was boosted with the settlement of 700 migrants and refugees. A new community and sports centre in Taita, incorporating the existing Walter Nash Stadium, was also granted resource consent during the year.

The council had a rewarding year and will continue to carefully manage the city’s resources in the year ahead.

Lower Hutt shows off its talents in science and technology

Lower Hutt’s prominent role in science and technology took another step forward with three local nominees selected as finalists in the Science and Technology Category of the Wellingtonian of the Year.

The Hutt City sponsored category featured home town candidates who are all outstanding in their field.

We are at the leading edge of science and technology in New Zealand with a significant infrastructure and talented individuals who are making an international impact.

The three finalists with links to Lower Hutt are Investor and entrepreneur Neville Jordan who is chair of Endeavour Capital, David Percy who runs Pertronic Industries Ltd which develops fire control systems, and Dr Alex Malahoff, Chief Executive of GNS Science.  The fourth nominee for the award is Professor Kate McGrath a Victoria University Professor and Director of the MacDiarmid Institute.

The winner will be announced at the 2012 Wellingtonian of the Year award on Thursday 22 November and I will be presenting the award.

Listening to the voice of Lower Hutt

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF LOWER HUTT

Dear Resident

Do you want Lower Hutt to be a “Super City?”

This letter is to personally inform you that Hutt City Council will be asking for your view about local authority governance in the Wellington region .

We will distribute a discussion document which will include options for providing the most effective local authority governance that meets the needs of Lower Hutt residents.

Your locally elected representatives on Hutt City Council are “mandated” to seek your views.

Our Community Boards and Community Committees will play an important role in consulting with you.

Your view will form part of the Hutt City Council’s re-organisation plan to the Local Government Commission to be submitted early November.  The Commission will then consider views from all parties across the greater Wellington region.

I am determined – as your Mayor – that Lower Hutt residents are heard in any discussion that affects their future.

A strong voice is needed from you as a resident of Lower Hutt – watch out for the discussion document on submission options which will be distributed shortly and have your say.

I encourage you to be part of this process to help build a strong case for good “local” governance representation to ensure the future well-being of Lower Hutt.

Kind regards

Ray Wallace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHwlaS0882o&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Lower Hutt businesses win Gold awards

Sunil Vather from IM-Able and family with
Mayor Ray Wallace at the Gold Award presentation

The Wellington Gold awards threw up newcomers to the fold of success with gold awards for business excellence. They include companies working globally but living locally. 

My congratulations go to Discovering Gold winner GNS Science for Black Gold, to Emerging Gold winner Im-Able, to Supporting Gold winner NZ Diving and Salvage, and the ACC Workplace Safety Award winner Kiwirail Hutt Workshops. Finalists Nuenz, Tenderest and Sanpro came very close and are also congratulated for a fine effort.

A key focus of Hutt city Council’s strategic plan is to encourage business development in Lower Hutt and to support those emerging enterprises which will form the future base for building prosperity.

Barry a true inspiration

Community Patrol Coordinator Barry Renshaw signed on for three months and stayed 12 years. Barry took on the job as patrol coordinator to keep things going but continued helping the Wainuiomata community patrol become the very successful patrol it is.

Recipient of a Civic Award in 2009, Barry has shown true leadership in supporting the activities of the patrol.

The Community Patrols of New Zealand held their national training seminar here in Lower Hutt and it was a great success. Local coordinators and community patrol members were involved in organising the event over the past two years. The Seminar attracted more than 360 delegates to Lower Hutt.

 People see what community patrols achieve. They are out there in the suburbs keeping an eye out and liaising with Police. The result is that crime in Lower Hutt is steadily reducing and that’s a good thing.  The Community Patrols and the Neighbourhood Groups are helping residents feel safe in our city.

Heavy duty surface for Jackson Street

New heavy duty asphalt road surfacing in Jackson Street has been laid providing a sound foundation for the constant traffic along one of Lower Hutt’s busier streets.

Disruption and delays in recent weeks for shopkeepers and shoppers will be a thing of the past following completion of the current work.

Typically 14,000 vehicles, including nearly 1000 buses and heavy vehicles, use the road every day causing high pavement stresses.

Sections of pavement from earlier work on Jackson Street between Hutt Road and Queen Street had started to show the first signs of fatigue and cracking prompting the latest work.

 My sincere thanks  goes to all the shop keepers and shoppers for their understanding and patience during the road works.

Exhibition well worth a look

The range and scope of the artwork produced by over 30 individual artists at this year’s exhibition by the Hutt Valley Disabled Resources Trust at the Offline Gallery is truly stunning with over 70 works being exhibited.

The Hutt Valley Disabled Resources Trust has played an important role within the valley for more than 30 years and currently provides a range of services to 95 disabled people. The dedicated art studio is one of the most popular programmes provided by the centre.

This exhibition – the sixth annual event – is one of the few opportunities for client artists to become commercial and sell pieces to members of the public.

I was lucky enough to buy a wonderful piece of artwork and encourage you all to visit and buy.

Pictured at the exhibition opening is  Susan Gray, Chief Executive HVDRT, Left, Ray Wallace and Rawiri Evans, Chair HVDRT.

City Anchorage Centre provides child minding service

Parents seeking some respite while doing business or shopping in the central city can leave their children at the new short term Mini Me child minding centre at the High Street Anchorage Centre. The centre provides a place where parents can leave their children in good care for an hour or so. It embraces the young and old in a communal place.

The Mini Me child minding centre will open initially on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Children can be left for up to two hours. The cost is a just gold coin donation.

Staff working in the centre will be experienced, police vetted, child care minders. The centre has been fortunate to attract students from Hutt Valley High School. They are students who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in early childhood education through the school’s Gateway Programme.

This is a double benefit for the community, as the Anchorage facility provides a pathway for building a career for the six Hut Valley High students who will start with the programme from today.

Further support of the facility is being provided by the Montessori School at Avalon where the group has a facility at the Avalon Assembly of God.

Mayor of Lower Hutt Ray Wallace is pictured cutting the ribbon to open the child minding centre at the Anchorage in High Street with manager Tracey Pomare at left.

Customer service key in doing a good job

The annual Pride of Workmanship Awards promoted by the Rotary Club of Hutt Valley highlight people in our community who go the extra mile to provide a touch of great service.

These awards are not just about providing good service and being good employees. They support the ethos of own it – do it. They are about being a good citizen.  They show a true commitment to the service of others and a belief in taking ownership of a task and doing a great job.

Excellent customer service is a key to growth, for any organisation. 

The award winners, truly amazing people who can deliver that service, are listed here:  Macaulay Metals Joanne Roelofs, St Oran’s College Lex Inglis, BNZ Shanti Kalupahana, Yvonne Hewitt, Te Omanga Hospice Denise  Walsh, Metal Art Ltd Debbie Lewis, Nominator Carl Longstaff  Caley Dent, Powder Coating Services Ltd Hayden Wallis.

Lower Hutt – a great place to live

I was invited to talk about Lower Hutt and the last 10 years to coincide with the first decade of the Dominion Post which featured all the cities within the Wellington region. This is what I said:

“Lower Hutt is a great city. Our people love living here. It is a place with a wonderful range of natural features . Families can go to the beach, climb the hills or walk along the river banks.

There is a vibrance.  The Jackson Street, heritage zone includes shopping and restaurants, while the central business district and Westfield Mallprovide a diversity of shopping and services.

We have encouraged the growth of business enterprise. Innovation and 800 science-based companies provide a firm base for growing into the future. Lower Hutt businesses are living locally and doing business globally. This is an emerging trend in Lower Hutt as we secure our future prosperity.

The Hut City Council has considered its future and provided for infrastructure. New community facilities are also included in the new Long Term Plan. The council itself is in good shape and was winner of the Gold Award, the only local authority in New Zealand to do so.

As the Mayor of Lower Hutt, I can say this is a great place to live and our current campaign, I love Hutt City, has wide support.

The last decade has been a period of significant change, but through it all, our people in Lower Hutt still love living here.”

Representation Review survey results out soon

We have been asking the views of residents about the seven second-level community boards and committees that represent their communities as part of a representation review council is required to carry out every six years. We have undertaken two surveys.

One in May covered whether or not the city should continue with community boards and committees. A second survey covering three options, has just been completed and the results will be reviewed by council later this month (July).

This survey discussed the options of staying with three community boards and four community committees have seven community boards elected by local communities, or disestablishing community boards. The result will be examined with interest.

Civic Award nominees confirmed

Three high calibre members of the community have been confirmed as recipients of Lower Hutt Civic Awards. Council at its July 10 meeting confirmed the recommendations from the Civic Awards Committee including three youth awards. Nominations are still be received for the Wellington Airport Community Awards. The successful nominees will be announced in September.

Other council decisions included approval of a submission by Council on the proposed amendment to the Local Government Act 2002 and confirmation of the Trustees on the Community Facilities Trust. They are a very high calibre and will do a very good job.

For further discussion on the Council meeting go on YouTube for a short summary of decisions made. 

part one - http://youtu.be/rFqHLHMhiKg
part two - http://youtu.be/b8YbJ_O_SMc

Creating economic prosperity

Hutt City is going well and the recent rates struck by council are among the lowest around. We are not just into low rates, but getting real value for the money we receive from our ratepayers.

I move around the city and see many families struggling. The demand for basic necessities  and other essentials is high. My question always when considering the rates is : can our ratepayers afford it.

My council wants to increase economic prosperity. We seem to be going uphill against world news that economies are not looking very good, so where does the business come from.

Well its out there. A number of enterprises are looking to establish here in the Wellington region. We want them to come here to Lower Hutt and set up business.

We’re even going to help them through an economic stimulus package which eases the way through the consent processes and gets them started. That money, some $1.2 million, did not come from ratepayers, it was taken from our bottom line through savings made by council officers.

That shows to me that the council is unified in giving value to our ratepayers.

So I will keep you informed as the year goes on about how we are doing against our projections.