Wednesday, 17 October 2012

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.