You know it's time for a break... - 17/07/2008

You know it is time for a break when you get annoyed with everyone around you, you catch a cold and you start dreaming about what you didn't do at work that day.

So with a week in the South Island ahead of me, I am sitting on the Bluebridge, watching Wellington harbour drift into the distance, cappuccino in hand and thinking, yes, this is the life!

There is not too much happening for Councillors this week, though I can't say the same for the managers and staff at Council. They will now be preparing for our retreat to revisit the Council 10-Year Plan. In essence, we really look at the next three years ahead, as 10 years is just a tad too far away on which to really focus. Heavens, within 10 years, we could be part of a much larger regional council structure, with fewer elected representatives and much greater autonomy. There won't be Wanganui, Rangitikei, South Taranaki or Ruapehu district councils, nor a Horizons regional council, but a joint Wangtarrangipehu council (or something). Of course, DHBs will also be a thing of the past as central government takes them over completely. After all, they might as well, as they dictate governance anyway. It will be interesting to see which brave government will make these changes.

But today, a hearty congratulations to Dana Blackburn and the Atihau Whanganui Incorporation for their successful compensation claim for government funds to develop their farming plans in our region. This central government recognition is hopefully the forerunner of much more government funding to come to Wanganui and environs.

Well done also to Alan Burnet for his achievement in being inducted into the Hall of Fame. He is a wonderful role model, achiever and benefactor who chose to come back to Wanganui to live. We are proud of your achievements, Alan.

Finally, so Mayor Michael was discharged without conviction for doing what he does best – saying what he thinks. It could have been interesting had he been convicted. Would he have had to consider standing down as Mayor? Would the public beg him to stay? Very interesting! He lives for another day.