A Word with the Mayor
As a member of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, I will be attending along all the Mayors of the ten territorial authorities and chair of the regional council to a day in Wellington to advocate for the needs of the region.
The “Plan for Canterbury” sets out the strategic goals for the Canterbury Mayoral Forum during this triennium, with key priorities that include advocating for a permanent co-investment in flood protection to protect local and national assets, with 78,000km’s of rivers and streams this puts a substantial risk during major flooding events. Across the region we have many natural advantages and significant infrastructure but our GDP per person lags the national average we want to ensure that government considers immigration and skills policies that will work for our region and seek to collaborate for the development of an integrated approach to transport funding and increase the level of funding available for Canterbury transport networks.
We have appointments to speak with 9 Ministers who hold key portfolios with the specific aim to provide them a considered view of the policy direction currently in place and to pose a range of options that has the potential to ensure our region is positioned well for the future.
On writing this column we have just witnessed the coronation of King Charles III. Across New Zealand several different ceremonies have been held, each stating the King’s objectives for a more sustainable future and acknowledging volunteers. As a district we have a strong network of volunteers across many organisations and as a district we are certainly developing a much strong culture of sustainable actions to consider our future together. Here in the Hurunui, we hosted a simple event, planting a Totara tree in Eastern Reserve Amberley. This reserve is one of the most recently dedicated green spaces located off Double Corner Road.
On a more personal note, this weekend gives us all the chance to celebrate Mother’s Day, some people consider that Mother’s Day has been created by retailers, but this day existed well before the commercial aspect arrived. Mother’s Day has several origins, but above all else, we all can make it our own and remember to tell Mum how much we appreciate everything she does. Mums don’t expect to be acknowledged but it sure makes a difference when they are.
May I finish with a quote from Susan Gale who states “Mothers are like glue, even when you can’t see them, they are still holding the family together”