Merry Christmas from Mayor Neil Volzke

As another year draws to an end and with Christmas only days away, it’s a time to reflect back on the 2024 year and to look forward to the New Year and the challenges it will bring.

After fifteen years in the role as District Mayor, I still feel privileged to work with the many organisations and people who share a common pride in the district we live in. Despite all the changes, criticisms and turmoil going on in the world that surrounds us and despite the very tough economic times we are experiencing, there are many great people in our region who excel and contribute to the well-being of our community.

I genuinely enjoy collaborating with positive people, who are doing interesting things. I am constantly amazed how resolute, supportive, and passionate local people are about our community. It is one of the key motivators that make the job of the Mayor so rewarding and fulfilling.

The 2024 year has been one of change and the new government has initiated many of them, and done so with great haste. As a council, keeping up with this tsunami of change has been a feat in itself. We have dealt with some gnarly issues and spent a great deal of time, effort and money responding to the constant reforms and changes emanating from central government

2024 has also been the review year of our Long Term Plan. This was a massive undertaking and re-writing a 10 year plan in an environment with so much change, was a real challenge. Faced with significant cost increases across all council activities and enormous pressure to hold rates at an affordable level, council reigned in some of our planned expenditure and focussed on a back to basics approach. Although not council projects, highlights were two significant infrastructure projects, being the new footbridge over the Manganui Gorge on Mt Taranaki and the new, two lane bridge on SH43 near Kopuatama cemetery.

As I write this Xmas Message and gradually slip into holiday mode, I remind myself that while Xmas is a time for giving and celebration, we should also take time to think of the growing number of families who are finding things really tough at the moment. I live in hope that 2025 will see improvements and those that live in less fortunate positions than many of us, will be able to look to the New Year with some optimism.

As always, the Stratford volunteer community has continued to be extremely generous and supportive of each other, as they do their bit to contribute to the community spirit of the Stratford District. I thank the considerable number of volunteers who have given up their personal time to participate in sport, clubs, organisations, and services. Your contribution is very much appreciated.

In closing, I express my special thanks to the many, many people who in different ways, assist me in my role as District Mayor. On behalf of Debbie and myself, please stay safe, enjoy the festive season and have a very Merry Christmas.

Mayor Neil Volzke