As I conclude my first three months as the Chief Executive of the Westland District Council, I would like to share some reflections and updates with you.
Although I have met many of you in person, I realise there are still a number of folk I am yet to meet. I’ve been immersing myself in the workings of our council and district and look forward to connecting with more community members in the coming months. The passion and dedication within Westland District for Westland and the surrounding areas is truly inspiring, and I am committed to ensuring the council serves our community effectively.
We are in the process of developing our Long Term Plan (LTP), and to look forward it's important to acknowledge the past. The council have achieved a lot over the past year and to mention a few:
- Emergency Preparedness and Resilience: Our Mayor represented the West Coast at a National Emergency Management Agency workshop, ensuring our district's needs are prioritised. We've also integrated lessons from past State of Emergencies to strengthen future planning.
- Infrastructure and Transport: Significant road issues, such as those on Jacksons River Road and Knights Point, have been addressed through discussions with government ministers. Additionally, speed controls have been implemented in Okarito and Hans Bay in response to community feedback.
- Community Development: The Cass Square redevelopment has been completed, providing a refreshed space for recreation. The Hokitika i-SITE and Swimming Pool have returned to council management to enhance services. The community-funded SPCA building has been reopened under the SPCA banner. Funding has been distributed to local groups on behalf of Sport NZ and Creative NZ. The Museum has temporarily reopened, with a full reopening planned for mid-2025.
- Economic Development: Progress has been made on the Racecourse Housing Development Project, with construction of the first homes set to begin by late this year. A Regional Infrastructure Fund application has been submitted for Hokitika Airport upgrades. The West Coast Wilderness Trail Management Committee has been established to improve governance and reduce reliance on ratepayer funding. The Hokitika Gorge Bridge project was tendered, with completion expected in the next few weeks.
- Policy and Governance Enhancements: The Council reviewed and revoked membership with Local Government New Zealand, saving ratepayers $75,000 annually. The Freedom Camping Bylaw review has been released for consultation, with finalisation expected in early 2025. A review of the Wildfoods Festival is underway, with decisions on future ownership and funding set for 2025. A performance review of council-controlled organisations was completed to ensure value for ratepayers.
- Regional Representation: We have participated in Local Government NZ Zone Meetings, engaged with ministers in Wellington to advocate for the West Coast, hosted Minister Brown, Minister Jones, and the Air NZ Board to represent our district's interests, met with the Ministry of Social Development regarding the Mayors Task Force for Jobs, employment, and housing, collaborated with the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) leadership team, along with police, other mayors, and social service departments, actively involved ourselves in West Coast Multicultural Committees, attended the West Coast Regional Growth Summit, and played an active role in the Destination Management Plan Reference Group for the West Coast.
Looking ahead, as we develop our Long Term Plan (LTP) for 2025–2034, outlining our district's strategic vision, key projects, services, and financial planning for the next 9 years. The plan will serve as our roadmap for delivering essential services while ensuring sustainable and responsible use of ratepayer contributions.
We will be opening public consultation for the LTP on 31st March, further details of dates, times and locations will be publicised soon.
The LTP is your opportunity to influence the future of our district. Whether it's about infrastructure, environmental initiatives, or economic development, we want to hear from you.
Please watch for updates and opportunities to share your thoughts.
In the coming months, we will also be looking to undertake a survey of district ratepayers on how the council is performing.
Together, let's continue to build a vibrant and thriving future for Westland.
Barbara Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Westland District Council