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by Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers

Happy New Year! As you read this, we’re already into the last week of January - a reminder that time continues to march on; honing the focus to get things done in what will be the final year in this triennium.

At Council, we’re currently working on submitting our pitch for a regional deal and moving forward with the government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.

Regional Deals are framed around the need for a 30-year vision, with negotiated 10-year plans, while delivering on shared objectives between central and local government. There are multiple examples of these deals across Britain and Australia, each tailored to their local context. The priority objectives being pursued by our government are to build economic growth, deliver connected and resilient infrastructure, and improve supply of affordable, quality housing. Objectives we would all agree are critical for our Lakes District community to thrive.

In December, Council submitted a registration of interest for a regional deal in collaboration with Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council, with the final proposal due by the end of February. We are developing the proposal around some common themes; transforming the transport system, securing our energy needs for the future, developing innovative approaches to the health system, building an international investment gateway into New Zealand, delivering high-quality education and professional development, increasing the value of tourism, increasing productivity through economic resilience, all while sharing the value created by growth. There’s plenty on the plate, but these goals are interconnected to deliver on the priority objectives.

Local Water Done Well is a significant government reform that will change how drinking, waste, and stormwater are managed and provided for. There will be higher levels of financial scrutiny, economic regulation and a more defined role on public health and environmental standards. Options for the model of delivery will be presented to the community in the near future. One thing I am certain of is that the way we pay for water will change; this is a result of the reform.

All of this is occurring while the Shotover Treatment Plant is generating some media attention. We’ve been issued with an enforcement order and the matter is now before the Court. Both parties are progressing the issue and the focus now is finding a long-lasting solution.

We have less than a year left of this Council triennium. I will be standing again for the mayoralty. It will be a six-year commitment to serve the community, if privileged to do so. I firmly believe our district holds immense potential and the next three years are critical to grasp it. It will take courage and being bold in vision, and that’s what keeps me driven to deliver.