As we head into Christmas and a good Kiwi summer, I want to thank you all for the warm welcome back. After three years away from the chains, I felt there was still work to do and I’m excited to be back serving this district.

 

It’s been a fantastic start to the term, and I’m proud of the energy and commitment I’ve seen from our team. One of the most encouraging things in my first few months has been seeing how engaged our new councillors are. We’ve got a 50-50 mix of fresh faces and experienced hands, and everyone’s stepping up. It gives me real confidence about what we can achieve together over the next three years.

 

We’ve got some interesting times ahead with reforms and changes coming from central government. It’s going to be challenging, but that’s what I like - the harder it gets, the harder I go. I’m looking forward to tackling these challenges head-on and making sure our communities come out stronger.

 

For now, though, it’s time to pause and enjoy what matters most - family, friends and the simple pleasures of summer. Whether you’re staying local or heading away, please take care on the roads and support our local businesses when you can - they’re the heart of our towns.

 

In the spirit of Christmas, I hope we’ll each have an opportunity to stop to rest and reflect, and to pay attention to what is most important in life. These holidays I hope to be spending time with the family, fishing, enjoying a few cold beers, getting some motorcycle rides in and a bit of exercise too. I hope you have some good plans up your sleeve as well.

 

On behalf of my Councillor colleagues, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.