One year ago, your new Council was sworn in with six new faces and one returning for a second term. We have learnt and achieved much in that time.
Representing our community’s interests in many different forums and speaking to a diverse range of community members every week have been the highlights of the past year.
I am proud of Council’s achievements and decisions leading to over $150 million being committed to improve the services, facilities and infrastructure in our Regional City.
These include initiatives ranging from record spending on rural roads to new infrastructure in Council’s industrial precincts to the awarding of the contracts for components of Stage 1 of the City to River including the Nature Water Play Park and planning approval for a serviced apartment complex in Baillie Street.
Community engagement and consultation has been extremely important as Council has developed and adopted the 20-year Community Vision, 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, 10-year Asset Plan, Annual Budget, Road Management Plan, a new Parking Management Plan and Community Engagement Policy to name just a few.
The annual Statutory meeting will be held on Thursday 18 November. During this meeting, Council will determine three items.
- Mayoral term of 1 or 2 years
- Election of the Mayor
- Whether to elect a Deputy Mayor or not (and the term if applicable).
HRCC governance rules state that a written nomination form for Mayor (and Deputy Mayor) must be signed by two Councillors and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer before the meeting.
If there is only one nomination, that Councillor is duly elected. If two or more nominations are received, then Councillors must indicate their choice by raising their hand until one Councillor receives the majority vote. In the event of a tied vote, the result will be determined by drawing lots.
The same process will be repeated if Council decides to elect a Deputy Mayor.
It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to serve the community as your Mayor for the first year of this Council term.
