It was great to be part of the happy crowd that filled Baring Square East on Saturday night to see the lighting of the giant Christmas tree.

This free, council-run community event delivered a big serving of joy to young and old, and I want to thank the performers and organisers who brought it all together.

But will we be saying the same next year?

I ask that question because this week we have been told by Government that Councils must cap their rates and focus on essential business only.

Is it council's business to stage an event such as Saturday's Light up the Night? Some would argue yes, some no.

I expect councillors will be debating this very question, and others, when we have to decide what will be in our Annual Plan and budget for 2026-27 ... and it's going to be tricky.

We first need to understand the scope of the changes that Government is demanding of us, and the impact they will have on how our district operates.

Change is inevitable, and we need to ensure it is positive for everyone who lives, works and plays here.

One thing already set in concrete is the work we need to do to ensure our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services comply with national rules.

Council's infrastructure in the water services space is in good order, but there is work to do in the technical and reporting space, which doesn't affect the quality of our water but does affect our compliance rating overall.

I look forward to leading the Three Waters Committee over the next three years as we start to turn our Water Services Delivery Plan from words into action.