It’s hard to believe the first month of the year has passed by already.

Council work is now underway with annual plan workshops, during which we are reviewing the budget for the upcoming financial year. We also have workshops on local government reforms and bylaws, alongside our regular council meetings.

Our annual plan workshops are a chance for Councillors to ask questions on the proposed budget, and balance out money we spend on our services with the level of service we provide.

We require rates that help Council deliver the services our community expects, but we must also keep in mind what ratepayers can realistically be expected to pay.

I would like to extend my congratulations to our two local King’s honours recipients. Both Don Geddes and Andy Macfarlane have each contributed many years of dedicated service in their respective fields, and our district is better off as the result of their efforts.

Outstanding contributions can often go unrecognised, which is why I am looking forward to celebrating with our local business community at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards next month. This event provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the incredible businesses operating within our district.

Later this year Council will also be holding its own Community Honours Awards, to recognise those who have made outstanding local contributions to the district. A new category will be for environmental champions and this will celebrate and recognise landowners and community members who have shown a big commitment to conservation, restoration and environmental initiatives.

With school going back over the next week, it surely must be time for some warmer, sunny weather. My thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by the severe weather events, particularly those in the North Island.