Meri Kirihimete from Mayor Denyer and the Western Bay team

As Mayor of the Western Bay, it is a great privilege to be delivering this Christmas message to everyone right across our District.

It’s fantastic to see the festive spirit well and truly alive, and I enjoyed sharing in the fun and excitement of both the Katikati and Te Puke Santa Parades earlier this month.

2022 has been a big year for everyone, dealing with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the volatile economic environment (increasing inflation and interest rates).

As a Council we faced these same challenges, navigating the pressure on our operations and finances to keep our District thriving and enhancing it for future generations.

The Western Bay has shown great resilience in the face of such challenges, and I am proud of the way that our people have adapted and are moving forward in the new environment.

We’ve achieved some key wins for the District too. Some highlights for me are:

• Securing $38 million from the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund to upgrade the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection.
• Going ‘fines free’ on overdue library books at all our libraries – joining a nationwide movement aiming to see increased library membership and better literacy outcomes.
• Launching two mobile recycling trailers that go to rural communities, who don’t have access to our Kerbside Collective service – delivering on a commitment to help our rural communities with their waste minimisation efforts.
• Awarding 36 community groups and organisations funding through our annual $140k Community Matching Fund for community and environmental projects that make a positive difference in our District. As well as $74k awarded to five community groups upgrading community facilities not on public land.

Christmas is an important time of year to switch off, relax and recharge while enjoying some quality time with friends and whānau.

Whether that’s chilling out at one of our pristine beaches, checking out the sights along any one of our incredible cycleways or just relaxing at home, I encourage you all to fill this time with happiness.

Meri Kirihimete me ngā mihi o te wā. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a relaxing break.

And I look forward to connecting and working with you all in 2023.

Mayor James Denyer