With a week to go until voting closes in the local elections, Raglan Community Board Chairperson Gabrielle Parson gives us her final report of the triennium as she stands down from the board and chair role.
Voting closes at 12-noon on Saturday October 8. By now you should have received voting papers in the post, if you haven’t, then pop down to the Raglan Library with your ID to cast a special vote.
(Listen to the full interview below:)
“I encourage everyone to vote. Don’t wait til the 8th, get out your voting packs over the weekend,” says Gabrielle, adding that after Monday 3 October, it’s best to drop off your vote to the Raglan Library rather than to post.
Having spent the last six years on the Raglan Community Board she welcomes anyone to contact her if they would like to chat about the candidates. She personally endorses Lisa Thomson for Whāingaroa Ward Councillor and Aksel Bech for Mayor.
“Lisa and I have worked really well together over the past six years, she works really hard for the community and we’ve got heaps of stuff done. I really support Lisa. For Mayor I would say Aksel Bech, in my dealings with him he always listens, he is respectful and he thinks outside of the box,” said Gabrielle.
Looking back on her time on the board she says that she is looking forward to going through her files and organising them to hand over to the next board coming through
“I plan to create a document with all the projects that we haven’t completed with all the staff contacts and things. We’ve put so much time into these projects so I’m looking forward to going back through my files to hand over,” she said.
Although she was not directly involved with the project, Gabrielle is looking forward to seeing how the Wastewater Consent Renewal comes around and hopes to continue supporting the work in that area.
Raglan Bus Survey
Don’t forget to have your say on the internal Raglan Bus service by filling out the survey. Online surveys can be found here or pick up hard copies from the Raglan Community House or Raglan Library.
There is an opportunity to design a bus service that meets the needs of the community, whether that means regular loops out to the surf points, a rural service or school drop off and pick up route so make sure you fill out a survey to let the council know what you’d like to see.
Coastal Reserves Stakeholder Meeting
About three years ago, the Coastal Reserves Committee was disestablished and recently a meeting was held with various stakeholders and council staff to discuss the planning framework for the coastal reserves in Whāingaroa, which include Papahua, Wainui and Manu Bay.
During the review stage, submissions that came through included ideas such as more recreation trails, opportunities for local sports and community groups to use the spaces as well as a potential permaculture farm on Wainui Reserve.
Vodafone 5G Tower
Vodafone have been in communication with the Raglan Community Board about a new 5g tower that they plan to install near the water tower on Upper Bow St.
Better Off Funding
A number of local projects have been shortlisted for central government’s Better Off funding pool. Projects include the Wharf Walkway, Old School Creative Space upgrade, Raglan Bowling Club update and the district wide application by Police for a CCTV network to be installed in regional Waikato towns.
Gabrielle expects the shortlisted projects to be sent to the DIA where the projects will get approved for funding as soon as November.
What’s Next
While Gabrielle is standing down from the Raglan Community Board you will still see her out and about in the community through her role as Raglan Naturally Coordinator.
The Raglan Naturally team are looking to develop some strategic planning around the projects and priorities that came through in the community plan so that they can pick out some projects and make them happen - watch this space!