Matariki is always an annual highlight but this year it feels extra special.
As Porirua continues to work out exactly what “normal life” looks like post-lockdown, Matariki celebrations give us a chance to reflect, take stock, and look to the future.
Best of all we can do that by coming together in ways we weren’t able to do during lockdown.
Our Annual Plan is also about taking a look at where we are now and where we might be in the months to come.
There’s always tough decisions to be made and it’s about finding the best ones for all of us, especially in such extraordinary times. Staff and your elected members have worked hard to do this.
While much of the future is uncertain, it’s heartening to see Council’s winter planting programme is under way.
This year we’ll be planting more than 25,000 plants around Porirua’s streams, wetlands and harbour as part of our big restoration and protection programme.
It’s great to have our schools, conservation and volunteer groups taking part in the planting.
An upcoming topic I’m keen to let the community know about is the live-streaming of our Council meetings.
On 15 July, we’ll consider whether to upgrade our Council chamber so anyone with an internet connection can watch meetings.
This is a matter we’ve considered before and turned down because of cost, but we’re now hearing from some of our community members this is something they want.
We might not get lots of people wanting to watch a Council meeting from home but for contentious topics we think it should be an option.
We’re keen to hear your comments so please get in touch.
30 Jun 2020
