29 July 2022

The Chief Executive of South Wairarapa District Council, Harry Wilson, has today released his Pre-election Report for this year’s Local Government Election.

This is required under section 99A of the Local Government Act 2002 and is provided to inform and promote public discussion about the key issues facing the Council leading up to the 2022 local authority elections.

Pre-election reports are politically neutral, and this report has been prepared independently of the current elected members of the Council.

The report has sourced most of its information from the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan and the 2020/21 Annual Report as well as the 2022/23 Annual Plan. It provides a snapshot of our district and lists the Council’s priorities and major projects underway.

With significant regulatory changes signalled by central Government across local government, it is designed to give potential candidates in this year’s elections a good feel for the strategic issues and challenges as well as the opportunities we face.

Chief Executive Harry Wilson said, ‘‘Our communities need passionate, committed, and visionary leaders that can make a difference to the South Wairarapa. We need to progress our communities’ well-being, help grow our economy, and guide our rangatahi by creating practical opportunities for their success. This report has much of what you need to understand how we are placed as a district.”

Over 11,700 people live in South Wairarapa and this is projected to grow at a steady pace to around 13,600 by 2031. The district has historical infrastructure issues and Council recognises that any growth needs to be well-planned to ensure existing, as well as planned improvements will be adequate for such growth.

Voters are urged to think of today’s needs as well as future needs, especially for our youth. As kaitiaki, we need to provide for a place where future generations can thrive.

Climate change features strongly for the Wairarapa and our district has seen more than its fair share of the impact of recent severe weather events. We recognise the importance of not just adaptations but also mitigations so that lives remain safe, infrastructure holds, and the investments we make, can be protected and preserved for the future.

Residents are urged to do their own homework and identify what it is that matters most to them. Then by 8 October, vote to ensure they have made the best choice for themselves and their whanau and our district.

The Pre-election Report is available on our website and hard copies can be collected from the Council offices in Martinborough and our three towns’ libraries.

For more information go to our website for:
Pre-election Report
2022/23 Annual Plan
2020/21 Annual Report
2021-31 Long-Term Plan