david clapperton resigns as council ceo

8
Message from the Mayor At Council, we’re in the middle of finalising our Annual Report, showing Council’s progress and achievements against the goals and budgets for the 2021 financial year. Here’s a snippet of what we’ve achieved together in the last year. Despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the Horowhenua has had an impressive year. Once a sleepy collection of towns, our district is thriving as more New Zealanders recognise the lifestyle benefits of living here. Last year, projections from Sense Partners suggested our population could reach over 62,000 by 2041. Preparing for this growth is a key focus of the Council and many of the plans for new facilities, roading and other infrastructure have already been completed or commenced in the last year. As one of the first movers to access the government's Provincial Growth Fund, we were able to upgrade the Manawatū River Loop. Three Pasifika churches in Horowhenua benefitted from renovations under the Fale Lotu Connections Project to make their buildings warmer and better equipped, and we repaired or added to roads around the region, including the realignment of Gladstone Road – work that has been eagerly anticipated by residents. Council has been working with Waka Kotahi NZTA on the designation and design of the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway, with construction commencing in 2025. Water is also on the mind in Horowhenua. A new pond at Foxton's wastewater treatment plant will improve efficiency and we're already looking into an alternate water source for Levin. Our leisure facilities have been water-focused too. Repairs and updates to the Levin Aquatics Centre's hydroslide and Shannon Pool's plant room were completed, and feasibility studies for Foxton Pools, Levin Aquatic Centre and Jubilee Park paddling pool are already underway. Housing, of course, is a key concern of any growing region, with a predicted 500 new dwellings needed each year. That's what we set out to achieve while protecting the character and the Green-Flags-rated natural beauty of the Horowhenua. We considered where we could welcome our new residents and saw strong engagement from our communities. We signed off funding and loan agreements with Crown Infrastructure Partners to provide the infrastructure enabling homes to be built in Tara-Ika, while planning in Foxton Beach, Ōhau and Manakau will also boost development. Infrastructure has begun in Tara-Ika, and the Council processed and lodged more building consents in 2020 than ever before. With these increased investments in capital projects, the supporting grants from the Crown, together with additional revenue from higher building activity, we have had the best financial result in 15 years. This is, in part, thanks to the additional funding secured via the Provincial Growth Fund for shovel-ready projects. While financial performance and infrastructure development are the most visible signs of progress in Horowhenua, the true mark of success is the health and wellbeing of our people. As we enter into the festive season and our COVID-19 response shifts from one of elimination to suppression, I encourage you to look out for one another and stay safe. Mayor Bernie Wanden David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO "It is with both sadness and gratitude that I announce after 16 years of service in Horowhenua, David Clapperton has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer at Council," says Mayor Bernie Wanden. During his time with Council, David has driven projects which hold great value and place in our community and his legacy will leave a lasting impact for many years to come. Under his leadership our people, products, services and customers have been at the heart of our outcomes and inspired ongoing innovation. Council is incredibly grateful to David for the energy, vision and heart that he has dedicated to our community, partnerships and staff (past and present). Among the achievements delivered under David's leadership have been: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō - opened in September 2012 and went on to win multiple awards. A community heart and hub, the centre brings together library services, as well as services and facilities for community, business, youth, and tourism. Nationally, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō became a flagship of its kind - a relevant and convenient destination to complement people's lives at home, school and work. Recreational, cultural, learning, digital and social experiences located in one convenient, modern and accessible facility in the heart of Levin and wider Horowhenua District. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom - the award-winning, world class facility opened its doors in November 2017 and was a coup for the small provincial town. The facility enables our community to access essential council services and provides an attraction that draws in millions of dollars to our local economy each year. David and his leadership team have been instrumental in setting up Horowhenua NZ Trust. They secured significant funding for transformative growth project Tara-Ika and environmental project the Manawatū River Loop in Foxton. He has continued to advocate for the community on matters dear to our heart – restoring the mauri of Lake Horowhenua, working towards resolution for the Levin Landfill and lobbying multiple governments to ensure Ō2NL is delivered, and our residents have surety about their properties and livelihoods. David has worked hard to ensure we honour our obligations and nurture our relationship with our iwi partners, upholding the Māori values of Whanaungatanga (relationships and a sense of belonging), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and the connection between people and the natural world) and Manaakitanga (hospitality and caring for a person's mana). "I am heartened by where Council sits right now," says David. "In fact, it is the foundations that have been laid that have helped me make this difficult decision. There will always be challenges, but I feel Council is about to enter an exciting period in its history with so many opportunities arising from our growth position and strategies developed, we are ripe to implement the plans developed. It is time for me to focus on my family and the new adventures ahead for us, and I am proud to provide an opportunity for a new CEO to join HDC in a strong position for future growth.” David will be relocating to the Hawkes Bay, where he will be closer to his whānau. As we work through a process to permanently fill the Chief Executive position we will have further details to share with you regarding David's final day and transition arrangements. David would like to take this opportunity to thank the community, staff and Elected Members for their continued support. Issue 162 November 2021

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Page 1: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Message from the MayorAt Council, we’re in the middle of finalising our Annual Report, showing Council’s progress and achievements against the goals and budgets for the 2021 financial year. Here’s a snippet of what we’ve achieved together in the

last year.

Despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the Horowhenua has had an impressive year. Once a sleepy collection of towns, our district is thriving as more New Zealanders recognise the lifestyle benefits of living here.

Last year, projections from Sense Partners suggested our population could reach over 62,000 by 2041. Preparing for this growth is a key focus of the Council and many of the plans for new facilities, roading and other infrastructure have already been completed or commenced in the last year.

As one of the first movers to access the government's Provincial Growth Fund, we were able to upgrade the Manawatū River Loop.

Three Pasifika churches in Horowhenua benefitted from renovations under the Fale Lotu Connections Project to make their buildings warmer and better equipped, and we repaired or added to roads around the region, including the realignment of Gladstone Road – work that has been eagerly anticipated by residents.

Council has been working with Waka Kotahi NZTA on the designation and design of the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway, with construction commencing in 2025.

Water is also on the mind in Horowhenua. A new pond at Foxton's wastewater treatment plant will improve efficiency and we're already looking into an alternate water source for Levin.

Our leisure facilities have been water-focused too. Repairs and updates to the Levin Aquatics Centre's hydroslide and Shannon Pool's plant room were completed, and feasibility studies for Foxton Pools, Levin Aquatic Centre and Jubilee Park paddling pool are already underway.

Housing, of course, is a key concern of any growing region, with a predicted 500 new dwellings needed each year. That's what we set out to achieve while protecting the character and the Green-Flags-rated natural beauty of the Horowhenua.

We considered where we could welcome our new residents and saw strong engagement from our

communities. We signed off funding and loan agreements with Crown Infrastructure Partners to provide the infrastructure enabling homes to be built in Tara-Ika, while planning in Foxton Beach, Ōhau and Manakau will also boost development. Infrastructure has begun in Tara-Ika, and the Council processed and lodged more building consents in 2020 than ever before.

With these increased investments in capital projects, the supporting grants from the Crown, together with additional revenue from higher building activity, we have had the best financial result in 15 years. This is, in part, thanks to the additional funding secured via the Provincial Growth Fund for shovel-ready projects.

While financial performance and infrastructure development are the most visible signs of progress in Horowhenua, the true mark of success is the health and wellbeing of our people.

As we enter into the festive season and our COVID-19 response shifts from one of elimination to suppression, I encourage you to look out for one another and stay safe.

Mayor Bernie Wanden

David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

"It is with both sadness and gratitude that I announce after 16 years of service in Horowhenua, David Clapperton has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer at Council," says Mayor Bernie Wanden.

During his time with Council, David has driven projects which hold great value and place in our community and his legacy will leave a lasting impact for many years to come. Under his leadership our people, products, services and customers have been at the heart of our outcomes and inspired ongoing innovation. Council is incredibly grateful to David for the energy, vision and heart that he has dedicated to our community, partnerships and staff (past and present).

Among the achievements delivered under David's leadership have been:

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō - opened in September 2012 and went on to win multiple awards. A community heart and hub, the centre brings together library services, as well as services and facilities for community, business, youth, and tourism.

Nationally, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō became a flagship of its kind - a relevant and convenient destination to complement people's lives at home, school and work. Recreational, cultural, learning, digital and social experiences located in one convenient, modern and accessible facility in the heart of Levin and wider Horowhenua District.

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom - the award-winning, world class facility opened its doors in November 2017 and was a coup for the small provincial town. The facility enables our community to access essential council services and provides an attraction that draws in millions of dollars to our local economy each year.

David and his leadership team have been instrumental in setting up Horowhenua NZ Trust. They secured significant funding for transformative growth project Tara-Ika and environmental project the Manawatū River Loop in Foxton. He has continued to advocate for the community on matters dear to our heart – restoring the mauri of Lake Horowhenua, working towards resolution for the Levin Landfill and lobbying multiple governments to ensure Ō2NL is delivered, and our residents have surety about their properties and livelihoods.

David has worked hard to ensure we honour our obligations and nurture our relationship with our iwi partners, upholding the Māori values of

Whanaungatanga (relationships and a sense of belonging), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and the connection between people and the natural world) and Manaakitanga (hospitality and caring for a person's mana).

"I am heartened by where Council sits right now," says David. "In fact, it is the foundations that have been laid that have helped me make this difficult decision. There will always be challenges, but I feel Council is about to enter an exciting period in its history with so many opportunities arising from our growth position and strategies developed, we are ripe to implement the plans developed. It is time for me to focus on my family and the new adventures ahead for us, and I am proud to provide an opportunity for a new CEO to join HDC in a strong position for future growth.”

David will be relocating to the Hawkes Bay, where he will be closer to his whānau.

As we work through a process to permanently fill the Chief Executive position we will have further details to share with you regarding David's final day and transition arrangements.

David would like to take this opportunity to thank the community, staff and Elected Members for their continued support.

Issue 162 November 2021

Page 2: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Horo

whe

nua

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mar

u ro

adin

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Man

awat

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ver L

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Ar

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wat

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Trea

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nt

Rosl

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oad

COVI

D-19

Res

pons

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Glad

ston

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Real

ignm

ent

Gre

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lag

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Fo

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Bea

ch’s

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ben/

Te

Wha

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on W

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Levi

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Nor

th

Shan

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Pool

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ach

Mat

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ebra

tions

Page 3: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Gre

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Page 4: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Vibrant change in this year's Christmas Parade and Festivities

Although Santa is still stuck in managed isolation and will not parade down Oxford Street during the annual Levin Christmas Parade, Council is working on an idea to keep the festive spirit alive this season.

Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden says that while it's disappointing that the annual festivities can't go ahead as planned, Council plans to spread the Christmas joy differently and uniquely this year, without breaking any COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions.

In October, Council engaged with the community and stakeholders for feedback on whether to proceed with the Levin Christmas Parade and Carnival, knowing the event may be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The response strongly

supported a COVID-19 safe alternative, which Council decided to proceed with.

"Under the current Alert Level 2 restrictions, events, including parades, are restricted to 100 people attending, and we have many more attending the Christmas Parade and Carnival every year," says Mayor Bernie. "Therefore, we are planning to have a light installation at the Levin Adventure Park, which the community can enjoy from the safety of their vehicles or a safe distance. We expect to be able to share the details of this event in the coming days."

Council would like to thank the community for their ongoing support as we navigate these changing circumstances and look forward to providing a COVID-safe alternative.

Community to have their say after Council proposes closure of the Levin Landfill

At the Council meeting on 10 November, it was proposed to support the early closure of the Levin Landfill in 2022.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says that Council considered presentations provided by Morrison Solutions, Berl and Stantec and have listened to the community's concerns. As a result, Council put forward a proposal for community consultation, which would see the landfill closed in 2022.

The three options considered were:

• Close the Landfill in 2022;

• Closure of the Landfill no later than 31 December 2025; or

• Keep the Landfill operating until it is full or its consent expires in 2037.

"We believe the early closure of the Levin Landfill in 2022 is the best outcome for Council from a strategic, financial, wellbeing and risk perspective," explains Mayor Bernie. "Any other option is clearly not sustainable." It is the right thing to do. We are showing that we care about our community and a sustainable and viable future."

Supporting the resolution Cr David Allan says: "It's not about putting our rubbish somewhere else; it's about saying there are cleaner options that will benefit our community and New Zealand."

Community feedback on Council's decision is critical, and we encourage the community to take part in the engagement process. Submissions will be open from 30 November 2021 to 31 January 2022.

"Although Council manages the disposal of our community's waste, it remains the responsibility of all of us to rethink how we can minimise our consumption of disposables. Today's Council is currently dealing with the impacts of decisions made 50 years ago, when the then Council didn't have the data, science and information we do now. As Elected Members representing our community's best interests, we are well aware that our decisions today are intergenerational. As individuals, we also need to adapt to this thinking," Mayor Bernie adds.

Cr Kaye Simmons concludes: "We are responsible today to make the right decision. We can use this opportunity to continue improving our solid waste practices. And as individuals, we need to embrace the reduce, recycle and waste minimisation mantra."

Work to start on next stage of Tara-Ika growth project

The tender to extend Levin's wastewater network to the Tara-Ika growth area and upgrade part of the existing network has been awarded to Higgins Contractors Levin.

Tara-Ika is a $38.1million project that will provide services to allow the private sector to build >2,500 homes on 400ha east of Levin. The project will deliver Three Waters services, a roading network, and Council-managed community infrastructure (parks and sporting fields). It is partly funded by Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) as part of the Government's "shovel-ready" fund to support recovery from impacts of COVID-19.

Since the project began in December last year, new sections of the wastewater network have been constructed, including upgrading the existing wastewater main down Queen Street East.

The latest works will upgrade the existing wastewater main along Tararua Road (West), followed by Cambridge Street (South). The project will also build new network sections to connect it with Tara-Ika and an upgrade for part of the water main on Cambridge Street.

"We want to thank everyone for their patience as this critical infrastructure is installed,” says Tony Parsons, Senior Project Manager at Horowhenua District Council.

This latest stage of the Tara-Ika project will be completed by the end of April 2022, subject to weather and COVID-19 level restrictions.

Page 5: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Horowhenua District Council and the Horowhenua Alliance will be conducting inspections of wastewater and stormwater pipes and gully traps on properties in Levin to reduce the impact of misguided rainwater.

Every year Council carries out maintenance work and capital upgrades to ensure that the District's wastewater infrastructure remains in good condition.

Horowhenua District Council Water and Waste Services Manager, Asli Crawford says this includes conducting condition assessments to identify faults that could allow rainwater into the wastewater system. The sewers are designed only to carry wastewater; when stormwater gets into the sewers, it makes it more difficult and costly to treat the wastewater and reduces the capacity of the sewer pipes.

"During heavy rain, the wastewater treatment plants in the District can receive 2 to 4 times more flow than usual. In the long term, this means Council spend more money upgrading our treatment plants, as we treat millions of litres of wastewater that shouldn't require treating," explains Rukshan Basnayake, Three Waters Asset Planning Engineer.

Council will inspect the wastewater gully trap, which needs to be raised off the surrounding ground to ensure surface water can't flow into the sewer. We will also check downpipes from roof guttering to ensure the collected rainwater flows into the stormwater system, not the sewer.

"The gully trap should receive wastewater from inside your home, usually from the kitchen sink, laundry, bathroom and toilets. When there is a blockage in the sewer, gully traps re-route wastewater outside of your home," Basnayake elaborates. The local wastewater bylaws require that the gully trap is at least 100mm above the surrounding ground (or 25mm if the surrounding land is a sealed surface).

The downpipe carries water from your roof and takes it to the local stormwater collection, which may be a public stormwater pipe, a soak pit or a water tank. The downpipe should not be connected to the sewer, and a downpipe feeding rainwater into the gully trap contravenes the HDC Wastewater Bylaw 2015.

"Council is running various projects to assess the condition of the public sewers in Levin and repair or replace pipes identified as potentially allowing groundwater into the sewer. However, it is the property owners responsibility to rectify issues with wastewater and stormwater collection pipes and gully traps on their property. Properties that are listed for inspection will be notified via a mail drop, prior to inspection," Basnayake concludes.

For more information, please visit www.horowhenua.govt. nz/WastewaterReductionProgramme

Council leads New Zealand's Three Waters Reform for local Marae

The Horowhenua District Council is leading New Zealand regarding the Three Waters funding investment in local Marae.

Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden says it's pleasing to support local mana whenua in the District and ensure they have safe drinking water. As part of the Three Waters Reform Government provided Stimulus Funding, Council allocated $520,000 towards improving water and wastewater at Marae across the Horowhenua District.

"It remains a priority for Council to ensure that water services are equitable for communities, and I am proud to say that we are the only Council using the funding to upgrade all of our local marae," says Mayor Bernie.

Marae across the district are participating in this project: Kohuturoa, Kawiu, Wehi Wehi, Tukorehe, Tūmatanui (Hikitanga), Ngātokowaru, Kereru, Matau, Huia, Whakawehi (Poutu), Motuiti and Paranui.

Kawiu Marae Trustee, Marokopa Wiremu Matakatea says: "Our marae are absolutely central to our connectedness as Muaūpoko. They are places of refuge for our people and enable us to maintain and reaffirm our customs, practices, values and philosophy. They are sacred places which provide a safe and welcoming place for manuhiri and whānau alike."

CEO of Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Di Rump says: "To see this level of investment in our marae across the rohe is a great example of partnership, may this serve as an example for many more marae to see the same, much needed investment."

The scope of work includes 21 water tanks to be installed, each with a capacity of 30,000 litres and eight water treatment

systems. Council is also working with local iwi and other agencies to secure additional funding to support the installation of an electric backup generator for all 12 Marae to ensure an uninterrupted water supply during a power cut. Marae are also used as a community social hub during an emergency situation; hence it is important that Marae are well equipped. Wastewater and stormwater services will also be upgraded.

Kelly Bevan, Chairperson of Te Rūnanga o Raukawa, says: "The investment the Council has made in local marae has directly contributed to building the capacity of marae to assist in our aspirations, as iwi to improve water quality throughout the rohe. Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga holds relationships with four councils within our iwi boundaries, and Horowhenua District Council has provided a model for other councils to follow."

"We are grateful for the recent donation of the water tank and water system upgrade from Council. It will ensure that the quality of water of the Marae is now fit for purpose, and we will now be able to collect and store enough water for small and large gatherings without fear of any public health issues arising from waterborne diseases. Clean potable water is a basic human right that every community should have access to. This investment will benefit our marae community for many years to come, says Pikitia Heke, Chairperson Ngāti Tukorehe Tribal Committee.

Paddy Jacobs from Wehi Wehi Marae says she is looking forward to the upgrade.

The upgrades are due for completion by the end of this year.

For further info, please contact [email protected] or call 06 366 0999.

Levin properties to undergo Waste and Water inspections

Overlooking Kohuturoa Marae and Punahau.

Tukorehe Marae Kawiu Marae

Page 6: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Council subsidises and supports responsible e-waste recycling

As from 1 November 2021 Horowhenua District Council subsidised electronic waste (e-waste) disposal at a reduced fee or free at Foxton and Shannon Waste Transfer Stations.

E-waste is the fastest-growing type of waste in the world. In New Zealand, we generate around 80,000 tonnes per year, with only 2 percent being recycled, that’s only 1,600 tonnes a year.

We receive regular feedback from the community that it is too expensive to recycle e-waste and most people are just taking it to the dump.

A plan to encourage people to get rid of their e-waste responsibly began earlier this year with a proposal sent to Council in September.

Any size and type of TV is now $20 to recycle instead of $40. Some items are now free to recycle, including all household batteries, car batteries, energy-saving lightbulbs, cellphones, computer desktops and servers.

Waste Minimisation Officer, Robert Stillwell has been working hard to reduce the amount of e-waste in the Horowhenua. “I’m hopeful that by making it more affordable our community will get behind it and start recycling their old electronics the right way,” said Stillwell.

There have been many beach clean ups in the Horowhenua recently, and a hazardous car battery was found on Foxton Beach.

“E-waste can be pretty dangerous too, we recently had a rubbish truck set on fire from an old battery that exploded in the back,” Stillwell added.

You can drop off your unwanted batteries to any Waste Transfer Station in the area for free, and Shannon and Foxton Waste Transfer Stations will take everything else, for free or with a subsidised fee to help dispose of these items safely with less environmental impact.

Visit our E-Waste Recycling page for more information on prices, what you can recycle and where on www.horowhenua.govt.nz/ EwasteRecycling

Community comes together to host safe and fun events for youth

On Wednesdays in November and December, Horowhenua District Council in partnership with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and other local organisations are holding free community youth activities at Paul Ireland Skate Park and the Village Green in Levin from 3pm – 6pm for young people aged 10 years or older.

Taitoko Vibes is a youth event where young people can come along, meet others, learn how to skate with OnBoard Skate and grab a free sausage. There will be music, hoops and other activities run by local youth organisations including the team from the youth space at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with our rangatahi, and hopeful that we can create a safe and vibrant space where they can share positive experiences,” says Teresa Burke, Community Development Advisor at Horowhenua District Council.

This is a community-initiated response which comes after schools, Iwi, Council and others came together in July to discuss how they could best support the younger people in our community.

Kelly Tahiwi, Project Lead of the Rangatahi 4 Wairoa, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and Raukawa Whanau Ora states “we really value the opportunity to embrace Kotahitanga - to work together across our community networks and with rangatahi in our shared spaces."

Follow Horowhenua District Council on Facebook or find out more about these events on our Event Calendar www.horowhenua.govt.nz/ News-Events/Event-Calendar

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone, this event will maintain the current Government COVID-19 Alert Level Two guidelines and restrictions.

We’re working towards a safe, vibrant, inclusive and connected community.

We’re seeking feedback on proposed amendments to our Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Policy. This policy regulates the location and number of TAB venues, as well as regulating venues that house gaming machines (Class 4 venues).

Every three years we are required by law to review our policies and it’s time to have your say.

At the Horowhenua District Council meeting on 10 November 2021, it was decided to review these policies using the Special Consultative Procedure in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002.

Horowhenua District Council will keep and continue its ‘sinking lid’ policy, so when one gambling venue closes, a new one can’t replace it, meaning we are gradually reducing these type of venues in our area.

What is proposed to change?

• In the TAB Venue Policy we propose to keep the current arrangement where one standalone TAB venue can be in the district, and remove reference to the Racing Act 2003 which was repealed in August 2020 by the Racing Industry Act 2020.

• In the proposed changes to our Gambling Class 4 Venue Policy we clarify when the relocation policy applies. When or if gambling businesses merge, the new business will only be able to keep two thirds of the combined gambling machines. This means if two businesses join together and they have thirty machines, they will only be able to keep twenty machines. This is another way to help us to gradually reduce the amount of gambling machines in our district.

• We’re also proposing the introduction of new fees when a business relocates to a new venue or if businesses decide to merge.

How you can have your sayYou can make a submission and let us know your views on the changes. The Statement of Proposal, Summary of Information and submission forms are available at Draft Gambling Class 4 Venue and TAB Venue Policy 2021 Review page on the Council website, as well as at the Council Customer Service Centres in Levin (126 Oxford Street, or Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō), Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Foxton and Shannon Library (Plimmer Terrace). Copies may also be obtained by telephoning on (06) 366 0999, or emailing [email protected]

Submissions close at 5.00 pm on Sunday 19 December 2021.

Please visit www.horowhenua.govt.nz/DraftGamblingandTABVenuePolicyReview for more information.

We’re reviewing our Gambling and TAB Venue policies

Page 7: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

Latest COVID-19 news and updateAs New Zealand moves from a strategy of elimination to suppression, the Alert Level system will be replaced by a COVID-19 Protection Framework.Below is the framework, and some key dates and information to keep in mind:

In the coming weeks, the Government will also announce further information about how testing, contact tracing, care in the community and social support will be provided for those who get COVID-19.

Detailed individual sector guidance for the new traffic light system will also be released.

17 NovemberMy Vaccine Pass was made available to the public.17

NOV

29 NovemberCabinet will confirm the decision to move Auckland and the rest of New Zealand into the new traffic light system.

29NOV 15 December

People travelling out of Auckland will need to be fully vaccinated, or have a negative test 72 hours prior to departure, to leave Auckland and visit other parts of the country.This requirement will remain in place during the core summer period, until 17 January 2022.

15DEC

From Friday 3 December you may need to use My Vaccine Pass to enter events and venues as required by the traffic light system. My Vaccine Pass is an official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use within Aotearoa. It will allow you to access certain events and venues operating under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system).

Your My Vaccine Pass will include your name, date of birth and a QR code.

You can save it on a digital device, like your phone, or print a physical copy. You can request a My Vaccine Pass now if you are aged 12 or over and have had 2 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand.

The quickest way to get a My Vaccine Pass is through the website My Covid Record. Requesting your pass only takes a few minutes, and it will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

Visit www.mycovidrecord.health.nz for more information.

Source: covid19.govt.nz website as at 9.07am 25 November 2021

2 DecemberAt 11:59pm, all of New Zealand will move to the traffic light system. Auckland will move to Red. Settings for the rest of New Zealand are yet to be decided on.

2DEC

My Vaccine Pass

Page 8: David Clapperton resigns as Council CEO

[email protected] www.horowhenua.govt.nz HorowhenuaDC 06 366 0999 Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540 126 Oxford St, Levin 5510 Customer service hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm

Council MeetingsHorowhenua District Council MeetingWednesday 8 December 2021, 4pm, Council Chambers, 126 Oxford Street, Levin.

Public participation is by way of written submission, which will be read out during the meeting. Requests must be lodged by 12 noon on the day of the meeting.

27

Did you know?You can watch meetings of Council and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee online at:

horowhenua.govt.nz/councilmeetingslive

Want to receive Community Connection in your email inbox? Sign up online:

horowhenua.govt.nz/CommunityConnection

Horowhenua District Councillors

Wayne Bishop

Sam Jennings Victoria Kaye-Simmons

Ross Brannigan

Christine Mitchell

Robert Ketu

David Allan

Piri-Hira Tukapua

Todd Isaacs

Initiated by the New Zealand Coalition to End Loneliness, ‘Light up Loneliness’ is about bringing people together, to reach out and support people who are feeling lonely and isolated.

Horowhenua District Council was asked how they ‘light up Loneliness’ in their wider community.

“We have a wonderful, supportive, caring community here in Horowhenua with many local organisations and groups who look after our vulnerable people. Even with this support, ‘Light up Loneliness’ has made me stop and think about the people in my life, who live alone or that I haven’t heard from in a while. A phone call or popping in to show that you care can make all the difference when someone is feeling lonely” said Mayor Bernie Wanden.

The Council’s Community Wellbeing Committee continue to enhance and celebrate the strength, diversity and vibrancy of the Horowhenua that allows all people to feel a sense of belonging, inclusion and social connectedness.

“We are lucky to have such commitment from many volunteers who are part of existing caring caller teams, parish groups or individuals who continue to strive for the very best, to enable our district to thrive,” says Councillor Victoria Kaye-Simmons.

Age Concern Horowhenua has a social connection programme; an initiative that provides elderly with regular visits from volunteers, particularly important at Christmas.

Charlene Lyttle, Accredited Visiting Service (AVS) Support Worker from Age Concern Horowhenua says “Our volunteer visitors and clients become an integral part of each other’s lives. It’s not just the clients who benefit from these visits. The older people in our community share rich and interesting stories. Anyone who loves to learn

and make meaningful connections would enjoy volunteering on our Accredited Visiting Service”.

Older people in New Zealand/Aotearoa are not the only ones who are feeling lonely or isolated. Statistics from The Social Report 2016 – Te pūrongo oranga tangata show 15-24 year olds were the loneliest age group.

Life to the Max Horowhenua supports young people through mentoring and providing pathways to training and education. Manager, Samantha Coromandel said they frequently hear the words ‘don’t belong or not included’ by clients.

“Often there are bigger issues than just ‘feeling lonely’, so along with our health and social work support, we offer programmes to build their self-esteem, confidence and reduce social anxiety.”

“Together, we hope it leads to better social outcomes” said Samantha Coromandel.

Anyone can be a part of ‘Light up Loneliness’ in the Horowhenua, check on your neighbour, phone or visit the people in your life who live alone or are isolated.

You can learn more at letsendloneliness.co.nz, or get involved through social media channels and support the ‘Light up Loneliness’ campaign.

If you are 18 years or older and would like to get involved with Age Concern Horowhenua’s Accredited Visiting Service call Charlene Lyttle on (06) 367 2181.

If you are feeling isolated or alone please reach out to someone you know.

Where to get help:

• Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202

• Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

• Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]

• What's Up: Online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)

• Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)

• Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

• Healthline: 0800 611 116

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Bernie Wanden (Mayor)

Jo Mason (Deputy Mayor)

David Roache (Chair)

Tricia Metcalf (Deputy Chair)

Foxton Community Board

Trevor Chambers

John Girling

Shining a light on loneliness in the Horowhenua