Bay of Plenty Business News Year Book 2023

COMMUNITY
MATTERS TO ME
BY MAYOR JAMES DENYER,
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT THE
WESTERN Bay. Part of this
passion stems from the chance
I get as mayor to meet people
from all walks of life, witnessing
firsthand the diversity that makes
our District so rich and vibrant.
Connecting regularly with our community
is important for me because without
hearing people’s views – the good and
the bad – we cannot provide leadership
and make decisions on their behalf.
These interactions often happen
at times of heightened emotion.
Whether at the excitement as to
what is possible, or frustration at the
pace of change.
This year, it has all too often been
at times of sadness and loss from
the devastating effects of extreme
weather events – Cyclone Gabrielle,
rainstorms, flooding and tornadoes.
The damage both to people’s homes
and belongings, and Council’s
infrastructure has been
significant.
However, I am
thankful that such
events have not
led to loss of life
as other districts
have suffered.
These events
can be
traumatic
and
overwhelming, and this is where staying
in touch with our community becomes
critical so that we can understand the
need, and provide help where required
so that life can gradually get back to
normal.
At the same time, it has reinforced my
belief that only together can we make
the changes we need to take our District
forward while protecting all the things
we love about where we live.
Climate change and sustainability,
housing, or nationwide reforms such as
the Future for Local Government, and
Affordable Waters Reform.
These are big issues Council cannot solve
on its own, and so it is important
we are in touch with our
community. Because
community involvement
is the key to ensuring
Council’s plans work
for everyone.
While we can never
hope to please
everyone, we do try
to do our best for our
community. We do
care and listen.
I care and listen, and am committed to
working collaboratively with everyone.
Whether stormwater concerns, a new
playground, or upgrading community
facilities – no matter how big the project
or issue it matters to someone, and so in
turn matters to us.
It’s the reason I got into local politics. The
chance to advocate for my community
and District, and to see grassroots
projects come to life that are truly special
and spark joy.
That project for me was the
Waitekohekohe Recreational Park,
previously named Lund Road Reserve.
Back in 2018 I was one of those
passionate locals who managed to get
the idea for the park backed by Council,
and eventually the wider Western Bay
community who agreed to support the
park plans through the Long Term Plan
2021-31.
This project wouldn’t have happened
without Council and passionate locals
working together on a shared goal for
a community facility and ecological
improvement.
Fast forward to now, and as Mayor I want
to see others right across our District
experience the same excitement and
satisfaction, and pride of place.
Projects like upgrading Pukehina’s
Midway Park, restarting the concept
planning to develop the property and
upgrade the boat ramp at the end of
Beach Road in Katikati, and beginning to
tick off our planned dog exercise areas
across the District all have the potential to
achieve this.
I look forward to what we can achieve
together and hope you will join us.
JAMES
DENYER
0800 926 732
WESTERNBAY.GOVT.NZ
30 | YEAR BOOK 2023