Publication: ph20012012

“Use a bit less…” is the theme of water restrictions this summer as we approach the long hot days to come.

We as a council work with other councils in the region, including the Greater Wellington Regional Council, to promote awareness of the need to ensure there is adequate water supply for the region.

A joint effort by all residents to use a bit less water will help later in the summer when conditions are expected to be drier. There will be ongoing publicity about water restrictions and all residents will receive a reminder, in the form of a fridge magnet, about the use of garden watering systems and sprinklers between 6am-8am and 7pm-9pm on alternate days.

The Petone artesian water fountain continues to be very popular drawing people from all over the region.

Over the next few months our city is going to be a busy place with a wide range of diverse activities programmed for young and old alike.

Among the popular events is the Splash and Dash in Petone within a fun run and sea swim over four weeks beginning Wednesday 25 January. Other key dates include the Te Ra o Te Raukura on Sunday 5 February at Te Whiti Park, Petone Rotary Fair on Saturday 18 February and Shapeshifter, which turns the Civic Gardens into a magnificent outdoor gallery beginning 25 February.

Heading into March, Lower Hutt will host more than 2000 competitors for the Australasian police and emergency services games starting on 2 March.

With exploration of the outdoors, biking the trails, the swimming pools, and the Big Day at Dowse late in March, there is a great deal to entertain residents and visitors within Lower Hutt.

This year will present further challenges for the city council as we continue to contain costs and ensure ratepayers get real value for their money. We did a good job last year and I intend to ensure we keep up the good work.

The Lower Hutt development plan will soon be out for public consultation and will include a number of proposals for the allocation of spending by council. I urge readers to take an interest in this important democratic process.

A representation review is also planned this year where we will consider, among other things, the continuation of community boards. Again this will be an opportunity to have your say and be heard.

Make the most of the good weather to come and all the best for the New Year ahead.

Till next time.

Ray Wallace

Mayor Lower Hutt

Remember you can contact my office on 570 6846, email me 

at ray.wallace@huttcity.govt.nz or 

follow me on Facebook.