The term of this Council comes to an end in October. This document is the culmination of our work over the last three years based on extensive consultation with the residents and ratepayers of the Kaipara.

This Long Term Council Community Plan sets out a ten-year vision of what we are hoping to achieve in our communities and those steps Council will be taking in the 2004/05 year toward this.

There is an exciting future for the District. Development is occurring all across the Kaipara in a way we have not seen before. There is the chance now to address long-standing issues and to create new opportunities for the people of the District.

Over the last three years we have set out to make improvements. In our consultation this year there was a very clear message that people wish to see the rate of improvement continuing. To do so Council has approved a rate increase higher than that outlined in our Draft. This will enable more work to be done.

This year we will:
• Raise our investment in roading significantly, paying particular attention to improvements on our unsealed roading network, slip repairs and bridges
• Start significant investment to implement our Reserve Strategy, and address biodiversity issues having identified that reserves and recreational facilities are a critical part of our future
• Assist communities that are assisting themselves, by supporting initiatives relating to community facilities and community advancement plans

Looking forward, a key task for Council will be to build upon the base established in this, our first Long Term Council Community Plan. Holding Government departments accountable for playing their part in our future is a key challenge. Maintaining momentum will also be critical.

It has been an honour to be able to serve the District as Mayor over the last six years and it is with sadness that I stand down. However, it is with a sense of pride that everyone at Council presents this document, bringing together a lot of work by residents, government agencies, stakeholders and staff.

We trust that this is a significant step forward for the Kaipara.




Graeme Ramsey
Mayor