JULY 2013

Hi Wellington

Currently in July we have a break in council meetings but there is still plenty to get on with. First a quick recap on Wellingtons 2.5% average rates increase for the coming year. Operating efficiencies and an under spend of what had been budgeted helped achieve this. However we have some exciting initiatives that recognize councils need to focus more on improving the Wellington economy.

• When I became a councillor nearly three years ago I was amazed that council did not have staff responsible for the economic development of Wellington. Now we have a director responsible for city growth and staff tasked to listen to the small & medium sized business as well as the big corporate organisations here. I do not claim complete credit for this but continual banging on my drum has had some effect.

• Speaking of business, a group of Miramar businesses met last week to discuss forming a BID (Business Improvement District). Businesses in the area agree to pay a special rate which they can then use for projects that bring more customers to the area. Do you have any ideas that would attract people to Miramar?

• I’m pleased to say that the Miramar town centre upgrade is on time and looking good. I’ve found that getting one on one with businesses there, putting up signage to say they are still “Open for Business” and keeping everyone in the loop with what’s happening has worked really well.

• The Kilbirnie town centre upgrade, everyone agrees it’s been hard on shoppers and retailers; it’s taken far too long. The finish date is August 9th, council will then promote Kilbirnie, will you come back to do your shopping there?

• The airport extension has certainly got the airwaves humming, the opportunity to comment before an independent resource consent panel is coming. Do you think it makes sense to wait and see what the airports plans are before chaining oneself to a bulldozer?

• The new café on Lyall bay is taking shape; it’s an airport project with the café managed by a couple of experienced locals. They are searching for a name associated with flight; one suggestion is “Spruce Goose”. Do you have any suggestions?

• ELECTION HELP - If you wouldn't mind having a 'Vote for Simon Marsh' sign on the back window of your car I'd love to hear from you. We would arrange to have it done and removed later.

Keep in touch

Cheers

Simon "Swampy" Marsh

Wellington Councillor

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