Like all local authority Chief Executives, Marlborough District Council’s Chief Executive is required to produce a pre-election report.
The 2022 Pre-Election Report provides information to voters and candidates, to encourage well-informed discussion on the issues facing Council in the lead up to the October 2022 local body elections.
The report summarises Council’s major priorities including its core infrastructure investment, climate change and the Marlborough Environment Plan. It also includes proposed major projects outlined in Council’s 2021-31 Long Term Plan. Council’s financial strategy and rates movements over the past three years feature in the report, along with Council’s financial position for the previous three years, and forecasts for the next three financial years.
Marlborough District Council Chief Executive, Mark Wheeler, said over the past three years the Council has responded and worked hard through the global Covid-19 pandemic in what has been a very challenging time.
“While the outlook for Marlborough over the next three years is exciting, challenges remain and there are some significant government reforms underway that will shape our region in future,” Mr Wheeler said.
“The biggest is the Three Waters Reform which will see Marlborough’s wastewater, stormwater and drinking water infrastructure managed by a separate entity should it proceed. There will also be some big changes to the resource management system, which will likely change the way the regions environmental planning framework is developed and decisions are made. The Future for Local Government review will also require the new Council’s consideration,” he said.
“In addition to reforms, post-Covid inflationary pressures, staff recruitment and retention challenges and climate change effects will add to the complexity.”
“However, there are exciting projects to implement including the funding of Port Marlborough Limited’s investment in infrastructure to accommodate two new large Interislander Ferries. Council will also support the Ministry of Education’s new Combined Colleges Project (Te Tātoru o Wairau) through possible assistance with sports facility relocation, and our infrastructure and regulatory responses.”
“The imminent completion of Blenheim’s new Library and Art Gallery in 2023 will provide a wonderful facility for our community to enjoy. The next Council will need to consider the levels of services and corresponding budgets to be provided,” Mr Wheeler said.
“Council continues to take steps to improve our working relationships with iwi and this will remain a priority. The recent engagement of a Kaihautū (Manager Māori Partnerships), together with a new Māori Ward Councillor, will enable Council to build on positive relationships and deal with future challenges for both Māori and the wider community,” he said.
“Our balance sheet is strong, as evidenced by our Standard and Poors AA+ (negative credit watch) rating. That provides Council with a solid financial base.”