Whangarei District Council (WDC) is about to go through the process of a Rating Review. The Review will look at how our rates are calculated, and what we are being charged for items such as refuse management, water supply, sewage disposal, and so on.

The Quarry Art Centre, the Quarry Gardens, Reyburn House Art Gallery, Kiwi North (Maunu) Museum, Claphams Clocks – they’re all local treasures.  They hold our history, our local culture, and add to Whangarei’s interest as a tourist destination. The problem is that each of these marvellous institutions is currently struggling for lack of support.

I’m a firm believer in bringing some of the congestion out of the Ports of Auckland and into Northport at Marsden Point. This will require some expansion of the Northport facility but will be of ultimate benefit to Whangarei, Northland, and to Auckland. 

This topic has been well-aired of late, and what seems apparent is the lack of safety for the window-washers themselves, ducking in and out of traffic and working to beat the lights.

Casual conversations recently have caused me to ponder the success of the Love It Here Campaign and what effect it has had on Whangarei and its residents.

The NZTA have engaged in major works over the last few years to facilitate traffic flow to and from Northland. These improvements have included massive safety changes to major intersections and the widening of thoroughfares.

The schedule of work in Whangarei includes removing the right turn at Tarewa Road, potential changes to the Otaika shopping area, including the possible loss of car-parking there.

What do you think about the Whangarei District Council’s proposal to consolidate all current Council buildings and staff into one large building?

Thank you and congratulations to all those who put their hands up to be a part of the local body elections this year.  It was really great to see so many people passionate about our district's growth and wellbeing represented.

Kaipara District Council once again has a Mayor, Whangarei and Far North have recycled theirs. Big congratulations to all of the mayors for achieving that role.

During these elections, the Go-Whangarei team brought up concerns about holding the rates increases for three years. It’s a sensitive issue which resulted in lots of debate on our web platforms.