The Mayor gave us an overview of key Council activities within the context of Wellington City’s business asset base of $7.2b., turnover of $550m covering around 400 different services.
He started his term with a long list of things he wanted to do … then the pipes started breaking and Covid-19 hit the world. What has Covid meant for Wellington City? Primarily the retail sector has suffered as many have enjoyed the upsides of working from home. To be a vibrant central city we need a vibrant retail sector.
The Council aims to develop a new arts and culture strategy and a new economic strategy to replace the one written in 2011. To inform this, an economic forum is scheduled in November following a number of sector group meetings.
Andy then listed a number of projects completed or under development and for the benefit of members who might not be following these activities included: the Basin Reserve Museum Stand, the reopening Willis Streets St John’s Church, and the Farmers Building in Cuba where the Regional Council will be based. Work is continuing on the Town Hall which was strengthened in the late 1980s – but only above ground!
St James is progressing and intended to be back in operation in time for the International Festival of the Arts early 2022. Tākina, Wellington’s new Convention and Exhibition Centre is progressing well. The Omāroro Reservoir at Mt Cook is under development which will double the water storage to better secure our water supply. A decision has been made on the Library and a more modern responsive Library is expected to result.
The city is growing, putting real pressure on housing so there is a challenge to identify what we really value in our city – while balancing the protect vs more housing agendas. A Spatial Plan – planning for growth, is currently under development that will guide the District Plan. Watch this space.
The Councils’ Te Atakura – first to net zero emissions by 2050 programme is working on initiatives to support the circular economy and reduce waste. Let’s Get Wellington Moving is still alive and engagement during the consultation process next year is welcomed.
To achieve even some of the city’s very long wish-list will require some difficult budgetary decisions. Again, community participation in decision-making is welcomed. These surely are challenging but exciting times.
Ken Rayner, Co-President Interact, and President Mike share a photo with Mayor Andy.
As an aside Ken received awards from Mayor Andy the night before at the Wellington College Prize Giving. Ken was awarded Proxime Accessit to the Dux and received the Lendrum Cup for Prefect Endeavour and Citizenship.
Brenda Lazelle
Club Reporter
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