Christmas Cheer

Posted by on 17 December 2009 | 0 Comments

I always look forward to Christmas - I have never lost the thrill of it all since childhood. It's a magic time if we all make the efforts to spend time with family and friends. I know that's not always possible for those living in a tourist town, but even a friendly smile and happy Christmas can work miracles.

We invited all the southern councils to attend a joint meeting last Wednesday at the Te Anau Airport - Manapouri, and it was a good opportunity to brainstorm on how we can work and plan together and put aside boundaries for the benefit of all in the south. We do this well but we must continue to keep working at it. One Civil Defence instead of four for Southland is a huge advantage for all and we are proud to be the first in New Zealand to achieve this.

Cr Diane Ridley, in thanking everyone for coming to the meeting, said she appreciated everyone travelling the distance to her beautiful area. It is always funny how the perception is that it is shorter for us to come from Te Anau to Invercargill than for others to come to Te Anau from Invercargill.

I made sure I was home for Fiordland College's breakup as Murray and I really enjoy them. Every year I take the opportunity of attending various prizegivings throughout Southland as I am always impressed by our young people. They achieve so much and I am certain will make large contributions to our communities in the future.

I also took part in the Te Anau Santa Parade on Saturday - it was a good day in spite of the weather and I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves. I have a very sore foot though as the horse and gig ran over it!

Last week I was in Wellington for National Council for the usual meetings and a highlight for me, the stakeholder's Christmas party, where we have the opportunity to mix and mingle in a more social manner with Government Ministers. It was goof to speak to Transport Minister Steve Joyce and instead of going on about roading funding, I congratulated him on his recently born son, Thomas, who is a little brother for two-year-old Amelia.

Politicians lead very busy lives and sacrifice quite a lot so let's hope they, like all of you, take time to relax, enjoy, and have a wonderful Christmas. All the best for the New Year.