Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Boy racers
I welcome proposed new laws announced by the Government targeting boy racers. It sends a strong message that bad behaviour will no longer be tolerated. Every Thursday night hundreds of boy racers with their cars converge on our community and disturb residents’ peace and safety. Existing laws to address the problem have not worked because they are too weak. I look forward to the proposals becoming law.
The Hutt Valley Activity Centre
Recently I had the pleasure of opening the impressive new facilities of the Hutt Valley Activity Centre, which provides support for students with learning and behaviour needs. I’m delighted a use has been found for the former site of Hutt Valley Memorial College, which since its closure in 1998 has been in slow decay. The staff deserve enormous credit for the wonderful job they do working with the students in helping them be successful.
Gold Awards
It was great to see Hutt City businesses do so well at the recent Gold Awards, with five of the ten main award categories won by local organisations – GNS Science, Womama, Datamail Group, Dulux NZ and Resene. Two special awards were also made locally – the Wellington Icon Award went to Petone born Neville Jordan and the Cornerstone Salute Award went to local company Formway.
NZ Leadership Week
NZ Leadership Week is happening between 26 June and 3 July, and Council is organising a range of activities and events to celebrate. The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the importance and impact great leadership makes to the country. Details on Leadership Week events in Hutt City will shortly be on the Council website www.huttcity.govt.nz.
Community Plan
Council has been given plenty to think about as we finalise the Community Plan. We received over 900 written submissions and nearly 70 submitters chose to speak in person. I want to thank everyone who took the time to give their ideas and suggestions. Council will be making its final decisions on the plan in the next few days.