Exciting New Initiatives

Thames-Coromandel representative on the Waikato Regional Council Denis Tegg is delighted that the Regional Connections Committee of Council has proposed some exciting new initiatives to provide much-needed support to these volunteer community transport groups which run a vital lifeline service to smaller towns and rural areas in Thames Coromandel and elsewhere in the Waikato region.  Community transport providers typically rely on volunteers and fundraising to offer transport to those in need, where no other suitable public transport option exists.

Each year the Waikato Regional Council publishes a set of indicators providing a high-level picture about how we are doing in the Waikato region.

This helps enable an assessment of critical economic, social and environmental conditions and trends.  It also helps to evaluate progress with the council’s purpose, strategy and community outcomes.

The Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Fisheries gave a presentation to the Hauraki Gulf Forum last week on Central Government’s response to the Seachange report for the Gulf.

The presentation sets out “next steps” with the Revitalising the Gulf” project

There will be opportunities for community/iwi input into the “Revitalising the Gulf” project over the coming months.

If you are interested in being further involved in the project – for example if you have ideas on marine protection or other coastal issues, then check out the links for further information and email contact details in the last slide.

Waikato Regional Council has voted in favour of a new Responsible Investment Policy that includes a Climate Change Investment Policy and a commitment to divest from coal, oil, and gas companies. This is a win for both the climate and ratepayers as higher investment returns are anticipated from environmentally sustainable funds.