Ratepayers' Quarterly Update

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Ratepayers' Quarterly Update July 2010

Welcome from Mayor Pete

Hi folks, This will be my last contribution to the Ratepayers’ Quarterly Update before I stand aside as Mayor of New Plymouth District.

Leading this Council and community has been such a privilege, and I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a community. Together we have certainly made it happen!

This was the community with the highest unemployment in the country; the community with the highest rate of
capital decline in the country; a community with so much going for it, but which was just not being recognised or appreciated.

Well, that has certainly changed. When we were judged the best place to live, to love, to work and to raise a family in the country – none of us were surprised. Similarly when we were judged the best and most liveable community of our size on the planet! There have been so many successes that as a community we have achieved, and continue to achieve.

None of that would have been possible without the enthusiasm, passion, and commitment of you all. As a
community we share a desire to make this very special place even better!

My thanks for the support, feedback, and encouragement you’ve given me as your Mayor. I’ve said many times – the best ideas that have made the most difference have come from you all!

My thanks also to the fabulous representatives you’ve elected to serve with me. Each and every one of them
over the years has been committed to this place and each and every one of them has wanted to make a
positive difference.

Similarly my thanks to the officers that make the decisions of the Council a reality. I would match our
team against any in the country – we are so well served by them all! Barbara and her management team are
carrying on the fine tradition and professionalism of those that preceded them. I know I leave the Council
in good hands, and that the new Mayor and Council will get the support they need to ensure this community
gets the leadership it deserves.

In this my last Mayoral contribution to the quarterly update, I also want to thank Rosemary and our children.
When you elected me as your Mayor nine years ago, you also got a wonderful Mayoress and I think a fantastic Mayoral family to boot. Rosemary, Gemma, Lauren and William – you are the best!

Looking ahead, I have no doubt that the collective spirit of our community will ensure our district goes from
strength to strength. After the next election, please be assured that the Tennent family (just like you all) will
continue to do all it can to make the best place to live, to work, and to play even better!

Again, a huge thanks to you all!

Keep the passion!

Peter T

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G-TARanaki

The biggest music week in New Zealand is nearly here! In mid-August the five-day G-TARanaki International
Music Week will sound off in New Plymouth – bringing with it Guns ’n Roses guitarist Slash.

And on Friday 13 August is a once in a lifetime concert with legendary guitarist Uli Jon Roth jamming with a mix of all-star musicians who are in New Zealand exclusively for G-TAR. “Never again will these musicians all be performing together – it’s an extraordinary level of talent that can’t be missed,” says Acting Manager Events Tricia Logan.

“G-TAR’s had a huge response from fans with one of the midnight sessions already sold out and the other two
getting close to capacity.

“There are still tickets available through Ticketmaster, including a limited number of discounted two-day passes
to the Friday and Saturday TSB Stadium concerts, so be in quick to make sure you don’t miss seeing these incredible musicians.”

Along with New Zealand bands The Checks, Shotgun Alley, Brian Hatcher Band and In Dread Response are Pink Floyd bassist Guy Pratt, UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore, Michael Jackson’s former guitarist Jennifer Batten, metal supergroup Hail! and more.

In addition there are two youth concerts: Madhouse on Wednesday 11 August and the Youth Rock Concert on
Thursday 12 August – both events at TSB Showplace with $10 door sales.

Tickets are still available for:

• Thursday 12 August: Midnight Session – including Pink Floyd’s Guy Pratt and Desiree Bassett.
• Friday 13 August: TSB Stadium concert – The Checks, Desiree Bassett, All-Star Jam with Uli Jon Roth and more; and Midnight Session – including Guy Pratt, Vinnie Moore and Tony MacAlpine.
• Saturday 14 August: TSB Stadium concert – Slash, Jennifer Batten, Vinnie Moore, Hail!, Shotgun Alley and In Dread Response.

More information is available on gtaranaki.co.nz.
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What’s happening on our roads?

A variety of road projects are under way during the coming three months.

Urenui and Uruti

The seal widening of Mataro Road will be completed, while work will begin on underslip repairs on Avenue Road and at three sites on Okoki Road. At the Uruti Tunnel the entrance canopy will be finished and other tidy-up work completed, while the road pavement to the south of the tunnel will be strengthened.

Inglewood

Work on the Windsor/Dudley loop walkway will be completed, as will the pavement strengthening and realignment of Kaimata Road North. Motukawa Road in Tarata will have an underslip repaired.

New Plymouth

The construction of a roundabout at the Tukapa/Waimea intersection will begin – we aim to have this completed before the end of the year. Also, an underslip on Carrington Road within the Egmont National Park boundary will be repaired.

Rates rebates

Now that the rates have been set for 2010/11, we can help process applications for rates rebates for people on low incomes and/or who live in high-rated properties. In August we will have a dedicated team ready to helpyou with your application.

If you have received a rates rebate before, we will contact you directly with information on how to apply
again – keep an eye on your letterbox over the next few days. If you haven’t previously received a rebate and would like to apply for one, you can either contact the Council to make an appointment to see a member of our Rates Rebates Team during August, or just pop into the Civic Centre or a library and service centre in Bell Block, Waitara and Inglewood during that month to be seen in the next available slot.

While our dedicated Rates Rebates Team will operate only during August, you can apply for a rebate at
any time during the 2010/11 financial year (1 July to 30 June). For more information, give us a call on
06-759 6060.

Where to get your Council information

• Our weekly news page – on page seven of the North Taranaki Midweek.
• Our wide range of brochures and leaflets.
• Our Twitter updates – twitter.com/npdcouncil.
• Our Facebook page (targeted at recruitment) – user name New Plymouth District Council.
• Our YouTube page – user name NPDC1.

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