Secretary 2022/23: Michael Archer

 

 

 

 

Present: President Jan Dempsey; David Brownson; Owen McCluggage; Murray Gillespie,  Dennis Eales, Stephen Bovett, Wally Garrett, Geoff Harding, Harry Duynhoven, Judy Hanline, Sally Morch, Tony Bird, David Lusk

 

Guests :Myles and Tayler Derry, Neil Holdom (NPDC Mayor)- Guest Speaker

 

Apologies :Des Friedrich, Simon Northrop, Michael Archer, Jon Pitman, David Gibson, Gary Brown, LOA Ian Smiley

 

President Jan welcomed everyone especially guests Neil Holdom and  Myles and Tayler Derry  

                 

Thanks for the meal were given by David Brownson

 

Fines : Murray Gillespie fined members appropriately 

 

3 Minute Talk- Sally Morch

 

She doesn't want to be recognised as retired, old, seniorville, past your used by date which is often the way she felt young people tend to view older people these days.

 

Although a golfer she thinks its a strange game where you play as little as possible to win. She describes it as a good walk spoilt. I'm sure all golfers can relate to that.

 

 

Neil comes from a career in journalism, working in Powerco Public Relations and management. He has a "life sentence block (Harry's words)" at Lepperton, keen mountain biker, married to Mellisa with a family of 3 children.

 

 

 

 

The birth of his first child 16 years ago kindled an interest in politics in that he saw a broader responsibility to look at the future he would like his children to grow up in.

 

He describes his election as mayor as accidental but very rewarding.

 

While early in his tenure he was embroiled in controversy around the sale of half the Fitzroy golf course this proved to be a beneficial distraction for the hard decisions the council had to make particularly around the question of rate increases although he described them as taxes.

 

In his view good councils are  unpopular because they try to address necessary investment in infrastructure for underdeveloped areas which he believes his council was getting on top of with manageable rate increases. However inflation in recent times has hindered their ability to maintain progress. 

 

He was critical of central government policies which were often led by and managed by beauracrats without much consultation with particularly councils in the regions. Taxes levied by government increase with inflation, local government don't have that advantage and are restrained by unpopular rate rises to maintain progress.

 

In his view there needs to be greater taxes on Fuel and Road User Charges to adequately fund roading (for councils) which currently only has enough money for maintenance. 

 

Neil answered questions related to the Downtown Carpark (work would commence shortly to reinforce joints of the prestressed concrete beams connections to the main building), the potential development of the old Ravensdown site in Waiwhakaio and increased traffic issues at the Smart Rd lights, traffic congestion from the Bell Block overpass to Smart Rd, growing pains with more traffic  because of the current 1000 per year population growth in New Plymouth.

 

He was more optimistic for the future with better relations with Central Government, cooperation between the Taranaki Regional and District Councils, good relationships with Taranaki Iwi and a new CEO appointee Carrick Green.

 

Judy Hanline thanked Neil for his openness in his address and the work he was doing to ensure New Plymouth was a great city to live in.

 

 

 

 

Jan thanked all the members that volunteered for both events although that was only 50% of the club. $800 has been given to the club from the Multi Ethnic Society for our efforts.

 

 

Jan advised that David Gibson had resigned as Treasurer

 

Jan moved that Tracey Bovett be appointed as Treasurer. Even though she's not a member she is well qualified to carry out the role and its within Rotary rules to appoint her.

Seconded by David Brownson- carried unanimously

 

 

Murray Gillespie indicated that this was to be a fun night for members and friends (invites had gone to other clubs).Bowls will be provided.

 

Cost: $20/player (includes venue hire and Pizza's afterwards)

Time: 5.30-7.30pm

 

 

 

The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do.

 

The bad news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do.

 

Dr Zeuss