Welcome to our last Newsline for 2025.
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank all the champions of Waimate, from the volunteers and members of community organisations to all who love living and working in our district. I believe Waimate is thriving and that is because of its people.
Whether it’s working on the big decisions for our district, or community engagements such as the Armistice Day service, citizenship ceremonies, Civic Awards or cutting ribbons at openings, I love my role as your Mayor.
Recently, I attended a road safety event called Project Zebra at Waimate Centennial School. This is a great initiative to help children keep themselves safe at crossings. As part of the event, Rooney Group brought a big truck to the school and the children learned about driver blind spots (and got to sit in the truck and toot the horn, of course). We are grateful to the police, Project Zebra coordinators and Rooney for this important education.
And now, the school year is almost over! This time of year, there are peak numbers at our Waitaki Lakes campsites, and I want to wish all the campers a fantastic time up there.
Whatever you’re doing for Christmas, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable time and get a chance to relax and recharge. Lastly, I want to give a shout out to those involved in putting on the free Waimate Community Christmas Dinner for those who cannot afford anything special or are alone on Christmas day.
Happy holidays, we’ll be back with Newsline on 29 January.
