As a city councillor of Lower Hutt, I am often asked about the nature of my role and responsibilities. Today, I’d like to provide you with an inside look into the work I am privileged to do every day, serving our vibrant community.

At its core, the role of a city councillor is about representing and serving the community – that includes you, our local businesses, our schools, and anyone who calls Lower Hutt home. It’s about working together to ensure that Lower Hutt continues to be a great place to live, work, and play.

My work encompasses various aspects of governance, decision-making, and community engagement. Along with my fellow councillors, I participate in regular council meetings where we deliberate on a range of city issues. These range from local policy decisions, budget allocations, urban planning, environmental initiatives, to community welfare schemes. It’s a diverse and dynamic job – every day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity to make a difference.

One of the key responsibilities is the development and review of policies that guide our city’s growth and operations. From housing and transportation plans to economic development and environmental conservation initiatives, these policies reflect the vision we hold for the future of Lower Hutt. I take this duty seriously, endeavouring to ensure that every policy decision takes into account the needs and aspirations of our community.

Budgeting is another crucial part of the job. As your representative, I am committed to ensuring that the city’s resources are spent wisely and effectively. Every decision about funding allocation is made with an eye toward creating maximum community benefit. That might mean improving our city’s parks and recreation facilities, upgrading our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, or funding services that help our most vulnerable residents.

But my role is not just about meetings, policy, and budgets. It’s also about being available and accessible to you, the residents of Lower Hutt. I am here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and serve as your advocate. Whether it’s through community meetings, social media, or one-on-one conversations, I always welcome your feedback and ideas. After all, our city’s strength lies in the collective voices of its residents.

Community engagement events are also a big part of what I do. From attending local school events, cultural festivals, to business opening ceremonies, these occasions allow me to connect with you, celebrate our achievements, and understand your perspectives better.

Lastly, I see my role as a councillor as being a leader and role model in our community. I strive to uphold the values that we cherish in Lower Hutt: respect, integrity, community spirit, and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, the role of a city councillor of Lower Hutt City is multifaceted and deeply rewarding. It is a privilege to serve you and contribute to making our city a better place to live. Behind every decision, meeting, and initiative, there is the ultimate goal of creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Lower Hutt. I am grateful for the opportunity to play a part in shaping the future of our beautiful city.