Our focus for the future is to build on key relationships with both councils to further the interests of our ratepayers. It is always easier to get things done if the basis of the relationship is a solid one.

Increasingly there is a need to work with mana whenua, the traditional owners of the area. The landowners prior to the eruption of 1886, Tuhourangi and Ngati Rangitihi are very keen for us to align our goals and aspirations with theirs and we regard a collaborative relationship as mutually beneficial.

The health of our lake is paramount. Water quality is the beginning and end of everything the LTRA endeavours to do, which is why in recent times, our focus has been on ensuring reticulated sewerage becomes a reality for our community—and sooner—rather than later.