16/08/2005

New Kiwis and ventures

Recently I had the privilege of conducting my first citizenship ceremony when council welcomed five new Kiwis, on behalf of the the Otorohanga district, as they pledged allegiance to their adopted country.
It is a very important occasion for new Kiwis, and one council holds in high regard.
Council's subdivisions continue to exceed expectations - Progress Park commercial subdivision has just four sections available and 35 sold, Westridge residential subdivision has 14 sections sold from 36 available.
The positive contribution from these successful ventures to our district's businesses, employers, profile and of course rates is significant in ensuring we all benefit from sustained growth.
The New Zealand Targa Rally is coming to the Otorohanga district again in October for the twelfth consecutive time.
Council understands and accepts that closing roads even for a few hours can cause disruption to residents, businesses, farmers and their visitors and we are very grateful for the support we receive when considering a road closure application.
Otorohanga District Council has a negotiated contract with Targa which enables us to work with the organisers to ensure circuits are alternated where practical and that the rally brings as many benefits to our area to offset any inconvenience anticipated.
Last year Targa closed entries off at 145 cars plus 25 touring observers, and as each car has on average eight support personnel attached, more than 1200 participants plus many spectators and media entourage are attracted to our district and communities at every event.
During the weeks leading up to the rally, many of our retailers, especially in fuel sales, accommodation, food and repairs, welcome the increased business opportunities generated by this event.
The benefit to Otorohanga district in dollar terms and profile while difficult to measure, is considered to be significant.
I believe for Otorohanga to continue to develop and prosper and support our many promotional entities including project Kiwiana, the Kiwi House, business association, development Board, it is important such activities continue to be welcomed to this region and accommodated wherever possible.
This week we welcome another visit by school children from Hatogaya City in Japan, where they will have the unique opportunity to stay on local farms and visit our district's schools, enjoy an overnight stay on Mokai Kainga Marae at Kawhia, experience attractions including the Kiwi House and Waitomo Caves and attend our mayoral welcome ceremony on Friday afternoon.
More valuable international exposure for this region - my thanks to the host families and all those involved in organising our guests stay.
Remember, I am your Mayor - if you would like to see me at any time, or have something special coming up that you want me to know about or attend -- please call Anne at council.
It's my pleasure to serve Otorohanga district.

'Silent thief of sight' check for mayors

Our mayors have a vision. Good vision.
Otorohanga mayor Dale Williams, and Waitomo mayor Mark Ammon discovered this on Thursday when they underwent a glaucoma check as part of `Save Our Sight Glaucoma Week'.
Te Awamutu mayor Alan Livingston joined them for a mayoral trio at Visique Bruce Watson Optometrist in Te Awamutu for the eye test.
The test told the mayors they were fortunate enough not to be among the 40,000 New Zealanders who have glaucoma.
Mr Williams and Mr Ammon admitted they knew very little about the disease before receiving the invitation to partake in the test.
"I certainly never knew how debilitating glaucoma could be," said Mr Williams.
None of the three had a history of glaucoma in their families, although Mr Amnion's father-in-law is affected by it.
The checking process involved measurement of the eyes, a vision test, an examination of the eyes with a microscope to check the drainage area, and whether there is excessive pressure on the iris.
"It is a painless process," said Mr Ammon.
There are very few symptoms of glaucoma, however blurry vision or pain can be experienced depending on the extent of damage already done.
It is reported 50 per cent of New Zealanders have glaucoma, many undiagnosed.
This leads to complications for those affected, because the damage caused by glaucoma develops slowly, firstly with loss of peripheral vision. It can develop without people being aware of its onset.
"'The best way to monitor the disease is to have regular checks, because once the visual damage is done, it cannot be reversed," said Mr Watson.
Mayors Williams, Ammon and Livingston are among more than 60 local body leaders from throughout the country who are working together to raise awareness about glaucoma, the 'silent thief of sight'.
Glaucoma is the name of a group of related diseases which damage the optic nerve that carries signals from the eye to the brain.
This damage is usually caused by increased fluid within the eye.
Two per cent of all people over the age of 40 have glaucoma but this rises to 10 per cent for people over the age of 70.
If there is a family history of glaucoma, it is 10 times more likely someone will get the disease.
The awareness week was set up by glaucoma New Zealand, which is a charitable trust dedicated to preventing blindness from glaucoma.