We are all in this together and it’s great to see that most of us are keeping in our own bubbles.
The better we can continue to do this, the sooner we can emerge from it. We have a critical window to make a huge difference to New Zealand’s future.
Hold fast. Keep positive. We know that these measures are the best thing we can do to break the chain. I know that these are unprecedented, uncertain and challenging times, but this strong action will save lives.
Please reach out to others by phone or online – in whatever safe way you can. Head out for fresh air – but keep in your bubble – at least two metres from others. We want to make sure that everyone has what they need to get through the next few weeks.
Following this lockdown period, our district will be a different place. We know there are tough times ahead, and we want to do everything we can to ensure we can get through as a community.
One thing we have done is make a commitment to the community to ensure there is a zero percent general rates increase for the 2020/21 year. To do this though, some tough decisions will need to be made.
We will be looking at delaying any projects, like the council administration building, that are not time critical, reassessing our current levels of service and make some hard decisions to achieve this, but it is a goal we are 100 per cent committed to. The balance of course will be continuing to invest money in our local economy to help provide jobs.
For now though, the most important thing for us to focus on is maintaining our bubbles. Please also remember to be kind. We will never forget this period in our lives, but together, we can work to stamp out COVID-19 and save lives.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas