Catrina Jones
Member of Whakatāne Action Group

I refer to the Whakatāne Action Group’s opinion piece on mayoral leadership, published in the Beacon on December 13.
As a member of WAG, I recommend Friday’s article as essential reading for anyone with an interest in Whakatāne local government.

As the article indicates, WAG is developing an evidence based 2025 council election agenda. As WAG uncovers and publishes its concerns, I encourage members of the community to join WAG and contribute to its agenda policy development.

WAG is not the fountain of all knowledge, and it does not have a monopoly on all the good ideas. We need your ideas and concerns about our council to help WAG prepare and promote its election 2025 agenda (Reference – the second half of the Mayoral Leadership article for WAG’s current agenda proposals.)

There is so much information that the public needs to know, understand and to take into consideration at the ballot box in October 2025.

There are some important and substantial issues that demand immediate attention. WAG will shortly be calling for public action and support with regard to the 2025 Annual Plan, namely the proposed 12.7 percent rate increase.

To make a difference, WAG does need your input and encouragement. And most of all, the community needs individuals who are prepared to be involved.
Collectively we can make a difference.