I am always pleased and proud to take visitors to our region through the Waitaki Valley.
Not only is it a scenic drive but it’s truly among the most progressive and positive districts in the entire country including business and rural development, sporting and educational achievement and good old fashioned community spirit.
Just look at the reports emanating from the valley over the last few weeks.
Waimate’s young cyclist Dylan Kennett, aged 15, has made his mark on the New Zealand Track Cycling circuit while Kurow marksman Graeme Hughes has demonstrated his prowess winning a bronze medal at the Norfolk Island International Clay Target Champions.
Another notable achievement has been the award of a gold medal, a silver and two bronzes at the Easter Show to Waitaki Valley’s Kurow estate which opened officially a mere six months ago. Surely as an auspicious start to a new venture as any?
Then, just off the valley track, Tokarahi Homestead and Limestone Retreat were among recent nominations for the nation’s best retreats.
And this isn’t counting the Glenavy factory progress and the river tunnel scheme which are both on track or the fact that our district GDP was up 2.7 percent for the last year while the rest of the country declined by 1.1.
The point I want to make is the reason our region continues to outperform many others lies, I believe, with the belief and commitment and “let’s get on with it’ attitude harboured by our valley residents. |