Kia
ora koutou katoa and thank-you for the invitation to speak
to you all today.
I would like to acknowledge Local
Government New Zealand President Stuart Crosby, and Chief
Executive, Susan Freeman-Greene, Te Maruata Chair, Bonita
Bigham, and our host, Mayor John Leggett.
I also
acknowledge all the elected members and chief executives
here today, and Taituarā Chief Executive, Karen
Thomas.
I would also like to acknowledge the passing
of the late LGNZ President, Dave Cull. I have fond memories
of working alongside Dave and of the vision he had for local
government. The only thing I saw him more passionate about