Be Brave

​If you are anything like me, at this time of year you reflect on the year that’s been and thus start to focus on what success might look like for the year ahead.
 
One thing I know for sure, is that success for the Far North (as a whole and at a community level) will only be achieved by finding common purpose and then working together to achieve tangible outcomes. 
 
This doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything because we won’t.  But what we do need to do is find a way forward - find the common goal, together.  I believe this way needs to be fresh and will require some innovative and creative thinking – which we are all capable of. 
 
The Far North is brimming with potential and there is no real reason why we shouldn’t succeed – other than our perceived lack of belief in who we are and what we are capable of.  The only thing really holding us back is our limited thinking on what we can truly achieve. 
 
So our challenge, I believe, is to be truly brave and grow a really loud, proactive voice.  The reason is simple.  We deserve better.  Our children deserve better.  Our environment deserves better.
 
Our district vision He Whenua Rangatira – A District of Sustainable Prosperity and Well-being – provides a foundation for growing this voice.
 
I look forward to the year ahead – knowing it will be challenging.  I believe, however, that we are on the cusp of change – at a world level.  We simply cannot continue to carry on the way we are.  So I look forward to working with those of you that want to make a positive difference and encourage the rest of you to be all you can be.
 
Kia kaha.