John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.envbop.govt.nz

It has been a very demanding year.

The Global Financial Crisis is having an impact on the world stage and we in New Zealand cannot escape the effects of it.

And on the local scene, the Psa vine killing virus is devastating part of our kiwifruit industry, particularly in the Te Puke area. The real effects will only become really apparent with the diminished financial returns on the current crop to be picked next March.

Then there was the Rena grounding on October 5 at Astrolabe Reef. While the oil may be off the ship and the beaches open, the restoration of our coastal environment to its former pristine condition will take about another year.

The positives, however, shine through thanks to the people of this region. More than 7000 volunteers came out to help, the first volunteer army to be used for any oil spill disaster worldwide. So thank you to all the volunteers – you have all done us proud.

The government is to set up a new governance group to oversee the restoration of our coastal environment to its pristine condition – and at their cost.
With all the local mayors, we were determined that this restoration should not be an expense on the ratepayers of this region.

It has been a disaster for the tourist industry too, but there are some positives.

More than half of Tourism Bay of Plenty has been adversely affected, but they are now getting together, working throughout the Bay of Plenty to turn the Rena disaster into a global opportunity. That has not happened before and is a real positive.

All of us can assist by promoting tourism to draw visitors back, bringing in much needed cash flows that keep our community going.

We should all support our tourism leaders and support their campaign that the Bay of Plenty is ‘open for business'.

In regards to the Cabinet Ministerial appointments, Minister Dr Nick Smith retains his portfolio as Minister of the Environment and that gives us continuity with the Rena cleanup. He adds to his portfolio Minister of Local Government, which I feel will be positive for this region.

If you have a view on this or any other government issue, I invite you to email me johncronin@xtra.co.nz

Finally, can I wish you and your families all a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to working for you all in the New Year.