![]() |
Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz |
At this time of the year, when we have endured the reviews of what happened in 2013 – now we look ahead to what might happen in 2014. As it is an election year, it will be an interesting one. Here are my predictions:
- The election race will be tight, but I think National will edge out a Labour/Greens coalition. The size of the margin will depend on National adjusting some of their policies to make them a bit greener and a little less Auckland centric. MMP means even if we get a centre-right government, we will have a lottery when it comes to the overall policy focus for the new government.
- At a local body level, our communities will be pleasantly surprised to see the difference good governance and sensible decision-making can make locally. Despite pressure from central government for communities to consider reform, the Bay of Plenty will resist making knee-jerk changes, preferring to do the analysis rather than leap into the fray with proposals for change.
- Our economy will continue to prosper as national economic indicators continue to rise, our kiwifruit industry recovers from psa, dairy prices hold up and the Port of Tauranga continues its strategic development.
- Incrementally, more of the population will recognise our increasing weather extremes and warming climate and become more sustainable in the way we treat our earth. Water will be our number one concern, closely followed by energy and better management of waste streams. Solar energy, home gardening and water re-use will become increasingly trendy.
- More focus will go on social issues – like the increasing income gap, and planning for aging communities.
- Power of the people will be recognised – more focus will go on empowering communities and individuals to make a difference by volunteering and having a greater participation in shaping their world.
- And lastly, technology change will continue to transform the way we work and interact. The use of the internet, social media and mobile technologies will exponentially change our world; and I foresee huge incremental leaps forward, now a better broadband infrastructure is developing.
If you have any views on this or any other issue, please email me at neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150.

