It’s been a challenging 12-months, with the year ahead looking just as hectic, so it’s great that celebrating Christmas brings with it the normality of annual traditions, and along with time spent together with family, friends and neighbours, Christmas is a time of year for the giving and spreading of love and hope.

Everyone will celebrate in their own special way, but I’m sure this year, so many in our community will be joining me in wishing for a Toll Free Tararua as we look forward to the opening of Te Ahua a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway. This replacement road offers so much for our community and I’m sure one of the best Christmas presents we could receive would be the news the proposal to toll this replacement road has been abandoned.

Christmas should be a time of togetherness and peace, and I hope we all can reach out to others to share the special meaning of Christmas, sharing and giving in whatever way we can. Giving of kindness to others can be one of the best gifts we can give and sharing and giving support to those in need is rewarding for us all.

This has been a hectic time for so many, so taking a break, slowing down and enjoying family and friends should be at the heart of our Christmas. There are so many in our community who are deserving of our thanks for all they have done for others throughout the year, and I know Tararua is rich, thanks to the kindness shown by so many volunteers, foodbanks and social agencies who all work in helping those in need throughout the year and especially at Christmas.

Christmas is the time to rest and reflect on what is important in life and to be thankful to all those who work so hard to make Tararua the wonderful place it is to live.

Christmas can be stressful and lonely for some, so please keep a lookout for those who need support. If you are driving over the holiday season, take care on the road.

2025 will continue to bring change as we adapt to the incredible pace of change in energy, artificial intelligence, business and funding models along with the drive for efficiencies as we address the cost-of-living crisis. Change is the one constant in our lives and we have been through it many times, however, it is tougher when so much comes at once. Many of us are struggling to find the balance in this fast-paced information world and it is a conscious decision to slow life down and take a little time to enjoy the precious moments.

I wish you all the very best for Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.