Panel to discuss ‘Gore’s tomorrow’

The challenges facing Gore’s business community will be the main topic at a panel discussion, "Shaping Gore’s Tomorrow", hosted by the Southland Business Chamber (SBC).

The speakers at next week’s event will be Gore District Council chief executive Debbie Lascelles, councillor Richard McPhail and Mataura Valley Milk general manager Paddy McMyler.

They will share insights about themselves and discuss the challenges facing the business community.

Cr McPhail said he looked forward to hearing from the business community and how it viewed today’s economic climate.

"I will discuss where we are at as a council and the position we face as we look forward, with having had the substantial rates increases, and what we as a council and community can do as we move into the long-term plan next year."

SBC chief executive Sheree Carey will facilitate a Q&A session where attendees can ask their own questions.

"I also believe it will be a great opportunity for the community to hear from our [chief executive] and the partnership she is establishing within the area and the landscape she is facing, as we, the council work, with her and the other staff to establish plans and service requirements within the budget and debt issues the council is currently working through," Cr McPhail said.

He expects discussions will revolve around rates, recycling and roading, "along with how we keep Gore and Mataura service standards and where our changes to service can be found and what the community indicates as areas of change that can occur or be reviewed".

The discussion will be held at the Croydon Lodge at noon on Wednesday.

Attendees are required to register their interest via southlandchamber.co.nz/events

ben.andrews@theensign.co.nz