Hi everyone, I hope you survived the festive season unscathed.

I developed a headache over the summer which has just got steadily worse, and I think it has something to do with banging my head against a brick wall by the name of “BUREAUCRACY”.

Last time I told you we had at last got consent to divert water from Matthews Lagoon into the Wairio wetland, unfortunately the job was not completed before the wet weather set in last autumn and consequently the canal wall failed.

Also the waters have now been muddied by the fact another outside person has come along saying there are some rare species of aquatic life that need to be protected and the water should not be put into Wairio.

As the argument rolls on, the summer is slipping by with nothing being done and I am beginning to despair.

That is my rant for the month and I look forward to seeing you all in Gisborne.