http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.pamelastorey.co.nz en-us Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:56:04 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/151688/whats-the-difference/ While I’ve been engaging in local community forums on Facebook recently, it’s clear that there is some confusion about the roles and responsibilities of Waikato Regional Council and Waikato District Council.So I thought I’d explain.Waikato Regional Council manages natural resources including water, air, soil, our coastal marine space, and biodiversity across the whole Waikato region. It oversees regional transport, biosecurity (weed and pest control), flood protection, drainage, and enviro... Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:07:47 +1200 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post151688 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/145569/a-new-president-for-waikato-feds/ Waikato Federated Farmers held their AGM recently and this year's marks a significant transition for the organisation as Keith Holmes passes the batten to Phil Sherwood as President.Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Keith Holmes for his dedicated service. From his early days as a Federated Farmers cadet to owning and operating successful dairy, sheep, and arable farms, Keith has always championed the interests of Waikato farmers. Thank you, Keith, for your tireless work.I’d also like to ... Mon, 19 May 2025 11:44:16 +1200 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post145569 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/145568/advocating-for-rail/ Earlier this month, I headed to Wellington with Waikato Regional Council CEO Chris McLay and Regional Transport Connections Director Phil King to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to discuss the future of rail in the upper North Island.We talked about the need for investment in modern rail infrastructure to support regional growth, improve freight efficiency, and provide sustainable transport options for communities.We highlighted the benefits of better rail connections for both peo... Mon, 19 May 2025 11:38:46 +1200 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post145568 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/142415/collaborative-leadership-a-catalyst-for-regional-growth-and-prosperity/ As a leader in our region, I’ve seen first-hand how collaborative leadership can be a game-changer for the Waikato’s growth and prosperity. Let me share with you why I’m passionate about this approach and how it’s making a real difference for our region and beyond.In today’s world, the challenges we face can’t be solved by working in isolation. Solutions have to reach beyond geographic and political boundaries. Our work through initiatives such as the Mayoral Forum, the Upper North I... Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:37:08 +1300 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post142415 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/142408/the-importance-of-regional-spatial-planning/ Working together on a problem is almost always better than working in isolation. And that’s certainly true when it comes to regional spatial planning.But first, what is a spatial plan? Well, it’s basically a masterplan for our region. It sets out the long-term issues, opportunities and challenges for development and the environment. The Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan was approved by the Future Proof Implementation Committee in September 2020. But does it need to look wider than t... Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post142408 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/142409/water-storage-key-to-raising-productivity-managing-volatile-weather-patterns/ Water – in particular the storage of it – was a hot topic at last October’s Regional Growth Summit. And it’s top of mind for Waikato Regional Council too.Regional Development Minister Shane Jones encouraged applications to the $1billion-plus Regional Development Fund from Waikato water storage schemes. And Waikato-Tainui’s executive Te Arataura, Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan shared that the iwi is already looking at options for storage.The Government’s recognition of the need to increase... Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post142409 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/142412/the-creative-sector-we-need-to-talk-about-funding-to-ensure-the-show-goes-on/ During a tour of the new Waikato Regional Theatre recently, it was easy to imagine being seated in there, waiting for the show to begin. I love going to a concert with friends, to a movie or a play. I recently enjoyed a night out at the Waiuku Theatre where their rendition of Cinderella was a quirky, laugh-out-loud experience and a real credit to director Tremayne Thompson.There’s nothing quite like being at home, on the farm in Te Hoe. It’s my peaceful happy place, where I love listening to... Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post142412 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/post/142410/regional-growth-summit-represents-huge-opportunity-to-partner-with-central-government/ There's a huge amount of opportunity on our doorstep right now to work with central government in an enduring partnership to unlock opportunities for the benefit of NZ Inc. And that's exactly what we talked about at last week's Regional Growth Summit.The Summit was nothing short of inspirational and I'm so pleased we could showcase just how much the might Waikato has to offer New Zealand Inc.The Honourable Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Development, the Honourable Tama Potaka, Minister for M... Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.pamelastorey.co.nz/blog/#post142410