As we do, I would like to take this opportunity first to acknowledge Rex Graham. Rex Graham is the outgoing Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman who resigned from his position in early June due to his cancer return. Rex has been described by former Tukituki MP Rick Barker as the "Best chairman [of the] regional council … in 30 years." The biggest change Rex has brought about was a passion for building a strong relationship with mana whenua and his environmental efforts. Over the years, Rex and I have worked together supporting and opposing each other on local issues. We've had feisty conversations, but I know we have a mutual respect for each other. He works hard, he's passionate, and Hawke's Bay runs through his veins. And now his loyal deputy, Rick Barker, has stepped up to serve as chair of Hawke's Bay Regional Council.