Notes …

The Newtown Residents’ Association Subscription

The NRA rules are that this is to be reviewed in February of each year, with the decision to take effect from July, when our financial year starts.  The current subscription is ‘a gold coin’ – the rationale for it being so low is to minimise any barriers to people being financial members.  There were views for and against continuing on this basis – a significant sum for a subscription could increase the NRA funds – but the resolution was to keep it at ‘a gold coin’ for now.

Cycleway Update

All WCC consultation has been postponed.  Kate Swartz will take over convening the NRA Cycleway Subgroup.

Community Response Plan.

We had a successful meeting in December, and an earlier post reported on this.   The organisers have written a draft plan and are now working on an Executive summary.

Carrara Park Mural

Local Artists Sara and Andrew Tamati-Wright were involved over many years with the painting, renewal and upkeep of a ‘street art’ mural on a wall in Carrara Park.  A series of misunderstandings led to it being painted out not once but twice.  There have been continuing negotiations with Wellington City Council about allowing Sara and Andrew and their team to reinstate it.  The discussions are making progress, but the progress is slow because the current policy about public murals has to be adapted somewhat.   The meeting agreed that the Residents’ Association supports the proposal for repainting the mural.

Submissions to Wellington City Council

The Wellington Reorganisation Proposal (aka the ‘Super City’ proposal) – due on 2/3/15.  Agreed that it was impossible for us to have a consensus view about this at short notice – but we did want the NRA to be kept in the loop for future consultation, so Claire Pettigrew would write a ‘placeholder’ submission, circulate it to the executive and submit it if approved.  This has now been submitted.

Land Transport Plan – due 20/2/15. Kate Swartz to write, circulate and submit on behalf of the NRA.

Bio-diversity Strategy and Action Plan – due 6/3/15.  Similarly, Cheryl Robilliard will write this submission.

Social Housing Service Policy Review – due 27/2/15.  Decided to make this a focus of the next NRA meeting – see the WCC discussion paper and consultation document here.

Number 18 bus – circulated a notice about protests against stopping this well-patronised bus service that links University campuses.

Plans for the Salvation Army Redevelopment.

Martin Hanley reported on the Salvation Army’s willingness to consult on the plans they are developing for a new building on the block bordering Riddiford St, Normanby St and Donald McLean St – not including the TAB building on the corner of Riddiford and Donald McLean Sts. The intention is to create a ‘one stop shop’ with the Church and all the other services in the one place.

Newtown Festival Update 

There has been a previous post about the Festival.  Plans are well underway for the Fair Day on Sunday March 8th, and in particular we would like people to be aware of and support the new, free, Street Sports zone in South Riddford St, made possible by a grant from Infinity and the practical support of the Wellington City Council and of Chevron, who are allowing us to use the old Caltex site.

Next NRA Meeting – 16th March 2015, 7.30pm at the Newtown Hall, Daniell St.