The Monthly Meeting on Monday 16th November focussed on two topics.

1. The Fair, Intelligent Transport (FIT) proposal for light rail

The link to their paper is here.

The speakers were John Rankin and Kerry Wood,

Introduction and Macro view by John: Overview of suggestions for Wellington (as in paper), and notes about existing trams overseas. Outlining positive benefits for communities when trams are introduced.

Micro view by Kerry: Suggestions of how Newtown could be serviced by a tram network between Wellington City and the Airport, either along Constable St or through a new tunnel past the zoo. Emphasising that no one option is preferred at this stage.

Their presentation was followed by vigorous discussion.

2. Keep Newtown Clean

Hine Moana-Sullivan and Lola Liava’a Tonga from the Wellington City Council Graffiti Removal Team were the speakers.

Hine – gave an overview of what has been happening, and reported an audit showing success in responding to requests for graffiti removal.

The next Keep Newtown Clean event is on Saturday 5th December. This is the second since moving to a 4x year system. The September event had a successful new activity with KNC volunteers working on the garden area outside St Thomas’s.

Lola – Volunteer Coordinator for the graffiti team, spoke about a new programme for volunteers to work in their own time, which has its own webpage.  They are planning an official launch at Keep Newtown Clean on 5th December at 9:00am and were asking for Association approval to announce this – agreed. They are planning for a BBQ, balloons, and general celebration in St Thomas’s courtyard.

The full meeting minutes, with notes of further discussion, are here.