The meeting was on 18th August 2025, 7.30pm at the Community Lounge, St Thomas’s Church, 200 Riddiford St.

These were some of the topics discussed –

Paul Fletcher, Priest in Charge at St Toms, introduced himself. He and his wife live in Mansfield St.
He has been here six months and is working out local priorities. His answer to a question about his mission was  “Working with youth and others”. 
St Tom’s Services are in the Newtown School Hall because the Church here is too small. They are repurposing the use of this space for appropriate groups.  This building might be replaced with community housing in the future.

Madeleine Taylor from Tiriti Action Group (TAG) talked about the work TAG is doing to raise awareness about the upcoming referendum on Māori Wards this local body election.  She was asked about a good way to deal with dissenters, and suggested some engagement tactics and recommended courses at https://www.tauiwitautoko.com/

Further discussion about Newtown concerns and street safety.

Cpt. Andrew Wilson from the Salvation Army talked about developing a community de-escalation workshop, as previously discussed at the May meeting. There will be a pilot session on the 3rd of September. 

Councillor Nureddin Abdurahman and Deputy Mayor Laurie Foon outlined the CBD issues, particularly the City Safety Plan, and why some people are moving from the CBD to Newtown. There is a Council paper coming soon on safety in Newtown. 

Paul Fletcher added that there are a lot of things going on in Newtown and people are working to support those who need help.

There was general agreement that this problem is complicated. People on Newtown streets  include known drug dealers, and there are beggars who live elsewhere and come to Newtown because we are a compassionate community.

On 18 July there was a fire, suspected arson, at 285 Mansfield Street. This was very alarming to neighbours. The house was occupied by squatters and is likely to be linked to the other problems. We are advised that Council officers are in contact with the owners.

It was raised that people need far more than housing. Andrew said that the Government has indicated that there will be no more money available for mental health and addiction work. The various agencies will continue to work on community-based solutions.

Updating the Newtown Residents’ Association Constitution

Stephen Pritchard has been working on updating our constitution as required by changes to the Incorporated Society Requirements. He outlined the process and undertook to get a draft circulated soon, in preparation for the AGM on September 15th.