This report includes a later update about parking plans.

This meeting, held on 15th September 2025, was the Association’s AGM, and Rhona Carson’s last as the Association President

President’s Report: Rhona commented that her report is very long, with a month by month record of events and activities. People are invited to read it online.

She reflected on some of the 2024-2025 Newtown highlights, including

• The Owen St Park has been redeveloped and is now open for public use
• Development of the Newtown Consortium – thanks to the Newtown Business Group.
• Parking plans that have been implemented
• Carrara Park toilets have been agreed
• Newtown’s recognition at the Wellington Awards Evening
• Thanks to the wide range of people who have worked to support Newtown community, which together builds a collective of people supporting the suburb.

The report was accepted with acclamation, with many thanks to Rhona for her work during 10 years as the Asociation Prestdent.

Treasurers Report  Treasurer Sam Somers has been busy running ‘it’s in the Ballot’ and hasn’t been able to complete the Treasurers Report, so this will be presented next month.

The Officers and Executive Committee of the Association for 2025-2026: (including people co-opted after the meeting)               

• President: Merio Marsters         
• Vice Presidents: No nominations       
• Immediate Past President: Rhona Carson ex officio     
• Secretary: Rhona Carson      
• Treasurer: Sam Somers      
• Executive Committee: Carol Comber, Steve Cosgrove, Steve Dunn, Martin Hanley, Marion Leighton, Jane Patterson, Stephen Pritchard, Hilary Watson, Andrew Wilson                                                  

Constitutional changes.

Rhona noted that the new draft constitution hadn’t yet been circulated to members,, so this item should be discussed and voted on at an adjourned AGM, 20th October.

It was agreed that the Annual General Meeting would be adjourned until 20 October to complete the AGM agenda.

General monthly meeting business followed.

About the new Owen St Park-

• Mana Whenua are reconsidering their suggestions for a gifted name. The official opening will be delayed until a name for the park is decided.
• A number of possible future events and activities for the Park were suggested

What is happening on our streets?

Andrew Wilson (Salvation Army Captain) reported that he has noticed a reduction in the number of ‘street people’. Some have moved to other places. Some who are housed are now hosting others, which can be problematic. People appear to have moved to other areas and might return. There are some people who have stayed, and new people are arriving.

Merio noted that Brian at the Rainbow Books shop has opened his shop and is giving away books. The community will support him. (https://jillscene.com/2016/01/08/the-coolest-little-bookshop-in-the-coolest-suburb-in-the-coolest-little-capital-in-the-world/)

Emergency Response. Andrew introduced the Emergency Response role of the Salvation Army in Newtown – a new role that he will be taking up shortly. He wants to build a group of people who know best how to use local resources and how best to respond. He will put together a plan and bring us and the community into this mahi.

Parking Plans. There was general consensus that there are now more parking spaces for residents most of the time.  Tom Law wondered when parking changes (and charges) will be rolled out across the rest of the city.

Steve Cosgrove agreed to contact Council to ask anout this, and the next day got this response from WCC Officer Paul Barker:

“We have rolled out the parking scheme used in Newtown to the suburb of Wadestown. 

We are currently in the process of preparing a business case to change the existing schemes around the fringe of the central area to that used in Newtown, we expect to present this to committee early in 2026 and then consult widely followed by detailed consultation later in 2026 with the first schemes if approved coming into play later in 2026.”