This meeting was at 7.30pm 16th June at the Community Lounge, St Thomas’s Church, 200 Riddiford St.
The advertised agenda for the meeting included an item about Emergency Management but the expected guest from WREMO didn’t come. This was due to a miscommunication and the topic has been rescheduled for the July meeting.
Rhona Carson confirmed arrangements for Meet the Candidates meetings: GWRC Monday 25 August, Wellington City Council Monday 1 September, Mayoral candidates Monday 8 September. Venue is the Salvation Army Hall, 4 Normanby St – they are co-hosting.
Dan Millward from Regent Street introduced himself. He is standing for Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward as part of the Independent Together Group. He reported there would be a meet the IT candidates at the Rintoul St Community Centre 3:30 – 5pm on Sunday 22nd June – one of a series of meetings the IT group are holding throughout Wellington.
Sam Somers outlined the kaupapa of ‘It’s In The Ballot’. Meet the Candidates meetings are live streamed – although audiences can also attend in person. See https://itsintheballot.nz/.
See the full minutes for more details of times and places for meetings.
We had hoped our local Community Constables Ash Sutherland and Des Foo would be at the meeting, but unfortunately they were unable to attend due to sickness. Constable Ash Sutherland sent an update about recent activities, including executing a search warrant and arresting two people for supplying synthetic cannabis. She reminded residents to log worrying issues with Council and to call Police for any disorderly behaviour. Ash is going on Maternity Leave 27 June, but we hope to see her colleague Des Foo at future meetings.
‘Eyes-On’ and related community safety events have continued over the last month or so. There has been a walk-around with Council Officers to look at the streetlights – there are still a lot not working.
Eyes-On is a programme for people in frontline positions dealing with the public. People who had attended a recent workshop decsribed strategies for avoiding and de-escalating potential issues.
Andrew Wilson from the Salvation Army said they also run de-escalation workshops on keeping ourselves safe. These workshops are aimed at community members, rather than businesses. Many people at the meeting would be interested in attaending. With regard to advocacy, the Salvation Army is co-ordinating getting messages to relevant ministers, especially about the need for more and better services and housing.
There was discussion about the day-to-day work of the Salvation Army in Newtown. Cups of tea are available at the Salvation Army daily from about 9am – and usually donated food. New World Newtown are good supporters.
Carol Comber from Mt Cook Mobilised reported that at a recent meeting there was a lot of concern about bus stops being removed along the Golden Mile – particularly the ones by the St James and Reading complex. It is suggested that those who have concerns should email daran.ponter@gw.govt.nz.
There was an extensive discussion about the parking situation at Roy Street. DM Laurie Foon is going to follow this up with WCC Officer Paul Barker.
Rhona Carson advised that there will be a Newtown historic photo exhibition for the Wellington Heritage Festival, 18th October – 9th November, at Gallery 24/7 – 247 Riddiford St.
The park at 177 Owen Street is expected to be complete by the end of June. There will then be a month for the grass to grow and plants to establish, before the Park opens to the public sometime in August. Discussion has started about an opening event. Six of Paul Forrest’s red admiral butterflies have been commissioned to go in the playground. https://paulforrest.co.nz/galleries/butterflies-and-moths
There is another round of Annual Plan consultation starting in July. The Association will continue to look for opportunities to promote a start on Carrara Park toilets while also advocating for 177 Owen Street toilets.
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