The AGM of The Mapua and District Community Association was held on Monday 13th August. Elena Meredith, the outgoing chairperson spoke to the Annual Report which had been circulated by email. She acknowledged the hard work put in by many and outlined the projects and interests that have been addressed during the year. One of the happenings that affected the wider community was the damage and heartbreak caused by the cyclones and the response from the whole community that was so positive and heartwarming.
Input from our three TDC councillors was acknowledged with thanks as were those who keep us up to date with reports from the various sub committees. The ‘hot spots’ preceding our general meetings are helping to give an insight into a number of different topics and mention was also made of the advantages with having an interface with the public through Facebook and the MDCA website.
The association accounts which have been reviewed by the accountant were presented by Aileen and show that the association spends money wisely and is in a sound position.
Two motions which had been circulated prior to the meeting were presented.
1. That the honorarium for the secretary be increased from $150 to $200 per month.
Passed by the meeting
2. That the annual subscription increase from $5 to $10 per member was also passed.
Elena was thanked for the hard work and able chairing she has shown over the three years and was presented with a small token of appreciation.
The positions for the executive for the next year were uncontested and are as follows:
Chairperson Marion Satherley
Vice chair. Wayne Chisnall
Secretary. Jolene Theron
Treasurer. Aileen Connell
Executive members: Mike Kininmonth, Tim Hawthorne, Naomi Aporo, Elena Meredith, Helen Bibby, Trish Smith.
After the AGM, the first general meeting for the new year of the Mapua and Districts
Community Association began with TDC engineer Jamie MacPherson presenting
the recommendation for a reduced speed limit from Three Brothers Corner to
Maiseys Rd to try and lower the accident rate on this stretch of road.
Currently the speed is 100kph and the NZTA and TDC in consultation with AA
and the Police are recommending this be reduced to 80 kph. Jamie
encouraged those attending the meeting to submit their opinions before the
closing date for submissions at the end of the month.
Roads and Pathways.
Wayne advised those present that the Seaton Valley cycle/pathway is underway and passed on the comment from Jamie MacPherson at TDC that the budget for footpaths for the whole region is small in the current TDC plan.
Waimea Inlet forum Report.
DOC are looking for suitable places in the
region to relocate Brown Teal and are asking for offers of lakes or ponds
that might be available. There is to be a trapping workshop to be held in October and all who are
interested are invited to attend.
Dominion Flats.
The big autumn/winter planting is almost completed and now
the group of volunteers who come so regularly on a Tuesday morning will be
back to weeding and plant releasing. It is such a pleasant friendly group
who turn up most weeks and we love to see others join in. Jim Hosie has
constructed 2 more seats using materials donated by Motueka Community
Shop. They have now been set in place so you can stop for a rest or admire
the view over the reserve from the top.
Community Transport.
Elena referred to other areas like Christchurch and
Picton where Trusts have been formed to operate transport for those
unable to make their own way to appointments or other commitments and she
has begun discussions to have a combined committee formed with other
local areas e.g. Wakefield and Brightwater to investigate possibilities
that could help all participating areas. Age Concern and Hills Community
Church have expressed their interest to help.
AED’s in the area. Watch out for publicity about another training session
on how to use these as it is planned to hold a session before Christmas.
The MDCA meetings are always interesting, always lively and it is a
fantastic forum to keep up to date with happenings in the area and to
voice your concerns or tell us your idea. Everyone is welcome to attend
or you can follow MDCAon Facebook.