Matariki was acknowledged at the beginning of the meeting of the Mapua and District Community Association and reference was made to the wonderful art display by the pupils at Mapua School which is currently in the main room of the Mapua Hall and was part of their Matariki celebrations. Naomi Aporo said one of the Maori historical traditions associated with Matariki was to dig and stand in a trench like those used for planting kumara in, karakia to the cluster of stars known as the wishing star and state a wish for the year ahead. A nice tradition to continue perhaps.
Naomi is continuing with collecting stories to reflect the history of the area and shared how some of the traditions come about. It is planned to have information boards at various places in the community to show case our past stories.
Roads and Pathways. There was general discussion about roads, lighting and footpaths and it was agreed that we all need to be better at sharing the space on our footpaths with a suggested slogan being SHARING NOT GLARING. It was felt that we need to ask for some clarification on which pathways are shared and which are only for pedestrians. Some felt that the lighting could be better while others enjoy the village feel and the stars in the dark night skies.
TDC LTP submission summary and correspondence. Bruno spoke to this submission summary as previously circulated, clarifying some specific areas of the summary and TDC responses, particularly around sea walls, storm water and the TDC’s noted responsibilities around protection of private property. He also commented that the submission put in on behalf of the MDCA, only counted as one submitter, noting it is possibly better for members to submit individually in future.
Waterfront Park. Those responsible for Waterfront Park spoke of the progress made with the planned playground facilities which is now moving forward and the BBQ funding application that is set to go.
Environmental Issues. There was a really good response to the call for help with planting at Dominion Flats with over 100 helpers over the four mornings and about 3000 plants put in the ground. Now you really can see where we have been as there is a sea of new green covers in patches amongst the trees. When you walk along the tracks now you can be hidden from sight under the height of the previous plantings. What a great feeling that is.
The community were also involved in plantings at Tasman so the whole area is going to have a great green image in a few years’ time.
Civil Defence. More volunteers added their names to the list to be sent through to Richmond. If you feel you could help in times of emergency but have not yet put your name forward it is not too late. Phone Helen Bibby 035403830 and she will send your name on.
Resignation .Elena acknowledged the contribution Colin Walker has made to the Association during his time on the executive and asked that a formal letter of thanks be sent to him now that he has resigned.
AGM REMINDER Elena reminded those present that we need to fill the positions of both the chairperson and the secretary at the AGM in August and asked that we consider stepping in or asking someone we feel could be a suitable candidate to fill the positions. The secretary does receive an honorarium.
Next Meeting. The hot topic for the July meeting is to be public transport so come along and hear others ideas and add your own . Mapua Hall , 7pm on Monday 9th July.
