An AGM & Action Plans 

Māpua & Districts Community Association’s August meeting began with the AGM at which Mayor Tim King thanked the Association members and the whole Executive committee for their attention to, work on and input into community projects and district-wide issues. Naomi Apōrō was thanked for her contribution & farewelled from the Executive Committee while Esme Palliser; Paul McIntosh and Terry Smith were welcomed as new members. The position of secretary is still vacant and Exec would welcome offers from anyone who has the skills and time for this central task or suggestions of who could be approached (contact through  info@our.mapua.org ) .  There is a $200 monthly honorarium.

 

OPEN FORUM:

Application for local liquor licence outlet in old Country Store premises  – those attending were informed that such an application had been made and it was agreed that MDCA would prepare and submit an objection to this

Protection for Significant trees – everyone was urged to read Forest & Bird Society’s recent report on this issue particularly as it related to trees in our area – this was also noted as part of a broader focus on the management of resources in our area to be considered in the Tasman Resource Management Plan ( TRMP)

“Controversial topics”  – summarized by Mayor Tim King in relation to :

1            The TDC budget – noting that the TDC decision for a 0% rates increase this year removed $2.3 million from the budget raising questions about future funding for such major projects as the Waimea Dam

2            LTP– including active transportation and fresh water management ; particularly noting the impact of the new central government policy and regulations relating to water quality

3            3 waters’ review – in which the responsibility for water management ( water generally; storm water & waste water) will shift away from local governments to a central entity. Mayor King commented that “since water management is a fundamental focus of TDC’s business, this has massive implications for the:

• format & future of local government structures
• delivery of services
• relationships between rates and residents

These issues were also commented on and expanded upon by the Ward Councillors in their reports

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

Significant trees : Concern was expressed about regulations relating to developers’ rights and responsibilities in relation to mature trees on planned development sites . The recent local example of the threat to mature trees bordering Aranui Park was noted

The importance of having a community vision and being familiar with relevant principles and plans was emphasized so that  we are there before the plans are accepted rather than reactively complaining afterwards” . Richard Johns’ offer to research where the 30 year plan fits in here was gratefully received

ROADS & PATHWAYS- relation to the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) consultation process

indicative roads  noted that this issue was of particular concern as these were able to be used as the planning basis for new roads as the population and volume of traffic in Māpua both increased.

Being informed about these and other relevant issues impacting on the community’s vision for the future of the area is fundamental to being prepared to comment on the issues and present such a vision during the TRMP consultation process.

a draft plan Paul McIntosh and Wayne Chisnall will prepare  this to support community discussion on and input into the TRMP which will include maps showing where the indicative roads are and planned future developments .

Community preparation for the TRMP will be the focus of the MDCA September monthly meeting while the actual consultation with TDC will occur at the October meeting . Members are urged to attend and participate in this process

 

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

1. Community volunteer drivers’ service –   Māpua Willing Wheels is now formally launched with  Rachel Mason appointed as the co-ordinator ( see separate article in this issue) Everyone was urged to inform prospective passengers about the service and to ensure that it is well used . This is vital as data on its uptake will be used to inform decisions on development of future public/community transport services in the area
2. Community Hub– noted significant progress on establishing the basis of a legal financial basis for the project in terms of a Trust and also in identifying & investigating funding for the work required to make the building more “ fit for task”

 Projects

       Community Seating – TDC has approved the locations for the placement of these and the seats have been purchased. However, there is insufficient funding remaining to cover installation so an      appeal on Facebook will be made to the community for offers to dig and pour concrete for the foundations

 SOCIAL MEDIA

Noted high levels of engagement with postings on:

• the Project for recording historic recollections of long-term residents ( 704)
• dog poo in the Domain (300)
• thanks for those involved in the Dominion Flats planting project  (120)

 

 COMMENTS FROM WARD COUNCILLORS

 Proposed bridge between Moturoa / Rabbit Island and the Māpua Waterfront Park _

Cr Dean McNamara  – reported on a Workshop on Active Transport attended by TDC staff at which a proposal for such a bridge-[cycling/ walkway and waste water pipes] was mooted . “ Do Māpua residents want this?” he asked the meeting

Significant discussion followed with a focus on who “was driving this idea- staff or councillors?” and “what consultation/input will there be from community and affected parties ?”

It was agreed that MDCA would follow up this proposal asking for TDC’s response to these questions

 

FUTURE HOT TOPICS:

September –   TDC information & guidance on/preparation for the TRMP consultation process

October –       community consultation on TRMP

November –  Advanced Care Planning – what is it & why is it important ?

December –   celebrating the year

Submitted by:  Elena Meredith

Guest Speakers:

TDC staff: David Stevenson, Richard Kirby & Jamie McPherson plus Luke Donaldson from Donaldson Civil.

David updated us on the Storm Water Inundation review in Ruby Bay, including drainage issues in Tait St and Chaytor Reserve. TDC are conducting hydraulic modelling of the area to identify current and potential issues that can be readily rectified. Results will feed into the LTP and include a review of Environmental Planning with regard building floor heights. Results could take 2-3 years.

Jamie spoke of the sea wall along Ruby Bay and how it’s construction with a clay water barrier is not a stop bank instead is designed to deflect water egress rather than stop water entering. Existing ground levels at Chaytor Reserve are being evaluated due to concerns levels are too high.

Luke advised how well the replacement of Water & Waste Water piping is progressing. Luke thanked the community for being so obliging. After discussions with businesses in the Village Donaldson’s will be constructing a new footpath to link between the base of Higgs Road to the existing path near Sprig & Fern.

Indicative Roads:

MDCA has become aware current Indicative Road maps for Māpua do not reflect future traffic movements that are safe for pedestrians & cyclists, nor do they help promote a village atmosphere. The current Indicative Road maps are used by developers for subdivision without further consultation with community. Jamie McPherson stated that in the past traffic management focus has been on motor vehicles and is now changing focus. After primary discussions with TDC staff and councillors the time for the community to insist changes are made is when the TRMP is reviewed. This process for Māpua is about to commence with public consultation October/November. MDCA wish to start community discussion and consultation now giving time for residents to consider future vehicle, cycle & pedestrian movements  so as to increase safety and reduce congestion along Aranui Road with the hope full community engagement  in the  submission process with TDC will occur.

Mapua Waterfront:

Jeremy Butler TDC Policy Dept. requested a slight land zoning change within the Waterfront Park. After a discussion the meeting agreed to respond by requesting the status quo to prevail until a decision regarding a future boat ramp had been finalised, while

asking for an explanation to why the changes are deemed necessary.

Dominion Flats (DF):

Helen spoke of the wonderful effort volunteers have made planting some 2000 plants. There is always work for more volunteers every Tuesday at DF from 9am. Bring a spade.

Community Hub:

The project working group has formally adopted the name ‘Mapua Community Hub’ subject to consultation with mana whenua. A formal offer has been made to DVCCT trustees for their current trust deed to be renamed and objectives re-prioritised to enable a ‘fit for use’ legal/financial structure for the project. Data is being gathered and assistance sort in preparing for and financing a feasibility study of both concept and plant to ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’. There is a need for more trustees representing a wider diversity from the community. If interested contact elena.meredith@xtra.co.nz.

Community Driver:

All volunteer drivers have now been approved via the police vetting process. A short term contract for a project co-ordinator has been advertised, with the hope an appointment will be made in July with the service available this month.

Māpua Reserve Playground Upgrade:

The re-alignment of the Great Taste Trail cycle path has been completed.

Public Seating:

Four seats have been refurbished thanks to community generosity. Three seats will be located between Ruby Bay & Mapua, with the fourth in the reserve on the corner of Aranui Rd & Langford Drive. This project now requires 3-4 willing and able people to boxing the concrete slab, and either pouring or organising the concreting. If you are able to help please contact Marion at 540 2618 or marionawayfromhome@gmail.com

Videoing early life in Māpua & Moutere Hills:

This project is gaining some traction. See separate article in this Coastal News edition.

Dogs fouling Mapua Domain:

Due to some issues with dog owners not collecting doggy doo’s in the Domain, new signs have been erected by TDC stating that dogs are prohibited on the sports field and must be on a leash at all times.

Exercise Stations in the Domain:

MDCA is actively looking for someone to co-ordinate this project. If you are interested please email  info@ourmapua.org

Good Sorts:

This initiative is to continue on a monthly basis. If you know someone in the community who has gone above & beyond to help out, please email their name and their good deed to info@ourmapua.org titled ‘Good Sorts’ for monthly recognition.

AGM – August 10^th 7p Mapua Hall

Our community needs you and MDCA needs Executive committee members. If you have an interest in our community and are willing to either give back or pay it forward, now is the time.

We are also looking for someone with secretarial skills, minute taking, letter writing, is organised, communicates well, and enjoys being part of a team. Email info@ourmapua.org for more information.

Māpua & Districts Community Association held its first meeting with combined “on-line and on-seat” attendees  present with positive feedback from both groups. It is interesting to note that Tasman Area Community Association (TACA) has now accessed MDCA’s ZOOM format for their past two meetings so this system may well become the “ new normal”!!

 

OPEN FORUM:

Council requirements on subdivision – a local resident ( supported by others) noted that it was important that other residents were aware of the requirements on applicants  when subdividing a section under the TDC Development Plan 2019 to provide and pay themselves  for a footpath in front of the properties.   Cr Anne Turley is supporting and advising the resident in relation to this issue .

Thank you to the landowners adjacent to the pathway alongside Māpua School to the ocean – who allowed walkers and cyclists to use their private driveway during the Covid Lockdown period – MDCA will write to thank them for their neighbourliness.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

1. Dominion Flats : Helen Bibby reminded the community that the local planting for “The billion trees project “will be June 27 & 28 – see details on MDCA Facebook Page
2. Dedicated section on local environmental issues for MDCA Website page–  Bruno and Gillian  will are working  together to help set this up .The plan would be to include links to other relevant environmental groups .
3. Local Wild life Areas – work is continuing on developing  a local map showing the local coastal areas that are of significances in regard nesting birds and wildlife locations to inform the local community of these locations so that they can avoid disturbing them.

 

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

1. Community directory – MDCA will apply for funding for the collection of correct data and the software required for its input onto the Webpage
2. Community drivers – provisional name Māpua Willing Wheels – now have 12 volunteer drivers . See advertisement for a co-ordinator to establish and co-ordinate the scheme in this  issue of Coastal News  and on MDCA Facebook Page info@ourmapua.org
3. Community Hub– noted current discussions happening on developing/accessing formal structures for meeting legal and financial requirements as well as considering relationships around accessing the “ old church” plant – all needed before can begin applying for funding

 

RELATIONSHIPS –

“ Good sorts” how to enhance the sense of community in our districts was discussed with the suggestion of encouraging nominations of local “ good sorts” for publication – a posting advertising this will be prepared for the MDCA Facebook Page

Sharing information between community groups – the model of Community and Whānau group meetings  was noted as a successful model running in Nelson; Richmond & Motueka . Local community groups and services meet regularly to exchange information and identify shared projects; areas of concern to co-operate in. This could develop as part of the proposed Community Hub outreach.

Projects

1     Interviewing long-term local residents – a list of 30 possible interviewees was noted. Marion Satherley has indicated an interest in doing the interviewing with Esme Palliser offering assistance with framing the approach and questions. There is still a need for access to experienced support for the editing process – anyone willing to assist or offer suggestions of where to access such technical assistance please make contact on info@ourmapua.org

2     MDCA Historical Documents   – The brief is now completed – anyone interested and with the skills for this project can access it on the MDCA Facebook page

3     Community Seating – MDCA agreed would explore options and spend up to $1200 on these ( including the concrete bases)

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Noted high levels of engagement with postings on the Kai Kitchen; Grossi Point discussion paper and the pathway to Mamakū Drive
• Bruno will work on adding new options in drop-down menu to enable the inclusion of the community directory as well as the new “ Our Area” option

 

COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL/COUNCILLORS

 

Cr David Ogilive – noted that the impact of the agreed 0% rates increase would include:

• a reduction in revenue of between $3-4 million – from lost business property rentals and lower Airport and Port returns :
• no extra staff unless relating to resignations
• no increase in staff salaries Future Council staff presentation (during winter) could also be undertaken by the Zoom link.

He confirmed that :

• there would be no fewer capital projects than those agreed to
• operational services will remain the same
• Waimea Dam costs- any increases will be covered in the 21-22 rating year

His responses  to questions were: :

1. About TDC’s intentions and changes to their structures – Encouraged input into the “early engagement : and change processes of the LTP
2. About TDC’s need to have more immediate responses from TDC to residents’ concerns/complaints – make use of your Ward councillors
3. How much input do you councillors actually have in impacting on these issues? –“considerable I would say “

Is council in an era of cultural change ? – yes

 

FUTURE HOT TOPICS:

 

July   : Q & A session on Stormwater and Coastal Inundation issues with :
Rob O’Grady; Richard Kirby; David Stevenson and Jamie McPherson

 

Be sure to attend/ join in our next monthly meeting:  Monday, 13 July   at 7 PM format to be confirmed on MDCA Facebook & Mailchimp mailout )

MDCA works closely with TDC to ensure our community functions in a way that suits the majority of our residents. To have a vote that counts, become a financial member of MDCA by simply paying a $10 membership fee to our NBS account 03-1354-0356471-00 with your name & phone number as a reference.

 

Submitted by:  Elena Meredith