CHANGES- COUNCIL; CLIMATE; COMMUNITY

At the Mapua & Districts Community Association’s February 2020 meeting, the emphasis for the coming year was on change – new local council; national elections in September; growing urgency to address local climate change and community projects and concerns – looks like another busy year ahead !!

OPEN FORUM

Where local residents can raise their issues of concern/interest :

Māpua Rise new development –

• issue of “ noise pollution’ where “scrapers” are being used all day making a “ horrendous noise” and preventing residents from going outside.
• acceptable limits were checked with TDC = 70 decibels 6%of the time. Currently the sound level 120 metres from machines is 78 decibels averaging 42% of the time.
• TDC has been asked to visit the site to check – no response.
• Cr Christine McKenzie undertook to follow this up

Lake Aranui proposal – concerns raised over this proposal were :

• Risk of stagnant water becoming “ green soup”; if not shaded becoming warm & toxic for native fish
• No catchment plan concerning nutrient loads
• Risk of sea-invasion which would destroy fresh-water eco-systems
• Mike Kininmonth will follow up TDC conditions for future development of this area

Petanque Piste at Māpua Waterfront Park

• Speaker introduced self as member of Māpua Waterfront Improvement Group who made picnic tables and created a petanque piste at the Park.
• Noted that vandals destroyed the petanque piste over the summer & it needs restoring
• Appealed to TDC to do so –
• Mayor Tim King took details to check this out and Marion will take issue to MWWG meeting next week

 

HOT TOPIC- NEW LOOK TDC

Mayor Tim King (was Ward Councillor) & Cr Christine McKenzie spoke on changes made & agenda for 2020

Crs Dean McNamara & Anne Turley will present at the March monthly meeting .

Main points noted:

1. major reorganization of TDC system of committees so that TDC councillors and staff now working across issues and projects reducing “ silo” mentalities and ensuring inter-departmental communication and co-operation- noted that this has “ been a huge learning curve” with constructive and positive results
2. Annual Plan – biggest focus for year _ “ the most challenging plan I’ve ever been involved in”- “ rates and debt will loom large” (Tim).  Noted that the next 12-18months will hugely influence the plan over the next 10 years. There will be no formal consultation but pre-engagement March to May leading to new LTP- earlier feedback appreciated ; TDC Council meetings will be held in different areas of the district ( eg Murchison)
3. Impact of September National Elections-noted that local authorities administer massive amounts of government legislation and that elections create uncertainty in terms of proposed & potential changes. Specific focus on Resource Management Reform particularly access to and management of water and regulations relating to climate change. Tim stated that the Waimea Dam “ will solve water problems for Māpua
4. Rates vs Investment in infrastructure – when asked what council will do raising debt so that can address the backlog in infrastructure Tim noted that “it is difficult to find the balance” and their disappointment in the region missing out on the Government’s 12 billion infrastructure provincial growth fund .

Cr Christine McKenzie spoke on the two aspects of being on council”

1. Governance – chairing Commercial and Operations Committees and a member of the Audit Committee
2. Specific issues & challenges– being a rep for this particular ward. Noted that she is impressed by the contributions made by community organizations. Sees this as the main channel for connections; building capability; becoming more involved. Noted the importance of the TDC Customer Charter- would like to keep this alive .

Forefront for her is mitigating the impact of climate change & supporting “a resilient ,thriving community for businesses, communities and individuals “while for herself she “wants to be available, responsive, reactive”

Long- Term- Plan [ LTP]  TDC was asked if the “ community drop-in” meeting for the area on this could be held prior to the MDCA  April ( 6^th) meeting

 

ROADS AND PATHWAYS

Noted the focus on completing the section of the Māpua Inlet Pathway from the Old Mill Walkway to the “kissing gate” which would complete the walkway through Ruby Bay . Wayne Chisnall noted that “we work best from the inside so need to get a representative resident from there “ – any offers?! The connection to the causeway is “still a project to be worked on”

 

DOMINION FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

Volunteers meet every Tuesday between 9-12am. Helen Bibby noted that more were needed to help with the weeding; “ we will happily share the glory with anyone else who is willing…”

 

COMMUNITY WELLBEING/TRANSPORTATION

the potential “ coastal corridor route” -Elena Meredith reported that a presentation had been made in December to the Motueka Community Board about a community transport service and the importance of having people from all sections of the route involved in the scoping and planning a community hub in Māpua-a meeting of those interested in developing will be held at “ the old church” on Sat 7^th March at 10am- please contact Vicky Stocker gvstocker@gmail.com if your group is interested in attending

 

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE

Rob O’Grady ‘s ( TDC Project Manager) Report on the walk-through the region with members of this group  at the end of last year has been received with comments from TDC staff on the issues raised. This will be posted on Facebook and Bruno stressed the importance of feedback comments on this before the next meeting ( March 9^th)

 

CIVIL DEFENCE

Helen Bibby’s resignation as the MDCA rep resulted in some discussion on what is Māpua’s responsibility in relation to the central control and what are the expectations of the local working group. Tim King undertook to check this with the CD Co-ordinator and give feedback

 

SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Bruno noted that the Association’s Facebook page was by far the most effective way of getting messages out

Historical records – Mike Kininmonth noted that this project had two parts:

1. Digitalize paper records
2. Interview Māpua’s “ old-timers” about early times in Māpua – anyone interested in being interviewed or with a suggestion of a prospective interviewee/s

please contact Mike at warm_sand@xtra.co.nz

 

MARCH MEETING HOT TOPIC SPEAKER

At 9^th March 2020  MDCA meeting, the other two Ward Councillors ( Dean McNamara & Anne Turley) will present their vision for the year . The issue of the Reserves in this area and how best to develop/use them will be the main hot topic.

 

Be sure to attend our next monthly meeting:  Monday, 9 March  at 7 PM, Bill Marris Room, Mapua Hall.

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.

Elena Meredith

What happened in December?

FORUM

The MDCA December 2019 meeting covered topics and suggestions introduced by members which included:

1. TDC Review of the Moutere/Tasman Ward Reserve Management Plan –this includes 155 parks/reserves whose classification determines their usage. The previous plan was devised in 2000 so this is an important opportunity for the community to be involved in presenting ideas to TDC for the protection, development and enhancement of these parks/reserves.  The timeline for submissions has been extended to the end of March 2020. Tim King ( Mayor) noted that much of the land currently held as reserve is for “ paper roads” & “”walking access”. The review of the plan  is to consider if current  “ fee simple” land should be reclassified as” reserve” for protection. He stressed that TDC has no intention of selling any reserve land. The February MDCA monthly meeting will provide relevant maps and a timeslot for community input.
2. Lake Aranui­ –revisiting a suggestion made 6years ago to develop this between Seaton Valley Road & Stafford Drive with a raisable weir to manage downfall and king tide events. This will be posted for feedback on MDCA’s postbook as an individual’s suggestion
3. Lessening of water access for Seaton Valley Road resident after development of deep bores in Māpua Rise– the issue had been raised with TDC with a request to go onto the public water scheme. Resident very unhappy with response. Christine McKenzie ( Ward Councillor) offered a private conversation after the meeting while Tim King ( TDC Mayor) noted the TDC policy that “ the impact [of access to water]on houses and people takes priority rather than being a nuisance for land /gardens”.

 

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORT

It was noted that at the February 2020 MDCA meeting, all 3 Ward Councillors and the Mayor will present their programme and priorities for the coming year as the Hot Topic for the meeting.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Bruno Lemke ( Social Media Manager) noted that the presentation by the Dale Vercoe Community Care Trust had 70 online viewers  which was an encouraging indication that meetings were reaching & involving more than those physically attending. The poster for the meeting on the issue of “Say no to 5-G” had 900+ hits with some of the personal responses needing to be censored. It was agreed that this issue would be discussed at the Jan Exec meeting so that attendees at the MDCA February monthly meeting could discuss and create policies on Facebook postings Bruno invited further postings from members and any suggestions for change

 

MĀPUA WATERFRONT & WHARF

Marion Satherley ( MDCA rep on the Māpua Waterfront Working Group- MMWG) ) noted that construction on the Ngaio  Tree Reserve development would now begin  in August 2020 as there was still lots of work to do on archaeological reports. No discussion on developments at Grossis Point would happen until Feb 2020

 

MĀPUA RESERVE PLAYGROUND UPGRADE

Marion noted that the plan for this was for no grass; more seating & an enlarged play area by moving the Great Taste Trail pathway. Glen Thorne (TDC) is keen to order the new equipment. The idea of offering current facilities and equipment from the playground to local schools was raised but acknowledged that stricter safety regulations may not allow these to be accepted.

Bruno will put the plan on Facebook for community information and comment

 

DOMINION FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

Helen Bibby commented on the positive impact of recent rain on growth and also that there had been further work on new tracks to create easier and wider access. She encouraged others to join the regular working group on Tuesday mornings for weeding and plantings

 

COMMUNITY WELLBEING/TRANSPORTATION

Transport working group– the process for police vetting of those who have offered as drivers is being set up The community was asked for suggestions on potential local vans for use as community transport. There will also be a focus on ways of reaching and including housebound residents in any future planning .

Health working group– Vicki Stocker noted the group was now researching the actual availability of the local services listed by NMDHB  and will then publicize the results

Social connectedness – ongoing discussion and research are happening around the idea of a Community Hub for visiting services to use ( see Motueka Community House)

 

WATER /ENVIRONMENT  

Bruno Lemke reported from the Ruby Bay Coastal Homeowners’ Group – noting that they were still waiting for the report from Rob O’ Grady ( TDC Engineering Project Manager)  after the meeting  with local residents. Note that this has now been received & will be addressed in this coming year

 

ROADS & PATHWAYS

Wayne Chisnall reported that :

• A final decision from the current review on speed limits would be made in December . Christine McKenzie will follow this up with Chris Choke

 

AN AED IN RUBY BAY ?

Wayne Chisnall apologized for the temporary closure of the “Give a little “ Page  noting that it has now been reset up for a further 3 months, He noted that $2,700 needed to be raised and that the subcommittee was contemplating a letter-drop in the area to encourage further donations .Wayne also commented on the surprising theft of the on-site poster encouraging residents to donate !!

 

FUTURE HOT TOPICS:

Possibilities for 2020 are: –

February – Ward Councillors and Mayor – priorities and focus for the year

March-Anna Gantly on the Reserve Management Plan review; Ruby Coast Initiative Trust- 3^rd sculpture

April- upgrade of sewage/waste water

May – Dawn Chorus project

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

Public seating-noted the need for a “resting spot” for walkers between Ruby Bay & Māpua; currently considering 1 seat outside the Talley property and 1 opposite the old Hills Church . Proposal to be sent to Steve Elkington ( as sites are on road reserve) TDC will consult with residents  and check if TDC will supply required concrete slab for seats to be set into. David Kemp suggested “ socialized seating” –clusters of seats providing spaces to socialize

Executive members– the MDCA Exec  is currently 3 members short- offers were sought

Season’s greetings – the Chair wished  all members and those attending best wishes for the holiday and New Year

 

Be sure to attend our next monthly meeting: ( first  for 2020)  

Monday, 10 February   at 7 PM, Bill Marris Room, Mapua Hall- all welcome

 

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 (MDCA Exec)

Ways our Community Cares

HOT  TOPIC – THE MĀPUA CARE CENTRE INITIATIVE

Members of the Dale Vercoe Community Charitable Trust Board – Kathryn Kingdom; Tim Manning and Ron Oliver gave a shared presentation on this venture as the hot topic at the November 2019 meeting. They acknowledged the 2016 gift of 7 acres of land by Dale Vercoe as  a “valuable gift to the community ..” to be used for a community care initiative providing health and respite care to those in need in the local community, emphasizing that “ we must work together to make it happen.”

Initial Vision :

1. self-sustaining model not reliant on ongoing charitable donations or government funding. build 30 small self-sustaining low-cost retirement units to fund the community care centre
2. Co-location – encourage an integrated community health facility with other services on site such as Health Centre and pharmacy
3. Co-operative community partnerships – co-operate and communicate with other community groups “ joining forces wherever possible”

Progress  2016- 2019 in  researching & developing the concept; establishing the Trust Board and fundraising was  described , supported by illustrated power-point slides .

Current situation

May-Sept 2019- TDC confirmed that while they were willing to go on supporting, there “were problems with the land being offered..” as the upgraded sewerage system would already be working to capacity when completed and “ will not be providing services on that land…”

October 2019- MNDHB indicated that in terms of the concept fitting their strategy, they:

1. saw the need for respite day-care and were willing to provide planning and support for this
2. did not see how they could support overnight care and cited Motueka as the next tier up for providing such care
3. encouraged the concept of co-located facilities with provision of respite care; a pharmacy and a health centre in one area providing an integrated community facility

What next?

• All research, including the Māpua & Districts Community Wellbeing Survey, has supported the same coherent message
• The revised vision includes co-location with the Health Centre;  the planned retirement units  on a separate site ; but does not include the provision of overnight respite care
• Future work all needs to be in communication and co-operation with other community groups “joining forces whenever possible”. Trustees need to be more representative of our community
• Ongoing conversations with Dale Vercoe Family Trust members to formalize “ the gift” and decide what can be done if unable to build on that land
• Secure partnerships for more sustainability

In response to queries from the floor it was noted as “very unlikely that TDC would make an exception to Māpua Zone Urban Zoning to include the Dale Vercoe land ”. The Trust needs to explore other options and would return to TDC if unable to locate alternatives . Marion Satherley ( MDCA Chair) noted that the Association will support any further investigation into this challenge and future options.

Other Association members supported and indicated their wish to be part of the co-operative community approach in developing integrated community facilities

This  presentation was live-streamed and is available for viewing on the Association’s Facebook Page (facebook.com/ MapuaCommunityAssociation)

 

FORUM

Christeen McKenzie was welcomed as the newly elected Ward Councillor and it was noted that she is the deputy chair of the newly established TDC Operations Committee. She affirmed the value of input from locals noting that she was “ keen to engage and participate”

Jed Hay introduced himself as a local parent/grandparent and local fire-brigade volunteer. He presented his concerns about the rollout of Telecom’s new 5G Phone system and urged residents to become informed

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORT

It was noted that TDC would now provide a summary report of events/projects/decisions for each month to enable residents to be able to ask councillors questions about these at monthly meetings

Water/Sewerage Pipe Update– after April 2020 2 gangs will work on this to keep to the planned schedule

Dry Weather Taskforce-this was already meeting with predictions of water restrictions over the summer

TDC Reserves– all of these are being considered for re-classification . The timeframe for our local area is Nov 2019 – Feb 2020: Marion asked Cr Dean McNamara to extend this timeline to enable local input into the draft

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Bruno noted the intention of providing information on the website prior to Association meetings was that those attending could identify  their interests and concerns and be prepared to comment on or query these  at the meeting. Facebook attracted 156 views this month with key posts being local speed limits; Project Janzoon; Ruby Bay AED give-a-little  page. Bruno noted that the website was “as secure as can be” after” the Hack”

 

MĀPUA WATERFRONT & WHARF

Marion Satherley ( MDCA rep on the Māpua Waterfront Working Group- MMWG) ) noted that construction on the Ngaio  Tree Reserve development will begin in April 2020. Motueka High School expressed interest in their students (who are studying woodwork and metalwork) making seats for the reserve as part of their assessments. This idea was enthusiastically received and the suggestion made that plaques be put onto the seats indicating this contribution.

 

DOMINION FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

Helen Bibby reported  that new tracks would be worked on and that completion of the mural in the Underpass by Māpua School students was planned for early 2020.A new rack pamphlet is available showing tracks and plantings

 

COMMUNITY WELLBEING/TRANSPORTATION

Elena Meredith reaffirmed the intention of working co-operatively with such groups as the Dale Vercoe Trust on community wellbeing.

Transport working group– the plan is to set up a focus group for local senior residents to discuss and suggest more specific details following up data  from  the community wellbeing survey. Anyone interested in being part of such a group , please contact Elena at elena.meredith@xtra.co.nz

Health working group– Vicki Stocker noted that a comprehensive list of services available in Māpua has been received from the DHB. The working group will now research the realities of the availability  of such services in our own area and then publicize the results

 

WATER /ENVIRONMENT  

Bruno Lemke reported from the Ruby Bay Coastal Homeowners’ Group – noting that following the meeting with Rob OI’ Grady ( TDC Engineering Project Manager)  with local residents, Rob had undertaken to come up with a plan including the homeowners’ input by the end of the year

  

ROADS & PATHWAYS

Wayne Chisnall reported that :

• the extension of the footpath from Māpua Drive to Mamaku Drive will be completed in the current financial year
• the access pathway to the Bowling Club ( and other facilities) needs sealing as part of the Reserve- it has been classified as a “major capital work”
• ongoing support is needed so that the sealed pathway from Moreland Way can be extended to the Old Mill Walkway

 

AN AED IN RUBY BAY ?

Wayne Chisnall has set up a “Give a little “ Page to  be posted onto Facebook enabling  Ruby Bay residents to support and  help in the $2,800-$3,000 fundraising required to purchase and install an  AED in the local area. Currently $1,000 has been pledged. This would make a total of 5 in the area – residents were encouraged to support this project

 

FUTURE HOT TOPICS:

Possibilities for 2020 were discussed – these will be determined at the December meeting and posted on the Association’s Facebook page

 

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.