A 1 meter model of the proposed Mapua Gateway Sculpture to be installed at the intersection of Mapua Drive and Mamaku Drive was on display at the MDCA’s April meeting. With the completion of the bird- life themed Aporo Sculpture near Tasman Village, the Ruby Coast Initiative Trust is raising funds to complete the Mapua version. The sculpture models, covered in fish designs created by Mapua School students, are available for sale. To order your mini-sculpture, phone Janet on 540-3364 or email secretary@rcit.co.nz For more information see https://www.rcit.co.nz/
Trish Smith, chair of the MDCA Waterfront Park Upgrade subcommittee, gave an update of a recent decision for spending the $10,000 Rata Foundation grant. It was agreed to spend up to $2000 to start a children’s play area by creating a play tunnel covered in earth and grass, and balancing step logs inserted in the ground nearby; and up to $8,000 to build 4 wood topped, steel framed picnic tables for installation by this Spring. Trish also spoke to a proposal to spend the $1800 aquarium memorial fund by building a number of Perspex panels (on galvanized stands) adorned with fish and boat designs from the Mapua School children. This would be positioned in the Park garden to form an “aquarium walkway” exhibit. A motion to support both spending proposals was carried by the membership. The subcommittee intends to plan further expansion of child and adult activities in the park.
Abbey Boffa and Gillian Bishop gave a short presentation about a pest/rat eradication project starting in Mapua called Mapua Dawn Chorus. The group’s goal is to put a trap on as many properties as possible in urban Mapua. The group will be subsidizing two trap options: the Victor Snap Trap and the Good NatureA24 rat traps. If you’re interested in supporting or volunteering with the group, please contact Abbey or Gillian at: mapuadawnchorus@gmail.com.
Tim Robinson, on behalf of the Mapua Boat Club, asked for a vote on his motion that the Mapua Waterfront Park Upgrade Group (an MDCA subcommittee) meet with the Mapua Boat Club and the Tamaha Sea Scouts to discuss a shared vision for community use of the waterfront park in a time frame that allows this vision to be included in the waterfront development plan. Elena Meredith, MDCA Chair, clarified the responsibilities of this MDCA sub-committee, noting that sub committees do not have a remit to make decisions on behalf of the MDCA. The motion carried.
A motion by David Mitchell was passed that stated:
- The council should undertake a review of TDC governance of the wharf that:
- Ceases treatment of the wharf precinct as only a commercial entity in the TDC’s property portfolio that is subject only to commercial goals as defined in the council’s commercial policy and to direction by the council’s commercial committee.
- Changes council management of the wharf area so that it supports the cultural and historic importance of the Mapua Wharf precinct and balances commercial development with community input, presence and involvement.
- Supports and values use of space in the main wharf building by relevant community groups, including the Mapua Boat Club, Mapua Maritime Museum and the Tamaha Scout Group.
- Protects and enhances the traditional wharf reserve near the Ngaio tree as a family recreation area.
In other MDCA news:
- Councillor Dean McNamara spoke about the Mapua wastewater upgrade project which currently has an estimated cost in excess of $20m.
- Submissions close on 5 May to comment on Boomerang Farms Resource Consent application for a new 135 lot subdivision to be located between the Moutere Highway, Old Coach Road, Stringer Road, and Eban Road, Bronte West. If you wish to participate with a group making comments, please contact Gillian Pollock at pollock@scorch.co.nz
- The MDCA Constitution was reviewed and received minor edits; the final version will be presented at the May 8 meeting for acceptance.
- MDCA honorary Lifetime Member and longtime community volunteer, Hugh Gordon, celebrated his 90th birthday and received members’ best wishes.
- A new MDCA membership leaflet, designed and printed by Jane Smith of Chocolate Dog, was presented, soon to be distributed to all mailboxes. The leaflet showcases a temporary logo. A design competition for a permanent logo is impending.
- The membership approved an application to Rata Foundation for a grant of $15,000 for plantings, general maintenance and other improvements at Dominion Flats.
- The NMDHB has asked if the MDCA wish to coordinate the location, maintenance and training to use the 3 local AEDs (defibrillators). It was moved that the MDCA offers to take responsibility for the AEDs in Mapua and will contact the trainer, monitor and replace batteries and shock-pads and apply for long term grants to replace them when needed.
The next MDCA monthly meeting will be on Monday, 8th of May, 7 PM at the Mapua Community Hall. All are welcome. For more information, please email info@ourmapua.org.
Submitted by: Tim Hawthorne, MDCA Social Media Manager
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