The 12 February MDCA monthly meeting drew a sizable audience with strong opinions voiced about many issues. Chairperson Elena Meredith began by expressing condolences, sympathy and support to the Ruby Bay and Mapua residents impacted by the 1 February flood.
Boat Ramp
Martyn Barlow spoke of the Boat Club’s short term aim for access to the current boat ramp be maintained as they campaign to get a regional boat ramp for the region to replace it. Maritime safety has been and will remain a key issue. In respect of the MDCA stance on the boat ramp issue, it was moved and carried that the TDC ensures it maintains access to the current boat ramp for maritime safety and access by Tamaha Sea Scouts.
It was also noted that during a recent commercial event at the wharf (a concert attracting hundreds of spectators), access to the boat ramp was cut off for the Tamaha Sea Scouts and the Boat Club, nor were either organizations notified of the event. There was a robust discussion about access to the wharf area during commercial activities and whether the licensed consent for such activities should require consultation with Tamaha Scouts and Boat Club so that those groups might maintain their access to the ramp during these events.
Community AED’s
Currently there are public AED’s outside Cushla’s, the Mapua Hall, the Four Square and the Apple Shed. The medical centre has agreed to be the drop off point for any AEDs which might be used. A grant will be sought to cover maintenance costs.
Waterfront Update
It was with great delight we saw the two aquarium art stands installed. People were using them within minutes, taking photos etc. However it is with great regret that within a week we were getting reports of people allowing children to use them as climbing frames and therefore breaking the attached ceramic fish art. The wooden sea life art is surviving the rough treatment but the ceramics are gone. The MDCA is seeking help from anyone in the community who could jig saw cut wooden fish shapes as replacements (to be securely screwed on) which the children would then paint. Please email info@ourmapua.org if you can assist. The MDCA is also securing “Please do not climb” signs for the area.
We are still waiting to install additional play equipment, expected to happen soon. We’re waiting for the TDC to install wooden stump steps and a volunteer to build the frame for the kids’ tunnel. If we go for a new BBQ, the TDC will install it and shade it properly. Many have said that shade is an important need in the park. The Ruby Coast Initiative Trust (RCIT) is looking to expand its focus in terms of supporting fund-raising and funding applications to include the waterfront park development and the wider community as a whole. RCIT has the capability to raise large funding amounts.
Roads and Pathways
The Higgs Road footpath is well underway with construction being in concrete which is a bonus as it was expected to be a gravel path. Some owners have expressed concern that trees at the top corner are blocking the view of drivers and hindering parking. The TDC will be approached to authorise the contractors to fix the problem.
Work is scheduled to start on the Mapua School crossing late in February. It was emphasised that this is a “refuge” crossing and traffic will not have to give way to pedestrians to avoid traffic build up. The School has taken ownership of this solution and will staff the crossing before and after school.
The plan for the crossing has been modified due to scheduled water and sewer pipework being brought forward to the end of 2018. This will go through the existing island and the planned island refuge will be fully reconstructed at that time. The corner will be asphalted after completion of that work.
There are still concerns within the community about the siting of the school refuge crossing. This will be revisited with the TDC if pathways from Jessie Street and Higgs Road to Aranui Road eventuate. These along with the pathway exit from Aranui Park would make an Aranui Road refuge crossing closer to the exit from Aranui Park a viable project.
Dominion Flats Restoration Project
The growth on the plants is fantastic with many of them now above head height and winning against the weeds. There have been flowers on manuka, kowhai and coprosma which means they will start to do their own propagating before too long, the tuis have enjoyed the nectar in the flax flowers, and it is not uncommon to disturb skinks amongst the grasses and stones. Just what we are hoping to see happen.
Work over the hot summer months has been a bit sporadic as individuals dodged the heat and worked at times that suited their commitments instead of the regular Tuesday morning working bees, but Ash Oliver who does contract work when asked, has done some blackberry and other weed control and has moved a big pile of mulch from by the bottom entry to further up the track to make it easier for us to spread round the base of some of the plants to help retain moisture and give the roots some protection from the sun. And, of course, there is the ongoing weeding around the plants to give them some breathing space that we continue to do, and track clearing that is quite a mission just now as the paspalum grasses try to hold hands across the pathway.
We will shortly collect stakes from Waimea Nurseries which just cost the time and energy but no dollars, this in preparation for the planting of 4000 more plants in a few months for which we hope to get lots of volunteers as it will be a big job, but as is now very obvious from previous plantings, it is well worth the effort.
We as a community can be so proud of this space and the changes that have happened over the last four years. Do keep up the good work and join us from 9am- ish on Tuesdays to help with the weeding or if it suits you better just go at a time that suits you and clear weeds from round the plants. What a difference it would make if lots of people just did an hour a week. Enjoy Dominion Flats Reserve – it belongs to us all.
Long Term Plan.
Consultation on the TDC’s Long Term Plan begins on 1 March until 5 April. TDC staff and councillors will attend the 12 March MDCA meeting to discuss the LTP with attendees. Everyone is invited.
A request was made for the TDC to paint a yellow “no parking” line on the North side of Aranui road just before the roundabout at Tahi street. Cars, trucks and large trailers have been parking there obstructing traffic flow and making the intersection dangerous during high traffic times at the wharf.
David Davison spoke about establishing a croquet club in Mapua. A club may be established if land can be found. He feels the sports ground in Mapua should be available for croquet but the TDC are unwilling to provide land.
Join us at for our next meeting: 12 March, 7 PM at Mapua Hall.
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