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
- 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
- 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