The regular monthly meeting of the Mapua and District Community Association began with a presentation by Dr Bruno Lemke and Professor Tord Kelstrom on regarding climate change from a local and global perspective.
We are extremely fortunate to have such knowledgeable scientists (members of the Ruby Bay Research Centre) living in our community who are willing to share some of their researched information with us. Dr Lemke focussed on the effect of extreme weather events on Ruby Bay with reference to the recent flooding. Professor Kelstrom spoke about the impact climate change has on workers and their health from a global perspective and Dr Lemke concluded by looking at local management strategies. A very interesting topic and something that is in the minds of us all at present.
Chairperson Elena Meredith began the general meeting by reminding members of the AGM in August when her time as chairperson ends and this position and the position of secretary will become vacant. She encouraged anyone who feels they would like to contribute to our community to consider joining the executive committee. Elena also spoke of the need to look at how these positions might be resourced in the future and possible changes to the workload.
Roads and pathways.
Wayne Chisnall’s report which had been circulated noted that letters have been sent to affected parties regarding a possible pathway from the top end of Higgs Rd through to Aranui Park.
A reply is also awaited re JessieSt/Aranui Rd pathway
The work on the safe crossing by the school has now been completed . The northern island will be remodelled when work on the sewer and water systems is carried out later in 2018
Bruno spoke about the pathway/cycleway from the causeway back along the Seaton Valley Stream towards the school. This is an ongoing discussion and a further meeting is being arranged with Beryl Wilkes.
Cr King has spoken to Jamie McPherson regarding whether yellow lines are possible on the approaches to the roundabout on the Tahi St/ Aranui Rd corner and a reply is awaited.
Waterfront and wharf.
Elena thanked those members who have represented MDCA on the Waterfront committee over the years and we now wait to hear the terms of reference for the new committee structure.
The repairs to the“photo frames” made by Mapua School pupils are in progress and the descriptive panels for these are in production.
The meeting was asked whether MDCA should send a letter to the TDC to support the Boat Club’s submission to the Long Term Plan in support of a feasibility study into a regional boat ramp. This was agreed to by vote.
Council Feedback and reporting.
Cr McNamara addressed some issues about public and shared transport that had been raised during the climate change presentation at the beginning of the evening, and suggested that we look to Wakefield as a possible model, stating that there is a need to look at community initiatives as well as looking to the council.
Environment Gillian Pollock reported on a very successful beach cleanup with a disappointingly large amount of rubbish still being left on our beaches.
Helen Bibby reminded everyone of the upcoming planting days to be held the last two weekends of May – both Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9am and 12 midday. We hope for a large turn out to plant 4000 plants.
Water Infrastructure Bruno spoke about this new portfolio noting that sewage and stormwater will be key issues for this sub committee. He had attended a recent engineering meeting noting the usefulness of these meetings to our local community and gave a short summary of the topics.
Do come and join us at our next monthly meeting. You will be made very welcome.
Mapua Hall 7pm Monday 14th May.