meeting

August 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes

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INTERIM MEETING

Minutes Tuesday 13 August 2024
7:30 –9:00 pm RSA Wairaka Rd

Apologies: Gay Hay, Iain MacLean, Nikky Winchester
Present: Ross Leggett, Paul FitzGerald, Margaret Blair, Jane Comben

Council updates

a. GWRC

b. PCC

Wellington Water CE left, changes to be made. Work goes on with the wastewater holding tank and work in Eastern Porirua. Local Water Done Well – maybe more info next week. Hard to see what will happen with discussions ongoing about various councils joining a new water body. Councils work through the figures and model, and then after govt legislation has passed, putting together a new entity.

Aotea Lagoon renewal to start soon. New toilets and exercise area.
Papakowhai shared path is progressing.

Pathway by Brora Crescent had lots of leaks so the water main being put in at the same time as shared path.

Titahi Bay Road, price has gone up so cycleway yet to roll out.

Gun emplacement – resource consent sought.

Pathway between Dairy and Overbridge – two sections with slip. Paul has talked with PCC about it.

Footpath by Railway/old goods shed collapsing. Ashley having conversation with Claire Giblin.

Discussed the leaving of Bill and who will be our new contact at the council.

AGM set for 30 October.

Financial Report


Finance Report to August 2024 Meeting   as at 13 August 2024
BNZ   		$ 13924.44
Income:		
$      7.09	Interest
$ 150.00	CGFF Tea Towels
$  400.00 	PCC Annual Grant
$  210.00	Korero Invoices
$  750.00	Korero Grant Pelorus Trust
$5000.00	He Ara Donation

Expenditure:
$   200.00  	Rent to RSA
$   713.00	AON Insurance
$       2.00   	Bank Fees		 
$ 3000.00	From On Call Account repayment of loan of $3000 for printing of TT		
Invoices – Issued 
$5000.00	Lindsay Family	

Invoices – Paid
$ 210.00 	Korero
$400.00 	PCC
$5000.00	Lindsay Family

Invoices – Outstanding
		  	
Account balances as at 13 August 2024
Res Assn 000    	$   455.19
He Ara 001		$ 6948.42
CGFF 002		$ 2239.11
Kōrero 066		$ 2568.07
Surf Seat 067	$   174.73
On Call Acct	025	$ 1538.92

Action: Transfer fund not immediately needed to go to the on-call interest bearing account.

Correspondence

None

Action items

July Actions:

DONE:

  • Paul to follow up with Richard Poll at the council.
  • Jane will respond to Patrika about the garden saying that it is a long standing issue. We have provided the council planting plan for the area and council agreed with it but were objections from NZTA about traffic management. This has stalled the project until the impasse can be resolved.
  • Margaret to follow up with Bill when chasing the PCC Invoice and also ask about the Plunket Rooms.
  • Paul has emails other local Residents’ Associations about a hui. Some have responded. Will follow up with others that haven’t responded.
  • Paul has resolved the garden boundary situation. PCC were responsible, they have put up a new fence.

NOT COMPLETED:

  • Iain to respond to Brian about colour in Kōrero

Project updates

Community Garden & Food Forest

  • Vicky is collating a plan of crops planted over the last 3 years to establish a rotation of root, legume, leaf and fruiting vegetation. We will display plan in pavilion windows for community to share.
  • To battle the codling moth, we have purchased pheromone confusers, we will see what happens. We will continue with the compost liquid to improve the soil quality. We should continue with the corrugated cardboard tray.
  • Ara and Ralph are meeting with Pania Solomon next week to move forward to purchase plants from PCC. Beating the Cape ivy is a big challenge. Good to have another stash of sacks coming.
  • Pukerua Bay School kids prepped for planting seed potatoes.
  • Crop swop 25 August at the Pop-up pavilion 25 August.

He Ara Pukerua

Pukerua Bay Meals on Wheels volunteers, 1974

  • Pou Panel: Waiting to hear from kaumatua.
  • Potatoes: Ashley has been asked to talk to some of the classes about the history of growing potatoes in Pukerua Bay. Loosely based on the FB story published in 2022.
  • Gun emplacement: Waiting to hear back from PCC
  • He Ara FB: A new story put up about Meals on Wheels. Set up 50 years ago.
  • Website: These stories have been handed over to designer: Mystery Trains; Ames family; Wall family; Charles Gray; Stores; Post and Telegraph; Electricity. Other stories are being worked on.
  • PKB Hub Pop-Up Parlour: Ashley has been asked to facilitate a session on 10 September – “Do you remember?”
  • Donation: He Ara are grateful for a very significant donation from the Lindsay Family so He Ara can complete on-going projects.
  • PCC: Advice from Bill Inge that there is now no need in Council for a Village Projects Coordinator. We gratefully acknowledge all the time and expertise which Bill has given to He Ara over the years.
  • Wellington Heritage Festival: He Ara presentation on Saturday 9 November at the RSA.
  • The garden party at the Community Garden when we revealed the panel for Ngita Woodhouse featured in the July issue of NZ Gardener and on Stuff on 8 August.

Kōrero

None

Waste Free Pukerua Bay

None

Climate Action Rōpu

Notes:

Spring Series have been incorporated with the Hub’s Pop-up Parlour. There is going to be a CropSwap, Recycling collection, and Mike Jebsons talk at St Mark’s. The final talk will be at the RSA.

General Business

AGM – ideas to appeal to new people. Possible talk – perhaps Judy McCoy, Friends of Tāupo Swamp? Mike Jebson? Friends of Mana Island?

Close: 8.30pm

August 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes Read More »

July 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes

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Minutes Tuesday 9 July 2024
7:30 –9:00 pm RSA Wairaka Rd

Apologies: Nikky Winchester, Chris Kirk-Burnnand.
Present: : Ross Leggett, Paul FitzGerald, Jonathan Harker, Margaret Blair, Jane Comben, Gay Hay, Iain MacLean.

Council updates

a. GWRC

b. PCC

Long Term Plan passed and rates to go up. 17.76% increase in Pukerua Bay increase.
Village Planning gone but review into how PCC can support local areas. Intention to still talk to the local Res Assocs. There is a capital works programme from Wellington Water which Ross can give us a copy of.
Wendy Walker is on the new ‘water done better’ group. They’re working away on it but not sure who will be in the group in the lower North Island.
Sea wall strengthening taking place between Domain and Plimmerton by KiwiRail.
Not sure of changes in Porirua with government changes to Kainga Ora
Still asking comment on the wetland and managing storm water for Eastern Porirua.
Wastewater infringement notice about sludge in the treatment centre.
PCC will put a submission into speed limit consultation.
Ross doesn’t think Porirua will be particularly affected by the new planning requirements of 30 years planning.
Aotea Lagoon redevelopment to southern end. Rose garden going and toilets moving.
Ross followed up about insurance and will continue but he got push back.
We’ll talk to other community gardens to gather more information about what cover they have.

Approval of June minutes

Motion: Paul moved to accept June minutes, Iain seconded – all agreed, carried.

Matters arising

None.

Financial Report

Finance Report to June 2024 Meeting   as at 9 July 2024
BNZ   		$11322.35
Income:		
$        9.20    Interest
$    300.00	CGFF  Tea Towels
$     65.00	CGFF Scrap metal sales
$ 1000.00	CGFF Grant
$     50.00	CGFF Matariki Koha
$   200.00     He Ara Donation  
$     25.00	He Ara Matariki Whare  
$     80.00	He Ara Matariki Koha
$   260.00	Korero Invoices

Expenditure:
$   127.00	CGFF Pavilion Scribers
$     21.80	CGFF Crankie		
$       2.40   	Bank Fees

Funds Transfer	
Approval to repay loan of $3000 towards printing of TT. 
Approved by all, 9 July.
			
Invoices – Issued  
$  400.00	PCC
$  590.00	Korero

Invoices – Paid
$  300.00	Korero

Invoices – Outstanding
$  270.00	Korero
$  400.00	PCC
				  	
Account balances as at 9 July 2024
Res Assn 000    	$   255.19
He Ara 001		$ 1948.62
CGFF 002		$ 2803.31
Kōrero 066		$ 1608.67
Surf Seat 067	$   174.73
On Call Acct	025	$ 4531.83

Motion:  Margaret moved to move Financials, Paul seconded – all agreed, carried.

Correspondence

4 emails through website

  • Brian Sullivan about having the Kōrero in colour – 6 June
  • Hoya about Kimchi for sale at Dairy – 19 June
  • Michaela Pearson about advert in Kōrero – 18 June
  • Patrika Gillon about garden on corner of Wairaka and SH59 – 3 July

Action items

June Actions:
DONE:
Iain to talk to Jonathan about website email forwarding.
NOT COMPLETED:
• Iain to clarify will the council support for Residents’ Association continue. NO was waiting for more information. Margaret to follow up when chasing the PCC Invoice.
• Paul to contact other local Residents’ Associations about a hui. – Yet to be done as waiting for wording in Long Term Plan

Project updates

Community Garden & Food Forest

  1. Area for Rongoa Māori planting underway. Ara has contacted local iwi (Pania Solomon) for support and guidance . Ara and Gay visited PCC nursery, Andrew Jinks, was very enthusiastic support. Trees that are purchased will be cared for in the school shade house.
  1. Potato tubers have been given to each class at school to chit. Ashley has been asked to talk to students about growing our local potato. Area for planting has been identified.
    School has shown an interest in caring for fruit trees. Need to talk with Clare.
  2. Kindergarten plan to visit last Wednesday of July.
  3. Compost bin ready for rotation. Thanks to Vicky and Brian managing this process
  4. Brian has transcribed Cory’s presentation re compost, Lenka has edited this to one page. A wonderful resource. Gay is working on a page of visual instructions to make the liquid compost extract. We may pursue this as a community money making project for the garden.
  5. Gay purchased micron mesh pocket ($54) we need to acquire stronger spray pump.
  6. Brian investigating mulcher that Tony Jackman is selling.
  7. Garden team happy to support recycling initiative.
  8. Gay has taken up the free membership offered by Wellington Horowhenua Tree Crops Assoc.
  9. Tea Towels continuing to sell slowly.


He Ara Pukerua

  • Sharing Stories of the History of Pukerua Bay is the theme for our Heritage Festival event on 9 November, RSA 10am to noon. We will launch the website at this event.
  • Pauline has written an excellent piece on the fauna of Pukerua Bay for our website. It will be illustrated by her paintings and some photographs.
  • Matt Ward is writing about the flora of Pukerua Bay.
  • The School Fundraising Trust asked He Ara to submit a set of questions for their quiz, and to enter a team – We won!
  • Machine Gun post. No further developments.
  • Matariki – We made hundreds of star biscuits, a biscuit whare (which someone wanted to buy) and the Hub asked us to mind the bonfire. Altogether a brilliant night and we added a little to our funds.
  • Still waiting for the Pou panel.
  • Margaret approached Tony Jackman about having a goodbye Tony event. Unfortunately he can’t do it. So instead he’ll be granted a Freedom of Pukerua Bay certificate. Moira has written something for Kōrero.


Kōrero

Contents flooding in and we’ve sent a grant application to Pelorus Trust to cover printing expenses until end for first Issue early next year.

Waste Free Pukerua Bay

Gay, Margaret and Iain are keen to support Nikky with recycling.

Iain has talked to Nikky about supporting what she does with a regular collection at the RSA. In the meantime Vicky, Gay, Jane and Margaret will run at test collection St Mark’s (During Pukerua Bay Hub’s Pop-up parlour) on 31 August.

Climate Action Rōpu

We’ve had a hui and have organized two workshops with Mike Jebson and Hugh Evans. There is likely to be another workshop around Emergency Preparedness. Also, we will promote the recycling collection (mentioned above).

General Business

Subsidence. Margaret noted the subsidence on the footpath between shops ans school entrance has become more unsafe. For our community safety
Paul emailed Bill and he forewarded it to Richard Pole.
Action: Paul to follow up with Richard Poll at the council.

Penguins. Kapiti Coast Biodiversity Projects – maildrop to alert locals that penguins are nesting and dogs need to be on leads. Flyer to be put in the RA noticeboard.

Enquiry into Climate Adaptation – parliamentary select committee. A submission went in last year. They’re now having hearings. Conor Twyford is speaking and Iain MacLean is going in to support. On 16 July. They are meeting on Thursday to plan. From RA – we strongly support the action group. Since the submission the District Plan came out and that had something explicit in it about taking Climate change into account when planning new developments.

Pukerua Bay Hub Pop Up Parlour. The Hub have got funding for a pop up community space during Aug and Sept.

Community Garden. A neighbour of the community garden has questioned the removal of cape ivy and believe the removal has encroached on their property.
Paul will be talk to Julian to resolve the situation.

Action: Paul to follow up with Richard Poll at the council.

Action: Jane will respond to Patrika about the garden saying that it is a long standing issue. We have provided the council planting plan for the area and council agreed with it but were objections from NZTA about traffic management. This has stalled the project until the impasse can be resolved. (Done)

Action:  Iain to respond to Brian about colour in Kōrero

Action:  Margaret to follow up with Bill when chasing the PCC Invoice and also ask about the Plunket Rooms.

Action:  Paul to contact other local Residents’ Associations about a hui. He was waiting for wording in Long Term Plan

Action: Paul to talk to Julian to resolve the garden boundary situation.

Close: 9.15pm

July 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes Read More »

June 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes

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Minutes Tuesday 11 June 2024
7:30 –9:00 pm RSA Wairaka Rd

Apologies: Nikky Winchester, Chris Kirk-Burnnand.
Present: Ross Leggett, Paul FitzGerald, Margaret Blair, Jane Comben, Gay Hay, Iain MacLean.

Council updates

a. GWRC

b. PCC
Long Term Plan. Rejigged 3 waters priorities – update to Rukutani Point pump station fixed up in 3 years. (not increase rates as this in lieu of another project). Kerbside collection. Village Planning ended (no capital spend) but hopefully liaison with council is continued. Ross would personally like to see it resurrected. Onepoto walkway – There is some funding but need to talk to Waka Kotahi about it. Difficult to know with change of priorities with change of government.
Alcohol licensing fees – looking to full cost recovery for that. Increase in various fees. Mana Esplanade with Medium density development. NZDA are saying no to new ones the developers wanted to do with parking.

Related Special Development Plan – council in principal want to look at that with a set of conditions. Change of government may impact Kianga Ora who were going to be in charge of it. That may also affect development in Eastern Porirua. First part of Plimmerton Farm under fast track. Not sure of timing due to state of the economy.

Parking at Pukerua Bay Station. What happens with ongoing development? Under Special Development Plan they will look at that. Ross will ask the planners about Pukerua Bay. Plimmerton parking to be made bigger (by Council and GWRC). Porirua – they are looking at paid parking.

Margaret told Ross about the Gun Emplacement erosion and tilt. He will follow up with Tracy Steel (who responded from PCC).

Gay asked Ross if he’d be willing to receive letters form the school children as part of their Action for Change. Margaret noted it’s $655.50 insurance this year. $462 for Kiwi Rail

27 June Council Meeting to approve final LTP and set the rates for next year.

Approval of May minutes

Motion: Iain moved to accept May minutes, Gay seconded – all agreed, carried.

Matters arising

None

Financial Report

Finance Report to June 2024 Meeting   as at 10 June 2024

BNZ                $9424.35

Income:                    
$      10.71     Interest
$      11.00     CGFF Seeds
$ 1160.00     CGFF  TT
$       5.00     CGFF Donation
$     70.50     CGFF Work Day Koha
$   140.00     He Ara Panorama 
$     60.00     Korero Invoice
 
 
Expenditure:
$  678.50      Korero
$      5.00      Bank Fees
$  100.00      CGFF Koha for Expert
$    49.50      CGFF Reimbursement
 
Funds Transfer
                                   
Invoices – Issued 
$  400.00      PCC
$  530.00      Korero
                                                           
Account balances as at 10  June 2024
 
Res Assn 000           $   255.19
He Ara 001                $ 1644.02
CGFF 002                  $ 1538.31
Kōrero 066                $ 1289.47
Surf Seat 067            $   174.73
On Call Acct 025      $ 4522.63

Motion:  Paul moved to move Financials, Iain seconded – all agreed, carried.

Correspondence

None
Talk about getting the website email forwarded onto Jane or Paul.
Action: Iain to talk to Jonathan about it.

Action items

None

Project updates

Community Garden & Food Forest

  • Composting – bins complete and ready for filling, should be ready to use in 6 weeks
  • Wellington Horowhenua Tree Crops. Successful application, granted $1000. There is a list of requirements from them. Tabled. Suggest Ara leads this project.
  • Plan for garden workday Saturday 8 June. Allocation of a person to each work area to direct helpers. Margaret to record on white board. Contributions to morning tea appreciated
  • Hazel nut tree. Request to purchase an ‘Alexandra’ hazel nut to ensure cross pollination. Lenka to investigate
  • Tea towel sales, slow, cost of production not yet achieved
  • Proposed calendar to be postponed this year. Could we have a community open garden day as a fund raiser and get photo pages from this
  • Claire from Pukerua Bay school has contacted Gay to investigate their involvement in the garden.
  • Support to the Hub for Matariki celebration. We have the Crankie ready, Ralph willing to be storyteller and Ara leading a harakeke star making session. Help with set up please and mats etc. for audience to sit on
  • Nick Vincent bringing Predator Free traps to sell and explain at workday
  • Reinforcing of rail at the end of the herb garden needed
  • Deck extension for easy access to pavilion under way

He Ara Pukerua

Concrete Gun Emplacement

WW II MG Post, Pukerua Bsy Beach, May 2024

  • WW II Gun Emplacement, Ocean Parade.  This has been deeply eroded by the stream.  Ashley has emailed a number of organisations about the undermining. He will also write to the RSA for support.
  • Margaret was a guest at the celebration to mark 60 years of the Woodhouse Garden Club.  It is the longest running garden club in New Zealand.  Check the July NZ Gardener.
  • Request to Nikau Trust for a grant has been declined.
  • Two panorama images have been sold.
  • Still more gems coming from Tony Jackman.
  • The museum at the school has been cleared and items returned, or passed on to appropriate people or organisations.
  • Copy for website on flora, fauna and fish.
  • Many hours spent at National Library, Archives and Pataka.
  • Several stories are ready to be added to the website.
  • FB stories continue to receive great feedback, even stories posted in 2021.
  • MP Barbara Edmonds is a keen follower of He Ara Facebook page.
  • Ngati Toa and PCC have erected pou at Northern Lookout

Kōrero

Version 3 distributed. Planning meeting for Health/Hauora for next issue. Iain will do another grant application for printing.

Waste Free Pukerua Bay

Gay, Margaret and Iain are keen to support Nikky with recycling. Perhaps with a monthly collection at the RSA similar to Margaret’s church.

General Business

  1. PCC Long Term Plan (See Iain’s email 9 June). Suggestion to organise a hui with other Village Planning groups to come up with ideas to present to Council. Margaret wondered if PCC will  
  2. Nikky asked about plans for St Mark’s. We have not had any further contact from the Anglican Diocese.
  3. No further word about the Plunket Room.

Action: Iain to talk to Jonathan about website email forwarding.

Action: Iain to clarify will the council support for Residents’ Association continue.

Action: Paul to contact other local Residents’ Associations about a hui.

Close: 8.56pm

June 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes Read More »

May 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes

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Minutes Tuesday 14 May 2024
7:30 –9:00 pm RSA Wairaka Rd

Attending: Ross Leggett, Chris Kirk-Burnnand, Paul FitzGerald, Margaret Blair, Jane Comben, Gay Hay, Jonothan Harker, Iain MacLean. Ashley Blair, Hugh Evans
Apologies: Nikky Winchester

Council Updates

GWRC

Summary of submissions out today – plenty have come through. Hearings starting soon. Drop in sessions.

Community Garden – has a reply for a meeting with KiwiRail. Escarpment Walkway have access way and questioning why we can’t back onto that. Chris says GWRC They have leverage on other issues

Meeting with Simeon Brown mentioned about ferry terminal cancelled. Was going to be 1000 year resilience and pointless if everything else was is damaged in a massive earthquake.

PCC

Long Term Plan consultation Paul and Iain presented a submission today.

We aren’t the only ones who commented on Village Planning. There is a conversation for councillors on that.

Plimmerton Farm have applied for fast track consenting. A panel will be put up from PCC and fresh water experts etc. Draft comments PCC generally supportive of development. The extra special development (SDP) would be led by Kainga Ora and planned properly. Council are having a briefing in coming weeks about benefits of PCC taking part or not. In theory a good idea but in practice more mixed. PCC don’t have to take part in it. Barber development would be part of SDP. Some developers including Barber are ready to go. PCC worried about downstream load on sewage, silt, mana waste-water, etc.

Wellington Region water options are open to discussion.

Love Local trade show coming up again.

Career expo in Arena was successful.

New hub sign installed to replace Civil Defence

Ross on Transport Committee – new government seems to be moving away from cycle ways but being addressed in other ways.

Escarpment domes and replanting

Discussion with Hugh Evans (Floruit)

Regenerative Tourism — focus as social enterprise, investing in marginal farmland to plant mostly native forest. Looking at 5 sites around NZ. This is a pilot and test for accommodation for revenue to plant Verity and Pamela’s farm. ¾ through build. Resort consent for 5 years with strict conditions. 3 domes accommodation, 1 is a communal dome. Max 12 people on site. First year just over hectare planned for planting. They are interested in relationship of people and place. Larger model will have a membership model. Plan for 2040 timescale.

Previous project Thankyou Payroll transitioning to steward ownership. Into a trust with all profits into a trust to be a self-funded charity. They want a similar approach with this project. Profits from carbon sequestration, all sites will have grant making and employment opportunities. They starting people staying in one month.

Fencing needs to be done with Hamish the farmer. They only need about 500 metres. Access through Woolshed road and their carpark on a 4 wheel track. Composting and waste water large dispersal field.

Approval of April 2024 minutes

Motion: Paul moved to accept April minutes, Iain seconded – all agreed, carried.

Matters arising from previous minutes

Action – Long Term Plan Submission made.

Finance report

As at 10 May 2024

Income:
$     11.19	Interest
$     10.00	Seeds
$   2860.00	TT
$     20.00	Surf Seat Postcards

Expenditure:
$  517.50	Korero Printing
$   50.00	TT Refund
$ 4264.20	TT Printing  
$    5.20	Bank Fees

Funds Transfer

Invoices – Issued  

Account balances as at 10 May 2024

Res Assn 000		$  255.19
He Ara 001		$ 1504.22
CGFF 002		$  396.41
Kōrero 066		$ 1907.97
Surf Seat 067		$  174.93
On Call Acct 025	$ 4511.92

Motion: Paul moved to accept May financials, Gay seconded – all agreed, carried.

Correspondence

Contact through website looking for Margaret Blair.

Project updates

Community Garden & Food Forest

  • Tea Towel sales
    108 sold, need to sell 50 more to cover costs.
    Payment made to printers
    We need to develop a marketing plan to complete sales. Action Jane to promote on Facebook through all channels we can think of.
  • Matariki & Crankie
    Thanks to Peter Stevenson (Welsh artist /storyteller) for his generous contribution of his talent and time to this concept. Thanks to Brian for the wonderful Crankie construction.
  • Compost
    Paul and Brian have built an amazing set of 3 bins. Vicky will manage the making of compost with help from Brian and Cory (Wellesley Sustainable Trust).
  • Tree Crop Trust Application and project.
    $1000 applied for to buy trees, signage and promotional pamphlets. Thanks to Jonathan for his computer skills to complete application.
  • Tree Crop visit
    Approximately 20 people from Wellington / Horowhenua Tree Crops Association will visit garden 18 May at 1pm. Jane to welcome, Ara to present history of the garden, Gay to talk about current projects. We will provide afternoon tea and promote tea towels.
  • Work day 9 June
    Poster in Residents Association notice board, Facebook promo.
    Cory from Wellesley Sustainable Trust has agreed to talk about liquid composts we can make for our gardens. He asked for a Koha.
  • Kindergarten visit
    Proposed for last Wednesday of May (29th).
    They have asked for a Crankie presentation of the Matariki story at the kindergarten. We need to confirm with storyteller.
  • Identifying of fruit trees
    Paul has made good progress with this. Agreed to purchase a ‘poker’ to write names onto wood. More computer details to access information may be added later.
    Lenka has asked for our support to cater John’s birthday at RSA. She will make a donation to the garden.
  • Cranky
    Thanks to the generous contribution Peter Stevenson from Wales made to us having a Crankie. During his visit to Aotearoa last year and his visit to our Garden, Peter put forward the idea of a Crankie for our Community Garden. Peter is a world renowned story teller, illustrator and collector. Peter’s son is now resident in our country and so Peter will visit him for several months every year. When he was planning his trip this year, he suggested to me that if he could stay in my studio he would paint a Crankie for us as a donation to our Garden.  Gay, can you help me here? Was it after meeting with you and Moira Wairama, that we as a collective came up with the idea of a Matariki themed story for the Crankie. Gay arranged permissions from Moira and also Margaret Tolland who illustrated Moira’s book ‘Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna’. Peter based his illustrations on Margaret’s work. He did not copy but was inspired by Margaret’s work. Within Moira’s book Nanny Jo tells the story of the great fisherman Taramainuku and it is this story that Peter painted onto our Crankie Scroll. Brian Sullivan took up the task of creating the frame within which the Crankie scroll sits and is turned for the telling. Brian met with Peter, Peter provided drawings and dimensions for the Crankie house and Brian created a most wonderful home for our Crankies. There are many people to thank for this Crankie we now have and it began with and was facilitated by Peter’s generous offer to our community. 
    Peter is also a story collector and during his next visit to our shores, Gay has suggested the idea of Peter collecting stories of Nobby Clark and creating a Crankie of Nobby’s story.

He Ara

  • He Ara Facebook story about the RSA embroidered tablecloth was well received. Excellent connections made on ANZAC day at the RSA.
  • A very successful team visit to the Mt Welcome Bush as part of research for the Natural History section of our website.
  • The panel for Pou Tangaroa has been through the approval process and is now being manufactured.
  • Tony Jackman has passed to us large crates of papers. The first two covered the bypass v TG issue, reclaiming the gully which is now the Secret Valley, and a few other gems, including an advertisement for the very first Matariki walk in Pukerua Bay.
  • We have been helping to clear the space which housed the Museum at Pukerua Bay School.
  • Rail Comes to Pukerua now on our website:
  • He Ara has registered to be part of the 2024 Heritage Festival

Kōrero

Kōrero is working on this year’s Matariki issue, which incorporates the theme of music. We’re grateful to the Hub for its koha. It means we can support them in their mahi, while also helping to cover our own costs.

We will be making this, or a similar statement, in the editorial:

The Kōrero whānau joins with the Residents’ Association in grieving Council’s decision to end the Village Planning Framework, a process and funding source that has helped facilitate so much that is good in Pukerua Bay, including many of the initiatives and activities shared in these pages. We hope to play a part in finding other ways to give residents a voice in shaping our community and place to be what we want it to be.

The next issue will be published in September and will be on the theme of hauora. The November issue will focus on writers and writing.

We will be applying for a grant from Pelorus Trust after this issue, looking for sufficient funds to cover two issues.

Climate change

May 14 2024 – Moira Visited the local Repair Café in Raumati and we have talked about running another workshop series in September/October.

General business

PCC Long Term Plan – Iain and Paul talked at submissions. There was another submitter talking about composting.

Shared Pathway repairs. – From shop to overbridge. 2 parts to it.
Drainage issue meant water eroded. Council and engineers are discussing and Engineering firm may have to redesign and cover the costs. Further slip – being bundled with other Whitby slips and out for tender. May start in December once process complete.

Closed: 9pm

May 2024 Residents’ Association meeting minutes Read More »

March 2024 Residents Association Meeting Minutes

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Present: Ross Leggett, Chris Kirk-Burnnand, Paul FitzGerald, Margaret Blair, Jane Comben, Gay Hay, Jonothan Harker , Iain MacLean. Late comer Matt Meladonis
Apologies: none

Approval of February 2024 minutes

Approval of February 2024 minutes
Motion: Gay moved to accept February minutes, Iain seconded – all agreed, carried.

Council Updates

GWRC

  • Chris has visited the community garden with Paul and will try to make inquiries.
  • Mt Welcome understand the consenting issues and challenges. First bit will be 10% of whole development. We’ve seen the visualisation images with lots of trees.
  • Thursday this week voting on LTP for GWRC looking at a 19.8% rates rise. 66% transport (but more technically) so that is a concern. Includes fares increase. When national ticketing comes in there maybe charges for Park and Ride with concessions for train ticket holders.
  • Consulting on own and set up a depot in Miramar and northern areas. Depots need to be near electricity for charging buses.
  • Looking to purchase 2approx 3% shares owned by Horizons Centreport shares. Considered important to add to 77% existing shares so it’s kept in local community ownership. Chris is confident their yield can be improved overtime.

PCC

  • Long Term Plan consultation coming out 1 April. There will be a meeting 4 April 3-5pm at RSA. 17.5% proposed rates increase in the first year. Many projects have been deferred or stopped.
  • PCC have chosen to include water in the LTP – although it should be taken over by other govt arrangements. 66% of Capex is water. Most commitments that are remaining are related to water. The big tank project will help prevent overflows into the harbour.
  • New govt policy statement changes direction from previous govt and downplay emissions but deals other items such as increase road maintenance. There will be more clarity over time. Way things are funded (eg cycleways) are changing.
  • Civic awards nominations are open again. Think about if we’d like to nominate anyone.
  • Plunket Room consultation document is coming out. Although we have already consulted in a basic overview way.
  • Village Plan – proposal for consultation is coming out that Village Planning will be culled for cost saving. Capex will go. Some projects in the system will be worked through.

Matters arising from previous minutes.

Action: Chris and Paul have visited to the Community Garden.

Finance Report

To March 2024 Meeting, as at 10 March 2024

BNZ   		$11,369.25
Income:		
$   130.00  CGFF Tea Towel Pre Pay
$   770.00  Korero Invoices
$   300.00  Korero Donation
$       3.52  Interest
$     13.58  Interest

Expenditure:
$  678.48  Korero	
$      3.80  Bank Fees 
			
Invoices – Unpaid
$  220.00
				  	
Account balances as at 10 March 2024

Res Assn 000    	$  255.19
He Ara 001		$1661.60
CGFF 002		$7107.01
Kōrero 066		$2190.47
Surf Seat 067		$  154.93

Correspondence

12 Feb 2024: Porirua Community Leaders Forum invite forwarded by Jono fromTalanoa Wānanga 

13 Feb 2024: Paul FitzGerald responded to Bill Inge’s email about cleaning work on theSecret Valley Murals.

No Action items

Project Updates:

Community Garden

  • Compost system. Bins in place. Vicky and Brian leading the project.
  • Pest Control. Very frustrating for beans tomatoes and berries. We plan to consult other gardens and try to establish a yearlong attack. We will plant less densely next year.
  • New signs created by Gay to prevent people taking fruits before they’re ready
  • Pavilion report. Working on interior.
  • Matariki celebrations. Plan to provide pumpkins for school hangi in future. Garden to host Welsh author, artist storyteller, Peter Stevenson. He will work with community to construct a “Crankie” and provide art work to retell a Matariki story. Ara Swanney has offered to work with tamariki to make harakeke stars. Possible date 22 June.
  • Winter prep of gardening. Discussion still needed.
  • School Gala. We will be taking orders for our tea towels (Due April 20). We will donate a basket of produce as a raffle prize for the school.
  • Korero. Gay and Margaret have agreed to work on an article for the next publication focussing on “kai”.
  • Local business (not sure which) may support garden with a staff work day. We need to action this.

He Ara Pukerua

• The Stores panel was revealed on Thursday 7 March by Janine Thomson and Darryl Lindsay. They are grandchildren of Arthur and Annie Lindsay, the original owners of the Lindsay family store.
– Bill Inge and Megan Krishnan from PCC also came along.
– We are blown away with the responses to our posts on He Ara Facebook from all over the world. There is often subsequent dialogue between many of these people.
• Pou panel – wording had been approved by PCC we are now waiting on approval from Ngati Toa.
• PCC have put in the concrete pads for the Mosen and Pool seats in the Muri Reserve.
• Wellington Heritage Festival – we have received an invitation to participate in October.
• Margaret has met with author and researcher Clare Gleeson about Miss Ngita Woodhouse.
• Work is proceeding on the He Ara website.
• Ashley accompanied three classes from Pukerua Bay School to Wairaka rock and talked to them about Albert Augustus Clark aka Nobby Clark.
• Visit from Dick Farrell. He has so many stories about living in the Bay as a child. He will be back again. He donated a large, framed photograph of the beach in the 1960s

Motion:  Approval requested from this Residents’ Association meeting to apply to the Nikau Foundation for funds to complete the panels project. moved Paul, seconded Jono – Carried

Kōrero

Kōrero is now in its fourth year of publication. We’re entering this year without our dear friend, Mel, and in the knowledge that we will soon lose Iain. In the face of those losses, we’re delighted to welcome three new people to our editorial team: Gill England, Carla Guy, and Kelly McClean.  Iain remains on the team for the meantime. Kate continues as co-ordinating editor, Moira ably organises advertising and budget, Nikky is chief proofreader, Jonathan looks after the IT side of things, and Gill has stepped in to look after distribution.  Anne’s role as designer is critical – she makes us look good!

Our extended whānau includes our distribution team; Paul, who does most of the pickups from the printer; and Margaret who processes our invoices and helps Moira keep track of finances. And, of course, it includes our wonderful contributors, whose numbers grow with each issue.

Publication would be impossible without the generosity of our advertisers, sponsors, and, last year, the Pelorus Trust. 

Our first three issues this year have needed to be produced on a tight timeframe, as Matariki will be celebrated a month earlier than usual, so Issue 3 will have to come out in the first half of the year. We have not finalised dates for issues 4 and 5. These will be determined later in the year and be responsive to community events.  With that in mind, this is the 2024 schedule.

Korero schedule 2024 (in devt.)
IssueThemeCopy due date
FebruaryThe beach – where we live and playComplete
AprilKai12 March
Early JuneMusic and Matariki1 May
August/SepHauora 
NovemberWriters and writing 

Financially, we are reasonably on track, but our planning is based on 16-page issues, and we find that we normally need 20 pages. A sign of success, but it does create some pressure. For that reason, we would like the RA committee to endorse our application for another grant to help pay for printing.

Motion:  To apply to Pelorus Trust for extra funding for Korero printing costs. moved Iain, seconded Jono – Carried

General Business

Community Resilience – Matt Meladonis

  • Still pin point water sources outside the community hub and distribution plan.
  • We need to localised fliers specific to Pukerua Bay about what to do. What to do, what to keep in stock. Margaret suggested we find a sponsor for printing
  • Need a list of people who would require assistance, on chronic meds etc.
  • Hoping to get some street groups going with Street Rep so it will help distribute information easily. Could coordinate with neighbourhood watch if it existed. Neighbourhood day could be an opportunity.
  • Whetu Bennett contacted Matt about radios and told Jane the PKB report will be updated in April.
  • List of key personnel in bay (medics, elderly care, police etc)
  • If we have a long term panic, perhaps put out a call out for generator, chest freezers etc. Investigate EV’s V2L powering like a battery.

Muri Road Development update

Artist impression renders were sent in the part that is already zoned for residential and consented. It’s a Jennian homes development. To be put out on a Facebook post.

Closed: 8.52pm

March 2024 Residents Association Meeting Minutes Read More »

December 2023 Residents Association meeting minutes

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12 December 2023

Present: Paul FitzGerald, Margaret Blair, Jonathan Harker, Jane Comben, Gay Hay, Nicky Winchester, Chris Kirk Burnard, Iain MacLean
Apologies: none
Motion: Iain moves to approve previous minutes subject to name update and adding Wellington Water information.Paul second – all passed.

Council Updates

GWRC –
Kapiti Line Services increasing costs as KiwiRail have responsibility to maintain infrastructure but they flagged it early enough.
Funding for 9 mill for trains. It will double Wairarapa services, and quadruple train services on Kapiti and extend to Levin. GWRC makes losses on service. Used to be dollar for dollar but costs have moved onto ratepayers. It’s now 1 to 3. 39 million trips this year which is back up to 2019 levels. New ticketing system is coming which gives better control over ticketing.

Long Term Plan coming out early March for consultation. LTP working with 6 different iwi which has extended consultation time. Chris was unhappy with suggested 40% increases to maintain level of service. Now should be about 20% then 18% and 16%.

Wants more money to be put into flood protection as money has been spent on Riverlink costs – so flood protection reduced elsewhere. We have trouble with Porirua stream.

Lets get wellington moving – change of govt means it won’t go ahead in its current form.

Centreport – 3 new directors including Helmut from iwi in Porirua. Chris  supports moves to get strong commercial return and benefits over the next few years for ratepayers. See it as similar asset to airports.

PKB boat ramp. PCC is responsible but needs resource consent from GWRC. Chris supporting update.

Northern Growth – Wellington water not sure they can supply water and infrastructure for that number of houses.

Action – Paul FitzGerald, Community Garden. Send Chris a letter about the costs to the garden for KiwiRail access and indemnity and he will look into it.

Matters Arising

Previous minutes note adding Iain as a signatory to the check account – he says don’t rush.

Financial report 

Finance Report to December 2023 Meeting   as at 11 December 2023

BNZ                            $ 4917.23
Income:                     $  20.00        He Ara Koha
                                    $100.00        He Ara Prints    
                                    $  50.00        He Ara Donation    
                                    $274.00        CGFF  RSA Quiz 
 
Expenditure:            $       0.80    Bank Fees 
                                    
Invoices - Issued     Nil 
                                                            
Account balances as at 11 December 2023
 
Res Assn 000           $  238.10
He Ara 001               $1397.60
CGFF 002                 $1685.45
Kōrero 066               $1441.15
Surf Seat 067           $  154.93

Motion: Paul moved to pass the financials, Iain second – all passed.

Correspondence

5 December 2023: From Philippa Cox to Moira and Paul about the Scientific reserve

Action items

None

Project Updates

Community Garden – below
He Ara Pukerua – no report
Kōrero – below
Climate Action – below
Waste Free PKB – no report

Community Garden

Gay Hay –
Summer Watering
Need a roster. Still need to turn on as not enough soak hoses set up.
Volunteers please. Matt Meladonis is willing to help with an irrigation system.
Progress on Pavilion
Roof is painted, barge boards, finials are up. Jacob Slankard is a local carpenter who has offered to help complete the pavilion.
Progress on composting
Brian has met with Neil and ready to relocate and set up the worm bin. Funds from RSA quiz going to the bin set up.
Grass cutting
We are sequestering carbon by letting the grass grow with paths cut through it.
Brian topped the grass near Terry’s fence as a fire break.
Progress on tea towel
Kate is working with design and sourcing costings for quality printing.
Anniversary Day event
Details to be confirmed at next meeting.
Control of pests
Ashley has noticed issues with the beans. We have agreed to try ‘Quash’ an environmentally friendly slug bait. Any more donations of food bag wool is welcome as it helps mulch and keeps snails out.
Budget
Currently we have $1411.45 which needs to be used for the KiwiRail $462 and public liability $655.

$462 Kiwirail
$655 public liability
$200 pavilion
$300 compost

Planning is underway for a fundraising calendar for 2025

Statement of the community garden
We need a statement of the purpose of the community garden to share with Ngati Toa (for a te reo name) and aid funding applications. We understand Lenka has done the initial work on this and need to check with her on this.
Family Day
We planning an afternoon tea at the garden for visiting families from overseas. 27th Jan or maybe the Anniversary day.

Korero

Iain MacLean – Planning meeting held Thursday 30 November.
First issue for next year is well underway with a theme of ‘reading’. We have a draft outline for the next 3 issues.

Climate Action

Jane Comben –
We had successful events.
WREMO (Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office) workshop on 25 Nov was attended by 9 locals. We took notes and have suggestions to have a follow up event in March/April. Beach clean-up – 10 Dec Brendan Beach was a success despite bad weather (11 locals). Meg talked to Briony about possibly helping to clear the path of sand.

General Business:

District Plan decisions

Iain MacLean – email from Council with changes to the District Plan from the draft to the final released last week. 

Things added to final District Plan

Climate change and resilience [a whole new part added to the introduction] 
The development will incorporate design principles that anticipate the effects of climate change, to mitigate its impacts, to avoid contributing to it and to increase community resilience. 

Freshwater management areas [single sentence added] 

Other activities may also need to locate or be undertaken within these areas to enable the wider development of the area, such as infrastructure or earthworks.  

Connectivity [single sentence added] 

The form of this access [to SH59] is to be informed by a transport strategy that will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and lead by the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. 

DEV-NG-02 Planning urban built environment of the Northern Growth Development Area [words in bold added] 

5. Predominantly medium density housing with a variety of housing types, sizes and tenures; 

7. An urban form that is integrated with the transport network, and encourages public and active transport modes while minimising reliance on private vehicles

DEV-NG-P2 Subdivision [words in bold added] 

4. Provides a transport network layout and design that: 

    a.  Is safe for all transport users

    b.  Recognises and provides for transport connections at the boundaries of the Development Area where opportunities exist, including an appropriate connection to State Highway 59

Things removed from draft and not included in the final

Words in bold and italics and in square braces deleted]

DEV-NG-P3 [Potentially] Appropriate development

Only allow subdivision, use and development that is [potentially] not in accordance with the Northern Growth Development Area Structure Plan where it is demonstrated that it is appropriate for such subdivision, use or development to occur within the Development Area, having regard to whether: 

1. The purpose and effects of the subdivision, use or development are likely to constrain, limit or compromise the intended development and use of the Development Area as set out in the Structure Plan, including consideration of… 

WREMO – Emergency exercises

Run by Whetu Bennett. As mentioned above in Climate Action report section, we discussed having quarterly events/workshops at the RSA for interested people and possibly setting up a kit at the RSA as a backup to the school one.

PKB Hub

Christmas on the field not happening this year. There was an attempt to separate the PKB Hub from Ahu Trust. That didn’t work this year as both were run by the same people. They didn’t have the people to run Christmas on the Field so it’s not going ahead. Suggested that cancelation was communicated to the community and also to give people a chance to step up.

Meeting closed: 8.50pm 

Next Meeting: February 13th 2024

December 2023 Residents Association meeting minutes Read More »

August 2023 Residents Association meeting minutes

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8 August 2023

Present: Paul FitzGerald, Iain McLean, Mel Galletly, Margaret Blair, Lenka Horanska, Jonathan Harker, Nikky Winchester, Chris Kirk-Burnnand (GWRC), Josh Trlin (PCC), Deepa Goswami (PCC Waste Minimisation Adviser).
Apologies: Moira Lawler, Gay Hay.
Approval of previous minutes: moved Jonathan, seconded Margaret, none opposed.

…

August 2023 Residents Association meeting minutesRead More »

August 2023 Residents Association meeting minutes Read More »

Friends of Mana Island 2018 AGM

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You are warmly invited to attend the Friends of Mana AGM featuring a talk by seabird expert Graeme Taylor from the Department of Conservation about our planned translocation of white-faced storm petrels. There are plenty of challenges moving chicks from the Chathams to Mana Island.

You will also hear updates about FOMI’s work during the past year. And the evening marks the beginning of FOMI’s 20th anniversary this year – “Celebrating Our Volunteers”. Find out first-hand what’s happening, including a special preview of a 3-minute video produced for the anniversary.

As part of the election of officers, FOMI will be seeking to elect a new president.

Supper afterwards. It’s going to be a very interesting evening!

Friends of Mana Island 2018 AGM Read More »