July meeting reminder

Newsletter 21:07 July 18th 2021

Newtown Residents' Association Monthly Meeting
Monday 19 July 2021
7.30-9pm at Newtown Hall, 71 Daniell St

The agenda will include:

Information about an umbrella group to promote 'Density done Well'
An introduction to the development of a District Plan
Consideration of Heritage Buildings Places and Objects - see below
WCC Trading and Events in Public Places Policy
The future of the Workingmen's Bowling Club building now that the club has closed
Responsible Dog Owner Policy, and consideration of this motion: That Newtown Residents' Association would like to request that the responsible dog owner policy applications start at the same time as notification for licensing occurs.

All welcome - come and join in discussion about issues affecting Newtown and the surrounding suburbs.

Heritage Buildings Places and Objects

Wellington City Council has a list of heritage sites, and is asking communities if there are others not currently on the list that should be added to the next District Plan.

WCC says: "As the city grows and changes, taking steps to protect heritage places and objects becomes even more important, and is part of a national requirement for all councils. It is also something we can build into our District Plan, which is the blueprint for making sure our city functions well and protects the things that make it special."

See the WCC webpage to look at the current list, and for more information about nominating additional places. Do you know of places in Newtown and the surrounding area that should be added to this heritage list? Please tell us!

You are invited to attend the inaugural SymPOOsium by Beyond the Pipes on Monday 26 July 2021, 9am-12:30pm (lunch from 12:30pm)

Wellington’s sewerage and wastewater infrastructure is in disrepair. Pipes are bursting and leaking, contaminants are entering our natural environment, and for decades we've been landfilling the 'sludge' that comes out of wastewater treatment plants across the region.

Urgent upgrades and maintenance are undoubtedly needed, but a brave and bold re-imagining is also in order.

Through two facilitated panel discussions, this ‘symPOOsium’ will take a close look at Wellington’s current wastewater and sanitation system, consider whether we need to invest in alternative approaches to managing human waste and wastewater, and if so, how and where to start.

Panellists will explore a wide range of questions, including:

- How can we ensure sustainability and resilience in our approach to wastewater and sanitation for a growing population in a city prone to earthquakes?

- How can we adequately manage the ecological and public health risks of wastewater and sanitation systems?

- What type of system could best uphold tikanga values, mātauranga Māori, and best practices from previous generations?

- How can we safely break free from the current 'sludge-to-landfill' situation?

The full list of speakers are yet to be confirmed. Confirmed speakers to date:

- Martin Payne, Independent Water Engineer
- Michelle Laurenson, Your Bay Your Say
- Te Kawa Robb, Para Kore
- Dr. Maria Gutierrez-Gines, Lead Scientist Biowaste Team, ESR
- Matt Brenin, Green Earth
- Cr. David Lee, Greater Wellington Regional Council

Facilitators:

Liam Prince, The Rubbish Trip; Grant Symons, Transition HQ

Keep up to date on further speakers, as and when confirmed, by following the Facebook page for this event.

Newtown Residents' Association Membership - subscriptions are due now!

Our financial year is from July to June, so subscriptions are due now for membership until June 30th 2022.

Anyone who has an interest in Newtown and the surrounding suburbs can join, and it is a great way to show support for the Association. It only costs a gold coin, because we don't want there to be any financial barrier to joining.

To join, or renew membership, please fill in this form: Newtown Residents’ Association Membership Form. However you don’t have to be a member to come to our meetings – everyone is welcome!

2021 Residents' Association Meetings

We meet on the 3rd Monday of every month between February and November. The dates to come are-

July 19th
August 16th
September 20th

October 18th
November 15th

Put these in your calendar or diary now, and we will look forward to seeing you there!