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Newtown Residents' Association February Meeting
Monday 21st February 2022 7.30pm-9pm
This meeting will be held via Zoom. We will email a meeting link to our members and other regular meeting attendees later in the week. If you want to make sure you are on the list to get the link please let us know at newtownwellington@gmail.com.
The Agenda will include a discussion about Residents' Association activities for 2022. Other proposed topics are -
- coping with the pandemic under the 'red light' conditions;
- a progress report on the 3-D computer modelling of the Newtown housing intensification plan;
- preparing for the Draft District Plan oral submissions in March;
- the trial bike path from Newtown to the waterfront (see here for more information);
- information about a new theatre development at 11 Hutchinson Rd - in the same complex as Te Whaea - National Dance & Drama Centre;
- what happens next about the former bowling club in Owen St.
Please email newtownwellington@gmail.com. to let us know about other issues you would like to discuss.
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Coping with the Pandemic
At present we are all seeing the numbers of new cases skyrocketing, but the relatively low numbers of people in hospital seem to confirm that for most people, particularly those who are fully vaccinated (2 doses + booster), the Omicron variant can be treated at home. There has been quite a lot of information circulating about this, and here are some useful links -
Online Health and Wellbeing Sessions:
the Island Bay Enhancement Trust have organised a series of 3 sessions; one has already happened but there are two to come -
- tomorrow, 15th February 7.30-8.30pm, Mark Ormsby, Kaumatua for the Island Bay Enhancement Trust, is hosting a korero with Island Bay GPs, Dr Nick Oscroft & Dr Richard Medlicott, about ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones for covid; what to do if you've got it; and what contact to expect from your GP practice.
- and on Sunday 20th February 7.30-8.30pm, our Residents' Association executive member Dr Marion Leighton is online for "Ask Dr Marion" - a catch-all, ask anything about COVID!
See https://www.islandbayfestival.org.nz/healthandwellbeingevents for more information and zoom links for the sessions.
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The South Coast Arts Trail is forging ahead under Alert Level Red conditions. It features the work of painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, weavers and jewellers, and celebrates the creative works of school children through to those artists who have had long and distinguished careers. Don’t miss an opportunity to meet local artists in their own studios, and explore hidden secrets around the area - a mix of exhibitions, open studios and public art - see the booklet for timings.
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What does the future hold for 117 Owen St?
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The former clubrooms and bowling greens have fallen on hard times since the Workingmen's Bowling Club closed at the end of May. Future plans for this piece of Town Belt land were discussed at a WCC Social, Cultural and Economic Committee meeting on 3rd February. The Council Officers recommended demolishing the dilapidated clubrooms and creating a neighbourhood park - you can see their report and concept plan by following the links. We like the park idea, but we also want the buildings to be repaired or replaced, as they would have many uses for community activities. Our local Councillors and other community groups are also in agreement with this, and the outcome of the meeting was this resolution:
Moved Councillor Foon, seconded Councillor Fitzsimons the following substantive motion
Resolved
That the Pūroro Rangaranga | Social, Cultural and Economic Committee:
- Receive the information.
- Recommend that the Pūroro Maherehere | Annual Plan / Long-term Plan Committee agree to a budget of up to $1.5 million remove, upgrade, or develop the building and grounds of the former NWBC site for community use, dependent on the results of community engagement described at 3 below.
- Agree that Council run an expression of interest process for community groups or related parties, wishing to use or manage the site, including groups who may need assistance from Council.
- Agree that officers report to the Pūroro Maherehere | Annual Plan / Long-term Plan Committee about the outcome of this process.
- Agree that Council officers will not limit the discussions with relevant community groups to a formal lease or new building arrangement.
- Request officers to maintain the building and grounds to a reasonable standard including security, while the community tender and design process is progressing.
- Request officers to engage with Kainga Ora as part of the consultation process regarding potential partnership or mutually beneficial opportunities for extended community use.
- Request officers to engage with local community groups who are looking for space to enable temporary lease arrangements while the consultation design process is underway. Carried
We are very grateful to Crs Laurie Foon and Fleur Fitzsimons for championing this cause, and our thanks also to Martin Hanley and Steve Cosgrove for presenting the Residents' Association views to the Council. We are looking forward to engaging with the WCC team on developing plans for the future use of this space.
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2022 Residents' Association Meetings
We meet on the 3rd Monday of every month between February and November.
| All welcome - put these dates in your calendar or diary now! |
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March 21st
April 18th
May 16th
June 20th
July 18th
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August 15th
September 19th
October 17th
November 21st
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