Guest Speakers:
TDC staff: David Stevenson, Richard Kirby & Jamie McPherson plus Luke Donaldson from Donaldson Civil.
David updated us on the Storm Water Inundation review in Ruby Bay, including drainage issues in Tait St and Chaytor Reserve. TDC are conducting hydraulic modelling of the area to identify current and potential issues that can be readily rectified. Results will feed into the LTP and include a review of Environmental Planning with regard building floor heights. Results could take 2-3 years.
Jamie spoke of the sea wall along Ruby Bay and how it’s construction with a clay water barrier is not a stop bank instead is designed to deflect water egress rather than stop water entering. Existing ground levels at Chaytor Reserve are being evaluated due to concerns levels are too high.
Luke advised how well the replacement of Water & Waste Water piping is progressing. Luke thanked the community for being so obliging. After discussions with businesses in the Village Donaldson’s will be constructing a new footpath to link between the base of Higgs Road to the existing path near Sprig & Fern.
Indicative Roads:
MDCA has become aware current Indicative Road maps for Māpua do not reflect future traffic movements that are safe for pedestrians & cyclists, nor do they help promote a village atmosphere. The current Indicative Road maps are used by developers for subdivision without further consultation with community. Jamie McPherson stated that in the past traffic management focus has been on motor vehicles and is now changing focus. After primary discussions with TDC staff and councillors the time for the community to insist changes are made is when the TRMP is reviewed. This process for Māpua is about to commence with public consultation October/November. MDCA wish to start community discussion and consultation now giving time for residents to consider future vehicle, cycle & pedestrian movements so as to increase safety and reduce congestion along Aranui Road with the hope full community engagement in the submission process with TDC will occur.
Mapua Waterfront:
Jeremy Butler TDC Policy Dept. requested a slight land zoning change within the Waterfront Park. After a discussion the meeting agreed to respond by requesting the status quo to prevail until a decision regarding a future boat ramp had been finalised, while
asking for an explanation to why the changes are deemed necessary.
Dominion Flats (DF):
Helen spoke of the wonderful effort volunteers have made planting some 2000 plants. There is always work for more volunteers every Tuesday at DF from 9am. Bring a spade.
Community Hub:
The project working group has formally adopted the name ‘Mapua Community Hub’ subject to consultation with mana whenua. A formal offer has been made to DVCCT trustees for their current trust deed to be renamed and objectives re-prioritised to enable a ‘fit for use’ legal/financial structure for the project. Data is being gathered and assistance sort in preparing for and financing a feasibility study of both concept and plant to ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’. There is a need for more trustees representing a wider diversity from the community. If interested contact elena.meredith@xtra.co.nz.
Community Driver:
All volunteer drivers have now been approved via the police vetting process. A short term contract for a project co-ordinator has been advertised, with the hope an appointment will be made in July with the service available this month.
Māpua Reserve Playground Upgrade:
The re-alignment of the Great Taste Trail cycle path has been completed.
Public Seating:
Four seats have been refurbished thanks to community generosity. Three seats will be located between Ruby Bay & Mapua, with the fourth in the reserve on the corner of Aranui Rd & Langford Drive. This project now requires 3-4 willing and able people to boxing the concrete slab, and either pouring or organising the concreting. If you are able to help please contact Marion at 540 2618 or marionawayfromhome@gmail.com
Videoing early life in Māpua & Moutere Hills:
This project is gaining some traction. See separate article in this Coastal News edition.
Dogs fouling Mapua Domain:
Due to some issues with dog owners not collecting doggy doo’s in the Domain, new signs have been erected by TDC stating that dogs are prohibited on the sports field and must be on a leash at all times.
Exercise Stations in the Domain:
MDCA is actively looking for someone to co-ordinate this project. If you are interested please email info@ourmapua.org
Good Sorts:
This initiative is to continue on a monthly basis. If you know someone in the community who has gone above & beyond to help out, please email their name and their good deed to info@ourmapua.org titled ‘Good Sorts’ for monthly recognition.
AGM – August 10th 7p Mapua Hall
Our community needs you and MDCA needs Executive committee members. If you have an interest in our community and are willing to either give back or pay it forward, now is the time.
We are also looking for someone with secretarial skills, minute taking, letter writing, is organised, communicates well, and enjoys being part of a team. Email info@ourmapua.org for more information.