At the Mapua & Districts Community Association’s August meeting, outgoing Executive members Helen Bibby, Trish Smith & Tim Hawthorne were thanked for their significant contributions to the Association’s work over many years in the areas of environmental; Waterfront Park and digital communication systems all of which enhance our sense of wellbeing and connectedness to our surroundings and to each other.
The MDCA Executive for 2019/20 is : Marion Satherly (Chairperson), Wayne Chisnall (Deputy Chair), Desiree Dunlop (Secretary); Aileen Connell (Treasurer) ; Naomi Aporo, Mike Kinimonth; Bruno Lemke; Elena Meredith.
Cr Tim King (who is not standing as a Ward Councillor in the coming local body elections) was also thanked for his m any years in the role with his regular attendance at meetings and his reliable follow up on issues raised.
Marion noted that she had attended Tasman Area Community Association (TACA) in July and both Julian Eggers chair of Wakefield Community Council) as well as Cr David Ogilvie (Motueka) were warmly welcomed to the MDCA meeting . The importance of making such links across the wider region was strongly affirmed. It was noted that MDCA & TACA were jointly hosting the Meet the Candidates meeting for the upcoming Local Body elections on August 26th 7pm in the Mapua Community Hall.
The passing of Ralph Cotter was noted with recognition of his community involvement over the years and the ongoing engagement with and contribution to the community made by Margaret (his wife)
Haere ; Haere ; Haere Ra moemoe ra i te rangimarie, e koro. Go now and rest in peace
SOCIAL MEDIA
Tim was warmly thanked for his significant contribution in bringing MDCA into the more modern communication age . His role on Exec will be taken up by Bruno Lemke .
Tim reported that from July 2018 through June 2019 MDCA posted :
• 171 notices on the Facebo ok page viewed 88,143 times
• 8 videos 7 of which were “Facebook Live” video casts of presentations at monthly meetings
The numbers who “ like” the Facebook page grew from 812 to 950 & MDCA is now followed by 1024 people
Since May 2019 we have been averaging 2 Mail chimp emails per month to our 92 subscribers
MAPUA WATERFRONT & WHARF
Marion Satherley (MDCA rep on the Mapua Waterfront Working Group
MMWG) ) reported on the current status of the planned development for the Ngaio Tree Reserve (NTR) noting that cost estimations exceed funds available which will mean that the development will be staged.
The suggestion was made by an MMWG community rep that maybe the represented community groups could contribute funding for the “above ground costs” such as: tables, seating, bike racks, dinghy stands; lighting; drinking fountains and playground equipment. Cr Tim King noted that while TDC appreciated and supported this approach, TDC was only asking the community to contribute to the costs and if there is any shortfall, TDC will still be covering the costs.
After significant discussion, the following motion was passed:
That MDCA is happy to try to fund-raise towards the completion of the Ngaio Tree Reserve development, depending on the outcome of revised costings: Helen Bibby; Tim Hawthorne
Wharf waterpipe up grade: In relation to concerns and local queries about suspected leeching from contaminated soil relating to these road works near the Wharf, communication from TDC confirms that their test results show no risk to human health from this .
ROADS AND PATHWAYS
TDC‘s conditions have resulted in the dropping of proposed plans for walking access across private property linking Jessie St and Aranui Road MDCA will check with TDC what these conditions are. Meantime Wayne will explore possibilities of an alternative option with foot traffic getting to Jessie St through the new subdivision on Aranui Road .
DOMINION FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT
Helen Bibby reported on the ongoing growth in both the numbers and heights of trees/plants in the domain. Work on the back track is progressing slowly. There is now a bridge over the swampy area and we hope this track will be completed within the next month. A group meets every Tuesday to plant or weed and we welcome anyone who would like to volunteer some time to join us as we won’t run out of things to do. Tools are provided and we work from 9 till 12 with a decent coffee break around 10.30 to sort out the world. Come on – it’s fun!
Helen is resigning from the Exec but will remain in her coordinating role for this project and will liaise with Naomi as the Executive member. She was warmly thanked for her regular and enthusiastic updates as well
as her astounding ability to access funds! Many thanks from all us Mapuians!
COMMUNITY WELLBEING/TRANSPORTATION
The Community Wellbeing Survey for Mapua/Ruby Bay & Districts held over July received 324 responses while the TACA survey on transport received 54 responses both of which are around 20% response rate .
The three main issues identified were the need for;
• a reliable ,efficient ,affordable and well publicized transport system in the area;
• expanded and extended health services both “ medical” & wider community support
• increased social connectedness between residents and a wider range of services and transport
Access on-line copies of the grouped and summarized reports as well as the TACA survey) via the MDCA Website www.ourmapua.org/wellbeing . Paper copies will be available at the Mapua Community Hall
A full summary of the responses and suggestions from this survey can be found further on in this edition of the Coastal News .
The plan is to follow up responses and suggestions relating to the identified themes with a forum in September of Key stakeholders and interested individuals from both Tasman and Mapua/Districts to set up working parties to “ put wheels/ walking feet under the ideas
If you are interested being part of this future development, please contact
Elena Meredith at elena.meredith@xtra.co.nz
WATER/ENVIRONMENT
This expanded subcommittee will cover:
• Local project/environmental groups such as Dominion Flats; Mamaku Wetlands; Waimea Inlet
• Water updates and issues including water infrastructure and freshwater quality
• Climate change concerns and updates Climate change concerns and updates
• Any other specific environmental matters relevant to Mapua and Districts
Naomi Aporo will be hold this will be hold this portfolio on the Executive
Bruno reported from the Water Infrastructure Group noting that this group of independent Ruby Bay residents will now focus solely on Ruby Bay issues and will report to MDCA to ensure that there is continuity in the wider community ‘s approach to these issues.
Julie Nevin (Ward Councillor candidate ) spoke briefly on her concerns over sustainability and resilience with a focus on environmental issues; community connectedness and transparency in community consultation. She plans to hold a forum in Mapua during September to discuss these issues and sought feedback on levels of interest and potential venues
AN AED IN RUBY BAY?
The question of interest in and demand for an AED in the Ruby Bay area was raised. It was agreed that this issue would be posted onto Facebook to see if Ruby Bay residents support and will help in the fundraising required to purchase an AED . Between $2,800 –$3,000 is required for such a purchase and installation. If you are interested, please contact Wayne Chisnall via info@ourmapua.org or phone him directly
Future Hot Topics
9 September
Tasman Environment Trust
Tasman District Voting system
14 October
Project Janszoon
Mapua Dawn Chorus
Predator Control
11 November
Mapua Community Care Project ( see below)
Mapua Community Care Project (MCCP)
All members of the community were invited to attend both a community consultation meeting at Mapua Hall October 23 at 7.30 pm and their preceding AGM at 7pm
Te Tau Ihu International Generational Strategy Hui
Cr Anne Turley noted that these Hui are being held around the region.
Contact Naomi Aporo for more details
Mapua Community Phone Directory
Mapua & Districts Business Association (MDBA) is seeking help and input to update this local phone directory. Suggested a request be put onto Facebook to seek volunteers . The Secretary will follow this up
Be sure to attend our next monthly meeting:
Monday, 9 September at 7 PM, Bill Marris Room, Mapua Hall.
MDCA works closely with TDC to ensure our community functions in a way that suits the majority of our residents. To have a vote that counts, become a financial member of MDCA by simply paying a $10 membership fee to our NBS account 03 1354 0356471 00 with your name & phone number as a reference.
Submitted by: Elena Meredith