“We want communities [to be ] involved and informed” [Ward Cr Christeen MacKenzie at MDCA May meeting]
This headline quote is a succinct summary of both MDCA’s primary kaupapa and the focus of May’s monthly meeting . The theme of future development plans was continued with the particular focus being on Residential Zoning. Once again this “hot topic” attracted over 80 residents and the discussion was led by TDC staff members Barry Johnson (Planning) & Dwayne Fletcher (Engineering)
A recording of this full presentation & the following open forum is accessible on MDCA’s Facebook Page which includes a link to the supporting power-point slides .
Issues raised for discussion and response by those attending included:
Zoning land
• is “a front-load process with collaborative community consultation …to minimize the legal process” and takes 6-9months
• “When classification of land changes to residential ,rates rise…the purpose of rezoning land is eventually getting it to be developed[providing housing”]
• Deferred zones –deferral lifted when services are available Rate changes recognize the potential of the land’s capital value- the “uplift occurs when buildings and development happens”
• Local community associations are contacted & informed “but there is no scope for change”
• “not much scope for rezoning in Māpua – the potential for increased density “ needs detailed scrutiny”
• Key messages for future development is “out and up” (60%) which is a change from past patterns of “big –lots and big houses “- “you can apply for resource consent for anything-
• Consider “who does rezoning benefit- developers or the existing community ?”
• Confirmed that FDS (Future Development Strategy) definition of intensification “would not include rezoning any ‘green field’ developments….could include high density if rules change…”
• “village area not included for intensification…will reconsider this in July – can submit suggesting for example “granny flats”….small/tiny houses”
Water & waste-water
• Storm water plan is in place but not formally adopted –from August 1st the moratorium re servicing further development will be removed –
• Agreed on need to consult landowners as potential stakeholders
• Not planning on increasing road capacity “ this is NZTA/ Waka Kotahi responsibility”
• “more interested in exploring safety rather than capacity”
Marion ( Chairperson) reminded meeting that “all processes are public…TDC consults with & informs Community Associations – MDCA’s “ Māpua Liveability Sub-Committee” focuses on these issues so all present encouraged to join the Association and strengthen its voice
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Dominion Flats
Public planting held -29/30 May with 2,000 plants bedded in . For more information contact Helen Bibby. Cr MacKenzie noted, from a recent walk-through, “it’s amazing what volunteers have achieved”
“Māpua Liveability Working Group “ – . Paul McIntosh
• noted that “all topics presented at this meeting are concerns for this sub-committee”
• Theme is “keeping live consultation with TDC about what we want to happen.. past simply making submissions”
• Focus not “anti-development” ; more on “making it more sustainable” and “resident friendly”
• Important to ensure that new acts replacing the RMA enable this focus- “create more access ways rather than roads”….been asked to identify “active transport options” that will work best including linking up green-space areas
• Anna McKenzie noted that a “Landscape & Coastal Environments “Category planned – meeting 3 June at Bowling Club 10am-3pm to discuss what this practically means – MDCA encouraged to “be proactive in preparing for this; ”do a mini presentation next meeting
Roads & Cycle-Ways
• Response from NZTA to concerns raised re potential issues for vehicles turning from Coastal High-way across traffic into Māpua Drive –acknowledging the increased congestion and indicating that area identified as requiring safety work .
• Planned for 2024 and will undertake extensive community consultation
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
1. Māpua Willing Wheels –(MWW) – working on formalizing operational documents such as a Risk Management and Business . Exploring access to funding for a dedicated vehicle for the planned Motueka Community Coastal Bus service
2. Community Hub- Information from local community survey now collated and is in the process of being formatted as a local community directory and entered on the MDCA Website page with instructions for access on the Facebook page
SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
• MDCA Facebook engagements – 400+ on Ngaio Reserve development & 100+ on Long Term Plan
• Kai with Love Collective nominated as community “Good Sorts” for this month
FUTURE HOT TOPICS:
For the June meeting – “Living in Māpua as a young person /with young people”
1. How do they see Māpua ?
2. What would they like to see happen ?
Presented by a panel including people with young families and students
Submitted by: Elena Meredith