New Ōhariu Electorate Boundaries Announced
New boundaries have been finalised for the Ōhariu electorate for this year’s General Election. Ōhariu moves south to include Wadestown, but loses the Western Hills to Hutt South. While I am looking forward to serving the people of Wadestown, I am very sorry to be losing Korokoro, Maugaraki, Normandale, Melling and Tirohanga which I have represented since 1996. The new Ōhariu electorate now extends from Wadestown, north to Tawa. These boundaries will be in place for at least the 2014 and 2017 General Elections.
Petone to Grenada Link Road Controversy
Opinions are running high in Tawa as a result of plans from the New Zealand Transport Agency to link the Petone to Grenada road (due for construction after 2018) to the Transmission Gully Highway (due to start in the middle of this year) by either a road through Takapu Valley, or the widening of State Highway One by Tawa, affecting around 40 different properties in each case. Residents are understandably very concerned about either of these developments, which have arisen at the eleventh hour. It appears that neither the Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Wellington and Hutt City Councils, nor the Tawa Community Board were consulted by NZTA in the preparation of these plans, yet the approval of all will be required before either the link road or state highway widening can go ahead. There have already been two large public meetings in Tawa on the issue, with strong feelings expressed. For my part, I am not persuaded either of the proposals is necessary, and I am therefore urging NZTA to withdraw both at this stage, and engage more constructively with the local community and Councils about what, if anything at all, needs to be done.
Amesbury School Wants to Recaptitate
Recently I chaired a public meeting at Churton Park’s Amesbury School about the School’s proposals to recapitate as a full primary school, for Years One to Eight students. A request from the school to do so was declined by the Minister of Education last year, but Amesbury School wants to discuss the proposal further with its local community. The lively meeting was a useful opportunity to air all the arguments about the comparative advantages of a full primary education, or the current model of primary plus intermediate school.
Johnsonville Roading Developments
The saga of the redevelopment of the Johnsonville CBD and the Johnsonville Shopping Centre in particular took a small but significant step forwards recently with the announcement that the Wellington City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency will begin work on the Johnsonville Triangle traffic improvements. The project is due for completion within the next 2 to 3 years. I strongly share the hope of many people that this decision will be the catalyst for the DNZ Property Group, owners of the Johnsonville Shopping Centre, to accelerate their plans for the long overdue redevelopment work to commence.
Churton Park’s Successful Gala
A warm spring evening in early March provided the perfect occasion for Churton Park’s annual Gala at the new Churton Park Shopping Centre. The event was organised by the Churton Park Community Association, with the support of local businesses and the Wellington City Council. The Churton Park Community Association, with whom I have had a long association, is typical of many of the dedicated, hardworking residents’ groups active throughout the Ohariu electorate, that do so much to represent and promote the interests of our neighbourhoods.
Neighbours’ Day art Ngā Hau E Whā O Papaparangi Marae
I was pleased to be part of the celebrations of Neighbours’ Day at Newlands’ Ngā Hau E Whā O Papararangi marae recently. Neighbours’ Day is a good opportunity to recognise our neighbours, and also to ensure we are well prepared for an emergency. Wellington City Council has prepared a Good Neighbours card for people to fill in and carry with them, so their neighbours can be contacted in an emergency. You can get a copy of the card from the Wellington City Council.
Arohata Prison Opens Its Doors
Tawa’s Arohata Prison recently threw open its doors to its neighbours and invited them and me to what turned out to be a well-attended Open Evening at the Prison. The opportunity to have a look around the prison, meet staff members and discuss the programmes provided to inmates was appreciated by those present.
North Wellington Voluntary Service Awards Nominations Open
Do you know someone who has provided voluntary service in the northern suburbs for a recognised organisation for at least the last 5 years, whom you think is worthy of recognition? Well, they could be eligible for a North Wellington Voluntary Service Award. Nominations for this year’s Awards open on June 1. Since I established the scheme in 2001, more than 120 local people have been so recognised. Nomination details can be obtained from my Johnsonville Electorate Office.
School Visits
Over recent weeks, I have visited a number of our local schools. I was at Bellevue School for the end of the “Healthy Heroes” programme sponsored by Johnsonville Rotary Club, during Term One, and attended Newlands Intermediate’s Term One celebration evening. I spoke to students at Johnsonville’s Westmount School, and at Ngaio and Khandallah Schools, and have also visited Churton Park School to discuss current issues. Ōhariu’s school are all quality schools, offering parents and students a wide range of educational experiences.