Johnsonville line to be improved

Greater Wellington’s $500m rail plan will mean improvements to the Johnsonville line.  The tunnels will be realigned and enlarged to allow all rolling stock, including new Wellington’s new trains, to use the line.  Work is scheduled to start in the summer of 2007/08.
Source: News, Greater Wellington, 10 July 2007

Crows Nest subdivision

Ngaio Progressive Association has been involved in mediation over the Kilmarston subdivision.  Among other things, NPA is concerned about public access to the Crows Nest.  Mediation has failed so the case is to go before the Environment Court.  A date has not yet been set but is likely to be in September.

 Infill Housing Review Submissions

Wellington City Council has reviewed how infill housing is managed in the city.  This particularly affects new “backyard” housing developments within established suburbs such as Ngaio.  Infill housing in Ngaio has caused major headaches for neighbours such as on-street parking problems.  Ngaio Progressive Association made a supportive submission on the Council’s proposals.

 The B.U.S. (Build Useful Shelters) residents' group

When Wellington City Council proposed to install 127 Adshel bus shelters throughout Wellington - mostly in Khandallah and Ngaio -  many residents objected.  Although most wanted bus shelters where needed, they wanted practical ones that would keep people dry.  And they didn't want advertising hoards along suburban routes.  Lobby group, BUS (Build Useful Shelters) have a website which sets out their concerns and their dealings with Council.
Source: BUS web site

 NPA appeals bus shelter decision

The NPA is appealing Wellington City Council’s decision to grant Adshel bus shelter resource consents.  We feel that a number of the sites in Ngaio are not needed, particularly those on the uphill route on Ngaio Gorge Road where few people wait to catch buses.  These sites, however, would be prime targets for advertisers. 
Adshel bus shelter hearing decision

Wellington City Council's Resource Consents Hearing Committee refused consent to two proposed Adshels and granted consent to the other 125.  Its full report is on the Council website.
Source: Wellington City Council website, 28 March 2007 (PDF)
 Adshel bus shelter report to the Resource Consents Hearing Committee
Source: Wellington City Council, 14 Feb 2007 (PDF)

The Council is proposing to build more bus shelters on many of the city's bus routes, including those going through Ngaio.  Submissions close on 30 November 2006

Council in your community

 Wellington City Council now have a series of Senior Advisors in their City Communities Business Unit - established earlier this year after a review of previous “Community Services” unit.

 They have a:

• Strong focus on the development of strong vibrant communities

• Strong focus on Council engagement with communities, and

• Senior Advisor role with ward responsibilities.

As well as liaising with the Onslow –Western ward, Natasha Petkovic-Jeremic, has specific portfolios in the areas of youth, volunteering & early childhood education

 Ring Natasha if you are involved with a particular group or issue or activity in Ngaio and Crofton Downs and need information or support from Wellington City Council. She can tell you:

•  Information about what Council is doing and planning  

• formation on Council processes (demystifying) 

• Link to Council processes and officers    

• Link aspects of community to each other  

• Information on/link to training and other opportunities 

• Bring understanding of ward communities back into Council (to Council officers)

•  Assisting on community issues by raising them within the Council and assisting to co-ordinate Council responses

Natasha Petkovic-Jeremic
Ph 801-3224
natasha.petkovic-jeremic@wcc.govt.nz

Wellington City Council has just purchased 70 hectares of ridge-top land from Karori Park to Chartwell.  This means the Skyline walkway from Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park to Mt Kaukau is now complete. 

 If you would like us to post a community notice please email it to: Olwyn Crutchley for consideration