Notes from NPA meeting 4.6.08

• Ngaio School held a very successful centenary last weekend. The weather was cold but fine. Lots of friendships were re-kindled and there was much laughter. The centenary book which is full of stories and recollections, and wonderful photos of “old Ngaio” is available from the Ngaio School Office (or email info@ngaio.school.nz) for $20. The NPA will be giving a seat to the school to mark the occasion.
• The annual street audit will be conducted by NPA members over the next few months. This is when things like broken steps, overhanging bushes, non-functioning lights, poor road and path surfaces and deficient signage are reported to the Council. Let us know if you are aware of a problem – even if you have already rung the Council on 499 4444.
• The Ngaio Scouts have been presented with a cheque for $1000 for all their help with the Junk Drive in March. We couldn’t have managed without them!
• NPA made an oral submission about District Plan Change 61 (Huntleigh Park). We are now awaiting the Commissioner’s decision.
• NPA also made a submission on the WCC Draft Annual Plan.
• As appellants in the case concerning the Kilmarston development (Huntleigh Park Way/ Patna Street), the NPA will be appearing in the Environment Court on July 7. Concerns about this development have gone on for decades and the NPA remains committed to securing access to the Crow’s Nest and the ridgeline for local residents, and the wider community
• There will be a working bee to plant more of the area behind the Play Centre in Silverstream Road Crofton Downs at 10 am on Saturday July 12. Please come along to help – especially if you live in the Crofton Downs area. There will be a few extra trees to plant in the Khandallah Road area and near the stream at the Waikowhai Street entrance

 The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 2 July. 7.45 pm at the Drop in Centre next to the Ngaio Town Hall

Notes from NPA meeting 2.5.08

·         The Ngaio community arts festival is in full swing, with 60 people attending the writers’ workshop in the library and other sessions also popular.  The festival closes on 11 May.

·         The Ngaio School centenary celebration gets underway on 30 May.

·         NPA is to present an oral submission to the City Council on 21 May regarding the Council’s plan change 61 to re-zone land adjacent to Huntleigh Park.

·         We withdrew our submission to WCC agreeing with their proposal in district plan change 63 to re-zone land at 99-101 Waikowhai St from outer residential to conservation site.  All submissions were in favour of this change, so there is no point in holding hearings.

·         The Council’s Infill Housing review gets underway on 9 May.  The proposal actively encourages higher-density housing in targeted areas of Wellington, including Crofton Downs.  There are to be a series of public meetings about this including on in Karori on 11 June from 7:00–8:30pm.

·         NPA members are to review the WCC Annual Plan and will make a submission if necessary.

·         Some of the grasses on Khandallah Road have been replaced.

·         We have ordered 250 plants from the Council  - mainly for Silverstream Road, but a few to fill in gaps in the Khandallah Road planting.  We expect the plants to arrive in early July and will hold a working bee around then.  All welcome!

·         Trevor has worked on the signs at the entrances to Ngaio and they are now looking like new again.

·         The turf in Cummings Park is in very poor condition and Council have agreed to resow it.

·         Apparently commuters are parking their cars all day in the Cummings Park carpark, severely reducing the parking spaces available to people using the local businesses.

·         Residents may have noticed the geotechnical works being carried out on Waikowhai Street.  The Council is considering relocating the sewer pipe from the banks of the Korimako stream to the side of Waikowhai Street.  They are currently checking on the stability of the subsoil.

·         Residents are appealing the resource consent granted for six townhouses on the corner of Quetta St and Cockayne Rd.

Notes from NPA meeting 2.4.08

·         NPA is pricing options for the seat to be gifted to Ngaio School for its centenary.

·         The junk drive raised over $2,000 with money still coming in to the Chemist.  If you put junk out but forgot to put $10 in your letterbox, you can still leave the money at the Chemist shop.  The meeting discussed some of the problems that arose during the drive, including the time it takes for the trucks to get to the tip and back again now that the Churton Park landfill is closed. 

·         The Council has granted resource consent to the Quetta St townhouses.  No concessions were made to accommodate objections raised by residents.

·         NPA sent off a further submission on the WCC plan change 61 to re-zone land adjacent to Huntleigh Park.

·         We also sent a submission to WCC agreeing with their proposal in district plan change 63 to re-zone land at 99-101 Waikowhai St from outer residential to conservation site.

·         Some of the grasses on Khandallah Road will be replaced next winter and a working bee may be held around that time.

·         The Ngaio community arts festival will be held in and around Ngaio Village from 2-11 May.

• Next meeting: Wednesday 7 May at 7:45 in the Drop-in-Centre, Ngaio Town Hall.

Notes from meeting 5.3.08 

1. All arrangements are in hand for the Junk Drive to be held on Saturday March 15. Local residents should receive a more detailed notice in their letter boxes this week.
2. The NPA will be donating a seat to Ngaio School for its centennial which is to be held over Queen’s Birthday this year. The seat will be sited at the Aplin Terrace entrance on the grass over-looking the field.
3. Over 100 submissions were received in respect of the WCC Plan Change relating to Huntleigh Park Way. A summary of those submissions can be seen on the WCC website. Further submissions from previous submitters are due by 31 March 2008. The NPA’s main concern is that as much of the native bush is preserved as possible.
4. Objections to the infill development planned for Quetta Street were heard recently. Despite the fact that the NPA had raised some objections, in the event at the hearing we were not considered an “affected party”. The NPA intends taking this matter up with both the WCC and the Ministry for the Environment – as a matter of principle.
5. The negotiations re the Kilmarston Subdivision have still not been completed. Delays have characterized this development since its inception.
6. Chartwell School is now to be known as Crofton Downs Primary School. There will be more publicity about this soon.

 The next meeting will be held on Wednesday April 2 2008 at 7.45 pm in the Drop-in Centre, Ngaio Town Hall.

Notes from NPA meeting 5.12.07

• The junk drive in now likely to be in late March.

• WCC has approved the change to their infill housing policy.  We will look at the decision and decide whether we need to take any further action.

• WCC is holding a Suburban Centres Review.  Again, we will look at this more closely and see if we should make a submission.

• The Ngaio Community Arts Festival will be held from 2-11 May 2008 in the Ngaio Union Church.  Festival organisers are seeking local people to exhibit their work.

• Quetta Street residents are facing yet another subdivision now that the Council has granted consent for six townhouses at number 12A.  They have formed the Quetta Street Preservation Society Inc. to help present their views.

•  Negotiations over the Kilmarston subdivision seem to be parked in neutral

  Next meeting: 30 Jan 2008

Notes from NPA meeting 7.11.07 

• We sent in a submission to WCC about their proposed District Plan Change 61.  Council proposes to re-zone land off Huntleigh Park Way, Thatcher Crescent and Heke Street from rural to residential (outer).  We supported the proposal because we felt it was the best compromise available.  It provides some protection for the vegetation and preserves some of the rights of the owners of private land.
• Once again we are concerned about the lack of time given to make submissions like this.  The deadline for submissions – under two months - is not enough time for community groups that only meet once a month to respond.
• NPA will hold a session to help submitters make prepare presentations before Council’s District Plan Change 61 hearing takes place.
• Some of the area around the Crofton Downs roundabout is very overgrown.  We will contact Council to see who should be maintaining it.
• Ngaio School is having its centenary next year.  We decided to donate money towards a project of the school’s choice and that next year’s junk drive will raise money for this.
• Weeds keep growing in our plantings beside Khandallah and Silverstream Roads.  Trevor Lloyd has worked hard to keep them down but we will have to do something about this in the new year.

Notes from NPA meeting 3.10.07 

• The Junk Drive will now be held in March or April 2008.
• WCC has withdrawn the resource consent for the installation of Adshel bus shelters.  We look forward to further community consultation by Council on the design and location of bus shelters.

• The Meet the Candidates meeting attracted about 60 people but was rather dull.  We discussed ways to improve it next time, perhaps by changing to a smaller venue such as Nairnville Recreation Centre, advertising it more, and giving candidates set questions to answer.
• Our AGM will be held on 28 October at 8:00pm.  We will invite the newly elected ward councillors.
• WCC Council proposes to re-zone land off Huntleigh Park Way from rural to residential (outer).  It briefed residents about this in a meeting in the Town Hall on 3 October.  There was very little notice for this meeting.
• Negotiations over the Kilmarston subdivision are progressing.

 Notes from NPA meeting 5.9.07 

• The junk drive had to be cancelled this year because we couldn’t find enough volunteers to help.  We will hold it again next year.
• Volunteers from the ANZ helped weed and plant in Silverstream Road, behind the playcentre under Trevor Lloyd’s supervision.
• The Johnsonville line will be closed temporarily at some stage next year to allow the track to be improved for the new trains.
• WCC is beginning a formal consultation process on a plan change for some properties near Huntleigh Park.  We have received a report that summarises the options.
• We are holding a Meet the Candidates meeting in the Town Hall on 11 September.
• We agreed to continue to support BUS Group in their appeal against the Adshel bus shelters.
• Our AGM will be held in the Ngaio Town Hall on 28 October at 8:00pm.

Notes from NPA meeting 1.8.07

1. The inaugural Treasure Hunt held on a damp cold Sunday afternoon (22 July) was a great success. 9 teams took part and everyone had a good time. The hot Milo (with marshmallows) and the sausage rolls were eagerly downed as the tired crews returned to the Town Hall at 4 p.m. All teams ended up with a prize – the 3 prize winning teams got an ipod shuffle and the other teams got vouchers to spend. Many thanks to Mitre 10 Crofton Downs for donating $100 worth of vouchers – it was much appreciated.
    

2. There has been more planting done to fill a few gap areas on Khandallah Road and on August 3 there will be a group of Corporate volunteers working on the Silverstream Road site under the direction of Trevor Lloyd of the NPA. There have been many favourable comments too about the dedicated work – and the most attractive results – of the Adopt-a-Spotees in Trelissick Park. The Park is well worth a visit and is easy to access from Trelissick Crescent or near the overbridge just north of the Crofton Downs Station.
    

3. The dates of the political meeting for the WCC election hopefuls, the Junk Drive and the AGM will be publicized soon.

Notes from NPA meeting 4.7.07 

1.                  There was much discussion about the “iKnow Ngaio Community Treasure Hunt” which is taking place on Sunday July 22 2007 – see elsewhere on this site for all the details, and See you there!

2.                  There has been a meeting between the Scouts and the WCC about the on-going issues in building a local Scout Hall. A feasibility study is now to be undertaken. The NPA fully supports the local Scouts in their search for a permanent home.

3.                  A draft of our submission for the NPA’s case in the appeal for the Environment Court concerning the Kilmarston subdivision has been prepared. The NPA would be keen to settle this out of court if possible.

4.                  No date has yet been set by the Environment Court for the appeal against the Adshel bus shelters planned for our area. Currently the resource consent is not active as the matter is under appeal.

5.                  The NPA will hold a political meeting for the candidates in the local body elections. It will be held on Thursday September 13 at the Ngaio Town Hall at 7.30 p.m.

6.                  This year’s Junk Drive will be on Saturday October 13.

7.                  At 10 a.m. on Saturday July 28 NPA members (and any willing community helpers) will do some planting on Khandallah Road, Silverstream Road and near the stream at Wightwick’s Field.

 The next meeting of the NPA will be held on Wednesday August 1 2007.

Notes from NPA meeting 6.6.07 

1. Planning is well underway for the Ngaio Community treasure hunt to be held on Sunday afternoon on July 22. Local advertising will begin within the next few weeks.

2. A sub-committee will begin work on the NPA case for public access to the Crow’s Nest when the Kilmarston case goes to the Environment Court later this year.

3. Concern about the Adshel bus shelters continues and whilst the NPA has made a submission to the WCC we are aware of action being taken by other Ngaio and Khandallah residents as well.

4. There is general support for the Council’s Infill Housing policy plans.

Notes from NPA meeting 5.5.07

1. Planning has begun in earnest for “i-know Ngaio”, the NPA’s family-focused “treasure hunt” which will be held on Sunday July 22. More details will be made available at a later date.

2. With the Council elections in October this year, the NPA will organize a “Meet the candidates” evening sometime in September.

3. The NPA will be making a submission on the Council’s Draft Annual Plan.  Whilst there was not a lot which related directly to Ngaio in the plan, there are issues such as the Council’s in-fill housing policy, which are of considerable interest to local residents.

4. The Council has proposed some District Plan zoning changes for a few properties in Thatcher Crescent and Huntleigh Park Way to tidy up some zoning variations. With one exception, the NPA supports the proposed plan changes.

5. Concern has been expressed about the amount of dog poo littering local streets. In fairness to others, and as a matter of principle, all dog walkers should carry a plastic bag and scoop up anything their dog does.

6. There are strong views in the community opposing the Council’s support of the Adshel bus shelters. The NPA has made a submission – we want site-specific bus shelters, without advertising.

7. The NPA’s concerns re public access to the Crow’s Nest have not been resolved by mediation with the developer of the Kilmarston subdivision so we will be proceeding to the Environment Court later in the year.

8. There is concern that not all residents are receiving The Wellingtonian and the Norwester regularly. Given that the Council advertises resource consents and other public information in these papers, this situation is unfortunate. Residents should let Julia Williams (Ph 4792 292)

     know, if they are affected.

Notes from NPA meeting 4.4.07

• Adshel bus shelters:  The Resource Consents Hearing Committee granted  consents for bus shelters at 125 of the 128 locations applied for. There were conditions attached to a few of the shelters planned for Ngaio sites but they were relatively minor conditions.
• The NPA will appeal the decision in respect of a number of specific sites eg a consent was granted for a bus shelter at the stop next to the Ngaio sign as one approaches Ngaio coming up the Ngaio Gorge. No one could recall   ever seeing anyone waiting for a bus at this stop but it was agreed that it   would be a very attractive site for an advertiser.
• Local residents who have concerns re these shelters are encouraged to ring the Chairperson, Julia Williams on 4792 292.
• Further details of a family-based Treasure Hunt to be held mid-year were discussed.
• The Trellissick Park Group is looking for someone to replace Frances Lee as Secretary. This would suit a local resident who is keen to make a real contribution to the hard work of this group in our “beautiful back yard”.  Again, ring Julia Williams on 4792 292, if you would be interested or know of someone else who could be.
• Two housing developments planned for Quetta Street were brought to the Committee’s attention. These are part of the trend towards extensive infill housing in the suburb, and they raise issues particularly for immediate neighbours.

Notes from NPA meeting 7.3.07

• The NPA made an oral submission at a recent Council hearing opposing the planned widespread placement of Adshel bus shelters throughout Ngaio.  We are now awaiting the findings of the hearing. In essence, our position is that we are fully in favour of more bus shelters being made available but not the standard Adshel ones which are adorned with advertisements and lit up at night. With our narrow winding streets, particularly Cockayne Road, we think these shelters would be very distracting for drivers. Whilst possibly more acceptable in commercial areas, they are inappropriate in suburban streets.
• The NPA will be involved in further mediation in April concerning the Kilmarston subdivision.
• The Council is reviewing its Off Road Mountain Bike policy. The NPA will be making a submission saying that we do not want Trelissick Park opened up for mountain bikers – the tracks are too windy and narrow.
• The NPA does not support a resource consent application for an encroachment to build a double deck garage on the Trelissick Park side of Ngaio Gorge Road. The retention of as many uninterrupted views of the bush as possible, and the precedent effect were the main reasons for this decision.
• The annual picnic will not be held this year but planning has begun for another family-oriented community event mid year

Notes from NPA meeting 7 February 2007

The meeting discussed several issues. 

• The Kilmarston Appeal mediation will be continued on 20 April, having failed to reach agreement at the December meeting.  NPA members will continue to attend.
• Wellington City Council is proposing to provide Adshel bus shelters on a number of bus routes in Wellington, including the Ngaio/Khandallah route.  It called for public submissions and will be holding hearings on 26-28 February.  NPA made a submission.
• The meeting agreed not to hold a community picnic this year.  Poor weather in recent years has meant cancellations and a poor turn out.  A replacement function will be decided on at the next meeting.
• With the local body elections coming up in September, NPA will hold a public meeting in the town hall meet the candidates.  This is likely to be held in July or early August.
• Plantings around Ngaio this year will be limited this year.  Instead, a major effort will be put into weeding existing areas.

Notes from NPA meeting 6 December 2006 

• Only 5 people came to the NPA weeding morning on Khandallah Road on Saturday 25 November. It would be good to have a bigger turn-out next year as the plants are doing very well and are much admired. However, they do need to be weeded!
• NPA returns to mediation in the Environment Court on 8 December over the Kilmarston subdivision off Huntleigh Park Way. Our main concern remains public access to the iconic Crow’s Nest.
• The 3 Ngaio signs have been sanded and oiled by Trevor Lloyd. We are very proud of these signs and, again, they are much admired. The small flaxes and grasses that we have planted under them are also growing well.
• One resident has suggested the NPA takes some action to get the Collingwood Street railway under-pass painted and tidied up. What do other residents think?
• The NPA made a submission to the WCC re the Adshel bus shelters planned for Ngaio. There was a lively debate about this at the meeting. The overall feeling was that bus shelters are needed, particularly in view of the weather we have been experiencing, but each site is different and it is not a case of “one size fits all”.
• There are some new signs at the Girl Guides Centre in Crofton Downs which say “Private Property”. Others mark specific tracks as “No Entry”. The signs are not intended to stop people walking the main track through to Huntleigh Park and Heke Street. Rather they are to ensure people understand that they are on private property and enter at their own risk. For further information go to the Girl Guides website

www.guides.wellington.net.nz/huntleighnews

Notes from NPA meeting 1 November 2006

• The Junk Drive was a great success. Once we’d made a donation to the Ngaio Scouts for the great assistance given by 1 Scout and 7 Venturers and a number of their parents, the NPA made over $2000. Money can still be left at the Ngaio Pharmacy.

•  The Junk Drive took much longer this year and the last truck didn’t leave Ngaio until after 4 p.m. This was mainly because the trucks had to go to the Southern Landfill when they were full and this meant gaps of at least an hour while the trucks were away.  Any suggestions as to how we could improve the operation would be much appreciated.

• The AGM was also successful and there was no shortage of questions for Paul Barker, the guest speaker from WCC who addressed residents on the traffic calming measures the Council has undertaken in the last year. The chicane in Silverstream Road was the subject of lively discussion – watch this space!
• Trevor Lloyd reported on the numerous areas which the NPA has planted in recent years. The grasses on Khandallah Road look particularly attractive at the moment, and are much admired. Trevor spends many hours weeding and maintaining these planted areas.  NPA members are planning a more extensive weeding effort on the Khandallah Road site later this month. Now is the optimum time for weeding.
• The NPA will attend the second mediation meeting on the Kilmarston subdivision on December 8 2006

Notes from NPA meeting 4 October 2006

Arrangements for three upcoming events were discussed at some length: 

• The mediation session for the Kilmarston Appeal. This has been set down for October 13.  NPA concerns relate to:

• Landscape character – we strongly object to the lack of detail in the decision re the location and mitigation of landscape and visual effects in the elevated areas zoned Open Space

•  Covenants – we would like all titles to have single unit dwellings with no subdivision allowed

•  Reserves contribution and pedestrian access ways -  the decision gives no certainty to future ownership and public access to the Crow’s Nest 

• The annual Junk Drive to be held on Saturday October 14. There will be 4 trucks provided by the Council but this year they will have to travel all the way to the Southern Landfill to empty their loads.  To make the operation as efficient as possible we plan to use “scouting cars” to go ahead of the trucks and report where the big loads are, and to take saleable junk to the Khandallah Road sale site. The drive will begin at 8 a.m. so all rubbish must be out on the kerbside before that time.
• The AGM will be held at the Town Hall on Wednesday October 25. After the formalities the meeting will be addressed by Paul Barker from WCC. He will be talking about the traffic calming measures in Ngaio and responding to questions and concerns from residents.

Notes from NPA meeting 6 September 2006

• About 50 plants were successfully planted by local volunteers behind the Play Centre in Crofton Downs, on August 12. A local cat joined in the activity!
• The annual audit done by NPA members has now been completed and will be sent in to the Council before the next meeting. Overhanging branches and other rampant vegetation appears to have been dealt with in recent weeks.
• There was a report on the latest Project Kaiwharawhara meeting. (These are held about 3 times a year, hosted by WCC officers and attended by representatives of groups working in the Catchment e.g. Karori Sanctuary, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Trelissick Park Ngaio Gorge Working Group, Wellington Botanical Society – and the NPA.). An officer from Greater Wellington Regional Council presented a paper on “Water quality monitoring.” Her key points were:

• • Most water is not potable or polluted

  • Water quality depends on the criteria applied to it (physical, chemical and biological), and is highly variable

  • Monitoring is central to assessing stream health NB There are 56 monitoring sites in the Wellington region. The Kaiwhrarwhara Stream has been monitored since 1987; key observations include significant faecal bacteria, dissolved nutrients and fairly high water clarity

  • The key threats to urban streams are sewage leaks, industrial waste, silt from earthworks and erosion, storm water pollution, and land use change eg infill, piping of streams

·         There is on-going concern from residents about the chicane in Silverstream Road . The NPA has already written to the Council about this. A speaker from the WCC was suggested for the AGM to be held on October 25.

·         The Junk Drive will now take place on Saturday October 14. Re-useable items will be available from the grassy area on Khandallah Road from 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. Residents who have these will be encouraged to take them there directly rather than putting them out with their other rubbish outside their houses.

·         The NPA has donated two macrocarpa bench seats for Trelissick Park. These have been installed and residents are encouraged to take a walk down stream from Wightwick’s Field (access off Trelissick Crescent or near the railway overbridge on Waikowhai Street)

Notes from NPA meeting 2 August 2006

• The planting bee on July 15 at Khandallah Road was a great success despite the poor weather.  There have been many positive comments from residents, and those who drive through Ngaio regularly, about how well the plantings done over the last five years are doing. It could be one of the only useful things about the poor weather this winter – that the plants have been well watered in!
• The final planting bee for this year will take place on Saturday August 12 – 10 a.m. at the Play Centre in Silverstream Road, Crofton Downs. Volunteers are required.
• The NPA’s continuing interest in road safety was enhanced by a report from a committee member who had attended a recent Wellington Road Safety Stakeholder Engagement Workshop Recent installations appear to be working effectively in “Roundabout Ngaio”!
• Approval was given for yellow marking lines outside the kohanga reo in Tarikaka Street, to operate at critical drop-off and collection times during week days.
• It was reported that WCC repairs are imminent for the steps between Bombay and Quetta Streets. Repairs to the steps between Perth and Orari Streets are also required and the NPA will push for these too.
• The NPA will take up the option to attend mediation with respect to its appeal against the resource consent granted for the Kilmarston subdivision (Huntleigh Park Way)
• The annual Junk Drive will take place on October 7 this year. Residents putting out junk will be asked to contribute $10 for the collection.
• The NPA AGM will be held on October 25 2006.

Notes from NPA meeting 5 July 2006

• There was a very successful streamside planting working bee near Wightwick’s Field on Saturday July 1. 87 plants were planted
   
• The next planting working bee will be at 10 am on Saturday July 15 at Khandallah Road. There are over 450 plants to be planted so all able bodies will be welcomed!
   
• Two sites have been chosen in Trelissick Park for the seats the NPA is donating.  One is to be in the cleared area just south of Wightwick’s Field and the other in the area just south of the 4^th bridge. We are working with the WCC to get the seats installed
   
• Stage 2 of Greater Wellington’s North Wellington Public Transport Strategy was discussed at length. We strongly supported the Enhanced Rail and the Light Rail options but realize that cost will probably be the major factor in the decision so that the Light Rail option (with the service going right through to Courtenay Place) may not be economically viable.
   
• The Commissioners’ decision re the Kilmarston development was also discussed. It appears that none of the concerns the NPA raised in its submission has been adequately addressed and so we will be appealing the decision.  Of most concern was easy access to Crow’s Nest

Notes from Ngaio Progressive Association meeting 7 June 2006

•  The audit has almost been completed. There is a general concern about the condition of the flights of steps in the area – they need major repair work and the NPA will be contacting the WCC to find out when this is likely to be done.

• The decision on the resource consent for the Kilmarston development off Huntleigh Park Way has been delayed. The NPA raised objections to several aspects of the proposal.
• People are dumping rubbish in more isolated parts of the suburb – Volunteers in Trelissick Park in particular often come across household rubbish dumped over roadside banks. Residents should take car details if they see this happening, and report them to the WCC – 494 4444. Any ideas to help combat this problem would be welcomed.

•  Please come along on Saturday July 15 at 10 a.m. to complete the planting programme on Khandallah Road. Many hands make light work – there are over 400 trees to be planted.

•  There will also be some streamside planting done in Trelissick Park near the Waikowhai Street entrance, and in Silverstream Road near the Play Centre.

• The NPA is donating two wooden seats for Trelissick Park. The exact location for these is yet to be decided.

•  Residents report car number plate thieves are operating in the area. Again, please report details to the Police if you see this happening.
   

Notes of meeting held May 3 2006

This was a short meeting. There are a number of matters currently underway and these were reported on:

•  The Ngaio – Crofton Downs audit. It was noted that there has been quite a flurry of Council activity lately with regard to street maintenance and the cutting of roadside vegetation. However Committee members are still finding, and recording for the report to the WCC, plenty of repairs which need to be done e g the levelling and re-sealing of the footpath to the Ngaio Station from Waikowhai Street.
   

• The Kilmarston subdivision above Patna Street. The Council hearing is currently underway and the NPA will be making its submission on May 5. The NPA recently held a successful workshop for submitters. Many concerns were expressed.
   
• The Long Term Council Community Plan – comments on this are due by May 12 (very short notice in view of the fact that the documents were not sent to the NPA until April 22). The issues relate to Urban Development, Transport, Economic Development, Environment, Culture and Wellbeing, Social and Recreational matters and Governance. NPA Committee members will identify concerns for Ngaio- Crofton Downs residents but any residents who are interested can get an abbreviate copy of the Plan from the Cummings Park Library and make their own submissions if they wish.

Notes from meeting held on April 5 2006 

• The Community Picnic held this year at Wightwick’s Field on March 20 was greatly enjoyed by about 35 people. Some took the opportunity to walk further down the Korimako using the four new bridges which have been completed in recent months.
   
• Parks and Reserves will be replacing the plants which died after the Village Upgrade last year.
   
• At its last meeting the NPA agreed to give its support in principle to the proposal for a Scout Hall to be erected on the Chelmsford Park Reserve.  The WCC is to begin consulting with neighbouring property owners soon.
   
• The turf in the dog exercise area at Cummings Park is still in poor condition. It was re-sown at the end of last year but the very dry spring meant that the turf did not take. The NPA will wait a little longer before re-contacting the WCC about what happens next.
   
• Plans for winter plantings were discussed. The three areas to be planted this year are Trelissick Park (the streamside area near the Wightwick’s Field entrance off Waikowhai Street), Silverstream Road (behind the Play Centre) and Khandallah Road (the bank below the road opposite the rail embankment planted last year).
   
• There was a report on the latest meeting on the WCC’s Kaiwharwhara Catchment Project. A subsequent night-time walk to check fish life in the lower part of the Kaiwharawhara Stream had proved that small trout were alive and well; there are plans to construct two fish ladders further up the Stream to allow the passage of fish to Otari and beyond.
   
• The NPA’s Annual Audit of streets will be done in the next two months. However, local residents who are aware of urgent matters should ring the WCC directly on 499 4444 to report them.
   
• The Resource Consent hearing concerning the Kilmarston subdivision at the top of Heke Street will be on May 4,5 and 8. The NPA will host a meeting of submitters on April 19 to explain the process and offer suggestions about presentations.

Notes from the meeting held on 3 August 2005

• NPA agreed to organise a Meet the Candidates meeting in the Ngaio Town on 23 August.
• WCC is developing a plan about reinforcing rules on parking on footpaths.  NPA will send in a submission on proposed enforcement options.
• The annual junk drive will take place on 8 October.  Residents will receive a notice about this in their letterboxes together with NPA’s end of year report.
• NPA is to lodge a complaint with WCC about the state of the grass in Cummings Park.
• NPA will have a chance to be consulted on infill housing when WCC’s draft City Development Strategy is sent out later this year.    

Notes from meeting held on July 6 2005

• Meet at the Ngaio Railway Station at 10 a.m. on Saturday July 23 if you would like to assist in some planting to be done around the car park area.  The NPA will have three trained First Aiders on hand – they recently graduated from a course run by the WCC for Community Volunteers. Hopefully their services won’t be needed on the 23^rd!|
  

• The NPA will be commenting on the WCC’s Draft Undergrounding (of cables) Plan. Generally, we would oppose any proposals that would force residents to pay if they don’t want to have cables undergrounded outside their properties.
  

• The NPA decided to give the Trelissick Park Ngaio Gorge Working Group $100 for administrative costs. It is also exploring the idea of providing some seats in the Park so that walkers can “rest and be thankful”.
  

• The SaferRoads project was discussed.  There was significant feedback and the NPA will be asking the WCC to remove the chicanes in Silverstream Road and Winstone Street, and the splitter island at the entrance to Trelissick Crescent from Kenya Street. All these features are regarded as dangerous for drivers. Residents are asked to continue giving feedback as the NPA will be following up when the works currently being done are completed.
  

• The NPA has written to the WCC about its policies re infill housing. Many residents have expressed concern about the type and number of houses that are being built in the area on subdivided sections. It is too late to do anything once the houses are built so we need to give feedback to the WCC re its Urban Housing Strategy and the District Plan.
  

•  Reports were given on a recent meeting of the Kaiwharawhara Catchment Project at which the main speaker reported on the growing fish stock in both the Kaiwharawhara and Korimako Streams, and the hearing concerning the Ridvan Gardens application for a resource consent for its subdivision in Crofton Downs.

Notes from meeting held on June 1 2005

• The WCC has asked for comments on a Community Outcomes Process. This appears to be a process required by the Local Government Act 2002 to identify “community outcomes”. All local authorities must carry it out “not less than once every six years”. Amongst other things, the NPA will suggest that any consultation is about a theme eg the natural environment, social services or the built environment, rather than a “general consultation’ such as the Community Forums promoted by the WCC in recent years.
  

•  The NPA has also been asked for comments about the WCC’s draft policy on the undergrounding of services. This will be further discussed at the next meeting.
  

• The next meeting will also discuss any issues with the new roundabouts, splitter islands and Give Way signs being installed in the area at the moment
  

•  Further wall strengthening is to be undertaken on the Ngaio Gorge Road. This is all being done as follow-up to a geo-technical report on the state of the road in terms of its ability to function as a major egress from the city in the event of a major earthquake
  

• The NPA will be doing some more planting of native trees and shrubs this winter. Residents are welcome to come along and help. Dates will be publicised soon. In the meantime everybody is encouraged to “watch the birds”. They are very prolific at the moment and busy feeding up on the berries and seeds growing locally

Notes from meeting held on 4 May 2005

•  Our three Councillors (Andy Foster, John Morrison and Jack Ruben) attended the meeting and there was a lively discussion on a number of local issues e.g. resource consent processes, sources of funding for upgrading the Silverstream Park Playground, the on-going search for a Scout Hall site, in-fill housing.
  

• The Councillors assured us that they are more than willing to attend community meetings where particular issues are discussed, or where information from the WCC is required. All present agreed that it is vital to keep the lines of communication open so that Council policies and procedures are informed and guided by community views.
  

• With respect to the District Plan, the NPA was encouraged to put in submissions now i.e. not wait until the 5 year Plan period is up, if it wished to instigate changes eg to change the minimum size of sections to restrict in-fill housing developments.
  

• The NPA has written to the WCC querying the effectiveness of its noise enforcement procedures with respect to on-going noise issues at a Kenya Street house.
  

• The NPA is to send a Pride in Ngaio Award to Brian Sheppard of 53 Waikowhai Street for his work over many years in organizing the clearing of blackberry from road reserve and regularly mowing the grass along the road edge.

NPA: Notes from meeting held on 6 April 2005

• The NPA had written to the WCC asking about community consultation processes and what follow up could be expected to the Community Fora initiated by the WCC in 2003.  The WCC had said that Ward Meetings were to be re-introduced.  So far none has been held so this matter will be raised at the May meeting when our local Councillors will be present.
  

• The Silver Stream clean-up is to be held on Sunday 17 April at 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed. Please bring gloves and tools as appropriate. The longer-term plan is to do some weed clearing and planting in the Silverstream Road park area. These working bees are a great way to meet others and work together and make our communities safer and more pleasant.
  

• There will be a guided walk through the new track south of Wightwick’s Field in Trelissick Park on Sunday April 24.  If it is wet the walk will be postponed until the following Sunday, May 1. Walkers should meet at the Waikowhai Street entrance to the Park at 10.30 a.m. Strong walking shoes are essential. There are 4 stream crossings involved.
  

• There are several flights of steps in the suburb, which are in bad repair. Please ring the WCC on 499 4444 to report broken steps or handrails. These are potentially dangerous.
  

• NPA members heard a report on the recent meeting of Project Kaiwharawhara. The Blaschke report on “Priorities for Ecological Restoration of the Kaiwharawhara Catchment Wellington City” is now available and makes very interesting reading for local residents in particular.

NPA Notes from meeting held on March 2 2005 

•   A gathering to celebrate the opening of the new bridge adjacent to Wightwick’s Field was held on Friday February 18 and was a great success.
  

• Many people are using the new track south from Wightwick’s Field, and enjoying the walk right through to the Hanover Street Bridge. The NPA is to write to the WCC thanking it for the efforts that have been made to make the tracks so user-friendly.
  

• The public toilets outside the Town Hall are to be upgraded later this month
  

• The NPA made a submission on the proposed Ridvan Gardens subdivision for Crofton Downs.  It asked a number of questions of the WCC and Greater Wellington Regional Council particularly with respect to the proposed dam
  

•  The Pride-in-Ngaio Awards are to be re-instituted.  These are given by the NPA to people who develop and maintain road reserve to make attractive street frontages to their properties
  

•  NPA targets for 2005 were finalised and will be put on the website shortly

NPA Notes from February 2 meeting, 2005

•  Onslow Ward councillors are invited to the monthly meetings. They also receive a copy of the minutes after each meeting
  

• WCC has acknowledged that there has been a lack of compliance with the conditions of consent for the Harbourside development.  NPA will continue to monitor the situation. 
  

•  Mid-winter planting for 2005 will include the streamside area near the new bridge in Trelissick Park, and areas on Khandallah Road and near the Ngaio Railway Station. 
  

•  Detailed planning was done for the Bridge Opening on February 11 (or February 18 if necessary) and the Cummings Park Puicnic on February 27 
  

• The working drawings for the Ngaio Village Upgrade are being completed and the tenders will be let in March 
  

• A group of NPA members will meet to discuss the NPA response to an application by Ridvan Gardens for a resource consent for a proposed subdivision in Crofton Downs

Highlights from the meeting held on November 3 2004

·        Concern was expressed about the WCC’s hydro-seeding of the Dog Exercise area in Cummings Park.  This matter will be taken up with the WCC.

·        The Infrastructure Audit for 2004 is proceeding well and should be submitted by Christmas. 

·        The Junk Drive held in October raised about $535. 

·        The AGM also held in October was very successful and considerable interest was shown in what Mike Oates and Richard Goldsborough had to say respectively about the Kaiwharawhara Catchment and Weeds in Ngaio. 

·        The NPA will be writing to Judy Siers to thanks her for all the work she did for local residents during her 12 year term on the WCC. 

·        Much concern aboiut the visual impact of the refurbished reservoir at Odell’s Reserve was expressed.  This matter will also be taken up with the WCC. 

·        Plans for NPA planting for 2005 were initiated. 

·        There was enthusiastic support for the Village Upgrade plans.  These are in the Cummings Park Library and residents have until November 12 to make submissions on them. 

The next meeting of the NPA, and the last for the year, will be held on December 1 2004.

 New Chairperson and contact: Julia Williams Ph. 4792 292