Kia Ora everyone
I had a week away in Niue so missed doing an August report, so am combining it with September.
The exciting news is that the Waiheke Library was overall Winner for Commercial Architectural Excellence in the Resene Timber Design Awards and provides a “lyrical response to a timber library building, and a robust structural statement.” Congratulations to Pacific Environments and Kazu Nakagawa for their vision. All of this is amazingly complimented by the Pou up on the hill which anchor us to the land, and now also have lighting to reach into the skies.
It was wonderful to attend the blessing of the The Learning Centre. It’s been a long process of following the refurbishment process and finding the right tenants that would hold the space in a way that creates more opportunities for Waiheke Islanders. Thanks to the vision of Fiona Gregory and the Trust, they are able to have a wide mandate that supports everything from small business development, youth education as well as things more traditionally covered by adult learning. With the sound proofing, and revamp of the of the bathroom area it will also be possible extend the range of opportunities offered.
The Local Board moves back into the buildings at the Service Centre in Ostend. I think we’re all sorry to be going. The Oneroa Bowling Club has had such a beautiful outlook and there’s a little element of Ye Olde Worlde that clings to it.
In transport there is a new bike station at Matiatia, and the transport capital fund projects are underway.
The Suffrage Day Celebrations took place earlier this month – wonderful of course that women got the vote – this did happen in 1893. I wish it felt more like our right than something that was given to us through the benevolent action of a bunch of men in suits. It also happened over 120 years ago so I wonder why women in elected representation hovers at the 30-35% mark.
The dog bylaw hearings and decisions seem to have consumed most of the last couple of months. I felt we worked really hard on trying to come up with good outcomes for all the communities of interests and tried to address all concerns. It was a real eye opener for me in terms of how the democratic process is both clunky – (we go through the whole hearings process and then it needs to be ratified by the Local Board as whole) but how that process can then be thrown in the air again after the hearings process.
I think there were wins for all – shorter time and season rules, more beaches that are off-leash, a couple of prohibited areas and an affirmation of dogs on leashes on coastal tracks.
Dunes, fruit trees, native trees, – you name it, Waiheke Island and volunteers have been planting it. Thanks to all our organisations that do all the great work in this area – The Resource Trust, Friends of MacKenzie Reserve and Forest and Bird to name a few.
There are still opportunities to contribute to the Oneroa Stream Project as the consultation is taking place for another couple of weeks – contact Dawn at the Waiheke Resource Trust.
The Christmas Parade is back this year, brought to you by our youth panel. By definition, a parade needs floats so I hope people have registered for this. If there are still enquiries contact the following people.
For businesses & general enquiries: Tracey Weston: tpohoiwi@gmail.com
For schools: Tadhg Connolly: tadhg.seeker@gmail.com
For community groups: Georgie Halstead: salstuh@gmail.com & Jasmine Appleton: jasmineappleton@ymail.com
For the Carols by the Sea event, or any general enquiries:Amy Pollard: Amy.Pollard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
I’ve just seen the brochure for the Walking Festival which has a whole range of delectable offerings. Well done to our events organisers for looking for synergies between events and bringing us November on Waiheke (NOW) with the Walking Festival, the Jassey Dean Garden Safari and the Literary Festival.
Aside from the birds that are nesting and wandering around with young, I see there are flocks of Argentinians hitching rides everywhere. We must be getting into the warmer season and I look forward to a swim soon – I know some have already taken the plunge.
Nga mihi
Shirin