Apologies : Maria van der Meel, Bryan Pepperell, Nick Jennngs ...

Minutes of the meeting of the Newtown Residents’ Association held on Monday 19th March 2012 at
7.30pm Newtown Hall, Daniell St.
Present: Cr Paul Eagle, Cr Bryan Pepperell, Kate Zwartz, Martin Hanley, Neville Carson, Anna
Kemble Welch, David Smyth, Bernie Harris, Kevin Lethbridge, Carol Comber, Bernard
O’Shaunghnessy, Laura Newcombe, Jack Yan, Don McDonald, Tom Law, Steve Cosgrove,
Cheryl Robilliard, Steve Dunn
Apologies: Cr Ian McKinnon, James Coyle, Don Mackay, Peter Frater, Linda Hobman, Kerry Finnigan.
Minutes: Approved.
NRA subscriptions – Gold coin now due - check with Kevin Lethbridge to check membership status or
how to make payment lethbridge@paradise.net.nz or tel 027 6628 428.
Martin to send membership form to Kate.
Newtown Festival – the organising committee was congratulated on having a very successful festival that
was staged under difficult conditions. Our thanks go to them and the many volunteers involved.
Wet weather affected the fair in the morning. Despite the weather stall numbers were up (370).
There was a last minute change with St Annes’ grounds and hall not available. WCC staff were
very co-operative and responded quickly when heavy rain blocked drains, the last minute changes
to the layout, extra rubbish collections and additional street cleaning. Special mention was made
of Gail Reeves (WCC) who was very dedicated and facilitated the festival process through
Council. Even on her last day at work, she requested the traffic management plan be submitted
for next year so that everything is in place and smooth running for next year. Preparations for next
year is already underway with Traffic Management Plan prepared, application for road use filed
and Food Safety reps from WCC making contact.
John Street intersection / Traffic resolutions – Martin requested a plan or CAD file for the John Street
as promised by Stephen Harte.
Traffic resolutions have been postponed for presentation to Strategy and Policy Committee on
April 5 th .
It is understood that two car parks will be retained on John Street behind the bus stop. Laura to
canvas local businesses to get a consensus on a recommended parking time period. The car
parks on John Street between Hansen and Tasman will revert to public use and be available to
local businesses.
Changes to the John Street intersection will be made but improvements for Adelaide Road to the
Basin have been held over in the LTC until the next 10 year period.
GWRC Bus transport review – Bernie pointed out that research on this has been going for the past 2
years and likely to take another two.
The additional meetings and presentations to local communities by GWRC councilors and Paul
Eagle were very useful and raised greater public awareness.
NRA members were concerned about the impacts of a HUB or transfer point at the hospital and
how this will affect traffic and parking.
This review must be coordinated with the Ngauranga to Airport study, Wellington Public Transport
Spine study (with light rail option) and fare reviews. Given the amount of feedback there is lot of
interest and it will take time to incorporate changes and finalise a new proposal.
20120319_NRAMarMinutes

General business
Better Local Government announced by Nick Smith today could have a profound effect on WCC
operations and delivery of services to the community. Paul Eagle will report to the next meeting.
Community Gardens - WCC have been asked to help resource and support local community gardens.
NZTA have requested further public engagement on the Cobham Drive to Buckle St proposals.
Meet the Neighbours Days are this Saturday and Sunday.
St James on Adelaide Road will likely be dismantled and materials recycled once the church confirms the
valuation and disposal of the property. Proceeds will be distributed to the parishioners for use in the two
parishes they have joined. It is sad to see the loss of identity but the parishioners do not have the
numbers or resources to fund strengthening and maintenance of the property.
Meeting closed 8.40pm.
Recorded Steve Dunn
Reminder- Project Green Street – local equivalent to Project Runway to be held at Newtown Community
Centre, 31st March 6pm.
Meeting calendar: Third Monday of each month @ 7.30pm @ Newtown Hall, Daniell Street.
16 th April– Better Local Government review
21 st May –
18 th June –
16 th July –
20 th August –
17 th September – Annual General Meeting?
15 th October –
19 th November –
Date tbc December – Xmas get together
Recent press releases –
Neighbours Day Aotearoa will be celebrated at -Regent Park Apartments at 148 Owen Street from 11am
– 12 noon on this Saturday 24 th (see attached flier invite)
Adelaide Road John St intersection improvements to start. http://www.wellington.govt.nz/news/displayitem.php?id=4863.
The Wellington Public Transport Spine Study is being carried out by Greater Wellington in partnership with
Wellington City Council and the NZ Transport Agency, and is investigating the merits of long-term, high
quality public transport options for the centre of Wellington. The study webpage has been updated with
recent progress on the study, including the latest study reports. Go to
http://haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/PTSpineStudy to find out more.
As well as an Engagement Report being completed, an Inception and Scoping Report and an
International Review of Public Transport Systems, is available on the website. These will inform
ongoing work on the study.
20120319_NRAMarMinutes