October 25, 2019
November is shaping up to be a busy month, so here is a sneak preview. If you find you need more of a reminder about events than just this newsletter, remember we have a Facebook Group that you can join and get posts and event invitations sent to you. It’s called the Houghton Valley & Hornsey Road Community Project.
November 3: Koha Coffee
Koha Coffee is coming up on Sunday 3 November at the hall from 10.30 am. We are now alternating between Saturdays and Sundays to suit more of the community. This event will be hosted by Katy. Bring some nibbles to share if you like. Come along also to wish Kerry Daniel and family haere ra as they leave for the sunny north.
November 23: Houghton Valley School Fair
Our community Fair is coming round again! Saturday November 23, from 10 am – 2 pm. As always, we can promise you delicious food, great entertainment, activities for all the family including pony rides, a petting zoo, kids’ sumo and heaps more games on the school field. We will have books, crafts, plants, toys and clothes for sale, and you can get yourselves a bargain in our silent auction with items worth thousands of dollars. Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Bring your own bags, coffee cup, plate, etc to help support us in our aim to be waste free. If you would like to donate books, toys or clothes, chutneys, lemons or crafts to the Fair please drop off at the school office during school hours, or contact Karen on 027 209 4832 and we will come and pick up.
You can also bring plants for the gardening stall run by the local community. If you are potting up seedlings, do them now so that they are reasonably established before the fair. If they are already potted, make sure they are weeded and watered so they look their best.
All money raised at the Fair goes towards supporting our children’s learning.
November 29: Rongotai College Working Bee
Students from Rongotai College will be helping with maintenance on the community hall and the tracks near the community gardens on Friday November 29. If you can help with directing their efforts please contact Ken.
November 30: Community get-together at the Hall
Planning is in the early stages for a community shared meal at the hall. Save the date now!
Houghton Bay Landfill Research Update
I have been interviewing Houghton Valley residents for my Masters project regarding their knowledge of the decommissioned landfill and their experiences of issues relating to its inadequate decommission. I am transcribing audio recordings taken during the interviews. The end of this task is in sight and I’ll soon be able to dive into the finding sections of the research. If you would like to partake in an interview or have some reflections or information regarding the landfill please get in contact with me, Charles Louisson.
Seeds to Feeds Project
A Council funded project is beginning where you can grow vegetables towards a local feast in about 5 months time. If you are interested please contact Ken by November 14 to make a bid for some of the available funds ($250) for plants.
Earthquake Preparedness
If you missed the meetings for earthquake preparedness check out the WREMO link for the valley preparedness kit: https://getprepared.nz/assets/Hub-Guides/Houghton-Bay.pdf (link not current)
The bus stop near the beach
Bus drivers and members of the local community have complained about the difficulty of accessing the bus stop on Houghton Bay Road just up from the beach. Investigation of the stop shows there are insufficient entry and exit tapers for the bus to safely enter and exit the stop due to parked cars. Also due to recent developments in the area, private vehicles are now parking opposite this bus stop, significantly reducing the available road width, causing accessibility and safety issues for road users. It is proposed to install a painted bus box with suitable entry and exit tapers. It is also proposed to install a no-stopping restriction along the opposite side of the road for a distance of 35m to ensure sufficient road width is maintained at all times to allow vehicles to pass a stationary bus.
The proposed improvements will address the complaints received and ensure the layout of the stop is safe for users. This will result in the loss of 6 parking spaces.
The proposed restrictions are being advertised in The Dominion Post on Tuesday 29 October 2019. Affected parties have 18 days to provide feedback, with consultation officially closing at 5pm on Friday 15 November 2019.
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