Newsletter No. 232

February 9, 2023

I went for a walk in the forest yesterday and found ferns and fairy doors – it was a bit like the calm before a storm (of events) …

Te Ohu o Te Raekaihau weeding session

Saturday 11 February, 10 am – 12 pm

We will be culling Old Man’s Beard on Te Raekaihau before it flowers. Meet at the junction of Te Ranga a Hiwi Track and Kae Miller Track (about 100m south of the lookout). Bring cutting tools and gloves if you can, clothes and shoes for a bit of scrambling, and water for rehydrating.

Day in the Bay

Sunday 12 February, 10 am – 5 pm

The Island Bay Festival is back! As well as enjoying the general vibe, check out the stall held by our very own Te Ohu o Te Raekaihau group, who can show you the sorts of weeds they are working on getting rid of in our neighbourhood.

Water Play in the Bay

Sunday 12 February, 1 – 3 pm

If you are needing to cool down after visiting Island Bay, come and try water sliding and other water fun activities at the Buckley Reserve playground near Hungerford Road. Bring a picnic too. For more details go to Eventfinda.

Houghton Valley Progressive Association Meeting

Sunday 19 February, 1 – 3.45 pm

As you can see from the abundance of events this weekend, we have changed the date of the HVPA meeting and hall working bee to the following Sunday.

We will still have the discussion with Katie Sharp from WREMO about running a couple of Emergency Preparedness workshops in Houghton Valley. The need for being more prepared is getting ever more pressing!

And then we will have a go a cleaning the hall mostly on the outside, but in a few places inside.

Seeds to Feeds Haewai Harvest Dinner

Sunday, March 12, 5.30 – 8.30 pm

This year we will be having an evening meal, but it will still be early enough if you would like to bring your children. The meal will include locally grown and foraged ingredients as well as some from not far away.

Save this date, and we will let you know as soon as the ticketing system has been set up so you can book your place. It will be a wonderful, relaxed meal with lots of friendly people.

If anyone has any rhubarb that they may be able to donate, please contact Jenny at admin@houghtonvalley.org.nz.

4C meeting report

Wellington City Council’s Climate Change Advisors gave a great presentation recently about what they are doing in their Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

The programme will involve both mana whenua and local communities in discussing the different areas of concern and different types of hazards. It also acknowledges that climate change will involve more slips, flooding and storm surges as well as eventual sea level rise.

Altogether the group was impressed, the main quibble was how could we accelerate the planning process!

The programme is still in draft stage, and they are happy to incorporate suggestions from communities. Their presentation is attached here.

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