Published as Issue No. 112
September 16, 2014
Goodbye to Piebe: It was standing room only at Piebe’s Seat on Friday when 30 people remembered long-standing community stalwart Piebe Kooistra who died earlier this month, four days after his 81st birthday.
Friends and neighbours walked up from Houghton Bay to the seat on the headland overlooking Te Raekaihau Point that was erected by the Houghton Valley Progressive Association in 2011 to recognise his immeasurable contributions from track cutting to maintaining the Community Hall over 40 years. On the Sunday he was planning to come to the community garden to celebrate his birthday but died after completing his regular Sunday morning swim at Freyberg Pool. [Photo missing]
Community Consultation: By the end of the week local residents will have the opportunity to review the Wellington City Council’s proposed approach to addressing the issue of Lifting the Creek in order to eliminate leachate pollution in Houghton Bay.
On Sunday ten members of the community met with Council staff Nicci Woods and Adrian Mitchell. Following a discussion about problems and potential solutions there was agreement on the vision of ‘an integrated amenity civil works project with embedded educational outcomes’.
The next phase involves Council engaging external engineering consultants to evaluate and develop the proposed re-mediation. Community input will be integral to the preparation of this high level scoping document. This work will be completed in November, in time for the results to be integrated into the Council’s long-term plan. Adam from Houghton Bay Rd has undertaken to be the community’s principal liaison with the council for this project.
Playcentre fund raiser: Houghton Valley Playcentre presents the eighteenth annual Great Debate – ‘MMP Does Make For Strange Bed Fellows.’ Speakers are Annette King, Pinky Agnew, David Townsend, Grant Robertson, Heather du Plessis-Allan and Brent Edwards. Wednesday 24 September, Doors open at 7 pm at The Pines, 50 The Esplanade. Tickets $20 from Melissa. Light supper provided and raffles galore!!
Yoga in Houghton Valley: Sunday evenings 5.30 – 6.30 pm at the Houghton Valley Community Hall with Megan. Starting 21 September for six Sundays (until 26 October). $10 per class or $50 for the block of six classes. All abilities welcome. Breathe, stretch, re-energise and relax. Please email Megan.
South Coast Clean-Up: It’s election day but the date is a universal one. Saturday September 20, 10.30 am – 12 midday. Meet at one of the 11 places and look out for the person in the hi-viz vest. All rubbish will be gathered around 12 and taken to Lyall Bay to form a large pile, with a sausage sizzle near the play ground. Bags and gloves are provided but if you have your rubber gloves bring them along. [Attachment missing]
Norman