Local Happenings

Published as issue No. 126

May 5, 2015

Book Swap: Lucy of Houghton Bay Rd followed up the suggestion of a book swap – “… sounds good, bus shelter [may be] too damp and access too free, how about a garage or somewhere at the school, under cover or a shed … just my thoughts, also what would you do when there are too many books etc?”

But wait, there’s more: Jessica from Houghton Bay Rd, the artist of the mural at the community hall, and others have been talking about the idea of painting a bus stop to look like a book shop – to host the book exchange! If you are interested in planning and taking part in these activities come down to the community garden this Sunday at 3.15 pm to discuss over a cup of tea.

Also (Lucy adds): “you might like to include in the newsletter, organic raw milk, available at collection sites near you, www.windriverorganics.co.nz for more info. Not tried it yet but intend to make cheese. I think you order online and pick up from Newtown.”

All the News: Houghton Valley Progressive Association president Ken from Hornsey Rd installs a new noticeboard adjacent to the bus stop at the Community Hall in Houghton Bay Rd. It will complement the newsletter to keep passers-by informed about forthcoming events at the hall and other community activities. Thanks to French Door Factory in Rongotai for their support.

Rivers and Coast Users Survey: Houghton Valley residents may be more interested than most in completing a Wellington Regional Council survey on issues which encourage, or discourage, people to use harbours, coasts and rivers. There’s also a prize for completing the survey. [Survey link not current]

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 125

April 21, 2015

Book Swap?: on our Facebook Group Rachel asks: “Is anyone keen on a book swap box or similar being installed somewhere in the area? I was thinking perhaps in or near a bus stop or possibly even the community garden?? What does everyone think to the idea please? Any suggestions on where to install if keen?”

Weed bashing: TRiG had another great weed-bashing session up on Te Raekaihau last weekend.  With local help we raked up a huge amount of tradescantia (wandering willy) into a pile high enough to see the sea above the bush!  We also have been cutting some steps in the steep parts of Ruru Track, although still more are needed.

They are only dirt steps, so please still take care when walking the track.  We are planning a tree planting session on May 23 (dependent on the delivery of trees) so keep this afternoon free. If you’d like to help more regularly (we make the weeding every bit as fun as the tree planting!) please contact Jenny.

Happy ending: A very happy Brian of View Rd reports his missing dog Whī was found and thanks everyone for their help.

Also Found: Work-persons last Friday rediscover and uncover the drain at the Houghton Valley stream mouth buried by last week’s storms.

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 124

April 7, 2015

School Fair: Karen advises the date for this year’s Houghton Valley School Fair has been spookily set for Saturday October 31, 10 am to 2 pm, and comments “We hope local residents will put the date in their diaries and come along. We would also like to request donations of any surplus fruit or veggies so we can make chutneys/jams/etc. As the Fair approaches donations of items we can sell will also be very gratefully received. Thank you in advance.”

Houghton Valley Progressive Association: The next meeting is this Sunday, 12 April at the Community Hall at 4.30 pm.

Lifting the creek: A conversation at the community garden on Sunday discussed what progress has been made by Council people we have been working with, to get the project into the Long Term Plan.

Whether anything more happens or not, locals appreciate what has been achieved so far; the creation by consulting engineers, Cardno Consultants, of a detailed plan to Lift the Creek. This is a big step forward as it will continue to evoke discussions and used as a basis for in-house (community) consultation about what is wanted in the way of finer detail – and have some fun designing the creek within the park, and possibly creating some related art events.

In a follow-up conversation today Councillor Sarah Free advised of the possibility for on-going clean-up work using the Council’s annual budget for landfill remediation.

Working Bee: TRiG will be having another working bee on 18 April 2 – 4 pm to work on the Ruru Track on Te Raekaihau. We will be doing weed control, track upgrading and maybe some selective logging of karo to create light wells for tree planting, which is coming up in May. If you think you would like to come and want a reminder closer to the time (or more information), please email Jenny.

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 123

March 24, 2015

Bound for Taipei: Transpiring from her recent artwork, Flow Chart and HV group presentation for Water Wheel Symposium (March 2014), Andrea Selwood from View Rd travels to Taiwan in April – May. With support from the Asia New Zealand Foundation she will participate in an artist residency at Bamboo Curtain Studios, New Taipei City.

During her 6 week stay Andrea will form an art response to the theme of People and Place by engaging with community; local historian, environmental group, and artists including visiting scientist and artists within the international program. She intends to map symbolically, the ‘lost’ Plum Tree Creek and make artworks which test nearby water quality. Andrea hopes to feedback her experiences of this large scale model, stream restoration project, on her return to the Houghton Valley community.

Year of the Morepork (Ruru): From Jenny, from Houghton Bay Rd. For 2015, Te Raekaihau Restoration Group (TRiG) will be focusing on restoring and enhancing the Ruru Track on Te Raekaihau, a pretty, bushy walk we want people to enjoy, enjoy caring for it and see it develop over time. We recently made a great start of weed clearing and have plans also to improve the track, create light wells for the planting of canopy tree species, and introduce more under-storey plants and ferns.

Other projects include repairing the track signs, making steps, re-establishing the seat at the main track junction and after the success of the Community Hall project, creating some cut-out Ruru to put at the track ends and build a tool shed at the Alice Kreb’s Lodge. We’d love it if you could help with any of these projects; please let us know what you would like to do. We have funding for materials and other expenses. There will also be regular Working Bees: the next one is on Saturday, April 18 at 2 pm.  Contact us for more information.

Runway Extension: Comments are now open on the Council’s 10-year plan. Presently around 70% of submitters support this proposal, completing the direct feedback form here will take around six minutes. {Feedback link not current]

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 122

March 10, 2015

TRiG News: Jenny advises: “Te Raekaihau Restoration Group has been awarded a grant of $13,000 for help to restore the forest cover on the headland. This comes from a bequest from a relative of Kae Miller, via the NZ Native Forests Restoration Trust. Big smiles! Meet at the View Road South Road end at 2 pm, or if you are late follow the signs along the Kae Miller (lower) track to get to Ruru Track (the one with the bulldog memorial), where you will find us. Bring gloves if you can and refreshments and come and meet some great people. We are holding our first working bee for the year this Saturday, March 14 from 2 – 5 pm, to prepare our next planting site on the Ruru Track above the Pines. Come and have fun clearing some tradescantia patches. With metal rakes it is like rolling up carpet!”

Membership: Attached is a Membership Form for residents wishing to join Friends of Houghton Valley Inc. and their latest Newsletter. The organisation was created recently, in the first instance to challenge the Council decision to grant a non notified consent to build 13 houses at 215 Houghton Bay Rd. The issue has prompted an article and several letters from both sides of the debate in recent issues of Cook Strait News. See below:

Cook Strait News 1    Cook Strait News 2

Calories unlimited: Sunday, March 1 saw two afternoon teas within 200 metres of each other; the constant community gardeners enjoyed their regular break while in the Community Hall 40 plus people ate and drank after looking at art work from local artists on Neighbours Day.

Miranda of Hornsey Rd wrote, “It was wonderful to see so many people pop into the hall to see local art and have afternoon tea. People caught up with neighbours they hadn’t seen for a while, or didn’t realise were neighbours, while others enjoyed being in the hall again – one after 30 years absence!  A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to a great day.”

Adult dancing class:  A new dancing class for adults has started in the Community Hall at 10 am Saturdays. If you are interested or need more information contact Lesley.

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 121

February 24, 2015

Neighbours Day Sunday 1 March: Join friends and neighbours at the Community Hall this coming Sunday to celebrate our and catch up with what’s happening in our neighbourhood.  The hall will be open from 1 – 4 pm, showcasing art work from local artists of all ages. Afternoon tea at 3 pm.

Make It! Day: Neighbours got together last Saturday afternoon to make fabric lampshades and pompoms to brighten up the hall. Thanks to all who came. The hall is looking great!

Friends of Houghton Valley: Coral of Houghton Bay Rd wrote; “More than 30 interested supporters turned up to hear Barrister Graham Taylor speak about preparations for a Judicial Review of WCC’s decision to grant a non-notified consent to build 13 houses at 215 Houghton Bay Rd. After looking at Council information relating to their decision, Graham explained that some key facts were not considered in their decision and feels that we can win a review of the decision.”  Read full report.

Options Report: Nikki Wood from the City Council advises they expect shortly the final options report from Cardno consultancy on Lifting the Creek. They will then come to a Community Garden Sunday afternoon tea to share and discuss the staging proposed. She commented they are very happy with the report which meets the brief written by the Houghton Valley community and Council.

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 120

February 10, 2015

Further information: The last newsletter included an attachment from ‘Friends of Houghton Valley’ outlining concerns about the 13-house development at 215 Houghton Bay Rd. We now have a response and further information response and further information from the developer Smith Geursen. The forum page provides the opportunity for you to comment, provide feedback and/or ask questions. [Forum not working]

Starts Sunday: The Houghton Valley Summer Arts Programme starts on Sunday with the first sketch walk. Meet at the Buckley road entrance to the southern walkway at 1 pm. Make it! Day is Saturday, 21 February from 1 pm at the community hall. See programme below for more details:

Exhibit your work: All local artists are invited to exhibit their work in the Community Hall on Neighbours Day on 1 March. Please ring Miranda  for more details.

Website Help: The forum (gurgling) page on the Houghton Valley website crashed during an update process to prevent spammers from entering unwanted posts. If someone in the area with SQL data base experience and the plesk hosting control panel knowledge is available, it will be greatly appreciated if you could help us to retrieve all previous discussions from the old forum to be imported into the new, more user friendly one. If you like further information please reply. Thanks, Jan and Grant

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 119

January 27, 2015

Here’s to 2015: Greetings and best wishes, the plan this year is to again produce this newsletter every two weeks, with special issues if required. It’s sometimes surprising in a community of about 600 households there is always several items for each issue, and even more with this issue, something of a backlog. All contributions are welcome. Norman

Development concern: You may have heard about the proposal to build 13 houses at 215 Houghton Bay Road (opposite the bus stop beside Cave Rd). Late last November the Wellington City Council approved this non-notified application which means that the neighbourhood has had no part in this resource consent process. Friends of Houghton Valley Inc. has been established to oppose the size and reduce the impact of this development. [No membership appeal flyer]

Lifting the creek: Towards the end of last year, a concept plan developed by an engineering consultancy was put forward to lift the creek. In the next 6 months the council and the community will continue to work together to get the project inserted into the Long Term Plan. If that is successful, the council then is bound to fund the project for up to 10 years.

Looking great: The footpath entrance to the Community Hall of has been given a dramatic lift, thanks to a mural designed and painted by Jessica of Houghton Bay Rd. Dave has since got creative with an upgrade/paint to the gate and plans are under way to replace the noticeboard.

Houghton Valley Progressive Association: Walk down the path to the hall past Jess’s stunning mural of the valley at 4 pm on Sunday February 1 and YOU can be at the first meeting of the year for the Progressive Association! Time will be 4 pm. An agenda will go out to all interested people. Ken

Arts programme: Beginning 15 February, with some funding support from the Council, a series of art events to bring neighbours and newbies together will kick off with a sketch crawl along some of the valley’s most scenic tracks. A craft day and exhibition also feature. All ages welcome, all events free. For the full programme look out for the poster and in your letterbox next week.

Proposed runway extension: Over the last two months Guardians of the Bays, a broad coalition opposed to the extension of the airport runway 300m to the south into Lyall Bay has been gearing up. If you wish to know more, in the first instance contact Jackie and Richard Randerson

Kenny from Boston: Twenty five locals came together to hear about the work done by Kenny Bailey from Boston. See our video clip of the talk. Kenny runs an NGO called “Design Studio for Social Intervention” which engages in interesting socially based projects. You can check one of their projects – Public Kitchen:

Community ice cream: Many children of all ages enjoyed the week that the View Rd Ice Cream stall was open. Every night saw a roaring trade, run by volunteer local children. Let’s hope this happens again, no pressure Brian! [No photos]

Published as Issue No. 118 BUMPER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

December 9, 2014

Community ice cream stall again this year!

• What: Home-made, $1 a scoop
• When: December 14 – 19
• Where: 27 View Rd
• Who: Houghton Valley community

See more information here. Brian is putting out a call for volunteers. The fliers are now ready and help is needed to drop them off around the neighbourhood, also to make the ice cream and be on the stand. Fill out the Roster. Profits to the Community Hall, if not consumed by helpers. Also, does anyone have an industrial freezer they can make available?

Housing Development: “Despite efforts by local people to require a notified consent for construction of 13 houses at 215 Houghton Bay, last week Ryan O’Leary, Senior Consent Planner at WCC granted the resource consent application on a non-notified basis.” [If you want to see the document outlining the Council decision it is available as a PDF file please request by return e-mail].

“We accept that sooner or later 215 Houghton Bay Rd will be used for residential housing and that the owners of 215 are obviously entitled to build there but we feel that thirteen houses on this site conflicts with and will completely change the character of the surrounding area; and cause parking and traffic safety issues.

The decision to grant the non-notified consent was made with no mention of the Scenic B Reserve which lays above the site and includes the northern boundary. The planned consented development on the southern boundary is appropriately a low density subdivision that is compatible with the character of View Road Headland Scenic Reserve which dominates the area of both subdivisions. We feel that a low density development of 5 – 6 lots at 215 would be also be suitable.

The decision to approve the non-notified application ignores many community concerns and the only avenue left to us is to challenge the report through a judicial review. This will obviously incur costs which we will need to be prepared for by the formation of an Incorporated Society. If you would like to see the special character of Houghton Valley preserved and care about traffic safety issues you can support this course of action by emailing us.” Jacob

HVPA meeting: A reminder the Houghton Valley Progressive Association will have the last meeting for 2014 at 3 pm on Sunday, 14 December at the Hall. There will be an agenda sent out to committee members, if you want to be included on that list, email Ken.

Beach Art: Feedback from last week’s item seeking opinions on the balancing wood and rock beach art/sculptures in the south coast:

• “Personally I love all the interesting balancing type structures.”
• “We like the sculptures!”
• “I hope no-one is suggesting that this creative person should be restricted in what he does. It’s harmless for the environment and attractive for the coast.”
• “I noticed as I drove along the coast this afternoon that all the beach art seems to have gone – is this a Council response or some local opponents?”

Until next year: This is the last issue for the year, the next will be mid-January. The newsletter does not set to take positions but to inform people about local issues and support participation and involvement by the community. All contributions and suggestions welcome.

Norman and contributors

Published as Issue No. 117

November 25, 2014

$29,289.56: Karen, one of the principal organisers, reports this is the provisional profit of this year’s school fair, She says this is believed to be the most raised at a Fair … “so give yourselves a huge pat on the back. Also, any feedback on how things went, what worked well and what could be improved upon would be really appreciated – any information that will help future coordinators – let us know and we can put it in the Fair File. Unless you are planning to do the job again next year of course, in which case just store it all in your head.”

The fair continues to be a real community event for Houghton Valley with wide involvement including former pupils and local people and an event that attracts and welcomes visitors from further afield.

HVPA: Houghton Valley Progressive Association will have the last meeting for 2014 at 3 pm on Sunday, 14 December at the Hall. There will be an agenda sent out to committee members a few days before the meeting so, if you want to be included on that list, email Ken.

Beach Art: After a conversation with the man responsible, local Mel wonders what people think of the balancing wood and rock beach art/sculptures which have become predominant along the coastline particularly between Houghton Bay and Red Rocks. Another local has sought clarification from Council about the status of these ‘man-made’ constructions.

Reporting in: Wellington City Council and consultants Cardno reported to the Houghton Valley community on Sunday on progress on ideas to ‘Lift the Creek’’ as the means to put an end to the leachate problem on the beach.

They are working to a briefing developed by local people in partnership with the Council. Discussions over afternoon tea at the community garden is increasingly the venue and process used to consider local issues although on this occasion time did not permit the promotion of the meeting in the newsletter.

Norman and contributors