Newsletter No. 72

Published as Issue No. 56

8 November, 2012

Welcome to new members.

Te Raekaihau Restoration Group Working bee: This Saturday November 10, from 2 – 5 pm. We will be focusing on the Peace Grove: making hay in the picnic area, finishing off releasing the plants, weeding the track and carting up the rest of the firewood. So bring along suitable haymaking equipment, gloves and pruning tools.

Message from the Community Garden: We have lots of Kolrabi and snow pea seedlings to exchange.

Message from Dave (caretaker of HVS): Sometime after the school fair and Sunday 1 pm someone demolished the window on the stair landing and smashed the window locks of the school office. Please notify the school if you were passing through the grounds during this period and spotted the damage or other unusual activity. There is a pattern of similar damage to nearby homes over the last year or so and all information is helpful.

Te Kawakawa Commons: Working bee from this Sunday 11 November from midday to finish the planting to the cleared area, the bank and the flat bit above the road.

Making a Difference: In August 2011 local people learned of the Council’s intention to upgrade the Esplanade/Houghton Bay Rd intersection, reviewed the plans and insisted they were not good enough. Extensive consultation, sometimes in the form of strong disagreement with traffic engineers, followed over a year. Now the new intersection is ready for summer.

Comparing the original and final versions of the plans below show major changes as a result of community input:

  • Traffic from all directions must slow down;
  • Safer options have been created for pedestrians to cross the roads at several points;
  • Pedestrians have been separated from vehicles parking;
  • A greatly expanded and re-designed parking area to address the chaotic and dangerous situation created when when ‘surf was up’.

As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating but from their observations over the last two weeks local people believe its working well. One of the hoped for but yet to be confirmed benefits is to cyclists from ‘calmer’ vehicles moving through the intersection. Comments on any aspect of the upgrade welcome.

Regards, Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 71

Published as Issue No. 55

25 October, 2012

Welcome to people who have joint the list in the last two weeks.

A Fair-ly busy community: Months in the making, many hours in the baking, and growing and organising … this Saturday is Houghton Valley’s biggest annual event, the School Fair. It’s become something of tradition that even people who don’t have children at the school get involved. The gates open at 10 am and the fair lasts until 2 pm – just in time to walk up to the PlayCentre (through the community garden) to help them celebrate their 60th birthday from 2 – 4 pm. For people who missed the archaeological dig earlier this year some of the displays and items found will be shown.

Film Night: Wednesday 31 October Houghton Valley School 7.30 pm. Following on from the success of the first event there is now have the opportunity to see the recently made Urban Permaculture featuring Australian permaculture teacher Geoff Lawton. Small intensely cultivated city plots show how permaculture is used to create abundance. Expect more comfy chairs this time and a community catch-up over coffee and cake. For more information ring Miranda.

TriG working bee: starting at 2 pm Saturday, at the Alice Krebs Cottage – a last chance to put in a few more rescued grasses, and beginning the tree releasing, weeding process.

Town Belt review: Wellington City Council is reviewing how is manages the Town Belt and last year approved nine guiding principles for its management. They are now in the second stage of this work and seeking public views on the Draft Town Belt Management Plan including Legislative changes for a Parliamentary Bill that would strengthen the protection of the Town Belt. A copy of the summary document and the draft plan and drafting instructions are available on www.wellington.govt.nz/haveyoursay/publicinput/2012-10-townbelt.html [link not current] and in Council libraries and the Council Service Centre at 101 Wakefield Street. Comments are due by Monday 10 December 2012.

  • Te Kawakawa Commons working bee: Saturday 3 November 1 pm. In preparation for the opening day (December 9: more about that soon) a substantial pile of green waste needs to be dragged down the bank for Council pick up while the mulch needs to be brought up. Weeding is available for the less adventurously inclined. Tea and cake provided at regular intervals. For more information ring James.

Regards, Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 70

Published as Issue No. 54

11 October, 2012

Welcome to those who have recently joined this list.

Did you see this?: Local resident Sophie – and her dog – were hit by a taxi on the crossing at Houghton Bay and View Roads around 8.40 pm. last Sunday. She asks anyone who witnessed this to contact her.

Wellington Bus Review: Since the public meeting at the school earlier this year, and the Houghton Valley submission strongly objecting to the planned changes, local people including Christine from Buckley Rd and Linda from View Rd have continued to be involved with this review on our behalf. The next meeting organised by the Regional Council is in Kilbirnie on November 6. [No attachment.] Three local people can attend, if you are interested to join Christine and Linda please contact Christine  before October 26.

Houghton Valley Progressive Association Meeting: The next meeting of the HVPA is at 4 pm Sunday, October 13 in the Community Hall. Meetings generally last for about an hour; all welcome.

Second film evening: For gardeners and anyone interested in growing healthy, diverse food crops, the next community film evening is about the principles and practice of Permaculture: Houghton Valley School Wednesday 31 October, 7.30 pm. Miranda comments – “This time the film will be shorter, the chairs more comfortable while the food and coffee will hopefully be just as good!” For more information contact her.

Her report on the first gathering last month: Eighteen locals got together to watch Urban Roots, a film about urban farming and local food production. It was great to meet new neighbours over coffee and cake while discussing international and closer to home issues. Other titles that might be of interest for future evenings are Vanishing of the Bees, Living with Renewable Energy, Garbage Warrior (about building with renewable materials) and How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.

From a Houghton Valley School chook: Last week after nearly eight years the school bade a sad farewell to its principal, Barry Schon, who left become principal of Johnsonville School. Parents will be aware of their children’s academic achievements through teacher interviews, school newsletters etc. What may not be appreciated is how Barry enabled the school to more truly live the spirit of its motto – ‘A city school in a country setting’. Since his stewardship began the worm farms have thrived, there are now six compost bins and the school has pioneered recycling. A chook farm and a community garden now flourish and new public walkways have opened the forest regeneration project to all. This has resulted in the rich aromas and general untidiness of rural life, something of an anathema to our modern education system. 
Barry modelled sustainable transport and often the school rocked on weekends and nights as his Boom Box blasted out an eclectic choice of music. At the farewell one of the chooks gave him a surprise presentation of a framed drawing from all the worms, the chooks, the green mulch (‘weeds’), the birds of the forest and the people of the community garden. [No attachment.] He leaves us a fine legacy.

Houghton Valley School Fair: Saturday 27 October, 10 am – 2 pm. Eftpos, live music, coffee, great food, garden seedlings; fun for the kids.

Houghton Valley PlayCentre’s Open Day: Saturday 27 October, 2 – 4 pm. After the fair why not walk up to the PlayCentre – through the community garden – to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

SELL, SWAP OR SHARE 

Jacob from Houghton Bay Rd: I have a mate who is studying wasps and is using my bees for a micro chipping study. We are looking for a possible wasp site in the valley so could you put the word out and send me a email if one is about? Thanks.

Community gardeners: We are giving away vegetable seedlings in exchange for a gold coin koha. Presently there are corn, tomatoes, zucchini or beans. Come down to the garden after 2 pm on Sundays.

Regards, Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 69

Published as Issue No. 53

27 September, 2012

Welcome to those who have recently joined this list.

Message from the Community Gardeners: Organically grown seedlings which began life in the community garden are now growing in home gardens in the area. Local people have each saved a few dollars which would otherwise have been spent at Garden Centres, saving petrol at the same time. Come on a Sunday after 2 pm to get some (for exchange or gold coin), or if you have too many in your garden and want to give some to others.

Another Tool for Conviviality and Connection in Houghton Valley?: This two-weekly community newsletter and more recently the our new Facebook Group Houghton Valley & Hornsey Road Community Project, have made it easier for local people to connect. Another possibility is a website. Jan from View Rd, who describes this as “an idea that has been on my to-do list for some time,” has set up a temporary web page to demonstrate information access from the community to all the happenings in the area. He has also offered to host and maintain the site. [Site not current.] Jan comments “the input and development of the data will depend on what people like and want.” This will include choosing a domain name. Possible uses for the website: working bees, announcements, buy/sell/swap, perhaps the newsletter could be rolled into it. Is a local website a good idea; could it reach more people than the newsletter and allow more interaction than just using Facebook?

More than just Pipe(d) dream?: A while back Ian and Kate of Buckley Rd had a dream that the stream which once flowed through Houghton Valley, piped 60 years ago under the old tip – now playing fields, would be re-claimed. The concept of “lifting the creek” was born; earlier this year it returned temporarily as a 250 metre mown and white-painted strip, a feature of the archaeological dig. This highly ambitious idea, including recreating a wetland, is taking hold and others such as Jenny from Houghton Bay Rd are also thinking about what is possible. She has begun researching other creeks which have been ‘daylighted’ and working on an illustrated story of ‘our’ creek, whose name is lost. Meanwhile Ian has been busy, talking to the city and regional councils and others and is encouraged by the response to date. Once written comment is received from them a public meeting is planned. If you would like to be on a mailing list to be kept information please contact Ian, or Jenny.

Message from Miranda of Hornsey Rd: The vegetable garden in Te Kawakawa Commons Hornsey Road is now ready for planting. It has been established in the spirit of the Commons, where people look after and share each other’s vegetables in communal plots. Te Kawakawa is an organic garden, free of pesticides and chemical sprays. The big garden is for vegetables while the ‘spreaders’ like zucchini are up on the bank behind it. The smaller garden is for herbs. Ring Miranda for more information.

SELL, SWAP OR SHARE

  1. Message from Barkie from The Esplanade: Free, sealed double glazing unit, glass only, 1350 x 730. Suitable for skylight, window or ‘cloche’. Can drop off.
  2. Message (repeat) from Ruth from Hornsey Rd: Mature, responsible grandmother offers free of charge babysitting/child minding to Houghton Valley/Hornsey Road parents who would appreciate the opportunity to have an occasional night out. Very happy to meet and discuss at either your home or mine.

Regards

Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 68

Published as Issue No. 52

23 September, 2012

This is a special edition to remind everyone about the film evening this Tuesday at 7.30 pm, at the school. The first of monthly film nights this one is centred around urban gardening, sustainable living and community building. Urban Roots is about growing local food and even farming in cities. It is also about the wonderful resilience, imagination and dedication of people. Bring some nibbles and join in for tea / coffee and interesting discussion afterwards.

Regards, Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 67

Published as Issue No. 51

September 13, 2012

Local Film night, Tuesday September 25 – 7.30 pm: This is the first of a monthly local film night looking at urban gardening, sustainable living and community building. Urban Roots is about growing local food and even farming in cities, resilience, imagination and dedication of people. Great film, coffee and interesting discussion. Venue – Houghton Valley School; more information – Miranda.

Spring is Sprung: As advertised in recent newsletters, three different planting and restoration groups will be busy in the area this weekend, TriG from 2 pm, Saturday and Friends of Buckley Rd and Te Raikaehau Point from 10 am Sunday. Note the Te Raikaehau Point event is two in one, starting with planting of shrubs etc. supplied by the Council followed at 11 am by participation in a rubbish clean-up and sausage sizzle.

Buy/sell/swap/give-away section in the Newsletter?: A number of people responded to this idea – all positively. Some have already provided items for inclusion, see below:

  • ” … a positive initiative – who knows what may happen in the future?”
  • “… yes, having a local/buy/sell/swap/ free-cycle section is a great idea”.
  • ” … great idea – no problem with this list being used as you suggest.”
  • ” … Great idea! Thanks so much for not only keeping this going but looking to make it even more valuable.”
  • ” … Love it! Another thought – if people were heading away and wanted someone to stay in their house to feed pets, water gardens – perhaps someone else has family coming to stay who would like free/cheap accommodation.”
  • “.… to develop the newsletter would be good however not to the point where either it is taken over as a ‘Trade Me’ style thingy and local news and information is lost. Perhaps featuring new services initially which could then be archived under specific heading eg building, garden, cooking, swap/trade etc … need to review what was there periodically.”

The objective is to support local exchange of goods and services. If you wish to include something please (i) limit to 50 words and (ii) include contact details for publication; phone, e-mail, or both. Feedback welcome on this pilot.

Regards Grant and Norman

SHARE/SWAP/TRADE:

  1. Ruth from Hornsey Rd. Mature, responsible grandmother offers free of charge babysitting/child minding to Houghton Valley/Hornsey Road parents who would appreciate the opportunity to have an occasional night out. Very happy to meet and discuss at either your home or mine.
  2. Miranda from Hornsey Rd has copies of ‘Organic NZ’ magazine to share. September/October edition features baby health, the dangers of smart meters, along with articles on food, gardening and communities. If you are not too far away she will deliver for return, say in a week, for the next person.
  3. Judy from View Rd needs a man (or woman!) to fill a hole in a plaster wall – there may be someone local to assist with that for a small fee or swap.
  4. Sunita from Sutherland Rd: Would anyone know where I can buy manure? My garden needs a boost badly.
  5. Norman from View Rd, will be looking to hire a student or two later in the year to help with a major section clearance project.

Newsletter No. 66

Houghton Valley Community Newsletter

30 August, 2012

What’s next for the Houghton Valley Newsletter?: From modest beginnings, as a means to keep a few people in touch about the community garden, the Houghton Valley Newsletter is now distributed to 165 households every two weeks.

To date content has been limited to items of general interest – the upgrade of the Houghton Bay intersection, proposed changes to the bus service, civil defence, reserve restoration working bees, the archaeological dig etc. The only ‘commercial’ information promoted a unit for households for civil defence emergencies.

The objective of this ‘think piece’ is to initiate a discussion about if the newsletter could also be used as a local buy/sell/swap or ‘free cycle’ communications channel. If you want to lease a garage for temporary storage, hire a student over the holidays for a clean up task, sell garden furniture or firewood or give it away – why not do that locally where possible? Another example in an earlier issue was where Miranda of Hornsey Rd was looking for a studio to rent for two days a week.

We believe a number of people would be interested and that it’s worth a trial. Opening up the newsletter in this way will require the development of some guidelines. One requirement could be the initiator should be a local person and the product or service likely to be of interest to local people. One possibility is to include all such information in an attachment so people can choose to look at the information or not.

What do you think? Feedback will be published in the next newsletter, meanwhile if you have a commercial notice you would like published send it in.

A message from Te Raekaihau Coast Care: “Now that the worst of winter is over we will be gathering on the Point to do our planting for this year on Sunday 16 September 10 am – 12 midday. We will also be participating in the annual Wellington-wide coastal cleanup taking place at the same time. Council has planted many more plants in the area we previously planted in to create a coastal shrubland. Large numbers of the plants had died, many went missing so the replacement species are different and hardier. Our planting this time will be to fill in and soften the boundaries between the carpark and the rest of the Point and help create a more natural looking distribution. Council will bring some grubbers to help with the hard pan that exists in some places. Bring along any tools you may find useful.

A recent development for our group has been the partnership we are in the process of creating with the Te Raekaihau Restoration Group, one of the several community groups in Houghton Valley generally, that come together regularly for their various activities. As the Point is part of the same landscape that TRiG are restoring it makes sense to work together and draw upon the local community for ongoing involvement and support as key individuals in our group move on.

The continuation of our group is important and we invite anyone who would like to join us for occasional meetings and activity plans. Your continued support is appreciated. If you would like more information about or be involved with the restoration of the rest of the headland behind and up to the Point you can get more information about TRIG on their Facebook Group. [Now Te Ohu o Te Raekaihau] See you all then.” – Sunita.

Regards Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 65

Houghton Valley Community Newsletter

16 August, 2012

Message from Sunita of Sutherland Rd: I would like to invite anyone from the South Coast / Houghton Valley area to come to my place at 3 pm on August 25 to hear about the work of the Te Raekaihau Coast Care group (who have been planting natives on Te Raekaihau point) and to discuss ways in which planting groups in the area can work together better. If you would like to come, please email Grant and he will give you the details. Also, we will be planting on the point on 16 September, (10 am – 12 midday), if you want to join us then.

Houghton Valley and Hornsey Rd Community Project – our Facebook Group is growing. To join, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/119811444753435/ and send a request. You are welcome to become an administrator and provide direct input if you want; it’s a community resource.

From Christine of Buckley Rd: The Houghton Valley Progressive Association has received from the Wellington Region Local Government Review Panel details of four public meetings. These are the opportunity for Wellington residents to tell the Panel what they think about how local and regional governance arrangements can best support their local and regional communities in the future. [No attachment]

From Christine of Buckley Rd: The attached [No attachments] have been received from the Regional Council; the next iteration of the proposed new bus routes and timetable. The council advise they are taking the feedback and we may be in touch again prior to our next meetings in October/November.

Message from Friends of Buckley Rd: Planting this coming Sunday 19 August, 10 am – 12.30 pm near the playing fields and track that runs from Buckley Rd down to the school, so bring your spades and gloves and we’ll see you there (weather permitting).

Houghton Valley School fair: Donations of produce are sought to make preserves to sell at the Houghton Valley School Fair in October. Do you have, or do you know people who have more rhubarb, lemons, mint, feijoas (especially feijoas!), apples, quinces, chillies, tomatoes etc than you know what to do with? We am always keen to receive donations of produce to make into preserves and cordials to sell – no matter how small or large the donation, it is very welcome. Donors are given a jar/bottle of what I make as a thank you! Contact Sarah.

World Famous in Houghton Valley: Houghton Valley PlayCentre presents THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL GREAT DEBATE. Topic: “That New Zealand Women are the most promiscuous in the world” Thursday 23 August – Doors open 7 pm.

  • Speakers: Hon Annette King, Pinky Agnew, Brent Edwards, Rt. Hon Winston Peters, David Townsend and Patrick Gower.
  • Chair: Duncan Garner and MC Errol Pike.
  • Venue: The Pines, 50 The Esplanade, Houghton Bay

Light Supper provided, prizes and raffles Tickets $20 each. All proceeds to PlayCentre. [No attachment]

Regards, Norman and Grant

Newsletter No. 64

Houghton Valley Community Newsletter

2 August, 2012

Message from Christine Fowler, President, Houghton Valley Progressive Association: The chair of the Wellington Region Local Government Review Panel, Sir Geoffrey Palmer, has circulated an issues paper outlining the key questions the region is facing now and in the future. [No attachment]

Message from Kae Miller Trust and Te Raekaihau Restoration Group: A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between us and the City Council. It recognises the partnership for the purpose of realising the conservation and restoration of the Te Raekaihau Park (the headland that overlooks Princess and Houghton Bays and include the land around the Alice Krebs Lodge). If you would like to view the document email Grant.

Message from Jenny of Houghton Bay Rd: Join us for a planting afternoon near the Alice Krebs Lodge this Saturday, 2 – 4 pm.

Traffic Intersection update: The final plan was received on Monday.

Message from the Community Gardeners: Two years ago, a group of residents started the garden (and this newsletter). The gardeners plan to celebrate on Sunday 12th August. Feel free to join them for a cuppa from 2 pm onwards.

Message from Grant of Hungerford Rd: A (Skype) seminar is being planned with Houghton Valley residents for September. This follows my week in Sydney which included attending workshops where the Houghton Valley PhD project was discussed with philosophers Brian Massumi and Erin Manning (Professors at Université de Montréal) and PhD students from Montreal and Sydney. There was considerable interest in what we are doing in our community and as a result the 2 – 3 hour seminar will involve international students and all Houghton Valley residents interested in participating. Will keep you posted, for more about the PhD project see the Houghton Valley Community project Facebook page.

Regards, Grant and Norman