GB Community Board - April

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Presenting a different perspective, on behalf of the Golden Bay Cycle and Walkway Society, Chris Bennett talked about the transformative power of cycleways before stressing the importance of the new pathway to the group’s strategy. “This piece is absolutely essential – one of our top five priorities.” Using a series of overhead slides, Chris highlighted the pros and cons of several alternative routes for the planned pathway. He concluded with an appeal to council. ”Make a decision… but don’t waste time.”

At this point in the meeting, GBCB chair Abbie Langford brought forward a highly relevant agenda item – the summary of the shared path development written by TDC transportation engineer Robert Deck who was present at the meeting. Given his responses to a number of questions from board members, it was clear that he considered the proposed route the safest and most practical solution.

Presentations

Following the short procedural diversion, Abbie brought the meeting back on track for the scheduled guest presentations.

Port Tarakohe Structure Plan: Planning consultant Stephanie Styles addressed the board via Zoom on the development of a structure plan for Port Tarakohe.

Stephanie outlined the purpose of the project which she explained was to decide “how we best plan for and manage the port and surrounds”. She introduced the concept of a “port zone”, which includes both land and marine space around Tarakohe, and how it can be organised and managed to support “a healthy set of activities” while respecting educational, environmental and social values.

Acknowledging the potential for overlapping values and conflicts in such a complex location, Stephanie underlined the need for careful consultation. “We need to ensure the engagement process is robust…”

Describing that process as a “work in progress” she explained there had already been extensive discussions with Manawhenua ki Mohua, something which would continue through to the preparation of the final Structure Plan. Along the way council would also be engaging with other key stakeholders including Tasman Coastal Users Group plus recreational, business and conservation interests.

Youth Council Update: Golden Bay youth worker and Youth Council co-ordinator Jess Jacquier provided an update of Youth Council activities. “This year our focus is on youth wellbeing,” said Jess, explaining that the “first step” involved running focus groups – starting at Golden Bay High School, before rolling it out to Collingwood Area School and older home-schoolers. “It will be an ongoing project.”

Chair’s Report

Following a short discussion about progress on, and actions relating to issues raised at the previous GBCB public forum, the Chair’s Report proceeded to address a number of items, including:

Special Projects Fund: Abbie explained that GBCB currently has a total of $26,936 in its Special Projects Fund. Of that total, she said, $8,000 is allocated to an illuminated metal Christmas tree to be installed at Tākaka Village Green, and she asked board members to consider how the remaining funds should be distributed.

After some discussion, the board agreed to invite initial ideas from the community, which would be assessed by the board. Abbie agreed to compose a suitable public notice.

Action Sheet: TDC group manager environmental assurance Kim Drummond discussed the suitability of GBCB adopting the Mohua 2042 document as an official board strategy. Kim explained that for the board to give its endorsement, the strategy would need to be more inclusive and representative, and suggested that a way forward could be to “pull out the bits that are relevant to us and we can get behind”.

Regarding the reinstatement of regular GBCB meetings in Collingwood, the board was advised that plans are well in hand.

The final item on the Action Sheet concerned the ongoing issue over the new street name Bifrost Rise, which Abbie said should be resolved at the next GBCB meeting in May.

CEO Update

TDC CEO Janine Dowding provided a brief update about her 12-month secondment to Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and shared her thoughts on returning to Richmond HQ. “A lot changes in a year, and a lot doesn’t,” said Janine, highlighting the reopening of the grandstand as one of the “very good things”.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by councils across the country, Janine said Tasman was in a good position. “I see a lot of opportunities for the district.”

Referring to the impending shake-up off local government she explained that the LGNZ findings were due to be released in June. “The report should give the sector a platform for review; there are going to be changes.”

Responding to a question about the future of community boards from board member Grant Knowles, Janine said that there was a desire to empower communities and there was currently “no appetite to do away with community boards”.

Discretionary Fund Applications

At its previous meeting (GBW, 17/3), the board discussed the criteria for inclusion in the Draft Council Policy for Community Board Discretionary Funds as part of a review report.

A draft council policy, prepared by staff, which includes an extensive list of criteria for the allocation of the funds, was recommended by the board after a few minor tweaks had been made at the suggestion of board members.

Following the boards official receipt of the Financial Summary, the meeting closed.

The next GBCB meeting is at TDC Service Centre Tākaka on Monday 8 May at 1pm.

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