GB Community Board - July

Continued

...closure of an Early Childhood Education Centre (ECE) at Tukurua, pointed out the implications for the local community, and asked for the board’s support to explore options for the establishment of a non-profit community kindergarten.

Councillor Chris Hill described the lack of provision as “a big issue” and said: “As a board we should do our best to make it happen”.

The board agreed to write a letter of support.

Climate Change and Community Resilience: Barbara Lewando, who took up her role a couple of months ago, introduced herself to the board. She explained that her knowledge and advice was at the board’s disposal and she would provide “guidance on embedding climate change considerations within strategy” – a process that would begin in earnest during August and September.

Collingwood GBCB meetings: With live video streaming capability now in place, meetings will be held every three months starting from September.

Strategic Planning Day: With reference to the board’s intention to develop a strategic plan, Grant suggested sending out a questionnaire to obtain feedback from the community.

Councillor Celia Butler stressed the need to represent the community on practical issues.

Community Liaison Representative updates: Among the topics raised, board member Henry Dixon mentioned the tension between commercial and recreational users at Port Tarakohe and wondered if there was a potential to add much-needed recreational berths.

Mike Drummond informed the board that the current work is intended to provide more berths for large commercial vessels and is essentially “self-funding”. He explained the port’s cash-flow means it struggled to meet obligations such as debt servicing, increased operational costs and the loss of insurance cover for the harbour’s main "arms". He said TDC were still exploring sources of finance. “We continue to engage with Government to get grant funding but they see it as a commercial operation so will only offer loan funding.”

Action Sheet: Celia picked up on the item relating to water regulation, specifically bore water. Pointing out that private bores and water supply schemes are not regulated, she said that, while it is not council’s role to provide advice, the board might consider doing so for the Golden Bay community.

Board member Robert Hewison suggested GBCB could hold a forum for representatives of private schemes: “We need to facilitate information sharing…”

Adrian drew the board’s attention to resources available on the council’s website which provided advice and information about drinking water along with useful council contacts.

The poor condition of the Tākaka to Pōhara cycleway was noted by Chris who described areas of mud and deep puddles occurring along the route.

Celia requested a review of the material used to construct the path with the view to creating a more resilient surface.

New street name

Eight months into the Puponga street-naming saga, the board agreed to the name the private right of way Te Wheke [octopus] after the proposal was recently approved by Manawhenua ki Mohua.

Tree removal at Pōhara campground

A report recommending the board agree to remove 22 Chinese Elm trees at Pōhara Beach Holiday Park and plant replacements was discussed.

Paul Sangster criticised the layout of Meihana St. Photo: Jo Richards.

The risk to campers as a result of the poor condition of the trees made the work a priority, according to TDC enterprise portfolio manager and author of the report Nick Chin.

After some debate, it was agreed that the elms would be removed and replacement trees planted as soon as possible. The board would then, through consultation with Manawhenua ki Mohua, make recommendations for a longer term planting regime including species selection.

Reserve Financial Contribution

Zooming into the meeting, TDC reserves and facilities Grant Reburn, along with Beryl Wilkes fielded questions from the board relating to a report on Golden Bay Ward Reserve Financial Contributions accounts, the project activity for the 2022/2023 financial year and budgets for the following financial year. During the Q&A session Beryl made it clear that the board could ask council staff for a report to support the re-prioritisation of funds.

GBCB Annual Plan Budget 2023/2024

Following the formal of acceptance the Financial Report, the board heard from Mike about the allocation of funds within the GBCB Annual Budget. The discussion followed the board’s earlier request to consider moving funds from the Special Projects Fund (SPF) budget to the Discretionary Fund (DF) budget.

Mike explained that the SPF, which is topped up annually, is currently in surplus to the tune of around $26,000, soon to increased by this year’s top-up of $10,000.

The discussion focused on the best way of boosting the DF to $10,000. After considering a number of options, a resolution that the board would submit a request to council to transfer $6,000 of the carry forward activity balance (from the training budget) to the DF, was unanimously agreed.

And on that convivial note, the meeting closed.