Karori meeting format under fire

By Frank Neill

Around 200 people filled the Karori RSA to hear a presentation on the Karori Connections plan, and to provide feedback on it, on Tuesday 18 July.

The format of the two-hour event was criticized by many of the people who attended.

People attending firstly heard presentations on the plan, which happened in a series of “shifts”, where people took turns to sit around four tables where the presentations were given.

Following that, people had the opportunity to write their comments and feedback on the proposals and place them on a table.

A number of people at the meeting told the “Independent Herald” that they were very disappointed with the format – particularly the fact that there was no time allocated for people to ask questions and hear answers and that there was no time for discussion.

Almost everyone who talked to the “Independent Herald” said they did not want to provide their names.

“We came tonight expecting time for them to lay out their proposals, time for questions and answers and an opportunity for people to have a say,” Karori resident Judy (who did not want her surname in the paper) said.

“We did not expect the shambles that we have got.

“I have lived in Karori for over 40 years.

“I think the council are putting too much emphasis on cyclists.

“As someone with a disability, I can’t walk far – only about 50 metres – and I can’t cycle.

Public transport can only get you so far.

“I need to use a car,” Judy said.

“They [Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Let’s Get Wellington Moving] ignore people.

“They ignore the community.

“They forge ahead with what they want.

“It’s going to kill Wellington,” Judy said.

Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung was among a number of Wellington City and Greater Wellington Regional Councillors who attended the meeting.

“This is not consultation,” Cr Chung said.

“Consultation has got to be two-way.”

When he came to the meeting, he said, he thought “we were going to be listening to people’s views – listening to what they are saying.”

“We think the presentation was pathetic,” another resident told the “Independent Herald”.

“I was told we would have an opportunity for questions and that did not happen.

“I think it was a waste of time.”

Feedback placed on the table ranged from comments that were positive about the proposed Karori Connections transport plan to those that were highly critical.

“I agree with the proposed changes,” one person wrote.

In his feedback John Innes described the plan as a “disaster,” adding: “My comments re this shambles are unprintable.”

Another said “the roads in Karori were not designed for cycle ways.”

NPPA annual meeting

The Newlands Paparangi Progressive Association will hold its annual general meeting on Sunday 23 July from 2pm to 4pm at Nga Hau e Wha o Papararangi marae, 30 Landbrooke Drive, Newlands. The meeting is open to all residents of Newlands, Paparangi, and Woodridge. People attending are asked to RSVP to newlandspaparangiprogressive@ gmail.com.

Teddy sleepover

A teddy bear and cuddly friends sleep over will be held at the Churton Park community Centre tomorrow, 21 July. This is a night where cuddly friends can go on adventures and sleep over at the community centre as a special event. For more information email cpcc@ wcc.govt.nz.