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Wednesday June 1, 2016
readers have their say... Find out the WORD on the Street.
Q: Do you think it is important to continue to celebrate Youth Week?
Rina Williams, Wainuiomata
Margaret Willard, Wainuiomata
Alexia Herrera, Wainuiomata
Reriti Moreahu, Wainuiomata
Karoha Pomana, Wainuiomata
Te Awanui MacGregor, Wainuiomata
“Yes it is really important.”
“Yes, it’s really important for young people to feel a part of the community.”
“Yes, youth are our future.”
“Yes, supporting youth week makes them feel comfortable.”
“Yeah it’s very important to celebrate.”
“Yes it’s important for youth to come together .”
LETTERS to the editor Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even if a nom de plume is provided for publication. The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold unsuitable letters from publication. Send or fax them to the address on page two, or email them to emma@wsn. co.nz.
Mayor’s response Dear Ed, I am pleased to advise Rosalie Bennett, Council is focusing on a positive future for Wainuiomata. Last year we fully revamped the War Memorial Community Hall. The Civic Chambers/ Library recently saw an upgrade… Council is funding the Wainuiomata Development plan. The plans came from a number of well attended community forums where as a community we decided on what improvements we wanted. A large
A word from
Mayor Ray Wallace Our Council recently finalised the Local Alcohol Policy for Lower Hutt. This generated a great deal of interest, and Wainuiomata residents were outstanding in speaking up for their community. Thank you to all who took the time to share their views. I am satisfied that we have a sound policy in place, and that we will also address communities concerns.
last year, with 1200 people letting us know their views.
This policy was first drafted in 2013. It sets the opening hours of on and off licenses in the community. The consensus at the time was to not restrict the number of licenses. This was mainly due to concerns that this would restrict trade, such as new supermarkets or growing entertainment areas.
This is fantastic response and I am thrilled to see this level of support in investment in our community- that will benefit us now, and into the future. This is a vision I am very committed to delivering for Lower Hutt. We are already seeing some great results, and I am confident of many more benefits to all of our communities.
When this Policy had come through the appeal process for Council to decide whether to finalise we heard a number of concerns from the community that caused us to revisit this question of restrictions on licenses.
Finally congratulations to the Wainuiomata Little Theatre for a terrific production of Annie. Well done to all involved.
The Local Alcohol Policy is finalised, and we have agreed to an amendment to look at restrictions on numbers across Lower Hutt. We need to realise that there are legal requirements for a policy like this, and it is important we have a sound policy that cannot be challenged through the courts. We also need to ensure we look at the evidence, and listen to everyone’s interests and concerns. In other news, we received almost double the submissions on our proposed annual plan from
One of the first questions we asked in the consultation document is whether residents agree with Council continuing to invest in rejuvenation and infrastructure projects, as outlined in the Long Term Plan. Over 84 per cent of our community do support this.
Regards,
Mayor - Lower Hutt
number of passionate locals including myself attended. I was excited and proud of the input from residents young and old. I agree our Mall needs upgrading. Council is working with the private owners to help that. However, let's be clear it is the owners that determine that, not Council. We have committed to upgrading Queen Street and surrounding roading networks… Council has recently gone through the Plan Change process to allow
for a much needed retirement village development which again we are working with private operators to encourage them to develop such a facility. Wainuiomata is on a roll, sure we have our challenges, but I am confident Council alongside "Wainuiomata Community Spirit" we will see these positive plans for our community come to fruition. Mayor Ray Wallace (abridged)
Funds raised for cancer patients Nearly $20,000 was raised last week by Professionals, Redcoats Limited for the Child Cancer Foundation. The company held a Breakfast Auction on Wednesday, May 25 at Silverstream Retreat and raised over $18,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation ‘Specially Important Brothers and Sisters’ (SIBS) camps. The Wellington SIBS camps enable families and siblings of children with cancer to connect with others going through a similar journey, share stories and gain strength through unity. Over 200 guests attended the breakfast auction and 30 local businesses generously donated items to the auction line-up. Pieces of art work by Emily and Zariah, two talented children from the Child Cancer Foundation, raised $1000 each. Emily and Zariah both attended the event with their families by their sides. Emily’s father Craig spoke to the audience about their journey through the cancer. Child Cancer Foundation business development manager, Central Region,
Michelle Berriman, said both children and their families were excited to be part of the auction and how grateful the Foundation is for the support provided by Professionals. “As a stand-alone charity, Child Cancer Foundation receives no direct funding from government and is reliant on the generosity of big-hearted New Zealanders,” said Michelle. “Thank you to everyone who gave so generously through the auction.” Nationwide, the Professionals group have raised over $4 million dollars towards Child Cancer Foundation in their 20 year sponsorship. The money raised from this breakfast auction will continue to help this amount grow. “To be associated with Child Cancer Foundation’s camps is a privilege,” said John Ross, managing director at Professionals. More than three children are diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand each week. Child Cancer Foundation offers their support services 365 days of the year, ensuring children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for at every stage of their journey, and beyond.