Xtra cost of living support for families and businesses in Wainuiomata

I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.

There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.

Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.

Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.

The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meet demand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.

That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.

I went to a family reunion on the East Coast. We had a very good time.

I’m retired so I had a good break. I pottered around the house and I built a shed.

We had a good break. We went to the Hawke’s Bay for New Year. We had lovely weather.

I went to Brisbane to visit family.

Hutt a ‘welcoming community’

By Frank Neill

Hutt City is now officially a “welcoming community”.

Hutt City Council has joined the Welcoming Communities programme run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), INZ announced on 30 January.

It is one of five new councils joining the programme, designed to create inclusive environments where all residents can thrive and belong.

The council is delighted to join the programme, Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry says.

"I’m pleased we’re joining the programme, because it puts a specific focus on ensuring our new arrivals are integrated and welcomed into our communities - and it makes good on our commitment to create a city where all our people thrive," Mayor Barry says.

"We are grateful for the enthu-

Online blended learning courses

Study A New Zealand Diploma In Massage

• New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage, Level 5

• New Zealand Diploma in

Remedial Massage, Level 6

• Flexible learning options, distance and block courses

• Study online at your own place and time

• Block courses at Auckland Campus

• NZQA approved and accredited

• International Recognised

• Eligible for loans and allowances

• Fees free policy may apply

• Early payment discount available

Other courses available in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Tuina siasm shown and the desire from councils around the country to be part of such an important initiative that began five years ago," says Fiona Whiteridge, General Manager of Refugee and Migrant Services INZ.

Check our website for more details.

There are now 31 councils taking part in the programme. Nationally one third of city and district councils are now committed to making their communities more welcoming for everyone.

It wasn’t long enough. The working man isn’t given enough time off. We did a bit of a tour around the South Island.

"This programme is an incredibly important tool for building strong and connected communities, for making newcomers, no matter their background, feel included, so everyone can thrive," Ms Whiteridge says.

Welcoming Communities supports councils and their communities to create welcoming environments for newcomers, specifically recent migrants, former refugees and international students.

The same thing we always do – eat and have visitors.

The programme involves local residents in developing, delivering and participating in welcoming activities. This approach increases social engagement and provides opportunities to build social connections.

Immigration New Zealand provides funding, resources, accreditation, best practice information, networking opportunities, programme evaluation and guidance to participating councils.

The Board will be meeting on Wednesday 15 February 2023 6:30pm, Room 1, in the Wainuiomata Community Library, Queen

Phone: 0800 888 518 | Email: auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz 321 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland Refer