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It was disappointing to read in the 17/3/20 KPMN issue that the council is calling for public feedback on the future of the lagoon and have not made any 'pre-determined plans' - yet they have already determined that the duck pond has become 'unsustainable' and are seeking to … View moreIt was disappointing to read in the 17/3/20 KPMN issue that the council is calling for public feedback on the future of the lagoon and have not made any 'pre-determined plans' - yet they have already determined that the duck pond has become 'unsustainable' and are seeking to remove that amenity-which they have done without consulting the public beforehand.
'Unsustainable' is council speak for 'We don't want to spend money on fixing it' even though considerable money was spent on developments around the duck pond since 2017/18 ie splash pad, footpath around the lagoon itself, retaining wall at south end of lagoon(adjacent to rose garden) including the soil,the railway tracks, and the pier and 2 deck areas were removed but not replaced.
Was replacing the footpath around the lagoon really necessary - it wasn't damaged nor had it presented itself as a safety hazard?
As for the retaining wall, only a part of it was rebuilt,again,for what reason and why only a small portion or it leaving 3 different designs - old and new with varying levels of height and width?
The new section being narrower/lower cannot be used for seating but you could with the original design being more practical- much needed as there are only 4 seating bays for a total of 8 people in that area. This particular 'improvement' was incomplete, inconsistent and lacked foresight.
The council 'determined the fate of the duck pond by knowingly neglecting it for over 2 years knowing that it would reach the 'not cost effective to restore it' point ie 'unsustainable'.
In the last 3 years there have been several safety hazards appear due to the neglect of upkeep; the wire mesh on the bridge over the duck pond has uplifted -hazardous, especially at night, the rope guide rail was broken for 2 months before it was repaired, the waste material sitting afloat the waters surface has increased to 70% coverage in the last 3 months leaving little visible water -surely, a hygiene issue(?), and the duck population has declined by 85% in the last 3 years.
I hardly, see any ducks in the duck pond now as they prefer the cleaner waters of the lagoon.
Strange how the council failed to notice these hazards- an indication of the level of care and maintenance it has provided since 2017 and if the duck pond has become 'unfixable' it is soley due to the council's neglect of it.
The feeding of the ducks has been a popular and traditional Kiwi past time for generations of children throughout NZ.
Lastly, in 2017 my letter to the council advising 3 points; stop the ducks being fed bread(to improve health),clean out the pond/increase water levels(to prevent overheating by sunlight) and introduce circulation and aeration (to prevent algae growth) remained unresponded to.
I praise the council for then putting up signs advising against feeding the ducks bread, albeit, the cheapest option amidst other concurrent expensive developments outside of the duck pond, and so now I call on the councils expertise (and competence) and ask them what other actions have they taken since my 2017 letter and when did they decide to rid themselves of the duck pond?
Sometimes it's not always about making things new but, rather, making them better.
- Leave a note in the letterbox with your contact details
- Create a Facebook page for your street / building
- Start a WhatsApp or Viber group chat
- Give a wave from 2m away and ask how they're going
- Find and join a local Neighbourhood Support group here:
www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz...… View more- Leave a note in the letterbox with your contact details
- Create a Facebook page for your street / building
- Start a WhatsApp or Viber group chat
- Give a wave from 2m away and ask how they're going
- Find and join a local Neighbourhood Support group here:
www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz...
There are plenty of ways to keep in touch and support one another over the next several weeks. Just don't forget about those with limited internet or mobile phone access!
In response to the Prime Minister’s address yesterday on raised COVID-19 levels, Metlink will be moving to weekend services across all public transport modes.
From Tuesday 24 March rail services will move to a special weekend timetable www.metlink.org.nz...
From Wednesday 25 March bus services … View moreIn response to the Prime Minister’s address yesterday on raised COVID-19 levels, Metlink will be moving to weekend services across all public transport modes.
From Tuesday 24 March rail services will move to a special weekend timetable www.metlink.org.nz...
From Wednesday 25 March bus services will move to Sunday timetables. www.metlink.org.nz...
Further updates will be posted when available. Metlink thanks passengers for their patience at this time.
It’s a great time to cook for family, and whether you’re dining in or grilling on the BBQ, good food will always be on the menu. But, did you know that half of all food poisoning occurs in the home?
Follow the three simple Cs – clean, cook, chill to avoid getting ill. We all want to keep … View moreIt’s a great time to cook for family, and whether you’re dining in or grilling on the BBQ, good food will always be on the menu. But, did you know that half of all food poisoning occurs in the home?
Follow the three simple Cs – clean, cook, chill to avoid getting ill. We all want to keep our friends and families safe, and the 3Cs can help you avoid common foodborne illnesses.
Check out foodsafety.govt.nz/ccc for handy food safety tips.
Now is your chance to get organised and come up with a plan for supporting your neighbours and keeping in touch over the next several weeks. We've come up with this 'Our Neighbourhood Plan' template to help.
For additional advice and resources, visit our website at the below link:
In response to the Prime Minister’s address today on raised COVID-19 levels, Metlink will be moving to Sunday services across all public transport modes from Wednesday 25 March.
Metlink GM Scott Gallacher says, that while there are still a number of issues to work out, all trains and buses will … View moreIn response to the Prime Minister’s address today on raised COVID-19 levels, Metlink will be moving to Sunday services across all public transport modes from Wednesday 25 March.
Metlink GM Scott Gallacher says, that while there are still a number of issues to work out, all trains and buses will move to Sunday services after Tuesday.
“We’ll work to deliver to the current timetables across the network tomorrow but from first thing Wednesday morning, Sunday timetables will be implemented,” says Mr Gallacher.
Buses will no longer board from the front door. Metlink apologises to customers who rely on the accessibility options provided at the front door and encourages customers to find out more about Total Mobility services during this time by calling 0800 801 700.
Customers will be encouraged to continue their own physical distancing practices on all trains and buses, leaving a space next to them where they can.
“We’re still working out what this might mean for Wairarapa rail services and will provide more updates when they become available,” says Mr Gallacher.
UPDATE: As part of the move to Sunday timetables, Metlink school bus services will not run from Wednesday.
We can fill your jar for you or purchase 500 g jars filled.
We are at 39 Raiha St Porirua (behind Grove Homes)
We know public transport is an essential service, and we’re focussed on ensuring you continue to have access to our region’s network during this time.
Listen to Scott Gallacher, General Manager for Metlink, explain the measures we are putting in place to stay one step ahead of COVID-19.
In accordance with Central Government advice, for the health and safety of staff and passengers, all Metlink bus drivers aged 70+ will not be part of operating our transport network at this time.
About 70 of Metlink’s 500 bus drivers are aged 70 or over and in accordance with the Ministry of … View moreIn accordance with Central Government advice, for the health and safety of staff and passengers, all Metlink bus drivers aged 70+ will not be part of operating our transport network at this time.
About 70 of Metlink’s 500 bus drivers are aged 70 or over and in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, they are advised to remain at home. Less drivers means there will need to be cancellations to some services across the bus network.
We are currently looking at where cancellations will need to take place and are encouraging Metlink customers to keep up to date with service changes by checking Metlink’s website, App and Real Time Information screens.
In line with advice from the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMOnz) and the Ministry of Health, Greater Wellington Regional Council is closing its offices to the public and encouraging all office based staff to work from home.
Greater Wellington’s critical field based staff … View moreIn line with advice from the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMOnz) and the Ministry of Health, Greater Wellington Regional Council is closing its offices to the public and encouraging all office based staff to work from home.
Greater Wellington’s critical field based staff in areas such as harbours, parks, flood protection and environmental roles are also being encouraged to apply physical distancing practices.
Public Transport across the region will continue to operate to existing timetables. Passengers are encouraged to leave the seat next to them empty if they can.
With Covid-19 separating us physically, we need to ensure we aren’t making any group of people feel distant from our community. Let's continue to show our Kiwi spirit and support reach other #RaceRelationsDay2020
Reach Out is a hub for Kiwis to find and give support from others during this global pandemic. Head over to the page and share how you're coping, how you can support each other, and what everyone is doing to embrace the changes that are happening around us.
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