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Kia ora
Many of you will have heard the Prime Minister’s announcement that New Zealand will move to alert level 3 at 11:59 pm Monday 27 April. Like others around the region, Greater Wellington has been busy preparing for a smooth transition to this new alert level.
This is an overview of how … View moreKia ora
Many of you will have heard the Prime Minister’s announcement that New Zealand will move to alert level 3 at 11:59 pm Monday 27 April. Like others around the region, Greater Wellington has been busy preparing for a smooth transition to this new alert level.
This is an overview of how council will operate under alert level 3. There are a few significant changes, including a return to regular timetables on buses and trains and opening most of our parks to vehicles. And while council function is affected by the pandemic, I’ll continue to bring you weekly updates on how we’re responding through this newsletter.
I want to thank you again for your ongoing dedication to stopping the spread of COVID-19. We should feel proud of our effort so far, and heartened to stay the course by remaining at home under alert level 3.
Kia kaha till we meet again…and stay in your bubbles!
Daran Ponter
Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair
Public transport
Metlink will return to full regular timetables on buses starting on Sunday 26 April and trains on Monday 4 May. Fares will continue to be free under alert level 3 for essential travel such as going to supermarkets, veterinarians, pharmacies and other health facilities. Those over 70 should continue to stay home, but may use public transport to visit a doctor or pharmacy. Total Mobility customers will continue to be able to access subsidised fares of up to $80 per trip at this alert level.
We’re asking passengers to please start using their Snapper cards to tag on and off. This will help us gain valuable insight into how the network is preforming now, and when it returns to full service under level 3. If you do not have a Snapper card, you can order one free by calling 0800 555 345.
We’re also requesting that passengers abide by the physical distancing measures in place, even if that means missing out on their first choice train or bus as demands start to pick back up. Metlink’s real time information will be up and running as soon as we enter alert level 3 to help people plan journeys, and we’ll continue to update passengers with any developments on the Metlink website and app.
Ferry services will not return at alert level 3. Metlink is working with the ferry operator for a return at alert level 2.
Environmental management
The shift to level 3 means that our field and operational staff are able to resume more environmental management operations. Our harbour communication station is still working to ensure safe and efficient maritime management for commercial users of our region’s waters. Our Flood Protection staff have been responding to the various flood events across the region and we’ve also had teams out applying nitrogen-free fertiliser to the grazed areas at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park and the western side of Belmont Regional Park. As an environmental protection agency it is important to keep delivering these essential services to the region.
Water
As under level 4, Wellington Water Ltd continues to operate as an essential service to provide clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment to our communities. Some staff members have been redeployed to bolster the frontline numbers for additional resilience and they are securing supply chains for all critical equipment, chemicals and other materials that keep water services running.
Regional parks
We know exercise and recreation is important, and our parks are available for safe and local access for you and your bubble. At alert level 3, we continue to limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors. We are opening most of our park gates to vehicles, and most toilets. Park ranger offices remain closed and there is no camping, no motorised recreation, no hunting or gatherings allowed.
Our park ranger team and contractors will be back working in the parks. We ask that visitors please avoid our worksites, which will be clearly marked.
As well, volunteer activities will not be permitted in our parks under alert level 3. While we value the work of our volunteers immensely, we value their health and safety even more.
Predator free
Under alert level 3, our professional pest animal trappers will be able to resume some their predator control operations. Likewise, our allies at Predator Free Wellington will ramp up work next week, and have already been out this week attending to some essential work as a result of storm damage.
We know our volunteers are eager to get back to it, but under this alert level we are limiting pest control operations to staff only. We ask that our volunteers please continue to follow the government’s advice to stay home as much as possible. If you’d like to help us keep the heat on rats, stoats and other predators, please consider installing a trap in your backyard.
We’ll continue to offer support to conduct small operations that are deemed a matter of health and safety. These include responding to residents’ concerns about triggered traps in Wellington City, and wasp nest removal. To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and the community, a small team who are operating independently has been approved to respond.
WREMO
The Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) is a key part of Greater Wellington’s COVID-19 response, and is staffed and operated by council officers.
Under alert level 3, WREMO continues to operate seven days a week in order to combat the effects of COVID-19 and share information with the public on how to stay safe, ways communities can look after each other and how to get help for those who need it.
The WREMO helpline is also operating daily from 7am to 7pm and people can reach out for help by calling 0800-141-967.
Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand.
Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where … View moreHey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand.
Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where where to start? Email homed@stuff.co.nz to tell us all about it - including photos if you can - and we'll ask our experts for their advice on how you can fix things up, or where to start with your project.
So whether you have a interiors design dilemma, a need for some home DIY know how, bigger plans for a reno you'd like an expert opinion on, or even a tough cleaning problem you want cleared up, we'll get you some answers. What are you waiting for? Email your questions and photos to homed@stuff.co.nz and we'll get back to you.
Please note: We are unable to recommend specific businesses or tradespeople to provide quotes etc.
Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.
We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – … View moreAlert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.
We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – but which in turn – will affect all of us.
Two weeks then a review
• On 11 May, we will review our progress and decide if we can safely continue to step down restrictions, or if more measures are required to protect us all.
• So the decisions we each make now, matter. Because every interaction we have is an opportunity for the virus to spread.
Keeping safe at Alert Level 3
• At Alert Level 3, the best way to keep those around you safe, is by keeping your bubble small. Interact with as few people as possible. Less people equals less risk. And continue to stay at home whenever you can.
• We should each be making the minimal number of trips. Be sure to stay local, and only make necessary trips.
• And importantly, work and learn from home if you can.
Let’s do this
We’re a team of 5 million. Formidable. And we can do this.
So thank you New Zealand for making the right decisions, when it really counts.
Get free curtains from the Wellington Curtain Bank.
Going into Level 3 means that the Wellington Curtain Bank can make curtains for homes in need, for free.
Double layered, well-fitted curtains, help keep the home warm and prevent heat loss.
For more information on how you can get free … View moreGet free curtains from the Wellington Curtain Bank.
Going into Level 3 means that the Wellington Curtain Bank can make curtains for homes in need, for free.
Double layered, well-fitted curtains, help keep the home warm and prevent heat loss.
For more information on how you can get free made-to-measure curtains from the Wellington Curtain Bank, head to www.sustaintrust.org.nz/wellington-curtain-bank
During Alert Level 3, open outdoor Council facilities will include:
-Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park - Level 3 guidelines apply
-Sports fields and outdoor courts
-Newtown Park athletics track – (open from 7am to 4pm)
-Ian Galloway BMX track
-Hataitai Park velodrome
-Dog parks
-Makara and Karori … View moreDuring Alert Level 3, open outdoor Council facilities will include:
-Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park - Level 3 guidelines apply
-Sports fields and outdoor courts
-Newtown Park athletics track – (open from 7am to 4pm)
-Ian Galloway BMX track
-Hataitai Park velodrome
-Dog parks
-Makara and Karori Cemeteries – the gates will remain closed with pedestrian only access at entrances, and the cemetery office at Karori will remain closed to the public. The small chapel at Karori will be open for services as per Level 3 guidance
For more information about Council at Level 3, visit: wgtn.cc...
With many empty offices and buildings during lockdown, water hasn't been running as frequently through the taps. When you return to your workplace, it's a good idea to run your taps to flush out the system.
When left alone in your pipework for an extended period, water can become … View moreWith many empty offices and buildings during lockdown, water hasn't been running as frequently through the taps. When you return to your workplace, it's a good idea to run your taps to flush out the system.
When left alone in your pipework for an extended period, water can become stagnant and while it's still safe to drink, it may taste unpleasant, so it’s a good idea to run the tap for a while to make sure you have fresh drinking water.
KARORI EVENT CENTRE - WE’VE GOT IT OPEN!
It’s an exciting day for the Karori Community Hall Trust with Wellington City Council agreeing to fund the completion of the Karori Event Centre. It is hoped to be open early next year.
This is the result of many months of negotiation between WCC, … View moreKARORI EVENT CENTRE - WE’VE GOT IT OPEN!
It’s an exciting day for the Karori Community Hall Trust with Wellington City Council agreeing to fund the completion of the Karori Event Centre. It is hoped to be open early next year.
This is the result of many months of negotiation between WCC, the Trust, Karori Community Centre and Footnote NZ Dance. This has, of course, required compromises to be made by all.
The proposal includes:
a. The Karori Event Centre Fitout completed and the hall opened to the public (by the beginning of 2021);
b. The Trust gifting the building to the Council for community purposes (in consideration for which the Council will fund the fitout and ongoing operational costs);
c. Securing Footnote as a not-for-profit anchor tenant of the hall, who would use space between 9 am - 5.30 pm weekdays (off peak time for community use) for 32 weeks a year; and
d. The hall remains available for community use at peak times (evenings and weekends) plus a further 20 full weeks of the year.
e. The Trust will continue to be interested in the building, and their future role will include supporting the building and its operation with fundraising and providing community input with regards to its future use for example.
This is the culmination of over 15 years of campaigning by Karori residents for a replacement community hall. In 2007 WCC leased land to the newly established Karori Community Hall Trust. Fundraising started
in 2011 (although stalled by the Christchurch earthquake).
By 2017 the Trust had raised $2.8M. This was made up of $800,000 from the community, $600,000 from local philanthropic organisations,
$500,000 from Lotteries, and a $610,000 advance from WCC for the future sale of the St John’s site (a previous community asset) and a $310,000 grant. This meant there were enough funds to complete the base build although a number of grants were due to expire. The Trust decided to go ahead and a secure, weather tight building shell was
completed in January 2018, under budget.
The Trust then continued fundraising to complete the Fitout. Phase One of the fitout started in October 2019 and included the kitchen, back and front of house toilets and meeting room, with a budget of $170,000. Work was interrupted by the Covid19 Lockdown but is only one week away from being finished and will also be under budget.
Until the remaining Phase Two Fitout is accomplished (which includes flooring, suspended ceilings, lighting, electrics, ventilation, acoustic linings and insulation) the hall is not able to be used by the
public.
While the Trust were still receiving donations and grants, the final sum for Phase Two is needed as an entirety. Fundraising sums have become smaller and many funders have already made considerable donations. At the rate it would take some years to raise the $1.2m required.
The Trust is also incurring $30,000 per year in costs (insurance and maintenance).
The Trust submitted a request for support to the 2019 WCC Annual plan and councillors agreed to work with the Trust to find a solution to getting the building completed. Towards the end of last year Footnote was identified as an interested party and this proposal was developed to enable the building to be finished.
‘The Trust is immensely pleased with this outcome,’ says Trust Chair, Lee Wilson. ‘The hard work by the trustees and advisors, community support and partnering with Council and Footnote will see
an amazing Event Centre in Karori, bringing more resilience and vitality to the Western Suburbs.’
It's now easier than ever to help people affected by cancer in your community.
You can now register to take part in Relay for Life Saturday 16th May 2020, at your place for free. Cancer never sleeps, even in a global pandemic
Grab your bubble-mates, or connect virtually with your team … View moreIt's now easier than ever to help people affected by cancer in your community.
You can now register to take part in Relay for Life Saturday 16th May 2020, at your place for free. Cancer never sleeps, even in a global pandemic
Grab your bubble-mates, or connect virtually with your team mates, and let's Relay!
To show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.
Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're… View moreTo show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.
Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're operating in Alert Level 3, share tips and tricks unique to your industry, send a few shoutouts - or share how your community can support you at this time.
There's no catches and no hidden fees. It's just our small way of saying thank you for playing such an essential part in our communities.
Grab a FREE 3 Month Premium Business Listing now. (Feel free to share the news with your fellow small business owners too!)
*limited time only
Dear Wellington - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.
We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this special… View moreDear Wellington - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.
We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this special day on Neighbourly below. It could be a story of a member in your family who served - or perhaps the way you and your family celebrate ANZAC Day each year. (It might even be a photo of your freshly baked can't be-beaten ANZAC cookies).
We also invite you to take part in Stand at Dawn and join us at 6:00 am on Saturday 25 April. Stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.
The stories we tell our children will determine their beliefs and therefore their future. Keep telling the same tales and they'll keep making the same mistakes, generation after generation. If we ar honest about wanting peace, we have to change the stories we tell our children.
ANZAC Day will be marked a little differently this year. We’ll be warm and cosy at home and The Last Post won’t start until you press play. But one thing will be the same – remembrance.
To help us remember those who served and understand what ‘to serve’ meant, … View moreANZAC Day will be marked a little differently this year. We’ll be warm and cosy at home and The Last Post won’t start until you press play. But one thing will be the same – remembrance.
To help us remember those who served and understand what ‘to serve’ meant, Ryman recorded their ANZAC resident’s stories. Some are humorous, others are tragic and eye-opening, but they all offer insight into the courage, bravery, and determination required to serve.
What better way to remember than to read the memories of those who were there?
© Neighbourly 2024
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