J
911 days ago

The Cost of Improving Porirua Council Chambers

Jenny from Titahi Bay

The Post had an article in the 10th of August edition on this topic, I have been waiting for something to appear on Neighbourly but perhaps it is waiting for the next Kapi-Mana News to appear on Tuesday.
In Public Service Watch by Justin Wong he mentions the following points (abridged by me):
PCC is considering options for its meeting chamber..... to make it 'more accessible and welcoming' for the public.
.... chambers can feel unwelcoming and intimidating for visitors and guests....
Discussions to refurbish and relocate the chamber to the ground floor originally came up in 2017, but the council then decided against the move and opted for a $370,000 upgrade to install audio-visual and live-streaming equipment......
..... and create a space that was 'familiar and welcoming'..... officials also conceded there were downside.
The cost to do so today would be four to six times more than what was estimated on 2017.......
____________
Sorry Justin but your article is too important to be allowed to just slip past.
Now the PCC is looking at all the options including just titivating the chambers for $26,000.
I would think that the people of Porirua Council catchment area would rather that the money was saved and put towards reducing their rates bill. The person whose job it is to push for this appalling use of ratepayer money, might be better employed elsewhere in the Council or perhaps encouraged into employment some place else with a Council who has money to waste.

More messages from your neighbours
25 days ago

Poll: Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wellington’s Te Awe Library on Brandon St will be closing its doors for good at 5 pm on March 1. It’s been the city’s largest temporary library, and now it’s making way for the exciting return of Te Matapihi Central Library!

We want to know: Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?

Want all the details? The Post has everything you need to know.

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Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?
  • 46% Yes
    46% Complete
  • 54% No
    54% Complete
311 votes
22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.2% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.2% Complete
  • 43.7% I want to be able to choose.
    43.7% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2465 votes
J
21 hours ago

Heads up – upcoming gas network works

Jeanette from Tawa

Copied from the Tawa Business Group Incorporated Facebook page: Powerco Limited, which owns and operates the natural gas network in our area, will be carrying out essential upgrade works along Main Road, Tawa, over the coming weeks as part of their ongoing improvement programme.
🔧 What’s happening? Powerco’s Tier 1 contractor, Downer New Zealand – Energy, will be building a new District Regulator Station (DRS) to replace an older, less efficient station. This will also involve installing new gas mains to connect the new station into the local gas network.

📅 Timing
Exploratory works begin: from 9 February 2026
Main works period: 9 February – 31 March 2026
Road impacts to note:
o From 23–28 February, there will be partial and full road closures (to be confirmed closer to the time).
o During partial closures, there will be no entry into Redwood Ave from Main Road (exit only).
🚦 Traffic & access
Temporary traffic management will be in place at various times. Some areas will be fenced off for safety, and trenches will be bridged with composite vehicle plates. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.
🗺️ Where will work happen? The yellow lines on the map show the areas where trenches will be dug for the new gas mains.
Thanks for your patience while this important infrastructure upgrade is carried out – we’ll share more details as they’re confirmed.

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