The Civic Awards are the highest honours this council bestows on its citizens and this year we acknowledged three people: Susan Hare for her contribution over many years to Hutt Valley Netball, and Roy and Sue Cox, who together have served the valley for more than 40 years.
It was a great privilege to present these awards to such deserving residents who gave their time for the benefit of others within the community.
Volunteers play a major role in sustaining our community in Lower Hutt.
The Civic Awards are an opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for all those people who work without reward in support of others.
Emerging youth were also honoured with this year’s Youth Services Awards going to Kirsten Garcia and Metaio Malama.
Ignite Sport, a youth development organisation based in Lower Hutt, received top honours in the 2013 Hutt City Community Awards.
The Supreme Award is given once a year to an organisation that shines in the community. Ignite Sport were recognised for their work delivering programmes to gifted and talented sportspeople in low decile schools who are at risk of leaving school.
Safe City Awards were also made to those who worked to keep our city safe and provide support to those in need.
The full list of winners are:
2013 CIVIC AWARDS
Community Service
Roy Cox
Sue Cox
Community Service and Recreation Award
Susan Hare
Youth Services Award
Kirsten Garcia
Metaio Malama
2013 HUTT CITY WELLINGTON AIRPORT REGIONAL COMMUNITY AWARDS
Recognising the valuable contributions made by volunteers and their organisations in Hutt City.
Sport and Leisure – and Supreme Award winner
Ignite Sport
Wainuiomata Rugby League Club – runner up
Health and Wellbeing
Team Naenae Trust
The Paladin Project Charitable Trust – runner up
Arts and Culture
Tumeke Taita Festival Committee
Faultline Chorus – runner up
Heritage and Environment
Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society
Historical Society of Eastbourne – runner up
Education and Child/Youth Development
St Michaels School
KidsCan Charitable Trust – runner up
SAFE CITY AWARDS
Outstanding individuals and organisations whose contributions to crime prevention have helped create a safer city.
Alcohol Harm Minimisation
Lower Hutt/Petone Alcohol Accord
Organisation
Āhuru Mōwai O Te Awakairangi - Network for a Violence-Free Hutt Valley
Area Commander Award
Peter Clarke
Tuesday 24 September 2013
Hutt CBD is coming alive.
A revitalised Central Business District is already beginning to hum.
There are a number of significant developments that mix retail and new apartments and will encourage inner city living.
Hutt City is planning an economic forum in November which will increase the focus on the central business district.
We have been promoting businesses who are encouraged by the city’s Business Stimulus Package. Projects already under way or in the planning stage include:
We are also anticipating a lot of interest for the NZ Post building in Margaret Street which is considered a strategic property within the CBD and will soon go on sale.
Hutt City is planning an economic forum in November which will increase the focus on the central business district.
We have been promoting businesses who are encouraged by the city’s Business Stimulus Package. Projects already under way or in the planning stage include:
- An inner city development that will include a multi-storey apartment building combining residential apartments with ground floor retail space.
- A fast-food drive-through development.
- A new tenant, Warehouse Stationery, for the space left vacant by Bond and Bond.
- Re-strengthening of prominent central city building which includes plans for adding further levels to the building and car parking.
- Transformation of an inner city building into eight apartments in High Street.
- A new development in Cambridge Terrace which has been granted resource consent and will include new tenants, Subway and a supermarket. This is currently under way.
- A proposal for a new office and retail premises adjoining the central business district in Knights Road.
We are also anticipating a lot of interest for the NZ Post building in Margaret Street which is considered a strategic property within the CBD and will soon go on sale.
A local voice for the environment is important
The Local Government Commission needs to consider the local voice on environmental issues when deciding on new boundaries for local authorities in the Wellington region.
Recently I spoke to an environmental institute and covered what Hutt City is doing to manage the environmental issues under local government reform and I explained why four local unitary authorities are better for the environment.
There are two main points that make multiple unitary authorities proposed by Hutt City the right decision for the Wellington region.
In terms of the environment, it would mean the good work being done at a local level will be eroded. The boundary of a United Hutt Valley unitary would encompass the three river catchments of the Orongongo River, Wainuiomata River and the Hutt River, and a large portion of the Rimutakas.
Our local authorities have been managing these zones since the early 1900s, so we have had experience.
My second argument is about the need to provide for local priorities. Our council, for example, has an open door for the likes of Forest & Bird and the Wellington Botanical Society. They have on the ground local knowledge and we can provide the resources to action the local priorities that have been identified.
Other examples of local initiatives include:
Solutions for each territorial local authority are specific to their local habitats. They need local management based on local priorities.
Why is all this so important?
Because it is the air we breathe, stable hillsides, water quality, it is our local landscapes and habitats. It is the place we play in and the views we enjoy.
It is a Hutt Valley Unitary Authority. Hutt City is our habitat. We know what it needs.
Recently I spoke to an environmental institute and covered what Hutt City is doing to manage the environmental issues under local government reform and I explained why four local unitary authorities are better for the environment.
There are two main points that make multiple unitary authorities proposed by Hutt City the right decision for the Wellington region.
- The four local unitary boundaries closely match water catchments and are closely aligned with ecological zones
- The four unitary model provides a mechanism for ensuring local priorities are met within local authority boundaries to sustain successful existing practices.
In terms of the environment, it would mean the good work being done at a local level will be eroded. The boundary of a United Hutt Valley unitary would encompass the three river catchments of the Orongongo River, Wainuiomata River and the Hutt River, and a large portion of the Rimutakas.
Our local authorities have been managing these zones since the early 1900s, so we have had experience.
My second argument is about the need to provide for local priorities. Our council, for example, has an open door for the likes of Forest & Bird and the Wellington Botanical Society. They have on the ground local knowledge and we can provide the resources to action the local priorities that have been identified.
Other examples of local initiatives include:
- updating our Environmental Sustainability Strategy which is targeted at local issues affecting our environment as identified by local people.
- Hutt City working with our neighbour Upper Hutt City, to develop the Silverstream landfill which is the only Class A landfill in the region. Reduced waste to the landfill highlights the success of local recycling initiatives.
- Earthlink charity which diverts waste from landfill on behalf of HCC.
- Silver Lining - another local Hutt initiative designed to reduce waste from local manufacturers.
Solutions for each territorial local authority are specific to their local habitats. They need local management based on local priorities.
Why is all this so important?
Because it is the air we breathe, stable hillsides, water quality, it is our local landscapes and habitats. It is the place we play in and the views we enjoy.
It is a Hutt Valley Unitary Authority. Hutt City is our habitat. We know what it needs.
Petone West Plan Change 29 approved by council
The Petone West Plan Change 29, as recommended by Independent Planning Commissioners, has been adopted by Hutt City Council.
This was a change that attracted a great deal of local interest.
Independent commissioners, Alister Aburn, Chris Mitchell and Roger Lane, heard 44 oral submissions and considered more than 260 written submissions. Written and oral evidence was also presented by a range of experts.
Provisions contained within the recommendations will allow for a wider range of activities, including residential, than currently permitted in the Petone West area. The changes will allow high quality mixed use development with specific policies and rules designed to address concerns raised by submitters.
The permitted height limit is lower in the recommended change. However, there is provision for taller buildings to be considered through the resource consent process as a fully discretionary activity.
The process undertaken by the independent commissioners was rigorous. The plan change attracted a lot of interest and passion from the community and among councillors and, as elected members, we wanted to ensure we got it right.
The decision to use independent commissioners was taken to give impartiality to the recommendations made.
This was a change that attracted a great deal of local interest.
Independent commissioners, Alister Aburn, Chris Mitchell and Roger Lane, heard 44 oral submissions and considered more than 260 written submissions. Written and oral evidence was also presented by a range of experts.
Provisions contained within the recommendations will allow for a wider range of activities, including residential, than currently permitted in the Petone West area. The changes will allow high quality mixed use development with specific policies and rules designed to address concerns raised by submitters.
The permitted height limit is lower in the recommended change. However, there is provision for taller buildings to be considered through the resource consent process as a fully discretionary activity.
The process undertaken by the independent commissioners was rigorous. The plan change attracted a lot of interest and passion from the community and among councillors and, as elected members, we wanted to ensure we got it right.
The decision to use independent commissioners was taken to give impartiality to the recommendations made.
Monday 19 August 2013
AA credit rating a vote of confidence for Lower Hutt
International credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s has reaffirmed Hutt City Council’s AA credit rating which shows we are in great shape as a city.
An AA rating is same rating as the NZ government and means recipients have a “very strong capacity to meet their financial commitments”.
An AA rating is same rating as the NZ government and means recipients have a “very strong capacity to meet their financial commitments”.
Show Lower Hutt cares – step out and vote
Your city is your community. This is where you live. You have a right to make a statement about choosing the people you would like to drive council decision-making over the next three years.
Getting the people you want to represent you, and your interests, requires a bit of thought in terms of researching the ideal candidate and then making sure you return you postal votes within the prescribed time.
Voting in this election is also an opportunity to show Lower Hutt residents and ratepayers have an active interest in their local authority and a commitment to improving the city for future generations.
There is a bit more at stake this time round.
Lower Hutt is in good shape. We are sound and have invested in our infrastructure. We have started a programme of progressively improving our community facilities.
The new council that you elect will be faced with consideration of a Local Government Commission proposal on the future of local government governance structures. This is likely to be consulted on early in the New Year.
The new council will also oversee the development of the city’s administrative centre in Laings Road and many other projects designed to improve our city, including a planned upgrade of the city halls.
Implementation of the new urban growth strategy will also take the attention of the mayor and councillors during the new triennium.
Someone said voters need an incentive to get out and vote. Motivation could include selecting a city council that will continue to constrain the level of rate increases and be prudent when it comes to spending.
But most of a new council needs a mandate to govern. And that is truly possible when citizens step up and vote for their preferred candidates.
I am keen to see a minimum turn-out of 45 per cent of our eligible voters.
The election result is announced on Saturday 12 October…I hope your vote will be included.
Be prepared for an emergency
Being prepared and ready for an emergency is vital
Be prepared …that’s my message to our community in the wake of shakes and quakes that are currently hitting our city.
http://youtu.be/Tm0ra6N0cuY
Take the best of local government and make it work
Our Hutt City Council unanimously supported a Local Government Reorganisation alternative application which proposes two new options that will provide a real alternative to a single council supercity.
We have asked the Local Government Commission to stay connected with the will of ratepayers in the Wellington region and to push for cost efficient management.
The application calls for an enhanced status quo that maintains current boundaries but merges the region’s transport and water management under a jointly owned business; or four unitary authorities and regional transport and water management.
Our council’s submission is the only viable option for fixing the real problems facing the region – it is a call for common sense and pragmatism
We propose tackling the big issues of transport and water management across the region which require the region to speak and act with one voice.
Anything else is just expensive window dressing, I believe.
The Local Government Commission will be embarking on a mission impossible if it tries to launch a total regional amalgamation which has been firmly rejected across the majority of residents and ratepayers.
Our voice reflects the mood of our community who do not wish to see their hard earned money wasted on the creation of a single city.
We undertook to listen to our ratepayers. They supported an enhanced status quo and merging of transport and water management with a further option of four unitary authorities if more change is proposed by the commission.
An enhanced status quo is the most democratic and economically efficient model for our city and the region.
Mayor Wallace says his council directly opposes the application from the Greater Wellington Regional Council Council, which was formulated and submitted without being truly tested by the public.
Under the enhanced status quo we would be taking the best and making it work for the region as a whole.
The TDB report which supports our Hutt City Council application recommended no boundary changes, but region-wide Council-controlled organisations for transport and water. It says the second-best boundary option was creating four unitary authorities. The report also suggests a supercity is not the best option for the Wellington region
ENDS
Thursday 18 July 2013
Lower Hutt on track for future growth
Future growth of Hutt City is assured through a new Urban Growth Strategy adopted by the Community Development Committee.
The strategy which provides new residential development in greenfield areas and infill housing will go to full council next month (August)
Work will then begin on changing the district plan to include provisions for the changes suggested within the strategy.
The changes will set our city on a growth path into the future.
We estimate our population will grow to around 110,000 in the next 20 years and the new provisions in the urban strategy will accommodate the 6000 new houses expected to be built during that period.
The Urban Growth Strategy drew more than 400 submissions during an intensive round of consultation and council listened carefully to views of people affected by the initial proposals.
Officers have done a good job in developing the strategy which took many months to prepare and engage with the communities affected by the proposals.
A draft planning change will go out to the community for comment and will include owners and occupiers of land and property affected by the proposed change.
This matter is likely to be a priority for the new council in the next triennium,” he says.
Mayor Wallace says no council can give a binding commitment beyond 10 years but the decision has put Lower Hutt on track to accommodate growth into the future.
Secret Cafe gives top training to young people
Secret Level has successfully completed barista training for six young students who have been training on the job in the Secret Café in Queen’s Arcade. Pictured here hard at work, from left, are Journey Kahukuranui and Shyron Blake. This has been an amazing pilot programme with the students all becoming proficient in a skill which has already led to one graduate being offered a job. Congratulations to Ginz Sinclair and Matt Gell from Secret Level for making this possible together with sponsors among them Ripe Coffee and Gellisimo Gelato, Taita College, Naenae College, Hutt Valley High School and Te Kura Correspondence, About Space and the Youthwise Trust.
Boost in business confidence within Lower Hutt
Lower Hutt is a city we all love.
There is so much to enjoy – great education opportunities, sporting codes for every interest, and a robust business base that is showing Lower Hutt’s economy is on the rise.
During the past six months $250 million in new developments have been slotted into the pipeline – this is more than we have seen in the past five years.
This is a clear sign that economic activity is on the move.
The new developments will provide a boost to our local economy bringing much needed jobs.
We have one of the lowest rates rises in the country at an average of less than one per cent and our new Urban Growth Strategy is targeting an increase in our population to 110,000 over the next 20 years.
Large national developers are interested in doing business here with plans for two new rest homes. A third, being built by the Masonic Trust, is already under way.
AF Logistics re located from Porirua to Port Road and Owens Transport has re occupied their premises at Seaview. Masterpet is also planning a new development in that area.
Further signs of business confidence in Lower Hutt include the decision by the Japanese-owned Cable Price group to consolidate its headquarters here in Lower Hutt which opened earlier this year. This decision represented a significant investment of $10 million.
New developments coming into the city have been helped by our council business stimulus package which was intrdouced for the first time last year. We have been very pleased with the response and the package will be offered again in the current financial year.
New developments coming into the city have been helped by our council business stimulus package which was intrdouced for the first time last year. We have been very pleased with the response and the package will be offered again in the current financial year.
Development of Lower Hutt as a Technology Valley is also rapidly becoming a reality.
Callaghan Innovation has a significant presence in Lower Hutt and has announced it will create an innovative centre as a hub for science and business interests to create new products and services for the benefit of New Zealand business. There are already 800 companies in Lower Hutt linked to science and with this announcement we would expect this number to increase.
Lower Hutt is a great place to live with parks and a sea foreshore surrounded by hills and bush, and it is a city with a sound economic heart.
This growth in business confidence has happened in just three short years setting up our city for growth and prosperity as we move with a positive step into the future.
Petone Winter Carnival a must do event
The annual Petone Winter Carnival set down for Saturday, 3 August, is fast approaching.
This has been a major attraction on the Petone foreshore drawing thousands of people to the beachfront over many years.
It will be action-packed day with a whole range of activities including the ever-popular Polar Plunge at noon , market stalls, performances, food fair, public art and the finale of the Pelorus Trust Fireshow display at 7.30pm.
The Rotary Club of Hutt City Fire Sculptures will again light up the foreshore in spectacular fashion leading in to the fireshow.
Beautiful, giant pieces of art are created on the foreshore from 9am, erected, and then burnt one by one with an amazing fireworks finale. Six groups are scheduled to participate this year.Hutt city Council organises the event with support from the Pelorus Trust which has done a fantastic job in helping to make the winter festival a truly spectacular evening.
Make sure you come along and make it a great family event.
Cheaper parking positive move
Shoppers and business people will be pleased to see parking rates have been reduced.
There is still a cost, but it is very minimal.
The big advantage of this move is the amount of time shoppers now have – they get double the time for the same price.
Prior to this latest move, shoppers would pay $2 for the first hour and $3 for the second hour. Now they are getting a full hour for a $1.50 and if they go over the river bank car park, the price is only 70c.
There have been questions about free parking.
My argument is that there is still a need for time limited parking to ensure everyone has the opportunity to park alongside their favourite shops.
Our research showed that people come to town because of what is on offer at the shops, or because they have special errands or a wish to pick up specific items. There is little evidence that free parking encourages people to come to town just for the sake of it.
I believe the parking fee reduction is a good move and will encourage shoppers to spend more time in the Central Business District.
Further information is available on the City council website
Senior net doing a good job
Getting smart on the internet is as simple as signing on for Senior Net and successful Lower Hutt organisations with 450 members and 40 tutors teaching all there is to know about computers. Learning how to do emails and surf the internet is the main focus of attention for people who are new to computers.
The emphasis is on seniors teaching seniors and I thoroughly commend it to anyone wishing to gain computer knowledge.
During the annual meeting I was presented two certificates for Meritorious Service to the Senior Net organisation of Hutt City. One was to Ken Haywood who, over 15 years held the positions of secretary, treasurer and chairman. The other was to Geoff Honey who has served as technical director of the organisation over 14 years. They were very worthy recipients of the awards.
You can find out more at learn@seniornet-huttcity.org.nz
Petone town clock chimes in 100 years
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A celebration to mark 100 years since the Petone Town Clock first chimed out over a youthful Petone Town was a great occasion to dress up and even bake a cake for more than 300 people, mainly families, who turned out for the event.
The Jackson Street Programme committee under chair Leonie Dobbs is to be congratulated for staging the event. They have been operating in JacksonStreet for more than 20 years, encouraging enterprise and creating new ideas to promote the town
They have done a good job.
At the core of this enterprise is the Petone community represented by the Community Board.The Board has done a good job supporting local initiatives among them reconstruction of the McKenzie Pool complex which is proceeding at a rapid pace to be ready for summer. They were also involved in submissions on the recent District Plan changes.
Local representation is important and ensures the voice of Petone is heard at the full council table.
Local government history in Petone has had its share of controversy whether it was voting for a gasworks or discussing how to raise loans for new roading, or even straightening Jackson Street – the debates were all vigorous and well discussed.
At the turn of the century Petone was the hub of a bustling community and in 1913 the new Town Clock was installed on the back of this prosperity.
During its 100 years, the Town Clock has “watched” the town from both sides of the street, sometimes with chimes, and sometimes without. It has seen a passing parade of our history – our young marching off to two world wars, the hungry and the jobless of the Great Depression, and the workers hurrying off to the Gear meatworks or car assembly plants.
Sports clubs flourished off the back of industry as young talented players came to Petone looking for work. Among them were a fair share of New Zealand representatives many of whom are part of the Walk of Champions down Jackson Street.
And then came a slow decline as the core of established business including picture theatres and other enterprises quietly closed.
Throughout these last decades the families, the community, and the organisations that provide care and support, endured.
Volunteers are the core of any community and more so in Petone. This was brought home to me during the recent and destructive storm when winds gusted up to 180 kilometres an hour and the Esplanade was closed for short periods because of high seas. With no power, thousands of people were left cold and with no way of cooking their own food. But virtually no one required support from aid agencies within this community.
It was friends and neighbours who went to their assistance came, making sure everyone was safe, helping to remove trees from driveways, and just being available.
That is the spirit of Petone – it was here 100 years ago and endures still.
Many of the building owners also attended the centennial celebration. They also have endured through good times and bad and helped maintain the heritage character of this wonderful street.
It was a great day for Petone.
Sunday 23 June 2013
Make a difference in the sale and supply of alcohol
We are encouraging local communities to have their say on the Hutt City Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) covering the sale and supply of alcohol. Communities have till 4pm on Monday 1 July to put their views.
Your feedback is important in ensuring council considers your views when regulating off and on licenses, one-way door restrictions, and other licensing matters outlined in the LAP.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (SSAA) allows local authorities to create a LAP and put in place a new system of control that aims to ensure that alcohol is consumed safely and responsibly.
We as council can now make a change in our local communities and let the people be heard through LAP’s. Communities are able to restrict or extend trading hours of premises, limit the location and density of licences or impose conditions on licensed premise
We work closely with Police and our Hutt Valley Police Area Commander Mike Hill acknowledges alcohol misuse is a key driver of crime.
Copies of the LAP are available from the council administration building, 30 Laings Road, local libraries and on the council website www.huttcity.govt.nz/haveyoursay
Voice of the Hutt Valley on local government must be heard
Hutt Valley residents have firmly rejected a supercity for the Wellington region.
A Hutt Valley community survey and a Colmar Brunton poll show firm support for the status quo with enhanced shared services by the majority of 7000 residents who responded. A United Hutt Valley is the preferred alternative if change is forced upon the region.
Our communities have made a strong and clear statement that plans for a supercity are dead.
People are passionate about this issue and are telling us no to a supercity.
Our job is to make sure the Local Government Commission knows the depth of local feeling.
A Colmar Brunton telephone poll reinforces the findings of the community Your Voice Your Choice survey. Both surveys were conducted over the period from late May to mid June 2013
The survey findings bring to six the number of councils in the region firmly against a supercity – Masterton, Carterton, and South Wairarapa District Councils are pushing for a single unitary authority and Kapiti District Council wants to retain the current system.
We are going to report back to our respective communities and meet as separate councils and make decisions about our next action.
We are very pleased with the overwhelming response from the 7000 residents of the Hutt Valley who made their views known to us through both the community survey and the Colmar Brunton poll.
This is the biggest single response to any survey we have conducted in the history of both councils, and is the largest regional response to this issue – and that is a voice we must listen to.
Now we will get on with it.
Further information on the survey can be found at www.yourvoiceyourchoice.org.nz
Neighbours help those in need
Lower Hutt residents showed they are good neighbours keeping in close contact with friends and the people next door following the massive storm that left a trail of devastation across the city.
I was very impressed with the willingness of Lower Hutt people to look out for each other particularly for neighbours with large families or people living alone who were affected by the storm. The Facebook was alive with people offering assistance or alerting others to areas of need.
The people who helped others were the local heroes in the aftermath of the worse storm in many years.
Many Belmont and Eastbourne residents were still without power more than three days after the storm.
Emergency services worked around the clock clearing trees and repairing roads damaged by the storm. The widespread loss of power caused anxiety and concern and everything possible was done to get everyone back on line.
Hutt City contractors defied the howling winds and rain to get out on the job on the night of the storm and our civil defence response teams coordinated activities ensuring there was a steady flow of information to keep our residents informed of developments.
Information is critical in such times and the council facebook was accessed by many of our people who wished to share information and keep everyone updated.
Many trees were uprooted and a large number of branches were scattered everywhere. The heavy seas caused some road closures along the coastline while commuters faced delays through cancelled trains caused by track damage.
Our Hutt City call centre managed a heavy load of callers.
Everyone involved in clearing up the debris and getting things running again have done a fantastic job and deserve our praise for a job well done..
ENDS
Students create vision for future landscape of Hutt City
It is truly amazing what can happen when you give 100 students a pencil and tell them to come up with designs that transform our city of Lower Hutt.
I am thoroughly impressed with the work produced by Victoria University’s School of Architecture students under Professor Jules Moloney. They have mounted their work in a pop-up shop exhibition at the Queens Drive arcade. And the attraction is how students have interpreted the future shape for our Central Business district. There are some truly wonderful ideas.
To me this is a step toward building of a partnership between Lower Hutt and Victoria University School of Architecture to research Hutt-based projects that are relevant to city council strategies.
The offering is drawn from our urban growth strategy and interprets what residential development may look like
Our urban Growth Strategy is taking our city and overlaying opportunities for catering for growth as we look to provide living space for families and young people choosing to live here.
This is also an opportunity for the university to reach out into the community and to learn what we are about. The exhibition is about making the talent of young people more visible
I also believe this is a key step in building our city for the future by letting young and fresh ideas to be included in our own views about what is best for Lower Hutt.The exhibition is well worth a look before it closes on 11 July.
Avalon an investment in future of Lower Hutt
The decision to purchase Avalon Studios as an operational studio made Lower Hutt a vital link in the creation of film and television projects within the Wellington region.
The studios were purchased from TVNZ by Avalon Holdings Ltd, a consortium headed by businessman John Feast and two Avalon staff members, Paul Mainwaring and Gary Watkins. I had the opportunity to personally thank them for their commitment to Lower Hutt’s future.
I was delighted with the outcome as I had fought hard to keep the studios as a working studio here in Lower Hutt. At one stage I feared Avalon would be converted into office blocks or industrial use.
I lobbied hard through various channels among them the Minister of Broadcasting, TVNZ itself, and hosted film companies to assess the potential of Avalon for future projects – among them interests from China and India.
The decision to keep Avalon operational is a significant opportunity to attract major film and television interests to the city as we build on existing strengths across the Wellington Region.
This confidence in the future of Avalon Studios is a big boost for Lower Hutt and offers potential to encourage young people to develop new skills in film and television.
Avalon is another high profile world class facility that is located here in Lower Hutt along with international companies and science – based industry where people are living local and trading globally.
Lower Hutt is a city with lots of appeal and is attracting young families and professionals looking for a mix of opportunities for local jobs, recreation, and good education for their children within close knit communities.
Avalon is a good example of local enterprise and investment for future growth and development in the area of film and television. I applaud the intiatiive taken by Avalon Holdings Ltd and theier confidence in our shared future..
Free Wi-fi will stimulate business activity in CBD
Free Wi-fi mobility is now available in the central city and that’s what people want.
Everyone is on the move with mobile devices. People will be able to connect and undertake business outside their office.
Flick out your iPad or Android tablet in High Street, from Waterloo to Laing’s Roads, Andrews Avenue, Margaret Street or even when you are waiting for a bus in Bunny Street. Or do it when you are taking in the arts in the Dowse Square.
Wi-fi is here and it is free.
I have got to thank all of those who have made this possible. Because I think it is the best thing for our Central Business District.
Certainly our Technology Valley and the Technology Development group saw Wi –fi as the key to getting Lower Hutt recognised as the epicentre of technology for the Wellington region.
There is no doubt that our CBD Wi-Fi would not have been possible without the fibre cable network operated by Smartlinx 3. I wish to thank Roger MacDonald and his team for their willingness to make this happen. They worked with our Hutt City development team to provide a service covering key areas of the CBD.
The cooperation of building owners and managers has also been a significant factor. They gave permission for the antennae to be erected around the CBD to provide the essential connectivity. This support was a critical to the success of the project.
And there has been the wonderful support from our businesses who are enthusiastic about Wi-fi coming to town. We are confident it will help attract more people to the inner city and certainly stamp our mark as the Technology Valley®.
The long-term growth of our economy in Lower Hutt demands fresh thinking and an entrepreneurial attitude, expert input, and involvement and support from the whole community.
So thank you to everyone for your help in making our Lower Hutt CBD Wi-Fi a reality.
And just in case you do not have your own device, we are running a competition with an iPad as the prize – simply send a message from downtown Lower Hutt and you’re in
Hutt City rates rise to average less than one per cent
We are taking positive steps to consolidate our future with this budget which includes continuation of our $1.2 million business stimulus package. Business has responded positively to our initiative in the first year with more than $300 million in development work planned in coming months.
This kind of investment will provide a lift for Lower Hutt as we steadily encourage investment in our city.
The Annual Plan also provides for major community projects including the Taita Community Hub, Fraser Park Sportsville, and redevelopment of the Horticultural and Town halls. They will all make a significant difference and represent a major step forward for our community.
Current economic conditions are still challenging and we are conscious of the need to ensure our rates are held as low as possible. I believe the Council has done its very best to contain costs while improving community facilities and services to our residents and ratepayers.
Ignoring Lower Hutt residents is not democracy
The voice of Lower Hutt residents has been ignored by Greater Wellington Regional Council which has opted to support a two-tier supercity model.
A large majority of our people do not want a super city and our current surveys are reinforcing that view. The regional councillors who supported the decision have taken an isolationist approach. They have consistently turned their heads and ignored our views.
Their proposed model has already been rejected by the councils and their communities in Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa, Kapiti, Upper Hutt and Hutt City. Our position in Lower Hutt rests with the people we serve.
I have always said our council would ask the people of our community what they prefer and then make a submission based on that preference. Our view has not changed.
The decision of the GWRC compounds our view that they are out of touch with the communities they are elected to serve. We will continue to fight to ensure the voice of Lower Hutt is heard in this discussion on local government reform.
Our community survey, I am sure, will reinforce the opposiotion of our community to a supercity.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Joint consultation will seek community views
Hutt Valley’s two city councils will be asking for your views on the future of regional governance in a combined consultation beginning on Tuesday, 28 May.
Mayor Wayne Guppy from Upper Hutt and I believe our community within the Valley need accurate information about possible future options.
Our councils have always worked closely together and we both believe our residents should be givent the opportunity to air their views about any future local governement reform.
Both our councils were told in polls last year that the majority of residents wanted the status quo to remain with more shared services and, if forced into an amalgamation, a united Hutt Valley was the next preferred choice.
We are putting out the options of an enhanced status quo model, a United Hutt Valley Council, or a single council for the Wellington region. We are seeking a clear direction on the preferences of our communities within the Hutt Valley.
We will listen to the voice of the communities we serve and then make decisions about whether or not submissions will be made to the Local Government Commission.
This is a time for our communities to stand together with a shared voice to ensure we have a say in our own future.
Both councils will also use the results of the Colmar Brunton telephone survey conducted last year and run a second survey alongside this current consultation.
A website www.yourvoiceyourchoice.org.nz will remain open through to Friday 14 June.
Violence in community not tolerated
Boy racers came into the headlines this month following an altercation in Seaview and I joined Police Area Commander, Inspector Mike Hill, in telling our community that violence will not be tolerated nor condoned.
Police and Hutt City Council have helped to reduce crime through a partnership between the community and policing.
Inspector Hill says local boy racers and car enthusiasts are a highly visible group but the large majority are law abiding, driving on correct licences, with legitimate cars and driving sober. They are not a major cause of crashes and on road harm, to our community
Our shared concern is where there are incidents of intimidation or anti social behaviour and “occasions” where there are burnouts on public land.
It is now up to the boy racers – if they wish to continue this sort of behaviour the community will call for stronger rules and laws to control them.
Police have advised that anyone who witnesses an incident should
· advise police of gathering locations
· provide the police with video footage of offending, if possible
· phone 111 to report to police if criminal offences are being committed
· car enthusiasts themselves should ensure they moderate their own behaviour and the image they portray.
Bring your heart home winners found a special place
Time spent exploring the hidden sites and places of beauty that abound in Lower Hutt can make for a perfect day, I wrote in my latest column in Vibrant Hutt.
We are lucky people here in the Hutt.
This was brought home to me recently when ‘Bring Your Heart Home’ winners, Malaysian couple Wallace and Krs Ty Wai Hoe Yap, were hosted to a weekend in the city, courtesy of the Hutt News
Their enthusiasm and awe at the scenes and sights of Lower Hutt renewed my belief that we live in a special city.
They were overwhelmed by the warmth of the hospitality shown them by our people and were totally impressed by their adventures both within the urban setting and the southern coast.
A traditional powhiri at Waiwhetu Marae and an impassioned performance by teenagers from Alicetown-based kura, Te Ara Whanui, set the couple on their journey.
They toured the Stansborough looms where Gandalf’s cloak for Lord of the Rings was woven. Following a sumptuous two hour lunch at La Bella they strolled down Jackson Street popping into the Dutch shop, The Chocolate Story, Sweet Pea, On Trays, and Wanda Harland.
Our early European settlers were on show too as they visited the Petone Settlers Museum and then stopped for a refreshing drink of artesian water at Te Puni Wai Ora. A night at BK’s Motel, dinner at Jackson Street Bistro and a movie at Lighthouse Cinema finished the first day for them.
The forecast rain did not arrive and their second day was one of the most beautiful autumn days in many years – a perfect day for quad biking over Southern Wainuiomata’s Orongorongo station. The exhilarating ride was only exceeded by the breath-taking mountain, river valley and sea views. An extremely happy but somewhat tired out couple finished the afternoon with a four wheel drive trip along the rugged Pencarrow Coast Road to Pencarrow Lodge and a visit inside New Zealand’s first lighthouse.
Whew! And that was one weekend.
The experience of Wallace and Krs Ty is a reminder that Lower Hutt has much to offer in the way of adventure tourism. We have bush, streams, rivers, mountains, and seashore, all perfect for a multitude of adventures from the extreme-physical to gentle recreational activities. You can swim, mountain bike, golf on some of New Zealand’s best courses, shop, enjoy our cafes and restaurants, visit the Dowse, take a stroll along the beach at Day’s Bay or visit the beautiful gardens in Wainuiomata – and that’s just to start with!
This is our place and, on occasions, you have to see it through the eyes of first-time visitors to be reminded just how amazing and beautiful it is.
There are many, an estimated 600,000 per annum are making Lower Hutt part of their visitor experience.
Visitors make a significant contribution to our economy and with the growth in the number of people visiting friends and family there is an opportunity for everyone living in the Hutt Valley to become a champion and ambassador and promote our city to friends and family.
In just one short weekend, Wallace and Krs Ty from Kuala Lumpur had an amazing visitor experience where the people, our people here in the Lower Hutt, made them feel special. They will be coming back – that’s for certain.
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