Valley Voice July 2014

VALLEY VOICE NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND THE ARO VALLEY JULY 2014

T E R E O H A P O R I O WA I M A P I H I

AGM AGENDA (order may vary on night)1. Confirm minutes of previous annual general meeting2. Receive annual accounts3. Receive reports of officers and coordinator4. Elect Officers and Committee5. Decide whether to appoint an auditor and honorary solicitor6. Briefing on community projects: Aro Solar, Kai Te Aro, Community Composting7. Urgent General Business

Aro Valley Community Council Annual General Meeting Wednesday 23 July 7.30pmAro Valley Community Council Inc. Annual General Meeting is on Wednesday 23rd July 2014 at 7.30pmNominations are now open for the following AVCC positions: Co-Chairs (2), Treasurer, Secretary, Committee Members (10). Nominations can be made on the nomination form (see back page or available from the Community Centre Office at 48 Aro St, or from our website at www.arovalley.org.nz). Return your completed form to the Community Centre or email a scanned version to: [email protected], by 5pm 22 July.

SEE ALSO: Treasurer Wanted, see page 4.

Land information NZ (LINZ) have approached Wellington City Council over the proposed disposal of the Devon Street gully land adjacent to Te Aro school. The vegetated gully was the focus of the Te Aro community during consultation on the Town Belt Management Plan. It turns out the land has been on the dispos-al list for some years. This explains why the school were not aware of the process currently being run through by LINZ. The Town Belt Management Plan

(Policy 8.3.2.2) notes that WCC will initiate discussions over the future of this land which is former Town Belt. The Council is currently researching the

Town Belt land reinvestigated

An independent town planning report on the character of Taitville, the area around Entrance, lower Norway, Irvine and Thule Streets, has concluded that the area should not be included under the Aro Valleys pre-1930s Demolition Rule, controlling development.The assessment was requested by AVCC Co-chair Roland Sapsford as part of the submission he made (as an individual) on the District Plan. Sapsford suggested that both Landcross Street and the Taitville area should be covered by the Aro Valley pre-1930s Demolition Rule.Four AVCC members, Jo Brien,

Jadwyn Lowe, Madeleine Rashbrooke and Julia Stace, met with the reports author Morten Gjerde and WCCs Alison Newbold last month to discuss the report.The group argued that the area, at the

bottom of Raroa Road, was developed at the same period and visually forms a characteristic part of the Aro Valley.The council argued that the pre-

1930s Demolition Rule shouldnt be applied too widely as it inhibits housing development, and the WCC needs to be able to defend its position if challenged. Following earlier discussions with

the Council about Landcross Street, it was determined that only the Devon Street facing side of Landcross Street would also be included in the Aro Valley designation.The District Plan, which is reviewed

every 10 years, is due to be ratified on 31 July.

Report excludes Taitville from Aro Valley designation

Entrance and Norway Street: Not part of Aro Valley?

history of the land, which the Crown also attempted to dispose of in the 1990s but WCC objected and the land was removed from sale. The land was taken from the Town Belt in 1932 for a school and no record exists of the Crown compensating the city. The Councils position in the 90s was that the land should be returned to Town Belt.City Councillor and Environment

Portfolio leader Helene Ritchie says: Once we have researched the background fully we will prepare a paper for Environment Committee recommending the next steps. In the meantime we have advised LINZ the Council does have an interest in the land.

For more information contact: [email protected]

2 NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND THE VALLEY JULY 2014

Significant Trees at the Aro Street bus terminus part 1Story and photo by Julia StaceAlthough we dont have any protected Heritage trees in Aro Valley, we do have a cluster of interesting trees at the top of Aro Street.At the entrance to Polhill Reserve,

on the freshly planted slope above the community garden and orchard, are two trees, a native kawaka or Libocedrus plumosa and a dawn redwood or Metasequioa glyptostroboides. On the

opposite side of the road, by 206 Aro St, is a cluster of four more dawn redwoods. A little further on, in cages on the grassy slope at the start of Raroa Rd, are 11 specimen ash trees, Fraxinus excelsior. All these

trees were planted in the 1990s, chosen for reasons now obscured by time. They have thrived and become well established. Nowadays we prefer to see appropriate native trees planted in the Valley and

School holiday programme could goThe time may have come to wrap up the Valleys school holiday programme, as numbers remain low, community co-ordinator Kelvin Aris says.Aris said the issue should be debated by the new AVCC committee elected at this months annual general meeting and by the wider Aro community.Numbers have been low on the school

holiday programme for some time now, and at the time of writing in late June, just five children had signed up for Julys programme.Aris said other community centre co-

ordinators from around the city had told him to just get rid of it if community support for the programme was not there. Maybe its time to wrap the programme up, he said.AVCC co-chair Roland Sapsford said

he would flag it at the AGM as an issue for the community to debate.

The velvety black buds of the ash are distinctive in winter

catchment. However, after the Aro Valley Restoration Project representatives met with Amber Bill, Open Spaces and Parks Manager, and Marlies Laser, Tree Team Customer Liaison, from the Wellington City Council, we all agreed that these are

now all significant, amenity trees. The twelfth cage is empty, this ash

having not survived. The WCC staff offered to plant a northern rata (PB 95 thats big) this winter. In principle this roadside space should remain open, as it provides a spot of sun for students whose houses may be in the gloom of Aro Valley all winter. There is room enough for 1-2 more locally sourced natives to be planted annually, over the next few years.The species of ash in the other 11 cages

is a deciduous tree from Europe, growing naturally from Britain to Turkey. The pale, tough timber is sought after for oars, tool handles and bentwood chairs. In spring, insignificant flower clusters emerge from striking velvety black buds. The feathery foliage is distinctive; 9-11 leaflets make up the leaves, which are 30cm long and turn yellow in autumn. They should grow into trees 15-18m high with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown. The cages are protecting them from accidental damage when the WCC mows the lawn. Although the ash do set seed, they are not expected to become weedy here.Ash were brought to New Zealand

in 1904 as an ornamental tree. There is one ash of this species on the citys heritage list of trees, in Newman Terrace, Thorndon.In future issues of the Valley Voice I

will write about a bit more about the kawaka and the extraordinary living fossils, the dawn redwoods.

More Terrace elms removed Three elm trees leaning over the road and one large limb at 358-370 The Terrace were, at time of writing, to be removed by WCC Tree Maintenance on 16 July.

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND THE VALLEY JULY 2014 3

LETTERSDear SirGood news, bad news. But it is not too late. The good news is that new trees have been added to Aro Park.The bad news being the trees selected are not appropriate for this urban park. The Rata and Tawa have a growth reach of 25m. Tawa have a particularly dense canopy. Imagine an 8 story building in the park.Context is all important. Aro Parks autumn, winter, spring early light and drying warmth comes from the north-east quarter. In time the new tree canopy will completely block morning sunlight and warmth. Aro Park will remain cool and damp like a forest floor.But it is not to late to substitute this deep shadow for a light semi-deciduous canopy. Take out the Hinau, Rata and Tawa and plant in their stead bird feeding, seasonally colourful modest sized and endemic Kowhai.David McGillPS: Forest trees (Tawa, Rata and Hinau) best planted in an emerging forest like Polhill Gully.

Martins AGM PrioritiesDear Community,I would like to see the following in Aro Valley, and am standing for the AVCC Committee in the hope I can contribute and work towards these (unfortunately Im away for the AGM).Community noticeboards, murals, stage in park, power in park, BBQs in park, outdoor bike tools, market days, bikes day, film nights, Neighbours Day street meals and parties, helping neighbours scheme, rainwater & emergency water tanks, Old Mans Beard removal, slow traffic to 30km, tidy Aro St/Valley, Community Trade website, household waste & plastic reduction scheme, fish & chip oil bio-diesel, housing co-op, small business workstations in the empty community centre small room, post-boxes (the latter two would produce income for AVCC).Plus, training for the AVCC Committee in: being a good employer, meeting facilitation, use of consensus method, and holding regular open discussion forums for our members (participatory democracy).

I think communities can do many things for ourselves. We dont have to ask or wait for governments to do it all for us. Our Community Coordinators have organised some wonderful activities. Others have contributed, such as GWRC, Film Archives, historians, authors. I think the actual AVCC Committee could, and should, do more for community development than merely reacting to planning and traffic proposals.Martin Wilson

Palmer Street Cross Hatching UpdateLocal real estate agent Canadian Bob Tesan has been lobbying the Wellington City Council and NZTA to paint cross-hatch markings on Willis Street to enable vehicles exiting Palmer Street. Heres an update:

Hi Max and Tim,I just thought Id give you a bit of an update on the proposal to City Council; I presented them with 23 completed surveys last week which overwhelmingly supported the idea of cross hatching being added at the entrance of Palmer Street.I called WCC this morning and had a chat with Steve Spence, he is the city councils chief transport planner. Mr Spence was very informative and happy to update me on their progress. The final decision has NOT been made yet but he did tell me that traffic consultants have done some preliminary traffic studies at the

New trees good news?

corner, and at present they arent too concerned with the congestion many of us are experiencing while exiting Palmer street. He did say though that while investigating the traffic flow they discovered that there seems to be a slight issue with the existing computer/monitor system which is built into many WCC intersections. They believe an adjustment to that monitoring system may help with our congestion situation. It was enlightening to talk to Mr Spence and to know WCC doesnt take these requests lightly. I dont envy their role in sorting Wellingtons ever-changing traffic issues, but do appreciate the time they have taken so far to help the Palmer Street residents find a solution.Bob Tesan Walk down memory laneGreetings Aro Valley. And what a fantastic Valley you have! A couple of months ago my friend and I came down from Wairarapa to a meeting at your community Centre. We left our car at the centre and walked to the top of Aro Street, where I used to live, late seventies early eighties. My Auntie God rest her cotton socks lived at 194 Aro Street. I loved living in that street, I used to walk to Wellington East Girls College, or catch bus up the top end. We used to pick Blackberries up in the bushes, dont know if you still can. So every time we head down to Welly, we always head up to Aro Valley. Maybe we will one day knock on the door of 194 and meet up and take a walk down that back path. I know my aunt used to have a fantastic vege garden out the back. So good job, Aro Valley its looking great. Cheers Sue Dyer

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Good news for Devon Street gullyIona PannettLambton Ward councillorWell, a little bit of good news to

start off with: a government agency has approached the city council to see whether we would be interested in acquiring the land next to Te Aro School for Town Belt purposes. Given the feedback from the community about the importance of this land, I would like to see it returned. We are doing some background work on the issue and I will keep you posted on progress. I am waiting somewhat nervously at

the time of writing for the release of the Board of Inquiry report on the Basin Reserve flyover. A no to this project would most likely put a stop for now at least to plans for two tunnels at the Terrace and Mt Victoria, which would be a very good outcome. On another transport issue, I am very

disappointed by the regional councils decision to get rid of the trolleys that service the Aro Valley so well, amongst other places. No cast-iron guarantees have been put in place to ensure we get a more environmentally friendly alternative, and my big concern is that we will just end up with more diesels. Lets hope the regional council will do the right thing. Hope you are all warm and hope to

see you at my Caffeine Clinic on the 27th July, 3pm at Aro Caf.Iona Pannett 384-3382 / 021-227-8509

Pannett offers caffeine fixSunday 27 July is your chance to come and have a coffee and cake with Lambton Ward councillor Iona Pannett. Its cold outside but itll be warm inside the lovely Aro Caf, and theres no excuse not to join in, as Pannett will be picking up the tab. Whether your issue is the number of

rubbish bins in Aro Valley or how we fight climate change as a city, you can come and have a chat about how to fix these issues. The city council is starting to write its budget for the next three years, so get in early and have your say.A second opportunity to be hosted

by Iona will take place at the Southern Cross Caf on Sunday 3 August at 3pm.Aro Caf, Aro Street, Sunday 27th July 3:00-4:30pm. Southern Cross Caf, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Sunday 3rd August, 3:00-4:30pm. Contact Pannett on 384-3382 or 021-227-8509 for more information.

Local has vision for amazing birdlifeThe hills above the Aro Valley are filled with exceptional birdlife and work is underway to make sure more residents can appreciate them.Brooklyn resident Marc Slade has been

organising birdcounts and pest traps on the slopes running up to Brooklyn, in Polhill Gully and above Holloway Road all the way up to George Denton Park in Highbury.The pests are a fairly standard mix

of rats, hedgehogs and the occasional weasel, Slade says, but are numerous enough to be a concern. There are also possums, despite hopes they had been largely eradicated by trapping.It is the birdlife, however, that really

has him excited. The amazing variety includes stitchbirds and kaka, who have been seen nesting in George Denton Park. These are really incredible birds that we are lucky to see so close to town.The bush itself is fairly average, but

Slade has a broader restoration vision. Slade said the project would not involve

trapping feral cats, as that was a hot topic at the moment we are not even going to go there.Slade recently received $1,000 from

the city council which the AVCC will umbrella to save him administrative hassles. That money will go towards more monitoring and trapping work.Along with birdlife, the Valley has

eels, fish and freshwater crayfish in its streams, Slade said, further emphasising the variety of wildlife. Eventually he would like to lobby the council to get rid of the grates on the streams and create fish ladders to ease their path along the stream.

Treasurer Wanted!The AVCC Committee is looking for a new Treasurer:

understanding financial governanceable to provide help with budgets and grant applicationscomputer literate accounting experience desirable

If that sounds like you, the AVCC would love to hear from you: [email protected] or come to the meeting on 23rd July.


Over the past months, on Wednesday afternoons, people have been coming to the Aro Community Centre to sing together, not formally like a choir, but in a relaxed, friendly and facilitative style. This is one of several daytime singing groups based in different Wellington suburbs in a project called Sing for Your Life, which is managed by Community Music Junction. The intention is to promote enjoyment, good feelings and well-being for all ages through group singing, but participants also learn about developing their vocal skills, musical timing and ways to

improvise harmonies. The songs are carefully chosen to be suitable and uplifting and to appeal to a wide range of interests, with a trend towards popular and folk songs from many of the worlds cultures. People come to Sing for Your Life for lots of different reasons but there is a strong common understanding that there are numerous benefits, both

Valley Voices in Harmony

personal and social, deriving from this shared participation in a meaningful music activity.

I love to sing, it makes me happy. I walk home singing, never mind the strange

looks I get; I am getting to know my community, says one participant. It helps reduce the stress and helps me reflect. I find myself singing the songs in between, they just ring in my head, says another.The Aro group is facilitated by Sidarth Pagad, a Music Therapy masters student

at the New Zealand School of Music. Sid accompanies the songs with guitar and percussion and brings a gentle nurturing quality to the learning and singing of songs. If you would like to come along for a sing, the group meets every Wednesday in school terms from 1.15 to 2.45. The suggested donation is $5 each time.For more info, contact Julian on 021 0767570 / 4767387, email [email protected] or go to www.communitymusicjunction.co.nz.campuses.

It adds joy to my week I go away with an extra bounce in my step


Kai o te AroI just came home from a stunning morning in the Secret Garden what a beautiful weekend we had! The sun came out and so did numerous community gardeners.Its amazing what a dozen pairs of hands can do in a few hours on a sunny day to bring a garden into tip top shape. In the Secret Garden at the moment we have:

lots of greens growing a thriving herb garden about 6 new artichoke plants separated from the existing artichoke clump rhubarb for the best winter desserts re-piled compost heaps warming up nicelyand lots of nasturtium, with berries ready to be made into poor mans capers, which I highly recommend (google the recipe theyre easy to make, delicious and much cheaper than buying a tiny jar of capers from the shop!)

Judging by the photo, were all heads down working hard, but actually there was a lot of laughter and in-depth conversation. I even learnt the basics of pruning roses from a fellow gardener, discussed the possibilities of time travel, learnt some interesting facts about pregnancy, chatted about our experiments with making fermented foods, and investigated the best tramping tracks in Wellington.Late in July well be gaining a few new fruit trees for our community orchard, with the vision of an abundance of apricots, lemons and feijoas for passers-by in the years to come. Additionally, one of our community gardening members

Aro Valley Community Pre-school

FREE early childhood education for 3 and 4 year olds

for up to 20 hours per week

We cater for children 2 to 5 years old

Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 to 2.45

Fees: $5.00 per hour for 2 year olds and for

3 and 4 year olds using more than 20 hours per week

We have places available now!

Phone 384 5156

Email: [email protected]

Website: arovalleypreschool.blogspot.co.nz

Also a community playgroup for under 3 year olds, operates on Tuesday afternoons from 3.30 to 5.00 pm.

Contact Sacha Green for details at:

[email protected]

is a skilled horticulturalist and will be teaching us some more fruit-tree skills and pruning techniques. Email us if youd like to come along and we will send you the details. Lastly, were aware there may be a few rodents hanging around the compost bins at the Aro Valley Community Centre. Never fear were working with the AVCC to resolve the situation. New gardeners and passionate Aro Valleyites are welcome to join us in gardening, sharing/learning skills and enjoying the produce of the gardens. We generally meet fortnightly on Saturdays at 10am, and other times can also be arranged. Watch out for notices on the Aro Cafe and community centre notice boards, or jump on our email list to be updated by sending a message to [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/kaiotearoHappy winter gardening!Lillian

PUPPETSHOW &WORKSHOP

INTERACTIVE KIDS THEATRE

24 May 21 June 19 july16 august

June 07 July 05

August 02August 30

39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, 6011, Wellingtonwww.thecross.co.nz [email protected]


Day Time Activity & Cost Contact

Monday 7.15 8.15am Tai Chi Class(Koha)Lynsey384 5520

6.00 8.00pmCapoeira($10 casual /$40 - 8 classes)

Bobby Semau027 [email protected]

Tuesday 9.30am-11.30amEnglish Language Class Elementary Class ($3 per class)

Teacher: Wendy Vink [email protected] 8499

12.00 12.45pm Sit and Be Fit ($3 per class)

Kathy McConvilleContact AVCC 384 [email protected]

3.30pm -5.00pmWellington Community Childrens ChoirAges 4 - 6: $40, Ages 7 - 12: $50

Julian Raphael 802 5398 [email protected]

6.30pm 7.30pm(starts 18th February)

Meditation $30 for 6 sessions $10 drop-in [email protected]

7.00 8.00pm Pilates. Introductory class until the end of June

Teacher: Erica [email protected] 8499

Wednesday 7.15 8.15am Tai Chi Class(Koha)Lynsey384 5520

9.30 11.30am English Language ClassBeginner Class ($3 per class)


1.15 2.45pmSing for your Life (daytime singing for all)No need to book! ($5 a time)

Julian Raphael802 5398 [email protected]

6.30 8.00pm Starjam [email protected]

8.00 10.00pm Aro Valley Table Tennis Club [email protected] 8499

Thursday 9.30 11.30amEnglish Language ClassHigher Level Class ($3 per class)


2.45 4.15pm Kids Jazz Dance Classes$12 per class / $100 per term Debbie: [email protected]

6.00 7.00pmSamba Hillary Mitchell & Fabiola Stevenson

Hillary [email protected] 021 230 8732

7.30 9.00pmYoshukai Karate ($10 a week pay what you can afford. Includes 2nd weekly class Northland Community Centre)

Colin Berryt

Friday 7.15 8.15am Tai Chi Class(Koha)Lynsey384 5520

Saturday 11.00 12.00pm ZUMBA Fitness($15/$10 with ID) Rafael Ferrer 382 8232www.cubanfusion.co.nz

1.00 3.00pm(last Saturday of the month)

Capoeira Bobby Semau027 696 [email protected]

VALLEY VOICEEditors: Max Rashbrooke & Tim

BollingerAll contributions and feedback to:

[email protected] 022 694 0871

Valley Voice is published on behalf of

Aro Valley Community Council48 Aro St

Wellington

Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers and not of

the Aro Valley Community Council (AVCC) unless adopted at a general

meeting.AVCC co-chairs 2013-14:

Roland Sapsford Bridget Stocker

Secretary: Sarah Jane PartonTreasurer: Mattie Timmer

Committee members: Charles Barrie, Jo Brien, Jay

Buzenberg, Eileen Charman, Jadwyn Lowe, Madeleine Rashbrooke, Julia

Stace, Kellar Taylor, Lisa Thompson, Jaqui Tutt

Aro Valley Community Centre Coordinator:Kelvin Aris

[email protected](04) 384-8499

REGULAR HALL USERS

Valley Voice is printed by

More weekend hall users soughtThe community centre is looking for enterprising people to fill it at weekends, following the departure of some of its long-running users.The Saturday Zumba class has stopped, while the Forward in Faith church group has not been using the Sunday morn-ing slot for some time, following the departure of much of its congregation elsewhere.

Community centre co-ordinator Kelvin Aris said the vacant slots would be ideal for a yoga or pilates class but anyone is free to give him a call. Those interested can contact him on:

[email protected] or 384 8499.

Loomio for Aro?Loomio, a revolutionary piece of collaborative decision-making software being developed here in Wellington, was the subject of a general meeting in the community centre on 15 July. Loomio (www.loomio.org) creates an online platform on which people can start discussions, articulate opinions and come to agreement. The well-attended meeting discussed how Loomio could be used to benefit Aro Valley residents. A show of hands showed support for trialing it, and a workshop is planned for early August.


Aro Valley Community CouncilAnnual General Meeting Wednesday 23rd July 2014

NOMINATION FORM FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Nominations are invited for the following positions: Co-chairs (2)TreasurerSecretaryUp to ten committee members will also be elected.

CANDIDATE:

I ___________________________ _____________________________________ (print name)a full member* of the Aro Valley Community Council, accept this nomination for the position of

___________________________________________________SIGNED: ___________________________

(print name of position)

NOMINATOR:

I, __________________________________________________________________(print name)

a full member of the Aro Valley Community Council, nominate the above named candidate for the above named position.

SIGNED: ______________________________________________________

SECONDER: I, ________________________________________________________________

(print name)

a full member of the Aro Valley Community Council, second the nomination for the above named candidate for the above named position.

SIGNED: _________________________________ DATE:

Completed nominations must be received at the registered offices of the Aro Valley Community Council no later than 5pm Tuesday 22nd July. Post or hand deliver to: The Secretary, Aro Valley Community Council Inc, 48 Aro Street, Aro Valley Wellington or email a scanned version to: [email protected],

* A full member of the Aro Valley Community Council is defined as being: 1) resident, 2) worker, 3) property owner, 4) business owner in the Aro Valley Suburb

Valley Voice July 2014

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Transcript of Valley Voice July 2014