Stokes Valley News in Brief

	Kiwibank Comes to Stokes Valley Opening without an official opening the Kiwibank began trading on Monday 24 June. Operating from Philip Hines Pharmacy, the bank has had strong interest from Stokes Valley residents. Extra staff have been taken on to deal with the initial rush.
Community Centre AGM The Community Centre AGM took place on Wednesday 26 June. Elected to the house committee were: Judi Baily (Chair) Neville McCann (Co chair) Loraine Olifient (Co chair) Greg Robins (Secretary) Geoff Lloyd (Treasurer) Michelle Martin Julie Englebretsen The meeting recognised the efforts of Janet Te Huia for her work during the year.
	Stokes Valley Rotary Has New President At the annual change-over dinner this year held at Cloud 9 Studios on Tuesday 25 June, outgoing Club president Ria Janssen formally handed over to President elect Peter Anderson. Both are pictured left. The large gathering were treated to a range of activities including a charity auction. The guest speaker was Ross Speight for Cloud 9 Studios.
Stokes Valley Entrance Beautification Approval has been given to spend $60,000 on beautification at the Valley entrance. This is not the beautification proposal that was presented just prior to the Council elections last year; that plan was for a comprehensive redevelopment of the area. The current plan will allow for replanting of plants and shrubs around the roundabout.
	Scott Court Dental Services Taking Off Scott Court Dental Services have not been in the valley all that long but already they're proving popular with locals due to extended business hours that are much more convenient for those who need to work during the day. Dr Michael Satur has a Certificate of Proficiency in Pain Management and many years experience in all aspects of dentistry. Late opening hours are from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm Tuesday through Friday, so now you can support local business and not have to take time off work to see the dentist. Free WINZ quotes are available. You can find out more about Scott Court Dental Services by visiting their Online Business Page.
	Wagon Rd Steps Upgrade After being promised for years the Council has finally begun Stage One of the Wagon Rd Steps Upgrade Project. This first stage will take the wooden steps up as far as Castle Cres. Stage Two will take them from Castle Cres through to Lord Street. This is planned for the council's next financial year.
	Used Clothing Bins Unsightly The used clothing bins at two sites near the entrance to the valley are angering locals who say they create a poor image as people enter and leave the Stokes Valley. Residents living near the bins say they are frequently kicked over and have rubbish thrown on or around them. They have also seen people urinating on them. The Northern Ward committee is considering where else the bins could be located.