Julie Engelbretsen
July 2002

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Well I survived my first annual plan round and it was a learning curve. Just how do you get your projects through the back door? Wainuiomata seemed to be getting some favouritism, Petone/Seaview has had its fair share and next year will be interesting. I believe the Northern Ward did not fair too poorly after all.

• Walter Nash further upgrade
• Taita Community Centre Community Worker will be appointed
• Major stormwater/sewerage work in 3 streets in Stokes Valley
• Stokes Valley Pool Spa Pool upgrade
• Stokes Valley Library foyer and heater work
• 2 BBQ's for Speldhurst Park
• Beautification of Stokes Valley Entrance
• Street Lighting more money into its budget
• Traffic Calming more money into its budget
• Berm trees budget for whole city
• Possum busters Stokes Valley
• Signage for Wingate Industrial Area

Some other points of significance city wide:

• Eastbourne Wharf upgrade
• Eastbourne Public Toilets upgrade
• Taita Cemetery Toilets upgrade
• Seaview Cemetery carparking:
• Green Army Warden next year (supported by Northern Ward Committee)
• Walkways Fund remained the same (increase supported by NWC)
• Suburban Shopping Centre Fund remained $1000,000 (an increase was supported by NWC)
• Petone Foreshore $500,000 (maybe a boardwalk & toilets)
• Jackson St. $300,000 finishing off planned work
• Dowse upgrade
• Ward Memorial Library keep it where it is upgrade work commence in next financial year
• Western Hills substandard roads commence work next financial year
• Queen St Wainuiomata $150,000
• Oasis Youth Centre Wainuiomata $10,000
• Neighbourhood Support $20,000
• Women's Refuge $10,000
• Wainui Croquet Entrance upgrade $10,000

A large amount of improvements will be carried out with profits from asset sales. We were shocked that rises in insurance premiums meant a further 1% had to be added to rates. I was disappointed Walter Nash Stadium did not receive the funding they require to finish their plans and bring Walter Nash up to a Regional and International Stadium. I am pleased the heat has gone off the idea of a Stadium at Hutt Park. Talks are underway on the future of the Wellington Harness Racing Club at Hutt Park.

The Northern Ward Committee will shortly hold a workshop to set goals, discuss projects that were omitted from this year's Annual Plan, and look at issues in the Northern Ward. This will include a tour of areas of interest in the Ward. I am hoping there will be a positive way forward for the current leasee "5 Star Gym" and the Taita Community Centre, I think there is room for compromise on this one.

I have been actively involved this year in meetings to do with this. Taita Central School urgently needs practical and financial help in its endeavour to move a school hall from Waiwhetu to Taita, and install services on site. This will be a great asset for Taita Central and I will be endeavouring to get them the support they deserve for their commitment to this project. I am a Taita Central Old Girl and very interested in its plight. Any offers of assistance, electrician, builder, plumber, concrete layer, building mover can be directed to myself 5635179 or Stan Foote, Headmaster, Taita Central School.

Have you seen the rail corridor taking shape next to Pomare Railway Station? I have worked long and hard on this area. There is talk of carparking going ahead at Pomare Station for rail commuters, parking is becoming scarce at Taita & Waterloo Stations.

Have you noticed the "wild flowers" popping up on the median strip along the Eastern Hutt Road heading to Stokes Valley? This is a trial I would appreciate feedback. What about suitable sites for Recycling Clothing Bins in Stokes Valley? I have in mind the area near Koraunui Marae and the area between Stokes Valley Community House and Plunket, there is a financial gain to these two groups involved with placing them in these places. The site opposite the bottom shops and the exit to Stokes Valley are most unsuitable and a meeting will be held next week on this matter. Steve Ritchie will represent the public on this matter.

Don't forget to call me with any issues or concerns remember I am your paid representative

Thank you

Cr Julie Englebretsen
Manuka Cottage
Ph 563-5179