Julie Engelbretsen
May 2002

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I am beginning to find my feet, not my sealegs, on Council. Every day I am learning a new procedure, process, or about stages that need to be gone through etc. I am most grateful for the excellent and prompt support I receive from Council Officers.

On Wednesday 8 April I was shown around the Silverstream Tip site. The tour included a four wheel drive trip up a very steep narrow road that is inaccessible to dump trucks in wet weather to view the area that is used to obtain soil to cover up rubbish. The tour was for members of Hutt & Upper Hutt City Council who are on the Services Committee, and the relevant council officers of both councils.

We began with a guided tour through the gas plant, which is not presently running at full capacity but with a recent change in shareholding it is hoped that it can be upgraded to run to near full capacity. Recently some of the gas pipes were sunk to only 7 metres and these have produced very well. Hutt City has a 7% share in the gas station.

After that we were taken past the public dumping area and had it explained just how quickly rubbish is moved on and covered over at its next site. Many upset people have come back to the tip or called up expecting to be able to forage for something like a wedding dress inadvertently taken to the tip earlier that day. Sadly for them, that is not the case as it may have been in days gone by.

I was extremely impressed at the state of the tip, the manager takes great pride in his before and after photos. An excellent view was obtained from the trip we undertook in the 4 wheel drive.

It is expected work will begin soon to make the green waste area more accessible. I was disappointed to hear that the green waste currently is mixed with all other household rubbish. There have been no takers to make something of this waste? In the future it may be able to be mixed with the pellets currently dumped from the new Sewerage & Waste Water Plant in Seaview. In other cities in New Zealand both recycled green waste & sewerage by-products are recycled and then sold, Hutt City Council so far has no takers for the green waste and would even give it away free to be processed. (There was a problem when some green waste was being mulched and a washing machine was amongst the green waste, what a mess was made of the mulcher.......)

I am pleased with the way things are progressing with Taita Community Hall. A report will come to the next Northern Ward Committee on this matter It is also very pleasing to see work has begun on tidying up two eyesore spots on the Eastern Hutt Rd - the rail corridor, and the site that will be for Tag War Games.

Thursday 11 April I attended a meeting in Mayor Terris's office with the Manager and members of the Board of Sport & Recreation, the new name for Hillary Commission. Under new local government act legislation (when it is passed) there will need to be a closer liaison with them, local councils and district health boards.

In the wind are some exciting new initiatives e,g, better health for diabetic sufferers through regular exercise (resourced). I mentioned Walter Nash Stadium could do with a financial boost as the community it serves fits their targeted cultural groups, Maori & Pacific Islanders.

It is sad that Neil Tonkin, an officer with Hutt City Council, will be leaving in May. He always has some innovative ideas. I would like him to have been around to see some of these new directions. I am optimistic his successor will carry on Neil's high standard and commitment.

The recent Graham Report indicated just how unfit we are as a country right through from children to adults. I was able to enlighten the group on an initiative that Naenae Kindergarten does weekly - we take 15 children to 5 Star Gym. From this we have noticed greater gross motor mobility and improved self esteem.

Also mentioned was the word "pilot" I was quick to say, Don"t forget about the Hutt Valley!" A lot of discussion took place about strengthening the liaison between Pub Charities, Community Trust and Local Councils. Meetings of this type are taking place in other parts of New Zealand. I was envious when I heard Christchurch Council are able to allocate $500,000 to after school programmes, I realise we cannot compare ourselves to them but I know full well what a difference it could make if we were able to spend more money on children. I am aware there is a trust operating in Wellington whereby a small monthly % of supermarkets takings goes into a trust that is administered purely for sport right across all ages, I would like to look into something of this type for the Hutt Valley.

Something I want to look into urgently is the provision of more carparking on High Street adjacent to Taita Railway Station. I have noticed the parking is at its capacity.

You may have noticed work has begun on the new pumping station in High Street at a cost of $300,000.00. One of its benefits to your area will be better water pressure.

We are coming up to the Annual Plan round and I haven't been flooded with phonecalls and opinions. I am interested in what you think so please call me after you receive your consultation documents on 563-5179.

We finished off with a drive down into the valley to view the next tip site that will come into use in several years time. This site will operate on a saucer like manmade surface.

Thank you

Cr Julie Englebretsen
Manuka Cottage
Ph: 563-5179