By MARGARET ANDREWS
Public Speaking and Responses:
Board chairman, James Cootes, opened the meeting by acknowledging Don and Pat Edhouse and who have served the community for “many, many years. We’re sad to see them move on but we wish them all the best in retirement.” He also offered congratulations to Kapiti mayor, Ross Church on his recent marriage.
Zach Shearman: reported to the Board on his experiences and achievements with the New Zealand Basketball Academy team playing in a NBA tournament in Las Vegas. He thanked the Board for the grant from the Sporting Activities Fund. Mr Cootes wished him all the best in his future in basketball at all levels.
Charles Ropata: requested an update on bus shelters and the need for more services and shelters in Otaki and Te Horo. Board member, Colin Pearce, has met with Greater Wellington Regional Council transport manager, offering to “build ourselves”. GW’s budget only allows for two new shelters in the Kapiti district each year, Sean Mallon, KCDC manager infrastructure services noted Coastlands was due to replace and enlarge their shelter this financial year. Mr Cootes said the Board was “doing all we can” to get more stops and shelters and move stops and increase services.
Janet Lang: Identified issues with motor bikes on the southern Otaki Beach area. She said logs stabilising the dunes being sawn and removed caused dune damage. Also vehicles with trailers removing sand and gravel had a detrimental effect on dunes. Would prefer education rather than punitive infringement notices.
Ian Carson – Otaki Village promotions Group: 35 attended recent successful meeting of local business group. Upcoming events: Otaki Community Groups Expo October 18, Main Street Christmas Party: November 28, Kite Festival February 28-March 1 now considered the premier kite festival in New Zealand. Two top Australian kite makers-fliers confirmed to attend, Robert Brassington’s first visit and Tony Price a return visit.
Janice Taranchokov: requested consideration be given to a dog exercise park, socialisation being a benefit from off lead exercise. Noted dog parks are available in Levin, Waikanae and Paraparaumu. Suggested Pare-o-matenga Reserve as possible site; any possible sites would have to be investigated.
Funding Applications:
Community Grants Fund:
Adult Literacy Aotearoa (Kapiti): request for $500 costs 12 months travel for tutors and coordinator. Since opening their Otaki office, 30 adult students have been assisted with reading, writing and numeracy skills, learner driver licence, and budgeting and computer skills. Chloe Chapman spoke to the application.
Combined Lions Clubs of Kapiti: applied for $500 to assist with cost of printed bags for the upcoming appeal for Kapiti food banks. All donations collected in the Otaki Te Horo area will go to the Otaki Food Bank. David Forsythe spoke to the application.
Kapiti Chorale Incorporated: Applied for $500 to assist with costs of a “musical spectacular” in November in Nga Purapura. 120 members of the combined Kapiti Chorale and Kapiti Chamber choirs and invited soloists will join with the Kapiti Concert Orchestra as it celebrates 10th anniversary in November. Frances Tull spoke to the application.
Pathway Entertainment: applied for $500 to assist with costs of running a two day event at the Otaki skate park. Te Ara Herewini Smiler spoke to her application, first day would be all wheels skate competitions – and the following day youth graffiti art workshops, both held over Labour Weekend, tutored by graffiti artists from Otaki and wider districts. She hopes to set up a charitable trust to continue working with the 12-24 year age group.
Otaki Primary Schools Kapa Haka competition: applied for $400 to assist with hire of Nga Purapura for the inaugural primary schools competitions for schools throughout the Wellington region. Otaki School’s Amiria Stirling spoke on behalf of the organising schools.
Sporting Activities Grants Fund
Raukawa Ki Runga Maori Men’s League Team: Applied for $500 to assist with team members costs to attend the National Maori League tournament. The team has been playing in regional grades and succeeding, spokesman Hepa Cooper told the board.