Community Board mulling the moots
By Jamie Melbourne-Hayward
The Petone Community Board had a lot to discuss on Monday following a series of submissions from local groups, and a push by the Board to develop Percy Scenic Reserve. Board Chairman Gerald Davidson says, ?Percy Scenic Reserve should be seen as the showpiece, the jewel in the crown as it were, of the City?s parks and reserves?. ?Percy Scenic Reserve is particularly special with its origins as a private botanical garden devoted to plant conservation and preservation given to the country.? Percy Reserve is the site of an early colonial flour milling operation. Mr Davidson says, furthermore, to the south of the reserve is the former home and lands of Sir James Hector, the father of science in New Zealand. The board would like historically important areas of the reserve identified with signage, and an archaeological investigation to establish whether there are any objects buried, such as the mill stone. They would also like consideration given to building a replica mill, following the design of 1847, to serve as a visitor centre for the reserve. Mr Davidson says possum and rat control at Percy Reserve has resulted in adjoining lands becoming a haven for birds. ?There has been an enormous increase in bird life in the last few years,? says Mr Davidson. He says an area that could be fenced is the isolated part of Percy Reserve bordering London Road, which would allow the re-introduction of kiwi and kereru. Keep Petone Beautiful also informed the board they have ordered 2000 plants for winter planting on Petone Beach, set to be carried out each Thursday by a group of six people. A mock up of a brochure on beach care in Hutt City has also been produced, and the group are seeking volunteers for the planting. The executive committee of Keep Hutt City Beautiful released a plan to replant the garden at the Petone Police Station and around the JSP Office ? volunteers and community partners are being sought. The WELTEC Management Committee advised the board that plans had drawn by Opus Architecture for an N Block extension on Cuba Street. The new two level building will house the Automotive School, and it is expected to be built over the coming summer at a cost of $4 million. Once the extension is completed G Block in Wakefield Street will close. Finally, the Korokoro Environmental Group (KEG) reported they have successfully negotiated with the council to run another inorganic rubbish collection in Korokoro, and the council has support the initiative by providing trucks and drivers.
