Petone Community Board
The first meeting of the Petone Community Board for 2009 took place on Monday February 16 at the Petone Service Centre, Britannia Street. It was a busy evening with presentations in person, and in writing and two applications for funding from the Community Engagement Fund. Chairperson?s Report Mr Davidson commented that Petone seems to be really busy at the moment with The Lighthouse Theatre attracting record crowds which has a positive spin off for cafes and restaurants. Gerald Davidson and deputy Chair Michael Lulich wrote a draft Petone Community Plan over the Christmas period which was adopted during the meeting. The plan, which will be reviewed annually, will be available for inspection ?at some point? at The Petone Community Library, Mr Davidson said. Mr Lulich said the Community board?s first Community Plan will be vital information for council in their annual planning and budgeting exercises. It was completed following source information coming from the community. In time it is hoped to all residents will have copies. Community Engagement Fund Funds of $4575 were available for distribution during the second round of the 2008/2009 Community Engagement fund. Preference is given to projects, events or activities that support community development or community events in the local community, that benefit local communities. Two applications, the first from The Rotary Club of Petone and another from The Moera Community Garden were approved by the Board. Rotary projects manager Stephen Fitzjohn requested $1750 to cover the cost of posters for the Milestone Mile which will be held on Jackson Street on March 10, 2009 and is expected to generate crowds of up to 10,000 as Nick Willis, and other athletes, returns home to compete on home turf. The race will be an opportunity for locals to see an Olympian and also for local athletes to take part in the lead up races. Mr Fitzjohn said businesses in the Jackson Street area could benefit from the crowds the event attracts. The Moera Community Garden applied for $380.69 to add four new raised garden beds which will be allotted to local community groups. The project required extending the irrigation system, building new raised borders and filling with compost and soil. The project is expected to get underway from late February. More information is available at www.huttcitycouncil.govt.nz If you would like to contact a Community Board member please phone us: Gerald Davidson (Chair):Ph 938-3723 Michael Lulich (Deputy Chair):Ph 977 3166 Cr Joy Baird:Ph 568 3225 Kelly Barratt:Ph Mason Branch:Ph 569 1270 Richard Cole:Ph 586 1113 Vera Ellen:Ph 938 1946 Cr Ross Jamieson:Ph 562 7231
