Minutes|

TDCC Meeting Minutes - 3 March 2026

Date: 3rd March 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Rugby Club rooms

Present: Dean Walls, Julie Jacobsen, Roy Bensemann, John Gully (TDC ward councillor), Kieri Williams, Trish Palmer, Susan Creedy, Barbara Barker, Hamish Barker, Janet Moffitt, Roger Carleton, Barbara Carleton, Gary Polwart. Andrea keys, Tim Holmes, Donna Luxford, Mark Fenemor, Rachel Moffitt, Jill Bonny, Elwynne Gibson, Barbara Morgan, Ian Breed, Karilyn Breed, Brian Robinson, Rosie Gage, Shirley Percy.

Roy Bensemann welcomed everyone and outlined the committee's progress since the handover on 17th February, including informal meetings to identify priority tasks.

Apologies

Geoff Proffitt

Election of Officers

Dean Walls called for nominations.

Chair: Roy Bensemann (Nominated: Julie, Seconded: Kieri) — Agreed

Secretary: Trish Palmer (Nominated: Kieri, Seconded: Julie) — Agreed

Roy chaired the meeting from this point.

Membership

Trish reported on the membership audit. Two committee members had eligibility issues:

  • Stuart Bryant: Listed as a private member rather than a business member; ineligible for nomination. Stuart has withdrawn from membership and the committee.
  • David Moulder: Nominated by the previous Chair but did not become a member until 24th January 2026; ineligible for nomination. David has withdrawn from the committee.

Conflict of Interest and Officer forms: Committee members must complete these urgently.

Minutes of Previous Meeting (17th February)

The received version was incomplete and could not be accepted as a true record. These will be referred back to the previous committee for correction, including attendance lists and reports from the floor.

Known Matters Arising

Annual Accounts

Accounts were not passed at the AGM. The committee will engage professional auditors to ensure a "clean slate" moving forward.

"That we engage the services of a professional Auditor for the year end June 2025."
Roy/Dean Agreed
"That the Chair have the authority to accept a quote for the Auditor in order to get the work done as promptly as possible."
Trish/Dean Agreed
"That we write to Charities Commission, and other relevant bodies as required, asking for further extension, citing previous committee’s failure to achieve appropriate audit, and incoming committee’s efforts to have accounts professionally audited."
Roy/Kieri Agreed

Meeting Clarification: Roy emphasized transparency; non-committee members are encouraged to attend and voice opinions, though only committee members may vote.

Community Centre

Discussion regarding the post-box results from the public meeting. While issues varied, the main concerns were the proposed Hub and community division.

"That we receive the ‘Future of the Community Centre’ public meeting report from Dec 9th 2025."
Trish/Dean Agreed

Kieri reported on securing the building (locks changed). A waiver form has been created for food-cart operators to access power meters due to building risks. Builder feedback suggests a $250,000+ cost for structural repairs. Tim Holmes generously offered logs for milling. Bug-bombing for vermin is ongoing.

Op Shop

Proposed temporary relocation to the existing shed after upgrades (heating, lining, cleaning). This avoids rent costs. Volunteers are needed for washing and sorting stock.

"That we purchase an appropriate till for the op shop when it re-opens."
Trish/Julie Agreed

TDC

"That we write to TDC advising that we will be consulting with the community before providing feedback re the 2027 – 2037 Long term plan."
Roy/Julie Agreed

Sherry River Trees

Roads are being blocked by fallen trees. John Gully will discuss TDC replanting setbacks to prevent future issues.

Correspondence

"That TDCC not receive any malicious, foul-languaged, anonymous or bad-mouthing mail."
Trish/Dean Agreed

Special General Meeting: Roy asked Andrea Keys if she would withdraw the SGM request given recent committee changes. Andrea will consult with other signatories.

Tapawera Connect: A letter was received regarding equipment retrieval. The committee will also write to Tapawera Connect requesting copies of any signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU).

Financial Report

"That the financial reports for December 2025 and January 2026 be accepted, subject to audit."
Roy/Julie Agreed
"That the Investment accounts be relabelled as such."
Roy/Kieri Agreed
"That Gill Hammersley remain as co-opted Treasurer"
Roy/Dean Agreed

Roy confirmed the committee's trust in Gill's invaluable experience. An Asset Register will be added to the accounts.

General Business

Communication & Constitution

Julie is exploring a standalone website concept. The process for reviewing the constitution was approved.

"That the process of reviewing the constitution begin."
Roy/Dean Agreed

Proposed Hub

The committee maintains a neutral position until appropriate community consultation occurs.

"That we send letters to TDC and the Hub committee re TDCC’s current position of having no opinion regarding the proposed hub, until we have consulted in an appropriate way with the community, and re-confirming that the Op Shop should not be part of the Hub’s budget going forward."
Roy/Trish Agreed

Medical Centre

"That we write to the Wakefield Medical Centre asking that Tapawera residents be offered appointments at the Tapawera clinic as a first option, rather than residents having to ask."
Roy/Dean Agreed

Sunday Market & ANZAC Day

Kieri is managing both. ANZAC planning is well underway with input from community members and the RSA.

John Gully noted the positivity of the new committee.

Meeting Closed: 8:50 PM

Next Meeting: 17th March, 7:00 PM (Venue TBC)

Supper kindly provided by Barbara Barker.