Op Shop Project
This community is amazing! As of 22nd April, donations towards the Op Shop project include cash of $2970, pink batts, doors and windows, vermin-proofing materials, and washing powder. On top of that, $650 has been raised through raffles, and donations for op shop old stock has raised another $185. All this on top of the myriad of offers to help including cleaning up and clearing out. When this community decides something is worth doing, you really put your hands up!
Work should start early May, to be finished in about a month.
ANZAC Day
In another show of how this community works, preparations for ANZAC day have gone very smoothly, and TDCC would like to thank everyone who has got involved. ANZAC Day, this Saturday, 9am, Tapawera memorial hall. See you there!
Community Facebook Page
The community is welcome to bring their enthusiasm to TDCC’s Facebook page. Particularly welcome are photos of what makes our district special i.e. autumn is here, so do share those colours.
Tapawera Connect
Three of the TDCC committee met with representatives from Tapawera Connect, in an effort to gain a working relationship and to understand their role, as they see it. We asked that all future communications to the community regarding the proposed hub be factually correct, be balanced, and have room for a wide variety of views.
Bike Stands
We have added two small bike stands near the food carts in the village, with more to come, including, hopefully, electric bike recharging stands.
Tadmor Hill
We, along with John Gully (Ward Councillor) continue to advocate strongly to get the Hill road fixed. There was some consternation that road painting was being carried out in the dark recently in the very area which will be torn up during repairs. John is looking into why this apparent waste of resources occured.
Tapawera Doctors Rooms
Many appointments are cheaper there, subsidised by Govt. Save yourself fuel, time and fees by using our local clinic. If the lack of sound-proofing bothers you, turn on the radio in the waiting room before your appointment; it’s amazing how it blocks any accidental noise. When you phone Wakefield to make an appointment, be sure to ask for it to be at Tapawera, unless it’s urgent or requires a special procedure. You can still ask for your Doctor, to see them when it’s their turn to be in Tapawera.
Firewood & Assistance
TDCC are aware that we have folk in the community who need firewood or other assistance, especially as winter approaches. Whilst we don’t currently have a scheme in place, we encourage anyone who needs help, or knows of someone who does, to let us know so that we can see what can be done. Everyone has had a turn at needing help in some way; if it’s your turn, please say so. There are folk who are willing to assist. don’t be shy.
Ward Councillor Report
John Gully, Ward Councillor, gives a report to each of TDCC’s monthly meetings, and takes questions from the floor. He’s a brave man, as the issues can be gnarly. However, he often agrees with the speaker; just why do contractors cart rock from Takaka Hill when there’s good quarries locally? Why do we have to fill in forms to get what should be regular maintenance i.e. culvert clearing, done? When will our rates calm down? The good thing is that John takes it on the chin, shows a lot of empathy, and answers as clearly as he is able. If you have a TDC question for him, come along to the monthly TDCC meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Hub Survey Results
During the April monthly meeting TDCC received a privately-run survey which was taken late last year, regarding the proposed hub. There were 222 local residents signatories against the hub, two for, plus two against who do not reside in the draw area.
Annual Plan
TDCC has decided to put a submission in to the TDC Annual Plan consultation. We remain neutral regarding the proposed hub, but do support a pause on the project due to the communication issues and conflict within the community. The amount of incorrect information floating about our community remains a concern; even simple things like the current sketches of the proposed building showing a sign advertising the Op Shop when we’ve said very clearly that the Op Shop will remain on our own site at 95 Main road. We understand that any pause jeopardises the DIA funding, but feel it’s more important at this time to have a united community.
But of course the Annual Plan is about so much more than a single project. We do hope that you will take the opportunity to have your say on what TDC are looking to spend resources on in the next year. Submissions close 3rd May, so don’t dally!