RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

Western Springs Park view

Richard Northey: Waitemat a Local Board Chair

Thank you to those who let us know your views in our consultation with our local community about our proposed Waitemat a Local Board Plan, which concluded on 13 August.

Our draft identifies six major outcomes: M aori Identity; Connected Communities; High Quality Urban Design; Environmental Protection; Safe and Diverse Transport; and Economic Prosperity. It contains an emphasis on recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and a commitment to act on combating the climate emergency.

At our November extraordinary meeting we will decide on which of your ideas are priorities and that we have the capacity to respond to and include in an amended Local Board Plan. The final Plan will guide our actions for the next three years. Auckland Council’s proposed ‘emergency budget’, its response to the financial impacts of COVID-19, was decided on by the Governing Body at the end of July. It inevitably meant substantial cuts to the infrastructure projects, maintenance, and community services, although fortunately not to the library hours, provided by the Council.

At our Waitemat a Local Board meeting on 18 August, conducted by Skype, we resolved on our own remaining budget. We reluctantly accepted the governing body decision to sell the villa at 3 Ponsonby Road, but requested that the proceeds from its sale are directed to contribute to the cost of the restoration of the Leys Institute buildings, which are sorely missed and highly valued by the community and the Board. A report on options for securing the future of the Leys Institute buildings will be on the agenda of our September 15 board meeting. We also confirmed that proceeds from the sale of a commercial building at 200 Victoria Street go to fund the Ponsonby Park project at 254 Ponsonby Road and urged that that project only be delayed by a year. We decided to postpone the Myers Park Medley by a year to help minimise any cuts in valued Council services. We will continue to sponsor the Franklin Road Lights and maintain valuable community, environmental, climate change and most transport safety services. The Board is continuing its support for the arts and creative industries through TAPAC, Studio One and the Space Hub. We have used our own budget to restore Council’s cuts in programmes at the Ellen Melville Centre. Fortunately, the Ponsonby, Parnell, and Grey Lynn Community Centres are entering the second year of three-year funding agreements and their grants will not be affected. postponement and rebates to help, and people and businesses in this situation should not hesitate to contact Council to apply for this relief.

At our 18 August meeting we amended and adopted a strategic plan for the Western Springs Lakeside Park. Riparian planting will take place to improve the water quality and protect wildlife. The playground will be upgraded, with a nature theme. In response to public submissions, the double hump bridge will be kept. At our September meeting we will consider the future of the pine forest on the eastern slopes of the Park.

Regarding other issues: The Waitemat a Local Board is opposing an application to extend the operating hours of a helicopter pad in Cremorne Street. We all need to remind ourselves to maintain hand washing and social distancing to combat the return of COVID-19. Because of the drought we all need to reduce our water use. (RICHARD NORTHEY) PN

Although the Board Office may be closed at times, I can be contacted

at 021 534 546 or richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Although this is the September issue of Ponsonby News, I am writing this at home during Alert Level 3.

So, fingers crossed everyone is safe and well, and we are back to work at Leys by the time this edition is printed. Some of you may have noticed that this month’s column is not being written by Lucia but by Chloë (me). Even if the name is not familiar, I am sure my face is to many of you.

We have reluctantly agreed to loan Lucia to the Takapuna Library. So, if you are over on the Shore stop by and say ‘Hi’ to her. In the meantime, I am holding the fort at Leys Institute Little Library (LILLy).

Most likely you will know me as one of the team who runs our children’s programming - apologies to those of you who have been subjected to my singing over the last few years. When we are at Level 1 and our children’s programs have resumed, I will be back at the Ponsonby Baptist Church on a Wednesday morning being slightly ridiculous for the entertainment and enjoyment of the under 5’s in our community (and their caregivers.) And if you have requests for bubbles music, message us on our FB page.

Auckland Libraries’ Recommendations: As mentioned, this column is being written during lockdown. With closed libraries and more time at home in mind, it seems like the perfect opportunity to promote our streaming film service, Beamafilm. This isn’t the first time we have written about Beamafilm, but it’s worth an additional plug because it’s very good and free as part of your library membership. So, this month’s recommendation is the documentary, Dries, a profile of the Belgian clothing designer Dries Van Noten. In one of the opening scenes, Van Noten says, “the word ‘fashion’ I do not like; I would like a word that is more timeless.” If you are unfamiliar with Van Noten, this statement sums up his approach, creating beautiful clothes that are less concerned with the in/out time frame of fashion. Not only do we get to see the process of designing and staging collections, we also get a little personal insight as the camera follows Van Noten into his home and colour blocked garden. And if after watching Dries, you want to have your own home fashion film festival, Beama will keep you happy, with profiles of designers Vivienne Westwood, McQueen, and Raf Simon working for Dior.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm LEYS INSTITUTE LITTLE LIBRARY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz