2015: Landfill, floods andhousing
SPECIAL REVIEW ISSUE
Landfills, the Porirua 50th celebrations, Jerry Collins’ death, floods, housing and the Saturday market dominated Kapi-Mana News headlines in 2015.
Substandard housing has long been a plague in Porirua, but this year the spotlight of the media and politicians was turned on private landlords.
Porirua City Council had the opportunity this month to draft a local bill for Mana MP Kris Faafoi to take to Parliament, but declined, citing the cost.
We spoke to Jay Elliott and Solomon Esera, whose rental houses in eastern Porirua required constant cleaning and maintenance to enable them to be safe to live in.
Though the council may have backed away, the issue has remained in the public eye, which has kept Housing New Zealand on its toes and put private landlords on notice.
Forcing the Saturday market to move from the CBD proved to be an embarrassment for the council, especially during the positive climate it had created around the 50th celebrations.
The Lions took their market to Waitangirua in May and it flourished there.
The council called for tenders for another organisation to run a market in the CBD, but there was an underwhelming reply and nothing eventuated.
The 50th dinner, in October, was a highpoint of the year and a fabulous occasion for the council, as hosts, and everyone who attended.
Another major story to make our pages was the damning report on deficiencies at Spicer Landfill, which generated national media coverage. The report spoke of dangerous hydrogen sulphide levels and the need for better practices at the landfill.
The incredible May 14 flood and the orcas’ visit to Plimmerton this month drew the most comments on our Facebook page.
Other stories that generated considerable feedback on Facebook and in our letters pages were the sanctuary being sought for special needs children by the Latham family, news of Aotea College’s $24 million rebuild, a group of girls making a nuisance of themselves in Titahi Bay, the radio masts coming down in Titahi Bay, rates rises, the speed camera in Whitford Brown Ave, the future of the Marines Hall and closure of Trash Palace.