Low-key start for rival association

The Titahi Bay Collective, formed because of frustration with the actions and lack of transparency of Titahi Bay Residents Association, got off to a low-key start on Saturday.

About 25 people gathered at Titahi Bay School to discuss the formation of a new residents’ group.

The consensus was not to form an executive committee, with a treasurer, secretary or chairperson, but to have a handful of co-ordinators, who would look after different priorities.

‘‘The classic old structure of weekly meetings is not wanted,’’ resident John Hornblower said.

An email list, regular curry nights or pot luck dinners, a newsletter and regular liaison with Porirua City Council were important, the group decided.

The annual Titahi Bay fair, and regular plantings and beautification projects would be key in the short term.

Regular updates of the group’s activities through a local noticeboard or on an existing Facebook page was also mooted.

Members of a council-backed working group who are updating the Bay’s 2005 Village Plan were present, as was Mana MP and Bay resident Kris Faafoi.

The ages of those attending varied and a noticeable difference to the recent residents’ association annual meeting was the number of children inside and outside the school hall.

Discussion was facilitated by Porirua deputy mayor ’Ana Coffey and Wendy Barry. No-one from Titahi Bay Residents Association attended.

It was decided that discussion about the residents’ association was not warranted.

‘‘This is a place for ideas and we want this to be chilled out,’’ Ms Coffey said by way of an introduction. ‘‘I’m here to see if this is what this community wants. I think this is just the start.’’

One of the attendees said the Bay deserved a cohesive group that represented residents.

Titahi Bay Residents Associ- ation chairman Graeme Ebbett sent out an email on Saturday, thanking those who attended the annual meeting on February 8.

He welcomed new faces Pat Kelly and Michelle Collins to the association committee.

Mr Ebbett said the association was committed to the review of the village plan and the process that would allow cars on the beach.

He bemoaned a lack of co- operation from the council.

He said it would be useful if ‘‘Ana Coffey and her group’’ came to the residents’ association meetings and worked with the association over issues facing Bay residents. ‘‘ We would greatly appreciate your enthusiasm and ideas. Together as a community we can all move forward for the greater overall benefit of the Bay,’’ Mr Ebbett said.