New kuia appointed at council
Project aims to analyse needs of our youth
Two important blessings have been held during the past two weeks. These blessings are an essential element in any project, and ensure we uphold tikanga (protocol).
It was great to welcome Lois McNaught as our new council kuia.
Huge thanks to June Davis, who retired this month after many years serving council and the community at countless events and citizenship ceremonies.
The first blessing was to mark the completion of the KCDC elements of the new transport hub at Paraparaumu Railway Station.
We are now waiting for the Greater Wellington Regional Council parts to be finished before opening the whole area.
This project will provide better accessibility, safety and convenience for locals and travellers, and incorporates a level crossing to Coastlands, bus shelters, improved design, bike parking and a quality public space.
The project has taken a few months longer than expected, partly due to the discovery of asbestos and other contaminants.
It’s great that we’ve been able to remove these as part of the project and provide a healthy environment.
This and other general increases mean the project cost more than expected, but the increase has been less than some projects across the country.
The subject of local government cost increases was a major topic at the Local Government Sector meeting held in Wellington last week, and impacts the issues we’re talking about as we go around the district to talk about the Long-Term Plan. We still have some pop-ups happening, so please come and have a chat, or read the consultation document on the council website and fill in the online form.
Another blessing, held on Monday, marked the closure of the skate park at Paraparaumu Beach for a major refurbishment.
Walking around the skate park as we took part in the blessing, it was clear that the skate park needs to be replaced, with rust and cracks evident.
There is a long history of skating at Paraparaumu Beach, and the skate park has become a well-used facility for our growing younger population.
In recognition of the changing needs of young people, we’re instigating a project to analyse how we can cater for their needs and aspirations.
This will inform our youth approach, which will be developed over the coming months.
The Youth Hui which I’ve been hosting will be a useful group to feed into this work. Meeting around every six weeks, the group consists of a variety of community organisations supporting young people.
The first meeting of this group was held last year in response to the violent incidents that were occurring at the railway station.
These incidents continue to occur, and I hope the improved layout and a planned indoor community space will boost safety at the station.