A strong turnout of 26 people – including residents, councilors, and community group representatives – filled the Tamahere Community Centre for this month’s meeting. All WDC Council candidates, bar one were present. Mayoral Candidates - Aksel Bech, Jacqui Church (Incumbant) - Council Candidates - Anne CaoOulton, Mike Keir (Incumbant), Crystal Beavis (Incumbant), Peter Mayall (ACT) and Gurpreet Bassan.
Key points:
Local Elections – Voting runs from 9 September to 11 October, with the last day to enrol on 10 October. Two “Meet the Candidates” events will be held at the Community Centre (downstairs meeting room/foyer):
• Wednesday 10 September, 4–6pm – Candidate introductions.
• Saturday 20 September, 11am–1.30pm – Informal Q&A during St Stephen’s Market Day.
TCC is exploring the option of a mobile voting booth at the market.
Birchwood Lane Traffic – Results from the resident-led survey (300 responses) have been shared with WDC. Concerns include dangerous road markings and the need for Birchwood Lane to be classed as a primary collector road. WDC will run its own survey this month and report back.
Tamahere Reserve – Boardwalk sections damaged during tree felling will be replaced. The Reserve Concept Plan process is underway with Boffa Miskell; TCC wants early input. Ideas for future use include an off-leash dog park, community garden, and men’s shed.
Blueprint Plan Refresh – With most current priorities completed, TCC will rewrite the local Blueprint Plan to guide Tamahere’s needs for the next 30+ years. A workshop will be held later this month.
Community Updates –
• Civil Defence needs more local volunteers.
• Predator Free Tamahere has now trapped over 9,000 pests.
• Tamahere Lions planning 10-year celebration; next market is 9 August.
• TMRT’s gully restoration work continues to impress – members encouraged to visit the Bilsthorpe project.
• Tamahere Forum funding confirmed for two more years.
Other Business – Submissions have been made on reserve management plans for Tamahere Village Park, Te Awa Recreation Reserve, and Matangi Recreation Reserve.
Next meeting: Tuesday 2 September, 7.30pm, Tamahere Community Centre.
Do you want me to also create a shorter “headline version” for quick posting on social media? That could help drive residents to read the full summary.
