March 2021
Notes from March's Meeting
Halswell Connections
Meeting held Tuesday 16th March 2021
Halswell Community Hub - 381 Halswell Road, 12.30-1.30pm
Present: Keri Glassenbury (Halswell Community Project), Robyn White (Halswell Friendship Club and Garden Club), Ross McFarlane (Halswell Residents Assoc) , Ros Thornley (Halswell Community Project), John Bennet (Halswell Residents Assoc), Andrei Moore (Community Board), Judith Penney (Halswell Hall), Mike Snowdon, Philippa Kelliher, Anne Galloway (Councillor), Debbie Mora (Community Board), Margaret Murdoch, Megan Thompson (Megan Woods), Sam Holland (Community Rec Advisor) Peter Mechaelis (Halswell Lions), Kate (Library), Marilyn, Emma Pavey (Community development Advisor)
Apologies: Kate Cleverly
Discussion:
Halswell Residents Association
Speakers Ross McFarlane and John Bennet.
HRA has been around for 26 years in which time they have had 2 chairmen and 3 secretaries. The group was formed originally around discussions regarding the swimming pool and land from the domain and has spent the last 26 years fighting for the community on various issues.
For 15 years HRA fought the council and developers to keep the land on the domain, eventually winning through the environment court to retain 13 of the 15 hectares for the community.
Other projects over the history of the HRA have included:
- Discovering and uncovering a sunken forest on Quaifes road that has been there for 900 - 1200 years.
- Keeping the No 7 bus route past the hospital.
- Protecting the historical farm buildings at Aidanfield and erecting the monument on the corner of Aidanfield Drive and McMahon Drive.
- Erecting a memorial stone in Wigram to the 7 Airmen that lost their lives in 1953
- Fighting the increase in the number of liquor stores in the area and their opening hours. HRA took legal action against the liquor store proposed for the shops on Ensign Street and lodges an appeal when it was approved. The liquor stores licence application has been in for 12 months and there have been no incidents. Ross and John acknowledged the support they received during this battle.
Ross and John also discussed some of the issues currently facing Halswell as a community that HRA are working on. These include the ongoing growth, with 6750 sections left to be developed, traffic and speed issues,, bus routes and the CCC and ECAN long term plans as well as the local representation review and the schooling in the area.
HRA also run the ANZAC parade which will be held on 25th April 2021.
Halswell Residents Association meet on the last Monday of each month at St Mary's Church - their next meeting is at 7pm on 28th March and all residents are welcome.
Margaret - local resident- Raised concerns regarding land being raised behind Kennedys bush road. Ross McFarlane is going to look into it.
Halswell Hall
The Hall’s AGM was a success with Anton Matthew’s as guest speaker, very inspirational.
Judith noted she has received several enquiries for space on a Sunday for Church groups. No space available.
More work and volunteers needed on landscaping at the Hall.
The Halls received approximately $30,000 per year from Hirers and relies on Funding and fundraising for the rest. Currently needing $7000 to trim the trees posing a risk to the car park and public as too large. The hall received $20,000 from Rata for a foldable stage.
Drama group began their first rehearsal last night for the upcoming performance of Little shop of Horror later in the year.
$1000 was raised from the bulb fundraiser.
Declined Harcourts funding.
Friendship Club/Garden Club
Robyn noted both clubs ticking along as usual.
Halswell Lions
Peter discussed the Lions connection with Hillmorton High School and the Scouts.
300-400 bales of pea straw available for sale. They have been updating their presence on facebook and social media. With a strong focus of memberships.
Halswell Community Project
The Halswell Hub has been busy with many new residents dropping in to see what’s happening in the area. Clubs and activities they can involve themselves in.
The Market sadly was cancelled at the very last moment due to moving into level 2 at 6am that day. Market will run quarterly for 2021 and hopefully returning to monthly in 2022.
Children’s day at the Quarry another victim of COVID but we are looking to run it at some stage in Spring.
Planning is under way for the April school holidays for some free activities at the hub.
Anne Galloway
Discussed the need for feedback on the long term plan. This is available online and in paper form.
Hillmorton High School needs help with getting their gym. Any organisation that might be able to help/fundraise.
Kate - Te Hapua
The better digital for seniors course is now in its 3rd week and running well. Free course for over 65’s.
Meeting Closed 1.30pm
Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th April 12.30 - 1.30pm
Emma Pavey - Community Development Advisor
Sam Holland - Community Recreation Advisor