Celia Wade-Brown expressed her sympathies to those who lost family and friends during the Christchurch earthquake disaster, and is heartened by support that has poured in.
The Council are inviting the public to sign a condolence book for those affected by the earthquake. Head down to the main foyer of the Council building (101 Wakefield St—think Civic Square) before April.
In related news, WCC sent many of their staff to Christchurch, possibly on long term contracts.
The Council are on the hunt for safer conditions for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in the form of changing speed limits all over the place. Current proposals are from 50 to 30 km/h in the shopping areas of Miramar, Strathmore and Seatoun, and from 50 to 40 km/h in Oriental bay and the coastal road around Miramar. This is all part of a proposal adopted in 2009 to lower speed limits in 21 suburban shopping areas. But do we care? If you do, submissions are open till April 1—check out www.wellington.govt.nz
Sport continues to play an important role in New Zealand, with the announcement that we are the host of the 2015 FIFA Men’s Under 20 World Cup. Celia calls this ‘fantastic’ and that we will be aiming to play a central role in the tournament—a role we deserve because of our support of the Phoenix and All Whites. David Perks, chief responsible guy for tourism in Wellington, says the cash injection will easily reach the millions.
Looks like summer-festival-downsizing really is all in the hope of squashing the fun into the Rugby World Cup period. The Council want to know the plans of bars, eateries, event organisers and fundraisers during this period, to ‘fill out the gaps’ between the several events already planned. While I personally find it a bit ick how much time they are spending on the RWC (possibly due to my general aversion to group sports)—credit to the more coordinated approach taken. Apparently different sections of the Council are even working together to ‘avoid any potential usage charges’ and to ‘make it easier for everyone.’ Unprecedented?
On 8 April, WCC are releasing the 2011/12 draft Annual Plan for public consultation. You can read it online, at the public library and at the council buildings. Word on the street is it’ll be all cost-cutting and fee-increase focused. But make the most of our democracy and make a submission. In the 2010/11 Plan, councillors diverted more money to fix the Aro Valley Community Hall at the request of the community—what does your community need this year?
I think Celia’s cycling and public transport love is infectious—in a press release for the Newtown Festival Fair in early March, travellers were recommended to leave their cars at home. I’m not being (too) cynical—cycling and public transport need all the love and support they can get.
Celia Wade-Brown asks Salient readers to have an emergency plan, and to follow @wemonz on twitter to receive any Wellington emergency warnings.