A visit from the Major
David Knight, in his inimitable style, introduced our Mayor, Mike Tana, this week.
The Mayor has an informal and engaging way of speaking and, without any notes, traversed his two years in the job, the progress our city is making, and his hopes for the future.
He started by acknowledging the work of Rotary in the city. He has been involved with several of our projects and thanked the club for its dedication.
Mayor Mike noted that there are good things happening in Porirua, often arising at the grassroots level and only coming to the notice of the establishment after they are underway. A good example is the gravestone refurbishment programme, focussed on veterans and now taken up nationally via the RSA. Another example is Virtuoso Strings, which our club has supported. Yet another is “WellFed”, providing healthy meals for needy families. All of these have attracted attention around the country, and improved the reputation of the city.
Consultation between Council and citizens is improving, with over 1000 submissions made on the long-term city plan. The Venture Park project is going for consultation shortly. Conservatively, it will attract 80,000 new visitors annually, and we may not be ready to look after them.
A major housing initiative with central government is in the offing, and the resource consent process is being streamlined in advance of strong population growth in Porirua.
In response to questions, Mayor Mike confirmed that Council wants to see the walkway completed, but was less optimistic about silting problems in both harbours.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.8% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
The Hikoi on Tuesday 19th
I copied this from a Facebook page: The expected route of the hīkoi on Tuesday is from Takapuwahia Maree in Esldon towards Porirua and along Kenepuru Drive to Tawa, then up Middleton Road to Johnsonville, down Ngaraunga George and along the old Hutt Road to Wellington. They are anticipating significant congestion on the roads between 06.00am and 12.30pm.
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