ECO National Conference. The Committee welcomed the offer of Denis Fairfax to attend the conference of the umbrella association of ecological organisations to be held in Wellington 27-29 June. His offer was accepted subject to receipt of information on the conference costs involved.
AGM, Bradey Room, Whitby, 26 June at 7.30pm. ChairJohn Wells and all other committee members indicated they were willing to stand for re-election, leaving one vacancy to be filled. John Wells was asked to approach Jim Dearsly, former chair of the Whitby Residents Association, to be the speaker after the formal part of the evening.
Wind farm Questionnaire. The Committee considered an expanded report on the questionnaire, prepared for inclusion in the upcoming Newsletter to members. They adopted as policy on wind farms in the Inlet catchment –
- that GOPI opposes any activity associated with wind farms that may have a negative impact on the ecology of the Inlet and will advocate for prevention or mitigation of potential adverse effects during all stages of construction and operation;
- that with regard to landscape and amenity values, GOPI will monitor developments and argue if necessary to keep these to a minor level where this will not affect the viability of the wind farm.
Photographic Competition. Co-ordinator Ken Rae tabled his report to PCC’s Creative Communities Fund noting expenditure within their grant of $700, dispersal of sponsors’ vouchers to the value of $932 to prizewinners in the four sections, and disbursement of the $160 in cash sponsorships as a prize to the most successful Youth entrant and as a koha to judge Geoff Marshall. He was thanked by Chair John Wells, who noted Ken was stepping down from the co-ordinator role. Ken paid tribute to the subcommittee of Priscilla Isaacs and Ian Thompson.
Website development. After discussion of a site plan and a draft home page prepared by Webmaster Beverly Fairfax, the committee appointed Beverly Fairfax (convenor) with Julian Powell and John Wells as a subcommittee to continue the review and develop a website policy for presentation to a future meeting.
Porirua Language Project. Beverly Fairfax tabled the article on GOPI activities which she had forwarded for PLP’s newsletter to its tutors. She undertook to arrange a face-to-face meeting to develop plans for further contacts with new citizens in Porirua City.
PCC and GW Draft Annual Plans. The Committee noted with approval the continued place for a Harbour Management Plan and will endorse the slightly increased funding proposed by PCC. Chair John Wells noted that despite representations at last year’s consultation that the generalities of the GW document defied constructive or specific comment, the inadequate style had been maintained and the Committee has declined to comment.
Inlet Pathway. The Committee considered a paper from Andrew Gray of PCC noting 12 changes arising from later consultations to the proposal for extension to Pauatahanui village as discussed at an earlier meeting with the Committee.GOPI has been advised of misgivings on the part of other interested parties and has declined to sign off at this time.
