Woodend Action Group |

April 2009
Half Basketball Court for Grange View Reserve
Council staff have have recently proposed building a half basketball court in Grange View Reserve to "cater for a wider range of children, including teenagers" as "the current play equipment does not cater for them." Feedback from residents have indicate some concern over the location due to potential for increased vandalism, anti social behaviour and intimidation of younger children.
What do you think? Email your comments to: Nick.Rosewarne@wmk.govt.nz by 11 April
OR Attend the Woodend Ashley Ward Advisory Board Meeting on Monday 6 April 7.30pm at the Rangiora Council Chambers to hear speakers voice their concerns in the public forum.

Woodend Community Centre Open for Community Bookings
After a great deal of unsuccessful communication with Council on this issue, the Woodend Community Centre Advisory Group kindly arranged a meeting with CEO Jim Palmer and council staff. The result was bookings will now be accepted for community events such as the Woodend Flower Show in September, a system is being looked into for accredited users to not have to pay a bond for every booking and the issue of weddings/21sts etc will be included in the 2009/10 review of community facilities. The council have also agreed to consult fully with the WCC Advisory Group on all matters relating to the Community Centre in the future.
This is a great move forward for the community and we would like to particularly thank Mark Sutherland, Chairperson of the WCCAG, and Jim Palmer for their hard work in resolving this issue.

March 2009
Woodend Market Day - A Fantastic Success
Hundreds of people enjoyed a village market day in Woodend on 28 February. Despite cooler weather, the rain held off and the event attracted both locals and passing visitors, who commented on the wonderful village atmosphere created. Stalls included local artists, lavendar products, second hand good, fresh produce, plants and even a bouncy castle for the children.

Stall sites are only $5 for non profit groups and $10 for others. Please contact Kirstyn on 312 2322 or kirstyn@xtra.co.nz for a stall site booking form. To download a booking form now for 28 March and/or 18 April 2009 (due Anzac Day), click this link: http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Woodend Market Booking Form.doc

Woodend Community Centre - Petition Rejected
The Community and Recreation Committee met on 17 February 2009 regarding the Woodend Community Centre and have decided to maintain the status quo for the bonds and hire conditions until a review is carried out in the 2009/2010 year. It seems very unfortunate to me that a petition containing 693 signatures has been discounted and the letter from one neighbour has influenced the council staff to the extent where they will continue to prohibit reasonable use of our community centre - see pages 18 - 30 of the 17 February Agenda for details: http://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/agendas/community/CR_Feb2009.pdf

Woodend Monthly Market Day - First Date Sat 28 Feb 10am - 12pm Methodist Church Grounds
The Woodend Market is here! We have organised a community market day every last Saturday of the month starting on 28 Feb 2009 with kind thanks to the Woodend Methodist Church for providing a fabulous venue. The Hall will be open for tea, coffee and toilets, and Woodend Toddlers are organising some outdoor toys in the safe child area for young ones and their families, so come along for a fantastic community day out. Remember this is your market - the more people who book a stall and come along, the more we can ensure the continuation of the market in the summer months. Stall sites are only $5 for non profit groups and $10 for others. Please contact Kirstyn on 312 2322 or kirstyn@xtra.co.nz for a stall site booking form and more information, volunteers/helpers are also most welcome to call! To download a booking form now for 28 Feb, 28 March and/or 18 April 2009 (due Anzac Day), click this link: http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Woodend Market Booking Form.doc

Woodend Community Centre - Petition Presented
A petition containing 693 signatures was presented to Council on 16 December and has been referred to the Community and Recreation Committee for consideration. Recommendations should be before the full Council in February 2009 - to see the presentation notes please click here http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Petition Presentation.doc

November 2008
Woodend Community Centre - Restricted Use
As you may have heard, the Council have recently advised that not only are $200-$500 bonds now mandatory for events at the Woodend Community Centre, the centre can no longer be booked for weddings, birthday parties and dances. The main reason given is that the floor is unsuitable for dancing as high heels could damage the sports markings on the floor.
This has already impacted negatively on our community - some examples are: the Woodend Garden Club are considering cancelling next year's Flower Show due partly to the exhorbitant venue charges; a local group held their anniversary dinner elsewhere because they couldn't raise the bond; a local couple had booked a wedding for 2009 and were not even informed that their booking is cancelled; a person wanting to run dance classes in the hall was refused a booking and the Spring Dance we were hoping to organise is now on hold.

We do not think this is good enough - the centre was built as a multi-purpose facility for the community, local residents raised over 40% of the funds needed and Woodend has no other community hall. In order to communicate this to the Council, we have started a petition to allow our Hall to be used for community purposes and functions at a reasonable cost, and we ask you to print off a copy and collect signatures by 30 Nov to show your support.
Simply click this link: http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Petition Comm Centre Use Nov08.doc

August 2008
Water in Canterbury
Is water use important to you? Do you have some great ideas about where Canterbury should be heading with our water strategy? Have your say by 30 October 2008 at www.canterburywater.co.nz/getting-involved

June 2008

Transit NZ Proposed Changes to Pineacres and Lineside Rd Intersections
Transit NZ have released proposed maps of changes to 2 SH1 intersections due to the high accident rates. To view, click on the following links:
http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Lineside Road SH 1 Interchange Layout Option.pdf
http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Pineacres Intersection layout Option.pdf
To see the Transit NZ Media release, click http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Transit Media Release - June 12 2008 (f).doc

"A Woodend Welcome" Coffee Group Tues 12 August 10.00-11.30am No 8 Wire Cafe
Due to popular feedback this is to become a regular event on the 2nd Tuesday of the month! Join us for a coffee and a chat to catch up with old faces and meet new ones. To register or for more information, please contact Clare on 312 7308 or Kirstyn on 312 2322 or kirstyn@xtra.co.nz

Woodend Bypass Meeting Notes
Over 130 people attended the meeting at the Woodend Community Centre on 15 May 2008. Speakers from Council, Transit NZ and Infinity Investment Group gave their view on the latest review of a western bypass option and answered questions from the community.
Click on this link for notes of the meeting http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/15May08 Woodend Public Meeting Notes.doc
Any queries, please contact Kirstyn on 312 2322 or kirstyn@xtra.co.nz

“Walk the Walk!” Next Walk Meetings
Join our Woodend walking group for fun, fitness and friendship. **MEETING** Wed 16 July 7.30pm Casper's Cafe & Bar, meet to discuss ideas for the walking group.
Next Scheduled Local Walk: Tuesday 22 July 10.30am Meet outside Casper's Cafe & Bar, Main North Rd, Woodend
For information, please contact Colleen on 310 0550 or Kirstyn on 312 2322 or kirstyn@xtra.co.nz

May 2008
May is the Month to Meet!
The Woodend Action Group have organised several exciting opportunities to meet coming up in May.

"A Woodend Welcome" Coffee Group Tues 13 May 10.00-11.30am No 8 Wire Cafe
Join us for a coffee and a chat to catch up with old faces and meet new ones! New residents especially welcome and excellent facilities for children. To register or for more information, please contact Clare Jones on 312 7308

Woodend Bypass Meeting Thurs 15 May 7.30pm Woodend Community Centre
Come and hear Council and Transit NZ staff explain the new time frame for a decision on the SH1 bypass issue and ask any questions you may have.
Any queries, please call Kirstyn on 312 2322 or email kirstyn@xtra.co.nz

Woodend Social Night Thurs 22 May 7.30-9.00pm Casper's Cafe & Bar
Catch up with friends for a dessert and meet new people in our area. No charge, live music from local group "M'lodies", drink specials. New residents especially welcome. For more information, please contact Tracy on 312 7177 or Kirstyn on 312 2322

Running Group Weekends/|Evenings
Interested in a running partner or group? Call Diane today on 312 2518 or email thecarters57@ihug.co.nz to register your interest.

“Walk the Walk!”
The Woodend Action Group is focused on initiating positive activities for our area. Anyone interested in joining a Woodend walking group for fun, fitness and friendship, please contact our Activities Coordinator: Colleen Fuller Ph: 310 0550 Email: colleenfuller@xtra.co.nz

March 2008
Council Staff Bypass Conclusion Rejected
To read the council staff recommendations on roading and growth options for Woodend which were rejected by Council, please see www.freewebs.com/woodendbypass

New Name and Membership
At a meeting of members, we decided to rename our group "Woodend Action Group" to simplify the name, and that the "WAG" should continue working on positive community initiatives in Woodend. With this end in mind, the meeting decided we should institute a $5 per household supporter/membership fee to help with the cost of providing information to members. We also welcome donations from groups who wish to make use of our website to promote their activities and all monies will be fed directly back into the community.
Membership or donations can be sent to: Woodend Action Group, 121 Chinnerys Rd, Woodend.
Any queries, please call Kirstyn on 312 2322 or email kirstyn@xtra.co.nz

“Walk the Walk!”

The Woodend Action Group is focused on initiating positive activities for our area.

Anyone interested in joining a Woodend walking group for fun, fitness and friendship, please contact our Activities Coordinator:

Colleen Fuller Ph: 310 0550 Email: colleenfuller@xtra.co.nz

Woodend Community Gala Day Held on 27 January 2008 10am - 3pm
The weather was perfect, the community was out early and a fantastic day was had by all! This really shows the wonderful community spirit in Woodend and what we have to offer. A big thank you to our major sponsors Pegasus Town, Visit Waimakariri and Waimakariri District Council, plus to all the businesses, community groups and volunteers who contributed to the event.
As a follow up, the 27 February Last Wednesday Club topic will be "events and activities for Woodend" - come along to Casper's Cafe & Bar from 7.30pm for a drink and a chat about positive ideas for Woodend. Any queries, please call Kirstyn on 312 2322 or email kirstyn@xtra.co.nz

February 2008 Tampering Suspected in Woodend Futures Consultation

In the preliminary report published by Council, staff indicated a grouping of photocopied forms with similar writing and similar choices was returned after Christmas. They concluded that if these are all from the same person, a skewing of results will occur.
For the full press release on this topic see http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/PR Feb08 Survey Tampering Suspected.doc

Secretary Resigns from Woodend Residents Association

Due to alleged inconsistencies in the verbal submission made by President Ashley Robinson to the District Development Working Party on the Woodend Futures consultation in January, Kirstyn Barnett has resigned as Secretary of the WRA.

“I was extremely disappointed at the way the President alluded to historic views in a 2006 WRA submission, such as the view Transit had put the western bypass in the too hard basket, rather than keeping to the current written submission” Ms Barnett advises. “From talking to people present, I believe he gave the impression that the WRA committee would support Council asking Transit for further investigation of a western bypass despite Transit NZ removing this option from the current consultation. This is simply not in keeping with the consensus submission the committee produced and unfortunately I believe he may have been pressured into this statement by several eastern residents on the committee who were present at the hearings." She believes Ashley's comments constitute a breakdwon of trust as not ratified by the new committee and will consquently be talking to members about the future of the Woodend Community Action Group, which had as yet not formally merged with the WRA.

November 2007 Link with Woodend Residents Association
With the WRA working closely with us on current projects, members decided at the Last Wednesday Club to join with the WRA in order to provide a unified voice for Woodend. At the WRA AGM, Kirstyn Barnett was voted in as Secretary with Bill Scandrett and Colleen Fuller joining the committee, while Ashley Robinson continues as WRA President for the coming year. For a report on the AGM including the Mayor's speech, please click here: http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/071127 Woodend Residents AGM Report.doc

Woodend Futures
Residents have all received a brochure and feedback form detailing potential future growth options for Woodend, and the suggested Eastern Roading options due to the planned subdivisions and Pegasus Town. At the WRA AGM, residents were confused by the information merging these two issues together, errors in the bypass options and misleading conclusions and the submission period has now been extended to 14 January 2008. See the December Woodpecker for further discussion on these issues.

New Date Woodend Community Gala Day
The Woodend Community Gala Day has been delayed due to construction issues - the new date/time is 27 January 2008 10am - 3pm subject to construction completion. To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Kirstyn on 312 2322 / kirstyn@xtra.co.nz . We need people to set up tables from 8.30am, man our raffle stand and sausage sizzle from 10am - 3pm and act as marshalls to ensure traffic and pedestrian safety. Any time you can give would be most appreciated.
We are also looking for donated prizes/vouchers for our raffle, art and craft stalls and extra activities for our "performance area". To register for a stall, please click on this link: http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/Woodend Gala Booking Form.doc

Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (includes Woodend)
Proposed Change to the Regional Policy Statement
Residents' views are sought on where future growth and development should be located.
Changes are proposed to the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (CRPS) Chapter 12a
include possible amendments to the number of residential houses in urban and rural areas (density), identifying areas for retail and business developments, setting urban limits and identifying areas where urban development will not be permitted.

Information can be viewed on the ECAN website www.ecan.govt.nz - go to Plans & Reports, Regional Policy Statement, Proposed Change One or view the document at Council Service Centres and Libraries. Submissions close 31 October 2007.

August 2007
Great news! The Woodend Community Centre renovations should be completed by mid-November and to celebrate the WCAG is organising a Woodend Community Gala on Sunday 25 November. The Woodend Community Centre Advisory Board are also planning a wonderful dinner/dance for Saturday night, details will be out soon so this will be a fabulous celebration weekend for Woodend.
Local community groups will receive an information pack on the gala shortly - this will be a chance for everyone to tour the facility and enjoy fun activities for all the family. For more information or to be involved in this event, contact Event Coordinator Colleen Herriott on 312 7706 or cherriott@paradise.net.nz

Keep NZ Beautiful week is on 8-16 September and we are coordinating a group to spruce up the main streets/parks of Woodend - for full details call Clean Up Coordinator Colleen Fuller on 310 0550 or see the "Community Notices" page.

Have you read the "Know Your Neighbours" page? I hosted a very successful Neighbourhood Support meeting recently and it was great to meet neighbours who we have only waved to in passing. To help you with your set-up meeting, please download the draft invitation - it is so easy to start a group and would be a key factor in keeping people safe in a Civil Defence emergency also.

Notes from Public Meeting 31 July – Woodend Bypass Options

Over 200 people attended the Public Meeting on 31 July which was an excellent community discussion on the four options. Mike Tottman from Transit NZ and Don Young from Waimakariri District Council attended the latter part of the meeting and clarified a number of points on their respective responsibilities and the time frame for the process.

To see a copy of the notes taken at the meeting , please click this link: http://www.freewebs.com/woodendaction/31Jul07 Woodend Public Meeting Notes.doc

To view or print a copy of the full Transit NZ report on the bypass options please go to the Woodend Bypass website home page: www.freewebs.com/woodendbypass

If you have any queries, please contact:

Kirstyn Barnett Ph: 312 2322

Woodend Community Action Group Coordinator

Liquor Ban Bylaw Review
The police have requested the Council change the Friday/Saturday 7pm - 7am liquor bans in Kaiapoi and Rangiora town centres to a 24 hour seven day a week ban and originally the Council notified a change to 7pm to 7am seven nights a week only. The Woodend Residents Association and Woodend School made submissions requesting Woodend main road areas, the school, the community centre area and Grange View reserve be added to the 7 night a week liquor ban. Therefore Woodend areas have now been included by Council in the proposed bylaw for 24 hours seven days a week .
Questions that need to be answered are: will police increase their presence/patrols in Woodend, and if not, will a bylaw that is not enforced cause any impact on the petty crime we are seeing in these areas? I spoke recently to Ray Norris of Rangiora Community Watch patrol which covers the Woodend area, and he said they generally only patrol on Friday/Saturday nights and this is not expected to change under the extended liquor ban. The Alcohol Liquor Advisory Board also advise that liquor bans appear to be only as effective as the level of enforcement in place.
A 24 hour liquor ban could have an impact on community activities such as a wine-tasting stand at a community gala, a drink with a family picnic in the park or a wine and cheese fundraiser. Residents are encouraged to read the submission material at the Council Service Centre/Libraries and make their views known by letter by Friday 17 August 5pm - contact person Nick Harrison, Environmental Services Manager Ph: 313 6136.
Note: The closing date for submissions has now been extended to 14 September 2007.
Alfred Street Closure
The Council propose to close Alfred Street west of Victoria Street and have presented 5 options in their Statement of Proposal - their preferred option would be to create a small pedestrian mall between Resene and the Monteith's Brewery Bar to solve a perceived problem of too many vehicles using Alfred Street to access the central business district from the East. This affects any Woodend/Eastern residents who may currently turn into Ivory Street and then into Alfred Street with the intention of accessing Farmers, the Library, the Council buildings/car park, Victoria Park, the post office and High Street via Percival Street due to the one way system. If this road is closed, vehicles will be forced to utilise either Queen Street to the south or Blackett Street to the north. What surprised me on reading the MWH roading study is there have been no accidents reported in this particular section of road during the past 5 years - the difficult intersection is the Ivory/Alfred Street corner which has been now been made left turn only.
As this will significantly affect the access of Woodend residents to important Rangiora facilities, please take the time to read the reports on the Waimakariri District Council website www.wmk.govt.nz (click on Closure of Alfred Street link on home page) and send your thoughts by Friday 17 August to: Waimakariri District Council, Private Bag 1005, Rangiora 7440 Attention: Lyn Beckingsale - Technical Assistant