News | 25 November 2019
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Wellington community boards dive into their work

A crucial part of Wellington’s local government scene started off with a splash this week with synchronised swimmers launching the swearing in of the Makara/Ohariu Community Board.

Image of local school students performing at Makara Board inauguration
Local students perform at Makara inauguration

The skit performers from Makara Model School were the star performers at Thursday’s inauguration, which followed a week after the inauguration of the Tawa Community Board.

Deputy Mayor Sarah Free says the boards are there to represent the views and advocate to Council on behalf of their communities.

“It may be the least populated, but Makara/Ohariu area is the largest ward in the Wellington area and it is critical that we know the views of people that live there.

“It is similar for the Tawa Community Board, where Tawa is one of our fastest areas of growth.”

New Makara/Ohariu board member Darren Hoskins says he ran for the board because he wants to serve the community.

“And to contribute towards preservation of the rural amenities we all love and enjoy.

“We also want to make Council aware of our community aspirations and pass on any issues we are dealing with. We want a road safety programme for the area for both residents and visitors.”

New Tawa board member Anna Scott says she wants to provide a voice for all of the community.

“By ensuring that the Board reaches out to every part of Tawa/Linden/Takapu and Grenada in ways that suit those parts of the community, especially those people who may not have been heard in the past.

“My priorities are to ensure we provide feedback on the District Plan as it affects Tawa especially in relation to Upper Stebbings and the impact on services, schools and traffic management.”

The new board chairs are Robyn Parkinson for Tawa and John Apanowicz for Makara/Ohariu.