Community Update 23 October 2011

Neighbourhood Week 29th October – 6th November

Neighbourhood Week is coming up at the end of the month. If you are missing those earthquake get-togethers we all had this year why not have another one? We all know our neighbours so much better now and Mt Pleasant is a much better neighbourhood as a result.

Red/yellow stickered/white zoned or otherwise not able to live in your Mt Pleasant Home?

If you are in such circumstances (red- stickered, yellow stickered or white zoned), then you are invited to a community get-together being held especially with you in mind on Saturday, October 29th at 4pm.

The purpose of the gathering is to bring those in similar circumstances together so that experiences can be shared and stories swapped. There will be representatives from Canterbury Community Law on hand to discuss any legal issues you might have, and several Mt Pleasant architects to answer any questions regarding rebuilding or repairing. The event is being hosted by the Mt Pleasant Residents’ Association as part of Neighbourhood Week. We will provide nibbles and a cash bar will be open. The venue is the Redcliffs Bowling Club in James St, Redcliffs.

As well as rebuilding homes we need to rebuild community spirit as well, and this event is a great way to start this process. If you know any Mt Pleasant residents in this situation, please pass on details of this event to them. This is a great opportunity to find out how others in the same situation are faring. If you have any questions that you would like asked, or ideas you would like raised, then please forward these to the email address below. Use this address to confirm your attendance as well so that we don’t run out of nibbles!

Event: Mt Pleasant Stickered/White Zone Resident Gathering
When: 4pm, October 29th
Where: Redcliffs Bowling Club in James St
RSVP: mtpleasantcommunityassn@xtra.co.nz

Port Hills Cancern Report

This report below pertains to people who are affected by rock fall and land stability issues on the Port Hills. The first Port Hills Street level meeting was held at Redcliffs on Thursday 13th October at Taupata street in Redcliffs. It was well attended by about 40 residents. The meeting was adressed by Doctor Mark Yetton Geotechnical Engineer and Ethan Stetson EQ building support services manager for CCC.

Mark Yetton gave a presentation to the residents outdoors under the rocks(but in a safe place). He was able to go into some detail regarding the geology and possible solutions for the problems that exist locally. He answered specific questions from residents.

Ethan Stetson described the process of assessment which is still going on in the Port Hills. First the science, which is then presented to Council who make sense of it and decide along with CERA and central Government how best to address remediation and retreat issues. The time scale is not known on how long this process will take. It will not be quick given that the scientific analysis is still underway. Ethan also answered specific questions from residents. He also disclosed that it is hoped that half of the current white zoned area can be declared green by Christmas.

Residents were asked by Ethan if they were happy with the meeting and if they found it useful. The answer was an overwhelming yes. Residents were also asked privately by Ruth Dyson MP if they were happy. They responded in the affirmative.

It’s early days with this programme. Two experienced council employees have been appointed to action the communications around this process and they will be getting in touch with you in the near future. Email philippa.upton@ccc.govt.nz if your group has significant red sticker/section 124 issues and is ready to roll. They anticipate running a couple of meetings a week once everything is up and running. They will prioritise meetings with the most badly affected (red stickered/section 124s being prioritised). Thanks again to Sue Stubenvoll for her help and support. She has passed on her observations and residents suggestions for improvements to the meeting process.

Terry O’Leary
Port Hills Cancern Representative

Please update Fletcher – EQR details

Due to earthquake damage to their building in Woolston, this Hub has been temporarily relocated. All emergency work for the Hill suburbs still goes through this Hub.

Woolston Hub
Ph 03 341 9954
145 Blenheim Road
Community Liaison Officer Natalie Absalom
Phone 03 341 9959
Woolston
natalie.absalom@eqr.co.nz

The Woolston Hub will relocate back into the area when they find suitable premises.

Ferrymead Hub can still be found in the East Coast Building:

Ferrymead Hub
Phone 03 341 0139
1091 Ferry Road
Sandra Frame
Phone 03 3459478
Community Liaison Officer
Ferrymead
sandra.frame@eqr.co.nz

Funding

Vodafone and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust have launched a $4 million fund to help rebuild Christchurch communities, places and services ……

Vodafone Launches Multi-Million Dollar Fund for Canterbury

Mt Pleasant Swap Meet Re-starts

The Mt Pleasant Swap Meet will recommence on Sunday 30th October between 3-4pm out the front of the sad old shops on Major Hornbrook Rd (just up from Billy’s Track & down from Freeman’s Rd). Anyone with something to swap from the garden, baking or any other type of home spun goodie is welcome to participate. Or if you unsure about how Swap Meets work just along for a look.

Back on Bikes Event 5 November 2011

For information on this great bike event which is happening at McCormacks Bay November 5th click here http://tiny.cc/vlajt.