We're almost at the end of the process now. Tomorrow the applicant's lawyer (Nigel McFadden) will present their case followed by their experts. The Commissioners will visit the site in the afternoon.
Tuesday morning will see the supporter submitters including Trevor Marshall, Martyn Barlow, Marion Satherly, Mike Crehan and Colin Walker.
And then after the morning break we have the floor - 2 neutrals, 5 experts and then lay submitters from Friends of Mapua Waterfront Group the rest of Tuesday and through to lunchtime Wednesday.
After lunch the Council's reporting officers speak (remember they recommended the application be declined), and then the applicants have a right of reply.
After that we're going to have a drink or two and quietly collapse.
It's been a massive effort on behalf of a very dedicated group of people - and I'm talking about everyone who has put in a submission in February or is speaking this week. The Hearing Commissioners are going to hear the real voice of the Community at full volume and perfect clarity. You can follow proccedings via Zoom - it would mean a lot to the presenters to know their supporters are there in spirit.
This is the last stage in this long process. It's important to our case that we have a strong lineup and that we're all ready on the day.
We've been briefed and coached by Kate Mitchell, which has been a massive help in both directing the work and keeping Sally's costs down. Sadly this is the one week Kate couldn't make it, but her work will be on show.
We've been informed, co-ordinated and unified by the tremendous efforts of Liz Ussher- she and Kate have been the backbone of the effort.
The other part of that has been the leadership of David Martin, who has expertly chaired the group and managed to corral a group of very different people into a single unified force.
Personally I'm very grateful to have been given the opportunity to connect with such a fine group of people. As David said, it is astounding what a group of volunteers have managed to pull off.
We're still looking for donations: our page is up to $3,300 - we got a donation of $500 from Frankie's Canadian cousins who came here last year and fell in love with the place. I know that many of you have donated already and I know times are tough, but if you can find another $100 or better still find a friend with $500, it would make the world of difference.
At this stage if we can't raise enough money The Friends Group will have to pay for our lawyer out of our own pockets, and these people have already given enormously of their time and expertise. You're quite right: there is nothing I won't stoop to get that $10k.
I'll update you when the smoke clears!
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