I've got re-involved with Friends of Mapua Waterfront as the date for the hearing nears. There's some great people doing excellent work. We've been finding experts, coordinating submissions, raising money and generally getting ourselves as prepared as possible. Kate Mitchell (Judy's daughter) has been outstanding in her legal advice, as has Liz Ussher who is really the powerhouse behind communication and follow-up. David Martin has been chairing the group.
I have to say my unexpected foray into local politics is taking more of my time than I expected. I'm going to my first MDCA General Meeting tonight - I thought I'd better because I'm now on the Exec! Me and Marion Satherly.
One consequence has been that my updates here have been a bit random - it probably makes more sense to migrate over to join the Friends of Mapua Waterfront Group since I run that website too and all new members are welcome!
MCBRT have put in their response to the Council report, and we've worked out who should cover what bits. Those of you who are planning to speak might like to put your ideas on paper and run them past Kate to see if there are gaps that you could fill or points you might like to mention - she did a really good job on mine and I'm not an expert on anything. It was just very helpful to have her point out the exact right terms.
We're still short on funding - we've had some wonderfully generous donations, especially from Peter Patterson and Di O'Halloran. We've covered the costs of one of our technical experts but we're still short on covering our legal costs, even though our KC Sally Gepp is being extremely generous with her time. We've got the chance to knock the ramp on the head for good - it's worth investing a few more bucks to buy the equivalent of lots of garlic and a few silver stakes to make sure this thing stays buried!
If you're submitting you have 10 minutes to speak. You're not allowed to read your written submission from February, but you can speak from either notes or powerpoint. I'm going to put in my submission by November 14, then I'll use a powerpoint with lots of pictures - if you've got good ones of the wharf area during summer or activities in the area that they want to take for the ramp, please send me photos. Photos have a huge impact - here's what I've put in:
You know, I look at these photos and I can't help thinking 'how the hell could anybody think a ramp here is a good idea?'
Fortunately there is a process by which we can use to stop it happening. I look forward to your continued support (and donations!) as we battle to save our waterfront.
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