From the President

Hello neighbours, here’s an update on what’s happening in our area.

The future of our Community Hall and Library

As you know the future of our Community Hall and Library is in danger due to the proposed Auckland Council budget in which it has been recommended to charge a 6,000% increase in the annual charges that we currently pay. At present, our local MP Deborah Russell and the Local Board members are very supportive with our Chairperson Greg Presland telling me that “it will be over the local board’s dead body” so this is some positive news. However the two council members who actually have a vote, Shane Henderson and Ken Turner, have been noticeably quiet on this matter. This is particularly disappointing as Ken Turner has been very vocal on his viewpoint in other recommendations with the budget yet when it comes to our Community Hall and Library, there’s a lot of silence. I will keep you updated on what is happening.

2023 Waiatarua Photographer Of The Year

On a more positive note we have had a great response to our photography competition and I’m pleased to announce the winners:

Wildlife category: Paul Hogan
Water category: Phillipa Beattie
Land category: Peter Harrison

You will find the winning photos within this newsletter and all the entries will be on our website.
A big congratulations to the winners! I will be in touch shortly to deliver your prizes. A big thank you to all the contestants — I was overwhelmed by the quality and talent that exists within our com-munity. Thank you also to Greg Lokes and Grant Longley for giving up their time to judge the entries.
I hope everyone has enjoyed this competition and I’m sure we will run it again next year. Until then, keep taking photos of our beauti-ful Waiatarua.

Application for grants

The WRRA board have applied for several grants, which if accept-ed, will mean we will be able to purchase a generator for the Hall which can be used by the Community during any future power cuts, and a brand new range of cutlery and dinnerware which will make hiring out the Hall for special events a lot easier for people.

The future of our Newsletter

We are still looking for a low cost printing option so that we can continue this newsletter in its current format. The best way you can help us is by referring any businesses needing to advertise in the newsletter. It’s only $40 for a 62mm x 54mm insert and if we can get another 15 advertisers then that will pay for the newsletter to continue. If you know anyone who wants to advertise their busi-ness get them to contact Erin Kingsleigh-Smith on edi-tor@waiatarua.org.nz. She would love to hear from you.

Future Community Events

We have been receiving a lot of ideas from people about what kind of community events we can put together. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up.

Community Dinner

We are looking at putting together a potluck dinner in which peo-ple can bring a plate and have a good chat over dinner. This will be on Saturday 22nd July starting at 7:00pm at our Community Hall. Further details will be released shortly but keep the date free and it will be great to see you in person.

Classic movie festival

We are also putting together the final details for a series of classic movies to be held at the Community Hall including Charade (with Audrey Hepburn), D.O.A a classic film noir, Royal Wedding (with Fred Astaire) and House On Haunted Hill (with Vincent Price). We are just working on the final details and then we can let you know the dates.
Mark Wager, WRRA President