At our March meeting our speakers were Ross and John from the Halswell Residents Association. HRA has been around for 26 years in which time they have had 2 chairmen and 3 secretaries. The group was formed originally around discussions regarding the swimming pool and land from the domain and has spent the last 26 years fighting for the community on various issues.
For 15 years HRA fought the council and developers to keep the land on the domain, eventually winning through the environment court to retain 13 of the 15 hectares for the community.
Other projects over the history of the HRA have included:
Discovering and uncovering a sunken forest on Quaifes road that has been there for 900 - 1200 years.
Keeping the No 7 bus route past the hospital.
Protecting the historical farm buildings at Aidanfield and erecting the monument on the corner of Aidanfield Drive and McMahon Drive.
Erecting a memorial stone in Wigram to the 7 Airmen that lost their lives in 1953
Fighting the increase in the number of liquor stores in the area and their opening hours. HRA took legal action against the liquor store proposed for the shops on Ensign Street and lodges an appeal when it was approved. The liquor stores licence application has been in for 12 months and there have been no incidents. Ross and John acknowledged the support they received during this battle.
Ross and John also discussed some of the issues currently facing Halswell as a community that HRA are working on. These include the ongoing growth, with 6750 sections left to be developed, traffic and speed issues,, bus routes and the CCC and ECAN long term plans as well as the local representation review and the schooling in the area.
HRA also run the ANZAC parade which will be held on 25th April 2021
Halswell Residents Association meet on the last Monday of each month at St Mary's Church - their next meeting is on 28th March and all residents are welcome.
News from around the Community:
Halswell Community Project.
Keri shared that the Halswell Hub has been very busy with many new residents dropping in for information about what is happening in the area and what clubs, activities etc they could get involved in.
Sadly both the Market and our Children’s Day event were cancelled due to the sudden move to level 2 and the uncertainty around how long it would last. For 2021, the market will run quarterly and hopefully return to monthly in 2022 when things are a bit more settled.
Children’s day will run belatedly in the Spring - hopefully September and planning is under way for the April School Holidays for free activities at the Hub.
Anne Galloway (Councillor for Halswell)
Anne discussed the need for feedback on the long term plan - submissions can be made online as well as in paper form and help is available at Te Hāpua between 3 and 5pm on Wednesday afternoons between 17th March and 14th April.
Anne also raised the issue of Hillmorton High School which is our local High School needing a new gym. They are currently fundraising and raising awareness and would appreciate help from any local business or organisation who may be able to help.
Te Hāpua
Kate shared details of the better digital for seniors course which is now in its 3rd week and running well. This is a free course for over 65’s
Halswell Community Hall
The Halls AGM was a great success with Anton Matthews as a great and inspirational speaker.
Judith noted that the Hall had received several enquiries for space on a Sunday for Church groups but had no availability at this time. This is the same for the Halswell Hub and shows a growing need for spaces that are available at weekends.
Judith also shared that the Hall receives income each year from hirers and relies on fundraising and funders for the rest. Currently the Hall is looking for $7000 to trim trees which are posing a risk to the car park and passing public due to their size. More work and volunteers are needed to help with landscaping at the Hall.
The Drama group have begun their rehearsals for the upcoming performance of Little Shop of Horrors later in the year and the hall has managed to secure funding from Rata for a foldable stage which will make the space more user friendly.
Halswell Friendship Club / Garden Club.
Robyn noted that both clubs are running well and ticking along as usual.
Halswell Lions.
Peter discussed the Lions connection with Hillmorton High School and the Halswell Scouts.
Lions are currently selling pea straw with 300 - 400 bales available. They have been updating their presence on facebook and social media and have a strong focus on membership.
Meeting closed 1.30pm
Next Meeting: April 13th 2021
Emma Pavey - Community Development Advisor and
Sam Holland - Community Recreation Advisor
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