Papahua is grappling with severe coastal erosion on its ocean and inlet sides. The situation on the inlet side worsened after the removal of the old bridge, which essentially acted as a groyne. This erosion has the potential to impact the airfield, urupā and Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive, and in the longer term could affect the soccer fields and campground.
Whāingaroa Councillor Lisa Thomson says that the council is working on a long-term plan to address the issue. A Papahua Holiday Park Governance Board strategic planning meeting is set for next Monday and will also include looking at options for mitigating erosion, especially near the urupa, which is a significant ancestral site.
“Those areas come and go, and I know that because we're humans, we get concerned about the areas, but Mother Nature and Tangaroa have that relationship of the moving sands and the moving environment,” said Lisa.
While options like sea walls have been suggested, their effectiveness is debated.
Community Resilience and Civil Defence
Lisa says that efforts are ramping up to improve community resilience in Raglan with a new local civil defence plan. Raglan Community Board (RCB) Chair, Dennis Amoore, has been working on this plan alongside Lisa, which aims to coordinate a localised response to emergencies.
Part of the plan will involve disseminating information about self-preparedness when it comes to emergencies and the Civil Defence team will be seeking volunteers to support the community response group. Keep an eye on the Chronicle for announcements and information.
Raglan Community Board Discretionary Fund and Future Planning
The RCB has recently allocated limited discretionary funds to three local groups: Te Mata Tennis Club, Raglan Country & Blues Festival and the Anglican Church.
Looking ahead, the board is focusing on its strategic planning. Having established a 90-day plan for the RCB three terms ago. Board members will meet with council staff to review and potentially update the plan, especially in light of the upcoming election year.
Manu Bay Break Wall Update
After presenting several options at a recent stakeholder meeting, ongoing discussions and disagreements among stakeholders continue. The project could cost around $2 million, raising further concerns about rate increases.
The Infrastructure Committee will review the options, incorporating feedback from stakeholders before presenting recommendations. This subcommittee, composed of all councillors, is scheduled to reconvene in October.
Staff Turnover at Local Councils
High staff turnover at local councils, including WDC, is causing concerns about continuity and the handover of institutional knowledge. A new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is expected to be appointed in July 2025, providing an opportunity to address these challenges.
Efforts are also underway to preserve institutional knowledge and maintain effective community engagement. The mayor is working on strategies to address staff turnover and ensure continuity in ongoing projects.
Calls for Expanded Sports Facilities
Raglan Football Club has seen a significant increase in junior members, rising from 200 pre-COVID to 290. Current facilities are struggling to accommodate the growing number of players.
There is potential for Wainui Reserve—a largely flat and underutilised area—to be developed into additional sports fields. This suggestion comes amid ongoing discussions about the reserve’s future.
Dennis, another key figure in the discussions, has been in touch with council manager Glenn Morgan to advocate for a comprehensive 30 to 50-year plan for Wainui Reserve. The aim is to address the community’s growing needs over the long term.
Local Solid Waste Hui Highlights Innovations and Community Efforts
Lisa says that the district’s commitment to solid waste management was front and centre at a recent Hui held by the Solid Waste Subcommittee. Tilly Turner, the Māori Ward Councillor, praised Raglan as a model community for waste management, suggesting that other areas could learn from its success.
A key legislative update discussed at the Hui is the upcoming requirement for a nationwide kerbside food waste collection by 2027. Raglan, ahead of the curve, has already implemented this collection for several years.
Finally, the community awaits further updates on a report from Xtreme Zero Waste regarding the Te Uku waste depot which has been suffering from over-use and abuse in the last few years. The report, previously reviewed by the Community Board, is anticipated to proceed through a council stakeholder consultation process.
The next community board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 11 September at 1.30pm and will be held in the Te Uku Hall.