Cr Foon Acknowledges Locals in Move to Zero Waste (11/12/22)
Deputy Mayor and Paekawakawa/Southern Ward Councillor Laurie Foon has sent a "massive shout out to Ōwhiro Bay locals Angela (Wilson), Alison (Forrest) and Jess (Allen)" for the work they have done to help get the waste management strategy closer to reality.
"It has taken a village of intelligence and a mighty push from the community to get us to this place. This is another big building block to getting us to the vision where our landfill is a taonga surrounded by native bush and birds that we only use when we really need to," Cr Foon says.
The draft waste strategy was passed unanimously in early December and will be out for consultation March next year. Read more here.
"It has taken a village of intelligence and a mighty push from the community to get us to this place. This is another big building block to getting us to the vision where our landfill is a taonga surrounded by native bush and birds that we only use when we really need to," Cr Foon says.
The draft waste strategy was passed unanimously in early December and will be out for consultation March next year. Read more here.
OBRA September 2021 Newsletter
Check it out here.
OBRA's Long-Term Planning Submission to WCC - 30 August 2021
Ramping on the Beach - 15 August 2021
- Chris Loveday
What is the Problem?
Over time there has been a build-up of rocks and sand on the beach which has created a natural ramp up to the road. In times of large waves there is limited defence against the waves reaching the road and residents property. During the recent storm events in June 2021 and April 2020 the ramp has had a significant impact on the bay allowing the waves to more easily reach the road, infrastructure and private property. This has created significant damage across the bay.
What has been done so far?
Following the large waves in April 2020 a number of initiatives with the Ōwhiro Bay residents and the Wellington City Council have been established. The early alert system has been deployed and proven to be a useful addition to storm readiness and prevention.
Additionally, the City Council engaged with Dr Shaw Mead, environmental scientist of eCoast, to conduct a review of Ōwhiro Bay to determine options available to the Council and the Owhiro Bay community. The results of the work provided a number of potential solutions, from short to long term options. You can read the full report here.
One of the short term, no regrets, options was to perform a grading of the beach.
What is beach grading?
The grading of the beach will be a process of removing the sand closest to the sea walls, providing a line of defence against the waves. It is anticipated that removing the ramp the waves won't be quite as destructive to the roads and properties along the coast. The Ōwhiro Bay Residents Association (OBRA) and community members will be playing a key role in all decision making on any grading undertaken.
What is being done?
The Wellington City Council has committed to have the beach grading completed at Ōwhiro Bay, and have created a team to complete the work. This involves applying for a consent from the Greater Wellington Regional Council given the beach is in the Marine Reserve.
The process will involve creating a specialist team of technical experts, consultants and ecologists. There will be engagement with affected stakeholders throughout the process, including the Ōwhiro Bay residents.
A physical survey, construction methodology, and an ecological assessment will be developed as part of the consent process. The council is working closely with the community providing weekly updates on the progress of the project. The consent, when granted, will allow several gradings of the beach to allow an assessment of the impact the grading is having on the Bay over time.
When will the beach grading occur?
Once the consent has been granted the physical works have been planned for September 2021. OBRA is holding the Council to this timeframe and can provide further updates to the Ōwhiro Bay community as they become available.
So how will the grading be done?
The present idea is to basically regrade the beach from the marine reserve (MHWS – mean high water springs) up to the existing seawalls/ carpark/ footpaths. The surplus materials will be taken to a tip site and not pushed back into the marine reserve.
It hasn’t yet been determined at what level the ‘berm’ will be taken down to (from the footpath down to the beach). Excavation machines will have to be placed on the beach to remove the surplus sand/ gravel, but there will be a lot of conditions on their use, such as cleanliness prior to entering the beach, no refuelling on the beach, no entering the marine reserve, and not been left on the beach out-of-hours to name but a few. There may be other conditions to follow due to ecological affects.
Can the grading be done without consent?
It has been reported in the media that should another large wave event be predicted then the Council would go ahead with the grading immediately then retrospectively apply for the consent based on other laws and regulations at their disposal.
Over time there has been a build-up of rocks and sand on the beach which has created a natural ramp up to the road. In times of large waves there is limited defence against the waves reaching the road and residents property. During the recent storm events in June 2021 and April 2020 the ramp has had a significant impact on the bay allowing the waves to more easily reach the road, infrastructure and private property. This has created significant damage across the bay.
What has been done so far?
Following the large waves in April 2020 a number of initiatives with the Ōwhiro Bay residents and the Wellington City Council have been established. The early alert system has been deployed and proven to be a useful addition to storm readiness and prevention.
Additionally, the City Council engaged with Dr Shaw Mead, environmental scientist of eCoast, to conduct a review of Ōwhiro Bay to determine options available to the Council and the Owhiro Bay community. The results of the work provided a number of potential solutions, from short to long term options. You can read the full report here.
One of the short term, no regrets, options was to perform a grading of the beach.
What is beach grading?
The grading of the beach will be a process of removing the sand closest to the sea walls, providing a line of defence against the waves. It is anticipated that removing the ramp the waves won't be quite as destructive to the roads and properties along the coast. The Ōwhiro Bay Residents Association (OBRA) and community members will be playing a key role in all decision making on any grading undertaken.
What is being done?
The Wellington City Council has committed to have the beach grading completed at Ōwhiro Bay, and have created a team to complete the work. This involves applying for a consent from the Greater Wellington Regional Council given the beach is in the Marine Reserve.
The process will involve creating a specialist team of technical experts, consultants and ecologists. There will be engagement with affected stakeholders throughout the process, including the Ōwhiro Bay residents.
A physical survey, construction methodology, and an ecological assessment will be developed as part of the consent process. The council is working closely with the community providing weekly updates on the progress of the project. The consent, when granted, will allow several gradings of the beach to allow an assessment of the impact the grading is having on the Bay over time.
When will the beach grading occur?
Once the consent has been granted the physical works have been planned for September 2021. OBRA is holding the Council to this timeframe and can provide further updates to the Ōwhiro Bay community as they become available.
So how will the grading be done?
The present idea is to basically regrade the beach from the marine reserve (MHWS – mean high water springs) up to the existing seawalls/ carpark/ footpaths. The surplus materials will be taken to a tip site and not pushed back into the marine reserve.
It hasn’t yet been determined at what level the ‘berm’ will be taken down to (from the footpath down to the beach). Excavation machines will have to be placed on the beach to remove the surplus sand/ gravel, but there will be a lot of conditions on their use, such as cleanliness prior to entering the beach, no refuelling on the beach, no entering the marine reserve, and not been left on the beach out-of-hours to name but a few. There may be other conditions to follow due to ecological affects.
Can the grading be done without consent?
It has been reported in the media that should another large wave event be predicted then the Council would go ahead with the grading immediately then retrospectively apply for the consent based on other laws and regulations at their disposal.
Got questions? Email owhirobayresidentsassoc@gmail.com
WCC Beach Grading Updates: 1 -4. 15th August 2021
Below are 4 important updates regarding the WCC beach grading process. Just click on the links below to read each PDF update. Also, refer to the 'Ramping on the Beach' article a little further down this page.
SymPOOsium Update - 15th August 2021
- Alison Forrest
Some of Owhiro Bay residents and committee members went along to a ‘SymPOOsium’
on 26 July. It was held at the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s flash new offices in
Cuba St and organised by a breakfast group called ‘Beyond the Pipes’ which some of us
became involved in to try and get the sewage out of the Landfill.
It was an interesting morning: we heard and exchanged ideas about Wellington’s sewage problems and possible alternatives to the profligate use of potable water in flushing sewage. WCC and GW Councillors, Green MP Eugenie Sage, engineers, water experts and many other
experts and interested people were there.
Through two facilitated panel discussions, this ‘symPOOsium’ took a close look at
Wellington’s current wastewater and sanitation system, considered whether we need to
invest in alternative approaches to managing human waste and wastewater, and if so, how
and where to start.
Panellists explored a wide range of questions, including how can we ensure sustainability and resilience in our approach to wastewater and sanitation for a growing population in a city prone to earthquakes? - The interim solution is to fix the pipes, stop sewage being buried and stop the pollution. A longer term solution might be to look for a different paradigm altogether.
Liam Prince, of The Rubbish Trip and SymPOOsium organiser and Grant Symons of
Transition HQ facilitated.
The first panel looked at the current situation in Wellington: Michelle Larenson and Marie Wright from Your Bay Your Say, residents and activists in Titahi Bay – talking about the dire state of sewage pollution in Titahi Bay.
Martin Payne, Systems Engineer specialising in urban water and energy systems, and coordinating member of Friends of Owhiro Stream - talking about the regional pipe network and the usage of water.
Te Kawa Robb , kaiārahi (waste advisor) for the Māori Zero Waste organisation, Para
Kore – talking about Māori-led environmental restoration projects.
Dr Maria Gutierrez-Gines, a Biowaste Senior Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) – talking about the challenges and opportunities that surround the beneficial reuse of biosolids on crops.
After a break we heard from the second panel about how to move forward: Grant Symons – talking about a transition strategy needed for us to adapt to climate change.
Matt Brenin of GreenEarth Development talking about composting loos Councillor David Lee of GWRC - talking about his composting toilet projects.
Afterwards there was a free sustainable lunch and some networking!
We are expecting that there will be one or more follow-up SymPOOsiums to look in more
detail at the new ideas and technology Wellington should be considering.
on 26 July. It was held at the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s flash new offices in
Cuba St and organised by a breakfast group called ‘Beyond the Pipes’ which some of us
became involved in to try and get the sewage out of the Landfill.
It was an interesting morning: we heard and exchanged ideas about Wellington’s sewage problems and possible alternatives to the profligate use of potable water in flushing sewage. WCC and GW Councillors, Green MP Eugenie Sage, engineers, water experts and many other
experts and interested people were there.
Through two facilitated panel discussions, this ‘symPOOsium’ took a close look at
Wellington’s current wastewater and sanitation system, considered whether we need to
invest in alternative approaches to managing human waste and wastewater, and if so, how
and where to start.
Panellists explored a wide range of questions, including how can we ensure sustainability and resilience in our approach to wastewater and sanitation for a growing population in a city prone to earthquakes? - The interim solution is to fix the pipes, stop sewage being buried and stop the pollution. A longer term solution might be to look for a different paradigm altogether.
Liam Prince, of The Rubbish Trip and SymPOOsium organiser and Grant Symons of
Transition HQ facilitated.
The first panel looked at the current situation in Wellington: Michelle Larenson and Marie Wright from Your Bay Your Say, residents and activists in Titahi Bay – talking about the dire state of sewage pollution in Titahi Bay.
Martin Payne, Systems Engineer specialising in urban water and energy systems, and coordinating member of Friends of Owhiro Stream - talking about the regional pipe network and the usage of water.
Te Kawa Robb , kaiārahi (waste advisor) for the Māori Zero Waste organisation, Para
Kore – talking about Māori-led environmental restoration projects.
Dr Maria Gutierrez-Gines, a Biowaste Senior Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) – talking about the challenges and opportunities that surround the beneficial reuse of biosolids on crops.
After a break we heard from the second panel about how to move forward: Grant Symons – talking about a transition strategy needed for us to adapt to climate change.
Matt Brenin of GreenEarth Development talking about composting loos Councillor David Lee of GWRC - talking about his composting toilet projects.
Afterwards there was a free sustainable lunch and some networking!
We are expecting that there will be one or more follow-up SymPOOsiums to look in more
detail at the new ideas and technology Wellington should be considering.
Landfill Update: Micro Beads - 15th August 2021 - Angela Wilson
OBRA has a representative on the Southern Landfill’s Community Liaison Group that had meet twice this year, the last early August. We raised the community’s disdain at the recent mysterious appearance of micro-beads on the beach and the inevitable devastating impact on our marine reserve inhabitants.
Shockingly we were told this is a historical legacy, we should expect at least once a year, no one knows how many beads escaped and, yes, the micro beads are in the landfill.
The incredulous story of the micro-bead ‘great escape’ was both a ‘learning experience’ and systems failure for Anglia, Wellington Water’s predecessor and there are two known incidents. The micro-beads did their first runner in 1999 from Carey’s Gully - a consequence of the Council’s bury sludge at the Landfill policy, and their escape route was down the Ōwhiro Stream.
The second escape was in 2003 from Moa Point, which resulted in the beads going far and wide along the coast to Pencarrow. The micro-bead technology was installed in the late 1990’s used in the de-watering process to contol microbes.
In September an Options Paper on Residential Waste is going to Council, which will be followed by a public consultation process. We should expect to see the influence of minimisation of sewage sludge and waste minimisation on the options. We also raised concern at the poor ‘cover your load’ signage and sluggish effort to educate and enforce fit for purpose covering of loads to the tip.
Of concern are the big trucks that seem to make the most of invisibility of their load. We encourage reporting to NZTA Waka Kotahi and Roading Police. All loads need to be secured sufficiently so they cannot fall or be blown off the vehicle. No vehicle should be moved if any part of the load is not secured.
We encourage the taking of photo’s identifying number plate and inappropriate cover. Really useful is date and time.
Contacts:
The next meeting is in November, so email OBRA if you have anything you would like us to pass on or raise at the meeting.
Shockingly we were told this is a historical legacy, we should expect at least once a year, no one knows how many beads escaped and, yes, the micro beads are in the landfill.
The incredulous story of the micro-bead ‘great escape’ was both a ‘learning experience’ and systems failure for Anglia, Wellington Water’s predecessor and there are two known incidents. The micro-beads did their first runner in 1999 from Carey’s Gully - a consequence of the Council’s bury sludge at the Landfill policy, and their escape route was down the Ōwhiro Stream.
The second escape was in 2003 from Moa Point, which resulted in the beads going far and wide along the coast to Pencarrow. The micro-bead technology was installed in the late 1990’s used in the de-watering process to contol microbes.
In September an Options Paper on Residential Waste is going to Council, which will be followed by a public consultation process. We should expect to see the influence of minimisation of sewage sludge and waste minimisation on the options. We also raised concern at the poor ‘cover your load’ signage and sluggish effort to educate and enforce fit for purpose covering of loads to the tip.
Of concern are the big trucks that seem to make the most of invisibility of their load. We encourage reporting to NZTA Waka Kotahi and Roading Police. All loads need to be secured sufficiently so they cannot fall or be blown off the vehicle. No vehicle should be moved if any part of the load is not secured.
We encourage the taking of photo’s identifying number plate and inappropriate cover. Really useful is date and time.
Contacts:
- NZTA Waka Kotahi 0800 699 000, info@nzta.govt.nz
- Roading Police – Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 (report crime anonymously)
- Community Roadwatch secure online form.
The next meeting is in November, so email OBRA if you have anything you would like us to pass on or raise at the meeting.
OBRA Submission to WCC Long Term Plan - 9 May 2021
Download a copy of the submission here.
Wellington Water Updates - 10/05/21
Owhiro Bay Coastal Engineering Assessment
We have received the report from Dr Shaw Mead about options to protect our community from the impacts of sea level change. Click here to read the report.
Based on this report - and on the evidence Dr Mead presented to our community meeting in February - Owhiro Bay Residents Association (OBRA) has asked Wellington City Council to progress with application for a resource consent to grade the beach to prevent ramping and overtopping.
We understand that WCC staff support the recommendation in the report around trialling the beach grading. Steps toward that would include evaluating the stability of the sea wall footings and getting resource consent.
OBRA will be making a submission to WCC's Long Term Plan asking for funding for grading and other work to be allocated in the planning process. As a local, you can submit to that process too.
Read more here: https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/hub-page/long-term-plan
Based on this report - and on the evidence Dr Mead presented to our community meeting in February - Owhiro Bay Residents Association (OBRA) has asked Wellington City Council to progress with application for a resource consent to grade the beach to prevent ramping and overtopping.
We understand that WCC staff support the recommendation in the report around trialling the beach grading. Steps toward that would include evaluating the stability of the sea wall footings and getting resource consent.
OBRA will be making a submission to WCC's Long Term Plan asking for funding for grading and other work to be allocated in the planning process. As a local, you can submit to that process too.
Read more here: https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/hub-page/long-term-plan
Sunday 21 February: Dr Shaw Mead Presentation
Dr Shaw Mead will be coming back to Owhiro Bay to present the results of his study into the storm surge events in Owhiro Bay and what can be done now and into the future to mitigate them.
The community meeting will be held in the Owhiro Bay School Hall from 3pm until 5pm.
As a directly affected member of the community, the Owhiro Bay Residents Association, wants to make sure you've received a specific invitation to the event.
Please contact us if we can provide you with any further information.
It would be really helpful if you could let us know if you're able to attend. A quick email to this address would be amazing. Please share the word with your neighbour too! We look forward to seeing you there.
The community meeting will be held in the Owhiro Bay School Hall from 3pm until 5pm.
As a directly affected member of the community, the Owhiro Bay Residents Association, wants to make sure you've received a specific invitation to the event.
Please contact us if we can provide you with any further information.
It would be really helpful if you could let us know if you're able to attend. A quick email to this address would be amazing. Please share the word with your neighbour too! We look forward to seeing you there.
Kia Ora! OBRA eNewsletter for November 2020
Halloween – Saturday 31 October
Get your spook on at our family-friendly event. We'll be at the Visitor Centre at Te Kopahou Reserve (the old quarry building) from 5pm until 7pm.
Save yourself some washing up and buy a sausage in bread for dinner. Prizes for the best costumes and we will have a suitably spooky activity for the whole family to get involved with.
Save yourself some washing up and buy a sausage in bread for dinner. Prizes for the best costumes and we will have a suitably spooky activity for the whole family to get involved with.
WREMO – South Coast Emergency Planning Event - Sunday 15 November
Sunday 15 November 2020 at Ōwhiro Bay School – 10am start.
This is a free two-hour session in household emergency planning for residents who live along the South Coast of Wellington. More information at www.wremo.nz.
Tickets from www.getprepared.co.nz.
This is a free two-hour session in household emergency planning for residents who live along the South Coast of Wellington. More information at www.wremo.nz.
Tickets from www.getprepared.co.nz.
Party Up a Storm! Saturday 21 November
Join us to say thank you to everyone who helped us out on the day of the big storm surge.
We're going to be at the visitor centre at Te Kopahou Reserve on Saturday 21 November from 3.30 until 5.30pm.
We'll have a sausage sizzle and a drink – if you're a local, we'd love you to bring a wee plate to share.
It's a chance to reflect on a day that is seared into our community consciousness, and to thank everyone who stepped up and stepped in on the day and since.
We're going to be at the visitor centre at Te Kopahou Reserve on Saturday 21 November from 3.30 until 5.30pm.
We'll have a sausage sizzle and a drink – if you're a local, we'd love you to bring a wee plate to share.
It's a chance to reflect on a day that is seared into our community consciousness, and to thank everyone who stepped up and stepped in on the day and since.
OBRA AGM Report
You can watch the video of OBRA's October 2020 AGM report below.
Kia Ora! OBRA eNewsletter for October 2020
Welcome to this October issue of the Ōwhiro Bay Residents Association. This newsletter has it all – a survey, a petition and some very exciting local news.
Hot Off the Press - Our New Website!
Today we’re officially launching our new website! You’ll find us at www.Ōwhirobay.org.nz.
We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes putting the website together – we want it to be a place where we as a community can share news and celebrate the fact we’re the coolest little suburb in the capital! It’s true! OBRA is incredibly grateful to Justin Meade for the work he has done to put the site together.
There’s lots of development to come – if you’ve got an idea about content or you want to get on board with the web team, simply drop us an email.
Make sure you bookmark the site and check back regularly for the latest content.
We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes putting the website together – we want it to be a place where we as a community can share news and celebrate the fact we’re the coolest little suburb in the capital! It’s true! OBRA is incredibly grateful to Justin Meade for the work he has done to put the site together.
There’s lots of development to come – if you’ve got an idea about content or you want to get on board with the web team, simply drop us an email.
Make sure you bookmark the site and check back regularly for the latest content.
Events
We’ve got some great events planned for between now and the end of the year – we’re giving you some advance notice so you put them in your calendar.
STOP PRESS: Green Party co-leader James Shaw will be in our neighbourhood this Sunday (4 October). James will be at the Visitor Centre at Te Kopahou Reserve between 11am and midday. Make sure you stop by and say hello.
Read on for more! Please tell your neighbours about our newsletter too – we want everyone to be on our email list. Please share the link with anyone you think might be interested.
STOP PRESS: Green Party co-leader James Shaw will be in our neighbourhood this Sunday (4 October). James will be at the Visitor Centre at Te Kopahou Reserve between 11am and midday. Make sure you stop by and say hello.
Read on for more! Please tell your neighbours about our newsletter too – we want everyone to be on our email list. Please share the link with anyone you think might be interested.
Ōwhiro Community Survey as Part of the eCoast Project
What did we learn from the wave event of April 15 2020? What needs to happen to keep us safe and thriving in the Bay?
Wellington City Council and eCoast consultants – who are running the Council-funded coastal engineering review for Ōwhiro Bay – have asked us to survey the community on what is important to us as we look to improve all aspects of our coastal preparedness for serious wave hazards and sea change.
Hearing from you is vital to ensuring WCC takes action in line with our community’s interests. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete but could have a real impact. It is one important way for your voice to be heard. Take the survey.
Wellington City Council and eCoast consultants – who are running the Council-funded coastal engineering review for Ōwhiro Bay – have asked us to survey the community on what is important to us as we look to improve all aspects of our coastal preparedness for serious wave hazards and sea change.
Hearing from you is vital to ensuring WCC takes action in line with our community’s interests. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete but could have a real impact. It is one important way for your voice to be heard. Take the survey.
Sheep on the Run!
One of our local supporters found this picture which dates from the 70s. It shows sheep being run past 100 Ōwhiro Bay Parade and the extent of the land between the road and the rocks. We reckon it’s a great photo and a real illustration of change in a relatively short period of time.
Community Survey
The review of Wellington’s warning systems continues following the 15 April wave surge event. Disappointing that one of the Council officers who attended our eCoast zoom meeting told the panel last week that the Ōwhiro community were divided in their opinions as to what should be done.
Our read is that the community is very united but there are individual nuances in terms and areas that we want explored. We’ll have to watch out for divide and rule tactics.
Our read is that the community is very united but there are individual nuances in terms and areas that we want explored. We’ll have to watch out for divide and rule tactics.
Landfill Extension
Good news! Our letter to the mayor and subsequent e-Petition about the Landfill extension have had a major success!
Since the last newsletter, WCC have agreed to delay applying for resource consent for the Landfill extension until next year.
We asked them to postpone the resource consent application until the report on sewage sludge treatment by Wellington Water was published and to bring the subject back to the table for a vote by council - and this has happened: the application will not be submitted until next year.
Wellington Water presents its options to WCC on 1 October (this week) and the council will discuss and publish it on 22 October. There will then be public consultation in February before a decision is made on the future of the Landfill.
The council have stated that no consent application will be lodged until this process has been completed. If you want to read more from WCC click here.
We have won a battle but not the war - it is still important you sign the e-Petition to keep up the pressure and try to get sewage eliminated from the landfill and a real waste strategy!
No longer is it acceptable for sludge to hold the landfill together; we have to stop the 15,000 tonnes of sludge going into the Landfill each year. Build soil, not landfill. Engage us meaningfully WCC! Sign the e-petition here.
Since the last newsletter, WCC have agreed to delay applying for resource consent for the Landfill extension until next year.
We asked them to postpone the resource consent application until the report on sewage sludge treatment by Wellington Water was published and to bring the subject back to the table for a vote by council - and this has happened: the application will not be submitted until next year.
Wellington Water presents its options to WCC on 1 October (this week) and the council will discuss and publish it on 22 October. There will then be public consultation in February before a decision is made on the future of the Landfill.
The council have stated that no consent application will be lodged until this process has been completed. If you want to read more from WCC click here.
We have won a battle but not the war - it is still important you sign the e-Petition to keep up the pressure and try to get sewage eliminated from the landfill and a real waste strategy!
No longer is it acceptable for sludge to hold the landfill together; we have to stop the 15,000 tonnes of sludge going into the Landfill each year. Build soil, not landfill. Engage us meaningfully WCC! Sign the e-petition here.
A Greener City - 'Thinking Outside the Pipes'
Councillor Laurie Foon is hosting a series of meetings focused on Waste Free Wellington.
WCC has done very little towards its zero waste goal, its dirty little secret being the need for waste to bury the sludge.
The last meeting considered Wellington’s 1,022km of pipes that push the sludge, sewage and water around Wellington. Interesting discussions are ongoing re greener solutions to the city's development, including composting loos and kitchen waste composting.
This feeds into the Council's Planning for Growth - Spatial Plan (see below). What we do know, is if we continue on a pathway that does not aim for zero waste we will have a system so expensive that Wellington will not be able to invest in social and equity issues.
WCC has done very little towards its zero waste goal, its dirty little secret being the need for waste to bury the sludge.
The last meeting considered Wellington’s 1,022km of pipes that push the sludge, sewage and water around Wellington. Interesting discussions are ongoing re greener solutions to the city's development, including composting loos and kitchen waste composting.
This feeds into the Council's Planning for Growth - Spatial Plan (see below). What we do know, is if we continue on a pathway that does not aim for zero waste we will have a system so expensive that Wellington will not be able to invest in social and equity issues.
Waste Bylaw Update
We have made submissions on the WCC Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw changes (closed on 25 September) emphasising the need for more stringent rules and enforcement for recycling and waste, specifically at the Landfill.
The Solid Waste By-Law updates the antiquated consolidated Bylaw does not encourage waste minimisation and disposal to support environmental, social and economic benefits. Currently 88% of WCC emissions come from the landfill.
The Solid Waste By-Law updates the antiquated consolidated Bylaw does not encourage waste minimisation and disposal to support environmental, social and economic benefits. Currently 88% of WCC emissions come from the landfill.
Community Liaison Group
The Community Liaison Group is a meeting between the Southern Landfill and its Resident Association neighbours.
During COVID the Southern Landfill was closed to the public until Level 2 and the Shop reopened at Level 1.
Some significant changes took place – which include contactless payment upgrades and a new layout for the shop.
Very few complaints about odour and nuisance have been received. So if you are plagued by this ... do let the council know (complaints@wcc.govt.nz or phone 04 499 4444).
In August the Southern Landfill was to start its next full clean – stream to landfill to beach. The next Community Liasion Group meeting is due in October. If you have any issues you want raised, email them to OBRA.
During COVID the Southern Landfill was closed to the public until Level 2 and the Shop reopened at Level 1.
Some significant changes took place – which include contactless payment upgrades and a new layout for the shop.
Very few complaints about odour and nuisance have been received. So if you are plagued by this ... do let the council know (complaints@wcc.govt.nz or phone 04 499 4444).
In August the Southern Landfill was to start its next full clean – stream to landfill to beach. The next Community Liasion Group meeting is due in October. If you have any issues you want raised, email them to OBRA.
Planning for Growth - Spatial Plan
On Saturday some OBRA committee members attended a Spatial Planning Workshop run by WCC for all Wellington Residents Associations.
Two of the main points that emerged from diverse residents were that it was agreed Wellington should have a higher density centre, but that before increasing the population density in any suburb its infrastructure, amenities, green spaces, transport and schools must be adequate; also that the population statistics on which this is based might not be correct.
Although Ōwhiro Bay is not part of the planned intensification, we are still affected by changes in Brooklyn and Island Bay with the resulting traffic and risk of sewage leaks downstream, significantly putting at risk our taonga – the marine reserve and Zealandia.
The Southern suburbs infrastructure is already struggling with recent new developments; WCC must invest in improving the infrastructure before in-fill building occurs. We will also be on the receiving end of increased construction and demolition waste going to the landfill.
Make sure you have your say by making a submission. Submissions close on 5 October.
Two of the main points that emerged from diverse residents were that it was agreed Wellington should have a higher density centre, but that before increasing the population density in any suburb its infrastructure, amenities, green spaces, transport and schools must be adequate; also that the population statistics on which this is based might not be correct.
Although Ōwhiro Bay is not part of the planned intensification, we are still affected by changes in Brooklyn and Island Bay with the resulting traffic and risk of sewage leaks downstream, significantly putting at risk our taonga – the marine reserve and Zealandia.
The Southern suburbs infrastructure is already struggling with recent new developments; WCC must invest in improving the infrastructure before in-fill building occurs. We will also be on the receiving end of increased construction and demolition waste going to the landfill.
Make sure you have your say by making a submission. Submissions close on 5 October.
Smart Tech Trial in Ōwhiro Stream
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Wellington Water have just installed a Proteus Probe in the Ōwhiro Stream as a trial for this high-tech bit of Smart Water.
Well done WW; it's just the kind of digitally-enabled system we need a lot more of to sort our waterways out and get leak and contaminant detection really happening. |
Here is Wellington Water's brief statement on it:
'Real Time Monitoring Trial
We are currently trialling new and innovative monitoring technology in the Ōwhiro Bay catchment.
It is called the Proteus Probe and it allows us to monitor various water quality parameters in real time, including some microbiological measures. AT the moment, there is a delay of 24 hours or more to receive results from the lab, where water quality samples are cultured to evaluate e.coli levels.
All data from the Proteus Probe can be sent straight through to any web-based dashboard or mobile device. Results and data from the trial will also be shared with residents through the association’s technical leads.'
'Real Time Monitoring Trial
We are currently trialling new and innovative monitoring technology in the Ōwhiro Bay catchment.
It is called the Proteus Probe and it allows us to monitor various water quality parameters in real time, including some microbiological measures. AT the moment, there is a delay of 24 hours or more to receive results from the lab, where water quality samples are cultured to evaluate e.coli levels.
All data from the Proteus Probe can be sent straight through to any web-based dashboard or mobile device. Results and data from the trial will also be shared with residents through the association’s technical leads.'
New Working Group Formed to Address Ōwhiro Stream and Tapu Teranga Marine Reserve
September 30 sees the launch of an unprecedented collaboration between Greater Wellington Regional, Wellington City Council, Wellington Water, Regional Public Health and the Ōwhiro community to address the challenge of restoring the Ōwhiro Stream and Ōwhiro Bay to good health.
The Ōwhiro catchment is to be the pilot programme for what will be the region’s push to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management for our waterways over the coming 20 years.
Starting in January 2021, the City’s first roving crew will start in the Ōwhiro Stream and progressively investigate every private and public source of faecal contamination.
The multi-party team (GWRC, WCC, Wellington Water and the community) will then work to ensure the sources of contamination are eliminated from the waterways and our entire beach returns to swimmable as soon as possible.
The Ōwhiro catchment is to be the pilot programme for what will be the region’s push to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management for our waterways over the coming 20 years.
Starting in January 2021, the City’s first roving crew will start in the Ōwhiro Stream and progressively investigate every private and public source of faecal contamination.
The multi-party team (GWRC, WCC, Wellington Water and the community) will then work to ensure the sources of contamination are eliminated from the waterways and our entire beach returns to swimmable as soon as possible.
Mayoral Task Force on 3 Waters
The Taskforce has completed its work and the report is due for release shortly. Its recommendations, if actioned by WCC, will have significant beneficial impacts on the state of the city’s water infrastructure, and freshwater and coastal marine environment. Watch this space.
Dates for Your Diary
AGM – Sunday 11 October. We’re going to be meeting at the Beach House Café and Kiosk. More details to come but we’d love you to have a think about becoming involved with one of our sub-committees – it’s not at all onerous, but we’d love to meet a few more of you!
Ōwhiro Bay “Calm after the Storm” thank you party – Saturday 21 November. SAVE THE DATE – DETAILS TO COME.
- environment
- landfill expansion
- Council liaison
- events
Ōwhiro Bay “Calm after the Storm” thank you party – Saturday 21 November. SAVE THE DATE – DETAILS TO COME.
