Project

Dates

People involved

Success

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

1992 to present

This has been a magical team effort by community, staff, trustees, funders and partners, to deliver Jim Lynch’s great vision. I’ve been involved since day one, been part of the original steering committee, got the feasibility funding through Councils and been its main proponent throughout. I was a Foundation Trustee from 1995 and am again a Trustee, as well as having been a volunteer guide and aviaider throughout.

We all see more birds flying over surrounding suburbs. Kaka and tui are regular visitors from the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has achieved many world firsts in pest removal and translocation. The concept has inspired others throughout the country. It’s the base for a significant amount of research. We have some 15,000 members and over 400 volunteers. Over 60,000 people visited last year.  We’ve developed visitor facilities throughout the valley and are about to construct our new visitor centre.

Karori Recreation Centre

Opened 1996

Myself, Cr Val Bedingfield, Karori Progressive Assn, Terawhiti Licensing Trust, Existing club users.

Converted community hall. Immediately successful. Currently 98,000 users per annum

Marsden Village upgrade

I worked with Marsden Village Trust on the upgrade and supported the development of new business notably Café 162

Marsden Village is still the only suburban centre with it’s own Trust.

Samuel Parnell Drive

Built 1998-9

I fronted the consultation process leading to construction

Road had been on the books for about 50 years ! Allows some development options around Karori Mall.

Lighthouse – St Johns Site.

Methodist Church site made surplus when united with St Ninians. Strong campaign with Community Centre, Church, Cr John Morrison and myself persuaded Council to acquire the site

Site purchased for $500,000. Land value was $375,000. Improvements valued at $500,000. Expectation Council would use the site or any sale proceeds for Karori  community purposes.

Karori Pool

Opened Oct 2001

I worked with officers to drive the project through Council.

Old 1936 pool was at the end of its life and patronage falling below 30,000 p.a. New pool patronage 160,000 p.a. Hydroslide planned addition in next 2 – 3 years.

Heart of Karori

I led the Heart of Karori Project from 1999 through to the present, working with residents on several needs assessments and surveys which persuaded Council to respond. Led Council work and 3 suburb wide surveys and extensive consideration of options.

Key needs identified were quality of shopping, community facilities, road safety, road severance, appearance, lack of places to meet and eat, and parking.

Karori Community Centre

Opened July 2005

Part of Heart of Karori work

Community Centre includes Youth Centre, Op Shop, CAB and Toy Library.

Karori Library and café and town square.

Opened December

2005

Part of Heart of Karori work

New 860 sq metre library replaced old 339 sq metre library. Issues up over 50% in year one and is 25% busier than the next busiest suburban library. Aro Bake Café also very popular.

Karori Park

Opened May 2007

Worked with Council officers, clubs and Rotary. Also as KPSC secretary played pivotal roles in funding (not Council money!) and upgrade of sports clubrooms and opening of a café for park users.

Changing Pavilion upgraded and 70 new carparks provided.

The park is very popular.

Work not quite complete. Surface drainage is being worked on. More planting, fitness trail. Huge potential for events.

 Ideas for future include – children’s mountain bike area and picnic area; more playground apparatus esp for younger children;