Shona, accompanied by Archdeacon Stephen King and Joanna Li, are part of the volunteer group Inner City Wellington (ICW).
It was started by Grant Robertson (now Wellington Central MP and Minister of Finance) and Mark Blumsky in 2008 along with a number of other interested volunteers including Rotarians Jean Phipps and Marten Young who were on the original committee.
From their web site - "in the interests of sustainable development and local democracy ICW seeks to serve as a progressive and influential voice of and for the residential community in the suburbs of Te Aro and Wellington Central". They often interact with the Wellington City Council and other agencies on behalf of residents in the area.
With a population of 17,500, 70% of whom are aged between 15 and 35 years of age (including 2200 students), this small geographical area has a high density and competing interests for resources.
This multi-purpose environment has residents and business sitting side by side and depending on your point of view whether you are a resident, a student, a visitor or a Wellingtonian who comes into the city from time to time, your needs are quite diverse.
The city has a number of challenges already with water, sewerage and transport issues. ICW also highlight the issue with green spaces that seem to be disappearing at a similar rate as the growth of high-rise residential developments. Asked if they were given the option of paying a higher rating to preserve and enhance these precious resources, they responded that as residents they feel that they are already paying a higher price because those resources are fewer and far between compared with other city suburbs.
The predicted growth in population over the next 30 years means that further infill and densification is inevitable – possibly matching the current population density of some high-density areas in London. Without a strategic plan that delivers sustainable development options, we could find that this level of growth only worsens the existing problems.
ICW are a strong advocate for the those who wish to live in area – if you wish to add your voice to a group who want to see Te Aro and Wellington Central grow in a way that keeps it a special place to live, study, work and play – join them.
.jpg)
