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KLHB Apr17 Report PCB

Keep Lower Hutt Beautiful – Monday 3^rd April 2017

Kia ora, Neih Hou, Greetings,

The land we live on is such an incredible place, and a precious resource and we are fortunate to be in one of the more green, and beautiful parts of the country, let alone the world. As people who live in this area for realistically a short time space, we are to be kaitiaki, guardians of such a wonderful place.

It is with great pleasure that I can pick up the liaison roles in regards to Keep Lower Hutt Beautiful, and Keep Petone Beautiful – as I believe it is important that we all take our role of kaitiaki of this place, this city and this area seriously – for us, our environment, our world, and future generations to come. Since my first meeting on March 22^nd of Keep Lower Hutt Beautiful I have learnt a lot, and am amazed and grateful for the wonderful people who have come before and uphold these values.

Here is some background, with thanks to Sandy Beath-Croft:

History
Keep Lower Hutt Beautiful was established in September 1991.  Roy Hewson and the late Margaret Buist were founding members.  Stan Butcher started with our second meeting.  Our first chairperson was Reg Russ, the then CEO of Avalon Television Studios.  Margaret Buist (former Eastbourne Borough Councillor an Eastbourne Community Board member was our second chairperson.  Ray Wallace was a new councillor when he came on as our third Chairperson.  Our first patron was Mayor Glen Evans, then Sir Frank and Lady Nola Holmes.  Ray is our current patron.

Key areas of work
- Litter abatement initiatives
- Beautification
- Community Pride
- Graffiti

Over the years it has also been working with schools, especially collaborating with Enviroschools team.

What’s on top?
It was fantastic to see Roy Hewson, one of the founding members, and a local Petone resident – well known to many, be acknowledged for his hard work and his deep commitment to Keep Lower Hutt (and Petone) Beautiful, with the mayor presenting him with a digital photo frame of the many awards and acknowledgements of his work and commitment in this area, and many others.

For 2017, water is the focus of KLHB, given it is such a vital resource and a central part of our city being Te Awakairangi, Hutt River. There are many ways that we can engage, as there are many streams, waterways, beaches, etc. in the city in which we can all be involved in good stewardship.  Many schools are also engaging in this as part of the curriculum. If you have any thoughts, or would love to be more actively involved, don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Nga mihi nui,
Karen (Kaz) Yung