Recent AGM and New Committee
The AGM saw an excellent turn out given the size of our community and the return of the current committee with the addition of a new comer.  A full list of the current committee can be found on our new web site under the 'Your Committee' heading in the menu on the left hand side.

Recent Committee Meeting
The Association holds a monthly committee meeting on the second Wednesday of each month.  This month’s meeting was attended by a small turnout of six people. 

Over bridge - Westfield are in the planning stages for a 'fly over' to link the top deck car parks over Rotherham Street.  We hope that this seamless linking of the car parks will increase traffic flow over the roof top and reduce the crime problem that already exists up there.

You may also have noticed that Westfields have been installing more security cameras to help catch offenders.

Website – www.crra.org.nz
The Association is now online at www.crra.org.nz so check it out!  The site has a public forum section in addition to the normal content you would expect - list of committee, constitution and general information about your neighbourhood.

Fireworks Issues in Our Neighbourhood
Differing views about this years fireworks problems were talked about the recent committee meeting. Everyone is in agreement that as an Association we are not happy with the current state of affairs.  Some people would like to see a complete ban on fireworks other than public displays while others would at least like to see a change to the rules around the sale and use of fireworks imposing some serious limits on them.

As an Association we have written a letter to the Hon David Benson-Pope on the issue.  A copy of this letter and the response from the minister can be viewed on the website for view.  If you would like to share your views on the subject then make a posting in the website forums.

Tree Issues
It has been pointed out that we are slowly losing many of the old trees around our suburb with the development of new properties.  Keith Derbyshire, Chairman of Board at Wharenui School, pointed out that the school has a number of listed trees of interest to us all.  Looking around neighbouring suburbs, it is clear that we don't have as many new trees being planted in our area as some.  This is an issue that your committee will be following up in the coming months.

School Report
Wharenui School which sits on the southern boundary of this association’s area, was established in 1907, and is therefore celebrating its centennial in 2007.  Readers may not be aware that the school has a place in the history of not only Riccarton, but also New Zealand and China. 

The first Headmaster of the school was F J Alley, the father of Rewi Alley, who later became world famous for his work in China. Rewi Alley of course had his primary education at Wharenui, and the old Alley home still exists in Division Street.

In 1906, the first wooden building was completed, and this building is still in use today. It houses the school hall named after its illustrious pupil, and the administration block. 

In its heyday, the school had in excess of 900 pupils on its roll.

The school’s association with China continues even after the death of Rewi Alley. There is an association with Lan Zhou School in China’s Gansu Province where Rewi Alley did his work, and the school also has had visits from Chinese teachers in recent years.

The establishment of the Rewi Alley Chinese School and Cultural Centre on the Wharenui site has ensured that the association continues. 

The Central Riccarton Residents Association wishes the school well for its forthcoming celebrations, and for its future.
 

Crime Report
Sadly crime is abundant in our area.  Only last week our school was broken into and a large amount of cash taken that was destined for the annual school camp.  While insurance will cover some of the loss, it will take a considerable amount of fundraising to put the school back in the black. 

Over the Christmas period please make sure you take all the normal precautions.  Keep windows and doors locked and make sure your newspaper is stopped and someone is clearing your mail if you're going away.

Community Watch Riccarton

Community Watch Riccarton was set up in 1999 by a group of concerned citizens, and since then has grown in strength, and operates as a deterrent for crime in our district. 

The Watch is always looking for volunteers to crew their patrol vehicle either as drivers or observers, and would be delighted to hear from anyone who can assist them.

If you have a few hours to spare each week or month, please contact the Watch’s major sponsor Westfield Riccarton, and leave your details. 

If you join the Watch you will be assisting your neighbourhood, and our stretched Police Force.

Advertising / School Fundraiser / Delivery Service
As a community we are now doing more to support our local primary school.  The school does the newsletter distribution in return for a contribution to the school fund raising efforts.   Last week Don Gould visited Craig McGregor, Principal at Wharenui to see what fundraising funds are currently being put towards, a report on the amazing technology Don found will be in next month’s issue.

You will notice that this is the first time that the newsletter has carried advertising.  Each advertiser also received an ad placement on the front of the website and a dedicated page to present themselves.  If you would like to promote your business or organisation and support our local community then please contact us.

Riccarton Community Liaison Group
Each month, an invite only meeting of community agencies is held in Riccarton at the community centre.  This month Maryanne Lomax, Community Development Advisor for Fendalton/Waimairi, gave a presentation on the draft Christchurch City Council Community Development Strategy.  Gordon Sim and Don Gould attended for the committee and will report back anything of interest.

Council Corner
Each month we plan to bring you a few words from the two councillors that cover our area. 

Helen Broughton is kicking things off this month and writes,

Seasons Greetings to all Riccarton households.

2006 has been a very challenging year.  Council developed the first Long Term Council Community Plan, creating a dramatic rise in rates, which I vigorously opposed.  An almost 26% rate increase over the next three years is simply too high.
 
I successfully argued against the possible sale of the Red Bus Company and City Care. 

I am excited that we delivered the superb Upper Riccarton library that opened in February.

Helen Broughton
Councillor – Riccarton/Wigram
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
 

Commercial Corner

Each month we plan to feature some of the businesses in our area that are relevant to our residents.  As it’s the lead up to Christmas, Westfields are the obvious starters.

Westfields Writes

Christmas is well underway here at Westfield Riccarton.  Santa is now in residence at Westfield!
 
Bring the kids along to see Santa in Centre Court (outside Kmart) from 10am till 4pm everyday and till 7pm on late nights. 
 

Santa is also available for photos with children and there are many different photography packages available for purchase.  He will be in Centre Court right every day right up until Christmas Eve.

Westfield Riccarton has extended trading hours for the Christmas season: 

Monday         11 December      9am - 6pm

Tuesday        12 December      9am - 6pm

Wednesday    13 December      9am - 10pm

Thursday       14 December      9am - 10pm

Friday           15 December      9am - 10pm

Saturday       16 December     9am - 6pm

Sunday         17 December      9am - 6pm

Monday         18 December      9am - midnight

Tuesday        19 December      9am - midnight

Wednesday    20 December      9am - midnight

Thursday       21 December      9am - midnight

Friday           22 December      9am - midnight

Saturday       23 December      9am - 9pm

Sunday         24 December      9am - 6pm

Have a safe and happy Christmas, from everyone at Westfield Riccarton.

Editors Comments

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading our new look newsletter.  You’re welcome to contribute or just enjoy a quick read each month.  Cheers Ed. - Don Gould