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    • Christmas Drinks
      • Please join us for Christmas drinks in the Jerningham Room at the Copthorne Hotel 100 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011 on Wednesday, 6 December at 5.30 – 7.00 pm. All members and prospective members welcome RSVP: mallinsonann@hotmail.com

    • Submission in regard to Stream Two of the Wellington District Plan
      • 1) My name is Andrew Meehan, I am president of the Oriental Bay Residents Association (OBRA) and have been so for the past two years. I am an Oriental Bay resident. 2) OBRA has in excess of 160 members, been established for more than 30 years and serves as a forum for both residents of Oriental Bay and for Wellingtonians generally in matters pertaining to Oriental Bay. It has variously advocated on the major changes that have had an impact on the Bay including parking, the cycleway and most notably the preservation of the amenity value of the bay in the Foot v WCC 1998 Environment Court decision referred to by other submitters. We also concern ourselves with matters that preserve the integrity of the user’s experience, including rubbish collection, beach clean ups and dog control. We meet at least twice per annum to provide an open forum for those who have issues, opinions and/or concerns. 3) We appreciate the expertise being provided by the independent commissioners in determining matters that are fundamental to the future of Oriental Bay (OB) and therefore in so far as OB is recognised as the jewel in the crown, to the future shape of Wellington. It is fair to say that we have been critical of the lack of productive consultation with the WCC on a number of highly important planning issues over recent years, so the element of independence introduced by the commissioner framework is a welcome step forward. 4) We regard ourselves as proxy representatives to the tens of thousands of Wellingtonians who do not reside in OB but are regular users of its amenities. They have no voice per se; but we know through our daily interaction with them, they are vitally concerned about the aesthetics of, and continued access to their ‘playground’. In this regard we are talking about beachgoers, walkers, runners, families with young children who seek a boulevard, fishers and café users amongst many others. 5) There are a number of separate submitters we are aware of in respect of stream two of the hearings who are, correctly in our view, arguing that matters of law and precedent apply to the proposed densification of Wellington and it would be entirely inappropriate to increase the density of OB as if it were an entirely logical location to do so. This is clearly not the case, as the topography and access above the existing waterfront properties do not support densification. 6) If the argument for the densification of OB is about access to affordable housing (which appears to be the case from a number of submitters), then that argument is, in our view, invalid. It is well known that property values in OB are the highest in Wellington. To acquire a property for development therefore, with that fact as a starting point, can only suggest that development in OB will produce the least affordable housing in Wellington. If the rebuttal of that argument is that a state-owned entity would be able to acquire and redevelop, then this is equally a relative waste of taxpayers’ money and is no justification to allow the proposed densification in OB. 7) In the Resource Management Act (RMA), the concept of ‘amenity value’ is a fundamental tenet. The definition of amenity is: ‘amenity values means those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people’s appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes.’ Notwithstanding that the RMA is under review, we contend that this description perfectly describes the current OB and is the reason OB continues to be the jewel in the crown of Wellington. 8) Under s.7 of the Act, it states ‘In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources, shall have particular regard to… “a range of considerations from (a) to (j), including (c) the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values”’. It is clear therefore that the intent of the RMA was and is to prevent irresponsible and damaging development. 9) We note that all great cities have disproportionately high levels of public amenity values, for example Sydney, London and New York, where scale, view shafts and space have been prioritised over many decades of town planning, whereas others (Auckland being a notable example) have not had the same degree of rigour, illustrated by the almost complete detachment of the waterfront to the CBD in Auckland. Densification of OB based on spurious logic will compromise the iconic (and most photographed) look of OB as seen from the CBD or on the water and undoubtedly over time Wellington will lose the iconic city status we currently enjoy. 10) Further, we reiterate the point made in the submission by Pukepuke Pari Residents Inc, where there is a very real health and safety issue in relation to further densification of properties in the mid to upper levels of OB. Even without further development, first responder access to mid/upper OB is currently compromised and further unfettered development will exacerbate this already unsatisfactory situation. 11) Ultimately the decision whether to allow wholesale densification of OB or not, will be a subjective one. We, as residents, are not objecting to development per se, nor are we trivialising the urgent need for further affordable housing in Wellington. What we are strongly objecting to is ‘a one size fits all’ approach to solving the problem as is currently being promoted. Successful cities of the future will balance growth and progress, together with appropriate public amenity values. In our considered view, it makes neither economic nor strategic sense to allow the development of OB to be required to be viewed within the same framework as the development of more suitable areas of Wellington in terms of topography and affordability. 12) We are available to meet ‘on site’ if that would be helpful in visualising our point of view. Respectfully, Andrew Meehan ONZMPresident, Oriental Bay Residents AssociationApril 2023

    • Action required on City Council Draft District Plan
      • Yesterday I sent an email to Oriental Bay Residents Association members suggesting that they may wish to submit to WCC in respect of the Draft District Plan, as well as giving our Committee suggestions for the concerns that they may wish to reflect in their submissions. We also held an open session for members to discuss their concerns regarding the district plan last evening.I believe it is essential that we all make submissions urgently for the following reasons:A) Both Central Government and Local Government have decided that the housing crisis will in part be “solved” by zoning for intensified housing without recognition of history, character or economic logic, and without rights of appeal over the zoning.B) To solve the affordable housing crisis, a “one size fits all” approach has been adopted. Inappropriate development in Oriental Bay will not solve the affordable housing crisis.C) Oriental Bay is the jewel of Wellington. Its development over 130 years in terms of preserving view shafts, allowing various height restrictions in different quadrants – all revolving around the view to the Monastery, culminating with the iconic Oriental Bay beach – is the archetypal perception of our Capital City. But all this is now under threat unless we all do our bit and send submissions to the WCC in respect of their (which should be our) draft district plan.Please, take the time to send a submission regarding the draft District Plan by 14 December. There is a very wise saying that “Democracy gets what it deserves” – let’s make sure that we do our bit.Please send a submission to: planningforgrowth@wcc.govt.nzPut “submission” in the subject line and include your name, address, and telephone number, and whether you want to make an oral submission. You should use your own words and your submission can be very short. Please:1. Support the Oriental Bay Height Area (status quo on the Parade) as contained in the draft District Plan;2. Oppose the proposed 21 metre (6-plus storeys) height limit in Hay St and Baring St in order to protect the character of Oriental Bay and recognise the infrastructure and safety shortcomings of steep and narrow Hay St, which is also prone to slips;3. Note that the recent WCC data dump (more than 1000 pages of Draft District Plan information) is fundamental to the future of our City, and the requirement to respond within such a short timeframe approaching the Christmas Holiday period, is unacceptable.  Andrew MeehanPresident, OBRA

    • Queen's Birthday weekend closure of Jervois Quay
      • We have received the following notice from Wellington Water: In February this year an unexpected hole developed on Jervois Quay. Traffic management closed the southbound left and centre lane, as well as the turning lane from Hunter Street while they investigated. It was determined that an old earthenware stormwater pipe had collapsed, risking the safety of drivers and increasing the risk of flooding in the CBD. Crews initially installed a temporary fix and backfilled the sinkhole, allowing Jervois Quay to be reopened and options for a repair/replacement to be investigated. Over the following months work has been done to try to repair the pipe without the need to fully trench the road. However, the condition of the more than 100-year-old earthenware pipe has meant it is impossible. Finally, when attempting to replace a temporary section in April the earthenware pipe further collapsed meaning that it could no longer be repaired and would need a full replacement. Because of the importance of Jervois Quay as a commuter, freight and emergency route all the options for repair have been investigated. All options are disruptive and will impact on drivers and the CBD. It has been agreed that best option is to close all six lanes for a four-day period over Queens Birthday weekend to allow multiple crews to work around the clock to replace the pipe. This will allow work that would normally take six weeks to be completed in the shortest possible period. Work will start at about 7pm on Thursday 3 June and the road will reopen before 6am on Tuesday 8 June. While we will be encouraging drivers to avoid the area and look at alternative travel options where possible, we do expect significant disruption to the network and considerable delays. An information campaign will be launched this week to inform residents and drivers of the need to plan ahead. We encourage everyone to be patient while this work to replace the pipe, ensure the road is safely reinstated and reduce the risk of flooding of the CBD is completed.

    • Annual General Meeting
      • Notice is hereby given that theANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGof theORIENTAL BAY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION INC.will be held atThe Copthorne Hotel (7th floor), Oriental Parade, Wellington at 7.00 pm on Monday 24 May 2021           7.00      Get-together  7.30      Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Caldwell, Director of the City Gallery         8.00      Co-Presidents’ report on behalf of the Committtee    Financial Report  Confirmation of Committee members Other business All residents of Oriental Bay are welcome

    • Memo to residents
      • ROAD RACE If the road race takes place this coming Sunday, and you need to drive down Oriental Parade between 7.30 and 11.00 am, you need to email roundthebays@sportwellington.org.nz, or ring 022 528 6465. CAR THEFTS We have had reports of at least two thefts from cars early on Tuesday morning. Golf clubs were taken from one car near Hay Street, and expensive lawn bowls from another in Grass Street. Although it is grainy, security footage from a neighbour shows a person just after 5.00 am trying car doors on Oriental Parade and emerging from the driveway concerned. Please be sure to lock your cars and doors.

    • Annual General Meeting, 27 July
      • The Annual General Meeting of the Oriental Bay Residents Association Inc will be held at the Copthorne Hotel (7th floor), Oriental Parade, Wellington, at 7.00 pm on Monday 27 July 2020.The Guest Speaker at 7.30pm will be Geoff Robinson, who will speak about his time on Morning Report  All residents of Oriental Bay are welcome

    • Submission to Wellington City Council on Parking Policy
      • Submission to WCC on Parking Policy, 6 June 2020Jackie Pope/Ann Mallinson, Co-Presidents, Oriental Bay Residents Association The Oriental Bay Residents Association has considered the Parking Policy 2020 Statement of Proposal, and would comment as follows: We assume we come under the category City Fringe and Inner City Suburbs. Our comments are made on that assumption. We support a hierarchy of use for inner city parking in Oriental Bay for residents, and we want short stay to have a similar priority. We agree with the proposal that commuters should have a low priority. We do not support rationing residents’ parking to only one space per house that has no off-street parking. If, however, Oriental Bay is viewed as a key transport route, we would object strongly to residents having such a low priority.  The Recreation category needs to be expanded to include beach-side parking, to enable short stay visitors to enjoy the Oriental Bay Beach. Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on this important matter. If oral submissions are available, we would like to speak to our submission.

    • OBRA presentation to Council, 7 May 2020
      • Re: Pop-up Cycleway and Removal of Angle Parking Thank you for inviting the Oriental Bay Residents Association to present today.We are here to represent the interests of the the wider Wellington region and the rights of all Wellingtonians to have access to the Oriental Bay beach and promenade.While Oriental Bay has for now, been moved off the agenda as a location for a cycle lane, we have  no doubt that there will be a very strong push to have it reinstated.   Oriental Bay is a safe and friendly meeting place, a destination, which  is currently in easy reach for everyone – families, the disabled, elderly, cyclists, runners and walkers. Removing the angle car parks will reduce drastically the ability for the vast majority of Wellingtonians to use what everyone rightly claims as their city beach.We ask, how do you weigh the rights of the wider Wellington public to drive to their beach against those of a narrow group of cyclists who use it for the most part as a transitory route to get from A to B? The interests of cyclists are already very well served by the existing cycle lane from Herd Street to the Freyberg Pool. If the speed limit on Oriental Parade is reduced to 30km/h, cyclists could continue  safely along the short stretch of the road to the new cycleway that starts at Carlton Gore Road. Children could continue to cycle along the footpath under the supervision of their parents.Moreover, the consequences of removing the angle parking would be disastrous for local businesses. These businesses rely on custom from the wider Wellington region. We surveyed and interviewed 10 of them: Shine Hairdressers and the bars cafés and restaurant Coene’s, Bernie’s, Gelissimo, Lola Stays, Corello del Gelato, Kaffee Eis, Beach Babylon, Pomelo, and Patel’s Dairy. Eighty percent of their income is derived from people outside of the Bay area.These businesses have suffered enough during the current health crisis. Just as they see the possibility of getting back on their feet, to then face the loss of 80% of their income would spell disaster for them all. “Suicidal” was how Mr Patel put  it. Charlotte from Beach Babylon asked “How could they possibly do this to us?”  The last thing Wellington needs is to be pulled apart over a cycle lane. We need to come together and act in the interests and the rights of Wellingtonians Thank you … Felicity Wong would now like to speak.

    • OBRA presentation to Council on Accessible Streets
      • Submission by Ann Mallinson and Jackie Pope, Co-Presidents, Oriental Bay Residents Association, 6 May 2020 OBRAThe Oriental Bay Residents Association (OBRA) is a charitable organisation representing the interests of residents in a Wellington inner city beach neighbourhood. As a vibrant and busy area for residents and visitors alike, OBRA has particularly significant experience with the high usage of its area.  Extensive recreationOBRA residents live in an area which is a busy public transport arterial route along Oriental Parade; there is a very high commuter traffic loading at peak hour (en route to Wellington Airport and the eastern suburbs), and a uniquely high level of pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and other recreationalists.Oriental Parade is a premier recreation site for all Wellingtonians and visitors and also hosts marathons and large-scale walking, and other events. OBRA doubts there is any other short stretch of public road, footpath and shared path in New Zealand that has such consistently high level of usage as Oriental Bay. Please listen to OBRA. Unrestricted Commercial use of footpathsWe do not support one of the main objectives of the proposed regulatory package, which is to accommodate the increased use of micro-mobility devices such as e-scooters on footpaths.We do not support making economic opportunities more accessible for use of footpaths and shared paths by companies such as Uber or Flamingo which hire e-scooters.We support the current state whereby footpaths are the primary preserve of pedestrians and mobility devices such as wheelchairs and prams.  Proposal 1A : Pedestrians and powered wheelchair usersWe support including powered wheelchairs in the definition of “pedestrians”.  Proposal 1B: Changing Wheeled Recreational DevicesWe support foot-powered skateboards and foot-powered scooters in the category of “wheeled recreational devices” (WRD). These wheeled devices tend to stay with the owner-operator and are not deposited on footpaths for significant periods of time for private commercial benefit.  Proposal 1C: Clarifying Cycles and E-bikes We support this proposal to treat child’s bikes as unpowered “transport devices”.  Proposal 1D: Mobility DevicesWe support this proposal to treat folk using a powered wheelchair as pedestrians.  Proposal 2: Establish a national framework for use of footpathsWe strongly disagree with the proposal to allow powered transport devices and cycles on all footpaths, and we disagree with the proposal that the default speed limit for footpaths should be 15 km/h. We believe that powered transport devices (micro-mobility devices) should be banned from footpaths.We support the use of mobility devices and unpowered transport devices being allowed on footpaths.We believe that powered transport devices (excluding powered mobility devices) should travel with other vehicles or in separately identified areas or lanes.We support a speed limit of 10 km/h on footpaths (not 15 km/h).We support local Road Controlling Authorities having the right to make rules at the local level.  Proposal 2A: Users on the footpath will operate vehicles in courteous mannerWe support the proposal that pedestrians will have right of way on footpaths.  Proposal 2B: Default 15 km/h speed limit on footpathsWe strongly disagree with this proposal. We prefer a 10 km/h default speed limit for footpaths.We strongly agree that local Road Controlling Authorities should retain their right to set speed limit rules suitable for local conditions.  Proposal 2C: 750mm width restrictionWe support this restriction.  Proposal 3: Establish a national framework for the use of shared paths and cycle pathsWe strongly disagree that a shared path with an adjacent road should have the same speed limit as the road. In Oriental Bay, the parade paved sea-side path is designated as a “shared path”. There is an adjacent road with a speed limit of 40 km/h.This proposal would create a speed limit of 40 km/h for the Oriental Bay Parade, an area of high usage by elderly, differently abled folk, children and pedestrians. A 40 km/h speed limit is far too high, and we strongly disagree with that.There are many different types of footpaths, shared paths, and cycle paths. We strongly agree that local Road Controlling Authorities need to retain the right to make local rules to suit the different situations.We disagree that the default speed limit for shared paths and cycle paths where there is no adjacent road should be 50 km/h. That is too high.  Proposal 4: Enable powered transport devices to use cycle lanes and cycle pathsWe agree with this proposal.  Proposal 5: Introduce lighting and reflectors on powered transport devices at nightWe agree with this proposal.  Proposal 6: Remove barriers to walkingWe agree with these proposals – 6A; 6B; 6C; & 6D.  Proposal 7: Overtaking gapWe agree.  Proposal 8: parking on bermsWe agree.  Proposal 9: bus priority when exiting bus stopsWe agree.  SummaryOBRA’s main concern is to support the ability of local Road Controlling Authorities to make local decisions which suit local conditions. We do not support a national framework with speed limits which are a “one size fits all”.We are opposed to the default speed limit for footpaths of 15 km/h, and oppose to the default speed limit of 40 km/h for Oriental Bay Parade. The Parade is an exceptionally highly used recreational space where a high speed limit would be dangerous.We do not support the proposal that powered transport devices (e-scooters) be allowed on all footpaths as of right, as is proposed in the government package. Footpaths are for pedestrians.

    • E-scooters: a call to action
      • Our co-presidents Ann Mallinson and Jackie Pope have, after several attempts, finally managed to secure a meeting with the Deputy Mayor, Sarah Free. The meeting took place on Tuesday December 17th.  Ann and Jackie had set a clear agenda – the separation of foot from wheel traffic along the stretch of Oriental Parade that runs from the Freyburg Pool to the extension of the cycle way (currently under construction) at Point Jerningham. The delegation from OBRA – Ann, Jackie, Bob Buckle, Andy Thomson and Kevin Isherwood – presented their recommendation for a white line to be painted along that strip. Cyclists and e-scooters riders would be directed to use the road side of the line, walkers using the other side of the white line, towards the waterfront.  A similar line had been introduced in the 1990s and had apparently worked successfully in separating cyclists from walkers and joggers.  Our suggestion is both pragmatic and cost effective, and if it worked, would mean significant amounts of money would not need to be invested in a far more elaborate dedicated separate cycleway which could well involve the removal of over 50 car parks. The meeting took place with two other councillors, Iona Pannett and Jenny Condie, plus two council officers.  The presence of three councillors and two council officials was encouraging. However, we were not encouraged by the negative response from our audience, with the exception of Councillor Iona Pannett. We also know that Councillor Nicola Young supports the concept of the white line. Essentially, the other officers and councillors at our meeting consistently rejected our proposal for reasons which we thought were not at all convincing. One suggestion, repeated a number of times by deputy mayor Sarah Free, was that walkers should not turn if they felt threatened by traffic coming from behind, but walk steadfastly onwards!  It was clear, with the exception of Iona, that the council representatives had pre-determined that our suggestion was never going to be an option. The only substantive point they made against the white line was that a dedicated path for motorised vehicles and cyclists may encourage riders to go faster, creating safety hazards. If this were to be the case, the Council has a responsibility to introduce a programme to manage this by a combination of speed limits, signage and enforcement.  We are determined to pursue our objective and urge all of you to write in and support our move to separate foot and wheel traffic along this stretch of Oriental Parade.You all know how dangerous and intimidating this boulevard has become since the introduction of e-scooters, and we want urgent action taken to ensure the safety of our world famous promenade. If action is not taken soon, then a serious accident or series of accidents is inevitable.  Please write with your support of the white line separation of foot and wheel transport. Encourage all of your friends to do the same. This issue affects the whole of Wellington.  Send in your messages of support for the white line by leaving a message on our website Contact page. Type in a brief support message in the Message box, and presss “Submit”.  Thanks for your help; the more support we have the more likely we are to see action.  – Kevin Isherwood, OBRA Committee

    • Special General Meeting
      • The Special General Meeting of the Oriental Bay Residents Association will be held at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club on Thursday, 21 November. The programme will be as follows: 7.00: Drinks and social half hour 7.30: Dave Armstrong, Award Winning Playwright and Dominion Post columnist 8.30: Co-Presidents' ReportBusiness meeting, when residents can raise issues concerning Oriental Bay. We are delighted that Dave Armstrong has agreed to talk, and we know that there will be plenty of laughs.

    • Submission on: Our City Tomorrow — Planning for Growth
      • The Oriental Bay Residents Association has the sent the following submission to the Wellington City Council on 17 May 2019: 1. Introduction The Executive Committee of the Oriental Bay Residents Association has considered the Council’s consultation document Our City Tomorrow – Planning for Growth. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the document. While the central focus of the Association is the Oriental Bay suburb, we suggest many of our comments have applicability to the wider Wellington Region.  The “Planning for Growth” document is motivated by the need to plan for expected population growth of between 50,000 and 80,000 over the next 30 years. Its purpose is to receive feedback to help the Council create a residential spatial plan to accommodate this growth in a way commensurate with the interests and needs of Wellington residents. The “Planning for Growth” document provides four scenarios of city development to facilitate this process.  We are encouraged by the comment on the submission form that these scenarios “do not offer a ‘one or other’ solution”. This is an important point to emphasise. Unfortunately, we are aware that some people have interpreted the options in the “Planning for Growth” document as if they are a set of binary choices and are expected to make a choice between options. The motive for the submission questionnaire is therefore unclear to some people.  Moreover, many questions posit choices that are not clearly related. There are several reasons why diversity of types of residential development is important. People’s residential preferences differ, and these can change over their lifetime, and societal tastes and preferences change over time. Furthermore, the vulnerability to earthquake damage, expected sea-level rise and other climate change effects, mean the risks for residential living can vary by location. The creation of different types of city development provides an opportunity to diversify risks.  As the “Planning for Growth” submission form notes, each scenario has trade-offs. The questionnaires pertaining to options would appear to be an effort to try to understand Wellingtonians’ opinions about some of the trade-offs. While this is admirable, without more fundamental information (eg, the costs of new infrastructure for green-field developments relative to those for suburban or inner-city intensification), it is difficult to make informed choices. Moreover, the trade-offs will vary by degree of development, precise location, etc. There may also be other viable options not considered in the survey.  All options have their pros and cons. Therefore, we encourage the Council to develop and seek agreement on a set of principles to guide decisions on city development.  While these principles may need to vary by type of development and location (although we are not yet convinced that this will indeed be the case) adherence to agreed principles should be a mandatory requirement of implementation of new developments.   2. OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES Our proposed principles are as follows: In assessing a development option, consideration be given to sustainability and resilience to risks such as potential damage from earthquake and sea-level changes, for example. Proposals be consistently assessed by robust cost–benefit analysis that considers costs of service infrastructure, appropriate provision of recreational space, educational services, health and other social services, commuting needs, environmental implications, etc.  A variety of development options be encouraged, subject to meeting cost–benefit and sustainability standards.  Meaningful consultation with residents and other parties affected by any spatial development proposal be mandatory. Special care be taken, and processes adopted, to protect important heritage features of Wellington and architectural and scenic features that give the city character and international appeal.    3. ORIENTAL BAY Oriental Bay clearly falls within the Inner-city category, and there are important issues to consider for the area with respect to the development options in the PfG document. OBRA recognises that options that involve urban sprawl (such as ‘new green-fields suburbs’) can encroach on valuable cultivatable land, impact on bio-diversity and can threaten the sustainability of species. They can also involve costly new infrastructure. On the other hand, inner-city and suburban intensification options should recognise special features of each inner-city and suburban area. There are several features of the Oriental Bay area we would like to emphasise, should the area be affected by inner-city development options. We note that Appendix 5 of the Wellington City Council District Plan Design Guides states that:  “Council recognises the potential of Oriental Parade for future high-density residential development. However, it is important to ensure that new development along Oriental Parade is of high design quality and enhances the area’s collective character, amenity value and public significance.”[1] The Plan recognises that: “Oriental Parade is a visually prominent residential area with a unique character and strong identity. But it is not a typical residential suburb … In townscape terms it is a unique high-density residential environment with an urban character, strong recreational dimension and public significance. Creating the foreground of views to Oriental Bay, it is a distinctive element of Wellington’s urban image. The area is an established recreational    destination and an integral part of the city’s public environment … it is important to ensure that new development along Oriental Parade is of high design quality and enhances the area’s collective character, amenity value and public significance.”  The unique features of Oriental Bay recognised in the District Plan make Oriental Bay a drawcard for tourists and contribute to the city’s international reputation. Nevertheless, it already has high density of housing. While some suburbs may be considerably improved by the approach in “Planning for Growth”, the scope for further intensification in Oriental Bay is limited in terms of space and appropriate design.  We find it difficult to envisage any place for large multi-storey apartment blocks in Oriental Bay without damaging the view shafts of existing residents and destroying the attractive balance we currently have with apartments and character housing. Unfortunately, there already exist examples of high-rise apartment buildings that have been built without due regard to retaining the special characteristics of the area, and without ensuring adequate view shafts toward the harbour from all parts of the suburb.  There are also several iconic features that are central to the character of the Oriental Bay and Mt Victoria region that need to be recognised in future development plans. These include: St Gerard’s Monastery. This is an iconic feature of Wellington visible from many parts of the city and the harbour. It is a part of Wellington that is admired internationally. The city development plan should recognise and protect this precinct and create plans to ensure the visibility of this feature, and buildings should be in character with the precinct and not block any angle views of the Monastery. The Victorian-Edwardian-style homes that characterise the slopes of Mt Victoria and provide a unique character to the city view-scape of the area (particularly along McFarlane Street and Hawker Street). These iconic homes are an architectural feature that provides diversity of buildings, city character and is another aspect of the area that is important to tourism. An important aspect of this streetscape is its largely holistic nature (ie, heritage areas should not be considered on a building-by-building basis, but also as a whole). The walkways involving Oriental Terrace at the western end of Oriental Bay and linking Roseneath and the Bay between The Crescent and Oriental Parade (including several small parks and city lookouts) and Grass Street. These are special features that enhance inner-city living and attract numerous tourists. These walkways also provide a link from the city and Oriental Bay onto Mt Victoria and its Lookout and walkways. The mixed housing along Oriental Parade, both high-rise and individual houses, which are so important to the character of Oriental Bay. The ‘Seven Sisters’ group of houses along Oriental Parade are a notable example of well-maintained period homes in the area and are some of the most significant buildings in Oriental Bay. The architect Charlesworth’s own villa was sadly replaced by Clifton Towers, a development that destroyed a beautiful period home and compromised harbour views from many parts of the suburb.  The Band Rotunda on the harbour side of Oriental Parade is another iconic feature. The Oriental Bay Residents Association believes that special care needs to be taken to ensure that the character of Oriental Bay is not undermined. The principles of the current pre-1930-character protection legislation must be retained and adhered to. We are grateful for the opportunity to comment on the “Planning for Growth” document. We encourage the Council to consider the proposed five principles for governing the process of planning for growth, and to protect the special features and iconic buildings that exist in Oriental Bay. We would be very happy to engage further with the Council on this topic. We were encouraged by the outcome of the Waitangi Park to Freyberg Pool cycleway process. This is an example of what can be achieved when the Council embraces meaningful consultation and responds to concerns and ideas of residents. Thank you. Members of the Oriental Bay Residents Association look forward to further engagement with the Council in this process.   

    • Take extra care at Point Jerningham
      • From 23 April, you will need to allow a little more time if you are travelling around Evans Bay. Work starts near Ōmarukaikuru / Point Jerningham after Easter. Wellington City Council contractors will be  improving the seawalls, creating more space for people, and putting in the first 800 m of a new two-way harbour-side bike path. You’ll still be able to walk, jog, bike and drive, but traffic will often be down to one lane, Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm. For safety reasons, the speed limit through the work zone will be 30 km/h at all times. Find out more about the project here, see the before and after sliders, or watch the video to see how things are changing.

    • E-scooters: a letter to the Mayor
      • The Oriental Bay Residents Association has sent the following letter to the Mayor of Wellington, Justin Lester: 19 February 2019Mayor Justin Lester,Wellington City Council,cc. Cr Sarah Free, Cr Iona Pannett, Cr Nicola Young.  Dear Justin Lester, Shared access of footpaths and cycleways Members of the Executive Committee of the Oriental Bay Residents Association (OBRA) have received expressions of concern from some residents regarding the growing diversity of use of footpaths and the implications this has for the safety of pedestrians.  This issue is of course not peculiar to our region. However, it is perhaps more acute for the Oriental Bay area than for many other parts of the Wellington region. In addition to the dense residential population, you will appreciate that the Bay is a popular recreational area for residents from across Wellington and for tourists from outside Wellington. It is also a corridor between the city and the eastern suburbs of Wellington for cyclists, pedestrians and people using emerging alternative forms of commuting such as electric scooters and electric skateboards. Oriental Bay is also a busy corridor for motorists. The roads and footpaths in Oriental Bay can become very congested during certain times of the day and particularly during summer weekends.  The demographic profile of the residents of Oriental Bay is another factor that has prompted the Committee to raise this issue with you. The suburb has a relatively high proportion of residents in the older age range. According to the 2013 Census, 25.8 per cent of Oriental Bay residents were aged 65 years or older. This compares with 9.5 per cent for the entire Wellington City. The proportion may be even higher today. The percentage of the Oriental Bay residents falling within this age range increased faster between 2006 and 2013 than the average for Wellington City. The equivalent percentage in the 2006 Census was 19.6 for Oriental Bay compared to 8.4 per cent for Wellington City. The recently completed cycleway (access-way dedicated to cyclists) between the Freyberg Pool complex and Waitangi Park appears to be successfully diverting cyclists from the footpath and separating cyclists and pedestrians along this stretch of the waterfront. Further, the sharing of the pathway east of the Freyberg complex to date generally seems to have operated without major incident. However, the growing popularity of electric scooters and skateboards and their use on footpaths raises further concerns for the safety of pedestrians. Evidently, electric scooters and skateboards are permitted on cycleways (such as the Oriental  Bay cycleway). But there remain congested areas of the Oriental Bay where a single pathway caters for cycles, electric scooters, skateboards, crocodile-bikes and pedestrians.  We have been advised that the Ministry of Transport has been asked by the Government to develop terms of reference for a possible national inquiry into the shared use of footpaths and making streets accessible for multiple forms of transport. We also understand that some local body councils may be taking their own initiative. A recent news item suggested that the Wellington City Council will be reviewing a report proposing an electric scooter trial, but that the use of electric scooters would be restricted from use on the city's “Golden Mile” or Botanic Gardens.  The purpose of this letter is to open a dialogue with you and the Wellington City Council regarding the shared use of footpaths and cycleways in the Oriental Bay area. We are conscious of the need to accommodate a range of interests, including the growing popularity of alternative modes of commuting, and recognise the growing popularity of bicycles and more recently the use of electric scooters and electric skateboards. As representatives of Oriental Bay residents and in the interests of improving the use and safety of footpaths and cycleways in the area, we would like to raise the following points regarding the Oriental Bay area:  We invite yourself and members of the Wellington City Council to consult with the OBRA executive committee and residents of Oriental Bay regarding the shared use of pathways in the Oriental Bay area by pedestrians, cyclists, electric scooters, etc, and appraise us and residents of the  proposed trial of electric scooters in the region.  It would be appreciated if this appraisal and consultation could include discussion of the issues pertaining to shared pathways and/or dedicated pedestrian pathways and cycleways east of the Freyberg Pool complex, including along the waterfront and beyond Carlton Gore Road. We encourage the Council to take into consideration the already congested use of the Oriental Bay footpaths, particularly where there are no dedicated cycleways.  Although there have been frequent reports of incidents involving electric scooters overseas, it is difficult to assess the risks to pedestrians of unregulated shared pathways. We note nevertheless there are instances in some cities (such as Sydney and Vancouver) where there are speed limits applying to shared pathways and wealso note that electrical scooters are illegal on British roads and pavements.We would encourage the Council to look at the experience overseas, and where cycles, electric scooters, etc, are entitled to share footpaths, consideration be given to the safety of pedestrians in the Oriental Bay region, particularly in view of the congestion of the footpaths and the demographic profile of the area. We think there may be merit in a suitable speed limit for cycles, electronic scooters and similar devices on shared footpaths, one that is consistent with ensuring safety for all users of the pathways. We appreciate that monitoring and ensuring compliance with speed-limits may be difficult to enforce. We understand the NZ Automobile Association has suggested a limit of 10 km/h. These speed limits may have the effect of providing a clear signal of expected behaviour. Education of the shared use of footpaths may also have merit. Thank you for your consideration of these issues.We look forward to your response.Kind regards,Ann Mallinson and Jackie PopeCo-Presidents,Oriental Bay Residents Association (Incorporated),Wellington.

    • Cycleway Approved
      • The revised plans (see  the item below) for the Oriental Bay cycleway have been approved by the Wellington City Council. (For more information, see the article in the DominionPost "Green Light for New Cycleways on Thorndon Quay, Evan's Bay and Oriental Parade".) Accordingly, the Council chose to disregard the various recommendations that OBRA (in conjunction with Rex Nichols) included in its last submission. This submission is attached.  We are disappointed, because we believed that these recommendations were: for the benefit of all Wellingtonians, as well as local residents,recognised the reality of the current complex mix of users,endeavoured to achieve balance, and promote fairness and safety for all.However, we can say that the revised plan as approved is at least a major improvement on the draft plans as initially proposed in the early stages of consultation last year.  We are pleased to advise that Council continue to consult with us on various implementation issues, including speed limits and various signageeducation and enforcement steps to achieve appropriate behaviourdesign of the “transition” areas  at the beginning and end of the new cycleway path.

    • Revised Cycleway Proposal
      • The Wellington City Council has announced a revised plan for the Oriental Bay Cycleway, with a separate two-way cycle path, footpaths and angle parking. This plan is the basis for the formal consultation period of 30 days from 20 February, after which the Council will proceed to a decision. Key features are: • The existing 4.5m-wide shared path would become a designated footpath on the seaward side of the trees. • There would be a two-way 2.5m-wide bike path between the parking and pohutukawa trees, with a 1.8m-wide designated footpath between the parking and bike path. • Overall, the amount of parking would increase from 61 spaces to 64 spaces; 58 would be angle car parks, with 6 new parallel car parks replacing the bus stop near Herd Street. • The bus stop near Herd Street would be removed on the advice of Greater Wellington Regional Council (there are outbound bus stops nearby at Waitangi Park and Freyberg Pool). • The three existing mobility parks at Freyberg Pool would be retained. • The kerb would be moved out into the road to make room for the bike path and new footpath. • Traffic lanes would be narrowed (from 4-4.2m to 3.3m). • The painted median strip would be narrowed (2.2m to 2m). • There would be new motorbike parking near the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. • Parking time limits would remain unchanged. • The pedestrian crossing near the yacht club would be redesigned to go straight across the road, with a central island, no barriers and a kerb extension on the seaward side. • All existing trees would be retained. You can see the full plans (4.4MB PDF), and view how the proposed changes compare to the current layout.

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