Newlands Resilience Group

28/05/2026

Let’s support our fellow residents by attending this community walk on Monday and learning more about the local reserves, environment, homes, and community spaces connected to the Petone to Grenada proposal. Whether people support or oppose the proposal, let’s support our fellow residents who have concerns and want to better understand the potential local impacts

27/05/2026

Below we share some simple actions to help build community resilience.

Though a quick update first: On 12th May we discussed governance and agreed that, whilst at some point a small team of residents may be needed to help guide this work, we will place that on hold for now and focus instead on small, practical next steps — keeping things simple, optional, community-led, and realistic given the limited capacity we currently have to progress to being community resilient, disaster resilient and speaking with our voices into decision making.

This week we focus on being community resilient in Newlands, Paparangi and Woodridge. Some simple actions:
- Volunteer Wellington: You can find ways to volunteer via https://volunteerwellington.nz/index.php/be-volunteer/job_search/searchJobData?sCategory=&sLocation=&sWord=newlands&sPage=0
- Citizens Advice Bureau: Residents can access free advice at CAB Johnsonville https://www.cab.org.nz/what-we-do/about-us
- Wellington Neighbourhood Support: You can register and start a neighbourhood support group https://www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz/get-involved
- Timebank Wellington: You can offer and receive free services online https://www.newtowncommunity.org.nz/wellington-timebank

What other suggestions do you have?

19/05/2026

Kia ora Newlands, Paparangi & Woodridge residents,

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent community conversations and meetings.

A small group met again on Tuesday 12 May to continue discussing practical next steps around:
• strengthening community connection
• increasing local disaster resilience
• helping ensure local voices are heard in decisions affecting our area

We discussed governance and agreed that, whilst at some point a small team of residents may be needed to help guide this work, we will place that on hold for now and focus instead on small, practical next steps — keeping things simple, optional, community-led, and realistic given the limited capacity we currently have across the three phases planned over an 18 month period. Some simple actions over the next few weeks include:
• promoting ways residents can connect locally
• creating impetus of disaster resilience
• continuing conversations about potential Petone to Grenada (P2G) impacts and how residents can stay informed and connected

We’ll post more about these over the coming weeks.
There’s still no pressure or obligation — this continues to be a locally led, voluntary, and steady-paced community effort.

Community momentum includes:
• ~460 residents connected
• ~90 residents expressing interest
• ~15 residents exploring different contribution areas

Our next meeting is:
📍 Johnsonville Community Centre (Room 1)
📅 Tuesday 9 June
🕖 7:00pm – 8:30pm

If you’d like to stay connected or learn more, feel free to comment, message or join us.

Ngā mihi,
Newlands Resilience Group

08/05/2026

Following the March public meetings, 20 of us gathered again on 28 April for an encouraging evening focused on connection, community wellbeing, and exploring what a locally led, resilient community could look like in practice. Our next meeting is on 12 May as we continue building momentum together.
We have written to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regarding the Petone to Grenada Link Road, and to Council and Parliament showing how what are doing will address the Emergency Management Bill, improve Government Accountability and align with wider city outcomes.
Check out our latest NEWS update here: https://newlandrg.weebly.com/news

23/04/2026

22/04/2026

7pmTuesday 28 April
An opportunity to come together and explore what a locally led, resilient community could look like in Newlands, Paparangi, and Woodridge.
No expectations—just a chance to connect, listen, and consider what we might shape together.
We’ll cover:
• Reconnecting
• What we’ve heard so far
• Ways to be involved (no obligation)
• Open discussion and next steps
Who this is for:
Especially for those ready—or close to ready—to be more involved, but anyone is welcome to come along, listen, and learn more.
No pressure—just a chance to take the next step together.
Let me know if you’re keen to attend. Rodney [email protected] or 0274788061

21/04/2026

Kia ora everyone
A quick update on our engagement with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regarding the Petone to Grenada Link Road.
We met on 14 April and had a constructive discussion. We shared the results of our annual community surveys across Newlands, Paparangi, and Woodridge, along with our planned Community and Disaster Resilience Model. We also explored how local evidence and lived experience could help inform understanding of potential impacts.
Given the project’s fast-track status, Waka Kotahi indicated that community engagement will be targeted and time-bound, but they are open to receiving information from us. I’ve followed up to confirm my understanding of the discussion and am awaiting a response.
Separately, Waka Kotahi has extended the timeframe for responding to our formal information request (lodged on 20 March) by 10 working days to allow for further internal consultation, so we now expect a response by 5 May.
This is still early-stage engagement—but an important step. We’ll continue to contribute constructively and keep you updated.
Ngā mihi
Rodney

12/04/2026

This week we’re meeting with Waka Kotahi regarding the Petone to Grenada Link Road. Our focus is simple: how community wellbeing is being considered—and how local insight can inform those decisions. We now have seven years of data describing our community, alongside the lived experience many of you have shared. This is about ensuring local voices are part of decision-making—not something considered afterwards. We’ll keep you updated.

10/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in recent conversations and public meetings. Your insights and lived experience are helping shape how we move forward together as a community.
We are now moving from conversation into early action.
• 440 residents are connected to the initiative
• 90 residents have expressed interest in being involved
• 15 residents have stepped forward to explore specific roles
We will be meeting with this group on 28 April to begin shaping what this could look like in practice.
Every community initiative starts somewhere — often with a small group willing to take the first step. That journey has begun. Our longer-term vision is a coordinated community resilience model where many residents contribute in different ways over time. We will continue to grow at a pace that is sustainable, inclusive, and grounded in what matters most to our community. If you have been watching, thinking, or wondering whether to get involved — this is that moment. 👉 Learn more here in the link in the comments below
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08/04/2026

Our Quarter Two newsletter is in the link below, sharing an update on recent community conversations, growing interest and involvement, and the next steps as we move into action together. Please feel free to share it with others who may be interested.
Together, we’re strengthening our community’s resilience and ensuring our voices help shape our shared future.

26/03/2026

Don't miss our final information meeting!
🕖 7:00 - 8:00pm - On Zoom (link in comments)