Lucky you; that is so cool! I’ve been to Rakiura a couple of times in the distant pass and seen the kaka there. I think they are a bit more colourful than the North Island kaka. Our kaka are only around sporadically at the moment; I think they are foraging further afield for food, but I’m sure they’ll be back before heading back to the Hauraki Gulf islands for summer breeding. The most I have seen this winter is 4 flying overhead; there are usually only 2. They are my absolute favourite bird. :>
‘You can impress strangers at parties by informing them that Mokos are heliothermic and occupy their own clade on the Oligosoma phylogentic tree.’
Cool! That’s an excellent way to make new friends. 🙂
I agree that Stephen could facilitate the Hall rebuild very successfully, with lots of community volunteer time donated. Rakino has shown in the past that we’re really good at getting behind initiatives, and making things happen.
The main focus of the committee members really should be island amenities and the resolution of the interminable fire and emergency issue.
All other things are best done as initiatives by members of the community. I can only speak for myself, but I’m confident the artists are happy to continue to organise community events independent of the RRA, (we just need the excellent community support to continue!).
Likewise others are happy to re-invigorate things like the dragon boat races, and the other Rakino annual events. There are always the same small number of volunteers that turn up to weed and help out in the nursery, and it would be good to see more involvement there, but lots of people just like to relax when they get to their bach.
The biggest issue is getting enthusiastic volunteers to put their hands up to take a turn on the committee. There are many people on Rakino with under-utilised skills that need a bit of encouragement to get involved.
If all else fails, I suggest an Athenian style lottery, demarchy, with a term that lasts no longer than two years in order to keep it fresh. 😉
Hi Kevin, I was just re-reading various documents this morning and confirmed that the RRA committee had approached council with a proposal to design a new building before they consulted with the community, using the architect of their choice (the one on the committee), and that Anil Karan says this in his document which was NOT put before the ratepayers by the association in the course of seeking feedback, which was also sought in a truncated time frame:
Recommendations•That the local board wait till the RakinoRatepayers Association has presented their proposal to the board before approving a preferred option.•If no solution is reached with the RakinoRatepayers Association, then the preferred solution is Option 1 to shift and relocate the building within the existing site.•That the board is considerate of ongoing maintenance requirements and costs incurred if a building is to be retained on the island.
This does not indicate that Rakino-ites must pay for ongoing maintenance of the structure, however is does indicate that the RRA committee have been a tad sneaky, and misrepresented the truth to the ratepayers for some reason I’m not sure of. I’ll be following this up though, and also requesting that all feedback is made available for ratepayers to read, in the interests of transparency, of course. 🙂
This is gunna be an excellent initiative! 🙂
Hi Sue,
Lucky you; that is so cool! I’ve been to Rakiura a couple of times in the distant pass and seen the kaka there. I think they are a bit more colourful than the North Island kaka. Our kaka are only around sporadically at the moment; I think they are foraging further afield for food, but I’m sure they’ll be back before heading back to the Hauraki Gulf islands for summer breeding. The most I have seen this winter is 4 flying overhead; there are usually only 2. They are my absolute favourite bird. :>
‘You can impress strangers at parties by informing them that Mokos are heliothermic and occupy their own clade on the Oligosoma phylogentic tree.’
Cool! That’s an excellent way to make new friends. 🙂
Anarchists are okay with rules, just not with rulers.. 😉
I also didn’t make the rules…
I’m appalled to hear that this morning’s AGM turned into a denunciation event. I don’t approve of pile-ons, and I don’t approve of bullying. 🙁
Hi Kevin, sorry, I only just saw this comment! I completely agree; more care, less time and dollars wasted. 🙂
I agree that Stephen could facilitate the Hall rebuild very successfully, with lots of community volunteer time donated. Rakino has shown in the past that we’re really good at getting behind initiatives, and making things happen.
The main focus of the committee members really should be island amenities and the resolution of the interminable fire and emergency issue.
All other things are best done as initiatives by members of the community. I can only speak for myself, but I’m confident the artists are happy to continue to organise community events independent of the RRA, (we just need the excellent community support to continue!).
Likewise others are happy to re-invigorate things like the dragon boat races, and the other Rakino annual events. There are always the same small number of volunteers that turn up to weed and help out in the nursery, and it would be good to see more involvement there, but lots of people just like to relax when they get to their bach.
The biggest issue is getting enthusiastic volunteers to put their hands up to take a turn on the committee. There are many people on Rakino with under-utilised skills that need a bit of encouragement to get involved.
If all else fails, I suggest an Athenian style lottery, demarchy, with a term that lasts no longer than two years in order to keep it fresh. 😉
A maintenance plan that is adhered to is a must! 🙂
Hi Kevin, I was just re-reading various documents this morning and confirmed that the RRA committee had approached council with a proposal to design a new building before they consulted with the community, using the architect of their choice (the one on the committee), and that Anil Karan says this in his document which was NOT put before the ratepayers by the association in the course of seeking feedback, which was also sought in a truncated time frame:
Recommendations•That the local board wait till the RakinoRatepayers Association has presented their proposal to the board before approving a preferred option.•If no solution is reached with the RakinoRatepayers Association, then the preferred solution is Option 1 to shift and relocate the building within the existing site.•That the board is considerate of ongoing maintenance requirements and costs incurred if a building is to be retained on the island.
This does not indicate that Rakino-ites must pay for ongoing maintenance of the structure, however is does indicate that the RRA committee have been a tad sneaky, and misrepresented the truth to the ratepayers for some reason I’m not sure of. I’ll be following this up though, and also requesting that all feedback is made available for ratepayers to read, in the interests of transparency, of course. 🙂
You’re right… it was completely overlooked by us. I’ll see if it can be added after the fact. 🙂