Share and share nicely

The “Sharing Shed” on Anzac Green

Ange Holt

The “Sharing Shed” on Anzac Green has been a great asset to the town, enabling the community to share produce, swap books and put up notices.

We have been very lucky to have some wonderful care takers of the shed, keeping it clean and tidy.

Unfortunately, our last “clean fairy” has hung up her boots having taken away one too many boxes of expired food, rubbish or items, that are just not supposed to be left at the Sharing Shed.  I would like to firstly offer Jan a huge thank you for the years of service she has given to keep the Sharing Shed looking its best; and secondly ask you the community to use the shed for what it was designed for – sharing produce and swapping books.

It is not a bric-a-brac or a second-hand swap site as it is not big enough for the additional items.  We have some great second-hand stores in Te Awamutu that welcome those kinds of goods.

I also ask that you only put out as much as will fit on the shelves, otherwise things get spoilt in the sun or the rain – books included.

Please, if you are using the shed, keep an eye out for the rubbish and take what you can away with you as this would be a great help. Remember the saying “many hands make light work.”

Next month the community board joins council staff to get your feedback on a few things.  The big one is Ahu Ake – the Waipā Spatial Plan.  This document is about planning our future – what our communities will look like 50 years down the track.

Please start thinking how you would like to see Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and surrounds looking for your grandchildren.  What things are important to you, what do we need, what don’t we need?   If you have ideas you would like to share, please either contact us or come along to one of the information days that will be provided.

There is also the dog bylaw, and this is where we need to get a good balance for both the dog people and for those who are not keen on our canine friends.  There are plenty of spaces we can share as long as we are considerate to each other. The proposed draft that will be presented is not set in concrete.  We welcome your feedback to be able to put together the best bylaw possible to meet as many expectations as we can.

If you would like to join us for a community board meeting, you are very welcome.  We meet in the council chambers, Bank St, Te Awamutu,  starting at 6pm.  Our next meeting is on Wednesday (February 1).

You can attend in person or join us online.  If you wish to speak in the public forum, please let us know and we can make the necessary arrangements for your participation.

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