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Eastbourne Community Board Chair’s Report – February 2026
Welcome to 2026. The new Eastbourne Community Board (ECB) held its first meeting in December, which largely dealt with formalities, so it is now time to get down to business.
The new Board comprises Emily Keddell, Bruce Spedding (Chair), Murray Gibbons, Jeremy Chaston (Deputy Chair), Ben Hainsworth, and Harbour Ward Councillor Tui Lewis.
There could be changes ahead. The proposed reconfiguration or removal of regional councils, and the investigation into amalgamation of the various local bodies that make up the region, could make for a very interesting triennium. In the meantime, the ECB will focus on local issues, informing and representing the community where appropriate to Hutt City Council (HCC).
Key Updates
Tupua Horo Nuku
There is no doubt this resilience project will be fantastic for Eastbourne residents when it is completed in the next couple of months. Once completed, it will become part of the Hutt City transport network, and any subsequent improvements will be subject to the usual council processes.
The ECB is already fielding questions and suggestions, and we expect many more as use of the shared path increases. Access on and off the shared path around the bays, and the connection through Days Bay, are the most common topics so far. Once the pathway is fully open, we expect further issues to emerge. The ECB plans to compile a list of suggested improvements to raise with Council and will invite community input.
Carved pou at Parangarahu Lakes
The ECB represented the community and HCC at the blessing of four new carved pou. See the Eastbourne Herald for the full story, and the Eastbourne.nz website for their locations.
Eastbourne Walkabout
This annual meeting with residents to discuss local concerns will likely be scheduled slightly later than usual (May/June). Board members travel around the bays to discuss and collate local issues and ideas, which are then addressed over the following year. This will also be an opportunity to provide input into the survey outlined below.
Eastbourne and Bays Survey
In 2014, the ECB conducted a survey to gauge community wellbeing, satisfaction, and priorities. The results were used to guide representations to HCC and to support Eastbourne’s voice in wider regional discussions, including potential amalgamation.
The shared path was the most important issue identified in 2014. With that project nearing completion, the ECB believes the time is right to survey the community again to identify priorities for the future. We are keen to hear what issues residents would like included, so please let us know.
Seaview Wharf
This three-year project to upgrade the wharf and pipeline is expected to be completed this year. More information is available at seaviewproject.co.nz.
Eastbourne Summer Pool
Seven volunteers have completed a lifeguard course and are awaiting assessment. The expectation is that the pool will remain open for the full season. Thank you to these wonderful volunteers and the dedicated pool staff.
Speed limits – Days Bay
A group of Days Bay residents have raised concerns about traffic safety through the bay. Completion of the Tupua Horo Nuku shared pathway could increase foot and cycle traffic in areas without clear separation.
Suggestions include an interim 30 km/h speed limit (currently 50 km/h) until other solutions can be implemented. HCC officers will undertake a speed and safety assessment to better understand current speeds and risk levels.
Emergency Hub (Muritai School)
Recent work at the Muritai School Hall required temporary relocation of Emergency Hub resources to the library. Subsequent events at the library have prompted another move, and we are now exploring the Eastbourne Bowling Club as a possible new hub. This is subject to approval from WREMO and HCC.
Emergency Radio Network
The current VHF radio network linking the bays is old and nearing the end of its life. We are investigating replacement with newer, more resilient, low-power technology that is more accessible to the community, similar to systems used locally for pest monitoring.
This project is supported by Oliver Seiler, and we plan to work with CrISiSLab (Massey University). More information will be shared soon. If you are interested, please contact Bruce Spedding.
Drone purchase
The Eastbourne Bays Community Trust has funded the purchase of a drone for use by the Hutt City Emergency Response Team (NZRT-18). This will provide both emergency and long-term benefits by enabling rapid surveying of the bays out to Pencarrow without relying on road access.
Pencarrow Road
Concerns have been raised about the condition of the coastal road, which provides access to the Main Outfall Pipeline, private properties, tour operations, and recreational users. These concerns have been raised with HCC, and we hope remedial action will occur before a serious failure or accident.
Bike skills pump track
Work continues with Council to identify a cost-effective solution that suits the unique environment. The regional council’s acquisition of Gollans Valley presents future opportunities, so any interim solutions must be carefully considered. We thank community members for their patience and support.
Recycling
Battery recycling is again available in the library foyer and at St Ronan’s Church on Muritai Road. Tetrapak and coffee pod recycling are also available in the foyer. Please recycle only the listed items, and contact Bruce if bins appear full.
Soft plastic, plastic caps, metal caps, and blister pack recycling (for prescription packaging) are available at the 4 Square.
Community Engagement and Climate Action Fund
Community funding has been absorbed into this fund, which supports projects that contribute to a low-carbon future. Applications are via the Hutt City Council website. Contact the ECB for advice or support.
Fishing lines
Recent incidents involving dogs and birds entangled in fishing lines have been reported. As this is considered operational, residents are asked to use the “Report a Problem” portal. Some hazards may wash ashore after storms, so please remain vigilant on local beaches.
Fire restrictions
Despite recent weather, this remains the fire season. Hot, dry conditions combined with strong winds can create significant risk. Restrictions around fires in public spaces remain unclear. The ECB has requested that all public-space fires require a permit, with signage at bay entrances.
Historic police cell
Unfortunately, this project will not proceed, despite Murray Gibbons’ tireless efforts over eight years and strong community support. Murray is now exploring a display panel incorporating elements of the cell and its history at Rona Wharf. Disposal of the building is required; anyone interested should contact Murray.
My Hutt City portal - Report a Problem
HCC have implemented a new portal my.huttcity.govt.nz to report non-urgent issues. This is intended for operational issues, so please use this in the first instance if you encounter a problem. Contact ECB if you do not get a response in good time, cannot find an appropriate category, or feel we should know/ follow up as well. We do get a variety of other requests from both the community and the council (not mentioned here), we try to respond to all these, but please follow up if you don’t hear from us.
Community communication
The ECB communicates with residents via social media (850+ Facebook followers), the Eastbourne.nz website, a digital noticeboard in the Eastbourne Library, a monthly Eastbourne Herald column, and a 450+ subscriber email list. These channels share community and council notices, climate network updates, and civil defence information.
Ngā mihi nui
Bruce Spedding
28 January 2026 |
A public forum opportunity is available 30 minutes before the meeting (6:45pm to 7:15pm) – this is not public comment (see below), but an opportunity for informal discussion. The public cannot speak (unless invited to do so) during the formal part of the meeting, other than during the public comment section.
