Heads up December

Flaxmere ‘H’

The new ‘H’ sign near the entrance to Flaxmere is creating a stir – and not in a good way. Council advises that the H sign replaced the previous ‘gateway’ Heart of Hawke’s Bay sign, but they acknowledge the choice of grey was an own-goal, and this will be updated to yellow. Phase 2 of the project has always intended that the existing suburb sign specific to Flaxmere will be updated, with community input into the icon that will go on the sign. The same applies to Te Awanga, Clifton and Havelock North. It is expected, funding permitting, that the consultation on the Flaxmere icon will occur early in the new year. The original yellow 'welcome to Flaxmere' sign is still in its site in the middle berm.

Community facility holiday closed dates

Flaxmere Library will be closed from December 25 to January 5. Flaxmere Pool will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and January 2. Flaxmere Community Centre will be closed from December 21 to January 5.

Swansea reroofing

Reroofing of a block of units in Swansea Village is almost complete. Hastings District Council is replacing the aging roofs, with work scheduled based on roof condition and funding. It is part of a five year project across its nine senior housing facilities. Oakleigh Downs and the block in Swansea Village were first on the list, with more work on the Flaxmere facility scheduled for 2026.

Nourished for Nil Fridays only

The food distribution service, Nourished for Nil, is going back to Fridays only, continuing with the special kaumatua time between 4.45 and 5pm, and all-comers from 5pm to 6pm, at the Flaxmere Community Centre.

Green Flag

Flaxmere Park has again been awarded an international Green Flag, recognising good management, planning, access and community. The flags must be applied for every year, and the nominated parks are visited by a judging team to ensure standards are being maintained.

Paharakeke people numbers

Some information from the New Zealand Census taken last is year is available, and it shows we are growing. We now have 13,230 residents, up from 11,142 in 2018 – growth of 18 per ereportedly 7.18 square kilometres, up from 5.87 square kilometres. Statistics NZ is yet to publish data on specific topics at a suburb level, things like smoking rates, education and income levels.