The South Brighton
Newsletter
Issue 9 - 12 - 2016
Update on the kuaka /godwit sculpture
The South Brighton Residents’ Association has been awarded $12,000 from the the Christchurch City Council Discretionary Fund to go towards a sculpture that comprises seven godwit/kuaka (New Zealand bird of the year 2015). Part of this amount is to cover the artist’s fees. We require an additional $10,000+ to make the sculpture a reality. The sculpture has been created by local artist Bon Suter. Each of the seven birds will be made of heavy-gauge aluminium and finished with UV-resistant vehicle paint. The birds will be fixed to the top of seven poles at varying heights and will move in the wind. The proposed site for the sculpture is near the Bridge Street bridge. This is a beautification project intended to enhance the general wellbeing of our communities. South Brighton and Southshore have been, and continue to be, affected by the ongoing earthquakes. Proposed site on Bridge Street.
The beautiful garden in the roundabout Estuary Road/Bridge Street
A big heartfelt thank you to Julie Huddy (affectionately known by the children of South Brighton as Nan-nan) for continuing to plant and maintain the flowers in the roundabout garden. The garden looks amazing and has made South Brightonites smile! If anyone has plants or cuttings that are superfluous to their needs please drop these off to Julie @ 107 Estuary Road, (the house beside The Bridge Community Centre opposite the round-a-bout). Remember the plants need to be low growing, that is, no taller than about 50 cm. Additionally, to keep the roundabout full of bright and cheerful flowers you may wish to donate a gold coin to the flower piggy bank at the Challenge Southshore garage situated @ 60 Bridge Street, South Brighton. These donations will be passed on to Julie for plants and gardening supplies.
Arts and culture strategies help to reveal and enhance the underlying identity of a community, while in the process highlighting the value and character of the physical and social form of a community. What better way to uplift spirits of our community than by creating a sculpture that acknowledges the godwit/kuaka as an annual visitor to our estuary. Godwits are one of our cultural totems. In spring the godwit/ kuaka depart from their breeding nests in the great Siberian and Alaskan tundra and return to the rich feeding grounds provided by Aotearoa’s tidal flats and coastal marshes. In ancient times the annual arrival of the kuaka was looked on as a great event. For Maori the kuaka were birds of mystery. It was believed that they came from, or at least passed through, the ancestral home, Hawaiki. Christchurch rings the bells when godwits arrive. They touch down on harbours and estuaries from the Far North to Southland. What better symbol of strength and tenacity for our communities than a bird that flies non-stop the length of the Pacific to get here?
Please help us make this Kuaka/Godwit sculpture a reality. If you would like to to donate some money toward the sculpture please either access:
1. 2.
Kiwibank account: 03 1355 0746287 00 Contact Kirsten Carey (SBRA Treasurer) email: kgbcarey@xtra.co.nz Receipt available (No GST)
A poem written by a local woman A poem written by a local woman, living on her own (aged 74) on Estuary Road, who is continuing to struggle with EQC and her insurer regarding her earthquake-damaged home. The ‘quakes have just started in Kaikoura and we wish them well with what lies ahead, but let us not forget that for many people in our community earthquake-related issues are still a reality. Honestly Southern Response I can’t do this any more I want to pick up my bag and my cat And walk out that munted back door
Doctors and scripts- they cost money As did the physic I saw When I tore a muscle in my old leg Trying to open that munted back door
I don’t want to do temporary housing I’m afraid I won’t have enough money Guess I could camp on the beach But what would I use for a dunny?
The toilet seat- it was peeling From the soaking it constantly got When the cistern was leaking for days It was not a nice place to wee
A litter tray would do the trick (Though I doubt if I’d ever do that) But ‘cause of the way I feel right now I’d rather be someone’s old cat
I did buy a new one- hurray And replaced the cat flap that broke Both cost quite a few dollars We olds aren’t the richest of folk
I could live in a car or container And if all of these options should fail Maybe I could try freedom camping Or you could send me to Rolleston jail
These unforeseen things -they keep coming So far five hundred dollars Is it any wonder at night I grind what’s left of my molars
I’m angry, l’m tired and I’m scared What’s ahead is too daunting for me I used to be sixty nine you know and now I’m seventy three!
Delays and broken promises It’s confusing and not fair First scope states replace bath and oven You’ve changed that now - to ‘repair’
You’ve been to my house several times I’ve been to your offices too I’ve eighty entries of happenings In my diary - all about you
Family have asked me “how does it feel?” I pondered a while then I said “lt feels like I’ve had, for more than four years A rusty nail stuck in my poor head”
I’ve one hundred pages of data All relating to the repair I know I’m about to get more It fills me with dread and despair
Heart attacks, shingles and strokes We know that stress makes one ill Will I still be here for the final repair Or will my daughters be reading my will??
I’ve had shingles- oh so painful My Doctor said it was stress She prescribed for me those ‘happy pills’ So my health’s in a bit of a mess
At the end of all this drama I’ll have only one desire That’s to burn up all the paperwork In a spectacular big fire
To register your interest in becoming a volunteer contact Councilwon
(03) 941 8999 0800 800 169
Rates revaluation 2016: Summary of Council information: The new rates have been calculated by Quotable Value (QV) on behalf of Christchurch City Council. According to the calculations, average rating values are now $529,000 for houses and $265,000 for residential sections. The last revaluation was in 2013, when the Government passed a special Order in Council to value Christchurch properties as if the earthquakes had not damaged them. This time QV followed the standard rating revaluation legislation, which meant unrepaired earthquake damage was taken into account. About 4,040 properties with unrepaired earthquake damage were identified. If owners don’t agree with their updated rating value, they have the right to object by 31 January 2017, (online at www. RatingValueObjections.co.nz or call 0800 787 284 to request an objection form). The SBRA has made a brief check on some local properties, and the amounts arrived at are, in some cases, grossly inaccurate. For example, we found differences of as much as $215,000 between basically identical rebuild properties. In other cases, no allowance has been made for land remediation, retaining walls, etc. Homes still awaiting repair or rebuild have been valued as if new. Many homeowners have been obliged to pay full rates, while living in earthquake-damaged homes. We are very concerned that the High Flood Hazard Management Areas will only be notified in April 2017 after the new rates have been locked in until 2020.
On the positive side, the jetty is going to be rebuilt, with a floating structure at the end, making it easier for boats and kayaks to moor. The boardwalk in South Brighton is to be demolished for safety reasons, but the Coastal-Burwood Community Board has informed us that it has “asked Council staff to return to the Board with high-level consideration of options for the replacement of the boardwalk in the same position”. We look forward to updating you on this matter in the New Year.
Pohutakawa trees along Bridge Street Many thanks to Jonathan Hansen from the Christchurch City Council and his wonderful team for planting the pohutakawa trees on the berms of Bridge Street, between Estuary Road and just beyond Pine Avenue. They look fabulous and should flower around Christmas time. Unfortunately, trees could not be planted between Estuary Road and the Bridge due to the berms being too narrow, with power cables located just beneath the ground. Additionally, due to the prevailing easterly it was decided to stop the planting of pohutakawas just beyond Pine Avenue. We are keen to see more pohutakawas in South Brighton. Please let us know if residents along your street would like us to approach the Christchurch City Council to check out the possibility of planting these trees on your street berms.
Long or Strong - GET GONE
The tsunami evacuation last month was a timely reminder for every household to have an emergency pack ready, so that you can evacuate at short notice
South Brighton Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) A big thank you to all the volunteers who work hard to keep our beach safe for our use. Say ‘hi’ to our life guards - they may be a close neighbour! They will be on duty throughout the summer holiday break. And remember to swim between the flags!
Be prepared, if/when this happens. Plan what you should take with you and where to go. Here are some ideas for the basics: Water and food (3-day supplies) Flashlight • Battery-powered or handcrank radio • Extra batteries First aid kit • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items Multi-purpose tool • Sanitation and personal hygiene items Copies of personal documents (medication list and relevant medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) • Mobile phone with chargers Family and emergency contact information Extra cash • Emergency blanket
Prospective members and supporters When? First Tuesday evening each month, 8:00−9:30 p.m. Where? South Brighton Community Centre, Beatty Street Residents' associations are vital in shaping the services the Council provides to residents. Due to the effects of the earthquakes and the ongoing disruption this has created, we need to stand together as a community and speak with a strong, clear voice. We invite (and need) community members from South Brighton to come and join us at our monthly meetings to identify what we need and want as a community. You do not need to become an active member. Just come along and listen in and share a cup of tea/coffee with us.
Native Trees for Babies The South Brighton Residents’ Association has a number of totara trees, stakes and supports to give to families who have new babies. The gift of a tree is to acknowledge and celebrate the arrival of our ‘brand new’ baby citizens to South New Brighton. A number of babies already have their own trees :) WHEN: Anytime that suits you and your family. Please contact Kirsten (Treasurer SBRA): kgbcarey@xtra.co.nz to arrange a time to collect your tree. You will be responsible for the staking, planting and tending of ‘your’ baby’s/family’s tree. WHERE: The South Brighton Reserve (Native Coastal Forest area) near the Bridge Street Bridge-please refer to map above. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: A spade, some water and your family. We will supply the tree, a stake and supports.
This is a part of the ‘Keep South Brighton Beautiful’ project. Please email Kirsten Carey kgbcarey@xtra.co.nz to acknowledge your interest so we can make sure we have enough trees!
Adopt a berm Adopt a berm (the grass verge that runs alongside the roads in front of our homes) The berms in South Brighton are all in differing states of repair. Some are well-maintained and manicured, while others, have been left to nature. There are many reasons for natural berms. Some are a choice (and that is fine), but others may be due to an inability to tend the berm because a person is physically unable to do so or does not have a mower. Please ask your neighbour if they would like you to adopt the berm in front of your house to mow. It is a simple act of kindness that might be gratefully accepted.
From the South Brighton Residents’ Association The SBRA has been extremely active in recent months on the multiplicity of issues that face our suburb. Basically, these can be divided into two categories: efforts to keep our environment pleasant and attractive in the face of diminishing services and lack of infrastructure. And secondly, we have been endeavouring to achieve clarity from the authorities on what solutions will be proposed for the neighbourhood. South Brighton Coastal Marine Area Empowered Christchurch has informed us that they have been in correspondence with Council on the Coastal Marine Area and building regulations in the South Brighton Coastal Marine Area (SBCMA). While some answers have been received, they have led to further questions and, as things stand, a lot remains unresolved. Empowered Christchurch has forwarded the correspondence to SBRA and will forward the upcoming answers to SBRA to keep the community informed. High hazard areas/updated rates SBRA attended a meeting with the CCC and Quotable Value on
Written by Robyn Woodham
Small Changes Add Up
The power of a small change should not be underestimated. Sometimes we think that in order to make a change we’re going to need to make a massive overhaul. In order to lose weight we’re going to have to change our entire eating patterns and start a whole new exercise regime. In order to increase our income we’re going to have to start again in a whole new area, studying something new, and working our way up from there. The reality is though, that big changes are often overwhelming, poorly thought out and completely unsustainable, which means they get abandoned very quickly. Small changes, on the other hand, are much more doable, but often get dismissed with the idea that they just won’t make enough difference, and when we think about small changes in this way, nothing changes at all. The reality is though, that every change makes a difference, and that small changes really add up over time. Brushing your teeth is a great example of this. It’s something that is really quick to do but as an isolated action, doesn’t appear to make a huge difference to the health of your teeth. Yet we all know that over time, this is an incredibly important action, and the difference between brushing your teeth a couple of times each day versus not brushing them at all is incredibly significant over time, meaning the difference between healthy teeth and gums, or rotten teeth and gum disease. Another example where it’s really easy to see the importance of a small change is by considering a plane. If a plane took off from an airport on the equator and its plan was to fly around the
SBRA monthly meetings: First Tuesday every month in the South Brighton Community Centre Beatty St. from 8:00 - 9:30pm The SBRA committee members are: Hugo Kristinsson - Chair, Dagny Emma Magnusdottir – Secretary • Kirsten Carey – Treasurer General Committee members: Seamus O’Cromtha • Greg Scott • Anna Puentener • Deidre McGowan
You can contact us by phone: 388 52 36 Email: southbrightonra@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightsideTheSouth
20 June 2016 on the planned reassessment of the rateable value of properties. At that meeting, we requested that the High Hazard Areas introduced by the installation of the emergency temporary stop-banks be considered in the upcoming rates. The city council has been made aware of these hazards, and has already estimated predicted losses due to flooding and financial losses due to the designation of these high hazard areas. We now know that council does not plan to introduce High Flood Hazard Management Areas until April 2017. Community Assets and funding We have requested the Community Board to look into how money that was donated to the area after the earthquakes has been spent. We asked why there is a lack of funds to replace the community assets in our domains that were damaged in the earthquakes and, to our knowledge, were fully insured. We continue to work towards resolution of these matters and will keep you updated on the South Brightside Facebook page. www.facebook.com/BrightsideTheSouth
world in a straight line, landing again at the same airport, but its instruments were 1 degree out, by the time that plane arrived back at that longitude, it would be a massive 800 km off course. This clearly shows us that small changes add up, and it’s great to keep this in mind when we’re considering changes we might like to make in our lives. When we look at 1 degree of difference on a protractor, it doesn’t seem like much, but once we’ve taken that 1 degree of change a few years into the future, it will be highly significant, and most definitely worth it. So instead of dismissing a change as too small and therefore not worth making, I encourage you to embrace small changes. Whether that change is altering the snack you have for afternoon tea, going for a walk with a friend each week, or making a point of doing something nice for your partner each day, it is something that will make a significant difference over time. Added to that, these things are easy to plan and easy to achieve, making them a realistic way of creating something truly wonderful in your future.
We wish all of our readers A relaxing long break Without any claims Family worries or shakes
But a New Year is coming One better and bright Let’s hope we can flourish And end the long fight
It’s now been six years But we all have stayed strong Met many good neighbours Who helped us along
So here’s to the future In Brighton-on-Sea May our spirit never weaken Wherever we be
We face many issues Tsunamis and floods Broken houses and rebuilds In villas and MUDs
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT 2017!
The South Brighton Residents’ Association wishes you all a peaceful season, free from earthquakes and all other disasters. Have a splendid break from it all