We are a vibrant community art gallery located in North West Auckland, nestled behind the Kumeû Library, in Huapai. We offer:
! Exhibitions
! Gallery Shop
! Community Events
! Classes for people of all ages
! Venue hire of workrooms
! Kumeu Live Concerts
Exhibitions change every 3-4 weeks and include Group and Solo shows along with various Members exhibitions throughout the year. Exhibitions all have opening events, which are a great way to meet like minded people and chat to artists in our community
The Gallery shop is full of unique and one-off gifts, prints and cards made by ! Arts Members. Come in and browse!
Coming Up at KumeuArts:
September 24th Steve Tollesturp Pop up Exhibition, artist talk and demonstration
October 2nd The Manatunatu Group Exhibition
Jeff Thomson Exhibition
Past Present by Zephyr and Ollie Live Concerts
November 2nd Arts Awards Ceremony
KumeuArtsAwards Exhibition
Kumeu Live Concerts
November 26th The Affordable Arts Exhibition Kiri Abrahm in the Pip Window
November 30th The Christmas Makers Market
Subscribe to our free monthly Newsletter to keep up to date with all the happenings.
Follow us on Instagram @kumeuarts and FacebookKumeuArtsCentre
You don’t have to be an artist to join in the fun!
Open hours: Tuesday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm KumeuArts | 300 Main Road | Kumeu | www.kumeuarts.org
The Causeway
Email: news@thecauseway.co.nz or helensville@copyandprint.co.nz www.thecauseway.co.nz
~Copy Deadline, 10th of the month~ ADVERTISINGENQUIRIES:
Phone: Brian 412-8882 or email helensville@copyandprint.co.nz
The Causeway is published as an independent community newsletter to support both the Whenuapai Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc. and Herald Island Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc., to inform the community of events and proposals that affect the local area.
Circulation: 1,000 copies.
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers. While we try to ensure accuracy of information, the publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions made by individual contributors.
Publishers: Huapai Copy & Print
Herald Island Environmental Group
Weed it Out Weekend Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th Oct 2024
Weed pest plants at home on Saturday
(especially arum lily and woolly nightshade)
bring to 57 Ferry Parade on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm for free disposal (excludes bamboo, palms and pampas) and receive free native plant and weed gel
Contact: Jan Diprose 027 687 4157 or Ian McNeill 027 552 0255
Funded by the Upper Harbour Local Board
Calendar
Friday, 13 September, NZ Mountain Film Festival National Tour, 6:45pm – 9:30pm, Sunderland Lounge, 25 Hudson Bay Road, Hobsonville. For one night only, back in Hobsonville Point in North-WestAuckland, we’re bringing the NZ Mountain Film Festival National Tour to your backyard with the Pure NZ selection of seven award-winning inspirational films celebrating outdoor adventurers getting out there and doing it! This is being held in the beautifully refurbished historic Sunderland Lounge, which was once a cinema for the Royal New ZealandAir Force. Internationally recognised as one of the world’s premier mountain film festival events, you can expect up-close adventures, emotive and insightful cultural content, and the usual fast-paced, action-packed adrenaline entertainment making for an impressive programme that will have outdoor enthusiasts inspired and entertained. This collection has something for everyone and is the perfect environment to fuel your imagination and plan your next adventure. Come along and ignite your passion for adventure, action, and travel. Doors open 6.30pm. Free popcorn. BYO drinks & snacks allowed. NB: Tickets are non-refundable but tickets may be on-sold at same price or less by notifying HCT by email: community@hobsonville.org.nz
Saturday, 14 September, Kaipara Marine Rescue Centre Opening, 12.30 – 3pm. Join us for the official opening of Coastguard Kaipara’s brand-new Marine Rescue Centre! We’re excited to invite you to celebrate this milestone with us. Event Highlights: • Food and Drinks: Enjoy refreshments with both outdoor and indoor seating options. • Self-Guided Tours: Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, including the training room, kitchen, bathroom, locker room, storage room, office, and the area where our rescue boat is parked. • See Our Equipment: Get an up-close look at the equipment we carry and learn more about how we’re prepared to respond to emergencies. • Local School Tamariki Performances: Enjoy dancing and singing performances by talented local school tamariki. This is a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand what our fit-for-purpose shed is all about! Whether you’re part of the community or simply curious, we welcome everyone to come and take a look at what we’ve created. We can’t wait to see you there!
Sunday, 22 September, Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop, 10am –4pm, Kumeu Showgrounds. Are you tired of staring at a closet full of clothes and feeling like you have nothing to wear? Are you passionate about sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste? Look no further, because we have the perfect solution for you! Introducing the Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop event, where you can refresh your wardrobe, save money, and contribute to a greener planet. We are a community women’s clothing swap and sale, run by passionate locals and a dedicated team of volunteers. Our mission is to promote community and sustainability, as well as make good quality clothing accessible to everyone. All profits raised go to Parent Aid North West, a charity who do the most incredible work supporting local families with young children when they need it most. So, what exactly is a clothing swap? It’s a fun and eco-friendly gathering where women come together to exchange their gently used garments, accessories, and shoes. Instead of buying new items, you’ll have the opportunity to breathe new life into pre-loved fashion treasures, making your style truly one-of-a-kind. By participating in a clothing swap, you actively contribute to reducing textile waste and minimizing your carbon footprint. It’s a small step towards a more sustainable future. DATES FOR 2024: Drop off days - Thursday 19th Sept, Friday 20th Sept, Saturday 21st Sept Ready to revolutionize your wardrobe and make a positive impact on the world? Check out our Facebook Page (Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop) and Instagram (@kumeuclothingswapandshop) for more information and event updates. If you would like to be part of our volunteer team, or are interested in sponsoring our event, please email Bex at bex.holland@outlook.com. We can’t wait to see you all there.
Saturday, 5th & Sunday 6th October Annual Herald Island
Weed it Out Weekend: weed pest plants at home on Saturdaybring to 57 Ferry Parade on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm for free disposal -receive free native plant and weed gel. Contact Jan Diprose 027 687 4157
Little Gems - Property Report
A year of two halves? Is the housing market about to turn around?
A “weak neutral” is how we would describe the first half of this year despite ending 2023 on a more positive note.
Coming into the end of last year we had a pretty good run in the market. We’d had a solid six months of consecutive increases in the house price index, and I think there was some pretty good sentiment coming through that we’d finally nailed the downturn. But as most of us know, the downturn has lingered around a lot longer than we would’ve liked, especially with the high levels of housing stock on the market. What appears to have happened was that last year’s positive end may have motivated many to list.
There are more new listings coming, but sales volumes have still been sluggish. If you look at the last three or four months that’s really been the challenge. Buyers have been distracted by all the different options that are out there. It’s been harder to keep their attention, or for them to have any urgency to act unless they really loved it. That coupled with high interest rates and a reluctance by some owners to meet the market has made things tougher. When price expectations are right, and we do not mean cheap, houses sell!
Interest rates are now headed in the right direction, and we are already seeing positive signs. The cash rate has dropped again to 5.2% with annual inflation dipping to a three year low of 3.3%just shy of the RBNZ target range of 1% - 3%. Open homes are busy confirmed by the fact 20 groups attended an open home last weekend! We believe the market hasn’t shown this much ‘life’for some time and are confident better times are ahead.
Should you buy or sell now? We are often asked. You can do both but be sensible and remember if you are buying and selling in the same market you will always be OK. If you are buying a first home now is the time to get serious as it is believed the only way for property values from here is up. Whether buying or selling be flexible and willing to roll with things as they move and make sure you take good advice.
Regards interest rates many people are opting for a 6-month fixed interest fix to see ‘what happens next’.
In summary it is a feeling that there’s light at the end of the economic tunnel and that it’s genuine sunlight ahead. The economy is in line to completely correct itself as we tick over into 2025. Angela Little 021 421 967
Angela.little@bayleys.co.nz
From Penk’s Pen
CHRIS PENK – MP
There are few more important public policy areas than education. I salute those working hard in our local schools, including of course the teachers and supporting staff, along with Boards of Trustees and parents and everyone else ensuring that our next generation of Kiwis gets a great learning start in life.
Of course if an education system is to be effective then we need actual schools in which the learning can be delivered.
For years the northwest area of Auckland has lacked sufficient school capacity, with a fast-growing population outstripping classrooms steadily.
In particular, an additional high school is needed, given that we have many more primary schools than secondary ones. The nearest secondary schools to the tightly packed northwest suburbs (Kaipara College and Massey High School) have much to offer but are only accessible through the considerable traffic of SH16.
Throughout the time that I have been local MP this has been an issue on which I’ve been advocating to the powersthat-be.
By way of update, I can report that I have been corresponding with the Ministry of Education about their continued inability to acquire land for this purpose. For more than two years they have been telling me that they are working on this but without result yet.
I recently wrote to suggest that, given the lapse of time, surely using the Public Works Act to acquire the relevant land compulsorily should be considered.
Thinking about other options, I have also written to suggest that a parcel of land in the Fletchers subdivision at Riverhead – earmarked by the developer to host a school – should be utilised to establish a secondary school. Fletchers themselves are amenable to this.
Until now it has been contemplated that an additional school could be a primary one. As I have emphasised in a recent letter on the subject, however, while additional classroom capacity for primary school students in the area will continue to be needed – to match huge local population growth – the greater and much more urgent need is for an additional secondary school.
I am grateful that Fletchers have acknowledged this point and so now the ball is in the court of the Ministry of Education. I will keep you posted.
Herald Island Library News ~ Spring has sprung!
It’s great to have longer daylight hours in the evening ~ roll on Summer!
The Herald Island Library has a dedicated group of volunteers passionate, not only about books, but about bringing people together in the community The Herald Island Library is free to join and is open regularly for everyone to enjoy
OPENING HOURS
* Library open: Wednesday and Saturday 10am-12noon
* Library open: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month 3.30pm5.30pm
* Book Club: 1st Saturday of the month 10am-11.30am.
* Playgroup & Pre-school Reading (Reading, Rhythm & Rhyme): Last Tuesday of the month 9am-10am. Library email: heraldislandlibrary@gmail.com
FATHER’S DAY RAFFLE
The Father’s Day raffle was drawn on Saturday 31st August by the HIR & R president, Angela Little. Congratulations go out to Ray Johnson of Whenuapai. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, the Herald Island Library We will use funds raised to replace worn pre-schoolers books.
WRITERSGROUP
Te Manawa Library ran an ‘Indie Writers Fest’ on Saturday 24th August, coinciding with the Auckland Writers Festival. Julie Parker-Kinsey and Sue McElroy were among thirty stallholders at Te Manawa on the day. Julie and Sue will be donating a copy of each of their books to the Herald Island Library
Both women, along with Clare Kitt have also submitted a short story each, which will be included in Te Manawa’s 2024 ‘Women of Auckland Write, an anthology’commemorating Women’s Day The book is due to be released in September 2024.
Raffle winner - Ray Johnson having an awesome Father’s Day!
HIR&R president, Angela Little draws the lucky Herald Island Father’s Day Raffle
Auckland climate grants open for community-led projects
Auckland Council has opened applications for the next round of Auckland Climate Grants, which aim to enable communities to lead the way in addressing climate disruption.
The grant programme supports local communities to upscale their actions for climate and empower collective action by providing financial support for initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate impacts, and support Maoriled responses to climate disruption.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment, and Parks Committee, emphasises the importance of communityled climate action.
“The Auckland Climate Grant programme is a vital tool in empowering our communities to take charge of their future. By supporting grassroots initiatives, we can foster innovation and resilience at a local level, ensuring every Aucklander can contribute to collective efforts against climate change,” Councillor Hills says.
“I encourage groups that are taking climate action to apply for funding assistance to help with this important work.”
The programme offers two types of funding: Response Grants and Strategic Grants, each tailored to different scales of impact and community engagement.
Response Grants (ranging from $1,000 to $15,000) are aimed at fostering community participation in climate action, particularly among priority communities such as Maori and Pacific peoples.
These grants are ideal for groups that are new to climate action or are rapidly building capacity in climate response. Projects funded through Response Grants will seek to either initiate or amplify existing community-led climate initiatives.
Strategic Grants (ranging from $15,000 to $50,000) are designed for larger projects that align with one or more priority themes: transport, food, energy, or Maori-led initiatives.
These grants are designed to support programmes with tangible and measurable emissions reduction or resilience outcomes. Projects previously supported have included a bike train, youth climate action initiatives, community e-bike trials and a seniors for climate action network.
Over $500,000 will be available for allocation through the Auckland Climate Grant programme. Funding decisions for the first round of Response Grants are expected in November 2024, with Strategic Grants decisions due by December 2024.
Auckland Transport will also provide additional funding for sustainable transport projects through the Auckland Climate Grants and response rounds. Groups that are interested in working with their community on transport choices are encouraged to apply for project funding.
The grant application period for both funding categories opens on 19 August 2024 and close on 23 September 2024.
For more information on how to apply, including the detailed application assessment criteria, as well as on projects that were previously supported, and grant workshops, please visit the Live Lightly website.
Let’s work together to create a more sustainable and resilient Tamaki Makaurau -Auckland.
For further information please contact:
Liz Kirschberg
Senior Specialist Publicity 021 704791
Liz.kirschberg@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Beginning the conversation today for our beaches of tomorrow
Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but a deeply social one, and perhaps one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Beginning the conversation today for our beaches and coastal environments of tomorrow, Auckland Council is calling on residents to share their vision for the region’s coastline over the next 100 years.
In the face of increasing challenges such as flooding, erosion, and climate change, public feedback is essential in shaping the Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAPs), which will guide how the Council manages its coastal land and assets.
The SAPs are being developed across 20 coastal areas in Auckland, encompassing a vast 3,200 kilometres of dynamic coastline, from Te Arai in the north to Whakatiwai on the east coast and from Waiuku to Port Albert in the west.
From a Te Ao Maori perspective, it is important to consider equity and fairness, and the rights and interests of nature, place,
and people from a whole living systems perspective, now and for future generations.
Each plan aims to balance the need for managing risk to infrastructure, with the preservation and restoration of natural shoreline environments, working with mana whenua and local communities to do so.
The council is keen to hear from Aucklanders about how they use and value their local coastal areas, to ensure that future strategies respond to community needs and aspirations, while driving equitable outcomes in response to the challenges climate change presents.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, emphasises the importance of public involvement.
“Across Tamaki Makaurau, residents are grappling with climate change and the impact this is having on their homes, neighbourhoods, and community assets,” says Councillor Hills.
“We can’t ignore this, and alongside iwi and communities we need to make some smart long-term decisions on where we allocate our resources for our coast and our coastal communities.
“I encourage residents to participate in shaping the future of Auckland’s coastline through the public input processes.”
The importance of adaptive planning has been underscored by the severe weather events of early 2023, which caused widespread damage to both public and private land across Auckland. These events have made it clear proactive and wellinformed coastal management strategies are essential.
The SAPs are the Council’s first round of ‘adaptive planning’ – an approach designed to address uncertainty and risk over the long term. The plans will incorporate four key strategies:
No Active Intervention: allowing natural processes to occur without interference in areas where Council-owned land and assets are not at risk
Limited Interventions: maintaining existing coastal defences while accepting that the coast is dynamic, and some assets will need to be redesigned and located out of hazard areas
Hold the Line: defending key assets from erosion and flooding utilising protective measures like seawalls and naturebased options such as dune restoration
Managed Realignment: the need for further discussions and decision making around relocating infrastructure and assets away from vulnerable coastal areas to reduce future risks and maintain our unique coastal environments.
Auckland Council’s General Manager of Engineering, Assets, and TechnicalAdvisory, Paul Klinac, highlights the need for public input.
“We know our coastal environment is both dynamic and highly valued – these plans will take these important factors into consideration,” Mr Klinac says.
“The intention is each plan reflects the intrinsic value of the coast to mana whenua as well as the local community and presents a balanced approach to its future management in response to coastal hazards and climate change. This includes opportunities to safeguard our coastal environments for future generations.”
The importance of adaptive planning has been underscored by the severe weather events of early 2023, which caused widespread damage to both public and private land across Auckland. These events have made it clear that proactive and well-informed coastal management strategies are essential.
Residents are encouraged to participate by sharing their experiences, concerns, and ideas for the future of Auckland’s coastline. The feedback gathered will be instrumental in refining the SAPs, ensuring they identify the community’s priorities and values.
Aucklanders can have their say by visiting the Council’s website, participating in online surveys, and engaging with the interactive regional map, where they can leave comments and suggestions. The Council will be collecting feedback throughout 2024 as the SAPs are developed and refined.
For more information and to participate in the consultation process, visit here or here
Read story on OurAuckland
For further information please contact:
Liz Kirschberg
Senior Specialist Publicity 021 704791
Liz.kirschberg@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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Not sure how to get a dispute sorted?
At the Citizens Advice Bureau in Massey we get a lot of enquiries from people who don’t know how to sort out a problem they have with a service provider, whether it’s a shop, tradie, employment situation, rental problem, or the power company
Last week we had a case where there was confusion around rent paid in advance, as it was now the end of the tenancy and the landlord had a different view from the tenant. In another case a client had concerns around why the repair bill for their car was so high. We’ve had clients with complaints about purchases from nappies and electronic goods to problems with cars.
Lots of people don’t know how to complain effectively, or aren’t sure if there’s a specific complaints organisation they can go to if they aren’t able to sort things out with the other party
There are a few simple rules of thumb to complaining effectively First of all you need to be clear in your mind about what the problem is, and what you want them to do about it (within reason). Gather together any evidence you have to support your complaint, such as receipts, emails, photos and so on.”
Be calm and polite when you make your complaint. It’s a good idea to raise any issues in writing, so that you have a record of this communication. This can be by email.
If you can’t reach an agreement you can apply to the appropriate complaints organisation For example, for tenancy disputes you would apply to the Tenancy Tribunal; for disputes with your electricity provider contact Utilities Disputes; for complaints about real estate agent get in touch with the Real EstateAgentsAuthority; for problems with a health provider contact the Health and Disability Commission or for a phone dispute it may well be the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution service.
It isn’t always obvious which complaint resolution organisation you need to go to with your complaint, so if you aren’t sure you can contact or come and see us at Citizens Advice Bureau Massey
There is lots of great information to help with your dispute on our website www.cab.org.nz, but sometimes it helps to talk about the issue with someone. You can just pop into the CAB Massey in the library building Te Manawa at Northwest or call 833-5775 and we can help you work through your options.
If you think helping people with these sorts of situations would be rewarding for you, contact Barbara at the CAB – 833-5775
Ask Dr. Heather
How much filler do you use during a treatment?
Anon, Waimauku
Dermal filler is a fantastic tool used to replace volume and enhance structure to achieve facial harmony. It is designed for injection into different areas of the face, at variable depths, depending on what it is trying to replace such as bone loss, fat loss and/or skin smoothness.
As each treatment is individually tailored, it can be tricky to know exactly how much filler is needed. We as injectors are pretty good at estimating, however tissues can respond differently, and some require larger volumes than expected. This is why a volume range is often quoted when planning a treatment, the more deficient tissues requiring more filler to achieve the desired harmony and favourable light reflections we are looking for (think makeup contouring without makeup).
Dermal filler is typically manufactured in 1mL syringes. Most injectors plan their treatment around what they can do with each syringe so they minimize waste and obtain the most bang for buck. As filler is packaged sterile, it is best to use each syringe at the time of treatment to reduce the risk of contamination and therefore complications such as infection.
Cheeks, chin, jawline, temples and central face require at least 1-3mL of filler and more may be necessary for optimal results. Smaller quantities however can also achieve lovely softening of problem areas, especially if done with a tactful artistic eye. If your injector is clever, they will be able to target specific areas that will achieve overall improvement with minimal product.
Lips typically require the least amount of filler (less than 1mL), however this also depends on the surrounding tissues, as it is imperative lips are supported by their surroundings, so they look natural. Forcing an entire 1mL syringe of filler into one’s lips is not a good idea for most of us to avoid looking overdone or puffy
A good honest conversation with your injector is always a great place to start if you are looking at having dermal filler treatment. Multiple considerations must be discussed including your needs, wants and budget. You should always feel heard and in the driver’s seat so be sure to ask questions (writing them down can help). The aesthetic journey is a personal one and should be respected, so listen to your instincts and ensure your injector is listening to you.
Dr. HeatherAnderson is a Cosmetic Medicine and Urgent Care/ Emergency Doctor who practises in her own clinic at ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine in Whenuapai. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously in the magazine, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz
Upper Harbour Local Board
Kia Ora Community. It’s lovely to see the daffodils and the longer days arrive. There are two items I want to focus on this month. The Local Board Capital Transport Fund and the Shoreline Adaptation Plan.
The Upper Harbour Local Board has recently allocated funding from the Local Board Capital Transport Fund. We approved funding for four projects with a small portion of funding leftover for future projects (including potential bus stop shelters in Whenuapai). After much community advocacy and support we have approved lighting on the Herald Island Causeway. We also approved two pedestrian crossings (Clark Road and Picasso Drive) where there are safety concerns for children and a wayfinding project. I’m happy that we were able to fund these projects that encourage a safer environment for our most vulnerable members.
The Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP) for areas including around Herald Island and Whenuapai is out for consultation now SAPs consider how council will manage the council owned assets and land across our shorelines over the next 100 years with different strategies being adopted for each area. These strategies include no active intervention (let nature take its course), limited intervention, hold the line and managed realignment. For each area, an adaptation strategy is proposed for the short, medium and long term. In Herald Island, The Causeway and Kingsway Reserve are ‘hold the line’ with other areas having limited or no intervention. In Whenuapai the draft strategies also differ across in different areas. I encourage everyone to look at it online and submit by 26th September as it’s the feedback of people who know the areas and what is valued that will inform the next stage of the strategy
There are a few other items coming up for Whenuapai including an update of the structure plan in late 2024. This structure plan will guide future development.
The views in this article are my own, and don’t represent the views of the Local Board. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have ideas for how to make your community better. Have a great month. Anna Atkinson - Upper Harbour Local Board Chairperson. Anna.atkinson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
• Full medical prescription dispensing and consultant pharmacy services
We have several thousand species of native wasp; they are all solitary and don’t really bother us. There are five species of introduced wasp; these are all social wasps, three species of which are the paper wasp, and the other two are the German and the Common wasps (of the Vespula genus). NZ has the highest concentrations of Vespula wasps in the world. These Vespula wasps are the ones that caused us so much pain and terror as kiddies when growing up. On the positive side they are effective predators and kill many insect pests. On the other, they also kill harmless native insects and compete for resources with many native species of insects and birds.
Every year most beekeepers complete the Colony Loss Survey and wasps feature in the top five causes of death of a hive in NZ. This is interesting because most other beekeeping countries do the same survey, and no other lists wasps. I’ve lost several hives to wasps last year; but in the South Island the losses are far higher especially in and around the beech forests. I don’t mind paper wasps so much as they don’t bother honey bees, but they do eat caterpillars (especially Monarch butterflies), crickets, flies, spiders and some native insects. Wasps are insectivores and get their protein from insects. They also need carbohydrates and get their sugars from nectar and ripe fruit, and so become a major pest
~ Potted Herb Plants available from the gate ~ 10 Coleman Ave, Herald Island ~ Cottage Craft & Garden Signs ~ Contact Sue: 027-289-0349
for orchardists and gardeners.
Paper wasps are also known as umbrella wasps because their nests are quite distinctive and resemble an upside-down umbrella. They are less aggressive and have smaller nests than the Vespula wasps and can’t be killed with a bait or lure. Once you’ve found the nest you can spray them with a wasp spray from a hardware shop; these spray a jet of foam about 4m and cost about $20. Or you can use fly spray and run faster. It is best to kill a wasp nest at dusk or dawn when all the wasps are home.
Vespula are easier to deal with, but they are more aggressive, and they can have much larger nests, which are usually underground. Both Vespula wasps (German and common) can be managed in the same way. To find a wasp nest, put a small amount of cat food or tuna on a plate. Wait for 20 minutes and the wasp will usually have returned to the nest and brought back her sisters, so there will be wasps coming and going back home. The cheapest way to eradicate Vespula is to upend a bottle half filled with petrol into the entrance hole of the nest after dark. Leave the neck of the bottle in the hole and the fumes will kill the whole nest. DO NOT LIGHT IT. Or you could sprinkle wasp powder in the hole. The safest way is to call your local pest control. My friends call me when they have a wasp nest, as I have the correct PPE, I know what I’m doing, and I’m used to getting stung. I also use Vespex, which is a poisoned bait that wasps take back to their nest, which ensures that the whole nest dies. You do have to be registered to use it, and it must be stored frozen and it can only be used when wasps are in their protein collecting phase in autumn. Hawkeye is a bait that attracts Vespula wasps any time of the year (during both protein and carbohydrate phase), it can be stored at room temperature and it is less toxic to us and pets. Hawkeye is also available as a lure.
A trap attracts and kills individual wasps. You can buy wasp traps from most hardware stores along with a lure or attractant. You can make your own attractant with jam, vinegar and water, it’s important to add a bee deterrent (vinegar) or you’ll kill bees too. To make a cheap trap, cut a plastic soft drink bottle two thirds of the way up and then upend the top part into the bottom. Vespex and Hawkeye are available online.
Fun Fact: Bees are basically vegetarian wasps; they shared a common ancestor 135 million years ago. Bees now get their protein from the pollen in flowers which they co-evolved with.
References& more info www.teara.govt.nz www.landcareresearch.co.nz www.doc.govt.nz
The Vulgar Wasp; Professor Phil Lester
Ken Brown
Apiculture Tutor with Land Based Training Ltd.
Herald Island Garden Club
We had a very interesting talk by Martin from City Botanics of Hobsonville, about how to deal with small garden areas. They design and install and even maintain (if required) mostly tiny spaces. This might be an apartment yard or balcony, or maybe a dedicated garden room you have been dreaming of. Their work can include hard landscaping, such as retaining walls, fences and pavement. But also planting in ground with screen planting for privacy or wind protection. Of course, the visual outlook from inside the dwelling and the feel of being in the garden, are the most important to clients. They tailor the design to suit each person’s preferences, but do like to advise on appropriate plants that will tolerate the differing conditions.
They often include pots, but emphasise that a clever watering system is really required to help them to survive. If you choose to plant a large tree in a pot, purchase a much bigger size than you probably first thought, use plastic or resin to avoid moisture evaporating through the pot and use the best mix available, as you won’t be repotting it. Medium pots can be filled up with any loose light filler, then place a specimen plant (still in it’s store pot) at the desired height and fill with mulch. This method means you can change the plant seasonally if you wish.
Martins work can best be described as garden staging. He prepared a great slide show, so we could appreciate the ‘befores’ and ‘afters’. He can be contacted through his Website or on Facebook or Instagram. Thank you Martin, for your inspiring talk.
FREE SERVICE
Alcoholics Anonymous Herald Island Meets Thurs from 7.30pm at Fire Station Andrew - 021-523-133
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Alcoholics Anonymous Whenuapai Branch Meets Tues from 7.30pm at Whenuapai School Hall Andrew - 810-8521
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Citizens Advice Bureau 833-5775
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Civil Defence - Resident’s Response Team
In emergencies meet at the Fire Station, 57 Ferry Pde
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Herald Island Boat Club Paul Judd - 416-4194
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Herald Island Environmental Group heraldislandenviro@gmail.com Jan Diprose 027-687-4157
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Herald Island Garden Club
Second Tuesday of each month. Lee Barry - 021-215-1639
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Herald Island Hall For Hire bookings@heraldisland.co.nz
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Herald Island Library
Weds: & Sat: 10-12noon Etta Gillon - 416-7638
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Herald Island Museum 57 Ferry Parade. Open by appointment Ph 027-416-0005
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Herald Island Playgroup Tues 9.30-11.30am at the HI Hall. Gold coin donation per child. Contact: Victoria 027-258-3251
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Herald Island R&R President Angela Little 021-421-967
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Hobsonville R.S.A. 416-7227
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Hobsonville Bowling Club Mark Batley – 0274-680-349
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Hobsonville Church & Settlers’ Cemetery Preservation Society
Leanne Midgley 021-688-164
hobsonvillesettlerschurch@gmail.com
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Karate Classes
Adults - Children - Teenagers
Herald Island Hall
Monday 7.00-8.00pm Thursday 7.00-8.00pm David Cox - 416-6620
Henry Lotter - 021-807-231
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Living Whenuapai
Contact: Annette – 027 2942601
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NZ Society of Genealogists, Waitakere Branch Lani Rimington - 818-2161
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U3A Hobsonville Meets 3rd Thursday of the Month (excl. Dec & Jan) 10am Hobsonville Bowling Club Carol Denton - 416-4860
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Upper Harbour Boat Watch Eddie Grassick - 416-8220
Neil Beken - 483-7323
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Whenuapai Air Scout Group email:treasurer@whenuapaiscouts.org.nz
l West Harbour Tennis 416-6886, email: westharbourtennis@xtra.co.nz
Open mornings Monday & Fridays 9.00-12pm $3 Wednesdays 9.00-12pm $5 ~ Non-members welcome Rae Hassett - 0274-923-129
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Whenuapai Floral & Garden Circle
“Meets 1p.m. at the Whenuapai Community Hall, 41Waimarie Road, on the second Thursday of the month (except Jan, June,July, Aug [winter recess] & Dec) All welcome Pat Hooper - 416-8403
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Whenuapai Hall For Hire Vito Sestito bookings@whenuapai.org.nz
l Whenuapai R&R Secretary: Dave Allen- 027-288-8371 secretary@whenuapai.org.nz
Trade/Professional & Services
Accommodation Totara Waters 0274-926-134/416-8272
Automotive Keightley Motors 416-8964
Building Contractor Doug Third 021-411-137/416-7646
Building Services JJ Build 021-0228-3550
Cattery & Vet Catmandu, Dr Chris Laurenson 0275-444-427/416-7039
Citizens Advice Bureau Massey CAB 833-5775
Computer Problems Norwest IT Services 0274-388-603/416-5129
Computer Repairs Michael - Controlaltdelete 021-251-4138
Cosmetic Medicine Allor - Dr. Heather Anderson 022-262-6762
Dance Teacher
Classes in Jazz, Hip Hop & Lyrical Dance - Tania Foster 027 -280-8857
Dentist Fraser Dental 416-5050
Denture Services Denture Clinic 416-5072
Desktop Publishing Huapai Copy & Print 412-8882
Drain Layer Echo Drainage 021-416-420/ 416-6849
Drain Unblock Pipe Vision 021-802-678
Electrician Level Up Electrical 022-538-3587
Electrician Wired Electrical 416-6148
Garden Centre & Nursery Touch of the Tropics 021-809-089
