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ŌTAKI TODAY • HAKIHEA DECEMBER 2020
Whiti te Rā opens new clubrooms p32
Ngā Kōrero o Ōtaki
Future bright for up-beat Jayda By Ian Carson
The list of awards at Ōtaki College’s prizegiving night in November was impressive – it included plenty of academic and sports achievers who were worthy recipients. It wasn’t a list that Jayda Maihi thought she would ever be on. But there it was. Jayda Maihi, recipient of the Civil Trim Plant Hire Scholarship that gave the spirited 17-year-old what she describes as the “opportunity of a lifetime”. She gets to go to Outward Bound, which helps especially young people reach their potential through outdoor experiences. Jayda is the sort of young woman that one can see returning to the college in 10 years time, giving an inspirational speech to students about how there is always hope for a bright future. She is living proof already. For most of her life, Jayda has been raised by her grandparents. But then, at the age of 14, her grandmother died and she went to live with her own parents. Having been raised by someone else since birth, it wasn’t an easy transition for Jayda, or her parents. Home life was difficult. She went to live with whānau in Australia for a couple of years, but that didn’t work out either. Back home with her parents, she got into what she recognises were some bad behaviours and made some bad choices. She took up with the wrong friends and life began spiralling out of control. She didn’t smile much. She began to accept that this was what life would be for her. But she also knew deep down that it didn’t need to be like this. She sought help. At first it was a tearful meeting with teacher aide Lee Bain. “I came to school in tears,” Jayda says. “I was really over my life. I didn’t know what to do. Lee pretty much saved me.”
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Lee offered to have Jayda stay with her and husband Steve for a while – to catch up with homework that wasn’t being done, and have some time away from home to work out what she wanted to do. Jayda took up the offer. She opened up to Lee in the first couple of weeks, started going to the gym and got a casual job gardening. Her grades at school rapidly improved. She began to smile – even more so now she’s heading for Outward Bound. “I want to make the most of that opportunity,” she says confidently. Lee is full of praise for Jayda’s determination. “She is one of the few people who has the insight to know that she needs to make a change,” Lee says. “She recognised that she didn’t want to be like this. It was hard for her to know how to get out of the situation, but she looked for help and she got it, from a lot of people.” Steve Forsyth of Ōtaki company Civil Trim Plant Hire approached college principal Andy Fraser earlier this year with the scholarship proposition. “I like to help families and young people where I can,” he says. “I wanted to pay for someone to go to Outward Bound, but I told Andy it shouldn’t be for a top student or sports star. I wanted it to be for someone who’d never get this opportunity. And someone who might have been through a tough time – that was important to me – and just needed a bit of a hand to get them back on track.” He left it to Andy to nominate someone, and is pleased with the choice. “I hear she’s a good kid and that she’ll do well. I’d love to keep in touch and see how she’s going.” continues page 4
LIFE SUPPORT: Jayda Maihi with Ōtaki College teacher aide Lee Bain, who has been instrumental in helping Jayda turn her life around. Photo Ian Carson
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PITOPITO KŌRERO/News I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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‘Middle ground’ policy dilemma for National
R
esurrection of the National Party after its drubbing at the polls opens a pivotal point in New Zealand politics that touches on the future of centre-right parties. Essentially this is because the election result reflected in large part a preference for a government that advances state control in its management of the economy and social development. Direction is enforced if perceived as necessary by regulation or legislation with less dependence on persuasion, the balance being determined by the prime minister and her senior colleagues according to their view of what will, or not, hold “the middle” ground for Labour. That “balance” to hold this ground will impose a discipline on more radical and outspoken members of her caucus. It is significant as the restraint required is to several of them contrary to the beliefs they espoused in winning nomination to become MPs. But balance between what middle New Zealand sees as acceptable government control over social and economic aspects of New Zealand life and an excessive application of it is a delicate area. Public perceptions that the Clark Government was “over the top” in seeking to regulate the showering mechanisms of Kiwis is often contributed as cause of her loss to the Bolger-led National Party. For National today, the course the prime minister favours of moderate centre-left governance poses a vital strategic issue. Does National seek to become a champion of individual
freedoms with minimalist ministers make such a hash of their POLITICS economic and social policies, or administrative roles as to become try to match the “middle ground” subjects of ridicule – for example balancing of the prime minister Phil Twyford and David Clark and her team? during the last term. The former If it seeks to match the prime course, however, would offer minister it risks losing out on the voters a genuine choice. Untested right to ACT with its espousal of in today’s political environment is individual freedoms, liberal social whether a visionary policy setting approach and anti-big government out economic and social goals for stance. Pragmatism, and a belief the next decade, backed up with BRUCE KOHN that governments lose elections a firm platform of how they will and oppositions don’t win them, can be a selfbe achieved using free market policies and light defeating political mantra when the jibe that handed regulation, can win voter acceptance. National has become “Labour-light” takes hold. National started under Simon Bridges to Many within National suggest it lost this year’s develop the base for such a platform through election so badly because the middle ground community consultation across the country, but had no idea what National stood for – other than the drive for it withered when leadership changes approving large-scale infrastructure projects. The pre-occupied the party and caucus. “trust me” attitude to political management was The need for it stands out. Differentiation of not matched by public perceptions of a capable policy direction between the two main parties and competent team in charge of its own destiny. is a cornerstone of our democratic system. If National’s challenge lies in the choice of there aren’t contrasting core policies, with an alternative policies to address issues of 2023 based aspirational base for centre-right adherents, on a set of core values; or reliance on seeking National is likely to face a fight for relevance as the credibility that it has a competent team better champion of resistance to “big government”. able to manage the broad set of policy direction A burst of the asset bubbles of housing and the established by the Ardern administration. stock market sparked by low interest rates is likely This latter course can probably be successful to spark a revival of interest in well based and well only if the tilt to more government direction is explained alternative policies. If National doesn’t too strong for middle New Zealand to stomach or have them, watch for a surge in ACT support.
LOCAL EVENTS TE HORO HALL XMAS MARKET Saturday, December 12, 10am-1pm. 60+ stalls with local crafts & produce, a cafe run by locals, great raffles and Santa with free fruit & lollies to the littlies. All funds directly to Te Horo Hall’s earthquake strengthening project. Estimate for investigation and remedial work is about $100k. Funds will help keep the hall open for future generations. ŌTAKI BIKE SPACE GIVEAWAY Ōtaki Skate Park, 123 Riverbank Road. Saturday, December 12, 12–2pm. Donated bikes are repaired and given away for a small koha, including helmets. Send your age/gender and size of bike needed (if you know), and if you need a helmet. Email with your name and contact details to: otakibikespace@gmail.com, message us via facebook or drop into 7 Main St, Ōtaki before December 10. Get a bike in time for Christmas and summer. ŌTAKI-MĀORI RACING CLUB 47 Te Roto Rd. LRC Race Day. Friday December 18, noon-5:30pm. Free entry. OMRC & Kāpiti Harness Racing Club Race Day January 4. 11am-5.30pm. $10 entry fee. FESTIVAL OF POTS AND GARDEN ART Anam Cara, 150 Rangiuru Road, Ōtaki. January 22-27. A fabulous family friendly event set in stunning gardens with an amazing array of pottery, ceramics and garden art for sale. Yummy on-site cafe, free parking, a great day out! $5 entry for adults, kids free. ŌTAKI KITE FESTIVAL February 6-7. A fabulous free weekend of kites, family fun, market stalls and entertainment at Ōtaki Beach. ŌTAKI MUSEUM Main Street, Ōtaki. Open Thursday -Saturday 10am-2pm, excluding public holidays. Current exhibition The Changing Face of Main St. otakimuseum.co.nz ŌTAKI YARD MARKET Every Saturday 8am-2pm, SH1 shops. Growers, crafters, bakers, makers and more. To book a stall: otakiyard.nz ŌTAKI WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CLUB CRAFT MARKET SH 1, opposite New World, open 9am-2pm every Sunday in summer. Contact Georgie at 027 234 1090 for bookings. MAHARA GALLERY, Mahara Place, Waikanae. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. All welcome. FREE entry. ŌTAKI GARAGE SALE Third Saturday of the month, 9-11.30am, rain or shine, Presbyterian Church, 249 Mill Rd. 06 364-6449. Rev Peter Jackson 021 207 9455, owpresb@xtra.co.nz SEASONAL SURPLUS STALL In front of Memorial Hall, Main Street. Thursdays, buying from 10.30am, selling from 11am. Bring surplus fruit, veges and eggs. Contact 364-7762. TE HORO COUNTRY MARKET Te Horo Community Hall, School Road. First Sunday of the month: 10am-1pm. WAIKANAE ARTS & CRAFTS SOCIETY If you’re interested in learning a craft or dusting off your creative skills, try a craft session. Membership fee half annual cost until fees due next year, allowing attendance at all or any group. Contact waikanaeartsandcraftssoc@gmail.com or 06 364 3115 / 0274 171 171. To list your community event, contact debbi@idmedia.co.nz or 06 364-6543.
Sitting in the wings as a minefield of trouble for all parties sits the wave of apologia and championing of all things Māori within sections of the media. Addressing grievance and failures of policy to adequately address social deprivation is one thing. Reporters and personalities focused in news reports on advocacy of a cultural cause of one section of the community quite another. Demand from editorial management for “balance” in news involving Māori pose tricky issues for reporters endeavouring to report events factually. It also opens them up to intense criticism by activists if they don’t like the outcome. Perhaps more worrying, however, is that the political climate generated by a journalistic creed of “advocacy” in support of one section of the community can swiftly breed a counter movement less concerned with legitimate grievance and more with resistance to the drive for cultural change. The popularity of Trumpism in the US, championed by personality rhetoric and scant regard for “fact”, provides a lesson in the political power of populism. When goaded by perceptions that central government is being influenced into policy decisions favouring one section of the community at the expense of others, the middle ground of public opinion can swiftly become reactionary. n Bruce has been an economics and business editor, political and foreign correspondent in Washington, London and Hong Kong. He recently retired as CEO of the Building Industry Federation.
CARTOON OF THE MONTH
By Jared Carson
High-speed car chase through Ōtaki!
Ōtaki Today is published monthly by ID Media Ltd, 13 Te Manuao Rd, Ōtaki. EDITOR: Ian Carson. For editorial enquiries or news tips, please contact Ian at 027 2411 090 or 06 364-6543 or ian@idmedia.co.nz GENERAL MANAGER: Debbi Carson. For advertising enquiries, please contact Debbi on 027 285 4720 or 06 364-6543 or debbi@idmedia.co.nz CARTOONS: Jared Carson KIDS QUIZ: Kyuss Carson
CONTRIBUTORS:
Fraser Carson (Media & Community) • K Gurunathan (Guru’s View) • James Cootes (Local Lens) • Daniel Duxfield (Fitness) • Steve Humphries (Food Science) • Kath Irvine (Edible Backyards) • Rex Kerr (History) • David Klein (Ngā Taonga) • Bruce Kohn (Politics) • Michael Moore (News) • Chris Papps (Ōtaki Outlook) • Amy Webster (Employment Law) • Chris Whelan (Your Business). DESIGN by ID Media Ltd. Printed by Beacon Print, Whakatane.
Ōtaki Today online: otakitoday.com ISSUE 29
ISSN 2624-3067
Next copy and advertising deadline January 5. Publication January 13. Ōtaki Today is a member of the NZ Community Newspapers Association.
PITOPITO KŌRERO/News I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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No more play at playgroup
The Ōtaki Playgroup based at Haruātai Park is to be wound up because of a lack of interest. A committee meeting attended by only Gemma Rutherford and Rose McLardy on November 25 decided to disband the group, which provides a safe play space for Ōtaki children and their parents. The house is often rented out for children’s parties. Treasurer Rose McLardy says the possibility of a last-minute reprieve is unlikely. “If I’m to be honest, I don’t know there would be any point,” she told Ōtaki Today. “Playgroup has struggled with dwindling membership and lack of community support for a number of years and this closure has been on the cards for the last three years. “Even with previous publicity, a revamp inside, all of the extra toys
and baby area that was donated, we have not been able to get the numbers in to make it sustainable.” The house was moved to the Haruātai site, which is owned by Kāpiti Coast District Council, about 30 years ago.. The group has a lease arrangement with the council, and receives some Ministry of Education funding. Formal notice has been given to KCDC and MoE to close the group down. It will cease to exist after January 26. Toys provided by the ministry will be returned. Others will be offered to the Ōtaki Toy Library, and any left over will be offered for sale to the community. The proceeds will go to the Foodbank. All money in the playgroup account after bills are paid will go to MoE.
NABBED: Police were quick to make an arrest of the vehicle’s two occupants.
Photo Ian Carson
Chase drama for market-goers
A stolen white Subaru station wagon ran into the side of a truck and trailer unit in Ōtaki on Friday evening (December 4) after a police chase. The incident occurred about 5.35pm at the highway shops. Being right outside the Friday night market at Ōtaki Yard, the crash and subsequent arrests provided plenty of drama for people attending.
Road spikes had been used south of Ōtaki to cripple the north-bound vehicle, which was being pursued by about six police cars. It was forced to slow at the Ōtaki shops, as traffic was heavy and near a standstill in both directions. The driver of the disabled Subaru tried to make his way at down the centre of the road between the lines of traffic but lost control at minimal
speed and hit the flammable liquids tanker. No one was injured. Police immediately swarmed the car, making two arrests. Two 23-year-old Wellington males were arrested. One was remanded in custody and was to appear in the Porirua District Court on Tuesday (December 8); the other was bailed and also due to appear at Porirua on Tuesday.
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PITOPITO KŌRERO/News I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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Travel company adapts post-Covid
Bright future for Jayda
By Ian Carson
Some travel businesses, such as YOURTravel & Tours based at Paraparaumu Beach, have survived and even thrived in the post-Covid environment. The lockdown in March was tough not only on many individual businesses, but also whole industries. With borders having now been closed to both inbound and outbound tourists for months, it wasn’t difficult to figure out that the travel industry was going to have to adapt or die. Demise was never an option for YOURTravel & Tours co-owners Tanya and Peter Roddam, despite a big part of their business providing guided tours to overseas destinations. “Like everyone, the lockdown was a shock,” Tanya says. “A key part of our business disappeared overnight. We had tours booked and we just couldn’t take people. It was scary.” However, resolve took the place of fright in pretty quick time. Fortunately for the Roddams, they already had a plan to diversify. That plan was to build the New Zealand tour market. The opportunity offered by the stay-at-home lockdown allowed the couple to look at how they would implement the plan. “We were always going to expand our local tour market – Covid just pushed us to bring it forward.” And the big question is, has it worked? The smile on Tanya’s face provides the answer. She’s up-beat about the response so far from clients, and optimistic about the future. The first organised New Zealand tour to the Nelson-Marlborough region in October was well subscribed. And another under way at the time of writing has been a full house.
READY TO GO: Tanya Roddam ready to go on one of the YOURTravel & Tours adventures.
It’s an indication that Kiwis are still looking to travel, and with limited overseas options, savvy tour companies, accommodation providers and tourist destinations are bouncing back. Tanya is excited about the new opportunities. She and her team are looking forward to visiting the hidden treasures of lesser-known New Zealand. “We love taking people to places they might never have thought of,” Tanya says. Sixteen tours are scheduled for 2021, and one in February to Stewart Island, Fiordland and Abel Tasman National Park is sold out. The company uses contracted drivers and luxury coaches for its tours, ensuring they are never filled
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from page 1 Ōtaki College principal Andy Fraser says he’s thrilled that Jayda has the opportunity to attend Outward Bound. “I have nothing but admiration for a young woman who has set her sights on her dreams and gone for it,” he says. “When she has required a hand up she has been brave enough to ask for support. This has helped her journey but at the end of the day it has been her gutsy determination that has been the driving force behind her success.” Jayda has appreciated how the college has supported her through her dark times. And she hopes other students can be brave enough to make a change. Steve has also been a pivotal part of breaking the chain. “Getting this scholarship has made my life much better,” she says. “I know there’s so much more to life. I want to travel. I want to do so much. I want to be a carpenter.” Jayda still has another year at college and the signs are promising. “I think I’m going to do really good.”
to capacity. It recognises that physical space in an enclosed environment is still important to limit the risk of a Covid infection. Meantime, day tours to out-of-town events and private bookings are still available, and the regular travel agency side is continuing as a complementary part of the business. “We can still book accommodation and travel. We have access to all the best deals, so locals – including many people in Ōtaki who have been regular clients – can get good value, and ensure there’s piece of mind by using a reputable agency.” n YOURTravel & Tours, 17a Maclean St, Paraparaumu Beach. 04 297-1392. yourtravel.co.nz
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PITOPITO KŌRERO/News I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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Wood diversion first focus of Zero Waste By Michael Moore
A new group has been launched to encourage residents to reduce the waste going into the Riverbank Road rubbish transfer station. The initiative is born out of a successful community forum by Transition Town Ōtaki in May 2018 called “What a Load of Rubbish”. The group, Zero Waste Ōtaki, has since then been working on solutions to the growing rubbish problem. “The focus was on waste diversion from the landfill and the outcome was the decision to found Zero Waste Ōtaki,” says Jamie Bull. A large macrocarpa wood engraved sign was unveiled at the entrance to the transfer station on November 28. Timber makes up about 10 percent of the waste and is a headache for Midwest and Envirowaste, the commercial operators of local transfer stations at Otaihanga and Ōtaki, who crush the rubbish to compact it before it ends up in the Hokio landfill or further afield. “Wood takes up a lot of room in the waste stream and is a problem for the machinery used for compacting,” Jamie says. “This makes recycling a win-win, and these companies are very supportive of the Zero Waste initiative. “If we can make a success of this, we see it as a first step towards
SIGNED UP: Jamie Bull and Jane Bell of Zero Waste Ōtaki in front of the new sign unveiled on November 28 at the entrance to the transfer station. The sign was designed by Miriam Richardson and carved by Michael Moore.
confronting some of the other, bigger problems of waste disposal. There is also a big saving instead of dumping wood and being charged by the weight.” The official opening date is Sunday, January 31, when waste timber can be dropped off and bought at the site. On the Sundays of December 13 and January 17, wood can be dropped
off. After the opening, the facility will open from 10am-2pm on the last Sunday of the month. A skip is available at the transfer station for wood deposits. Matthew Luxon of Envision and Zero Waste Network, who addressed the community forum in 2018, sees the value of community networks to reduce local waste.
“The potential for collaboration between local communities and networks to increase their effectiveness is vital and is proven to work, if we change habits of how we deal with our growing waste problem,” he says. Zero Waste Ōtaki will also focus on community engagement and education, and pathways to jobs.
“We are keen for more volunteers to assist with sorting wood, de-nailing, stacking, pricing, selling, and even building items such as benches, dog kennels, planter boxes, for resale,” Jamie says. “Once we have the wood recycling up and running fully with all the facilities, equipment and volunteers we need, we will then turn to the next stage towards our long-term goal. This could be mattress recycling, whiteware, e-waste and re-usables. While we’re keen to look at green waste, these other areas are equally critical and must also be addressed.” Grants from the Ōtaki Community Board and Nikau Foundation, and support from local businesses such as Web2Print, Mac Engineering, Hammer Hardware and Ōtaki MenzShed, have helped to get the project off the ground. A community waste minimisation scheme in Raglan diverts 75 percent of general waste from the landfill. It provides employment and access to resources. It operates a reuse shop, metal and wood yard, e-cycle dropoff, consultancy and mentoring, as well as waste audits and site tours. n WHAT: Good wood suitable for house or garden projects. Tanalised or treated timber, more than a metre long. Decent size plywood. Prefer small pieces to be nail-free. n DROP OFF DAYS: Sundays December 13 and January 17, from 9.45am. Sunday, January 31, for drop-off and purchase, 10am-noon.
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whika page 6 GOAT SPONSORS: Wellington students Elia Gibbons and Carter Neal, at left, with Mary Anne, their sponsored goat, at the Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary.
Sanctuary open day showcases animal welfare By Michael Moore
A long drive from Wellington and an unpredictable weather forecast didn’t deter Wellington students Elia Gibbons and Carter Neal visiting the Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary, situated in Ōtaki Gorge, for the first open day since the Covid-19 lockdown. About 50 visitors, young and old, attended the open day for a sunny Sunday afternoon on November 22, the first of several scheduled for the summer months. Elia and Carter sponsor Mary-Anne the goat and Dead Pool the duck. “It just seems a really practical way to contribute and make a difference for these animals,” Elia says. “We love the amazing work that the sanctuary does. It’s really inspiring what they’re doing here. “This was our first visit and it was a real adventure to find our way here. It has been a special opportunity to see our animals.” The sanctuary has its roots in the Animal Protection Society, funded by op shops in Wellington. It helps animals in need and works towards improving animal welfare directly, and by working with other animal welfare groups. In 2009, founder Kate Waghorn saw that the income could support an animal sanctuary. “It was a way of making a real difference, so we found a deposit, bought 26 acres near the Ōtaki Forks, and began establishing a sanctuary,” she says. “It’s founded on animal rights principles HOSTED SMALL GROUP TOURS and is owned and operated as an incorporated DEPARTING FROM society, so there are no commercial drivers for ENCHANTING FAR NORTH 10th Feb 2021 SELLING FAST 11 DAYS KAPITI & HOROWHENUA what we do. “We provide refuge for abused, neglected, For full details or FORGOTTEN WORLD & BRIDGE TO COROMANDEL CAPER information on our and mistreated animals, especially former farm th th NOWHERE 25 Feb 2021 4 DAYS 11 Apr 2021 8 DAYS 2021 tour schedule animals.” please contact us on SOUTH ISLAND TOP TO TOE SOUTHERN SPECTACULAR The sanctuary has been operating for 11 years INCLUDING 18th Apr 2021 27th Feb 2021 SOLD OUT 19 DAYS STEWART ISLAND 16 DAYS 04 297 1392 and currently looks after about 200 animals, including goats, sheep, cows, pigs, ponies and RURAL RAMBLER TOP OF THE SOUTH 0800 470 005 COUNTRY ROADS OF 9th Mar 2021 MANAWATU & RANGITIKEI 7 DAYS 9th May 2021 12 DAYS rabbits. Volunteers and resident international tours@yourtravel.co.nz travellers and helpers, many who stay for a few NELSON STAY PUT TARANAKI EXPLORER months, become part of the family, cooking nd th 22 Mar 2021 WITH FAREWELL SPIT 7 DAYS 24 May 2021 6 DAYS meals for everyone and undertaking various Awesome by day. running smoothly. OTAGO & CATLINS WEST COAST WANDERER duties to keep the sanctuary 7th Apr 2021 7 DAYS 7th June 2021 11 DAYS “Those who stay here also get an opportunity to share their skills and learn new ones,” Kate Maclean St . Paraparaumu Beach . Kapiti www.your travel.co.nz says. “In particular, many women wouldn’t
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“[Sponsorship] just seems a really practical way to contribute and make a difference for these animals. We love the amazing work that the sanctuary does. It’s really inspiring what they’re doing here.” Elia Gibbons normally get a chance to learn how to build, so that’s something unique here.” With New Zealand’s borders being shut, visas for the sanctuary’s overseas helpers will run out in June. “This will put us in an interesting position, so we’re looking out for anyone who would like to come and live in a beautiful place and help care for our animals. We’d love to hear from them. “It has also been a tricky time to be asking for donations when many have lost their job and they had personal financial pressures.” The Covid-19 lockdown and other restrictions meant charity shops were closed for two months, and Black Sheep is thousands of dollars short this year. “Our vet bills can be very high some months, so those who sponsor particular animals are an enormous help.” A large barn is being built that will provide much-needed covered space for the growing demand. After the Ōtaki op shop on the highway closed in March, the charity now relies on donation of goods to its two Wellington shops – in Newtown and Miramar – sponsorships and donations. It also has a range of merchandise to support fundraising. “We encourage people to come and experience the sanctuary during the next couple of months, and we’re also keen to welcome volunteers. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and get in touch via our website to register interest for the open days over summer.” The next open days will be from 1pm on January 9 and 24. n For more information, see theblacksheep.org.nz
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Jobs for creative graduates Eight local rangatahi now have jobs at Māoriland after graduating in late November from a six-week course that took them behind the scenes of New Zealand’s top special effects and animation companies. The first graduates from the Māoriland Tech Creative Hub (MATCH) also received one-onone mentoring from some of the country’s top tech artists. As part of their course they presented their own projects on graduation night to a room filled with whānau, friends and some of the MATCH industry partners. Each of the graduates shared their animation work that included a dance video, 2D animation, graphic design, a pitch for an animation series and more. MATCH manager J T ( Jared Tuoro), who has a background as development manager for New Zealand Rugby, was responsible for getting all of the rangatahi through the course. “When I took the job I knew very little about the creative industry,” he says. “I had an old brick phone! But I do know the importance of creating a team to overcome challenges. “I watched these rangatahi climb a very steep maunga, but they did it with 100 percent attendance and completion. And wow! The work they created and the talent they have is hugely exciting.” The MATCH team had two days in Wellington visiting parts of Weta Digital and Weta Workshop that not many people get to see. This included trying out the motion capture technology used now in many productions including the Avatar films. Weta Digital’s executive VFX producer, David
YOUR MESSAGE IN EVERY HOME
House prices keep rising
Property prices continue to leap in Ōtaki. Figures from homes.co.nz show house prices rising a whopping 7.1 percent in the three months to November, 10.4 percent in the previous six months, and 17 percent over 12 months. The estimated median house price is $510,000.
Road realignment
HERE’S HOW: Concept artist Gus Hunter discusses some ideas with MATCH graduate Iz Osborne.
Conley, who has films such as The Jungle Book, Avengers: Infinity War, Pirates of The Caribbean, and Life of Pi among his credits, shared his story with the students. He came from an underprivileged background growing up in America’s west to being one of the top creatives in the world. He told the rangatahi to dream big and to believe in their dreams. These were messages shared by many of the top creatives who came to MATCH to share their stories, including Jessica Hansell, creator of animated series Aroha Bridge; musician and creative Tokerau Wilson; sketchologist Meg Melvin; and Munro Te Whata, illustrator of the Māori Hare Pota.
Plus we have eight news stands, including one in Waikanae and Levin. Our total print run is 7000 copies every month – that means a lot of eyes on stories of local interest and pages that are designed to encourage readership, including the advertising.
06 364-6543 027 285-4720 debbi@idmedia.co.nz * Not delivered to boxes labeled ‘Addressed mail only’ or similar.
Also sharing his story was one of the world’s best concept artists, Gus Hunter. Gus grew up in Porirua and was one of the first employees of the then small Weta Workshop about 18 years ago. His visual images were in Lord of the Rings and King Kong, and he has worked on all of the Weta films, creating extraordinary concept art that has enabled them to be brought to life. The first of the MATCH Animation Intensifier graduates will work at Māoriland for the next three months before transitioning into the creative industry. The next intake for MATCH will be in late January.
From the week beginning December 13 (depending on weather), traffic will be shifted from SH1 just south of the Ōtaki River bridge onto the temporary road being built to the west of the existing alignment. The switch will let the project team work on the partial interchange at Ōtaki Gorge Road. This will ultimately allow the team to move local road traffic onto the new alignment, so the existing Ōtaki Gorge Road can be used for access to complete the expressway through this section.
Next OCB meeting
The next meeting of the Ōtaki Community Board is in the Gertrude Atmore Lounge (attached to the Memorial Hall) at 7pm on Tuesday, February 2. The public is always welcome to attend.
Eighteen call-outs The fire brigade had 18 call-outs in November. Five each for medical assistance and motor vehicle accidents, two each for private fire alarms, vehicle fires and special services, and one each for burning rubbish and FAGI (fire alarm good intent).
n For information, see maorilandfilm.co.nz/match
ŌTAKI YESTERDAY
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Who is the Ōtaki dude with the flash glasses and haircut looking after Tina Turner during filming of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome? Find out in Ōtaki Yesterday.
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PITOPITO KŌRERO/News I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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Queenie’s book re-published in te reo Māori A book originally published in English in 2006 by Ōtaki author and journalist Queenie Rikihana-Hyland has been re-published in te reo Māori. The new version of Manawa Hine was launched on Monday (December 7) to a large crowd of whānau, friends and contributors at Te Wānanga o Raukawa’s Te Ara a Tāwhaki lecture theatre. Queenie says she’s delighted to see the book in te reo Måori. “I’ve always wanted to see it in te reo, because the stories are about strong Māori women,” she says. The title literally means “stout-hearted women”. Manawa Hine tells the stories of four young women – none more than 25 years old – who had to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to survive. And all the stories involve swimming in the sea. They include Kahe Te Rau o Te Rangi, who
swam from Kāpiti Island to the mainland with a baby on her back; Hinepoupou, who swam from Kāpiti Island across Cook Strait; Hūria Mātenga, who saved the lives of nine men from a sinking ship; and Pania, who finally found love after years of abuse from her elderly husband. Queenie say the book is “faction” – part fact, part fiction. She knows the true elements of the stories, but she felt the instinct to write what was not known from her heart, as if her tipuna were speaking to her. The book has been translated from English by Ani Makaere, who teaches Māori law and philosophy at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It’s illustrated by Levin artist Sarah Wairau. The book is available from Te Wånanga o Raukawa and online at wanganga.com LAUNCHED: At the book launch are (back row) husband Michael Hyland, son Zachary with niece Mahia Vierra, and his wife Kim. Front row are Tuhi Hyland, Leila Vierra, Queenie and Ana Vierra.
Lions boost Foodbank The local Lions club is thanking the people of Ōtaki after collecting stacks of boxes, bags of food and cash donations for the Ōtaki Foodbank. The club runs an annual appeal to help the foodbank support local residents through the Christmas season.
Prizes for fishing whoppers The Ōtaki Boating Club is offering prizes for the longest fish in three species caught over the next three months. Until February 28, the club is asking fishers to submit photos of their catch on a competition measuring mat. The catcher of the longest kahawai, gurnard and snapper each month will receive a $100 Hunting & Fishing voucher. Entry forms can be downloaded from the club’s website: otakiboatingclub.wixsite. com/otakiboatingclub Information is
also on the club’s Facebook page, or email otakiboatingclub@gmail.com Kites and boats Meantime, the club is to be part of the famous Ōtaki Kite Festival at the beach on February 6-7. Festival organiser the Otaki Promotions Group has asked the club to participate by towing some of the larger kites from world-renowned Peter Lynn Kites behind boats offshore – depending on weather conditions. The boat-kite display is scheduled for 2pm on both days.
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HĪTŌRIA/History I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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Archbishop’s diamond jubilee celebrated at Pukekaraka By David Klein Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Nearly 90 years ago, Ōtaki was the site of a major commemoration – the diamond jubilee of Archbishop Francis Redwood. Drawing hundreds of well-wishers to town, the occasion is beautifully captured in a 1934 newsreel. February 27 in 1934 marked 60 years since Redwood’s appointment as Bishop of Wellington. At 35, it had made him the youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the world; at 95, his diamond jubilee celebrations had him as one of the oldest. The New Zealand Herald noted that the length of his tenure was a world record. Festivities were at the Ōtaki Catholic Māori Mission, now St Mary’s Catholic Church and Pukekaraka Marae on Convent Road. Ngāti Raukawa hosted the bishop and entertained the crowd with haka, poi and waiata. This recording shows kapa haka in beautiful clarity. Sound recording for film was still a reasonably new technology in 1934, but the synchronisation on this clip is impressive. Guitar strumming and haka actions are true to life. The waiata are accompanied by guitars, ukulele and piano accordion. Several other cameras and photographers can be seen, speaking to
Redwood’s affection and renown. The kapa haka was on the marae ātea in front of Roma and Hine Nui O Te Ao Katoa meeting houses, built in 1904 and 1905 respectively. These wharenui had been used by both Ngāti Raukawa and Muaūpoko and was the site of a Catholic mission from 1842. One of the early figures involved in missionary work in the area was Octavius Hadfield, the 19th century bishop who helped establish Rangiātea Church. Dozens of cars had driven hundreds of clergy and laity up from Wellington. The crowds were welcomed by Taite Te Tomo, Reform Party Member of Parliament for Western Māori (1930-1935). Another speaker, Father James Riordan, addressed Archbishop Redwood: “My heart is like a harbour to which a thousand ships are returning laden with a freight of love”. In his reply, the 93-year-old said he was touched by the ceremony: “I have to thank you very much for this imposing reception and I shall keep a happy memory of this function as long as God gives me life.” The next month, more than 10,000 people took to the streets of Wellington
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to celebrate the milestone. The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography notes that Redwood was revered among Catholics and non-Catholics alike “by the stately way he comported himself, by his balanced views and his eloquence both in the pulpit and on the platform”. The recording ends with Redwood’s diamond jubilee message to New Zealand: “Everywhere I have been in my travels I have extolled New Zealand’s natural beauty and resources, and its splendid climate. But the greatness of a nation depends not on material resources, but on the character of its people; and I would say to my fellow citizens, in St Paul’s words when he expressed relations which should always exists between the Church and State, ‘Fear God and honour the King’.” Throughout 1934, Bishop Redwood kept busy with appointments across the lower North Island. He was at the prize-giving for St Patrick’s College in Wellington, a school he had founded nearly 50 years prior. His Christmas blessings were passed around the country. After complications from surgery, he died on January 3, 1935. • The recording described can be viewed at https:// bit.ly/BishopRedwood n Ngā Taonga cares for an enormous number of recordings that capture New Zealand life. They can be explored in the online catalogue at ngataonga. og.nz and you can sign up for the Ngā Taonga newsletter using the Sign Up button at the top of the page.
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A montage of photos from Archbishop Redwood’s visit to Pukekaraka in 1934. They include top left (1) the archbishop with Father James Riordan; 2. Dr Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne, left, and CoadjutorArchbishop of Wellington Thomas O’Shea; 3. Fathers John Barra, left, and Jarre (Lyons); 4. Father Francois Melu, right, for 60 years Māori missioner at Ōtaki; 5. A poi dance in progress; 6. Archbishop Redwood, centre, and some of the visitors watching entertainment; 7, 8 and 9. Snapshots of visitors at the mission; 10. Bishop James Whyte of Dunedin. Photo: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19340307-41-1
Steven, Janine and the team at New World Ōtaki wish our customers a very Merry Christmas We are open every day 7am-9pm except Christmas Day, over the holiday period
Ōtaki Today, Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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HUATAU/Comment GURU’S VIEW: K GURUNATHAN
Ōtaki needs to be alert to ‘foundational’ health system changes On November 27 new Health Minister Andrew Little gave a fairly blunt message about changes to our health system dominated by 20 lumbering district health boards. The shakeup will see the DHBs reduced to between 8 and 12. The minister of a Labour Government that is ruling alone intends to fast-track the changes to happen within two years. “Foundational” change will be made first “so that work in establishing processes and culture can begin,” he said. One of those changes would be the creation of a Māori health authority to sit alongside the Ministry of Health and Health NZ to provide advice across all Māori health policy. The coming change raises the need, if nothing else, for Ōtaki to be alert.
Will foundational change see the MidCentral DHB be amalgamated into a bigger entity to the north while Capital & Coast gets absorbed south into the Hutt and Wairarapa? What will this mean for Ōtaki and the current memorandum of understanding between MidCentral and Capital & Coast? Consider another scenario where the delivery of Ōtaki’s health services is surgically removed and grafted to
PLAIN SPEAKING: IAN CARSON
My Dad, the Grinch
My dad didn’t like Christmas much. He’d sit in his favourite chair, ignoring the chaos in the kitchen but making the obligatory seasons greetings. It was always a day out of his comfort zone. He was a market gardener – though previously a brilliant scholar with a dux from John McGlashan College. He had been an impressive sportsman and a reluctant war hero as an Arctic convoy veteran of the Second World War. Other than the noise of Christmas gatherings, two things were probably the source of his discomfort. One was that as a gardener he had come to live in his own world, working tirelessly in the tomato or cabbage patches without company. They were long hours, and doubtless his thoughts were not always of the comforting kind. Memories of war when hatches were closed on his burning ship with mates trapped below haunted him his whole life. He was also conscious that Christmas Day or not, it was the height of the tomato season. The tomatoes kept growing, as did the ever-present weeds. He felt the need to be in the garden. With a family of five kids to feed, there was always the desire to get as much produce as possible to market, and hope for good prices. Make hay while the sun shines. It was probably a work ethic of his generation, and I admit to inheriting some of it from him. The catchcry now is “work-life balance”. If Dad had understood the concept, he most likely would have ignored it anyway. But I feel sorry that he couldn’t enjoy just that one day without worry and fear. We all have the option to enjoy life or not – to smell the flowers or throw them in the bin. Let’s choose the former – just for one day. n Ian is editor of Ōtaki Today
the bigger Greater Wellington entity to the south. There are other forces at work that need to be considered. The first is the transport infrastructure investment that has seen Horowhenua engage with regional transport planning centred in the Wellington region. Wellington Regional Council’s rail public transport planning includes more frequent links to Palmerston North through Horowhenua. This was followed by Horowhenua being grafted into the Wellington region’s spatial planning called the Regional Growth Framework. This is to cater for a projected population growth, over 30 years, of an additional 80,000 people within the
western corridor stretching from Tawa to Levin, with Levin identified as a growth centre. On December 3, the prime minister was in Levin to turn the sod for the 420-hectare Tara-Ika subdivision, projected to cater for 2500 homes over five years. It’s supported by a $25 million government infrastructure investment through a loan and grant arrangement. Horowhenua is also leveraging its projected population growth to seek investment in a Levin hospital, rationalising its “business case” by including the ability of this hospital to cater for the projected 69,000 population of Kapiti Coast by 2043. The fly in the ointment is that the existing and immediate improvement
to the transport infrastructure will link Ōtaki to the south towards Wellington. Before the proposed expressway north of Ōtaki to Levin is built, Ōtaki will be linked earlier to Paraparaumu and to Transmission Gully by several years. Efficient transport routes have an economic energy that will draw Ōtaki south. That is likely to mean investment into growth will take off in Ōtaki and south of Ōtaki before moving to Levin. Ōtaki is at an interesting crossroads and the issues I have raised are just a number of jigsaws worth considering over your holiday break. Have a safe Christmas. n Guru is the Kāpiti Coast mayor and an
Ōtaki resident
LOCAL LENS: JAMES COOTES
A year like no other, but lots to be thankful for Well, that’s almost it for the year and what a year it’s been. We’ve probably all heard the saying “hindsight’s 20/20”. The Webster Dictionary’s definition is “the full knowledge and complete understanding that one has about an event only after it has happened”. Rather ironic don’t you think for 2020? As a younger person I’ve often sat and listened to older people who have experienced so much more in their lifetime. My old neighbour, Pete, told me of the effects of the Great Depression and the collapse of the financial markets in the 1980s. Now, here we are in 2020 and we have a pandemic. A single event that changed the world as we know it. Tourism, business, healthcare, employment and many other aspects of life changed overnight. For me and my household, as self-employed business owners, it had an impact on our business. We incurred more debt, re-assessed
what was important to us and changed our business model. My role in council has been not too dissimilar. This year we’ve developed an Annual Plan, changed that to respond to Covid-19 and now as we start consulting on our Long Term Plan, we’re looking at it with a different perspective. This LTP we’re asking “what matters the most” to you? As we shape our LTP, that forms our work programme, priorities and what many of us hate – your rates increase – we’re trying to focus our plans on what matters the most to
people. Rather than trying to be everything for everyone. If you haven’t provided feedback already then you can via the KCDC website by clicking on the tab “What matters most, Kāpiti?” With all that being said, as I sit on my deck on this beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, we have a lot to be thankful for. I have a saying I remind myself and others with, it could be worse, we’re not having our legs blown off in Syria. A bit dramatic I know, but it’s sadly true. Despite all the challenges, we live in a beautiful part of Aotearoa. We often lose sight of that. As we break for Christmas, I wish you all the best over the holiday period. If you’re doing a spot of Christmas shopping, please support our great local businesses. If you’re travelling, take care on the roads. But most of all, enjoy time with friends and whanau and have a very Merry Christmas. n James is Ōtaki Ward Councillor
ŌTAKI OUTLOOK: CHRIS PAPPS
Arkwright was right – it’s been a funny old year A certain shopkeeper called Arkwright, at the end of most episodes of Open All Hours, when his day was complex and delivery boy Granville made life difficult, would contemplate the world and say, “It’s been a funny old day”. At the end of 2020 we can paraphrase Arkwright, and say, “It’s been a funny old year”. That’s as in “funny, peculiar”, not “funny, ha-ha”. Those of us who live and work in Ōtaki and Kāpiti have suffered periods of stress but largely avoided the issues of the cities to the south and north. Unless you commute or travel, people wearing masks are an uncommon sight. Living here, even during the March lockdown and Covid Level 4, was relatively painless. We were able to shop for ourselves. We took our dogs for walks. We maintained relationships with our neighbours while learning the new concept of
“social distancing”. We discovered new things such as Zoom meetings with our work colleagues and families. At 1pm on a weekday we turned on the TV and found the PM and D-G of Health telling us how well we were doing as a team of five million. We went from lockdown through Levels 3 and 2 and now the comparative freedom of Level 1. Auckland was plunged back into various levels of restrictions and that gave us pause for thought. The rest of the world, with the exception of our
neighbours on Pacific Islands who have generally managed to keep the virus outside their borders, has seemed to stagger from one crisis to another. The vaccines might, or might not, provide solutions. Will we ever truly return to “normal” or is this quarantined border the way it has to be in future? Will tourism as we knew it ever return? Arkwright was right. It has been a funny old year. Now, with Christmas only a very few sleeps away, we need to gather our families and friends around us and celebrate the great good fortune we have. The members and staff of the Ōtaki Community Board wish you all the best for your celebration of the festive season, and let’s hope 2021 brings better times for us all. n Chris is chair of the Ōtaki Community Board
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you have something to say, write to us. Please include your full name, address and contact phone number. Only letters that include these details will be published, unless there is good reason to withhold a name. Maximum 200 words. Note your letter may be edited for grammar and accuracy. Not all letters received will be published and the publisher reserves the right to reject any letter. Write to Ōtaki Today, 13 Te Manuao Rd, Ōtaki or email letters@idmedia.co.nz OPINION: Note that the views and opinions of our contributors are not necessarily those of Ōtaki Today.
HUATAU/Comment I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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Bikes, popsicles, bird-baths and pink flamingos WHY I LOVE OTAKI TIRIATA CARKEEK
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rowing up in the 80s, I thought Kirk Street was the centre of Ōtaki (if not the world), being equal walking distance to the Railway or to town. And it was always walking or biking for us because we didn't own a car. Dad brought us to Ōtaki when my mother died. He had three kids aged 5 and under, and things were pretty tough with family and friends so far away. But Ōtaki was a safer place than Auckland to raise free-range kids. We had a big section, which like most on our street would later be subdivided. But back then there was still room to play beer-crate cricket or light a bonfire fuelled by petrol and household goods. There were fruit trees – plums, peaches, apples, blackberries. And along the neighbours' walls grew gooseberries and banana passionfruit. Mr Morgan, two doors down, grew chrysanthemums for market. There were no real fences and it seemed the whole block was our backyard. Friday nights were epic games of go-home-stay-home, dressed like ninjas, with Eveready torches, crouching and crawling through the neighbourhood. On my Cruiser, and taking shortcuts, I could get to school in about 10 minutes flat. Getting home took longer. I might stop at Templeys or Hings for lollies. Or make a pit-stop at the library. My super-power was reading while walking (and pushing a bike). If I was with my mate Jo, we'd look at houses, picking the ones we'd live in when we were rich and grown up. Or stop at the travel shop to browse the brochures and dream. It was
years before I realised Phuket was pronounced “Poo-ket" but it made us laugh at the time. We'd part ways at the corner of Kirk and Aotaki, just as the workers in their in blue and khaki overalls rode up from the factories and depots down Riverbank Road. My family didn’t go on camping trips or have a bach. We didn’t even have a car to shop at Coastlands in the weekend. So we spent all our time and money in Ōtaki – and didn’t mind at all. Dad would ask where we were going, and we had to be back at a set time. But by and large we entertained ourselves. We played sport, swam at Haruātai, were regulars at the Saturday matinee (Ghostbusters, The Goonies, Dirty Dancing…), trekked down the river by way of the dump or played bat-down on the street. There were no Sunday roasts (and we didn’t go to church), but every Sunday one of us got to bike down to the Temuera Street Dairy to get fresh uncut bread and a 1.5 litre Coke. And if we were lucky, popsicles wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper.
This might well be an ode to an endless Ōtaki summer, spent riding bikes, picking tomatoes, eating ice-blocks, swimming at the river, or playing in the creek. Except that when I was 10, I started delivering the Weeky News. This is how I remember that it was also cold and wet – and the streets were paved with dog poo. In fair weather, my brothers might help me with my paper run. But when it rained I was on my own, pulling sodden newspapers from a beer crate, smelling coal fires and somebody else’s dinner. My patch included Waerenga Road, Bell Street, Atmore Ave, Temuera Street and Maire Street. But my favourite was Lemon Street with its bird-baths and garden ornaments (sundials, garden gnomes, pink flamingos, giant butterflies, tyre swans . . .). I remember too that people were kind – giving me lollies, lemonade and even coins at Christmas. They were from a generation that went to war, built solid houses and tended colourful gardens. They wrote their names on their letterboxes.
In 1989, I went to boarding school. That was the year everyone put Coke bottles in their gardens to stop the dogs pooing. On Lemon Street’s manicured lawns they practically built small walls. It might also have been the year the movie theatre closed and soon after the pool was covered (forever taking away the pleasure of those grassy slopes and running for the slide). It was a turning point for me – the year I slowly started to drift away from Ōtaki. I went away to university and then overseas, coming back occasionally but never staying long. Then, in 2003, SARS cut short my stay in Tianjin, China, a place I found increasingly scary. It was crowded, polluted and unkind. When I came back, I saw Ōtaki with new and appreciative eyes. I noticed for the first time that there were actual mountains on the doorstep. The air was clean – I found myself taking long, deep breaths. I no longer needed to wear a mask. I could see the stars. Strangers watering their gardens, stopped to say hello. I was suddenly surrounded by smiling faces and people who knew my name. Walking down familiar streets I would ask myself, “how many times have I come this way” perhaps 10,000 times or more? That’s when I knew I loved Ōtaki. I know Ōtaki can never return to the place it was when I was young. All the market gardens and honesty boxes have disappeared. The shortcuts and tracks are subdivisions now. But I love Ōtaki for all the memories it holds, for its natural beauty and for the kindness and community I see every day. And I know that in these uncertain times – when again I have found myself wearing a face mask – there really is no place I’d rather be.
Wishing you all a happy and safe festive season! Thank you to my local community for all your continued support throughout this challenging year. Sarah Lange Sales Consultant 022 317 7613 sarah.lange@tallpoppy.co.nz BULSARA T/A TALL POPPY LICENSED UNDER REAA 2008
Ōtaki Update December 2020
Council services over Christmas and New Year Some of our hours are a little different over the holiday period. Check below to see when our Council and community facilities and services are operating over the summer break.
Service Centres
Swimming pools
Waste and recycling
• The Paraparaumu, Ōtaki and Waikanae Service Centres will close from 3pm, 24 December and reopen 9am, Tuesday 5 January 2021.
Coastlands Aquatic Centre, Waikanae Pool and Ōtaki Pool are closed Christmas Day only.
For the 2020/21 Public Holiday period Waste Management, Low-Cost Bins, EnviroWaste and Lucy’s Bins have the following changes:
• You can still get in touch with us by calling 0800 486 486.
Building consents, resource consents and LIMs Our Council offices are closed between Christmas and New Year, and building inspections are not available over this period. Building inspections and processing of building consents, resource consents and LIMs will resume on Tuesday 5 January 2021.
All three facilities will have slightly different opening hours between 24 December 2020 and 4 January 2021. For all opening hours over this period visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/contact-us/ service-centres
Alcohol-free zones A reminder that alcohol-free zones are in place for: • all beaches from 9pm–6am every day • all public places in urban areas from Paekākāriki to Te Horo from 9pm to 6am every day
If your normal collection day is a Friday, during the holiday period your rubbish will be collected on Saturday 26 December and Saturday 2 January.
Waikanae Greenwaste & Recycling Centre, Ōtaki Transfer Station and Otaihanga Resource Recovery Facility and Reuse Shop
Libraries
• all skateboard parks and reserves, 24-hours a day, every day of the year
• 25 December – Closed
Our district libraries are closed from 3pm on Thursday 24 December and will reopen Tuesday 29 December.
• specified areas in Ōtaki, 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
• 1 January – Closed
Over the new year period our district libraries will close at 3pm on Thursday 31 January and reopen on Tuesday 5 January.
Please visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/alcoholfree-zones for more information and frequently asked questions about how the zones work.
• Boxing Day – Open 9am–5pm
• 2 January – Open 9am–5pm
Composting NZ – Greenwaste Facility • 25–26 December – Closed • 1–2 January – Closed
kapiticoast.govt.nz
Keeping safe this summer This summer we celebrate our home and the things we love most about Kāpiti. We all have a role to play in helping to keep each other safe and in protecting our environment. Kāpiti has something for everyone – and everyone should be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Photo credit: Aldrin Molina
Photo credit: Mark Coote
Photo credit: Bob Zuur
Is it safe to swim?
Visiting our beaches
Whether it’s at the beach, a river or one of our aquatic centres or pools, Kāpiti has you covered if you’re looking to take a dip!
We all have the right to enjoy our beaches and be safe doing so. You can help keep our beaches safe and accessible this summer by remembering:
Our rivers and beaches are generally pretty clean and it’s usually safe for a swim, but sometimes heavy rain or drought can change that.
• there are summer on and off leash areas on our beaches for your furry friends – if you don’t know where they are check out our website
You can check if it’s safe to swim anytime this summer on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website. Just click on your favourite spot on the map, or allow your location to find the closest swimming spots to you. You can check out the water quality at all of the best water spots in Kāpiti and around New Zealand.
• horses are allowed on all Kāpiti beaches but there are restrictions in urban areas during summer
lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming
• vehicles are not permitted on most Kāpiti beaches, except when launching a boat • to use the public tracks marked with blue posts to access our beaches, and • you need a permit to light a fire on the beach all year round in Kāpiti, you can apply for a beach fire permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
kapiticoast.govt.nz/our-district/beaches
Toxic algae in rivers and streams If you walk your furry friend near the lagoons in any of our parks and reserves or along our district’s rivers and streams, keep an eye out for toxic algae as the temperature rises. Toxic algae can be fatal to dogs, even if eaten in tiny amounts. Toxic algae looks like brown or black mats that grow on rocks in the river bed. Mats can come loose from the riverbed and wash up on the banks or form floating ‘rafts’ in shallow areas. When exposed, the mats can dry out and turn a light brown or white colour and may also produce a strong musty odour. Dogs are at the greatest risk from toxic algae because they love the smell of it and will eat it if given the chance.
For more info about toxic algae visit the Greater Wellington website: gw.govt.nz/toxic-algae
Ōtaki Update December 2020
Meri Kirihimete and season’s greetings As 2020 draws to a close, I’m taking time to reflect on what we have collectively experienced this year. The resilience and compassion our community has shown through the COVID-19 pandemic gives me great optimism for the future. Together, we are stronger. I want to thank our district’s tireless volunteer sector, our emergency and essential workers, and our Councillors, Community Boards and Council staff .for rising to the challenges this year has brought to deliver for Kāpiti. On top of staffing the Emergency Operations Centre through the changing alert levels, Council has continued to deliver the core services Kāpiti relies on – water, wastewater, roading and animal management to name a few – while at the same time, progressing many of the key projects outlined in the Council’s 2018–38 Long–term Plan. So, after such a tumultuous and busy year I hope we can all find a little down time now to rest and relax with friends and whanau. Take good care of yourselves, and enjoy our unique home this summer. Mayor K Gurunathan
Summer in Kāpiti Summer’s here and we have a bumper line up of events and activities to keep you all energised and entertained. There’s something for everyone, from the popular Sport and Play series in our stunning parks and reserves in January, to larger events in February such as Movies in the Park and the Ōtaki Kite Festival, as well as a fabulous new event in March – He Rangi Mokopuna/Children’s Day. There’s so much to explore, experience and visit right here in Kāpiti this summer, so keep an eye out for our monthly calendar of events in the newspaper, in our libraries and service centres, and online at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz
Kāpiti Kids’ Summer Reading Programme
Responsible camping in Kāpiti
Our Summer Reading Programme starts soon! The programme is for primary school-aged children (years 1–8) and aims to keep kids enjoying books and engaged with reading over the long summer break. The programme is free, and everyone who completes it is gifted a free book and an invitation to the celebration pool party. Pop into the Ōtaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu or Paekākāriki libraries to sign up!
Did you know there are nine designated freedom camping sites along the Kāpiti Coast for campers with fully self-contained motorhomes to enjoy? Permits aren’t required but campers have responsibilities if choosing to stay in Kāpiti and must abide by our policies and bylaws. Requirements, locations and time restrictions can be found on our website.
Registrations open on 14 December – find out more at: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/libraries
kapiticoast.govt.nz/our-district/ visiting-kapiti/freedom-camping
kapiticoast.govt.nz
Ōtaki Today, Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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HUATAU/Comment More talk fests make for better communities A
FRIEND once offered me his thoughts Let’s think for a moment about how some about a public meeting to discuss issues well-known, very smart people solve complex of importance in the local community. problems. “Just a bloody talk-fest” he complained. Albert Einstein comes to mind. Well, Albert Undeterred, I managed to persuade him to apparently said that if he had an hour to solve a attend the meeting with me, where he found problem, he’d spend 55 minutes thinking about himself passionately immersed in the discussion the problem and five minutes thinking about and, interestingly, had plenty to say. solutions. On leaving I inquired about what he thought So, there it is. How many times do we see of the proceedings. official changes made in our communities and “Ha, just a bloody talk-fest,” he muttered wondered why it hadn’t flickered onto people’s darkly. radar before it had happened? MEDIA & COMMUNITY “Was there anything wrong Part of the answer might with people in the community be that our communities are having a discussion about issues insufficiently networked, that are deeply important in our and consultation tends to be community,” I suggested. conducted in name, rather than For a brief moment he seemed actuality. thoughtful, then asserted, “No, But it’s also likely to be because but we need far less talk around we’re far too determined to find here and much more action.” a solution before we’ve had It got me thinking about the discussion and properly FRASER CARSON the decisions and actions that understood the problem. authorities, and elected officials, make on Let’s face it, we expect our elected officials to behalf of the citizenry and the ways in which have all the answers. Isn’t that how elections are communities have a voice in influencing those run and why we vote for some candidates and choices. not others? While it’s a widely accepted truth that Every citizen will have an opinion and a decision makers have a difficult time working hard time understanding why actions can’t be out how to “consult” with communities, perhaps undertaken in their favour, and in haste. But the the bigger issue is that communities have poor best elected officials tend to maintain bigger pathways to really good decision making. ears than mouths and keep a healthy ear to the
Many people start a strategy by thinking first about “activities”. But Albert Einstein’s planning starts at the beginning, with a thorough understanding of the problem and a vision for what might be. That’s at the thick end of importance because it leads on to a steering wheel (the strategy), before starting the engine (activities).
ground where they listen to all points-of-view, not just those with the loudest voices that demand hasty action. So, next time the community feels it needs a voice in the decisions that affect everyone, more “talk-fests” might just be part of the answer.
n Fraser is a member of the XŌtaki College Alumni Trust and the founding partner of Flightdec.com. Flightdec’s kaupapa is to challenge the status quo of the internet to give access to more reliable and valuable citizen generated content, and to improve connectivity and collaboration. He can be contacted at fraser@flightdec.com
TAKE ME HOME, PLEASE!
BOOK REVIEW
South Island adventures, Lesotho weaving Christabel Jackson. Keeping up with the Goalposts. Otaki: Self-published, 2020. ISBN: 978-0-473-55062. Reviewed by John C Ross
The memoir of Ōtaki’s Christabel Jackson is a good read. She’s had an impressively unorthodox and enterprising life, seeing and making good use of new opportunities, each time the goalposts shifted, and she’s written about it all in a fresh and lively fashion. She’s kept journals all her life to draw upon. Christabel was born in 1945 as Christabel Little, the second of three children, all girls, of Richard (Dick) and Bessy (Betty) Little, who had an apple and pear orchard at Mahana, west of Nelson. In the harvestseason, once they were old enough, the girls worked in the orchard and packingshed, alongside the seasonal workers. Otherwise, they had marvellous school holidays, here and there in the upper South Island, sometimes with other families. She developed a love of the outdoors, and of tramping. She mostly enjoyed her schooling, and went on to complete a BSc at Victoria University in Wellington. At age 22, she married Simon Jackson, and they bought a run-down old house in Norway Street, in the Aro Valley area. They spent months renovating it, with friends helping, and establishing a terraced garden, and Christabel first got involved in learning weaving.
She accompanied Simon to London, where he took on a computing job at the British Library, and she linked up with a weaving school in Highbury as a cleaner and trainee. The marriage broke up. Six weeks in Guatemala proved amazing, observing the Maya people’s rich weaving designs and colour schemes. Back in London, she applied for a job with the International Voluntary Service as an advisor for the weaving industry in Lesotho. Lesotho, once known as Basutoland, is a small independent country within South Africa. It’s in a high-hilly area, to which the Basotho people had retreated when the Afrikaaners
appropriated their traditional lands. Christabel’s brief was to spend three months in each of a series of weaving workshops, to train the women workers in more effective techniques. In practice, she spent time in just two such workshops, and after her two-year IVS contract ran out she stayed on, in all spending 27 years working in Lesotho. Her half-share of the cash from selling the Norway Street property enabled her to set up her own weaving company. After some years, however, her position became unviable, so she sold it. Instead, she spent 10 years helping local village people develop planter-box gardens, within rings of stones, or, where possible, deep-trench gardens, which made huge differences to their ability to feed their families properly. At age 62, in 2007, grown weary, she came back to New Zealand, buying a house in Ōtaki, where she’s been ever since. She’s established an elaborate garden, revived old friendships, and made new friends, including myself. It’s the well-captured living detail that makes all this a good read – activities, people, as individuals or groups, and her interactions with them, depicted places, and happenings – backed up with a number of well-captioned black-and-white photos. n Keeping up with the Goal Posts is available for $30 from the Railway Bookshop, Main Street, or from the author, Christabel Jackson. Email xtajaxx@yahoo.co.uk
Tuftee is a softie Tuftee is an 8-month-old male who was found living at one of the colonies of stray cats Forgotten Felines helped to trap.
He’s made wonderful progress in foster care, but now needs a home. He’s still shy and jumpy with new people, but he loves cuddling up on his foster mum’s lap, purrs and likes to tuck his head in her arm. Tuftee will need someone willing to spend time with him each day and create a bond, but also someone who understands it might take him time to become comfortable. He loves the company of other cats, so it would be great to have a home where he will have company. Given his shy nature he will need to live as an indoor-only cat or on a quiet street (if going outside). His new family will need to ensure he is well settled and comfortable before being let outside. n To adopt Tuftee, call Forgotten Felines 027 507 7691 or info@forgottenfelines.org.nz See forgottenfelines.org.nz
Old School Beauty & Electrolysis Welcome to Old School Beauty and Electrolysis. See Deb Shannon, qualified, experienced and passionate about beauty therapy. Treatments available include Electrolysis • Eyes, shapes and tints • Facials, microdermabrasion • Waxing • Body Massage • Skintag and red vein removal • Manicures and pedicures • Makeup.
Dunstan Street • Ōtaki • 06 364 5543 THERE’S A NEW BEAUTY THERAPIST IN TOWN
Jacinda welcomes Hannah to her business. Hannah is a qualified and experienced beauty therapist offering treatments which include: * Shellac Gel nails * Facials * Manicures and pedicures * Waxing * Indian scalp massage * Eyebrow & eyelash tinting/shaping
Give a PERSONALISED gift voucher this CHRISTMAS – that extra SPECIAL GIFT
Available Tuesday - Friday 06 364 5543 for an appointment
JAZZ HAIR & CO OPEN Tues - Sat: 10am-6pm late night Thur 10am-7.30pm
06 364 7075
174 Waerenga Road, Ōtaki
www.oldschoolbeauty.co.nz Ōtaki First National, the real estate specialist for Ōtaki, Te Horo, Levin, and Manakau. Lifestyle or residential, whether you are buying, selling or needing expert advice. Enjoy the Kāpiti Coast lifestyle – the Tararuas, rivers, beaches, Kāpiti Island, shopping, cafés and a great climate!
Otaki
SHUTTLE SERVICE
06 364-6001 • 027 439 0131 SEVEN DAY A WEEK SERVICE UNTIL MIDNIGHT
• freshly baked pies daily • filled rolls, sandwiches • cream doughnuts • great variety of cakes • bread and pizza bread
OZ’S BAKERY
06 364 5468
MARLAN TRADING CO LTD
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So Give A Call Today! Marlan Trading Trading has has the and supplier totoUs provide you with the Kirsten Housiaux Marlan the expertise, expertise, knowledge knowledge and supplier base provide with the Sales Account Managerbase 176 Main Highway, Ōtakiyou • 364 8183 Sales Account Marlan TradingManager Co Ltd best possible outcome to make you and your organisation stand out ininthe crowd. best possible outcome to make you and Marlan your organisation stand out the crowd. Trading Co Ltd Kirsten Housiaux • 027 466 3317 Nov 2020
Nov 2020Today! So Us Call Kirsten Housiaux P: 06-364-8183 So Give Give UsAA Call Today! sales@marlantrading.co.nz • marlantrading.co.nz Sales Account Manager M 027-466-3317 Marlan Trading Co Ltd Nov 2020
Peter Heald
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• Boil-up on Thurs and Fri • Salads • Cinnamon donuts • Paninis, sandwiches, toasted wraps/sandwiches • Fresh salads • Gourmet savouries • Meal of the day • Smoothies, milkshakes • Emporio coffee • Variety of vegetarian and keto options • REAL FRUIT ICE CREAMS
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Come in and be enticed by our exquisite range of homewares and accessories – treat yourself or that special someone to treasures for heart and home. We are a store for everyone.
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Christmas
LATE NIGHT SHOPPING DECEMBER 10, 5-8pm
Giftware • drinks and nibbles • sausage sizzle • spot prizes Bedding plants • Vegetables • Perennials • Annuals Flowers • Fruit trees
Ōtaki Today, Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
whika/page 17
MAHI TOI/Arts Dylan puts town on music touring map
‘MASTERPIECE’: Director Peter Carr, far left, with actors in The Pink Hammer, from left, Terisa Sullivan (Siobhan), Tracey Bentall (Helen) and Rob Heather (Woody. Photo Ian Carson
Pink Hammer hits the mark The Pink Hammer, Ōtaki Players Director Peter Carr Reviewed by Selwyn Boorman
It was His place, His rules and His tools! He started by telling them to GET OUT! A bunch of women was in his workshop, his space, inherited from his father, and his before that. But that bunch of women just stayed. They had come to learn about woodwork and learn about wood-work they did! They refused to be intimidated by this loudmouthed bully, Woody, and they just stayed until they got what they had come for. As the story progressed from there the women’s disarming good humour seemed to melt the tyrant. As an example: The “I’mdetermined-not-to-enjoy-this” Woody gave them a stud finder (a tool to find a stud in a wall). But the always-lots-a-fun Siobahn had her own ideas of a “stud” and set out to use it to find one – and it was – guess who?! We were given a hint briefly that Woody’s intimidation act might have been a front, a defence; he was wrestling with an internal demon. The cheerful women, too, in the strange way that humans do when allowed to, lowered their fronts and they all, including Woody, steadily and by degrees, revealed
themselves and their humanity to each other. They liberated each other; quite beautiful it was. We, the audience, from enjoying the comedy and the laughs every minute became involved emotionally. “Yes,” we thought, “I understand.” By the end they were like family. When one of their number died, they shared their grief, and learned that sharing helps. The play by Michele Amass was a masterpiece. I loved its message. Peter Carr directed it wonderfully well as he always does. And the actors were great, nothing less. They now know, if they didn’t before, that they have a gift for this and they did it for love – professional theatre could not do it better. Which brings me to this amazing thing that in our midst there are people who we see in the street and in the supermarket and at events, and they’ve got talent. When asked and given the opportunity they can do this, and do it well. Ōtaki Players manages to draw on this resource to produce good theatre in our Civic Theatre. Ōtaki is a cultural hub, would you believe, with its hinterland stretching to remote Paraparaumu and to the wilds of Levin. We have really good theatre in Ōtaki, and we have good people driving it.
Ōtaki is set to become a regular stop on the Aotearoa music touring map thanks to the new music producer at the Māoriland Hub. Māoriland Presents has come about after musician, filmmaker, graphic designer and former band booker for Mighty Mighty in Wellington, Dylan Herkes, landed the new job at Māoriland of bringing Aotearoa’s finest music talent to Ōtaki. The kaupapa behind Māoriland Presents is for musicians to connect with an appreciative audience, so the numbers are limited to about 200. “The Māoriland Hub is a unique space with its high ceilings, wood floors and large main room, which is perfect for music,” Dylan says. “It is also a really beautiful and intimate space. There’s no venue like it in Wellington and so we will be seeing a lot of people coming from the Capital to see some of New Zealand’s exciting musicians.” Dylan has been busy booking some of the country’s top acts, including Nadia Reid, Marlon Williams, Troy Kingi and others, with more announcements in the new year. However, the first of the Māoriland Presents shows is landing in time for Christmas. Known for her “electric blue witch-hop”, Estère Dalton has been likened to and opened for Erykah Badu. She has a honeyed voice, usually accompanied by heavy basslines and hooks.
Audiences can also expect to experience her soulful energy and hear a heavy folk influence, in both the lyrics and the musical arrangements of her new songs from her new album, Archetypes. “Having Estère as our debut Māoriland Presents is a real coup,” Dylan says. “She is going to be one of the hottest artists in 2021, so don’t miss out.” n Tickets at iticket.co.nz
TOTE MODERN
Ōtaki Racecourse • 47 Te Roto Road • Ōtaki OPEN Friday, Saturday Sunday 10am to 3pm
Old Main Street at museum exhibition As Time Goes By: The Changing Face of Main St to the Rangiātea and Pukekaraka mission Open 10am-2pm Thursday-Saturday stations in Ōtaki, and beyond to Foxton. 49 Main Street, Ōtaki This exhibition at the Ōtaki Museum highlights the history of Main Street, from the time it was merely a junction on the old coach road route along the beach, from Paekākāriki
“It was the place where horses were changed, their shoes and saddles repaired and coach men rested,” exhibition convener Di Buchan says. “Mail bags were picked up and delivered and refreshments and a bed were available at several guest houses. From 1872 the Telegraph Hotel was up and running with a roaring trade and the places selling wares and services became more plentiful and substantial. “It was not until 1921 that the section of road between Aotaki Street and the Rangiuru Road-Te Rauparaha Street intersection was named Main Street. “Prior to that it was part of Mill Road.”
Check out our gallery, Tote Modern, for individually crafted Christmas treasures for the people you love.
COMBINED CHURCHES CAROLS IN THE PARK Sunday 13 December, 3pm • Haruātai Park, Mill Rd, Ōtaki If raining, Carols in the Park will be at the Presbyterian Church, Mill Rd, Ōtaki. Special thanks for the Ōtaki Community Board for funding assistance.
1. GABRIEL’S MESSAGE The angel Gabriel from heaven came His wings as drifted snow His eyes as flame "All hail" said he "thou lowly maiden Mary Most highly favored lady, " Gloria "For known a blessed mother thou shalt be All generations laud and honor thee Thy Son shall be Emanuel By seers foretold Most highly favored maid, " Gloria Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head "To me be as it pleaseth God," she said, "My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name." Most highly favored lady, Gloria
2. O COME, O COME EMMANUEL O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel O come, O come, Thou Lord of might Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height In ancient times did’st give the Law In cloud, and majesty and awe Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel Shall come to thee, o Israel O come, Thou Day-Spring Come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel Shall come to thee, o Israel
3. MY SOUL DOES MAGNIFY THE LORD My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour For He that is mighty has done great things And holy is his name My soul doth magnify the Lord My soul doth magnify the Lord And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour For He that is mighty hath done great things And holy is His name. 4. AS JOSEPH WAS A-WALKING As Joseph was a-walking he heard an Angel sing This night shall be the birthday of Christ the heavenly king He neither shall be bornen in housen nor in hall Nor in the place of paradise but in an ox's stall He neither shall be clothed in purple nor in pall But in fair white linen that use babies all He neither shall be rocked in silver nor in gold But in a wooden manger that rocks upon the mould He neither shall be christen'd in white wine nor in red But in the fair spring water with which we were christened As Joseph was a-walking there did an angel sing And Mary’s child at midnight was born to be our king.
5. O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the Angels keep Their watch of wondering love. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven No ear may hear His coming But in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive him still The dear Christ enters in
6. AWAY IN A MANGER Away in a manger no crib for a bed The little lord Jesus laid down his sweet head The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay The little lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the baby awakes But little lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee lord Jesus; look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me lord Jesus I ask you to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there. 7. SILENT NIGHT Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round the Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleeps in heavenly peace, Sleeps in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Guiding star, lend thy light See, the eastern wise men bring Gifts and homage to our King Jesus Christ is here Jesus Christ is here Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light With the angels let us sing Hallelujahs to our King Jesus Christ is here Jesus Christ is here
8. WHEN A CHILD IS BORN A ray of hope flickers in the sky A tiny star lights up way up high All across the land, dawns a brand new morn This comes to pass when a child is born A silent wish sails the seven seas The winds of change whisper in the trees And the walls of doubt crumble, tossed and torn This comes to pass when a child is born
A rosy dawn settles all around You've got the feel you're on solid ground For a spell or two, no one seems forlorn This comes to pass when a child is born It's all a dream, an illusion now It must come true, sometime soon somehow All across the land, dawns a brandnew morn This comes to pass when a child is born
9. ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH Angels we have heard on high Sweetly, sweetly through the night And the mountains in reply Echoing their brief delight Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing, Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo
10. MARY’S BOY CHILD Long time ago in Bethlehem So the Holy Bible say Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ Was born on Christmas Day. Hark now hear the angels sing A new king born today And man will live for evermore Because of Christmas Day. While shepherds watched their flock by night, They saw a bright new shining star they hear a choir of angels sing The music seemed to come from afar. Hark, now hear the angels sing, A new king born today And man will live forevermore Because of Christmas Day. Joseph and his wife, Mary, Came to Bethlehem that night, They found no place to bear her child, Not a single room was in sight. Hark now hear the angels sing, A new king born today And man will live forevermore Because of Christmas Day By and by they find a little nook In a stable all forlorn, And in a manger cold and dark, Mary's little boy was born. Hark now hear the angels sing, A new king born today And man will live forevermore Because of Christmas Day
11. WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around. “Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind;
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind. “To you, in David’s town, this day Is born of David’s line A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, And this shall be the sign: “The heav’nly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid.”
12. MARY DID YOU KNOW? Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God Oh, Mary did you know? Oh, Mary did you know? the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again the lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb. Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb? And the sleeping child you’re holding Is the great - I - Am.
13. WE THREE KINGS We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. Oh, star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide with thy perfect light. Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown him again King for ever, ceasing never Over us all to reign. Oh, star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide with thy perfect light. Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a Deity nigh Pray'r and praising, all men raising, Worship him, God most high, oh Oh, star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide with thy perfect light. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorr’wing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in a stone-cold tomb.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide with thy perfect light.
14. O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL Adeste fideles Laeti triumphantes, Venite, venite in Bethlehem; Natum videte, Regem Angelorum. Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus Dominum. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord God of God, Light of light Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, begotten not created O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God in the highest: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
15. JOY TO THE WORLD Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing Joy to the World, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonders, wonders, of His love
16. MĀRIE TE PŌ Mārie te pō, tapu te pō, Marino, marama, Ko te Whāea, me te Tama, Tama tino, tapu rā, Moe mai i te aio, Moe mai i te aio. Mārie te pō, tapu te pō, Ka kite ngā hēpara, Te korōria o te rangi, Mē ngā ahera Hareruia, Kua whānau te karaiti, Kua whānau te karaiti
Ōtaki Today, Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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MAHI MĀRA/Gardening Pruning tips for those summer crops
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n this column I’ll show how to prune melons and cucumbers up THE EDIBLE GARDEN strings. When growing up some of those great summer crops – tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and outside it’s best to use a melons. more solid frame because A single leader tomato is a very fine when fully loaded they’re thing. Easy to stake. Easy to pick. Easy weighty and a big wind to spot pests. Easy to spray. But most can take them out. To keep important of all in my high-rainfall-notthem on the straight and reliably-hot climate is plenty of airflow narrow with just one leader, and sun for best health and ripening. pinch out the laterals that KATH IRVINE Removing tomato laterals grow in the crook where Kath Irvine has been growing The shoot beneath my finger in the each leaf joins the stem. In vegetables to feed her family for 21 years. Spray-free, natural, low-input photo at right is a lateral – these are the cucumbers and melons this food gardens are her thing. She growths that appear in the crook where is also where the flower is. believes smart design saves time, the leaf meets the stem. To grow a single Pinch out the shoot and money and the planet, and makes leader tomato, take all these off. Best leave the flower (below a garden hum. She recycles, reuses done when they’re small. This way the right). Et voila! One long and forages, and uses as little plastic as possible. Kath believes wound is also small and heals lickety split. line of cucumbers (or in a daily serve of freshly picked A couple of times a week snap these melons). organic greens for a happy mind laterals off. Start at the bottom and work Peppers and aubergines and strong body. She provides your way up. If done regularly it’s a quick I like to let two leaders organic gardening advice through job with only one or two new laterals go on my peppers and her articles, books, workshops and garden consultations. needing removing each time. If by chance aubergines because they’re a lateral gets away on you, prune it off not as vigorous as tomatoes or keep it. Two leaders can go on a stake – one in and cucumbers. Two leaders bring twice as many front, one at the back. If you’re using a trellis or fruits. Laterals for removal are in the same place mesh frame you can let three go if you want. Create as for tomatoes. Pinch them all out apart from whatever shape you want. one lateral that you’ll leave to become the second Cucumbers and melons leader. Do this when the plant is about 10cm tall. To max out on light and airflow, for nice clean When both leaders are long enough, I wind each fruits and a small footprint, grow cucumbers one around its own string. The strings are go in at and small melons up, as a single leader. In the planting – with one end tied to overhead wires on protected environment of the greenhouse, I grow the ceiling and the other tucked beneath the plant.
This is a strong support, which is extra important for peppers that have the breakiest branches that snap easily under weight of heavy fruits. Get rid of the old At the same time you de-lateral, snap off bottom leaves as they yellow, and once fruiting starts, snap off foliage that blocks light to fruits. Keep things handsome and fresh, my friends.
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Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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PAKIHI/Business New development board formally welcomed Members of the newly formed Independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board who will oversee the delivery of the district’s Economic Development Strategy have been formally welcomed to their roles. The Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan 2020-23 was developed in partnership with iwi partners, key stakeholders and the wider public, and adopted by Kāpiti Coast District Council in July. Establishing the board is the first key priority of the strategy. Board members are: • Chris Claridge, chief executive of Potatoes NZ • Hillmarè Schulze, chief economist at BERL (Business and Economic Research Ltd) • Kim Tahiwi, Ngāti Raukawa, a chartered accountant and kaiarahi contracted to Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki • Rawiri Faulkner, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, a consultant at Tū Taiao Ltd specialising in planning, policy, strategy and projects • Russell Spratt, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai,
principal consultant with Jackson Stone and partners • Scott Houston, a tech entrepreneur and futurist. Board chair Neil MacKay says the new governance board is made up of a highly skilled and diverse group of professionals who reflect partnership/kotahitanga. “Our independent board members bring the diversity, skills, experience and passion that we need to really drive the economic growth and development of the district.” Developing the plan has been a collaboration between the community and council, and Neil acknowledged the work of the drafting group and their ongoing support. Monique Leith, co-chair of the Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce, says: “We’ve worked together to refresh the economic direction for Kāpiti, ensuring the strategy reflects a wide range of local views and economic insights.” Kāpiti Economic Development Agency chair Stuart Ayres agrees. “One of the key pillars of our strategy is kotahitanga – strengthening partnerships and leadership. Collaborating to both shape the economic roadmap and now implement it will mean the best economic outcomes for Kāpiti,” Stuart says.
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NEW BOARD: The new Independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board at the launch of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan. From left are Councillor Angela Buswell, Kim Tahiwi (Ngāti Raukawa), Rawiri Faulkner (Ngāti Toa Rangatira), Hillmarè Schulze, Neil MacKay (chair), Chris Claridge, Scott Houston and Russell Spratt (Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai). Photo supplied
Success and operating ‘above the point of power’
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life fail. My goal with people I work with is to get eflecting on 2020, I’m struck by the them “firing” at 100 percent so they can make the ever-increasing volatility, uncertainty, most of life. complexity and ambiguity facing the world. Second, people operating above the point Aotearoa New Zealand is no exception. It’s are insatiably curious. They’ve replaced the “I been a year of massive change for every business know” (as in “yes, I already know that” when you owner I’ve spoken to. tell them something) with “Isn’t Recently I was speaking to a YOUR BUSINESS that interesting”. The reality is business owner who said 2020 you don’t open your mind up to had been her “best year ever”. any fine distinctions when your That got me thinking; what immediate response is that you sets her apart? What makes the already know. We know we should difference between being in do goal setting, but it’s a fine control and being able to bounce distinction on actually how to do back from challenges versus it with massive success that brings people who struggle in business the best results. and in life? Being curious opens people up Many things contribute to CHRIS WHELAN to becoming better, to a potential success, but one stands out in of knowing more about what is successful people: they operate above the “point needed to get results. of power”. It is how they grow and become The third thing successful people do is spend successful and how they manage their people and most of their time doing what they are good at, their businesses. playing to their strengths (not trying to fix their Look at a lot of companies and you’ll see “below the point” behaviour. They live by blame, weaknesses). It takes time, energy and effort excuses and denial. They are practically in bed! If to run your business, learn to play chess, run a we’re getting denial and blame and excuses in our marathon, improve your marriage. Most people jump from one thing to another and try to take team, usually it’s showing up in our life. So we’ve short cuts. Those who invest the time, energy got to move above the point of power. and effort to become really good at something, It’s a really simple concept that also has typically become great at it. three things: accountability, responsibility and Fourth, people operating above the point learn ultimately ownership for what’s going on in our before they earn. This starts with having the life. This is the OAR we need to dip in and row highest quality teachers, mentors and coaches. to make our boats go faster. When I see people Think back to school, where if you are anything in success mode, it’s because they’ve taken like me you learnt the most from the teachers responsibility for what’s going on in their life. They know that if things are going to change, they you felt were the best. This is a really interesting point because the more you get to understand, are the ones who have to make the change. the bigger your knowledge of the world around By staying above the point of power, each small step we take builds on the one before it and you the bigger that allows you to dream. It allows you to have bigger beliefs of what’s over time our growth starts to “stack up”. People possible, bigger beliefs of what can be achieved. below the point of power have reasons; people Quality outcomes result from quality actions above the point of power have results! It turns out successful people’s “secret sauce” is and the best action is founded on the best knowledge and skill. actually quite achievable. First, they participate at full tilt all the time. Most people see failure as n This is the first in a series supporting the Entrepreneurial making a mistake or doing something wrong, Growth Series of free webinars and workshops launching but I disagree. The only way you can fail is to not in 2021 to support local business. If you think you could give something a shot. When you don’t try, that’s benefit, and make your business roar in 2021, call Chris on a failure. People who don’t really participate in 0222 332 669 or email chriswhelan@actioncoach.com
PAKIHI/Business I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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The hidden perils of work Christmas parties
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uring the next few weeks, New Zealand workplaces will be taking a moment to head off and celebrate the end of the challenging year that 2020 has been. More often than not, work Christmas parties are harmless and a great way to boost team spirit. However, it’s important that employers tread carefully as there may be consequences if these parties are not handled properly. While no one likes a Christmas Grinch, work-related Christmas parties are notorious for quickly evolving from fun celebrations to messy behaviour. EMPLOYMENT LAW If employers aren’t careful, these events can result in a much larger headache or expense than otherwise expected. Regardless of where the party is held, and whether it’s inside or outside of normal business hours, both employers and employees still have health and safety responsibilities. It’s important to keep in mind that inappropriate AMY WEBSTER conduct at a work party can lead to disciplinary outcomes. There is a long list of things that could go wrong, including: • Damaged property • Physical injury • Harmed professional relationships • Unlawful or inappropriate conduct With the festive season right around the corner, prevention of work party disasters is better than cure. So how do you balance pulling off a great event, without enabling unruly staff behaviour that could have long-term consequences for both the organisation and staff members? Here are some tips on organising a safe Christmas party, without ruining any fun: • Before the party, employers should send out reminders to staff, being very clear about behavioural expectations. It’s important staff are aware that although the function might be outside the office, workplace policies still apply, such as health and safety obligations and any other policies around appropriate behaviours, including any code of conduct in place. • A common factor in Christmas party disasters Before the party, is alcohol. To prevent this, employers can limit alcohol employers consumption, provide nonalcoholic alternatives, and should send out have plenty of food on reminders to staff, offer. • Employers and senior staff being very clear should lead by example and think about whether it might about behavioural be necessary to delegate expectations. It’s someone senior to “take one for the team” by staying sober important staff and being responsible for ensuring the well-being and are aware that safety of other staff members. although the This should include making sure everyone gets home function might be safely. • Whether the function is outside the office, at the office or at an offworkplace policies premises location, if there is alcohol, staff should be given still apply. . . . transport options to ensure everyone gets home safely. • Lastly, it’s important employers know what to do in the event of an “incident”. What should you do if something goes wrong? If an employee’s behaviour diverges into misconduct (such as theft, violence, sexual harassment, damage to property etc), employers should act promptly and fairly when investigating and carrying out any disciplinary process. Given the complexities that can arise from a work party misconduct situation, it’s a good idea to get legal advice. This article was written with the assistance of Kailey Northcott, a summer clerk at Wakefields Lawyers. n Amy is an associate at Wakefields Lawyers and an expert in the area of employment law. She heads the company’s employment team, which helps both employers and employees in all areas of employment law.
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Ōtaki Today, Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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HAUORA/Health Like a little whale poo in your fragrance, madam?
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ere at Hebe Botanicals we work with a lot of natural fragrances. The other day I was given a small thumb-sized sample of ambergris, a substance coveted for millennia for its scent and use in perfumery. On poking a hot needle into the sample (the beachcomber’s test for ambergris) the surface immediately melts, leaving a sticky tarry residue on the needle. A brief puff of smoke carries with it the characteristic fragrance of ambergris, a mixture of sweetness and amber, musky with a hint of damp earth. And, appropriately given its source, a distinct smell of the ocean. I find myself picking the sample up every HEALTH SCIENCE so often to smell it again. There’s an allure about ambergris that’s hard to define. And why would we want musky damp earth notes in a fragrance? Because a good DR STEVE HUMPHRIES perfume is not all gardenias and pretty flowers. There’s a deeper, darker, side to a good perfume – the base notes that give depth. Take them away and a perfume loses its warmth and balance. The ancient Egyptians burned ambergris as incense. During the Black Death in Europe, it was believed that sweet-smelling ambergris could protect against the “bad air” of the plague. Marie Antoinette wore an ambergris-based perfume, and Queen Victoria favoured Fleurs de Bulgarie, combining notes of Bulgarian rose and ambergris. It’s a perfume you can still buy today. Måori hung ambergris (mimiha) around the neck as a scent. Despite being highly prized, for a long time ambergris remained enigmatic, a mysterious
waxy substance that would occasionally wash up on a beach. Its origin was unknown, and frequently debated. In 1000AD Persian physician Avicenna proposed it came from underwater springs on the ocean floor. The Chinese simply described it as “dragon spittle fragrance”. With the advent of commercial whaling in the 1700s its true origin was confirmed as the sperm whale. In Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby Dick a chapter is devoted to discussing the harvesting of ambergris from a sperm whale. Sperm whales feed on large quantities of squid. The indigestible squid beaks are normally rejected, but occasionally they enter the whale’s gastrointestinal tract. In the long 300-metre journey through the intestines the hard beaks are covered in a protective secretion and compacted into a waxy solid. And, for an animal that can dive down 2000m to find squid, there’s a lot of pressure and compaction! The waxy mass is finally excreted as ambergris. So while ambergris is sometimes referred to as whale vomit, whale poo is closer to the truth. Fresh ambergris is a soft, black tarry mass that smells, not surprisingly, faecal. It’s composed predominantly of the chemical ambrein. Ironically ambrein itself is odourless, but it has high value as an outstanding perfume fixative. It is able to “fix” a scent on human skin, making any fragrance last much longer. It also has the property of enhancing fragrances, especially floral and citrus notes, giving them more impact. Little wonder ambergris has been such a soughtafter ingredient in perfumery. Floating on the surface of the ocean, ambergris is transformed by the action of air, sea and sun. The initial black tarry mass turns a light grey. Hence the name from Old French, ambre gris, or “grey amber”. And the odourless ambrein is chemically transformed into a range of highly fragrant chemicals: Ambrinol, which has a musky woody
smell, gamma-dihydroionone which has an earthy tobacco note, and gamma-coronal, which smells like the sea. Yes, there are chemicals that smell of the ocean. The oceanic perfumes (eg Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gioia) are in fact quite popular. After all, perfume is about emotion and most of us associate the beach, and the smell of the beach and sea, with good times. Ambrein is also transformed into ambroxide, which is considered something of a wonder molecule in perfumery. A superb fixative it has the ability (to use the words of various fragrance houses) to make other fragrances shine and shimmer while rounding out the overall impact of a perfume. Its own characteristic subtle smell has been described as that of fresh skin with a silky sweet warmth. Fragrance houses can be coy about the ingredients they use to protect their intellectual property but notable perfumes that are thought to have once used ambergris in their formulas include Old Spice, Miss Dior and Chanel No 5. Chanel No 5 is also reputed to have used civet (from the civet cat) and musk (from the musk deer). If true, that’s a lot of animal suffering in one small bottle! Today many perfume ingredients, including most of the fragrant components found in
Christmas dinner – tuck in! Y
AY, it’s Christmas time and we all know what that means: Christmas food! I love the food at this time of the year. Roast chicken, ham on the bone and big roasted hunks of lamb. Roasted potatoes, green salads, prawns and sausages on the barbecue. You might be thinking, you can’t eat all that – you’re an exercise professional. You should be setting the example. And to an extent you might be right. GETTING FIT Moderation is the key. However, because I exercise regularly as you will be, too, we can eat whatever we like – on occasion – without any of the guilt of “falling of the diet wagon.” Being healthy, fit and strong with good strong hearts, we don’t have to worry about a little extra fat or carbohydrates at certain times of the DANIEL DUXFIELD year. So we should definitely enjoy this special time of the year with family, friends and excellent food and not have to feel guilty about enjoying pavlova too much. If you feel you must be super strict with your diet, the Christmas season still offers many healthy choices. I tell my diet-conscious clients that the summer Christmas seasonal food is easy to manage. Every barbecue you go to this summer will have your basics on offer; protein and carbohydrates, but protein in the form of lean meats and carbohydrates in the form of salads and fibrous vegetables. Protein: meats such as lamb, beef, pork, chicken and fish. The carbohydrates being offered will likely be the
obvious ones such as bread rolls, sliced bread, pasta salads, potatoes in salads or roasted or mashed. These are easy to avoid, so you don’t have to have those carbohydrates. Instead, choose to have alternatives such as green salads, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, courgettes, asparagus, and of course fruits low in sugars such as berries. So as you can see, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Speaking of cake, if you’re going to have some, don’t punish yourself. I know there will be pavlovas, Christmas cakes, custard, trifles and all the rest with lashings of ice-cream. Have some, eat it – not all of it – but have some and enjoy yourself. One yummy dessert is not going to make your waistline explode. You can always do some exercise the next day or the day after, or even in the days leading up to the big feast day. Now as for exercise, try a walk after the big Christmas dinner. It will aid with your digestion and force your metabolism to turn on after eating to get all that yummy food digested. Then you can have your nap! Any exercise that is high intensity will burn lots of calories, so get some in around this time. It will also help with any holiday stress, which we all know comes up. n Daniel is an exercise professional who operates DuxFit Functional Fitness from a private Ōtaki studio. Contact 022 1099 442 or danielduxfield@gmail.com and see www.facebook.com/duxfitfunctionalfitness/
ambergris, can be synthesised at relatively modest cost (though the cost of perfume hasn’t come down thanks to the overheads of celebrity endorsement and marketing, and profiteering). Synthetic ambroxide (trade names Ambroxan, Ambrox and Ambrofix) is in many of today’s fragrances, and can be made from sclareol found in clary sage. Fragrance houses can talk of a perfume having an ambergris note while ambergris itself is not actually in the perfume. Most perfumers have stopped using natural ambergris. While much is made of lucky finds of beach ambergris (an 85kg lump found on a beach near Otara in 1928 was worth $850,000 in today’s money) the reality is that most ambergris for perfumery was obtained by hunting sperm whales, an endangered species now protected. But what about using beach ambergris in fragrances? In the spirit of “money is the root of all evil”, no ambergris should be used in commercial perfumery. We need to honour our wonderful Kaikoura sperm whales. If we never use ambergris commercially then we lower the risk that they will ever again be seen as a commodity. n Health scientist Dr Steve Humphries is a director at Hebe Botanicals in Ōtaki. He was previously a lecturer at Massey University and director of the Health Science Programme.
HELPLINES AND LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES It’s OK to seek help. Never hesitate if you are worried about yourself or someone else. If someone has attempted suicide or you’re worried about their immediate safety: • Call your local mental health crisis assessment team 0800 745 477 or take them to the emergency dept (ED) of your nearest hospital • If they are in immediate physical danger to themselves or others, call 111 • Stay with them until support arrives • Remove any obvious means of suicide they might use (eg ropes, pills, guns, car keys, knives) • Try to stay calm, take some deep breaths • Let them know you care • Keep them talking: listen and ask questions without judging • Make sure you are safe. For more information, talk to your local doctor, medical centre, hauora, community mental health team, school counsellor or counselling service. If you don’t get the help you need, keep trying. Services offering support & information: • Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) • Samaritans 0800 726 666 - for confidential support for anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress • Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 - to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions • Healthline 0800 611 116 - for advice from trained registered nurses • www.depression.org.nz For children and young people • Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or webchat at youthline.co.nz (webchat avail 7-11pm) – for young people and their parents, whānau and friends • What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP) or webchat at www. whatsup.co.nz from 5-10pm for ages 5-18. • Kidsline 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE) – up to 18 yrs.
More options: www.mentalhealth.org.nz
HĪTŌRIA/History I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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Global warming
Earthquakes remain a threat to the landscape Local historian REX KERR continues the story of Ōtaki’s history. This is episode 7, part a.
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lobal warning and rising sea levels are a base of the hills near Ringawhati Road, has a matter of real concern. However, placed as displacement of 4-5 metres, a magnitude of it is where the Pacific Plate is being overridden 7-8Mw and is expected to rupture every 1000by the Australian Plate, New Zealand is 4000 years. It last moved about 4000 years ago. a volatile land mass constantly subject to • Gibbs, which runs along the base of the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It’s not hills at Paraparaumu, has a displacement of called “The Shaky Isles” for nothing. 3.5 metres, and is of unknown magnitude Ōtaki, located on the and rupture timing. The last eastern edge of New Zealand’s movement was about 10,000 DESTINATION OTAKI geologically young mountain years ago. ranges, is not exempt from the • The Wairau, an extension impact of these forces. of the Great Alpine fault line, The Tararua Ranges are splinters in Cook Strait and a series of uplifted folded runs either side of Kāpiti Island tectonic blocks separated to disappear under the coastal by fault lines along which sands of the Manawatū. While movement takes place both the Wairau fault is active there is horizontally and vertically. no recorded evidence of recent While some areas might sink movement along its northern and others rise, the general extensions, although several displacement is fractionally earthquakes have occurred in REX KERR up near the coast. the area. In the recent past, There are also a large number destructive earthquakes not even close to Ōtaki of faults in the Wellington, Wairarapa and – in Marlborough (1848) and the Wairarapa northern South Island that could affect Ōtaki as (1855) – were felt here, causing minor damage they have in the past. and uplift. While the more recent destructive Earthquakes are ever-present. They have Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes were struck the district in March 1927 and November felt throughout the district, they caused little 1935, and in December 1944 a magnitude 6 on damage. the Richter scale was registered in Paraparaumu. Possibly because of this, the impact on land Over the past 12 months more than 19 have levels, if any, has not been brought to public been recorded in the Kāpiti District. notice. The last cluster began on Saturday, January Several fault lines, some of which are 25, at 11.45pm. At Ōtaki it registered a relatively active and others that have not moved magnitude of 4.1 to a depth of 84km and was in recent geological times, cut through the centred about 40km to the north-west in the district. Movement could happen at any time South Taranaki Bight. without warning along any of these fractures. This was followed in almost the same place by The fault lines are: a 5.8 quake at 7.30pm on Monday, May 25. It • The Ōtaki Forks, which runs along the upper was 37km deep. Another 4.7 shake at 10.56am course of the river, has a displacement of 2-5 on Saturday, May 30, was 30km north-west of metres, a magnitude of 7-8Mw and is expected Levin and 36km deep. There was little recorded to rupture about every 5000 years. It’s not damage. known when it last moved. A large earthquake closer to the surface could • Northern Ohariu, which runs along the cause considerable damage through ground
Earthquakes, such as in Christchurch in February 2011 (above) could happen in Ōtaki, changing the landscape dramatically. Most at risk are the beach and foreshore areas.
shaking, liquefaction and induced slope failure (slips in the hill country). The areas of highest risk, probably from liquefaction, are at the beach and south of the river to Peka Peka. The remainder of the area would be subject to moderate risk. Tsunami are often associated with earthquakes and are a real danger in coastal areas. A large rupture anywhere, but particularly at sea close to the Kāpiti District, could have a disastrous effect, depending on the height and frequency of the wave surges. As with earthquakes, the areas most at risk are the beach foreshore and along the lower reaches of the rivers. The danger zone would extend almost to the township. The impact could be quite startling. Lives could be lost, many man-made
structures would be destroyed, natural features altered and low-lying areas could revert to swamp. None of this might happen, but we need to be aware that it is a possibility and measures should be taken to guard against such calamities. Other natural forces are operating that complicate the issues and make future decisions difficult. n References • Begg, J G and Johnston M R. Geology of the Wellington Area. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Ltd. Lower Hutt. 2000. • Kāpiti Coast District Council. Kāpiti’s Natural Hazards. Recent Earthquakes Near Paraparaumu, Wellington New Zealand. https//earthquaketrack.com/nzg2paraparaumu/recent
Next Episode Part 7 b: The Impact of Volcanos
OLD SCHOOL PHOTOS: Waitohu School, Room 2, 1966
WAITOHU SCHOOL, Room 2, 1966. Back row from left: David Lumley, Fraser Carson, Ross Johns, Max Sturt, Martin Pettifer, Gary Traveller, Barry Dittmer. Third row: Teacher unknown, unknown, Colin Cudby, Mark Taylor, John Ashley, Shane Preston, Teddy Preston, Hugh Ross-Taylor. Second row: Jeanette Broad, Jane Pettifer, Desire Sturt, Heather Cudby, Eleanor Kearton, Susan Lumley, Pauline Bennett, Lynne McGregor. Second row: Graham Moffatt, Rodney Ashworth, Ralph Edwards, Larry Morgan, Linda Fairley, Stephanie Taylor, Sandra Dorne, Pauline Mudge. Seated front: Wayne Hodgetts, Wayne ??, John McCall. If you have any school photos you’d like to share, please let us know. If you know anyone in this photo who’s not identified, or we’ve not identified correctly, email debbi@idmedia.co.nz The photo is also at otakitoday.com
LAST MONTH’S PHOTO ŌTAKI SCHOOL, 1922: Back row, from left to right. unknown, unknown, unknown, Myra Morgan, unknown, unknown, Flora Taylor, unknown, Betty Capewell, unknown, unknown, Row 3: unknown, unknown, unknown, unknown, Jack Nicolson, unknown, Inia Te Wiata, unknown, unknown, unknown, Turoa Webster. Row 2: unknown, Hope Manz, unknown, Bert Looser, Selwyn Hughes, Lloyd Hughes, Dixon, unknown, unknown, unknown, unknown, Kohe Webster, Jack Bevan, Harold Olliver. Lorraine Capewell, ? ? ? ? ? Row 1: Ivan Mathie, Arthur Photo courtesy of Adelade Nicholls Phillips.
FUN PAGE I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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TAMARIKI
Drop a cop y of your co loured picture into Ōtaki Toda y ’s box at Riverstone Café to win a $2 0 book vou cher or an Anim als in Vehic les book by Ja n 5.
COLOURING COMPETITION
Kyuss’
CHRISTMAS Quiz 1. Who delivers presents on Christmas night? 2. What kind of tree is a Christmas tree? 3. What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver? 4. What well-known Christmas carol became the first song ever broadcasted from space in 1965? 5. What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?
6. What do you leave reindeer to eat on Christmas Eve? 7. True or False: The first Christmas tree appeared in the United States of America. 8. What is the name of the reindeer that with a red nose? 9. Unscramble these letters to reveal a sweet eaten at Christmas: DNYAC ANCE? 10. How many points does a snowflake have?
If you don’t know the answers, Google them, or look in a book, just like Kyuss did! Last quiz answers are below. Email your answers to KyussOT@idmedia.co.nz The first drawn with the correct answers wins a $20 book voucher, or one of Jared’s Animals in Vehicles books (your choice) as well as an Ōtaki Today T-shirt. ANSWERS TO KYUSS’ NOVEMBER FOOD QUIZ 1. Spinach 2. Carrots 3. For growth and muscle development 4. Meat, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, fish, pulses (lentils, beans etc) 5. Milk 6. Avocado 7. Venison 8. Honey 9. Pumpkins 10. Carbohydrates.
ŌT KIDS’ NEWS
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The finalists for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced. A total of 44 images have been included in the finals. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were founded by Paul Joynson
Hicks and Tom Sullam. They are both professional photographers and passionate conservationists. The global online photography competition aims to showcase some seriously funny images of the earth’s
Comedy wildlife photography finalists announced
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most amazing wildlife. Above are some of the images. You can check out more images and vote at this website: https:// www.comedywildlifephoto.com/ gallery/finalists/2020_finalists.php
French fry problem in NZ
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NZ’s Government is investigating illegal dumping of frozen french fries from overseas. European coronavirus lockdowns have created a surplus of frozen food and some European countries are now dumping tonnes of frozen fries in New Zealand. Exports of frozen fries from the EU to New Zealand increased by 50% in June. This causes problems for our potato farmers who can’t sell their products to NZ companies. The potato industry is worth more than $NZ1bn/year and until now 85% of the fries consumed have been produced by local growers.
PHONE:
Things to do during the summer holidays Some of these suggestions are age dependent, and many of you might need an adult to help out. Have fun and enjoy your holiday break. 1. Volunteer. This could be in your community for older kids, but your whanau might appreciate your help, and they’ll certainly love you offering! 2. Read a book. Go to the library and find a book you think you’ll like. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. 3. Start a garden. Even if you don’t have outdoor space, you can plant succulents and cacti or herbs in pots. 4. Go camping. Set up in your backyard, with blankets and sticks or chairs. 5. Have a picnic ... good to include when you’re camping. 6. Paint or draw. Even if you think you’re not artistic, just do it. It’s fun and relaxing. 7. Bake cakes or cookies. You’ll definitely need adult help with this, but there’s nothing like making your own goodies. 8. Fly a kite. If you don’t have one, make one. 9. Play board games. Have playdates, your friends might have different games to your’s. 10. Make a scrapbook of old memories – good for teens. 11. Start a journal. A simple notebook will do. Write down your thoughts and document your summer. 12. Go to the beach. Sunscreen first, enjoy the sunshine, build a sand castle. 13. Go fishing. Ask an adult ... 14. Complete a puzzle – thrift stores sell them for a few dollars. 15. Teach yourself how to juggle. Email a photo of what you have done over the Christmas break and be in to win a surprise summer prize. Send to debbi@idmedia. co.nz by January 8.
HAPORI/Community I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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To list your group, or update contact details, email debbi@idmedia.co.nz
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AMICUS CLUB OF ŌTAKI 364 6464 COBBLERS LUNCH CLUB Thursdays 11.15am-1.30pm Gertrude Atmore Lounge. Free soup. FOREST & BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY Joan Leckie 368 1277 FRIENDS OF THE ŌTAKI RIVER Trevor Wylie 364 8918 FRIENDS OF THE ŌTAKI ROTUNDA Di Buchan 364 0180/027 683 0213 GENEALOGY SOCIETY Len Nicholls 364 7638 KĀPITI COAST GREY POWER June Simpson 021 109 2583 KĀPITI HOROWHENUA VEGANS: Alastair 364 3392 Eric 367 2512 KEEP ŌTAKI BEAUTIFUL Margaret Bayston/Lloyd Chapman LIONS CLUB OF ŌTAKI Phil Shaw 027 259 1636 MORRIS CAR CLUB Chris Torr 323 7753 ŌTAKI BRIDGE CLUB Tim Horner 364-5240 ŌTAKI COMMUNITY PATROL Errol Maffey 027 230 8836 ŌTAKI & DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS Vaevae 027 447 7864 ŌTAKI FLORAL ART & GARDEN CLUB Macha Miller 364 6605 ŌTAKI FOODBANK 43 Main St, Lucy Tahere 364 0051 ŌTAKI HERITAGE BANK MUSEUM TRUST 364 6886 ŌTAKI HISTORICAL SOCIETY Sarah Maclean 364 2497 ŌTAKI MENZSHED 022 406 9439 OtakiMenzShed@outlook.com ŌTAKI PLAYERS SOCIETY Roger Thorpe 364 8848 or 021 259 2683 ŌTAKI POTTERY CLUB Rod Graham 027 445 7545 ŌTAKI PROMOTIONS GROUP Cam Butler 021 703095 ŌTAKI AND DISTRICT RSA, 9 Raukawa St 364 6221 ŌTAKI SPINNERS & KNITTERS’ GROUP, Barbara Austin 364 8381 ŌTAKI WOMEN’S NETWORK GROUP Carol Ward 027 235 6151 ŌTAKI WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CLUB/SUNDAY MARKETS Kerrie Fox 027 340 0305 ŌTAKI WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Rema Clark remaclark@xtra.co.nz RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE Jamie 027 444 9995/Drew 021 288 7021 ROTARY CLUB OF OTAKI Michael Fagg 021 294 3039 TIMEBANK Suzanne Fahey 021 1275 074 TOASTMASTERS OF WAIKANAE Graham 04 905 6236 TRANSITION TOWN OTAKI Jamie Bull 364 0550 WAITOHU STREAM CARE GROUP Lyndsay Knowles 364 6283
CHILDREN ŌTAKI TOY LIBRARY 027 621 8855 Saturday 10.30am-noon Memorial Hall, Main St. KIDZOWN OSCAR 0800 543 9696 LITTLE GIGGLERS PLAYGROUP Baptist Church Hall, Te Manuao Rd. 10am-12noon Friday each fortnight. Denise 027 276 0983 MAINLY MUSIC Hadfield Hall, Te Rauparaha St. 021 189 6510 ŌTAKI KINDERGARTEN 68a Waerenga Rd. 364 8553. ŌTAKI MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL Haruātai Park, Roselle 364 7500. ŌTAKI PLAYCENTRE Mill Rd. 364 5787. Mon, Tue, Thu 9.30am-noon ŌTAKI PLAYGROUP otakiplaygroup@hotmail.com ŌTAKI SCOUTS, CUBS AND KEAS Brent Bythell 364 8949. PLUNKET MANAKAU PLAYGROUP Honi Taipua St, T & Th 9.30am-noon. SKIDS ŌTAKI out of school care, St Peter Chanel School. Sonia: 027 739 1986. TE KŌHANGA REO O TE KĀKANO O TE KURA Te Rauparaha St, 06 364 5599 TE KŌHANGA REO O RAUKAWA 5 Convent Rd, 06 364 5364
SPORTS CLUBS EASY-CISE/WALKING GROUP (BODY & SOUL) Joseph 364 6191 EQUESTRIAN HORSE CLUB 364 6181: Horse Trekking club Debbie 364 6571; Ōtaki Pony Club Paul Pettengell 364 5781 GAZBOS GOLDEN OLDIES Doug Garrity 364 5886 HAWAIKINUI TUA RUA KI ŌTAKI (waka ama) DeNeen Baker-Underhill 027 404 4697 ŌTAKI ATHLETIC CLUB Kerry Bevan 027 405 6635 ŌTAKI BOATING CLUB Trevor Hosking 021 642 766 ŌTAKI BOWLING CLUB Paul Selby 927 9015 ŌTAKI CANOE CLUB Jane Bertelsen 364 5302 ŌTAKI DANCE GROUP Barbara Francis 364 7383 ŌTAKI GOLF CLUB 364 8260 ŌTAKI GYMNASTICS CLUB Nancy 027 778 6902 ŌTAKI INDOOR BOWLING Jane Selby-Paterson 927 9015 ŌTAKI MASTERS SWIMMING CLUB Sonia Coom 04 292 7676 ŌTAKI PETANQUE CLUB Val Clarke 364 5213 ŌTAKI RAILWAY BOWLING CLUB Maureen Beaver 364 0640 ŌTAKI SPORTS CLUB: TENNIS, SQUASH & SOCCER Hannah 027 327 1179 ŌTAKI SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB Kirsty Doyle 021 102 0058 RĀHUI FOOTBALL AND SPORTS CLUB Slade Sturmey 021 191 4780. Rahui Netball Kylie Gardner 0275 490 985. Junior Rugby Megan Qaranivalu 022 165 7649 TAE KWON DO Jim Babbington 027 530 0443 TAI CHI Gillian Sutherland 04 904 8190 WHITI TE RA LEAGUE CLUB Kelly Anne Ngatai 027 256 7391 WILD GOOSE QIGONG, CHEN STYLE TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI) & CHUN YUEN (SHAOLIN) QUAN. Sifu Cynthia Shaw 021 613 081.
Freemans Road resident Catherine Martin with her new hi-viz vest after being present with it by Ōtaki constable Josh Furze. Photo supplied
Vest keeps ‘Sweeping Lady’ safe A simple gift of a hi-viz vest has meant a community guardian can continue her work safely of clearing leaves on Freemans Road. Ōtaki Police recently received several phone calls about a woman who had been sweeping leaves close to the verge on hill at the southern end of Freemans Road. Drivers were concerned for the woman’s safety because where she was sweeping meant they sometimes had to swerve to avoid her. Local Facebook sites also posted images of Catherine, with one poster calling her “The Sweeping Lady”. Two Ōtaki officers, constable Josh Furze and senior constable Juan Agnew, investigated and found 72-year-old Catherine Martin clearing a mass of leaf litter and rubbish from the gutters after heavy rains.
“We got chatting to Catherine for a while and she explained to us that her husband, who had sadly passed away, used to sweep the same location for years and she wanted to carry on what he had started,” Josh says. After giving Catherine some safety advice to help her continue her work, it got Josh and Juan thinking about what more they could do. They headed back to the station and returned a short time later with a high-vis vest that they gave to her so she could be more easily seen. “Catherine was over the moon with the vest and instantly put it on,” Josh says. “She was super thankful and we had to tell her several times that it was now hers to keep to ensure her safety while carrying out the amazing job she was doing.”
CHURCHES Rangiātea 33 Te Rauparaha St, ŌTAKI • 364 6838 Sunday Eucharist: 9am • Church viewing hours, school terms: Mon-Fri 9.30am- 1.30pm St Mary’s Pukekaraka 4 Convent Rd, ŌTAKI Fr Alan Robert 364 8543 or 021 0822 8926. Sunday mass: 10am. Miha Māori Mass, first Sunday. For other masses: otakiandlevincatholic parish.nz. Anglican Methodist Parish of Ōtaki St Margaret’s, Te Horo. All Saints’, Ōtaki. St Andrew’s, Manakau. Co-Ministers: Jessica Falconer 021 778 345. Rev Simon Falconer, 021 857 744 email: ministers@otakianglican.nz Services: 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, All Saints’, Te Rauparaha St, Ōtaki, at 9.30am. 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, St Margaret’s, School Rd, Te Horo, at 9.30am. 5th Sunday to be advised. Ōtaki Baptist cnr SH1 & Te Manuao Rd, ŌTAKI 364 8540 or 027 672 7865 otakibaptist.weebly.com • Sunday service: 10am The Hub 157 Tasman Rd, ŌTAKI • Leader Richard Brons 364-6911 • www.actschurches.com/church-directory/ horowhenua/hub-church/ • Sunday service and Big Wednesday service: 10.15am Ōtaki Presbyterian 249 Mill Rd, ŌTAKI • Rev Peter Jackson 364 8759 or 021 207 9455 • www.otakiwaikanaechurch.nz Sunday service: 11am Jehovah’s Witness 265 Mill Road, ŌTAKI 364 6419 • www.jw.org • Sunday meeting: 10am
Source: NZ Police
MEDICAL Ōtaki Medical Centre 2 Aotaki St, Ōtaki 06 364 8555 • Monday-Friday: 8.15am-5pm • Saturday: 9am-noon. After hours. Emergencies: 111 Team Medical, Paraparaumu: AH: 04 297 3000 Coastlands Shopping Mall. 8am-10pm every day. Palmerston North Hospital emergencies, 50 Ruahine St, Palmerston North • 06 356 9169 Healthline for free 24-hour health advice 0800 611 116 St John Health Shuttle 0800 589 630 P-pull walk-in Drug advice and support, Birthright Centre, every 2nd Thursday 6-8pm.
COMMUNITY ŌTAKI POLICE 06 364 7366, cnr Iti and Matene Streets, Ōtaki. CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU ŌTAKI 06 364 8664, 0800 367 222. 65a Main St, Ōtaki. otaki@cab.org.nz AROHANUI HOSPICE SHOP 11 Main St, Ōtaki. 06 929 6603 BIRTHRIGHT OTAKI OPPORTUNITY SHOP 23 Matene St, Ōtaki. 06 364 5524 COBWEBS OPPORTUNITY SHOP TRUST Main St. OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTIAL CARE Marine Parade, 06 364 7399
TĀKARO/Sport I Ōtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020 CROSSWORD NZ1784A (answers below) 1
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The Puzzle Company
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whika page 27 SUDOKU PUZZLES www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz Use logic and process of elimination to fill in the blank cells using the numbers 1 through 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Puzzle solutions below.
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23 MEDIUM #26
1. What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver? 2. Who played George Bailey in the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life?” 3. What Christmas-themed ballet premiered in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1892? 4. What animated 2004 film is about a train that carries kids to the North Pole on Christmas Eve? 5. In the early 1800s, the first gingerbread houses were reportedly inspired by what famous fairy tale? 6. What traditional Christmas decoration is actually a parasitic plant? 7. What beverage company has been using Santa Claus in its advertising since 1931? 8. In the TV special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” what three words best describe the Grinch? 9. In what modern-day country was Saint Nicholas born? 10. What holiday movie sequel includes a cameo by Donald Trump? 11. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? 12. Who wrote, “Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more?” 13. What fruit, when put into the container, will keep a stored Christmas cake moist? 14. What television character attends and consumes three Christmas dinners so as not to offend anyone? 15. The first mince pies contained meat as well as fruit. True or false?
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." – Proverbs 11:25
SUDOKU ANSWERS MEDIUM #26
DOWN 1. French city and mustard (5) 2. Stress (7) 3. Close (4) 4. First European explorer to see New Zealand (6) 5. India’s currency (5) 6. Paua, in the United States (7) 7. Word meaning same as another (7) 12. Maybe (7) 13. The major river of the Mackenzie Basin (7) 15. Branch of mathematics (7) 16. Square block at the bottom of a column or pedestal (6) 17. Sarcasm (5) 19. Eagle’s nest (5) 21. Bother (4)
(answers below)
QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. Tinsel 2. Jimmy Stewart 3. The Nutcracker 4. The Polar Express 5. Hansel and Gretel 6. Mistletoe 7. Coca-Cola 8. Stink, stank, stunk 9. Turkey (originally Patara, a city in the ancient district of Lycia, in Asia Minor) 10. Home Alone 2 11. Germany 12. Dr. Seuss 13. Apple 14. Vicar of Dibley 15. True.
ACROSS 1. Explode (8) 7. Small firework (5) 8. Comedian who died in 2015, one half of a TV duo (3,6) 9. Fish called tuna in Maori (3) 10. Word that goes before gun, polish and scissors (4) 11. Urge, persuade (6) 13. Victor (6) 14. Spin around (6) 17. Breathe in (6) 18. In folklore, a giant who eats humans (4) 20. Sailor (3) 22. Security identification code (3,6) 23. Auckland school founded 1896 (5) 24. The boys from ‘down on the farm’, according to TV adverts (4,4)
CROSSWORD NZ1784A ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. Detonate, 7. Squib, 8. Jon Gadsby, 9. Eel, 10. Nail, 11. Cajole, 13. Winner, 14. Gyrate, 17. Inhale, 18. Ogre, 20. Tar, 22. PIN number, 23. Kings, 24. Ches, Dale. DOWN: 1. Dijon, 2. Tension, 3. Near, 4. Tasman, 5. Rupee, 6. Abalone, 7. Synonym, 12. Perhaps, 13. Waitaki, 15. Algebra, 16. Plinth, 17. Irony, 19. Eyrie, 21. Fuss.
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CHRISTMAS QUIZ
CLASSIFIEDS
DEATH NOTICE
CLASSIFIEDS
BRANCHY’S
SINCLAIR, ANNE of Ōtaki. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North. Dearly loved wife of the late James. Loved mother of Stephen and Jennifer. Treasured Granny of Rose and Oli. A private cremation was held at the Avenue Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Arohanui Hospice: https://www.arohanuihospice.org.nz/ – IC Mark Funeral Directors
THE ELM COURT BODY CORPORATE, Ian Peter Way, Ōtaki is seeking applicants for an "odd-job" person to carry out work in maintaining our complex on an "as and when" basis. This includes, weeding the communal garden, spraying lawns with weed killer and fertilizer, repairing lawns with top soil and lawn seed, fencing repairs, etc. The applicant will need to provide an invoice for work done. Contact Adrien Cubitt on 021 606 0799.
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CROSSWORD NZ1784A ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. Detonate, 7. Squib, 8. Jon
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Gadsby, 9. Eel, 10. Nail, 11. Cajole, 13. Winner, 14. Gyrate, 17. Inhale, 18. Ogre, 20. Tar, 22. PIN number, 23. Kings, 24. Ches, Dale. DOWN: 1. Dijon, 2. Tension, 3. Near, 4. Tasman, 5. Rupee, 6. Abalone, 7. Synonym, 12. Perhaps, 13. Waitaki, 15. Algebra, 16. Plinth, 17. Irony, 19. Eyrie, 21. Fuss.
LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES LTD
Ōtaki River entrance tides
December 10, 2020 – January 13, 2021
metservice.com/marine-surf/tides/otaki-river-entrance Please note: The actual timing of high and low tide might differ from that provided here by LINZ. Times are extrapolated from the nearest primary port for this location, so please take care.
THU 10 DEC FRI 11 DEC SAT 12 DEC SUN 13 DEC MON 14 DEC TUE 15 DEC WED 16 DEC THU 17 DEC FRI 18 DEC SAT 19 DEC SUN 20 DEC MON 21 DEC TUE 22 DEC WED 23 DEC THU 24 DEC FRI 25 DEC SAT 26 DEC SUN 27 DEC MON 28 DEC TUE 29 DEC WED 30 DEC THU 31 DEC FRI 01 JAN SAT 02 JAN SUN 03 JAN MON 04 JAN TUE 05 JAN WED 06 JAN THU 07 JAN FRI 08 JAN SAT 09 JAN SUN 10 JAN MON 11 JAN TUE 12 JAN WED 13 JAN THU 14 JAN
HIGH 05:54 - - - - - - - 00:34 01:22 02:10 03:00 03:53 04:50 05:52 - - - - - - - - 00:07 00:49 01:34 02:23 03:16 04:16 05:22 - - - - - -
LOW 12:10 00:45 01:45 02:41 03:34 04:24 05:12 05:58 06:44 07:29 08:16 09:06 10:00 11:01 12:06 00:36 01:31 02:21 03:05 03:46 04:24 05:02 05:40 06:18 07:00 07:44 08:33 09:28 10:31 11:40 00:15 01:22 02:25 03:21 04:13 05:00
HIGH 18:25 07:00 08:00 08:56 09:47 10:36 11:23 12:09 12:54 13:41 14:29 15:21 16:17 17:15 18:13 06:54 07:50 08:38 09:20 09:59 10:35 11:12 11:49 12:29 13:11 13:57 14:49 15:46 16:48 17:53 06:33 07:41 08:43 09:37 10:26 11:11
LOW - 13:16 14:15 15:09 16:01 16:50 17:39 18:27 19:15 20:03 20:53 21:45 22:40 23:37 - 13:07 14:00 14:46 15:28 16:07 16:46 17:25 18:05 18:47 19:32 20:20 21:12 22:08 23:10 - 12:51 13:58 14:58 15:51 16:41 17:27
HIGH 19:25 20:21 21:15 22:07 22:57 23:46 19:08 19:58 20:44 21:27 22:07 22:47 23:26 19:00 20:05 21:05 21:59 22:49 23:35
ĹŒtaki Today, ĹŒtaki Today, Hakihea December 2020
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TÄ€KARO/Sport
League clubrooms open at last By Ian Carson
“We always wanted to have as much as possible work done and materials The clubrooms of Whiti te RÄ Sports sourced from local firms. They’ve all Club were finally opened early on the done a great job.â€? Saturday morning of November 28. The clubrooms include a large The project has been 20 years in the making, but the long length of meeting room with windows time seemed only to inspire the nearly overlooking the league fields, a 100 club members, players and past kitchen, bar and toilets. A wheelchair players, whÄ nau and supporters who ramp and furnishings have been attended the 5am opening. installed, but a balcony outside – from Murray Ropata, who’s chair of the where people can watch the games – is club’s masters team (Legendz) spoke still to come. about how the club had to “make doâ€? The rooms will be used mainly when it was first formed. for club activities, but will also be He and the other founding available to other groups, such as waka members, brother Robert Ropata, ama, and even for learning, such as te Jim Hapeta, Jimmy Seng, Graham reo classes. Rasmussen and Bob Edwards played Whiti te RÄ â€™s premier league team their first year of league in 1984has an enviable record, winning seven 85, when the club hosted teams at premiership league titles in a row, Manakau, north of ĹŒtaki. four in Wellington and three in the An ablution block was the only ManawatĹŤ competition. OPEN: Whiti te RÄ â€™s masters team chair Murray Ropata speaks at the opening of the club’s new premises at The Domain. building available. Photo Ian Carson As a whÄ nau-oriented club, it “We couldn’t get fields in ĹŒtaki, so has a strong support network for said. “We have a reputation for hospitality. While Murray project-managed the build we made the best of what we had,â€? Murray said. young sportspeople, fielding teams in school through his and wife Hinerangi’s company, Teams have loved coming here. Now we have By the early 1990s, however, the club had competitions. M&H Builders, he was full of praise for the changing rooms and fields at the ĹŒtaki Domain. something we can all be proud of.â€? There’s also been success achieved with club’s hard-working executive committee, The big boost in the project came in 2019 In 2000 they lifted the roof on the changing women’s netball teams. when the New Zealand Community Trust made including co-chairs Kelly Anne Ngatai and rooms and erected frames, installed windows The achievements of the club on and off the a grant of $150,000. and doors, and clad the walls. Kimo Winiata. sports field, including its commitment to the But there never seemed to be enough money However, it was still not enough for Whiti te Their commitment – and that of local firms – about $200,000 – to complete the job. RÄ to complete the clubrooms. The club has had and individuals who helped out – helped ensure community, was said to have made a difference “But we still looked after our guests,â€? Murray to seek donations from supporters. the ultimate success of the project. when it was seeking funding.
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