The Eastbourne Herald December 2022

Marine ecology in safe hands: HCC

HCC head of transport Jon Kingsbury told last week's Eastbourne Community Board that council acknowledged the disruption caused by the construction of Tupua Horo Nuku. "Since things started it's got a bit gnarly," he said, adding that the collapse of the footpath north of Days Bay Wharf had slowed progress at Windy Point and added to the disruption.

Following local concern about the impact of the path's construction on marine ecology, council says the methods were approved by ecologists for construction in the rock pool areas and systems are in place to manage effects on wildlife.

This includes pre-construction intertidal and sub tidal inspections undertaken by the project ecologist. Any species discovered were safely relocated out of the work area by the ecologists and the team, council says.

Contractors have been provided with training and resources to identify high-value species if they come across them during works, and there are procedures in place for how to manage this if it occurs. Environmental inspections are being undertaken weekly by an environmental advisor. This is happening frequently at the moment due to the change in methodology and work site.

All works have been assessed in regards to the resource consent and found to be permittable.

Welcome return of Community Carols

"The project has support from local iwi and mana whenua and there have been cultural monitors on site to ensure that construction is in-keeping with what was previously agreed."

Mr Kingsbury acknowledged that the team had to change to a new type of supporting infrastructure after the wave barriers were damaged in the original location. Despite a

successful trial prior to construction, this was a risk that had been identified in the planning phase and contingency plans were developed which the team are now implementing.

This method is an ongoing trial and the team are looking at other options for the new year, including larger, sturdier barriers.

Santa had plenty of elves to give him a helping hand at last Sunday's Community Carol Service. The hall was full of families getting into the Christmas spirit with songs and skits.

BRIEFS

The Eastbourne Wharf to Wharf is back! For the first time since 2020, the Eastbourne Wharf to Wharf is scheduled for Sunday the 5th March. The 1.25km course starts at Days Bay Wharf and ends at Rona Bay wharf. This is a fun, community run event for keen swimmers and locals alike. There will be age group and spot prizes on the day. More information can be found at  https://wharf2wharf.wordpress. com/, so start your training now!

Eastbourne skincare creator Teresa Knox’s Nun Botanical Pure Facial Cleanse has taken the Best Natural Cleanser award in the Best of Natural Beauty awards for 2022, sponsored by Good magazine. The judges said: “We couldn’t get enough of this nourishing oil cleanser with a refreshing and surprising cucumber scent.” Passionate about healthy living, and believing that “what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it”, Ms Knox quietly launched her brand in late 2020 after she was unable to find a pure skincare brand that was not “loaded with chemical synthetics, preservatives, fragrances or essential oils”.

Feedback sought on surf lifesaving

A meeting held at Wellesley College on Monday 12 December was the first public step in a process initiated by the late Matt Hayes, to make Days Bay beach safer, especially following last summer’s fatalities.

Nicola Ledingham, who has become the point of contact between Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and local residents, says after a meeting she had with Charlie Cordwell and Dr Mick Kearney of SLNZ in November, community feedback is now needed.

The initial assessment – which costs $10,000 and is being funded by Hutt City Council – involves meeting with as many locals as possible.

“Now the process has started, the next step

is to meet with the community and identify risks – [SLNZ] want to get the ball rolling before the busy parts of summer.”

“There might be minimum input from SLNZ – more education and more signage, that kind of thing,” says Mrs Ledingham. “But we really were pushing for more life-ring points throughout the beach – there are none north or south, and the one on the wharf keeps getting stolen.”

At the other extreme is Oriental Bay, which has a seasonal lifeguard. “They have to be very careful – [the solutions] have to work longterm and SLNZ have only minimal funding.

“This is an interesting process and we’re really only at the start of it,” she says.

We are closing on Christmas Eve. Thank you to all our loyal customers for your support and friendship over the last 5 years. Also huge thanks to Michele and Becs for helping shape Marmalade. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas & all the very best to Tartines who will take over the space. We have loads of exciting xmas gifts, pantry items & gourmet meals

Nga mihi James & Carol

2 Rimu St, Eastbourne | 562 7566 marmalade.net.nz

What's Happening Hair!?

Anne Mackris-Berdebes

December 'round hair!

Goodness me we're in December already! Doesn't time fly when you're having fun and your hair looks good! We all know what December means It means nights out at events and functions for Christmas and the end of the year! It's a great month of fun and celebration It's hard not to be merry in December as the hype of the approaching holiday season ramps up!

I have the philosophy that overdressed is by far better than underdressed, so going a little more glamourous is always my approach to life If you look good, you feel good, and if you look GREAT you feel AMAZING!

Let me help you feel amazing this December with all your updo needs I am a professional in the blow wave world, giving you a long-lasting brush blow wave that holds well for days afterwards Blow wave styles are so varied, from big brush wavy blowout styles to a more straight and elegant look for the more black-tie type events or school balls at this time of year Blow waves are only one of the many options for the going out up-dos I can do for you Hair ups such as a slick pony, messy bun braids, french twists and chignons are all in my repertoire of styles I love to do to make you look amazing for your night out!

You may be saying "Oh but I have short hair so I only have one look", ah but that's where I can step in and help create a glamourous, stylish and evening-worthy look that's different to your everyday working style, even if you do have short hair!

I love what I do and love to help people with all their hair needs, including helping upskill you in how to create the perfect curl, or just getting a little more volume in that high bun, come and see me not only for the hair up but for the tips and tricks so you can recreate it at home too!

Next ECB meeting:

7.15pm Tuesday 14 February 2023 East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd.

The agenda for the February meeting will be posted on huttcity.govt.nz and on the Board’s website, Eastbourne.nz, a few days before the meeting.

Fires

Please remember that you need a permit before lighting a fire on Eastbourne’s beaches. Also, don’t light a fire if it’s windy and always put it out with water. If you don’t extinguish a fire properly, strong winds can start a new fire in the bush hundreds of metres away in no time.

Reporting a problem to HCC If you see any issues or problems with a Hutt City Council service or would like to make a request, you can log it at huttcity.govt.nz. Look for the ‘Report It’ link on the homepage. If the problem is urgent, for example, noise, pollution, sewer, water, stormwater and animal issues, call HCC on 570 6666. Residents are welcome to contact Community Board members about other concerns. Members may ask for a report from officers to go on the next meeting agenda. You can also contact us on the Eastbourne Community Board Facebook page and at the Eastbourne.nz website

Belinda Moss (Chair) belinda.moss@huttcity.govt.nz 029 494 1615

Frank Vickers (Deputy Chair) frank.vickers@huttcity.govt.nz 027 406 1419

Bruce Spedding bruce.spedding@huttcity.govt.nz 021 029 74741

Murray Gibbons murray.gibbons@huttcity.govt.nz 04 562 8567

Emily Keddell emily.keddell@huttcity.govt.nz 021 188 5106

Tui Lewis (Ward Councillor) tui.lewis@huttcity.govt.nz 021 271 6249

Local movie a well-kept secret

by Ann Packer

Five years of filming folk living mostly within five houses of each other has come to fruition for Days Bay filmmaker Murray Reece, whose movie Where’s George had its premiere at a sold-out private screening at the Lighthouse Cinema on 4 December.

For many of the feature-length (80-minute) film’s actors, it was the first time they’d had any idea of how their segment fitted together with others’, recorded over a time span that included Covid interruptions.

“I knew how it would have to end but I wasn’t sure how it would end,” says Mr Reece, whose musician son Gus features in the film about “Rissole”, a man (played by local actor Russell Smith) who is so depressed he walks into the bush with the idea of ending it all. He then encounters a bizarre, “off-the-wall” world of comedic characters who may (or may not) help bring him to his senses.

“Because I knew them so all well I’d write the scene then tailor the dialogue to what would suit them,” says Mr Reece, who worked as a television director for many years – from The God Boy, Pukemanu and Close to Home, to Country Calendar’s legendary Fred Dagg

episode – before deciding he’d done his dash on the TV dream. “It was easy beyond expectation.”

After leaving TV, he taught himself animation, and drew cartoons for Consumer magazine, before deciding to get back into film “just for fun” – though he’s not sure everybody will be on board with his quirky sense of humour.

Whole families are involved, with actors ranging in age from Shirley Burns, who is 96, to Mia and Armandine, 10 and 8 at the time of filming.

All involved gave their time for free, including the sound technician, Country Calendar’s Don Paulin, who worked for a year in his spare time on post-production. Local props are in evidence too, from one family’s shower cap to another’s lettuces – (spoiler alert) Gus Reece’s character thinks he is a snail.

The film was well received by invited locals, including the 14 neighbours and four other Eastbourne actors who feature in the film. Mr Reece is interested in what the audience response would be from viewers who don’t know the people involved, and there are plans afoot to arrange another screening.

And he can’t quite believe that in five years, word about the project never got out.

Beverley Wallace, Gus Reece, and Russell Smith in Where's George

March celebrations for school's 125th

By Elspeth Cotsilinis

This year marked 125 years with Muritai School as a central feature of the Eastbourne community. The school had hoped to open its doors for its anniversary this March, but Covid meant that the celebration was pushed out by a year. Plans are now underway to invite past and present students and families to a weekend of activities in 2023 that will celebrate the history of the school and its place in the community.

Over the last three years, the close relationship between the school and the community has been highlighted for the students and staff at Muritai. Restrictions on crowds gathering caused the school to make changes to camps, assemblies, productions, and family events. It is very exciting to be able to invite people back on site again, as seen in the recent Muritai Market Day. Students spent weeks in preparation for the event and the Muritai Kapa Haka group welcomed whanau to the grand opening of the students' stalls. The children had learned about marketing and budgeting, and parents were encouraged to talk to them about their learning as they explored the market. It was a great opportunity for the children to share their experience and for whānau to be on site for the learning celebration.

Muritai School is looking forward to welcoming the wider community back on March 24-25, 2023 to celebrate the school's 125th anniversary with tours of the school grounds, showcase exhibitions, displays of

Leaky pipes

Days Bay resident Don Long spoke about fresh water infrastructure around the Bays at this month's Eastbourne Community Board meeting, saying numerous pipes and fittings had failed repeatedly in recent years, including one outside his driveway,. “Most of you probably drove through the river that was flowing out of the broken talbot fitting in ront of my house.” He questioned why there were so many leaking and broken pipes. "I'm fairly certain that this problem pre-dates supply chain issues. Either the tobeys and elbows and talbot fittings can't cope, are not fit for purpose, or are certified incorrectly by overseas manufacturers, or they are poor quality or not suitable for a marine environment," he said. "I think you actually have a serious problem on your hands. It makes a mockery of the water restrictions in summer."

HCC Chief Executive Jo Millar said that in Hutt City 60 percent of the pipe network, 420km, was in poor or very poor condition and 35 percent, or 250km was in extremely poor condition. The infrastructure classed as very poor had only one to two years of useful life. "Even with the doubling of our investment we have completed 5km of pipe renewal. At this rate it's 50 years to deal with the worst pipes only." "The truth is [Wellington Water] can't get to every single leak," she said.

One of the stalls from last month’s Write Our Own Futures market in the school playground. Celebrating the sellout of their soft toys made from socks are Room 14/Years 3 & 4 kids (l-r) Darlene, Hugo, Sebastian, Toby and Amelie.

learning, a Cocktail party with entertainment, and a boutique fair on the Saturday.

Anyone who wants to register their interest can email their name, phone number and email address to 125years@muritai.school.nz or check the school website www.muritai.school. nz for regular updates as the plans unfold.

Merry Christmas Eastbourne

Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy end of 2022.

Thanks to all our readers for the feedback you’ve sent & to all those who have helped us with stories, photos & supported us in so many ways.

A massive thank you to our advertisers who are the backbone of The Eastbourne Herald - we cannot emphasise enough how vital you are for the continuation of our community newspaper.

Wishing everyone a happy & prosperous 2023.

Our office will be closed from Dec 21. Re-opening Jan 16.

Booking deadline for Jan 2023: Wednesday Jan 18.

Ngā mihi nui, The Eastbourne Herald team

Faith in the Community

Hope..

Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. These are the messages on the four Advent Sundays leading up to Christmas.

Hope is about anticipating positive change. This year, it’s an important message both to have and to act on. Hope is not a static state. It’s looking at the world around us, recognising the need to change, and doing what we can to bring about change.

Today, there are so many situations where we might Hope for change: inflation, cost of living, global warming, wars...

Hope is prayer with action. It’s more than finding something needing to change. Hope is the action we take, using our energy and resources to achieve the change for which we Hope. Action can be direct: giving, volunteering, supporting, demonstrating. Or it can be indirect - advocacy and communicating with people with direct responsibility for bringing about change. This Christmas, let’s try to match our Hope to make the world better, with actions we can take to make it happen.

St Ronan’s: Christmas Day Family Service 25 Dec 9:30am - all donations to Christian World Service. Dec/Jan services, Sun 9.30aminformal 1st and 3rd, traditional 2nd and 4th . E:office@stronans.org.nz W:www.stronans. org.nz

St Alban’s: *All Christmas worship at San Antonio, Oroua St - Eucharist Christmas Eve 10.45pm and Christmas Day 10am. *No Jan services at Wellesley College - instead see St Alban’s Facebook or noticeboard outside Church office, Ngaio St. *Resume 29 Jan family service in church garden. *Thurs 2 Feb 10am at St Ronan’s. *Shared St Alban’s+St Ronan’s service 5 Feb 10am at Wellesley College. E:office@stalbanschurch.nz

W:www.stalbanschurch.nz

San Antonio: Mass of Christmas Night Sat 24 Dec 9pm. Christmas Day Mass Sun 25 Dec, 10am. Dec/Jan Vigil Mass, Sat 5.30pm. Sacred Heart, Petone: Mass, Sun 9.30am and 5.30pm. E:holyspiritparish41@gmail.com

W:www.holyspirit.nz

News from Point Howard

Thanks to the volunteers who helped out at the Point Howard Beach working bee on the 30th November. The weather wasn’t great which affected turnout, we’ll hold another working bee later on in the summer.

If you haven’t purchased a copy of Point Howard Recollections, then get in quick as they are selling fast. Please contact Rob McColl (robmccoll@ outlook.com) to place your order. Copies of the book will be available for Christmas delivery - a great Christmas present!! The book has 104 pages and includes 36 B&W photos and 20 in colour. The price is $25 including GST

PHA Christmas Social

The PHA warmly invites residents of Point Howard & Sorrento Bay to our pre-Christmas Wine & Cheese gathering at the Point Howard Community Garden on Sunday 18th December from 4:30PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

The PHA Committee wishes all our residents and friends in Point Howard, Eastbourne and the Bays a wonderful festive season and a Happy New Year! If you’re heading away please remember to ask a neighbour or friend to keep your letter box clear and a watchful eye on your property. Report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to the Police immediately over this period.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! pthowardassn@gmail.com

Eastbourne Dairy owner

Ramesh Rama says the only time he has concerns about his safety is during summertime weekends when outsiders come in to the village – locals are not a problem. After talking to the national chair of the Dairy and Business Owners’ Group, Sunny Kaushal, Mr Rama and his wife Angie closed their store for two hours on 28 November “to show respect” for the Auckland dairy owners grieving after the murder of their relative, Janak Patel, who had stepped in to mind the shop. The Ramas have owned the dairy for the last 12 years after taking over the business from Mr Rama’s sister Chanden, and brother-in-law Raj Bava, who had owned it for 22 years.

Climate group gets to work

The Climate Response Network has been established by the Eastbourne Community Board with 63 members, a wealth of information and projects set up to carry on into the new year.

The ECB will host the website, manage the contact list and pay some costs such as the hire of the venue. People can join the group using a form on the website https://eastbourne.nz, and also subscribe to email updates. Contact: Bruce Spedding winzurf@gmail.com

The group met with Muritai School principal Stu Davenport about partnering to protect and restore our local environment. A committee is being formed with representatives from the staff, students, whānau, and wider community to champion environmental initiatives at the school. Members are gathering data about how Eastbourne and Bays are likely to be affected by climate change and adaptation policies being developed locally and nationally.

They have looked at initiatives already taken by other communities including Makara and Glenorchy and are planning to talk with Hutt Council about coordinating with the group and supporting local initiatives.

A major focus for the network looks to be reducing car journeys. As a first step Mel Johnston and Frank Vickers plan a Facebook survey, introducing the network and asking for an indication of people’s feelings about car sharing.

A group that had previously looked at getting drinking fountains installed in Bishop Park and the ESSC has been re-invigorated and is identifying suitable sites and consulting on design and installation with council and the Great Harbour Way. The group is investigating raising funds to get a first fountain by the ESSC club house.

Don J. McIlroy

An Eastbourne lawyer

First Floor, 40 Rimu St Tel: 562 6393

Email: arcadia@xtra.co.nz

Mondays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry. Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.

• “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at the library 10.00am.

• Toy Library - Two Monday Sessions at 1.30-2.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm. EastbourneToyLibrary on Facebook. Kathy 0273551950

• Singalong 1st Mon, 2pm at St Ronan’s.

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• The Historical Society’s Eastbourne History Room above the library is open 2-4 pm every Monday.

• Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade training every Monday 7-9pm. Ph 562 7001 for more info.

• Keas: Monday 5.15pm – 6.15pm. Kea Leader: Ed 021 738 699

• Venturers: 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Susan 0275 35 4962.

Tuesdays

• Pt Howard Playcentre Tues 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• Muritai Tennis Club 9.30–noon. Merryn 562 0236.

• Eastbourne Homebirth Group 1st Tuesday of the month. Phone Kate 5627096.

• East Harbour Women’s Club Morning Tea & Chat Group 10am. Contact Glendyr 562 7181.

• Indoor Bowls Club 1.30pm, at the croquet club, Oroua Street. Rosemary 562 7365

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.

• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact - teens to 70+) Music Movement Magic - Muritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www.niainwellington.com

• Pump Dance junior & intermediate hip hop. 4pm onwards. St Ronan's Hall. 0274373508. info@pumpdance.com Wednesdays

• Cubs: 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Ed 021 738 699.

• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15

WHAT'S ON

-11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.

• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• “Steady as You Go” Age Concern sponsored Falls Prevention and Exercise Programme. Held 12 noon each Wednesday at Eastbourne Community Hall. Classes are held for 1 hour and costs only $2. Improve your strength and balance to reduce falls and injuries. Falls are preventable. Please join us!

• EHock - Fun Stick and Ball game Girls and Boys 7- 13.Eastbourne Community Hall. Wednesdays 6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Derek Wilshere 0274303596

Thursdays

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.

• St Ronan’s Mainly Music, 9.30am10.30am, contact Cathy 027 213 9342.

• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.

• East Harbour Women’s Club

- Bolivia 12.45pm, Contact Glendyr ph: 562 7181. Guest Speaker (3rd week of month)7pm, drinks and nibbles provide, Contact Diane ph: 562 7555

•Lions meet 2nd Thursday of the month at the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club, Tuatoru St 6.30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. Graham 562 8819.

• Intermediate Contemporary Dance Thursdays 6:30pm - 7:30pm St Ronan's Hall info@pumpdance.com,0274373508

• S couts: Thursday 6.00pm - 8.00pm, Vanessa 021 669 727.

• Eastbourne Bowling Club casual summer bowls 5.30pm for an hour or so. Make up a mixed team of three. Contact Keith Turner ph 04 934 4142.

Fridays

• Pop in and Play playgroup at St Ronan's Church Hall, 9am-11.30am during school terms. All preschoolers (0-4 years) welcome. Cath 027 213 9342.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Fri 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• AA Plunket Rooms 7.30pm. Mark 566 6444/ Pauline 562 7833

• DB Playcentre 9.15-12 noon Puddle Jumpers casual ‘drop-in’ session.$5 per child per session. call James on 022 043 7841

• Discovery Time for 4years+ at San Antonio School, 78 Oroua Street, 9.3010.30am. Office 562 7398.

Saturdays

• Justice of the Peace at the Eastbourne Community Library, first Saturday of each month 12pm-1pm.

• Croquet from 10am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.

• Pump Dance preschool & junior hip hop. 9am onwards. St Ronan's Hall. 0274373508. info@pumpdance.com

• Lions' Bin - cost effective rubbish and e-waste disposal. Last Saturday of the month (except December) by Bus Barns. Gavin 027 488 5602.

Sundays

• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Karen 021 440 705.

...the combined strength of our legal teams!

Call 04 939 2366 www.jaglegal.co.nz

Tartines is now open TUESDAYS

Opening Hours:

Tuesday 7am- 4pm

Wednesday 7am - 4pm

Thursday 7am - 4pm

Friday 7am - 4pm

Saturday 8am - 4pm Sunday 8am - 4pm

Check our Facebook page for our Monthly Dinner Event

www.tartinesfrenchcafe.com

Enquiries:

021 028 85347

Tartineseastbourne@gmail.com

School speed limits dropping?

Under the Government's Road to Zero programme, HCC is looking at school speed zones in Hutt City. Consultation letters had been sent to schools, reductions could be 30km/hr or 40km/hr, with other possible traffic slowing measures including raised pedestrian platforms or narrowing roads. The council is producing a speed programme for 2024-27 as part of the national speed programme. This will be consulted on in 2023.

A record store and home in one

by Ann Packer

You’ve probably seen his mint-green truck pulled up somewhere around Eastbourne, once a month or so in the last year.

It’s just 12 months since Benjamin James converted an old truck into what he reckons is the only mobile record store in the country. The second lockdown gave the Aro Valley vinyl collector the chance to refurbish a 2004 Mitsubishi Canter and take his fourth record store on the road – this time landlord-free.

He set up his first such business in Lyttelton – then the quakes struck. Next came Evil Genius in Berhampore followed by Newtown’s Death Ray. But when he was made redundant from Wellington Museum some 16 months ago, Mr James took the opportunity to do what he’d always wanted to do, and took his show on the road.

Herb’s – with more than a nod to the first band his dad ever took him to – has a more mellow vibe than the earlier stores. Its 1500 or so discs are arranged only roughly by genre – “people who like weird and wonderful music like to explore the collection” – and range in price from $5 to $320, for an original [Kiwi band] Fourmyula record.

The recent Maker’s Market was the last

Kidztalk

wee while –he’s

and heading for top of the south, then Christchurch and Dunedin in January. With a bunk over the truck cab, there’s always a place to lay his head should there not be an airbnb handy when he arrives somewhere late – and the cosy interior does make for a pleasant environment in which to listen to music “and drink a whisky or two”.

News from our local early childhood centres

NEWS FROM DAYS BAY PLAYCENTRE

We have put up the sunshade and brought out the hoses for water play - it is time for summer! The sea breezes are keeping tamariki cool while they run across the lawn, over the obstacle course, down the slides, and into the sandpit to dig moats with plenty of diggers and spades.

Pop on your sun hats and come play! Supervised sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, with casual koha Fridays - all from 9.15 to 12. Email daysbay@playcentre. org.nz.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Right: Ragnar, Bo, Marylou, and Pia enjoying the sunshine!

Eastbourne will see of Herb’s for a

driving the truck onto a ferry

Benjamin James inside his mobile record store.

45-year tradition: Potter Nan Barker (right), still throwing pots at nearly 98, with Shona Taylor, of Mahina Bay. The pair started working together so Mrs Taylor could glaze pots her own mother left unfinished after her death. The 26 November open day was the 15th held at Mrs Barker’s Pt Howard home, continuing a tradition begun 45 years ago at Keena Gibbs’s in Lowry Bay, then Fiona Christeller’s York Bay home.

Nice weather for ducks: Eastbourne Lions Club members Rod Park, Lorraine Shorter, Alex Mather and Graham Wilson, were on hand for anyone braving the weather at the end of November when the Lions Market had to be called off due to rain. Mr Park says they are rethinking

27 years keeping Eastbourne safe - what a legend!

Marty Lenihan is something of a fixture in Eastbourne.

He’s lived here almost his entire life, has built or renovated some parts of it, has spent countless hours on the Muritai bowling green, and is now being recognised for giving 25 years’ service to the Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Actually, it’s 27 years, but the bureaucracy has taken a little time to catch up.

Marty’s service began in 1982 when he joined the Eastbourne brigade soon after becoming a Police officer. His dad had also been a firefighter back in the 60s.

After a couple of years, he moved out of the area and focused on serving as a Police dog handler and a member of the Armed Offenders’ Squad.

He was part of the armed response in 1998 when the infamous Graeme Burton and Arthur Taylor and two mates escaped from Pareremoremo prison in Auckland and holed up in a luxury holiday home near Tairua in the Coromandel.

By 2002, Marty had ended his 15 years in the Police and was back in Eastbourne and back with the Eastbourne brigade.

His paid employment involved building houses in the borough and the Hutt Valley.

He was also a very proud family man, with three daughters: Kelly (33), Shannon (31) and Caitlin-Mae (21).

Recently, the family has grown with the birth of grandson Freddie in February this year.

“I actually call him Seamus. That’s the Irish in me coming through,” says Marty.

Being Irish is a big part of Station Officer Lenihan. It comes through in his skill, and cheek, as a raconteur where he never misses a chance to crack a joke – sometimes “dad” ones but sometimes real classics.

“My dad was from Tipperary and Mum’s family are from Galway. I’ve been back a half dozen times and I keep my Irish passport up to date.”

His sense of humour has been a constant.

“I remember three of us were on push bikes racing down Muritai Road like we were in the Tour de France. I gave my mate a nudge and he went straight into the bus stop. We couldn’t help him because the siren went off and we had to make tracks. Saw him later from the truck, pushing his wonky bike.”

Life as a volunteer firefighter has produced its share of chuckle-worthy moments, too.

“We were dealing with a bush fire and we found a wasps’ nest. I thought it was empty so I gave it a poke and found it wasn’t. We had to do a Yogi Bear and run away as angry wasps poured out.”

Marty has his serious side, too, usually when he’s not getting what he wants out of firefighters on training night, but also when he’s bowling.

“ I got into bowling after being a greenkeeper and working behind the bar at the Muritai club. It’s a serious business and you don’t let anything put you off your shot,” says the man who now plays for Wainuiomata.

In his time in the Eastbourne brigade, Marty has seen his share of bush fires in the hills above the bays, although these have become a rarity in recent times.

“Guy Fawkes used to be a really busy night around the region. We’d be out all night patrolling for fires and putting them out. It doesn’t happen now; it’s very quiet, at least for us.”

Marty has also seen some real house fires, including the old Breakers restaurant in Days Bay and a fatal blaze in Point Howard.

“We don’t really get structure fires now. I think it’s got something to do with there being a lot less rental properties in Eastbourne now – there’s more home ownership.”

Being a firefighter has had its highs and lows.

The latter include unsuccessful “code purple” medical calls for cardiac arrests and a few bad car crashes.

“One of the worst moments was when the

son of a brigade member was killed in a crash in Sunshine Bay. His dad was in the crew of the second fire truck to arrive.”

The great moments include a medical callout where the patient went into cardiac arrest after firefighters and paramedics had already arrived.

“That was a good day. And a good reminder to make an early call for help if you think someone’s in trouble,” says Marty.

Eastbourne Chief Fire Officer Steve Charlton says Marty Lenihan’s Gold Star Award marks another very special milestone for the Eastbourne brigade.

“We’ve had a number over the nearly one hundred years of the brigade. The Gold Star is an achievement that’s been repeated in brigades all over New Zealand.

“It shows how much New Zealanders rely on volunteer brigades and on the cadre of leaders like Marty who commit a big chunk of their lives to this service,” Steve says.

Marty Lenihan, of Eastbourne, has joined Fire and Emergency NZ’s select group of Gold Star members – those who have served 25 years. Marty received his award at a ceremony at the Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade on 26 November.

OSPRI completed their Northern Forest aerial operation to target possums on 15 November, which will ultimately protect the quality of the forest.

The operational area is now in its cautionary period, and the first significant rain will break any residual bait down into harmless substances and carcasses will decay. Areas of high public use within the baited area will be checked and cleared and warning signs removed when appropriate. How long this will take will depend on weather conditions and the rate at which bait and carcasses break down.

We’re working on protecting the forest from the damage done in the park by deer. The results of the deer DNA survey in January 2022 showed numbers in the Northern Forest are approximately 1 deer per 36 hectares, and we are well on our way to achieving our goal to cull 20 deer in 2022-23.

Professional deer cullers removed 15 deer and four pigs in October. This is the first time a deer ‘per day’ has been achieved and this was attributed to the use of a thermal drone. Tenant et al (2009) outlines that in similar forest types, deer need to be at the density of one deer per 100ha or lower to enable widespread ecological balance. Another cull will take place in the autumn which should bring us another step closer to our goal.

The Key Native Ecosystem (KNE) programme aims to protect some of the best examples of native ecosystems in the Wellington region. All three parts of East Harbour Regional Park are KNE sites. One of the primary threats to native plants and animals is introduced mammals, including rats and mustelids. Control of these pest animals is undertaken throughout the park. Regular monitoring is carried out to determine the effectiveness of these control efforts.

Small mammal monitoring, using baited tracking tunnels has just been completed in the Northern Forest and Baring Head. The results are looking good and details and information regarding this project can be found at Greater

PARKSIDE

Wellington’s KNE programme web pages. Rat and mustelid numbers in the Northern Forest are both very low inside and outside the mainland island. Lizard numbers at Baring Head have continued to trend upwards and hedgehog numbers downwards. These results are testament to the huge effort from the volunteer trappers.

The grazing licence at Baring Head ceases early in 2023 and a new era for this part of the Park is about to start. A large project to use the existing track network to create fire breaks is due to start in January. Initially this will look a little ugly but will significantly reduce risks going forward. Due to the windy, dry conditions and thin soils revegetation will be very slow and reverting to grey scrub and titoki forest will take many years. The pest plant and animal programs have been boosted and eventually the tracks and roads will start to blend in.

Okiwi Volunteer Driving Service

Okiwi Volunteer Driving Service

Provides transport to appointments in the Hutt Valley, and Wellington for all Eastbourne’s older residents.

Provides transport to appointments in the Hutt Valley, and Wellington for all Eastbourne’s older residents.

New restaurant opens in EB

Miao Gong, who came to New Zealand from Beijing as a 16-year-old, and Vin Tat, originally from Vietnam, have opened Ip Man, offering Asian Fusion food, in the former Still Room on Oroua Street (they’re still waiting for their new sign to arrive).

The couple have worked in hospitality almost since they arrived in the country, beginning with the Island Bay fish and chip shop, then a Thai restaurant on Cambridge Terrace for 13 years. That was followed by the Tugboat, on Oriental Bay and the Asian Fusion Ip Man, named after the martial arts grandmaster who trained Bruce Lee.

Keen to return to being a working chef, Vin wanted to cook for his own customers, rather than someone else, so the couple took their time making sure this was the right move.

With three children of their own, the Newlands residents want to make their place family-friendly and are keen to know what the community wants.

Spencer Logan Valuations Limited

Registered Valuers and Property Consultants

For professional property advice

Tel: 562-7555

or Campbell Logan - 022 093 8090 Spencer Logan - 021 627 773 Email: admin@spencerlogan.co.nz www.spencerlogan.co.nz

Our ‘20-Minute Volunteers’ are also available for small jobs around the home.

Our ‘20-Minute Volunteers’ are also available for small jobs around the home.

Okiwi Volunteer Driving Service

Find out more about us at www.okiwi.org.nz

Phone Kim the co-ordinator on

As we come to the end of 2022, I would like to wish you a safe and happy festive season.

Provides transport to appointments in the Hutt Valley, and Wellington for all Eastbourne’s older residents.

Find out more about us at www.okiwi.org.nz

Phone Pippa the co-ordinator on 0800 654 942 Okiwi

Phone Pippa the co-ordinator on 0800 654 942 Okiwi

Our ‘20-Minute Volunteers’ are also available for small jobs around the home. Find out more about us at www.okiwi.org.nz

or on our Facebook page

Phone Pippa the co-ordinator on 0800 654 942

My offices will be closed from 21 December, and will reopen on 9 January 2023 It is a privilege to serve Hutt South as your local MP

Ginny

Vin Tat and Miao Gong at Ip Man.

Eastbourne sailor Stuart Nicholls, seen here with his trophy and medal, took the New Zealand Hansa 303 class Doubles final at Lake Ngaroto, north of Te Awamutu, in early December. His navigator Darrell Smith also won the Singles class.

Tupua Horo Nuku Eastern Bays Shared Path

Mā-koromiko | Windy Point

Construction of Tupua Horo Nuku has begun in Mā-koromiko (Windy Point).

The construction site will be disestablished over the Christmas and New Year period, between 23 December and 9 January.

During this time, measures will be in place to ensure the site remains safe for the local community.

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang ACCLIMATISATION (acclimation in USA speak)

December/January: Early/mid-summer. The holiday season is upon us. It’s the time our pot plants suffer neglect. What to do? See www. mulchpile.org/3

Uncomfortable? Is it too hot/cold/wet/dry/ bright/dark/windy/crowded for you...? You can move if you don’t like it, but plants can’t. Most plants produce many seeds, and most seeds germinate, but few grow to be plants. Where they fall, there they must stay, so there they must adjust to the conditions (acclimatise) or die.

Phenotypic plasticity: Who you are, depends on your genes, but also on your environment. Your ‘genotype’ you got from your parents, and it’s fixed. But your ‘phenotype’ (the sum of your characteristics) also reflects your environment. Same with plants. They can adjust (acclimatise) their structures and physiologies to the conditions in which they find themselves – but only within certain limits and only gradually.

Look at the leaves on a large tree. The shaded ones low in the canopy are thinner and larger than those high up in the bright sun. These differences in size and thickness are adjustments made to their leaf structures and physiologies in response to the environment in which they developed – Google phenotypic plasticity wiki. Animals (and you and me) do this too, but plants are masters at it.

Hardening: But acclimatisation takes time. The term ‘hardening’ is used to refer to the gradual acclimatisation of a plant from, say, the glasshouse where it was raised, to the garden centre where you bought it, and then to its new life in your house or garden.

Light – If you suddenly move a plant from a shady place to a sunny place, its leaves may bleach and die. But move it in stages, a few days in each spot - from shady, to intermediate, to sunny - it will be just fine. But don’t keep moving it about or it will never get a chance to acclimatise properly.

Wind – A house plant used to still air may struggle if it suddenly finds itself by an open window.

Temperature – In winter, plants are well able to tolerate temperatures that would be low enough to kill them in spring or autumn when they’re acclimatised to warmer conditions. So sudden late frosts (springtime) or early frosts (autumn) are the bane of horticulturists slang@xtra.co.nz

This month's inaugural Muritai Yacht Club Women's Regatta was a roaring success, with first time competitors mixing it with seasoned sailors.

There were 25 entrants in the regatta in twenty boats, which Vice-Commodore Kyle Adair says was pleasing. With most competitors entering on the day, the club had no idea how successful it would be.

Four races were completed, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The conditions were light and shifty in the morning, with a southerly sea breeze in the afternoon pushing the wind up to 15 gusting 18 knots.

The four classes included Optimist, Starling, RS Feva/Sunburst, and Laser/Farr 3.7.

MYC sailors won the following Optimist - Lily Benton Starling - Tesca Edwards

Laser - Ruth Meo

RS Feva/ Sunburst - Miriam and Claire second, with Gwen Rashbrooke (Miriam's mum) and Vanessa Bennett (Claire's mum) third.

"The feedback from the competitors was great with all of them saying they would be back

next season and plan to get more of their club members to join them," Mr Adair says.

Miriam Water, skipper, with Claire Bennett. This was their first time sailing in a two-handed boat having stepped up from the Optimist class. There were four other two-handed boats with all skippers new to taking the helm. Photo: Phil Benge.