The Eastbourne Herald February 2023

Bays speed limit looks set to drop to 50km/hr

Hutt City Council has concluded a consultation on lowering the speed limit between Whiorau/Lowry Bay and Sunshine Bay from 70km/hr to 50km/hr and installing three raised pedestrian crossings near bus shelters along Marine Drive.

That 2.1km stretch has been the site of 14 crashes in the five-year period 2016-2020. Of these 14 reported crashes, two involved serious injuries. In comparison, the section of Marine Drive with the existing 50km/h speed limit has had 20 reported crashes in the same period of which none involved serious injuries.

Under Land Transport rules, the reduced speed proposal had to be consulted on, which was conducted online and by email. A total of 459 responses were received from both an online survey and emails. Of those, 130 were in favour, 118 were not in favour. and the remainder were neutral.

The main reasons given by those who were against the change were increased travel time, but council officers say the reduction would not result in any noticeable travel time increase, with four trials conducted showing a difference of only five seconds.

An option of a compromise speed limit of 60km/h would not be a safe and appropriate speed for this road, officers say. “A 60km/h speed limit would continue to provide an inconsistent speed limit along a road that is otherwise 50km/h and may be confusing for some drivers.”

The recommendation still has to be agreed to by HCC's Infrastructure and Regulatory Committee .

Menawhile, the shared path, Tupua Horo Nuku is now going to cost $79m to complete

- $49m more than the previous estimate. Mayor Campbell Barry says this is in line with infrastructure costs across the country,which

have risen due to inflationary pressures on materials and labour shortages.

Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Marine Drive, Mahina Bay at about 3.10am on 12 February. A couple of people appear to have sustained minor injuries. No charges have been filed. Photo: David Melhuish.

30 km/hr on some EB roads?

Thirty km/hr speed limits around Wellesley College, Muritai School and some narrow streets look set to take effect, following an HCC review of speeds

While the focus was mainly on roads in school areas, council officers also looked at other roads in the area which would better suit 30km/h speed limits such as narrow local roads as well as urban/suburban roads with high pedestrian demands.

A total of 24 feedback responses were received with 14 fully supporting the changes. The council assumed the remainder to be ssupportive, as the officers had made changes in the proposal based on their feedback. Three people were against change.

The lowered limits are proposed for streets in which cars are driven at speeds around or below 30km/h as the streets cannot accommodate 50km/h speed limits.

“New proposed changes would improve safety and accessibility for other road users with

minimum disruptions to car users as car users are currently already travelling at speeds close to 30km/h in proposed areas even when the posted speed limits in those areas are 50km/h,” the report says.

Officers say when cars travel at slower speeds than posted speed limits, it usually means that the road cannot accommodate the speeds, but it needs to be official. “It is important to have correct posted speed limits appropriate for the roads as there is a perceived sense of safety by following the speed limits.”

Officers say they have received feedback to make main roads such as Muritai Road and Marine Drive as variable speed limits.

Officers have considered all the feedback and updated the proposed changes on Muritai Road as variable 30km/h speed limits. However, part of Marine Drive around Wellesley has high pedestrian and traffic activities throughout the week.

What's Happening Hair!?

February 'round hair!

Calling everyone with long hair! What do you do to style your look? Here's some 2023 inspiration for you Keeping your hair interesting can be tricky when it's longer and it's very easy to just pop it up in a ponytail and get on with your day, but why not try out a few different looks!

Whether you use clips as a feature, or as a way to keep your hair slick, they are a great way to create a sleek at the front style while creating volume at the back To pull off what Gigi is rocking here, backcomb the back of your hair to create a subtle 60's volume, then for the front sections of your hair, create a middle part and clip each section back behind your ears for an amazing everyday, or going out look!

If you typically straighten your hair try to add some curls! The best way to create curls is to firstly make sure you use a volumising heat protectant/hair spray while your hair is still damp which you can texturise and add volume as you blow dry your hair This gives 'free' volume with little work required from you! Next, curl your hair with flat iron hair straighteners, the thicker your hair, the wider the irons should be to create a loose wavy look Finally, to keep the hair in place, hold your breath and give those wonderful curls about 10 seconds of spray with your favourite holding spray and voila! You're ready to head out!

If you've volumised, clipped back, and curled your hair too many times and want a new way to change up your long hair, a simple, yet bold way to change the look of long hair is to add a fringe! This can be a 'micro' fringe, a chic, half forehead look, it can be side bangs which blend into the long hair, or a simple traditional fringe!

Most importantly, it is vital to nourish your long hair with the right product no matter how you style it, after all it has been with you for many years! My new K18 mask is the best at-home way to replenish all those essential minerals and vitamins into your locks! This mask is so easy to use, after shampooing your hair twice, apply two pumps of the mask and comb through the hair Leave in for 3-5minutes and gently rinse with warm (not hot) waster It restores the hair from the inside out, letting the hair's natural shine, shine through!

Following the end of Kim Weber-Swain’s 18-month contract at 31 March 2023, the Eastbourne-Bays

Community Trust wishes to appoint a co-ordinator to administer the Okiwi volunteer driving service for EastbourneBays senior citizens.

The coordinator is contracted to the Trust at an agreed hourly rate. A job specification can be accessed on the website www. okiwi.org.nz or on the Okiwi Trust Facebook page.

The position offers a rewarding opportunity for a person to be involved in the community assisting those requiring the service and liaising with an established group of drivers giving freely of their time.

Kindly contact Trust chair George Tuffin on 027 243 1945 or email

George.tuffin@xtra.co.nz to seek further clarification on the position or to register your interest.

Anne Mackris-Berdebes

Next ECB meeting:

7.15pm Tuesday 28 February, 2023, East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd.

The agenda for the meeting will be posted on huttcity.govt.nz and on the Board’s website eastbourne.nz a few days before the meeting. (The meeting on 14 February was deferred because of the weather that day).

Annual walkabout

The ECB’s annual walkaround Eastbourne will be on Saturday, 22 April. The walkabout is a chance for residents and resident associations to meet with the Board and a Council Officer as we travel from Point Howard to Burdan’s Gate. If you would like to speak to us about an issue or opportunity in your area, bay or street, please email belinda. moss@huttcity.govt.nz.

Climate change in Eastbourne

The next meeting of the Eastern Bays Climate Response Network is from 7 to 9pm, Wednesday 1 March, at St Ronan’s, Muritai Road. You can also sign up to be part of the Network at eastbourne.nz or email climateresponse@ eastbourne.nz.

Eastbourne Community Board (ECB)

If you have an issue or a suggestion for Council, please complete the Report a Problem form on huttcity.govt.nz first. For urgent issues, call 04 570 6666. Residents are welcome to contact Community Board members about other concerns. Members may ask for a report from officers for the next meeting. You can also contact us on the Eastbourne Community Board Facebook page and the Eastbourne.nz website.

Belinda Moss (Chair)

belinda.moss@huttcity.govt.nz

029 494 1615

Bruce Spedding (Deputy Chair) bruce.spedding@huttcity.govt.nz

021 029 74741

Frank Vickers

frank.vickers@huttcity.govt.nz

027 406 1419

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

Jailhouse rock

Murray Gibbons is appealing to whoever took the doors off the historic Eastbourne jail building, (pictured right) which has sat outside the MenzShed for a couple of years, to return them so what was intended to be the “jewel in the crown” of the Historical Society’s Heritage Trail can be restored and conserved.

“It was the perfect situation for a burglar,” Mr Gibbons says. “There was no camera and no one living close by. It’s not a flimsy door and must have been quite an exercise. We hope someone might have heard or seen something.”

Recognising its significance, Mr Gibbons bought the structure, which sat behind the old police station, from iwi, when the police house was sold off. But some time between Thursday night and Friday morning last week the 10cm thick doors, thought to be totara or kauri, were

wrenched from the two-cell building.

The rooms once used for sailors who’d jumped ship were used to store bait for local pest eradication operation MIRO, but none of that was taken and he says there was nothing else of value inside. The poison has been removed to a safe place.

Mr Gibbons has researched the stories behind some of the graffiti inside the structure. “There’s a wealth of bloody history here,” he says. “We’ve lost a treasure. I get quite worked up about it every time I talk about it.”

He says Hutt City Council have offered to move the building building - which is over 100 years old - to a more secure council facility.

Muritai 125th next month

Get Ready to Party with Muritai School as they Celebrate 125 Years

Students, staff, whānau, community members and alumni are encouraged to join in a fun-filled event spanning two days to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Muritai School, taking place on Friday, 24 March from 9 am to 11.30 pm and Saturday, 25 March, from 10 am to 3 pm at the school on Muritai Rd.

To commemorate this milestone, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the Pōwhiri and museum opening, take a tour of the school and look at old photos, yearbooks and other past treasures as well as enjoy numerous activities run by the students.

On Friday evening Muritai will host a Gala for alumni and whanau, a ticketed event – with a ceremony, live music, casual dinner and drinks, when the winner of the $4,500 It's Time to Travel Raffle will be announced. Come and celebrate, reminisce, and meet with past classmates, teachers, colleagues and friends. To attend the gala please register your interest here 125years@muritai.school.nz

On Saturday, Muritai’s esteemed Kapa Haka Rōpu will open Muritai’s boutique fair. This will be a fun filled day for the whole family, with school tours, games, food trucks, a bouncy castle, arts & crafts, entertainment and much more.

Principal Stu Devenport says the school is really looking forward to the 125th Celebrations

on 24 and 25 March. “We’re hoping that one of the highlights of the event will be opening the time capsule that was buried at the 100th anniversary back in 1996… the only problem is no one is able to tell us where it was actually buried!”

Were you here for the celebrations back in ‘96? Are you able to shed some light on where we can locate the capsule? If you have any idea, they’d love to hear from you.

Also, they are on the lookout for any old Muritai School or Eastbourne memorabilia, for a Muritai Museum in the school library during the celebrations, in collaboration with the Eastbourne Historical Society. If you have anything at home you’d like to share, please let them know, by dropping Stu a line at principal@ muritai.school.nz or contact the school office.

FRIDAY 24 MARCH:

• 9AM-3PM MURITAI SCHOOL OPEN DAY FOR ALL FRIENDS AND WHANAU.

• 7PM - 11:30PM GALA DINNERtickets are $80 each - Order tickets at school office or via google form. SATURDAY 25th MARCH:

• 10AM - 3PM - BOUTIQUE FAIR / OPEN DAY FOR ALL FRIENDS AND WHANAU.

The coming of Lorde

Towards the end of a letterbox drop last week, Hutt City Council’s Dean Grocott had an unexpected encounter with one Eastbourne resident. He began to explain what he was doing: “I am just delivering a message about Lorde coming,” only for the woman to say she had no interest in religion, thank you. When he explained it was about concerts at Williams Park, they ended up having a “good old chuckle”.

Sadly, in spite of the best laid plans – and Mr Grocott reckons this was about to be the best-managed on-site event of the summer, regionally – Lorde’s 21&22 February concerts were re-located to the TSB Stadium on Queen’s Wharf, by the promoter, in time for people to make other plans.

Mr Grocott says when the ground crew first went to inspect the park it was already sodden, and although the following week’s forecast was better, there was more rain due. They would simply not be able to get equipment in and out without damaging the fragile ground.

Two 20-tonne trucks are needed to move in the stage and other gear for such events –and along with planned carparking on Bishop Park, the event would have played havoc with Eastbourne’s playing fields.

“Big, big trucks would destroy the grounds, just to set up,” says Mr Grocott.

Faith in the Community Guidelines..

Most people will have heard of the Ten Commandments, given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Egypt), as the Jews fled from slavery. You can find them in the Bible in Exodus 20:2-17.

Maybe equally well known are the Eight Beatitudes, given by Jesus to his Jewish listeners in his Sermon on the Mount, in Galilee (Israel) as he began his public ministry. You can find them in Matthew 5:3-10.

Williams Park was originally chosen by the promoter when looking for a winery type venue in Lower Hutt. After two previous successful Fat Freddy’s Drop concerts in 2019 and 2020, Williams Park at Days Bay was to be the perfect location to kickoff Lorde’s Solar Power Tour. Ticket holders who did not wish to change to the city waterfront venue were offered full refunds.

The Ten Commandments are mostly cast in the negative, beginning “You shall not…” but the Beatitudes are expressed in the positive, beginning “Blessed are you…”. The first tell you mostly how not to livepromising you physical blessings if you obey but the latter tell you how you should live, and who you should be - promising you spiritual blessings. Just over 300 words of prohibition and just over 100 words of hope Both are well worth a read...

St Alban’s + St Ronan’s + San Antionio: Combined Good Friday Service, Fri 7 April.

St Ronan’s: Services Sun 9.30am - informal 1st and 3rd, traditional 2nd and 4th. Ask if you’d like our monthly printed magazine the Record E:office@stronans.org.nz

W:www.stronans.org.nz

St Alban’s: Wellesley College Sun 10am communion with guest vicar. Special activities for children during term time. 1st Thurs only, 10am communion at St Ronan’s with guest vicar. E:office@stalbanschurch.nz

W:www.stalbanschurch.nz

San Antonio: Vigil Mass, Sat 5.30pm. Sacred Heart, Petone: Mass, Sun 9.30am and 5.30pm. E: holyspiritparish41@gmail.com

Call 04 939 2366 www.jaglegal.co.nz

W: www.holyspirit.nz

...a stronger integrated legal team!

JAG033

From Seaview to Ruatoria and beyond...

by Ann Packer

The response to Kōkiri Marae’s call for supplies to flood-stricken marae in Tairawhiti has been overwhelming, says Teresea Olsen, who with her sister Tina Olsen-Ratana coordinated the exercise, part of the Ngāti Porou Taurahere response to what was affecting their East Coast home base.

Even the youngest kids have been on deck helping move pallets loaded with pet food, toilet paper and cleaning products. When we took in a carton of picture books on Sunday afternoon, a team of young men from the Church of Latter Day Saints, dressed in suits, helped carry cartons. But by then there were signs up saying “no more linen, towels, clothes please”. Ms Olsen said they had already sent off a truck and trailer load to Ruatoria on Saturday – which had arrived and was unloading its stash – and another would go after the 4pm closure on Sunday.

Spencer Logan Valuations Limited

Registered Valuers and Property Consultants

For professional property advice

Last year’s Wellingtonian of the Year was looking forward to having a good night’s sleep – but it’s safe to bet she’ would be back on Monday morning at the Seaview marae helping run the regular programmes the complex is known for – kohanga reo, health services and the Pātaka Kai foodbank, among others.

Tel: 562-7555

or Campbell Logan - 022 093 8090

Spencer Logan - 021 627 773

Email: admin@spencerlogan.co.nz www.spencerlogan.co.nz

Right: Kōkiri Marae volunteers Zalene and April with some of the donated pet food destined for Tairawhiti.

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

• 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.

WHAT'S ON

• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15 -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, 9.15am11.15am, during school terms. 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.

• EFC Social Womens Football. Every Thursday, 6.30pm, Bishop Park (unless otherwise notified). Contact: Trysh, 02102931247

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.

Emergency preparedness in the Eastern Bays

As demonstrated so graphically in recent weather events, the official emergency and support services may not be able to respond to every issue and will have to prioritise. This is especially true of the Eastern Bays as we are easily isolated and represent a small part of Hutt City. This means communities like ours will have to pitch in and look after each other.

The most important thing is to keep up to date and informed. The failure of virtually all forms of communication and power have been a feature of Cyclone Gabrielle, with many having to rely on radio broadcasts as their sole source of information, and unable to call out through any channel. A battery powered AM (for better coverage) or FM radio receiver is a cheap addition to your emergency kit, and a solar charger for your phone a must have.

All the information you need is available through the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) website http:// wremo.nz

Locally, we have the Eastbourne Community Board Facebook page, the website Eastbourne. nz, The Eastbourne Herald. and a digital noticeboard at the library, but these all depend

on networks being operational. The best way to manage an emergency is to prepare for an emergency.

There are four phases to dealing with emergencies. Two of these occur before the actual event. 1. Reduction - removing hazards and causes. What can you do to reduce the consequences of an earthquake (anchor your furniture), fire (keep trees away from your house) or flooding (keep drains cleared)? 2. Readiness - have a family plan, have resources ready such as an escape bag, food, water, emergency toilet, spare medicines. 3. Response - carry out your plan, don’t wait to be told what to do. 4. Recovery - have a plan and resources to deal with the aftermath, including how you will manage if you cannot return to your home.

The Eastern Bays have three Community Emergency Hubs; Point Howard Playcentre, Wellesley College and Muritai School. These are a place for the community to congregate and coordinate our response to assist each other. If the Hub becomes unsuitable, we can move to a better venue. Each Hub has a basic start-up kit consisting of an AM/FM radio, maps and a Civil Defence VHF radio that allows communication with the wider official response if phone lines are down. It does not necessarily have other resources such as food, medicines, clothing, bedding etc. These must come from the community. The Hubs may also be busy looking after their students and not able to be active for several days.

Lowry Bay also has a container devoted to civil defence, and other bays may have resources. We are also lucky to have the Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade locally, although they may be called away from the bays to support higher priority work. Red Cross also have resources in Eastbourne. Contact the residents' association for your bay to find out more.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

• Your first priority is to look after yourself and your household.

• If you can help or need help, go out and check with your neighbours.

• Check your neighbourhood to see what can be done.

There are some water tanks available (Wellesley and Muritai) but generally households should make sure you have your own supplies for the first 7 days. 200 litre tanks are available for around $100 through the libraries.

People may have noticed emergency water shipping containers at Lowry Bay and Days Bay. These do not contain water, but hold the equipment to distribute water to the community either by tanker or pumping from local sources. These may take up to 8 days to be activated by council staff.

The Eastern Bays also have our own emergency radio network, with stations in every bay operated by volunteers. These are all capable of running off battery power. Visit the WREMO website https://wremo.nz for detailed guidance.

• Once you have made sure you and those near you are safe, or if you need support that cannot be provided locally, you can go to your local Hub. You may be one of the first there, in which case you can use the resources provided to organise yourselves and provide support to the community. The hubs’ role will be to help people understand what is happening, solve problems using resources and people skills the community has available, and provide a safe gathering place for members of the community to support one another. from

New lease on life At the Bay

By Ann Packer

Jason and Sheryl Hotop didn’t plan to make their forever home in Eastbourne. They were simply looking for a house to renovate and sell, when they bought an old structure on Muritai Rd after moving from Wahroonga, Sydney in mid-2019, for a slower pace of life.

They freely admit they’d hardly heard of Katherine Mansfield, whose family holidayed in this Eastbourne house in Blackies Gully when the famous short story writer was a child. But as the couple did their research and got into rebuilding the heritage-listed building, they learned their villa is said to be the setting Wellington-born Mansfield had in mind when she wrote perhaps her best-known story, At The Bay.

The Hotops and their children Grace, 15, Giselle, 13 and Leon, 10 have fallen in love with the single-storey c.1905 house known as The Glen.

Visiting tour groups have recited the story from their verandah, which looks down Puriri St.

When the couple found historic photographs of the house at Alexander Turnbull Library, they thought about restoring it, but closer inspection revealed much of the property, in three flats at the time, would have to be demolished.

“It’s basically a shell,” says Jason, of the house, (pictured bottom right). “We had to start from scratch.”

Covid held up progress, even though they were using all local tradies, and during lockdown he was often pottering along on his own.

The heritage listing meant the façade had to be retained, so all windows were double-glazed and external walls strengthened, and doors restored – but most internal walls, and the rotten floorboards, had to be replaced. They’ve repiled, repurposed old bricks, relocated the old wetback from the fireplace into the garden, and replicated the colored glass and fretwork on the verandah, in keeping with the black-and-white historic photo. There’s even a fake chimney – the old one was unstable but because photos show there had been one, it had to be replicated.

In spite of all the hiccups, within 12 months the Hotops were living in the house. A huge amount of landscaping work was needed just to drive up to the house. They don’t have a classic garden yet – a fancy one may come later, but the kids just need a lawn really, says Sheryl, a Reiki practitioner who works three days a week at the

local dental practice. And throughout, they’ve incorporated classic details that won’t date, so it’s set to last another hundred years.

News from Point Howard

The PHA committee took a walk around the hill after Cyclone Gabrielle and we are pleased to report there weren’t any branches or other debris to clear off the roads, and the storm water grates and sumps appeared to have functioned well. If you have a stormwater sump near your house, please check the grate from time to time and remove any debris that may stop water flowing into the stormwater system. Your downhill neighbours may be very grateful to you!

The PHA encourages residents to check their stores of food and water, and the contents of their grab and go bag. getready.govt.nz and wremo.nz/your-area/wellington-region/lowerhutt/ are great resources which detail how you and your whānau can get ready at home, work, school etc.

The Point Howard Community Garden has been loving the weather, and is seriously pumping out the vegetables. There are heaps of zucchini, cucumbers, and purple and runner beans at the moment, and the first chilis and cherry tomatoes are ripening. Speaking of tomatoes - we definitely have a bumper harvest this year. If you are keen to help on the occasional working bee or watering roster, email pointhowardgarden@gmail.com to get on the mailing list. Thank you to the volunteers who have kept up the weeding and watering. Please come and visit, take a few veggies for a meal, leave some to share, pull out a weed or two.

pthowardassn@gmail.com

Authorised by Ginny Andersen MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Above, the house now, and below, circa 1911.

Making the most of our bounty

by Ann Packer

In Shanghai you’ll pay $4 for one kiwifruit.

Eastbourne Football Club (EFC) 2023 registrations are

Emily Swan knows – she goes there often on business, in her seafood industry job, producing and exporting New Zealand marine products over the last ten years or so.

now open

We welcome back our existing members and look forward to meeting new ones.

Registrations are open until mid March for both Juniors and Masters.

Masters season starts 1 April

Junior season starts 29 April

There is lots more info on our website - www.efc.org.nz which is also the place to register For any questions email us at info@efc.org.nz

But she also knows getting exports to markets can be expensive, especially in times like these. And if the product is not perfect, fussy consumers will reject it – take for example the Otago cherries she has just added to her freeze-dried fruit powder lineup: too dark for the Japanese customers they were intended for, they were about to become a waste product.

Emily, who grew up in Eastbourne and is based in Auckland, checks in with parents Carol and Stan Swan every few weeks. She’s on a crusade to add value to our fruit and veg, using technology that’s been around a while but not previously used on exclusively homegrown produce.

“It’s a bit like how your grandmother used to preserve fruits so you could enjoy them in the middle of winter,” says the entrepreneur, who comes from a family of organic foodies and fruit growers. Her dad, who grew up on a farm, currently looks after the raised beds behind St Albans church and her mother has a prolific garden in Tuatoru St.

Vita Kiwi’s freeze-dried superfoods – green and gold kiwifruit, blueberries and now cherries – are packaged in a convenient form, priced competitively with fresh kiwifruit and available year-round. The pocket-sized sachets, equal to 1.5 fresh fruit, have a long shelf life, travel well and enhance just about every kind of instant meal. From school lunches to people recovering from surgery, in your handbag, office desk or luggage, the possibilities are endless, it seems.

Vita Kiwi products can be purchased from Meraki in Days Bay, where Lisa South offers a discount to locals, or online. www.vitakiwi. co.nz

Emily Swan with some of her Vita Kiwi products.

Kia ora, my name is Zane. I’m one of the Greater Wellington Rangers working in East Harbour Regional Park. I wanted to let you know about an exciting project at Parangarahu Lakes. Due to the lakes being a unique and rare ecosystem, it’s very important to protect the area from the impacts of increasing visitors, and for that reason we are installing a dry-vault toilet near the site.

The coast road which leads to the category 1 scientific wetlands, has become very popular with cyclists and hikers over time. The increase in visitors to Parangarahu Lakes, has increased the need for a toilet to prevent them from using the areas around this delicate ecosystem

If you are not familiar with the term ‘dryvault’ toilet, it means the toilet is self-contained and material is stored in a watertight tank for later collection by septic draining services. This is important, as it reduces any risk of effluent leeching into the surrounding soil. Due to the remoteness of the area piping is not available so this tends to be the preferable option for Park settings. If you’ve ever been to Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui, there is an example of a dryvault toilet in the car park there.

This toilet block will be designed to blend in with muted colours of the surrounding rugged landscape and be sturdy enough to withstand the epic winds that whip the coastal environment!

This project is currently still in the design and consenting stage, but we will update you on our Facebook page when the work starts. If you’re interested in this project, feel free to email me questions at zane.gillgren@gw.govt. nz, and I’ll do my best to answer what I can.

February weed of the month - Pig’s Ear

This aptly named succulent is commonly called Pigs Ear (Cotyledon Orbiculata) because of its powdery, ear shaped grey green leaves with red margins, and it’s a coastal invader

PARKSIDE

from South Africa. Pig’s Ear is fast growing, with a maximum height of roughly 1.3m tall and has clusters of blood orange bell-shaped drooping flowers in Summer, which spread their seed via wind or gravity.

Why is this plant a problem?

This plant is a problem due to its ability to outcompete our fragile native flora, as well as the difficulty we have of controlling this plant once it has established in steep rocky terrain. In the case of Eastbourne there is luckily no infestations along the coast road leading to the Parangarahu Lakes, or at Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui, although there are isolated infestations along the Eastbourne Bays Road. If you do see any Pig’s Ear past Burdans gate, please do let me know!

An interesting fact about this plant is that it naturally develops a white powdery substance known as ‘farina’ on the leaf’s surface, this farina helps reflect sunlight and conserve water.

How is this plant controlled?

This plant can either be controlled physically by digging out the plants, making sure to remove all leaves, as they can form roots when in contact with the ground. For large infestations, herbicide control may be more effective using a Triclopyr based herbicide.

Thanks for reading my ramble. If you have any questions or queries regarding Pig’s Ear, please feel free to shoot me an email at zane. gillgren@gw.govt.nz

Cotyledon Orbiculata or Pigs Ear.

The design of the new toilet at Parangarahu Lakes.

Happy trails team, - Zane Gillgren, ERP Ranger

Women's team latest to join EFC lineup

Excitement is building as the Eastbourne Football Club prepares for a new season with not only four existing masters teams but also a new women's team on the horizon. The junior club is also looking healthy and it's hopeful that the upcoming Women's World Cup, set to take place in New Zealand, will encourage more girls to join the club and take part in the beautiful game.

The addition of a women's team will be a significant step for the club, and they are hoping it will encourage more girls to get involved in football. In preparation for the start of the season the squad is looking to build fitness and skills, and most importantly, that special sense of community that Eastbourne teams have.

The club's existing men's masters teams are also gearing up for the new season, and there is a real sense of excitement amongst the players and managers and their supporters. The four masters teams, made up of seasoned and less experienced players, have been undergoing fitness and skills training in preparation for the upcoming season. The club has also made significant investments in equipment and facilities to ensure that all the players have the best possible resources at their disposal.

The club has recently welcomed two new

committee members, Kurt Renner and Ben Waitt, and a new chairperson, Trysh MurphyDally, who are eager to continue the good work of previous committees and take the club to new heights. They have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the club is

ready for the new season and there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. With new committee members, a new chairperson, and a new women's team on the horizon, the future looks bright for this passionate and dedicated club. - Mike Andrews,

EFC Club Captain

The new EFC women's team at their first practice.

Rugby season kicks off

Eastbourne Rugby Club is fizzing for the start of the 2023 season.

Under 85 Kg

• Under 85kg Senior rugby preseason training underway, 6.30pm Thursdays at HW Shortt Park. If you are thinking of playing head down to find out what it’s all about.

• Pre season game against MSP 25th March

• Season starts 15th April

Junior Club

• Registrations for 2023 are now OPEN. We would love to see some new faces joining our club this year. Everyone is welcome!!

• Friday night Pre-school Gold in the community centre starts 5th May

• Saturday morning Rippa and tackle

starts 29th April

For more info on ages/grades check out ERFC on sporty.co.nz

Any queries contact us at: junioreastbournerugby@gmail.com

We have some exciting club events for the 2023 season and we will keep members updated during the season.

- Willie Davis, ERFC

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Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

GOOD FOOD, PRETTY FLOWERS

February/March: Late summer/early autumn. Warm still. Lots of free tree chip. A mulch blanket helps keep soil water in, and soil temperature constant.

Angiosperms: The flowering/fruiting plants emerged between 300 and 150 million years ago (late Carboniferous, early Cretaceous). They soon underwent rapid genome downsizing, so, smaller nuclei, smaller cells, faster cell division. So, faster growth, shorter life cycles. So, faster evolution. The Angiosperms spread rapidly, outcompeting and displacing the previously dominant ferns and conifers of the Carboniferous (many extinctions). Today, with 416 Angiosperm families, 13,000 genera and 300,000 species, they are 90% of all land plants.

Co-opt 1: Another key to Angiosperm success was they co-opted animals. They grew bright flowers and fruits (max visibility) and offered sugary nectar, juice (max attraction) to get animals to disperse their pollen (mostly insects) and seeds (mostly vertebrates). So, dispersion was much further/faster.

Co-opt 2: About 10,000 years ago, animal co-option became very specialised. A tiny minority of Angiosperms entered a special relationship with a single vertebrate species (Homo sapiens). Our ancestors became farmers. They chose only plants that were easy to grow, produced good food and looked pretty. So, farming greatly increased the populations of a tiny proportion of land plants. Only 7 of the 416 Angiosperm families. All the rest became weeds (many extinctions).

The lucky families were: •Poaceae (grasses) - cereals and pasture grasses - so our bread, meat, milk, wool, leather; •Leguminosae (beans); •Solanaceae (potatoes); •Cucurbitaceae (pumpkins); •Brassicaceae (cabbages); •Rutaceae (oranges) and •Rosaceae (apples). A small number of other plants provide our fibres (cotton); medicines (aspirin) and drinks (coffee, wine). The only exception to Angiosperm dominance is the Pinales (the conifers). They provide our timber and paper.

Technology: About 200 years ago, new farming methods allowed huge increases in food production and so in human population (1 billion in 1800, 8 billion today). So, we now farm/ afforest huge areas of land, destroy huge areas of habitat. So, mass extinction.

slang@xtra.co.nz

Max Fahey on his way to score a try for the mighty ERFC.

Well, Supersize me!

Eastbourne residents travelling past Pt Howard will have noticed the strikingly tall black pillars of the new barge tied up next to Tuapapa, which has until now been the base for the work upgrading the wharf as part of CentrePort’s Seaview Energy Resilience Project.

The refurbished Combifloat C7 Class, 400T Barge, which awaits a blessing and naming ceremony on 6 March, was bought secondhand from Dubai back in June, and only after many holdups made landfall in January at Wellington’s Centreport on Aotea Quay, where it was reassembled between cruise ship visits.

It’s taken a lot of planning to get here, but the barge’s arrival will mean safer, faster, and larger lifts for the Seaview operation, says Brian Perry Civil’s Lee Griffiths.

“A bigger barge means a bigger crane, and

Muritai School Hall

(venue change from previous years)

1st and 2nd April 9am-3pm

Donated books can be dropped off to the Lions storage room next to the Community Centre, south end of Tuatoru St, from 7-8pm Monday and Thursday during March, or ph Graham 562 8819. For pick ups of donated books, text Gavin 027 488 5602.

Kidztalk

opportunities to expand the range and depth of projects BPC could take on, including immediate benefits for work at Seaview Wharf,” he says. “It’s really changed the way we’re looking at the project. With concrete elements, we can now lift precast forms in one go, which has massive implications for what we can achieve with the two-week shipping windows we work within.”

Work cannot be carried out while oil tankers are berthed.

He says a decision is yet to be made on what will happen with Seaview’s former main barge, Tuapapa.

For more information, including the full story of the holdups experienced on the way to Seaview, see The Seaview Project’s website –seaviewproject.co.nz

News from our local playcentres

Kia Ora parents, grand parents or caregivers of under fives! Join us for a term of fun in the sun (or under the shade of a giant pōhutukawa if you prefer) at Point Howard Playcentre! Come and visit any Monday, Wednesday or Friday 9:15-11:45 from Feb 8th for messy play, water play, sand pits, obstacle courses, pic nics, baby music sessions, story time and more. There is a drop off option for 2.5 year olds and over.

We've been doing some trips this term to enjoy the outdoors with our wonderful peers. Check out the photos!

Find out how we maximise the fun and minimise the mahi to make the most of these precious preschool years and get to know the other families in our precious community. We welcome visitors free of charge for a couple of sessions, members pay a (non-mandatory) koha.

We also offer optional talks and training for those who are interested in learning more about child development and play.

Contact: Lucy 021335391 or pcpointhoward@gmail.com

Eastbourne Lions 2023 Book Sale

The

March 2023 deadlines

Make sure you advertise your business with us and help more than 5000 readers to purchase from YOU

March 23 deadlines:

Ad booking: Wed, March 15

Ad copy: Thurs, March 16

Deliveries: March 25-25 email editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz

or phone 027 254 5434 www.eastbourneherald.co.nz

www.eastbourneherald.co.nz

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Advertise to ALL OF THE EASTERN BAYS and beyond....

Only 50c per word: email editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz

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Impeccable pedigreeunlimited potential

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Eastbourne 7 Huia Road, Days Bay

1,744sqm 5 3

Tender (unless sold prior)

Closing 2pm, Thu 23 Mar 2023 120 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt View by appointment

Duncan Povey 027 597 1080 duncan.povey@bayleys.co.nz

Jasper Povey 027 552 7737 jasper.povey@bayleys.co.nz

CAPITAL COMMERCIAL (2013) LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Modernist Days Bay home and income

This magnificent property is located on a secluded and sunny site affording sensational views over Days Bay to Matiu Somes Island in Wellington Harbour. Set amongst native bush and beech trees its elevated and sheltered position creates a stunning private haven amongst the treetops. bayleys.co.nz/3325626

Current Listings

1,032sqm 3 2

Price by Negotiation

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CAPITAL COMMERCIAL (2013) LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Eastbourne 7/354 Muritai Road

Attractive, low maintenance townhouse

A magic combination of comfort and style, 7 Eastbourne Mews combines all the elements of an ideal professional's home. Situated in a quiet complex of only 13 homes, it is just minutes' walk from the beach, and a short drive to schools, shops, and cafes in this popular seaside village. bayleys.co.nz/3325519

bayleys.co.nz

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Sinead Diederich 021 025 81960

sinead.diederich@bayleys.co.nz

Christelle Van Zyl 021 075 8291

christelle.vanzyl@bayleys.co.nz

CAPITAL COMMERCIAL (2013) LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008