Leak one of 55 in EB

by Ann Packer

Everyone in Eastbourne is aware of the ongoing water issues. We know we’re not the only ones – Wellington’s water woes get attention too. But it’s the gushers outside their gates, not to mention local shops, that get Eastbourners most worked up. The fact there’s a water restriction currently in place makes it even more annoying for those with parched gardens – oh for a way to divert some of this precious resource to our plants, writes one local on Facebook.

John Donnachie from Wellington Water, which works on behalf of six regional local councils, says they are aware of the leaks in Eastbourne. They have recently assigned 32 in the area to a crew for fixing, although of the 55 in Eastbourne logged in their system, none are rated as urgent or high priority [see diagram].

Across the Wellington region in December, WW fixed over 525 leaks (including 137 in the Hutt City Council area), Mr Donnachie says, but around 2500 leaks remain.

So how do Wellington Water prioritise the most urgent leaks – many of which are large, underground and not easy to detect?

"Urgent” leaks are those that cause a loss of water supply to customers, have an immediate risk to public safety, and have a high risk of causing damage to property, says Mr Donnachie. “These jump to the top of the list and are dealt with first.”

Unfortunately, most leaks in Eastbourne are small, and rated medium to low priority, such as a leaking toby; they’re deferred for attention later, when resources allow. “That said, if a leak logged in our system has become progressively worse, please contact the relevant council who will escalate the issue to Wellington Water and our team will inspect if it should be escalated to urgent or high priority,” Mr Donnachie says.

If you see a blue “W” next to a leak, that means WW have assessed the leak and are working on it. To check the status of a reported leak, you can check the job status map on their website: https://www.wellingtonwater.co.nz/ resources/maps/job-status-map/

“We acknowledge the frustration of the Eastbourne community,” Mr Donnachie says. “Please be patient with us, our crews are dedicated to the task in hand and doing the best they can with the resources they have.”

Factors contributing to the current situation:

• Some Eastbourne pipes are over 100 years old and approaching the end of their operational life. They are generally made of galvanised steel, more prone to leakage than other materials.

• Our seaside location makes pipes vulnerable to the tidal water that covers them periodically, causing external corrosion.

• Our topography doesn’t help, with hillside homes generating significant water pressure, which makes pipes more prone to breaking down.

What's Happening Hair!?

Anne Mackris-Berdebes

January 'round hair!

Welcome to 2023 everyone! I have a great feeling about this year, and like they say, new year new me! We've had a bumpy and interesting couple of years where the world has really tested our resilience, but the storm has passed and this year is one where the dust will settle. As New Years Resolutions are starting to be carried out, what are you going to do differently this year? Why not start with your hair? When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good you do good!

Starting a new year with new hair is a great way to refresh yourself and give yourself an added boost of confidence to achieve those new years resolutions! How do I 'renew' my hair you're asking? There are plenty of ways! But my favourite two are:

A dramatic chop, whether that be going really short, pixie style, adding layers, or getting an inverted 'posh spice' bob. These styles are a fun way to change things up and add a spice to your life, especially if 2022 was the same style each year. Not only is a good old chop great for the soul, it's great for hair growth! When you hold onto those split ends too long, they get bigger and more damaging. Taking off a decent amount of your hair gives you a reset with no split ends, allowing your hair to grow faster without breaking!

My second favourite way to renew your hair is colour! Now I'm not saying you should go from Blonde to Black, Brunette to Pink... I'm suggesting you try adding a subtle change to the way you colour your hair, which is plenty enough! If you have natural hair that you don't dye, why not try a balayage, or some face-framing baby-lights? This will add a pop which brightens your look without looking like you're having a mid-life crisis. Alternatively, if you're a blondie, you could try a root fade, the latest 2023 trend which helps grow out your roots more gently.

If a chop or colour change isn't for you, there's always curls! If you're the kind of person who just whips your hair into a ponytail each day, shout yourself some hair straighteners or curlers and make a pledge to curl your hair more often. It's an easy way to feel amazing, I promise! Of course I'm always here to teach you how to make tight and loose beachy curls, depending on your preference!

Having a change in hair is a very healthy decision which can put you out of your comfort zone, but soon enough you learn to love the new you. So here's to 2023! Have a great year everyone!

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

238/10 MURITAI ROAD, EASTBOURNE, LOWERHUTT, WELLINGTON https://www.facebook.com/Anne-Mackris-Berdebes-Hairdressing 0277422559

Next ECB meeting:

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

Water Issues

Leaking pipes can be reported to Hutt City Council on huttcity.govt.nz or 04 5706666. Council will report it to Wellington Water. You can track progress on a reported leak on the job status map at wellingtonwater.co.nz. What does the Eastbourne Community Board do?

The Eastbourne Community Board (ECB) is one of three Hutt City Council Community Boards. It represents and advocates for your interests. It also considers and reports on any matters referred by the Council. The Board is five elected Eastbourne residents and a Ward Councillor and meets approximately every six weeks. Order papers are available at huttcity.govt.nz two working days before each meeting. At the start of each meeting, there is time for public comment. During this time, anyone can speak for three minutes on anything related to the community. Residents are welcome to contact board members at any time – see below. Members often sort minor issues directly with council staff or may ask for a report from officers to go on the next agenda. You can also contact us on the Eastbourne Community Board Facebook page (not to be confused with the Eastbourne Community Notice Board Facebook page)

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