The Eastbourne Herald January 2023

Saildrones: quantifying the planet

by Ann Packer

Seaview Marina temporarily became a New Zealand marine biosecurity site in midDecember, when three saildrones arrived from California.

Because of the sensitive technology involved – they can carry 20 sensors to collect meteorological and oceanographic data – the owners of the autonomous ships known as USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) wanted the container to come off the ship without having to be handled multiple times. Seaview Marina CE Tim Lidgard says New Zealand biosecurity officers were on site “to make sure there was nothing in them we don’t want.”

Mr Lidgard, a former San Franciscobased competitive sailor who came home during Covid, says Saildrone, which has projects operating around the world, reached out to him when they needed support for data-gathering east and west of Cook Strait. Within four weeks the three Explorers – worth more than US$80 million each – and three handlers had arrived, and the Seaview Marina facility became a “transitional customs and biosecurity site”.

While we’ve come to think of drones as operating above the ground, these ones move on water – albeit slowly, meandering along at 1-2 knots. At 7m long, 4.5m tall and with a 1.8m keel, they are environmentally friendly, wind- and solar-powered, and can operate for up to a year without the need for a support vessel. In 2019, one Saildrone Explorer, SD 1020, successfully circumnavigated Antarctica, crossing all longitudinal lines in the Southern Ocean. They can count fish, find the best locations for wind farms, follow

drug smugglers and provide live analysis from the middle of hurricanes. The biggest mission so far is a complete hi-res mapping of the ocean floor, 80 percent of which has never been studied. And the daily cost of hiring one – they’re not for sale – is less than a tenth of running a research vessel.

“We know more about the Moon and Mars than our own planet,” says Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins, a UK-born mechanical engineer now based in Alameda, California. In order to build his first ocean drone, he evolved a design for a land-sailing vehicle which set a wind-powered land speed record, and his company now designs,

manufactures and manages uncrewed surface vessels that sail the world's oceans collecting science data. Equipped with advanced sensors and machine learning technology, they can deliver critical data and intelligence from any ocean at any time of year to three Mission Controls eight hours apart, in California, the UK or Perth.

After sea trials in December to check everything was in order, Mr Lidgard says the saildrones were lifted out of the water on Christmas Eve and put back on their dollies. They’re currently awaiting parts for final sea trials before their planned release into Cook Strait in late February.

at Seaview Marina.

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

Above: Wellington Water's prioritisation scale.

Spencer Logan Valuations Limited Registered Valuers and Property Consultants

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

And then there were two…

by Ann Packer

In December there were three schools in Eastbourne. Now there are two. With the closure of San Antonio school at the end of last year due to an unsustainable roll, Muritai School and Wellesley College are the remaining primary schools. Both are full primary schools, teaching to the end of Year 8.

Muritai School principal Stu Davenport, who took up the job in the last term of 2022, says his school roll is looking very stable for the year ahead, with around 370 students, including several new enrolments, across all year levels, to start the new year.

“We of course are looking forward to welcoming our new students from San Antonio too.”

Mr Davenport says exciting things in the pipeline for 2023 include the school’s 125th celebrations in March. And after several years of interruptions due to Covid, they are looking forward to getting camp programmes underway – Years 5 and 6 students will head to Camp Makahika, an outdoor pursuits

centre east of Levin, at the end of Term One.

Also, Mr Devenport says, a couple of property projects are happening this year, with the first priority the school hall and kitchen refurbishment, “which will benefit the whole community”.

Wellesley College had an “extremely positive” year in 2022 which led to significant roll growth – additional classes were put on for Years 4 and 7, with another Year 8 class added this term to meet demand, says the school’s marketing manager, Julie-Ann Hedges.

“It is extremely gratifying to see the hard work over recent years from the staff, management, and school board paying off in this way.”

One of Wellesley’s unique offerings in 2023 is the introduction of the William Pike Challenge into the year 7 and 8 curriculum, with students challenged in ways that can’t be achieved inside the classroom. [See EH, September 2022]

“The focus on outdoor activities, community service and the pursuit of personal passion projects is perfectly in tune with the Wellesley ethos of risk taking, service to others and perseverance,” Ms Hedges says. “Their self-worth and self-esteem grow. Their physical and mental wellbeing improves. They develop a sense of purpose by thinking beyond themselves and giving back to others.

"Our students leave equipped with a bank of 21st-century skills and characteristics that not only advance their future, but ours and the planet’s.”

San Antonio School is still going through a formal closure process, says the BOT’s presiding member Luke Mathieson. The Proprietor of San Antonio School, Cardinal John Dew, proposed in October to the Associate Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, that they mutually agree to cancel the school’s integration agreement and close the school. On 21 December the board received a letter from the minister saying she wanted “to consult on the possible cancellation of the integration agreement”. Mr Mathieson says the decision-making process now sits with the Ministry of Education. A decision is expected in 4-6 weeks.

Letter to the Editor

Bylaw is barking mad

Two dog lead-holders used to be screwed to the posts outside the Eastbourne 4Square. They enabled folk to park their dogs while they pop into the shop for a few minutes. But last Monday a bloke armed with a screwdriver removed them and proudly took photos of his handiwork.

For decades, these modest pieces of hardware have contributed to positive outcomes:

Health Benefits – destination walking: taking the dog to the local shops is great motivation for an added dose of daily exercise.

Environmental benefits – by not taking the car to the local shops there is less pollution and less village traffic congestion.

Community cohesion benefits - by walking there are lots of opportunities to chat with people and new interactions when kids ask “May I pat your dog?”.

Local economy benefits – if walking the dog and shopping are ‘decoupled’, then shopping becomes a ‘get-into-the car’ exercise and, if you’re going to do that, you may as well just drive on to the big supermarkets in The Hutt.

Sadly, these benefits are now in jeopardy. And it is not the fault of the 4Square store.

It is the doing of our local authority, the Hutt City Council, dusting off an old bylaw that dogs should not be left unattended in such a public place.

But have the local body officials and enforcers really thought this through? Is HCC looking at the bigger picture: the resulting balance of pros and cons?

Not only are there negative unintended consequences, as listed above, but it is also a textbook example of applying inconsistent policies.

Consider these two recent real life scenarios:

A group of youths (likely with a history of non-self-regulated aggression issues) intimidated and may have mugged fellow travellers on a Lower Hutt bus. What happened? Has the HCC been irrationally biased to give comfort to the many citizens who are now, understandably, wary of groups of youths? Has the HCC created a by-law prohibiting ALL unsupervised youths from traveling on buses? Of course not , because this would unjustly penalise well-behaved and considerate young people who use public transport in Hutt City.

A singular unattended dog (likely already known to have untrainable aggression issues) recently bit somebody in the vicinity of the shop. What happened? “HCC must be seen to ‘do something’” “Let’s be irrationally biased to appease some voters who might be wary of dogs” “Let’s take a sledgehammer and make life more difficult for ALL dog owners”.

With Scenario 1, no doubt the HCC and

the police have dealt with the specific incident and the specific offenders.

With Scenario 2, the same principle should apply: deal specifically with out-of-control dogs and their owners. Do not introduce a blanket response blunt instrument that punishes the innocent.

So how can we move forward? Is there a solution to keep everyone content – (or at least find a solution that results in all parties having a tolerable level of dissatisfaction!)

For over twenty years we have enjoyed this feature of Eastbourne’s lifestyle: owning dogs and have taken them for walks which very often end up at the 4Square for us to do our daily grocery shopping.

Our pooches have been parked on the lead-holders without incident - other than lots of friendly pats from passers-by. How can we continue this happy lifestyle ?

We advocate relocating the dog leadholders to a new doggy parking area on the north wall of the shop - just around the corner and next to the car park.

As this area can get very hot, perhaps a nice little lean-to shade? ... and a water bowl?

You’re swimming in it…

by Ann Packer

It's been a summer for salps. The gelatinous strings of sago-like creatures (Amelie, 9, compares them to bubble tea, which is made from tapioca) were in the seawater and all over beaches in recent weeks. But fear not, they’re harmless.

Jeremy

Winter & Judy Francis Wal & Bet Louden

John Tattersall Chris Ward Murray Costello Phil Benge

BRIEFS

The Eastbourne Wharf to Wharf swim is scheduled for Sunday the 5th March 2023. This non-competitive event has been running for more than 100 years, however due to Covid restrictions it hasn't been run since 2020. The 1.25km course starts at Days Bay Wharf and ends at Rona Bay wharf. This event focuses on participation and having fun, and the organisers would love to see as many locals enter as possible. There will be age group and spot prizes on the day. More information can be found at https://wharf2wharf.wordpress.com/

At a New Year's Eve checkpoint on Hutt Rd, Petone, three people were found to be over the breath alcohol limit of 250mcg. A further three were found to be over the limit at a checkpoint on Marine Drive, Days Bay, in Eastbourne. One of those attempted to do a U-turn, allegedly to try to evade the Days Bay checkpoint.  Between both checkpoints, 640 drivers were stopped and tested. Twenty-six tested positive for alcohol, and of those 26, six were processed for exceeding the breath alcohol limit. The other 20 were under the limit.

At just a few centimetres long, salps are near the bottom of the food chain.

They graze on phytoplanktons, microscopic plant-like organisms in the sea that absorb CO2 for their photosynthesis, and perform an important function in capturing surface carbon and pooping it so it eventually sinks to the bottom.

Of 48 species of salps, 14 are found in New Zealand waters, says NIWA’s Dr Moira Decima, who led a 2018 scientific expedition on NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa, nicknamed the “SalpPOOP expedition” (Salp and Particle expOrt Ocean Production).

“They are more closely related to us than to jellyfish.”

As Island Bay Marine Education Centre’s Boris the Blue Cod says: “Don’t worry if you see heaps of them washed up on the beach. They won’t hurt you and they’re good for our Planet. Salps rock.”

The best thing is that their poop sinks to the bottom of the ocean and that’s a good way of removing carbon from the sea surface.

Salps are very important for cycling nutrients through the different depths of the ocean.

As they move up and down through the ocean eating and pooping eating and pooping they spread nutrients downwards to other hungry ocean neighbourhoods.

Glad I don’t live in THAT neighbourhood.

Good stuff: Salp has been prevalent on our beaches this summer.

French corner of the Village grows

by Ann Packer

Five years on from opening Tartines French café in Eastbourne, Camille Furminieux has revealed her enlarged premises, following a week’s closure for renovations.

From Wednesday 25 January, the new entrance to Tartines is through the former Marmalade Deli space, which now houses the coffee machine and food cabinet.

To take away there’s a range of Tartines’ own Provençal-inspired products – including balsamic syrup, olive oil, vinaigrette and the French biscuits that come with their coffee – plus a selection of French cheeses, saucisson (dry-cured pork sausage) and wine (for consumption in-house only).

Old deli favourite Tumjal relish has its own shelf, while Wellington Sourdough Company’s loaves will be available at weekends – and former Marmalade staffer Michele joins the Tartines team.

A frozen takeaway meals cabinet will include whole opéra cakes made on site – what the owner calls “last minute birthday cakes” – and the former deli’s kitchen becomes the pastry chef kitchen, while the old one will be the domain of Camille’s business partner and Tartine’s fine dining chef, Laurent Loudeac. Coming from Hippopotamus Restaurant 18 months ago, after 11 years as their executive chef, he’ll host the monthly Bistro nights, the first on 25 February, and continue his monthly cooking classes in the quieter room off the courtyard, which also caters for private functions.

From the time she started cooking school at the age of 15, Camille has loved working in

hospitality, from Michelin-starred restaurants in her native France, working on cruise ships, and in fine dining. But her time at Hippopotamus – where she and Laurent were 2015 global winners of the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge in Sri Lanka – had her yearning after what she imagined was the “easier life” of a small café. And she’s grateful for that.

“I'm so lucky,” she says. “People have given me such great support.”

Camille says Tartines will continue to be open six days while there’s still difficulty in securing staff. She also plans to remain open through the winter, a time when she has previously gone home to France for a break.

And locals will be pleased to hear the free bookshelf has been reinstated, spruced up with white paint and screwed to the wall so it’s safe in the event of an earthquake.

Metlink addressing anti-social behaviour

Six people were taken into custody following an aggravated robbery incident on a bus in Lower Hutt, reported to Police about 5.20pm on Friday, January 13

Several people on the bus were assessed and treated for minor injuries. Five of the alleged offenders have been referred to Youth Services and one, a 19-year-old woman, appeared in Lower Hutt District Court on Saturday 14 January, facing charges in relation to the incident. She is due to reappear in the Hutt Valley District Court on 26 January.

"The safety of our community is of the utmost importance to Police. Not only should every member of our community be safe but they should also feel safe.," says Acting Area Commander Hutt Valley Inspector Haley Ryan

"What happened on Friday evening was very distressing for the victims involved in the incident, as well as for our community as a whole.

"Police would like to reassure the public the despicable behaviour conducted by the youths involved in this incident will not be tolerated, and Police are making every effort to ensure each youth offender are being held to account for their actions.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter. says GWRC, which runs Metlink, is grateful to Police for their swift response to the aggravated robbery on Metlink’s number 83 bus on Seaview Road in Lower Hutt at 5.20pm on Friday 13 January.

Six people were taken into custody. Other passengers onboard the bus at the time were transferred to the following service.

"The bus driver intervened but did not sustain serious injuries and was not taken to hospital. A passenger sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hutt Hospital by ambulance, where they were treated and discharged.

"Metlink and our operator NZBus are providing support for the passenger and driver, who was taken off duty immediately after the incident and is now on leave," Mr Ponter says.

Footage from onboard video cameras has been made available to NZ Police to assist with their investigation.

He says Metlink is part of a multi-agency approach to addressing anti-social behaviour in Lower Hutt and is actively working with NZ Police and the Hutt City Council around improving safety and security measures

https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-andupdates/news/metlink-to-improve-safety-forcustomers-at-bunny-street-terminus/

Camille Furminieux in the new deli.

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

WHAT'S ON

Wednesdays

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

• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.

• 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.

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.

RONA BAY BOOKS

Shakespeare meets Star Trek in Eastbourne’s Bard in the Yard

Taking its inspiration from Star Trek, Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe’s Bard in the Yard production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 will boldly go on an Elizabethan adventure to the stars this summer.

Director Tanya Piejus explains, “Shakespearean plays are very man-heavy, so I was looking for a way to make cross-casting roles easy and believable. In the world of Star Trek, anyone can be anything, so a king becomes the captain of a starship and can then be male or female.

Star Trek writers have regularly drawn inspiration from Shakespeare for their story lines and characters, and setting a history play in the future was logical to me. Many of the themes of rebellion, politics, and backstreet shenanigans in Henry IV, Part 1 transfer comfortably to a sci-fi context.”

While the production design borrows most strongly from the original series of Star Trek with a 1960s vibe, the play will contain nods to The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, among others.

“There will be some Easter eggs for the hard core fans, plenty of alien favourites like

Klingons and Ferengi, and even a tribble or two,” says Piejus.

“I’m loving how the cast and crew have embraced the Star Trek theme while staying true to the spirit and poetry of Shakespeare’s text. Directing a mash-up of two of my favourite things has long been on my theatrical wish list, so it’s a dream come true to be able to set a Shakespeare play in space.”

Henry IV, Part 1 will be performed in

Muritai School Yard at 7.30pm from 23 to 25 February and 2 to 4 March.

Tickets are available now from Eventfinda and from Artisan Co-op Store in the Eastbourne Village in February.

Call 04 939 2366 www.jaglegal.co.nz

...the combined strength of our legal teams!

Happy days, Alan and Sally

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Collinses, with Alan’s 96th birthday, Sally’s 90th and the devoted couple’s 65th wedding anniversary all falling within a short period in December.

Watercolour artist Alan’s dealer, Alfred Memelink, was setting up for a formal photo when partner Christine Hanks stepped in with her iPhone and took this quick shot in front of the window of the Marine Parade home where the couple have lived since 1955. Alan is careful to hold his “child bride’s” right hand since Sally lost the sight in that eye due to glaucoma. “We rely on each other,” he jokes. “We’re like a pair of coathangers.”

The couple, who travelled extensively after his retirement as manager of the National Publicity Studios in 1986, have some hairraising stories to tell. They met when the exarmy warden of Alan’s Commonwealth hall of residence, London House, invited the Kiwi art student upstairs to meet his nieces: Sally, from Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, and her cousin. At that meeting, he “fell in love and [it] blew up my life like a bomb”.

But for the man who has lived under

five sovereigns, and sold his first painting in 1950 for the sum of seven guineas, every day now is a challenge. He regrets having to give up gardening, but worse, has not picked up a paintbrush since November because the arthritis in his hips distracts him. He says while medication relieves the pain, it also makes him want to sleep – and as an active person his whole life he finds that “bloody frustrating”.

The artist credits specialists with saving the sight in his right eye. But while he’ll never stop visualising a potential watercolour in terms of the colours involved – “cobalt with a bit of burnt siena” – he now suspects the painting itself “will probably never eventuate.”

*For those bemoaning the school’s proximity to the fire station’s siren, Alan Collins, 96, recalls that when King George V died, the siren went “every hour, on the hour, for a whole day”.

Near miss for 16-footer

Sergeant Richard Kennedy of the Police Maritime Unit says there were just two incidents in Eastbourne waters recently.

In one a jet skier sucked up some rope and managed to beach themselves on an island, from where the maritime unit towed them to the mainland.

More seriously, around midday on 22 January, Police received a report that a boat had capsized and several people were in the water.

The 16-foot boat, launched from Lowry Bay with five on board, was heading to the south coast to dive and fish.

“Waves began hitting the stern and splashing inside the boat on its way out. While the skipper slowed down and made the decision to return to Lowry Bay, the nose of the boat turned towards shore and waves overturned it,” Sgt Kennedy says.

Faith in the Community

Light in the darkness..

It’s the beginning of a new year, but much in the world looks dark and dismal with the ongoing war in Ukraine. And I think of the world when John wrote his Gospel.

The life of the early church under the crushing power of the Roman Empire was no cakewalk, but John is bold to say in his first paragraph “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The recent Avatar movie, The Way of Water, is another epic tale about the battle of light against darkness. As in all such stories of struggles against overwhelming odds, good prevails. Now we may not have much influence on world affairs, nor even be called as an ‘extra’ in the Avatar movie series, but often the most insidious form of darkness is despair, when hope dies. And that can occur in our neighbourhood, among friends, even in our families.

If you want to help counter that encroaching darkness you could do worse than rise to the challenge in the old song - “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine” wherever and whenever you can.

And if your own light begins to falter remember that the light John was speaking about is still to be found in the life and teachings of Jesus. He’s there to light your way.

Four adults were thrown clear of the vessel, but a child was trapped in the cabin space where there was an air pocket. An officer from Police's 12-metre RHIB Hukatai dived under the vessel and got the child out unharmed.

The boat was equipped with lifejackets and flares; the child was wearing a lifejacket and adults were in wetsuits, which are suitable as long as they are full body suits and worn at all times.

“The skipper admitted everything happened so fast,” says Sgt Kennedy. “We're relieved this had a positive outcome, but it could have been so much worse and shows how things can change in an instant. This is another reminder to every boatie – take water safety seriously, as simple measures like wearing lifejackets can save lives.”

St Alban’s + St Ronan’s: Quarterly Shared Service, this time at 10am, Sun 5 February, at Wellesley College.

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 W: www.holyspirit.nz

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

GARDEN BIRDS

January/February: Mid-/late-summer. Do your last summer-veggie plantings. Get ideas from a garden centre. Hot days and our sandy soils dry fast. Deep watering doesn’t work on sand, so shallow water every two days (HCC doesn’t allow daily). Water mornings. Evening watering = wet leaves overnight = fungal disease.

Bird friendly: Birds will visit your garden if it’s bird friendly. What makes for a bird-friendly habitat...? Plant natives. These are our native birds’ natural sources of food and shelter. But urban gardens aren’t large, so you can’t create much of a native forest. To enhance your garden’s bird habitat, make changes to better provide for bird •safety, •rests, roosts, nests, •water and •food.

Safety – Keep cats in at night. But ~12 neighbours’ cats visit your garden, so your own moggy is only ~8% of the problem. Trap rats.

Cover – High cover (trees) creates safe places to rest (day) and roost (night). Low cover creates good places for cats to lurk. Minimise low cover. Dense trees/shrubs/hedges create safe places for secret nests.

Water – Eastbourne is on sand, so few puddles/ creeks. Birds really need water, esp. in summer. Install a shallow bird bath, 5+ m from cat cover. Keep it topped up.

Food – Install a feeder station 5+ m from cat cover. Avoid bread, fat and seeds. NZ birds don’t eat these. But they do attract introduced N hemisphere birds, which outcompete our native birds for habitat. Our native birds eat fruits, nectar and insects. •Fruits (vitamins, minerals) e.g. a half apple. •Nectar (energy) e.g. a 1:8 sugar:water mix in a nectar feeder - not a saucer (wasps, faecal contamination, disease). Google nectar nest •Insects (energy+protein) Plant native trees/shrubs to attract insects. Also...

Eco-pile: Make an ‘eco-pile’ - see www. mulchpile.org/43. This creates food and habitat for many small invertebrates – and these are good food for native birds.

Disease: Feed stations and bird baths are ‘birdbusy’ places, so great for disease-exchange. So, keep them clean.

Dependency: Consistent feeding creates dependency. So, birds starve when you go on holiday. So, offer consistent feeding in winter/ early-spring (June to September) when food is very scarce. The rest of the year offer erratic feeding e.g. one week on, one week off, to minimise dependency.

Arise, Sir Ashley

by Ann Packer

Eastbourne’s newest knight is Sir Ashley Bloomfield, former Director-General of Health.

Dr Ashley Robin Bloomfield, who lives in Lowry Bay, was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to public health in the New Year’s honours list.

Dr Bloomfield became Director-General in 2018, while acting chief executive of the Capital and Coast District Health Board.

In 2019 he had to deal with a measles outbreak and the Whakaari/White Island eruption. Then on 27 January 2020, the virtually unknown DG introduced himself to the nation at the first public briefing on what was then simply called “a coronavirus”.

When the Eastbourne Herald interviewed him in July 2020, Sir Ashley was already saying we needed to be ready for another wave of the virus. They did indeed keep coming. And after announcing in April 2022 that he was stepping down, he himself tested positive for Covid-19 in May 2022, when in Geneva at the World Health Assembly.

Sir Ashley and his wife Dr Libby Bloomfield (she is not going to use the courtesy title Lady) are staying put in Wellington, with some commuting to Auckland for his new role as a professor working in the School of Population Health at Auckland University, where he did his medical and public health degrees.

“The role, which is part-time, is focused on

the public policy interface – so it makes sense for me to be largely in Wellington,” he says.

The other role he’s already started is cochairing the review of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR), one of the flowon pieces of work from the review of the international response to the pandemic that Helen Clark co-chaired (https:// theindependentpanel.org/).

“It’s basically a negotiation by countries of amendments to strengthen the IHR to make sure we are better prepared for the next pandemic – challenging but interesting and important.”

Sir Ashley and Dr Libby Bloomfield.

PARKSIDE

Why should we worry about local stoats?

Stoats are about 340 to 400mm long, so just a bit longer than an adult’s foot. They are reddish-brown on top with a white underbelly and a distinct black tip to their tail, which is 10 to 15mm long. They are extremely agile, so can easily climb trees and they can move really fast. Stoats roam widely, so are occasionally seen in our urban environment and in the forest behind Eastbourne. However, they are more often seen on the road to the Pencarrow lighthouse and out at the Parangarahu Lakes because rabbits (a favourite food) are more common there.

Why are stoats bad? Stoats were introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the late 1800s to control rabbits. In their European environment winters were much more severe than here so, being hunters, they evolved to kill more than they could eat during warm weather, then stored surplus catch to feed on during the freezing winter months when hunting was difficult.

In our warmer environment they hunt at a high rate year-round, so have a devastating impact on many of our native species, which are not adapted to survive such predators. While some of our adult birds (e.g. kiwi) can fight off a stoat, they are unable to successfully defend their nests and chicks, so a high stoat population means zero breeding success for our most vulnerable birds.

How do we control them? The good news is that we can control stoats well enough for our birds to be able to breed successfully. The main approach to stoat control for areas the size of the Northern Forest is through the use of DOC200 stoat traps, the rectangular boxes with wire mesh ends, and a stainless-steel trap inside, which you see near tracks when you are out walking. These are baited with eggs and/or meat (dried rabbit in our case) and refreshed monthly. For effective control of an area the size of the Northern Forest (1,647 ha), about 220 of these traps are required. Out at the Parangarahu Lakes, where we have shore-nesting birds to protect, there are 76 DOC200s; a slightly higher density than in the forest. In addition, a further 43 traps are positioned along the road on each side of the Lakes to try to stop incoming stoats. So, the key to effective control is to have a grid of traps of sufficient density, regularly cleared and rebaited by volunteers.

In our urban area the approach is a little different in that we have a much higher density of traps (DOC200s and rat traps), which means that we can control rats and stoats. This level of effort is easier to maintain because so many residents (over 450) participate in the trapping. Volunteers also service a further 120 or so DOC200 traps deployed along the foreshore from Point Howard to Burdans Gate.

Don’t stoats keep the rat population under control? The short answer is no! While rats

are a large part of a stoat’s diet (along with rabbits and birds), rats breed much more quickly than their predators. This means that, in the New Zealand context, the rat population is limited by food supply, not predation. This is why it is safe to control stoats and not rats in an area, but ideally we would control both.

What about ferrets and weasels? Stoats are classed as a mustelid. Other mustelids that have been introduced to New Zealand are weasels and ferrets. We don’t think ferrets (which are quite a bit larger than stoats) have arrived here yet, but they are present in the Wairarapa and on the Kāpiti Coast, so they may eventually get here. We have had one or two unconfirmed sightings, but no catches. Ferrets are a big threat to kiwi and are trapped with more powerful traps than the DOC200s we currently use, so should they arrive here we will need to reconsider the mix of traps we deploy.

Weasels are present throughout our region. While they are smaller than stoats, they too are expert hunters, so pose a very similar threat to our native species. They are well-controlled using DOC200s.

It is useful if you report sightings of mustelids (to info@miro.org.nz), as this gives us a better understanding of what pests are around. However, deploying a trap temporarily where a stoat has been sighted often doesn’t result in a catch because they range so widely. However, the existing trap network should eventually catch them.

You can find more detailed information and

pictures of mustelids on the Greater Wellington website: https://tinyurl.com/8dnrwkn9.

- Terry Webb, MIRO

John Horrocks holding a stoat trapped in the Northern Forest. Photo credit: Jane-Pyar Mautner.

News

Point

We had a fabulous turn out to the end of year Christmas Social at the Point Howard Community Garden. Please keep an eye out for details on our next social event in March.

Port Road Drags: Sunday 12 March 7AM - 6PM The Port Road Drags were cancelled due to the horrific weather at the end of November. They have advised the PHA that they are planning to run the event on Sunday 12 March. When: Sunday 12 March 2023.

Time: 7AM - 6PM

Noise complaints, reports of dangerous driving or any other illegal activities outside of the Port Road Drags road closure hours and cordon (during the event) should be reported to the HCC Noise control or/and the Police.

Northpower has given advance notice that further work will take place in Point Howard on 14 February. The power outage between 8:30AM and 4PM will impact residents on Howard, Westhill and Ngaumatau Roads. Please check emails from your energy retailer to see if you will be affected by this power outage.

If you are new to the hill and would like more information on, or would like to join the Point Howard Residents’ Assn please email pthowardassn@gmail.com

Coordinator gains special insight into older people’s lives

By Anne Manchester

Getting to know many older residents in Eastbourne has been one of the delights for Kim WeberSwain in her 18-month role as Okiwi Trust coordinator.

Before taking on the role, she had volunteered as a driver for the trust, which principally provides a driving service for people needing lifts to medical appointments or other activities. Most drives are local or Hutt-based, though some go as far as Wellington. There is also a 20-minute volunteer service for people needing help with small jobs around the house.

“Being a volunteer driver was a good stepping stone into the coordinator’s role,” Weber-Swain said. “I have now seen how the trust operates from two sides. When people ring to book a drive, I like to have a chat to see how they are, and they enjoy sharing their life stories too. The role has given me an insight into their lives that most people in the community would never have. It is also affirming to know how much clients appreciate our service.”

Although the role only requires around five to seven hours a week, Weber-Swain says it does mean being near a phone most of the time. “Calls from clients arrive at quite random times and I like to deal with requests immediately. One of my great loves is playing golf. I have at times taken calls on the course or sent texts to volunteers while walking down the fairway. It’s my way of staying on top of the job.”

Numbers of clients and requests for drives fluctuate as people’s needs change or they move out of the area into residential care when living at home becomes too difficult. The service is particularly helpful for those on their own or without family nearby. As well as occasional bookings, there are some regular weekly or fortnightly drives to shops or day activities at Woburn Home. Then there are monthly social outings to the Lighthouse Cinema or the East Harbour Women’s Club for a movie screening, followed by lunch. The biggest challenge, Weber-Swain says, is finding a movie that will please everyone. “ Downton Abbey and My Octopus Teacher were real winners.”

In December, Weber-Swain organised Christmas morning teas for clients and drivers at a local cafe. Feedback was very positive for both occasions. “Some drivers never get to meet the other volunteers who help run our unique service. It was great to be able to introduce them to each other and for them to have the chance to socialise.”

The coordinator’s role also includes some administration work and managing the Okiwi Trust Facebook page.

Weber-Swain will be heading overseas for a year in June, but she will be around for a couple of months after her contract ends on March 31. “I am happy to help whoever is appointed to the role to settle in and find their feet, and answer any questions they may have,” she said.

from

Howard Happy New Year to you all!

Volunteer driver Colin Windsor collects Enid Moore for her medical appointment.

Howzat? Rain no dampener on enthusiasm

Message from Mayor Campbell Barry

Kia ora and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a safe and relaxing holiday. After the winter we had, it was nice to enjoy the sunshine.

2023 has already got off to an unexpected start, with Jacinda Ardern stepping down and local Hutt boy Chris Hipkins becoming our 41st Prime Minister. I want to acknowledge the work Jacinda has done over the past 5 years, in what has been incredibly challenging times. I also want to wish Chris all the best as our next Prime Minister - I know he’ll do the Hutt proud.

Near the end of last year Hutt local Dr Ashley Bloomefield was knighted and officially became a ‘Sir’. Our communities are undoubtedly better off because of Sir Bloomfield, and he’ll be remembered as one of our finest public leaders (and Eastbourners!). Congrats!

Looking to the year ahead here in the Hutt and in the Eastern Bays - we’ll continue to make progress on a

number of fronts, albeit while facing some headwinds.

2023 will see significant construction for the first two bays of Tupua Horo Nuku (Eastern Bays Shared Path). It’s taken a long time to get here, but this is exciting and will be a fantastic asset once it’s open. There will be some disruption in the meantime though and I want to acknowledge that it’s not going to be all smooth sailing as we build this once-in-ageneration infrastructure.

We’ll also be facing some challenges with our upcoming Annual Plan. While we’ll be continuing to focus on getting the basics right, the cost of delivering the basics has gone up in the current economic environment.

This means we’ll need to look hard at what we’re spending our money on, how we’re spending it, and when we’re spending it. This will result in vital projects and core work continuing (including those with government funding), while others

may be reprioritised or rephased.

With all of this though, I remain unwilling to kick the can down the road when it comes to our basic infrastructure - especially our water pipes. That will continue to be a focus in this Annual Plan to ensure we have safe and reliable infrastructure for generations to come.

There’s a lot to do and tough decisions to be made this year. I’m looking forward to continuing working with you to make Lower Hutt a place where all our people thrive.

campbell.barry@huttcity.govt.nz

Rain may have stopped the inaugural Eastbourne Cricket Club open day in December, but old timers Maurice Bishop (Club Patron), Bruce Connelly and Brent Connelly managed to get a bit of practice in with current Eastbourne cricketers.

Campbell Barry Mayor of Lower Hutt

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