The Eastbourne Herald November 2020

New signs anger dog owners

by Carl McRae

Hutt City Council signs erected along the Promenade in southern Eastbourne, informing owners who don't leash their dogs that they will be fined $300, have angered many local canine owners.

Nikau Street resident and dog owner, Lindsay Mitchell, says that she has lived and walked dogs in Eastbourne for 26 years and can't understand why there is suddenly a problem, where none previously existed. Like many, she is left wondering what has prompted this.

“There is a community of dog walkers who often stop to chat while their dogs mill around freely and cause no trouble,” she says. “The Promenade is shared by walkers of varying speeds, cyclists of varying speeds, so why not unleashed dogs of varying speeds? Some dogs enjoy running along the wall itself. Is that also out of bounds?”

Sue Matthew says she has a friend who has a disability and uses a wheelchair, who says it’s really scary in public when dogs are off the leash. Not all dogs are under control and some have leapt up at her.

“I’ve had this experience myself also,” Sue says. “It’s also stressful if I’m walking a dog on a lead and an unleashed dog approaches. The power imbalance between the dogs is often difficult to manage. Dogs on a leash on the Promenade may also lead to better poop pick up rates. I pick up dog poop there regularly and it looks like the same dogs going in the same places.”

Jane Schuitema, Team Leader Animal Services for HCC, says it was brought to her attention a few months ago from some local residents (one being a dog owner), that there were a number of other owners who

were walking their dogs off lead along the Promenade/footpath in Eastbourne, and that the current signs on the sea wall were not clear.

“The dog owner who alerted me was having difficulty when walking her dog on a lead with off leash dogs rushing up to her” says Ms Schuitema, “and then some disagreements occurred when she pointed out that dogs must be leashed there.

“I have had new signs installed (as attached) as The Dog Control Bylaw 20156.1(b), states that dogs must be kept on a leash in any public place, which the Promenade is.

“The beach is a designated dog exercise area,” she adds, “Schedule Three 2.13; Muritai Beach200m south of Rona Bay Wharf to Miro Street.”

For several months of the year, dog owners are unable to walk their dogs on much of the southern end of the beach, due to protection required for dotterals who nest there.

Responding to a post on Facebook regarding the matter, Matthew Diederich says the signs

and the possibly unenforceable bylaw don't seem to make one iota of difference.

“Would be better if owners just realised that if their dog's a dick, put it on a lead,” he states. “If their dog is well behaved and will walk at heel, I can't see an issue with it being off lead. Just another waste of resources trying to enforce [this], plus the cost of signage.”

Asset Manager Parks for Hutt City Council, Aaron Marsh, has provided the Eastbourne Community Board with an update regarding the Wellesley College/HCC planned refurbishment of the tennis courts adjacent to the college in Days Bay. “We are continuing to work with the school to agree on a design for the curtain system separating the two court areas,” Aaron says. “The school has been informed and is aware that construction cannot take place between now and the end of the busy summer period, which means a likely construction start date of February/March 2021.”

The Eastbourne Lions have announced a date for this year's Christmas Market; Sunday, December 6 at Williams Park, Days Bay. All information, including stall booking, is available here; https://www.eastbournemarket. co.nz/next-market “It’s important to note that we no longer have the use of the Pavilion covered area,” says Lions' Sally Bain, “so we have booked Williams Park for the following Sunday 13, as a postponement date in case of bad weather.”

TIMETABLE

BRIEFS

The Lions club have also announced that there will be no Lions Bin on the last weekend of December this year, so November 28th will be your final opportunity to make the most of this service for 2020.

Hutt City Council announced that contracts are now in place for a modern, lower carbon kerbside rubbish and recycling service that will be rolled out to all Lower Hutt residents in July 2021, with Waste Management winning the tender. From 1 July next year, half the truck fleet will be electric and will move to become a fully electric collection service in 2024. Later this month rate-payers will be asked to select their bin sizes and let the council know about any accessibility requirements they have. People have until 31 January 2021 to advise

the council of their choice. This is because the differently sized bins need to be ordered in time for the delivery of the new service on 1 July. If a response is not received by the due date property owners will receive the standard size bins. More information on the changes can be found by visiting hutt.city/binchanges and people can sign up to hutt.city/binupdates to receive updates on the roll-out.

The next Burdan’s Gate to lighthouses beach clean up is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, starting at 9am. Gloves and bags will be handed out just before Burdan's Gate, I’ll be at the usual place just before Burdan's Gate. This will go ahead regardless of the weather.

SAT, SUN &

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

(S)

(S)

(S) = Sailing calls at Somes Island, subject to passengers.

FERRY FARES EFFECTIVE FROM 15 JULY One way: adult $12, child $6. Family Days Bay $66 (Return). 10 trip: adult $90, student $68, child $45. Monthly pass: adult $270, student $199, child $135. Matiu Somes Island: adult $25, child $13, family $68 (Return).

Sailings may be cancelled at short notice due to weather. To check today’s sailings, tel. 494 3339

Next ECB meeting:

7.15pm Tuesday 16 February 2021, East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd

Have your say about Williams Park Hutt City Council will soon begin the planning process for a Williams Park Management Plan and it will be seeking ideas and input from Eastbourne residents and park users from the greater Wellington region. ECB will share information about the process on its Facebook page and here in The Eastbourne Herald.

Eastbourne Awards

Congratulations to Jan Heine, Don Long, George Tuffin and Ali Carew who received the 2020 Eastbourne Awards presented by Mayor Cambell Barry at October ECB meeting.

Eastbourne Community Board (ECB)

Residents are welcome to contact board members to sort minor issues directly with council staff or to ask for a report from council officers for the next ECB meeting. You can also contact us on the Eastbourne Community Board Facebook page.

Virginia Horrocks (Chair) virginia.horrocks@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 021 230 8210

Belinda Moss (Deputy Chair) belinda.moss@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 029 494 1615

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

Ph 04 970 5159

Murray Gibbons murray.gibbons@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 04 562 8567

Bruce Spedding bruce.spedding@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 021 029 74741

Frank Vickers frank.vickers@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 027 406 1419

Pool opens later than usual

by Carl McRae

As summer approaches, the decision to open the region's outdoor pools (Eastbourne, Wainuiomata and McKenzie in Petone) three weeks later than normal has proved unpopular. The Hutt City Council has announced the amendments to opening time is ‘part of a range of operational savings identified by Council in order to provide a lower rates increase for Hutt residents in 2020/21'.

Some local residents have expressed dismay that the Eastbourne Pool is the one likely to suffer the most from this cost-cutting measure, opening on November 28, one week after McKenzie and Wainuiomata, and closing earlier next year -   March 7, one week before the other two.

Eastbourne Community Board member Belinda Moss says that season lengths are generally determined by public usage, school groups and pool hire groups. Eastbourne Pool is predominantly a community pool and it is used more in the Christmas/New Year and January holiday period, but before and after this time it

Yoga Beginner’s course

1st Feb to 8th March

Have you ever wanted to try Yoga, but unsure where to start?

This six week course will cover the breathing, pranayama, asana, the postures, alignment and modifications to suit you, and time to come into stillness with meditation.

Starting: Monday, 1 Feb

Time: 5.15pm - 6.30

Location: Anahata Studio, Jackson Street, under the clock, Doreen Dolan Mall, Petone

Cost: $90 payable to secure your spot (sorry no refunds)

Enquiries/bookings please txt me: Jennifer 027 415 9345

Please book early as course numbers are limited

is mostly used by the local community.

"Eastbourne Pool has always opened after McKenzie and Wainuiomata Pools and has always been the first to close,” Ms Moss says.

“While the season starting dates have been delayed for the upcoming season, the closing date has remained unchanged. The pool closed for the 2019/20 season on Sunday 8 March.”

Caryn Ellis, Head of the Chief Executive’s Office at HCC reiterates that the Eastbourne Pool is always the last outdoor pool to open and first to close, compared to Wainuiomata and McKenzie pools which have higher visitor numbers.

Ms Moss says that it will be business as usual for our local schools, Muritai and San Antonio, who will both continue to run their Learn to Swim programmes during terms 4 2020 and Term 1 2021. Wellesley College will be holding their swimming sports event there as normal.

The late start and early closure has also fuelled speculation that Eastbourne pool is ultimately for the chop, totally refuted by Ms Ellis.

“There are no plans to close Eastbourne pool,” she says, “it’s a great asset for the local community."”

Local historian talks the walk

Ali Carew never intended to become a tour guide, but that’s exactly what’s happened. In September 2019 she led a guided walk of the Eastbourne Heritage Trail as part of Hutt City’s Heritage Month, thinking it would be a one-off. But word got around, and soon she was being asked to repeat the event for other organisations, including the Onslow Historical Society, Wellington U3A and Wellington Heritage Week. And if the interest is there, she’s happy to keep offering them.

The Trail’s 15 display stands, dotted along the waterfront between Bishop Park and Korohiwa, form the backbone of the walk; but there’s plenty more to see along the way, and many stories to share. And as with any history, what didn’t happen is sometimes more intriguing than what did. For example: How did Eastbourne almost end up with Twin Towers and no public library? And why is Eastbourne

not the gateway to Wellington International Airport?

Scheduling the walks has been tricky this year because of Covid, but the weather has generally been kind. And on a bright, breezy Wellington day, what better way to spend a couple of hours than strolling along the Eastbourne waterfront, enjoying the view, and learning about the area’s unique and colourful history?

If you’re interested in doing a guided walk of the Heritage Trail, please email alicarewnz@gmail.

Silver for black pudding

Barry Spooner of Eastbourne Village Meats took out the silver medal for his black pudding in the recent 'Great New Zealand Sausage Competition'.

The annual competition is open to all retailers who produce sausages and mince patties available at retail level in New Zealand, receiving hundreds of entries from all over the country and attracting significant media interest.

Barry says he is chuffed with the result and considers it a reward for his consistency with regard to his black pudding.

“In 2015,” he says, “we also co-won silver with Peter Timbs Butchery from Banks Peninsula. Thing was, the butcher concerned consulted top charcuterie experts in France, so that’s what we were up against. I was very proud - as I still am - that we could make an equally exceptional product right here in Wellington.”

“But as is always the case,” he adds, “I’d like to thank our customers for their loyal support. We’re always proud to serve Eastbourne and these types of awards are always pleasing. It’s great to be recognised.” Right: Barry Spooner with the award.

Kidztalk

Days Bay Playcentre has some new additions for Term 4. Tadpoles!

Our Tamariki love observing these busy little creatures as they grow and change week by week.

And our own busy little creatures would like to thank the Eastbourne Bays Community Trust for their grant of a year’s worth of art supplies. These supplies enable our children to explore their imaginations and create amazing pieces, full of colors and textures.

If you’re keen to enjoy some sunny Summer days with us, we still have spaces available for Term 4. Sessions run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Call Andrea for more information

021 0279 7311.

BY

Above: Helena Sauri on tadpole watch.

A Wellington U3A group during a guided walk of the Heritage Trail with Ali Carew in October 2020. Photo: David Carew com. The walks are free, but a donation to the Historical Society towards the expansion of the Heritage Trail is always appreciated.

Faith in the Community

Wise Words

Immediately after Joe Biden had won the United States Presidential election, Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles issued a statement on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In it he made two points of general importance for any country or community where a democratic election has been held.

The first… “Now is the time for our leaders to come together in a spirit of national unity and commit themselves to dialogue and compromise for the common good.”

And the second… “Democracy requires that all of us conduct ourselves as people of virtue and self discipline. It requires that we respect the free expression of opinions and that we treat one another with charity and civility, even as we might disagree deeply in our debates on matters of law and public policy”.

One of the great difficulties when debates and disagreements are aired on social media is that the desire to score a point can lead us to say things in cyberspace that we would not dream of saying if the person we were addressing were sitting just across the coffee table from us. In all our debates, political and otherwise this is sound counsel.

St Ronan’s COVID: Please sanitise your hands, on arrival. Don’t come if you’re unwell. Social distance 1 metre. e-Services: Ask if you want to receive our weekly emailed services. The Record: Ask if you want to receive our monthly printed magazine.

E: office@stronans.org.nz

W: www.stronans.org.nz

St Alban’s Sunday services 10am at Wellesley College. Weekday Kids Club, Thursdays 10am at various venues. Refer to our website for more information on church activities.

E: office@stalbanschurch.nz

W: www.stalbanschurch.nz

San Antonio Parish office, Petone (weekdays 10am-2pm)

T: (04) 971 7885

E: holyspiritparish41@gmail.com

W: www.holyspirit.nz

Edgar Allan Poe’s spine chiller in EB

Edgar Allan Poe was the great macabre story writer of his day, and local playwright Michaeljohn Butcher's adaptation of his masterpiece, "The Fall of the House of Usher", renders his eerie, powerful, chilling and poetic insights into a compelling theatrical experience. So says director Emanuel Garcia about this month’s Butterfly Creek Theatre production of the supernatural horror story, which was first published in the United States in 1839.

When Jonathan Tiergarten arrives at the decaying house, summoned by his childhood friend Roderick Usher, he discovers the truth about the sinister family and is determined to rescue Madeline, Roderick's sister, from an apparently inexorable fate. But will he succeed?

Garcia, who also plays the servant in the play, describes the drama as unconventional and a kind of a psychological thriller.

“As adapted and presented, Michaeljohn Butcher’s take on the story includes allusions to other works of Poe, and will transmit, through the creative use of sound, music, light and a highly original set, a journey which should

engage and entrance theatre goers. The house itself is a character in the play, with its gradual disintegration mirroring what is happening to the humans living in it.

"Although the story is a real spine chiller, I also think audiences will have a lot of fun.”

The cast members have all worked together before. Colton Stuart plays the lawyer Jonathan, Julia Maria Seemann is Madeline Usher, Michaeljohn Butcher is Roderick Usher, and Manny Garcia plays the servant Konrad.

The play is being performed in the Muritai School Theatre in Eastbourne from November 19-21 and November 26-28, beginning at 7.30pm. Bookings are through Eventfinda or Rona Gallery in Eastbourne. Adult tickets $18, concessions $14.

Jonathan Tiergarten (Colton Stuart) tries to steer Madeline Usher’s (Julia Seeman) thoughts away from her morbid fascinations.

• This column of church news and views is sponsored by St Alban’s Anglican, St Ronan’s Presbyterian and San Antonio Catholic Churches.

Pencarrow Lodge opens doors to public

by Carl McRae

The loss of revenue from the cruise ship business was a stark reality for Pencarrow Lodge owner/operator, Jane Curtis, once COVID restrictions were put in place and liners were no longer able to dock in Wellington.

Gone was a bus load of tourists to the Lodge most days for six or so months, of each year morning tea included in the package.

The cruise ship saga was just part of it. Once in lockdown, where the landscape changed often, functions, weddings, conferences and other events were also off the menu with social distancing issues and restricted numbers allowed on premise.

Like many business owners, Jane had to think on her feet with an eye on the future, yet somehow reinvent the wheel to adapt to the now.

“There was little time for reflection,” she says, “but we had to think of how to generate some new business and call that into action.”

“For the first time in our history we are opening our gates for walkers and cyclists traveling along the Pencarrow Coast Road.”

Eastbourne locals can benefit more from one new initiative that has been put into place; The cafe will be opened up on Sundays (and select other days) over summer - with bookings essential - where one has the option of riding, walking or catching a bus out to the Lodge to enjoy a gourmet platter, sourced from local produce.

“People can still ride or walk (or run) out,” Jane says, “but we are also putting on a bus service from the Eastbourne Bus Terminal. Based on the phone calls, emails and messages we had received, we knew this new bus option would be popular.”

The scenic drive out to the lodge is a great journey in itself. The drive passes the Pencarrow lighthouses and Wellington’s two freshwater lakes, Kohangapiripiri and Kohangatera, before arriving at the working sheep station with commanding views out across Cook Strait to

the Kaikoura Ranges. The rustic and wild location is surrounded by thousands of acres of regional parks.

“And we are now putting on gourmet platters,” says Jane, “featuring produce from Marmalade Deli, The Eastbourne Butcher, The Chubby Baker Bakery, Zany Zeus and Cameron Harrison. Desserts, tea and coffee, cold beverages also available.”

Jane, a great supporter of local enterprise, is also working with the newly renamed Wild Finder - Pencarrow (formerly Pencarrow Bike Shed), who themselves have a range of comfort mountain bikes & cruisers to eBikes & tandems for hire.

The bike ride takes around 50 minutes to an hour…unless you stop to take in Baring Head,

the

or continue south to the seal colony at Turakirae Head.

Bookings are essential, Jane says, and can be made through their website;  https://www. pencarrowlodgeevents.co.nz   or Facebook page (where you can also keep up to the hour with information) https://www.facebook.com/ PencarrowLodge.

Pencarrow Lodge's Jane Curtis.

wreck of the SS Paiaka

New Hutt MP ready to tackle the big issues

She may be the new MP in the seat of Hutt South, but Ginny Andersen has been a devoted member of the Labour Party since 2004, resigning her post as Party Vice-President (2015-2017) to re-focus her career as a party candidate.

In 2017 she was defeated on election night by Chris Bishop, as National claimed the seat for the first time in its 70+ year political history. Bishop looked like retaining Hutt South on 17th October, but a late swing, partially indicative of the country’s mood perhaps, saw her reclaim the seat for Labour. The Wellington region, in fact, was a complete whitewash, with Labour taking every seat on offer.

Virginia Ruby Andersen comes from a long line of Labour Party and trade union activists, and is currently number 45 on the party list. Her great uncle, Bill Andersen (whose framed photo she has in her office) was a former President of the Socialist Unity Party and one of the very few New Zealanders to take communism seriously, having visited the Soviet Union. He even kept a bust of Lenin on his desk.

During the 1970s, Bill (having had the audacity to stand against Robert Muldoon in the safe National seat of Tamaki) would fly down to Wellington with the former Prime Minister Muldoon. To the chagrin of the then

Prime Minister, they would be seated together, an act of support from sympathetic airline staff.

“He was a big inspiration to me as I considered a career in politics,” Ginny says, “as were my parents, who worked tirelessly as primary school teachers and made a real difference to many communities.”

Naturally, she joined the Labour Party. After completing an MA in Political Science at Canterbury University, Ginny moved to Wellington and settled in the Hutt Valley with her husband Geoff and their four children.

She has significant experience in the justice sector and has worked in Parliament as a private secretary and senior political adviser, in the Office of Treaty Settlements in negotiations and policy. She has also worked with the New Zealand Police, where she produced plans to reduce the harm associated with gangs, organised crime and methamphetamine.

Since being elected in 2017, Ginny has combined this experience and become an advocate for Hutt South, as well as in her roles on the Justice Select Committee and as Deputy-Chairperson of the Governance and Administration Select Committee. She has campaigned for the Melling Interchange, but is now focused on further investment in transport projects.

“I want to get traffic off Petone Esplanade,” she says, “and improve public transport links. We need a definitive, integrated transport plan. I want to lead discussions with the Hutt City Council around how it all fits together - cars,

buses, trucks and trains.”

She is fully aware of the need to see the Eastern Bays Shared Pathway through to fruition also, acknowledging its value to local Eastbourne and Bays residents. In fact, her bigger plan is to see a link up with The East by West e-ferry (when it enters service) that could see commuters/visitors, e-bike around the harbour and ferry back to Days Bay.

Ensuring that there are enough warm, dry homes continuing to be built in the Hutt, through the retrofit and state house build programmes, is also paramount for Ginny.

“I had all the basics I needed as a kid,” she says, “a warm home, the love of my family and the opportunity to learn. I became an MP because I believe everyone deserves the same.”

She is also an advocate for improvement to maternal and mental health services.

“I will continue to fight for people in the Hutt, to ensure that our health system is reliable, our infrastructure is modernised and our people have jobs.”

During the recent election, she was described by one journalist as a ‘socialist witch’. Rather than take offence, Ginny is relatively proud of the term, one which fits well with her political ideology.

“I’m proud to be socialist,” she says. “In this COVID world we currently live in, it’s about the people. As Grant Robertson has said; “We want to make numbers human.””

Ginny Andersen in her office.

TRAVEL

by Ross Jamieson

Can’t holiday in Germany on a flash Rhine boat or go up Australia’s Murray in a paddle steamer? How about a raft trip down the Waiau Toa/Clarence River in Marlborough instead. Wonderful guiding companies will wine and dine you, just as luxuriously – but around a campfire. You will pitch your own tent and master dug squat loos surprisingly easily.

We were a group of 13 friends, mainly retired engineers and nurses in our seventies who arranged a trip through one of the great Seddon-based rafting tour operators.

Met off the Picton ferry, we gathered up the tents and sleeping gear provided and bussed up the dramatic vineyard-lined Awatere to Molesworth Station. The night was spent in the Upcott shearing quarters. A feast, cooked on a coal range coupled with an engaging talk by the farmer added to the conviviality. Deer, rabbit, possum, TB, and weed control had bankrupted most earlier farming ventures. DOC now claims to have matters in hand for NZ’s largest farm. Driving through it the next day it's evident how new pasture types maintain the nation's biggest cattle herd in this harshest of environments.

A low water flow stopped us starting at the Acheron confluence as planned, so on to Hanmer to overnight. A hairy road trip over Blind saddle the next day had us at the Quail Flat launching site. Five rafts awaited us for the four-day trip. Two were for supplies, two with raised stern seats for the guides' long oars, and on the last paddlers controlled the raft sitting on the inflated thwarts.

The five guides were brilliant. Two women, one a Kiwi the other American; two younger men and the chief guide whose wife’s home-cooked cakes supplemented the gourmet food. All were certified rafters. The humour was tops, encouraged no doubt, by the generation gap, for we were the oldest group they had taken. Off we paddled to the Airstrip campsite - four hours downriver.

The 230km long, still drinkable Clarence is graded 2/3; not hard to raft, although river flow and wind can impact a trip's ease. It toddles its picturesque way between TapuaeO-Uenuku (Hillary’s first ascent) and the seaward Kaikoura range. Seismologists are known locally as “cockroaches” as they swarm into the Clarence after earthquakes to update knowledge about its ever-changing limestone features. Guiding companies were cock-a-hoop to have more challenging rapids after the massive 7.8 shake in 2016.

Setting up camp was a breeze, particularly as the cooking was all done for us. Drink was plentiful for those so inclined round the camp fire – which unsurprisingly all were.

It was a tad disappointing not to be woken by raucous bird choruses. A fulsome

cooked breakfast, then break camp and load up rafts and set off down river again. This pattern continued for the next three days spending 4 to 5 hours paddling and navigating through long flowing sections and rapids. The low water flow called for alertness to avoid rocks or getting stuck in the shallower reaches. The Clarence is an ever-changing mountain divided gorge passage; chalky white bluffs; slips; red rock outcrops; subtle tweed coat like colourings of alpine vegetation; farm stock and wild deer, pig and goat sightings. It’s remote. We met no one.

On the third day one raft broadsided in a rapid. This required rescuing its occupants through a series of rope belays secured around boulders, and the all the more challenging getting the gear to shore. The raft was pinned against a rock by the weight of river flow. Advice from the watching engineers how this could best be effected - would have filled textbooks, whilst the drenched rescued crew dried out around a driftwood fire. An engrossing hour’s distraction.

A memorable stop was Matai Flat. Standing in awe amongst these giant trees one could be forgiven for expecting a Moa to stomp around into the sun speckled dark undercover. Maori have lived around the Waiau Toa for 700 years. Judging from uncovered bone middens, Moa were hunted hereabouts. .

The last day's rapids were excitingalthough thoroughly manageable. Names such as Jaw Breaker, Nose Basher, Handkerchief and Sawtooth gave an idea what to expect.

Near the river's mouth earthquake damage was very evident. The final rapid was memorable for it had reinforcing iron ‘sputniks” protruding from a re-engineered bank. We passed under the SH1 Bridge in the throes of reconstruction. It was a wistful paddle to the lagoon shore to part with rafts that had served us so well. Farewells were had to friends who, on and off have taken trips together since university in the 1960s. In our case cared for by great guides who

were not even born then.

Cell phones back on to find NZ was to lock down the next day and oldies to be confined to their homes. Cook Strait ferries back to Wellington could be cancelled too. A sombre, sobering welcome back to civilisation.

Thank heavens we did not have to get back from Germany or the Murray River.

IT'S BBQ TIME

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7 Rimu Street, Eastbourne Ph 562 8049

Rafting on the Waiau Toa/Clarence River.

Locals honoured at EB Order of Excellence Awards

Jan Heine’s story is intertwined with the stories of many of Eastbourne’s environmental groups. She has been involved in the establishment, governance, running, and dayto-day activity of many of them – and still is.

Jan’s concern for Eastbourne and neighbouring environments started before she and her husband Arnold first climbed the 95 steps to their Days Bay home in 1983. In 1972 they were part of the group which established the Hutt Valley Conservation Society.

The Society included several Eastbourne residents (including previous Eastbourne Award recipient, Ray Smith) who together with Jan and Arnold, developed the East Harbour Environmental Association in 1983. The EHEA had and still has an important activist role.

Jan and Arnold were also active in the Eastbourne Forest Rangers group which managed much of the trackwork before the Regional Council took over, and also assisted with search and rescue missions.

Matiu Somes Island was opened to the public in 1995 and Jan along with other Eastbourne Forest Rangers supported the island’s DOC Rangers by checking for rodents and guiding visitors. Guiding has become a significant job as visitor numbers have increased.

By 2000, Forest & Bird had become a strong voice for the environment in Lower Hutt and their President was responsible for setting up the Matiu Somes Charitable Trust in partnership with iwi. Jan was a founding Trustee and still is.

Jan is a Life Member of the Hutt Valley Tramping Club. In another example of the interweaving of her work, the Club has for many years spent a winter weekend working on Matiu Somes Island.

In 1996 Eastbourne resident Ray Walsh established the Possum Busters group. Hutt City Council provided traps, and residents, including Jan and Arnold, ran trap lines in the hills behind Eastbourne and made a significant impact on possum numbers. Jan and Arnold

ran their trap line on the hill behind their home until the 2011 storm which took down many trees and made access impossible.

The Possum Busters' mahi led to the formation of the Mainland Island Restoration Organisation (MIRO). MIRO built a fence of traps which has over the last 25 years had a significant impact on rodent numbers here. Other areas that make Eastbourne a better and more resilient place for all residents have kept Jan busy, including planting the dunes in Days Bay, and involvement with the Red Cross and Civil Defence. She has edited the St Ronan's Church’newsletter for nearly 20 years and is part of the church’s outreach programme which sees her helping with Randwick School’s breakfast club.

But MIRO is the work Jan says she is most proud of. As rodent numbers have decreased, interest and the number of active volunteers and experience has increased. MIRO started with an idea about work worth doing, and that it was worth persevering until eventually the work that MIRO and others do has become almost commonplace.

Don Long (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, 2020) for services to literature and education, particularly Pacific language education.

A former teacher of the deaf, Don Long has worked and volunteered for more than 40 years as a publisher focused on supporting Pacific languages in Aotearoa and the Pacific, including Te Reo Maori.

Don came to the Eastern Bays from Christchurch in 1978. When Eastbourne hosted Cambodian refugee families, he volunteered to help teach them English.

His interest in the history of Eastbourne and Bays grew from his interest in the Maori

language. He was invited by a former Mayor to research into the restoring of Maori place names in the Eastern Bays, research signed off by local iwi, the HCC then adding the place name signs around the bays.

That research got Don started and - as he dug deeper - he discovered that Eastbourne is the location of Lower Hutt’s oldest non-British and non-Maori community - our Italian fishing community (which later expanded to Island Bay).

He further discovered that we have a much more colourful and fascinating history — and a much longer one — than many of us realise and that knowing about the history of where he lived made living here more interesting.

There is a saying in Italian, Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro (a friend is a treasure). Don’s celebration of our history continues to enrich our lives.

Ali Carew, Editor and Local Historian

Ali’s association with the Bays began during her Lower Hutt childhood, with Eastbourne a favourite place for family picnics, swimming and walking. Her mother, Kathleen Low, belonged to the Eastbourne Spinners, and during school holidays Ali and her sister Hilary went too.

The Eastbourne connection became permanent in 1985 when Ali and David and their daughters moved here to live.

Her interest in local history began in 1999, when the Historical Society of Eastbourne

ECB member Belinda Moss, Jan Heine, and Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry.

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.

• East Harbour Women’s Club – Contract Bridge 2pm-5.30pm. Contact Judy Bishop 562 8985

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

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

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 11:45, phone Andrea 02102797311 for more info.

• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. Caroline 021 072 1070.

• 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.

• Toy Library 8-9pm. St Ronans Hall www. eastbournemibase.com.au Elizabeth 021 08224664.

• Eastbourne Karate Dojo junior and senior classes (children 8 year & older, plus parents) on Monday and senior classes on Thursday. Contact lindsaysensei@live.com, cell 021 844 873.

East Harbour Women’s Club

• Duplicate Bridge: 2-5pm. Contact Judy Bishop 562 8985

Keas: Monday 5.15pm – 6.15pm

Kea Leader: Ed 021 738 699

Cubs Monday 6.30pm – 7.45pm

Cub Leader: Damon 022 620 7116

Tuesdays

• Eastbourne Bowling Club. Gentleman’s Casual and Social bowling held every Tuesday from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Experience not required. Bowls and instruction provided. Casual dress code Contact Bruce 562 8401 or Warren 562 860.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Tues 9.15 -11.45am. Caroline 021 072 1070.

• Days Bay Playcentre Puddle Jumpers Tues 10:30 to 12 noon: Messy and Sensory play for children 2 years and under. Casual sessions, $3 donation.

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

• Eastbourne Homebirth Group 1st Tuesday of the month. Phone Kate 562-7096.

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

• Eastbourne Embroidery Group, St Ronan’s Church lounge 10am-12noon.

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

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Mike

562 8688.

• Poetry group, every second Tuesday meet to read and enjoy poems old and new. Phone 562 8387.

• Toy Library9.30-10.30am. St Ronans Hall. Facebook: Eastbourne Toy Library Elizabeth 021 08224664www.eastbournemibase.com.

au

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

• Pump Dance preschool and junior hip hop. 4pm onwards St Ronans Hall. 0274373508 info@pumpdance.com

Wednesdays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 2nd Wed at Tartines for morning tea and socialising 11am. Occasional outings arranged. Ph 5627365 or 562 8387.

• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15 -11.45am. Caroline 021 072 1070.

• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.

• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.

• DB Playcentre Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12. Andrea Jensen 02102797311.

• “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!

• Baby Boogie - dance for babies and preschoolers at St Ronan's Hall. 9:30am10am. Intermediate/teen hip hop and contemporary. 5pm onwards St Ronans Hall. 0274373508 info@pumpdance.com

• 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, Mike 562 8688. Women welcome.

• St Ronan’s Mainly Music, 9.30am-10.30am, contact Cathy 027 213 9342.

• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.

• East Harbour Women’s Club

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

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

• Eastbourne Karate Dojo junior and senior classes (children 8 year & older, plus parents) on Monday and senior classes on Thursday. Contact lindsaysensei@live.com, cell 021 844 873.

• Pump Dance boys hip hop. 5pm-6pm St Ronans Hall. 0274373508 info@pumpdance. com

Scouts: Thursday 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Scout Leader: Susan 027 535 4962

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. Caroline 021 072 1070.

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

• DB Playcentre Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12. Andrea Jensen 02102797311.

• Discovery Time for 4years+ at San Antonio School, 78 Oroua Street, 9.30-10.30am. Office 562 7398.

• Eastbourne Bowling Club. Newly formed Ladies casual bowling group meets Fridays at 2.00pm. Experience is not required. Bowls & instruction available. Casual dress code. Contact Cheri - 021 0699 274.

Saturdays

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

• Lions’ rubbish bin last Saturday of each month.

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

• Eastbourne Dune Restoration Group Meets dunes area in front of the Eastbourne Recreation Ground, on the first Saturday of the month at 9am. Contact Keena for more details on 562 0992.

Sundays

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

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

NOXIOUS WEEDS

November/December: Late spring/early summer. Warm. Wet. Weeds galore. This month your ‘nasty’ weeds. Not a good idea to put these bad boys on your ‘eco-pile’ nor on your compost heap. They’ll thrive and spread.

Weeds: = Any unwanted plants. Weeds are usually vigorous, well-adapted to the conditions, grow fast, spread fast and are hard to kill. They do all this by seeding prolifically or regrowing from small stem fragments or from persistent underground propagules (tubers/corms/bulbs). Many weed seeds and propagules are not killed by ‘warm’ composting. Many are resistant to common weedkillers. My problem weeds are tradescantia, buttercup, bamboo, oxalis and onion weed. You could name others…

Noxious weeds: = Weeds that are especially damaging to •agriculture, •natural ecosystems or •humans/animals. Many NZ noxious weeds are garden escapees. We live close to bush and beach, so should be extra vigilant.

Killing noxious weeds: Some noxious weeds are easy to kill using organic ‘knockdown’ weedkillers, others require glyphosate (to get at the roots), others need greater sophistication. www.weedbusters.org. nz offers good, species-specific advice. Weedbusters is the go-to website for NZ weeds.

Disposal of noxious weeds: Misanthropes dump their noxious weeds around Eastbourne adding to the ecological disaster overtaking NZ’s native plant and animal life. So, what do you do with your noxious weeds?

•Eco-pile (cool): Doesn’t kill all weeds.

•Composting (warm): Doesn’t kill all weeds.

•Leave in sun on concrete: Doesn’t kill all weeds.

•Bag + leave bag in sun: Doesn’t kill all weeds.

•Bury: Kills all weeds - but must be deeper than 1 m, so impractical.

•Bonfire: Kills all weeds - traditional but smoulders/smokes for days, HCC says ‘no’.

•Bag/bin/transfer station: For small amounts use an HCC rubbish bag (landfill, buried deep). For regular amounts use a medium (140 litre) green bin, $180 /year (‘hot’ composting kills). For lots of noxious weeds go to Seaview Transfer Station, car $20, trailer $30 (‘hot’ composting kills).

slang@xtra.co.nz

www.gardenstuffnz.blogspot.com

ECB recognition

Continues on Page 11

From Page 9

(HSE) hired her as editor, and subsequently as co-author with Ann Beaglehole, of Eastbourne: A History of the Eastern Bays of Wellington Harbour, published in 2001.

Soon Ali was writing regular history articles for the Eastbourne Herald, which were well received. The centenary in 2006 of the formation of Eastbourne Borough inspired her to write a series From our 1906 correspondent, ‘reporting’ on the events leading up to and beyond Eastbourne’s bid for independence.

The articles led to a second book: 100 Years: The Borough of Eastbourne 1906-1989 and Beyond, by Ali Carew and Mary McCallum. HSE also marked the centenary by organising a successful History Weekend in the Muritai School Hall, which Ali co-ordinated.

One highlight was working with author Julia Stuart, as her local history researcher and editor, on Half a World Away: Eastbourne in Wartime 1899-1928, published in 2016 by the EMRSA.

Oral History is another ongoing project. In 2011 Ali took over as HSE project coordinator, recruiting a new team of talented interviewers. The resulting archive covers a wide range of life-stories, another rich resource for future historians.

Other recent & ongoing projects include:

(1) The Eastbourne Heritage Trail (2018). (2) The restoration of the old police cell. (3) The new sign at Greenwood Park. (4) Closer liaison with local schools to promote the teaching of local history. (5) Developing a resource on the early Maori history of the region. (6) Recently, taking over as editor of the expanded HSE newsletter.

George Tuffin

George Tuffin was born in Whanganui in 1945 and moved to Wellington in 1964 to take up a job with General Motors in Upper Hutt in their finance department. This was the start of a lifetime career in accounting and the world of finance.

George has an amazing array of other

Seal the deal

interests and has given a lifetime of service to the community. His contribution to sport has been huge and varied, including a major contribution to rowing.

Rowing has been a huge part of George’s life and his contribution there has been immense. In 1987 he managed the NZ Rowing Team to the world champs and was appointed manager of the NZ rowing team for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, but stepped aside when coaching and management roles were combined following an additional crew member being selected. In 2007 George was elected a life member of NZ Rowing. Chairman of the Board since 2012.

This award is made in particular recognition of George’s 25 years given to the EastbourneBays Community Trust. He was one of a small group of local residents who formed the Trust in 1995 and has been a trustee, treasurer and chair from 2008 until the present day. Members of the Trust never cease to marvel at the wisdom and advice emanating from the Chair.

On retiring from fulltime employment in 2011 George turned his attention to Plunket where he was part of a team that consolidated the national organisation into a Charitable Trust. 2017 saw George made a life member of Plunket.

This fellow gave a few dog walkers a scare on the wekend as he relaxed under the Rona Bay Wharf. DOC's advice is to give seals a wide berth, and never get between them and the sea. Photo: Phil Mitchell.

OBITUARY

THOMAS - Barbara Agnes (née Dudding) passed away peacefully at the Enliven Woburn Home, Lower Hutt on Monday November 2, 2020, aged 91.

Much beloved wife of the late Leslie Eggleston ‘Bunt’ Thomas and mother of Nicholas, Benjamin and Sally, she is survived by her children and her sisters Jennifer Atkin and Jill Cooke. Barbara was also a much loved aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Born in Lower Hutt and educated at Eastern Hutt School and Hutt Valley High School, Barbara attended Wellington Teachers College. Part of the Eastbourne community throughout her adult life, Barbara was a familiar face behind the counter of the local Post Office and was a member of the Wellington Film Society, Rona Bay Tennis Club, and Eastbourne Scottish Country Dancing Society. She gave generously to many charities over many years and actively worked with the Blind Foundation. She is remembered for her warmth and humour and her love of music, gardening and beach walks. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blind Foundation would be appreciated. Memorial Service details will be announced soon via The DominionPost

Gee and Hickton FDANZ

www.geeandhickton.co.nz

Tel 04 5663103

LETTERS

I don't know why signs have been erected along the Promenade telling owners who don't leash their dogs that they will be fined $300. What has prompted this?

There is a community of dog walkers who often stop to chat while their dogs mill around freely and cause no trouble.

The Promenade is shared by walkers of varying speeds; cyclists of varying speeds so

why not unleashed dogs of varying speeds? Some dogs enjoy running along the wall itself. Is that also out of bounds?

I've lived and owned dogs in Eastbourne for 26 years and can't understand why there is suddenly a problem when none previously existed.

Lindsay Mitchell Eastbourne

The Point Howard Community Garden is bursting with life and is going from strength to strength! There has already been a crop of tasty radishes and spinach. The gardeners are doing an awesome job building compost bins, pea frames, wind breaks etc, not to mention creating a rainwater collection system. If you want to get on their mailing list for updates on working bee dates or further details on how you can participate, please email pointhowardgarden@gmail.com or visit their facebook page Point Howard Community Garden.

The Port Road Drags will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2020 7am to 6pm. Noise complaints, reports of dangerous driving or any other illegal activities outside of the 7am - 6pm road closure time need to be reported to the Police on 111 (emergency) or 105 (non-emergency). Noise complaints during the event need to be reported to HCC on 04 570 6666 and the team on duty will contact the Port Road Drags representative.

The PHA would like to thank the 95 households who have become members of the association this year. We really appreciate your support!!

pthowardassn@gmail.com

News from Point Howard

Popular couple awarded citation for church service

Eastbourne residents, Fran and Peter Baldock, were honoured by the presentation of Bishop’s Citations at a St Alban’s church service at Wellesley College last weekend. These citations, given by Bishop Justin, Anglican Bishop of Wellington, are awarded to people who, over a long period of time, have demonstrated service and commitment to the church.

Joy Baird, the People’s Warden at St. Alban's, says that in Fran and Peter’s case, their commitment to the community has also been significant. The couple have shown a strong Christian commitment and worked as a team over many years. Their involvement has always been characterised by ‘no fuss action’ – seeing what needs to be done, then quietly and quickly getting on with it.

“Peter has served several terms on St Alban’s Vestry,” Joy says, “and with his valuable knowledge of the church, as its Verger. With the move to Wellesley College, he’s the “go to guy” who knows where everything required for a service can be found. He’s the person who unlocks the gate and sets up the flag on a Sunday morning, as well as managing the hall set-up and audio-visual gear. Peter shares in providing music, earlier at St Alban’s church and more recently at Wellesley.”

Fran has also been a Vestry member and for many years worked with the children at St Alban’s Sunday School. Fran and Peter both currently help in bringing older parishioners to and from the Thursday morning communion service and serving morning tea.

In the Eastbourne community, Fran and Peter have had a strong association with the Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe since its inception in 1987. They’ve contributed in every possible way to professional productions over the years.

Together they have directed, produced, acted, plus designing sets and costumes. For many years, they’ve had important roles with the Eastbourne Memorial Returned and Services Association, Peter as secretary and Fran as welfare officer, roles they carry out with

competence and diplomacy.

Joy says that their friends at St Alban’s were proud to recommend they received Citations and delighted Bishop Justin supported the application.

"It came as a complete surprise - a wonderful surprise,” Peter said, “and really only for being part of our communitybe it St Alban's, or Eastbourne, or the School, or the local Clubs - and doing it to acknowledge and honour those who have helped to make 'community' before us. But for the 'church'it'ss more special isn't it. It is the foundation.”

Meanwhile, the 1910 St Alban's Church building in Ngaio Street remains empty, since the congregation had to leave the church in 2016 due to earthquake concerns. Following public consultation, the church presented a proposal to the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, a requirement to allow it to proceed with more detailed planning. This was turned down due to a perceived lack of clear vision for the future use of the church and hall and insufficient unity of purpose within the parish.

The Eastbourne Herald understands the parish members are not in agreement over whether the church should be brought up to code, or a new structure should be built in its place.

Mrs Baird says while they were "very disappointed", ‘"we’re confident we’re on track now".

The new Vestry has now established two teams. One is reviewing and updating the building redevelopment proposal, the other refocusing on ministry efforts. Both teams recognise the importance of reflecting the needs of people and buildings in the 21st century and beyond.

‘We’re really disappointed our

redevelopment is taking so long and understand why some people are frustrated and dismayed’ said Joy. However, the parish will now be taking time to agree on a comprehensive vision for the future. We’re hoping to have a sound proposal to bring to the Diocese in the first half of 2021.

SONNY'S YOGA - EASTBOURNE CLASSES - Enjoy a relaxing yoga class near the ocean. Every Wednesday 6.45pm at Muritai Yacht Club. Beginners welcome. For more info visit www. sonnysyoga.nz

Dan Reed lawn mowing, lawn and garden care. Contact 027 337 1360.

WATERBLASTING Services – For all exterior cleaning and maintenance – call Mike on 027 587 5871.

ECO GARDENER - restoration, restyling, maintenance. All sizes. All styles. txt 027 6939 323

Peter and Fran Baldock, with their citations.

FAMILY HOME AND INCOME

Nestled in a sunny spot on Muritai Road, on a 718sqm section, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home plus 1 bedroom self contained flat has room for all the family. The home includes a modern kitchen with walk in pantry, spacious living and dining with French doors which open to a lovely courtyard and wide deck which enjoys the afternoon sun till the end of the day. Perfect for indoor/outdoor living.

CURRENT LISTINGS

REF: THV02743