The Eastbourne Herald December 2018

'Tis the season to be jolly...

A smaller than usual, but tuneful crowd turned out for the annual Christmas carol service in Eastbourne on Sunday. Along with the usual carols, Santa visited and treated the children to lollies, and the Lions Club barbequed more than 200 sausages for those attending.

Clockwise from top left: Poppy, Blake, Mills and Denver enjoying the service, Santa with his horde of helpers, Anne Manchester and John Hughes, and the hard working Lions team waiting to feed the masses.

As we are heading towards Christmas and trees are being decked out, there are a few things to remember when dusting off the decorations:

• Secure the tree in a place away from busy areas such as stairs & doorways, especially doors leading outside.

• If your lights have been stored away since last Christmas, check the lights carefully before placing them on the tree. If any wires are frayed or broken, throw them out, don’t take the risk. Loose connections and frayed wires can cause a short circuit.

• Never leave the tree lights on overnight or when you leave the house.

• Check that your artificial tree and decorations are made from flame resistant material.

• Lights should never be used on artificial trees with metal frames.

• Never use candles near the Christmas tree, or as tree decorations.

• If your tree becomes dry and starts shedding needles you should remove it from the house

For practical advice on Fire Safety please

Next ECB Meeting

Tuesday Feb 19th 2019 - 7.15pm

East Harbour Women’s Club, Muritai Road

Previous agendas and papers available Council meetings - Home - Hutt City Council

Board members are: Virginia Horrocks (Chair) virginia.horrocks@huttcity.govt.nz

Robert Ashe (Deputy chair) robert.ashe@huttcity.govt.nz

Murray Gibbons murray.gibbons@huttcity.govt.nz

Liz Knight liz.knight@huttcity.govt.nz

Anna Sutherland anna.sutherland@huttcity.govt.nz

Cr Tui Lewis tui.lewis@huttcity.govt.nz

Cr Michael Lulich michael.lulich@huttcity.govt.nz

visit www.fireandemergency.nz or contact your local Fire Brigade.

Emergency Call Outs:

• 12 Nov 18 – Smoke in Area, Pencarrow

• 13 Nov 18 – Alarm Activation, Muritai School

• 14 Nov 18 – Beach Fire, Maire St

The Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade is still 11 Firefighters short of its optimum membership which is nearly 50% of the Brigade operational establishment, so please give some serious thought to becoming a Volunteer to help protect your community.

Please call Ross Carroll, Chief Fire Officer (021 648 114), if you think you’ve got what it takes.

SUN & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

(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

Happy Christmas and all the best for 2019 from your Community Board

May we all enjoy a summer of family and sunshine and build up energy for an active and enjoyable 2019

SNA backdown shows the need to work together

by Carl McRae and Louise Parry

An eleventh hour decision has seen Hutt City Council ditch a plan to increase limits on private land use. Plan Change 46 would have seen Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) imposed on many landowners, limiting their ability to develop or build on their section. If passed, the regulation would have come into effect last Saturday.

However, in a major back-down, and at the conclusion of a marathon run of public comments mainly opposing the plan, Hutt City councillors voted 5-2 in favour of Mayor Wallace’s recommendation to put aside the proposal to include SNAs in the District Plan and work more closely with landowners to protect the city’s natural biodiversity on a voluntary basis.

The Mayor acknowledged the distress that the HCC process had caused since the sending out of 1,200 letters in January, with confused landowners grappling with the terms of the letter and exactly what it meant.

“Hopefully the decision goes some way to restoring and healing the hurt that has affected the community,” Mayor Wallace said. “This has been an extremely emotional issue and we unreservedly apologise for that.”

He said work had already been undertaken by many of the city’s landowners to protect SNAs, and acknowledged the extensive efforts of HCC staff over the past twelve months regarding the controversial issue.

“A lot of hard work has been put into this by Council officers,” he said, “and we’ll keep working to find a way forward. What we want to do is have the community work on a strategy with us, so together we can highlight and lift awareness of protecting these areas of significant biodiversity and work on finding ways to protect those areas that are appropriate.”

The Mayor said that involvement of other groups and mana whenua would give Council the opportunity to understand more about the importance of biodiversity in our community, its protection and enhancement.

The District Plan Committee, under chair Lisa Bridson oversaw six hours of public submissions, mostly from those opposed to SNAs. One person was evicted for shouting opposition to Linda Mead's support for the plan change.

Councillor Bridson said it was the largest council meeting she had attended and numbers wise may be breaching capacity of the room. Downstairs, a separate space was opened up with a live feed from the chamber above: that too was brimming.

Representing a collective known as Power Inc, Wilf Bearman-Riedel spoke first and on the negative impact on generations to come of what he termed land theft by council.

“By forcing restrictions on landowners,” he said, “the SNA proposal has annoyed, upset and saddened Eastbourne people. But it’s not too late to turn back the clock.”

Common themes of those speaking were that communication about SNAs had been vague and confusing or inadequate, or that council were simply riding roughshod over landowners' rights.

Speaking on behalf of the Eastbourne Community Board, Virginia Horrocks suggested a pause was required on putting District Plan Change 46 through, which if passed would only lead to more alienation, resentment, bitterness and anxiety.

“There’s no hurry to get this process completed,” she said.

“Once submissions close under the RMA, council has two years to make and give public notice of their decision. Let’s take time to do this well.”

Grahame Gilbert, who owns a commercial site in Seaview and has plans for a green business, was among those urging HCC to vote against SNAs.

"I implore you not to rush into making a decision tonight...go back to the table and consider whether there is any real benefit to the environment and consider whether simply this is just a pig with lipstick on it," he said.

Continues on Page 5

Grant Absalom from Orongorongo Station addresses the meeting, speaking in opposition to Plan Change 46.

SNAs taken back to the drawing board

From Page 3

Environmental resource management lawyer Andrew Beatson spoke to the report from Wildlands which formed the basis for the SNAs. Mr Beatson had been engaged by landowners who recognised the need - and council's obligation to protect areas of significant natural areas - but saw "serious shortcomings" in the approach to identifying them.

"It's in both council's and its constituent landowners' best interests if the SNAs are accurately identified before council proceeds to notify provisions that will have immediate legal effect in terms of restricting landowners' lawful use of their property. For this reason the identification needs to be robust and justifiable, otherwise you should anticipate ongoing expensive and relationship-damaging litigation," he said.

Other speakers included iwi representatives, who said Tiriti o Waitangi obligations were not being considered into the framework of SNAs; and farmers - many from Pencarrow Coast Road .

HCC district planning head Drew Cumming said new procedures could be put in place to hasten proceedings. He said there had been a lot of misinformation on social media, and that many people wouldn't allow officers onto their land, something that was slowing down accurate identification of SNAs.

“On site visits will alleviate inconsistencies in aerial mapping,” Mr Cumming said, “and other deficiencies in desk top analysis. We are getting requests for site visits all the time, but it is a bit of a process. We have asked people to send in photographs which would certainly hasten the process.”

Mr Cumming said $352,000 had already been invested in landscaping and character reports and he gave an assurance that a site visit would not extend the SNAs originally marked.

Councillor Campbell Barry had his motion passed to work with residents on a voluntary basis in identifying and protecting SNAs on private land.

“At the end of the day, we all want to protect and enhance our native flora and fauna. I do believe there is now a positive path for all of us moving forward; Council, landowners and other stakeholders.”

Harbour Ward Councillors and Eastbourne Community Board members, Tui Lewis and Michael Lulich were both in support of Cr Barry’s motion.

Councillor Lewis said that HCC were duty bound to listen to the people, who had come out in force and made their voices heard.

“Listening to our community and being able to find a constructive way forward may take time,” she said, “but it is better we work together for what we all highly value.”

Councillor Lulich was in full support of the recommendation to start afresh with landowners.

“I have been very concerned how the SNA issue has caused a lot of stress in the community,” he said.

“I believe with their involvement, iwi, and other groups, we will collaboratively find better ways to safeguard our indigenous biodiversity. Now we can look at a new approach and target areas that were preventing us moving forward with success. Measures that do not provide blanket restrictions or coercive measures in the District Plan.”

In summing up, Councillor Bridson said it was an extreme pity that there was so much confusion as to what the proposed plan change really meant and that this misinformation had put the community off-side.

Hutt South MP, Chris Bishop, says that Council finally did the right thing by instituting a voluntary approach to the protection of SNA’s on private land.

“Alongside others,” he said, “I’ve been calling for this for months, so I’m very pleased. 200 plus people turned up at the meeting to voice their concerns and Councillors have eventually listened. "It’s been a pleasure working alongside groups like the Lower Hutt Landowners and Wainuiomata Rural Community Assn and this victory is really their victory.”

(more on Page 12 - Ed)

Waste dumpers cause concern

by Carl McRae

An escalation of illegal rubbish dumping and an increase in freedom campers is turning Korohiwa into a wasteland, says the man behind the introduction of free mulch to the area, St Ronan’s church parish clerk, Sandy Lang.

The issue of freedom camping has become a national irritation in recent years and Sandy says that this will no doubt surge again as summer ramps up and the tourist season kicks in.

“For years, but especially recently, campervans have used the site,” says Sandy. “In spite of the proximity of the new public toilets, I am increasingly coming across piles of human excrement and associated paper tissues blowing about there. This raises concerns for health and safety as well as of good taste for a recreational ‘wild’ area.”

The local Lions Group use the space for their monthly bin, but Sandy says that now this encourages the conscienceless to dump their general household waste in the area, in advance of the monthly appearance of it.

“Hence the guilty party escapes paying anything to the Lions,” he adds, “and the Lions (decent chaps all of them) quietly tidy up the offending rubbish.”

Sandy organised to have his community mulch pile moved to the same general location several months ago, but this seems to encourage others still to dump green waste there. Some of this has been removed by disgruntled locals, but it is known to pollute the tree chip.

“We’ve previously had gorse dumped there and also bamboo,” Sandy says. “Nobody wants to introduce these species to their gardens.”

Also the Garden Stuff columnist for the Eastbourne Herald, Sandy referred to these people as sociopaths in the November edition and has invited observers to "dob them in" and he’ll personally report them to the Hutt City Council.

Reserves Assets Manager for the HCC, Janet Lawson, says that any dumping of rubbish or garden waste should be reported with as much detail as possible to the Council’s main contact centre.

“Our enforcement officers are very good

and will be only to keen to investigate further,” she said.

“There was some discussion around the Lions putting up a second fence to contain the mulch pile. This might curb some of the green waste dumping.”

Janet admits that freedom camping is becoming an increasing problem around the whole harbour.

“It is against the by-law,” she says, “but we don’t actively patrol. If anyone sees any camper vans staying overnight, they again can report it (preferably with a registration plate number) and we can investigate and issue an infringement.”

Sandy hopes that the Eastbourne Community Board will consider the placement of security cameras on the public toilet building that faces the south.

“This way we can inspect the footage after an ‘event’ and in doing so, maybe identify and prosecute those who dump rubbish or who defecate there.”

In response to that proposal, Janet says that at this stage Council wouldn’t consider putting up cameras, but are currently arranging for appropriate signage to be placed in the area of concern, which they are aware currently does not exist.

Meanwhile, anyone who witnesses any of the activity as outlined in this article can report the incident to HCC main centre on 570 6666

Faith in the Community

Spare a thought…

Despite all the hype and the enticements to spend more, MORE, MORE, most families approach this time of year with a sense of expectation and delight – expectation of a holiday break, of warmer weather, of getting together with families, and delight on children’s faces at the Santa parade, Christmas lights, and a small pile of parcels under the tree. A time to sing favourite carols and listen to angelicsounding choirs well practiced in the classics. These are reasons enough to approach the holiday season with a lightness of heart, and for Christians a time to celebrate the birth of the one who changed everything, and who lived out the mind-altering power of unconditional positive regard we call love. But then there are those for whom this season is decidedly not joyous because it comes as a stark reminder of someone who is no longer here – the first Christmas without a beloved other. Then there are those who by reason of work or travel are separated from family who are living on the other side of the world. So, before you become too caught up in your Christmas preparations, spare a thought for anyone you know who has recently lost a loved one or is going to be alone this Christmas. Don’t just think about them but do something tangible to lift the loneliness and bring them a little of the good cheer that will brighten your own celebration of the season.

St Alban’s: •Sunday 23 Dec 10am Christingle service, at Wellesley. •Monday 24 Dec 10pm, Christmas Eve Service, at Wellesley. •25 Dec 9:30am, Christmas Day service (family friendly), at Wellesley. •Sundays 30 Dec and 6 Jan 10am, at San Antonio’s Church. •Sundays 13, 20 and 27 Jan 10am, in the vicarage grounds. These services will be short, childfriendly and followed by a sausage sizzle, ice cream and the beach. Bring a deck chair and a holiday mood.

St Ronan’s: A short Christmas Day service at 9.30am. The collection will go to Christian World Service.

Combined: We hope you enjoyed the Community Carols last Sunday. Best wishes for Christmas, New Year and the holiday season. from San Antonio, St Albans and St Ronan’s…!

A pile of mixed bamboo waste – nobody wants to introduce that to their garden.

Rona Bay Wharf set to reopen on December 21

by Carl McRae

Work is due to be completed on Rona Wharf within the next fourteen days and it will be reopened to the public on December 21.

The refurbishment has included the ripping up of the old deck surface on the historic jetty and replacement of all timber beams and braces, the repair of piles, the laying of a new concrete deck and replacement of approach fencing and stairs to the beach, says Strategic Advisor for Hutt City Council, Bruce Hodgins. Local contractor GK Shaw has been undertaking the works.

“The refurbishment has taken into account the heritage aspects of the structure,” Mr. Hodgins said, “as required by the conditions of the resource consent. Heritage architect Ian

Bowman has provided that input and advice.

“The programme has taken longer to complete than originally anticipated (six weeks),” he adds, “due to issues with the procurement and transportation of suitable timber from South America".

The total cost of the refurbishment for Rona Bay Wharf is forecast to be $3.26M.

While exact plans have yet to be finalised, an opening ceremony will take place according to Eastbourne Community Board member and the man behind the Heritage Trail concept, Murray Gibbons. It is believed that the Muritai Yacht Club will host festivities.

In accordance with Hutt City Council desires though, the opening will be a relatively low-key affair, with further promotion

(potentially a fishing competition) to take place once landscaping and seating has been completed at the old wharf, early in 2019.

The Rona Wharf was officially opened on Saturday, December 1st, 1906 by the then Mayor of the Eastbourne Borough, Mr. F G Bolton, his daughter, Madge, cutting the tape with a ‘pair of silver scissors’.

The new wharf had cost £6000 and residents of the district had been called upon to subscribe about £200, with which to purchase a caretaker's cottage site.

The reasonably frequent commuter ferry service already operating from Days Bay Wharf also now visited Eastbourne for a nominal subsidy of £50 for the first year, but at the end of twelve months Mr. Bolton expected the traffic would be such that there would be no further need for a subsidy.

Community Library Manager, Jacquie Arnot, says that following all the work that has been done on Rona Wharf, the librarians at Eastbourne decided to launch an investigation into the ferries which have been so much a part of life in Eastbourne and the Bays since 1884.

“The display looks at the history of the harbour ferry service in Wellington,” Jacqui says, “and includes information about several individual ferry boats including the Cobar, the Muritai and the tragic Duco.

The gem of the display is a model of “TSS Muritai” which they have borrowed from the Historical Society of Eastbourne.

If you or someone you know has stories or memories about the ferries, they would love to record them. Visit the Eastbourne Library or contact the Historical Society:

eastbournehistorynz@gmail.com

Carey is a man behind two big events

by Carl McRae

Waterbourne director Laurence Carey joined the tens of thousands of moustachioed gentlemen throughout the country in the recent Movember campaign, in support of prostate cancer and men's mental health.

His event has gone a step further and partnered with the Movember Foundation of New Zealand in helping to further raise awareness of the illnesses and issues that men face. He believes it to be another example of Waterbourne being more than just your usual sports festival.

“It’s naive to think that a conversation and an active lifestyle will save every life,” says Laurence, “but conversations do help men stay mentally healthy. Waterbourne this summer will be actively supporting men's health.”

Waterbourne will host New Zealand’s first ever Paddle Ninja Games at the 2019 festival, where competitors will race each other around an exciting and challenging obstacle course. Entrants will have the opportunity to support mental health with a portion of their entry fee going towards the Movember Foundation.

“We encourage potential ninjas to get out on a paddle board before the event and practice balance,” Laurence says. “Stamina and self control will each act as key elements to success in this event. It’s about morals, ideas and philosophies. Train your body and mind, know the strengths and weaknesses of your equipment.”

Beside aligning themselves with Movember, Laurence says he has also taken other initiatives to ensure that the event keeps growing and building on the success of the inaugural one held earlier this year.

“Waterbourne will host the CentrePort Beach Clean Up,” says Laurence. “We will be going to Ward Island for this and potentially also Matiu/Somes Island.”

Waterbourne will have only reusable cups, helping reduce the impact of waste in the environment.

Water safety is another issue close to Laurence’s heart and, in order to encourage safe water practices, he will be organising a clinic for the public to understand the importance of respecting the ocean and the power it has.

“People have always underestimated the power of the water,” he says, “and as leaders in the industry, it is important we educate the public in how to enjoy the water safely.”

Sydney hip-hop-psych-soul project, Boo Seeka, has been confirmed as the headline act for the marquee event, Wellington’s biggest beach party on March

9th. The duo have recently sold out headline shows in Amsterdam, London, San Francisco and New York.

The usual Kite and windsurfing and paddle boarding events will still take pride of place, the competition likely to be fiercer than this year, as a growing number of competitors have expressed an interest in coming to Eastbourne for New Zealand’s premier water sport event.

Waterborne 2019 will run (at Bishop’s Park) from March 8-10.

Local mortals feature in Hollywood blockbuster

by Carl McRae

Continuing a long association with the film and television industry, a number of Eastbourne residents were involved in the making of Universal Pictures' Mortal Engines, filmed in Wellington during 2017. With the film's release to Australasian audiences on Thursday, the long wait to see themselves or their handiwork on the big screen was over.

Imogen Faith Hancock began her association with the film as a storyboard artist and ended it in visual effects as a roto compositor.

“The director (Christian Rivers) was awesome and a really great story-boarder himself,” Imogen says, “so it was a fantastic learning experience and all around a good time.”

Genevieve Packer worked in textile graphics, as she did throughout the Hobbit trilogy and on Lovely Bones back in 2009.

Practiced in the fine art of the thousand yard stare, some well seasoned thespians worked as background artists and were amongst those making the long trek to Miramar’s Stone Street Studios, long before daybreak.

Florence McFarlane says the driving to and fro in the dark was the worst bit and that finding a fresh way to do exactly the same thing after the umpteenth take aside, the rest was mostly plain sailing.

“Glimpses of magnificent costumes

and weird constructions, amazing sets with unbelievable attention to detail and trying to identify friends in full disguise were all highlights,” Florence said.

“Finding yourself alongside the famous and working/ playing through exhaustion and hoping it never ends was a close second.”

Other locals who may or may not appear on the big screen for a fleeting second include Rustwater buyers and slave traders, Dean Goble, Chris Read and Isabelle Rose Kircher (whose mother, Nicole, runs Possum Talent from her Days Bay home and placed cast members in the movie).

Loma Dellabarca, Dianne Smith, Heather Newton and Caren McLean are all Salzhaken women, while the McRae twins appear as Medussa Engineers. Guest appearances are also made by our local piano and poetry team of Colin Decio and Ingrid Prosser.

Loma says that although disappointed not to have been discovered herself yet, she is ready to be a star.

“I thought we would be sitting around a lot,” she said, “reading or just plain bored, but no such thing. We trotted back and forth from the extras tent to the set, shrouded in ponchos and rainwear for shoots, it was freezing and wet. I loved every minute of it!”

Imogen Hancock says she enjoyed the film and it was exciting to see something she had contributed to making it on to the big screen.

The staff and management wish all our customers a great Christmas and enjoyable New Year

Let’s enjoy Christmas with good friends, family, great food and holiday cheer

We are closing Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

“But I managed to miss seeing my first screen credit,” she says, “because I was talking to my friend and got distracted when it went by.”

But as Peter Jackson himself is known to remind mortals between the often onerous takes of which Florence speaks; “Pain is temporary folks…film is forever!”

Based on the Philip Reeve novels of the same name, the adventure film is set in a postapocalyptic steampunk world, where entire cities have been mounted on wheels and motorised, then prey on one another.

Principal photography on the AmericanNew Zealand co-production began in April, 2017 in Wellington and was largely completed by July, with pick-ups filmed earlier this year.

For any locals interested in seeing the film in the immediate future - and contributing to a worthwhile cause - the Lighthouse Cinema in Petone are holding a special screening of Mortal Engines on Sunday, December 9 starting at 5pm. Charlotte Goble is travelling to Fiji to build a Habitat for Humanity house in Nadi, Fiji in June/July 2019 and all proceeds from the screening will go towards seeing that goal through to fruition. Tickets $20 each.

Christmas Greetings from the Van Helden Gallery team at beautiful Days Bay...may 2019 be all you wish for.

Pop in to see our huge range of Christmas gifts, New Zealand made ceramics, jewellery, artworks, possum/merino stock and ‘just arrived’ Turkish gifts... we gift wrap too!

Florence McFarlane on set.

Familiar faces still together after all these years

Nine Eastbourne and Bays teenagers who were friends in the mid/late 1950s (all of them members of Muritai Tennis Club and most of the boys in the same local rugby team), along with their partners, have been meeting up every year somewhere in New Zealand.

In November this year (the ninth get-together) it was Days Bay and 17 enjoyed a meal at Sea Salt.

(L-R) John Baine, Lynley Wyatt, Scot Gilchrist, Tricia Turner (Shearer), Gordon Wyatt, John Drake, Robin Gilchrist (Clere), Barbara Baine, Kaye Cresswell, Jane Cousins, Hallam Cresswell, Jenny Drake, Di Comber, Bill de Lange, Sue de Lange (Berry). Original members:John Baine, Sue (Berry) de Lange, John Drake, Robin (Clere) Gilchrist, Chris Johns, Mervyn Paull, Tony Rillstone, Tricia (Shearer) Turner, Gordon Wyatt.

No fair this year

Muritai School principal, Bec Power, says the decision not to have the almost traditional end of year Carnival this year, was purely based on lack of human resources.

“We simply couldn’t find the personnel necessary to run the carnival,” Bec said. “We needed to find the right people with the enthusiasm required for the project and not have to rely on asking staff members to give up hours of their valuable time to see it through to fruition. Unfortunately, with most being time poor, we just weren’t able to find that person/people.”

“Then it can be heartbreaking if it’s a rainy day, and all the energies of the parents and wider school community have been largely wasted.”

Bec says that the Home and School committee have been pro-active throughout the year and have hosted many other successful activities.

“It doesn’t mean that we won’t entertain the idea in the future of re-booting the carnival,” she says, “but for this year we have focused on ventures throughout the year, rather than put all our eggs in the basket of one big day.”

LET

Haul of rubbish removed from beneath DB Wharf

More than 1 ton of junk was removed from Days Bay last weekend.

Rob Wilson of Ghost Fishing NZ says an awesome turnout from locals and kids helped ensure a fun and successful day was had by all, when his team of divers took to cleaning up the Days Bay sea floor on November 25.

The Hutt City Council carted away over 1,000kgs of junk taken out of the bay soon after the event's completion, which included one tyre which weighed in at 933kgs alone.

The GFNZ Free Scuba and Scooter teams hauled out a few tyres, loads of mono-filament fishing lines, ropes, bikes, chairs and all sorts of what Rob called, random junk.

“We had reasonable visibility for our dive teams,” he added. “Over all, very clean bay, which is awesome. And it's now pretty much spotless thanks to the HCC rubbish removal.”

Rob said it was great to see local kids getting involved in not only the clean-up, but with two marine biologists in his team, they received some valuable aquatic education also. Renowned for its star fish, Rob said his divers also found four octopi under the Days Bay wharf.

‘Ghost Fishing’ is a term used to describe what fishing gear does when it has been lost, dumped or abandoned. Wellington based GFNZ are connected to the Healthy Seas organisation, whose main objective is to remove waste, in particular fishing nets and other marine litter, from the seas for the purpose of recycling these into textile products.

Lost fishing gear (‘ghost gear’), is among the greatest killers in our oceans, affecting already depleted commercial fish stocks. Caught fish die and in turn attract scavengers which will get caught in that same net, thus creating a vicious circle.

Rob says the communities of Days Bay and Eastbourne deserve a big thank you.

“It’s an amazing community at Eastbourne and clearly one that values its beach and environment.”

Above and right: Divers head in for a clean up, and evidence of some of the rubbish found. Photos: Jess Cody (Ghostfishing)

EHEA supports SNA rethink

by Louise Parry

“Protection doesn’t mean prohibition.”

So says East Harbour Environmental Association spokesman Geoff Rashbrooke, who, somewhat unexpectedly, is welcoming the halt in District Plan Change 46.

Mr Rashbrooke says Hutt City Council has been missing a vegetation protection policy. "The council has done everything from an operational, not a policy perspective," he says.

He is keen to sit down with council officers and others to help develop a policy that will achieve a result to please everybody: protection of flora and fauna, with the right of landowners'to do what they have always done on their land.

In May, EHEA went to the Environment Court to oppose HCC's proposed changes to rules for the Landscape Protection Residential Activity Area and the Hill Residential Activity Area (on Proposed Plan Change 36).

During the court case, Judge Brian Dwyer noted something neither EHEA and their lawyer, nor HCC and their lawyer had picked up: vegetation clearance is not a permitted activity under the existing district plan, and this has been the case for 15 years. “It’s a mistake and no one has picked up on it. Unless it’s listed as a permitted activity it’s not," Mr Rashbrooke says.

Many people are therefore in beach of the District Plan, including Mr Rashbrooke, who removed a small macrocarpa from his own section. He says protections are in place if the land is larger than 350m2 and for subdivisions, which are notifiable.

EHEA has always looked at resource consents, and objected when it saw potential plan breaches

"A house is allowed to be built with minimum interference, that’s all SNA is intended to do ," Mr Rashbrooke says.

"Why the council officers couldn’t explain this to the people of Eastbourne is beyond us. If your land had an SNA and you're wanting to build a house it’s a non complying activity and you have to apply for resource consent.

"The council will ask if there’s somewhere else on your land you can build but will give you resource consent because it’s a permitted baseline activity."

In the end, EHEA supported the introduction of SNAs in a plan change because

Time to move on

they offered greater protection of clusters of trees than would happen without SNAs.

"Now we haven’t got SNAs, we need to ensure the greatest protection possible is in place.

"We want to bring back the old Eastbourne rule brought in for hillside land that says you can’t clear more than 35 percent of your property," Mr Rashbrooke says.

Currently, the land can be cleared incrementally to an unspecified amount.

“We were gobsmacked and wrong footed by that."

"We agree with Forest and Bird that council does have a legal obligation on it. We had a meeting with Ray Wallace on Wednesday and said while it's against our interests, we think it should be put on hold to develop the plan for SNAs further.

"But Ray Wallace totally capitulated."

Forest & Bird considers legal action

Forest & Bird is exploring legal action following Hutt City Council's rejection for now of Plan Change 43.

Forest & Bird’s Lower North Island Regional Manager Tom Kay says he wants to see Lower Hutt’s remaining natural heritage thrive.

"We’re disappointed by the council’s recent decision which we believe is unlawful, and we are likely to seek a declaration in the Environment Court.”

“Perhaps the council’s communication hasn’t been the best, and that’s led to a lot of fear and misinformation. But it’s worth remembering that many councils around the country have already successfully identified and

by Louise Parry

Eastbourne landowners want to look forward, not back, says Power Inc spokesman, Pat McShane.

Power Inc is a group formed by Eastbourne landowner, and Mr McShane says, while trust needs to be rebuilt on both sides, it's now time to sit around the table with the council and other interested groups, and make a plan that works for everyone.

Rather than quoting the New Plymouth case, which saw Forest and Bird take the council to court when it imposed voluntary protection on private land, Mr McShane says the group hopes to see something similar to agreements reached in Hurunui district policy 13.4 to encourage landowners to protect and enhance areas of indigenous biodiversity, and support them in a co-operative manner by considering a range of options and protection mechanisms.

mapped SNAs, including in Auckland. Not only has it not prevented Auckland from developing, it has protected the natural remnants that make urban areas attractive and liveable. Landowners are still able to carry out a range of activities on their properties.”

“Eastbourne residents are conservation minded and many have been looking after the native bush on their properties, but not everyone is so responsible. Without some rules in place, the good efforts of the majority can be undone by the reckless actions of a few.

“Voluntary arrangements on their own won’t be enough to protect our native bush and wildlife. The decision that mapping SNAs is the right way to protect native habitat in Wellington has already been made at the regional level – we don’t want to have to relitigate each and every time councils embark on this process.”

Mayor Ray Wallace says he is hopeful Forest & Bird will be part of a move for all interested parties to work together on an SNA plan to suit all, "rather than threats of legal action that serve no purpose, whatsoever".

Rare books, quality used books bought & sold. See our stock at: www.tinakoribooks.com

SELLING THIS SUMMER?

Give your home a head start and present it in a way that will maximise the dollars in your pocket when the sold sign goes up!

Help buyers feel a desire to live in your home from the minute they walk in. It’s all about first impressions. Consider the following as part of your presentation plan – and call me to help with the rest!

Have a blast

The cost of your time or that of a professional water blaster will pay dividends. Banish spider webs, dirt, mould and moss from the driveway, paths, fences and house exterior to give a welcoming, cared-for impression.

Flower power

Your garden might already be looking its best if you are selling soon. But whatever the season, it should be neat and weed-free. Think lush natives, fragrant flowers, pots of instant colour.

De-clutter

You know it makes sense. I’m happy to help.

Seasons Greetings from Kim

If you are painting inside go for soft, neutral colours that allow buyers to envisage their belongings fitting right in. Bold features are better created with rugs, cushions and throws. And do your drapes and blinds need a bit of rejuvenation? Dry cleaning or home spray treatment can make them look years younger.

Best wishes to all for a divine Christmas and New Year. I am forever grateful to work in our wonderful community – thank you all for your support!

The real estate market has enjoyed great strength this year, with many sales exceeding the hopes and dreams of our vendors. Feel free to call me any time during the holidays if you wish to discuss where your own home might sit in the current market.

PARKSIDE Rates postponement an option for pensioners

Hutt City Council has approved a rates postponement policy for residential ratepayers,aged 65 years and over.

The policy objective is to give ratepayers a choice between paying rates now or later.

Conditions apply, but any ratepayer aged 65 years or over is eligible for postponement on their principal residence, which includes family Trust owned property, used by a named individual or couple.

Local Ward Councillor and Eastbourne Community Board member, Tui Lewis, is delighted with the announcement and says that the rates postponement policy for over 65s has been at least two years in the making.

“But it showed the value of working with residents and council officers to get the right result,” she said.

“Relationships and conversations through local residents' networks about having options to pay their rates, highlighted that there are many residents who would like to know there are choices as they move through retirement.”

Tui says that at the December 11 Council meeting, the HCC will join the list of other Councils around New Zealand who have had this policy available and operational for many years.

The policy will apply from the beginning of the rating year and applications, on the required form, can be lodged at the HCC main office or online.

This summer Greater Wellington Regional Council is holding a “Great Outdoors” programme jam packed full of activities for ourselves and/or family and friends. Our region is nestled amongst some spectacular landscapes and our events are a fantastic way to experience them. We aim to provide an authentic kiwi adventure, so come along and join us at one of our events. Below are a few of the East Harbour events we will be holding but you can check them all out at www.gw.govt.nz/getoutdoors

• • 13th Jan – Gollans Valley Adventure, explore Gollans Valley with this off track walk from Lees Grove to Days Bay and enjoy an ice cream at the end in Williams Park.

• • 3rd Feb – Baring Head Sundowner Hike, explore Baring Head and learn how the landscape was formed. End up at the beach to see the sun set before returning to your vehicle.

• • 10th Feb – Lighthouse and Lakes, you’ll experience stunning views of Wellington Harbour and learn why the area is significant to iwi as well as the unique history of Pencarrow Lighthouse.

• • 2nd March – Baring Head Lighthouse 4WD Trip, join the ranger and Cross Country Vehicle Club for one of three guided trips to Baring Head Lighthouse. This is also an opportunity to see the NIWA weather research station and hear what they do.

Or for something a bit different join us at Queens Elizabeth Park on the 10th March for

“Jewels in the Crown” where you will grab a ‘Parksport’ and get stamps at all the sites you explore. This park has plenty of space to enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, horse riding and picnics. Visit the Kapiti Stables; see the aero modellers annual rally; surf life savers using their inflatable rescue boats and take part in a treasure hunt. The park is steeped in history including pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches and evidence of the 20,000 strong US marine camps from World War II. The Tramway Museum is situated near the MacKays Crossing entrance, with historic trams running on the 2km line to Whareroa Beach. Plus there will be other events during the day so grab a picnic and come down and visit. Full event information will be at our visitor centre Ramoroa. I hope you all have an enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

Mark McAlpine - East Harbour Park Ranger

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 10.30am.

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

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

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

• Historical Society of Eastbourne local studies room open above the library 2-4 pm every Monday. (Check Saturday).

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

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

• 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.

Tuesdays

• 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 5627096.

• 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 Library 8-9pm. Elizabeth 021 08224664. www.eastbournemibase.com.au

• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact - teens to 70+) Music Movement

Magic - Muritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www.niainwellington.com

Wednesdays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 2nd Wed at

WHAT’S ON

Tartines for morning tea and socialising 11am. Occasional outings arranged. Ph 5627365 or 562 8387.

• Library preschool story time 2–2.25pm.

• 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! Pump Dance Hip hop & contemporary classes Wed afternoons in St Ronan’s hall 0274373508 info@pumpdance.com

Thursdays

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Mike 562 8688. Women welcome.

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

• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.

East Harbour Women’s Club

New Members Welcome Card Groups (weekly)

- Bolivia 12.45pm

Contact Glendyr ph: 562 7181 - Bridge

1.00pm

Contact Heather ph: 562 7995 Guest Speaker (3rd week of month)

7.00pm - Drinks and nibbles provided 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.

Fridays

• St Alban’s Pop in and Play, at St Ronan’s Church Hall, 9am-11.30am, contact Stefi 021 178 2099.

• 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, 9.3010.30am. Office 562 7398.

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 10.00am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.

• Historical Society of Eastbourne local studies room open above the library 11am - Noon on Last Saturday every month. (Check Mondays).

• Eastbourne Dune Restoration Group Meets at the 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

• Church services - see page 28.

• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Pauline 562 7833.

Okiwi Volunteer Driving Service

Provides

Our

SPORT

Hometown hero makes history

by Steve McMorran

Eastbourne’s Maya Hahn returned home this week, on a high after participating in New Zealand’s historic success at the Women’s Under-17 World Cup and eager to open the next, exciting chapter in her football career.

Hahn has a chance, rriving in New Zealand on Tuesday morning after the long trip home from Uruguay, to put her boots away for a few weeks at the end of a long season and before traveling to the United States in April to take up a football scholarship at the University of Oregon.

The last few months have been hectic for Maya as she completed exams at the end of her time at Hutt Valley High School, sitting them early to be free by the time the World Cup began. There were the last-minute preparations for the tournament, the travel and then the growing excitement as the New Zealand team progressed further through the World Cup than even the players thought likely.

The New Zealanders passed historic milestones nearly every step of the way, becoming the first team from New Zealand to reach the knockout rounds of a FIFA world tournament then, after beating Japan, the first to reach a semifinal.

After their semifinal loss to Spain, their 2-1 win over Canada in Sunday’s third-fourth playoff ensured they finished in third place, an achievement far surpassing any other by a New Zealand team at World Cup level.

While Hahn made most of her appearances off the bench, she was still a major contributor to New Zealand’s success. Prior to the semifinals, the official FIFA website selected a player from each of the remaining teams as a Player To Watch and named Hahn as New Zealand’s mostpromising individual.

Hahn now has a chance to build on that promise at her American university, which has an immensely well-funded women’s soccer program and competes in the United States NCAA competition, which has a large and

growing following.

Peter Hahn knows Maya too well to expect that she will be planning any sort of holiday in the aftermath of the World Cup. She loves football too much and has too good a work ethic to relax for any length of time.

Peter Hahn traveled to Montevideo for the pool rounds of the tournament, seeing New Zealand’s wins over Finland and host Uruguay which propelled it into the quarterfinals. He wasn’t able to remain for the quarterfinal win over Japan or for its meritorious 2-0 semifinal loss to eventual champions Spain.

While Peter Hahn said while New Zealand’s performance was “certainly incredible” some of his enjoyment was dulled because of his opposition to the style the New Zealand team adopted.

He has no reservations in applauding what New Zealand achieved in Uruguay, hailing its third place finish as historic and the culture of the New Zealand team as amazing.

But he would like to see New Zealand teams, especially at youth level, adopt a more creative style. Hahn feels New Zealand teams adopt a similarly defensive style, aimed at sowing “chaos” in their opponents’ games with the use of long balls and long throw-ins.

He believes New Zealand now has the talent

- on a par with any other team in the world - to play with more confidence and style.

Maya has similar views and wasn’t always comfortable with the style New Zealand has adopted. But she was happy to work within that pattern for the good of the team.

Throughout her career, Maya has deliberately followed a different path than other New Zealand players of the same age. She shunned the federation represenative teams which are the pathway through which most players progress to international level. Instead, she trained under coach Declan Edge at the Ole Football Academy and the Western Suburbs club which has one of New Zealand’s most successful women’s team.

That approach has put her offside with some New Zealand officials but Peter Hahn believes it has been a success and has helped make Maya a highly skilful player as the FIFA website recognised.

Maya Hahn (left of mascot) and her team at the U17 World Cup.

Skinny Fizz set to revolutionise soft drink market

by Carl McRae

Eastbourne now has its own local soft drink company - Skinny Fizz.

The project has taken fifteen months of perfecting from conception to shelf and it contains no sweeteners.

“No sweeteners and no baddies,” says the drink's co-creator, Shawn Beck. “Just sparkling water and a splash of New Zealand lemon, raspberry or lime extract - the actual fruit, not natural flavours.”

On a recent trip to the United States, Shawn and business partner and wife, Sindy discovered a new category in the market: an alternative to sweet drinks in flavoured, sparkling water. “We are not necessarily anti-sugar, or any other form of soft drink,” says Shawn, who has had a life long love and fascination with Coca Cola as both a drink and a business study. “We’re not competing with anyone, but everything has its place and we saw a gap in the ready to drink market.”

Nineteen years in venture capital, Shawn was adamant that professionals were going to handle all aspects of the business. The last thing he wanted was to be running his own labour intensive backyard enterprise and yet, ironically, the beverage ended up not unlike a scaled up version of what one could make in their own home. “Sindy and I have been soda stream advocates for many years,” he says. “The result we’ve ended up with is the closest we could get to a simple squeeze of fresh fruit into carbonated

water. The subtle flavour comes through the skin, we use the whole fruit.”

Upon return to New Zealand, Shawn enlisted the help of CATO as brand partners. That company's managing director, Days Bay resident, Cam Sanders, took care of all the design work.

“Cam did an absolutely stunning job,” Shawn says. “It totally evokes the drink. We wanted a product that looked world class, a drink that would not look out of place in London or New York. And on the lemon and lime cans, you’ll notice a subtle reminder of home; that fruit in ‘dive bomb’ position, as if it were about to go off Days Bay Wharf.”

Next up are four packs with reusable, recyclable plastic clips. Being skinny on the environment was another aspect that the Becks were conscious of. "We decided upon aluminium cans, which are more friendly than glass bottles and lighter to transport around. Our twelve packs come in naked cardboard with minimal use of blank ink saying what it is,” Shawn says.

Shawn accepts that it will not be a drink for everyone, but the response to date has been positive. “We have deliberately targeted an 18+ market,” he says. “I have no doubt that once acclimated, kids would like it, but we’re not even attempting to market it to that demographic. Keeping it affordable and priced for mass market is desirable. I want all to enjoy it and not see it end up as a luxury drink.”

Local businesses were quick to embrace the

idea of stocking the new product. Shawn says he has had a lot of very supportive and keen local businesses expressing interest, before he even had the drink manufactured.

Brandon Bodden, owner of the Hive cafe says it sold out on day one. “It has just two ingredients,” he says, “water and fruit, which is appealing and I suspect it will surprise people on how more-ish it is, even without sugar.”

Other local stockists are the Eastbourne Dairy and the Boatshed in Days Bay.

BRIEFS

Phoebe Evans, Grace Allan and Chelsea Summers are competing for St Oran’s College at the National Secondary Schools Touch Championships in Auckland from December 7 to 9. Summers was also recently selected in the Wellington Under-16 Girls Team. The secondary schools championships, held at Pulman Park in Takanini, are one of the most hotly-contested events on the annual Touch calendar. Evans also recently competed for St Oran's at the National Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Dunedin.

Muritai School had a large representation at the Lower Hutt Primary School Sports Association regional athletics championships which were held on Tuesday. Competitors at the championships had to qualify through their performances in inter-zone competitions last month. The Muritai contingent comprised Elizabeth Longhurst, Willa Velvin, Ben Park, Tom Neilson, Noah Carian, Satchel Wilson, Edith Janssen, Briar De Punt, Aubrey Chunga, Max Bentley, Theo Potter. Muritai was also represented by Year 4 girls and boys relay teams. Abby Miller, Alex Irvine and Fraser Bellis also qualified but were unable to compete because the championships, re-scheduled after a weather delay, clashed with a Year 8 camp.

Muritai sailor Noah Stock has continued a recent run of top performances in national competition, finishing third overall in the Open Bic gold fleet at the Napier Summer Championships. Stock had three thirds, two fourths and a fifth and sixth place finish over the seven-race regatta which brought together some of the best sailors in the fast-growing class from throughout the North Island. Muritai’s Peter Robins was seventh in the Paper Tiger class and Simon Beck was 15th overall in the large laser class, in what was also the North Island Laser Championship. Former Eastbourne sailor Andrew Dellabarca was fifth in the laser open fleet.

Don J. McIlroy

Locals come home with medals

Long hours of training have paid off for Eastbourne swimmers Grace Allan and Ella Burton-Wood who picked up medals at the National Long Course Swimming Championships in Auckland.

The pair were members of the Swim Zone Racing team which won a bronze medal in an open relay event.

Long-time teammates, friends and rivals in the pool and in open water events, Allan and Burton-Wood found themselves competing in open class, which pitted them against much older swimmers in the championships at the Millennium Pool on Auckland’s North Shore.

They won bronze medals for a highly impressive third-place finish against top swimmers, including ex-Olympians.

The success shows hard work does pay off. The Swim Zone teams train regularly at the Naenae and Stokes Valley pools and will continue to train over summer at Wainuiomata in preparation for the Wellington Championships at the end of January.

Allan and Burton-Wood have also been successful in the annual Wharf to Wharf swim in which both have been the leading local junior female in separate years.

Like many young swimmers from Eastbourne, they spent some of their early years in the sport learning under Ray Gough at the Eastbourne pool.

At Swim Zone they were able to work their way into teams which have competed at regional events and national short and long course championships.

Another year has flown by in Point Howard, we’ve welcomed a number of new residents this year onto the hill and the community vibe is flourishing with a great attendance at the Eastbourne Games in March, as well as the social events the Pt Howard Assn held through out the year. We’ve had a great response to the residents Christmas Long Lunch on 02 December at the Point Howard Tennis Pavilion / Play Centre and look forward to hopefully sunny weather for the day.

An Eastbourne lawyer

First Floor, 40 Rimu St

Tel: 562 6393

Email: arcadia@xtra.co.nz

Call 04 939 2366 www.jaglegal.co.nz

Finally, we also wish all our residents and our friends in Point Howard, Eastbourne and the Bays a wonderful festive season and a Happy New Year! If you’re heading away please remember to tell your neighbours and ask them to keep your letter box clear and a watchful eye on your property. Report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to the Police immediately over this period. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

pthowardassn@gmail.com

News from Point Howard

...a stronger integrated legal team!

JAG033

SPORT

EFC produces crop of top football players

Just as Maya Hahn, a product of the Eastbourne junior football club, has been starring on a world stage at the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup, a new generaton of Eastbourne feemale footballers are about to take their place on the national stage.

Evie Wilson, Nea Blackham, Lea Pummer and Sam Woolley have been chosen to play for Capital Federation teams at the National Age Group Tournament from December 12 to 16. Wilson has been chosen for the under-14 team while Blackham, Pummer and Woolley will play for the under-16 team which Woolley will captain.

Josh Apaapa from Eastbourne will play for the Capital under-14 boys team.

The NAGT involves under-14 and under-16 girls’ teams and under-14, under-15 and under-16 boys’ teams from each of the seven regional football federations of New Zealand. Capital Football hosts the competition each year with games played at Petone and Maidstone Park.

Update Your Look

The selection of the Eastbourne players was based on their performance throughout the season. The 2003 and 2002-born FTC girls trained together in Term 1 and had two training camps together over the term breaks.

The under-16 team was selected from this group of girls. Nea, Lea and Sam are 2003 born and were in the under-14 Capital team last year

The trio played in the 14th grade travel league for Wellington United in an all girls team playing against boys. They also played in the Wgtn United Sapphires women’s team playing

Nea and Lea played with Maya Hahn in the Hutt Valley High School First XI and have been thrilled to watch her play for the New Zealand

team at the World Cup.

“The under-17 team have provided amazing inspiration for all those girls currently playing football or who are thinking about it,” Eastbourne Girls' Development Officer Sola Freeman said.

“It was fantastic to see their skills, commitment and determination pay off for them. A great example for girls everywhere.

“The EFC has been committed to proving a supportive environment for girls for a number of years with the Girls Only Development Squad and coaching sessions for girls only.

“Nea, Sam, Lea and Evie all came through the EFCGDS. The next group of girls are a strong group too, with a team going to Taupo in October this year. There is also plans underway to form a women’s team too for next season.”

Evie Wilson, Nea Blackham, Lea Pummer and Sam Woolley.

Eastbourne bowlers fall below top grouping

Eastbourne’s premier women’s team is in seventh place after seven rounds of the Wellington interclub competition, still with a faint chance of reaching the top-four playoffs.

Eastbourne most-recently lost 22-0 to powerful Naenae in the seventh round but previously had a hard-fought 14-8 win over Hutt.

They are currently only eight points out of sixth place and nine points out of fifth but they would have to win their remaining matches comprehensively to qualify for the semifinals.

The Eastbourne premier men’s team, national champions in each of the last three years, is in eighth place in the men’s interclub competition.

HO HO HOOOOO!

Eastbourne is still only 10 points out of the top-four and, for that reason, still in with a faint chance of reaching the playoffs, though there is no national championship this season.

Scott Roddick and Tanya Wheeler recently reached the last 16 at the Wellington centre mixed pairs.

It’s been an epic year for the salon between so many new clients and loads of crawlies!

Thank you to old and new clients for making it fun and joyful.

Have the most wonderful, special Xmas and New Year.

Lots of love, Lisa,

Kidztalk

News from our local playcentres

NEWS FROM POINT HOWARD PLAYCENTRE

It was lovely to welcome back our tamariki who started school this year for our recent alumni days. They were straight back on the bikes, in the sandpit and then heading out on a 'bear hunt' bush walk ... it was like they'd never been away! Also making a comeback was our 'robox' which can be used by even our littlest children to make amazing paintings - it's a hit with our parents and grandparents too!

We’re getting ready for Christmas with crafts like salt dough decorations, and we’re gearing up for our annual Staglands trip and our end of year party where Santa is expected to make an appearance …

We'd like to acknowledge everyone who has helped us to make this another fantastic year - particularly the lovely crew at the Menzshed who got a favourite bike back on the road, and Air Rescue and Community Services and One Foundation for their generous grants. And a big thank you to Leo from Pak n Save who sponsors these columns.

If you and your under five would love to make new friends and have new adventures in 2019, get in touch with us now. You can visit our Facebook page or contact Caroline on 021 072 1070.

Yachties get up close to Auld Mug

Eastbourne had an important sporting visitor in November, as famous, as venerable and as sought-after as they came. Curvaceous and alluring, it has captivated some of the richest men on the planet.

The America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in world sport - competed for since 1856 and currently held by Team New Zealand - visited the Lowry Bay Yacht Club last month as part of a New Zealand tour ahead of the 2021 regatta in Auckland.

Club members were able to be photographed with the trophy and even to handle, gently, the ornate silver ewer which has inspired ferocious competition for more than 160 years.

The visit was made possible by stalwart Don Manning and the sailability trust. A band played as members checked out the trophy and a Team New Zealand member gave some insight into the history of the America’s Cup and Team New Zealand’s preparations for the next defense.

Cash for scrap - Copper, Brass, Aluminium, Stainless, Cars, Whiteware, Steel. Ingot Metals, 2 Port Road, Seaview. Ph 568 8300.

GARDEN WORKER for all weeding, tidying and garden maintenance contact Hamish on 022 3748453.

SONNY’S YOGA - EASTBOURNE CLASSESEnjoy a relaxing yoga class near the ocean. Every Wednesday 6.30pm at Muritai Yacht Club. Beginners welcome. For more info call Sonny on 021 800 512.

ORGANIC GARDENER: BSc (ecology) beautiful gardens…naturally ph 562 8726 or txt 027 6939 323.

MADE LOCAL CHRISTMAS POP UP SHOP

Saturday 15 & 22 December 9.30 - 2pm at Hartspace Rimu Street Eastbourne Village. For unique presents for Christmas (and other occasions). Including hand crafted jewellery designed by Philothea Flynn, felting creativity kits by Clare Leniston and other special treats.

EASTBOURNE BASED QUALIFIED

NANNY- Reliable, organized and most importantly lots of fun! If you’re looking for a nanny who’s capable of running a smooth household with a positive attitude, preparing delicious food and adoring your children please contact Renee on 0274718394 References available.

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

Church Services

In Eastbourne

St Alban’s Anglican: Sunday Worship 10am at Wellesley College. Thursday Worship 10am - check venue with Parish office, 11 Ngaio St, Eastbourne tel: 562 6269

Children and Families Ministry: see www.stalbanschurch.nz

St Ronan’s Presbyterian: Muritai Rd, Eastbourne tel: Parish Clerk 562 8753

Sunday Morning Worship: 9.30am. Power Hour: 9.30am

San Antonio Roman Catholic: Oroua St, Eastbourne

tel: Fr Marlon Maylon Parish

Priest 970 8405

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5.30pm

Sunday (Sacred Heart, Petone): 9.30am & 5.30pm

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Classified ads cost 40c per word.

Email copy to: editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz or phone 562 7500

Carpet - Vinyl - Cork Carpet Overlocking

Editor: Louise Goble

Stories: Carl McRae

Sports: Steve McMorran

Advertising

562 7500

Email: editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz

Phone:

562 7500

Website: www.eastbourneherald.co.nz

STUNNING SPACIOUS EASTBOURNE TOWNHOUSE

2/321 Muritai Road is a generously proportioned low maintenance townhouse in popular Eastbourne. This home is spacious with large bedrooms, good storage, good sun and low maintenance. The style is modern with attractive decor. The property is well maintained and cared for. Close to Eastbourne beaches, schools and transport. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

392 0001 | 021 02581960

CURRENT LISTINGS

Shed 6 Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone Auction

021 025 81960

A BOATSHED FOR CHRISTMAS!

Humans since the year dot have built sheds, sheds for shelter, sheds for tools, making home brew, motor bikes toys, boats & of course sheds for hanging out with friends and simply "being cool in the shed". Calling all (Wo)Man caver hunters and gatherers here is a little piece of history & paradise in one. Artists, Writers, Fishermen, Kayakers & Musicians where neighbours are just too close!

As a very busy 2018 draws to a close, we thank you once again for your business. We hope you enjoy the Festive Season and wish you peace, happiness and prosperity for the New Year ahead.

2/321 Muritai Rd, Eastbourne Buyer Enquiry From $725,000

REF: THV02180

at 6pm Wednesday 12/12/18 Onsite.

REF: THV02236