The Eastbourne Herald February 2019

Rising costs put shared path in doubt

by Carl McRae

A cost escalation may threaten the future of the shared walk and cycleway around the eastern bays.

Designed to be a major link in the Great Harbour Way/Te Aranui o Pōneke chain, resource consent application was to have been lodged in mid February, but due to additional investigations, that lodgement is now likely to be in March.

Harbour Ward councillor Michael Lulich says he is dismayed at comments made during discussion at a recent Community Plan Committee meeting that alluded to the shared path no longer receiving the priority and council support that it had been promised. The design of the shared path is well advanced and Cr Lulich believes it is the most important project currently on the table concerning the Eastern Bays.

“The Hutt City Council promote Eastbourne overseas as the regional jewel in the crown," he says, “and such a boost for local tourism is great for Hutt City in general. The completion of an Eastern Bays shared path has been included in all recent council strategies. The mayor must continue to support the project, ensure that it is fully funded and keep his commitment to the local community.”

Cr Lulich says that any suggestion of reallocation of funds to other cycling routes would be short sighted for the city.

“HCC have stated many times, the benefit to the local community of a shared pathway,” he says. “They have promoted to the public that it will provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists on a high-speed, busy road, to a reduction of accidents and injuries, to an increasing sea defence by redirecting waves

and debris away from the shared path.”

Eastbourne Community Board chair Ginny Horrocks reminded councillors at the CPC meeting of the importance of completing the pathway which now appears not to be the done deal the board had previously been led to believe.

“The risk based cost estimate may now be $20 million. HCC's share of the increase would be $2.5 million spread over 6 years - around $415,000 per year,” Ms Horrocks says, “and a decision has been made to proceed with consenting and then re-assess the cycleway/ shared path programme for both the beltway and Eastern Bays.”

Cr Lulich says that the project and the benefits it would bring for the region is worth the yearly increase to rate payers. He also believes that re-assessment of the project's priority would be ill-advised and he is concerned that other ventures have appeared on the agenda and look set for funding, whereas the Shared Pathway has been in consultation for nine years and as money has already been allocated for construction, the building of it should go ahead as planned.

He adds that the Community Board and wider community have pushed strongly for the project over many years.

“Since the green light was given,” he said, “there has been extensive community involvement and days of consultations with local residents and community groups on all aspects of the design.”

Hutt City Council senior project engineer Simon Cager says the key issues to be addressed are the environmental effects of the proposed path and what mitigation measures are necessary.

He says that his team’s ecologists and

path.

coastal engineers have done and continue to undertake further investigations of the intertidal and sub-tidal areas of the coastal marine area.

Continues on Page 14

East by West Ferries is now stocking local product Skinny Fizz onboard

The scope of the proposed shared

Crime numbers down

Sergeant Bradley Allan says that current statistics from the past twelve months are showing that crime is trending down in the Eastern Bays, however, he is concerned that many crimes are discussed on social media, but go unreported.

He says that in a recent incident in Eastbourne, crimes involving damage were largely hearsay, but it did not help Police that after so much speculation, they were not called to investigate further.

Crime Snapshot is an insight available on the New Zealand Police website and contains a regional breakdown of crime victimisation.

2019 statistics are not yet available, but in the last calendar year there were 85 reported crimes in Eastbourne, 31 of those during the summer months. “This time of year there is always an increased number of calls from Days Bay residents,” Sergeant Allan says, “but generally that is seasonal and very much weather related. We find on these beautiful summer days that more cars and houses in and around Days Bay are broken into and for this reason, we have a bigger staff presence around the Bays.”

BOWEN TECHNIQUE MASSAGE REIKI THERAPY Jenni Gray R.N., R.M., Dip. Orthopedic, Dip. Occupational Health 562 7779 or 027 488 4000 jenni.gray48@gmail.com healthworks

SAT, SUN & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

(S)

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

February Eastbourne Community Board

Come and talk to us

Tuesday 9 April 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

Anna Sutherland (Deputy chair) anna.sutherland@huttcity.govt.nz

Murray Gibbons murray.gibbons@huttcity.govt.nz

Liz Knight liz.knight@huttcity.govt.nz

Robert Ashe robert.ashe@huttcity.govt.nz

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

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

You can come and talk to us at the start of our meeting at 7.15pm about anything that concerns you whether or not it’s on the agenda. You are welcome to make suggestions, give praise, criticise or just come for a chat.

Walkaround - Saturday March 2nd

The ECB will be visiting the Bays and Eastbourne to talk to residents and hear about issues of concern. If you have something we need to see contact your residents’ association or email Judy.Randall@hutcity.govt.nz

Eastern Shared Path / Cycle-walkway

We are dismayed to learn Hutt Council has agreed to let the resource consent application go ahead but will then “re-assess” this project. We are doing all we can to ensure the resource consent process progresses smoothly and will then be asking for community support to get that cycleway built!

Annual Plan consultation process

Council is proposing a radical change in the way the Board and community can participate in the annual plan. We will be sending out information once we have it!

What to do if the big one strikes

A car accident near Point Howard on Labour Day last year was responsible for mild chaos following the closure of Marine Drive at Sorrento Bay and then an ensuing power outage.

Immediately following the accident, both lanes of Marine Drive were closed and they would remain so for some time. Many people returned to Days Bay or Eastbourne to survey food options as a time filler, only to discover that the majority had closed their doors for the day. Once power was lost, those businesses still open could only operate on a cash basis.

Although a relatively minor incident, it showed the vulnerability of Marine Drive as the sole route in and out of the Bays.

Hutt City Council’s emergency management advisor, Geoff Stuart says that in a civil defence emergency, Marine Drive would be high priority.

“We have thought about the Eastern Bays scenario in some depth,” he says, “and accessible bulldozers, in Seaview Marina for example, are positioned and ready to work on clearing the path to open the road if need be, but - again depending on the size and devastation of the disaster - we anticipate that it could be some considerable time before the whole road may be open and our contingency plan is to ferry people out. But even that is in part subject to the wharves being accessible and not strained or injured.”

Coralie Christian of East by West Ferries says that her company has an existing relationship with Civil Defence and that they would be prepared and more than happy to assist the community in any way possible.

Civil Defence and Emergency Management services are co-ordinated by the

Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO), on behalf of the nine councils in the greater Wellington region.

WREMO’s community resilience advisor for Wellington and central Hutt, Ashleigh Brown, says that GWRC is running a campaign from February 14-March 13, launching the Community Emergency Hub concept.

“The Together, Stronger campaign is designed to engage people on an emotive level,” she says. “To educate and inspire people about the importance of community resilience and preparedness in an emergency. A Hub is a place for the community to gather and support each other by sharing information and skills following a major emergency, where people need assistance and the support needed is beyond the current capability of council and emergency services.”

There are 128 community emergency Hubs in towns and suburbs across the region. Three are located in the Eastern Bays; Muritai Primary School, Wellesley College and Point Howard Playcentre. In the neighbouring vicinity, Gracefield School, Randwick School (Moera) and Wilford Primary School (William Street, Petone) are the closest. There are eight in Wainuiomata.

Eastbourne Community Board chair Virginia Horrocks says if we have a major quake, expect a tsunami. “Know the quickest way up the hill, not only from home but anywhere in the Bays. Check out the blue lines - so you know when you are safe.”

Ms Horrocks says that some other common sense procedures should also be adhered to. “Don’t drive (unless you have people who cannot walk). Cars create traffic jams and from most places in the Bays, five or ten minutes walking is enough to get above the tsunami

line. Have a grab bag so you don’t stop to look for things to take. Move straight away.”

She also suggests texting and not calling. A very short text just one word, “OK” or “All safe” - there is a slight chance that a text will get through before communications break down.

“Families, neighbours, streets and bays need to all look after themselves,” she adds. “That’s the point of the Hubs. The bays are likely to be cut off from each other. We are talking community response.”

Andrew McKee, response manager for Red Cross NZ says they would respond in kind to the needs of any civilian suffering mental stress or injury.

“Sometimes it is just about talking to people,” Mr McKee says. “Our disaster responses are many and varied, but mostly we follow or act as we are instructed by the authorities. Welfare support and treating the injured is our priority, it’s what we are there for."

Local contact Kristi Lofthus Kleijn says people cannot be too prepared for emergencies.  “The WREMO and NZ Red Cross websites have complete info on household and grab bag preparation,”  says Kristi. “Keep one in your hall cupboard or the boot of your car. Be prepared. You’ll be surprised what a difference the little things make; water, tissues, torch, cash, medicines, car keys, snacks, cash, notebook and pen.”

With phone and power down, most local businesses would grind to a halt, but with gas cookers, Leon Tao, owner/operator of Sea Salt, says in a civil emergency, he’d be prepared to help out in any fashion he was able to. “Of course, it’s not always all about profit and the dollar,” he said. “If it were a genuine emergency, we would open our doors to help the community in whatever capacity we could.”

Waterbourne: bigger and better second time around

by Carl McRae

Eastern Bays residents have a host of aquatic fun to look forward to, Waterbourne 2019 the biggest on the calendar.

The success of the inaugural event last year, tagged New Zealand’s premier water sports festival, has attracted more international competitors this year.

Organiser Laurence Carey says a range of professional athletes, including current Dutch Olympians coach Casper Bouman have signed up. The 33 year-old (himself an Olympian, having represented the Netherlands in China in 2008) has been in Auckland training, preparing for an assault at the Waterbourne title.

New Caledonian Fred Morin, who placed second in 2018, is another returning and hoping to this time go one place higher.

New Zealand multi-sport legend Armie Armstrong will be returning for a second year, as will Wellington’s young star, William Novak.

Bruce Spedding has been working on setting up a water sports group at Robinson Bay by making some basic gear available for loan, especially to teenagers who may wish to try wind or kite surfing, but can't afford the gear.

Bruce received a $300 grant from the Eastbourne Community Board for storage. He is planning to use space provided by the youth group, as they represent a large chunk of his target group.

“Ideally this will be self managing,” he says, “and not requiring someone to be 'on site' to manage. I'll be available to get people started and will even try to resurrect my windsurfing simulator.”

Bruce worked closely with Laurence Carey on the conception of the Waterbourne event and he is adamant that the sport is growing in the Bays as a result of the high profile it has received in the past couple of years.

“I'm beginning to see more windsurfers sailing off the RSA,” says Bruce, “and there definitely seems to be more interest locally.”

One of the rising stars is Max Hahn, brother of International footballer, Maya. Father Peter Hahn agrees that people are now coming from outside the Bays to windsurf in Eastbourne’s impressive natural conditions, but

A new event in 2019 will be the Paddle Boarding Ninja Games, which was trialled on Takapuna beach recently with much success. Eighty people of all ages went through the course, Laurence stating that it was an afternoon of laughter, splashes and crashes.

“The event will raise money for men's health,” he says, “and will also enable the public to get a free paddle boarding lesson with all equipment supplied. Come down in a group and try it out or even have a turn at windsurfing or kitesurfing.”

Among events scheduled for Saturday is the Ocean Clash, where windsurfers, kitesurfers, and stand up paddle boarders all take on the elements in one race. Each discipline has a handicap and therefore a genuine chance to win.

“Eastbourne is becoming the home of these adrenaline loaded disciplines,” Laurence says, “set against a native bush backdrop, in world class conditions. With winds from the north and south, each day provides a unique

he also believes that the region is suitable for all manner of adventure sport

Peter has been windsurfing himself for forty years, since he was living and studying in Germany. “The 80s were somewhat of a boom period for windsurfing,” Peter says. “As often as I could, I’d travel the 900km from Berlin to the North Sea, where the family had a holiday home."

These days he is excited that he can go out with his son, who he says is progressing quickly, despite local conditions being difficult for beginners.

“It’s great to see Max and his mates out there giving it a go,” says Peter, “but it is a sport where you need to commit yourself completely. You can’t tailor make conditions. It’s not like yoga say, where you know a time and place. If it’s windy…you’ve got to go!”

Peter admits that a major benefit for Max is the fact that he has $20,000 worth of his father's gear at his disposal.

“Like most sports these days, there is a big cost associated with it,” he says. “It is time consuming and requires a lot of physical and financial commitment. But it’s so worth it. We’re both pretty excited about the upcoming Waterbourne event.”

challenge, as the southern ocean swell provides something special.”

The CentrePort beach clean up will be another event of interest to locals. Funded by CentrePort with East by West ferries providing the transport, beach clean ups have been organised for Matiu/Somes Island on Friday, March 8 and Eastbourne beach on Sunday. To register, go to the Waterbourne website; www. waterbourne.co.nz/beach-clean-up/

“There will be live music each day,” Laurence says, “with food and drinks available on the beach. The festival site is licensed and is family friendly. Eastbourne Library will also be running a story session for the youth on Sunday morning at the event site.

There will be a 700m2 marquee setup on Bishop Park. Saturday is the main event day, where headline performers Boo Seeka are coming from Australia, after recently releasing their new single “Rush”. Alongside them we have the lead singer of Shapeshifter, Paora 'P Digsss' Apera performing.”

Promoting friendships through love of sport

Meet Fuka Noguchi. Fuka is a 16 year-old from Omaezaki, a city known as the "Holy ground of windsurfing” in Japan, and she is here to help build a bridge of friendship between Japanese and New Zealand windsurfers.

With the second Waterbourne festival only a couple of weeks away, Fuka (pictured right), who lives in Stokes Valley and attends Wainuiomata High School, says she wants to mix with the locals and learn the culture in order to develop not only her English, but people skills too.

“Surfing and snowboarding are two major sports in New Zealand,” she says, “and people from all over the world travel here to do them. As more people from overseas come here, New Zealand’s windsurfing society will become more exciting. I would like New Zealand to be an option as a place for Japanese windsurfers to come to for a trip.”

Fuka herself first hit the waves as a six year old. She grew up in a sea-loving family, with her father, Takafumi, a professional windsurfer in Japan and her mother involved with the sport and surfing. “I’ve loved the ocean since I was a child,” Fuka says.

“The sea has always been a part of my life, and as I grew older the enthusiasm and feelings I have for Windsurfing became stronger.”

She was pleased to discover that New Zealand has a good number of women riders,

as one of her future objectives is to encourage the fairer sex to participate in her favourite sport and past time.

“When I take part in events, tournaments, and training camps,” she says, “I always feel that the population of girls who do Windsurfing is less than boys. I want to inspire more female participation on the water.”

“I want people with little knowledge about the sport to learn more about it,” she adds, “and to create excitement towards Windsurfing throughout the country. This is why I decided to study English abroad in New Zealand, as it is a necessary and important tool for my future.”

Fuka says she would like to create events that windsurfers from all over the world can participate in. Her ultimate dream is to manage tournaments and events around the globe and she is passionate in pursuing her goals. “Another reason I chose New Zealand as my study abroad destination is because there are many beautiful beaches,” she said. “I knew that I would be able to do windsurfing if I chose such a country.”

So, when I can finally experience

Windsurfing in New Zealand, if I enjoy it, I hope to create a friendship between Japan and New Zealand, and I hope I can enjoy windsurfing with my friends who live here in New Zealand.” Fuka says she is looking forward immensely to both participating in and being a part of the Waterbourne 2019 team.

I am excited and proud to introduce the all new Highlife™ Collection from Hot Spring Spas, the world's number one selling spa and market leaders in design, innovation and state-of-the-art spa technology.

Introducing our latest colour palettes and new new FreshWater™ Salt System for your Absolute Best Spa Pool Ownership Experience™

Come and see me from Thursday to Sunday (7-10 March) 51 Rutherford Street, Lower Hutt - or call me today to beat the rush!

Bring your togs and take it for a relaxing test soak. I'll be happy to arrange a time for you!

Julie Hughes Branch Manager Wellington

New inflatable for MYC

Muritai Yacht Club’s boat master Lloyd Rance, and rear commodore, Glen Meo couldn’t be happier with their club's latest acquisition, a new rigid inflatable, custom built by Nelson company, Wavebreak.

MYC4 replaces a similar vessel, which was but two years old when it suffered structural failure in waves off Eastbourne beach and was rendered unseaworthy.

“We bought it off an Auckland company,” Lloyd says. “It was Chinese made and looked OK, but clearly it just wasn’t structurally sound and it was sufficiently damaged that our insurers wrote it off.

“We looked around for a reliable alternative and found Wavebreak. There was due flexibility in their manufacturing process and the boat was outfitted specific to our needs.”

The main use for the new boat will be to support junior coaches during the club's Saturday morning Learn to Sail programme.

“It’s great for the coaches,” he says, “they can get close to the beginners in a non-intimidating fashion, which really aids their development along the way to becoming sailors.”

Lloyd says that by the end of May they will have a second identical, rigid inflatable (a different colour), which means the second can be deployed for other events or courses of action.

“Glen is going down south to Nelson to pick it up personally,” says Lloyd. “It’s great to know when you are on to a good thing. The whole club will benefit from these state-ofthe-art craft.”

MICHAEL LULICH Harbour Ward Councillor

Eastern Bay Cycleway /Shared Pathway

Me and my colleague were able to alert the Community Board on council officers’ attempts to re-allocate funding for the Eastern Bays Cycleway/Shared Pathway. $15 million is allocated to the project but projected forecasts estimate that $5 million more is needed to address construction costs and environmental mitigation issues. Of the $5 million variance, the Council’s contribution only needs to be $2.5 million (to match NZTA’s contribution) and would NOT lead to any rates increases. That’s money well spent when you consider it will reduce accidents, help protect us from sea level rises and will boost local tourism through the Great Harbour Way. It’s an extremely important project for our community and officers tell me that they will workshop Councillors on the costs as well as provide information on two cycleway projects in the Central City (that have no construction funding) that they want funded. I ask the Mayor to come to the party and support the Harbour Ward Councillors, our Board, and the community, in NO re-allocation of funding and YES to securing of the extra $2.5 million to fully funding the Eastern Bay Cycleway / Shared Pathway. Residents, please show your support in annual plan submissions so construction can start next year.

Days Bay Wharf Refurbishment

Our iconic Days Bay Wharf is incredibly important to our community in terms of recreational use and the ferry service. At the Council draft budget meeting I was able to, with Council support, get $1/2 million across the line for essential Days Bay Wharf refurbishment. Please include in your annual plan submission.

Litter Control on our Beach

During my summer holidays I dealt with residents’ inquiries on litter control issues on our beaches. With the record number of people coming to our beaches I am championing an extra litter collection for next summer, to address the over-flow rubbish bins issue during that period. The extra litter collections will save costs from expensive call outs, so please add to your annual plan submissions. Also, a portaloo will be reallocated at Whiorau Reserve during events and a sign will be placed there notifying visitors of the upgraded toilet at nearby Point Howard. At a resident’s request, which I forwarded to council officers, a litter bin has been installed at Burdan’s gate to help address litter dumping.

Residents

Supporting our Indigenous Biodiversity

Lloyd Rance and Glen Meo with the new rescue boat.

Above: active in the community with the Eastbourne Community Board.

Date set for endurance race, call put out for crew

by Carl McRae

Theo Muller is hoping the community will get behind Lowry Bay Yacht Club’s third annual 24-Hour Endurance Yacht Race next month.

“At 1100 hours,” he says, “Mayor Ray Wallace will perform the starting sequence and set off the mini cannon we will now use for the event. We hope that it will capture the interest and imagination of people right around Wellington Harbour. We would like to make it a permanent fixture on the yachting calendar as it is unique to New Zealand - sailing for twenty-four hours.”

Taking place on March 16 and 17, the race will depart from Days Bay Wharf this year.

Race director Theo (pictured at Seaview Marina), a native of the Netherlands who has lived in Eastbourne for 38 years, says he saw something similar while visiting Sydney five years ago and felt that with a bit of tweaking, it could work well on Wellington Harbour.

“It took a while for the traction to get going,” he says, “but we have a very progressive Commodore and he said if you think you can do it…go for it,”

The race is open to keel boats and trailer yachts, twenty-feet plus. All participating yachts will be inspected prior to the race to ensure that they comply with the relevant safety regulations, as published by Yachting New Zealand.

“Safety on the water has always been of paramount importance to us,” says Theo, “as we are well aware that the weather conditions we have enjoyed in the first two races won’t be a permanent feature – it will get rough.

"Hopefully, not so rough that the race officer has to abandon the race, but Wellington being what it is, sailing in 20 knots can be a

challenge.”

There is a minimum of four crew and at least one must have skipper experience and experience of night time sailing. "Someone must be available to helm the boat while the skipper gets some sleep,” Theo says. He expects a similar number of race entrants as in the previous two years, around twenty yachts. Interest has already been expressed from the Evans Bay and Port Nicholson Yacht Clubs.

The yacht sailing the actual longest distance during the 24hr period will receive the Heineken Centennial Tankard and the handicap winner gets the Gibson Sheat Cup.

“Last year the Royal New Zealand Navy entered the race in one of their training yachts,” says Theo. “This year they will team up with one of our club members.”

“We have approached Muritai Yacht club to promote the event among their members in the hope that some of them will come forward and make themselves available as crew,” he says.

“We will also put some flyers on local community notice boards hopefully attracting many locals to witness the start from the wharf.”

The race is described by Theo as logistically challenging and a great way to gain some valuable experience for those who are interested in moving on to coastal or ocean sailing.

“It is better to discover that your crew or boat are not up to it in the relatively safe confines of Wellington Harbour,” he says.

“Endurance events are challenging, navigating through the night and finding markers. Being well prepared, doing the simple things like making sure you have enough food on board (alcohol is not permitted), navigation lights work. Wearing a lifejacket during the hours of darkness is compulsory for all crew who are on deck.”

The 24-Hour Endurance Yacht Race has sparked the imagination of the local business community. They see it as an exciting and unique event on Wellington Harbour they want to support.

“Having these sponsors on board, makes it possible for us to stage an event like this and allows us to make a generous prize pool available for all competitors”, says Theo.

The real incentive, he says, is just to get involved in the challenge and excitement the event brings.

Skippers are always looking for crew and crew for a boat. Anyone who may wish to give the endurance race a go is encouraged to check out the Lowry Bay Yacht Club’s official website; www.lbyc.org.nz, where more information is available.

Local adaptation of As You Like It coming soon

As You Like It, Shakespeare’s much-loved pastoral comedy, takes a contemporary New Zealand political twist in this year’s Bard in the Yard summer production by the Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe.

Director Anne Manchester’s playful interpretation has allowed the troupe to explore the comic possibilities in a variety of new ways - through the costuming, the theatricality of a wrestling match and using karaoke music.

“Giving the play a contemporary New Zealand setting has proved to be liberating for the cast and crew,” Manchester says.

Extending Shakepeare’s exploration of gender identity/fluidity, Manchester has introduced a same-sex couple, transformed the good duke into a duchess, and Orlando’s cruel brother Oliver into a merciless sister, Olivia.

“Turning one of the wooing couples into a same-sex couple adds another contemporary flavour. While putting on a play with a gender identity theme, it felt like a wonderful opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s Marriage Amendment Act,” Manchester says.

As the play begins, the rightful leader of the dukedom/Parliament has been usurped from the palace/House by her scheming younger brother and is now holed up in the Forest of Arden/Ardern somewhere in the Tararuas. She is joined by other disaffected palace members, including her daughter, the relentlessly positive Rosalinda, accompanied by her cousin Celia, daughter of the usurping duke.

Rosalinda’s adoption of men’s clothing serves to confuse the love-sick hero Orlando, and some of the local farmers and people from the nearby village (Otaki perhaps) are not faring much better.

But Hymen, the god of marriage - the local marriage celebrant - makes sure the right couples get together in the end.

The major theme of the play is that of love and the so-called suffering it causes eight of the protagonists. Those who escape the tyranny of

the court for the freedom of the forest discover a carefree, bucolic way of life, where each of them is changed in significant ways as the forest’s magical effects take hold.

“The play is a delightful spoof of the suffering love brings, but in the end, love becomes a force for happiness and fulfilment, and all ends well,” Manchester says.

We help organise your loved one’s care

As You Like It: Muritai School Yard, 7.30pm Tuesday 5 March - Saturday 9 March. Tickets $18, $15 (concessions) available from Rona Gallery, Eastbourne or online at www.bctt. org.nz.

Dress warmly to suit the conditions. If wet, the play will be performed inside the school hall.

Call Hayley Roche

ph: 0800 4 dignity

email: info@dignityfirst.co.nz

web: dignityfirst.co.nz

Celia (left)disguised as Aliena and Rosalinda, donning the guise of a young forester, discover some mysterious love letters. Sarah Cull-Luketina plays Celia; Lian Butcher plays Rosalinda.

Anyone for lawn tennis?

The Rona Bay Lawn Tennis Club is to hold an open day on Sunday, March 3 and club President, Cushla Jamieson, says it’s an opportunity for anyone to come along and play a game, all racquets and balls provided.

“The club has quite a history,” says Cushla. “The three grass courts in Houhere Terrace were first leased and then bought from Bartolo Russo. He with his family of 12 children lived in a solid, nine room house, grew vegetables and grapes in extensive glass houses on the property and had established tennis courts.”

The club courts are located in Houhere Terrace, behind the kindergarten. It is one of the few lawn tennis clubs remaining in the Wellington region.

“There are up to 30 regular players who enjoy good social tennis,” Cushla says.

“Club days are each Saturday and Sunday from 1.30pm and from 4pm on Wednesdays, which is usually followed by conversation over a wine.”

Fishy tales

As part of Sea Week this year, Eastbourne Library is holding a half hour of sea-themed stories - Kaupapa Moana 2019. All ages are welcome: Eastbourne Library Wednesday 6 March, 2pm.

50 years not out

Ross and Cushla Jamieson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier in February, their four daughters and the original bridal party amongst the honoured guests.

The exalted couple from Mahina Bay have both played an active part in the rich history of the region. Ross himself was the last Mayor of Eastbourne and the author of the New Zealand Employment Law Guide. Cushlas has a long career as a lawyer, specialising in family law, and was on the Eastbourne Borough Council.

“We celebrated our anniversary on the verandah at the Pavilion in Days Bay,” Cushla said. “Ross was not keen at all, but our four daughters all said he must and he eventually came on board at lunch time on the day! The girls made up a song about us and they had everyone join in the chorus.”

How to stay married for 50 years?

“I think when you are involved in lots of community activities and in bringing up a family of four,” says Cushla, “it is pretty much putting one foot in front of the other. But it is important to keep doing the things you individually enjoy doing as well as shared interests.”

The bridal party reunited for the celebrations.

Is there a wasp wipe out ?

Although it’s still early in the season, casual local observations around Eastbourne and bays indicate wasp numbers this hot and dry summer are unexpectedly much lower than normal. This possibly relates to local use of “Vespex”, a new and highly effective wasp bait, which finally be the answer to a notorious seasonal pestilence.

New Zealand has several smaller (and harmless) native types, but the accidentally introduced German and European varieties have long been considered our most common wasp. Their painful sting and subsequent swelling is justifiably feared, fruit may be ruined and wooden buildings may even attract wasps seeking fibres for their papery nest building.

These nasty exotics thrive under NZ’s balmy climate, abundant food and lack of natural predators, and by late summer numbers often assume such plague levels that nearby outdoor activities, fruit harvesting or forestry work can be hazardous. Raiding wasps can so infest school playgrounds that lunches and snacks have to taken indoors.

Unlike beneficial honey bees, these introduced wasps are fortunately only seasonal and nests do not usually winter over. Instead scores of fertilized queens leave the nest in autumn and seek dry and warm crevices -often

entrance can be dosed with puffed in pesticides (Bayer’s “Carbaryl” was long used), boiling water or even (alert- fire hazard !) petrol fumes. Naturally the latter should never be used on buildings or dry ground.

It may be thought that toxic attractants could be left out for nearby wasps to find, but such baits may be hazardous to other animals, birds and insects (especially honey bees). Additionally wasps would likely die promptly and hence not take poisons back to their nest.

Careful study of the wasp life cycle shows a peak “baby boom” period when nest protein needs predominate. Knowledge of this led to decades of work by Nelson based scientist Richard Toft in developing a a protein-based “Vespex” bait, now marketed by NZ firm Merchento. This targeted bait, based around Fipronil insecticide, acts only slowly on the wasps' nervous systems. During this time the field wasps conveniently take the bait back home, with the Vespex acting to steadily kill off (usually overnight) the entire nest.

ignore the bait) may then tragically become attracted.

- by Stan Swan (former beekeeper )

around windows- before emerging in spring to restart the cycle in dry banks or buildings.

With nest sizes increasing in early and mid season (locally February-March) wasps have a distinctive need for animal protein, and seek this via insects, bees, caterpillars, pet food, dead animals/fish and even small birds. Bees also need such a seasonal hive protein, but they instead beneficially meet this by gathering flower pollen into leg pouches.

Wasp nest protein need only decreases as egg laying slows and the new fertilised queens depart. The large nest populations then turn to carbohydrates, ruthlessly hunting out ripening fruits like grapes and apples, sugary man made sources or – most notoriously- native beech forest honey dew secretions.

Traditional wasp eradication tediously requires first finding their nest location. Field wasps tend to fly directly back to base (especially near sunset) but tracking their flight can be very difficult in urban environments or dense vegetation. Once found however the

Green coloured Vespex has rapidly found NZ wide use, and has worked miracles in such infested areas as the Nelson Lakes. However it’s quite costly and can only be used by approved users who must adhere to strict procedures. These include first monitoring the wasp’s seasonal need for protein (with plain fish based cat food) and elevating the Vespex bait well clear of dogs and children. Under no circumstances should sugars be added to the Vespex bait stations, as bees (which normally

Faith in the Community

Traditions…

One of the Gospel readings for this week, Mark 7:1-13, focuses on ‘tradition’. Whenever I think about Tradition my mind goes back to that wonderful, Joseph Stein musical - Fiddler on the Roof. Tevye, the milkman, sings about the deeplyembedded traditions that have been part of his Jewish community and that have given stability and certainty to his and their lives for a long time. He watches with despair as his safe world starts to break down and his community is faced with a new and uncertain world. The challenges for Tevye’s and Mark’s communities then, and for ours today, are amazingly similar. What faith traditions, family traditions, societal traditions have become a barrier to our reaching out to the vulnerable, that stand in the way of our loving our neighbour? Which of them no longer work and need to be set aside, for us to be inclusive and welcoming to all we meet? To be with the poor and downhearted, to be God’s love and mercy visible in the world, in our communities? Makes you think, doesn’t it…?

St Alban’s: • Men’s group, a drink and a bite, first Wednesdays, 6pm, RSA. • Women’s Group third Mondays, 10am, The Hive Café. St Ronan’s: • Mainly Music, every Thurs, 9.15-11.15am (term times). Toy Library, Mons 8-9pm & Tues 9.30-10.30am (term times).

Familiar beat for new ranger

Jo Greenman is passionate about the environment, and her favourite place in the world is right here in Eastbourne.

Jo is the new East Harbour Regional Park Ranger. She started this week keen to get to know and support the myriad groups involved in the park, particularly Friends of Baring Head and MIRO.

Jo spent the last couple of years working on track development for the Greater Wellington Regional Council. Prior to that she was on Matiu Somes Island for seven years.

“It was Paradise,” she says. “But when people ask me what I miss about the island it’s not the views or the tuatara in the garden, it’s the community.”

Jo says when the job came up for EHRP ranger she jumped at the opportunity.

“I wanted to look after another special place with a great community,” she says.

Jo got into working as a ranger after taking a school trip to Matiu Somes. Originally from the south of England, she had been a science teacher at Samuel Marsden before the “rangering” bug bit.

She says East Harbour Regional Park, which covers more than 2,000 hectares, is home to a huge array of users, including walkers, runners, dog walkers, fishermen, and bikers.

Recently, she rode an ebike down to Paragarahu Lakes block. The block is co managed with the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, and Jo says it is her favourite place in the world.

“And I’m well travelled. It takes my breath away,” she says.

Along with restoring native plants to the lakes area, she is keen to help the Friends of Baring Head group fulfil its aim to restore the southern area of EHRP.

“It’s a stunning location with great history.

There’s the potential to create a little gem out there, both as far as the historical clighthouse omplex goes, and biodiversity.”

For now, Jo is hoping to meet as many people as possible and talk with them about their park use.

“I'm looking forward to bumping into lots of old friends in the park, and at the community board meetings. It’s going to be wonderful.”

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

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 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 transport to appointments in the Hutt Valley, and Wellington for all Eastbourne’s older residents.

Our ‘20-Minute Volunteers’ are also available for small jobs around the home.

Find out more about us at www.okiwi.org.nz

Phone Pippa the co-ordinator on 0800 654 942

First time on the market in 45 years. Create your dream home just moments from the beach. Lovely bush and water views plus an established garden. Currently on 2 floors with living and 2 beds/1 bath upstairs and 2 beds/1 bath downstairs. Bring your imagination and call your builder - the effort will be worthwhile!

BY NEGOTIATION: Buyer enquiry from $525,000

http://www.justpaterson.co.nz/property/JP1368

CONTACT: Kim Slessor 027 230 3328

kim@justpaterson.co.nz

...and close to the village - what a combination! On two floors, the beach and harbour outlook are mesmerising. Living is open plan with excellent flow to beautiful, easy care gardens to the front and rear. 4 double bedrooms, a study and 3 bathrooms. View asap and plan your future by the beach.

TENDER GUIDE - Upwards of $1,350,000.

Close noon, 6 March at at JP Offices

http://www.justpaterson.co.nz/property/JP1367

Enjoy exhilarating views and all year sunshine in this exciting, north-facing 1970’s home.There’s privacy, birdsong and bush walks.The interior offers an amazing outlook throughout, plus versatility to suit your lifestyle. Includes a single garage (studio above) with off-street parking. View by private appointment only.

BY NEGOTIATION: Buyer enquiry from $830,000

http://www.justpaterson.co.nz/property/JP1374

Close to the village, moments from the beach and bathed in glorious sunshine. Lovely, spacious open plan living. 3 double bedrooms include a private, north facing master suite opening on to the deck. A recent kitchen upgrade with major refurbishments undertaken around 11 yrs ago. Rarely available, so call me today.

TENDER GUIDE - Upwards From $950,000

Closes noon 14th March at JP Offices

www.justpaterson.co.nz/property/JP1369

justpaterson.co.nz

SMOKE SIGNALS

Restricted Fire Season

Due to the long spell of hot and dry weather, we have now entered a Restricted Fire season. This means you will need a permit to light a fire in an Urban or Rural area.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are now the issuing authority for Fire Permits.

For more information go to www. checkitsalright.nz or www.fireandemergency. nz to check on current fire seasons and applying for permits and to access practical information on keeping your home safe from outside fires.

Emergency Call Outs:

• 15 Jan 19 – Structure Fire, Oroua, St

• 18 Jan 19 – Car Fire, Burdans Gate

• 19 Jan 19 – Alarm Activation, Wellesley College

• 26 Jan 19 – Alarm Activation, Bus Barns

• 02 Feb 19 – Fire on Beach

• 11 Feb 19 – Alarm Activation, Wellesley College

• 14 Feb 19 – Medical event, Marine Pde

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.

Shared path not a done deal

Continues from Page 1

“These investigations include more detailed habitat mapping and material sampling, to get a better understanding of the sub-tidal areas,” he says. “Some of their findings may result in minor changes to the proposal, to mitigate effects and address challenges associated with sea level rise. Site investigations are weather and tide dependent, and having to factor in the summer holiday break, there have been some delays in obtaining the data.”

Ms Horrocks says resource consent is unlikely to be obtained by June, when this year’s budget is finalised, but the shared path remains in the long term plan. “We are doing everything possible to ensure the resource consent process goes smoothly,” she says, “after which it will be up to the elected councillors to decide on the shared path’s future. At that time the ECB will ask for the whole community to become active in ensuring it happens.”

A meeting in May will consider written and oral submissions, followed by another to vote

when the community came out in force against proposed changes to the plan over SNAs, I would implore the Eastern Bay residents to do the same,” Cr Lulich says. “Councillors listened. Be vocal, come out and show your support and demand the completion of this marvellous initiative.”

HCC says funding for capital projects is through borrowings rather than increasing rates. Council has limits on its debt as part of its Financial Strategy. If extra funding is required for new projects or to cover increases in existing projects, it would be dealt with through new borrowings or re-prioritising existing projects, if required, to remain within the financial strategy debt limits. Council re-affirmed that the overall rates increase for 2019/2020 would remain at 1.8 percent (same level estimated for year 2 of the Council’s Long Term Plan). For residential ratepayers, rates increases are likely to be approximately 2.6 percent.

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

Feb/Mar: Late summer/early autumn, the season of mellow fruitfulness. Take any excess fruitfulness to the Eastbourne Community Fridge (St Ronan’s). I like spring and autumn over summer (too hot) and winter (too cold). What do pot-plants like…?

Which: Retailers like pot plants that soon die, then you buy others. I say, choose wisely and look after them. The old favourites are best. It’s rare a new variety still looks good in six months.

Where: Location, location, location… Only cacti like full sun. Most pot plants are forest-floor dwellers, so do best in partial (dappled) sunlight (few cope with gloom, none like draughts). Plants acclimatise slowly (weeks) to a particular location (light, temperature, humidity). Move them around and they never settle.

Soil: In a pot, the soil volume is tiny compared with in the ground. Partly make up for this by using potting mix - not garden soil. Potting mix has super-high water-holding capacity, aeration and mineral nutrition (a slow-release fertiliser).

Pot: A standard shape flower pot optimises soil depth vs soil width. A drainage hole is essential. Water on the piano is bad. So, a hole in the pot and a saucer beneath to catch the drips. If you must use a hole-less glazed pot, then choose a plastic pot for the plant that fits inside. Then you can see if it’s been overwatered and chuck out the excess.

Water: Regular, light watering is key. Drought is lethal. Sitting in water is lethal.

Balance: Roughly half a plant is roots, and half shoots. Upset that balance and the plant corrects. So, shoot pruning stimulates new shoot growth and root pruning stimulates new root growth. Root hormones control the shoots, shoot hormones control the roots. If roots stop growing, shoots stop growing. If the shoots stop growing your plant looks tired - no fresh growth of leaves/flowers. So, keep both roots and shoots growing.

Shoots: Remove dead, dying leaves/flowers (scissors). Keep them dust free by putting them out in overnight rain.

Roots: After two years, roots fill a pot and stop growing, so the shoot stops growing. Repot in a larger pot with fresh potting mix. Then, root growth restarts and shoot growth restarts. Want to keep a plant smallish? Cut away 25 percent of ugly shoots. Un-pot it, cut away 25 percent of roots. Tease out old potting mix. Repot with new potting mix; root growth restarts, shoot growth restarts. Bingo…!

Sandy Lang slang@xtra.co.nz

Skate ramp put on hold Of art and science

Reserves Assets Manager for the Hutt City Council, Janet Lawson, says that owing to a number of concerns about the construction quality of the proposed Skate ramp in the tennis court adjacent to San Antonio School, HCC have ended their relationship with the company contracted to oversee the project's construction.

“We are in the process of speaking to other specialist ramp construction companies,” she says, “to review the design and then complete the build. This has led to delays in the project and we currently don’t have a timeframe for completion.

One impact of this is the delay of the basketball court planned for the area adjacent to the ramp.

“We are waiting until the ramp is completed to ensure the two activities fit well in the space and do not interfere with each other,” Ms. Lawson said. “We are still committed to both the skate ramp and the basketball court.”

Council contractors removed the initial construction at San Antonio on February 19th.

Nan Barker knows a lot about pottery. And she knows a thing or two about science, as well. It turns out that to be a successful potter, you need to understand a lot about physics. Nan (pictured above) didn't know this when she took up the art as a young woman. Newly married, she was part of a group of enthusiasts from Lowry Bay and Point Howard to form the Point Howard Art Society - local residents keen to come together and learn how to pot. Several decades later, Nan held her annual pottery sale before Christmas and was kept busy talking to her many fans. Now in her nineties, Nan has no intention of giving up her artistic passion.

Lorna Lelliott Manson (nee Cull, formerly Maddever)

20 June 1920 – 5 February 2019

Lorna Manson, who died at home in Days Bay recently, was possibly Eastbourne’s oldest resident. She moved into her waterfront house after marrying her second husband, Ron Manson, who lived there with his mother, in 1988.

An only child, Lorna was born in Wellington in 1920 to Ada Cull and John Ernest Lelliott Cull, both academics. When Lorna was nine, with the Depression looming, her father became professor of civil engineering at Canterbury University, and the family moved to Christchurch.

From Christchurch Girls’ High School, Lorna went on to graduate in 1941 from Canterbury College with a BA in Geography, followed by a year at Christchurch Teachers’ Training College. She began her teaching career at Hamilton High School and was appointed to the permanent staff of Wellington Girls’ College in 1944.

Keen sailors, the Culls had acquired land in the Marlborough Sounds in 1925 and Lorna sailed with her family across Cook Strait every summer from a young age to a very ripe old age. She chronicled those years in Cockle Cove: Marlborough Sounds Haven for Four Generations, published by her friend Christine

Cole Catley in March 2000. Her father died of a heart attack there in 1943 – but because the interislander Tamahine only sailed on alternate days, Lorna didn’t arrive from Hamilton in time for the funeral.

Lorna first met her husband Jack Maddever when he sailed into Cockle Cove in 1941 in his 30-foot cutter Nanette, before going overseas with the navy. They were enlisting all yachties. He sailed in again during the Christmas holidays of 1945 – and the couple were married 18 months later.

Captured off Sumatra after the fall of Singapore, Jack wrote letters to his aunt from a POW camp in Palembang, documenting life in the camp over four years. They were never posted but Mary Maddever, who had helped raise Jack and his brothers after their mother died, handed them on to Lorna when

she married. Lorna always felt they should be published so she wrote chapters establishing a global and New Zealand context, and Unposted Letters from a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp 1942-1945 was published by Steele Roberts in 2011.

Back in civvy street, Jack set up shop in Courtenay Place with another sailing friend, offering radio sales and service, and he and Lorna lived nearby at 190 Oriental Parade for 30 years. They raised three sons – John, Denis and Neil, who learnt to sail on the harbour and at Cockle Cove.

The family travelled around the country on holidays and Lorna, a keen photographer, went so far as to knit the family red jerseys so there would always be a dash of colour in her pictures. One, of a holiday in Arrowtown, even made it onto the cover of a biscuit tin, Neil recalls.

Jack died in 1982 and several years later, Lorna married Ron Manson and moved into Days Bay. With no children at home, she became a breeder of corgis and her last, Oliver, died just last year.

She remained a keen member of the Christchurch and Avonside Girls’ High Old Girls’ organization and had expected to host a gathering at her place this weekend.

The Nanette is still in the family, as is Cockle Cove.

- by Ann Packer

Southern expedition a first for local marine technician

Days Bay resident Alan Hart has just returned from a six-week research voyage to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean aboard the RV Tangaroa research vessel.

A NIWA Marine Biology Technician,it was Alan’s first trip to the coldest continent on Earth and that in itself, he said, was a thoroughly awesome experience.

“That and of course the abundance of wildlife on display,” he says. “Seals, Minke Whales, an array of seabirds and a stowaway escapee penguin named Brian. All this with the odd iceberg floating past.”

Twenty one scientists and 19 crew members made the journey, studying ocean, atmosphere and ecosystem processes, with the focus on establishing monitoring programmes for the newly created Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area.

Over 1.55 square kilometres in size, the new MPA is the world’s largest. It comprises a range of zones from fully protected to special research zones, as well as areas left open to fishing.

“We travelled past Cape Adare and down to the Ross Archipelago,” says Alan. “It was a United Nations crew, with scientists from Italy, Spain, France, China. There were eight separate research objectives, to help us better understand the processes of governing the region and protecting the environment.”

These included surveys of fish species and seabed habitats, ecosystem studies of plankton, oceanographic and atmospheric measurements to improve understanding of climaterelated processes, and making observations of whales.

“My main focus,” Alan says, “was sea bed mapping, fine mesh trawling

and deep water camera deployments, which monitor ocean currents, krill, and whale calls.”

Alan was also involved with the deployment of Argo floats. Globally, there are 3,900 free-drifting profiling floats, that allow the continuous monitoring of sea temperature, salinity and velocity of the upper 2km of the ocean. With sea levels rising by 3mm a year, the floats help monitor global climate change and its regional impacts.

The voyage - the second of two linked NIWA voyages to the Antarctic - was jointly funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through the Ross-RAMP programme, NIWA, and the University of Auckland.

“The research gathered will provide baseline information about the Marine Protected Area,” says Alan, “so that scientists can begin effective monitoring and evaluation of its effectiveness.”

Alan Hart taking the beach to Antartica.

Alan's a keen fisherman, but this rod was for calibrating sounders.

Brian, the stowaway penguin.

BOOKINGS: WED, MARCH 20

AD COPY: THURS, MARCH 21

DELIVERIES: MARCH 29/30

phone 562 7500 email editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz

Kidztalk

EB cricket gear goes to Timor Leste

Eastbourne cricketers donated a large amount of gear to the world's newest cricketing nation; Timor-Leste.

Over 150kg of gear was donated by the Wellington cricket community, and the Eastbourne Cricket Club gave more than 100kgs of gear it had stored - bats, pads, stumps, and other related gear. Club spokesman Neil Gray says they were pleased to know it was going to be used. The gear has been rarely used, with most local children having their own.

The link to the fundraising page for the project is: https://vsa.org.nz/crickettimor/

Century of cricket to be celebrated

Get your baggy green on and dust off the pads - the hundredth anniversary celebrations for the Eastbourne Cricket Club are coming on Labour Weekend. A function will be held to mark the occasion on Saturday, October 26, and organisers are hoping members old and new will show out in force to reminisce and play and watch some games over the weekend. For more information and to register, go to: ecc100notout@gmail.com

News from our local playcentres

NEWS FROM POINT HOWARD PLAYCENTRE

It’s been lovely to welcome everyone back for term 1 and to see how our tamariki have grown (literally!) and developed over the holidays – vocabularies have increased, first steps have been taken, and new skills like riding a pedal bike have been mastered. Playcentre is a great environment to support the continued development of these new skills – each term we update each child’s learning outcomes and use these as a focus for our activities.

Our large outdoor area is always a fantastic place to be over summer and our tamariki never tire of favourites like water play, building in the sandpit, and obstacle courses. Our shade sail and established trees provide lots of shade on a hot day, and it’s great to head outside with our kai for a picnic morning tea.

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 us at 1 Ngaumatau Road any time from 9.15 to 11.45 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday – and don’t forget to ask for an information pack to learn more about what we offer. You can also find out more about us by visiting our Facebook page or by contacting Caroline on 021 072 1070.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Some of the donated cricket gear in use in Timor Leste.

Unlucky start to professional player's season

by Steve McMorran

Eastbourne rugby player Callum Harkin has had his first taste of Hurricanes rugby and the experience can at best be called bittersweet.

Harkin, usually a first five-eighths though previously a very talented halfbck, got on the field at fullback for the last 15 minutes of the Hurricanes’ pre-season match against Super Rugby’s defending champions the Crusaders.

Within five minutes he had scored a try, making the moment even more special. But in doing so Harkin broke a small bone in his foot and he now faces a tough, 12-week rehabilitation which will take him out of the first half of the club season in Wellington and may threaten his place in the New Zealand team to the Under-20 World Cup.

Harkin was resting at his Eastbourne home last week, beginning his lengthy rehabilitation under the watchful eye of the Hurricanes' medical staff.

“The Hurricanes have been awesome,” he said. “They paid for the surgery and they’re really leading my rehab.”

Callum’s father Frank who was watching the game when the injury occurred said Callum broke the fifth metatarsal bone and had had a screw inserted to secure the fracture.

He underwent surgery on Wednesday last week.

“It was unfortunate,” Frank Harkin said.

“It might have been the result of the hard grounds, over-training or just bad luck.”

Bad luck seems the most likely cause. Callum Harkin said as much as he hopes to avoid injuries, they are part and parcel of the modern game and probably unavoidable.

He regrets the severity and timing of his current injury which has been a major setback to his season.

He put in a huge amount of work in the pre-season and that has now largely been squandered.

He will miss the first half of the club season, at least, and will have to go through another full pre-season preparation if he is to return for the second half of the season.

Harkin now faces uncertainty over his chances of selection for the New Zealand Under-20 team.

“It definitely puts the World Cup in jeopardy,” he said.

“I’ll be back in time for the World Cup itself but I’ll miss all the camp in the leadup and so if they want to take me they’ll be picking me blindfolded.”

He has the consolation that the Under-20 coaches have had the chance in the past to see what he can do, as a halfback until last year’s under-19 tournament and more recently at first

five and fullback.

“They know I can play 10,” he said.

“The Hurricanes brought me in as a first five when Beauden (Barrett) was on his honeymoon but they played me at fullback in Levin.

” Though Harkin has been under firm instructions not to overdo things in the early stages of his rehabilitation - even upper body work is out until the risk of infection has passed - he has not been idle.

He spends large amounts of his spare time on match analysis, watching matches or match highlights on his phone and noting how the best players at his position do their work.

“I’ve been working on my match analysis, observing players and studying what they do,” he said.

“I’ve been following what they do off the ball because that’s a big part of the game, how they set up and where they go. It’s all about absorbing as much information as possible.”

Callum Harkin with father Frank after a match for St. Pats Silverstream.

Local woman rises to the top of NZ Futsal

by Steve McMorran

Eastbourne’s Maxine Cooper has found herself at the forefront of the explosive rise of Futsal, the abbreviated, indoor form of football which is becoming the sport of choice for many young Kiwis.

Cooper is captain of the Futsal Ferns, the New Zealand women’s Futsal team, which was formed only two years ago and is carving out an enviable international reputation in the fastgrowing sport.

She led the team that recently travelled to Australia to win the Gold Coast International Futsal Challenge title, its second major international success.

The Futsal Ferns, under Cooper’s leadership, also won the Trans-Pacific Cup, beating New Caledonia, in their first major international outing in September, 2017.

Their latest success came at the expense of some of the finest teams and players in Australia. The Ferns defeated the new Australian national futsal team along with three of their top state sides.

The New Zealanders were deserving winners, underlining their superiority by outscoring their opponents 24 to eight, winning all six matches and playing an entertaining brand of futsal.

“Playing the best players in Australia was an amazing experience and it was a good challenge to play different teams, each with a different style of futsal” Cooper said.

The successful Australian tournament means the Futsal Ferns have now won all nine of the matches they have been involved in, laying a strong foundation for future international

Editor: Louise Goble

Stories: Carl McRae

Sports: Steve McMorran

Advertising enquires: editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz

562 7500

Email: editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz

Phone:

562 7500

Website: www.eastbourneherald.co.nz

competitions.

Cooper also skippered the University Futsal Ferns team in Kazakhstan at the FISU World University Futsal Championship in August 2018, making history by being the first New Zealand team to claim two wins at a global futsal event.

Most recently, Cooper competed at the Women’s Futsal Superleague at Wellington’s ASB Stadium over the weekend of February 15 to 17. The league provides a great outlet for the many players who have eagerly adopted Futsal as their preferred sport.

Cooper followed the path of many female players to futsal. She excelled in football but found the pace and skills of the smaller game addictive.

“I did start with football and transitioned to futsal,” Cooper said. “I think futsal takes the things I liked about football and puts them into a smaller package.

“I love the fast pace...it’s a lot faster than football in terms of the general tempo so your fitness has to be fast-paced as well.

“And it’s skilful. There are a lot more touches than in football and it’s about keeping the ball close which is a skill in itself.”

Along with basketball, Futsal is growing so fast that it is expected to soon challenge the preeminence of established sports such as rugby in terms of player numbers. Between 2016 and 2018 the sport’s playing numbers increased by more than 200 percent.

Cooper was an early convert to the sporttaking it up in 2013 - and she currently manages to juggle Futsal Ferns training and international and local tournaments while studying medicine at Auckland University. At first she played both football and futsal but around 2015 was forced by her medical studies to choose one sport or another and chose futsal.

She says the establishment of the Futsal Ferns was a major step forward for the women’s game in New Zealand, giving young female players something to aspire to. There is not yet a women’s World Cup but that is on the agenda and would be a further boost to the sport, Cooper said.New Zealand Football says futsal is “an all-inclusive, all-encompassing community game ... with many opportunities to get involved as a player, coach, referee or administrator throughout the country. Each of seven football Federations across the country offer a number of programmes and competitions regardless of age, gender or ability allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy the fastest-growing sport in New Zealand.”

Most recently the Samba Football Academy has been established in Wellington to allow both boys and girls to experience the sport.

Futsal is FIFA’s official indoor soccer game which is essentially a smaller version of outdoor soccer played indoors, according to the Academy. It is a small sided game (five-a-side) played on a smaller court with a smaller ball. Futsal is played with touchline boundaries.

Maxine Cooper in action at the World University Futsal tournament in Kazakhstan.

Special venue for a special team

by Steve McMorran

Neil Gray has often joked there are only two requirements players have to meet to fit in to the Eastbourne Cricket Club’s popular village green team.

“I use a line that in order to fit in you need to be carrying an injury that you can complain about and you have to have a plausible story about how good you used to be,” Gray said.

The village green or vintage team has become a fixture of the Eastbourne club and will play an integral part in its centenary celebrations at Labour Weekend. The team contains many “stalwarts” of the Eastbourne club - Gray finds the term slightly amusing - and as such acts almost as a time capsule of previous senior teams and club committees.

Phil Sisson, Steve Girvan and Conrad Kelly, all former players and long-time administrators, are long-term members as are former senior players Graham Powell, Chris Burtt and brothers Dan and Chris Reed. Frank Larkin is a particular stalwart, a team member since its inception.

The team was orginally formed by Sisson “six or seven” years ago and Gray has been its organiser for the past two or three years. From his email - villagegreen@eastbournecricket. org.nz - Gray keeps in touch with the team’s “catchment” of 60 to 70 players, many of whom no longer live in Eastbourne. Gray says his regular newsletters to the team’s players and followers contain “healthy banter” and his match reports are made up of “healthy ribbing of people”.

But he is eager to disabuse people of the notion that the team is strictly social - social in the worst sense of the word, that it is just an excuse for some light physical exercise before a more-important after-match function. Gray says that despite their years, most players remain highly competitive and matches are played with an edge of seriousness. “If you thought it was just donkey drops you’d be mistaken,” he said. “It’s quite competitive but with a social undercurrent.” The team has played often against former New Zealand fast bowler Ewen Chatfield who only recently announced his retirement from the Naenae Old Boys vintage team at the age of 68. Former Wellington cricket and rugby representative Brian Cederwall is also a regular opponent and has lost none of his competitive instincts. “We play about eight games a season, spaced out so there is ample time to recover,” Gray said. “We’re lucky to play in Eastbourne on such a lovely ground. The venue is special and we always put on a barbeque for our opponents afterwards.”

Trio make Wellington squad

by Carl McRae

Three young women from Eastbourne look set to follow Maya Hahn in the quest for higher football honours, having been selected for the new Capital Football/Sport Development squad, following a trial in Petone in midFebruary.

The Wellington squad of 13 contains Nea Blackham, Lea Pummer and Sam Woolley, who have been identified as having the potential to play for New Zealand. The trio will be supported through a programme that will focus on their entire development as athletes; technical skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition and mental awareness. The programme is funded by Sport Wellington.

Former Chairwoman of the Eastbourne FC, Sola Freeman, says that the new initiative mirrors a programme already in existence in Auckland, called Future Ferns, and it has been created in essence to keep regional talent local.

Nea, Lea and Sam all began their footballing careers in Eastbourne, the latter two as members of the ‘Glitterbugs’ almost a decade ago. The Eastbourne junior club has always had a presence of talented females in its ranks and a powerful women’s side some years ago, who were destined for a Central League spot, but as so often is the case, the cream of the talent was picked off by bigger clubs.

That eventuality was unescapable for the three local girls also and last season they joined the ranks of Newtown Park based, Wellington United. Nea did play for the top senior side, the

Diamonds, in the Kelly Cup competition, but the three played regularly in the Premier One League for the Sapphires.

The trio also made the Wellington representative side which took out their national age group title in Petone, knocking out more fancied opposition from Auckland and Christchurch along the way.

“It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get a trip away,” Sam said, “but it was great to have victories over other teams who were more favoured to win.”

All three say they are looking forward to getting stuck into furthering their football development, although they are aware it will be tough and time consuming.

“But my ambition is to make the U17 Football Ferns,” Nea said, “and I am prepared to make sacrifices and work hard.”

Church Services In Eastbourne

The team adheres very strongly to the village green concept, so popular in England for so long. The idea is to play locally so that everyone in the village can take part either as a player, spectator and certainly in the social activities around matches.

“We’re always looking for new people,” Gray said. “It’s a great format, 35 overs per side with a maximum of six overs per person. “Some of us like to practice, others not so much. But the thing is the team is there if you want to keep going at a time when a lot of players feel they have to retire. It’s a case of use it or lose it.

“It’s especially good to see parents play in front of their kids. That’s something that doesn’t always happen. Often people give sport away when kids come along and kids never get to see their parents play.

“I think we always offer fellowship and the sense of being part of a tribe which is very important and very enjoyable.”

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 971 7885

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5.30pm

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

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.

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

SONNY’S YOGA - EASTBOURNE CLASSES - Enjoy 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.

APPLICATIONS FOR EASTBOURNE

FREEMASONS’ SCHOLARSHIP

Closing date 15 April 2019

This $4,000 scholarship is available to students who have distinguished themselves during a minimum of three years tertiary study and who have lived in Eastbourne for a minimum of five years during their life.

EASTBOURNE MEMORIAL RSA (Inc.) Notice of AGM

To be held on Sunday 31 March 2019 at 1pm in the Clubrooms, Tuatoru Street, Eastbourne.

Nominations for Executive Committee & Notices of Motion must be with the Secretary by Saturday 9 March 2019.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Classified ads cost 40c per word. Email copy to: editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz or phone 562 7500

Application forms are available from the website www.ebct.org.nz

Contact: Anne Keogh 027 687 1845

ARCHITECTURAL

NewListing

FAMILY HOME & GARDENS ON

NewListing

View By Appointment

Sinead Diederich

Nestled on a sheltered north facing Days Bay site with fantastic, year round sun and unimpeded harbour views, 615a Marine Drive is a haven. Architect Richard Middleton of Novak+Middleton, conceived this property as a series of boxes set into the land, sited optimally for land contours as well as sun. The generous 495m2 accommodation, spread over 5 levels. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

04 392 0001 | 021 02581960

FRONT

View By Appointment

Duncan Povey

WOW. If you are struggling to find a good looking modern home with jaw dropping views, this might just be 'The One'. With panoramic views stretching over the marina & harbour to the city, this unique property offers a lifestyle retreat of a quality & design rarely found in the Bays. Custom built in 2006, this family home has generous living spaces & offers 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms in total. duncan@tommyshv.co.nz

04 568 2222 | 0275 971 080

PROPER

View By Appointment

Sinead Diederich

This is a rare opportunity to acquire not only a lovely spacious family home on popular private Marama Terrace, but also a large central section with space to grow your own (3903m2 section!). The spacious 4-5 bedroom home enjoys lots of character features, being one of Eastbourne's earlier homes, & has been extensively & tastefully modernised. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

04 392 0001 | 021 02581960

View By Appointment

Sinead Diederich

Set on 830m2 of flat, sunny, prime Eastbourne land just a short walk from the beach & tennis club in Eastbourne, this magnificent home is the essence of lifestyle. With 5 well-proportioned bedrooms, including a wonderful sunny master ensuite with walk in robe, 2 bathrooms, large family lounge, separate study and separate games/media room. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

04 392 0001 | 021 02581960

tommys.co.nz

615a Marine Drive, Eastbourne Buyer Enquiry From $2,950,000

REF: THV02134

DREAM HOME: DAYS BAY

16 Marama Terrace, Eastbourne Buyer Enquiry From $980,000

REF: THV02289

MARAMA TERRACE

13 Church Lane, Point Howard, Eastbourne Buyer Enquiry From $1,495,000

REF: THV02305

ROW - DRESS CIRCLE

21 Nikau Street, Eastbourne Buyer Enquiry From $1,450,000

REF: THV02298

FAMILY HOME ON A BEAUTIFUL SITE