The Eastbourne Herald July 2019

'Mega-mast' predator response scaled down

by Carl McRae

Rat monitoring has shown no need for a poisoning operation in East Harbour Regional Park - for now.

EHRP Ranger Jo Greenman says that owing to results from recent rodent monitoring undertaken by environmental science teams, Greater Wellington has decided that an extra Striker mast operation will not go ahead on August 5 as scheduled.

“Our monitoring results indicated that rat numbers have dropped below our trigger of 20 percent” Jo said. “Results are currently at 16 percent, so trending down which is good news. There will be another monitor done later in August and at that time we will reassess the need to respond to the mast.”

Both beech (New Zealand’s dominant

forest type) and podocarp forests fruited at the same time this year, producing a heavier than normal seeding process. As a result, both tge Department of Conservation and Forest and Bird labelled 2019 a "mega-mast", the biggest of its kind for New Zealand’s native tree species in more than 40 years.

Mast events are known to boost rodent and mustelid numbers and when the seed is gone, the plague of predators turn to our native birds, bats, lizards and insects.

GWRC’s Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer, Barrett Pistoll, says that the abundance of Hinau fruit in the EHRP indicated that a significant mast year was underway.

“It is the second highest producing year on record behind 2014,” he says. “Generally we can keep pest numbers low, but during a mast event extra methods are generally required.”

The East Harbour area contains many treasured native species, including the Wellington green gecko, the ornate skink (both at risk: declining) and 33 species of native orchid.

The bait drop operation was to have taken place in an area of intensive pest control in the regional park’s northern forest, know as the Mainland Island. Potato starch bait stations, known as Strikers, contain peanut-based paste baits that include the toxins cholecalciferol and diphacinone.

Jo Greenman says that in the event that future monitoring programmes indicate a drop is essential, GWRC will be placing signs at all park entrances and leaflets in the thirteen brochure holders around the park.

Continues Page 2

ERAT’s progress chart since inception shows a big spike in April and May of 2019.

Rodent numbers drop

From Page 1

There will also be local newspaper notices and social media posts.

Educating Residents About Trapping’s (ERAT), Sally Bain, says that a spike in catches along the coast was her first indicator that rodent numbers were bigger than normal, although due in part to the extensive coastal trap line that was installed a few months ago.

“Ideally,” she says, “we’d have a trapline running the length of Muritai Road, with a trap every 50 metres or so, for those with houses up against the bush. Unfortunately, that would cross too much private land to be feasible at this stage.”

Sally says that for those concerned they may have a rat plague, the most important thing people can do is to make sure their traps have fresh bait, that the mesh either side is clear of debris and that the entrance also is not full of cobwebs or leaves. She says that bait should be carefully checked each week and that a chat with neighbours, regarding their own setting of traps and freshness of bait is advisable.

“It’s all about network and regular checking,” she says. “Perhaps there is the possibility of creating a trap line in your area through cooperating with your neighbours, by asking them to place traps in easy to access and view areas and sharing the responsibility of walking and checking the trap line regularly, especially in the busy months.”

She believes that ERAT is doing extremely

well. “I have been hugely impressed by the spread of catches,” she said. “Had it not been for the mast year, we would be feeling very confident. However, we will not know how the mast has affected general pest populations until August, when the next tunnel monitor is due to be carried out. So fingers crossed that the results will be positive.”

GWRC’s advice to walkers, or anyone visiting the EHRP, regarding proposed bait drop operations:

Follow instructions on all signage in the area, and pick up a leaflet when you’re there. If you can’t see one and want information, please contact Pest Animal Team Leader, 04 526 4133,pest.animals@gw.govt.nz

The Cholecalciferol Feracol toxin which is deadly to dogs will be placed above dog height but within human reach up tree trunks to minimise the risk to dogs.

The toxins are placed out on day 1 of the operation and retrieved on Day 10 – See park entrance signs for specific dates. Do not touch or handle the bait. Supervise children.

We strongly recommend that dog walkers keep their dogs on a lead for the entire length of the operation.

Do not let your dog roam or scavenge anything for 3 months after the operation. Symptoms in cats and dogs include nausea and vomiting. If you suspect your dog has swallowed bait, contact a vet immediately.

SAT, SUN & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

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

July Eastbourne Community Board

Next ECB Meeting

Tuesday 20 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

a

Community

Young designer's quest to fulfil lifelong dream

Recent Massey University College of Creative Arts graduate and former Muritai School pupil

Ina Malama Williams has been invited to showcase her 2018 Menswear collection at four global fashion capitals next year.

The young designer and fashion enthusiast has been given the opportunity of a lifetime, not one often bestowed on emerging designers, and asked to exhibit in Milan, London, New York and Paris. “I have been asked to attend all four,” she said, “which would be a dream come true. But due to time constraints and other schedules, I am only eyeing up New York right now.”

This meant turning down an appearance at the Oxford Fashion Studios in England, during their emerging designer shows. But for Ina, a choice had to be made. “I feel attracted to New York,” she said, “specifically because my work is a men’s streetwear collection and New York has a rich streetwear culture embedded in its roots and history.”

Ina’s graduate collection, Unfiltered Man, was inspired by her perception that there is lack of both diversity and creative integrity in modern menswear. She chooses to play on stereotypes, in a non-masculine and atypical way.

"I wanted to create a collection that banished the influence of toxic masculinity, stereotypes and gender norms towards men and their clothing choices,” she said.

“Society puts so much emphasis on how men should dress or act,” she says, “but this

creates an unhealthy culture of conformity. My designs are used to detach the stigma surrounding the ideal male identity in society through clothing.”

Wearable arts performances while attending Muritai School were the catalyst of her interest in a fashion career.

“Although my skills were limited then, I enjoyed the idea of turning the most random scraps and textiles into a creative masterpiece. Design is all about innovation and improving, which is what I love.

“I loved the welcoming culture at Muritai,” Ina said. “I remember Andrew Bird reading me a book on my first day of school and his genuine character left a lasting impression on me. He always wanted us to be the best version of ourselves, which I’ll carry with me into my career.”

Ina needs to raise roughly $18,000 to secure her spot on the runway schedule for New York, ASAP, as the shows get booked quickly. Each collection show only reserves up to 15 designer spots and Ina is determined to be one of them.

“Fresh out of Massey University,” she says, “it’s crazy to think that I’ve even been invited, especially when over 40,000 applicants are reviewed each year by the runway scouters.

Ina says her only income comes from her job as a fashion retail assistant, which barely covers the minimum for the trip, but she is working overtime to contribute as much as she can.

“This is my biggest dream; I never imagined that I would be given this opportunity, especially so soon in my career. For a young designer, showing at even one of these is no small feat - they’re frequented by industry heavyweights like Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour.

Ina has also set up a givealittle page; donations can be made at; https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/help-get-young-designer-inamalama-to-fashion-week

The money raised will go towards paying for her designer package (which includes runway fee, casting models, professional photography/ creative media, press and underlying production costs such as music and props), flights and accommodation. Ina says that the chance to show her collection in New York would be life changing and would help launch her career.

“But no matter how far I go in my life or career as a fashion designer,” she said, "I’ll never forget my childhood roots. You can take the girl out of Eastbourne but you can never take Eastbourne out of the girl.

"I’ll always have a home in Muritai and the local Eastbourne community.”

Ina Malama Williams.

Some of Ina's Unfiltered Man designs.

ECB climate change meeting draws diverse crowd

A larger than usual turnout at the Eastbourne Community Board meeting in late June owed its numbers to those lending their support for chair, Virginia Horrocks'declaration of a climate change emergency.

Ms Horrocks said that she was delighted with the support of around 50 local citizens, particularly with the number of young people who attended.

A raft of people spoke in support of the memorandum, including Hutt South Labour MP Ginny Andersen, former ECB Chair Derek Wilshere and Professor Rupert Sutherland from Victoria University’s School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.

Professor Sutherland confirmed that climate change is a real, happening event, which began during the Industrial Revolution in the mid-19th Century.

“But we are at a stage now where we need to be moving beyond the aspirational and doing something about it,” he said. “If we want to make change, we have to accept that there is a fiscal cost associated.”

Derek Wilshere was in agreement, adding that the time for debate was over and that he was proud to stand and support the ECB, joining other like-minded bodies from around the world.

Ginny Andersen said that she was there to lend support to the motion, acknowledging

that her own government should be doing so much more.

“We need to be transitioning,” she said, “not more cars, more motorways. Cycling and other modes of electric transport need our full encouragement.”

Ms Andersen said that she has been greatly encouraged by the young people she has talked with over the issue and their very hope-focused attitude toward the future.

Four Year 12 students from Hutt Valley High School were there to add some input from that youth standpoint, united by the slogan, “The sea is rising and so are we”.

Outgoing Community Board member Robert Ashe, said that he now also has hope that the young people are onto this ‘spiralling’ issue.

“Fifty percent now believe it is real,” he said, “the bad half are elder white males in power.”

Not all present were in favour of the move, however; most opposed did not like the word ‘emergency’.

Eddie Mills, an Eastbourne resident since 1970 and current radio operator for Civil Defence, says in his ten years in the job, he’s never had an emergency to deal with.

"The word emergency is scaremongering and frightening children,” he said. “An emergency is a plane or car crash. This is not going to be a problem for the next generation.”

“Emergency is the word,” said Michael Lulich, “otherwise people will just push it aside. We don’t want to tell the next generation that we’ve ruined Earth.”

Both ward councillors offered their full support for the fast tracking of policy to address climate change.

Tui Lewis said that the Petone Board had voted in favour of the climate declaration at their meeting the night before.

“It says to HCC, put residents at peace that policy changes are ahead,” she said, “and that they are completely necessary.”

Several speakers representing interest groups throughout the community spoke in support of the motion, including Felicity Rashbrooke from East Harbour Environmental Association and Hamish Morison, who spoke from first a business perspective and then for the need to consider continuing the existing seawall right around the Bays, to safeguard vulnerable property.

Resident Gordon Parr offered his support but suggested that it was inconvenient for political parties and city councils to address such concerns, as it generally loses votes.

“Modern climate change is a result of ever increasing human consumption,” he said. “More tax needs to be paid by the worst offenders to ensure a future for our kids.”

Authorized by Ray Wallace 59 Karaka Street Lower Hutt 5014

Volunteers required to drive for our elderly

Take time to spare a thought for the elderly. If you have spare time, you may be in a position to help elder residents with day to day needs, which you may require yourself one day.

Okiwi Trust Volunteers Co-ordinator, Pippa de Court, says that the quest for volunteers to come forward and assist our community's more frail residents is an ongoing process and while the Trust and senior citizens are eternally grateful to those currently available, there is always room for more.

There is an ongoing need for more volunteers, she says, especially drivers.

"There are approximately 65 older Eastbourne residents already using our Volunteer Driver Service, and the numbers are increasing all the time.”

The story of the Okiwi Trust and its involvement with our elderly stretches back to 1973 with the establishment of Okiwi House, a local nursing home funded by the community to ensure Eastbourne’s venerable could continue to live in the area.

With the sale of Okiwi House in 2001, the trust established a Volunteer Driver Service. Drivers are available to take people to appointments in Eastbourne, the Hutt Valley or Wellington and will try to accommodate all reasonable requests for transport to and from a destination. Drivers give of their time freely, with Okiwi Trust reimbursing the running cost of their vehicles, with petrol vouchers.

Pippa says that a 20-minute Volunteer Service has since been added, to expand on services for the older residents. The cost of providing these services is paid out from interests earned on the trust's modest investments. However, it remains difficult to meet all of the trust's costs and for this reason, they will always welcome donations.

“We have volunteers willing to provide residents with minor household repairs and

maintenance,” Pippa says. “Moving deliveries of firewood, changing washers and light bulbs, fixing window and door latches. Any job is considered. If however the job requires a specialist, we will endeavour to assist in finding a suitable tradesperson.”

Okiwi Trust also offers social outings to films and organises the local viewing of videos and luncheons over the winter months. “Those of us who live alone look forward to the Okiwi projects,” says Sheila Johnson. “They keep people in touch with each other and it’s better than being stuck at home all the time.”

“People living alone need to talk to each other,” Pam Fisher says.

“It’s better for mind and spirit. Some of us can’t drive anymore and the volunteers are more

than just that, they become friends. We have great conversations and many laughs.”

Heather McLean agrees; “They offer such a cheerful service. I get door to door service when I need to go to Pak n’ Save and even help with the unpacking.”

“It goes with the patch,” she adds.

“The Eastbourne community is well knitted together, but these volunteers allow us to remain independent and still remain part of that community.”

Ann Chapman says that as you reach an age where you need help and life becomes more difficult, the Okiwi outings make life more enjoyable.

To volunteer, contact Pippa on 0800 654 942 or go to www.okiwi.org.nz

Many local residents say that without Okiwi assistance, they don't know how they'd cope.

GWRC moving to increase safety

Final preparations are being made ahead of installing an extra navigation light designed to help all ships to safely navigate their exit from Wellington Harbour.

The new light is being installed by Greater Wellington’s Harbours Department. It will be located close to Hinds Point, alongside the Pencarrow Coast Road, approximately 3km south of Burdan’s Gate.

Greater Wellington Harbourmaster, Grant Nalder, says that the light will replace an informal landmark used by pilots, managing outbound shipping as well as ferries.

“Given the growing number of ships passing through the harbour and their increasing size,” Mr Nalder says, “we’re moving to upgrade from a landmark to a tower, with a light that will be effective day and night.

With around 13,000 shipping movements annually in the harbour, navigation lights are essential to safety management.

“The Hinds Point light will provide further reassurance for vessels leaving the harbour,” says Mr. Nalder, “by providing a visible point which will then guide them onto established navigation routes.”

The light will be installed on top of a 6m aluminium tower, coloured white on its seaward side to ensure it is visible as a day

marker against the hillside. A solar powered LED light will be used for power and the light will only be visible from sea, a few degrees either side of the 168 degree pilotage track.

Consent has been obtained from Hutt City Council and installation is anticipated to take place in Spring 2019.

-

-

-

- Family Pies

-

Baring Head transformation reaches next phase

Two former lighthouse keeper’s cottages and an old generator building are well on the way to being transformed into accommodation and a visitor centre in East Harbour Regional Park.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Eastern Harbour Park Ranger, Jo Greenman, says once renovated, the buildings at Baring Head (Ōrua-Pouanui) will encourage more visitors into the area.

“The Friends of Baring Head alongside many other volunteers are working hard to create a new destination in Wellington,” Jo says. “We already have stunning views here, but once there’s shelter, a visitor centre and even a place for people to spend the night – this will be a great destination.

The lighthouse, which opened in 1935, became automated in 1989 which led to the closure of its nearby buildings.  Jo says that being able to stay within metres of an operating lighthouse will be a unique experience.

A design has been drawn up to turn the old generator building into a visitor ‘storytelling’ centre where park-goers can read about local Maori history, as well as the history of the lighthouse itself.

All of the main buildings have had their roofs replaced and two have been stripped, repaired and externally painted. Dulux is generously sponsoring this project with

products, funds and volunteers’ time.

“The next phase will be to rewire and refurbish the inside of the generator building,” Jo says, “which we are hoping to have up-andrunning as a visitor centre within the next 12 months.”

The Friends of Baring Head also plan to restore the surrounding gardens and create a discovery trail.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Parks Portfolio leader, Prue Lamason, says it’s great to see the next stage of this detailed project underway.

“We always want to encourage more people into our regional parks,” Cr Lamason says, “so it’s just amazing to see the progress that has been made at Baring Head so far.”

“The work couldn’t be done without the commitment of our dedicated volunteers,” she adds, “so a big shout out to them for their ongoing efforts.”

If anyone would like to get involved in the work happening at Baring Head through funding, skills or materials, visit;  www. baringhead.org.nz

Wharf work to begin in earnest

Strategic Advisor for Hutt City Council, Bruce Hodgins, says that as of July 8th, work on the temporary walkway has now been completed, and further refurbishment work on Days Bay Wharf in general is set to ‘ramp up’.

“Our Contractor, Brian Perry Civil, will

now begin to remove the concrete deck at the head of the wharf,” says Mr. Hodgins, “and have erected fencing to separate the work area from ferry passenger access,” While the wharf is open to Ferry commuters, it will not be available for other recreational use until further notice.

The Joy of Illustrating

by Ann Packer

Kimberly Andrews had never met veteran children’s book author Joy Cowley before creating the illustrations for Song of the River, a newly-published edition from Wellington’s Gecko Press of Cowley’s classic 1997 story. At the Featherston Booktown event in May, the Canadian-born Days Bay author and illustrator – there to share her picture book Puffin the Architect with a child audience – heard the legendary author was in the booksellers’ hall. So she lined up with booklovers at the signing table, and waited her turn.

“I said: ‘I'm Kimberly’ and she said ‘Oh yes Kimberly – what lovely work you did on the Song of the River book’. And then she told me that she had given her first advance copy to her Canadian optometrist who said it reminded her of home, which is a lovely compliment.”

A two-category finalist in this year’s New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, Kimberly has made it to the shortlist twice before, with illustrations for others’ stories. This time, it’s her own Puffin the Architect that’s lining up for Best Picture Book and the Russell Clark Illustration Award.

Kimberly has always drawn. Growing up as the daughter of an artist and a photographer, she was so surrounded by art she didn’t feel the need to study it at school, opting instead for science. “I had such a good teacher at home –Mum always drew with us – but I felt science would be really useful.” She studied biology and geology, later working in London at the Natural History Museum, (“a dream come true”) and as a conservation biologist with orangutans in Borneo.

In Cowley’s classic story Cam, a boy living with his grandfather in the mountains, follows the river’s call from trickle to ocean. “I don’t remember when I first saw the sea,” says Kimberly, who grew up in the fairytale town of Banff, in the Canadian Rockies, before moving to Eastbourne at the age of eight. “We had big long summers of lake swimming in my childhood so I didn’t think about the sea too much.”

Those Canadian summers come to life in

this new version of the timeless story, that for all its contemporary touches is surprisingly like the original – except that the illustrator had never set eyes on New Zealand artist Elizabeth Fuller’s earlier pictures. Indeed, Kimberly had no brief, and turned down her publisher’s offer of a look at the original. She insisted husband James Innes promise not to Google it, and chose to start with just a typescript of the text.

Fitting everything in was “a really fun puzzle”, Kimberly says. Certain details had to be included – the paddle steamer, cranes and tugboats of the text. Others were more personal: the Andrews/Hoyle family beagle, Mogul –locals will remember him for his missing leg – is always included somewhere in her pictures.

Featuring on the front cover is a “tiny house” – more like one of Puffin the Architect’s creations than the container home in Days Bay, where Kimberly lives with James and baby Nova, behind her parents’ Southlight premises. Where to next? She plans to revisit Puffin’s world. “It’s my happy place.”

The winners of the 2019 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults will be announced at a ceremony at Te Papa’s Te Marae in Wellington on the evening of Wednesday 7 August.

Pt Howard Security Camera - Policy Update

If you require images from the camera, please email pthowardassn@gmail.com with the police crime reference number, plus the date and time of the alleged incident.

Images will be supplied directly to the police and not to the requestor. This service is free for Point Howard Assn members, non-members will incur a $150 fee payable before images are released to the police.

A $50 deposit will also be required from non-members before footage is reviewed. If you have not become a member of the PHA by the end of July 2019, then the $150 fee will be applied from 01 Aug 2019 if you require images.

The $150 fee goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the CCTV infrastructure.

The above change in policy is effective from 01 July 2019.

News from Point Howard

Kimberly with daughter Nova.

Translocation project a big success

by Carl McRae

Matiu/Somes Island is home again to Fluttering Shearwater, thanks to local ornithologist Shane Cotter

Shane presented the successful results of the Matiu/Somes Island Fluttering Shearwater Translocation Project at the 2019 Birds of New Zealand annual conference last month.

Five years after he started the project,to restore breeding seabirds to Wellington Harbour, Shane was able to report that 63 birds have returned to the Island and started breeding. He expects more to arrive in the coming years.

The fluttering shearwater is a seabird of inshore waters, found most predominantly in the northern-eastern North Island and Marlborough Sounds-Cook Strait regions. The project involved the transfer of 237 chicks from Long Island in the Marlborough Sounds, to Matiu/Somes in Wellington harbour, between 2012-2014.

A team of volunteers fed the chicks for a month with "sardine smoothies" until they fledged from their nest burrows. The hope was that the birds would return to their ‘new’ home, as opposed to the island where they hatched.

Shane still visits the colony once a month, picking the grisliest of conditions, wet windy nights, which is when the shearwaters are most active on land.

“Generally they like lots of rain, lots of wind and no moon,” he told Radio New Zealand’s Senior Producer, Alison Ballance in a recent interview.

“Bad conditions for humans, perfect

conditions for birds to come to the Island.”

The youngest translocated bird to return was almost three years old. The youngest birds to breed in the new colony have been four years old.

Shane says that most of the wild birds that have been attracted to the colony have been females, while many of the returning translocated birds are males.

“By numbers we are discovering that females search for new locations to breed,” he says, “while males seem to return to where they were fledged from.”

A total of 21 wild birds have been attracted in by the solar-powered sound system, which broadcasts fluttering shearwater calls from dusk through until dawn.

“As well as attracting any other birds that weren’t transferred there,” Shane says, “it attracts other birds from within the harbour to that site.”

“We’ve had Diving Petrels coming in, that used to breed on the Island as well in preEuropean times,” he says.

“Six have been caught and banded there, two of those have taken up residency in one of the burrows, fingers crossed they may lay eggs this year and fledge chicks.”

“A few years ago, eight birds a night was good, then that went to 20 and now over 50 birds a night is a regular occurrence. It’s increasing all the time.”

“This has been our best year for chicks with 14, up from nine last year, which was up from three the year before. So again, an increase in chicks that have been hatched there and fledged.”

Shane’s initial vision of turning Matiu/ Somes back into a seabird island is certainly heading toward fruition.

It was once a forested seabird colony, but became rat infested following many years as an agricultural quarantine station. Following a large replanting programme and the removal of the introduced rodents, the reserve is once again covered in regenerating forest and is now home to thriving populations of tuatara, kakariki (red-crowned parakeets), giant weta and little blue penguins.

“Seabirds are a keystone species of ecosystems,” Shane says.

“They’ll poo, regurgitate, some of the eggs won’t hatch and put more nutrients into the soil when they break open. This increases the insect life, lizards, geckos, tuataras and other animals to the site.”

Shane says he is very excited about prospects of what’s going to happen out there on the island in years to come.

Demand for hip hop booming

The brand new Eastbourne Pump Dance preschoolers class went onstage and wowed a full house in excess of 500 people, at Wellington High School’s Riley Centre on June 16th.

Director Libby George says there are 17 preschoolers enrolled for the term and 12 of them performed onstage alongside 250 Pump dancers from the Wellington region! One young dancer received thunderous applause when he overcame last minute stage fright to eventually join his class and finish their routine.

“The Pump preschoolers do a mix of ballet, jazz and hip hop in their class,” Libby says. “Teachers say they can already tell that the hip hop music and moves are hitting the spot with these young dancers so they’ll be getting into more of that next term.”

They also plan on working towards putting the preschoolers on the Opera House stage on 26th October for the end of year show. It is themed Around the World in 80 Days and the preschoolers will be the opening act before 400+ Pump dancers, aged 2-18, hit the stage for their own productions.

“I’m now considering starting a Pump Dance class for 1- 2year olds in Eastbourne,” Libby says, “because lots of young parents are keen for a class where kids can let off steam, parents can choose to either watch or join in and we can all enjoy music with a bit of a beat!. Our fave songs that we won’t mind playing on repeat at home.”

Recently, Pump Dance has added adult classes in jazz and contemporary, and hip hop, to its local timetable.

EB Feldenkrais: still going strong

by Ali Carew

It all started in early 2002, when I spotted a card on the community noticeboard in Rimu Street with details of local Feldenkrais classes. I’d heard of Feldenkrais as being similar to T’ai Chi or Pilates, and thought it might help my chronic neck pain and my husband’s lower back problems. We decided to check it out, and a week later turned up at St Ronan’s hall to meet practitioner Bev Barclay and a mixed class of old-hands and beginners like us. We soon discovered that Feldenkrais was for all ages, shapes and sizes, and that we weren’t the only ones seeking relief from injuries or chronic conditions.

We also learned about Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-84), an Israeli engineer who, after suffering an injury, used his scientific knowledge to develop an exercise programme to restore function to his damaged knee. It was so successful that he formalised the method and began teaching others. There are over 600 lessons which can be taught in any order, each focusing on a different function or part of the body. Overall, the aim is to improve flexibility, posture, balance and ease of movement, while raising awareness of how our bodies work.

We liked this holistic approach, and soon settled into the rhythm of weekly classes. Each lesson starts with us lying on the floor (mats are provided!) and mentally scanning our body, noticing our contact with the floor, our

breathing, and any areas of tension or strain. Next we do a simple baseline movement from which the rest of the lesson develops. We work at our own pace and if we experience any discomfort we’re told to do less, or just imagine the movement. Most of the low-impact movements are done lying on the floor, and involve slow gentle stretching and turning, freeing up tight muscles and stiff joints.

When we started, back in 2002, I was slightly sceptical about what the classes could achieve. But I’ll never forget my ‘Eureka’ moment midway through our first term, when I realised I was no longer getting the neckrelated headaches I’d endured for years. As for my husband’s back problems (the specialist had told him the loss of function was permanent): well, Feldenkrais has proved otherwise. Now in our mid-seventies, we’re still tramping and gardening, and keeping up with our grandchildren. And every Wednesday morning, under the guidance now of Lois Ollivier, we’re still enjoying our weekly ‘Feldie’ class....

(For further information, go to www. feldenkrais.org.nz)

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

Gavin Murphy General Manager

Talented locals win architecture, building awards

A local architect and two local builders have won signficant recognition.

Moore Design won a regional Architectural Designers New Zealand award for the Residential Multi-unit Dwelling category and will go through to national contention in October. The builder on this project, SpiceBuild also won a Gold Award at the regional Registered Master Builders Awards

two weeks ago in the Renovation Over $1M category.

This was an old, derelict church in Petone that was brought to life and converted into three luxury apartments.

Their design at 5 Howard Road also recently won both a Gold Award and got a Category Win (New Home $750,000 - $1M) at the regional Registered Master Builders Awards. The builder on this project was Willie Davis Builders , who was given the Gold Award and Category winner Altus Windows New Home $750,000 - $1million. Wilson Building site manager Ricky McKeagg, an Eastbourne local, won the Gold Award and Category winner Resene New Home over $2 million, Supreme House of the Year Award, Harvey Norman Commercial – Interior Design Lifestyle Award, Outdoor Living Award, and Sustainable Home Award Supreme Award for the house built in the Belmont Hills as Site Manager for Wilson Building. The results of the regional competition were revealed at a gala dinner on Friday 12 July at the Lower Hutt Events Centre. The winning builds were celebrated by the region’s Registered Master Builders and

members of the local construction industry. Overall there were nine Gold Award winners from the Wellington and Wairarapa area, which will now be judged against Gold Award winners from around the country to find the National Top 100 Gold Award finalists. National category winners and the Registered Master Builders Supreme Awards for House of the Year and Renovation of the Year will be announced at a gala dinner on 23 November at Cordis Hotel in Auckland.

5 Howard Road.

The redesigned church in Petone.

New build in Belmont hills.

Stanley Alfred Hunt was the last surviving member and youngest of six children born to Alfred and Kate Hunt. All the children were born in a small upstairs bedroom in Ashley View Farm, Hudswell near Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales, Northern England.

His father, a farmer, died aged 48 and his mother passed away in 1946 when Stan was only 16 years old.

He then went to live for a number of years with his sister, Margaret and her husband Jim in Lancashire where Jim strongly encouraged a young Stanley to attend college and get a qualification. He left college with a carpentry diploma. Stan said, only recently, that he was hugely indebted to his brother-in-law for his help.

Between 1945 and 1950 Stan undertook an apprenticeship as a Joiner and Cabinet Maker until called up for National Service. Stan’s military career began on 8 June 1950. He was a military Police officer and dog handler serving in Gibraltar. He rose to the rank of lance corporal before his military career ended in June 1952.

Upon leaving the army Stan returned to carpentry.

Rumour has it that Stan met his future wife Mary Knowles on a train. After talking to her the whole journey, as she was leaving, she offered Stan her contact details. It was love at first sight and as they say the rest is history.

On 21 June 1955 Stan left Glasgow Scotland with Mary on the ship Captain Hobson, as an ‘assisted passenger’ - a ‘10 pound Pom’ - and arrived in Wellington on 3 August 1955. Upon disembarking, Stan and Mary went to the emigration camp in Trentham.

Stan married Mary there 23 days later in what I understand was a double wedding with another couple. They first lived in Mahina Bay before later moving to Konini Street.

In 1958 Stan got a reference from the principal of Wilton School which stated “He has the highest motives in his desire to take up teaching for his experience of life has brought him to the belief that teachers can give a worthy service to the community.”

This reference must have worked as in 1960 Stan was able to combine his desire to teach with his expertise in carpentry, beating a large pool of applicants to become the chief instructor of carpentry at the Maori Affairs Department Trades Training Centre at Seaview. He held this position for the next 17 years.

Here, Stan immediately embraced the Maori culture and worked for many years with young Maori students and unemployed young people, offering encouragement and imparting his woodworking skills. Stan would travel up the East Coast and across to Opotiki on recruitment drives encouraging Maori parents to enroll their young sons and daughters so they could get a trade and a good start in life.

He acquired a broad knowledge of Maori carvings and paintings and was instrumental in

helping with the decoration of Pipitea Marae in Wellington. He was intensely proud of working with Maori and made some life-long friends with his students.

He returned with Mary to visit his family in the UK on four occasions; the first time in 1966, again via sea, where he sent air-mail postcards to his English family from every port of call.

In 1967 he joined the Eastbourne Forest Rangers working on various conservation projects where he acquired an in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

Somehow in 1970 he managed to find time to build and then move into his house in Konini Street where he resided up until his death; the next 49 years.

Stan moved to Petone Technical Institute (later Weltec) as the Maori Liaison Officer in 1977.

Soon after, Stan won a McKenzie Education Foundation award to swap experiences with American and British teachers. He travelled to the UK and taught British Trade Trainers his techniques and learnt from them before going to America visiting teaching and rehabilitation training establishments there. The focus of his trip was short term training for black teenage gang members hampered by social, ethnic or economic backgrounds as well as training schemes for the unemployed. He spent time with the NYPD youth diversion gaining an insight into gangs, weaponry, gang recruitment

and Police prevention measures. These included sports and drama activities for youth at risk, foot soldiers on the edge of gangs. He noted that the Police there had been forced to move away from apprehension roles in schools to prevention activities. Upon his return to New Zealand he strongly advocated for smaller class sizes and that education was the key to changing a young person’s life outcomes. A man many many years ahead of his time.

At this time Stan was also an Eastbourne Borough Councillor with his good friend Ray Smith. Stan retired on 30 September 1987. This just allowed him more time to undertake voluntary work. Stan was one of the three founding members of MIRO. He launched new ventures with EFR in the Eastbourne Hills and on Matiu/Somes Island which will be covered off by Ray Smith shortly.

He and Mary undertook volunteer work with St Vincent de Paul for over 40 years. Stan also volunteered with Alzheimer’s New Zealand for many years as well. He was a volunteer teacher at San Antonio for at least six years teaching environmental workshops. He also did this at Muritai School and with several other groups. In 2003 Stan was awarded the Wellington Region Conservation Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to conservation on Matiu/Somes Island and in East Harbour Regional Park. Stan was also awarded an Outstanding Volunteer Award after spending many years giving talks, demonstrations and teaching painting to residents of Woburn Rest Home. This began when Mary was a resident there for 6 years but continued after her death with Stan visiting at least twice a month to run activity sessions for the residents or to take them out on trips around the region.

Stan was a true Kiwi, while retaining some of his inherited Yorkshire traits including a nononsense approach to life and straight-talking style. It was in his DNA. ‘What you saw was what you got’.

Stan is not easy to categorise. An incurable volunteer, former builder, trade school teacher, lover of the outdoors and much else besides. Above everything though, his one true love was his wife Mary. by Keith Darbyshire - Nephew

Thinking of becoming a member of the ECB?

Current Eastbourne Community Board Chair Virginia Horrocks has made the process a little easier for you, by compiling these answers to FAQs.

Nominations must be in the hands of the Electoral Officer before 12 noon, Friday 16th August, 2019.

Nomination forms are available via the HCC website. To become an ECB member; http://iportal.huttcity.govt.nz/Record/ ReadOnly?Tab=3&Uri=5291902

What sort of person makes a good board member?

Someone who loves Eastbourne and wants to keep the qualities that make us want to live here; has energy and likes getting things done; is involved in the community and enjoys working with other community-minded people.

You do not have to know everything about the community or how to run meetings. If you are already involved with school, kindy, play centre, a service organisation, sport or any other community activity, this is what you bring to the board and we are keen to have a range of ages and interests on the team.

What you can get out of being on the board?

You meet all sorts of new people and groups, as residents, contact you about issues

that upset them and you have the satisfaction of helping solve at least some of these. The annual walk-around is one of our most enjoyable events, both because we meet appreciative residents and  have the satisfaction of helping them with a range of problems; such things as transport, access to the beach, getting drains cleared and improving streetscapes. You get a much better understanding of how the community works and how it fits with Hutt City.

What do you have to do and how much time does it take?

There are six ECB meetings a year, which you should only miss with very good reason and regular Hutt City Council briefings, where community board members can get an early look at city wide proposals. We also get background from Greater Wellington on plans for the forest parks, water and river management.

The time commitment varies. Some weeks pass peacefully and occasionally life can be quite hectic, if we get a stream of emails and phone calls about a local issue. It is really up to you to choose how much you want to be involved.

The current ECB rotates the deputy-chair by a scientific method, drawing names out of a “hat” tossing, though new members are given time to find their feet before being asked to take

this on. Every board member is also expected to be our liaison person with a local community organisation, often one they already belong to.

Other tasks involve consulting with the community and making submissions on their behalf to Hutt City and allocating funds for some community grants. Our success in finally getting funding for the Eastern Shared Path is one of our more satisfying achievements.

What support do you get?

You get paid. At the moment $6,500 per year or around $150 a week. This is important as it means parents who are interested in being on the board can pay for child minding, petrol or public transport costs are covered and time and cell phone calls are covered.

There is also training for new and experienced members at the beginning of each term and the chance to go to courses and the Local Government Conference.

Standing for both the city council and Eastbourne Community Board, Phil Sprey is one confirmed candidate for this year's local body elections. Murray Gibbons and Ginny Horrocks are also confirmed as standing for the ECB in 2019. Keep an eye on upcoming Eastbourne Herald editions to read more about the elections this year.

PARKSIDE

Twenty years ago, many of the tree species in the Northern Forest behind Eastbourne were being decimated by possums. This was especially true for rata, with whole trees dying and others with ‘stags heads’-large dead branches high in the canopy. The damage spurred Councils and local volunteers into action.

Through the use of poisons to achieve the initial knock-down and the establishment of an extensive trap network, serviced regularly by MIRO and other volunteers, possum numbers are now kept at a low level.

As a result, the tree canopy has recovered to the point where it is now hard to spot a ‘stags head’ in the latest Google Earth imagery.

So, for now, we are confident that if we continue the existing trapping effort (400+ traps serviced monthly) we will protect the forest from possums until improved control measures are developed as a part of Predator Free 2050.

Down at the Parangarahu Lakes the possum control story is different. For a start, this area had been cleared for farming and is now in the very early stages of forest regeneration.

To speed up the regeneration process MIRO, working with Greater Wellington and local Iwi, has planted small plots of locally sourced native tree species to provide a seed source for birds to disperse throughout the area.

Possums, of course, find the young trees very tasty compared to gorse, so we protect each plot with some possum traps.

Now that the earlier plantings are producing seed, there is a need to control possums over the whole area, not just at the plots. To this end, Greater Wellington installed 40 new possum traps in 2018, serviced monthly by MIRO

volunteers.

While we are yet to achieve the low possum numbers of the Northern Forest, we know we will eventually get there.

You may wonder why, given the low possum numbers, have we had poisoning campaigns over the past two years?

The poisoning has been organised by OSPRI - formerly TB-free NZ - to try to eradicate bovine tuberculosis in the lower North Island (one of just a few places in New Zealand where it has not already been eradicated).

Bovine TB badly affects our dairy herds. If the possum population can be kept below 2 percent (catch rate) for a few years, Bovine TB will die out.

Our trapping efforts over the past 17 years have kept the possum population in the Northern Forest well below the 5 percent threshold required for forest recovery, but we don’t quite reach the 2 percent level, hence the need for the OSPRI campaigns.

The 2017/18 campaign reduced possums to about 2 percent for the area from the Northern Forest through to the Lakes and, for a while, the detection rate in the centre of the Northern Forest was zero.

So, it is thanks to those early stalwarts taking on trapping that our forest is in such good health. Many of our early trappers are now getting on in years so are not as capable of trapping as they used to be. Fortunately, through the interest and awareness created by the ERAT Project, a new cohort of volunteers is coming through to take their place to ensure the forest remains in good shape.

- Terry Webb, MIRO

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

July/August: Late winter. Temperatures rising. Prune soon, else early-swelling buds get knocked off. Prune in dry weather (disease enters wet pruning wounds). Seal larger wounds with house paint…

Time to buy new trees/shrubs. Choose the best plants. Buy early to get first dibs on what’s available. Buy late and you get others rejects. Plant in August/September.

Plant origins: Plant life started as individual unicells in seas/lakes. Later, these learned to stick together to form colonies. Sometimes they got washed ashore. Most dried and died but some learned to exude slime to slow down drying. About 450 million years ago, the first simple land plants appeared – biofilms – green unicells stuck to damp rocks with exuded slime. Biofilms are still around, on our roofs, paths, fences (Google Pleurococcus). Later, some cells in a colony became specialised and so these colonies became the first, simple, multicellular plants.

Cell structure: A typical plant cell is surrounded by a super-thin membrane (very fragile but smart, as it contains and controls the mix of soluble contents). Outside this is a fibrous cellulose cell wall (tough and leathery - but strong in tension). Outside this is a thin, waxy cuticle (very waterproof). Cells are pumped up full of water (osmosis), their internal turgor pressure 10-times the pressure in a car tyre. Cell firmness depends on cell turgor. For cells, think tiny footballs; for wilting cells, think tiny footballs needing pumped up.

Tissue structure: Most plants are multi-cell structures made of facetted cells (think bricks) glued together with pectins (think mortar). Small, thick-walled cells are stronger than big, thin-walled ones. So, plants use small cells for the skin and fill up their inside spaces with big cells and air. This turgid, multicell structure is strong enough to build a leafy herbaceous plant up to ~1 m tall. That’s enough to overshadow a green slime and steal its sunlight (energy).

BIG structure: Impregnate a cellulose cell wall with lignin (like epoxy resin) and its texture becomes harder, less leathery, still very tough. Elongate the cell, thicken its wall and let it die and, bingo, a fibre-reinforced resin wood cell. Woody plants are to non-woody plants, as steel-reinforced concrete is to bricks - lets you build skyscrapers. Forest trees up to ~100 m tall steal the sunlight (energy) from herbaceous plants. No wonder the natural world is mostly forest…

Sandy Lang slang@xtra.co.nz

Local focus for Still Room entry

Anthony Hall and Rowan McLeod were determined to show wider Wellington just what Eastbourne can offer when it comes to good food, when they entered a burger in this year's Wellington on a Plate competition.

Our 'In the Neighbourhood' Burger is made entirely from local (Hutt Valley) produce," Rowan says.

It is made from lime and chillimarinated tender chicken sourced from Eastbourne Village Meats with crispy skin, spicy chorizo from Ontrays in Petone, fresh salad from Eastbourne Fruit Supply, sriracha mayo, onion relish and jalapeño cheese on a spiced bioche bun from Brezelmania, all made in-house by James The Still Room's chef.

"We wanted to create our burger around the idea of taking a wander through our village - our Neighbourhood. We have the absolute pleasure of being able to source ingredients from our high quality local village suppliers

and wanted to showcase that in our offering this year."

Burger Wellington runs from August 17- 31 and The Still Room is one of a number of venues taking part in Lower Hutt.

"We have had great support and encouragement from Hutt City Council's promotion and events team and hope that Lower Hutt gets on board with the festival," Rowan says.

Faith in the Community

That fish…

I was a surprised recently to see a little ‘fish’ symbol on the back of a car as we entered the Terrace tunnel. They were very popular among Christians in the ‘90s but I wonder if many now know what it means. The fish was a secret sign of recognition for the earliest Christians when they were in the Roman Empire. The situation for Christians then, was not entirely unlike that for the French Resistance during WW2 in relation to the German occupation forces. The fish sign was made in the dust with the toe of a sandal as one simple curve, the symbol to be completed by the other person if they were a follower of the ‘way of Jesus’. Christians then, were seen as ‘treasonous’ because they owed their allegiance to Jesus rather than to Caesar. And this was characterised in their concern to work for the poor, the marginalised, the oppressed and the voiceless. Their activity was seen as posing a threat to the fabric of empire. But why a fish? Maybe because a number of the earliest followers were fishermen but more likely because it was a very common symbol and, for Christians, the Greek word for fish, ICTHUS was also an acronym for ‘Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour’. Christians may not be persecuted in New Zealand but their concern for the wellbeing of the community still remains paramount.

St Alban’s: • Men’s Group, a drink and a bite, first Wednesdays, 6pm, RSA. • Women’s Group third Mondays, 10am, The Hive Café. San Antonio: • Women’s Group 3rd Fridays, 2pm, various homes, tel Eileen 562 8806 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). Taizé Candlelight Service, 1st Suns, 6.30pm (winter months). Parenting Course, Babies and toddlers, Term 3, Thurs 7-9pm, six weekly sessions (22 Aug to 26 Sept), enquire office@stronans.org.nz Alpha Discussion BYO lunch, Thurs 12.15pm, eight weekly sessions (1 Aug to 19 Sept), enquire office@stronans. org.nz

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

Rowan McLeod and Anthony Hall.

A spine-tingling winter warmer

Love a good Agatha Christie murder mystery on a wintery night? Then you are bound to enjoy a spine-chilling evening of live theatre, with a glass of bubbles in hand.

Eastbourne’s Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe’s production of And Then There Were None is based on the world’s best-selling murder mystery novel ever, with over 100 million sales to date.

According to director Lian Butcher, it’s Christie’s masterpiece, with her own stage adaptation of this dark and captivating tale bound to thrill and enthral audiences, as murder unfolds.

The story begins as ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island (an isolated island off the coast of Devon) by their host U.N. Owen. They are cut off from the mainland, with no telephone or means of escape, and far enough away for no one to hear their screams.

One by one, in the sequence of a childlike rhyme displayed on the wall and represented by toy soldiers, the guests die. And as they do so, the little soldiers disappear too.

Trapped, scared and with nowhere to go, they must work out who and where the murderer is, before their own fates are sealed and the title of this dark play is fulfilled.

Butcher hopes audiences will walk away at the end of the play feeling dumbstruck, wondering what has just happened. “This

really isn’t a happy-ever-after show. It’s unlike most ‘feel good’ productions and is more about ‘feeling thrilled and shocked”.

True to the late 1930s when the play was written, the 11-member cast have been effectively dressed by costume co-ordinator Kristi Lofthus Kleijn – thanks to lots of searching through treasures at the backs of wardrobes and in second hand clothing shops throughout the Hutt Valley.

Beginning on August 1, the play has seven performances in the Muritai School Hall, Eastbourne, including a matinee on August 4.

This is a play for mature audiences who love mystery, intrigue and want the challenge of trying to work out who the killer is before the residents of the island do.

Tickets can be purchased from www.bctt.org.nz. The opening night includes a glass of bubbles and a cushion to hide behind.

For further information, contact Lian Butcher on andthentherewerenonebctt@gmail.com or phone 021

134

3,000m2 SITE DAYS BAY

Potential to subdivide, demolish and build or renovate the current 3 bedroom home.

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN - DAYS BAY

With accentuating views of the entire Wellington harbour, this beautiful home is thoroughly authentic on all fronts. She has been modernised inside and out over time while keeping in check with the Art Deco character.

www.redcoats.co.nz/property/RED20505

www.redcoats.co.nz/property/RED19216

www.redcoats.co.nz/property/RED19935

IS

www.redcoats.co.nz/property/RED19422

Come and see for yourself; the views are exceptional, “your own look out point” over the Wellington harbour. Sun-drenched most of the day. Take a walk on the many tracks located above the house in the Regional Park.

www.redcoats.co.nz/property/RED19498

Sitting high nestled into the Days Bay landscape

the Bay and the harbour of Wellington.

the

to enjoy the vista of the bush life and the overwhelming sun to day end.

www.redcoats.co.nz/property/RED20398

capturing

views overlooking

Positioned

Muritai Road

IN THE HEART OF EASTBOURNE

Built in 1992 and purchased by our family who has recently downsized, this amazing 3 bedroom home is on the market. Nestled right next to the Eastbourne Village with cafes, Muritai School, the Medical centre and bus stop at your doorstep.

“GOOD MORNING EASTBOURNE!”

Design and build your home to wake up to the stunning view, not only of the harbour, but the vibrant Eastbourne village.

1a MacKenzie Road

905 203.

Early penguin arrivals need more nesting boxes

by Carl McRae

While the 2019 nesting season has not yet begun, local Penguin expert and advisor, Mike Rumble, says there are early signs a small number of banded Little Blue Penguin adults have returned to our beaches to pair off.

Eight adults (four pairs) were found in nesting boxes during a quick check earlier in the month.

“This indicates birds have started pairing off,” says Mike, “and should head back to sea shortly so that eggs can form. Some of the nest boxes now have well-formed nests, so fingers crossed for the approaching nesting season.”

An un-banded bird found in a nest box has now been banded. “Hopefully this means we are on the right track,” said Mike, “as we had only a 28 percent survival rate last year. But every bird captured has now been banded, so we will know if they return.”

The original penguin haven in Days Bay had fallen into disrepair a few years ago, but with the assistance of a couple of individuals and the Hutt City Council, Mike says the road to recovery for these Wellington Harbour heritage birds is well underway.

But he would like to see the community take more ownership over the preservation of our little blues and eventually see the Bays become somewhat of a sanctuary for them, as Matiu/Somes Island is able to provide with their own breeding programme.

“There are over 600 penguins on the Island,” says Mike, “where we have been monitoring nests for eggs and chicks since 2007.”

But Mike also has grave concerns for their ultimate survival. “Predators are just one part of the equation,” he says. “On the mainland, dogs off leads are an absolute menace and can strike, devastatingly so, within seconds. In the harbour they are prey for orcas, seals and dolphins.”

Long-line fishing is also problematic for the penguins, but Mike says the worst news for them is that climate change over the past three seasons has created various issues that at this stage look to be irreversible.

“During the winter of 2017,” he says, “I monitored the water between Matiu/ Somes and Days Bay, which was at one time an absolutely staggering 20.3 degrees. The trouble for blues is that their principal diet consists of little squid and fish, both bottom feeders and they are being forced out into Cook Strait because of the warm water.”

Penguins can travel up to 25km out from the harbour to feed, returning the same day, but obviously the deeper waters put them at greater risk from large marine animals.

Mike is resolutely determined that the seabirds will survive however. He was called in as an independent expert recently when construction issues were being discussed regarding the building of the Shared Pathway around the Bays.

Together with Placemakers, the Menzshed and Wellesley College, 30 nesting boxes (materials supplied by HCC) are to be custom built and will be added to the penguin haven in Days Bay.

“We will have 50 boxes to build in total,” says Mike, “and they all come in kit sets, with stage by stage construction notes. These will make great school projects, providing a good deal of education regarding our little blue

penguins, while constructing and safeguarding their future for us all to enjoy.”

Mike says that Wellesley College will be the first local school to assist with the haven upgrade, but he is hoping that Muritai and San Antonio schools will also get on board with the project.

Little Blue Penguins.

Smoke Alarms

Every year the NZFS attend more than 3,500 house fires. In 80 percent of the fatal fires we attend, smoke alarms are either not installed or not working. Many fire fatalities happen at night when people are sleeping and don’t smell the smoke. Working smoke alarms are the best way to make sure you and your family get an early warning of fire, so you can get out alive.

• Test alarms regularly, aim for twice a year at daylight savings

• If not using photoelectric or hardwired alarms, replace batteries annually.

• Photoelectric Smoke Alarms have a 10 year battery lifespan.

Escape Plans

Prepare and Practice an Escape Plan

• You will have one or two minutes from the sounding of the smoke alarm to when your life is seriously threatened by fire or smoke.

• Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if a fire occurs.

• Identify a primary escape route out of every room, then pick a secondary route in case the first is blocked by fire.

• Ensure doorways are not obstructed.

• Select and indicate a meeting place outside of the home (eg the letterbox).

• Call 111 and ask for the Fire Service from a neighbour’s home or mobile phone.

Remember! Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives.

Emergency Call Outs:

• 17 June 19 – Alarm Activation, Muritai School

• 20 June 19 – Alarm Activation, Muritai School

• 28 June 19 – Fire on Beach, Maire St

• 02 July 19 – Fire on Beach, Burdans Gate

• 06 July 19 – Bin on fire, Kauri St

• 07 July 19 – Rescue, Point Howard

• 13 July 19 - Power pole on fire, Lowry Bay

The Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade is still 12 Firefighters short of its optimum membership which is 50 percent 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.

Eastbourne business group to run winter seminars

by Carl McRae

Sinead Diederich has relaunched the Eastbourne Business Group, an initiative she first set up six years ago. Acknowledging that winter can be a lean time of year for businesses, she opened this years series of meetings earlier this week with a talk by Hutt City Council’s City Promotions Manager, James Lamb.

“James gave us a great overview of who does what at Council,” she said. “He talked about the council’s agenda for growth in the valley from a tourism perspective. Rowan from the Still Room talked about how many creative business types there are in Eastbourne and how it would be good to bring them all together under one umbrella. That is my goal with EBG.”

“I also talked about my desire that the next Eastbourne Community Board includes members who are business focussed, and that helping the village to thrive/grow sustainably will be on their agenda.”

Sinead says that among her aspirations for the group is to provide a supportive environment for locals in business (whether or not the business is located in Eastbourne), where they can get to know one another, collaborate, network and knowledge share (experienced business owners helping newbies etc). There may even be opportunities down the track to co-market products. Also to provide a platform for other entities (e.g. HCC) to find and communicate easily with businesses in Eastbourne.

“Whether you are an experienced business owner,” Sinead says, “or just starting out, you will have something to give and something to take from this group. We welcome you.

"You may be working alone or have a big team, but if you work for yourself and would like to learn more about being in business, or

you would like to promote what you do, or simply to find some friendly locals who can provide support, the EBG will be there for you. Particularly for those who work in isolation.”

“I myself find the winter months hardest,” she adds, “and believe a lot of Eastbourne businesses find this time challenging. This is a reason to get out of the office/house!”

As a new person in business in the village six years ago, Sinead saw a need or opportunity for some collaboration between business in the area. She created a Facebook page for the EBG and ran her first winter seminars.

In past years she has also organised speakers and business coaches, marketing experts and social media gurus. Local businesses had an opportunity to talk about what they had to offer.

Currently, the group is made up of members from a host of business disciplines; retail, healthcare, design, coaching, helping the elderly. Sinead says that anyone who is either

self-employed or running a business, whatever the size, is welcome. The format of the group is a human group (meeting once a month) as well as a virtual group (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/eastbournebusinessgroup/)

The meeting will be on the third Monday of the month, venue usually Hive café (upstairs) although next month it will be at the Still Room.

“Anyone who is interested is invited to join the virtual group in the first instance,” Sinead says, “introduce themselves (and their business) and come along to the next meeting.”

“Next meeting of EBG we have a renowned business coach coming to speak to us,” she adds.

“I am running this event at the Still Room (thanks to Rowan and Anthony) from 11am12.30 on Monday, August 19. Anyone looking to grow their business is welcome. Registration essential (via facebook group or email me sinead@tommyshv.co.nz).”

Meals

They may have suffered their first loss of the season but the Eastbourne Hammers remain clear leaders of the Masters 2 division in Wellington football, on target for promotion to division one next year. Eastbourne suffered their first hiccup of the season when they lost

4-2 to the mid-table Upper Hutt Saints late last month. But they quickly returned to winning form, trouncing Tawa Vets 6-0 in their next match. The Hammers have gone on since to beat Waterside Karori 8-1 and the Wainuiomata Undertakers 1-0 in their most-recent match.

With four rounds of the season remaining they are nine points or three wins clear in first place. Eastbourne has matches remaining against sixth-placed Porirua, third-placed Upper Hutt RJs, the second-placed Lower Hutt City Longballs and seventh-placed Wellington Olympic TFTs. It’s a tough finish but, with a handy lead, Eastbourne remains on course to finish first and to go up to division one. This has been an objective of the club which has been unable to field a senior team this season.

Eastbourne’s Jim Madden and Scott Roddick competed for the national Champion of Champion pairs bowls title in Dunedin earlier this month after winning the Wellington centre title. The pair won an early match in section play but weren’t able to progress to the post-section rounds in the tournament which featured the best pairs combinations in New Zealand.

The Eastbourne senior rugby team celebrated the club’s Old Timers' Day on June 22 with a 1915 win over Marist-St Pats in the Wellington 85kg grade. All Eastbourne junior teams played at home and the under-12s met Poneke in the curtain-raiser to the senior match. Eastbourne will face Marist-St Pats again in the semifinals and a win would send it into the final, probably against Wellington, which has taken maximum points from wins in all five of its games so far.

Rufus' time to shine

Eastbourne's Rufus Rusholme Cobb (pictured) has had a chance to perform in front of some of the top college scouts in the United States after being selected in a New Zealand Basketball Academy under-14 team which competed in tournaments in Las Vegas this month.

The academy annually takes a number of teams comprising boys and girls aged 11 to 18 to Las Vegas to compete at the tournaments that university scouts target as they search for new talent.

New Zealand NBA star Steven Adams was among the players who made the first trip to the United States in 2012.

Rufus is currently in Las Vegas, taking part in the tour for the second time. His team won their first tournament and had a few days off before their second.

Rufus, now 15, first played for Academy in Las Vegas as a 13-year-old. He couldn't tour last year because of a broken toe which kept him out of basketball for almost six months.

He has returned this year to play for the Scots College senior team and for the Wellington

under-17 representative team which recently finished third at the national championships.

Rufus' mother Sarah Rusholme said the Academy, which provides a forum to be seen by college scouts, is "an amazing opportunity."

"His ambition is to get a college scholarship and to continue with basketball," she said.

The Las Vegas tournaments, during the pre-season in the United States, are designed to allow junior basketballers both to improve their games and to attract the attention of colleges.

Sarah Rusholme said all tournaments are filmed, allowing players to compile a "show reel" which can be shown to college coaches during recruitment.

(Rufus is also one of the wonderful people

who deliver The Eastbourne Herald each to you each month - Ed.)

Muritai runner off to regionals

Aubrey Chunga (pictured right) of Muritai School has qualified to compete at the interregional primary schools cross country championships in September after securing a top-10 finish at the Wellington regional championships.

Muritai sent eight runners to the Wellington championships in Porirua, all of whom had to qualify through the inter-zone championships earlier this year. The contingent comprised Guy Marshall, Lars Meyer-Westfield, Elodie Dent, Lily Brien, Izzy Lewis, Willa Velvin, Aubrey Chunga and Emily Ebskamp.

Aubrey was 10th in the Year 6 boys’ race. All top-10 finishers earn the right to represent Wellington at the inter-regional or national championships at Moturoa, near Nelson on September 27.

Elodie Dent was sixth in the Year 4 girls’ race but Year 4 runners do not compete at the inter-regionals which is for year 5 to 8 athletes.

Year 6 competitors at the regional championships had to complete two loops of a challenging one kilometre circuit over rough terrain while Year 7 and 8 runners had to complete 3 loops of the course.

From local waters to world stage

It's a long road from the Muritai Yacht Club to the victory dais at a sailing World Championship but Eastbourne's George Gautrey has made the journey.

Gautrey won the bronze at the Laser World Championships in Japan earlier this month, achieving his best-ever result in international competition and one that places him among the elite sailors in his Olympic class.

He did so despite dislocating his knee midway through the regatta and requiring intensive medical treatment to continue.

Gautrey, 21, came into the last race of the regatta locked in a tight contest for podium positions. His New Zealand teammate Sam Meech won the race and Gautrey finished second to claim third place behind Australia's Tom Burton and Matthew Wearn.

Kidztalk

Gautrey, who put together a series of strong performances in the lead-up to the World Championship, started the regatta strongly and led overall after two seconds and a third in his first three races. He continued to sail consistently even after his injury which, he said, came during a "bad tack."

After discarding his worst placing, he didn't finish further back than seventh place on his way into the medal races and in those he was also consistent despite often light and difficult winds. "To come away with a medal is pretty awesome but, for me, it's more about building from this and taking what I have learned to the next regatta. By no means is this the end goal.

"To win a medal here against the world's best is pretty awesome but when you look at the results on the last day I think about 15

boats could have medalled. To put myself under pressure and come out on top is pretty exciting."

Gautrey is an almost life-long member of the Muritai club, having learned to sail on the tricky, tidal waters of Rona Bay. He was twice a national junior champion and he signaled his wider potential when he finished second in the Laser class at the Youth World Championships. Gautrey has been part of Yachting New Zealand's youth development system and is now part of its senior New Zealand team which has achieved outstanding results at regattas throughout the northern hemisphere during its current summer.

WELCOME TO DAYS BAY PLAYCENTRE

Due to an amazing grant from the Eastbourne Bays Community Trust, we have acquired some incredible new resources for our tamariki! And these winter days are not keeping us from water play. Our new water pump and messy play table have been an immediate hit and we cannot thank EBCT enough.

Come check us out (and our new toys) in Term 3! Sessions run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 9:15am11:45. Pop in for a visit or phone Andrea 02102797311 for more information.

Right: Holly Jensen, Sebastian Good, and Fionn Good exploring new activities.

Mondays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry.Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.

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

• 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.

• The Historical Society’s Eastbourne History Room above the library is open 2-4 pm every Monday.

• Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade training every Monday 7-9pm. Ph 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.

East Harbour Women’s Club

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

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 562-7096.

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

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

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

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

• Poetry group, every second Tuesday meet to read and enjoy poems old and

WHAT'S ON

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 - Bolivia 12.45pm, Contact Glendyr ph: 562 7181. Bridge 1pm. Contact Heather ph: 562 7995. Guest Speaker (3rd week of month)7pm, drinks and nibbles provide, Contact Diane ph: 562 7555

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

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

Fridays

• Pop in and Play playgroup at St Ronan's Church Hall, 9am-11.30am during school terms. All preschoolers (0-4 years) welcome. Cath 027 213 9342.

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

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

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

• Discovery Time for 4years+ at San Antonio School, 78 Oroua Street, 9.3010.30am. 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 10am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.

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

Sundays

• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Pauline 562 7833.

We’re stocked up with our natural, effective home treatments for nits.

Come in and get some before they go!

Inside Village corner complex

Open Tues to Sat call or txt Lisa

on 021 150 9341

PUBLIC NOTICES CLASSIFIEDS

EASTBOURNE SPORTS & SERVICES CLUB

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

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Classified ads cost 40c per word.

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

OKIWI TRUST AGM

7.30pm, Wednesday August 21, St Ronan’s Church Hall

All welcome to attend. Members of the Trust encourage ongoing community involvement in this highly effective organisation that seeks to meet the needs of Eastbourne’s elderly residents.

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

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.

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

Handyman, Maintenance & Repairs ring Phil on 027 715 4561.

CURRENT LISTINGS

6/238 MURITAI RD, EASTBOURNE 1 BED BEO $320K 501 & 502 MARINE DR, SUNSHINE BAY 4 BED BEO $1,350M 2 MACKENZIE RD, EASTBOURNE (SECTION) BEO $275K

283A MURITAI RD, EASTBOURNE SOLD

4B TAUMARU AVE, LOWRY BAY SOLD

60 CHEVIOT RD, LOWRY BAY SOLD

615A MARINE DR, DAYS BAY SOLD

225 MARINE DR, LOWRY BAY SOLD

14 MIRO ST, EASTBOURNE SOLD

2/260 MURITAI RD, EASTBOURNE SOLD

Quiet Listings: Sinead has 3 off-market properties listed, each with 4 bedrooms Please contact Sinead direct for further information.

VIEW DETAILS OF THESE HOMES ON www.tommys.co.nz OR POP IN TO OUR OFFICE IN THE VILLAGE

Sinead invites you

Sinead Diederich 021 025 81960

Duncan Povey 027 5971 080

When: Monday, 19th August 2019

Where: The Still Room

Time: 11.00am - 12.30pm

Price: Free (registration essential)

Create Raving Fans – Resilience in Business – Relationships Make or Break

Today’s business environment is changing faster than ever with new challenges and opportunities at every turn. A critical part to business development is having people challenge your thinking and fostering new ideas proves invaluable.

Register to: sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

SINEAD DIEDERICH

Top Salesperson (Lower Hutt) 2018- 2019

Delivering excellent results throughout Lower Hutt with my complete Real Estate team.

Giving back to our communities (including Eastbourne Community Notice Board, local charities, Wellington Free Ambulance, Eastbourne skate ramp and Eastbourne business group).

Listening to you: today you’ll receive my free Shopping List to put on your fridge – but in response to a loud community message, I will not drop flyers in your mailbox.

Confidential advice in depth market knowledge & comprehensive understanding of property values – guiding you with honest advice and integrity.

Marketing expertise: Technology is a core element to our business, we strive to stay a step ahead; we offer Skype tours, multi-platform social media campaigns and video to name just a few.

tommys.co.nz

Renowned Speaker & Business Coach