The Parangarahu Lakes and Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui sections of East Harbour Regional Park are temporarily closed to the public between 1pm and 9pm daily, due to extreme fire risk. Greater Wellington is asking visitors to avoid the areas as fire could easily ignite and spread quickly.
The parks are closed between 1pm and 9pm when fire risk is at its highest. The Ridge Track in Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui is completely closed until further notice. In Parangarahu Lakes, areas with limited options for escape remain closed. Visitors should obey local signage.
Greater Wellington Eastern Parks team leader Ricky Clarkson says the Parangarahu Lakes and Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui closures are a precautionary measure to protect staff and visitors.
GWRC is regularly monitoring the risk of wildfires across all regional parks, which Ricky Clarkson says is crucial to staying ahead of evolving conditions, who is advising visitors to make note of exit routes from the park, and to report to 111 any smoke they may see.”
Westpac may have made the decision not to replace its soon-to-be withdrawn ATM, but a new bank machine is to be installed in the Village pending agreement on its location.
Westpac's decision to remove its ageing ATM and not replace it "given the low usage", has incensed residents who rely on checking their bank balance and withdrawing cash from the machine.
Heather McLean is a regular user of the ATM, which she says is an essential service for many senior citizens, and told Tuesday’s Eastbourne Community Board meeting she doubted Westpac understood the local geography. “Westpac has suggested we use the ATMs in Wainui or Petone; how are we supposed to get there?”
Having lived in Eastbourne for 61 years, Ms McLean has seen the demise of Westpac’s forerunner CBA, BNZ and ANZ, as well as the Post Office Savings Bank over the years. “They’ve just sort of evaporated,” she says, adding that the loss of an ATM would put pressure on local businesses to carry more cash, and potentially lose business from those having to travel elsewhere to an ATM. Ms McLean says the claim on Westpac's website that its approach to sustainability “starts with commitment to service the needs of customers” is “odd”, given
its withdrawal.
Westpac said it was not worth replacing the machine.
“Unfortunately, despite being the only ATM in the area, the transaction volume is still one of the lowest in the country. In addition, Westpac customers make up less than 25 per cent of users of this ATM.”
Thanks to ECB member Bruce Spedding's work in contacting an independent ATM supplier., it looks like a new ATM will soon be installed in the Village.
Heather McLean and Eileen Bonus are angry the Westpac ATM is leaving Eastbourne.
Richard III – Shakespeare’s captivating villain
by Anne Manchester
A ruthless tyrant or a misunderstood, much maligned king? The jury’s still out on just how villainous the medieval King Richard III was. And you certainly can’t rely on Shakespeare’s play for a reliable historical account.
But you can rely on experiencing a great piece of theatre.
Director of Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe’s outdoor production in early March, MichaelJohn Butcher, believes Richard III is the best play Shakespeare ever wrote.
“Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is a captivating villain, a brilliant soldier and politician. Shakespeare, of course, was out to tell a compelling story, so he did not let historical facts get in his way. His play is a psychological study investigating just how destructive tyranny and ambition can be.
“On the historical level, it depicts the warring houses of Lancaster and York, symbolised by the white and red roses, struggling to become united. The play is marked by murders, ghostly apparitions and battles, with the protagonist haunted by his physical deformities. But it’s the play’s brilliant poetry that really stands out. Who doesn’t know the lines, ‘A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!’”
Butcher knows the play well, having played the lead twice, as well as other major roles in other productions in the United Kingdom, one of which he also directed.
He believes he’s assembled the best cast to tell the story, with Colton Stuart as the protagonist, Allan Burne as Richard’s righthand man Lord Buckingham, and Lian Butcher as Lady Anne Warwick. Even as she weeps over the coffin of her murdered husband, Richard manipulates her into marrying him, the first step on his bloody and ruthless campaign for the crown.
Among the last of Richard’s victims will
be the two young princes, whom he fears have more claim to the throne than he does.
“The actors who play the princes – Timothy Prebble and Scout Hunter – really shine. We are lucky to have such talented young people in the cast,” said Butcher.
Richard III has a six-night season – 6-8 March and 13-15 March. It will be performed outside in Eastbourne’s Muritai School yard or in the adjacent hall if wet. Tickets can be purchased from Eventfinda, with some door sales on the night.
Lady Anne (Lian Butcher) holds a sword to the neck of Richard, the Duke of Gloucester (Colton Stuart).
Photo by Hayden Rogers
The next public Eastbourne Community Board meeting will be at 7.15pm on Tuesday, 15 April, at East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd
Community Climate Action Fund
This new fund is open until 17 March for Eastbourne organisations to apply for up to $2,434. More information at huttcity.govt.nz
Days Bay crossing volunteers
The ECB and the Days Bay Residents' Association has set up a trial to manage the flow of pedestrians at the crossing by Williams Park on busy beach days. Many thanks to the volunteers who run a roster on busy afternoons. The trial has been successful so far in helping traffic flow through Days Bay.
Eastbourne summer pool
The pool season has been extended by two weeks this summer, until 9 March, thanks to volunteers who have offered to be trained to support the pool lifeguards. We encourage residents to use the pool as much as possible to show that it is valued.
Consider standing for the ECB
The Local Body Elections are in October and now is a good time to consider standing for the Eastbourne Community Board to represent your community in the village or the Bays. If you are interested and would like to know more about the election process and what being on the ECB involves, get in touch with any ECB member. Or come along to a public meeting – there are three more before October.
Consultations
Have Your Say on three Hutt City Council consultations: Sustainable Growth Strategy, District Plan, and Our City 2055. See huttcity.govt.nz.
Belinda Moss (Chair) 029 494 1615
belinda.moss@huttcity.govt.nz
Murray Gibbons (Deputy Chair) 04 562 8567
Emily Keddell 021 188 5106
Bruce Spedding 021 029 74741
Frank Vickers 027 406 1419
Tui Lewis (Ward Councillor) 021 271 6249
GWRC eyes farm as regional park extension
Greater Wellington Regional Council may be among the parties putting a bid in to buy Gollans Valley Station, which is for sale for the first time in sixty years.
GWRC councillor Quentin Duthie told the Eastbourne Community Board meeting that the regional council was looking at the value and affordability of potentially seeking to acquire the 1,366-hectare farm for addition to East Harbour Regional Park, “but no decision has been made yet”.
The farm, which has a CV of $7,430,000, sits between two blocks of East Harbour Regional Park, which is co-managed by GWRC and Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust (for Taranaki Whānui).
Cr Duthie says joining the park together would result in significant ecological, recreational and management benefits. “I also see potential for an outdoor education facility for urban young people.”
“Council would be remiss in not considering the value proposition here. Large properties in strategic locations like this do not come on the market often, and past purchases of Ōruapouanui Baring Head and Belmont Farm have
proved their worth to the public."
However, costs of both the purchase and maintenance have to be considered by GWRC, which “must consider what investment is in the best interests of the region and all our ratepayers”.
GWRC will decide whether to make an offer on the land at its February 27 meeting. Cr Duthie says residents are welcome to contact him with their views on the matter.
New water entity in the offing
Wellington Water Ltd may be a thing of the past as Hutt City Council looks to establish a new entity to manage its three waters services.
Under the Local Government Act, councils are required to consider, as a minimum, the status quo and one other option.
The preferred option of Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Porirua and Wellington City Councils and Greater Wellington Regional Council is to transition to a water services asset-owning CCO (Council Controlled Organisation), jointly
owned by the councils. “The goal is to improve transparency, accountability, borrowing ability and service quality”, the council says.
Currently, councils share the ownership of a CCO that manages service delivery. Under the new system, the CCO would own and manage the assets. The primary relationship of the CCO would be with its customers, not its owners.
Hutt City Council will consult on the preferred option from March 20-April 20, with councillors voting in June 2025.
Security fences, road cones and parking challenges have not put off the fishers who have long flocked to Sunshine Bay. Word has it the best kingfish are caught in February and March when ocean currents are warmest, and these fishers were delighted to pull in two in quick succession at Sunshine Bay behind the bus stop, just last week.
Return of the secret 7
At a time when some of us are seriously trying to delete from our lives anything to do with The Oligarchs (those tech billionaires who many say are messing with us big time) a bunch of local wits – seven of them, to be exact – are having fun playing with the MEGA acronym.
The lead influencer, who calls himself “a newshound from way back”, has worked in the arts for a long time and been involved in some very big events over the years.
Make Eastbourne Great Again believes a lot of groups locally take themselves too seriously – and they’re out to change that. On their Facebook page, M.E.G.A states: “No politics, no nonsense, just a bunch of locals who got tired of waiting for someone else to fix stuff.”
Absurdity, a light-hearted perspective, and not much censorship is their aim.
“There’s too much negativity, too much seriousness – we need to take a deep breath,” the spokesman, who wishes to remain anonymous, says.
“New Zealanders are like Canadians, they’re shy and polite. We’re out to change that.”
Poking fun at the powers-that-be – with “a sly little laugh” – is probably the most important factor for these anonymous stirrers, who we can expect to see more of as we approach the local body elections.
Already, a YouTube clip featuring a little blue penguin, is taking a pot shot at Mayor Barry. Expect to see more of the singing kororā.
EASTBOURNE MEMORIAL RSA (Inc.)
Notice of AGM
To be held on Sunday 30 March 2025 at 1pm in the Clubrooms, Tuatoru Street, Eastbourne.
Nominations for Executive Committee & Notices of Motion must be with the Secretary by 8 March 2025.
Faith in the Community
The work of Christmas...
The new year is well underway now, we’ve headed off back to school or to work, and we’ve settled back into the familiar routines of daily living.
Meanwhile, all around us, the calamities of the world continue unabated with huge numbers of people suffering political unrest in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine - to name but three. Indeed, tensions exist about everywhere we look, as the world’s political powers eyeball one another, creating a great deal of uncertainty.
To a lesser extent, here in our New Zealand, many of us are under pressure, as we make do as best we can, each with our own set of difficult circumstances. So, we should help one another wherever we can. This poem seems apt. It’s by Michael Dougherty and is based on one by Howard Thurman.
The work of Christmas begins:
When the carols have been stilled, When the star-topped tree is taken down, When the family and friends are gone home, When we are back to our schedules.
The work of Christmas begins:
To welcome the refugee,
To heal a broken planet,
To feed the hungry,
To build bridges of trust, not walls of fear,
To share our gifts,
To seek justice and peace for all people,
To bring Christ’s light to the world.
St Alban’s + St Ronan’s + San Antonio: Combined Ash Wednesday Service, 5 March, at 7:00pm, at San Antonio church.
St Alban’s + St Ronan’s: 1st Sundays 9:30am monthly Shared Communion Services (alternating venues, leaders and preachers). 2 March at San Antonio church, 6 April at St Ronan’s church.
St Ronan’s: 1st Sundays shared with St Alban’s (see above). 2nd and 4th Sundays 9:30am informal, 3rd Sundays 9:30am traditional, 5th Sundays 12:00pm fellowship meal. E:office@ stronans.org.nz W:www.stronans.org.nz
St Alban’s: 1st Sundays shared with St Ronan’s (see above). Other Sunday services at San Antonio church at 9:30am. 1st Thursdays, communion at 10:30am at St Ronan’s church. Details www.facebook.com/StAlbansNZ E:office@ stalbanschurch.nz W:www.stalbanschurch.nz
San Antonio: Vigil Mass, Sat 5.30pm. Sacred Heart, Petone: Mass, Sun 9.30am and 5.30pm. E:holyspiritparish41@gmail.com W:www.holyspirit.nz
Photo: Ann Packer.
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A place for young people to hang out, in safety
by Ann Packer
What it’s not: Free childcare.
What it is: a safe place to hang out at the end of the week with your friends, under minimal adult supervision, at a time in your life when you’re needing a bit more freedom but not be totally unsupervised.
For a token fee of $5 kids from Years 7–10 (the old Form One to Form Four) can sign in for the Friday night Eastbourne Youth Group drop-in programme above the community hall changing rooms – a space known as The Loft – where there’s a choice of spaces (offering big screens, musical gear, a kitchen and the downstairs courts) in which to chill with their friends for a couple of hours during term time.
Hours are 6.30 - 9pm in Terms 1 & 4 and 6.30-8.30 pm in Terms 2 & 3, when it’s darker.
Most participants are local and most come from Muritai School, with a few from each of the private schools. Some even come from outside the area, with parents committed enough to drive them out, wait an hour or two, then take them home again.
Numbers fluctuate wildly, says Martin Cooper, volunteer adult supervisor and chair since 2019 of the four-person trust, and a teacher and dad in his other life. But if the numbers drop further, he thinks some hard questions will need to be asked.
In Term 1 last year, numbers attending were consistently in the high 30s, occasionally hitting 45+. At the end of Term 4, numbers were down to around 10-15, although some nights dipped under ten in attendance.
“Whilst not intending to be overly profitable, around thirty young people a night would help the group get close to breaking even. The current 10-15 regulars would have more opportunities too if there were additional numbers attending, and it might help sway the gender imbalance with current attendees being approx 80 percent female.
Activities include indoor basketball, indoor futsal, table tennis, use of a pool table, airhockey, x-box, outdoor basketball, skateboard half pipe, asphalt area and space to hang out indoors or outdoors together. A small canteen sells lollies and soft drinks at
reasonable prices
There is a paid teenage youth worker, currently one of Martin’s sons. He tries to avoid having additional adults, to make the young people more comfortable. Young people must sign in and observe minimal rules. The boundaries are the tennis court fences and the rec building – and using internal toilets. In the past some who got dropped off by parents didn’t sign in, then would free-range around the village.
Martin, who last year got an Eastbourne Community Award for his work, would welcome ideas of what could be practically done to boost numbers. Feedback can be shared on 021 132 6724 or on The Loft Eastbourne
Facebook page.
“It would be good to have feedback from the young people themselves as it would be unfortunate to not have this facility/ opportunity available to them in the future,” he says.
Martin Cooper received an Eastbourne Award last year for his wotk at the youth group. Pictured here with Eastbourne Community Board member Emily Keddell and Mayor Campbell Barry.
New owners keen to hear what you want
by Ann Packer
If you’ve been thinking there are some lines you’d love to see stocked at Four Square, now’s the time to put in your request, says new owner Cameron Longstaff, who’s already put up a customer suggestion box near the counter. (He also immediately sorted out a bread supply issue that had been perplexing this reporter for some time.)
It’s been such a smooth transition you might not have even noticed the Eastbourne store has changed hands. The new boss, in the shop for a month or so now, is so young (30) you could be forgiven for thinking he’s one of his employees.
With his fiancee and co-owner, Grace Day, 26, a pediatric nurse, Cameron is renting locally while looking for a place to buy – they want to settle down and raise a family here.
A born and bred Aucklander, Cameron started out as a “bean counter”, working for accountancy firm PWC for six years before deciding which sector he’d like to work in –it’s a natural pathway for young accountants, apparently.
He discovered a taste for grocery and retail and spent three years learning and training in the Foodstuffs chain before the opportunity arose to apply for the Eastbourne store, when the previous owner made the decision to move on.
The couple fell in love with Eastbourne when they first visited way back in October and
were “crossing all their fingers and toes” that they would be the ones chosen to buy the franchise.
As well as getting to use his financial skills, Cameron says his personality suits a smaller store with a small team and he just loves interacting with customers.
Chris and Jane Martin, who Cameron says are hugely respected for the work they’ve done in getting the store to this stage – “they put their hearts and souls into bringing the store up to the standard it is today” –have moved to Taumarunui to manage that town’s New World store.
Electric ferry set to return to duty
In positive news for commuters, East by West's electric ferry, Ika Rere looks set to resume harbour sailings in late-March 2025. It was withdrawn from service eight months ago, following the discovery of unexpected mechanical wear three years after its launch..
During its survey, wear was found within the vessel’s driveline which connects its propellers and driveshafts to its electric motors.
Similar mechanical wear has been seen in new diesel-powered vessels and is not related to the electric powerplant of Ika Rere.
Initially, it was hoped that new parts for Ika Rere would be delivered by October 2024. However, a fabrication delay at a key supplier in Europe has caused a frustrating wait. Fabrication has now commenced and is largely complete.
Reassembly is due to begin in early March, which will be followed by a period of sea trials and commissioning. Once the vessel has returned to service, changes are unlikely to be perceptible to passengers.
By December 2024, ferry patronage was a third lower than the previous year.
Eastbourne Four Square owners Cameron Longstaff and Grace Day
BRIEFS
Keen to give Hutt City Council a brickbat or bouquet? Residents can tell the council what they think of their services in the 2025 Residents’ Satisfaction Survey. HCC head of strategy and policy Richard Hardy says the annual survey is a chance to comment on council services, operations and decision making, allowing the council to track performance against expectations. The survey is open until March 4 and is available in hard copy form at Eastbourne Library, or online at https://survey.publicvoice. co.nz/s3/RSS2025
Applications are open for Hutt City Council’s Low Carbon Acceleration Fund, established last year to reduce carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Currently Hutt City’s carbon footprint is resulting in 475,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. About half of that comes from transport, with the rest predominantly made up of emissions from stationary energy ((mainly fossil fuels used for heat and electricity generation) and waste. The fund totals $150,000, with applications invited for up to $40,000 per project. Those able to apply must have their projects ready to go, and be legal entities. The recipients will be determined by an independent panel in April. https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/environmentand-sustainability/low-carbon-accelerationfund
Hutt City’s population is predicted to grow by 40,000 in the next thirty years. HCC’s strategy for sustainable growth is out for consultation, focusing on accommodating increased population, and economic growth. HCC says its draft Sustainable Growth Strategy 2025-2055 brings together existing plans for transport, infrastructure, and open spaces, and aligns with the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034. Of particular interest to Eastern Bays residents is the council’s strategy around fostering prepared coastal and low-lying communities. Part of this involves supporting work underway to develop a regional approach to climate adaption, and developing Lower Hutt’s own plan with Mana Whenua, businesses and residents. It also
involves working with Waka Kotahi on the Cross Valley Link project to deliver “transport and resilience benefits including consideration of the future function of the Petone Esplanade”.
Tupua Horo Nuku completion; upgrading Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant, Petone sewer and stormwater pipes are also included. As reported in The Eastbourne Herald’s July 2024 story, the city’s current District Plan offers no protection for sites of significance to Māori: the Sustainable Growth Strategy is working with Mana Whenua to address this. The council is also talking about developing the Seaview Marina Beach. To read the strategy documents and give feedback, go to https://www.huttcity. govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/62996/ Sustainable-Growth-Strategy-2025-2055.pdf
Freedom’s the word
Seaview Marina was the venue for the filming of Seven Sharp’s latest ASB Good as Gold award, won by amputee Darrell Smith for his work with Sailability. It screened on TV1 on 12 February.
Seaview Marina is one of three Wellington region venues for the organisation, which helps people of all ages and disabilities to get out on the water. We featured their new ParAble yacht design last month.
Eastbourne teacher Emily Goldie, who each week brings two minibuses of students from learning support classes at Wainuiomata High School to Sailability sessions, says words cannot express their gratitude to “Dazza”.
“He has taken our most challenging students out on the water. He has inspired and enthused them with a love for sailing and life. His love for the water and his sailors is remarkable and he truly deserves this recognition. Everyone at Wainuiomata High School is grateful to have him as part of our Sailability crew.”
Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang NOT BONSAI, BUT...
Bonsai: For 1000s of years many Asian peoples have grown forest-tree species, in pots, as miniatures. With time, their horticulture has evolved, along with their artistry, and both are now highly developed. Different nations have their own names for this, we use the Japanese, ‘bonsai’. Google bonsai wiki
Care: These miniature plants live in tiny, shallow pots, so looking after them is demanding. If you’re unable to keep an ordinary houseplant alive for long, a super-fussy bonsai will likely be too much; the almost daily watering alone, a challenge. Also, most of the species bonsaied are temperate trees that don’t cope indoors (too dim, too warm, too-low humidity). So, bonsais live outside. You bring your bonsai inside for a day to impress a visitor, then it’s back outside again. Enchanting, but just too much bother unless you’re an aficionado.
But wait: There’s a plant, grows well in pots, inside or outside. It’s the ‘Money tree’ or ‘Jade plant’ (Google Crassula ovata). A succulent (fleshy stem and leaves), native to S Africa. It’s popular the world over as a houseplant because it’s very low care. Requires little water. Forgives you if you forget to water it for a couple of weeks. A Money tree’s also very easy to propagate from a cutting. Easy to prune with a sharp steak knife. And it looks just like a little tree, with a chunky trunk and branches that will further thicken up with time.
Wed,
19
20
Pot: So, buy a (largish, rectangular) bonsai pot and matching saucer/base (garden centre, or off the net). Overfill (slightly mounded) with potting mix and plant your Money tree cutting near one end. Place the pot in front of a north-facing window (indoors) or on the deck (outside) where it gets 3 to 4 hours of sun a day. Find 2 or 3 small, jagged rocks and 2 or 3 small, dry-tolerant, partner plants (e.g., Chain of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), Stringof-pearls (Curio rowleyanus), Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera). And create a tiny area of wilderness around your Money tree.
Prune: As your Money tree grows, tinker with it to create a nice shape (look at some bonsais on the net for ideas) and keep its little partner plants under strict control - less is more with bonsai. If your new Money tree’s unstable, steady it with thin bamboo props.
slang@xtra.co.nz www.mulchpile.org
Mondays
• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry.Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.
• “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at the library 10.00am.
• Toy Library - 7.30-8.30pm.
EastbourneToyLibrary on Facebook. Kathy 0273551950.
•DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, from 9:30am to 12 noon. Drop in anytime to visit a session or email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz to arrange a visit.
• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. pcpointhoward@gmail.com
• The Historical Society’s Eastbourne History Room above the library is open 2-4 pm every Monday.
• Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade training every Monday 7-9pm. Ph 562 7001 for more info.
• Keas - 5:15pm - 6:15pm. Ed 021 738 699
Tuesdays
• Mindful Mummas group for Mums and preschool children. Childminder onsite. 1011.30. Text Emily 027 552 6119 to join or go to bemoreyou.co.nz for more info.
•DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, from 9:30am to 12 noon. Drop in anytime to visit a session or email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz to arrange a visit.
• 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 0210303480.
• Indoor Bowls Club 1.30pm, at the croquet club, Oroua Street. Rosemary 562 7365
• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.
• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact
- teens to 70+) Music Movement MagicMuritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www.niainwellington.com
• Toy Library - 9.30am-10.30am.
Wednesdays
• Cubs: 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Ed 021 738 699.
• Venturers - 7:15pm - 9pm - Ed 021 738 699.
• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.
• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15 -11.45am.
WHAT'S ON
pcpointhoward@gmail.com
• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.
• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.
•DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, from 9:30am to 12 noon. Drop in anytime to visit a session or email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz to arrange a visit.
• “Steady as You Go” Age Concern sponsored Falls Prevention and Exercise Programme. Held 12 noon each Wednesday at Eastbourne Community Hall. Classes are held for 1 hour and costs only $2. Improve your strength and balance to reduce falls and injuries. Falls are preventable. Please join us!
• EHock - Fun Stick and Ball game Girls and Boys 7- 13.Eastbourne Community Hall. Wednesdays 6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Derek Wilshere 0274303596.
Thursdays
• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.
• St Ronan’s Mainly Music, 9.15am-11.15am, during school terms. Contact Cathy 027 213 9342.
• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.
•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.
• Scouts 6pm-8pm - Ed 021 738 699
• Eastbourne Bowling Club casual summer bowls 5.30pm for an hour or so. Make up a mixed team of three. Contact Keith Turner ph 04 934 4142.
• Sing Eastbourne: 8pm, St Alban's Hall.
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 pcpointhoward@gmail.com
• AA Plunket Rooms 7.30pm. Mark 566 6444/ Pauline 562 7833
Saturdays
• Justice of the Peace at the Eastbourne Community Library, first Saturday of each month 12pm-1pm.
• Croquet from 10am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.
• Lions' Bin - cost effective rubbish and e-waste disposal. Last Saturday of the month (except December) by Bus Barns. Gavin 027 488 5602.
Sundays
• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Karen 021 440 705.
Although many were disappointed by the weather over Christmas, as a park ranger, it’s been a bit of a blessing as it’s kept the fire risk at a lower level than last summer. Rangers have been monitoring risk levels in East Harbour Regional Park weekly, concentrating on the exposed windy coastal areas at Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui and Parangarahu Lakes.
From 2023, Greater Wellington has been implementing fire risk restrictions in regional parks, a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our park users and biodiversity. As we grapple with the impacts of climate change, the threat of wildfires has increased, meaning we’re now having to take proactive measures to mitigate risks. The decision to restore former grazing land to native forest has also temporarily increased the risk of fire as we wait for planted natives to establish.
You may have noticed the changing of alert levels on the signs at park entrances. Like Fire and Emergency New Zealand, we use a colour coded fire risk system ranging from green (low risk) to red (extreme risk). Each level may trigger restrictions within our parks, such as access or activities allowed.
To determine the fire risk in our parks, we use a combination of NIWA’s Fire Weather Indices, weather forecasting and ground condition assessments. The assessments consider factors like temperature, humidity, grass curing levels (dryness), and recent and projected rainfall to evaluate how easily a fire could ignite and spread. When these indicators reach trigger points, we look at the projected future weather conditions, raise the fire risk code and update restrictions accordingly.
We post fire restriction updates on our
Kidztalk
PARKSIDE
website under each park’s page and change signs displayed at park entrances, as well as updating stakeholders and social media pages when fire risk increases. It’s essential to check these updates before visiting a park, especially in summer.
There are certain groups authorised to be in the parks at higher risk levels, like contractors and staff who follow stringent safety protocols. These include carrying firefighting equipment and following a controlled access plan. This means Greater Wellington knows the locations of all staff within the park ensuring safer evacuations if needed.
Our fire activity controls are also shared with utility companies and landowners accessing properties across park land for them to adhere to.
However, when members of the public are in the park, we have no way of knowing where they all are and emergency communication is impossible, making evacuation in the event of a fire difficult and dangerous for both park users and staff. This is why recreation activities and access is restricted during high fire risk periods—everyone’s safety is paramount.
As we head into Autumn the shorter days and cooler temperatures will help to bring the fire risk down. It can seem like there is a lag with the lifting of restrictions, but this is because it can take between 3 – 6 weeks for dry grass to break down and fresh growth to reduce the fuel levels.
For more information and up-to-date restrictions, visit www.gw.govt.nz/eastharbour and look out for signage at park entrances. If you have any questions, contact Greater Wellington on 0800 496 734 or info@ gw.govt.nz.
Tips for staying safe:
• Always keep a cell phone on you and call 111 in the event of a fire.
• Check what activities are permitted or not permitted within a park.
• During periods of very hot and dry conditions visit parks during the morning before the hottest part of the day.
• Know where you are in the park at all times and know the exit routes.
• You can’t outrun a grass fire. If it’s windy, consider visiting on a calmer day.
• If there is a fire, move away and leave the park by the safest exit.
• Refrain from smoking or vaping in our regional parks, however if you need to, please ensure you fully extinguish butts and take them with you.
• Links for more information:
• Restoring grazing land to native forest
• NIWA Fire weather indices.
- Jo Greenman, EHRP ranger
News from our local playcentres
NEWS FROM DAYS BAY PLAYCENTRE
Days Bay Playcentre is very happy with our new and very unique gates in our garden
- a beautiful Wēta leading to our Wēta hotels, a stunning Tūī beneath our trees, and a sun beside our bright playground.
Artwork designed by Kimberly Andrews and woodwork and installation by Joseph at SmallProjects.nz
New to the Bays? Feel free to come along and check out our sessions: 9:30am - 12pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz if you have any questions
EHRP ranger Jo Greenman.
March 2 W2W
The Wharf to Wharf race will be swum on Sunday, March 2, and organisers are gearing up for a busy day, with early registrations already numbering more than 40.
The event, which involves a 1.25km swim from Days Bay Wharf to Rona Bay Wharf, is billed as a chance to give everyone a chance to do a sea swim. Many people participate in it for the pure satisfaction of completing the distance. However, it is also fiercly competitive for some swimmers, with Casey Glover holding the official fastest time on record, at 14m 27s.
The Kenny Cup (Officially called the East Harbour Surf Cup) is awarded to the fastest local swimmer. Legendary swimmer and swim coach, the late Ray Gough, won the cup 16 times.
The event is run by volunteers, and organiser Mandy Holmwood is keen to hear from those who would like to help out on the day, either with marshalling, taking registrations, or kayaking beside the swimmers. She’s also hoping someone will be interested in recording the history of the long-running event.
For more information, go to https:// eastbourne.nz/event/eastbourne-wharf-towharf-swim
The registration desk will be open from 8am -9am outside the Days Bay Pavilion. Early Bird entry is $25 or on the day $35. Link to registration form:https://forms. gle/5Xn6hnyStMD5NNnZA
We’re
Kororā checks go hi-tech
We came across this cute and highly sophisticated wee penguin-seeking robot playing around in Māhina Bay before Christmas. Kororā have adapted to nesting in stormwater pipes among other built-up structures, and these high-tec devices, at the end of a very long power lead, are being used by Tupua Horo Nuku environmental officers to check for nesting sites under the coastal road.
planning for the future of Lower Hutt
Our city is projected to grow by more residents over the next 30 years!
We need a strategy for how to accommodate this growth, plus development and environmental rules to help us get there.
40,000
This all comes together through the draft Sustainable Growth Strategy 2025-2055 and the Proposed District Plan. Think of the Strategy as an outline for what our city will look like in future and the District Plan as the rulebook for how we make it happen.
Until 4 April 2025, you can share your views on one or both. Find out more at:
haveyoursay.huttcity.govt.nz
SPORT
Girls' rugby takes off
The 2024 season was a standout year for our club, with a surge in player numbers across both junior and senior divisions.
One of the most exciting developments was the rapid growth in girls’ participation, allowing us to field two all-girls Rippa rugby teams for the first time. Girls also took to the field across our Tackle rugby grades, showcasing the sport’s increasing appeal and the strength of our rugby community.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, we’re looking forward to another fantastic year of rugby. Registrations are now open, and our senior players are already training hard, building on last season’s successes.
Our junior rugby program continues to thrive, offering Rippa rugby for Years 1–8, and Tackle rugby for Years 3–8.
We will also be offering a NEW exciting, fun and supportive preschool rugby program for ages 3–5. This year we have partnered with Playball Wellington, providing our youngest players with the opportunity to develop fundamental sports skills.
For more information and to register visit our website at www.eastbournerugby.co.nz or email Kirsty at eastbournerugbynz@gmail.com
- Kirsty Morwood, ERFC Junior Convenor
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EB Gazelles - ERFC's year 7/8 girls' Rippa team.
SPORT
EFC open day this weekend
2024 proved to be one of the most successful seasons in the club’s 56 year history with community engagement reaching new highs and the advent of several new teams and initiatives.
Not least was the resounding success of our team, The Eastbourne Orcas who secured a mid-season promotion to Division 3, narrowly missing out on back-to-back league wins and picking up a Capital Football ‘team of the year’ nomination at the end of season awards.
Women’s convenor and EFC committee member Scarlett Maddock was the driving force behind the revival of the EFC women’s team which has made the club a true ‘family affair’ and with both league and ‘social’ teams we are very proud to make the beautiful game accessible to the whole community.
The Orcas are eagerly looking forward to following up their debut season success and are actively welcoming new players of all skill levels and experience into the group. The
annual Mixed Masters & Orcas showcase match scheduled for February 15 at Bishop’s Park.
2024 also saw EFC enter four men’s teams for the first time in our history with more than eighty players confirmed across both Masters and Over 45’s. The men’s team welcomed a squad from Ellerslie who visited Eastbourne for a friendly match late in 2024 and this was such a success that a second leg is in the diary for the end of March with a Masters delegation headed up to Auckland for a rematch.
Registrations open imminently for men’s, women’s and junior players. The growth of the player community enables the club to cater for players of all ages, skill and experience levels. An open day will be held at HW Shortt recreation ground on February 23 for those looking to learn more about the club and join in the fun with games for the kids and a raffle, with other planned activities.
Our focus on early engagement with the club through our Juniors and first kicks teams
remains at the forefront of club philosophy. The core principals behind our junior squad involvement are team spirit, skill development and of course fun. As well as league competition for each age group, the participation in regional tournaments provides a great forum to build camaraderie and discipline in the hunt for that elusive silverware!
The committee has lots planned for 2025 such as our legendary sausage sizzles, a beach clean-up and the hotly contested Kiwi vs Rest of the World season opener on March 1 at Bishop Park.
This year also sees the addition of several new sponsorship opportunities aimed at engaging with local small businesses and we invite anyone interested in hearing more to reach out to club treasurer Kurt Renner or club secretary Adam Edwards on eastbournefootballclub@gmail.com
- Adam Edwards
EFC Club Secretary
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