From California to Seaview

by Ann Packer

Tim Lidgard has a dream – he wants Seaview Marina to be a destination for people to come and visit. “It will be our point of difference over the other marinas in Wellington,” says the Auckland-born and raised, and now Eastbourne-resident CE, who took up the job July 2021. “The community is front and centre in our future planning – we want to interact with it.”

The former highperformance sailor has already produced a successful Rock around the Dock event at the marina last summer, and hopes more will follow. He also sees the Tupua Horo Nuku path playing an important role in connecting the marina with Eastbourne, the Hutt Valley and Wellington CBD.

It’s a big change from running a high-end, exclusive California yacht service facility to a 375-berth marina owned by a local authority in Wellington, New Zealand. And yes, it was Covid-related, in a way.

Tim Lidgard comes from a long line of sailors – his father, who manages Auckland’s marinas, grew up on the water’s edge at Kawau island; his family were the first to get a berth at Westhaven Marina and his grandparents have together “sailed to the moon and back” in nautical miles.

So as a 19-year-old, the chance to live in California and be paid to sail – a third of his year was taken up racing in regattas around the world – was a dream come true. But a decade or so on, becoming a dad changed things. Once daughter Charlotte was born, followed by Ondine, he and wife Allison opted to become shore-based.

Then Covid arrived. Both Tim’s job, considered critical maritime infrastructure, and Allison’s, which involved commissioning a new hospital, were deemed essential. The children were home-schooled by their grandparents who lived an hour-and-a-half away. For nine months the family saw each other only at weekends. With the stress factor already intense and the smallest scheduling holdup having the potential to derail respective work projects, their work/life balance was seriously impaired.

“We had to decide what was really important,” says Tim. “We loved the States, loved everything about it. The culture is hugely industrious, and amazingly, no one ever holds a grudge – it’s quite refreshing.”

But with family here – including greatgrandparents – it seemed time to give life down under a chance. This job was on offer, and when it came time to look at real estate, Tim remembered the 1996 national Laser champs at Muritai Yacht Club... It all felt familiar, and tempting. So close to work too... So they found somewhere to live in Eastbourne, and made the move.

Why Seaview, rather than somewhere bigger? “The reason I took this job is the potential of this site – the opportunities. I’m not a Wellingtonian – everything I look at I see with fresh eyes. The forecast growth of boat ownership in the next 30 years suggests 300 more berths are needed regionally. We have the space for further development in the water and on land. We are in a prime position to cater to the demand.”

As a CCTO (Council controlled trading organization), with HCC the sole shareholder, the marina is required to act commercially. “We have to find a balance between the social responsibility of local government and commercial reality. We’re entirely self-funding, we can’t call on Council for a bailout – we pay them for business support and land leases, plus a dividend. We pay our own security and insurance.”

He credits former Chief Executive Alan McLellan with building up the marina over 17 years “from nothing – it wouldn’t be possible without what he’s done”.

Now, says his successor, “we’re trying to connect all the dots with the community in mind”.

News from Point Howard

The Point Howard Association (PHA) and the Point Howard Tennis Club (PHTC) held their AGMs on Sunday, 25 June at 3:30pm. We had a great turnout, and thank you to all who attended. Your time and input was appreciated.

Key topics included the Howard Road restoration after the slip in March, Wellington Water update on pipe replacement, noise from street racers in Gracefield & commercial operators at Seaview Marina, road & footpath maintenance, civil defence update & a fabulous community garden update by song!

It’s also subs time again. You can renew your membership or join the residents association for $25 per year per residential address. The membership year runs from April to March. Thanks to all those residents who have just joined or renewed their membership.

We really appreciate your support! For details on how to renew or join please contact the PHA via pthowardassn@gmail. com. Residents will also shortly receive a copy of the PHA “What We Do” flyer for 2023/24 in their letterboxes which contains further information.

pthowardassn@gmail.com

Eastbourne 35 Pukatea Street

504sqm

Pack your bags for Pukatea!

Picturesque Pukatea street is always a winner, as will you be if you purchase this idyllic single level, centrally heated and warm family home flooded with sunlight and indoor outdoor flow. View now to avoid disappointment.

Deadline Sale 3rd August 2023 (Unless Sold Prior)

View by appointment harcourts.co.nz/LH5087

Eastbourne 10 Nikau Street

336sqm

2 1 1

Vendor says SELL on auction day

Nikau street needs no introduction – a much loved address! Here’s a fantastic opportunity to acquire a rare-as single level low maintenance standalone home on the flat. Make no mistake – vendor has moved, selling NOW!

Auction 20th August 2023

View by appointment harcourts.co.nz/LH6020

Eastbourne 314 Muritai Road

304sqm

Thought you couldn’t afford Eastbourne?

You can now! Situated at the heart of Eastbourne on the flat, close to beach, buses, bush – what more can you ask for? Flat section, fenced with a garage and calling out for newcomers to Eastbourne and/or the property market. Get your skates on – interest is strong!

Asking price $795,000

View by appointment harcourts.co.nz/LH6012

Eastbourne 3/415 Muritai Road

Lovely and Little

One-bedroom flats are hard to come by so if you’re a couple or singleton, retired or professional, come and make this cosy little home your own. Ideally situated close to the beach and bus stop – bring your suitcase and – aaah – relax!

For Sale by Negotiation from Min $300’s

View by appointment harcourts.co.nz/LH6023

Christelle Van Zyl 0210 758 291 christelle.vanzyl@harcourts.co.nz

Christelle Van Zyl

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 - Two Monday Sessions at 1.302.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm.

EastbourneToyLibrary on Facebook. Kathy

0273551950

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• 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: Monday 5.15pm – 6.15pm. Kea Leader: Ed 021 738 699

• Venturers: 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Susan 0275 35 4962.

Tuesdays

• Pt Howard Playcentre Tues 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 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 562 7181.

• 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 impactteens to 70+) Music Movement Magic - Muritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www. niainwellington.com

Wednesdays

• Cubs: 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Ed 021 738 699.

• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.

• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• “Steady as You Go” Age Concern sponsored Falls Prevention and Exercise Programme.