In May this year, a dozen blokes with an average age of 80+ had morning tea with the mayor to celebrate their grand total of 1081 possums busted in 20-plus years. Wal Louden, who with Phil Benge started the group, reckons they’ve walked about 57,600 km between them – an average of 53km per possum.
It all started with Jef Booth’s pear tree. No partridges, but plenty of possums, saw his Muritai Rd tree stripped of fruit each year. He set up several traps behind his house and asked Wal and Phil to look afer them while he was away.
“When he came back,” says Wal, “Stan Hunt, an Eastbourne ranger, arranged ten traps for us and Jef kept his traps going as well.”
Tat was the year 2000. Joined by Colin Dalziel, the men started setting traps in the hills between Muritai Park and the top of Totara St.
It took the trio seven months to catch their frst 100 possums, heading up the hill with their dogs each Tursday morning, eventually extending their outings to fve or six hours – an average of 10 km each trip.
Possum eradication in Eastbourne has come a long way in two decades. Tree years after the guys began their work, Mainland Island Restoration Operation (MIRO), a group of Eastbourne and Bays residents supported by GWRC, was set up, in a formal trapping operation that saw 10,000 possums taken out.
Te Freedom Trappers, whose numbers swelled as mates retired, resisted joining MIRO. Although invited, they preferred instead to move their traps to wherever they thought would be most useful.
Recently they have been pushing further into East Harbour Regional Park up Gollans Valley, adjacent to the farm where there are still pockets of possums. Wal says while possum numbers are now kept at low levels, reinvasion can be quite quick.
Musician Jeremy Winter, the youngest of the group, says socialising is an important aspect of getting together. “We are about conservation. But we are also about conversation. We put the woes of the world to right. Witticisms and puns abound as our pooches keep the pack together. An occasional dip in Gollans stream, fresh
baking, camaraderie and cofees with a wee tot of rum. We are all the ftter and healthier –physically and mentally – for it.”
Some things have changed with the passing years – their oldest member is now 89 and on damp days they’re likely to decamp earlier rather than later to Hive Café, where they “talk a lot of rubbish and have a moratorium on health”.
But one thing’s for sure – these days they’re all the benefciaries of lots of beautiful, large eating pears from the tree in Muritai Rd, which is virtually possum-free. (More on Page 2).
Te chance to bring out the old Eastbourne Mayoral Chair was seized when Eastbourne trappers, contentiously claiming to have caught “more possums than 1080”, were invited to morning tea by the mayor last month to celebrate their achievement. More about the Mayoral Chair on Pg 2.
Freedom trappers
Call it collateral damage, by-catch or “untargeted catch”, as Wal Loudon describes the non-possum kill. Over 24 years the haul has included:
●114 rats ●49 hedgehogs ●2 weasels
●2 hares ●2 blackbirds ●1 rabbit
● 1 seagull ...and 1 magpie, which was released unharmed, though Wal’s fnger was injured in the process.
[We ran a story during that time about trappers Rae Walsh and son Antony (“Horse”), who carried a self-built skinning machine in a backpack as part of that operation. We must also acknowledge the earlier – and ongoing – efforts of Alan Bagnall and Ray Smith. - Ed.]
Above: One of several mayoral chairs from pre-amalgamation days, this post-World War 2 gif from a grateful UK seaside town of the same name sits quietly against a side wall in the Hutt City Council chambers. It was quick thinking on Murray Gibbons’ part that saw Mayor Campbell Barry seated thereupon for this photo on the occasion of morning tea with the Eastbourne (NZ) possum trappers.
Raise your glasses for local Scouts
Eastbourne Scouts are on a mission to keep going for another 100 years – and as part of a fundraising push to get the Scout hall shipshape again, in time for their centenary in March 2025, Group Leader Ed Churchouse and his committee are working hard on organising an Eastbourne Winter Soiree in July. Te earlyevening event will be held at Eastbourne Sports and Services (RSA) on Friday 26 July from 6.30 – 8.30 pm.
Leisa Adsett says the event promises to be a fun-flled evening supported by the troop’s newly appointed Eastbourne-resident ambassador, Sir Ashley Bloomfeld, a former Scout himself whose now-adult children also went through the organisation. Ticket-holding guests will enjoy complimentary bubbles and canapés on arrival, music during the mix and mingle, toasted marshmallows and s’mores outside if the weather permits, and even a selfe opportunity with Sir Ashley.
Tere’ll also be a video link with the group’s latest poster person, Cared Blackham, who credits his formative years at Eastbourne Scouts with the enthusiasm for adventure that led him to kayak from Cape Reinga to Whanganui-atara earlier this year.
Local businesses have been generous in ofering items that will be rafed and auctioned on the night with some fantastic items up for grabs.
Ed says, “We are grateful for support from people like Sir Ashley Bloomfeld who know first-hand the important role Scouts has in growing children and young people into amazing members and leaders of our community”.
Tickets for the Winter Soirée can be purchased from the Eastbourne Scouts’ web store at https://www.eastbournescouts.co.nz/ web-shop
Historic police lock-up
At this month’s Community Board meeting, the ECB approved the relocation of the historic Eastbourne prison cell to the entrance of Rona Bay Wharf, Marine Parade, where it will be restored to become a feature for public viewing with appropriate interpretational signage. The move is supported by the Historical Society of Eastbourne.
Calling for expressions of interest from volunteers interested in lifeguard training for the Eastbourne summer pool.
The Council is ofering an opportunity to our community. It is providing free training to residents interested in working as lifeguards at the Eastbourne summer pool. This initiative aims to extend the pool season. Volunteers would need to complete three days of study and pool work and have a frst aid certifcate (an additional day). After the course, there is twenty hours of buddy work to familiarise routines. Hutt City Council funds and provides this training. If you are interested in being part of this, please email belinda.moss@huttcity.govt.nz.
Next ECB meeting: 7.15pm Tuesday 13 August, Eastbourne Library and Community Hub - ALL WELCOME
Beaches the focus for Tupua Horo Nuku
More than 350 square metres of sand will be added to York Bay Beach in an attempt to replenish the foreshore being built over as part of Tupua Toro Nuku. Te resulting beach will be accessible in all tides, according to Jon Kingsbury, Hutt City Council Economy and Development Director.
Te sand, which will be a similar size and colour to the existing York Bay beach, will be added during low tides on calm days to limit impact on the ecology of the bay.
Modelling has shown the beach build up will be generally stable over the short to medium term, fluctuating when there are storms. A coastal processes engineer will assess the beach two years afer the project ends to see if a top up of sand is required.
Access to Lowry Bay Beach, which was suggested to be moved from its current place next to the bus stop, is being moved immediately to the south with the construction of Tupua Horo Nuku and new bus stop. Plans had suggested the access be moved to the southern end of the bay, however Mr Kingsbury says the wooden steps at the bus stop will be removed during construction and replaced by a beach access ramp immediately to the south.
The ramp will provide the accessible route required by the Building Code and will increase accessibility for beach users. Te ramp will feature a handrail and a gentle slope of roughly seven centimetres vertically for every horizontal metre. It will be built above the high tide mark, and with a roughened concrete fnish it is unlikely to become slippery.
Timing for the construction of the Sorrento Bay section is dependent on the Oystercatcher
breeding season, beginning as early as September through to March. Mr Kingsbury says planning has taken this into account, and the work should not be delayed due to the breeding season. Construction is already underway near the blue boatshed, so that work can move on from that part of Whiorau/Lowry Bay before the season commences.
Meanwhile, progress is being made on the Sunshine Bay section of Tupua Horo Nuku. Nearly 95 percent of the foundations and seawall blocks have been installed and more than 50 percent – 370m – of the sewer pipe has been installed.
Te bay will be completed by the end of this year, following the need to redesign the sewer main in the southern end.
Mahina Bay’s Urban Design Plan has been submitted for certifcation.
In accordance with consent conditions, Te Ara Tupua Alliance is working with Muritai School and Wellesley College on an education campaign aimed at protecting and raising awareness of avifauna in the Eastern Bays. Te campaign is designed to get students involved with the project through activities such as constructing kororā nest boxes, designing information boards and learning about their local environment.
Te Alliance will provide lesson plans based on the New Zealand Curriculum over fve years to meet this condition. Tis includes school visits from specialists like project ecologists, and students visiting the site, including to the southern end of Mā-koromiko earlier this year to observe ecologists doing lizard trapping.
Tupua Horo Nuku Update
Whiorau Reserve
Bird Protection Area
Te Ara Tupua Alliance is building a Bird Protection Area (BPA) inside Whiorau Reserve.
This area offsets the loss of habitat for kororā (little penguin) caused by building the new seawall and shared path.
A rope barrier fence around the BPA marks the dog prohibition area, while letting kororā in.
Fresh topsoil and mulch will support planting of 14 native species, including the wī (silver tussock) and the ngaio.
These plants provide great habitat and will support 25 brand new homes for kororā, with the option to add more nest boxes later.
Supporting future scientists
Te Ara Tupua Alliance has teamed up with Muritai School and Wellesley College to teach learners about the environmental impacts and opportunities of projects like Tupua Horo Nuku. Through fun and engaging lessons, the students are learning how they can protect the beautiful Eastern Bays.
Last term, Muritai School learned about the delicate balance of an ecosystem. They explored different environments like forests, streams, the sea and the foreshore. Using this knowledge, they built ‘biosphere terrariums’ in their classrooms. They monitored and documented the many factors that could impact their ecosystem.
Ka rawe, the Eastern Bays have some great future scientists in the making!
Colourful fundraiser for a serious cause
Te Eastbourne Sports and Services Club was awash with pink as a hundred local women met to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Organiser Colleen McCorkindale says many locals have frst-hand experience with breast cancer or have supported those with the illness and the evening was a chance for refection, but also for fun.
“We hosted this event for our grandmothers, mothers, aunties, sisters, daughters, nieces and friends,” she says.
The evening included the insights of a breast cancer survivor, information from the Breast Cancer Foundation and a quiz, silent auction, and rafe.
A hundred women, dressed in pink, gathered at the Eastbourne RSA for an evening of fun and refection. Spencer Logan Valuations Limited Registered Valuers and Property Consultants
The evening was generously sponsored by many local businesses and the event raised $9320 for the Breast Cancer Foundation for their work. If you'd like to make a donation, scan the QR code below.
Dementia is an equal opportunity disease, says Māhina Bay’s Jenny Williams. She has seen plenty of it since she stepped up to assist her friend, the late Barbara Green, in the months before she died.
An opera singer in her early working life, the Eastbourne singer beneftted hugely from the assistance of music therapist Rani Allan, of Music for Life, who now comes fortnightly to lead the Pito-One Harmony Singers, a community group for those in cognitive decline.
While Barbara was still alive, Jenny was ofen heartened that therapy sessions would not only help her respond but at times end with some lucid conversation, as her brain was activated.
Known as dementia choirs in Europe, this one was set up following Barbara Green’s death, three years ago. Initially funded by fnancial contributions from her friends, it now exists on donations alone, including recent help from Eastbourne Lions.
It has, amazingly, kept going in spite of Covid lockdowns. Singers come from as far afeld as Upper Hutt or south from Wellington but many are from Eastbourne, including volunteer helpers like Robin Gilchrist.
Starting with a cuppa downstairs at Petone Baptist church, which hosts the fortnightly gathering, the group – 16 in June when we joined in – sits in a circle as instruments and large-print song books are handed out, before Rani strums her guitar for a warmup.
Most of the repertoire is familiar, with childhood songs like Coming Round the
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Instructions on how to access and use the AED are on the sign
Pito-One's Harmony Singers.
Mountain and Row Row your Boat. But there’s also a chance to try something new, like the Matariki song a week in advance of our newest public holiday.
Unlike some groups in the region, this is not a performing choir – so members can take part for as long as they want or are able.
As members become more at ease in the group, some partners take the opportunity to go to the supermarket alone, or even have a cofee by themselves while the group is in session.
Music can enhance the quality of life of someone living with dementia and promote wellbeing and change.
AED / Defibrillator
Music reaches through the senses like not much else can, bypassing communication barriers – even non-verbal people can hum along or shake a tambourine – and can be an outlet for emotional needs as well as strengthening cognition by stimulating the brain.
People with cognitive impairments are welcome to join the group, entry is free and you don’t have to be good at singing, Jenny notes. “Participants have a lot of fun in a supportive environment.”
For more information, see musicforlife. co.nz or contact Jenny Williams 027 221 9460/ jennywilliamsnz@gmail.com
Bishop Park, Eastbourne
Faith in the Community
Death and taxes...
US President Benjamin Franklin famously said that the only things we can be sure of in life, are death and taxes. There’s a lot of talk in Aotearoa New Zealand right now about taxes. And yet, we seldom ever talk about death – as a society, we just aren’t good at talking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. None of us knows the whole truth about what lies beyond death. Christians believe that as we journey between life and death, we are in the hands of a gracious God of love. We believe that death invites us to know with truth whether what we have valued in ourselves has eternal value. Right now, in the depths of winter, we mark the Māori season of Matariki by reflecting on past, present and future. So, what better time to reflect on our own mortality; to remember and cherish those who have gone before us; to ask ourselves what parts of our lives we value, and what legacy we will leave for the world; to make peace with the prospect of death and so to live more fully in the here and now.
Each of our Eastbourne Churches has someone you can chat with if you’d like to talk about your own mortality, or the death or illness of a loved one. Our contact details are below...
St Alban’s + St Ronan’s: 1st Sundays 9:30am monthly shared communion services (alternating venues, leaders and preachers) 7 July at St Ronan’s church, 4 August at San Antonio church.
St Ronan’s: 1st Sundays shared with St Albans (see above). 2nd and 4th Sundays 9:30am informal, 3rd Sundays 9:30am traditional, 5th Sundays 12:00pm fellowship meal. E:offce@ stronans.org.nz W:www.stronans.org.nz
St Alban’s: 1st Sundays shared with St Ronan’s (see above). Other Sunday services now at San Antonio church at 9:30am. 1st Thursdays, communion at 10:30am at St Ronan’s church. Details www.facebook.com/ StAlbansNZ E:offce@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
Obsessed with entrepreneurship
by Ann Packer
Nikolas Hardwick can’t wait to be out of school. Te unassuming, but impressively self-confident Year 13 HVHS student, 17, already has his own York Baybased software company, in partnership with an Indianresident gaming buddy of the same tender age – and six employees.
His company, Quela.io – named for a small African migratory bird – specialises in web development, app development and custom sofware development.
“I’m your standard nerd, developing tricks and eager to talk to people about it,” he says.
He worked at Eastbourne restaurant IP Man in early 2023 when setting up his company, in order to “bootstrap” the money needed to start.
He already has a list of local frms and some government departments as his clients, and a couple of impressive mentors– some of the largest CEOs in the Capital.
School is a necessary evil – he chose not to drop out in the middle of Year 13 – but it’s
Tartines is hosting a trufe degustation dinner, with wine match, on Saturday 27th of July at 6.30pm. Conrad, the trufe hunter, will be there to talk about his white diamonds, alongside local wine connoisseur, Lucas Monge, from DelMundo wine.
not all bad. He joined the New Zealand Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) and has already won the Challenge 1 “Validation” award for the greater Wellington area.
He’ll fnd out if he’s won the Challenge 2 “Pitch” award on 27 June and is aiming to be nominated as YES Company of the Year at the national excellence awards in December. A firm believer in “if you don’t know, just go out and ask”, the proud-to-be-Kiwi has some impressive names in his network, afer a somewhat chequered school career in the UK (London City Boys’ Grammar was not for him) before moving here with his family in late 2022.
He says if he was ofered a scholarship to university he’d probably take it, but he’s dead set on running his business full-time as soon as exams end in November/December.
Nikolas is very interested in joining innovation hub Creative HQ to link up with one of their well-known accelerator programs. Sharesies, Hnry, Solid, and FTN Motion are all Creative HQ-grown companies.
www.tartinesfrenchcafe.com
Nikolas Hardwick, third from lef, with other Young Enterprise Scheme entrants.
Artist's double delight
by Ann Packer
A conversation with an artist friend was the push Eastbourne artist Nicola Pennington (right) needed to expose her own art to a wider audience.
Te owner of Twin Island Gallery, tucked away in the corner behind Tartines, joined the Wellington-based Academy of Fine Arts so she could enter their Water World exhibition.
She also entered the 2024 Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, an annual competition in Wanaka that supports a local school. Both exhibitions required that work had not previously been seen, including on social media.
It was while the artist was celebrating her inclusion in the South Island exhibition by travelling down for the opening that she got the news on her phone that she had won the NZAFA’s Curator’s Award for “Safe Harbour”, a study in acrylic and mixed media. Te award carries a cash prize of $1500, which was a bonus.
“I was thrilled even to be accepted,” she says, “but it was really good for exposure, with even people I went to art school with getting in touch. I hadn’t anticipated such a response.”
“Safe Harbour” may be seen at Twin Island Gallery, Eastbourne.
Local book illustrator up for award
A book illustrated by an Eastbourne artist is included in the shortlist for the New Zealand Book Awards for children and young adults, announced earlier this month.
Lily Uivel illustrated Te Pīkari Pipi, by Angie Belcher, a story about gathering kai for a beach feast. Also published in English as Pipi Dances, the te reo translation by Pānia Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) earned the book a place in the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award Finalists.
Te judging panel said all fve fnalist books showed diferent forms of auahatanga creativity, and hiranga inspiration. “Tey also demonstrated exceptional knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori.”
Both versions are published by Scholastic New Zealand.
Eastbourne Lions 2024 Book Sale
Muritai School Hall
7 & 8 September 9am-3pm
Donations of saleable items
- collection box in foyer of Eastbourne Library.
To discuss collection of larger quantities, text Gavin 027 488 5602 or ph Graham 562 8819.
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.
• 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 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 impactteens to 70+) Music Movement Magic - Muritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www. niainwellington.com
• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James
WHAT'S ON
on 022 043 7841 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.
• AA Plunket Rooms 7.30pm. Mark 566 6444/ Pauline 562 7833
• DB Playcentre 9.15-12 noon Puddle Jumpers casual ‘drop-in’ session.$5 per child per session. Call James on 022 043 7841
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 efective 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.
• 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.
Celebration of the life of Kate Hector
Please join the family for a celebration of Kate’s life Muritai Yacht Club Sunday,14 July 2.30 until 6pm
CLASSIFIEDS
A beautiful studio/office/gallery space for sub-lease at Studio Toru (3 Oroua Street opposite the 4 Square) Te space is approx.. 12sqm and can be accessed and locked separately to give you independence, security and privacy. Shared kitchen facilities and bathroom and courtyard are at the rear of the cottage. Te room is perfect for a creative studio space, it has lovely natural light with 2 large windows plus a skylight. Available June 2024 - Feb 2025 (possibly longer) - also open to pop-ups and shorter term rentals. I would love to share the space with another creative but also be open to discussing other options. Please call Philothea 021 433 082.
Garden Stuf with Sandy Lang HEALTHY PLANTS
June/July: Early/mid-winter. Eat well and stay healthy.
War: Plants are under constant attack from myriads of tiny organisms - pests (insects, mites, nematodes…) and diseases (fungi, bacteria…).
Pest & disease resistance: Fortunately, like us, plants have evolved effective resistance systems to repel all these invaders. But bad living conditions, and thus stress, weakens a plant’s resistance response. So, it’s worth de-stressing your plants (indoor and outdoor) by carefully matching each to its environmentmainly: •water, •temperature, •sunlight. A bad match, and the plant’s stressed, so less resistant, so more likely overrun by some lurgy.
Water: Many plants die of too little water (severely wilted plants die) or of too much water (waterlogged soil, low soil oxygen, root rot, plant dies). Some plants are naturally tolerant of wet feet and others of drought, but all prefer something in between. Plants need more water summer, less winter. But avoid stressing them by too much or too little, at all times.
Temperature: Your garden’s climate is ‘temperateoceanic’ and your home’s is ‘subtropical’. Not all indoor plants tolerate outdoor temperatures and vice versa. A change in temperature environment is also stressful. If moving a plant from indoors to outdoors, or back, transition it in stages. Allow it time to acclimatise, less stress. Same for a move to a different indoor location, or a to different outdoor location.
Sunlight: Animals get their energy by eating other animals or plants. Plant stems and roots get theirs from the leaves. Leaves get theirs by converting radiant energy (sunlight) into chemical energy (sugars) via photosynthesis. All life’s energy comes ultimately from sunlight. Photosynthesis converts about 5% of sunlight energy to chemical energy (sugars). If plants don’t get enough sunlight, they can’t make enough sugar, and they starve. So, they’re more likely to suffer attack from some pest or disease.
In general, fowering /fruiting plants need lots of light (6+ sunlight hours /day), leafy plants need less (4-6 sunlight hours /day). But some houseplants are very shade-tolerant and can cope with very much less. When you buy seeds or plants, the label indicates the amount of light needed. Make a sunlight map of your garden to show how much sunlight (hours /day) reaches each spot (see www. mulchpile.org/62). Map your home too. Then match each plant to a location where it will get the right light. Not too much, not too little.
slang@xtra.co.nz www.mulchpile.org
Eastbourne 4/206 Muritai Road 1 1
This sunny one-level apartment o ers a good-sized double bedroom with spacious built-in robes, a bathroom with shower and bath, and an open-plan kitchen-lounge. It features double glazing, a heat pump, lovely shutters for privacy and sun, and a carport. Outside, there’s a front deck for enjoying the sun and garden beds for pottering. Ideal for retirees or professionals, this comfortable, a ordable home in a superb complex is close to the beach, village, and bus stop, making it a great start in Eastbourne. To view, call our team or visit our Open Home this Sunday.
Sinéad Diederich 021 0258 1960
teamharcourts.co.nz
Christelle Van Zyl 021 0758 291
Jen Schipper 027 253 5635
TEAM Sinéad
FUNDED DENTAL REMINDER
NEW TEAM MEMBER
The Eastbourne Dental Centre is delighted to welcome Allie Eggleston to the team. Allie is available for appointments Wednesdays and Fridays and is looking forward to helping patients optimise their oral health. Allie completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Distinction) at Otago University in 2015, and has worked in Christchurch, Wellington and Australia in both private practice and public dentistry. Outside of work Allie enjoys tramping, music, yoga and spending time with friends and family.
We would like to remind the community that if your teenager is due for a Dental Examination and clean, remember they can visit annually for FREE from entering year 9 until their 18th birthday under the government’s Adolescent Oral Health Scheme. Those receiving a beneft of any kind may be eligible for a WINZ Special Needs grant of up to $1000 annually to help cover the cost of your dental visits.
To schedule a Dental appointment contact us on 04 5627506 or reception@eastbournedental.co.nz
Five writers. Five elements. Five short stories.
An unexpected collection of short stories inspired by a bird, the feeling of water, a misdelivered package, the chariot tarot card and a guilty pleasure make up Five By Five, the frst volume by a group of Eastbourne and Hutt Valley writers.
Included are a Wellington-gothic tale of mermaids and madness, a drug-running underdog clawing his way to the top, a young man and his neighbours’ hot tub, a gonzo
girls’ night out and a ghost story where a jewel thief gets more than he bargained for. Rupert Brackenbury, Gina Hopkirk, Sean Lincoln, Robert Metcalf and Jessica Nickelsen bring a fresh approach to anthology, combining these elements to create a surprising collection of themes, symbols, genres and ideas.
Although writing in very diferent genres, the Incongruous Gongs has been going strong since 2015. Lowry Bay writer Jess Nickelsen,
LETTERS
Park restrictions "draconian"
Your article in the May edition of the Herald regarding “Bishop Park BPA on the horizon”, quotes HCC as saying, “the majority of submitters during its month-long consultation period supported changes to the Dog Control Bylaw”. You provided a number of statistics supplied by HCC following this consultation. For clarity, regarding the proposed changes to the Dog Control Bylaw for the area around CL Bishop Park, the majority of submitters did not support the proposed changes. HCC report 47 percent of submissions supported the proposal in this area, which means the majority – 53 percent - did not.
In addition, at the Hearings Subcommittee meeting on 25 March to discuss the proposed changes to the Dog Control Bylaw, there were twenty oral submissions. Of these, one was from HCC itself and one was not about dog walking. Of the remaining 18 submissions, over 80 percent spoke against the proposed changes to the Dog Control Bylaw and about
Kidztalk
We have been making the most of the autumn sunshine, playing in the sandpit and on the slides and swings. A big thank you to the Days Bay Menz Shed for our wonderful new swing box.
We are looking forward to our matariki party, bringing together our whānau for kai and waiata. Mānawatia a matariki!
It has been lovely to get to know our newest tamariki, and there is still lots of space. Come and join us for winter fun! Supervised sessions Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays - all from 9.15 to 12. Email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz or just stop by.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
the unsuitability of the area around Bishop Park in particular as a Bird Protection Area (BPA).
I suggest there is also some confusion as to the wildlife HCC aims to protect in the Bishop Park BPA. Originally it was planned as an area to relocate little blue penguins, but this idea has since been abandoned. Te area is not naturally suited to penguin habitat nor are there any current nesting sites, and local lore is they have never nested there.
As such, it is very disappointing that HCC, in light of strong resident opposition, have enforced such draconian restrictions for dog walkers rather than allow dogs to be walked on leash - as is the case around most other BPAs.
Unfortunately no statistics are available around consultation on the initial proposal to establish a BPA at Bishop Park. Te Mayor himself has acknowledged that ”even the people participating in the public hearing process were given little opportunity to afect these areas”.
N Talbott
who has published three previous books in the speculative fction genre online, confesses the name is “a bit silly” but says it was born out of a late night brainstorming “and somehow it stuck.” Jess says the Gongs (incongruousgongs.omg. lol) plan to publish an anthology every year, with something by Lily Uivel (Muritai) and Mel Johnston (Days Bay) on the cards for Volume 2. Five By Five is available at https://www.amazon. com/dp/B0CRHV95VJ
A weighty issue
Re : “with a weight gain of just 200 gm”, page 1, Eastbourne Herald, May 2024
The Post finally has started using km/h afer using kph for more than 50 years. Te NZ Standard and the ISO Standard have now been current for a very long time.
Te standard indication of a gramme and grammes is “g” and not “gm” which would mean gramme-metre. So the weight gain is 200 g.
Adrian Moonen
News from our local playcentres
NEWS FROM DAYS BAY PLAYCENTRE
Legacy & community celebrated at Old Timers' Day
Old Timers' Day is a cherished tradition at Eastbourne Rugby Club, celebrating the past players, members, and those who have shaped the club's rich history. Tis year's event was marked by the unveiling of a Life Members board during a well-attended lunch with past players and sponsors.
Honouring dedication and perseverance
Te highlight of this year's Old Timers' Day was Dan Hewson's remarkable achievement of playing his 300th senior game in green and gold. His dedication to the club serves as an inspiration to young and old, embodying the essence of commitment and perseverance that defnes the club spirit.
Showcasing junior talent
The day was also marked by spirited performances from the club's junior teams, all playing at home. Teir enthusiasm and skill on the feld showcased not only their talent but also the outstanding eforts of the dedicated coaches and managers.
Unwavering support amidst challenges
Despite the seniors' match ending in a loss against Tawa, the club rallied around the team with unwavering support. Tis resilience and camaraderie epitomised the spirit of Eastbourne Rugby Club, where victories, setbacks, and tough seasons are shared experiences that strengthen the bonds among members.
WHAT'S ON
Recognising excellence
Amidst the celebrations, several players were honoured with centurion caps for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the club. Tis recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces the club's commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding dedication.
A touch of magic
Adding a touch of magic to the festivities, whales were spotted swimming past during the afer-match function, providing a breathtaking reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds the club's coastal home.
A celebration of community and tradition
Eastbourne Rugby Club's Old Timers Day was not just a celebration of rugby but a celebration of community, tradition, and achievement. As the club looks forward, it
remains committed to upholding its values and creating a welcoming environment where players, supporters, committee members, and sponsors alike can continue to thrive and contribute to the legacy of rugby in Eastbourne.
-Willie
Davis, ERFC
Authorised by Chris Bishop, Parliament Buildings,
Willie Davis, Jeremy Chaston, Jesse Gordon, Matt Jack, Dan Hewson, Jamie Gilbert, Hami Love, Pete Coles and Barry Luke.
