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December 2021
Retaining community boards is great news BY FRANK NEILL Ōtaki community leaders have welcomed Kāpiti Coast District Council’s decision to retain community boards. In its original proposal, presented for community input, the council proposed abolishing the district’s four community boards. The council received 510 submissions from individuals and 22 submissions from organisations. The vast majority disagreed with the proposal to abolish community boards. After considering the submissions, the council decided at its meeting on 11 November not only to retain community boards, but to move from having four to having five community boards as from the 2022 election. The five community boards will be Ōtaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati and Paekākāriki. The new community board will serve Raumati. The decision to retain community boards “is a really positive outcome”, Ōtaki College Principal Andy Fraser told the Ōtaki Mail. “I’m just pleased that they [the council] have taken into consideration the submissions they received. “Hopefully moving forward there will be a desire to strengthen community boards to allow a greater say about what’s happening in our towns,” Mr Fraser said. “I think it is a good decision,” said Di Buchan, who chairs the Friends of the Ōtaki Rotunda Trust and is also a member of the Ōtaki Museum Board. “It is a good thing the council put this up in some ways, because it has made us think about what community boards are doing. “What the council and the community boards need to do now is to work to make the community boards more useful and to serve our communities better than they have been,” Ms Buchan said. The council’s decision to retain community boards is “a good outcome and a sensible one in my opinion,” Ōtaki RSA President Mike Forgarty said. “Personally I am very pleased that the community boards are staying. “Council has listened to the constituents and common sense has prevailed.
“It would have been a contentious issue if they had gone ahead and thought they could have had a reduction in the community boards.” Having community boards has an impact on local communities, especially places like Ōtaki, Mr Fogarty noted. For example when Ōtaki people or organisations applied for a grant they would have to travel to Paraparaumu if there was no Ōtaki Community Board. For the RSA “these grants help with the likes of ANZAC Day, both here and in Waikanae.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Ōtaki Community Board Chair, Christine Papps, has also welcomed the decision. “We are ecstatic about it,” she said. “It was democracy in action. The people have spoken and they were listened to.” Ms Papps attended the council meeting on 11 November where it made the decision to retain the four community boards and add a fifth one.
The decision on community board was unanimous, she noted. “We did not see how it could have gone any other way when you see the submissions people put in. “It went the way people wanted, and it shows that if people get behind what they want, it does work. “So we have gone from four community boards to no community boards to five community boards,” she said. Councillors were “pleased with the high level of interest in the consultation on the district’s democratic system,” Mayor Gurunathan said. The councillors took the community feedback on board and made “significant changes” to the initial proposal so the situation was “something close to the status quo”.
Arts Trail Pages 10 & 11
Continued on page 8
Armistice Page 12
The top award winners at Ōtaki College’s prizegiving on 18 November (from left): Proxime Accessit Quinn Straker, Sportsperson of the Year Heremaia Cooper and Dux Krisha Modi.
Te Horo Cider Page 16
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021 Sponsored content
Together in care and celebrating 68 years of married life Jim and Irene Smillie met and married in Scotland, where they both grew up. After 68 years of marriage they still live close by each other at Enliven’s Levin War Veterans Home – Irene in the home and Jim in the dementia wing. “It’s wonderful to be able to offer both levels of care to this devoted couple,” says Levin Home manager Michelle Day. “Their individual needs are met, and they can be together whenever they want to.” The pair met when Irene was at a Girl Guides meeting and Jim was there at the same venue leading the Scouts. Irene says her first impression of Jim, as he was ordering people about, was ‘who does he think he is?’ But she was instantly attracted to this “new face in town”. Love grew when they found they had plenty in common such as enjoying life with friends and family and valuing the opportunity to work hard. Jim’s occupation was as a coachbuilder, while Irene was a calculation operator. In the days before computers, she would calculate sales and accounts. The couple emigrated to New Zealand after their marriage – living in Wellington for most of their working years. They semi-retired to Rotorua for a brief time, before settling in Levin where they have lived for more than 30 years. When asked what the secret is to her parents’ long and happy marriage, daughter Fiona Smillie says their personalities complement each other perfectly. “My father always looks on the bright side, whereas my mother is more of a realist,” she says. Levin War Veterans Home offers rest home, hospital and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. To learn more about the home, located on the corner of Matai and Prouse Streets, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 06 366 0052.
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Lawyers play a vital role in subdivisions BY FLEUR HOBSON
You have a big property and you think it may be worth subdividing so you can benefit from the sale price. Or you are thinking of buying a block of land and subdividing it. That can be a good option. However, subdividing is an expensive and timeconsuming process. You may also have to pay tax on any profit you do make if you begin the process within 10 years of buying or being given the land. It is important, therefore, to weigh up the costs and the benefits. Before you take those initial steps such as hiring a surveyor to prepare a survey plan for example, you need to consult a lawyer who is experienced in subdivisions. The lawyer will look at a series of important issues. Firstly, the lawyer will
look at whether or not you are allowed to subdivide the land you are considering. Secondly, the lawyer will investigate whether subdividing is feasible in your circumstances. Subdividing is a long and involved process. A whole series of steps is involved. These include: • getting resource consent from the Kāpiti Coast District Council (if the land is in Kāpiti); • preparing a survey plan; • getting your plan sealed by the council; • lodging the subdivision plan with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ); • getting LINZ approval of the plan; and • lodging the new titles with LINZ. Your lawyer will be able to assist you
with this complex set of steps. As indicated above, the first step you will need to take, and your lawyer is well placed to do this for you, is to determine whether your subdivision is allowed under the Council’s District Plan, and if it is allowed, whether any conditions apply. As well as working with your lawyer, you will usually find that it is necessary to consult a surveyor or planner on this question. Depending on your situation, you may also need to consult an engineer. It may be that you are able to subdivide, but that your proposal will have to be publicly notified and go to a hearing. Once again, this is outside the expertise of most people, but within the expertise of a lawyer experienced in land matters. Your lawyer will also be needed to
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prepare the necessary legal documents. Some people have, after looking at their situation, decided that subdividing is not worth the time and cost. Others, however, have found it of great financial benefit, and some have found the process beneficial emotionally and mentally as well. At Susie Mills Law, we will be happy to help you if you are thinking subdividing may be right for you. Contact Fleur, Susie or Freya at Susie Mills Law, 364 7190, 282 Mill Road – opposite Farmlands.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
HAIR Show The Ōtaki Players Society were lucky enough to be able to end their season of HAIR the musical in style at the end of October. With lockdown occurring during the scheduled season in August, the remaining performances were rescheduled over Labour Weekend and the week following. “It was nice to be able to end the show and not just leave it half finished,” says Graham Orchard, the musical director for HAIR. “The committee and cast were eager to complete the season and although tired after performing 9 shows in a row, were in party mode on the last night.” “We were able to have 100 in the audience socially distanced, all signed in and masked up for the occasion.” “The Ōtaki Players Society now will turn their attention on to their next major production for 2022, which is the iconic Australian musical, ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’.” “Based on the smash-hit movie, PRISCILLA is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they had ever dreamed of.” “With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a hit parade of dancefloor favourites, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!” “Featuring a hit parade of dance floor magic, with songs including It’s Raining Men, I Say A Little Prayer, Material Girl, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, I Love The Nightlife and two Kylie Medleys.” “To Direct this show, we have Marcus Wolland. Born in Las Vegas Nevada to Kiwi parents, Marcus was raised in the United States, studying theatre arts at the University of Nevada Reno before relocating to Seattle, Washington in 2000. Over the course of seventeen years, his most notable achievement was writing and performing a one man stage show about the young Orson Welles, which was picked up by a Portland media company
The cast from HAIR outside of the Civic Theatre. © Annette Scullion.
and made into a DVD that was included in the 2005 International Film Festival in Locarno, Switzerland, and is still available on Amazon.com. He also served as a board member for three theatre organizations, in addition to appearing onstage and directing shows for other companies in the Pacific Northwest. In late 2017, he immigrated to New Zealand with his mum (who grew up in Ōtaki), and has appeared with the Levin Performing Arts Society in three productions. He was nominated for Regional Theatre Awards for roles in Rock of Ages and Chicago, and received the 2019 award for best supporting actor in a musical for his portrayal of Pontius
Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar. He is extremely pleased for Priscilla to be his first directorial credit in New Zealand.” “In charge of the Choreography, Nathan Wright. Hawke’s bay raised, Wellington located. Nathan was heavily involved with Napier operatic society choreographing many shows and performing. 2 and half years later after moving down to the big smoke he finally landed his first show in a new region. Dancing since he was young, teaching full time for many years and then discovering his passion for MT has made him express his talents elsewhere. To be able to get the chance to choreograph one of his all time favourite shows, legendary music and express creativity in a whole new form is what drives him to make his passion reality. Nathan is excited to meet new people, make others dreams a reality and have.”
Graham Orchard will be in charge of the musical direction and along with his wife Tracey, will be ensuring everything runs smoothly during the “Priscilla” process. Auditions for “Priscilla” will take place on the weekend of 29th and 30th January 2022, with a pre-audition night planned for Wednesday 19th January 2022 at the Civic Theatre at 7pm. The show itself will be staged at the Southward Auditorium in Paraparaumu during the month of August 2022. (we need to have a full size bus on-stage and unfortunately during the up-grade of The Civic, KCDC concreted up our only access for a large item to be installed). For further information all of the details can be found on the Ōtaki Players Society website, or you can contact Graham directly at graham@otakiplayers.nz
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Interchurch carol service canned BY FRANK NEILL This year’s ecumenical carol service has been cancelled, due to COVID-19. This event is usually held outdoors in Haruātai Park, featuring Let’s Sing Ōtaki and conducted by Ann-Marie Stapp.
BY VIVIENNE BAILEY
Farewell to Peter
Saying farewell during COVID level 2.5 (with a maximum of 100 people) was always going to be challenging, but a recent memorial service to honour Te Horo stalwart, Peter Rahr proved it can be done successfully. “Together with Reverend Simon Falconer we brought St Margaret’s Church to the Te Horo Hall,” said Anne Keeble, Peter’s partner. “Jenny Gordon from Te Horo Women’s Group and Sharon Hurst, Te Horo Hall Society pulled their groups together, catering for the afternoon’s refreshments, and Sue Mansell provided armloads of beautiful floral arrangements. Thank you all, my parish family and the many others in our community.” Peter Rahr was a long-time, supportive member of the Te Horo community, working tirelessly to incorporate structural upgrades to the local hall including the installation of disabled toilets and ramps. For Peter his community was everything. It was fitting to have his memorial service in the hall he worked so hard to improve.
Te Horo Christmas Market 2021 cancellation
The annual Te Horo Christmas Market, major fundraiser for the Te Horo Hall Society, has been cancelled due to COVID level restrictions. “We’ve had no choice but to cancel this event. The way the government has coupled the existing COVID level system with the new COVID traffic light guidelines has made it impossible.
Realistically we can only run the market under level one conditions,” said Society president, Sharon Hurst. “And there is no sign our region will drop to level one by 5 December.” The market was a well-established (this would have been the 16th year) tradition for the Te Horo community, looked forward to by stallholders and visitors alike.
Ann-Marie Stapp conducting the singing during last year’s ecumenical carol service.
Carols will still come to the town, however. Ms Stapp is planning to play Christmas carols in the street on her trumpet. She has applied for a busking licence, which will allow her to perform. She will also play carols at the Cobbler’s Lunch Club, which provides free soup at the Gertrude Atmore Supper Room every Thursday lunchtime, at its lunch on 23 December. COVID-19 has been a “nightmare” for Let’s Sing Ōtaki this year, Ms Stapp told the Ōtaki Mail. “Most gigs we have had since August have been cancelled. In fact every choir I know is struggling to put things on.” Not only has the ecumenical service been cancelled, but all the Christmas events Let’s Sing Ōtaki usually does around Christmas have been cancelled. This includes singing Christmas carols in homes for the elderly. “We are all a bit heartbroken about this,” Ms Stapp said.
Go ahead for Te Horo Hall
Last month Te Horo Talk reported progress on the hall upgrade, and earthquake strengthening had faltered because of the effects of COVID and continuing lockdowns. However recent reports show design work has now been completed, meaning the quotation process and estimation of costs can go ahead.
Te Horo School Christmas Carols
Te Horo School’s Christmas Carols will take place, Friday 10 December, at the school hall, providing the region has dropped to level one. The Home and School Committee plan to provide a barbecue and Santa will make an appearance.
Drinks and Nibbles
Bring a plate of nibbles to share and something to drink to celebrate Christmas and Te Horo’s wonderful neighbours. This is the monthly community get together at Te Horo Hall, Friday 3 December 5.30pm. All welcome.
‘Otaki Gardens’, Rangiuru Rd At last there are quality sections available in Otaki. Ranging in size from 350m2 to 900m2, these may well be the last of the larger sections made, given the drive to ‘intensify’ development – down to 250m2, and terraced houses may well become the norm! For those looking to upsize to a new home, or obtain their first home, what better spot than here, between town and beach, and with ready access to a lot of what is great about Otaki. The miles of beach, white baiting and fishing at the river mouth, and the km’s of walking or cycling trail along the Otaki Riverbank. And just a short stroll into town! The sections will have power, water, sewerage, mains gas, and fibre available along the new street frontages.
No minimum house size is set down, it just has to be a new build, allowing a wide range of personal preferences. A 10% deposit will secure a section, with titles anticipated between November 2022 and May 2023. A perfect amount of time for planning and finding a builder! Give Grant or Travis a call to meet you on site, and if you would like an appraisal on your existing home to see the ‘big picture’, we can do that too. The sections have a ‘Buyer Enquiry Over’ guide of $350,000, with a DEADLINE for Offers to be received of 11am on Wednesday 8th December 2021.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Purebread SpringFest ’21 The public are invited to attend this Ōtaki free community event ‘Purebread SpringFest ’21’, part of the Purebread Spring Music Events 2021, a District Wide Celebration of Spring Live Music. The event will be held at ‘Memorial Gardens’, Main Street, Ōtaki on Saturday 4th December from 11.30am to 4.30pm. Music starts for the day at 11.30am with DJ ‘Just Press Play’, who will continue throughout the day between live acts, and conclude the day performing through to 4.30pm. Local Kapiti based Latin American Jazz ensemble ‘Brasso’ opens with live music at 12noon. Their musical set includes some Originals and popular Covers with a Jazzy twist. Featuring Brasso band member and the founder of Purebread Rob Glensor Vocalist / Drummer. Also featured is local identity David Langley who arranges all music for Brasso, David will be performing on his Trumpet/Flugal Horn and also sing several numbers. Talented female vocal soloist Teneka Snow will perform several numbers with the band. ‘Brand New Secondhand’ a modern Reggae Vibe band will be performing from 1.30pm. Derived from Porirua, all highly talented musicians. This is the first time ‘Brand New Secondhand’ will be performing for a Purebread event bringing us a new musical sound with an old soul feel. “We are a new collective playing old reggae songs mixed with vibrant new songs” Brand New Secondhand stated. “These musicians are highly talented and we are very excited to have them performing at this event”, said event organiser Chris Craddock. At 3.00pm, highly popular Horowhenua Band ‘Peanut Slab’ will entertain.
An originals and covers 5 piece band with a “Rhythm & Blues base, with a Reggae Twist, covering music from the 70’s to now ”. A modern glamourous band. This well-known band has performed at many Purebread Festivals. Invited back due popular demand for their mixture of originals and slant on covers. Event organiser Chris Craddock said, “What better way to spend a ‘late Spring’ Saturday afternoon enjoying local and national musical talent in the perfect surroundings of Memorial Gardens listening to a selection of outstanding music performed by the District’s best musicians. Bring yourself [ and the family], a picnic basket and a blanket, and come early, and enjoy 5 hours of live Blues, Reggae, Soul, R&B, and Jazz. Not forgetting the free Children’s entertainment with complimentary Bouncy Castle and free Community Sausage Sizzle”. Organisers ‘Music Festivals and Events NZ’ are indebted to One Foundation for their generous financial support. Naming Sponsor ‘Purebread’ has again been very supportive. The event is at the ‘Memorial Gardens’, Main Street, Ōtaki, during the performance hours of 11.30am to 4.30pm Saturday 4th December 2021. Wet Weather Venue: Ōtaki Yard, Main Highway, Ōtaki. During the evening the event will move to ‘The Tele’, with a further four hours of live music. Starting at 9pm ‘Brand New Secondhand’ performing, followed from 11pm to close ‘Peanut Slab’ entertaining. For further information or comment please contact: Chris Craddock, Event organiser, 027 410 2420.
Most Happy Music It is with great pleasure that the Kapiti Concert Orchestra will return to Ōtaki to present their annual November Concert. This concert represents a significant milestone in the Orchestra’s relationship with the local community. It will be the 10th concert the Orchestra has presented in as many years and over those years the Orchestra has built up a loyal following of concert goers and players always look forward to coming to Ōtaki to play to such appreciative and supportive audiences. The theme of this year’s Concert is Most Happy Music reflecting the fact that the second half of the concert will celebrate the music and songs of one of Ōtaki’s most famous sons, Inia Te Wiata, who was born in Ōtaki and who passed away 50 years ago this year. Local Ōtaki resident and tenor, Harlan Te Wiata, a great-nephew of Inia, will perform a number of songs made famous by Inia and join the Orchestra in a performance of two works specially commissioned for the occasion by the Kapiti Concert Orchestra – two Suites for Orchestra and Solo Voice by Michael Vinten featuring arrangements from Show Boat and Porgy and Bess. Harlan has performed in several plays and musicals in the Wellington region including playing Piangi in the Ōtaki Players’ production of “The Phantom of the Opera” in 2019. He has always enjoyed singing and says he is honoured to be involved in a concert celebrating his Great-Uncle. The first half of the concert will include a number of lighter classical works – Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No 4, La Calinda by Delius, Stravinsky’s Suite No 2 and Ring Round the Moon, a Suite by the New Zealand composer David Farquhar.
The Orchestra is delighted to introduce Conductor, Martin Setchell to their Ōtaki audience. Martin came to New Zealand in 1974 when he was appointed to the University of Canterbury’s School if Music. He is an internationally recognized concert organist, a freelance conductor of numerous choirs and orchestras, has a passion for opera and believes in promoting entertaining music to a wide audience. Martin now lives in Kapiti and looks forward to sharing his musical skills with the local community. CONCERT DETAILS: Saturday 27 November Ōtaki Memorial Hall, 3pm. TICKETS: from Eventfinda (strictly limited due to ongoing COVID Restrictions at Level 2). Adult – $25, Student – $10.
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0800 577 663 MARTIN SETCHELL was born in Lancashire, England where he received his early musical education. He holds Honours degrees in both Music and French from the University of Exeter. He came to New Zealand in 1974 on his appointment to the University of Canterbury School of Music where he taught for 40 years and became Associate Professor of Music. His specialist teaching areas are tonal theory, musicianship, aural perception, keyboard skills, music history especially opera, and conducting. In 2014 he resigned his University position in order to work full-time as a professional freelance musician, performing as conductor and soloist, writing, speaking, composing, editing, translating, and teaching. He began conducting whilst still at school, and later studied conducting with Laslo Heltay. Over the years he has conducted numerous groups including the University of Canterbury Chamber Choir and orchestra, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Christchurch’s chamber choir, the Jubilate Singers (founder and first MD). He has a particular passion for opera and was chorus master and Assistant Music Director for various Canterbury Opera productions including ‘Carmen’, ‘Tosca’ and ‘La Boheme’. He also conducted numerous chamber operas, most recently Menotti’s ‘The Telephone’ and ‘The Medium’, Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona, Chabrier’s Une éducation manquée and Anthony Ritchie’s opera The God Boy. He also pursues a busy career as an international concert organist who believes in promoting entertaining organ music to a wide audience. Solo concerts
in recent years have taken him to the USA, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Japan and Australia. He was appointed organ curator of the Rieger organ in Christchurch Town Hall in 1997 and continues to serve as Christchurch’s city organist In March 2019 he gave the grand inaugural concerts marking the re-opening of the organ after earthquake repairs to the auditorium. In 2008, he was honoured by the City of Christchurch, receiving a Civic Award from the Mayor for services to music in the community and the Town Hall organ in particular. His numerous CDs recorded on the famous Rieger pipe organ are frequently heard on Radio NZ Concert FM, as well as in England and the USA. His numerous compositions and arrangements are published by Kevin Mayhew Music, Oxford University Press and Butz Musikverlag in Germany. Now residing much of the time on the Kapiti Coast he is looking forward to sharing his musical skills with the local community. Website: www.organist.co.nz Harlan is a Kapiti local, raised and currently living in Ōtaki. He has performed in several plays and musicals in the Wellington region, including playing Piangi in the Ōtaki Players’ 2019 production of “The Phantom of the Opera”. Ever since he was young, he has loved singing and performing (it must run in the family!), and he is incredibly honoured to be involved in a concert celebrating his Great-uncle. He is excited to perform some of Inia’s best known songs for you all to enjoy!
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021 By Ann Chapman
Vaccine Booster Rollout There is evidence of wanning immunity after vaccination. This is not unusual especially with this particular disease and the science has recognised that boosters are necessary especially with more compromised immune systems. There are two levels of booster shots, one for the general population and a separate system for those severely immunocompromised.
Those Severely Immunocompromised
A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older and is now available to be accessed via your GP. In an information release the Ministry advises that: “Individuals who
Cancer Society Horowhenua
The Cancer Society invites golfers to dust off their golf clubs and get ready for The Longest Day Golf Challenge, raising money for people with cancer. Players tee off at sunrise and play through to sunset, making the most of daylight on the longest days of the year. Choose the day, the course, tell your mates and make the team – or do it solo. The longest day of the year is 21st December, but participants can play any day in December or January that suits them.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and remind you to Slip Slop Slap and Wrap this summer
Winchester House Levin is closed to the public until we reach COVID Level 1. For urgent matters please call Jennie Wylie, 027 542 0066, Support Coordinator / Te Waka Hau Ora Email: jennie.wylie@cancercd.org.nz
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are severely immunocompromised are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 and might not produce a sufficiently strong immune response after two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A third primary dose may be beneficial and can be administered at least eight weeks after the second dose. The eligibility criteria to access a third primary dose is complex and applies to only the group of people who are severely immunocompromised. Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will need to be prescribed a third dose by their GP or other specialist and present the script when accessing the third primary dose.” A prescription must be provided by a GP or Specialist before these people access a third primary dose. If you think you qualify, make an appointment with your usual health care provider. You might be able to receive the third primary dose at the same time as your consultation – check with your medical practitioner to see if they offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. If your GP doesn’t offer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, you can take the script and consent form to any vaccination clinic, including a vaccinating pharmacy. Appointments with a medical practitioner for a third primary dose are free.
Boosters for the General Population
On Monday 15 November, the government announced that booster vaccines (a third injection) for the general population will be available from November 25th this year. The third dose will be available for anyone aged 18 or over who finished their two-dose course of the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago. Research has indicated that the vaccine’s effectiveness at reducing infections wanes over time, although its protection against serious illness holds up better with a booster shot.
MidCentral Super Saturday vaccinations exceed expectations The MidCentral DHB (MDHB) made a call for arms across the region to respond to the Government’s Super Saturday COVID-19 vaccination day and the community came through. The aim was to get as many people vaccinated as possible and the numbers show every effort was made to surpass the goal the DHB set for itself and the community to reach. In total, 5379 people were vaccinated across the MidCentral rohe on Super Saturday putting it in third place for number of doses given per 100 residents. More than 16,400 vaccinations were provided throughout the week, superceeding MDHB’s initial goal of 15,000. MDHB provided 28 clinics on Super Saturday, with 16 in Palmerston North and the balance throughout the region. The weather was kind putting on a warm spring day and a steady stream of people continuously kept the vaccinating team busy. At the Arena walk in clinic in Palmerston North young children were entertained by a bouncy castle while their parents waited the appropriate time after their vaccination.
Lucy Feltham Physiotherapist General physiotherapy no ACC surcharge direct referral for ACC & private consultations shoulder courses manual & sports physio post-op rehab hand therapy 16 Dunstan Street Ōtaki feltham@xtra.co.nz ph / fax 06 364 7027 9am - 6pm Monday-Friday
In other places, movies, sausage sizzles and other forms of entertainment were out on to create a family friendly atmosphere. Councillors and member of Parliament from all districts visited vaccination sites to lend an encouraging hand and hand out spot prizes to lucky winners. MidCentral DHB COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Senior Responsible Officer Deborah Davies congratulated the community for its response to the Government push to lift vaccination rates. “We’d like to say thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this campaign, from whānau who received their vaccinations to the hardworking and dedicated vaccination teams on the ground, and behind the scenes who have put so much work into making sure this day happened.” Ms Davies said. “We received an overwhelming response from the business community, who donated prizes, alongside other organisations including our Councils and MPs who have helped us spread the word throughout their communities. “We know this has helped encouraged more people in our region to get vaccinated and our rohe is a safer place for it.”
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Mahara donates display materials to Mirek Smisek Arts Trust constructed the Beehive kilns – which have needed to be relocated east because of the construction of the new Expressway. “Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency, has funded this project and will also prepare the historic Railway station, moved in the 1970s, to the same area to be used as a dwelling for a resident potter. “The shelves and plinths were originally designed by Gary Freemantle, the curator of the Mirek Smisek 60 Years 60 Pots exhibition at Mahara Gallery to display Mirek’s unomis and wonderful saltglazed pieces,” said Pamella Annsouth. The Trust collected the display material just days before the contractor moved onto the Mahara site. Pamella Annsouth has paid tribute to Rod Clifton Motors for donating the use of a van to provide transport to Te Horo. The Trust’s aim is to create a site that honours the Smisek legacy, is able to hold exhibitions, teach aspiring potters and be a retail outlet for ceramics and the art of tangata whenua.
Moving the display materials out of Mahara Gallery are from right: Satty Singh, Colin Davies, Pamella Annsouth, Suzanne McAllen (a former pupil of Mirek Smisek) and Rangi Kauri.
Plinths and shelving that displayed the work of pioneering studio potter Mirek Smisek in the 2009 landmark Mahara Gallery exhibition of the artist’s work which toured to 14 museums and galleries around New Zealand, are to have a new life in Te Horo helping honour the Smisek legacy. Mahara Director Janet Bayly says staff realised during planning for the rebuild of the Gallery that has just begun, that the plinths, shelving and some other gallery fittings would not be needed when Mahara reopens in early 2023. “I wanted to find an appropriate new home and with the Mirek Smisek Arts Trust developing the site at Te Horo to honour the potter’s legacy, we didn’t have far to look,” she says. For its part, the Trust welcomed the initiative with open arms. “We are very grateful to Mahara for the gift,” says Patron of the Smisek Trust, Pamella Annsouth. “Our plan is to rehouse these shelves and plinths in a new building at the remaining property in Te Horo where Mirek first
Barriers at beach to block vehicles
Something Beautiful at Ōtaki Beach
BY FRANK NEILL
BY ANN CHAPMAN
New barriers blocking vehicle access have been installed at Ōtaki Beach. The barriers have been placed there by Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC) “to prevent people driving in prohibited areas and to uphold the Beach Bylaw,” a council spokesperson told the Ōtaki Mail. Following public consultation, KCDC updated its Beach Bylaw earlier this year. The new Beach Bylaw came into effect on 1 June this year. It included measures to deter people from driving and parking on the beach where they were not permitted.
It established parking restrictions on the beaches where you are not permitted to drive. Council compliance officers are, under the new bylaw, warranted to issue fines to vehicles breaching these parking restrictions.
Two of the new barriers at Ōtaki Beach.
Beauty and the beach BY HOWIE C. THINGS and ‘LOOK RIGHT!’ BY ‘OLDILOCKS’ “What’s news, Howie?” asked my pal Oldilocks as he settled down in his favourite chair in anticipation of a cup of tea and biscuit. “Same old, same old,” I sighed. “What has become of our lovely beach and river environment, and where oh where are our missing birds? Vehicles are causing grooves in the sand that make it difficult for us old codgers to walk, and have you noticed that some of our birds have fled the nest? So many birds that have previously visited our shore and stream and lake are now very seldom seen.” “For instance?” asked Oldie, eyeing the biscuit tin. “Well... over many years of strolling along the Kapiti Lane and continuing further beside the Rangiuru Stream and ‘Look Out’ and lagoon, I’ve seen a variety of native birds. “Such as?”asked Oldie, selecting a gingernut. “Well... King Shag, Spoonbill, Mollymawk, Kingfisher, Yellow Hammer, White Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Pied Stilt, Welcome Swallow – not welcome any more...” I sighed mournfully. Oldilocks looked stunned.
“So many! Why are they missing? Oh dear – can you pass me a spoon please, Howie? My gingernut is drowning in my tea. Thank you. So what do you think has happened for the birds to reject a previously safe environment?” “Traffic I suspect – vehicles being driven at speed on an unsealed Road, continuing from the end of Kapiti Lane down to the Ōtaki river. The noise! The dust! It’s become an environmental hazard. No such thing now as taking a stroll down to the river for a breath of fresh air in the evening.” “Can I add something to that please, Howie?” asked Oldie. “Sure. Go ahead.” “Well... ‘Go ahead’ is what I am concerned about. Drivers driving north from the southern beach along the Marine Parade extension. When approaching The Avenue do motorists slow down and check to the right to see if a vehicle or pedestrian is approaching? PLEASE Kapiti Council can you attend to this and avoid an accident? How was that, Howie?” “Well done my friend – I completely agree!”
Ōtaki Beach has a new shop. Margôt DeCotesworth, noted for her long lunches at The Milk Station, has started a new venture based on colour and design. She says her design showroom, with its central theme of beautiful things to create colour and harmony in the home has been a long time in planning. She stocks tableware, bedding, linen, cushions, and furniture offering a collection of new, vintage and collectable items, all aimed at enriching life with good design, charm, and a bit of folly. Margôt is having stationery made for her, cards, and notepaper. She will stock scented candles and of course a bit of food such as olive oil and preserves. She will, as any good host will do, offer you a tea or coffee and a small cupcake while you browse. “I wanted to provide something different to what you can buy in other shops. I like to celebrate colour, especially jewel colours,” she says. “It’s about having fun with colour, creating an individual style and sparking joy with the things you
choose to live with.” An on-line store will follow as she has ranges of products to offer. This new venture is in addition to her work at The Milk Station which she will continue to do in collaboration with Norbert Koptisch. Not content with her shop and catering business, there is something else in the wings which is nearly ready to launch. She is trained in Rapid Transformational Therapy and plans online programmes to address people’s concerns such as self image, health, abundance and anxiety. This will be called the I Am series of workshops. The programme is currently being peer reviewed so watch out for when it hits our shores. The showroom offers opportunities to find a unique gift, or something special for your home from artwork, mirrors, cushions, table and bed linen to cravats, books, flowers and jars of goodies. The showroom at 99 Atkinson Ave will open for business from 10 – 4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Retaining community boards is great news continued from page 1 “Our challenge now as a council is to work out how we can do better at reaching those in our community who are not engaged, and who may even feel actively disenfranchised by the current system. “We must also address how we make council more accountable, perhaps by strengthening community boards to ensure they are more effective. We received suggestions on a range of ways we could achieve this such as changes to delegated functions, funding, support, accessibility, voting rights, and improving the capability of board members.” Council would need to do more work to determine what was feasible before the local body elections in September 2022, or what they could recommend to the incoming council after those elections, Mayor Gurunathan said. The decision to retain community boards and our existing ward structure demonstrates council’s willingness to listen to the community,” Cr James Cootes said. “The feedback gathered from the consultation gives council a strong argument to the Local Government Commission to retain the status quo despite the commission’s advice around the need to address the representation issues identified in their last review. “As several other councillors stated, the representation rules create a ‘square peg in a round hole scenario’ as we found boundaries and population numbers didn’t align with the legal requirements. “The retention of community boards will be welcome news by the boards but the challenge still remains around the boards being more effective. “There was an acknowledgement from many of the submitters that community boards could perform better. The decision now gives the boards an opportunity to show they can.
“I didn’t personally support an additional Raumati Community Board as I felt it was important to fix the issues with our existing boards before we went and added more boards. However I did support the original motion of a subdivided Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board,” Cr Cootes said. As well as retaining the four existing community boards and adding a Raumati Community Board, the council has also retained the current ward structure with some slight adjustments to ward boundaries. In one of these adjustments, Te Horo will move into the Ōtaki Ward. In its original proposal, the council recommended moving from having four wards – Ōtaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati/Paekākāriki – to three wards – Northern Ward, Central Ward (combining Paraparaumu and Waikanae) and Southern Ward. There is no change to the present structure of the elected council. There are 10 councillors – five ward councillors, with one representing the Ōtaki ward, and five councillors elected by the whole district. The eleventh elected member is the Mayor. The final proposal, adopted by the council on 11 November, will be notified in the newspaper and is open to appeals or objections until 13 December. It will then go to the Local Government Commission for a decision by 11 April 2022. Because the final proposal does not comply with the “fair representation” rule, as Ōtaki is over-represented by 12% and Waikanae is under-represented by 24.78%, the Local Government Commission will need to make a final decision on Kāpiti’s 2021 Representation Review. Once the representation scenario is final, it will determine what will happen in the 2022 local body elections in Kāpiti.
What’s On Please note COVID lockdown changes may influence opening hours Hip Hop Classes Tues and Fri Juniors (11–14) 4pm – 5pm, Seniors (15–19) 5pm – 6pm Ōtaki College 0800346393 Kapiti Food Fair Sat Dec 4, Mazangarb Reserve, Paraparaumu
Regular Events Ōtaki Sports Club Social Tennis every Friday from 9 – 11am followed by a cuppa at the Haruatai Park courts. Ōtaki Women’s Community Club Market. SH1 every Sunday 9 – 3 Waitohu Dune Care Group Mondays, north Ōtaki Beach 9 – 11 Te Horo Market Te Horo Hall, first Sunday of the month. 10am – 12.30 Ōtaki Library Books and Bickies 2nd Fri of the month 10.30 – 11.30 Kāpiti Horowhenua Enterprising at 50 Plus Network. Paraparaumu Library. 6.30 last Monday of every month. AngelaandBillR@outlook.co.nz Ōtaki Arthritis Support Group. First Thursday each month (except January). Ōtaki Anglican Church, McWilliam’s Lounge. 3.45pm to 5pm. info@arthritis.org.nz Ōtaki Stroke Support Group First Thursday 10am Ōtaki Presbyterian Church Mill Rd Ōtaki Benefit Advocacy Ōtaki Library, last Tues month 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
ABC – Authors Book Corner
Annie Bythell launches new book
The Uprising: The Mapmakers of Cruxcia
BY FRANK NEILL
BY ANN CHAPMAN
Ōtaki gained a new book author when well-known resident Annie Bythell launched her new compilation of short stories at Hadfield Hall on 4 November. Called Tales of Woe and Hilarity, this is Annie’s first book, and the launch attracted a good crowd of more than 50 people to celebrate the occasion. As Annie said when launching Tales of Woe and Hilarity, the book celebrates her and her life. It does, indeed, contain snippets from an interesting life, which has included living many years in Ōtaki and owning Main Street Emporium.
Although this is her first book and her first foray into short story writing, it is not the first time Annie has been published. Her work has appeared in anthologies, as well as in the Ōtaki Historical Society journal. Indeed the article she wrote on famous Ōtaki weaver Sonia Snowden featured on the cover of the latest Historical Society journal, launched earlier this year. Tales of Woe and Hilarity is illustrated by local cartoonist Jarod Carson and is available from Books & Co on State Highway 1, online at www.writeshillpress.co.nz or from Annie, 021 115 1576.
Annie Bythell –
Tales of woe and hilarity BY ANN CHAPMAN Annie Bythell adds another first to her list of achievements. She decided she had stories in her head, stories of life and events. So, she wrote a book. A delightful little book of amusing anecdotes. She writes in a quirky style about some of the characters and adventures in her life, completely in keeping with her colourful and creative character. Her stories are examples of what she calls her ‘de-stress valve’, using laughter and humour to get through the ups and downs of life. She tells us in short snippets about her family, her own tragedies, life with neighbours, in the pub, sweeping up rubbish in the road wearing a Victorian nightdress and many other stories to lighten your mood. The book is delightfully illustrated by local cartoonist, Jared Carson who has managed to create cartoons to suit the mood of the stories rather well. Another example of the ‘I could, so I did’ philosophy. Published by Writes Hill Press in Porirua. The book cost $20 available from Annie.
Books & Co By the time you are reading this, we will have been open for seven months. It has been an exciting time getting set up, meeting customers and getting to know what books you want us to stock. We have hosted book launches in the shop and at Ōtaki Yard, and several bookclubs have visited in the evenings. We cover a range of books including the latest NZ and international titles in fiction and non-fiction, an extensive range of children’s books, and books in Te Reo Maori. Jigsaw puzzles and games are also popular, along with activity books, notebooks and journals, cards and wrapping paper. Some of our best sellers to date include Aroha (Dr Hinemoa Elder), From the Centre – the biography of Patricia Grace, A Good Winter (Gigi Fenster), How do I Feel – A dictionary of Emotions for Children (Rebekah Lipp), The Foragers’ Treasury (Johanna Knox), Before you knew my Name,
(Jacqueline Bublitz), The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse (Charlie Mackesy), He Pukapuka Tataku I Nga Mahi a Te Rauparaha Nui: A Record of the Life of the Great Te Rauparaha, The Mapmakers’ Race and sequel, The Uprising (Eirlys Hunter) and down they forgot, (Abby Letteri). Interestingly all but one of these titles are New Zealand books, many by local authors. With Christmas on the horizon, we are having extended hours on Thursday evenings starting on 2nd December so you can come and shop after work. And we can accommodate groups at other times – get in touch! One more thing. If you would like to donate a book to a child who would otherwise go without, come and buy a children’s book in store, or online, and add it to our collection box, part of Kiwi Christmas Books. We will be sending our books to Women’s Refuge.
This month, a rather charming children’s book was launched at Ōtaki Books & Co. Lots of kids and their parents, all wearing masks, squeezed into this State Highway shop packed with books for everyone. The children’s section is a treasure of goodies. Jacqui Simpson who started the shop earlier this year was in a former life a teacher. That’s where her heart is, educating children and ensuring they have a love for books. The launch included speeches by the author and publisher Julia Marshall from Gecko Press. The Uprising: The Mapmakers in Cruxcia, a sequel to The Mapmakers’ Race written by Eirlys Hunter is a romp through adventure after adventure. She talked briefly about the book, and described it as being a COVID book which she wrote during lockdown while in Ōtaki.
Four children, Sal, Joe, Francie and Humphrey Santander set off to find their father after he failed to come back from a mapmaking trip in Cruxcia. The people there are fighting to retain their land. The evil Grania Trading Company wants to drown their valley and drive the people from their homes and destroy livelihoods. But the Santander kids are not to be messed with, and they use all their extraordinary skills, mapmaking as well as others remarkable powers, to save the day and the ancient valley, as well as finding the key to re-unite their family. This is a great book, which I enjoyed tremendously, and would be make good Christmas presents for young readers, judging by the number of young boys in the audience clutching their copies of The Mapmaker’s Race and keen to buy The Uprising. I think I also need to go and buy a copy of The Mapmakers’ Race.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Kapiti Arts Trail 2021 BY VIVIENNE BAILEY The Kapiti Arts Trail is an iconic annual event that brings Kapiti’s creative community together over two consecutive weekends in November. An initiative of the Kapiti Coast District Council, the Trail has been running since 2001, becoming a significant event in our national arts calendar, and accurately reflecting the diverse richness of the coast’s artists.
This year more than 100 artists were involved, exhibiting in a variety of studios, hubs or galleries. Fortunately, the usual temperamental spring weather did not deter visitor numbers, their spirit or enthusiasm.
Yvonne de Mille
Neil Hey
Yvonne is well known to Ōtaki locals, through her establishment and involvement with the Ōtaki Kite Festival, and her art workshops for young and old. She works in various fields including sculpture, fabric, painting, and printmaking. With a passion for colour, fabrics and textures, Yvonne is primarily influenced by nature and the cultural motifs of New Zealand and the Pacific. Open during the year by appointment 0274423106 ydemille@gmail.com yvonnedemille.co.nz
Form and function underlines ceramic artist, Neil Hey’s artwork, many pieces of his highly coloured and decorated glazed pottery suitable for everyday use. Exhibited widely since 1991, Neil has served as President on NZ Potters for three years and his passion for pottery lies in the freedom to develop clean, uninhibited forms. He also enjoys the challenge of throwing clay, and the transformation through firing to vitrified ceramic. Open during the year by appointment 0274439796 artandceramics@xtra.co.nz
Hall of Clay Ceramic artists, Suzy Connolly, Sarah Beresford, Kathryn Lim and Stacey Young have worked together for the past year, and formed a hub in the old Rotary Hall, Ōtaki to display various examples of their artwork including painting, sculpture, ceramics/ pottery, and fibre/textiles. Suzy, Sarah, and Kathryn are members of our popular Ōtaki pottery club, and all are available by appointment. Kathryn Lim: kathryn.lim07@gmail.com Sarah Beresford: beresford.sarah@gmail.com Stacey Young: thetailorswifemaker@gmail.com 0211251760 Suzy Connolly: 2peruperu@gmail.com 0212569063
Lindsey Helen Hey An experienced artist (she has run her own art school and exhibited widely both in New Zealand and overseas), Linsey paints in a colourful and eclectic style, her original paintings reflecting her reaction to what she is seeing and experiencing. Linsey includes printmaking in her artwork, and paints in acrylic, watercolour, charcoal and graphite. Open during the year by appointment, 0274542374 artandceramics@gmail.com
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Ōtaki Pottery Club
Hall of Clay Rotary Lounge
Top left: Watercatcher by Rod Graham. Both clay fish pieces are by guest potter Kaye Stead. Tea for Two by guest potter Kaye Stead. Painting: Sunflowers by guest artist Kay Latham. Akaroa by guest artist Kay Latham.
Top left: Plates by Kathryn Lim. Right: Fruit bowl by Susy Connolly. Centre: Leaf Platter made by Kathryn Lim. Bottom left: Neil Hey’s plate at his home display. Wall of Mirrors by Susy Connolly. Friends by Stacey Young. Right: Ceramic earrings by Stacey Young.
Whiringa ā Rangi Whakawhero ana a Pōhutukawa i te wā o te kina. When kina are ripe and fat for harvesting, the Pōhutukawa blooms in its glory telling us ‘They’re ready, they’re ready, kia tere!’ Kaimoana and the iconic native Pōhutukawa are metaphors of the season where taking time to appreciate and indulge is good for the soul and puku. This month Toi Matarau celebrates and acknowledges weavers who affiliate to Ngāti Raukawa, Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Toarangatira. Across Aotearoa weavers from the confederation are widely known and celebrated for their excellence as traditional practitioners committed to the art of Raranga and Te Whare Pora. Many who have ensured the survival of Raranga, kaupapa and tikanga as teachers. Toi Matarau works closely to support students, tutors, graduates and employees of Te Wānanga o Raukawa with a space for weavers and carvers alike to create and socialise Toi Māori. Approximately 27 years ago Te Wānanga o Raukawa began offering Raranga as a degree programme, Toi Whakarākai – Art and Design. Wāhine, tāne and rangatahi have embarked on their own personal journey with Raranga, te taiao and te ao Māori, a contributing testimony to the visionary implementation of Whakatupuranga Rua Mano. Expert and
respected tutors have built Raranga in capability and capacity with dedication and aroha. Weavers who have influenced and opened up pathways for others to learn and thrive. Learners from other iwi around the country have travelled long distances and moved to Ōtaki to learn this treasured artform participating in the revitalisation of the arts, language and identity. A guiding principle that withstands time, instilled by Ahorangi Whatarangi Winiata is a reminder that; ‘The people are our wealth, to develop and retain’ In the early years; the late Erenora Puketapu-Hetet, her daughter Veranoa Hetet-Hauwaho, Sonia Snowden, Kohai Grace, Elaine Bevan, Harina Cooper, Karl Leonard, Diane Prince and Pip Devonshire have helped build Raranga from strength to strength as living taonga tuku iho that is visible today. For anyone who has attended Te Rā Whakapūmau (Te Wānanga o Raukawa graduations) and exhibitions, the waves of kaakahu and korowai adorned by the pae and graduands walking the stage to receive their tohu are an astounding sight to witness. Memorable and proud moments celebrating their accomplishments on so many levels. An assertion of self-determination, supported and unchallenged where at other
universities it has taken decades for tangata whenua to decolonise the graduation experience, to be appreciated in such grand traditional and contemporary attire. Showcasing until January 18th, Te Ringa Māhorahora celebrates the blossoms of each weaver with collections for viewing and Raranga for sale by; Leah Warbrick; Tracey Morgan, Tangiwai Doctor, Kohai Grace, Tracey Patete, Pip Devonshire, Karl Leonard, Diane Prince, Hinepūororangi Tahupārae, Sonia Snowden, Charlene Fraser, AnneDrenah Kaka, Chainey Moreli, Hinauri Mead, Lee Olsen, Lacey Bartlett as well as a new addition of weavers; Francene Wineti, Miriame Barbarich, Ezra Bevan and Clare Butler. Fine Muka weaving is a special feature that characterises the skill and precision of these weavers. Diversifying fibre and textile design, artists Ron Te Kawa and Suzanne Tamaki bring next level ingenuity and fun to Te Whare Pora raising eyebrows with tongue and cheek. To view online visit https://toi.maorilandfilm.co.nz/ or contact Kaitiaki Toi – Maakarita Paku M: 022 3953920 E: maa@maorilandfilm.co.nz
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Armistice Day BY MARGARET ANDREWS At 11am on Thursday November 11 the bell at Ōtaki’s All Saints Church tolled 11 times announcing the end of the hostilities of World War I 1918. Among the crowd at Memorial Park were members of the Ōtaki Returned Services Association, those who served in later battle fields, on land and sea, pupils from some of our schools who took part in the service and those laying wreaths. The service was led by Cam Ronald, Vice President Ōtaki and District Memorial RSA. Waitohu School pupils were tasked with ringing the bell and reading names of Ōtaki servicemen who didn’t
return, with pupils from Ōtaki and Te Horo schools. Ōtaki College head students, Krisha Modi and Donald Hall read the poem In Flanders Field. The Armistice Address was given by David Ledson a former RNZN (Royal New Zealand Navy) with 42 years’ service. Wreaths were laid during the piping of The Lament, the bugler Colin Honey played the Last Post as the flag was lowered to half-mast and raised after the reading of The Ode by Ōtaki’s Rupene Waaka and Rupert Randall, NZ Army.
Armistice or Remembrance Day as November 11 is also known, has been commemorated since 1918, remembering those who served and those who didn’t return. Over 18,000 New Zealand army, navy and air force, nursing and medical personnel served on the battle fields, 1200 were men from Ōtaki and surrounding district, 72 did not return, their names marked on the cenotaph in Memorial Park and other monuments in local schools, parks and churches. An afternoon tea for Ōtaki’s veterans was held in the RSA clubrooms that afternoon.
Ōtaki RSA officials and local school pupils laying a wreath on behalf of the Ōtaki and District Memorial RSA. Front RSA patron Margaret Ellis, Jean Chamberlain Welfare officer and Mike Fogarty RSA President, followed by Ōtaki College head students Donald Hall and Krisha Modi and then children from Te Horo, Ōtaki and Waitohu schools.
Ōtaki RSA veterans, family members, friends and school pupils shelter under the golden amber tree in Memorial Park, for the Armistice Day commemoration.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Ōtaki Update November 2021
Kāpiti local body system to stay similar to status quo Kāpiti Coast District will keep a local democracy system similar to that in place now, but with a new community board to represent Raumati, making five community boards in total. It keeps the current four wards. Two ward boundaries are slightly adjusted. Residents from Te Hapua Road will shift north into the Ōtaki Ward. The Paekākāriki-Raumati Ward boundary moves north to the corner of Wharemauku Road and Marine Parade. The wards retain their current names. Councillors voted to retain 10 councillors (five will be ward councillors and five districtwide) plus the mayor. The decision has been publicly notified and is open to appeals or objections until 13 December. It will then go to the Local Government Commission for a decision by 11 April 2022.
New flags to fly in Ōtaki We’ve installed 28 new flag tracks along State Highway 1 in the Ōtaki township. The new flag hardware allows flags to be raised and lowered from the footpath without the need for traffic management or equipment such as a cherry picker. This will reduce the impact on traffic as well as the cost of installing and removing promotional flags.
Heritage Fund applications now open We’re helping landowners to look after heritage features such as ecological, geological, historical, and cultural sites on their land by funding heritage projects. This year the fund has $38,000 available. Heritage projects include fencing off and protecting native bush or heritage trees. It could also mean painting, restoration or maintenance of heritage buildings or research and educational initiatives focussing on heritage management and protection. Applications close 5pm, Monday 20 December 2021. More information on the Heritage Fund, eligibility criteria, and application forms are available on the Council’s website at kapiticoast.govt.nz/heritage-fund
Giving back to the Ōtaki community
Take our housing survey and help make change
Back in 2020, we leased land to Energise Ōtaki to build a solar farm to generate renewable energy. The solar farm has been up and running since 30 Sept 2020 and creates clean energy for the nearby Ōtaki Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Our district is growing and so is the need for housing and greater support services. Right now, we’re asking you to tell us your housing story and aspirations so that we can build a case for change.
The revenue generated by Energise Ōtaki is spent on the Whakahiko Ōtaki – Energise Ōtaki Fund to support the community. The fund helps to boost community-initiated ‘energy’ projects and subsequently supports our community to reduce climate emissions, energy consumption and sparks energy-related action and awareness.
While there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence painting the picture of current and emerging housing and social needs in Kāpiti, we need a stronger information base to support future discussions with Government and help Council, iwi and others to respond.
Recipients of this year’s fund were announced in late October and can be found on the Energise Ōtaki homepage.
Take the anonymous survey at haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/ housing or pick up a copy at your local library or Council service centre.
Survey closes 5pm, Friday 10 December 2021.
kapiticoast.govt.nz
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Gardening with Garden tasks for December Flower garden
Roses and perennials can still be planted but keep your new plantings well watered. Give roses a light prune and water regularly in preparation for autumn flowering. Also feed with rose fertiliser, and spray to prevent pests and diseases. Lift spring flowering bulbs once the leaves have died down completely, and store in a cool dry place. Mulch your garden shrubs with compost to conserve moisture and protect roots from summer sun, especially rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Remember to water every evening or early morning, particularly plants in containers which will dry out quickly in hot or windy weather. Sow seeds of ageratum, gerbera, cosmos, celosia, petunia, nasturtium, zinnia, viscaria, aster, cyclamen, alyssum, portulaca, rudbeckia, sunflowers and verbena. Plant out seedlings of alyssum, dianthus, impatiens, cosmos, salvia, verbena, zinnia, aster, chrysanthemum, gypsophila, nasturtium, marigolds, phlox and viscaria.
Fruit and vegetable garden
Apply a mulch of compost around your vegetable plants to conserve soil moisture. Summer pests are now starting to be a nuisance in a lot of gardens, but there’s still time to sow a couple of easy-togrow plants that once up and growing will deter pests. Nasturtiums seem to keep whitefly at bay and you can use their peppery leaves as a lettuce substitute in sandwiches and both leaves and flowers in salads. Cleomes act as a magnet for vegetable bugs, keeping them off your beans and other veggies. Zucchini planted in spring should be producing now so keep them regularly picked. To be sure of a steady supply
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into autumn, sow some more seed promptly. Time is running out for starting some summer crops but you can just sneak in a block of sweet corn seeds and faster maturing small pumpkins or squash. Also plant out seedlings of lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, tomato, beetroot, courgette, capsicum, eggplant, melon, cucumber and gherkin. There’s still plenty of time to sow beetroot and lettuce (you will need a cooler spot for the latter because their germination rates drop in hot weather). Also sow directly into the soil: beans, carrots, parsnip, swedes, turnips, radish, spinach, silver beet and sweet corn. Feed fruit trees for bumper crops later and water well to prevent fruit drop. Spray pip and stone fruit with copper spray to prevent fungus diseases. Also spray citrus with copper spray to prevent verrucosis and leaf curl. Summer prune peach and nectarine as soon as fruiting is complete – this will help prevent the spread of silver leaf blight and leaf curl.
Lawns
Raise the lawn mower up a level for summer season. The longer lawn will aid in moisture conservation and help keep your lawn green. Remember to water in dry weather and apply a fast acting lawn food.
Second thoughts
Use SaturAid to help container plants survive infrequent watering while you’re away on holiday – this can be added without necessarily repotting plants.
Focus on growing Cape gooseberries Bite-sized and brightly coloured, these edible berries were originally discovered and named in Peru, South America but have naturalised in the balmy climate of the Cape Province of South Africa, hence their common name. Cape gooseberries (Physalis peruviana) belong to the solanum (potato) family, like tomatoes and tamarillos, and share a similar tangy taste (but make sure you wait for fruit to fall to be sure it is fully ripe as unripe Cape gooseberries are sour enough to scare the bravest of tastebuds). They come lightly clothed in a papery, straw-coloured sac or cape (the yellow-blotched flowers are quickly enveloped by the calyces) which gives the succulent gold fruit good protection from rain and pesky birds. However, gooseberry-lovers will need to grow their own because the fruit is seldom seen on sale. Cultivation is easy, and seed can be bought from several seed sellers online, including Kings Seeds, Fragrant Garden and Garden Stuff – ‘Little Lantern’ is perfect if you don’t have much room – the compact plant grows to 50cm high and produces a profusion of small, tasty orange fruit. The shrubby, evergreen perennial bushes have sagegreen, heart-shaped leaves and grow to about a metre high but can get taller and are semi-sprawling. They self-seed merrily – sometimes a little too merrily – but they are easy to pull out if they start popping up where they are not wanted. The plant will grow and fruit well in a pot or container, but are also great border fillers – the soft grey-green foliage can be used to offset other species, and the fruit can be accessed easily and eaten freely – they are high in protein and rich in iron, and vitamins A, C and B. Full sun is essential for these lovers of warmth, although half a day is okay. They don’t like frosts but will recover unless very hard – prune back after all frosts have passed. The plants will grow in a wide range of soils and pHs but
prefer gritty and free-draining soil. They can also handle periods of drought, but too much moisture can encourage fungal problems. The plants tolerate salty, marine conditions and are happy to grow by the sea but need shelter from winds. Cape gooseberries usually don’t require fertiliser – unneeded fertiliser may result in lots of vegetation and little fruit. The decorative bushes require hard pruning in spring to encourage new growth for fruiting and pest-wise there are few problems, unless soil is too wet, which can result in fungal problems and rot. Cape gooseberries can be eaten fresh – they’re delicious dipped in melted chocolate or used in jams and jellies. They also look good decorating cheesecakes, pavlovas and gateaux.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
the Ō taki Mail
BY VIVIENNE BAILEY viv.bailey@xtra.co.nz
Herbs of summer Just a handful of summer’s fresh herbs can transform an everyday salad from nutritious but boring into mouthfuls of zingy and uplifting flavour. Basil is my favourite summer herb. It is a true summer lover and there are endless options from the ornamental purple, green, ruffled to miniature and giant. Basil is an unusual plant in that it comes in a variety of flavours, from spicy ‘Thai’ to ‘Cinnamon’ and ‘Clove Scented.’ A favourite for pots is the amazingly citrusy ‘Mrs Burns Lemon,’ although ‘Greek Mini,’ a true bonsai basil, is cute in containers. Basil loves moist soil with good drainage. Coriander is another favourite salad herb, although it seems people either love or loath it (some say the leaves smell a bit like squashed bugs). Always sow coriander direct into rich soil in a sunny or slightly shaded spot. If you plant out punnets, be gentle. Any rough handling and your young plants will bolt straight to seed. If it does bolt, leave a plant in to scatter seed for the following season.
Mint is great in a green summer salad (as well as making buckets of mint sauce). It can run rampant in moist soil, so plant in a pot if you’re worried about it’s wandering habits. Position in semi-shade although mint will grow in full sun but be sure to keep well watered. During humid periods your mint may be affected by rust, a fungal disease. Best thing to do is to cut back your plant completely. With plenty of water and some potassium (the nutrient that boosts a plant’s disease resistance) the plant will soon be producing new leaves. Nasturtiums add a real zing to salads – you can eat the peppery leaves when young, and their colourful edibible flowers. You can have them as a trailing or compact plant and they’re dead easy from seed. Organic orchardists say that sowing nasturtiums around fruit trees also helps deter pests. Rocket really lives up to its name in summer (shooting straight to seed in hot, dry weather) but is wonderful as a salad with chards of salty pecorino cheese. Easily
grown from seed, it sprouts in a matter of days and is ready to pick a fortnight or so later. You can use as a cut-and-come again salad herb by picking a few leaves from each plant as you need them. Italian or flat-leaf parsley has a much nuttier taste than its curly cousin, plus it’s less likely to end up stuck between your teeth. Try the variety ‘Gigante’ from Kings Seeds – its noticeably larger leaves have a sweet flavour. To harvest, pull the outer stalks off at ground level. Do make the most of your summer herbs by freezing and having them handy for winter use. Whole sprigs can be frozen and transferred to freezer bags. Herbs can also be chopped and frozen in small tubs or ice cube trays to use whenever you want.
Summer picking Hydrangeas are superb cut flowers, their big, blowsy blooms anchoring softer, more wispy floral types. You only need three or four heads to fill a vase although the secret is choosing the right time to pick (the longer they’ve been on the bush the longer they last in the vase). They are one of my favourite summer flowers, and their bold heads of white, pink, red and blue are a familiar sight in our summer gardens. These chameleon-like shrubs (give them a change of condition and they’ll change colour), will grow without any existing attention, although they respond well to a bit of feeding and pruning. If you have acidic soil, you’ll produce blue flowers, an alkaline soil induces a pink tone. It’s the aluminium content in your soil that influences the colour – to maintain a blue colour, aluminium must be present, to maintain that pink or red colour, you need to take aluminium away. Add lime to your soil for that pink look, or for blue blooms treat your plants with Hydrangea Blueing Tonic from Yates. White hydrangeas, such as the exquisite ‘Trophy’, aren’t affected either way.
The most popular hydrangeas are mopheads (Hydrangea macrophylla) (if you only have room for one plant to pick for indoors, make it a blue moptop), and lacecaps (Hydrangea macrophtlla var. normalis). But there are other species well worth growing such as Paniculata hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), sometimes called PeeGee hydrangea. It is a beautiful Chinese and Japanese native species, and one of the showiest of flowering shrubs. Distinctive pyramidshaped clusters of creamy-white blooms mature to pink. The plant can also be pruned to a single leader to form a small weeping tree. The oak-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a native of south-eastern United States, also with pyramid-shaped creamy-white flowers, but its deeply lobed, oak-like leaves develop spectacular red, orange and burgundy tones in autumn, which stay on the bush through winter. This broad, rounded plant is worth growing for its foliage alone, and like the paniculata hydrangeas, it will thrive in drier locations.
For a sheltered, shady spot in the garden you can’t go past Hydrangea petiolaris, a hardy (will tolerate very cold frosts), deciduous climbing shrub. Branches form self-clinging aerial roots and will cover walls and fences (great for climbing established trees or covering that unsightly water tank). Pretty, flattened white flower heads appear in summer from bright-green, egg-shaped leaves. Drying the blooms is easy. I’ve found harvesting flower heads at the height of the summer season rarely works – the fresh blooms wilt and don’t dry well. Pick them when they’ve already dried a little on the plant – that means late summer or early autumn, when the petals begin to age and take on their rustic look – my blue hydrangeas age to a pink-green colour with hints of burgundy. After picking, remove the leaves and place in a vase, either with or without water, and leave to dry.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
The Rongoā Space BY JOANNE HAKARAIA
One of the challenges of harvesting rongoā is that most times the rongoā one needs can be inaccessible. It’s usually hanging on the side of a cliff, up high in a tree, on private property or in an area that has been sprayed with pesticides or worse. It takes time to build whanaungatanga with an area and to know the whakapapa of the whenua where the rongoā is growing. It is essential to be able to return to an area to implement manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga as a roopu. It establishes connection with each other and to Papatūānuku.
Last month, a group of us planted 600 rākau along the Ōtaki river and next year we will plant another 500. It’s a rongoā space provided to us by Greater Wellington Regional Council and will be used for educational purposes as well as for harvesting. The roopu are avid students of rongoā from around the coast. The rongoā space provides a sense of identity and connection to community as well as health and wellbeing. There is a yearning to learn about the rich tradition of rongoā as it is an integral part of our identity. Rongoā Trails are currently being delivered at Chrystalls Bend Walkway and we will eventually fully utilise the rongoā space to provide outdoor workshops. The plants will also be labelled so visitors can learn about their medicinal uses on their walks. Every month, I’ll take the reader on a journey and introduce a Rongoā of the Month. So stay tuned for my column. To know the health of the people Look to the health of the stream
Ōtaki Cider one of NZ’s best! Ōtaki based Elemental Cider was announced the champion of Traditional Ciders at the New Zealand Cider Awards ceremony held in Napier on Friday 12 November. Traditional style ciders are described as complex in style and include some bitter astringent, smoky, spicy and oaky characters. They are made using actual cider apples, whereas modern styles are light, sweet and tend to be made with apple juice concentrates infused with berries or fruits. The winning cider, Elemental Cider “Totally Oaked” 2021 is made from Kingston Black & Slack Ma Girdle apples aged in French oak barrels to create a dry cider bursting with aromas of toffee and vanilla flowers. The judges described it as having “great florals on the nose. The oak does not dominate. It is complete, full and round. An excellent example”. Elemental Ciders are made from heritage cider apples grown in their own Kapiti Coast based orchard, and made only in autumn with tree ripened fruit. Cider maker Carmen Gray strives to make natural dry cider with integrity, without compromise, with no short cuts, and with minimal intervention.
This is a major step forward for the craft producer who moved from being an engineer into winemaking and then into making her own ciders. This is the first year Elemental Cider has made a range of different styles and all medaled in the 2021 Cider Awards. Elemental Cider 2021 NZ Cider Awards include: • “Totally Oaked”– Gold and Trophy • “Dry As” – Silver • “Autumn Fall” – Bronze • “Pear Drop” – Bronze Elemental Cider is stocked at New World Ōtaki, New World Waikanae and Kapiti Pak and Save.
Rongoā of the Month – Kawakawa In the beginning, Papatūānuku and Ranginui were held together in a loving embrace. Their love for each other was everlasting. After an eternity of being in a tight embrace they were eventually separated by their children. The separation was unbearable for Papatūānuku and she went into a deep state of sadness. Her heart ached. To ease the grief and sadness a rongoā was given to Papatūānuku to adorn her body and to help heal her pain. Kawakawa is the name of that rongoā. The heart shaped leaves of Kawakawa give us an indication of its healing properties. Traditionally, it was used by Māori to relieve pain and to alleviate tooth ache. The leaves contain myristicin, which is mildly antiseptic and has pain numbing properties. It’s good for kidneys and
bladder issues. It’s a great tasting rongoā for overall health with mild cleansing properties, its therapeutic actions supporting many ailments including digestive and circulatory conditions. Bear in mind that kawakawa thins the blood which can have an effect on people on heart medication. Kawakawa grows all around us and could be a rongoā to bring into your daily routine as a wairākau or tea. Harvest a couple of leaves of kawakawa and place in a plunger or teapot and cover with boiled water. Allow the kawakawa to steep for a few minutes and then drink. You could let it cool, bottle and refrigerate. Drink on a hot summers day with ice and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
A bee or not a bee! BY PENNY KERR-HISLOP
BEES Dark-winged sweat bee (Lasioglossum species)
The smallest of our native bees (4-8mm long). They range in colour from green to black and can be attracted to sweaty skin!
Masked bees (Hylaeus species)
They look a bit like small wasps – they are 7-9mm long and thin with very little hair. They are known as ‘masked bees’ due to the yellow or white patterns on their black heads.
BEES Honey Bee (apis mellifera)
Imported in 1839 they fulfil the dual role of producing honey and being a commercial pollinator of some of our export crops, in particular kiwifruit and avocado.
Garden Bumblebee (bombus hortorum)
This bee is not found in Westland or north of about Hamilton but appears to be spreading north. An occasional bee might be seen in winter in milder areas.
NOT BEES Buff tailed bumblebee (bombus terrestrus)
Our most common bumblebee. It occurs throughout New Zealand and can sometimes be seen flying on sunny days after frosts in milder areas. Queen, workers and males all have the same colour pattern. This is the species that is used for pollination of glasshouse tomatoes.
Large garden bumblebee (bombus ruderatus)
Occurs over most of the country but isn’t seen during winter. The colour can range from completely black to almost as much yellow as bombus hortorum. It has a very long tongue.
Short haired bumblebee (bombus subterraneus)
Our rarest bumblebee is found only in inland and central South Island areas. It flies only from about early November to late March. Queens and workers have an area of black hairs in the middle of the frontal yellow band and males are mostly yellowy green
Ngaro huruhuru. Our native bees. (Leioproctus), (lasioglossum) and (hylaeus)
We have 28 species of ngaro huruhuru or native bees. They are small and inconspicuous and are especially designed to pollinate our native flora. Native bees are small and dark and each female burrows her own nest in the ground or hollow plant stem, where she generally lives a solitary life – unlike her bigger relatives living in hives.
Plaster bees (Leioproctus species)
Our most common type of native bee – there are 18 species. They are known as ‘plaster bees’ because they create a lining on the walls of their underground burrows. They look similar to honeybees but are smaller (5-12mm long) and don’t make honey.
Asian paper wasp Pūtoi: Hymenoptera Whanau: Vespidae. There is also an Australian paper wasp that is at present only found north of Auckland
Medium sized insects, 12–15 mm long Can sting Nests are small, umbrella shaped, attached by a short stalk to tree or overhanging eaves of house Flies with hind legs dangling Eats caterpillars, nectar, honeydew and fruit.
German wasp Vespula germanica Te katipō Tiamana
Sting. Some people may be allergic. Nest underground or in crevices in buildings. Rasp wood fibres from the surface of timber to use in nest formation. Feed on small insects, fruit, nectar and honeydew. Scavenge on dead fish. German wasp nests are grey.
The common wasp Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus)
The lifestyle and habits of this wasp are very similar to those of the German wasp. Common wasp nests are brown.
Golden hunter wasp (Sphictostethus nitidus)
Hunts on the ground for the large brown vagrant spider (Uliodon species) and the tunnel-web spider, and in bushes for nursery-web spiders.
Mason Wasp (Pison spinolae)
The commonly seen mason wasp makes nest cells of mud, and stocks them with paralysed orb-web spiders.
Down on the farm BY SHELLY WARWICK
Summertime and flies
021 949 214 shellybeannz177@ gmail.com
Yay, the sun is out, grass is green, summer is in the air. Its that time of the year when your farm animals need lots of water and shade. A great time now before the Christmas break to check all your water troughs and make sure they are not leaking and water supply is maintained to your animals over summer. One of the issues lurking around the corner for sheep is Flystrike or Flyblow. This is a condition where sheep are infected by one of several species of flies. The Flies burrow into the wool and lay eggs that then hatch into maggots. Maggots then start to eat into the flesh of the sheep. It sounds awful, and it is. Untreated the sheep experience pain and eventually death. Prevention is definitely better than cure. Getting your sheep shorn is essential, and you can use a variety of pour-on’s, available at Farmlands Ōtaki, that discourage the flies from setting up camp in the first place. A sheep that is Flyblown will become irritable and twitchy, trying to rub against things, and the wool of the affected area will look darker and wet. It is best to get the area shorn, however if there is a delay in getting help, the most important thing to do is to kill the infestation. You can cut back the wool with a sharp pair of scissors and douse the area in a flystrike treatment like Maggo (available at Farmlands), but if you do not have this in the interim you can use anything you have at home, flyspray or disinfectant to douse the little beasts. This may be uncomfortable for the animal but could also save its life. Main thing is to kill the maggots and get some treatment for the animal. All this fresh green grass is not good for small ponies and some horses. Too much sweet grass causes Laminitis, an inflammation in the tissues inside the hoof, a condition that results in lameness and pain. The only way to prevent this is to restrict the
pony’s access to grass by way of fencing them into a small area or putting on a “grazing muzzle” both of which to the unknowing can seem like the pony is being starved. It is usually for a very good reason, Laminitis, if it gets too bad, can result in a pony having to be euthanized. If you see a pony on “restricted” grazing, look at the general condition of the animal before jumping to conclusions. Don’t go feeding the poor little pony even if it looks at you with loving, hungry eyes. There will be a good reason for the restrictions. Keep up with the worming regieme for your young animals and if you have concerns about your sheep or need advise on a “diet” for your pony, you can call us on 021 949 214 (M+M Lifestyle Block Animal Services).
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Bowler springs second surprise
Canoe Slalom champs
BY FRANK NEILL
Ōtaki students had great successes at the North Island Intermediate Canoe Slalom Champs on 7 November at McLaren Falls Park, Tauranga. Pictured right, local student Jericho Housiaux (Ōtaki College), middle Lachie Roddick, (Te Horo School), right Finn Butler (Te Horo School), competed in timed runs, then head to head eliminations in the Year 7 boys category. Jericho grabbed a silver medal, and Finn won the bronze. In the teams event, where all three paddled the course at the same time, the trio placed second in the Year 7 category. All three are regular canoe polo players in the Ōtaki Canoe Club, and were “over the
Ōtaki bowler Mark McGlone is continuing to spring the surprises during championship events. Last year Mark won an upset victory over the Ōtaki Bowling and Pétanque Club Captain Paul Selby – who has played bowls at international level – to win the club’s singles championship. This year he has taken out the club’s triples championship, played on 6 November, in a victory few would have predicted.
Mark teamed up with Mike Kymbrekos and skip Dennis Crone, creating some interest among those watching and playing when he decided to lead. As master of the short end, Mark then led his team to victory over some very experienced bowlers, including Paul Selby. There were no surprises in the women’s triples championships, however. Dorothy Harper (skip), Pat Montgomery and Clare Hack (led), all very competent and experienced bowlers, won the title.
The women’s triples champions (from left): Dorothy Harper, Pat Montgomery and Clare Hack.
The men’s triples champions (from left): Mark McGlone, Mike Kymbrekos and Dennis Crone.
moon” to apply their canoe polo skills to a different discipline. Supporting the students were Sue Roddick (manager) and Cam Butler (coach).
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Impressive tally by Titans BY FRANK NEILL Despite having only three swimmers in the pool, the Ōtaki Titans chalked up an impressive 57 points at the regional meeting, held at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre on 6 November. All three swimmers also chalked up person best times. Cam Carlyon, in fact, notched up personal bests in all three events he entered. He swam the 400 metres freestyle in a new personal best of 5 minutes 47.69 seconds, the 50 metres freestyle in a personal best of 32.86 seconds and the 50 metres backstroke in a personal best time of 39.87 seconds.
Nevaeh Gardiner clocked her personal best in the 200 metres breaststroke with a time of 3 minutes 25.47 seconds. She also clocked 5 minutes 25.98 seconds in the 400 metres freestyle, 1 minute 34.31 in the 100 metres breaststroke and 2 minutes 49.97 seconds in the 200 metres backstroke. Riley Cohen swam the 100 metres freestyle in 1 minute 13.04, eclipsing his old best time by 3 seconds. He also set a new personal best of 5 minutes 40.68 in the 400 metres freestyle. Riley competed in two other events, clocking 1 minute 20.73 in the 100 metres backstroke and 1 minute 13.04 in the 100 metres freestyle.
Pictured at the Swimming Wellington interclub meet on 6 November (from left): Riley Cohen, Nevaeh Gardner, Cam Carlyon, and coach Kokoro Frost.
Cricketers stunning start to season BY FRANK NEILL Ōtaki’s top cricket team has made a stunning start to the 2021-22 season following its promotion to the Horowhenua Kāpiti B grade competition. It began the season with a convincing victory over Paraparaumu Medical Centre at Haruātai Park on 30 October. Ōtaki followed up with yet another comfortable victory on 6 November, this time against the reigning B grade champions Levin College Old Boys. This augurs well for a team seeking an eighth successive title, having won the Horowhenua Kāpiti Presidents grade title for the last seven years. In the season opener, Ōtaki restricted Paraparaumu to 113 runs, bowling them out in the 34th over. Parminder Singh was outstanding with the ball, snaring a five wicket bag and conceding a mere 19 runs. Kere Strawbridge also bowled exceptionally, taking three wickets at a cost of just 16 runs. In reply to Paraparaumu’s 113, Ōtaki notched up 114 runs for five wickets in the 26th over, with more than 13 overs to spare. Three batsmen were outstanding. Morgan Edwin scored a whirlwind 20 off 15 deliveries, Sam Whitt scored 28 runs and Inder Singh anchored the innings with a patient 23 runs. Following his five wicket bag, Parminder came to the crease when Ōtaki were level with Paraparaumu. He then scored the winning run from the first ball he faced. Not surprisingly, Parminder was named man of the match. Levin College Old Boys won the toss on 6 November and chose to bat first. They then reached 177 before they were all out after 38 overs and one ball. Parminder was again outstanding with the ball, taking three wickets and conceding just 27 runs in the nine overs he bowled. Kere Strawbridge also bowled impressively. He bowled nine overs and took three wickets, while conceding 49 runs. This contributed towards Kere being named man of the match.
Parminder and Kere each claimed the wickets of two of the top four Levin batsmen. In reply to Levin’s 177, Ōtaki eclipsed that total to win comfortably with three wickets and seven overs to spare. Hamish McLennan, one of the openers, scored a solid 40 runs, putting on a partnership of 79 with Jimmy Fraser, who scored 38 off 41 balls. Cody Royal then took to the Levin bowling attack, notching up a rapid 21 not out from just 11 balls. Ōtaki’s B grade team was due to play the first two games of the 20/20 competition on 13 November, but rain saw the day’s play cancelled.
Sam Whitt scoring yet more runs on his way to the top total of 28 on 30 October.
Parminder Singh sends down a delivery that went on to take a wicket during the season opener on 30 October.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Zero Waste Ōtaki Update BY JAMIE BULL
It has been another big month for the Zero Waste Ōtaki volunteers. At the end of October we were advised that our two applications to Whakahiko Ōtaki – Energise Ōtaki Fund were successful. We aim is to avoid unnecessary expenditure on infrastructure and have a long term goal to become an energy independent site, and these two grants have really helped move us along this path. The first will pay for a donated water tank to be set up, to collect water from a container roof. There is no other water available on site, so water harvesting is a great way to make the most of that resource, and supports our goal for water conservation. The second enables us to buy a (75% discounted) composting toilet for volunteers. These are really important steps towards a self reliant site, so the timing of these grants has been perfect for us.
Then, in early November we hosted a site visit from our local MP Terisa Ngobi and Rachel Brooking (a list MP based in Dunedin.) Prior to entering Parliament, Brooking had, amongst many achievements, been appointed by Cabinet to a group to review the Resource Management Act 1991. She has a strong interest in environmental issues and both MP’s were very interested and supportive of what we are achieving. As Zero Waste Ōtaki continues to build momentum we have been addressing our open hours and will introduce “ summer hours” in January. And with Festive Season nearly upon us – we will not be open Sunday December 26 as it is Boxing Day, however on Wednesday 29 December we will be open from 9.30am – 12 noon. Hence, our last Sunday of the month for this year will be Sunday 28 November. 9.30-12 . We have a range of furniture, form stools to Tv cabinet to a red leather settee; beautiful cheese board/ chopping blocks; coat hooks; shower box and sink; as well as a range of timber for your summer projects. Come and find some wooden “treasure”. We operate with cash sales or internet banking. To find us, turn left before the kiosk at the transfer station and follow the road around to our site. Keep up to date with our activities via our Facebook page or email zerowaste.otaki@gmail.com to go on our mailing list.
Christmas Rememberance Service We would love for you to join us to remember those no longer with us this Christmas
Special events such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas are often difficult times for those who are journeying through grief. Our Bereavement Support Service and Funeral Home staff have put together a special gathering acknowledging the ‘gap’ this Christmas. We warmly invite you to our Remembrance Service at the Kapiti Coast Funeral Home Chapel, family and support people welcome. Please RSVP for numbers attending to - office@kapitifuneral.co.nz, or phone us. The service will also be live streamed via our website - www.kcfh.stream A Remembrance Card will be provided to write a personal message on and then place on the Christmas tree. You are also welcome to stay for refreshments.
Date Time Venue
Thursday 9th December 7.30 pm - 9 pm Kapiti Coast Funeral Home Chapel 11 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu
Kids are the ultimate winners
Kids were the stars of the inaugural Whakahiko Ōtaki–Energise Ōtaki Fund Awards. From six year old Ropata who handed out certificates with his mother (Fund committee member Horiana IrwinEasthope) to the People’s Choice recipients, it was all about the tamariki. Six projects received a total of close to $21,000.
Team Go Box are to design a prototype for a portable electricity storage unit using recycled materials. Zero Waste Ōtaki will buy a composting toilet and a rainwater harvester to progress their recycled wood site towards self-sufficiency. Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki will use their funding to help fix specific heat retention issues in houses insulated via the Warm Up Ōtaki project. And Õtaki College will support engineering students to design a solarpowered lawnmower. But it was the two kura-lead projects that won the People’s Choice bonuses of $1000 each. Te Kura ā Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano was the first winner, with
‘Whakahiko i te Taiao/ Energise the Environment’. Funding will support the kura’s already seven-years-long work reviving the Maringi-a-Wai stream, once a major Ōtaki waterway. The bonus will pay for a sun shelter/ outdoor classroom. Recipient Merle Metekingi said,“This award has strengthened the project. More awareness of the need to embrace this mahi is mana-enhancing and manaprotecting”. Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito’s project was the People’s Choice favourite, receiving over a third of the 811 valid votes cast. Their funding will begin laying the groundwork for a ngahere kai (food forest). Kaiako Roimata Baker said, “It makes you realise you’re part of a community of people striving to be part of a sustainability kaupapa. Coming
together like this fires you up and gets you inspired. We should do it more often.” The Whakahiko Ōtaki–Energise Ōtaki Fund will be awarded annually. It distributes money to local-energy related projects, generated by selling excess power from Aotearoa’s first communityowned solar farm (Energise Ōtaki’s Rau Kūmara). Details of this year’s projects are on energise.otaki.net.nz Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki (with Energise Ōtaki and the Sustainability Trust) continue to provide up to 100 eligible households with highly subsidised insulation and welcome enquiries to warmupotaki@gmail.com
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Ōtaki College News November 2021
www.otakicollege.school.nz
From the Principal Andy Fraser Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama. Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened. I would like to congratulate all the students who attended the 2021 Senior Prize Giving which celebrated the achievements of our students across all facets of college life. These achievements, despite the disruptions we have experienced with COVID, are nothing short of outstanding which will be outlined later in this article. While it was sad not to have whānau present I believe the live streaming of the event was well received by all the viewers. In my prizegiving address I indicated that the Prime Minister has recently discussed the opening of the internal borders and the shift away from alert levels to the “traffic light” system. The Ministry of Education has indicated this week, there’s a lot of detailed planning underway for how the education system will operate under this system, particularly noting that schools will be deemed open for face-to-face instruction under all of colours. In light of what is unfolding around us, we are now planning an education delivery model based on a strengthened on line platform so that students that are learning in college or working from home are able to maintain continuity and connection with learning. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to create a vibrant engaging learning environment both in and beyond the college gates. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to the 2021 Heads of School team led by Krisha Modi (Head Girl) and Donald Hall (Head Boy) who did their upmost to keep school life entertaining. Of note, the team helped deliver Pink Shirt Day, Diversity Day and Culture Week. They were instrumental in planning many other lunch time activities that engaged students and staff in many fun events. My sincere thanks to all the Heads of School team who have been fine role models and remained committed despite the uncertain nature of the year. Our funding each year never covers optional extras so I again wish to thank the XŌtaki Alumni for their ongoing support for a number of projects, most notably the all-weather facility, Ngā Pito e Wha which was opened this year. I would also like to congratulate Peter Housiaux and Jackie Sutton who were
inducted into the XŌtaki Alumni Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to the Ōtaki community. Finally I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the college staff for their sterling efforts over the year and to pass on my sincere thanks to some long standing staff members who are leaving us. These teachers have made significant contributions to our students and wider college community in their time with us. Our College Magazine will offer a more significant outline of these contributions but a very special thanks to Whaea Maha Nikora-Davis (5 years), Stephen Aitken (8 ¾ years) and most significantly Janice Brown (38 years). All the very best for your future pathways in life. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.
Ōtaki College Senior Prizegiving – 18 November 2021
Premier Awards: Krisha Modi, 2021 Ōtaki College Head Girl, is our Dux, the inaugural Everiss Scholar and the recipient of the Chairperson’s Award for All Round Excellence. She is the first Ōtaki student to take out three of our top five awards – an outstanding achievement. She also received the M I Turnbull Award for Top Girl in Year 13. In addition to her academic achievements Krisha is a keen sportswoman who has been involved in netball and volleyball throughout her time at college. She has been involved in many fundraising activities, including assisting the College Rotary Interact Group raise funds for wheelchairs in Tanzania, and, locally, assisting in planting along the Ōtaki River. Krisha has always worked hard to promote the College and has become an exceptional leader who has won the respect of her peers, her teachers and the younger students at College. She is a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and women’s rights. Krisha plans to embark on her tertiary studies next year at Otago University, where she will be studying Health Science with a view to a career in physiotherapy. Quinn Straker was Runner-Up to Dux. Quinn has not only achieved academically at an extremely high level, but has been involved in many activities both in and out of college. She is one of our most organised and capable leaders. In 2021 Quinn is also heading to Otago to study Medicine, but with a focus on psychiatry.
Quinn received the Wakefield Group Ltd Scholarship and Fun Zone Scholarship for Proxime Accessit. She is also the recipient of the Marjorie Gordon Memorial Health Award. The title of 2021 Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Heremaia Cooper. Heremaia has had an outstanding year in both rugby and waka ama, as well as being the winner of our Ōtaki College Senior Boys Swimming Cup. Heremaia won a bronze medal in the W6 and W12 events at New Zealand Secondary School Waka Ama Championships. As Sportsperson of the Year, Heremaia receives the Marlan Trading Scholarship. Top Boy in Year 13 was Nikhil Singh. In Year 12, Paris Karl-Fields and Jessica Thomsen were equal Top Girls and Max McHugo was Top Boy. Bonny Brookman was Top Girl in Year 11 and Archie O’Sullivan was Top Boy. Ōtaki College would like to thank the many organisations, businesses and
The top award winners at Ōtaki College’s prizegiving on 18 November (from left): Quinn Straker and Krisha Modi, Heremaia Cooper and Quinn Straker.
The Modi family, left to right: Jashwanti, Kalpesh, Krisha and Krunal Modi.
Janice Brown (38 years’ outstanding service) Remarks from Prizegiving from Principal, Andy Fraser In 1982 her Principal, Rex Kerr, wrote about Janice “Her work is thoughtfully prepared, interestingly presented and well received. She develops a good rapport with her classes… Miss Brown is also deeply involved in extracurricular activities, especially coaching netball, taking outdoor education groups and organising class visits of a social and vocational nature”. She resigned in 1990 to meet “the challenges of motherhood” and was then reappointed at the beginning of Term 2, 1992 as Homeroom Teacher. She assumed Deaning responsibilities at various times. In 1997 she was appointed HoD, Year 7 & 8 and maintained this position until 2006 when she took on the role of “Specialist Classroom Teacher” and the teaching of English. Janice acted as the relieving Assistant Principal in 2009 for a term.
On my appointment as a DP in 2008 it was very apparent to me that Janice’s institutional and community knowledge, and the way she was able to apply this to her pastoral care roles, was gold. She became a very skilled practitioner of Restorative Practices and Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) and was instrumental in building a strong culture of care in the College. In 2013 Janice was appointed to the position of Senior Dean in the College with pastoral care a central part of her role. Her ability to lead and develop a pastoral team has been exemplary and her knowledge, passion and insights have been shared with many colleges around the motu. How do you sum up someone with a career like Janice where she has passionately supported young people of the college over so many years to always strive to be the best they can be – the word LEGEND does it for me!
individuals who have sponsored scholarships and awards for our Senior Prizegiving. These awards provide acknowledgement and support for our students as they embark on their future pathways. The other much-anticipated announcement that is made at Senior Prizegiving is the Heads of School Team for 2022. Next year our Ngā Kākākura (Heads of School) will be Pounamu MacKay and Max McHugo. Ngā Kaingārahu (Associate Heads of School) are: Tia Brown, Kaea Hakaraia-Hosking, Kate Hall, Paris Karl-Fields, Charlie Simpson, Alyssa Te Wiata, Jessica Thomsen and Lily Yaxley. The College would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2021 and wish all students sitting external examinations every success.
On a personal note I want to thank you Janice for your support, your honesty, your advice and most of all for your your years of experience and stunning ability as a teacher which you have applied to the role of Senior Dean. I am going to miss your straight up personality that has kept me on my toes along with all the banter and fun that you bring to our team. You are one special lady! It’s because of this that I will continue to let you know that the door remains open for future input, whatever that may look like, here at OC. The one day a week is still on the table! Thank you from students past and present, staff and the wider Ōtaki community for your total dedication to the profession of teaching in our town. It is special teachers like you that make a difference in young people’s lives!
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Woven histories for Christmas Launched just before lockdown, the latest Otaki Historical Journal has been very well received. Readers comment on its attractive cover, the variety of its articles and the depth of its research. The journal has always been a popular and sought-after Christmas gift and this year is proving to be no exception. It is recommended you purchase your journal in time to catch all the busy mails. The journal is available at several local outlets and the price has been reduced to $20 per copy. We are very grateful to our stockists: Books & Co and RiverStone Café at the Railway and Otaki Bookshop, Otaki Museum and Otaki Post Shop downtown. People can also buy journals through our website: www.otakihistoricalsociety.org.nz
BY MARGARET ANDREWS The Ōtaki Community Board held its final meeting for the year on 2 November.
Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway Update
Fletcher Construction contract manager Steve Finlay gave an update on progress of the PP20 Expressway, noting all trucks involved in the expressway construction work can now travel the length of the new road from Taylors Road in the north to Peka Peka in the south, removing the heavy truck and trailer units from State Highway 1. Work is currently being completed on the embankment at the northern end and the exit to the current northern highway. In the Bridge five area Ōtaki River, construction of the shared pathway is progressing, crossing the Chrystalls stopbank then west to the coast, with completion of the Waitohu culvert is scheduled about May 2022. Bridge nine at Mary Crest all bridge structures have been completed.
Ōtaki Mail – December 2021 to be published in colours, as it will make a beautiful and interesting, as well as a most novel picture. June 2, 1852
MARRIED
OTAKI IN THE NEWS 1850–1870 Wellington Independent 24 January, 1852 A Spelling Book for the use of Maori children has just been issued under the authority of the Government. It was originally designed for the use of the Otaki School and being approved by the Government has been published for the instruction of Maori children generally. In the exercises the English and Maori have been introduced alternatively so as to render the acquisition of the English as easy as possible to the pupil. The book consists of sixty-eight pages, and is edited by H.T.Kemp, Esq., Native Secretary, with his usual ability and care. We sincerely hope the worthy editor will find this Maori Spelling Book as beneficial to the class for whom it is designed, as it has been his anxious aim to render it. 13 March, 1852 We have been gratified with the sight of a drawing by Mr. C. D. Barraud of the interior of Otaki Church. The Church has been erected entirely by the Maori people, under the superintendence of Archdeacon Hadfield. It is 20 feet long, 36 feet wide, and 40 feet high, and has been built of fine Totara trees. The ridge pole consists of one tree 86 feet in length. The walls are adorned with the native plaited work. The drawing is a faithful representation of the Church and Maori congregation and is executed with that taste and excellence we are led to expect from the pencil of so able an artist. We are happy to learn that it is
Cr James Cootes queried the graffiti protection finish on the new bridges; Mr Finlay replied they were having difficulty removing some paint, but all graffiti is painted over as it appears. Ms Papps asked what plans they had for traffic management and hold-ups over the Christmas period. She also asked about safety for cyclists using the shared pathway to cross the main highway to continue to the coast – there is a track under the bridge and a walk/cycle friendly entrance will be constructed.
Public Speaking
Te Roto Road resident, Rob McIndoe, spoke to issues with the walk/cycle/bridle path saying “the paper road must remain as an access option to the Ōtaki River for the future …”, and he suggested the path, which currently skirts the racecourse, be opened only until Winstones quarry contract at Ashford Park ends, the paper road remaining would give access to the river. This shared pathway from Te Roto Road through to the river has caused much dispute during the year as to which path is for whom – walkers and cyclists or horse riders. Sean Mallon, Group manager Infrastructure Services, said the process of removing a paper road from plans was a lengthy process involving an element of public consultation, so it could not just disappear. Queenie Rikihana Hyland spoke to the naming of new roads in a Mill Road
On the 19th instant, at Otaki Church, by the Rev. William Taylor, M.A., the Rev. Octavious Hadfield, Archdeacon of Kapiti, to Catherine, third daughter of the Rev. Henry Williams, Archdeacon of the Waimate. December 26, 1850 The different stores and shops in Wellington were decorated on Monday and Tuesday, as usual, in observance of Christmas, the gay flowers and other indications of summer marking the difference of seasons between our Fatherland and the land we now live in. The butchers’ shops contained a fine supply of fat meat, and we may notice, among other signs of progress, that some of the finest Christmas beef supplied this year to the good folk of Wellington came from the Maori farmers of Otaki. Messrs. Luxford slaughtered four oxen bought from these farmers. They had been fed on grass only, which turned out first rate beasts and weighed nearly 1000 pounds each. The proceeds, we understand, will be devoted to the funds in support of the Maori schools in Otaki. Otaki, Sep. 9, 1857.
OTAKI FERRY HOUSE At the mouth of the River on the South side. Benjamin Gray begs to intimate to his friends and the Public, that he has completed his House of Entertainment, and parties travelling up the coast, will now find his establishment replete with every convenience and the comforts of a home. Persons visiting his house may always depend upon having clean, well aired beds, and good provisions; and his stock of wines, spirits, and malt liquors, are of the very best quality.
subdivision, saying there were very few Maori women’s names used to name places or streets. The land at 215 Mill Road was part of the Rikihanas’ ancestral land and she suggested Enereta Road for the central road and the loop road will be named Rikihana Way, and a reserve Te Manewha Park. She said the roads and reserve were named after the great chief Te Manewha and his descendants; land was gifted to him as a general in Te Rauparaha’s armies. Enereta, the daughter of Te Rauparaha, was also the name of the woman who married her son Wiremu Rikihana. Rikihana is the family name of Nga Koroki. The Community Board members approved the suggested names.
Grant Applications:
Community Grants Kapiti US Marines Trust: $500 to assist with website costs and maintenance. Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki: $500 to help with costs of running Friday night sessions for rangatahi. Kapiti Concert Orchestra: $500 to help with costs of a concert in Ōtaki. Ōtaki Promotions Group: $500 to assist with costs of the Light Up Ōtaki Business Light Challenge and residential lights map. Birthright Ōtaki: $500 towards cost of Christmas party for clients and children. Sporting Activity Fund Kapiti Coast Harness Racing: $500 to assist with costs of children’s
A capital six-stalled stable has been erected adjoining the premises; and an abundant supply of Hay, Oats, Maize and Bran are always kept on hand. There are also well-fenced Paddocks, laid down with the best grasses. B.G. is Agent for the Shipping at the mouth of the Otaki River, and his place affords peculiar facilities for shipping New Zealand produce to the diggings. June 1, 1861
THE OTAKI FERRY HOUSE FOR SALE The above Ferry House, (situated on the south side of the river), is a new, commodious, and substantial weatherboarded building, containing 9 rooms. Two well-fenced paddocks adjoin the house. There is also a canoe, with everything requisite for the ferry. For particulars apply to Benjamin Gray, on the Premises. Or – to Wm Hickson & Co, Wellington February 19, 1870
DEATH Gray – on February 17, at his residence, Ferry Inn, Otaki, after a protracted illness, which he bore with Christian fortitude, Mr. Benjamin Gray, aged 51 Years. April 20, 1863 The undersigned has now so far completed the arrangements at his extensive premises immediately opposite the Otaki Church, that he is prepared to accommodate his numerous friends, country Settlers, and the public generally. W. Davies October 15, 1864
BIRTH On the 11th instant, at Otaki, the wife of Archdeacon Hadfield of a son.
entertainment at the Community race meeting in January 2022.
Building and Resource Consents Ōtaki Community Network Group: $500 to cover room hire for monthly meetings.
Members Business:
Members spoke about events and meetings attended. Cam Butler commented on the number and time involved with the submissions for and against KCDC’s proposal to disestablish community boards at next year’s local government elections. He attended the Super Saturday COVID19 vaccination programme, noting while there were “fantastic results” from the day, but the wider Ōtaki area and Maori particularly were still low. Ōtaki comes under MidCentral District Health, so vaccination statistics are not included under Kapiti (Capital and Coast District Health). Shelly Warwick noted the annual Ōtaki Kite Festival was scheduled for late February, this was before the Annual Plan Funding was open, Chris Papps suggested the organisers, Ōtaki Promotions Group, apply to the Major Events Fund for a grant. Cr Cootes reported the Energise Ōtaki group had “raised” $21,000 from the solar power farm. These funds were available for community projects and they had received 21 applications funding. Board member Marilyn Stevens was an apology for the meeting.
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Media Muse Wearing my MMGA (Make Manakau Great Again) cap I entered the parallel universe known as Waka Kotahi at 17.58pm on Wednesday 10 November via the portal of a Community Group meeting in the historic Huia block of the Manakau School on Mokena Kohere Street just across the railway line from State Highway 1 where, a few clicks further north, four people had been killed the previous day. After about 15 others drifted in, the meeting began with a minute’s silence to contemplate the latest addition to the death toll on SH1 between Ōtaki and Levin, rising steadily month by month and set to continue that way for the next decade. A van and a truck collided head-on on the bend, curving left (going north) around St Stephen’s Church at Kuku, at 3pm. Within half-an-hour, northbound traffic was backed up right down Manakau Straight and beyond. The word at the Manakau Store was that there had been “multiple” deaths and the road would be closed for at least five hours. That prediction turned out to be almost accurate. Both lanes of SHI were reopened at 7.25pm, too late for those southbound motorists who turned back and drove for three hours over the only available detour via the Wairarapa and back up to Waikanae. “Multiple”, which has replaced “several” as the adjective du jour for describing numbers greater than one, remained the only indication of the accident’s magnitude until 9.20am the next morning when the Police confirmed the number of fatalities to be four. All had been in the van. The truck driver had been seriously injured and was in Palmerston North Hospital.
By Manakau’s Tom Frewen Nothing further was published about him nor was there any information about the ages and gender of the four people in the van, although it was reported that three of them worked at Devon Intermediate School in New Plymouth – a teacher, teacher aide and caretaker. There was no information about the fourth person in the van. Of the two local newspapers, the Horowhenua Mail, published weekly on Thursdays, devoted its front page and half an inside page to the accident. The Horowhenua Chronicle, also a weekly published in Levin on Fridays, astonishingly made absolutely no mention of it. The Mail’s report was headlined “Deaths put focus on road” and “Notorious road must be changed”. But early in the story there was some information indicating that, on this occasion at least, the road may not have been the prime cause of the accident. The van’s occupants had been returning from attending the “No More Control” anti-vaccination protest at Parliament. They would then have been headed north when the collision occurred close to the apex of the bend which is significant but not speed resticted. The driving time from New Plymouth to Wellington is four-and-a-half hours. The van’s driver and passengers would have had an early start, six am if not before, to be in Wellington by 10.30am for the start of the protest. They’d have been on the road for nearly six hours in total when they approached the bend at St Stephen’s Church. Could the driver have fallen asleep? While the Mail’s headline writers villainised the road, supporting their editorial stance with the now standard criticisms from the Automobile
KĀPITI COAST DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS IN DECEMBER 2021 Thursday
2 December Campe Estate
12.30pm
Tuesday
7 December Te Whakaminega o Kāpiti
9.30am
Thursday
9 December Council meeting
9.30am
Mayor’s office, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu
Attendance at Meetings (1) Cancellation – Meetings are sometimes cancelled for a variety of reasons. To confirm whether a meeting is on, please ring the Democracy Services Manager on (04) 296 4700 or toll free on 0800 486 486. (2) Venue – Please note that all meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, Civic Administration Building, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu, unless otherwise specified. (3) Public Forum – a 25-minute session will be held before every Council and major committee meeting (9.00 am – 9.25 am) in which you can speak on any topic. Bookings are essential. Please book ahead with the Democracy Services Advisor – online booking form can be found on website. (4) Public Speaking Time – Under Council’s Standing Orders (Appendix I) a period will be provided after the start of each meeting for Public Speaking Time to allow for oral submissions relating to agenda items, and at the end of meeting for other items not on the agenda. If you wish to address the Council or its Committees during Public Speaking Time, please book ahead with the Democracy Services Advisor and you will be given an approximate timeslot. People who book ahead for Public Speaking will be given precedence over those who do not. (5) Live-streaming: Council and Standing Committee meetings are live-streamed. (6) Agendas are available two days before the meeting at: • Our website www.kapiticoast.govt.nz; • Council’s Libraries and Service Centres.
Association and local politicians of the “killing field” highway between Ōtaki and Levin, the van’s occupants were being hailed as heroic martyrs in the parallel universe of social media. “We salute and honour you not just for your fight for freedom but for all you have done in this life,” the protest organisers, the Freedom and Rights Coalition posted on their Facebook page. Other tributes described the four protestors from New Plymouth as “Brave souls who stood on the right side of history” and who fought to “free us all from the grip of tyrants.” Among the posts, though, was this one: “My m8 was the truck driver not 1 word about he is multiple broken bones arm knee broken back this man was working and this happens 2 him why don’t any of yous ask how he is condolences to people who passed away tragic this man has live with this 4 the rest of his life none of this needed 2 happen 4 dead and 1 living a life of hell freedom phfffft those who organized this demonstration look in the mirror.” Back in Waka Kotahi’s parallel universe, the Community Group meeting learned that any actual physical improvements to make SHI safer were still over a year away. Someone called Lonny was trying to get money freed up for an acknowledged danger spot at the dodgy intersection between SHI and Waikawa Beach Rd just north of Manakau. But, regretfully, probably nothing would happen until 2023. In any case, the meeting, which was joined remotely by two people on Zoom, was not called to talk about the road or progress in improving its safety. So there was no sense of urgency arising from the horrendous collision the previous day. The purpose of the meeting was to hear a report on the archaealogical investigations along the route proposed for the new expressway.
The NZTA woman who had been wrestling with a laptop to get the Zoom up and zooming turned to struggling with a Powerpoint programme, eventually putting up a map showing the bushline around Manakau in 1872. The good news, though, was that construction of the expressway would not be ploughing through any burial sites. Meanwhile, in a neighbouring galaxy in the parallel universe know as town planning, the Auckland Council Group, comprising the council, Auckland Transport and Watercare, was advertising for “trusted and highly capable partners to assist in the delivery of geospatial outcomes and enterprise solution delivery. “We need partners to help us to maximise the investment in our technologies, along with enterprise system support and lifecycle management. We also need partners to bring innovative ideas and outcomes where possible.” Whaaat? I had to Google “geospatial”. According to the Free Dictionary, geospatial information “relates to analysis of geographical data from multiple sources and technologies, using statistical methods and often resulting in computer visualization of locations under study.” There’s a geospatial institute and you can qualifiy as a professional geospatialist earning $45,000-$65,000pa and up to $120,000pa for senior geospatialists, probably a lot more for consultants. Protesters at the “No More Control” protest included two women, someone’s mother, grandmother or aunty, probably teachers, pictured in the following Saturday’s Dominion Post holding signs : “Our fathers went to war for our freedom. Lest we forget” and “Muzzle politicians not people.” More often than not, it is the clever people who are the most stupid.
BE NATURE-INSPIRED ON KĀPITI ISLAND! Day tours or overnight kiwi spotting tours Fantastic birdlife Incredible bush & coastal walks Cabins & luxury tents
Wayne Maxwell Chief Executive
TO BOOK: PB 60601 Paraparaumu | Ph 04 296 4700 | Fx 04 296 4830 | www.kapiticoast.govt.nz
0800 527 484
kapitiisland.com
24
Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Car stolen at gun point BY FRANK NEILL Two young Ōtaki men had their car and a cell phone stolen at gun point on 28 October. The two were parked in the Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club carpark when two offenders arrived in a car at around 3.30am. One of the offenders then presented a rifle and then proceeded to steal the cell phone and the car. Police have identified one of the offenders, a 20-year-old Porirua man. He has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. He has been released on bail and was due to appear in the Porirua District Court on 19 November. Police were still inquiring in relation to the other offender, believed to have presented the rifle, when the Ōtaki Mail went to print. The vehicle had not been recovered by 17 November. Both the Police and the Ōtaki Fire Brigade attended a deliberately lit fire
A kind of kindness
When village eyes are smiling BY HOWIE C. THINGS (assisted by Oldilocks) When Ōtaki eyes are smiling above the mask we wear it’s a kind of silent greeting, the way we show we care. Although our smiles are hidden the warmth of friendship shows, we still can send a message from above the mouth and nose.
in Rahui Road at 4.30am on 4 November. A large standalone shed was completely destroyed in the arson attack. The day before the arson, Police recovered a stolen vehicle from the shed, and Police believe that the arson and the recovery of the stolen vehicle could be related, says Sergeant Phil Grimshaw, the Police’s officer in charge of Ōtaki. The ute had been stolen from the Paraparaumu area. “The owner of the shed is not linked to the theft of the vehicle or to the arson,” Sergeant Grimstone says. Police, the Ōtaki Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance and the Westpac rescue helicopter attended a forestry incident where a felled tree struck a worker in Wairongomai Road on 12 November. The Police were called at about 12.40pm. A 33-year-old man was transported to
following the crash, which was still being investigated by the Police’s Serious Crash Unit when this edition went to print. A number of Ōtaki people have expressed concern to this Ōtaki Mail reporter following the 9 November accident. They noted that the road between Ōtaki and Levin was among the most dangerous highways in New Zealand. Seven people have died in the last nine months on the road. In March a man died at the scene of a two-car crash on the intersection of Kuku Beach Road and State Highway One. Police said the man who died was fleeing Police at speed at the time of the accident. In June two people were killed when the motorcycle they were on and a car collided between Kuku East and Whakahoro Roads. That crash also closed the highway for four hours.
Fill out the council’s alcohol survey BY FRANK NEILL An Ōtaki group which aims to help reduce alcohol harm in the area is “very keen” to encourage people to fill out the Kāpiti Coast District Council community alcohol survey.
People filling out the survey and stating their position on the number of liquor outlets there are in the town is important for the future of Ōtaki and the well-being of its people, Dr Selby says.
The council has begun the first stage of developing a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) and part of this is the survey on alcohol, which can be accessed at haveyoursay. kapiticoast.govt.nz/kapiti-communityalcohol-survey-2021. If they prefer, people can get a hard copy of the survey from the Ōtaki Library.
Alcohol harm is an issue for Ōtaki. An example of this comes from figures Sergeant Phil Grimstone, officer in charge of the Ōtaki Police, provided in discussions with the Ōtaki alcohol group.
The survey will be open to complete until 10 December.
Plus keeping at your distance does not convey rejection, in fact it is the opposite – a safeguard from infection.
The Ōtaki alcohol group “is very keen for people to fill out the survey,” says Dr Mereana Selby, one of the group members, and the Chief Executive of Te Wānanga o Raukawa.
And so, my friends and whanau, stay bright and show you care. Be kind to one another, behind the masks we wear.
Others in the group include Ōtaki College Principal Andy Fraser, Ōtaki Medical Centre Chief Exexecutive Kiwa Raureti, Ōtaki Community Board member Shelly Warwick, Maine Curtis and Adrian Gregory.
H. and O.
Wellington Hospital by the Westpac helicopter following the accident. Worksafe Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is investigating. Ōtaki.Police were first on the scene at the fatal road accident when a truck and a van collided on 9 November, killing four people. Police were driving the road at the time and were not far from the accident. “This worked out well because it saved members of the public from being exposed to that trauma,” Sergeant Grimstone says. Other emergency services – including St John Ambulance and the Ōtaki.Fire Brigade – were called to the scene at 3pm. St John Ambulance paramedics treated one person at the scene and then transported them to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition. The highway was blocked for four hours
Sergeant Grimstone told the group that in the last year there were some 1,500 incidents – such as drink driving and family harm – where alcohol was a factor. This is in a population of some 6,000. Councils throughout New Zealand use LAPs to better manage the sale and supply of alcohol in their communities.
By having a LAP, communities can: • limit the location of licences in particular areas or near certain types of facilities such as in specific neighbourhoods or near schools or churches (this doesn’t apply to special licences); • limit the density of licences by specifying whether new licences or types of licences should be issued in a particular area (this doesn’t apply to special licences); • impose conditions on groups of licences, such as a ‘one-way door’ condition that would allow patrons to leave premises but not enter or re-enter after a certain time; and • restrict or extend the maximum opening hours.
Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa
“JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS” “It’s beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS…” Are you struggling to find some real 2021 Christmas happiness? Ōtaki CAB volunteers would love to help give you some peace of mind over this festive season. We will work with you to help resolve any issue you may have – budgeting, tenancy laws, JPs, domestic challenges, etc. Call us and let us sprinkle your life with a little Christmas joy.
CALL CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
65a Main Street, Ōtaki Tel: 06-364 8664 | Email: otaki@cab.org.nz CAB Ōtaki will close from Wednesday 22 December 2021 and re-open on Monday 17 January 2022. For information or online chat during this period Tel. 0800 367 222 or email www.cab.org.nz
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Kia ora from the Ōtaki Public Library – Te Wharepukapuka o Ōtaki
Librarian’s Choice – Tiriata
American Rust
Trust
Paris
Showtime!
by Phillip Meyer
by Chris Hammer
by Starlight by Robert Dinsdale
by Judy Nunn
OK, I admit I haven’t actually read this and it’s not a new book. But I have been watching the TV series on Neon which is great – and online critics say the book is even better. So I’ve put it on my mustread list. American Rust is a novel by American writer Philipp Meyer, published in 2009. It is set in the in the fictional dilapidated steel town of Buell, Pennsylvania. From local bars to trainyards to prison, it is the story of two young men, brainy and socially awkward, Isaac and his best friend former high school football star Billy. Isaac one day impulsively decides head out to California to begin a new life. But one bad choice has him suddenly on the run from police. Unwilling to betray Isaac, Billy is thrown into the state prison. Things are even more complicated, because Bud Harris, the police chief, is having an affair with Billy’s mom.
Martin Scarsden’s new life seems perfect, right up until the moment it’s shattered by a voicemail: a single scream, abruptly cut off, from his partner Mandalay Blonde. Racing home, he finds an unconscious man sprawled on the floor and Mandy gone. Someone has abducted her. But who, and why? So starts a twisting tale of intrigue and danger, as Martin probes the past of the woman he loves, a woman who has buried her former life so deep she has never mentioned it. And for the first time, Mandy finds denial impossible, now the body of a mystery man has been discovered, a man whose name she doesn’t know, a man she was engaged to marry when he died. It’s time to face her demons once and for all; it’s time she learned how to trust. The unmissable new thriller from the award-winning author of Scrublands.
Every city has its own magic. Every night on their long journey to Paris from their troubled homeland, Levon’s grandmother has read to them from a very special book. Called The Nocturne, it is a book full of fairy stories and the heroic adventures of their people who generations before chose to live by starlight. And with every story that Levon’s grandmother tells them in their new home, the desire to live as their ancestors did grows. And that is when the magic begins. There are suddenly night finches in the skies and the city is transforming: the Eiffel Tower lit up by strange ethereal flowers that drink in the light of the moon. But not everyone in Paris is won over by the spectacle of Paris-by-Starlight. There are always those that fear the other, the unexplained, the strangers in our midst. How long can the magic of night rub up against the ordinariness of day?
In the second half of the 19th century, Melbourne is a veritable boom town, as hopefuls from every corner of the globe flock to the gold fields of Victoria. And where people crave gold, they also crave entertainment. Enter stage right: brothers Will and Max Worthing and their wives Mabel and Gertie. The family arrives from England in the 1880s with little else but the masterful talents that will see them rise from simple travelling performers to sophisticated entrepreneurs. Enter stage left: their rivals, Carlo and Rube. Childhood friends since meeting in a London orphanage, the two men have literally fought their way to the top and are now producers of the bawdy but hugely popular ‘Big Show Bonanza’. The fight for supremacy begins. Waiting in the wings: Comedy, tragedy, passion and betrayal; economic depression, the Black Death and the horrors of World War One...
Here are some tips to keeping your Christmas festive and fun but vet free… Many common foods and snacks we humans enjoy can be dangerous to our pets. Animals digest and metabolise food differently to humans which means what might be perfectly fine for us can be poisonous to them. Its best to refrain from sharing human food with your pets and be very cautious about where you are leaving food that may be easily accessible to them for example wrapped chocolates and food under the Christmas tree.
Common festive foods that are not safe for our furry friends
• Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine, found in the cocoa bean. It is not effectively broken down in our pets’ bodies and affects their central nervous system and heart muscle. Depending on how dark the chocolate is (how much cocoa it contains), how much is eaten and the size of the animal (the smaller the dog,
the more dangerous it will be). Chocolate can cause seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea and can potentially kill your pet. • Fruit cake and Christmas pudding often contain raisins and grapes which can cause kidney failure and death. In some cases, very small dogs have died after eating only a handful of raisins or grapes. As sensitivity to the toxins seems to vary so much from animal to animal, it is just best not to feed your dog ANY grapes or raisins or food that contains these ingredients. • Corn cobs can cause blockages in the small intestine that may need to be surgically removed. • Fatty meats such as ham on the bone as well as pork crackling can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and may lead to pancreatitis. Treatment for pancreatitis often involves a stay in hospital with fluid therapy, strong pain relief, anti-nausea medication and
antibiotics – and we are sure no one would want to see their pet in hospital, especially at Christmas time. • Alcohol and caffeine are both very toxic for pets. • Pits and seeds of fruits contain a substance which degrades to cyanide which is toxic. Pits of fruits can also cause blockages and damage to the intestine.
• Macadamia nuts although unlikely to be fatal can cause very uncomfortable symptoms that can last for up to 48 hours and some dogs will need to see a vet for pain relief and possibly intravenous fluids. These are just a few foods of concerns so please stick to your regular food and include some pet friendly treats from our clinic. If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous you should call us immediately.
Ōtaki Vets
Ōtaki 269Vets Mill Road
269 Mill Road364 7089 364 6941 364 6941 364 7089 contact@otakivets.co.nz
contact@otakivets.co.nz www.otakivets.com www.otakivets.com Come our friendly Come and and meet meet our friendly team te
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Handy folk to know Health Womens Health 364 6367 AA 0800 229 6757 Arthritis 364 6883 St John Health Shuttle 0800 589 630 Cancer Support 06 367 8065 Stroke support 021 962 366 Plunket 364 7261 St Vincent de Paul 21 1026 74188 Helplines Mental Health Crisis 0800 653 357 Depression helpline 0800 111 757 Healthline 0800 611 116 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Samaritans 0800 727 666 Victim Support 0800 842 846 Youthline 0800 376 633 Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 Community Citizens Advice 364 8664 Budgeting 364 6579 Foodbank 364 0051 Menzshed 364 8303 Community Club 364 8754 Timebank 362 6313 Birthright 364 5558 Cobwebs 021 160 2710 Community Patrol 027 230 8836 Amicus 364 6464 Pottery 364 8053 Mainly Music 364 7099 Genealogy 364 7263 Bridge 364 7771 Museum 364 6886 Historical 364 6543 Let’s Sing 364 8731 Ōtaki Players 364 6491 RSA 364 6221 Rotary 06 927 9010 Lions 022 437 1275 FOTOR 364 8918 Transition Towns 364 5573 Waitohu Stream Care 364 0641 Energise Ōtaki 364 6140 Older People Age Concern 0800 243 266 Kids Scouting 364 8949 Toy Library 364 3411 Marriage celebrants Penny Gaylor 027 664 8869 Annie Christie 027 480 4803 Roofer Ryan Roofing 027 243 6451 JS Roofing 0800 577 663 Taxi Ōtaki Shuttles 364 6001 Vets Ōtaki Animal Health 364 7089 Commercial Cleaning Jamies Cleaning 027 738 7111
Auto Central Auto Services 368 2037 Ōtaki Collision Repairs 364 7495 SRS Auto Engineering 364 3322 Electrician Sparky Tom 027 699 3743 Concrete Work Bevan Concrete 0800 427522 Rasmac Contractors 0274 443 041 Koastal Kerb 027 554 0003 Estate Agents First National 364 8350 Harcourts 364 5284 Professionals 364 7720 Tall Poppies 0274 792 772 Property Brokers 06 920 2001 Funeral Directors Harvey Bowler 368 2954 I.C. Mark Ltd 368 8108 Kapiti Coast Funeral 04 298 5168 Waikanae Funeral 04 293 6844 Funeral Celebrant Annie Christie 364 0042 Insurance Inpro 364 6123 Nurseries 100&1 364 7084 Talisman 364 5893 Te Horo Garden Centre 364 2142 Watsons Garden Centre 364 8758 Kapiti Coast District Council General Inquiries 364 9301 Toll Free 0800 486 486 Ōtaki Library 364 9317 Ōtaki Swimming Pool 64 5542 Lawyer Susie Mills Law 364 7190 Simco Lawyers 364 7285 Locksmith Ōtaki Locksmith 021 073 5955 Mowers Mower & Engineering 364 5411 Plumbing About Plumbing 364 5586 Henderson Plumbing 364 5252 Ryan Plumbing & Gas 027 243 6451 Rest Homes Ocean View 364 7399 Enliven 0508 365483 Computers TechMan 022 315 7018 Sports Clubs To come, (when you let us know!) Storage Ōtaki Secure Storage 0800 364 632 Windows Window & Door Repairs 364 8886
Your trusted local crash repair specialist using the latest up-to-date equipment and technology • • • • • • • • • • •
PPG Water Borne Paint System (Environmentally Friendly) Spray Booth 3D Measuring System Chassis Straightening Machine Inverter Spot Welder Crash Repairs Rust Repairs Plastic Welding Courtesy Cars All Insurance/Broker Work
It's your vehicle, you can tell your insurer who you want to use – Keep it local, call us today
Simon Taylor: Owner/Manager 3 Arthur St, Otaki Ph 06 36 47495
otakicr@gmail.com
www.otakicollisionrepairs.co.nz
Heritage Fund Applications Kāpiti Coast District Council has funding available through its Heritage Fund to assist landowners to manage and protect heritage features.
NOW OPEN
The Heritage Fund was established to help landowners to look after heritage features, including ecological, geological, historical, and cultural sites. The fund is contestable, with $38,000 available for the current financial year. Applications for this year’s funding round close at 5pm, Monday 20 December 2021. The following projects may qualify for funding: • Fencing off and permanently protecting native bush, heritage trees, wetlands, stream banks and other heritage features;
Cobwebs Op-Shop Main Street Tuesday – Friday 10 – 4pm Saturday 10 – 1pm
currently needing kitchen ware and bric-a-brac
• Ongoing management of heritage areas such as ecological sites; • Painting, restoration, maintenance of heritage buildings and structures; • Maintenance of heritage trees; • Research and/or community education projects focussed on heritage management and protection. More information on the Heritage Fund, eligibility criteria and application forms are available on the Council’s website at kapiticoast.govt.nz/heritage-fund or by contacting Andy McKay, Programme Manager Biodiversity & Landscapes on (04) 296 4653, andy.mckay@kapiticoast.govt.nz
For all Kerbing, Paving, Floors, Drives, Paths and Concrete Work FREE QUOTES Phone Nathan Howell 027 554 0003
Ōtaki Churches welcome you ANGLICAN
Ōtaki Anglican Rev Simon and Rev Jessica Falconer 47 Te Rauparaha Street, 364 7099 office@otakianglican.nz Every Sunday at Hadfield Hall, start time 10am Ōtaki Rangiatea Church Services 37 Te Rauparaha St, Sunday Eucharist: 9am Church viewing hours, school terms: Mon–Fri 9.30am–1.30pm 364 6838 email: rangiatea.church@xtra.co.nz Shannon no service Whakarongotai marae, Waikanae Baptist 2nd Sunday, 11.30 Tel: 364 8540 Levin Ngatokowaru Marae Cnr Te Manuao Road/SH1 Hokio Beach Road 10am service 4th Sunday, 11am
CATHOLIC Ōtaki
Presbyterian Rev. Peter L. Jackson Tel: 364 6346 249 Mill Rd, Ōtaki Worship: 11am Cafe Church: 2nd Sunday, 10.45am
St Mary’s “Pukekaraka” 4 Convent Road Weekend Mass Sunday Mass, 10am Kuku St Stephens Last Sunday of the month, 9am Acts Churches The HUB 157 Tasman Rd, Ōtaki, Tel: 364 6911 10.15am Family service, 10.15am Big Wednesday
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Hartley Electrical Contracting Ltd
As Covid has sadly cancelled our Christmas@Cedarwood event
SPCA Waikanae, Kapiti Youth Support, Waikanae Volunteer Fire Brigade and Mary Potter Hospice are incredible local organisations. Here at Waikanae Funeral Home, we want to support them this Christmas, but we need your help. We’d love you to pop in and vote for the local charity of your choice in exchange for a donation to Kapiti Foodbank. Each charity will receive a percentage of the Christmas @ Cedarwood event fund based on your vote!
Voting is available at 17 Parata Street, Waikanae from 1st - 18th December. Opening hours during this time are: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm 04 293 6844 info@wfhome.co.nz
General electrical contractors for all your electrical requirements
• Wetbacks • Residental • Commercial • Woodburners • Solar Hot Water Systems
Domestic • Commercial Industrial • Farm
• New and re-roofing • Longrun coloursteel • P.V.C & Coloursteel Spouting • Repairs and Maintenance • Flashing Fabrication • Sheetmetal Work 0272 436 451 06 362 6595
Locks * Rollers Handles * Stays Glass * Leaks Draughts * Seals
Roofing
Mobile: 021 418 751 After hours: 06 364 2070 Email: hartleyelectrical@gmail.com
Window & Door Repairs
I fix all Doors, Windows & Conservatories
Plumbing Gasfitting
Otaki
Manakau
SAVE $$$$
Call Mike Watson Free 0800 620 720 or Otaki 364 8886 Find me at: www.windowseal.co.nz Or like at: facebook.com/windowseal
ŌTAKI LOCKSMITH
RANCHSLIDER & KEYS cut WINDOW REPAIRS
RANCHSLIDER: Wheels & Locks - TRACKS REPAIRED
WINDOW: Hinges replaced & new catches fitted KEYS: cut LOCKS: repaired or new locks fitted
Otalu SHUTTLE SERVICE
Phone Sam Whitt NOW
021 073 5955
Specialised repair No Travel Charge
Phone: 0274 443 041 or 0274 401 738
• Earthmoving / Aggregate • Drainage Site Works / Section Clearing • Drive Ways Excavation / Tarseal / Hot Mix • Top Soil / Farm Roads
06 364-6001 • 027 439 0131 SEVEN DAY A WEEK SERVICE UNTIL MIDNIGHT • • • • •
Ōtaki to Waikanae $35 Ōtaki to Paraparaumu $50 $10 + $5 per passenger between beach and plateau Further afield trips negotiable Airport and bus connections
Book online at otakishuttle.co.nz Please confirm by phone for weekend web bookings Evening jobs need to be booked
EFTPOS available in vehicle
ŌTAKI Secure Storage • Secure storage • long or short-term • smoke alarms and security cameras • any size, from garden shed to house-lots 13 & 19 Riverbank Road 0800 364 632 www.otakisecurestorage.co.nz
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Ōtaki Mail – December 2021
Ōtaki Lifeguards Jeremy and Jutta Crowe were lucky to be in the right place at the right time to help save a life at Castle Point recently. As their weekend away drew to a close, the two went for a final walk up to the lighthouse where they were met by an
elderly lady who appeared to be in distress. She told the Crowes her partner had paddled out by himself and got tipped out of his kayak by a rogue wave. Sure enough, a person could be seen in the water trying to swim towards the beach against an offshore wind and the swell, but making little to no progress. Knowing the area, Jeremy and Jutta were aware the lighthouse cliff was too steep to climb, and it was quickly becoming clear that the kayaker wouldn’t be able to make it back to the beach either. What’s more, they knew the water was extremely cold and he was not wearing a wetsuit. His partner said he had already been in the water for 15min, so time was of the essence. The Crowes’ years of lifeguard training kicked in and while Jutta called 111, Jeremy set off to seek help. Jeremy was fortunate to find a local fisherman who
Westpac Rescue Helicopter at Castle Point.
Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club Rookies Rafting on the Ōtaki River.
had just returned home, and together they launched his jet ski. Within minutes they reached the patient and managed to haul him aboard. He was swiftly taken to the fisherman’s house, dried off and provided with blankets and a warm cup of tea until the rescue helicopter arrived. A paramedic assessed the patient and it was decided to take him back to Masterton Hospital, where he stayed for two nights, to be monitored and warmed up slowly. His body temperature was as low as 32 degrees and he could have gone into shock, a potentially life-threatening condition. “We were really pleased we were there when things unfolded, and our lifeguard training helped us manage the situation with confidence and cool heads”, says Jeremy.
As part of the Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club’s Rookie Development Program, Coach Ray Lenaghan arranged a fun day out for a group of Junior Surf kids. Thanks to the expertise of local adventure company Captivate Adventures, 15 Rookies and 2 keen parents experienced a truly rapid ride down the fast flowing Ōtaki River. The Rookie program aims to support junior surf members through their last two years to becoming fully qualified lifeguards. Needless to say, everyone had an awesome time on the river not only bonding with one another and have a blast in the process, but also improving on their rapidly developing water safety knowledge and skills.
Paraparaumu Beach Rallyers that same day. Although they are still juniors, the Racketeers have decided to play senior tennis this season and are competing in the Wellington sixth grade competition, where they currently lie third. They defeated Island Bay 6-2 in their opening match on 16 October before losing to Wellington Tennis Club on a countback after the scored were tied 4-4 on 30 October. The sixth graders then moved back to their winning ways on 6 November, beating Tawa/Churton Park 6-2. The 6 November player of the day, Callan Nikora, played both singles and doubles for the sixth graders in the morning before bringing his winning tennis to the Senior mixed A team in the afternoon. Callan helped the team to its first win of the season and it was a convincing 8-0 victory over Titahi Bay. Callan won his singles match playing for the Racketeers in the morning 6-0 6-0 and won all three of his doubles matches for
the mixed A team. It took a countback for Newlands Paparangi to beat the Ōtaki mixed As on 16 October, and they did this by the narrowest of margins, 42-41. The team then lost to Waikanae 2-6 on 30 October. The mixed A team members are Adam Shelton, Matt McKay, Tom Caines, Emma Whiterod, Louise Jackson, Monique Moore and Tia McKay, with Callan Nikora playing as a sub on 6 November. Ōtaki’s Senior mixed B grade team won both its first two matches, beating Waikanae 7-1 on 16 October and Kilbirnie 7-1 on 30 October. It then came up against the table topping Karori United team on 6 November, losing the match 1-7. The mixed B team members are Ben Gardner, Gary Quigan, Heitia Raureti, Ema Moore, Fiona Wilson and Lilian Bramley. The mixed B team was third in its competition and the mixed A team fifth following the rained out round on 13 November.
Junior tennis teams topping the table BY FRANK NEILL
Ōtaki’s player of the day on 6 November, Callan Nikora in action.
The Ōtaki Sport Club’s two junior tennis teams are leading the way at the half way point of the pre-Christmas inter-club competition. Playing in the Kapi Mana mixed C grade, they occupied the top two places on the
competition table when the 13 November round was washed out. The Hit and Misses, with three wins from their three matches, lead the table with 21 points. Elsie O’Sullivan, Matthew Bird, David Leason, Samuel Leason and Pearl Glanville Hall make up this successful Ōtaki team. The Aces, with two wins and a loss to the Hit and Misses, lies in second place on 16 points – one point ahead of the third placed Whitby Yellow. The Aces team is Stanley Butler, Daya Bramley, Riley Cohen, Wyeth Andrews and Zac Heenan. In the opening round on 16 October, the Hit and Misses dominated Pukerua Bay, winning 8-0 while the Aces beat Waikanae Beach Good Jets 7-1. The Hit and Misses then met the Aces on 30 October, winning 6-2. A third victory came the Hit and Misses way on 6 November when they defeated Whiby Blue 7-1. That was the same score line for the Aces in their victory over
Otaki 5km Summer series Race 1 – 1st November
What a stunning evening Otaki put on for the first race of the summer 5k series. We had a field of 31 competitors, 20 runners and 11 walkers. It was fabulous to see so many new faces giving one of our events a go and some even participated in our second race in Waikanae on the 8th of November. Thanks to My Ride Levin and Body and Soul gym for the awesome spot prizes and to Stirling sports for donating a $50 voucher for each race. We look forward to seeing more of our Otaki community at our Waikanae and Raumati events and Otaki we’ll be back next year with more races. Ōtaki Mail – a community newspaper produced monthly by Penny, Ann & Lloyd. Printed by Beacon Print, Whakatane. If you have any news, or don’t receive your paper by the end of the month, please let us know by phoning 027 664 8869.