Otaki Mail July 2021

ŌTAKI MAIL ©

Established in 1892

otakimail@xtra.co.nz

www.otakimail.co.nz

027 664 8869

July 2021

Ōtaki Fire Brigade’s first 50-year gold star

BY FRANK NEILL Ōtaki’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Brent Bythell has become the first firefighter in the 103-year history of the brigade to serve 50 years as a volunteer fire fighter.

Mr Bythell was presented his 50-year gold star medal for reaching this milestone by Erich Speck, Past President of the United Fire Brigades Association (UFBA) at a ceremony at the Ōtaki Fire Station on 5 June.

“It is indeed a rare and a very historic event for a brigade to have a member who has served half a century protecting your community,” Mr Speck said just before he presented Mr Bythell with his medal.

“The 50-year service gold medal has been presented to less than 1% of New Zealand fire fighters in the 148-year history of the UFBA,” Mr Speck noted.

Mr Bythell began his Fire Service career with the Hunterville Volunteer Fire Brigade on 24 October 1967, and served there for almost two years. He then moved to Shannon before settling in Ōtaki.

Mr Bythell joined the Ōtaki brigade on 16 October 1972 and has served continuously since then.

Over the last 25 years, Mr Bythell’s brigade attendance as recorded in the UFBA files was almost 100%.

“This is the best and highest brigade attendance of any recipient I have ever presented a 50-year Gold Medal to,” Mr Speck said.

That “gives you an indication of Brent’s dedication to the Ōtaki brigade and his community”.

Behind every successful man are also a good wife and family. “We therefore likewise pay tribute to Brent’s wife Annie and the children, who contributed much to Brent’s success and sacrificed considerably when brigade responsibilities often took first priority.”

The medal Mr Speck presented Mr Bythell was number 247. Minted in gold, it has eight points and each point represents a word describing the qualities evident in a recipient.

“Taking the first letter of each word reads in Latin servimus – meaning service, efficiency, resourcefulness, valour, integrity, mobility, unity and strength.” [The Latin word servimus means we serve.]

The nine fire fighters who, along with Brent Bythell, received awards for their service on 5 June (from left): Richard Taratoa, Mike Watson, Callum McMurtrie, Moana Bond, Geoff Warwick, Kieran Bloxham, Gavin LaFrentz, Mike Alderton and Chris Temperton.

Firefighters conquer Sky Tower Page 7

Brent Bythell with the plaque he received for his 50 years’ service as a volunteer fire fighter.

“Brent, you are an ambassador of your brigade and the Fire and Emergency Service of New Zealand, and you are a role model to the young and the old of your community.

“I am sure that everyone present here tonight will agree with me that 50 years of unselfish voluntary community service is an amazing length of time to be solidly and regularly contributing.

“It is a feat that can only be achieved by total dedication and by total loyalty. It is a significant milestone aimed for by many fire fighters but accomplished only by very, very few.”

Mr Speck also brought greetings and congratulations from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Jan Tinette, and presented Mr Bythell with a card from the minister.

The evening was introduced by Chief Fire Officer Ian King, who noted that “never before in the history of our brigade has someone served for 50 years”.

The Gold Star about to be presented to Mr Bythell was a “very special award”, Mr King said.

Continued on page 7

Every kind of deliciousness AT Riverstone Café STATE HIGHWAY 1

NEXT TO KATHMANDU

06 364-6742

OPEN 7 DAYS café from 6.30am coffee cart from 5.45am

10% discount Mon to Fri

St Peter Chanel Fashion Show Page 13

Manukura GPS Futsall Challenge Page 16

Youth Sports Page 18 & 28

2

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Volunteering at Levin Home helped Joan through difficult times Joan Leckie, 91, began volunteering at Enliven’s Levin Home for War Veterans three years ago when her husband was a resident.

“Initially Joan came every day to give out morning tea to residents. Then through the Covid-19 lockdown she lived with us, as part of our bubble, as her husband was declining,” explains manager Michelle Day. “Through the weeks she managed to spend time with residents helping with their activities. She also helped with lunch, dinner and supper which freed up staff to attend resident’s other needs.”

Joan’s husband passed away in May 2020 and since then Joan has cut back to five days a week volunteering.

“It gives meaning to my life,” says Joan.

“My husband died during lockdown. I have no family in Levin and volunteering gets me out of bed in the mornings.

The staff are like my family now.”

free phone

0508 ENLIVEN

Feel at home with Enliven in Horowhenua

Joan’s quiet, smiling presence delights residents who are always pleased to see someone different during their day.

“Joan encourages resident’s independence by encouraging them to assist themselves.

She knows them all by name and what they prefer in the way of food and drink.”

Joan’s selfless attitude was recognised at the 2021 PSC Quality and Innovation Awards when she won the volunteer section.

Joan says she was honoured to receive the award and will soon join her extended family in Havelock North.

“Although Joan will be greatly missed by everyone at Levin Home, I’m sure her family will love having her close,” says Michelle.

If you’d like to volunteer at Enliven’s Levin Home for War Veterans, please call us on 06 366 0052.

Across Horowhenua, Enliven offers lively welcoming communities with specialist offerings. Enliven creates elder-centred communities that recognise the individual and supports people in a way that’s right for them.

In Levin, Enliven offers: • Levin Home for War Veterans • Reevedon Home and Village retirement villages rest home hospital dementia short term respite health recovery day programmes

Freephone 0508 ENLIVEN or visit

www.enlivencentral.org.nz Enliven volunteer Joan Leckie gives service with a smile.

Get advice before considering a retirement village

BY FLEUR HOBSON If you are older and the time has come to move, one option is to move into a retirement village.

Many people like what retirement villages offer. They have a range of amenities, including such things as spas, swimming pools, bowling greens and other shared areas.

Such a move also means you will be living close to other retired people, giving easy access to more social contact.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about house maintenance.

Some retirement villages also provide for a range of needs – from independent living through to serviced apartments, rest home care and 24-hour hospital care.

This can be especially relevant if you have ongoing health needs.

There are some issues with retirement villages, however. A series of issues has led Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson to recommend that the

government reviews the laws and regulations that govern retirement villages.

On 10 June, Stuff reported that Associate Housing Minister Poto Williams had said, in light of the Retirement Commissioner’s recommendation, that a full review of retirement village legislation was warranted.

The reality is that what you are signing up to and what your rights are when you go into a retirement village are complex.

As Jane Wrightson says in the white paper where she recommends an urgent review of retirement village legislation: “Older residents and intending residents have a range of practical challenges understanding the legal framework before and during their occupancy.

“Contractual rights can be difficult to enforce.

“Some statutory rights for residents are not supported by agency functions or

powers that protect their interests, either as individual consumers or as an older consumer group.”

This situation means that it is very important that you receive good legal advice before making any move to go into a retirement village.

It would be most beneficial to discuss with your lawyer what you will be getting for your money, the advantages and disadvantages, and whether it is the right move for you.

If you do decide to move into a retirement village, there will be a range of documents your lawyer will need to obtain and advise you about.

One important document (but it is only one you will need to discuss with your lawyer) is an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).You will need to have signed an ORA before you can move into a village.

Get the support of MILLS professional SUSIE advice with easy access locations

“Ask for Susie usie Mills ‘by name’...”

SUSIE MILLS LAW

Ōtaki Mail

LAWYER Susie Mills and Fleur Hobson

For news and advertising contact: Penny Gaylor Editor phone: 027 664 8869, or email: otakimail@xtra.co.nz

Wills, estates, and powers of attorney

Printed by Beacon Print.

Delivered to every house (urban and rural) at the end of every month.

If your paper doesn’t arrive, please tell us and we’ll sort it.

new office

SUSIE MILLS LAW

Most ORAs will give you the right to live in a unit but you won’t own the unit or the land it sits on. However, all residential units in registered retirement villages have a “memorial on the land title”. This gives residents security ahead of any creditor that has loaned your operator money against the village property. If your operator can’t repay the loan the lender can’t evict you and sell the unit to recover their money.

The ORA will also spell out what you will need to pay to purchase the right to occupy.

Your lawyer can advise you and help you with everything the ORA covers, as well as the other documents and information on the retirement village of your choice.

If you are looking for advice on retirement living, we would be only too happy to help you. Contact Fleur, Susie or Freya at Susie Mills Law, 364 7190, 282 Mill Road – opposite Farmlands.

282 Mill Road (opposite Farmlands)

Waikanae – 5 Aputa Place, Countdown carpark Otaki – 65 Main St, previously McLarens Law 04 293 3735 | 06 364 7190

06 364 7190 office@susiemills.com | www.susiemills.com

3

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

NZCT funding new bowling clubhouse roof

BY FRANK NEILL The Ōtaki Bowling Club can replace its deteriorating roof thanks to a grant of $30,830 from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

The poor state of the roof was, before the successful grant application, placing the ongoing operation of the club under threat.

The bowling club has around 150 members and its clubhouse is both its heart and its headquarters.

The building, however, also serves a great many more Ōtaki people as the clubhouse is also shared by the Ōtaki Petanque Club, the Ōtaki Indoor Bowling Club and an Ōtaki Card Group. Yet more local people use the building, as the bowling club runs the local business house bowls and the summer twilight bowls, as well as being a meeting and activity venue for local community and business groups.

Editorial

In Support of Nurses Nursing and the business of health has been part of most people’s lives. It is an art as well as a skill.

Nurses hold the wellbeing of their patients in the palms of their hands. A nurse can walk into a room and with a look or a touch can immediately see when to call for assistance, when to administer a treatment, or when to just sit and talk. Without nurses there would be no hospitals. They are there working alongside doctors and other allied health professionals but unlike the other professions they are there 24 hours a day. Seven days a week.

365 days a year. They are the glue which keeps hospitals running.

People go to hospital for 24 hour nursing care.

Visits to other health professionals can be done anywhere. Procedures can be done anywhere but hospitals exists to provide that continuity of care which nurses provide.

We ignore that at our peril. And nurses have been ignored. Rather than being seen as pivotal to the wellbeing of our communities, they have been seen too long as adjuncts to the system, handmaidens, invisible.

Years ago, nurses accepted a small base rate rise in return for the DHBs agreeing to address recruitment and staffing levels which are unsafe. The DHBs have failed to address this issue and nurses have unpredictable rosters, compromising family life by doing extras shifts to fill the gaps. And for too long nursing pay scales, and working conditions have been ignored, their value to the system as a whole diminished. The fact that they are always there looking out for their patients has meant they are compliant. Their patients come first. Which is why the current strike action is too important to us to ignore. It means that the gentle background grinding emotional work nurses do every day has become too much of a burden. They can no longer provide a safe working place for their patients and for themselves.

Graduate enrolled nurses earn $49,000 a year and with four years’ experience can earn between $51,000 and $57,000. Enrolled nurses do the bulk of the care while under the supervision of a registered nurse. A graduate registered nurse can earn $54,000 a year rising to $77,000 depending on length of experience. A Nurse specialist needs to have, on top of her nursing degree, completed a Master’s degree (or be working towards one).

Add on the fact that two years ago the DHBs, supported by the government agreed to the pay equity claim, and agreed to have the increases back dated to late 2019. This is specifically government funded and outside of the bargaining round and yet the DHBs have told the media that a lump sum of 4,000 is an advance. On their settlement. This has simply added to the anger that nurses feel when past agreements are altered and their work is not valued. Adding insult to injury is the fact that there is a desire to lift the wages of the lowest paid but without raising the wages of registered nurses will remove relativities for those important members of the team who carry the burdens of student loans for half a life time.

We need to listen. We need to act. We need to support.

The need for roof replacement emerged when club members noticed there was a leak at the western end of the building.

The club engaged some roofing experts, thinking that probably a relatively minor repair was needed, only to discover that the whole roof needed to be completely replaced. “Ōtaki Bowling Club’s application for funding to replace the clubhouse roof enables the club to continue to be utilised as a community facility and to ensure Ōtaki retains its historical bowling club,” the club’s Past President Peter Whitehead says.

“I believe that the ongoing improvements will enhance the Ōtaki Bowling Club as an existing community facility and will support the club’s plans to further involve the community in the sport of bowls.

Māoriland Hub

What’s On

Matariki Kid’s Bike Ride Light. Sat July 24, 5.30. Ōtaki Beach Tennis Court near Surf Club Marine Parade. Jazz up the bikes with coloured lights and dress to impress. Ōtaki Yard Family Fun Day. SHl Sat July 10 Vinyl Fair. Sat, July 10 Māoriland Hub Main St 11-3 Bring and buy Ōtaki Yard Food Truck Night. SHl Sat 10, 5-8

Otaki Library

Tamariki Time. Join us for bilingual Matariki stories, singing, dancing, music and fun!

Registrations not required. 10.30–11am 8 July Create a Star in VR. Learn how to create a Matarki star artwork using VR technology. Free.

Limited numbers, register at library or library website! 10.30–11.30am 15 July Lego Club. Get creative this Matariki, make a waka using Lego! Registrations not required. 3.30–4.30pm 15 July.

Mahara Gallery Waikanae

“The club members know that we have been incredibly lucky to find an organisation like the NZCT who have seen the benefit of the Ōtaki Bowling Club having a future.

“It has been a real lift for us and the Ōtaki community in general,” Mr Whitehead says.

The grant will cover the whole cost of replacing the clubhouse roof.

All school holiday events at Nga Manu Art Workshops: Birds 11 June – 17 July 2021 with artist Harriet Bright Making paper feathers: Tues 13 July, 10-11am; Thurs15 July 10-11am

Drawing nests: Tues 13 July, 12:30-2pm; Thurs 15 July 12:30-2pm To book, email info@maharagallery.org.nz, or phone 04 902 6242 The Raven Mavens Quartette. 10th July, St Peter’s Hall, Paekakariki, $20 Jumbo Jumble Sale for Ōtaki Scouts.

Saturday 10th July 9am at Scout Hall, Haruatai Park. Ōtaki Sports Club. Social Tennis every Friday from 9-11am.

Otaki Community Board. Tue 3 Aug. 7pm.

Regular Events

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 Ōtaki Arthritis Support Group. First Thursday each month (Jan excepted) The Hub. 3.45-5pm Ōtaki Stroke Support Group First Thursday 10am Otaki Presbyterian Church Mill Rd.

4

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

BY VIVIENNE BAILEY

Te Horo’s online organic grocery store Conceived during the Covid 19 lockdowns I Love Organics is an online organic market, offering locally grown organic produce delivered fresh to your door.

Te Horo-based Jane Bora and Kerri Marsh combined their natural health backgrounds into I Love Organics after noting the difficulties in obtaining organic food (from supermarkets) during the lockdowns.

“We saw a real need for a community chain,” said Kerri. “One supporting and using our local producers.”

Jane, a qualified herbalist has worked with the South-West North Island regional group of Organic Farms NZ (an initiative set up by Soil and Health) for more than 15 years. It is a low-cost certification scheme for smaller growers and producers, primarily those wanting to supply the domestic market, and follows Bio Grow standards.

“The focus is on small producers, so great for mum and dad growers,” said Jane.

“Being part of Organic Farm NZ meant we had a network of organic local growers to work with, producers with the same community goals of providing affordable organics to families.”

As well as flower essence and herbal remedies, and a diverse range of organic vitamins and minerals made from whole foods, I Love Organics includes handmade organic jams, spreads, pickles and chutney from Te Horo Harvest, Kapiti Organics salad mix grown at Common Property in Te Horo, award-winning Waikawa olive oil, and Kapiti-based Purebread. A recent addition is Otakibased James Michael and his Gratitude Kefir, a lemon and ginger water.

“Gratitude Kefir is organic certified and loaded with probiotics, but with no CO2 gas, flavours or pasteurization,” explained Jane.

I Love Organics also includes produce not always available from other outlets such as medlars, the old-fashioned fruit, giant-sized avocadoes and persimmons from Jane’s orchard.

In keeping with the principles of eating in season, pumpkin and rainbow chard are now on their website grocery list, and Kerri said any excess food is delivered to Foodbank.

At present I Love Organics is delivered from Levin to Johnsonville, and the Hutt Valley and Petone. Packaged boxes arrive with a hand-written card, “thank you for supporting your community.”

For further information: www.iloveorganics.

Te Horo Hall AGM

Keeping Te Horo Hall open and available to the community continues to be the focus of the Te Horo Hall Society committee.

A prioritization meeting in July 2020 confirmed the target of earthquake strengthening the building, and Craig McGhie, Seajay Engineering was selected to lead the multi-year project to compliance. A detailed seismic assessment has been completed, draft plans considered, and the committee will shortly request quotations. This will enable grant applications to fund the

construction phase.

The hall is managed by a team of volunteers and Society president, Sharon Hurst thanked each personally for their contribution. The committee also expressed gratitude to KCDC for providing building insurance and rates reimbursement.

Members standing down include Katherine Greig (treasurer for five years), replaced by Matthew Ineson, and Alex Kelly (twice Society president and committee member for 19 years). Alex was designated life membership as was Alan Lancaster (who stood down in 2020 after almost 30 years as a committee member). Sharon Hurst remains as president.

“I will work with the committee to ensure the hall remains open for generations to come,” she said.

Hall hire bookings have been slow to recover from the Covid lockdowns, however there are currently five regular weekday exercise classes and Sharon said the monthly Country Market continues to contribute to the community.

For hall bookings contact: Peter Askwith 06 364 2417 Te Horo Hall needs to be kept spic and span, and the committee need a cleaner (a paid position) to help. Further details: Sharon 06 364 3624

Te Horo Country Market

Te Horo’s monthly community market with loads of locally grown produce on at Te Horo Hall, School Road, Sunday 4 July, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

Drinks and Nibbles

Meet newcomers to Te Horo and catch up with neighbours at the monthly Drinks and Nibbles at Te Horo Hall, Friday 2 July, 5.30 pm. BYO drinks and a plate of nibbles to share. All welcome.

A Women’s Occasion A platform that aims to bring women from across the churches in Otaki and the surrounding districts has been launched.

‘A Women’s Occasion’ is sitting under the umbrella Otaki Christian Women, but is also open to all women from Otaki and the surrounding district.

Manakau resident and ‘A Women’s Occasion’ Co-ordinator, Robyn Keeling, says “being a mother of five, a grandmother and a teacher, I know the value in taking time out to meet with other women of like mindedness; hearing inspirational speakers; dressing up; having fun; getting to know new people and encouraging one another, it is all beneficial and so encouraging.”

Saturday 19 June saw the launch of ‘A Women’s Occasion’. This took the form of a medieval banquet with the theme ‘Igniting your Creativity’. Hadfield Hall was transformed by Annie Blythell and team with creative flare and authentic props provided by Annie. This set a great atmosphere for a fun night. Women representing six different churches from Otaki and the surrounding district dressed

the part in medieval costume and enjoyed much hilarity and great food. Catering was provided by Laurie ann Engels and Sheila Hart who were assisted by three ‘knights in shining armour’!

Entertainment was provided by Shellie Hanley. Imagine waking up one day with a new talent, something you’d never

shown aptitude before, but were now really good at. It happened for Palmerston North woman, Shellie Hanley. After a brain injury left her with an impaired memory … but it also left her with the ability to play the harp.

See her story on https://www.tvnz.co.nz/ one-news/new-zealand/amazing-harp-

playing-talent-comes-palmerston-northwoman-after-brain-injury Events will be held once a term.

The next event will be held on Saturday 11 September.

You can register your interest at: awomensoccasion@gmail.com

5

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Zero Waste Ōtaki finalists in regional awards

BY JAMIE BULL already growing seedlings for this. And we will have the current pad extended in both directions to allow for another 20 ft container courtesy of KCDC and the 40 ft container we are still gathering funding for, and plan to have on site by the end of the year. We are most grateful to the Ōtaki Community Board for funding towards the electrical fit out of the new 20 ft container.

This all means that when you visit (Every Wednesday morning 9.30–10.30am and the last Sunday of the month 9.30–12) things might be rather messy for a while as our current piles will be moved and gradually permanent locations will be created and ordered.

However we will continue to operate around these developments, and there are a steady stream of customers. Tom has a standing order of 3 bags of firewood and there are other regulars developing their own garden and home projects, which makes it all worthwhile.

Follow us on Facebook and our website zerowasteotaki.nz

Zero Waste Ōtaki are delighted with the news that we have been nominated and selected as a finalist in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2021 for Kāpiti. This is fabulous recognition of the sterling work our volunteers are doing.

And the other wonderful development is the final long term site preparation is about to commence thanks to Kapiti Coast District Council. The bunds will be developed for future planting. Jane is

QUALITY QUALITY DRIVEN DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL AND AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS QUALITY DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL AND QUALITY DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS QUALITY DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS QUALITY RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS QUALITY DRIVEN DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS New Roofs & Reroofing | Roof Repairs | Commercial New Roofs & Reroofing | Roof Repairs | Commercial Our locally owned and operated family business has provided Our locally owned and operated family businessservice has provided a trustworthy, reliable and qualified on the New Roofs &experienced, Reroofing | Roof Repairs | Commercial a trustworthy, experienced, reliable and qualified service the Kapiti Roofs coast for&15Reroofing years and will continue to do so into the on future.

New | Roof Repairs | Commercial Kapiti coast for 15 years will continue do so into future.

Our locally owned and and operated family to business hasthe provided New Roofsowned &experienced, Reroofing | Roof Repairs | Commercial a trustworthy, reliable and qualified service on the Our locally and operated family business has provided New Roofs & Reroofing | Roof Repairs | Commercial Kapiti coast for 15 years and will continue to do so into the future. a trustworthy, experienced, reliable and qualified service on the New Roofs & Reroofing | Roof Repairs | Commercial Our0800 locally owned and operated family business has provided 577 663 www.jsroofing.co.nz Kapiti coast577 for 15 663 years and will continue to do so into the future.

0800 www.jsroofing.co.nz a trustworthy, experienced, reliablefamily and qualified on the Our locally owned and operated businessservice has provided 9E Rimu Street, Otaki.

Our locally owned and and operated family business hasthe provided Kapiti coast for 15Otaki. years will continue to do so into future.

9Etrustworthy, Rimu Street, a experienced, reliable and qualified service on the a trustworthy, reliable and qualified service the 0800 www.jsroofing.co.nz Kapiti coast577 forexperienced, 15 663 years and will continue to do so into the on future.

Kapiti coast577 for 15 663 years and will continue to do so into the future.

0800 www.jsroofing.co.nz

9E Rimu Street, Otaki.

9E 0800 Rimu Street, 577Otaki.

663

www.jsroofing.co.nz 577 663 9E 0800 Rimu Street, 0800 577Otaki.

663 www.jsroofing.co.nz www.jsroofing.co.nz 9E Rimu Street, Otaki.

9E Rimu Street, Otaki.

Put the Otaki team on your watch list Here’s what’s been happening...

SOLD

SOLD 9 IAN PETER WAY

52B KIRK STEET

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD 24 DOUGLAS STREET

84 KIRK STREET

SOLD 19 KOROMIKO STREET

157 & 157A WAERENGA ROAD

Otaki office is exceeding all prices in every sale. We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality of customer service and work hard to meet your needs.

For a personal friendly and professional service contact us today.

Thinking about selling?

Talk to Pete or Natalie getting you more, that’s our job!

doublewinkel real estate ltd MREINZ licensed agent

Peter Heald 027 536 5616 peter@dwre.co.nz

Natalie Malloy 022 302 2660 natalie@dwre.co.nz

6

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

By Ann Chapman

Cancer Society Horowhenua

Levin, Foxton and Ōtaki Diary July 2021 Thursday 1 “ “

Massage: (post treatment) Winchester

By Appointment Hse. Phone Gina 06 368 8624 Living With & Beyond Cancer Series.

10am to 11am All welcome. Topic 1: New Normal.

06 356 5355 Addis House, 135 Ruahine St, P.Nth. Monday Foxton Cancer Kōrero (talk), St Johns 11.30am 5 Hall, Avenue Road. A place to talk if newly diagnosed, in or post treatment.

Thursday Pure Breast Care. Ph Liz 0800 259 061. By appointment 8 Winchester House. “ “ Living With & Beyond Cancer Series.

10am to 11am Addis House, PN. Topic 2: Post radio06 356 5355 therapy – Non medical. All welcome.

Tuesday Volunteers Meeting.

10 am 13 Freemasons Hall, Parker Ave. Wednesday Ōtaki Cancer Kōrero (talk), Gertrude 2.30pm 14 Atmore Supper Rooms. A place to talk if newly diagnosed, in or post treatment.

Thursday Lymphoedema Support Group.

5pm 15 Winchester House. “ “ Living With & Beyond Cancer Series.

10am to 11am All welcome. Topic 3: Sleep & Relax06 356 5355 ation. Addis House, 135 Ruahine St PN. Wednesday Levin Cancer Kōrero (talk), Winchester 3pm 21 House. A place to talk if newly diagnosed, in or post treatment.

Thursday Living With & Beyond Cancer Series.

10am to 11am 22 All Welcome. Topic 4: Exercise & Nu06 356 5355 trition. Addis Hse, 135 Ruahine St, PN.

For further information on any of the above please contact: Jennie Wylie, Support Coordinator, Horowhenua Services 112 Winchester Street, Levin 5510 Opening Hours 10am to 2pm

Ph 06 367 8065, Mob 027 542 0066 email jennie.wylie@cancercd.org.nz

Old School Beauty & Electrolysis • • • • • • •

At The Old School House 174 Waerenga Road tel 06 364 7075

Facials Microdermabrasion Eyebrow shape & tint Eyelash tints Manicures Pedicures Makeup

• • • • • •

Electrolysis Waxing Red vein removal Skintag removal Ear piercing Bleaching

'Make Time for You'

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

debs@oldschoolbeauty.co.nz

www.oldschoolbeauty.co.nz

COVID-19 Vaccinations now open to Group 3 The COVID-19 vaccine is now being offered to MidCentral DHB residents who fall under Group 3.

This group includes people aged 65 and over, those with some underlying health conditions, and people living with a disability. It is important to note that Group 3 includes about 50,000 people in the MidCentral district, so the roll out will not happen all in one go. We are working hard to make sure our most vulnerable people are vaccinated first. The vaccine is free and will be available to everyone aged over 16 as the rollout progresses. Relevant underlying health conditions for Group 3 include: • Those who have a health condition that means they are eligible for a free flu vaccine • Those who have been diagnosed with severe mental illness (which includes schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder), and adults currently accessing secondary and tertiary mental health and addiction services.

• Those who have poorly controlled or severe hypertension/high blood pressure.

• Those who are severely overweight.

If you fall into this group, you will be contacted by your health provider or the DHB with an invitation to book in for your vaccination appointment. Please ensure that you have an appointment before attending the vaccine centre, as they are not accepting walk-ins. There is a vaccination centre set up within Ōtaki. The vaccination of the bulk of the population, who sit in Group 4, is expected to take place from July onwards. These will also be by appointment and invitation only. For more information on the vaccine rollout in the MidCentral District, when and how you can book, please visit www.covid19.mdhb.health.nz.

If you’re in Group 1 or 2 (border and MIQ workers and their household contacts, high-risk frontline workers, those living in high-risk areas and Māori kaumatua and whānau) and haven’t been vaccinated yet, please call us on 0800 MDHB VAX (0800 6342 829) or register your interest on our COVID-19 website www.covid19.mdhb.health.nz

If you’re not sure what group you fall under, there is a handy tool at COVID19.govt.nz that will help you find out. For COVID-19 health advice and information, contact the Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453.

The MidCentral DHB team is interested in attending community events and meetings to talk about the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have something coming up that you’d like us to attend, please let us know by emailing covacc@ midcentraldhb.govt.nz If you are registered with a general practice outside Otaki and therefore not in the MidCentral District Health Board area you will be contacted by your practice if your general practice is a vaccinating practice. If you are in group 3 or 4 then you are unlikely to have received an invitation yet as vaccinations are only just starting for Group 3. If you would like to be vaccinated in Ōtaki (and are in group 1, 2 or 3) then you can fill in the booking form at: www.covid19.mdhb.health.nz and you will be contacted by the MDHB team to book an appointment. Please note: the team are receiving a large volume of booking forms currently and may take a few days to contact you.

Ōtaki Medical Centre Closes Books to New Registrations In April we signalled that the current Immigration NZ policies were an issue for one of our GP’s who had hoped to settle in New Zealand. After numerous attempts to convince the Hon Kris Faafoi, Minister of Immigration that the consequence on this community of his stance on residency, would be significant, we were unsuccessful. Consequently, on 17 June we farewelled Dr Harding Richards who has returned to the UK. We are currently recruiting for a replacement however as yet we do not have any leads.

The significant consequence is that we have closed our practice to new patient registrations. If you are currently registered with us, it will be business as usual. If you are not, you will not be able to. The purpose of this action is to ensure that we can adequately manage the health of our current registered patients.

Need to get to a medical appointment?

It was a very tough decision for our team. We are a high health needs community and we were one of 4 practices in the whole of midcentral to be accepting new registrations. We will be reviewing this policy periodically. Please note, we will continue accept registration of new borns.

On another note, soon we will be commencing our covid vaccination clinics. This is for the tier 3 population (over 65 years). Keep an eye on our facebook page or our website for confirmation that we are accepting bookings. Please also be aware, appointments will be limited so please be patient.

7

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Ōtaki Firefighters go climbing stairs

BY LLOYD CHAPMAN Fifty-one flights of 1103 stairs, were conquered by two intrepid Ōtaki firefighters clad in 25kg of firefighting gear last month, and two participating in the Firefighters of Steel category scaling sixty flights of 1200 stairs clad in 28kg of firefighting gear.

The Ōtaki Volunteer Fire Brigade team, lead by Simon Black achieved 4th place in the Firefighters of Steel, Grand Masters (old buggers) category at the Auckland Sky Tower, standing at 328m, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere.

A total of 950 firefighters from 235 nationwide (and international) teams raised over $1.3 million for Leukemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. The Ōtaki team’s contribution was $8,599.

This excluded a donation of $559 to the family of a local brigade member whose son is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Special thanks to the brigade’s sponsors: • Ōtaki Woman’s Community Club • Ōtaki New World • Freemasons NZ (Empire Fergusson Lodge) • Long Beach Cafe (Waikanae) • Olde Beach Bakery (Waikanae) • Hammer Hardware (Ōtaki) • Aroha Hair • Ōtaki Mail • Body and Soul • OTK luv

Ōtaki Fire Brigade’s first 50-year gold star continued from page 1 “To do this voluntarily for 50 years is truly a community gift.”

A series of speakers commended Mr Bythell on his tremendous achievement, including Fire and Emergency Board member Malcolm Ingles, Regional Management Adviser Jason Hill, Deputy Area Commander Gareth Hughes, the President of the Wellington Provincial Gold Star Association, Tony Swain, and Kāpiti Mayor Guru Gurunathan.

It “really warms one’s heart” to see such commitment, Mayor Guru said.

Describing Mr Bythell’s 50 years of service as astonishing, he said “it also shows the depth of association of the group [the Fire Brigade] – that you care for each other.

“The range of work that you do in the community to keep us safe is priceless,” the Mayor said.

“Thank you to all of the volunteers.

Thank you to all your families.

“Thank you Brent. You stand like a shining star. You stand like a totara.”

During his service he had worked with 96 members of the Ōtaki Fire Brigade, Mr Bythell said after receiving his gold star.

“Camaraderie is our watchword,” he said “The brigade is truly a family, working and playing together.

“Our strength is in our unity … in serving our community … and we do that well,” he said.

As well as the presentations to Brent and Annie, a series of other awards were also presented to Ōtaki fire fighters at the 5 June ceremony.

Moana Bond and Chris Temperton were presented with medals for serving five years.

Seven fire fighters were also presented with bars to the medals for an additional two years’ service – Richard Taratoa for 33 years’ service, Mike Watson for 19 years’ service, Callum McMurchie for 15 years’ service, Geoff Warwick for 11 years’ service, and Kieran Bloxham, Gavin LaFrentz and Mike Alderton for 7 years’ service.

50 ways to put out fires Written and performed by Andrew London at the Otaki Fire Brigade Honours night, sung to the tune of 50 Ways to Leave your Lover.

Ōtaki firefighters Mike Alderton, David McHattie, Kieran Bloxham and Simon Blake clad in their gear at the Sky Tower challenge.

He said I’d like to be a fireman some day His mum said don’t be stupid, there’s no decent pay You could never own a Bach in Whatamango Bay If you spend, 50 years fighting fires She said I think you’d better stick to farming life And hang out with the boy scouts, and avoid the city strife They’ll teach you how to operate that old Swiss army knife And maybe also 50 ways of lighting fires But Brent was stubborn and he had to have his way And went into the fire station one eventful day They said you’re kind of weird but we’ll take you anyway, and you’ll spend And you’ll spend 50 years, fighting fires You gotta go where you’re sent Brent Sound the hooter again Ben Don’t pretend to be deaf, Geoff Just get on the truck Put the fire suit on, Don Help him out with his hose, Rose Just pick up your axe, Max And get on the truck Brent said Hey boys I’d really like to drive the truck They said I’m sorry mate, at changing gears you really suck just go and fill the bottles in bar, we’ll have more luck Without you, going out to put out fires But he’s been useful in a hundred different ways From handing out old cookies that have seen much better days To freshening up the lady’s loo with aerosols & sprays And finding 50 places good for hiding biscuits You’ve had some help along the way, with some of these Blokes you see around you, some with artificial knees Good on them ignoring your peculiarities And spending 50 years fighting fires

Flu vaccinations

Enquiries - Otaki@group.scouts.nz or call Brent -3648949

Every year the Ministry of Health supports the Influenza (flu) immunisation programme. This year is no different.

The flu vaccination programme is designed to protect those at greatest risk of serious illness from influenza.

This includes: • People over 65 • People with chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma • Pregnant women • Young children with a history of serious respiratory illnesses.

If you are in any of the groups above, the flu vaccine is free of charge.

If you are eligible for the free flu vaccine, you will be contacted by your general practice team.

If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine, you have the option to pay for one from a health provider.

However, it is important to note that you need to leave two weeks between your COVID-19 vaccine and your flu vaccine.

More information is available at www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseasesand-conditions/influenza or by talking to your health provider.

8

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Back to the future for Te Horo’s heritage kilns

BY VIVIENNE BAILEY Once an amorphous vision conjured up by the Mirek Smisek Arts Trust, the heritage pottery kilns of renowned Czechoslovian potter, Mirek Smisek now reside, fully restored, in their new home.

“It was a tremendous 3D jigsaw puzzle,” said project manager, Jamie MacDuff at a recent on-site event celebrating the relocation and preservation of the kilns attended by members of Smisek’s family and the Mirek Smisek Arts Trust, and representatives from Fletchers, Waka Kotahi and Kapiti Coast District Council.

The Consulate General of the Czech Republic of Australia and New Zealand, Sydney-based, Hanna Flanderova, who has been supporting the Trust since its inception in 2019, was also present.

“I’m really happy to be here on my last trip to New Zealand,” she said. “Working with you guys, the Trust, has been the most memorable part of my time in this role.”

Directly in line of the Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway/shared pathway, the moving, deconstruction and consequent restoration

of the fragile, iconic pieces presented a unique challenge.

“We had expert advice from Coromandel potter and kiln builder, Duncan Shearer, and also from local bricklayers, The Brothers Mead,” Jamie explained.

“Although the kilns won’t function again, every brick has been taken apart, scrubbed, numbered, and then rebuilt again in an identical order.”

Mirek Smisek is known as one of New Zealand’s pioneering ceramic artists and lived and worked at the Te Horo location for more than 40 years, creating his signature, salt-glazed pottery, and working in an educational capacity at local schools, introducing pottery and giving demonstrations.

With the conserved kilns (and brick flue) now situated 20m east of their original location, under a shelter identical to that built by Smisek, and “in a cultural heritage site,” the Trust can grow their long-term plans for the Mirek Smisek Arts Centre, a complex for ceramic arts and applied arts of tangata whenua of

Te Horo, Otaki and the KapitiHorowhenua region, (underlining Smisek’s interaction with the community and schools) and showcasing the work of local studio potters.

Currently waiting for the construction site to be handed from Fletcher Construction back to Waka Kotahi, the Trust hopes to develop the site as a pottery hub, using the railway workers hut (the Red Shed) and the Te Horo Railway Station buildings which Smisek had moved onto the site in 1971, as accommodation for a resident potter.

“Our plan is to have a resident potter here giving workshops and classes, and providing a focal point for people,” said Trust member, John Draper.

The two distinctive beehive kilns, believed to be the last remaining kilns of their type in New Zealand, retain the magic spirit of the past, sandwiched between upturned rocks and clumps of flowering violets, enduring remnants of Mirek Smisek’s cottage garden.

Mirek Smisek’s widow, Pamella Annsouth with Hana Flanderova.

Guests included members of Smisek’s family and the Mirek Smisek Arts Trust, and representatives from Fletchers, Waka Kotahi and Kapiti Coast District Council, and also the Consulate General of the Czech Republic of Australia and New Zealand, Hana Flanderova.

New ICE Apprentice training for Ōtaki

BY LLOYD CHAPMAN Ōtaki has been chosen for training apprentices in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD). The recent opening of the Miro street training centre was attended by over 45 industry and local people.

Following a mihi from Lequan Meihana, ICE director Garry Ivill introduced the audience to Industry Connection for Excellence, abbreviated to ICE. ICE is a charitable trust, set up in Auckland 5 years ago to meet the demand for apprentices that the polytechs were unable to meet. The Auckland ICE training institute now trains one third of Auckland’s Pumbing Gasfitting & Drainlaying apprentices.

“Students are central to our reason for being” said Garry Ivill. “It is a big responsibility to guide and assist them through their career. Young people need our help, whether they admit or not. It is

our job to inspire them and make their time here an enjoyable and memorable experience. It’s about learning their trade and learning to be good people.”

“Why Ōtaki? Several factors: lower cost and closer to Wellington, but also geography – our students will come from Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast, and with the completion of Transmission Gully, the Wellington region – so Ōtaki is central.

Since we started spending time here, we have met many people who have been welcoming, encouraging and helpful. Ōtaki is living up to its claim of Small town, big heart – Manaakitanga”, Garry said.

The large training centre is well equipped for the first intake of students undertaking a five year apprentice training. “Next week we will have Ben, Charlie, Fergus, Fynn, James, Joseph, Joshua, Joshua,

Justin, Marcus, Louie, Matthew, Mitchell, Rayno, Samantha and Temm at ICE Ōtaki beginning their training. Typically, apprentices range in age from 20 to early 30’s. Very few are school leavers, they generally have had some work experience before employers take them on as apprentices.”

“We look forward to you all joining us in five years’ time for their graduation,” said Ivill.

Mayor Gurunathan enthusiastically welcomed ICE to the town, recognising the need for industry training, and congratulating ICE on their decision to move to Ōtaki.

Pictured is Dave Thomas, ICE Branch Manager/Lead Tutor and Pete Bartholomew (Tutor) instructing our Mayor in the technique of copper pipe work.

Director of Regional Relationships, Waka Kotahi, Emma Speight.

9

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Frederick de Jersey Clere’s local churches

BY MARGARET ANDREWS One of New Zealand’s earlier architects, One of New Zealand’s earlier architects, Frederick de Jersey Clere arrived in Wellington with his parents and siblings in September 1877, aged 21 and newly trained in his profession. By the mid 1890’s he had established his architectural reputation and designed many town and “back blocks” country churches.

Missionaries from the Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths had already built Rangiatea Church and St Mary’s Church in Otaki, but with the many scattered communities each needing somewhere to gather the building of the small country churches began.

Clere had designed many churches, from the larger town and city churches to cathedrals and the small country churches, the earliest recorded was St James Church in Halcombe in 1881. As his work became known he was appointed Anglican Diocese of Wellington Architect in 1883.

St Andrew’s Church in Manakau was his first design in this area, a small timber church set in the middle of a paddock, it was dedicated on 23 December 1894 and used as a regular worship centre until 2020. St Andrew’s is no longer used and once deconsecrated will be used by the Manakau community for events.

Meanwhile the farming community in the Hautere Cross area at the north end of Te Horo were meeting for worship in a hay barn adjacent to Gorge Road. They raised the necessary funds and with Clere’s architectural plans, St Anne’s Church was built using local timbers and dedicated on 1 April 1909. Although used for many years, it became redundant and was closed on 1931.

Several years later, St Anne’s was relocated, in three sections to behind St Margaret’s Church on School Road, where it began a new life as the church social hall and Sunday School room and opened on 21 October 1936, and in later years as a preschool play group site.

A bit further south services were being held in the Te Horo School and later the new community hall.

In 1919 fundraising began and St Margaret’s Church, another of Clere’s timber churches opened on 22 September 1920. Parishioners held a weekend of events for the centennial over 25–27 October 2020.

All Saints Church in Otaki opened in 1930, and was one of Clere’s last church designs, and built in reinforced concrete. Earlier in 1915, Clere had designed the Anglican vicarage, next to the original All Saints church.

The vicarage is still home to the current ministers and their family.

One little known historical note, was Clere’s assistance at Rangiatea Church. In 1884 and again in1909, Clere was called in to assist with major restoration crucial to extend the church’s life well into the mid-20th century.

The first time he inspected the church he found decay in the poupou – the totara wall posts.

He put new foundations under the poupou and three central pillars, the walls were strengthened and the 12 buttresses installed to brace the walls. He returned in 1909 to lead further major maintenance on sections of the church.

As the architect of over 100 churches and cathedrals, he was known as the Architect of the Angels. Of the many buildings designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere a majority of the churches and cathedrals are still standing and in their original use, his commercial buildings in Wellington have withstood the rigors of time and many of his houses are still providing families with homes, but it is his churches he is his most recognised for.

Earlier in 2021, the Anglican Diocesan Office notified parishes of a new fund available specifically for maintaining Frederick Clere’s churches.

(Reference: Architect of the Angels the Churches of Frederick de Jersey Clere by Susan Maclean, and history shared by Te Horo resident Barry Mansell.

CHECKOUT Supervisor

We invite applicants that are highly motivated, friendly and outgoing with a great team attitude to apply for the vacant Checkout Supervisor Position we currently have available in our store.

Reporting to the Checkout Manager, you will be responsible for supporting them in the day to day operation of our customer services team, ensuring all customers experience the highest possible standards of service.

To be successful you must have supervisory experience a passion for providing excellent customer service, be able to multi-task, must be able to work weekends and late nights, be highly motivated and enthusiastic, excellent communication skills, good with numbers and have the ability to follow through in a timely manner.

Holding a current liquor license or General Managers Certificate an advantage but not necessary as training will be given to the successful applicant.

If you are looking for an opportunity to join a team that focuses on providing great service, advancing your skills and a brighter future, then look no further.

Please send your CV along with a covering letter to Sarah Beech-Pooley @Foodstuffs.co.nz or drop an application into the service desk in store.

Closing Date when suitable applicants found

ŌTAKI

Checkout /Lotto Operator Ōtaki New World is an exciting family owned store about 1 hour north of Wellington city.

We currently have part time roles available in our amazing Checkout team.

These opportunities are for people who are passionate about food, are already in the food industry or willing to learn, and love to work within a busy, customer focused environment.

We are seeking fit and able, motivated team players to join our diverse friendly New World Ōtaki family.

Training given to the right applicants.

If you are looking for a change or to learn a new skill please apply including a cv and cover letter to Sarah Beech-Pooley @Foodstuffs.co.nz or drop an application into the service desk in store.

Closing Date when suitable applicants found

St Anne’s, built in 1894 at Hautere Cross, later moved to St Margaret’s where it was used as a hall and Sunday School room, now a preschool play group home.

Front view of St Andrew’s Church in Manakau, built in 1894.

All Saints Church Otaki, one of last churches Clere designed.

ŌTAKI

St Margaret’s Church in Te Horo, built 1920.

Apprentice Baker We are looking for a person who has a passion for baking, for us to train as an apprentice Baker and join our the small, productive and friendly Bakery team.

As this involves serious financial and Training commitment from our business it is important that you can commit to a 3 year tenure .

The Successful Applicant will have:

• A great attitude and strong work ethic, love working as part of a team.

• A desire and passion to learn the craft of Baking.

• Be self-motivated, able to multi task & work unsupervised.

• Cope under pressure in a fast-paced environment • Excellent Written and Communication Skills • Great customer service skills • Physically fit and strong as some heavy lifting is part of this role.

• Must be able to work early morning hours and includes working weekends. This is a full-time role.

• Understand the importance of food safety, health & safety.

To apply please send a CV to: sarah.beech-pooley@nw.co.nz or drop a CV and expression of interest into the Service Desk in store.

Applications close Sunday the 4th of July 2021.

ŌTAKI

10

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Music and Dance Reach for the Stars Jamie Bull – Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

BY ANN CHAPMAN When Jamie Bull had had enough of city life she wanted a small town, close to Wellington where she could have the best of both worlds. She grew up in Blenheim and describes herself as a small town girl. But her busy Wellington life didn’t let go all that easily, and this month it caught up with her again when she became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to the performing arts and services to the community. After 45 years in the business as a director, performer and choreographer, she also went on to represent and mentor artists and performers. “I have always been part of a team,” she insists. “Without the team I would never have achieved as much as I was able.

I might have led them, but we only achieved because we worked together.”

Her working life started with a degree in physical education, and it was while studying at Otago University that she was introduced to modern dance. The attraction and desire was so strong that teaching PE took second place to a life of the performing arts. “I knew immediately that that was what I wanted to do.”

She bought together a group of like-minded artists in Wellington where she established the modern dance company Impulse Dance Theatre in 1975. There was no template she says, just faith and passion and belief in what they were doing. Impulse Dance Theatre started with five dancers and a business manager. “We just did what New Zealanders do. We thought it, so we did it.”

It was the first of its kind as a professional modern dance company.

After leaving Impulse she tried to give up dance, but she says, “dance is a hard mistress, and it wouldn’t let me go.” Instead, she achieved another first. She turned her talents into freelancing as a self-employed choreographer, director, performer and mentor. It was a brave decision as it was early days to be self-employed in the arts arena back then. But the work came and it took her all over New Zealand working with a myriad of projects and artists.

There was one project that she says she is especially proud of back in the days of wine and cheese openings for exhibitions.

“When I was asked by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create a performance event for the opening of the Bone, Stone and Shell jewellery exhibition curated to tour Australasia. I knew I wanted to do something different.

I had been to enough openings to know that people drifted around with their wine and cheese and barely looked at the exhibition. I wanted the focus to be on the pieces. I draped tie-dyed silk over the works so no-one could see them. Then I had five dancers being revealed at

intervals each wearing a piece of the jewellery, and performing a duet highlighting the jewellery. People stopped in their tracks and watched entranced until at the end the whole exhibition was finally revealed. It worked.

People then rushed to look.” This piece was then hosted

by NZ Embassies in Canberra. Perth, Singapore, Tokyo and Beijing – with Jamie training up local professional dancers.

Not content with just working for professional artists she has also worked with untrained performers on projects, along with teaching, directing, choreographing in New Zealand and beyond.

As a professional dancer until her late 40s when she retired from performing and most teaching, she knew intuitively what the next step should be – giving back to other professional performers. With the help of ACC following a series of accidents she turned towards a desk job but kept her eyes focused on the arts by managing artists, singers and musicians. International New Zealand Artists looked after an elite group of artists, with Jamie as a “reluctant arts administrator with responsibility again for the careers of other artists.”

Her first client was opera singer Deborah Wai Kapohe, who has performed in operas, musicals, recitals all over the world. It was an easy start to her new career as Deborah lived with her in Wellington and after talking it through, asked Jamie to act for her. The late Richard Nunns was also a client, someone who became a friend over the twenty plus years she managed his career. She

met up with him again, at an Oamaru Sculpture Symposium and he asked her then to act for him. It has been an especially poignant time when her award was announced, as Richard died the same day. Other memorable clients were the flautist Alexa Still, now based in Ohio and Strike Percussion. One of the joys of working with high calibre artists was that she often got to travel the world with them as she managed their careers.

Not content with managing accomplished artists, she has also turned her hand to helping the disadvantaged in her role as artist-in-residence within the addiction and psychiatric services, working with residents to help them recover by expressing themselves artistically.

She moved to Ōtaki, in 2004 but still carried on working for her clients out of her home until three years ago she retired, although she still keeps her involvement “if asked”, willing to keep active in the scene she has loved.

She didn’t know anything about Ōtaki when she first arrived but has found it a fascinating and wonderful community. “I never anticipated how much joy this community has given me.”

And you can’t keep a busy and active woman down.

She was invited by Deidre Kent to join Transition Town Ōtaki, part of an international movement established during the oil crisis to provided alternatives to the reliance on oil. “It fitted in with my belief in sustainability and how we need to change as this world changes around us. Then Zero Waste Ōtaki started under their auspices as a way of minimising wastage of reusable wood. It started with a hiss and a roar and then Covid bought everything to a halt.”

Jamie has been the driving force behind this community initiative and again she says it’s the team which makes it work. It struggled to become re-established after Covid but now it has continued to grow and prove a valuable service to the community.

“I can’t speak highly enough of KCDC and their current waste minimisation manager.

Without her there would be slow progress and our site continues to be developed for purpose, thanks to her.”

Her award recognises this history of talent, ability, energy and drive not only in Ōtaki, but also through New Zealand and the rest of the World.

Graeme Downes MNZM Scratch the surface of Ōtaki and there is a myriad of people worthy of recognition. One newcomer to Ōtaki is Graeme Downes, here for just over a year and recently honoured by becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music and music education. After a long career in academia and music he came here after taking early retirement from The University of Otago. The weather here is better for his rather wonderful vegetable garden, and he is closer to his family. While the garden is at rest now come the summer it will look spectacular.

Graeme was part of that early music scene in Dunedin, the Dunedin sound, with the birth of many bands including his own, The Verlaines, and the advent of the Flying Nun Record label. “Bands were just a thing that people did in the 70s and 80s,” he said. “Rock bands wrote songs borrowed from literature and put music to it.

It was something you could do without money.” Forty years on The Verlaines are still rocking together. The name is the result of his classical and literary background after the French poet Paul Verlaine.

His background is classical music; he has a Bachelor and a Doctorate of Music. His doctorate featured the music of Gustav Mahler. He remained most of his working life in Dunedin as a senior lecturer in the School of Performing Arts’ including a 3-year stint as Head of Music and the steward of the country’s first rock music degree. He started teaching song writing and music theory and was able to show the evolution from the old masters like Beethoven to modern music. It is just a continuum. “Beethoven probably never expected his music to outlive him and still be played two centuries after his death. Rock music is just an evolutionary line from great masters. All music comes from the same

source. Music is music and it’s all good.”

“Why Mahler?” I asked.

“His music just wouldn’t let me go and I needed to find out why,” Graeme replied. “And classical music is a good foundation for rock. A rock band is just a poor person’s orchestra, with rhythm, bass, strings and brass.

Lots of people in those days were writing songs with a desire to express themselves in words and music. You are the vehicle to get to people.”

Graeme is described as a singer-songwriter, but he’s much more than that. His academic background meant lots of reading, lots of literature. “You can’t write unless you read a lot,” he says. When he set up his band it was a fairly fluid affair. There was a big pool of talent in Dunedin. Choosing band members was as simple as – “There’s no money, you work your arse off but you’ll have fun.” Established in 1981 they were busy, playing often at gigs and now have 11 albums behind them. The Verlaines is synonymous with The Dunedin Sound, has performed internationally and are about to launch their latest album, in white vinyl: a special edition called Dunedin Spleen. ‘Spleen’ after the poetry collection of Charles Baudelaire and the French word splénétique meaning a state of pensive sadness or melancholy. Music and literature still inspire Graeme’s works. Readers may also know of his years as a music commentator on Nine to Noon with Catherine Ryan.

Music has followed him throughout his life. He is a regular contributor to Radio New Zealand, he lectures still at pre-concert shows by the NZ Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Symphonia as well as providing support to both students and the industry.

Yet another musical talent in our town.

11

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Musical Muse – Michele Taylor

BY ANN CHAPMAN

There’s a lot of mental agility required to move from reading music for violin, to piano, to finally the cello.

But that’s exactly what Michele has done over her long musical career.

She was from a musical family. She and her sister learned at the feet of their father who played the violin.

Michele observed being introduced to the violin by her

father around the age of six or seven was tough. It wasn’t until she was at primary school and started piano lessons at about aged eight, that she gave up the violin. She remembers the strictness of an old fashioned teacher, but after about ten years of piano lessons with the accompanying isolation that practice required, she walked away from the piano. But she did go through all the grades, sowing the seeds for a musical career later in life.

In her seventh form she changed direction musically.

“In my final year at Secondary School the music teacher wanted to set up an orchestra. I put my hand up to play the cello and started playing on an old cello that was found languishing in a garage and cost about 16 pounds at the time. I played it up until university, but then studies and university life became all consuming, and I neglected it. I kept it though, and dusted it off when I signed up as an adult at the Wellington Community Music School. That was after I returned from overseas, got married and had children.”

After graduating from university she taught Music and French at Chilton St James, then left for France on a Scholarship to teach English conversation at a French Secondary School. She then travelled widely in France and parts of Europe and the UK before returning to NZ to work in the French Embassy Library. She took up the cello seriously when her children went off to kindergarten.

“I saw an advertisement from three Victoria University music graduates who wanted to teach adults. I signed up with them,” she said. “One taught the piano, another the cello and piano and the third singing. I chose the cello.”

The music school was in a ramshackle building but there were enough pupils to form a small orchestra. “Music suddenly became fun. Playing the piano was too solitary.

For the first time I started to enjoy music. Playing with

others was different and I learned to love music again.”

The music school finally closed when the three tutors moved on with their lives but Michele had found her mojo again and continued lessons, this time with a series of tutors mainly from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. While living in Wellington she got in touch with the Hutt Valley Orchestra, which was established in 1958 and evolved from informal chamber groups already playing in the valley. “It was a time of discovery. Of leaning new types of music. Good conductors and inspiring music gave me a new lease of life, a new impetus to play. I haven’t looked back.” While playing there she became the Music Librarian.

When her husband retired early, they wanted a change in lifestyle and moved to Settlement Road in Te Horo just up the road from the lavender farm. There they had their own little lavender patch, made their own oil, and developed the existing orchard and garden. After going to a rose seminar at Trinity Farm she planted roses, lots of them and the idyll of country life, growing your own produce, walking amongst the fruit trees and roses was enough. But then the siren call of the cello called her back to music. She answered an advertisement in the local paper. Some musicians wanted to start a Kapiti Coast Orchestra so she applied, was required to audition and was accepted. That was in 2004 and she’s been there ever since, playing her cello and working on the committee. She has been their treasurer and is now their secretary and loves helping to organise their three concerts each year.

But now Michele and her husband need to downsize.

The large garden and orchard is too much in their seventies, and they have an additional pull towards Wellington with two young grandchildren. While Ōtaki may lose her, she remains a valuable player with the Kapiti Concert Orchestra.

Birds flock to Gallery to mark 10th anniversary of children’s art and environment project Almost 100 birds of many shapes and colours have nested in Mahara Gallery, each one the creation of tauira (students) from two Ōtaki kura (schools).

Ninety-three pupils, ranging in age from five to 18, from Hato Petera Kaniera (St Peter Chanel) and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito have turned their minds and hands to sculpting.

Ngā Manu – Birds marks the 10th anniversary of the Mahara-Ngā Manu Children’s Art and Environment Project, a collaboration between Mahara and Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, supported by the Philipp Family Foundation.

Philipp Family Foundation trustee Irene Mackle, speaking at the exhibition opening ceremony, described the current year’s project as “possibly the best yet”.

“The birds are absolutely beautiful,” she said. “It’s truly inspirational.”

It is the second time the two Ōtaki kura have taken part in the programme.

Seven years ago their exhibition, Wai Ora – Water Life, took the form of paintings, weavings and poems in te reo Māori as well as English.

“It’s wonderful to be working with them again,” says Gallery Director, Janet Bayly.

“It was further enhanced by working with the kura who brought their strong wairua (spirituality) and connection to te taiao (the environment) to everything that we shared.”

Artists Michelle Walton and Harriet Bright guided the children through forming their birds out of tightly wrapped, taped and painted balls of paper.

The birds each gained their own unique character in ways that were deeply satisfying to their creators.

The project begins with a half-day at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve followed by a half-day at Mahara Gallery.

Janet Bayly says that, in the past, the project has been an indoor experience during mid-winter, but, for the first time, it began in late summer and the tauira could benefit from time in the ngāhere (bush).

“It was a real joy to experience the world of Tane up close, listen to ngā manu singing, examine their widely different nests and hear how Māori travelled through this special lowland forest hundreds of years before colonisation.”

The exhibition will be open at the Gallery until 17 July with four free art workshops for tamariki offered in the first week of the school holidays. [see Facebook, @ maharagallery, and www.maharagallery.org.nz for details]

BAND Waikanae Lions Club and Waikanae Funeral Home present

The

AIR FORCE BAND Charity Concert Sunday 4 July, 1.30pm Southward Car Museum Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu Tickets available from Eventfinda.co.nz and the museum shop – 04 297 1221 Proceeds to Waikanae Volunteer Fire Brigade

Tamariki and rangitahi of Ōtaki’s Hato Petera Kaniera (St Peter Chanel) and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito in Mahara Gallery, 11 June 2021.

Photo credit: Jack Penman

12

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Super Liquor pushing to make alcohol forum happen

BY FRANK NEILL Ōtaki will have a local alcohol forum as soon as Super Liquor can make it happen.

The owners of the Super Liquor outlet in Arthur Street must “take reasonable steps to establish an Ōtaki alcohol forum” as this is one of the conditions on which it was granted a licence to operate.

“We want to push it (establishing the Ōtaki alcohol forum),” Super Liquor’s Franchise Manager, Peter Joseph, told the Ōtaki Mail.

“I have engaged with the Police, the Ministry of Health and the (Kāpiti Coast District) Council.”

As part of the condition on their licence, Super Liquor must liaise with the Police, the Ministry of Health and the council on establishing a forum.

He is seeking to have a meeting with representatives of the three bodies.

A major part of this meeting will be to explore what those three organisations would want to see as the objectives of the Ōtaki alcohol forum.

It was important that a good set of objectives was established to ensure that the forum was not a waste of time and resources, Mr Joseph noted.

The other local initative relating to alcohol sales in Ōtaki is Kāpiti Coast District Council establishing a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP).

This follows an initiative of Ōtaki Ward Councillor James Cootes.

At the 10 November 2020 Ōtaki Community Board meeting, Cr Cootes moved that the Ōtaki Community Board “requests that the council prioritises a Local Alcohol Policy for Ōtaki (or the district)”. This motion was passed unanimously and subsequently adopted at a full Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC) meeting.

The council is about to go out into the community to consult on the development of a LAP, the council’s Senior Policy Advisor, Leeza Boyd, told the 15 June meeting of the Ōtaki Community Board.

“The most important stage (in developing a LAP) is what we are going into over the next six months,” Ms Boyd said.

During that time, the council would be going out in the community, meeting community groups and setting up “pop-in meetings”.

That process, she said “is starting now”, and the aim was “coming back to council in January 2022” with a provisional LAP. KCDC administers the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and that Act provides that local councils can establish a LAP, which is the tool to set the community’s wishes on alcohol sale and supply within its area.

How quickly could a LAP be established “on a good day?” Cr Cootes asked.

“Eighteen months on a good day, if there were no appeals,” Ms Boyd said.

The main reason it will take quite some time is that there is a formal process to develop a LAP, and this is set out in legislation. It has five phases: 1. Develop a draft LAP in consultation with Police, licensing inspectors and Medical Officer of Health.

2. Consult the community on the draft.

3. Prepare a provisional policy based on consultation feedback and give public notice (the provisional policy can be appealed at this stage).

4. Adopt the provisional policy, which becomes final 30 days after being publicly notified (or any appeals are resolved).

5. Give public notice of LAP adoption and the date it comes into effect (as determined by council resolution).

Thumbs up

• Maoriland’s Maddy de Young – semi-finalist in Impact Award for the Future • Otaki's Civic Theatre re-opening

• Daffodils and the signs of Spring

Thumbs down • Spate of car thefts in the town • Covid

Arrest halts crime spree

BY FRANK NEILL A spate of vehicles being illegally driven from where they had been parked came to an abrupt end when Police arrested a young man on 17 June.

The youth has been charged with unlawfully taking motor vehicles and is due to appear in the Levin District Court in July.

There had been a “huge increase” in the number of vehicles unlawfully taken in the two weeks to 17 June, the acting officer in charge of the Ōtaki Police, Sergeant Bernard O’Brien told the Ōtaki Mail.

Twelve vehicles were taken in June, with seven of these taken on the night of 16 June. Around 15 vehicles had been unlawfully taken in the month to 17 June.

This spate of criminal activity underlined the importance of being vigilant and being security conscious, Sergeant O’Brien said.

Sergeant honoured Ōtaki Police Sergeant William (Bill) Shore Hughes has been honoured for his bravery, when he was killed attempting to defend local residents from an enraged gunman on 27 May 1951.

Sergeant Hughes’ family was presented the Police Commissioner’s Gold Merit Award at the Manawatū Police Headquarters on 27 May 2021 – 70 years after his act of bravery.

Responding to a report that shots were being fired in Mill Road, near where Ōtaki College now stands, Sergeant Hughes confronted the gunman, Noema Raana Rika.

Rika shot Sergeant Hughes, who was trying to protect three women and two children at the shack on Mill Road.

The first bullet Rika fired at him hit Sergeant Hughes on the wrist and shattered his forearm, meaning he was no longer able to use his Police .32 pistol. Rika then shot Sergeant Hughes a number of times, killing him.

The gunman went on to shoot Mary Te Hiwi and her daughters Victoria and Pearl France, killing them also.

However the two children were able to escape, thanks to Sergeant Hughes’

153 Main Highway, Ōtaki Opposite New World Supermarket Monday – Friday 9am – 2pm or by appointment

(06) 364 6123 0800 367 467

www.inprogroup.co.nz

“If any activity seems suspicious ring the Police. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Lock your cars, although all the vehicles taken recently were locked.

Don’t leave valuables in cars.

Whenever possible park in a safe place, such as under lights or on a driveway.”

Two drivers stopped by Police in the month to 17 June were driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police stopped a 22-year-old man on 18 June and he recorded a breath alcohol reading of 547 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The limit for drivers over 20 years of age is 250 micrograms per litre. The man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol.

Police also charged a driver with driving with excess breath alcohol on 20 June, but details were not available when the Ōtaki Mail went to press.

intervention. Both 14-year old Kare Gilbert and his sister, 16-year-old Leonie Gilbert were visiting the Te Hiwi family.

After killing the four people Rika committed suicide.

Sergeant Hughes joined the police in 1925 and served in Wellington, Stratford and Rotorua before being promoted to officer in charge at Ōtaki in 1948.

During his time in Ōtaki, he was not only a very popular officer, but also served as President of the Ōtaki Railway Bowling Club, coached junior rugby at the Rāhui Rugby Football Club and was a member of the Masons Lodge.

Sergeant Hughes’ funeral service was held at the Ōtaki Anglican Church and was attended by the Minister of Police, the Police Commissioner, the local Member of Parliament, the Police Superintendents of both Wellington and Palmerston North and numerous senior police officers from across the country. A memorial service in the afternoon at Karori was attended by Prime Minister Sid Holland.

• First home buyer mortgages • Debt Consolidation • Mortgage refinancing • Investment Property lending • All Insurance covers • Local knowledge/local people • Honest & Friendly • Free Services

13

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

St Peter Chanel put the fun in Fundraising St Peter Chanel Primary School held a fashion show on 25 June to raise funds for their playground, carpet of the hallway and the school pool.

Local fashion labels were showcased, all with connections to the Kura, including; OTKLUV, HORI, Our Own Way, Pania Barrett Jewellery, Toi Tangata Studio, Rongotai.

Supportive locals also took to the improvised classroom catwalk to model the fashions.

School Board Chair Katera Rikihana-Tukerangi says St Peter Chanel is a whanau school and it was old and new whanau who helped with this event.

“Thanks to everyone who supported our Kura,” says Katera.

“We really appreciate you all. Ma pango, ma whero, ka oti pai te mahi.”

In HORI gear, from left Tammy Nepata, Leah Winterburn and Moko Cooper.

Modelling OTKLUV pink hoodies, from left, Janeen Marino with her mum Janet Marino, followed by Lance Tukerangi and his sister-in-law Janet Bishop.

Modelling HORI label gear, from left Iriaka Epiha-Ferris, Claire Rikihana and Justyce Rikihana.

Hair production growing With the reopening of the refurbished Civic Theatre the Otaki Players are full-steam ahead for their first production back in their building, with the musical Hair.

Hair was written more than 50 years ago by Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt MacDermot and broke new ground in musical theatre by defining the genre of “rock musical”.

A product of the hippie counter-culture sexual revolution, and Vietnam War protests of the late 1960’s several of it’s songs became anthems of the anti war movement, while it’s profanity, depiction of the use of illegal drugs, treatment of open sexuality, irreverence for the American Flag, and full-frontal nudity caused much comment and controversy at the time.

The Otaki Players team have been busy rehearsing while the Civic Theatre has been out of action and are looking forward to bringing this production to the ‘Civic’ stage.

Directed by Tracy Wills-Wright, with the musical direction jointly shared by Graham Orchard and Andrea King, the songs remain infectiously energetic and the coming of age story has lost none of it’s sparkle and relevance, ready to bring it’s message of peace and love to a new generation.

But before you get too excited, in this production, you won’t get to see any full-frontal nudity. Apparently the only reason that the directors put this into the scene was to sell tickets!!

A cast of 20 from Otaki and the wider Kapiti Coast look forward to taking you back to the 60’s. So get ready to experience the dawning of the age of Aquarius with Hair from the 12th to the 28th August.

Tickets can be secure on-line at otakiplayers.nz

Otaki Players Society

Book and Lyrics by

Music by

Gerome Ragni & James Rado

Galt MacDermot

Produced for the Broadway stage by Michael Butler Originally Produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival Theatre Director & Choreography: Tracy Wills-Wright

Musical Direction: Graham Orchard & Andrea King

OTAKI CIVIC THEATRE August 12,13,14, 19,20,21, 25,26,27,28 @7.30pm Sunday Matinees: August 15 & 22 @3.00pm Early bird ticket special: Adults $30.00 (for the month of June), thereafter $35.00 Students: early bird $20.00 (for the month of June), thereafter $25.00

Tickets available from www.otakiplayers.nz

(queries- roger@otakiplayers.nz)

~ Warning: some content may offend ~ “HAIR” is presented by permission of ORiGiNTM Theatrical on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC, A Concord Theatricals Company

Some members of the Otaki Players outside the newly refurbished Civic Theatre.

14

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Gardening with Garden tasks for July

Flower garden

Watson’s Garden Ltd Azalea’s are a beautiful shrub, with many varieties available. Best grown in partial shade with moist, free-draining slightly acidic soil containing organic material.

Pink Ice producing semidouble, silvery white and mauve flowers in spring through to summer and sporadically during autumn, height 60-80cm

Mission Bells (below) hardy evergreen with ruffled semidouble deep red flowers from spring, height 1.2m Inga very forgiving and easy to grown evergreen with masses of bright pink blooms with a ruffled white edge, height 60cm – 1m

Gift vouchers, giftware, tools, pots, garden and pest products available all year round Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm closed Sundays and public holidays.

17 Bell Street Ōtaki (06) 364 8758 www.watsonsgarden.co.nz

Cut back untidy growth on perennials, divide and then replant.

Before pruning roses, spray plants and ground with a fungicidal spray mixed with liquid manure so any pruned material not picked up and burnt will not infect new growth.

Once your soil has dried out plant dahlia and begonia tubers, gladioli and calla lilies for summer flowering – leave until August if soil remains wet and boggy.

Plant out gladioli at intervals to extend summer flowering season.

Prune hydrangeas and fuchsias.

Plant out trees and shrubs. Add a general fertiliser and plenty of compost to the planting hole.

Feed spring bulbs with a side dressing of bulb food as flower heads appear.

Apply mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture for spring and summer months.

Sow seeds of aquilegia, stock, nemesia, pansy, wallflower, salvia, primula, snapdragon, dianthus, larkspur, sweet pea and delphinium.

Plant out seedlings of pansies, dianthus, larkspur, primula, sweet pea, lupin, stock and lobelia.

Fruit and vegetable garden

Now is the time to start preparing soil for planting your spring vegetables. Cultivate empty spaces, digging in autumn-sown green crops. Add compost and lime if

necessary but avoid cultivating wet, boggy soils.

Plant out early potatoes in a frost-free spot, provided the soil is well-drained.

Sow seeds of broccoli, silverbeet, spinach, cabbage, broad beans, peas, lettuce, onions, radish, swede and turnips.

Plant out seedlings of artichoke, cabbage, silverbeet, rhubarb, onions and cauliflower.

Continue planting your garlic and shallots.

Asparagus crowns and strawberry plants can also be planted this month.

Plant your new vines and berries, and fruit trees such as citrus, apples, pears, plums and nectarines.

Prune deciduous trees fruit trees, and spray with copper oxychloride and oil as a winter clean-up.

Lawns

Only mow when grass foliage is dry – mowing wet turf can produce a ragged effect.

Renovate lawns and re-sow towards the end of the month.

Second thoughts

Watch water levels of indoor plants. Despite home heating they do not need a lot of water during winter, and too much will lead to root rot. Although the first sign of this is wilting, do not be fooled – check the weight of your pot or whether soil is dry a centimetre or two below the surface before you tip in more water.

Focus on growing asparagus

Citrus, citrus, citrus

Lemons Limes Oranges Mandarins now in stock

SCHIZOPHRAGMA Hydrandreoides

Similar to climbing hydrangea.

Self -clinging, with creamy white lacecap flowers.

Brilliant climber for a shady site but flowers better in the sun.

RHUBARB Time to plant now!!

5 delicious varieties to choose from.

Claret Cobbler, Ruby Tart, Ruddy Fool, Cardinal Crunch and Crimson Crumble.

TE HORO GARDEN CENTRE Main Highway & Te Horo Beach Rd TE HORO PH 364 2142 we have some treasures for you....

Asparagus is a yummy perennial vegetable. It has a delicious taste and delicate texture, but shop-bought spears can be expensive, and stems are often disappointingly tough and tasteless.

Are you planning to grow your own? It is worth putting in time preparing the ground to give them a flying start in life. A sunny or partially shaded spot is ideal, with a light, free draining but moisture retentive soil. Prepare beds in advance by removing all weeds. Dig the bed at least 60cm deep and place a layer of bones or bone dust on the bottom. Mix topsoil with as much rich compost as possible and layer with sand.

It is a good idea to make a long, narrow bed for the asparagus crowns, that way both sides can be easily reached for picking. Raised beds can help improve drainage on heavy soils, and are warmer, encouraging early cropping each spring. They also make it easier to mound soil over growing shoots.

Select healthy two-year-old crowns such as the vigorous variety ‘Purple Gourmet’, and soak crowns in warm water for an hour before planting. Around thirty crowns would be needed to feed four or five people.

Plant crowns during early spring in rows 40cm apart, spreading roots out, and water in well, if using raised beds plant in blocks. Cover with compost or well-rotted

manure. Companion plants you could cultivate with asparagus include basil, parsley and tomatoes.

Manure, mulch and water are the secrets to growing fine asparagus. Feed the plants with blood and bone every two or three weeks and sprinkle the bed surface with salt and potash from time to time. Weed regularly to reduce competition and to keep beds clear.

The first spears are the most succulent and should be cut with a sharp knife to avoid damage to parent plant.

Always leave a few spears to mature and make energy to supply next season’s crop. Avoid cutting any spears the first summer and only a few new spears the next. This allows the plant to establish and ensures steady cropping from the third year onwards. After seven or eight years begin a new bed, dig up the first only when the new bed is in production.

As well as being a delicious-tasting vegetable, asparagus contains an excellent supply of a protein known as histone – a substance that has been called “a cell growth normaliser”. The US National Cancer Institute has reported that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, considered one of the body’s most potent anti-carcinogens and antioxidants.

So, not only does it taste good asparagus is also good for you.

15

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

the Ō taki Mail the Ō Ōtaki Mail taki Mail

BY VIVIENNE BAILEY viv.bailey@xtra.co.nz

Camellia sasanqua

Camellia sasanqua bring a zing of welcome colour to gardens during early winter, brightening dreary corners and lifting wintry spirits.

These undemanding, yet top performing plants have smaller, dainty leaves and supple, more willowy branches than their spring-flowering cousins. Flowers are small to medium, often single with showy, yellow stamens. Many are sweetly scented (in a mossy sort of way) and come in a wide range of colours.

‘Setsugekka,’ ‘Mine-no-yuki,’ and ‘Early Pearly,’ are popular white varieties, and the compact, upright, ‘Yuletide,’ has single, scarlet-red blooms contrasting with prominent, golden stamens (this looks lovely in a black pot).

Sasanqua blooms are softer and lack the defined form and substance of many later-flowering camellia types – an advantage when flowers fall as they break up quickly, thus avoiding a brown sludge at the plant’s base.

Originating in the forests of Japan, free-flowering, evergreen sasanqua are versatile landscaping plants, either as loose, open screens, columnar forms framing gates and entrances, as topiary subjects, or as groundcover. Smaller growing varieties, such as ‘Bonsai Baby,’ are ideal for containers and pots.

The shiny, pointed leaves clip easily, and quickly form a dense hedge. Strong growing, ‘Plantation Pink,’ is a good variety to try and other reliable, pink-flowering hedges include the mauve-pink, peony form ‘Jennifer Susan,’ the semi-double, ‘Elfin Rose,’ and singleflowered ‘Tanya.’

Camellias are amazingly disease-free and hardy, but bright yellow or blotched leaves may signal a virus infection. There is not a lot you can do to combat this, and, although unsightly, it will not weaken plants.

Bud-drop can affect plants in the middle of their flowering season – this may have been caused by plants drying out in late summer and early autumn.

Camellias are happy in an acid, well-drained soil – if your soil is very heavy add a generous amount of compost to improve drainage.

Apply a slow-release fertiliser once a year – do not over fertilise. More camellias are killed by overfeeding than starvation. Mulch with a good layer of compost (one of the best mulches is chopped pine needles. Like many acid-loving shrubs, they prefer plant-derived composts to animal manures).

Prune your camellia to shape, after flowering, from an early stage. Use secateurs to thin and shorten branches as hedge clippers promote dense growth. Keep plant reasonably open to allow air to circulate in the middle.

Known as “the tough camellia,” sasanqua provide structure and substance all year round, for despite the beauty of their flowers it is the glossy, dark green foliage which produces the versatility so loved by landscape designers and gardeners.

Plants with pliable, willowy stems can be trained as semi-weeping specimens or trailed along wires to form narrow hedges. They can also be espaliered to provide a softening and decorating effect on walls, fences or lattice work.

Once established sasanqua camellias need little care and will grow anywhere from four metres to nine metres.

However, do stake your plants when planting as new growth on sasanqua often bends over until wood hardens.

Although disliking hot, dry positions, sasanqua will tolerate wind and exposure to full sun, unlike many others of their family.

A pond in a pot Many of us do not have room for a pond in our garden, but a potted pond with a waterlily or two can easily be fitted into a sunny corner of your deck, porch or veranda.

Any watertight container will do, but in this case big is best. Terracotta pots and half wine barrels are ideal and can be made watertight with two coats of tank sealer (available from hardware stores), or you could place a piece of plastic pond liner inside. Plastic pots are lighter and have the added advantage of being instantly watertight. An old sink or a 44-gallon drum chopped in half would work or perhaps try a galvanised horse trough or a claw-foot bath. If you opt for a bigger size, you could install a small bubbling fountain, but beware

if you are planting waterlilies because they are not happy growing in moving water.

Aquatic plants need at least six hours of sunlight a day, and with waterlilies (Nymphaea), the more sun, the more flowers you will get. Another bonus is the broad leaves which cover the water’s surface and suppress the growth of algae by depriving it of sunlight. They also like plenty of space and respond well to feeding – use Aquatic Tabs or PondTabbs every month during the growing season.

There are two types of waterlilies – tropical and hardy, both with a huge array of colours to choose from.

Exotic-looking tropicals (the plants will not survive heavy frosts) are best planted from October until March, and flower from December till May. They hold their large flowers on stems stretching up to 30cm above water (great for picking), unlike hardy waterlilies which float on the surface, and die down in the winter.

Hardy waterlilies are dependable and easier to grow than tropicals, making them an ideal choice for the beginner. They are daytime bloomers, blossoming in the morning and closing after sunset – the blooms last 3–4 days before sinking beneath the surface. One of the easiest to grow and get good results from is “Gloriosa.’

This prolific flowering variety has large carmine-rose blooms that turn a deeper wine colour with age (spread is medium to large).

You could also choose from a range of hardy miniatures.

These smaller-sized, slower-growing plants are perfect for containers, and come in a range of colours.

If you have a large container and really want to show off to visitors, grow a lotus (Nelumbo nucifera).

This vigorous, gorgeous plant flowers early in the year and continues till late March, but it can be a little temperamental. Lotus will tolerate cold winds, but need a long, hot summer to send out flowers that typically stand well above the water, giving them a delicate, almost ethereal appearance.

16

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

40 HR FOOTBALL

FUNDRAISER ALL PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS LIAM PAROLI'S TREATMENT

JULY 17-18 ŌTAKI COLLEGE Raffles and spot prizes available!

Reckon you and your mates could take the Manukura GPS crew on in a half hour game? Get in touch!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT SAM ON - 027 322 7902

Manukura GPS Futsall Challenge On the back of previous years’ challenges, such as 40 Hour Challenge of non-stop football, Manukura GPS are preparing for a marathon Futsall challenge on 17–18 July to raise money to help Liam Paroli and his whanau while Liam is having cancer treatment.

Otaki College’s Manukura GPS is a boys leadership group based on helping serve our community and provide belonging for our young men, says teacher and Manukura mentor Sam Ward.

“Our 2021 group is 25 strong and based from Year 11-13, though we do have 2 Yr 7/8 lads who come along for extra support and to have positive male role models to look up to,” says Sam. “We heard about the Paroli whanau, through our close ties with Manakau Football Club. With all of the challenges they are now having to face in regards to supporting Liam’s cancer treatment, we thought this was a perfect opportunity for us to try and help.

“All money raised will go directly to the Paroli whanau to help with whatever financial support they need in getting Liam to and from Auckland for chemotherapy treatment, and just those day to day life things that will be extra tough now that mum, Andy is having to give up her job.

“Charlie Simpson and Max McHugo are the main drivers of the event and between them and myself, have been trying to rally everyone around this kaupapa,” says Sam.

Sponsorship is mainly directly through our Givealittle page: bit.ly/40hrfooty for a short link version, or https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/40-hours-of-football-for-theparolis which is the full monty.

“On the day we will have a koha box available and will also run some raffles too. “Equally, if people are brave, we are more than happy for groups/teams/ whanau to book in a time to challenge us to a game during this 40 hour stint.

“I’m sure I can organise trophies for anyone that manages to beat us!”

Ōtaki Repair Café

Don't Bin it - Repair it!

Sunday 4 July, Ōtaki Memorial Hall 10am - 2pm

Bring along your damaged and broken jewellery, electronics, bikes, clothes and more!

Skilled volunteers will be on-hand with the tools and know-how to give your items a new lease on life.

This event is brought to you through a partnership between Kāpiti Coast District Council and Energise Ōtaki.

17

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Ōtaki Repair Café returns

With the precision she once used making guitars, Simcha Delft can show you how to sharpen your kitchen knife. The volunteer at Ōtaki Repair Café’s most popular table learned her engineering skills from her grandfather. “He taught me about consequences. This is what I want to teach people: think ahead.”

Simka will be repeating her sharpening workshops at the next Ōtaki Repair Café, this time with dedicated tools and a table for participants to hone their skills at.

Café organiser Hanna Wagner-Nicholls also invites visitors to think ahead to get the most out of their Café visit. “We’re asking people to start finding the broken objects we might be able to fix – and any special replacement parts (like a zip) that could be useful on the day. We’ll be mending clothes, electrical and mechanical items. There’ll also be a 3d printer, a ‘swap’ table, and of course food and drinks.”

The next Ōtaki Repair Café is on Sunday 4th July from 10am–2pm at Otaki’s Memorial Hall.

FREEHEAT HEAT FREE

F

Insulation, heat pumps* Insulation, heat pumps* Insulation, heat pumps* and more Ōtaki and more forfor Ōtaki and more for Ōtaki

Ins

home?

OwnOwn youryour home?

Own your home?

Want to be warmer winter?

WantWant to betowarmer this this winter? be warmer this winter?

Up Ōtaki has funding put insulation, WarmWarm Up Ōtaki has funding to putto insulation, Warm Up Ōtaki has funding to put insulation, heat pumps and curtains into more 100+ more houses. heat pumps and curtains into 100+ houses. heat pumps and curtains into 100+ more houses.

W heat

For an expert assessment ofheating your heating For an expert assessment of your needs,needs, For an expert assessment of your heating needs, warmupotaki@gmail.com emailemail warmupotaki@gmail.com email warmupotaki@gmail.com or the visit the Energise at or visit Energise Ōtaki Ōtaki officeoffice at or visit the Energise Ōtaki office at 7 Main (10am-2pm, Tuesdays -Thursdays).

7 Main StreetStreet (10am-2pm, Tuesdays -Thursdays).

7 Main Street (10am-2pm, Tuesdays -Thursdays).

For

Warm up an Ōtaki, Warm up Ōtaki is anis Ōtaki, Warm up Ōtaki Ōtaki isEnergise an Energise Energise Ōtaki, Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki and Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki and Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki and Trust project.

The The Sustainability Trust project.

The Sustainability Sustainability Trust project. a small cost pumps; for heat90% pumps; 90% off the retail price! *There is*There a smalliscost for heat off the retail price! *There is a small cost for heat pumps; 90% off the retail price!

Brr... it’s cold out there!

Ōtaki Repair Café volunteer Simcha Delft at the knife sharpening station.

STAY WARM THIS WINTER by taking advantage of a substantial Government funding subsidy offered to low-income homeowners for heaters and insulation.

These grants cover: • 80%–90% of the total cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation – in some areas the cost to you may be even lower, thanks to generous funding from a number of community organisations.

• 80%–90% of the cost of an approved heater. This could be a heat pump or an efficient wood/pellet burner for the main living area. Note – heater grants are capped at $3000 including GST.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU OTAKI can advise you whether or not you meet the criteria to obtain this significant subsidy.

CALL CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

65a Main Street, Ōtaki Tel: 06-364 8664 / Email: otaki@cab.org.nz CAB ŌTAKI also offers BUDGET ADVICE on appointment WE ARE HERE TO HELP – MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10am–1pm

THE KUNG FU SCHOOL Fitness, Fun, Resilience, Confidence, Anti-bully, Self defense, Co-ordination.

Opening soon. Fridays – Rotary Hall, Aotaki St Pee wee (5-6yo) - 5:30 - 6:00 pm Children (7-12yo) - 6:00 – 7:00pm Teen and adult (12+) – 6:00 -7:30pm Enquiries/enrolments please email Rob Young www.shaolinkungfu.co.nz

otaki@shaolinkungfu.co.nz

7 Ma

Wa

T

18

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Ōtaki’s junior football and rugby in good hands

BY FRANK NEILL

Ōtaki’s under 15 rugby team, Te Rāhui Kura, during their training on 16 June.

Junior football in Ōtaki – both rugby and soccer – is in good hands as the results of two junior teams demonstrates.

Playing in the Wellington under 15 rugby 4th division competition, Te Rāhui Kura opened their season with three emphatic victories.

Te Rāhui Kura completely dominated Mana in their first competition game on 29 May, winning 60-5.

They followed this up with a 17-10 win over a strong St Bernards team on 5 June.

A week later they were again the dominant team in their match against Newlands, winning 47-10.

All this came from a team that was struggling with numbers at the beginning of the season. Since then, however, the team has seen “a huge influx of numbers”,

Makaia Strawbridge makes another run for the Ōtaki Chargers, watched by Ira Graham and Bill Brookman.

one of its three coaches, Clarry Enoka says.

The team includes one player who has never played a sport before and three more who had never played rugby before joining Te Rāhui Kura.

The players come from three local secondary schools, Ōtaki College, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito and Te Kura-a-iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano.

The team has been steadily improving and during the 12 June victory over Newlands they “put into practice what we have been training,” Mr Enoka says.

The team’s main goal is to win the competition, but its first aim was to make the play offs.

The victory over Newlands “was a huge step in that direction,” Mr Enoka adds.

Another team with a dazzling start to the season may even be on its way to setting a soccer record of some note.

The Ōtaki Sports Club’s under 12 football team, the Ōtaki Chargers, have notched up 67 goals in their first 10 games of the season.

At the same time they have conceded only six goals – well under one per match.

Undefeated and leading their competition, the Ōtaki Chargers had another convincing victory in their latest game before the Ōtaki Mail deadline, beating Kāpiti Coast United Gunners 5-0 on 19 June.

“Every player is contributing to the team’s success,” co-coach Jeremy Brookman says.

“Elsie O’Sullivan, who has been with the team for a number of years, is solid on the right wing and is a persistent tackler who just doesn’t stop running.”

Makaia Strawbridge’s determination on the ball was clear in one of the team’s closest matches, a 3-0 win over KCU Spurs on 5 June as she fought for possession, and with her ball control often left her older opponents behind her.

It’s not just goals that win games, Mr O’Sullivan says. “Our indomitable defence deserves as much credit for our clear run of victories. Davy Leason is our rock solid centre half, flanked by Bill Brookman on the right and Ira Graham on the left.”

Footballers leading their competitions

BY FRANK NEILL Ōtaki’s two senior football teams are leading their competitions following their victories on 19 and 20 June. Ōtaki Purutaitama completely outclassed Kāpiti Coast United (KCU) Thirds on 19 June, cruising to an 11–0 victory.

Before that round, Ōtaki was second in the Horowhenua Kāpiti league behind KCU Sopranos on goal difference, as both teams were on 22 points. However the Sopranos lost on 19 June to hand the lead to Ōtaki.

Travis Robertson went one better than a hat trick when he found the back of the net four times. Devon Yung and Dubbs Reyalds scored two goals each, while Hape Cook-Porter, Mathew Braddock and Issac Cant each added a goal.

It was perhaps no surprise that Travis, with his four goals, was awarded three MVP points. Jacko Murray gained two and Swapi Lupi one MVP point. Ōtaki also won its previous match, although by a much closer margin. They defeated Waikanae Jets 2-1 at Haruatai Park on 12 June.

Devon Yung scored both goals and also won three MVP points, while Tom Mackley won two points and Mathew Braddock one point. Ōtaki defeated Paekakariki Tuatahi 3-2 on 5 June but lost to KCU Hearts 3-2 on 29 May. Another victory came their way on 22 May when they beat KCU Bandits 4-1.

Hape Cook-Porter scored three MVP points, Issac Cant two points and Keiran Putt one point from the match against Paekakariki. Dubbs Reynolds scored three

points, Jamal Rautao two points and Waka Cook-Porter one point from the match against Hearts. Mathew Braddock scored three points, Issac Cant two points and Mark Whitelock one point from the match against the Bandits.

With its new name, Ōtaki Kāeaea (the kāeaea is New Zealand’s native hawk) is tied with Brooklyn Northern United Salty Pigeons in round two of the Capital Football women’s third division. Both teams have six points after two games. Ōtaki Kāeaea defeated North Wellington Tawny Ports 2-0 at Haruatai Park on 20 June. Louisa Donnell scored both goals.

Raureka Gray was awarded three MVP points, Janet Bishop two points and Raiha Cook one point.

Louisa Donnell also featured in the scoring a week earlier when she scored a hat trick in Ōtaki Kāeaea’s 4-3 victory over North Wellington Wildfire. Georgia Cooper scored the other goal.

Ashleigh McBeth scored three MVP points, Ariana Rēweti two points and Louisa Donnell one point. Ōtaki Kāeaea beat WAFC Ladyhawks by default on 6 June and had a bye on 30 May. Manakau United’s two teams were both in second place in their divisions when this issue of the Ōtaki Mail went to print.

Manakau Hui Mai, playing in division two of the Horowhenua Kāpiti League, did not have a great run in its five matches to 19 June, winning just one when KCU Thirds defaulted on 12 June.

KCU Hearts defeated them 3-2 on 22 May, the same scoreline when KCU Bandits defeated them on 29 May. Atain Halley and Micheal Glensor were the scorers for Manakau on 22 May and Cameron Lafrenz hit the back of the net twice on 29 May. Manakau Hui Mai had their biggest loss of the season on 5 June when Waikanae Jets beat them 6-0.

Waikanae Hawks beat them 3-1 on 19 June, with Micheal Glensor scoring for Manakau.

Playing in division three, Manakau Tuakana Teina won one match and was leading 1-0 in another match when the game was called off early.

Manakau was leading KCU The Force on 19 June when one of the opposition players broke his leg early in the second half, resulting in no further play.

The team’s victory came against Waikanae Wanderers on 22 May, with Manakau winning 4-3. Josh Bulliff, Max McHugo and Finley Stevenson scored while Wanderers added an own goal.

Top division one team KCU Sopranos beat Manakau Tuakana Teina 8-2 on 29 May, with Robert Wylie and Finley Stevenson scoring goals.

Waikanae Jets defeated Manakau Tuakana Teina 6-0 on 5 June and Waikanae Strollers beat them 7-1 on 12 June, with James Wylie finding the back of the net.

Devon Yung in full flight during Ōtaki Purutaitama’s 2-1 victory over Waikanae Jets on 12 June. Devon scored both goals and was named most valuable player of the match.

Ōtaki Kāeaea’s most valuable player on 20 June, Raureka Gray controls the ball during the match against North Wellington Tawny Ports.

19

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Matariki Ramaroa – Lighting the Beacons Festival

Toi Matarau Gallery opens new exhibitions

On Friday July 2nd, Paraparaumu’s MacLean Park will light up under the glow of Matariki Ramaroa – Lighting the Beacons Festival, a new month-long arts festival for all of Kāpiti. The opening weekend which runs from 5pm–10pm, Friday – Saturday (July 2nd and 3rd) will include amazing public light sculptures, bonfire, live music, food trucks, a remembrance garden, and kids light-up bike parade.

Artwork by Lorna Tawhiti.

Two new exhibitions from Māoriland’s Toi Matarau Gallery will excite art lovers and collectors this July.

It will remain at the Māoriland Hub through to August 28.

Tiaho Mai opens July 2nd at the Creative Kāpiti Gallery inside Kiwibank Paraparaumu. This month-long exhibition is a new collaboration between the three organisations and will showcase authentic traditional and contemporary Māori artworks.

‘Whiti Ora’ is one of the closing events of the Matariki Lighting the Beacons Festival running for the month of July across the entire Kāpiti Coast. Matariki Lighting the Beacons Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival in celebration of the rising of Matariki supported by multiple community events.

Featured artists include Ngā Aho Whenua Residency Weavers – Pip Devonshire and Sonia Snowden, renowned Toi Iho™ artists, artists of the ART Confederation of Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Toa Rangatira as well as invited leading and emerging artists.

Toi Matarau is housed at the Māoriland Hub and is committed to increasing awareness and the importance of toi Māori, the Wharepora (house of fine arts and textiles) across communities of Kāpiti, the greater Wellington region, Horowhenua and Manawatū.

Tiaho Mai describes the action of rays of shining light, to be enlightened. Tiaho Mai is the sixth exhibition inside Kiwibank Paraparaumu as part of Creative Kāpiti Art for Everyone programme, partly funded by Kāpiti Creative Communities Scheme.

All artworks will be available to view and purchase online at: toi.maorilandfilm.co.nz/

“The Creative Kāpiti philosophy is mā te mahi tahi, ka ora ai te iwi – by working together we move forward,” says JennaLea Philpott, founder of Creative Kāpiti.

“Both Māoriland and Creative Kāpiti are dedicated to raising the visibility and appreciation of creative skills, including Ngā Toi Māori, and the important role they play in our everyday lives, our wellbeing and economic development.”

Kaitiaki Toi of Māoriland and Project Curator Maakarita Paku agrees, “Exhibiting artists have acquired their mātauranga Māori knowledge and skills over many years. For many this will be a first, exhibiting in Paraparaumu.

Tiaho Mai is open from 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday at Creative Kāpiti Gallery, Paraparaumu and closes 30 July.

Whiti Ora is open from 11am–4pm Monday to Saturday at Toi Matarau Gallery, Māoriland Hub, Ōtaki from July 23–August 28.

Matariki Ramaroa – Lighting the Beacons Festival celebrates the rising of the star cluster Matariki. If you look towards the northeast horizon before sunrise this month, you will see the nine sisters of Matariki (also known as Pleiades) glittering.

The appearance of Matariki heralds the end of one year and the beginning of another – Te Tau Hou Māori – the Māori new year. It is a time to come together as a community to commemorate and celebrate the recent year. We remember those who have passed on, and we look ahead with excitement to the year before us. In 2022, Matariki will become a national holiday.

JULY 6 - CIVIC THEATRE, ŌTAKI JULY 8 - ST PETERS, PAEKĀKĀRIKI

MFF Presents

The second of two Matariki exhibitions

by Toi Matarau, ‘Whiti Ora’ is a group exhibition at the Māoriland Hub where artists will shine their creativity under the auspicious constellation of Matariki.

E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Workshop

BEST OF THE MĀORILAND FILM FESTIVAL

JULY 12 - 13

MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI

JULY 21

MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI

Space Bus

JULY 9

The Māori Sidesteps MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI

JULY 13 Tree Planting WAIKANAE

JULY 2 - 3

Opening Weekend MACLEAN PARK, PARAPARAUMU

LIGHT ART SCULPTURE, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD TRUCKS, KIDS LIGHT BIKE PARADE & MORE

Phenomenal Māori singer Maisey Rika will perform at Southward Car Museum, on Friday July 23 before closing the festival with a second show at Ōtaki’s newly renovated Civic Theatre, on July 24.

JULY 5

July 3 - 30

PAEKĀKĀRIKI BEACH Beach JULY 7 Clean Tree Up Planting ŌTAKI BEACH

Tiaho Mai Exhibition KIWIBANK, PARAPARAUMU

Vinyl Fair

ŌTAKI YARD, ŌTAKI

PARAPARAUMU

Matariki MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI Twilight Ōtaki Yard Family Fun Day Duncan’s Miniature Train & Food Truck Run Pop-Up Bar Night DUNCANS BREWING CO. MARINE GARDENS,

Witi’s Wāhine TE RAUKURA, RAUMATI BEACH

RAUMATI BEACH

JULY 23 - SOUTHWARD CAR MUSEUM JULY 24 - CIVIC THEATRE, ŌTAKI

Maisey Rika

The closing weekend of the festival will see Ōtaki’s Beach Park transformed into a stunning light sculpture garden, with food trucks and live music on the weekend of July 23–24.

JULY 10

JULY 16-17 JULY 15 Beach Clean up

The community is fully involved as well.

On July 10, Ōtaki Yard will present a Family Fun Day and Food Truck Night, while Duncan’s Brewery have produced a Kawakawa Cocoa Stout to be served at their Pop-Up bar in Paraparaumu. Kāpiti Coast District Libraries have a number of events for Matariki to be held in the region’s libraries over July. Details can be found through their Facebook Page.

Visit matariki.maorilandfilm.co.nz for more details.

Three performances of Witi’s Wāhine at Te Raukura (July 16–17) will bring the

MATARIKI LIGHTING THE BEACONS JULY FESTIVAL 2 - 24, 2021

“We are committed to increasing awareness and the importance of the Wharepora (domain of fine arts and textiles) across communities of Kāpiti, the greater Wellington region, Horowhenua and Manawatū. This includes the annual Te Roopū Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa Conference in Ōtaki over Labour Weekend.”

Opening Friday July 23 Whiti Ora! exhibitors are a combination of Toi Matarau artists, Ngā Aho Whenua Residency weavers collective Pip Devonshire and Sonia Snowden, artists of the ART Confederation of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Raukawa as well as invited artists of Te Tairāwhiti.

The celebrations will continue throughout July with over thirty events to be held from Ōtaki to Paekākāriki including live musical performances by Maisey Rika, the Māori Sidesteps and Tama Waipara.

Toi Matarau Gallery will present two exhibitions of contemporary Māori art – Tiaho Mai, a collaboration with Creative Kāpiti and Kiwibank in the Creative Kāpiti Gallery at Kiwibank Paraparaumu from July 3–30 and Whiti Ora at the Māoriland Hub from July 23.

There are best-of screenings from the Māoriland Film Festival (July 6, Māoriland Hub, July 8, St Peters Paekākāriki), and Rangatahi film workshops (July 12-13, Māoriland Hub), as well as beach clean ups and tree plantings, and much more.

late Nancy Brunning’s acclaimed work to the Kāpiti Coast for the first time. This follows sell-out seasons at Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, Auckland Writers Festival and Kia Mau Festival. Witi’s Wāhine is a theatrical celebration of some of New Zealand fiction’s most inspirational wāhine Māori. It is an evocative and revealing homage to characters from Pounamu Pounamu through to The Matriarch, and to the real life women of mana who inspired them. Reviewer Simon Wilson said it serves up “...the richness of culture and the wonder of people, with all their warts, with all the laughter and the singing and the pain”.

Originally devised and directed by the late Nancy Brunning, we proudly present this Hāpai Productions performance of words and song co-directed by Waimihi Hōtere.

RAUMATI BEACH

JULY 16

Tama Waipara

MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI

JULY 23

Whiti Ora Exhibition Opening MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI

@matarikikikapiti

JULY 16 - 17 TE RAUKURA, RAUMATI

NATIVE Minds JULY 21 - 22 MĀORILAND HUB, ŌTAKI

JULY 23 - 24

CLOSING WEEKEND ŌTAKI BEACH

LIGHT ART SCULPTURE, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD TRUCKS, KIDS LIGHT BIKE PARADE & MORE matariki.maorilandfilm.co.nz

20

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

The Bee Column – Bees. A retrospective.

BY PENNY KERR-HISLOP It is common knowledge that the honey bees you see foraging for nectar and pollen in your garden are all exclusively female. What is more, they live in a society that is dominated by a queen.

Over the centuries, nay over millennia, there has been much written about the way bees organise themselves and usually, the interpretation of the distinct roles they play in the hive, has been a direct reflection or mirroring of the societies of the time.

Think about the Ancient Greeks. In a society dominated by men, it was only natural to think that the most important bee in the hive be a king. This was according to Aristotle (384–322 BC), who had, for his time, a pretty good grip on the goings on in the hive. But he also had some really strange ideas as well, particularly around how they reproduced.

For example, the perceived wisdom of that time was that bees searched for and found their babies in flowers, particularly the olive tree. How they got there was never really discussed. The drone he described as being; “the largest of all the bees, has no sting and is stupid”. Apart from a few more, seemingly absurd concepts such as bees storing noises in earthen vessels and carrying stones with them to avoid getting carried away by the wind, Aristotle did show a decent understanding of bees and luckily for history wrote it all down.

His intensive study and writings about bees were the foundation of knowledge for about two thousand years, although fortunately some of the crazier notions were dismissed much earlier.

But, how bees reproduced remained a mystery for a very long time. In the late Middle Ages, somebody wrote in a bee keeping book a recipe for how to make bees. The idea was to kill an ox and leave it in a locked chamber for 45 days and then “there will proceed from it an infinity of bees”. Sounds like a lot of blowflies to me.

Great steps were made with the development of glass windows in the early 17th century. These enabled scientists to build hives with windows so that they could look through and observe bee behaviour. This then led to huge breakthroughs in understanding how bees reproduce and organise themselves.

Fortunately for apiarists through the ages, in the halcyon days before Varroa Mite and American Foulbrood, pesticides, and all the other toxins we have poured into our environment, beekeepers didn’t really need to understand the finer details of the working of the hive. Like most animal husbandry practices, the seasons came and went and the work with the bees went on as usual. It was thousands of years of meticulous observation, experimentation and reporting that brought us to where we are today.

And as we move into the long and dark days of winter, the beekeeper is following in the footsteps of thousands of years of beekeeping and preparing his bees for the chilly days ahead. He is checking them, feeding them, and moving them if necessary to warmer more sheltered locations out of the reach of rising winter flood waters and howling southerly gales.

Some things never change.

KĀPITI COAST DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS IN JULY 2021 Thursday

1 July

Public Forum

9.00am

Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu

Thursday

1 July

Strategy and Operations Committee Meeting

9.30am

Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu

Tuesday

6 July

Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board Meeting

7.00pm

Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu

Tuesday

27 July

Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti

9.30am

Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu

Thursday

29 July

Public Forum

9.00am

Council Chambers, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu

Thursday

29 July

Council Meeting

9.30am

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.

Wayne Maxwell Chief Executive

PB 60601 Paraparaumu | Ph 04 296 4700 | Fx 04 296 4830 | www.kapiticoast.govt.nz

John Milton (English poet 1608–1674) got the sex thing right.

While the bee with honied thigh, That her flowery work doth sing….

While Emily Dickenson (American poet 1830–1886) got it wrong.

His feet are shod with gauze, His helmet is of gold; His breast, a single onyx With chrysoprase, inlaid….

Beautiful Melting Moments Kathy Knowles

Helping Hands

Butter cream filling 30g butter, softened 20g Kremalta, melted ½ cup icing sugar ½ tsp strawberry essence ½ tsp raspberry essence Preheat oven to moderately slow 160 °C .

BY HOWIE C. THINGS

Line a tray with baking paper.

Oldilocks settled back in his chair and accepted a cup of tea and a gingernut, with a happy sigh. “This type of action is the embodiment of our friendly village, Howie”, he mused, staring at his biscuit.

“Er, are you referring to the gingernut?”

I enquired, wondering where my old pal’s odd remark had sprung from, and how it applied to the item in his hand.

“Howie, I’m endeavouring to embark on a sensible conversation,” he sighed.

“I apologise,” I responded meekly.

“Please continue.”

He shot me a further warning look, then continued...

“It happened in the village, Howie. A situation that reminded me of an old song...

I love those dear hearts and gentle people, who live in my home town, because those dear hearts and gentle people...”

“Will never ever let you down!” I chimed.

“Yes, I remember the words of that song, but the tune was a little, um, unusual. So how did that old song spring to your mind, and how does it apply to Ōtaki village and the present time?” I queried.

“People look out for each other.

I witnessed an example recently.

There was a woman experiencing a medical event, in the main street. Before I had a chance to think what to do, a man stepped forward to help. It made me proud of the type of people we have here in this town. It impressed me so much I was tempted to compose a rhyme.”

“Can I hear it?” I asked eagerly.

Then he cleared his throat and recited...

“I witnessed an occasion that deserved a decoration.

When her legs began to crumble, it looked likely she might tumble.

He assessed the situation and immediately took action, thus preventing her from harm with a strong and steady arm...

So they wobbled down the street where he quickly found a seat so the wobbly lass could rest and restore her normal zest.

Once safe and firmly seated the revival was completed by the Thursday Cobbler troupe who supplied some tasty soup.

And that act is a reflection of a township with connection.” Ōtaki – a community of friendliness and unity!

Combine sifted flours and custard powder.

200g butter, softened ⅓ cup icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup plain flour ⅓ cup cornflour ¼ cup custard powder

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter, icing sugar and vanilla together until creamy.

Stir in the combined sifted flours and custard powder in 2 batches.

Roll heap teaspoons into balls, place on tray 2cm apart, gently press down with a fork.

Bake 12–15 minutes (depending on your oven) until firm to touch.

Cool on tray.

Butter cream filling In a small bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter, kremalta and icing sugar together until pale.

Beat in essences, the colour should be light pink. Add more essence if needed.

Sandwich together with the butter cream.

Tips The kremalta helps the filling to set firm so it is not too soft, but you can replace this with butter.

Raspberry essence gives the filling a beautiful flavour and pink colour. You can use more, depending on how pink you want it.

Strawberry essence is a clear colour and also adds a beautiful flavour.

I entered these Melting Moments into the Home Industries Section of the Horowhenua AP & I show in January 2021 and they won Supreme Champion Exhibit in the Cooking Section — I was so surprised.

I had about 60 entries in the baking, jams, pickles and knitting in the Home Industries Section. I take a week off work to do a lot of my entries. It's a challenge which I enjoy very much.

21

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Media Muse Speaker Trev tweets to share the news that public submissions are now being called for the International Treaty Examination of the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime.

Trevor Mallard, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, urges his followers to tell the Justice Committee what they think by Sunday 20 June.”

Crikey! That’s tomorrow. Better get A into G. Cybercrime is fairly complicated.

I’ll need to bone up on it, get A into Google. So much to do, so little time.

I’m only halfway through reading the user agreement on my software management app which I need to log into my password auto-encryptor, access my Real Me doodad and retrieve the fourdigit code to share with my Netflix account and unlock it.

Still, it’s worth making the effort to be ultra-safe on the internet if it helps to stop money-laundering outfits like the Titoki Embroiderers Guild sending bitcoin to Al qaeda.

“The committee is specifically interested,” Trev blathers on, “in the public’s views on the National Interest Analysis (linked below) and proposed legislative changes outlined in the analysis.”

More on that National Interest Analysis (NIA) in a moment.

Before I click on that link I get a notification on the top right-hand corner of the screen. An email’s come in with important Cocid-19 vaccination information. I’ve been waiting for this.

Over 65 with a dodgy ticker, I’ve been jab-ready since being classified as a Stage 3 vunnable and pushed to the front of the vaccination queue. But there’s a hitch. being over 65 I am, automatically, also over 60. Our Lady Jacinda is now saying they’ll get round to the over 60s at the end of July, not today or tomorrow as I was expecting as an over-65 with a dodgy ticker.

Considering her global reputation as an empathetic leader with a university degree in communications, Our Lady Jacinda’s strayed more than a little off-message on Covid vaccinations.

“They are us” – top marks for empathy.

“Team of five million” – A+ for leadership. “Get your jab now or maybe later” – not so flash.

Meantime, the mobility scooter is fully charged and I’m standing-by ready to scramble when the balloon goes up and the siren sounds for the off.

I’m really only on the computer to find out about the cricket and write about the shouting in the evenings. I need to know: Did the World Championship match between New Zealand and India go ahead last night? I try the news websites which, it must be admitted right off the bat, all reported that the singer Lorde’s would be embarking on her first tour in five years and the sporting triumph of a New Zealander being the first ever transgender athelete to go for Olympic glory by medalling in, of all things, weightlifting.

Stuff is usually the best website for breaking news. Nah, nothing about the cricket but I click on “Crash on SH1 near Paraparaumu cleared from southbound lane” because I’m just up the road. That accident happened two days ago, the report on it joining the zombie web alongside requests to “friend” dead people on Facebook. One journalist I know has now got more Facebook friends dead than he had when he was up and about.

On to the Herald’s website. Nah, but got sucked into “Watch: Family’s horror at twins’ shock baby move.” Don’t ask.

The number one most popular story on One News is Our Lady Jacinda reporting that her fiancee Clarke Gayford spent more time on baking a cake for their daughter’s third birthday than on their wedding plans. What???

Finally, RNZ. Their big news was “Pop chart launched for te reo Maori songs”.

Of no interest to me, not because I don’t speak Maori but because I went right off pop music after the shock elimination of Belarus from the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. To my mind, TEO (Yuriy Vashchuk) summited the pinnacle of pop with “Cheescake”.

“I don't wanna be your toy perhaps today, I’m not gonna be your boyfriend, It's too late, I look over all the Google maps trying to escape, ‘Cause I’m tired of your sweet cheesecake.”

Oo-ooo-oo, Ee-ee-ee, I don’t wanna, I’m not gonna be your boy.”

Also on RNZ’s website, there was an invitation to watch a video of a movie review that would have been better on the radio. I was interested, though, in a story headlined “The rise of cybercrime and NZ's fragmented response”. But I didn’t have the time or the inclination to read a 3000-word essay about it off a screen.

They say crime doesn’t pay but cybercrime can be a good earner if you hook up with the increasing numbers of organisations fighting it. According to the RNZ website, we have 13 government agencies and four ministers including the police involved in different aspects of cybercrime reporting, fighting and security. There are also several non-governmental organisations providing education, advice and reporting services for cybercrimes and incidents.

There’s plenty of work available for the budding cybercop in detecting and eliminating copyright infringements, computer-related fraud, child pornography, network security violations and crimes where evidence is stored electronically, including terrorism, homicides, serious assaults, sexual assaults, frauds, and child exploitation.

Europe is where bureaucracy is like rising damp. The Council of Europe is a breeding ground for regulations and rules, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international treaty organisations and conventions on conventions. Its Convention on Cybercrime, aka the Budapest Convention, is an international treaty on the internet and computer crime. In existence since 2004, it has 65 members, predominantly from Europe. New Zealand has until Thursday 8 July to sign up. The Government is keen. Its National Interest Analysis lists many benefits – it will keep us in the loop as more treaties are written and regulations promulgated.

It will “ensure New Zealand contributes to and benefits from the collective battle against cybercrime, ultimately making New Zealand’s digital environment safer for its citizens.”

The only disadvantage listed in the NIA is the annual sub of $15,000. It would seem to be a no-brainer. Alongside the $685 million to build a new Auckland Harbour bridge for cycists and pedestrians, it is peanuts. Does the

By Manakau’s Tom Frewen

Government really need my thoughts on this?

It’s not interested in my views on the television and the radio, oh no. Nearly three months now and still no call from the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee for public submissions on its Inquiry into the Review of Radio New Zealand’s Charter.

The Government is clearly worried that public hearings could boil over when people open up about how they really feel about Lisa Owen on Checkpoint.

Admittedly it’s only anecdotal but many people have confessed to me that they shout at the radio and television.

All over the world people watch television and listen to radio but in New Zealand we shout at them. Typical spit-flecked epithets range from “Shut Up, Let Them Answer”, “Don’t Be Stupid”, and “Speak English” to, in one shameful episode involving a particularly loathsome bald sports administrator, “Die You Bastard!”

NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION KAPITI COAST DISTRICT COUNCIL ŌTAKI COMMUNITY BOARD

By Manakau’s Tom Frewen

As a result of the resignation of a community board member, an extraordinary vacancy has occurred in the Ōtaki Community Board of the Kapiti Coast District Council.

Under section 120 of the Local Electoral Act 2001, notice is given that on Wednesday 15 September 2021, a byelection will be held under the single transferable voting electoral system by postal vote for one member of the Ōtaki Community Board.

Nominations Candidates must be nominated on an appropriate nomination paper obtainable during normal business hours from Tuesday 22 June 2021 from: - Kapiti Coast District Council offices, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu; - Paraparaumu Library, 9 Iver Trask Place, Paraparaumu; - the Ōtaki Service Centre/ Library, 81-83 Main Street, Ōtaki; - by phoning Council’s call centre on 04 296 4700 or 0800 486 486 - www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/ byelection Nominations of candidates must be in the hands of the electoral officer or an electoral official at the Council Offices, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu no later than 12 noon, Tuesday 20 July 2021.

Each nomination must be accompanied by a deposit of $200 GST inclusive (payable by bank transfer, cash or eftpos).

A candidate may submit a photo and a candidate profile statement with their nomination paper for inclusion with the voting document being sent to electors. An attachment to the nomination paper outlines

rules and procedures governing candidate profile statements and photos.

Electoral Roll The electoral roll to be used for this by-election closes on Tuesday 20 July 2021 and can be inspected during normal business hours from Tuesday 22 June 2021 at the abovementioned locations.

Enrolment for inclusion on the Residential Electoral Roll is conducted through the Electoral Commission.

Applications for enrolment should be made through your local postal agency, by accessing www.vote.nz or by phoning 0800 367 656.

Enrolment for inclusion on the Ratepayer Electoral Roll is conducted by contacting the electoral officer of the Kapiti Coast District Council. Applications for enrolment can be made on the prescribed form available from the Kapiti Coast District Council or by phoning 0800 486 486.

Following closure of the roll, the electoral officer may, on application of any person who is or claims to be entitled to be enrolled or any other person or otherwise, make any necessary corrections to the names, addresses, abbreviations, or marks appearing in the electoral roll.

Dated at Paraparaumu, 22 June 2021 Katrina Shieffelbein, Electoral Officer for Kapiti Coast District Council Email: katrina.shieffelbein@kapiticoast.govt.nz

Phone 0800 486 486

�

J-(ARVEY BOWLE�

FUNERAL SERVICES --

1 n c. HOR�WHENUA

CREMATORIUM

Knownfor Excellence.

Trustedfor Value.

• Our company has been serving the families of our district for 98years • Chapels in Levin, Shannon and Otaki • Cemetry Memorials • We own and operate Horowhenua Crematoriam • Large variety of Caskets and Urns

22

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Ōtaki College Hall of Fame Inductees 2021

Peter Housiaux – Citation

It was at College that Peter earned the nickname of FISH asked by Johnny Northern to dispose of a failed scientific experiment involving fermented fish Peter was told to dispose of the bucket but not to take the lid off it, in true Peter fashion, he failed to follow instruction, took the lid off and instantly was met with the smell of months old fish, dry- retching to the end of the field the laugher of the teachers could be heard. Leaving College with no formal qualifications he worked on a local farm until he moved into an apprenticeship as a fitter welder at Willis Brothers in Otaki.

Though school wasn’t really his thing, Peter was able to commit to things when necessary, he joined the Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club in 1971 and gained his surf lifeguard award in 1973 at aged 13(and despite the fact that you had to be 14 to qualify). Pete has been on the committee 42 years, an Instructor and competitor for 25 years during which time he won Otaki’s first gold medal at the National championships in a four man canoe team. Since then he has picked up silver and bronze medals in canoe teams he has also coached. Peter competed in board, ski, and ironman events and was known for giving his guts in competition so often that at the end of ironman races officials would quietly dig a hole in the sand for him ten metres past the finish flags.

Pete and Ann-Marie formed a formidable team and coached and managed a group of around 20 members through nippers (7-13 years old) to lifeguard competitions with great success over a period of 10 years. Pete always pushed the kids, and the parents, taking them into the surf on many occasions to test their nerve and stamina. They loved it.

Pete was also active at District and Regional levels and was Coach and Team Manager of various representative teams.

He was a Lifeguard Examiner for 6 years and an IRB Examiner 12 years.

Pete is a great mentor and is always

willing to help young lifeguards as they learn the serious business of saving lives.

He is an old head in the club now but has the knack of being in the right place at the right time and did a solo rescue just last year. He is highly regarded by his peers and has been recognised by a Life Membership of Otaki Club, Western Districts Association, and Central Regional area.

The early 1980s were a time for change, Peter moved to New Plymouth to work as a Fitter Welder, and furthered his education. Always looking for new challenges Peter also enrolled in the Territorial Army where he trained in the Infantry and worked his way to being a Corporal. Travelling and working with the Army in both NZ and Fiji was where Peter discovered his passion for working with people and training them to work to their full potential.

It was around this time that Peter met Ann-Marie, being in his mid twenties he had to make some decisions in life, being offered a trial with the army as an Officer, or set himself up with his own contracting company. Ann-Marie and Peter set up Mobile Engineering Ltd, travelling to and from Wellington, with Ann-Marie as Peters part-time Laborer, moving into concrete repair and decorative concrete, Peter’s hard work, determination and flair for thinking outside of the box came to the fore, and the company became Concrete Doctors in 1988 and Company that has grown and now employs 24 staff members.

Now married to Ann-Marie, Peter and Ann-Marie felt the time was right to have children, they were lucky enough to have a son Josh and 2 years later their daughter Jordan. Following in the Housiaux tradition both Josh and Jordie attended Otaki Kindergarten, Waitohu School and then eventually Otaki College before they both went off to future study. Being hands on parents they made a conscientious effort to always be involved in what their children were doing, help where required and to give assistance in all ways practical to ensure that the community that they grew up in would be a great place to live and grow.

Being a founding member of the Otaki Canoe Club in the early 80s, of which he is now a life member, Peter went on to share his kayaking and in particular Canoe Polo Skills with many 100s of kayakers. He has coached on a regional, national and International level, taking Otaki College and Open Teams to New Zealand Titles, Regional Teams to New Zealand Titles, he also has represented NZ at International Competition. The peak of his career was

Jackie Sutton – Citation

to help honour Jackie.

Jackie was a diligent student who worked hard and did well at College. The next step was nursing training at Wellington Hospital. It was live-in training in those times and there are stories about the stern matrons who were looking after their young charges. Nursing wasn’t something that ran in the family and the Peter’s weren’t initially keen on Jackie entering this field. It was however something she was passionate about and was always going to do – “I have loved it from the very first day.”

Enjoyment of her chosen field and hard work combined for good results. After three years of training in 1967 Jackie was awarded the Florence Nightingale award for graduating top of her nurse training intake. She worked a year following as a staff nurse in Wellington Hospital where fellow future Ōtaki nurse Borgia Hakaraia was a theatre Sister.

Travelling with three close nursing

friends, Jackie took a year off to do an OE trip.Aside from nursing agency work in London, the group spent most of their time travelling across central and southern Europe. This was the start of a continued love of travel for Jackie.

Returning home to her beloved Ōtaki she began working at Ōtaki Medical Centre as it was then on the corner of Aotaki and Rangatira Streets. Practice nurses were a new development at that time and Jackie was delighted to later see Borgia return to Ōtaki to work at the medical centre.

Jackie married Ralph in 1969 and moved to the family dairy farm and they later moved onto their own farm in Te Horo.

It was a close-knit community at a time when farming families would help each other in kind with work such as hay and silage making. At Te Horo School Jackie was an active volunteer with other parents and enjoyed helping out with all sorts of activities. The family moved to Ōtaki in the early 1990s.

Peter has lived his whole life in Otaki.

The first born and only son of Maxine Lowe and John Housiaux, who themselves came from well known Otaki Families. Maxine’s father Tom Lowe was the Station Master at the Otaki Railway Station for many years and John’s father, Laurie was Otaki’s first known ambulance officer and later went on to establish a civil contracting company Housiaux Contracting with his son Richard. Many years later, Peter would follow in the Housiaux tradition and set up his own contracting Company – Construction Systems, which would later become Concrete Doctors Ltd. Growing up and attending both Otaki and Waitohu Primary Schools, it was a natural progression that Peters intermediate/ secondary school years would be at Otaki College, He attended (or was enrolled) until 1977 when he officially left at the age of 17.

Academics and study were not a strong point of Peters, being a lad that preferred the great outdoors, wide open spaces, and the call of the sea, he left college with only a 41 percent passmark in woodwork, math’s, english and geography barely making the mid 20s.

Peter was often missing in action from school. Rumour has it that the then Deputy Principal Johnny Northern would give his car keys to his son Peter and tell him to “take the car, as the surf must be good because Housiaux is not at school today”. Peter fondly remembers his time at College for the many pranks that he and his mates used to get up to, those were the days when making explosive in science, tinkering with the teachers motor vehicles (without their knowledge of course), swapping the spark plug leads on the caretakers tractor, was a regular occurrence. He will say he was very good at hiding his misdemeanors, but on the occasions that he was caught, a swift belt or two with the cane, would slow him down until he was next caught.

Jackie Sutton has followed her passion and immensely enjoyed serving her multi-cultural community and the health sector.

Jackie has been in the Ōtaki community for almost all of her life. She was born close by in Levin, the daughter of Ian and Irene Peter. The family soon after moved to Ōtaki where Ian and Irene developed a well-known general carrier family business that delivered wood and coal and carted hay before expanding to provide many other services.

Jackie and her four siblings went to the local Ōtaki primary school. She went to high school at Ōtaki College and her first year as a student was the second year ofthis very newly founded college.

The Peter’s are a close-kit supportive family. Jackie has strong bonds with her siblings Lyn, Carol, Graeme and Kate.

They have remained close wherever they are now located, and they are here tonight

coaching the NZPaddle Ferns to the 2016 World Championships in Italy and winning the Gold Medal and World Title.

He has twice been awarded the New Zealand Coach of the year and been awarded the prestigious NZ Canoe Polo Associations Medal Award for his contribution to the sport.

Still being an active member of the Otaki Surf Life Saving Club and the Otaki Canoe Club, Peter is a current Wellington /Palmerston North Marine Search and Rescue Call Out Squad, he also spent many years as a Land Based Search and Rescue Member. Along the way, Peter has qualified as a Helicopter Pilot, having to sit Principals of Flight, meteorological, law and navigation exams, not bad for the 16 year old who scored a 16 percent fail in School Cert Geography and only managed slightly better in english and maths.

Today, Peter and Concrete Doctors are sought out by artists and architects for their decorative work, and have been referenced as the concrete repair experts on the TV show Grand Designs New Zealand. As Peter observes “people come to us when they have concrete problems they can’t solve”. Despite working all around New Zealand, Peter and Annemarie choose to keeptheir base in Otaki, where they recruit local people and use local contractors where possible.

Building Concrete Doctors Limited into the successful company it has become.

Alongside the business, Peter has a strong sense of community, participating and supporting many community groups and organisations over the past few years, including for the past 10 years offering a Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Leadership and a financial scholarship at the Otaki College Senior prize giving.

Peter was made a member of the Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellowship in appreciation of his assistance for better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. He was inducted into the Kapiti Horowhenua Business Hall of Fame in 2017. He has also been twice awarded the Coach of the Year at the Kapiti Sports Awards and also Sportsperson of the Year.

Peter is here, surrounded by a lot of people that know him, they know he is a humble man, a man that is very uncomfortable talking about himself, and a man that hates attention. He leads by example and will always treat others as he expects to be treated. He is a role model to those that don’t believe they have the skills to achieve great things, a great community leader that does make Otaki a great place to be. He is a worthy recipient of the XOtaki Alumni Hall of Fame.

23

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Ōtaki College News June 2021

www.otakicollege.school.nz

From the Principal Andy Fraser Te Pūtahi Nui a Hau – XŌtaki College Alumni Trust Hall of Fame

On 12 June, after a number of failed attempts due to COVID, the XŌtaki Alumni Trust were able to finally induct two new members into Te Pūtahi Nui a Hau – the XŌtaki College Alumni Trust Hall of Fame.

It was an honour and a pleasure to see the work of Jackie Sutton, QSM, and Peter Housiaux recognised at the induction.

Jackie Sutton (née Peter) came top of her nursing training intake at Wellington hospital in the late 1960’s. Since that time she has worked tirelessly for the local community as a health professional.

Jackie worked for the Ōtaki Medical Centre for 49 years and has cared for generations of local families. She worked both as a practice nurse and as a District Nurse, building high levels of trust, respect and understanding within the community. She also volunteered as a palliative care worker at nights and weekends, finding it hugely rewarding to be able to assist in providing patients and their families with comfort and dignity at the end of life.

In 2002 Jackie was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for public services.

Although she officially retired in 2018, Jackie continues to be involved in a raft of volunteer services, including, most recently, Cobwebs, Friends of the River, the Rotunda Restoration and the Ōtaki Women’s Network.

Peter Housiaux has been an active member of the Ōtaki community throughout his life. He has shared his skills as a surf lifesaver, kayaker and canoe polo player with hundreds of young people. Peter has served on the Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club for 45 years and was a competitor and instructor for 25 of those.

He was a founding member of the Ōtaki Canoe Club in the early 80s, has coached at local, national and international levels, and is now a Life Member. Peter is a current member of the Wellington/ Palmerston North Marine Search and Rescue Call Out Squad and he also spent many years as a Land Based Search and Rescue Member.

Jackie Sutton continued

Ralph has supported Jackie in many endeavours and activities. Jackie is an awesome mother to Debs, Rachel and Barrie, who may sometimes be recognised as “Jackie’s daughter or son” which shows the genuine affection that goes with Jackie locally. She is a super Nana to two grandchildren that adore her. Jackie also has enjoyed good relationships with her extended Sutton family.

While Jackie has put in a lot of effort into local health, she is the first to say she was lucky to be part of a great team of health professionals that combined to serve the local community. Health and teamwork go together and she stands here today along with what has also been done by many doctors, nurses and frontline staff.

Among many valued colleagues at Ōtaki Medical Centre delivering family centred health care, the late “Aunty” Borgia, the late Barrie Bayston, and Margaret Baystonhave been long-term relationships and friendships. More recently Dr John Sprunt and Dr Bert Lombard have continued the level of care and also expanded the services offered through a purpose built renovation of the facility.

49 years working at Ōtaki Medical Centre

Peter is also a successful businessman, setting up his company, the Concrete Doctors, in 1988. He has developed the business to the point where it is recognised as a national leader in concrete repairs. He was inducted into the Kāpiti Horowhenua Business Hall of Fame in 2017.

Read Jackie and Peter’s full citations on Page 22.

Visit to German Embassy

Opening of Ngā Pito e Whā

On Saturday 19 June we had the formal opening of our all-weather facility that has been constructed to allow students to stay warm and dry during the winter and sit in the shade during the summer. The XŌtaki Alumni, led by Chairperson Max Lutz, have again played a key role in the fundraising and organisation needed to bring this project to fruition. The formal opening was led on behalf of Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki by Rawiri Rikihana, College Kaumatua, and Matua Ricki Baker, who outlined the thought behind the name given to this whārau (shelter). Matua Ricki explained that the whārau will become a central point of connectivity for both junior and senior students, hence the beginning of the name – Ngā Pito. Ngā Pito is a central point for feeding a child in the womb during pregnancy and this whārau is next to our wharekai, a feeding point of our tamariki at College, nā te taha tinana.

E whā is representative of the body of students within the College now being from all corners of Aotearoa and the globe. Nō reira tātou mā, kei a koutou ētehi atu whakaaro, homai koa.

Following the blessing and opening Max Lutz was able to outline the history of the project and thank the many volunteers that made the project possible. It is heartening to see the ongoing support that we have from our community to continue to build the College into a space and place that our young people and community can be proud of.

Second Afterlife, written by Ralph McCubbin. Although this has been with a limited number in the audience, who are socially distanced, I have to say that I, along with 58 other members of the audience, thoroughly enjoyed the opening night on Wednesday 23 June. A highly talented young group of actors and dancers were able to send a powerful message around the safe use of the internet and social media. This was ably supported by the technical crew of sound and lighting. A huge thank you to Tamsin Dashfield-Speight who has led the development of this production, supported

by Joanna Devane, cast and crew.

Over the last three years we have built up a strong relationship with the German Embassy through their attendance at the SS Otaki Commemoration Service which also acknowledges the role of the merchant navy in theatres of war.

As a result of this, Ambassador Krawielicki hosted our Head Boy, Donald Hall, Head Girl, Krisha Modi, and Larissa Haeussler, our last remaining German International student, at the German Embassy in Wellington. The students were able to engage in conversation with the German Ambassador, who took the opportunity to outline his role in New Zealand and Pacific politics.

We found this to be a really interesting and informative conversation over morning tea. At the conclusion of this, Jürgen Settje, First Secretary and Head of Administration, hosted us for lunch in Wellington before taking us for a tour of the Goethe Institut. This was a fantastic day and has led on to looking at the possible extension of the Everiss Scholar tour to Scotland into Germany.

Ōtaki College Production: Second Afterlife

Despite our concerns around the COVID announcement, a decision was made to go ahead with our production of

Principal Andy Fraser, Krisha Modi, Larissa Haeussler, Ambassador Krawielicki, Donald Hall

has meant Jackie has helped care for generations of local families. Jackie has built up a high level of trust, respect and understanding that made her effective in her work, but this is also something she values highly as a person who likes to help others. She also appreciates her relationship with all the cultures that make up the Ōtaki community.

Jackie’s other great love was District Nursing and getting out to patients at home out in the community. She did this for 22 years doing alternate weekends and relieving alongside her practice nurse work. During this time she undertook specialist training with Mary Potter Hospice for providing palliative care. As well as in District Nursing, Jackie provided palliative care as a volunteer at nights and during weekends. She found it was very rewarding to be able to assist patients and their families to help provide comfort and dignity at the end of life.

A continued interest in the prevention and treatment of diabetes has stayed with Jackie, as this insidious disease is affecting more and more people in Aoteroa.

Jackie enjoyed working on a project finding individuals who could be affected by malignant hyperthermia. This vital

work was started by Dr Neil Pollock and the reaction this condition has to general anesthesia can be fatal if it goes undetected.Local families are safer now they have been tested and aware of any affected whanau members.

In 2002, Jackie was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for public services.

This day and the ceremony with Dame Silvia Cartwright presenting the honours is a treasured memory for the family.

They are grateful for Jackie’s efforts being recognised and the nomination by members of her much loved Ōtaki medical community.

Jackie has been involved with an enthusiastic committee of hard-working volunteers for the Ōtaki College reunions and has enjoyed being part of these successful events. She has also managed to fit in being a committed tramper and has done almost every major track in NZ with a group of friends. Jackie is also known to be highly competitive at Scrabble.

At the end of February 2018, Jackie “retired” from working – but those who know her, know this was no retirement as such. Recent community activities have included: Cobwebs, Friends of the Otaki River, Rotunda Restoration, and Ōtaki

Women’s Network. Ōtaki’s beautiful beach is another love of Jackie’s and she is often found out there.Jackie is also a keen gardener and a very handy floral artist. As well as often taking flowers to friends and others, often in times of need, Jackie has at times done church flowers.

Those who know Jackie will know her genuine love of people and the way she can readily relate to and help anyone in need. She also has a tireless energy and a calm head in times of challenge and crisis. Jackie feels incredibly fortunate to have been able to do what she wanted in pursuing nursing and doing this in Ōtaki.

She loves the practical side of this vocation and working in a team in the community.

Jackie is a person who has given much to others but also has received much satisfaction in return. She is a highly competent and compassionate medical professional but also a hard-working and highly trusted community member and confidant. Jackie is an example of what Ōtaki College’s ex-students can achieve in many ways, and also what can be contributed back to this wonderful local community.

24

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Otaki Community Board

BY MARGARET ANDREWS The Otaki Community Board’s met on 15 June. Chair Christine Papps announced that Board member Stephen Carkeek had resigned, and a bi-election to be held at a later date.

Public Speaking With 14 grant applications to be heard and nine people registering to speak, Ms Papps stated all speakers would have just two minutes to put their case forward “… or we’ll be here all night.”

Te Roto Road to Otaki River pathway: The pathway from Te Roto Road through Ashford Park to Winstones Lakes to the Otaki River is under fire again.

Following a number of speakers at the February meeting, the then “new” path had been designated walkers and cyclists and horses only on the original path. After that meeting, Winstones swapped path uses, putting the horses onto the “new” path beside the horse paddock.

Members of the Community Liaison Group and a number of horse riders from the community attended the 15 June meeting and all spoke to the Board of their angst at the changes on the dual pathway, stating putting horse and pony riders on the path next to the horse paddock made them dangerously close to the Ashford Park horses, and several incidents were spoken about, including one resulting in a rider receiving a dislocated knee from a horse kicking through the fence.

Angela Taylor read a written submission from an equestrian, saying the track, was too narrow “… with people riding next to the horse paddock – the young get skittish making it dangerous for path users … the paths should be swapped back with the horse track to the outer side”.

Another speaker said she rode her horse on the track the first time it was ok, but next time, beside the paddock was very frightening. Another felt the old track was fine and “everybody used it ... the new not so good”. Two speakers suggested pulling out the middle fence and have one wide pathway, with three suggesting council makes a paper road through the council owned area. Ms Papps reminded those present there was a strong representation from walkers and cyclists when the track was first changed in January.

Funding Applications: As this was the final meeting of the financial year all funds were available for allocation, this included $14,173.80 unspent from the 2019/20 financial year through cancellation of events due to Covid19, giving a total of $23,923.63 for distribution. All applications were considered.

Community Grant Applications: Otaki Scout Group was approved $500 towards purchase of the new training programme manuals for both leaders and members. Brent Bythell spoke to the application.

Otaki Boating Club was approved $4000 towards upgrading the clubs tractor. Trevor Hunter, speaking to the application said the tractor was used for a lot of vehicles rescues from the beach.

Friends of the Otaki Rotunda was approved $4000 towards costs of restoring memorabilia, particular photographs from the Children’s Health Camp. Di Buchan, speaking to the application said they were holding a book sale in the Memorial Hall on 14 August and hoped to be able to purchase an event flag, also costs of hall hire and advertising expenses.

“We feel on a really solid path now,” she said of the early stages of restoration of the rotunda.

Otaki Volunteer Fire Brigade was granted $2800 to purchase a training “rescue dummy”. Fire chief Ian King, speaking to the application said “we don’t use people in vehicles” for car crash rescue training or other events. He noted the brigade has served Otaki region for 103 years and attended 1028 incidents in last 12 months, a 50 per cent increase on previous years.

Otaki Primary School was approved $500 towards the cost of the hangi and school wide events and senior sleep over for Matariki celebrations. Teacher Yvonne Tahere spoke to the application.

Te Kakano to te Kura Kohanga Reo was granted $1000 towards costs of a new playground for the children, the current outdoor area is unsafe, particularly for children with physical disabilities. Parent, Josh Housiaux, said they had to keep children indoors at times for safety.

Sporting Activity Fund: Special Olympics Kapiti was granted $500 to assist with costs of 12 Kapiti Special Olympians to attend their Olympics in Auckland in December, five athletes are from Otaki, and Rachael Maxwell was accompanied by two athletes to the meeting.

Otaki Bowling Club was granted $500 to purchase a new vacuum cleaner for the clubrooms. Speaker Neal Tunnicliffe said the club had 400 bowls and pentanque members, in all age groups across the generations.

Building and Resource Consents: Kapiti Chorale was granted $300 to assist with hall hire for weekly rehearsals. Irene McShane spoke to the application saying there are 12 choir members in the Otaki-Te Horo area.

Three applications held over from May 4 meeting were granted funds Cobblers Soup Lunch was granted $1000 towards hire of the Gertrude Atmore Supper Room.

Vacancy: Community Representative for Grants Allocation Subcommittee Exciting news!!

• • •

Are you passionate about arts in the Kāpiti community?

Would you like to help decide who receive funding for Creative Communities Scheme arts projects?

Are you able to attend two meetings each year?

Land Matters was approved $4000 towards costs of supporting a development strategy to identify a suitable off-road mountain bike route linking Paraparaumu and Waikanae to Otaki.

Otaki College received $4200 towards costs of creating artworks in the all-weather turf area.

Kāpiti Coast District Council has a vacancy on our Creative Communities Scheme selection committee. This could be you!

The principal aims of the Creative Communities Scheme are to: • • •

Provide creative opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in local arts activities.

Support the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities; and Enable young people under 18 to engage with and actively participate in the arts.

In Kāpiti, we also have a strong focus on Ngā Toi Māori and resilience in the arts community.

The Committee meets twice a year to consider applications, in September and March/April.

The preferred applicant, once appointed by Council, will be inducted into their role, and remunerated for attendance at meetings.

Applicants should provide a CV and cover letter, outlining their knowledge, skills and expertise relating to the local Kāpiti community, including local events, community activities and arts activities, together with two letters of endorsement.

We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information on the Creative Communities Grants Scheme, please visit: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/services/a-z-council-services-and-facilities/grants-fundingand-awards/creative-communities-scheme/ For further details please contact Grayson Rowse on (04) 296 4700.

Post applications to: Grayson Rowse Democracy Services Advisor People and Partnerships Group Kāpiti Coast District Council Private Bag 60601 PARAPARAUMU 5254

BE NATURE-INSPIRED ON KĀPITI ISLAND! Day tours or overnight kiwi spotting tours Fantastic birdlife Incredible bush & coastal walks Cabins & luxury tents

Or email applications to: Grayson.rowse@kapiticoast.govt.nz The deadline for applications is 12 noon Friday 16 July 2021.

TO BOOK: PB 60601 Paraparaumu | Ph 04 296 4700 | Fx 04 296 4830 | www.kapiticoast.govt.nz

0800 527 484

KINT Forest & Bird Advert Resize Nov 2020 132 x 93.indd 1

kapitiisland.com

18/11/20 7:09 PM

25

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Kia ora from the Ōtaki Public Library – Te Wharepukapuka o Ōtaki

Reviewed by Tiriata

The abundant garden: a practical guide to growing a regenerative home garden

by Niva & Yotam Niva Niva and Yotam Kay of Pakaraka Permaculture, share their long experience of organic gardening in this comprehensive book on how to create and maintain a productive, regenerative garden. Taking care of the soil life and fertility provides plants with what they need to thrive. This is grounded in the latest scientific research on soil health, ecological and regenerative practices.

Vegetable gardening, in this way, repeatedly demonstrates that every loved garden bed can produce high-yielding, resilient, nourishing and delicious vegetables year after year. The Abundant Garden has simple, reliable strategies and techniques to help maximise your ability to feed yourself and share with those around you. There are also helpful charts to help you plan and plant your garden year-round. In addition there are details on how to grow microgreens, and great recipes for ferments, preserves and pickles to stock the pantry.

Ash Mountain

The Charmed Wife

by Helen Fitzgerald

by Olga Grushin

Tikanga : living with the traditions of te ao Māori

Single-mother Fran thought she’d never return to Ash Mountain but her dad has become ill, her relationship is over, and she hates her dead-end job in the city anyway. In a blistering summer, childhood memories prick at her fragile self-esteem as old friendships and rivalries are renewed and new ones forged. But the tumult of her home life is the least of her worries, because a bushfire is roaring towards Ash Mountain and the town’s long-held secrets will soon be exposed in the carnage. Ash Mountain is a uniquely Australian domestic noir – warm, blackly funny and a powder keg of accumulated tension. Vividly portraying small-town life, and a woman and a land in crisis, this is a disaster thriller you will never forget.

A heartbreaking, nail-biting disaster-noir thriller from Helen Fitzgerald – the bestselling author of The Cry and Worst Case Scenario.

Cinderella married the man of her dreams – the perfect ending she deserved after diligently following all the fairy-tale rules. Yet now, two children and thirteenand-a-half years later, things have gone badly wrong. One night, she sneaks out of the palace to get help from the Witch who, for a price, offers love potions to disgruntled housewives. But as the old hag flings the last ingredients into the cauldron, Cinderella doesn’t ask for a love spell to win back her Prince Charming. Instead, she wants him dead.

Endlessly surprising and wildly inventive, The Charmed Wife is a sophisticated literary fairy tale for the twenty-first century that weaves together time and place, fantasy and reality, to conjure a world unlike any other. Nothing in it is quite what it seems, and the twists and turns of its magical, dark, swiftly shifting paths take us deep into the heart of romance, marriage and the very nature of storytelling.

Following on from their bestseller, Life as a Casketeer, Francis and Kaiora Tipene share how they bring the traditional values of tikanga Māori into day-to-day living, what they know about whānau, mahi and manaakitanga.

Known for their warm hearts, grace and humour, the stars of the wildly popular series The Casketeers show how the traditions of tikanga shapes their lives juggling five sons, three businesses and a television show – all while sustaining a life filled with joy and connection.

“This book is not meant to be the last word on anything. It is meant to be a starting point for all those whose interest in te reo Māori and tikanga has been inspired by what they have seen and read about our work and our lives. Our greatest wish is that it will encourage people to learn more about and share in our culture.”

by Francis Tipene

Letting the cat out of the bag Animals can be so much more than just companions, pests or meat sources.

They can be of invaluable help to us humans, fulfilling certain tasks much more efficiently than we ever could.

Dogs probably are the species of working animals most of us are familiar with.

You see them as police, security dogs and detection dogs, but also helping with hunting and herding sheep and cattle.

Some play an important part as guidedogs for people with medical and mental disabilities.

But many other species can assist us humans.

Cats can help with vermin and pest control, hunting down rodents. But that is not all.

Newer studies also link pet cats to improved health in humans. Just by being around them and their purrs our blood pressure lowers and our mental health improves.

Or have you heard of a horse in France who visits hospital patients regularly and always seems to know which patient is most in need of some horse cuddles to help them through the day.

Other uses for the larger animals, like horses, donkeys, oxen and even elephants include pulling carts and dragging logs in the forestry industry, in places heavy machinery is unable to reach.

Birds of prey have got an undeniable place in pigeon control, mainly in larger cities. Trained falcons and hawks scare the pigeons away from certain areas and keep those spaces pigeon and pigeon dirt free.

Dolphins and sea lions find use in helping mark mines at sea and budgies even today still are used in underground mines to detect gas leaks before humans do.

Even some of the so called pests in NZ can help with certain tasks. For instance

trained ferrets get sent into rabbit burrows to help with their eradication.

And not long ago a rat called “Magawa” made world news headlines by retiring after several years of service in land mine detecting in Cambodia. These rats get bred and trained specifically for this purpose as they are small and light enough to not trigger the mines if they

walk on them. They can also cover a tennis court sized area within 20 minutes, much faster than any human could.

These are just some of the many examples of how animals help us humans in everyday life all over the world.

Let’s not forget and give something back by treating them with the respect they deserve.

Ōtaki Vets

269 Mill Road 364 6941 364 7089

contact@otakivets.co.nz www.otakivets.com Come and meet our friendly team

26

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Handy folk to know Health Womens Health 364 6367 AA 0800 229 6757 364 6883 Arthritis St John Health Shuttle 0800 589 630 Cancer Support 06 367 8065 Stroke support 021 962 366 Plunket 364 7261 St Vincent de Paul21 1026 74188 Helplines Mental Health Crisis 0800 653 357 Depression helpline 0800 111 757 0800 611 116 Healthline Lifeline 0800 543 354 Samaritans 0800 727 666 Victim Support 0800 842 846 0800 376 633 Youthline Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 Community Citizens Advice 364 8664 Budgeting 364 6579 Foodbank 364 0051 Menzshed 364 8303 364 8754 Community Club Timebank 362 6313 Birthright 364 5558 Cobwebs 021 160 2710 Community Patrol 027 230 8836 364 6464 Amicus Pottery 364 8053 Mainly Music 364 7099 Genealogy 364 7263 Bridge 364 7771 364 6886 Museum Historical 364 6543 Let’s Sing 364 8731 Ōtaki Players 364 6491 RSA 364 6221 06 927 9010 Rotary Lions 027 2591 6369 FOTOR 364 8918 Transition Towns 364 5573 Waitohu Stream Care 364 0641 364 6140 Energise Ōtaki 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

Auto Central Auto Services 368 2037 Otaki Collision Repairs 364 7495 SRS Auto Engineering 364 3322 Electrician Sparky Tom 027 699 3743 Concrete Work Bevan Concrete

Rasmac Contractors

0800 427522

0274 443 041

Rest Homes Ocean View 364 7399 Enliven 0508 365483 Computers TechMan 022 315 7018 Sports Clubs To come, (when you let us know!)

Storage

Otaki 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 otakicr@gmail.com

Tuesday – Friday 10 – 4pm Saturday 10 – 1pm

MAIN ROAD SOUTH, LEVIN FULL DIESEL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

All C.O.F. Work Transport & General Engineering Tel: 06/368 2037 or 06/368 1591 (24hrs)

www.otakicollisionrepairs.co.nz

currently needing kitchen ware and bric-a-brac

Window & Door Repairs

I fix all Doors, Windows & Conservatories

Locks * Rollers Handles * Stays Glass * Leaks Draughts * Seals

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

For all Kerbing, Paving, Floors, Drives, Paths and Concrete Work FREE QUOTES Phone Nathan Howell 027 554 0003

Ryan Plumbing & Gas 027 243 6451

Simon Taylor: Owner/Manager 3 Arthur St, Otaki Ph 06 36 47495

Main Street

K.S. McFadyen & I.J. Buckley Ltd

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 364 9301 General Inquiries 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

• • • • • • • • • • •

Cobwebs Op-Shop

CENTRAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Ōtaki Churches welcome you

ANGLICAN

Ōtaki Anglican Rev Simon and Rev Jessica Falconer 47 Te Rauparaha Street 364 7099 office@otakianglican.nz Every second Sunday in Te Horo at St Margaret’s at 10am Every other Sunday at Ōtaki at All Saints at 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 Baptist Whakarongotai marae, Waikanae Tel: 364 8540 -2nd Sunday11.30, Cnr Te Manuao Road/SH1 Levin Ngatokowaru Marae 10am service Hokio Beach Road Presbyterian 4th Sunday 11am Rev. Peter L. Jackson CATHOLIC Tel: 364 6346 Ōtaki St Mary’s “Pukekaraka” 249 Mill Rd, Ōtaki 4 Convent Road Worship: 11am Weekend Mass Cafe Church: Sunday Mass 10am 2nd Sunday, 10.45am 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

27

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

Hartley Electrical Contracting Ltd

Plumbing Gasfitting

Otaki

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

Roofing

Mobile: 021 418 751 After hours: 06 364 2070 Email: hartleyelectrical@gmail.com

.

TPM Secure T Plus

Manakau

Call us for all your • Key cutting, sales of padlocks, lock boxes and trailer locks • Locks purchases and fitting Commercial and residential • Have all your locks keyed to one key, Restricted key profiles available • Safes – sales and maintenance, commercial and residential • Auto keys, spare keys, remote car keys, garage remotes

Shop Hours: 8am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday Phone: 0800 TPM KEY - (0800 876 539) Email: office@tpmkeys.co.nz

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

Phone Sam Whitt NOW

Otalu SHUTTLE SERVICE

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

28

Ōtaki Mail – July 2021

On a day that certainly didn’t feel very ‘tropical’, 22 of our bravest clubbies (special mention should be made of our youngest participant – Willow Grattan, 6 yrs) donned their most inspired tropical-themed gear for the annual midwinter swim. Best dressed went to Ray Lenaghan who stunned all with his beauty and poise as hula girl, clad simply in a coconut shell bra, grass skirt and luscious locks.

This is a dedicated family, son Shea Lenaghan won the ‘exposure’ prize for managing to stay in the water for the longest period of time.

It’s always a fun, family event that included a shared afternoon tea and some other spot prizes.

We’re excited to be hosting the next Wāhine on Water Event, scheduled to take place on Sunday 27th June at 10am. Wāhine on Water is an initiative formed by four lifeguards Phoebe Havill, Julia Conway, Phil Pirie and Paul Hardy, as part of their BP Leaders For Life programme run by Surf Life Saving New Zealand in 2019. These young volunteers began exploring ways to get more female lifeguards keen and confident to crew and drive IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats). Fifty per cent of surf lifeguards are female, yet only 28 per cent of our IRB drivers are female. This is something the group wanted to address through pairing less experienced lifeguards with an experienced female IRB mentor. The intention of the networking day is to give women an opportunity to expand their boat experience, in a supported and relaxed environment. The event is targeted at women from any club in the Central Region who would like to enjoy a fun day in an IRB, learning tips on driving and crewing from some of the best women IRB drivers in the region.

In other news, thanks to recent government funding, we are able to complete long overdue repairs to our gear-shed roof. The gear-shed houses some of our most important life-saving equipment so this is an essential project. We are pleased that local builder M & H Builders is the main contractor undertaking this urgent project for us beginning early July. Our gear will be relocated temporarily while the work is in progress, and we can guarantee our community that this work will not impede our ability to act in an emergency.

Five Titans qualify for champs Five Titans Swimming Club members qualified for the Swim Wellington Short Course Age Group championship due to be held at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre.

The five are Riley Cohen, Nevaeh Gardner, Giorgio Bevan, Samantha Baillie and Kupa Gardner.

This will be the first time Samantha has entered a regional championship and she has qualified for 10 events over the weekend.

Each swimmer has their individual strength stroke: Riley the 50m 100m and 200m butterfly, Nevaeh backstroke and freesytle, Giorgio the individual medley and butterfly, Samantha freestyle and breaststroke, and Kupa backstroke and freestyle.

The club held its annual general meeting at the end of May. Even though the Titans are one of the smallest clubs “we are still winning medals, making good times and continuing to improve on our techniques, speed and stamina to challenge the next age level in and around the water,” the Head Coach Seuga Frost said in her report to the meeting.

Officers elected at the meeting are: President, Kylie Gardner; Secretary, Carla Lingnau; Treasurer, Kylie Cohen; Race Secretary, Kerry Bevan; Delegates, Nathan Basillie and Hapi Nikora; Head Coach, Seuga Frost; Learn-to-swim Coach, Stacey Faith; and Junior Coach, Kokoro Frost.

Tough Guy Girl Challenge Once again locals Kylie Plunket and Paul Carlyon have sponsored a group of Otaki College students to participate in the Junior Tough Guy Girl Challenge.

This year’s course, with complimentary mud, was at the Massey University Sports Ground in Palmerston North.

Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Clubbies braving the elements at the 2021 mid-winter swim.

Our Otaki tough guys and girls were, from left, Sammy Crewther, Libby Crewther, Cam Carlyon, Giorgio Bevan, Kaylis Peneha, Eddy Vidulich, Bijou Austin, Mauatua Edwards, Darby Doyle, and Mauatua Edwards.

OM Basketball league growing

REGISTER YOUR DOG REGISTER YOUR DOG REGISTER YOUR DOG

BY 2 AUGUST BY 2 AUGUST

It's time to turn those blue tags red!

It's time to turn those blue tags red!

Dogtime registration for 2021/22 is now It's to turn those blue tags red!open.

Dog registration for 2021/22 is now open.

Dog registration for 2021/22 is now open.

You can register online, or at any of our Council service You can register online, or at any of our Council service centres.

You can register online, or at any of our Council service centres. centres.

Register Register at: at: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/dogs www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/dogs Register at: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/dogs Due to the growth and popularity of basketball locally, Raukawa Basketball has started its own kids academy sessions every weekend this term.

The academy has drawn a registration of roughly 50 kids for the programme, and also includes a session completely in te reo Māori, says coach Paxman Taurima.

Raukawa Basketball hope to provide these sessions throughout the year right up to NZ Māori Basketball Nationals in January 2022.

The local men’s league has also started this term, and this year with a new league sponsor, and local business, the Concrete Doctors.

“With the help of Concrete Doctors sponsorship we have been able to provide

an affordable and good quality league for the best local premier men’s players from Levin, Ōtaki, and Kapiti,” says Paxman.

“The league has seven teams, and currently a tight battle at the top of the table between teams from all three towns.

“Other local sponsors who have come on board are the Whakaaro Factory, who have sponsored next term’s Whānau Mixed Basketball League, and All Area Scaffolding, who have sponsored our Kids Miniball League that is run in Term Four.

“Local businesses making our local leagues affordable for everyone, as well as grants from Sport NZ – Tu Manawa to help keep our local communities active.”

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.