Ōtaki Mail, March 2023

Squid, whales, dogs, eagles and even pigs take flight

BY PENNY GAYLOR

The 10th anniversary of the Ōtaki Kite Festival was bigger than ever, and hugely popular with locals and visitors.

Organiser Kirsty Doyle says the 2023 festival, held 18–19 February, was the biggest one ever with an estimated 28,000 people visiting Ōtaki Beach over the weekend.

“Spectacular weather saw kite-flyers from all over New Zealand attend, as well as some internationals,” says Kirsty.

“Zeal provided their sound stage for the weekend and a number of local bands – Gold Dust Woman, Taiko drummers (pictured bottom right) and Tui Soul – were our lead acts.

“Food trucks and market stalls had a wonderful weekend with many selling out.

“Local real estate agency Kelly and Co very generously sponsored our Big Dig (pictured bottom left) with four bikes, plus helmets, t-shirts and ice-pops given away.

“The Surf Lifesaving Club provided use of the building, beach buggy and provided first aid for the weekend.

“RiverStone Café provided lunches for the kite-flyers, and Ōtaki New World donated water and thank-you gifts for volunteers.

“The Kite festival wouldn't take place without ongoing funding from the KCDC Major Events Fund.”

Kirsty showed KCDC Mayor Janet Holborow around the event, highlighting the value of the Council’s support of the event and the enormous efforts of local volunteers and organisations to ensure the event was a unique and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors.

Kirsty gave a really big thank-you to all the volunteers, over the weekend, and especially the wonderful committee of six people who work all year to pull this festival together.

“Oh, and of course the Ōtaki people who embrace this annual event and make it their own.”

Barbara Franks again lead the team for rubbish management of the event.

Ōtaki College Manukura students, under the leadership of Jonah Pritchard, looked after traffic management to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Mayor's column page 8

Pre-season netball page 3

Te Wānanga o Raukawa page 14

Surf Club deployed to cyclone recovery page 24

Selling now!

Open homes this week

Situated right next to the beautiful Prouse Bush, this meticulously designed development offers retirees the very best in retirement living in Levin.

The spacious brick and tile villas are modern, warm and comfortable.

Boasting Lifemark 4 accessibility features, villas include an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, conservatory, two bedroom, large bathroom, second toilet, and internal access garage.

Open homes at 36 Prouse Street, Levin

Wednesdays 10am – 12pm • Saturdays 1pm – 3pm

Reevedon Village a caring and carefree home for George and Rosalie

The long-awaited show home at Levin War Veterans is open and ready to view. Village sales agents Murray and Sue Woodley say they are excited to show people the show home and everything the village has to offer.

“The villas are brand new, the location is sunny and flat, and it’s close to Levin town centre – so shops, cafes, and community facilities are all close by.”

The two-bedroom villas are modern and spacious, fully insulated, and have a conservatory and a single internal garage.

The 12 stage-one villas at Levin War Veterans Village are in the final stages of completion and are on sale now. The village will eventually feature 59 villas and sits right next to Prouse Bush Reserve, with stunning views of the Tararua Range.

The villas also have independent Lifemark 4 accreditation, which means they have been designed to be usable by people over their lifetime without the need for major adaptations.

Dogs and cats are welcome, as are garden pots for flowers or shrubs, to really make the villas feel like home.

A community centre will also be built at the village, giving residents a place to socialise and take part in various events and activities.

If there comes a time when extra support is needed, Enliven’s neighbouring Levin War Veterans Home will offer additional services such as meals, laundry, and short-term respite and health recovery care.

Open homes are being held at 36 Prouse Street every Wednesday 10am-12pm and Saturday 1pm-3pm. Alternatively, call sales agents Sue and Murray Woodley on 06 349 1409 or 027 243 3657 to arrange another time to view.

Come along to the Levin War Veterans Village open home every Wednesday and Saturday

Get quality advice when buying a business

BY FLEUR HOBSON

An opportunity you have been looking for is now on the table. You’ve been wanting to become your own boss, and a business you love the look of is now on the market. You have heard that it is important to undertake a “due diligence” evaluation before you put in an offer.

The question you have, though, is how do you go about this?

The best first two steps to take are to seek advice from both a good lawyer and a good accountant.

Lawyers can provide good advice on a range of things you need to look at when buying a business.

They can help with leases, contracts the business you are looking to buy has, your responsibility under various laws, making sure the person selling you the business does not start up again just down the road and whether the business assets you are taking over are legally owned by the seller. And those are just five issues your lawyer will be able to help you with.

An accountant will be able to help you with the financial aspects of the business, including such things as what the business is worth, cash flow, tax and other money matters.

You will need to do a bit of digging, with the help of your lawyer and account, so you can establish what the business is worth to you.

One very good way to get a handle on some of the questions is to talk to customers. Find out what they think – what the business is doing well, and what it could do better.

Talking to any suppliers can also provide useful information. As well as finding out what they think about the business, you can also learn about their future plans.

It’s always a very good idea to check out the competition. How well are they doing, compared with the business you are looking at buying.

This is all part of the process called “due diligence”.

As well as talking to customers and suppliers and checking out the competition, you will need to talk with your accountant and lawyer to cover other due diligence investigations.

For example, talk to your lawyer about the

contracts the business has. What are the terms of the contracts? What contracts will be signed over to you and what contracts will you have to renegotiate?

If you will be hiring existing employees it will pay for your lawyer to check their employment contracts, and for your lawyer to make a check of the business purchase contract to make sure it is clear whether or not you are taking on existing leave and sick leave entitlements.

It is important to ascertain what the business you are buying owns, and any leases it has. Again, it is a very good idea for your lawyer to check any leases. With leases, it is

Sponsored content

Sponsored content

important to check the lease terms, including the rent, the length of time left on the lease, and any rights of renewal.

Another question to check is whether there are any pending legal disputes and, if so, to discuss this with your lawyer.

Buying a business is complex, but then so is running a business, so it is worthwhile going through the due diligence process. In doing so you will significantly increase your chances making the move a success.

If you are looking to buy a business, we are happy to advise you. Contact Fleur, Susie or Freya at Hobson Mills Law, 364 7190, 282 Mill Road – opposite Farmlands.

Exceptional netball tournament hosted by Te Wānanga o Raukawa

BY FRANK NEILL

This year’s pre-season netball tournament saw people in their thousands flock to Ngā Purapura to see the six ANZ Premiership teams in action.

Hosted by Te Wānanga o Raukawa (TWOR), the tournament was run over three days – from Friday 17 February to Sunday 19 February – at Ngā Purapura.

There is seating for 600 spectators at Ngā Purapura, and the weekend saw a number of full houses.

The tournament went “exceptionally well,”

TWOR’s Tumuaki (Chief Executive Officer)

Dr Mereana Selby says.

After having been cancelled for the last two years because of Covid-19 “we are very happy to see the teams back again,” Dr Selby says.

TWOR was also “very happy to provide this sport event at Ōtaki.

“We are very happy to share our language and culture and we are very pleased with

people’s engagement with that.

“It has really embraced the Te Wānanga o Raukawa kaupapa and culture.”

Over the weekend the total number of people attracted to the tournament was “in the thousands. Parking has been a challenge,” Dr Selby says.

The six teams that took part in the tournament were: Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse; MG Northern Mystics; Robin Hood Stars; Splice Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic;

Trident Home Tactix; and Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel.

The Tactix emerged as a team to beat in the upcoming ANZ Netball Premiership when they finished the weekend undefeated, scoring four wins.

The Southern Steel was not far behind the Tactix, however, losing just one game and winning four.

The Mystics won three games and the Pulse, Stars and Magic won one game each.

above: Silver Ferns star defender Kelly Jury in action for the Pulse

below: Ōtaki netball player Te Paea Selby-Rickett scoring another goal for the Tactix in their 52-36 win over the Magic

above: Silver Fern Bailey Mes in scoring mode during TWOR’s pre-season tournament

planning/organising its clean-up. Just being in the company of others in a similar situation is often helpful.

Within the Hub there is a small amount of equipment, including a VHF radio in case communication networks such as phone and internet have been affected. The radio will allow communities to communicate with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) run by Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC).

There are no supplies, food, water or blankets stored at Hubs. This is because the community is full of beds and bedding, and pantries are stocked with food, sufficient to get through the first week of an emergency. Our community can gather the things it

needs at the time by working together.

Te Horo Country Market

Te Horo’s community market is on Sunday 5 March, 10.00am to 1.00pm at Te Horo Hall. There is a huge range of locally produced goods and local harvests of seasonal fruit and veggies on offer. You’ll find award-winning organic Totara Tunnel extra virgin olive oil, honey, preserves and natural skincare, arts and crafts, and much more.

Drinks and Nibbles

Enjoy balmy summer evenings at the monthly neighbourhood Drinks and Nibbles, Friday 3 March, 5.30pm at Te Horo Hall. BYO drink and finger-food to share. All welcome.

BY VIVIENNE BAILEY

Te Horo Community Emergency Hub

We’ve had our fair share of cyclones, flooding and earthquakes recently, but the Te Horo community is well served with the Community Emergency Hub – located at 76 School Road, the Te Horo Community Hall – a place to go to until wider services are available.

There are 127 Hubs across the Wellington region, based either at community facilities such as halls, or schools. Opening responsibility is given to keyholders living in the local area.

A Community Emergency Hub is defined by Civil Defence/Wellington Region

Emergency Management Office (WREMO) as “a place where you and your neighbours can go to help each other in a major emergency such as a serious earthquake.” During a disaster many official services will be stretched to the point where they must prioritise the most urgent callouts so, once you have checked on your household and neighbours, you and your family can head to the School Road Hub.

Community members run a Hub without official assistance. It is essentially a gathering place for neighbours to help one another in a coordinated way, including sharing skills, resources, information about what is happening in your community and

Ōtaki artist raising funds for cyclone victims

BY FRANK NEILL

crowd. The two were just 12 years old at the time.

Heavily influenced by Motown musicians, Tui performs very powerfully and with significant soulfulness.

Her new release “In The Game" is an inspirational song about never giving up, no matter the odds.

It speaks to the strength of the human spirit.

The song encourages its listeners to keep pushing forward and never lose sight of their dreams and goals, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.

Through its powerful lyrics and soulful performance by Miss Tui Soul, the song is a reminder that no matter how challenging the circumstances, we can still strive to make the world a better place together.

The release of “In the Game” follows

Miss Tui Soul’s first single, “Hear Me”, which was released on 2 December 2022. People buying “In the Game” will be making a contribution that “will help those affected [by Cyclone Gabrielle] and provide much-needed support,” Legacy Foundation says.

“Every bit helps, and with your help, we can make a difference in

Ōtaki recording artist Miss Tui Soul has just released a song and all the proceeds from its sale will go to help people affected by the Cyclone Gabrielle disaster.

Her new song “In the Game” was released on 17 February by Legacy Foundation, an Auckland-based digital creative, music and entertainment company.

Although she records songs under the name Miss Tui Soul, Tui-Eilish TahereKatene is her real name.

The 16-year-old is a name to watch out for, as the many Ōtaki people who have seen her perform over the years will attest.

Tui has been performing in the town from a young age.

One of her big performances was at the 2019 Ōtaki Kite Festival, when she and James Stent sang together, impressing the

left: Ōtaki singer Miss Tui Soul, whose latest release will help people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

OVER THE FENCE CUPPA

QUALITY-DRIVEN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING SPECIALISTS

ASBESTOS REMOVAL AND COMPLIANCE SPECIALISTS

has provided

trustworthy, experienced, reliable and qualified service on the Kāpiti

15 years and will continue to do so into the future.

Measles

BY ANN CHAPMAN

Measles is a serious illness, and the Ministry of Health has just advised that it’s here in Aotearoa New Zealand again. It is an acute viral respiratory illness, characterized by a fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, conjunctivitis, followed by a rash. The rash usually appears about 14 days after a person is exposed. It is highly contagious.

Although the case is in Auckland, there have been multiple exposure occasions and contact tracing is now underway, it is best to be alert to the symptoms as it spreads very quickly.

Te Whatu Ora spokesperson Dr Nick Chamberlain, Director, National Public Health Service says, ‘Measles is a very serious illness that spreads very quickly. It is much more contagious than COVID-19, particularly amongst people who aren’t immune.’

If you catch measles you're infectious four days before and until four days after the rash appears which explains why it rapidly spreads to the unvaccinated. Vaccination is

critical to contain the spread, and is the best protection we have.

People are considered immune if they have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had a measles illness previously, or were born before 1969.

If you are unsure if you are immune and may have been exposed, you should talk to your doctor or phone Healthline. Symptoms normally take 7–14 days to develop after being exposed to someone with measles. If you are immunocompromised and have concerns that you may be a contact or were at any of the below exposure events, please contact Healthline or your doctor/GP.

If you have symptoms and need to visit your GP or an after-hours clinic phone ahead first to limit the risk of the virus being spread to other people.

The MMR vaccine is free. If you or anyone in your whānau born after 1969 has not had an MMR vaccine, or aren't sure, ask your GP, parent or caregiver.

This year, the Māoriland Film Festival (MFF) celebrates a decade of Indigenous storytelling in Aotearoa and presents the largest showcase in the festival’s history.

For the tenth anniversary, MFF will present over 140 short and feature films from 150 Indigenous Nations across five days (15th - 19th March 2023) in Ōtaki.

MFF director Libby Hakaraia says the ten-year anniversary coincides with the festival becoming the largest international Indigenous film festival in the world.

“This year’s festival marks a milestone for Indigenous storytelling in Aotearoa. ‘Mā mua e kē anō ai mā muri – We look to the past so the future may be different’ is a fitting theme for our 2023 programme” says Libby.

“We started the Māoriland Film Festival in 2014 as a small whānau group of filmmakers, lawnmower contractors and a healthsciences graduate as a platform for Indigenous film and filmmakers. Since then it has presented over 2,000 Indigenous films, hosted hundreds of national and international filmmakers and brought more than double the population of Ōtaki to watch films over the 5 days (12,000+ people). “

“We have built the MFF with our community to become a must attend event for Indigenous filmmakers from all over the world, as well as for festival directors and industry professionals. It’s gratifying to have them tell us that Māoriland is culturally unique, relevant and memorable.”

In addition to an extensive film programme, the MFF2023 features the 10th anniversary of the E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Awards, VR, XR, AR, and Gaming technology, screen industry events, NATIVE Minds lecture series hosted by Tainui Stephens, stunning exhibitions at the Toi Matarau gallery and the carving of the Māoriland pou (posts) by Te Matatoki carvers, the 2023 Māoriland artists in residence.

2023 programme

The 2023 MFF programme is the largest yet, featuring more than 140 films from 150 Indigenous nations.

The full programme can be found on the Māoriland website. There’s something for everyone in the MFF2023 line up, with both short and long form drama spanning from the humorous to the supernatural, sci fi, historical and more.

For opening the festival, there will be a screening of the spectacular Hawaiian film Ka Pō, a powerful drama that takes place in the beautiful, rugged wildness of Kauai, about a young woman who finds herself again after escaping an abusive relationship and meth addiction. Māori producer, Chelsea Winstanley was closely involved in Ka Pō

Documentary lovers will be able to revel in the story of celebrated Turtle Island activist musician

Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On from Ojibwe, Saulteux director Madison Thomas, while A Boy Called

Piano: The Story of Fa'amoana John Luafutu is the impactful story of Fa'amoana's time as a state ward in the 1960’s.

Bones of Crows is an epic account of the life of Cree matriarch Aline Spears which spans generations and is a powerful indictment of the abuse of Indigenous peoples as well as a stirring story of resilience and resistance.

Set in Nova Scotia, Wildhood is the debut feature of two-spirit non-binary director Bretten Hannam, which follows two boys as they flee their abusive dad and embark upon a quest. In a warm and intimate observational film from Iran, Destiny shows the story of a young woman caught between traditional gender roles and her desire for self-determination, volleyball, and Instagram.

A film about family, love, and misfits, ROSIE tells the story of a young, orphaned, Indigenous girl who is forced to live with her reluctant, street-smart Aunty Fred. Rosie transforms the lives of Fred and her best friends, finding love, acceptance, and a true HOME with her new chosen family of glittering outsiders. This joyful film will have audiences laughing, dancing and crying in their seats.

For horror buffs, the closing night film presented by NYU’s Office Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation, Slash/Back is an Inuit sci-fi horror that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. Set in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, a group of teenage girls discover an alien invasion threatening their hometown.. Slash/Back is the debut feature film from multi-talented director, Nyla Innuksuk, creator of Marvel Comics first Inuit Superhero, Snowguard.

Additionally, there are more than 111 short films programmed at this year’s MFF, spanning 17 screening sessions with films from Indigenous storytellers across the globe.

Māoriland Film Festival 2023 will take place from 15 to 19 March 2023 in Ōtaki. Tickets will be available via iticket.co.nz and at the Māoriland Hub from mid-February. mff.maorilandfilm.co.nz @maorilandfilm

Programme Details:

● 141 works in total

● 152 Indigenous nations

● 16 feature films

● 117 shor t films

● 8 VR & Imme rsive Works

● 44 N ew Zealand titles

Keynote Speaker

Celebrating a decade of Indigenous storytelling, Libby Hakaraia will be giving the Māoriland Keynote Address at Rangiātea Church showing excerpts from the films that Māoriland Films of the 1920’s created in Ōtaki as well as some of the films that have inspired her in her 30+ years in the industry. Libby will also share the Māoriland vision for the future including capacity building with rangatahi.

Past Māoriland keynote speakers are Tainui Stephens, Lawrence Makoare, Larry Parr, Julian and Mabelle Dennison, Rawiri Paratene, Heperi and Awatea Mita, Temuera Morrison, Rena Owen and Waihoroi Shortland.

ETW 10 years

Māoriland also celebrates 10 years of collaboration with E Tū Whānau (ETW) for the annual Rangatahi Film Awards held during the MFF. The ETW Rangatahi Film Awards recognise filmmakers aged 12-25 from all over Aotearoa who have created films throughout the year at Māoriland’s rangatahi-led workshops. Over the past ten years the programme has made over 100 films with over 2,000 rangatahi across New Zealand - many are now working in the screen industry including at Māoriland Film Festival.

M.A.T.C.H

The Māoriland Tech Creative Hub is a training and creative space for rangatahi to upskill and unleash their creative potential using software and digital tools. Animation, graphic design, game development, VR, XR – MATCH aims to pathway rangatahi Māori into highvalue jobs in the rapidly growing tech creative industries.

This year’s M.A.T.C.H Exhibition will showcase new work from M.A.T.C.H graduates alongside an exhilarating exhibition of Indigenous digital creativity.

VR Experience, “This Is Not A Ceremony” by Niitsitapi writer and director Ahnahktsipiitaa (Colin Van Loon) takes the viewer beyond the veil of traditional media and transports them directly into another realm, where past, present and future are one; where colonial rules and assumptions are forgotten; and where we can finally get to the truth of the matter. Visually stunning and wholly immersive, Ahnahktsipiitaa shows the potential of cinematic VR.

Valley of the Rougarou, from Metis director Jordan Waunch - An ominous mixed reality surivival game in which players must navigate through a dark forest, unravelling clues in hopes of escaping the Valley before they are caught by the Rougarou stalking them.

Games, Mikiwam: Solarpunk Herbalism (Keara and Caeleigh Lightning from Samson Cree Nation (Nehiyaw)), Set in a post-colonial fantasy world a herbalist’s apprentice serves magic elemental teas to influence a colourful cast of characters and AlterNative from Kanaka Maoli director Pohaikealoha Panoke - This point-and-click game of affirmations and vocal poetry combines 4 inputs from 4 indigenous artists on the different seasons of life. Click around the canvas to find different affirmations and uncover the 4 poetic dialogues as you ponder your own season of life.

TICKETS ON SALE FEB 2023 www.iticket.co.nz | 0508 iTicket Or visit the Māoriland Hub 68 Main Street, Ōtaki

He Tekau ng ā Tau • THE TENTH

Mayor Janet Holborow's report

It’s been a great month for Ōtaki, with the Ōtaki Kite Festival drawing record crowds, and the ongoing benefits of the new expressway including the launch of the expressway sculptures.

The Ōtaki Kite Festival is now an established event, not just for locals but for the wider region. It was gratifying, if somewhat amusing, to see media articles pitching the event as a Wellington one, as it remains so firmly Ōtaki.

The event is incredibly run by only a handful of locals, and the Surf Lifesaving Club and local businesses are instrumental in its success. The crowds took advantage of the fine weather, bringing picnics or enjoying the food on offer and the quality line-up of entertainment.

One thing that always strikes me at this festival is the relaxed atmosphere and range of ages and people enjoying the event. Whether visiting briefly for the spectacle of the kites, or making a day of it with a enjoying the beach, everyone has their own way of enjoying the festival.

Events like this bring people into the region, and bring benefits to local businesses – not just on the day, but also highlighting and promoting Ōtaki as a place to visit, shop, eat and enjoy.

As they approach Ōtaki, they may spot the expressway sculptures that are a culmination of years of lobbying, conversation and commitment by local representatives, iwi, the project team, designers and many others.

The sculptures, designed by Piri-Hira Tukapua and Rupene Waaka, represent Rongo, the god of peace and tranquility; Tū, the god of war and mankind; and Niho Mango, representing the strength and determination of local hapu and iwi, with links to their Tupuna. Te Ara Manawa (the heart line) depicts the waters of Ōtaki, and the mana of the river.

The sculpture also represents the three waterways of Ōtaki: Waitohu, Mangapouri and Ōtaki. The forms are also influenced by the kō – a traditional māori cultivation tool. The circle where they meet reflects the crisscross influence of the wheels of progress, from stagecoach to railways; mills to modern motors; that have shaped this community, its people and their place. Like any piece of art, many will have different interpretations and reactions. To me, their form is elegant and reaches to the sky while being connected with the earth, and the form is fluid like flowing water. I so enjoy seeing them each time I enter or leave Ōtaki, and thank the many who’ve

been involved in making them happen. Coming up next is Māoriland Film Festival. I always look forward to seeing a selection of films and talks, and always come away

with a richer understanding of the diversity of people inhabiting our planet. All the best to the Māoriland team for another successful and educational festival.

Local government a key part of the resource managment system

BY MAYOR JANET HOLBOROW

There’s no doubt that New Zealand’s natural environment is under significant pressure. Across the country, water quality and biodiversity are in decline, climate change is increasing the amount and severity of our weather events, and our population has grown by 1.5 million over the last three decades.

In Kāpiti, coastal erosion is a very real concern, we’re learning to live with more water, our population is expected to grow by 32,000 people over the next 30 years, and central government has required us to intensify our housing.

The country’s current resource management system has been in place since 1991, with incremental changes made almost annually ever since. Reform is very much needed to address the issues of today and those of tomorrow. Central government began a review in 2018, with their Panel concluding the Resource Management Act (RMA) should be replaced with new legalisation. Importantly, the new legislation should not add complexity, and should retain local voice and influence.

The RMA, amongst other things, considers how the environment should be protected and sustainably managed, and sets out how the consenting and building system works. Central government provides national direction which councils deliver at a local level. This currently translates into mechanisms such as our District Plan which, through consultation with our community, determines our desired enviromental outcomes and puts rules in place to determine things such as land use, water takes, and subdivisions.

The Act is at times cumbersome and complex and the reforms seek to address this however, it’s not clear that the proposed Natural and Built Environment Bill (the main replacement for the RMA) and the Spatial Planning Bill will improve efficiency and effectiveness in the system.

There’s a lot to unravel in these draft legalisations but, just like Government’s other reforms, we’ve not been given much time to do so. This has been frustrating and difficult for local authorities given not just the size of the material to wade through, the raft of reforms in front of us and determining how they integrate with one another, but because they have a significant impact on local democracy and community voice.

There’s no doubt that New Zealand’s natural environment is under significant pressure. Across the country, water quality and biodiversity are in decline, climate change is increasing the amount and severity of our weather events, and our population has grown by 1.5 million over the last three decades.

In Kāpiti, coastal erosion is a very real concern, we’re learning to live with more water, our population is expected to grow by 32,000 people over the next 30 years, and central government has required us to intensify our housing.

The country’s current resource management system has been in place since 1991, with incremental changes made almost annually ever since. Reform is very much needed to address the issues of today and those of tomorrow. Central government began a review in 2018, with their Panel concluding the Resource Management Act (RMA) should be replaced with new legalisation. Importantly, the new legislation should not add complexity, and should retain local voice and influence.

The RMA, amongst other things, considers how the environment should be protected and sustainably managed, and sets out how the consenting and building system works. Central government provides national direction which councils deliver at a local level. This currently translates into mechanisms such as our District Plan which, through consultation with our community, determines our desired enviromental outcomes and puts rules in place to determine things such as land use, water takes, and subdivisions.

The Act is at times cumbersome and complex and the reforms seek to address this however, it’s not clear that the proposed Natural and Built Environment Bill (the main replacement for the RMA) and the Spatial Planning Bill will improve efficiency and effectiveness in the system.

There’s a lot to unravel in these draft legalisations but, just like Government’s other reforms, we’ve not been given much time to do so. This has been frustrating and difficult for local authorities given not just the size of the material to wade through, the raft of reforms in front of us and determining how they integrate with one another, but because they have a significant impact on local democracy and community voice.

Benefits the reform’s overall objectives will provide are easy to see, including the move to an outcomes-based approach to resource management and setting environmental limits. This provides a clear future-focus and one which seeks to ensure environmental bottom lines are maintained and, if implemented well, result in an overall improvement in the health of our environment.

However, the Bills don’t do enough to retain local democratic input in resource management processes. The role of councils would be diminished in the proposed system which consists of direction being set through a new National Planning Framework and local delivery determined by a Regional Planning Committee. There is slim detail on how this would reasonably work in practice – I have been left with more questions than answers after reading the proposed changes.

Local government has and needs to continue to have a key role in the system. Yet, alongside representatives from our neighbouring council counterparts, and iwi/ hapū and central government representatives, we’ll only be allowed one representative on our region’s planning committee. These committee members will be empowered to make decisions without any specific authority from their appointing body or council, yet they’ll be shaping and determining how Kāpiti will grow, adapt, and change through a Regional Spatial Strategy and Natural and Built Environment Plan that will replace council’s District Plan. Multiple plans will be tied into one allencompassing plan. While conceptually this makes sense, one large plan across the entire region will be time consuming and costly to build, and very likely difficult to engage with, particular at an individual or local level. There’s no clarity around steps we could take if Council disagreed with the plan even though there’ll be an increased workload at our end to contribute to its development. The transition period could take years, during which there would be a high level of complexity and uncertainty. Councils will then be obliged to resource, rate for, and implement the regional committee’s mandated decisions, without discussing it with our community first and with little influence other than local outcome statements. This gap between decision-

making and implementation is problematic. There is nothing more obvious than the recent devastating emergency events to highlight that one size does not fit all. Questions are being asked about where housing has been built and whether infrastructure has kept at pace with developments. Districts have different growth projections, geographical features, natural hazard risks, and diverse communities that need local solutions. It’s difficult to see how we can “enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities”, as per the Local Government Act, when consultation and planning at a local level is removed.

We need to see accountability between central government, regional planning committees, councils, and their communities written into the proposed legalisation. The timing of this reform and the Review into the Future for Local Government and Three Waters reform have not been aligned, yet they could have far-reaching implications for councils and communities across Aotearoa. Engagement on these reforms has often been hurried and hasn’t allowed sufficient time for us to discuss the proposals with our communities or iwi partners. Local expertise and voice have not had a platform to inform or shape the way forward. These reforms are being delivered at pace, due in some part to the three-year government term. Not just the current government, but previous ones, have introduced legislation under urgency, bypassing or rushing consultative processes. The local government sector has indicated a preference for a four-year term which is one way this issue could be addressed. High-speed legislative processes do not produce quality legislation. The risk is much higher when the legislation in question is intended to create fundamental system change yet local government, who will deliver the system on the ground, has not had enough opportunity to feed into the development phase.

While these are just some of my thoughts on the resource management reform and I encourage you to read Kāpiti Coast District Council’s full submission available on the Council website.

Mayor Janet Holborow with Ōtaki Kite Festival Project Manager Kirsty Doyle (left) and at the ceremony marking the installation of the two Ōtaki expressway sculptures (right)

Out and about with Shell

SHELLY WARWICK – OTAKI WARD COUNCILLOR

Well, Sunny Ōtaki really lived up to its name over the Kite Festival weekend with beautiful sunny Saturday and Sunday, which saw thousands of people come to Ōtaki to enjoy our hospitality, our beautiful coast and a wonderful family-friendly event. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped make this event happen for the people of Ōtaki and our visitors. I was at

the Surf Lifesaving Club tent helping the young lifeguards with the fundraising for the Ōtaki club. The Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club is one of the many local groups who get to benefit from the festival.

One of the issues that has come up time and again at the Kite Festival, and generally by locals, is the state of the pavilion toilets.

This has been put to Council many times,

but issues with the designation of the land on which the pavilion sits has hampered progress. However, money was set aside in the Long-Term Plan for some work to improve and upgrade the facilities. In the first half of the year scoping for the upgrade will go out to tender. When scoping is finished and contracts awarded, upgrade work will begin in about July. This will be fantastic for our community and those who visit Ōtaki Beach. This summer seems to have been particularly busy at our beach – maybe a result of the Expressway and the ease of getting in and out of Ōtaki – so nicer facilities will be a bonus.

While we have had reasonable weather, many around New Zealand have had to endure horrendous weather events resulting in terrible loss and damage. It is the New Zealand spirit that has so many helping our fellow Kiwis in so many ways and it is a little surreal to

be so close and yet so distant from it. Unaffected neighboring councils around NZ have been allocated a Council in areas affected by Cyclone Gabrielle to help, and our Council has been given Whangarei District Council to assist. I’m sure our Council staff will do all they can to help out in every way possible. The disaster that has hit these areas is a timely reminder that we need to have a plan for our little town and, in fact, the Ōtaki Community Board had already started the process of reinvigorating the Community Emergency Response Plan for Ōtaki. Jackie Elliot has taken the lead on this, which is fantastic as the emergency management plans took a backseat through Covid and need to be revitalised. See below for the Community Board-led update on this.

Take care and stay safe, hoping all of your whānau who were in the path of Gabrielle are safe, too.

Shelly

Ōtaki Community Board: Community Emergency Response Plan

BY JACKIE ELLIOTT

The Ōtaki Community Board would like to extend our aroha and condolences to all those across the Upper North Island who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones in the storm and cyclone events and we support those who are still waiting to hear word of the many people who are missing.

We have all watched these communities pull together, sharing resources to ensure everyone is provided for and supported. Many of these communities already had an emergency response plan. Ōtaki does, too, and as we have watched on the news, we also have two Community Emergency Hubs, the West Hub at the Memorial Hall building and the East Hub at the Baptist Church on the corner of Te Manuao Road and old SH1. Through the hubs we are able to be in communication with the district and regional emergency-response lead agencies and connect and support each other as well.

It is very appropriate that the very first major project for us, as your Community Board will be the fourth refresh of our own

Community Emergency Response Plan to ensure the welfare of everyone in Ōtaki in an emergency. This is taking place over March and April, with dates to be advised shortly.

Things have changed in Ōtaki since the last plan refresh in 2019: with two road bridges across the Ōtaki river now there is far less chance of being completely isolated from the south in a major event. However, a major risk for the Kāpiti Coast after an earthquake is always a tsunami, so it is ideal for our refresh to include community-wide evacuation training for those in the Ōtaki Beach residential area.

You are invited to work alongside us, with Renee Corlett of the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO), in learning about how our two Community Hubs work in an emergency. We will be reconnecting with those amazing people and businesses who are currently part of our emergency response plan. We are also seeking new people to become involved, and we will carry out a full community

emergency simulation at the end, so you can take part and be trained in how our plan works.

Those previously involved have said, ‘Every single conversation we have now about how well we can respond in an emergency is gold, this is how lives are saved.’

The most important part of the plan refresh is about ensuring every household is prepared. We can all start right now by getting our own households and families prepared for an emergency. Here is a link to what you will need to do: https://www. wremo.nz/get-ready/ We welcome everyone who wants to join us to refresh the Ōtaki Community Emergency Plan, offer skills and services or as a hub trained volunteer. Please get on the email list by contacting any community board member.

Bowling Club double success with women's fours and grant

BY FRANK NEILL

throughout New Zealand.

To qualify for post-section play, teams needed to win four out of their six games during the first three days of competition.

The Ōtaki team of Jane Selby-Paterson (skip), Hilary Moore (lead), Carol Parsons (2) and Judy Howell (3) won all five of its section play games.

Ōtaki did not play a sixth game, as both they and their opponents had qualified for the post-section rounds, which saw 33 teams qualify.

Ōtaki extended its winning run in the competition from five to eight straight victories, qualifying for the semi-final. However they lost to Auckland’s Royal Oak Club 20-30 in the semi-final.

Coming third in such a prestigious tournament “was an exciting thing for our little club,” Jane Selby-Paterson says.

“We played against very experienced bowlers, including representative players.”

The Ōtaki Bowling Club’s women’s four team performed outstandingly at the prestigious Taranaki Fours Tournament,

taking out third equal placing.

One of the biggest fours tournaments in New Zealand, it was played between 24 and 29 January and attracted 84 teams from

The team also chalked up a first for the club, wearing the specially sponsored Zeal Electrical shirts for the first time.

Our contact details are as follows:

Jackie Elliott , WREMO portfolio holder, Mob 021 045 2762 jackie.elliott@kapiticoast.govt.nz

Cam Butler , Chair, Mob 021 703 095 cam.butler@kapiticoast.govt.nz

Simon Black , Mob 021 674 323 simon.black@kapiticoast.govt.nz

Christine Papps , Mob 027 2016435 christine.papps@kapiticoast.govt.nz

Bowling Club receives grant

The Ōtaki Bowling Club has been granted $23,680 to build a new garage/shed by the New Zealand Community Trust.

The club decided to replace its storeroom and garage following a burglary in February last year.

After breaking into to club’s shed, the burglers stole a virtually brand new Husqvarna ride-on mower, a domestic trailer and an intelligent battery charger.

The shed is very old and the club has determined that it is also very easy to break into.

Following the club’s successful grant application club members will demolish the old shed themselves, and expect to complete that within the next month ready for the new garage/shed to be constructed.

The New Zealand Community Trust granted $424,671 to organisations in the Wellington region in its latest funding round. The only grant made to an Ōtaki organisation was the one to the bowling club. The Family Hotel is the Ōtaki gaming venue that contributes to the grants.

Shelly Warwick (right) fundraising with recent Otaki Surf Lifesaving patrol graduates for the club.

Women’s fours successful in Taranaki

above: the successful Ōtaki women’s fours team (from left) Carol Parsons, Hilary Moore, Jane Selby-Paterson and Judy Howell.

Zero Waste Ōtaki update: Rangatahi gaining life skills

BY JO LYNCH

Jane Bell, the Site Manager, says that 2023 has got off to a great start. There are so many coming each Wednesday that the committee is going to have to address parking issues soon.

Each week there is a core of about 11 volunteers and around 30 people coming to find good buys. Then every fortnight there is a group of about 10 rangatahi from Te Puna Oranga Ōtaki who come along to help. “They are a great bunch of 16 to 25 year olds,”’ says Jane. “They are on a 12-week life-skills course and they seem to enjoy coming along to the site and interacting with a bunch of older people who are trying to do good for the environment and they community. It’s a win-win arrangement for both parties.

A new line of wood that is, not surprisingly, proving very popular is off-cuts sent from Wood Waste. “They are off-cuts from construction timber so it is lovely clean, often new, framing and weatherboards,” says Jane. ”People are taking it before we

have a chance to stack it. It is one side of the business that is really growing, which is awesome.”

“We are also getting more stuff moving through our Facebook marketplace. Rose, one of our committee members, is putting up items like bits of furniture that can be upcycled, so we are getting lots of new people coming along who have seen her posts. Recently we have had a heap of almost-antique furniture come in. It has been in bad repair, with bits missing, but a lot of it has gone already.

“We have had several loads of old fence posts, ¼ and ½ rounds that will be fabulous for making garden edging and planter beds,” says Jane, “but people may not be looking for that kind of thing until the Spring.” And good news for people looking for old interior and exterior doors. Up until now they have been randomly stacked in an old container so it can be difficult for a buyer to find what they are looking for. Currently the container is being refurbished so the

Building better, using energy well

BY EMILY MCDOWELL

doors can be stacked in a more accessible manner.

ZWŌ is open every Wednesday 9.30–10.30am, and the last Sunday of the month, 9.30am – 12 noon.

Keep up to date with our activities via our Facebook page, or visit www.zerowasteotaki.nz. And, if you would like to go on our mailing list, or be a volunteer, please email zerowaste.otaki@gmail.com.

Last year a car crashed through Ōtaki Playcentre’s fence and playhouse. It was after hours; no-one was hurt, including the driver. Now Playcentre is designing a new ‘whare iti’and a garden to wrap around it. Inspiration began with a workshop backed by the 2022 Whakahiko Ōtaki–Energise Ōtaki Fund. New designs are influenced by Aotearoa’s recent floods; whānau see this as a chance to talk about, plan and plant for the impacts of climate change.

Another Whakahiko Fund recipient has completed research on the feasibility of storing solar power in used electric-car batteries, with our Rau Kūmara solar farm as case study. Currently, any power not used to treat Ōtaki’s wastewater is sold back to the grid (filling up the Whakahiko Fund). If that power were stored, it could be used when the sun isn’t shining; KCDC wouldn’t need to use electricity from elsewhere; and there’d be fewer crisis-causing carbon emissions from Ōtaki.

Iain Jerrett, from Astara Technologies Ltd, crunched the numbers. His findings are that, right now, battery availability is low and prices high… and that this will change. Electric-car batteries are made up of many cells. When one malfunctions, “It’s like

someone pulling on your arm”, says Energise Ōtaki’s Leigh Ramsey. “It might not stop you, but it will slow you down”. There’s high demand for stripping ‘broken’ batteries to replace cells in working vehicles, and not many batteries available. By the end of the decade (latest) though, at least every second car bought must be electric. Government subsidies are helping to make more batteries available.

As designs improve, these batteries should work well for longer, decreasing the need to strip them for parts. Used batteries available for solar storage may more often come from, say, car accidents.

It’s another hard reminder that (never wished for) disasters can bring chances to build systems that work better for us all. Meanwhile, we can’t wait to change. Energise Ōtaki looks forward to talking with KCDC about whether more wastewater work can be scheduled for daylight hours, using more bright light energy when we have it.

In other news, the next Ōtaki Repair Café will be:

Sunday 12 March, 10am – 2pm Memorial Hall.

Nau mai haere mai!

above: Ōtaki Playcentre whānau take part in an outside-play design workshop.

Photo credit: Emma Thompson

The Rongoā Space

BY JOANNE HAKARAIA

Rongoā of the Month

GOLDEN TAINUI

KŪMARAHOU / GOLDEN TAINUI

Pomaderris apetala

This rākau is found only in localised areas in the middle to upper North Island. However, it is growing well in Ōtaki and other areas of Whanganui a Tara. Gifted to us by whanaunga from the north because of its mana as a potent rongoā. My kuia have been providing it for whanau mai rānō. It evens grows in eastern parts of the South Island and on Stewert Island.

I was fortunate to learn about this rongoā from kuia in the Hokianga. It also grew naturally in my backyard in Waitakere so I was able to form an intimate relationship with it. What I found interesting is the difference in taste from the rākau growing in the Hokianga to the rākau growing in Waitakere. Hokianga was much sharper in its bitterness. It is often found on roadside banks and in gum-land vegetation. It likes to grow in clay and it’s the clay that gives it a bitter taste. The Tainui growing out of its natural habitat is less bitter due to the absence of clay. Its flowers are a beautiful golden hue and can usually be seen flowering from September to October. When Golden Tainui begins to flower, it signals that the time to plant kumara is fast approaching. The fresh leaves of Golden Tainui

contain a plant compound called saponin. When the flowers are crushed in the hands with water and rubbed, the saponin creates a soapy lather. The leaves and flowers were used as a poultice or to bathe wounds, sores and rashes. A wairākau can be used to help expel mucus from the lungs and detox heavy metals. It can be used for coughs and colds. Be sure to drink plenty of water to assist with detoxification. The best time to start drinking this rongoā is when your body is feeling heavy and fatigued or before a change of season. The bitterness of the wairākau wakes the body from its slumber and offers space for clarity of the mind. It prepares us for the change in season by alkalising the body rapidly and clearing mucus. Most people ask if they can sweeten it because of the bitterness. I encourage adults to experience the wiri of the rongoā and strengthen whanaungatanga with it, because that’s where the mana of the rongoā is. For tamariki (6yrs +) I suggest diluting 2 tablespoons of wairākau with ½ cup warm water. Bitters are so good for us and our cells need it. Our wairua yearns for it. After drinking the rongoā for a few days the body starts to reject sweet cravings. A bitter tonic to swallow, but this is how she purges, removing toxins and breaking up heavy mucus. We have kūmarahou dried leaves in our shop Rongoā Mauri Botanicals (in Māoriland) if you would like to try some. This is a good time to alkalise the body

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Otaki is open: Monday to Friday from 10am – 1pm.

Where : 65a Main St Otaki

Phone : (06) 364 8664/ 0800 367 222 Please leave us a message out of hours and we will return your call the following day.

In addition to our usual advice service, we are currently supporting those of you who would like extra assistance with completing your census forms . Just come in to see us.

And remember we have budget advisors also available if you require their assistance. Just call us to arrange an appointment.

Horowhenua Community Law continues to provide a clinic at the CAB every second Friday from 10.30am – 12.30pm for more specialised legal queries.

We welcome all of you for free, confidential advice. from our trained CAB volunteers.

as we shift in to a new season. We’re giving away little packets for the month of March.

RECIPE:

1. Place a tablespoon of dried, crushed leaves in a large pot with a litre of water and bring to a boil.

2. Boil 20–30 minutes with the lid on the pot. You may find the liquid start to froth from the saponins, just lift the lid slightly or turn down the heat.

3. You may have to top up with hot water during cooking due to evaporation.

4. Strain the liquid and allow to cool. Drink a cup while its warm and bottle the rest and refrigerate. Lasts for up 10 days in the fridge although you would have consumed it by then if drinking every day.

I normally have a cup in the morning and one at night and drink it for 5–7 days. It’s revitalising and nourishing, supplying me with wild, organic minerals that are millions of years old. Enjoy!

Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa

Gardening with

Flower garden

Watson’s Garden Ltd

We have a range of glazed ceramic pots at fantastic, not-to-be-missed, low prices. Come in and have a look!

Featured (in pictured pots) is an assortment of Grevillea –locally grown, hardy plants – in bloom and bringing in the bees; and some large lush native Meryta Sinclairii (Puka).

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

Find your way to TE HORO GARDEN CENTRE for INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLANTS CERATOSTIGMA Willmottianum

A delightful hardy, small shrub with gentian-blue flowers in summer. Coastal hardy.

Garden tasks for March

Go mad planting bulbs this month – daffodils, ranunculus, anemone, grape hyacinth, iris, hyacinths, freesias and other spring flowering bulbs, either in the garden or containers – it’s best to get your bulbs planted before the end of autumn. Watch for slugs and snails, the main pest of bulbs, who feast on emerging leaves – use child, animal and bird-friendly Quash slug and snail pellets.

Lift summer-flowering bulbs as they die down. Allow to dry out, then store in paper bags in a cool, dry place until planting in late spring.

Cut back perennials and plant new ones.

Plant new trees, shrubs and ornamentals – they’ll have time to establish over winter.

Feed existing shrubs, trees and plants with general fertiliser.

Sow seeds of alyssum, sweet William, dianthus, candytuft, carnation, godetia, dianthus, nigella, pansies, snapdragon, primula, poppies, polyanthus, delphinium, calendula, cornflower, cyclamen, hollyhock, lobelia, honesty and sweet pea.

Plant out seedlings of antirrhinum, Canterbury bells, clarkia, hollyhock, larkspur, mignonette, pansy, polyanthus, candytuft, carnation, lobelia, snapdragon, calendula and aquilega.

Fruit and vegetable garden

Citrus of all kinds are heavy feeders – feed with a citrus fertiliser for healthy, green leaves and better growth, flower and fruit. A light application of manure will also encourage fruit development. Any sign of scale should be checked straight away with an oil-based spray. Watering trees on the trunk and under leaves can effectively wash away tiny, newly hatched scale before they develop their resilient protective shells.

Summer prune peach and nectarine trees – many will have shed their crops and be preparing to drop leaves. Remove old fruiting canes of currants and late raspberries once they have finished cropping to encourage new growth.

Potatoes, onions and kumaras can be lifted and stored in a cool, dry place.

Pull out summer herbs and vegetables that have finished producing and add to your compost bin.

March is an important month for planting winter veggie gardens – prepare garden before you start planting by adding compost, general garden fertiliser and lime if necessary.

Sow seeds of carrots, parsnips, radish, lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, beetroot, swede and turnip directly into the garden. Seeds of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are best sown in trays for planting out later.

Plant out seedlings of broad bean, cabbage, parsnip, carrot, cauliflower, broccoli, leek, pea, silver beet, spinach, spring onion, swede, brussels sprouts and beetroot.

Lawns

Autumn is the ideal time to sow or repair your lawn so it can establish itself over the winter months. Spray weeds and rake up any stones. Wait three weeks then sow grass seed evenly over prepared area (most mixes are sown at 30 grams per square metre), water daily until germinated. Mow carefully on a high cut to encourage a thick, strong turf.

Second thoughts

Caterpillar infestation is high at this time of year and they need to be checked on a regular basis – removing them by hand is safer where edible crops are concerned.

Focus on nashi pears

Nashi ( Pyrrus pyrifolia )) are beautiful trees, growing to 3-5m tall, and 2-3m wide, with tiers of graceful, evenly spaced branches. In spring, before the light green leaves appear, these are covered with small, snowy-white flowers with pale pink centres.

Prune in winter to maintain a single central leader, with open layers between branches for good air movement and to let sun penetrate – also remove any dead, diseased or broken wood.

FUCHSIA

Gartenmeister

Upright evergreen shrub with clusters of showy, tubular, red flowers summer through autumn. Good for pots.

LANTANAS Hardy, showy, good for containers and coastal gardens. Great groundcover. Attracts butterflies. Four colours to choose from: cherry, yellow, lilac and white.

TE HORO GARDEN CENTRE

Cnr old SH1 & Te Horo Beach Rd TE HORO

Ph 364 2142

Shopping made easier with access from old State Highway!

Also known as Asian pears, nashi are prolific croppers. They are a crisp, juicy, rounded fruit, with the texture of a pear, and have a light golden-brown skin (try a nashi straight from the tree, so different from a supermarket one, the pear is one of the most delicious fruits you could eat.)

They are generally healthy, easily grown trees tolerating a wide range of growing conditions. Like their European cousins, they are at their best in fertile, medium-heavy, well-drained soils.

Nashi trees are quick to bear fruit, but they don’t like extremes of climate. If they are to bear bountiful crops, their roots need regular deep soaking.

Choose a sunny spot, sheltered, cool and free-draining, and plant in well-prepared ground enriched with compost and aged animal manure, such as sheep pellets (winter is ideal) While nashi cope well with wet conditions, they will produce less fruit if the soil is waterlogged.

The pears are partially self-pollinating, but fruit set is better when two varieties are grown together.

Young trees need to be well mulched, and watered twice weekly in hot, dry weather to ensure steady root development while they’re getting established.

They require regular feeding with compost and mature animal manure – supplement in early spring and midsummer with an all-round fertiliser.

Every spring flower seems to set fruit so you need to thin your crop for maximum fruit size – remove all but two or three fruit per cluster, and you may need to support branches in summer as the weight of the crop increases.

Nashi can be early or late season. The two main varieties grown are ‘Hosui,’ which has an attractive, weeping growth habit, and ‘Nijiseiki,’ an upright, spreading tree. The best performer in New Zealand seems to be ‘Hosui’ whose fruit are medium to large with a sweet, juicy flavour and texture. The fruit lingers if the wasps stay away, ripening to a deep brownish orange.

‘Nijiseiki’ produces large crops of crisp, crunchy, medium-sized fruit – the flavour is mild, with some tartness towards the middle.

It is a good pollinator for ‘Hosui,’ although some nurseries produce a ‘double nashi’ tree grafted with both these varieties – an excellent space-saving option for those with small gardens.

Nashi pears are a source of folate, essential for producing red blood cells, high in fibre and vitamin C. They can be eaten raw or used in cooked dishes (they keep their shape) and make an ideal apple replacement in many recipes.

the Ō taki Mail

Autumn planting for hedges

Autumn is a good time to plant your hedge. The soil is still warm and has started to regain moisture (so you don’t have to worry about watering through winter and spring). It also means young plants have time to establish strong, new root systems during the winter months, in preparation for their growth spurt in spring. Planting can be done any time from autumn right up to early spring but the later you plant, the more you will have to care for your hedge through the hot summer months.

Whether they’re tall, short, straight or curved, hedges provide a permanent, living structure that underlines the character of a property, adding structure and binding the garden together. A hedge will reduce noise levels, create shelter and screening (and be cheaper than a fence).

As well as being effective for establishing boundaries, your hedge is also useful inside the garden. A larger garden seems more intimate when divided into rooms. Flower beds and mixed shrub borders can be hugely enhanced when framed by a low hedge.

New Zealand native corokias are top picks for little hedges, particularly the compact ‘Geenty’s Ghost,’ (which can be kept as low as 25cm) and chocolatebronze ‘Frosted Chocolate.’ Frost-hardy corokias are best planted in areas with well-drained soil and make tough, versatile coastal hedges, tolerant of dry conditions and prevailing winds.

Fast-growing lonerica (box honeysuckle) is another option for low hedging, also the rich, mahoganycoloured Coprosma ‘Capuccino,’ whose tight growth and tiny leaves hold well, all the way to the base.

Almost any upright shrub, tree or rose can be used for hedging, but generally, the plants that make the best formal hedges are densely foliaged, long-lived and require trimming no more than two or three times a year. Most importantly, you need to choose a plant suitable for your climate and site, size requirement (think about the finished height) and soil type.

Flowering hedges like lavender and hebes give a gentle, soft effect in bloom, but a more formal look when trimmed. For a taller-flowering hedge, sasanqua

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

camellias such as white-flowering ‘Early Pearly,’ and the soft pink ‘Jean May,’ combine shiny, dark foliage with colourful autumn and winter blooms. Michelia figo enjoys the same growing conditions as camellias (generally part shade), a flowering hedge of this port wine magnolia will fill a garden with heady perfume in spring.

Deciduous hedges like the vibrant red, purple, orange or yellow berberis varieties bring colour and seasonal interest. Even without leaves they add valuable structure and texture in winter, allowing light to filter through their branches.

A combination of evergreen and deciduous plants can lend depth and year-round interest. This is a more informal look, which can be spectacular with different forms, textures and colours.

Most hedges need trimming twice annually, in spring and late summer, although fast-growing types may need four trims a year (early pruning of your new hedge encourages thick, even growth – you can cut it back by a half). Deciduous hedges are usually pruned once a year in winter. Flowering hedges are pruned once a year after flowering.

A lack of light can cause a hedge to lose its lower leaves. Shape a hedge so that it is slightly tapered towards the top. This will allow more light into lower branches and encourage leaf growth all the way to the base.

Make sure your new hedge is well watered during dry spells, especially for the next two years. A layer of mulch around drip line will assist in keeping moisture in and weeds out. It will also prevent soil from leaching nutrients in high rainfall.

Feed in spring with a slow release, well balanced fertiliser to nourish and re-mineralise the soil (there are a lot of plant roots competing for nutrition in a relatively confined space).

Although your newly planted hedge may not be a ‘quick fix’, it will add beauty to your garden, and ultimately create a softer, friendlier kind of garden wall.

The buzz of late summer

Some years ago, The National Beekeepers Association (NBA) launched a nation-wide campaign aimed at protecting New Zealand bees, ‘Love Our Kiwi Bees,’ but bees worldwide are under threat, and although New Zealand bees are faring somewhat better, they still have to combat a number of threats, including the varroa mite, pesticides and a decline in sources of nectar and pollen.

Lobbying our local council (KCDC) to use bee-friendly spraying policies in public gardens and along roadsides and waterways is useful, but we can also help by planting bee-friendly trees and plants, like fruit trees, and old fashioned or heirloom flowers and herbs.

Bees need flowers for a square meal (and flowers need bees for pollination), however not all blooms provide the right food or a suitable landing spot. The tight petals of elaborate double flowers prevent bees from reaching the source of their two essential foods – nectar to feed adult bees and pollen to take back to their young. It is the reason single roses and dahlias are popular with insects, while their more fancy, double counterparts are ignored.

Don’t go crazy planting bold reds or bright oranges in your garden. Instead try cool catmint and banks of aromatic lavender. Bees are attracted to violets and blues (yellows too, for some obscure scientific reason).

Simple daisy-like blooms such as asters, erigerons and rudbeckias pull in bees, and they love the pretty, mauve-purple pompom flowers of culinary chives. They

also like to squeeze into tubular flowers like penstemons, monardas, red hot pokers and foxgloves (I have noticed my climber, Pandorea jasminoides ‘Lady Di’ with white trumpets full of bee bottoms this summer).

Prickles aren’t a problem for our honey makers – they flock to anything with thistles, including silvery sea hollies, such as the biennial, ‘Miss Wilmottt’s Ghost,’ and steel blue globe thistles, both often hum with the sound of their feasting.

Small flowers in clusters look like a banquet to a bee, which is why the flat, composite heads of achilleas, sedums, and those of the parsley or carrot family, from fennel to Queen Ann’s Lace, are so popular.

Any flower remotely related to the mint family, like the strongly aromatic agastache, has an alluring mix of tightly mixed tubular blooms – a winning combination, but the most popular bee-pulling flower is probably marjoram, which tends to be mobbed all summer if you don’t remove the flower heads.

If you feel a need to spray, the NBA recommends doing it in the late evening with bee-friendly sprays, after bees are asleep. They also suggest plants in flower, or plants that bees can be seen feeding on, should not be sprayed at all, and advise that if you see a swarm of bees in a tree or on your house, to contact a local beekeeper, “we need to protect swarms, not kill them.”

Ōtaki – Education Town

Te Wānanga o Raukawa: Top quality tertiary education

BY FRANK NEILL

Providing top quality education, where students are also firmly grounded in their language and culture, is the hallmark of Ōtaki’s “university” – Te Wānanga o Raukawa (TWOR).

Thousands of students (last year around 6,000 were enrolled) come to TWOR to study one or more of the 18 undergraduate degrees, six masters degrees or the very popular Te Reo Māori courses.

As well as the outstanding learning this provides students, it also brings a massive boost to the Ōtaki economy.

TWOR’s goal “is to produce graduates who are confident in themselves and who they are, and confident in their own history and their own language, as well as having the requisite skills to move into a profession,” says Dr Mereana Selby, TWOR’s Tumuaki (Chief Executive Officer).

To achieve this goal, students have a three-part learning model.

“All students who come to Te Wānanga have to study Te Reo [Māori] as part of the course. They also have to study themselves and their iwi, their hapu, their own history, their own stories, their own kaupapa, their own whakapapa or geneology, their own waiata or songs and their own beliefs.”

As well as learning te reo, the students study themselves through a series of research papers on their iwi and their hapu and their history.

In addition the students select from a variety of subjects for the third, or specialisation, part of their learning model. Courses they can select include health, philosophy, management, sport and fitness, environmental management, design and art (including weaving and carving), mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, teaching and rongoā (Māori healing).

All the teaching is provided through a blend of in-person teaching and online courses.

New Zealand’s first Wānanga, TWOR had its genesis in 1981 – long before the Tomorrow’s Schools legislation made provision for wānanga to exist.

At that time the three local iwi – Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa and Ngāti Toa – were “very concerned about the wellbeing of their people in terms of important indicators around health, education and employment.

“There was a lot of concern about the loss of language and culture over the last 50 or 100 years,” Dr Selby says.

In 1975, the three iwi conducted a survey. “They saw that we had two generations who had little to no te reo.”

In fact, the survey did not register one person under the age of 30 who could confidently speak te reo.

The survey also showed that “our cultural understandings were reducing, as well as the language disappearing,” Dr Selby says.

“A revival strategy was put together. It was called Whakatupuranga Rua Mano [Generation 2000].

“One of the important principles underlying that strategy was ‘our people are our wealth’.

“This principle focused on the importance of putting a lot of effort into the development of our people as the key to the future.

“That led to the idea of have our own centre for higher learning.”

So, TWOR was formally launched in April 1981, supported by the Raukawa Marae Trustees, who represented the region’s three iwi. There were no resources and no buildings, but rather the concept.

“This new centre for higher learning was given the name Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

“Wānanga in Māori means to discuss, to debate, to take the time to consider something quite deeply.

“It has now become equivalent to a centre for thought and philosophising,” Dr Selby says.

Two students were enrolled when TWOR first began. They were studying toward a Bachelor in Māori Administration.

TWOR’s main architect was Professor Whatarangi Winiata, who was Chair of Accountancy at Victoria University. Supported by his peers and elders, he developed the proposal to establish TWOR as part of a long-term strategy.

The strategy aimed to revitalise Māori language and culture, strengthen Māori people and better educate Māori people.

TWOR had no campus until 1984 when it leased the land where the campus currently stands.

TWOR opened architecture award-winning Ngā Purapura [Lifestyle Advancement Centre], which Dr Selby describes as “a fabulous complex” in 2012.

In 2018 Te Ara Ra Tāwhaki –another architecture and design awards winner – was opened. This complex contains a library, lecture theatre, student hub and an administration centre.

Work is currently under way on another major new building.

“We have had no Crown contribution to any of these capital projects,” Dr Selby says.

“Locally people say, ‘I bet we are paying for that’, but they’re not.

“Our projects have all been funded through our reserves.

“This work brings a huge contribution to the local economy.

“We have told the contractors we want them to use local subcontractors and local labour if they can. The tendering has been considered on that basis.

“We also have around 200 staff. That is a massive contribution to the local economy as well,” Dr Selby says.

Tumuaki o Te Wānanga o Raukawa Dr Mereana Selby below: Te Ara Ra Tāwhaki

below: Ngā Purapura

Ōtaki College News

March 2023

From Principal Andy Fraser

The School Year Begins

The 2023 Year began with a pōwhiri for new students and staff. This is always a really warm and welcoming occasion for not only new students but also their whānau. Students, their whānau and new staff are welcomed into the wider College community. At the pōwhiri it is acknowledged that whānau are handing their children into the care of the College and this is something that is treated with the utmost respect. To this end I would like to urge you at any time, should you have any worries or concerns, to make contact with us. One of our most important jobs is to value our young people and, that being the case, any call will be treated as very important to us.

I would like to acknowledge the arrival of our new staff member, Caleb Lipinski. Caleb is an experienced teacher and will undertake work in both the Mathematics and Physical Education departments. It is great to see our students arriving dressed smartly in College uniform and ready for learning. As much of our work is now electronically sourced, could I urge you all to make sure that students are arriving each day with their Chromebooks fully charged and ready to engage in their learning. If any whānau are having difficulty with the purchase of uniform items or Chromebooks, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can make arrangements to alleviate this worry.

It has been really enjoyable seeing students, not only engaging in classroom work, but also getting involved in the recent house activities. I would really urge parents to support their young ones engaging in the many sports and cultural activities that are on offer. Kirsty Doyle, our Sports Director, is looking forward to a year of full participation, but would also love to have more parent volunteers to support those activities. Please contact Kirsty on kdl@ otakicollege.school.nz if you would like to help.

Royal Connections

On their recent, and very successful, tour of the United Kingdom our Everiss Scholars, Krisha Modi and Jess Thomsen, had the honour of having morning tea with Princess Anne at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Following on from this, we recently received an invitation to attend the unveiling of a plaque in front of the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, which marks the commencement of a maritime Merchant Navy monument that will be erected there. This monument acknowledges the service of the Merchant Navy in both peace and war and will have the names of all Merchant Navy personnel who have lost their lives during conflicts. Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence were central in the service and unveiling of the plaque and at the end of the ceremony spent time mixing and mingling with invited guests. Princess Anne spent some time talking to Hannah Thompson and Caleb Smith, our Kākākura (Heads of School), who attended this service with me. This is a really good example of how our connections with the Merchant Navy and Robert Gordon's College have extended opportunities to students of Ōtaki College as the SS Otaki tradition grows.

We will again be undertaking the SS Otaki Commemorative Service on Friday 10 March with the theme being the 150-year anniversary of the founding of the New Zealand Shipping Company. The SS Otaki was a New Zealand Shipping Company vessel, so the links to this event are strong. We look forward to hosting a large number of former employees of the New Zealand Shipping Company at this event.

www.otakicollege.school.nz

2023 Ngā Ringa Whero – Heads of School Team

This year’s team members are: Ngā Kākākura (Heads) Hannah Thompson and Caleb Smith. Ngā Ringa Tauawhiawhi (Deputy Heads) Te Akau Epiha and Sam Georgetti. Kaingārahu (Associate Heads) Sophie Carpenter, Regan Crighton, Karen Dai, William Fogden, Skye Heenan, Jessica Ngan, Tyrone Taueki-Monaghan and Siena Vidulich.

Becoming a school leader carries a lot of responsibilities along with many opportunities. With our strong relationship with the New Zealand Airforce we were again able to secure the services of three airforce personnel to undertake leadership training with the Heads of School team. This was a great day with some really good feedback from our young people:

“I found the session with Brad, Alex, and Mikayla very enjoyable and informative. For me, some things I took away from it were the different definitions of what a leader can be or look like, for example to

be a leader and a good one you don’t have to be the loudest, or the one that provides answers straight away whenever there’s a problem; you can be a leader that steps back and analyses the situation while your team offers the answers. Which I think is both useful for myself and the team as we can each be a leader in our own perspective, which will be helpful for the journey ahead. Thank you.”

“I really enjoyed yesterday's leadership training and felt that it was a worthwhile experience which bonded our heads of school team and taught us some valuable lessons about what makes a good leader, follower and role model.”

“Some things I took away were about the importance of being a good listener, making sure everyone on your team is heard, being open to new ideas and compromising. I think it was a very useful day for me and as well as gaining new knowledge and getting a chance to connect with our new leadership team we got to learn about the Airforce and their experiences. It was an all round good

and fun day and great opportunity.”

“Throughout the session guided by Brad, Alex and Mikayla, I found my overall experience with them to be very positive and interesting, especially with diving into the different scenarios of what a leader can be perceived as VS what a leader can actually look like. I’ve learnt that being a good leader doesn’t always have to be the one to take the initiative and put their hand up first, rather it takes a team to support each other, not just titles that define our positions within the team. I enjoyed a lot of the different yet fun activities that brought out the messages conveyed to us through small talk and games which helped us understand the importance of each team member and how we are able to improve together as a group. I think that this program is incredibly useful to us in the long run, as it is our first stepping stone towards creating an amazing future.”

Ngā mihi, Andy Fraser, Principal

below: The 2023 school year began with a pōwhiri

above: Principal Andy Fraser, Ngā Kākākura (Heads) Hannah Thompson and Caleb Smith meet Princess Anne in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.

Two Ōtaki teams leading senior tennis

BY FRANK NEILL

Not only does the Ōtaki Sports Club have two teams in the Wellington inter-club tennis mixed A grade, they were placed first and second in the competition on 24 February.

Although Ōtaki Sports 1 leads the competition, they were upset by Ōtaki Sports 2 in their latest match.

The number two team of Callan Nikora, Pataka Moore, Emma Whiterod and Monique Moore defeated the number one team 4-2.

Ōtaki Sports 1 won the first three rounds of the Wellington post-Christmas competition. The team of Craig Eves, Adam Shelton, Leonie Campbell and Jodie Lawson began the post-Christmas round with a 6-0 victory over Paraparaumu Beach on 28 January. They followed that up with a 5-1 win over Wellington on 11 February, with Hannah Grimmet playing for the team.

Ōtaki Sports 1 scored another 5-1 victory on 18 February when they defeated Karori United.

Ōtaki Sports 2 began the post-Christmas competition with a 4-2 win over Waikanae Beach on 28 January.

After its 11 February match with Churton Park Spices finished with a 3-3 scoreline, Ōtaki Sports 2 had to settle for a countback loss by 34 games to 44.

The second team returned to its winning ways on 18 February, beating Newlands Paparangi 4-2.

The Ōtaki Sports third team has begun 2023 with one draw and one loss on a countback. Playing in the Wellington mixed C grade, the team of Gary Quigan, Wawata Johnson, Terri Grimmett and Lilian Bramley won three matches in its encounter with Waikanae Beach on 11 February.

The Waikanae team also won three matches, so the contest went to a countback. The teams were still tied at 30 games each, meaning the result was a draw.

Johnsonville beat Ōtaki Sports on 28 January on a countback. Once again Ōtaki Sports won three matches, but was narrowly

Titan wins 10 gold medals

BY FRANK NEILL

Ōtaki Titan Jonathan Winter swam his way to an amazing 10 gold medals at the New Zealand Masters Games.

Swimming in the 50 to 54 age group, Jonathan also set a New Zealand record during the games, held at the Splash Centre, Springlands Park, Whanganui on 7 and 8 February.

His New Zealand record, along with a gold medal, came in the 50 metres freestyle when Jonathan hit the wall in 25.34 seconds.

Swimming mainly in the shorter events, Jonathan won gold medals in the 25 metres freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke.

He added more gold medals in the 50 metres backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and individual medley.

In the only 100 metres event he entered, Jonathan won gold in the backstroke.

Ōtaki Titans also picked up nine gold medals, two silver medals and four bronze medals at the Manawatū Age Group Championships, held at the Lido Pool in Palmerston North on 4 and 5 February.

Lilah Eagar won six gold medals and a silver medal.

She finished first in all three freestyle events

Big victory for cricketers

BY FRANK NEILL

Ōtaki scored more than double the number of runs that Paraparaumu B could muster in their cricket match at Haruātai Park on 4 February.

Batting first, Ōtaki was all out for 171 in the 32nd over of the 40-over game. The home team then bundled Paraparaumu out for 84, giving them an 87-run victory.

Fraser Imrie was Ōtaki’s top scorer when he finished the match on 57 not out.

Lucas Whiting scored 24 runs and Vince Kilpatrick 23.

Only one batsman, David Turner, got into double figures for Paraparaumu. He was run out for 30.

Hunter Topliff, who took three wickets and conceded only 11 runs, and Conrad Moeahu, with two wickets for 12 runs, bowled outstandingly for Ōtaki.

Kere Strawbridge, Fraser Imrie and Tim

Donnell took one wicket each.

Ōtaki won its next match, scheduled to be played on 11 February, by default.

They were to have played the Paraparaumu third XI.

Ōtaki narrowly lost the top of the table clash with Weraroa on 18 February.

Batting first at Haruātai Park, Weraroa was all out for 154.

Kere Strawbridge was outstanding with the ball, taking four wickets and conceding only 11 runs from his 4.3 overs.

Ōtaki did not manage to overhaul Weraroa’s total and were all out for 137 runs.

Fraser Imrie was the best with the bat for Ōtaki, scoring 21 not out, while Justine Hapeta was close behind with a score of 20.

Weraroa topped the table following this match, and Ōtaki was second.

edged on a countback. The Ōtaki Sports Club is currently running its junior club tennis championships – the first time the club has run them in the 21st century. The championships kicked off with pool play in both the boys and girls singles on 25 and 26 February. Doubles pool play will follow on 4 and 5 March. The semi-finals and final of the doubles will be held between 5 and 7pm on Saturday 11 March, while the semi-finals and finals of the singles will be played from 5 to 7pm on Sunday 12 March.

she entered – the 50 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres.

Gold medals also came her way in the 50 metres backstroke, 50 metres butterfly and 100 metres breaststroke.

Lilah won her silver medal in the 200 metres individual medley.

Phoebe Nelson also struck gold, not just once but three times.

She won the 50 metres backstroke, 50 metres freestyle and 100 metres freestyle.

Phoebe then added a silver medal to her tally when she finished second in the 50 metres butterfly.

Four Ōtaki Titans also picked up bronze medals.

Greer Winter finished third in the 50 metres backstroke, Deryn Watkins was third in the 100 metres butterfly, Imogen Waite was third in the 100 metres freestyle and Kokoro Frost was the bronze medalist in the 50 metres backstroke.

Jonathan Winter joined the Ōtaki Titans Swimming Club as assistant head coach last year, bringing with him years of experience representing New Zealand in the pool and also significant coaching experience.

He swam backstroke in the 1996 Olympics

Tag Season results

BY PENNY GAYLOR

Organiser Terry Poko says it’s been another awesome Ōtaki Tag season with the whānau vibe shining through once again.

“We had 12 teams register their interest this season with a team from Levin also taking part in this years competition,” said Terry.

“The game is growing so fast and we’re in talks about expanding to Levin, with details to be finalised.

“We’re currently in talks with parents and volunteers about starting a junior competition next season for our tamariki here in Ōtaki, with a huge number of kids playing alongside their parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties.

“We split the finals series in to a Top six (Cup), and Bottom six (Plate) Pool.

In the Plate section semi final games were played between Eyes Up Footy vs Ngāti By Nature, and Mashups Usos vs Hearty Ngati.

in Atlanta and also competed in three consecutive Commonwealth Games, starting in 1994. He qualified for the final of the 50 metres butterfly at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where he finished sixth.

An international gold medal came his way in 1995 when his 4 x 100 metres medley relay team was victorious at the FINA World Short Course Championships in Rio de Janeiro.

Jonathan also won four consecutive backstroke titles at the Oceania Grand Prix in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

He has held national records in butterfly, backstroke and individual medley and has represented New Zealand in all strokes.

“After their semi finals victories Eyes Up Footy and Mashup Usos fought it out in the Final. Eyes Up Footy taking our the Plate Winners with a last minute try right on the final hooter to win 10 – 9.

“In the Cup section semi final games were between KickOnz (unbeaten all season) vs Whiti Bros, and Fusion vs Tatou Tatou. “Whiti Bros beat KickOnz in an intense semi going down to a drop off, with Whiti taking the honours to advance to the Final. The Fusion vs Tatau match was won by Fusion.

“The Cup was a good game with Whiti Bros taking the spoils and crowned 2023 Ōtaki Tag Champions winning 15 – 9 against Fusion.

“Another Great season, and big thank you to our referees and volunteers, the teams that registered, and KCDC who kept our fields in prime condition.”

A member of the table-topping Ōtaki Sports 1 team, Craig Eves plays a shot.

Jonathan Winter with his handful of the gold medals he won at the New Zealand Masters Games.

The Ōtaki Titans

Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga: NZ Māori Basketball Nationals 2023

After having missed a year due to covid, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga returned to the NZ Māori Basketball Nationals with 23 teams, ranging from U7s right up to Masters (over 45s). Ngāti Raukawa coach Paxman Taurima says with over 300 teams in total at this year's nationals it was the biggest one to date.

“There were plenty of exciting games, including a buzzer-beating loss in the finals for our U11 tama.

“Overall this was our most successful campaign, with medals going to our U7 mixed (gold), U9 tama (silver), U11 tama (silver), U15 tama (bronze), U19 women (bronze), women’s (gold), men’s prem (bronze), a bronze in the kapa haka, and an overall silver in supremacy.

“Thank you to our tournament sponsors, Gardner Homes, Land Matters, Pritchard Civil, and Triple Threat.”

Authors–Books Corner: I'm a Star magazine; Lilliput Libraries

BY ANN CHAPMAN

I’m a Star is a delightful new magazine for kids aged between four and ten. But I giggled my way through it, so it’s something that we all can enjoy and cherish the child with in us, or sit alongside your child to read. I’m A Star is all about finding the star in each of us. It’s about being curious, about listening to your heart. What is it that gives you joy?

It’s the brainchild of locally based Sarah Weidig and the magazine explores the wonders of our world. It introduces a variety of topics in a playful way. I’m A Star gives a different view on things and invites kids to see things from different perspectives. We humans thrive because of our innate ability to be curious. I’m A Star is all about finding out what brings your children joy. It builds awareness with topics scattered throughout the pages, it helps kids to be in the moment – to stay connected and tune in to find the star inside!

I’m A Star offers creative learning, fun activities, playful breathing and mindful practices, with lots of suggestions on every page to cater for the differences in every child. It is educational, playful, fun and about finding your own star. Volume 1 of I’m A Star explores all around the topic ‘LOTS AND LOTS‘. How do lots and lots of things create something amazing and beautiful? Find out about stars, water droplets and cells. What do they create when put together? How does it all work?

You can buy it From Books&Co in Otaki, rrp$20.

Lilliput Libraries – A Community Joy

Every morning I collect the newspaper from my gate and every morning I check my Lilliput Library, which sits on my front fence. A friend made it for me and it’s become a source of daily joy. Thanks, Kim. One day it’ll be packed full of new books and the next nearly empty. One day I might find something I want to read, or not. But there’s always a diverse sample of other people’s reading treasures. Some books are there for a long time getting very little interest and then one day they'll be gone. Others change overnight. There are histories, biographies, thrillers, mysteries, crime, romance and children’s books. There is always something to catch the eye, create some interest, support a need to read.

But what is a Lilliput Library?

It’s a movement which started in Dunedin in 2015 by a group called ‘Poems in the Waiting Room’, which is a Dunedin based health charity. They printed poems on cards and distributed them (approx 8000) every year to medical waiting rooms, rest homes, hospices and prisons throughout New Zealand. Their aim, with the cards, was to make people’s waiting time a little less frustrating/more enjoyable and at the same time introduce or reintroduce them to the delights of poetry. That movement evolved into books and the Lilliput Library. Lilliput today simply means small. Small in size but large in the generosity of the people who leave books for others to enjoy. The name "Lilliput" is thought to be taken from Gulliver’s Travels and the land of little people, and probably derives from Lilliput House, an old country mansion built near Evening Hill, which may have been owned by renowned smuggler Isaac Gulliver, or

Highly personal memoir, probing political treatise and gut-punching poetry collections sit alongside trailblazing fiction and books exploring our whenua, moana, artists and entertainers in the longlists for the 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

The longlist is the largest and widest ranging in the recent history of the awards. The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2023 longlist: Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction

Better the Blood by Michael Bennett Chevalier & Gawayn by Phillip Mann

Down from Upland by Murdoch Stephens Home Theatre by Anthony Lapwood

How to Loiter in a Turf War by Coco Solid Kāwai by Monty Soutar

Mary’s Boy, Jean-Jacques and other stories by Vincent O’Sullivan

Mrs Jewell and the Wreck of the General Grant by Cristina Sanders

The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey

The Fish by Lloyd Jones

Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry

Always Italicise: How to Write While

Colonised by Alice Te Punga Somerville

Echidna by Essa May Ranapiri

Meat Lovers by Rebecca Hawkes

Night School by Michael Steven

People Person by Joanna Cho

Sedition by Anahera Maire Gildea

Super Model Minority by Chris Tse

Surrender by Michaela Keeble

The Pistils by Janet Charman

We’re All Made of Lightning by Khadro Mohamed

Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction

I am Autistic by Chanelle Moriah

Jumping Sundays by Nick Bollinger

Kai by Christall Lowe

Nature Boy edited by Catherine Hammond and Shaun Higgin

one of his relatives. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, Gulliver started a movement.

Why Have One?

The joy of books. The love of reading. The need to share the treasures of the written word. The need to encourage people to read or to share. Ōtaki has two (as far as I’m aware) both sited on the front fences of local authors, one in Tasman Road and one in Waerenga Road. Passers-by are welcome to “take a book now, leave a book later.” The books are free. Anyone can take one or leave one. You don’t have to be a member of anything. You can leave books at night in secret or during the day when people can nod and smile and go have a look. If you like the book, you don’t have to return it. But, next time you’re passing, pop another one in the library for someone else to enjoy. But what bought the biggest smile to my face was when I observed a toddler with her mum, reaching up to put a book in the library. Mum with a proud smile on her face. My Lilliput Library is a reading community in action. A taonga. A treasure.

Paradise Camp by Yuki Kihara, edited by Natalie King Robin White edited by Sarah Farrar, Jill

Trevelyan and Nina Tonga

Secrets of the Sea by Robert Vennell

Tāngata Ngāi Tahu | People of Ngāi Tahu

Vol Two edited by Helen Brown and Michael J Stevens

Te Motunui Epa by Rachel Buchanan

Toi Tū Toi Ora edited by Nigel Borell General Non-Fiction Award

A Fire in the Belly of Hineāmaru by Melinda Webber and Te Kapua O’Connor

A History of New Zealand in 100 Objects by Jock Phillips

Democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand by Geoffrey Palmer and Gwen Palmer Steeds

Downfall by Paul Diamond

Empire City by John E Martin

Every Sign of Life by Nicholas Lyon

Gresson

Gaylene’s Take by Gaylene Preston

Grand by Noelle McCarthy

Lāuga: Understanding Samoan Oratory by Sadat Muaiava

So Far, For Now by Fiona Kidman

The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi by Ned Fletcher

The Road to Gondwana by Bill Morris

Thief, Convict, Pirate, Wife by Jennifer Ashton

You Probably Think This Song is About You by Kate Camp

The shortlist of 16 titles will be announced 8 March with the winners announced 17 May.

These books may be found at or ordered from Books & Co 216 Main Highway, Ōtaki ph 06 292 9258

I'm a Star creator Sarah Weidig

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

This Time Tomorrow

by Emma Straub

A humorous, insightful twist on traditional time travel; a different love story. An entertaining charmer, explores themes like mortality and how little decisions can alter your life.

Alice Stern, faced with the imminent death of her 73-year-old father, confronts her life of being stuck in a tiny studio apartment, in the same job in a department of an Upper West Side Manhattan private school she attended decades earlier. After a night of too many drinks celebrating her 40th birthday, she wakes up back in her childhood bedroom on the morning of her 16th birthday. Travelling back in time, Alice is amazed at how young and healthy her father was at 49. She wishes she could get him to change his habits, quit smoking, exercise, eat vegetables and remarry, to prolong his life.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by

Gail Honeyman

Eleanor is thirty-something and has a limited life centred around work and a home life of vodka, frozen pizza and weekly phone chats with Mummy – who is the kind of critical and unfeeling mother no-one would want. Eleanor tends to say exactly what she is thinking to sometimes hilarious effect, and carefully avoids social interactions. Her life begins to change when she meets Raymond, the bumbling, possibly unhygienic, but big-hearted IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, Eleanor’s life slowly opens up to more connections. This has been a popular book in the library and I enjoyed it, I found it funny, poignant and very believable. Events unfold in the book in a way which are unexpected as the reader slowly begins to understand the background to Eleanor’s quirks.

The Thursday Murder Club by

Richard Osman

Richard Osman’s debut novel in The Thursday Murder Club series, is a murder mystery set in an upmarket English retirement village. A group of the residents meet each week to enjoy each other’s company and to review cold cases from a member of the group who was a former policewoman. The plot thickens as a series of murders linked to the retirement village occur. The group connects with two of the local police to help solve the crimes. The story is full of twists and turns, interesting characters, moving moments and plenty of humour! This popular book is a highly recommended read.

Bitter Wash Road / Hell to Pay by

If you are looking for a new author and enjoy mystery and crime with well-plotted twists and turns, then look no further. The Paul Hirschhausen crime series by Australia’s best-known novelist Garry Fisher is a must read and will definitely have you back for the second and third books in the series.

Constable Paul Hirschhausen (known to all as Hirsch) was the promising detective gone whistle-blower who is now demoted to a one-cop police station located in the small country town of Tiverton, North Adelaide in South Australia’s wheatbelt.

Heading up Bitter Wash Road to investigate gunfire, he finds himself cut off without backup and this is just the beginning of where he learns of even more corruption than that of the police department he had left behind. There are things happening in Tiverton that many people would kill to keep secret. Well worth the read and the investigation.

Garry Disher

OTAKI IN THE NEWS - 1890s

Selected from early New Zealand newspapers.

September 20, 1990

R. L. GOWER - HAIR DRESSER, OTAKI

Ladies’ Combings worked into any style of head-dress, plaits, coils, etc. etc.

R. L. G. is the only hair worker who works the hair into flowers and rosettes, etc. All kinds of hair-guards made from ladies own hair, and also worked into lockets, brooches, rings etc.

January 3, 1891

A young man named McLouglin was arrested at the Otaki races yesterday on a charge of playing an unlawful game, to wit, “Under and over.” He will be brought before the Court at Otaki this morning.

February 27, 1891

The Otaki Athletic Club hold their third annual meeting on St Patrick’s Day, and are meeting with good support. By the programme issued, the sports should be a success, and I notice the money for the handicap has, this year, been considerably increased.

A match is to be fired here next Saturday between the Otaki Rifles and a team of the Wellington Guards. As Sniders are to be used, the Guards stand slightly the favourites, the Otaki team having almost entirely abandoned that weapon in favour of the Martini. I fancy, however, the local team will give a good account of

themselves.

September 21, 1891

A brass band, consisting entirely of natives, has been formed at Otaki. Mr S. Cimino was engaged to coach the band, and under his tuition the members have already shown remarkable progress. Although the instruments were only distributed on Wednesday, the band was able to supply music for a dance held on Friday. The natives have certainly been fortunate in securing the services of such an able instructor, and the success they have achieved will no doubt encourage others to follow their example.

Constable O’Rourke, of Otaki, last week informed Inspector Thompson by wire that a building, with engine, scutcher, and press, and one ton of fibre at the Waitohu Flax Mill had been burnt down. The cause was due to the men sleeping in the building neglecting to properly put out the lights. The damage amounts to about L200. The property, which was uninsured, belonged to Mrs Isabella Harriett Elliott, wife of Robert Elliott, who recently left the locality.

November 18, 1893

TOWN HALL OTAKI

This Hall, just re-built, will be found most suitable for Theatrical Companies touring the country districts. It is fitted with a very commodious stage, and seating accommodation is provided for 300 people. A piano is kept on the premises. For details as to rent, terms, etc., apply to the agent, ROBERT JILLET Coach Proprietor, Otaki

December 20, 1893

farmers living around it.

December 17, 1896

The County Office is to be removed from Otaki at once to Levin, to temporary premises, the Clerk having been instructed “to move the safe, office fittings, and papers to Levin, so that the next meeting of this Council may be held there.” The new Councillors were determined that Otaki should live in no false hopes of being able to get round any of the members.

December 24, 1896

The Otaki Mail mentions that boys and girls in a perfectly nude condition bathe together in a stream in Otaki.

December 3, 1898

November 11, 1891

A new lodge under the New Zealand Constitution is to be opened at Otaki tomorrow evening, by the Grand Superintendent of Wellington, Bro. H. J. Williams. A considerable number of brethren from town and also from the Manawatu are expected to be present, although the day selected is an extremely inconvenient one. The Manawatu Railway Company has liberally granted return tickets at single fares to members of the craft who intend going to Otaki on the occasion. Bro. W. H. Warren is arranging this part of the business.

December 18, 1891

Firefighters hold memorial line-up

BY FRANK NEILL

Members of the Ōtaki Volunteer Fire Brigade held a memorial line-up on 21 February to honour the service and sacrifice of Muriwai firefighters Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg.

Craig and Dave, who were volunteer firefighters, lost their lives during Cyclone Gabrielle.

They were investigating flooding at a house on Muriwai’s Motutara Road when a major slip hit, collapsing the house.

Both Craig and Dave were trapped in the slip. Dave’s body was recovered two days later, while Craig died in hospital on 16 February.

This tragedy demonstrated once again that firefighters from time to time put their lives on the line while serving the community. To date 68 firefighters have been killed in New Zealand, none of them from Ōtaki. January was a quiet month for the Ōtaki brigade, with only 22 calls.

The brigade normally attends around 30 calls during the first month of the year, Ōtaki’s Chief Fire Officer Ian King says. One possible reason for the smaller number of calls was the amount of rain that fell during the month, meaning it was not as dry as usual.

Two calls were for rubbish, grass and scrub fires, and there were four property fires, mainly cars.

There were three medical calls and three calls to motor vehicle accidents.

Private fire alarms activating resulted in four call outs and the brigade attended four “special services” calls. Special services are events not fitting the above categories, such as helicopter landings and lines down. The brigade also provided cover for other brigades twice during January.

The erection of a convent and school buildings at Otaki is to be proceeded with at once. A contract has been let to Smith and Snook and £490, and the work is expected to be completed at the end of March. The foundation stone will probably be laid by Archbishop Redwood on 31st January. The buildings, which will be one story high, are to be erected on a portion of the Rev. Father Melu’s property, in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by Mr Jas. O’Dea.

December 22, 1893

The Manawatu Farmer says that a dairy factory will shortly be started at Otaki, and it is intended by the promotors to establish creameries up and down the line at various suitable places. As the country is particularly suited for the pastorage of cows, there is no doubt the enterprise will be a great success, and a benefit both to the town and the

An additional strip of land about a chain in width has been acquired by Mr R.C.Kirk for the purposes of the Otaki Cottage Hospital. This will enable the building to be placed much more advantageously on the site selected in view of possible further extension, beside giving better access. The contract for the erection of the building, which is in the hands of Mr Nees, is to be completed in fifteen weeks.

December 9, 1899

The Otaki Mail says that Messrs Knocks and Morton have invented, and secured the rights of a cure for bot-fly.

Media Muse

Noel Leeming in Levin stocks eight portable radios ranging in price from around $90 down to $35 for pocket transistor radios — the most popular personal electronic communication device before the Walkman and the iPhone. Powered by replaceable, long-lasting batteries sold in shops, the transistor radio is not dependent on electricity supply, a critical advantage during power cuts, as National Radio reminded listeners in this hastily cobbled together trailer that followed the 10pm news bulletin on Sunday night as Cyclone Gabrielle slowly faded away to the south-east.

“The radio keeps delivering,” proclaimed an announcer ahead of this soundbite from a female caller who said: “The only thing we had was a little tiny transistor radio with some AA batteries and that was a real lifeline.”

The next programme was Mediawatch. Before indulging themselves in their regular weekly attack on their commercial rivals at NewstalkZB, co-presenters Colin Peacock and Hayden Donnell, marching down their shallow ditch around the echo chamber inside the political bubble that is Woke Wellington in the 2020s, surveyed coverage of the cyclone. Among the people they talked to was Radio New Zealand’s very own head of news, Richard Sutherland, who said: "It has certainly been a reminder to generations who have not been brought up with transistor radios (that) they are important to have in a disaster. This will also sharpen the minds of people on just how important 'legacy' platforms like AM transmission are in civil defence emergencies like the one we've had.”

“Over the years, and for a number of reasons, a lot of them financial, all news organisations have contracted. And you contract to your home city or a big metropolitan area, because that's where the population is, and that's where the bulk of

By Manakau’s Tom Frewen

your audience is,” he said.

“But this cyclone has reminded us all as a nation, that it's really important to have reporters in the regions, to have strong infrastructure in the regions.”

The editor of Hawke’s Bay Today, Chris Hyde, said “Just keep supporting local news, because in moments like this, it really does matter.”

In fact, having local news matters all the time, as does having a radio. When you’re alone, crouching in the attic as flood waters rise or lying on a slab in an MRI scanner, just the sound of people talking on the radio in the room next door is reassuring, calming and comforting. Companionship, especially in the middle of the night, is radio’s greatest gift as a medium. It is unfortunate, in this regard, that Mediawatch made no mention of Radio New Zealand’s very own midnight-to-dawn presenter, Vicki McKay, who, as the storm raged and chaos reigned, carried on carrying on, reprising her superb performance when Christchurch was rocked by the September 2010 earthquake.

"Your brain becomes a sponge for detail and the mind zones in on the facts and figures,” she says in her profile on Radio New Zealand’s website which is badly in need of updating. “Radio is such an immediate service industry and it is so important to deliver such news as accurately and quickly as possible. As the official National Civil Defence Radio Station, we also have a responsibility to do this without alarming our listeners unnecessarily. So it is a delicate balance."

Ms Mckay, who has been employed by Radio New Zealand for just under 40 years says: "I have worked here alongside an army of professional broadcasters and journalists who ensure our listeners are informed to the very best of our ability. How lucky am I to have chosen a career that I love?"

Independent chairperson sought for Kāpiti Coast Airport Noise Community Liaison Group

Kāpiti Coast Airport Holdings Ltd and the Kapiti Coast District Council invites applications for the position of independent chairperson of the Kāpiti Coast Airport Noise Community Liaison Group

The purpose of the Group is to consider and , where appropriate, make recommendations to Kāpiti Coast Airport Holdings Limited on aircraft noise issues and concerns that arise from the operation and activities at the Kāpiti Coast Airport. The Kapiti Coast Airport Noise Community Liaison Group meets at least once per year.

Applicants are invited to submit a CV along with a covering letter showing skills, attributes and knowledge relevant to the work of the Kāpiti Coast Airport Noise Community Liaison Group

Examples of skills, experience and personal qualities that an applicant should consider are: the ability to act independently and objectively

• the ability to understand community concerns and disseminate information relevant to the community

• the ability to ask relevant and pertinent questions, and evaluate the answers

• the ability to work constructively with management to achieve improvements a proactive approach to advising the Kapiti Coast Airport Holdings Limited

• appropriate diligence, time, effort and commitment broad governance experience

• the ability to understand technical advice and guidance on noise issues

• assist in the review of environmental management plans

The initial period of appointment would be three years from the date of appointment and attendance at meetings and associated expenses will be remunerated at the same rate as community representatives appointed to committee in line with Council’s Non-Elected Members’ Fees Framework.

The closing date for applications is Friday 24 March 2023.

For further information please contact Laura Willoughby, Principal Advisor on (04) 296 4700 or by emailing laura.willoughby@kapiticoast.govt.nz.

Sadly, the enthusiam that Vicki McKay and Richard Sutherland have for radio as a medium does not appear to be shared by their boss, Radio New Zealand’s chief executive, Paul Thompson. Barely eight months after his appointment in September 2013, he flew to Glasgow to deliver the keynote speech to the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Conference. His speech notes reveal, with less than eight months’ experience in broadcasting following a 15-year career in newspaper journalism and management, he had realised that by taking the top job in New Zealand’s public radio he’d jumped onto a sinking ship.

“The evidence is clear that traditional media are in decline,” he’d decided, “Radio, television and newspapers are merging into digital devices that are always switched on. The future of content delivery is multi-media, multi-platform, personalised, mobile and social.”

As Marshall McLuhan might have said: The medium is dead, long live the message. But not on radio. To stay relevant and continue serving the public, Mr Thompson said Radio New Zealand had to become a multimedia organisation.”

He also wanted to highlight three troubling facts: “We are weak (almost irrelevant) on the web. “As a radio broadcaster, we lack visual journalism and digital story-telling skills. “Our preferred method of content delivery - radio - is in long-term decline.”

Nearly a decade later, Radio New Zealand’s website, still languishes a distant third to Stuff (Dominion Post) and NZME (the Herald). According to a table compiled by SimilarWeb, an Israeli web analytics company, the websites of Stuff and the Herald get around 39 million visits per month compared with rnz.co.nz’s 7.8 million.

Of course radio lacks “visual journalism” (video) and “digital story-telling skills” (text on screens with hyperlinks). Radio is the medium of the mind. That is its greatest strength. Checkpoint’s Lisa Owen tells listeners to check out a video of

a story they’ve just heard on their car radio in the hope they’ll remember to do that when they get home.

As for radio being in long-term decline as a medium, audiences for New Zealand’s commercial radio networks remain at pre-internet figures of around 3.6 million listeners per week.

Radio New Zealand’s latest survey, however, reveals an alarming dip of 8.5 percent in National’s audience, appearing to confirm anecdotal accounts of growing disillusionment with its flagship Morning Report. But because Radio New Zealand’s management now controls the publication of the quarterly surveys from GfK, a German media ratings company, comparison with the rival commercial breakfast shows of NewstalkZB and TodayFM ludicrously requires use of the Official Information Act.

In his determination to turn Radio New Zealand into a multi-media, multi-platform content delivering audio, video and text through smart phones and computers, Mr Thompson also failed to foresee critical developments ahead such as streamed video and TikTok. In any case, digital devices such as the smart phone and the computer are not “always switched on.” Even though they may include FM radio receivers, they are just one of a multitude of uses of which the camera and streamed video are the most dominant.

Also, when you switch a radio on it is probably already tuned to your favourite station. And, if it is a portable radio or tranny, it will stay on as long as it has life in its batteries.

Mr Thompson’s tenure at Radio New Zealand must be almost at an end. It can only be hoped that his successor will have a better understanding, not just of radio as a medium but also of the critical role that non-commercial, taxpayer-funded public radio plays as an institution in maintaining a well-informed democratic society.

Handy folk to know

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

BIRTHRIGHT

OP SHOP

23 Matene Street, Otaki Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday 10am – 1pm

Good/Used clothing for sale

Baby clothing $1 Children’s clothing $2

clothing $4 (or as priced)

Cobwebs Op-Shop

Main Street

Tuesday – Friday 10 – 4pm

Currently needing Good-quality men’s clothes and kitchenware

ŌTAKI LOCKSMITH

Adult shoes $3 - $5 Lots of bric-a-brac from $1 Assortment of antiques for sale

We are always looking for volunteers to help in our shop –please see the Shop Manager for an application form.

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

RANCHSLIDER & WINDOW REPAIRS

KEYS cut

RANCHSLIDER: Wheels & Locks - TRACKS REPAIRED

WINDOW: Hinges replaced & new catches fitted

KEYS: cut LOCKS: repaired or new locks fitted

Phone Sam Whitt NOW

021 073 5955

Specialised repair No Travel Charge

Ōtaki Churches welcome you

ANGLICAN

Ōtaki All Saints Church

47 Te Rauparaha Street

Rev. Simon and Rev. Jessica Falconer

Tel: 06 364 7099

Service: Sunday, 10am, Hadfield Hall

For Hadfield Hall bookings, email office@otakianglican.nz

Ōtaki Rangiātea Church

33–37 Te Rauparaha St

Sunday Eucharist: 9am

Church viewing hours, school terms:

Mon–Fri, 9.30am – 1.30pm

Tel: 364 6838

Email: rangiatea.church@xtra.co.nz

Waikanae Whakarongotai Marae

2nd Sunday, 11.30am

Levin Ngatokowaru Marae

4th Sunday, 11am

CATHOLIC Ōtaki St Mary’s ‘Pukekaraka’

4 Convent Road

Fr. Alan Roberts

Tel: 021 0822 8926

Mass Timetable: Tue–Fri: 10am

Sunday: 10am

BAPTIST

Cnr Te Manuao Road/SH1

Tel: 364 8540

Service: 10am

PRESBYTERIAN

249 Mill Rd

Rev. Peter L. Jackson

Tel: 364 6346

Worship: 11am

Cafe Church:

2nd Sunday, 10.45am

Acts Churches The HUB

157 Tasman Rd, Ōtaki

Tel: 364 6911

Family service: 10:15am

Big Wednesday: 10:15am

Otaki

Hartley

Email: hartleyelectrical@gmail.com

After hours: 06 364 2070

Mobile: 021 418 751

General electrical contractors for all your electrical requirements

Domestic • Commercial Industrial • Farm

Domestic • Commercial Industrial • Farm

Mobile: 021 418 751

After hours: 06 364 2070

Email: hartleyelectrical@gmail.com

General electrical contractors for all your electrical requirements

Otaki

Cyclone Gabrielle: This is what we’ve trained for, together

BY NIKKI LUNDIE

Experience, training and instinct enabled Surf Search and Rescue (SAR) and lifeguards from Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club to act quickly and effectively in response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Manawatū–Tararua Surf SAR co-ordinator and Ōtaki lifeguard Rob Bigwood received a call 13 February to put the squad on alert and to prepare for potential deployment. It was considered that Hawkes Bay, the Manawatū and the Rangitikei districts were most at risk ahead of the cyclone. It was decided to prep a number of IRBs and supplies so they could move without delay. “Experience has taught us to be as prepared as possible to facilitate rapid deployment when needed,” said Rob.

On the morning of 14 February the squad received a call from the National Coordinator for Surf SAR advising of the increasingly dire situation in Napier. Due to our location we were amongst the closest SAR teams to Napier and at midday were activated and asked to go to the Hawkes Bay. Eleven senior lifeguards – including five specialist swiftwater technicians; two flood-rescue boat instructors; and an EMT – from across the Kāpiti Coast were part of the initial responders.

As we travelled, information came in that Waipukurau and Waipawa were also at risk. Our first vehicles stopped there and assisted with a minor medical and welfare check. The flooding was obvious, but the local police felt that everything was under control.

We continued towards Hastings, with communications becoming increasingly unreliable. The scale of the flooding became more evident as we got closer to Hastings and, upon entering Hastings, we were immediately dispatched to Pakowhai. With no Google maps available on our phones we received help from a local police officer. We arrived at the Ngaruroro River bridge and launched onto Pakowhai Road, tasked with the recovery of trapped people from a school and church and to find anyone else we could. We were advised to look for hovering helicopters, as they would indicate people in need of recovery.

Rob recalls, “The conditions on the water were nothing like I had experienced in 29 years of lifeguarding or Land Search and Rescue. Just 300 metres from the launching point a Kenworth truck was completely covered with water and only the top of its exhaust was showing. Most single-story buildings only had the top ridge of the roof showing.”

Peter Housiaux, Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club Captain, lifeguard and SAR squad member added, “this is the type

of event we train for and work together for. I’ve seen a lot of things in my 50-plus years of lifeguarding and SAR, but this was next level. This was a real-life catastrophe. It really brought it home when we saw people and animals stranded on rooftops with no way out, frightened and desperately waiting to be rescued. We had to duck under power lines – that gives you an idea of the sheer volume of water.”

Our crew worked until they lost daylight. Just on dark one of the team spotted someone at the window of a petrol station. They pulled up beside the second-storey window to discover a family who were trapped due to floodwaters. To compound the situation one of the adults had sustained a spinal injury, so a helicopter with a winch and medic were required on the scene. Pete managed to break the window with the IRB paddles to create a space wide enough for the stretcher. The patient was loaded and winched to safety while the remaining family members were taken to an ambulance by boat. Pete said, “this was a really good coordinated effort between SAR, Ōtaki lifeguards and police. To go straight into a crisis of this scale was daunting, but we have been lucky to have some amazing training opportunities through Surf Lifesaving NZ and SAR, which enabled us to hit the ground running, so to speak. With comms down and sketchy in places, a lot of it was based on experience and instinct. We went with our gut and our training just kicked in.”

On Wednesday the team’s first task was to scout entries to water to give the Incident Management team some eyes on the water. Our crew eventually found themselves on the far side of Pakowhai. Here a SAR police officer asked for the assistance of two boats to check houses now the water had receded. They also assisted some police-dog handlers to enter the very water-logged police-dog centre to retrieve some valuable items. The crew described it as an odd experience breaking into a police station.

EMT, Ōtaki lifeguard and SAR member Teresa Foxley finds it hard to fully describe the unspeakable devastation they arrived to. “It was absolutely surreal”, she said, “like something out of a movie. We had to break into people’s homes to conduct thorough searches. It didn’t feel right: these were people’s homes, filled with personal belongings, which were now ruined and covered in silt. Despite this, it was heartening to hear about and witness the unsung heroes. Despite having lost everything, they put their own grief and loss aside in order to help elsewhere. This kind of experience builds resilience, and Kiwis have it in spades.”

Another contingent of Wellington and Ōtaki Lifeguards arrived Wednesday afternoon. They were tasked with assisting Urban Search and Rescue (USAR – one of Fire and Emergency's key capabilities) going house to house. Floodwaters were still high and boats were needed to get safely around.

On Thursday Surf Lifesaving, Land SAR and the Coastguard started operating out of the Coastguard base in Napier. The team was tasked to assist USAR again in clearing houses in Pakowhai. They were able to help USAR go from one team of 12 to 12 teams. This was an exhausting, sad time, and incredibly hard but immensely rewarding work. They performed a few animal rescues and, thankfully, they were able to help USAR clear a lot of buildings. At the close of the day they returned to the Napier Coastguard base to be informed that the Wellington and Manawatū–Tararua squads tasking was complete and the next day the teams returned home.

Ray Lenaghan, Ōtaki lifeguard concludes, “Being part of the crew deployed to the Hawkes Bay last week was such a double-edged situation. Seeing the devastation and disruption to fellow Kiwis’ lives was so difficult to fathom! But being part the Manawatū and Wellington Surf SAR crew was also so incredibly fulfilling. An amazing bunch of men and women – some young and some not so young – coming together to use their skills and training to help as much as they could. The human spirit in a crisis is a wonderful thing to witness. This group displayed that to its fullest. We not only learned a lot, but this experience brought us all closer together.”

“This was hard and heart-breaking work. At no point were there any complaints or signs of fatigue. We could not be prouder of our team and the part they played last week,” said Rob.

To the people of Hawke’s Bay, we send all the aroha we can muster while you rebuild your lives and homes.