

Kia ora koutou, Greetings to you all,
A Busy Autumn for the Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association
Autumn has been a bustling season for the Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association, with members hard at work preparing for our upcoming Annual General Meeting. This has involved reviewing our finances, planning for the year ahead, and reflecting on the many achievements we've made over the past 12 months. We’ve also been preparing a deputation to present to the Rodney Local Board. Key items we’ll be addressing include seeking clarity on the long-awaited remedial works for our seawalls, requesting funding for a much-needed community toilet at the main playground, and calling for more direct involvement in Council decisions particularly around funding and managing our village hall
With Local Government Elections approaching, we anticipate changes on the Rodney Local Board This means we'll need to continue advocating strongly in the next term to ensure our village priorities remain front and center for our members
The Rodney Local Board area is vast, with many large and smaller communities requesting local board funding, we need to be heard!
This month, we’re also taking the time to celebrate two exceptional members of our community:
Charleyne Garner, who has retired after an incredible 44 years of service as our local school bus driver. Her dedication to generations of Point Wells children is truly inspiring, with many former passengers now putting their own children on the bus she once drove. Noeline Cranston, a tireless champion of our village, has spent many years caring for our community hall and serving on the PWCRA committee. From the playground to the tennis courts, from the parks to the hall Noeline’s hard work and dedication have left a lasting legacy in nearly every corner of Point Wells.
As we look ahead, we kindly remind all residents to renew or sign up for their Community Association membership. Your support helps us maintain our vital community facilities, advocate effectively with Council, and keep Point Wells the special place we all love
Thank you for being part of our village community,
Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association
For those of us who have lived in Point Wells for some time, the name Noeline Cranston will be a familiar one You may know her because you once called 111 and she or her husband John was among the first to respond as members of the Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade. Perhaps you've booked the Village Hall and found her there, helping to organise your event as Hall Coordinator Maybe you attended a Connoisseurs Dinner she hosted, or reached out for help dealing with Auckland Council and received her guidance and support
If you haven’t had the chance to connect with Noeline in any of those ways or if you’re new to Point Wells it won’t take long to notice the remarkable impact she’s had on our community
Noeline served on the Point Wells Community Committee for many years, including as President, where she played a key role in advocating for traffic safety, including the installation of footpaths leading into the village Thanks to her and her fellow committee members, we’ve seen improvements to the boat ramp, the addition of public toilets, the development of new village playgrounds, and upgrades to our tennis and basketball courts all made possible through their dedicated work with the PWCRA Noeline and John have also been longtime members of the Point Wells Club, where they enjoy connecting with friends and neighbours each week
After many years of tireless service, Noeline has decided to step down and take a well-earned break. Her dedication, passion, and countless contributions have helped make Point Wells a better place for residents and visitors alike
Thank you, Noeline we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our village.
Time to renew your membership 1 June 2025 - 31 May 2026
per household
The Point Wells Community & Ratepayers Association (PWCRA) is a small group of passionate volunteers working to ensure our village remains the special place we all love. Point Wells is more than just a beautiful place to live it’s a thriving, connected community
Members of the PWCRA help fund:
Point Wells Hall - which is our Emergency Management Hub in the event of a major emergency event like Cyclone Gabrielle
Point Wells Library - which is our own village Library independent of Auckland Council Libraries and run by village resident volunteers
Point Wells Crier - our village magazine which has been published for over 40 years, and connects us together with village news, updates and important events
Point Wells Security Camera - our village has our own security camera which monitors traffic entering and exiting the village It is a critical crime deterrent and safety aspect for all residents
Connoisseurs Club - monthly pot-luck dinners hosted at Point Wells Hall
What We Do:
Our committee meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon to advocate for our community, liaise with Auckland Council, and support local projects that benefit residents Some of our key focus areas include:
Maintaining and enhancing Point Wells Hall as a community hub, and prepared for an emergency
Advocating for shoreline protection and erosion control- protecting private homeowner assets
Improving safety with security cameras and neighbourhood support
Ensuring community assets, like the hall and library, remain well-maintained and accessible
Pushing for essential infrastructure and community assets like the AT buses and school buses are picking up our residents
Keeping the Point Wells Crier running by gathering up important news that impacts residents
Present deputations at Rodney Local Board on the village residents’ behalf
I’m Ali, a busy mum of two at Matakana School, working from home and managing a not-for-profit called Wāhine Connect Our family has lived in the area for nearly five years, and one of our favourite things to do is bike to the jetties after dinner for an evening splash I was asked to join the committee after starting the Point Wells Playgroup, wanting to advocate for families and young children in the area Having worked with local boards at Auckland Council, I know how vital strong community representation is and the more voices and people involved, the more effective we can be
Pay your annual sub and become a member of the PWCRA and reap the benefits of living in this wonderful village community Your support is vital to continuing our advocacy and the management of our community assets. You do not need to be a home owner or even live here full time, all residents are welcome!
Welcome to the Winter 2025 issue of our quarterly village newsletter. The Crier is compiled and delivered by volunteers - if you would like to lend us a hand please get in touch! Our aim is to provide items of local interest and/or from local contributors to advise, inform and amuse the residents of our beautiful community. We are always looking for new content and advertisers! If you have something you’d like to share, please email it to our editor alanajclint@hotmail.com
We do, of course, rely on advertising revenue to be able to produce and print The Point Wells Crier, so our heartfelt thanks to all our current advertisers for their continued support. We ask that you please support them in return by buying local when you can. If you would like to place an advertisement in The Crier, please email our Treasurer pointwellscratreasurer@gmail.com or pointwellswebsite@gmail.comPWCRA Committee
Garner – The school bus driver for 44 years retires!
Been there, Done that -------What’s Next?
A long time ago I received a phone call from the local retiring bus driver asking if I had ever thought of driving a bus. Well, obviously, this is the last thing you think of. “Come on the run with me this afternoon and see what you think” he says Forty-four years later I have done a lot of thinking
Over the years there have been so many good times ---and yes, so many challenging times It is so rewarding to have passengers from the past say they really enjoyed their time on the bus. Some families who have stayed local I am now transporting the third set of children to school. The bus has from the start of my driving been decorated for Christmas and later for Easter and Halloween Christmas time saw some children travelling to friends or Grandparents just so they could travel on the “Christmas Bus”
School bus driving has been the most rewarding and convenient occupation ever ---because:
Holidays at home with my children ---- no need for time off work
Free transport to and from school for my children and I was paid for it.
Go to all school sports and functions, home and away that my children were involved in --- no time needed off work and in some cases I was paid for it
A great occupation for anyone wanting only a few hours of work each day.
On the 23rd May I will be hanging the bus keys on the hook and retiring
Thank you all for making every day different in every way possible.
Much appreciated, Charleyne Garner On behalf
ComplainttoMatakanaCountryParkonbehalfofPWCRA members
WereceivedseveralcomplaintsaboutparkinghazardsonKings BirthdayweekendabouttheMatakanaCountryPark Therewerehighnumbersofcustomersattendingtheweekend countryfair,andtheattractionsresultedinmanyvehiclesparking onOmahaFlatsRoad.Thiscreatedserioustraffichazards.There wasn’tenoughspacefortraffictopassoneachsideoftheroad, severalnearcollisionsandmanypedestrianswalkingdirectlyin trafficwithyoungchildrenandprams Therewasnotraffic managementsysteminplacetomanagetheseissues.Weraised thiswiththeCountryParkmanagementandreceivedthis response:
“Wesincerelyapologiseforthedisruptioncausedbytherecent eventandfullyacknowledgetheseriousnessoftheissuesraised. You'reabsolutelyright trafficandparkingmanagementare essentialduringlarge-scaleevents.Oneofthekeybenefitsof hostingeventsattheMatakanaCountryParkistheextensiveonsiteparkingavailablewithinthegrounds Forthismarket,weput upmultipleparkingsigns(includingatthetwomaingates)and hadparkingwardensdirectingvehiclestotheOvalandother designatedareas.
Wealsoconedoffthefirst20metresoneithersideofthemain entrance,whichhaspreviouslybeensufficientindiscouraging roadsideparking butclearlywasn’tadequatethistime.”
Auckland Council holds elections every three years to elect a mayor, ward councillors, local board members and licensing trustees The next local elections for Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland will be held by postal vote in October 2025
If you are enrolled to vote you will receive a voting form in your letterbox between Tuesday 9 September to Monday 22 September 2025 Voting runs from Saturday 11 October 2025, with results announced from Monday 13 October to Friday 17 October 2025
Why should Point Wells residents take notice?
The average Point Wells household pays over $3000 in rates each year which the Local Board members help decide on spending across Auckland and our area. Over the next term that means most Point Wells households will hand over approximately $9000 to the Council - we should care how they spend that!
Having effective and passionate local board members to ensure that funding and decision making is community focused is important, so we need to take note and most importantly vote! You do not need to be a homeowner to vote, you just need to reside in Auckland. If you pay rent, that goes towards rates - and you have just as much right to voice your opinion and engage in the process
Lots of other people vote, is my vote that important?
Actually a lot of people don’t vote in local elections Rodney has one of the highest voter turn- outs with about 52% of residents voting However there are still several thousand who do not Voting is a democratic right, and our elections are the biggest in New Zealand
How do we enrol to vote?
Check you are enrolled to vote - ensure any family member over the age of 18 are enrolled as well. Check your details here: https://vote.nz or search ‘vote NZ’ and the webpage will come up. How do we get to know the candidates?
There will be meet the candidates’ events over the next few months, the PWCRA will ensure notice is given so you can attend and hear what issues they are campaigning on.
Rodney residents will have council rubbish collections funded by residential property rates from 1 September 2025
The rates-funded rubbish collection is part of a regionwide move to a standardised waste service for Auckland
From Monday 30 June, Auckland Council will begin delivering bins to residential properties in Rodney. The bins will be placed at the roadside of your property before council rubbish collections begin in the first week of September 2025.
To date, Rodney residents have only had the option of using private waste services or taking their rubbish to a transfer station. Any residents using a private rubbish collection service should contact their provider before 1 September to find out what to do with their existing rubbish bin.
Rural residents
“We recommend residents living in rural properties use bins instead of bags to dispose of rubbish Bins are much better for the environment than single-use plastic bags Bins are also a safer option for residents and collectors, as the contents are completely contained,” says Ms Haves
If it is not practical to use bins, rural residents in Rodney who would like to request bags should email ruralrefusebags@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Rural residents who opt for bags instead of bins will have three choices in the number of bags per pack, depending on their household requirements, and this is reflected in the targeted waste rate for each household. A smaller pack of bags will have a lower targeted rate than a larger pack.
For more information, please visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hellobinrodney
bikes on verges and out of control parties in Point W
Over the Autumn period we have not had any significant reports of b or crime in Point Wells. This gives us confidence the community secur camera is performing successfully as a deterrent to crime.
However there have been reports of kids’ bikes getting picked up wh the school bus stops (in some cases village visitors have mistakenly th they were free donation) and of some loud house parties and Air B&B
In Point Wells school kids can leave bikes at a bus stop or verge and find them there after school This should be the case all over Auckland know that isn’t the case We recommend that parents are mindful of w bikes are left, and where possible leave them in a bike rack or away direct roadside
Keeping Point Wells safe for all residents and visitors is a responsibili of us You can play your part - read up on our latest advice from Neighborhood Support on page - 21
Information about our Community Security Camera
Who funded the camera?
The PWCRA members funded the full cost of the camera and insta We strongly advise all members of our community to join our asso support ongoing security and safety initiatives in the village
Who has access to the camera footage?
Only Police or Insite Security can access the footage.
Why do we need a security camera?
For several years Point Wells residents have been concerned abo The PWCRA have been trying to have a camera installed to monit Wells Road to ensure that any vehicles involved in criminal activity can be noted.
There has been a slight increase in crimes reported to the PWCRA in the last year.
Crime continues to be a national and regional concern, with Auckland still suffering the highest crimes rates in the country.
House burglaries and car thefts are typically committed by professionals who will target areas and take advantage of villages like Point Wells where residents are often very trusting, and often away from home.
The PWCRA has a policy on how the camera is managed and this is available to all PWCRA members
Noise Control and Parties
We don’t often have an issue with noise or loud parties in the village but a few weeks ago there was a large party held on Harbour View Road, which resulted in some damage to neighbouring property, and Police attendance
If you are thinking about having a party here are a few tips to keep it controlled and safe:
Keep the invitation closed! Allowing anyone to show up is a recipe for disaster and is likely to result in potentially hundreds of teenagers or unknown guests attending
Remember that all guests must remain on your property - it is not legal to host a party on a street or allow guests to roam on other property
Be respectful of noise levels after 10pm
Non-emergencyreportingtoNZPolice
Reportingnon-emergenciestoNZPoliceis easyandcanbedoneinseveralways
Reportingoncrimestatisticsissharedwith Neighbourhoodsupport
The105non-emergencynumberisforthings thathavealreadyhappenedanddon’tneed urgentPoliceassistance 105isanationwide,24/7servicethat’s availableviaphone(105)andonline (105policegovtnz)
This camera and on-going maintenance is paid for by the PWCRA members to benefit the entire village The PWCRA would appreciate any contributions to the security camera costs! If you pay your membership fee online, you will be given the option of adding a one off $15 donation to your membership fee. Or please donate by bank transfer to: 12-3095-0090996-00
Pt Wells Association Inc.
We really appreciate it!
Point Wells Hall was buzzing recently, as community gathered for the first of three workshops to build an Action Plan for Whangateau Harbour and its catchment. There was strong alignment around key concerns: sedimentation, biodiversity loss, recreational pressures, and runoff from poorly managed land use Point Wells residents raised specific issues like silt build-up, coastal erosion, sea level rise, and the impacts of set nets and speeding boats & jetskis.
Participants mapped cherished places - above and below water - alongside areas under stress and sites of past, current and future action. Many are already involved in efforts like riparian planting, pest control, and environmental monitoring. The workshop acknowledged the mahi of local groups including Whangateau HarbourCare, Tamahunga Trappers, Takatu Landcare, Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust, and Mountains to Sea
Mangrove spread was a recurring theme Many acknowledged both their value such as buffering erosion and providing habitat and concerns about their expansion into previously open areas. Their spread was recognised as a symptom of sedimentation from upstream land use. Participants called for a science-informed approach that addresses local concerns in the harbour, as well as sediment at source
Participants drafted roadmaps of action, prioritising native planting of waterways and eroding slopes, vessel speed enforcement, and protection of key habitats like the foreshore and sandy reef. Expanding citizen science (e.g. eDNA and water testing), sustainable forestry, and improved septic and storm water management were also key themes.
Presentations from Simon Thrush and Conrad Pilditch (Leigh Marine Lab) and catchment management specialist Duncan Kervell grounded the discussion in science and spatial planning A living, digital “Storymap” is in development to bring together imagery, maps, GIS data, and local insights guiding collective, coordinated action
This initiative has grown out of the work of Whangateau HarbourCare and now brings together a collective of local groups and individuals working together for a thriving harbour Restore Rodney East provides umbrella support services and Healthy Waters (Auckland Council) is a supportive partner, backing this community-driven effort
You’re warmly invited to Workshop 2 of the Whangateau Harbour & Catchment Action Plan a community-led effort to protect the health of the harbour, from the hills to the sea.
�� Saturday 5 July 2025
�� Whangateau Hall
⏰ 11:00am–3:30pm Tea, coffee and lunch provided Please register whangateaucatchment@gmail.com.
Those residents new to Point Wells might not be aware that the bird song you hear in our lovely village (and that visitors complain about as it wakes them up in the morning!) is at least partly due to the pest trapping ring of steel that surrounds our lovely peninusula
We have been doing this for almost a decade now and whilst it sometimes feels like a never-ending task We need to keep at it and we always need volunteers and some funding to help pay for bait and the traps
Lines 1 and 2 are maintained by our 16 volunteers, 3E and 3W by landowners John Maltby and John Bolam
Our thanks to them for their help and input! The weather lately has not been kind to our trusty band of volunteers with rain and cold winds often lining up with the lowish tides necessary to check our lines We have a mixture of bait stations, rat tunnels and full-size traps in these lines endeavouring to keep out rats, mice, stoats, weasels, and hedgehogs In addition, a number of residents within the ring also have bait stations and or traps to help catch any pest(s) who may evade our ring
We endeavour to check each bait station, trap, and tunnel fortnightly and check and rebait with rabbit, peanut butter and mayonnaise In the last 12 months, on the perimeter lines 1 and 2, we have caught 38 rats and our bait stations have used 5kgs of soft bait as well as multiple jars of peanut butter and mayonnaise Many thanks go to Peter Torrice of PestX for his generous donations of bait and traps to Rat HQ We can always use more volunteers to walk the lines: this is generally done in pairs and takes approx 2-3 hours every 8 weeks at present
If you are interested in volunteering or in any aspect of our work, please feel free to contact me directly at richardmuirnz@gmail.com
RichardMuir
akaRatman
With cold days approaching, the need for warmth and plenty of food, where would you choose to shelter? Well, if you were a rat, it could well be in a compost heap – somewhere with plenty of fresh kitchen scraps to feast on and a nice bit of heat from the decomposing material.
Five Ways to Rat-Proof Your Compost Bin
1.Use a solid-sided bin. If you have a wooden, open-slatted bin then it’s best to use it only for garden waste. Vegetable peelings and other kitchen waste (rats are, apparently, particularly partial to potato peelings) should go in a closed bin, with solid sides and a lid. Some of the commercial plastic varieties come with a rat-proof base, but if yours doesn’t then place it on wire mesh. Rats can squeeze through gaps of 15 mm (just over half an inch), so the holes in the mesh need to be smaller than this. It also needs to be heavy-duty. Chicken wire isn’t thick enough as rodent teeth are sharp!
2 Ensure the bin is set squarely so that there is no gap between the sides and the lid This makes it harder for a rat to gain an easy purchase
3 Rats are secretive souls They prefer to keep to the edges of things and haunt passages like those made between a fence and a closely positioned shed Situate your compost heap as much in the open as possible, away from likely rat-runs along over-grown fence-lines and the sides of buildings, so that they are discouraged by a lack of cover
4 Rats don’t like disturbance Putting the bin somewhere you pass by often and giving it a good rat-a-tat on the side with a stick every time will discourage them from taking up residence
5 Don’t add cooked food, especially meat and fish, or anything strong-smelling like cheese and fats to the bin I also found that eggshells were a particular favourite, to the extent that they started calling at it for a take-away
On a glorious day in late March, a group of around 280 garden club members, along with family and friends had the privilege of visiting Gibbs Farm on the Kaipara Harbour. We spent several hours walking across the spectacular rolling hills and valleys of the expansive, contoured landscape, marvelling at the large -scale sculptures adorning them – the astonishing works of 23 NZ and international artists A surprising range of exotic animals –alpacas, giraffes, water buffalo, ostrich, emu, etc added to the adventure
Recently we visited a very special local garden that has been awarded a top rating by the NZ Gardens Trust - Garden of International Significance Located on the hill just above Baddley’s Beach, Omaio is the outstanding coastal garden of Liz Morrow Amongst the stands of magnificent kauri trees overlooking Kawau Bay, she has curated a garden sanctuary that includes perennial underplanting in artfully shaped border gardens with clipped plants and well-formed pathways through natural bush Liz maintains a serious trapping programme that ensures native birds proliferate This is a showcase New Zealand garden
Marion Ransom
Hey, I’ve got a new car!!! Well not me exactly, but the Brigade has The new medical response vehicle and what a beauty it is!!! You may have seen it around already, but in case you haven’t, let me run you through it
It’s a new Ford Ranger 2.0 automatic. We took possession of it in February It then went away for fitout including wrapping in red, radio, light bar and full FENZ livery. Once back we arranged a public open day on station for its unveiling and blessing Murphys Law, midway thru the open day, a medical callout was received and the vehicle responded to its first event
So what makes this vehicle so special to our Brigade??
1. It’s red!!! Which means that other road traffic can clearly see that it is an emergency vehicle and allow it to pass by Previously the silver Hyundai was not clearly visible as to what is was and sometimes created confusion to other road users, who often maintained their road position and speed, being unsure of our vehicles role
2. It has more room in the cab!!! Often members are still getting themselves together enroute to a callout Particularly putting on and tying up boot laces. Amusingly once in the back seat of the Hyundai, when tying up bootlaces a member tied one bootlace to a loose string hanging from the front seat, as there was so little room to manoeuvre or even see what he was doing
He was then surprised that he was unable to extract himself from the vehicle upon arrival at the job
3. Can carry more gear!!! Wow, there is sooo much room in the tray, which is easily accessible from the side lockers and boot lid, together with a slide out tray. As a bonus, the gear doesn’t become airborne missiles inside the cab should the unthinkable happen. Previously such gear was in the same internal area as the passengers Now all gear is fully contained in the tray area
4 Four-wheel drive capability!!! Not all callouts are over tar sealed roads and up concrete driveways Being in a rural area, we are now able to get over terrain not previously possible. Higher wheel clearance and can be driven over sand But that doesn’t mean we will be throwing the surfboard in the back!!
5. It looks more professional!!! If you look the part, you are the part. No, not a vanity issue But if you are waiting for an ambulance, you are going to feel more relieved to look out the window to clearly see a FENZ medical vehicle pulling up to your place, rather than trying to figure out what that old silver Hyundai is.
6 Safety!!! Along the same lines as #1 If parked on the roadside, say at a road accident, it is going to be more visible from a distance and will induce traffic to slow down in anticipation.
7 Multi use!!! While the Rangers primary role is that of medical response, it can be used to transport staff and further equipment to major fire callouts The tray capacity could easily be used for further hoses, portable dam, portable pump etc to be transported to the fire ground
Whilst the fundraising for this replacement vehicle was ‘driven’ (pardon the pun!!) by the Brigade members, it is you the members of the community that have made the monetary donations to get this project over the line We warmly thank you all for this support and we can only endeavour to repay you in your time of need
However, one thing the Ranger doesn’t have is a bar fridge, I guess I’ll just have to get one from my fridge at home!!!
Our members ably led by Mike Cundy, have been working very hard renovating the lawns since early April, a much longer time than anticipated due to the rain in between. The renovation process was very expensive and time consuming, but the end result will be worth it A 500 mm wide strip of carpet grass around the actual lawns was removed and regressed, which will enable plugs to be taken and used to patch the lawn where needed in the future
The plan is that we will have two smaller lawns up and operating by the first week in June. As usual if you want to come along and have a go at croquet, play is Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 9.30 . All new members welcome!
Address: 5 Point Wells Rd, Point Wells Email: secretary.warkworthcroquet@gmail.com
The Coastal Trail: Progress, Passion & a Can for a Cause Trail Update: Point Wells to Country Park
The 2 2km section of The Coastal Trail between Point Wells and Matakana Country Par shape While it’s taken a little longer than expected, progress has been steady and t are looking fantastic Recent work includes: Road markings and symbols along Omaha Flats Road
New safety barriers at key points
A beautiful post-and-rail fence now borders the trail through Matakana Coun The section within the Country Park is now nearly complete and looking sharp is the more complex stage: working along the road corridor, managing traffic clearing scrub We’re grateful to be working with trusted local partners Hutchin Consulting Engineers and Mason Contractors to ensure everything is done to a standard. Donate $50 and Receive a Limited-Edition Beer ��
Thanks to our mates at the Sawmill Brewery, you can now raise a can and raise trail
If you donate $50 or more to The Coastal Trail before 20 June 2025, you’ll rece limited-edition “Trail Raiser” beer - a locally brewed Matakana Oyster Stout in a collector’s can, part of the first in a four-part series
How it works: Donate $50 or more via www.thecoastaltrail.co.nz
Shipping: New Zealand addresses only Offer ends 20 June or while stocks last
Your donation helps move the trail forward and gets you a cold one in return!
We’ve just finished a boomer Feijoa season, our best yet Like many Kiwis, we love this aromatic fruit, we only have 4 shrubs, about head height now, each a different variety to spread the fruiting season Many people just ignore their trees, but a poorly grown Feijoa will either produce many small, hard fruit with a low flesh to skin ratio, barely worth the trouble of picking, or very few fruit.
If you are yet to grow Feijoa, make sure to select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While feijoas can tolerate partial shade, optimal fruit production occurs with ample sunlight Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot There is no need to amend the soil in Point Wells for this crop, as they happen to love sandy peat soil that is slightly acidic
Feijoa plants require consistent moisture, especially during fruit development In our climate, the weather is typically hot and dry during the critical fruit development period, and this is the main reason for getting small fruit Water the plants deeply at least once a week during summer but stop once the autumn rains start to avoid overwatering, as Feijoa are susceptible to root rot
Mulching is one of the secrets to big, juicy Feijoas! Apply a 3-5cm layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, bark, or straw around the base of feijoa plants to retain soil moisture in winter or early spring to suppress weeds, feed the soil, encourage feeding roots and regulate soil temperature
Keep it a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in mid-summer I like to use sheep pellets are these are organic and add to the soil microbial life as they decompose Compost, wellrotted horse manure, or fish fertiliser are also good options Avoid overfertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage with little fruit.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in mid-summer. I like to use sheep pellets are these are organic and add to the soil microbial life as they decompose. Compost, well-rotted horse manure, or fish fertiliser are also good options Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage with little fruit
Pruning is essential to produce lots of large fruit Prune from fruit drop in autumn to late winter before new growth begins, as fruit is carried on the current seasons’ growth Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches first, then thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration within the canopy An adage is to prune so a bird can fly through the branches, quite apt as Feijoa are pollinated by nectar feeding birds Remove lower branches to make picking up fruit from the easier Feijoa plants can be affe various pests, including insects, leaf roller caterp Japanese brown beetle pest causes the shredde appearance of leaves in can use insecticidal soap oil to treat pests; howeve a well grown tree won’t d serious infestations
A more serious pest is Guava moth, these little maggots infest the fruit, causing them to drop early and rot quickly In a bad season, nearly all the fruit can be infested You can use insecticides such as Success to control Guava Moth, but the best control is to gather up and destroy any infested fruit as soon as possible The reason this is important is to get the maggot before it has a chance to mature and pupate in the ground below. Mowing them over is the fastest way to do this if you are short of time, but otherwise, bag them and place in the freezer overnight, then compost as normal. Also, pick up fallen fruit daily if you can and process or eat as soon as possible, this helps break the cycle as the newly laid eggs don’t have time to hatch and infest the fruit Follow these tips and you’ll have more Feijoas than you can eat!
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Connoisseurs brought out the emerald and had a great Irish themed dinner!
You are invited to join us at the next Pot Luck Dinner. Just bring along a dish to share (savoury or sweet), A drink of choice, and a $2 donation
We meet in Point Wells hall (opp The General Store) @ 6p.m. on the THIRD Thursday of the month This is a great opportunity to get out and catch up with your friends or neighbours or those you “have been meaning to catch up with for ages!” If you are new to Point Wells, its a perfect occasion to come along and have a chat and find out what is happening this Winter in the community
The Connoisseurs has a small committee: Marilyn, Gillian and Hilary Contact Marilyn for more info: appleton@gama.net.nz
Next dates:
Thursday 19 June th Thursday 17 July th Thursday 21 August st
May 2025
Our annual AGM will be held at the clubrooms on Sunday 29th June at 4pm, it is an important opportunity to reflect on the past year, discuss further plans and elect the committee for the coming term
Your participation is essential in shaping the direction of the club so please come along and support this
We are always looking for new faces to come and join the club and also volunteers for various duties like, bar, greens, maintenance, cleaning and events. We have had a busy start to the year with a lot of different events and with a couple more to come
We will be holding our memb Midwinter Christmas in June also planning a Working Be a general clean up
The Long White Dinner was success again, as well as the Kids Colouring Competition the Easter Bunny handing lo prizes and Easter eggs.
We have just hosted our annual Club Quiz Night with Peter Torrice, our Quiz Master, providing some fun and humour whilst challenging everyone’s knowledge
A lovely wreath was made and presented on behalf of the Club by one of our valued members, Marilyn Stacey at the Matakana War Memorial on Anzac Day We learned to make these at one of our ladies evenings, demonstrated by another lovely local Dolly Miller
Here’s a selection of photos from a few of our events. We look forward to seeing many more local residents at our fun events
Please visit our website at www.pwbc.co.nz
For inquiries please contact us at ptwellsbc@gmail.com
Please visit website at www.pwbc.co.nz For inquiries please contact us at ptwellsbc@gmailcom
The weather gods finally shined upon our April members fishing competition on Saturday 17 May. Our members went out in lovely weather (initially anyway!) in search of a winner for the members only competition.
We had 19 snapper weighed in, with competition fierce, particularly for the newish average weight prize. First prize on the day went to Steve Johnson with a 6.705Kg snapper. 2nd prize went to Anaru Ngawaka at 3.390Kgs, with Phil Oades taking 3rd at 2.590Kgs. Average weight went to John Fox at 1.390Kgs.
Thanks to all who took part, and to our sponsors, particularly Ze Build and Caprice who funded our prizes for the day.
Hoping the weather allows a few more fishing days before winter descends upon us Have you seen our new club signage down at the boat ramp and the smaller versions outside the hall and bowling club? Don't they look great! Thanks to Aidan Bennett and Benefitz for suppling these for us
Our next members competition is scheduled for July 2025, with July also being the end of our financial year Look out for our AGM notice coming up post yearend If you are interested in knowing more about our club, or becoming a member, please feel free to contact us on pwfishclub@gmail.com
Tight lines and happy fishing,
Richard Secretary / Treasurer
Point Wells Fishing Club
IamproudtopresenttheRodneyLocalBoardEmergencyReadinessandResponsePlan, developedincollaborationwithourcommunityresilienceclustergroups,LocalBoard EmergencyLeads,andAucklandEmergencyManagement Thisplanisatestamenttothe dedicationofallthosewhohaveworkedtirelesslytoensurethatourcommunitiesarebetter preparedfortheunexpectedchallengeswemayface.Theircommitmenttobuildingasafer, moreresilientRodneyisdeeplyappreciated.Rodneyisavastanddiversearea,spanningrural farmland,coastalsettlements,andsmallertownships,allofwhichcomewiththeirownunique challengeswhenitcomestoemergencyreadiness TheruralnatureofRodney,withitsremote locationsandlimitedaccessroutes,requiresastrongfocusoncommunityresilienceand preparedness.Ourresidentsknowtheimportanceofbeingself-sufficient,especiallyintimesof crisis,whetherit'srespondingtoflooding,fires,ortheisolationthatcancomewithpower outagesandroadclosures Theeventsofrecentyears,particularlyAnniversaryWeekend floodingandCycloneGabrielleinearly2023,haveshownjusthowvulnerablewearetonatural disasters However,they’vealsodemonstratedthestrengthofourcommunities,withneighbours comingtogether,sharingresources,andsupportingeachotherwhenitwasneededmost.
ThisplanhasbeendevelopedtoensureRodney’sresidents,fromthefarmingheartlandtothe coastalfringes,areequippedtohandlearangeofpotentialemergencies Itprovidespractical adviceonhowtoprepare,staysafe,andrecover Ithighlightstheneedforeachhouseholdto haveaplaninplaceandemphasizestheimportanceoflocalknowledge Inaruralsetting, beingpreparedandconnectedwithyourneighbourscanmakeallthedifferenceduringan emergency TheRodneyLocalBoardiscommittedtosupportingthedevelopmentofmore resilientandpreparedcommunities Throughoursupportoflocalinitiatives,suchasthecreation ofCommunityReadinessandResilienceGroups,wearehelpingensurethatourcommunities havethetoolsandknowledgetheyneedtoprotectthemselvesandtheirfamilies.Ouraimisto fosterstronglocalnetworksthatcanrespondquicklyandeffectivelyintimesofcrisis I encourageeveryonetoengagewiththisplan,workwiththeircommunities,andtakeproactive stepstoensurethatwhenthenextemergencyarises,Rodneyisreadytofaceittogether
BrentBailey-RodneyLocalBoard.
The PWCRA are making an appeal to our local residents to help create a database of people who are able to assist in the event of an emergency During Cyclone Gabrielle we were cut off from the rest of Auckland for three days. As a village we need to be prepared and ready to support each other
As part of our emergency management plan, we would like to know who we can call on to help
We will collect your contact details and include them in our Emergency Contact database This will only be accessed in an officially declared state of emergency by committee members who will stand up the Point Wells Hall as our emergency hub
Please email us if you have any skills or resources that you are happy to share with your neighbors in the case of a major emergency
We appreciate your help! pointwellscra@gmail com
AucklandCouncilhaspublishedtheRodneyLocal BoardEmergencyandReadinessandResponse Plan
ItisimportantthatallPointWellsResidentsareaware ofthisplan,andusetheresourcesprovided https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.gov t.nz/your-local/local-boards/
What should we prepare for?
Tsunami Emergencies
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and Auckland Council have jus released their new tsunami risk map, which shows coastal and inland floo risk from tsunami Long term residents can recall large tsunami waves tha landed on our coastline in the 1960s. The risk is real, and Point Wells is lo lying with only one exit way. Being prepared for receiving alerts and evacuating is our best way of preparing for this emergency event
The risk map now indicates that areas exposed to the Pacific Ocean like Aotea Great Barrier Island and Auckland’s north-eastern coastal commun are still at risk of large tsunami, as is anyone that enjoys the beaches and marine areas of the region In the map Whangateau Harbour, Omaha Ba and up to Leigh are clearly indicated in red.
Emergency notifications:
Our Tsunami Sirens have been decommissioned and will not go off in the event of a Tsunami event.
It is very important that every household in Point Wells is aware of this an a state of emergency preparedness the main warnings and alerts will co via our mobile phones, which means keep a phone at hand, turned on an always charged. Don’t turn your phone off at night!
When visiting Omaha Beach be aware of the best place to move to in th event of a Tsunami event Do not attempt to evacuate to the Whangatea estuary or cross the bridge, if possible, instead move to higher ground at the southern end of the beach.
Prepare your family, whanau, neighbors and visitors:
Leave immediately when instructed to by emergency management. Leave in one vehicle or if possible, bike The more vehicles that are leaving at the same time - the more congestion
Help your neighbors
Do not leave vulnerable people (elderly, children) at home alone
Do not attempt to evacuate towing trailers or boats
ARE YOU READY TO EVACUATE?
In 2025 we have already had several severe weather warnings, that put us all at risk of power outages, wind damage to our properties and assets and even surface flooding.
Prepare your home and property:
Keep your drains clean and clear. If you share a drain with neighbors discuss how this will be managed together. Point Wells has a unique drainage system that allows the surface water to flow off our properties – but it doesn’t work if there are blockages
Have a list of items that need to be put away in storage or tied down in the event of high winds Trampolines and outdoor furniture can easily shift in the winds causing damage Keep up with tree maintenance – falling branches can not only cause injury but damage roofs and vehicles easily. They also take out power lines.
Keep your gutters clean and clear.
Get a generator or power bank.
Prepare to manage your water system.
Consider purchasing a generator.
Have a plan in place for medical emergencies if you or others are dependent on medical equipment.
Prepare to be at home for three days without power and easy access to shops During Gabrielle the Matakana hill slip prevented access to Matakana
Check out the links to our Rodney Emergency Response guides
Is your home near a seawall? Are you concerned about coast erosion?
The PWCRA is spending a considerable amount of time gathering up information to prepare to speak to the Local Board in JUNE about ensuring the historical seawall is maintained, as well as our unique drainage system in Point Wells.
The Council are also looking at potentially developing the reserve area further for better walking access.
There are almost 100 properties in Point Wells that sit directly behind the reserve, and we need those property owners to get involved to help us with this process and advice on feedback!
Please contact Howard George to attend the next Point Wells Foreshore Protection Group meeting.
pointwellscra@gmail com It's time to register your dog!
Dog owners in Tāmaki Makaurau, don't forget to register your dog before 1 August With this year’s tags coming in bold red, it will help to easily identify registered pets across the region Renew online
You can renew online using your dog’s 11-digit reference number You will receive a reminder email, text or paper form from us with your details around mid-June. The new red dog tags will then be sent out by post within 10 working days of payment.
Usetheonlineportalon myAUCKLANDtorenewyour registrationsandupdateyoursor yourdog(s)information. update your personal details update your dog's details change your dog's ownership view your dog's registration fees and status renew your dog's registration
Are you new to Point Wells or do you have new neighbours in your street? We welcome you to join our Neighbourhood Support Group You will receive information to keep you up to date with your community and gain tips about neighbourhood safety
You can join here www.nsrodney.org.nz or email anne@rsvpevents.co.nz
If you witness and wish to report any of the following in your neighbourhood: theft, burglary, destruction of property, disorder or manner of driving you can phone:
Phone 105 if this has already happened
Phone 111 if this is happening now
Phone anonymously
Crimestoppers
0800 555 111
Community Cam is a voluntary, not for profit community initiative where people can register a property with CCTV, and upload CCTV footage, to help solve crime in their neighbourhood
When a crime is committed, the NZ Police can refer to Community Cam to quickly identify CCTV locations of registered users in and around the scene of the crime. This then allows the police to contact you to help with an investigation Your details are confidential and secure
Only the NZ Police can see your information and, if you choose to upload your CCTV footage, the footage is password protected for your security
We encourage all CCTV owners in Point Wells to sign up Community Cam™ | Communities working together to solve crime
Auckland ratepayers will receive new property valuations this week, as Auckland Council prepares to update rates from 1 July 2025. The rating valuations Auckland property owners receive this week are based on property market trends and recent sales activity as at 1 May 2024. Therefore, the valuations are not intended to accurately reflect current market value – instead, the information will help enable rates to be fairly shared across Auckland’s 630,000 properties
The new rating valuations have been prepared by two independent valuation providers, QV and Opteon These experienced property valuers have worked closely with Auckland Council to deliver valuations that meet robust standards
Auckland Council chief financial officer Ross Tucker said he was pleased to announce that the Valuer-General has now approved the new valuations for release to Aucklanders.
“As we know, the last council valuations from 1 June 2021 were completed close to the market peak and between then and May 2024 the economy and property market generally trended down Therefore, as most people would expect, the May 2024 Capital Values (CVs) are lower than the previous 2021 CVs for many properties,” said Mr Tucker
The overall CV movements between June 2021 and May 2024, by property type for Auckland, are:
industrial +5%
lifestyle +4%
rural + 4%
commercial -5%
residential -9%
Valuation movements over that period also varied across the Auckland region Residential properties in centrally located local board areas tended to see a bigger reduction than those further out.
The valuations do not change how much the council takes in rates – this is set annually following community consultation. For 2025/2026, Auckland Council has approved an overall average rates increase of 5 8 per cent for residential ratepayers
The council has kept the rates increase down, due to the commitment made as part of the council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034, along with good progress in savings.
“We are acutely aware of the tough cost of living facing our community and we continue to work hard to achieve council savings and improve value for ratepayers, to help keep rates as low as possible,” said Mr Tucker
“Most Auckland ratepayers will see some degree of rates increase from 1 July 2025. However, how a residential property’s CV changes compares to other properties in the region will generally determine whether that property’s rates increase from 1 July is more, or less, than the 5 8 per cent average
“If your residential property value has reduced more than the average (-9 per cent) change between the two valuations, you can expect a smaller rates increase than the 5.8 per cent. Conversely, if your property value held up better than the average, then you can expect a larger rates increase” For 2025/2026, the annual rates for an average residential property (CV $1 29 million) will be $4,069 The 5 8 per cent average increase for 2025/2026 will equate to $223 per year or around $4.30 per week.
Anyone concerned about paying their rates is encouraged to get in touch to access a range of assistance available This information can be found on the Auckland Council website and rates notices
The PWCRA plays an advocacy and representation role on behalf of residents and property owners (ratepayers) within a local area As a non-governmental, community-based organisation we aim to influence local government decisions and policies to ensure Point Wells receives our fair share of community investment
Represent the interests of local residents and ratepayers in dealings with Auckland Council and local boards. Act as a unified voice on local issues, such as zoning changes, rates (property taxes), urban development, transport projects, and public amenities
Campaign for or against council initiatives that affect their area.
Organise public meetings, forums, and surveys to gather community views.
Keep members informed about local developments, council proposals, and community events
Help build a sense of community and local identity
Monitor council spending and projects to ensure they align with local priorities.
Scrutinise changes in rates, infrastructure plans, and land use proposals
Submit formal responses or objections to resource consents or planning decisions
Winter is the time of year when our bees take a short break from our hectic spring and summer activities Our bees are foraging less in the garden now due to the rain and colder conditions, meanwhile we have more time to make candles, sort dahlia tubers and read interesting pollinator and bee related articles
At Beetopia we love pollinators, have fun gardening and planting for them and are known for our capacity to talk bees until the sun goes down; however we had never really looked at our garden through the lens of "Are our bees exposed to *microplastic pollutants in our garden?"
(*Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic 0.001 to 5 mm in size. They can be known as ‘primary’ plastic particles, which were specifically designed to be small in size, or ‘secondary’ particles fragmented from larger plastic items.)
Well naive me was in for a revelation and astounding eye-opener when I researched this topic! To my dismay I found that the response to my question "are our bees exposed to micro plastic pollutants in our gardens" was a resounding HELL YEAH ! DO YOU LIVE UNDER A ROCK?
Turns out folks that pollinators are exposed to microplastic pollutants everywhere I had never really stopped to think specifically about BEES and microplastics and the effects these pollutants had on pollinators in my garden's ecosystems
My readings led me to the AIM² –Aotearoa Impacts and Mitigations of Microplastics, a five-year Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Funded project, which concluded this year and unveiled unsettling truths about the pervasive presence and impact of microplastics in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The study highlights the widespread distribution of microplastics and their potential detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. Led by ESR’s Dr Olga Pantos and Dr Grant Northcott from Northcott Research Consultants Ltd, AIM² brought together experts from six research institutes and universities, to improve the knowledge and understanding of the level and movement of microplastic pollution in freshwater, marine and terrestrial environments in Aotearoa.
They also assessed the risk they pose to organisms and ecosystems and the knock-on effects to our nature-based economy and wellbeing
The project has produced 40 research articles (with six more in progress), and a range of reports. Please find time to read the key findings of their research: https://www esr cri nz/newspublications/microplastics-inaotearoa-new-zealand-local-sourcesand-broad-impacts/
Another research paper explained how bees are ingesting micro plastics through nectar in the environment. What is awful about this issue is that BEES exposed to microplastic pollution struggle to remember floral scents linked to food rewards and micro plastics can enter bees' guts and brains, damaging their memory, weakening immune responses and increasing death rates and it gets worse… flowers are also directly harmed as micro plastics can clog plant structures necessary for pollination thus reducing flowering rates.
Perhaps as a community brimming with avid gardeners, Foodies, Chefs, young families and beekeepers we need to expand our knowledge about the impact of microplastic pollution across our terrestrial species
We do not need to travel far to witness the devastating environmental impact
Watercare New Zealand and Auckland Council continue to perpetuate on our doorstep by dumping untreated raw sewage and microplastic pollutants into Mahurangi Harbour, thus compromising sustainable local businesses like Matakana Oysters and causing real health risks to our communities
Oysters like bees are crucial and beneficial for our environment. Oysters are filter feeders and improve water quality, support diverse ecosystems and are sustainable business models
At Beetopia we shall definitely be more vocal about mitigating microplastics and raising awareness about protecting our precious environment and waterways We hope you will find time to do the same.
Welcome (Alana)
Present Ali van Barneveld, Howard George (Treasurer), Anne Holman, Alana McClintock, Victoria Daniell, 23 members Tim Holgate Rodney LBM
Apologies Alan McClintock, Joy Bowyer (ex-resident), Jenny and Peter Scott
Previous AGM minutes: 12 April 2024 Accepted Moved by: Howard Second:Anne
Matters Arising Any matters arising (not covered by agenda)
Annual Report Ali van Barneveld as incoming chair provided a verbal report on
Installation of our security camera We continue to engage with Auckland Council providing formal feedback in SAP
Consultation, deputation scheduled in June with Rodney Local Board, Whangateau HarbourCare project team engagement 17 May (lead by Alicia Bullock)
We also submitted our feedback to Auckland Council on the representation
review in August, advocating for greater and fair representation of growing area
We have developed and plan to adopt our new strategy and constitution in accordance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Priority seeking to bolster funds and both community and committee
THANK YOU Alana & Priscilla McClintock for ensuring the publication of the Point
Wells Crier has continued, and also for handing over maintenance of facilities and hall
bookings. Moved by: Lawrence Second: Anne
Financial Report
Subscriptions 2025-2026, Notice of motion: “That the subscription for the 2025-26 year will be increased from $30 to $35 per household, plus a $15 voluntary one-off payment towards the costs of installing the CCTV camera ”
Comments:
Lawrence - commented on lack of funds to buy bait and monitoring, pest control
activities
Julie - is there a strategy to gather more members and subs? Percentage of membership Library, PW Garden Circle and PW Club have all offered to share their databases and encourage membership
Alana - re: Security camera - police shortage Camera is a great deterrent
Moved by: Anne, Second: Ali
Constitution
Notice of motion: “That the Constitution of the Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association Incorporated (6 May 2025) be adopted This new
Constitution aligns with the requirements of the The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and will replace the existing Constitution Moved by: Ali Second: Robin Ransom
Election of Officers
Nominations to date:
Chair (interim) Ali van Barneveld - nominated
Treasurer Howard George - nominated
Secretary Anne Holman - nominated
Committee Alana McClintock
Alan McClintock
Note: the Committee will invite re
and the Point Wells Boating and Fishing Clu
Further nominations for the Committee
Portfolio Leads:
1 Advocacy & Council Engagement
wi
3 Facilities & Hall Managemen
6 Environment & Sustainability: [Name]
sustainability issues as required
advocacy and implementation
Comm
Engagemen
community clubs and activities
General business Neighbourhood Support/Community Resilience Group update (Anne) Signage is up for camera, RNS crime updates nothing significant for 6m,
and disperse if called, databas
and residents to join
Tsunami alarms: sirens are no longer active so need to be awar
rts are now on mobiles (Alana)
Deputation with Rodney LB in June - seeking clarity on Sea wall, advocate for public toilet (Howard)
Tim Holgate will provide some contacts and recommends coming with our preferred needs/plan in mind WIll speak offline Move by: Ali Second: Victoria
Thanking outgoing members (Alana)
Noeline Cranston - On behalf of the committee and members, we thank her for her long service and significant contributions to this community
Charlene Garner (not present) - Thanks for 44 years of service as the School bus driver for Matakana school
Tim Holgate Update:
Notes:
Received offer of help with Fundraising from Lesley McCowan, Joneen Smith, Kate George
Date of next meeting
May 2026
Meeting Closed 7:49PM
Attendance (incl. committee): 30
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Matariki Fortune Teller: cut me out & colour me in