Point Wells Crier Autumn 2024

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Kia ora koutou, Greetings to you all.

It has been a busy quarter for the Point Wells committee with supporting the village Christmas party, Point Wells Hall Garage Sale and engaging with the Rodney Local Board on community concerns.

The Christmas party was held by the Point Wells Club and the PWCRA contributed by running the BBQ which raised $180 for the Matakana Fire Brigade

The Point Wells Hall coordinator Priscilla Ngawaka and a group of amazing locals brought back to life the Hall Garage sale. Hundreds of customers showed up to help our locals clear out their unwanted household goods. It was a huge success.

The committee continues to advocate to the council on behalf of our association members. We have asked the local Rodney board for updates on several important topics including the seawall upgrade and traffic calming initiatives. We have provided an update in this edition.

This summer has been seen many visitors to the village, and the weather has been mostly spectacular. We anticipate another few months of sunny warm weather but urge all residents to prepare for potential severe weather events by following the advice in our section about Community Resilience.

Nga mihi

Alana McClintock

IN THIS ISSUE:

• PWCRA advocacy with the Council

• Community Resilience

• Neighbourhood Support

• Citroen Display at the Hall

• PW Library Update

• Croquet Club

• Point Wells Hall – What’s On

• Point Wells Club

Welcome to the Summer/Autumn 2024 issue of our quarterly village newsletter

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 hope you enjoy reading it

Thank you to our contributors. You are what makes this magazine special.

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

PWCRA Committee

• Point Wells Garden Circle

• Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade

• A Note from Jodi Sterling

• Point Wells Boating Club

• Gardening with Andrew Steens

• K9 Ramble

• Connoisseurs Club

• Beetopia

HOW THE PWCRA IS ADVOCATING FOR OUR MEMBERS.

Direct questions to the Local Board.

Our committee has formally requested an update from the Rodney Local Board on the below topics. Here is Ivan’s Wagstaff’s reply on behalf of the board.

What is happening with our seawall upgrade? We logged an OIA last year as we felt we were not given adequate information about why the seawall renewal had been postponed. We are keen to have an official update on when the seawall repair and upgrade will be started and completed.

Response: The Point Wells seawall project is on the regionally funded Coastal Asset Renewals Work Programme. Last year, the project was placed on hold anticipating the upcoming development of a Shoreline Adaptation Plan for the site and wider Whangateau area. In developing the future coastal renewals work programme, the project will be re-initiated for the beginning of the new financial year to enable supporting design engineers to be engaged and commence work on this project. Once the FY24-27 regional work programme is approved, the project team will be able to re-engage with the Rodney Local Board on the project scope and next steps.

We see the footpath has been extended on Point Wells Road, is this part of our Traffic Calming funding? How do we find out if the $100K allocated for this has been spent yet?

Response: The project was completed in Dec 2023.The following improvements were completed: Road marking, Signage improvements, and Electronic Driver feedback sign. All works were completed at 57k.

We want to get the process underway to provide a public toilet in the Point Wells

Playground reserve. People are using the back of hall for toileting which is a health hazard. The only other public toilet is some distance away at the boat ramp. Recently our Hall Co-ordinator spoke to two Council staff at Point Wells Hall who informed us they were there to plan future upgrades to the facility. They were unaware that our Association has a Community Centre Management Agreement with the Council. They were looking at extending a driveway around the back of the hall; we think the public toilet is the priority.

Response: This might be more immediately possible if the community can help raise funds.

Jobs logged with the Council:

We have requested the Council repair the wooden edging along the boat ramp wall which is unstable. We have also requested they remove the large harbour channel marker lying on the grass by the ramp. Job logged Feb 8th 2024.

This work has been completed.

Please

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POINT WELLS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

It’s hard to believe that this time last year we were just recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. Recent news stories have reminded us of the devastation the Cyclone caused across the country and brought back memories of the when our village was cut off from power and cell phone communications. The question we should allbeasking ourselvesis arewe more prepared today than we were before Gabrielle?

What should we prepare for?

Tsunami Emergencies

Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and Auckland Council have just released their new tsunami risk map, which shows coastal and inland flood risk from tsunami.

AEM's head of operations John Cranfield urged locals to check the new Hazard Viewer / Te Mapi Tirotiro Pūmate tool online.

While the new map now indicates that areas surrounding the inner Manukau, Kaipara, and Waitematā Harbours have had their risk reduced, areas more exposed to the Pacific Ocean like Aotea Great Barrier Island and Auckland’s north-eastern coastal communities are still at risk of large tsunami, as is anyone that enjoys the beaches and marineareasoftheregion.Inthemap Whangateau Harbour, Omaha Bay and up to Leigh is clearly indicated in red.

Tsunami Sirens Decommissioned

If you missed our last edition and didn’t take note of any of the media alerts from Auckland Emergency Management, take note! 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 and in a state of emergency preparedness.

The main warnings and alerts will come via our mobile phones, which means keep a phone at hand, turned on and always charged. Don’t turn your phone off at night!

When visiting Omaha Beach be aware of the best place to move to in the event of a Tsunami event. Do not attempt to evacuate to the Whangateau estuary or cross the bridge, if possible, instead move to higher ground at the southern end of the beach.

Tsunami risk areas below

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Last year the Mahurangi region was one of the wettest in the country with multiple severe rain warnings across 2023 (aside from the Auckland Flooding events). Niwa reported that the Warkworth region had a years’ worth of rain in the first six months of 2023.

Some tips in the event of heavy rain:

• Stay up to date with warnings and watches at MetService:

https://www.metservice.com/warnings/hom e

• If heavy rain is forecast, clear stormwater drains and gutters to help prevent surface flooding.

• In high winds – secure or bring inside your outdoor items like trampolines, wheelie bins, chairs, and pets.

• Stay out of flood waters. Do not drive or walk through it. Flood water is dangerous, strong currents can sweep away cars, structures and people. It can contain debris, sewage and chemicals that will make you sick.

• Check road conditions at before travelling: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz /traffic/regions/9

• Have an evacuation plan and prepare a grab bag with essentials. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Flash floods can happen quickly so if you see rising water do not wait for official warnings, self-evacuate. GTFO (Get The Flood Out)

Recommendations from the Community ResilienceGroup.

As a community we need to:

• Work towards emergency preparedness, this includes resourcing the Point Wells Hall as a Community Hub.

• Increase the resilience of our community to hazard impacts.

• Become a more self-sufficient community thus reducing the reliance on first responders and Auckland Emergency Management.

• Develop a CRG database highlighting local resources such as generators, solar power, medical staff etc as well as at-risk community members.

• Foster a positive relationship with Rodney CRG and Auckland Emergency Management

Our newly formed Point Wells CRG group will continue to meet with the Rodney East, North & West CRG Cluster this year.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our local CRG or would like to join, please email Amanda amandaandgeoff@gmail.com

HOME EMERGENCY KIT:

It’s important to be prepared at home for emergencies and power cuts, we recommend having the following located in an easy-to-access place at home.

Water storage container - bottled water - canned easyto-heat food - gas cooker or BBQ - lighters - radio (battery operated) - torches and lanterns (battery operated) - bucket - first aid kit - cleaning wipes –batteries.

TIPS FOR A POWER CUT:

Seriously consider purchasing a generator or installing solar panels and batteries.

• Fill a bath with water if you have advance warning, you can use this water to bucket fill your toilet cistern.

• At each hand basin in your home make sure you have a bottle of water, wet wipes and a small LED light.

• Make sure you’re BBQ gas bottle is always at least ½ full or carry a spare.

• Keep several slicker pads or containers of water in your freezer at all times that you can transfer into your fridge to keep the contents cooler for longer.

• Turn off high-power usage appliances at the wall (induction cooktops, heaters etc) during the power outage.

• Make sure you have surge protector multi-boxes for all technology items.

EXAMPLE EMERGENCY KIT

NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT

Neighbourhood Support (which used to be Neighbourhood Watch) has been reactivated for Point Wells and 26 locals have kindly signed up at the Open Day to be members.

Signage has gone up around Point Wells and information packs have been delivered. Signs do make a difference in crime prevention. We are continuing to welcome more volunteers, so if you’d like to join please contact Anne Holman at anne@rsvpevents.co.nz

Neighbourhood Support is a community-led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, and connected communities. This network of people would also work in tandem with the Community Resilience Group in an emergency.

We encourage you to keep in touch with your neighbours, get their phone numbers and watch out for anything unusual. In the case of an emergency, we would contact our Neighbourhood Support volunteers to help check on neighbours.

Our emergency communications hub will be the Point Wells Hall, which will hopefully soon have its own generator. People can congregate there for information, charge phones, use the kitchen and facilities and help neighbours.

Going forward, we will email this group of Point Wells Neighbourhood Support volunteers quarterly with any updates. You can also see regular updates on the Rodney Neighbourhood Support Facebook page.

Crime Spotting

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

The issue of a security camera for Point Wells is still under review. In the meantime, there is a new initiative between NZ Police and Neighbourhood Support called Community Cam (see below), where you may register your private security camera with the Police to help the community if you wish.

Citroëns on display at the Point Wells Hall

Wednesday 6th March 2024

Members of all the NZ Citroen Car club will be represented at the Pride of Ownership display on Wednesday morning. Come along to feast your eyes on some of the most innovative cars ever!

The Citroën 2CV is an economy car produced by the French company Citroën from 1948 to 1990. Introduced at the 1948 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile, it has an air-cooled engine that is mounted in the front and drives the front wheels.

'The most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car.' - L J K Setright on the Citroën 2CV

The Citroën Traction Avant is the world's first monocoque-bodied, front-wheel drive, massproduction car., A range of mostly 4-door saloons and executive cars, as well as longer wheelbased "Commerciale", and three row seating "Familiale" models, were produced with four- and six-cylinder engines, by French carmaker Citroën from 1934 to 1957.

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive executive car (19551975), The Citroën DS is a front mid-engined, frontwheel drive executive car manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1955 to 1975, in fastback/sedan, wagon/estate, and convertible body configurations, across three series of one generation.

The Citroën SM is a high-performance coupé produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1970 to 1975. The SM placed third in the 1971 European Car of the Year contest, trailing its stablemate Citroën GS, and won the 1972 Motor Trend Car of the Year award in the U.S. The SM was sold with a small, lightweight engine in various forms, designed from scratch by Giulio Alfieri Chief Engineer at Maserati.

The Citroën 2CV

The Citroën Traction Avant

The Citroën DS

NEWS FROM THE POINT WELLS LIBRARY

At last, some decent weather, so while you had a break hopefully you have been lounging on your loungers reading some our wonderful selection of books. Our buyers have been busy, so we have a great selection. You can go online and check if we have a copy of your desired book, and if it is not on the shelf, we can reserve it for you. While we had times of glorious weather there were also some incredible down pours dampening our support from the wonderful Matakana Water Company, but many thanks to all of you who supported them – as they in turn support us. So, thank you.

An interesting fact discovered is that since we started keeping records in 2008 over 84,000 books have been issued – an average of 7,033 per year. Well done Point Wells readers!

The Annual Book Sale

The book sale was a great success. We made over $1200 which goes towards our online and cloud-based programme for issuing the library books. We have discovered several organisations that will take our leftover books, but if you know of any others please do get in touch with the library as disposing of books, for a book lover, is heart breaking.

Auckland Bulk Loan

The new selection of books from Auckland Bulk Loan will be arriving at the beginning of this month.

Overdue Books

We have a phenomenal number of books overdue now – five of them 75 days overdue. If you have taken books out from the “Hot off the Press” section, we would really appreciate if you could read and return them quickly so as others can take the books out.

Adult Section

Some great new nonfiction books have come in – a couple are somewhat feminist leaning – Wifedom about George Owell’s wife and Philippa Gregory’s Normal Women, plus Stephen Joyce’s book and a wonderful warm and fuzzy by Ruth Shaw – Book Shop Dogs. (Hanky alert for that one if you are a dog lover).

If you are a Facebook follower, you will be able to see the new books on Facebook as they come onto the shelves

The Notice Board

The library now holds a key for the notice board outside the library should you want to put anything in there.

LIBRARY HOURS

Monday evening 5pm – 6pm

· Wednesday morning 10am - 12pm

· Friday afternoon 3pm - 5pm

· Saturday morning 10am – 12pm · Email us: pointwellslibrary@gmail.com

NEWS FROM AUCKLAND COUNCIL

LOCAL BOARD CHANGES PROPOSED FOR AUCKLAND

Point Wells sits within the Rodney Local Board boundaries, one of 21 Local Boards that make up Auckland’s unique local democracy model. A proposal put forward by the joint governance working group led by Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa councillor Julie Fairey, would result in 21 local boards dropping to 15. Auckland may find itself with a 30 percent drop in the number of local boards next local body elections, as councilors have voted to move a local board reorganisation plan onto its next step. Boards coming together as one would include AlbertEden and Puketāpapa, Waitakere Ranges and Henderson-Massey, or Papakura and Manurewa. Rodney would not merge with another board but may have changes in its representation in subdivisions.

Though some of Auckland’s elected members have called it a fresh approach to the democratic model in our Super City, others are concerned it will make it harder for Aucklanders to be heard on community and city matters. Local boards represent governance at ground level within Auckland, with 149 elected members on boards of five to nine who make decisions on a community-by-community level.

Local boards are charged with decision-making on local issues, activities, and services, and provide input into regional strategies, policies, plans and decisions.

Local boards are responsible for:

• adopting local board plans that set the strategic direction for the local board area every three years in consultation with their communities

• agreeing annual local board agreements (with the governing body) that set annual budgets.

• agreeing and overseeing annual work programs

Local boards also:

• provide local leadership and develop relationships with the community,

• community organisations and special interest groups in the local area

• make decisions on local matters, including events, parks, community programmes and local fees and charges

• oversees facilities in the local board area

• identify and develop bylaws for their local board area and propose them to the governing body.

• identify and communicate the views of local people on regional strategies, policies, plans and bylaws to the governing body, and provide input to the governing body on any regional decision that impacts on the local board area

• make decisions on any additional responsibilities delegated by the governing body, such as decisions within regional bylaws.

• provide input to council-controlled organisations' (CCO) plans and initiatives.

Did you know Rodney has the largest geographical area of any local board but is not the largest in population?

Howick is largest with 152,000 residents and is larger than many regional councils across the country.

Aotea Great Barrier is the smallest with only 1050 residents.

Rodney is the 14th out of 21 in population size, representing 79,4oo residents.

Auckland Council

Long-term

Plan 2024-2034 (10-year Budget)

Auckland's next long-term plan (LTP), also known as the 10-year Budget is due to take effect in June 2024. It sets out what we plan to achieve in Auckland over the next 10 years and how we will fund it.

• Topics for public consultation was decided at budget committee workshops in December 2023.

• Public consultation for the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 will then open on 28 February 2024.

What is the mayor proposing in his 10 year budget?

Mayor Brown’s proposal is for rates increase in the first year of 7.5 percent, 3.5 percent in the second year, 8 percent in the third year, and no more than 3.5 percent each year after that. While that is lower that rates increases expected across most other councils around the country (like Hamilton and Wellington, where ratepayers are bracing for a jump of 25.5 percent, some of Auckland’s councillors are opposed to the how his proposal will buffer rate shocks.

“We made our decision in December last year that we are going to include a mix of spending, revenue, debt and big strategic asset options that can put Auckland Council group on the path to financial and physical resilience, and on track to bring rates increases in line with inflation by year four of the LTP,” Brown said.

While the majority of councillors supported sending the document out for consultation, Waitākere’s Ken Turner and Waitematā and Gulf’s Mike Lee voted against it, while Albany’s Wayne Walker and John Watson expressed discomfort about how it dealt with future options for the North Harbour Stadium. Councillor Lee was adamantly against the potential asset sales the proposal allows – specifically changes to the port operating model, and shareholding in Auckland Airport.

The Auckland Future Fund would place $3 to $4 billion in airport shares and port leases in a separate wealth fund mandated to return 7.5 percent on investment. Brown has championed the fund as a way to absorb future shocks and give the region economic resilience, but some councillors have expressed concerns over putting an unelected fund manager in control of public assets.

The Council is encouraging Aucklanders to provide feedback on the below:

• Whether they like pay more, get more; pay less, get less; or a middle option.

• Whether to invest airport shares and port lease revenue in the Auckland Future Fund

• How to use the port land

• Transport changes like funding road renewals, the introduction of a $50 weekly cap for public transport.

• The future of North Harbour Stadium

• How local boards should be funded.

• Whether targeted rates should be changed

Have your say and help shape Auckland (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz)

The PWCRA will send out links to feedback sessions and surveys on the Long- Term plan on February 28th to all our association members.

Summer in the village

It has been a glorious summer so far in Point Wells. What makes our village so special is twice a day we are surrounded by a stunning tide which creates wonderful swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing moments! And by the looks of it our dogs love the water just as much as their owners ��

A NOTE FROM JODI STERLING

–

Point Wells has continued to grow in popularity, becoming the location of choice for those looking for a lifestyle change. The motorway extension has improved the connection to Auckland city in terms of commuting time but also reliability.

It's been refreshing to see both familiar and new faces at our open homes, indicating the continued interest in the real estate market here. Currently, I'm representing seven gorgeous properties for sale in Point Wells. Two of these properties have sold this week and a further one is currently under contract.

What I love about selling property in Point Wells is that every property is so different. I can be selling a stunning waterfront home and at the same time I can be marketing a super cute 1950's bach

Whether you're contemplating a move or curious about the current market value of your property, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Many vendors find it helpful to touch base early so I can make recommendations on how best to maximise value when preparing your property for sale.

Feel free to get in touch, and let's discuss how I can help you achieve your real estate goals.

Looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Kind regards,

Jodi and team (Amanda and Becky)

CONNOISSEURS MONTHLY DINNER

- IN SEARCH OF NEW HOSTS!

This has been taking place 10 months of the year at the point Wells Hall for at least 40 years!

When it first began it was very different, as it was all about home brewed beer!

The various brewers would get together to sample each other’s brew and judge who’s was best but the wives got annoyed with the resulting state of inebriation and began to attend and bring food to counteract the effect of the beer. Initially these gatherings were held in the brewer’s homes but as the numbers grew it moved to the Hall and developed into the more food-oriented gathering that we know today.

I have been organising it for the last nine years, but I would like someone new to step forward to continue this tradition. It does not take much to organise, just finding two couples to host, liaising with the ratepayers to send out the notice reminding people.

The hosts set out the tables serve and clear up which has just become much simpler as we now have a commercial dishwasher that takes just one minute per load!

I think this pot luck dinner is important to the village, and should continue but perhaps needs to evolve and change so if you would like to become involved, please contact me Noeline Cranston or Alana McClintock.

ncranston2017@outlook.com

alanajclint@hotmail.com

Noeline Cranston

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS CROQUET CLUB -

The season has been progressing well, with good turnouts on our regular club days. For January and February, we have been starting at 8.45 am to take advantage of the cooler part of the day. We have been quite busy with in house club competitions progressing and outside lawn hires.

We have 2 teams entered in the Croquet Auckland Interclub, and so far, both are doing well. Members Graham Mentzer, Nelson Morrow and Marion Taylor have been successful in recent Croquet Auckland and Croquet NZ tournaments. We held a most enjoyable Christmas function lunch at Matakana Estate.

On Thursday 29 February we are holding the annual Summerset sponsored tournament, open to players across Auckland. Players have entered from Whangarei, Auckland, and Hamilton.

FOREST BRIDGE TRUST –

We welcome the opportunity to let the local Summerset Falls croquet players use our grounds for their Retirement Village interclub competitions.

The club caters for players of all abilities, and it is by no means a requirement to play in competitions.

Planning is continuing for the refurbishment/ repair of our club house. Any offer of assistance from local tradies would be much appreciated. Please contact Graeme Woodside on 021 242 8072 or ganddwoodside@outlook.com

Visitors and new members are welcome. Tuition is provided. Please phone Sue on 0210395921, or come along on a club day – Monday, Thursday, or Saturday at 9.30 for play at 9.45.

We would like to thank Bayleys Real Estate and Jodi for her kind support of the club, and Summerset Falls, Warkworth.

Peter Radley, President

On Sunday, 25 February, CUE partnered with The Forest Bridge Trust and Wai Connection – Tatai ki te Wai to host an open day for the community to connect and engage with nature at CUE Haven. On the West coast near Glorit.

The Forest Bridge Trust (TFBT) is an organisation devoted to creating a corridor of thriving native forest from the Kaipara Harbour to the Hauraki Gulf. Wai Connection – Tatai ki te Wai, is a Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust community catchment group project to protect and restore our rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.

Matakana Fire Brigade

How many of us have groaned recently about the number of visitors to the area over the summer holiday period. More traffic on the road making it difficult to get through Matakana, queues at the checkouts to make purchases, crowded beaches, boat ramps and worst of all people swimming in our usual swimming spots when normally there would only be you. How possessive we can get or is that just me!!!

Well, the vast growth in population numbers over this period also causes an increase of callouts, which in turn puts pressure on the volunteers at the Matakana Brigade. Add in to this equation, that some members may have been away on ther own holidays during this period, me included. This then means much of the work has fallen on the members that remained. I have researched some numbers which I will risk boring you with, but here goes…..!!!

From 25th December 2023 to 17 February 2024 (54 days)

their efforts accordingly. I know that many of the medical jobs were of a serious nature, some of which involved resuscitation efforts that have saved peoples lives. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge other volunteer organisations that also do a fantastic job over this period such as Surf Lifesavers, Coastguard, and many others. They are giving of their personal and family time to help and protect the local community and all the visitors to area that we call home.

After all this nostalgia, I better have a beer!!!!

Chris Jensen

I am personally awestruck by the job that Brigade members have done over this time and congratulate

POINT WELLS GARDEN CIRCLE

We concluded a very busy year with a delightful Christmas luncheon at Point Wells Hall in early December. The sound of happy members conversing together highlighted one of the best things about our garden club. - A shared love of gardens brings people together with very diverse backgrounds. Our club benefits from the wealth of different experiences and talents which our members bring, from across a wide range of interests, businesses and professions.

Summer has brought sunshine and also some rain, which has kept us busy in our gardens. We are looking forward to an exciting program for 2024, starting with visits to local gardens in Point Wells in February followed by a trip north in March. –“A Taste of Mangawhai” will include gardens, art and fashion.

We will also hear from some great speakers during the year, including Xanthe White at our February meeting. Xanthe is a well-known NZ landscape designer, and she designed one of the gardens we will visit in February.

Our membership is over 100 and we enjoy welcoming new people. If you would like to join our club please email ptwellsgarden@gmail.comIf you would like to join our local garden club, please email ptwellsgarden@gmail.com

Marion Ransom

Volunteer training day and workshop March-June 2024

For bookings and more information please email: anna.baine@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Growsafe 1-day courses (max 15 per course)

Option 1. Tues 9 th April – Warkworth, Rodney

Morning session (8.30am – 1.30pm) Theory component of Growsafe, delivered by Dean Bowden from Sprayschool. At the Shoesmith Hall, Main Hall, corner of Shoesmith Street and Brown Road, Warkworth.

Afternoon session (2pm – 4.00pm) – Practical component, knapsack use training and completion of spray diary delivered by NZ Biosecurity Ltd. Warkworth Showgrounds State highway 1, Rodney, Warkworth.

Thank

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2023

The annual Village Christmas Party was held at the Point Wells Club. It was a beautiful hot day, and we had a great turn out with many families arriving with picnics, sunshades and children! The Club had put out lots of tables and decorated the venue to get us all into the Christmas spirit.

Santa made an appearance and Jodi Sterling and the Bayleys team announced the winners of the Letterbox Competition results

The PWCRA put on the BBQ and within minutes of the first sausage being ready we had a long queue of hungry locals ready for the sausage sizzle.

Thank you to all the helpers and in particular the amazing sponsors Jodi, the PWCRA and the Matakana Butcher. Biggest thanks goes to the Club for doing most of the work and making this such a special event for our village!

GARDENING WITH ANDREW STEENS -

Avoiding the couch!

Sitting on the couch with my laptop in my lap is not my favorite type of gardening, particularly with the weather so gorgeous now. However, it is partly the product of gardening that I’m even here (aside from the fact I must write an article on gardening). These past couple of weeks have been a bit of a struggle and not what I’m used to. Normally I’m relatively indestructible, a condition of being that I largely attribute to some solid Dutch peasant genes, but also to a lifetime of physical work in horticulture. That lifetime of mostly outdoor work and my genes have some deleterious effects too though.

A skin biopsy on my nose and excision of a lesion on my upper arm today are both reminders that I am fair skinned and prone to skin cancer. A melanoma removed from my back a couple of years ago was caught in the nick of time as well. It’s so important as gardeners that we wear a hat with a good-sized brim (my Vietnamese conical hats may make people do a double take, but I swear by them for gardening), wear a shirt, work in the shade where possible, work in the morning or evening rather than midday when the sun is at its fiercest and apply a sunscreen regularly.

Years of pruning kiwifruit and other crops with secateurs has left me with carpal tunnel, a condition that worsened dramatically a couple of weeks ago when I was trying to split a Cymbidium by hand, rather than using a saw or spade. As my Physio reminded me while strapping up my wrist, as I get older it’s time to rely more on my tools than on brute force to accomplish gardening tasks. As we age, all our joints and ligaments wear down, become more brittle and less able to repair themselves, so taking extra care with them is vital. Start the day with less strenuous activities such as picking crops, light pruning and plant training, then move on to more physical work such as digging, planting, mulching. Watering the garden at the end of the day is a nice easy way to wind down and gives time to contemplate as a bonus.

An important point is to make sure tools are in good condition; sharp, well adjusted, oiled and clean. One of my first horticultural learning experiences was in a market garden where I was employed during the Varsity holidays. Every morning before starting, the older workers would take 10 minutes to sharpen and

oil their hoes and secateurs; not a major sharpen, just a few swipes to keep the edge keen. As an impatient teenager I initially assumed that they were just bunking off, but when they loaned me their tools to try, I quickly realized that a razor-sharp hoe just glided through the weeds and pruning with sharp secateurs was effortless.

As we age, it is so important to use every tool at our disposal to make our job easier. A padded kneeler with side handles might look like a retirement home accessory, but after a few hours weeding, the reduced impact on knees and hips is very noticeable and the side handles make getting up easier and safer for joints that are locking up. Likewise, potting plants at a table or bench while seated is much less strenuous than standing or hunching over. Even better if you can put an umbrella over the work area to cut out the sun.

A bit of thought and self-care may give us many more years in the garden before we become fertilizer ourselves!

Andrew Steens

K9 RAMBLE ….

The summer allergy seasons this year has impacted pets to varying degrees, impacting their health, skin and coats. Permanent allergy solutions are extremely difficult to achieve, although relief can be given using topical treatments, including medicated shampoos, leave on lotions or vet prescribed medications or via periodic allergy injections. Identifying the allergen triggers is very complicated and challenging given that pet food/treats, the home or wider environment, seasonality and pet health are all important considerations. Common allergens include but are not limited to –

Pollens Mould spores Dust mites

Insect bites/stings Pet diet

As pollens counts are often greater in the evenings and morning, adjusting a pet’s exercise schedule outside of these times, or limiting their exposure within them can be helpful. Vacuuming, air purifiers and fans can all aid in reducing exposure to pet hair, mould spores and dust mites. Foods, treats and additives may all contribute to allergies and need to be explored more thoroughly. This may range from using diet charts at home to professional vet consultations where antihistamines and/or corticosteroids are required to be prescribed. Certain supplements, e.g., the anti-inflammatory properties in Omega-3, may help alleviate allergic symptoms. Insects such as fleas may be controlled with the regular application of flea treatments and also control

other harmful parasites, such as mites and worms. Regular salon grooming helps by removing coat and skin allergens, loose hair and pet dander using professional grooming products and tools. Additionally, professional groomers may detect skin issues or abnormalities before they can become problematic.

Regarding the wider environment, it is feasible that the Auckland Council’s policy of reduced park grounds and grass verge maintenance may be factoring into the widespread availability of seeds and long grasses in our community. With their sharp barbs and needle points, tiny grass seeds may puncture the skin, leading to painful skin infections, abscesses and/or enter the bloodstream and travel around your pet’s body, requiring antibiotics and/or expensive surgery to treat or remove. Persistent licking and hair matting may be common signs of pet discomfort. Checking for seeds around areas of matting, the pads of your pet’s feet, the rear of ears and under armpits may avert potential problems

BEETOPIA

Beeutiful memories @Beetopia NZ

When I became a grandmother, I knew I would get up to mischief (a lot of it actually) but I never imagined my grandson, Perry Paolo, would become a bee whisperer!

Perry began his beekeeping journey with me well before he could walk and at 2 had his own Beesuit and was already helping to spin honey. He is now 8 and his passion and learning has not waned at all, in fact he is a very vocal ambassador for our endangered native bees, our honeybees, various pollinators and will talk bees to anyone willing to listen.

Thanks to Perry’s interest combined with my amusement, we have had the privilege of teaching together in various local schools and ECC - he is a natural orator (he is half Italian after all) and really loves sharing his knowledge. Perry has also hosted his entire class at Beetopia and given his classmates fun moments of Ngaro Huruhuru facts & honey tastings, forest walks and beehive appreciation. It has been amazing to witness how his natural approach has demystified the fear some children have around pollinators and our outdoor forest classroom has made NZ insect world much more accessible and fun.

Children are of course so much more in tune with the natural world, alas as adults we forget their spontaneous curiosity and joyful approach to being outdoors in any weather. Children in our forest classroom have the opportunity for exploration, spontaneity, exploration, discovery, and connection with Papatūānuku. When observing bees, children get to see up close what these incredible insects are capable of and how cute they are for example, when are covered in pollen. From a very young age children can grasp the importance of bees carrying pollen from flower to flower and thus pollinating over 85% of our food.

We always tell parents that if their children are feeling a bit apprehensive about bees then it’s good practice to let the children talk openly about their feelings and fears rather than saying to the child “ there’s nothing to be scared of /don’t be silly” etc. Listen to them and encourage them. Children take small steps to overcome fears and learn by watching others, so parents should try to demonstrate positive behavior towards insects in general and perhaps introduce the child to a beekeeper or sit in a garden and watch pollinators together.

Children have really shown us just how seriously they take on the role of pollinator ambassadors. Children understand immediately how important pollinators are and how these insects need our help - where adults will ask questions about what they can do to help, children on the otherhand will ACTIVELY put into practise what they feel is helping the bees…. they will rescue them, ask to plant flowers for them, talk to them, dance with them in the garden and make sure no-one swats or sprays them. At Beetopia, Perry was part of a planting team that planted over 10k natives: Kauri trees, Rimu, Rewarewa, Kāmahi, Tāwari, Mānuka, Kānuka, Flaxes, Hebe, Horoeka, Poroporo to name a few and he have the honour of seeing that forest grow into a giant in his lifetimequite an achievement.

FYI : The fear of bees is called Melissophobia - and comes from the Greek “melissa” meaning bee and “phobia” meaning fear.

At present we are only open on Saturdays from 10-3pm although private bookings/viewing can be made by calling Grass on 02102649674 or by email: btopianz@gmail.com

Grass Esposti

Beetopia NZ Ltd

181 Omaha Flats Road

“F

OR ALL THINGS BEES”

Mark Lister Investment Director

High prices don’t always mean expensive

Some investors baulk when they see a high share price, but they shouldn’t.

A company’s share price tells us absolutely nothing about whether it’s expensive or cheap and if anything, it can often be a sign of a strong track record.

On the New Zealand sharemarket, Mainfreight has the highest share price at $65. Beyond that, only a handful are in double-digits.

If Xero was still listed here, it would be around the $120 mark.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are dozens of companies with share prices under $2.00 and half of the top 50 are below $4.00.

In larger markets, it is common for shares to trade at much higher prices than we’re accustomed to, especially for businesses with a long history of success.

Of the 30 companies in the Dow Jones index in the US, the average share price is US$170.

It’s a mistake for investors to favour companies with lower share prices, or to shy away from those that trade at higher levels.

Consider two companies – one with a share price of $1 and one at $50. On the face of it, the first is much cheaper than the second.

However, let’s consider that the $1 share entitles the owner to 5c of annual profits, while each share in the $50 company entitles the owner to $5 of profits. In terms of what you get for each slice of the pie, the company with the higher share price is better value here.

Despite this, it’s not uncommon for smaller, less sophisticated investors to have an ingrained aversion to high share prices.

Many companies have conducted “share splits” over the years, in the hope of creating additional liquidit

Each existing share (as well as what it’s entitled to) will be automatically split into three. If you own ten Walmart shares today (which are about US$170 each at the moment) you’ll have 30 shares after the split has taken place.

In theory, the share price should adjust to about US$57 at the same time, which is a third of the previous price.

Walmart investors needn’t panic, as they’ll own three times more shares than they did before, so the total value of their holding should be unchanged.

Here in New Zealand, high profile companies such as Port of Tauranga, Ryman Healthcare and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare have all made similar moves over the years.

Many investors seem to like share splits, but they probably shouldn’t because nothing has changed. Just like five $20 notes aren’t worth any more than a single $100 note, your combined slice of the total profits pie isn’t any bigger either.

Google shares would be almost US$6000 each, and Tesla would be trading close to US$300! However, none of these would be any more expensive than they are today, in terms of the value to a potential investor.

Interestingly, Mainfreight has never shown much interest in following suit and splitting its shares, despite having the highest share price on the NZX for some years now.

I like that approach, because I think a high share price is a badge of honour that reflects decades of consistent success.

Don’t be put off by high share prices, or the illusion of good value that can come from a low price. Dig a little deeper and consider each investment on its merits.

Some of the best opportunities are the ones that might look the most expensive (on the face of it).

Original article has been edited to fit