Venue Hire ptwellsevents@gmail.com Village Playgroup The Village Playgroup Facebook Page
Community & Ratepayers Association Incorporated Annual Subscription and Membership 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024
If you wish to join the Point Wells Community Ratepayers Association, please refer to our website for details: www.pointwellsvillage.co.nz Cost is $30 per household
Appendix: Photo evidence of coastal hazards and processes affecting Council land and assets in
News from the Committee
Kia ora koutou, Greetings to you all.
It has been a busy quarter for the Point Wells committee with supporting engagement with Auckland Council, Neighborhood Support and connecting with the Omaha and Whangateau community groups on harbor concerns.
The committee held the annual AGM and successfully confirmed the committee members for the new year. We also heard from association members that there are ongoing concerns about village safety after reported thefts and burglaries.
The Point Wells Hall continues to provide community groups with a meeting place for dance, yoga, gardening and advocacy sessions. Even more exciting some upcoming weddings.
The committee continues to advocate to the council on behalf of our association members. Our superb committee member Victoria Daniell drafted an excellent submission on behalf of our association on the Shoreline Adaptation Plans that Auckland Council have requested consultation on. The future of our reserves, jetties, boat ramp, playground and hall are all dependent on this plan and more importantly the future of our seawall.
This summer has already seen some extreme weather events and all residents are encouraged to prepare for more by following the advice in our section about Emergency Management and Community Resilience.
Nga mihi
The PWCRA Committeee
Welcome to the Winter 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 howardgeorge21@gmail.com
PWCRA Committee
the PoiNt wells hall
A great medium-sized venue, the hall is perfect for meetings, classes and special events such as prize-givings, birthday celebrations, wedding receptions...
A 20% discount is available to all members of the PWCRA.
For bookings, availability and Terms & Conditions of Hire, please contact Priscilla McClintock pointwellshall@gmail. com
Point Wells
Image 1: Coastal erosion on Riverside Drive next to the public roadway, May 2024.
Image 2: Coastal erosion on riverside drive next to public roadway, May 2024.
Image 3: The current seawall on the eastern side of the reserve at low tide, crumbling into the Whangateau Harbour, May 2024.
Image 4: Another example of the debris that is falling into the harbour from the degrading seawall on the eastern side of the reserve, May 2024.
Image 6: Example of surface flooding affecting the roadway and Council verge outside the community’s only store after a recent rainfall event, May 2024.
Image 5: Example of a Council-owned drain that has not emptied after a heavy rain, May 2024.
Our newly refurbished hall is now available again for hire.
HOW THE PWCRA IS ADVOCATING FOR OUR MEMBERS.
how the PwCra is advoCatiNg for our members.
Our committee was notified of the opportunity to provide feedback on the Shoreline Adaption Plan for Ti Point to Sandspit in April.
Our committee was notified of the opportunity to provide feedback on the Shoreline Adaption Plan for Ti Point to Sandspit in April.
Our village is included in the area that covers from the south of Mathesons Bay, including Ti Point and Follows the coastline of Omaha Bay, Whangateau Harbour and Kawau Bay south to Sandspit and Brick Bay.
Our village is included in the area that covers from the south of Mathesons Bay, including Ti Point and Follows the coastline of Omaha Bay, Whangateau Harbour and Kawau Bay south to Sandspit and Brick Bay.
Committee members met to discuss how our village could best contribute to this consultation, and it was decided that we would take the following steps:
Committee members met to discuss how our village could best contribute to this consultation, and it was decided that we would take the following steps:
The committee also connected with Whangateau and Omaha associations to share our submission and they kindly provided their feedback which well aligned to our position.
The committee also connected with Whangateau and Omaha associations to share our submission and they kindly provided their feedback which well aligned to our position.
PWCRA Committee
PWCRA Committee
The Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and Waimanu
by Auckland Council as areas prone to coastal inundation.
The PWCRA can confirm that in storm events, parts of the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve (mainly on the eastern side of the peninsula) can experience sea water flooding.
As outlined above, the PWCRA urges the Council to Hold the Line at the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and Waimanu Reserve against coastal inundation and coastal erosion, and to improve the resilience of the reserve through a seawall and other nature-based solutions. It is vital to the community to maintain universal access to the foreshore for connection to the coast and all it offers, and to each other.
DO
YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE LOCAL
-Encourage all residents to participate via the online survey.
-Encourage all residents to participate via the online survey.
-Highlight through our association email network and Facebook pages how residents can participate
-Highlight through our association email network and Facebook pages how residents can participate
-Submit a formal submission on behalf of association members.
-Submit a formal submission on behalf of association members.
The below submission was sent via our secretary to the consultation email address and shared with Rodney Local Board members to ensure our thoughts on the options were understood.
The below submission was sent via our secretary to the consultation email address and shared with Rodney Local Board members to ensure our thoughts on the options were understood.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE LOCAL BOARD? GE IN TOUCH WITH THE PWCRA ASSOCIATION SECRETARY.
BOARD?
GE IN TOUCH WITH THE PWCRA ASSOCIATION SECRETARY.
Point Wells Hall Rental Rates.
Also as mentioned above, a fully functioning and fit for purpose drainage system would help to reduce the impacts of the sea flooding the land.
(4) Sea level rise affecting the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Point Wells Community Centre and Recreational Reserve and all Council assets and amenities located there over the longer term.
Over the longer term, the community is aware that sea level rise and vertical land movement will impact the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Point Wells Community Centre and Recreational Reserve, as per the modeling displayed by the NZ Sea Rise project. We believe the adaptations outlined above, including an improved sea wall, nature-based solutions, and a fit for purpose drainage system, would help to build resilience to these risks.
Future aspirations
The Point Wells community wants to see universal access to the coast maintained over the long term, and for Point Wells to remain a thriving and resilient community, well adapted to coastal hazards and severe weather events.
Residents would like to see cleaner waterways, particularly in the Omaha River, which still suffers from overflow discharge from septic waste systems in rain events. This leaves the water unsafe for swimming for days. The Point Wells community undertakes regular water quality testing at various locations on the river and harbour and is happy to provide access to these results for further information on this concern.
It is also important to residents that Point Wells continues to have improved biodiversity and ecosystem health. More native trees and plants on Council land would provide additional habitats for native flora and fauna, and protection against coastal hazards and flooding. It is essential that these trees be species local to the area, and be appropriately located, not posing risk to the drainage system, powerlines, roads, or other amenities.
Request for the establishment of a Community Reference Group
The PWCRA notes that in the development of the Whangaparoa pilot Shoreline Adaptation Plan, the Council established and engaged with a Community Reference Group in addition to conducting public outreach.
The PWCRA would welcome the establishment of a Community Reference Group for the Ti Point to Sandspit SAP. There are many individuals in the wider community with knowledge and expertise relating to local coastal ecosystems and the threat posed by climate change, and we would see great benefit in these locals being further engaged in the development of the SAP.
Contact us
Thank you for the opportunity to have a say on the SAP.
Please feel free to email the PWCRA to discuss the above at pointwellscra@gmail.com.
Reserve are identified
protect the reserve and ecosystem. Please see photos 3 and 4 in the appendix for evidence of the degradation of the current seawall.
The PWCRA urges the Council to Hold the Line at the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Omaha River Point Wells Reserve including by:
- Urgently replacing, upgrading, and extending the existing seawall to protect more of the shoreline.
- Implementing nature-based solutions such as planting that would further protect the reserve and its assets, and protect and enhance the ecosystems there.
- Explore additional methods of supporting the bank on Riverside Drive to prevent further erosion and to protect the public road.
Being a tidal estuary, the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and Omaha River Reserve are not subject to any significant wave activity and so we believe these adaptation measures would be suitable to be maintained here. As outlined above, the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and Omaha River Reserve are incredibly important to the local community for our connection to the land, sea, and to each other. In addition, the reserves help to protect many residents’ homes from encroaching coastal hazards.
(2) Rainfall flooding from extreme flood events affecting the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve, Waimanu Reserve, and the Point Wells Community Centre and Recreational Reserve and the Council’s assets and amenities located there (including the boat ramp, toilets, walking tracks, hall, library, playgrounds, field, and tennis courts).
The Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and Waimanu Reserve are identified by Auckland Council as being flood prone areas, located on floodplains. This is evident to residents - after heavy rainfall, small amounts of water pools in places, and over winter parts of the reserves remain marsh-like.
The Point Wells Community Centre and Recreational Reserve is identified by Auckland Council as being located on a flood prone area. This is also evident after heavy rainfall, with water pooling on the reserve and some parts remaining boggy and unusable through the winter.
Point Wells has a Council-owned roadside drainage system made up of a mixture of ditches and pipes, that is designed to draw excess water out to sea in the event of heavy rainfall.
This drainage system is the community’s most significant defence against rainfall flooding. Currently it operates sufficiently on parts of the peninsula, but in other parts it is not functioning. This results in the flooding of public roads and sidewalks, and private properties. Please see photos 5 and 6 in the appendix for evidence of issues with the drainage system.
Residents are concerned that in a heavy rainfall event, particularly one that coincided with a high tide, the drainage system would not be fit for purpose anywhere on the peninsula. This puts the Council’s community centre and reserves, as well as residents’ homes, at risk of severe flooding.
The PWCRA urges the Council to assess and where necessary improve the current Council-owned network of roadside ditches and pipes that are designed to drain excess water from the peninsula out to sea during and after rainfall.
For Point Wells to remain a thriving, resilient community, it is absolutely essential that the drainage system is fit for purpose. Efficient drainage is the most impactful way to reduce damage and destruction to both Council owned land and residents’ homes from rainfall events.
The drainage system would also serve to help protect the community in the event of severe coastal inundation.
(3) Coastal inundation during storm events affecting the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Council’s assets and amenities located there (including a Council road, the boat ramp, toilets, playground, and walking tracks).
PoiNt wells emergeNCy maNagemeNt aNd CommuNity resilieNCe.
Preparing for an emergency event in the village
Auckland Emergency Management is working with Local Boards to prepare Emergency Management Plans. These will help inform Point Wells and other communities in Rodney on how best to prepare for emergency management events.
In the meantime, the Point Wells Committee is committed to building on our own emergency management plan – which will best direct us all to how to manage a major emergency event like Cyclone 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 marine areas of the region. In the map 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.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
This year we have already had severe weather events, 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.
Tsunami risk areas below
• Keep up with tree maintenance – falling branches can not only cause injury but damage roofs and vehicles easily. They also take out power lines. Some tips in the event of heavy rain:
• Stay up to date with warnings and watches at MetService: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
• 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 Resilience Group.
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 easy-to-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.
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Residents also deeply value a connection to the earth. With its rich peat soil, Point Wells has in the past been farmed, as well as home to thriving horticulture businesses. Now known as “The Garden Village”, Point Wells is home to many proud gardeners, and a community gardening club. Many residents are self-sufficient in vegetables and fruits, and excess crops are shared with the community through a free food stall located on the Council reserve.
The Point Wells Foreshore Reserve walking track is an important community asset providing universal access to the water, space to exercise, and connection with nature. The pohutakawa, harakeke, and other trees and plants lining the reserve provide important shade, shelter, bird habitats, and erosion protection. Access to the reserve track is especially important given the location of Point Wells on a rural peninsula with limited footpaths, and open roads that are not safe for pedestrians to walk, cycle, or run on.
The more recently developed Matakana Cycle Trail is also a heavily used and deeply valued community asset, providing additional pedestrian, cycling, and horse-riding routes, and connectivity with other local communities, including Omaha and Matakana.
Point Wells residents would like the walkway along the foreshore to be developed towards Omaha. Currently areas are not easily accessible, but with hundreds of cyclists, walkers and horse riders entering the village daily we believe this could be developed into a beautiful public accessway on the reserve.
Ecosystem health is deeply valued by residents. There is a community pest trapping group that runs a network of traps to capture pests that endanger our native birds and trees, such as possums, rats, and stoats. Many residents host private traps on their own land. We are very lucky to have many bird species residing and/or feeding in our gardens and waterways, including kākā, tūī, pīwakawaka, kererū, ruru, matuku moana, kōtuku ngutupapa, tōrea, and kōtare.
The Council hall, the community library, and the playgrounds on the two Point Wells reserves are central meeting points and places of connection for the community. They are host to a community playgroup, and a wide range of activities including a monthly potluck community dinner, local sports club gatherings, yoga classes, weddings, birthday parties, and a children’s hip hop class.
Significantly, the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Omaha River Reserve are valued by residents as a first line of defence against many coastal hazards. A significant portion of the community’s homes benefit from the barrier the reserves provide from the sea. It is imperative the reserves are maintained to help to preserve our community into the future.
Coastal change, hazards, climate change, and adaptation
Point Wells residents are deeply concerned about the effect of the following coastal processes and hazards on our community:
(1) Coastal erosion affecting the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Omaha River Point Wells Reserve and the Council’s assets and amenities located there (including a Council road, multiple boat ramps, toilets, a playground, and walking tracks).
In multiple places the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and the Omaha River Point Wells Reserve are eroding into the surrounding waterways of the Omaha River and Whangateau Harbour.
On Riverside Drive, there is such significant erosion that the Council’s banks are dangerously undermined. This presents risks to residents exercising and swimming here, and to the public roadway, which provides essential access to homes and on which an Auckland Transport bus operates. Please see photos 1 and 2 in the appendix for examples of this risk.
On the north and east side of the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve, there is an existing seawall that has served the purpose of protecting part of the reserve for decades. However it is aging and in many places is eroding into the ocean and is no longer fit for purpose. It also requires lengthening towards the Omaha causeway to further
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27 May 2024
Point Wells Community & Ratepayers Association pointwellscra@gmail.com
FEEDBACK ON THE SHORELINE ADAPTATION PLAN: TI POINT TO SANDSPIT
POINT WELLS
This submission is from the Point Wells Community & Ratepayers Association (PWCRA) on behalf of the residents of Point Wells. The PWCRA is an organisation that advocates for Point Wells ratepayers on issues related to the Auckland Council, Rodney District Board, and Auckland Transport.
Point Wells is a thriving, permanent coastal community situated at the star on the map to the right. It is surrounded by the coast, being located at the tip of a peninsula between the Omaha River and the Whangateau Harbour, with Omaha across the harbour.
There are five main Council assets located in Point Wells that are significant to this community:
1. The Point Wells Foreshore Reserve, with walkways, boat ramps, jetties, toilets, a playground, and a sea wall.
2. The Point Wells Community Centre and Recreational Reserve, with a Council-owned hall, library, playground, field, and tennis courts. The Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association is actively involved in managing the facility.
3. The Omaha River Point Wells Reserve
4. Waimanu Reserve with walking tracks.
5. The Point Wells drainage system, made up of a network of ditches and pipes that collect rainwater and flow out to sea. We believe this system falls within the scope of the SAP as it is owned by the Council, and is critical to managing water flows and flood resilience in relation to the Council-owned coastal assets described above and the Council’s roads.
In addition, the waters and marine ecosystems surrounding Point Wells are important to the community, including the Omaha River, the Whangateau Harbour, Little Omaha Bay, and Omaha Bay.
The community strongly advocates for the Council to Hold the Line at the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve and Omaha River Reserve through sea walls and nature based solutions, and to strengthen the existing Council-owned drainage system to ensure the continued protection of Council assets, residents’ homes, and our thriving community. Further information is outlined below.
Point Wells residents value the ocean, nature, and community connection
Spending time near and on the coastline and in the ocean and waterways is a core value to the residents of Point Wells. At high tide during the summer, residents migrate to the Point Wells Foreshore Reserve to cool off in the beautiful river and harbour. The community has a fishing club, with annual competitions, and a swimming club, whose hardy members swim across the estuary every day at high tide - rain, hail, or shine. There is a well-used swimming pontoon, multiple boat ramps for launching watercraft, and a series of small jetties loved for fishing and swimming. The waterways are loved by paddle boarders, kayakers, sailors, and recreational fishermen.
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.
News from the PoiNt wells library 2024
Just over a month to the school holidays so hopefully we will see lots of Junior readers, and their adults in the library – and then we are on the slide to spring – sort of.
Auckland Bulk Loan
For all our Auckland Bulk Loan fans the next bulk loan from Auckland Libraries is delayed by a week or two. The Auckland Library has introduced a new system for distributing books. This has led to a shortage of totes out at Titirangi Library. Also Mahurangi have been operating out of a mobile bus whilst the hall is being renovated. They have just had a portacabin delivered which will give them more space which will make it easier for them to store our books.
Overdues
Thank you, thank you – the response to the last newsletter was phenomenal! At the point of writing, we have only 16 overdue! Fabulous.
The Drop Box.
This continues to give many people terrible grief. It has been jammed about four times in the last couple of months. In theory it is quite simple to operate:
• Pull down the door/flap and put the books in.
• Close the door/flap.
• Pull out the sliding tray and the books will, in theory drop into the bottom of the box.
• Push the tray back.
If you are returning any larger books and there is a chance they may get stuck, could you please either come on a day when the library is open, alternatively give one of the committee a ring (the phone numbers are on the hall door) and one of us can arrange for the books to be taken into the library.
New Books
After the wonderful Auckland Writer’s Festival there are a number of new books, plus some wonderful, donated books.
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
• pointwellslibrary@gmail.com
PoiNt wells Jetty uPdate
Earlier this year the Council removed a Pōhutukawa tree to repair and upgrade the steps leading down to the large jetty at the end of the point before the ramp. This jetty is a Council asset and the decision to remove the tree was based on a risk assessment conducted by the Council.
The Council is now in the process of repairing the jetty and the work should be wrapped up end of June depending on tides and weather. New trees will be planted to replace our lost tree and we look forward to many more years of swimming and fishing from the big jetty.
CoNNoisseurs moNthly diNNer
Connoisseurs Club
After successfully organising and running the Connoisseurs Club for several years Noeline and John Cranston have passed the lead onto Elaine and Susan.
The Connoisseurs is a club that had been running for over 45 years in the village, and members meet once a month (always the 3rd Thursday evening of the month) to share delicious food and socialise.
Next dinner 18th July. Bring a plate, come along and make new friends. $2 entry.
New members are always welcome, contact Elaine 0211300409 or Susan 0274528216.
News from auCklaNd CouNCil
Updates from Auckland Council
The following updates were provided via the Rodney Local Board news page Rodney Local Board news (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz)
Rodney community planting days coming soon
Winter is just around the corner and with it comes a plea for locals to help plant thousands of native plants in parks across the Rodney Local Board area.
Board chair Brent Bailey says volunteers are gearing up to plant over 10,000 shrubs and trees in 21 local parks and sites over the next four months.
“The winter season is ideal for planting, and our council parks staff and volunteers are geared up for the challenge.
“Many hands make light work and that’s especially true when it comes to planting out large areas of our parks in a very short time. Getting that extra help can make all the difference.
“Planting days are such a fun activity for families and a very special way of giving back to our community.”
Planting areas and planting dates are:
• Rotary Grove – 9 July, 9.30am, meet corner of Shoesmith and Mahurangi Street.
• Sesquicentennial Walkway – 14 July, 9.30am, meet next to Bridgehouse, Elizabeth Street, Warkworth.
• Puhoi River – 21 July, 10am, meet at Domain Road car park.
• Omaha/ Mangatawhiri – 21 July, time to be confirmed, meet at 198 Mangatawhiri Road.
• Glen Eden Riparian FOAM – 28 July, time to be confirmed, meet at 607 Matakana Road, private access.
• Whisper Cove – 11 August, 10am, meet end of Kokihi Lane, Snells Beach.
Bayley says that students are leading the way with over 30 per cent of planting events involving schools.
Less waste and more resources for DIYers
Renovating and looking for something special?
DIYers in Warkworth and surrounds have a new one-stop-shop to find the perfect materials at affordable prices.
Less. Waste Warkworth (Less), which operates the newly upgraded community recycling centre (CRC) at Lawrie Road, Snells Beach is adding resource recovery for construction and demolition waste to its list of recycling and reuse services.
The newly upgraded CRC had its official opening on Earth Day, Monday 22 April. Earth Day is an international day to raise awareness for environmental protection, a cause in keeping with the philosophy of the CRC.
Less Manager Mark Gane says the three-level site caters for the whole community having grown from a convenient recycling drop-off point into a resource recovery site with multiple services.
“Our newly built reuse shop stocks a wide range of household items and has a special area for construction and building materials, perfect for anyone wanting to renovate without blowing the budget.
“With a lot of material salvaged from older buildings, you may even find special items or styles that are out of production. And if you’re renovating or decluttering, give us a call as we have a collection service for materials and household items that can be reused.
“We have also created a new education hub for children of all ages to learn how to reduce waste, reuse valuable resources and protect our environment.”
Residents can continue to drop off reusable and recyclable items at the Lawrie Road CRC and can now browse the shop for bargains or learn more about waste minimisation.
The top level is used for compost, and it has room to expand into other services.
Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Richard Hills says the focus on diverting construction and demolition waste from landfill is great news for everyone.
“Construction and demolition are major contributors to waste in many cities, accounting for up to half of waste sent to landfill. We know community-based organisations and social enterprises like Less are highly successful in diverting construction and demolition waste. In doing so, they support both the local environment and economy.”
Chief Executive of joint venture partner Localised Matthew Luxon says providing the community with a comprehensive range of services is vital to building a circular economy.
“Being able to reuse and repurpose products provides people and communities with more choice and greater power to make a difference. Community-led resource recovery enterprises are the foundation of a zero-waste future.”
Local board adopts the Puhinui / Warkworth Town Centre Plan
Plans for a vibrant riverfront, better connections to Warkworth town centre and river, and a new green network are set to delight the community.
Rodney Local Board has adopted the Puhinui / Warkworth Town Centre Plan which Chair Brent Bailey says guides future development and provides for a well-designed and attractive town centre with the river at its heart.
“The Warkworth community are very clear about what they want to see in the future. Over time, the town should develop as a vibrant centre full of energy and life that is accessible to everyone.
“They want the town’s character and heritage maintained and enhanced with a new entertainment and arts focus.”
Bailey says for locals the river is intertwined with the town and other comments were about accessibility, pedestrian safety, cycling and car parking.
“We heard about the river’s health and revitalising the riverfront. People want better connections to the river, like at the Elizabeth Street Bridge, and with parts of Lucy Moore Park.
“The town centre really comes to life during celebrations like the Kowhai Festival, Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights and Christmas events. People enjoy being able to move around and experience everything as it happens. We hope this plan reflects that aim and the desire for attractive public spaces that everyone can enjoy.”
Key action areas from the plan are:
Mahurangi River – improving the river and town interface along both sides of the river. Providing more opportunities for interaction with the river including walkways, environmental restoration, and heritage exploration. Improving the health of the river, acknowledging the mana of Ngāti Manuhiri and their relationship with the river.
Neville, Elizabeth and Queen streets – improving accessibility and pedestrian safety in the town centre, supporting cycling, improving street character, preserving heritage buildings and better management of car parking.
By Luisa Pelissier Bachelor Degree in Sport Science and Psychology
A 12-Week Iyengar Yoga Program showed improved Balance and Mobility in Older Community-Dwelling People as reported by the Oxford Academic Journalhttps://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/ article/68/9/1068/596627?login=false-
Polestar PIlates teacher
As an Iyengar Yoga practitioner since 2008 and researcher in the wellbeing industry since 2002, I am a strong advocate for mindful movements based activities such as Pilates, Yoga and weight training.
A 12-Week Iyengar Yoga Program showed improved Balance and Mobility in Older Community-Dwelling People as reported by the Oxford Academic Journal -https:// academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/ article/68/9/1068/596627?login=false-
If Pilates and weight training help with the reduction of bone mass as we age, Iyengar Yoga adds to bone strengthening, hormonal balance, mental clarity, reduced stress levels, anxiety and depression and helps improving sleep too.
For Seniors reducing stress can be especially important as stress can contribute to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. By incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation into their practice, seniors improve their overall sense of wellbeing and reduce stress levels.
Iyengar yoga is also known for the use of props involved in the practice, such as ropes, chairs, bolsters, blocks and straps: by incorporating proper alignment, specific sequencing of poses and timing and the use of props, Iyengar Yoga can be modified to meet the needs and abilities of seniors, making it an excellent choice for maintaining physical fitness and well-being as we age.
I am very pleased to have opened two Seniors classes for this community.
As an Iyengar Yoga practitioner since 2008 and researcher in the wellbeing industry since 2002, I am a strong advocate for mindful movements based activities such as Pilates, Yoga and weight training.
These classes run every Tuesday, from 9.30 to 11.00 and Thursday, from 9am to 10.30am.
After the class there is also time for connecting and sipping a cup of tea together.
I look forward to seeing you in the classes at Bali Garden. For contacts and further info, you can reach out on 021-2226773.
Namaste, Luisa
If Pilates and weight training help with the reduction of bone mass as we age, Iyengar Yoga adds to bone strengthening, hormonal
As we age, it is common to experience changes in sleep patterns but regular practice of yoga can help to improve sleep quality and duration.
Bachelor Degree in Sport Science and Psychology
Polestar PIlates teacher
Iyengar Yoga Certified Teacher
Laneways and walkways – developing a co-ordinated strategy to transform laneways into safe, fun, accessible spaces. Providing artwork, lighting, seating and planting that will create a new entertainment and arts focus for the town.
Green network – supporting the ecology of the natural environment in the face of anticipated intensification through good access to green spaces, creating walks and trails, tree planting and protection, provision for outdoor events and community gardens.
A vibrant riverfront – revitalise the waterfront along Wharf Street, create a new community plaza and riverfront play space next to the old Warehouse Stationery building, create a market space and village green area between the Masonic Hall and Lucy Moore Park, and improve the accessibility and usability of Lucy Moore Park.
Upcoming events from Auckland Council
Have your say on the future of transport in Auckland
Want to help shape the future of transport in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland? Now is your chance to have your say on the major transport plan for the future of our city.
The draft Regional Land Transport Plan is open for public feedback. This major plan sets out the projects, programmes, and activities that Auckland Transport, along with NZTA Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail are seeking to fund, or partly fund, from the National Land Transport Fund. It proposes $63 billion worth of investment in transport over the next 10 years.
Chief Executive of Auckland Transport, Dean Kimpton, says this is the chance for all residents of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to share their views.
“This is a major programme with some big choices and a lot of investment, so we need to hear from as many people as possible. We want to know what your priorities are. Unfortunately, we can’t provide everything, so we have some hard choices to make. We need Aucklanders to help us make those decisions about what we prioritise.
“What Aucklanders tell us is vital towards ensuring that we are aligning what we do with the lived experiences and expectations of our communities.”
The priorities in the draft plan are taken from Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan and the government’s recent policy statement on land transport.
Auckland Transport urges you to take part in the consultation and share which transport priorities are important to you. You can also suggest other priorities that you think should be considered.
The final plan will be submitted to NZTA Waka Kotahi in August. The Regional Land Transport Plan is reviewed every three years, with the most recent version published in 2021.
Visit haveyoursay.at.govt.nz to have your say on the future of transport in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Consultation closes on Monday 17 June 2024.
matakaNa fire brigade
My name is Blair and I’ve been roped in to writing this piece because the usual scribe (Chris Jensen) is, yet again, gallivanting around the world. The irony of him claiming he has no time to do it yet being able to find the time to send regular updates (usually with a photo of a weird and wonderful beer in an equally weird and wonderful location) is not lost on me. Anyone who knows Chris will know his tan never fades, mainly because it never has time to.
I’ve been in the Matakana Fire Brigade with Chris for slightly over a year now and have recently gone through my Recruits Course, along with another from our brigade who joined at the same time. Joining the brigade really opened my eyes to how little I really knew about first aid. I’d attended several workplaces first aid courses in the past, but I reckon I learned more than all of them put together in the first aid session I did at the station during one of our regular trainings.
As the first responders in the area, the brigade is often sent to medical emergencies before ambulances, and they’re the majority of our callouts, so being skilled in this area is critical.
Some of the brigade members are medical professionals, and they’ve been fantastic to learn from, both at trainings, and in real life situations.
One thing I’ve picked up is one of the most important things in an emergency is to keep calm. A cool head will make better decisions, leading to better outcomes.
If you haven’t done a first aid course, you absolutely should. You never know when you may be needed. You can have the best first aid kit in the universe, but if you don't know how to use it and you’re panicking, you may as well not be there.
An extremely useful app that is worth downloading is the AED locations app (red/orange icon, with a white heart shape, with red/orange lightning bolt). This app gives the locations of the AEDs near you and could save valuable time when needed.
On that note, the brigade is nearing the pointy end of securing a new first response vehicle. This will improve our service to the community immensely, enabling us to get to emergencies quicker, carry more gear, and allow us to get to hard to access locations. The generous donations from the community making it possible are really appreciated.
Tha
GARDENING WITH ANDREW STEENS -
Paradise For Plants
Here in Point Wells we are very fortunate to be in a zone of exceptional fecundity. Whilst some might think I’m talking about something in the water that produces lots of children in this village, I’m actually referring to a quite luscious environment for growing plants. In fact, I consider the Omaha Flats, and the peninsula of Point Wells in particular, to be one of the country's best growing areas, and one of the main reasons I moved here over two decades ago.
Why is it so good? Well of course the first reason is the usually deep layer (the depth varies considerably due to the wave-like profile of the sandstone base) of sandy peat that provides such a good base for growing. Although it does suffer from waterlogging at times, especially in winter, this negative can be overcome relatively easily by installing raised beds and drains. It is very low in some nutrients such as Potassium, again largely due to excessive leaching by water, but regular fertiliser and mulch application fixes that.
Wind is another factor that plants must contend with and Point Wells and the Omaha Flats are fortunate to be surrounded by hills and ranges on three sides, which reduces wind speeds and wind damage considerably. Even on our exposed Eastern flank the Omaha spit provides some protection from the worst of subtropical NorthEasterly storms, although waterfront properties still cop more damage than further inside the Point.
Andrew Steens
On the flats and in the village there are lots of large, mature trees, which further cut wind speeds down. It would be great to see even more of these trees grow over time. However, there is a caveat to this. Older residents will recall the line of big old Macrocarpa at the Hall which fell in a storm, fortunately falling away from the adjoining houses. A combination of excessive growth and a shallow root system due to the underlying sandstone pan can prove to be a problem. I’d strongly recommend that any very large trees should have one or two of the largest limbs removed every few years to keep the tree in balance, literally!
And then there is temperature. Once again we are very fortunate to be flanked on both sides of the Point by water. The harbour provides a very effective temperature stabiliser and although we can and do get frosts, these are very light and infrequent. On a frosty morning, it’s interesting to see the difference between Point Wells and Matakana by checking your car thermometer as you drive over the hill. There used to be as much as 3 degrees difference between the two villages, although as subdivision has increased near Matakana Road this difference has decreased due to the Heat Island effect caused by infrastructure and houses.
If you are like me and like to grow frost sensitive plants such as Papaya and Pineapple, then avoiding frosts becomes more important. Large expanses of lawn are likely to carry frost more readily than a layered garden as the layers of foliage reduce the amount of heat lost through radiation. This provides the clue to easily prevent frost damage, by planting more trees and shrubs to help trap the warmer air.
We do get a lot of rain in this area, so much rain! It’s part of being in the so-called winterless North, where we are subjected to many more days of rain than other regions such as the Bay of Plenty or Hawkes Bay. However, aside from increasing the potential for waterlogging and root rots, our regular rainfall means our plants are hardly ever drought stressed. It’s also interesting again to see the difference between Point Wells, Matakana and Warkworth, with rainfall increasing as you move from the coast inland. Often we will drive into Warkworth to be met with rain along the way, with the Point still bathed in sunshine.
Yes, overall I think Point Wells comes pretty close to Paradise for plants!
News from beetoPia
Beetopia is always keen to offer education in local schools regarding pollinators, honey bees and beekeeping, especially as children are engaging and their curiosity and passion is very rewarding. However, whilst preparing lessons regarding the 3 castes of bees I found myself faced with a dilemma … how do I depict drones more positively for students when drones are often classed as ‘ lazy, fat bums sitting around gouging on honey while waiting to go out and have a good time!’ This classification comes no doubt from the fact that drones do not take part in ANY of the many, many hive chores (cell cleaning, nurse duties, wax production, comb creation. ventilation, water gathering, guard duties) NOR do they forage for nectar or pollen and do not even feed themselves. Fortunately, the following facts regarding DCA saved my lesson plans and challenged my thinking about the partial futility of drones. I have highlighted (and commented) some positive aspects of drones. I read research on DCA by Dr Norman E Gary - the first to discover and identify the queen bee’s sexual attractant pheromone and also the first to document on film, the reproductive behaviour of honey bees, by means of using a balloon in a DCA area. normangary.com
DCA (Drone Congregation Area) are areas away from the colony/apiary where mating between drones and virgin queens takes place in mid-air. The DCA areas are specific locations, where drones wait for the arrival of virgin queens and the congregation area is typically 10–50 m above ground with a diameter of 30–200 m. The boundaries of a congregation area are distinct, in fact queens flying a few meters outside the boundaries are mostly ignored by the drones. Congregation areas are typically used year after year, with some spots showing little change over 12 years. Since drones are expelled from a colony during the winter and new drones are raised each spring, inexperienced drones must find these congregation areas anew. (Cognitive skills) Congregation areas are typically located above open ground, away from trees or hills, however some congregation areas do not show such characteristics and might be located above water or the forest canopy. Some studies have suggested that magnetic orientation could play a role, since drones older than 6 days contain cells in the abdomen that are rich in magnetite. (Magnetic orientation skills)
How to find a DCA (I’m definitely going to give this a try)
Drone congregation areas can be located by attaching a virgin queen (in a cage) to a balloon floating above ground. The person then moves around with the balloon, taking note of where drones are attracted to the caged queen. Congregation areas are not found closer than 90 m from an apiary, and congregation areas located farther away from apiaries receive more drones. In a congregation area, drones accumulate from as many as 200 colonies, with estimates of up to 25,000 individual drones. This broad mixing of drones is how a virgin queen can ensure she will receive the genetic diversity needed for her colony. By flying to congregation areas further away from her colony, she further increases the probability of out-breeding .
A single drone visits multiple congregation areas during his lifetime, often taking multiple trips per afternoon.(Long term memory) A drone’s mating flight averages 20–25 minutes, before he must return to the colony to refuel with honey. While at the DCA the drones fly around passively, waiting for the arrival of a virgin. When a virgin queen arrives inside the congregation boundary, the drones locate her by visual and olfactory cues (Great sense of smell&sight). It is then a race to mate with the virgin queen, to be genetically represented in a newly founded colony. The swarming drones, as they actively follow the queen, reportedly resemble a “drone comet”, dissolving and reforming as the drones chase the virgin queen.
Personal Conclusions : drones have decent cognitive skills, apparent long term memory, incredible vision, amazing olfactory senses and of course most importantly they are on par with the queen for reproduction of the species.
New Arrivals in the Village
From the Archives. We were meant to be called ‘Town of Omaha’
This article was published in the earliest copy of the Crier that we have on record – Summer edition 1976.
The history of Point Wells Village – by Louis H. Gilbert.
This Point Wells, how much do we know about it? We love it’s sunshine, it's birds and flowers in the spring and summer, we rave about its wonderful gardening soil, we curse its winds in the winter, we wish that it was just a few feet more above sea level when it rains and yet our ageing legs are so glad it has no hills.
It is difficult to gleam much knowledge about the place by talking to people as most of our memories are rather recent. One thing is for sure, it was not always called Point Wells -that is rather a recent terminology. Documentary evidence I have obtained tells us that this land was owned by one, Haskell at a date which is well over 100 years ago. It was later described as being a treeless windswept waist. An old plan in my position shows a Whare about where Mr. Well’s homestead eventually stood. The first land title (previously the land could have changed hands many times by deed) was issued in September 1931 to William Dunbar (hence Dunbar St). Then changed hands about every three years until purchased by Mr. Albert wells in 1941 from Mrs. Winifred Morrogh.
Mr. Wells drew up his first plan of subdivision in 1944 and the area was expected to be called the ‘Town of Omaha’. The only perpetuation of his name was to be the road from the store to Harbor View Rd, which he called ‘Wells Rd”. He sold his first section in Riverside drive to Mr. H McLaughlin just after the end of the war. There were later subdivisions of land by Mr. Wells and others who purchased land from him. Most of the original sections were rather large by today's standards and featured small baches for members of the Takapuna Fishing Club. Many have been chopped up in different ways by their owners to form more subdivisions. Eventually all the land Mr. wells originally owned had been sold and chopped up into individual sections. Yet more people wish to savour the good Point Well’s soil and sunshine. Landowners to the southward then commenced to subdivide their land also until we now have 1/4 of the population of Point Wells outside Mr. Well’s original small farm. I guess if even the county permits it the village will grow quite a lot larger, and it seems obvious that its eventual growth was beyond anything Mr. Well’s anticipated in the 1940s.
Other interesting learnings from Point Wells in 1976
Gubbs Buses ran a bus from Point Wells to Auckland every 3rd Tuesday and 2nd and 4th Friday of the month departing at 7.45am and arriving at 9.40am.
The summer fishing contest cost 50cents to enter.
There was an Aquatic and Boating competition at the ramp for children.
This was the year the hall first received a donated Piano which took three volunteers all day to transport from Auckland.
warkworth Croquet Club
In early April the club members helped at a two day working bee for a general lawn restoration. The warm weather aided the new grass growth ,and the lawns should be good for the next season. The lawns were closed for several weeks but are now open for play again.
The club did very well in the Auckland interclub competitions, with the club teams winning both the division 1 and division 2 competitions.
The AGM and prizegiving events were held in the Point Wells hall at the end of May, and a new committee has been elected for the next season. Included in the prizegiving were the winners of the four grades of the club singles play championships. They were Nelson Morrow, premier; Peter Radley, senior; Bob Pegram, intermediate; and Neil Anderson, junior. Kathy Knight won the prize for the most improved player.
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
The club caters for players of all abilities, and it is by no means a requirement to play in competitions.
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
PoiNt wells boatiNg Club
Well we were scheduled to have our first members-only competition in April, but the weather gods weren’t playing ball.
Finally Saturday 4 May was looking good, so competition was good to go. However, despite the favourable forecast the wind came up in the morning and swung around to the east, gusting to 20 knots at Takatu!
Consequently, not many members chose to brave it!
Congratulations to the hearty souls who went out and to our competition winners. First prize for heaviest snapper went to John Fox. Second was Pat Leitch and third Alan Sandrey. Honorable mention but no picture went to Grant Kenyon.
Richard Muir Secretary / Treasurer
On a more positive note members have been managing to get out and fish are there! The annual members competitions are currently being lead by Anaru Ngawaka and Terry Gillespie in Catch and Release.
New members are welcome: contact us at pwboatclub@gmail.com Happy Boating!
THE POINT WELLS BOATING CLUB IS SUPPORTED BY: ZE BUILD, POINT WELLS STORE, CAPRICE, CENTURION PRINT, FLOORING XTRA, BENEFITZ, HUNTING & FISHING WARKWORTH, GULL MATAKANA, STEVE JOHNSON, MATAKANA LIQUOR
Peter Radley, president, presents the hamper to Sally Cole from the Carlton club
Jodi runs the first hoop of the season
You may have noticed the increase in the number of properties on the market at present in the village, very much in line with the rest of New Zealand. With the median days on market currently sitting at 57 days, the number of new listings continue to exceed sales, resulting in an increased number of properties currently for sale.
Whilst media reports often focus on doom and gloom, we are noticing a general uplift in the number of b uyer enquiries, inspections and offers. Point Wells properties which are positioned, presented and pric ed well, in line with the current market, are selling well. The improved access from Auckland City, via the Puh oi to Warkworth motorway extension has certainly opened up the area to a new group of buyers looking to have the best of both worlds.
Point Wells property sales over the past twelve months, have ranged widely in value, from circa $1m for bare land to $8m+ for a stunning, architectural waterfront home. As you can imagine, with good reason, Point Wells is an aspirational place to liv e, with the coastal lifestyle on offer and an incredibly welcoming community being a draw card for many buyers.
TEAM JODI STERLING
Many of you have had the pleasure of working with Becky Perkins who is my licensed EA and sales associate. Becky is taking a year of maternity leave as she welcomes her first baby in June. She is the most positive person you will ever meet and always has the most beaming smile which we will miss.
We are excited to share that Kerri Johns, a Point Wells local, known to many, will be starting with us full time next week. Kerri will be providing amazing service to our clients and buyers. Watch this space for yet another Point Wells local joining my team in a few weeks.
SUMMARY OF POINT WELLS SALES APRIL 2023 TO APRIL 2024
Median days on market: 57 Properties sold (by all agents): 27
