Thursday November 10, 2016
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Miramar Peninsula’s latest clean-up 2
By Nikki Papatsoumas
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1. Almost the first things found was a starfish with a light bulb. PHOTO CREDIT: Jess Cowley
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2. Vicky Holben and her son Edward decided to see how many cigarette butts they could pick up in 15 minutes - they filled both a bottle and a takeaway cup to the brim in this time. PHOTO CREDIT: Sophie Williams 3. Animals found included fish, limpets, sea cucumbers, chitons, starfish, a tiny octopus and a glass shrimp. PHOTO CREDIT: Jess Baiden 4. About 55 people gathered at last month’s clean-up. PHOTO CREDIT: Sophie Williams 4
Knack Market in the spirit of the holiday season
Tsunami awareness saves lives Locals are being urged to prepare themselves for this risk of tsunami. The first World Tsunami Awareness Day took place last weekend, on Saturday, November 5. The United Nations General Assembly announced they were appointing a day in November as World Tsunami Awareness Day, so people could find out more about what a tsunami was and how best to prepare for them. A tsunami is a series of waves caused by large earthquakes. Acting director of Civil Defence and Emergency Management David Coetzee said all of New Zealand’s coast line was at risk of tsunami. “For most of us, that means we live near or visit - places that are at risk and we need to know the right action to take,” he said. “For a local source tsunami, which could arrive in minutes, we will unlikely be able
The water which is home to some of Miramar’s most special sea creatures is the latest area of the Miramar Peninsula to get a tidy up. On Sunday, October 30, the Plastic Free Peninsula group teamed up with the Wellington Underwater Club to remove around 2000 litres, or 50 sacks, of rubbish from under and around Miramar Wharf. Plastic Free Peninsula is a community group that aims to reduce single-use plastic in Miramar. This was the most recent event the group has held and previous events include a movie night, creating re-useable shopping bags out of pillowcases and ties at Worser Bay School, and a shore clean-up earlier this year that saw over 150kg of rubbish removed from the Miramar Peninsula. Organiser Jess Baiden said while previous clean-ups had focused on tidying the shoreline, this was the first time they worked to remove underwater rubbish.
She said Eddie Howard from Island Bay Marine Education Centre helped identify sea creatures as rubbish pulled from the water was cut apart to check inside. She said animals found included fish, limpets, sea cucumbers, chitons, starfish, a tiny octopus and a glass shrimp. “The main point of the exercise was to see how much rubbish was in the water and we were very surprised,” Jess said. She said children had been extremely receptive to the Plastic Free Peninsula initiative and it was eye-opening for them to see how discarded rubbish could affect marine life. Jess said shore crew made up of Worser Bay School families collected approximately half a cubic metre of rubbish from grass and beaches along Shelley Bay Road as the underwater clean-up was taking place. She thanked Sustainable Coastlines, who provided sacks and gloves on the day, and the Wellington City Council who picked up the rubbish.
to issue official warnings in time before the first waves arrive. “It is therefore important not to wait for official warnings, but instead recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.” David said World Tsunami Awareness Day was a chance for locals to learn more about the tsunami risk in their regions, know how to prepare for them and update their plans to keep their families safe. He said people COULD contact their council or Civil Defence Emergency Management Group for information about Local arrangements in place in the event of a tsunami. The ministry’s website www.civildefence. govt.nz has information for schools, employers and families wanting to use World Tsunami Day to be more prepared. Visit www.happens.nz to find out how to prepare for emergencies.
There will be treats to tickle everyone’s fancy at a local market this week. The popular Knack Market will take place this Friday and Saturday at Berhampore School and a variety of high quality, original New Zealand craft will be on offer. The Knack Market, which takes place four times a year, offers visitors a chance to purchase handmade treasures direct from about 50 makers. Everything from original clothing for kids and adults, jewellery, felted ornaments, wall art, bags, lampshades, magnets, hair accessories, tea towels, seedlings, pottery, hand-knitted items, soft toys, cushions, terrariums and much more is on offer. This month the ‘Kristmas Knack’ would take place – and was set to be one of the largest of the year.
Shoppers had the opportunity to head along on Friday evening for a more relaxed shopping experience - with authentic Italian pizza and other food options, hot and cold drinks and live music. In contrast, Saturday’s event was set to be more family focused, with games and activities for kids in the Kidzone. There would also be freshly made coffee on offer alongside some super Christmas baking, homemade fruit ice blocks and delicious authentic food options to enjoy at the market or take home for dinner. The Kristmas Knack Market takes place on Friday, November 11 from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday, November 12 from 9.30am to 2.30pm at Berhampore Primary School. For more information head to knack. market@gmail.com
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