It’s a dog-owner’s worst nightmare. You’ve got your little furbaby on a lead, on an area of the beach where there are hardly any other dogs to be seen. You stop to admire someone else’s pooch – and while your back is turned, your little one is suddenly surrounded by not one but three large dogs.
That’s what happened to Muritai dog owners Jane and Richard Thompson, on Boxing Day, on the beach near the RSA.
Jane had stopped to admire a handsome white dog – “not a Staffordshire, much larger than that”. Her husband Richard still had their 18-month-old miniature schnauzer, Saffa, on his lead. By the time Jane turned round, three more dogs of the same breed, almost identical, had closed in on Saffa.
“One had him by the throat, down on the ground, while the other three took turns at his back legs,” says Richard. “He was sandwiched in between. It all happened so quickly – they were working as a pack.”
The dogs’ owner intervened and managed to prise open the jaws from Saffa’s throat. Richard somehow managed to hold on to the dog, with its lead, but thought Saffa must surely be dying.
Jane ran home to get the car, while Richard carried the gurgling, bleeding Saffa up the beach, and they raced to the emergency vet – it was a public holiday so their own was not available.
The schnauzer had to be sedated before anyone could attend to him, and stay overnight.
Nationals
While their dog was alive, the damage was extensive – there was a hole in his windpipe, a torn ear, bites on his back, legs and genitals.
Next morning, they had to take him to their own vet and work out a game plan. All of which added up to a huge expense.
They cancelled a planned holiday and hunkered down till New Year's Day, when the uncharacteristically timid Saffa finally wagged his tail for the first time.
Determined to locate the offenders, the Thompsons reported the incident to HCC Dog Control – a statement, the vet’s report and photos of the injuries – but all they had to go on was the white dog’s name, as a result of the conversation Jane had had with its female handler, and the location. However, Jane’s posts on Facebook were copied to the Petone and Lower Hutt neighbourhood pages
and they may be well on the way to identifying the culprits.
What would they like to see happen should they be successful?
Jane would like to see the dogs removed from the offending owners’ possession, and some compensation for the vet bills incurred as a result.
And she would like dogs to be required to be on leads. “I’m not vindictive but I would like to see results,” she says.
The incident has changed the way both feel about other dogs. Richard has never felt bothered about large dogs before – as the owner previously of a schnauzer he had never had a problem – but he looks twice now. As for Jane, if she hears a dog bark, “I go cold”.
And Saffa? Well, he’s recovered his bounce – but not his bark.
Excitement downwind in 25 knots at the Paper Tiger Nationals. Sail 2943 (left) is local sailor John Tattersall. In the background, the blue boat has capsized. Photo: Chris Crawford.
Green light given for Bishop Park BPA
The original plan for a Bird Protection Area (BPA) at Bishop Park will go ahead as planned, despite opposition from some local residents.
A requirement under Environment Court consent conditions for the Tupua Horo Nuku project, the BPA was first mooted two years ago and involves a fenced and roped area to protect nesting penguins (Kōrora) from dogs.
Following initial discussions with residents concerned that the project would limit access to the beach and remove a dog exercise area, the shared path alliance investigated alternative habitats for penguins, some of which will be displaced by the path’s construction.
Recently, a BPA has been constructed by HW Shortt Park, with some dune areas behind the existing wooden fence that separates the rec ground from the beach now roped off.
HCC Director Economy & Development Jon Kingsbury said that ecologists from Te Ara Tupua Alliance, Council officers, DOC, Forest & Bird and Greater Wellington Regional Council reviewed proposed BPAs following last July’s death of Kōrora at HW Shortt Park. As part of that discussion, alternative sites were considered, including some south of Burdan's Gate.
Mr Kingsbury said the process echoed the one conducted during the consenting phase of the project where a number of sites were proposed and the most appropriate areas were selected. “This followed a robust series of visits and discussions by expert ecologists.”
Eastbourne
Goju-Kai Dojo
Celebrating 25 years
Eastbourne Goju-Kai Dojo has been teaching martial arts to local families for 25 years. In that time we’ve trained more than 200 teens, men, women and children.
Come check our training for parents and children (over 9 years old)
Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 7pm
Phone Lindsay Johnson
“The recent discussions found that the areas selected at the time of the original consent process were still best placed to support seashore foraging birds in the Eastern Bays.”
Local residents have expressed frustration over an apparent flip-flop by the council, believing the BPA's establishment will have a significant impact on the use and enjoyment of the area generally.
Plans include installing a fence along the top of the bank on the park side of the dunes at Bishop Park - this will have a material impact on residents (views etc) and people’s ability to access the beach generally - and an intention to ban dogs from the beach. Our frustration continues to grow as we understand that HCC has identified a more suitable, alternative area around the Coast but, for some reason, that is not now being pursued.”
Mr Kingsbury said a 1.2m high fence along the park side of the BPA will be built – about the same height as the existing mature Marram grass “and should not impact the view for residents”.
A new rope fence on the seaward side of the BPA will also be installed. “While it will allow for people to cross the barrier without dogs, we would discourage this especially during nesting season as it will startle seashore foraging birds and potentially see them abandon their nests.”
There will be access paths from the fields to the beach, including one that is wide enough to allow access with water sport equipment.
The dunes will also be also be restored with native shrubs planted to encourage natural dune movement and prevent “catastrophic dune loss typical of Marram-planted dunes”.
HCC’s review of its Dog Control Bylaw gets underway in February.
WHAT’S HAPPENING HAIR
JANUARY
Welcome to 2024 everyone! I'm thrilled to be back in the salon. Over the break I've been keeping up with the latest hair trends for the new year This summer, it's all about short styles, and the possibilities are truly endless Whether you ' re in the mood for something blunt, layered, textured, or angular, there's a style that's just perfect for you.
One of my personal favourite short styles is the classic bob The beauty of a well-styled bob is that it remains in vogue, evolving with each season I have a soft spot for the timeless bob that falls right above the shoulders and can be customised with layers or kept blunt. If you have curly or thick hair, a layered bob can work wonders, while a blunt bob is an excellent choice for those with finer hair
What's great about short cuts is that with the right styling, they can be low maintenance. You can wake up with fabulous hair, requiring minimal extra effort!
The flexibility of short styles allows me to tailor the cut to match your personal style and, most importantly, complement your face shape This ensures that when you leave the salon, you have a style that's been designed specifically for you!
Let's kick off your year with the perfect hairstyle If this sounds like the ideal choice for you, contact me for a consultation I'm dedicated to providing a top-quality experience for my clients at my Eastbourne salon So, why not give me a call today to book your next appointment? Your fabulous new look awaits!
Have your say this February Dog control Bylaw review is set to begin in February. We encourage the community to submit both written and oral responses to it as the review directly relates to the four Bird Protection Areas that the HCC is establishing to mitigate the environmental and ecological impact of Tupua Horo Nuku - the Shared Pathway. The most problematic area for our community will be the length of Bishop Park sand dunes that will be fenced off for Little Blue Penguins to nest.
Eastbourne Summer Pool Action Group
The Eastbourne Summer Pool Action Group requested extending the pool season to align with other Hutt City Council (HCC) pools, citing community interest and previous submissions. HCC, referencing financial challenges and low usage, remained non-committal but open to considering an additional week for this season. The Community Board will continue to work with the action group. The meeting ended with no firm resolution, but the Action Group is optimistic about a collaborative approach moving forward.
Contacting the Community Board
Remember to use the “Report a problem” form on the HCC website for council issues.
Next ECB meeting: 7.15pm Tuesday 13 February, East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd - ALL WELCOME
From foodtruck to central café
Followers of Eastbourne resident Mariana Piccagli from her days as pastry chef at Hive, to her Argentinian Food Cart, to the waterfront Waione St kiosk will be delighted to discover her latest venture, in the highly visible and accessible (from St James’ carpark) space next to War Memorial Library, looking out over the lawn. When we visited on opening day she was still settling in but Karamu Coffee flags outside were already drawing patrons. There’ll be more sweets to add to those decadent trademark alfajores (chocolate or coconut-coated cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche) as well as savoury Argentinian staples such as empanadas (stuffed pastries) and chimichurri chicken, all served in the coolness of the 1956 building at the heart of the Hutt. But fear not, beach patrons – the Waione St Kiosk is still open.
The little tree that could to be felled
There will be no gnashing of teeth or chaining of bodies to the York Bay Beach Pohutukawa in protest at its removal, but there will be disappointment.
The tree was planted in 1990 by Richmond Atkinson’s father, Tudor Atkinson, to provide shade for beach goers. Now, it is to be removed to make way for the York Bay stretch of Tupua Horo Nuku.
The tree is not, in fact, the original, which “was taken out by a horse float” and replaced two years later, Mr Atkinson says. At one stage, Eastbourne Borough Council workers removed the concrete sleeve protecting the sapling, believing it to be one of their rubbish bins. Despite the council subsequently saying the tree was not allowed on the beach because of overhead power lines, the concrete sleeve was reinstated and the tree survived.
It’s a battler; over the years it has survived car crashes, and been “unofficially pruned” because it blocked visibility on the road when it was smaller. But now the tree is firmly tied
to York Bay’s identity.
Fiona Christeller was among a group of local residents who made submissions to Hutt City Council on the shared path design and while she is pleased with several of the concessions designers have made, she is disappointed the "Atkinson Tree" can't be saved.
“I commend them actually, they have spent time and energy trying to retain this tree." While the removal of the Pohutukawa is a blow, they have agreed, instead, to relocate it to Whiorau Reserve. She says the Atkinsons were ahead of their time, planting a shade tree before climate change was fully understood.
The September 2023 meeting of Hutt City Council’s Infrastructure & Regulatory Committee Meeting was told that there was no justification for retaining or moving the tree at a cost of $80,000. Jon Kingsbury, Director of Economy and Development at HCC said retaining the tree in its current position would create safety issues for Marine Drive and the new shared path, as well as impact the effectiveness of the new seawall; survival of the tree could not be guaranteed with relocation, and it was not cost-effective to relocate the tree to another position in York Bay.
Ironically, the tree featured on a HCC billboard advertising signboards for hire, but alas, it is to get the chop.
Ms Christeller believes it’s a case of construction taking over aesthetics, and part of the vision statement for Tupua Horo Nuku is to retain vegetation. However, the planting of trees along Port Road does help balance the tree’s removal, she says.
York Bay Beach is not wide, and the addition of the shared path will potentially shorten it further. HCC are going to do a “once only” sand drop on the beach, which Mr Atkinson says has a seasonal variation of at least 300mm.
Both residents agree the lowering of speed from 70km to 50km has made a huge difference to safety.
Lazy hazy skies - Fine, warm weather has blessed the Eastern Bays this month.
Fiona Christeller and Richmond Atkinson with the soon to be felled "Atkinson tree".
How is the air up there?
by Ann Packer
As views go, they don’t come much more spectacular than those from Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui. Up there on the bluff, 80m above Fitzroy Bay, there’s nothing between you and the Southern Ocean but fresh air.
On the Thursday just before Christmas 2023 when the first refurbished Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage was officially opened, it was such a glorious day the chocolate on the after-match kai was melting in the heat. But the breeze off the ocean, which hadn’t touched land for five days, plus the shade of an old macrocarpa, were enough to keep assembled guests cool outside.
The project to save the cottages of one of the last fully-intact keepers’ stations in Aotearoa had been a long time in the making, led by The Friends of Baring Head and involving many people and organisations. Eastbourne residents present included GWRC environment group manager Lian Butcher, and former city councillor Joy Baird, who was part of the decision that saw HCC supporting the regional council’s purchase of the land. Mrs Baird says the late conservationist Colin Ryder, who led the charge to protect the cottages, lobbied her and others to buy the land, and secure some
$400,000 for the restoration.
Part of the East Harbour Regional Park managed by Greater Wellington, the Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui complex was last year added to the New Zealand Heritage list as having “outstanding historical significance”. It includes the country’s first fully electric lighthouse, built in 1935, and now the only lighthouse in the country still in its original condition.
The cottage, one of two residences which will eventually be available for holiday accommodation, has been stripped to its original native timber floorboards and furnished with antique and second-hand furniture to create an authentic 1930s feel.
A third existing building, the former powerhouse, is now a museum known as the Story Hub; it includes information about the other significant structure on the site, a mast measuring air samples that contribute to our understanding of climate change. When consents are completed, accommodation may be booked through the GWRC website. Watch this space.
Eastbourne Community Board member Bruce Spedding, who arrived up the steep road by bike for the opening, has had a long association with the complex, beginning work here in 1972 when the government set up the Baring Head Clean Air Station, now run by NIWA.
Because the air here is so clean, not having touched land for five days, it can reveal both our
Have your say on protecting nesting birds from dogs in the Eastern Bays
Throughout February, Hutt City Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to dog access in and around the four new Bird Protection Areas in the Eastern Bays.
The bird protection areas and restrictions are required under consent conditions for Tupua Horo Nuku, to provide or protect nesting for kororā and other native seabirds that may be displaced during and following construction.
Go to hutt.city/EBdogs to find out more and have your say, or visit the display at the Eastbourne Neighborhood Hub.
atmospheric profile and wider global trends. Measuring four greenhouse gases including CO2 and methane, it crucially identifies whether that gas comes from burning fossil fuels or biological processes, eg belching cows.
Part of an international network of ground, ship and aircraft-based monitoring stations coordinated by the World Meteorological Organisation, this is the longest running CO2 monitoring station in the Southern Hemisphere and plays a key role in delivering data from a sparsely covered region of the globe.
www.niwa.co.nz/CarbonWatchNZ
The Bird Protection Areas are:
• The rocky seashore along Sorrento Bay
• Whiorau Reserve
• The dune area next to CL Bishop Park (with dogs also excluded from the beach)
• The dune area next to HW Shortt Park
Baring Head Lighthouse.
COMING SOON
49 Oroua Street 4 bed, 2 bath sunny family home in the heart of the Eastbourne village.
WELCOMING JEN!
In November, Team Sinead expanded to include Jen Schipper as our newest sales consultant. Jen rounds out the team with her marketing expertise. Along with Jodie our office administrator and our wider Hutt Valley team, Team Sinead is here to help.
LOCAL LISTINGS
UNDER OFFER
• 105 Muritai Road PBN 3 bed+
COMING SOON
• 385 Muritai Road 5 bed
• 49 Oroua Street 4 bed
• 2/14 Oroua Street 2 bed
• 9 Makaro Street 2 bed
• 51 Howard Road 4 bed
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on our listings, property previews and video tours.
57 Reviews!
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Sinéad Diederich: 021 025 81960
Christelle Van Zyl: 021 0758 291
Jen Schipper: 027 253 5635
teamharcourts.co.nz
St Alban's gets new vicar
by Louise Parry
St Alban's, like many churches, has faced challenges in recent years. Declining numbers, seismic code issues, and the subsequent relocation of the congregation have left the historic church struggling to find its place in the community. Two vicars have come and gone, leaving a sense of division among the faithful.
But new St Alban’s Minister, Sue Brown, is determined to change that. With her background in law, regulation, and a passion for community engagement, she sees an opportunity to make St Alban's a vital part of Eastbourne once again.
Rev. Brown has spent the past six years as a Minister at Ngaio Uniting Church, lined with Methodist-Presbyterian traditions. However, life took an unexpected turn when she saw an opportunity at St Alban's. As an Eastbourne resident for nine years, and despite not being a career minister, Sue felt a calling—a "God nagging," as she puts it—to take on the challenge.
As she prepares for her new role, Sue acknowledges the thorny issues facing St Alban's. The shrinking congregation, the earthquake risk, and the impact of Covid-19 on church attendance are challenges to be navigated. Sue's approach is clear—transparency and no surprises. She plans to listen to the church membership and the wider parish, working with St Alban's vestry to develop ideas and address the structural issues facing the 1910 church building.
She can draw on her experience at Ngaio, where an earthquake-prone hall was demolished and the church building refurbished. She understands the importance of a strong association between people and their place of worship. Her role, she believes, is to keep people engaged, active, and hopeful.
With her installation date set for February 7, Sue is looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to connect with the people of Eastbourne. She emphasises the importance of working with other churches, and has previously preached at St Ronan's as a lay preacher.
Sue's vision extends beyond the church
walls. She wants to understand the needs of the community, aiming to make St Alban's a hub for various activities just as at her old church in Ngaio. Her half-time employment will allow her to be available to the community a couple of days a week and during emergencies.
For Sue, being connected is key. She recognises the disconnection prevalent in New Zealand and thinks the church can help to bridge the gap. Whether people find God or not, Sue aims to offer support and create a welcoming space. The essence of the church lies in giving love and connecting people.
"There are often pivotal points in life when people need support. That's something the church can do," she says.
Sue Brown’s installation as vicar of St Alban’s Anglican Church will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, February 7 at San Antonio Church - all welcome.
Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang FRUITS’n’HORMONES
Jan/Feb: Mid/late summer. Water woes. Lawns brown off (dormant) but recover. Save limited water for plants that might die.
Fruits:The Angiosperms are the most recent group (clade) to emerge (~300 mya). They bear flowers that morph into fruits that ‘contain’ (Gk angeion) ‘seeds’ (Gk sperma). Ignoring little, hard fruits, what about the big, soft fruits we eat?
You see: Fruiting starts with a flower that opens, lasts 1 or 2 days, then the petals fall, then the remains of the flower falls. But after petal fall a few (~5%) now petal-less ones stay on. You can see a tiny green fruitlet at the tip of the flower stalk. Fruit set is this transition from flower to fruitlet. You don’t see: In the base of each flower is a tiny ovary, in this are some unfertilised egg cells. When the flower opens, a pollen grain lands on the sticky stigma, where it germinates, sends a pollen tube several mm down through the style to the ovary, where it finds an egg cell, which it fertilises to produce an embryo, which grows to be a mini plant, inside a seed, inside a fruit
Action: From the moment the egg cell is fertilised, the embryo moves fast or it’s a goner. If flower opening is day 1, pollination is ~day 2, fertilisation ~day 3, petals drop off ~day 4, the remains (stalk, ovary, egg cells) drops off ~day 6.
Hormones: How does the plant know not to shed the flower? The moment the embryo is formed it starts sending out hormones. These tell the plant not to shed the flower. Next, they tell the flower stalk to produce vascular tissue (xylem, phloem) to deliver water, sugar and minerals to the embryo so it can grow to form a seed. They also tell the ovary wall to grow to form a tiny fruitlet around the seed(s). All this happens within ~7 days.
Big seeds = more hormones: In a one-seeded fruit (plum) the bigger the seed, the more hormones, the bigger the fruit.
More seeds = more hormones: In apples (max 10-seeds) often not all egg cells are fertilised, so fewer seeds - but fewer seeds, less hormones, smaller fruit. True too for grapes (max 4 seeds), for tomatoes (max 150-300 seeds) and for kiwifruit (max 1000-2500 seeds).
Lopseeded: If seeds aren’t uniformly distributed, hormones are asymmetrical, and fruit is lopsided. slang@xtra.co.nz www.mulchpile.org
Authorised by Chris Bishop, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
Sue Brown.
Horse rider
turned marathon runner
Stew Sexton runs marathons – in a wheelchair. You might have seen him on the road, bandanna over his hair to stop the sweat getting in his eyes.
Born with spina bifida, the Rona Bay man was “very active” growing up, but only got seriously into running in his forties, when he found himself unfit, overweight and coping with the death of a friend.
Stew started “running” – and is currently training for a 100km run on 16 March. In keeping with earlier such projects – such as 2021’s Bali Hope Ultramarathon – he’s treating it as a fundraiser, this time for Riding for the Disabled (RDA), which benefitted him as a kid growing up and prepared him for later adventures. “It’s a little bit closer to home (than Bali) and dearer to my own heart.”
Always refining his approach, Stew has decided to carry out his run for RDA locally, using his home at the entrance to Rona Bay as his base for transition stops – a clean set of clothes, accessible bathroom, and appropriate food – between 10 km legs. His training for the event consists of a series of shorter, faster (5km-7km) and medium (10km-14km) runs, fitted around work during the week, with increasingly longer runs (21+ kms) on the weekend. He says his employers, Parliamentary Service, where he works as an accessibility adviser, are sensitive to his need for work/life balance. Strength training includes exercises for his arms and runs in the hills up behind Days Bay.
In order to pace himself and minimise the effects of hitting the wall, Stew plans to run at about 10km an hour, “finding what’s going to work for me on the day”. The route he’s planning sees him stick around Eastbourne’s waterfront, running a 10km circuit between the service station in Sunshine Bay and back to the carpark at Burdan’s Gate with home as a transition point in the middle. Support in the form of monetary pledges and occasional company is very welcome – even a couple of friends chatting together alongside helps stave off the boredom. “If you see me out there on the day, feel free to join me for a time,” he says.
This picture of Stew Sexton on horseback, aged about eight and assisted by one of Masterton RDA’s founders, Logan Bruce, captured locals’ attention on Facebook, though Stew reckons a closer inspection shows a look of horror on his face. Either way, his early encounters with horses have enabled him to do the things he does today.
The core purpose of NZRDA is “to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs”. RDA’s fundraising and campaigns manager Shireen Maindonald, who supports
Stew’s project, says the organisation offers specialised therapeutic horse riding through a range of tailored programmes for people living with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges. “Every gift helps riders to get up in the saddle – and to stay there longer.”
To support NZRDA and the event go to: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/stew-ridesagain
For more details on running with Stew on 16 March, you can text him on 021 943354.
Mondays
• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry.Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.
• “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at the library 10.00am.
• Toy Library - Two Monday Sessions at 1.302.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm.
EastbourneToyLibrary on Facebook. Kathy 0273551950
• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.
• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.
• Muritai Tennis Club 9.30–noon. Merryn 562 0236.
• Eastbourne Homebirth Group 1st Tuesday of the month. Phone Kate 562-7096.
• East Harbour Women’s Club Morning Tea & Chat Group 10am. Contact Glendyr 562 7181.
• Indoor Bowls Club 1.30pm, at the croquet club, Oroua Street. Rosemary 562 7365
• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.
• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact - teens to 70+) Music Movement MagicMuritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www.niainwellington.com
and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.
• “Steady as You Go” Age Concern sponsored Falls Prevention and Exercise Programme. Held 12 noon each Wednesday at Eastbourne Community Hall. Classes are held for 1 hour and costs only $2. Improve your strength and balance to reduce falls and injuries. Falls are preventable. Please join us!
• EHock - Fun Stick and Ball game Girls and Boys 7- 13.Eastbourne Community Hall. Wednesdays 6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Derek Wilshere 0274303596
Thursdays
• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.
• St Ronan’s Mainly Music, 9.15am-11.15am, during school terms. Contact Cathy 027 213 9342.
• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.
•Lions meet 2nd Thursday of the month at the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club, Tuatoru St 6.30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. Graham 562 8819.
• AA Plunket Rooms 7.30pm. Mark 566 6444/ Pauline 562 7833
• DB Playcentre 9.15-12 noon Puddle Jumpers casual ‘drop-in’ session.$5 per child per session. Call James on 022 043 7841
Saturdays
• Justice of the Peace at the Eastbourne Community Library, first Saturday of each month 12pm-1pm.
• Croquet from 10am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.
• Lions' Bin - cost effective rubbish and
e-waste disposal. Last Saturday of the month (except December) by Bus Barns. Gavin 027 488 5602.
Sundays
• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Karen 021 440 705.
• Mindful Mummas group for Mums and preschool children. Childminder onsite. 1011.30. Text Emily 027 552 6119 to join or go to bemoreyou.co.nz for more info.
EASTBOURNE
MEMORIAL RSA (Inc.)
Notice of AGM
To be held on Sunday 24 March 2024 at 1pm in the Clubrooms, Tuatoru Street, Eastbourne.
Nominations for Executive Committee & Notices of Motion must be with the Secretary by 2 March 2024.
Faith in the Community
Intelligence Quotient (IQ)...
Among the vaguely annoying items that pop up uninvited on Facebook are the occasional little quizzes to test your IQ. And who wouldn’t secretly like to know their IQ? That is, of course, provided the test actually measures what it says it does. Back in 2015, Dr Michael Edwards decided to expand the concept to assist people who are choosing leaders. He came up with the idea of a Leadership Quotient (LQ).
The LQ is made up of three overlapping areas. The first is Strategic Leadership which identifies WHAT needs to be done (this is where IQ has its place). The second is Operational Leadership which is about HOW to get things done (also called execution capability or XQ). And the third area (by no means the least important) is People Leadership or EQ, it is about ‘emotional awareness’ that identifies, inspires and motivates the WHO, needed to get the show on the road. All three are needed. These concepts help us explore and identify the assumptions, attitudes and values which together are important in finding someone with high LQ. They help us sort the valuable ‘grain’ of ability from the ‘chaff’ of window-dressing and showboating.
In a context where leadership is important, the values taught and lived by Jesus are worth more than a mere second thought.
Shared Service - St Alban’s + St Ronan’s: Sun 4 February at San Antonio church at 9:30am. Everyone welcome. Let’s start the new year by joining together in our worship.
St Ronan’s: Services Sun 9:30am - informal 1st & 3rd, traditional 2nd & 4th. E:office@stronans.org.nz W:www.stronans. org.nz
St Alban’s: All Sunday services are now at San Antonio church at 9:30am (note new location, new time). Activities for children during term times. 1st Thursdays only, communion at 10:30am at St Ronan’s church. E:office@stalbanschurch.nz W:www. stalbanschurch.nz
San Antonio: Vigil Mass, Sat 5.30pm. Sacred Heart, Petone: Mass, Sun 9.30am and 5.30pm. E:holyspiritparish41@gmail.com W:www.holyspirit.nz
Opera in Days Bay: The Shepherd King
Applause please…
After being twice delayed by Covid –including a last-minute cancellation two years ago – Mozart’s two-act opera Il Re Pastore, will be performed in Rhona Fraser’s Days Bay garden in early March.
Written for three sopranos and two tenors, the rarely-performed operatic pastoral idyll, composed when Mozart was just 19, tells of a shepherd living a peaceful life in the country when discovered by Alexander the Great and
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
John
D.
Rockefeller
Yes, that’s right, change is afoot!
his sidekick Agenor. Even when offered power and influence, Amyntas would still prefer a simple existence with his young shepherdess, Elisa…
There’s a parallel romantic story, Ms Fraser says, and the opera leads to the usual misunderstandings and good intentions. “It is not a spoiler to say it all ends happily ever after but of course not until we have had some extraordinarily beautiful arias and ensembles.”
The producer, who normally has “all her ducks in a row” had originally planned to present this work in 2021, after she and husband Campbell McLachlan returned from his sabbatical in Berlin. But Covid struck, and she found herself without music and with a couple of singers locked down in Auckland.
This is the 14th such production for Ms Fraser, who had her own musical career overseas before settling with her family in Days Bay, in a house designed for just these events. She is enthusiastic about her young cast – Alexander the Great will be sung by one of New Zealand’s great tenor stars, Ridge Ponini, while Rebecca Ryan sings the “trouser role” of Amyntas, and 2021’s sleepwalker, Elizabeth Mandeno, returns to play Elisa, the shepherdess. Two young Wellington singers, Bayley Goldstone, and Sinead Louise Keane take the roles of Agenor and Tamiris, while The Days Bay Opera orchestra will be conducted by Mark Carter, with Catherine Norton playing continuo. Ms Fraser says Amanda Holden’s wonderful English translation of the opera will allow the audience to follow the layers of the plot in the recitatives.
The gates open at 4 pm, with complimentary Seresin Wine on offer. The performance begins at 5 pm, with a picnic interval from 6 – 7 pm. The evening will be “well over” by 8.30.
A New Zealand cast, in a glorious established garden surrounded by beech forest and native birds, with a sunset to close the show – what more could you wish for?
Il Re Pastore plays Friday 1, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March, 5 pm at 24 Moana Rd, Days Bay. Tickets $80, by bank transfer (no booking fee).
Booking details at www.daysbayopera.org.nz.
Check us out at www.HomeLoanShop.co.nz for now…
PARKSIDE
Birds of East Harbour Regional Park
This Parkside is dedicated to the native birds that you can find in and around East Harbour Regional Park. MIRO volunteers work hard to protect these manu through trapping, planting and monitoring. Please use it as an excuse to get out and see if you can spot them all! (this is a non-exhaustive list)
Manu iti – Little birds
Tītipounamu – Rifleman
The growing population is testament to effective predator control as NZ’s smallest bird is easy prey. Listen for a high-pitched squeak and spot a small green bird on the trunk of the trees around you. Fun fact: Rifleman are so small that they fit inside the eye of NZ’s largest native bird, the Southern Royal Albatross.
Riroriro – Grey Warbler – Noisy for its small size they can be hard to spot in the forest canopy. Listen out for the male’s long trill call and look for a small grey bird.
Miromiro – Tomtit – A naturally curious bird you can often see along the ridgeline of the park. Listen out for “a squeaky wheelbarrow” call and look for a black head with bright white/ yellow belly.
Also in this category are Pīwakawaka –Fantail, Tauhou – Silvereye (some say they still have an Aussie accent) Pōpokatea - Whitehead and Kōtare – Sacred Kingfisher
Manu nui – Larger birds
Tūī
Hard to miss the noisy tūī with its wide repertoire of sounds. When the kōwhai bloom these forest bullies are particular fun to watch as they puff up and claim the best patch with their song.
Korimako – Bellbird – Song often mistaken for a tui, but never mistaken when you see them. This olive bird has a lovely bell like
song. Differentiated from the tui song as they don’t have the hoarse scratch that the tui add nor the large repertoire.
PīpīwharauroaShining cuckoo
A herald for the planting season for local Māori. Known for its parasitic nesting behaviour in riroriro nests. Their multiple ‘up’ whistles followed by ‘down’ whistles is the call and response of a male and female pair.
Other locals include Kākāriki, Ruru – Morepork (their ‘quee’ call is often mistaken for kiwi), Kereru, Karearea – NZ Falcon
Manu moana –Seabirds
Tūturiwhatu Banded Dotterel –not all our special birds are found in the forest! Our small breeding population, both in Eastbourne and at the Parangarahu lakes beyond Pencarrow Head, have national importance to protect this declining species. Be mindful of nests in the breeding season by watching where you walk and controlling pets. A good sign there is a nest in the area is the adults doing the classic “I’ve got a broken wing follow me” subterfuge to lead you away.
Lots of others to look for including Korora - Little blue penguin, Tōrea - Oystercatcher, Gulls, Kawau – Shags (Spot the nests above the Days Bay duck pond), Terns and Gannets
Future Residents!
Kākā
Young males come to the park from Zealandia looking for a mate. It will take some resident females for a regular population to grow in the park.
Kiwi
MIRO have a kiwi corridor on the Wainuiomata side of the park which we trap more intensely. This is where we anticipate kiwi to eventually spread from Remutaka Forest Park and we monitor for their calls through audio devices.
Kōkako , North Island Robins or Saddlebacks
Through intensive trapping and passionate volunteers, translocation of formerly resident species is a possibility.
It is worth noting that our work isn’t just to protect the species mentioned above. Skinks, geckos, wētā and native snails all suffer heavily from predation by introduced predators. Trapping in your backyard is to the benefit of all these wonderful creatures. If you want to be more involved we welcome new members: info@miro.org.nz
- By Ben Bruno
A Tītipounamu - Rifleman. Photo: Melissa Boardman.
Hundreds have turned out to say goodbye to Father Charles Cooper, long-serving and much-loved Catholic priest of Wellington and especially Eastbourne, who died after a short illness in early January 2024. He had quietly celebrated his 90th birthday just three weeks before his death.
Formally entitled Monsignor Charles Harold Pascal Cooper, Fr Charles was a familiar figure in the 20-plus years he lived in Eastbourne and served at San Antonio’s church in Oroua Street and the Parish of the Holy Spirit in the lower Hutt Valley.
Wearing his characteristic garb of flat cap, dark suit and pastel-coloured clerical shirts, his willingness to stop and chat as he moved around the village from his apartment in Rona House, and his faithful attendance at local events (especially drama and music) made him a friend to many. And his wit and insights on a wide range of topics made him delightful company.
This benign friendliness was the product of a lifetime of Christian service, beyond as well as within the Catholic Church. Of all the priestly tasks, his greatest love was the pastoral encounters and the response to them, he said in an interview in 2009.
“Time and again, I am surprised by what people remember about what I did or said, years later.”
Fr Charles was a ‘diocesan’ priest (not a member of a Catholic order) of the Wellington diocese. With a total of 23 appointments, he still found time for international study, travel (including the trans-Siberian railway) and musical encounters including leading a party to the Oberammergau passion play in 1990.
Kidztalk
OBITUARY
Among his memorable experiences included pastoral visiting in the Wairoa hinterland, a gastronomic and cultural challenge, and teaching English at Wairoa College.
He enjoyed ministry in remote places, and after his time at Nelson’s Sacred Heart Cathedral asked for another country stint, ending up in Reefton which he also loved. In fact, you got the impression he enjoyed almost everywhere he had served.
He had a strong ecumenical outlook. In his seven years as observer to the Anglican Prayerbook Commission, he made a tremendous contribution to its work.
Commission member and Anglican bishop Brian Carrell said recently that Charles’s presence was greatly appreciated.
“He had the gift of being able to listen dispassionately, keep silent unless invited
Happy new year! We were excited to welcome tamariki back to kindy on Friday the 19th of January 2024 after the summer holidays.
This year we are looking forward to our regular beach and bush trips, our upcoming Wheelathon and weekly Yoga and Playball as well as so much fun and learning that our beautiful Kindergarten environment and experienced teaching team provide.
We have an open door policy, so you and your family are always welcome to come down and check out East Harbour Kindergarten.
See you soon at Kindy!
Em, Kensie, Gemma, Mike and Jenny.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
to speak, speak as a liturgical Christian, put himself in our shoes, and see ways through Anglican theological mazes.”
Locally, Charles was a great encourager of inter-church contact, supporting shared services at Christmas and Easter and the recent Anglican move to worship in San Antonio’s Church on Sunday mornings, on their way back to St Alban’s church down the road.
The Eastbourne community farewelled Fr Charles at a music-filled Vigil Mass on a summer evening, the packed San Antonio’s church by the sea lit by the setting sun.
It was a fitting tribute to a beloved local priest and a life well lived. - Julia Stuart
Monsignor Charles Harold Pascal Cooper born December 1933, Palmerston North, youngest of four brothers. Convent-educated till Year 6, then St George’s Wanganui and Wanganui Collegiate. Post-graduate study: liturgical music degree, Catholic University Washington USA. Worked for the Ministry of External Affairs and Port Line Co. Studied Latin at St Kevin’s Oamaru then studied 7 years at Holy Cross Mosgiel. Ordained priest at Palmerston North 1960. Parishes served include New Plymouth, Air Force chaplaincy, Khandallah, Wairoa, Johnsonville, Feilding, Dean Sacred Heart Cathedral, Nelson, Reefton, Eastbourne, as well Archbishop’s Chaplain and diocesan Director of Liturgy & Music. Retired from fulltime priestly service in February 2009 but continued his sacramental ministry until late 2023.
News from our local early childhood centres
NEWS FROM EAST HARBOUR KINDERGARTEN
2024 Paper Tiger Nationals a hit LETTERS
Dangerous driving won't be tolerated
After an incident today - in which Mr X, an elderly driver in a burgundy Land Cruiser V8 with a golden retriever on board, felt entitled to pull up alongside us and dangerously blast his horn at my family then cut me off, for the sole reason that we were cycling LEGALLY in single file on the road - I felt I had to write to ask for better local driving.
It’s fair to say the roads around the Bays and Eastbourne have always been dangerous for pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists and anyone else not in a car. The new pathway, which is intended to be a shared off road area, merely brings local facilities up to adequate. It does not exceed safety standards nor does it provide room for two lines of cyclists, and other electric vehicles, and safe room for pedestrians, pram users, non-powered wheelchairs etc. If you are cycling south to Eastbourne the safest and most practical route is still to be on the road, not up on the pavement endangering pedestrians, nor having to weave backwards and forwards to get onto the various hotchpotch pieces of off road pathway on the other side of the road. After all don’t we use the left hand side in this country for vehicular use?
No cyclist is obliged to use a cycle path simply because it is there, and no car driver has the right or entitlement to push another vehicle off the road. To do so is straight forward dangerous driving - and that is ILLEGAL.
It seems Mr X may be local and that’s why we bring it up - if he acted like this to us, he will do it to others too. Unfortunately he is not alone in his attitude and manner. We can well do without inconsiderate people like Mr X in our community, who are ignorant of the road laws and who feel they are so entitled to the sole use of the road that they will push everyone else off it. It’s time for Mr X and those like him to learn we will not tolerate their dangerous driving any longer. We hope this is a timely reminder to all drivers in the area that legally other vehicles are allowed on the road too.
Maya Hammarsal Mahina Bay
The next Eastbourne Wharf to Wharf swim will be held on Sunday the 3rd March. Registrations are now open via the following website https://eastbourne.nz/ services/clubs/eastbourne-wharf-to-wharf/
Please note a new start time of 9.30am.
Eastbourne turned on the weather conditions as Muritai Yacht Club and our lovely Eastbourne village hosted 35 of the best Paper Tiger Class sailors in New Zealand last week.
An excellent variety of wind and wave conditions over the four days tested the sailors' skills and Dave Shaw from Nelson showed again that he is the master in our waters, having won here in 2013 when Muritai hosted the international series against Australia.
Best of the locals was Greg Shadbolt, in 19th. First woman was Jane Thomassen from Evans Bay, and Andy Brown also from Evans Bay won the Legend class (over 70) finishing in 12th place, more than 50 years after he first won the regatta. Jack Swart from New
Plymouth in 14th place, won the Junior and C Class categories, stood out as a future star in the class.
Second and third overall were Scott Pedersen and Haden Percy both from Napier. Sailors came from as far as Auckland and Christchurch.
Competitors enjoyed the support they received from Norths Sails, local businesses, Burnsco, 4 Square, Hive café, Mike’s Glass, Tilt Architecture, and Spices, and thank all the volunteers from MYC and the wider community. - Brett Gawn, MYC
The winners Dave Shaw, Scott Pedersen and Hayden Percy, with Class President Mark Jones.
Eastbourne Seniors lock up Kelly Cup for the season
Starting off 2024, the Eastbourne Senior cricket side took on Taita in a home match at a picturesque H W Shortt. Brief morning showers only delayed the start before cracking in to the match.
It was a special one, with the Kelly family cup on the line in honour of Conrad and his connection with both clubs.
The visitors elected to bowl first, putting Eastbourne into bat. Contributions all round, including fifties to Malcolm Cowdry and Geoff Atkins saw the team amass a score of 276-6 declared.
With only a short stint possible before the
close of play, Taita were left on 86-3.
Resuming play on the second day, the bowlers were focussed on getting a result by taking wickets. A first innings 5 wicket bag from Jake Chalmers saw Taita bowled over for 123 allowing Eastbourne to enforce the follow on and put the opposition in to bat again.
This time around it was the turn of Mitchell Blucher to snare 5 wickets and when a sharp run out concluded the visitors' second innings, they had scored 153.
The openers navigated their short stay at the crease to score the required 1 run for victory and give Eastbourne a 10-wicket win in their first match of the year.
With a couple of home games left in the season the club encourages the community to come down to check out the action, even if just passing through.
- Neil Gray, ECC
Super 6s thriving
Part of the cricket committee’s goal to make cricket more accessible to everyone, the Super Sixes Wednesday night games resume 31 January for the following six weeks. The format is six a side, six overs per innings and everyone bats for two overs.
While there is room for expansion on the three current teams, the games have been hugely popular with both players and supporters. Played with a “soft” ball, no pads are required. Part of the inspiration for the Super Sixes was to capture the untapped “bar talk” along the lines “Yeah I used to play. I’d like to but don’t really have time”. Brett Turner seized the moment and Team Incognitos was formed. So committed was this team, that they donated a trophy, asking the trophy shop for the ugliest one available. The picture proves they achieved this, the current holders being the “Heffs”. Players comment that it is “fun, relaxed” with “lively banter, chilled beer and plenty of laughs” and with “no discernible cricket skills required”.
Playing for Chris Parker’s Wellesley Teachers “Parker-Bowles” team, Bryn Rees trying to keep up with his daughter Monique (current Blaze and former Central Hinds player) running quick singles has been one of the more talked about moments.
If you want to put in a team, contact Mark Meo at jagmar.mark@xtra.co.nz
Jake Chalmers, Geoff Atkins, Ben Campion, Mitchell Blucher, Malcolm Cowdry, Mark Meo, Tom Daglish, Vivek Patel, Patrick Davy, Matt Jacobs, Olly Evans
Tom Mason 027 607 0594
Ad copy: Thurs, Feb 15
Deliveries: Feb 24-25 email editor@eastbourneherald. co.nz or phone 027 254 5434 visit our website for all deadlines, advertising information and pricing www.eastbourneherald.co.nz
TRADES AND SERVICES
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Clad in Zinc and Cedar for minimal maintenance and nestled amongst the Beech trees giving peace and privacy and a luxury lifestyle, this very special property must be seen to be appreciated.
