Wattle Downs Pond Life - Issue 24

ISSUE 24: JULY 2021

Peak Hour Traffic in Wattle Downs

NEWSLETTER TEAM: Heather Raudon, Heather Powell, Margaret Allen & Sue Matete CONTACT US: wattledowns@live.com. Thank you to Acacia Cove for printing this newsletter.

Pond Life (E&OE) is a volunteer non-profit organisation operating as a sub-commitee of the Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc.

Editorial

Here we are again at the shortest day nearly halfway through winter, however, I think the worst of the weather is yet to come. The tornado was just the beginning, it will get colder.

Winter is a time to make sure everything is secure Newsletter Team: Heather Raudon, Heather Powell, around the house. A good time to remember to Sue Matete & Margaret Allen. pull the curtains before dark to keep the cold out and check for slippery steps and paths, we don’t need any falls. If we get any frosts decks can easily turn into ice rinks, not a pleasant thought.

It is with relief that we have been successfully avoiding an outbreak of Covid-19 for several months. Vaccinations are a must if you are planning to travel in the future. Stay safe out there.

I have taken a trip around the monthly garage sales. These have been very interesting and I will do so again. Supporting the community and meeting others is a good opportunity to meet new people.

The number of houses changing hands suggests we have a lot of new people in the area.

The newsletter group welcomes you all to the area and hope to meet up with you at the events and meetings.

School holidays are happening soon. Beware of children out on bikes, playing ball or just being generally around. Remember that anyone on the foot path has right of way over your car, so please be patient. Holidays should be a pleasant time for the children, weather permitting.

CCTV payments are due if you haven’t already paid for the year. These cameras are valuable when things go wrong, and sometimes they do.

This newsletter is also available online and we the newsletter team hope you enjoy it and find it helpful. If any residents are interested in becoming part of the team, please let us know your input is welcome.

Hope to meet many of you soon.

Margaret Allen

Wattle Downs Residents Association Chairs Farewell Message

Greetings, everyone, whether you’ve lived here for years or are newcomers to Wattle Downs! It’s such a beautiful area with special people and sense of community.

Big shout out to all the people who do the little things which help make Wattle Downs into a community. Here are a few of the things people do to make our area into a great community to live in: Huge thanks to the people: ● in the Pest Free Group who trap pests ● who pick up or report dumped rubbish ● who befriend an elderly neighbour or a family in need ● help organise community events ● welcome new neighbours into the area and get to know their neighbours ● who take kids to local activities ● who manage the social groups, including social media groups ● who support those of us facing challenges ● who write letters or make submissions pointing out ways to improve Think about the little things you do and add yourself to this list of wonderful people. Thank you!

Lots of little things add up in creating the best in our community. Little things like knowing our neighbours, being interested in the community, being active, like coming to residents or school meetings, doing whatever it is that you do to benefit the world around, both human and the rest of the natural world.

Lots of little things add up to make us more resilient in the face of challenges. To make us more able to adapt to change. Community is all this and more.

Our community has a residents association. All residents are members, whether you have been here forever or have just moved in, you are a member. It doesn’t matter whether you own the house or are renting, you are a member whilst ever you live in Wattle Downs. Isn’t it a wonderful place where we are all members?

All are welcome to come to the regular meetings, special events or to join in other ways.

We have seen so many different groups, suggestions and requests come from the residents of Wattle Downs.

Our residents association has a committee to help make sure there is a space where any and all residents can ask questions and reach out to others. I had the opportunity to serve as Chair of the residents association for the last few years which has been amazing. We have a new Chair now, Stella Cattle, who is known by many Wattle Downs folk. I congratulate Stella on her selection and wish her every success!

To find out more about your association, you can come to residents meetings, email us, check out our Facebook page or ask at local dairies.

David Hopkins wattledownsresidentsassoc@gmail.com

@wattledownsresidentsassociation

CCTV

UPDATE

The number of requests for footage have dropped off dramatically which indicates the new cameras are acting as a deterrent which has always been the main objective of the system.

Instances where footage has been requested include assisting police with an assault and a vehicle accident, killing of wildlife, and stolen trailer.

Thefts normally involve something being taken from the front of a house so please ensure items accessible from the road are secured. It may be inconvenient, but that is nothing compared to the inconvenience of trying to retrieve it, even if we can identify the vehicle used.

We will improve our coverage on Wattle Farm Road significantly next month with the addition of our fourth site. This was delayed due to technical challenges and obtaining approval to install the necessary infrastructure, but the quality improvement will be worth it.

We would like to thank Justin and Bruce from Acacia Village for their assistance in getting this over the line.

This completes our focus on the vehicle movements onto the peninsular and we will now look at the coastal access points.

The 2021 annual subscription of $20 per household for the camera system is due. Please support your community (if and when you are able). This covers the financial year 1/4/21 to 31/3/22. Extra donations welcome.

DIRECT CREDIT: ASB Manurewa, 12-3032-0269585-01 Reference: Surname and address OR PAY IN PERSON: You can pay at the following locations: Wattle Downs Golf Course, Cedar Superette (on McQuarrie Ave), MoorPark Superette - you will be given a receipt.

Clayton Park School

Clayton Park School is so proud of their new musical playground.

Last year, our Tamariki Councillors were given a budget and asked to seek student voice around types of equipment we could add to the playground. All kids voted on 15 pieces and we were able to purchase seven of those within budget. Our next project is our mini-village of 5 pergola huts down by the outdoor stage – perfect for whanau to watch performances from, and great for outdoor learning spaces!

We are currently awaiting an outcome from the Manurewa Local Board about whether they will fund our historical mural for the front of the school. Our kaumatua at the Manurewa Marae will give us some final feedback to make sure we’ve got it right and then our muralist will start the drawing. Every kid and all staff at Clayton Park School gets to add their paint to the mural to make sure that there is lots of aroha in the mural to protect it. Watch this space in July to see what happens.

Our bike track is now closed to the public. We are grateful for the financial support from Tu Manawa to pay the bike track supervisors. It will take a community effort to open the track again in the summer months if we want to use it without the school securing funding. We hope you enjoyed the track and improved your fitness and cycling skills – it was nice to host you.

We have opened the ballot for students who are not in our zone. Please search out the ad so that you meet the deadlines in time for consideration.

We hope to share our new school logo with our school community soon. It will start to go on display with the new signage and maps we’re having made to direct our parents around the school a bit better. We’ve managed to keep the historical content of our current logo and add new flavour which represents us a bit more accurately. Hope you like it once it’s on display.

We are still looking for a keen gardener for a few hours a week. This is a paid role and although we have lots of kaitiaki tending to our gardens, we need some expert hands to fertilise and nurture our orchard and gardens to make sure that we’re able to share the produce as it grows. If you’re interested, please contact me at jolenem@claytonpark. school.nz Take care everyone and happy learning!

Jolene Marie Principal

Weymouth Sea Scouts

Weymouth Sea Scouts had a fabulous day out on the water at our annual water activities day. Everyone had a great time out on the kayaks, raft, paddleboards and sailing the cutter and sunbursts.

Scouts are 10 ½ -15 year olds. Are you interested in learning about sailing, camping and hiking?

For more information contact our Group Leader, Tracey on 021 1360165

Predator / Pest Free Wattle Downs Predator Free NZ is a nationwide group that supports community groups with advice, equipment and possibly funding to help eradicate mammalian and plant pests. These include rats, possums, stoats, mice.

With the support of the Residents Association, there has been a group established in Wattle Downs by Row Robinson. With an organization of volunteers and assistance from the Auckland council rangers, Row has set up to 60 bait stations and traps around the peninsula.

He has spoken and given updates at the last Residents & Ratepayers meeting – things are progressing, and they have caught many rats.

There is no danger of these stations being any danger for cats or dogs as they are not attracted to the pest baits and traps.

If you are interested in being a volunteer - please email row@awanuilandscaping.co.nz or 021 459 559.

Kayaking Around Wattle Downs

Kayaking is great fun – a chance to see along our coastline or maybe venture further afield to other areas, perhaps try fishing... So let’s get started!

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU ARE SAFE: Lifejacket – essential Paddle leash – to connect the paddle to the kayak and avoid it floating away. One end clips onto the kayak and the end clips around the paddle.

Seat – find one that suits you – several types are available.

Wet shoes – your feet will get wet launching the kayak and getting in and out of the kayak.

Emergency contact – either a mobile phone (in waterproof container) or an emergency beacon Personal Locator Beacon.

How to carry the kayak – Some kayaks are relatively light and can be carried by the kayaker.

Otherwise you can use a trolley – available from Kayak stores if necessary.

WHERE CAN YOU LAUNCH? It needs to be a sandy beach with adequate access. A muddy beach is not suitable – there is a risk of getting stuck in the mud.

Carnoustie Drive beaches – There are three beaches accessible from the coastal pathway but there is quite a climb back to the road/footpath. These beaches face toward Bottle Top Bay. St Annes Beach and Reserve – is the easiest beach to launch kayaks as it is not as steep as the other beaches. This beach faces across to the rural parts of Karaka.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO LAUNCH THE KAYAK? Reasonably close to full tide.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? Weymouth Channel – There is a current that feeds the Papakura Inlet through the narrow Weymouth Channel. There can be a strong current close to high tide and on the outgoing tide. You can avoid getting caught in it by paddling further until the channel widens and the current is less.

Mud – All our beaches have deep mud at low tide. As the tide drops the mud starts to be exposed. Walking is difficult if the mud is thick and it makes dragging the kayak very difficult. Make sure you get back before the tide gets low.

Acacia Cove Update

During the Covid lockdowns, staff and family members have been fantastic. Cooking and delivering meals to residents, delivering groceries, and general phone calls for a chat each day. However while lockdowns have seen many positives in the village, older residents have found it particularly difficult not being able to see family.

Now that we are on Level 1, residents have told their friends how well they have been looked after, and sales have increased dramatically. Due to a strong housing market, people have been looking at ways to release equity from their homes, and our village lifestyle and prices seem very attractive.

All of out 32 weekly activities have re-commenced, as has our busy social programme. We held our wonderful St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in March, and for the first time ever, we had a Murder/Mystery Night, which was attended by over 80 residents.

Geese at Wattle Farm Ponds The geese certainly add character to the neighbourhood. Large quacking geese are both interesting and entertaining to many of us when we walk around our neighbourhood reserves.

In 2012 the gaggle of geese grew to a population of around 70. Their primary mission to get food became an increasing challenge. The council intervened by relocating the geese to approved properties with large grassed spaces. This intervention helped to control the population.

The council has established a database of potential adopters from the lst round of rehoming (as they had a huge response at the time). An intervention to rehouse some of the geese took place in July 2018, prior to the geese’s breeding season.

Please do not feed white bread to the geese. This causes “angel wing” a deformity commonly found in ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl. Birds with angel wing are stripped of their ability to fly and therefore their main method of defence. The birds most likely to contract angel wing are those residing in parks, on ponds and in public areas where people feed them.

Life at Bupa Wattle Downs Village and Care Home

Lots of activity at local village and care home Bupa Wattle Downs Retirement Village and Care Home residents recently celebrated their special ladies. There was a delicious high tea and delightful entertainment that was enjoyed by all. The Wattle Downs village has been very busy in June, with bus outings, fish and chip night, a pop-up fashion show and an embroidery exhibition.

Bupa Wattle Downs Care Home next door to the village offers rest home and hospital levels of care, making it a smooth transition from village to care home if needed. Pop in for a visit and take a look around Bupa Wattle Downs Retirement Village and Care Home.

Upcoming Events: Retirement Village Open Home | Saturday 31 July, 10am-2pm Care Home Mid-Winter Christmas Event | July

Bupa Wattle Downs Retirement Village and Care Home 120 Wattle Farm Rd, Wattle Downs, Auckland Retirement village call (09) 273 1397 | Care home call (09) 264 1393

Autumn/Winter Gardening Now is a great time to plan your gardens future.

What would you like in your garden?

• Easy care and neat?

• Hedges?

• A lush jungle?

• A food forest?

• Perennial flowers?

• A veggie garden? Herb garden?

• Children’s play space?

• An outdoor patio and relaxing area?

• A garden in pots?

• Something else?

All of these options in different areas around your home?

First - what do you like in your outdoors? It’s your retreat space so what makes you smile, or sing? We all deserve an outdoor space to bring us joy.

Then, how can you add more of what you like? If gardening is new for you, starting small and letting it grow is lots of fun - it’s wonderful how plants thrive in a warm, sunny place with rain. Care for them, watch them, protect from bugs, animals and birds, feed them, and water as needed. If your garden is in pots, check the water is staying in the soil and not running straight through.

Now is a great time to plant or sow something.

Have a wonderful time in your garden. May you and your garden thrive.

Cheers, Heather

PLANT SWAP Gardeners, have you seen our new plant swap at 56 Wattle Farm Road?

Drop in a spare plant or two and see if there are any plants you want.

Its great if you can also leave a simple label naming your plant and maybe a plastic tray under the plants protecting the stand.

Enjoy.

Wattle Downs Club Bar & Restaurant

Jamie Logan the owner of Logan’s Event Catering (one of Auckland’s top Event Caterers) would like to welcome you to the newly Managed Wattle Downs Club bar & Restaurant.

Jamie & his team have taken over the running of the Club bar/Restaurant from March this year, assisting him to run the Business will be the following team of stars...

Syed – General Manager, Amanda – Assistant Manager, Head Chef Max, 2nd Chef Evan, along with the front of house stars, Charlize, Campbell, Jade, Dana, Josh, Sarah, Luke, plus many other faces you will see over the coming months.

We have been working on new additions to the Club Restaurant with themed evenings, Sunday family roast dinner specials, Trivia nights starting soon plus much more over the coming months, please pop in for an afternoon coffee or beverage to meet the team or join us in the evening for a delicious meal & a glass of Vino or refreshment.

Closed Monday & Tuesdays. Open from 12pm till late all other days.

Let us know if there is anything else you would like to see at your local Club Bar/Restaurant.

We are available for private functions, birthdays, weddings, Christmas parties and much more.

Pop in to discuss or call Jamie of 0272 333 721.

Wattle Downs Golf Club

It has been an industrious season for Wattle Downs Golf Course. The pond on the 6th hole was drained, dug-out, cleaned and filled.

This along with the planting of trees has retained the birdlife Wattle Downs is known for.

The greenkeepers have been working hard to maintain the flora and fauna with minimal water usage and the results so far are stunning.

We invite the everyone in the community to come and experience Wattle Downs Golf Course. Not just for the golf, but for our restaurant and bar.

Our course is open to the public so if you want to know more, call Andreas, Kaye or Cheryl on 09 268 1929.

Andreas Sesun Golf Course Manager 130 Wattle Farm Road Wattle Downs Auckland, 2103 T +64 9 268 1929 www.wattledownsgolf.co.nz

Connecting Communities

Wattle Downs to Waiata Shores pedestrian bridge over Papakura Stream.

Wouldn’t it be great for people from Wattle Downs to be able to walk to the new supermarket, cafe, shops and reserves of Waiata Shores and Conifer Grove, without having to go through a busy, dangerous light industrial area on Mahia Road and Holmes Road?

Paths on each side of Papakura Stream are now in place for smooth, very pleasant walks, runs or cycles and they can readily be connected by a small pedestrian bridge. Residents groups on both sides of the stream have expressed support for this connection.

Construction of this small bridge across the Papakura Stream directly linking Wattle Downs to Waiata Shores has already gained Council and Local Boards approval, in principle. There will be more consultation about the exact site and design of the bridge. This bridge crossing will be overlooked from houses under construction in Waiata Shores and from existing houses in Wattle Downs. CCTV Cameras will be installed by communities on both sides of the stream to make the crossing even safer.

This connection will add access to the new shared path beside the Southern Motorway between Waiata Shores and Karaka/Papakura.

Council funding hasn’t been allocated yet. The developer at Waiata Shores may also contribute if the bridge is built while they are still working there.

What a great support for active travelling this bridge will be.

Paths on each side of Papakura Stream at possible bridge site.

Possible bridge location between Wattle Downs & Waiata Shores.

New path beside Papakura Stream on Waiata Shores side.

How does our community connect?

There are many ways you can get involved in doing things in our neighbourhood. There are so many passionate people with many interests and hobbies that they are willing to share and connect with their neighbours. Many communications channels are open to everyone. It does not matter what language you speak or if you have a computer or not.

Here are some ways that you can seek out and share in connecting in Wattle Downs:

WATTLE DOWNS RESIDENTS & RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION Facebook: @wattledownsresidentsassociation www.facebook.com/wattledownsresidentsassociation Email: wattledownsresidentsassoc@gmail.com

FITNESS & SPORTS FITAZ Run by a qualified trainer providing group fitness classes at Reremoana School. Monday, Wednesday,Friday - 5am and 6pm.

Contact Tracey on 0211 517 174, https://www.facebook.com/fitaznz Michelle De Bryn Personalised one-on-one personal training sessions that are close to home and affordable. If you want to tone up, drop body fat and improve health and fitness levels contact Michelle on 0211044751 or mdbsdb@gmail.com Dynamic Fitness Small functional fitness classes tailored to every level and age group https://www.facebook.com/jen.dynamicfitness/ or contact Jen on jen.dynamicfitness@gmail.com Yoga Wabi Sabi Yoga classes available 1-on-1 or small groups, breathing and meditation and sleep classes.

Email Shanti at yogawabisabiauckland@gmail.com Kia Ora Tai Chi Free evening introductory tai chi classes for beginners on Monday 2nd and Wednesday 4th August, 6.30pm. www.kiaorataichi.nz RSVP to Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or kiaorataichi@gmail.com Manurewa Croquet Club 31 Russell Rd, Manurewa Contact Paddy Sheriff on 0274 943 192

POND LIFE NEWSLETTER

Contact the newsletter team for more info, articles you would like to write, or to be a new committee member.

Email: wattledowns@live.com

WATTLE DOWNS ANNUAL CALENDAR

Contact Leo: 021 930 066 or Sue Matete: 021 715 672

LOCAL FACEBOOK GRAPEVINES Wattle Downs Grapevine www.facebook.com/groups/986812188017626 The Wattle Downs Community Grapevine www.facebook.com/groups/THEWattleDownsCommunityGrapevine The Wattle Downs Mummys group www.facebook.com/groups/1444544802450137 Wattle Downs Buy and Sell www.facebook.com/groups/715457138532911 Weekend Market Garage Sales in Wattle Downs www.facebook.com/groups/418710312793207 Wattle Farm Ponds www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wattle%20farm%20ponds Wattle Downs Club Bar and Restaurant www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wattle%20downs%20club%20bar%20 %26%20restaurant Wattle Downs Golf Course www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wattle%20downs%20golf%20course Wattle Downs Nannas Grandmas www.facebook.com/groups/580100375500281 WeChat Group www.facebook.com/groups/939028382775911 Wattle Downs Social Cycling Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1179229238881030

ARTS & CRAFTS WD Painting group Contact Rae Baxter on 0272 112 246 Quilting Group Contact Margaret Allen on 09 268 1045 Crochet & Knitting Club Contact Carolyn Peterson on 09 266 2215

OUR LOCAL DIRECTORY Accountants Taxteam 09 267 3628 admin@taxteam.co.nz www.taxteam.co.nz Accounting/Invoicing Software Free 6 month trial 09 267 3628 www.taxteam.co.nz

Go Pest - Pest Control Sandra & Wayne info@gopest.co.nz 0508 467 378

Smartwash Waterblasting Ltd 0800 809 274 office@smartwash.co.nz www.smartwash.co.nz

Jeff Gallichan Plumbing 09 266 7152 027 479 1717

Veterinary Associates Takanini Quality affordable care for your pets 09 299 8250

Beck Electrical Ltd, Richard 09 266 4584 027 242 2109

Letz Drive Driving School 09 257 2734 021 223 5571 drive@letz.co.nz www.letzdrive.co.nz

Cleven Electrical Josh Cleven: 0211 843 241 clevenelectrical@gmail.com 09 238 5374

LS Muir Builders Local renovations & building Lee 021 2255 282 lsmuirbuilders@xtra.co.nz

Davis Pool Care Swimming & Spa Pool Servicing Mark 021 370 793 0800 4 POOLS

Next gen electrical Dylan dylan@nextgenelectrical.co.nz 021 950 706

Driving Instructor AA Driving School Trading as Elite Driver Services Ltd. 027 562 7450, aa.co.nz phil.bryant@elitedriverservices.co.nz

Prestige Lawn Care Get rid of all your weeds, prickles & rogue grasses.

Kerry Dawe 021 150 6093

Euro Motor Works General Vehicle Repairs & WOF MTA Assured 19a Holmes Rd, Manurewa 09 914 1590 Exclusive Electrical Darren - 0800 865 824 sales@exclusiveelectrical.co.nz www.exclusiveelectrical.co.nz Fitaz Fitness and Group Fitness Classes Tracey Raututi - 021 151 7174 fitaz@hotmail.co.nz

Barfoot & Thompson Sue Matete & Owen Roberts (S) 021 715 672, s.matete@barfoot.co.nz (O) 021 860 211, o.roberts@barfoot.co.nz Barfoot & Thompson Property Management 09 266 7091 manurewa.rental@barfoot.co.nz

Shane’s Installation Services CCTV Installations. For all your UHF aerial & freeview TV services.

Installations, repairs and new outlets.

0276 601 377

111 09 303 1303

(*500 from mobile)

022 091 8033 09 268 5800 0800 555 111 09 276 0000 09 299 7670

LJ Hooker Sam Steel 0210 2269 245 ssteel.manurewa@ljhooker.co.nz LJ Hooker Manurewa Property Management 09 268 0463 manurewarentals@ljhooker.co.nz Barfoot & Thompson Alan Rayner 021 511 500 or 09 268 4686 a.rayner@barfoot.co.nz

Sarah Beauty & Hair Salon 28a Roseanne Rd, Wattle Downs 0210 558 612

Coastguard Emergency

Wattle Downs Pond Life

(All listings below are Licensed agents REAA 2008)

Ross’s Plumbing Ltd Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainage 09 262 4003 0800 363 747 www.rosssplumbing.co.nz

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL CCTV Hotline Manurewa Police Station Crime Stoppers (Anonymous) Middlemore Hospital Takanini Accident & Medical

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

If you would like to list your business in this directory, please contact the newsletter team at wattledowns@live.com

Pollution Hotline Noise/Animal Control Graffiti Removal Graffiti Chorus Cabinet Boxes Manurewa Fire Station Electrical Faults Gas Faults Water Pipe Leaks

09 377 3107 09 301 0101 09 269 4080 0800 222 638 09 269 5710 0508 832 867 0508 764 764 09 442 2222

OUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER