West Coast Messenger 11 January 2023

PICTURE: Paul McBride

School's out celebration

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

The end of another successful year for youth was celebrated in Westport. It is the third year the annual event has been held by Youth Voice Kawatiri Council (YVKC).

“It is all about the celebration of a year and the successes of our rangatahi,” said YVKC co-ordinator Mikaere Clarkson.

Earlier in the day, the youth took part in the Westport Santa Parade.

“The rangatahi designed and created our float which represented the 'super city of the Buller district.' It reimagined what is possible in the district, using 99% recyclable materials,” Mr Clarkson said.

'Kura's Out 2022' was held at Victoria Square with a variety of free activities. Bubble soccer was a hit with the children, along with a host of target throwing games in the YVK Games Zone.

A 3x3 street basketball competition was held with $100 prizes, as well as $100 vouchers as prizes for the sculpture competition and Tik Tok contest.

Christmas was also celebrated with cookie making, apple bobbing and a 'gift wrapping a friend' contest. Free kai was available including a sausage sizzle, fizzy drinks, cakes and biscuits.

“On my last day working for YVKC, I am humbled by the beautiful rangatahi who give unconditionally to the Buller community,” said Mr Clarkson, who received a West Coast Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award.

Patiently waiting for a turn at bubble soccer are Ella Tasker, left, Erin Hateley, Manaia Harris, Jake Nelson, Caitlin Richards, Kellen Rae and Cam Piercy. PICTURES: Rose O'Connor

Cruze McConachy has a blast.

Nicola Patterson with her grandchildren Frey, standing, and Milou Taylor enjoy the event.

Zoe Ross tries bubble soccer.

Amarni Kennard, left, and Meadow McIndewar play the hoop throw game.

Asher Williams, left, and Zoe Ross are delighted with the free drinks.

Some of the 26 YVKC members are Keana Anderson, left, Amber Foote, Nayoin

Srun, Mikaere

Clarkson, Jaxon Diskin and Fern Dixon.

Grant

basketball competition.

Kate Major, left, William Luff, Cheyanne Amai, Terahn Reihana,

Kennard and Felix Philpottrelax in the shade.

Leroy Hart chills in a 'bubble.'

Elijah Philpott is happy to

a go!

Kate

Zipline opens at Mahinapua

West Coast Treetop Walk and Café officially opened the region's first dual Zipline at Mahinapua on December 23.

The West Coast Tower Zipline spans 425m in length and its speed is in excess of 60kph. The Zipline height is 45m – or 15 storeys – above the ground, with a ride time of 40 seconds.

The zipline was officially opened by Westland Mayor Helen Lash and National Party list MP Maureen Pugh, who both cut the ribbon.

The opening event ran in conjunction with West Coast Treetop Walk and Café's 10th anniversary since opening.

“We are very excited about the new addition to our treetop walk, it's going to make us very busy over the summer season, we are looking forward to it!”

Bookings for the dual zipline and can be made at treetopsnz.com

Maureen Pugh about to take the plunge down the 425m-long Zipline, 45m above the forest canopy.

Funded by theParliamentar yService. Authorised by MPugh,Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Westland Mayor Helen Lash, left, and MP Maureen Pugh are strapped up, ready to fly on the Zipline.

PICTURES: Supplied

Westport's north-eastern tiphead repairs

The contract to repair to the north-east tiphead wall has been granted to Rosco Contractors Ltd, following a tender process.

The tiphead is a Buller District Council port asset at the mouth of the Buller River.

It sustained damage during both the July 2021 and February 2022 weather events. Flood waters flowed through the structure and overtopped the inner revetment wall. The overflow undermined the groyne by removing supporting rocks and base infill. Runoff scoured the revetment foundation and ultimately undermined a large section of the revetment wall.

Remedial work is required to prevent a major breach of the tiphead.

The repairs are being funded by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as part of a $17 million programme of essential infrastructure repair work in Buller.

Buller District Council chief financial officer Douglas Marshall says the project consists of placing around 3,000 cubic metres of riprap (rock) on the eastern side of the tiphead road to reinforce the road embankment. The 360m area of

embankment will be broken up into four 90m sections.

The trees, bushes and topsoil will be cleared before backfilling with rock. The trees will then be replanted once the rock has been placed.

“In terms of impacts of the work, we recognise that some of the land area required for the work site is used by a local cycle group. They have also recently replanted this area. Unfortunately, the plantings will need to be uplifted, but the area will be replanted and cycle trails reinstated once the tiphead is repaired.

“We also ask local residents to bear with us as there will be about 10 truck trips per day carrying rock to the site for about 25 days. We will try and reduce the impacts on residents as much as possible while we complete these repairs,” says Mr Marshall.

Draft design for the tiphead repairs is complete and Rosco Contractors Ltd will commence work in midJanuary. Works are expected to be completed by March.

You can find out more about the essential infrastructure repair programme on the Buller Flood Recovery website (bullerrecovery.org.nz)

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FORREADERS

Photo/Shutterstock

Northern Tiphead repairs will impact on cyclists and pedestrians using paths in the area for about two months from mid-January. Roscos will have traffic management in place, but cyclists are warned to be aware of changes to the track layout and large vehicle movements during that time. PICTURE: Supplied

Haast beach cleared of litter

Buller recycling warning

BULLER District Council and Smart Environmental have started to audit recycling bins in Buller again. The audit will continue through summer.

Council and Smart Environmental trailed a recycling bin audit system in March 2022 for the first time.

Staff checking recycling bins tagged them with a green, yellow, or red tag based on their compliance with the recycling rules for three months.

Recycling bins in Buller had a 32% contamination rate of non-recyclable material – amounting to about nine tons a month of material that had to be sent to landfill.

Council is aiming to reduce that to 20% by the end of 2023.

Buller district solid waste coordinator Juliana Ruiz said the pilot programme was “positively received“.

Residents changed their behaviour “indicating their desire to improve their recycling“.

The auditing process enabled dialogue with residents “how to recycle right“ resulting in quick improvement from those whose bins were tagged yellow or red and receiving a green tag on their next inspection.

This summer the bin auditor will use an app to enable better data collection with more detailed insight.

“We learned a lot from our first go in March and improved the auditing process, our data collection, the analysis and our engagement with the community,” Ms Ruiz said.

Bins would be tagged green, yellow, or red. Those tagged yellow or red would receive a recycling guideline outlining the reason for the tag.

“The positive feedback shows that residents do want to improve and by auditing their bins and giving them the necessary information, we can turn recycling offenders into recycling experts and prevent recycling going to landfill.”

Green meant the material in a recycling bin was 100% recyclable and within the

guidelines.

Bins yellow tagged would contain a few non-recyclable items and would still be collected the first time.

Red tagged bins with more than a few nonrecyclable items would not be collected due to the contamination risk.

The most common non-recyclable items found in recycling bins were paper towels, bubble wrap, greasy food trays and masks.

A recyclable item that is unclean or has a lid on was also non-recyclable.

Recycling guidelines for Buller are:  Plastics #1, #2 and #5 can be recycled in recycling bins as these are the only recyclable plastics in New Zealand. Plastic materials will only be accepted if they are one of these numbers, clean, and with the lids removed. Older recycling bin lids may display plastics #1 - #7 can be recycled, however current district regulation only accept #1, #2 and #5.

 Paper and cardboard must be clean and have no food remains. These materials are stored before being sent overseas for reprocessing, and therefore will degrade and become unrecyclable should they not be clean. Cardboard must be bigger than an envelope so that it can be baled at the Westport Transfer Station. It also needs to be flat so it can be efficiently processed.

 Glass bottles and jars can be recycled and will only be accepted if they are clean and unbroken, as these are the only items that can be processed inside New Zealand Other glass items such as drinking glasses, window panes and car windscreens are not accepted by recycling companies in New Zealand.

 Aluminum and tins are only accepted if they are rinsed and clean to ensure they can be baled and compacted at the Westport Transfer Station ready for shipment to processing plants nationwide.

Keeping pets water safe for summer

SUMMER promises hours of fun relaxing in the sun – including with our pets.

Being vigilant about pet safety at the beach, lake, river and creek may not be top of mind but there are a range of hazards around waterways.

Pet insurance specialist PD Insurance is reminding 'pet parents' their dog or cat is completely reliant on their owners for their safety, so look out for the dangers before they happen.

Be it toxic algae, poisonous sea creatures, sand ingestion, rip tides or something else, there are several risks to consider when taking Fido or Felix to the water this summer. We can all have a blast but tread carefully.

Water risks

Dogs and some cats like to swim but do not let dogs or cats swim in heavy currents or huge waves – even if they are a strong swimmer.

A pet lifejacket is a good idea as an extra precaution, regardless of your pet's water experience and how busy or rough the water is.

Check water depth before allowing pets into the water.

Look for rip tides, surfboards, swimmers, jet skis and boats and watch your furry friend constantly in and around the water.

When it comes to lakes and creeks, also make sure your pet is swimming in open and clear areas. Pets can quickly get entangled in reeds, underwater tree roots or water plants, which poses a risk of drowning.

Poisoning risks

In 2021 more than 8% of PD Insurance's claims for dogs were related to accidental ingestion. These included dogs eating something poisonous,dogs with an obstruction and were choking, and dogs requiring surgical removal of an indigestible item.

The potential for pets to ingest something nasty at a beach or water area includes algae, sea slugs, jellyfish, blue bottles, katipo spiders, wasps and bees. These hazards can lead to swelling, breathing difficulties, and can even be fatal.

Keep the Animal Poisons Helpline number on your phone and call if something happens: 0800 869 738. The service is free for all pet owners. Keep your vet is on speed dial too. Salt water and sand risks

Swallowing too much salt water or sand can be dangerous to pets. Around waterways make sure pets don't gobble sand or taking in too much salty water. This usually happens from pets ingesting sand and water when grabbing for toys or a ball in the water.

Salt water will dehydrate a dog or cat and lead to cramps, vomiting and nausea.

Too much sand – referred to as sand impaction – can cause abdominal blockages, which will lead to pain and will require urgent treatment. Signs and symptoms include vomiting, constipation, lethargy and dehydration.

Be aware that pets suffering a near-drowning situation at the beach or waterway can still suffer from secondary drowning – up to three days afterwards.

Sustainable Coastlines programme co-ordinator Emma Hunter shows some of the rubbish collected from a small stretch of the Haast beach recently with the help of visiting pupils from Makarora School, across the Haast Pass. With the support of the Department of Conservation and schoolchildren, litter surveys and audits were carried out all the way down the West Coast. The results are on a public database, used to form change at a community and policy level, such as the phasing out of single-use plastic bags. PICTURE: Supplied

Westland EOC staff trained to use Starlink satellite

Staff from Westland District Council's emergency operations centre (EOC) got a first-hand experience of using West Coast Emergency Management's newly purchased Starlink satellite equipment.

Readiness response emergency management officer Cindy Fleming and West Coast Emergency Group manager Claire Brown took Westland District Council chief executive and district controller Simon Bastion, and the council's information technology and information management teams through a training exercise at Cass Square in Hokitika.

“Satellite communications is going to be an important part of emergency responses in the future,” Ms Fleming said.

“If and when the West Coast gets totally cut off from communications this will allow the emergency operations centre to connect to internet and wifi enabled cell phone communications, to maintain communications with the National Emergency Management Agency and continue to provide information to the communities.

“The equipment that we used today in Cass Square is a Starlink satellite broadband system which is installed in a specialised case

Coast councils prepared

designed by Christchurch firm J-Tech. It's fully transportable to any location and is able to run off the 12V accessories plug in a car if other power sources are unavailable. That's why Cass Square was a great place to hold the training – there's no power source so we practised connecting it to the car and setting the technology up. Having more people who know how to use it means that whomever is first on the ground in an emergency can get communications going. It also means there is back-up for staff who manage the technology.

“We intend to run EOC exercises with the satellite (this) year with the wider community

to train more people. In the future we would like to have a Starlink satellite in all Westland communities. Confirmation that we will receive $200,000 from the three waters 'better off' funding package brings us closer to realising this goal. The more ways we have to keep communications running throughout the district the better,” Ms Fleming says.

Simon Bastion says: “It was valuable to learn how to use the Starlink satellite, and I am excited to have the technology available in the event that we need it. We will do our best to get funding to provide more of these across the district.”

New Inangahua board down to business

LINDA Webb says she is excited to be elected to chair the Inangahua Community Board (ICB).

The board is a subset of the Buller District Council.

“I have always had a keen interest in the grassroots issues the community are concerned about. The ICB is an excellent committee to get issues on the table and elevated to the full (council if necessary.

“Last term the ICB was a strong advocate and achieved great things such as the Reefton

150th anniversary celebrations, improvements to The Strand and Broadway, input into the swimming pool upgrade and design of the new public toilets.

“The ICB also provides input into council's annual and long-term plans, so I'm keen to ensure the community voice is heard and reflected in those strategic documents. I'm committed to contributing to the positive relationship the ICB and council has with our community. We have a great team of committed and collaborative members who are keen to make a difference in our community. There is a lot going on now and the next three years look just as busy, but we are up for the challenge.”

Westland District Council and emergency services staff try out the satellite technology – powered by a car – at Cass Square in Hokitika.

PICTURE: Supplied

West Coast Emergency Management group manager Claire Brown and Jason Somerville from telecommunications specialist J-Tech in Christchurch have been working together on Starlink satellite equipment to increase alternative communication capability on the West Coast in the event of large-scale disasters. Kits designed to use an alternative power source, such as a 12V battery in a vehicle if mains power or a generator is not available, have been provided in Buller, Grey and Westland districts.

PICTURE: Supplied

The new Inangahua Community Board – Graeme Neylon, left, Robyn Abbey, chairwoman Linda Webb, Ashley Neil, Dean Giddens and Alun Bollinger, with Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine on the right.

PICTURE: Claire Ward

n by Claire Ward in Reefton

Back 2 School

Getting children ready for another school year

Whatever their age, many children are apprehensive about starting school or going back to school.

The good news is there's a lot you can do to ease their minds and help them get ready for a new school year.

Early to bed, early to rise

Getting back into a school sleep schedule –but it won't happen overnight! A few weeks before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier. Gentle windingdown activities such as bath time and reading before bed can help your child relax.

Re-establish a routine

Establishing a consistent routine is important for children. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed.

Encourage independence

Children who play an active role in preparing for back to school – such as choosing and organising school supplies and new clothes – are more likely to get excited about going back to school, which in turn eases their jitters. Is your child old enough for chores like emptying the dishwasher or making lunches? Daily, age-appropriate tasks will help your child gain independence and confidence.

Choose the right backpack

Backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly could result in muscle strain, headaches, and neck pain. Try to choose a backpack made of sturdy, lightweight fabric with wide, padded straps that will support your child's shoulders. Watch that they don't sling it over just one shoulder.

Talk about safety

Review outdoor safety rules – things like looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if they are walking, familiarising themselves with crosswalk rules, and being cautious in talking to strangers.

Establish healthy habits

Involve your children in choosing and preparing healthy lunches and snacks. Help them find physical activities they enjoy. Take them shopping for healthy snacks and lunch items they can pack themselves. Try to stick to regular meal times. Limit screen time

Back to school is the perfect opportunity to re-establish screen time limits. Why not have the whole family “unplug“ in the evenings before bedtime? Choose a spot where everybody can charge their devices overnight. Use an alarm clock instead of a cellphone to wake up in the mornings.

COBDEN SCHOOL

Welcome to the 2023 school year!

Our school office will be open on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th January 10am-2pm; Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st January 9am-3pm for inquiries and enrolments. The first day of Term 1 will be Wednesday 1st February 2023

We look forward to another amazing school year with our returning students, new students and all the wonderful staff at Cobden School.

Noula Markham, Principal

2544521

Paroa School will open for all students on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

We extend a warm welcome to returning students and new enrolments to Paroa School.

Please note that Paroa School will be closed on Monday February 6 (Waitangi Day observed).

Our office is open January 30th and 31st from 9am-12noon for any queries or new enrolments Phone (03) 762-6709 or email: office@paroagrey.school.nz

School will open for all students on Wednesday, 1 February, 2023 at 9am.

We welcome all new and present children into our caring and supportive school family. We also welcome prospective parents and students who live in our school zone to come and speak to us and view what we have to offer your family.

The school office will be open on Thursday 26th, Friday 27th, Tuesday 31st January from 10am-12pm for enquiries and new enrolments.

Christine

Smith, Principal

Responsible – Respectful – Resilient

2543865

Welcome to Runanga School.

Our children learn, play and thrive in a family atmosphere that embraces diversity. We welcome new students.

The office will be open from Monday 30th January from 8.30 to 2.45pm. Students will start on Wednesday, 1st February 2023

22 DUNCAN ST, RUNANGA, GREYMOUTH 7803

Telephone : 03 762 7873 Email: office@runanga.school.nz

2543858

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

Paparoa

Range School

school

UNIFORM Shop

School Office will be open on 27th and 30th January

Returning students - Paper Plus has our school list of stationery requirements. Uniforms are available at The Warehouse. 2544517

Start of the Year Dates 2023

Tāite (Thursday) 26 and Paraire (Friday) 27 Hānuere (January)

• Student Leaders Day.

Wenerei (Wednesday) 1 Pēpuere (February)

• Course Confirmation for Seniors.

Tāite (Thursday) 2 and Paraire (Friday) 3 Pēpuere (February)

• Year 9 and Student Leaders at school.

Mane (Monday) 6 Pēpuere (February)

• Waitangi Day holiday - school closed.

Tūrei (Tuesday) 7 Pēpuere (February)

‘New’ fire engine welcomed in Reefton

n by Claire Ward in Reefton

The Reefton Volunteer Fire Brigade took delivery of its latest fire appliance on December 15.

The engine previously served in Waikato.

“There's a cascade effect where the fire brigades in the big

centres of New Zealand get new appliances, then after seven years that appliance cascades down to a second brigade where it's used for eight years, then finally a third brigade where it's used for 10 years,” Fire and Emergency NZ West Coast volunteer support officer Jason Prendergast said.

“Reefton is a very strategic brigade with a lot of traffic, so is classed as a

second cascade.”

The town's former appliance has gone to Hari Hari for its final 10 years.

“This is the third 'new' appliance our brigade has received since I joined 23 years ago,” Reefton's deputy fire officer Ryan Fleming said.

“We had the Mitsi first, then the Dennis Dagger, and now this one,

Safely cooking hangi this holiday season

THIS holiday season Fire and Emergency New Zealand encourages people using cultural cooking methods such as hangi, umu, braai or lovo to make sure you're cooking safely.

Fire and Emergency deputy chief executive kaupapa Maori and cultural communities Piki Thomas says it's important to take steps to reduce the risk of the fire getting out of control.

“Although you don't need a permit for cultural cooking in a restricted season, you will need a permit if you don't meet the following conditions,” he says.

“Make sure your fire is less than two square metres in size and is at least 3m away from buildings, hedges, shelter belts or any other material that is likely to catch fire.

“Remove any grass and dry leafy foliage around the base of the fire pit. Have a water hose handy within at least 5m of your fire to put it out if it gets out of control.”

Piki Thomas says as the days are getting hotter and dryer, it's important keep an eye on the weather conditions on the day.

“To reduce the risk of a fire getting out of control, please don't light any fire on a windy day, regardless of the fire season.

“If you're unsure, head to www.checkitsalright. co.nz for fire safety advice and to check your local fire danger level.”

Mr Thomas also suggests having a talk with your neighbours to let them know that you're lighting a fire, so they know not to call the fire brigade.

“Hangi, umu, braai and lovo bring whanau and friends together for the festive season. So, let's make sure we're keeping our whanau and friends safe by cooking safely.

More information on cultural fires is available here https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/ cultural-cooking-fires

the Iveco.”

The latest truck drives softer and safer, and has more modern technology, which makes everything easier, FENZ region four trainer Darren Shackleton said.

“Having this new appliance will be more beneficial to our community with all the modern tech,” chief fire officer Emmett Fortune said. ” And also modern improvements

like having brackets in the back of the cab for our breathing apparatus, instead of them just being on the back seat.”

FENZ district manager Myles Taylor and group manager Trevor O'Dea came to hand over the keys.

“I'm pleased Reefton got a new appliance as they deserve it with all the hard work they do very well,” Mr Taylor said.

Don't invite fire disaster – keep your grass short

WARMER and wetter than usual conditions during spring have led to massive grass growth around the country, but that could mean a greater fire risk this summer, Fire and Emergency NZ says.

“We've had warmer than normal conditions, with good rainfall across many areas,” national wildfire manager Tim Mitchell says.

“It's great that it's green but if people don't stay on top of that growth – and it dries out – it could become a significant fire risk.

“This is particularly dangerous around buildings and homes, as dry grass can help fires spread very quickly.”

Mr Mitchell suggests clearing vegetation close to the house, and keeping lawns mowed around buildings. If water restrictions allow, it's ideal to keep grass watered and green too.

“Prune tree branches up to at least two metres so ground fire can't ignite them. And clear away anything that could be fuel for a fire, including long grass, branches, twigs and needles within 10m of your house.”

Mowing also carries a fire risk, if the mower hits a stone and causes a spark, which can turn into a wildfire. Always check checkitsalright.nz to check it's safe to do so.

Reefton Volunteer Fire Brigade in front of their latest fire appliance as FENZ district manager Myles Taylor hands over the keys to chief fire officer Emmett Fortune.

PICTURE: Claire Ward

– Est 1997 –

Reaching over 15,000 West Coast households and businesses every Wednesday

Editor: PAUL MADGWICK

Email: editor@greystar.co.nz

Reporters

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Reefton CLAIRE WARD 021 250 1104 | reefton@greystar.co.nz

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DIRECTORY

JANUARY

13 DJ Miss Implicit, Monteith's Brewery, 5pm.

14 Buller A and P Show, Westport.

14 WOW sprint cars, Greenstone Park Speedway.

14 Dust and Gold, Paroa Hotel.

15 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

17 Super Saloons, Greenstone Park, 4pm.

18 Fun Fest Triathlon, Westfleet Pool, Runanga, 2pm.

19 Paul Ubana Jones, Donovan's Store, Okarito.

19 National Youth Brass Band, NBS Theatre, Westport 7pm.

20 Off the Cuff, Nelson Creek Hotel, 8pm.

21 Vintage and Collectables Fair, Greymouth Civic Centre, 10am.

21,22 The Barden Party, Much Ado About Nothing, Dixon Park, 6pm.

22 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

25-29 Driftwood and Sand Beach Sculpture Festival, Hokitika beachfront.

27 Oscar LaDell and the Skanky Blues Band, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 8pm.

27-29 Woodstock Motorcycle Rally.

28 The Country Pickers, Lyric Theatre, Granity, 7pm.

28 DJ Miss Implicit, Blackball's Inn and 08 Café, 7pm.

28 West Coast TQ Champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

28,29 The Tempest, Shakespeare in the Blackball Bathhouse, 7.30pm.

29 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

FEBRUARY

1 First day of school term.

3 Friday Night Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

3 Barnstormers Blues Review, Woodstock Hotel, Hokitika, 8pm.

4-6 Lake Mahinapua Aquatic Club, 80th anniversary.

EASY

ACROSS

7. A copper instrument? (5-7).

8. Light on a stick (6).

9. The new one is as yet unbeaten! (6).

10. A jumper for a sailor (7).

12. A knock-out drink? (5).

15. I got caught in a bad deed because of him (5).

16. As hair-dos go, this one is the beastly end! (3-4).

18. Determined on playing the Boy Scout? (6).

20. Jack has a coat on and will be seen on the road (6). 22. You wouldn’t go to a fancy-dress ball as a policeman in them!l (5-7).

DOWN

1. Observed it has been dirtied again (8). 2. She’ll get up to have a meal (4). 3. Does it cry when the char knocks its head off? (7). 4. Arrest you because you steal (5). 5. Why the space-craft needed cleaning when it landed? (4-4). 6. Sounds like a substitute for the coal man (4). 11. The fight that Slasher won? (5,3).

A teach-in, it could be, for grocers (5,3).

They’re charged with intent to kill! (7).

Attack with weight (5).

Has a bite and some drinks (4).

Actor making a come-back? Phooey! (4).

Last week’s answer

4-6 Grey Valley Axeman Club, Nelson Creek Chops, Nelson Creek Domain, 9am.

4 Inangahua A and P Show, Reefton.

5 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

5 Kumara Boot Sale, Kumara Sportsground, 9am to 2pm.

5 Poetry reading afternoon, Blackball Workingmen's Club.

5 Gold Trail Ride, starting Shantytown, 9.30am.

11 Buller Gorge Marathon.

11 Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

11 Greenstone Park Speedway, race meeting.

12 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

12 O'Conor Home Gala, Westport.

15 Nikau Harp Trio, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 7pm.

18 West Coast Teddy Bear Run, Monteith's Brewery car park, 10am.

18 Blackball Summer Fair and Lawnmower racing, Blackball Domain, midday.

19 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

25 South Westland A and P Show, Whataroa.

25 West Coast Champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

26 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

MARCH

3 Friday Night Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

4 TQ racing, Greenstone Park Speedway.

5 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

5 Kumara Boot Sale, Kumara Sportsground, 9am to 2pm.

11 Wildfoods Festival, Cass Square, Hokitika.

12 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

15 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 7.30pm.

16 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NBS Theatre, Westport, 7.30pm.

18 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway.

18 Sign of the Firebird, Blackball Workingmen's Club, 8pm.

18,19 West Coast Brick Show, Greymouth High School.

19 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

25 Totally 80's Show, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 8pm.

26 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

APRIL

1 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway, Cobden.

2 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

2 Demolition Derby, Greenstone Park Speedway, 12pm.

2 Junk 2 Funk wearable art competition, Hokitika.

6 Easter Bunny Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

8,9 Greymouth High School centennial reunion.

9 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

22,23 Art in the Park.

28,29 Taiko Festival, Punakaiki.

MAY

4 Kita Mean, Regent Theatre, Hokitika, 6pm.

The Greymouth Star regrets if any events in the calendar have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please contact via our e-mail with any date changes and/or new events.

Last Week’s Crossword Solutions

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 20816

Across - 6, Equivocator. 7, Part. 8, Chipmunk. 9, Strict. 10, Emblem. 12, Cornet. 15, Courts. 17, Specimen. 19, Bore. 20, Sister-in-law.

Down - 1, Austrian. 2, Avocet. 3, Active. 4, Atom. 5, Cringe. 6, Exact. 11, Bluebell. 13, Oppose. 14, Tamper. 15, Candid. 16, Throw. 18, Cost.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 20816

Across - 6, Create a stir. 7, Star(Ted). 8, Cast-a-net. 9, Cheers. 10, Ticker. 12, Passes. 15, Single. 17, Past-I’ll-e. 19, I-o-ta. 20, Making plain.

Down - 1, Peer-less. 2, Stocks. 3, Basset (anag.). 4, (Vi)Etna(m). 5, Breeze. 6, Catch. 11, Cannibal. 13, Al-arms. 14, Saline (anag.). 15, Sweeps. 16, L-a-tin. 18, Take.

On the street

West Coast?

EVENTS

To

Scotty Moir Westport

Jennie-Leah Larken

Korah Wilson Hokitika

Kaniere.”

Michaela Meates Kumara

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

Karamea has just completed a six-month funded trial of a monthly pop-up gallery for artists to exhibit their creations.

The event began last March.

“We received funding from Buller REAP and Manatu to hold the popup gallery one weekend a month,” curator and co-ordinator Sanae Murray said.

“Over 30 local artists exhibited their artworks each time. Some art was for sale while some was just for display.”

Mrs Murray said there had been a wide range of work exhibited including photography, quilts, knitting, jewellery and other crafts.

“To ensure new items were exhibited, we decided to suggest a theme for each exhibition. Many artists took up that challenge. It helped artists to be creative and expand and explore the knowledge of their art.”

Themes included Harvest, Spice, Lunar/Matariki, Midwinter Blues and The Dreams You Make During Hibernation.

“We did not hold the event in May as the area was badly hit by Covid.”

With the trial having reached its final month of funding, feedback had been so positive that it was decided

to fundraise for the pop-up gallery to continue bi-monthly exhibitions in future.

“We surveyed the community and there was 100% support for the pop-up gallery to continue. A lot of artists and creative people choose to live here and we provided them the opportunity through the pop-up gallery.

“We decided to try and fund it ourselves until we can source more sponsorship. We chose to hold an auction and to invite local musicians to perform. We had six local musicians and bands take part. People were very generous with the donations of prizes for the auction where we raised about $3000.”

The gallery was set up in the Karamea Hardware premises at Market Cross.

“We were very grateful to community for supporting the popup gallery, for providing auction prizes and donations as well as to all of the volunteers who helped setting up the galleries and for helping supervise.”

Mrs Murray was supported by project managers Liz Kerslake and Jessie Creedmore: “They were a joy to work with.”

“It really was a great success for the community.”

Between 110 and 330 people attended each month.

introducedpredatorsinthe HeaphyLowland and OpararaBasin

TheDepartmentofConser vation(DOC )inWestport isgoing tocontrolratsandpossums over88,924hectares. Thisisscheduled forthefirstclearweather windowbetweenlate Januar yand April. Nativewildlifeand forestsneedprotection

TheareasurroundingtheHeaphyriver andOparara basinis knownforitslush forestsandnikaupalms. Giant northernrata, rare coastalcress,roroa/greatspotted kiwi,powelliphanta/ giantcarnivorouslandsnails, whio/ blueduckandpekapeka/long-tailedbatsareafewoftheendangeredspecies foundinthisarea.Ratsand possumsare themainpredators forPowelliphantasnails,ofwhichfive ofthespeciesareunique to theHeaphy valley.Stoatspredate kiwieggsandchicks.

Duetoconsistentlyhighseedproduction, warm anddiverse habitatsandthelackofanynatural controlevents, rat numbersareconstantlyhighintheHeaphyLowland andOpararaarea

Forthesenative species to survive andbreedsuccessfully,predatorpopulationsneed to bekepttolow levels. Operationsarebeingplannedinmanypartsof Kahurangiin2023and 2024.

Whyweare controllingintroducedpredators

Nativespeciesarefighting forsurvivalduetopredationfrom rats, stoatsandpossums. Withoutprotection, we risklosingtheuniquenaturalheritageandbiodiversitywithintheHeaphy catchmentand OpararaBasin. We aredoinglong term studieson anumberofnativespeciesintheoperationalareatomonitortheirprogress. Forexample,monitoringofbirdcallsbetween2017and2021intheHeaphyRiver Valleyshows the population of greatspotted kiwi/roroais growing.There arealsothreetimesmorerockwrenherethanother comparable SouthIslandsiteswhere1080predatorcontrolisnot conducted.

By keeping rodentnumbers at lowlevels,thelong-termgoalis to allowforthe reintroductionofspeciessuch asmohua/yellowhead,tieke/saddlebackand kakapo.

Throughsustainedpredatorcontrolusing1080,thereisabigincreaseinbreedingsuccess fornativebirds, theirfoodsource ismoreabundant, andthe forestcanopyishealthier

Ourplantoprotect nativespecies

Thesafestandmosteffectivemethod we have tocontrolpossums,ratsandstoatsoverlargeareasistouse biodegradable cerealbaitpellets containing1080.This baittargets rodentsandpossums. Stoatsare also controlledthroughsecondar ypoisoningasthey feedonthecarcassesofthedead rodents.

Helicopterswillsafelyandpreciselydistributebaitacrossthe forestareaalongpre- determinedand monitored flightpaths.Thisistheonlyviablemethod to controlpredatorsintheHeaphyLowland andOpararaBasindue to the vastandruggedterrain.

Supplemental ground control, usinghand-laid1080pellets, willbeundertakenaroundsensitiveareasand otherplacesunsuitableforaerialmethods.All groundcontrolwillbecarriedoutwithin14days ofaerial toxin application.

Thisoperation beginswiththedistributionofnon-toxicpre-feedbaitpellets(sandycoloured). Thisprepares possumsand rodentstoeatthe toxicbait(dyed green)thatisappliedafterwards.Bothbaitsareabout16mm indiameterand cylindricalshaped.

Consultationand permissions

DOChas consultedwith hapu,iwiandkeystakeholdersincludinglandownersadjacenttothe operationalarea. DOCmanagersin certainpositionsaredelegatedthe poweroftheEnvironmental Protection Agenc ytodecide applications forpermission to use1080onlandadministeredormanaged by DOC.Permissionhasbeen granted forthisoperation.

DOChas alsoreceivedtherequiredpermissionfromthe Ministry ofHealth. DOCensuresthatalllegalandpolic yrequirementsaremet,andthatany potential risksoftheoperationare managed.

Managingrisk 1080ispoisonous to humans, domesticandgameanimals.Inareaswherethe toxinhasbeenapplied,dogsare highly at riskuntilpoisonedcarcasseshave disintegrated. Thistakes four-to- eightmonthsorlonger. Therewillbe warningsignsplaced at entrances to theoperationalareaimmediatelyprior to theoperation. Riskscanbeeliminatedbyfollowingtheserules:

DONOTtouchbait

WATCHchildren at alltimes

DONOTEAT animalsfromthisarea orwithinthebuffer zone outsidethetreatment boundar y. Thebuffer zoneis2k mfordeerandpigs, 200m forrabbits,and1k mforhares,tahr,wallabiesandpossums Poisonbaitsor carcassesare DEADLY to DOGS Obser ve theseruleswhenever yousee warningsignsaboutpesticides.Thesesignsindicate pesticide residues maybestillpresentinbaitsandpoisonedcarcasses.Whensignsareremoved,normalactivitiescan resume. If indoubt, checkwithyourlocalDOCoffice. Please repor tsuspectedvandalismorunauthorised removalof signs.

If yoususpect poisoning,please

Formoreinformation

Please

OR Vector Free Marlborough,PO Box5171,Springlands,Blenheim7241,phone0508548008,email: communications@vectorfree.co.nz

VisittheDOC website: More informationaboutDOC ’s National PredatorControl Programmeisavailableon our websitewww.doc.govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme Mapofpredatorcontrolareawithinthe HeaphyLowandand OpararaBasin Youcansee operationalupdatesanddetailedmaps ofpredatorcontrolonpublic conservationlandonthe DOC website. www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/pesticide-summaries

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