West Coast Messenger 30 November 2022

Buller Book Group going strong

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

For 48 years the Westport 'Book Discussion Scheme' (BDS) book group has been going strong. It was started in 1974, with former Westport woman, Margaret Wood, the first co-ordinator. Current co-ordinator, Lynda Hill, said the nationwide BDS linked its origins back to the Canterbury Workers Education Association

which was established at Canterbury University in 1925.

“They took books around in a van and delivered them,” Mrs Hill said.

Nowadays, the books for the year are preselected in December with group members choosing two or three titles from a catalogue.

“We are still excited when they are delivered to my door each month as we don't know what books we are receiving.”

Mrs Hill then distributes copies of the same

book to the readers so they can be ready for the monthly meeting.

“We meet on the first Wednesday evening of each month in someone's home. We get a very good set of book notes which is a big plus. They are really well done and list off questions and discussion points but we get diverted at times.”

The group successfully trialled meeting in local restaurants during the day throughout the wet winter months.

The Buller group currently has seven members. A total of 12 people can belong to a BDS group. They are keen to recruit more.

“There are about 1300 groups in New Zealand. We are also willing to help set up another group if there is enough interest. Our members range in age from 50- to 80-year-olds and it consists of at least three different nationalities. We all have a different perspective of the books.”

Joy Willman, Roswitha Scheer-Hughes, Annie Kolff, Lynda Hill, Jan Campbell and Lee Quinn at a recent Book Club evening.

Dolphins enjoy inland lake

n by Laura Mills

Saltwater fish are now being caught in the inland Lake McKerrow at Martins Bay, at the foot of the West Coast.

A big flood in 2020 changed the location of the Hollyford River mouth, and it is now much closer to the sea.

Department of Conservation ranger biodiversity (marine) Hannah Williams said bottlenose dolphins had been being sighted in Lake McKerrow for many years. After the flood in 2020 changed the location of the river mouth, it appeared as though the dolphins stopped swimming up to the lake for a year or so, but now appeared to be using the lake as before the flood.

“The bottlenose dolphins seen in Lake McKerrow do not live in the lake, but rather appear to use it as an area to hunt for food and perhaps to rest.”

Ms Williams said the lake had two water inputs: one salty, and one freshwater.

The Hollyford River provided a source of freshwater to the lake from the south. The lower Hollyford River at the north-eastern end of the lake provided a connection between the ocean and the lake, which allowed for tidal flow in and out of the lake.

After the flood in 2020, the lower Hollyford shifted so that the mouth of the lake was now much closer to the ocean. As a result, the lake had become noticeably more saline, with salt water fish being caught in the lake and some die-off of freshwater aquatic plants.

Buller Book Group going strong

Continued from P1

An annual BDS $75 subscription provides 10 books a year.

“Not everyone chooses a similar book. That can be a big challenge if it's not something you would normally select from a library. They can be completely different genre than you like but I have often found myself going to the library to find more books by the same author,” Mrs Hill said.

“I read authors that I wouldn't have touched but which have touched me,” said group member Lee Quinn.

“I think we'd all have to agree with that,” Mrs Hill said.

Mrs Hill gave the example of 93-year-old New Zealand poet, playwright and novelist Renee Taylor. The members recently read her memoir,

These Two Hands.

“I wouldn't have chosen it but it was very interesting and the writing was very nice. I was shocked to think that she was a New Zealand author who I had never heard of!”

Mrs Hill later discovered a new crime novel 'Renee' had written set on the Kapiti Coast.

“Book group adds a social dimension to my reading. It's a fun, social get together once a month,” said another BDS member from another New Zealand group.

As far as Mrs Hill is aware, BDS is the only book group in the area, apart from a discussion group based at the library with readers selecting their own individual titles.

Martins Bay, showing the Hollyford River breakout to the sea.

PICTURE: Knights Point Air

Pirates at Shanty town

The health of our people will be the health of our nation

a new Crown health authority, Te Whatu Ora.

Just a couple of months in, and an increase in head office staff, we are still to hear from them about how they plan to fix the major challenges that patients and front line staff are experiencing.

Maureen Pugh National Party list MP

Most of the feedback I have received lately is about the outcomes of the shake-up of the health system which has seen the end of district health boards and the start of

The Government have cruelly manipulated the waiting list statistics so that when the Health Minister says the waiting list is 'reduced', it is because GP referrals for first specialist appointments are being declined. People simply do not make it to the list. There have been deaths already attributable to lengthy waiting times, the worst possible outcome for patients and their families.

People in rural areas are the most at risk from the change because distance from hospitals and care facilities can mean delays at the best of times. The timeliness of the initial diagnosis is essential to the correct treatment plan, and delays or mistakes will cost lives.

Staff problems are at the heart of the problems in our health system. It is clear that we needed to have trained more doctors. Had this Government committed to National's planned third medical school with a specialist rural GP training facility, we would not be in such a mess now.

Allied to staff shortages is the need for the borders to be opened up to the skilled people we need and the immigration system streamlined. In the last two to three years we have attracted some of the specialist medical talent we needed, only to lose them again because it has not been possible for their families to join them in New Zealand due to our very restrictive immigration conditions. So what would National do, if given the chance next year? It is a fair question on an important issue that is facing New Zealanders, young and old, rural or urban or, in fact, healthy or sick.

Like we did in the 2008-17 era, National will increase health spending every year,

recognising the need to keep up with inflation. There is a clear shortage of nurses so we would immediately put nurses on the 'straight to residency' pathway to attract more skilled staff.

We will bring back targets for waiting times. It is difficult to understand why the Government scrapped emergency department waiting time targets. These goals were respected by staff and we know these measures saved lives. National would put a priority on reinstating them. Targeting the sectors where care and resources are most needed would become the hallmark of the health system under National.

Only a handful of Te Whatu Ora board members have management experience. With due respect to current medical people on the Board, what is required are change management skills, because it is obvious that change will need to come quickly if we are to have confidence in the new health system.

Seasons & Reasons

For

Mark

Karamea 162 Oparara Road

Little Wanganui 28 Nikau Heights

Senior constable Mike Tinnelly of Greymouth police had a blast judging the Best Young Pirate at a recent WestREAP Shantytown Pirate Play Day as he bravely faced down the cutlass wielding lads and lassies.

PICTURE: Westreap

Art youth decorate cabinet

Inspiring local leaders to talk at women's breakfast

Two inspiring West Coast women will talk about their work and lives at an upcoming West Coast Professional Women's Network breakfast.

Development West Coast chairwoman Renee Rooney and self-described “Agvocate“ Siobhan O'Malley will each present for up to 20 minutes, with time for questions, at the Paroa Hotel from 7.30am on Thursday, December 8.

Dairy farmer Renee Rooney is actively involved in her local community, and also holds a variety of roles at both regional and national levels including immediate past chairwoman and long serving member of the Lake Brunner School board of trustees; executive member of Federated Farmers West Coast; committee member Tb Free West Coast and Lake Brunner Community Catchment Care Group. In 2017 she was elected to the Federated Farmers national dairy industry executive.

Siobhan O'Malley is also a dairy farmer, living at Kokatahi. She works full-time for Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council for Food and Fibre, engaging with farmers about vocational training. Outside this role, she has been a high school teacher, has co-founded national charity Meat the Need and co-founded e-commerce start up Hemprino.

The West Coast Professional Women's Network is an open group

set up to share stories and ideas,and provide a networking opportunity for West Coast women. The network has not been active for a couple of years, until MBIE's regional lead for the West Coast Regional Skills Leadership Group, Mequa Hourston, regional public service adviser Penny Kirk of Greymouth, and public relations specialist Lee Harris of Fox River decided it was time to have another gathering.

“Everyone's been focused on navigating themselves and businesses or organisations through Covid-19 and now we're all properly emerging and wanting to have some sort of normal professional opportunities,” Mequa Hourston says.

“Our aim will be to host at least a couple of breakfasts a year, with either local or imported speakers. We're keen to find other women who might want to help organise events. Through Covid-19 we've all learned what's important and how much we rely on those around us. If anyone has a good idea for a speaker, or wants to volunteer to speak, it would be great to hear from them.”

Tickets are available online from https://events.humanitix.com/ west-coast-women-s-network-prechristmas-breakfast or check the West Coast Professional Women's Network Event on Facebook. For more details contact Mequa on 027 237 5844 or Penny on 029 914 0924.

Have your say on safespeeds

To ensure our transport system protects and helps us to get to the places and people important to us, the way we manage speeds has changed

As part of our transition to the new approach, we ’ re developing an interim State Highway Speed Management Plan

Our plan includes proposed new speed limits on sections of state highways, safe speeds around schools and marae, and other speed related activities

Find out what’sproposed foryour region and give your feedback online at www.nzta.govt.nz /ISMP

Consultation closes on 12 December 2022

Gumboot Paradise Art class tutor Shelly Chapman recently completed painting a Chorus telecommunications cabinet with her after school art group -- Sienna Thomson, Zara Ardley, Keilah Neame, Penelope Connolly, Maira Naish, and front left Shelly Chapman, Isla Ferguson and Koriniti Stephens. The cabinet is situated at 8 Gresson Street, on the north side of Super Liquor. Ms Chapman painted the background and each student then painted a fish or sea creature, being near the Greymouth wharf. The title is 'Fisher' which they thought was appropriate for the area. Not pictured are Adam and Alicia Dann, and Katelyn McCracken.

PICTURE: Supplied

Second real estate agent starts

Big year for emergency management training

was an estate agent when he was younger.

IT has been a busy year for emergency management training on the West Coast.

The co-ordinated incident management system (CIMS) provides the model or structure for the command, control and co-ordinating of a response to an event that can be scalable. The CIMS course trains those involved in any part of incident management, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to apply the CIMS principles to a range of emergency response scenarios.

This year, West Coast Emergency Management had 120 people complete the CIMS training.

West Coast, standing us in good stead as we build our response capability.”

Over 250 people attended training in the last year: 44 in Buller, 167 in Grey and 56 in Westland.

People often attend courses on the dates that suit regardless of the district. This resulted in a large number attending courses in Greymouth compared to the other two districts.

Courses are attended by a mix of people including council staff, community volunteers, and staff from other agencies such as Police, FENZ, Health and Department of Conservation.

Mark Kinley has joined Property Brokers as a second residential sales consultant in Reefton, complementing the incumbent consultant, Linda Jones.

As Reefton continues to grow, they felt the need to get a second person. This will give both of them leeway to take a day or two off every now and then.

“I didn't feel like I could go away for a day as I don't want to let people down,” Linda said. “I'm not leaving or retiring yet!”

Mark, originally from Christchurch, has always wanted to be a residential sales consultant, as his mother

“But by the age of 16, my wife Ayla and I started having kids so we needed to get life sorted. Ayla has just completed her first year of midwifery and I started with Property Brokers three months ago.”

Mark and Linda know each other from Linda helping sell a property for the Kinleys. Mark asked about learning the ropes of real estate, and the rest is history.

Other than some supervision for another few months, Mark is fully on board and his first listing has gone live.

“I'm really enjoying the work, it's exciting and interesting. Linda is amazing to work with and we have a lot of laughs. I'm very thankful, as if it wasn't for Linda, I wouldn't be here.“

Claire Brown, group manager for the West Coast Emergency Management Group, said interest had been high by many new recruits across the region.

“Every year our emergency management team offers training to help increase the capability of our emergency operation centres and our community response groups. Not only have we had an excellent take-up of our CIMS training, these staff have gone on to enhance their skills by completing the function courses.”

The specific function courses include planning, logistics, public information management, controller, intelligence and operations.

“Over 140 staff undertook the function specific training, some completing more than one course as they had enjoyed the initial CIMS training,” said Ms Brown.

“This is a wonderful achievement for the

Ms Brown has put a call out for more people to come forward.

“If you would like more information on these courses or how to volunteer, you can contact us via our website www.westcoastemergency.govt.nz or by contacting your local council.“

Relationships thrive through ac tive lifest yle.

KO R U N U T R I T I O N

Being active has always been a major part of Shirley’s life For years, she has played golf and croquet and when it rains there is always Indoor Bowls or the local Line Dancing group

“I love it when you are not only being active but also interacting with others; you get so much more of a relationship with different people through engaging in activities and experiences than just over a cup of tea and a chat ”

Shirley’s participation in the activities began to lessen, however, through no fault of her own; her world began to feel smaller and fun seemed to be in short supply

Shirley began to look at her ongoing lifestyle and also at a number of things that could support her muscles & joints She wanted things that were sustainable, easy to incorporate into her everyday life and natural One of the things she came across was Koru FX from Koru Nutrition

“I bought just one bottle and thought I could try this Very soon after, I returned and bought three bottles!!”

“I love knowing that I am supporting myself in my

activities I am playing Indoor Bowls and doing very well on that front, if I do say so myself I have also picked up my trusty exercise bike and am doing 3km every day I am so happy to be living life to the full ”

Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition has become NZ’s #1 joint and muscle support cream Many happy customers are recommending Koru FX cream due to its natural ingredient, results and fast acting delivery

C ontaining high quality oils like calendula, arnica, manuka and peppermint, along with 12 others, Koru FX provides the perfect formulation for supporting joints and muscles

People are often telling Shirley she is looking great “I am so happy with my life and how I am living it When I see my friends I will always lend them a listening ear and nine times out of ten I end up saying, ‘Try my Koru FX’ ” Koru FX is a simple

combination of pure, all natural ingredients that have been car efully chosen, not just for their own unique benefits, but so that when blended together they work synergistically to bring out the best results from each other

If you’re looking for a fast acting and long lasting, natural product, harnessing the benefits of essential oils, then Koru FX is for you

Ask for Koru FX cream next time you’re in the pharmacy and try it for yourself.

READERS

Participants in co-ordinated incident management system (CIMS) training in Franz Josef. PICTURE: Supplied

Mark Kinley outside the Property Brokers office with its bright red door in Reefton. PICTURE: Claire Ward

n by Claire Ward in Reefton

Moves for Westport youth 'safe space'

Springing from the successful establishment of Youth Voice Kawatiri three and a half years ago, the next stage in the vision of Buller youth has now been set in motion.

Numerous surveys of youth of intermediate and high school age have been carried out over the past few years to ascertain what they really want.

“The results have repeatedly shown that the youth want a safe, fun, physical space where they can meet up,” said Te Reo a Te Taiohi co-chair Dale Ashworth. “100% of youth, surveyed at our YVK ice skating event in 2020, wanted a space to hang out in and that is what we, as a community, need to listen to if we want to support our youth.

“I have a 12-year-old girl and as a parent, I want somewhere safe for her to go to hang with her mates when she's in town. I know Mikaere (Steele Clarkson, another trustee) wants that for his four kids as well and so do all parents.

“We initially approached the YVK umbrella organisation, Sport Tasman, about running a youth space, but while it is something they absolutely

support, it is not something they were keen to operate. So we decided 'let's just do it!' As a group we have the capabilities and experience, so Te Reo a Te Taiohi was formed,” Mrs Ashworth said.

A group of locals, passionate about supporting youth, have set up the charitable trust and are regularly meeting to get the youth space wheels in motion. They have also applied to become an official 'registered charity' to ensure transparency and allow greater reach of funding options.

The trustees are Serena Bermingham, Nicki Singleton, Mikaere Steele Clarkson and co-chairs Phoenix Dixon-Allen and Dale Ashworth.

“We have prepared our 'strategic direction' and written our child protection policies. Our vision is: 'to develop an inclusive, safe place, where all taiohi (youth) can feel a sense of belonging and be inspired to speak out, make good decisions and live their best lives',” she said.

Mrs Ashworth said there had been a lot of positive interest in the idea of establishing a youth space.

“There has definitely been a strong local appetite for supporting and funding a youth space. We have been looking at premises and we're waiting to hear back from some local businesses for support.

“We don't want to miss anything out and to make sure we have covered everything required. This is a youth led initiative and we are here to help make their vision happen, so the initiative will be primarily led by them. The trust is just there to make sure all the 'boring' (but essential!) stuff is done to ensure health and safety.

“But we want to hear insights from those current organisations in the community that have a youth focus or involvement.“ Mrs Ashworth said.

“I've done quite a bit of research and many of the youth hubs around the country host adult organisations providing help for youth but, with a large adult presence, many youth don't want to hang out there. We want to provide a safe space where they feel comfortable to be themselves, but also provide information on where they can go in the community to get the help that they want.

“Ninety-five per cent of the youth we surveyed had experienced some form of

trauma and did not know where to get help.“ Mrs Ashworth said.

“We really believe that parents in the community will be part of a natural succession plan, joining the trust down the track as their youth reach intermediate and high school age. This will give continuity of the space, which is important to supporting the youth of our district in the future. And that is coming from what our youth have told us, not any of us adults!“

Te Reo a Te Taiohi trustees Dale Ashworth, left, Phoenix Dixon-Allen, Nicki Singleton, Mikaere Steele Clarkson and Serena Bermingham gathered outside the Westport Clocktower.

PICTURE: Rose O'Connor

Ask a PROFESSIONAL

What is a Property Sharing Agreement?

Property sharing agreements are an increasingly popular option in today’s real estate market as more people choose to buy a house with friends or family. While it can be a fun and rewarding experience, a host of issues can arise without a property sharing agreement in place which sets out the terms of the arrangement.

A property sharing agreement is a contract between two or more owners of property that details their rights and obligations in relation to the property and can be adapted to deal with a variety of situations. For example, the agreement can record how the mortgage will be paid, the minimum period the owners will be committed to the property and

who is allowed to live on the property.

The best time to enter a property sharing agreement is before settlement of the purchase to minimise the risk of any disputes arising. The agreement can also specify how the owners wish to be recorded on the title such as joint tenants or tenants in common, and what shares they will each own.

The financial aspects are also important to consider. How much is needed to borrow against the property? Who is responsible for loan payments? Will a joint bank account be used? Who will be responsible for the ongoing costs of the property (such as utilities, rates, insurance and any repair or maintenance work required)?

It is also recommended the agreement includes an exit mechanism if a co-owner wishes to sell their share. Commonly, in a property sharing agreement, one party is given the opportunity to purchase their co-owner’s share before the property is placed on the open market. An exit strategy can also cover what would happen should a co-owner pass away.

While there is no obligation for owners to enter into this type of agreement, it is our experience that it’s extremely important to have a formal written agreement to avoid misunderstandings. The parties should also seek independent legal advice to avoid any potential conflict that could arise.

Tips for a healthy holiday season from the West Coast PHO Dietitians

Avoid going hungry

It can seem like a good idea to cut back on meals and snacks before heading out for a meal but by doing this, we can end up overeating because we are starving and less likely to be able to stop at a point of being satisfied. Instead, continue with your regular meals and snacks and enjoy the food that is on offer, while tuning into your body signals for when you have eaten enough.

Be active

Regular movement has many benefits for our

physical and mental health and with the warmer weather, it can be a great time to meet a friend for a walk, play with the kids outside or go for a swim. Finding movement that you enjoy makes it something to look forward to doing each day.

Stay hydrated

As the weather warms up, it is important to drink enough. If drinking alcohol, alternate with some non alcoholic choices.

Enjoy the seasonal fruit and vegetables

With food prices rising, eating in season can help

to keep costs down. Summer is a great time to enjoy the salad vegetables, sweetcorn, peppers, berries and stone fruit. Growing some vegetables can also be a great summer activity.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is often something that we skimp on to fit more into our days but getting enough sleep helps set us up to cope.

Eating well, being active and turning screens off an hour before bed can all help to get a good nights sleep.

Ask a PROFESSIONAL

Can I claim GST on my lifestyle block?

As we head into Summer, property sales tend to be on the rise. If you are considering a change of scenery and purchasing a block of land, questions will inevitable be raised about GST on the transaction.

The change in lifestyle, with a few head of livestock and a motorbike to drive over the paddocks, lead many to think they are carrying out the taxable activity for GST, meaning the property purchase can be zero-rated for GST if you are buying from a registered seller or developer.

While this sounds great in theory, saving 15% on the cost of the land, the tax consequences can be far more complicated in practice. Inland Revenue will not deem you to be carrying out a taxable activity just because there is the occasional sale of livestock or lease income. Inland Revenue look at the regularity of income, time devoted to the business, and many other factors when determining if a taxable activity is occurring or if it is just a hobby. In the event IRD find the activity to be a hobby, rather than a business, GST amounts will need to be repaid.

Later down the track, if the property is in the GST net, when you go to sell the property you will return GST on the sale, unless you can sell to a GST registered person. As land generally appreciates, the GST paid on the sale will often be far higher than the GST you saved by being GST registered when you purchased the property.

Getting the right answer for GST and tax purposes is a question of the facts in your specific situation, which is why we recommend you always talk to an accountant prior to buying or selling land.

Digital Transformation

Digital technologies can help to increase your organisations value through digital transformation. This involves transforming your organisation so that it operates more effectively and efficiently through the use of digital technologies. This can involve adopting new methods, to increase your business value through customer value, new technologies, and wider business opportunities. Customer value can be increased through the use of digital technologies by enhancing the customer experience. This can involve everything from improving the way your website is designed to providing enhanced customer support, to new ways to interact with your customers. This can include

new ways to market your products and services, as well as new ways to process your transactions.

Technological advances are constantly evolving, and this continues to impact organisations in a number of ways. For example, the overall digital evolution is seeing more and more businesses move to digital platforms in order to reach a wider audience. This has led to a number of changes in the way businesses operate, and it’s important that you understand these changes if you want to stay ahead of the competition.

The digital consumer is a customer who relies heavily on digital technology for their day-today transactions. This customer is always on the

lookout for new and improved ways to interact with businesses. They are more likely to use digital devices to conduct their transactions, and are more likely to be brand loyal.

Digital technology can help organisations increase their value by driving efficiency and agility in their operations, as well as expanding their markets to new customers. For example, using digital technology to develop new sales models to reach new customers, as well as increase their reach through digital markets, to connect with customers who may not have been reached before. This can help organisations grow their businesses in a more sustainable way.

Boom, boom –rock clearing at Dellows Bluff

Residents and regular users of State highway 6, Dellows Bluff, near Murchison, can expect a bit of noise and some traffic delays from Monday, December 5.

NZ Transport Agency regional manager lower North Island/top of the South Island, Mark Owen, says contractors will be hard at work on the rock face responsible for rockfalls that closed the highway in late July.

“This will involve some rockblasting to remove unstable rocks and material from the cliff above

Works schedule:

Monday, December 5 to Wednesday, December 7, 6pm to 8pm.

The road will be closed at these times while blasting, and rock clearance work is done.

The road will be open to all traffic outside working hours but will be restricted to a single lane managed by traffic lights and 30kph temporary speed restrictions. This is due to the drop-out sites adjacent to the rockfall area.

No detours are available.

Emergency services will have access through the site if required

the highway. We need to remove this rock to reduce the risk we saw in July, when some huge boulders fell onto the road. That's a driving hazard no one wants to see or tolerate.”

Mr Owen says because blasting is involved, the road will have to be closed for safety reasons.

“We can't have traffic going through the works site while this is happening. But the work crews are making sure the closures will be short, ensuring that road users' delays are kept as short as possible.”

It is expected the works will be completed within three nights. However, if required, the limited night-time closures may extend to Friday, December 9.

Mr Owen says further work is also planned for the adjacent underslip.

“We know residents and regular users of State highway 6 are keen to see this section of road returned to two lanes as soon as possible. Pile driving work has begun at the site this week and is expected to go through until Christmas. We do want to get this piece of road returned to two lanes as quickly as possible.“

Councils launch West Coast transport survey

WESTLAND, Grey and Buller district councils have jointly launched a West Coast transport survey.

The aim is to get a more detailed understanding of how West Coasters experience their council-owned roads, bridges and footpaths, and their preferences for future transport improvements.

The survey builds on results from a previous survey in 2019 and seeks to understand three key things about how residents, ratepayers, and visitors view the roading network: what works well, what does not work well, and what could be improved.

The survey focuses on council-owned transport networks (roads, bridges, footpaths, cycle trails), not the State highway network, which is managed by the NZ Transport Agency. To support future planning, the councils are also looking for community feedback and direction on five strategic drivers that they are looking to build into their work programme. These are broader regional and national Government strategies that will shape how each council plans and invests in their local transport networks and include:

Road safety.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation and resilience to natural hazards.

Zero carbon and emissions reduction .

Economic development.

Understanding what the community thinks about their roads is a critical piece of this process. The feedback received will be a key piece of evidence as the councils look to develop a business case to support

investment in the West Coast transport network.

Programme spokesman, Westland District Council transportation manager Karl Jackson sees this as a great opportunity for West Coast road users to let the councils know how they are experiencing their roads on a day-to-day basis.

“When we last carried out this survey, we had a fantastic response from people up and down the Coast, and this feedback was directly used to make the case for increased investment from Waka Kotahi.

“This time we're asking the same questions, but we also want community feedback on a range of strategic drivers that we need to address. We've got a large roading network, a small ratepayer base, and some of the most challenging landscapes in the country, so it's important to know what Coasters think, so we can prioritise where we invest to ensure we're delivering for our communities.

“The more we can understand about the roading network, the better the case for investment to improve our roading network. The best source of that information is the people who use our roads every day.”

The survey runs for one month, closing on December 19. Everyone is encouraged to let council know their views by using our on-line survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HC6FWHQ

Once the information has been collected and analysed, the results will be shared with the community.

The Dellows Bluff rockfall, July 2022.

PICTURE: NZ Transport Agency

ACROSS

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Coast Calendar

DECEMBER

1-4 True West Adventure Race, Franz Josef Glacier.

2 Twilight Christmas Market, Maruia Community Hall, Maruia, 5pm.

2 Open Pairs Jubilee Pool Tournament, Runanga Club, 5pm.

2-4 The Hits Christmas Carnival, Greymouth.

2-4 Runanga Club 75th jubilee.

3 Hokitika School of Dance Recital, Regent Theatre, Hokitika, 1pm.

3 Jubilee Poker Tournament, Runanga Club, 1pm.

3 Evolve Market, Greenstone Retreat, 10am.

3 Cultural Christmas get-together, Marist Rugby League Hall, 7pm.

3 Once Upon a Dream, NBS Theatre, Westport, 7pm.

3 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

3 Best Bets album release tour, with Big Scout and the Situations, Barrytown Hall, 8.30pm.

4 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

4 Community Get Together, bouncy castle and sausage sizzle, Dobson Reserve, 11am.

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

4 Greymouth Sunday Market, Civic Centre 10am.

4 Jubilee Darts Tournament, Runanga Club, 1pm.

4 Christmas Market, Runanga Club car park, 1pm.

7 Santa photos, Westland Recreation Centre, 5.30pm.

9 Christmas Twilight Gala, Barrytown School, Barrytown, 5pm.

10 Blackball Community Centre Christmas Fete 10am.

10 South Island Modified title meeting, Greenstone Park Speedway.

11 Greymouth Christmas Market, Civic Centre 10am.

11 Picnic at the Beach, Hokitika.

11 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

15 Late night shopping, Christmas carols, food stalls, Greymouth Town Square 5pm till late.

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

16 Christmas Roller Disco, Mac Gym, Grey High, Marlborough Street, 6pm.

16 Backshift Heelers, Speights Ale House 8.30pm.

17 Christmas Market Day, RSA, Karamea, 9am.

17 Christmas on Broadway, from 9am, Reefton.

17 10-year anniversary, West Coast Treetop Walk and Café, 9am.

17 A Very Frugal Christmas, Fox Glacier Community Centre, 7pm.

17 World of Musicals, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 7.30pm.

17 Big Wheelie and the Hubcaps, Woodstock Hotel, Hokitika, 8pm.

18 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

18-22 Christmas Tree Festival, Regent Theatre, Greymouth.

18 Greymouth Christmas Market, Civic Centre 10am.

18 Blues open mic, All Nations Tavern, Barrytown, 2pm.

26 Westport Trotting Club Race Day.

28 Westport Trotting Club Race Day.

30 Reefton Trotting Race Day.

31 New Year's Eve Street Party, Greymouth Town Square, 7pm onwards.

2023

JANUARY

1,2 Westland Provincial Shoot, Barrytown Clay Target Club.

1 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

2 Moana Market Day, Helena Dense Park, 10am.

3 Omoto Races, Greymouth Jockey Club.

4 Reefton Jockey Club Gallops, 12pm.

7 Kumara Race Day, Kumara.

7 DJ Miss Implicit and DJ Serpico, Hotel Lake Brunner, 9pm.

8 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

14 WOW sprint cars, Greenstone Park Speedway.

15 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

17 Super Saloons, Greenstone Park, 4pm.

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

22 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

27-29 Woodstock Motorcycle Rally, Hokitika.

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

28 West Coast TQ Champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

29 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

FEBRUARY

1 First day of school term.

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

4 Inangahua A & 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 Workingmens Club.

5 Gold Trail Ride, starting Shantytown, 9.30am.

11 Buller Gorge Marathon.

11 Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

CRYPTIC

1. The quick way to reduce your visits to the barber! (5-3). 6. The foreign boy has turned green (4). 8. How up-to-date your fringe is? (4). 9. Attractive and promising, too (8). 10. The picture or how you were when it was taken (5). 11. How long persistent searches search when seeking food? (6). 13. Quick answer to “Who’s the girl with the paper?” (6). 15. Something to be gained by getting in (6). 17. Drive to a meeting-place (6). 19. Lanky and ungainly, unlike Flora? (5). 22. A rest you wouldn’t take under water! (8). 23. Misfortunes one finds quite sickening? (4). 24. Looks both ways (4). 25. So-called because you can tell the time by his rounds? (8).

DOWN

2. The courage an ace may have (5). 3. Enterains one with stories about storms (7).

Uncle, of course, will cover up for her (4).

It’s something like a little battle-ship, sport! (3-2-3).

What the drink if you’ve had a royal upbringing? (5).

When a chap gets old he becomes a boss (7).

Let me show you the way to toast! (5,3).

Rhyming or just the opposite (7).

How a woman will love a man if he’s rich, perhaps (7).

Last week’s answer

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 20812

Across - 1, Call. 7, Charlatan. 8, Oath. 9, Mist. 10, Lily. 11, Show. 14, Afterwards. 16, Propitiate. 19, Damp. 22, Used. 24, Rate. 25, Draw. 26, Crossword. 27, Pear.

Down - 1, Cross. 2, Lotto. 3, Thrift. 4, Orator. 5, Ball. 6, Palladium. 12, Heart-sore. 13, Wasp. 15, Aged. 17, Thrown. 18, Attire. 20, Agree. 21, Power. 23, Dash.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 20812

Across - 1, Host. 7, Strang-L-er. 8, Clip. 9, Halo. 10, Stop. 11, Sole. 14, Man of parts. 16, Pretty fair. 19, Sign. 22, Hail (hale). 24, So-so. 25, Bent. 26, Sea-shanty. 27, Slid.

Down - 1, Hacks. 2, Still. 3, Strain. 4, Lay off. 5, (host) Ages. 6, Reporting (anag.). 12, Over-takes. 13, Emit (rev.). 15, Airs. 17, Yes-man. 18, Assets. 20, I-deal. 21, Not-Ed. 23, L-ass.

On the street

11 Greenstone Park Speedway, race meeting.

12 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

12 O'Conor Home Gala, Westport.

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

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 Workingmens Club, 8pm.

19 Fox River Summer market, Fox River 9am.

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 Junk2Funk Wearable art competition, Hokitika.

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.

When do you put your Christmas tree up? “The first week of December.”

“The first week in December.”

“Early December, the day after our daughter's birthday.”

EVENTS

To add any events to the Coast Calendar please e-mail: news@westcoastmessenger.co.nz. Community events only in this free service

Carol Keoghan Westport

Katelyn Paterson Westport

Joseph Walker Hokitika

Murray

Noreen

Nicole Newton Greymouth.

White Ribbon roars into town

COMPLIANCE &HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

Do you have an affinity with animals, andthe experiencetowork in challenging environments whenrespondingtoreports of wandering stock,ordogs? Areyou able to respondtoincidents after hours, including nightsand weekends on rosteredduties?

Do you have experienceengaging with members of the public sometimes in challengingenvironments,and working towards resolution and positive outcomes for all parties?

Areyou driven towardensuring asafe and healthy environment for colleagues in theworkplace?Doyou haveexperience in development,implementation andauditingofhealth and safety policiesand processes?

If thissounds like arole in whichyou would like to buildon current knowledgeand experience, please apply online today Afull position descriptionand application formare availableat: www.westlanddc.govt.nz Applicationswill be shortlisted as they arereceived, soplease apply nowifyou areinterested.

Applications for this role close 2December 2022

The officer for enquiries is Te Aroha Cook, Group Manager, Regulatory,Planning and Community Services, 027 277 6984 2537306

150 years of Christmas in Reefton

December last year.

REEFTON Inc has taken over responsibility for the Christmas on Broadway celebrations, and this year is extra special as they are celebrating 150 years of Christmas in Reefton.

It is also a tribute to sorely missed Rev Di Griffin of St Stephen's Church who for many years was one of the main organisers but passed away in

As well as the customary and popular stuff synonymous with Christmas on Broadway, there is a new category – a challenge to the mining businesses in Reefton to compete in the inaugural Reefton Miners Cup for the best mining float to win the biggest prize cup ever bestowed in Reefton.

After two years of non-celebration due to Covid, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Reefton.

Diesel Mechanic Vacanc y

We arelook ing foraqualified Diesel Mechanic to join our team. This position will be full time,based on the West Coast ser vicing a large,varied mining and civils fleet.Mine siteexperiencewould be preferredbut not essential.Self-motivated and able to carry out fault diagnosis is amust,asisbeing able to work independently.Ifyou arereliable,work well within ateam environment, we would like to hear from you.

Health and safetyisapriorityfor our company, so youmust be prepared to under take an alcohol and drug test

Please apply to the belowemail: admin@rosco.net.nz

PO Box107 Reefton7851 Cell: 021 255 2474

Applications close Friday, December 16, 2022

in at Reefton Area School on November 18 as part of their travels throughout New Zealand spreading the non-violence message. They also talk

Zealand's crippling

Bougen

n by Claire Ward in Reefton

PUBLIC NOTICES

TREE REMOVALS, pruning and reductions. Our experienced team can safely remove your dangerous trees, or prune them, or your shrubs, for good shape and health. Stump grinding and branch chipping. Fully insured, free quotes. Call Gareth at Tree Guy West Coast Ltd on 021 155 9905.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

TROUBLED by someone else’s drinking? Maybe Al-Anon Family Group can help you. We are friends and family members of problem drinkers. Phone 0508 425 266 or visit: www. al-anon.org.nz for free anonymous support and local meetings.

TRADE &SERVICES

MEETINGS MEETINGS

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

Ameeting of the West Coast Fish and Game Council will be held at the Ashley Hotel, Greymouth Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 6pm. TheAnnual Public Meeting will begin at 8pm.

Business

1. Presentation of the 2021-22 Annual PerformanceRepor t

2. Presentation of ServiceAwards Licenceholders areencouraged to attend Copies of the Annual PerformanceRepor twill be available at the meeting or maybeobtained by contac ting Fish and Game at PO Box179 Hok itik a, Phone (03) 755 8546.

Allwelcome. Dean Kelly Manager

TheLions Club of Hokitik aWestland Civic Awards and Young Achievers Awardsare nowopen!

Civic Awards

Nominations areopen to all residents in the Westland community in the categories of : Westlander of the Year -(Overall prestige)

Senior Westlander of the Year- (Over60) CommunityGroup/Organisation of the Year

LocalHero- (Someone who deser vesrecognition fortheir often unnoticed ser vicetothe distric tora township withinthe district).

Young Achievers

Nominations areopen to all youth in the Westlandcommunity aged under 19 years in the categoriesof:

TheWestpac Trophy: Overall winner

Young Achievers Merit Award

ThePercy Atkinson Trophyfor Spor ting Achievement

TheRon Wieblitz TrophyinArtsand Culture

TheBrian McCar thyTrophyfor CommunityInvolvement

TheGeorge Groufsky Presidential Trophy–for asingle outstanding achievementinany categor y

Westland Scholarship Fund

TheWestland Scholarship is intended to provide up to $2000 towardstuition fees or other expenses forschoolleavers or mature students who wish to under taketheir first year of full-time study at one of the public tertiar yinstitutions in NewZealand.

Forcopies of the nomination forms forall awardsplease visit the Lions Club of HokitikaFacebook Page or email secretar y@ hokitikalions.org.nz

Nominations forall awardsclose December 2, 2022.

WHEELCHAIRS and Scooters. New and secondhand. Contact Gerald and Christine on 021 183 1177 or 021 100 8160.

FOR all your garage door requirements please call Paul /Bowman at West Coast Garage Door Services. Phone 027 275 3398.