West Franklin Breeze - February 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022

Quirky way to cope with lockdowns

STORY TIFFANY BROWN

Chris Grass found a unique way to alleviate the boredom and frustration of both 2020 and 2021’s lockdowns, and it all began with soft toys.

Beginning in the 2020 lockdown, each day Chris shared a photo on Facebook of her collection of soft toys, and ended up posting a total of 100 images in a row. “When people started putting them in their windows, I started doing that too, and the next minute, they were climbing out of the windows, climbing up trees, and going round the garden. I took a different picture every day to keep everybody … and myself amused.”

After lining up on the windowsill, the toys escaped to the outside, eventually leaving Chris’ garden to pose with her

stock animals, as well as appearing around Waiuku at all sorts of locations like toilets, the beach and the estuary wharf. Chris said the idea started off for kids, but progressed to keeping adults amused, and as friends shared her pictures, the toys’ popularity expanded all over the world. “Apparently Sam Neill thinks my posts are wonderful.”

Chris’ favourite toy escapade coincided with Melbourne Cup Day during the 2021 lockdown. “I put a call out for rocking horses, they raced around the front lawn and we called it the Timewaster Cup.” The quirky series

of pictures concluded after 121 days and now, Chris only brings out the toys for special occasion set-ups, like Christmas, when they had a special photo unwrapping their presents. She isn’t full of ideas for a future lockdown series. “I like to think we’re not having another lockdown!”

Chris was a little bit relieved but also a bit sad when she put the toys away after their 2021 lockdown series concluded. “I had no idea it was going to evolve into anything, but it did, and it was fun.”

Waiuku Health Centre are inviting patients for COVID-19 Vaccinations as follows

Information updates on our website

www.waiukumedical.co.nz

1

We are vaccinating daily at Waiuku Health Centre between 8:45am and 1:00pm Monday to Saturday. We are closed on Sundays.

2

We welcome all ages 5 years and over. Appointments should be made by emailing covidvax@waiukumedical.co.nz or ring after 11am on 09 2359102.

3

We are able to do some outreach community vaccination so If you or someone you know is house bound and unable to come into the centre please email a request to covidvax@waiukumedical.co.nz. A nurse will contact you.

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Well done West Franklin It’s amazing to think it is nearly two years since Covid-19 first reached New Zealand. It’s been a stressful past two years for everyone, and especially those in the medical sector. However, we have been very grateful to have the support of our local community, staff and patients.

The people of Waiuku and West Franklin have been marvellous, not only in helping each other, but also in following the health guidelines that have enabled us to mostly keep Covid at bay here in our small town.

The Omicron variant is now in the community in New Zealand. Omicron is much more easily transmitted than other variants, so keeping on with these safe practices is imperative to slow the spread.

We realise that many people may be anxious at the thought of Covid-19 in Waiuku, but we encourage you all to keep doing what you’ve been doing.

Remember to be masked and social distance whenever possible, scan or sign in at businesses, and use hand sanitiser. Above all, stay home if you are ill.

Testing and vaccinating are two major ways that we can get on top of the virus. As such, the medical centre will keep swabbing and vaccinating as we’ve been doing. So, if you -(or anyone you care for) has cold or flu symptoms, we advise getting a test. Now is not the time for complacency. You will also need a swab if you have been to a location of interest. You can email the medical centre on covidvax@waiukumedical.co.nz to book either a swab or a vaccination.

We would also like to remind people to not enter the medical centre building if they have Covid-19 symptoms. We know that everyone will understand the need to protect the staff and other patients. If you have symptoms, please ring reception on 09 235 9102 and you will be told what to do.

Additionally, we encourage telephone and video consultations. If you do need to be seen in person, we ask that patients come in by themselves unless they need a support person. This is to reduce the chance of the medical centre being a place of interest.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Our success does not come from ourselves alone, our strength derives from the many.

Jackie Burton Practice Manager Waiuku Health Centre 09 2359102 admin@waiukumedical.co.nz

FEBRUARY 2022 COMMENT AND OPINION

Into 2022 we charge, under the confused state of the traffic light system and the unknown.

So, what does 2022 look like I wonder? Here are some of my predictions or wild guesses as to what this year might bring.

I guess we won’t be returning to life anywhere near how we used to live it prior to the outbreak of Covid before the end of this year.

However sadly, I think we will see a continuation of the confusion, fear and division within communities, friends and families which has become the norm it would seem. As those things continue, I would not be surprised to see a growing reluctance to abide by the rules which will become a real problem for those tasked with enforcing them.

The council elections are scheduled for October, however my crystal ball is a bit murky here when it comes to the mayoral race.

Auckland’s current Mayor has yet to announce his plans but another Labour candidate is putting his hand up and yet another Labour possibility saying he too might give it a crack. So, it may be the possibility of three centre left candidates contesting against one another.

Never a better time for a quality centre right candidate to have a go, but where are they?

A reasonably well-known citybased restaurateur has launched his campaign with big billboards and plenty to say about stuff unrelated to local government.

History shows it is not easy for business folk charging into Council promising to kick the place in to

business so please don’t get caught in a shouting match, it achieves nothing but make the situation worse.

Excess noise complaints ring the council 09 301 0101.

We have had the usual issues with cars doing burnouts and skidding around town. Unless we see them ourselves, to take action we need a registration or a good vehicle description and even better the driver’s name or his description. From that point on its easy for us to investigate. Once we know who it is we can seize the car and prosecute the driver which usually results in a disqualification. Don’t be too afraid to give us this information like a name or statement.

We won’t release your name unless required for court and that is only with your consent and is usually months down the track.

If we have a complaint of a car doing skids there is little we can do without some form of identification

2022 AGM

Waiuku War Memorial Town Hall Monday, 21 February 2022 at 7:00pm All Welcome If lockdown is on meeting

shape. I would love to see someone will be held on-line. with some understanding of how To take part please contact council works and with local govBarry Gibbon 021 627 149 ernment political values compared or Maurice Brighouse 021 654 567 to those who have shown interest thus far.

Time will tell. I know for sure THE BREEZE though that we will have a new Deputy Mayor with our own Bill Cashmore retiring from Council Crossword No XC251406 after absolutely stellar perforCrossword No XC251 mances over the years. I can also 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 predict with some certainty that 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 there will be a new Chair of the 9 10 Franklin Local Board with the cur9 10 rent bloke not seeking a return to 11 12 the board after four terms which is 11 12 long enough in my view. It is time 13 14 15 for others to be able to shine and 13 14 15 provide local leadership and I think 16 17 18 19 20 the current Board has a great mix 16 17 18 19 of experience and youth so is well 21 22 23 placed to continue to provide some 21 22 23 consistency.

So 2022 is going to be inter24 24 25 25 esting politically both locally and Crossword No XC251406 nationally and my greatest hope is 26 26 we are able to head into post covid3 1 2 4 5 6 7 settings as soon as possible.

8 ACROSS DOWN ACROSS DOWN Finally I want to acknowledge 9 101 What’s-his-name is lanky, sticky fellow (12) 2 Athlete 1 and What’s-his-name is lanky, sticky fellow (12) 2 Athlete Ben led off run (7) those who have endured ad9 Aviatrix gives listener courage we hear (7) 3 Closest 9 Aviatrix gives listener courage we hear (7) 3 Closest home houses a Royal En 10 Some birds do this at the speed of a fighter 4 Crazy p justed their travel habits11 and accept 10 Some birds do this at the12speed of a(7) fighter 4 Crazy place to find flag?

(2,3,4) plane?

5 Old lad some short term pain for plane? the long (7) Old pain lady (7) captivates a 6doctor 11 About to be taking drug5to ease Plantwit ca term gain of the roundabout atto be taking14drug 12 11 13 About to pain perfume (7) 6 Plant causing disappearance of p 15 ease A moist ultimately designed to make 7 Putting SH22 and also the incredible surf 12 A moist perfume ultimately designed 7 Putting up with demeanour (7)reg fine sprayto (7)make 8 Teen spray (7) bad time in London 13 Petty quarrel involving 8riverTeen fish regrets (5) (6,6) club team we have out at16 fine Karioitahi 17 18 19 20 13 Petty quarrel involving river fish (5)to notice supervision(6,6) 14 Failure (9) 9 They do Beach who have had huge chal16 Suitable means to an end 15 Brussels One rem 14 Failure to notice supervision (9) 9 (9)They don’t want to see lenges this year both in 21the water 23 port (5) former17 Flatvehi pac 16 Suitable means to 22an end19 (9) Rex gets stuck into finest 15 French One removes motor and out. They are a huge I triedport swimming with17 Penny in pack disturbed 18 town Writer 19 asset Rex gets stuck into finest21French (5) Flat fromsea Cornish (7)i (4,3) students who have been part of21a 24concerted I tried swimming with Penny in disturbed sea 18 Writer is awfully rude about Ru 25 23 Foster child’s fuss disturbedstudents Pete (7)(7) 19 They gi effort with Police and Council (4,3) to try 24 Terrible cruelty with knives perhaps (7) 20 Militant 23 Foster child’s fuss disturbed Pete (7) 19 They give better odds (7) to deal with so many issues over 26 25 I’d plunged into river to find spear (7) 22 Mentall 24 Terrible cruelty with knives perhaps (7) 20 Militant leader in Exeter excited summer so thanks everyone, bring 26 Furniture of actor’s assistant from Cardiff? (5,7) 25 I’d plunged into river to find spear (7) 22 Mentally defeat some tipsy char on a better year.

26 Furniture of actor’s assistant from Cardiff? (5,7) ACROSS DOWN

Less in Waiuku — but still busy Over the holiday period Waiuku was quieter than normal with so many people away.

We have had our summer patrols at Karioitahi beach over the peak dates and even since those dedicated patrols ended it seems to have reduced a lot of the bad driving behaviour at the beach. I would like to think that the message has got through to some. Council helped with new fencing and the electronic sign.

Last week we had a anti vaccination protest in the town square that drew a lot of complaints from passers-by.

It is not against the law to protest in New Zealand and unless there is some breach of the criminal law Police do not intervene. I think many people played into protesters hands by engaging with them, getting themselves worked up and then calling Police when it got heated. This is drawing us away from a core

West Franklin Community Trust

Local government election will provide some challenges

or signed evidence from a witness. But if it is happening right now call 111, there could be a cop car around the corner.

My Waiuku team assisted Tuakau and Pukekohe Police and executed a search warrant at a Pukekohe house last week where a large-scale cannabis cultivation was discovered.

Most of the house had been converted to a cannabis growing operation with approximately 150 plants, each plant about 1½ metres high all grown under heat lamps. The home had been re-wired at the street to avoid detection and huge power bills. It took most of the day to dismantle the operation. A Vietnamese man remains in custody on charges of cultivating cannabis for supply. It was a long day in 29-degree temperatures. Let us know if you suspect such goings on at your neighbours, closed up buildings, odd power surges and suspi-

Crossword

1 What’s-his-name is lanky, sticky fellow (12) 9 Aviatrix gives listener courage we hear (7) 10 Some birds do this at the speed of a fighter plane? (7) with Sgt Dean 11 About to be taking drug Borrell to ease pain (7) 12 A moist perfume ultimately designed to make fine spray (7) 13 Petty quarrel involving river fish (5) 14 Failure to notice supervision (9) 16 Suitable means to an end (9) 19 Rexactivity gets stuck at intothe finesthouse.

French port (5) cious 21 I tried swimming with Penny in disturbed sea We have been investi(4,3) gating localfuss man who Pete (7) 23 Fosterachild’s disturbed 24 with knives perhaps hasTerrible been cruelty responsible for at (7) 25 I’d plunged into river to find spear (7) least 20 petrol drive offs in 26 Furniture of actor’s assistant from Cardiff? (5,7)

recent weeks. Petrol drive offs are of course when you fill your car up with gas but don’t pay. It easy to do but hard to get away with as there are CCTV cameras everywhere. We also get alerts when a car that has been identified as not paying for fuel in the past turns up at a service station later.

Offenders try to change or hide the number plate.

This man will be facing 13 offences of theft.

Lastly a familiar but often ignored message for rural properties, secure your property, lock sheds, secure farm bikes, consider alarms and security cameras.. We have a great catch rate with our rural burglars but they eventually get bail or released. Don’t be his next victim.

— Dean

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 15 17 18 19 20 22

Athlete Ben led off run (7) Closest home houses a Royal Engineer (7) Crazy place to find flag? (2,3,4) Old lady captivates a doctor with snake (5) Plant causing disappearance of pests? (7) Putting up with demeanour (7) Teen regrets bad time in London thoroughfare (6,6) They don’t want to see Brussels sprout! (12) One removes former motor vehicle (9) Flat pack from Cornish town (7) Writer is awfully rude about Rugby’s first students (7) They give better odds (7) Militant leader in Exeter excited radical (7) Mentally defeat some tipsy characters (5) Ph. 09 238 5188 Mob. 021 343 335 www. sepio.co.nz Specialists in commercial and domestic insurance

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When a dream becomes reality

Ross Hamilton is a freelance illustrator, who attended Waiuku Junior School, View Road Senior and Waiuku College.

Growing up, he was lucky enough to have an aunty that worked at Penguin Publishing, and she would bring boxes full of book ‘seconds’ they were throwing out home for the Hamilton family to read. Ross continues his story in his own words:

I have clear memories of my Standard Three teacher Mrs Ivy reading us ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl, as we all sat on the floor at her feet. Illustrated by Quentin Blake, she would hold the chapter book out towards us so we could see the pictures, and that is when he became my idol. My work today has obvious influences from his style. My Dad also had a How To Draw Cartoons book, which I took ownership of. I would organise drawing competitions with my classmates.

I am a self-trained illustrator using water colour paint. People sometimes ask me why I don’t use computer programs like Adobe, but I like to see the runny paint, and mistakes.

Illustration work is not easy to break in to. I was lucky enough to have

friends that needed illustrations for their companies or shows. Due to being friends, I would work for free, in return for getting my work out there. I would do posters for shows by comedian Tom Sainsbury, and you can probably see my branding work on the JUK frozen meals at New World.

I began an illustration-only Instagram, and self-published some children’s books through a website called Blurb, that anyone can use. Over time, my acquaintances began to assume that illustrating was my full time job.

(Sadly, it isn’t yet).

I was lucky enough to meet someone who worked at a publishing company, Bateman Books. One day she asked if I would mock up one picture for her to include in her proposal to her team, of

a book they were thinking of publishing. They decided to proceed, and once the author saw my picture, both he and Bateman Books asked if I would be willing to do the full book. Not wanting to miss my chance, they asked for 40 illustrations and I gave them 60.

‘Life Hacks For Cats’, an adult humour book, was released in April 2021. And, because I had proven that I could provide the illustrations on schedule, I have now been offered further work. My first children’s book, “Goat On A Trampoline’, will be released July 2022, and I am currently working on a new children’s book, ‘Ah Choo’ which will come out in 2023. Illustrating and getting a book printed is quite a long process but one I really enjoy.

Summer

COCKY RECKONS

and Safety requirements, falling participant numbers, and a reduction in pool of available volunteers, have made the event harder for the Club to stage and afford.

The unknown duration of and impact from Covid-19 variant Omicron possibly being rife in the community around the time of the event has made it just too much of a risk to take.

“It’s the up-front costs,” said Allan “they are considerable and unavoidable and if we have to cancel close to the date, because of Covid, we still have to pay them. This leaves less money available to the Club to support local causes.

The Waiuku Lions Club is actively considering alternatives for the future which would have the appeal of Sand to Mud without the cost commitments on things such as a Traffic Management Plan.

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It is with deep regret, we are forced to announce, the 45th running of the famous (in Waiuku) Waiuku Lions Club Sand to Mud fun run, planned for Sunday 10 April 2022 has been cancelled.

Allan Standing, event organiser for the Waiuku Lions, said “This has been a terribly difficult decision for the Club to take ending a 44 year tradition, but the Club now feels it has no alternative but to cancel and we need to let folk know”.

The Sand to Mud run, from Karioitahi Beach (sand) to the Tamakae Reserve (mud) did attract up to 800 runners in its heyday and has been a great fundraiser to support local good causes.

The two most recent beneficiaries have been Surf Lifesaving Rebuild Fund and “10,000 Steps for Reid”.

However spiraling costs caused by increasing Traffic Management requirement, event Health

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FEBRUARY 2022

Tickets $20 per person. Limited to 100.

“An evening of Rock & Laughter...

Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind!”

Tickets available now from the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club Vaccination passes required for entry

4 Victoria Ave, Waiuku To book your tickets call 09 235 9131

Lack of volunteers jeopardise Information Centre

STORY JUELLE HUNT

The Waiuku Information Centre is urgently seeking local volunteers to man the office and in so doing support their community, welcoming new residents and promoting local businesses and tourism attractions.

The Waiuku Information Centre is the last one operating in Franklin. There used to be three and Waiuku was the first to be established in the mid 1980s and became affiliated with the New Zealand Visitor Information Bureau.

Membership costs and criteria forced the centre to pull out of the national organisation, but still continued as a community facility. The centre is now managed by the Waiuku Business & Development Association providing information to visitors about local businesses, tourism attractions and events in Waiuku township, nearby districts and Awhitu peninsula.

There has been a huge increase in people moving into Waiuku recently and the area is becoming a popular destination for many visitors.

It is imperative to keep the centre going, linking the community now and into the future.

Work as a volunteer is rewarding, meeting and talking with people who visit the centre.

The vision is to grow and develop the visitor centre and to be able to increase services to both the community and visitors alike.

At present it is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 3pm with two shifts: 10am - 12.30pm and 12.00 noon - 3.00pm.

“We are looking for people with a bubbly personality, great sense of humour and knowledge of the area, would be fantastic. Computer knowledge is desirable but not a necessity. If there are people who have had previous experience in the travel and tourism industry, possibly retired we would welcome your help,” says Sharlene Druyven, Waiuku Town Manager.

“Some of the services we provide are welcome packs for new residents settling into Waiuku, bus and train timetables, free maps, informa-

Bill Blank and Sharlene Druyven in the Waiuku Information Centre.

tion on local events, journey planning, bus trips and group bookings, brochures, information on social services and a Justice of Peace service which is held every Wednesday from 11.30am 1.30pm.

“The centre is located in a prime spot for visitors to access, and we are proud of our community and the businesses who support us. With many new quirky and interesting shops popping up our aim is be the vital hub of our community and the promotion of Waiuku as a destination.

“Our visitors are spoilt for choice as we have so much to offer in the way of local tourism activities and accommodation in the area: local arts and crafts, horse trekking, beaches, the river, fishing spots, Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Ratahi Boat Cruises, Awhitu Lighthouse, Pleasant Valley Blueberries and Awhitu Regional park to name a few.

“With the rise of the internet the visitor centre is still very relevant, not everyone wants to book online. Some still like a good map to plan from, brochures to delight over, help with planning group bus trips and good old local knowledge goes a long way,” said Sharlene.

Bill Blank, a valued volunteer at the Iiformation centre says, “Visitors like to call in and ask questions about all manner of things and we are here to help. Whether that be a good local fishing spot, a nice place to eat out for dinner or a B&B stay.”

If you would like to volunteer your time they would love to hear from you, for more information please phone Sharlene Druyven (Waiuku Town Manager) Ph 0210 8275763 or email waiuktownmanager@gmail.com

Donation to local organisation Every year Farm Source hold a thank you barbeque for its customers.

Last year with the restrictions of Covid, it was decided to run a competition and donate a $700.00 Prezzy Card to the winner.

Farm Source customers were given an orange disc at the time of purchase and asked to vote for their favourite local charity – their options were St John, Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi or Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade.

By a very narrow margin St John were the lucky recipient of the gift.

“We were very pleased that the Farm Source customers felt that our service was their preference. The voucher will be put to good use,” said Dianne Malloch Chairperson of the Order of St John Waiuku Area Committee.

At their January meeting the Area Committee decided to assist a nominated person to

attend a first aid course. The cources are run in the Waiuku St John Ambulance Hall from time to time.

“We felt the more locals we have with first aid skills the better it will be for Waiuku and the district,” said Dianne.

St John Paramedic Esme Pretorius receiving the gift voucher from Mark Norton Manager of Farm Source Waiuku.

FEBRUARY 2022

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

Milan awarded for environmental leadership

Milan Burns from Otaua School has been awarded a 2021 BLAKE Young Leader Award. Representing the Sir

Peter Blake Trust, BLAKE was established in 2004 following Peter’s untimely death and is dedicated to continuing the iconic Kiwi sailor’s environmental leadership legacy.

Milan earned his nomination through his work as one of the Otaua Nature Warriors team, along with a lead role in the Rat Rangers programme which included a commitment to checking and baiting traps during his school holidays.

He has also planted trees in the Waiuku area as part of the Trees for Survival programme and spent time during lockdown potting over 500 trees for the 2022 planting. Unfortunately, 2021’s lockdowns put paid to the presentation of Milan’s award. Now in its 11th year, the BLAKE Young Leader

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Awards acknowledge young New Zealanders like Milan who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities within their school communities and inspire those around them.

BLAKE Young Leader Awards are awarded to selected Year 5-8 students to recognise young leaders who show a commitment to leading positive change in their community for a sustainable future.

The successful students are usually presented ceremoniously with a prize pack, medal and certificate. The 2021 Awards involved around 350 primary and intermediate schools from around the country. Milan joins more than 3850 other young leaders in earning his award.

Penpals on opposite sides of the world Two sisters in law, both working as Activity Coordinators in Aged Care in England and New Zealand were chatting one day and came up with the idea of writing letters to each other’s residents. The aim was to build new friendships over the seas and simply brighten someone’s day. Everyone loves to receive a letter and this is how our seniors were used to communicating long before the age of mobile phones, emails and video calls.

A few residents from the CHT Aged Care facility in Waiuku got on board and wrote letters to the King’s Lynn Residential Home in Norfolk, England. At the time of writing the initial letters, the UK were in a big lockdown from Covid. Our residents introduced themselves and sent their best wishes to keep safe in the difficult times they were experiencing. Little did we know that a few weeks later we would also be in a long lockdown when Delta finally arrived to our shores.

Then one day, letters arrived from the UK from our new friends . . . how excited we were to receive these beautiful postcards and hear their news.

Each of the letters was read out to the residents. We had to read them a few times to really take it all in. Pure delight and amazement crossed their faces

as they listened to the stories of people with similar life experiences. Discussions then followed about our new penpals.

Of course, we wrote back again . . . and this time a few more residents joined in. We are eagerly awaiting our replies. May be one day, we can do a video call . . . but the time difference is our only disadvantage.

From a Diversional Therapy point of view, letter writing encourages dexterity; hand writing practice; memory recall, reminiscing and fills the need for companionship. The

Locals Helping Locals Experience & knowledge count in this market

Margaret Hopkins reads the letter from her new pen pal in the UK.

Now in his 102nd year, Rex Howe is excited to hear from a new friend from overseas.

ability to hold a pen can be difficult for some so this is an enormous achievement for some to write their own letters.

Margaret Ward, Manager of CHT Waiuku said “Most of our residents here and in the UK have experienced similar things; war, hard times, illness and grief. Who would of thought at the age of 99 or 100, they would be making new friendships across the miles. We are learning more about our residents as we discover new stories to be told.

How wonderful this is?”

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St John to hold a whanau day St John Waiuku Area Committee are planning to have a Whanau Day to acknowledge their volunteers and staff for everything they do to help the organisation.

The National Office ran a competition amongst the Area Committees requesting ideas that could be of value to the community they serve.

The Waiuku Committee suggested hiring the Glenbrook Vintage steam train for a day to give their team a day at the Glenbrook complex with free train rides, a luncheon and use of the jiggers

and mini golf as a thank you to them.

The Waiuku Area Committee was the recipient of one of the grants so are in the process of making this all happen with Sean Heenan and his crew from the GVR. The current date booked is for Sunday 27 February.

On the day the Area Committee will donate an emergency defibrillator to have on site at the Glenbrook Station. It will also be able to be transported on the train on operating days and trips away.

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FEBRUARY 2022

Goodbye to the Tavern STORY JUELLE HUNT

Otaua Tavern in the late 1980s.

Speculation over the future of the Otaua Tavern has been finally put to rest.

If you lived around Waiuku in the 1970s and 80s chances are you may have enjoyed a drink or two at the Otaua Tavern.

It had various owners over the years including initial owner Bob Landsdown then Larry Bell, but fondly remembered in those halcyon years was when Rose and Morris Kerr operated the Tavern.

In 1970 Alan Motion an Otaua Farmer who owned the land and who lived in the old homestead behind the tavern, applied to the Franklin District Council to change the zoning.

This would allow a for the building of a licensed premises, car park and a manager’s house and the property was built as a Dominion Breweries Tavern.

The Tavern opened in November 1974, it became the hub of the local community, frequented by farmers, fisherman, duck shooters and whitebaiters. It wasn’t unusual to see the car park full of tractors, utes and boat trailers.

In the late 70s the Tavern was the place to be for the young locals, a popular night out to hear live bands. Many local and out of town bands played there including DV8, Zigzag The Narcs, Golden Harvest and Hello Sailor to name few.

The Tavern had its moments as locals recall ‘rumbles in the car park’; there are even stories of a car being driven though the side sliding doors after a drunken patron was refused another drink. All in all the ‘Tavern’, as it was affectionally known, was well loved and held many memories of great times.

Once Rose and Morris ceased to run the Tavern there were various owners, managers and local supporters. But the license lapsed and in early 2006 the tavern closed and sat dormant.

In early 2007 four neighbouring residents in Otaua

village received a letter from Waste Petroleum Combustion Ltd informing of their intention to build a waste oil treatment plant on the site.

Shocked by this abhorrent news, concerned residents formed the ‘Otaua Village Society’, with the main objective to prevent the company setting up in the village.

A meeting was held at the old Motion homestead where 30 residents attended including Jo Naysmith who was on the local community board at the time and whose advice, knowledge and guidance was invaluable around the navigation of the Resource Management Act. Desperate to stop the company who were planning to build tanks for more than a million litres of waste oil on site, the residents decided to fight back. The society called a public meeting in the Otaua Hall to garner support from their community. Franklin Mayor of the time Mark Ball attended the meeting. Waiuku Awhitu Community Board member Jo Naysmith was appointed to represent the Society which had swelled to over 40 people. “The crux of the issue for council is that we only have one zone for industry, business and commerce,” Mark Ball said.

Waste Petroleum Combustion Ltd’s stance was that it needed a new site because the rent they were paying for their location at the time in Pukekohe was too expensive. A representative of the company attended the meeting to explain their proposal and stated that the facility at Otaua would not have, a major impact on the village. The company was proud of its environmental record and said that the resident’s concerns were unjustified. Many questions remained unanswered and as one resident recalls, “we had the support from the community and basically their proposal was ‘shot down in flames’”.

After the meeting the village

society kicked into to gear lobbying the council to change the resource consent process to ‘notifiable’ which would have allowed the wider community and not just the four immediate neighbours to make submissions and have their say.

The Franklin District Council called a hearing inviting the four families who were considered to be directly affected to have their concerns heard. The society put up such a strong opposition to the proposal that the Council scheduled a public meeting and appointed an environmental commissioner.

On the first day of the meeting Bill Lee, a long-time Otaua resident and vice-president of the Society was interviewed by media and television.

His comments appeared in the Herald and he said “he couldn’t believe that a company wanted to put a waste oil plant in his village. Waste Petroleum Combustion was asking for consent to build a new treatment facility in this paddock, with storage for up to 1.2 million litres of waste oil. “Common sense should tell you that you don’t put oil refineries in little villages. There are no emergency services here,” Mr Lee added. “This will destroy the village as it is and the place will never be the same if that company comes here.” This would be the pinnacle statement that would be the undoing of the project going ahead.

At the conclusion of the meeting Mr Littlejohn Environmental Commissioner ruled in the Society’s favour, citing that it was ‘not in keeping with the amenity of the village’ or in other words not a desirable feature to a rural village space.

Jubilation was short lived though, when Waste Petroleum Combustion Ltd ‘uped the ante’ and in 2009 informed the residents of their intention to appeal the decision in the Environmental Court and an appending court date was set.

Continued Page 7

FEBRUARY 2022

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

PAGE 7

Tavern demolished Cont from Page 6

Come and see us for all your Water Needs • Bore Pumps • Water Pumps • Water Filters • Water Tanks • Water Testing • Electrical

40 Crosbie Road • Pukekohe •

Ph 09 237 0050 Demolition work almost complete of the former Otaua Tavern.

Fearing that this could have huge financial consequences for the Otaua Village Society when they were advised that it could cost an eye-watering sum of $1000 an hour for an environmental lawyer to represent them. There was a lot at stake but the residents were not about to fold. The society was thrown a lifeline when Hamilton based law firm Thompkins Wake attending one of their meetings for free and advised of a solicitor who could assist with preparing the legal documents for the appeal at a considerably lower fee.

Thompkins Wake sent a letter to the company’s lawyer telling them ‘we will see you in court.’

The Village Society set about fundraising and raised $10,000. They knew that this

Tavern after refurbishment totally gutted.

Tavern in 2017

would only cover a fraction of what it would cost for the Environmental Court but it made them feel good to know they had support from their community.

Shortly after the Society received a letter from the company’s lawyers advising that they had withdrawn their appeal and the proposed oil treatment plant would no longer go ahead.

In late October 2010 a fire broke out at the Tavern which was attended by nine fire appliances. Although the building was saved the roof was severely damaged. The fire investigation concluded that the blaze was started by and electrical fault. After the fire the Tavern was left in disrepair with tarpaulins covering the

damaged roof and during this time the building was vandalised and most of the contents including the pool tables were stolen.

The building was eventually repaired and sold on in October 2015 to a young entrepreneur who had plans to build a housing development on the site.

Unfortunately he was tragically killed in a canyoning accident and the property was passed to his parents who subsequently sold it on to the current owner in September 2021.

The recent demolition of the Tavern has invoked quite an emotional response from the community with many sharing their memories on social media. The site is currently being developed into a residential subdivision.

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PAGE 8

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FEBRUARY 2022

The beauty of wooden and natural toys There is a shift beginning to emerge in Early Childhood centres and homes with a return to wooden and natural toys. This is driven from learning of the importance of connecting with nature as well as the need to look towards sustainability and toys that have little or no impact on our environment.

When it comes to plastic toys, it is so easy to discover something that resonates with your child in their play and to continue to ‘collect’ the set. It is not until we are trying to find room for more, or until we are in the midst of a ‘cleanse’ (plastic toys

which end up in landfill) that we notice the way that these plastic objects are taking over our homes and the play of our tamariki.

Thinking about natural toys collected from nature… when you see a leaf, it can feel soft, hard, sharp, furry, thick, thin, slimy, waxy, and so many other things, whereas a plastic tree feels… well, like plastic.

When playing and using their imagination with natural and wooden toys, infants and toddlers are discovering colours, feeling new textures and smells as well as listening to the sounds

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the different objects make when they are banged together or bitten with new teeth. Compare this to a store-bought plastic teether which looks like plastic, feels like plastic, tastes and smells like plastic.

If I was starting my children’s toy collection again, I would love to use the power of hindsight and make some changes.

Don’t get me wrong there are some amazing plastic toys out there and I am not saying ditch all the plastic toys. I would have certainly been more mindful of purchasing natural, ethical, and sustainable toys.

Junk Play pops up in Waiuku Up popped a children’s adventure playground on the Tamakae Reserve in Waiuku on the morning of Saturday 22 January. The Franklin Local Board sponsored event, called Junktioneers - Junk Play, was one of a series of Auckland Council community activations that have been taking place all over Auckland this summer.

‘Junk Play’ or ‘loose parts play’ uses recycled items otherwise destined for landfill, to fire up children’s imagination and creativity.

Waiuku Zero Waste managed the event, providing all the materials for the pop-up playground.

Old vinyl records, cardboard tubes, clean spouting and plumbing fixtures, bike wheels, washing machine parts, cable reels and all manner of other man-made bits and bobs helped create a wonderland of possibilities.

The business’s project coordinator, Chelsea Kitzen, says new items arrive daily at the community recycling centre.

“Sometimes we have random things that sit around for a while in our yard, so using these spare parts in play is another way to reuse.

Some children put pipes together and roll balls down them. Other kids might make a car, or a person, or some form of abstract art. Others make towers or use the equipment in imaginative play, like a little girl at the event who pretended to row a boat. In the band rotunda we had a bit of upcycling going on with paint and old records. Local families enjoyed the opportunity to do something different. It was really cool to see.”

It was Waiuku Zero Waste’s first standalone junk play event, and there was certainly no shortage of ‘junk’ to play with. The charitable business is owned by Waiuku and Districts Community Workshop Trust, which runs the Waiuku Junktion reuse store, the Waiuku Community Workshop and a Tool Library.

“Recycling, upcycling and the sharing economy are things people are becoming much more interested in these days,” says Chelsea. “Being involved in the Junk Play event was a great way to show our youngest citizens that it can be fun finding ways to put old things to new uses.”

Aanya (10), Anjani (5) and Aarya (8) upcycle old records.

Waiuku Zero Waste’s project coordinator Chelsea Kitzen and general manager Sue Wallis.

FEBRUARY 2022

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi urgently need funds STORY JUELLE HUNT

An artist’s impression of how the new clubrooms will look.

It’s been 12 years in the making to replace the existing Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi clubroom which are now 48 years old, and it can’t come quick enough, with three tragic drownings in the last six weeks.

Stunningly beautiful but deceptively dangerous, the popularity of Karioitahi Beach is ever increasing which has kept the surf life savers busier than ever. Karioitahi is now one of South Auckland’s most popular recreational play grounds.

There has been a huge surge of new visitors to the beach “many who don’t have a sense of the danger here or the benefit of local knowledge” said life member and building committee co-chairperson Jim Coe. There is a sense of urgency now to get the new club room facilities built which will house a medical ready first aid room that can take up to three or four people and capable of dealing with serious injuries.

Looking somewhat delipidated are the current inadequate clubrooms.

Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi have recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a swelled membership to 150 members, which is now capped due to the lack of space for both members and equipment in the existing premises.

“The reality is the current club rooms are not fit for purpose, mother nature and the extreme coastal environment has taken

its toll. The club rooms are in a very poor state and should really be condemned. The roof is rusted out and leaking, the whole place is virtually falling to pieces, not a good space for our young life savers be operating out of. In spite of this we still need to operate and provide a lifesaving service for our community,” says Jim. The statistics are concerning.

For the 2020-2021 seasons the club had 59 active life guards, there were ten people rescued, 25 patient assists, 33 serious first aids, nine searches for people.

This amassed to 5704 volunteer hours, 1637 preventative actions involving 12,898 members of the community. “The preventative actions are really important,” says Jim “we would rather stop people getting into trouble first rather than be in the water rescuing them.”

Jim is passionate about the Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Club, it’s in his blood. His grandfather also Jim Coe and great uncle Ernie Coe performed the earliest rescue at the original Franklin Surf and Lifesaving Club which was established in 1935 when they formed a patrol for this wild west coast environment.

The current surf club was established in August 1968 when the Waiuku Rotary Club called a meeting in response to concerns local fishermen had for their safety on the beach. Jim’s father Lawrie Coe, and a group of Rotarians at the time along with help from the Lions Club, managed to secure a house from New Zealand Steel, which was relocated to the beach and became the original clubrooms. Jim and Judith’s son Aaron Coe and daughter Tara Coe (Head of Lifesaving) are proudly fourth generation lifesavers.

Pip for value Hi! For those of you who don’t know me yet, I’m Pip Wells, your local Waiuku Real Estate agent. I may not be a born and bred local, but I’ve lived in Waiuku for over 30 years and I just love it! I’ve been selling houses and making vendors happy in Waiuku for over 12 years now and I absolutely love what I do. I love presenting and marketing local properties so that they attract the right buyer and achieve the best result for my vendors.

I’ve worked for all the big brand real estate agencies in my time, but working with them had become less about selling houses and more about getting as much funding and investment out of vendors as possible. So last year I made the switch to Arizto. Arizto is a genuine, grass-

“Our dilemma is that there is a requirement to have all the funding in place before building commences and there is the time limit as well,” says Jim. “There is an urgent need to get the new clubrooms over the line.

The original pricing was $3.5 million which due to escalating costs over the last three years has nearly doubled that with a new total build cost closer to $6 million. Frustratingly, even with the funds we have secured already, there will be a significant shortfall. With every year that passes the costs increase, we are driving to try and have this project started by the end of this year before we need to re-apply for resource and building consents,” said Jim. When looking at this project the vision was not only to replace the current building with a ‘fit for purpose lifesaving facility but a venue that community groups and organisations could use and benefit from.

The new-build will be weatherable and will be able to withstand the conditions.

Fortunately, co-chair of the building sub-committee Dean Lawrence is a former builder has been able to guide the committee with what is required to maintain a building in this type in the coastal environment.

The upstairs lounge will have seating for 120 people and the outside deck seating another 100. There will be sleeping facilities/bunk rooms for the lifeguards which the community will be able to utilise outside of lifeguarding hours. Also included is a communications tower and commercial kitchen.

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a medical first aid room capable of dealing with the serious injuries that occur at the beach due to both water and land-based activities. A large increased storage area for our equipment which also doubles as a training area for junior life guards.

“We need your help, if there are any organisations, businesses or individuals who would like to contribute we are happy to accept all the help we can get. Whether that be through cash donations or goods in kind,” said Jim. You can donate to the Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi Inc ASB Club Account 12-3044-0320181-01.

Please include your name as reference and “donation”. For further information or if you would like a receipt, email Jim Coe at daddysurfer@gmail.com.

Everyone who donates will be acknowledged on a donation wall inside the new building.

The club would like to acknowledge and thank those organisations, trusts, businesses and people who have contributed generously so far enabling us to get to this stage. Auckland Council, Foundation North, Gleeson & Cox, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, Matt Williams Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Waiuku Lions Club, Waiuku Rotary, Muriel Ball Trust and Waiuku New World.

“Karioitahi Beach for the average swimmer is dangerous without a lifesaving patrol present, with the rip currents, holes and gutters that exist out there.

Even a good swimmer won’t be

PAGE 9

The bright interior lounge will not only serve the club but will be also available for public functions.

able to look after themselves if they get into trouble. So the message I have to a lot people who go to there is if in doubt, then stay out; if there is no patrol operating, don’t go swimming. Swim between the flags. We have never had a drowning in the patrolled area.

“There has been an influx of people swimming after 5.00pm and that is when the drownings have occurred. Even after the guards have finished patrolling and have packed up for the day they still need to do rescues, it’s a real concern to us,” said Jim. Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi provide an absolutely incredible service to our community not only do they save lives they are involved in lifeguard support training and education around water safety, the club also has a well-trained Search and Rescue squad that is active 24/7/365 days a year. Last year through beach education between 900 1100 children benefited through the beach education for schools run programme.

For more information visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/kariaotahi

Counties Energy Tariffs EFFECTIVE 1 APRIL 2022 All prices are GST exclusive. Counties Energy prices will be changed on the 1st April 2022 and are disclosed as follows: Summer is from Oct 1 to Apr 30. Winter is from May 1 to Sep 30. Peak is defined as between the periods of 7am and 11am, and, 5pm and 9pm, Monday to Friday (including public holidays). Off-Peak is all other periods.

The total price is a combination of the transmission component and the distribution component. The transmission component represents payment for the use of the national network owned by Transpower New Zealand.

The distribution component is for use of the Counties Energy Network.

The Counties Energy total consumer discount for FY23 is $11.244m.

The size of the discount the customer will receive is based on the usage at the customer’s current address as at the cutoff date in November 2022. Only customers who are connected to our network on the cutoff date are eligible for the discount.

TOTAL

TRANSMISSION

DISTRIBUTION

TOTAL

DELIVERY PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT

RLUC

PRICE COMPONENT 2022

CUSTOMERS ON PRICE COMPONENT

RESIDENTIAL CONSUMER - LOW FIXED CHARGE (LFC)

UNITS

PRICE COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

PRICE CATEGORY

PRICE COMPONENT CODE

PREVIOUS PRICE COMPONENT 2021

17732

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

FIXD

Daily Price

$/day

0.1500

0.0315

0.2685

0.3000

0.2468

PEAK

Peak

$/kWh

0.2290

0.0416

0.2504

0.2920

0.2402

OFPK

Off Peak

$/kWh

0.0974

0.0000

0.0920

0.0920

0.0757

CTRL

Controlled

$/kWh

0.0755

0.0000

0.0593

0.0593

0.0488

DEFT

Uncontrolled

$/kWh

0.1303

0.0261

0.1159

0.1420

0.1168

INJT

Export

$/kWh

0.0103

0.0000

0.0103

0.0103

0.0085

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

Low User price category is only available to a consumers principal place of residence.

A customer may only switch between low user and regular residential price categories once per 12 month period.

RESIDENTIAL CONSUMER - REGULAR USER

RSUC

21112

FIXD

Daily Price

$/day

0.9000

0.1383

1.2617

1.4000

1.1515

PEAK

Peak

$/kWh

0.1999

0.0403

0.1387

0.1790

0.1472

OFPK

Off Peak

$/kWh

0.0659

0.0000

0.0602

0.0602

0.0495

CTRL

Controlled

$/kWh

0.0363

0.0000

0.0120

0.0120

0.0099

DEFT

Uncontrolled

$/kWh

0.0994

0.0213

0.0686

0.0899

0.0739

INJT

Export

$/kWh

0.0103

0.0000

0.0103

0.0103

0.0085

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/column/mth

8.8873

1.8040

7.6521

9.4561

8.1133

$/day

0.7084

0.1437

0.6100

0.7537

0.6467

STREET & COMMUNITY LIGHTING SLDI

Unmetered Distributed Streetlights

FIXD

Metered Lighting - Daily Price

CTRL

Metered Lighting - kWh

GENERAL MASS MARKET

STRL

22

$/kWh GSUC

7321

0.1123

0.0227

0.0968

0.1195

0.1025

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

FIXD

Daily Price

$/day

1.1678

0.1994

1.3423

1.5417

1.2758

PEAK

Peak

$/kWh

0.1932

0.0406

0.1526

0.1932

0.1599

OFPK

Off Peak

$/kWh

0.0713

0.0000

0.0713

0.0713

0.0590

CTRL

Controlled

$/kWh

0.0527

0.0000

0.0527

0.0527

0.0436

DEFT

Uncontrolled

$/kWh

0.1051

0.0221

0.0830

0.1051

0.0870

PWRF

Power Factor

$/kVArh

0.0571

0.0101

0.0470

0.0571

0.0473

INJT

Export

$/kWh

0.0103

0.0000

0.0103

0.0103

0.0085

(Customers with appropriate metering will be required to pay a charge for all reactive energy supplied by the distribution network in excess of an average monthly power factor of 0.95 lagging) MAJOR CUSTOMERS (TOU METER)

LCTC

178

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

$/Unit

SNIT

Summer Night (2400 - 0700)

$/kWh

0.0115

0.0000

0.0115

0.0115

0.0097

SPKD

Summer Peak (0700 - 1100, 1700 - 2100)

$/kWh

0.0284

0.0058

0.0226

0.0284

0.0239

SOPD

Summer Off Peak (1100 - 1700, 2100 - 2400)

$/kWh

0.0183

0.0000

0.0183

0.0183

0.0154

WNIT

Winter Night (2400 - 0700)

$/kWh

0.0149

0.0000

0.0149

0.0149

0.0125

WPKD

Winter Peak (0700 - 1100, 1700 - 2100)

$/kWh

0.0921

0.0145

0.0776

0.0921

0.0774

WOPD

Winter Off Peak (1100 - 1700, 2100 - 2400)

$/kWh

0.0228

0.0000

0.0228

0.0228

0.0192

$/kVA/mth

10.6361

2.2400

8.3961

10.6361

8.9343

DMND

Demand

(Monitored 0700-2300 daily and charged at the average of the 3 highest demands per calendar month, with a maximum of one demand per day)

DEXA

Excess Demand

PWRF

Power Factor

$/kVA/mth

31.9083

5.6856

26.2227

31.9083

26.8030

$/kVArh

0.0571

0.0101

0.0470

0.0571

0.0480

(Applies to all reactive energy supplied by the distribution network in excess of an average monthly power factor of 0.95 lagging) INJT

DG Injection

$/kWh

0.0103

0.0000

0.0103

0.0103

0.0087

CAPY

Connection Capacity Price

$/kVA/mth

0.9401

0.0000

1.6100

1.6100

1.3524

TMMP

Transformer Monthly Price

$/mth

113.459

0.0000

113.459

113.459

95.3056

TMCP

Transformer Capacity Price

$/kVA/mth

0.2664

0.0000

0.2664

0.2664

0.2238

DECEMBER2022 FEBRUARY 2021

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

Are Fair Pay Agreements really fair on small businesses?

Small businesses have really done it tough over the last 18 months, with numerous lockdowns and long periods of being unable to operate. When all the outgoings have been paid, only then can the business owner take what’s left for themselves.

We are a nation of small businesses.

They can be found in every sector of commerce and in every industry. They are often referred to as the ‘engine room’ of the economy, providing jobs for thousands of Kiwis.

As of February 2021, there were 562,520 businesses in New Zealand, of which 97 per cent had fewer than 20 employees. Only 5840 businesses had 50 or more employees, making up one per cent of all businesses.

Most small businesses are privately owned and operated – husband and wife teams or sole traders, or run by a family, which is common amongst ethnic communities. They provide the goods and services that keep our communities moving and provide a solid standard of living for many families.

During lockdowns, the Government provided financial support for businesses large and small. But what they offered with one hand, they took away with the other. Before and during Covid, the Government actually increased the costs of operating a business: by raising the minimum wage, doubling the amount of sick days, and introducing a new public holiday.

These policies come at a significant additional cost to business owners, and the Government hasn’t done anything to offset these costs. Lifting the minimum wage isn’t something National opposes on principle, but to do it during the middle of an economic crisis and pandemic simply served to put further stress on small businesses who were already struggling to get by.

And the Government-imposed costs have continued. Under the vaccination mandates, it is the business that has to pay four weeks’ notice to an unvaccinated employee. Hospitality businesses are now required to have someone at

Since the first lock down in 2020, several businesses in Waiuku have been forced to close down.

West Franklin, like other small communities in New Zealand have been hard hit with a down turn in business, loss of cash flow to pay accounts and generally a depressive state.

Andrew Bayley is the MP for Port Waikato, and is the National Party spokesman on small business.

The West Franklin Breeze asked Andrew for his views on what these lock downs have done to small business. the door to check potential customers’ vaccination status – yet another cost that has been transferred to the business owner.

The Government doesn’t seem to understand that while their policies are good in principle, they are a direct cost to our ‘engine room’ of small businesses.

Now their next gift to small businesses is on the horizon, with the introduction of so-called Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs). This will allow unions to negotiate with the largest employers in a particular sector to set minimum wage rates, overtime and penalty rates, plus hours and conditions of work, which will then be applied to all businesses in that sector, regardless of size.

Legislation is currently being drafted and is expected to be introduced to Parliament this year.

National strongly opposes this planned scheme. It is compulsory wage

control and a return to the days when unions controlled the workplace. Small business owners would lose the flexibility and autonomy to negotiate directly with their employees and put in place arrangements that suit their own business and their employees.

BusinessNZ has refused to be one of the principal bargaining parties that would help businesses navigate the negotiation process. The peak business organisation says it is not prepared to be part of a scheme that is unfair and out of touch with modern ways of working, adding that compulsory FPAs are unlawful under both current domestic and international employment legislation.

FPAs impose the same rate of pay on all workers regardless of their skills, experience, strengths, and productivity. Individual workers will no longer be able to negotiate with their employer for a rate of pay that rewards them for their efforts, and employers won’t be able to negotiate with their employees to arrange working hours and conditions that meet the needs of their business.

All agreements will be made between unions and business representatives.

An example of what this FPA will do is a dairy owner in Pukekawa will have to pay the same rates as the owner of a large supermarket in central Auckland.

Once FPAs are mandated for a sector, individual businesses won’t be able to opt out. A small business facing these extra costs may have no option but to lay off staff or, worse, shut up shop.

The role of the Government is not to change the shape and direction of New Zealand on its own, but to provide the framework and allow individuals and businesses to lead the way.

Andrew Bayly is the MP for Port Waikato and the National Party’s Spokesperson for Small Business, Revenue, Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Manufacturing, and Building & Construction; he can be contacted at andrew.bayly@parliament.govt.nz or follow him on Facebook @AndrewBaylyMP

PAGE 11 17

Andrew Bayly MP for Port Waikato Port Waikato Electorate Office 7 Wesley St, Pukekohe 09 238 5977 andrew@baylymp.co.nz AndrewBaylyMP

Authorised by Andrew Bayly, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

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Lions Club of Waiuku

Global force for good

Lions are truly a global force for good.

Lions are ordinary people from all walks of life who enjoy getting together and doing good things, we want to help.

That’s why we work on projects to improve our communities Are you looking for a way to help your local and protect the environment. community? Do you want to give back?

We get enormous satisfaction Lions can help you with that! from the knowledge that what Email waiuku@lionsclubs.org.nz we do, DOES make a difference www.facebook.com/waiukulions enjoying friendship and fun while doing so. Whenever Lions club members get together, problems get smaller and communities get better. Because we help where help is needed – in our own communities The Lions Club of Waiuku is a local and around the world – with Club with membership drawn from the unmatched integrity and energy. local community. But it is also a part of Waiuku Lions Club was founded in something much bigger - a global orNovember 1965 and if you look around ganisation with 1.4 million members in the town you will see many signs of 208 countries and geographic regions. their service. The town centre clock With this much manpower, it’s no was erected by the Lions. As was the wonder that Lions Club members can Sandspit BBQ facility. The town lake achieve extraordinary things, every day. was created by the Lions and the bridge

Local people helping local people for over 50 years.

over the stream to the Cossie Club has just been refurbished by the Waiuku Lions Club. The Lions Club also provides a mobility van to assist locals with mobility impairments.

Much Lions service is not so visible.

The Club raises funds through projects to support families and individuals in need and to help other local organisations, such as Family Support and Surf Life Saving to do their work. In the ten years 2010 to 2020, the Waiuku Lions Club raised net funds of around $350,000 to be expended on donations and community projects.

If you want to know more about Lions in New Zealand, please visit www.lionsclubs.org.nz.

If you want to know more about Lions in Waiuku please visit www.facebook.com/waiukulions, give Allan a call on 09 235 6067 / 0272 356 031 for a chat, or just come along to the Lions Station (the original town railway station rescued and refurbished by the Lions) on the second Monday of any month, around 6.30pm to meet the Lions in your midst.

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admin@grahamsfunerals.co.nz 09 235 8380 37 Kitchener Road, Waiuku grahamsfunerals.co.nz

PAGE 12

Inside Action OPD

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Yvonne still hooked on coarse fishing

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Glenbrook resident Yvonne Gausden was first introduced to coarse fishing around 13 years ago by her late husband, Barry, who had been a coarse fisherman since he was a child growing up in England. Less familiar to Kiwis than sea fishing, freshwater coarse fishing refers to angling for coarse fish, or those traditionally considered undesirable as food or game fish.

Barry told Yvonne the sport had the most active participants in the world, and that piqued her interest. At the time, Yvonne, previously a teacher, was very involved with horse-riding, along with her daughter, Kyrie. Because Barry had given the pair a great deal of support with their pursuit, Yvonne felt it only right to show support for his fishing in return, as well as thinking it may be something she could be interested in once her riding days were behind her. She went along to support Barry, who was fishing competitively once a month with the West Auckland Coarse Fishing Club, and travelling both within New Zealand and overseas to fishing competitions.

Yvonne said she watched a great deal of set-up and organisation before the actual fishing took place, and an equally protracted pack-up at the end. “It seemed like a pretty slow business!” But when told that the fish are released once caught, and invited by Barry to try her hand, with his reassurance that he would be right alongside her in the next ‘peg’ if she needed anything. She not only gave it a go, but ended up placing second in that day’s match.

These days she regularly competes in her local club competition, as well as travelling to international competitions when possible. As the singular woman in the West Auckland club, Yvonne, now 75 and still extremely active, said despite having some initial anxiety about joining the team, the men made her feel welcome and there is mutual appreciation for her involvement. “I feel very Barry Gausden privileged they look on me so favourably.” There is currently only one other woman participating in the sport in New Zealand.

There are three different techniques used in coarse fishing, including angling with a feeder rod, a waggler rod or a pole rod which extends from three metres to about 14 metres and is arguably the most challenging technique. Fish caught include rudd, perch, tench and goldfish, and the competition criteria is

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the weight of the catch. Yvonne said there are numerous elements which test the experience of the angler, including the weather, the season, what the fish want to eat and where they are on the river or lake.

“One day you may be fishing with a piece of corn and the fish go crazy for it. The next day, they’re not interested in the corn.”

Anglers are attracted to the sport from sea Yvonne Gausden fishing because of the skill required. Despite the name, all but two of the West Auckland Coarse Fishing Club’s members live outside of the area like Yvonne, and travel all over the country to fish competitively once a month. Unfortunately, a number of fisheries are no longer suitable, particularly the public ones, due mainly to overfishing by the public. Yvonne’s experience, which has included many more competition victories beyond her initial success, grows all the time with this year-round sport. “Like any good sport, you never get to the point where you think you’re crash hot. There’s always something more to learn.”

Coarse fishing is extremely popular in England, where the sport is quite commercial, with dedicated fisheries as well as canal fishing facilities. In New Zealand, most coarse fishing is done from the bank, although the Christchurch City Council has recently constructed wooden platforms specially for anglers at one of the two local quarry lakes where coarse fishing is permitted. “It’s awesome to have a council who supports fishing in that way.” Despite each angler paying a $120 per annum licence fee, coarse fishing is not supported in any way otherwise by local government. Yvonne said the anglers’ dream scenario would be a private venue of which they could have sole use for their sport, but in the meantime the club is lucky to have other places to fish, and the support of some generous farmers who are happy for the anglers to enjoy their sport on private land.

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WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ Weed maintenance at the Awhitu Peninsula Landcare nursery.

Mayoral Conservation Awards for collaboration and innovation STORY JUELLE HUNT

Two Franklin groups have won Mayoral Conservation Awards. Āwhitu Peninsula Landcare the Collaboration Award in recognition of the Te Korowai o Papatūānuku Project, working in partnership with Ngāti Te Ata and Auckland Council and C.R.E.S.T a shorebird protection group covering Clarks, Rangiriri and Ellets beaches, Seagrove and Taihiki Estuary Southern Manukau Harbour won the Innovation Award.

Success for Āwhitu Peninsula Landcare The aims of the project is to eco-source, propagate and plant 250,000 native trees on the Peninsula over a four year period.

The focus areas are those of high conservation and cultural value, with an emphasis on wetlands and waterways creating effective wildlife corridors across the Peninsula. Local employment, horticultural training and public education are all key aspects of this funding.

The Te Korowai o Papatūānuku project is funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) as part of the One Billion Trees Project. Āwhitu Landcare is almost three decades old. It has a Matakawau based nursery and office along wand operate an extensive pest control operation through RD3 and RD4.

This current achievement is really a culmination of the hard work of many people over a number of years before this MPI funding was granted. Landcare convenor Alison Brown and nursery manager Sigrid Sharplin

were responsible for all the backgropund work for the application.

Partnership with Landcare and Ngati Te Ata Edith Tuhimata (kaitiaki) and spokesperson for Ngāti Te Ata has been co-ordinating this work for the last five years. “The inception came from the tribe’s old people 30 years ago expressing their wairua or what they wanted to achieve in the future I’m just carrying on their work.

The most important thing is the kaitiakitanga, the protection and preservation of our cultural heritage sites, the sacred sites and being able to plant them out, to clothe Papatūānuku. This in turn increases the native fauna, flora and wildlife and contributes to the water quality, there is a whole gamut of things going on here, said Edith.

Some of the hardest working people in this realm has been George Flavell, (kaumātua, tribal historian, archeologist and head of the environmental unit for Ngāti Te Ata) and Karl Flavell (environmental planner) have been doing work for the Ngati Te Awa for the last 27 years. “George has spent a lifetime working on our sacred sites. About 27 years ago we realised that we had all these sacred sites but we didn’t have the relationship component to have access onto those sights.

Karl and George brokered relationships with all the land owners and farmers on the Āwhitu Peninisula in order gain access to those sacred sites.

“From there we mapped all the sites and we got Auckland

Retirement Function for

Graeme Brown Waiuku Health Centre has announced the retirement of one of their longest serving doctors Dr Graeme Brown.

Dr Brown, who has worked in Waiuku since 1995 was involved in setting up the current medical centre in Constable Road as one of the original partners. He stepped back just over a year ago and fully retired from at the end of January.

Council to put them on the cultural heritage inventory sites.

We now have our own Geographical Information Systems Database.

“When Āwhitu Landcare said there was new funding opportunities available into the One Billion Tree Programme I put the application through. We worked on everything together in order to be able to plant out all the waterways around our sacred sites and all the areas we deemed susceptible,” said Edith.

“It’s a whole movement people like whaea Waatara Black who put in the fundamental foundation work to enable us to keep going. This award is good but it’s just a manifestation of us being able to continue our relationship with our ancestral lands and sacred sights and the ability to kaitiaki over a long period of time and what that relationship will enable us to do. We are very fortunate, there is not a lot of iwis out there that have an environmental unit to put all the information together and to actually format it the way we did.

It is ongoing work and there is another 30 years of work ahead and we are looking forward to continuing on the journey. It is most important the way we have structured our engagement and our relationships which has made all the difference in setting boundaries and looking at what each party can bring to the table to enable us to have those mutual outcomes which has been the most beneficial of all.

To stay connected visit www. facebook.com/Ngatiteata

The Medical Centre will be holding a community farewell gathering on Sunday 20 February at 2pm at the Medical Centre.

Attendees need to be vaccinated and bookings for attendance preferred phone 09 235 9192.

Numbers may be limited.

PAGE 13 17

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FEBRUARY 2022

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

Structure

17

Vehicle

8

Rescue

52

Medical

34

Vegetation

47

Control Burns

27

Others (Weather Etc)

56 263 Total

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Waiuku Fire Brigade call outs This month the Breeze looks at the total calls that the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade have attended during 2021, and it makes interesting reading. There were 263 call outs over the year.

Waiuku Fire Chief Colin Riddle says that the statistics tell a story.

“The Brigade have attended 52 rescue calls and 47 vegetation or burn off calls,” Colin said.

Rescue calls which is the highest number can range from rescuing a cat out of a tree to rescuing people out of danger, attack, harm especially after a disaster or accident.

It is important to note during these very dry periods that are predicted over the next few months, how important it is to be vigilant about lighting any fires. Fire and Emergency website gives an instant understanding of permissions and restrictions and allows a specific type of fire to be applied for.

Currently the West Franklin district is in a full restricted fire period.

Waiuku Fire Brigade Callouts

NOVEMBER

Queen Street

Couch on fire

1

Matakawau Road

Vegetation

6

Kawhai Point

Vegetation

2

Creamery Road

Vegetation

6

McLarin Road

Tree stump

2

Matakawau Road

Vegetation

6

Glenbrook Road

MVA

2

Mission Bush Road

PFA

7

Wymer Road

Vegetation

5

Elsie Drive

Assist ambulance with lift

7

Otaua Road

MVA

5

Waimanawa Lane

PFA

10

Brook Road

Medical

8

Mission Bush Road

Vegetation

11

Awaroa Stream Road

Vegetation

8

Mission Bush Road

PFA

14

Wilson Road

Horse stuck in float

9

Matakawau Road

PFA

24

Waiuku Road

Vegetation

13

Awhitu Road

MVA

25

Big Bay Road

Vegetation

17

Farm Park Road

Powerline down

29

Boiler Gully Road

Vegetation

17

Te Toro Beach Road

Car in water

29

Kohekohe Road

Vegetation

18

Kitchener Road

PFA

30

Awhitu Road

Vegetation

30

Seaview Rise

Fire causing concern

Museum looking for calf club trophies The Waiuku Museum would like to know of any obsolete cups and trophies relating to agriculture in the district. These could be old calf club cups for example. Their value is important as it holds a record of past farm history which will be preserved on record and stored for display.

They can be left at the Museum on opening hours or Farm Source Waiuku or phone Bruce 0210313091 who will collect them.

the sum of all points earned by every employee taking part at your company on Love to Ride.

The Aotearoa Challenge finishes on 28 February. After that there is a 48 hour period to log your remaining February rides. This is a good opportunity to check your profile and make sure everything looks good before results are finalised. Make sure it’s all logged before 11:59pm on 2 March. After 2 March, the Love to Ride team will go into full audit mode and check all of the leaderboards and then announce the amazing local and national Aotearoa Bike Challenge winners.

You can keep up to date with all the information about these events through Auckland Transport social media channels and website Sign up for the challenge today at www.aotearoa.bike/auckland.

Awhitu rubbish sculpture

Every year there is a sculpture made from rubbish collected on Awhitu peninsula beaches constructed Printing sudoku grids https://1sudoku.com/print-sudoku outside the Matakawau Hall. Look out for this year’s design if you are passing.

Solutions :

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FRANKLIN

Drop in Agents: Action Office Products Depot, 16 Bowen Street, Waiuku.

Ph: 09 235 7835

Editorial: Tiffany Brown: tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz Annie Chappell: annie@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Advertising Sales: Chris Stabler: sales@westfranklinbreeze.nz Publishers: Bill & Ngaire Deed: bill@westfranklinbreeze.nz

6200 copies delivered to Waiuku and the four rural districts. Published by Breeze Publications, Waiuku

DECEMBER

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Aotearoa bike challenge 2022 This February, thousands of individuals and businesses across New Zealand will be enjoying all the benefits of bike riding. They will compete nationally to earn the most points by riding their bikes and encouraging others to do the same.

You can ride anywhere, anytime during from February - just a ten minute ride is enough to take part.

During course of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge, there will be loads of fun events and activities across the Auckland region. Keep an eye on their website.

Riding and encouraging others will earn you points, and your points put you in the running for the amazing prizes.

Earn points as an individual by riding and encouraging others to ride as well. Points are earned at one point per kilometre; ten points for each day you ride; 50 points by getting one existing rider to register and 100 points for a new rider.

If you’re competing as part of a workplace, your workplace points will be

Waiuku Fire Brigade Callouts

1

7

2

9

4

5

8

6

3

8

4

6

7

1

3

2

9

5

3

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1

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Puzzle Answers 9

5

7

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2

3

1

5

2

1

4

7

6

3

8

9

1

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3 7 2 1 9 Earhart.

4 ACROSS 10 migrate. 11 relieve. 12 atomise.

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5 8 24 cutlery. 25 trident. 26 Welsh dresser.

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DOWN 5 72 hurdler.

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PAGE 16

FEBRUARY 2022

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

Mudlarks battle with mangroves takes new turn The Waiuku Mudlarks finished consented clearing of mangroves in Rangiwhea inlet, in 2016. This stretch of water goes up in the direction of Elsie and Millbrook Drives.

The upper reaches of this inlet have been selected by Council as a retention area, so a patch of forest remains. Each year these mangroves make many seeds, correctly called propagules. These are carried downstream and many lodge in the mud, and worse, among rush beds, where they prove a challenge for taking out when they grow into seedling trees.

Mudlark Ian Scobie has shown some Kiwi ingenuity

and built a collecting device, comprising a special net that traps propagules, but allows fish to swim underneath it.

Ian and others get down there when tide is out, with buckets, and clear out the net.

“It’s a time-consuming activity” says Ian. “Every one of these has potential to make another tree, which would repopulate our waterways.

“Up until about Christmas, we were taking out two or more bucketfuls per day, but at last the production seems to be dropping” said Ian. “So far we have collected 47 bucketloads, expect to get past 50 this summer.”

Mudlarks are a volunteer group from Waiuku and around, keen on returning waterways to their pre 1970s state, when there were few mangroves and many fish, birds, and rushes, and people could enjoy paddling, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and larger vessels could access the wharf.

Members meet on the foreshore, cut and bundle mangroves, and transport to wharf for making into mulch.

“I find this a great retirement activity” said Mudlarks Treasurer Colin Siebert. “ It keeps me a bit fit, and it’s good to hang out with the guys”.

Ian Scobie picks up propagules

Don’t let Poodini

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Escape Proof Your

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Nobody wants leaks, pongs and Poodinis popping up in their garden or local waterway. So it’s up to you, the homeowner, to ensure your septic system is inspected and maintained. It’ll help avoid expensive repairs and keep it working poop-erly.

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Reduce water usage

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Regular maintenance

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Report smells

Beware of

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For more, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/septictanks Seen or smelt Poodinis? Call Auckland Council on 09 301 01 01