Piha Beach -  'Village Voice'

This is the site for Piha Village Voice Archives April 2008 and prior

Piha News & Views:  Left: Village Voice Editor - Bobbie  a few years ago!

  THIS IS A VILLAGE VOICE ARCHIVE.  TO GO TO THE CURRENT VILLAGE VOICE

Piha Coastcare new website 

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5/4/08

I think they are fabulous and I am assured that if the transformers were painted in Piha that we wouldn't have white seagulls etc but rather something that blended in really nicely.

Imagine the one on Seaview Road, below right, with manuka and flax painted on it with maybe a blackbird?

Seems also that this fabulous art is reducing the graffitee considerably.  Something about a code of ethics between artists - that's kinda nice.  Which do you prefer? HERE 

 

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Every year there a fewer service men and woman at the Anzac Commemorations but the crowds get bigger.

Now imagine being told by the Council (in response to a complaint) that you have to pay $1,500 +gst for Resource Consent, plus another $400 +gst for monitoring, to display the sign on the left to let people that drive down Beach Valley Road know that "if you go this way you can get hot food".

Below is a photo of the man who almost lost his life and the two family members who with the help of an off-duty Police Officer helped him to shore.

A great outcome and demonstration of teamwork between our two Surf Clubs, SurfCom, Piha/Karekare First Response, St John Ambulance and the Northern Rescue Helicopter crews.

PLEASE submit your comments HERE and we can get an idea about what everyone thinks ....

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17/4/08 Cafe in Piha: Well everyone its in the Environment Court now. Below are the names of the parties involved and those registered as interested parties. Red are those against the proposed Cafe, those in green are in favour and blue - I'm not sure.

 

Ministry of Justice: Environment Court

ENV-2008-AKL-000061 29/2/08: Protect Piha Heritage Society Incorporated v Auckland Regional Council & Waitakere City Council

ENV-2008-AKL-000063 3/3/08: Preserve Piha Limited v Waitakere City Council

 

APPLICANT: Preserve Piha Limited

TOPIC: An application to establish a cafe (non-residential activity) in a residential environment and to discharge treated domestic wastewater from 20 Seaview Road, Piha.

 

Judge Whiting - Place of Hearing: Auckland.

 

 

 

LIST OF PARTIES:

Auckland Regional Council - granted resource consent which is being challenged

Byers, Margaret - Piha

Carroll, Bobbie - Piha

Dufaur, Yvonne - Piha

Dunlop, Peter - Herne Bay

Gibson, Sally - Mission Bay

Gibson, Terry - Mission Bay

La Roche, Patricia - Piha

Lancaster, Gabrielle - Piha

Lancaster, Lewis - Piha

Preserve Piha Limited - Auckland

Protect Piha Heritage Society Inc - Manurewa

PS 2002 Ltd t/as Piha Store - Piha

Surfrider Country Club Limited - Piha

Waitakere City Council - granted resource consent which is being challenged

Walter, Jane - Piha

Woodhouse, Julia - Piha

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15/4/08 The drought is over : The heavens opened and flooded parts of Piha:  Below are thumbnails of photos Julia took mid afternoon.  Click on them for big images.

  

Above from left: Stedfast Bridge, Stedfast Park, Bridge on right of previous photo and Lance's land end Glen Esk

  

Above from left: Bridge on Glen Esk, #26 Glen Esk, another house on Glen Esk and by horse paddock

 

 

Left: Outside #45 Marine Parade 4 or 5 houses before the Surf Club

 

 

 

 

 

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16/4/08 Time for some great humour:

Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences, typos and all, appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

• The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals
• The sermon this morning 'Jesus walks on water'.  The sermon tonight 'Searching for Jesus'
• Ladies; don't forget our rumage sale.  It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping.  Bring your husbands.
• Miss Charlane Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
• Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet 7pm. Please use back door.
• Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm at the First Presbyterian Church.  Please use large double door at the side entrance.

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14/4 Murphy's Law:  If you want it to rain just BUY WATER and wait

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12/4/08:  Photos from the West Coast Gallery Masquerade Ball HERE

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Five tips for a woman....

1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on! and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

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11/4/08  Piha - Garden Road Lilly Pond Work

 

Where will we get rid of the sludge?

 

Bruce Waygood's property?

 

Shall we use plastic under it?

 

I've got a good idea - lets just dump it on Piha Road ...........

 

Oh dear !!!

 

Thanks Fire Brigade - what a revolting job - it stinks.

 

Hope those lillies don't start growing up there !!!

 

 

 

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10/4/08 Big Wave Cafe in Piha Closed by WCC  Read about it HERE

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9/4/08 NZ Fire Service Surf Champs Open won by our own Jemarl Paerata and the Team event by Auckland. 

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9/4/08 Topp Twins Movie Documentary and 50th Birthday

Tonight we went to the concert being filmed for the Topp Twins movie/documentary followed by their 50th (or 100th) birthday celebrations.

Caught up with many old friends and had heaps of fun.

Jools, who used to live in Piha for a while sends her love to everyone . . . .   Happy birthday Jools and Lynda xox

Topp Twins online HERE

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 Herald Article on Big Wave Cafe 

No roadside advertising - Fiona what's this?

Letter to Wayne Thompson, NZ Herald:  We have over 500 signatures from locals FOR the Cafe (which is in the court process - not this Big Wave thing) .... shame no article can ever mention that?  NZ is going to the dogs.  No wonder so many of our gorgeous young people are leaving.  ARC gives  the big run around to Cam,  AWOL Adventures ,  owner, who is the most stunning guy doing what he loves, tourists love and we love him and doesn't hurt a ground flea doing it.  It's appalling - the whole thing.  Something has to change else NZ will have no one left with any get up and go.  Bobbie Carroll - Piha and editor of Piha Village Voice

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6/6/08  New Cafe in Piha opened this weekend:  

 

The Big Wave Cafe

Location: Piha Domain Camp

 

Yes, Protect Piha Heritage Inc foundation member, Fiona Anderson has opened her own Big Wave Cafe in the Piha Domain.   Oh, dear dear Fiona . . . . what can I say?

Next to each photo below is a quote from Fiona's evidence given against the proposed Cafe, on the old Post Office site, at the recent joint ARC/WCC resource consent hearings.

These photos below are of the new Big Wave Cafe in the Piha Domain as photographed this week.

 

"I know that my customers at the Camp primarily come to be in a quiet and natural environment away from the trapping of city life"

 

 

 

 

 

"I am very concerned at the effect building this Cafe would have not just on the campers but also on me as an immediate neighbour ............  I am worried this will create a precedent"

 

 

 

 

 

"The cafe will just make Piha less unique, less restful, more traffic, more noise, little or no benefit to few campers etc"

 

 

Below: A conveyer Pizza oven in the Big Wave Cafe -  "Piha is well served by licensed outlets, the rest of the Community are happy with what we have and don't consider themselves too 'High End' to meet at the RSA, Surf Club or Bowling Club"

"Why on earth would you go to a 'High End Cafe' for a takeaway?  You can get that at The Store or Blairs"

"I request that both WCC & ARC decline this application in full and thank you for your time" 

 

 

Fiona:  I think this gives you little choice but to join the 'YES' campaign if you don't want egg (uh coffee) on your face  . . . .

The 'Yes!' Campaign is a group of 9 people in Piha in support of the Cafe in Piha, on the old Post Office site bought by Preserve Piha Ltd and granted resource consent by WCC and ARC.  This consent is being challenged in the environement court by Protect Piha Heritage.  If you wish to contact the 'Yes' campaign Email HERE

 

 

 

A bit of advice for you Fiona:

When you're in 'Deep Shit' . . . . . .

Keep your mouth shut, your head down and look straight ahead!

 

 

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ANZAC DAY - Piha Community Library: 

We, at the library, are preparing for our annual "ANZAC MEMORIAL" display at the Piha Library. This display has been very successful in the past, it does not glorify war but pays tribute to the men and women of the Anzac forces, Medicos, Home Guard and Work Forces who all did their bit in those times.

To keep it interesting we are always looking for new items of interest, eg:- Uniforms,or parts of. Medals.Flags & Ensigns. Call up and discharge papers.Wills.  Letters home. Photos. That dreadful telegram. Documents of value can be photocopied for display in order to preserve the original.  If you have a photo of a family member who is/was an ANZAC we would like to display it on a Wall of Honour.

We would also like to display any photos or items of interest relating to our area at that time, eg:- Old photos of family or club gatherings.
If you can help with our display please call into the library -  Tue, Wed & Thu 10-1pm and Sat 10-3pm

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6/4/08

Piha's Elliot Paerata-Reid won the under 12 Groms today in Piha.

 

Here is Elliot holding up the airline tickets to Oz-land he won.

Dune was a close second behind - again from Piha.  We're proud of both our Piha lads.

 

 

 

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4/4/08

Work has started on cleaning up the Garden Road Lilly Pond - at last!

 

 

 

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April 08

The old footbridge over Piha Lagoon is gone now.

 

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Piha Lagoon Water Quality:  Great to hear that the Piha Surf Club, Piha Bowling Club and Piha RSA are talking with WCC watercare and the R & R about achieving a solution to the pollution in the Piha Lagoon.  Next month they will inch along to some costings.   Maybe this decade it'll be fixed - not before time 

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30/3/08    DO AS I SAY- NOT AS I DO HERE

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4/4/08 PIHA POST OFFICE:

In May 2005 a Public Meeting was held at Barnett Hall, Piha, to hear and question John Goulter, of Telecom, about the status of the Piha Post Office.   Telecom had made the decision to sell the property that the Piha Post Office operated from.

Two remits were passed at this meeting (I counted approx 80 - 90 people there) according to the Piha Ratepayers and Residents Winter Newsletter 2005. 

1. That this meeting requests that the R and R executive continues to advocate that the Piha Post Office remain on the existing site and that the R & R enter into negotiations with Telecom, NZ Post and WCC to achieve that end.
2. That this meeting resolves that the WCC be asked to be part of negotiations with a view to acquisition of the land to continue the Piha Post Office on the existing site.

Clearly both of the above are impossible now as the property has been sold by Telecom and is now owned by Preserve Piha Ltd.

At the 2007 R&R AGM Tony Dunn (President) told the meeting he had had a preliminary meeting with WCC to look at resource concent to move the Post Office building onto the Piha Store's land.

The estimated cost to move the Post Office onto the Store's property is $16,000 plus another $8,000 for resource consent.  When questioned about this Tony told the meeting he was working under the authority of  "the mandate given to him to save the Post Office".  He couldn't specify the meeting nor quote the mandate at the time.

I have been asking for a copy of this 'mandate'  for many months now and finally have been given a copy of the R&R Winter Newsletter 05 which reports on this public meeting and quotes the above resolutions.

Now, I don't use the Post Office.  I don't agree with the sentiments of others that it is a 'life line' in Piha.  If you want a private box, fair enough, but we don't have to have a Post Office open 2 hours on Tuesday and Thursdays and another 2 hours Saturdays so people can have a private P.O. Box.   BUT, all this aside, I have two problems here:

1. No resolution at a Public Meeting authorises anyone to spend any of the Ratepayers and Residents money - end of story, full stop.  Only a duly called for meeting of the R & R members can do this. 
2. I do not agree with spending $16,000+ of R & R's limited funds on a Post Office rarely open when what is needed, it seems, is private boxes.  The Store can sell stamps.

What do you think? 

Should the R & R spend $16,000 on moving the Post Office? 

Is there something else you would rather see $16,000 spent on? 

Let us know your thoughts HERE

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(RE: Never Argue with a Woman):  

I think you forgot to mention the Game Warden missed the obvious.   The book the husband had GIVEN to his wife on her birthday was Sea Perch by John Dory and incidently was being read upside down with a hook marking the page.

Never argue with a woman in a boat. It's likely she can sink.

Mark the Bounder

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4/4/08 Speedster on Piha Road    We live up the top of Piha Road not far from the Karekare turn off.  Tonight we had a repeat of what we had to put up with during the summer.  We had some idiot in a red corvette or E type Jag doing what is rumoured to be time trials between Karekare Road and Te Ahuahu Road, back and forth for up to 30 minutes at a time, at well in excess of (probably double) the 70 kph speed limit. 

The number plate is DUNTOY, or at least I think it was, he was going so flipping fast!  I went down with my camera to get a photo of him tonight, but Murphy's law he didn't come back past us again.  We are FED UP with this completely reckless, dangerous, illegal, noisy and selfish activity.  The person driving the car wears a crash helmet - well lucky him - what about all the innocent people who could get run over, killed, seriously injured?  There are heaps of families around us with small children - it's just TOO dangerous.

Regards  Sarah Boyce

It's a worry for sure Sarah.  My suggestion is to get your mobile and dial *555 and report it immediately.  One great thing about Piha is there is one road in and one out.  We have had success recently having police come to boy racers recently.  Good Luck  Bobbie

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3/4/08

Ray Wolf, Bobbie and Annie Whittle at the Opening Night of Blood Brothers at Glen Eden Theatre

 

Details HERE

 

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3/4/08 Tsunami Public Alert Evacuation Siren System:  Bill Morley of WCC tells me that the special Waitakere News all about the Tsunami Public Alerting system has not reached all the letter boxes it was supposed to so here is a copy of it  WCC News - Tsunami Alert System [.pdf 1014kb]

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Never Argue with a Woman
    
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.  Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.
    
Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'
    
'Reading a book,' she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')  'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her
    
'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading'  'Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any  moment.  I'll have to take you in and write you up.'
    
'For reading a book,' she replies,  'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her again,
    
'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading'  'Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any  moment.  I'll have to take you in and write you up.'
    
'If you do that, I'll have to charge you with Sexual assault,'  says the  woman.  'But I haven't even touched you,' says the game warden.
    
'That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.'
    
'Have a nice day ma'am,' and he left.
    
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

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Regarding the Non-fatal Drowning on 22nd March

On Tuesday 25^{th this man was discharged from Auckland City Hospital having made a full recovery with no physical/brain injury as a result of his ordeal. A great result and well done to the Piha and United Lifeguards, Piha-Karekare First Response and St John Ambulance who all worked together in the treatment and medivac of this patient to hospital.}

As a post-script, we had to fight mostly Piha locals to get the beach safety signage up in the first place. It took a directive from the Coroner who was sick of the number of people dying on this beach. Anti-cafe vandals please leave these and all safety signs alone. You are entitled to your view; you are NOT entitled to endanger the health and safety of others!     Jonathon

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April 08 NEW ZEALAND GARDENER:  Pete Joyce and Shelley France have transformed a steep, wind-swept, gorse-strewn section overlooking the black sands of Piha beach into a special - and satisfying - hillside haven.

To read the story by Piha's Paul Thompson and photographed by Gil Hanly buy the latest New Zealand Gardener.   Congratulations Shelley and Peter !

This photo of mine is not well focused and just a tease to Gil's photos.

The article also has a great article 'NZ's 20 worst Weeds - knock 'em dead now!'

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Lone Kauri School - School Desk and Chairs: out they go for a donation

The Ministry has given Lone Kauri School kids news desks and chairs so

Out with the Old and in the the New:

These plastic kiddies desks and chairs are available for anyone for a 'donation' (suggested $10 for desk and chair) toward Lone Kauri School's painting fund. Contact the Treasurer: Sue on 0274 848782 or email sue@lajardinera.co.nz

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1/4/0/08  Piha School Bus hits bus stop shelter with young student in it:

 

When the bus hit this  shelter it knocked it right off its footings - lucky it came back down where it was as a young student was in the shelter at the time.

We don't know who the student was but we sure hope you're OK.

Again:I have to ask if its safe for the school bus stop to be in front of 3 drive ways next to the Piha Store?

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Corona Super 16 in Piha 29/30 March.

Left: Maz Quinn: Winner of Open Mens 2008

and Piha's Mischa Davis : Winner of Open Womans 2008

Notice the difference in the prize money ???

Maz gets $K3 and Mischa $750

 

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    Notice the similarity in the writing in these two photos?

 

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Surf Boat Big Wave Event Piha Beach Feb '08 Great youtube footage - HERE

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Tooth fairy   What exactly do you do with my tooth?  I hope you like the flowers. I was allso  wanting to see where fairy land is if you can tell me.  I whid come and see you.  from Sophie oxx

 

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Lane (Claude's son) and Betty Abel at the Pond on Claude Abel Reserve., Garden Road, Piha.

 

Photo taken at a meeting about the lillies in the Pond. 25/3/08

 

 

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March 08

Piha Community Library celebrates its 1000th Member

Left: Yvonne Dufaur (librarian) Praynar Kirbey and Gabrielle Lancaster (assistant librarian.

Praynar is the 1000th member to enrol and was presented with a special gift to commemorate the occasion and her membership.

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Easter 08

Rachel Hunter at Piha.

I was just strolling down to the beach and this 4WD passed and I was sure it was Rachel driving.  The 4wd drove down the end of South Piha and back and I called out 'Hi Rachel' and she responded - Yes!

She is so neat is Our Rachel.  I asked if I could take this photo and her

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25/3/08

You idiots; irresponsible idiots:  Not only do you deface the 'Danger, swim between the flags sign' but also the 'caution on corner signs'.  How would you feel if this was your car, or your family was in it or even if you family was in a car underneath this one.

 

 I hope you are found out and given 15 hours a weekend, for a year,  digging gorse out of the Waitakere Ranges with NO gloves.

 

 

 

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23/3/08 Hi Bobbie

Last night there was a drowning on North Piha Beach. A young man was flown to Auckland hospital in a critical condition. The family involved in the incident (2 of which also almost drowned) and originally from Sri Lanka were not regular visitors to Piha.

I just want to say a special thank you to the mindless anti-cafe supporters who in championing the cause of their own self interests have seen fit to vandalise the beach safety sign at the Karekare turn off by spraying "NO CAFE" all over it, to the point it can no longer be read.

Not everyone knows how dangerous Piha is, not all of you know this beach has the highest drowning toll of any beach in New Zealand, but to those of you responsible for the graffiti you should be ashamed of yourselves for (a) defacing public property rather than protesting through other socially accepted means and (b) FOR ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF VISITORS TO THIS BEACH!!!

Thanks,  Jonathon Webber, Senior Lifeguard, Piha

(24th Mar: As of today this gentleman is still on a ventilator in critical care.)

Jonathon, Driving home from the city today I saw all this disgusting vandalism.  I stopped to photograph it and then received your email when I got home - how timely.

It appauls me that the Cafe opposition choose to get their point across on road and beach safety signs.  It leaves me speechess. Regards Bobbie.    Below are the photos taken today

From NZ Herald 24/3/08:

But there was none of the high drama seen at Piha on Saturday, when a 28-year-old Henderson man of Sri Lankan descent was flown by helicopter to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition after being swept more than 500m along the beach north of Lion Rock.

Two male relatives managed to support the man's head above the water until the trio landed on a sand bar and were helped ashore by an off-duty police officer, said senior lifesaver Jonathon Webber, who helped to stabilise him while the Whangarei-based Northern rescue helicopter was called.

See other comments HERE

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Garden Road Pond - Invitation Hello All:  As there has been a last minute change of plans for excavating the Garden Road Pond  Piha, Council Officers have invited Piha people  to a meeting at the Pond, next Tuesday (March 25th) at 5pm.

As this is the first opportunity we have had to participate in discussions of our aspiratons for the future of the Pond, I would urge you to take advantage of this opportunity if you can.

The background history of the Pond process, as I see it, is as follows:

Wendy and John Innes from Garden Road circulated a petition asking Council to restore open water for wildlife on the Garden Road Pond.

The overwhelmig result of this petition showed that Piha people wanted the open water restored.

Excavation of the pond legally required a Community Consultation to change the Reserve Management Plan.

Council consulted only with the R&R Committee and a small group of Garden Road residents.  No opportuinity was provided for input from the wider community.

Because of this, there are no clear plans for the long term future of the Pond.  Is it to continue to be dominated by the invasive lilies or is it to  be restored to a native environment?  The wider community has not been asked these questions.  Nor has it been given information on the ecological implications of these options.

The immediate problem to be resolved by Council is the methodology for the excavation process and disposal of the sludge from the excavation.  The sludge was to have gone into the old bed of the Marawhara Stream on Waygoods property in Marine Parade,  but it has been decided at the last moment that this is not a suitable site. Construction of two drainage tanks beside the pond to de-water the sludge, then trucking it over the hill is the latest proposal.

I hope you will be able to come to the meeting and take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the process.

Regards :  Pat La Roche  (Coordinator, Piha Coastcare)

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Cafe in Piha Information Day, on site, Easter Saturday '08.  Easter Saturday Information Day about Cafe in Piha.  Fun, fun and more fun!!!

A couple of hundred + (lost count) adults many with their children and/or dogs came up to see the display of the Artists Impression of the new Piha Cafe slong with the display of architectural plans, and site and planting  plans that have been given resource consent from ARC & WCC.   It certainly corrected some of the misinformation put to the public through the media and opposition. 

The 'YES!" Campaigners: Front: Yvonne du Fuer, Helen Duder and Easter Bunny  Back: Bobbie Carroll, Gabrielle Lancaster, Pat la Roche, Julia Woodhouse, Chris Fougere (one of the owners) and Marilyn Perko.  Missing from the photo but with us in spirit: Gillian Cotten and Norma Woodall.

We planned it to be an informative and fun day and that's what it turned out to be.  The organisers 'The Yes! Campaign 9' look forward to a Cafe in Piha where you can meet and mix with others in a happy and nurturing environment and in the mean time we enjoy

Below: This is what is was all about:  To show locals and visitors alike the Artist's impression, architectural plans, material schedule and planing plans for what is going to be a real asset to Piha - a friendly central cafe where we can meet and have fun.

Easter Bunny offers Piha local, Ruby, an Easter Egg on the Piha Cafe site - the kids just loved Easter Bunny.

We can all do with more fun every now and then.  We, the Yes! Campaign, so enjoy having fun.  Here, one of our number, had a great day .

Over 200 people came and were very interested (and surprised) to see the Cafe plans.  Many commented on how  beautiful the plans were and nothing like the media or opponents have portrayed the site will look like.

Christian Fougere, a co-owner, happy chats to visitors about the site and Cafe plans.

Below: Lots and lots of people wanted to sign our petition in favour of the Cafe.

Below: Locals in their numbers came just to chat and offer any assistance needed - heart warming really.

Below: Even some support from Piha Camp!  Thank Dave, great to see you.

 Below: Chris, part owner, with a strong supporter of the Cafe.

Below: Easter Bunny came for the kids but Marilyn toasted heaps of Hot Cross Buns and the supporters loved them.

Below: Old Piha friends with differing opinions on where a Cafe in Piha should be have a catch up on site.

Thanks to everyone that came and took the opportunity to factually see what all the fuss is about.  Without a doubt the majority of people were pretty shocked when they saw the plans after hearing so many bad things.   Just about everyone agrees that  the plans for the cafe show it to be a low key, coastal, pleasing to the eye, asset to Piha and more than one said

'Bring it on!

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Piha Domain Footbridge Replacement 2008

Wow!  This is what the new footbridge over the Piha Lagoon is going to look like.

But to get it the present bridge will be closed from April thru July 08.

Looks like prams will be able to pass each other and a nice spot in the middle there to stop and enjoy the view.  I hope its bike friendly.

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16/3/08 I went down to the 'Piha Cafe' site today to mow the lawns ready for our Information Display on Easter Saturday.  As I was mowing the lawns I got to thinking how neat it will be when that site has a Cafe on it.

Then the strangest thing happened : the motor mower stopped and I turned around to see how much more I had to do when I saw this  .......... !!!

Information Day Easter Saturday on site 10am - 1pm

See Artists Impression, architectural drawing etc - these are the FACTS

To whoever mowed the 'YES' off the above lawn:

1. You were tresspassing and
2. Could you mow them every week please? 

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I caught this photo a couple of days ago - its wonderful to see people not scared to swim or paddle the lagoon.

 

It's not polluted See Water quality testing results HERE

 

 

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What do you do for a kitchen when your home is gong through major renovations?

 

Have an outside kitchen - here is how Pat is cooking and entertaining while her Piha home is going through some pretty amazing renovations.

 

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I have yet to publish the great photos I took at the Piha Bowling Club's recent competition but in the mean time here is a photo of Bob (past President) serving drinks to the competitors

 

 

 

 

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11/3/08 URGENT: STORAGE NEEDED. Storage is needed for approximately 4 months, in Piha or local, for approx 6 cubic metres.  Please contact Tina on 8128 870.

ANON wrote saying the old Post Office building is about 6 cubic metres - now THAT isn't funny.  Crack any more sick jokes like that and i'll name you!!!

Looking for a garage to store a classic car. This car is not road worthy at present and is waiting to be restored so will just stay there long term preferably.  Contact Shirley 8128 595

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Has anyone ever wondered why The Piha Mill is remembered and celebrated with such warmth when it was responsible for the anialation of the once fabulous Kauri Forests in Waitakere? 

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14/3/08 New Life for Piha's old school:

Desolate Piha School will again be filled with the clatter of children.

The weatherboard structure last used as a school, in PIha, in 1961, will be revamped as an information hut where students and community groups can study the Piha coast, wetlands, flora and fauna.

Education consultants, Leading Edge Services, and West Auckland primary, internediate and high school representatives are behind the transformation of the 2.8ha Seaview Rd site.

The cluster hopes to bring an environmental field studies group, Kuaka NZ, on board to work with ratepayer and 

 

community groups on restoring the overgrown block.

 

 

 

Full story HERE

 

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To the people who insist there is no such place as  "South Piha Beach"  please have that argument with WCC - see photo left!

 

 

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13/3/08:  All the very best to CASEY REDMOND (24) who is playing in the  NZ Ice Hockey Team at the World Champs in Rumania!   Give it heaps Casey.

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Now come on you Roaring 40's Organisers . . . . .

You know that signage has been outlawed in Piha. 

Seems it doesn't matter that visitors don't know where you are or we are or anything else for that matter.  NO signs.  You're risking $300 fine!

 

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Why would you have a Bus Stop over three drive ways?

Why would you have a Bus Stop when there is NO bus service in Piha or is it for the School Bus?

Given the recent concerns about the traffic and parking problems in the 'hub' of Piha is this not a silly place for a Bus Stop anyway?

Write your thoughts on Piha Blog HERE

Ever wondered how quickly I can update our website?  Some think its because I am a genius but in fact its because I use a fabulous piece of software by our web host company.  This company is called  AboutIt (owned by local Piha Ratepayers) and I have been a customer of their for years now.  I thoroughly recomment them.  See the product  here:  AboutIt - web hosting with great user friendly software

7/3/08  Kylie (Blairs daughter) and Gareth marry at Black Sand Weddings on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

What a great couple; what great guests

More photos to come ................

OK Everyone - we're safe. 

23/2/08  

Naturally there was a reason: I had her in a wheelchair at Waitakere Hospital, something of a marathon just waiting so many hours. Still she is on the mend now and even though she has the boot there will be no Moon walking just now. Regards  Shirley Bond - Piha

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3/2/08  Beach Valley Road, Piha had a new footpath put in by the Council last year - great!

But, duh, any chance of putting a little drainage under it so the water can drain off the road?

 

 

Or we could all play  "drive through the water and splash the pedestrians" - that's a fun game!  You could even score more points if you get the water into the pram!   Helen and Anna will love that game ???

This winter when you walk down Beach Valley Road and you get to the end of the 'new' raised footpath you'll then have to tread water (see left) making way onto the older lower part of the footpath. 

Is this a 'waste water' problem Simon?

 

 

 

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22/2/08  The 'Yes! Campaign'  now has more signatures in support of a Cafe in Piha than belong the Ratepayers & Residents Association !!! 

       

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YES!       YES!       YES!

 1.  'Far more important for every one of the West Coast beaches is the fact that the crayfish, huge crabs which used to click over the rocks in droves, the fish and the mussels have all but gone in my lifetime.  To spend such energy trying to stop a proposed café in the face of these other catastrophies seems a strange priority.

I remember similar misgivings over the existence of our Art Gallery and even the building of a new library.  Now, of course, they are considered assets, and rightly so.

However, in the meantime much bad blood and ill-will rends this small population in two, unnecessarily damaging and toxic.

I will be supporting a café at the end of my road as an asset to the community that I have the greatest good fortune and privilege to live in.'

 2.  'It seems to me that, if the majority of Piha residents vote 'yes' to having a café, and you decide to take it to the Environment Court in hope of changing the decision, this could

be -

(1)   tremendously expensive and endlessly delaying, but more important,

(2)   it will go against the majority wishes of the people who live here permanently.

You know, having somewhere to meet friends that is both civilized and within the spirit of our community (Piha cannot be described as a 'village', having no village amenities or structure) sounds an improvement to me.'

No!  I wasn't throwing coffee. 

Throwing that paper coffee cup was a 'symbolic' gesture, suggested by a supporter, to show we would like to drink our coffee out of a bowl, mug or cup please rather than paper cups.

That's it !   Bobbie

6/3/08                        "YES!  Campaign for a Cafe in Piha" 

Yes! here they are:  The Piha women who will not be intimidated and are willing to stand up and encourage others to have their say about a Cafe in Piha - their home town.  From left: Yvonne, Norma, Gillian, Marilyn, Julia (doing a Cafe Haka), Helen, Pat, Gabrielle and Bobbie.

Above and below:  A picture says a thousand words.

I haven't counted the numbers but 165 adults, with only 24 hours notice and in 30 minutes signed the 'YES! campaign for a Cafe in Piha' today Many others sent their apologies and messages of support.  (The Piha Ratepayers and Residents only had 116 financial members, according to their annual accounts, in 2007!!!)

The happiest group of people you could possibly see.  Smiling and friendly with balloons, children, pets - these are the people in Piha who would like to meet in a pleasant Cafe environment.

Above:  These  'Piha Locals'  have found their 'Voice' and are standing up for democracy.

You won't find 'YES!'  people vandalising Piha with painted graffiti  - its a disgrace if this is how they have to get their point across. * Protect Piha Heritage should be ashamed of their supporter's behaviour 

* Please see below a letter from Gregor Nicholas.

More tagging and vandalism in Piha. . . .  would you support these people?

Email  Village Voice HERE

If YOU would like to sign our petition please email me HERE and I'll arrange it for you.

• Financials:
  • Interesting to note that in the 2006/7 year the R & R only had 116 financial members (plus life members - unknown amount) - less that the number that receive my e-newsletter and far too small a number to really be representative of us all hence my pleasure in all the new faces at the AGM.
  • The Post Office's profit was down 85% on the previous years.  This was due, in part, to a realignment of reporting private box receipts.
  • The library, which has a 1,000 members, made a trading loss due to no grants received and an increase in purchases and maintenance.  They have healthy investments so no problems there.
• Guest Speaker:
  • Tony Miguel, from Waitakere City Council spoke regarding Water Quality in Piha.  Tony was joined by Simon Brown and answered many interesting questons from the audience.  The bottom line is that the Council is working toward ensuring the RSA, Bowling Club and Sth Piha Surf Club's sewage is up to standard and not polluting the Piha Lagoon.  Tony and Simon reported that the Lagoon is in reasonably good condition and unsafe for swimming pretty rarely.
• Piha Community Post Office:
  • It's now official that the R & R have had 'preliminary' Resource Consent discussions with WCC, in October '07, to move the Post Office building onto the property of the Piha Store.  If you are looking at the store the proposed site is to the right behind the fence where AWOL currently have their storage.

We now have the proposed Cafe site, the Piha Store, Lion Rock Surf shop and the Piha Community Library in Piha's natural 'hub' and it is now proposed that another retail or service outlet join these. 

I have no problem with retaining the Post Office BUT I have a huge problem with what appears to be changing the argument when it suits you.

I moot the idea that in pursuing this line, or supporting it,  the R & R and Protect Piha's Heritage can no longer be concerned about the traffic and noise in this area - a strong argument they used as part of their opposition to a Cafe.   You can't have it both ways or can you?

The estimated costs of moving the building will use ALL of the Post Office's (our) financial reserves ($15,000) plus WCC will waive approximately $8,000 from Waitakere Ratepayers coffers!

What do you think?  Email Village Voice your thoughts on Piha Post Office move

Council Advise:  "The Piha R&R were advised at their pre-application meeting that any resource consent for relocation of the Post Office would be likely to be notified."

• Thundercat Racing North Piha 9th Feb:  A lot of disgruntled people spoke up regarding this event being granted consent to hold their event in Piha.  Access to the beach, does it 'fit' with Piha etc.  Kubi Witten-Hannah is following this up.  :) 
• Vehicles on Piha Beach:  People expressed their concerns on this subject which is great. Both ARC and WCC took these concerns on board.
• Bouquet: A vote of thanks was given to Liz & Keith Franich for the huge amount of work put in the Piha Community Centre renovation of Barnett Hall, Piha 

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30/1/08 I was unable to attend the R&R AGM so thankyou Bobbie for your report.

About the Post Office - Its great that plans are finally underway to move it. It's been a long dry argument. If all their funds are going to be used to move it and the profit was down 85% this year can the Post Office sustain itself in the future.  If it is on the Piha Store land, is this piece land to be given to the community, sold to or rented. If rented can it afford the extra expense, will it be allowed to sell other things to help the funds.

 In any event there will need to be a Special General Meeting of members to authorise the spending to move it. Regards  Shirley Bond    

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Hi Bobbie:   Please find attached the job description of the Piha Park Ranger.  Rgds Sarah Natac, Waitakere City Council

Parks and Open Spaces   PIHA PARK RANGER - Job Description

The person performing the role must have good customer service attributes, as they are portraying the friendly face of Council.

The role is:

·       to carry out a custodial role on reserves ;

·       to promote Councils image in a positive manner;

·       to politely advise and educate the public on Council by laws, Park policy and offences under the Reserves Act 1977;

·       to provide the Parks unit with feedback on work required;

·       to monitor approved events on reserves;

·       to report to the Police when serious offences may be occurring;

·       to keep the beach front and reserves litter free.

The Ranger will be advising the public on by laws and Parks policy relating to reserves, such as: littering, fires, vehicles on the reserves/beach, damage to vegetation, dune protection, camping, liquor ban, protection of Park assets, misbehaviour on reserves where other uses are obstructed, dog prohibition, leashed and exercise areas.

The Park ranger will not be involved in traffic/parking infringements.

Dog control: the Park ranger will liaise with the Council Animal Ranger service, and seek advice on how to deal with dog issues on the beach.

1. The present (old) library adds to Piha's character and should be retained
2. There is no need for a 'flash' library in Piha
3. If people want library books they should go to Henderson
4. Piha's ambience and atmosphere would be adversely affected by the removal of our 'quaint' library

Name withheld by request.

Hard to think, now, that people could object to such 'developement' really?  Bobbie

16/1/08 Piha Lagoon Pollution   

You have recently posted a personal comment about the photograph of the Piha Lagoon that appears in the flyer 'What's so wrong with a café at Piha anyway?' by Protect Piha Heritage.

You have made a claim that Protect Piha Heritage is saying that the algal bloom in the photograph is the pollution referred to. The flyer nowhere says that. The photograph was taken in December at the date that the water quality testing showed the lagoon was very seriously polluted. It would have been hard to take a photograph at that time without including the bloom which was extensive.

Isn't the real issue that the lagoon is so polluted that 'No Swimming' signs have been erected? I attach one of these for your readers' interest.

Unfortunately, it only appears at the bridge over the lagoon, not near the many other places that children play in this water, including where the Piha Stream enters the beach, which has become a popular family swimming spot these days.

We know the City and various people are working hard to identify the sources of the pollution, and then remedy these. Our argument is that no more potential sources of pollution should be contemplated while Piha has such an intractable water quality problem.

Sandra Coney - Protect Piha Heritage

                             - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear Sandra,

Referring to  "the personal comment about the photograph" as the editor of Village Voice I retain the right to edit and comment in my column. 

The above  mentioned photo takes 2/3 of a page in your "What's wrong with a Cafe in Piha anyway?" flyer with the words "The Piha Lagoon, which ..............................., is currently seriously polluted":   The flyer may not state that the algae bloom in the photo is the pollution referred to, but Sandra you know as well as I do, that by putting THOSE words next to THAT photo,  the inference and intention is that both are associated - such is the power of suggestion.  We both know it is not the case. 

The algae bloom was only there for 4, maybe 5 days, so any other photo could have been used or taken!!!   This green slime is probably Spirogyra.*

No, I don't agree with your comment  "Isn't the real issue is that the lagoon is so polluted?"  I believe Protect Piha Heritage's (PPH) real issue is you don't want a Cafe in Piha and are using the ongoing problems of other commercial establishments probably polluting the Lagoon as ammunition to stop a Cafe being put (not built) into the disused old telephone exchange building which is older than the current Post Office building. 

Having looked at figures for the last 5 or 6 years there is undeniably an improvement in how often the Lagoon is unsafe.   If we look at Water Test Results we can see that Piha's Lagoon water is in far better health than: Bethels, Karekare Lagoon & Karekare Carpark for freshwater results and also healthier than Te Atatu Peninsula, Fosters Bay, Huia Beach and French Bay for marine water results.. 

It is also my understanding that when the Lagoon is not safe to swim in (a couple of times this summer) that it is usually, if not always, safe at the lower water, near Lion Rock.

"The authorities are working hard to find the source of the pollution and to fix it" you say.  Not fast enough for me.  I've said it before and will repeat:  whenever the lagoon is polluted just close the RSA and Bowling Club IMMEDIATELY.  Then lets see the problem get fixed mighty fast!. Also test the stormwater pouring into the Lagoon from Seaview Road under Beach Valley Road.

When Julia and I operated 'The Piha Kitchen' from the Piha RSA's premises we often had power cuts.  Legally the RSA had to close if the power was off for an hour.  The reason being the toilets could not flush which was a health hazzard.  Surely the same concept could be applied to the Lagoon pollution - shut it.

Where was PPH, or its members, when the RSA (right on the lagoon and its sewage rather suspect)  extended its deck and built another 'room for the smokers' on it?  Why wasn't everyone jumping up and down about the Lagoon pollution and traffic / parking problems then?  This is a far greater threat to the Lagoon than any small cafe a loooooong way away, relatively speaking, from the Lagoon.  And how come the RSA were allowed to do this without Public Notification?   It's past history now but we can surely draw a parallel.

However  back to my initial point:  I believe Protect Piha Heritage (PPH), by mere association, suggests that the natural condition in THAT  photo of the Lagoon was pollution which it isn't.

I also believe that PPH's primary objective is to stop a Cafe in Piha.  Once the waste water and effluent from the proposed Cafe has gone through the most modern and sophisticated septic system available (that the boys plan to install) it'll practically be safe to drink - it would be highly improbable for it to pollute the Lagoon.

Maybe you could clarify to my readers what 'heritage' Protect Piha Heritage wishes to protect?

Regards - Bobbie  Editor Village Voice

* Spirogyra: (by Jan Parmentier) In almost every ditch in Holland with reasonably clean water we will in summer find slimy masses of filamentous algae, floating as scum on the surface. It looks rather distasteful, but a ditch like that is not polluted, only eutrophic (rich in nutrients). In spring these filamentous algae grow under water but when there is enough sunlight and the temperatures are not too low, they produce a lot of oxygen, sticking in little bubbles between the tangles of the algae. These come to the surface and become visible as slimy green masses.  Read more about SPIROGYRA here

Don't you think Waitakere eco city should act now to fix up this mess? I'm not sure if you have grand-children, but would you let them paddle in this water?

I think it's pretty shameful that the local community (of which I am a member and therefore shoulder responsibility) have let it get to this state, but the council, especially given it's eco philosophy, is also responsible for allowing pollution of the Piha lagoon to grow to such alarming levels.

Let's catch up soon to talk about what we can do about it.

Best  (Edited)  Piha Property Owner

The Mayor answers:

3)  Wouldn't it be nice if every time the lagoon failed the water tests that the RSA, Bowling Club and Surf Club were immediately closed.   The pollution and sewage problem would be fixed pretty smartly.  Bobbie

4) Hi Bobbie,

6)  Hi Bobbie

Thanks for the latest info on the proposed Piha cafe.

Hi Bobbie,  To add to other contributions on Kaka sightings...we in Glenesk Road have enjoyed hearing Kaka calling, particularly in the vicinity of the Maungaroa Ridge, on and off for about three years now. Their call is a very distinctive raucous cry, often heard just on dusk and usually when flying quite high up.

The Maungaroa Ridge has alot of dead kauri trees which I suspect Kaka love for their source of insects and grubs etc. Possibly the elimination of possums with Arc in the Park has combined to allow Kaka too return seasonally.

One theory put to me by someone in the field was they fly a "circuit" from Great Barrier Island to Little Barrier to Tiri Tiri Matangi to Wenderholm/North Shore to various bush corridors to Waitakere Ranges to Hunua Ranges to Coromandel and back to Great Barrier. Seems plausible.I read a newspaper article about a year ago reporting on increased sightings of Kaka in the North Shore heading west.

Have just returned from 8 beautiful days on Great Barrier Island, so are actually quite sick and tired of Kakas..nah just kidding, they are fun birds and one bird you get to see close up. Beautiful plumage, as John Cleese once said in the dead parrot sketch..remember that?

Steve Skidmore

17/11/07

To Village Voice:  I've never been to Brooklyn in Wellington, but I found this picture of Brookly on the internet. Looks like big changes from the old days alright!   Cheers Mon

16/11/07   Having read a lot of the submissions regarding a possible Cafe in Piha Beach I would like to make two points:

1. In 1960 I lived for a short time in Brooklyn, Wellington.  All I remember, as a young child, is Brooklyn was at the end of what seemed a long bus ride.  I do remember one grocery shop.  Now if someone in Brooklyn wants to visit Piha and find it the way it was 30 or 40 years ago then I think its fair if I visit Brooklyn now that I find it the same as it was when I was 6?  Is that fair?
2. Why is it that people who only 'visit' Piha want to tell the permanent residents whether we have enough facilities or not to cater for our needs?  Piha has 100's of permanent residents now - like it or not but Piha is no longer just a 'summer holiday destination'.  The horse bolted when the road was sealed a long time ago.

Bobbie Carroll - permanent resident in Piha for 7 years and property owner for 15.

 7/11/07  Kath Dewar has successfully run her own business since Jan 2001 (www.kdconsulting.co.nz) and holds both a BA Hons in Political Science from the University of Leeds and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing. She is also Secretary of the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, an elected voluntary role, which has given her some knowledge of resource management issues in the area. If anyone would like to discuss the resource consent application for the cafe with Kath they can call her on 8128 406.

If the Cafe people did their traffic effect survery on a Wednesday is it OK for opponents to do one on Labour Weekend Monday with the Piha Market on?   Village Voice HERE