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Piha Beach - Village Voice 2008
Piha News, Views and Opinion 2008: Results of previous polls We do encourage contributions.. Email or send your photos to Village Voice, Piha, HERE Go to Piha Blog HERE This is a V V Archive . . . . To go to the current Village Voice
31/12/08 Copy from a Blog: "EAT: Kiwis get kudos for their great coffee, and latte lovers will adore the espresso drink called a 'flat white.' The weekend breakfast scene at Sand Dunz, near the main beach parking lot, sees locals mingling with city dwellers visiting from Auckland. Try the eggs benedict and ask about the local photography on display." 
2009 should see us being able to have the same facility in Piha - A nice Cafe and eggs benedict with latte for breakfast ..... aaah can't wait. whole blog here
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ! :-)
WCC report that they are establishing a "herbicide reduction policy" and a herbicide register is being set up. Anyone spraying, other than their own private land, will need to register this. GrowSafe training will be encouraged.
I am thrilled about this because although there is a place for spraying I don't believe it is anywhere near a waterway. Since we have stopped any spraying near our two boundaries we have had a noticeable increase of eel, koura and other living goodies.
 31/12/08 Ripiro Coast finally has some lifesavers again. For the first time in decades the wild Ripiro Coast has surf lifesavers and a flagged swimming area. . . . . Senior lifeguards Steven Granshaw (Port Waikato), Kris O'Neill (Piha) and Amber Prestegard, an exchange lifeguard from San Diego in the United States, say with the exception of Sunday the number of swimmers has been kept small because of the inclement weather, however as weather improves they expect numbers to swell. . . . . .Read the whole article on Ripiro Coast here
Re below: "Having a chat with Adrian at 'Blairs on the Beach' and he came up with a great idea: Wouldn't it be a great idea if WCC put a big recycle bin, . . . . . (read below 29/12) " I wrote to Grant Jennings of WCC and put it to him and he replied with some great news: Hi Bobbie
We are and it was going to happen before Christmas but fabrication company went bust. New company now building 4 duel bins recycling and waste to replace old bins. Trial for in front of surf club car park . . . Tracey in my team is managing. Tracey is back at work on 5th if need more info and timing.
Thanks
Grant Jennings
 30/12/08 What a pleasure to present Mayor Bob Harvey with one of the Piha/WCC, Beach Valley Project 2009 Calendars
Happy New Year to Bob and Barbara from us on Beach Valley Road / WCC Project You didn't have to walk all the way from Karekare Bob - I would have delivered it!
FREE Seminar in Piha : EMPOWERING COASTAL COMMUNITIES TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE See all details on FREE Seminar, at Piha SLSC, here
30/12/08 What Happens when a neighbourhood works and plays together: It's nearly 2009 and what a great way to end 2008: Our BVR neighbourhood working together to stop crime, even at the lower end of the scale, in our neighbourhood. One of our yum Mandy Patmore signs was stolen and defaced by a couple of local brats. I was alerted very quickly to this by a member of our BVR Project. With help from a local to identify the culprits I had trusty camera at hand and off to find our sign. With immediate backup from Julia and another neighbour we photographed our sign and then retrieved it and then reported to our BVR sponsor Chris Ferkins of WCC who reported it to the police (no anarchy in BVR!) Then our lovely summer time Community Constable, Sean Wanden, is out here and onto getting statements and photos and charges will be laid. When Chris Ferkins says "It's as much about the people as it is about the environment" he is absolutely right. Look what happens when we work and have fun together. . . . .
29/12/08 Having a chat with Adrian at 'Blairs on the Beach' he came up with a great idea. Wouldn't it be a great idea if WCC put a big recycle bin, with three separate compartments, down on the water front car park, near Blairs and the Piha SLSC, for all the plastic, bottles and paper disposed of down there? I know those of us along Beach Valley Road would be wrapt because after removing at least 4, if not 5 or 6, recylce bins of bottles off our banks in our clean up they are mounting up again. Not only that, it would mean the the rubbish bins along the beach front wouldn't over flow so quickly, have to be emptied so often and Waitakere can live up to its Eco-City image. Good thinking Adrian - I have followed that up with WCC so we'll see what they say . . .
A very late Plant and Weed of the Month
29/12/08 Well it seems Piha has yet another group or committee or something representing us that I for one didn't know about and its called the Aquatic Signage Group. Did you know about it? All I could find searching was this document dated 2004. You have to roll down to page 7 to see a ''A Report to the Piha R&R' entitled 'Piha Water Safety Signage Community Working Party'. Got all of that? Phew . . . The document says " The working party met five times . . . .where rigorous debate occured on signage . . . . . " which just confirms it was definately about Piha uh? Can anyone tell me if a 'Aquatic Signage Committee' is still operating?
29/12/08 Piha R & R AGM elections: Something strange is going on here. One minute all the blurb on the people nominated for next years committee is on the website and the next thing its dissappeared. Seems there is still discussion about what nominations will be accepted and which ones won't. As long as the same rules are applied across the board. Time will tell here . . . . more the merrier if you ask me which you didn't so never mind!
27/12/08 You think Piha doesn't need a Cafe? Just go down to our General Store and take a look at what is being sold : Coffees and Cafe type goods. Piha doesn't need or want a Cafe? : Yea Right!
 26/12/08 My brother is visiting from Britain and we went on this cool bush walk (from Piha) to Mercer Bay in the Waitakeres. We couldn't resist this shot," writes John Clark. Sideswipe here
Merry Christmas Beach Valley Road FROM WAITAKERE CITY COUNCIL:
"This calendar has been created to highlight the success of the Beach Valley Rd neighbourhood restoration project" and each household in Beach Valley Road along with various supporters has or will receive one as a Xmas present! The top page of the calendar has a montage of photos taken throughout the project to date showing all the hard work & fun in 2008 plus the local children dressed up for halloween and other various photos taken . . . . . . within the neighbourhood. Click for larger photos   
Birthdays are noted on the calendar and there are stickers for 'Weeding Day', 'Planting Day' or 'Fun Day' to put on the dates when they are set for 2009. On the back page is a short explanation of the project along with acknowledgements. As Cris Ferkins says "It's as much about the people as it is about the environment" and from that point of view this project can only be called a great success. A huge thank you to everyone.involved .... and there are a lot of you.
Piha SLSC KITCHEN CLOSED XMAS EVE Due to an unforeseen family circumstance the Piha SLSC Restaurant and Bar cannot open on Christmas Eve. Piha SLSC Restaurant and Bar will be open again on Saturday 27 December and be open 7 days across summer except for New Years Eve and New Years Day
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Patrick can take Xmas off. Our tanks are all overflowering ! Not good for our Carols in the garden though. But for those that braved the weather, and we did put the marquee up, we had a great time. More photos later Have a wonderful Christmas from Ju and me.   
23/12/08 Jay Quinn to return to Piha: Current open men's champion Jay Quinn has signalled he will return to Piha from Australia to defend the title he won on home turf in January this year. read it here on GisbornHerald
22/12/08 Piha Nippers Christmas Party: Santa, left, arrived in Piha today to visit all our darling little Nippers at their Xmas Party today at the Surf Club.  CLICK ON THIS thumbnail to see the Club full for the occasion :-)
22/12/08 Have you received a copy of this pack produced by the West Coast Plan Liaison Group? There is some great information in it. Take some time out to read through. Now lets recap on the politicing around a Cafe in Piha and a small group of people that seem to pop up everywhere wielding their influence around town: - We now know that Kubi Witten-Hannah, as the then Chair of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group, (and by the way is Chair of our Community Board) put in a submission to WCC against a resource consent for a Cafe in Piha on behalf of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group.
- We also know that Sandra Coney, in her capacity as ARC representative on the West Coast Plan Liason Group, updated and advised the group about the activities of Protect Piha Heritage - the group that took the whole case to the environment court.
Well now it turns out that Jo Quartermass, who is the current Chair of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group, also made a submission to WCC against a Cafe in Piha but did so on behalf of the Huia Cornwallis Ratepayers and Residents Assn Inc. Not sure if I had mentioned yet that Monique Davis, currently on the Piha R & R, has been appointed to the West Coast Plan Liaison Group as a 'Non West Coast Representative' - what's that all about?
So now, moving on, WCC is dishing our ratepayers money but what for & who got it?: From the Minutes West Coast Plan Liaison Group (WCPLG) 10/4/08 Collation and distribution of Community Information packs (above) - suggestion is to hold a collation weekend and invite groups to share in exercise and payment. From the Minutes West Coast Plan Liaison Group (WCPLG) 14/8/08 : The packs (photographed above) will be collated in the Waitemata Room at Waitakere City Council .. on Sunday 31st August, from ... by volunteers from the WCPLG and their constituent groups. Fenella is organising a cheque for $2000 (from WCC) and the WCPLG will be responsible for distributing the money to the participating groups. From the Minutes West Coast Plan Liaison Group (WCPLG) 9/10/08: Organisation participating in the collation have all been paid their donations. So who got the $2,000? A good question but try finding out .... phew! I do know that Protect Piha Heritage received some but how much? I have contacted several people who should know but its like pulling teeth. No one is forthcoming, no one will say who was given our money from our rates. So: Ms Coney is a Counciller with the ARC. She is also on the West Coast Plan Liaison Group as the ARC Representative. Ms Coney is also the Chair of Protect Piha Heritage that challenged ARC on their issuing a Resource Consent for a Cafe in Piha. So my question: Is it kosher for Protect Piha Heritage (PPH) to receive a donation from the WCPLG for collating the contents of this pack given Ms Coney's involvement with all three organisations - ARC, PPH & WCPLG! Blog here is you want or care to .....
This string quartet was playing some great Xmas music while I was shopping the other afternoon. But what was getting all the attention was this little darling who was absolutely spell bound by the music .......... rather cute. I wasn't the only one taking photos. :-)
The 2008 Globe Auckland Championships The Globe Auckland Champs nearly didn't happen at all this year, but in a sterling last ditch effort Phil Wallis and his club Lion Rock Boardriders brought it back from the brink. With only a few weeks to organise the long running competition Lion Rock had its work cut out, what resulted was a refreshingly low key, grassroots event. If they hadn't; no one would?ve. Article here on Surf.co.nz
Date set for Karekare Horse Races : see What's Happening 2009 here
Fridge-Freezer For Sale: F&P - excellent condition - $223. Height 157, Width 53, Depth 54. Discounted retail price for similar new Elba $890. Surplus to requirements. Phone Pat 8128 202.
 Angel rings' hit the coast
Water safety expert Ken Moran knows why: "When you can out in the surf, the only thing that's going to keep your mouth above the water is flotation." NZ Herald article scoop.co.nz story
Seems this is becoming the missing Dog Website - not that I mind at all. Any local news is OK! Missing notice for Daisy. Unregistered, not on a lead, not supervised - but none of that is important compared to her heavy limp. Last week I tried to find out the contact details for Daisy, a local black staffie, but I had no luck. She has been seen limping badly without supervision and I want to get her to a vet. I got her tag number, but the address is wrong. All I got was her name and her old address and owner, who I can't find. If anyone sees Daisy - can they call me on 021 751 572 or ask her owners to contact me. I am worried she is in pain and that her injury will worsen. Many thanks!! Erin Mills
22/12/08: Thank you so much for your help. Pine has been found is now at rest with my Dad up in heaven. - Regards & Best Wishes for Xmas Sue A $300 reward is being offered to anyone who can help find Pine the pig dog. Pine?s owner, 23-year- old Glen Eden resident Steve Pond, says the dog is extra special to him. "He?s the first dog I trained," Steve says. "My biggest fear is someone has taken him." More details  19/12/08 Missing from Waitakere Forest Wednesday 3rd December
Black Lab, crossed with Whippet, white marking on chest Male, microchipped, not neuteredName: Pine We still haven?t found Pine and we think someone up that way may have found him and be looking after him. Here is the latest picture of him which gives more details. Appreciate if you would keep this handy. Email Sue here if you know anything
18/12/08 Are Kiwibank's ads outrageous? Add in the backdrop of Australian 'suits and ties' filing into the country past Piha's iconic Lion Rock, I hadn't seen this - look at UTube video here
17/12/08 How neat to see this group of Piha Playgroup Mothers Xmas get-together at the RSA From left: Anna, Annissa, Kate, Catherine, Hannah, Syra, Sara & Clare.
Then walking home from the RSA I followed this rabbit down the road - can you see it - it sat still for me while I searched for my camera. . . . not a good photo but I did get it. I've not seen rabbits this far away from the beach front before - have you Piha - Open Blog
 17/12/08 This dog has been reunited with the people caring for it on Seaview Rd. It has been suggeted that a phone number be put on him :-) Seen wandering Beach Valley Rd and North Piha today I was reluctant to call the ranger as a neighbour thought she reconised it as a local dog. Might be a good idea to put a phone number on his collar :)
17/12/08 Hi Bobbie, I wanted to let everyone know that the 'New' lifeguard tower that is perched on top of the sand dunes at North Piha (by the creek) does NOT have anything to do with United North Piha Lifeguard Service. My understanding is that the club was not even told it was going to be put there. I believe it was put there by Surf Lifesaving Northern Region for the use of the regional guards. Any concerns, questions or abuse about it being there and how long it is staying should be directed to Northern Region and NOT United.
Thanks very much - Name Supplied I went and took this photo - click for a larger photo and as I was a local resident said she 'didn't mind at all, if that is the safest place to swim then its OK by her" - Nice attitude! It would have been nice for them to let CoastCare know maybe ??? :-) Bobbie
Artwork by Stefanie Kroeger
Life rings are to be installed at Bethells Beach, west of Auckland, where two men were swept off rocks while fishing on Saturday. One was rescued by his friends, but died soon after. The second man is still missing presumed drowned. They were not wearing life jackets. The stretch of coastline is the deadliest in the country. Next week, the Auckland Regional Council is to trial "angel rings", also known as life rings at isolated spots along the coast. They will be installed in Watipu, Piha and Muriwai next week, and Bethell's beach in the New Year. Councillor Sandra Coney says their success will depend on whether or not they're vandalised. Complete article here
16/12/08 Search and rescue dog back in action thanks to generous locals . . . . Jack has been part of countless high profile searches, including the search for Iraena Asher who went missing in Piha four years ago. read about Police Search Dog here
16/12/08 New Zealand's Guide to sustainable living: Liam Finn: Growing up, I spent a lot of time in Piha and it's very much my spiritual home and where I'm most relaxed. There's something about when you get to the top of the Waitakeres and you start heading down that hill, all your worries and stresses are left at the top and you don't pick them up until you go back. It's hard to find that kind of serenity in London. Read what Liam has to say here
A message from Peter Brown, President, Piha SLSC : Subscriptions. Many members have still not paid subs for this season. Please post your cheque to Piha SLSC, PO Box 5254, Wellesley St, Auckland. Subs can also be paid over the bar. Subs are $50 individual or $150 family Please encourage friends and family to join to support the club and take advantage of our great facilities. For the first time Ju and I have joined up this year and we're thrilled to, at last, be members and support this great Piha Asset :-)
15/12/08 Tarseal on Piha beachfront: 
Great for cyclists and prams not to mention those with not so strong ankles. Easy access to the boardwalk heading to the new Piha Lagoon Bridge. Click image for bigger photo 
BUT let me ask the question: "were you consulted and if not does that give anyone the right, that doesn't like it, to go and dig it up like to poles were removed at mid-beach?" Of course not but I had to ask !!! Piha Open Blog for your comments
15/12/08 Surf lifesaving: Bourne to a sporting life Depending on how old you are, there are three Mark Bournevilles. There's the former rugby league winger who played 15 times for the Kiwis and was also the first New Zealander to play for France. Then there's Mark Bourneville who knocked out Steve McDowell, Inga Tuigamala and Lindsey Raki in the Fight For Life boxing shows put on by Dean Lonergan. These days Mark Bourneville is defined by what he does in a pair of Speedos. The 45-year-old, nicknamed Horse, is arguably the best surf boat sweep in the land. NZ Herald article on Horse
Piha Ratepayers & Residents nominated for the 2009 year: Nominations closed on December 4th and the names are in: President: Tony Dunn; Mark Mitchinson Vice President: Barron Braden; Mark Mitchinson Secretary: Alberto Bonin; Leone Sudmensen Treasurer: Geoff Calvert Committee: Alberto Bonin, Claire Peterson, Fiona Anderson, Gabrielle Lancaster, Hannah Slade, Helen Pearce, Holger Behrendsen, Julia Woodhouse, Karla Allies, Mark Mitchinson, Monique Davis, Neil Hilton & Paula Legel. I understand there is some contension around one or two nominations but I am sure that will sort itself out one way or another. I mean: what is Piha without contension?
 Who are these guys coming to Piha? All will be revealed . . .
Who are these people and why are they so happy - click here
14/12/08 Reports of meteor in night sky Skygazers north of Auckland have reported a meteor trail crossing the sky last night. "The tail seemed to last for several seconds", reported a Redvale resident."It was quite spectacular to see." NZ Herald Did you see it? We were having a dinner party in our front garden and we all saw it - thought the aliens were coming!!!
Beach Valley Road, Piha - Crochet Group ...... click image for large photo More coming later ....... the 'real story' will be exposed ! Latest Update right HERE
and this is Piha's new Knitting Circle & Terrorist Society Inc ? ?? If you click the image you'll see a larger photo - and very soon, after I get some sleep, the inside story and more photos to follow ........ ????
New Zealand Local Expert profile: Callum Hatton: Callum Hatton is TravelPod's third Local Expert from New Zealand. Joining the team with Scottwoz and nztravelguide, he can help you plan your trip to the islands with ease. . . . . . . . . What are the top five or 10 things for travellers to do in your area? For any traveller visiting New Zealand, the top 5 things they can do in Auckland will have to be :Take a ferry out to Rangitoto Island for a walk up to the Summit of Auckland's largest dormant volcano. Piha Beach. One of Auckland's most famous beaches. For any people who aren't confident of swimming in swells please leave this off the list, but beautiful black sand beach, wonderful surf and scenary. Pack those speedos. The Auckland War Memorial Museum Kelly Tarlton Underwater World Walk along the Waterfront from Auckland Ferry Building to Kohimarama Bay and Back
Read Callum Hatton's full profile here
12/12/08 Click on image on the right to read article in the Aucklander today   Piha - Open Blog here
12/12/08 Book Lovers Go Wild Out West: From New Lynn to Bethells Beach and in cinemas and on trains - the 450 books released for this year's Books in the Wild teen literacy programme certainly made their way around Waitakere and, in some cases, beyond. In September, 10 popular teen titles were "released into the wild" to participating schools with students encouraged to take up the challenge to hunt down and read the titles and register them online before releasing the books back into the wild for others to find. Run by Waitakere Library & Information Services, and aimed at Year 9 and 10 students, the innovative programme attracted close to 300 student registrations from across Waitakere - 80 more than last year. "The programme aims to generate excitement about reading among teenagers and encourage them to read and enjoy good quality literature," says Waitakere Library & Information Services' Children's and Teens' Librarian Robert Baigent. Book Lovers go wild out west article here
1/12/08 The Saga of Kauri Dieback Disease and the Wild Turkey.
Piha Surf Life Saving Club: 75th ANNIVERSARY The major 75th anniversary celebrations will be held over Easter 2009.
10/12 Piha Rescue returns for another season to Piha Beach: 2008/9 summer will see Piha Rescue cameras again at Piha. Here's hoping they appreciate that the beach is not a film set and the film crew respect our privacy and are more discreet on the beach and on the waves this year.
10/12/08 Dear Village Voice Readers I would like to put to rest a rumour that is circulating in the Community about the origins of the Dune Plants (Spinifex and Pingao) that were recently planted at Mid Beach, and have been systematically destroyed since November 9th. The rumour goes something like "These plants don't belong in Piha - they are imported from overseas" Nothing could be further from the truth! These native dune grasses are grown from seed harvested each year by volunteers, from original native dune vegetation at Piha. The seeds are sent to specialist plant nurseries in Taupo and Whakatane to be grown into plants which are then sent back to Piha for planting. As you can imagine, this is a costly process, and it is very sad that all this work and care is being destroyed by Piha people. If you know who the culprit is, could you please explain to them where the plants come from, and that destroying them is vandalism. I am happy to explain to anyone who wants to know, why these plants are important and how they protect our beach. The whole community will have an opportunity, on March 17th 2009, to hear an outstanding presentation on Dune Processes - the origins of sand movements at Piha, the functions of dune grasses, and the consequences for a beach without dunes and dune grasses. This presentation is doing the rounds of the whole country, and we are very privileged to have our own session for Piha people, the evening before the National Dunes Conference begins in Piha. The event is free, and includes a light meal at the Piha Surfclub before the presentation at 6.30 I strongly recommend that anyone who has even a passing interest in our beach and our surf attends this free event. Regards, Pat La Roche (Coordinator, Piha Coastcare)
 10/12/01
Go Paula! Good to see our new MP trimming spending and especially in the current financial climate. Read NZ Herald article here
A great summer forecast: New Zealanders looking to the skies for a respite from the gloom and doom of the economic recession are in luck, with a long, hot summer predicted. . . . . . . "It's looking pretty good for beachgoers over the holiday period. There's a stronger chance we're going to get a string of warm days all together, not the wet weather we're prone to." News of the golden weather will be welcomed by Kiwi holiday-makers, many of whom have been forced to reconsider overseas travel plans in the wake of the economic downturn. read it all here on NZ Herald
"Puss Puss" (aka Ernie) has returned home to Sherry. You can all stop looking now :-) 
Hicks and Poulter Dominate Through To The End: Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 December, 2008 : - - Gisborne?s Johnny Hicks and Raglan?s Alexis Poulter finished their years in the under 16s division in the best possible style today by both winning their respective finals at the last event of the Rip Curl GromSearch today. The Rip Curl GromSearch has travelled the length of the country this year with four events being held at Taranaki, Gisborne, Dunedin and Piha Beach, Auckland. Today?s event was held in excellent 1.0m surf at Piha Beach. The sun was scorching and it appeared that half of Auckland took the chance to hit the beach for the first time this summer. Read whole article on surfersvillage.com here
Piha Beach or South Piha Beach? - this is the question ! This sign is outside the RSA, Beach Valley Road, Piha
8/12/08 WANTED: Artist for regional park residency: The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is giving an artist the opportunity to live and work in a regional park through its Artist in Residence project. Applications are sought for the Artist in Residence project in 2009. The residency is open to visual artists as well as other ?creators?, including filmmakers, poets, composers, writers and choreographers. Artist in Residence coordinator Michelle Edge says this project allows artists to immerse themselves in a park and develop a body of work influenced by the place or by their residency experience. Auckland Regional Council Press Release here
8/12/08 Popular beaches unsafe - survey Nearly a third of 500 swimming spots surveyed around the country are not safe, it has been revealed. NZ Herald article here
8/12/08 Welcome to the 21st Century! ( re article in latest Piha News ) In the 21st Centrury we have mobile phones that can send photos and connect you to the web. We can watch wars in 'real time' on CNN. And we have cyberspace & blogs. Debate has truly moved into cyberspace - the NZ Herald has had open blogs for yonks and asks us regularly what we think along with many other media. Here the DomPost has blogs and opinions and here is the Christchurch Press opinoins and blogs. There are zillions of them and so Village Voice has them too. If you just glance down this page and see all the topics covered its pretty wide: From surfing to halloween, celebrations to photos of events and of course the history of the Yes Campaign ! We can get news out pretty quickly these days. We are entitled to question the people who are there to represent - that is democracy! I will continue write about things that are glaringly questionable that I think we all need to know about it. I make a point of verifying things but, of coure, am open to challenge or input. Some of the stuff I come across is just plain scary.
Very strange sign at the beach today: I know when I was on the R & R and the experts came out to talk to us about signage. The subject of clear signage came up for emergency services to be able to locate a particular place in Piha very quickly. So the debate of Piha and South Piha and North Piha. Tell a helicopter to go to Piha Beach .... where is it going to go? We know we have North Piha ........... that is North of Lion Rock. Well what is South of Lion Rock: the debate is .... is it Piha Beach or South Piha? You know this is of global importance which is why you are readng it here.So today, strolling down to Piha Beach (or was it South Piha) I see this 'no dogs' sign. I could see something was written on it and, call me dumb, but it just didn't make sense. I could see it has 'SOUTH' under the sticker and thought it had maybe been used up North Piha and the sticker had not been removed so to avoid further confusion (having seen a few dogs on the beach already) I decided to remove the sticker when I was told by one lone Ranger something along the lines of 'the dog ranger had been called out, yes called out on a Sunday, to come and put those stickers over SOUTH ' and write, I presume, that sticker. So we can say 'THIS PART OF PIHA BEACH' but we can't say 'SOUTH PIHA'. Absolute lunacy ......... the world has truly gone mad.  
7/12/08 The Rip Curl GromSearch : Finals at Piha today .... Piha featured strongly The Rip Curl GromSearch has travelled the length of the country this year with four events being held at Taranaki, Gisborne, Dunedin and Piha Beach, Auckland. Today's event was held in excellent 1.0m surf at Piha Beach. The sun was scorching and it appeared that half of Auckland took the chance to hit the beach for the first time this summer. 2008 Rip Curl GromSearch Series Winners
Under 16 Boys - Johnny Hicks (Gis)
Under 14 Boys - Tane Wallis (Piha)
Under 12 Boys - Elliot Paerata Reid (Piha)
Under 16 Girls - Alexis Poulter (Rag)
Under 14 Girls - Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Gis)
Under 12 Girls - Hannah Kohn (Gis) Surf.co.nz full Article here
6/12/08 Action Stations On Day One Of Rip Curl GromSearch: The first day of the final event of the Rip Curl GromSearch held at Piha Beach today (Saturday) was full of explosive surfing that had all the junior surfers having to put in 100% to ensure they progressed. By the end of the day the 100 surfer field was whittled down to just 50 surfers. Read all about it & results here Finals are on today Sunday 7th - I'm off to watch
There will be an election this year for Ratepayers & Residens Committee: There is more than one nomination for President, Vice, Secretary and plenty for Committee so there will be an election this year. 25 Jan - put it in the diary!
5/12/08 9pm Missing Cat from North Piha: Tabby cat missing from his home at North Piha. His name is Ernie but I don't think he knows that yet. "Puss Puss" will do! He was frightened by a dog we are minding for a friend. If anyone sees him please call Sherry 021 779895 or Dan 021 359902 We will be away this weekend but there will be tenants here who will be looking out for him.
5/12/08 4pm Missing Dog from Waitakere Forest : Details on Pine - Missing Dog here including photo
Do we have 'democracy' or 'anarchy' in Piha? Spinifex 'catches' sand as it is blown toward land. If spinifex is planted at the 'toe' of a dune it catches the sand before it gets to the top and stops the dune 'growing' upward because the sand is 'caught' at the bottom. Makes sense doesn't it? The first photo below shows young spinifex being planted, by volunteers, that will catch that sand before it gets to the top - hence spinifex often looks 'buried' : that's it doing its job. The middle photo below shows CoastCare volunteers, under the guidance of WCC Parks staff, shaping and planting the 'toe' of the dune to catch the sand before it gets to the top - hence stopping the height of the dune growing. The photo on the right shows some of the 100 + of these spinifex that have been pulled out, by some idiots, and left to die. The holes they were in were still clearly visible. The sand now will bypass these dead spinifix and get to the top and increase the heigh of the dune. click on these photos of dunes for bigger photos   
Here is a very clear example of spinifex 'catching the sand'. No spinifex and the sand goes straight to the top. 
Below, as a reminder, is the photo I have already published showing the poles that were pulled out where a WCC contractor had put them to guide the 10s of thousands of people who walk over the dunes and onto the beach. 
Here is a close up of some of the many plants ripped out and left to die ! There are heaps of them. CoastCare volunteers planted 1700 of these on November 9th - 1700 of them ( look here ) only for some idiots take it upon themselves to remove them. The only thing between our homes and the sea is the dunes. 
If you want to see the value of spinifex catching sand just wander down Sth Piha some time and see where there is none and the resulting sand on the carpark and road. Ratepayers $$$ are spent several times a year to remove that sand! It's not a matter of 'eco nazis' at work - its just plain obvious!
4/12/08 Agencies join forces to combat car crime : Speedos might be synonymous with fashion crimes ? but in the case of 'Operation Speedo', it's all about reducing crime of the vehicular kind. In a multi-agency approach to reducing car crime over the Christmas holiday period, police and more than 200 community agency volunteers will join forces to patrol car parks at Waitakere's popular beaches, dams and bush tracks. Read about 'Operation Speedo' here
4/12/08 We came here because finally it's open and we locals have been counting down for months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We walked in and immediately thought we're so lucky to live near this beach and isn't it great that the space has been designed to let the outside in. read about Beach Cafe and Store here See Takapuna Beach Cafe here
3/12/08:TO VILLAGE VOICE: Just been reading a very contradictory piece in the latest Piha News. "Piha R&R, Democracy at work" Yeah Right! That would explain why it seems to be run along the same rules of transparency as the Freemasons, as open to change as the Vatican and communicates about as well as Stonehenge. In this article Monique slates the process of telecommunication and bloggers for spreading news and one sided opinions too fast, well News Flash Monique: The R&R have a website too. You can USE IT to promote what the R&R's version of events is. Oh wait, thats right the R&R is all voluntary, well News Fash again- so is Village Voice. MDM (name supplied (not me by the way))
3/12/08 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Confirmed For 2009 The much anticipated Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour has been confirmed for summer 2009 with six events set to make for another exciting tour throughout the country. The competitions venture into their fourth year of existence and Hyundai, as the naming rights sponsor, continue to develop what is becoming a world renowned tour. 2009 will see events being held at Mount Maunganui, Piha, Sandy Bay, Christchurch, Whangamata and Port Waikato. Read about the Longboard Tour here Daryn Mcbride wins the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour NZ 2008 here
3/12/08 Yay! The R & R have put the change of day/date of this months meeting on the front page of their website: "December R&R Meeting- change of date.
Next R&R meeting will be held on the Thursday 4th of Dec. instead of Friday the 5th."
Should Santa hand out Lolly Pops or Apples ? Vote . . . . Lolly Pops Apples Nothing !
3/12/08 These golden locks on Jackie are to go this Sunday at 2 'clock in front of the Piha Store. 
If you would like to support Jackie raising money for the Cancer Society just pop into the Piha Store and drop a gold coin in this bucket on the ice cream counter. Go Jackie - great for a long hot summer in Piha! If you would like to donate money to the Cancer Society just click on the image on the left.
Beach Valley Road, Piha early 3rd December - please drive slowly
Read about the NZ Dunes Restoration Trust Conference in PIHA  Read the document (click on blue title above) and there is a very special opportunity for Piha and locals at this conference ..... . We trust all Piha folk will help out in any way they are able.
This is a fabulous opportunity for us and certainly for the Piha Economy :-)
 2/12/08 It's 'goodbye' to Bing and Conlee
Roger you did a great job bringing Bing out to Piha - what a weekend! You can Sign Bings Guest Book here
What has Mandy Patmore been painting now?
 1/12/08
Jim Hickey of TV ONE reported from Piha Beach tonight. Jim and a Surf Life Guard gave some really good advice about beach safety in particular how to handle getting caught in a rip.
Piha stake claims in surf boat series: Piha proved their European title was not fluke Read sportsweb article here
 Bing Copeland was in town over the weekend.
Left: What is Peter Brown doing on his knees and what does Mayor Bob Harvery and Conlee (Bing's wife) find so amusing? I have heaps of photos to upload and publish. Might take a wee while but they're well worth it. Watch this space.
30/811/08 Piha Mid Beach Dune Planting and Protection Project WCC Click on this thumbnail < to see the WCC document clearly showing that the work on Piha Mid Beach Dune Planting and Protection Project time line starts in 2006, continues in 2007. It then works through 2008 and 2009. More work is in 20123 & 2013. Piha Ratepayers and Residents Assn were advised early September that the work was going to start again in October. Shame they didn't tell anyone else ....... then it wouldn't of been such a shock to the residents up that way. Oh well! Piha Open Blog here
While we're talking about the R & R and Communicating: I've heard that they have changed Piha Ratepayers and Residents December's Meeting from Friday 5th to Thursday 4th. Not sure why and not sure if they're going to tell anyone. I found out because I sleep with someone on the Committee - handy at times! So you heard it here and I'll change it on What's Happening Don't go turning up to Open Forum on Friday : you'll be talking to yourself :-) I have been told the Piha R & R have got the date of their Meeting on their website. It doesn't highlight that it is not Friday, as usual, but rather Thursday and its not on the 'Monthly Meetings' page or 'Home Page' ..... so I couldn't find it. Apologies! :-) Bobbie
30/11/08 MORE . . . . "At the end of it - we're all accountable, or are we?" (3) More on the West Coast Plan Liaison Group members and their comings and goings and submissions : Just to recap: - We now know that Kubi Witten-Hannah, as the then Chair of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group, (and by the way is Chair of our Community Board) put in a submission to WCC against a resource consent for a Cafe in Piha on behalf of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group.
- We also know that Sandra Coney, in her capacity as ARC representative on the West Coast Plan Liason Group, updated and advised the group about the activities of Protect Piha Heritage - the group that took the whole case to the environment court.
Well now it turns out that Jo Quartermass, who is the current Chair of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group, also made a submission to WCC against a Cafe in Piha but did so on behalf of the Huia Cornwallis Ratepayers and Residents Assn Inc. 
Left is a picture of the Store at Huia and guess what? Yip they also run a Cafe !!! I phoned the Cafe just to verify this and,yes, they do coffee and cafe goodies. To be fair most of the customers sit down in the Cafe to eat the 'takeaway' you can buy there but it is a dinky dye cafe. So Huia Cornwallis R&R, did you give your Secretary, Jo Quartermass, a mandate to submit against a Cafe in Piha? Did you ask your members if they thought it fair to submit against a Cafe, miles away from you when you have one yourself? If the members or the Committee did give a mandate I'd be very interested to know the vote. Was it unanimous? Was there much debate? Huia Cornwallis R&R reasons why Piha shouldn't have a Cafe: - We oppose all parts of the application !!!!!
- The proposal does not comply with the District Plan
- It would result in activities that would damage the environment & impact the community ???
- and it continues to say: It would have the potential to create a precedent that could see similar applicated approved in Piha and other coastal villages, with similar adverse effects.
I'd like to ask the Huia Cornwallis R&R a few questions: - How does your cafe "damage the environment"?
- A Cafe would "impact our Community". It sure would! But you say this like its a bad thing. In what way would it impact the Community negatively? Please tell me because I only see a Cafe having a positive impact for our Community (read people) so please expand.
- It would "create a precedent": So since your Cafe opened how many applications have poured into WCC for more cafes: 1, 5, 10, 200? Do tell ..........
Now my last point is: Jo, as the Chair of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group who, although they didn't have a mandate, put in a submission against a Cafe in Piha, don't you think this is more 'conflict of interest'? It all seems very incestuous to me but then I am rather suspicous about all these little political groups, supposidly representing the general population, in little meeting rooms all over NZ. 
What do you think about all of this? Post your comments here if you wish ....
30/11/08 Bing Copeland Reunion Weekend at Piha: I have some fabulous photos of the Reunion celebrations - it'll take some hours to load up but 'watch this space'. :-)
Ready for summer yet?
28/11/08 Bing Copeland is the ultimate 'gentle man' in every sense of the word. What a delightful guest. Here Bing is signing a copy of his book 'Bing Surfboards' that he gave us - how lucky are we? I know Bing has brought a few with him. It's a beautiful book - well worth chasing a copy. There are some benefits to spending half your day making beds and cleaning toilets!!! 
27/11/08 Bing Copeland has arrived in Piha for the Malibu Board Reunion. When Malibu boards arrived New Zealand surfing changed radically. Two young Americans Bing Copeland and Rick Stoner brought their American-made Malibu boards to New Zealand in 1958/59 Left: Bing's wife Conlee, Julia and Bing at Black Sands Lodge
 26/11/08 Mexican water lily - Nymphaea mexicana Also known as: banana waterlily is growing back pretty fast on the Garden Road Lily Pond. Classified as a 'pest' by ARC.
Click on this photo to see how quickly the lily is returning
I went and had a chat with these guys today to find out what it is they are doing in the Piha carpark and they tell me, be it right or wrong: The stormwater from the car park will be going through these two 'holding tanks'. From there the sand and oil & petrol run off from the carpark will be filtered off before water drains into the Moana Stream. There is going to be some remedial work to do on those dunes when the work is finished . . . . :-( You can click on the photo of the drains for a bigger photo
Piha 5 years after the Cafe Opens - Yeah Right !!!!
 26/11/08 Marco will freak when he sees this photo here but too bad! He knew (a) we are broke (quite usual for this time of the year) and (b) we have a roof leak. So he gets his gear on and up he goes to fix the leak. This is what Community is all about. We have become such great friends through our Beach Valley Road Project- as Chris Ferkins says: "It's as much about the Community as it is about the Environment". Well Chris - its working in Beach Valley Road - thanks
If you would like to comment on what we're doing in Beach Valley Road Do so here ........ :-)
25/11/08 Metro December 08: Article on Sandra Coney: 
25/11/08 Frances Morton profiles Sandra Coney 21 years after An Unfortunate Experiment and finds the story's co-author still fighting for causes and raising hackles;
 25/11/08 The Piha RSA took delivery today of this tank which is going underneath the RSA as a holding tank for its sewage which will then be pumped out. This is a great step the RSA has taken to help reduce pollution in the Piha Lagoon.
Interesting that Protect Piha Heritage don't want the Piha Cafe, if it goes ahead, to be able to pump out if necessary - very strange given that its a very sensible alternative given that we don't have a central sewage system in Piha.
23/11/08 MORE . . . . "At the end of it - we're all accountable, or are we?" (2) More on the West Coast Plan Liaison Group and the 'conflict of interest' of members supposidly 'representing us'. Minutes of their Meeting 10/4/08: "Sandra (Counsellor Coney - ARC) reported that 'Protect Piha Heritage Society' has appealed against the conditions and the entire consent. The applicant (the Cafe Guys) has appealed against conditions around noise limits and extent of food preparation allowed. Period to register as a S.274 party runs out at the end of next week. Should be heard by the Environment Court in November. In respect of registration as a S.274 party, it was agreed that given that the members of this group do not have a mandate to make a decision on this matter (my emphasis) and given the uncertainty regarding liability for costs, we should not register as a S.274 party". Again Cr Coney is representing the ARC, on the West Coast Plan Liaison Group, but talking about Protect Piha Heritage - a bit hard to follow just what hat she is wearing ??? Do you think this is OK for an ARC Councillor? If not then Please let Mike Lee, Chairman ARC, know here " If the group do not have a mandate to make a decision on this matter . . . . " then what is this below? 
Open Blog
22/11/08 Is summer seriously here? Looks like it. Piha Surf Life Saving was in training mode today readying themselves for the summer that seems to have arrived early this year. There were plenty of people out enjoying a stunning day on Piha Beach today   
  
Great way to finish a day in Piha : dining out at Piha SLSC restaurant. Fillet steak and fish stew. Yum  
Piha RSA - late licenses: Wow! That's nice. Today we received a letter from Cath, RSA Secretary/Manager, advising us of two late licenses they have applied for.
29th November they are hosting the end of year prize giving for the Keyhole Board Riders Club so have applied for a 1am license. This does not include the deck which has to be closed at 10pm. On December 7th the RSA is having its Member's Annual Christmas Dinner so again a late license but this time to midnight. Again the deck closes at 10pm.
Thanks for letting us know Cath. Bobbie Open Blog
21/11/08 Overnight trail planned for Waitakere Ranges A proposed three to four-day tramp from the central city to the darkest depths of the Waitakere Ranges is being considered by the Auckland Regional Council. In the planned Long Trail, trampers would be bused from the city to Titirangi before tackling a series of bush trails to Swanson, taking in Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha and Bethells. Read full story in the Western Leader
 Jack's always helping to make Piha more perfect There's no place on earth like Piha for Jack Kingston. The longtime resident has just been awarded a certificate of appreciation for outstanding service to the suburb's community by the Waitakere City Council.He was surprised to get the recognition. "I'm just a nosy bugger," he says. "I like to get involved in things." Jack and his wife Joan have lived at Piha for 46 years. Full article
22nd November - Piha 
I'm not sure the last time I saw the Pohutukawa in bloom in November. Maybe they're right - its going to be a long hot summer: something good to look forward to
Are they seriously putting concrete water ways & drains along this pathway at Piha Beach?  I have wonder what PPH has to say about this?
Open Blog
Piha Surf Life Saving Club Fundraising: Fundraiser for Huntington exchange - Beautiful Cards with Piha Photos.Packs of 10 with envelopes $12 per pack. If any one has any retail contacts please e-mail Debi Jacka on john.jacka@xtra.co.nz
16/11/08 At the end of it - we're all accountable, or are we? (1) Now the Cafe issue is in the hands of the Environment Court we have time to look closer at a few issues around the whole process and how we were represented. We all had to accept that Cr Coney was perfectly entitled, as a private individual, to challenge ARC & WCC's resource consent for a Cafe in Piha in the Environment Court. This is democracy, like it or not. But Sandra Coney is not a private individual on the West Coast Plan Liaison Group. Cr Coney represents the ARC on this Group. So I have a couple of questions: Who gave the West Coast Plan Liaison Group a mandate to lodge a submission with WCC opposing the resource consent for a Cafe in Piha? Did they ask you? Did they ask our Ratepayers and Residents Association? They didn't ask me or anyone I know! How can Cr Coney take part in any discussions (within this group) regarding the Cafe when she is the ARC representative and also Chair of Protect Piha Heritage?
Quote: West Coast Plan LIaison Group Minutes of 13/2/08 "Piha Café Resource Consent: The group put in a submission and the consent has recently been granted. Jo (Quatermass - Chair) summarised the decision for information to the group. Sandra (Cr Coney) indicated that Protect Piha are still deciding whether or not to appeal." Do you think this is OK from an elected representative? If not then Please let Mayor Bob Harvey know here If so then Email me and help me get my head around it Or you could Blog here The West Coast Plan is "A plan for the future management of the West Coast and Waitakere Ranges"
The West Coast Plan Liaison Group (WCPLG) was formed 'to implement and monitor the West Coast Plan' in its entirety. It is made up of a representative of various R & R Groups in the West Coast Area, Emergency Services, Community Groups, Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, Forest and Bird Society, Waitakere Community Board, Te Kawerau a Maki, WCC and ARC. The Plan is broken down into four Goals: Natural Environment, Built Environment, Communities and Recreations.
Health Warning: If anyone has had a mild or severe rash on their body recently please email me .... several people at Piha have, including me. I can give you some information and advice.... email Bobbie here
18/11/08 Final Day in Environment Court for Piha Cafe It's over - 6 days in the Environment Court and its now over to the Environment Court. Judge Whiting has suggested his ruling will be released by the end of January 2009. Photo from left: Martin Williams, Andy, Bobbie, Dave, Debs, Pat, Gabrielle, Julia and Yvonne having a drink at the end of today .......... YES! for a Cafe in Piha Piha Cafe Blog
New mobile cafe is making waves ....... (old memories for Piha!!!!) Michael Welsh has taken 'making waves' to a whole new level. His latest brain child, the Big Wave Cafe' is a wave-shaped cafe on wheels which opened in New Plymouth in the weekend. Welsh built the trailer himself, complete with red surfboard counters. Click on photo on left to read the full article on Mobile Wave Cafe in New Plymouth.
Next March's Heroic Gardens Tour will feature 22 gorgeous gardens from all over Auckland - Piha to Pakuranga - and will raise money for Hospice NZ, say organizers.
Cass's keen on Piha Hollywood starlet Cassandra Hepburn is back in the United States after a week long stay in Piha. The actress, best known for her parts in daytime soap Young and the Restless and the spooky drama Medium, stayed in the coastal village while auditioning for some upcoming reality television roles. Full story here
Sunday 16th 4:54pm Piha's First Response Ambulance searches the beach for a reported near drowning. Again, PJ, had rescued a person in response. Fiona, and Piha's Ambulance, I understand caught up with them at the Surf Club. Click on photo for image of ambulance coming out of the lagoon. Go Fiona! 
Here is a very recent photo of our Fiona, Piha First Response, attending a man with a broken hip and femur. We're lucky to have these great Community Volunteers in Piha. Piha Open Blog
Every Friday from 5th December SURF BOATING European Open Surf Boat Champs Fridays from 5th December, SKY Sport Episode 1: Piha Conquers Al, 7pm SKY Sport 1 The Piha 'A' Crew after training extensively for 5 months over winter in NZ enjoyed the best that the French Atlantic coast could throw at them during the weekend's surf rowing carnival in the prestigious Biarritz beach, La Grande Plage, France. BOWLS Read more about Piha A Crew
 17/11/08 Today the Yes! Campaign gave their evidence in the Environment Court in support of a Cafe in Piha. All the expert evidence was in about wastewater, parking, traffic, heritage etc etc - we gave the 'people' side of the story and I do believe the Judge heard us. It wasn't easy but we did it. . . . at last ! From left: Bobbie, Gabrielle, Yvonne, Jane, Pat, Julia, Marilyn and Gillian. Missing in action: Norma & Helen! On behalf of the people of Piha the Yes! Campaign presented our petition, supporting a Cafe in Piha, to the Environment Court. 627 signatures !!!
17/11/08 Dave Bensley (Benso) with his and Debs daughter Abbey Dave, if you don't know, is one of the 5 shareholders hopefully opening a Cafe in Piha very soon!
Hi Bobbie Keep up the good work - I know you must be tired - sitting through the Environment Court stuff and all - lets just hope they see sense but Rosemary would be upset to see her name spelt wrong and so would Hayley Cheers Julie - You're not wrong Julie - I have fixed the errors , thanks. Bobbie
Hayley Holt and Marc Ellis to Host Top Town: Marc Ellis who is involved in businesses Mintshot, Charlie's and a new Piha Cafe is tipped to co-host. Read this article here Piha Open Blog
16/11/08 Where to pub the Post Office. On July 27th this year some 49 Piha people voted to retain full postal services in Piha. Today 39 people attended a meeting to decide where this should be located. Suggestions: (1) On Private land (Piha Store property to the right); (2) Old School; (3) Building on Domain; (4) New addition to Library; (5) Bowling Club; (6) Camp Ground Office. All sorts of ideas were thrown around but the bottom line is the Reserves Management Act does not allow for any more buildings on the Domain as it is recreational. People were asked to show their hands in support of the options which resulted in: 25 for Camp Office, 21 Piha Store, 17 for Library and 11 for building on Domain. The final two motions passed were 1: That the meeting agree to the temporary locaton of the Post Office on the Domain as agreed with WCC and 2. That the meeting agree that the R & R investigate the options 1, 4 & 6 and report back to the AGM. Thoughts and opinions here
Yay! To compliment the speed humps WCC has put in 15km speed sign in the domain.
16/11/08 Five summer beaches: Best Beach : Piha the resounding favourite! As summer kicks off we point you to five beaches that emerged as favourites in last season's Herald. The iconic Piha, west of Auckland, has topped the list of the country's best beaches, as voted by Herald on Sunday readers. But it was a closely fought race, with Piha only just fending off a strong challenge from another Auckland icon - Takapuna Beach. Best beach: Winner: Piha Best beach for surf Winner: A tie between Piha and Whale Bay, Raglan Read the NZ Herald article here Sorry folk: We know you come to Piha because you love the beach, NZ's favourite beach, but Protect Piha Heritage think that if there is a Cafe in Piha that it would become 'the' destination, not the beach. Yeah Right!
14/11/08 What a fab end to a rather dreary day in the Environment Court. Having a nice big lattee at Atlas Cafe in Ponsonby I spot Rosemary McLeod - one of my favourite jounalists for many decades now. Just couldn't resist having a photo with her ! Do you think we have anything in common?
14/11/08 Six of the Yes! Campaigners in the Environment Court again today representing the 622 (mainly Piha residents) people who have signed our petition for the right have a Cafe in Piha. Four days now and still not finished. Four days of ARC & WCC ratepayers money plus taxpayers paying for the Judge, two Commissioners, court administrator, lawyers for the ARC, WCC, PPH, PPL, expert witnesses and heaps more. Let justice takes it's path.
12/11/08  To all the Piha people I bump into during the day, all of you at the RSA, Piha Bowling Club, Surf Club and readers of Village Voice who express gratitude to the YES! CAFE Campaigners for standing and fighting for a Cafe for Piha - thanks! It's encouraging & energising.
Here are the S274's reviewing and preparing for the Environment Court hearing over a Cafe in Piha. Some of us didn't know each other before this ridiculous issue started but have become great friends. We are all permanent residents of Piha unlike PPH!
12/11/08 Piha comes under scrutiny as cafe appeal begins: An Environment Court judge and commissioners yesterday visited Piha on Auckland's west coast to inspect the site of a controversial cafe proposal.  Judge Gordon Whiting said Piha looked "stunningly beautiful". Later, he and commissioners Kevin Prime and Dr Alexander Sutherland lunched at a cafe at the sister beach village of Muriwai. They visited Muriwai because its cafe will be compared with the Piha proposal in evidence to be given on traffic and wastewater treatment demands.
The applicants confirmed widespread support for any change which the cafe represented, including its benefits as a focal point for daytime interaction, available to members of, and visitors to, a growing coastal community. YES! Wayne Thompson doesn't mention that we, the Yes Group, were there but above is the photo of us, and Cr Mitchell, in Court before it opened yesterday! It seems the 'other side' that insist there is no outside seating now want an acoustic wall. Imagine going to a Cafe in PIha and not being able to see the great Lion Rock OR hear the roar of the sea? Insanity at its best. Full Wayne Thompson NZ Herald article here Your thoughts on Cafe in Piha here
Corona Crown Series at Piha x 2: The Hyundai National Champs presented by Quiksilver is the second event of the series and will be held at Piha Beach. The eight-day-event sees the biggest gathering of surfers for any domestic event in New Zealand with twenty divisions contested. A title at this event is the most sought after prize in New Zealand surfing. . . . . . Read about the Corona Crown Series here
Piha is getting its shit together at last: For some time now I have been trying to get information about the Piha/Karekare Water Group. Kubi has told me its not a 'Secret Society' but you'd think so trying to get information or anything from them. Anyway, we all know that the Bowling Club and RSA's sewage systems are a little below the par and a solution has been on the Agenda for some time now. The RSA has recently agreed to engage a pump out program in order to be able to stay open but the long term plan is to have a central system in the Domain for the RSA, Bowling Club and Domain to feed into. Makes sense. I have asked Fiona if she knows anything about this but alas no. I have to wonder why its OK for the RSA to have a 'pump out' regime (damn good idea!) but this safety valve is not good enough for PPH with regard to a Cafe in Piha which will have the most up to date sewage system available. One rule for one and another for the other again???
10/11/08 OK Piha - the 'Yes! Cafe Group are ready! This photo was taken today at our last meeting before Court - cheering with a good coffee, of course! We're off to the Environment Court tomorrow to represent all the people who voted for a Cafe and the 621 people who have signed the petition.
9/11/08 Who is Julia cooking this BBQ for? Click on the photo of Julia cooking and see
8/11/08 Election 08 : Whoever would have thought the West would go Blue? Did you know that Paula Bennett supports a Cafe in Piha if that is what the residents want? Did you know Lynne Palley didn't?
Tuning in to the surf - Musician Donald Nicholls says playing the clarinet is much like hanging ten at Piha. "When I?m surfing all I?m thinking about are the waves and the sea," the 39-year-old says. "You have to focus entirely on where you are in that moment. "And when you?re performing music you have to do that as well." Donald will be playing a solo piece during a performance of the Waitakere City Orchestra in Glen Eden?s Playhouse Theatre on Sunday at 6pm. Full article here
 Election Day in Piha Here is Julia collecting her ballot paper being watched by the scrutineer our own Piha JP Shirley Bond. It is such a fabulous day in Piha we cicylced down. Ouch! How I long for the day when we can call into the Cafe on the way home for a nice latte
7/11/08 More on Piha Mid Beach & what happened at the Piha R & R Meeting tonight.: The R & R knew : why didn't we? I went along to the R & R Meeting tonight and it was packed for the Open Forum - great. The big subject, of course, was what had happened and was going to happen at Mid Beach - given that the poles for the fencing had been ripped out by a resident. Well the main grizzle was that it was a shock to a lot of people that this fencing was going in. People now know that there was extended public consultation a few years ago and we also know that it was a 4 - 5 year WCC project. But there are new residents living at mid-beach since the consultation and others had forgotten or thought it was all finished and then when these fence rounds went in it all turned to custard. Well it transpires, from tonights meeting, that the Piha R & R received correspondence from WCC on 5th September advising them what was about to happen at mid beach. And what was done with this information? nothing! Early October they, the R & R, sent us all a newsletter telling us about the Post Office Special Meeting and Piha Lagoon Water Quality and a few Upcoming Events in Piha. On the back there was a blurb on how to join the R & R, who can join and what they do plus a 1/3 page article on the new bridge. This newsletter went out in October; after they received correspondence about the pending work on mid-beach. I have said it before and I am getting bored with repeating it: The R & R demand that everyone tells them everything but they tell us nothing and here is a perfect example of this. Had they passed on this news, in the above newsletter, then there would have been plenty of time to raise the roof, phone the Council, remind everyone of the consultation that had happened or if you really wanted to be proactive put a copy of the rather large consultation document in the library for anyone who would like to read it. So residents of Mid-Beach arrive at the meeting tonight with a petition signed by 60 people. The Chair of the Meeting, Monique Davis, said this couldn't be ignored and I agree. But what I'd like to ask is "what if we turned up with the 600 signatures that we have for a Cafe in Piha would they then have listened to us and refrained from making a neutral (yeah right!) submission?" Well then we moved onto the Beach Valley Road Project, once again. This is interesting given that 30+ properties in Beach Valley Road are now a part of the Project. The WCC representative at the Meeting, Renee Davies, explained that people are allowed, in fact encouraged, to maintain the berm in front of their properties city wide. Great! So what if my neighbour and I decide to work together. And what if my neighbours neighbour joins in. And then my neighbours neighbours neighbour? Well then what if the Council decide to support me and my neighbour and my neighbours neighbour and their neighbour? Well according to certain people on the R & R we need to consult with them! They need, in fact must, know what's going on. Why I ask? There are 10 of them, 30 of us, we own the property adjoining the berm and we have council support, ecologists with every degree ever dreamt up not to mention restoration experts and people that make me feel dumb they are so clever. Why do we have to consult and advise them - just so they can park it in some file where the WCC letter (refer above) is parked? We're not planting carnations !!! At tonights meeting a motion was passed to move Piha First Responses Funds, held by the R & R, to the Karekare / Piha First Response account. They are no longer under the 'umbrella' of the Piha R & R. The relationship with the R & R and Piha CoastCare and is tenuous to say the least. I have been a part of Piha CoastCare for a couple of years now and if you ask me we're just damn cheap labour that don't even get children's minimum wage let alone much thanks. But what surprised me even more, when I joined, is they're not a bunch of eco-nazis! That actually a great bunch of people with fabulous sense of humours and most of them I'm happy to call friends and I hope they feel the same about me. Piha CoastCare, in my experience, have got more grief than support from the R & R which I just can't get my head around. It seems that the relationship with the Piha Community Library may be heading in the same direction. This is all very sad but true. It's not the whole R & R but just a few sour apples in the fruit bowl that brings us to where we are today. So what to do? Well I think its time for new and younger blood to get involved a bit more. As Obama said 'It's time for a change" so think about it. There has been some great new bloody in the last couple of years but we need more. Get informed. - get involved. One of the reasons Village Voice was started is to inform people. Stir it up a bit. Get people thinking and saying what they think. You can right here on the Piha Open Blog or you can Email Village Voice HERE. Don't forget, if you want, to send in photos of your neck of the woods: Village Voice is for things to celebrate in our Community as well as inform. Gee its late. I'm off to bed.
7/11/08 Bobbie: I must commend you on a wonderful job you do at keeping us all informed so well of community info ! Piha Resident. Thank you - Bobbie
7/11/08 To the Ratepayers & Residents of Piha Mid Beach: I have read the blog posted last night and done some research as I prefer to deal with facts to start off with then move onto the human side. I have in front of me an 18 page document entitled 'Piha Mid Beach Dune Planting and Protection Project' Summary of Submissions and Implementation Proposal for Piha Residents and Ratepayers Association' dated August 2006 written by WCC Parks Planning Department. I did a speed read of this last night to catch up with what has happened to date. The first paragraph in the Aim of the Project reads: "The Piha Coastal Management Plan adopted in June 2000 identified a number of implementation actions for the Mid Beach area. In June 2003 a trial project was approved to be undertaken within the Mid Beach area to determine a way to implement the actions identified in the Piha Coastal Management Plan in the most appropriate manner acceptable to the local community" This 18 page document I have here includes the 'feedback' documents from the 'on site open day 23rd April 2006' and is interesting reading. If I had an electronic copy I would load it for you to read but there is lots of feedback from the Piha Community. It appears to me that there was considerable community consultation. See some of the Consultation here I wish to stress something here, to be fair, and that is this is a WCC Project consulted with the Piha R & R and Community to follow through from the Piha Coastal Management Plan of 2000. It is not a CoastCare project - don't blame them. From my experience it is much easier to work with WCC rather than against. Hence our Beach Valley Road Project. We, the people of Beach Valley Road, are working directly with WCC to plan and implement issues in Beach Valley Road. It is supported by Coastcare but is a WCC/Community Project and will later probably move from WCC to Coastcare but for now its us and our Council. It is working brilliantly and every person involved has a say and it counts. It may look 'citified' now but I promise you in 2 years it won't - it'll look natural and beautiful and our aims, other the environment, is pedestrian and vehicle safety and we will achieve that. Piha has man made carparks, man made roads and man made houses, clubs etc. With the increase in the price of petrol we will also have more people visit - and why not - Piha is quite stunning. We have 900+ permanent residents now. We need to help the environment deal with all these man made things and maybe that includes guided entrances to the beach. May I suggest you sit down with WCC, form a partnership with them, start a project with them and go for it. That is what we have done down here and its working very very well. It does mean you need to do some work though! We have removed so many bins of tossed out bottled and tins just like you folk have. See the Photos here If I could find a copy of the Piha Mid Beach document I would load it here for you to reference but have no time to search for it. If someone has an electronic copy can you send it to me. By the way R & R Meeting tonight 7:30 at Piha Library. Piha: Open Blog Bobbie
6/11/08 Thursday is Pasta Night at Piha SLSC: Yum - Thursday Night the place to eat out just has to be the Piha Surf Life Saving Club Restaurant with home made pasta. Below from left: New Manager Anna Wormald, locals at the bar and two different pasta dishes. Below: Some photos I took of some of the locals enjoying the new 'booth' seating and, at last, square tables you can join together. Great night and thoroughly recommended :-) 6/11/08 We have the NZ Refugee Services coming to Piha tomorrow, Friday, to pick up a whole lot of 'stuff' for their volunteers to give to Refugees. If you have any furnishings, clothing (in reasonably condition) etc etc please bring it to our place by 11am Friday for pickup. Phone if you wish 8128 758 - Julia
 Recognise this Runner? It's our Jim finishing the Auckland Marathon in 4:15. Careful if you come across him - he is still so high on all those endorphins he created running 42km. Huge congratulations Jim. I hear Sue put a great training regime together for him so congrats to you to Sue. (Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are similar to the chemical morphine. They have the effect of reducing pain. Endorphins become more active in the body during extreme exercise (eg. long distance running).
Congratulations USA
Some of you may have already heard that the posts for the long-awaited fences for the accessways on Mid Beach were vandalised last night (Tuesday). 60 odd posts that had been put in on Monday and Tuesday, in preparation for stringing wires today and tomorrow and planting on Sunday, were removed during the evening and left on the grass verge near the Mid Beach toilets. The cost of this vandalism is around $3000. The person carrying out the vandalism was seen in action by a number of people, and so is known. Needless to say, Council are very concerned about this turn of events, particularly since the Mid Beach project was widely consulted on, and approved by R&R. This has left us in rather a dilemma about our planned planting on Sunday. The fences will not be in place, and we have, in the past, worked on the principle that if the success of planting depends on fenced accessways, we will not plant until the accessways are in. Renee Davies from Council has asked the contractor to stop work until Monday, and has asked us to do the planting on Sunday as planned. So I guess that is what we will do. If the plants are to go in this season, it has to be this Sunday. A good turnout would be appreciated so that there is plenty of support in case of any problems. So please bring yourselves and your families. Pat LaRoche - Piha CoastCare PLEASE HELP US: This Sunday: Meet at the car-park in the vicinity of 129 Marine Parade North 10am - Bring: Gloves, suitable footwear, trenching-type spade (if you have one). We will have spades
5/11/08 Vandalism at Piha mid-beach. Full rounds, installed by a private contractor, pulled out from the Dunes Waiting at a nursery in Waitakere are 2,000 spinifix plants, worth approx $6,000, for Piha CoastCare to plant on the dunes at mid-beach. These plants will be protected by walkways from the roadside to the beach. These walkways are designed and paid for by us: Ratepayers via our rates. Waitakere City Council liases with the Piha Ratepayers and Residents association with regards to planned works such as this. Let's make it very clear right here: these walkways have nothing to do with Piha CoastCare. WCC do this work and consult with the Piha R & R. Imagine if you will I didn't like a neighbours fence so decided, under the cover of dusk, to just go and rip it down. Or imagine if I didn't like the Piha Surf Club's tower on the dunes so just went and pulled it down. How would you feel? There are ways and means to deal with issues like this. The Piha Ratepayers and Residents are consulted and know of these planned works by WCC. If they don't consult with us it doesn't make it OK to go and vandalise! If you aren't happy with what is happening then contact WCC direct on 836 800 and log a call. Or, conversely contact the Piha R & R and ask them what is happening. They could of included these works in their latest newsletter or let me know and I'd be happy to put it in Village Voice. Post your thoughts here
2008 Waitakere Business Awards :- BNZ Supreme Business Award Winner
Henderson-based fresh herb company, Superb Herb, took out the prestigious BNZ Supreme Business Award announced as part of the Waitakere Business Awards, at The Trusts Stadium on Friday night. "I am spell bound. It shows us that we're on the right track and gives us the encouragement to go on ahead," said Superb Herb owner Jim Pike.
Did you know that Piha has it's own designer? Jenny Dunlop is also an active member of The Beach Valley Road Project Have a look at Dunlop Design here
2/11/08 Hi, In answer to the go - carting, or lugging as they called it, well he knocked himself out as he fell off the luge. They ended up calling an ambulance. Apparently a friend was following on a motorbike to make sure he was ok going down the hill, and she ended up running him over after he had fallen off! This happended outside of 123 Piha Road, so they didn't get far! Unbelievable I know, but I was 2nd on the scene and got it all from their own mouths - and they at least looked a bit sheepish over it all. Luckily he was ok , enough to talk and have a ciggy afterwards. Kind Regards Julie Savage
 1/11/08 Left Graeme Murdock and Pita Turei at Barnett Hall Nth Piha Graeme Murdock gave a great talk to some 65 people at Barnett Hall on the history of Te Piha through its place names. Graeme is a historian, teacher and community worker who, in 2006, received a citation, from Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, for his research of Waitakere's history and strong relationships with councils and the Maori community. Ngai Tai kaumatua Pita Turei is pictured here with Graeme. This evening at Barnet Hall, North Piha, was hosted by Protect Piha Heritage Inc
31/10/08 Missing woman's sister discharged: The sister of missing Auckland woman Iraena Asher has been discharged without conviction on a firearms charge laid following police raids in the Urewera Range. Full story here
A wee coven of witches (hats blown off by the wind!) spotted on a very busy trick or treating Te Ahuahu road last light. From left: Charlotte Houtwipper, Tiger Mateo, James and Lauren Boyce
BOO! Halloween in Piha - send in your Halloween photos ! Look at these two darlings all dressed up for Halloween. Receiving treats from Julia are Ruby and Poppy, both of Beach Valley Road. Click on the thumbnails for bigger photos
31/10/08 And still they're coming in: Nearly 600 and all collected in Piha! Hi Bobbie, We would like to sign the petition for a cafe in Piha. We are amazed that anyone would be against such a project. It would make Piha an even more pleasant place to visit. We have had a Bach at Piha for the last 12 years and have often remarked how much better it would be with a proper cafe. Regards, name supplied
31/10/08 Hiya: Did anyone else see the two (male!) lunatics on go carts coming down Piha Hill today? I am curious to know whether they made it to the bottom of the hill in one piece or whether they ended up under a car or over the cliff? I was driving past the end of Te Ahuahu Road at about midday when I saw two guys with grey plastic looking go carts sitting at the top of Piha Hill. I thought, I hope they?re not serious!! Then I was driving back up the hill after collecting my son from preschool and as I turned the corner by Piha Lodge they came speeding down the hill (without helmets and not sure about if they had breaks!!) looking a little more than totally petrified and somewhat out of control. Hope they enjoyed the ride and made it in one piece! Sarah B Answer HERE
If you are happy for Trick or Treaters to visit you this evening just put an A4 size of paper on your letter box with '"Trick & Treaters Welcome here" ................ :-)
HALLOWEEN - BOO!!! 31st If you're happy for Trick or Treat tonight just put the 'trick or treat notice' put in your letter box yesterday on your letter box and be ready for them .......... boo We're more than happy for the Piha kiddies to come to our door :-)
Who is this woman and what is she demonstrating?
29/10/08 Surfersvillage Global Surf News, Surfing New Zealand and Lion Nathan through the Corona brand have renewed their partnership for the coming summer season. The new contract continues the long running relationship since 2001 between the two entities and confirms the Corona Crown Series of domestic surfing events in New Zealand this summer. ............................ The Hyundai National Champs presented by Quiksilver is the second event of the series and will be held at Piha Beach. The eight-day-event sees the biggest gathering of surfers for any domestic event in New Zealand with twenty divisions contested. A title at this event is the most sought after prize in New Zealand surfing. .................... Corona Super 16 - 3-4 April, Piha Beach, 6 star event
30/10/08 Political plans for Waitakere Ranges: We have asked incumbents and major contenders in all six west Auckland electorates one question each. Here we speak with Waitakere Labour MP Lynne Pillay and her National counterpart Paula Bennett. Read it here
29/10/08 Piha SLSC Restaurant & Bar: Starting November 6th the Piha SLSC Restaurant & Bar will be open from Thursday thru Sunday opening 5pm :-)
Project Groundswell: Surf Life Saving New Zealand has been undertaking a top to bottom review of its structure and operations known as Project Groundswell. Read about Project Groundswell here
Piha Market Day: Photos of Piha Locals
Who you should vote for? Click here Interesting ........... and fun?
Just waiting on a photo of the spaceship that landed last night to pick up a load of green tomatoes!!! Click on this image on the left to see a Google Earth Image of Rayner Road. What is that huge 'thing' there? Ki ora Bobbie, The large construction in Rayner Road that you have discovered via Google Earth was supposed to have been a secret for a little longer. In 1940 Budge and Ivy (nee Ussher) Phillipson moved to a little cottage above The Gap. If I remember correctly, it was 3 pence to view The Tennis Courts, The Blow-hole, The Gap and swim in the safety of The Blue Pool. Budge and Ivy had 1 child, a girl. She married Jonny Byers. This is how huge tracts of prime Piha land fell into the hands of the Byers family. The construction you have discovered on Google Earth is an Aquatic Adventure Playground being built on Byers land. Water slides, Wave Pools, Bad Hot-Dogs and 100's more Piha visitors a day, fantastic hey! It is only the production and consequent airing of 'Piha Rescue' that has made this venture viable. Recent research indicates that 3 out of every 4 Aucklanders are too shit scared to dip a toe in the Piha surf. I have been unable to verify this: can anyone verify it for me please?
4/10/08 Information pack tells all about Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. This is just more politicing but more about that later. In the mean time Read here
27/10/08 Yes, New Zealand seems prehistoric when it comes to services at the seaside. I recall Mt Mauganui in the mid-90s and there was no seafront cafe then. Even today, Whangamata still has no restaurant or cafe overlookin the sea. And Marc Ellis is having a world of trouble getting his little cafe at Piha . . . . . . . . I will never forget my surprise when I first came to New Zealand and on my first weekend went to Piha and could not find a place by the sea to have lunch. What a third world country it is, I thought. .More here
 An Incredible Story : In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee, inspected the elephant's foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away. Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day. Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man. Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter could not help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing, and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly. Probably wasn't the same elephant. This is for all those people who send me those heart-warming bullshit stories. ;-) <snicker>
25/10/08 Ms Asher's 111 call - After the disappearance of 25-year-old Auckland model Iraena Asher at Piha, Hodson faxed a transcript of Ms Asher's 111 call to police, identifying the whistleblower who had leaked the transcript.Story HERE
25/10/28 Halloween in Piha - hosted by Piha Librarians It is just incredible how much trouble our librarians go to on Halloween for the growing number of children in our very special community. 70 children booked in - the maximum - those booking late had to miss out! The Piha Library is a truly wonderful asset to our Community beaten only by the librarians that run it Did anyone know Gaby has such great legs and look at Norma's boots. They work hard, as volunteers for us, and they sure know how to have fun and play as seen below. Last photo is the wonderful Halloween cake made for the children. Look at the detail in that icing. The decorations were everywhere and fabulous too. The library even brought in a magician that the kiddies just loved. Three Cheers for our volunteer librarians.         
CORBAN ESTATE ARTS CENTRE TENANTS PAINT THEMSELVES A VICTORY AT THE 2008 WAITAKERE TRUST ARTS AWARDS. 
The Waitakere Trust Arts Awards (which provide for local artists as well as artists from further afield to showpiece their creations) are now done and dusted for 2008, but have left CEAC artists with the sweet smell of victory. Four well known and highly respected West Auckland artists, with studios at Corban Estate Arts Centre, were awarded a place in the recent Waitakere Trust Art Awards. Congratulations to Donna Sarten, Bernie Harfleet, Ann Uerata and Henriata Nicholas. Donna won First Prize in the Lincoln Green Sculpture Awards for ?Smack?, and was 3rd in the sculpture section of the Project Twin Streams Awards for ?Kai Kete?. 
Anne won first prize in the sculpture section of the Project Twin Streams Awards for ?Waka Kura Mo Nga Tangata?, and a Merit Award in the Lincoln Green Sculpture Awards for ?Aroha?. Bernie received Second Prize in Waitakere Trust Art Awards for ?Vessel-Sanctuary-Tomb? and Henriata took second place in the painting section of the Project Twin Streams Awards for ?To Puna?. Corban Estate Arts Centre prides itself on having tenants and tutors that not only excel at what they do, but who also push the boundaries within their art practice. This year?s success at the awards is a credit to their work and to them personally as artists.
 23/10/08
What a long day: Just setting the alarm to get up and get to Huia by 8:30 nearly killed me but, left, Geoff Calvert, Pat LaRoche, Yvonne Cleverly and myself, Bobbie (& tutor Peter) at the GrowSafe course we did today. This now means that this CoastCare group can now legally spray on public land. It doesn't mean we necessarily will because an important part of the course was establishing IF you have to spray and only if you have to then how / when / why to do it - safely. Did you know you have to be certified to spray on anything other than private land?
You see I am trying to find out how many Incorporated Societies, Committees, Groups and 'God knows what' there are out there 'representing US and speaking for US'. I'm interested in how they were formed, why they were formed, their statutory (if any) powers, and what they do 'on our behalf, and who they consult? ' The West Coast Liaison Group meets every couple of months and has an AGM about every 4 or 5 years. Did you know they exist? They liase with 'us' through the local Ratepayers and Residents Groups. Have you received any updates on what these groups are doing and saying 'on our behalf'? PLEASE READ THIS: The new 'Community Information Pack' is very interesting and has some great content. It has a Community Directory section however some significant groups and facilities are missing: Under Piha it does not include CoastCare, one of the community groups that does a huge amount of work here. N or does it include any Accommodation in Piha ............ Waitakere's Iconic Tourist Drawcard!!! It does have Auckland's Waitakere Estate - a commercial enterprise just like Black Sands Lodge, Piha Lodge, Piha Cottage etc but none of Piha's accommodation is included in this information pack Nor does it include West of Auckland Tourism, a significant and effective Tourism Network Group working closely with, and funded by, Enterprise Waitakere. No surprise it does include Protect Piha Heritage It does not include Piha Neighbourhood Watch Under JPs it does not include our own JP & Celebrant Shirley Bond and worst of all under 'Local Media' it doesn't have Village Voice. For your interest there are only 2 businesses in Piha listed: Piha Osteopath & Piha Store ! No surprise the Piha R & R representative on the West Coast Liason Group is Helen Pearce: lives in Pt Chev!.
This document has been paid for by us, WCC Ratepayers! I am so incredibly tired at the lack of communication and consultation with us, the people of Piha! See it here [378]kb] pdf I suppose this is what happens when you don't 'communicate' or 'consult' with the grass roots people in your Community over these things ............ How many Piha people, that live here, were consulted on this? The Piha information is not good enough. No surprise that Protect Piha Heritage is in though!!! COMMENT on anything you like HERE
Beach houses looking shaky: Powerful storms in July swept about 7m of sand off the eastern end of the beach and left four houses. Join Piha CoastCare now or ignore the importance of Dunes at your peril. Read more
Piha R & R Special Post Office Meeting : Could the R & R Committee please publish the so-called 'letter from Telecom that says Piha R&R owns the building" that we keep hearing about but never actually seen.
23/10/08 Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse with Councillor Sandra Coney launching the new Community Information Pack at the Arataki Centrea tonight and Bobbie receiving her copy from Penny :-)
22/10/08 Boat on Fire clearly seen from Piha: A boat, quite a way out at sea, but clearly visible was on fire. around 6pm this evening. A helicopter was seen attending ............. more to follow
Tomorrow night, Thursday 23rd, is Opening Night of the Restaurant at Piha SLSC with their regular Thursday Pasta Night - should be good; those guys have italian blood in their veins !
Last night I went to the 2nd in their series of seminars, this time, on native grasses at the Oratia Native Nursery. The people that attend are made up of landscape gardeners, council staff and ordinary gardeners like me. Really neat and friendly people - like me! I really recommend attending any more that those lovely people host. I'll put then on 'What's Happening' when they come up. Their website has a great 'search' for plants - very easy.
22/10/08 Please Don't Touch the Weeds on the banks of Beach Valley Road: Read why HERE
21/10/08 The Waterman of Paeroa: Michael O'Donnell revisits Piha "He is a man of many hats who is totally in touch with the natural and creative world and must surely be named as a Living Treasure of New Zealand" We get some amazing and surprising guests at Black Sands Lodge. Mike, left, came to stay and couldn't believe it when he arrived. He used to come here as a very young boy with his family and knew the Allpress and Valvoi families. He recalls being in bed listening and watching the adults party pretty hard (hard case stories). It was fond memories for him to return. Also he is the famous 'Water Man of Paeroa' so couldn't resist a photo. He gave us this boquet of flowers before leaving - they are ALL edible. Read more about Water Man here
Would you like to do something VERY rewarding?  A few years ago Julia and I volunteered with the NZ Refugee Services to help settle some refugees from Ethiopia. Some of you will remember because we grovelled for household 'things' and you were so very generous. Basically you go to the 'Refugee Services' training sessions which are absolutely wonderful. You are then grouped and allocated a refugee family from the Mangere Reception Centre. You meet them and pretty much become their 'rock'. It is pretty full on for about their first three weeks out of the Refugee Reception and then, depending on all sorts of factors, its slowly drops off. Our 'Ethopian Family' are still hugely dear to our hearts and a part of our family. Ju and I hugely recommend this work if you are looking to give humanity back something ......... For details go What's Happening 9th November HERE or NZ Refugee Services HERE
 Ross Bethell - "He had the courage to stand up for what he believed in and he stood tall. The death of Ross Bethell will leave an enormous hole in the lives of many west Aucklanders, his wife Vicky says. Read it HERE
95bFM Acres: Sustainable Simon checks in with Paul Thompson to see how our garden is going at bFM Acres out at Piha The Green Desk
Hi Bobbie. Have been interested to read your Village Voice comments re the Kauri fungus and pigs/pig hunting dogs. Another pest that has taken over the beachfront is wild rabbits. The population has escalated in the last twelve months and they're now regularly seen during daylight hours. The ARC website clearly states that rabbits prefer dune areas and that they are very destructive. They have certainly killed the four native trees I planted by nibbling off all the new shoots as they sprouted. I got WCC out for a look earlier in the year but they're not interested, claiming that the rabbits are not damaging the sand-dunes or natives and that it is the responsibility of the property owners to get rid of them, despite the fact it is well-known that rabbits have been living on Lion Rock for years and now, with their population explosion, they have spread to surrounding properties. One of my neighbours has tried poison but obviously it is not enough to control the population - you know what rabbits are like!!! I cannot see the sense of residents trying to control rabbits on private property if the existing rabbit population on Lion Rock and surrounds is not curbed. What do you think? Have you had any other info re this pest? King regards - name supplied.
 Well I went surfing ARC website and found : "Threats to sand dunes: ............... pests, like rabbits and possums, eating native dune grasses ..........."
Last year I saw a number of rabbits at South Piha, in particular just north of the public toilets on the property frontages. I just searched through about 5,000 photos and actually found the photos I took 22 Dec 07 of this rabbit playing with a black bird of all things (left). I have a series of photos of them 'playing' with each other! Email Village Voice, HERE
21/10/08 More on Kauri Tree Disease: " . . . . . . . . . Humans and wild pigs have been identified as the two vectors, so signs and shoe-cleaning disinfectant mats have been placed at all entries to the Waitakere park, and eight pig-hunters hired to blitz the ranges. . . . A pig toxin is also being developed as a permanent solution.. . " Full story by Brian Rudman Well I did think on 18th (below) a bounty on pigs, and especially piglets, would be a damned good idea . . . . . if they suspect pigs are contributing to the problem get rid of them - duh!
Hi Bobbie, The finch you have seen is a male yellowhammer. Quite common in the sand dunes at Karekare and around LaTrobe Track in the summer. Cheers Dave B
Confirmation has come through that the Thundercats Round 6 of their series will be going ahead in Piha Feb 28th next.
 19/10/08A sign I spotted at 'Blairs' @ Piha Beach. Don't you love it? I am sure if this weather continues in Piha they'll be open much later.
Everyone Sunday at 1pm: Soccer on Piha Domain These Piha locals were having a great time as I wandered past. Mike: you're a pretty good 'goal keeper'. You're welcome to roll up and join in I hear.
A reader writes: "Waitakere City Council has given Act
 three days notice to remove an election sign on a prohibited site. This follows an earlier request to move the sign that was not actioned. The prohibited site is a dangerous junction at the corner of Piha Rd and Scenic Drive. Ironically, the sign claims Act has 'zero tolerance' for crime."
18/10/08 Groups join forces to fight kauri-killer fungus The deaths of hundreds of kauri struck down by a fungal disease despite attempts to thwart it has jolted officials to urgently plot a nationwide joint-action response. Kauri in Auckland's west, including the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Huia, Oratia, Karekare and private land in Waimauku, have died. Full story here I think a good start, if indeed pigs are a big contributing factor to the spread of this disease, is to have a huge pig cull including the young immediately. It's common knowledge that local hunters leave the piglets, when hunting, to ensure there is enough 'hunting stock' for the future. Although it is illegal for anyone to hunt in the Waitakere Ranges, except for Rangers, its common knowledge that plenty do. Get rid of all the pigs, including the young, and zap the maximum fine on those that are hunting - surely their pig dogs are a risk at spreading the disease ??? The other alternative is to have bounty on dead pigs and a bigger bounty on piglets. It's not rocket science is it? - Bobbie
17/10/08 Maybe a Yellow Hammerhead? Several times this morning I have seen this rather stunning bird in our front garden in South Piha. It's about the size of a sparrow but with a canary yellow (think ACT!!!) chest. Not sure the head is yellow as it is flittering in and out of sight. Anyone else seeing these in Piha? Heaps of wood pigeons around :)
The continuing urbanisation of Piha or a beautiful Village for families to live in ?? The littlies of Piha had their first ballet lesson last week at Barnett Hall. How cute are they?
Piha Surf Life Saving Club Restaurant / Bar T  The Piha Surf Life Saving Club Restaurant and Bar will open for the season on Thursday 23 October, with the launch of the all-new Thursday Pasta Night. Come and enjoy hand-made, authentic Italian Pasta, with different dishes on offer every week. As well as the delicious pasta selection, Thursdays will have Kim Crawford wines on special for $40 a bottle (regularly $35). The Restaurant and Bar will be open Thursday to Sunday until Christmas and further updates will follow in December re holiday hours. Restaurant Menu [40kb] pdf
Anna Wormald is the new Bar Manager. Anna will take up residence in the club flat and commence work when the Restaurant/Bar opens at Labour Weekend. Anna comes to us from Tobys in Titirangi and has previously worked in a number of bar and hospitality roles.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2008 and lots of $$$$ for Piha 
This year Surf Life Saving NZ is the official charity of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. 50% of all funds raised on the night will be allocated to the Clubs based on a the percentage of volunteers provided by the Club. 400 volunteers are required for the Auckland Concert and we have registered Piha for 150 spots. If we can fill these spots and the estimated $200,000 is raised - Piha are looking at approx $37,000!! WE MUST HAVE 150 volunteers -so remember this money will go against your chosen competition team - Huntington, Competition Squad or Boat Crew. Please contact Deb Camplin directly on deborahcamplin@ihug.co.nz if you can help out.
16/10/08 In 2004 this is how these plants were transported. To find out what the plants are and what they're good at go HERE
Details on this Reunion BBQ, competition and dinner is now on 'What's Happening?'
More on Phone outages:
15/10/08 Hi Fellow Residents of Paradise Just caught the midday news about the fantastic coverage Telecom is offering 97% of NZ residents. Where does that leave us in a power outage? Still up the creek without a paddle apparently. According to the Telecom information centre person I spoke to this morning, the new system that Telecom is installing systematically up the hill in the transformer boxes, is called PCM which stands for Pulse Code Modulation and, yes, it requires power to work. This lady called Vi was contacted by dialling 125 on advice in response to our poll site on Village Voice. She also said that underground power was not the answer as a fault underground could cause the ground to become "live" !! I then phoned Civil Defence and was assured by them that their warning signals will still work in the event of a power cut. Fingers crossed, ha ha ! Cheers EnJay
Hi Bobbie I've been meaning to respond to your query about the gorgeous parrot you managed to get a photo of in one of your trees. It's a Rosella. When I first bought my place in Rayner Rd which is about 12 years ago, there was a flock of them that were regularly flying around Sylvan Glade. Sadly over the years they disappeared along with a lot of the other birdlife; due to the possoms I imagine. Nice to see they might be coming back, even if some of the locals look on them as pests because they aren't natives. I used to have Rainbow Lorikeets which are the same size but more colourfull. Cheers EnJay EnJay: I recall when we bought down the lower end of Beach Valley Road in the late 90's we often saw quite a few of them around the Beyers property. This is the first I have seen for a very long time. :) B
The YES campaign for a Cafe in Piha now has well over 500 signatures! The majority from Piha addresses!
Piha Lagoon Water Quality - Piha Domain Camp Ground upgrade To improve the water quality in the Piha Lagoon the Waitakere City Council (WCC) is undertaking some upgrading of the wastewater system which services the Piha Domain Camping Ground and the domain. This work is in response to issues that were raised in a report by Andrew Stewart, the environmental adviser commissioned by the WCC. This will enable the Piha Domain Camp consent to be renewed and also upgrade the operation of both the water and sewage systems. The work, which is 90% complete, involves the replacement of part of the sand in the sand filter and a reconfiguration of the discharge system into the sand filter to better utilise that bed. An inspection of the septic tanks was also undertaken and these were found to be satisfactory. At the same time grease traps were installed in the camp kitchen and the bore water supply was checked and cleaned. The Council also upgraded the pump shed configuration. The upgrading of the dosing systems for chlorine and treatment of the water supply is underway, but is yet to be completed. Andrew Stuart is also advising on the procedural requirements for the connection of the Piha Bowling Club sewage system into the campground system and on the consequences and costs of the long term improvement/replacement of a total Domain system. There is still one further wastewater sewage system which is adjacent to the lagoon that requires a major operational upgrade and this will substantially completed by labour weekend. ( RSA ??? ) All this will ensure that the water in the Piha Lagoon will be of a quality that we would expect by Christmas. This work has been undertaken by our Council led Piha-Karekare Water Agenda Group, but would never have happened without the enthusiasm and support of Council?s Tony Miguel and Martin Glover.
More on the implications of power cuts in Piha:
Hi Bobbie We don't seem to have too many problems with phone coverage during power outages. We have one of the old style phones that only require the phone jack to work and I was able to use that through the entire power cut and all previous outages, even ones that last 13 hours. Sometimes people have trouble phoning in, but I am always able to call out. And I have a Telecom mobile which has always had coverage during power cuts as well. We live at the top of the hill so maybe there is some difference there?? It is totally unacceptable though that Piha and Karekare residents cannot have a standard phone service during a power cut, so I too will be lobbying the phone companies. And by the way, I thought our esteemed Mayor's comments were a complete cop out - what is his job again? Cheers, Sarah B Hi All It has been pointed out to me since I originally said that the power outages have happened during the last three power cuts, that in fact they have occurred since the Tsunami Alarms were erected around Piha, Do these rely on power too and do you think maybe something has been stuffed up in their installation? On that thought - what about the alarm calling out the volunteer fire brigade - does this alert rely on power too? If this is the case we really are in dire straits. Cheers EnJay.
11/10/08 Piha Surf Life Saving Club opens for the season. What a great gathering, speeches, photos, food and not bad company! Dennis Black in particular gave a '5 minute history' on the Piha Surf Life Saving Club. Very interesting . . . . especially the part about when they moved the old surf club building to the south end of the beach and it was used as a coffee lounge ! More great photos here
 11/10/08 Sitting out front having a coffee with a friend this morning I saw this parrot (?) up in one of our pohutukawa.
Running inside to grab the camera - I could barely see it so pointed the camera and just shot and got it! I remember years ago seeing more of these here but not for ages. Sorry about quality but it was a dot in the shot so heaps of trimming. Anyone able to identify it?
More about Wahi Tapu and Lion Rock: You may recall a couple weeks ago I wrote about ARC writing " "Lion Rock Track Walk Time: "Lion Rock Track Walk Time: 20 minutes Distance: 0 km Lion Rock, an icon of Piha Beach, . . . . . . . . . . . You cannot climb to the top of Lion Rock due to the area's Wahi Tapu significance. This is a spiritually and culturally significant site sacred to the Maori people "  I am waiting back to hear from ARC who have referred the matter to Auckland City for investigation because I challenged it - remembering how it was erosion that closed the top of Lion Rock. Well ................... things like this, that don't add up, stop me sleeping at night hence (we started Village Voice) I did more research and found the following on the web:
"In late 1999 the top end of the track was blocked by a rock fall. The Lion Rock was barred to the public in early December 1999 after a large quantity of rocks fell onto the path leading to the top of the 101 metre rock. A few months ago the Auckland Regional Council started work to reopen the track, to some misgiving from locals who didn't want their icons scarred by an obvious path. . . . . . . . Recently work came to a halt when the ARC realised that the rock was more unstable than thought, and that more major work would be needed to reduce the risk of rock falls from above the path. . . . . . . Currently, the work is on hold while the ARC ponders whether it wants to meet the increased costs of taking the track to the top . . . . . . . The other option is to end the track at the grass platform two-thirds of the way to the top." So which version is right? Both can't be .............
11/10/08: Piha bridge is a winner: The new $700,000 Piha footbridge is officially open. It replaces an old narrow timber crossing that linked the domain to Piha South Beach. Read full story here
10/10/08 Couldn't resist photographing the back of this bus yesterday in Glen Eden. It's always good to have my trusty camera at hand. Can you pick the boo boo? I have sent it to Sideswipe
10/10/08 Big bird turns heads over city: " . . . . QF Passengers didn't mind the delays as they were flown towards Piha and then back over the city before touching down shortly before noon.. . . " It's all here
10/10/09 Wai What?
Who are these people? Wai What? Something to do with the Beach Valley Road Project maybe? Click HERE to find out the 'news' . . .
9/10/08 Stray pig hunting dogs are wreaking havoc in the Waitakere Ranges at Piha. At least one man was injured and a dog badly mauled on a public walking track earlier this year. Three horses were attacked in a separate incident while grazing in a paddock last month. Residents are now calling for urgent action and fear a child will be the next victim. Read full story here Comment here if you wish
9/10/08 No, its not snow - its called 'Hydro seeding' on Seaview Road. It enables rapid and cost effective application of seed to difficult landscapes and is viable during most of the year. By combining seed, fertilizer, fibre and a tackifier, a hydro-seeding mixture is produced that can be applied with force to the landscape surface. The seed mixture sticks to the soil surface through to germination.
  
More feedback on Piha Phones during power cuts: 8/10/08 I am glad to see that the concerns re the phone outages in Piha are finally being raised. 2 members of my household suffer from anaphylaxis (an extreme and often life-threatening allergic reaction to an antigen ie. food, bee sting) and should either of us suffer an attack, we have no way of calling 111 and seeking medical assistance. We have a Vodafone mobile and this is also useless during a power cut as the cell site goes down after about an hour. Despite numerous calls to both Telecom and Vodafone, neither have offered a satisfactory solution or comfort that this will not continue. As you can imagine, we sit in a state of high alert during power outages hoping that nothing goes wrong. Is it going to take a serious injury or even death of someone at Piha before the phone companies will take notice of us and address this issue???? I hope not...... Tanya Bidois, Piha
8/10/08 Hi Bobbie Good on you for your bit about the lack of phone coverage during a power cut and the links to vodaphone and telecom. It is disgraceful that they can?t sort it out. I have emailed both vodaphone and telecom and urge all Piha residents to do the same and perhaps some action will happen Sue Dunne A Reply from The Mayor: Bob Harvey re loss of phone coverage. See  Dear 'Piha Resident' Thanks for your email and whilst I sympathise with you there is little I as Mayor can do - its called Wild West Weather and I'm afraid the elements just don't do what we want them to do. We have no authority over Telecom or Vector. In the last lot of bad weather I was without power for 4 days straight in my own home so I know how frustrating it can be. Bob Harvey RE Phone Coverage during Power Cuts Bobbie for people like me and you who work from home the problem is even worse. Out of desperation I have purchased a generator - let me tell you they are not cheap!! Is it not time our beloved R&R made representation to WCC on our behalf to get the Council to start putting some pressure on the power companies? I would be more tolerant if we had less of these due to fact line was being put underground. Is there any planned/ongoing putting of cables underground? I suspect not... I am going to look at what redress we have via the electricity/energy commissioner as there is never any compensation from the power companies for the outages and things seem to be getting worse, not better. On the drive home last night I knew there would be no power...no surprise to get home and find this was the case. These outages are too predictable. I agree with the 111 issue - this is a disgrace. - Jonathon, Piha 8/10/08 Mr MayorI live here permanently at Piha and I'm writing to you out of desperation in the hope that you can do something to resolve the ridiculous situation which has developed over the last few months here at our little 'paradise". For at least the last three power cuts that we have had to put up with, not only have we lost power, the ability to turn taps on, flush toilets, etc. the latest disturbing development is that we totally lose landline phone coverage - not just cordless phones that need a power socket but the original landline connections now also die. We here at Piha are isolated enough without losing another "lifeline". The power suppliers say it's the phone company's problem and the phone company say that since we have had "Broadband" coverage in Piha the old copper wiring that the phones ran on has now been replaced with fibre optic cables which have a very short battery backup life and are then ineffective during power cuts. I'm sorry but this is just not good enough. Do you realise how isolated and vulnerable one feels in this situation. It invariably happens during a storm and we here at Piha wait for the inevitable to happen. Once upon a time when the phones had a fault on the line a different sound told the caller that the phone wasn't working properly. Now all the caller hears is the normal ringing tone and thinks there is no one there to answer the phone. Another step backwards ! Hoping that by passing this problem over to you, our Mayor, you will at least be able to get us some answers. Piha Resident (name supplied) I agree : once upon a time when we lost 'all' we still had our mobiles - I urge all Piha folk to email to either Vodafone or Telecom and complain here Vodafone email Telecom here
Straight off the NZ Herald Mrs Robinson Phenomenon blog "...........The glamour couple are set to spend several months there (Argentina) on a sabbatical break we understand. Which will, no doubt, be welcome news to Ellis and his four mates, whose company Preserve Piha Ltd is set to face a very costly battle in the Environmental Court on November 10. They are up against Preserve Piha with the likes of Sandra Coney and TV3's Melanie Reid, who oppose their plans for a small local community cafe. The Environmental Court typically hears large industrial cases and Treaty issues, so the case about the little-cafe-that-could is bound to draw loads of media attention. We wish Ellis well - both here and in Argentina.
7/10/08 More leaving Australia than ever before: Well, its about time the press starting reporting a more balanced picture'! All we hear is how many are leaving NZ but some of us know that this is not just a NZ issue. The grass is not always greener. Well its a lot greener in NZ that's for sure because we have water - that's a good start!. I recently visited Philip Island where they're looking at installing desalination plants. NZ Herald reports today: CANBERRA - New Zealand is the biggest beneficiary after Australia experienced its biggest annual exodus on record. Almost 77,000 people left the Australia permanently in 2007-08, a new report shows. The main countries of intended residence for all permanent departures were New Zealand (18.4 per cent), the United Kingdom (17.8 per cent), the United States (9.3 per cent), Hong Kong (7.2 per cent) and Singapore (6.4 per cent).
5/10/08 Piha Ratepayers and Residents and Consultation: Last week I wrote about "The Piha R&R insisting that everyone consult with them but rarely do they consult with us." Here is a perfect example: The draft Minutes of last Friday's R&R Meeting were on the R&R website (since removed) and I quote Motion 4 "That a letter be written to WCC to ask for wider public consultation on aspects of the Beach Valley Rd project" Moved Monique Davies 2nd Simon Brown The reason for this, according to Friday's Minutes is that: "...... consultation restricted to street residents only, despite the concept plan showing proposals for substantial work such as road crossing, verge plantings and hard structures such as boardwalks" In 2007 WCC put together three 'solution options' for pedestrian safety in Beach Valley Road and presented them to the R&R at the November 2007 (11 months ago) Meeting See Nov 2007 Minutes Here off R & R Website (Monique and Simon: you were both at this meeting.) The options were then to be send to the RSA for their input. See Options HERE off R & R website So you can imagine that when the Beach Valley Project started I was absolutely shocked that no property owners in Beach Valley Road had heard about these plans - 11 months, and one AGM, after they were presented to the R & R 'for consultation'! It is even more of a shock to me that last Friday the Committee passed a resolution to write to WCC to ask for more consultation on the Beach Valley Road Project with them because " . . . . showing proposals for substancial work such as roading crossing, verge plantings and hard structures such as boardwalks" is in the concept plan. Hello! These plans are 11 months old and consultation has been and gone with the R & R. Refer Minutes At what stage, I ask, were the owners in Beach Valley Road going to be advised, consulted or told about the plans by the R&R? AND THIS IS MY VERY POINT: Everyone has to consult with the R & R but who do they consult with? It was only that I knew about them that they were, as they should, be a part of our 'concept plan'. As for verge planting: well we have every possible ecologist, sustainable management advisors, experts in this and that with degrees I haven't even heard of from WCC helping us. Rest assured we will NOT be planting flax on the verges, that's for sure! The Beach Valley Road Community's priorities are: 1. Eradicate Weeds 2. Plant Natives 3. Pedestrian Safety and 4. Vehicle Safety. The Beach Valley Road Community is blossoming through this amazing WCC initiative. We get so many compliments from people wandering up and down its heart warming. Just look at these PHOTOS ENJOY and watch this space! - Bobbie Comment here if you wish
5/10/08 Click on this image to see the fabulous new floor in the Art Gallery not to mention the new layout. Glenys: you are such an asset!
Trailer load of Agapantha goes into the Weedbin See more photos HERE
2/10/08 Surfing New Zealand AGM Signals Widespread Support for Organisation Read full article HERE
Sending the Ranger out after the Mayor? I heard a rumour The Mayor was doing something 'suspicous' on Karekare Beach and some 'watch dog' went down to check it all out. I have done my research and the story goes: the truth of the matter is that Mayor Bob has been restoring the old gear shed on the beach, apparently, with the blessing of the Historic Places Trust and ARC. Last week he was, with small digger in tow, cleaning out the building. Someone spotted him and got onto the hot line to ARC who despatched a ranger to go and check it all out!!! Bob contacted ARC, stated his case and the ranger was called off!
This very same Mayor appointed to International Body: Bob Harvey QSO JP, Mayor of Waitakere City and President of the Peace Foundation, was today appointed to the Executive Committee of Mayors for Peace, an international organisation of over 2400 mayors and cities promoting the global abolition and elimination of nuclear weapons. Mayors for Peace
2/10/08 Surfing NZ technically insolvent : A legal stoush which threatens to split the country's surfing community has pushed the sport's governing body to the financial brink.. . . . . . .
Despite heavy criticisms since last year's acrimonious meeting Scott will lead the organisation for another year. A challenge by self-proclaimed ``activist'' and Wild Coast Boardriders member Monique Davis failed, Scott winning by 20 votes to six. Read all about it HERE
 2/10/08 'The Phantom' who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano ? Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her.
The beautiful Marina Grange, Christine in the Phantom, has just left our Tui Suite. Little wonder the Phantom falled in love - she is beautiful. The Phantom of the Opera Photo left: Marina Grange and partner Richard leaving us today.
Piha Bowling Club Inc has a flash new sign with opening hours etc. Getting a bit upmarket there Janet!
1/10/08 Waitakere Community Board Meeting last night & Thundercats - very interesting - I attended because there has been a suggestion that the relationship between WCC and Piha Ratepayers & Residents be formalised. I am totally against this for the following reasons:
The Piha R & R has approximately 170 members 80 of which have no choice as to have a private P.O. Box you must join the R & R - membership is included with the box fee. Piha has a permanant population of nearly 900 not to mention ratepayers who do not live here. - The Piha R&R insist that everyone consult with them but rarely do they consult with us.
- The last time the R&R asked for a 'mandate' 50 people turned up to the meeting. This does not represent 900+.
- I am a member of the R&R but resent 'having' to consult with them. The choice is mine.
The best example I can think of is the Thundercats Event held 9th Feb this year. Whether the Thundercats is an appropriate event for Piha is not my issue - my issue is the process around it. - At the R & R AGM 27th Jan the meeting was told that there had not been enough consultation etc etc (which later turned out to not be quite true) and put the motion 'to call on WCC to cancel the event'. This motion was passed.
- Moving forward now to the July Committee Meeting and a big debate as to whether the above motion meant cancel just 2008 Thundercats event or all Thundercats events forever.
- Between January and July there was plenty of time to consult with us about what we thought about such events in Piha but no one asked us.
- Thundercats have applied to have their event in North Piha again this summer and to date ARC and WCC are going to allow it to go ahead with very firm conditions. One very important one was to consult with Surf Life Saving.
- I attended the Community Board meeting last night to highlight the lack of consultation with us, the R&R members, and Community over this issue. In this day and age it is very easy to consult.
You can see the 2008 Thundercats Event HERE So lets have a poll: Poll closed: "NO" "YES" or "I DON'T MIND EITHER WAY" Results of Poll on Thundercats HERE NO spamming votes - I can tell if you do !!!
The story of the Tapu & Piha: My trusty band of researchers advise: "According to very long time resident of Piha ALL Piha is Wahi Tapu to a true Maori, not just the top of Loin Rock, as the ARC would have us believe. If you are a true Maori you will not stay the night in Piha. This long time family in Piha had a visit from Paki Harrison and his car broke down, he couldn't return home and had to stay in Piha overnight, Paki would not put his head down or go to sleep that night". The Tapu was lifted approx 30yrs ago for ALL of Piha, however true Maori, such as Paki Harrison, who is a Master Carver and did the carving for the Uni Marai will not stay in Piha between sunset and sunrise. There have been some periods of having a temporary Tapu, for instance there was one for a few days last year when that boy fell off the top of the Lion and was killed.
"The Resident Clown of Piha" says Mayor Bob Harvey of Murdoch Real all about it here
Arthur's Half Marathon: Locals Jim and Sue did this half marathon and Jim came in under 2 hours (1hr 59min!) and Sue at 2 hours 1 minute. Congrates to Piha's Roadrunners :-)
Fiona, Camp Mother, is moonlighting: See details here So is another Piha Local, Cindy Details here
Hi Bobbie Cost to hire plane and signage to fly around Piha $700 + gst Cheers C And for those that can't quite remember what it said :  This rather rude interruption flew over Piha during a rather moving opening to the new Story of the Eel award winning Bridge in Piha.
Clearly too much money in Rehab I'd say! Should have done your research better Murdoch - Bob was in Wellington - Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse opened the bridge!
29/9/08 "Free medical house calls available to sick Piha Residents" says the Western Leader article 23/9/08. Gee, I could nominate one or two for immediate attention but I digress. The article starts "Free medical house calls are available to sick Piha residents" and continues that "Piha has been without a GP for many years and Dr Nelson Sucgang, of Serenity Rehab Clinic, is keen to make "healthcare more accessible to the isolated Community'" . . . . "It will be free to all who need the service" Talking about 'isolated community': yip I suppose Piha is which is one very good reason we should have our own Cafe and not have to travel out of 'isolation' to visit one! I digress again! I do recall, maybe 3 months ago, when questioned by the Piha Ratepayers and Residents Committee, Murdoch stating that Serenity Rehabilitation Clinic was not located in Piha and what made you think that? Well it seems this is not quite true. I understand the registered office is in Henderson but It would appear that the Clinic and accommodation for clients is on Piha Road and has residents already. Why would Murdoch flatly deny this? There must be good money to be made in rehabilitation. What does it cost to hire a fixed wing plane, with banner flying out the back, to circle Piha 5 or 6 times during the public opening of the new Domain Bridge? At the Post Office meeting, on July 27th, Murdoch offered the R&R $3,000 to subsidise the rent on the Post Office but having not seen financials for a while I am not sure the money has changed hands yet.
Who was seen falling on their face outside the RSA? Was there too much wine drunk or a case of tripping over an oversized ego or maybe just an eye opening experience?
Why was the top half of the track to the top of Lion Rock Closed? Was it, as ARC website states ""Lion Rock Track Walk Time: 20 minutes Distance: 0 km Lion Rock, an icon of Piha Beach, is an eroded remnant of an ancient volcanic plug which was also a fortified Maori pa. The significance to Maori is illustrated by the carved guardian pou. A steep climb leads up to a lookout with spectacular views along the coast. You cannot climb to the top of Lion Rock due to the area's Wahi Tapu significance. This is a spiritually and culturally significant site sacred to the Maori people or as we all know erosion? Well I wrote to the ARC and asked them and received this reply "Thank you for your email regarding Lion Rock at Piha Regional Park. I have spoken with our Western Sector Office who have advised that the top part of the track is closed for the reason that you have provided from our website and also due to the fact that the rocks are unstable above that part of the track. " If its Wahi Tapu now why wasn't it before? I have written back to them asking for more information ..... watch this space!
29/9/08 You may recall I wrote about a week ago about the 'Long Trail' : "Waitakere guardians fear walkway will wreck their ranges. The Waitakere Ranges boasts 17,000ha of lush native bush and its 150 tracks make it a hiker's paradise. Well I've had a response from a reader: An overnight trip in the Waitakeres!!
I am very excited to hear about the proposal of placing an overnight track through the Waitakere Ranges. I am so excited I would like to say I support it un-categorically, but that isn?t quite true, as it must be done with reverence and love for the bush itself. I have always loved the bush, and began tramping in earnest after I finished university with friends. When I settled in Auckland I joined a tramping club in which I became a very active member through my 20 to 30's, slowing a little when it became necessary to carry babies in a back-pack, and then hold their hands and toddle at their pace. Now, I find myself having to step up to keep up. I have always assumed that people feel as comfortable in the bush as I do. However, I have become aware that people are wary of traveling in the bush without other more experienced walkers. One of their major fears is getting lost. This has become a major barrier to people being able to commune with the New Zealand bush. A well marked track of significant duration (at least overnight), allows that fear to be overcome, and gives walkers time to re-balance and allows the bush to re-invigorate them. I believe that such a track can be developed to improve accessibility of the bush to Aucklanders, New Zealanders, and we?re not so selfish as to exclude tourists. Currently the tracks that make up the proposed route are 'exclusive' to those who are experienced, above average physical fitness, and less adverse to mud than the normal population. A well marked track, with reasonable, but not excessive work on the track itself will open up the Waitakeres to nearly everyone. I am not opposed to allowing businesses to be involved, as businesses can enhance accessibility. By use of current concession systems already used in the park, with some thought, we can ensure that businesses don?t cause such a magnificent track to become a pleasure only for the well-heeled. The New Zealand Bush is a large part of my identity. I believe it would be a larger part of New Zealand?s and Aucklanders identity too, if we made the Waitakeres more accessible. This is not counter protection of the environment, as to know something truly beautiful can only bring us to love it. With love comes caring and nurturing. Let?s support this. I plan to walk the proposed route in the near future, as an overnight jaunt. Anyone who is interested in the walk, and those who may have some reservations, are welcome to join me. Tracy Skidmore Tracy, I'm in, I'd love to do an overnight tramp - Bobbie Post Your Comments HERE or email Village Voice here
Alberto's Party photos are now up
27/9/08 What a great day - The Story of the Eel Bridge is Officially Opened: Above from left: Many Patmore, bridge designer, with a pile from the old bridge, standing on the bridge before the opening and then tell the story of the eel at the Piha Surf Club after the opening. Below: Eru te Kawarau a Maki Blessing the new Bridge prior to the opening. Below from left: Mandy with her children Ezra and Lukah; the cutting of the flax, Mandy and her children with Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and then them following Eru over the opened bridge. Below from left: The Piha Community crossing the opened bridge and some of Piha's gorgous children listening to Eru te Kawarau a Maki Below from left speaking after the opening at the Piha Surf Life Saving Club Catherine Slack, Project Manager WCC; Penny Hulse Deputy Mayor, Naomi McLeary WCC Arts Manager and then Grant Jenny WCC Parks Manager presenting Catherine with flowers for a job well done! Below: Part of the flax (instead of ribbon) with pohutukawa from the opening of the Story of the Eel Bridge in Piha
Was this terse message intended for Bobbie or Bob Harvey? Duh! Read here
Celebrating Permanent Residency Have you seen this man? He is sought by Immigration. He is considered 'borderline' and should not be approached under any circumstances. Disclaimer - this is a joke! more photos of Alberto's celebration dinner coming Here is a collage of photos from Alberto's great dinner dance party celebrating his residency. Enjoy! 26/9/08 Fire on Tasman Track Piha : One local didn't know how it started but assured me he did not throw his roach away before making sure it was out that afternoon!
Coastcare are working closely with the Piha Surf Life Saving Club to try and stabalise the dunes around the patrol watch tower. Last weekend they planted some baby spinifix in front after after chatting about where the surf guards need paths to get to the beach to do their job, of course! Above: Piha Surf Life Saving help Coastcare plant spinifix (21/9/08) and below the signs asking people 'please' stick to the paths. Sparks flying in the NZ Surfing World: Surfing Taranaki has criticised the refusal of the national sporting body's president to remove a provocative internet posting accusing it of attempting to hijack tomorrow's controversial annual meeting in Hamilton. Full article here Bruce Scott, President of Surfing NZ: One week out from the SNZ Annual General Meeting and the game plan Surfing Taranaki has been working on for a year or more is laid bare once again. It was summed up in the last sentence in the weekend's Sunday Star Times where under the headline 'Surfing Wars', the writer put it plainly for all to see: 'Surfing Taranaki will also try to take control of the executive'. Read full article here
 Sparks here too!
'Who said the ACC and ARC don't work together?' writes Roy Swan, who spotted this fine example of co-operation at the Britomart carpark. SideSwipe 25/9/08
WCC Outstanding Vegetation Sites WCC Outstanding Vegetation Sites HERE [61kb] Just wondering if anyone can see the site of the new Cafe (20 Seaview Road) listed here because I can't? Nothing special about that site that I can find.
Retesting Tsunami Alarms in South Piha this Sunday 28th.
Piha - Beach Valley Road Weedfree Project: HERE is the Report and Planting Concept Plan. Have a peep and see how much planning and work has gone into it.
Piha to host the 2009 NZ Dunes Trust Conference 
Piha Coastcare is hosting this conference in March 2009 and we intend to make it just wonderful. You can see details here: I (Bobbie, as the Hospitality Coordinator) am looking for two things from you please. 1. If you have a holiday (or any) rental in Piha and I have not already contacted you to rent it March 17th, 18th & 19th 2009 can you please contact me and 2. If you would be happy to host a 'billet' attending the Conference could you please contact me? You are welcome to specify male or female etc and whether this would include a breakfast or not. The Dune registration fee will include all meals other than breakfast. You can, of course, charge for billeting! Looking forward to hearing from you on: bobbiec@attglobal.net Bobbie Hospitality Coordinator NZ Dunes Trust 2009 Conference - Piha
That Guy: Sydney-bound in customised wheelie bin On November 20 at 5am I leave through the surf at Piha then a mere six weeks after that, providing everything goes to schedule, I will sail into Sydney harbour just after 7pm. Full, crazy, story HERE
New life for Piha's old school hall Desolate Piha School will again be filled with the clatter of children. The weatherboard structure, last used as a school in 1961, will be revamped as an information hut where students and community groups can study the Piha coast, wetlands, flora and fauna. . . . . . . . ``The idea is that classes will go there for day trips and intensely study sustainability and climate change around that west coast environment.
``Students can look at the flora and fauna, the geology of the area and the way the weather has worked on the environment.' Auckland Regional Council supports the development, which could include creating boardwalks and footbridges. . Chairman of the council parks and heritage committee is longtime resident, activist and historian, Sandra Coney. . . . . . Wish the press would get it right - Sandra Coney is not a resident of Piha but a 'longtime holiday maker in Piha, and a resident of Auckland City'. Read the whole story here
See the update on what is happening here in Beach Valley Road
Still Missing by Scott Bainbridge. Covers 16 cases of missing persons in New Zealand, from modern day mysteries like the disappearance of Iraene Asher in Piha in 2004 which brought about radical changes to the police 111 system to long forgotten whodunits such as the 83 year old case of Nellie Mouat. Contradictory evidence suggests the missing Nellie was either killed at the hands of her husband or disappeared voluntarily after discovering he was writing bad cheques all over Christchurch.
The release of Still Missing ties in nicely not only with New Zealand book month, but also the hugely popular and controversial telly series Sensing Murder which has covered some of the cases in Still Missing.
And hopefully it will jog people's memories to come forward with any information, no matter how long ago the cases were, to help end the constant questioning of the grieving families. (Henderson Police - Auckland 839 0600)
Kelvin Cruickshank psychic (yes right!) hung around while searchers spent day and night searching for Iraena. This 'Sensing Murder 'actor' is a con, in my opinion. Had it not been for the terrible state Iraena's family were in I would of blown Kelvins cover immediately.
Read what Kevin says about the new 'Brand Auckland' here
Adrian, at Blairs, was pretty happy today and wouldn't you be? The Bridge is open and the sun is shining . . . wrapt to see you survive winter - a tough one.
21/9/08 A wonderful sunset at Piha last night. Click for bigger image
Once upon a time . . . . a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?" The girl said, "NO!" And the girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, dancing, camping, drank martinis, always had a clean house, never had to cook, had sex with whomever she pleased . . . did whatever the hell she wanted, never argued, travelled more, had many boyfriends, saved more money, had all the hot water to herself, watched chick flicks, never wore fricken lacy lingerie that went up her ass, had high self esteem, never cried or yelled, felt and looked fabulous in sweat pants, and burped, swore and farted all the time. THE END anon
Migration loss to Aussie highest in nearly 20 years: Well even though I'd have New Zealand over Australia any day I can understand why so many of our younger ones are leaving. New Zealanders are over taxed, over regulated and to be entrepreneurial is becoming impossible. Lets give younger Kiwis a break - preferably now! NZ Herald article here Your thoughts?
Jackie Bristow's new video for the her latest single and title track, Crazy Love, was shot on Piha Beach, on New Zealand?s West Coast by director Paul Taylor (Fish n Clips NZ), who has done clips for the likes of Tim Finn. ...
We thought it a good idea to have a 'special place' for the children of Beach Valley Road to have their own garden - and here it is. They planted it and, hopefully, will look after it.
Confusing stuff on ARC Website: Talking about 'Lion Rock Track' at Piha the ARC site says "Lion Rock Track Walk Time: 20 minutes Distance: 0 km Lion Rock, an icon of Piha Beach, is an eroded remnant of an ancient volcanic plug which was also a fortified Maori pa. The significance to Maori is illustrated by the carved guardian pou. A steep climb leads up to a lookout with spectacular views along the coast. You cannot climb to the top of Lion Rock due to the area's Wahi Tapu significance. This is a spiritually and culturally significant site sacred to the Maori people. " I thought the top half of the track was closed due to erosion - Bobbie
People getting off the fence re Cafe in Piha: I received an email today with the following: 
"A lot of people have been fence sitting but now have had enough of PPH's tactics" Good - If you are one of those people and haven't signed to 'Pro-Cafe Petition' please email Email here and we'll arrange it
Trouble down track? 'Long Trail' : "Waitakere guardians fear walkway will wreck their ranges. The Waitakere Ranges boasts 17,000ha of lush native bush and its 150 tracks make it a hiker's paradise. To entice more visitors to enjoy the great outdoors Auckland Regional Council plans a long walking track through Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The three-day adventure through rainforest, river valleys, wetlands and beaches sure sounds exciting. But there are fears the Long Trail Project could harm the ranges. However, Kath Dewar, a keen hiker and member of the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, says it's a good concept but she has reservations." KATH DEWAR WORRIES THAT AN INFLUX OF PEOPLE WOULD DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT Kath: You're a 'keen hiker' - so lets share. We need to encourage the ever growing over weight Kiwi's to get a bit of the outdoors and more excercise. NZ Tourism attracts international visitors through the Milford Track, Heaphy Track etc Moving 'obesity' aside for a while lets think about our economy: Do you realise tourism is NZ's top earner? Milford Track ranks in the top 5 tramps in the world. Visitor numbers are very controlled - I know because I have done it and had to book six months in advance. It is well looked after, helps tourists fall in love with NZ and provides a huge amount of employment in NZ. Just have a look Here where Heaphy is ranked 4th and Here where Milford is ranked #1  "The vision is for Aucklanders being able to access what is theirs." says Jane Aickin, the Regional Council's manager of visitor services. Now that is a very unselfish attitude Jane - I agree!
Jazz Ballet Classes at Barnett Hall - Term 4: 14 Oct - 2nd Dec. With an experienced dance and preschool teach. Tuesday afternoons from 4pm. For more information or to book your littlie in phone Hannah on 8128 066.
18/9/08 Waitakere City Council Wins 
WCC enjoyed double success at the New Zealand Recreation Association Awards in Christchurch last night. Piha Domain's Story of an Eel footbridge was took out the NZRA Outstanding Project Award. Read more about Award
Possums under close watch in the Waitakere Ranges : Since the Operation Forestsave project was launched by the ARC in 1999, possum numbers have fallen dramatically in the Ranges and although numbers have crept up over the last few years, the Residual Trap Catch (RTC) is still under 2% and remains one of the lowest levels in mainland New Zealand. Whenever possum levels exceed 2% RTC, which occasionally happens around the edges of the Ranges and in coastal areas, the ARC Biosecurity Team does control work to reduce numbers.
Piha Best in Europe : More HERE I've already published this below but here it is in the big news.
17/9/08 Chef Claire Inwood from Piha and growers Aldo and Mary-Ann Di Cesare from Te Atatu Peninsula will be travelling to Turin, Italy, in October to attend Terra Madre ? a biannual event that brings together 5000 producers, farmers, fishers and food artisans, along with 1000 cooks, 500 academics and 1000 students from 150 countries worldwide.
Tourism campaign heralds new opportunity for AucklandPLUS A new campaign to promote the Auckland region as a visitor destination marks the debut this week of a new way of presenting Auckland to the world. Read about it here
Nipper Registration Nipper registration will be held on Sunday 2 November at 10.30am. We are still looking for people to volunteer as Coaches for B & C Group, if you're interested please contact Lyndelle on email stuart.annan@xtra.co.nz
"A lonesome traveller living 8,738 miles from home. The 5.7 km Fairy Falls tramp wasn?t bad, but I know tougher tramps will come and I want to be more prepared. After that, I thought I?d relax my muscles and go out for a bite to eat. I then rode around for literally 2 hours exactly looking for something. I drove everywhere. At first, I passed the nice, but local café called Elevation, but it was PACKED - no parking what so ever. I then proceeded to Waitakere City Centre, but decided I wanted a nicer café and better views. I traveled back to Piha and they had nothing. " Read the full story here - As someone once said about visitors: "Have some manners and at least offer them a coffee"
" 16/9/08 Treescape is doing more great work on Seaview Road trimming trees away from power lines and also making sure motorists have a good view of the road.
15/9/08 Where was this Tui photographed today? click for larger image. To find out what Ben and Lockie are up to .... See Here
4/9/08 Beach Valley Road Project Plant After a winter of weeding the Beach Valley Road Weed Free Project finally get to plant. People wandering down past us were full of compliments - its going to look great! For lots of photos, including the 'kiddies garden' see here
14/9/08 The answer to the mystery pipe: The Beach Valley Road group had asked WCC to look up the plans to see what these rusting pipes were and if it was safe for us to remove them as a part of our clean up of the stream side before planting. On our previous working bee we had found other redundant wires etc but we were concerned about these. Brockie King has the longest history with Piha than any other living person. He first came to Piha 72 years ago!!! Brockie also has a fabulous memory . . . it was wonderful to have him with us today for our first Beach Valley Road Weed Free Planting Day. We asked Brockie about the pipes as they are in front of his property . . . . He told us that decades ago he and his brother wanted a bridge across the stream so his Dad put the pipes over the stream so they could build a bridge on top of them. The photo on the left is Brockie holding the remnants of that bridge some 65 years later!!! We couldn't believe it! Not only did we get an answer to the mystery BUT Brockie was with us for this photo.
Piha Conquers All - Piha A Boat Crew, European Champions!!!! : To Quote the headlines in the French Newspapers the day after the European Open Men's Championship final the above says it all, The Crew after training extensively for 5 months over winter in NZ enjoyed the best that the French Atlantic coast could throw at them during the weekends Surf boat Carnival. CREW MEMBERS: Mark Bourneville (Horse), Bruce O'Brien, Matt Kirke, Hayden Smith, Craig Knox, James Dillinger and Brad Myton.  The crews came from Spain, Portugal, England, Holland, Australia, France and of course NZ. There was an enormous media presence as the French Coxless 4 ( Bronze medal at Beijing ) were rowing for France, Also 4 other Olympians were present ( 3 from England & 1 from NZ ) Also Surprisingly Piha's reputation of their Big Wave antics via 'Youtube' made sure that we were all well known & respected !
Read and See Photos of 'Piha Conquers All' here [541kb]pdf
A letter from the UK: As recent visitors to Piha, and being addicted to "long blacks" we would definitely like to see a cafe in Piha. After having read your "village voice" it seems that many of the locals are all for it, and as foreigners we would be more than happy to sit among the locals for coffee and chat (assuming that they would have us).
We live in a village in the Yorkshire Dales, UK - no coffee shops here. . . . .but the church opens it's doors on a Friday afternoon to serve coffee and biscuits in an effort to compensate for this - and to get funds for the church of course. This has become a regular meeting point for church goers and "sinners" alike from the village adding to the community spirit - so go for it Piha!
We are sure that the inhabitants of Piha would appreciate the opportunity to sit with coffee and buns whilst catching up with the local gossip and when we return we would welcome the opportunity to join them! Peter & Merrill Harris UK
 If you're wondering what it is they have planted underneath the new Eel Bridge (not the flax - blah!) its a favourite of mine called: Apodasmia similis Jointed Rush or Oioi Reed with fine grey-green foliage. Found bordering coastal salt marshes and estuaries Creeping rhizomes. H 1m x W 1m We are using this streamside on the Beach Valley Road project as its great to shade the water so things like eels are comfortable there out of the sun .....
Experts back Auckland's new Serenity Clinic Experts today backed the launch this month of Auckland's new private Serenity Clinic to treat people with drug, alcohol, gambling and eating addictions. Nelson Sucgang, an award winning addiction specialist medical officer with the Waikato District Health Board, said residential treatment clinics like Serenity would help problem gamblers. Dr Sucgang will be a consultant to Serenity in west Auckland. The Serenity Clinic will be run by a former drug addict, called Murdoch
Oratia Native Plant Nursery Wins 2008 Caws Weedwise Nursery Award : Now isn't that a wonderful thing! A nursery so close to us winning an award like this. Am I surprised - doubt it. The purpose of the award is to create awareness and generate positive publicity regarding invasive garden plants. The award goes to retail nurseries who: Read here
Kauri dieback : Key facts about phytophthora taxon agathis (PTA) HERE
8/9/08 Maui's Dolphins Get Lifeguard Service : Lifeguards at the Muriwai, Bethells Beach, United North Piha, Piha, Karekare and Kariotahi Surf Life Saving Clubs are now extending their duty of care by keeping a watchful eye out for Maui's dolphins, the rarest marine dolphins in the world. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The lifeguards involvement in saving Maui's dolphins came about when WWF's Victoria Travers approached Rob Wakelin, General Manager of Piha Surf Life Saving Club about using the club as a venue for WWF's Maui's education teacher workshop. Rob was concerned to hear that Maui?s are critically endangered and asked how the club could get involved and help. Does this mean we might see a Mauri on the back of a surf ski? You better be careful Rob - people are going to start thinking you're a genuinely nice guy!
This is hugely important to everyone in Piha. Call for Submissions: National Environmental Standard for On-Site Wastewater Systems (septic tanks) The Piha R & R is making a submission on this the substance of which you may or may not agree with. Shame they don't advise us which R&R meeting they are planning on discussing the submission at so we can go along and listen and, dare I say, some input Owners of properties with on-site wastewater systems in specific locations be required to hold a current warrant of fitness that confirms their on-site system is functioning properly and is being maintained to an appropriate standard. The standard would authorise regional councils to require property owners with an on-site wastewater system to hold a current warrant of fitness (WOF) for their system. To obtain a WOF, a system would be required to pass an inspection every three years.
NZ Post, where is Piha and what is Piha's Post Code? Want a laugh? See HERE
The 'Long Trail' - Have you heard of this? It sounds wonderful. A 58km 4 day/3night trail probably starting at Swanson and ending in Titirangi. Great for Westies, Kiwis and International Tourists. More info as it comes to hand.
5/9/08 The Piha Ratepayers & Residents Meeting did not have a quorum so no meeting could be held. Those that turned up did discuss some things but all off the record, of course, without a quorum. - The general health of the Piha Lagoon is better than July
- After 27th October it should be even better. We're not allowed to know what significance 27 October has but no doubt we'll find out some time.
- There is going to be some consultation regarding sealing Te Ahuahu Road - if you live there and have your own thoughts on whether it should be sealed or not please EMAIL me with your thoughts yes or no ???
- Oratia has been chosen as the first community to develope their Local Area Plan (LAP) - a new process from the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Bill Good luck to them!
Waitakere Community Board Meeting 2nd September - issues that affect Piha: Kubi Witten-Hannah in to communities Resident and Ratepayers Groups talked about how the Community Boards had recognised them as the voices of their Communities. He goes on to say "It doesn't take away anyone's right to negotiate issues directly with Council, but it does mean that we (Community Board) assume that issues that affect the wider community will be taken to the local R & Rs. This process of consultation with R&R groups does not currently enjoy official sanction. Perhaps this is something that we need to discuss as a matter of policy away from the heat of any particular issue". I sure hope they consult about this ...... Kubi also noted he attended the Piha R&R in August where "a former member spoke to the meeting about the possibility of the developement of some walkways and this is an issue that can be followed up .................... some places there will be a much better solution than footpaths on the road." Later on in his report Kubi, talking about the Oratia R & R says "... Like Piha, the Oratia people are keen for more walkways. In Piha it is mainly about safe access to the beach, whereas in Oratia there is a desire to connect roads to establish good walking routes." Kubi: Sara specifically said it was NOT just about access to the beach but about the young school age children who wish to socially visit each other and re-establishing the tracks is a safe way for them to do this .... Mention is also made of the Waiatarua R & R and their 'continuing series of community building events which are a real strength of this R&R Group' I have observed the Waiatarua Community - they have such great spirit. They even have Community Breakfasts! Come on Piha R & R - lets have some fun with all those funds on deposit on our Community! Kubi also notes: "The issue concerning roadside planting is causing the most tension at Piha. There is some controversy here but I believe it can be resolved with dialogue'. Anyone know anything about this? Please email me here As a resident of Piha I certainly don't think this is causing 'the most tension at Piha' - heard of the Cafe issue?
5/9/08 The Power of Words: The following statement is on piha.co.nz, Sandra Coney's website, under the heading 'Future of Post Office supported at public meeting' - "Opponents of the continuation of full postal services at Piha (who roughly equate to the 'Yes Group' in favour of the proposed Piha Café) found themselves in the distinct minority when the Piha Ratepayers and Residents held a public meeting on 27 July on the future of the Piha Post Office." This statement 'suggests' there is a connection between opposition to full postal services in Piha and the Yes! Group. It doesn't say it but suggests a connection (same as the 'suggestion' reprinted below about the Piha Lagoon). As a member of the Yes! Campaign there is NO connection between the issue of postal services in Piha and a Cafe. The ONLY things the Yes! Campaign members have in common is we are permanant residents of Piha and support a Cafe for the residents and visitors to this beautiful place we call home and love. Lets keep the issues separate - they are separate. Where there is a suggestion they, or the people involved, are one and the same it is nothing more than mischievous. Read CAFE BLOG here and quite separately Piha Post Office BLOG here From Village Voice: 16/1/08 Piha Lagoon Pollution  This photo used by Preserve Piha Heritage with the word 'pollution' tightly associated with it is a misrepresentation.. THIS IS NOT POLLUTION - This is a natural occurance (see spirogyra below) when temperatures change rapidly with certain non-pollutants in the lagoon. This is an absolute misrepresentation of Piha Lagoon. Ms Coney advised that the document never 'said' it was pollution, which of course is true, but the 'suggestion' is there just by the photo being printed next to the word 'pollution' - ah, the power of suggestion.
Mayor Bob Harvey's been thinking some more. I often read what Bob has been thinking and reading on WCC's web site. It's never dull and, amoung lots of things, it invariably has some hint or suggestion for building good communities for us Westies. Read this " . . . . . . . Through what we've created this is a real possibility but wait there is always more. I believe the area could do with a couple of very good cafes and art galleries. Simple to say but difficult to do unless this council is prepared to not put people through hoops of fire as we have done with Rex Sunde. But that's in the past and the Oratia market continues to grow in popularity. So it's in the right direction. I know a couple of sites are already under consideration around the Oratia area and I'd like to see them happen. I'd also like to see some of the old orchard sheds used for artists in residence, not unlike the artist colony being organically grown in the Span Farm area by John Edgar and Ann Robinson. Another project I'm cheering on.. . . " So what do Cafe's add to a Community? Well I believe that they give a community a great place to meet, chat, be alone or be with friends - they're a place for a Community to 'be' and to 'bond'. Art galleries too of course. I experience this at our West Coast Gallery in Piha and at our Community Library. You can read the whole aricle HERE if you want.
4/9/08 Cafe in Piha : Environment Court Hearing Date set . . . 10th November 2008 in Auckland . . . If anyone wishes to sign our 'Pro Cafe Petition and hasn't please email me HERE and I can arrange it. Comment HERE if you wish 10th November, 314th day of the year or 315th on leap year, in history - wonderful things that have happened 2006 - Make Poverty History Concert sold out 1989 - Germans begins demolishing Berlin Wall 1969 - "Sesame Street" premieres on PBS TV - 1793 - France ends forced worship of God
3/9/08 Exhibition celebrates dolls: Piha's own Claire Inwood (doll maker extraordinaire) Mrs Inwood lives and works in Piha and says not even the pull of the natural beauty has distracted her. Read all about Claire here
Waitakere City Council introduces Single Transferable Voting: Waitakere City Council has voted to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for the next local body elections. Waitakere City will have its next Council chosen under the new system in 2010 unless a poll of electors demands otherwise. Until now Waitakere City has used the First Past the Post (FPP) system. More details
Slip on Forest Hill Road - Waiatarua: Motorists are urged to care on a section of Forest Hill Rd, Waiatarua, which has been reduced to one lane following a slip. Part of the road near number 227 has been temporarily narrowed to a single lane by the Council for safety reasons.1/9/08
Delays for Cafe hearing in the Environment Court: PPH (Protect Piha Heritage) has requested, and been granted, delays in proceedings. Yes, after all this time, seems someone can't do this or present that or whatever - one would have thought after all this time you'd be able to get it together or find someone that had the time to submit or attend or whatever but no ........... Am I surprised at these tactics? Hardly! Hold in there Cafe Guys Comment here if you wish
1/9/08 More correspondence with Mike Lee, Chair, Auckland Regional Council BACKGROUND: 3/3/08 Thanks Bobbie, Sandra coney has no conflict of interest in regard to the Piha café application having set herself aside from any Council deliberative or decision making role in the hearing and any subsequent litigation. She is acting as a private citizen in the matter and there is ample precedent for this. Thanks, Mike Lee MY REPLY: 15/8/08 Dear Mike, This confuses me even more because the first page of Sandra Coney's evidence in the ARC/WCC submissions on a notified application by Preserve Piha Ltd for a proposed Cafe reads: "My name is Sandra Coney. I am in my third term as an Auckland Regional Councillor representing Waitakere. I am in my second term as Chair of Parks and Heritage. In these capacities I represented the Auckland Regional Council on the committee that developed the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill, and I chaired the recent process to develop a variation for the Waitakere Regional Parkland of the Regional Parks Management Plan" My question Mike: Hardly the introduction of 'a private citizen' when the first 70 words of her submission positions herself very clearly not only as a politician but one with seemingly some clout - what do you think? I am interested in your thoughts. Regards Bobbie MIKE LEE'S REPLY 1/9/08 Dear Bobby (SIC), I am sorry about the delay in responding to your latest email but this has been an extremely busy time for me. In reply to your allegations of 'conflict of interest' against Sandra Coney I am disappointed that my earlier response was not able to clear the matter up in your mind and that you are, as you say, still confused. The confusion probably comes from not reading Ms Coney's complete submission. The next part of her submission is helpful in this respect. The next 3 paragraphs of the submission record Ms Coney's long standing personal and family involvement with Piha & its community, then para 5 says: "I appear today on behalf of Protect Piha Heritage, not on behalf of any of the aforementioned entities. I am one of the founders of Protect Piha Heritage." My legal advice is that, given that clear disclaimer, and the fact Sandra has not participated in any Council consideration of these issues, my legal advice is that there is no conflict of interest in her giving evidence for Protect Piha Heritage. If you are not already aware of this you may be further reassured to know that, despite Sandra Coney's personal submission & evidence, ARC will presenting a case and evidence at the Environment Court hearing in support of its Commissioners decision to grant the wastewater discharge permit. Thank you. I hope that settles the matter, Mike Lee AND MY REPLY 1/9/08 Well that is great news Mike. That is the legal side of it. Many, probably a majority, of residents in Piha, quite aside from the 'legal' facts find it 'ethically' abhorrent that Sandra is taking this stand given that she 'represents' us on Council. I would have thought it more appropriate, and probably wiser, for her to take a neutral stance and let the people speak.
You see the real issue is we live in the 21st century and Piha is not a museum. Nearly 900 people have Piha as their home now - one would think the application was to store nuclear waste or something. Try explaining to some of our French or Italian overseas guests that a Café is a problem! I, and I am sure many others, will be thrilled to hear that ARC are going to defend their granting of consent for a miserly little Café in Seaview Road, some way from the beach and hardly an eye sore. I hope you defend it vigorously on behalf of your constituents. The matter won't be settled until we, who live here and many holiday makers and visitors, are permitted to have some basic infrastructure to ensure the well being of our Community. Regards Bobbie
31/8/08 Fredrica (Freddie) Hatton
Fredrica (Freddie) Hatton. Born 20:28 on 28th August '08. "Mum & bubs doing really well and Dad proud as punch" Cheers Rich
31/8/08 Weedfree Garden Road  Here are Pat la Roche and Val Seagar, from Garden Road 'Weedfree', planting the walkway from Garden Road to Seaview Road - an invaluable walkway.
If anyone has any photos of previous weeding or planting days on Garden Road please send me some for Weedfree Garden Road on the Web ..... here
30/8/08 Traffic Count in Piha where it takes 10 minutes to cross the road - Yea Right!!! 
It doesn't matter where I go in Piha people ask "How's it going with the Cafe?" I tell them what I know: that a small amount of people (most of whom don't live here!!!) continue to hold it up for the rest of us. The exasperation we all feel continues. The gratitude to 'the boys for staying in there is huge'. I mean are we in the 21st century or a museum? Read or comment here
28/8/08 Rich Hatton and partner Esta are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl - born today - huge congratulations and love from us. Hope she likes coffee !!!
28/8/08 Leave our sand alone - ore else:  ``It's horrifying,' says Piha fisherman Graham Trotman. ``It would disturb the entire food chain and be an absolute nightmare. The damage to our coast would be shocking.' Read the whole story here KASM : Kiwis Against Seabed Mining - support them !
27/8/08 Southern Giant Skua given great 'take off' point after being cared back to health: This beautiful creature has now left Piha : flown off from the top of mighty Lion Rock.    
23/8/08 Piha Cafe Update: Stuart Henry of Hesketh Henry, on behalf of PS 2002 Limited (Directors Peter Chapman and Sara Marshall) has requested 'leave to withdraw from the proceedings' from the Environment Court. Well that is an incredibly sensible thing to do given that Piha Store operates a psuedo-Cafe in Piha!!! Shame they ever started really! Bobbie Comment if you wish HERE
OK Girls - Have you ordered your Lancome Piha Red and Piha Black yet? I have! Lancome's new artistic director for makeup, Aaron de Mey, created this fabulous lip set, inspired by the fabulosity of Christian Louboutin's iconic red soles. Named after a beach near Aaron's childhood home in New Zealand, the Piha Red Colour Fever Lipstick and Piha Black Colour Fever Lip Gloss are designed to be worn together or alone, for dramatic looks. Piha Black can be used as an eye gloss, also. HERE they are:  
22/8/08 Photos Below: Left - lunch time and right 5.30pm - click them. Thanks Coastcare :-) Big thanks to David for delivering the coffee :)  
And a different angle. Again left taken lunch time and right at 5:30  
21/8/08 New Piha Lagoon Bridge - I took these photos of the, in my opinion, stunning new Piha Lagoon Bridge - the detail on this bridge is very special - of course construction isn't complete quite yet. click on the photos to take a peep   
21/8/08 IMAGINE IF ALL THE PEOPLE IN PIHA: for reply from Chris Ferkins WCC Environment Coordinator - Parks  Does all the gorse, in flower at the moment, drive you balistic driving down Piha and Seaview Roads?
I had a thought and that's nearly as dangerous as Roger Douglas thinking! IMAGINE if Piha allocated just one day for the whole community (property owners, residents, the surfers, artists, gardeners, campers, trampers, kiddies . . everyone!) to start at the top of Piha Road and cut all the gorse in flower. We could do it in a day. Imagine if WCC & ARC got their rangers and their flat decks to follow to pick it all up and take it away. Then imagine if the whole community met in the Domain for a fabulous Community BBQ afterwards with maybe something special for the kids .............. do you think that could happen? I do . . . I know what Beach Valley Road is doing and Glenesk Road are doing ....... so I am sure with the right attitude our Community with WCC, ARC and our R & R coming to the party we could have a HUGE impact . . . . and then imagine how good we would all feel. Year after year I hear at the R & R AGM "what is the Council doing about the gorse?" Well it seems gorse hasn't hit the top of the list for ARC or WCC yet so instead of waiting and waiting why don't we do it? Just ONE DAY Email me please - if you think it could happen for photos of gorse on Piha Hill 22/8/08 GORSE in Piha: Reply from Chris Ferkins, WCC re my blurb above Hi Bobbie, I love the energy and community can-do thinking behind this!! Good on you. I have 2 questions that we would need to ask: The gorse is there because ?why? Would the action you propose achieve what you want? - Because as they say "everything is connected" so what is the gorse connected to and what would be the effects of removing it? - and therefore what else might we have to do to actually achieve what you want? 1. The gorse is there primarily because there is the right habitat for it. That is, the conditions its likes in order to be able to grow are present - primarily lots of sunlight, and lots of bare soil at least when the gorse plants first started to grow. But note, there is not so much sun on bare soil at present because the gorse plants are shading the ground. So if we take a look there is not so many gorse seedlings now because the gorse itself is taking away the habitat, the very conditions that new gorse needs to get growing - i.e. the new gorse is already being stopped. 2. And now you are talking about getting rid of the old gorse too. Great, that is what everyone wants. But because everything is connected, 'how' it is got rid of is important. There are 3 options: A) We cut it all down (and do nothing else) - we recreate the habitat, the very conditions that new gorse needs, sun on bare soil, and away it goes again PLUS away go all the other 250 species of environmentally damaging weeds that might also be close by and also like sun on bare soil. And then you've got yourself a problem, worse, much worse than you started with. B) Cut it all down and plant some natives to grow and shade the soil - this would work if we were sure that we had both the plants (and money for them) available, AND we were sure that the community had the ongoing energy to weed out all the new gorse and other weeds until the natives were big enough to do the shading. C) For a time keep the gorse - when you looked underneath for new gorse seedlings you may have noticed that there are other seedlings there, especially natives. They are happy growing in some shade. They will grow up through the gorse, and because the old gorse doesn't like shade either, it will die back. But having been replaced by the natives (now the natives are starting to do the job the old gorse was doing), this time the new gorse and other weeds do not start to grow. This does take some time, but next time you look at the gorse remember it is not static and there forever. Actually it is HELPING YOU achieve what you want. It is helping heal the land - for free, just patience. Are we willing to have the patience? But there is another possibility - an extension of option C. As always, trying to fight against the processes of nature is difficult and thus expensive, as in options A & B. But if we work with those processes, maybe we can for relatively little cost and effort, help those processes along (speed the process whereby the gorse gets shaded). Maybe with the community energy you speak of, we could plant beside the gorse plants and in gaps between them. This would see the old gorse get shaded out much quicker and not create a whole host of other problems in the process.(My emphasis - Bobbie) To be fair to Council this is what Council has been doing in parts, but this too takes time for the effect to be noticeable, just not as long as letting natural processes do it on their own. And the job would always benefit from more energy! What say you? Chris Ferkins WCC Environment Coordinator Parks My reply to Chris: What a great response Chris - thanks. BUT people don't believe you! I might go and photograph the western corner of Piha Road and Karekare Road (see below) where I visited many moons ago with Estaar (?) when I was on the R & R. She was explaining to us just what you have. But then someone put up a rather cynical sign about this 'approach' which interestingly you can't see any more for, yes, natives I think. I might go and photograph that and with your permission put up your reply and that photograph on Village Voice. I agree with you - I have no choice really as you are far more experienced and qualified than yours truly! Photo below from left: Corner of Piha Road and Karekare Road 22/08/08 click for larger image and then as I drove down Piha Road I decided to photograph just what is happening with natives and gorse - Chris is right - click photo on other photos to see natives coming thru including manuka in flower! BUT look what I found in the far right photo: Muehlenbekia, my Plant of the Month - August smothering the gorse !!!    
20/8/08 Lynne Pillay, MP Waitakere, came and visited us in our home a some weeks ago about a totally unrelated matter. However, as is usual, the subject of a Cafe in Piha came up. Lynne is not in favour of a Cafe in Piha. We asked her to expand on why. Lynne said that she didn't like what the Cafe Guys 'stood for'. Julia asked if she had met them and Lynne said no she hadn't. Interesting that a NZ MP, who is a member of the Parliamentary Social Services Committee and Chairperson of the Justice and Electoral Committee, would make such a comment about some of her constituants without ever having met them? 
So for Lynne and anyone else who hasn't met these guys let me introduce (left) Christian Fougere one of the 5 guys wishing to provide the people of Piha with a Cafe: Christian was born on 12th December 1972 at North Shore Hospital. He went to Campbells Bay Primary and then Murrays Bay Intermediate School before attending Auckland Grammar for his secondary school education. Christian then attended Otago and Auckland Universities where he attained a MB ChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and FRACS (Fellow of Australasian College of Surgeons). Christian married Leah on 17th December 2004 and they live in their own home in Piha with their sons Ben (with his Dad on Piha Beach in the photo above), born in 2005, and Christian born in 2007. Chrisitan and Leah are thrilled that #3 is on the way and so are we! Comment here if you wish Lynne has commented here
19/8/08 Cafe in Piha - Update: Well everyone, yawn yawn! Seems all the evidence for the Environment Court is in and Protect Piha Heritage is taking the ARC & WCC to the Environment Court to have the resource consent granted for a Cafe in Piha over turned. What an incredible waste of time and money for everyone and incredibly selfish of the small minority of people going against what the majority want.... Your Comment HERE - if you wish
18/8/08 Fiona Anderson & Mike Anderson are happy to announce their engagement. Wedding Bells April 09
17/8/085Sunday night at the Bowler : The atmosphere at the Bowler for the Sunday Night Roast is just great. We got there at 7 and the lamb had sold out but the beef was very yummy. Left: The Houtwipper family out for dinner. (click for bigger image) Below: I have a little concern about one of their 'rules' - spoil sports don't you think? 
Winners of the Home Brewing Competition at Piha Bowling Club 9th August are First = Lance Watt Second: Gray from Katikati Third Equal: Lance McKenzie & Lance Watt
17/8/08 HUGE congratulations to Fiona - 1,000 days today. You're a champion Fi Dune planting today : the weather was wet and cold but it didn't stop the spinifex planting ... photos here - just north of Lion Rock Muelhenbekia : another great 'use' for this plant HERE
Piha School Bus vs Car : seems the bus driver was in a bit of a hurry and cutting corners! Photos below of the car that got shunted off to road side and the bus as well. Good thing the car was going up and not down Piha Hill !!!  
6/8/08 Anyone heard of this new F.I.P.P. Group or who they are or ? A finger print expert must surely be able to get some off this - its laminated ................. click for bigger images. If you know anything please Email me HERE  
12/8/08 Updated photos of new Bridge over Piha Lagoon - I thin its a beaut! click for larger image What do you think of our new Piha Lagoon Bridge HERE ? 
  
Piha Rescue returns to our TV screens: "Returning Series. In the fourth series of this popular show, once again the rescues performed across the summer by the lifeguards at South Piha are the main focus of the series. Series four features just as much human drama as previous series................... New this series is the 'Lifeguard Exchange Programme', where selected lifeguards from all over New Zealand are invited to guard Piha and experience the rough West Coast and its rescues.................... water awareness needs to start early, so this series sees the kids from the 'nippers' and the 'tadpoles' junior surf programmes return to the screen, the intention being to teach the kids to develop a healthy respect" says Eric Derks - Producer.  This sounds wonderful BUT if the producers film another series this summer (depends on ratings) can we ask them to respect that Piha Beach is for the enjoyment of the people first and a stage for a TV series second. The crew, in my mind, should be subtly on the beach, in the background and not intrusive with their cameras and not use their vehicles on the beach as seen left (click for larger image) Comment HERE if you wish
11/8/08  Our Mayor, Bob Harvey, talks about violent adults HERE
10/8/08 Glenesk Revegetation Project are out Planting : 
People are a part of the Environment! This is what a Community is all about. Anything that can bring people together like this has to be a wonderful thing. I hear these comments so often: "I'm meeting and getting to know my neighbours", " I love the street I live in", "It's so much fun", "It's so good for us all" ............. To see photos of this wonderful day in Piha with a Community working together, with their Council, to care for their environment and each other LOOK HERE
Any Sunday Evening in Piha 
Sunday evening there is only one place to be: Piha Bowling Club for a Roast Dinner - very yum and a great bunch of locals are often spotted there. Left: Val enjoys her roast lamb dinner at the Piha Bowler!
8/8/08 Liam Finn: "I spent most of childhood on a beach called Piha," he says.  Very dramatic rocky sand, dark but not in a sinister way, right next to the beach where they shot The Piano. Whenever I drive out there now, there's something that happens when you reach the top of the hills and start descending down to the beach. Every anxiety and worry is left there, and everything makes more sense."
Read more here
8/8/08 "Who said work can't be fun" - at the Piha Library: READ HERE
Beach Valley Road Project Information: As the co-ordinator of the Beach Valley Road Project , in partnerhsip with WCC, if anyone has any questions about the project please don't hesitate to phone me 021 969924 or Email me HERE . I am happy to share any information I have or take on ideas for the group. For clarity: This project is a partnership between Waitakere City Council and Beach Valley Road supported by Coastcare ............. its a wonderful thing!
New Editorial Team for 'The Piha News' New Editor; Tracey Skidmore and Jo O'Neill-Stevenson is production. Here is a message from the new Editor: Hi Everybody, First, I'd like to thank Denise Stanley for the wonderful job she has done has editor of the Piha News over the last few years. I think with her input Piha News had gone from very good to even better. Denise has asked to step down from being editor due to other commitments. Jo O'Neill-Stevenson and I have said we will take over her role. I will do the editing and Jo will concentrate on the setting out. Denise has kindly said that she'd keep an eye on us, to ensure the Piha News goes ahead. As this is Jo's and my first edition, we have set the deadline for articles as the 21st of August. This will give us time to ensure the News is ready for the first week of September. Please forward a copy of any articles, photos etc to both Jo: Jo@2andahalfd.co.nz and myself Editor - Piha News on or before the THURSDAY 21 AUGUST. If you have any questions please forward them to me, so that Jo can concentrate on the preparation side of things. We look forward to being involved with the publishing of the Piha News, and hope we can continue to the standard set by Denise. Kind regards Tracey Skidmore - Editor
7/8/08 The Aucklander article on Piha Post Office: 
In todays Aucklander there is an article including an interview with Piha's Jack Kingston. Still they are connecting a Cafe with the Post Office - they are two very separate issues. No matter who purchased the property the Post Office can no longer operate on land in private ownership - when will people understand this??? The rent the R & R are paying is $100+gst a week plus rates NOT '$155' as stated in the article and there were 49 people at the R & R Special Meeting not '60 turned up to voice their support'. As stated in the notice of meeting the meeting was 'to discuss options', - geez, can't the press get it right? I don't mind at all what happens with the Post Office the rural delivery is suffice for me BUT it annoys me when the Press print incorrect data. You can read it here: Aucklander article Piha Post Office Any comments welcome HERE
So close - click on this image to see the latest progress with the new Bridge over the Piha Lagoon - nearly there!
5/8/08 Rob Wakelin - General Manager, Piha Surf Life Saving Inc 
left: Rob called in to see us yesterday. He is chatting to Piha locals and neighbours of the Piha SLSC to brainstorm about the Club. Great idea Rob - talking to people is a wonderful thing. We had a good old chat - one of the things I put to Rob was it would be a neat idea if the Club put a recycle bin near their exit. The Beach Valley Road project has filled at least 5 or 6 large recylce bins with bottles tossed out on the road side. After 15 years of 'we must join' and filling out membership forms but not quite getting it back to them I joined Ju and I up on the spot. This kind of PR goes a very long way - looking forward to a good summer with Piha SLSC caring for us on the beach!
5/8/08 Life is a Beach! Sherry Roberts in NZ Herald  Any doubts Sherry Roberts has about commuting between work in Auckland City and her home at Piha never last beyond that first tantalising glimpse of the ocean. Read article in NZ Herald here
and Your Home and Garden 'Steal Sherry's Style article HERE and Sherry's divine shop Ruby & Sol here
5/8/08 "Please leave the young seals alone" asks DOC. Residents and visitors to Auckland's west coast have been told to leave young seals alone even if they appear to be in trouble. Read article here
Tracks and Walkways in Piha WCC Annual Plan: I found these minutes of the submissions to the WCC Annual Plan in May 2008 - Sara and the other families up Piha Hill will be happy to hear some of the submissions from Piha: Helen Pearce: Piha Ratepayers and Residents Association Submission 247: - Supported the Uniform Annual General Charge
- Requested that adequate maintenance be continued for the Claude Abel Reserve lily pond
- Requested that financial provisions to maintain road verges, walkways and tracks in Piha be included in the draft Annual Plan 2008/09
- Requested larger rubbish bins to replace the smaller rubbish bins in Piha. The smaller bins fill quickly and when the rubbish spills onto the ground it looks unsightly.
- Requested that the inorganic waste collection be retained.
And Simon Brown: Resident Submission 135 - Supported the proposed level for the Uniform Annual General Charge
- Requested that funding for the upgrade of the Piha camping ground sewage system should be included in the draft Annual Plan 2008/09
- Stated that the Council's proposed options for the inorganic waste collection could result in more inorganic waste being dumped in the Waitakere Ranged and would like to see the inorganic waste collection retained in the outer areas of the City
 In Sept, Lancome will introduce Color Fever Gloss PIHA BLACK, a sleek black lipgloss - a first for the company (along with Color Piha Beach ) at Bon Marché in Paris. The darkest MAC Lipgloss was the now discontinued Deceit and Christian Dior got in on the action with a black Diorific gloss shade ( also discontinued for some years now).
More
4/8/08 RE R & R Post Office Meeting I think the meeting was conducted fairly and even though the weather was poor the turnout perhaps reflected the Community's interest re the PO. Certainly any dissenters had the chance to put up a motion and have it seconded if they had an alternative suggestion so the accusation of bias or manipulation can't stand. Perhaps figures re the profitability of the current PO should have been available at or prior to the meeting or should be available on the RR site now without hurting any commercial sensitivities. I would be against any lawyer involvement re the ownership of the bldg. As mentioned we had the opportunity of having the bldg removed/relocated even though I believe it was/is ours. This matter should be addressed in the first instance thru correspondence with telecom - did they/RR understand that we owned the bldg and therefore it should have been more formally offered to us for removal and if we then refused then it was understood that it would be sold as an asset to the cafe lads. No need for lawyers - ask Telecom direct - unless a lawyer wants to do pro bono work for the RR. This sacroscant belief that the Reserve Management plan is unalterable (carved in Telecom Stone) is rubbish - if the community wants a PO on the Reserve then they shall have it even if we have to move it every 2"/year until the Council approves it. We seem to want to spend money on a lawyer to own a dingy bldg with no place to go, seems a bit cart before the horse. Mark the Bounder
Wow! What can happen when a Community are brought together! Another huge thanks to WCC for their Pilot Project which Beach Valley Road is a part of. Wonderful things are coming from it - the best is the way neighbours in Beach Valley Road are meeting or re-meeting, getting to know each other and above all having fun. We first met Elsa and David when they were looking to buy in Piha and we were doing the Piha Kitchen in the RSA and they would often come, dine and were great fun. 
Please meet (left) the divine Elsa and David of Beach Valley Road. David still can't get over the dream game where the All Blacks had a very convincing win against Australia with the Bledisloe Cup last night - they were there hence David still wearing his 'supporter's wig'. We joined Elsa and David for lunch today along with a dozen of their highly entertaining friends who also enjoy having fun. When Pat, of Piha Coast Care, arrived for dessert before we went to plant Brockie's place they asked all their guests to stand and sang 'For she's a jolly good fella' to her as the Coastcare coordinator supporting this project. They did and Pat was pretty blown out! Because David and Elsa live in Fiji they are unable to join into our project in a practical way. They are absolutely thrilled with what is happening and can't believe it's a partnership with the WCC. So on their next trip to NZ and Piha they wish to invite all the Beach Valley Road Project folk to their home for lunch - on them - to thank us all for what we are doing! How is that? I know we will all have a wonderful time with them and I look forward to them firming up a date.
3/8/08 Brockie King has had a few problems with his frontage (we won't go into that!!!) so we jumped in to help solve the problem. Along with guidance and cooperation from WCC Consents and Parks we have planted it out and will continue to care for it. Photos below (click for larger photos) before and after planting - Pat la Roche and Bobbie Carroll of Piha Coastcare  
Open Forum at the Piha Ratepayers & Residents Meeting 1st August: At 'Open Forum' Sara Carbery asked the R & R to look at opening up many of the 'tracks' in Piha for pedestrian use. There are many young families, Sara explained, living up Seaview and Piha Roads that need some safe walkways down the hill. Sara also explained that it is no longer about heading to the beach. Children in Piha want to walk to their friends house to play just as their parents might want to visit each other etc . She said sometimes residents up the Hill can feel 'trapped' when the only family vehicle is with the worker out of Piha. Sara asked that for the 'health and wellbeing' of the Community, not to mention the environment, carbon footprint etc pedestrian movement should be high up the agenda. Sara in particular asked that ARC & WCC look at opening up the tracks between 69 Piha Road and the Tasman View. She said locals would be willing to put in effort similar to that of Beach Valley Road. There is also a track between Pendrell Road and Glenesk and several others that link Piha roads - the one from Rayner Road down Sylvan Glade for example that is well used. Sara said she can gather a lot of signatures in a petition if necessary but Kubi Witten-Hannah (Waitakere Community Board Member) suggested that was not necessary. Kubi wants to know everything the Community wants and especially in areas like this and he will advocate for us. Go Kubi! Sara also asked about a 50km speed limit from the top of Piha Hill or even a 'Welcome to Piha' sign saying something like 'You're nearly there, chill out, slow down you are entering a Community' Fabulous idea Sara! Write your thoughts on opening Piha walkwasy HERE
 1/8/08
South Piha Cliffs: Some of this area is looking a little unstable after the huge rains and winds of late. click for a larger image
1/8/08 Large slip at the very south of Piha Beach and Tasman Lookout Track looking decidedly unstable - click for larger images   
Left: this not too small branch was blown off the macrocarpa in the carpark outside the Piha Bowling Club. (click for larger image)
Yes! We have a bridge, at last, over the Piha Lagoon. It's not functional yet - its running a little behind the plan I think but it's getting there. 
Will Blair's be thrilled?
1/8/08 We have a couch we no longer need: It is in reasonable condition - nothing too flash but may be good for someone or preschool? It is a lowish one, three seater and FREE. If you would like just email me: Email ME
31/7/08 GOLD WON BY LOCAL YOUNG RESIDENT!!! 
Darryl Church (left) won the GOLD medal at the Secondary School Barista Competition at Manukau Institute of Technology on Wednesday. Due to his win he has also won a spot at the National Junior Barista Competition which, formerly was closed to secondary school students. WELL DONE DARRYL!! Great result Darryl: Bobbie
Brockie King Here is Brockie, in ghastly weather, out digging sand to get the water off the road. Another great member of Piha: Beach Valley Road Project
A great storm in Piha - photos: (click for larger images)            |
