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29/5/09 Musos living in their own mad world: If there was ever proof that musos live in a funny little world of their own, it was in Seven Worlds Collide, the documentary that screened late on TV One on Sunday night. Centred around a group of top alt-rock players who came to Auckland last Christmas to record with Neil Finn, it was a follow-through from his 2001 concerts with the likes of Johnny Marr, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway, some guys from Wilco and more. But the laid-back vibe of the gathering - wives, children, dogs - spoke to us all. Those coming from the cold Northern Hemisphere looked delighted to be basking in the Piha sun - and in the reflected glory of each other's multi-tasking talents. Full story in NZ Herald here Warning from Piha Neighbourhood Watch: A flasher has been seen twice by different woman in North Piha: Please Please read details and advice from Piha Neighbourhood Watch here  Left: What are these four doing? They have been putting together all the suggestions they received for a Nature in your Neighbourhood seminar specifically for Piha! Put aside Sundays: June 21st, July 5th and 19th from 2pm and learn the Tim Tam Slam! Suitable for secondary school age and up More information to follow
Left: My first attempt at Tim Tam Slam Once you've done it you'll never forget Piha Nature in your Neighbourhood June 21st and July 5th & 19.  This incident in Piha cost the owner $1,500 plus loss of no claims bonus I''m not sure why that HUGE bit of concrete is still there ???
Read ARC's latest ECOnews which includes an article on the Beach Valley Road Project ECOnews here 27/05/09 Recidivist Burglar Paroled to Piha. I was told today, by a most reliable source, that a recidivist burglar has been paroled to Piha. Now when criminals are paroled they have to live somewhere and I'm OK with that. BUT is it a coincidence that we have just had a real run of burglaries of late? I know of a couple that have been burgled twice in one week and have now left. Probably having their power and phone cut was pretty scary. So: what is important is if you are burgled, even if a teaspoon was taken, please report it to the POLICE: 839 0600. It is very important that the police are made aware of all burglaries or attempted burglaries. AFTER you have told the police It would help if you also emailed Piha Neighbourhood Watch here 27/5/09 The President we missed out on: At the last R & R Meeting Berend, the Vice President who was to become the new President after Mark Mitchinson resigned, wanted to present the following to the Committee before becoming the President. Berend never had a chance to read it as he was told there can't be conditions to being President. I would like you to know what the 'President we missed out on' wanted to say. Here it is:
Berend: I understand why you chose to leave and not be President but I find it really sad for Piha. There are plenty of ways to contribute to our community and I know you will and we'll all be the better for it. Bobbie Mayor Harvey also presented a Certificate of Merit from the society to Senior Sergeant Garth Stockley for his part in saving two swimmers in trouble at the notoriously dangerous Piha Beach last year. The off duty policeman had been bodysurfing at the popular West Coast beach on March 22 when three swimmers were being swept along the beach by a strong current and big waves. Full story on Otago Daily Times here  27/05/09I called in today to take a photo of the progress of our future Cafe. It's hard to recognise the site . . . .
Left Benzo and Duncan are having a break with the other two here. I hear they're all on track for a Labour Weekend opening.
NZ 'must prepare for warmer climate'
26/5/09 Piha Ratepayers and Residents Assn: For you information: In the last week the following people have resigned from the Piha R & R
That makes 5 resignations since the AGM : the above plus Barron Braden who resigned before the first meeting. More information and comment later. " Tell us what you would like " : WCCand Piha CoastCare Call for Expressions of Interest and Ideas for Content - what would YOU like The recent 'Nature in your Neighbourhood' advertised for Piha has been postponed as we did not receive enough pre-registrations. We would now like to ask you:
Suggested content:
Email Bobbie here and let us know what YOU would like please 2009 Corona Surf Trips - Mark Occhilupo: The Occ is back. Not back on Tour, but he will be back in New Zealand next week. Thanks to Corona, Occy and current world number one Joel Parkinson will be jetting their way around the North Island, finding the best waves possible. If you have the best waves, Corona has the best surfers. . . . . . . Keep an eye out on the surf reports and www.surf2surf.com for updates on where Occy and Parko will be surfing as part of the Corona surf trips next week. Full story on surf2surf here 25/5/09 The Hikoi - When a city walks together In the Hikoi held today Maori created a big space for voices to be heard. A space used not just for their call for stronger Maori representation and their rightful place at the super-city table but also a space for a large and diverse group of Aucklanders to express their hopes for a fair and democratic process. "We're here today to support the aims of the Hikoi," said Tony Mayow, spokesperson for the Community Coalition for Auckland: Voices of Tamaki Makaurau. "We've come together united with a strong voice that this Government will fail to listen to at its peril. Today is proof that the government has got it wrong in how it has approached the super-city process. They need to listen to the people and change track." "People are suspicious," warned Pat Watson, a member of the Coalition, "It's only commonsense that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour and unfortunately the government's track record to date on the super-city issue is not reassuring." "Public concerns have been largely ignored, the recommendations of a sensible royal commission report have been scrapped in favour of Rodney Hide's version and changes have been rammed through under urgency," Ms Watson stated. "The lack of time to consider what the changes may mean is incredibly disrespectful to one third of all New Zealander's and is enough to make a saint suspicious about the true intentions behind the government's actions." "If John Key wants our trust - now is the time for him to earn it. He needs to make sure that the Select Committee hearings on the Super-city are conducted so they truly hear the opinions of all affected Aucklanders who wish to submit. This means taking the hearings to affected communities and not predetermining numbers or style of submissions." The Community Coalition calls on Aucklanders to let the government know what they think and send submissions. "Ring or email your local MP," urged Elaine Dyer, also a member of the Coalition. "MPs are there to represent you, don't hesitate to let them know how you feel" STEP UP NZ:
Community Coalition for Auckland Region It's great to see New Zealander's STEP UP like we used to - C'mon Westies
Sam and Joe need some $$$ to get to Huntington to represent Piha so Dad's putting on a gig at the Bowler 6th June . . . . . Yay: some winter kick your legs up . . . . . only $20 Lets support our own More details here 6th June Photo, Sam and Joe, with a friend, helping us on our Beach Valley Road Project Piha Water Quality Update - May 09 As a result of the current increasing buildup of sand on the beach foreshore, the water levels in both lagoons have risen, which has raised the water table in surrounding areas. This has resulted in an increased background E.Coli level being reported in both waterways because of the normal natural vegetation nutrient uptake and evapo-transpiration assistance used for effluent organic matter disposal not operating. This is to be expected when high loading on wastewater systems occurs at times of a reduction in ground soakage rates, as is the current situation. To address this, a Consultant has been engaged to manage the renewal of the current consent for the Domain and To improve the water flow in the The results of a series of tests undertaken recently show that there is no pollution source located above the bridges which might cause pollution in either lagoon. As a result of a number of tests undertaken, the current high E.Coli levels reported in the Moana Stream at south Piha for some time are shown to be generated in an area above the public WC's but below 5 Sylvan Glade and 38 Beach Valley Road. The Council will be undertaking a targeted survey in this area to identify any sources of pollution and this project has already started in the headwaters of that stream. The proposed improved consents that the Council will be applying for indicate the extent to which the Council, in conjunction with the Piha and Karekare Local Water Agenda Group, has moved to improve water quality. They are not only addressing the current sources of pollution, but also the long term low level sources which in the past may have been hidden by the obvious pollution points which have been, or are now being addressed. To move to this next level in improving water quality in Piha is going to require a high level of local support. Simon Brown Graham Caley Members of the Piha and Karekare Local Water Agenda Group. Postponed to a FUTURE DATE: 'Nature in your Neighbourhood @ Piha' details here Want to learn more about our beautiful natural environment? How to attract more birds to your garden, healthy streams etc  World number one surfer to visit NZ Joel Parkinson, (left photographed in Piha in Oct 2006, Parko, will visit New Zealand next week as the number one-ranked surfer in the world and the man to beat on the ASP professional surfing tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Australian duo will free surf at two different beaches between May 28-30 with the list of options including Piha, Raglan, Taranaki, Gisborne, Mount Maunganui and Whangamata. The destinations will be selected on or soon after Monday May 25. Full story on 3 news here Last time Parko was in Piha here
Auckland City Hikoi Traffic Advice
Due to personal reasons Mark Mitchinson has resigned as the R&R President. Sorry to hear that Mark and we wish you and your family well. That makes the Vice President Berend Westera, left, the President. Berend lives in Piha with his partner Alberto - a great couple
21/5/09: Public Notification (below) Withdrawn: Well, having made some enquiries it seems a few processes were missed with this notification so it has been withdrawn by WCC The idea and consent was put to WCC, by Keith Franich, without a mandate from the Piha R&R. The R&R Committee are awaiting facts and figures from their sub-Committee before they make a decision which then in turn will go to a Special General Meeting and only then, once the members have made a decision, will the members preferred option be put forward to Council, by the R&R, and under their name if any consent is required. Post Office Blog
Now I wonder who submitted this and if s/he is aware of the following R & R Members wishes? No one Village Voice has contact, on the R&R Committee, including the President, knows anything about it.
20/5/09 Public Notification from Waitakere City Council: Proposed Reloation of the Piha Post Office: It is proposed to relocate the Piha Post Office building onto the roadside of Piha Domain in between the Piha Library and wooden platform which houses the sand filter system. The Piha Post Office building is currently temporarily located on Piha Domain opposite the Piha Bowling Club.
Should you wish to make a submission or would like further information on the proposal, please contact Sarah Natac, Customer Liaison officer, Parks and Open Space on 836 8000 Ext 8561 or via email Sarah Natac here The submission period closes on Friday 5 June 2009 at 4:00pm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20/5/09: You're never alone in Piha I arrived moments after this accident on Piha Road today. It appears a newcomer to Piha, travelling toward Piha, took this corner a little fast, spun out, hit the other car that ended up wrapt around the lamp post and all a little mucky. I turned around and drove till I got a signal and called 111 at 12:44 and this is what happened: Photos: 1. Vehicle over the road and other around the lamp post. I get the driver of the car, in shock, into my car and warm with a blanket. 2. Three local rangers arrive and immediately control the traffic. 3. Fiona and Corel from Piha/Karekare First Response are on the scene, so quickly you have to wonder, and attend to the driver of the car, that ended around the lamp post, who eventually is taken to hospital by ambulance for a check up. 4. Fire Service & Police attend the scene. 5 & 6. Piha Volunteer Fire Service are on the scene and ensure everyones safety.
 19/5/09 EYES WIDE OPEN : Burglaries in Piha : There is a spate of burglaries happening in Piha and it seems to be happening during day light hours. One was on Piha Rd just before Anawhata and this place has been 'done over' twice in the last week. The power and telephone wires had been cut and heaps taken - very unsettling. There has also been a burglary at South Piha with appliances taken.Please be vigilant and if you see anything suspicious at all
Email Piha Neighbourhood Watch Support Group here 19/5/09 Criminal on the run in Piha: Apparently a vehicle on the run from Highway Patrol ended up in Piha with the driver ditching his car and running by foot into the bush followed by dogs. It was suggested that Piha people stay indoors and lock them and to pay particular attention to their cars if going somewhere in case the fugitive tries to hitch hike a ride. All cars leaving Piha were being searched. UPDATE: I have been told, but again cant verify, that a couple on the North Shore were chased by police to Piha, dumped their stolen car by the shop and took off to the bush. They were not caught. The finer details are unsubstantiated because I am locked inside and going nowhere!!! PLEASE FOLLOW SUGGESTIONS ABOVE
Great news !
Hon Paula Bennett, MP for Waitakere & Hon John Carter, Associate Minister for Local Government
They've been at it again on the Beach Valley Road Project
 15/5/09 Meeting a man whose life they saved was a huge reward for volunteer lifeguards. Father-of-four Ross Melles was caught in a rip while swimming at west Auckland's Piha Beach in January.When the Waitakere resident was pulled from the water he wasn't showing any signs of life and was resuscitated by lifeguards using "textbook CPR". His rescuers kept him alive for 25 painstaking minutes before the ambulance arrived. Mr Melles made a full recovery, returning to fulltime work two weeks after the near-drowning. Full story on Rob here Don't know if this is just a sick coincidence but.... 2007 - Chinese year of the Chicken - Bird Flu Pandemic devastates parts of Asia. 2008 - Chinese year of the Horse - Equine Influenza decimates Australian horse racing. 2009 - Chinese year of the Pig - Swine Flu Pandemic kills hundreds of pigs around the globe. Has any one else noticed this???!!!!!!!!!!!!! It gets worse........ next year...... 2010 - Chinese year of the Cock - what could possibly go wrong? Hhhmmm....
Car versus rock and concrete in Piha's hub today.
Protect Piha Heritage Inc has filed a memorandum opposing the application for costs from WCC and Preserve Piha Limited with the Environment Court. The court will determine the matter and will issue its decision in Chambers without a hearing.
Left: Talking about the Cafe - the site is off limitd now - too dangerous! 12/5/09 Aussie surfing greats to visit New Zealand Australian surfing giants Joel Parkinson and Mark Occhilupo will visit New Zealand for a series of exhibitions this month. Current world No 1 Parkinson -- who has won the first two events on this year's World Tour -- Read what surfing greats are coming and where to here Having both visited New Zealand in the past, local surf conditions have not always proved kind to Parko and Occy. Corona is set on rectifying this by taking the boys to where the waves are pumping. or here on Surf.co.nz  10/5/09 I recently visited Phillip Island in Melbourne. It's not unlike Piha - an island renowned for its surf, surfing and laid back life style with a reasonable permanent population that triples in the summer.Left is a photo of the rubbish bins around the island. They are very similar to the ones WCC have on trial at Piha. Lots of people use them and there is little rubbish around the place. Oh, and by the way that is my daughter, Marina, in the photo.
Going for a walk around the island with my granddaughter Charlie (in the photo) we came across these new P.O. Boxes on a vacant corner section. There is no mail delivery at all on Phillip Island so people all have boxes. They're not unattractive! Correction from Marina: Teeny correction, it is only a few suburbs (incl Sunderland Bay) that have no mail delivery at Phillip Island. Most parts actually do have a little man on a motorcycle!
I saw this on a car and it took my fancy
Grabbed this photo today of the slip on Piha Road being fixed.
Quote of Mayor Bob Harvey re local governance "In short, it's a recipe for power, not unity. We want to help the Government fix that imbalance and keep the local in local government." I agree Bob: For example there will be one authority supplying water. What a monopoly! They can charge what they want. Surely there is some 'anti monopoly' law that prevents this? Bobbie 10/5/09 New Rules for R&R Members: I attend all R&R Meetings and can't recall any discussion on changing the rules for Members attending Open Forum at the monthly meetings but I see some new rules have been added:
Now these 'new rules' are posted on the R&R website but I can't recall them being discussed at a Monthly or General Meeting - can you? They seem to have just appeared from nowhere. I have a problem not being able to 'question elected members' yet can be questioned myself. At last months meeting I asked a question of Sandra Coney, as our elected ARC member, and she has since answered my question. This is what meetings with our 'representatives' are all about aren't they? Geez: this is a 'bottom of the food chain' association . . . . these kind of rules are very restrictive for an Association with about 200 odd members (well approx 200 members - some are odd !!!) At last months open forum several Piha Residents made a presentation to the meeting asking for the Associations support of their submission to WCC LTCCP about pedestrian safety. Time was of the essense as submissions were closing within days so the Committee moved and passed a resolution immediately to submit in support which they did. Should the last 'new rule' above be adopted then this could not have happened! Repair of Scenic Drive road slip Scenic Drive between Shaw Road and West Coast Road will be closed from
Visitors to Arataki Visitors Centre may access from the West Coast Road end of Scenic Drive.  TV personality Marc Ellis has pulled out of a venture to open a cafe in Piha, only weeks after a court victory cleared the way for the embattled eatery to go ahead.In February, an Environment Court ruling dismissed the appeal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Coney, Auckland regional councillor and Protect Piha Heritage spokeswoman suggested a chain cafe might have alienated people who supported the venture. With all due respect Sandra, I think you are so out of touch with the people of Piha you would have little idea what they think or want - At least people will stop calling it the 'Marc Ellis Cafe now, hopefully -Bobbie Full Herald article here Joes Garage here
 9/5/09 Grateful to be alive: Near-drowning victim Ross Melles was all but dead when rescuers pulled him from the surf at Piha. But quick work by lifeguards got him breathing again and today he is fully recovered. Mr Melles has already thanked his saviours in person and is now working on a more permanent tribute. The landscape artist will be presenting a painting to the United North Piha Lifeguard Service during the club?s prizegiving on May 16. "I am very grateful for the care that they showed to my family and me," Mr Melles says. "If it were not for the lifeguards being there on the day, I would not be here now." Story on near drowning at Piha Photo: Rescuers Rob Pidgeon, Anthony Corbett and Ari Peach - THEY TRIED TO MAKE ME GO TO REHAB - AND I SAID YES . . . For those who can afford about $2500 a week, there's a mansion in Piha where you can sleep on a plush bed, next to a walk-in wardrobe, have highly nutritional meals cooked for you by a private chef, go horseback riding, get massages, acupuncture, go surfing, and do pilates and tai chi, all surrounded by the stunning bush of Piha, overlooking the iconic Piha beach. The privately owned Serenity Clinic has been operating since July last year and it looks and feels like a resort. Read about rehab in Piha here Discover the nature in your neighbourhood @ Piha 6/5/09 Learn more about eradicating weeds from stream banks and improving habitat for native fish at this year's Nature in your Neighbourhood series of workshops starting later this month. Starts May 22nd Through the course, people can find out how to develop native plantings beside their neighbourhood streams that improve the in-stream habitat for native fish like eels, bullies and banded kökopu. The programme draws on a variety of experts and you can meet other like-minded "stream neighbours". The sessions are fortnightly and involve evening workshops with hands-on skills sessions at the weekends. People can attend all or just one of the four parts. Sessions are: (This is designed as a full course but you may attend just one session, of course, if you wish)
Western Leader Article on Nature in your neighbourhood 7th May
To register for the programme, call Rutherford Community Education on 834 4099. Cost is $10 per session, $30 for 4 or $60 to attend all eight. For more information or to book your space: Contact
 Piha: Beach Valley Road Project- RoadingLeft: Look what happens when you work with your Council - This water pipe runs under Beach Valley Road to the stream but constantly blocked and the road flooded. So we contacted WCC roading and they have put this grate on it and, yip, the water is running down it and no more flooding. Hey! Thanks WCC Roading Piha Cafe open by Labour Weekend: Duncan says he'll be doing his best to have the Piha Cafe building complete by Labour Weekend Seems there was just too much damage by the fire in the old exchange building years ago to be able to use any of that building so down it came. The old foundations where the old dental / post office building was have gone too. Duncan says the site will be closed off soon as construction starts and asks all parents to ensure their children know not to go on site - it'll be too dangerous.
Piha SLSC Club Bar and Restaurant Due to popular demand our club bar and restaurant will remain open Fri, Sat, Sun until at least Queens Birthday (incl Queens Birthday Monday) and possibly longer. Note it WONT be open Saturday 30 May (QB Saturday, private function). We'll also be looking to organize a number of events during winter to coincide with the likes of All Black games etc so watch this space! 4/5/09 Antony Starr Leads Strong Cast For Simone Horrocks? Debut Feature ?After The Waterfall? Set at Piha, on Auckland?s wild West Coast, 'AFTER THE WATERFALL' was written by Horrocks, who based the story on 1999 novel The Paraffin Child by UK writer Stephen Blanchard. She cast Starr, best known for his award-winning dual role as twin brothers Van and Jethro West in long-running TV series Outrageous Fortune, after seeing his In My Father?s Den performance. More details here
Mr Naidu said Swami Anubhavananda endears himself to people with his simple and easy-to-practice tips on achieving happiness in life. "He is a karma yogi of the current information revolution." "Suave, witty and a master of Vedanta, Swami Anubhavananda is a favourite of children, teens and adults,?"he said. 6/5/09: I am on holiday on Phillip Island, Melborne, at the moment. I always read newspapers when travelling for many reasons. One reason is that their headlines are rarely different from ours which is why I, any many others Kiwis, wish that the moaners and groaners at home would travel a little more. I digress. Re Swine Flu: There are many letters to the Victorian newspapers about this pending 'pandemic' but one stood out for me;
A couple more short ones:
Three very looooooooong years but it's started - A Cafe in Piha - Yes!
Time to clean the chimney? Hi all, Our chimney is in desperate need for a clean and we have arranged for a chimney sweep to come on Friday 29 May. The company said they'll come to Piha but would prefer to have some more chimneys to sweep to make it worth the trip. If we get another 6 chimneys, it will be $80.00 each to have your Let me know if you're keen, and if your chimney is available on the 29th of Sarah Email Sarah here "We've already had a Commission spend months and thousands of $$$ on this - what makes Hide think he knows better than them - he should stick to dancing or swimming - Bobbie" 4/5/09 Hon Rodney Hide, Minister calls for public input into Local Government Minister Rodney Hide is calling for New Zealanders to contribute their views on the future of "I know Aucklanders are passionate about their local communities and their region and we want to hear their views," Mr Hide said today after a Cabinet meeting to decide the legislative programme for the Government?s proposed structure of "The proposed structure of one Auckland Council, with 12 members elected from wards and 8 at large, and 20 to 30 Local Boards, has been designed to ensure good governance for the "As the Royal Commission on "Our proposal will overcome these problems by allowing Mr Hide said the Government's legislative programme for The first Bill will proceed under urgency and without Select Committee hearings. It will: § establish the Auckland Council as a legal entity; § establish the Auckland Governance Transition Agency (AGTA), responsible for rationalisation and transition to the new governance arrangements; and § constrain the decision-making powers of existing The second Bill will proceed through a Select Committee process ending in September. It will: § provide for the high level framework for the structure of the Auckland Council - eight members elected at large and 12 members from wards, and 20-30 Local Boards including their high level functions; § empower the Local Government Commission (LGC) to determine the boundaries of the wards of the Auckland Council and the Local Boards, and the Boards and their membership; and § provide for the integration of A third Bill will be introduced later this year to provide for the ongoing governance structure, functions, roles and powers of council and local boards, and detailed legislative framework for governance arrangements. Mr Hide said he wanted people to contribute their views on the composition of the proposed Auckland Council, including the numbers of ward councillors and at large councillors which is currently eight and 12 respectively. The Government also wants to hear people's views on the roles of Local Boards. At present it is proposed that the Boards would: § act as an advocate for people in their area; § maintain an overview of services provided by the Auckland Council within their local area; § undertake responsibilities and duties delegated by the Auckland Council; § prepare an annual submission to the Auckland Council for expenditure within its local area; § have input into the regulatory policies and plans of Auckland Council; § have delegations for specific decisions, e.g. swimming pools and libraries; § develop their own policies and plans on some local matters, including dog control and liquor control and assist the Auckland Council to develop regional policies with local variations eg local parks; and § recommend the making of local bylaws under the Local Government Act 2002. "It's important that people make their views known to the Government so we get the right structures in place to ensure good governance for the Auckland region well into the future, and also guarantee that local grassroots democracy is preserved and promoted for the benefit of all," Mr Hide said. Gee Mr Hide - I thought the Commission heard submissions on all this??? - Bobbie
Yip - WCC is still working down our list of maintenance Thanks - More details here
29/4/09 Support for Minister from Community Coalition for Auckland The Community Coalition for Auckland- Voices of Tamaki Makaurau has congratulated Waitakere MP and Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett for her public support of their concerns about potential loss of local control and projects. The Minister has taken the unusual step of publicly criticising the current proposals on regional governance.The Coalition is spearheading a campaign against the governance proposals put forward by Local Government Minster Rodney Hide. It has argued for the report of the Royal Commission on Regional Governance to be used as the basis of legislation for the Super City. Coalition representatives recently met with Ms Bennett to discuss the Government's proposals for the Super City. "It was a very constructive meeting and Ms Bennett asked for the group's ideas on how local views can be given a voice in a new structure for Auckland's governance", stated Iris Donoghue, a Coalition spokesperson. "It was great to have our local MP asking for the views of her community. That's what democracy is all about, and it's particularly pleasing that she has now spoken out so clearly in favour of greater local democracy and continued funding for local initiatives." A further meeting between Ms Bennett and the Coalition is scheduled to review the Coalition's ideas for local structures powers and functions. "Whatever we end up with at a local level needs to have the power and budget to implement local solutions determined by local input on priorities," said Ms Donoghue. Recent comments by Prime Minister John Key have also been seen by the Coalition as a major step forward for their campaign. Mr Key has supported giving greater powers and funding to local areas to control their own ?grassroots? projects "It is now obvious that the Government has been taken aback by the depth and breadth of opposition to the Rodney Hide-led proposals" said Coalition spokesperson Tony Mayow. "Polls in Helensville and Waitakere demonstrate clearly that there is very little public support for the 20-30 local Community Boards. The overwhelming regional response to our campaign has shown the anger within the community over the way local voices have, up to now, been shut out of the future of their city. "We have not yet formed a view on the number of local bodies that would be appropriate, but we reiterate that the Royal Commission report should form the basis for select committee discussion. This proposed six local councils, with up to 11 considered workable. The Community Coalition for Auckland: Voices of Tamaki Makaurau will be speaking at a public meeting in the CBD tonight. Manukau Mayor Len Brown will address the meeting at the London Bar at 7pm. It has also been invited to speak at Meetings in Papakura, on May 4th, and in Manukau, where efforts to establish a Manukau Steering Group are underway.The Coalition supports the call by Maori for 'solid partnership' within Auckland's regional governance and that real representation for Maori is included in any proposal. The Coalition will be joining the Hikoi on May 25 where people from all cultures will converge from the four corners of Auckland to the bottom of Queen Street by 12 noon. From here they will march to the Town Hall. For further details of this and other actions, see the web site. http://www.cc4a.net.nz27/4/09 Ratepayers and Residents Meeting last night: In open forum Sara Carbary went through the 'Safe Walking in Piha' groups submission to the WCC LTCCP submission for safe walking paths around Piha and asked for the R&Rs support. If you haven't heard of this group its grown over the last year or 18 months and now includes Sara Carberry, Gabrielle Lancaster, Hannah Slade, Gillian Cotton and ? can't remember her name . . . it'll come. Their vision is for all of Piha to have safe walking to everywhere - not just the beach. There are lots of kiddies in Piha now that wish to visit friends, lots others too want to walk around without having to dodge cars and all sorts. So I am right behind them and if you wish to support them please Email them here and let them know you're behind them and what you'd like to see. The more they can add to their submission the better.
Machines, cement trucks . . . . See here for more photos and explanation
There is a family in Beach Valley Road whose young toddler has not once but twice this year swallowed berries from karaka trees on their property. For those that don't know, these berries are very very poisonous. So not once but twice this darling little toddler has had to have her stomach pumped - most unpleasant for the littlie but also for Mum and Dad. So Dad did what any parent would do and started removing said karaka that were dropping berries in the area of their property that littlie played in. Mums and Dads can't be watching children constantly - right? Then the Dad got rid of these berries, and gee whizz, maybe a small twig or branch with them, into the weed bin in Beach Valley Road. One would think this was a normal course of events - given that your child had swallowed them twice! Oh no! Some inane, busy body, self centred, small life person saw the karaka twig/small branch in the weed bin and, yes, decided to let WCC know that it was there WHEN IT SHOULDN'T BE FOR HEAVENS SAKE!!! You'd have to ask what this person was doing on private property for a start and was it such a serious situation that this branch/twig had to be brought to Council's attention? Control, control, control! When my son was little he was so alergic to bee stings that we had to carry adrenalin with us every time we were more than 20 minutes from a hospital. Of course he got stings regularly - Murphy's Law! Once he barely made it to hospital. His father and I wanted to exterminate every bee in NZ - we didn't of course but you get my drift. So to the pathetic person who thought it essential that the authorities knew about this I say this: "Take a running jump - get a life - trust that people usually have a reason to do things and most people, you excluded, are fundamentally nice and caring people and finally , , , , , mind your own bloody business" Footnote: When I found this out I got a ladder and my camera and went up to the weed bin and took the photo above: these are the karaka berries. Oh, gee there is some pampas too and some wandering jew and and and weeds for africa that have all been hand removed from Beach Valley Road - no poisonous spray !!!
An explanation will follow with lots of neat photos.
The Anzac Parade leaves the Piha RSA on Beach Valley Road at 2pm. It's a wonderful parade because, unlike the dawn parades, this is a daylight one and usually includes most of our village community from the elderly in chairs to babes in prams and the family pets head toward Lion Rock. To hear the piper play from 1/2 way up Lion Rock always brings tears to my eyes. Left: Piha RSA the night before Anzac and below two photos of the wonderful woman making the ANZAC wreaths. Big thanks to Graham Valentine for the photos.
24/4/09  Look what happens when you have a Project in partnership with your Council:The Beach Valley Road Project asked WCC to do some maintenance for us and they came to the party From Left: 1. WCC workers putting in drainage 2. Drainage done. 3. Clearing the culvert that causes flooding and 4. putting new reflectors on bollards. Thanks WCC.
Please give us some feedback here . . . 24/4/09 "Waitakere is already a Super City"There is NOT a lot of time to get involved - An estimated 1,000 people marched through central Henderson today to protest against the Government?s model for Auckland governance. Rally organisers, Community Coalition for Auckland: Voices of Tamaki Makaurau, say the event demonstrated the growing groundswell of opposition to the proposed model the Government is fast-tracking through the legislative process. "Our protest is about demanding the right for Aucklanders to have a say about how their rates are spent and to have a meaningful say in local decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their children," said coalition spokesman Tony Mayow. "This is the biggest challenge that Auckland has faced in its entire history. It's inconceivable that 1.4 million people are not able to have a say in it!" The coalition is calling for the Government to use the original Royal Commission report as the basis for any future decisions on the governance of Auckland's 'Super City'. "We reject the undemocratic 'Rodney Hide' version of the report that the Government has presented as a done deal to the people of Auckland," Mr Mayow said. "The Government's model for Auckland regional governance will strip away democracy and replace the effective partnerships between councils and community with voiceless, powerless local boards that have no access to funding "We are not opposed to the idea of being part of a 'super-city' and recognise that if it's done well, in consultation with the community, it will bring some benefits. But change has to work for all the people of Auckland, not just for Rodney Hide and the interests of big business." Joint coalition spokesperson Iris Donoghue says the Government's model is at odds with what is happening internationally. "The rest of the world is embracing the power and effectiveness of local initiatives and local democracies. Rodney Hide?s model concentrates power in the hands of a few and harks back to the destructive 'Rogernomics-style' leadership of the 1980's. This is a backward step for New Zealand's social, environmental and economic development," she says. The strong support of the Waitakere community was evident at the rally, with banners and flags supporting the coalition's call to the Government. A wide range of community organisations and residents and ratepayers joined the coalition on the march. Rally protester Jeremy Snowsill said it was exhilarating to witness the enthusiastic support of the community at the rally. "There are hundreds of community initiatives delivering essential services in this city that will disappear under the new proposal. There are many of us who are outraged at this prospect and that is why we are here today." "The Royal Commission's proposal took 18 months to prepare, cost millions of dollars and drew on the wisdom of both ordinary Aucklanders and governance experts. The report wasn't perfect but it was a damn good start. Rodney Hide's The Community Coalition for Auckland: Voices of Tamaki Makaurau also supported the iwi call for Maori representation in any Auckland governance structure and reminded the crowd of the hikoi planned for May 25th . Further regional meetings are being held around Auckland this week, with Manukau City Council holding a public meeting at 6pm tonight at the Telstra Clear Stadium. Further details are available at www.cc4a.net.nz.
22/4/09 A letter to the NZ Herald by Bob Harvey, Mayor, Waitakere City Council Congratulations to the Herald for the editorial on how to make the Super City work. It added wisdom to the debate, which has been lacking in the past few weeks. The mayors have taken a drubbing, uncalled for because they have simply raised relevant issues about democracy, or the lack of it, swirling around the edict which demands we pack our tents and abandon our communities. I have been disturbed by the emotive us of the words "execution" and "death sentence". Elected members who do an excellent job do not deserve this tag. My reasoning of going back to the royal commissions's report as a starting point has been lost in the melee of background static. It was a very workable document. We are now working on a Government version that will require a major overhaul and much negotiation by mayors and chief executives to deliver anything that equates to what cities in the 21st century should be about. (Precisely - Bobbie) Columnist Brian Rudman has become the house parrot of the Auckland Regional Council. Senior officials of this regional authority are now busy working with the crafters of the Super-City bill, happy to be dorking democracy and the communities of the Auckland region. "Waitakere is already a Super City""What do we want?" . . . "Democracy" . . . . "When do we want it?" . . . "Now!" Today Julia and I introduced our granddaughter, Brittany, to the 'Kiwi protest march' and what better introduction than to a protest march to stop Auckland stealing our city - Waitakere. Above is one of the chants we did today marching from Corbans Art Centre to the WCC centre. It was great to see fellow Piha people there along with the wonderful cultural mix of what makes Waitakere so wonderful. I am getting incredibly suspicious about 'who wasn't there' and the silence of the usually loud political voices of Piha is deafening . . . . something is up and I have a feeling we're not going to like it . . . . watch this space . . . There is not one mention of this on the Piha Ratepayers and Residents website . . . not a word ? ? ? ? Email your thoughts on the Governments changes to the Commissions recommendations here
The protest was organised by the Community Coalition for Auckland, which said about 1000 people joined in. (and it was absolutely wonderful to be there - Bobbie) Coalition spokesman Tony Mayow, left, said the protest was about protecting the right for all Aucklanders to have their say about decisions which could affect them and their children. "This is the biggest challenge that Auckland has faced in its entire history. It's inconceivable that 1.4 million people are not able to have a say in it," Mr Mayow said. Full article in NZ Herald here
Rodney: You think 'Dancing with the Stars' was living dangerously? Think again! Mucking around with the West is living dangerously !!! A message for you and Paula Bennet : For the first time ever (I think) Waitakere went Blue at the elections : enjoy it - I doubt it will happen again after what National is doing with the West. Was this in your manifesto Paula? - Ha! Some Westie you turned out to be The 2009 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour wrapped up in style with Michael Burling (Gisborne) taking out the final event of the season at Port Waikato.
Piha's Mike Mulcahy - congrats Mike : left
$100 REWARD$100 reward to any person who can give information leading to the return of these Beach Valley Road Project signs and another $100 for information as to who is responsible for their dissappearance - phone Bobbie 021 969924
CORBON ESTATE ART CENTRE, HENDERSON 3PM WED APR 22ND 21/4/09 Re your question on the governance of Auckland It is the utmost in arrogance for a few poli's to decide to throw out the well considered recommendations from the original commission. Who do they think they are? I too would like to see Aucklander's 'singing from the same song sheet', though not necessarily J Banks' one. I hear this morning Banks negating any opposition within his council, because it is coming from a minority group. I strongly believe in the wisdom of the masses, which requires, that those in power listen to those not in power. Just because you are in power doesn't give you the monopoly on always being right. The original commission tried to include some of this 'wisdom' in its original document by the process of submissions etc. Auckland is a very interesting place. I don't think there is another city in the world with at least 1/4 of the country's population concentrated in one urban area. Big switches in direction need careful consideration. The commission tried to do this, and National don't have a god-given right to change things just because it started under Labour, unless they are able to provide substantial evidence that their alterations are of benefit above the original recommendations. Be interesting to hear other opinions. Tracey & Steve Skidmore, Piha Email your thoughts to Village Voice, here Now?s the time to spread the word about the rally on talkback radio stations, start/continue the debate, get people buzzing about attending the march or other ways they can help etc. Phone talkback radio and get this started! Contact details below; Newstalk ZB ? 0800 80 10 80 Radio Live ? 0800 723 465 Take an afternoon off work - Show Hide we won't tolerate his autocracy
$85,179.77 : The cost to Waitakere City Ratepayers for Piha to get a Cafe ! ! !
WCC have applied for costs against Protect Piha Heritage noting amoung other matters:
WCC submits that costs should be awarded for reasons including:
WCC has applied for 35-50% of their costs, $85,179, as these costs "should not be borne by ratepayers". Preserve Piha Limited has applied for 70% of their costs being $87,630.67. Remember: Auckland Regional Council also defended their consent : their costs yet to come. It's not over till all the bills are paid! Yes! Piha Cafe - a journey in photographs BLOG - Cafe in Piha Letter to WCC from Beach Valley Road Ratepayers 16/4/09 : Problem (1) On 9 April, whilst heading to the shop from the bottom of Piha Hill, walking with our grandchildren on left hand grass, past the Fire Station/Gallery, a truck driver, Dean Selak, drove past taking out two limbs of an overhanging Pohutakawa tree.
There were photos taken by another resident (left). He gave me his card and said he was driving within his height allowance for his vehicle, and had in the past contacted the Council regarding this problem he has previously encountered ALSO NOTING the long overdue need for some decent walkways, particularly around 5/7/9 Beach Valley Road, again our grand-daughter aged 11 who was off road on grass verge, being narrowly missed by two vehicles trying to past one another. (2) On 9 April, around 10am the septic tanker came to pump out the RSA septic, (above ground & which we find most surprising to see this appear when no there was no notification given and that Council are so pro 'improving the environment.), the stench was so strong we had to vacate our home. On our return some two hours later we arrived to a sewerage smell throughout . We were not alone with this, as many residents we spoke to plus a Council Employee also voiced their disapproval. I look forward to your earliest responses, and hopefully some resolve to the above. Yours truly 20/4/09 Hi Bobbie Just thought you'd like to know that the Waitakere City Council phoned about our comments on the lack of footpaths in the Beach Valley Rd area! Their answer was basically there's nothing they can do (even though he did agree that it can be dangerous in Beach Valley Rd - especially in the weekends) & that the only thing we can do is make a submission in the "annual plan" or talk to the local community board & get them to request the council to look at providing footpaths in the area! It would appear that if "you" (being Bobbie Carroll on behalf of the Beach Valley Rd residents) don't continue to lobby on our behalf then nothing is going to happen! Have a good day! 20/4/09 : Winter is here and along with it the rain and more car accidents : we came across this accident today which is a reminder to us all to take care in the wet.
"For 3 1/2 years you have spend hours and hours and hours to save the Piha Post Office service and building while under your nose someone is trying to 'Steal our City'. What are you doing about that? Regards, Bobbie. Village Voice Editor
Take an afternoon off work - Show Hide we won't tolerate his autocracy
Hyde knows better than the Commission? I think not !!!
Please click on the photo left and read if you didn't get a copy of the Western Leader. "Who stole our voice?" is the heading by David Kemeys, Editor-in-Chief, Western Leader. Not sure about you but I was reasonably happy with what the Commission came up with for Auckland wide governance - at least it had some 'local' in it.  18/4/09 Waitakere City Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse acelebrated her 50th birthday tonight along with Cnr Carolyn Stone.The theme of the party, of course, was 'Westie'. There was fabulous Island music, band 'Tall Popplies', a great bunch of Westies, great supper and generally an excellent, fun Westie Celebration. CLICK ON THESE IMAGES for bigger photos and see what a 50 year old wears on her T-Shirt!!!
Of course we didn't, rather leaving it to Penny and Carolyn to do. I'll tell you a little secret : "Bob Harvey is a very good rock and roller - fitter than me, thats for sure"
17/4/09 Extraordinary Meeting - Waitakere City Council: To receive feedback from the Mayor on the meeting with the Minister of Local Government on the Governance of Auckland and to resolve to take any action considered appropriate as a result of the Mayor's report.
Without exception all talk was against the Government overturning the Royal Commissions recommendations for changes to local government for Auckland.
Mayor Bob and all the Councillors present stressed it is up to us Westies to give our message loud and clear and they are behind us all the way. It's late - more on Village Voice tomorrow. (Photos exclusive to Piha - Village Voice
Dear Village Voice, I am afraid that the perpetrator of all this discord is I - The Camp Mother. We have a bench seat that travels around the Camp as various folk use it, I spotted it some days ago down near the creek. Hmmm, thought I, better move that before some rapscallion comes along and sends it to a watery grave. Having observed, over the years, how many post office users sat on the seat across the street as they opened their mail or chatted to their friends I thought it might be a nice gesture to re-locate our village bench to just outside the temp PO so that they could enjoy the same. I asked Corrie to do just that for me and went off quite happily to town. Well it was a very sad story when I returned to the camp tonight, it manhandled - or should that be womanhandled end over end to get it moved away and has now been reduced to firewood. Many, many families and campers have enjoyed that seat over the years and many more could have. I don't understand this violent reaction to a simple gesture of kindness, a request to remove it would have been sufficient, and why did it need to be moved? What was wrong with it being there? I plead guilty to: Careless Placement of a Park Bench . I am now very concerned - Does this mean I will lose my licence to operate park furniture? Will I have to write to the R&R committee every time I want to move the park furniture around? Should I get a consent to mow the lawns and what about rubbish day; is it ok to move those bins past the post office? Where will it all end? Fiona Anderson
Community Coalition for Auckland Region  17/4/09 Village Seat!! Here's a wee story for you.A spare seat in need of repair is found in the camp ground. It is relocated beside the temporary post office building for people to sit on and peruse their mail. Observed is an employee of the R & R trying to move the seat and demolish it with her actions. No thought is given to ask the Camp Manager or any other person as to the seat or any actions being taken to repair it. Upon asking employee to desist from the action I was duly informed that I need to write to the R & R committee to put the seat there. I duly restrained myself from adding further comment deserved and anyone On a final note it is great to see that the post office appears to be open for more hours than previously. 17/4/09  Waitakere community can strongly and loudly voice their opposition to Government's abuse of the democratic process, and the loss of Waitakere's identity within the proposed supercity. See 22nd April right here for detailsMissing Auckland man found safe An Auckland man who went missing in the bush at Piha on Wednesday night has turned up safe and well. The man's wife called police when he didn't return home for dinner. But Inspector Barry Smalley says the man found his way out of the bush at about 3.30 Thursday morning, just before search and rescue staff were deployed.Details 16/4/09 NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING BEING HELD Come and show the unified strength of the community at a Waitakere City Council Special Meeting tomorrow For councillors to receive feedback from the Mayor on the meeting with the Minister of Local Government on the Governance of Auckland and to resolve to take any action considered appropriate as a result of the Mayor's report. Waitakere needs you there to show to a united and strong community. Gather at the Council chambers to hear the debate at this meeting. Thoughts on Auckland including amalgamation by Paul Bedford (former Chief Planner, Toronto City) Ontario Planning Journal 2008 In contrast to The City is currently debating the pros and cons of amalgamation and the central government has appointed a Royal Commission to study the matter in depth. The Commission will be coming to At present, two basic models are being contemplated. The first is a single larger city, similar to the I also spent a fair amount of time talking about the 2002 official plan adopted by Toronto Council and how this new plan differed from the former seven official plans in existence prior to amalgamation. The situation in  Did I hear right? Mayor Bob Harvey on Piha Rescue? Is someone 'saving' the Mayor or is the Mayor saving us? Go Bob! 15/4/09 Important Press Release on Local (yea right!) Governance: It's not about Mayors, it's about communities : Community organisations are worried that their message about the removal of community voice within governance plans for Auckland is itself getting lost with the media focus on "Mayoral antics". "The media 'beat-up' of petty squabbles is a smokescreen to the real risk threatening communities; that of having no community voice within the proposed Auckland Council," claims Tony Mayow, Board Chair of Community Waitakere. "Additionally, the abuse of Government's power in overturning the recommendations of a well researched and thorough report that took 18 months to prepare, cost $3.5 million and had approximately 4000 submissions, is appalling. Read: Press Release here Email Paula Bennett here This article is in the latest Aucklander . You would think that Joanna Davies would do a bit more research to get the facts right. How wrong can the press get it? I would like to play TRUE or FALSE:
We are a group of residents concerned with the need for safe walking areas in Piha. We are making a submission to be hopefully included in our Waitakere City Council's Long Term Community Council Plan (LTCCP). For more information on our submission Read "Walk Safe in Piha Project" [p28kb].doc If you would like to see safer pedestrian access in Piha please email us with your support and comments at walksafeinpiha@gmail.com
Remember, with the changes ahead this may be the last chance for Piha residents to be included in this sort of planning.
Dinner the the Bowler: We had friends visit on Sunday. We all went for a great walk along the beach and over Piha's Eel Bridge, through the kiddies playground, over to the site where the Cafe is to be and then home past the RSA. We all ended up going for dinner at the Bowling Club and our friends just thought the whole experience was fantastic. The Club itself they loved with the fire going, its furniture, the eclectic bunch and the other friends that joined us for dinner. But more than anything they raved about the fabulous roast dinner they got for $10 only to be beaten by their huge $7 dessert. Aaah we forget sometimes how great it all is don't we?
Whoops: not sure how that first photo got in. It's the one of the dessert meant to be there. Oh well! Very yummy dessert 11/4/09 Granny loves Piha waves: Surf-mad Audrey Irvine battles the breakers at Piha every day during summer. And she has no plans to stop, despite being 80 years old and a grandmother of two."I don't feel my age," she says."Especially when I'm out there in the waves." Mrs Irvine has been kitting up in a three-quarter wetsuit and heading to the beach since 1980 when she first started boogie-boarding at 51. Read about Audrey's love of Piha surf here 11/4/09 Rubbish inspires parody of ecocity: Carelessly discarded packaging is the inspiration behind Piha artist Andrew Tolhurst's new exhibition. A West Auckland Parody pokes fun at Waitakere city's clean, green image. "We are meant to be a forerunner for the world. But there is nothing more disturbing than following a car from Piha and seeing beer bottles or McDonalds chucked out the window," Andrew says. Andrew wants people to think about how they throw things away. The amount of litter he picks up around Piha is staggering, he says. "My partner and I walk every day and I can't help it. She's actually got to the stage when she's said I don't want any more stuff around home. We end up picking up so much," the 36-year-old says. See full story here
Andrew: We are hoping the new rubbish bins (on trial), left, will reduce the amount of rubbish, especially bottles, we pick up in Beach Valley Road. It's a shame they didn't put one of these directly outside the Surf Club and Blairs???
9/4/09 Community coalition calls for Hide's presence in Waitakere A coalition of community organisations in Waitakere is calling on Local Government Minister Rodney Hide to meet with them face to face to hear their concerns about sweeping changes to Auckland Regional Governance. The coalition, which has a burgeoning membership of over 60 community organisations from Waitakere and further afield, is demanding more time to consider and respond to the Government's proposals. "We are angry that the Government's changes are being rushed through with no community input" says coalition spokesman Tony Mayow, chairman of the Community Waitakere "We demand the right to constructively engage with Government to ensure the community voice is heard and its concerns are taken on board. The least Mr Hide can do is front up to the people of Auckland who will be most affected by these radical changes and hear what we have to say about them, the good and the bad, before the proposed model is set in stone." The coalition is also calling on Waitakere MP Paula Bennett for her support in ensuring the community's voice is heard by those in power. "We know Paula is proud to be a 'Westie' and she has been very supportive of many of the community-based initiatives that Waitakere is renowned for," says Mr Mayow. "We are asking Paula to continue that support by adding her voice to ours. We need her now more than ever." Determined that it will continue to fight for a fair democratic process, the coalition met today to discuss options for further action. "We won't accept such a blatant disregard of our democratic rights," Mr Mayow says. "And we don't think other The coalition invites other concerned community organisations from around the 9/4/09 How is a Gal to keep up in Piha? What a morning in Piha! We had a building move, a car rolling off Seaview Rd onto Beach Valley Road, truck vs pohutukawa, tractor taking over where trucks fear to tread, traffic management by locals and more truck vs pohutukawa. It's an interesting place to live, is our Piha. All images can be clicked for larger photos
Top from left: 1. The old Dental / Post Office building on the move. 2. Chris in the new PO building, 3. relocated PO boxes. 4. BVR friends and the twins wander down after nearly being wiped out by pohutukawa branch knocked down by large truck. Below from left: 1. Whoops, too much of a hurry going up the hill. 2. It's getting pretty dangerous around here - time to take cover. 3. 'The' truck heading up Garden Rd. 4. Whoops, more pohutukawa branches hit the deck. Below from left: 1. And into the mix, as if we need it, the poo truck! 2 & 3 Truck backs out of Garden Rd, parks on roadside and off loads delivery by tractor! 4. Tractor heads to Garden Road. Below from left: 1. One truck waits for the other to vacate the 'hub'. 2. Good citizen directs traffic! 3. Old dental/post office building on the move. 4. Dave pleased they can get on with the Cafe now.
Below from left: 1. This is the tricky part. 2. Oh no! not more pohutukawa branches? 3. Looks like it!. 4. Breath in, you'll make it.
Below from left: 1. Giving the phone lines a hand over the building. 2. Down she goes. 3. Watch the lights now and 4.finally in place.
Below from left: 1. The best place in Piha for a Cafe! 2. Just as I head home I can see it coming . . . . . 3. yip, another pohutukawa branch hits the dust.
Below: Yes!!! A journey in photos
Have you voted your preferred option yet ? BELOW 8/4/09: Beach Valley Road Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety.
Vehicle safety is a part of the Beach Valley Road Project Plan so I decided to get onto it. We'll be planting out the northern bank this autumn. Of course WCC, as our partner, arranged for these guys to come and take all the rubbish away. Check the Before and After photos here on Beach Valley Road Project Photos
It is now going into storage on the Piha Domain over near the macrocarpa tree opposite the Piha Bowling Club. You can see in this photo that the awnings have been removed from the building ready for the move. 4/4/09 Man drowns at Piha Beach. A man has drowned in the sea at Piha, on Auckland's west coast. The 25-year-old from India was part of a group of AUT students that had travelled to the beach, when they decided to climb Lion Rock. Rajdeep apparently fell off the rock and into the sea, and since he was unable to swim, drowned, according to other students at the site. But police say Rajdeep was swimming on his own, north of Lion Rock, outside of the patrolled area Full story on TVNZ News here
The weed, already cut, will be removed early next week, so your patience in the mean time is appreciated. You can click on the photo for bigger image: We'd love your feedback: Email us HERE April Fool's Feedback from Readers from April Fools Joke ... and Reactions
Midday 1/4/09
Not in my dreams would I think the 'downing' of Village Voice would create such a response. Texts, phone calls, emails, blogs and friends calling in. It's not my fault I was sent to a convent where they taught me to be naughty. Thanks to every one of you for your support You must read some of the responses here
Now the real news of the Day: I went to the Community Board Meeting last night and came away a little surprised . . . Grant Jennings presented 'Temporary Relocation of the Piha Post Office Building to the Piha Domain'. So the plan now seems to be:
My thoughts: I agree with Mark: the Post Office building does have some value to the Community BUT
The Good News: Solution Found for Post Office. Phew . . . . after three long years, at the last moment, a solution has been found. I attended the Community Broad Meeting tonight. Waitakere Community Council has agreed to pay for the removal of the Post Ofice Building to Steadfast Park and Auckland Reasonal Council is paying for the utilities: electricity, water etc. All consents have been sped through and it should all be completed by the deadline of 14th April. You can comment here or Email here It's been fun but I have to go and get a real job now to pay my lawyer - so catch you around sometime, maybe in the Cafe if I can afford a coffee. If not - who will shout me one? Say good bye here if you care or Email here 31/3/09 "Over my dead body" another building on the Domain At the 2006 AGM I proposed that the Post Office Building be relocated to the Domain to take up Telecom's offer of $5,000 to relocate it.. References were made to the 'Preserves Management Plan' etc etc that no building could be moved onto the Domain. I recall asking The Mayor, Bob Harvey, that surely if the people of Piha wanted it then there must be some way around it. I recall some people making comments like "over my dead body" to the suggestion that any extra building go on the Domain. Well best you hurry to the Community Board Meeting tonight to stop it or start arranging your funeral you folk because tonight at the Community Board Meeting that is exactly what is on the Agenda. The R&R Committee, in April 06, decided to accept Telecom's offer but 'needed more time to find a suitable alternative location'. Telecom's offer of $5,000 to move it was extended but finally expired on 14th June 2006. So now any cost associated with moving the building, gifted to the Piha Community by the Cafe guys, has to be paid by whoever wants it I suppose. 29/3/09 The continuing saga of Piha Postal Services: Does it ever end? No is the easy answer to that. So I have gone over the Resolutions, all 'carried' of the 2 Special General Meetings in 2008 plus the 2009 AGM and have come up with this - its not hard!
Graham Cleghorn is facilitating the Committee with process and sound decision making and is willing to assist with the writing of the various proposals which could then be taken to the entire community for appraisal. So where are we at? Seems that the eye has been taken off the ball if you ask me! Why? Well because the Cafe Guys have, in their generosity, offered the Post Office Building to the Piha Community. This in no way changes the above resolutions . . . but it has taken the Committee's eye off the ball . . . Which is #2 and #3 above. Time is running out so best stay on the mandates above I say. It's been 3 loooooooong years so lets get a solution and move on :) Bobbie
Thoughts on Royal Commission by Sandra Coney: (Sandra; I am in agreement with you on this one. It should be of huge concern to us Westies - Bobbie) Initial thoughts on how the Royal Commission will effect the Waitakere Ranges/West Coast area The proposals by the Royal Commission take power away from local communities and centralise the power in the hands of a new Auckland Council and particularly, an elected-at-arge Mayor. He or she has unprecedented power to appoint a deputy-mayor, all committee chairs, propose the draft Long Term Council Committee Plan and annual plan (budgets), initiate and formulate major policy and establish and maintain an office. The Auckland Council would have 12 elected members from wards, three Maori councillors and 10 elected at large (that is, they would stand for the whole City councils are abolished and in their place are shrunken Local Councils which are subservient to the Auckland Council and get their funding from it. The major tasks currently carried out by the city councils would move up to the Auckland Council. There would be no District Plans as now, only one DP for the whole of So what does this mean for Waitakere representation? It is not good. There is a significant loss of local democracy and voice, which is quite at odds with the Local Government Act and what happens in the rest of The Auckland Council would have two representatives from Waitakere as it has now, but their influence would be weakened because the council would be twice the size. It may well be that the ?elected at large? members would have the greatest influence on the council for the following reasons. It would be extremely expensive to run for one of the 'at large' seats. Candidates would have to campaign from the farthest north of Rodney to Pukekohe in the south. Therefore it is likely that 'tickets' of well-funded, like-minded people will be put together, and this is likely to be of business interests. The other scenario is that political parties who already have the electoral apparatus in place will field teams. Likewise the 'at large' mayor will have to have the funds and/or name recognition status to contemplate this. Or they could be part of a ticket. This augurs poorly for the tradition of community-minded individuals who are able to stand for office. It is a recipe for privileging the already privileged, who usually favour development over environmental protection or public service. The Royal Commission also proposes a whole raft of CCOs, which cannot have locally elected representatives on them and must act as successful businesses with financial targets and objectives. This differs from the existing situation where some CCOs (eg Auckland Regional Holdings) are required to act in the long-term interests of the people of the The new Local Councils will not set rates and would have a budget allocated by Auckland Council. It is proposed that Waitakere Local Council will have 11 members. The council will elect its own chair. The council would have 5 wards with two councillors per ward. The Waitakere ward would become a Waitakere-Titirangi ward. Currently the council has 14 councillors and a mayor, so this is a loss of 4. The Waitakere Community Board currently has 5 members and all these would be gone. This means fewer elected people to serve a much larger area. It is contradictory that a case could be made for Waiheke to retain its community board but not the Waitakere Heritage Area, which has similar issues (if not more) with remoteness and special challenges. So what of the Heritage Area? The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act talks about the Auckland Regional Council and Waitakere City Council and neither of these will continue to exist. As the new Waitakere Local Council will have few powers and there will not be a local District Plan, it is probable that all the powers that can currently be exercised by the two councils under the Act will go to the Auckland Council. I imagine the process of developing LAPs would have to be carried out by the Auckland Council. Of course, the big question will be whether the National Government continues with the heritage area at all, it having opposed its formation and campaigned against it during the election. It may take the opportunity presented by the Royal Commission to get rid of it altogether. There are of course positive aspects of the Royal Commission report, my intention here is to particularly draw attention to the major weakness of the report which is the loss of local democracy and voice. Single council should govern Auckland region - Commission  No No No !!! NZ Herald article Introducing: 'Piha Trader' :Buy, Sell, Trades, Professions, Advertise short or long term |
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16/6/09 New Piha R & R President, Vice, Secretary
13/6/09 WARNING - Burglary Be aware there are burglaries happening in Piha It appears properties on Piha Hill are being targeted.
You can see the plans HERE
Huckle: Jan '98 - Jun '09
A fatal accident, between a car and motor-bike, has Piha Road closed. We suggest people intending to drive to Piha, Karekare or Anawhata this evening make enquiries first to ensure the road is open. I have been advised it will be closed for several hours for police investigation 
5/6/09 Swine Flu: I have just returned from a quick visit to Phillip Island, Victoria, Oz.
$25,000 was raised to help fund this years Piha SLSC Huntington Exchange, at the Rescue Auction @ the Floating Pavillion at the Viaduct.
Public Meeting - Auckland Local Government
Left: Jenny and Peter Dunlop, Brockie King, Bobbie Carroll, Marco Creemers and Ian & Ro Mitchell.
16/5/09 Tea and a hut full of memories A hut used by generations of trampers through the Waitakere Ranges turns 80 this month. Ngaro Te Kotare aka The Hidden Lockout was built by members of the Auckland Tramping Club in 1929. It is a traditional back-country hut with no lighting, a wooden stove, and two hand basins, and sleeps 24.Club members Peter and Nancy Howard (left), both 79, have been using it since 1946 and say it holds many special memories. "We used to have a big Maori mat we'd put in front of the fireplace and we'd all be in our sleeping bags," Mr Howard says. "We'd have sing-alongs and talent concerts. . . . . Their favourite walk is the centennial track down to Piha. 
Again on Phillip Island - very similar to Piha.
10/5/09
Swami Anubhavananda will continue his evening lectures in addition to other activities at a weekend retreat beginning on May 8. 
It has been suggested that I ignore this but I can't. I started Village Voice to expose this type of nonsense so how can I now start ignoring it?
The 'Obama Brothers' at the Piha RSA after the Piha ANZAC Parade
24/4/09 The Night before Anzac at Piha RSA:
22 April 2009 Hundreds protest supercity plans 
Protesters crowded on to the streets of west Auckland today to demonstrate their opposition to the Government's approach to the proposed Auckland "super-city".
Rodney Hide's Book, My Year of Living Dangerously was mentioned at the march today.
And the winner of the 
$85,179.99 is what it cost WCC to defend their granting of a resource consent for a Cafe in Piha in the Environment Court. The initial Resource Consent was challenged in the Environment Court by Protect Piha Heritage (PPH): Chair: Sandra Coney, Secretary: Susan Davis, and the rest: Gregor Nicholas, Helen Pearce,, Francis Salole, Jim Stephenson, Megan Hosking, Peter Hosking, A.R. Barnes, Zeke Wolf, Liz Hawker, Monique Davis, Misha Davis, Kath Dewar, Mary Mead, David Falla, Sheena von Bassewitz and Fiona Anderson. 
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13/4/09 Walk Safely in Piha
I just couldn't stand seeing that revolting ivy and the flax growing over the road any longer. 
6/6/09 This was once a former dental building prior to it being moved onto 21 Seaview Road in 1987. The Piha Post Office moved from the old Piha Library Building into this where it has operated from until today.
and to those that were wrapt that V V was being closed down 'bad luck!