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PIHA  VILLAGE  VOICE

News, Views, Opinions & a bit of Gossip plus Photographs taken in Piha

To see the most up to date Village Voice See here

19/7/09 Results of Piha Ratepayers & Residents Assn Special General Meeting re relocation of Piha Post Office Building

After the presentation at the meeting there was not a lot of discussion about the two motions.  It seems people were just wanting to vote and get away.

There were 38-40 people actually at the meeting but the figures below show 129 votes so that makes 89 proxies or 2.22 votes for each person there - that's higher than the birth rate isn't it?

"That the meeting approves the R&R Committee's recommendation for the relocation of the Piha Post Office building and Postal Services and instructs the R&R Committee to proceed with the implementation of the proposal."

CARRIED: In favour 112  Against 17

"That authority is granted to the R&R Committee to spend up to $26,000 to relocate the Post Office services and that the Committee make every endeavour to reduce the total cost as much as possible by fundraising, community grants, donations, supplier discounts and utilising voluntary labour.' 

CARRIED In favour 115 Against 14

Comment by Chris Harris (Not Verified) at: 03Sep10 17:15PM
You are resourceful!!
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CALLING ALL WAITAKERE CITY PHOTOGRAPHERS
WEST COAST GALLERY presents:   19 Sept. - 11 October
luminescent lanternz @ lion rock 
"Art on the Beach"  in all it's glory - captured by local westie paparazzi
 
This spectacular event, held in March 09 was the subject of many photographs.
Submit your best work,  for the photographic exhibition at West Coast Gallery, PIHA  
Limit 2 entries per photographer    $10 per entry
Work to be in gallery by Sunday 13 Sept.   enquiries:  Glenys   8128-029
18/7/08 Notice: Wanton Vandalism to Piha SLSC work
 
I have been very disappointed to see that some of the Spinifex plants that were put in around the Surf Club platform on the South Beach have been vandalised (ie pulled out).
 
I thought that the Surf Club was held in high regard in our community, and that this high regard would protect them from such wanton vandalism.
 
The plants were put in by a Community Service worker, organised by the Surf Club, (via Peter Brown and Rob Wakelin).  They recognised that dune plants put in around the platform would  protect the surf club entrance and driveway from being blocked by blown sand, and organised the planting accordingly.  They also recognise the value of dune protection in general.
 
If anyone knows who is doing this damage, could they please notify Rob Wakelin on  rob.wakelin@pihaslc.com 
 
Pat La Roche

18/7/09 Email to Village Voice :Piha Post Office Proposed Location

Hi Bobby,  Heres an interesting photo (left) .The sticks in the ground represent the proposed location of the Old Building to be utilised as the Post Office.

These were inserted by the committee?? The measurements are approximate only and are out by approx one metre too small!!  Doesn't include the roof overhang or the rainwater tank.

Note there are only three as the fourth would be through the other side of the native trees!!  Theres a great contradiction in regards to preserving the village hub!!

Anyones thoughts and excuses requested.   Regards Corrie

Article on legalities of Piha Domain HERE

  Heritage Building ?

  Wondered why  'Protect Piha Heritage' has been so quiet?

   Story HERE

                  This could make you smile, even laugh, and feel a sense of joy & happiness 

 

 Auckland for Sale HERE      

16/7/09 Piha Community News :

Piha Domain History including Reserves Management Act 1977, Piha Reserves Management Plan and Department of Conservation plus the relocation of any building onto the Domain by Helen Pearce.

A number of readers have asked for the full article featured in the  Piha Community News, March 2006 edited by Monique Davis and written by Helen Pearce.

So click on the image on the left and there it is.  Refers to this article

 

16/7/09 West's team spells out six-ward plan   The Waitakere City Council wants to rebuild the region's city and district councils in a new guise.

The council is proposing six wards for local government in Auckland, with boundaries similar to those of the four present city councils and the Rodney and Franklin district councils.

Councillors to the Super City council would be elected from the six wards, and local boards within each ward would be encouraged to join forces on big projects, such as the New Lynn transport and town centre plan.  NZ Herald full story

15/7/09 Westies warn of losing their identity  West Auckland community groups want the Government to protect the identity of the west in its plans for an Auckland Super City.

Trusts, residents' associations and community organisations were almost unified last night in calling for more power for local boards and criticising the election of at-large councillors.

The Government is proposing eight councillors be elected by voters throughout the region, meaning one councillor is likely to represent about 100,000 residents.

Several groups making submissions to the parliamentary select committee hearing on the Super City plan expressed concern that Waitakere City's green image would be compromised by the Government's proposals for a Super City council.  NZ Herald full story

 15/7/09 Parliamentary Select Committee on Super City.  I spoke to the select committee, left,  today telling them I totally agree that Auckland's infrastructure needs to come under one authority.  But I asked them not to take our WCC away - once the infrastructure is cared for its about people and the environment and WCC do a fine job in my book anyway.  Go West, Go Eco, Go Green,  Go Wild, Go Bush, Go Inspire

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT WATER POLLUTION IN PIHA ?

IF SO THEN KEEP SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST AFTERNOON FREE

16/7/09   Staff Wanted for The Piha Cafe

In October the doors will be opening to the new Piha Cafe. Full time, part time and casual positions for baristas, café and kitchen staff are available so why don't you tell us about yourself? 

For an application form, email Kate at thepihacafe@gmail.com or call 820 8028 for further information. 

Piha Trader - Jobs Offered or Wanted

15/7/09 Keep the Postal Services if you must but . . . . . .   The Piha Postal Service has operated in the past from the 'Old Hotel' (behind the new Cafe site), the Piha Store, the Old Library Building (an old ARC implement shed) and since 1987 an old dental building.

 

THE COMPLICATIONS: ("Oh, the tangled webs we weave")

The Piha Community News' March 2006, by Helen Pearce page 5   Extracts:

 

The Piha Domain:   "The Piha Domain is a precious area of land in the heart of Piha, created by the silt . . . . . . . .  As the only large area of publicly owned flat land in Piha, it is sometimes seen by those unaware of its legal designation as a convenient location for a new project. . . . . . . . . . . 

 

The Reserves Act 1977, which is overseen by the Department of Conservation, provides the legal controls for the use of reserves.  In it, a Recreation Reserve is defined as "providing areas for the recreation and sporting activities and the physical  welfare and enjoymenbt of the public, and for the protection of the natural environment and beauty of the countryside, with emphasis on the retention of open spaces and on outdoor recreational activities. . . . . . . "  

 

After extensive community consultation, the Piha Reserves Management Plan, covering all Council reserves in Piha, came into effect in 2000, and will be revised in 2010. . . . . .  any activity on the domain must comply with the Piha Reserves Management Plan and the Reserves Act.  The camping ground is also subject to the Camping Ground Regulations attached to the Public Health Act  

 

. . . . . The present buildings reduce the area of open space for public use, so the Plan states unequivocally, "No further community buildings will be allowed on the Piha Domain."  . . . . . 

 

. . . . . The present wooden structures attached to caravans are not permitted and are to be removed . . . . . 

 

. . . . . .The Plan has a set of criteria for approval by WCC of any commercial activity on the Piha reserves, generally regarded as inappropriate for this environment. . . . .

 

. . . . . . Lately, there has been suggestion of the possible relocation of the post office building or post boxes on the Domain.  Neither proposal would comply with the Management Plan or the Reserves Act as they involve new buildings for commercial activity.    The ultimate arbiter for any building or development is the Department of Conservation but it is important that the current legal protections for the Piha Domain are understood and respected.  Helen Pearce.  (Helen Pearce is a current member of the Piha Ratepayers & Residents Assn Committee)

 

THE MEETING:  Special General Meeting this Sunday - Post Office Relocation  (unfortunately timed to clash with this)

 

THE MOTIONS: 

  1. "That the meeting approves the R&R Committee's recommendation for the relocation of the Piha Post Office building and Postal Services and instructs the R&R Committee to proceed with the implementation of the proposal."
  2. "That authority is granted to the R&R Committee to spend up to $26,000 to relocate the Post Office services and that the Committee make every endeavour to reduce the total cost as much as possible by fundraising, community grants, donations, supplier discounts and utilising voluntary labour.' 

THE DOLLARS: 

  • The R&R Committee are asking it's members  to allow them to empty the R&R and Post Office bank accounts.
  • The ASB Fastsaver account with some $28,000 in it is 50% Post Office and 50% R&R General Funds. 
  • "Let us spend up to $26,000" - there is only $28,000 in the bank!
  • Sales income is down, over 8 months to date, 13%.  Box rental is static and NZPO contribution up 11%
  • Costs: Wages are static (at the moment), PAYE & Power up
  • The contract with NZ Post is month by month.

HEADLINES:

 

You are not seriously calling this a 'Heritage Building'?  One of NZ's top experts said in the recent Environment Court hearing that it had NO architectual merit. 

Would you treat a Heritage Building like this?

 

  CLICK full poster       

 

 

 

 

 

14/7/09  What is going on here . . . . ?

Coloured dots and their meanings  HERE

 

 

Nature in your Neighbourhood . . . The Good, Bad and Ugly

Continues this Sunday 2pm Barnett Hall, North Piha

Have a look at the photos of the first session . . . 

Piha Surf Lifesaving Team -  New Zealand  Introducing the Piha Team for the 2009 Exchange Programme between Huntington Beach, California, and Piha Beach,Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand.

Piha Beach is world famous for it?s stunning scenery and it?s surf. It is situated on Auckland?s west coast, and is a dangerous surf beach that must always be respected. Piha is one of the busiest beaches in New Zealand for the amount of rescues and preventative actions undertaken to ensure public safety. We have a proud and enviable reputation of Lifeguarding excellence, and these Junior Lifeguards are an integral part of ensuring this continues.

We are so grateful to the management and staff of the  Huntington Beach Junior Guards Programme for enabling this exchange to take place, and our juniors are looking forward to meeting their awesome new friends from Huntington Beach.   Meet the Team! 

13/7/09 Councils armed and ready:   Waitakere and North Shore councils will wield new poll results at parliamentary committee hearings this week to turn up the heat against Government proposals for the Auckland Super City.

A telephone survey commissioned by Waitakere City of 400 residents, out today, shows 86 per cent support for giving local communities greater decision-making powers and funding than the Government has proposed for 20 to 30 boards sitting below the Super City council.

Waitakere is issuing that and other poll findings before its appearance on Wednesday before the Auckland governance legislation select committee to show it is not "just pulling ideas out of thin air", deputy mayor Penny Hulse said last night. NZ Herald full story

12/7/09 NZ surfing promo under investigation?  The governing body of world professional surfing is investigating a Surfing New Zealand promotion involving two leading international surfers.

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) told Sunday News it regarded The Corona Surf Trips, held last month at Whangamata and Gisborne and featuring current world title leader Joel Parkinson and former world champ Mark Occhilupo, as an '"exhibition'".

ASP boss Brodie Carr said his organisation was '"investigating further'".

The ASP will want to know why Surfing New Zealand (SNZ) did not seek official approval for the promotion and whether it should have paid a sanction fee.

'"The exhibition was not sanctioned by ASP. We are currently reviewing the event and deciding upon actions from there,'" Carr told Sunday News in a written statement.

Sanction fees as high as $US50,000 are payable to the ASP when using its contracted athletes for exhibitions or non-World Championship Tour events.

SNZ has paid ASP $US50,000 sanction fees in the past to gain the services of other world-ranked surfing stars such as Hawaiians Andy Irons and Sunny Garcia to compete in exhibitions.

SNZ executive officer Greg Townsend contradicted Carr by saying he had kept the ASP in the loop and the organisation had no problem with the Corona promotion.

The FULL story here    Surfing NZ    Association of Surfing Professionals   Finale for Corona Surf Trips

10/4/09 Kiwis rip off shirts, do war dance at council meeting  Junior Lifeguards from New Zealand liven up an otherwise staid Huntington Beach council meeting. Yeeeeha! This was not your average City Council meeting.

On Monday night, the Junior Guard Lifeguard Team from Piha, New Zealand - one of Huntington Beach's sister cities - was being honored and team leader Peter Brown was discussing the program at the front of council chambers.

As a reporter sitting in the front row, I was listening with one ear to the bi-weekly accolades and proclamations and getting some work done on my laptop when it all broke loose.

"The mayor has very kindly given me permission for us to do a traditional New Zealand welcome, which you might struggle to call it a welcome," Brown said with an accent.

The next thing I knew, the Kiwis were stripping off their shirts, thumping their chests and performing a war dance - right in front of me.  "That's a welcome?" I thought.  Full article here   Hunting Haka Video Here

June Patricia Fletcher - nee Gilmer; formerly Carroll

Wren, London WW11. Service No: WRNS52308

1924 - 2009

Mother of Village Voice Editor Bobbie

 

 

0/7/09 World Junior Surfing Championships to be held at Piha.  I have been told that although the date isn't confirmed yet , probably Jan or Feb 2010, that the World Junior Surf Championships will definately be held in Piha
Piha Library News . . . . .  

07/07/09 The questions is begging to be asked . . . . .

 

Minutes of  meeting  Piha R&R  Assn held 25 May 2009, at Barnett Hall, North Piha  Elected Members Forum: . . . . .  Kubi Witten-Hannah, chair of the Waitakere Community Board.   "Helen (Pearce) asked Kubi why WCC was unable to remove the metal put by a private individual on the Plantation Reserve track that cuts from Beach Valley Rd to Seaview Rd. The metal has washed down.

Later on in the Meeting:  Further discussion took place regarding the dumbed metal on the Beach Valley Rd shortcut as well as the placing of stones on the Beach Valley Rd verge. Helen circulated photos.   WRONG:  WCC 'dumped' the metal there

Motion 16: That WCC be asked to remove the illegally placed rocks for safety reasons and to investigate safe parking and pedestrian movement in this area. Pearce/Franich  CARRIED
Action: Email letter to Kubi  

The Beach Valley Road Project, at WCC's suggestion, put these rocks here to enhance pedestrian safety until our ideas, put to WCC Roading, are drawn up and consulted with interested parties.  See those ideas HERE

So my question is this:  "Are the R&R Committee, namely Helen Pearce and Keith Franich, concerning themselves with all the other rocks (read hazards) around Piha?  If not why not?   See photos below.

    

or see Car vs Rock here  or  Rocks in Piha HERE

6/7/09  The Good, The Bad & The Ugly in Piha

Left:  Looking at a map of Piha showing all the reserves and green spaces.

See how it went today . . . . & photos  

$100,000.00 approx:  that is what it has cost Waitakere ratepayers to remove the sand off the roads and parks at Piha over the last 5 years !!!  

The next session of Nature in your Neighbourhood, Water Water Everywhere,  is so important to Piha, given the very worrying pollution in our streams and Lagoons, so CoastCare is working hard to see if our presenters, booking and other details can be changed to another date given that the R&R has chosen same date/time for their SGM.  Session 2  Water Water Everywhere - but what's in it?  An introduction to Piha Streams their importance and how we can help to maintain their health   If we can manage this we'll republish new date.

5/7/09 Soccer: Waitakere reach Chatham quarters   Waitakere City stayed in the hunt for a fourth Chatham Cup soccer title with a 3-2 fourth round win over Central United at Fred Taylor Park today.

The West Auckland side - who won a rare hat-trick of titles between 1994 and 1996 . . . . .  NZ Herald here

3/7/09 West: The History of Waitakere  Finlay Macdonald & Ruth Kerr (ed.) Random House NZ.

Generation after generation of New Zealanders have been fascinated by Auckland's West. Dynamic and distinctive, it's a unique region, ranging from a dramatic and rugged coastline to bush-clad ranges to fertile hill slopes nurturing orchards and vineyards. Its people have always been industrious, from the early timber millers to modern-day boat builders, and from pioneering artists, craftspeople and writers to filmmakers. It's long been a region for the passionate, the determined, the resourceful, the individualistic and the visionary. This book covers it all, from the days of pre-European battles and early land negotiations to contemporary politics and lifestyles.

RRP: $79.99  Random House 

3/7/09  Was there absolutely no other time?

  • Popular swim spots spoiled by bacteria (NZ Herald)   
  • The Council is taking some real action to try and identify the source of pollution at the North Piha Lagoon . . . . . .  (Karekare/Piha Water Quality Group)
  • ". . .  improving water quality in Piha is going to require a high level of local support. (Karekare/Piha Water Quality Group May 09)

It is extremely dissappointing that the Piha R & R have timed their SGM (19/7/09) about the Post Office knowing that a seminar specifically designed around Caring For our Water in Piha was happening..  That is hardly 'high level of local support' called for by the Karekare/Piha Local Water Quality Group!!! 

19th July:  Session 2 Water Water Everywhere - but what's in it?

 

An introduction to Piha Streams their importance and how we can help to maintain their health 

3/7/09  If you have the time:

Have a read of some of the great presentations at the Dunes Conf held at Piha SLSC HERE 

 

3/7/09  Increasing numbers of Kaka in Piha

This photo of a Kaka was taken this morning in Beach Valley Road.  I have had several emails from folk in Glenesk Road reporting lots of Kaka but no one has come up with a photo yet!  There are increasing amount of Kaka in Piha now.  It has a very distinctive cry and are often found in pairs.

To find out more about the Kaka

2/7/09 Walkway to Piha Beach  It's amazing how presumptions seem to turn to fact - when the presumption itself was wrong !

The Piha Surf Life Saving Club recently did some spinifex planting around their platform, leaving accessways to the beach in front for their patrollers.  They sourced their plants through Piha CoastCare.

This area, in the photo (click it for a larger image), to the left of the Surf Club platform has been planted on the sides but the centre has not been planted, I have been told, because it has been used as a 'walkway' to the beach and its location seems to be a sensible place so why not facilitate that?

I have been told also, that WCC Maintenance, just happened to come out and 'fix' the fence, in photo, around the same time.   This was not the plan because of course the fence is not condusive to walking and is forcing people to walk over the new plants.   I believe this will be remedied.

2/7/09 Popular swim spots spoiled by bacteria    Popular swimming spots in lakes and rivers have high levels of bacteria that cause diarrhoea or infection, a new report shows.

Of 300 popular swimming spots tested regularly by councils over the past two summers, just 58 per cent were suitable for swimming almost all of the time. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . Piha Lagoon - popular among parents who want to let their children cool down away from treacherous west coast waves - was Auckland's worst spot, meeting health guidelines less than 47 per cent of the time.   

NZ Herald 

The 'Middle Wife' by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher 
I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.

When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater.  She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.'  'First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.' 

She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.  'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!'  Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' (Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.) 'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this.' (Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.) 'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!) 'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, (placenta) so there must be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wife spanked him for crawling up in there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.

There is a big hole developing in Auckland.

Click on this photo for details.

 

 

1/7/09  One day this access to the Piha Beach and the Surf Club will be something to be proud of.

This is the before photo  GO HERE for the after photo

 

30/6/09  Hot off the Press:  Piha's Tina Cagwin (Grenville) is to write her autobiography and Harper Collins is the publisher.  Harper Collins, whose head office is in New York, is one of the world's leading English-language publishers. The working title is "Skeletons in the closet" !!!  Congratulations Tina - it'll be a 'must read' for sure.

30/6/09    Waitakere Community Board Meeting tonight Keith Franich presented a 9 page document headed "The proposal to permanently relocate the Piha Post Office Building and Services on the Domain"  to the Community Board Meeting tonight.

My surprise is that as a member of the R&R I knew nothing about this.  Apparently we are to be presented with only ONE option when I was under the impression the members were to get THREE (2009 AGM) to evaluate and decide ourselves.

At the Feb R & R Meeting Graham Cleghorn offered to "assist with the writing of the various proposals which could then be taken to the entire community for appraisal"

    The bill for this proposal is $26,000 !  over and above $2,500 already spent on the relocation.

Many issues to think through here . . . . . . .

  "Nature in your Neighbourhood"  Register HERE by email, phone 8128 758

ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR PIHA & WAITAKERE

        5th July:  Session 1  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Plants & animals in Piha

30/6/09  Be careful what you ask for !!! 

A couple of members of the R & R Committee have been requesting that Kubi Witten-Hannah (Chair Waitakere Community Board) gets to the bottom of what is happening with the new gravel WCC put on the milk track (Seaview Road to Beach Valley Road walkway)and with these rocks on the corner of the Milk Track and Beach Valley Road. The same people don't like them and consider them a hazard.  They have  been put there to protect pedesrians from traffic.  

Kubi reported that WCC is reluctant to do anything about them but will be doing some consultation in July.  Kubi told the R & R that he would tell WCC he would not tolerate any more delays with Council on this subject..

Today I got an email from WCC to say "They need to be painted white and the grass cleared around them within the next week, otherwise WCC will remove them." 

They already had been been weeded on June 14th,  by the Project, so that's no problem.   So today I charged up there with white paint in hand and did the job.   See photos. 

One problem though.  The rocks in the second photo are on Ben and Helen's property so he is immediately removing the paint.  The boundary of his property is actually on the road!

I know they look absolutely ghastly and dominate the beautiful surrounds we have been working so hard on but some people should 'be careful what you ask for because chances are you'll get it.'

Your comments appreciated: 

30/6/09 Producer 'stoked' by way film was made:  This month marks the end of a long journey for Tom Hern.

The 25-year-old is getting set for the premiere of I'm Not Harry Jenson at the New Zealand Film Festival on July 22.  He produced the movie which was written and directed by longtime friend James Napier-Robertson. Tom also stars in it alongside Gareth Reeves, Renato Bartolomei, Ian Mune and Ilona Rodgers. The Piha resident will be a familiar face to fans of the TV soap Shortland Street ? one of a number of New Zealand shows he has acted in.  stuff.co.nz

Jim Stephenson has a friend staying with him without transport and needs a weekly lift to somewhere to shop for an hour or few then back to Piha.   
 
Her name is Heather Brown ph 021 0411400 email heather55@gmail.com   She is happy to pay for petrol.   She has a dog which on occassions she would need to take with her.  I can sometimes take her but not always.

29/6/09 

Hi Bobbie,  We are now the proud owners of a low allergy dog. He goes by the name  'Barry'...photo supplied. Bet you love the choker collar!!

Loving, child-friendly, house trained, and registered....but not sure whether these new dog control laws apply...please advise before I start my submission. Cheers Skid (gone potty?) Vicious

 

Manukau submission for Auckland Governance finalised       "Manukau City Council accepts the creation of a unitary council, and we see huge advantages for Auckland in having one rating bill and one district plan.

"Where we differ significantly from the government's view is the role and function of the second tier of local government, - local boards or, as we prefer to call them, community councils.

"We are very keen to see these local boards empowered and the number restricted to between 12 and 17. We also believe that councillors should be elected on a ward basis, and that there should be direct Maori representation on the new Auckland Council."

"As a council we urge the select committee to listen to the many arguments that will be put before it, and take into consideration not only the view of councils like Manukau, but the views of the many organisations, community groups and the general public who have mobilised around this issue.

"There has been a huge up-swell of community involvement and interest as a result of this bill, any many people who have never before been involved in a select committee process have put pen to paper, and are asking to be heard.

28/6/09 What are these two guys doing on a Sunday morning?

                     

And these four : what are they about to do?

                   

 

 

28/6/09 A new deal for dogs and their owners: Every 5 years Council reviews our Dog Control Bylaws. It gives us the opportunity to assess what works and what doesn't; what's good and what's not. This is also your chance to tell us what you think our dog policies should be.

PROPOSED CONTROLS:

Dogs on Beaches

  • Piha Beach South of Lion Rock and Piha Stream   Dogs prohibited 9am to 7pm during daylight saving and allowed on-leash outside these hours and at other times of the year.
  • North of Lion Rock and Piha Stream Dogs allowed on-leash 9am to 7pm during daylight saving within 300 metres each side of the North Piha Surf Club and within 300 metres each side of the surf club flags.
  • Dogs allowed off-leash elsewhere except within 600 metres of the northern end of Piha Beach where dogs are prohibited.

Council reserves

Dogs permitted off-leash on the reserves named below. Dogs permitted on-leash on all other Council reserves.  

 

Dog exercise areas

Because of the number of off-leash areas for dogs Council does not propose to designate any dedicated dog exercise areas.

 

Public places

Dogs must be on on-leash when in any public place, except in off-leash areas provided for. When a dog defecates in a public place the person in charge of the dog must remove and dispose of the faeces.

 

Multi-dog permits

A Council permit is required to keep more than 2 dogs on premises of less than 2000m˛ and for more than 1 dog on premises less than 600m˛ in areas zoned for urban or living environment use.  

 

De-sexing

A dog control officer may require the owner of a dog to have the dog de-sexed if it is not kept under proper control on more than one occasion.

 

Bitches in season

The owner of a bitch in season must not allow the bitch to enter any public place.  

 

Dogs injurious to health

The owner of a dog must ensure that it does not become a nuisance or becoming injurious to the health of any person.

 

Presenting a dog

Dog owner must present dog when required by a dog control officer.

Reserves where dogs are to be permitted off-leash but under control (affecting Piha): Claude Able Reserve, Karekare Scenic Reserve, Les Waygood Park, North Piha Esplanade, Pendrell Reserve, Piha Domain, Piha Esplanade Reserve, Rayner Road/Sylvan Glade Reserve, Wekatahi Reserve.

Tell us about your views on the proposals and how we can provide for a safe environment for public (including families); allow dog owners reasonable opportunities to exercise and interact with dogs but ensure that those activities do not create unreasonable nuisances. You may also wish to comment on the following

  •  Where should dogs be prohibited
  •  Where a dog defecates in a public place should dog owner be required to remove the faeces
  •  Where should dogs be on-leash?
  •  Should dogs found not to  be under control be neutered?
  •  Where should it be permissible for dogs to be off-leash?
  •  Should bylaws provide for minimum standards  for the
  •  Should all dogs classified as menacing  be neutered accommodation of dogs.
  •  Should the number of dogs be limited on any land or premises?

If you wish to make a submission on the dog policy consultation, you must do so before 30 June 2009.

Submissions should be in writing and sent to:  Dog Bylaw Submissions, Animal Welfare - Waitakere,  Private Bag 92 109, Henderson, Waitakereor by email to animalwelfare@waitakere.govt.nz

From this informal process Council will draft amendments to the Dog Control Bylaws which will be considered by Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee. Any proposed amendments will be made available for public inspection; public submissions will be invited; and there will be an opportunity for people to be heard by the Committee

Piha Community Library:  Did you know the library has 1100 registered members now.  To read their latest news

 

                       

 

CLICK FOR LARGE IMAGE

27/6/09 Colourful past gives West its soul Imagine the West. Noisy cars and Cheryl West. "Proud Westie" and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett. Local champion and mayor-for-ever Bob Harvey. Piha, potters and plonk.

That is a short and superficial summary. For something longer, and far deeper, a new guide is at hand, West: The History of Waitakere, a hefty and lively account of an idiosyncratic chunk of New Zealand.

From Piha's black sands and turbulent seas, through the brooding botanical riches of the Waitakere Ranges . . . . . . 

26/6/09  Water Quality update from Piha Karekare Local Agenda (?) Group

September this year sees a consent being submitted to WCC for the much needed upgrade to the Piha Domain Camp, Piha's public toilets and the Trees for Children soakage area.   

This upgrade will incorporate an expected increase in flows plus waste from the Piha RSA and Bowling Club should they decide to link to the system.  Both clubs will however have to upgrade their own systems first so that their outflow is acceptable to the WCC facility. The current Piha RSA system is temporary and the Bowler would also need to reduce their outflow in order for the facility to cope.  I understand there will be a charge to the Clubs should they link into the central system.

The Council, at last, is taking some real action to try and identify the source of pollution at the North Piha Lagoon and the Moana Stream at South Piha.    

A product called SeptiCure has been trialled with pleasing results.  You can read about the product - it looks good to me:

Signs are going to be erected for campervans owners to know where pumpout facilities, is on the agenda too. (that's a no brainer!)

WCC is prepared to use the Health Act where necessary to enforce compliance . . . . . 

Media Release  (VERY IMPORTANT)

 

Avoid Disappointment, Order your Local Government before it's too Late

 

The government must be getting concerned, as someone prematurely closed off the submission on a government website today, according to a Community Coalition for Auckland spokesperson.

 

"An announcement was posted that the submission period for the Auckland Bill closed today, but thankfully the jittery  person responsible has now realise the embarrassing mistake", said Pat Watson, as the Coalition sent out a last call for communities in Auckland to send in their submissions.

 

The closing date is Friday 26th June at 5pm. Email submissions are acceptable, emailed to AGL@parliament.govt.nz

 

"Everyone needs to realise, it literally is nearly too late. After this stage, the broad outlines of regional governance, particularly on the second tier, will become a done deal. This is it, to have a real say on the functions, size and number of the second tier, currently called Local Boards."

 

The Coalition for Auckland- Voices of Tamaki Makaurau is supported by over 70 organisations. It  is calling for Community Councils to be established, fewer in number, but with much greater powers than the government model. It has put in a comprehensive submission, and will continue to campaign for a wider and more inclusive consultation process for the next stages of Auckland?s reform.

 

"There is an ever growing anger out there over this, communities are fed up with the rushed timeline, and this will only continue to increase unless the approach changes" according to Ms Watson.  

 

 The Coalition has also congratulated Waitakere City Council for its stance on Maori representation. The Council has supported Maori representation on the new Auckland Council, and challenged Government to deal with the issue for all local government on a national basis, by negotiation with Maori.

 

 NO TIME LEFT? Submission template HERE  You can email it!

For further information on the Coalition, go to www.cc4a.net.nz  

 For further comment:  Pat Watson:  ph. 0276838958  Tony Mayow: ph 021 1309794

25/6/09 STOP THE CAR!!! I said to Ju.  "Go back,  you're not going to believe what I saw."  So back we went and yip, it wasn't a black labrador it was  a PIG on the side of Piha Road.  We moved the car to a safe place and then it was gone, damn so I couldn't photograph it,  but we heard it clear as day in the bush as did our good samaritan who had stopped and walked back to see if we needed help - thanks Jamie

24/6/09  This 'bendy bus' was photographed at the end of Glenesk Road Yesterday

It must of had to do a number of manoeuvres to get out of there and I'm glad I didn't have to pass it on Piha Hill  :-)

 

OUT OF THE ARCHIVES: NEW BUS TIMETABLE: An extension of the city/Piha Sunday bus run to include a stop at Arataki Visitor Centre means an improved weekend service for Piha - though only from Labour weekend through to Easter.  Planed as a shuttle service for visitors to the scenic viewing centre, the 10am Sunday bus will drop people off at Arataki, continue onto Piha, then return to Arataki by 12.15pm to pick up passengers and deliver them back to New Lynn with a transfer ticket to the city.  An afternoon Sunday bus will leave New Lynn at 1.00pm for Piha and depart again at 4pm. Piha Community News November 1993 Editor Monique Davis-Olivier
23/6/09 Hi Bobbie,

I am a regular reader of your website, and i just want to say thank you for the time and effort you must put in to it. It's a great source of local information, and really contributes to piha's sense of being a community.

Nice one!

Mike and Carolin, Piha Rd

22/6/09 Waitakere's community heroes recognised  Waitakere's community heroes recognised   

Waitakere's community stalwarts took centre stage at the 2009 Waitakere Community Boards Unsung Hero Awards. The recipients were honoured at a special ceremony held in the Waitakere City Council chambers on Friday night (June 19).

Now in their second year, the awards recognise the efforts of the city's community volunteers. Twenty three people received an award, five from each of the four wards and three citywide awards, presented to people whose work has an impact across the whole of Waitakere.  The whole story on scoop.co.nz

22/6/09 Lost and found
In this exclusive 20/20, Pete Cronshaw takes us behind the scenes in a missing person's case with a twist. For more than a decade, the remains of "John Doe" lay undisturbed near Piha, and now one police officer is determined to give him a name - and dignity in death. So drawing upon the latest cutting edge scientific advances, New Zealand's foremost facial reconstruction expert is slowly bringing the dead to life - recreating his face. We go on the trail of his family, in a bid to give him a name.  20/20 here

We missed out on tickets to the Hangi after Matariki celebrations at Piha Preschool gig so went for a Sunday Roast at the Bowler.  There is something new happening there . . . . can you work it out?

        

        

If anyone has some old photos or history of Barnett Hall I would appreciate please.  Email HERE

21/6/09  Piha - THIS IS OUR FUTURE Piha Preschool had their Matariki Celebrations today and it was stunning. Barnett Hall was packed to overflowing - people sitting in the aisle and standing at the back.

The Hangi was sold out - 200 tickets! Click on these photos to have a look at our future.

     

    

   

    Thanks to all the kiddies

0/06/09 14-year-old falls off Bluff at Piha The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called out just after 12.30pm today this afternoon to a 14-year-old boy who suffered significant injuries as a result of a fall down a six-metre bluff at Mercer Bay at Piha, west of Auckland.

When he was found his head and shoulders were hanging over a seven-metre drop.  The boy had lost a lot of blood and had lacerations to his head. He has been flown to Starship Hospital and is in a serious condition.

A party of young trampers assisted the rescue crew in getting the boy off the bluff.  NewsTalkZB   NZ Herald

19/6/09  Waitakere City Unsung Heros

Left: Waitakere Community Board Chair Kubi Witten-Hannah, Pat La Roche Award Recipient, Waitakere Community Board member Evan Taylor and Councillor Paul Mitchell at the Unsung Heros Awards.

What a great evening to sit in the Council Chambers and hear about the volunteer work done by all the wonderful recipents of this years awards.  NZ would fall over without our volunteers.

   We have your attention ?

COASTCARE  is doing just ONE spinifex planting this season and we NEED YOUR HELP please. 

22/6/09 Thank you for your email.

Please be advised that the recent emails circulating at the moment - the majority of them containing subject lines such as 'Tax Refund', 'Tax Refund Online!', 'Where's My Refund?', '2008 - 2009 Recalculation of you tax refund' and 'Cut Off Taxes Program (COTP) has been released - Join Now' - are all scam emails designed to look like they have originated from the Tax Office. The Tax Office will never ask for your personal or financial information in such a manner.

If you have provided any details through the method provided by the email, I would recommend that you contact your bank or financial institution as a matter of urgency, as your details may have been compromised.

If you happen to receive any of these sorts of emails in the future, simply delete them. You can also continue to send subsequent suspicious Tax Office-related emails through to the 'ReportEmailFraud' mailbox before deleting them.

Be sure to check ato.gov.au regularly for updates on tax-related email scams.

Regards
Stuart

ReportEmailFraud
Australian Taxation Office

Australian Tax Office Refund FRAUD.  If you have received an email like this its a fraud.  I nearly fell for it, having worked over there, until they wanted my Credit Card details ! 

After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $210.75 AUD . Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 6-9 days in order to process it.

A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.

To access the form for your tax refund, please click here

Regards,
Australian Taxation Office

Hi Bobbie, 
 
Please let the community of Piha know that they are all invited to celebrate Matariki with the annual Preschool celebration this Sunday 21st June at Barnett Hall.
 
Powhiri to start at 3 o'clock, followed by a performance by Oratia Kapa Haka Group and Piha Community Preschool Play and, of course, the fabulous Hangi will be ready by 4.30!! Lots of child friendly acitivities and a chance for everyone to get together to enjoy the fabulous Piha Community Spirit!
 
Tickets are only $30.00 for a family or $15 an adult and $5 a child (available at Piha Store, Piha Pre-School or on the day).Cash bar!
 
Many thanks,  Wendy
 
For further information please contact Piha Community Pre-School: PH: 8128 013

18/6/09 Rescue saved a life   An off-duty police officer has received an award from the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand after saving a drowning man?s life. . . .

The rescue took place last year when the 48-year-old noticed three men being dragged out by a current during an after-work swim at Piha.

"I looked and saw they were being moved down the beach by the tide," Mr Stockley says. 

 

17/6/09 STAND UP AND BE COUNTED by Mayor Bob Harvey  Mayor Bob Harvey is urging Westies to have their say on the Auckland Super City

OUT OF THE ARCHIVES : Quote from Professor Raudkivi's report on Piha's beaches: "With the increasing numbers of visitors to the beach, good and well-marked access ways are essential. dune vegeration is very easily damaged by pedestrian traffic and consequences can be large wind scars."  He supplies a diagram for an access path, a kind of board walk. But it would probably help if we could just persuade visitors to keep to certain posted tracks.  Piha Community News December 1984 Editor: Mary Dobbie

16/6/09  New Piha R & R President, Vice, Secretary

Keith Franich, coopted onto the Committee last month, is the new President

Barron Braden, also coopted last month is the new Vice President

NO Secretary

Time for Hide to listen and not just lay down the law  The most interesting sentence in the Cabinet Paper in which Local Government Minister Rodney Hide goes to war on council spending is buried at clause 37 on page 9. "I do not propose to publish a public discussion document," the minister writes, citing "a number of recent processes that have elicited public views on local government". . . . . . . . . If Hide were not a man of such deadly seriousness, one might have suspected a joke. . . . . . . . . . The Cabinet paper is full of cosy-sounding buzzwords like "transparency" and "accountability", but what it seeks is a redefinition of core council services that will remove the requirement for local government to deliver "social, economic, environmental and community outcomes".  Full article here on NZ Herald

15/6/09 Wandering along Piha Beach today and looking up saw what looks like new erosion on the cliffs

Photos: click them all for larger image. 

From left: This photo shows with blue circles the two sections which I have enlarged in the next two photos.

    

22/6/09 I posed the question and have been emailed that this is not erosion so that's great news 

Mary Lilian Dobbie QSM - Her Life

Mary Dobbie died aged ninety five on Tuesday 9th June 2009.

Mary will be remembered as a community minded person who worked tirelessly for the people of Piha. She established the Piha News and edited it for many years, and worked with Glenda Northey to build up the Piha Library which was originally run from a small shed on the side of the road next to the camping ground. When Glenda was overseas for three years Mary stepped in and ran it in her absence. She was a founder member of the Environmental Group, which was later superseded by Coast Care, as well as being actively engaged in the Neighbourhood Watch network and the R & R Association.

In her younger years she was a foundation member of many organisations that we take for granted today. They include the Family Planning Centre, the Parents' Group, Mothers' Support Group and La Leche. She belonged to the New Zealand Communist Party, brought up five daughters, and was married to Pat Dobbie of Dobbie Press. She was also a journalist for the New Zealand Observer and did work for other publications besides writing numerous articles and a book, "The Trouble With Women."

She strove to improve the lives of women, children and families and was a firm believer in healthy food, growing her own vegetables and having a salad every day herself. Her other interests were gardening, books, the environment and people. Despite the difficulties as a non-driver with no bus service running to Piha anymore, she still managed to live here until she was eighty five.

She was awarded a well deserved QSM (Queen's Service Medal) for community services a fitting tribute for her dedicated service to others.

History of the Piha Community Library

Mary's funeral service will be held on Wednesday 17th June at: Parnell's Rose Gardens, 85 Gladstone Road, Auckland.   Gathering from: 11 am. Service starting: 12.00 - midday

Anyone who would like to send a condolence card can post it to: Mrs R Miller , P O Box 692 Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, Northland.

Courtesy of NZ Herald  Swine Flu symptoms and information HERE

13/6/09 WARNING - Burglary  Be aware there are burglaries happening in Piha It appears properties on Piha Hill are being targeted.

If you are getting phone calls with no one on the other end this may be a warning that your place is about to be targeted. 

Neighbours - work together and keep eyes wide open.

             a hard case TradeMe auction

11/6/09 Piha's Unsung Hero:  It was my pleasure to nominate Pat LaRoche, Piha's CoastCare's Co-ordinator for WCC's Unsung Hero's Awards this year.  I am thrilled to say that Pat is to receive a Unsung Hero Award on June 19th.

The Unsung Hero Awards provide an opportunity for local people to celebrate and honour community volunteers at a grassroots level

A lot of people, I am sure, think that Pat's work is just with Piha's Dunes.  Pat does a huge amount of work caring for our Dunes but that's not all.  To find out why I nominated Pat  read my Nomination here

Photos from left:  Pat at Beach Valley Road working bee in the pouring rain and wind. Pat with all the tools to do the work.  Pat consulting with Estee Farrar, WCC, about stream side planting, Pat always happy to refer to and show the references in books and finally Pat as we all know her on the Dunes with spinifex plants.

Congrats to Pat!!   Cheers, Pim  Pim de Monchy | Land Management Officer (Coast Care)  Environment Bay of Plenty | Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

And well deserved!  Cheers  Greg Bennett

FABULOUS BOBBIE   And I mean that in all the possible positive interpretations of those two wonderful words. Congratulations to Pat for being an extremely hardworking and worthy recipient of this fine award.  Great news ladies!!   And very best wishes for a wonderful weekend J CHEERS  GREG  Jenks : NZ Dunes Trust

Hello Bobbie
Please pass on our warmest congratulations to Pat. The award is so well deserved! I think you both need an award for all the work you put into the dune conference.
Best Wishes
From the Waitohu Streamcare Group (also involved in dune restoration)
Margarette

11/6/09 Pedestrian Safety & Beach Valley Road Project Most of you will be aware that pedestrian safety is one of the 4 main aims of the Beach Valley Road Project. (Just by the way we celebrated our 1st Birthday in April just gone)

We have walked Beach Valley Road with WCC Roading staff, discussed many options and now WCC have initial plans for pedestrian safety from Beach Valley Road to the Milk Track to be implemented later this year.

   You can see the plans HERE    feel free to COMMENT

AND to see the latest work happening  See here . . .

11/6/09 Nature in your Neighbourhood: 

Designed very specially for Piha, Karekare and Anawhata people. . . A fabulous seminar / course / learning / networking opportunity.

This will be a very valuable course so I encourage as many as possible to attend 1, 2 or all sessions.  You will be receiving a full program with details, dates, costs (very affordable) etc by mail but in the mean time 

See course details HERE

  

They're trying to straighten

things in Beach Valley Rd!!  It'll work with the

lamp posts but not sure about anything else

 

 

 

 

11/6/09 'Nothing is impossible if you believe you can do it'

 Huckle:  Jan '98 - Jun '09

Berend's beloved 'Huckle' left this world today.

His legacy will always be: "Nothing is impossible if you believe you can do it"

This photo of him shows his belief in himself

11/6/09 'We recommended what we thought was best for Auckland'  Peter Salmon, calm and collected as always, greets us with a friendly smile as we enter his Remuera apartment. Apartment in name only: it's larger than most homes. On the ground floor, it has a private garden and courtyard. A wintry sun is shining and we take advantage of it, sitting in the Med-style courtyard. . . . .

Every question is met with a momentary pause while he rapidly digests it then frames an answer. He's not only worked out the answer, I surmise, but second-guessed what angle I'm looking for. `"I would prefer to talk to what's in the report," he makes clear from the beginning.

For 90 minutes we talk about the Royal Commission's work before moving on to the nitty-gritty of its decisions, and their reasoning. . . . .

Snippets:  . . .  More than 3500 submissions is a lot of bedtime reading. But would you have expected more from a city the size of Auckland - after all, that's 0.4% of the interested parties. . . . . . .  visited cities in Australia, Canada, the US and Europe last October, the final stage of the exercise before writing their report. "We travelled to some interesting places," says Justice Salmon, `"Learnt about how other cities relevant to Auckland are run. . . . . `"Toronto was helpful," says Justice Salmon, as the Canadian "mega-city" had recently gone through change. `"We spoke to the author of that report. His principal recommendations were not adopted and, had they been adopted, the problems they later had wouldn't have happened. . . . .  `"Interestingly, academics have said the report is going to be an important resource in the future," says Justice Salmon. `"One academic in England said it was the best report he had seen - very
comprehensive." Justice Salmon responds that regional councillors shouldn't be focusing on local issues.  Read all Peter Salmon had to say here

8:30pm:  Piha Road open again . . . I hear

17:45 10/6/09  Piha Road closed with fatal accident.    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 

Piha Road Fatality in NZ Herald

Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill  Select Committee Final submissions due 26th June.  Find out how to make a submission to a Select Committee here and be quick. 

 

The Government is rushing it through so don't miss out.

 
 
9/6/09 Piha's eel bridge in line for another award: Piha's eel bridge in line for another award

Piha's 'Story of the Eel'  footbridge is in the running for another national award after being named finalist in the Association of Consulting Engineers Innovate NZ 2009 Awards.

The bridge, linking the Piha Domain with Piha South Beach is among 35 finalists for the awards, which are announced on July 25.

In its submission for the awards, Duffill Watts, consulting engineers on the project, described the bridge as a technically complex structure, as it was challenging to incorporate the artistic aspirations of the design with a structure which met building standards and be in keeping with the unique coastal environment of Piha.

The bridge concept was created by Piha artist Mandy Patmore (photographed left at the opening) and represents the migratory eel, celebrating the long and short fin eels that still live in the Piha Stream.

Its winding eel-like shape is combined with a floor surface inlayed with motifs representing the different stages of the eel's life cycle.

Historically, eels were of great significance to early Maori, featuring in many myths.

"Having a bridge in the shape of an eel provides an opportunity explain the value of conservation to visitors," says Mandy Patmore.

"The eels inlayed on its floor help people understand more about this amazing creature."

Prior to its opening last year, the bridge was judged the most outstanding project at the New Zealand Recreation Association Awards.

At the time the judges praised the (WCC) council for the holistic approach it took to the project and going that extra mile to make the bridge interesting  Full story on SCOOP here
     A heartfelt thanks to all those  who could not attend the boys fundraising, cause of other commitments ... we sold all the tickets even when they couldn`t attend.

The people of Piha gave for the twins out of their pockets and we are humbled by the support they have given Sam and Joe.  

It's people who live in a community like ours, who know each other, that makes life ever so much sweeter....

Please pass on to everyone who bought tickets and couldn`t come how much we value their donations and it will never be forgotten.

Cheers  Kevin, Sam and Joe     

Lactic Turkey Rogaine 1- Nowhere Near Piha:   This group of outdoor sport people, who consider and care for the environment, have had such a hard time by 'authorities'  here they have even called it 'Nowhere near Piha'!   Article on Lactic Turkey Rogaine here

6/6/09  Yawn Yawn . . . . and on it goes.  RED and AMBER alerts on the Lagoons still. How loooooooooooong has this been going on?  How hard is it to find out where sewage is coming from - really ?  And the Piha R & R say:  "Good News for Piha Water Quality".  Are they serious?  Water Quality May results here 
5/6/09 Super-city change criticised by commission head:  The chair of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance says he is concerned about a key change the Government made to the plans for a super-city.

Former High Court judge Peter Salmon QC says scrapping the six proposed district councils in favour of 20 to 30 community boards will cost more and be less effective.

Mr Salmon has told a Property Council meeting in Auckland that the commission considered it important for the new Auckland Council to remain focused on regional issues.

He says the Auckland Council which is now proposed would almost certainly become directly involved in local issues to the detriment of important regional matters.

Mr Salmon says if the second tier of local government in Auckland is to be effective, it will need staff and premises.  Full story on Radio NZ here

 5/6/09 Swine Flu:  I have just returned from a quick visit to Phillip Island, Victoria, Oz.

Victoria has admitted that Swine Flu is now pretty much out of control in that state.  I couldn't see any sign of it and hope I'm safe.

     

NZers not happy with Super City plan: Poll

A poll shows most New Zealanders believe the Government has failed to consult properly over its super city plans for Auckland and an overwhelming number want them subjected to a referendum, Labour's Auckland issues spokesman Phil Twyford said today.

"Of residents polled within the Auckland region, more opposed the proposed Super City than favoured it in every council area, bar Auckland City.

"Residents in Manukau, Waitakere, North Shore, Rodney, Franklin and Papakura all opposed the plan".

Of those polled 63 per cent believed consultation has been inadequate, with 13 per cent believing it has been adequate. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Seventy per cent of those polled believed the Government should hold a referendum on the issue and 48 per cent of New Zealanders do not want the super city model used to amalgamate councils elsewhere," Mr Twyford said.  Full story on NZ Herald here

3/6/09  What is wrong with this?

Final piece of regional park slots into place : A large section of land with rolling farmland and coastal views has been bought by authorities to complete a regional park south of Auckland.

The 27 hectare area, connected to Tapapakanga Regional Park and an hour's drive from central Auckland, was bought for $1,050,000 by Auckland Regional Council.   Full story on ARC $M1 purchase

The Auckland Bill has restricted spending by, soon to be redundant, Local Councils to $20,000 under most circumstances and any greater sums have to be negotiated with the 'Transition Agency'.  Is there some reason this restriction does not include the ARC?

Between 30 July and 21st Aug 09 there will be a postal referendum on the following question:

Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

The referendum is aimed at trying to get the 2007 child discipline law overturned.

Speakers include: Beth Wood, Ian Hassall & David Kenkel

Beth Wood and Ian Hassall are two of New Zealand's greatest child advocates.

Over many years they have fought for the rights and well being of our children. They were leaders of the recent successful campaign to repeal section 59 of the crimes act. Now their work and the work of so many others is threatened by the upcoming referendum.

Community Waitakere has the privilege of hosting an open meeting on 10th June 2009 at the Waitakere Community Resource Centre where community organisations and individuals can hear Beth and Ian's perspectives on the coming referendum. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Congratulations to Jenny Gibbs who received in the Queens Birthday Honors a Dames Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit DNZM for services to the Arts. 
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!

     No, we are not looking at little insects or seeds - we are doing a Tim Tam Slam!  If you don't know how to do a Tim Tam Slam then you need to come along to this Nature in your Neighbourhood Seminar and have some fun while you learn.

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:

"I have thought long and hard about whether to stay a part of the Piha R & R Committee.  I have been involved in numerous committees and have always found it rewarding when people team together for the good of their communities.

I have found the sniggers, the sarcastic remarks, the negativity in the Piha R & R off-putting to say the least.  I do not want to be a part of a group where free discussion is met by the rolling of eyes, sarcastic asides and negative destructive emails. 

We live in a beautiful place with many talented, great people and I would like the R & R to reflect this. 

If we, as a R & R Committee, start to work constructively toward solutions to make Piha a better place to live in;  if we can use procedure to allow the committee to work more smoothly rather than to stifle discussion;  if we can act as a support for community initiatives such as the library,  coast care , surf life saving,  neighbourhood watch, Beach Valley Road Project, new safe walkways, the local clubs  then I want to be a part of the R & R.

I want you all to individually commit to this.  If you cannot be constructive then move over and let others do what they can to help.  We need to listen to our community, to hear what it is saying and support people when they attempt to make this a better place.

Will you support this concept whole heartidly?"

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

Please tell us what you want   HERE - we would like to know

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
27/05/09

I 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' 

Dr McGlone said intense development of parts of the coast and major estuaries had backed coastal eco-systems into a corner.  .  .  .   Estuaries and sand dunes would normally move inland or outwards in response to changing sea levels.   .   .   .But in many places they would now strike roads or sewage ponds directly inland, he said.  .   .   ."In many places people's houses are just behind the dunes."  Anyone living near a coastline should read this

 

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

  • President - Mark Mitchinson
  • Vice President - Berend Westera
  • Secretary - Alberto Bonini
  • Committee - Julia Woodhouse

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:

 

  1. What content would YOU like in a Nature in your Neighbourhood seminar?
  2. What day/time would be best for YOU or your family to attend?
  3. What would be the best time to run a course?  June?  July?

Suggested content: 

    • Our worst weeds and how to eradicate
    • Identify and attract birds to your garden
    • What lives in our gardens and how to assist their survival
    • Streams in Piha - why are they important places
    • The right plants for the right place - planning your planting to ensure success
    • Neighbours working together

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"

 

A public meeting will be held at Kelston Community Centre in Waitakere on Monday 1 June. Organised by Grassroots Action Group (GAGs), this meeting will discuss taking action for democracy and advice on how to write submissions to the Select Committee hearings.  Further community workshops on submission writing are planned for the near future.  

STEP UP NZ:

  1. When the people of Piha wanted a Cafe we stood up and said YES!
  2. Cyclists want access to the Harbour Bridge - if there is to be a tourist cycle-way the length of NZ why not start with the harbour bridge? They are saying POWER TO THE PEOPLE!  
  3. Don't let them take our Council!  The Royal Commission said "One Super Regional Council and Six LOCAL Councils with  Maori representation. If we do nothing then nothing will happen. 

Community Coalition for Auckland Region

Get Across org nz

Piha people said YES!

It's great to see New Zealander's  STEP UP like we used to - C'mon Westies

Support Piha's Born and Bred: 

 

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 South Piha public WC wastewater systems to allow for an even flow of suitably treated discharge to flow through the irrigation systems located in the Trees for Children soakage area.  This will mean that the Domain system will be upgraded to ensure that at no time is the flow greater than the area can absorb. At the same time as applying for the improved consents, the irrigation systems will be upgraded and additional future reserve will be allocated to the existing drainage field. These additions to the consents   will ensure that the disposal area capacity is not exceeded at any time and futureproof the Domain system for years to come.  The consents will ensure that the current seasonal increase in E.Coli levels is minimised.   However, in order to achieve this we will need the support of the residents as the consents are expected to be notified.

 

To improve the water flow in the North Piha lagoon the Council, with help from local clubs, is planning to remove the current infestation of alligator weed from the creek that flows into the lagoon.  This will improve water flow and help to reduce the current levels of E.Coli being reported in this area.

 

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

 

      Details here on cc4a.net.nz

         Auckland City Hikoi Traffic Advice

                                                          See Hikoi Guide and Maps here

22/5/09 The King is Dead - Long live the Queen or King or, uh, oh whatever:  

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.

 

  • The AGM Minutes say "The incoming Piha R&R Committee further investigates the three options" Carried Dewar/O'Connor. 
  • The three options from the SGM are 1. Private land  2. Extension to library or 3. Campground office area. Hosking/Cleghorn
  • I have been reassured several times that no decision will be made until its taken back to the Members ????

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.

 

   Click for bigger map

 

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. 

 To all you volunteers in our Community:  A huge thanks for being where you are needed and so quickly.  You are precious.

  1.     2.    3.

  4.     5.    6.

 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

  1. Phone Police first 839 0600
  2. Phone your neighbourhood watch person or a neighbour  
  3. Try and get a description of person/s (photo would be best) and/or number plate or car description - an older Maroon Holden Commodore has been suggested
  4. KEEP YOURSELF SAFE

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

$25,000 was raised to help fund this years Piha SLSC Huntington Exchange, at the Rescue Auction @ the Floating Pavillion at the Viaduct.

Great news  !

Public Meeting - Auckland Local Government

Hon Paula Bennett, MP for Waitakere  & Hon John Carter, Associate Minister for Local Government

  More details here

Left: Jenny and Peter Dunlop, Brockie King, Bobbie Carroll, Marco Creemers and Ian & Ro Mitchell.

They've been at it again on the Beach Valley Road Project

 

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.  Full story of 80 year old hut here

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

"Greening Our Way Out of a Recession" Key topics include Ecological Economics, Sustainable Business, Energy Efficiency, Organics, Climate Change, and the RMA.   Speakers already confirmed include Kath Wallace, Karli Thomas, Rod Oram, Barry Weeber, and Gary Taylor.  More details on eco.org.nz here
Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM). KASM recently submitted to the Government's review panel on the Foreshore and Seabed legislation:  here are their background and submission documents.  Background Paper [72kb].doc    KASM submission document [34kb].doc
Coincidence ?????

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....

 13/5/09

 

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.

 Again on Phillip Island - very similar to Piha.

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

 

10/5/09

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:

  • You can speak for a maximum of five minutes. ˇ
  • You may not verbally criticise staff or question or debate with elected members. ˇ
  • Elected members can ask questions after your address. ˇ
  • No resolution will be made on your presentation, unless the presentation is relevant to an Agenda item, upon which it will be considered at the appropriate time.

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

  •  Monday 11th May 6:30 am to Friday 15th 8.00 pm and 
  •  Monday 18th May 6:30 am to Friday 22nd 8.00 pm.

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)

Part A will be held on Friday evenings 6:30- 8pm in the cosy front part of Barnett Hall

Part B will be on the following Sunday morning 9:30 to midday as a field trip

  • Part 1: How it all fits together   Investigating Waitakere streams and their native fish, the Green Network and Northwest Wildlink. Why your property is important. Discover how riverbanks on your property affect waterway health.   Part A May 22nd : Part B May 24

  • Part 2: How it works  Discovering what lives in Waitakere streams and gardens, finding out about these native plants and animals and about eco-sourcing plants for different places. Part A 5nd June :  Part B 7th June
  • Part 3 : The life within  Learning how to look closely at the living things in Waitakere backyards and exploring tools to help our native animals survive at your place.  Part A 19th June : Part B 21st June

  • Part 4 - Movement for change  Sharing this knowledge with your friends and neighbours and developing a local nature-zone. Part A 3rd July : Part B 5th July

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 Bobbie  by email here or phone 8128 758  or Pat by email here or [phone 8128 202

 

Piha: Beach Valley Road Project- Roading

Left: 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.

          

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