PIHA  VILLAGE  VOICE

Piha Beach News, Views, Opinions, Photographs & a bit of Gossip about Piha

Readers are welcome to write to Piha's 'Village Voice' with news, views, opinions or photos for publicaton  - Name must be supplied but names withheld on request.   Emails may be edited.  

Left: Village Voice Editor

"I am stoked as, it is a good way to finish the year and I am stoked to win at home too" commented Wallis.  Read full article and results here

What is a 'quorum'? 

Definition of 'quorum' from various sources:

• A gathering of the minimal number of members of an organization to conduct business
• The minimum number of members required for a group to officially conduct business
• A minimum number of members that must be present at a meeting to make it valid.
• means a majority of the Committee members
• The number of members required to be present before business can be transacted
• The minimum acceptable level of individuals with a vested interest in a company needed to make the proceedings of a meeting valid under the ...
• When a legislative body is assembled, the minimum number of members required to transact business.

So my question is:  Why does the Piha R&R continue meetings without a 'quorum'?

Scenic Drive takes you out to Piha, Karekare and Bethells Beach. The Waitakere City Council describes it as a lethal mix of cars, bikes, tourists and pedestrians with no footpaths.

As 20% of the road's users are cyclists, a council spokeswoman says there's a constant stream of near misses and minor accidents.  The council's concerns have prompted the Government to fork out $40,000 for road signs which remind people to to share the road.

Metro Annual Awards Issue 09 : Best of Auckland

Best Outdoors: Best Big Beach:  "Piha".  Still.  You drive, get wet and wild, glory in the great outdoors, and now you can even buy a decent cup of coffee!   Piha Cafe - A journey in photos  (Well done guys)

5/12/09 Heavy rain in Piha

This bridge, in Glenesk Rd,Piha, didn't survive the rains last night

"CONDITIONS OF HIRE: Gambling, animals, the use of firearms and the consumption of alcohol are not permitted on or about the camp property."   Cars must be parked in the area at the front of the kitchen. They must not be driven around the grounds.  (what about motor bikes?)

Sat- 5th Dec        MOTOR-CYCLE GYMKHANA    SHORT
    Come along and test your skills.  Open to all Ulyssians, you
    don't have to be overnighting at  the rally.  Get your mates
    together, form a team of 4 and join the fun, or enter as an
    individual, I dare you!  Pit your skills against the best and the
    It is meant to be fun, big bikes, small bikes, sports bikes,
    cruisers, off-roaders, scooters, anyone can give it a go. Team
    members can all  enter on the same bike if they  like.
    Make your own way from the BRONZ ToyRun Finish
    Details printed in this edition of newsletter.

A COMPANY BASED ON HONESTY, RELIABILITY AND VALUE FOR MONEY

He is one of two under-16 surfers who will head to the wild west coast tomorrow with no pressure on his shoulders. Instead he has another target to watch, title favourite Tane Wallis, surfing in his natural environment.

Piha's Wallis, like Scott-Arrieta, has already qualified for the final of the competition . . . . .  read the rest here

It would be great to begin a list of renewable energy in Piha with peoples opinion of the technology and how impressed or un impressed they are with it.

• Perhaps the start of a solar club looking at a bulk buy scheme for solar thermal and solar PV (power)
• Bulk buy scheme of low energy lightbulbs
• sharing of an energy meter scheme to look at your households energy usage. I have one for people to borrow. It may be a good item to put into Piha libary

Read more here

Dec 09  What could the following possibly find to ALL agree on? 

ARC, WCC, Piha CoastCare, Protect Piha Heritage, Weedfree Waitakere Trust, Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, the Beach Valley Road Project and the Piha Ratepayers & Residents Assn.  Yes they all agreed on something :-)  you've seen it in the latest Piha News now Read about it here

A constant stream of massive surf accompanied by terrible weather over the past few weeks made the outlook bleak for the final event. However, forecasters have predicted a relatively fine weekend with favourable surf conditions which are sure to make an excellent playing field.

The event is the second of two events in the series and the final event of the year for the Surfing New Zealand Grommet Series. A massive field of over 100 competitors have registered for the event in a bid to secure the last two places in the Rip Curl GromSearch final and improve their year end ratings. More

 . . . . . . the Piha Ranger's mobile.   This sponsorship will cost you $40 a month from now until mid April 2010.

If you are interested please email them here  Email Piha CoastCare here

Fiona Anderson - Piha Camping Ground

It seems that WCC is preparing for a the huge influx of visitors to the West this summer

At last a sign alerting drivers that lots of cyclists use the Waitakeres to train and/or enjoy cycling - please watch out for them.

Click for bigger image showing signs, for visitors, to know where Piha Beach and North Piha are on arrival in Piha.  This will stop huge traffic problems during the Junior World Surf Champs in January 2010

30/11/09

The Piha couple married they same year and are still going strong 69 years later.  "Her heel broke off her shoe and I offered to take her home. I've been taking her home ever since," he says.  scoop here  (Ah, but does she drink speights?)

1/12/09

The artist is Zeke Wolf.  I'd be interested in your comments on the new look.  Just click on the 'comment' below right . . .

 30/11/09  Our Communities Children - Piha's Future

So many ooohs and aaahs . . . All the parents, grandparents, brother and sisters etc had huge smiles this afternoon watching these little Piha darlings do their end of year concert.

Left: flowers for their teacher

Below: photos talk for themselves.  Click for larger images.  They are lower resolution so if any parents would like a high resolution copy please just email me.

Waitakere City Council commissioned a report on Piha Road (Darkies Hill) to see if there was anything that could be done to reduce the accidents. 

A realignment of parts of the road was recommended and its great to see it is happening.  Here we see the northern side being straightened looking up Piha Road. 

Click for a bigger photos.

Looking down Piha Road heres hoping this work will reduce the amount of accidents on this part of the road..

27/11/09

Spirit of the West is his latest collaboration with mayor Bob Harvey.  It follows on from Untamed Coast and includes about 190 images of waterfalls, beaches, bush, people and animals

Ted loves landscape photography and says the self-published book showcases stunning scenery. "It's a celebration of the heritage area," the 68-year-old says.  Full article here

---

  

24/11/09            They're Stealing Our Library !  

                                        

 

 Call the Police !!! 

Read the News Letter Page 1   Page 2.

Now that you've read that,  the following is directly off the Piha R & R's website:

Piha Community Library  . . . . . . . .

"Housed in its lovely new building beside the entrance to the campground, the Piha Community Library offers a surprisingly wide range of material to residents and holiday home owners in the Piha, Kare Kare and Anawhata areas. While under the auspices of the Piha Ratepayers' and Residents' Association, the library operates independently and manages its own operations, funding and fundraising."

" . . . . . . While under the auspices of the Ratepayers' and Residents' Association, the library operates independently and manages its own operations, funding and fundraising. It is supported by the Waitakere City Council Library Services with an annual grant towards the purchase of books, with regular loans of large print books, and with advice and assistance in library management when requested. "

" . . . . . . The library is staffed and managed entirely by a group of around 25 to 30 volunteers, many of whom put in a great deal of time and effort to provide a high standard of service to the community."

The History of the Piha Community Library on  their own website HERE

Hey Keith, Visitor from Oratia etc:  "What did you do when they stole our city?"  Now THAT was a real problem  . . . .  "What did you do about that uh?"  About to start another war out here and under our noses they're stealing our city.  Can you get onto that please?

23/11/09

Southern end of Piha   Two signs will be installed, one along Marina Parade South and one on Beach Valley Road.    Both signs will be double sided and located approximately ten metres from the public toilets.  Map showing South Piha Beach toilet signs

Community Consultation - the followup

22/11/09 Waitakere City Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse dines at Piha Cafe

Penny was in Korea on the day of the official opening much to her distress.

However today she finally made it out for lunch.

       and what did Penny have for lunch at the Piha Cafe ?

I do believe it was the 'Patiki Picnic' left.  I've had it myself and it is devine.  It also has its own special box to take away . . . . .

22/11/09  Which reminded me : Protect Piha Heritage: Isn't it time you paid the bills?

As a ratepayer of Waitakere and someone who spent 6 days in the environment court, at my own cost, I think its fair, and about time, that Protect Piha Heritage (PPH) paid up the $5,000 the Environment Court ordered them to pay toward our Council's huge legal costs for defending their resource consent for our Cafe in Piha. C'mon, fair is fair.  Pay the bills . . . . . . .   You also owe Preserve Piha $10,000 - a miserly contribution to their massive legal bill . . . . . . . . 

 Still one of my favourite authors - Witi was more than happy for me to take his photo

The Australian team will be lead by head coach Martin Dunn (Old Bar, NSW), Mark Richardson (Currumbin, QLD), Grant Hudson (Port Macquarie, NSW), Team Manager James Eggington (Byron Bay, NSW) and Physiotherapist Tim Brown (Mermaid Beach, QLD).   Global Surf News here

20/11/09

What a great job this 'safe walking' group are doing.  Left Hannah Slade and Gabrielle Lancaster meet with Gyles Bendall & Chris Ferkins from WCC to discuss safe walking around Piha.

Others of the group met Gyles and Chris at the top of Piha Hill

18/11/09

At Waitakere City Council Chambers a certificate was given to a Piha CoastCare Trustee.  Click on the photo on the left to find out who and what . . .

8 of the 'Yes!' Campaigners were thrilled to finally sit in a nice environment within walking distance from our homes and drink a great coffee from china and a fabulous (light) lunch in a civilised and friendly environment.

From left (click for bigger photo): Norma Woodall, Helen Duder, Pat laRoche, Bobbie Carroll, Julia Woodhosue, Gabrielle Lancaster, Yvonne Dufaur and Gillian Cotton.  Missing from the photo are Marilyn Perko and Jane Walters.

PS: Anyone know if PPH have paid their bills yet?

Road no place to walk safely 

This Piha mum is taking the lead to ensure her kids arrive at their destination in one piece

Sara Carbery wants to walk to her neighbour's house without worrying about being hit by a car.

She doesn't allow her two children to walk to their friends' houses by themselves because the roads through Piha are too dangerous, and the only place for pedestrians to walk is on the road.

``There is more traffic now than there was even five years ago, and it is so dangerous for people to be walking along the roads,' says Ms Carbery.  More here

SUPPORT THE WALK SAFE GROUP in PIHA

Fiona Anderson
Piha Bowling Club Kitchen

Ju and I have drunk coffee all over NZ, Australia, Asia, Japan, Italy, France, many States in America, Greece, UK, Cook Islands, etc etc.

The Piha Cafe coffee (tulip) we had today is some of the best coffee we have ever drunk - pure nectar..  No joke.  Prices on the left and sizes below.

This ring was offered to and accepted by someone in Piha.  It's not for me to let the cat out of the bag but can you guess or will the woman tell us?

It appears about 8 or 10 people have written to the R&R about this.  I listened with interest to the following discussion and comments and toward the end asked the President, Keith Franich, just what was the problem?  I couldn't quite work out what the 'issue' was. Keith replied that it seemed to be the  'process' that was the problem.  No consultation with the R&R or the public.  I found that interesting because that was my 'take' on it too.

When I asked, under my breath I thought, why it was done like that one rather astute Committee Member replied that the Library Committee probably didn't want a long drawn out fight or something to that effect.  I found that interesting because, again, that is my 'take' on it too. 

Given that we are going to be a part of a 'Super City' soon there are many organisations ensuring that their funding will continue and that their future is secure prior to the Super City changes next year - the Piha Library is not alone there.

I recall the old Piha Library and was extremely sad when that building had to be removed as part of the consent process for the new building.  I also donated money toward the fundraising for the new building and over the years held the 'Library Ladies' in high regard for their great management of this valuable community asset.

The Piha Library makes an annual report to the R & R AGM and their accounts are presented with the R & R's, I understand, because they had never formed an Incorporated Society or Trust previously and had to be 'under one' to receive grants and funding.  With the Super City looming close it was time to tidy it all up they say. 

Others disagree with this version of history and say that the library is 'owned' by the Ratepayers & Residents Association.  I must say that was never my impression when I was Treasurer and the same astute Committee Member referred to above also commented that the R&R had nothing to do with the management or finances of the library all the time this person had been involved with the R&R Committee which is some number of year now.

Anyway cutting it right down to the basics which is the future consistant management and security of the Piha Community Library which do you think is the better governance profile:  Operated by:

1. A political body (Piha R & R) whose Committee is elected every year.
2. A (non political) Charitable Trust made up of people who have been associated with the Library for years, and in some cases a decade or more, whose only purpose is to ensure its ongoing security for people of Piha, Karekare and Anawhata.

I was at a meeting the other day in Piha with representatives of ARC, Protect Piha Heritage, Protect Waitakere Ranges, Piha CoastCare, Piha R & R, and more that I can't recall right now,  and I nearly fainted but smiled instead:  we all agreed!  I even commented on it saying it couldn't be right : there must be someone who disagreed  LOL

Piha has just come out of a 3 - 4 year battle over the Cafe.  The Post Office is in a new location.  Do you think we could stop another potential fight right now?  Isn't it just important that the Library, a fabulous asset to our community, is under great governance and secure for us and future generations?  Maybe everything wasn't done as some would wish but the outcome is a good one and  do we really need another fight?  Editor

History of the Piha Library  HERE

Piha Community Library Trust Registration & Trust Deed  HERE

Yet to be confirmed but if what I hear is true the Piha Cafe will be open for breakfast on Monday November 14th.

• The Piha 'Flasher' has had his case adjourned until the 19th of November.  His bail conditions continue to prohibit him from visiting any west coast beaches until after that time. His car is a white Mazda 6 station wagon with the number plates 'SHOCKS'.
• The individual caught last Thursday breaking in to a number of houses in Piha has been remanded in custody.  He was initially on 3 charges, but with all the information supplied by the community over the last few months his charges are now up to 11 with a couple of far more serious charges pending. The police believe he may have been responsible for as many as 19 burglaries. 

I was quite aghast.  I don't know the reason why some people are unhappy about whatever the Bowling Club did or didn't do  but I can only imagine that all the people unable to leave Piha would have been hugely appreciative of any offers of hospitality until the road was opened.  This is what Kiwis are known for : digging deep, opening our hearts and homes and helping out.    So what was the problem? 

 It rained and rained then rained some more.  But that was what we needed to contour this 'mud' so the water goes to the middle.

Nice for the builders etc to be inside !  And STILL no coffee  grrrrrrrrr

This is what Ju saw when I got home and headed straight (well directly!) to the shower.

Mud from top to toe and absolutely exhausted.

I was fortunate to have Jack, of Native Concepts, helping me out today and Ju cooked us a beautiful dinner to warm us up.

New Village Voice Editor photo above to show that I haven't always looked like this LOL

Confirmation: The November meeting is 13th at Piha SLSC 7:30   

The ARC is reviewing the way it manages regional parks and wants to know what you think.  The draft Regional Parks Management Plan (RPMP) has now been notified and public submissions will close on 23 December 2009.

The RPMP sets out the 'big picture' for managing regional parkland in the Auckland region.  It guides how parks are managed on a daily basis and into the future and covers everything that happens on parks.

Cr Sandra Coney, Chair of the ARC Parks and Heritage Committee, says that the Council has tried to take into account all of the demands that a fast growing region may make on regional parkland over the next ten years.

"We have focussed on creating a plan that allows for future recreation needs while protecting the intrinsic value of these 23 regional parks," she says.  "We now need the public's help to tell us whether we've got this balance right."

I have a few thoughts on it (of course) but am leaving them till later.  It's probably better to take a look earlier rather than later as the deadline for submissions is 23 December!  An unfortunate date really, so close to Christmas etc, so better to get it out of the way early.  It's all here

Piha-based photographer Craig Levers

Craig attempted to capture the beaches in a way that invokes a real sense of the place, while designer Brent Courtney, formerly of NZ Surf Mag, lovingly constructed the new book.

Each page also features facts about the particular spot, including latitude and longitude so readers can trek there themselves. Prominent Kiwis such as Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, surf champion Maz Quin, All Black Josh Kronfeld also have their say on what the beaches mean to them.  Full article

3/11/09  10 questions in 10 minutes with Rob Wakelin of Piha SLSC

BtoB - What is your favourite website and why?

RW - I live vicariously through the Sydney Morning Herald and Irish Times websites, probably my two favourites places in the world. There?s also a couple of Piha websites I often visit to keep up with the local news and gossip!  (would this be one of them Rob?)

BtoB - What is the first thing you would do if you became Prime Minister?

RW - Find a way of rewarding the volunteers in New Zealand. Within Piha SLSC, sporting circles and other non-profit bodies I have seen people who give so much to clubs, communities and our country all for the love of what they do. All power to them!

BtoB - What is the best thing about being a Western based business?

RW - No matter what the pursuit, sporting code, industry or product there is a real camaraderie and unity out West that I love operating in. There is a ?dare to believe" mentality amongst us all from the Mayor downwards.

Read the whole interview and all 10 questions HERE   Piha Surf Life Saving Club  HERE

I have been sent a copy of a letter sent out to all 'stakeholders' by the emergency planners at WCC.   As I believe this kind of communication shouldn't just be filed I thought it would be a good idea to get it out to the general population . . . .  

"As you are aware, Waitakere City has installed sirens for tsunami alerting and evacuation purposes within low lying areas of both the East and West coasts.

On the day of the recent disastrous Samoan earthquake we activated our siren system to alert the public of a potential tsunami threat. Overall the public response to this action was extremely positive but it did highlight that there is some confusion about the actual siren signals. As shown in the attached pamphlet there are just three signals. Namely:

 

Alert, evacuate and all clear.  And as you will also see, each signal has its own distinctive noise.

 

As people who may well have a significant community response in any real tsunami, my request to you is this:

 

§                  Please ensure you know each signal and what it means

 

§                  Where you have staff, please ensure they also are aware of the signals and what they mean.

 

You will by now also be aware that the sirens are tested twice annually at midday on the Sunday of the change to and from daylight saving. This is also a time to reinforce to staff what the signals mean. Additionally we are in the process of installing signs which depict evacuation routes, evacuation zones and safe zones. The last of these signs will be installed at Huia and Whatipu in early November.

 

Some of the signs depict a vehicle and an arrow showing which way to travel. These signs are specifically for visitors who in a real event would be encouraged to leave the area rather than become a potential risk by staying put. As per our publicity however, we still want local residents to minimise the use of personal vehicles for evacuation purposes unless essential.

 

Finally, a community is only as prepared for any emergency as the responsibility it takes for its own preparedness. Your assistance in passing on the information in this letter where appropriate will be very much appreciated and will assist in increasing community awareness of the siren system.

 

 

Yours faithfully,  

Emergency Management  - WCC

 

WCC Civil Defence Emergency Management

Special Waitakere News about Tsunami alert and evacuation [1042kb]pdf

Tsunami pamphlet [945kb]pdf

1/11/09 "It's just not good enough"

Saturday 31st October [Halloween] in Piha and its approx 5:45pm . . . .

It's 2009 and Piha has a permanant population of over 900, its a beautiful day so there are heaps of weekenders plus a considerable number of tourists here and what happens?

• Around 5:45 pm there is a car accident on Piha Road (I understand)
• This accident causes Piha's power supply to stop
• Piha Road is closed to traffic in both directions
• The road isn't opened again until around 11pm
• Power is not restored until 1am approx

That is the scenario so what are the affects . . .

1. Most places end up with no water unless they have a 'header tank' or gravity fed water
2. There are no land line phones working
3. Mobile phones, for some absurd reason, aren't working either
4. Burglar alarms aren't working
5. We are totally blocked off from the outside world.
6. The Bowling Club has a generator so can stay open but the RSA & Surf Club can only stay open one hour without power due to sanitary requirements.

This is a very precarious situation given the number of young families and elderly people in Piha not to mention the day trippers stranded probably by this time with little food or drink.

I am going to personally take on this archaic situation and get to the bottom of it.  It's just not good enough really is it?

Some questions to be asked:

1. The 'old fashioned' phones used to work without power but not last night. Is it true that the phones, including mobiles, would work if the backup battery in the telephone exchange had some maintenance done?
2. Talking of Tsunami signs, if we had an earthquake that put the power down, would the tsunami sirens work? 
3. Are you sure?
4. Would have been a great night for a burglar.  No?
5. How would we contact 111 if needed?
6. How could anyone contact 'First Response'?
7. Anyone on dialyses in Piha?

We were inundated with calls, and a few called in,  today about this situation so I'll keep you in touch with any answers I get to these questions.  If you have some more questions just add by clicking on the comment buttom below right . . .

The facts about what put the power down, on Halloween Night 31st Oct, in Piha:  At 17:41 (19 minutes to 6pm) there was a vehicle crash on Piha Road which caused power lines to block the road. It took four hours to clear them - around 2200 or 10pm. There was no one injured in the accident. 

Great - but I am still pursuing

1. Why didn't the power come on until 1am?
2. What about the phones not working?
3. How come Telecom mobiles work but not Vodafone
4. Um, and, some Civil Defence plan?

Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship looking for volunteers :  If you are keen to be a part of the biggest international surfing event to come to New Zealand, make sure you contact us about becoming a volunteer for the 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship being held at Piha Beach from January 20^th through the 28^th.  All you need to do is show your interest by emailing: volunteers@nzsponsorship.co.nz.

If you live outside of Piha area and wish to volunteer I am sure you could get accommodation at  Stedfast Park, Piha

New Haka just for Surfing announced and first performance will be in Piha  Te Puni Kokiri and Surfing New Zealand recently engaged Derek Lardelli to compose a haka specific to surfing.  Lardelli is a respected Kapa Haka tutor and performer and renowned Ta Moko artist. In 2008, Lardelli received the Insignia of an Officer from the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori art. The haka "Tihei Tangaroa" was introduced at the Maori surfing hui, held at Gisborne in September.  The New Zealand Junior Surfing Team will be the first to perform the haka in front of an international audience when the 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship comes to our shores (Piha) in January 2010. 

 1/11/09 A message from Christine Shepherd 

Dear Piha Community

It was with both trepidation and excitement that I have resigned from the Waitakere Community Board, effective immediately.

Since taking leave of absence from the Board and coming to Brisbane to spend time with my youngest son and have some 'me' time I have decided to stay longer than originally planned.....and no not just for the fabulous weather  J

My term in office has been a great learning curve, exciting, and at times very challenging but a time when I have grown both professionally and personally. I have made some very close friends within Council, the wider Waitakere City Community, and nationally, I miss you all.

There are so many people I could name and several in Piha but I would like to especially acknowledge my good friend Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse for her encouragement, support and on occasions a shoulder to cry on ........ Thank you Penny J

I have been following the Auckland Governance process and have to say it is a time I am not sorry to be missing .... Good luck to you all in the new regime, I am sad that Waitakere will struggled to retain it's unique identity.

I have been continuing to follow activities in Piha and I am pleased to see the Piha Café is now open.   I hope to get out there for a 'chai latte' at Christmas time (I have become addicted to these since moving to Brisbane). Also, and thanks to the 'café guys' for donating the old post office building to the community, I see this was successfully moved onto the Domain.

Have a good and safe summer on the beach and the roads and make the most of your family times.

I know it's a tad early but I'd like to wish you all a

'Merry Christmas and Happy New Year'

Cheers Christine J

Waitakere Community Board Members

 31/10/09

The children of Piha's Beach Valley Road enjoying halloween.  Can you tell who is for real and who isn't?

Will the Piha Cafe have one of these 'water' coolers?

Tourism earned NZ $9.313b in the year to March '09 .  That is 9.3 billion dollars. 

For those Kiwis that don't want NZ to drop to 3rd world status this kind of income is very important.  So let's welcome tourism and look after them especially well.   NZ Herald business article here Very soon we can offer them a cuppa tea or coffee.

"Bill Morley of Waitakere Civil Defence explains Piha's tsunami evacuation signs. "Monique Olivier's (Davis)  thinking suits those with good local knowledge of Piha but the signs are important and directed primarily at visitors. The reality is that if the sirens go off, visitors will get into their cars to get out. It would be difficult to stop tourists getting into vehicles and try to persuade them to go to higher ground on foot. However, we do tell locals not to use their vehicle unless it's essential."  NZ Herald sideswipe

For an explanation of signs read here

 

       To see what's behind this just  go here

Photos HERE

"This is just our generation's contribution. This is what our generation does. We no longer really go to the rugby clubs.  "Our generation talks together, and not necessarily with alcohol. We have coffees together. That's just what we do."  NZ Herald story

 25/10/09 Piha tops the list of dangerous beaches: Piha on Auckland's wild west coast has been judged the country's most dangerous beach, based on the number of rescues carried out by lifeguards there.

Since 2000 there have been 1416 rescues performed at the beach, which is famed for its pounding surf, treacherous rips ? and in recent years for its starring role in the reality TV show Piha Rescue.

Piha was closely followed by its west coast neighbour Muriwai (1219 rescues). The Auckland pair were well ahead of the next two on the danger list ? Mt Maunganui (830) and Whangamata (759).

The figures were released to the Sunday Star-Times by Surf Life Saving New Zealand, to highlight water safety as Kiwis get ready for another summer at the beach.

During a typical summer, the biggest rips are on the country's west coast (including in the South Island, although few brave those beaches).  Photo: Duncan Clarke.  NZ Herald story

NOTE:  Piha Surf Life Saving Club has had NO drownings inside the flagged swimming areas because our Life Guards are onto it and do heaps of preventative rescues. 

 24/10/09

The first celebration, of a few I understand, to mark the 10th birthday of the new library building was, of course, around Piha's children.  To see more photos of this wonderful event just go HERE

If you would like a copy of your child's photo please just email me - Koha for the library.

24/10/09 Opening of relocated Piha Post Office

The refurbished Piha Post Office, in its new location, was opened on Saturday.  Attending the opening was former Piha R&R President Tony Dunn and Chair of Protect Piha Heritage Sandra Coney as well as current President Keither Franich.  I have admiration for Keith for 'getting the job done' and putting hours and hours of volunteer work into it.  The Post Office, repainted, is looking great Keith.

It's just a matter of manners really: It's a real shame that Tony Dunn, Past President Piha R & R, Sandra Coney, Chair of Protect Piha Heritage or Keith Franich current Piha R & R President couldn't acknowledge or thank, in their speeches, the Cafe Guys for gifting the building to the people of Piha. 

I know you question it but the legal fact is that the building was part of the 'Lot' that the Cafe Guys purchased at 20 Seaview Road.  It belonged to them and they 'gave it away'.  A grateful person or organisation would acknowledge that. 

Left: Mayor Bob Harvey with Dave Bensley, Chris Fougere and Andy Higgs after the door was opened.  Rich Hatton was to the right of camera

The crowd was huge, for Piha, with familiar smiling faces everywhere.  The food was great and there was plenty of wine, beer, singing and hugs.  The Cafe even had its first 'birthday tonight. 

Mayor Harvey's speech, while wearing the Mayoral Chains,  was great and put a smile or laughter on everyone's faces.

Left:   The Yes! Campaigners, wearing our badges, at the opening of the Piha Cafe.  Just look at all of our faces (click for big image) of absolute delight to finally be at the opening.

The only thing we, as a very diverse group, had in common at the beginning was wanting a Cafe but now, out of our campaign, we've become great friends.

Hey Guys: If you had to do it again "How far would you go . . . . .  " 

Lots more photos to come when all work is finished and its open for business - verrrrry soooooon 

It has finally arrived!!!!  Today is the official opening of 'The Piha Cafe' after a long & expensive legal battle for the Cafe Guys, ratepayers and taxpayers.. 

By the time this case got to the Environment Court, we believe, the argument was about a lot more than just a Cafe in Piha.

It was about people, at last, having the courage to stand up and say 'enough'.  Enough of not being listened to. Enough of being bullied. We believe that by taking on the enormous legal fight, the 'Cafe Guys', supported by the 'Yes! Campaigners,' started a shift in the thinking of the people of Piha,  It's about asking people what they want rather than telling them.  If you don't then eventually people will stand up and have their voice one way or another.

We are proud of those four young men for staying with the fight even though it cost them a fortune.  We are proud of the Yes! Campaigners and everyone who supported the cafe with letters, money, verbally and in submissions.  We are proud that so many people never doubted that the cafe would be done beautifully and sympathetically to the environment.  So many people never waivered with their support.   We are also proud that WCC and ARC stood by their ratepayers in the Court as well.

We are so looking forward to the Official Opening this evening and celebrate we all will. As the invite says "How far would you go?"  The answer is, of course, "as far as it takes".  That is the NZ spirit and we can all be grateful that it is alive and well in Piha.

Lets enjoy it and make this a cherished facility for everyone in Piha, visitors and locals alike.

Although the official opening is today the Cafe won't be 'open' for another week or so.  .

Bobbie & Julia

 IMMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY

He was surprised to receive the honour and says such recognition is not why he gives up his time so freely.  Seeing the athletes he coaches improve is all the reward he needs.  Full story here

 Two of Piha's surfers are included in the 'under 16 boys'.  Piha's Elliot Paerata-Reid and Tane Wallis will both reprent NZ. 

Here's hoping we'll be singing their praises.   Full NZ Junior Surf Team details here

Yay Rob:  We're thrilled.  The above doesn't mention the great networking you do in the Piha Community, the support you offer to local projects and groups and you being a general all round nice guy.  A huge congratulations - Bobbie

I can't resist publishing this cartoon today . . . .  just click on it to read

 20/10/09 Police came to get a statement off Duncan today. 

The police told me the culprit they caught and who has been accused of 'hit and run' is only 16.  We all know what that probably means: cotton wool, slap on the hand and move on . . .

Meanwhile Mathew wasn't at work today.  He had to have his leg Xrayed! 

 20/10/09

White and torqoise are the main colors and rather nice.  I'm not keen on the carpet (not seen in photo) color though - a rather harsh mix of reds.

That hole you see there is where the private boxes will go.

There was a very happy meeting of librarians last night to celebrate the creation of an incorporate trust to take care of the library governance into the future.

The Piha Library Community Trust is delighted to announce also that the Waitakere City Council has agreed to formalise its long relationship with a Memorandum of Understanding between the Trust and the Council and to list the library as one of the special community groups to have assured funding from the 'super city' until at least 2012.

The Council has also agreed to allow the Library Trust to utilise a portion of the Council grant to employ a part-time administrative assistant to relieve the volunteer librarians of some of great deal of work it takes to sustain the library service.

The Trust is having a function on Saturday, 24 October, starting at 2.30pm, to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the opening of the new library building (and the 50^th anniversary of the formation of the library service by Dulcie Ussher and her group of members of the Country Women's Institute) and the creation of the Trust to ensure a sound governance of this valuable community service.

All library members are welcome to come and celebrate this special occasion!

Yvonne Dufaur : Piha Community Library Manager

Read NEWS on Library's own website HERE

19/10/09

Duncan got out of the way safely but not so Mathew : It wasn't far for First Response Fiona to come or Christian, our own orthopaedic surgeon. They were both there very quickly.

Same with the Police.  Within about 90 minutes they had the culprits in custody and their car impounded.  Everyone did a great job and we hope Matts knee isn't too badly hurt.

UPDATE: Matt's Xray showed his bone was broken by the 16 year old driver's car so he is off work for a month. 

What happened at the 'Community Consultation' - the Future of Piha Beach and Dunes?

Have a look at photos and details on Piha CoastCare Trust's website  HERE

The relocated Piha Post Office had a paint job today.  Here are during and after photos.  Good on you for getting the job done Keith.

The other working bee was at the Piha Cafe.  It was impossible to get everyone in one place for a photo so to those who aren't in the photo my apologies :

Clever Helen delivered Poppy in 2 hours Monday just gone. She is just so gorgous.  Another little Beach Valley Road Project member ?

Relocated Piha  Post Office will be opened on Labour Weekend.

It's a very busy Labour Weekend  see What's Happening here

Piha Community Open Day Flyer [760kb] pdf

Sponsored by Waitakere City Council

Proudly supported by Piha Coastcare Trust

How far would you go . . . .

A call to all supporters of the Piha Cafe . . . . it's very close to 'Opening Day' and there is work to be done.   Come along to the site this Saturday 9am - midday and help out.  If you can paint, or throw trash in a bin or anything the guys can make good use of you. Just drop off a cake for the workers if you want.   Don't forget your Yes! badge.  (How far would I go? As far as it took!)

 Inaugural Celebration for new Piha CoastCare Trust:

    See the photos of stunning Karekare bush, wetlands  etc    HERE for the photos

Had anyone at Council, known what was about to occur then of course no expense would be spared to fix the damned man hole / drain.  Life is fraught with danger - sad but true.  The police did an amazing job too I believe. 

My thoughts are with Aisling's family and all at WCC who I am sure are devastated as well.  Sometimes your best just isn't good enough and there is nothing else you can do.  Kia Kaha

12/10/09

For those that wanted to retain postal services in Piha I am pleased you were able to.  BUT there are a few questions that have been put to me so I'll put them here and see how it goes.  They are in no particular order but are questions and / or discussions I've had put to me recently. . . . . .

1. Are they going to plant around it?  It's so ugly
2. What happened to all the 'visual amenities' Protect Piha Heritage raved on about in the Environment Court case against a Cafe in Piha?
3. What about the 'dominance of building' over natural environment argument?
4. If the Cafe and Piha Library had to provide 'X' amount of car parks how come the Post Office doesn't?
5. What happened to the 3 metres from boundary rule?

You may have more, I don't know . . . .

Photos: Bottom left, outside, middle is inside and right is inside behind counter carpet. The roof I understand is going to be painted in the colour 'ironsand'.

Who is buying Real Estate in Piha?

What is this?  Can you make it out?

I'll give you a clue - its a new Piha website.

Want to have a peep?  go here to see

 WCC & Surfing New Zealand meeting - Junior World Surf Champs in Piha January 2010.

 In the photos left: Reg Philips, ARC Ranger, Barbara Cade, WCC, Ben Kennings, SNZ, Gabby Steyn of NZ Sponsorship Agency, Greg Townsend from SNZ and Nick Brown-Haysom from NZ Sponsorship Agency.

Waitakere City Council Events, Surfing New Zealand and New Zealand Sponsorship Agency had a meeting with interested 'stake holders' at WCC offices last night.

As well as those in the photo above attending :  Monique Davis (Piha R&R), Helen Pearce (Piha R&R), Barry Davis of Wild Coast Boardriders, Kubi Witten-Hannah Chair Waitakere Community Board, Bobbie Carroll & Pat la Roche of Piha CoastCare Trust, Blair & Adrian of Blairs on the Beach, Julia Woodhouse of Black Sands Lodge, Fiona Anderson of Piha Domain Camp & Piha Bowling Club and arriving late Mels Barton of Protect Waitakere Rangges.

If you have any doubts about the thought and organisaiton going into the ISA Junior World Surf Champs in Piha then STOP WORRYING.  I was hugely impressed not only with the presentation but there is hardly a thing they haven't thought about. This organising team isn't only sharp but they nice people to boot!   This is going to be one amazing time in Piha . 

It is the first time ever this event has been held in NZ and 25 years since it was held in Australasia.

Key stakeholders and Partners:

• Quiksilver and ISA (International Surfing Association)
• Auckland and Waitakere Cities
• Surfing New Zealand & New Zealand Sponsorship Agency
• New Zealand Major Events
• Tourism New Zealand
• Tourism Auckland
• SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand)
• Sky City
• Hyundai Motors NZ
• Piha Community
• Surfing Schools and Clubs
• Various Trusts

I could sit here and write all night about the presentation but I'm tired.  So I'll post a couple of photos I took and I'll keep you updated as I get news . . . .  .

"Hey Foug: will that hat pass food safety standards?"  

Keep up the good work in Samoa.

06/10/09  Paradise Ducks and ducklings in Piha

Look at this very attentive Paradise duck keeping a very close eye on her ducklings at the Lily Pond on Garden Road.  I sat there today, with a friend, just watching and enjoying them

06/10/09

Couple of hours later . . . .   HERE

 4/10/09

It wasn't really the ideal weather for the opening of Piha's Bowling Club but never mind. The weather doesn't stop anything in Piha.

Left:  Larry, the President, declares the season open.

Photos below: 1. Shirley Atkinson bowls the first ball for the season. 2. Flag is raised to open the season.  3. Flag is left at half mast in respect for Aldyth Nelson (funeral tomorrow) 4. Fiona serves 'afternoon tea' for the membes.  More like a dinner!

3/10/09

What do you do when you hear your friend is off to Apia to help out with the tragic conditions up there?  Well Ju gets in the kitchen and cooks him up a good hearty dinner and serves it with a nice cold beer.

Go Foug, do your good work and come back to us safely  . . . . there is a Cafe to open soon

1. Remove the top off two bollards opposite a driveway so people could enter the walkway from their property..
2. Remove the top off two bollards opposite the apex where Beach Valley Road splits to go to the surf club so prams etc could get out of the walkway to cross the road and walk down beside the stream.
3. To do some general maintenance on the bollards up and down the road and fix the broken reflectors.

Well along came mantenance and removed the top off two bollards as we asked in 1. & 2. above. Great job and thanks!  Then some days later another maintenance crew came along to do the maintenance, 3 above, and yes you guessed it: they put the tops back on the bollards that had previously been taken off, thinking they were broken.

In the photo on the left you can see, lower left, that the top of the bollard has, again, been removed so pedestrians, prams etc can cross the road to walk down toward the Surf Club.

'One of Piha's bright lights'

Eldyth passed away yesterday, September 30th at home.

What a pleasure to know you, laugh and joke with you and, yes, even party!  Huge love and support to Keith and family

Eldyth's funeral St Stephens Church, 65 Jervois Road, Herne Bay on Monday 5 October at 1pm.

Left: photo taken at Gabrielle's Piha Xmas Party December 12th '08

 1/10/09

Click on this photo and it appears maybe so . . . .

DUNES :  The Buffer between the Land and the Sea  The NZ Dunes Restoration Trust

29/9/09

What is Billy-May looking at? 

Have a look here

 The Popdose Interview - Neil Finn

The new benefit album from Neil Finn's 7 Worlds Collide collective, The Sun Came Out doesn't aspire to the sorts of Grand Gestures that mark so many multi-artist charity compilations. Instead, its charms are subdued and homespun, and its songs such as "Learn to Crawl" are intoxicating in their low-key tunefulness. Those same qualities, along with an enormous generosity of spirit, are the ones that have sustained Finn through three decades as a recording artist - perhaps the most underrated artist of his era, as we are prone to suggest frequently here at Popdose. Read whole Popdose Interview with Neil Finn here

Inaugural Piha Coastcare Trustees Meeting 27/9/09 

Front Row: Clare Feeney  Yvonne Dufaur,  Pat laRoche. 

Back Row: Bobbie Carroll, Nigel Mark-Brown, Jeff McCauley, and Berend Westera.

Positions:  

• Chair: Berend Westera
• Secretary:  Shared by  Clare Feeney and Nigel Mark-Brown
• Treasurer: Yvonne Dufaur
• Co-ordinator: Shared by Pat laRoche and Bobbie Carroll
• Web Mistress: Bobbie Carroll

Celebration details here - ALL welcome

 H  E  L  P  Got your attention? 

This Tuesday, September 29th, Piha Coastcare and the Beach Valley Road Project have been given 50 high school students for 3 hours to do some community work for us !!!  Yay

These kids are staying at Stedfast and doing all sorts of great things but part of the deal is they put something back into the Community.  Hey, we like that!

We need some guides and or supervisors please.  We are all meeting between the Art Galley and Firestation at 9:30 am and from there breaking into groups to go to various points to do some cleaning up.

All we need is some local adults that know the difference between a native and a weed that can be with a group of kids and . . . . .  well, just be with them while they work for us . . .  how easy is that.  We don't even have to feed or water them !!!

If you can come, bring strong shoes, some secuteurs, spade etc and see you at the gallery.  It might pay to Email HERE and let us know you can help.

Qi Gong On the Beach

7.30am Weekdays

Weather Permitting

South Beach in front of Surf Club

Contact: Maureen 021 0231 8008

Koha/Dana    More details [98kb].doc

23/9/09 R & R Committee Member spits the dummy ...... phew ! 

You may recall last Sunday the Beach Valley Road (BVR) Project did some pedestrian safety work on the road / Moana Stream side heading toward Piha SLSC. 

You may also recall that we invited the Piha Safe Walkways Group to join us.  You can see photos of all of this here.

Well it would appear that this has really really really annoyed a member of the Piha R&R, who neither lives in Piha nor owns property here.  She, who is spitting the dummy big time, emailed just about every group and person she could think of about this quite unacceptable behaviour. 

 Firstly: it appears that a member of the Beach Valley Road Project and a Member of the Piha Safe Walking Group are in the poo big time with her because they are also on the R & R Committee and, shock and horror, didn't advise the R&R that this work was about to be done.   Ooooooh aaaagh!

• "I have been alerted to the latest work in Beach Valley Rd done by Coastcare" she writes..  Wrong !  The work was not by Coastcare but rather the Beach Valley Road Project.in partnership with WCC.
• This person also wants to know if such work (making space for pedestrians) was 'authorised by the Council?'
• She also wants to know if the safety cones, seen in the photos, belong to WCC?.  (Don't anyone own up to owning those cones for heavens sake! )
• Another question: 'was there any community consultation before creating this 'new' walkway?' (yes - its been going on and on and on for years - but its not a 'new walkway' its a clearing of flax on the walkway!)
• "The new walkway is only a meter wide with a steep drop into the Moana stream" she continues.  Gosh, so can we choose our destiny:  fall into Moana Stream or get run over by vehicles on the road?
• "Aren't plants supposed the grow there to keep the stream shaded, according to Twin Streams best practice?" she asks.   Well, yes, that is best practice BUT streams are usually kept shaded to protect the living things in them.  Moana stream is a concrete waterway lined with plastic!
• "I'm not a fan of flax on roadsides . . . . . . .  "  I know you're not keen on flax; remember the photographs taken of flax on the side of BVR and the hoo ha about it at the R&R Meeting thinking we had planted it (ooooh again) when in fact it was ARC? 
•  " . . . but to leave it bare for a path + fence is another thing"  she continues.  Fence? Who is planning a fence?  Do you know something I don't?  Anyone know about a fence ?
• The main thing (she continues) is, "the creation of this path affects ALL Piha residents and visitors and should have been put out for consultation".  Ah yes of course - silly us!  Now who should we consult with? All of Piha Residents or all of Piha Ratepayers or all of Waitakere or the whole of NZ?  And what should we ask them : "Would you rather drown in a plastic lined concrete waterway or get run over by a vehicle?"  

Now for some comments from me:

• How long do you think you can 'represent' the people of Piha, on the R&R ,when you neither live here nor own property here?  I know I've asked this before but it just intrigues me . . .
• Would you think it was OK for someone who lived in Dunedin to be on the Piha R&R if they used to own property here?
• What mandate did you have to write these emails, I presume, as an R & R Committee member?
• Are you aware that the President of the R & R has disassociated himself from your communications.
• Are you aware of the R&R Code of Conduct clause that reads :

Members must act in a manner that encourages and values community involvement in local democracy. The views of members of the public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . must be accorded respect with committee members listening to and deliberating on concerns carefully and patiently. Members must avoid aggressive or abusive behaviour towards any of the above groups.

SOME NEWS FOR YOU:  The Beach Valley Road Project is one of the most successful WCC projects of its ilk in Waitakere.  The ARC has written about it as has WCC and other publications.  Gardening Groups have visited it.  It is a very successful project despite your constant sabotage attempts.  Are you able to  be a part of something so positive? 

This voluntary community work is by the BEACH VALLEY ROAD PROJECT and NOT COASTCARE.  Please stop emailing Coastcare members and everyone else about your baseless and nit picking concerns.

By the way : its not kosher to uplift photos etc from someone's website without permission or a link to the source!!!

The contest will bring together more than 200 junior competitors from about 35 countries that will compete for the Team and Individual Gold medals in the Under 18 Boys, Under 16 Boys and Under 18 Girls categories.

The first-rate tourism and organizational infrastructure, excellent waves and constant growth of surfing at professional and institutional levels, made New Zealand the ideal choice for the 2010 edition of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

"New Zealand is an amazing location with perfect waves and a great surfing culture. . . . "  Wow, does a write up get any better? Bobbie   Read more on World Surfing News here

Piha Surf Life Saving Club Fundraiser Otago handpicked Pinot Noir aged for 12 months in oak and with Piha SLSC's own label.  Buy 6 pack $126 or 12 for $234. For queries or to place an order Email them here  or  See flyer here [634kb].pdf 

FOR THE IMMEDIATE PREVIOUS VILLAGE VOICE