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

To see the most up to date Village Voice See here

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26/4/10

And all over New Zealand, when the old shed gets a bit too tired, because the galvanize has failed and there's not been any paint around, you can always replace it with another one. But the old one remains. A memory.

25/4/10

We had six friends come out from Auckland City for it and they were so incredibly moved - we told them the 'West does it Best'.

More photos to follow . . . . click on this one for a larger image.

24/4/10

Everyone that knows, and those that didn't, turned up to Piha SLSC for the Gallery's 'War and Peace' gig last night.  The music was fabulous and I'll be publishing some hard case photos in the next day or two.   Thanks Glenys and the Gallery - hope you made some $$$.  Good service on the bar too :-)

Did you go?  And if you did tell us what you thought . . .

23/4/10 Piha Web designer in the new again  Village Voice was wrapt that a local journalist, Kellie Blizard,  picked up the story on Lloyd on PIha Village Voice and ran with it in the Aucklander:  It wasn't easy to track Lloyd down but we did

It all began with a creative homework assignment from a "very cool" Year Seven teacher at Glen Eden Intermediate School, Mrs Fraser. Her class was asked to choose a Pride Project that would take a whole term to complete and would result in something they were proud of.

Lloyd chose the "design and create" category because his father is a website designer and he thought he'd like to do something similar. "First, I had to pick a topic and I decided on Piha, the community I live in, because it's a very diverse and interesting community."  Full story here  (Go Lloyd . . .  Bobbie)

They're best of friends in and out of the surf. But that doesn't stop Emily Hodges from doing her best to beat Kayla Fuemana in the beach flags event.  And vice-versa.

Emily is a member of the South Piha Surf lifesaving club while Kayla is with the North Piha group.

stuff.co.nz

The Piha Cafe reopens again midday tomorrow, Saturday 24th April, after number of maintenance issues have been addressed.

It's looking great . . .

21/4/10

The Export Gold Series heads into the final event of the year at Piha Beach, Auckland commencing this Friday (23-24 April) with three surfers vying for the title. Maz Quinn (Gis) is gunning for a hat trick of wins both at the event as well as the overall Export Gold Series after dominating the domestic scene since 2008. surf.co.nz

CoastCare's ranger Susie will be on duty

The Objects of the Piha Ratepayers & Residents Assn are:

2. OBJECTS
The objects of the Association shall be:

• (a) To promote and represent the views of the Association's members in all affecting Piha, its wellbeing, environment and development.
• (b) To protect and enhance the unique nature of the ecological, geographical and social environments of Piha.
• (c) To provide a forum within which the community can identify, discuss and deal with local issues and concerns
• (d) To support and co-operate with the Piha surf lifesaving clubs and other organisations, individuals or projects within the Piha area whose activities will assist in meeting the objects of the Association.
• (e) To provide an informed and united voice to represent Piha ratepayers and residents to local and regional bodies and to ensure that their views are reflected in the development of policies which affect the area.
• (f) To endeavour to ensure that rates paid by ratepayers in respect of property within the district are the subject of the maximum fair expenditure by the appropriate body within the district for the benefit of residents and visitors to Piha.
• (g) To carry out such other actions as are incidental or conducive to attaining any or all of the above objects.

The above 'objects' in red, it is mooted, should be deleted and the following added

• To provide postal and other community services.

Now it has always been my understanding that Residents and Ratepayers Assns were political lobby groups so given that the two 'political objectives' are removed where to from there?   What have they got in mind I am wondering . . .

18/4/10  What were you doing today?  See what we did HERE

To catch up on the end of season WCC/Piha CoastCare Ranger activities have a peep HERE

I am confused

Why, when the Piha Library is run by a Charitable Trust, does the R&R have 3 people on a 'Library Committee' ?

I grabbed an energy bar, tulip coffee and lazed back on a bean bag to enjoy the view (I didn't move to take this photo!) and listen to Hikoikoi play some lazy day music to pass the time.  Ah, now that is a great way to pass an afternoon in Piha

Little did I know that energy bar came out of a 'D' rating Cafe but more about that later.

  I bet  you can't read this all the way through without a smile or laugh - try!

Will be closed Mon, Tue and Wed 19th -21st April for maintenance.

The Cafe will be open again on Thursday 22nd 

I thought for a moment there was a by-election when seeing this huge sign.

Does it really have to be this big to advertise a 2 hour meeting?

Surely its not staying there until 1st of May?

14/4/10 ARC Piha Design Guidelines:  With 'super city' looming we have to watch very carefully what is being done.  I've witnessed enough meetings, submissions, and environment court proceedings to know that documents like this can pop up any time and be quoted . . . so be aware!

Click on this photo and ask yourself if these images represent Piha?  Yes or No?  Because snuck in this document is the comment "

"Display banner # 4 (left) is titled 'Sense of Place' and shows a range of images that might represent the textures, colours and physical nature of life in and around Piha."

Harmless you might think but look at one little word there 'in'.  That word makes all the difference. These images do not represent 'life in Piha'.  Where are the people, library, preschool, art gallery, Cafe etc?

The other question I have to ask is why is this called 'Piha Design Guidelines'?  The area included, or nodes as ARC call them, includes Anawhata, Whites, Mercer Bay etc.

A copy of the draft document was recently at the Piha Library but unfortunately it was too big to read at the time and I was not permitted to take it away.

If you do one thing today please email Sally McFarlane and ask that the heading be changed to anything but 'Piha Design Guidelines' and that the word 'in' be removed.  If you don't then don't be surprised if one day 'when you least expect it' this document will be held up and quoted . . . . . as representative of Piha

Piha Design Guidelines on ARC web             Sally McFarlane  ARC

First they give us White KitKats

 Now they've given us White TimTams !

        What next?   White Jaffas - that would be the end .  

 Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is standing as an independent in the Waitakere Ward in the elections later this year.

This decision by Penny is giving Future West, formed to get strong progressive local people elected and preserve the "Waitakere way" in the Super City, a headache.  Future West spokeswoman Mels Barton said a split vote would be very unfortunate.  Well losing our Council is incredibly unfortunate too !

I'm wrapt you've gone independant Penny and it doesn't surprise me at all. 

Behold Newstralia - A point of view   A friend posted this BBC article which is a great read if you have the time.

"What - in the name of Edmund Hillary, the haka and all things Kiri te Kanawa - are they talking about?  . . . . .   If you have the time read it HERE on BBC

 13/4/10  What is going on here?

No, we're not doing the Council's work . . .  well, in a way we are but  . . .

To see what's up look here

 It's UNSUNG HERO

These awards are an opportunity for local people to celebrate and honour community volunteers at a grassroots level.  Nominees must be truly 'unsung' and not have received recognition in the past . . .    Nominations close 11th May.  Read more about Unsung Heroes on WCC's website here

Find out what's happening with Piha CoastCare:

Register on our Website (you won't get spammed with heaps)

FaceBook Fan and follow us

Piha Surf and Ski shop in the UK - Yes, its true!   "Piha Surf and Ski Shop in Bradford on Avon provides adult clothing from Billabong, Rip Curl, Saltrock, Avalaan, Seasalt, South to South and Tresspass.  Piha provides not only every day clothing, but also technical ski wear in the winter and wetsuits, rash vests and boardies in the summer."

Have a look and watch while the top photo rolls over to a rather beautiful photo of Piha.  It is also telling us that 'Piha' is Maori for a whale's blow hole.  Is that true?  Have a look HERE

11/4/10 A perfect day In Piha for Piha SLSC Training   I was coming home today on my bike (yes, its the laugh of some people in the village) and stopped to photograph the Piha SLSC doing some training.  They've done a great job this season . . . .  are you a member?  If not then become a member HERE 

Click photo for large image

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand's photographer Vince Pol said Taylor's wife Caroline approached the crew while the couple and their two sons were having a day at the beach, and mentioned Taylor enjoyed rowing.

"We got him in a pair of Speedos and threw him in a boat."  Taylor spent 20 minutes in the surf boat - "and the grin on his face was awesome".  He had "stunning" muscle tone, Pol said.  stuff.co.nz

10/4/10  Nasty accident in Piha with two in hospital  This is the blood on the road side the morning after two children had bad cuts to their feet from rusty pipes and glass on the side of the Lagoon bank opposite the Piha Fire Station.  Again Piha First Response were on hand.

Reminder to parents: If kids, or anyone, are running around, especially after sunset, off parks, the beach or roadsides then its a good idea to wear some type of footwear just to be safe.  It's a shame but its reality. 

10/4/10 Marco Creemers and Simon Whittle members of the Beach Valley Road Project are doing the 100km walk fundraiser for Oxfam.

Their goal was to raise $2000 but already they have raised $2894.   They've done the training so as we sit in front of a nice warm fire watching a movie we're thinking of them . . . .

You can donate or follow them here:  Oxfam: Marco & Simon here 

  They did it !  It only took them 25:25 hours  

9/4/10 ARC launches new brochures but   . . .  and there is a 'but'.

Left: Sandra Coney at Arataki brochure launch

This evening I went along to the launch of 4 new brochures by ARC about Scenic Drive; Piha, Karekare and Anawhata, Te Henga (Bethells) and Cascade Kauri and Cornwallis, Huia and Whatipu.

These brochures are long overdue and, in the main, very good. They cover history, things you should know (shellfish, horse riding, fires, dogs etc) plus bush walks, beach and rock fishing along with things to see and do, prime picnic spots and staying overnight.

This is where I come undone  .  . . . .  Why won't ARC engage with well established local tourism groups when spending ratepayers money producing brochures etc?

In one brochure, under prime picnic spots, it talks of picnic tables at the end of Glen Esk Road and also 500 metres along Glen Esk on the left along with a BBQ at Glen Esk Valley and the grass area at the end of North Piha.   Staying over night are designated 'sites' including Craw, McCreadies Paddock, Pararaha Valley, Tunnel Point etc and self contained campervans are welcome at the end of Log Race Road and Glen Esk Road.  These brochures are not about the Hillary Trail where these 'sites' are situated. 

Many of our visitors are well-heeled, well travelled and a paddock to put up a tent and boil the dubious water just doesn't quite cut it.

I know this is an ARC brochure but why didn't you mention that there are a number of B&Bs etc and that brochures showing them are displayed at Arataki Visitors Centre - I mean we do pay ARC to have them there, to provide their visitors with accommodation options in the Waitakeres. . . .  this way maybe we could have a few more $$$ to pay our whopping ARC rates.

This might be one good thing to come out of the 'super city'.  No more of this separatist parochial nonsense but we'll have one council that will embrace all, including the huge number of people in Waitakere who contribute to NZ's highest single earner; tourism. 

And on this note I counted about 20 guests at the launch this evening.  This figure does not include ARC staff.  A number of these guests, I believe, are from Friends of Arataki.  I actually gate crashed the launch because I was not invited and as a Tourist Operator I need/want/ and have a right to know what is being given out to tourists arriving in Piha.  

Why, ARC, did you not invite Black Sands Lodge, Piha Lodge, Piha Cottage, Piha Backpackers, the Art Gallery, Librarians, Cafe Manager and WOA (West of Auckland Tourism)?  We interact with all the visitors who come here and we do a bloody good job at it.  It's about time egos and politics were put aside and you embraced us and acknowledged the hard work we all do for Waitakere, the Auckland Region and NZ's economy.

TIANZ Key Tourism Statistics

7/4/10  Who, in Piha, has joined Facebook?

Want to become a FAN?  Go HERE 

5/4/10  No!  Oh, seriously its not true . . . . . is it ?

A little dickey bird told me today that the lovely Betty Hansen visited Piha for lunch and naturally: The Piha Cafe.  

BUT, who was lunching with her . . . . . ? Surely not . . . . . yes, its true!

Without looking up any information you have either in hard copy or can find online, what do the following tsunami alert tones mean?

1. Repeating short tone (dot, dot, dot)
2. Continuous tone
3. Two long, two short (dash, dash, dot, dot)

 Possible answers include:

1. Monitor radio and/orTV for further information 
2. Evacuate immediately
3. All Clear

Question: is a series of morse-code dots and dashes the best way to notify the public of the status of an impending tsunami or should this system incorporate some form of voice-over as well as the tones?

One surfer,  who had been out to see the whale, told me its fin was at least 2 metres!  That is some whale.  

No one phoned me so I was late with my camera and these are the best shots I could get.  Click on them for photos of whale with boaties and surfers.

We started our Easter Sunday with this 'hand out' hot cross bun by the at the Piha Cafe 'bunny'  - yum

They had a bouncy castle there for the kids plus Easter eggs for everyone - great community feel there today

Who can tell me who the 'bunny' is?

To find out what else was happening on Easter Sunday, and especially for the children . . . . .

This photo will give you a slight hint but for more  go   HERE

They haven't sold up so it may not be forever - we  hope not.  Don't be strangers on your visits ro return.

Best of everything for you both.

Back from holiday . . . .

Did you miss me?

Some days you're the pigeon

Some days you're the statue

But an astronomer says there's a simple explanation for the strange sight. Alan Gilmore from Canterbury University told ONE News vapour trails at sunrise and at sunset are a very common thing.

He says they attract a lot of attention because they are so bright and unusual looking and because they are in the sunshine while people seeing them are in semi darkness.  TVNZ.co.nz

28/3/10: Piha Rescue, Eric Derks, talks to Piha Surf Life Saving Club's Jonathon Webber.while searchers continue looking for a 15 year old who drowned at Piha while boogie boarding, unfortunately without flippers, on Sunday 28th March around 3pm

For information on drowinings in NZ and Piha  See here

I spotted this new, kinda neat, graffiti at Piha Beach.

Have you seen it?

No consultation !  No discussion with anyone and they decide that we all have two years to implement this change.   All rural properties, this includes Piha, must be able to access and leave their property without reversing . . .  that is: a circular turning bay or second exit off your property.  They may give us 2 years to implement it and so they should: for us its a second bridge and they're not cheap.

Geez: They consult for years over toilets, road signs etc but when it comes to our $ $ $ has anyone asked you what you think? . . . .

 Sorry folk : April Fools 

 26/3/10 Waitakere Business Club after 5 comes to Piha SLSC  I've always wanted to attend one of these so when it came to Piha down to the Surf Club I went.  The place was packed . . . . with Waitakere business people . . . fabulous networking !

Left: Rob announced a new '$100 Supporter's Package' and within 10 minutes Bryan Heron, of Heron Plumbing, donated 10 to be given to those whose business cards were pulled out of the bucket (in the photo).  Yip : that's $1,000 on the spot for the Club.  I spoke to Bryan about his generosity and he told me that many years ago the Piha SLSC saved him when he got into trouble in the water and he's never forgotten.  What a generous spirit.  That is Heron Plumbing folks!

Left: There was plenty of room, and drinks/food, for the crowd at this event. Piha SLSC is a great venue for business meetings, private functions, conferences etc. 

Waitakere Business Club after 5      Piha SLSC

25/3/10  Fire Service Prize Giving at Piha Bowling Club - another great venue in Piha.

Every year they come out and compete on the surf and on the green.  I'm not sure who won but I do know I'd love the surf board and also one of the cars parked there.

How is this for a surf board?  Anyone know who won it?

I'd rather have this Falcon!

 Whoops !

If you need water we use 0800 NEED WATER - just don't leave it till the last minute!

The WCC Weed Bin in the Piha Domain, left, is full to overflowing with ginger.  This is a shocking weed with rhizome roots and is in full growth at the moment.  If cutting the ginger you need to paste it with Vigilent but if its small enough its not that hard to pull it out, roots and all.

For more information on this ghastly weed  Go HERE

Spending a weekend in Wanaka only to bump into someone I know in the legal profession who tells me that Sandra Coney's Protect Piha Heritage have not only not paid the costs of $10,000 awarded to the Cafe guys or $5,000 ordered to pay our Council but, even worse in a way, they have NOT finalised their lawyer's account or expert witness/s!!! 

For people who hold Public Office, are investigative journalists or other professions this is just not on.  It is no example and no way to behave and some of you even attempt to represent us on the Piha Ratepayers and Residents Association. 

If you can't pay your bills then don't start the journey.  If you start the journey  then you pay your bills at the end . . .

Garage Sale for Piha Community Library

Sunday 9am @ Piha Real Estate, next to the Piha Store then the FREE concert in the Piha Domain 1pm

Piha Ratepayers & Residents Accounting Review

• The three signatories, Geoff (Calvert), Keith (Francich)  & Paula (Legel) to remain.
• Keith is happy to do receiving of money, banking and payments of accounts.
• Paula will maintain membership records, including boxes
• Rachel responsible for reconciliations, monthly reports, yearly report. Proposal for honorarium of $1000,

Motion 7: That a honorarium of $1000 be paid to the treasurer on a trial basis for the year 2010.
Pearce/Legel  CARRIED

My comments:  Why isn't the Treasurer a signatory?  Is Rachel, the Treasuer,  Keith's (The President) stepdaughter?  Why wasn't this disclosed to the Members at the AGM?  What is NEPOTISM?  Treasurers in the past have done all of the above for no honorarium.   

15/3/10

The two, aged 18 and 31, were in a critical condition when they were loaded onto a rescue helicopter early in the morning at Piha on February 24.   One was still in hospital and the other had been transferred to a neurological unit for rehabilitation, said Detective Sergeant Murray Free of Waitakere police.

Full story here on stuff.co.nz  Photo: Emergency Services attending to the two at the base of Lion Rock (Photo Bobbie Carroll)

 Don't ask what your Council can do for you . . . Today I popped out to a neighbouring property to do some weeding.  I just put my head down and went for it.  After an hour or so I stopped, turned around, and was surprised at how much I had done . . .  then I thought . . . what if we all did that?

I  thought "imagine if Piha had just ONE day every year when everyone went out and cleaned up Piha" . . . "then imagine, if afterwards, we all went to, say, the Domain and had a community BBQ"

Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? There would be something for everyone to do . . . the 'seniors' in our Community, who couldn't weed, could prepare the BBQ, others could collect weeds, the kids would have a ball (great example for them).  BUT more importantly imagine how stunning Piha would look. You could invite all those friends that share your bach in summer to join us . . . encourage neighbours . . .

Please comment indicating if you think this a 'possibility' and if you'd support it . . . or Email Me

The R&R groups are working together to draft a joint submission to Council to demand that Plan Change 36 is withdrawn and that proper consultation takes place with communities on the implications of the proposals.  Full story

To all R&R Groups:  Please don't forget to ask your members what they think.  It's not hard with email.  Bobbie

From scaremongering: Megan Hosking (Protect Piha Heritage Member in Wellington)   In practice, this proposed plan allows any residential site to be converted without public consultation for commercial activity. That means your neighbour can build a motel, petrol station or nightclub without going through community consent. The implications for changing the future character of the Waitakare park area is enormous. Culture, heritage, planning and design processes are noticeably absent."   Reference

To more scaremongering: Mels Barton (Waitakere Ranges Protection Society)   Society secretary Dr Mels Barton said the proposal threatened the ranges and the character of its villages.

"Anyone will be be able to open a shop, takeaway, cafe, battery chicken farm, tourism business and many other commercial activities anywhere in the ranges as of right."  Reference

To some balanced reason:  Council planning group manager Philip Brown yesterday welcomed views of people "if they feel we have tipped the balance".

However, he said Plan Change 36 offered policies and rules for separate environment zones to recognise that some limited activities supported local communities and visitors.

However, in the zones of coastal villages, Waitakere Ranges and bush living, expansion of retail businesses would be confined to existing dairies, cafes and art galleries, with resource consent required.

In Titirangi, the village's commercial zone would extend to include South Titirangi Rd and businesses on the outskirts. For the rural village of Oratia, the council proposes that any new activities are designed within an "orchard landscape setting and actually serve the local community". Reference 

The Facts : (WCC) Rural Activities and Social, Cultural and Economic Wellbeing of the People and Communities in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Proposed Plan Change 36 proposes to improve regulatory provisions within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area associated with rural activities, the enabling of future uses of rural land to retain a rural character, and to provide for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people and communities in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. It amends rules for the Foothills, Coastal Village, Bush Living and Waitakere Ranges Environments.

Plan Changes 35, 36 and 37 are considered necessary to achieve the purpose of the RMA and the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (WRHAA) which is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources and to protect, restore and enhance the heritage features of the Heritage Area. The proposed Plan Changes are considered to be the most effective and efficient means of fulfilling the Council's function under section 31 of the RMA and are consistent with the requirements of the WRHAA.

Plan Change 36 [197kb].pdf     More info and submission forms  WCC website HERE

10/03/10

25 lovely woman from the above gardening group came to visit Black Sands today to look at our native garden.  They just loved it and I really enjoyed sharing it with them.  They donated $250 to NZ Hospice, the Heroic Garden Festival Charity, which was nice..  We all finished with a yum coffee at the Cafe.l

'Tennis Camp' during the Easter school holidays by Piha Kids Charitable Trust

If there is enough demand by the above date then we will organize a couple of tennis coaches to come out and take the sessions with the kids.  The more kids we have the cheaper it will be for everyone (eg if we have about 16 kids, then it should work out at about $20 a session).

The sessions will be suitable for all ages and abilities (beginners and beyond).  The thinking at the moment is to have a series of three morning sessions (9.30 - 12.30) on three consecutive days eg Tues, Wed Thursday of the second week of the holidays.  If we get enough kids we will probably have 2 age groups eg (6-10 years) and (11 years +). 

Let us know if you have a particular preference for the days or number of sessions (the idea is that the kids attend all three sessions, but if you can't do that/prefer to do less, just let us know), and we will try to accommodate them so as many people as poss can enjoy the sessions. 

Can you also let us know if your kids have tennis rackets and balls, or will need to have some supplied.  Email Jacki HERE

8/3/10

Over 150 visited Black Sands Garden over the weekend.  It was so neat to wander around discussing native gardens with enthusiasts and encouraging those who aren't to give it a try.  We had some great feed backso I suppose we have to agree it is looking rather good now.

The Charity: Hospice NZ received over $30,000 last year from this Charity Event

9/3/10 Piha Beach and Dunes Community Consultation

Despite widespread advertising, mail box drops and locals signs (left) the turnout at this WCC funded consultation could only be described as poor.

More to follow though . . .  thanks to CoastCare for yummy refreshments

Huge seas threaten homes

Residents of two Hawkes Bay towns will this morning be counting the cost of yesterday's huge seas which ripped away parts of homes, spread silt through carpets and eroded the road.  NZ Herald

Isn't it time we took it more seriously?  Reference this

9/3/10 

 What is happening now in Beach Valley Road ?

To have a look go HERE

Susie: Swim 1:25:24,  Bike 7:17:44 and Run 4:52:10  Total Time 13:54:08.  Congrats Susie

Jim: Swim 1:40:13,  Bike 7:54:06 and 4:59:04 . Total Time 15:02:39.  Jim, you finished - Yay

March '10 Metro Magazine Cafe of the Month:  Piha Cafe !

Now it's up, have the opponents of the Piha Cafe snuck in for a coffee yet?  I hope so.  Turns out it's not the harbinger of Mammon unleashed, and when you sit on the deck with that Piha view, kids playing on the grass, contented dogs tied up nearby, the cafe appeals as the symbol of somewthing very different - the relaxed and pleasing heart of our version of civilisation. . . . . . . . .  . . . .  . . . .  . . . .  Piha has been enriched.  (Simon Wilson)

Fill the gap . . .  get March's Metro magazine !

At tonights R & R monthly meeting the Committee passed this motion "That after 'open forum'  Committee Meetings will be closed to non committee members unless individually invited to stay for a specific agenda item'.  I left after suggesting it was a scam! 

Have a look HERE

5/3/10 One and Two days left to go: 

Last year we raised over $30,000 for NZ Hospice and we want to beat that this year.  Heroic Garden Tour  This Sat and Sun 10am - 6pm.  Taxes and death are the two sure things in life. A lot of us will spend our last days in a 'hospice' so please support this event and charity - we are also supporting Rainbow Youth - Marco is on the Board of Trustees.

• Black Sands Garden : 9 Sylvan Glade (cnr Beach Valley and Sylvan) and
• Pihana :  Marco and Simon's at 50 Beach Valley Road (park in Sylvan Glade please.  A new native garden now we've got rid of the pampas, ginger, wandering jew and every other weed you can think of . . .
• Piha Cafe: unofficial entry (the boys are straight)  Piha Cafe is donating $1 for every coffee sold to ticket holders to NZ Hospice.  Relax and enjoy all the eco-sourced Piha Natives (except for car park).

Locals don't have to buy the full ticket to all the gardens.  You can just enter one garden for $5 donation to Hospice or both for $8pp.  Children, under control and 12, are free! 

See you before or after Public Consultation above  - its on the way!

Hi Bobbie,
 
 We are one day out!  We stood in a line up this morning to get weighed and our registration packages, many of us speaking different languages but having the same conversations about training, eating, bikes and of course the weather!
 
There are lots of fit looking people, great equipment and many support people and volunteers all over the place....Ironman Ironman it is all happening.
 
We are relaxed but Jim is pacing and talking! talking and pacing and I am getting quieter.   We did the 3.8 k swim course on Tuesday and  and as Jim said "it's along way Mate".  However, after afew days off, we are looking forward to getting going.  We have had our last conversation with our Coach Wendy and the bags are packed for transport to the transitions tents tomorrow. Friday is a busy day with the race briefing in the morning and then the bikes and bags to be checked in following that, a first timers meeting, a meeting with my CF buddy Liam and family, dinner and hopefully some sleep! Saturday will be a 4am start...... It's all good and Jim will have some new stories to tell.
 
Cheers,
Susie and Jim

Go Susie and GO Jim - you can do it, I know you can Jim

3/3/10

The group lost a three- year battle in the Environment Court last February to stop Preserve Piha building a cafe at Piha.

But now the council and the company are seeking to recover some of their legal costs.

Environment Court judge Gordon Whiting awarded the local authority $5000 and Preserve Piha $10,000.

But the society says it can't pay. Mr Sheard doesn't want to hear excuses - he just wants the society to cough up.

He says fighting the case cost the council more than $85,000. "I don't see why we should just sit back and say it will be fine," he says.  "It's been funded by the ratepayers."

He says the society might be strapped for cash but doubts its members are short of money. "There's nothing to suggest they couldn't pass the hat around."

He says the only other option is to put the society into liquidation.   "And I'm prepared to spend ratepayers? money to ensure that occurs," he says.

"They set out on a course of litigation and they conducted it in a way where all the parties incurred significant costs. I think it's morally bankrupt.

"It's not as if we're looking for 100 cents in the dollar."

Piha resident Andy Higgs shares Mr Sheard's concerns. Mr Higgs is one of the cafe's owners, along with Chris Fougere, Rich Hatton, Dave Bensley and former All Black Marc Ellis.

They bought the property at Sea View Rd in April 2006 and the cafe opened for business in November.

"We were awarded $10,000 in costs," he says. "We've requested the money but they are refusing to pay.

"You've got supposedly credible people and they aren't paying their bills.  "This is an outrage.  "They picked the fight. They were hell-bent on stopping us and they were really bloody minded."

Protect Piha Heritage Society treasurer (and Coney's husband) Peter Hosking is standing firm.   "We're not in a position to pay the costs," he says. "We're still in debt from the hearing itself.

"Any money they spend pursuing the matter will be a waste because they are not likely to recover anything.  "This is an extremely unfortunate situation for us, but there's no way out."   stuff.co.nz

To WCC and Mr Sheard:  Please be as tenacious as Protect Piha Heritage (PPH) were in their failed attempt to stop the people of Piha having, what is, a treasured community facility.  I know a couple of members of Protect Piha Heritage who are embarrased by this and are more than willing to write a cheque toward the costs.  Put the hat around!   Bobbie, Piha Resident, WCC Ratepayer and member of the fabulous 'YES Campaign'

Mr Harvey says hundreds of irresponsible swimmers flocked to Piha on Sunday, despite Civil Defence urging them to stay away.  Lifeguard Anna Schubert says they ignored the tsunami warning signs and announcements.

Mr Harvey says swimmers were not the only problem - some Auckland boaties ignored warnings from council officers to stay out of the water.  Mr Harvey says lifeguards and council officers need to have powers to compel and arrest swimmers and boaties to heed Civil Defence warnings.

Civil Defence Minister John Carter is also critical of those who ignored the warnings to stay away from beaches.

On Morning Report, he described those who ignored the warnings as stupid, and said the Government will look into what can be done to ensure people take heed of the warnings.  Full story on Radio NZ HERE

"This is a dangerous, dangerous thing. In the main it's been good, but we always get a few stupid people."  NZ Herald

28/2/10 Piha's Susie and Jim send their first update from NZ Ironman  We are having a wonderful time here at Taupo ... stunning weather. This beginning to hype up in Taupo ... with lots of competitors out and about.  We had our last but great day of training yesterday with a swim (water is so warm), a ride to Turangi and a short run ... followed by eats and a afternoon nap ....  then a perfect evening at the Winery Tour Concert. Today is a day of rest, eating, resting and a very short swim as the water is so lovely. Tomorrow we are heading back up to Taupo to begin the week of activities ... massage, short bike ride and we have to get our wetsuits dipped to protect the lake from Didiymo....we can't register unless we have proof this was done. 

Both of us are beginning to relax and enjoy the building excitement. Hope all is well and we love all the support.

Read 1st write up about their journey HERE

Leave your MESSAGE OF SUPPORT here for our Jim and Susie

28/2/10  Idiots climb Lion Rock . . . . again!    Two guys are critically injured in hospital after falling off Lion Rock last week and what do I spot today?

Yip: Three guys, left, climbing up Lion Rock, past the safety barrier to where the guys fell from lat week !!!

It beggers belief!

Click on this thumb nail, left, and you can see I have circled the safety barrier on Lion Rock and the three idiots above it.

Piha Volunteers:  Enjoy your day today with your family, friends, business or whatever.  If I was you, and these guys fell, I'd be inclined to put a cover over them and leave them for the seagulls!  Knowing the type of people you are  though, you won't - you'll just drop everything and go. 

28/2/10  Protect Piha Heritage ask us all to 'Beat the Blues' .     Today I received the flyer, left, in my letter box.  The message is admirable but not unique.  Both ARC & WCC put out heaps of publicity to eradicate this invasive exotic (loved by some).

What concerns me is that this flyer is not cheap: It's colour and on very good quality paper.  How can Protect Piha Heritage even consider spending money on this when they still owe us, the Waitakere Ratepayers, $5,000?  If someone paid for this for PPH as a donation well . . .  there are priorities and their outstanding debt to us really should be at the top of the list now . . .   the Environment Court Judge ordered them to pay it . . . . so as good upstanding citizens I think you should put all your pennies aside to pay it.

pihabeach.co.nz/What's Happening

23 - 24th April: Export Gold 16  Interclub Championships / North Island South Island Challenge, Piha Beach Surfing NZ

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19th April: Inorganic Collection in Piha

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4th April: Inorganic Collection: Final day for booking  Book here

The immitation - would you call this plagerism?  It's an absolute copy - can't you come up with something original?  Yawn . . . . I could name and shame you - is that what you want?

23 - 24th April: Export Gold 16  Interclub Championships / North Island South Island Challenge, Piha Beach Surfing NZ

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19th April: Inorganic Collection in Piha

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4th April: Inorganic Collection: Final day for booking    Book here

Piha's Susie and Jim have left Piha  for the NZ Ironman on 6th March in Taupo

Village Voice will be following their final buildup to the Ironman on March 6th.  I'll be phoning in with Susie each day for an update and reporting back to you - Susie and Jim know we're right behind them.

So each day I'll be giving Piha an update on Jim and Susie's leadup and you can leave messages of support here for them. 

Leave your MESSAGE OF SUPPORT here for our Jim and Susie

 26/2/10 Pair brain-damaged in Lion Rock fall had been drinking  The pair, aged 18 and 31, were part of a group of seven who drove to Piha from a house in West Auckland, said the head of the Waitakere CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Stan Brown.

The group of people, who did not live at Piha, had gathered at a house in West Auckland before driving to the beach.  Full article on NZ Herald HERE

Detectives are urging anyone who saw the vehicle, above,  near the Piha Beach late Tuesday 23rd Feb  to call the Henderson CIB on 09 839 0600  

Village Voice will be following their final buildup to the Ironman on March 6th.  I'll be phoning in with Susie each day for an update and reporting back to you - Susie and Jim know we're right behind them.

Their training schedule has been gruelling but stick to it they have . . .

So, some statistics:

• This is Susie's 2nd Ironman and her race number is 1247
• This is Jim's first and his race number is 1278
• Susie has done 20 marathons and Jim and done one
• Susie's time for her first ironman was  13:19 and isn't fussed on her time for this one.
• Jim just wants to finish - hey Jim, we know you'll finish . . . .

Some more statistics

• The swim is 3.8k
• The bike ride is 180k !!!
• The run is 42k
• The distance between the end and the hospital is . . . . . . only joking!

So each day I'll be giving Piha an update on Jim and Susie's leadup and you can leave messages of support here for them.  I'll pass them on for sure.

While watching him he called the police who sent a helicopter and three police cars.  The police contacted another local to keep an eye on vehicles leaving Piha.

Three police cars arrived and arrested him on the spot.  He was in a stolen subaru.  The police were very quick and completely onto it and some tourists watching said they had never seen such a smart, well executed arrest.

Thanks Henderson Police and the locals who had their eyes open.

Nature in my Neighbourhood  WCC is again running this fabulous 2 session course.  Be careful though.  I went on this course a few years ago and now I am a manic Westie Eco-Gardener

Seriously though: This is one amazing course run over two dates.  $10 each or $15 for two sessions at Rutherford Collage, midday on Saturdays in March, plus a site visit. 

Session One includes a 'case study' and that case is Piha's Beach Valley Road Project - oh geez, I am presenting it . . . eeeek.   For more details including program  Click HERE

• Easter Egg hunt for under 12s
• Flyer on Public Consultation
• Eco Day 2010

Piha CoastCare News HERE  and while you're here check  Piha Community Library News HERE

I was told that three of a group climbed Lion Rock, accessing the top half over the safety barrier and then had some kind of altercation resulting in the first falling off. 

Lion Rock is safe to climb during day light hours but certainly not in the dark and madness to go over the safety barrier that stops access to the top,    Even more insane if you've been drinking.

To all those involved in the operation: you must be extremely tired today and I can only imagine how you must be feeling witnessing such horrific injuries.  I know some of you and you have young families and businesses to run today.  You are wonderful people . . . be kind to yourselves today.  Bobbie 

NZ Herald video footage    NZ Herald up date on 60m fall off Lion Rock

 24/2/10

This is the second time in two weeks I have seen Piha & Karekare volunteers out at night while the rest of us are, or should be in my case, sleeping.

Left: Corel Witten-Hannah and Fiona Anderson from Piha/Karekare First Response and two volunteers from Piha SLSC.  Lets not forget our volunteer Fire Brigade either.

Two males fell off Lion Rock just after midnight today

I won't go into details other than to say there were a group on Lion Rock, above the barrier I understand, and two fell from there to the bottom.   They are critically injured and were helicoptered by the Rescue Helicopter after being cared for by First Response and the Piha Volunteer Fire Dept.

A number of Police attended the incident and questioned the rest of the group..

Below:  First Response and Piha Volunteer Fire attend the scene.  Fire Truck and Rescue Helicopter prepare for patients.  Fire volunteers help to get critically injured man into the Rescue Helicopter.

Below: Helicopter preparing to leave and Fire Rescue watches helicopter leaving.

They are everywhere and I think when they're in clusters, like at the entrance to Glenesk Road (left), they look even worse.

Maybe our local agents can come to some agreement about how to reduce the number?

German guests "We read, on the beach, that you have a big drug problem here - drugs growing all over the beach and everywhere in Piha"

Us, quite shocked: "Pardon, say that again"

German "We read it that you have a big problem with drugs growing everywhere in Piha, on the beach and everywhere"

Us "Not that big a problem, what did the sign say?"

German "It said something about weeds being a problem in Piha"

Us: rolling on lawn laughing and in hysterics  . . . . . . . .  " That is weeds not weed "

The two-day competition will start tomorrow with the annual `Day of Giants' trans-Tasman challenge, pitting four of Australia's best crews against New Zealand's finest.

The swell is forecast to peak at three metres for the Piha Big Wave Classic on Saturday, which doubles as the last of four rounds in the national series.   Full story

Dear All

I will be appearing before the ARC Parks & Heritage Sub Committee on Thursday 11 March 2010, at 14:00.

In my submission I will be stressing that there is no reason whatsoever not to have guided walking on this trail.

I have just returned from Waikaremoana where local people find employment and opportunities and this goes for every other walking trail in New Zealand which is proud of its heritage and clients who come from all around New Zealand and the world.  By this I mean the Heaphy, the Routeburn, the Queen Charlotte and the Milford.

I also wish to see promoted accommodation along the way, in guest houses, backpackers and surf clubs during the week and in the off season.  All will have to survive without local Council funding in the future.

To deprive our beach communities of the tourism dollar is short sighted.

Maori, who I hope will share custodianship of the Ranges will have a strong role to play in employment along the Trail in the same way as they do in the Waikaremoana area.

We have successfully appeared before this committee on the issue of filming in the Waitakere Ranges two years ago. 

Your support with me at my personal submission to this committee will be appreciated.

Kind regards

Bob 

Parks Submission by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey [42kb].pdf

Hard Copy of document at Piha Community Library

Poll for the Piha Community: Please answer yes  to either 1 or 2  or 3:   All voting confidential

1. Would you support a: 'no alcohol in public places 24 hrs a day 365 days a year'? YES 
2. Would you prefer a:  'no alcohol in public places 5pm - 5am 365 days a year' ? YES 
3. Just leave it as it is - its enough  YES

Boundary Rider Surveys : For site plans for house extensions for Architects and locating your boundary pegs for fencing, selling or purchasing in Piha, Waitakere or Auckland 

Looking for a professional surveyor?  Where is your boundary?

Professional Surveyor here

 No Roaring 40's?

I've been told that unless someone new comes to the party and organises the Roaring 40's there won't be one this  year.

Please someone step up : it's my very favourite event in Piha.

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13/2/09 6:30pm

1st Response Responds to injured sign in Piha

Below:  Beautiful soft top Triumph Herald being used for the film and further down the hill the film crew.  I couldn't get a photo of the stunning old motor bike being used.

Last night while my friends and their three small children slept, their house was broken into.  The burglar broke in through a window and took a laptop, cell phones, wallets and a camera.  Their house is a small two bedroom bach halfway down Piha Hill.  They have a dog, a light was on in the lounge, and the front gate was shut.  However, none of this seemed to deter the burglar.  A very scary and horrible thing to experience. 

Neighbourhood watch have been alerted and the police have been called.

7/1/10 Waitangi Day - an evening at Piha SLSC

A birds eye view

A fabulous sunset from the best view in Piha : the Piha SLSC

Life would be grey if we were all the same colour

You looked wonderful Richard !

Can't see photo then  See details here

Lost Wettie at Piha, reward offered!  I left my full body EXCEL wettie at Piha just north of lion rock 01 Feb. Please let me know if you have it, reward offered for your honesty. 0273892221 

Found a good boogie board on North Piha beach 2nd Feb - at a time when there was nobody about on the beach.  It looked as if it had been washed up.  Anyone claiming it ring Mary at 812 8126.

The other observation I made was who 'wasn't' there :  so many faces missing ???

So the new Committee for 2010:

• President: Keith Franich
• Vice President: Geoff Calvert
• Secretary: Monique Davis (more later)
• Treasurer: Rachel Murdock (Chartered Accountant)
• Paula Legal
• Helen Pearce
• Hannah Slade
• Gabrielle Lancaster
• Andrew Lashbrook
• Alberto Bonini
• Graham Webber
• Sheena v. Bassenwitz

There was, of course, no reports from First Response, the Library or CoastCare this year as the Library and CoastCare have formed Charitable Trusts and First Response are now under St John's with the Karekare First Response group and what a fabulous job they do.

It's no secret that I have a problem with Monique Davis being on the Committee so I certainly have a problem with her being Secretary.  When she was elected, unapposed, I questioned whether she was a 'resident' or 'ratepayer' but the Chair refused to answer and continued to avoid answering each time I asked.  Monique's property had an unconditional contract on it when she got on the Committee last year hence my annoyance at her being on the Committee at all.  The Chair inadvertantly clarified it, later in the meeting, by referring to Monique's daughter living in Piha.  I still don't think that is ethical as her daughter, I understand, only stays here during summer holiday breaks from university.  But so be it - more came to light later in the meeting.

In General Business Kath Dewar nominated Monique Davis to be an honorary life member. Honorary life members have all the privileges of membership except they don't have to pay!  The meeting voted for this.  Monique was not a honorary life member at the time the Committee were elected - before General Business!  It gets around the problem of her not owning property or living here but for some strange reason still wanting to represent us for the future though!  Easy Peasy, as they say.

Monique Davis resubmitted her Motion that was lost last year to have NO proxy votes. I think this would be a very undemocratic situation so as a compromise, last year, I had submitted a motion that restricts how many proxies a person can carry.  That motion was carried over to this meeting and carried while the NO proxies was lost again.  Each person, including the Chair, can now carry a maximum of 2 proxies - better than none!  It was interesting to note that the Chair tonight was holding 23 proxies. 

A number of people tonight were concerned about a SGM last year, to vote on the Post Office issue, that only had 50 members present but 79 proxies - or as someone called them tonight "ghosts".  To see who was holding proxies and who these 'ghosts' were   See HERE [60kb] pdf  No real surprises really.

I had left the meeting before General Business, to watch Federa in the tennis, but understand future events coming to Piha was discussed and there was a presentation on a Wormorator-evaporator System.

31/1/10   What are these 8 guys doing?

To find out what these 8 guys are doing in the pouring rain Click HERE

31/1/10 The Great Ride for Heart

For the last 10 years I have been under the wonderful care of a neurologist and opthamologist.

Stephen Best is my opthamologist and is, with many other Doctors,  fundraising for the Heart Foundation. 

If you'd like to sponsor $5, $10 or whatever to this fabulous cause its easy - Just go here.  You can mention Bobbie if you like !!!

30/1/10 A message from Piha Community Police

Over the last few days visitors to Piha have gone swimming only to come out of the water to find all their gear stolen and they are left just with their togs. 

The thieves are probably seeing towels and gear with no one there, going and sitting with the stuff as if its theirs, then standing up and walking off with everything - this way they don't draw attention to themselves.

What to do:  Eyes and Ears  (Police do NOT want vigilante or panic behaviour please )

• Do not approach the people if you suspect you have seen this. 
• Get a good description of the them - how many etc
• Carefully get a description of the car including number plate 
• Tell a clubbie - they are aware of what is happening.
• Police # 839 0600

So locals, please keep eyes open . . . . .   lets look after our visitors. 

29/1/10 A message from WCC Councillor Linda Cooper 

Hello to all of you great Piha People

 10:50pm: False alarm - all is well. 

Left: The ISA Junior World Surfing Champs Team Winner - Australia !  If we couldn't win Oz, then its great that you did !  Good on you - what a great Team . . . .. . as always, click for a larger photo

28/1/10 Isn't it time YOU told Waitakere City Council what YOU think ?

WCC get enough moans and groans and complaints . . . .

If you enjoyed the experience of having the ISA Junior World Surf Champs in Piha why not tell them?    

Dare you to.  I've made it easy . . .  just click   HERE

 28/1/10  The ISA Junior World Surf Champs are over . . . .

 Left: If you or the kids are getting bored try this . . . .

This article highlights the issue of what the public could/should do if they see anything in Piha that is a probable health or safety issue:  Call the WCC Call Centre on 839 0400  or email them on info@waitakere.govt.nz and log a call with them. 

THIS IS OK: 14/12/09 Safe pedestrian passage for Hillary Trail:   Waitakere City Council has been asked by the ARC to trim back vegetation on the shoulder of Piha Rd, on the northern side, between Karekare Rd and Te Ahauhu Rd to allow for safe pedestrian passage as part of the Hillary Trail.    Treescape, WCC's tree contractors have been instructed to prune back vegetation to approximately 1.5m where possible  to allow for pedestrians to safely walk on this stretch of road.  Only trimming  will be carried out, no tree removal is required.  Work will be undertaken on Wednesday 16 Dec 09 and require traffic management.  It is expected that this work will take no longer than one day.

THIS IS NOT: 22/12/09 Road side tree Trimming:    A small number of trees are required to be pruned to allow safe passage for double decker buses to pass on West Coast Rd, Scenic Drive, Piha Rd and Seaview Rd.  This will include pohutukawas growing on Seaview Rd just below the Rayner Rd entrance and pohutukawas on the boundary of Piha Domain opposite the fire station.  No more than 10% pruning is required on any one tree.  Road control is required at several sites.  Work will be carried out before 20 January 2010.  Waitakere City Council Parks.

22/1/10 Classic 13 foot caravan for sale - and its already in Piha !

Very tidy interior. Underside in good nick - rust-free galvanized chassis. 1 double and 1 single bed. Double converts to table and 2 single beds.

See details on Piha Trader HERE

21/1/10 Large Piha crowds cause wave of complaints: Jan O'Connor says it's dangerous to have so many people using the one road that leads to Piha. She says the council should have organised public transport for the youth event.

"Young kids will be getting in with young people who've only recently got their drivers licence to take passengers and are not used to the Piha road, which has a lot of problems with accidents," she says.

Senior sergeant Regan James of Waitakere Police says Piha's windy roads were carefully considered prior to the event.  "It is a risk with the location that there's only one access route into Piha, and that's one of the factors we've considered in our planning."

Ms O'Connor is angry the Auckland and Waitakere councils bid around half a million dollars to hold the event.  

But Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says a small group of Piha residents  are against everything. Full story

21/1/10

"A mobile police station has been established next to the Piha Beach fire station. Officers from throughout the Waitematä and the Auckland Police Districts plus Highway Patrol, TAG and Team Policing Units are deployed."

"This event is of significant importance to New Zealand's status as a holder of major events. We'll be under a global microscope," said Mr. James.  Full story

ISA President Fernando Aguerre opened the conference conveying the ISA´s excitement about the event.

"I'm very happy to be here," said Aguerre. "It's our first time running an event in New Zealand. I've heard a lot about the waves, its people and the culture, so we're very excited to hold this event at Auckland's Piha beach. He also stated: "Our events are known as the "Olympics" of Surfing, athletes don't come here to win money, they do it for the honor of representing their countries. Enjoying great days with kids from all over the world is what makes this event so special. We bring the surfing tribe spirit to New Zealand and upon departure, we will leave as New Zealand´s new ambassadors."    Full Story

Left: Piha Rangers, Susie & Phil, erecting the signs that come into force at midnight tonight, Tuesday, until midnight on January 28th - for the duration of the Junior World Surfing Champs

There are a number around so it'll be hard to miss them. 

19/1/10

Spotted in Piha enjoying a nice coffee with the NZ Herald was Petra Bagust

19/1/10  Have you seen a fitter pair in Piha?

Jim and Sue, left, popped on their bikes and rode to Wellsford for lunch?  Yip: rode to Wellsford.

They're in very serious training for the 'ironman' coming up and we'll be following their progress.

CPR skills save a life in Piha   Adrenaline, quick-thinking and a good knowledge of CPR combined to save a mans life after an early morning road crash at Piha.

Heroes: Bruce Simpson, left, and Mario Ozich

Rescuer Bruce Simpson was bunking down at a mate's place on Marine Pde when he heard a smash on the road outside around 2am.

The volunteer lifeguard rushed outside and found a vehicle in the creek. The people-mover was upside down and under water when he reached it.

Bruce, 23, whipped off his shirt and jandals and dived in. The doors were locked. "I tried to pull them open and then kick the back window with my foot," the Te Atatu South resident says. "It was dark and I was right under the water."

A passerby gave him a car jack which he used to smash the glass. Bruce couldn't see anything but reached inside where the car's occupants grabbed at his hands. He managed to drag three to safety. "They were screaming and crying, saying there's still someone in there," Bruce says.

"I told a guy on the bank to come in and hold my legs. I went under again but I was running out of breath."

Bruce managed to get the fourth occupant out through a side window just as his friend, Mario Ozich from Swanson, joined him in the shoulder deep water.  "The guy was pretty much dead," Mario says.

"We checked his airway and he wasn't breathing. We put him up on top of the car which was the flattest place we could find to start CPR on him."

The men were ecstatic when their patient started breathing again.  "He spewed up water and vomit but was still unconscious," Mario, 22, says. "You could hear his breathing but it was really husky."

The victim was lifted to the bank where an off-duty St John member (Ari Peach & Piha First Response) took over.  Rest of the story

It's all very well to have a 'monitoring group', anyone can 'monitor'.  Where is the 'action group'?  I understood, from last year, that if anyone was leaking sewage into the Lagoons they would be closed. 

Could someone from WCC please bring us up to date with what is happening . . .

Freshwater location	Date Sampled	E.coli /100 ml	Outcome	Next Results Due
Bethells/Te Henga Lagoon	12 Jan 2010	1700	Guidelines exceeded - Swimming not recommended Warning signs erected - Retesting initiated	15 Jan 2010
Karekare Lagoon	12 Jan 2010	660	Guidelines exceeded - Swimming not recommended Warning signs erected - Retesting initiated	15 Jan 2010
Karekare Car park	12 Jan 2010	550	Guidelines exceeded - Retesting initiated	15 Jan 2010
Piha Lagoon	12 Jan 2010	1400	Guidelines exceeded - Swimming not recommended Warning signs erected - Retesting initiated	15 Jan 2010
Piha North Lagoon	12 Jan 2010	420	Guidelines exceeded - Retesting initiated	15 Jan 2010
Lake Waimanu	12 Jan 2010	<10	Complies with guidelines - Swimming recommended	19 Jan 2010

14/1/10

You can log a call if it is a continuing problem ARC 3662000 and ask for Pollution Hoteline.

Looking for accommodation in Piha for the Surf Champs - Contact us HERE

1. Coca Cola Bands on the Beach - moved to the Domain
2. Vice Versa Party at Piha SLSC
3. After event party at North Piha

Drink driving, speeding and car crashes can happen anywhere and anytime people choose to drink and then drive.  The accident that happened at North Piha cannot be blamed on any one of the above events but rather people who choose to do really dumb things - as the advert on TV says "If you drink and drive, you're a bloody idiot".  You are also a bloody idiot if you get into a car with a drunk driver!

• Is Piha suitable for an event such as Coca Cola Bands on the Beach?  I don't think its suitable on the beach but  it was good to see the Domain used for once. I took hundreds of photos of the people who came.  They were having a great time picnicing on blankets and/or dancing to the music.  Far better behaved than a lot of my generation at that age!
• Drinking - 24 hour ban in any public place 
• Music - a little lower maybe. 
• Traffic management - needs improvement please, especially for emergency services.
• How often?  - once or twice a year - why not?  We are privlidged to live or own property here but Piha does not belong to us.  I have no problem with 'sharing' it with Aucklander's a few days a year.

People who live closer to the water front in Piha have amplified music and commentary all day for most surfing and boating events on the beach - many times a year.   Is it any different because its surf associated?   

I'd really be interested in your thoughts?

Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Peter and Sarah Hillary unveiled the plaque to mark the opening of the Hillary Trail today.

Left: the opening commemoration plaque.  Below: Peter Hillary, Sir Anand Satyanand and Sarah Hillary.

Hillary Trail opens at Piha Beach on 3News

10/1/10

A special guest at Coca Cola Bands on the Beach

Piha's very own 'Skid Vicious'

More photos tomorrow 

I understand a quick thinking motor cyclist identified the culprits that started the fire on Lion Rock late this afternoon.

Left: click on this photo to see how high the Fire Service had to go to put out the fire.

The Piha Fire Service (voluntary) pumped water up from the lagoon to put the fire out.

Another great job guys - thanks

10/1/10  Clear out your gutters - there is Rain on the way

Auckland Rain Radar . . .  very handy

It's a tradition that has been going on at the Piha SLSC longer than most of us have been on this earth.  Vice Versa or 'cross dressing'.

What is it that happens to guys when they get into women's clothes?  They just do 'it' so well.  Maybe they do watch and notice more than we give them credit for?

Left:  Our french guests camping it up with someone (middle) that just jumped out of a car to join in the photo.

Unfortunately there was a terrible car accident at North Piha after this gig .  I heard the helicopter and ambulances. I hope it wasn't fatal and everyone is OK.

 All the bottles and rubbish in South Piha car park was being cleaned up this morning.  What a shame that people supporting the Piha SLSC can't put their rubbish in the bins.  Or maybe there weren't enough bins? 

What a day!  I am sure someone knows how many people & vehicles came to Piha today for the Coca Cola Bands on the Beach - I wouldn't like to guess.   There were heaps on the beach enjoying the water alone.

The event organisers moved the site from South Piha Beach to the Domain because with the sand movement on the beach there wasn't enough space - good move with the crowd that turned up, I'd say. 

We went for a cruise around and really enjoyed the atmosphere.  A neat summers day and people were relaxed, having fun and enjoying the themselves.  The Police, including the Team Policing Unit, used it as a 'practice run' for the Junior World Surfing event starting  next week, and were generally happy with the crowd behaviour they told me. They took a few away but you'll always get that where there is a crowd.  The St. Johns crew were also happy.  I'm not sure how many Coca Cola were expecting but some improvement to their traffic plan was called for early on . . . .  thank goodness they had 'free buses' from the city or else Piha Road may have been closed again and perhaps with a better traffic management plan it should have been closed. 

Personally it was great to see so many happy people out of the city, in the sun and fresh air enjoying themselves at the beach and the 'locals' I talked too were loving it too and were pleased to see so many enjoying Piha and that's nice.

So some photos:  I took heaps but have chosen these to publish.  Click for larger images.  There is one photo I didn't get today but am determined to get tomorrow - and you know who you are!  I'll get you . . .

Above: 1: Piha Beach was packed. 2. New Eel Bridge full. 3. Overview of the Domain

Below: 1. Relaxed crowd enjoying themselves. 2. Dancing  3. Volley ball, soccer and hand stands.

Above: 1. Says it all really.  2. Young locals loving it.  3. More young locals loving it!

Below: 1. Heaps enjoyed this water fun  2. A good police presence  3. Plenty of St. Johns too

A huge thanks to the Piha SLSC,  North Piha Lifeguards, NZ Police, St Johns Ambulance and the Ranger

#1 :  ASB Classic/ Heineken Open

#2 :  ISA World Junior Surfing Champs  January 20-28, Piha

The best young surfers in the world will take to the waves at Piha later this month when Auckland plays host to the 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

The week-long event will see the world's best under 18 year surfers battling it out for world titles in the biggest event in the junior surfing year.

The championships is an Olympic-type event, with surfers from around the world competing both individually and for their countries.

It is the first time the event has been staged in New Zealand and it has been 25 years since an ISA event of this magnitude has been held in Australasia, so it is well worth making the trek out to Piha to have a look.

#3 etc HERE

"God I love Piha. Pics taken from my deck"

Click these for larger images.  I have reduced the resolution a little.  If you would like a higher resolution copy just email.

 A Ray of Sunshine in Piha

To the couple walking down Beach Valley Road, from Pendrell Road, one of each side picking up bottles and cans and putting them into a rubbish bag - thank you.  They tell me they don't come here that often but when they do this is what they do.  Wow!

To the gentleman I saw yesterday, in the Domain, zig zagging from bottle to rubbish to bottle picking it up, thank you too.

Anyone else noticed these gorgous people wandering Piha and picking up litter or doing 'their bit' for our environment?  I just love your attitude and I do believe its contagious

If they must do it then can you do it in the middle of the night please. 

  This daily stench just has to stop!

The Police presence in Piha during this period and the fact that the booze bus is going to be a daily visitor, security will be keeping a very watchful eye on these areas and Police will quickly step in to discourage anti-social behaviour, including drinking.  The Police already have powers to deal with people drinking in public places, the liquor ban just makes their job a whole lot easier. . . . . . . . . If (there are any problems it)  will be dealt with swiftly by Police and Security.  We are operating a one strike and you are out policy.

With regard to Stedfast Park and Glenesk Road:

The carpark (at the end of Glenesk Rd) is ARC owned and not captured under (WCC) by-laws or bans.  Team Policing Unit will be working this area extensively, given that some of the teams are staying [at Stedfast] and it is being used for public parking, so they want to discourge petty theft, vandalism, and of course over indulgence in the amber liquid that people are so fond of.  Will get them to also foot patrol and walkways leading towards the beach and make sure the event security also picks up these areas as "special interest" sites.

I am waiting to hear if Stedfast Park Management are going to allow alcohol there under their 'discretionary use' . . . .  ?

So there we are readers:  I know WCC, The Police, Surfing NZ, NZ Sponsorship etc have put in a huge amount of planning for this 'world class' event.   If there are any problems it'll be dealt with very quickly.

7/1/10  On the road again Summer's here, and for Piha residents that means more traffic. But they still don't have a footpath to walk on.

7/1/10 Hillary Trail is no 'walk in the park'  The Hillary Trail is a wilderness adventure designed for people who have some tramping experience.

The four-day trail, which officially opens on Monday, includes overnight stays at back-to-basics council campgrounds and connects existing regional park tracks to form a 70km wilderness experience.

Admission to the track network itself is free, but ARC parks and heritage committee chairwoman Sandra Coney recommends trampers prepare before they set out.

"The Hillary Trail is not a walk in the park," she says. "It is a challenging wilderness adventure designed for people, especially young people and families who have some tramping experience and are committed to preparing themselves for the challenge, as they would for any other long tramp."    Full story HERE   The Hillary Trail

It has been given out to the public by the Piha SLSC and is is five languages.

Of course the safest thing, unless you are with a local or know the area well, is not to go rock fishing on Auckland's West Coast - it is extremely dangerous.  When our guests ask about it we strongly advise them not to.

Does anyone know if there is an 'Angel Ring' on Dawsons Ledge?

Here's a photo of the table that was stolen from our bach in Garden Road, Piha

It has significant sentimental value to us.

A reward is offered for its return of $150.00.  Please text or call mobile 021 652752?

6/1/10 Piha Preschool show appreciation to Blairs

Piha Preschool sure teach those littlies well.  Click on the photo and see the delightful 'thank you' they sent Blair for their worm farm.

Good on you Blairs - neat to see Piha Community ticking so nicely together.

6/1/10 RunningBeast, left, runs the Hillary Trail in 12 hrs 54 min

Running the Hillary trail - All done. Total time 12 hours 54. Transitions of about and hour so just under 12... "   was what the tweet read.

Photo: Running the Hillary trail. The manukau heads coming down into Whatipu

WOW !  Go Running Beast

5/1/10  Dad's shock turns to thundercat joy.  Yesterday was the second round of the national competition, which will also see the crews head to Waihi Beach, Waipu Cove, Lyall Bay and Piha to battle it out for the national title  in the coming two months.  BOP Times story

Thundercats in Piha Dates here

"Do you think that if we keep picking up all the garbage along the kite kite falls track that we will be entitled to a rates rebate this year?"

Left: photo sent by V V reader

Temporary liquor ban

For the purposes of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships a temporary liquor ban will be in place.  No liquor is to be consumed in the defined map area (see below) for the duration of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. 

The police have the power to arrest anyone in breach of this liquor ban.  Police can also search any vehicle, parcel or package within or entering a liquor ban area. 

Hours of liquor ban  At all times between midnight 19 January 2010 to midnight 28 January 2010.

Areas include:

All public places, including beaches, foreshore, adjacent car parks and roads, from the northern most end of Piha beach (including North Piha Road and Marine Parade North and South).  It extends from Lion Rock in the West to Piha Domain and the adjacent part of Seaview Road in the East.  It includes:

§         North Piha Esplanade and North Piha car park

§         North Piha Road

§         Les Waygood Park

§         Piha Esplanade Reserve

§         North Piha Strand

§         Marine Parade North and South

§         Lion Rock

§         All parking areas directly adjoining the beach including Piha South Road Reserve

§         Piha Domain and the adjacent part of Seaview Road

Holiday period liquor ban

At the conclusion of the period in which the temporary liquor ban applies, the "holiday period" liquor ban (as defined in the Control of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw 2008) will come into force for the Piha region. 

Auckland Anniversary Weekend

The "holiday period" liquor ban will apply for the Auckland Anniversary Weekend.  As defined in the Control of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw 2008, the liquor ban applies 5.00pm -  5.00am from Friday before Auckland Anniversary Day to Auckland Anniversary Day.

Penalties

• If you are consuming alcohol in a liquor ban area the police can confiscate all your alcohol and search you and your vehicle.
• Anyone under 18 found drinking in a public place can be issued with a Liquor Infringement Notice which carries an instant fine of $200.
• Anyone ignoring the liquor ban could face a fine of up to $20,000.

Full details of Temporary liquor ban in Piha, including map, HERE [64kb].doc

"Top of my list will be ... the Auckland [Anniversary] Day regatta, the classic car show at Kumeu, the surfing championships at Piha, . . . . . . . .    NZ Herald article

The 35-year-old man, believed to be of Filipino origin, was swept off the Dawsons Ledge rocks while fishing about 5.40pm on Sunday.

The search for him resumed at dawn on Monday but was stopped about 10am due to adverse weather and wave conditions.    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"But we're sure that if he was wearing a flotation device of some sort, this tragedy would have been avoided."

"Nobody should be out on those rocks in those conditions but if you are, your survival if you get swept away could depend on your ability to swim or float."  Full story on TVNZ here

A large scale search is underway involving Lifeguards, emergency service personnel, a surf life saving jet ski unit from Bethells Beach, a Coastguard air patrol and Auckland's Westpac Rescue helicopter.  story on TVNZ here

For some statistics on drownings in NZ and Piha See here

Welcome home Coco Fougere

Five generations of woman welcome Coco home.

From left: Great Aunt Hazel, Lynne (Foug's Mum), Alison (Leah's Mum) and Leah holding Coco

Fire heralds in 2010 at North Piha : 

A huge fire started just after midnight at north Piha.  It took nearly two hours for a helicopter with monsoon bucket to arrive.

Word is a flare started this but to be confirmed .

Above helicopter with monsoon bucket lands at helicopter pad, North Piha, to refill.  Large containers of water all ready waiting for helicoper.

The fire service have clearly practised this a excercise - it ran like clock work when the helicopter came and went. What a way to see in New Year.

Left: late morning New Years Day and water is still been dropped on hot spots.

The fire has left a shocking scar on the hillside :-(

The " f " Word: West Coast Gallery, Piha:  Mixed media  - artists interpretaton of anything to do with " f "    

Guest judges.  Open Entry . . . .      PRIZES:   

• $100   Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Gallery
• $50       Committee choice
• $30            Voucher ? Piha Café  -  People's choice

Entry Form HERE [52kb].doc

30/12/09 A new word in the English language: "piha-esque"

There is just no pleasing some folk:

In the Coromandel, where people's concerns at this time of the year should amount to little more than where they left their sunscreen, and whether they look ludicrous doing that odd little hop as they slip back into the still damp, slightly chilly gusset of their togs, some people have become all piha-esque in their righteous indignation towards the supposed despoliation of nature.

It seems that Shanan Laird had the foresight to ask if he could operate an ice-cream stall and become the purveyor of a fine range of cooling beverages, sandwiches, sunscreen and snorkels on the beach at Cathedral Cove. DOC agreed, which is surprising given their propensity to immediately send in a team of exterminators to eradicate any introduced pests, which it seems to some locals that Shanon is.   . . . .

Penne Clayton, who as a Hahei-based real estate agent no doubt has been involved in the selling of many structures in the area that have far more aesthetic impact on the environment, spluttered "What's next - deck chair rental, massages, hair braiders, hawkers?"

Given that accessing the beach requires what is described as a "half hour trek", the thought of simply strolling there and hiring a chair sounds ideal. It's certainly more appealing than lugging one all the way there, along with all of the other beach prerequisites.  Full story

28/12/09

9 days ahead of schedule Leah delivered 6lb 11oz daughter at around 10:30pm.

A sister for Ben and Christian.  Leah is great but Foug looked absolutely exhausted today !

Looking forward to meeting the little princess.

See our pedestrian and vehicle safety wish list  HERE

Mike King live at Piha SLSC Monday - $20 prepurchased tickets or $25 on the door.

"Men are the ones usually rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming in beaches and rivers, which makes them more at risk,"  , , , , , ,

"Women are smart, they don't drown. Men have this 'I'm a tough guy, she'll be right' attitude." 

Another big problem is parents not properly supervising their children. Article in NZ Herald here

Happy Christmas Piha from Bobbie & Ju

24/12/09  Xmas message and new from Piha Community Library

Left:  Who are these 'new faces' in the library.  For this and more news on the Library  Click HERE

And my email to Wayne: Oh Wayne!  Here we go again.  The few 'Fun Police' are at it again.   Not one person in your article attended any of the public meetings held to inform residents.

Come to our loved 'Piha Cafe' tonight where the Trinity Cathedral Choir are singing Christmas Carols for our community and see how many happy people live here - dare you to, and report on that.  Bobbie

A liquor ban is imposed by the Control of Liquor in Public Places

• Bylaw 2003 applies from 5 pm until 5 am the following morning:  Christmas / New Year Period - 23 December 2005 - 8 January 2006

• PLUS: 24/7 Junior World Surfing Championships period midnight 19th January - midnight 28th January

I have attended meetings at WCC offices plus the public one in Piha recently.  Surfing NZ, NZ Sponsorship and WCC Events Dept's planning for this event is very comprehensive.  In my opinion they are doing everything they can to ensure that life for us in Piha can continue without too much interruption.  There will of course be some : this is the largest surf event ever to be held in NZ after all!  It will take cooperation from us which I am sure we can give in return for such an event being on our backdoor step.    Let's give those visitors from all corners of the world a fabulous time uh?

Last Minute Xmas Gift:  Everyone in Auckland and especially Piha needs this:  Go here

Who was the birthday boy today ?

click for a bigger photo of the birthday lunch at Piha Cafe today - Happy Birthday Fouge xo

We have been assured that there will be a retraction / correction in tomorrows Herald. Vanda   Good! B

To find out more  and a little side bonus of partnership with WCC See HERE

Ah, yes: it can be done and done well.  Private enterprise working with DOC (or ARC, maybe? ).  Has anyone not heard of OCRT?

• A total of 552 full-time and part-time staff were reported to be employed
• Nearly one third of respondents (29.7%) reported that the OCRT was very important in
  their decision to buy or start their business.
• The OCRT has positively impacted the  adjacent communities. Greater community pride and more services and facilities were  ranked as the most important positive impacts.

A rail trail located away from the hustle and bustle of a roading network together with excellent climate and the provision of good accommodation and refreshment establishments would enhance the district's economy and growth. For those that haven't completed a cycle tour, the OCRT is a good starting point. I encourage Council to promote and support such an endeavour if the Tasman Rail Trail gains traction using the disused railway line from Richmond to Kawatiri.  Dugald Ley, Development Engineer and Bike Rider  Finisher of the Central Otago Rail Trail

What is OCRT and find out more HERE

Wouldn't it be nice if private enterprise could work with ARC like this on the Hillary Trail?

There are a number of people on Auckland's West Coast that believe having 'paid guides' will further the protection of the Hillary Trail and surrounds.   An appropriate guide will stop trampers going 'off track' etc.  They could advise, assist, etc. even reduce accidents.

So any R & R should be wary about submitting to the ARC Regional Parks 10 plan without consulting with their members including those involved in tourism and conservaton.

The library management doesn't mind at all if you park in their parking spaces when they're closed.

Piha Library Open (no parking)  Tue, Wed & Fri 10 - 1pm and Sat 10 - 2pm

Other than that they're happy for you to use them

 click on the photo, left, to read a most delightful card                

Congrats WCC - a beautiful job.  (I'm not even going to mention the graffiti

   "  Commercial operators are driven by profit.  "  so they say, as if its a bad thing !

Yes this is true.  And with that profit, which is not a dirty word, they:

• Provide employment
• Pay GST
• Pay rates
• Pay tax
• Care for their product
• Educate, inform and guide their clients

New Zealand Tourism

The tourism industry is one of New Zealand's largest earners of foreign exchange and directly and indirectly contributes 9% of New Zealand's GDP or approximately NZ$17.5 billion per annum. Tourism employs about one in every ten people so it's an important industry for New Zealand...

New Zealand Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is about protecting and enhancing our natural environment and resources for future generations, whilst at the same time ensuring long-term economic and socio-cultural benefits for New Zealand. It's a choice you make and it's a choice you should make sooner rather than later  Read more . . . .

As a Tourist Operator, Black Sands Lodge Piha, we work our butts off to try and make a profit and if we do then we employ locals.  We also work very hard as volunteers in the Beach Valley Road Project and Bobbie is a Trustee with Piha CoastCare and, as a volunteer manages the Piha Ranger Service.  We are not extraordinary in the Tourism business - we know heaps of tourism operators who spend hundreds of hours caring for NZ - why not, its our product !!!

The Piha Cafe invites the whole Piha Community to

Christmas Carols @ the Piha Cafe on Xmas Eve............5:30pm

Featuring between 6 - 8pm THE Trinity Choir from Trinity Cathedral  !!!

Food, coffee & icecreams available

Why is Sandra Coney, Chair of ARC Parks & Heritage as well as Chair of Protect Piha Heritage, so selfish when it comes to Piha and Waitakere?

As a resident and tourist operator in Waitakere I find it very frustrating, but not surprising, that the final submission date on the Regional Parks Management Plan (life 10 years) is 23rd December - extremely bad timing for anyone with a life.

First it it was NO Cafe for Piha and now it's NO to any commercial activity for the entire Hillary Trail.

Throughout NZ DOC and the Crown own land that have heaps of commercial concessions running on them.  This provides an infrastructure for tourism as well as employment for thousands of New Zealanders.  For example:

Fox Glacier Guiding   New Zealand Scenic Helicopter Flights  Lake Waikaremoana Guided Walks  Urewea Discovery Tour   Auckland Wilderness Adventure  Heaphy Track Freedom Walk

If you want to run a commercial activity in an area managed by the Department of Conservation, you need to apply for a concession. This information helps explain why concessions are necessary and how you should apply for one.

A concession is an official authorisation to operate in an area managed by the Department. It may be in the form of a lease, licence, permit or easement.  Stedfast Park is operated under concession.

Have a look at the concessionaires for Tongariro and Taupo HERE

What's in the review that you should know:

• Enable the establishment of a café/restaurant under licence at Arataki, if a business plan determines this would be commercially viable.  (No - not a joke!!!)

• Stedfast Park: maintaining the outdoor education camp, including the opportunity to provide for camping.

• Implement the Hillary Trail as an informal multi-day trail, utilising where practical,

  existing track systems and campgrounds. The trail will be maintained to a tramping

  track standard. No concessions will be granted over the trail as an entity

• Review the provision of camping in the park, including the potential to provide new

  camping opportunities or relocate existing campgrounds.

• Investigate with the campervan association the potential to expand the opportunities

  for overnight stays by self-contained campervans in appropriate locations.

• Develop camping opportunities adjacent to Craw Homestead site as part of the Hillary Trail.

Various Comments found on web with regard to private guides:

• For the 4 days or more option we try to offer a selection of accommodation styles/locality 
• We will book your accommodation to meet your specific requirements.
• We feed money back into the community by using local guides, small privately owned Bed & Breakfast accommodation (as opposed to hotel chains owned by foreign investors), local produce, cafes and restaurants. That way you get to meet and interact with real New Zealand people, learn about their culture and experience their genuine warm hospitality. 

C'mon Sandra:   There are heaps of tourist operators with hundred of thousands of $$$ invested in their businesses.  Overseas Tourists will want guides, experts in NZ's flora and fauna, catering etc . . .  share the pie . . .

Waitakere part of the Review for submission HERE

How, where why to make a submission   Submissions close 23rd Dec

I have submitted one change to the constitution:

That the words 'and his/her family' be removed from Clause 3.a of the Piha R&R Constitution

3. MEMBERSHIP
(a) Any property owner or resident of Piha and his/her family is eligible for membership of the Association upon payment of the subscription set by the Association from time to time. .  

Moved by Bobbie Carroll:   Seconded by:  Gabrielle Lancaster

Why have I done this?  For the last 12 months we have had a Committee Member, Monique Davis-Olivier, on the R & R Committee when she neither owns property in Piha nor lives here.

I don't see Monique as a particular 'positive' person.  I certainly don't think she has represented me, my business, the Beach Valley Road Project nor the things I love in Piha.

The property Monique owned in Piha had an unconditonal sale on it at the last AGM but the sale hadn't been finalised at the time the AGM was held.  Monique didn't mention this when she stood to give the meeting a brief about herself..  The sale subsequently completed and Monique stayed on the Committee.

Monique has since maintained that her daughter rents and lives in Piha.

I don't agree with someone representing Piha when they neither live here nor have property here.   If you wish to remain a Member there is always Associate Membership:

(b) Any person who has an interest in Piha but is not a resident or ratepayer in the area, is eligible for Associate Membership of the Association upon payment of the subscription set by the Association from time to time. Such Associate Member shall have all the privileges of full membership except the entitlement to vote at any meeting of the Association.

Bobbie

FOR THE IMMEDIATE PREVIOUS VILLAGE VOICE

 Click HERE