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           Ph or Text  News Tips to 021 969924   

Due to continued 'nuisance' comments  Email Views, News or Photos HERE for Editor to publish (pse note if name not to be published)

Piha Accommodation  Specials right HERE

Any "non-charitable" advocacy has to be secondary to the charitable work.

6/7/10

Exciting and unique opportunity, says ARC, to operate a proposed new café to be developed by the Auckland Regional Council within the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

• Café. Potential for liquor licence.
• 36 - 40 pax café to be fitted-out by the operator
• Small kitchen facility to be fitted-out by the operator.
• 5 years with the right of renewal for a further 5 years
• Summer: 9am - 5pm weekdays and 8am - 6pm weekends
• Winter: 10am - 4pm weekdays and 9am - 5pm weekends

ARC are looking for an operator to operate a proposed new café at Arataki Visitor Centre. The operation of the café will be conducted by way of a licence given by the ARC to the operator (the Licence) in respect of the café facility

• The café could cater for private functions outside of the Visitor Centre's normal operating
  hours, although this would be subject to the café operator making the necessary security
  arrangements.
• There is potential for the café to acquire a liquor licence, although this will be the sole
  responsibility of the café operator.
• Competition: Existing cafes in the local area include
  • Elevation Café & Bar, Scenic Drive
  • La Vincci Café, Titirangi Road, Titirangi
  • Takahe, Titirangi Road, Titirangi
  • Hardware Café, Titirangi
  • The Piha Café, Piha.
  • In addition to these existing operations, a restaurant and potential café, owned by the
    Hardware café owners, is currently under development on Scenic Drive between Titirangi and Arataki (approximately 2km south east of Arataki).
    • I have been advised that ARC have missed one other 'competition' being Auckland?s Waitakere Estate who operate a Café style  Brunch/Lunch Saturdays and Sundays and serve Lunches and Dinners by reservation Thursdays to Sundays.

Two questions: would have to be:

1. "Will Sandra Coney, as the Chair of Protect Piha Heritage, take ARC Parks, that is herself,  to the Environment Court to challenge this?"
2. Where is the public notification - submission process?

Full ARC document here [554kb].pdf      

Have a look at the fight we had with the Chair of ARC Parks and Heritage and Protect Piha Heritage, Sandra Coney,    HERE

• Please scroll down to 14/6/10 for Sandra's QSO
• I have no problem at all with a Cafe at Arataki
• I am obsessed with hypocracy and one rule for some and another for others
• I will continue to expose hypocracy where I come across it
• I'd like WCC and Preserve Piha to receive the costs awarded to them by the Environment Court
• I'm interested to know if there is any consultation on this proposed Cafe at Arataki and if not why not?

Bobbie

Something very different happening at the West Cost Gallery.

Thu July 8 to Sat July 10 10am-4pm:  Performance installation  - flax weaving. Over the course of 4 days, Kereopa will be at the community gallery space through the teaching and construction of rourou, small baskets used in traditional Maori society for food.  These baskets will then be used to create a structure that shall in habit the space for the remainder of the exhibition's duration. 

• Stedfast Park changed to  Piha Mill Park. 
• How about the top end of Glen Esk Road to Waiokahu?  (Waiokahu is the Maori name for Piha Stream).

We were enjoying lunch at the Piha Cafe today, along with a number of locals and visitors to Piha, and who should wander in but former All Black and Dancing with the Stars participant Josh Kronfield. Josh's charity for Dancing with the Stars was Koru Care Otago.

Josh is now a physiotherapist and spends his spare time surfing.

Josh's profile on rugbymuseum.co.nz

The wastewater system at the Piha Domain is having a major upgrade in the Council's 2010/11 financial year.  The new system, which should be completed by 2010 summer season, will cater for wastewater from

• Piha Domain Camp
• Piha Beach Public toilet
• Piha RSA
• Piha Bowling Club

Ian Maxwell, left, has been named in the above position for the new Super City Council.  Ian is currently Director Community at Manukau City

Mr Maxwell was previously Group Manager Implementation Planning at Auckland City Council where he has held numerous positions. From 1997-99 he was the Group Manager City Marketing and Group Manager, Strategic Development from 1995-1997. He was also a key player in the development of The University of Auckland Tamaki Campus.

Mr Maxwell holds a Bachelor of Planning, Master of Philosophy (Economics), and Master of Business Administration, from The University of Auckland.

Black Sands Lodge - Kauri Suite

Pay for 4 nights and stay 7 !

Black Sands SPECIALS

During the Summer of the Surf Lifeguard, from September 2010 ? April 2011, there will be events to mark 100 years of an iconic volunteering movement.

It is the opportunity to share the legacy of dedication and  leadership of the volunteers who have served New Zealand for 100 years on the often dangerous beaches of our coastline.  More Info

2/7/10

Is it a fence? Is it a handrail? Is it really necessary? Not a community to let things slide, Piha residents are hotly debating a recent addition to the township.

The new wooden handrail and 10m path at the corner of Seaview and Beach Valley Rds have been creating controversy since day one.

Local tour guide Tony Dunn (Bush and Beach) has followed the progress and says the final handrail is completely overdone. "It seems overkill to go from having nothing to a very urbanised construction. I know a lot of people in the community would have had some good constructive ideas as to another solution."  The Aucklander article

Clearing weeds, rubbish, bottles etc and we came across this.  Can anyone tell us last time it was seen and maybe who built it.

Larger photo here - have a look

Piha Neighbourhood Watch Support Group

I would very grateful if you could contact me about your dog being poisoned.   Any information at all would be most helpful.  When collated, useful clues and a pattern could emerge leading to the discovery of the perpetrator and they certainly need to be caught so more dogs and owners are spared the horrible experience.  Piha NWSG Email is pihanhwsg@gmail.com 

27/6/10

To find out what this photo is all about and what is going on here See here

WCC Council voted unanimously to grant $K750 toward making Piha safer to walk around. 

A huge thanks to the Walk Safe Group consisting of Sarah Carberry, Gillian Cotton, Gabrielle Lancaster, Myriam Schreuder and Hannah Slade.

This group has worked quietly in the background lobbying, writing submissions, networking, making presentations and saying "Please" and "We'd appreciate it if . . . "  it's all paid off.

To these woman in our community we, the kids, the babes in prams, the people onbicycles, the surfers, the more mature, the disabled  . . . everyone I am sure thanks you.  And of course to our Council thanks for listening to the Walk Safe Group: their realistic and sensible requests . . .

NOTE: This does need the approval of the Transition Committee but that shouldn't really be a problem.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

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.

As school holidays roll on and the weather warms even more, the traffic on the road to Piha is increasingly busy. That means locals trying to walk  to the village face more danger as they try to stay out of the way of cars, boat-trailers and motorbikes on Piha Rd.

In April, The Aucklander spoke with Piha resident and mother Sara Carbery about her desire for footpaths along the main road where people could walk safely.

On behalf of the Walk Safe In Piha group, she made submissions to Waitakere City Council's 10-year plan for funding for footpaths.  But the council doesn't have the money for these.  Ms Carbery says the group is disappointed.  References here

 Silent Auction closing soon.  Look HERE

Below: 1. Corner Seaview and Beach Valley Road.  2. Walkway from Beach Valley Rd to Milk Track leading to Seaview Road and 3. removal of sand off Piha Beach carpark and taken away rather than cleaning and returning to the beach.

1. 2. 3.

Alternative 'fence' design suggested for 1. above, complimented with planting, with a better 'beach' look

Someone give this kitty a good home : I find it hard to believe people can just abandon pets like this - B

Would a Piha Ironing Service just make your day?

For detals have a look HERE

$10.  Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to leave having had a great workout.  Good for keeping surf-fit.

20/6/10

Check out this Kiwi suggestion HERE  it could work ?

 20/6/20

Full article from ISA President - excellent

9/6/10

Hi ********,  (not publishing name for his sanity)

cc: Kubi Witten-Hannah

Below are two links.  One is to the Minutes of the Community Boards 4^th May Meeting and the other to the attachments to those Minutes.

Please note the motion on page 5 of the Minutes:  'Approve in principle the proposed pedestrian improvement measures on Beach Valley Road, Piha as indicated on the diagram as attached to these minutes as page A4' 

Comments:

1. I cannot find one person in Piha that is happy with this 'hand rail' (fence)
2. It has increased the already dangerous corner as there is no indication to drivers in vehicles, coming down the hill, that there is a 'walkway' on the left ahead.
3. Vehicles, particularly large ones, are using the walkway as a part of the road (given 2 above)
4. There is no quick exit for pedestrians should they be faced with a vehicle on the walkway.
5. The path is leading pedestrians around the corner onto Beach Valley Road but where to from there?  Cross the road already dangerous road?
6. There was no consultation with the people of Piha regarding this 'hand rail' (fence)
7. The Beach Valley Road Project group received the diagram with the walkway and hand rail on it and the majority, I understand, were strenuously against it and voiced this opposition as it was not on the Beach Valley Road Project 'wish list' nor did we like the idea.
8. And finally please note the motion on page 5 of the Minutes:  'Approve in principle the proposed pedestrian improvement measures on Beach Valley Road, Piha as indicated on the diagram as attached to these minutes as page A4'  Please note that the diagram attached to these minutes do not show any 'hand rails as required'. 

Minutes to Waitakere Community Board May Meeting:

http://waitakere.govt.nz/AbtCnl/cb/pdf/wtk2010/20100504min.pdf 

Attachments to those Minutes:

http://waitakere.govt.nz/AbtCnl/cb/pdf/wtk2010/20100504att.pdf 

Some BVR members are slightly perturbed that our Project is being held responsible for this which is far from the truth - we objected.

Please advise options: I have suggested cutting it down to 500 and putting rope in between the shorter poles and/or planting but this does not address that this only protects people from falling onto the kikuyu and not from vehicles on the road.

Regards

Bobbie

Beach Valley Road Project

PS: Forgot to say, again, that the preferred and far safer option is to put some decent drainage in the Milk Track and resurface for pedestrians, prams and bicycles as asked for by the BVR Project.

More on this HERE

21/6/10 Thanks for communicating this on our behalf Bobbie.

I was interested to hear, at the RSA on Friday night and today at the local playgroup many other mums with young children who live on Seaview Road, Rayner and even Pendrell, echoing these concerns.  They asked why this had been done instead of improving the drainage and walking surface on the Milk Track which is the route they use to reach the bottom of the hill.  The residents I was speaking with said they would never walk down that part of Seaview Road as it is far too dangerous, and that the walkway will only be benefitting a very few houses at the bottom of the hill.  They use the Milk Track as it is much safer, especially with pushchairs and buggies, though it is rather perilous in winter as the drainage issues that council had indicated they would be addressing last year have not yet been dealt with.

 

I have suggested they e-mail their concerns to council and have passed on ******'s e-mail address, so hopefully some will do so personally.

 

On the other hand, everyone I have spoken to about the speed bumps have been very positive, so we're all really pleased that pedestrian safety is being improved in some areas.

 

Regards, (name withheld)

Piha Resident and Mother of two

The Piha Cafe receives an "A" Grading.

"A" grading = Premises being of superior standard

 

In order to achieve an 'A' grade, a premises needs to take extra steps above and beyond the minimum statutory requirements (i.e. above a B grading), such as:

• The general standard of cleaning, hygiene and tidiness is of a superior standard.
• Cleaning and sanitising practises must comply with the requirements for the particular type of premises.
• Food contact surfaces and food utensils are rendered hygienic and are protected from contamination in storage.
• The premise must have posted and put into practise a formal cleaning schedule.
• On inspection there must be on the premises at least one supervisor or manager with sufficient authority and specific responsibility for staff training and supervision who has passed an NZQA qualification in food hygiene/safety that is less than 3 years old.
• At least 75% of staff have an approved qualification in food hygiene/safety that is less than 3 years old.
• The temperature at which any food is stored or displayed complies with food safety requirements and there is on the premises sufficient and satisfactory thermometers in order to monitor and maintain those temperatures.
• Ensure the premises is free from rodents, cockroaches or other insects/vermin and that the premises are regularly sprayed by a pest control professional.

17/6/10

. . . . . . ACT MP David Garrett wanted an assurance that customary title would not be granted over any parts of Ninety Mile Beach, Raglan Beach, Wainui Beach, Ohope Beach or Piha Beach.

"I don't think it would be helpful to get down to that level of detail in answer to a parliamentary question," Mr Finlayson said.     Full article HERE

16/6/10

To find out what is happening here now have a look HERE

BIG THANKS to WCC

Special Mention of Some New Zealand Festival Films    After the Waterfall 

14/6/10

left: this photo, taken today, shows the progress of this walkway from Seaview Rd to Beach Valley Road.  The area between the yellow lines will include 7 steps.

Queens Service Order - Companions  Sandra Lorraine Coney, Auckland, for services to women's health.

left:  Sandra at the Piha Bowling Club celebrating her birthday.

 13/6/10

Rob has accepted a new job and challenge with New Zealand Rugby League and will be departing the great Piha club early in July.

In his four and a half years with the Club Rob has steered Piha SLSC to winning many awards and also personally himself  winning many awards, with the most notable being the Waitakere City Young Business Person of the Year award.

During Rob's time with Piha SLSC he has been instrumental in managing the restructure and governance. Rob is leaving knowing he has taken Piha SLSC from a "normal" surf life saving club to one of New Zealand's top clubs, given Piha SLSC a strong commercial edge, strengthened our club structures and worked with our head coaches to move Piha SLSC to one of the now best sporting clubs in NZ.

It was a superb production with a very talented cast accompanied by an accomplished orchestra of nine professional musicians.We took our son and daughter in law who also enjoyed the show hugely.

Although the subject is dark, it is actually very funny at times, and is always engrossing.... can't recommend it too highly The whole thing was a great credit to Jesse and Peach Productions.

The Peach Threatre Company            Maidment Theatre             

3/6/10 Ex-dealer opens rehab 

A former drug addict who was convicted of smuggling ecstasy into New Zealand has opened a $5000-a-day rehab clinic in one of Auckland's swankiest suburbs.

William Murdoch, the former partner of socialite Aja Rock, has also started work as marketing manager for a Las Vegas-style burlesque club that opened in central Auckland this week.

Murdoch denies a conflict of interest between his dual roles at the Serenity treatment centre in Remuera and promoting Club M.

"There is nothing wrong with alcohol; in fact I would go so far as to say there is nothing wrong with some recreational drugs. What's wrong is when someone uses those substances to self-medicate to cure their problems."

Murdoch has also come under fire for using images of his 6-year-old son Brooklyn on the website of Club M, which features topless models. . . . . 

. . . . .  He opened a drug treatment centre aimed at celebrity clients in Piha in 2008, but said he didn't have the right staff!!!   (What a cheek)   whole pathetic article on NZ Herald

What happened to the new sewage treatment plant he was 'giving' Piha and told us all about at an R&R AGM a few years ago?  Bobbie

11/6/10

On the short stretch of dirt road from the gate of the Piha Domain to the bowling club are about five speed bumps.

At the sides of this narrow track are potholes. Today, they are huge puddles, thanks to heavy downpours the previous day.

Graeme Carrie, whose family have owned the house almost directly from the road, says the speed bumps were meant to discourage boy racers. They are a compromise reached by the council and the ratepayers' association two years ago.

"They put the speed bumps in but they didn't seal the road. And the result? People don't go through the speed bumps, they have gone to the left. They went along the sides of it, creating potholes."   full story in The Aucklander

11/6/10  WCC decides to go ahead with 1.1m fence

• Visibility up the road for drivers is, in my opinion, only marginally affected by the new structure.
• A 1.1m high high handrail is in fact a requirement for a walking path next to an area with a substantial drop such as here.  Although there will be precedents elsewhere I am sure, if someone did fall off and hurt themselves we could be held accountable for not taking reasonable measures to prevent it.  This is of course subject to engineering judgement if there are mitigating circumstances (such as the first point, or even aesthetics if it really is thought to be so terrible and we can get around the safety side of things some other way).
• For the steeper section of the path on the very corner, a high handrail may be of help to elderly people if they want to use it.
• Finally and quite importantly, if we chop down the posts now we can't reasonably put them back up if wish to change our minds at a later date due to aforementioned concerns which could indeed be raised.  Also at this stage the timber railing is mostly all cut to fit, so would be very wasteful to change it now.

On March 7th this year WCC held their 2nd Consultation 'The Future of Piha Beach and the Dunes'.  WCC also did a presentation of the costs of removing sand off the car parks in an attempt to reduce the horrendous costs associated with the current management plus various options.

At present this sand removal costs ratepayers some $35,000 dollars a year.  This money could well be used, in my opinion, on 'Safe Walkways' or the like.

Here is a summary of WCC's presentation:

Some Basic Facts

• Car parks are required to be cleared 3-4 times per year (depending on weather & special events)
• Average 11 - 14 truck loads (60-80 cu metres)
• Currently costing $7-9,000.00 per time
• Minimum $20,0000 up to $35,000 p.a.
• No resource consent required for deposits above mean high water springs
• ARC coastal permit required for deposits below mean high water springs (Coastal Marine Area)
• ARC advises all deposits anywhere on the beach should be free of contaminants
• No limit to volume that can be deposited on the beach at any one time.

Disposal of sand options

• Dump off site
• Dump locally
• Return to beach

Discussion Points

• Disposal costs
• Local dumping sites (difficult to locate)
• Contamination of sand
• Best practice coastal management
• Appropriate location for disposal on beach

Sand clearing process  WCC Recommendations

• Recommended sand be returned to the beach by traxcavator
• Final bobcat sweepings be removed off site
• Any contaminated sand (broken glass or spills) be removed off site.

Piha Ratepayers and Residents Assn Meeting 7th May 2010:

Motion: 'That WCC be informed that the Piha R&R Assn. does not support that the sand removed from the carpark be put back on the beach.'  Moved Pearce/Murdoch Carried.

The gentleman from WCC doing this presentation made it very clear that the sand would be sifted thoroughly before it was returned to the beach - Its hard for our Council isn't it?  FYI the Piha R&R has 220 members!  Now $35,000 divided by 220 = ???

10/6/10

Yesterday, June 9th, Betty Hansen passed away.

Betty served on the Waitakere Community Board, Piha Ratepayers and Residents Association as well as being a JP and long term resident of Garden Road Piha.

left: This photo was taken of Betty at The Alter Cafe in Mt Eden on 7th June 2008.

Our thoughts are with all of Betty's family.

Beach Valley Road, Piha, has road signs 'uneven surface' and STOP signs everywhere.

To see what its all about have a look  HERE

But its spokesman, lawyer Peter Hosking, said the society's membership was drawn from all ages and some were better off than others. "We are just an average community group". He said the society was incorporated and individual members were not responsible for the debts of the society.      NZ Herald: Wayne Thompson

$5,000 between 70 members $71.42 each     $10,000 between 70 members $142.86 each

Today, Councillor Mitchell came out to Piha, with a couple of WCC people, to see first hand what has been done on this corner and to try and find a solution.

I offered for the Beach Valley Road Project to plant this edge rather than a fixed rail but safety requires some type of fence - strangely to protect people falling onto the grass - not to stop cars hitting people!.  I think people will like the suggestions we are putting forward.  Watch this space . . .

The alarm was set this morning so we could attend the WCC Planning and Regulatory Committee that had 'Protect Piha Heritage payment of costs'  on their agenda.

Some of the points made by Councillors and Counsel during this item:

• In response to Peter Hosking's accusation in his email of 19 May 10 to WCC:  "we consider it reprehensible that some Councillors are using the issue in an attempt to advance their political agendas, at more cost to ratepayers (we have evidence of this)"  it was stated by several, rather annoyed Councillors  that PPH were being 'political' and even 'bullying' about this matter rather than WCC.
• Councillors were not happy at all with this accusation . . . . Council is following process and some Councillors asked that PPH be sent a letter asking for them to produce their evidence as this is a serious accusation. 
• The Committee noted that PPH have in their Balance Sheet, as at Oct '09, Liabibilities: Accounts Payable of $11,268 and a separate item Court Ordered costs of $15,000 . The question was asked why the Court Ordered costs were a separate item and not included in the accounts payable figure because, in fact, that is what they are.
• It was also noted that PPH had repaid over $11,000 'advances' from their members without first paying their bills..
• Senior Counsel stated that in the 7 years he has been with WCC he cannot recall one Court Order for costs being written off and it would not be wise to make a 'precedent'.
• The Committee decided they would follow due process, to be fair to all parties.  The Court had ordered Ratepayers receive these costs and it is WCC's responsibility to collect it.
• PPH's actions cost WCC Ratepayers over $80,000 and by Judicial order they only have to pay $5,000.
• In the words of one Councillor after reading the letter from PPH to Council, "...their behaviour is reprehensible.  They hoped to win their case, but didn't and now they have to do the honourable thing and pay the amount ordered.  We have a fiduciary duty to collect money owed to this Council."

Protect Piha Heritage's Secretary, Ross Barnes, then asked to address the meeting. The decision was made that he could only if others present could do the same if they wished.

Ross was asked if he had a mandate from their membership to represent them or was he talking for himself.  He replied that he had a mandate from PPH's Committee.  He was then asked what he was there for, was he there to negotiate?  Ross replied that he was there as an observer.  Other than that he said nothing in his address.  A Councillor asked how many members PPH had and Ross replied their membership was about 70 but they had up to 200 people attend some of their events.  Calculators came out dividing $5,000 by 200!

After Ross Barnes addressed the meeting I decided I would ask permission to address it too and it was granted:

I stated  that it was my opinion that PPH were formed, initially, to oppose the Piha Cafe.  I also stated that it was my opinion that they became an Incorporated Society to try to avoid having to pay any costs.  I told them of the avalanche of emails I received last night after publishing this  on Village Voice and that the YES! Campaign had gained support and signatures from hundreds and hundreds of people.  I also suggested that next time I get a ticket I am going to ask to see the Judge in the back room and negotiate  'a deal'.  

The outcome:  WCC Planning and Regulatory Committee have endorsed their previous decision to pursue the costs..

Letter Peter Hosking to WCC here [84kb].doc

Y E S !!!  

Now pay up PPH!  Our Council and the Cafe owners!

Owen has been overseas for five years but has now returned home.

Many will remember Owen in Piha at the SLSC where, among other work, he trained the 'nippers'.

see what Owen is doing in Piha HERE

This Committee meet onTuesday June 8th at 9:30am and will be discussing Protect Piha Heritage Society Inc (PPH) outstanding debt of $5,000 to the ratepayers of Waitakere.

Following is some interesting information . . . .

Minutes of the WCC Planning and Regulatory Meeting 13/4/10

• Moved and Carried "That the Chief Executive Officer be requested to actively pursue the issue of costs awarded by the (Environment) court to the Council in respect of the Piha Cafe decision"

Agenda Item WCC Planning and Regulatory Meeting this Tuesday June 8th

• Regulatory/Enforcement: Protect Piha Heritage Society Inc. Payment of Costs

From reading the associated documents it appears that PPH wish to get out of paying these costs pleading they're a 'Community Group' and broke.  Well I and others say they're a political group which originally formed to appose the Piha Cafe.  They had several opportunities to mediate which they didnt take advantage of. 

I attended one such day of official mediation at which each side was supposed to give and take, to come to some middle ground and then come to a conclusion to avoid the huge costs of going to the Environment Court.  What I witnessed was nothing more than a time wasting, arrogant even, sham on the part of PPH.

We even stated to Melanie Reid, a PPH member at the mediation, that if it went to court, they would lose and it would cost them all a lot of money.  She stated she didnt care and they would never pull out.

PPH had the opportunity to appeal the awarding of costs to the Environment Court and failed to do so.  This is a court order and should be enforced.  Is it any different to not paying traffic fines or any other court order?

So are PPH broke?  Lets look at their accounts and assetts:

• Their income 2007-9: $107,436
• Their outgoings 2007-9: $115,678
• PPH entered 2008 with funds of $11,499
• They ended 2009 with a deficit of $19,740
• Interesting that they paid $17,006 on printing during 2008/9. 
• Having spent over $17,000 on printing and copying there is no entry in their balance sheet to show corresponding assets.  How can you spent $17,000 on printing and have nothing to show for it?  I thought PPH published books?  There must be stock somewhere - no?

• I personally know two members of PPH who are not only embarrased that the costs have not been paid yet but they are ready to write a cheque as soon as the call is made the Chair, Sandra Coney.

 I consider that the honourable thing to do.

• PPH claim 60 members: the costs awarded of $15,000 ($10,000 for the Cafe guys and $5,000 for WCC) over the membership is $250 a head. 
• As someone has already stated these people are, in the main, well heeled and live in some of Auckland's and Wellington's more expensive real estate eg: the Viaduct, Herne Bay, Pt Chev, Brooklyn, etc as well as owning second holiday properties and rentals in Piha.

PPH stretched five young New Zealanders, with young families, to their very limit financially so much so that by the time the Cafe was built and opened they had considerable debt to service before they even opened the doors!

Protect Piha Heritage Society Inc Profit & Loss as at 31 Oct 2009 [51kb]pdf

Protect Piha Heritage Society Inc Balance Sheet as at 31 Oct 2009 [38kb]pdf

As a 'Yes' campaigner and WCC ratepayer I and others spent three years submitting, going to hearings, resubmitting, going to the Environment Court day after day so I strongly suggest that WCC enforces the Environment Courts judgement on costs.  $5,000 is a token amount and is nothing near the actual cost to our Council and all of us as ratepayers.  PPH did not have a strong case at all contrary to what they claim.  They didn't win one point of law in the end

Letter from General Counsel WCC to PPH  Please, in particular, read Paragraph 6.

Tired of your Mum?  Take her to Titirangi and recycle her

4/6/10 Green Ribbon Awards

What a fabulous night last night at a banquet dinner for the Green Ribbon Awards hosted by Hon Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment at Parliament building last night..

This year the Ministry received over 200 nominations for these awards under 12 catagories and last night the winners of each plus the supreme winner was announced.

Under the catagory 'Caring for our water' the finalists were:

• Thames Coromandel District Council and Tairua/Pauanui Community Board
• Waitakere City Council - Project Twin Streams and
• Henley Trust 2003

and the winner . .     Waitakere City Council - Project Twin Streams 

Photos below: 1. Tony Miguel making his acceptance speech with Dorothy Dalziel and the Minister for the Environment Nick Smith.   2. Tony with Dorothy and Richard Thomas of Thomas Civil Consultants.

   1.       2.

Tony's acceptance speech was pretty moving given that 'The House' was passing the 3rd Bill for the 'super city' at the same time just a floor or two above us..  Tony referred to our Mayor Bob Harvey, and his team's, vision of Waitakere as an eco-city and the many wonderful programs and assistance offered to improve and assist our flora and fauna.

It was a huge honour to be nominated for a Green Ribbon Award under the 'Community action for the environment: volunteers and non-for-profit organisations'.

I attended the dinner knowing I'd be with a room full of like minded people and I was.  It was a fabulous group, dinner and lots of fun.

left: Bobbie with the Hon Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment at the Beehive.

WCC had consulted directly with us but also gave the Piha R&R the opportunity to consult and it was from this that the idea of this current work on the corner came. 

Here is the submission from the  Piha Ratepayers and Residents submission.  Please note under 'alternative ideas' the work, with 'hand railing' being done at present. 

Beach Valley Road residents are not happy as this restricts vision both looking down and up for motorists and is being done at the expense of other, what we consider, more important safety measures for pedestrians.  Please note the finished height will be 1.1 metres.

Final Plans Piha R&R and Waitakere Community Board approved

31/5/10

31/5/10

None of us could get the number plate but it was a white Toyota Corolla TSxxxxx.  I have one message for you: if you cause a crash and hurt anyone we love then God help you because we'll have no sympathy!  NZ Herald article

30/5/10

This didjeridu, jacket and putatara are amoung a number of precious items stolen from Pendrell Road Piha on Saturday 22nd May or Sunday morning.  There is a significant reward for the return of either or all of these items.  Email in confidence here

"Beach Valley Road Project"  Wins Weedbusters Award

Well into it's third year the Community "Beach Valley Road Project", a fabulous partnership with Waitakere City Council Parks, has won the Weedbusters Auckland Region Wide 'Private Land Group' Award.

The goals: "Eradicate Weeds, replace with natives, pedestrian and vehicle safety".  What a Team, what a project!  Beach Valley Road Project

Just like last year America goes middle of the road, safe and boring.  Crystal is just too different uh?

Crystal, I think, is another Janis, Joan, Melissa  . . . .  too out there for America !

25/5/10

"This year marks the 20^th Green Ribbon Awards. During this time more than 100 environmental champions have been awarded for their initiative, commitment and dedication to tackle environmental issues," Dr Smith said.

For the 2010 awards 143 nominations were received across 12 categories.  The categories reflect the broad range of environmental challenges that New Zealand faces and the extraordinary range of actions taken to address them. The nominations recognised individuals, businesses, communities and youth as well as larger organisations.

Waitakere City Council - Project Twin Streams        NZ Green Ribbons Awards finalists

Congratulations WCC . . . .  hope the SuperCity outfit take note !

Those submiting against: Each individual mentioned submitted separately as they are entitled to.  So did the groups they belong to . . . listed next to their name!  I am wondering if all the Ratepayers and Residents Groups asked their members for a mandate to submit?  I think when groups submit they should have to attach the 'Minutes' of their groups meetings giving them such a mandate - either way.

• Combined Waitakere Residents & Ratepayers Group
• Titirangi Ratepayers and Residents
• Henderson Valley Residents Assn
• Piha Ratepayers and Residents
• Oratia Residents and Ratepayers
• South Titirangi Residents and Ratepayers
• Grassroots Action Group
• Protect Piha Heritage
• West Coast Plan Liaison Group
• Preserve Swanson Foothills
• Kubi Witten-Hannah as the Chair of Waitakere Community Board.  Chair of Combined Ratepayers & Residents Group.  Chair of Waitakere Community Board

The people listed below submitted as individuals AND are members of the groups next to their names who also submitted as above.  It's called 'many bites of the cake' !

• Sandra Coney: Chair of Protect Piha Heritage and Rep on West Coast Plan Liason Group
• Susan Davis: Protect Piha Heritage
• Fiona Anderson: Protect Piha Heritage ?
• Jo Quartemass: West Coast Plan Liaison Group
• Denise Yates: West Coast Plan Liaison Group
• Paula Legel: Piha Ratepayers & Residents
• Helen Pearce: Piha Ratepayers & Residents, Protect Piha Heritage
• Sheena von Bassewitz: Piha Ratepayers & Residents, Protect Piha Heritage,
• Monique Olivier (Davies) Piha Ratepayers & Residents, Protect Piha Heritage, Combined Waitakere Residents & Ratepayers
• Mels Barton: Titirangi Ratepayers and Residents, Grassroots Action Group, Combined Waitakere Residents & Ratepayers
• Jean Berry: Combined Waitakere Residents & Ratepayers, President Preserve Swanson Foothills, 

Refer: FAQ on Plan Changes         Open Drop In 27th May  

WCC Website says: 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  Summary of Submissions [211kb].pdf

 23/5/10 

Mochrie believes he was an alcoholic in a past life. In this one he doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, and bases his diet around superfoods: blueberries, almonds, salmon, bananas. He loves to run on Piha beach with his wife. He loves to surf. So far, so wholesome - but he admits he does slip up occasionally. stuff.co.nz

 This wee lad is working very hard : HAVE A PEEP HERE

 The weather was shocking but still these people turned up.  To see what its all about just  have a look here

"You don't see as many birds and butterflies around so I thought I'd bring them back through my mural." . . . . . .

For the past couple of weeks Mauricio has commuted from Piha to help the students develop their ideas.

stuff.co.nz

The very fortunate, and reasonably well off, ticket holders to the RWC will be getting FREE public transport to and from matches thanks to ratepayers.  Yes, WCC has put in $50,000, to contribute toward the costs of this FREE transport tickets.  It's free for them but someone has to pay and its the ratepayers. Bobbie

 Clarification: I, Village Voice Editor

The Beach Valley Project has worked heaps towards improving the safety for pedestrians and vehicles in Beach Valley Road.    Now we have a plan.  It hasn't got all our 'wish list' items but its a start. 

The speed humps and continuation of the pedestrian safety bollards continuing up to the bottom of the Milk Track will be done by the end of June and the walkway in front of 7 & 9 by the end of the year.

We are hugely grateful to WCC Roading for listening to us and doing the work.  HERE is the plan

Piha Ratepayers and Residents:

1. 5th March R&R Minutes:  Motion 4 "That an R&R submission be sent expressing concern about lack of consultation for Plan Change 36, following redraft by Helen (Pearce) and circulation to Committee Helen redraft and circulate"
2. April R&R Minutes: Outward correspondence: Submission to Plan Change 36
3. Submission #36/418 Piha Ratepayers and Residents: Withdraw Plan 36 in its entirety!  

I cannot see this decision in any of the Minutes nor when/where you got a mandate to do this ???  I would like any member of the Piha Ratepayers and Residents that gave the Committee a mandate to do this to please let us know.

Combined Waitakere Residents and Ratepayers Groups

• Submission # 36/380:  "Withdraw Plan Change 36 in its entirety"

The Chair of this Group said in his email "The meetings to which Ms Carrol (sic) refers are informal and do not make decisions so there is nothing to record. So who made the decision to make submission 36/380 ???

Plan Change 35:

Q: What does proposed Plan Change 35 seek to achieve?

A: Plan Change 35 has three main elements:

(1) To establish a new policy in the District Plan that recognises and protects the heritage features of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area

(2) To include in the District Plan those elements of the Oratia and Waiatarua Local Area Plans that relate to the management of natural and physical resources

(3) Provide for the establishment of a neighbourhood-scale rural village in Oratia to serve the needs of the local community.

Q: Where would the Oratia rural village be located?

A: The Oratia rural village would be located near the Oratia District School, on West Coast Road. It would reinforce and add to the loose collection of existing activities in this location such as the dairy, fruit shop, Settlers' Hall, school and furniture maker. 

  Rest of Questions & Answers PC35 here [19kb].pdf

Rest of Questions & Answers PC37 here [19kb].pdf

Combined R&Rs meet with Chair of Waitakere Community Board: 

Last week, while reading the last Community Board Meeting Attachments I saw that the Chair of the Waitakere Community Board, Kubi Witten-Hannah, was holding monthy meetings with a group called the 'combined Ratepayers & Residents groups'.

I  found out that this meeting was being held in Waitakere Council offices so along we (Julia and I) went to see what it was all about. 

There were only four or five there when we arrived: Kubi Witten-Hannah, Councillor Paul Mitchell, Waitakere Community Board Member Linda Davies, Monique Davies-Olivier (representing Piha R&R). But it didn't take long for others to arrive.  Mels Barton arrived, representing Titirangi R&R, with huge folders which later turned out to be Plan Changes 35, 36 & 37. Then four men arrived and a few others and before we knew it the tables were full.

I sat there intrigued wondering what was going to be discussed with this 'combined group' from Ratepayers and Residents groups in Waitakere that 'represent' their communities.

Apparently the representatives from the R&Rs were to bring feedback to the meeting about the 'foothills walkway'.  I had read about this 'walkway' in the Minutes from the previous Community Board Meeting but had heard nothing about it from Piha's R&R nor the Council. More later . . . .

The next agenda item was the current Plan Changes 35, 36 & 37 being submitted on at present.  This group wanted to discuss 'cross submissions' (that is how they can support each others R&R submissions).   This quickly turned into what could only be described as a robust discussion across the floor.  As it became even more robust people were starting to identify why they were there . . . .  ah . . .  it had to happen.  Seems at least half  the visitors were people who felt disenfranchised (deprived of the rights of citizenship especially the right to vote). 

The four gentlemen referred to before were pretty peeved at this meeting as they had no representation nor were they asked for any input.  This type of feeling is rife at many levels it seems.

Well within 45 minutes of the meeting starting the Chair, Kubi Witten-Hannah, wanted to close it.  Seems it wasn't going quite to plan.  The Agenda was to discuss cross submitting on the Plan Changes (deadline extended). The 'disenfranchised' people were not against the Plan Changes which was contrary to the purpose of this meeting and what Kubi, Monique and Mels etc had wanted.  Whoops, this meeting was going terribly wrong - for some. 

Penny Hulse, Deputy Mayor, arrived late, apologised, and then explained that these Plan Changes were a follow through from the Heritage Bill and LAPs, as promised, so that people like Artisan Wines etc can operate and others with parcels of land can make them economic units. 

Oh, there was plenty of exaggerating and scaremongering about rubbish tips and abattoirs opening until one person present said some owners of small holdings want a  license to do 'home kill'  not abattoirs.  It's this kind of dangerous exaggeration that is being repeated about these Plan Changes in Waitakere.

Then there was discussion about why have these Plan Changes when the LAPs (Local Area Plans) weren't even finished.  Well that's an interesting question.  You see Oratia (1) & Waiatarua (2)  have finished their LAPs and Plan Change 35 is in response to their LAPs so why are these people apposing it and who are they representing?  The LAPs were put together by the Oratia and Waiatarua communities themselves? 

I have attended a number of meetings and as you  know  I'm not one to hold my tongue but the exchanges across the room at this meeting were at times sharp, fighting words and down right rude.  It seems to me that Mels Barton doesn't give too much of a toss for democracy.  If these Plan Changes go through, she threatened the disenfranchised, 'I'll see you in Court?!  Wow - democracy at work again?  . . .   and the process is only half way through. 

Monique Davies-Olivier has no right to represent us there: The Piha R&R's submission was that there was not enough time to get to grips with what the Changes meant to make a meaningful submission.  Have they asked you what you think?  They haven't asked me.  Any case what is a 'Charitable' outfit doing carrying on with all these politics? 

How can the Piha R & R go to a combined meeting, supposedly representing us, when their own meetings are behind closed, and locked, doors?  I explained this farce to the other disenfranchised people there and they actually thought I was joking!  If only!

So knowing that there had been 3 or 4 meetings prior to this one I wrote to WCC :

"Hello WCC.  The Chair of the Community Board, Kubi Witten-Hannah, has had 3 or 4 meetings with the Waitakere combined residents and ratepayers groups.  Can I please have a copy of the Minutes of those meetings?  Thanks, Bobbie"

The reply:

"the usual practice for all meetings held or sponsored by council is to record decisions. The meetings to which Ms Carrol (sic) refers are informal and do not make decisions so there is nothing to record.  Participants may may (sic) make their own notes on what is talked about but these are not circulated.  Regards  Kubi"

So there you have it folks: The Chair of our Community Board is having 'informal' meetings with a 'combined ratepayers and residents group' discussing Plan Changes and submissions with 'no records' taken.  If a super city will stop this backroom stuff then maybe I might change my mind and be all for it.

Further information

(1) Plan Change 35  Council has proposed a plan change to include the outcomes of the Oratia Local Area Plan in the Waitakere District Plan.

(2) Plan Change 35 Council has proposed a plan change to include the outcomes of the Waiatarua Local Area Planin the Waitakere District Plan. -

This is directly off the WCC LAP website "These Local Area Plans represents the outcome of submissions and a series of conversations, meetings and workshops with members of the particular communities and research into the ideas and visions for the future. Workshops and meetings were held and provided a chance for Council to listen to residents about the kind of future they wanted for their area. Submissions on the Waiatarua & Oratia Local Area Plans were received during August and September 2009"

It was not that long ago that the Piha R&R were claiming 350+ members.  Now the membership is down to 230.  This number includes 100+ who have private mail boxes so by default they become members plus some 40 life members. 

So in fact some 90, maybe 100, people actually choose to become members for no other reason than they wish to be a member.  That is 90-100 people out of a permanent population of 900+. 

Now this group that claims to 'represents up' has closed meetings. 

This same 'closed group' are applying for 'Charitable Status'

This lack of transparency, open democracy and veiled politics is of huge concern to me . . . especially with elections around the corner.

So I went exploring to find out some more information and I shall report on that after a good nights sleep.  It is, afterall, 2am!

9/5/10

The home section was pretty good but I was disappointed in the garden part.

Left:  Wish I'd had a spare $1800 on me and I would have picked up this stunning chair by Peter Lange.  It was remarkably comfortable to sit on as well as a stunner to look at.  Those curvers are something else.   It was my #1 pick at the show.

Cafe food gets all-clear:

A fortnight ago the Herald on Sunday reported the cafe, which opened after a three-year legal wrangle, received a D rating after Waitakere City Council inspectors found inadequate cleaning.

This has been resolved but the cafe will have to display its D grade until June 12 because regrading can't take place until two months after the assessment.

However, a timber-framed veranda and roof at the back of the cafe does not have resource consent. The cafe will have to remove it or obtain retrospective consent.  NZ Herald article

8/5/10

For once the R & R Committee should be very grateful I turned up to the SGM today or else they would not have had a quorum!  20 members, including yours truly, were present plus a further 20 proxy votes. 

Accounts: The represented balance sheet was #1. on the Agenda. 

The big difference on this balane sheet is a value of the Piha library building of $250,068.00, which has been included.  Most of us know that in the back ground 'discussions' are being had between the R&R Committee and the Piha Library Trust regarding the ownership of the building . . . .  suffice to say: watch this space.

It was suggested that those present at this SGM and who were also Trustees of the Piha Library Trust should abstain due to conflict of interest.  This idea lasted about 30 seconds.

The 'replacement balance sheet' was accepted with 35 to 5 votes.  (an audited Balance Sheet had been presented to the 2010 AGM, but not accepted, as it had no value entered for the library building)

Changes to Constitution:

The bottom line with the proposed changes is to enable the R&R to obtain 'charitable' status. 

Helen Pearce referred to Village Voice Editor's opinion that an R & R is a political, rather than charitable, organisation.  "What does political mean" Helen asked.  So I went researching for you Helen (although you of all people should know this):

  The noun POLITICS has 4 senses:

1. social relations involving authority or power
2. the study of government of states and other political units
3. the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
4. the opinion you hold with respect to political questions

Another definition I found:

poli is greek for many, tics are blood sucking insects = Many Blood Sucking Insects

And yet another:

politic:  plural noun usu. treated as sing.

1. the activities associated with governing a country or area, and with the political relations between states.
2. a particular set of political beliefs or principles.
3. activities aimed at gaining power within an organization: office politics.
4. the principles relating to or inherent in a sphere or activity, especially when concerned with power and status: the politics of gender.

So I still believe a Ratepayers and Residents group is a political organisation.  I thought, as I was in the dictionary anyway, I'd look up what 'charitable' means.

Oxofrd Dictionary:  charitable

•   adjective

1. relating to the assistance of those in need.
2. tolerant in judging others.

So do you think an R & R qualifies for 'charitable' status? 

It seems there are two reasons why the Committee want to get charitable status.  The first is that any donation made to it can be tax deductable for the donator and, secondly,  there will be no need to pay tax on profits.  Given that the only tax we pay at present is PAYE for the post office I asked what tax we could be liable for given that I've never seen huge amounts of donations on the annual accounts.  The question was too spontanious for an answer but I've not seen a lot of profits in the accounts either.

Anyway, enough said, the motion to accept all the changes was carried with one abstension: Moi!

PS:  If it turns out the R & R does own the library building we now have a wee problem.  In the changes to the Constition's 'Winding Up' clause it says if they wind up any surplus assets shall be distributed 'for exclusively charitable purposes to such other incorporated body or bodies in the Piha District'.  Not 'charitable body or bodies' . . .  just 'Incorporated body or bodies'.   That is a wee problem for me and others I am sure. 

7/5/10

The aim of the Scheme is to increase participation in the arts at a local level and increase the range of diversity of arts available to communities. 

Eligible projects must:

• Have an arts or cultural focus
• Take place within Waitakere City
• Benefit the local community
• Not have started before September 2010
• Not have been funded by Creative New Zealand

Give your plants a chance to grow:  now is the best time to weed. . . .  need a hand?  I love weeding.    Tax receipts available   

Look closely - see it on sideswipe HERE

These guys are always ready to do a pose and have a friendly chat . . . . 

To see what they're up to have a peep  HERE

War and Peace photos now published

The West Coast Gallery 'War and Peace' photos can now be seen here or by clicking on the photo on the left

2 - 8 May is NZ Sign Week and to celebrate this Ursula has two events at the Piha Library. 

The first is a 'taster' 2:30 on Saturday 8th followed by 'story time' on Thursday 13th.

Great opportunity to ensure your children are comfortable with the deaf and understand 'SIGN'    Details on 'What's Happening here'

Skid Vicious in anti-mining march

Click on this thumbnail to see Piha's Skid Vicious in the 40,000 odd strong protest march in Auckland against mining on conservation land.  Go Skid!

Jools & Lynda MA (Hons) Last week, Jools and Lynda were awarded an honorary Masters of Arts from Wintec, Waikato Institute of Technology. A pretty amazing honour for two gals who left Huntly College barely with School C.

A couple of weeks ago we went to see the Topp Twins with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in the Town Hall.  It was absolutely hilarious.  You can now see it this Friday 7th May on TV3 at 8:30pm.  Don't miss Jools and Lynda in 'the three Kenors'.  Enjoy!

1/5/10  John Banks roars into Piha on his Harley Davidson

One would be forgiven for thinking a motor bike gang was visiting Piha - well that is exactly what happened.  I mean they were a group (gang?) on nice big fat powerful motor bikes.

Probably somewhere around 70 - 90 people listened to John Banks talk about his aspirations for the Auckland Mayoralty and answer questions.  There were very few locals - no surprise and a shame I think.  Most of the crowd were imports from somewhere and clearly fans of Johns already so he was reasonably safe as well.  However four locals asked him some questions.  He is clearly a seasoned politician - handling the questions well.  The words were good - are they 'for real'?  Who knows.   The food was yum. The drinks yummy too and was it good to meet and listen to John.  Well, with an election just around the corner I'm making a point of going to as many meetings as I can - with eyes wide open. Why not?  John Banks is standing for the Mayoralty so it was disappointing that more locals weren't there.    (Bottom right photo:  John Banks with his wife Amanda Banks)

For a bit of fun (we're dead without it) I would have loved to take his Harley for a ride but the keys weren't it it!  Shame as I love Harleys.

1/5/10 'Meet' your MP or lets have a clinic?   How very disappointing to go to the Piha SLSC today to meet our local MP.   The majority of those who turned up were, like myself, expecting some words or an address/update from Paula and then an open forum discussion. 

Wrong!  What we were invited to was a 'constituency clinic'.  That is you sit one to one, like Fiona below left, and have a chat with your MP or, below right, a couple of you can sit in a booth and have a wee chat with your MP with 'helper' taking notes for Paula.  

Several people that came were very very dissappointed and said so.  They really wanted an open forum.  There was nothing on the bill board to suggest this.  There was one hint on the mailout to phone 838 8161 to 'make an appointment'.    I suppose it was 'safe' for Paula to do it this way.

Sat 1st May and not one but two politicians in Piha:  

Piha Surf Life Saving Club & the United North Piha Lifeguard Service won Surf Life Saving Northern Regions' March 2010 Rescue of the Month Award.

"The extraordinary efforts shown by all the lifeguards involved, on the 28 March 2010, were outstanding - your club can be very proud of them.  Admiration of the skill and professionalism shown by those involved in the incident is testament
to qualities valued by Surf Life Saving Northern Region." said Stephen Pye, President and Ashley Matuschka Chair of Lifesaving  Surf Life Saving Northern Region Surf Life Saving Northern Region   NZ Herald

CHEAPEST  BACH  IN  PIHA ! !

On Site Caravan at Piha Camping Ground. 16 ft , 1 double, 1 single bed.  This caravan is sited on one of a limited 30 permanant sites.

For more details click on photo or Have a look here

Looking for a professional surveyor?  Where is your boundary?

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

More details here 

To be registered under the Charitable Trust Act 1957, a charitable trust must exist principally or exclusively for a charitable purpose according to the law of New Zealand, or for any purpose that is religious or educational whether or not such purpose is charitable according to New Zealand law.  The following purposes may be the basis of registration as a charitable trust:

• the promotion of education
• the promotion of religion
• the relief of poverty
• other purposes of benefit to the community.

It is also charitable to establish facilities for recreation and other leisure-time activities if those facilities are provided in the interests of social welfare and are of public benefit.  A charitable purpose may be the object of a trust or the purpose a society is formed.  The trustees of the trust or society may apply to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies for incorporation as a trust board.  Charitable Trusts

There is no getting around the fact that Residents and Ratepayers groups are political lobby groups . . . well that is what they have always been to me. Reference story  What do you think? 

26/4/10

Black Sands Lodge, a three time entrant (photo),  would like to thank the Piha Cafe for their support of the Heroic Garden Tour this year.  Every coffee they sold to ticket holders, $1 was donated to the charity.  Our thanks also to Rainbow Youth for their valuable assistance as well as the Piha folk that came along.