Piha Beach

 Polls and Survey Results

People living or having an interest in a small village like Piha often have varying opinions on various topics we I run polls for our readers or people outside of Piha to guage their opinions.

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Oct '08:  'Yes',   'No'  or  'I don't mind either way'  to Thundercats in Piha?

YES, 38.5%   :   NO, 38.5%  (yip, dead heat)  and 'I DON'T MIND EITHER WAY  23%

Thundercats in Piha Feb '08 here

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Oct '07:  

2nd Poll:   Should PIHA RESCUE be allowed to continue filming in Piha?

It's not about the SURF LIFE SAVERS!  By Bobbie Carroll

I doubt anyone would question the absolute dedication, and at time heroics, of our Piha Surf Life Savers who spend 100's of hours watching over us and keeping us safe as we enjoy our summer swims at Piha. 

My question in the last poll on Village Voice at pihabeach.co.nz was 'Do you vote YES or NO to Piha Rescue filming in Piha?' (Results below)

I received some responses asking if I was questioning the Surf Life Savers or Piha Surf Life Saving Club.  I admit I put my neck out sometimes, but I am not that mad!

My poll was prompted by a discussion with a local about his perception of the change in the demographics of summer time visitors to Piha Beach.  His perception was that the number of families visiting had dropped in the last 3-4 years because of TV programme, Piha Rescue.  A few more discussions around Piha and I heard that some people loved the programme and some were sick to their back teeth of it - this is what prompted the poll.  Personally I love watching the programme but am sick of them filming here - does that make me a Nimby?

So let's start with some facts:

•  Waitakere City Council has received a lump sum payment of $3,250 + GST  for a total of 4 season of filming the programme all of which went directly  into Council Park Assets.

• The producers do not pay any money to ARC.

• Piha Surf Life Saving Club:  Larry Rountree advises 'I can not tell you how much the producers of Piha Rescue pay the club. It's a commercial agreement that is confidential to the parties. What I can tell you is that we know that the monies we get directly, and what we have been successful in leveraging from the series is considerable, well in excess of $50,000 per annum.'

I will summarise the comments received back.  Most opinions would be represented here:

• Is annoying if film crews were to get over zealous
• I think any public awareness is good, especially in the multicultural society we live in
• We don't really know the impact the filming is having on the beach or the dunes or the privacy of people who live nearby
• Many of us at Piha are becoming sick of the invasion of privacy when we are swimming, walking on the beach, sitting on the beach.  The camera is constantly at the ready and films randomly.  Two days ago I was swimming and a Surf Club inflatable zoomed right in where we were with one driver and the camera guy hanging  out of the boat(showing off) filming a group of girls who all thought it was wonderful and waved and performed for the camera
• I don't like it, but lots of other people do.  Wish they'd cut down on the scare tactics. It must look really scary. Also, can they do their entire close shooting at South Piha, so that I can have an undisturbed swim at North?
• There will always be people that don't look at the big picture and get scared of what they see on TV, but really it's doing something positive for the community by promoting beach safety!!!!
• I love watching that programme. If anything it has taught me and my children how to stay safe in and around the water.
• I am sure you are aware of the terrible fatal accident on the Piha Road where a young person was killed.  Apparently the person was lying on the road and the cameraman was trying to film her.  He got a short sharp shift from First Response
• If they continue maybe the content should be more on how they train the Surf Lifesavers right from an early age. 
• This show is voyeuristic, and disrespects people who have had a traumatic experience.
• How much impact (if any) has the programme had on the number of rescues? How much time would be spent filming if another series is made? Have those working on earlier films been considerate and respectful of our beach and our people?
• There is no enjoyment of a quiet swim, the motors on the inflatable are loud and it is dangerous. They create a sense of panic rushing here and there.   I understand and appreciate their use for rescues, but this filming has become too much.  One year was ok, the second was tolerable, but now it is a permanent fixture at the Surf Club and totally over the top. 

To summarise most people enjoy watching the program.  All people have a full appreciation of the Surf Life Savers.  The last series emphasised safety messages more than previous ones.   The camera crew appear to have developed a proprietary attitude to the beach and sea.  It's been great.  But enough is enough.

Should Piha Rescue be allowed to continue filming in Piha?  No 37%  Yes 63%

NOTE: This was not a scientific poll.  It is a poll taken from the e-newsletter and readers of our website pihabeach.co.nz. A lot of votes were received from outside of Piha - even one from USA. 

Readers of pihabeach.co.nz e-newsletter:Yes: 75%   NO:19%  Don't Care: 6%  (total of 84 votes)

Public Vote (spam and duplicates filtered):      Yes: 63%  NO: 37% (total of 328 votes with spam removed)

26 August '07:  People driving to Piha through the beautiful Waitakere Ranges today could hardly miss the signs photographed below spread down the length of Piha Road.

Some questions put to me? 

• If Marc Ellis could sell to Starbucks what is stopping the current Piha Shop selling to Starbucks?
• How do you spell Cappuccino?
• Is it true or false that Piha used to have a petrol bowser and cinema AND Tearooms?
• Can Marc find anyone who could cook better than Amanda?
• 4 of the 5 Owners of Preserve Piha own property and live in Piha.  Did they make a mistake bringing Marc Ellis into the picture?
• How many people drink 'long blacks' anyway?
• Will Christian Fougere do a contra - a 'yes' vote for fixing my wonky knee?
• If a new Cafe is opened will they play Black Sands radio 88.3 on the dial for the oldies?
• What does a hydraulic car stacker look like?
• Is there a reason the R&R didn't have a public meeting in order to represent us in their (our) submission?
• One cafe would turn Piha into a bustling commercial centre. Yea right! (off YouTube)
• Did you vote for Marc Ellis in 'NZ's Celebrity Top 50'  (Sunday Herald 26 Aug)?He won!  NUMBER 1 !
• Do we really want winners in Piha?
• And finally: would you buy a coffee off this guy?

If you have a question to add to this list feel free to email me Email Bobbie

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