Plimmerton Residents’ Association Newsletter

What’s new in Plimmerton?

February 2013

‘allo ‘allo ... listen very carefully ... On Sunday 27January, Tuohy Homes Petanque court was officially opened with a French-themed picnic day. Mayor Nick Leggett (in jandals, shorts and mayoral chain) the trilingual chair of the PRA Colin Bleasdale and Touhy Homes’ Brent Touhy welcomed the merry throng. Some fierce petanque and posh picnics were enjoyed by locals in the sunshine. Work completed to date was admired and plans for ongoing improvements were discussed, people who have helped and contributed to date were acknowledged. Thanks Karehana Park team it was a really memorable community day.

Go to www.plimmerton.org.nz to see all the fun.

Karehana Park stage three ... time to make YOUR mark in the park? Remodelling the stream to the north of Airlie Road is the next project to be tackled in the Karehana Park project. You can see drawings by landscape architect Andrew Gray of how this will look when the job is done on our web site on the Karehana Park page under stream enhancement.

A path from Airlie Road entrance to the playground will also be constructed in this phase. Pavers are on sale now for this last stretch of pathway. If you have not been to the park recently we suggest you take a stroll and see the Tuohy Homes Petanque court and paths, pavers and planting completed in 2012. This hard work represents a stunning effort by the Karehana Park Project Team.

Hongoeka Marae beach Carnival fundraiser This Saturday 2 February 9am – 4pm Plimmerton Hongoeka residents invited!

Cultural items, bouncy castles, music, Maori arts and crafts, Harleys, waka ama, hangi ... sounds awesome! This will be the first carnival at Hongoeka for 40 years and they want it to become an annual event.

The event is being organised by Bob Smith 021 102 7577

http://www.plimmerton.org.nz/hongoeka/

Mural to beautify under the bridge ... and deter taggers Check out Xoe Hall’s fabulous work at www.xoehall.com

Tree trimming regulations need pruning back? Councillor Tim Sheppard asks us all to respond to the proposed changes to regulations about trimming vegetation. Please call Tim 233 6373 or email TMsheppard@gmail.com if you want more information. This needs a strong community response and we have until 15 February to let PCC know what we all think about the proposed new rules.

Lodge your submission with PCC by email to enquiries@pcc.govt.nz

Find out more on their web site www.pcc.govt.nz

Plimmerton promenades at the beach and the ball Saturday 6 April Book your date with fun and fashion in Plimmerton with boats and beach activities, ball dresses and bathing belles plus lots of music and food. Next planning meeting at St Andrews hall on Monday 4 Feb at 7pm. If you want to be involved contact Stephanie Stephanie@drew.co.nz. The PRA are looking for help with setting up the display Plimmerton a colourful history in the pavilion. Contact Allan at plimmertonra@gmail.com

Blue penguin sightings? In Plimmerton, in Plimmerton The little penguins play ... (Denis Glover, Threnody)

Has there been a decline in the blue penguin population? Have you seen any in the past few months? Taupo stream was once home to many nesting little blue penguins but over the past three years very few have been seen.

Please send any observations, news of sightings or photos to plimmertonra@gmail.com and follow this issue on our web site www.plimmerton.org.nz/little-blue-penguin/

Laura Norder in Plimmerton Community constable Jonathan Westrupp says that there has been an increase in the number of burglaries in Plimmerton. “Although this often happens over the holiday period we have been working behind the scenes to track down suspects. An arrest was made last week in relation to some of this activity and enquiries are continuing. At this stage the vandalism from late last year has died down. Information provided by local residents led to interviews of suspects and hopefully the vandalism will stop.”

If you see people and vehicles lurking or where they shouldn’t be, contact Crimestoppers. It’s anonymous and all crimes reported are investigated. www.crimestoppers-nz.org/

Festival of the elements 2013 Waitangi Day 6 February 11am – 7pm, free admission.

At Te Rauparaha Park/Arena, Pataka and Aquatic Centre.

Great line up: Ranea Aperahama, Laughing Samoans, Toni Huata and the Kevin Clark trio plus lots, lots more. Check out the full programme on our web site or in Kapi Mana News.

History Association approaches half century You are invited to join the Porirua Historical Association for their AGM at 7.30 on Wednesday 27 February at Pataka. The group meets to enjoy interesting speakers and visit local attractions and you are welcome to join them. The association started in 1966 and so is nearing its 50th anniversary. If you would like to know more about the association and this area’s rich history call Brian Mosen 233 0709 or June Penman on 236 7438.

Zonta makes a difference Mana Zonta club members meet at the Plimmerton Boating Club once a month to socialise and progress their fundraising projects. Last year they raised and donated $13,500 mostly to local organisations benefitting women in this area. They raise money through organising events, Christmas present wrapping at the mall, and other initiatives. Find out more on our web site www.plimmerton.org.nnz/volunteer-opportunities/ or contact them www.zonta.org.nz/about-zonta

Fire risks high Greater Wellington Regional Council asks us to observe the total fire ban in this area including Whitirea Park where a driftwood fire on the beach flared up last week. After the terrible fire of February 2010 people need to take extra care as the risks to local residents and the park itself are very high.

Jetski and power boat reminder People are reminded to obey the 5 knot speed limit within 200 metres of shore. Unsafe behaviour can be reported to 830 4160 or after hours 388 1911

Water care needed Check out our web site for the current regulations about water use. Lower water levels in rivers and reduced storage are compounding issues created by unusually dry, warm weather.

Crokey dokey hokey pokey For all the latest news about what’s happening at Plimmerton Croquet Club visit www.plimmerton.org.nz/croquet/

Scene@Plimmerton dry clean and repair service Scene is an agent for Taylors dry Cleaning and offers a useful local drop off and collection service. Pop in to Scene with your dry cleaning Tuesday to Saturday. More details in their listing on the web site.

Paremata Plimmerton rugby club pre season training kicks off Rugby pre season training is under way now at the clubrooms on Ngati Toa domain, Tuesday and Thursdays at 6pm.

Plimmerton World War 1 stories attract attention The story on our web site about the Web Memorial Trophy has been included on NZ’s official WW100 web site. The refurbished trophy will be presented back to Plimmerton School very soon and all this activity will be on the web site.

Flip, it’s the Shrove Tuesday Annual Pancake Race! On 12 February join the throng at St Andrew’s at 9.30am where racing starts at 10am. To enter a team pre register with the office or come along on the day. You need four people per team and entry is by koha. Racing involves trotting along Steyne Ave flipping pancakes in a pan ... then eating them! All funds go to Bellyful. Support this fun annual event and have laugh.

Noah’s Ark cafe and craft at St Andrews For tiny tots, toddlers, preschoolers and care givers every Tuesday during term time. Starting Tuesday 5 February 9.30- 11am. Clare says, “Come along and join in as we craft, sing, read stories and have yummy morning teas.”

Gig guide We offer a free gig guide on our web site and through this newsletter. If you are, or have, musicians performing please let us know plimmertonra@gmail.com

Plimmerton illuminations add festive air Thanks to the local residents who decorated their huge trees opposite our cafe corner with a fantastic display of Christmas lights glowing in greens and purples.

It ain’t ’alf ’ot Mum! ... Vince’s big Africa Adventure Follow the thrills and spills of Vince Langford’s hugely challenging 12,000 km top-to-bottom African adventure. His web site is linked to ours so you can follow his race blog and amazing photos or go to http://www.vinceridesforcancer.com/ where you can donate to cancer research and support Vince’s fundraising efforts.

Vince is about to leave Egypt and enter Sudan and he has achieved some great placings in the legs so far ... two fourths, and a second placing him fifth overall. Fantastic effort!

Tag busters report Taggers have had a field day on the rail corridor over the summer holidays, it is a shame that rail authorities don’t get the area cleaned up when trains are not running. It has been proven that prompt removal of this tom-cat-spraying activity is a definite deterrent. There’s also been a lot of property defaced around Mana. Our tag busters have busy over summer removing from safety signs, fences and buildings around Plimmerton. Thanks to Mike, Brian and Peter who remove so much scrawl before most of us see it. Good work!

24 hour service number 237 5089 You can report damage to facilities around Plimmerton to the council on their 24 hour service hot line. Blocked drains, cracked pavements, illegal parking, damaged fences, leaking pipes, tagging and other vandalism, vegetation issues ... once the call is logged action will be taken.

February’s ANZAC story He ordered his crew to bail out of their crippled bomber ... saving their lives but losing his own when it crashed. Who was this brave airman? And what is the road in Plimmerton named in his honour?

www.plimmerton.org.nz/ ......

Get snapping it’s the annual GOPI photography competition Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet 2013 photo competition is now open to photographers (locals, visitors, kids, parents, grandparents, amateurs and experienced with cameras ... all welcome to enter) ... with special prizes for under 13s and 13-18 year olds.

There are four categories: nature, recreation, human impact and artistic (any subject). Further details on the GOPI website www.gopi.org.nz. Closes early April so get snapping now!

Mana Arts The local arts society is heading in to 2013 with a full programme of classes and workshops. Check out our web site to find the creative outlet you’ve been seeking.

www.plimmerton.org.nz/mana-arts/#news

Plimmerton playgroup starts back on 8 Feb at St Andrews A fun and friendly playtime for pre-schoolers run by local parent volunteers is held every Friday morning in term time 9.30 – 11.15am. Costs just $3 per family which covers morning tea for kids and carers with freshly brewed coffee and hot-from-the-oven scones! Organiser Rebecca Morahan says, “Please note the group now meets at St Andrews in Steyne Ave with its great outdoor spaces. Come along and make new local friends. Like our Facebook page for more updates and news ... just search for Plimmerton Playgroup.”

Home to rent/house-sitting A four bedroom fully furnished home is available for rent/house sitting from late May until October. The price and terms are negotiable. Phone 027 636 5229 to discuss.

Raw milk is here, order yours now Collect your order every Monday from 2 Bath Street. To place an order call Kimba 021 519 968 or Kimba@xtra.co.nz

Pure Balance ... the perfect blend of yoga and pilates Classes now in Mana and Plimmerton 027 207 6588

Full timetable and venue list on our web site www.plimmerton.org.nz

La Leche League Meetings 2013 He tautoko, he manawa, he matauranga Support, encouragement, information

Next meeting 13 February in the Pavilion supper room. Janet invites all mothers and babies to come along to their informal meetings in the pavilion supper room on Wednesday mornings. For help and to find out more from Neroli 234 6651, Lorraine 233 6513, Janet 233 1815

Urban Athletes Join the fitness and well being revolution with a five day fitness boot camp to improve cardio fitness and core stability, reduce body fat, tone up and increase energy levels through group training and motivation. In Plimmerton, 3 Cedric Place, contact Matt 0274 692 477 matt@urbanathletes.co.nz

Lots more on our web site.

Reliable childminder wanted For after school care, every day. Three delightful children (13, 10 and 10) are suddenly without after school supervision. Katherine asks, “Can you come to our house from 3 to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and give company, words of wisdom, the occasional ‘do your homework’ look! If so please call Katherine 027 390 1345 asap!

Plimmerton Boating Club upcoming big events • Noelex 22 and Ross 780 Nationals from 7-9 February with more than 20 boats

expected in the Noelex fleet and a possible fleet of 12 Ross 780s

• Annual Fishing Competition 2 and 3 March ... don’t miss the Sunday fish auction!

• Contact Sandra club manager 233 1592 manager@plimmertonboatingclub.org.nz

Full details on their website www.plimmertonboatingclub.org.nz

Please let us know your new email address! Just send your info to plimmertonra@gmail.com right now so we can let you know any police, civil defence or community information over the summer period.

Summer in Plimmerton ... Harriet and Rusty the border collie paddle boarding in the bay

Our website: www.plimmerton.org.nz and our email: plimmertonra@gmail.com

Support your community – it’s the best!