The article below came through as a Comment on our Memorial Gates article. ( Scroll down to August 10.) Because of the public interest about the unannounced removal of the original 1963 gates, we have decided to publish Amanda Cox’s Comment in full on the home page.
Resolving issues with KUSMT
By Amanda Cox, Parks Manager, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC)
The new sliding gate
GWRC has met with representatives of the Kapiti United States Marines Trust (KUSMT) to resolve issues relating to the removal and replacement of the Heritage gates in Queen Elizabeth Park.
While communication on the issue has not been as good as it could’ve been, both parties acknowledge an enduring and extremely good working relationship that has seen them achieve a great deal together.
We regret any upset this has caused. read more…
Expressway options?
By Roger Childs
The expressway looking south to the Raumati Road bridge. The Wharemauku Stream bridge is on the left.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has recently built elaborate, solid seats in places where people can rest and view the new wetlands and the expressway.
They have also laid plenty of green surface material on the cycleways/walkways where there are entrances and intersections.
One wonders about the spending priorities.
There is a crying need for money to be spent on noise reduction, so that Kapiti citizens can get a good night’s sleep, notably in the area between Raumati Road and the Wharemauku Stream. read more…
Now Is the Summer of Our Discontent
By Tom Aitken in London
Recent events which, taken together, suggest a nation in restrained turmoil ––which makes the future course of Britain somewhat unpredictable.
The general election that took place in June solved none of the problems that Prime Minister Theresa May hoped it would solve.
Quite the reverse in fact. It failed to produce a majority for any of the competing parties. The Conservatives under Theresa May won more seats than any other single party, but not more than all the other parties put together. read more…
The situation of Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, must now have made it obvious to the Turnbull government that if it survives it will have to begin the process of amending the constitution provisions on the eligibility of MPs. Sydney Morning Herald August 15 2017
Salvos across the Tasman
By Roger Childs
Barnaby Joyce: the man in the spotlight
Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, has become a respected figure on the world scene in recent years, but has tipped the ink pot on her copybook over Joyce’s potential resignation over partial New Zealand citizenship.
Obviously the two cross-Tasman Labo(u)r parties didn’t consult over the issue, but it was the Australian media who have put the skids under their deputy prime minister.
Bishop went over the top accusing New Zealand of interfering in Australia’s internal affairs. read more…
Mandy Hager’s film — Kiwis must demand inquiry into SAS and civilian deaths in Afghanistan
By Alan Tristram
KIN columnist Mandy Hager has given our readers the chance to see a new video exposing the SAS’s part in the deaths of six innocent Afghan civilians, and the
‘Hit and Run’ — Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson expose a terrible war crime in Afghanistan
wounding 0f 15 others, in a raid seven years ago.
Numerous Army and Government cover-ups have prevented the public knowing the facts — and our Government is still refusing to order an independent inquiry. Here’s Mandy Hager’s introduction.
Mandy Hager
A short guide to a war crime involving NZ secret forces
By Mandy Hager
This film is a short guide for those who haven’t read the book or were confused by the Defence Force denials at their song and dance show!
See the video below.
Riding the Wilderness Trail
By Sandra Smith
Punakaiki pancake rocks
There’s been a bit of a buzz recently about the West Coast Wilderness Trail. I thought I would check it out for you!
The West Coast of New Zealand is already a favourite destination for travellers. It matters not whether you arrive from the north through the beautiful Buller Gorge, or from the south via the stunning Haast Pass, it will be a memorable expereience.
The West Coast has scenery like no other: bush covered mountains, a stone’s throw it seems from the often wild Tasman Sea, rushing rivers, pancake rocks (Punakaiki) and of course the wonderful hospitality from the laid back ‘Coasters’ who will make your stay one to remember. read more…
The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
UNESCO established the Memory of the World Programme in 1992. Impetus came originally from a growing awareness of the parlous state of preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage in various parts of the world. UNESCO website
Credit UNESCO
How New Zealand is involved
By Roger Childs
Kapiti Friends of the Library have invited Dianne McCaskill who is the Chair of the New Zealand Memory of the World Programme to speak about the programme and how the New Zealand register
Dianne McCaskill
of documents is being developed.
- On Sunday 20 August at 2:30
- In the Paraparaumu Library Meeting Room.
Paul Forrest with Waikanae School students
‘Halo Effect’ creator is Gallery’s first Artist in Residence
By Bianca Begovich
Paul is spending two weeks in the Gallery, talking to school and adult groups about his art and his enthusiasm for nature and birds in particular.
It’s become clear that there is a small group of around 150 very serious young offenders for whom our Youth Justice System in its current form just doesn’t work. Prime Minister Bill English
Kapiti Boot Camps
By John Granville and Roger Childs
Clearly the Kapiti Independent “Comment of the Week” is suggesting that Bill English’s boot camp idea is equivalent to Hitler Youth Camps.
I am all in favour of Bill English’s initiative IF it means the government will fund existing programmes for Youth at Risk.
Bill English’s initiative for Youth at Risk already exists in a different and appropriate form for Youth at Risk in Kapiti. read more…
I am saddened by the choice of Mike Hosking as election debate presenter not only because as a National supporter, he’s so bigoted, but also because I will miss seeing the political leaders, leaving the TV firmly off if Hosking is presenter. Graham Bathgate
Mike Hosking unsuitable to present
Definitely not politically neutral
Please replace Mike Hosking as the host for the upcoming election debates on August 31, September 14 and September 20. Hosking is well known for his aggressively right wing views in his segments as a political commentator. As such, Hosking cannot be trusted to present each candidate fairly in a moderated debate.
Section 4(1)(d) of the Broadcasting Act 1989 requires broadcasters to maintain standards consistent with the principle that when controversial issues of public importance are discussed, reasonable efforts are made, or reasonable opportunities are given, to present significant points of view either in the same programme or in other programmes within the period of current interest. read more…
The reality of New Zealand history
By John Robinson
I have introduced myself, in “Revisionism of revisionism: taking history back to reality”, (Scroll down to August 10), as the author of several books on New Zealand history, with a focus on the key role of the Maori actors in the unfolding drama.
Here I note some features of pre-contact Maori tribal life, to consider what the movement of tribes meant for those whose lands, and lives, were taken from them.
As I have read further historical accounts, I have often found a common story, repeated many times over the centuries, of tribal movement to conquer and replace the then ‘people of the land’. read more…
Insects and birds do the work
By Cushla McGaughey
Mountain lacebark
Our small native bees have only short tongues and butterflies species are few.
To set seed, insect-pollinated flowers must also attract beetles, flies and an abundance of moths. That’s why most native flowers are white.
It’s a colour visible to all pollinating visitors, especially night-flying moths.
The flowers usually have simple shapes so that nectar is easy to reach. Strong scent is often an added lure. read more…
Dunkirk is about suffering and bravery, about individuals who care less about themselves than about a greater good. Stephanie Zacharek TIME Magazine
Telling the personal stories within the big picture
By Roger Childs
It was a momentous event early in World War II, and enabled Britain to battle on against Nazi Germany. Over 300,000 French, Dutch and British troops were rescued from the Dunkirk beach after being corralled there in May 1940 by German Panzer divisions.
Christopher Nolan’s movie, which is the first to focus entirely on Dunkirk, is told mainly from the point of view of individual participants – soldiers, sailors, airmen and boat owners. The film is predictably noisy, but the cinematography is very impressive and the acting first class.
However in providing only minimal historical context and jumping around between men on the beach, Spitfire pilots and one pleasure boat in the “Armada”, the film sometimes loses its way: three and a half stars. read more…
If you would still like a go scroll down to August 9.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
NZTA not answering the key questions
By Nick Fisher, Expressway Noise Action Group
Beyond the Wharemauku Bridge there is an elevated section close to houses which has no bunds or sound walls to deaden the noise.
Kapiti residents have been told there is little chance of respite from the expressway noise in the medium term.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) have employed two consultants, a PR specialist and a Planner, to field all noise inquiries and are refusing to answer any noise related questions.
Below is a list of action points that NZTA have committed to.
However there is no mention of a commitment to reduce noise, nor an acceptance that there is a problem. If NZTA spent as much on solving the problems as they spend on consultants to tell us we there isn’t a noise problem, there wouldn’t be a problem! read more…
Claire Hardcastle flies again!
By Roger Childs
Penelope Haines lives on the Kapiti Coast and in an earlier life was a flying instructor. She operated out of Paraparaumu Airport and now, as a crime writer she has her leading character doing the same.
Straight and Level is the second thriller which features Claire as the first person narrator. I haven’t yet read Death on D’Urville which obviously establishes the main setting and the key players in what will ultimately be a Hardcastle trilogy. However, reading number two first showed that the book can stand alone as an authentic, comprehensible story.
Penelope writes well and has produced a fast moving and dramatic story with settings that range from the Sounds to the Urewera. read more…
Appeal for van sightings in taxi driver kidnapping
Detective Sergeant Richard Gibson says the Wellington Police are appealing for sightings of a white van believed to be linked to the kidnapping and assault of a taxi driver in the wider Ngauranga area on Wednesday morning.
Police believe the vehicle, a white Toyota Probox similar to that in the image above left , registration FLY984, travelled from Auckland to Wellington last Sunday. read more…
Cr David Scott
Cr Scott takes full part in his 1st KCDC meeting for three months
By KIN Local Govt. reporter Jeremy Smith
KCDC councillor David Scott facing a High Court trial for indecent assault, resumed formal council duties when he returned to the council meeting room yesterday for the first time since May.
Scott, 71, has pleaded not guilty to the charge which involves a female staff member. read more…
Action at last on crucial water issues?
By Roger Childs
A long overdue fresh approach on water
After endless fudging by Environment Minister, Nick Smith, on the parlous state of our waterways, Labour’s new leader is seizing the cow by the horns.
We know that the election will be won and lost on policies, although a charismatic leader will help! Ardern has quickly started the process of telling New Zealand what her new government will do to tackle some of the nation’s many problems.
Jacinda Ardern is proposing a clean-up of our rivers and charging commercial entities for using our precious water resources. Many farmers are howling, but some of them have been plundering and polluting our waterways for decades.
Labour’s fresh approach is heartening, but can it be implemented? read more…
Today we welcome a new columnist in Dr John Robinson. John lives in Waikanae and his writings on our past challenge many of the politically correct myths which many so-called professional historians perpetuate.
Revisionism of revisionism: taking history back to reality
By John Robinson
I am a retired scientist with an interest in New Zealand history.
I have written a few books on the interactions among and between Maori and Europeans in the early days of contact.
I moved to Waikanae early this year, and have prepared a series of articles introducing some of the information I have gathered.
This first one is an introduction to my background and history writing. read more…
Smashed buses after the biggest Christchurch quake
DISASTER CAPITALISM
By Murray Horton in Christchurch. Murray Horton has been a political activist and writer since 1969. He is the Organiser for the Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA, www.cafca.org.nz) and the Anti-Bases Campaign (ABC, www.converge.org.nz/abc).
Having endured the 2010/11 seismic reign of terror in Christchurch, I, like all Cantabrians, have my share of war stories.
Such as having been upstairs in the CTV Building on the morning of February 22, 2011 – two hours after he shook my hand and went back into that building, the 25 year-old reporter who had interviewed me was dead. He told me he’d worked there for a week.
His name is now one of those on the city’s Earthquake Memorial.
But the lessons to be learnt from the country’s greatest natural disaster in its recorded history are not only of the personal kind. read more…
TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU. PRESENTED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD WAR II ARRIVAL OF THE SECOND MARINE DIVISION. SECOND MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION 1963
A huge event for Kapiti
By Roger Childs
Crowds turned out to see the Prime Minister open the gates. (Photo courtesy of John Porter)
Prime Minister, Keith Holyoake, opened the Memorial Gates at the Mackay Crossing entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park in 1963. It was one of the largest official events in the history of the Kapiti Coast.
The gates were paid for by the Second Marine Division Association (see the words of their plaque above), and the New Zealand-American Association (NZAA).
Marine veterans came from all over the United States for the occasion: they marched through the streets of Wellington before being heading out to Paekakariki.
In the middle of 2017, the gates were removed and left in the grass near the Park nursery. read more…
The Green Party has lost its third person in two days, with Susanne Ruthven, candidate for Hutt South, announcing she’s withdrawing from the candidacy at a debate on Tuesday night. Newshub, 8 August
Some Greens see red
By Roger Childs
After the euphoria generated by Jacinda Ardern elevation to Labour stardom, the last thing the Left wanted was for the Greens to self-destruct.
Co-leader, Metiria Turei, has done her best to destroy the party’s “clean green” image with recent revelations of benefit and electoral fraud. However she stubbornly won’t relinquish the co-leadership.
Respected senior MPs Kennedy Graham and David Clendon, from the environmental wing of the Greens, have had enough and are pulling out at the election. And the Hutt South candidate has also withdrawn. read more…
Cr David Scott
Kapiti Cr David Scott says he’ll be at tomorrow’s meeting — his 1st in three months
Kapiti Councillor David Scott, banned from KCDC premises since being charged with indecency more than three months ago, has told KIN he intends to turn up at a Council meeting tomorrow morning.
He’s been banned from the Council premises in Paraparaumu since appearing in Court in early May charged with indecently assaulting a woman Council worker during a tea break. read more…
The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Dispersing seed skills
By Cushla McGaughey
Puriri drupes
Seedlings have best chance of survival when they grow far from the parent tree. To catch the eye of hungry birds, seeds are brightly packaged in berries and drupes of all shapes and sizes.
Tui and bellbirds can swallow smaller fruits whole, dropping seeds wherever they fly. The kaka, our biggest forest parrot, grinds the seeds of fruit it eats.
Only plus-sized kereru can gulp down very large drupes, such as those of puriri and miro. The seeds survive intact to grow even better, spread anywhere around a home range of about 20 km. read more…
Raumati South students taking part in the He Kakano project
Art, Science and Environment linked for Kapiti schoolchildren
By Bianca Begovich
He Kākano, Seed, a collaborative project between Mahara Gallery, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve and Raumati South School, was launched last week and is currently showing at the Mahara Gallery.
The project, supported by the Phillip Family Foundation (PFF), links science, environmental themes and creativity via a day trip to Ngā Manu, followed by a visit to the gallery. read more…
The recipe for success
By Roger Childs
The Christchurch based franchise overcame the travel, altitude and 60,000 screaming Lions fans to win the Super Rugby title on Saturday. The result confirmed what most fans knew: they were the best team in the competition, just ahead of the Hurricanes.
They were very well coached by Scott Robertson and his staff, and were steeped in the traditional Canterbury rugby culture which has been a key factor in bringing competition success so often in the past.
However, there were a number of very good teams in the mix, notably the other four New Zealand franchises. What made the Crusaders the best side? read more…
Board game launch
By Cushla McGaughey
Jill Hemming’s new board game, Flight of Pollen, will be launched
~ from Mahara Gallery
~ on Saturday 2 September.
Research and illustrations for the game were the work of Waikanae artist, Cushla McGaughey.
Some of her bird paintings and original game illustrations feature in Mahara’s current environmental-themed exhibition, three new shows wonderfully curated by Director, Janet Bayly ( see story ‘He Kakano, Seed’ above ). read more…
Kapiti’s Mayor K (Guru) Gurunathan
14,000 sign Petition for Coast Community Hospital
Kapiti’s Mayor K Gurunathan says more than a quarter of the population of the Kapiti Coast ( 27 per cent) have now signed the petition for a community hospital.
He says that since the Kapiti Health Coalition ( KHC) launched their petition for a Kapiti Community Hospital on 12 July more than 14,000 people (27% of the Kapiti population) have signed and signalled their support. read more…
Some literary escapism
By Gill Ward
Well around solstice time we are entering into hopeful thoughts. Yes?
The days are getting longer, if not brighter so let’s slip into some literary escapism and intellectual exercise.
Oh well I can hear you mutter – she’s a fine one to be talking about intellectual exercise. Why?
Did you just see me throw down my London Review of Books in despair and run to write this instead? There was one thing in the edition that appealed.
They run a ‘personal column’ I don’t think it’s quite as funny as the ones in New York Review of Books but then I haven’t been reading that lately. read more…
- If you would still like to do the latest challenge, scroll down to 2 August.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Prue Hyman
Movies you must see, starting with ‘My Year With Helen’
By Prue Hyman
Maybe I should be writing about my thoughts on the election with Jacinda Ardern’s accession to the Labour leadership and Metiria Turia’s benefit stretching revelations, but so much has already been written and I just can’t face it – maybe in September or when the election is over.
Regular readers of my column will already know that I favour a change of government with as many Green MPs as possible – and none of the recent events has changed my views on that! read more…
Comedy Debate 11 August at 7.30pm
Venue: Senior Citizens Hall Ocean Road Paraparaumu.
Join us for a fun filled evening of comedy as the Paraparaumu Branch hosts our annual comedy debate.
Featuring Pinky Agnew (team captain and final debate after 16 years), Graham Kelly (former MP) Kieran McAnulty (candidate), Rob McCann (candidate), Iain Lees-Galloway (MP), Steph Lewis (candidate) and Annette King (MP).
Tickets are $20 waged, $15 unwaged.
Contact Beryl Barr 04 902 2950 for tickets – and invite your friends!
Jacinda’s appeal to young people
By Graham Bathgate
On Sunday, July 30th there was a discussion held by the Kapiti Labour Committee at the Kapiti Uniting Church.
The topic was Labour values.
Two schoolgirls in the group, Sophie Handford and Niamh Prendergast, sang the praises of Jacinda Ardern, saying that she embodied what was important for young people in New Zealand, someone who could communicate a clear vision for the future.
They also cited her enthusiasm and energy as appealing to younger voters, intimating with prescience that she would make a fine leader. read more…
Readers will be aware that KIN has taken a strong line against the continuing use of 1080 poison on our land. However, the story below is important local news, so we publish it to inform Kapiti readers on what is going to be happening in the hills behind Waikanae. Comments are welcome.
Targeting TB spreading possums
By Rob Cross, Kapiti Coast District Council Biodiversity Officer
The main target
Though the aerial 1080 operation planned to cover native bush behind Waikanae will target possums to control the spread of Bovine TB, it will also significantly benefit native flora and fauna.
Large areas will be covered that have never had effective pest animal control before.
These areas have been ravaged by possums, stoats and rats for decades, and have served as pest animal reservoirs feeding pests into areas where pests have been controlled, such as Hemi Matenga Reserve. read more…
Commitment
By Julie Leibrich
Some years ago my sister-in-law Lilla gave us one of her beautiful quilts for our 20th wedding anniversary. It was the ‘wedding ring pattern’. With every stitch made by hand, it must have been a labour of love.
I have thought a lot about love this year. Maybe the word love should be reserved until a relationship has lasted for a long time and gone through many ups and downs. Maybe love is what happens though commitment.
May be love is commitment itself.
Scroll down to see KIN’s editorial
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
24 hours is a long time in politics. Winston Churchill
Changing the political landscape
By Roger Childs
Last night we were at the wonderful comedy show Destination Beehive, centred on the election battle for the Tinakori Heights electorate.
Whereas on Monday evening the audience saw Andrew Little creeping round the stage, we were treated to the new Labour leader, Jacinda Ardern, striding the boards like a Colossus.
The political pundits will argue that it is unwise to change horses in mid-stream leading into an election campaign.
Back in 2013 the egotistical, unpredictable Kevin Rudd stabbed Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the back and took Australian Labor down to its worst election defeat in decades.
But this horse has a great set of teeth and plenty of substance behind them. Jacinda is no show pony. read more…
It was great to get the chance to experience another political environment. Julia Adams
Here helping Labour on the ground
By Roger Childs
The Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia
Julia Adams is from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, where the American Declaration of Independence was signed on 4 July, 1776. Politics is one of her key interests.
She is a student at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, and is doing research in international relations and politics, while studying for a B Sc. Her empirically driven programme touches on fields such as defence, foreign policy and America-China relations.
Earlier in the year she heard from her adviser about the opportunity to go to New Zealand and assist the Labour Party in the lead up to the 2017 general election. read more…
An inspirational story
By Tony Fraei
I’m sure that most of you may have heard of this young lady. You may recall the news of when she was shot in the head by the Taliban, in the Swat Valley, Pakistan, returning home from school on a bus.
She is also the youngest ever person to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb, covers her life up to the age of 16. Today she is only 20 years old.
Her book is one the most inspiring that I have read. It is not too long and I managed to read it in one sitting. read more…
Would it be fair to say that your running is stronger that your maths? Interviewer to Jacob Birtwhistle
A slight miscalculation
By Roger Childs
There can be accidents in transition
Triathlon is a serious business and is one of the tougher sports as it combined three disciplines: swimming, cycling and running.
It is also has its risks, as you can be bashed or kicked in the melee around the buoys on the swim. And there is always the possibility of crashing on the bike, especially if the roads are slippery.
However in Edmonton last weekend promising Australian triathlete, Jacob Birtwhistle, added a bit of humour. read more…
The aerobatic piwkawaka
By Cushla McGaughey
Living mainly on insects captured in flight, piwakawaka are never still. They constantly flick their tails and perform aerobatics.
The little feather-weights are as fearless as robins, but unlike robins, fantails have a life-style that could adapt to urban living.
They dare to flutter around us, fielding insects flushed out underfoot. They’ll even flit into an open garage to tweak spiders from their webs. read more…
I’ve tried to be consistent over the last two years. Flora Duffy
An amazing triathlete
By Roger Childs
The winner last year in Stockholm
She’s modest, cheerful and very fast.
Flora Duffy, from the small island of Bermuda, population 65,000, is currently the best woman triathlete on the planet.
Kiwi Andrea Hewitt won the first two events in the 2017 International Triathlon Union series in Abu Dhabi and the Gold Coast, but Flora wasn’t competing.
The Bermudan won the next three in Yokohama, Leeds and Hamburg, and she was out to make it four in a row in the sprint distance event in Edmonton. read more…
Acknowledgement of a noise problem
By NZTA Senior Manager, Project Delivery, Chris Hunt.
The sound of vehicles crossing the metal sections across bridges as well as engine brakes are major annoyances at night
The NZ Transport Agency acknowledges that some people living near the expressway are experiencing noise from the road that didn’t previously exist.
We are listening to their concerns and have brought forward noise monitoring work to ensure we are complying with the noise designation conditions.
We are also doing specific monitoring on various sources of road noise e.g truck engine braking, traffic volumes and noisy exhausts. The results of this monitoring will inform any additional steps which might be taken to address any non-compliant noise issues. read more…
Lions will host the final
By Roger Childs
The Crusaders celebrate another try.
The Crusaders beat the Chiefs 27-13 and the Lions put the Hurricanes away 44-29.
Two decisive wins? Yes and No. The home team scored 4 tries to one in Christchurch. While in South Africa it was 6 to 4.
But in Johannesburg, the referee controversially sent Beauden Barrett to the sin-bin when the Hurricanes were leading 29-22.
The Lions capitalised by scoring 14 points in the following ten minutes, to put the game out of reach of the visitors. read more…
This giant of the Senate, this leader of men, is a principled fighter. And he’ll keep fighting. For his life, for his family and for his country. Danielle McLaughlin, journalist
While the president fulminates, the senator acts
By Roger Childs
As Donald Trump was banning transgender people from the military, saying inappropriate things to a Scout Jamboree and insulting his own Attorney General, John McCain rode into town.
Although recently diagnosed with brain cancer, the senior Senator for Arizona had come to Washington to vote on contentious and hastily conceived plans to repeal Obamacare and replace it with …. something else.
He was also going to respond to Trump’s on-the-fly, tweeted decision on transgender members of the armed services. read more…
Raumati group says Transport Agency stalling and cheating on Expressway noise
Stuff photo
The Kapiti Expressway Noise Action Group has accused the Transport Agency (NZTA) of failing to take any action on the high noise levels affecting Raumati residents.
They say the residents who placed signs on the expressway encouraging heavy vehicle drivers to drive quietly are ‘becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of communication and action by NZTA.’
The ‘Please no engine braking’ sign was a copy of the standard NZTA sign, they say. read more…
- If you still wish to do the latest challenge, scroll down to July 26.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
A Tale of Two Cities
Kapiti Councillor Jackie Elliott left the plush confines of Sky Tower in Auckland this week to see at first-hand the other side of life in our largest city.
She met and mixed with the beggars, homeless and hungry who suffer on the streets, while the ‘haves’ gorged themselves on food and drink in the warmth of the city’s gambling and conference centre.
Cr Elliott was attending the Local Government conference. Here’s her report:
Homeless on no-one’s agenda
By Kapiti District-wide Cr Jackie Elliott
This one was a chance to bring the latest in local Government ideas back to KCDC’s senior management team, but my most valuable lessons were learnt on the street outside SkyCity. read more…
Kapiti Police thank public for their help
Kapiti Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in looking for the missing Kapiti woman who has now been found.
Tamzyn Whitehead (41) had not been seen since Monday afternoon.
She was seen then by a family member in the area of the Waikanae Shopping Centre.
An article for all seasons and media!
By Turangi columnist, Leslie Clague
Perhaps this is not quite the article for an e-newspaper. Then again, I found the article I want to tell you about on a website by an Aussie organisation called Value of Paper and Print: valueofpaperandprint.com.au.
The organisation puts out a paper quarterly magazine, as well as an e-version, called VoPP Mag. In their autumn 2017 issue there is an article called “Why We Should Put Pen to Paper,” written by Dilvin Yasa.
The article made me smile, feel virtuous, and confirmed a lot of things I have sensed over time, if not actually thought about proving them. No worries, others have. read more…
The scheduling of Super Rugby matches defies logic. The refrain of many commentators and fans
Lions the best team?
Roger Childs
Yes: if they can beat the Hurricanes tomorrow and the Crusaders, or Chiefs, the following Saturday.
The South African team did top the table, so they were the best side through the 15 rounds of pre-finals competition? This is highly debatable.
For some unfathomable reason, the Lions only played other South African teams, the Argentine Jaguares, Japan’s Sunwolves and the very weak Australian teams.
On their way to the top of the table they did not play the second, third, fourth or fifth highest teams in the rankings. In other words, they played no New Zealand franchises. read more…
Analysis from an expert
By Roger Childs (Photos by Bill Benfield)
Bill Benfield is one of New Zealand’s most perceptive and knowledgeable commentators on environmental issues. He should be a regular columnist in the mainstream media along with the likes of Joe Bennett, Dave Armstrong and Jane Bowron. Sadly the politically correct papers and magazines don’t approve of many of Bill’s well researched views, and stick with the safe, and sometimes superficial, columns of people like Bob Brockie.
Many readers will know Bill’s excellent history of environmental degradation in New Zealand: The Third Wave: Poisoning the Land.
This time, in Water Quality and Ownership, Bill has focused his extensive knowledge, varied lifetime experience and formidable research skills on the many facets of the decline and exploitation of the country’s water resources. read more…
Great place for a holiday
By Kay Brown
Locals at Tobacco Caye (Island)
This is a little piece of paradise, with something for everyone, rainforests, ancient Maya ruins, tropical islands and the second longest barrier reef in the world.
Belize is small, only 174 miles long and 68 miles wide, bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala in the west and south, and the Caribbean to the east.
Belize became a colony of Britain in 1862 when the name was changed to British Honduras, they achieve self government in 1964.
In 1971 their name was changed back to Belize, and in 1981 they achieved full independence. read more…
It would not only provide the fox with a map of the hen house, but give him the security code, the backdoor key and a wheelbarrow to make off with the carcasses. Washington Post on the implications of Trump sharing cyber-security information with the Russians.
Another plot against America?
By Roger Childs
In 2004 Novelist Philip Roth wrote The Plot Against America.
The story centres on legendary flyer Charles Lindbergh, who defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election and proceeds to set up a fascist government sympathetic to Nazi Germany.
Many American today must be wondering if there is a new plot, led by the Trump family, to establish an administration sympathetic to autocratic Russia.
The possible Russian involvement in getting Donald Trump elected last year is the subject of many investigations. They say that where’s there’s smoke there’s fire, however this is a gigantic volcanic ash cloud. read more…
Kapiti Coast Chief Executive, Pat Dougherty — no email ‘vetting’
Kapiti Council in the clear as row over email vetting rages in Horowhenua
By Alan Tristram
Pat Dougherty, KCDC Chief Executive, says the Kapiti Council does not pry into anyone else’s emails.
In a statement for KIN, he says: “The Kāpiti Coast District Council does not screen, filter or block any emails sent to staff, councillors or community board members, unless they specifically make a request to a group manager or the Chief Executive to do so.”
A furore over email censorship erupted in Horowhenua earlier this month when a leaked internal audit uncovered “extremely high-risk” email “blocking” processes.
These allowed chief executive David Clapperton to read, divert and stop certain emails coming in and going out of the council.
Kapiti Police want help to find woman last seen in Waikanae centre
Kapiti-Mana Police are looking for 41-year-old Tamzyn Whitehead.
Tamzyn has not been seen since Monday afternoon, when she was seen by a family member in the area of the Waikanae Shopping Centre.
Tamzyn usually walks with crutches due to an injury but she does not have these with her, so she may be walking with a limp.
Low Carbon Kapiti says Council has missed 
out on climate change planning
A new group formed to spur climate local action, Low Carbon Kāpiti, asks why climate change is completely missing from the Kāpiti Coast Council’s list of key
Jake Roos with the Kapiti Council’s first electric car, a Nissan Leaf (earlier photo)
challenges for the Long Term Plan.
Low Carbon Kāpiti chairperson Jake Roos says “The Long Term Plan should have climate change as a priority challenge, but nowhere in the Council’s document is it even mentioned”. read more…
KCDC hit by court costs over coastal plan
Court Costs awarded to CRU v KCDC
Coastal Ratepayers United (CRU) has succeeded once again in its legal challenge against Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) in the Environment Court .
Coastal Ratepayers says its 100 % success rate in challenging KCDC over the Proposed District Plan (PDP), and in particular the coastal hazards, is indicative of CRU’s commitment to good law and good science. read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Ministry won’t fund the programme any more
By John Granville
Youthquest graduates and staff at the recent course graduation
After 11 years of programmes for youth at risk, school mentoring and youth and family follow-ups, Youthquest no longer meets the new criteria for Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) priorities, and applications for funds for the 2017/18 year have been declined.
Up till now, approximately 250 young men, their families and the communities from Levin to Porirua have benefitted from the 6 week programme and 12 months mentoring.
The programme provides a valuable opportunity for youths referred by colleges, parents, police and the courts. In his previous role in the Youth Court, Judge Andrew Beacroft, supported the programme, as do many local courts and police. read more…
Raising and discussing issues
With the general election taking place in late September, this important topic is up for discussion.
~ Kapiti Uniting Church Hall, Raumati Road, Raumati Beach
~ Sunday, July 30, 2017, 2.30 – 4.00pm
(A discussion organised by Kapiti Coast Labour Committee)
A starting point will be Ian Harris’s review of a pertinent book by Max Harris.
Ian Harris is a journalist and commentator who writes on religion and life for the Dominion Post in Wellington. He is a former assistant editor of The Auckland Star, a former editor of The New Zealand Methodist and a former director of communication for the Presbyterian Church. He helped inaugurate the Sea of Faith Network in New Zealand.
Murray Horton — longtime activist for Aotearoa
Another Council looks at The Living Wage
Murray Horton, Convenor, Keep Our Assets Canterbury
The Living Wage will be considered by the Christchurch City Council this Thursday 27 July (KIN has pointed out the importance of this issue in Kapiti).
I’d like you to consider this letter which ‘Keep Our Assets Canterbury’ has sent to the Christchurch Mayor and Councillors. read more…
White-water specialists
By Cushla McCaughey
The whio is an ancient species of duck found only in New Zealand.
Evolving in isolation millions of years ago, whio have several unique features. Male and female are alike in plumage. They also lack the iridescent bar of wing feathers usual on other ducks. Most duck species feed and breed on the calm waters of lakes and wetlands.
Whio inhabit boulder-strewn rivers where each pair claims and vigorously defends its own territory all year round.
Streamlined head, heavy body and extra large feet enable whio to feed in fast flowing water. Unusually forward-set eyes allow whio to scan the rocks for food. A rubbery flap overlapping the lower bill assists in scraping algae, insect larvae and freshwater snails from the rock surfaces. Blue-grey plumage merges perfectly with the river boulders as the birds feed, facing upriver with head and neck submerged read more…
The Champs Elysees never disappoints. 2107 Tour winner, Chris Froome
Magic in the French capital
By Roger Childs
Last stage (Photo Cycling News)
16 years ago I ran down the Champs–Elysées at 6 o’clock in the morning and there was hardly anyone there.
Yesterday there were more than 100,000 people cheering on the Tour de France riders completing their last stage on the famous Avenue.
Following the final 10 laps of the Champs-Elysées, the finale of the gruelling, three week bike race was carried out with a combination of French flair, style and panache.
There was
- the rousing playing of the magnificent Marseillaise
- the fly-past of nine jets streaming red, white and blue smoke
- the excitable commentator who love drawing out the last syllable of the winners names
- the statuesque beauties dressed à la mode in the appropriate coloured dresses to match the jerseys
- the efficient presentations complete with wonderful trophies for the winners.
Lord, I’ve got to keep on moving … Bob Marley
Move for health and longevity
By Roger Childs
All the research spells out that movement and exercise has got to be good for you.
Whether it’s yoga, stretching, strength training, running, walking, cycling, swimming, dancing … moving is great for lowering stress, making you healthier and increasing life expectancy.
There are plenty of myths about exercise. How about putting stress on the joints? A recent America study from Bringham Young University found that running is actually good for your knees. read more…
Smile and the world smiles with you … Stanley Gordon West
Joy in smiling
By Roger Childs
You always feel better when people smile at you.
One of the joys of running or walking is that invariably people coming the other way, whether you know them or not, will greet you and smile.
Last week I was jogging back from the gym and came past the new seat that overlooks the wetland by the Wharemauku Stream. There was a girl of about ten sitting there and she turned, said Hullo! and smiled.
In Shane Cave’s words: I saw a kindly smile today, smiled back, and was happy. read more…
The Whareroa Guardians operate in the Farm tucked into the foothills north of Paekakariki. Over many years they have planted thousands of trees, shrubs and flaxes to enhance the environment of what was the US Marines Camp Mackay in 1942-43. They also build and maintain tracks and catch pests. Their latest planting venture was on land which has recently be retired from farming.
Great work on a cool Sunday
Story and photos by Ann Evans, Whareroa Guardians Coordinator
Fifty volunteers, including 11 “Kapiti Joggers and Walkers”, planted 650 plants in the Ramaroa wetland at Whareroa Farm last Sunday, July 16.
A fantastic effort. read more…
President Trump may scoff at climate change, but we don’t. Crows Feet presents a powerful, provocative and entertaining programme of dance that comments on the most pressing global issue of all — climate change.
See the show!
Crows Feet Dance Collective, directed by Jan Bolwell, is giving four performances. Make sure you catch one!
- Paraparaumu College, 151 Mazengarb Rd, Paraparaumu: Saturday 5 August 3pm
Tickets $20/$17/$10 — Book: Coastlands Booking Office: TicketDirect 04 902 9885
- Whitireia Theatre, 25-27Vivian Street , Wellington, Fri 11 Aug 8pm, Sat 12 Aug 3pm, Sun 13 Aug 3pm
Tickets $25/$20/15 — Book: www.thetheatre.co.nz read more…
If you would still like to do this latest challenge, scroll down to July 19.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
The chiefs told me the Maori are a mixed race … They landed at different spots in the North Island and found them inhabited by dark coloured men with curly black hair and short of stature … So the Maori conquered them, killed the men and took possession of the women. This union would account for the three differentiated types I noticed. Andreas Reischek
The intrepid traveller
By Roger Childs
He came from Austria to New Zealand for a couple of years to help out with setting up the Canterbury Museum. But he stayed for twelve.
With his dog Caesar, a pack and a gun he traversed the country, exploring and tramping through inland Canterbury, Northland, the Waikato, King Country, Volcanic Plateau, the West Coast, Fiordland, Nelson and the Bay of Plenty.
He also visited all the sub-Antarctic islands south of mainland New Zealand.
His autobiography Yesterdays In Maoriland, which came out in 1930, over 40 years after he had returned to his homeland, is a fascinating record of his travels, interaction with Maori, and observations on native flora, fauna, New Zealand history and Maori customs. read more…
Lifestyle contrasts: pukeko and fernbirds
By Cushla McGaughey
Gregarious birds!
Pukeko can fly strongly enough to have introduced themselves to New Zealand from Australia hundreds of years ago.
Their cooperative social behaviour, predator awareness, varied diet and ability to adapt to different habitats combine to make the pukeko one of our most successful native birds.
Fernbirds
Contrast this with the life and prospects of our unique fernbirds. They live a secret life under cover of wetland vegetation, hunting for insects and spiders and raising their chicks. read more…
The late Mr Fred Dagg parking his tractor near the Horowhenua Council HQ in Levin
It’s a Dagg Place in the Horrorwhenua
By Judith Bryers Holloway ( former primary school teacher to the Dagg family)
I found this poem stuck under my doormat. I’m pretty sure Mr Trevor Dagg, oldest son of Fred, won’t mind if others read it and sing it. I think he just wants to feel he’s ‘doing something to stop the rot’. He’s very like his dad in that way.
Trev’s a recent HDC Councillor — and he actually sings it after a few mournful beers.
I do know he’s pretty concerned about the stuff going on in his home town of Levin with all those Lefties and Greenies and Winnie-ites trying to shove their crap down people’s throats.
Here’s his ode: read more…
Raumati residents fed up
By Roger Childs
Concerned residents gather. (Photo by Bernie Randall)
Over 80 people gathered at the Kapiti Uniting Church in Raumati on Monday to voice their concerns over on-going expressway noise.
Representatives from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), were invited, but opted to send a letter instead of fronting up.
Mana MP, Kris Faafoi, Deputy Mayor, Janet Holborow and Local Community Board Chair Jonny Best were at the top table, and former Deputy Mayor, Roger Booth, who lives in ear-shot of the new highway on Kiwi Road, chaired the meeting. read more…
A great way to get fitter
By Roger Childs
Gyms are great places to increase your fitness and extend your boundaries. There was a time when gyms were seen as the preserve of strong, muscular men and svelte, fit young women in lycra.
However, these days there are people of all shapes, sizes and ages there and an increasing number of retired folk.
Obviously there is a cost to belong, but if you want plenty of options to improve your health, well-being and fitness, being part of a gym is money well spent.
Most gyms will allow you to try them out for nothing, so you have a chance without obligation, to see if it’s your thing. read more…
I’m glad I was on the right side of the split. Leader Chris Froome, on the breakup of the peleton resulting from cross-winds in Stage 16
Down to the wire
By Roger Childs
Chris Foome has a narrow lead
In recent years with five stages to go, the leader has usually had a comfortable three to four minute lead. Not so in the 2017 Tour de France.
Yellow jersey wearer, Chris Froome has a slender 18 second advantage over Italian Fabio Aru, and the top four are separated by only 30 seconds.
Before rolling into the finish on the Champs–Élysées at the weekend, there are two mountain stages and a time trial.
The leader would like an unbeatable lead on the road to Paris, with no pressure to defend his top place in the general classification. But will it happen? read more…
Petition being launched at Coastlands, Paraparaumu
7,000 signatures in just 6 days on petition demanding new hospital
By Alan Tristram
The petition for a community hospital in Kapiti has chalked up 7,000 signatures in just six days.
The petition has been organised by the Kapiti Health Coalition. Its core members are from Grey Power, Older Persons Council, and the Disability Access Advisory Group. read more…
Cr David Scott
Cr Scott chooses trial by jury in sex case involving KCDC officer
Kapiti District Coast Councillor David Scott has opted for trial by jury on charges alleging an indecent assault on a female council worker.
He appeared in the Porirua District Court yesterday, where he was represented by Mike Antunovic
At an earlier hearing, Cr Scott (71) had requested a judge-alone trial. read more…
Drain from a Levin subdivision
Waitangi report condemns pollution of Waters sacred to Maori
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
A hundred years from now they’ll be talking about the beautiful Federer, the graceful Federer, the respectful Federer, the caring Federer, the decent Federer, the dominant Federer, the effortless Federer, the resilient Federer, the humble Federer, the one-and-only Federer. Will Swanton, The Australian
Breezing through seven matches
By Roger Childs
Federer with the Wimbledon trophy for the eight time
To win a grand slam tennis title you need to win seven matches and it’s gets harder as you go.
Swiss maestro Roger Federer has just done that to win a record eighth Wimbledon title without losing a set.
He’s coming up for 36 and has been written off many time in the last few years.
On Sunday he confounded his critics by beating Marin Cilic 6-3 6-1 6-4 to take his 19th grand slam: four more that his great rival Rafael Nadal. read more…
Democracy under wraps in the Horowhenua
Well, how is it that the paid servant of a democratic institution, the Chief Executive (CE) of the Horowhenua District
Horowhenua Chief Executive David Clapperton
Council, can possibly get away with refusing to allow the publication of the full audit of the Council’s financial doings?
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Article 1, United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
Winston’s right
By Roger Childs
In touch with what the majority want?
The New Zealand First Leader, who has some Maori blood, rightly points out that the existence of the seven Maori seats is an element of inequality which we should remove.
We do not have special seats for Pacific Island people or citizens of Chinese, Indian, Korean or any other ethnic origin.
When they were first set up in the middle of the 19th century they were only intended to be a temporary expedient to provide representation for Maori people. read more…
Kris Faafoi’s meeting tonight
By Roger Childs
Local MP taking action
The Kapiti Council (KCDC) has been surprisingly quiet on a problem which affects hundreds, if not thousands, of ratepayers. Few would question the value of the Kapiti Expressway, but the noise of traffic passing through the area is a major concern.
A great benefit for traffic but rather noisy
The problem is greatest at night when big trucks are heading for the capital and in the morning when commuters start driving to work further south.There is also the double sound of vehicles passing over the metal sections of bridges.
With KCDC seemingly disinterested, MP for Mana, Kris Faafoi, has called a public meeting.
- Tonight, Monday 17 July at 7.00pm
- Kapiti Uniting Church, opposite Weka Park in Raumati Beach.
(KIN will have a full report on proceedings tomorrow.)
Prue Hyman
Should others pay when the Govt shirks its duty?
By Prue Hyman
How can one be anything but pleased on hearing that Mark Dunajtschik is giving $50 million for a new children’s hospital in Wellington – and organizing it to be built himself. It’s much needed and it’s an incredibly generous gift and I don’t doubt his motives – he’s quoted as saying that he likes Wellington, which has been good to him and he wants to repay some of that.
And yet I can’t help having some uncomfortable feelings about this and many other philanthropic gifts. read more…
Join twitter and follow KIN
(twitter@kapiti_reports)
We’ll keep you up-to-date with the very latest — Real Facts too
By Alan Tristram
If an ill-educated man like President Trump can be a twit, you can go one better.
Get the very latest local news from us via twitter.
If you’re not using twitter now, just join up and then follow us.
We’ll do our damnedest to keep you ahead of Trump’s latest shenanigans, and those of our local pollies too.
A sign of the times — Labour accuses KCDC of vandalising its housing signs
Election campaign off to an early start with allegations flying along the Coast
By Alan Tristram
Kapiti Mayor K Gurunathan has replied to allegations by Labour candidate Rob McCann that the KCDC removed and ‘vandalised’ his signs about a housing crisis meeting.
Mr McCann said the Council ‘has caused a great deal of unnecessary angst’ following revelations that three ‘Housing Crisis’ meeting signs were taken by council, despite earlier assurances from council that they had not been involved.
It’s all a sign of the times, says Mayor Guru
But Mayor Gurunathan denies Mr McCann’s claims and says says it’s all a sign of the (coming election) times…
John Smith and his wife Renata have recently been travelling in Germany. He filed this report on the amazing Hans Caspar.
A man on the make
By John Smith
Schloss Bothmer
We spent two nights in a village near Lubeck with Renata’s sister Eloise and her German husband.
On the second day we went for a drive and passed a sign to a ‘Schloss Bothmer’ – schloss means castle/palace so we thought it might be worth a look.
Turned out to be fascinating – the Bothmer name came from Hans Caspar Graf von Bothmer who was a self-made diplomat in the early 18th Century – one of the people involved in getting George I on to the English throne. read more…
- You can have a go at the latest challenge by scrolling down to July 12.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Williams and Federer playing for more titles
By Roger Childs
She’s 37 and he’s nearly 36.
On the way to this year’s ladies and gentlemen’s finals they’ve each beaten seven younger talented players.
If Roland Garros is the most colourful grand slam, Wimbledon with all its history and tradition, is probably the most prestigious.
After the riot of colour in Paris, on the London courts the players are required to wear white from top to toe. And that’s how they’ll appear in the finals. read more…
This Sunday afternoon
Catherine Knight is coming to talk at a Friends of the Library gathering about her new book New Zealand’s Rivers: An environmental history.
Sunday 16 July 2:30 in the Paraparaumu Library Meeting Room. All welcome.
She is an excellent speaker and earlier in the year addressed a sellout crowd at the National Library in Wellington.
(See http://kapitiindependentnews.net.nz/rivers-talk-pulls-a-crowd/)
Encouragement
By Julie Leibrich
Janet Secker who shares a love of sonnets, encouraged me to write this book, and asked me to write about my garden.
It prompted me to think about all the gardens I have known and how special secret gardens are.
One of the family of swamp hens
By Cushla McGeaghey
Pukeko are closely related to the takahe and more distantly to the weka.
They belong to a group of purple swamp-hens found throughout the western Pacific, Africa and southern Europe. Our pukeko, however, display more interesting and complex social behaviour than do similar species elsewhere.
Because nest sites are often limited, pukeko will form stable cooperative communities. The group may include two or more breeding males, one or two breeding females, who lay eggs in a communal nest, and the previous year’s young.
Males are the nest builders, but incubating the eggs is shared. Once the chicks start to hatch a second nest is built for them near to feeding areas, while incubation of remaining eggs continues in the original nest. read more…
Kapiti’s Mayor K. Gurunathan
Mayor Guru clarifies position re Dairy Owners’ complaints
By Alan Tristram
The Patel family outside their Raumati Beach shop
The Kapiti Coast Mayor, K Gurunathan, (Guru) has made clear his position on complaints by Raumati Beach dairy owners that the KCDC is discriminating against them.
The Four Square owners, Shirish and Kamal Patel, alleged the Mayor had promised a visit to discuss Council’s action in telling them to remove a firewood pallet from the pavement outside the popular store of the corner of Raumati and Margaret Roads.
But Mayor Gurunathan said today he pointed out a week ago this was not so.
(And we apologise for any malfeasance on our part in getting and publishing his reply). read more…
Quality topical comedy
By Ralph McAllister
Bruce Mason told me, as we prepared for his revue Wits End in 1956, that audiences should consider themselves well pleased if they enjoyed seven out of ten of the sketches in this form of entertainment.
He might change his estimates if he were to rise from his grave to see Destination Beehive: 2017, currently playing at Circa 2 for the next four weeks.
He would certainly be applauding loudly. read more…
Murray Horton — longtime activist for Aotearoa
NOT JUST A FEW BAD APPLES — Uber and company
By Murray Horton — political activist and writer since 1969. He is the Organiser for the Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) and the Anti-Bases Campaign (ABC).
On rare occasions, the misdeeds of specific transnational corporations (and sometimes of the individuals owning and/or controlling them) make it into the mainstream media – which is itself owned by transnationals or local Big Business. The current such “bad apple” is Uber, which has been the subject of critical cover stories in both the Listener and Time very recently.
Uber is one of the most high profile of the multi-billion dollar American technology behemoths which head what is labelled the “disruptive” economy, or more ludicrously, the “sharing” economy (in Uber’s case, a smartphone app enabling ride sharing for payment in private cars). read more…
HALF THE WORLD DISTANCE FROM HOME THEY CAMPED HERE. Words on one of the two memorial plaques attached to the pillars
Interfering with the national heritage?
By Roger Childs
A new sliding gate has replaced the original 54 year old gates (Photo by Don Polly)
The Queen Elizabeth Park Memorial Gates at Mackays Crossing have been removed. The pillars remain and a new sliding gate has been installed. Park Management staff will now be able to open and close it electronically.
The work was done by the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) who administer the park. However key stakeholders such as the Kapiti United States Marines Trust, the New Zealand – American Association (NZAA) and the Queen Elizabeth Park Guardians were not consulted.
The Memorial Gates, dedicated to the Marines who lived and trained in the area in 1942-3, were opened in 1963 by Prime Minister Keith Holyoake, in one of the biggest official events in Kapiti’s history.
The gates were paid for by 2nd Marines Veterans and the NZAA, and are an important part of the heritage of the Kapiti district and the nation. read more…
Wendy Huston
Businesses encouraged to value the elderly
By Wendy Huston, Kapiti Retirement Trust CEO
Working at putting into reality the concept of an ‘age friendly’ community is something I have been involved in over the past few years.
The work of the Kapiti Older Persons’ Council and initiatives taken by KCDC in forming the Kapiti Age-Friendly Steering Group some years ago have all seen various steps forward in making this concept a reality. read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Second year for the Henry Gray Cup clash
By Angelo Robinson
The Henry Gray Memorial Cup contest between the Kapiti College Old Boys & All Star Team vs Kapiti College Senior Boys A Team was played on Saturday 8 July at Kapiti College Gym.
The inaugural game was played last year and a trophy set up so that this event and cup game is now a yearly fixture on the calendar.
Tip OFF was at 5.00pm with both Teams playing hard and looking for that WIN. read more…
Quality music at Paekakariki
The talented Quintet will be playing on 16 July 2017 at 2.30pm in the Memorial Hall at Paekakariki.
Iota Piano Quintet includes NZSO violinists Rebecca Struthers and Elizabeth Patchett, NZSO violist Lyndsay Mountfort, NZSO cellist Eleanor Carter and pianist Kathryn Mosley – Eleanor’s sister, who resides in England.
They will be playing
~ Czerny – his arrangement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2
~ Beethoven’s String Trio in D, Op.9 No. 2
~ Schumann – Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 44. read more…
Link to the Te Araroa Walkway
By Roger Childs
The magnificent Te Araroa link from Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki is one of the wonders of the Kapiti Coast.
The 10km path has been incredibly popular since it was opened a couple of years ago, and Paekakariki cafes and shops have been reaping the benefit.
The Kapiti Council, in cooperation with Community Boards, does some of its best work in extending public pathways and promoting conservation.
These two areas of positive development come together in a track that is being pushed through the trees alongside the railway line south of the village. read more…
The British Star Spangled Banner
By Eribert Loehner
On July 1st of this year, Canada celebrated the 150th anniversary of its Confederation. Only three days later, the United States celebrated the 241st anniversary of its independence from Britain.
The histories of both Canada and the United States are closely intertwined. 
That is not to say that our relationship has always been friendly, but as president John F. Kennedy aptly proclaimed, “Our geography has made us neighbors, our history has made us friends, our economy has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies.”
Giuseppe Petrella (Pino) in Raumati
Pino is a world renowned classical guitarist. He is on a two week trip to New Zealand and is currently staying with friends in Raumati.
Tonight – Monday July 10 at 7.15 – he is performing at the Kapiti Uniting Parish Church, in Raumati Beach.
The concert will be raising money for the new Performing Art Centre, and entry is by folding koha.
This is a wonderful chance to hear a master musician who specialises in Baroque music.
Impressive passing out ceremony
Nine teenage boys from Kapiti and Hawke’s Bay graduated on Thursday. These lads who mainly come from working class and Maori backgrounds, had completed a Youth Quest Kapiti (YQK) course.
The organisation picks up at-risk youths who are referred by police, schools and the courts, and turns their lives around.
At the graduation all the young men spoke warmly about what the course had done for them, what the staff had taught them and their hopes for the future.
It was occasion filled with humour, informality, pride and commendation.
Hey the sun still came up this morning! Rugby fan, Wendy Eglinton
The referee lost it
By Roger Childs
Honours shared
His performance was better that Wayne Barnes shocker in the World Cup quarter final in 2007. Nevertheless, in the deciding test last night Romain Poite denied the All Blacks a well deserved victory against the Lions.
In reversing his original correct decision in awarding a penalty when Ken Owens caught the ball in an offside position, Beauden Barrett did not have the chance to make the score 18-15.
But it’s all history now, the score remains, and the Lions know they were lucky to scrape a draw. On the positive side, the 20,000 visiting fans will go home happy with series drawn. read more…
Author Judith Holloway, lyricist for a new National Anthem
Our Story: ‘Nuns step in front door of public housing — as Council steps out back’
Or…’How to give away public money’
Pensioner flats in Levin
By Judith Bryers Holloway (Writer /Scriptwriter/editor for TV/Editor/Publishing Manager of educational books/Tutor in Writing for Children)
- If you would still like to do this latest challenge, scroll down to July 5.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Business as usual in the big cycle race
By Roger Childs
2016 winner, Chris Froome, on the left. Peter Sagan on the right.
The first of three weeks in the Tour de France is over, and there has been the anticipated mix of fast racing, tight finishes and major talking points.
Scandal and controversy have dogged the Tour since it started in 1903. Corruption, tacks on the road, cyclists catching lifts, death threats and, of course, performance enhancing substances. In recent years the event has tried to clean up its act on the drugs issue, led by current champion and three time winner, Chris Froome.
Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven yellow jerseys, once the revelations about his systematic use of drugs and blood-doping were proven, however other druggies like Bradley Wiggins, Jan Ulrich, Marco Pantani and Bjarne Riis, all still feature as winners in the official records. 2005 and 2007 winner, Alberto Contador, also tested positive for drugs a few years back, however he is in this year’s field. read more…
The wonderful world of embroidery
By Leslie Clague
I have taken on a major embroidery project. It is a cross-stitch tapestry of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” Van Gogh had been declared insane when he painted this masterpiece. Hence my nickname for my work: “Insanity.”
Are you into embroidery? Do you like tapestry and/or cross-stitch? I have an e-site for you to look at. It is called Golden Kite (www.goldenkite.com). The company is run by a family in Sweden and has customers from many parts of the world purchasing their embroidery patterns.
Golden Kite takes art work that is past its copyright date and turns the works into embroidery patterns. Someone on the Kapiti Coast recommended the site to me and my apologies because I can’t remember who. read more…
Building to a climax
By Roger Childs
Coach Gatland would love another test win
At the start of the Lions tour, most fans and media experts were expecting a 3-0 series win to the All Blacks. After the comfortable 30-15 victory in the first test, it was all going according to the script.
But then Sonny Bill Williams threw the visitors a lifeline in Wellington, and they now go to Eden Park with the chance of becoming the first Lions team to win a series here since 1971.
Both sides have plenty to play for, and the All Blacks will be very keen to continue their unbeaten run in Auckland since 1994. read more…
Living Wage campaigners and supporters in Wellington
It’s time Kapiti started talks for a Living Wage
By Lyndy McIntyre, Living Wage co-ordinator
Kapiti Independent News recently published two stories on the Living Wage.
It’s certainly a significant time for the Living Wage movement, with the announcement of the 2017/18 Living Wage employers and a historic vote by Wellington City Council.
The list of fully accredited Living wage employers has grown nationally to nearly 80. And a Kapiti College student, Patrick Bray, has asked locals to support Living Wage products and challenged local employers to step up and be the first in our district. read more…
Company is good
By Roger Childs
It’s always a nice sight, seeing young mothers pushing strollers, sometimes with the dog in tow. And also fathers on the run, with a son or daughter following or leading, on a bike.
Most people do their exercise with others. If you don’t, see if you can get family, neighbours or friends to join you. Chatting as you walk, run or bike is great, and it’s amazing how many local, national and international problems you can solve!
Another big advantage is that the time seems to pass more quickly as you enjoy the pleasant company of others. read more…
Shirish Patel and his daughter Pal Vasant (obviously a threat to public safety) !
KIN asks the KCDC — Why are you picking on the little guys?
By Alan Tristram; photos by Helen Tristram
Harry Busch, main character for one of my favourite detective authors, says this about life: “Everyone matters, or no-one does.”
Street scene near the Patels Four Square store
Unfortunately this doesn’t seem to apply for our Council officials– and Mayor K Gurunathan — or they’d be treating the Patel Family better.
The Patels who run the Raumati Beach Four Square have been ordered to remove a firewood pallet from outside their shop. But it seems all other shops in the area with items outside have been left alone. Where’s the justice in this?
Today we asked the KCDC six questions: read more…
Congressional Republican proposals to “repeal and replace” Obamacare would slash Medicaid, the nation’s health insurance program for the poor. Los Angeles Times
The end of bi-partisan legislating
Barack Obama: a polarizing figure
There was a time when Democrat and Republican legislators could work together to approve appointments and pass laws for the good of the country.
(Scott Brown, The new US ambassador to New Zealand, was overwhelmingly supported by both parties in the Senate back in April.)
As regards lawmaking: not anymore. During Democrat Barack Obama’s presidency there was an almost pathological hatred on the part of Republicans toward America’s first Black chief executive. read more…
Jacinta Beckley shares her thoughts
By Angelo Robinson
Jacinta signing up for the scholarship
Kapiti Basketball player, Jacinta Beckley, is home from the USA during the American Summer vacation.
Jacinta gained a fully paid basketball scholarship to Seattle University USA which started in April 2014.
She has done extremely well both
~ academically: completed her first degree and will be doing her second degree when she starts back at college in August
~ playing basketball: making the starting 5 of the Seattle University Team. read more…
The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Waikanae children mark Matariki with Maori ceremony
Story and photos by Peter Corlett
The Whakarongotai Marae was abuzz recently as Waikanae School children gathered to celebrate Matariki.
Matariki, also known as the Maori new year, occurs when the cluster of stars also known as Pleiades – the seven sisters, becomes visible in the night sky. From the Maori perspective the stars represent a whanau of seven – the mother and six daughters. read more…
We run Coffee for a Can because it allows us to give back to the community, and since food is what we do, we choose to give back through food. Marine Parade Eatery co-owner, Fiona Grieg
Café working for the Foodbank
By Roger Childs
For the third year running the Marine Parade Eatery is collecting tinned food for people in need.
The timing couldn’t be better, as the Kapiti Community Foodbank has just reopened in a new location. (See the following story.)
In 2016 the Paraparaumu Beach café garnered over 500 cans and they are hoping to better that collection this year.
So on Wednesday July 5, locals are invited to bring in a can or more, in exchange for a cup of coffee. It’s a great way to support the Foodbank.
We live in a wonderfully generous community, and we look forward to once again being able to assist those who really need our help. Mary Pincott, Kapiti Community Foodbank
A new home at last
By Roger Childs
Foodbank volunteers
Last April, the Foodbank had to shift out of its McGrath Avenue premises, and staff didn’t know where they would be going. Finding new premises has been problematic.
However, through the good offices of the Mayor, Council staff and The New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA), this wonderful organisation now has a new location.
With the development of the expressway, the Kapiti Medical Centre moved from 92 – 94 Kapiti Road to a new building in Ihakara Street. NZTA purchased the vacated property and has now made it available to the Foodbank. read more…
And Bird of the Year in 2016!
By Cushla McGaughey
The little riroriro
The North Island Kokako has blue wattles at its throat. Early settlers called it ‘the Blue-wattled Crow’, but the Kokako is in fact our largest songbird. Pairs sing for up to two hours after daybreak, flapping their wings as they call. Far from harsh cawing, their flute-like duets are hauntingly lovely.
Their length (from bill to tail) is almost a third greater than that of a tui, but at 230 g. the kokako weighs nearly twice as much. At the other end of the songbird scale, the tiny riroriro weighs only 6.5 g. read more…
Kapiti Districtwide Cr Jackie Elliott
Councillor Elliott names her choice for Kapiti’s old SH1
By Districtwide Councillor Jackie Elliott
Part of the Old SH1 at Waikanae
After reading all 700-plus submissions for a new name for the old SH1 in Kapiti, there is one standout I will support: ‘Kapiti Coast Highway.’
Two years ago when Council was first told to consult with the public and select a new name, I realised the importance of giving the road a strong identity — for residents, for businesses and for tourists. read more…
Less so than before
We have some satire this week which should be taken seriously. Most New Zealanders don’t experience the sound of choppers heading inland with their lethal load of 1080. However, it has been happening for decades, in areas that the Department of Conservation designates for poisoning.
This wasteful spending of taxpayer money means that in many remote and hilly areas, the continuing drops of sodium fluoroacetate are killing birds, insects, deer, and some rats, stoats, ferrets and possums.
It needs to stop, and as many hunters will tell you, the selective trapping and shooting of pests, and the valuable possums, is the way to go. read more…
Friend of the rich and famous — Otaki MP Nathan Guy
Friel Spiel — What A Guy!
By our Horowhenua correspondent, Judith Holloway
This American has the qualities the Nats adore…lots of Dosh.
Are we in the Otaki Electorate sufficiently aware of the actions of our current MP, Nathan Guy, Minister of Immigration?
Shirish Patel and his brother-in-law Kamal stand by their firewood display
Patels allege Kapiti Council are bullying them over firewood
Mayor Guru absent on burning issue
By Alan Tristram; photos by Helen Tristram
The Patel family at Raumati Beach say officials from the Kapiti Coast Council are harassing by forcing them to remove a firewood display from the pavement outside their popular Four Square shop.
Shirish Patel says it’s blatant discrimination because other shopkeepers are allowed to use the pavement outside their shops for displays, and for chairs and tables.
He says he’s appealed to another Indian migrant, Mayor ‘Guru’ Gurunathan, who came from Malaysia. But he says the Mayor has failed to respond. read more…
Moment of Madness
By Roger Childs
Both side defended well
With a shoulder barge into the face of Lions winger Anthony Watson, Sonny Bill Williams gifted the second test to the Lions. It was an act of stupidity which left the All Blacks with 14 men for three quarters of the game.
A good team will always beat opponents with one player down, however the Lions made heavy weather of it in the heavy weather. The madness of their prop, Mako Vunipola, in twice trying to take Beauden Barrett out of the game, didn’t help either, as he received 10 minutes in the bin.
In the end two late tries brought the visitors to level pegging at 21 all, and a fortuitous penalty 3 minutes from time saw the Lions home. read more…
- You can still have a go at this latest challenge by scrolling down to June 28.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Enjoying their time here
By Roger Childs
There was a Lions fan at the Otaihanga Domain Parkrun today and he ran in the familiar red T shirt.
Graham is just one of the thousands who have accompanied the British and Irish Lions on their highly publicised tour to New Zealand.
He’s been having a great time and has found that Kiwis have been very friendly and welcoming.
A few Auckland yobos took the Mickey after his group left Eden Park last Saturday, but apart from that it’s been all good. read more…
A Matariki present from KCDC Mayor K Gurunathan?
Matariki rises — and Kapiti rates do likewise under new Mayor
By Local Govt. reporter Jeremy Smith
Here’s a coincidence: Matariki the beginning of the traditional Maori New Year is the same week our new, and higher, rates have been formalised.
KCDC rates, under Mayor Gurunathan’s “first budget”, are up an average of 5.9 per cent for the coming 12 months — that’s twice the rate of inflation.
( The Treasury reports that the June year annual average real GDP growth is forecast to lift from 2.9% in 2017 to 3.2% next year)
read more…
