‘Et tu” Turnbull ?
By Julia Meek in Melbourne
The top contender for the Australian PM’s job has again professed his undying loyalty to the leader.
This week Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull (also a former Liberal leader) , interviewed on ABC News, said the Liberal Party ‘inner room’ is fully behind Tony Abbott as Leader. read more…
Mayor Ross Church, resplendent in red ‘Dorothy’ shoes, admires the kite flight
Festival of kites wows visitors of all ages
Photo story by Ian Linning
It was an exhilarating, great, opening day, well organised, with reasonably-priced rides for the kids and good
food and coffee for the adults.
There was just enough wind to keep the kites in the air, but not too much to blow the sand across the beach. read more…
Nicole Swain hand lettering Shepherds’ Arms Hotel on the old Speight’s Ale House in Tinakori Road.
Image credit – Fine Signs
Calligraphers of Kapiti
By Pam Kessler
Our first club night of the year was held on 19 February, and what a great time we had as we caught up with our fellow calligraphers. Twenty people attended the meeting, including two visitors, who by the end of the evening had decided to join our merry throng.
Both told us they had dabbled with calligraphy in former lives and now wanted to renew their skills. They are already planning on taking lessons from club member Maggie Salter and so before they know it they will be fully immersed in the calligraphy world of pens, nibs, inks and papers. read more…
Tricky problems confronting British security services
By Tom Aitken in London
As I write, the front page of the The Times proclaims;
‘Isis butcher had been MI5 terror suspect for six years’
Two subheadings inform us further:
‘Jihadi John’ is computer science graduate from west London’
and
‘Security services made repeated attempts to recruit killer’ read more…
Gillian Triggs –Abbott wants her gone
Another Side to Australian PM — attacking human rights and their staunch defender
Letter from Australia
By Julia Meek
One of the continuing stories from Canberra is the rumpus surrounding a report from the Human Rights Commission, presided over by Professor Gillian Triggs,.
This criticizes the Abbott Government about the number of children in detention in immigration centres in Australia and Manus Island and the terrible conditions they live under. read more…
It was tough for the Waikanae School kids under tarps — while teachers luxuriated under tents !
WAIKANAE SCHOOL SURVIVORS
By Peter Corlett
If you were passing Waikanae School recent y you could be forgiven for thinking it had been solf off as a camping ground.
Te Poutama (the year 7-8 classes) were enduring – enjoying rather — a Survivors’ Day. read more…
‘Brutal’ Greyhound industry should end
By Hans Kriek, Executive Director, SAFE
(Save Animals From Exploitation)
I feel a bit sick. I just watched Australia’s current affairs show Four Corners on live-baiting in the greyhound industry.
Live-baiting is the practice of blooding greyhounds to increase their prey drive and make them run faster. This is achieved by tying small, live animals to a lure, dragging them around the track and letting the greyhounds rip them apart. read more…
How do our trans-Tasman rivals stack up?
By John Smith
The Melbourne Cricket Ground
My starting point would be that they are the favourites and that they deserve to be: they have the ability, self-belief and motivation to win this tournament. For Australian cricketers and fans the memories of 1992 are even bitterer than for Kiwis: not only did they lose to New Zealand but they didn’t even make the semi-finals.
They see the World Cup as their tournament: they have won it four times: they expect to be in the final, which is being played on their turf – the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. They have a very strong battling line-up, all the way down to Johnson and Starc at 9 and 10, and they have a fast and lethal pace attack. read more…
Take the politicians out of politics and it would work perfectly! Andrew Baker, Chair, Franklin Board, Auckland
More heat than light?
By Roger Childs
The debate over possible amalgamation for the Wellington Region is heating up and there is plenty of argument and counter-argument. However, the process of informing the population about what’s proposed has been less than efficient. For example, Kapiti locals received a pamphlet on the proposals a few weeks ago labelled December 2014!
Various local body notables from across the region have sounded off in the media and the Kapiti Coast District Council has changed from a status quo position. It has decided to adopt a neutral stance, saying let the people decide. read more…
I didn’t know we were so involved in New Zealand during the war. American tourist
Visitors fascinated by the US-Kapiti connection
American visitors at the US Marines Memorial
By Roger Childs
Six Americans from the cruise ship MS Marina came out to Paekakariki on Monday. They were all interested in military history and were keen to find out more about the American presence on the Kapiti Coast in 1942-43. Formerly from New York they have now retired to the warmer climes of Florida. One was a Marine who served in the Korean War. read more…
I thought it was a tremendous display of football without the finishing. Phoenix coach, Ernie Merrick
The home team should have won!
By Dave Daniel
Roly Bonevacia unfortunately scored an own goal
Most spectators would have wondered how on earth the Phoenix did not win this game. However, while the result was hugely disappointing there was a lot to admire about this performance.
First the bad stuff: being 2-0 down after 18 minutes ensured that it was going to be a hard day at the office for Ernie Merrick’s team. The first was an unfortunate own goal off Roly Bonevacia and the second a Scott Neville header. Both from corners, situations that should have been dealt with, but the reaction of the Phoenix defenders was not hugely impressive. read more…
John Murray
PM joins ‘The Club ‘ and ignores public opinion
By the Very Rev. John Murray
After more than six months prevaricating, the Prime Minister has now on his own authority, decided that we the people of New Zealand, must enter the Middle East civil war.
His tactics to lull the unthinking and fearful people among us have included a long list of ‘maybes’, not this but not that. read more…
Our Melbourne correspondent, John Smith, looks at the weekend’s long awaited match up in the World Cup. In the first of two articles he analyses the Black Caps line-up.
A history of not making the final about to change?
By John Smith
As a Black Caps fan from way before they were called the Black Caps I know only too well the cycle of hope and despair that comes with that: all of our World Cup semi-final exits are scarred into my memory.
But I have a special feeling about this team, and this year and I am going to go with that until – and if – events prove me wrong. From where I sit in Melbourne, I am getting the same feeling as I did with the Rugby World Cup in 2011. A very special team playing consistently well, led by an impressive captaincy and coaching team, and with the country getting behind them. read more…
Time for NZ to stop following US and UK into foreign wars
By Russell Marshall (former Labour Cabinet Minister)
In 1899 when Britain was at war in South Africa, our European population was still largely no more than third generation, the opportunity to travel offshore to support Britain was welcomed by a good number of young men who duly signed up, as did a number of female teachers and nurses.
It was largely the same, just over a decade after the Boer War ended. Until 1917 when older men and others began to be drafted, there was no shortage of volunteers, though for the first time there were some conscientious objectors. read more…
Local children can get poems published
By Gill Ward
Greetings from the sidelines of Poetry and Literature.
Mostly lately I have felt that I’m there giving a short, hoarse cheer for the arts world, but things are looking up and I am getting back on deck (oh a cliché – sorry!) and hope my column will be more regular.
Well… Poets to the People 2015 is on its way for the year and hopefully you will have received or seen information about February’s poet and the new venue, Hightide Café on Marine Parade Paraparaumu. read more…
Tim Southee takes seven wickets as Black Caps steamroll England. The Melbourne Age
New Zealand in great form at the World Cup
By Roger Childs
The Black Caps came into the tournament with some excellent lead-up performances. There was a comfortable win in the series against Sri Lanka, then two easy wins over Pakistan and a surprisingly comprehensive victory over one of the favourites, South Africa.
In the first match of the World Cup it was another comfortable win over the Sri Lankans, then a closer victory over Scotland followed by the brutal mauling of the English on Friday. The Australian experts and media are starting to take notice and the trans-Tasman clash in Auckland next weekend is eagerly awaited. read more…
Council warns public of bacteria danger in three local streams
A high bacterial count has been found in three local streams in the district and Council is advising people, especially children, not to swim in these waterways.
Tests in Wharemaukau Stream (outlet by Waterfront Bar & Kitchen), Takitou Stream (beside Kapiti Boating Club) and Waimeha Stream (north Waikanae) have revealed high bacterial counts due to dry weather and low/slow water flows. read more…
Roy Morgan Poll shows National falling to 49%, down 3% since January 5-18
The latest NZ Roy Morgan Poll shows National falling to 49%, down 3% since January 5-18.
Support for Prime Minister John Key’s Coalition partners has also fallen with the Maori Party 1.0% (down 0.5%), Act NZ 0% (down 1%) and United Future still on 0% (unchanged). read more…
Dutch Doctor to spread the word about assisted dying
By Alan Tristram
Dr Rob Jonquiere
Dr Rob Jonquière, a world-famous doctor who helped pioneer Dutch euthanasia law, is to visit the Kapiti Coast in eight days’ time as part of a nationwide tour.
He is a leading campaigners for medically assisted dying, and has had more than 30 years’ experience with Physician Assisted Dying (PAD) and working on legal issues and doctors in the Netherlands.
He is currently Communications Director of the ‘World Federation of Right to Die Societies,’ which campaigns in 24 countries for peoples’ right to a ‘dignified death.’ read more…
I smiled all the way! Mahina, one of the 2014 finishers
Encouraging participation
Story by Roger Childs, photos by Pam Childs
The Raumati Beach setting for the KWT
The 2015 running of this iconic Kapiti sporting event will take place on Sunday 1st March.
The Kapiti Women’s Triathlon (KWT) promotes participation for all women and girls, with options suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. We consider everyone who makes the start line is a winner. Evelyn Williamson.
The KWT mantra sums up what the event is all about: Inspire, Motivate, Participate read more…
Elderly Waikanae man defrauded of $20,000
Kapiti Police have warned locals about computer crime, saying a 79-year-old Waikanae man lost $20,000 yesterday.
They say he got a phone call from a man calling himself a ‘Spark’ technician, who said he was calling to fix the man’s computer connections.
The victim then gave the caller remote access to his computer, which led to the $20,000 financial loss. read more…
Into Zambia but not without incident!
Story by Tony Fraei. Photos by Allsion Fraei
From Namibia we drove into Zambia to visit the Victoria Falls at Livingstone. The border crossing was quite a challenge. While our Rental was allowed to cross the border there was still a lot of paper work viz. an import license, insurance for Zambia and tax payments both in and out. Plus all these transactions were handled by different individuals each with their own queue. However, these challenges have happened before and you just roll with the punches and keep smiling, being friendly and staying relaxed works in every country we have ever been in. read more…
Waikanae lawyer elected to fill Council vacancy
Waikanae lawyer Michael Scott has been elected as the new Waikanae Ward councillor on the Kāpiti Coast District Council.
The results of the by-election for the seat, which became vacant with the death of Councillor Tony Lloyd late last year, have just been announced. They are as follows: read more…
… thanks again for another great horse / people track. Horsewoman, Anita Jones
Whareroa Guardians push out the tracks
View from near the top of the Ti Kouka track
By Roger Childs
Another fantastic walking, running or riding experience is now possible in Whareroa Farm on the Kapiti Coast. Volunteers worked on the track with support from the DOC Community Conservation Partnerships Fund. It was officially opened on 1 February and led by Guardian Coordinator, Ann Evans, a group of horses and trampers headed upwards into the mist. This new trail rises 300m and reaches the highest point in the Farm.
read more…
A few of us met up to go for a ride since the weather was less than ideal at the official track opening. We were all impressed with the track, it was clear enough footing for us to have a nice canter uphill. It was so nice to have the track to ourselves yesterday but we are loving having to share it and look out for only people, not mountain bikes!
Anita Jones
Success So Far in Anti-Amalgamation Campaign
By Alan Tristram
The Paraparaumu Beach resident who started a campaign against the Wellington ‘Super City’ plan says he’s getting good feedback from local citizens. Graeme Trask says that over the last two weekends when he has been out canvassing, many people have voiced their concerns to him.
He says: “Generally they are saying they don’t want to see any amalgamation with other regions.” read more…
Murder suspect given name suppression
The man charged with the weekend murder in the riverside community of Otaihanga on the Kapiti Coast has appeared in court.
The victim, Catherine Gay Stewart, 56, who was a popular and well-known nurse at a Paraparaumu clinic, was found dead at her Otaihanga home on Valentine’s Day. read more…
You’ve got to win those arm-wrestles and we did enough. Chiefs coach, Dave Rennie
Top teams struggle
By Roger Childs
With the main sports focus on the World Cup cricket opening, the Super 15 rugby season got underway with less fanfare than usual. There are always unexpected results, but no-one anticipated three of last year’s semi-finalists losing in the first round. The exception was the Brumbies, who thrashed the Reds 47-3, in the weekend’s biggest victory. Meanwhile the 2015 champions, the Waratahs, were well beaten and the other finalist, the Crusaders, and semi-finalist, the Sharks, suffered unexpected defeats. It could be a very close competition this season. read more…
Abbott tries to defend refugee mistreatment by attacking messenger
By Julia Meek in Melbourne
Australian PM Tony Abbott has worsened his international reputation even more by savagely attacking the body that criticised his country’s appalling treatment of refugees.
While questions continue about his leadership, despite his survival in a confidence vote in his own caucus, one of the Abbott government’s boasts is that they “turn back the boats” of asylum seekers and refugees attempting to reach Australian shores. read more…
…changing and challenging times. Writer Janet Slater Bottin
Local writer launches adult readers` anthology
Otaki author, Janet Slater Bottin, has had a long and distinguished career writing for children dating back to 1987. However, her latest venture is a set of short stories for adults. Janet will launch her anthology MOMENTS for which there are no words at 7pm on February 19 in the Paraparaumu Library meeting room.
The collection includes stories of topics ranging from a wartime prisoner escape to recollections of a teenage adventure. read more…
Police arrest man after woman’s body found in house near Paraparaumu
Kapiti police say they started a ‘homicide Investigation’ about 1.45pm yesterday after they were called to a residential address at the peaceful riverside suburb of Otaihanga, north of Paraparaumu.
A middle aged woman was located dead inside the address and a homicide investigation was launched.
A 29 year old man, who was known to the victim, was located nearby and arrested. read more…
John Murray
JOIN THE CLUB ?
By the Very Rev. John Murray, Of Raumati
Former head of the NZ Presbyterian Church
Confused by the swithering words of Mr Key, we New Zealanders should join the Club – the Coalition of the Righteous – get ready for war, help save the world from “terror” and put an end to the threat to world peace from those Muslims.
Well, that’s the official view.
‘If these people love gambling so much, why not gamble with their own money?’
How volunteers bring happiness to residents in Kapiti’s Trust’s homes
By Wendy Huston, CEO, Kapiti Retirement Trust
You can go on to any economic website or even use ‘Dr Google’ and you will get a truckload of data on the value of volunteer work as part of GDP, value to the country etc etc.
While such facts may make interesting reading, in terms of its real value the data is all academic. The essence of volunteering is not economic, it’s people. read more…
Hard to look beyond Australia New Zealand and South Africa. Man for man, South Africa have the most quality, but they also carry the most scars from World Cups past. New Zealand are in red-hot form, but I wonder whether they have the mental strength to go past the semi-final barrier that’s stopped them six times. Dileep Premachandran, Indian cricket writer
A huge event for New Zealand
By Roger Childs
Sharing the ICC Cricket World Cup with Australia is one of the biggest sporting events in our history. Over the next six weeks 14 countries will battle it out to determine who is the champion one-day international team. On Saturday 14 February the tournament gets underway with New Zealand playing Sri Lanka in Christchurch while England takes on Australia in Melbourne.
A television audience of possibly up to one billion will watch from around the world in places as diverse as Afghanistan, Scotland, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.
read more…
Long pursuit ends on beach when offender crashes on wastewater pipe
By Alan Tristram
Kapiti police say several of their cars chased a stolen car for several kilometres along SHI and then onto the beach at Raumati and Paraparaumu.
After first being spotted on the Haywards Hill by a Kapiti police dog handler, they say, the stolen car was chased, then ‘spiked’ on Paekakariki Hill Road.
But the offender continued driving on SHI on three tireless wheels, then headed to the Waterfront Bar area at Raumati Beach and onto the beach, driving north for several kilometres before crashing. read more…
Mickey Mouse Biosecurity for Kapiti Island Visitors
By Cr K Gurunathan
Kapiti Boating Club’s move to substantially increase its rent charged to Kapiti Island Nature Tours has exposed the Micky Mouse biosecurity measures at the mainland departure point to one of New Zealand’s most important nature reserves. Kapiti Island Nature Tours had been renting space at the KBC building to conduct its biosecurity and check-in facilities for visitors.
…let’s get involved in trying to change things, however we can!
Frustration for the Greens
By Prue Hyman
My third column on the erosion of our democracy, unashamedly pays tribute to the last two male co-leaders of the Greens Party. I am sad though totally understanding of the resignation of Russel Norman from that position, taking effect in a few months. Yet another three years of being effective leader of the opposition, despite Labour being the largest opposition party, must be unattractive when the Greens have so many positive ideas for change which they are not in a position to enact. read more…
Govt attacks on writers must be resisted
By Mandy Hager
I’m sure by now you’ll all have heard about the brouhaha caused by Eleanor Catton’s interview while she was at a festival in India.
Our poor sensitive PM got a little hot under the collar when she said: “At the moment, New Zealand, like Australia and Canada, (is dominated by) these neo-liberal, profit-obsessed, very shallow, very money-hungry politicians who do not care about culture. . . read more…
Tony Abbott needs to let his ministers do more talking and better understand his opponents’ perspectives if he is truly to reset his leadership, negotiation experts say. Judith Ireland, National Political Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald
Economic woes since the election
By John Smith in Melbourne
Tony Abbott hangs on as prime minister
Tony Abbott led the Liberal/National Coalition to victory in the 2013 election by being very negative. He offered few sensible policies and managed to create an impression that Labor had not done well with economic policy. (Ironically, this one of the few areas that Labor did handle well.) Since then the terms of trade have gone down, as a result of sharp drops in resource prices, and the government is struggling to meet financial targets due to factors out of its control.
The Coalition has made that worse than it needed to be, by poor policy such as asking all people to take some pain, but the poor much more than the rich. read more…
Popular Kiosk gets Kapiti Island tours tenant
By Alan Tristram
The Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) has agreed to allow a firm running Kāpiti Island tours to rent the popular MacLean Park kiosk at Paraparaumu Beach for the rest of the summer.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours (KINT) asked to use the newly-refurbished kiosk temporarily.
Two years ago the kiosk was saved from demolition after a huge public outcry and campaign. This followed the KCDC initial plan to get rid of the fire-damaged building. The council then changed its mind and restored the iconic structure.
Seeing the African wildlife
Story by Tony Fraei, photos by Allison Fraei
Etosha National Park, which is one of the world’s great wildlife viewing venues. It is huge, some 350km from east to west. There is lots of accommodation, with three campsites at Okaukuejo, Namutoni and Halai. Each site has lodges, camp sites and a large restaurant and bar. All have excellent watering holes, with two (Okaukuejo and Halai) lit up all night.
You are not allowed out of the Campsites at night so in the months we visited August and September the water holes are very busy with plenty of wildlife coming by. In the winter period these water holes would be the only source of water, apart from others you can visit during the day outside the camps. read more…
KCDC Civic Building
Super City plan ‘not being driven by councils’
By Alan Tristram
The Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) has replied to criticism in the Kapiti Independent, (see the story below about Graeme Trask), that it isn’t doing enough to help locals make up their minds on the ‘Super City’ proposals.
The KCDC says: “Local government amalgamation is a central government initiative run through the Local Government Commission. It is not being driven by local councils. read more…
Kapiti citizen urges locals to join the fight against ‘Super City’
By Alan Tristram
The son of a former Kapiti mayor says it’s time local people woke up to the dangers of local body amalgamation — and he’s set up a website to back his cause.
Graeme Trask, of Paraparaumu Beach, says people are not being properly informed about the issues surrounding plans for a Wellington region ‘Super City.’ And he says the Kapiti Coast District Council isn’t doing much to help.
His website is: kapiticoastdistrict.co.nz. read more…
This track takes trampers and horse riders up to the highest point of the reserve: “The Rocks”, at 320m altitude, a total climb of 300m. Whareroa Guardian Convener, Ann Evans
Ambitious track opened
By Roger Childs
The Whareroa Farm’s latest track is the steepest and highest yet. Cut into the south-eastern corner of the Whareroa land area, the trail rises 300m to reach some large rocks high above. From here, and along the way up, there are spectacular views of land, sea and island.
On Sunday February 1 the Ti Kouka/Rocks Track was officially opened by the Guardians. However the day before four runners from the Kapiti Joggers and Walkers decided to take up the challenge of running it. read more…
Will Australians lose a leader soon?
By Julia Meek in Melbourne
Australians are in a great state of excitement over the questioned leadership of PM Tony Abbott.
And the excitement went up another notch at the weekend when it was announced a special Liberal caucus meeting to vote on his leadership would be brought forward a day to Monday (February 9).
The media are speculating with enthusiasm, perhaps even more so than the general public. read more…
The old hospital was built 1918-1920-ish as an infectious disease treatment facility, this was back in the day when they thought building a hospital on the top of a hill was a great idea because fresh air cured TB. URBEX NZ
Wellington SPCA Open Day a great success
By Roger Childs
The SPCA is probably the nation’s most popular charity. So it was appropriate for the Wellington branch to invite the public to its recently developed headquarters on Waitangi Day. The old Fever Hospital on Mount Victoria is now home to a range of animals wanting families to adopt them. People from the region flocked in their thousands to the Alexandra Road site and parking was at a premium.
Needless to say, there were plenty of children present, enthralled by the animals and no doubt putting pressure on Mum and Dad to order a new pet for collection on Monday. But there was no sign of Gareth Morgan wanting to adopt a cat, or of the ghost of “Sister Slippers”. read more…
He aha te mea nui o te ao. What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. (Maori proverb)
A day for all New Zealanders
By Roger Childs
Source: suzeinmayfair.com
Whatever people’s ethnicity, Waitangi Day is for all New Zealanders. In 2015, it marks the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, sometimes called “our founding document”. This agreement guaranteed certain rights to all people living in the country at the time, both Maori and Pakeha, in exchange for British sovereignty.
Sadly in recent years, the formalities at Waitangi have been marred by protests, political grandstanding and the jostling of dignitaries. February 6 should be a day when we celebrate unity in diversity, and media reports should be about people getting together in positive ways in our multi-cultural society. This is what the Canadians and Australians do on their national days. read more…
Waitangi Treaty grounds
Special Waitangi event at Queen Elizabeth Park
The Kāpiti Coast District Council says “Don’t miss the Waitangi Day commemorations in Kapiti tomorrow (Friday 6 February) !”
It says the event at Queen Elizabeth Park will be co-hosted by Ngāti Toarangatatira and the KCDC.
It will begin at 10am with a powhiri, followed by plenty of entertainment and activities finishing at 4pm. read more…
We continue our series on the Fraei’s amazing trip though Namibia and some nearby countries. To read episode 1, scroll down the Home Page.
Wildlife and metal roads
Story by Tony Fraei, photos by Allison Fraei
Accommodation at Fish River Canyon
In our first week on the road we had already seen a lot of varied wildlife from the roads we traversed. There were lots of Springbok (short horns), Gemsbok Oryx (long straight horns), Kudu and Impala (spiral horns), plus Ostriches and Eland who apparently come from the buffalo family.
The other new experience for us was that, as we left the main sealed highway south to get to Fish River Canyon, we travelled on our first metal road. This road was quite dissimilar to metal roads in NZ. It was a bit wider and certainly very straight, but had not been graded. Consequently it was heavily rutted, providing a very jarring ride. read more…
Life with Kiwi Key
To mark the Great Leader’s 3rd term — and continuing popularity — KIN is reproducing some of cartoonist Andy’s best tributes to Mr (‘Kiwi’) Key.
Andy has chronicled many of Mr Key’s signal contributions to NZ culture, speech patterns and political philosophy.
More soon from Andy…
‘New era’ with Mayor Church
Kapiti Mayor & Cr Welsh get on the case with the corner dairy
By Alan Tristram
The Kapiti Coast District Council has sprung into action over the Patels’ parking problems at the Raumati Beach shopping centre.
Following our ‘Life wth the Patels’ stories, the Council has assured us that they are ‘aware of the Patel’s frustrations and actively working on finding solutions.’ read more…
Throwing out the challenge!
By Leslie Clague
Okay, want a New Year challenge? Feel like exploring the extraordinary in bite size pieces? Prepared to work your brain and fantasy? There’s a book I would like to recommend. It’s What a Wonderful World: Life, the Universe and Everything in a Nutshell by Marcus Chown.
Handed over the fence by our retired civil engineer neighbour, he suggested it was a good read. And indeed it was mostly enjoyed for opening up the world and the universe in clear, light, friendly prose.
Chown is a well-known writer and broadcaster. He works as a “cosmology consultant” for the magazine New Scientist. His Wonderful World book came out in 2013 and is divided into five parts. read more…
The big one
By Roger Childs
The Supreme Sports Award is for the best in 2014, individual or team. There have some distinguished recipients in the past. Lydia Ko won it last year; Valerie Adams has taken it three times; the World Cup winning All Blacks did so in 2011 and the incomparable rowers, Bond and Murray, won in 2012.
The one year the Halberg panel got it wrong, was in giving the award to the All Whites for doing better than expected at the World Cup in 2010. Like the other awards, the big one should only go to world champions and we always have plenty to choose from. read more…
Calligraphy Column for Kapiti Independent
By Alan Tristram
Beautiful writing is worth celebrating in every sense of the phrase.
So we’ve asked Pam Kessler, a founding member of Kapiti Calligraphers, to write a monthly column ( see below).
Pam, a retired teacher, worked for 33 years at all levels with children and adults, both in NZ and California.
Pam is a founding member of the Calligraphers of Kapiti, a member of the Friends of the Library and Friends of Mahara Gallery, a trustee for the Kapiti Children’s Writers’ Charitable Trust, and a published author.
She loves working with art materials, and calligraphy provides a chance to extend and explore. See her first column below…
Calligrapher Maxine Livingston, who features in this month’s column
Calligraphers of Kapiti — and Maxine Livingston’s work
By Pam Kessler
Welcome to the world of calligraphy and lettering arts, a world of creativity, innovation, dripping ink and splashing paint!
Calligraphy is thriving on the Kapiti Coast proving that the ancient art of beautiful writing continues to be exciting and engaging. read more…
Kapiti Council says Patels will have to wait for action on parking crisis
By Alan Tristram
The Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) says the Patel family who run the Raumati Beach Four Square will have to wait at least a further three weeks before customers can get a quick park near their shop.
The Council has effectively denied the Patels any short-term parking spaces anywhere near their shop because of a huge area devoted to disabled parking — and by designating the rest of the Margaret Road shopping area for 60-minute parking.
The 60-minute limit means patrons for near-by cafes and fashion stops make long stays, so denying parking spaces for short-term visitors to the Patels. read more…
KIN is delighted to feature Allison and Tony Fraei’s account of journeying in southern Africa. The following gives a small glimpse of some of their highlights that they hope might encourage others to do the same.
Seizing the opportunity
Story by Tony Fraei. Photos by Allison Fraei
We flew out in August 2014 for two months, our first ever trip to Africa. Allison got the idea for the trip after seeing a presentation made on Africa at the local Kapiti Photographic Club in early July. For us retirees these things are easy, if you haven’t done it before, do it NOW!
We have tended, on all previous off shore travel, not to make accommodation bookings until we are there, apart from the first few nights. Primarily because we have found that it is much better to have the flexibility when there, to decide where we want to go, to add and delete locations as we talk to the locals, plus also pace our travel rate. We opted to continue with this approach for Africa. read more…
Security increased at Mana Road Bridge
By Alan Tristram
The Wellington Regional Harbour Master has increased monitoring and security on the Mana Road Bridge on SH1 because of hazards caused by bridge jumpers to swimmers and boaties.
Because of the dangers in this part of the Porirua Harbour this summer the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s harbour rangers have regularly visited the site and this year a security firm has been contracted to patrol and monitor activities. read more…
Just three in the running
By Roger Childs
The Kiwis won the World Rugby League Cup: good enough?
This will be a closely contested race between three world champions: the men’s rowing pair, the men’s cycling team and the 49er yachtsmen. Not in the hunt, are the Auckland City Football Club who were third in the World Club Championships, and the Kiwi League team who won the World Cup.
Third is not good enough when you are up against world champions and the league tournament had only four participating teams. The other three nominees were the best on the planet in hotly contested sports. One surprise is that our world champion Surf Life Saving team didn’t make the cut. read more…
Should we refuse to publish controversial viewpoints?
By Alan Tristram
Our ‘Biodiversity’ series has attracted some serious support and opposition.
The latest from ‘Sam’ says: ‘No wonder your webpage/”news” is independent as any reputable newspaper would not publish such blatant propaganda. I will not be reading any more of your stuff or recommending this to anyone.’
I disagree, Sam. read more…
Introduced by Leslie Clague
In this the final segment of Jim Hilton’s presentation to the Nelson Science Society he discusses the results of poisoning and provides some ideas on a way forward.
(To see the earlier instalments, refer to the New Zealand’s Biodiversity section at the top.)
Poisons don’t discriminate read more…
Fascinating travels in southern Africa
Photos by Allison Fraei
If you would like to have the “Journey of a lifetime, full of unusual and interesting experiences” Kapiti retirees Allison and Tony Fraei would heartily recommend a self drive safari in Namibia, Africa.
For them, it was just an exhilarating experience to head off, behind the wheel, into such a vast and beautiful country full of incredible scenery and fantastic animal wildlife.
KIN is delighted to be able to bring you the Fraei’s account of their holiday, which also included time in nearby Zambia and Botswana. Look forward to four fascinating episodes which will be accompanied by photographs taken by Allison. read more…
Guru explains go-slow on parking ‘privileges’ for Patels
By Alan Tristram
Kapiti Councillor K Gurunathan has finally responded to KIN’s appeals on behalf of the long-suffering Patels of the Raumati Beach Four Square dairy.
The hard-working Patels have no short-term parking for their patrons because the Kapiti Coast District Council has put two — repeat two — large disabled parking places right outside their entrance — and 60-minute parking down the rest of Margaret Road, effectively depriving them of all short stay-parking for their customers.
Some weeks ago we asked Cr Gurunathan for a statement on this KCDC botch-up. Here, at long last, is his reply: read more…
KIN is much obliged to Jim Hilton (left), for allowing us to publish his address. Former travel journalist, Leslie Clague, organised the division into ten and she provides some personal perspectives below, on the issues Jim raised in his excellent talk. All the instalments can be found in the New Zealand’s Biodiversity section above.
Greater clarity on biodiversity and poisoning
By Leslie Clague
I speak with more confidence now in regards to my anti-1080 position, bolstered by Jim Hilton’s talk to the Nelson Science Society. Hilton gave such a clear explanation of New Zealand’s history of the relationship between mankind and nature and nature’s strength in biodiversity. read more…
Council parking spots plague life for Kamal and Dimple
By Alan Tristram; Photos by Ian Linnng (PrimoFoto)
Life’s pretty tough for Kamal and Deempalben (‘Dimple’) Patel at the moment because their loyal customers can’t park cars anywhere near the shop at Raumati Beach.
Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) parking laws have wiped out all parking for nearly 20 metres along the Margaret Road shop frontage in favour of two large disabled-only parks – the only one’s of their kind in the village. read more…
