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
Veronica Harrod, Horowhenua Correspondent
Plans by Horowhenua District Council to increase urban density in Levin in response to population growth follows a damning Waitangi Tribunal report revealing an historic and enduring disregard for pollution effects on Lake Horowhenua from urban growth.
In the same week the the 750 page Waitangi Tribunal document titled ‘Horowhenua, The Muaūpoko Priority Report’ was released, the Horowhenua Council’s strategy committee met to discuss making changes to the District Plan to allow greater housing density. read more…
- 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
By Judith Bryers Holloway ( writer, social activist and KIN Levin correspondent)
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?
How can it be possible for a CE to think he has the right to intercept and interfere with the emails of his staff?
Is this man even a New Zealander, one wonders? Possibly he was raised in Sicily…? read more…
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.” read more…
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)
There’s been a PR exercise at the Horowhenua District Council as we got to hear from the people who have planned to buy the portfolio of 115 houses and the 1.7 hectare of land owned by us! (the ratepayers)
We heard from one of the Sisters of the ‘Compassion Housing’ about how nice it will be for the present tenants and all future tenants to be tended by a proposed visiting nurse and other ‘helpers’ of their organisation.
But someone was impolite enough to point out that these services are already being provided in the community by Access, Enliven, Supportlinks, and others, all paid for by funding through Mid-Central Health. read more…
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?
Are even those people who voted for him – National Party people with presumably pretty Right-wing beliefs – conscious of the decisions he is making in his Immigration portfolio?
‘Stupidity and arrogance’
The stupidity and arrogance of his recently-exposed decision – to grant NZ citizenship to American rich businessman/banker, Peter Thiel, on ‘special grounds’ after his residence in our country for merely twelve days – takes my breath away. read more…
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…
Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. Parkrun New Zealand
Measuring progress
By Roger Childs
Happy Parkrun finishers at Otaihanga in Kapiti
If you are a seasoned campaigner or just getting underway, it’s good to be able to measure how you are doing. Timing how long you are riding, walking or jogging is a good idea and something to record in your fitness diary.
And, if you are doing a regular course, you can quickly see if you are improving. However, you shouldn’t become a slave to the stopwatch, as everyone has stronger and weaker days.
However, doing the same course or distance once or twice a week does give you the incentive to improve. Parkrun is fit for this purpose. read more…
Would you believe?
By Ralph McAllister
Did you know the Americas Cup was meriting about one column inch in newspapers here? That thrilled me as I escaped every bit of hysteria and brouhaha associated with this elitist and boring sport.
Did you know that in the first six months of last year out of 14000 fruit pickers in England, 4, yes 4, were English!
Gatland the Clown? Nothing to what they are doing to Teresa May in the press here daily.
One almost, I say almost, feels sorry for her. read more…
To make the most of this fantastic opportunity; gain an Ivy League degree, contacts in life and of course, some competitive basketball. Isaac’s response when asked what he hoped to get out of the scholarship
Kapiti lad heading for the States
By Angelo Robinson
Isaac is a young man, originally from Kapiti, who has gained an academic scholarship – to Dartmouth University, Hanover, New Hampshire.
Isaac’s family lived in Kapiti whilst the two boys were at primary school – Jordan and Isaac Letoa attended Raumati Beach School.
Later they moved into Wellington just before older brother Jordan started college.
Both boys were exceptional basketball players, with Isaac’s older brother forging the way. They went through Hoop Club Kapiti before moving into Wellington. read more…
Just good friends — ‘Honest Bill’ English and ‘Taper Todd’ Barclay
We must question the Nats about the Todd Barclay cover-ups
By Mandy Hager
I notice that the Todd Barclay debacle has disappeared from the main TV and radio news by Tuesday night (29th June).
But there are still several important questions that need honest and transparent answers, something sadly lacking from the government to date.
And we all need to keep asking the National candidates for honest answers read more…
It takes $20.20 an hour to sustain a basic life, so how is $15.75 supposed to support anyone? The minimum wage makes me embarrassed for New Zealand as we are meant to be a developed country. Patrick Bray
Closing the income gap
By Roger Childs
Patrick is a local college student and has given us plenty of food for thought on this crucial issue. (Scroll down to June 26 to see his excellent article Enough to live on?)
Patrick Bray
A Living Wage is just one way to begin reducing poverty in this so-called developed nation of ours and start closing the income gap.
It is incredible that the Prime Minister is once again talking about tax reductions, when so much needs to be done at the lower end of the income spectrum. Of course there is an election coming up.
Will our Kapiti local body provide some leadership which we are not getting from the National Government? There is a good example to follow from the capital. read more…
Fewer Police on the beat in Kapiti & Porirua
The number of local police officers in the Kapiti-Mana Police area has fallen to its lowest level in nine years, says Labour MP for Mana Kris Faafoi.
He says: “The number of Police Officers based in the Kapiti-Mana Police area has from 146 in 2008 to just 108 at the beginning of June”. read more…
Lions 31 Hurricanes 31
By Roger Childs
Great to see the Caketin full for the visitors game against the Super Rugby champions, with plenty of “Lions red” in the crowd.
This was a roller-coaster ride with the home team seemingly out of it at 23 -7 after conceding an intercept try and then another 7 pointer when their half back was in the bin.
But the Hurricanes came back and, in the end it was four tries to three, in a match the Wellington franchise very nearly won. read more…
Low Carbon Kāpiti group meets at Raumati Beach with electric car and cycle, as well as push bikes
New climate group says KCDC must do more
A new environmental group says the Council must do much more to meet its carbon emissions target, despite recently getting an environmental award.
And its chairperson, Jake Roos, speaks with authority. He led Council’s carbon reduction programme from 2010 through to earlier this year.
He says Low Carbon Kāpiti is determined to get more action on the climate crisis.
And he says: “The Kāpiti Coast District Council’s 2018-21 Long Term Plan is crucial for it to ‘walk the talk’ on cutting carbon and supporting its residents to do the same.” read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
My lord, I have a cunning plan. Baldrick to Lord Blackadder
Have objectives and stick to them
By Roger Childs
People who take their sport seriously have schedules. Often it is a weekly programme which will include some flexibility to vary the pattern if need be.
If you are just getting underway with an exercise regime, setting goals is essential to making the fitness programme a regular part of your life.
Unlike those who have been training and performing for years, people new to regular exercise should be looking to progressively expand their schedule and increase their commitment. read more…
The latest Mulled Wine concert
Mulled Wine Concerts, Paekakariki’s elegant music series has announced that its July concert will feature the IOTA PIANO QUINTET on 16 July 2017 at the seaside Memorial Hall in 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.
Kathryn’s recently completed PhD included in depth research into Beethoven’s concerti, so the chance to hear her play the Czerny arrangement of his second piano concerto should prove very interesting. read more…
“What do I do when I am lost in the forest?” In other words, “What do I do when I’ve lost my creative fire?” which is really “What do l do when I forget who I am?” American writer and poet, David Whyte
Finding yourself
Our poem this week is all about respect and recognition of our place in the natural world.
David Whyte recalls a story from the Native American culture in the Northeast of the United States. A little girl asks a tribal elder about what to do if she gets lost in the forest.
Another David, provides the answer in modern parlance in Lost. The poem touches on the sensitivity and wonderful skills of trees, which are often not understood by people who pass them by.
Let the poem get you thinking and if you want more, delve into Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees: What they Feel, How they Communicate. (Scroll down to May 18 for a review.) read more…
- If you would still like a go, scroll down to June 21.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Patrick Bray
Is $15.75 an hour enough to live on?
By Kapiti College student Patrick Bray
I believe that New Zealand needs the Living Wage now. But paying it is voluntary in this country, and there are apparently no accredited Living Wage employers in Kapiti.
I happen to be a 17-year-old student in year 12 at Kapiti College and I’ve joined the movement for a Living Wage ( $20.20) because I support the ideas and concepts.
The current NZ Living Wage rate is $20.20 an hour, compared to the minimum wage of $15.75 an hour. read more…
The Aotearoa Waltz
By Judith Bryers Holloway
Author Judith Holloway, lyricist for a new National Anthem
One of our correspondents, Judith Holloway, has been inspired to write a new National Anthem, more suited to our times.
Judith is a prolific poet, writer and political activist, now living in Levin (but formerly a Kapiti resident).
We think you’ll like her Anthem…
‘Here we stand, surrounded by sea:
Pacific peoples- independent, free.
The world’s first true Democracy!
Aotearoa… read more…
What a time to be in London!
By Ralph McAllister
Heatwaves, housing tragedies, knifings, a general election and all the throbbing rhythms of a great city.
We had 34 degrees here one day with the next seeing the first cooler weather, 26, in a week.
Shorts and sandals the order of the day and in all the years I have been coming to London, I cannot remember ever seeking the shade in order to keep cool, quite so often and often with a tinge of desperation. read more…
“Twitter and Twig” has put out some highly inaccurate material on 1080 poison: a classic example of “alternative facts”. Anti-1080 activist Carol Sawyer tells the story.
Need to counter the misinformation
By Carol Sawyer
And here is the original post I did to go with the Birdbrain poster:
“KIWI CONSERVATION CLUB” ( ‘FOREST AND BIRD’ FOR CHILDREN ) ARE MISLEADING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TERRIBLY !
“Forest and Bird Society” and the Dept of Conservation do school visits.
This is how our children get brainwashed with completely false propaganda! read more…
A competitive match in prospect
By Roger Childs
After an indifferent start to their tour, the Lions have run into some good form in the last two matches. The combinations are starting to gel and a more adventurous approach in the backs has been featuring.
There are plenty of world class players in the touring side, but will they be able to topple the world’s number one team on home soil? If they do, it will be an outstanding performance.
There is likely to be a competitive first half, however the All Blacks should win comfortably based on superior fitness, more mobile forwards, greater flair in the backs and a stronger bench. read more…
‘How To Be Happy,’ by the Windsors
Judith Holloway — author, poet and ‘Left-and-Proud-of-It’
Old Right v. Progressive Left in Horowhenua
From The Left in Levin, by Judith Bryers Holloway
I sometimes reflect on how I would have been quite adamant, when I was young, that no, of course I wouldn’t end up in a country town. What? No shows? Theatre? Good foreign films? Literary events? Witty talk? Politics?
Well, as I’ve found, some country towns have all those things. Levin is mostly a soft-hearted, neighbourly place basking in an equable climate and wonderfully arable soil between the gorgeous Tararua mountain range and the Tasman. Everything is only five minutes away from everything else. There are about 300 community groups, clubs and organisations.
We have a good little cinema/café, two thriving amateur theatrical organisations,lots of music groups, arts and pottery clubs, and a fantastic library.
And we sure have Politics with a capital P. Actually it’s a Right versus Left divide. read more…
We’re … not comfortable confronting others who believe in the reliability of these sayings, so we don’t want to prove them wrong. Easier to agree that the saying is hugely inspirational and brightened our day, rather than tell a friend his or her favourite quote comes from a greeting card, not Gandhi, or Buddha, or an Apache warrior. Ian Chadwick, SCRIPT TURIENT
Things are not always what they seem
This blessing is often uses at weddings and remembrance gatherings. But did it originate from the Native American tribe?
Unfortunately “No”, but it featured in a book which was made into the 1950 Hollywood movie Broken Arrow. Rebecca Mead, author of the book One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding revealed all in a New Yorker article in May 2007.
However, Broken Arrow was about the Apache people, so there is a connection.
Regardless on its origins, it’s a nice piece and remains a favourite. read more…
For seven days this June, Loemis Winter Solstice Festival observes the longest nights of the year with a hearty mix of feasting, theatre, music, monstrous creatures and a fiery waterfront procession. The festival is in its second year, joining a 26,000-year cycle that began in neolithic times, based around the winter solstice, which falls on 21 June. The Culture Club
The long and short of it
By Roger Childs
The Sun is the engine that generates our weather. Because the Earth orbits around the Sun every 365 day or so, and revolves on its tilted axis every 24 hours, we get our seasons.
The winter solstice for the Southern Hemisphere is when the overhead sun is vertically above the Tropic of Cancer.
Today, June 21, is the solstice which gives us our shortest “day” and the sun is at its lowest in the sky to the north. (In the Northern Hemisphere it’s the opposite.)
The June Solstice is celebrated in many cultures. People around the world celebrate the day with feasts, picnics, dance, and music. read more…
Major concerns about Age Concern
By K Gurunathan, Mayor of Kapiti
KCDC Mayor K Gurunathan
Age Concern in Kapiti has lost its long-standing contract to provide elder abuse and neglect prevention services.
This loss increases my concern that not for profit organisations providing valuable social services are not been adequately consulted by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), about the impact of potential funding cuts and re-prioritisation.
The loss comes 5 weeks after I wrote to the Minister of Social Development, the Hon Anne Tolley, expressing serious concerns from Kapiti-based organisations, including Age Concern.
I have yet to receive a response to the questions posed to the Minister despite a standard promise to respond. read more…
Today we start a new series on something that’s important for everyone. We’ll cover a range of topics and have some expert guest writers. As most of our readers will already be doing some regular exercise, this first article is a tiddler.
Kapiti readers are well aware of the wonderful opportunities which are provided by the cycleway/walkway paths alongside the new expressway and through Queen Elizabeth Park. We have plenty of places to exercise!
Get motivated to get started
By Roger Childs
If getting to the letterbox and back is your main exercise, you need to be doing more.
Magazines and newspapers run regular articles on the benefits of exercising regularly, but probably they can be summed up in the phrase you’ll live longer, better.
We are all well aware that not smoking, reducing alcohol intake and eating healthily are important in improving our well being. (Apparently red onions are the new wonder food!)
However, regular exercise is proven to lower the risk of heart and other diseases, and increase life expectancy. read more…
The latest challenge
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Great support for the street appeal
By Age Concern Kapiti Chairperson, Roger Booth
A big thank you to the Kapiti community for the excellent response to our June 15 Street Appeal. We collected more than any previous year, and on quite a cold day this was strong indication that our work in the community is both respected and appreciated.
Our visiting service, with a team of volunteer visitors, helps to alleviate social isolation and loneliness.
These problems have serious detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of our older community. We have more senior citizens than most regions in the country, but numbers don’t solve this one. read more…
We are all Londoners now
By Alan Tristram ( a personal opinion from the Editor)
I worked in London as a journalist for many years, and lived there too. Now, though I’m a true-red Kiwi, I also feel more and more that part of me is London.
So with my wife Helen, who really is English, I weep with Londoners for all that has happened this year.
We were in the UK for two months from the beginning of March and we experienced some of the fear which took hold after the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack. read more…
Putting together the column
By Gill Ward
Greetings
Well with any luck you will be reading this before the winter solstice.
I enjoy the thinking and writing that goes with the ‘making’ of my column.
So here is a mid-winter effort, although mid-winter is still a way off.
The literary scene has lost many stalwarts these last few months. read more…
Thanks to our awesome volunteers, We appreciate the work you do. Message displayed at Mary Potter Hospice, Kapiti
New Zealand National Volunteer Week: 18 – 24 June
Driving patients, making meals, shaking collection tins, home visiting, doing gardening and performing hundreds of other tasks: there are hundreds of thousands of volunteers helping our communities every week. There will be legions of you out there involved, and you are to be congratulated.
The ageing population may increase the dependent population and put pressure on health services, but it also increases the pool of volunteers in communities across the nation.
On Friday Kapiti Council provided a morning tea for conservation group volunteers and Mary Potter had a similar gathering today for its volunteers who care for the patients in a range of ways.
No doubt there will be similar meetings all round the country this week, acknowledging the huge unpaid work force which keeps society ticking over. read more…
Food for Thought: National puts prisons before people’s housing
Happy housing in a NZ prison
By Veronica Harrod
A member of the audience who attended a recent public meeting on the housing crisis was heard muttering the Government was prepared to set aside aside more money on building prisons than on affordable housing.
The audience member, who preferred not to give his name, said it was a sad indictment when the Government is prepared to set aside over $2 billion for building more prisons. And this is where he expects many of the homeless and poor will probably end up.
It’s supposed to be the friendliest country in the world. That’s what we’re told. We’re also told that that sport plays a big role in the culture there and we are a huge, huge sports family. Gail Brown, wife of the ambassador-elect
Has Trump made a rare good decision?
By Roger Childs
Scott Brown and friend
The president nominated former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown as the new ambassador to New Zealand back in April. There was an over the top knee-jerk reaction from some of the local media, who highlighted disparate elements of his past to conclude that he was a highly unsuitable candidate.
Posing naked for Cosmopolitan (more than 15 years ago); support for waterboarding (five years ago); sexual harassment charges at Fox News (nothing has come of this), and just wanting to come to New Zealand to cycle (a comment from 2015 before being nominated), were elements of the “evidence”.
In fact, Brown has the credentials to be a very good ambassador, even though he has a hard act to follow. read more…
Citizens paying out to meet developers’ costs
by Veronica Harrod in Levin
Taxpayers and ratepayers will have to pay more for infrastructure to service new land developments at a time of exponential growth in the sector due to law changes made by the Government.
On 3 July last year, former prime minister John Key announced a $1 billion taxpayer-funded infrastructure loan to build roading, water, wastewater, and stormwater systems servicing new land developments. He said it would be paid back to central Government by ratepayers and development contributions. read more…
- The latest challenge. You can still do it by scrolling down to June14.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Squalor and rack-renting ruining renters’ lives
By Local Govt reporter, Jeremy Smith
Vocal members of the public highlighted dreadful housing conditions in the Wellington region at a recent Labour Party meeting in Waikanae.
One speaker said his student daughter in Wellington faced living in rentals which were ‘disgusting’ and ‘absolute squalor.’
Another speaker, a local woman, said she was separated and could not use her child support payment towards servicing a mortgage. She said a rent of $400 a week was more than she earned. read more…
The home team runs riot
By Roger Childs
It was a fairly slow start by the All Blacks in their first test outing of the year. But any fears that they would have a repeat of the close encounter in Apia last year were soon dispelled. They score four converted tries in the first half – Barrett’s goal kicking was on-song – then added seven tries after the break to blow the score out to 78-0.
The forwards provided an excellent platform with no mistakes in the set pieces, and the backs and forwards showed plenty of brilliance, especially in the second half, with quick passing, speedy running and excellent support play.
The Lions will be made of sterner stuff next weekend, but they will be worried. Their test comes tonight against the New Zealand Maori team. read more…
Developing into a competitive team
By Roger Childs
The record so far is not that flash: two wins out of four and just 5 tries in four matches.
First up the Lions should have easily beaten the invitation Barbarians which was made up of “second tier” players, however the win over New Zealand’s top Super Rugby franchise, the Crusaders, will have given them heart.
In the other two matches they were up against tough competition and they only lost in the dying minutes. read more…
Breakfast gets under way for the support workers
Kapiti’s Support Staff Celebrate
Story and photo by Peter Corlett
About 50 ‘support’ staff from schools throughout Kapiti gathered for a yearly celebration this week.
They work in primary and secondary schools as teacher aides, librarians, office workers.
Among other things, they run programmes for children with dyslexia and disabilities, and support children’s learning.
But the plight of such staff was highlighted recently by an open letter signed by 500 school principals. This included their concerns that, despite six months of negotiations on a new Collective Agreement, the government still refuses to offer any pay increases! read more…
A couple of weeks ago we published an article called In Lieu of a Loo. (Scroll down to May 30.) It related to the demolition of the toilet block on the left inside the Mackays Crossing gates and the lack of replacement facilities. Kapiti representative on the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), Penny Gaylor, investigated and below is GWRCs response.
Tramway users can get a ride to the nearest toilets 1-2kms away at the beach
Hold on! New toilets are coming… in six months
There will be toilets (including disabled access units) provided in the new Visitor Hub which will also house the GWRC Park Ranger office, a large meeting room and a covered deck space between the two new buildings.
The hub is scheduled to be opened on November 25 this year. read more…
Horowhenua District Council is not telling all
By Rob McCann, Otaki Labour candidate
Horowhenua Cr Jo Mason
Horowhenua District Council’s (HDC) sale of pensioner flats has left many important questions unanswered. I am adamantly opposed to the sale.
The Council has opted not to point out to the public that the agreement with the new providers expires in just 12 years. That is, quite simply, unbelievable.
One of the community’s major concerns was to ensure that the dwellings would remain as Pensioner Housing stock. And yet, here it is in writing, that the agreement lasts only for twelve years. That is stunning, and makes a mockery of the council talking about the “best fit” and “solution” for the community.
The deal allows for a future where there is no guarantee that these Pensioner Flats will even remain as community housing. read more…
The wonderful Femme au chapeau
By Roger Childs
Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse is one of the greatest artists of all time. Those who qualify in this exclusive grouping have
~ taken an established style such as representational art, abstract, impressionist, expresssionist to new levels eg Raphael, Durer and Michelangelo
~ created a new style or movement eg Cezanne, Picasso and Mondrian
~ achieved mastery of a range of styles like Dix and Dali.
Some fit into two categories and many have been sculptors as well as painters, and have experimented creatively with a range of materials. read more…
‘Anzac slip’ wall repairs continue this week
Major safety checks needed for Manawatu Gorge — drivers must use other routes
By Alan Tristram
The NZ Transport Agency is advising that the Manawatu Gorge will remain closed for at least three more weeks while safety works and geotechnical assessments are completed.
Transport Agency Highway Manager Ross I’Anson says while physical repair work, including the installation of new rock fall netting and the reinstatement of a damaged retaining wall, are on track to be completed by the end of this week as planned, further geological checks of the slip sites are needed to assess the level of potential risk of further slips or rock falls before the road can be safely opened. read more…
Grenfell Tower ablaze
By Roger Childs
It started at 12.45 in the morning and six hours later it is still burning (5.00pm NZ time) .
The entire 27 storey block of 120 flats has been engulfed and over 200 firefighters are trying to get in under control.
Unfortunately, they have not had hoses at the scene able to reach the higher floors.
Resident Paul Munakr on the seventh floor, heard no fire alarms, but manged to escape down the stairwell at about 2.00am London time. He met firefighters coming up who told him to run, run, run! read more…
North Island Tomtit ~ Miromiro
By Cushla McGaughey
Tomtits are the smallest and lightest of our Australasian Robins. When sharing the same habitat, tomtits and robins do not compete for food. Robins tend to feed in the understorey and on the forest floor, while tomtits spend more time in the higher canopy.
Renowned for their sharp eyesight, tomtits can spot insects up to twelve metres away. They sometimes catch insects on the wing as well as searching tree trunks, branches and foliage. In autumn they supplement their diet with berries and small fruits.
Tomtits are among the species that have adapted well to cleared land and can be found in both native and exotic forests. Strongly territorial, they will come to investigate any newcomer. They raise their crown feathers when challenging other birds, but with other intruders, including humans, they flash the white frontal spot on their foreheads. read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Rafa the worthy champion
By Roger Childs
The finalists
No-one had ever won 10 grand slam tennis titles at the same venue. That changed on Sunday when the brilliant Rafael Nadal thrashed Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 at Roland Garros. He won his first title there in 2005 and, but for injury problems over the last two years, would have achieved an amazing tenth win earlier.
In 2017 he has been fully fit, and made the final at the February Australian Open only to lose in five sets to his old nemesis, Roger Federer. Nadal is at his best on the clay surfaces of Europe and, leading up to the Paris grand slam, won successive clay tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. read more…
Right here in Kapiti / Horowhenua
By Rob McCann, Labour candidate for Otaki
Phil Twyford outside state houses up for sale in Otaki.
The housing crisis is really concerning. This is no longer something that is happening elsewhere.
It is occurring right here in Kapiti and Horowhenua and that’s why Labour has called a public meeting on the issue.
~ Thursday 15th June 7pm
~ Waikanae Baptist Church, 286 Te Moana Road, Waikanae
~ Public Meeting with Labour’s Housing Spokesperson Phil Twyford and Rob McCann read more…
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen
A time of remembrance
By Roger Childs
Twice a year the Mary Potter Hospice has a service to remember those who have passed on. It is poignant time, especially when the names are read.
Today we especially remember …
We remember them with love.
Every service has a theme and this year is was light. Candles were lit and everyone present was invited to hang a star on the:” remembrance wall” in memory of a loved one.
There were a number of appropriate readings at the service and one of these features below. read more…
Glitzy Competition Keeps Dancers on their toes
Story and photos by Peter Corlett
There was the glitz and glamour of a fairy tale ball, with swirling ball gowns, tiara, high heels, tuxedos and tails, as over seventy competitors graced the dance floor in front of appreciative spectators at the NZ dance champs in Wellington.
And Kapiti dancers — Marina Babushkina, Valerie Sum and Colin Banks from the Dance Feat dance school — featured in the winners list, attaining certificates and medals in several events. read more…
Alors! It’s Macron’s Party
By Paul Jacobs in Paris
Newly elected French president, Emmanuel Macron, needs a majority in the French Parliament to carry out his reforms.
After this weekend’s first round of the parliamentary elections, he is in a good position to be able to carry them out.
The Socialists –– remember the former president was a Socialist — have well and truly fallen on their sword. After an initial dismal performance in the presidential elections, they managed only 10 per cent. Forget them. read more…
This is nail-biting stuff. Commentator Fred Stolle mid way through the third set.
Classy tennis and a new champion
By Roger Childs
The packed house at Roland Garros in Paris witnessed one of the best women’s grand slam finals in recent years.
Number three seed Romanian, Simona Halep, and the unseeded 20 year old Latvian, Jelena Ostapenko, were well matched.
They are very similar players: both have a strong serve, powerful ground strokes, great retrieval skills and excellent shot placement.
And for the final they were both dressed by the same sports fashion company. read more…
This is what you dream about playing in these tournaments and these occasions so to play like we did and come away with the trophy is unbelievable. Michael Venus
Grand slam champion
By Roger Childs
Michael Venus, grand slam doubles champion (Photo credit: Dave Rowland)
While the focus at Roland Garros was on the singles and whether Rafael Nadal could win his tenth title and unseeded Jelena Ostapenko could win the women’s singles, the doubles events were also proceeding.
The unseeded pairing of American Ryan Harrison and New Zealander Michael Venus were nearly beaten in straight sets in the third round, but survived to make the final.
Here they met Donald Young and Santiago Gonzales, also unseeded. read more…
- To have a go at the latest challenge, scroll down to June 7.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
She is young and reckless in a sense. She is not afraid of anything. Beaten semi-finalist, Timea Bacsinszky, on her conqueror Jelena Ostapenko .
Exciting Roland Garros final in prospect
By Roger Childs
The women’s grand slam finals in recent years have been an unpredictable scene. When Serena has been playing she has often won, but otherwise it’s been a lottery. The early rounds of the big tournaments have been a graveyard for many top ten seeds.
It’s no surprise this year in Paris, with a pregnant Serena in the crowd, that there are two finalists who have never won a grand slam. Number three seed Simona Halep has promised much in recent years and was runner-up at Roland Garros three years ago.
Her opponent, is the unseeded Latvian, Jelena Ostapenko. read more…
Prue Hyman
Celebrate the Arts! VUW and Paekakariki show the way
By Prue Hyman
I feel like a change from being gloomy at current politics and instead celebrating NZ’s artistic, literary and musical life; and the training that goes into it.
Late in my career at Victoria University, I enjoyed it less than in the past, as the neo-liberal economic policies spoilt the collaborative habits of academics and made competition between departments and universities central. read more…
The expected German counter-attacks were defeated, and by 9 June it was clear that Plumer’s troops had won a brilliant victory. Historian Damien Fenton
Success but at a cost
By Roger Childs
As a kid living in Karori I had friends who lived in Messines Road.
I thought that the street was named after some local worthy who had been an early settler. Only later did I find out that it remembered a famous battle.
Here in Kapiti we have Menin Road which also has a World War One connection with Belgium.
Last Wednesday was the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Messines which took place on the Western Front in Belgium. read more…
Messenger of Matariki
I whea koe i t e tangihanga o te riroriro? (Where were you when the riroriro was singing?)
By Cushla McGaughey
The tiny riroriro is our smallest songbird, light enough to hover at the tip of branches to glean insects and spiders. A forest bird, the Grey Warbler can share our gardens if there are enough trees and not too many sparrows. His remarkably carrying voice trill continues as he moves about, even in flight.
Riroriro pairs tend to stay together, foraging in much the same area all year round. In autumn and winter they may form small flocks and mix with other insect-eating birds such as silvereyes and fantails.
In the breeding season, usually from August to January, each pair of riroriro defends its own territory and chases away intruders approaching the nest. read more…
A big contribution from a small group
By Roger Childs
Monty Soutar
Monty Soutar is an expert on this subject and spoke to over 100 people at the June Culture and Heritage talk.
A delightful feature of the session was the inclusion of Maori songs which date from the time.
He started by providing some context from the 1910s: New Zealand had about a million people, Maori numbered about 50,000, Auckland had 100,000 people, it was time when there were no flush toilets or refrigerators and few people had access to electricity or phones. read more…
The latest challenge.- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
The gender-neutral issue in education has attracted a fair share of criticism in the media and the community, and provided rich fodder for the country’s cartoonists. We asked Advisory Officer for the Post Primary Teachers Association, Rob Willetts, to explain what it’s all about.
The right person to write the article?
By Rob Willetts
I may be the worst person in the country to be asked to write an article on the guidelines gender-neutral school uniforms and toilets that have caused some excited debate.
I am a husband of 35 years, father of three girls and poppa to 3 grandchildren, none of whom have shown any indication of straying from the traditional gender roles.
I am not a medical health specialist and, in truth, I find myself a bit bemused by GLBTI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual and Intersexed) thing when I give it any thought (what the hell is cisgender?*).
But when asked the question “What is all this gender-neutral uniform rubbish?” while out with my running group, I thought at least an attempt was worth it. read more…
Benefiting the community
A group of happy finishers
In the Footsteps of the Marines puts money back into the Kapiti community.
This years run/walk was well supported by participants from the Coast and further afield and has enabled the Kapiti Joggers and Walkers to donate more than $2200 to local groups and charities.
$1000 is going to Youth Quest Kapiti, and other groups who will benefit are
The runners get underway “In the Footsteps of the Marines” (Photo by John Granville)
~ Whareoa Gaurdians
~ The Tramway Museum
~ The Kapiti United States Marines Trust
~ The Raumati Scouts
~ Raumati Beach School
~ Kapiti Running & Tri Club.
For the event The Joggers and Walkers made use of the Wellington Free Ambulance and they have received $550. read more…
Dedication to a dear friend
By Julie Leibrich
I was in the studio looking for a poem by my dear friend, Betty Munnoch.
Just before her death in 2002 we made a book of her poetry for her family.
When I opened it, a forgotten thank-you note fell out. In it she used the enigmatic phrase my onlie begetter, which comes from the dedication in the first folio of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Betty’s favourite poems.
This was the first sonnet which came to me, spontaneously, in complete form. I have made many edits, as I do, but it was always a sonnet at heart. read more…
Pensioner flats in Levin
Horowhenua Councillor replies to pensioner housing critics
By Alan Tristram
Horowhenua Councillor Jo Mason, chair of the Wellbeing Committee, has replied to criticism from a citizens’ group which has organised a petition opposing the transfer of pensioner housing.
The Horowhenua United Group (HUG) — which includes Horowhenua District Ratepayers and Residents
Horowhenua Cr Jo Mason
Association, the MuaUpoko Co-operative Society, and Labour and NZ First representatives — says Cr Mason was the only councillor on a public-excluded council panel on pensioner housing. She was invited to accept the petition too.
HUG says (see story May 30) that her only response was to text , ‘Got your message-will call when I am free,’ but she never did.
However Cr Mason has given KIN a full reply, which we are happy to print:
Master works from classical masters
By Mary Gow
Haihong Liu – violin (NZSO), Zhongxian Jin – viola, Robert Ibell – cello (NZSO)
Rarely heard master-works for string trio by Beethoven, Sibelius and Mozart will be performed by the Aroha Ensemble
~ at the beautiful seaside Memorial Hall in Paekakariki
~ on Sunday 18 June at 2.30pm.
The three members of the Aroha Ensemble are part of the Wellington-based Aroha String Quartet, one of New Zealand’s finest chamber music ensembles, known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique and multicultural innovation. read more…
Flicking and fluttering!
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.
Fantail pairs remain together all year. They raise up to four broods a year, starting in spring as soon as insect food becomes plentiful. The compact circular nest with its distinctive dangling tail is set in the forks of shrubs or in tree-fern fronds near a stream. read more…
Kapiti Council plans to slash iconic hedge to ‘put people’s safety’ first
By Alan Tristram
The Kāpiti Coast District Council says councillors are unanimous in deciding ‘to trim back a macrocarpa hedge that is restricting visibility for vehicles and public access to a nearby bus stop on Te Moana Road, in Waikanae.’
Mayor K Gurunathan says:” the Councillors present at the Council briefing late last week all agreed that people’s safety must be put ahead of preserving the aesthetics of the hedge at 84 Te Moana Road.” read more…
If you would still like to have a go, scroll down to May 30.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Playing on clay
By Roger Childs
If Wimbledon is the most prestigious of the tennis grand slams, the Paris tournament is the most flamboyant.
There is plenty of colour and style about the French Open with its mix of bands and dancing, the dressing up and stylishly turned out ball kids, the Mexican waves and the vocal spectators, and of course, the red clay on which the players slip and slide.
The television coverage is superb and French cameramen are known to linger on the female form and face both on the court and in the crowd.
Some players are specialists on the dusty orange surface with the best known being Rafael Nadal. With nine victories in the Paris grand slam he is known as the King of Clay. read more…
And their colourful fans!
By Roger Childs
More than 90% of New Zealanders have British Isles family or ancestry, so there is a special bond with the British and Irish Lions. This rugby team, made up of players from the four Home Nations, is always popular and there is special interest this year as their coach is Kiwi-born, Warren Gatland.
The enthusiastic fans are a wonderful combination of old and young, and are warmly welcomed throughout the nation. They enjoy touring the country; love partying, eating and drinking; and consequently inject megabucks into the economy.
We are in for a special five weeks of rugby with the first game kicking off in Whangarei over the weekend. read more…
I think we hit a home run no matter where we are …” President Trump at the end of his tour of the Middle East and Europe
Putting both feet in it
By Roger Childs
Trump seems intent on wiping out Obama’s legacy
Donald Trump continues to demonstrate how America has moved from the sublime to the ridiculous in presidents. Whereas the articulate and dignified Barack Obama was very comfortable on the world stage, and was respected by foreign leaders, the brash and self-important Donald Trump has made a hash of his first overseas venture as US leader.
In the process he has got offside with Germany’s Angela Merkel and Britain’s Theresa May, and had a rather cool meeting with Pope Francis.
And now he has increased the damage done by pulling America out of the Paris Accord on Climate Change.
His motto seems to be if Obama did it, I will undo it. read more…
An incredibly wonderful woman. Mandy Hager
Starting the journey
By Roger Childs
When the famous lovers of history and literature are mentioned – Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Troilus and Cressida – Heloise and Abelard have their place.
Mandy Hager is an award winning author best known for her young adult fiction. However, eight years ago while she was in France she became interested in the legendary story of the 12th century couple who engaged in forbidden love in a hostile world.
Based on what she saw and read, she became convinced that the world needed to hear more about Heloise. So in 2014 when she was awarded the Katherine Mansfield Fellowship to Menton in south-east France, Mandy had the specific objective of writing a novel for adults on Heloise. read more…
All happening in Paekakariki
Neil Billington
Jumpin’ the Blues, will be at Paekakariki’s legendary St Peters Hall on Saturday 10 June at 8pm, as part of the Wellington’s International Jazz Festival. Tickets are only $20.
The headliners are three of New Zealand’s best-known bandleaders:
James Cameron
~ the harmonic wizard and vocalist Neil Billington, recently returned from a tour of Japan
~ bassist James Cameron of Velox Brothers and Cattlestops fame
~ singer-guitarist and songwriter Andrew London.
The trio are supported by drummer Anje Glindemann and guest pianist Gilbert Haisman. read more…
Recalling Kapiti history
Memorial Day Service 2017 (Photo by Cloe Willetts)
75 years ago, Marines arrived in Wellington and Auckland to help protect New Zealand in the event of Japanese attacks. They also came to train for the on-going war in the Pacific, and over the next 18 months, 15,000 lived in three camps north of Paekakariki.
Every year on America’s Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) there is a service held beside the US Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park.
This year the Monday service was especially poignant, as a restored Marines Hut was opened on the seaward side of the Memorial.
On the previous Sunday the Marines were remembered in a different way. Over 175 walkers and runners traced the course of an old route march which Marine Leon Uris described in his book Battle Cry. read more…
Wow….full credit to all organizers, marshals and helpers for an amazing event. So well done and thank you all so much…my 2nd time and will be very happy to do it again. The pumpkin soup was divine and yummy buns!! Lovely ladies helping….you all deserve a pat on the back. Julie Martin
Back on track
Story by Roger Childs, photos by John Granville
The runners get underway
Competitors couldn’t come down through Whareroa Farm in the 2016 In the Footsteps of the Marines because of heavy rain.
However this year it was business as usual!
The charity fun run/walk organised by the Kapiti Joggers and Walkers is now an institution on the Kapiti Coast and over 175 competitors took part in the sixth event on Sunday. read more…
It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone. Francis Scott Key, September 1814
Remembering the successful defence of Baltimore
By Roger Childs
May 29, is Memorial Day in the United States when all those who died fighting for their country are remembered.
This morning the first service in the world was held at the Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki.
At the service, local college students provided a passionate rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. The song became the national anthem in 1931, well over a century after it was written.
The words have a strong military and patriotic flavour reflecting the events of the time it was penned. read more…
In 2014 I was lucky enough to be awarded one of New Zealand’s premier literary honours, the Katherine Mansfield Menton Fellowship, which enabled me to spend five and a half months in the south of France researching the life of 12th 
century Benedictine nun Heloise d’Argenteuil… Mandy Hager
Mandy Hager’s latest
Heloise and Aberlard are legendary lovers who lived in medieval France. Mandy’s historical novel for adults Heloise was officially launches at Unity Books a couple of weeks ago. However, as she is a local resident, the Friends of the Library were keen to have a separate Kapiti launch.
This will take place
On Wednesday 31 May at7pm
in the Paraparaumu Library meeting room read more…
You can still have a go at latest challenge by scrolling down to May 23.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Support for the many volunteer groups
By Roger Childs
The Wharemauku wetland
There are over twenty conservation groups spread across the district from Otaki Beach to Paekakariki. They work along rivers and streams, on beaches and estuaries, and in public reserves like Queen Elizabeth Park and Whareroa Farm.
Council worker, Lawrence Silas, helping with planting near the Paraparaumu Library
Many years ago such groups received scant support from the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC), but that’s all changed.
Today the Council enthusiastically encourages and supports the volunteers who want to make a difference and improve the Kapiti landscapes.
Advice is available from people like Biodiversity Officer, Rob Cross, and other staff, and assistance is given in clearing areas for planting, providing the plants and arranging for mulch to be available. read more…
Manchester’s poet laureate Tony Wash
Manchester — ‘This Is the place’
By Alan Tristram
Tony Walsh’s poem to Manchester, read at a vigil for its bomb victims, moved me to tears.
‘This is the Place’ was delivered in Manchester’s Albert Square just a day after the terrorist’s attack which claimed 22 lives, and left 116 injured. Please read on (video version at the end)…
‘This is the place’
By Tony Walsh
‘In the north-west of England. It’s ace, it’s the best
And the songs that we sing from the stands, from our bands
Set the whole planet shaking.
Our inventions are legends. There’s nowt we can’t make, and so we make brilliant music
We make brilliant bands
We make goals that make souls leap from seats in the stands
Back where it belongs
By Roger Childs
The hut being loaded at the MenzShed
The Marines Hut, which has been restored by MenzShed in Waikanae Beach, is now on site and the finishing touches to the exterior have been made. This small structure which housed four Marines in 1942-3, will eventually be fully fitted inside, and videos will feature aspects of life for the Marines at that time.
The huts were originally for officers and the ranks lived in large tents located on concrete “tent decks”. Later, as more huts were constructed, these Marines moved into better accommodation.
The restored hut will be officially “opened” on Monday 29 May 2017, at the American Memorial Day Service. The Service at the Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park, starts at 10.00am and everyone is welcome.
The hut complete with its supporting buttresses on site
Murder in the Library
By Roger Childs
We’ve had T S Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral and Agatha Christie’s Murder at the Vicarage.
How about a new setting: the Library perhaps, between the crime novels and the shelves for thrillers.
The Kapiti Friends of the Library are holding a session called Murder in the Library
on Monday 29 May, in the Paraparaumu Library at 6.30pm.
Three practitioners of the crime fiction craft will be discussing their interest and inspiration for writing about dastardly deeds. This is guaranteed to be an enthralling session and not to be missed! The lights will be left on, but don’t stray from your seat! read more…
Down Mexico Way?
By Roger Childs
No, we are not talking America’s southern border, but the Kapiti sound walls.
The new expressway through the area has shortened travel time, brought environmental and recreational benefits and reduced traffic congestion.
But problems remain. Number one is the noise factor. read more…
Manchester United
Charity event all set for this Sunday
By Roger Childs
The Runners get started in 2016 (Photo by Doug Stevens)
The planning for this year’s In the Footsteps of the Marines event on Sunday 28 May, is now complete. There are 120 entries so far and this is expected to rise to over 200 on the day. Good weather is forecast.
The charity run/walk benefits local groups and charities, and each year the Kapiti Joggers and Walkers nominate a particular charity to be the main recipient. In 2015 $800 was given to the local Foodbank and last year Kapiti Youth Support received $1000.
In 2017 Youth Quest Kapiti (YQK) is the chosen charity. read more…
Cr David Scott
Councillor on indecency charge can still participate… but not in person
By Alan Tristram
When Kapiti District Councillor David Scott was charged with indecency and banned from KCDC premises, a vital question arose — what about his right to represent his constituents?
KIN followed this up with the KCDC and discovered the Council has come up with an historic first for the District, and perhaps NZ– Councillor Scott will be allowed to take part in all Kapiti District Council meetings, but only by remote control.
Cr Scott, it must be said, has not been proven guilty of the charge of indecent assault, which followed alleged bodily contact with a female Council officer during a crowded tea break early last month. read more…
North Island Tomtit ~ Miromiro
By Cushla Mc Gaughey
Tomtits are the smallest and lightest of our Australasian Robins. When sharing the same habitat, tomtits and robins do not compete for food. Robins tend to feed in the understorey and on the forest floor, while tomtits spend more time in the higher canopy. Renowned for their sharp eyesight, tomtits can spot insects up to twelve metres away. They sometimes catch insects on the wing as well as searching tree trunks, branches and foliage. In autumn they supplement their diet with berries and small fruits.
Tomtits are among the species that have adapted well to cleared land and can be found in both native and exotic forests. Strongly territorial, they will come to investigate any newcomer. They raise their crown feathers when challenging other birds, but with other intruders, including humans, they flash the white frontal spot on their foreheads.
The male is more inquisitive than his mate and so is more often seen. He guards her on the nest, trying to lure any predators away. Chicks learn to recognize their father’s brief, whistled song. Once fledged, they are tempted from the nest on hearing him sing from a nearby tree. He then assumes sole care while his little brown mate builds a new nest for the next clutch of eggs. read more…
A Time of Remembrance
On Thursday there will be a poignant service at the Mary Potter Hospice in Kapiti.
Loved ones of those who were helped by the Hospice over the last six months, before they passed on, will be remembered.
These remembrance ceremonies are always moving occasions and there are many appropriate reading and songs.
One of the readings for this May service features below. read more…
Australian beleaguered rugby chiefs insist they have not botched their efforts to reduce the country’s Super Rugby presence, despite players calling the saga a “fiasco”. Daily Mail, 18 May 2017
A shambolic situation
By Roger Childs
All rugby people know that the 18 team Super Rugby competition is a mess.
It’s divided into four conferences and the winners of each qualify for the finals.
This is despite the fact that the leader of the Australian Conference ranks only tenth in the overall points standings.
Whereas all five New Zealand teams feature in the top half, the five Australian sides are in the bottom half. read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Labour’s Civil Defence spokesperson, MP Clare Curran
Labour’s Clare Curran deplores joint role of Councillor
By our Horowhenua correspondent, Veronica Harrod, in Levin
Horowhenua District councillor Ross Brannigan’s role as an emergency management officer for the Horizons Regional Council has been described as “a conflict of interest” by Labour Party spokesperson Clare Curran,.
At a public meeting in Levin yesterday, she said: “A civil defence role is an operational role which requires a lot of co-ordination and trust to act quickly.
“The mayor of an area calls a civil defence emergency, and the civil defence controller manages it. But if that person has
another governance role, that is a conflict of interest and I will be raising the matter with TAG,” ( a Technical Advisory Group overseeing the recently set up Earthquake Readiness National Inquiry). read more…
When the First Marine Division arrived at Camp Mackay (Whareroa Farm), in mid-June 1942, the men were amazed to find a town ready and waiting for them. It had roads, streets, paths, water supply, power, sewerage, mess facilities and recreation halls – even hospital wards for the sick and a prison for the unruly. Allie Webber, Secretary of the Kapiti US Marines Trust
Two days of activity and reflection
By Roger Childs
The Kapiti Coast will be remembering the important part played by Americans servicemen and women in our history on Sunday May 28 and Monday May 29, 2017.
It is a reminder that 15,000 Marines lived in the Paekakariki area in 1942 and 1943, at a time when New Zealand was in danger from a possible Japanese invasion.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of American forces in New Zealand, there will be
~ A walk/run on an old route march
~ A Memorial Day Service
~ The dedication and opening of a restored Marines hut. read more…
Local war gamers out-manoeuvre the Wellington warriors
By Peter Corlett
Kapiti and Wellington rivalries have come to the fore with teams of intricately-decorated troops and futuristic machines battling over rugged terrain.
They fought in derelict buildings, wastelands and industrial complexes in a ‘Warhammer’ challenge between the two districts. The battle took place in the Waikanae School hall. read more…
Jo Nesbo in top form
By Ralph McAllister
The ubiquitous Jo Nesbo, the King of Scandinavian thriller writers, is back with his best story in some time.
Harry Hole, retired detective, returns, dragged away from his university job, to battle vampires in Norway, and, no guessing what the thirst in The Thirst is needed, to quench the craving.
Hole is his usual irascible self, much like his Scottish counterpart Rankin’s John Rebus.
How fascinating if those two were to meet sometime. read more…
Eribert Loehner
Another area where Canada leaves the US for dead
By Eribert Loehner in Vancouver
The underlying message of my previous articles has been how much Canada and the United States are the same, yet different. But when it comes to health care today, there are virtually no similarities.
Given the efforts in the U.S. by the previous Obama administration to establish a program to provide health insurance coverage for citizens who presently do not qualify under private insurance underwriting criteria, and the present Trump administration’s efforts to repeal and replace this program, it’s worth looking at how Canada handles health care. read more…
- If would still like to attempt the latest challenge, scroll down to May 16.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Cr David Scott
David Scott to appear in Court again next month on indecency charge
Kapiti District Councillor David Scott has been given bail on a charge of indecent assault after appearing in the Porirua District Court,
Councillor Scott entered no plea to the charge — and he must appear in Court again next month.
He was in Court following an allegation he pressed himself against a female council staffer in front of the mayor at a tea break during a meeting at the Council headquarters in Paraparaumu on April 13.
Judge James Johnston granted bail on various conditions, including one which says Cr Scott is not to go inside the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) building, and must not associate with the complainant.
The conditions also say he is not to associate with the three witness except within business hours for KCDC work; and then they must not discuss the case.
The judge reserved the right to make variations on the conditions in future.
Cr Scott was ordered to reside at a certain address and must reappear in court in June.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Away from court, a Kapiti Coast District Council spokeswoman Janice said the council had no comment.
Cr Scott has previously denied all the allegations.
Getting the little guy to Sydney
Leslie Clague, Elijah’s Nana
Elijah and Laura
Earlier this week at the Waiouru Community Centre, the New Zealand Army opened a fund raising campaign for my third grandchild, Elijah North, to get him to a special education centre in Sydney to help him progress.
Elijah has been diagnosed with microcephaly causing severe global development delay.
Now almost two, he still weighs about seven kilos. He has mastered sitting, rolling over and some tactile skills. When he wants attention, he will call out, “Yah, yah.” His visual ability is growing and he loves music.
(See the article by my daughter, Laura, on May 19, which explains in part the on-going challenges and joys that Elijah has brought to our family.) read more…
Gareth on the election trail
Coming home
Loading the hut at MenzShed (Photo by Larry Keim)
This year is the 75th anniversary of the arrival of American Marines in New Zealand. Over 15,000 lived in three camps in the Paekakariki area and one of the huts they lived in has been restored by the Waikanae MenzShed. On Thursday of last week this hut was moved to the US Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park.
It will be officially “opened” at the US Memorial Day Service on Monday 29 May. The service starts at 10.00am and members of the public are very welcome.
The other key event in this year’s celebrations is on Sunday 28 May: the In the Footsteps of the Marines event. This 13.2km run or walk follows an old Marines route march and starts at Whareroa Farm. It costs $25 to enter and this can be done at enteronline. Proceeds will be going to local organisations and charities. read more…
Rushed to intensive care
Elijah with brother TJ and sister Ellamae
By Laura North
On the 23 June 2015, a month early, our third child Elijah was born.
After an unremarkable pregnancy we expected nothing other than a healthy, happy, wee baby, just like his brother and sister.
Less than an hour after he was born he was rushed to the Neo-natal intensive care unit and from here our journey into the world of disability began. read more…
The tree’s most important means of staying connected to other trees is a “wood-wide web” of soil fungi that connect vegetation in an intimate network that allows the sharing of an enormous amount of information and goods. Tim Flannery, Scientist and Conservationist
The social network of trees
By Roger Childs
Peter Wohlleben has been a forester in the Eifel Mountains in Germany for decades, and he has put together an amazing book on what he has learnt about trees.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What they Feel, How they Communicate will change your perceptions of what goes on in a forest, forever.
Much of what the author reveals has been known from university research for many years, but has never been made this accessible to the lay person.
The fundamental concept that provides the basis for the book is that forests are like human communities, and that within the wood-wide web trees think, feel, smell, communicate and share. read more…
Cr David Scott
Kapiti Councillor will defend charges brought against him
The Kapiti Independent understands Kapiti Coast District Councillor, David Scott. has now been charged by Police with a sexual offence involving a female Council worker.
A preliminary Court hearing is taking place today.
This is the first time in living memory that an elected Kapiti councillor has faced such a charge (indecent assault).
It’s coming to America first, the cradle of the best and of the worst. Leonard Cohen
The poet has passed on, but the issues are real
Leonard Cohen passed away last year, but his poems and songs remain relevant in a troubled world.
Currently in Trumpdom, there are real concerns about the subversion of democracy, ranging from inequalities in wealth and opportunity, to Republican-dominated state governments restricting voting rights to already disadvantaged people.
In the Cohen song Democracy is Coming to the USA there is a vast array of historical references, social realities and home truths.
It is a devastating indictment on modern America. read more…
All go at the Hoop Club on Sunday 14 May
By Angelo Robinson
The 5 to 7 year old kids and Mums
Every year Hoop Club Kapiti hold their annual “Kids vs Mums” games at Hoop Club on Mother’s Day.
This is something our players really look forward too.
It is always a great fun day with both the Mums and Kids all having a great time but both sides trying to win. read more…
A changing scene in part of north-east Africa
By Roger Childs
Civil war raged in the 1990s
Her mother worked for UNICEF and now Elinor Mills is following in the footsteps. As a child she spent two years in Ethiopia at a time when war and poverty plagued the large African country. She remembers houses riddled with bullet holes.
Elinor spoke recently at Southwards on progress, problems and challenges in Ethiopia.
Back in the early 1990’s when Elinor was living there, the country was one of the poorest in the world. Things have changed since then, but currently the age-old problem of drought besets the land.
UNICEF is active in Ethiopia helping families especially in the provision of clean water. New Zealand has been assisting. read more…
‘Priceless’ Hodgkins paintings may go unless Mahara extension goes ahead soon
By Jeremy Smith
Waikanae may lose the “priceless” Field collection- including early Frances Hodgkins paintings – if work in the Mahara gallery redevelopment is not speeded up.
The trustees of the Field collection, possibly the largest private art collection in New Zealand, say they are still waiting for a permanent home five years after they thought a viable plan for the gallery had been approved. read more…
A bird without fear
By Cushla McGaughey
Petako: liked by the robins
Toutouwai are exceptionally fearless and inquisitive. They will approach people to feed in leaf litter disturbed by their feet, and even take crumbs from their hands. Homesick settlers named them robins, reminded of the friendly redbreasts left behind. European robins belong with thrushes among the songbirds. Toutouwai belong to the flycatcher family, as fantails do, but prefer life in the shade of the forest under-storey.
Tomtits, smallest of our Australasian Robins, are treetop dwellers. They have adapted to cleared land and even to living in exotic forests. Robins were not as fortunate. Once widespread, toutouwai fled as native forests made way for settlements. No robins for us, perched on garden spades: they are instead safe on Kapiti Island, where they can feed on the softly-lit forest floor. read more…
Obviously they’re in a downward spiral right now, and they’ve got to figure out a way to come to grips with all that’s happening. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Republican Bob Corker
Things have not gone well since the inauguration in January
By Roger ChildsAn inauspicious and insecure administration
It has long been known that Donald Trump lacked intelligence, humility and honesty, however, the last week has shown other glaring deficiencies such as a lack of prudence and discretion.
Overall his presidency has been little short of a disaster.
He promised much on the campaign trail, but in his four months in office he is yet to chalk up a legislative success, although a bill to replace Obama’s Affordable Health Care Act has passed the House of Representatives.
His one success has been to appoint a conservative judge to the Supreme Court. read more…
Clare Curran
Labour’s Clare Curran will meet Horowhenua residents to get action on civil defence
Labour’s Civil Defence spokesperson Clare Curran will meet Horowhenua residents in Levin on Sunday, May 21.
One of the topics is just how locals can take part in the Government review of the Civil
Defence structure.
The meeting’s being organised by the Horowhenua District Ratepayers and Residents Association (HDRRAI). read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Deidre Kent
KCDC waste disgrace sees rubbish up by a third! — Eco campaigner
By Alan Tristram
The well-known environmental campaigner Deidre Kent says the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) must change policy to stop increasing the rubbish mountain in the district.
She told Council Annual Plan hearing today that waste went up 36% in four years.
“Well, that means we have to do something very different,” she says in her submission to the Mayor. councillors and staff.
Wet for the Third International Triathlon Event
By Roger Childs
Kiwi Andrea Hewitt came into the Japanese event having won both in Abu Dhabi and on the Gold Coast. Could she make it three in a row? There was a strong field dominated by British and American athletes, and it also included 2016 champion, Bermudan Flora Duffy, was having her first ITU outing of the year.
In the elite men’s event, Spaniard, Mario Mola, had also won on the Gold Coast. However the 2016 champion would face tough competition in a Yokohama from fellow countrymen, Javier Gomez and Fernando Alarza, and Englishman star, Jonathan Brownlee.
Weather conditions were calm, but it teemed with rain throughout both races. The athletes would have to take great care cycling on the very wet, puddly roads. read more…
We can’t all soar like eagles but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines. Conventional political wisdom
Catering for communities real and virtual
By Bernie Randall, Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board
“If at first you don’t succeed then sky diving is not for you.”
These pearls of wisdom spoken by the convenor opened and set the tone for a successful NZ Community Boards conference.
It was being hosted by the good folks of Methven who normally entertain the pretty, young and wild skiing fraternity.
The theme of the conference was communities both the real and virtual and the dilemmas both face. read more…
Charyl Doyle, Kat Francis and Emma Te Paa demonstrate their dance moves in the display.
Dancing the helicopter hop
By Peter Corlett
Shoppers in Coastlands at Paraparaumu have been treated to a surprise fitness dance routine demonstration by three instructors and Zumba enthusiasts from the City Fitness gym.
Zumba is a fitness program focusing on dance, created in the 1990’s by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez. read more…
Talented musicians to perform in the village
Te Koki Trio: Martin Riseley – violin, Jian Liu – piano, Inbal Megiddo – cello
An exciting concert is coming to the Kapiti Coast on Sunday 28 May, when Mulled Wine Concerts presents the Te Koki Trio at the beautiful beachfront Memorial Hall,in Paekakariki.
The Trio comprises three full-time members of the staff from New Zealand School of Music:
~ Martin Riseley (violin)
~ Inbal Megiddo (cello)
~ Jian Liu (piano)
They have all had extensive careers as professional musicians, performing both nationally and internationally. read more…
- If you would like to do the latest challenge scroll down to May 10.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
The difficult art of saying sorry
By Roger Childs
KCDC Mayor K Gurunathan
Responsible media outlets quickly print or state retractions if they get a story wrong. Often they will also apologize to individuals for any stress or embarrassment or unintended damage to reputation.
Some politicians get highly annoyed when they get it wrong, or are found out making incorrect statements, and have great difficulty in saying sorry.
Australian John Howard couldn’t bring himself to say sorry to the stolen generation of Indigenous Australians and Councillor Michael Scott refused to apologize last year when a legal report found him in breach of the Code of Conduct.
Now the Kapiti Mayor seems reluctant to rectify an error of fact he made in a Kapiti News column earlier in the year. read more…
The Escarpment Track leading south from Paekakariki
Te Araroa brings tourists to Paekakariki
By Jeremy Smith
And the view seawards!
Twelve months after its opening, the 10km Pukerua Bay- Paekakariki escarpment track has been an extraordinary success … and great for Paekakariki shops.
The track, part of the remarkable Te Araroa Walkway from North Cape to the Bluff, has been averaging out at 100 walkers per day. Some days there’s been 1500 on the this challenging route. Walkers can do it in two-plus hours.
But the success also brings two major problems: dogs and toilets. read more…
Wrapping up the exhibition
From the Kapiti Coast Quilters
Thursday evening saw the final event in the Kapiti Quilters Exhibition with the presentation of prizes for the winning quilt.
Griet Lombard, this year’s judge, was there to comment on the quality of the quilts and to present the prizes. She also commented that we were “a great group with such a good vibe” so if you are looking for a sewing group to join, come along to our next day meeting
~ on Tuesday 16th May, 10.30 am
~ at the Waikanae Bridge Club Rooms in Elizabeth Street.
Or contact Judy Boyle on (04)9042282 to find the date of an evening or weekend meeting. read more…
(In late 2013, Kapiti’s Jacinta Beckley won a scholarship to play basketball in the US. In April 2014 she began studies at Seattle University and joined the Seattle Redhawks squad in the Western Athletic Conference.)
On the bench then a break-through
By Jacinta Beckley
Jacinta signs the scholarship forms for Seattle University
This year has been full of ups and downs.
It all started with our old coaching staff being replaced with four new coaches.
Initially the chief coach saw me as the starting short forward in the 4 position, but I didn’t quite fulfil her expectations and quickly became the sixth one off the bench.
I was putting up solid numbers, but nothing great.
So I worked really hard to prove my coach wrong to see me as the player that I can be.
Unfortunately our starting centre suffered from a concussion in our first game before conference play started and I was the next option. read more…
Picking up the votes
At the recent Quilting Show at Southwards, there was a wonderful array of quality craft work on show. The viewing public was amazed to see the range of subjects and styles, and this made it difficult to choose which one impressed them most.
At any art or craft show, the people’s choice is usually not the one the judges select as best in show. Most votes often go to a work that has the Wow factor, and may have quirky and humorous elements. It may also be something that has instant appeal for children.
Jackie Holland’s winner met all these criteria! read more…
Marines hut returns”home”
By Roger Childs
Loading the hut at Waikanae Beach ready for the trip south. (Photo Larry Keim)
The Marines hut, which has been meticulously restored by MenzShed craftsmen, now resides in Queen Elizabeth Park.
It began its 15km journey at about 8.30 this morning after being carefully loaded onto a truck at MenzShed headquarters in Waikane Beach.
The prepared site
Following a gentle ride down the expressway and under the overpass near the Park, the truck squeezed through the Mackays Crossing gates.
It was then across the grass where the equestrian course is located, and through behind the Marines Memorial to a specially prepared site. read more…
Well-known author pens plea to Horowhenua Councillors — ‘Please save our pensioner houses’
By Alan Tristram
Judith Holloway, the well-known Levin (and former Otaki) writer, is developing a new talent — political letter writing.
Her subject is the appalling plan master-minded by Horowhenua councillors to sell off 115 much-needed council pensioner houses.
She’s been writing personally to all Horowhenua District Councillors asking them to see sense on the issue.
And Kapiti Independent News thinks all New Zealanders should read Judith’s letter (below) and take action to save public housing as the housing crisis worsens.
Capital and Coast boss Debbie Chin makes promise to Kapiti group
Health Board chief promises to help Kapiti group
By Jeremy Clark, KIN Local Govt. Editor
Kapiti’s Health Advocacy group will get an official member appointed by the Capital and Coast DHB.
This is the promise made by the DHB CEO Debbie Chin at a presentation to the Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board. read more…
Waikanae resident, Aldous MacIvor. Dip VFM, BA. is a retired consultant and lecturer in farm management.
Limitations on sources of income
The Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) came in existence in 1989 as an amalgamation of all or parts of several local authorities.
The new council found itself with the challenge of creating the infrastructure for a future city.
From the outset it was disadvantaged with few assets, reliance on income from rates, and funding capital work through borrowing.
Today this is still the case. With no investment income KCDC is reliant on ratepayers (76.6%) for income. read more…
- The latest challenge.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
Graham Bathgate, of the Kapiti Labour Party
Kapiti Labours for solution to inequality
By Graham Bathgate
A recent discussion on ‘Inequality in NZ’ by the Kapiti Labour Committee turned up several key ideas:
- Labour needs to get back to being a movement as in its early years when it introduced free education and health.
- People should be able to buy their first homes more easily (though no-one at the meeting suggested there should free housing).
- These three areas — free education, health and housing — are where government should provide more help than is being given at the moment by a National Government.
- This kind of help from a Labour government, true to its roots and beliefs, should form firm policies. This would go a long way to reducing the inequality which has developed in New Zealand since the 1980’s.
One of hundreds
By Allie Webber
The hut under construction
A WWII U.S.Marines Hut lovingly restored by the MenzShed in Waikanae, will be taken to Queen Elizabeth Park (formerly Camp Russell), on Thursday 11 May – to begin its new life.
The hut will be loaded on a transporter at the MenzShed and moved down the expressway to a new resting spot alongside the U.S.Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park.
The 2.4m x 4.5m hut has been meticulously restored for the Kapiti U.S.Marines Trust under the watchful eye of Trust Historian, Anthony Dreaver.
“We don’t know exactly which camp it came from, but it was one of hundreds built for the three Paekakariki Camps,” says Trust Chair Jenny Rowan. read more…
Prue Hyman
Pay equity for women – what is the government up to?
By Prue Hyman
Two months back I mentioned that we were waiting for an offer from government to settle the Kristine Bartlett/ Terranova pay equity case.
After five years we finally heard there was a reasonably decent possible settlement.
But there’s been no attempt to value the work in a systematic way — this would have led to a much bigger increase! read more…
One of the best
Petanque winners: Rex and Shirley on the left.
Today we farewelled one of Kapiti’s model citizens. Shirley embodied all the best Kiwi values: warmth, friendliness, devotion to family, diligence and selflessness. She passed away suddenly last week and a large crowd turned out to pay their respects this morning.
Shirley packed plenty into her 71 years doing a range jobs, playing many sports and running an immaculate household. She and husband Rex were enthusiastic orienteers and, in later times, stalwarts of the local pentanque club. She was well known among older members of the community, as she did over 20 years of home care service on the Kapiti Coast.
The verse below, sums up her spirit and commitment to making life better for other people. read more…
Little resemblance to Shelly Bay
Story by Roger Childs, Sausalito photos by Pam Childs
Shelly Bay (Photo from stuff.)
Back in the early 20th century tourist promoters called the Whanganui River New Zealand’s Rhine.
Sausalito
This is about as ridiculous as calling a future Shelly Bay Wellington’s Sausilito.
Having been to the real one last month, I can vouch for the fact that there is little resemblance.
In fact we already have a mini one in Oriental Bay. read more…
Capital and Coast boss Debbie Chin
Health Board boss to attend Community Board meeting
A Kapiti Health advocacy Group may be a step closer after this week’s Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board meeting. It’ll be attended by the Capital and Coast Health Board’s chief executive (CE).
CE Debbie Chin ‘s presence comes after a health forum meeting held in March and a second meeting last week. read more…
Mandy Hager (left) at the Paraparaumu Library
A person’s a person no matter how small…
By Mandy Hager
One of the delights of my new status as a grandmother is the revisiting of the picture books I loved in my youth.
I joke that my values were formed by Dr Seuss (above right) and in many ways this true!
My parents went to enormous lengths to provide their children with a wealth of books, many delivered from overseas because they weren’t available here, and to discuss their thematic messages so we understood the values such books imparted.
The moral messaging in Dr Seuss’s books became so ingrained that, even to this day, I can still quote whole chunks by heart. read more…
Oh dear!
By Roger Childs
Another weekend of rugby, another set of wins for New Zealand teams and losses for the Australian franchises.
The South African teams didn’t have a great weekend either and it is no surprise that next year’s competition will shed teams from the weaker conferences.
In the overall standings, the five Kiwi teams have more points that all five teams across the Tasman.
Furthermore, while all our teams rank in the top seven, four of the Australian teams are in the bottom six. read more…
- If you would still to do the latest challenge scroll down to May 3.
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers below.
Willow with her new bike after the presentation
Kena Kena girl wins school biking prize
Kena Kena School pupil Willow Bardsley has just been presented with a bike for her participation in Movin’ March.
It’s an annual event that encourages kids to cycle, walk, scooter or skateboard to school.
“We had 886 entries from six schools in Kāpiti which was a fantastic effort,” says Nicky Morrison, the Regional Council’s School Travel Co-ordinator, who organised things with support from Kāpiti Council. read more…
WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO SWIM IN A RIVER? Sign carried by a young boy at a protest in Timaru, March 2017
Excellent session with Catherine Knight
By Roger Childs
The monthly Ministry of Culture and Heritage talks are always good, and are usually attended by 30-40 people.
However, the topic of rivers – wadeable, swimmable or just plain dreadful – touches a raw nerve in many folk.
Over 120 crowded into the new venue at the National Library last Wednesday, and they were not disappointed.
Catherine is an award winning author on the contentious subject of our waterways, and her Ravaged Beauty on the Manawatu has been followed up with a wider study of the nation’s rivers in New Zealand’s Rivers: An Environmental History. read more…
Tony Fraei is one of our regular KIN readers and often makes comments. These are always perceptive and thoughtful, and his latest effort warrants an article in itself. He was responding to Jackie Elliott’s recent piece entitled “Mannequin Madness in Kapiti”. (Scroll down to May 4.)
Behaving with dignity and moderation
By Tony Fraei
I fully agree that this (the protest Jackie referred to in her article), is just so sad.
I didn’t see this protest, however I have seen two of the regular “anti council protesters” outside the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) building and both were dressed like a couple of hobos!
In my experience people who have differing views, their absolute free right, have the most success when they:-
- Wear professional attire. The few councillors that I have met always look very ‘professional & have taken care with their grooming.
- Influence folks by the moderation and intellectual strength of their argument.
- Are fully aware that anger, bullying and boorish behaviour never changed anything. In fact just the opposite, as they play into the other parties hands.
Erdogan’s shadow looms over Turks in Germany
By Harald Dähne in Berlin
In Berlin recently, I came home from work by taxi.
The driver was born in Turkey, but has been living in Germany for about 30 years.
His German is perfect and he told me his daughter is studying economics at university. Then we talked about politics and he said he voted for Erdogan’s constitutional amendment.
“Why was that?” I asked. His answer: “Erdogan gave us Turks our pride back again!” read more…
Roadside blaze slows SH1 traffic
Story and photos by Peter Corlett
It was a slow trip for drivers on SH1 North and South of Manakau yesterday evening, with traffic at a crawl due in the aftermath of a house fire that destroyed a roadside house.
Sirens sounded several times in Levin shortly after 4:30p.m. read more…
If you want to read a perfect book, there is only one way: write it. Ambrose Bierce
One of America’s great writers
By Roger Childs
On our recent trip to California I came across Ambrose Bierce’s Devil’s Dictionary, which is a masterpiece of wit, humour and cynicism. His satirical observations remind you of writers like Oscar Wilde and H L Mencken.
However Bierce was also a wonderful short story writer, and An Occurrence at Owl Creek is one of the most brilliant pieces of short fiction ever written.
He was also a poet, producing a number of anthologies, and worked as journalist for the San Francisco Examiner with a column called The Prattle.
Much of his writing related to his war experiences, as he had served in the Union Army in the Civil War. Tragically it was during the Mexican Revolutionary War that he disappeared without trace. He had gone south of the border in 1913 and was last seen in the company of rebel forces. read more…
World Masters Games gets underway
By Tony Farmer
The build up to the ceremony to be held in Eden Park began late afternoon following an afternoon spent with many other sportspeople registering for their events in The Cloud on Auckland’s waterfront.
I even had a game of table tennis there hoping that one of my heroes. Sir Peter Snell, would show up – but unfortunately he didn’t, at least not when I was there!
The Opening Ceremony was a spectacle my wife and I will never forget. The use of light and sound was amazing and the laser and light show was simply the biggest ever to be seen in New Zealand. read more…
KCDC district-wide Councillor Jackie Elliott
Kapiti Councillor deplores ‘vulgar’ mannequin demo outside KCDC HQ
By Cr Jackie Elliott
KCDC Civic Building
Three well known anti-council protesters have created a vulgar mannequin display outside the Kapiti Coast District Council building during a Council meeting.
This, and their (alleged) releasing of details of an in-house sexual conduct complaint to the media, has shown reckless disregard for the sensitivities and well-being of both parties involved in the complaint — both of whom are our well liked and well respected colleagues.
The display last Thursday also showed complete disregard for the well-being of all the workers and public in council on the day, undoing, at the first opportunity, the efforts made by management to provide a safe workplace as is their legal obligation. read more…
Anne Marie takes the top prize
There was plenty of competition at Southwards last weekend.
The Quilting Exhibition is one of the Kapiti Coast’s annual cultural highlights, and hundreds passed through the doors to view the amazing range of quilts on show.
Quilting has a big following locally and this was a chance for the local crafts people to show their wares.
There were a range of prizes awarded based on category, however the supreme award of “Best in Show” went to Anne Marie Dunlop. (See below.)
Jill Hammonds will provide further details on prize winners in a day or two. read more…
Don’t be confused, there is only one Kapiti Independent News!
By Alan Tristram
While we were overseas recently,visiting a sick relative, a postcard has appeared in some mail-boxes, purporting to come from a local epaper.
Some folks think this was from us, but it wasn’t.
Please remember, there is only one truly independent, non-commercial, epaper on the Kapiti Coast — Kapiti Independent News!
An unfair Govt. tax on teachers
By Peter Corlett
Donald Trump’s idea of building an impenetrable wall between the United States and Mexico is one that met a fair degree of ridicule around the world for a number of reasons, but in particular because he said that Mexico would pay for its construction. (Scroll down to May 2 for the latest on the wall proposition.)
While it can be argued that a president can decide how taxpayer dollars might be spent in their own country, it is a totally different story and somewhat arrogant to dictate how another country will allocate their spending for their citizens. read more…
An event not to be missed!
By Maureen Farmer
Auckland: the venue for this year’s Masters Games
We read the advertisement – The World Masters Games (WMG) 2017 to be held in Auckland!
Wow that’s going to be some event we thought! Perhaps I should explain here that it is not Masters of the Universe, or the like, that are involved here but sportspeople over the age of 35.
Well, having qualified twice over age-wise I, or should I say we (‘my husband and I’ the Queen might say) decided that having given athletics a go in our (comparative) youth (starting at age 39!) we would see what the other criteria were. Put simply there weren’t any!
So no get-out clauses there. read more…
The latest challenge .
- Remember that no correspondence, computers or cell phones may be entered into!
- Answers on Sunday.
The May sonnet: remembering a loved one
By Julie Leibrich
I wanted to write a poem for Doug’s birthday in February.
It was difficult because I wanted to write a love poem yet also acknowledge the thought I sometimes have – what if we had met when we were both young?
Would we have had children together? Where would we be now? read more…
Cr David Scott
KCDC’s ‘Bureaucratic Elite’ upset by his voting, claims Councillor
Chief Executive, Pat Dougherty — his rise was opposed by Cr Scott
Kapiti Coast Councillor David Scott has spoken out against the Council establishment following the controversy over allegations against him by a female Council officer.
In an exclusive statement to KIN, Cr Scott says: “In recent weeks, I have voted against the 5.9% rates increase. I have voted against the CEO (Pat Dougherty) getting another large wage rise.
“I also object to the multi-million spending planned for Rimu Rd., Kapiti Lights and Mahara Place.
“These I promised in the election. They have annoyed the bureaucrat elite of KCDC.”
Details of complaint
Cr Scott then goes on to deal with details of the complaint laid against him. (This was featured in a front-page story in the Dompost on April 25. See our story of April 26 )
The paper said then: “A Kapiti Coast District councillor is understood to have been stripped of some powers and is under police investigation after being accused of grabbing a council staffer and pressing himself
Mayor K Gurunathan — what, if anything, did he see?
against her in front of the local mayor.” (Mr K Gurunathan). read more…
