We played silly football when we didn’t have the platform to work off. Assistant Coach, Alama Ieremia
Hammering the hapless Hammer
By Roger Childs
Hurricanes head coach, Mark Hammett (Hammer) has taken a pasting in the media following the Hurricanes third loss in the 2014 Super 15 rugby competition. On Friday night the Wellington-based franchise was playing at home, fielding a team laced with talented All Blacks. But instead of the expected victory over the Brumbies, it was crash and burn time with more tries conceded than in the two previous matches in South Africa. Blame it on the coaches? read more…
Why we played the Beatles’ song ‘Piggies’ for Penray
A musical note by Andrew London
Recently I ate my pig. I have no qualms or regrets, although I have to admit to having had some mixed feelings on the day she was actually despatched by the pig-man.
I invited some vegan friends, warning them in advance that they might find it traumatising. read more…
Paraparaumu School reporters cover demolition story
By Alan Tristram
It’s not often local stories are coverd by four journalists.
But the Paraparaumu School students in the Reporters’ Club have created a news event themselves by giving us four different versions of the demolition of the school administration block.
We’re pleased to present the full, four-part story by Elleanor Woods, Marino Jenkins, Maia Hoskins and Caleb Morley. read more…
Water shortage hits Kapiti Coast again
By Alan Tristram
The Kapiti Coast District Council says bore water is again being added to Waikanae River water to supply Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati.
This is because the level of the Waikanae River (left) is falling faster than expected. read more…
Residents tell KCDC: ‘Save Our Kiosk!’
By Bernie Randall
“Our Kiosk needs saving”, is the cry from the community after KCDC proposed demolishing the kiosk at Maclean Park and filling it in with sand — notwithstanding the fact there is a beach full of it less than a 100 metres away!
The council paper to the Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board on the Kiosk is an indictment of the way council staff avoid consultation. read more…
The area is beautiful… It is a working treatment pond yet is a delightful recreation area. Councillor Diane Ammundsen
The Te Roto Wetland Reserve
By Roger Childs
It used to be a polluted swamp surrounded by pig fern, gorse and blackberry. Now it is an attractive wetland and walkway with hundreds of native plants. (See the Work in progress section for access points.)
The Council has long been concerned about the area. There was considerable heavy metal pollution originating from nearby workshops and industries running into an open drain near the expanding housing in Gandalf Crescent.
This polluted water was being carried by the Mazengarb Stream out into the estuary, where it would have impacted fish and birdlife. Corinne Hardy, Infrastructure Projects Officer. read more…
Tell me lies. Tell me sweet little lies. Fleetwood Mac song
Trying to keep it under wraps
By Roger Childs
Political corruption, misinformation, deception and dishonesty are as old as government itself. There has been plenty of it in New Zealand over the last twelve months such as: John Key’s memory lapses, John Banks’ mayoral campaign donations, secret surveillance by the GSCB, revelations of spying cooperation with other western countries and Doc’s justification for continuing 1080 poison drops on our clean, green land.
Now in the last few days the political left and right have been guilty of breaking the rules and deceiving the public. read more…
HOLY COW!
By Guy Burns in India
One of the first things that strikes a Kiwi in India is the number of cattle roaming in most unexpected places.
The cows roam cities, towns, railways tracks, roads, state highways—in fact everywhere you least expect it—I’ve actually seen 2 cows standing inside a shop. The most cattle I’ve seen have been in the middle of towns.
You soon notice that the cows are quite unlike their seemingly dumber, NZ counterparts
Here, they are street-wise and know how to negotiate state highways—like well-trained children, looking left then right—true!. read more…
‘New era’ with Mayor Church
Mayor Church feels stroppy councillors reflect local community
By Alan TristramThe Kapiti Coast District Mayor, Ross Church, says he accepts that the new council is deeply divided on some issues –but insists this ‘represents the local community.’
The new Mayor and former councillor swept to victory over two-time Mayor Jenny Rowan last October.
However, the new-look Kapiti Coast Council has been divided at times, with three rebellious councillors – K Gurunathan (Guru), Jackie Elliott and David Scott — often at odds with the other seven councillors, the Mayor and even the CEO. read more…
