Honoured to be at Rangiātea
p6
Community loses leader
Whiti te Rā make history p9
p24
p17
AUGUST 15, 2019
otakitoday.com
Ngā Kōrero o Ōtaki
Kaea Hakaraia Hosking with Cat Kuday (University of Technology Sydney) and Ben Armstrong of Hitachi Vitara.
Rangatahi win big
Ōtaki rangatahi Kaea Hakaraia Hosking and Te Ākauroa Jacob have won their categories at the 2019 IDIGI HACK young innovator awards in Sydney. On Friday night (August 9), Kaea won the Bamban award for her digital game that connects indigenous knowledge, language and sustainability. She receives $5000 to develop her program and incubator support from the University of Technology Sydney. Te Ākauroa won the Jankagi prize for cultural knowledge for his Māori word game app, winning a traditional firestick and laptop to continue working on his project.
BOWLER MOTORS Your one-stop-shop for:
• TYRES • WOFs • VEHICLE SERVICING • AA BATTERY SERVICE • AA ROADSERVICE • STATE ROADSIDE RESCUE • TOWING & SALVAGE
06 364 6474 or 06 364 7171
REMINISCING: Louise Carkeek, 97, (at right) and Mae Carson, 96, reminisce about their nursing days in Wellington during the Second World War.
Sharp as a tack at 97 Louise Carkeek turned 97 on August 3, still sharp as a tack as she celebrated with friends and whānau at the Ocean View Rest Home. Louise moved into the rest home just after her 90th birthday, having lived independently in Ōtaki for many years. Among her well-wishers was fellow rest home resident Mae Carson, who at 96 is close in age and did her nursing training along with Louise at Wellington Hospital nearly 70 years ago. “It was in 1942, in the middle of the war,” Louise says. “Things were quite different for
Otaki
06 364-6001 027 439 0131
SEVEN DAY A WEEK SERVICE UNTIL MIDNIGHT
Book online at www.otakishuttle.co.nz Please confirm by phone for weekend web bookings. Evening jobs need to be booked.
STATE HIGHWAY 1 NEXT TO KATHMANDU
RiverStone Café 06 364-6742 riverstonecafe.co.nz
R
10% discount Mon to Fri
EFTPOS available in vehicle
Louise met future husband Tahiwi Carkeek of Ōtaki, first having nursed him as a returned soldier in Wellington, then later in Ōtaki when she was stationed at the health camp. “He jumped out in front of me outside Mrs Royal’s tearooms and said, ‘remember me’? I didn’t because we nursed so many servicemen. I was on my way to the train station to go to a nurses’ training day in Wellington. He wanted to walk me to the station and by the time we got there he’d asked me for a date. And that was it.”
RIVERSTONE CAFE´
SHUTTLE SERVICE
$10 + $5 per passenger between the beach and plateau • Further afield trips negotiable • Airports and bus connections
nurses back then. One thing was the heavy screens we had to move around. They were hard work.” The two also spent time at the Ōtaki Children’s Health Camp as nurses looking after Wellington Hospital patients who had been transferred during the war because of the fear of invasion. Louise was born Louise Heffer in Hastings on August 3, 1922. The family farmed at Opapa. She remembers the Napier earthquake of February 3, 1931. “There were huge cracks in the ground around the farm, and it was hard limestone!”
LOCALS LOOKING AFTER LOCALS OPEN EVERY DAY from 6.30am
NEWS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
LOCAL EVENTS
Page 2
CARTOON OF THE MONTH
By Jared Carson
ŌTAKI MUSEUM: RSA exhibition: 100 Years Remembrance. An exhibition to celebrate 100 years since the formation of the Ōtaki RSA. Open ThursdaySaturday 10am-2pm. MANAKAU BOWLS: Indoor bowls is at the Manakau Community Hall, Mokena Kohere Street, Monday nights, March to September from 7.15pm. Everyone is welcome. Contact Sue 06 362-6782 or Graham 06 364-5584. ŌTAKI LIBRARY Books and Bickies: An informal book group meets on the second Friday of the month, 10.30-11.30am. We talk about books we have read over morning tea. Skills Café: Guests share a different craft or skill on the fourth Friday of the month. These are mostly hands-on workshops. Other services: A JP is at the library every Monday between 10.30am-12.30pm. Age Concern is every second Thursday of the month from 10am-midday. Greypower is every first and third Thursday of the month, 10.30am-1.30pm. All library sessions are free. ŌTAKI WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CLUB CRAFT MARKET: opposite New World, Winter open 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month. Georgie 027 234 1090. ŌTAKI GARAGE SALE third Saturday of the month, 9-11.30am, rain or shine, Presbyterian Church, 249 Mill Rd. 364-6449. TE HORO-OTAKI UKULELE GROUP meet on the first and third Friday every month: 10:30am-12pm. Te Horo Hall. From beginners to experienced, all welcome. 364 3335. TE HORO SPRING MARKET Te Horo Community Hall, School Rd. Sunday September 1, 10am-12.30pm. Celebrating the first day of spring. Forty-plus craft, food and plant stalls. Home baking, local olive oil, Kapiti Island Honey, gluten free sausages and pies, crafts, indoor plants and succulents, preserves, sewing, cheeses and meats, perennials and herbs, crystals, artwork and much more! TE HORO SCHOOL COUNTRY FAIR 124 School Rd, Te Horo. Saturday September 7, 11am-4pm. TOASTMASTERS OF WAIKANAE next meeting (contests) August 15. Graham Turner 04 905 6236. To list your community event, contact debbi@idmedia.co.nz or 06 364-6543.
Ōtaki Today is published monthly by ID Media Ltd, 13 Te Manuao Rd, Ōtaki. For editorial enquiries or news tips, please contact editor Ian Carson 06 364-6543 or ian@idmedia.co.nz For advertising enquiries, please contact general manager Debbi Carson at 06 364-6543 or debbi@ idmedia.co.nz CARTOONS Jared Carson CONTRIBUTORS: Fraser Carson (Media & Community) • Daniel Duxfield (Fitness) • Ken Geenty (Farming) • Kath Irvine (Edible Backyards) • Rex Kerr (History) • Pera Barrett (Good thinking). Design by ID Media Ltd. Printed by Beacon Print, Whakatane. Ōtaki Today online: otakitoday.com ISSN 2624-3067 Next copy and advertising deadline September 3.
Ōtaki Today is a member of the NZ Community Newspapers Association.
James running again
The eighth annual Ōtaki Community Expo (above) is on at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 7. The expo showcases the services offered by a wide variety of community groups, sports organisations and support agencies throughout Ōtaki. Visitors can find out about what services are available, join a group or get information about organisations for their children. Prizes are offered for people who get an entry card stamped at the stalls. Fill the card, win a prize. The expo is organised by the Ōtaki Promotions Group.
ŌTAKI
omotions Prp GROUP
Saturday September 7 10am-2pm Ōtaki Memorial Hall Main Street, Ōtaki
ŌTAKI COMMUNITY EXPO 2019 Do you want to show the community what your group does, and boost membership? This is your opportunity to do that! To book a stall, contact Expo Co-ordinator Carol Ward p: 06 364-7732 e: otakicommunityexpo@gmail.com
James Cootes has confirmed he will stand again for the position of Ōtaki Ward councillor in the local body elections. Polling day is October 12. James has represented the Ōtaki Ward for the past six years, and six years before that as a member (and chair) of the Ōtaki Community Board. Some surprise names might emerge after the close of nominations – at noon on Friday (August 16) – for the elections, but as of press time, the only new name for Ōtaki is Cam Butler. Cam, who lives at Te Horo and operates a canoe polo equipment business on RiverBank Road, has confirmed he is standing for the Ōtaki Community Board. If there are no other nominations, he will join current chair Chris Papps, Marilyn Stevens and Shelly Warwick, who are all standing again. Current community board member Kerry Bevan has not put his name forward this year. The fifth member of the Ōtaki Community Board is the Ōtaki Ward councillor, which is currently James Cootes. The elections are for councillors at Kāpiti Coast District Council, for community boards, the Kāpiti representative at Greater Wellington Regional Council, and for MidCentral District Health Board representatives. Penny Gaylor is standing for a seat at the regional council again. Shelly Warwick is also standing as a candidate for KCDC’s Ōtaki Ward, and for election to the district health board.
NEWS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 3
Artefacts fascinate visitors The personal objects that help keep family histories and memories alive are fascinating visitors to the Tuku Iho exhibition at Ōtaki Library’s Ngā Wawata Art Space. The items and objects have either been handed down from one generation to the next, or kept to remind their owners of places and people special to them. Everyone who has loaned an item has also shared a story about its significance to them. The display is the result of more than 20 contributions by librarians, local genealogists and members of the Ōtaki community. The artefacts range from paintings, embroidery and quilting, to furniture, crockery and glassware. There are family heirlooms brought to New Zealand, furniture, carvings, religious items, clothing, embroidery and quilting, jewellery, photographs, paintings, crockery and glassware, and even a sketch from a German prisoner of war camp. Many of the objects were once commonplace and used by families in their everyday life. Others were left in untouched in china cabinets or the back of wardrobes. The common denominator, however, is their emotional importance and their ability to reach out across time to connect their owners to their past.
There are two teddy bears. Andrea Barnes’ “Big Bear” was given to her grandmother, Myla Barnett, in 1916. Four more generations played with the bear until it became too fragile. The other bear, “Cardi” was loaned for the display by Joy Allen. Her Canadian father was close to his grandmother, who brought him a cardigan from Canada. When he died, Joy’s mother made four teddy bears out of the favourite old cardigan, including Cardi. Several members of the Ōtaki branch of NZ Genealogical Society displayed artefacts at a recent meeting and shared stories about their heirlooms. Several made it to the display, including an intriguing collapsible sewing box with all the “bits” needed. Genealogical Society member Carol Dyer says one of the interesting features of the display is that visitors would sometimes reveal something about an item that was not known to the owner. “There is a rabbit’s claw on display but it isn’t a rabbit’s claw,” Carol says. “A visitor said it was a grouse’s claw from Scotland, with a cairngorm (quartz) stone. She didn’t think it was a yellow topaz.” The exhibition throughout August celebrates Family History Month and is the result of a collaboration between Kāpiti Coast District Libraries and the Ōtaki branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists.
IN BRIEF House prices rise
The median cost of a house in Ōtaki is now $425,000, according to estimates by homes.co.nz. In the past three months, house prices have risen 1.2 percent, 3.9 percent in the past six months, and 12.8 percent during the past year.
Ōtaki groups to the fore
Ōtaki community groups dominated the recent Kāpiti section of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards. All three entries won their respective categories. The Ōtaki Skill Sharing Group won the health and well-being category and went on to win the supreme award. The Ōtaki Promotions Group won the arts and culture category, and the Māoriland Charitable Trust’s M.A.T.C.H programme won the rising star award. All the category winners go on to contest the community award finals in Wellington in November.
Omeo wins gold Ōtaki’s Omeo Technology won the innovation category at the Wellington Gold Awards on July 25. The company produces the Omeo mobility vehicle, which allows hands-free control.
Rockabilly festival at Domain
A Rockabilly Rock & Rev Festival is on from 10am4pm at Ōtaki Domain on October 19. There will be show cars, live music, rock n roll dancers, foodtrucks, stalls and spot prizes.
Fire callouts TEDDY: Andrea Barnes’ Big Bear from 1916 stands in front of Len Nicholls’ clock, c1900, at the Tuku Iho library exhibition.
The Ōtaki Volunteer Fire Brigade had 17 callouts in July. Three were for property fires, four special services, two for grass and scrub fires, three attendances for vehicle crashes and five medical.
Fair flat fees without compromising on service, keeping fee savings in local pockets and the community.
Brendon Heenan Franchise Owner P 0800 87 68254
| E brendon.heenan@tallpoppy.co.nz
BULSARA T/A TALL POPPY LICENSED UNDER REAA 2008
|
W tallpoppy.co.nz/otaki
From Your Front Door & Back Again
HOSTED SMALL GROUP PREMIUM TOURS Departing from Kapiti, Horowhenua & Manawatu
A TASTE OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA VERY POPULAR TOUR – RESERVE YOUR PLACE TODAY
Departing 31st March 2020 Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and the French Quarter and cruise up the river to see rural Vietnam. Enjoy cooking a Vietnamese feast and try your hand at lantern making. Wander the lantern lined alleyways. Visit the tailor and have a new outfit made, or perhaps some boots, shoes and belts. Enjoy our resort beach stay on the beautiful An Bang Beach and the ancient temples of Siem Reap. Be part of a fully escorted tour that will excite, invigorate and tantalise you.
Take time out from your busy life and join YOURTour host Fiona, to get a Taste of Vietnam and Cambodia.
C AP TIVATING C ANADA & AL ASK A
13th May 2020 Embark on our wonderful luxury 13 day small ship cruise with an optional extension, relaxing in Gold Leaf luxury aboard the stunning Rocky Mountaineer.
IR R ESISTIBLE IN DIA
1st November 2019 THE LAST FEW SEATS ARE WAITING FOR YOU! Take in the delights of our very special India tour, having been designed by your host Peter, covering some of his favourite spots. Join us and make new friends on this wonderful tour through the beautiful and colourful Golden Triangle and a little beyond. Starting and ending in Delhi you will dine with the owner of
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, CORNWALL & NORTHUMBERLAND
PAR IS TO ROM E CRUISE & TOUR
29 June 2020
17 August 2020
From south to north discovering pirate coves, coastal secrets and indulging at Ricks Steins Restaurant, all before beginning our journey north. Stopping off in the capital to enjoy a taste of London including West End entertainment before heading onwards to the ancient and magical county of Northumberland.
Join us on this enchanted tour from Paris to Rome. From the sparkling City of Lights, to the gourmet food capital of Lyon. Become immersed in history in “capital of arts”, before saying goodbye to Florence and gently traversing the Tuscan countryside arriving in the Eternal City to take in the aweinspiring architecture, treasures and ancient ruins.
th
TUR K ISH DE LIG HTS
18th September 2020
th
If you have ever wanted to experience that quaint Mediterranean village feel, drink the local wines and taste the freshest of salads and sun kissed olive oils whilst discovering ancient lands, then Turkey is the place for you. It is sure to amaze and see you returning home with countless memories on this 18 day whimsical and exciting tour.
For more information visit our website or call YOUR Tours is a division of YOUR Travel Group
Maclean Street . Paraparaumu Beach . Kapiti
enjoy the peace of a vast desert camp and revel in the delights of a Bollywood movie and these are just a few of the some amazing experiences to savour along the way.
Tour Inclusions
Door - Door
Local Tour Manager
Fully Hosted
Meals
Flights
Tour Excursion Fees
Accommodation
Gratuities
Home pickup + dropoff YOURTours host all the way Return from New Zealand Premium Quality throughout
Expert guiding throughout Covered Daily as per itinerary Itinerary entrance/excursion fees All paid on your behalf
From Your Front Door & Back Again
0800 470 005
04 297 0008
w w w.your tours.co.nz
NEWS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 5
War remembered at Ōtaki School memorial The Korean War was remembered at the Ōtaki Primary School memorial on July 29. The service has been an annual event since 1993, the 50th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Korea. Levin’s Doug Burgess, a veteran of the Korean War and a representative of the veterans, established the memorial at the school. The Republic of Korea Government was represented by Ambassador Seungbae Yeo. The embassy donated the Korean War memorial stone to the school. In 2018 it provided $10,000 for a fleet of bicycles and helmets as part of the cycle skills and safety programme. Representatives of the Korean War veterans from Wellington and Levin participated and laid wreaths. After the service, school students performed a pōwhiri and presented other cultural activities in the school hall. The staff and children sang Yeonga, the Korean version of Pokarekare Ana, which was introduced to South Koreans by New Zealand soldiers during the Korean War. (It was in the Korean War that Māori were first fully integrated with the New Zealand armed services.) The 16th Field Regiment from Linton provided the military honours at this year’s commemoration, and displayed a range of military equipment. School children had the chance to talk with the soldiers and to learn about their work. Ōtaki RSA president Mike Fogarty and vice-president Jon Grundy attended and joined the lunch at the RSA. The chief executive of Veterans’ Affairs, Bernadine McKenzie, also attended and discussed with Mike and Jon the agency’s support for the upgrade of the Ōtaki Service Cemetery.
ABOVE: Children at Ōtaki School take the opportunity to have a good look over a military troop carrier of Linton’s 16th Field Regiment.
LEFT: The Republic of Korea Ambassador, Seung-bae Yeo, lays a wreath at the memorial stone.
Proud to be supporting the Otaki Players’
Phantom of the Opera LOCALS SUPPORTING LOCALS OPEN FROM 6.30am EVERY DAY State Highway 1 • 06 364 6742 • riverstonecafe@xtra.co.nz
Photos: Simon Neale
NEWS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 6
Marie honoured to be at Rangiātea By Ian Carson
The honour of being in charge of one of New Zealand’s most historic churches is not lost on Reverend Ramari (Marie) Collin. As priest-in-charge at Ōtaki’s Rangiātea Church, Marie senses keenly the importance of the role to maintain and grow the church as a significant part of the Ōtaki community. She’s also aware of those who have come before her, including early missionaries Octavius Hadfield and Samuel Williams. Others include Tamihana Te Rauparaha (son of the famous chief) and Matene Te Whiwhi, who were responsible for bringing Hadfield to Ōtaki, and in more recent times the late Rev Te Hopehuia Hakaraia and Rev Douin Hapeta. “It’s an honour to be here,” she says. Marie is no newcomer to Ōtaki. Her mother was Kato (Doris) Ropata of Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku, so Marie spent many holidays staying at Katihiku Marae south of the Ōtaki River. Her father, Tinirau Akuira, had strong connections to Rangitāne through his Te Rangi whānau, as well as Ngāti Kahungunu, so most of Marie’s childhood was in Masterton. However, in the early 1970s, she came to live with her Nan, Ramari Ropata (nee Hawea), in Temuera Street. She went to Ōtaki Primary School for two years and had a year at Ōtaki College before returning to finish her schooling at Wairarapa College. “I loved those days in Ōtaki. I
remember strawberry picking in Convent Road and swimming in the river. We had freedom. Great days.” Any calling to the church was far from Marie’s mind when she left school. In fact it was only decades later that the idea couldn’t be ignored. Meantime, there was a job in Masterton doing clerical work at a timber mill and then in 1977 the lure of Australia. She had jobs in Sydney, mostly at the Deluxe Red & Yellow taxi company as a personal assistant to the general manager. She also worked for a time at American Express as a debt collector. Living in Bondi, Marie played netball for the Astra club. Moving up to Queensland, she worked as a cook and deckhand on a fishing trawler, was a brickie’s labourer, and worked for a retailer and the biggest debt agency in Queensland as a debt collector. Then she met and married Australian David Collin. Together they ran a backhoe business in Mt Tambourine, Queensland, meantime having two girls and a boy. Marie became part of the inaugural Brisbane Māori Mission Church in Brisbane, was commissioned as kaikarakia for the church and was liturgical assistant for St Paul’s. She studied theology. “It was then just an interest in how the Anglican Church worked,” she says. “I didn’t really see it leading anywhere. But I had always wanted to learn te reo Māori. So I ended up back in New Zealand where I began
Rev Marie Collin, back in Ōtaki as priest-in-charge at Rangiātea Church.
studying seriously.” She was particularly interested in the journey of Māori in Christianity and returned to Masterton, then took on a three-year degree with Te Whare Wānanga o te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa, through the office of Te Upoko o Te Ika – based at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. It incorporated her interest in how Māori embraced Christianity. It was soon clear she had a role in the church and she was encouraged to be a deacon. That happened in 2007 when she was appointed as deacon at Te Hepara Pai Church in Masterton, and in 2009 she became a priest. Then her whānau
Café Sixty Six
66 Main St • Ōtaki Village • 06 364 8150
THE CAFÉ WITH A CONSCIENCE We use eco-friendly packaging for our fair trade and organic coffee and offer reusable cups, too! Great real fruit smoothies, milkshakes and iced coffees available. Come in for a delicious breakfast or lunch or grab a snack if you are in a hurry. Vegan friendly.
OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY from 6.30am • SATURDAY from 7.30am
in Ōtaki began asking if she would consider a role at Rangiātea Church. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. “I remember Aunty Georgia [Hapeta] ringing to say the vestry had agreed to me coming. We talked about the expectations of the church and the community. I felt I was up for it. I was looking forward to the change and the challenge.” Marie began as priest-in-charge on December 17, 2017. With her already strong connections to Ōtaki and with whānau support, the move was smooth and enabled her to “get things done”. Marie sees her work as important
GOT A GOOD NEWS STORY?
7 Aotaki Street, Otaki
Free 30 minute consultation for new clients
Call us on 06 364-6543
• Financial and Taxation Advice • Tax Return Preparation • Farm and Trust Accounting • Payroll and Secretarial Services • Business Advisors Directors Rod Agar B.Agr.Sc, B.B.S, C.A Ian Fenwick B.Com, DipGrad, C.A
Go to otakitoday.com and click the Contact link
LICENSED AUTHENTIC INDIAN & MALAYSIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY • OPEN 7 DAYS 4-9pm
• • • •
Private functions seat 70 people. Catering available at your place. Home deliveries within the Ōtaki region. Dine free on your birthday (conditions apply).
www.currytownotaki.co.nz
welcomes you to our salon to enjoy a total experience
OPEN Tuesday–Saturday from 9am til late 54 Main Street Ōtaki Village
06 364 7039
E TELE’ ‘ TigH h calorie locality H
The old Telegraph Hotel (built 1872) has two bars, a lounge/ dining room and refurbished backpacker-style accommodation. • Authentic Indian dishes served with complimentary basmati rice. • Traditional charcoal-based tandoori oven. • Fully licensed: range of NZ and imported wines and beers.
THE TEAM AT CHAIRS
06 364 8696
office@agarfenwick.co.nz www.agarfenwick.co.nz
Email ian@idmedia.co.nz
57 Main St, Ōtaki • 06 364 8898 • 021 325 185 (a/h) • Fax 06 364 8891
Photo: Ian Carson
and hopes to build back up the congregation at the church. Conducting services at local marae supports her work, and she has built a good relationship with the other local ministers and churches. As for being in the great church, Marie is humble and grateful it was rebuilt after fire destroyed the original church in 1995. “It’s a fantastic church for the community. Everyone reveres Rangiātea and visitors are just awestruck. I love being part of it. “From Psalm 51:10, Create in me a clean heart, o God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
The perfect venue for a family g e t - t o g e t h e r, birthday function or a drink with friends.
THE TELE
cnr Rangiuru Rd/Tasman Rd, Otaki Township Contact Duane 06 364-0634, 021 0220 3105, or duane@thetele.co.nz
NEWS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 7
MoU signing welcome news for local doctor By Michael Moore
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between two district health boards will give greater clarity to Ōtaki and Te Horo residents, says Dr John Sprunt of Ōtaki Medical Centre. “This means that if we do have to refer a patient in a certain direction, mainly going south, I’ve got something at registrar/ consultant level,” Dr Sprunt says. “I can say that they’re entitled to come down.” On July 25, Rachel Haggerty, Capital & Coast District Health Board’s director of strategy, innovation and performance, and MidCentral District Health Board chief executive Kathryn Cook signed the memorandum setting out an agreement for the two DHBs to work together. The MoU is intended to offer greater visibility of the existing partnership and provide more confidence to people living in Ōtaki. Residents of the Ōtaki Ward of Kapiti Coast District Council are part of MidCentral DHB and receive most of their health services from MidCentral. However, since 2004, residents have been able to access services at Capital & Coast DHB if it is more convenient for them to do so. In 2018, a close working partnership between the two boards was reaffirmed and it was agreed that the original arrangement, which allowed Ōtaki
Property Law Family Trusts Family Law Immigration Law
Dr John Sprunt of Ōtaki Medical Centre: “. . . we won’t hopefully get the push-back that we’ve had of late where referrals have been put to Wellington and they have been sent back up to MidCentral Health.”
residents to access a range of Capital & Coast services, would continue. Dr Sprunt said the original agreement was signed 14 years ago, but it had become less clear as time went by. “What this new agreement means is that it has put this back in sharp relief. It means who is allowed to go south [for services], and we won’t hopefully get the push-back that we’ve had of late where referrals have been put to Wellington and
they have been sent back up to MidCentral Health.” Dr Sprunt said while at one end of the health spectrum it could delay important health needs, for the majority it was just troublesome. “Health boards and hospitals are big animals and if anyone phones up for an appointment or to find out what’s happening, it’s quite difficult to get that sort of information. So it does complicate that when it’s unclear for patient and practitioner where the referral is.” Dr Sprunt says the new memorandum of understanding is to do with secondary health services, that local GPs see in their clinic. “We would have the expectation that our referrals would be seen in six or eight week’s time. There’s a lot discussed online [in social media] about ambulance and acute services. The MoU doesn’t pertain to that.” Kathryn Cook said the MoU signified the positive relationship MidCentral DHB had with Capital & Coast “We will now be working even more closely with Capital & Coast to ensure people in Ōtaki and Te Horo have access to the healthcare they need to live healthy lives in a well community.” n The MoU is on the MidCentral DHB website: tinyurl.com/MoU-Otaki
LIONS FOR WORK: Some of the Lions Club members who helped plant more trees were, from left, Peter Askwith, Glenys Rumsey, Jenny Askwith, David and Josh Rumsey.
Another 1000 trees on riverbank The planting of another 1000 native trees by the Lions Club of Ōtaki and the Friends of the Ōtaki River (Fotor) on July 23 signalled the end of planting for the year. It’s been a busy few months for Fotor, with 7400 trees planted during winter so they’re well established for spring and summer growth. The latest 1000 trees were supplied by Trees That Count, a national organisation co-ordinating funding from several corporate and private funding sources to supply or fund trees for environmental groups. Lions Club president Jenny Askwith says the club was delighted to donate $500 and help with the planting. “It was a wonderful opportunity to be associated with Friends of the Ōtaki River and be part of the extensive planting development.” Fotor already has its 2020 planting programme organised. Supporters for 2020 include the Robertson family, Goodman Contractors, Waiopehu College in Levin, Ōtaki Secure Storage and Trees That Count.
Corporate & Commercial Law Succession Planning Employment Law
Main Highway, Otaki
06 364 7285 Offices in Otaki, Paraparaumu, Foxton and Wellington
www.wakefieldslaw.com | www.simco.co.nz
CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION WITH US! QUARTER ACRE CAFÉ BISTRO 1164 Main Highway, Manakau 06 362 6348 • quarteracrecafe.co.nz
specialist roofing · safety surfaces · epoxy works · joint repairs and sealant pressure grouting · floor toppings & preparation · remedial concrete waterstopping · tanking · FRP application 10 Rimu Street, Otaki 5512 New Zealand Ph +64 (06)3648634 Email: contact@concretedoctor.co.nz Website: www.concretedoctor.co.nz
VEGGIE BOXES
$20 DELIVERED
SH1 MANAKAU, OPEN 7 DAYS, 06 362 6029
NEWS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 8
Welfare ‘engine room’ of RSA About 70 Ōtaki and District RSA members are supported in some way by the RSA’s welfare group, with 30 to 35 people being helped every week. The convenor of the welfare group is Ōtaki RSA member Jean Chamberlain. “Welfare activities include home visits and ‘a chance for a chat’, as well as taking people to visit others or to see an activity, such as the RSA Centenary display at the Ōtaki Museum,” Jean says. “We also support members or their families who just need a helping hand.” Jean says having men in the group allows other men to feel at ease discussing their issues. As the “engine room” of the RSA, the group hears of cases for support through the general membership and from its contacts with rest homes and other support agencies in the area. Requests are often made to the RSA office. Funds come from the Ōtaki RSA Poppy Trust, which has an annual collection before Anzac Day. The funds are kept separately from money for the running of the RSA and club activities. The group is heavily involved with the Poppy Day collection and helps to provide and coordinate collectors. Colin Robertson, who chairs the Poppy Trust, has been president of the RSA and is a veteran. The trust provides a van for transport for welfare-related activities, which include trips for appointments such as legal services, and medical services which are sometimes outside the scope of the local health shuttle operated by St John. People who use the RSA van are expected to make a donation towards the costs.
Good progress on rotunda restoration Good progress is being made on restoration of the rotunda at the old Ōtaki Children’s Health Camp. During the past few weeks , the Department of Conservation has made emergency repairs to weather-proof the rotunda, which despite almost 20 years of neglect is in remarkably good shape. The Friends of the Otaki Rotunda (FOR) has been registered as an incorporated society and granted charities status. This allows FOR to attract donations. A website has also been established with an online facility for membership payments and donations (see otakirotunda.org.nz). The website has already attracted interest from people throughout across New Zealand and around the world. A recent Heritage NZ assessment for DoC of the whole site – land and buildings – concluded that the property had heritage values of architectural, historic and social importance. The report recommended that DoC register on the title a heritage covenant inclusive of the property’s high heritage values, and commission an experienced heritage conservation professional to update the rotunda’s conservation plan. Decisions on the rotunda’s future location and use are still to be worked through.
ADVERTISEMENT P
Regional
HELPING OUT: From left, welfare group convenor Jean Chamberlain, with Ōtaki RSA president Mike Fogarty and patron Margaret Ellis. Photo Clas Chamberlain
ADVERTISEMENT PROOF SHEET
A Christmas lunch is held for the veterans and the widows of veterans at the Ōtaki RSA. “Welfare is such an important, but often unseen, part of the RSA’s activities,” Jean says. “It really does give meaning to our primary purpose – ‘we will remember them’ and their families.” The coverage is from Levin to Paraparaumu, with the common factor being a link to Ōtaki and the Ōtaki RSA or veterans of the Ōtaki area. Many are in rest homes in locations outside of Ōtaki itself. The Ōtaki RSA provides support to veterans and members at funerals. This is led by the club
When in Otaki
president or a member of the executive. Jean’s service to the RSA doesn’t stop with the welfare services, as she is also the secretary to the Ōtaki RSA executive and is often encouraging members to buy raffle tickets, and extolling the excellent value of the prizes, in the club raffles as they come into the clubrooms. Her partner, Tom Mutton, is a member of the executive and is the handyman at the RSA, often seen doing maintenance tasks around the clubrooms. Tom has had a lead role in the planning of the refurbishment of the Ōtaki Services Cemetery and the new memorial entranceway.
Regional New Lay on the beach or learn to surf. Plan a
wedding and get married. Ride a horse or mountain bike. Get into the outdoors and have an adventure. Have a birthday and invite your friends. Eat breakfast at a local café. Wander a weekend market. Put on some waders and catch a fish. Drink too much coffee and go shopping. Visit culturally and historically important places. Get smiled at by friendly locals. Walk the river or tramp the mountains. Fly a kite at the Kite Festival. Go to the horse races and place a bet. Discover the
If you think you can’t afford a spa pool, try us! Sunrans Spas Ōtaki sell affordable spas.
If you try us! afford
If you think you can’t afford a spa pool, try us! Sunrans Spas Otaki sell affordable spas
Come in to our
Come in to our showroom
museum. Watch lavender be harvested. Catch a film at the Māoriland Film Festival. Pick your own plums or peppers. Learn Te Reo Māori. Cycle the Gorge Road. Visit a nature reserve. Take a cooking class.
. . . and then rest!
Sunrans Spas - Otaki - competitively priced spa pools with free delivery from Tawa to Foxton Spas -and Otaki - compet Sunrans Spas also Sunrans service swimming spa pools
with free delivery from T Best price spa pools on the Coast BEST PRICE Sunrans SPA POOLS ON also THE COAST Spas service sw Showroom: 255 Main Highway, Otaki.
06 364 6804 Best price spa pools
www.sunransspaskapiticoast.co.nz
SHOWROOM: 255 Main Highway, Ōtaki Littel Otaki, 42 Dunstan Street For motel reservations: www.littel.nz
Showroom: 255 Main Highway, Otaki www.sunransspaskapiticoast.co.nz
06 364 6804
www.sunransspaskapiticoast.co.nz
OBITUARY I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 9
Community loses ‘extraordinary’ leader By Michael Moore
Ian Futter had a life working in agriculture management. In his retirement, he immersed himself in the Ōtaki community, giving strategic direction in forming the local MenzShed and Amicus (formerly Probus) clubs, and spent 20 years with Lions. He died of pancreatic cancer after a short illness in July, at the age of 75. More than 250 people attended a service at the RSA on July 18 to share their memories of how Ian touched their life, and to celebrate his legacy. Ian met his partner, Pat, while he was at Taratahi Agricultural Training Farm in the Wairarapa. During his long career at Wrightsons, and with Farmlands where he set up new branches across New Zealand, he developed a reputation as a determined and skilled manager of people. “We were great mates,” colleague Jim Bowden recalls, who worked with Ian for 12 years. “We used to share great banter, and in the tone of Captain Mainwaring from Dad’s Army, I would sometimes call him ‘you stupid boy’! The new staff wouldn’t know what to say. However it’s not repeatable what he would call me.” Don Howdan said Ian put his hand up to become the first vice president
ON THE TOOLS: Ian Futter at the Ōtaki MenzShed, where he was the first secretary and later chair. A favourite saying was “if you don’t do it, it won’t get done”. Photo: Simon Neale
of the Ōtaki Lions Club in 2014. “I didn’t know much about Lions and Ian had done this many times before, at various clubs around the country, contributing to his community. He was a huge help in getting things off the ground. Ian always had an opinion and was
not afraid of sharing it, and he was invaluable to us and Lions. His passing leaves a huge hole. Our community has lost an extraordinary person.” In 2014, Ian became the first secretary and was elected chair of the newly formed MenzShed, a role he
filled until a few weeks ago when he became unwell. “Ian’s stewardship of the club was at all times focused on the well-being of the members,” secretary Tony King said. “His leadership was wise and he never lost sight of the MenzShed’s purpose.
“We owe an enormous debt to Ian for his passion and strength. The Shed will continue to follow his example and support our precious community.” Five years ago, local single mother Kaye Simcox, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, put the call out for help with her young son Jayden. “When we were in dire straits, I needed someone for my little guy. Ian became Jayden’s brother, friend and father. They would chat on the phone. “He helped teach him so much, involved him in the MenzShed and taught him lots of guy’s skills. He was our friend. We will both miss him so much.” When Ōtaki photographer Simon Neale captured Ian Futter in 2014, he shared with Simon what it meant growing up. “For us New Zealanders it’s a case of, if you don’t do it, it doesn’t get done. Most people would give building a house a go, building and maintaining. I renovated my whole place, inside and out. I did it all myself. I picked up those skills because I spent two years as a cadet on a farm over the Wairarapa. As part of the farming fraternity, if you didn’t do it, it didn’t get done.” Ian leaves behind his wife, Pat, and sons Chris in Adelaide and Malcolm in Wellington.
Now Open! Shop clearance styles & new season arrivals 180 STATE HWY, OTAKI
TakingShape.com
Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 10
COMMENT GURU’S VIEW: K GURUNATHAN
In the blink of an eye the concrete and asphalt taniwha arrives Like the proverbial tiny mustard seed that contains the potential of a tree, the expression “in the blink of an eye” embraces the extensively debated notion of time. Time is actually an illusion. The past is merely a collection of fading memories held together in the present. The present itself is a state of mind that thinks it’s moving into an unknown called the future. There is a point to this selfindulgent Saturday morning writing. Helped in part by strong black coffee turbocharged with two sugars. At 7am Claire and I had rung Ari, our third-born and a student in Invercargill, to wish him happy 22nd birthday. He was up early and off
on the first day of his new part-time work. “You have to work even on your birthday. Just part of growing up,” he said. In the blink of an eye the child had grown up. Claire and I had moved from Paraparaumu Beach to Ōtaki with Ari, then a college student. In the blink of an eye it’s been four and a half years that we have lived here.
LOCAL LENS: IAN CARSON
People occasionally still ask me what it’s like to live in Otaki. I repeat my favourite response: “You know when you are walking along a street in Paraparumu and the person walking past you catches your eye? You react with a quick lift of your eyebrows and head. Or you do a slight short whip of the head to the left. “Sometimes the movements are accompanied with a ‘gidday’. It’s as Kiwi as you can get. And you just move on along. “Well, in Ōtaki you still get that same body language of acknowledgement, but accompanied with a full sentence asking how you are.
“And it’s not uncommon to have a conversation.” This is the luxury of living in small communities. Where time and the pace of life seemingly moves slower to a stroll. It’s in contrast to that urban living where the city life overloads the mind with the stuff of busyness. In a previous column I have noted that there is a slower, older cultural undercurrent to Ōtaki. An undercurrent alive among those who have lived off this land over many generations. For them you have to have lived here a couple of generations at least to be considered a local. Those memories are in danger of fading. There is a new and growing
creature laying claim to that unknown future. The earth mechanically broken apart to make way for a taniwha of concrete and asphalt that will embrace ye olde Ōtaki closer towards Paraparumu and beyond to Wellington. In the blink of an eye that taniwha will be here. And the memories will fade faster. And in our gentrified neighbourhoods will those who pass by have time for a conversation? Or will it be just the lift of the eyebrows and nod of the head. And maybe, just maybe, a gidday. n K Gurunathan is the Mayor of Kāpiti Coast and is an Ōtaki resident.
FORWARD FOCUS: JAMES COOTES
Looking forward to age Change, opportunities and confidence Ōtaki is the kind of town that has its fair share of oldies. There’s something about the relaxed lifestyle, the (relatively) cheap housing, flat land and wealth of recreational activities. And lots more besides, depending on your preferences if you’re in the age bracket where a Goldcard is a necessary accessory in the wallet or handbag. I’d like to think that one of the benefits of living here as an older person is that you get an element of respect. I have to confess to not liking the phrase “respect your elders”, because it assumes that elders automatically deserve it. Some blatantly don’t. Like people in other age brackets, there can be some distinctly unpleasant elderly people who have undoubtedly gone through life not caring whether they are liked – but expecting respect. My element of respect is to simply reserve judgement, offering politeness and a smile as a first response. Older people deserve that at the least. And a seat on a train, help across the road if needed, and a pleasant word in the street. Having talked in my life of journalism to many old people – and having a mother who is now 96 – I’ve realised that age creeps up silently and catches people unawares. Suddenly the muscles ache and the bones creak more often than before, the quiet night in appeals more than the wild night out, and into bed with your partner becomes a race to be asleep first As a youngster I thought 40 was old, but of course it’s all relative. I realise that I’m now undoubtedly considered by most of the population to be “old”. It hit me years ago when a school kid offered me her seat. “Who, me,” I thought. But yes, it was me, and there are none so blind as those who cannot see what’s in the mirror. Age has its perilous claws on me. But I take solace when I look around Ōtaki and see so many active, caring and community focused older people who are contributing in a way they were never able to when they were younger. They’re making the most of the “now” – to Hell with the future, that will come anyway. I might even be looking forward to it. LETTERS Dear editor: It is ironical that Mayor Guru comments about the importance of rural food producers in the Kāpiti region and asks how we can retain our rural character, when he and his council have done their level best to rate them out of existence. Our increase of 18% last time (compared to 5% district wide) sends a strong signal that we are only of value as cash cows for the rating base and in reality he is only paying lip service to our importance as valuable contributors to our social and economic framework. Too little and too late, Mr Mayor. Kerry Walker, Ōtaki
It’s been about 30 years since the Cootes whānau returned to our birthplace of Ōtaki, a place we now fondly call home. During that time we’ve seen considerable change, but nothing of the scale experienced over the past 18 months. Change is usually scary as it often involves the unknown, and because of that generally people like things left as they are. But sometimes change is inevitable. I’ve always been a fan of supporting our economic contributors – the farmers, engineers, horticulturalists, shop owners, mechanics, dentists – basically anyone who is contributing in some way to our local ecosystem. To be clear I’m not a fan of the “trickle down mentality” because history has shown me it’s more a “dribble down”, but employment provides income, it provides hope, it provides upskilling and it provides opportunity. At last count we had about six empty
shops in the SH1 shopping area. Two others are empty but leased, with plans afoot. It’s always concerning when you see shops leave, but what I have learnt in business is shops come and shops go. With the national economy uncertain at the moment and most economic numbers looking flat, Ōtaki is actually fairing quite well. Hunting and Fishing is constructing a new store next to its existing one and will be doubling its footprint, TS14 clothing is expanding its size and 100% NZ Clothing has moved into Marlan Trading’s shop,
increasing its presence and also housing a distribution centre out back. It doesn’t stop there. We’ve also had the great new Littel Ōtaki open recently. That’s exciting stuff for Ōtaki! To add to that, the Caltex development is now advertising shop leases and the project itself is a multimillion-dollar investment into Ōtaki that will provide a variety of opportunities in its design. An investment of that magnitude will also give confidence to others that Ōtaki is a great place in which to live and do business. Only a few minutes down the road we have our industrial sector that continues to expand with new businesses are popping up, and in Te Horo we have an organic farming community that continues to grow (pun intended). Change may come . . . but change won’t define Ōtaki. We define our town. n James Cootes is the Ōtaki Ward councillor on Kāpiti Coast District Council.
ŌTAKI OUTLOOK: CHRIS PAPPS
Aiming for gold and the perks of getting older I haven’t received my Goldcard yet but it’s not that far off. I’ll get it in a year that ends in a zero! According to the 2013 Census, the last one for which we have any proper results, 25.5 percent of the population of Ōtaki was aged over 65 and women in that group considerably outnumbered men. ( Just as an aside, for those aged under 15, boys significantly outnumbered girls.) Getting a Goldcard has become a sort of “rite of passage”. It entitles you to quite a few “free” things and an even larger number of discounts for stuff which you may, or may not, want. Countdown has a discount Tuesday. Spend $40 or more on a Tuesday, show them your Goldcard and you get 5 percent off. Beaurepaires and Placemakers offer 10 percent off various things at any time. (They’ve optimised their websites. Type
Goldcard into Google and see who comes up first.) When I get my Goldcard I’m heading for Riverstone Cafe in Ōtaki where they give you 10 percent off everything Monday to Friday. Which probably explains the numbers of us “olds” you see in there on a weekday! And we all know it’s possible to have a free ride on a bus or train at various times. We also know that Aucklanders get a better deal than those of us in the Wellington
region where the “free” train or bus ride is only between 9am and 3pm. What getting your Goldcard really means is that you start to receive the pension. Given the Census figure of 25.5 percent of Ōtaki residents being over 65, there’s a heckuva lot of people in our area who rely, more or less, on their pensions, their savings and any investments to keep them afloat. A lot of people over 65 still work and earn incomes one way or another, and continue to contribute their knowledge and experience. And a very large number of socalled “retirees” volunteer and do things for the community. Ōtaki, and Kāpiti, would be far poorer in many ways if it wasn’t for our volunteers and our older workers passing on their knowledge and contributing their time. n Chris Papps is chair of the Ōtaki Community Board.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: If you have something to say, write to us. Please include your full name, address and contact phone number. Only letters that include these details will be published, unless there is good reason to withhold a name. Maximum 200 words. Note your letter may be edited for grammar and accuracy. Not all letters received will be published and the publisher reserves the right to reject any letter. Write to Ōtaki Today, 13 Te Manuao Rd, Ōtaki or email letters@idmedia.co.nz
WHY I LOVE ŌTAKI I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 11
Second-home Ōtaki always a part of me By Emily Int-Veen
I have lived in Ōtaki for a year and a half now, having first arrived here as an exchange student from Germany. Over time, I have come to call Ōtaki my home, my new and equally important home to Hannover, Germany. Home, for me, is where I have my family, friends and things that are important to me. This would then fit not only Ōtaki, but also Hannover, Winchester (England) and Mörbylanga (Sweden). Many places are important to me across the globe, and this place has become one of them. Having grown up in a big town, with a family spread across several countries, the tight community feeling of Ōtaki is a welcome change. Everyone knows each other, and is friendly towards each other and especially strangers. I enjoy the close community feeling and support here. Going to New World, for example, you can meet and have a short, friendly conversation with people, whether you know them or not. It can make you feel acknowledged. Ōtaki is a small town, but still it has a fully equipped indoor swimming pool, a reasonably large library, six schools, a leading Māori university. It’s one of the only places that has full education available in te reo Māori from preschool to tertiary. It has a successful surf lifesaving club, there are two successful rugby clubs – Rāhui and Whiti Te Rā – the Ōtaki College football and netball teams are successful across the Wellington region, and waka ama crews have even made it far internationally. A very positive difference to my experience of growing up in Germany, is that people here are more open and friendly. There’s less judgement and “uptightness”. People seem more able to be and accept themselves and there is less prejudice. Typically, people can freely express their personality, style, sexuality and interests. Most people I have known in Ōtaki are very open about themselves and towards others. They generally have a lot of self-confidence, which tends to make others feel more comfortable. At school, people give each other compliments, whether they are friends or not, to make someone else’s day nicer. Walking around Ōtaki: wear what you want! You don’t need branded clothes to be “cool” or look nice. You can wear gumboots and a shirt from The Warehouse and no one cares. This is very different to my experiences at school in Germany, where you are accepted and liked for what is on the outside, not the inside. Reserving
Photo: Simon Neale
judgement until you have a conversation is the way to go; not judging someone based only on their appearance. I have noticed that during my time in Ōtaki, I have personally become less judgemental and more open. I have also become more confident in myself. Confidence seems to have a sort of “butterfly effect”; the confidence of one carries over to the surrounding people. I’m not sure why people in Ōtaki seem to act more confidently than in Germany, but it has a very positive effect on the community. Maybe it’s the different upbringing and schooling. At Ōtaki College, unfortunately there’s not as much focus on higher education as in German schools, for example. However, mental wellbeing weeks, leadership programmes and other courses put a big focus on how we treat others. To conclude, I would like to say what a great little town Ōtaki is. In terms of culture it’s right at the forefront, with a fully bicultural and bilingual society. This community gives young people of any background a means of shaping the future. The people of Ōtaki are open, friendly, confident, diverse people, all with their own story. They have welcomed me and made me feel part of this close community. Ōtaki has become my second home and always will be a part of me. n Emily is one of Ōtaki College’s international students.
“ This community gives young people of any background a
means of shaping the future. The people of Ōtaki are open, friendly, confident, diverse people, all with their own story. They have welcomed me and made me feel part of this close – Emily Int-Veen community.
”
Hall of Fame nominations The XŌtaki College Alumni Trust is seeking nominations for its Hall of Fame. The inaugural Hall of Fame in 2018 recognised former students David Pritchard and Chris Parkin. The Hall of Fame acknowledges former students who have achieved locally, nationally or internationally – and have contributed to Ōtaki College in some way. The next event will be in 2020. For more information or to nominate someone, go to xotaki.org.nz and fill in the nomination form.
OPEN 7 DAYS FREE local delivery 06 364 8389 Titoki Street, Ōtaki 5512
www.hammerhardware.co.nz
Nau mai, haere mai, welcome to
OTAKI MONTESSORI PRE-SCHOOL
Haruatai Park, 200 Mill Rd. 06 364 7500 • www.otakimontessori.co.nz • The weather may have been miserable, but we have not let it slow us down. The Tui room tamariki and Kaiako, with the support of the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), have adopted an area at Hauratai Park bush. Every Monday you will find them at their ‘patch’ clearing away weeds and other nasties that are taking over what was once a beautiful area of native bush. The GWRC provided gloves for both adults and children, big bags to collect the weeds in, and a collection of tools to help with the tasks. Everyone looks forward to getting stuck in, and after the hard work there is morning tea
and a swing under the old pohutakawa tree. The children get great satisfaction from their work and take pride in their efforts. Lots of learning happens in the bush, as well as lots of good old-fashioned exercise. Otaki Library ran an amazing holiday programme – thanks Otaki Library! We went to Te Rereka by acclaimed puppetry group Toro Pikopiko – the Maori rock-art puppets were amazing! It was quite a walk for some of the tamariki but they took it in their stride and saw lots on the way. So many trucks were on the road that morning. You will see more of us out and about in
the future as we explore our wonderful town look out for our orange vests! Matariki was celebrated at Otaki Montessori with a family breakfast. There were crockpots of porridge, homemade stewed fruit, Weet-Bix, cheese on toast and a hot drink – it was a chilly morning! The children then performed Matariki songs for their whanau. It was a lovely way to start the day, and a huge thank you to the families who supported us, it is truly appreciated. As part of our Matariki celebration each classroom has also planted some veggies ready for spring. Thanks, Coastal Landscaping, for the garden soil.
The classrooms are looking fantastic, the children have been very busy creating interesting art work to brighten up their environments. Tui room baked a tasty cake and some scones to share with their friends, and Kereru room have added some awesome tie-dyed light covers to their room. So much more restful for our 2-year-old tamariki! There are still a few spaces for 2-year-old learners at Otaki Montessori this term ... we’d love to see you!
Whether you’re looking for a bespoke home or want to start with one of our customisable plans for your site, find out what makes Lockwood an ecosmart choice. Designed for New Zealand since 1951 and built to last.
od
r go
d fo
igne
Des
Call your local Lockwood experts today to receive a free copy of The Art of Lockwood, 36 pages of breathtaking inspiration for your new build.
Phone 04 233 8018 | 0508 562 596 | tuohyhomes.co.nz New show home under construction now! 35 Ulric St Plimmerton.
COMMENT I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 13
Enough Ōtaki connections to weave a rope I got all inspired after my cousin’s 21st the knowing that if we ever need it to pull on, kōrero a few weeks back. She talked about there’s enough there to weave a rope. some of her mates leaving Ōtaki because I had a car crash when I was 21 and spent they felt there was nothing for them here, a few months back home in a wheelchair and but she feels like she has everything she hospital bed. My body was broken, but I felt needs and her heart is full. whole in ways I hadn’t for a while. “Nothing better than growing Mindfulness is a buzzword right GOOD THINKING up in Otaki,” she reckons. Āe. now, but it’s really as simple as Ahakoa kua haere au i Tebeing present to appreciate the Whanganui-a-tara – even though moments. I heard someone say I moved to Wellington, I’ve when they noticed the things that always felt lucky that I can come were good in their life, they would home to this place, my whānau, voice that appreciation: “This is my whanaunga, whenever I like. nice.” The words forced a reminder I know that’s different to living to them to appreciate the moment. in Wellington, but in some ways Try that next time you see the it’s probably easier. There are sun setting over the pines out the PERA BARRETT downsides, risks and challenges beach, or you’re sitting down with to Ōtaki, just as everywhere else. whānau, listening to that song But our Friday night dinner and whānau you’ve loved forever, or even just heading to time in Dunstan Street are my favourite hours the shops knowing you’ll probably bump into of the week. We bring Huhana and Kāhu back someone you know. to the house I grew up in, they sleep in the Take that moment and appreciate it, be same room Manaaki and I shared. We wake present and tell yourself: “Isn’t this nice.” up to kōrero and eat with Mum, Dad and my Because when you’re away from home and aunty, in the same kitchen they did when they those connections that weave together to lived here with my Nana Piki. make a home, you’ll probably miss it. People say you don’t know what you’ve But it’s easy to take it for granted when got till it’s gone. I think that’s true of home, you’re there inside the moment. I’m writing kāinga. When you’re there, in the mundane this in the last bit of afternoon sun – it’s day-to-day, it’s easy to forget what makes it not summer, kei te makariri te hau, the special. Wellington wind is cold. But it’s Sunday, my But for lots of us Ōtaki ex-pats who move family are here, and it’s nice, isn’t it? even just 40 minutes down the road, we miss n Pera Barrett is a rap singer, story writer and Shoebox those same things that make up the day-toChristmas freedom fighter. He is the 2019 Kiwibank New day. The beach, the river, the people. And Zealand Local Hero of the Year for his work providing then the things you can’t even see, the strands Christmas gifts to children in low decile schools. He was born and grew up in Ōtaki. connecting each of us in different ways, and
Whitebaiters at the Ōtaki rivermouth, by Jodi Ricci (Higgott).
Whitebait season begins Local whitebaiters will be keen to see if there’s an improvement after a poor season last year. The 2019 season is from August 15 (September 1 on the South Island’s West Coast) and ends on November 30. It will be whitebaiting as usual in Ōtaki, but changes might be on the way. The Department of Conservation recently completed a survey around the country that showed people wanted something done soon to help make the whitebait fishery more sustainable. The survey supported better management of whitebait. Options for improvement include include temporary or permanent closure of some rivers, adjusting the timing of the fishing season, introducing catch limits, and restricting fishing gear. DoC is now preparing a discussion document with proposals for the Minister of Conservation and Government to consider. Meantime, whitebaiters can help to maintain the fishery by keeping their catch small – take only what you need – and releasing species that are not whitebait.
Te Whare Rapuara o Horowhenua
MEET HLC’S NEW TOURISM TUTOR
INTRODUCING KIM TASKER
Now based in Kapiti, Kim Tasker comes to us after spending the last 10 years working overseas in the tourism industry. We sat down with Kim to have a chat. Kim was born in Whangarei and her Iwi is Tainui, her Hapu is Ngati Tipa. Kim and her family – husband Zac Rikihana Hyland and young son – have had a fascinating life so far. Kim and Zac went on their OE to Indonesia, Thailand, India and London. While based in London over winter, they applied for positions at a Wellness Surf retreat company based out of Morocco. Zac and Kim started at the lower end of the tier, and soon worked their way up to become bespoke hosts for high end clients. Their roles meant organising everything for their clients, from travel to yoga. After Morocco they entered the Super Yacht industry, which took them to Rhode Island, USA. While in the US, they spent a summer on Martha’s Vineyard - working privately for prominent US families. Kim is a qualified Yoga Instructor and Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Zac has a hospitality and surfing background. He grew up in the hospitality industry through his parents and also became an advanced surf lifesaver, trained in dive rescue, and is an avid surfer and ocean man. Their individual expertise blended well with a newly evolving tourism industry, and set them up for what would become eight years of working in high end Surf and Wellness resorts in Nicaragua, Central America. Through these roles, Kim has
(0800) 368 1095 www.hlc.ac.nz
hosted many famous actors, prosurfers and pro-golfers. In addition, Kim and Zac ran the Oakley surf shop challenge – a week long surf competition. Due to the impact on tourism the Nicaraguan political crisis of April 2018 took, they felt it was best to leave Nicaragua. Relocating to Indonesia, they took a resort management position, but this was short lived, as they felt the remote island of Morotai was not the right fit for them. This led them home to New Zealand. Over the last four months Kim has been settling back into Kiwi life. Kim believes in empowering and encouraging others to find their way in life. She does this as a teacher of yoga and is also excited about getting into the classroom and sharing her knowledge as the tourism tutor at HLC. Kim sees New Zealand’s beautiful landscape, rich culture and friendly people as the perfect combination that puts New Zealand tourism at the forefront, both locally and globally. To her tourism is more than sightseeing, but an opportunity to connect to ourselves and our relationship to the world around us, knowing we are all interconnected, and our country is one to be proud of, protected and shared. There is still time to join Kim and HLC for the NZ Certificate in Tourism (Tourism and Travel) Level 3 programme. Book your interview now. Places are limited. Course based in Coastlands. Ask about transport.
EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT
Page 14
Ōtaki Today, August 2019
IN THE GARDEN THE EDIBLE GARDEN
I’m Kath Irvine. I’ve been growing all the vegetables to feed my family of six for 20 good years. Spray-free, natural, low-input food gardens are my thing. I believe in smart design – it saves time, and money, and the planet, and makes a garden hum. I recycle, reuse and forage, and use as little plastic as possible. I believe in a daily serve of freshly picked organic greens for a happy mind and strong body, and it’s my dream that every New Zealander has this. So I aim to provide the best organic gardening advice through my articles, writing books, workshops and garden consultations.
KATH IRVINE
Get the soil right for planting and sowing in August
Tomato and basil seedlings
Miners lettuce
THE SOAP BOX KLEEN-AWAY 2.3 litre bottle and refill only
$35 • Moss, mould, lichen and algae remover. • Non-toxic, non-bleach. • Covers 700 square metres. • Easy to use. EQUIVALENT TO WELL-KNOWN BRANDS AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE!
62 Riverbank Road Otaki 364 5767 orders@dowco.co.nz
OPEN
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm Friday 9am-3pm
The last month of winter is when the water table starts to bite. If you’re on heavy clay, chances are the soil in your veggie patch is soggy and squelchy. In this condition it’s best left alone – plant into pots or boxes instead. But take heart. With a bit of effort and patience you can turn your soil around. Sow green manure crops before planting any heavy feeders, add a fine layer of compost before each crop, keep your soil covered with mulch and follow a crop rotation so as not to overburden your soil. It took me about four years before I was able to work my Ōhau garden at this time of year. Loam wasn’t built in a day! Here’s what I can plant in my Levin garden, given that my soil is easily workable and sitting at a cool 10 degrees. DIRECT SOW OUTSIDE: Peas, snow peas, broad beans, mustard, lupin or phacelia greencrop, miners lettuce, corn salad, spinach, radish, kohlrabi, parsnip, rocket and spring onions. DIRECT SOW UNDER COVER: Coriander, saladings and beetroot.
TRAY SOW: Broccoli, cabbage, lettuces, onions. PLANT OUTSIDE: Asparagus, globe artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, onions, shallots, spring onions, perpetual beet, silverbeet and rhubarb. Strawberries can go in now, but May really is the best time! PLANT UNDER COVER: Sprouted potatoes and lettuce. GOOD COMPANIONS: Direct sow heaps of companion flowers such as calendula, cornflower, borage, stocks, larkspur, love in the mist, poppies and heartsease. Plant out herbs and perennials to build your beneficial insect fodder and habitat. Lupin greencrops sown this month will flower and be ready to cut down come October, making them a perfectly timed precursor to mid-spring plantings of heavy feeders. Think corn, tomatoes and squash! Set seed potatoes in egg cartons and get them sprouting so they’re ready to plant this month or next for Christmas potatoes. LOTS OF ONIONS IN A SMALL SPACE You can get three times as many onions by planting three onions together in one hole. The onions pop up sideways as they grow and fill the space nicely. They seem happier this way. Onions are so flimsy for so long, I feel they’re happier tucked up with their mates, rather than flailing about on their own. Trim the roots and tops before planting for plumper bulbs and plant at 20cm spacings. Best value onion seedlings are at Watson’s Garden centre – the trays are jam packed! WHEN TO START TOMATOES Tomatoes, peppers and aubergines are ready to transplant 6-8 weeks after sowing. If you have a greenhouse or live in the winterless north then you can get on the job this month. At this cold time of year you need a heat pad, hot water cupboard or hotbox to get the soil in your seed-raising flats to 20 degrees. Without a greenhouse or warm nights I Plant three onions in one hole suggest you wait a bit longer. I like my soil to be 18 degrees and the nights temps to be at least 13 degrees when I transplant. Summer crops flourish in summery weather. Forced to contend with cold nights, chilly mornings and heavy soil, heat lovers stumble, trip and flop. With so many cool things to sow and plant right now, there’s no need to force it. Fully grown onions after planting in the one hole
HEALTH I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 15
A brief history of the art of soap making Local scientist Dr Steve Humphries of Hebe Botanicals looks at the history of soap making. Part 1. To recognise 20 years of making soap here at Hebe Botanicals in Ōtaki, I thought it would be good to look at the history and development of soap making. No one knows who first discovered how to make soap, but the first evidence dates back to ancient Babylon about 2700BC. Clay cylinders containing a soap-like material were found inscribed with instructions to boil animal fat with wood ash (the ash providing the alkali required to make the soap). The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical document from 1500BC, describes the use of soap for washing and for treating skin diseases. Soap manufacture became widespread, with the Mesopotamians, ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Celts and Romans all making soap. The soapmaking procedure was universal: put wood ash in a pot and extract it with water to get the alkaline potassium carbonate (suitably named, potash). The potash would then be boiled with fats or oils to make soap. There were two problems with using potassium carbonate to make soap. First, it is a weak alkali so the soap had to be boiled for days to complete the reaction. – and up to the 19th century soap manufacturers were called “soap boilers”. Secondly, potassium makes a soft soap. Today we use it to make liquid soap. Sodium was needed to make a hard bar soap. The early soap makers had a couple of tricks to make sodium-based soaps. Some made a soft potassium soap from potash and then added salt (sodium chloride) to make a harder sodium-potassium soap. But salt was extremely expensive so this would be done only for the most valuable soaps.
The Spanish burned the salsola plant, which was rich in sodium, to make soda ash (sodium carbonate). This alkali could then be used to make a harder sodium soap, and indeed it contributed to the fame of the region’s olive oil (Castile) soap. With the fall of the Roman Empire about 400AD there was a decline in bathing and the use of soap throughout most of Europe. It is thought that the general lack of hygiene and sanitation contributed to the Black Death plagues of the time. Historians had described this as the Dark Ages where Europe went “a thousand years without a bath”. Historians now provide a more balanced perspective, pointing out that soap making did continue through this time in Europe
and England, though the often crudely made animal-fat soaps could be a bit wiffy! Things were different in the Middle East, with superb olive oil soaps being made in the soap centres of Aleppo in Syria and Nablus in Palestine (where olive oil soap is made to this day). One of the many accomplishments of the Islamic Golden Age was the discovery that mixing lime with soda ash produces sodium hydroxide (caustic soda or lye). This strong
hydroxide meant soap alkali reduced soap boiling times HEALTH SCIENCE from days to hours, and drove the manufacturers now had pure soap-making reaction more to starting materials. completion, making a much purer The industrial revolution led to bar of soap. The Crusaders brought large-scale soap production with the highly prized Aleppo soap, three-storey-high kettle boilers and the recipes to make it, back to holding up to 150 tonnes of soap Europe and England. at a time. By the 12th century soap-making And the demand for soap was centres were well established in increasing with the growing Italy, France, Spain and England. appreciation that good personal DR STEVE HUMPHRIES hygiene could reduce disease. Highly secretive soap-making guilds closely guarded their recipes Soap was no longer just a luxury, and production techniques, while introducing it had become a necessity. fragranced soaps and specialised soaps for In 19th century England mass-produced soap bathing, shampooing and shaving. Though soap was made into long bars which were delivered use was nothing like it is today. to retailers, who would then cut off blocks of It was reported that Tudor Queen Elizabeth soap for customers as required. Those soap bars took a bath every four weeks “whether it was are long gone, but we still go to the supermarket necessary or not” (and reputedly with an olive to get our “bar of soap”. oil soap from Nablus). In England and Europe By the early 1900s soap production was one a heavy tax was placed on soap, so it remained a of the fastest growing industries in England, luxury item only the rich could afford. Europe and America. This was accompanied In the American colonies in the 1600s, before by the development of mass marketing, brand factory production was established, soap making creation and corporate sponsorship. Popular was a household chore. And something of an radio dramas of the day were so heavily inexact art. The strength of lye water was sponsored by soap companies that a new term determined by how an egg floated in it, or how was coined – “soap operas”. quickly a goose feather dissolved in it! The advertising money was well spent and One Pennsylvanian recipe advised that the soap sales boomed. Those early soap companies hog fat and lye in the soap kettle be stirred with are amongs the most powerful multinationals a sassafras stick, and in one direction only! today. For example, in 1885 two brothers, Soap was often harsh, jelly-like and smelly. William and James Lever, formed Lever But things were about to change, a revolution Brothers (Sunlight Soap). It is today Unilever in soap making was coming. In 1811, French – with more than 400 brands world-wide chemist Michel Chevreul worked out the including Dove, Lynx, Persil, Lux, Rexona, chemistry of soap making. No longer would TRESemme, Sunsilk, Surf, Lipton, PG Tips, soap making be a hit-and-miss procedure, it Magnum, Cornetto and Walls. became a precise science. The industrial production of sodium carbonate (washing soda) and sodium
Next month I will complete the history of soap making and look at the soap we use today.
Your heart – a pumping good love story What is the most important organ in so that carbon dioxide can be dropped your body? off and oxygen picked up. This happens Well that depends on which health, through a passive process called diffusion. medical and fitness professional you ask. The left side collects oxygenated blood I’m an exercise professional, and for me from the lungs into the left atrium. the heart is the most important organ. From the left atrium the blood moves Why? Because it’s your to the left ventricle, which pumps GETTING FIT it out to the body. On both sides, fuel pump. the lower ventricles are thicker and Your heart is a hollow, stronger than the upper atria. muscular organ that The muscle wall surrounding the pumps blood through left ventricle is thicker than the wall the blood vessels by surrounding the right ventricle due repeated, rhythmic to the higher force needed to pump contractions. It’s made the blood through the systemic up of cardiac muscle, circulation. an involuntary muscle tissue found only in this Now that you know how your organ. DANIEL DUXFIELD heart works, how do you make it The heart is stronger? responsible for supplying your muscles Simple: through cardiovascular-focused and organs with fuel – that fuel being exercise, in fact through any exercise. glucose and oxygen. The more efficiently Most people understand “cardio exercise” it pumps the more effective your fuel as anything involving running or jogging, supply – your cardiovascular system – can using equipment such as cross-trainers, operate. If you’re a mechanically minded treadmills and rowers, or body weight person you’ll understand this concept. exercises conducted at high intensity. Which is all true. The heart being made If your fuel system operates properly, your engine can operate at peak efficiency, but if up of muscle fibers can be exercised and made stronger through that exercise. it doesn’t, that’s going to hold you back. Just like other muscle fibers, when you The function of the right side of the heart is to collect deoxygenated blood, in regularly overload the fiber bundles, the the right atrium, from the body and pump nervous system will instruct the muscle to it, via the right ventricle, into the lungs grow more fibers, thus making the muscle
stronger. What happens as your heart gets stronger is that the stroke volume increases and the heart beats less often. Which means that with each pumping contraction it pumps more blood – fuel – to the muscles and organs. Because it pumps more fuel, it doesn’t need to pump as often as it did before. I liken this to the engine capacity and power output of a lawnmower engine verses a truck engine. The basic concept is the same. This is why heart heath is so important, especially as we get older. And this goes towards giving you a healthy heart. Which is why fitter people have a lower resting heart rate. A few columns ago, I talked about a study I read which said people with healthier hearts lived longer. So if you want to live longer and make retirement better, get your heart into great 186 Mill Road Ōtaki shape with some exercise. Monday – Friday n Daniel Duxfield is an exercise professional who operates DuxFit Functional Fitness from a private studio in Ōtaki. Contact 022 1099 442 or danielduxfield@gmail.com and see https://www.facebook.com/duxfitfunctionalfitness/
ŌTAKI COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
06 364 6367
We use a touch of science to enhance nature's bounty, creating products goodMADE for both HERE you andIN theŌTAKI. planet. Phyto-cannabinoid Come and visit our factory to see our range of serum beauty for and health products, made right here and in Otaki. arthritis neuropathic pain.
See our website for the amazing customer feedback on this INSECT REPELLENT product. The only natural repellent approved Come and visit our outlet shop for complete protection against the to see our range of beauty and zika virus. health products, made right here 8 HOURS PROTECTION Ōtaki. DEETin FREE!! Get sorted for summer with
34 Riverbank Road, Otaki • 06 364 6690 fb.com/hebebotanicals www.hebebotanicals.co.nz
Ōtaki Women’s Health Centre • Cervical screening clinics • Counselling • Health information
n n n n n n
Mid-Central DHB • Alcohol and other drugs service • Child, adolescent and family mental health • Health service (CAFS) • Adult mental health
Yoga: Tuesday nights, Thurday mornings Bloom Hearing Ann-Marie Stapp, Social Work Practioner Narcotics Anonymous Dr Olivia Notter, Registered Psychologist Facial and Skin Therapy by Gloria Razos
n Ōtaki MenzShed
Large room available for casual hourly/daily hire For information on services phone Janet or Michelle on 364 6367
Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 16
ARTS ICONIC ŌTAKI
PIC OF THE MONTH: Do you have a great photo at or around Ōtaki? Email us your pics for possible publication to: otakiphotos@idmedia.co.nz
Kāpiti Chorale celebrates spring A brilliant classical concert of Bach's Cantata 34, Mozart's Exsultate and Ave Verum, and the wonderful but lesser known Haydn Mass 13, will be presented in St Paul's Church, Kapiti Rd on Sunday 1st September. The community choir, the largest in the Kapiti area, is accompanied by an orchestral ensemble under leader Mary Taylor, and 4 excellent soloists under the direction of Music Director, Eric Sidoti. Otaki tickets are available from United Video, Main St Otaki.
The magnificent lake at Chrystalls Bend on the north bank of the Ōtaki River.
Otaki
STREET SCENE
your local visitor publication
Kapiti Chorale Baroque
to Classical
with director Eric Sidoti and orchestra
• HAYDN Mass 13: .. Schopfungsmesse • JS BACH Cantata 34 • MOZART Exsultate, Jubilate Barbara Paterson (soprano) Jamie Young (tenor) Linden Loader (alto) Joseph Haddow (bass) Sunday September 1, 3pm St Paul’s Church, Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu TICKETS: Paraparaumu Beach Moby Dickens’ Books Raumati Beach Mac’s Collectables Waikanae The Bookshelf Direct from Chorale 04 293 4092 or
tickets@kapitichorale.org.nz PRICES:
• $30 each • $55 for two
• $10 students • Under 5 free
PHOTO: Jenny Askwith
RIGHT: Music director Eric Sidoti.
Monkey business at winter music fest The Bush Faced Munkeyz (at right) are bringing their own brand of rock to Rock the Gardens at Ōtaki’s Memorial Park on Saturday (August 17). The free family event is part of the Purebread Kāpiti Winter Music Festival 2019, a local celebration of live music. It starts at 10.30am and runs until 3pm. The Bush Faced Munkeyz are a Wellington/Kāpiti band and will entertain for an hour from noon. They will play both originals and covers with a “mellow rocky mix”. Their performances have been described as “fun”. Opening the show at 10.30am will be Jah Boyz, an amalgamation of musicians from Under the Sun and Tomorrow People.
They play a unique style of popular soulful reggae, funk, and New Zealand music. They feature lead vocalist Snow Chase, and locally famous keyboardist a multi-instrumentalist Digi Aotearoa/D Māori Maestro (Antz). The local group
has acquired a huge following not only on the Coast but nationally. Kāpiti three-piece band Rockface performs at 1pm after reuniting from decades of performances around the country. The self-confessed “old
GOT A GOOD ARTS STORY?
buggers” will show how traditional rock music was made back in the day. Tim L Brown’s trio, The Caramellow’s Unplugged, will be the final performance at 2pm. The band comprises quality professional musicians, gaining a huge district-wide following. They’re known for their expertise in rock and blues. Music goers are urged to bring a picnic and blanket, and enjoy 41/2 hours of live rock, blues, soul, reggae and funk. The event is on regardless of the weather, but if the weather turns bad, the performers will present their programme at The Tele Hotel. n For more information, contact: event organiser Chris Craddock on 027 410 2420.
Call us on 06 364-6543 Email ian@idmedia.co.nz Go to otakitoday.com and click the Contact link
Be bold and uniquely you Use an image of your choice. Then cover a wall, or large interior or exterior surface. BIG IMAGE has its headquarters on the Kapiti Coast.
bigimage.co.nz
ARTS I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 17
Trail opens doors to world of local art The artists of the Kāpiti Coast multitude of studios, galleries and are getting ready to unveil the larger hubs across the district. results of months – in some Copies of the guide can be cases, years – of hard work in a picked up from libraries and service riot of late spring creativity and centres throughout the Kāpiti colour for the Kāpiti Arts Trail. district, or can be found on the During two weekends council website (kapiticoast.govt. (November 2-3 and 9-10), the nz/artstrail) so it’s easy to choose trail will snake its way through the which artists to spend time with Coast’s towns, from Paekākāriki, and get a first-hand look into the Raumati and Paraparaumu to artists’ creative world. Waikanae, Te Horo and Ōtaki. Art-lovers can expect to see a The trail offers visitors the huge range of artistic expression, opportunity to be part of the from the well-known artistic media artists’ live creative process, and to and styles to more unusual and view and buy original local art. sometimes edgy artforms. Visitors can also experience The Kāpiti Arts Trail includes for themselves the natural painting in oils, acrylic, and environment that inspires so many watercolour, ceramics, sculpture in of the Coast’s artists. wood, Oamaru stone, metal, and found/recycled materials, encaustic This year, 16 artists and galleries TANIWHA: Artworks such as Te Whare Toi o Hori’s Water Taniwha will be part of the Kāpiti Arts Trail in early painting, photography, all kinds from Ōtaki, Te Horo, and Peka of jewellery, fibre art, ceramics, Peka feature in the arts trail. Well- November. printmaking, glasswork, tattoo, and known returning artists include More recent participants are Te Whare mural art, from well-established artists to Sonia Savage, Rod Graham, Jennifer Turnbull, Paula Archibald, Margaret Hunt, Toi o Hori Gallery at the highway shops in those newly making waves in the art world. Ōtaki and Lorna Tawhiti (May15 Tattoo) The Kāpiti Arts Trail has been managed and Mike and Judi Page at Summerstone at the beach. An old hand on the Arts by Kāpiti Coast District Council alongside Ceramics. Trail but new to Ōtaki is Artel Gallery, just the art community for the past 18 years. Opening their doors again are Rachel along from Hori. Pfeffer, Rosemary Mortimer, and Kim n For more information, see kapiticoast.govt.nz/ The Kāpiti Arts Guide, with more than Kobialko (Studio Reset) in Te Horo/ artstrail, and follow on Facebook (tagline #lovekapitiarts) and Instagram pages for up-to-date Hautere; and Brent Craig (Awatea Pottery) 100 listings representing a host of artists, news and artist profiles. helps visitors map their way through a and the Augustin Gallery in Peka Peka.
022 528 0394
snphotographer.co.nz
The Levansa Trio, from left, Andrew Beer (violin), Sarah Watkins (piano) and Lev Sivkov (cello).
Top trio at Waikanae The Levansa Trio – young Russian cellist Lev Sivkov, pianist Sarah Watkins and violinist Andrew Beer, – are performing in Waikanae on Sunday (August 18). Lev is a rising star on the international music stage and has won several international cello competitions. He is currently principal cellist with Philharmonia Zurich. Sarah has been described as “a national treasure”, spent many years as pianist of the NZTrio and is highly sought after as a collaborative pianist, recording artist, and ensemble musician. Violinist Andrew Beer, born in Canada, is currently concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and has been described as a “musical gift” by the New York Times. The trio will play works by Debussy, Sonata for Violin and Piano; Grieg, Andante for Piano Trio; Myaskovsky, Cello Sonata No 2; and Beethoven’s mighty Archduke Trio. The concert, organised by the Waikanae Music Society, is at 2.30pm in the Waikanae Memorial Hall. n See waikanaemusic.org.nz for details
HISTORY I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 18
Anzac Prim’s voice lives on in Ngā Taonga recording By David Klein, Ngā Taonga
The Anzac Sight Sound website (anzacsightsound.org) tells the story of the New Zealand and Australian experience of the First World War through archive film clips and later sound recordings by veteran soldiers and civilians. One of the people you can listen to recollecting the war is a decorated son of Ōtaki – Captain Pirimi Tahiwi. Pirimi (Prim) Tahiwi (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maiōtaki and Te Arawa) was born in Ōtaki on September 16, 1890. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the Territorial Force. Four years later he would head to the Great War as a member of the Māori Contingent of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Rising through the ranks, Prim was promoted to captain in April 1915. In a recording made in 1968, he describes his experience at Gallipoli during the First World War. One night in August 1915, he and Captain Roger Dansey (who was the subject of the documentary Shovels & Guns) led a charge of five men on the Sari Bair range above Anzac Cove. To stick together in the dark they chanted Ka Mate, the famous haka of Te Rauparaha. This, of course, also “put the fear of God into [the Turks],” Prim says, “and cleared the trenches for us”. One newspaper report at the time claimed that “The Turkish soldiers thought that Satan
was opening up the gates of hell. . . .” when they heard Ka Mate ringing out. There was no need to use the bayonet, as the Turkish troops fled for their lives. The day after this famous charge, however, Prim was shot in the neck and sent to England to convalesce. Fortunately, he recovered well and went on to help train young troops and fought on the Western Front. (Listen to the recording online at bit.ly/tahiwi.) Prim returned to New Zealand in 1919 and took an active role in life and Māoritanga in the Horowhenua. He became a member of the Ōtaki Surf Life Saving Club, the Ōtaki Choral Society and the Ōtaki Māori Brass Band. He served on the Raukawa Māori Council and later was chairman of the Ngāti Pōneke Tribal Committee. Active on the sports field too, he played rugby for Horowhenua and the New Zealand Māori. In 1965, Prim travelled to Gallipoli to mark the 50th anniversary of the landings. As the sole surviving member of the Māori Contingent, he placed a pounamu mere on the memorial at Chunuk Bair. He died in 1969 and lies in the Rangiātea Church Cemetery in Ōtaki. The Gallipoli adventure of Captain Tahiwi
Ōtaki Gallipoli veteran Pirimi Tahiwi, whose voice can be heard in the Ngā Taonga archives. Photo courtesy of National Army Museum
collaboration between Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. It was launched in 2015 to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings. The final upload of archival material coincided with the centenary of the Treaty of Versailles in June. The theme for the latest new content is peace and the return home and includes footage of Anzac Day parades in New Zealand in 1919, 1921 and 1929. Other exciting new audiovisual gems include: • The return of the Māori Pioneer Contingent aboard the SS Westmoreland – the only New Zealand battalion to return together as a whole group. Captain Tahiwi was one of the 1033 personnel on board. • Footage of New Zealand troops at the Palace of Versailles, in France, shortly after the end of the war. • Film showing the unveiling of New Zealand memorials in Belgium in 1924. • Soldiers recollecting their rather strong feelings when they found out about the prohibition of alcohol referendum and six o’clock closing, on their return to New Zealand. Explore this rich resource for family historians, schools and all those interested in New Zealand history online at anzacsightsound.org.
is just one of more than 250 unique film and sound recordings on the Anzac Sight Sound website. The website is the result of a five-year
n The Sound Archives that Ngā Taonga cares for contain an enormous number of recordings that capture New Zealand life. They can be explored in the online catalogue at www. ngataonga.org.nz
Epidemics, land acts and a railway bring more settlers Historian REX KERR continues his series plotting the history of Ōtaki and its people. This is part 8. Three quite different events were to have a big effect on Ōtaki in the latter half of the 19th century. Before the 1860s and the combined effect of these separate events, Ōtaki, and indeed the Horowhenua, was not attractive to settlers. The area had poor communications and Ngāti Raukawa were not prepared to sell their land. The first epidemic of European diseases, influenza, was reported among Māori 1817-20 in the Foveaux Strait area, but it was not until 1848 that it hit Ōtaki and killed large numbers of people, including Te Rauparaha. The next epidemic to strike was measles (1854-55) which Rev Octavius Hadfield mentions: “The Natives are ill by the 100s. Our medical man at Ōtaki was of great services, and deaths there hitherto have been very few, but at some other places there have been many deaths.” The medical man mentioned is Dr Charles Hewson. Among those who died at Ōtaki was Te Rangihaeata, in 1855. Influenza, measles, diphtheria and typhoid were to carry off many Māori, through into the 20th century. The effect of this was that Ngāti Raukawa numbers were decimated, and some whānau and hapū were left leaderless. Perhaps more than any other event these epidemics had a great demoralising effect on local Māori. Much of their former cultivated lands lay idle as there were too few people left to cultivate. By 1874 there were 126 settlers in Ōtaki. Although no figure is given for Māori it was probably in the hundreds. A settler government in the 1860s, eager to get its hands on “Empty Maori Land”, passed two land acts, The Native Land Act 1862, which led to the individualisation of land ownership as opposed to communal land, and the Native Land Court Act of 1865 which set up the process by which Māori land could be sold. Court battles between various iwi, hapū, whānau and individuals led to court costs, survey costs, legal fees and travel costs to attend court, payments Māori in many cases could not meet. They were forced to sell or transfer land, often to lawyers and local business people. In other cases Māori got into debt and were forced to transfer land ownership to local business people. The Government also looked to buy land for a proposed railway to encourage settlement. Two early settlers to arrive in this period were the surveyor brothers Morgan and Arthur Carkeek to survey the area for the railway and roads, as well as for subdivision. Morgan married three Māori women, Hannah
Lawton, Raika Rikihana and Rongopamamao Piripi Kohe. Their descendants became the large influential Carkeek whānau. Morgan was to make a considerable contribution to the district until his death in 1927. In1874 the Government DESTINATION OTAKI bought three large blocks of land – Ngakaroro 2B (25,933 acres) for £25,700, Ngakaroro (10,050 acres) and Waihoanga No2a (880 acres). Private buyers also bought land; Frederick Bright most of the Kaingaraki Block, Rekereke No 4 and Paremata No 15, Izard the small No10 Kaingaraki block, Gear Ngakaroro 3B No 4 and No REX KERR 3, and W H Simcox Tuahiwi No 2. Later, Simcox bought and leased a large area of land at Forest Lakes, part of the big Waitohu Block. James Gear and Isabelle Ling bought most of the Turungarahui Block where the race course is today. They also bought a large block of land at Te Horo. E T Atkinson, a lawyer and Ōtaki’s first entrepreneur and land developer, bought part of Paremata No 11 and most of the Taumanuka Block, the latter he sold to another developer, Byron Brown. In1886 the Wellington and Manawatu railway between Palmerston North and Wellington was opened with a station at Ōtaki. The railway brought a new class of settler, the navvy (construction labourer) and The Evening Post in 1913 said of Ōtaki: “Another railway works pay took place Saturday last month on the line. Shortly on after 6pm a rush set in for the township, which was kept in an uproar until the small hours of the Sunday morning. Nothing but fighting from 7pm onwards. Then all would be quiet until the next pay day.” Many of these men stayed on to contribute to the town’s growth. Mark Ayre, the first stationmaster (1886-1901) after his retirement helped set up Māoriland Pictures, acting as the projectionist. The Dodds and Bell brothers brought railway iron
for the bridge and railroad from the beach to the construction site. The railway had a huge impact, and a settlement grew up around the station originally known as New Ōtaki and later Ōtaki Railway. Houses were built for the railway servants, as they were then known. The main township stagnated for several years because services were duplicated between the two centres. The railway made the area more accessible to settlers and they arrived in the district in increasing numbers, buying rural land and urban sections. The 1886 Census indicated that 477 Europeans were living in Ōtaki and a further 258 living at Te Horo. No Māori figure was given. Settlers in this period were W Best (c1889) Te Horo, F A Taylor (1887) Otaki Gorge Road, R Booth (c1874) Waihoanga, and R Hughes (1892) Te Manuao. By 1896 the population had grown to 836, but it had fallen behind Levin (954). However, to take advantage of the railway Atkinson planned a sub-division, Rangiuru-by-the Sea, as “The Fashionable Watering Hole of Wellington” about where Atkinson Avenue is today. On it he built a large homestead and relocated the Manakau Hotel to Rangiuru as Rangiuru House, to be a popular holiday resort. The arrival of the railway and later the opening of the Ōtaki River road bridge in 1901 saw the arrival of more settlers – farmers, market gardeners, timber millers, tradesmen and professional and business people as well as labourers for whom there was an increasing need. At the turn of the century the European population had fallen to 629 (Māori numbers unknown) but Ōtaki was still able to offer a full range of retail services, a hospital, post office, library, town hall, state primary school, and several sports clubs including cricket, athletics, rugby, golf, tennis and racing. Rāhui Road, Ōtaki Gorge, Hautere and Te Horo had been opened up for settlement. By now most of the land had passed out of the control of Ngāti Raukawa, who became a minority in their own home and the future of Ōtaki was now to be determined by the settlers. The kakahu had passed from Māori to settler. Next, part 9: Between the Wars: New people but slow growth. n References: Hadfield, O. Micro-MS-Papers-0883. 14 July 1854. ATL. Simcox, F C. Otaki the Town and District, Wellington. Reed, 1952. Ōtaki Māori Land Court Records. Ōtaki Public Library. Papers Past. ATL. paperspast.natlib.govt.nz Tapuhi. ATL. tapuhi.natlib.govt.nz
FARMING I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 19
Local farmers enjoy a thriving deer industry The thriving New Zealand deer industry Both the Niven and Richmond deer ventures is innovative and progressive with near are family run with sons Rodney and Tom record prices for venison and velvet. respectively helping out and working towards New Zealand’s high profile succession. Another common FARM FOCUS in the deer world are due to element is a love of the dayour committed farmers who to-day work and a passion for have well-honed grassland the industry. They say the deer farming skills, underpinned community is close knit and by worldwide research and a supportive. progressive Deer Industry NZ Almost as an after-thought, (DINZ). both Bruce and Jock said the near Domestic farming of deer record current prices – venison began in New Zealand only approaching $10 a kilogram of in the late 1970s. Now about carcase and velvet reaching $125 1500 farmers run a million a kilogram – are welcome. A wellDR KEN GEENTY bred and managed stag will yield deer. It all started about the start of the 1900s with importations of red more than 5kg of velvet and a mature stag carcase deer from England for recreational hunting. weighs about 140kg. Although small, the deer industry earns The term venison originally meant the meat of significant export income – about $100 a game animal. With domestication and modern million for velvet, mainly to South Korea and farming the product has changed little. It’s a other Asian countries, and $198 million for uniquely flavoured lean meat high in iron and venison to the United States and Europe. protein, and rich in minerals and vitamins that has a strong international demand. Relative newcomers Bruce and Margaret Deer velvet is uniquely annually renewed antler Niven started deer farming in 2003 before buying their property near Ōtaki in 2012 with tissue formed during the early phase of rapid 110 hinds (females) and 140 stags. Bruce, after cartilage growth in spring. It’s harvested under strict animal welfare while still soft and velvety a career in real estate, says active deer farmer discussion groups and support from DINZ before calcifying and hardening. In the wild, have helped him immensely along the way. antlers are naturally shed each year after the “rut” In contrast, Jock and Jan Richmond, longor mating period. time sheep and beef farmers near Te Horo, Traditional oriental medicine has prized deer began part time with deer trapped from the velvet for more than 2000 years. The powerful bordering Tararuas in the early 1980s. This health-promoting effects are largely anecdotal, has grown now to 500 hinds and 100 stags, but modern science has confirmed many of the with their Manawatū farm running 600 benefits. breeding hinds. Recent knowledge in DINZ’s publication
ABOVE: Deer farmer Bruce Niven with some of his 110 hinds and 140 stags. BELOW: A high point on the deer farm of Bruce and Margaret Niven overlooks their lower flats bordered by the Ōtaki River. Photos: Ken Geenty
DeerVelvet is from research in reputable journals. Velvet is portrayed as a valuable dietary supplement supporting immune, joint and memory function, improving bone and blood health, having anti-ageing effects and helping tissue injury recovery. A key DINZ slogan, “made by nature, supported by science”, is a reality with recently established Velvet Antler Research NZ, a joint venture between DINZ and AgResearch, a newcomer to worldwide velvet research. Ground-breaking work is under way on the role of velvet in human cognition and memory support.
n Dr Ken Geenty has had a 30-year research and development career in the New Zealand sheep and beef cattle industry, including pioneering research in sheep dairy production. He now lives in Ōtaki.
46 Riverbank Rd, Ōtaki • 06 364-7444 • www.riverbankeng.co.nz
Great service, plus a big new retail space with all the things that Kiwi blokes love to have.
Is it time for your business to move? Then your timing is just right.
NEW ŌTAKI COMMERCIAL PARK
These new commercial-industrial lots are perfectly situated just off the expressway, and you’ll be able to capitalize on incredible land prices while they are available. What this means is: • No more patchwork, tired old buildings. • No more tight overcrowded sites • No more paying a premium rent for old, hot/cold building With the new expressway timing is everything before demand increases and prices do too. Get smart and take one of the last lots available to the public.
Secure your financial investment and maximise the value of your business at the sustainable Ōtaki Commercial Park.
Call now – you could create your perfect workspace sooner than you think. Call Stuart Pritchard
p: 021 877 142 • e: stuart@sepnz.co.nz
How long will it take you to hunt down the names of 18 animals inside this word search puzzle? Words go across, up and down.
Page 20
TAMARIKI I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
PERFECT PETS
Animal Safari he word list is not given, but each one is spelled with just three letters. HINT: Three of the words are shown in the picture.
ANIMAL SAFARI
How long will it take you to hunt down the names of 18 animals inside this Huntword down the names of the 18 animals in this search puzzle? Words go across, upword and search. down. Words go up, down and across. The word list is not shown here, but each animal is spelled with just ________________ three letters. three of the but words areone shown in the picture. the words The wordHINT: list is______________________ not given, each is spelled with justWrite three letters. you HINT: find below. You check your answers when you are finished. Three of can the words are shown in below the picture.
Write the words you find in the blanks below.
________________ ______________________ Write the words you find in the blanks below.
________________ ______________________
___________________
____________________ ______________________
___________________
____________________ ______________________
___________________
____________________ ______________________
___________________
____________________ ______________________
___________________
____________________ ______________________
________________ ______________________
________________ ______________________
___________________ ____________________ ______________________ ____________________ ______________________
___________________
________________ ______________________
___________________ ____________________ ______________________ ___________________ ____________________ ______________________ ___________________ ____________________ ______________________ ___________________ ____________________ ______________________ ___________________
m
____________________ ______________________
Payton, five months, and his dog Cash, just chilling and getting to know each other. © 2018 www.word-game-world.com Do you have an unusual pet we can feature? We’d love to see them. Email your photo, with your © 2018 www.word-game-world.com All Rights Reserved.
___________________
____________________ ______________________
___________________
All Rights Reserved. ____________________ ______________________
___________________
____________________ ______________________
4. ___________________
5. 6. ____________________ ______________________
1.
__________________
2.
3.
name, age, pets names, and a phone number, to: otakitodaypets@idmedia.co.nz or drop into RiverStone Cafe, SH1, Ōtaki.
____________________ ______________________ EVERY
TAMARIKI ______________________ FUN PAGE
___________________ ____________________ ______________________ __________________ ____________________ ______________________ 7. 8. 9. ___________________
__________________ 10.
____________________ ______________________
____________________ ______________________ 11. 12. -
13. © 2018 www.word-game-world.com 14. 15. __________________ ____________________ All Rights Reserved.
16. __________________
17. 18. ____________________ ______________________ BE IN
10. emu 11. fly 12. fox 13. gnu 14. hen 15. pig 16. ram 17. rat 18. yak
TO WIN A $40 VOUCHER __________________ ____________________ ______________________ TO SPEND AT GET COLOURING this month’s cartoon, drop it in to RiverStone Cafē, SH1, to be in RIVERSTONE ANIMAL SAFARI ANSWERS: 1. ant 2. ape 3. bat 4. bee 5. cat 6. cow 7. dog 8. eel 9. elk
to win a $40 café voucher. Entries must be in by 4pm, August 11. The winner is the first drawn. Congratulations to last month’s winners Carys and Deryn, aged 8 and 6.
2018 www.word-game-world.com l Rights Reserved.
PET
CAFE
featured will win a $20 book voucher
Tena koutou tamariki ma, there’s plenty to do this month ... find the animals in word search, colour in Jared’s cartoon, find a photo of you and your pet, or just read the news!
ŌT KIDS’ NEWS Giant extinct parrot found
New Zealand scientists have found evidence of a giant bird that they believe may have been up to one metre tall, and was able to crack open food with its massive beak. They have named it “Heracles inexpectatus”. The parrot was found in fossils dating back 19 million years near St Bathans in Central Otago, an area well known for finding ancient birds. The fossil is about twice the size of a kākāpō, which up until now was the largest known parrot.
The Bomb wins kids’ book award Author Sacha Cotter and illustrator Josh Morgan have won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year award for their picture book The Bomb. Sacha got her idea for the book from watching kids at various swimming spots diving off bridges, wharves and piers trying to do the best bombs into the water.
How spiders use electricity to fly
NAME: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AGE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PHONE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Can spiders fly? When you think of the greatest aviators in the natural world, you probably think of the usual winged suspects like birds, bees, and butterflies. But some of the Earth’s eight-legged creatures also have specialised ways of soaring through the skies – no wings necessary. To find out how some spiders can fly go to: kidsvids. co.nz/how-spiders-useelectricity-to-fly/
COMMUNITY I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 21 To list your group here, or update contact details, email debbi@idmedia.co.nz
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
FRIENDLY GROUP: Amicus Ōtaki vice-president Bruce Heather at the Rotary Hall where the group has monthly meetings.
Amicable Amicus a growth organisation It’s almost a contradiction to suggest that a group of mainly older people is one of the fastest growing in Ōtaki. However, that’s exactly what’s happening with Amicus. The group is now close to 100 members, with at least 60 regularly attending its meetings at the Rotary Hall in Aotaki Street. Vice-president Bruce Heather says part of the appeal is that there’s no obligations involved in membership. “The subs are only $20 a year, we have meetings on the second Monday of each month where we have some interesting speakers, we have a couple of bus trips away every year and some car-pooled outings,” Bruce says. “We also have groups
that organise regular lunches at local cafes and films at nearby theatres. “We offer an opportunity for people to just get together and enjoy some friendship without any pressure or commitments.” Bruce says Amicus is ideal for new people moving into town who want to get to know locals. Amicus broke away from the Australian-run Probus club in recent years. About two-thirds of the New Zealand Probus clubs took up the Amicus name, and now number about 300. n Amicus Club of Ōtaki, 06 364 6464.
CHURCHES
MEDICAL CARE
Rangiātea 33 Te Rauparaha St, ŌTAKI • 364 6838 Sunday Eucharist: 9am • Church viewing hours, school terms: Mon-Fri 9.30am- 1.30pm St Mary’s Pukekaraka 4 Convent Rd, ŌTAKI Fr Alan Robert • 364 8543 or 021 0822 8926 otakiandlevincatholicparish.nz, for other masses Sunday mass: 10am. Miha Māori Mass, first Sunday. Anglican Methodist Parish of Ōtaki • 364 7099 otakianglican.xtra.co.nz. 1st and 3rd Sundays 9.30am, All Saints’, 47 Te Rauparaha St, Ōtaki; Note change of time for Sunday 7 July is 10.30am followed by Parish mid-Winter lunch. 2nd and 4th Sundays 9.30am, St Margaret’s, 38 School Rd. Te Horo; 5th Sunday 9.30am, St Andrew’s 23 Mokena Kohere St, Manakau. Ōtaki Baptist cnr SH1 & Te Manuao Rd, ŌTAKI Pastor Roger Blakemore • 364 8540 or 027 672 7865 • otakibaptist.weebly.com • Sunday service: 10am The Hub 157 Tasman Rd, ŌTAKI • Leader Richard Brons • 364-6911 • www.actschurches.com/church-directory/horowhenua/hub-church/ • Sunday service and Big Wednesday service: 10.15am Ōtaki Presbyterian 249 Mill Rd, ŌTAKI • Rev Peter Jackson • 364 8759 or 021 207 9455 www.otakiwaikanaechurch.nz • Sunday service: 11am
Ōtaki Medical Centre 2 Aotaki Street, Ōtaki • 06 364 8555 Monday-Friday: 8.15am-5pm • Saturday: 9am-noon. After hours, including weekend and public holidays. Emergencies: 111 Team Medical, Paraparaumu: After hours: 04 297 3000 Coastlands Shopping Mall. 8am-10pm every day. Palmerston North Hospital emergency department, 50 Ruahine St, Palmerston North • 06 356 9169 Healthline for free 24-hour health advice 0800 611 116. St John Health Shuttle 06 364 5603 Ōtaki Women’s Health Group 186 Mill Road, 364 6367 P-pull walk-in Drug advice and support, Birthright Centre, every 2nd Thursday 6-8pm.
Jehovah’s Witness 265 Mill Road, ŌTAKI 364 6419 • www.jw.org • Sunday meeting: 10am
COMMUNITY ŌTAKI POLICE 06 364 7366, cnr Iti and Matene Sts. CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU ŌTAKI 06 364 8664, 0800 367 222. 65a Main Street, Ōtaki. otaki@cab.org.nz AROHANUI HOSPICE SHOP 11 Main St. 06 929 6603 BIRTHRIGHT OPPORTUNITY SHOP 23 Matene St, 06 364 5558. COBWEBS OPPORTUNITY SHOP TRUST Main St. HUHA OP SHOP 208 SH 1, Ōtaki. 06 364 7062. OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTIAL CARE 06 364 7399 ST JOHN’S SHOP 4 Arthur St. 06 364 5981. OPPORTUNITY FOR ANIMALS OP SHOP 236 SH1. 06 364 2241.
HELPLINES AND LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES It’s OK to reach out for help – never hesitate if you are concerned about yourself or someone else.
IN A CRISIS OR EMERGENCY
If someone has attempted suicide or you’re worried about their immediate safety, do the following: • Call your local mental health crisis assessment team 0800 745 477 or go with them to the emergency department (ED) of your nearest hospital • If they are in immediate physical danger to themselves or others, call 111 • Stay with them until support arrives • Remove any obvious means of suicide they might use (eg ropes, pills, guns, car keys, knives) • Try to stay calm, take some deep breaths • Let them know you care • Keep them talking: listen and ask questions without judging • Make sure you are safe. For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, medical centre, hauora, community mental health team, school counsellor or counselling service. If you don’t get the help you need the first time, keep trying.
Services offering support and information: • Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) • Samaritans 0800 726 666 - for confidential support for anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress • Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 - to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions • Healthline 0800 611 116 - for advice from trained registered nurses • www.depression.org.nz – includes The Journal free online self-help. For children and young people • Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or webchat at www.youthline.co.nz (webchat available 7-11pm) – for young people and their parents, whānau and friends • What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP) or webchat at www.whatsup. co.nz from 5-10pm for ages 5-18. • Kidsline 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE) – up to 18 yrs.
For more options: www.mentalhealth.org.nz
AMICUS CLUB OF ŌTAKI 364 6464 COBBLERS LUNCH CLUB Thursdays 11.15am-1.30pm Gertrude Atmore Lounge. Free soup. FOREST & BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY Joan Leckie 368 1277 FRIENDS OF THE ŌTAKI RIVER (Fotor) Trevor Wylie 364 8918 FRIENDS OF THE ŌTAKI ROTUNDA Di Buchan 364 0180/027 683 0213 GENEALOGY SOCIETY Len Nicholls 364 7638 KĀPITI COAST GREY POWER JUNE SIMPSON 021 109 2583 KEEP ŌTAKI BEAUTIFUL Margaret Bayston/Lloyd Chapman LIONS CLUB OF ŌTAKI Peter 021 267 3929 MORRIS CAR CLUB Chris Torr 323 7753 ŌTAKI BRIDGE CLUB Tim Horner 364-5240 ŌTAKI COMMUNITY PATROL Errol Maffey 027 230 8836 ŌTAKI & DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS’ ASSN Vaevae 027 447 7864 ŌTAKI FLORAL ART & GARDEN CLUB Maureen Jensen 364 8614 ŌTAKI FOODBANK 43 Main St, Lucy Tahere 364 0051 ŌTAKI HERITAGE BANK MUSEUM TRUST 364 6886 ŌTAKI HISTORICAL SOCIETY Sarah Maclean 364 2497 ŌTAKI PLAYERS SOCIETY Roger Thorpe 364 8848 or 021 259 2683 ŌTAKI POTTERY CLUB Rod Graham 027 445 7545 ŌTAKI PROMOTIONS GROUP Ian Carson 364 6543 ŌTAKI RAILWAY BOWLING CLUB Maureen Beaver 364 0640 ŌTAKI SPINNERS & KNITTERS’ GROUP, Barbara Austin 364 8381 ŌTAKI WOMEN’S NETWORK GROUP Carol Ward 06 364 7732 ŌTAKI WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CLUB/SUNDAY MARKETS Kirsten Housiaux 027 466 3317 ŌTAKI WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Rema Clark remaclark@xtra.co.nz RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE Jamie 027 444 9995/Drew 021 288 7021 ROTARY CLUB OF OTAKI Michael 021 294 3039 TIMEBANK Suzanne Fahey 021 1275 074 TRANSITION TOWN OTAKI Jamie Bull 364 0550 WAITOHU STREAM CARE GROUP Lyndsay Knowles 364 6283
CHILDREN ŌTAKI TOY LIBRARY 027 621 8855 every Saturday 10.30am-12noon at the Memorial Hall, Main St. KIDZOWN O.S.C.A.R. 0800 543 9696 LITTLE GIGGLERS PLAYGROUP Baptist Church Hall, Te Manuao Rd. 10am-12noon Friday each fortnight. Denise 027 276 0983 MAINLY MUSIC Hadfield Hall, Te Rauparaha St. 021 189 6510 ŌTAKI KINDERGARTEN 68a Waerenga Rd. 364 8553. ŌTAKI MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL Haruatai Park, 200 Mill Rd, Roselle 364 7500. ŌTAKI PLAYCENTRE Mill Rd. 364 5787. M, T, TH Open 9.30am-12 noon ŌTAKI PLAYGROUP Fiona Bowler otakiplaygroup@hotmail.com ŌTAKI SCOUTS, CUBS AND KEAS Brent Bythell 364 8949. PLUNKET MANAKAU PLAYGROUP Honi Taipua St, T & Th 9.30am-12pm. SKIDS ŌTAKI out of school care, St Peter Chanel School. Sonia: 027 739 1986. TE KŌHANGA REO O TE KĀKANO O TE KURA Te Rauparaha St, 06 364 5599 TE KŌHANGA REO O RAUKAWA 5 Convent Rd, 06 364 5364
SPORTS CLUBS EASY-CISE/WALKING GROUP (BODY & SOUL) Joseph 364 6191 EQUESTRIAN HORSE CLUB 364 6181, Horse Trekking club Debbie 364 6571, Ōtaki Pony Club Paul Pettengell 364 5781 GAZBOS GOLDEN OLDIES Doug Garrity 364 5886 HAWAIKINUI TUA RUA KI OTAKI (WAKA AMA) DeNeen Baker-Underhill 027 404 4697 ŌTAKI ATHLETIC CLUB Kerry Bevan 027 405 6635 ŌTAKI BOATING CLUB Trevor Hosking 364 8424 ŌTAKI BOWLING CLUB Paul Selby 927 9015 ŌTAKI CANOE CLUB Jane Bertelsen 364 5302 ŌTAKI DANCE GROUP Barbara Francis 364 7383 ŌTAKI GOLF CLUB 364 8260 ŌTAKI GYMNASTICS CLUB Nancy 027 778 6902 ŌTAKI INDOOR BOWLING Jane Selby-Paterson 927 9015 ŌTAKI MASTERS SWIMMING CLUB Sonia Coom 04 292 7676 ŌTAKI PETANQUE CLUB Val Clarke 364 5213 ŌTAKI SPORTS CLUB: TENNIS, SQUASH & SOCCER Hannah 027 327 1179 ŌTAKI SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB Kirsty Doyle 021 102 0058 RĀHUI FOOTBALL AND SPORTS CLUB Slade Sturmey 021 191 4780. Rahui Netball Kylie Gardner 0275 490 985. Junior Rugby Megan Qaranivalu 022 165 7649 TAE KWON DO Rachael or Jim 06 364 511 TAI CHI Gillian Sutherland 04 904 8190 WHITI TE RA LEAGUE CLUB Kelly Anne Ngatai 027 256 7391 WILD GOOSE QIGONG & CHUN YUEN (SHAOLIN) QUAN Sifu Cynthia Shaw 021 613 081.
GOT A NEWS STORY?
Call us on 06 364 6543
HERE-TURI-KŌKĀ RUNARUNA I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 22
© Lovatts Puzzles CROSSWORD #5462 Here-turi-kōkā 2019
SUDOKU PUZZLER
Use logic and process of elimination to fill in the blank cells using the numbers 1 through 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Puzzle solutions page 27.
www.sudokupuzzler.com by Ian Riensche
HARD #24
MEDIUM #23
MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN QUIZ has an added bonus. The first letters of each correct answer
spell out the sub-title above.
24. UAE state, Abu ... 25. Kitbags 27. Golfer’s assistant 28. Abandoned 29. Brutality 30. End results DOWN 1. Actor, Robert ... Jr 2. Insert more bullets 3. Savage 4. Polling booth occupant 6. Cosmetics
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Ecclesiastes 5:10 “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
CLASSIFIEDS DEATHS ENGLISH, Allan. 3.10.1932 – 3.8.2019. Died peacefully at Te Whānau Rest Home, Levin. Previously of Wanganui and Ōtaki. Brother to Gerry & sister-in-law Kay. Father and father-in-law to Patrick and Irene, Michelle and Graeme Peter, Christine & Noel McBeth, Martin and Jeanette, Sheelah and Gerry Ranson, Rosie and Rod Pittams. Poppa, Grandad and Great Poppa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. FUTTER Ian Maxwell, of Otaki. Peacefully at Arohanui Hospice on Thursday 11 July 2019, aged 75 years. Dearly loved husband of Pat. Loved father of Christopher and Malcolm. Father-in-law of Leanne and Bronwyn. Grandad of Caitlin and Eli. A private cremation has been held in accordance with Ian’s wishes.
THANKS GARRETT, Denis. Adair and the family thank all those who took the time to farewell Denis. The many cards flowers and calls to us all were very humbling. Our wonderful friends who over those days kept us well fed, we are so grateful. Many thanks to St Joseph’s Levin and St Mary’s Otaki parishes for their support and prayers. Donations to Heritage Park Kimbolton were very generous and gratefully received. Please accept this, our sincere thanks at this time to each and everyone of you who cared.
7. Sad 8. Writer, ... Steel 11. First person 15. Public services 17. Legal determinations 18. Ventured (guess) 20. Brand of sneakers 21. Butter up 22. Sharp-tasting 23. Throwaway lines 26. Get to feet
“
If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. CLASSIFIEDS
”
anaesthetic is injected close to the spinal cord? 12. What poisonous oily liquid occurs naturally in tobacco leaves? 13. Who had his first UK top 10 hit with 'Wichita Lineman'? 14. Which sign of the Zodiac is represented by the Scales? 15. In which country was Rudyard Kipling born? 16. What is the gemstone for September? 17. What instrument has been nicknamed the 'Mississippi Saxaphone'? 18. One and a half litres of champagne is known as a what? 19. In alphabetical order name the three particles that make up an atom? 20. What is the common name of the Aurora Borealis?
ANSWERS 1. Mediterranean 2. Australia, Africa 3. Dime 4. Dutch 5. Orange 6. Graffitti 7. South Pacific 8. Apollo XI 9. Nigel Benn 10. Donna 11. Epidural 12. Nicotine 13. Glen Cambell 14. Libra 15. India 16. Sapphire 17. Harmonica 18. Magnum 19. Electron, Neutron, Proton 20. Northern Lights.
ACROSS 1. Instructed 5. Feathered 9. Much-travelled (4-4) 10. Recovery (in economy) 12. Shirt shoulder strap 13. Nervous 14. Cat communication 16. Real 19. Great joy 21. Circuit-breaker
1. nto which sea does the Nile flow? 2. Three continents lie on the Tropic of Capricorn, South America is one, name any of the other two? 3. In American currency 10 cents make a what? 4. Afrikaans was developed from which European language? 5. An Ortanique is a cross between a tangerine and what other fruit? 6. What Italian word for 'Scratched Drawing' can be found on walls all over the world? 7. What musical features 'Some Enchanted Evening' and 'There Is Nothing Like A Dame'? 8. What was the name of the first manned lunar landing mission in 1969? 9. Which boxer was nicknamed 'The Dark Destroyer'? 10. What was the name of Ritchie Valens' girlfriend? 11. What is the procedure called where an
CLASSIFIEDS
BRANCHY’S We also offer LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES LTD 10+ years European 9 Titoki Street, Ōtaki 027 815 5449 yard • 027 321 9924 Nathan vehicle repair experience
FREE LISTING
Ensure your loved ones and significant events are remembered with a birth, death, or marriage notice in Ōtaki Today. CONTACT DEBBI 06 364 6543 or otakitoday@idmedia.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
DRY FIREWOOD Bagged kindling and firewood $10 per bag
Car Care Pine $100/metre • Gum $15/metre 9 Rimu Street Otaki Builders mix $90/metre Car Care Collision Repair Paint Work 3 Collision Repair TOPSOIL • COMPOST • PEBBLES • BARK • MULCH Phone 06 364 5681 and much more, call in for a look 9 Rimu Street, Otaki • 06 364 5681 3 Paint Work We do WINZ quotes, we do deliveries
We also offer 10+ years European vehicle repair experience 3
www.mmb-ltd.co.nz mmb-ltd.co.nz
YOUR LIFE PORTRAIT Your life memories and timeline on one page • Top quality, easy to do and affordable • Ideal for a birthday, anniversary etc • A great memento for you, family & friends • Use for more detailed life reflections • Friendly and personal service
Contact us at Yore Yarn lifememories@yoreyarn.co.nz • 027 900 3679 Ensure your loved ones and significant events are remembered with a birth, death, or marriage notice in Ōtaki Today. CONTACT Debbi 06 364 6543 or otakitoday@idmedia.co.nz
OPEN Monday-Saturday: 9am-4pm
join us on Facebook.com/Branchys-Landscape-Supplies-Ltd
ANTI ANTS UNWANTED ANTS ARE OUR SPECIALTY!
Our treatments are guaranteed odourless and stain free. We also have solutions to control wasps, flies, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, silverfish, moths, plus rats and mice
PROTEKT PEST CONTROL
phone PAUL 06 364 5759 or 027 448 3910 or Wellington 04 472 9948
SPORT I Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 23
Fundraiser draws the crowds
TOP: Wayne Cooper makes a break, supported by Mardi Pritchard (behind) and Whena Rikihana to his right and Moko Cooper far right of the photo. Photos: Ian Carson
A good crowd turned out at Ōtaki Domain on Saturday (August 10) to see a Hadley Gardner Invitational XV play a charity rugby match against NZ Parliamentarians XV. Hadley is a veteran of the Rāhui rugby club, and still turned out for the senior A team this year. Knowing some of Ōtaki’s whānau were struggling with the trauma of cancer, he decided to organise the game to raise funds for them. The invitational team included a mix of seasoned senior players and those who dug their boots out of the cupboard many years after playing their last game of competitive rugby. While the pace of the game might have at times appeared laboured, the skill level from both teams remained high, entertaining the large crowd of supporters. The opposition now go to Japan to contest the Parliamentarians World Cup, to be held just before the Rugby World Cup. A charity auction at the Rāhui clubrooms on Saturday evening and other contributions raised a preliminary amount of $7000.
Tennis open days ABOVE: Kahura Cameron with ball in hand, and catching up are, from left, Josh Pearce, Rimu Prime and Slade Sturmey. LEFT: Local referee Terama Broughton-Winterburn tosses the coin for captains John Cribb and Hadley Gardner.
LEFT: The Råhui U15 girls played a HorowhenuaKāpiti U15 team in the curtainraiser to the main game.
The Ōtaki Sports Club at Haruatai Park is hosting tennis open days on Saturday and Sunday September 7-8. The open days give local people an opportunity to try tennis for free. Racquets are supplied and there’s a barbecue, prizes and giveaways. The initiative is part of a Tennis NZ move to introduce the game to more people at tennis clubs throughout the country. Some former players might want to pick up where they left off; others might want to learn how to play the game for the first time. All are welcome.
HARD #24
MEDIUM #23
SUDOKU ANSWERS
CROSSWORD SOLUTION # 5462
Insurance and Mortgage Advisers
• First home buyer mortgages • Mortgage refinancing • Investment property lending • Local knowledge/local people
Ōtaki River entrance tides August 15 – September 10, 2019 metservice.com/marine-surf/tides/otaki-river-entrance
Thu 15 Aug Fri 16 Aug Sat 17 Aug Sun 18 Aug Mon 19 Aug Tue 20 Aug Wed 21 Aug Thu 22 Aug Fri 23 Aug
HIGH 00:25 01:04 01:49
LOW 03:17 03:53 04:28 05:02 05:35 06:09 06:45 07:24 08:09
HIGH 09:23 09:59 10:33 11:06 11:38 12:12 12:48 13:29 14:18
LOW 15:31 16:06 16:40 17:13 17:46 18:20 18:57 19:41 20:34
HIGH 21:39 22:12 22:45 23:17 23:50 -
Sat 24 Aug Sun 25 Aug Mon 26 Aug Tue 27 Aug Wed 28 Aug Thu 29 Aug Fri 30 Aug Sat 31 Aug Sun 1 Sep
HIGH 02:43 03:47 04:56 -
LOW 09:03 10:08 11:20 00:03 01:06 02:02 02:53 03:42 04:29
HIGH 15:19 16:31 17:45 06:06 07:11 08:08 09:01 09:50 10:37
LOW 21:38 22:51 12:30 13:31 14:25 15:14 16:01 16:48
HIGH 18:51 19:47 20:38 21:26 22:12 22:58
Mon 2 Sep Tue 3 Sep Wed 4 Sep Thu 5 Sep Fri 6 Sep Sat 7 Sep Sun 8 Sep Mon 9 Sep Tue 10 Sep
HIGH 00:33 01:23 02:18 03:19 04:30 05:44 -
LOW 05:16 06:02 06:50 07:39 08:33 09:34 10:46 11:59 00:40
HIGH 11:23 12:09 12:57 13:48 14:45 15:54 17:12 18:24 06:49
LOW 17:34 18:21 19:10 20:04 21:06 22:18 23:34 13:01
HIGH 23:45 19:19
Please note: The actual timing of high and low tide may differ from that provided here by LINZ. Times are extrapolated from the nearest primary port for this location, so please take care.
• Debt consolidation • All Insurance covers • Honest and friendly • Free services
153 Main Highway, Ōtaki
(opposite New World Supermarket)
06 364-6123 0800 367 467
Please call for the best insurance and mortgage advice.
www.inprogroup.co.nz
Ōtaki Today, August 2019
Page 24
SPORT
Whiti te Rā make history
Team first to win four consecutive premierships By Ian Carson
Whiti te Rā has become the first team in the Wellington Rugby League’s 107-year history to win four consecutive premier championships. The team beat Wainuiomata Lions 28-20 on August 3 in the premiership final at the Hutt Recreation Ground. It means Whiti has now won seven consecutive titles after topping the Manawatū premiership from 2013-2015 and now Wellington from 2016-2019. The latest win was sweet victory after Wainuiomata Lions beat Whiti te Rā in round 1 of the 2019 competition. It was always going to be an intense physical and mental battle, and both teams showcased their skill and toughness, proving they were worthy finalists. The determination of Whiti te Rā was evident from the moment the team emerged from the changing rooms. They were composed and united under one goal: to make history. It’s likely to be some time before this record is broken, though the chances of Whiti te Rā extending the record would have to regarded as high. Whiti te Rā utility back Dylan Winiata was named man of the match. Unfortunately, the game was marred by unruly behaviour on the sidelines. Players of both teams were caught in a hostile environment not helped when Whiti te Rā captain Manaia Osborne was hit with a blatantly high tackle. It caused a fight, with opposition supporters taking to the field and attacking Whiti te Rā players. A break in play continued with the support of a large police contingent. Whiti Te Rā Ōtaki Sports Club co-chair Kelly-Anne Ngatai says she was proud of her club’s supporters. “They maintained their composure during the game and kept the mana of our club at the forefront of their behaviour and actions,” she says. “We don’t want to lose sight of the achievement of our prems; the quality of rugby league our babies and juniors can aspire to, the sportsmanship and camaraderie shown – and making history!” Kelly-Anne says the achievement was made possible with the support of many local sponsors. “We appreciate them all.” Wellington Rugby League general manager Phil Roache said setting a new record was “a remarkable feat”. “There have been a few in the last 107 years
WINNING WAYS: Whiti Te Rā captain Manaia Osborne orchestrates another team play during the Wellington Rugby League grand final against the Wainuiomata Lions at the Hutt Recreation Ground on August 3. Whiti te Rā won the game 28-20. Photo Carey Clements
great that Whiti te “RāIt’shasbeen joined us and done so well. They’ve made history in Wellington rugby league.
”
– Wellington Rugby League general manager Phil Roache who have had three consecutive wins, including the Porirua Vikings recently who were pipped in the fourth season. But none have done what Whiti te Rā has. “It’s been great that Whiti te Rā has joined us and done so well. They’ve made history in Wellington rugby league.” Phil said the success was a reflection of how tight-knit a club could be, and it was a positive role model for what league was all about. “They do everything together. They’re a whānau-based club and that’s helped them come up with the results. “And it’s not just the premiers. The juniors and older players are supported and there are other activities there outside of league. With a club like that, when they need something done, there are plenty of volunteers to help out. That makes a big difference for a club. “They’re something special.” –
Additional information from Kelly-Anne Ngatai and Jota Firmin
LOCAL SUPPORT is a crucial factor in Whiti te Rā’s success. Sponsors include Tall Poppy Real Estate, Concrete Doctors, Streetwise Coffee Otaki, About Kitchens Ltd, Body & Soul Fitness, All Area Scaffolding and Unite Recruit. The club says special mention needs to be given to Duane Watt at The Tele Hotel. Duane has hosted, fed, sponsored and otherwise supported the Whiti te Rā premiers throughout their seven premiership-winning campaigns and has provided a space in lieu of the club’s soon-to-be completed clubrooms.
Known for Excellence. Trusted for Value. Our company has been serving the families of our district for 95 years Chapels in Otaki, Levin and Shannon Cemetery Memorials We own and operate Horowhenua Crematorium Large variety of Caskets and Urns
Otaki Office: 61 Main Street, Otaki Open Tuesday Mornings or by appointment Freephone: 0800 FD CARE Email: support@harveybowler.co.nz
www.harveybowler.co.nz