Blueskin Bay FM 88.2: April 2010

27 April 2010

CLEANUP May 2010

BLUESKIN BAY/COAST RD AREA
CLEAN UP DAY
SATURDAY 29th & SUNDAY 30th

May 2010

Mega skips will be situated at the Warrington Domain, Warrington from
10.00am to 5.00pm

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th May 2010.

* Please load rubbish into the bin provided.

* Rubbish must not be left on the site outside these times.

* No large items ie/ engines, metals, whiteware, demolition
materials or large items of vegetation such as complete hedges or tree
stumps.

* No UNACCEPTABLE WASTE: ie. / hazardous wastes, animal remains,
herbicides, medicines, medical waste, gas cylinders, wire, asbestos,
petrol tanks or paint are not accepted.

* NO liquids: Liquids including waste oil, are NOT accepted.

* No LARGE METAL: ie/ whiteware, tanks.
*
* Green Waste Skip will be on site for this Cleanup Day
*
* CHARGES:- Cars $8.00

Station Wagons $12.00

Trailers, Vans and Utes $19.00

Please phone 477 4000 if you need more information.

Your browser may not support display of this image.

Local police ready to charge offenders

Waikouaiti Police recently completed training and have been issued
with the Taser X26 neuromuscular incapacitation device. This
less-than-lethal tool is now avaliable for police attending incidents
where violence has or is likely to occur. The issue of this device
locally is part of the nationwide rollout.

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Ā ā Ē ē Ī ī Ō ō Ū ū
From blueskin.co.nz and 'Blueskin News' published by Blueskin Media:
voluntary/non-profit community publishers in Blueskin Bay (Seacliff,
Warrington, Evansdale, Waitati, Doctors Point), Dunedin, New Zealand.
All material sent to or published by us is "copyleft" in the public
domain and may be freely shared, archived, re-edited and republished.
If you want to credit the source it's "blueskin.co.nz".

Anzac Day medal lost

At the Anzac Day service, Arthur Templeton lost a miniature medal. It
fell from his lapel at some stage during the day. If anyone finds it,
please treat it with the respect and value it is worth, and return it
to him or phone Helen Beamish on 4821440 to arrange pick up.

Anzac Day service 'impressive and meaningful'

By Helen Beamish

Anzac Day 2010 was an "impressive and meaningful commemoration" and
"very very worthwhile" as expressed to us in a phone all on 26 April
from a lady who attended from out of the district.

Thank you to all those who contributed prior to the service, on the
day, and are continuing with the wrap up process this week. Ours
truly is a Community Commemoration - so many people work to make it
happen.

Special thanks to the speaker PJ Clarke - for his honest, and
heart-felt sharing of his grandfather's story. Our desire to give
voice to the stories of people associated with our neighbourhood, has
certainly begun excellently.

The contributions by both local schools in art work for the Hall, and
children who took a serving role at the Anzac service, were also
appreciated.

We honour those who sacrificed for our freedom during wars past and
present, in the ways we serve on the day, and in making connection and
community here. Our contributions to making a Commemorative Service
each Anzac Day, are one small way we can continue to say "Thank you"
to them and to ensure we do not forget.

If you would like to be involved in helping to make future Anzac
Services reflect our Blueskin Bay community spirit and gratitude,
please contact Helen Beamish (hbeamish@kinect.co.nz) or Carl Scott
(carldscott@yahoo.co.nz).

23 April 2010

Blueskin Garden Club

By Lynn Hastie

On a beautiful autumn day last month members enjoyed a wander around
the Chinese Gardens. Most of us hadn't been there before and were
impressed by the rock formations, but wondered how the garden will
handle the growth of some of the large trees planted within it in
upcoming years.

We then had a look at the Settler's Museum followed by a short get
together to finalise our AGM plans which are as follows:

When: Thursday May13
Time: 6.30pm
Where: Warrington Surf Life Saving Club Meeting Room
What to bring? Pot Luck meal and BYO, plus a wine glass
Dress: The theme is "garden". Let your mind wander and please come
along in something relating to this theme.

President Lyne Carlisle and secretary Lyn Hastie will be stepping down
from their positions as they feel it's time for some new blood to take
over. New volunteers for the committee will be most welcome.

Blueskin Garden Club: Lyn Hastie, 482 2896

From blueskin.co.nz and 'Blueskin News' published by Blueskin Media:
voluntary/non-profit community publishers in Blueskin Bay (Seacliff,
Warrington, Evansdale, Waitati, Doctors Point), Dunedin, New Zealand.
All material sent to or published by us is "copyleft" in the public
domain and may be freely shared, archived, re-edited and republished.
If you want to credit the source it's "blueskin.co.nz".

Godwit update

By Derek Onley and Peter Schweigman

1BWRY, the adult male bar-tailed godwit in the STOP PRESS in the March
edition of Blueskin News was banded at Warrington on 28 February 2006.

After banding, 1BWRY (that's white flag on left tibia, blue over white
bands on left tarsus, red over yellow right for the uninitiated) was
first re-sighted at Aramoana on 18 Sept 2006. As it was an adult, it
probably went to Alaska but appears to have returned rather early,
most birds returning a week or two later at the end of September. It
was seen 16 times at Aramoana during 2006, 2007 and 2008. The first
sighting back at the banding site at Warrington Beach was not until 1
March 2007 and it was back at Aramoana the next day. Maybe it had bad
memories of the place. It was not seen at all in 2009.

After a year's absence, or in hiding, it was spotted at Aramoana again
on 11 Feb 2010, a month or so before its last sighting in New Zealand
at Karitane on the afternoon of 9 March just before setting out across
the Pacific. Nine days later it was at Yalu Jiang on the China-North
Korea border at the head of the Yellow Sea; after a week or two's stop
over it headed north-east across the North Pacific to Alaska.

Four more godwits banded at Warrington were seen in the Yellow Sea in
late March this year and yet another had arrived there by 12 April.

Newes: Hare Krishna presentation

By Harvey Woolgar

Popular travelling Hare Krishna teacher Sripad BV Tridandi Maharaja
will hold a programme at the Waitati Hall on Thursday May 6 at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome to hear him speak on "The sweetness of the
Absolute Reality". The presentation will be followed by a discussion
and feast. Entrance by koha.

Harvey Woolgar: 021 1168 620

School to lose bus service

By Tania Turei and Nathan Clarke

Waitati School is to lose its local school bus service at the end of
this term which has been wonderfully driven for many years by Averil
and Mike Thomson. This is the result of a routine two year survey by
School Support Invercargill.

Waitati is a vibrant, family-oriented community where children are the
centre of many activities, and as such it is considered important that
we maintain a focus on developing the educational opportunities for
our children and encourage attendance at the local school rather than
urban schools.

Having a regular and reliable bus service is a factor in maintaining
safe transport to rural schools, and therefore we ask that parents who
have children at primary school or intending to go to primary school
who live within the Waitati catchment to consider Waitati School as
and option for education and to call the school to discuss.

The school board and many parents believe that it is important we keep
the bus service running as it provides transport services on Mt
Cargill Rd and Waitati Valley Rd, where there are no footpaths, and
have open road speed limits. Many parents do not believe it is safe
for primary school students to walk or cycle to school on these roads.

Families particularly affected by the proposed changes include single
car families and families with parents who do not drive. Please help
to maintain our valuable bus service.

We need eight eligible students (who must be enrolled at Waitati
School) but at the moment we have five. School Support will continue
the bus service if we can show that there will be more children
requiring the bus within the next couple of terms.

The bus currently travels (not in this order) down Doctors Pt Road to
Michies Crossing, up Mt Cargill Rd, up SH1 to the Leith Valley
junction and then back down Waitati Valley Road. These routes can
sometimes be altered for eligible children.

The distances for eligible students from their homes to the school are:
• More than 3.2 kms for students under 10 years of age
• More than 4.8 kms for students 10 years of age or over

Can you help?
• Do you have any children aged four years who may be starting school
within the next six months or so?
• Are you moving into the area and have children not yet enrolled at
Waitati School?
• Are you considering changing schools to Waitati School?
• Do you know of any new families moving into the area within the next
six months?
• Have we missed out your eligible child?

If so please contact Waitati School on 482 2888.

Waitati Energy Project

By Scott Willis

Community Turbine update
Whew! Our big report to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Authority (EECA) is finally complete! My verbal report on what we've
discovered will be on the agenda at the next WEP meeting (see below)
but a key finding is that, upon securing a suitable site out of our
shortlist with 7.6 metre/second wind, we could make a community wind
turbine financially viable: generating electricity and income for the
Blueskin community from Purakaunui to Seacliff. That's the simple
story, and the complex one involves a joint development partnership
(we own one turbine in a small cluster of approximately three
turbines), settling on the community ownership form (co-operative
company or limited liability company), and of course, raising the
money.

This is a significant step towards establishing a community turbine.
There is a strong potential to ensure a good return on community
investment (potentially around 10%) that can be returned as both a
household and a community good. The next stage will begin with
community consultation. Then we would need to form the necessary
partnerships, confirm a site and establish the formal community legal
structure. We'll need further funding for project development of
course, and once the earlier elements are in place we can begin
raising community capital for the turbine purchase and start the
resource consent application. This is a $1.5 million project.

WEP meeting
The next WEP meeting is booked for Wednesday the May 5 at 8pm, in the
committee room, Waitati Hall. This is a meeting for the WEP, but
anyone interested in the community turbine is invited. A proposed
agenda has gone out on the WEP e-list, but it includes the community
turbine.

Energy information – word of mouth or online?
Most of us make decisions about what to do next, what to buy or how to
install it or innovate from friends, neighbours and mates. The Waitati
Energy Project in the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust office has
also built up a body of work and knowledge useful for specific
household energy issues and we often know where to direct people if we
can't answer. (The Internet is for social networking sites isn't it?)

However, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority which has
supported us in various ways (and most recently with our community
turbine feasibility study) has been busy sexing-up its website
recently. They really want people to visit, and now the site is much
more accessible and helpful, it is worth a look. Perhaps the best hook
is a competition organised to get people along. So, come on Blueskin
Bay, I want someone here to win a Honda Civic Hybrid, or at least a
solar hot water system! Go to:
http://www.energywise.govt.nz/competition to enter.

There's also plenty of information on the website
http://transitiontowns.org.nz/waitati or by joining the WEP email
list.

Waitati Energy Project (Blueskin Power): Scott Willis project manager,
waitatienergy@gmail.com, www.transitiontowns.org.nz/waitati, 482 2048,
0274v 888 314

Waitati Enviroschool Column

By Jenna Packer

The days are definitely getting shorter! People will be stoking up
their woodburners and cranking up their heat-pumps... Sustainable
energy is the enquiry topic for this term, which seems appropriate
given the amount of it we need to keep warm down here! The new heat
pumps at school have been described as "just like those furnace things
in the engine room of that steamship" (the Earnslaw) which I'd take to
be a glowing endorsement of the classroom comfort levels this autumn.
An engineer will soon be visiting to talk about wind and solar energy,
and the children will be working with solar kits.

The children all came back this term with their own energy levels
topped up, ready to tackle a busy scholastic term. Last term's enquiry
topic of 'New Zealand' led into the work the children have been doing
on the Anzacs – Rooms 2 and 3 worked on poppy wreaths and drafted
'telegrams home' as nurses or soldiers from the trenches.

'In Flanders Fields' was the inspiration for Room 1 which completed
some stunning static images and delved into life in the trenches. "It
was pretty horrible seeing your friends die around you" was one astute
reflection. By May there will have been various visitors to the
school and visits by the school to both the museum (looking at Maori
hunting and gathering methods and our NZ heritage) and the Orokonui
Ecosanctuary. And with Jayne and Munirah continuing their professional
development in literacy, it looks like there will be some hunkering
down with good books, descriptive words and creative ideas in those
cosy classrooms. And look out for some of children's work on climate
change and Blueskin 10:10 elsewhere in this month's Blueskin News –
thanks to the WEP and Meiling!

We hope all Blueskin families enjoyed the beautiful Easter weather and
had a good break. One of our lovely teachers had to extend her trip in
Ireland: Jayne Fitzgerald was held hostage by the volcanic chaos
affecting Europe and was unable to get home for the start of term.

It is great to see such strong interest and so many nominations for
the Board of Trustee elections. We really feel at the heart of a
vibrant, engaged community and look forward to the energy (again!) and
enthusiasm new trustees will bring to the school as it grows and
changes.

Hopeful outlook for new hall and library complex

By Geraldine Tait
A resolution at the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board meeting on April
14, requested the architect to investigate the feasibility and cost of
building the new Blueskin Bay Library at the south end of the Waitati
Hall. This is a very positive move as it was supported by a petition
presented to the Community Board from 80 local people who are
concerned about knocking down a perfectly good building which could
have multiple uses (Toy Library, Youth Group space, meeting room for
groups like the Garden Club, Weggies etc).
The proposed plan to build the new library at the north end of the
Hall would also have an adverse effect on the children's playground,
which is already surrounded by trees on three sides and would be
completely blocked in by the library. We can't be sure what the
architect will come back with but I'm hoping he will see an
opportunity to design a fabulous new foyer which will provide a
combined entrance into the new library on the left and the hall on the
right. If this new plan costs more money I'm sure many of us in the
Blueskin Bay community will get in behind a fundraising drive so that
we can have a better positioned library and a great new little meeting
space at the other end of the hall.
The Council is contributing $500,000 to the new library building but
another $350,000 has to be raised locally through funding applications
or other means. I'm sure we can follow the example of the committee
behind the Waikouaiti Events Centre and access the necessary funds to
make this a multi-purpose community hub which will meet the needs of
our area well into the future.

WAITATI TOY LIBRARY

Waitati Toy Library Welcomes All Families
By Frances Baeumer
What is a Toy Library?
It is a place:
 where well designed, safe and educational toys can be borrowed on a
regular basis at minimal cost.
 where there is access to a large range of quality toys.
 with the opportunity to interact with other families
 which provides a chance to use toys that match the stages of a
child's development.
Waitati Toy Library is open to everyone. There are six month ($15)
and 12 month ($30) memberships available that allow you to borrow toys
at a cost of 50c to $2 per toy. We are continually working to provide
the most up-to-date and high quality toys at our library. Our current
toy buyer has just purchased new toys that include a range of Fisher
Price TRIO construction sets as well as Tolo Safari and Farm sets.
Our toys cover the age ranges from birth to nine years. Come check out
the new toys and revisit some old favourites.
The Toy Library is a member-run organisation with support from the
national body. Active participation in the organisation not only
sustains the service for the community but fosters a sense of
community among its members.
Toy Library sessions are fortnightly at the Waitati Hall on Saturdays
at 10–11am and the following Monday nights at 6:30–7:30pm. The dates
for this month are May 8, 10, 22 and 24. Closed on Queen's Birthday
Monday.
Waitati Toy Library: Frances Baeumer 482 1991.

BLUESKIN PLAYCENTRE

By Marion Rucker
We are now collecting for our annual jumble sale to be held on Sunday
May 23 from 11am. Donations can be left at Playcentre during opening
hours. Please come along to support Blueskin Playcentre. As well as
the jumble sale there will be a BBQ and cafe.
Blueskin Playcentre: Marion Rucker 482 1395

WAITATI VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

By Deanne Burrell

Members of the brigade enjoyed another great day out at the recent A &
P Show. Kids were able to enjoy a ride on "Little Flick" and kids and
adults alike got to experience what it was like to be in a
smoke-filled environment. The public also enjoyed a live demonstration
of what to do if they have an oven fire. Flint and Amber, the 'Fire
Wise Crew', also enjoyed meeting and getting photos taken with the
children.
On Sunday April 18 the brigade held an Open Day at the Fire Station.
It was great to meet members of the community who took the opportunity
to have a look around. We would like to say thank you to the Dunedin
Fire Brigade Restoration Society which lent us their travelling museum
and it was great to have back on-station #20 a 1947 Ford V8, which was
the second serving fire engine in our community.
We would like to welcome to our brigade three new members, Sharon
Brogan, Amanda Church and William Shaw. Thank you for volunteering to
help your community.
It is with regret that we announce the resignation of Brett
Fairweather. We would like to thank Brett for all his hard work and
dedication to the brigade and we wish him well for the future.
We would like to congratulate the following members who have recently
successfully completed practical training courses. Richard Templeton -
Officer's Course; Brent Bell, Keith Templeton, Charles Abraham and
myself - Qualified Fire Fighter's Course; Richard Templeton, Brent
Bell and Keith Templeton - Driver's course.
On April 21 the total fire ban for the north and south coast zones was
lifted. A restricted fire season (allowing fires by permit only) is
now in force. Permits suspended by the ban and which have not yet
expired are once again valid.

Winter fire safety tips
Daylight saving has ended and it's time to get your winter coat,
electric blanket and heater out of the cupboard. Here are a few safety
tips to take into consideration this winter.
After kitchen fires, fires involving heating and drying are one of the
most common reasons the Fire Service is called out.
· Always keep furniture, curtains, clothes and children at least
one metre away from heaters and fireplaces
· Don't store objects on top of your heater
· Never cover heater
· Don't overload clothes dryers and clean the lint filter after each load.

Fireplace and chimneys
There's nothing like sitting in front of the fireplace on a cold
winter night. But here's a list of things to be mindful of:
· Clean chimneys and flues before your first fire of the season
· Always use a fireguard or spark-guard with open fires
· Ashes can take up to five days to cool - always empty fireplace
or woodburner ashes and ashtrays into a metal bin with a lid. Water
can be poured over them before disposal.

Electric blankets
Climbing into bed on a cold night is much easier if you've had an
electric blanket on but there are things you should do to keep fire
safe.
· If your electric blanket or cord is showing any signs of wear,
have it checked by a competent service person or have it replaced.
Don't take the risk.
· Always make sure that your electric blanket is switched off
before getting into bed.
· Never use pins or sharp objects to secure the electric blanket
to the bed and never tuck it in under the bed.
· If the blanket becomes soiled, sponge it lightly and allow to
dry naturally on a flat surface.

Portable LPG gas heaters
When using gas heaters take a few moments to consider the following
safety precautions - they may save a life.
· Make sure the ceramic heater element is not broken or chipped
and that the element guard is in place
· Check to see that the hose is in good condition and doesn't show
any signs of damage or wear
· If the heater does not light straight away, turn it off and then
try again. Don't let the gas build up before trying to relight it.
· Always have fresh air coming into the room where a gas heater is in use
Keep warm and keep safe this winter.

Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade: Deanne Burrell 482 2230,
pdnr.burrrell@xtra.co.nz

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

By Sue Hensley

Twenty five South Island robins/toutouwai were released over a three
day period in early April. They have proven very difficult to find but
thanks to eagle-eyed walkers who not only saw but recorded the colour
bands, we know at least some have found their new home to their
liking.
Dr Ian Jamieson will be talking about the robin and saddleback
translocations on May 2. Another talk with a bird theme will be given
on May 5 by ornithologist Derek Onley who will explain the data from
the first five years of bird counts in Orokonui. Both talks will be at
2pm at the Visitor centre, $5 entry fee. All proceeds go to the
protection of robins and saddlebacks.
Ill health has delayed the upgrade of the Valley track and a mid to
end May public opening date is now envisaged, which will be before
gravelling work is completed. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Dunedin for
their financial and hands-on contribution to this long and challenging
project.
Some of you may have enjoyed the exquisite perfume of the Easter
orchid. Flowering has been very late this year in Orokonui so should
still be out early to mid May. It's worth a visit just for the smell
but bring a hand lens and enjoy a look into the complex arrangement of
an orchid flower. There are some interesting lichens too to check out
on the way to the orchid
site.
The visitor centre and café are open every day between 9.30am and
4.30pm. The Centre is free to explore as is the Pa Harakeke walk (flax
plantation) and the 9km perimeter track. We have a Facebook page as
well as a website - www.orokonui.org.nz - to keep you up to date.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary, sue.hensley@gmail.com

Blueskin 10:10

By Mei Ling
Blueskin 10:10 met the great kids of Room 1 and their teacher, Sue
Roberts-Blyth, at Waitati School recently.
Sue writes: "Room 1 at Waitati School was lucky enough to have a visit and
presentation from Scott Willis of the Waitati Energy Project. Scott
talked about what is causing climate change and what is happening to
our Earth as a result of human impact. Afterwards the children
decided to write about ways in which we could make a difference to our
world and our futures."
The two examples from students below show their breadth of thinking.
Not only are they focusing on simple actions they can do themselves,
but also the "big ideas" like alternative energy and transport
systems, areas that will need the involvement of our brightest minds
for generations to come. An extra special thanks to Shaianne and
Rhythm for sharing their ideas, to Scott for providing inspiration,
and to Sue for organising everything.

A Child's Perspective on Climate Change
What we can do about it
We can have oil free days, which are walking/biking days. We can also
have public transport days as well.
You can get solar in your TV and radio.
When you are out of the room turn off the lights and also switch off your TV.
When you brush your teeth don't leave the water running.
Don't even watch TV; go outside and play or climb a tree.
Shaianne Andrews

An Acrostic Poem
Care for animals
Herbicides are bad
Atmosphere
No TV
Go out side and play
Eat outside

Turn lights off
Hybrid cars
Earth hour

Wind power
Operate a wind turbine
Read with a torch
Light candles
Dynamo torch

Rhythm Moana

Blueskin 10:10 ameilingb@yahoo.com, 482 2289

22 April 2010

WAITATI EDIBLE GARDENERS

Community Garden Year 2
By Rosemary Penwarden and Derek Onley

Last year's crop was a success. How do we measure success? Not by an
increase in GDP! Our wellbeing index has reached double digits and,
judging by the smiles and community atmosphere at the last Waitati
harvest market, we don't have to worry about futures trading
distorting our bottom line.
Last September we planted garlic on half of last year's potato patch
area. It was easy; all that hay, seaweed and pine needles had morphed
into beautiful rich humus. The garlic was courtesy of Dennis and
Tracey (Double Hill Rd), Maia (Seacliff) and Andy Barratt (Karitane).
Dennis has been experimenting with garlic for some years and selected
beautiful fat cloves, ideally suited to the Double Hill climate. (No,
we don't need GE!)
We laid seaweed between the rows to discourage weeds, but still needed
to weed three times over the growing period. One of our aims is to
keep the digging to a minimum, and we also want to keep to crops that
don't need much attention and that we don't have room for in our own
gardens.
In October we put in more potatoes beside last year's patch, using the
same method as last year. We tried different varieties this year and
used more pine needles to try to combat wire worm. We put newspaper
between the rows and piled on more hay, seaweed and pine needles as
the shoots began to emerge. Everything got a healthy dose of coffee
grounds thanks to the staff of Fluid Espresso.
On the other half of last year's patch we tried onions and pumpkins.
Most of the onions were grown as seedlings in Jan's green house.
Derek's seedlings were a bit smaller and most got trampled by the
neighbour's ducks. Then it got cold. The onions didn't do much and the
pumpkins didn't do anything. It wasn't until February's belated summer
heat arrived that they finally started to swell. They have now reached
an acceptable size and I am looking forward to pumpkin soup and
pumpkin pies this winter.
As an afterthought we tossed some leeks and brassicas into the last
bit of last year's patch; the leeks look ok but the brassicas have got
a bit lost in the hay and don't appreciate the dry autumn.
In February we harvested the garlic, took it to Jan and Dave's garage
and spent a few evenings tidying it up and hanging it to dry through a
gate strung to the roof. Lynley used to grow garlic in Ashburton and
was a good source of allium wisdom, Jacky's competitive nature got the
better of her when she noticed the pool table, and Dave kept bringing
out wine. Still, we ended up with over 500 good-sized garlic bulbs.
Some were sold at the recent harvest market and we are each going to
save our best-looking cloves for sowing next season.
After the garlic we decided to try a green-crop and sowed a mixture of
lupin, oats, mustard and vetch. It hasn't grown well in the dry
weather, but then again neither have the weeds.
The first lot of this year's potatoes were harvested in early April.
Results are variable, with not as many big ones and unfortunately more
wire worm than last year. Before the compulsory
cup-of-tea/beer/refreshments, the potatoes were streamed: upper class
(not a single blemish), upper middle class (one or 2 spots), lower
middle/lower class (eat first) and untouchable (for the pigs). The
remaining potatoes will be harvested in the very near future and we'll
take note of which ones have grown the best to use again.
We have been offered funding by the Blueskin Resilient Communities
Trust to put a duck-proof fence around our community garden. We have
also been offered some land at Waititi Bush for developing, which is
some of the most fertile soil in the country, so we don't quite know
where we will be next year. The new site is close to the beautiful
Waititi Bush, so bush and garden could be tended together. But it is
certainly colder than Lynley and Frank's top paddock.
If you are interested in joining in we'd love to hear from you. Our
garden just happened. There was an idea and a bit of land, and plenty
of enthusiasm to keep out of the supermarket and eat fresh local
veggies instead. There has been absolutely no addition to GDP.
Rosemary and Derek, 482 2831

WEGies report
Lynnaire Johnston

As Rosemary has reported above, the final harvest market for the year
was a great success. In fact, all three have been well supported by
both buyers and sellers – and even the odd barterer. The traditional
apple press provided fabulous freshly squeezed juice and the WEGie
coffers benefited accordingly. Our thanks to Mark and Rayna Dickson
for continuing to offer such a great venue for the market.
The big news on the WEGie front is a grant secured from the Lotteries
Commission by the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust for WEGie
projects (thanks hugely to Scott Willis and the team). A total of
$8000 will be spent on the Waitati Open Orchards (WOO) project, the
community garden, and WEGie work with local schools.
The WOO project aims to plant fruit trees and herbs in public areas
around the village so they can be accessed by members of the
community. Grant money will be used to purchase trees for three
community areas: Waitati School, beside Waitati River and on roadside
grass verges. There are also plans to run four workshops facilitated
by Jason Ross of Sutherland Nurseries, covering planting and pruning.
Funds will be used to fence the community garden to keep out ducks and
other intruders. Hay is also required so if you have some to sell we
would be pleased to hear from you.
The third part of the funding will go to assisting the three local
schools – Waitati, Warrington and Purakanui – with their gardening
projects over the next 12 months.
Lynnaire Johnston, 482 1364

21 April 2010

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Lynn Robberts

Speed Limit Review

Good news for the north coast area.
By Alasdair Morrison

The DCC Transportation Operations Department has completed its review
of speed limits on a number of roads throughout the city. The
objective of the review was to recommend the most appropriate speed
limit for the individual roads, or sections of road.

Summary for roads in the north coast area: The recommendation is that
the current 100kph limits on Mount Cargill Road, Blueskin Road and
Coast Road should be reduced to 80 kph. There are a few areas where it
is recommended that the 50kph road signs should be moved a short
distance along a road to match up with obvious built-up development,
such as driveways, post boxes, trimmed hedges, etc. Details are as
follows:

Mount Cargill Road: Heading north from the city, past the Normanby pub
and out of the 50kph area, the speed limit will reduce from 100kph to
80kph until the 50kph road sign above Waitati School. The 50kph limit
remains along Harvey Street to the intersection with State Highway1.

Blueskin Road: Leaving Port Chalmers and out of the 50kph area, the
speed limit will reduce from 100kph to 80kph all the way through to
the intersection with Mount Cargill Road.

Coast Road: Leaving State Highway 1 at Evansdale, the speed limit
remains at 80kph until just past the first railway level crossing
(after the Park Road intersection). The speed limit will remain at
70kph through the built-up area until you go past the railway level
crossing beside Reservoir Road. Continuing north round the bend, the
speed limit will reduce from 100kph to 80kph. This will continue until
the approach to Seacliff where the speed limit will further reduce to
70kph. The limit will go back to 80kph once clear of Seacliff and will
remain at that until the present 50kph area at the entrance to
Karitane. The limit will go back to 80kph once clear of Karitane and
will remain at that until the intersection with State Highway 1.

50kph signs:
Entering Karitane from the north, the 50kph sign will move about 150
metres along the road towards the village.

Entering Warrington from the south along Park Road, the 50kph sign
will move along the road to the start of the built-up area.

The recommendations were endorsed by the Waikouaiti Coast Community
Board on 14 April. The recommendations will go to Council and public
consultation will take place during July and August. Final approvals
are likely to be in late September and road sign alterations could
start happening in October. Our thanks go to Bruce Conaghan, DCC
senior traffic engineer, for all his work on this review.

Alasdair Morrison, chairman, Waikouaiti Coast Community Board, 482 2505.

15 April 2010

Blueskin Bay FM News

Puketapu Radio presents Blueskin Bay news, in association with
Blueskin Bay FM 88.2:

Waitati Open Orchard will have a traditional apple press at the
Waitati Harvest Market this coming Sunday (the 18th). Making delicious
juice. The market is from 10:30 to 12.

Dunedin North MP Pete Hodgson will meet constituents Waikouaiti at
1.30pm and Waitati at 2pm on Monday, at the libraries of each town.

Next weekend there will be a concert in Warrington of the 'Bohemian
Nights' European folk music duo from Melbourne on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Poppies are on display at the Blueskin General Store, Blueskin Bay
Library and Warrington Post Office with donation boxes, in preparation
for Anzac Day next Sunday. There will be an Anzac Day service on the
Sunday 25th at 10am.

More details about these and other news and events from blueskin.co.nz

08 April 2010

Blueskin Bay radio news for Friday April 9

Puketapu Radio presents Blueskin Bay local news in association with blueskin.co.nz

Public meetings designed to help us understand and prepare for tsunamis are being held next week. Organised by the DCC, Civil Defence, the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and Neighbourhood Support, the meetings will be held at the Karitane Hall on Monday April 12 and the Waitati Hall on Tuesday April13. Both meetings run from 6.30 to 8.30 pm.

It’s movie night again for the Waitati Film Society on Tuesday and this week the feature is Alfred Hitchcock’s Topaz. A classic from 1969, it takes us behind the headlines to expose the most explosive spy scandal of the century. Movies are shown at Bill’s place, Orokonui Rd, at 8pm.

The Waikouaiti Coast Community Board meets at the Warrington Surf Club on Wednesday. The meeting begins at 5.30pm and everyone interested in what’s happening in their community is invited to attend.

The following week activity begins to ramp up in Blueskin Bay with the last harvest market of the year, an open day at the Waitati volunteer fire brigade and a community meeting about the planned library development.

The Blueskin Bay local volunteer news website can be found at www.blueskin.co.nz.

05 April 2010

Gallery on Blueskin

Gallery on Blueskin invites you to the opening of

Crystal Glazes

new work by Peter Gregory

Thursday, 8 April 6pm

refreshments & nibbles

03 April 2010

PDF Blueskin News for April

Download the latest 'Blueskin News' here:

http://newzealand.wikia.com/wiki/Blueskin_News

01 April 2010

Blueskin Bay radio news for Friday April 2

Puketapu Radio presents Blueskin Bay local news in association with blueskin.co.nz

Activity is quiet in Blueskin Bay this Easter weekend but the Coast Road market will be in full swing on Sunday. This small country market is gaining a very loyal following and visitors are impressed with the wide array of goods on offer. Several stallholders sell fresh produce, there’s an organic meat seller, fantastic coffee, and the market’s signature product: Rudie’s delicious pakoras. Stalls are free to anyone wanting to sell items and the market is open from 11am to 2pm. The market is held on Coast Road at Seacliff.

Warrington Indoor Bowls Club will begin its 2010 season on Tuesday April 6 at 7.30pm in the Warrington Hall. The club welcomes past and present members and any new players who would like to give this challenging game a try. Free tuition is available to new players, and the club supplies the bowls. The only "special equipment" required is a pair of soft-soled shoes.

Local potter Peter Gregory opens his latest exhibition at Gallery on Blueskin on Thursday night. Peter has recently been experimenting with different glazes and this exhibition is entitled: Crystal Glazes. The opening starts at 6pm.

There will be two public meetings designed to help us understand and prepare for tsunamis this month. Organised by the DCC Civil Defence, the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and Neighbourhood Support, the meetings will be held at the Karitane Hall on Monday April 12 and at the Waitati Hall on Tuesday April13. Both meetings run from 6.30 - 8.30 pm.

The Blueskin Bay local volunteer news website can be found at www.blueskin.co.nz.

Blueskin Bay FM 88.2

27 April 2010

CLEANUP May 2010

Local police ready to charge offenders

Anzac Day medal lost

Anzac Day service 'impressive and meaningful'

23 April 2010

Blueskin Garden Club

Godwit update

Newes: Hare Krishna presentation

School to lose bus service

Waitati Energy Project

Waitati Enviroschool Column

Hopeful outlook for new hall and library complex

WAITATI TOY LIBRARY

BLUESKIN PLAYCENTRE

WAITATI VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Blueskin 10:10

22 April 2010

WAITATI EDIBLE GARDENERS

21 April 2010

Classified ad

Speed Limit Review

15 April 2010

Blueskin Bay FM News

08 April 2010

Blueskin Bay radio news for Friday April 9

05 April 2010

Gallery on Blueskin

03 April 2010

PDF Blueskin News for April

01 April 2010

Blueskin Bay radio news for Friday April 2

Current News Bulletin

Current Blueskin Bay Weather

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