Blueskin Bay FM 88.2: July 2010

24 July 2010

(updated) WAIKOUAITI COAST COMMUNITY BOARD column

WAIKOUAITI COAST COMMUNITY BOARD

By Alasdair Morrison and Geraldine Tait

The Waikouaiti Coast Community Board is planning a dedicated website
which will be linked directly to the Dunedin City Council site
(www.dunedin.govt.nz). There will be links to the local news websites
- Blueskin News and POWA, plus other local websites of interest. Our
question is - what else would you like to see included on this local
website, one which would be kept up to date continually? Please send
any ideas to board member Andy Barratt, asbarratt@farmside.co.nz

Warrington Domain

A public meeting was held in Warrington recently about 'Boy Racers'
causing unacceptable noise and damage to Warrington Domain. By the
time this issue goes to print we will have received the responses to a
survey which was sent to the Warrington community seeking their views
on the best options for solving this problem. More news on the outcome
in the next issue of Blueskin News.

Waitati Curve Realignment

The NZ Transport Agency (formerly Transit NZ), together with board
representatives, held an information meeting in Waitati recently to
display maps, plans and design concepts for the upcoming Waitati Curve
Realignment. This is likely to start within the next year and will see
a more gentle curve formed at the Waitati intersection. A consequence
of this realignment will be the relocation of the Blueskin General
Store to the eastern side of the highway - initially to a temporary
location and then to its final location once the roadworks are
complete. There will also be alterations to bus stop locations and
commuter parking areas. Please talk to a board member if you have any
concerns.

Port Otago Dredging

The board is facilitating a public meeting to discuss the proposed
Otago Harbour dredging which is part of the 'Project Next Generation'.
This will be an ideal opportunity for anyone who has concerns about
the possible effects of offshore disposal of the dredged material to
come along and hear details of this project. See separate notice in
this issue.

Blueskin Youth Centre Association

The Board has been assisting the BYCA with its application for funding
for a feasibility study in the wider Blueskin Bay area with regard to
providing facilities for the youth of the area, as well as for other
community groups.

Local Body Election

Once every three yeas the time comes when you may think of standing
for election to the Community Board, the Council, the Health Board or
the Regional Council. Please feel free to contact any Board member to
find out more about what is involved and how much of your time would
be required.

The Forum

The Waikouaiti Coast Community Board meets seven times a year, the
meetings rotating between the four settlements: Waitati, Warrington,
Karitane and Waikouaiti. Once a year there is also a meeting in
Dunedin (our most recent, in July)

Meetings are open to the public, and start at 5.30pm, so people can
come along after work. If you have a burning issue, a great idea or
want the Board's support
for a local project, you can come and speak at the beginning of a
meeting when time is set aside for the public forum. The only rule is
that you have to book in 24 hours ahead by phoning the DCC number 477
4000.

The Board is very receptive to community members speaking at our
meetings; we enjoy the variety of issues and the passion with which
they are presented to us. We can't always solve a problem and often it
is just a first step in a lengthy journey to a satisfactory outcome.
However, once you have the Board's attention, generally we can offer
some assistance in the form of information, advocacy or direct action
on the issue. If it is beyond our scope we may redirect you to another
organisation or suggest another way to approach your problem.
Part of our role as a Community Board is to be a line of communication
between the local people and the Council.

The next meeting is on 1 September, at the Puketeraki Marae, Apes
Road, Karitane.
We are being hosted by the Kati Huirapa Runaka Ki Puketeraki. There
will be a formal welcome onto the Marae so if you intend to come to
this meeting please check with the
Board chair Alasdair Morrison 4822 505 for information about the time
this will start.

Waikouaiti Coast Community Board - current members
Alasdair Morrison 482 2505 (chairperson)
Gerard Collings 465 7604
Geraldine Tait 482 2517
Andy Barratt 012 890 048
Nancy Higgins 482 1198
Murray Holland 465 7482
Councillor Andrew Noone 465 7157

Is that a slot machine?

by the editors

No, not a poker machine and no, you don't need a parking meter to shop
at the Blueskin General Store . . . The Store now has a coin box for
collecting donations for Blueskin Media. We want everyone to
understand that Blueskin News is and will always be free but we always
welcome donations.

Your donations will help us to continue our policy of providing free
ads to local not-for-profit organisations and community events, to
continue to provide free classified ads on the back page, and to keep
on top of our printing costs.

Thanks to Heather Bell of Blueskin General Store for permission to
install the coin box, and thanks to all who support our 100%
volunteer-run, not-for-profit community newsletter.

--
--
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".

WARRINGTON SCHOOL (column)

WARRINGTON SCHOOL

by school staff and parents

Our principal is back from his time in Samoa with Habitat for
Humanity. Nathan spent two weeks based in Lepa, the south coast of
Upolo island which took the full force of
the September Tsunami. The team of 25 mainly kiwi volunteers he was
with worked on creating floors for fales (houses) either out of timber
or concrete, roofing and erecting toilet blocks.

Nathan says the extreme poverty that some Samoan families lived with
was sad to see, it made him realise how fortunate we are.

Dates

Thursday 5 August BOT

Wednesday 11 August Information evening for year 6 pupils and parents
re: year 7 & 8 programme

Sports Round-up

Warrington School's Miniball team has enjoyed a great term. We have
had some brilliant games, many with nail bitting endings! We have all
had loads of fun and are learning not only miniball skills but also
about team rules and etiquette. In particular how to work together and
support each other to maximise individual strengths. We have had two
coaching sessions from Basketball Otago.

Well done to all our Warrington hockey players.Year 7&8 Our combined
East Otago Intermediate team has gone from strength to strength. We
are now beating teams that thrashed us at the beginning of the season.
Lots more skills and confidence being
shown by all players.

Warrington Warriors: This is our year 5&6 team - we have won so many
games by such a high margin that we have been moved into the premier
division in the Wednesday night competitions. All the players working
really hard, playing as individuals as the beginning of the season now
a cohesive team!

Warrington Dolphins Our year 4&5 team. I really appreciate your
enthusiasm and commitment to the practices and the games. It's not
about winning the game (yeah right) but having fun that counts and you
all seem to have a lot of fun.
next term.

Mighty Ducks Mini Sticks – year 1-3 (from satellite reporter Dawn).
Wow what a season we are having - we regularly score 3 goals per game.
You boys have so much fun and what superb talent we have ready to move
up a level next year.

Many, many thanks to all the parents providing transport, sideline
support and such talented children.

SPORTS REPORT: Blueskin Netball 2010

Blueskin Netball 2010

by Carol Forbes

The combined Warrington-Waitati netball team have had a terrific
season so far. Blueskin Diamonds (yr 5-6) have moved up one grade, and
have won every game to date. The Blueskin Jewels (year 3-4) are doing
well in their grade with some great wins, and coach Jayne Fitzgerald
(Waitati), is very pleased with how they are playing as a team.

Both teams are developing great skills and it has been nice to play
with, and get to know, children from our neighbouring school. The
season finishes on Tuesday August 17th. Have a safe and happy break.

Farewell Chris Meder

By Nicky Clarke and Louise Burnside

Chris Meder, well known Blueskin Bay sculptor of Recycled Relics,
sadly lost his battle with cancer on July 17. His greatest achievement
to date was realised with the birth of his daughter Olive, just 10
days earlier. Hundreds of friends and family gathered together to
celebrate the life of 39-year old Chris. The service told of a life
lived outside the box, overwhelmingly filled with fun and family.
Chris fulfilled his aspirations through his art, film and working his
block of land on the Kilmog, with partner Mirriam.
Chris touched many lives, from John McGlashan classmates to movie
industry arty types. Chris worked from his creative welding workshop
on his sculpture; many of us are familiar with his extraordinary
animal forms constructed from scrap metal. Lately he found his forte
in the steampunk genre at the exhibition in Oamaru. His creative
spirit will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace Chris, from Gallery on
Blueskin, on behalf of the residents of Blueskin Bay.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Nicky and Nathan Clarke <clarke800@kinect.co.nz>
Date: 24 July 2010 12:59
Subject: Chris Meder article
To: blueskin.input@gmail.com
Cc: louise burnside <burnsidelouise@xtra.co.nz>

Hi Lynnaire, Louise and i constructed the following after attending
Chris's funeral yesterday. Hope its in time to get into the News.

Louise is away on holiday this week but will be back in time to whip
up the calendar if you can reserve a space for it to be slotted in at
the last minute.

Nicky

Waitati School

By Antony Deaker

Stuff's happening − we have a new new entrants' teacher (see below),
the legendary Waitati bonfire and fireworks night is back, there's a
new roof, the waharoa is nearly finished, and we've got school trips
to ski fields, art galleries and Moana Pool.

The Waitati School PTA has been successful with raising funds and the
necessary support to put on a bonfire and fireworks community event on
September 18 at the School. Apart from a large bonfire pile, there
will be live entertainment, bouncy castles, food and a stellar
fireworks display.

The PTA has chosen one of the last weekends prior to the start of
daylight saving so that we will have a dark night that is still early
enough for families to get kids to bed etc.

In the next few months we will have formal blessings and an opening
for the waharoa (gateway) whichh has been designed by Alex Whitaker
and involved the pupils in hands-on art making. The waharoa represents
the story of Tawhaki and his quest for knowledge.

Meanwhile the kids are studying art, energy, fund-raising for a ski
trip soon and a camp later and looking forward to swimming lessons at
Moana Pool.

Introducing Sarah Wilson
Hello, I have recently been appointed a classroom teacher for terms 3
and 4. I am thrilled to gain the position, and with a newly appointed
principal am feeling positive about the fresh energy for the coming
terms. I am looking forward to meeting the staff, the parents and the
children, and becoming a part of the diverse Waitati community.

I have traveled extensively and have recently returned from living and
teaching in Bristol, England for the past three years where I gained
valuable experience and expertise in the junior school setting. I
graduated from the New Zealand Graduate School of Education in 2006
and received top quality training that prepared me for the classroom
environment the day I qualified.

Teaching the curriculum in reliable, fun and creative ways to ensure
sound learning is an important foundation for any child, and when this
knowledge is taught through the concepts of awareness, honesty and
responsibility it supports individuals to develop many capabilities
and make independent decisions.

I am interested in education, it really is an ongoing source of
discovery, and it offers a wealth of opportunities to all of us as
life long learners! I am also a fan of yoga, dance and walking in
nature.

22 July 2010

Waitati Toy Library

By Frances Baeumer

Waitati Toy Library is open to everyone.We have 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.
For those members interested in learning more about the toy library,
our next committee meeting is on Tuesday, August 3 at 3:30pm (at
Frances's house). Toy Library sessions are fortnightly at the Waitati
Hall on Saturdays at 10:30 – 11:30am and the following Monday nights
at 6:30 – 7:30pm. August's session dates are 7, 9, 21 and 23.
Waitati Toy Library, Frances Baeumer, 482 1991

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".

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

By Sue Hensley

It is with sadness we farewell our knowledgeable, friendly and
efficient receptionist Priya Logan. Her whole family has been involved
in happenings at Orokonui – especially five-year old Rhiannon who
developed a great interest in our native birds and has walked more of
the tracks than most people. Priya and her family have loved living in
Warrington but are returning to Scotland.

It is with sadness also that we report the death (outside the fence)
of one of our kaka at the teeth of a stoat. This was the male of a
pair that had set up territory on the harbour side of Mihiwaka. The
medium term plan is to do pest control in this area but unfortunately
not soon enough for this kaka.

A total of five robins have now been seen back in their home
territories in the Silverpeaks but the really exciting news is that
one female and two males have been seen at Orokonui. One of the males
was carrying a worm which may mean a pairing is occurring.
Interestingly, all recent robin sightings have been in the pine area
in the northern donated block. I guess old habits die hard and
although radiata pine is not prime habitat for robins it is very
familiar habitat for the Silverpeaks robins.

The very successful school holiday programme brought lots of families
up to the Ecosanctuary, helped along by the relatively fine winter
weather. It is great to see the enthusiasm of the next generation of
conservationists.

Events to look out for in August are Moira Crossman's clay workshops
and a talk by local geology expert, Chuck Landis.

The visitor centre and café are open every day 9.30am - 4.30pm. The
Centre is free to explore as is the Pa Harakeke walk (Flax Plantation)
and the 9km perimeter track. Annual passes to the Ecosanctuary are now
available. We have a Facebook page as well as a website
(www.orokonui.org.nz) to keep you up to date.

Community Board Update

By Alasdair Morrison, chairman, Waikouaiti Coast Community Board

Website
The Waikouaiti Coast Community Board is planning a dedicated website
which will be linked directly to the Dunedin City Council site
(www.dunedin.govt.nz). There will be links to the local news websites
- Blueskin News and POWA, plus other local websites of interest. Our
question is - what else would you like to see included on this local
website, one which would be kept up to date continually? Please send
any ideas to board member Andy Barratt, asbarratt@farmside.co.nz
Warrington Domain
A public meeting was held in Warrington recently about 'Boy Racers'
causing unacceptable noise and damage to Warrington Domain. By the
time this issue goes to print we will have received the responses to a
survey which was sent to the Warrington community seeking their views
on the best options for solving this problem. More news on the outcome
in the next issue of Blueskin News.
Waitati Curve Realignment
The NZ Transport Agency (formerly Transit NZ), together with board
representatives, held an information meeting in Waitati recently to
display maps, plans and design concepts for the upcoming Waitati Curve
Realignment. This is likely to start within the next year and will see
a more gentle curve formed at the Waitati intersection. A consequence
of this realignment will be the relocation of the Blueskin General
Store to the eastern side of the highway - initially to a temporary
location and then to its final location once the roadworks are
complete. There will also be alterations to bus stop locations and
commuter parking areas. Please talk to a board member if you have any
concerns.
Port Otago Dredging
The board is facilitating a public meeting to discuss the proposed
Otago Harbour dredging which is part of the 'Project Next Generation'.
This will be an ideal opportunity for anyone who has concerns about
the possible effects of offshore disposal of the dredged material to
come along and hear details of this project. See separate notice in
this issue.
Blueskin Youth Centre Association
The Board has been assisting the BYCA with its application for funding
for a feasibility study in the wider Blueskin Bay area with regard to
providing facilities for the youth of the area, as well as for other
community groups.
Local Body Election
Once every three yeas the time comes when you may think of standing
for election to the Community Board, the Council, the Health Board or
the Regional Council. Please feel free to contact any Board member to
find out more about what is involved and how much of your time would
be required.

Waikouaiti Coast Community Board - current members
Alasdair Morrison 482 2505
Gerard Collings 465 7604
Geraldine Tait 482 2517
Andy Barratt 012 890 048
Nancy Higgins 482 1198
Murray Holland 465 7482
Councillor Andrew Noone 465 7157

Blueskin Bay Library

Fiction collection makeover
By Louise Booth

Blueskin Bay Library has lots of fabulous new stock in the adult
fiction, young adult fiction and the large print collections. Be sure
to pop by and visit us if you are an avid fiction reader as you will
be in for a fiction feast!

Come and view our beautiful banner, embroidered by members of our
community. Thank you to Rowan Holt who managed to finish the
embroidery on all the letters.

Blueskin Bayleaf

By Rowan Halt

Marmalade

There are many marmalade recipes out there, making life more
complicated for everybody than it ought to be. Peeling fruit,
carefully segmenting it, removing pips, finely slicing rind ⇀ all to
put in a pot, boil the daylights out of it and have it turn to a big
mush anyway.
Some things are worth doing carefully with patience and other things
really are not. Like making marmalade. Make it quickly and get it on
your toast!
Here's how to do it: Take any quantity of oranges, lemons or
grapefruit. Give the fruit a wash in cold water to remove annoying
little stickers and spray residue.
Put it all in a food processor and mince until fine. You may need to
do this in batches. I don't get too worried about pips. I have seen
recipes that add them on purpose for the flavour. If you see one, take
it out with a teaspoon but otherwise they will get minced up with the
brew.
Also, some recipes say to carefully remove the pith (the white stuff)
because it is bitter, but my marmalade always tastes delicious so I
don't think that is true. Besides, pith is one of the only foods
packed with vitamin K, essential for clotting blood, which is
especially handy in childbirth.
Don't add more water, bring minced fruit to simmer. Add sugar, one cup
for each cup of pulp (cup for cup) and simmer on a medium-high heat
for about 20 minutes.
Test for setting by placing a teaspoon of the mixture on a cold
saucer. As it cools the mixture should become a spreadable but not
runny consistency. If it is still runny, simmer for a little longer,
checking every five minutes or so.
When it is done, pour into hot sterilised jars and screw the lids on
lightly. As the jars cool down you will hear a "pop" sound from each
one. This is the lid sucking down to create a good seal. The jars with
the lids popped can live in your pantry for up to a year. Use up
unpopped lidded jars first.

Classified ad: Woman 2 Woman

We are a small group of local Christian women who get together each
week on our journey of life's joys and trials. Sometimes life throws
us some curve balls, and it's good to share the load! Together we
pray... laugh (and cry sometimes)... eat good suppers... chat... and
see how God fits into our lives and situations.
Currently we meet on a Wednesday, 7-9pm at 22 Orokonui Rd
(Beamish's). Want to know more? Phone Alison Appleby (482 2532) or
Nina Seifert (482 2872). But you're more than welcome to just turn
up!

Public meeting re Port Otago dredging

21 July 2010

Warrington Playcentre

By Rowan Holt

There has been lots of fun for everyone lately at Warrington
Playcentre. On the last night of term we had a dance party to
celebrate mid-winter. Everybody brought along some food, we decorated
our centre, turned the lights down and boogied until past our bed
time. We enjoyed some fireworks outside when it was dark and one of
the mums even showed us how to dance with fire poi! The next morning's
clean-up was fun too, with the sun shining, more music and parents
chatting while the children played in the morning winter sun. It's
times like this that we reflect on what a wonderful community we live
in and how lucky we are to have each other.

Sadly, very soon we will be saying good bye to our friends Rhiannon
and Oliver who are going to live in Scotland with their parents Priya
and Jason. We wish them all the best and hope they will take many
wonderful memories of Blueskin Bay with them.

On Friday 23 July, we invited everyone from the Warrington community
to join us for coffee and cupcakes. This was sponsored by Nescafe and
is our chance to acknowledge the community, meet new people and say
thank you for your ongoing support.

The Big Latch On is a nationwide breast feeding event taking place on
August 6. The aim is to get as many women as possible to feed at the
same time, to promote breast feeding. Warrington Playcentre is a
registered venue, so if you are breastfeeding or have friends or
whanau who are, please come along and join us. We will make you
welcome and of course it's an opportunity to meet new faces. August 6,
9.30am, Warrington Playcentre, cnr Stephenson St and Station Road.

Our session times are Wednesday and Friday 9.15am-12.15pm.

See you soon! Ka Kite Ano

classified ad

House minder available Nov 2010 - 2011. Full love and care of your
pets and plants. jeffreyhrobinson@yahoo.co.nz, 027 4467 915

Waitati Edible Gardeners

Waitati Edible Gardeners
By Jason Ross

Waitati Open Orchards (WOO), a branch of Waitati Edible Gardeners, is
a group of folk on a mission to plant fruit trees in public spaces
around Waitati for all to enjoy.

We have had a great July with many people to thank for their efforts
and donations towards making our planting day and workshop a success.
We have had kind donations of hay and cartage of hay, and fruit trees.
Folks have been busy clearing grass and nasty weeds, stake making and
collecting compost and manure. Thanks also to Blueskin Nurseries for
great prices on a choice selection of fruit trees.

August is a good time for planting and pruning of fruit and nut trees
so contact us if you are keen to join in. Remember to wait a few days
after rain before pruning to avoid silverleaf disease, especially for
the susceptible plums, cherries, apricots and peaches.

We are still looking for 'patches' to plant, these may be mown street
verges where a few trees could be put in. Would you like some fruit
trees out the front of your house? Contact us, if the spot is
suitable, and we have enough trees, we may be able to supply the trees
and plant them. You could adopt the trees or just keep up the mowing
and we will care for the trees. All trees planted by WOO are for
anyone in Waitati to harvest from.

WOO Events
August 28 - Grafting Workshop. Rootstock and grafting wood for apples
and plums will be for sale on the day.
Location and time to be confirmed.

If you have a special apple or plum tree you would like to reproduce
then now's the time to collect cuttings. Make pencil thick 20cm
cuttings from the base of the new growth (last summer's growth) at the
tips of branches. Wrap in just damp newspaper, seal in a plastic bag
and refrigerate till the workshop. Watch for posters at the library
and shop, or please contact me for more details:

To join our mailing list email waitatiopenorchard@gmail.com.

Jason Ross, 482 2625.

Hilary's Apple Chilli Jelly

Our pantry has a large basket of apples in it, mostly picked from
roadside trees on Ramrock Rd near Waikouaiti (all the local apples had
disappeared into the WOO juicer!). These apples are wrinkly old
cookers and are keeping well, but as the last of the chillies are hot
for some action in our glasshouse, its time to make a batch of Apple
and Chilli Jelly.

This is lovely stuff, very sweet, and as hot as you want to make it.
It's great with cheese, meat, or as a sweet condiment with spicy food,
in the same way as you would use mango chutney.

Ingredients: Apples, sugar, red or green chillies, lime juice and
maybe a couple of teaspoons of citric acid.

Chop unpeeled apples and throw in a pot with enough water to cover.
Boil the apples for quite a while until well mushed up, but don't boil
away too much liquid. Pour the apple mixture into a jelly bag, a piece
of muslin, a pillowcase or clean tea towel. Hang it over a bowl to
drip. A broom handle over the bath tub is a good place, or over the
laundry tub. Leave for several hours or overnight but do not squeeze
or the jelly will be cloudy.

To make the jelly measure your liquid by the cupful into a big pot,
add sugar in equivalent numbers of cups e.g. 1.5 cups liquid = 1.5
cups of sugar.

For every 1-2 cups I use 4-6 deseeded chillies, chopped fairly finely,
but little rings is nice, add a squirt of lime juice for a bit of
tang, say 1 T (the stuff in the green plastic bottles is fine).

Boil until it reaches gelling point (when a drop on a plate is cool
and you push your finger through it. It should form wrinkles in front
of your finger, keep doing this until it gels). If this has not
happened after 10 minutes add a teaspoon of citric acid and test
again. This can be done twice, after that there is no point. You just
don't have enough pectin in that mixture! It usually works though.
Pour into warm, sterilised, small jars. Wait until it's nearly set
then give it a twirl with a knife to distribute the chillies evenly.
Cover and store.

A note on storing apples: Most modern houses are too warm to store
fruit for any length of time. Keep them in a cool room, or outbuilding
without a rat problem. Check over all apples for codlin moth holes,
usually at the blossom end and for any other signs of rot or holes.
These will have to be used first.

Wrap your sound apples in paper, to keep them separate from the
others. This way if you lose one to rot, it won't spread to all the
others. Place in a box or basket in a cool dry place. Check through
them periodically. You can keep cooking apples for most of the winter
like this.

Surf Club AGM

Warrington Surf Life Saving AGM
Sat 14 August, 6.30pm at the Clubrooms
Please bring a plate for shared supper afterwards

20 July 2010

MP Clinic: Hon Pete Hodgson

PETE HODGSON

MP Dunedin North

Next MP clinics for your community are:
Monday 16 August 2010

1:30pm Waikouaiti Library
2:30pm Waitati Library

MP Office
32 Albany Street, Dunedin
Ph: 03 4741973
Fax: 03 4749913
Email: pete@petehodgson.co.nz

19 July 2010

WAITATI ENERGY PROJECT column

WAITATI ENERGY PROJECT

by Scott Willis

Turbine News

Did anyone hear Chris Laidlaw interviewing Keith Turner (ex-Meridian
CEO) on National Radio on the 18 July? Several very interesting
questions were put to Keith Turner and at least two important issues
came to the fore: Distributed Generation (or DG) and Policy (vacuum).

Turner argued that DG (generating at or near the point of consumption
with photovoltaics, micro wind or hydro, and strong grid
interconnectedness) while clearly the path of the future, just hasn't
happened despite the promise. Essentially (listening between the
words) this is because we don't offer any incentives for DG and we
maintain plenty of disincentives under our current market structure
that seeks to foster competition in what is essential national
infrastructure.

The further we get down the path to our own energy generation in
Blueskin Bay, it's become evident that no-one knows how to do this
(community generation) in New Zealand yet, outside of a few individual
households who have gone to considerable effort to exist
outside the grid and a handful of grid interconnected households – but
that's individuals, not communities. Keith Turner talked of 'economies
of scale' which is another way of saying that our energy sector is
designed for Think Big projects.

One thing we've discovered is that building the physical
infrastructure is not complicated and will likely generate plenty of
electricity at any one of the sites currently under consideration. In
fact, New Zealand is the only country, we were told, where wind
generation is built for its economic merits alone (we have plenty of
wind) – all other countries subsidise wind to help reduce their
reliance on 'dirty energy' (energy from non-renewables such as oil and
coal). We have wind and we have sites, subject to lease agreements and
agreement with our broad community of the desirability of the project.
We could generate electricity. But there's another required
'infrastructure' we need to make the economic case. This is the
virtual infrastructure of the market: as it is set up now, the
electricity market will not easily accommodate generation from a small
community with a wind turbine. If we had a large hydro lake and a
geothermal plant as well, then it would be a piece of cake, but as it
is, we will need help, in either changed policy or market partners.

The question we'll have to address as we talk about generating our own
energy is: do we want electricity and do we want it to be from
renewables? Because if we do, we will have the power to make it
happen. The timeline is still not clear, as we need to find the
appropriate way to build our virtual market infrastructure, raise
capital, establish the co-operative, and secure the appropriate
consents. I'm hoping to find a way to address the market challenge
promptly, firstly because this challenge is almost as great for those
single households who want to sell back to the grid, but also because
we have such a good momentum right now. The rest will then follow.

Things haven't been standing idle, but the Community Turbine
Information Day won't be in August. Keep your eye out for a date in
the Blueskin News or via the WEP E-list.

Economic light

With the GST rise on its way, and rising electricity prices right now,
we can't afford to be complacent about ensuring we use less
electricity and using electricity more efficiently. Unless you're an
exceptional family that goes to bed when the light fails and rises at
first light, you'll be lighting your home. Hopefully you're only
lighting those spaces you're living in and have everyone ensuring they
'turn out the light'. More than good habits though, big efficiencies
can now be made with the choice of lights and bulbs. Technology is
delivering ever more efficient lighting, with incadescent bulbs easily
replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs, saving energy and money, and
also fluorescent tubes, low energy halogen, and LEDs among the more
common for the householder. And if you're concerned about the tiny
amount of mercury in some of the compact fluorescent bulbs, make sure
you're as cautious about the fish you eat as well! Oh, and there's a
competition sponsored by RightLight, an Industry-wide initiative
developed by the Electricity Commission, offering $10, 000 to make
your home more energy efficient. Here's the address:
www.rightlight.govt.nz/ .

For more information on the WEP or to subscribe to the WEP e-list,
email waitatienergy@gmail.com or phone 4822048.

Public Notice: Warrington Surf Life Saving Club AGM

Warrington Surf Life Saving Club AGM

Saturday 14 August at the Club Rooms at 6.30 pm.

The agenda will include approving a new Constitution (part of Project
Groundswell) and Election of Committee Members.

Mark Familton
Acting President

Seacliff revives old orchard

by Paul Smith

The Truby King Reserve's old orchard is about to get a make over with
the Reserve Committee embarking on a new "open orchard" project.

Just a few straggly apple trees are all that remain of what was
possibly a larger orchard planted when the Seacliff Asylum was
operating. All that is due to change with a planting day due to take
place on Saturday 7 August.

Though owned by the Dunedin City Council, the Reserve is co-managed
with the Seacliff community. The Reserve Committee has raised funds
for the project which has also received a grant from the Waikouaiti
Coast Community Board.

Located on the corner of Coast Road and Russell Road, the orchard is
thought to be the site of the Seacliff Hospital's old vegetable
gardens. The orchard design has been provided by Waitati tree expert,
Jason Ross, from Sutherland Nurseries. A range of heritage varieties
will be planted.

The orchard will be cared for by the Seacliff community, but the
Committee is keen to extend an invitation for anyone interested to
come and help out on planting day. A spade, gloves, buckets and
wheelbarrows are recommended as useful items to bring.

The planting day begins at 11.00am. Volunteers should meet at the
corner of Coast and Russell Roads.

OPINION: Realign the street lamps too

OPINION

Realign the street lamps too

by John Kaiser

I attended the meeting last month on the SH1 realignment. Thanks to
New Zealand Transport Agency for their informative evening on July7th.

One of the reasons stated in the resource consent application for the
upgrade to the curve at Waitati is that SH1 is a rural highway and
users therefore expect a higher open road speed.
The plan also notes correctly that any changes in the area need to
preserve the natural character of the coastal environment.

The realignment project therefore needs to treat the whole environment
as rural and not flood the surrounding area with excess light. This
should also extend to making sure that the overhead and any other
street or intersection lights are not visible from the surrounding
coastal area.

It is important that the lighting design of the proposed curve
realignment meets the following criteria:

1. All installed lights should not spill any light above horizontal.

This is to ensure that a 'Dark Sky' approach is followed that protects
the wonderful view of the stars that we get on a clear night in
Waitati. Further information on this can be obtained from
www.darksky.org. There are road lighting fittings that meet these
requirements. This should mean that there is no direct light from the
project visible from any location on the surrounding hills.

2. All light sources should not be visible from the coastal area and
the local village. In particular the lights should not be visible from
sea level across the bay.

The main reason for this requirement is that residents of Blueskin
Bay, Doctors Point and Warrington out enjoying the evening should not
have to look directly at the bright light sources as a result of this
upgrade. There is no physical reason why the lights should not be
shielded so that the required illumination levels are achieved for the
project, and the
surrounding area left with no additional illumination.

The lighting levels away from the upgrade will drop off very quickly
to a low level. However even a low level of light is intrusive in a
home when you have the lights out and the curtains open at night.
Anyone living near street lighting will attest to this.

Most of the street lighting around Dunedin does not meet the criteria
for a dark sky. It is about time we started to protect the "natural
character of the coastal environment" from light pollution.

A message...

A message

by Bruce Sheppard

On behalf of the Sheppard family I would like to thank the people of
Waitati for the support given over Terry's passing.

Your support and togetherness as a community is as strong and
civilised as you could get.

Marie (my mum) was overwhelmed to see such strength from a community.

Our special thanks goes out to Mandy for organising a send off that
rivalled that of the Queen Mother's.

Thank you for the right royal banquet that followed, the decorations
in the hall and the general support and love that was extended to all.

Also but not least, the Waitati Militia for its military presence and
artillery support.

If the rest of New Zealand was together and warm as Waitati, it would
be civilised.

Waitati Film Society Programme Aug-Dec 2010

WAITATI FILM SOCIETY

Waitati Film Society half-year memberships are now available at $35.
See drama, comedy, history or just plain entertainment in a warm,
pleasant environment with convivial company. Membership allows you
free entry to Film Society screenings as well as discounts at Film
Festivals and some Dunedin cinemas.

For more information, ring Leonie 4822 508 or look at our website:
www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/waitati.htm

Tuesday Aug 10

LEN LYE: ART THAT MOVES

NZ 2009

A compilation of movies from experimental film-maker, poet, painter,
kinetic sculptor, eccentric and ebullient personality, Len Lye, one of
New Zealand's most widely-known modernist artists. He was driven by a
life-long passion for motion, energy and the possibility of composing
them as a form of art. He moved to London and then New York, where he
became known as an intensely creative filmmaker and kinetic sculptor.
Born in 1901, he died in 1980. 90min.

Tuesday Aug 17

LIFE IS A MIRACLE

Serbia 2004

In 1992, before the vicious conflict, engineer Luka worked on the
completion of a railway line between eastern Bosnia and Serbia.
Afterwards, as a stationmaster with a family of an unstable wife and
athletic son, he chooses to ignore the signs of looming war in
Croatia. But inevitably all three individually become engulfed in the
war. 155min.

Tuesday Aug 24

OSS 117: CAIRO, NEST OF SPIES

France 2006

In 1955, OSS 117, a 1950's French comic forerunner of James Bond, is
sent to Egypt by the French Foreign Secret Service to investigate the
death of an agent and "make the Middle East safe". Though suave, OSS
117 is about as competent as his real life contemporaries who blew up
the Rainbow Warrior. 99min.

Tuesday Aug 31

NO MAN'S LAND

Bosnia 2001

During the confusion of battle, two soldiers, one a Bosnian the other
a Serb, find themselves in a trench in No Man's Land. With them is a
third, unconscious Bosnian soldier who has had a mine placed under him
by the Serb. The United Nations Protection Force is of no use as their
mission orders compel them to remain mere bystanders. An English
reporter is hoodwinked into believing the situation has been resolved,
but has it been? 98min.

Tuesday Sept 7

TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT

USA 1945

Humphrey Bogart plays Harry, a crusty fishing boat captain in the
Caribbean during the German Occupation of France. He just wants a
quiet life with his girlfriend, an American pickpocket (Lauren Bacall)
and piano-playing friend (Hoagy Carmichael). But the leader of the
Free French persuades him to smuggle two resistance agents between
islands. 100min.

Tuesday Sept 14

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

USA/Argentina/Chile/Peru 2003

In 1952, two young Argentinians boarded a battered Norton 500 and set
off on a road trip that inspired a revolution. Both Che Guevara and
Alberto Granado were from privileged upbringings, but their
experiences during their 8-month trip from Buenos Aires to Venezuela,
shaped their outlook on the realities of life. This enactment of the
journey perhaps gives an understanding of what moulds someone into a
charismatic revolutionary. 126min.

Tuesday Sept 21

THE ITALIAN

2005

During his brief years of life, Vanya has been abandoned by his
Russian parents, then given the privileged option of adoption by a
wealthy Italian family for a life of Mediterranean comfort. Yet his
roots call and he feels that he would like to be re-connected with his
birth mother. It's decision time for a six-year-old boy. 99min.

Tuesday Sept 28

DANCER IN THE DARK

Denmark 2000

This musical centres around the life of Selma, a Czech immigrant in
Washington State in 1964. She lives in poverty with her son in a
trailer home. Her work in a factory is tedious so she escapes to the
local cinema to watch Hollywood musicals despite her increasing
blindness. She also frequently escapes into daydreams of songs
incorporating everyday sounds of factory machinery. 140min.

Tuesday Oct 12

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA

USA 2007

Fermina abandons her innocent, youthful affair with Florentino for
marriage with the less romantic but practical Juvenal, a doctor
dedicated to the eradication of cholera, who puts his public
importance and reputation above all else. If romantic love is a
disease like cholera, Juvenal has the knowledge and wherewithal to
cure it. But opportunist Florentino has not entirely disappeared from
Fermina's life. 139min.

Tuesday Oct 26

BEYOND THE DARK SIDE

NZ 2004-08

A collection of recent short films that continue the tradition of New
Zealand's Cinema of Unease.

Nature's Way (Jane Shearer, 2006, 11 mins)

The Lethal Innocents (Kirsty Cameron, 2006, 9 mins)

Cargo (Leo Woodhead, 2007, 12 mins)

Undergrowth (Grant Major, 2009, 10 mins)

Ride (Stephen Sinclair, 2004, 15 mins)

Brave Donkey (Gaysorn Thavat 2009, 12 mins)

Tuesday Nov 9

Asta Nielsen: The Abyss & The Ballet Dancer

Denmark 1910-11

Actress Asta Nielsen is arguably the earliest (silent) movie star and
was very famous in Europe, but not USA, from 1910 through into the
early 20's

ABYSS: Camille is an actress and ballerina with a hopelessly
complicated love life. She loves a playwright but it is a painter who
really loves her.

THE BALLET DANCER: Full of the comings and goings of occasional
lovers, meetings and mix-ups. Within such a tangle of loving and
fussing, there is a tragic final ending for one of the characters and
an illuminating and even happy outcome for another. 35min.

Tuesday Nov 23

SEX AND LUCIA

Spain 2001

Poor Lorenzo has writers' block and waitress/ girlfriend Lucia cannot
break his despair. But his depression, subsequent revelation of a
child from a previous liaison as well as other more recent interwoven
relationships, provide him with subject matter for his latest novel.
128min.

Tuesday Dec 7

RAIN OF THE CHILDREN

NZ 2008

Vincent Ward further explores the subject of his earlier film In
Spring one Plants Alone when, as a young film student in 1978, he
travelled to the Ureweras and documented the lives of an elderly Maori
woman, Puhi, and her schizophrenic son. In this updated account, Ward
revisits to unravel the mystery of who was Puhi. 102min.

Warrington Taekwondo Club (column)

Warrington Taekwondo Club

by Meaghan Kelly

The end of June-start of July was a big month for Warrington
Taekwondo. On 26 June the South Island champs were held at the
Caledonian and attended by clubs from all over the island, including
Warrington. Seven Warrington members competed, Natasha Abbott and
Imogen Corbett in the poomsae (a demonstration of a set series of
moves) competition, while Eric Ko, Meaghan Kelly, and Scott, Bruno and
Lucan Willis all competed in sparring.

Natasha and Imogen competed extremely well in their first tournament.
The experience they gained will be extremely valuable in the future
(for all the future tournaments we want them to attend).

Lucan fought an even-looking fight against a higher ranked opponent
who eventually came out the winner, however once again a great effort.

Bruno also fought a higher-ranked opponent and the result did not go
his way, despite the fact that he fought probably his best fight to
date, showing his tournament experience has paid off and he has
clearly put in a lot of work.

Scott was narrowly defeated in his match, again against a
higher-ranked fighter from Christchurch; a result which could have
gone either way easily. A good fight to watch, but also a good
learning experience.

Eric brought home our only gold, fighting a friend from Green Island
club. This didn't prevent him from winning the fight by a ridiculous
margin of around 30 points. Yay Eric! Eric's fights are particularly
good to watch as the feeling of not being on the receiving end is so
relaxing.

My own fight was a little nerve wracking as everyone who heard who my
opponent was seemed to be implying that they would come to my funeral.
I did conclusively lose, by a similar margin to that Eric won by, (I
think actually more) but managed to hang onto life adequately. I am
privileged to be matched with some very high-ranking fighters due to
the lack of female competitors. Verina Wihongi, my opponent, attended
the Athens Olympics in 2004.

I would also like to thank the other Warrington instructors who attend
and coached; Paul Foley, Tim Bain and Jesse Bain. Thanks also to the
parents who got up in the dark and cold to get your children there and
those supported them.

The other big event recently was the grading at Port Chalmers. Four
members of Warrington were examined and all passed creditably. Imogen
and Lucan were graded from yellow belt green tabs to green belt in a
tougher than expected grading. They put in a lot of effort and had
knew their stuff well-a thoroughly deserved pass.

Scott and Bruno were graded from red belt to red belt black tab, one
grade below black belt. As a result their grading was exceedingly
demanding and extremely long. After a hairy start, mainly due to
(justifiable) nerves, things improved. It was a difficult grading to
watch, especially as both Scott and Bruno had to fight 20 consecutive
fights against black belt opponents when they were already exhausted
from the rest of the grading. After this they then had to break 5
boards.(one at a time luckily). They showed amazing determination and
resilience to never once give up in the face of very daunting odds and
horribly bruised knuckles. They deserve to be very proud of
themselves! We are proud of them.

Congratulations to everyone who graded and thanks to all the
supporters for waiting a very long time, transporting people and as
always, supporting Warrington tkd. Also thanks to the Instuctors for
the time and effort they put in to extra training sessions and their
commitment to the students all the time. To those who are going to
grade in November- train hard-its not far away!

If you are interested, come along and try a training session with us
at Warrington Memorial Hall. Mondays and Wednesdays 6- 7.30pm. All
ages and abilities - fitness, fun, skills, self defence. First month
free.

Blueskin A&P Society Annual Meeting

In accordance with our constitution, notice is given of our Annual
General Meeting:

October 5 2010. 7.30pm at Waitati Fire Station

- Paul Clements

Dangerous dog after dark on Doctors Point Rd

by Lee Paterson

There is a dark-brown boxer-cross-type dog that likes to have a go at
passing cars after dark, between Barton Street and Short street here on Doctors
Point road in Waitati.

I have had to veer away from this dog, to avoid hitting it many times now,
and each time it is a bad surprise.

I would get out and find out what its collar says, but it looks pretty
angry.

Could the owner please control this dog, otherwise it will either get
injured, or cause an accident.

Blueskin Bay FM 88.2