28 January 2011

NOTICE: Rape Crisis Needs You - Because We’re Still Needed

Rape Crisis Needs You - Because We're Still Needed

Are you interested in supporting women affected by rape or sexual
abuse? The Rape Crisis Training Programme for 2011 will take place
this April. If you are a good listener, keen to learn new and valuable
skills and are interested in working in a collective, we would like to
hear from you. For more information please contact us.

03 474-1592 rcrisis@xtra.co.nz

26 January 2011

UPDATED/CORRECTED: New minibus service for Coast Rd

UPDATED/CORRECTED

New minibus service for Coast Rd

by Peter Dowden

Photo: Sharon Byles, Hoppit minibus owner-operator

A new minibus service will serve Coast Rd, beginning in February.

The Hoppit Bus has been operating late night services for partygoes in
Dunedin since 2002, owner-operator Sharon Byles told Blueskin News.

Now that Sharon lives in the area she has decided to make her vehicle
available to daily commuters in Hawksbury (formerly Cherry Farm
Hospital), Karitane, Seacliff and Warrington.

There will be morning and evening commuter services ideal for those
working in Dunedin. Fares will be comparable to other transport
services in the area, with loyalty discounts available.

Seacliff and Warrington residents lost their regular commuter bus
service in the early 1990s. There have been various attempts to
re-start a service. The area is served by an Oamaru-based shuttle
service during the middle part of the day.

Sharon moved to the Blueskin Bay area from Brighton in 2009. "The
history and nature is good for my health and interests as a writer and
artist," said Sharon.

The business plan is to serve and local workers as well as tourists
and visitors. The service will be known as 'Hoppit Route 66 Blueskin'.

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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".

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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".

New minibus service for Coast Rd

New minibus service for Coast Rd

by Peter Dowden

Photo: Sharon Bain, Hoppit minibus owner-operator

A new minibus service will serve Coast Rd, beginning in February.

The Hoppit Bus has been operating late night services for partygoes in
Dunedin since 2002, owner-operator Sharon Byles told Blueskin News.

Now that Sharon lives in the area she has decided to make her vehicle
available to daily commuters in Hawksbury (formerly Cherry Farm
Hospital), Karitane, Seacliff and Warrington.

There will be morning and evening commuter services ideal for those
working in Dunedin. Fares will be comparable to other transport
services in the area, with loyalty discounts available.

Seacliff and Warrington residents lost their regular commuter bus
service in the early 1990s. There have been various attempts to
re-start a service. The area is served by an Oamaru-based shuttle
service during the middle part of the day.

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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".

23 January 2011

Waitati gets its skates on

Waitati gets its skates on

by the editors

The construction of a skateboarding park for young people in Waitati
is now well under way and it can be seen taking shape at Bland Park
alongside State Highway 1.

Paul Clements of the Blueskin Youth Centre Association told Blueskin
News that the committee is proud to be able to bring to fruition a
tangible asset for the youth of the area.

After spending some time discussing an indoor facility,the association
went back to their original concept of providing a skateboarding and
hard court area for youth at Bland Park, based on working concepts
such as Twizel Skate Board Park.

"We planned and priced a building which we envisaged would serve the
community as a centre for many activities such as Playcentre, youth,
indoor activities of many varieties, community room, etc, but due to
several factors including local stakeholders' groups withdrawing,
neighbours' concerns, and other considerations, we changed direction,"
Paul said.

Paul said the iniative had been progressed by a substantial
underwriting form a local resident to see the project finished.

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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".

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

By Sue Hensley

 

The breeding season is always an exciting time at Orokonui with the riflemen, tomtits and especially the bellbirds being very conspicuous and even feeding chicks within full view of visitors.

The tiny robin population has been boosted with the addition of five Orokonui-born chicks and eight juveniles from outside. Radio tracking indicates that these younger birds are settling in more successfully than those translocated in autumn 2010.

Our best efforts to encourage the aviary kaka pair to breed have been unsuccessful and access to the aviary has been reopened. We also had a death late last year. This was a female who died of natural causes inside the ecosanctuary. However, one pair of wild kaka has produced three chicks this season, taking the wild population to 11 – three adults and eightjuveniles.

The kiwi remain hidden but leave their calling cards for us to see. Unlike flighted birds, kiwi lose their feathers very easily even through just being handled gently. Recently, we were excited to find several feathers found tangled on a hook grass, probably left by a kiwi coming to drink at the stream nearby.

Late last year Deb Wilson and John Innes of Landcare Research undertook an audit of pest eradication procedures and their findings were very supportive of our work. The next pest monitoring round has just taken place.

A Work 'n Weave day (weeding in the morning, weaving in the afternoon) is being held at the Pa Harakeke on Sunday Feb 6, beginning at 9.30am.

The Visitor Centre and café are open every day, 9.30-4.30. All day entry, annual passes and guided walks are available. Keep up to date with events on facebook and www.orokonui.org.nz.

 


Waitati Edible Gardeners

By Lynnaire Johnston

 

Although the weather seems determined to prove otherwise, we are now into harvest season. And that means the first of our three annual harvest markets.

As has been the case in previous years, these are held on the front porch of the Old Stores in Harvey Street. This year the dates are Sunday Feb 20, March 20 and April 17.

Anyone with locally grown produce to sell is welcome to have a sales table. No need to book, just come along around 9.30 or so. Customers usually start coming by around 10.30 and often everything is sold by midday.

 

Edible Garden Tour

Something quite special has been planned for this year's annual edible garden tour later this month. The tour heads slightly north to two amazing gardens – one in Seacliff, the other above Karitane. Both are owned by exceptionally talented and knowledgeable people who will be more than keen to pass on plenty of information and tips.

The tour will be held on February 26 from 10am, but numbers are deliberately kept small. Tickets go on sale on February 1 and can be ordered by phoning Lucy Jack on 482 1773.

This is a grand day out at inspiring local food-producing gardens and includes a sumptuous lunch of local ingredients. An event not to be missed.

 

Local Food

The local food movement is gaining momentum with two new initiatives. The first is a new website – www.localfood.co.nz – where local food producers from all round the country are able to list their wares and invite sales. Set up by Elizabeth Vandenburg from Karitane, the website has already had national media exposure and continues to grow exponentially. It is worth looking at to see what is available in our area.

The second development is the availability of locally grown organic produce through the Village Potager, in Doctor's Point Road. Thanks to an arrangement with Taste Nature's owners, Mark and Rayna Dickson, who have an organic garden in Waitati, locally grown produce now has a local outlet. This will by no means allow you to completely avoid the produce department at the supermarket, but will help cut your food miles and allow you to eat food that has been out of the ground for hours rather than days.

The WEGies welcome anyone with an interest in growing food. Phone Lynnaire Johnston on 482 1364 for details.

 

22 January 2011

New Blueskin community telephone directory

by Laurence Hay
 
Telecom has now given permission for a local telephone directory to be created for the Blueskin area, and has supplied a set of all the 03-482 numbers to enable this to be done.  The last local directory was published in 2000 by the Waitati School PTA, the same body that is sponsoring the new edition.  The old directory was greatly appreciated and much used by Blueskin residents, some of whom still lovingly refer to their tattered copies.
 
Community telephone directories provide an excellent platform for local businesses and groups to make and keep themselves known around the district.  Those that wish to take advantage of this opportunity should send their advertisement to me at laurence.hay@gmail.com by Monday, 7 February.  The cost per advertisement – for more than a year's prominent exposure in households throughout Blueskin -- is:
  • up to 65 x 95mm (1/8 A4 page) landscape -- $70
  • up to 135 x 90mm (¼ A4 page) portrait -- $130
  • up to 135 x 190mm (½ A4 page) landscape -- $240
An invoice will be sent on receipt of the advertisement.
  
Non-profit groups that wish to advertise are requested to contact Geraldine Tait on 482 2517.  Also, the directory will include a section listing Blueskin clubs and organisations.  If you wish your club to be included please email me with its full title, and a contact name and phone number.
  
Not all Blueskin residents have a 482 telephone number.  If your number (landline or mobile) starts with a different digit prefix and you would like to be included in the local directory, please send your name and residential address (in the form that you would like these details to be listed), and your telephone number to laurence.hay@gmail.com by 7 February.  Do the same if you are not currently listed in Telecom's Otago11 White Pages directory but would like to be in the Blueskin book.  Conversely, if you are in the Telecom directory but do not want to be listed in the local book, please inform me by Monday, 7 February.
  
It is hoped that the new directory will be on sale by the end of February or soon after.  This is a fund-raising project of the Waitati School PTA.
 
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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".
 
 

Warrington Reserve Group Information Kiosk Design

By Karen Hobday

It's here! The design for the long awaited information kiosk at Warrington Domain. It is a collaboration between Warrington Reserve Group (WRG) and Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki. We are looking to include notice boards with information panels on our natural environment by written by Portobello Aquarium, DCC, DOC, WRG, and on cultural history by the Runaka. The kiosk will be situated near the playground, to be seen by as many people as possible. This site was chosen in 2007 by community consultation.

The structure was designed by Derek Onley, adding a creative twist to the standard DCC sign. He was inspired by things he has seen in the UK and by pou at Pa Harakeke, in Orokanui Eco-sanctuary and carving/fencing at Puketeraki Marae, in Karitane. We met on-site with members of Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki, Brendon and Suzi Flack, to see if they would be interested in being involved. They introduced us to Waitati Carver Alex Whitaker, who added to the final design, including the detail for carvings. Alex plans to start the carving this month.

The Dunedin City Council has provided funding through Creative NZ, Creative Communities Scheme; Community Grant Scheme, and funds from Telecom. We are also applying to Waikouaiti Coast Community Board.

If you have any questions or feedback, please phone Karen Hobday 482 2762

 

 

     

THE BLUESKIN BAYLEAF: French Green Lentils with Courgettes

Thank you so much to everybody who has supported the Blueskin Bayleaf
recipe book 'Summer'. It has been a huge success and the Warrington
Playcentre are looking forward to spending the proceeds on new kitchen
equipment for the children.

Also, thank you to the Blueskin News, Hamraki, Rosemary Penwarden,
Craig Marshall, Graeme Youngman, Nicola Mutch and Peter Dowden for all
your skills and expertise in making the project a success. We can look
forward to our next edition 'Autumn' in the near future.

I am pleased now to be able to offer hands-on cooking classes through
my Bayleaf,cooking school: there are a range of options which you can
see on my new website:

www.bayleaf.co.nz

For me, this summer has felt like some sort of fifth season where it
hasn't been quite hot enough to fancy typical summer eating. We have
had some cold days! I have been reminding myself lately of the
beautiful lentil and all the amazing things lentils can do. Basically,
I've been treating them just like rice or pasta with a longer cooking
time (20min). They are warming, filling and tasty without being heavy
even though they are packed with iron. I have actually just made this
dish for our dinner and it was beautiful.

French Green Lentils with Courgettes

3 shallots

2 T oil

1 T butter

1 or 2 fresh glossy courgettes, sliced (use all colours for contrast)

1 red capsicum, roughly chopped in large chunks

In a large heavy based stove top pan, sauté the above ingredients for
5 minutes on a medium high heat, then add the following:

1/2 t salt

1/2 t cracked pepper

1/2 t chilli flakes

1/4 cup water

1 t minced garlic

1 T cider vinegar

1/2 tsp brown sugar or honey

Simmer together for 2 minutes then add:

2 cups green french lentils, cooked. (Cook in boiling water with 1 T
olive oil for 20 minutes, strain)

Stir through either:

Option 1.

small handful mix of fresh dill and Italian parsley, chiffonnade cut

1 T green peppercorns (you buy these in a jar along side capers and
olives in the supermarket)

8 olives

200g cubed cheese (any kind you like curd, cottage, edam, parmesan)

Option 2.

1 t minced ginger

3 T soy sauce

300g tinned fish

1/2 cup mung bean sprouts

small handful fresh coriander, chiffonnade cut


Serve in deep pasta plates.

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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".

Hip-hop dance classes

Hip-hop dance classes

by Miya El-Dessouky

Hello, my name is Miya, I am 12 and I am a pupil at Warrington School.
I have been learning hip hop since I was in Year 3 (I'm in Year 8 now)
and I have also have done tap and ballet.

I have had the idea of starting dance class which will be mainly hip
hop. I want to share my talent with the kids from the local villages.

The classes will be $2 a lesson to help with my exams costs for this
year. They will be held at Warrington School, beginning in the third
week of Term One.

If you are interested please contact Miya at Nzlazydancer@gmail.com or
(03) 4821027

Ages 3-6, Monday, 3:30 - 4:15.

Ages 7-10, Thursday, 3:30 -4:30

Ages 11-13, Thursday 4:40 to 5:40


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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".

Christmas Brunch on the River Bank

by Rosemary Penwarden; photo by Jason Ross

About 30 people and five or six dogs of all ages came down to the
river bank on Orokonui Road, amongst the newly planted WOO (Waitati
Open Orchards) fruit trees, for a lovely Christmas brunch. Yummy
home-made cakes, scones, buckwheat pikelets, elderflower cordial,
freshly brewed tea and various other edibles and drinkables we enjoyed. No
stress, no tinsel, and plenty of sunshine and interesting company.
That's my idea of a good Christmas.
(PS: Are you missing a plate, bowl, glass, etc from Christmas day?
Please ring Rosemary, 482 2831).

Godwit Update

By Rosemary Penwarden

 

The sodwits, er we mean godwits, seem to have decided that Warrington Spit is too busy right now, and have been keeping to the Evansdale end of the bay at high tide. This saves ornithologists' and their assistants' time and energy; the roadside just past the Evansdale turnoff is quite a good place to count them from, but it also causes frustration. Colour bands are impossible to see when you're standing in grass. It is a well-known fact that ornithologists will travel great distances without food or drink in all manner of weather in order to see a colour band, hence the frustration and the new name for godwits this season.

We counted about 1,110 sodwits at Evansdale on December 27, the highest number recorded in Blueskin Bay since records began in the sixties.

On a short trip to the Catlins on January 14 we saw four godwits on Haldane Estuary near Curio Bay (no colour bands evident from that distance). Sitting with them was a Far Eastern Curlew, a plump wader twice the size of a godwit, with a very large curved beak of the classic Greek variety. Only about half a dozen curlews turn up in New Zealand each year; their normal flight path is from Siberia to Indonesia and Australia.

(Ornithologists of the twitcher persuasion will travel great distances in all manner of weather to see one). One was seen at Karitane a couple of years ago.

Perhaps the fellow in Southland was blown off course by our recent gale force winds.

Don't only look out for godwits in the next month or so; the spoonbills are starting to arrive back from their nesting sites on Green Island and Taiaroa Head. You'll see them roosting at Evansdale at high tide (five were there just after Christmas) or feeding in the muddier channels of the bay at low tide.

 

 

Fwd: Image for Rosemary's Article for Blueskin news Feb 2011

Christmas Brunch on the River Bank

by Rosemary Penwarden; photo by Jason Ross

About 30 people and five or six dogs of all ages came down to the
river bank on Orokonui Road, amongst the newly planted WOO (Waitati
Open Orchards) fruit trees, for a lovely Christmas brunch of yummy
home-made cakes, scones, buckwheat pikelets, elderflower cordial,
freshly brewed tea and various other edibles and drinkables. No
stress, no tinsel, and plenty of sunshine and interesting company.
That's my idea of a good Christmas.

(PS: Are you missing a plate, bowl, glass, etc from Christmas day?
Please ring Rosemary, 482 2831).

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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".

WILD BLUESKIN: Godwits update

Caption: 'Far Eastern Curlew' by Derek Onley

WILD BLUESKIN

Godwits update

by Rosemary Penwarden and Derek Onley

The godwits/kuaka seem to have decided that Warrington Spit is too
busy right now, and have been keeping to the Evansdale end of the Bay
at high tide. This saves ornithologists' and their assistants' time
and energy; the roadside just past the Evansdale turnoff is quite a
good place to count them from, but it also causes frustration. Colour
bands are impossible to see when you're standing in grass. It is a
well-known fact that ornithologists will travel great distances
without food or drink in all manner of weather in order to see a
colour band, hence the frustration and the frequent use of a nickname
"sodwits".

We counted about 1,110 godwits at Evansdale on December 27th, the
highest number recorded in Blueskin Bay since records began in the
1960s.

On a short trip to the Catlins on Jan 14 we saw four godwits on
Haldane Estuary near Curio Bay (no colour bands evident from that
distance). Sitting with them was a Far Eastern Curlew, a plump wader
twice the size of a godwit, with a very large curved beak of the
classic Greek variety. Only about half a dozen curlews turn up in New
Zealand each year; their normal flight path is from Siberia to
Indonesia and Australia.

Ornithologists of the twitcher persuasion will travel great distances
in all manner of weather to see a curlew. One was seen at Karitane a
couple of years ago. Perhaps the fellow in Southland was blown off
course by our recent gale force winds.

Don't only look out for godwits in the next month or so; the
spoonbills are starting to arrive back from their nesting sites on
Green Island and Taiaroa Head. You'll see them roosting at Evansdale
at high tide (five were there just after Christmas) or feeding in the
muddier channels of the bay at low tide.


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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".

Waitati Open Orchards

By Jason Ross

Waitati Open Orchards is a group of keen folk on a mission to plant fruit trees in public spaces around Waitati for all to enjoy.

What an exciting season for fruit, the black currants and gooseberries have been prolific. We had  'Wilson's Early' plums at home the first two weeks of January and they were the biggest and tastiest I have experienced them. 'Discovery' apples are nearing ripeness and generally throughout the village I see very good crops of apple and pears developing. Payback for last season maybe!

All the open orchard trees are doing very well, no watering needed in January! The Pitt St trees have bounced back from lambs eating them. The peaches at Orokonui Rd are suffering from peach leaf curl, as they tend to in cool damp coastal areas. They will need winter spraying with copper or regrafting to something disease resistant.


Fundraising appeal for stall goods

We are fundraising to purchase more trees by selling donated produce, preserves, cooked food, garden plants and tools or anything related to gardening and harvesting at the upcoming WEGie Harvest Markets. The first of these is Sunday 20 February. Please drop off items you are able to donate to the Village Potager, cnr Foyle St and Doctors Point Rd (look for the sign) before the Sunday, or bring along on the day before the market begins at 10.30am.

Email waitatiopenorchard@gmail.com to join our mailing list or phone Jason Ross, 482 2625.




WOO Summer Pruning Workshop

Fruit Tree and Berry Bushes


Hands-on, learn as you practice, summer pruning of fruit trees and berries.
Summer pruning is great for encouraging fruiting of established trees and shrubs and helps keep to them small (great for espaliers).
We will prune: plums, apples, pears, black currants, gooseberries.

Bring warm clothes, gloves and sharp secateurs.

Booking essential, call Jason Ross, 4822625 or email waitatiopenorchard@gmail.com

Cost: $10 ($5 for Wegies)
Workshop Date: 1-5pm Saturday 5 February

Phone Sat morning if weather looks dodgy. See you there!







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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".

Steady As You Go

By Margaret Dando


Age Concern Otago is thrilled to be able to offer its popular Steady As You Go exercise classes in the Waitati Hall, starting Monday 21 February from 1.30 – 2.30 pm.

The programme is suitable for men or women and uses gentle exercises in the chair, standing and walking. It has proven excellent for improving balance, leg strength, confidence and general mobility. Participants also find the classes a most enjoyable community resource. 

A group of 10 is preferred to start a class and,if successful, is able to continue indefinitely. Participants are encouraged to wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes. A $2 donation is appreciated. All instructors are trained by the School of Physiotherapy at Otago University.

You are welcome to just turn up or phone Margaret at Age Concern Otago, phone 477 1040 ext 702. 



You Can Eat the Mud in Blueskin Bay

By Rosemary Penwarden

 

Why? Good question, and really it's not recommended, but if you did you wouldn't get sick according to the Otago Regional Council at their community consultation meeting held at Waitati Hall on December 8. Missed the meeting? Well, that may be because the ORC pays a contractor to put fliers in mail boxes. Many of us around the bay don't have mail boxes. Still, 13 local people attended, judged a good turnout by the ORC speaker. Knowing the amount of local interest in our bay and surrounding environment, I think many more would have attended if given the chance.

 

BB was given a clean bill of health and apparently passes all the tests: levels of suspended solids are within safe limits, as are nitrates -- both leached nitrate and ammoniacal nitrate (the fast run-off kind – think 'dirty dairying'), E. coli levels, one measure of faecal contamination, while increasing, are also within limits. Phosphorus has also been measured to be well within safe limits despite a large spike in the past few years.

 

So the ORC tell us that our bay is much healthier than similar bays in the North Island. But are NI bays a good measure to be judging us by? Is it a case of the lowest common denominator – we're cleaner than those dirty places so it's OK to carry on with our dodgy septic practices, and continue to let developers build wherever they like around the bay? ORC did acknowledge that residential development (for example, Opeke) was a big risk to a clean bay.

 

Some of our cockles end up in USA and Europe and must pass very stringent food hygiene tests, so our bay is highly monitored. Roger Belton from Southern Clams explained the procedure in detail, and it was interesting to hear how it's done and the huge amount of data he has accumulated.

 

But there are still questions that did not get discussed at the ORC meeting. Farming has increased along both Careys Creek and Waitati Stream in recent years. Residential development around the bay has increased as well. The large spike in phosphorus levels, along with increases in sea lettuce (Ulva lactutta) blooms, are guaranteed indicators of nutrients entering the bay. These indicators alone suggest a deterioration in the bay's health. Many residents will be aware of the decline in fish over the past decades -- Blueskin Bay once supported commercial fishing but now you are lucky to catch a herring.

 

To compare ourselves to the dirty over-farmed bays and streams in the rest of the country is not good enough. We should be aiming for the healthiest bay possible. This is in everyone's interest; not only those who have known such things for years (the 'greenies'), but farmers, commercial business people and council staff too. We should be planting riparian strips along the streams, in the estuary, all around the bay and we need to keep stock out of the water. The DCC has a biodiversity fund for landowners wanting to plant and fence around streams. DoC are planning to plant trees in our estuary this year to offset the Rugby World Cup carbon footprint.  This is a 'step' in the right direction, but it needs careful and long term management.

 

Other crucial questions not covered in the ORC meeting are:
  • How do the ORC safe 'limits' translate into a healthy thriving ecosystem?
  • How do the ORC limits compare with similar monitoring limits in other countries and other places?
  • And where are all the fish?

 What about another meeting, ORC, to look at these further questions and to discuss how we can, as a community, take stewardship of the planting in the estuary? Please advertise in the Blueskin News, and use our community notice boards. We may not want to eat it, but our bay matters and plenty of us are willing to help keep it in good health.

 
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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".

Christmas Brunch on the River Bank

by Rosemary Penwarden
 
About 30 people and five or six dogs of all ages came down to the river bank on Orokonui Road, amongst the newly planted WOO (Waitati Open Orchards) fruit trees, for a lovely Christmas brunch of yummy home-made cakes, scones, buckwheat pikelets, elderflower cordial, freshly brewed tea and various other edibles and drinkables. No stress, no tinsel, and plenty of sunshine and interesting company. That's my idea of a good Christmas.
 

(PS: Are you missing a plate, bowl, glass, etc from Christmas day? Please ring Rosemary, 482 2831).

 
[A photo accompanies this article -- but I'm not sure what to do with photos.  Laurence]
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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".

WAITATI FILM SOCIETY

by Leonie Rousselot

We start the year again with fortnightly screenings, the first being held on Tuesday, 22 February at 8pm.  Come along to the Waitati Film Society at the corner of Orokonui and Mt Cargill Roads. Membership for one year is $60 and covers 27 nights of entertainment. We offer drama, comedy, history or just plain entertainment in a warm, pleasant environment with convivial company.  For more info ring Brigitte 482-2829 or Leonie 482-2508.

Tuesday, 22 February
THE TOPP TWINS: THE UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS            NZ 2008
Released to celebrate the 50th birthday of our very own iconic NZ comedians, this feature-length documentary has them in all their guises: country music singers, dancers, yodellers, camp mothers and all.  But the thread is their personal story, including their 'coming out' as lesbians, and Jools recent brush with breast cancer. 84min.
 
Tuesday, 8 March
TSOTSI            S Africa/UK 2005
'Tsotsi' means thug, an appropriate name for the film's protagonist with his violent lifestyle in the ghettos of Johannesburg.  Based on a novel by Athol Fugard, the story follows Tsotsi for six days during which he crashes a BMW he had carjacked, then under some unknown compulsion runs away with the driver's baby.  Knowing nothing about childcare he tries to force a young mother at gunpoint to care for 'his' baby. The film, directed by Gavin Hood, has thus far won Audience Choice awards at five of the six international festivals it has entered.   96min.

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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".

21 January 2011

BLUESKIN RESILIENT COMMUNITIES TRUST

by Scott Willis

Transition
We have moved! The new BRCT office is now located in the old dental
clinic at Waitati School. Our new office is comfortable and well
suited to BRCT activities, and it's exciting to be more closely aligned
with Waitati's most dynamic hub institution – the school. There are
still piles of paper to be sorted, books to be restacked, and general
order to be made, but then all around us classrooms are changing: paint is going on, other offices are being moved -- it's a busy dynamic
place. As always, visitors are welcome, preferably after 3pm. Many
thanks to Mark and Rayna Dickson for their support of BRCT over so
long and this move is a change in location, not focus.

Funraiser
We're holding a family funraiser on Monday, 7 March, in Waitati
Hall (any profits will help cover the costs of our office transition).
We've been lucky enough to get Dana Lyons, freshly arrived from the US
of A on his world tour, to headline Blueskin Bay's inaugural Grass
Roots Gig. Have you heard his No.1 'Cows with Guns'? Dana is
promising topical songs, love songs, comedy and inspiration. He's
played with Neil Young and Willie Nelson among others. Described as 'an
out-of-control Johnny Cash', Dana promises to shake Blueskin Bay. The
question is, will we be inundated by country rock fans from all over
Otago? Check out http://www.cowswithguns.com/cgi-bin/home.cgi for some
music samples.

Community Directory
Finally in 2011 the long awaited community directory will appear.
Anyone who's lived in Blueskin Bay a decade or more will recall what a
fantastic, essential resource the community directory is and how
copies of the 2000 edition have become treasures in their own right – artifacts that document
the community changes through time. Laurence Hay is co-ordinating the
directory, working closely with Waitati School PTA and with Geraldine
Tait. I am looking forward to getting my copy because my old one
fell apart some years ago and now I have to struggle through the Otago
book for local numbers.

Current Focus
Trustees are supporting the Community Environment Fund bid to develop
energy initiatives and have been busy assisting with business plans,
strategic guidance and developing partnerships. There has also been
important 'behind the scenes' work going on ensuring transparent and
efficient systems to make certain that BRCT remains a dynamic, action-enabling
charitable trust. The trust now has one employee (myself) and will
soon host an international intern, and is supported by a number of
dynamic and greatly appreciated volunteers.

Scott Willis
Project Manager
Waitati Energy Project (Blueskin Power)
www.transitiontowns.org.nz/waitati
03 4822048
0274888314

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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".

WAITATI ENERGY PROJECT

by Scott Willis

Ten degrees daytime temperature in summer?  Well, it is January (as I
write), typically a rotten weather month, and with four (mostly) large
people in our house we do sometimes need to light the fire to ensure a
supply of hot water, even when the summer sun shines. The problem
isn't our inefficient solar tubes – in fact they're very efficient –
it's the small size of our hot-water cylinder, which I should have
replaced when we put in our solar hot-water system in 2004. The sun only
heats water during the sunlight hours after all, but we use it at all
times of the day, particularly mornings and evenings.

Greentech
In December, during a workshop, a series of meetings,
and a symposium, in Wellington and Whanganui, I had an opportunity to meet a whole range of people
interested in energy issues. What was surprising to me
was learning of so many people looking to Blueskin Bay and our energy
initiatives to show a way forward for their own energy ambitions. It
is rather daunting to realise that people have their hopes pinned on
us. With adequate resourcing, however, I am sure we will have the goods
to deliver. In January and early February I am working on an important
Community Environment Fund bid to support the development of an
integrated energy community encompassing the zone identified in
Blueskin Power investigations: Purakaunui, Long Beach, Osborne,
Waitati, Evansdale and Warrington (the end point of the local grid
that radiates out from the Waitati substation). The idea is to meet
the desire expressed in Waitati Energy Project public meetings to work
on full energy options, i.e. the community turbine AND other green
technology to generate electricity, while also increasing household
energy efficiency and reducing energy demand. I'm hoping we can secure
an exciting range of energy technologies to offer within the Blueskin
zone, ideally subsidised or available for trial. Watch this space, as
we're developing some great partnerships that promise some results on
the ground even if the CEF bid is ultimately unsuccessful.

International intern
Xavier, a 20-year-old student at the International Business Academy (bachelor programme), will be joining me in our new office in mid-February for two and a half months. Xavier is going to work with me on
developing the business answers to enable the establishment of a
community turbine or small wind cluster. Please look out for Xavier
and say hello if you bump into him.

Community input
Many of you received a flyer (Energy and
Blueskin Bay
) in your letterbox last year giving some general information about the energy
investigations to date and offering an opportunity to get involved. It
is still hoped that we can tie this event in with EECA-supported
research, but I can't say yet if that will be possible. In parallel,
Seth Gorrie of the Otago University Energy Cultures team has been
interviewing residents in Blueskin Bay over summer about energy issues, and I've heard that his preliminary findings reveal a strong interest in
the energy initiatives from residents in all our coastal communities
and a desire to be further involved. I've also heard that many people
have some very intelligent questions, which bodes well for future
productive public discussion and decisions.

Powerhouse Wind in Blueskin
The December WEP subscriber email update included an offer from
Powerhouse Wind, offering two different deals for their soon to be
commercialised Thinair turbine. You may also have seen articles in the ODT of
5 January on both Blueskin and Powerhouse Wind (see:
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/143207/waitati-eyed-energy-trial-zone
and http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/143210/future-wind-cash-needed).
If you're not on the WEP list and want to follow this up, contact PHW
on 470 1071 or email contact@powerhousewind.co.nz .
More regular updates are sent out via the WEP email update – contact
me at waitatienergy@gmail.com to register.

Scott Willis
Project Manager
Waitati Energy Project (Blueskin Power)
www.transitiontowns.org.nz/waitati
03 4822048
0274888314

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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".

Mainly Music

by Jenny O'Neill

Happy New Year everyone; we hope you had relaxing and refreshing Christmas and New Year holidays.  It is hard to believe it has been nearly two months since our Christmas break-up party.  We are looking forward to seeing how all the little angels, fairies, elves, shepherds, frogs and bees that were there have all grown over the summer break. 

It was sad to say goodbye to some of the wonderful ladies who helped to get us up and running last year.  We thank them for all their time and effort given to run such fun and fantastic music sessions.  However, we have a great array of instruments and props we hand made, such as shakers, drums, rainbow streamers, ducks and frogs to add to the fun for the children and caregivers in the 30-minute session.  This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to enjoy time together with their young children while they develop gross and fine motor skills, imagination, language, maths and pre-reading skills.  Following the music session there is a tasty morning tea provided for the children and caregivers -- a chance to socialise with others and develop friendships.  

So if you are keen to enjoy some music, movement, rhyme, rhythm, and more, Blueskin Mainly Music is starting up again at Waitati Hall on Tuesday 15 February at 10am, and every Tuesday after that during the school term.  The cost is $2 for one child and $3 for a family.  We look forward to seeing you and your littlies there.

Any queries please contact Jenny on 027-378 7258.

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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".

French Dancing and Beyond: Surviving and Thriving

by Kate Grace

French Dancing and Beyond is the perfect class for those who want to explore the Old World through music, culture and dance.  Some of the dances taught in this class are very old and their origins can be traced back to medieval times.  These dances have survived the test of time; they still thrive today in France and the rest of Europe.  Come and explore the way we relate to each other through mazurkas, gavottes, asymmetrical waltzes, polkas, bourrées, branles or rondeaux -- a place to experience the powerful harmony of circles, the exhilarating fluidity of chains and the mellow complicity of partner dances.

The sessions will give you an impression of the diversity of French and European dance. You will learn dances from the centre of France, from Brittany in the west, and dances from Alsace and the Balkans in the east, dances from the Basque region in the south and dances from Sweden in the north.  Discover the fine dance repertoire of French popular bals in an easy-to-learn style.

No partner, no experience and no wooden clogs needed.

Balkan dances: Monday 6:30pm, venue yet to be confirmed (contact Kate)
French dances: Thursday 6:30pm, Nga Maara Hall, North East Valley – koha
 
Kate Grace is French.  She arrived in New Zealand in 1995 with kiwi husband David.  After 15 years of teaching West African folk dance with live music from songbong drums, she decided it was time to share the knowledge she has of music and dance traditions from France, her native country.  Les Belles Vilaines are a bunch of enthusiasts who explore the French and European music and dance repertoire and stage regular dances.  Info at www.frenchdancing.co.nz

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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".

20 January 2011

WAIKOUAITI COAST COMMUNITY BOARD

by Gerard Collings
 
Happy New Year.
 
You will no doubt have heard that the Dunedin City Council is in the process of preparing its Draft Annual Plan.  Public consultation on the draft plan is scheduled to commence in March; we urge you to take the time to participate in the consultation and submission process.
 
We have organised two evenings when the community are invited to come and meet the board on an informal basis:
 
16 February at 7pm, Waitati Hall, and
23 February at 7pm, East Otago Events Centre Waikouaiti.
 
The intention of the evenings is to provide an informal setting where members of our community can sit down with a cuppa and a snack and have a chat about issues that affect our community.  Some suggestions for items to be discussed are:
  • What is your expectation of the board?
  • How can we maximise the benefits of the Rugby World Cup for our community?
  • Coastal scenic route -- what are your thoughts?
  • How can we make our community a better place to live?
  • Council's proposed Council Controlled Organisation for water and waste -- what does it mean to you?
  • Our environment -- what are your concerns?
We look forward to seeing you all there.
 
The board is to meet 5.30pm, 26 January, at the East Otago Events Centre, Waikouaiti. Our next scheduled meeting is 2 March at Warrington Surf Club social rooms.  
 
Members of the public wishing to speak at the public forum need to advise Jane Hinkley our Governance Support Officer (Phone 474 3374) before 12 noon on the day prior to the meeting.  In addition to the public forum, board members will be available to meet informally with members of the public between 4.30 and 5.30pm at the venue on the day of the meeting.
 
Remember, you can view the board's meeting agendas, reports and minutes at the Blueskin Library or through the DCC's website at http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/council-minutes
 
Members of the board are only too happy to hear (by phone or email) from members of the community about any issues within our area.

Board Contacts                     Home       Work        Mobile         Email

Gerard Collings (Chairperson)  4657604    4707494    0274848800   gerard.collings@xtra.co.nz
Alasdair Morrison (Deputy)      4822505    4822505    0274354384   info@calmarine.co.nz
Andy Barratt                          021890048                 021890048     asbarratt@farmside.co.nz
Andrew Noone                       4657157                     0274301727   anoone@dcc.govt.nz
Geraldine Tait                        4822517                     0212175492   gstait@clear.net.nz
Les Pullar                             4658138                     0274358020    lesgwen.pullar@xtra.co.nz
Mark Brown                          4822833                                           blueskin@xtra.co.nz
 
Gerard Collings
Chairperson
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board
 
 
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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".
 
 
 

19 January 2011

Waitati's 'Free Stuff' shelter in trouble.

by Helen Beamish

The 'Free Stuff' shelter in Waitati has a problem! Some people are
interpreting the sign to mean they can be free to dump their own
rubbish -- and pass it on to those who look after the shelter.

Recently when I drove into Waitati, the shelter looked like an
uninviting hovel. The entrance to our charming village was desecrated
with broken appliances (if the oscillating fan is broken off its stand
at your place, it won't fix itself for the next person), furniture (no
one else wants your broken desk either), clothing spilling out onto
the path (if it's too stained or ripped for your kids to wear, no one
else will wear it), and single shoes waiting to trip people up (27
shoes had no partners at last count).

I like what a 'Free Stuff' pile says about our ethic of sharing
resources, and have taken home many 'that's just what I needed' items,
but if it's not also part of a reduce-reuse-recycle ethic, then it is
just accumulating junk in the main street -- I'm sure some people are
actually using it as the place to leave their weekend rubbish, judging
by some of the bags I picked up.

Mandy has done a sterling job starting and maintaining the shelter
(Thanks, Mandy, you're a brick) but I'd suggest that it's time more of
us took a turn -- and more of us took responsibility for how we share
our resources.

So....
• What if some of us – seven to be precise – each chose a day per week
to keep an eye on the accumulating stuff and make the decision to
chuck some when it's our day on? I've put a list on the wall and you
could put your name to it if you think this is a good idea.
• What if people took only washed and useable stuff to the shelter?
We could commit to this, and challenge others who are treating the
place like their personal dump station when we saw it happening.
• What if those with wheelie bins let me, Mandy or a person on the
list know if they would be willing to let any spare space in their bin
be used sometimes for those items being culled from the shelter?
• What if, before donating items, we each asked the basic question:
'Does it have any useful life left in it, without needing mended
first?'
• What if NO LARGE ITEMS were left by the shelter, but were added to a
list in the shelter with the phone number to ring if interested in
looking at it? Earlier in the month, someone put up a sign on the
wall for some large items of furniture they had available in
Warrington – great idea. They did not litter the pavement... or get
main operating parts ripped off them and then get left useless beside
the road. Does anyone have an old whiteboard which could work for
this?

I'm sure others have more ideas or similar disquiet over the
impression we are making for each other and our village. Maybe
someone even wants to write an 'Alternative Use' column giving ideas
for common items we need to dispose of. Maybe I'm just sick of
dealing to the junk left behind by students in the North End of town,
and want our place to be more peaceful and pleasant when I return home
from work. Maybe I'm just a crabby old villager!

Hobbyhorse Helen
482 1440
hbeamish@kinect.co.nz

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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".

18 January 2011

Coast Road Market

Coast Road Market  is held on the first Sunday of every month from
11am-2pm, rain or shine,
in the grounds of Coast Road Retreat, alongside the Art Shed, at 728
Coast Road, Seacliff.
Experience a unique blend of food, coffee, art, craft,
clothes, local produce, plants, preserves, bric a brac, books, toys and more!!
It's a free market so if you would like to have a stall, come along
before 11am to set up. Or you can phone first on 465 7990 with any
queries.

Liz Abbott and Rudie Verhoef
Coast Road Retreat
+64 3 465 7990  or +64 27 7811799
728 Coast Road, Seacliff, RD 1 Waikouaiti, Dunedin 9471
www.coastroadretreat.co.nz

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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".

Palmerston Farmers Market

A new market is being planned in downtown Palmerston on Saturday
mornings starting mid-February.

We are looking for stall holders to participate by selling all kinds of produce.

Please contact 021 186 5227 for details

14 January 2011

OPINION: How hard can it be?

by Peter Dowden

The Southern Scenic Route is a tourist highway linking Te Anau and
Dunedin via Fiordland, Invercargill and The Catlins.

In June 2007 the Otago Natural History Trust, in announcing
the site for the Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre, chose Blueskin
Rd, because (as Ralph Allen from the Trust told Blueskin News at the
time) it was "... on a road that is likely to become part of the
Southern Scenic Route, with relatively slow-moving traffic that will
be able to see the Visitor Centre and stop to investigate."

In November 2007, Don Hill, then transportation planning manager for
the Dunedin City Council, told Blueskin News, "We are planning to talk
to Waitaki District about extending the Southern Scenic route from
Dunedin to Oamaru. It is envisaged Blueskin Road would be part of this
route."

Extending the Southern Scenic Route along back roads north of Dunedin
would have so many benefits that it is simply astounding the
Dunedin City Council has made so little progress in the ensuing three
years. Port Chalmers would gain more visitors to its burgeoning
antiques and craft shops; newly opened accommodation businesses along
Coast Rd could benefit; the future of Karitane's shop could be
ensured. Places presently without retail services, such as Warrington,
could open cafes or gift shops.

Promoters of the original Southern Scenic Route became so frustrated
by the slow progress from their local government that in the end they went
out and put up signs themselves. We shouldn't need to go that far: we
are fortunate here on the Coast that for the past several years our
local councillor, Andrew Noone, has also chaired the council's
infrastructure committee. This places him right in the driver's seat
of this issue. If Andrew really wants this route extension to happen,
it will happen. How hard can it be, Andrew?