Orokonui Ecosanctuary

By Sue Hensley

Great concern was raised earlier in the year when two stoats and one
weasel (all males) were trapped inside the sanctuary. However, it was
also great to know that the response plan worked extremely well. Like
other sanctuaries (Kapiti and Maud recently with stoats and Ulva with
rats) we know that pests will get in from time to time but the
important thing is that they are detected quickly and eradicated.
Issues with the culverts had been identified and temporary repairs
made. A major culvert upgrade is being planned. The latest round of
tracking tunnels showed no mammal pests other than mice in very small
numbers.

Detection devices to date have targeted the smaller mammals most
commonly associated with reinvasion but recently 24 very large
monitoring tunnels have been added in the unlikely event that a cat or
possum should find their way in. Happily the only prints of anything
large have been kiwi footprints!

Work has begun in preparation for the arrival of a pair of non-breeding takahe later in the year. A small open enclosure with a food
hopper is being built. This can be closed to enable field staff to
more easily catch the birds for health checks. The rest of the time
these birds will be free to roam at will enjoying the introduced
grasses and native tussocks planted for their benefit.

News and events can be found on www.orokonui.org.nz or on our Facebook
page. The Visitor Centre and café are open daily 9.30 – 4.30.

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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, Purakaunui), 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".

Delaney Davidson performs at Ecosanctuary

By Tania Turei

 

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is delighted to have the legendary Delaney Davidson perform in the Visitor Centre on Saturday March 17 at 6.30pm.  A must-see event, Delaney is described as "The Louvin Brothers meet Billie Holiday." Delaney was recently nominated for the Apra Silver Scroll songwriting awards in the top five songs for 2011.

The internationally renowned songwriter is touring New Zealand for the last time before heading to Europe. Nicola Russell, of The Sunday Star Times says, "On stage he tells those stories with an authenticity and jaw-dropping talent, layering guitar, harmonica, drums, voice and guitar through a loop pedal to create a unique sound he calls "folk jump noir". There is a force and rawness to Davidson's performance that reflects the depth of feeling."

Joined by Marlon Williams (from the Country Crooning Unfaithful Ways) and Charlotte Ivey (from the Stark Folk of Tiny Lies) they create their own weave of harmonies - haunted, beautiful and classic. These three unique performers have worked before in the Harbour Union, but this time bring a special mix of country, folk and murder ballad to Blueskin Bay.

The stunning Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre has a fully licensed cafe overlooking Blueskin Bay with delicious, locally grown food. Tickets are limited so book early. Phone 482 1755, email info@orokonui.org.nz or book through our website orokonui.org.nz. Doors open at 5.30pm. Tickets $15.

 

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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, Purakaunui), 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 Surf Lifesaving Club

By Pru Casey

What a wonderful summer we have had, and it has been wonderful to see so many families bring their children down to Warrington beach to swim, body board, play, build in the sand, hunt in the rock pools, fly kites, ride bikes, play cricket and spend time together.

The Warrington Life Guards mounted patrols from 11am – 7pm in the holidays. The secret is… the best time of day is 5–7pm after work or tea when the wind has dropped and the sun dips low and golden on the horizon. The Guards will continue to man (and women!!) the beaches until March 18.

We have been very busy this summer with lots of swimmers and training. We have lots of new equipment thanks to our sponsors Bendigo Valley Sports Foundation, Masonic Trust, Macraes and DHL to name only a few of our wonderful supporters.

We now have two Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and a motor, a new set of rescue tubes, a wonderful bright yellow tent and a new set of rescue boards. Every Wednesday during the holidays life guards have been on the beach training for a full day. You will see the IRBs out training in the evenings and every Sunday morning the IRBs practise racing to be ready for the Southern Series on March 3 and the Nationals here at Warrington March 27 – April 1.

We have had a resident seal with us this season. He is young and very keen to play. Life guards are trained to treat seals like a bouncy, overgrown puppy and he will readily follow them down the beach away from the flagged area while you are swimming.

Our Hector's dolphins remain a well kept secret but they have been seen daily moving back and forward between Purukanui Inlet and our Warrington beach.

If you see a flotilla of paddle boards on the beach, that will be our nippers training on Saturday and Sundays. Our athletes have been training hard to go away to Surf league at Mount Maunganui and half of the Otago team this year come from our club! If you see us training on the beach, or in the orange IRB boats, do come and say hello. We have a BBQ every Sunday after nippers training at 12 noon at the club house. Sausages are only $1, while a cuppa tea and juice costs only a sandy smile. We welcome new families.

 

Surf League

Congratulations to the following Warrington SLSC members who were selected to represent Otago at the Surf League in Mount Manganui early in February.  We are really proud of you all.

U19 Surf League: Angus McKenzie, Pru Casey (Manager)

U16 Surf League: Eilis Doyle

U14 Surf League: Tadhg Kelly, Rebecca McNaughton, Devon Familton, Ali Adams

 

Club Celebrations

Last month Warrington SLSC and Moana Rua Ladies SLSC celebrated their 55^th anniversary. Past and present members were invited along to the club for a shared lunch and to watch the current generation training on the beach as well as have a catch up with old friends. The day was a great success and culminated in a celebratory cake being cut by founding member Pat Ellison with youngest current members Roland Ozanne (4) and Madison Lobb (5) (see photo).

 

Upcoming Events

Good luck to Ali Adams and Devon Familton who are representing Warrington at the Under 14 Surf Life Saving championships at Mount Maunganui on the 23 to 26 of February.

Saturday March 3 – BP Surf Rescue Series (IRB), Southern Region (Warrington Beach)

Sunday March 4 – Junior Otago Champs (Warrington Beach)

Sunday March 18 – Final patrol of the summer (Warrington Beach)

Friday March 30 - Sunday April 1 – BP Surf Rescue NZ Champs (Warrington Beach)

 

 

Photo of the U14 team - back row from left: Richard Murray (manager), Justin Pickering, Connor Cawley, Bailey Brandham, Lachlan Brandham, Tadhg Kelly, Dave McPhee (coach). Front row: Devon Familton, Ali Adams, Sapphire Tapsell, Mikayla Garforth, Rebecca McNaughton

 

Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust

By PJ CLarke

Trustees have had a busy month, with a number of meetings and planning sessions. Some trustees have taken on new roles. Work on the Blueskin Energy Project has occupied a high proportion of the Trust's time and resources over the last few months, but the trustees are also considering how they can best support other community projects in the Blueskin area. 

In February BRCT delivered an oral submission on the DCC's draft Spatial Plan. The Spatial Plan is important because it will inform other DCC policies and decisions. It outlines options for managing land-use, transportation, food production and energy. It will contribute to the development of the next District Plan, the document that guides the Council's management of the City.

The draft Spatial Plan prefers a management option described as 'Distributed Development.' BRCT supports this concept. Of the options proposed in the Spatial Plan, it is the most favourable for small communities like Blueskin Bay.   

At 7pm on Monday the March 19, Nicole Foss will participate in the Building Local Resilience Forum in Waitati Hall. Nicole is a world-renowned Canadian commentator on oil, financial and environmental issues. She also writes under the nom-de-plume 'Stoneleigh.'

Check out http://theautomaticearth.org/Front-Page.html .

We're lucky to be the first stop on Nicole's NZ Lifeboat Tour. Her visit is well-timed as we are all facing the consequences of rising costs, the global economic crisis and questionable government policies. We are confident the Forum will provide ideas, stimulate discussion and inspire action. Don't miss it.

BRCT is endeavouring to establish an energy advice service. This service would provide householders with free, on-demand expert advice on home energy management.  Two recent requests for funding were declined, but establishing this service remains a priority. BRCT is currently engaged in very positive discussions with the Hikurangi Foundation, about support for the Blueskin Energy Project.

As always, BRCT welcomes any feedback on its activities and offers of assistance. One of the best ways to find out about BRCT is to talk with trustees or contact Scott at the trust office (482 2048.) BRCT trustees are Ross Johnston (co-Chair), Chris Skellett (co-Chair), Antony Deaker (Treasurer), PJ Clarke (Secretary), Kate Parker, Tony Wilson and Gerry Carrington. Jeanette Fitzsimons is the Trust's patron.

You can also find out more about the Trust at: http://www.blueskinpower.co.nz/

 

Warrington Taekwondo

By Paul Foley

Taekwondo is the world's most widely practised martial art, an Olympic sport, a system of self-defence and even a way of life! We practise it right here in Blueskin Bay every Monday and Wednesday nights, 6pm – 7.30pm.

Students begin with activities that develop basic skills of coordination, balance, and following directions, all the while increasing fitness. Taekwondo students develop strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, balance, memory, concentration, coordination and self-control. It is great at building self-confidence because students know they have become much more competent through regular external grading. Parents also often note how it helps improve students' school achievements.

At Warriington Taekwando we encourage effort and cooperation as much as results. Manners, self-control and respect are all important. We also have fun, and make sure that both young and not-so-young gain the skills to be able to handle themselves in any situation.

 

We offer a free month's training for any beginners (children 7 years and above), with very affordable fees thereafter. Whatever your age, ability, gender or fitness, come along and check us out. The club has seven regular black-belt instructors as well as senior belt instructors and a good number of enthusiastic junior belt students, and we love new faces.

 

For all existing students, a reminder of grading dates this year:

1.  weekend of the 23^rd June, day TBC

2.  a weekend day (TBC) in November

 

Contact Paul Foley, pauldavidfoley@yahoo.com, 478 1113 or Timothy Bain, tim.bain@otago.ac.nz, 021 167 251.

Blueskin Energy Project

By Scott Willis

Electricity prices, the government predicts, will increase at 1% greater than the rate of inflation for the next 18 years. A number of infrastructural, economic and legislative changes underway right now ensure this is very likely a conservative estimate. Will a local wind cluster reduce power prices? BRCT, which provides governance for the Blueskin Energy Project, is trying its best to find a way to reduce electricity prices via the wind cluster project. That's not as simple as it sounds, under the current legislation. Other desired outcomes include action on climate change (renewable generation), greater energy resilience (generation close to consumers) and social and financial benefits for Blueskin residents (creation of a 'social enterprise'). The best proposal, to best meet all the goals stated above, will be part of our community meetings later this year, for discussion and improvement.

 

BRCT trustees have been assisting the progress on the wind cluster project most recently in informal meetings with the Dunedin City Council. With the development of a citywide DCC 'Energy Strategy' there seems to be even greater alignment between city ambitions and Blueskin ambitions. This increasing alignment may provide the key to unlock New Zealand's first community owned and managed wind cluster.

 

Meanwhile, in researching a business model, we've learnt more about Australia's first community wind cluster (Hepburn Wind) which, after only six months of operation, is already delivering funding to the Hepburn 'Community Sustainability Fund'. Similarly, we've learnt of a UK example from Malcolm McCulloch of West Oxford, who visited recently. There, a small diverse community the size of Blueskin has developed renewable generation from solar photovoltaic panels on large rooves. They are providing an environmental dividend (carbon credits), a social dividend (sustainability initiatives in the community) and a financial dividend (a return on investment) from that development. They have also benefited from a feed-in tariff and government grants, but they were disadvantaged by high infrastructure costs (PV was 10 times the price when they set it up) at the beginning.

 

Finally, with generous support from our partners the Otago Energy Research Centre I was able to attend a "Developing Effective [community energy] Advisors Workshop" in Wellington recently, put on by the Community Energy Network (CEN). There was an impressive group gathered to support delivery of 'public good' energy information and advice (i.e. non-commercial information) and plenty of information about what works best. The CEN is seeking greater capacity to provide a 'hub' service to groups providing community energy services around the country. BRCT is aiming to develop this service locally out of the BRCT community office to add to the Blueskin Energy Project, build energy efficiency and reduce household energy demand while maintaining a healthy environment, in addition to also developing our own renewable generation.

Contact: Scott, 482 2048.

What could yoga do for you?

By Jenny Haydon

 

Modern yoga comes from an ancient system of knowledge. It is a collection of practices that bring balance and strength to the physical, mental, energetic, emotional and spiritual aspects of one's person. These practices include physical and breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation.

Many people begin yoga with an interest in the outermost aspect of the personality, the body, and often hope to fix a bit that doesn't work as well as it should. They may want flexibility, strength or endurance; or to lose weight; or to tone their body and feel less flabby.

They may have realised they need to do something to help them relax and cope better with the demands of life. They may have health problems such as high blood pressure or depression. Yoga practices are not a substitute for medicine but they can be helpful in a variety of conditions. Yoga works with how you are right now and over time can help you get to how you want to be.

Some classes are more like gymnastics. Others are aimed at people in wheelchairs. Yoga has something for everyone.

It is important to find a teacher who has appropriate experience and training in yoga, and that you feel comfortable and safe with. If possible, try several different classes before committing to a regular class. There are many different styles.

At first, you may find it hard to relax during a yoga class. You will be concentrating quite hard to follow the teacher's instructions and work out what to do. A good class should include at least 10-15 minutes of directed relaxation. This will help the nervous system respond to the effects of the physical activity. 

Yoga is very much about balancing two opposing tendencies, the busy-busy daily outward aspect of personality and the lethargic "leave me alone" aspect. A good class should put you into a state that could be described as relaxation with awareness, where one is not harassed by thoughts. That is a nice place to be. It's far from going to sleep or "spacing out."

As you practice yoga you become more able to choose to be in that state and face everyday life from a better perspective.

A teacher can only give so many useful practices to a student. Attending a class once a week will get you started, but the real benefits of Yoga come with regular practice. Some of them are:

• Increased flexibility and strength – fewer aches and pains.
• More efficient, conscious breathing habits which can increase energy levels.
• Better coping mechanisms – lower general base rate of stress.
• Better night's sleep.
• Better posture.

I have been doing yoga for nearly 40 years and have been teaching for over 30 years. I recently completed a 3-year course to update my yoga teaching qualification. I love to share my knowledge and enthusiasm. If you would like to know more about yoga please contact Jenny Haydon at claydons@actrix.co.nz.

 

 

 

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, Purakaunui), 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".

Tennis Anyone?

Do you fancy utilising our local tennis courts and having a hit around?
Contact Rachel if you are keen for a social hit and depending on numbers we will try
to set up a weekly evening to bring some action to these courts.
Ph 482 2266



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, Purakaunui), 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 ORCHARD GROUP

by Hilary Rowley

The Waitati Open Orchard group, that's WOO to you, is still out there
making your world more edible.

We have already planted stacks of fruit trees on the street verges of
Waitati, and some berry plants around the new skateboard park. There
may even be some of the wee cranberry-like fruits, Myrtus Ugni,
ripening around the skate park fence soon.

You can recognize the WOO trees by their sturdy manuka stakes and
inner-tube ties. Once planted, a fruit tree takes a lot of maintenance
to get it well established, so we have decided that we will plant a
lot fewer trees this winter, and concentrate instead on mulching,
feeding, pruning and planting companion plants. Keep a watch out for
notices if you want to join in any working bee/picnics and learn more
about the care of fruit trees.

Another planting we hope to be able to do is putting in a row of
walnut trees, (possibly Rex) along the eastern boundary of Bland Park.

There will be three harvest markets this autumn down at the old shop,
next to the bridge
on Harvey Street. They are on the third Sunday of February, March, and
April. The second two will feature the famous apple-pressing
ceremony! If you want to donate apples for pressing, or to buy freshly
pressed apple juice, come along; it's great for making cider, or just
for drinking.

Here is a fruit recipe for now:
Peach, apricot or nectarine chutney (It's an old recipe so you will
have to convert):

4lb fruit
1lb brown sugar
1 pint vinegar
½ oz Cayenne pepper
1lb of raisins, or dates (chopped)
¼ lb preserved ginger
1 oz salt

Boil all for one hour then bottle in sterilized jars.

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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, Purakaunui), 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: March programme

by Leonie Rousselot

All are welcome to join us at the Film Society, corner of Orokonui and
Mt. Cargill roads on Tuesdays at 8.00pm. Membership for one year is
$60 and covers 29 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 or visit: www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/waitati.htm

Tuesday 6 March

MILDRED PIERCE  USA 1945

Joan Crawford performs the perfect part in this story of a rejected
wife and mother who rises from waitress to owner of a huge franchise
of eateries. Her success comes despite her snobbish, greedy daughter
(Ann Blyth) and uninspiring and financially dependent new husband
(Zachary Scott). 111m

Tuesday 20 March

THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE USA 1946

This film was made despite both the original book being banned and the
subject matter having barely hidden hints of sexual depravity. The
latest Hollywood "sweater girl", Lana Turner, plays a bored roadhouse
waitress who pairs up with a drifter (John Garfield) with intent to
murder. 113m

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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, Purakaunui), 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".

Citizens' Advice Bureau

The Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) Awareness Week is 12-18 March this year.

The CAB, Dunedin, can help you to calculate which power company would be the cheapest option, and offer advice on how to switch.

Some ways to save on power are:

1. Switch off the beer fridge and you could save you up to $300 per year.
2. Dry clothes on the line instead of the dryer and save around $200 per year.
3. Save around $120 per year when you switch off the towel rail once the towels are dry.
4. Change to energy savings bulbs and save around $120 over the life of each bulb (about $6 a bulb).
5. Wrap your hot water cylinder and pipes and save around $80 each year on older cylinders (a blanket costs around $70).
6. Wash your clothes in cold water rather than warm water and you could save around $65 per year.
7. If your shower fills a bucket in less than a minute, save around $150 a year when you change to an efficient showerhead.
8. Turn off appliances left on standby and save around $125 a year.

And the best thing is, most of these options cost nothing to do.

For more ways to save visit www.energywise.govt.nz or contact Dunedin Citizens Advice Bureau phone 471 6166 or 0800 367 222, email cab.dunedin@xtra.co.nz, www.cab.org.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, Purakaunui), 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 INDOOR BOWLS: Introduction to the Game

by Ruth Porteous

Can you co-ordinate your eye and arm/hand movements to get the bowl to
stop where it needs to stop, while contending with the floor
conditions under the mat and the atmospheric input? This game is far
more challenging than most people realize.

An opportunity for people wishing to have a go at indoor bowls will be
available on Tuesdays 13 and 27 March from 7.30pm. Come to the
Warrington Hall and try your hand, with help from a couple of
experienced players.

Challenge yourself to try out a game that is played by people of all
ages from primary school children through to folk in their 90s. It is
also a sport played by people with a variety of disabilities,
including blindness. The only requirements are soft-soled footwear,
and $1.00 towards hall hire costs. All equipment is provided.

Looking forward to seeing you on the mat.

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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, Purakaunui), 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".