Blueskin Energy Project

By Scott Willis

 

This month there are three important community meetings in three different Blueskin settlements, to report on the developments in the Blueskin wind cluster project and to get more feedback on the project. The hope is that by bringing a meeting to 'a place near you'  people will be able to come along and contribute thoughts and ideas, and get an update from the horse's mouth, as it were. Catch up on where it's at on:

·         Thursday, 15 Nov. Long Beach Hall, 7–9pm

·         Friday, 16 Nov.  Warrington Hall, 7–9pm

·         Monday, 19 Nov. Waitati Hall, 7–9pm.

Over Labour weekend our family attended a big family reunion in Roxburgh –  it was 150 years since my great great grandfather Andrew Young along with three others staked a claim on the Teviot river. I took the opportunity to check out again the small power schemes in the area owned by Pioneer Generation, and Jason from Pioneer took a few of us to see the hydro stations on the Teviot and explained the long history of small scale local energy innovation.

Some of us also went out to Horseshoe Bend, the location of Pioneer's first wind development (three turbines), and to Mt Stuart (nine turbines) near Waitahuna, which was opened earlier this year. Both the hydro and wind turbines were well served, as you can imagine, by the wild Labour weekend weather of wind and water. A field trip to Mt Stuart for those interested in the possibilities of local renewable generation is something we'll be putting together this month.

The Energy Advice trial (a partnership between the University of Otago's Energy Cultures Team and the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust) will end this month, however for the first three weeks of November you can still get telephone advice each Mon and Tues by phone on 482 2207.

We are now exploring promising avenues to build a more durable community service, shaped on what we've learned best suits the community and gets results for home owners. Energy Advice Project Manager Chris Freear is also working to bring together a "Cosy Home Symposium" in Dunedin in 2013 to bring together the different agencies and organisations which want to work on fuel poverty issues and develop a single vision for Dunedin.

BRCT capacity is directed at present towards the Blueskin wind cluster project, Energy Advice and the solar project – that together form the suite of generation and consumer initiatives that is the Blueskin Energy Project.  

Visit us at www.blueskinpower.co.nz, or at the office at 1121 Mt Cargill Rd, Waitati (on Waitati School grounds). Telephone enquiries can be made on 482 2048  (the Wind Cluster) and 482 2207 (Energy Advice) and for more information about the solar project email Chris Le Breton at solar@blueskinpower.co.nz.

Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust

By Scott Willis

 

The BRCT Annual General Meeting was held at the start of Labour weekend, and as always provided an opportunity to review the activities of the past year and to look to the future.

Trustees accepted with regret the resignations of Antony Deaker and PJ Clarke, both of whom have brought great value to the trust, and elected Charles Abraham and Jenny McDonald as new trustees. The renewed BRCT board of trustees is comprised of: Chris Skellett, Ross Johnston, Gerry Carrington, Katie Parker, Tony Wilson, Charles Abraham and Jenny McDonald.

It was a small and intimate AGM, with apologies received, and plenty of productive discussion over a few glasses of wine.

BRCT's operations continue to grow, as reflected at the AGM, and the Trust is keen to ensure that BRCT maintains the capacity to deliver on projects.

Offers of assistance or interest in BRCT work are always welcome and the Trust is interested in supporting proposals that align with the vision of a positive, healthy, secure and resilient future for Blueskin Bay with sustainable resource use. You can discover more about the Trust at: http://www.blueskinpower.co.nz/, or check us out on Facebook.

Volunteers Sought

By Karen Elliot 

PARS Otago is seeking volunteers willing to spend a little of their time working with us, to relieve the pressure on some of our already dedicated helpers.

PARS is a long-established organisation which had its national beginnings in Dunedin in 1877. It works to reduce offending by providing support and re-integration services to offenders and their families/whanau.

Some of the most essential components of PARS' work is provided by volunteers. In some cases, like banking or shopping for prisoners, an hour or so most weeks is all we need. At other times, like moving furniture and belongings from place to place or driving family or whanau to the prison, around four hours may be needed.

Anyone who wishes to help with this very worthwhile service can contact me on 03 474 1811 or email me at parsvolunteering@xtra.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, 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".

The Solar Tube BRCT Project

By Chris Le Breton

Interest in the solar buyers' syndicate is increasing. If you too are interested or know of someone who has a roof-space suitable for solar generation please let them know that we are aiming to find a quality solar package for the growing group of people who are interested both in solar photo-voltaics (to generate electricity) and solar thermal (to produce hot water).

An invitation to tender is being prepared and the tender offers (when returned) will be discussed with all interested members of the solar syndicate.

If you want to join, get in touch! Anything else to say or suggest?  Let us know at solar@blueskinpower.co.nz

 

Community Energy Advice

By Chris Freear

 

The BRCT / Otago University trial is drawing to a close. If you have not yet registered for an audit – do it now at www.blueskinpower.co.nz. 

Last issue we looked at space heating, this issue we will look at the other big part of your energy bill – water heating.

Heating water takes a lot of energy. Did you know the average hot water cylinder contains as much energy as 10kgs of TNT?

·         Check your water temperature; 55^oC at the tap is ideal.

·         If your cylinder is warm to the touch – put a wrap on it, and don't for get to insulate those hot pipes (the first 2-3 meters from the cylinder are the most important).

·         Fix those ripping taps.

·         If water is overflowing from the vent pipe on the roof – get that fix quick smart.

·         Have a shower instead of a bath (it uses a lot less water).

·         Adjust your shower flow rate to be under 8 ltrs per minute – you may need to get a low flow shower head or put a restrictor in the line.

Special Olympics Quiz Night

By Carol Melville, Chairperson, Special Olympics Otago

All members of Special Olympics Otago, especially the athletes, would like to thank the community of Waitati and Blueskin Bay for their support of the quiz night held in the Golden Fleece Hotel, Waikouaiti on 27 August. Over $4000 was raised.

It was great to see so many teams competing and having a great night. Thanks to all those who supplied prizes, supper and donations. We were overwhelmed by your generosity. Thanks also to Alan Hall at the Golden Fleece Hotel for providing his facility and staff, whose hospitality allowed all to have a great night while raising funds which will be used to assist our athletes with travel costs to their sports events.

Thank you everyone.

Special Olympics Otago would also like to take this opportunity to wish Hugh Brown from Blueskin Bay every success when he represents Special Olympics New Zealand at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea in January 2013. Hugh is training hard to get himself fit for this competition and appreciates the effort that his local community have put in to assist him raise the funds he needs to attend this very prestigious event.

Purakanui School

Full page advert, Craig.
Coleen - it's a freebie

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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".

Waikouaiti Coast Community Board

By Gerard Collings, Chairman

At our September meeting the Board were happy to grant a funding application from the Warrington play centre for new play equipment from our discretionary fund.  Community groups are reminded that application forms are available through Council's website.

The Board were presented with a petition seeking public toilets in Waitati. The Board resolved to explore the potential to use the Waitati Hall toilets on a trial basis.  There are a number of security, operational and access issues to be worked through to confirm whether or not this is feasible.

 Blueskin Library staff are now settled into their temporary home at the Waitati School. This temporary arrangement allows work to commence on the new extension.

Staff have advised, that in order to minimise disruption to traffic, work on Careys Creek Bridge has now been delayed until after Christmas.Copies of DCC documents out for consultation are available from Council and through Council's website http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/council-online/currently-consulting-on

The Board's next meeting is at 5.30pm, 7 November 2012 at the Warrington Surf Life Saving Club.

Members of the public are welcome to speak at the Board's public forum, however those wishing to do so need to advise Wendy Collard our Governance Support Officer (Phone 4743374) before 12 noon on the day prior to the meeting.  

Remember you can view the Boards meeting agendas, reports and minutes at either the Waikouaiti or Blueskin Libraries 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
The Board				wccb.public@dcc.govt.nz
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

 

Waitati Open Orchards

By Hilary Rowley

It seems late October and November are slow times for orchardists. I've searched every garden book, magazine and newspaper article I have, but no one had anything to suggest except spraying. It's probably good timing really, as it's far too busy a time in the vegetable garden to be looking for trouble with trees.

There are a heap of insects that can eat your fruit trees, but when it comes to spraying with anything for insects, it pays to think of the bees first. Bees all over the world are in crisis, and are extremely necessary to our global food production.

If there is any chance of risking the lives of bees, don't spray. The importance of our meagre backyard fruit trees pales in comparison to the need to look after the bees.

Companion planting, in combination with general plant and soil health should keep the insects at bay. Here are some suggestions I have found. I can't vouch for the scientific accuracy of this information though. Plant these around your trees:

Chives:  Against apple tree scab, gooseberry mildew, and aphids.

Nasturtium: Planted around trees, the aromatic essence passes through the roots into the surrounding soil, and is taken up by the tree to repel insects. Bees, however seem to love visiting nasturtium.
Mustard and legumes: Intercrop between fruit trees and grapevines.

Hyssop: Increases grape yield and also attracts cabbage butterfly (away from your cabbages hopefully).

Pyrethrum : I use this planted in pots in the glasshouse, and it does really work. If there is an aphid attack on the tomatoes I shift a pot under the worst affected plants and the aphids soon decamp. I would say it would work equally well under fruit trees. Seeds are available from Kings Seeds.

Also of benefit under fruit trees are: Stinging nettle, garlic, tansy, horse radish, and southern wood.

Grass has been found to suppress the root growth of apples and pears, so keep your trees weeded and mulched.

There is one job in the home fruit garden which will be good to do now, if there is time, and that is to mulch under the soft fruit  bushes with lots of rich compost. They will thank you for it by fruiting prolifically.

If you want to actually eat some of this bounty you are growing, rather than feeding the birds, then you will need to organise some nets. Net them before they ripen, and before the birds figure out what is  growing there. We use, (and reuse many times) net bought from the fruit growers' supply shop in Alexandra. We got a large roll and it has paid for itself many times over. If you don't mind some mending, Wastebusters in Alexandra (it's like the dump shop in Dunedin, but better) sells huge bundles of used grape netting really cheaply.

If you don't have a fruit garden, the roadside apple trees look like they have a massive amount of blossom on them, so it may be a good season for apples, and juice, and cider.

 

 

 

WARRINGTON BEACH CAR PARK EXTENSION PROPOSAL

By Karen Hobday, Warrington Reserve Group

 

Due to weather and increased use, the car park area at the end of the northern track to Warrington beach has become very bumpy, and puddles often mean no more than four cars can park there easily.

Over the busy summer months, every year, we receive lots of complaints about the number of vehicles driving and parking on the beach.

The proposal to grade the area (see drawings by Rhys Owen) would make enough space for 12 cars to park in any weather, with minimal change to the area.

There would be a slightly smaller area of grass bank at the edge of the flat area, and no change to the walking track down from the Esplanade. A simple post and chain gate would leave space for easy walking access, and could encourage our many summer visitors to park here, instead of the beach. It will not be locked, so anyone can open it for surf club and boat launching access.

If you have any queries or concerns phone Karen Hobday, 482 2762.