Northern Courier 14 March 2012

Pay and display parking comes to Porirua CBD

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:07:44 GMT

Free parking in parts of Porirua’s CBD is now a thing of the past after the introduction of pay-and-display parking areas.

Porirua City Council has created two pay-and-display car parks on Hagley St. Medium-term parking is now available in front of the police station and at the former Challenge service station site.

Apart from one car park, in the old Challenge site, it has been free to park in Porirua but with a time limit of up to 120 minutes.

The council’s environment and regulatory services general manager David Rolfe says the changes are aimed at enabling people to park for medium-time periods or all day.

“This will address the concerns from the public that there is no medium-term parking in the CBD. It also gives greater flexibility by enabling people to park on a daily basis rather than having to pay for a week at a time.”

Four new pay-and-display machines were installed over the last few weeks and will accept coins only. Parking will cost $1 an hour, with a maximum charge of $5 per day.

The parking areas will be patrolled by council parking officers and vehicles parked over the time on their coupon, or without a coupon, will be issued with an infringement ticket.

Mr Rolfe says the council has no plans at this stage to introduce more pay-and-display areas in the city. “It’s quite a new concept for Porirua CBD. We’ll be monitoring people’s reactions and work out the future needs based on this information.”

Meanwhile, Wellington City Council says pay and-display parking is not on the agenda for either Tawa or Johnsonville.

Onslow-western ward councillor Andy Foster says that he doesn’t see this happening in the future.

“There’s no real need for it. We’re quite well into proposals for fees and charges in long-term plans and charging for parking in these areas isn’t in them.”

Marae planting project

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:07:02 GMT

Wellington’s urban marae has unveiled an ambitious 20-year replanting programme that is hoped will return the north-eastern hills of Newlands to something like their pre-European state.

Nga Hau e Wha o Papararangi has been located in that area of Newlands for almost two decades. The organisation leases the former Johnsonville Town board building from Wellington City Council. The building was moved to its current site in the mid-1990s to make way for the Johnsonville Community Centre.

Nga Hau is an urban marae open to all Maori regardless of tribal affiliation. Its name means “the people of the four winds who reside in Papararangi”.

Its president Bill Rawiri says that after almost two decades its Newlands site Nga Hau wants to learn how traditional practised biodiversity and to recapture lost knowledge and skills.

He says the planting programme has several interconnected elements and will be carried out in four cycles.

“We want to restore the whenua (land) surrounding the papakainga (meeting place) of Nga Hau e Wha o Papararangi to as near as possible to its original state nurturing and maintaining trees endemic to this area. We will become the kaitiaki (guardians) by being recognised as the true and responsible guardians of our ngahere (native forest).”

Mr Rawiri says the first cycle of the project will be focused on the use of native plants for raranga (weaving). It will involve interviews with kuia and kaumatua to ensure their knowledge is not lost but is passed on to future generations.

The second cycle is based on rongoa (use of plants for medicinal purposes).

The third and fourth cycles will be scoped and developed once the results of the first two cycles are known.

Mr Rawiri says the programme will operate with help from community groups, including the Seton Nossiter Park Working Group, Woodridge Planters, the Northern Community Gardens and scouts and guides. Local schools such as Newlands College, Newlands Intermediate and Newlands, Bellevue, Rewa Rewa and Paparangi schools will also be involved.

He says Wellington Council is also a supporter of the project, donating plants from its Berhampore nursery and has agreed to help remove noxious plants and weeds.

He says the project acts as a model for urban Maori elsewhere in the country because it combines the retention of matuaranga Maori (traditional knowledge) while protecting and enhancing biodiversity and respect for it.

“Another advantage will be that this project encourages greater understanding and co-operation between various sectors of the community. It generates a real win-win for all members of our community.”

Opposition to bus changes

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:05:43 GMT

Residents of Wellington’s northern suburbs have until the end of this week to have a say on the most significant changes in the city’s bus services for two decades.

Greater Wellington Regional Council is proposing a three-tier approach to bus services. There will be core services which are frequent bus routes running at least every 15 minutes all day.

Secondary services are bus routes that will run every 30 to 60 minutes all day, covering lower-populated suburban areas. Most of these routes will run seven days a week, although most will require passengers to transfer to a direct service.

The third category of route is peak-only. Some will provide the only public transport service to fringe areas.

Greater Wellington economic wellbeing committee chairman Peter Glensor says the review is the first revamp of Wellington city’s bus routes in 20 years. He says the proposals will provide bus services to key employment, residential and recreational areas at least every 15 minutes from 6am till midnight, seven days a week. On secondary routes services will run every 30 minutes between town centres and less-populated residential areas. A significant number of peak-only services will run in many areas.

“Simpler routes and better connections from one service to another will make it much easier for many people to get around Wellington. For example, under these changes 75% of people - compared to 58% at present - will be within a 10-minute walk of a high-frequency core bus route.”

However, Johnsonville Progressive Association president Tony Randle says the changes will be a disaster for his area.

“Direct peak-hour bus services to the CBD will be slashed from 33 buses to only 10 buses. Commuters are being forced to use the trains.”

Mr Randle says peak-hour trains are often close to capacity and forcing more people to use them will lead to many being left behind.

While the intent is to get more people to use trains, Mr Randle says the most likely outcome is they will use cars instead, further increasing traffic congestion.

“The changes are quite disadvantageous to Churton Park and Johnsonville people,” says Churton Park Community Association president Ed Crampton.

Mr Crampton says that outside peak times there will be no direct services from his suburb to Wellington. “That’s not a big issue as long as the bus we transfer to is waiting for us at Johnsonville. But we could be waiting for 10 minutes.”

He says off-peak services will travel via Newlands, increasing travel times. “The brochure put out by Greater Wellington says that will take an additional five minutes. But going through Newlands means a lot more bus stops and roundabouts. It’ll be more like 15 minutes.”

He says anything that increases journey times will discourage people from using public transport. And with Churton Park being the fastest-growing part of Wellington, it needs more buses, not less.

He says the proposals are headed in the wrong direction.

“We’re pretty upset about it. There are so many adverse features we can’t believe they’re serious. We’re trying to encourage people to make submissions.”

Mr Crampton says many people directly affected by the review are unaware it’s even happening. “People won’t know there are any changes until they turn up at the bus stop. Then it will be too late.”

He says bus users can have their say by going to http://www.gw.govt.nz/how-can-i-give-my-feedback/ and completing the on-line form. Submissions close on Friday (March 16).

Marsden thrives in Whitby

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:04:15 GMT

Photo Caption: Samuel Marsden Whitby director Anne Winnall.

Samuel Marsden Collegiate Whitby’s greatest asset is its small size, says the school’s director Anne Winnall.

Established in 2003 as Whitby Independent College in the clubrooms of the former Duck Creek Golf Course, the school now caters for 172 students from years seven to 13.

“Our size is our strength,” says Mrs Winnall. ‘When the students came back for their first day I was able to greet them all by name.

Samuel Marsden Collegiate in Karori took over the school in 2005. But unlike Marsden in Karori, the Whitby school is co-ed. “When we started everything was run from Karori,” says Mrs Winnall. “We’ve got the same board of trustees and management and Jenny Williams is principal of both campuses. But day-to-day management is my responsibility.”

Because the Whitby campus is small it has not always been able to provide the facilities its students need. Many classes have been held in Karori and 2012 is the first year that all senior students have been based at Whitby. Until recently Whitby had no science labs. “We had a couple who wanted to do Japanese and French. We don’t offer either, so they’re now doing them through correspondence.”

However Mrs Winnall says Marsden Whitby offers its students sporting and cultural opportunities on a par with what many larger schools provide. Next week the school’s inter-house athletics championships take place at nearby Adventure Park, while the school swimming sports will be held later in the year at Porirua’s Aquatic Centre. She says Marsden Whitby is strong in music and debating.

Much of the original impetus for the Whitby independent College came from parental dissatisfaction with the lack of educational opportunities in the growing suburb. Whitby has no state secondary school and many of its teens travel to colleges in Wellington.

Mrs Winnall says she would not be concerned if a state school were eventually built in Whitby. “I think there is room for both kinds of education. With Whitby’s population growing and its community expanding, I wouldn’t see it as a threat.”

She says Marsden Whitby has found a niche. Despite its small size it has achieved excellent academic results. Its students are becoming more involved in the local community, last year completing a landscaping project at Paremata railway station.

There is still room for expansion at Marsden Whitby – but only to a point. “We could go up to 250 if we built more a few more classrooms. That’s the maximum for the site. Part of our mission is to remain reasonably small.”

Boaties reel in better catches

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:02:30 GMT

After a pretty dismal summer boaties on all coasts in the region are reeling in some good catches as sea temperatures warm up.

In the Kapiti area kingfish of up to 30kg have been reported, while along both the Makara and Kapiti coasts 9kg snapper are being caught.

Mana Cruising Club manager Wayne Roberts says there are lots of boaties out fishing. “They’ve said that the fish are definitely out there. They’re all bringing lots of snapper back with them.”

“We’ve had pretty horrible weather over the summer, but lots of people have been out on the water on nice days.”

He says the club is currently “ticking along nicely” with about 30 new members to be confirmed at a meeting next week. “We’re really healthy in terms of new members. Membership is always pretty good.”

Mana Cruising Club members were once again fishing for new records at last weekend’s fishing competition. Open to club members and their friends, the day has both old and young alike hooked each year.

The fishing began at 7am sharp for those keen to win top prize at the weigh-in held late in the afternoon. A $1500 prize is awarded for the biggest snapper.

Mr Roberts says the competition always has a good turn out. “We get around 300 people each year. Lots of kids get involved because we’ve got a good list of prizes.”

Children aged 12 and under compete in prize categories for the heaviest and ugliest fish, as well as for the smallest weight differential between fish to angler.

A prize was also awarded for the young fisher who could spin a tale as well as an old pro about that one that got away.

One fish from each boat out on the day was delivered back to the club in time for the evening’s barbecue.

Mr Roberts says he stays strictly behind scenes during the competition. “I’m a yachtie so I don’t really get into the fishing.”

Johnsonville pool set for upgrade

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:01:16 GMT

With Tawa’s swimming pool closed for the last six months while it is upgraded, a similar upgrade looks set to close Johnsonville’s Keith Spry Pool.

Wellington City Council officers have recommended that a $3.8 million revamp to the Keith Spry Pool take place in the 2012/13 financial year. It will include building a learn-to-swim pool, a spray pool and a family changing area, as well as upgrading the main pool.

The Keith Spry Pool was built in the early 1980s. However, Northern ward councillor Justin Lester say the facility is showing its age and it no long meets the needs of users. “There’s no learn-to-swim area and the changing rooms are inadequate. The water temperature’s too cold for my daughter, so we swim at Porirua.”

Mr Lester says the revamp still needs to be approved by councillors but he expects this to happen as part of the council’s deliberations on its long-term plan.

However, one needed aspect of the revamp is not included. “There’s no work on the changing rooms. That’s an extra $1 million. The officers want to push that back to 2015/16 when work on the new library is due to start.”

Mr Lester says the current changing rooms are too small, while the male changing rooms - which are downstairs - are difficult for disabled people to access. “If people know there are good facilities then they’ll come.”

He says it would make sense to upgrade the changing rooms at the same time as the other work on the pool complex. “I’m working with officers to have the money brought forward.”

However, he says community support for the project is still important. The councillor’s draft long-term plan will be released for public comment at the end of March. “Make a submission. Make a noise. Let councillors know what you think.”

Councillor pools manager Julian Todd says every effort will be made to keep the facility open as much as possible while the upgrade takes place.

What do you think? For sale But We Already Own It.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:59:52 GMT

You’re walking down the street one day when a car parked on the side of the road catches your eye. Its colours are trendy; it’s got the latest mag wheels and the behind the grille there’s thousands of horsepower just waiting for you to put your foot down.

You think: “I want this beast. However much it costs, it’s got to be mine.”

So far, so good. If you can afford it and buying that car will give you contentment and happiness, why not go for it?

But what if we already own that car? No clear-thinking, logical person will spend thousands to buy a vehicle (or some other asset) they already own.

But that is exactly what our government is asking us to do with its plans to partially privatise four state-owned power companies and Air New Zealand.

I mean, these are our assets. They’re owned by the Government of New Zealand. And who owns the government? We - the taxpayers and citizens of New Zealand - do.

So why should we be asked to buy what we already own? It just doesn’t make sense.

Currently dividends from these assets are used by the government to buy services we in the community really value - like roads, schools and hospitals. While the government will receive a one-off boost from selling shares, in the longer term it will be worse off because of the loss of that dividend income. And if that loss of income leads to cuts in services, people who depend on those services will also be worse off.

The government’s defence to its critics includes emphasising it will remain the majority shareholder in all the power companies and Air New Zealand. That means it will continue to set the direction of each of the enterprises. And shares will be sold to kiwi mum-and-dad investors, not foreign-owned corporates.

And as for those mums and dads - most are working long hours and struggling to pay the bills and the mortgage. Few will have any spare cash for use in share-buying expeditions. And many of those who do will be happy to accept a lucrative offer from a fund manager that will give them a nice profit on their share purchase.

Thus, the proportion of shares owned long-term by kiwi mums and dads will be small. And because those holdings will be so dispersed, they will have little ability to determine the direction of the companies.

But before the Government puts any shares on the block, it first has to deal with the issue of Treaty obligations. The Maori Council has gone to the Waitangi Tribunal seeking an urgent hearing to a claim that a partial sale of SOEs will deny tribes their Treaty rights.

Maori regard water as a taonga (treasure). But they know full well that no one owns water and it is something available for all to use and enjoy.

Thereby lies the conundrum. Power companies who use water from rivers to generate electricity also don’t own that water. But like the farmers, without water they cannot produce their products.

But for Maori who depend on waterways as a source of food, the loss of available water means a change in the life-bearing properties of our streams and rivers – and a loss of food sources.

The best thing the government can do is to cancel its assets sales programme. That will ensure assets owned by New Zealanders remain that way. And Maori will be reassured their Treaty rights are not being undermined now or in the future.

Debate to save ‘lost’ holidays continues

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:57:37 GMT

The debate surrounding ‘Mondayising’ Anzac and Waitangi days continues as the National Party caucus considers the change after the introduction of a Labour Party’s member's bill last week.

Both Anzac and Waitangi days fell on weekends last year and pressure is mounting for the Government to back a change to give workers the nearest Monday off whenever this happens.

Research New Zealand surveyed a sample of people aged 15 years and over last year and found 64 per cent agreed that these two holidays should be ‘Mondayised,’ so that workers get a paid holiday.

If such a change eventuates, it would bring us into line with Australia where Australia Day and Anzac Day are 'Mondayised' if they fall on a weekend.

Research New Zealand director Emanuel Kalafatelis says that this view was strongly related to the age of the respondents, with 78 per cent of those aged between 15 to 34 years in favour of the change, compared to 45 per cent of those in the age group 55 years and over.

"It’s probably reasonable to conclude that this represents a stronger attachment by the older generation to celebrating these two days on the actual date.”

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive David Kiddey says the chamber hasn’t received any negative feedback from businesses regarding the possible change. “Most see it as a reasonable thing for businesses and as something that has been flagged for many years.”

However, many feelthe significance of both days could be lost should the change go ahead.

Eastbourne Community Board chair Derek Wilshere says that while he personally likes the idea the days are not about holidays. “It’s not about business, it’s not about holidays, it’s about celebrating the day. I appreciate the other factors but it’s about the significance of the day in the end.”

Graeme Pitcher, from Bargain Books, Music, Puzzles & Games in Petone, says as a retailer it wouldn’t make much of a difference to him. “Both days should stick to the dates they are. If people get the day off two days after then it’s not really important anymore.”

“If people go out and do what they want on their day off then they may not really appreciate the value of the day.”

Petone Community Board chair Gerald Davidson says that it’s disrespectful for people to demand a holiday. “We’ve survived since the 1920s having it on the 25th April and the sky hasn’t fallen in. It’s not a day off; it’s a memorial day or a day to commemorate the signing of the treaty.”

Dunne unmoved by anti-asset-sales campaign

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:56:49 GMT

Ohariu MP Peter Dunne says he is unconcerned at a public campaign that wants him to reverse his support for the partial sell off of four state-owned energy companies and Air New Zealand.

The campaign kicked off outside Mr Dunne’s Johnsonville electorate office on February 18 with a group called People’s Power tied a ribbon and a balloon on all 294 power poles between Mr Dunne’s office and Parliament.

“It is Peter Dunne’s single vote that has given the Government a one vote majority in the 61 votes to 60 voting split on state asset sales” says People’s Power organiser and Johnsonville resident John Maynard. “Without Peter Dunne’s vote there will be no partial sale of state assets”.

Even though the National-led Government was easily re-elected last November, polls have shown consistent strong opposition to its asset-sales programme.

People’s Power organised a public meeting in Johnsonville on March 1 at which Council of Trade Unions economist Bill Rosenberg spoke. It also set up an Ohariu Citizens’ Select Committee to give voters a chance to put forward their views on the asset sales programme.

“We have heard the strong opposition to asset sales in the Ohariu electorate”, says Mr Maynard. “Democracy is not just voting every three years. Ours is only one example of the campaigns building in opposition to the selling off of state assets”.

But Mr Dunne says he is unconcerned at the People’s Power campaign and it will not cause him to change his views.

“I spelled out United-Future’s position pre-election. We haven’t waivered on that. I’ve been entirely consistent with what I’ve said pre-election. I believe in being consistent and keeping one’s word.”

Mr Dunne says United-Future’s Confidence and Supply agreement with National included additional safeguards, including specifying in law that the government will retain at least 51% shareholding and that no other entity will own more than 10%. “The Crown will still own these assets. What’s happening is no different to what Tony Blair did in Britain and Paul Keating did in Australia.”

Mr Dunne agrees that so called mum and dad investors may end up only owning a small amount of the new companies. He says the biggest investors are likely to be Iwi, pension funds and KiwiSaver funds. However he agrees that private sector and overseas investors are likely to be interested in the opportunity to buy shares in the state-owned assets.

However, Mr Dunne says the asset-sales policy is National’s and not his party’s. “United Future is not in favour of wholesale asset sales.”

Mr Dunne says the state-owned-enterprises will need capital to expand. The promotion of individual shareholding will mean hard-pressed taxpayers will not have to foot the bill.

Pool reopening delayed by quake concerns

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:55:49 GMT

The long awaited reopening of Tawa Pool has been delayed as Wellington City Council checks whether the building requires earthquake strengthening.

The pool has been closed since October for a major upgrade. It was due to reopen on April 14 with a giant disco party. But with the latest delay, the party has been called off.

Recreation Wellington manager Julian Todd says the council has taken another look at all of its buildings and structures in light of the Christchurch earthquakes.

“As part of this work we took another look at the pool building - which dates back to the early 1970s – and decided that we should do more work now, rather than have to come back again further down the track, especially if - as is expected - tougher engineering standards are imposed nationally.”

Mr Todd says it is too early say how much longer the pool will remain closed or how much any remedial work will cost.

Tawa Community Board chairman Malcolm Sparrow says the delay is disappointing. “But if the extra work is necessary, it’s better to get it out of the way now. But it’s a pity it wasn’t sorted earlier.”

He says the planned six-month closure could now be extended for a further two months. “That’s an awfully long time to be closed. It’ll make it harder to win back regular customers who have gone elsewhere.”

The council is planning a $3.8 million upgrade at Johnsonville’s Keith Spry Pool to be undertaken during the 2012/13 financial year. However, Mr Todd says there is no chance the two northern suburbs pools will be closed simultaneously.

Green buses carry Mana around the region

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:54:56 GMT

Photo Caption: Mana Coach Services managing director Geoff Norman with one of the company’s new buses at its Waitangirua depot.

The green buses that serve northern Wellington, Porirua and the Kapiti Coast carry more than four million people a year - almost equivalent to New Zealand’s entire population.

The more than 100 green buses of Mana Coach Services and Newlands Coach Service are highly visible on Wellington’s streets, transporting thousands of workers, shoppers and children to and from work, shopping centres and schools.

In the last decades Mana Coach Services has grown from a small family-owned operation to the major provider of public transport in its region employing 165 staff - including 140 drivers - at depots in Paraparaumu, Waitangirua and Newlands.

Mana Coach Services started when the Waddell family bought up Meehan Motors in 1984. A series of acquisitions followed, with the most significant being Newlands Coach Service in 1998.

Over the last three decades the company has weathered oil price shocks, tough economic times and changes in transport policy.

Chief executive Geoff Norman says despite a tough economy and higher fares, people are continuing to travel by bus. While passenger numbers fluctuate, Mr Norman believes the overall trend is positive. “There are external matters like the number of jobs in Wellington, the cost of parking and the cost of petrol. We both operate in an area of Wellington where there is plenty of scope for growth. The Hutt Valley is full. The only land available for growth is Lincolnshire Farm,and further north, so we are well located.”

But he says local councils can do more to help make bus travel quicker and more convenient. “In Auckland bus lanes do work and help improve journey times. I’m keen to see more bus lanes available in Wellington.”

One change is on the horizon that Mr Norman believes will be good for passengers. “Real Time Information will be going live for us in two or three months. This will give people certainty.”

Much of Mana Coach Service’s income is dependent on contracts with Greater Wellington Regional council. While some people see the contracting process for bus routes as a done deal – with only a handful of providers having the infrastructure necessary to operate bus routes on a regular basis - Mr Norman insists the company cannot take for the process for granted, especially with all the company’s routes due to be retendered in 2013. “Other operators may come in from outside Wellington and may decide to enter the market. We’re expecting quite a lot of competition.”

The other big issue affecting the company’s services is Greater Wellington’s review of routes and timetables announced last week. “GW is proposing fewer buses between Churton Park and Wellington. Some passengers will have to transfer at Johnsonville. There’ll be fewer door-to-door services. People do not like transferring.”

Mr Norman urges people to take the time to find out how the proposed changes will affect them and then make submissions to Greater Wellington before the March 16 closing date.

Meanwhile, Mana Coach Services has taken delivery of six new buses. With each new bus costing close to $500,000, the process of keeping the company’s fleet up-to-date is not cheap. But Mr Norman says it is worth it. “With our new buses we get lots of positive feedback from customers and drivers.”

J'ville barista Nicole Moses is one of the best

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:53:52 GMT

When it comes to making a perfect coffee, Nicole Moses is one of the best.

Ms Moses, who works at Muffin Break in Johnsonville Shopping Centre, has made the national final of the chain's Barista of the Year competition She is one of five finalists who beat 35 hopefuls from around the country.

If Ms Moses wins the national final she’ll be in line for a trip to Melbourne for Australasian final in May. She could also win an I-Pad, a coffee machine and grinder and a $1000 Visa Gift Card.

The annual trans-Tasman competition sees Muffin Break baristas from New Zealand and Australia compete in regional competitions, where they are judged on quality and excellence in coffee preparation service.

But competitors in the regional competition were judged on more than just how their finished coffee looks and tastes. The criteria included preparation of their machinery and workstation, the technical skills of a barista, the sensory evaluation of coffee and their knowledge of the popular brew.

Ms Moses says it is the third time she has entered the competition. It required her to make four different coffees in three minutes, all under the watchful eye of a visiting judge. “You’ve got him watching you. But you know you can get it done.”

She says the chance to challenge herself and her barista skills were the reasons he chose to enter the competition.

“I really just wanted to give it a go,” says Ms Moses. Her preparation for the competition was simple. “You practice.” She also has a simple formula for being a good barista. “You’ve got to know what you are doing.”

She has worked at Muffin Break for five years and enjoys her work. “I like customer service and interactions with customers. It’s really good.”

Apart from making the best coffees, enjoys drinking them too. “I like a latte or a flat white.”