Northern Courier 23 April 2012

Learn about yourself at Outward Bound

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:23:26 GMT

Photo: Cameron Tonks with his tutor.

Going on an Outward Bound course was a life-changing experience for Khandallah teenager Cameron Tonks.

Cameron, now 18 and an engineering student at Auckland University, took part in a 21-day Mind Body and Soul course a year ago.

“It was amazing,” Cameron says. “The big thing was not what the instructors taught you. It’s what you taught yourself.”

Cameron says his father encouraged him to enrol at Outward Bound. “My dad went many years ago. Ever since I was a young age he said it was the best thing he’d ever done.”

Cameron spent three weeks at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds with 10 other teens sharing the experience of a lifetime. But it was no holiday. “We started with a three-day tramp. Then we learned how to sail a cutter. That was followed by a six-day expedition that combined sailing and tramping. The hardest part was that it rained all the tame. We constantly wet and my sleeping bag was soaked.”

He says the hardest part of the course was a solo expedition lasting two nights and three days. “We were dropped off on a small island with a small amount of food. We then trekked to set spot where we were only allowed to move 20 metres in any direction. There wasn’t much to do. I did some fitness and running around. Then I say there and thought about my families and friends and what I wanted to do with my life. Most of the course was physical. But this was the big mental side – being by yourself and having time to think.”

The final activity of the course was a half marathon. “As I crossed the finish line I was proud of myself for doing the course – and finishing it.”

Cameron says he has recommended Outward Bound to all his friends. He says he would love to do it again but says the opportunity is unlikely to arise.

Despite being familiar with the outdoors, thanks to many family hunting and fishing trips, Cameron says Outward Bound was a whole new experience. “The biggest thing about it is it takes you out of your comfort zone.”

Outward Bound is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2012. To find out more and see a list of activities go to www.outwardbound.org.nz

School seeks support to upgrade pool

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:14:42 GMT

Staff and students at Rewa Rewa School in Newlands are hoping that Wellington City Council will come to the rescue of their beleaguered pool.

Principal Mary O’ Regan says the pool costs thousands of dollars a year to keep running. But it is an uphill struggle for the school to find that money. She says students value their pool even though it is unheated and uncovered. “We can only use it in the first six to eight weeks of the school year. The rest of the time it just sits there.”

However, Ms O’ Regan says the pool is a good learners’ pool. Having a pool on site is more convenient, than sending children to the council-owned Keith Spry Pool or pools at neighbouring schools. “Going out adds to costs and causes a loss of learning time. Then you’ve got to add the cost of buses."

She says the school is contracting an engineer to do full analysis of the pool. Once that is done Ms O’ Regan says the board will have a better idea of the cost of upgrading.

However, the Ministry of Education has already said it is unwilling to help. “The ministry has offered to take the pool out. They got funding to remove it but not to upgrade it.” She says the ministry provides just $381 a year to keep the pool operating – only a fraction of the true cost.

Just recently the pool at Khandallah School reopened after being under threat of closure after receiving a $420,000 grant from Wellington City Council’s School Pools Partnership Fund.

The grant enabled the building housing the pool to be replaced, a ventilation system and larger changing rooms to be built and access improved.

To receive a grant from the fund, schools must show they will provide a service to other nearby schools, water-sports and surf lifesaving groups, as well as the local community.

Ms O’ Regan says Rewa Rewa is keen to get funding from the council’s fund. The school has contacted a learn-to swim school which is keen to use the pool once it’s upgraded. She says a grant application is being prepared and will be lodged by the October deadline.

Councils want to hear from you

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:13:48 GMT

Wellington and Porirua city councils are asking residents to make submissions on their respective long-term plans which determine the direction the they will head during the next 10 years.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown says her council’s plan focuses on investing in Wellington’s future.

“We are mindful of the current economic climate and significant immediate financial pressures, such as the need to fund earthquake-strengthening work. But it is also important to invest in implementing the long-term strategic vision for the city set out in our Wellington Towards 2040: Smart Capital document.

The plan includes a proposed average rates increase of 4.1%. For residential ratepayers the average increase is 3.7%.

Residents associations in the northern suburbs have banded together to call a public meeting to give residents a chance to ask questions of councillors and make comments on the council's proposals. The meeting will take place on Thursday May 3 at the Johnsonville Community Centre Hall starting at 7.30pm. All residents are invited.

The draft long-term plan, a summary of the plan and submission forms are available from the council’s website or from the City Service Centre, 101 Wakefield St, or from council libraries or by phoning 499 4444. Submissions can be e-mailed to longtermplan@wcc.govt.nz before 5pm on Friday May 18.

Meanwhile, Porirua mayor Nick Leggett says his council has had to make some tough calls.

“For the first three years of the plan, we have set a 3.2% ‘envelope’ for rate increases, recognising that many residents are feeling the effects of the depressed economy. Likewise, costs for the council have gone up too. So this is a tough budget. Without hard decisions, the community could have faced an extremely high rates increase. ”

He says Porirua's draft plan is out for consultation. Submissions close on May 3, with oral hearings taking place between May 16 and 18. Councillors will make final decisions by the end of June.

Earthquake experience good preparation for new top cop

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:13:11 GMT

Spending the last seven years in Christchurch has helped John Price prepare for his new role as area commander for the Kapiti-Mana police district.

Inspector Price recalls the first big shake in September 2010 and the big one the following February. “Although you’re trained for everything, you just don’t know how things will fall into place. September was almost a practise run. The learning we got were used for the response for the February 2011 quake.”

Mr Price took charge of the initial police response to both quakes and then looked after the search and rescue operation following the February 2011 quake. “We were lucky that only the Lyttleton station suffered serious damage. All the other stations were still operating. But 30% of police staff had their homes seriously damaged but they were still required to perform normal police duties.

“Despite the tragedy, crime still continued. There was a change in criminal behaviour when the CBD was in lockdown and cordoned off. A lot of the city’s entertainment sector was closed. The consumption of alcohol moved to the suburbs. So we had to police the place differently.”

He says police also had an important role in rebuilding public confidence and morale. “After each shock we made sure we increased our visibility. Reassurance of the community was critical.”

Mr Price says his staff performed far beyond the call of duty. “Police staff were working in the disaster area but they were part of the disaster. Even though they were disturbed by the after-shocks and suffered from a lack of sleep, I really admired our staff the way they went about their work. Every member of the police were heroes.”

For Mr Price his new job in Porirua is almost like a return home. He previously served at Porirua, Waitangirua and Wellington before going to Christchurch. In his new role he is in charge of 136 sworn and 18 unsworn staff covering an area from Tawa to Peka Peka.

In his first few weeks on the job Mr Price has already attended two fatal crashes on State Highway One and says road safety will be a priority. “We will work with our partners to make our roads safer. We will enforce the law on alcohol, speed and seat belts.”

Mr Price also wants to combat violence in the home and target repeat offenders. “2% of offenders commit 20% of the crime.”

He also wants to target drugs. “The worst drug we have is still alcohol.”

Mr Price intends to buy a home in the Kapiti-Mana area once he sells his home in Christchurch. In the meantime he is staying with friends.

Book lovers help community projects

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:08:15 GMT

A bookfair organised by the Rotary Club of Plimmerton resulted in around $20,000 being raised for community groups.

The bookfair was held at the New Zealand Kennel Club in Porirua on March 31 and April 1 with more than 35,000 books on sale.

Rotary spokesman Noel Evans says the event grossed $22,200 which was up on last year. However, he says the final amount raised is not yet known as some accounts have yet to come in, including some for publicity and the hire of the venue.

However, he says last weekend’s takings were up on the figure for 2011.

Proceeds will be shared between Plimmerton Rotary’s community projects and the Life Education Trust.

The Life Education Trust is an organisation that visits primary schools up and down the country, helping primary and intermediate-age children understand their bodies and make sensible choices about what substances they should allow into them.

Among the community projects that may benefit from the bookfair are the club’s walkway around Pauatahanui Inlet and swimming lessons for children in Cannons Creek.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Johnsonville is seeking books for its bookfair which will also raise money for the Life Education Trust and for Rotary community projects.

Club spokesman Bob Shennan says books can be left at Autostop Group, Disraeli St, Johnsonville or at Crofton Downs Mitre 10.

Johnsonville’s bookfair will take place on May 26 and 27 at the Johnsonville Community Centre.

Safari offers the chance to go to new places

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:07:01 GMT

If you like driving a four-wheel drive or going places where a normal road vehicle can’t get to, Plimmerton Rotary Club is offering you an opportunity that is seldom available.

On Sunday (April 29) it is holding a 4 X 4 Safari on private roads between the Hutt Valley and Pauatahanui which offer scenic views across to the South Island.

Organiser Peter Sinke says the event will raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation and Te Aro Piko - Plimmerton Rotary’s project to build a walkway around Pauatahanui Inlet

He says the event is a family day out – not a race. “It’ll be too easy for many 4WD enthusiasts. It’s more like a Sunday drive with good sights and views.”

Mr Sinke says the route passes through Belmont Regional Park on tracks normally only used by walkers and cyclists. It will also proceed along forest roads and across private property – with the permission of owners.

“All the property owners have been pretty forthcoming. Some forestry operators were concerned their forests were concerned their forests would be impacted. But when we explained the event will be held on Sunday they were all very obliging.”

Mr Sinke says all vehicles taking part will need to be roadworthy with current registrations and warrants of fitness. Marshals will check all vehicles before the start and those who deemed suitable will not be permitted to take part.

He says the safari will pass over well-formed tracks and “a few paddocks” navigable by competent drivers.

You can register by going to the event website www.4x4safari-rotaryclub.co.nz registrations are $120 a vehicle. If you do not have a suitable vehicle you can sign up as a passenger in another vehicle for $60. Lunch is included as part of registration.

Mr Sinke says the event will start at 9am at the Dry Creek entrance of Belmont Regional Park near the intersection of State Highways 2 and 58 at the bottom of the Haywards Hill. It finishes at 3pm in a paddock off McDougall Cres on the other side of State Highway 58.

The pain of suicide

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:03:24 GMT

Despite what the theme to the movie and TV series MASH says, suicide is not painless.

To the contrary, it creates heartbreak, especially among family and friends of young people who take their own lives, sometimes in sometimes the most inexplicable circumstances.

For the 10 years up to 1996 New Zealand had the highest youth suicide rate in the world. Concerned at a rash of rash of suicides in the Whitby area where he lived, Gregory Fortuin formed the Youth Suicide Prevention Awareness Trust. That trust challenged the official orthodoxy that publicising suicides drew attention to the problem and encouraged copycats.

Although his trust has gone into recess, Mr Fortuin says he is concerned at what appears to be an upward trend in suicide figures. “I keep a watchful eye on what’s happening. Five or year six years ago they had gone right down. But now they’re up.”

Mr Fortuin agrees the causes of youth suicide are complex. While factors such as unemployment, alcohol, drugs and bullying are present in some cases, there are others where finding a single motivating factor is much harder.

But he says changes in society have made life harder for young people. “When I was growing up everyone was their brother’s keeper. But we’ve gone to being very individualistic society. I was young we were focussed on resilience and getting through. But do we teach resilience to the young people of today? It’s easy to say ‘don’t do it’. But young people want to know what they can do, not what they can’t. You’ve got to give them support to lead positive lives and set goals.”

Mr Fortuin agrees cyber bullying has become more frequent. Although the techniques of bullying have changed - “They’re now more sophisticated” - he says the bully’s message has not. He says we have to help young people become more resilient so the bullies become less effective.

Steve Corbett, a spokesman for Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean says while it is pleasing that the rate of youth suicide has gone down since 1995, suicide rates for the population has a whole are still too high. “No sector of the community is untouched by youth suicide.”

He says young people do not make up the majority of suicides. “They occur in all ages, ethnicities and sexes. Males between 30 and 70 are the most likely to be the victims of suicide.”

Statistics released by Judge MacLean show that between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, 558 New Zealanders – 419 men and 139 women – took their own lives. “Judge MacLean is very concerned that the suicide toll is way higher than the road toll.” says Mr Corbett. On average, there are six people who are directly affected by a suicide. That means more than 3000 New Zealanders are directly affected by suicide every year.”

Have you or your family been affected by suicide? Is it still an issue and what can be done to combat it?

We would be interested to hear from readers on their experiences.... You can email to mail@pcn.co.nz; by fax to 237 9249 or do it below in the comment box.

Bequest provides new home for Johnsonville Plunket

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:02:22 GMT

Johnsonville and Churton Park’s youngest citizens will benefit with a state-of-the-art facility thanks to the generosity of a Johnsonville couple.

Buster and Maureen Thomas bequeathed $1.5 million to Johnsonville Plunket in 2006 for the purpose of building a new facility. Currently Plunket operates from an old house in Rotoiti St that is too small to provide all services needed by young mums and their new babies.

Johnsonville Plunket has used the money provided by the Thomas’s to buy two sections on Rotoiti St. With a house moved off one the sections in early April, construction of a much awaited building has now started.

Johnsonville Plunket president Sandra Yeldon says the lack of space has been a longstanding problem. “We haven’t been able to offer the Plunket car seat rental programme because it requires space to wash, check and clean them. We found that parents were driving to Porirua, Tawa or Newtown because we didn’t offer car seats in Johnsonville.”

Ms Yeldon says Johnsonville Plunket has also been unable to offer parenting education classes. “So we’ve been running them from the Johnsonville Community Centre. But when the new facility opens we’ll be able to bring them back in-house.”

When it opens the new facility will provide triple the space of the current building, plus provide 13 car parks – which are an important consideration on a narrow street.

Although it has taken six years to get to this stage, Ms Yeldon says there are good reasons for the delay. “We’ve lost out on several previous properties. We’ve bid at auctions and submitted tenders to no avail.”

She says Plunket also had some very particular requirements. “We had to stay close to the centre of Johnsonville and we need a certain size.”

The Johnsonville Charitable Trust has helped the project by awarding Johnsonville Plunket a $130,000 grant.

“These new facilities are crucial to the local community. We have one of the largest populations of under-fives in the country and our current facilities are stretched. The trust recognised this in awarding us the additional money, and for this we are delighted and thankful,” says Ms Yeldon.

Ms Yeldon says there is a still a funding shortfall for the project. Options for closing it are being explored.

She says the aim is to have the new facility opened by November. All current Plunket services will continue to operate during the construction phase.

Anglicans give helping hand to Tongan school

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:59:55 GMT

Ohariu Anglicans are on the lookout for people with building skills and a desire to help as they take on a project to help a school in Tonga.

In late June a group from St John’s church in Johnsonville and St Michael’s in Newlands will head for Tonga to carry out some much needed repairs at St Andrew’s School near the capital of Nukualofa.

“It’s all new to us,” says St Michael’s priest assistant Maurice Dagger who is co-ordinating the project. “It’s going to be quite an adventure. We’ll learn a lot about Tonga and the Tongan people will learn a lot about us.”

He says St Andrew’s is a church school and therefore misses out on government funding available to public schools. “Teacher salaries are much lower than in the public schools. There’s been little maintenance and major damage from storms.”

Mr Dagger says the Ohariu archdiocese was alerted to St Andrews’ plight by Rachel and Simon Tipping, a couple formerly from Karori who taught at the school last year. “They came back and said the school was in pretty dire straits.”

He says the Tippings have launched a programme which offers Anglicans up and down the country the chance to spend a week doing building work, repairs and maintenance. Ohariu Anglicans have booked the period from June 30 to July 7.

Mr Dagger says priority jobs include repairing the school’s piggery, where the roof has fallen in and made the place unusable. There are also repairs to the road to the school’s plantation which will improve access. Many of the school’s louvre windows have been damaged in cyclones and need to be replaced. “We’ll also be taking over some teachers to work with their teachers in terms of professional development.”

He says volunteers will need to pay their own way to and from Tonga, although the archdiocese is talking to airlines about special fares. “We’re trying to organise accommodation. We’re looking at staying in a church. There’s also space in a convent with bedrooms that could be made available."

With a shortage of building supplies and tools in Tonga, Mr Dagger says donations – either of money or tools – are most welcome.

If you are interested or want to know more, contact Mr Dagger on 4783620 or e-mail daggerfam@xtra.co.nz

E-voting pushed in Porirua

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:57:12 GMT

At the next local body elections Porirua residents may be able to vote using their home computers – but they may have fewer city councillors to vote for.

Mayor Nick Leggett says the council will shortly seek public comment on a proposal to allow e-voting or voting on-line. “We want to be the first council in New Zealand to introduce e-voting.”

AS part of its representation review, councillors have also voted to reduce the number of councillors from 13 to 10. That will be achieved by cutting the number of councillors from each ward by one. If approved, the Northern and Eastern wards will have four councillors (instead of five) and the Western ward will have two (instead of three).

Mr Leggett says the change is timely. “I accept we are larger (in terms of the number of councillors) than most councils of a similar size. We should lead from the front in reducing our numbers.”

However the matter is required to go out for public consultation before a final decision is made.

He says the council’s long-term plan “reduces spending across all service areas”.

“We heeded the call from residents who want us to be more aggressive in cutting operating costs. But we are not planning to compromise on that make Porirua such a great place to raise a family.”

He says the council plans to double expenditure on stormwater and wastewater. “We’re also retaining the ability to spend $15 million on revitalising the city centre – providing the private sector comes on board.”

Mr Leggett says the long-term plan takes account of the possibility of costs that will arise if the council has to vacate its earthquake-prone administration building. “There’s money in the plan to do something. But there are still a lot of options to go through.”

He says the council has to be mindful of the possibility of local government restructuring, including the possibility of a super city. “We don’t want to blow $20 million of ratepayers’ money on a new building that may be required for only three or five years, or however long.”

He says the plan envisages rates increases of 3.2, 2.9 and 2.7% respectively for the next three years.

What do you think about e-voting? Will it encourage more people to take an interest in local affairs? Or is it a recipe for electoral fraud?

You can email to mail@pcn.co.nz; by fax to 237 9249 or do it below int eh comment box.

1000 meals for families

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:56:11 GMT

Rebecca Morahan and Tracie Lane, Co Coordinators, Bellyful Porirua.

In less than a year an organisation that helps new mums has produced 1000 meals for families in the Porirua basin.

Bellyful was set up in 2009 by Auckland mother Jacqui Ritchie who, after suffering stress because of a lack of support after giving birth to her first child, recognising that mothers and families needed help to adjust to the new reality created by the arrival of a child. So she set up Bellyful, a group committed to helping new mothers and their families.

Bellyful’s Porirua co-ordinator Tracie Lane says she saw a story about Ms Ritchie on TV One’s Good Sorts. “I rang her up and said we needed something similar here.”

Ms Lane says a team of 23 volunteers come together once a month to make up the meals at Pember House in central Porirua before freezing them.

Volunteers also deliver the meals whenever and wherever they are required. “We take referrals from anywhere- from doctors or friends.”

She says the meals are designed to be simple, yet nutritious. “We’ve got three meals – macaroni and cheese, bolognaise, and lasagne. We aim to feed fussy toddlers.”

Ms Lane says, as a voluntary group, Bellyful could not survive without help from a number of supporters. The Mana Community Trust provided a grant for a freezer, while The Mad Butcher provides premium mince.

“We spend $300 a month on food. To pay for that, we fundraise. We hold movie nights and sausage sizzles.”

Sometimes when there is high demand Bellyful runs out of food. “But the more we get the less likely that is to happen.”

Ms Lane says Bellyful has been successful in Porirua because it fills a gap.

For more information about Bellyful go to www.bellyful.org.nz

Tawa supermarket opening delayed

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:52:04 GMT

Tawa residents will have to wait a little longer for the return of their permanent supermarket.

They have been without a supermarket since Woolworths closed in November. The site was bought by rival Foodstuffs who have been redeveloping it as a New World supermarket.

Foodstuffs Wellington general manager George Sutherland says New World Tawa is now expected to open in early September rather than July as previously planned.

“Once contractors had access to the site, they discovered more work was required than had been expected. The majority of this was related to structural, flooring and foundation improvements.

“Asbestos was discovered in the building and this is not unusual for a building of this type and age. The site is now clean of the asbestos which was dealt with by industry experts, as required by the Health and Safety in Employment Act and the Department of Labour.”

Mr Sutherland says asbestos is not the sole reason for the delay. “It was just one of a variety of factors that needed addressing in a building of this type and age.”

He says the temporary New World supermarket in Tawa Mall plus bus services to other New World outlets in Churton Park and Porirua will continue in the meantime.

Big loss for Hutt-Mana Trust following EnergySmart collapse

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:50:33 GMT

The Hutt-Mana Charitable Trust says it lost $1.655 million as a result of the liquidation of its wholly owned home insulation company EnergySmart.

EnergySmart was put into liquidation in September 2011 by the trust’s subsidiary company Hutt Mana Holdings Ltd due to mounting trading losses.

Liquidators Shephard Dunphy later sold EnergySmart to Christchurch company Terra Lana Products for an undisclosed amount.

At the time trust chairman Ian Hutchings said the trust’s losses - believed to be over $2 million - would be documented in its annual accounts for the year ending June 30, 2011.

However the accounts were delayed by difficulty in obtaining accurate information about Energy Smart and problems in satisfying audit requirements. They were finally signed off on March 30, 2012, or nine months after the end of the financial year to which they relate.

The accounts reveal an ‘impairment’ to the trust of $1,655,363 resulting from the EnergySmart liquidation. In notes to the accounts the trust’s auditors note that the liquidation process is still ongoing and there is uncertainty about the recovery of certain assets within the EnergySmart Group. “The trustees have received a report from the liquidators confirming that all unsecured creditors (including the trust) are likely to receive 40 cents in the $ of their outstanding debt. Up to the date of the signing of these accounts unsecured creditors have received 25 cents in the dollar and the trustees believe that 40 cents in the $ is a highly likely final outcome.”

The trust also leant its subsidiary company Hutt Mana Holdings $2.883 million at an interest rate of 5% to buy a building at 40-42 Railway Ave, Lower Hutt, to serve as the headquarters for EnergySmart. The building was subsequently sold for $1.25 million.

The trust and its associated companies lost $2.3 million in the year to June 30, 2011. However, the trust was still able to make grants to the community and for energy efficiency projects worth almost $1 million.

Mr Hutchings declined to comment on the accounts, saying he will address the accounts in his annual report. That will be presented at the trust’s annual meeting to be held on May 17, at the Helen Smith Room, Pataka, Porirua starting at 5.30pm.

The positions of chairman and deputy chair – currently held by Prue Lamason – will be up for re-election at the meeting. Mr Hutchings says he intends to offer himself for re-election.

What do you think of the Hutt-Mana Charitable Trust's performance? Do you think its financial results are satisfactory?

We would be interested to hear you view via email to mail@pcn.co.nz; by fax to 237 9249 or do it below in the comments box.

Head students at local schools

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:48:04 GMT

This week the Northern Courier continues its series highlighting the Head Boys and Head Girls at secondary schools in our circulation area. This week we feature the top students at Samuel Marsden Whitby and Newlands College.

Left in Green - Simon Yip and Rebecca Good.
Right - Lisei Le’aupepe and Michael Howard.

Samuel Marsden Whitby

Simon Yip, 17, was surprised to be named Head Boy at Samuel Marsden Whitby. “It was quite a bombshell. There were quite a number who put themselves up for the head boy role. They were all quite talented.”

Head Girl Rebecca Good, 16, says she had to write a letter of application and speak in front of a school assembly. “It was a bit scary and daunting. But it was good because we know all the other students. It was like talking to our friends.”

Simon and Rebecca have been in their positions for a couple of months. They’ve already taken part in a meeting of Head Boys and Head Girls from other Porirua-area colleges. Rebecca and Simon are also organising a linked-activities day with Samuel Marsden’s Karori campus.

Despite having to fit in their duties with a full academic workload, both Rebecca and Simon say they have no regrets about taking on their roles. “I’ve really enjoyed it – it’s been a good experience,” says Rebecca. Everybody has been really supportive and they help us out.”

Simon is studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Calculus and Music. “I’m thinking of doing chemical engineering at Victoria.”

Rebecca is doing Spanish, History, Statistics and Art. “Next year I want to start International Relations and Political Studies at Victoria and I hope to have a career in that field.”

Newlands College

Michael Howard, 17, and Lisei Le’aupepe, 16, were chosen at the start of the year to be Newlands College’s Head Boy and Head Girl for 2012.

It was the culmination of a rigorous selection process that also incorporated the choices for Sports, Academic and Cultural captains. “It was exciting not knowing what position I would get,” says Lisei. Michael admits he was shocked to be named as Head Boy. ‘I was quite surprised. I didn’t see it coming.”

Michael and Lisei say they have been busy for the last couple of months, organising school council and executive meetings. Both have given their maiden speeches at assembly. “It was cool,” says Lisei. “We spoke about how excited we were to be in our roles.”

Next on their agenda is the Johnsonville RSA Anzac Day service, where they will continue the Newlands College tradition of laying a wreath to remember the country’s war dead. They also plan to work with Academic captain Brooke Watson to organise a quiz night and help other executive members with their activities.

As they go through the year they will be guided by their motto - PSP (Pride, Success and Passion).

Both will have to combine their duties with busy academic programmes. Lisei is studying Media, Drama, Photography, Physical Education and Biology. She is also busy on the sports field, having represented Wellington in softball and netball, while she is a member of the Newlands College team that recently won the New Zealand Secondary Schools championships in Lower Hutt.

Michael is studying English, Drama, German, History and Classics. He is also part of the college’s senior debating team and coaches the junior team.

Next year Michael hopes to study linguistics at Victoria University, while Lisei says she is “quite interested” in joining the navy.

Sustainable future for Matiu/Somes Island

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:35:35 GMT

Gun emplacements on the summit of Matiu/Somes Island. Photo: Dick Greenbank

Rangers at Matiu/Somes Island have got the green light to go ahead with installing a renewable power supply taking them one step closer to their goal of sustainability.

Ranger Emma Dunning says that they have just been granted resource consent to install a small wind turbine and solar panels. “It’s awesome. It will change the dynamics of the island completely.”

The sustainable energy system is part of the Department of Conservation’s wider strategy to reduce its reliance on diesel generation.

Ms Dunning says that along with ongoing projects to increase the diversity of the island there are plans to upgrade the quality of the ageing infrastructure which is in need of some repair.

She says that visitor numbers are down slightly on previous years. “It’s most probably because of the weather. Wandering around in the rain isn’t all that appealing to most people.”

The island garnered widespread attention back in January with the translocation of 80 fluttering shearwater birds from Long Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

Matiu/Somes Charitable Trust project manager Shane Cotter says that while unfortunately 6 died within 24 hours, 72 fledged successfully a week earlier than expected on February 10.

Two of the birds remain at Wellington Zoo with health issues. “They are recovering well and will fledge from the island when they’ve finished their treatment. All of them have the potential to return in four to five years time so it’s been a very successful first year of the project.”

Ms Dunning says one of the biggest concerns for the island is the potential bio-security risk, particularly as a result of illegal landings.

“It’s not happening a lot, but we’re constantly keeping an eye out. After rats were found on Mana Island you can see how easily it happens and that’s something we definitely don’t want here.”

Rangers are also on the lookout for another potential threat—the Argentine ant. “We just completed an ant survey and found that we have none which is brilliant.”

“They are very aggressive wee guys and they eat things like baby birds alive. It’s important to stay extra vigilant.”

Miss Dunning says that generally their goal is to keep the island a really cool place to visit.

Consumers urged to be cautious as digital switchover looms

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:31:39 GMT

With the switchover to digital television looming ever closer, consumers are being urged to ensure they shop around for the best deal.

From May 2013 all television viewers in New Zealand will need Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear to keep receiving their favourite programmes. Wellington households will see their analogue signals switched-off in September 2013.

Going Digital urges consumers to be cautious of door-to-door salespeople offering digital products and “anything that sounds too good to be true”.

“Over 80% of New Zealand homes are already enjoying the digital television experience. For the remaining 20%, they need to start looking at their options now so they are ready when their region goes digital,” says Going Digital national manager Greg Harford.

“The cost of going digital depends on your location and what equipment is required. We suggest that consumers shop around and talk with retailers and installers about their options.”

Freeview sales have hit record highs as the race to go digital begins. A total of more than 80,000 Freeview-enabled devices were sold in December alone.

Freeview general manager Sam Irvine says New Zealanders have a strong attachment to free television. “The largest benefit of Freeview is that it’s just a one-off cost to set up, and then the service is free.”

However, some viewers are facing costs of around $500 for a full installation of Freeview. Costs can mount further when taking into account the varying price of digital receivers.

Mr Harford says households with more than one television will need to consider buying a set-top box for each one. “Every television you want to use needs to go digital, and it’s easiest to have a separate set-top box for each set.”

He says multiple televisions can be connected to a single set-top box but that this will result in each television showing the same channel at the same time.

The New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services CEO Raewyn Fox says households should make an educated decision when making the switch to digital. “By consulting a budget adviser, families can incorporate the cost of going digital into their budget.”

Fate of Tawa station in community’s hands

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:27:19 GMT

Pictured: Malcolm Sparrow and Ngaire Best

Tawa residents are being asked whether they are willing to come up with to $1 million to save the derelict Tawa railway station which is under threat of demolition.

Members of the suburb’s community board were told last week that the building has been leaking for years. Representatives from Greater Wellington Regional Council, which took ownership of the building three months ago, told board members the water damage is so extensive that piles have subsided and are not supporting the floor, while parts of the building are riddled with borer.

Greater Wellington’s transport manager Wayne Hastie says the building is on a lean. “It’s in a pretty poor state. There’s a high risk that if we tried to repair it, it could fall to pieces.”

Dr Hastie says if the building were demolished, Greater Wellington could construct a replacement waiting area in about three months for about $600,000. Although the old building could be restored at cost of between $1 million and $1.5 million, Dr Hastie says it would be a risky and time-consuming undertaking. “It will require lifting the building to repile it. But it could disintegrate when we do that.”

And because Tawa is on the main trunk line and the main access to the platform is by overhead bridge, it will provide very difficult working conditions, with overhead lines and passing trains close by. Dr Hastie says the station will probably have to be closed while any demolition or construction takes place.

Tawa Community board chairman Malcolm Sparrow says he wants to hear what residents want done with their railway station. “Our role is to gauge the feelings of the community. We have to act on behalf of the community.”

Mr Sparrow says the board has organised a public meeting for Sunday May 6 at the Tawa Community Centre, starting at 4.30pm. Officers from Greater Wellington have been asked to come along and make the same presentation they made to the community board and answer questions.

Wellington city councillor and Tawa resident Ngaire Best says doing nothing is not an option. “The station is unsafe.”

Ms Best says she would like to be able to restore the building. “It’ll be great to preserve it. But that could be up to $1 million and Tawa is not a wealthy community with a large number of donors. And then there are the practicalities of having the station closed for a long period of time.”

Historic Places Trust spokesman David Watt says the station is not a registered heritage building. Nor is it listed in Wellington City Council’s District Plan.

He says the trust hopes Tawa Community board will look at all options. “We hope the community will stand up and say we want to restore it.”

David Parsons from the Tawa Historical Society says the station dates from 1937 when the rail tunnel under Newlands was put through. However, it closed as a staffed station in the late 1980s. “It hasn’t had much maintenance, if any.”

He says the station building is in a bad way. “It’s poor. When you stand inside you can feel the lean.”

The society will present a written report to the May 6 public meeting. But Mr Parsons says its contents have yet to be decided.

Do you think Tawa railway station should be restored, or is spending an additional $1 million too expensive and too risky?

Let us know via email to mail@pcn.co.nz; by fax to 237 9249 or do it in the box below.