Petone Herald 18 April 2012

Seaview Marina: More than a home for boats

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:44:45 GMT

Alan McLellan manages the Seaview Marina with the help of his trusty security officer Jess.

As far as Alan McLellan is concerned, Seaview Marina is a vibrant community of boat owners that contributes enormously to the economy of the Hutt Valley.

Mr McLellan has been manager of the 265-berth marina since 2003. It is wholly owned by Hutt City Council and Mr McLellan reports to a board headed by Wellington accountant Brian Walshe.

Owners pay between $4000 and $8000 a year – depending on size – to moor their boats at Seaview. Most are launches or yachts. However, Seaview currently has 25 unoccupied berths. Mr McLellan puts that down to the slowdown in the economy. “Things have quietened down a lot in the last few months. Like all industries, we’re feeling the impact of the downturn. But if you own a boat you need somewhere to store it. There are limited opportunities in the Wellington area.”

In anticipation of an upswing, the marina company is dusting off plans to add 140 berths to the marina.

Mr McLellan acknowledges the proposals have generated opposition from some nearby residents, concerned at possible environmental effects. “We’ve had some resistance – some of it very vocal. But it’s not based on sound arguments.”

He says the proposed expansion will not require further reclamation. “The new piers will provide a positive marine environment. They attract organisms that cleanse the water. And we don’t allow effluent to go directly in to the trade waste.”

However, he says the board has yet to decide whether to go ahead. Even though the marina has vacant berths, Mr McLellan says its board is thinking strategically. “We make business decisions based on strong analysis.”

One of those decisions was the establishment of the Sea Centre – a hub for marine-related businesses that give boat owners easy access to repair and supply services. They include a marine engineer, a chandlery, sales and rigging company and a boat painter. Mr McLellan says the Sea Centre is performing an essential role for boaties. “The place is 100% occupied.”

Mr McLellan describes himself as a “passionate yachtie”. The Whitby resident trained as an engineer. But when he saw the marina manager’s position advertised he jumped at the chance to turn his passion into his livelihood.

And as someone who played rugby for Canterbury, Mr McLellan admits to more than a passing interest in the fortunes of the Crusaders and the Hurricanes.

Outward Bound can be life-changing

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:37:49 GMT

Even though it happened three decades ago, Lower Hutt man Philip Barry says his Outward Bound experience has stayed with him throughout his life.

“It was 1981. I volunteered in my youth and enthusiasm. I was looking to challenge myself and learn new skills.”

Although he enjoyed running, football and cricket and had some tramping, Mr Barry says he was not that familiar with the outdoors.

“Outward Bound exposed me to kayaking, canoeing and sailing. It opened up the frontier.”

Mr Barry enjoyed the experience. “It was tough. You don’t go there for a holiday. They push you out of your comfort zone and put you under pressure.”

His most memorable experience was Solo – surviving in the bush for three days and two nights with very little food. “You had to stay in a very small area. There was no entertainment- you just have to survive. It’s a bit scary – two nights in the bush with no one to talk to. It’s something I’d never experienced before.”

Mr Barry says the nights were hard, while he also had to put up with snow.

But despite these hardships he made it through to the end of his 24-day course. “The first think I thought is that I need a beer. I was exhausted and exhilarated. I learned about myself and about teamwork.”

He says he learned some important lessons. “Every single person has something to offer. We don’t all have to be a Bear Grylls. No one is good at everything. But everyone is good at something.”

Now a self-employed economics consultant living in Lower Hutt, Mr Barry is encouraging his two sons – now university students – to take on the Outward Bound challenge.

In 2012 Outward Bound celebrates its 50th birthday. A documentary to mark the event screens on Prime on Thursday (April 19) at 7.30pm. To find out more go to www.outwardbound.org.nz

Green candidate elected to Eastbourne board

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:36:58 GMT

New Eastbourne Community Member, Robert Ashe (left), is congratulated by Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace

Eastbourne Community Board has its first Green member after Robert Ashe was successful in a recent by-election.

Mr Ashe, an advisor to Green members of Parliament, defeated rival Jim Meates by 908 votes to 817, according to results put out by Hutt City returning officer Stuart Duncan. The by-election was called following Geoff Rashbrooke’s resignation at the beginning of the year.

He was sworn on at the board’s meeting last Wednesday (April 11). Mr Ashe says he wants to hit the ground running. “During the campaign I talked about smarter transport options around the bays using innovative road marking and signage. I’d also like to see a later direct bus service from Wellington to Eastbourne, so people who stay later in the city or to go to a movie can get home and still leave their cars at home.”

Mr Ashe says he wants to use Hutt City’s bulk purchasing power to buy rainwater tanks, and then encourage Eastbourne households to utilise clouds as the source of their water. “That takes pressure off the Hutt River. It’s also important in natural disasters to have another source of fresh water.”

Mr Ashe says he is “personally disappointed” at the 39% turnout for the by-election which was conducted by postal vote. “But that’s pretty good for a by-election and similar to the

overall council election in 2010. However, I’d like to see more people participating in the democratic process.”

Mr Ashe believes he is the first Green elected to a local government position in the Hutt Valley.

“I’d like to acknowledge Geoff Rashbrooke for the long contribution he has made to Eastbourne. Jim Meates was a really good opponent. I hope he stands again because he has a lot to offer.”

Dunne says pleased with Transmission Gully progress

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:30:38 GMT

Ohariu MP Peter Dunne says he is happy to see Transmission Gully is finally making progress and he is looking forward to the start of work.

The proposed inland motorway between Linden and McKays crossing is currently the subject of a Board of Inquiry which is expected to announce its decision by June.

Mr Dunne says he first started pushing for the road in 1991 and, so is pleased that after more than two decades concrete action is not far off.

“I feel it’s on track. The Board of Inquiry is the last big hurdle. But it’s not quite plain sailing. But we are getting to a point where we are likely to see some finality."

While the route was given priority under the former Labour-led Government, it did not progress because of a $600 million funding shortfall which the region was required to close.

However, Mr Dunne says the National-led Government’s decision to include Transmission Gully in its Roads of National Significance programme has meant the route will be fully funded by central government. “There should not be any funding obstacles.”

Mr Dunne says he is comfortable with the proposed route starting in Linden, rather than the Takapu valley. While in places the road will be steeper than the Ngauranga Gorge, Mr Dunne says the route’s design is feasible and realistic.

He says the Board of Inquiry process – which has effectively fast-tracked the project – is appropriate, given the length of time it has taken to get to this stage.

“I’m just keen to get the board’s decision. I hope to see construction start in 2015.”

Petone Countdown goes directly to the Environment Court

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:27:49 GMT

The developer of a proposed Countdown supermarket in Petone says he asked for his resource consent application to go directly to the Environment Court to “quicken the process”.

The application from Jackson Street Retail Ltd for a 4000 square metre development and five associated retail tenancies was publically notified earlier this year.

While it attracted 17 objections, most were again opposed to the smaller tenancies, not to the supermarket itself.

Among those who objected were the Petone Community Board the Petone Historical Society, the Jackson Street Programme and a number of Petone businesses

They found out the matter would be dealt with directly by the Environment Court rather than through a council hearings committee when they received a letter from the council.

Community board chairman Gerald Davidson says he is still working through what the decision means for the board. However, the Environment Court has strict laws of procedure and usually prefers parties to be represented by lawyers.

Mr Davidson says he hopes the board can be represented by a council appointed and paid lawyer.

Jackson Street Programme manager Robert Hutton says he is also evaluating what the changed process means.

While some retailers were not concerned at the five shops, Mr Hutton says the majority view of his members is that the council’s District Plan does not allow for small-sized retailing in western Petone and that the integrity of the District plan needs to be protected.

Jackson Street Retail managing director Tony Gapes says he asked the council for a direct referral of the matter to save time. “If we get a council decision we don’t like we’ll be in the Environment Court anyway. And it is likely that other parties will also appeal if they don’t like the decision. So it quickens the process.”

However, Mr Gapes agrees that in the short term it is likely to result in delays because the Environment Court has a long list of cases still waiting to be heard and hearing dates usually require lawyers to be available.

However, Mr Gapes says the change in the process is not an attempt to embarrass the Petone Planning Action Group which took court action opposing an earlier consent issued for the development, or Petone Pak N’ Save owner Leo O’Sullivan who will face greater competition if a new Countdown supermarket opens opposite his store.

Hutt City Council spokesperson Dan Kellow says the direct referral option came about through changes to the Resource Management Act passed in 2009.

He says the earlier application for judicial review for a consent on the same site played a key role in the council’s decision to approve Mr Gapes’ request.

New head honcho for historical group

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:26:28 GMT

Petone Historical Society has a new president, with Nik Zangouropoulos elected to the position at thexsociety’s recent annual general meeting.

Mr Zangouropoulos, a business consultant, succeeds Vera Ellen who stood down after 29 years as president. Ms Ellen was recognised for her long service to the society by being named its first ever life member.

Mr Zangouropoulos was brought up in Petone and attended Petone Central School.

His involvement with the historical society started three years ago. “I was at a reunion of my old school when Roy Hewson, a former principal, got me involved. At the time I was living in Khandallah. I said I was happy to help in any way.”

In taking over the top position, Mr Zangouropoulos says his main goal is to increase the organisation’s profile. “We’re all about fostering interest in the history of Petone. By looking to the past we encourage interest in the future.”

He says the society’s’ membership is mostly from the older age bracket. “I’m keen to broaden our membership base. But I think we do an amazing amount of stuff for a small group.”

The society meets monthly with guest speakers on historical topics and has regular sessions with other historical societies.

“We’re looking at doing a diary of Petone which we’ll publish early next year. It’s based a similar diary for Russell that’s proved very successful.”

During Heritage Month in September the society intends publishing a book of memories of 20th century Petone, while later this year society member Warwick Johnston will publish his history of the Gear Meat Company.

Longer term, Mr Zangouropoulos says the society is looking a commemorating the 120th anniversary of the 1893 rugby match between New Zealand and Wellington played in Petone, while 2015 is the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli landings.

If you are interested in the Petone Historical Society or would like to know more, call Mr Zangouropoulos on 5894413 or 0274504812 or e-mail nzang@xtra.co.nz

Craft fun made in Petone

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:59:25 GMT

WOOLLEN WONDERS: Shannon Keys and Emily Keys, 6, model some of their popular crochet hats for sale at the Made in Petone craft fair.

Sunshine, sizzling sausages and local crafts tempted many to head to Sacred Heart Primary School for the year’s first Made in Petone craft market.

More than 20 stalls filled the Sacred Heart Parish Hall recently offering local wares from jewellery and clothing to decadent cupcakes.

The school fundraiser boasted 11 new stallholders with stalls spilling outside the front of the hall for the first time.

Organiser Karen Arraj-Fisher says the market is a great chance to showcase Petone’s creative artists and craftspeople.

After a slow start, Ms Arraj-Fisher says things soon picked up, with plenty of eager shoppers coming through the doors in the afternoon.

First-time stallholder Shannon Keys created a buzz with her mum’s hand-made crochet hats.

Ms Keys says she encouraged her mother, Lorraine Morahan, to get knitting as a way of keeping her brain active after she suffered a brain aneurism.

The hats were a knock-out at last month’s Petone Fair and sold out so Ms Morahan has been busy with her crochet hooks ever since.

Ms Arraj-Fisher says Hutt mayor Ray Wallace and his wife Linda stopped by to search for local bargains.

The last-minute cancellation of advertised children’s entertainment did little to dampen market-goer’s spirits.

Despite a few hiccups Ms Arraj-Fisher says the day was a success.

“We made a really good fundraising effort and the Sacred Heart Primary School is always really happy with the amount we raise each time.”

The $1500 raised will go towards a new computer system.

Ms Arraj-Fisher says preparations for the next market are already well under way.

“The market is always changing with different stallholders and activities.

“It all comes to be really different.”

Petone locals can look forward to some innovative advertising ahead of July’s market, she says.

“Watch this space. I’m quite excited.”

Board member works for the community

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:58:04 GMT

Petone Community Board member Richard Cole enjoys working for the betterment of his community.

Mr Cole was first elected to the board in 2001 and is currently serving his fourth term. “I enjoy meeting the people who have the best wishes of the community at heart and those who work behind the scenes to retain the character of the area for future generations.”

The Korokoro resident decided to stand after hearing another board member from Korokoro was standing down. “I had a reasonable idea of the community. I had been a teacher at Petone College.”

Although the board’s role is largely advisory, Mr Cole says it can have an impact on decisions, such as when it led community opposition that forced the council to backtrack on plans to close the McKenzie Pool. “One hopes that the council will also support the wishes of the community who have been asking for years that the pool needs replacement.”

He says one of the board's most important roles is as a link between citizens and the council. “The McKenzie Pool issue seems to support the idea that we have been a successful conduit."

Mr Cole says residents feel relaxed about approaching the board directly. "The best thing about board meetings is their intimacy. A Petone resident can come and talk at our meetings quite comfortably but may feel much more threatened by the more formal arrangements of a full council meeting.”

However, Mr Cole says he sometimes gets frustrated at public criticism of the board. “It is often uninformed criticism and does not warrant a response in public.”

But he accepts the board could do better at communicating but is constrained by a lack of resources. “Obviously, if we had the finance to have a council office in the Petone area that would be the best and we could then ensure people had more opportunity to contact us or ask questions. We have just published our first newsletter and want to get a web presence.”

The debate on whether Wellington should become a super city brings the board’s existence into question. But Mr Cole is confident it will be retained. “Community boards will definitely be needed to be a link for the citizens to voice their issues. If this type of structure is not available, people will feel isolated from decisions. Also a large council (and councillors) cannot be in touch with every issue in every community. That is why community boards exist.”

Mr Cole says amalgamation in some form is inevitable. “So it would be best to be leading the change than be dragged into making someone else’s idea of a super city work.”

He has a clear goal for the remainder of his current term. “I would like to throw the current mayor Ray Wallace into the new McKenzie Pool when it opens. The other councillors can then throw the board members in.”

Real estate showing upturn in early 2012

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:51:46 GMT

Wellington’s real estate market is on the rebound, with sales increasing over summer.

Figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand show sales across the country in February were 37% higher than in February 2011.

In Wellington sales grew from 556 to 683 over the same period, a rise of almost 23%.

While volumes were up, prices often were not, with the average sale price in the Hutt Valley dropping from $370,000 to $330,000, while in North Wellington the average price dropped $40,000 to $445,000 compared to February 2011.

John Ross from The Professionals Lower Hutt says the start of 2012 has been the best for a number of years. “We’ve had four pretty ordinary years for real estate. But you can’t hold the market back forever.”

Mr Ross says people now see real estate as a long-term investment, with fewer market participants seeing property as a way of making quick capital gains. “People don’t anticipate prices will go up a lot. But they don’t expect them to go down. They’ve got over the fact of expecting big changes.”

He says prices in Petone are strong. However there are low volumes but strong demand. In Eastbourne and the bays there are low volumes but strong demand for well-presented properties.

As to what will happen to the market for the rest of 2012, Mr Ross is reluctant to make predictions. “I’ve given up making predictions. But there have been no surprises in the international economy this year. Is that the new norm?”

Elliot Falconer from Harcourts says the recovery in the property market appears to have had less of an impact in Wellington than in most other regions. “Prices have gone up everywhere except in Wellington. People have money but they’re shy about spending it.”

Mr Falconer says February’s sales numbers were encouraging. “February 2011 was particularly bad. In the old days we’d do a 1000 a month. So we are travelling at 40% down. But this February was still better than February 2009, 2010 and 2011.”

He says banks are now willing to lend up to 90 and 95% of valuation, showing they believe the market is on the rise. Continuing low interest rates are also helping to make housing more affordable. “If you’re looking to buy there’s never been a better time.”

Real Estate institute Wellington vice-president Euon Murrell says February was a good month and March was the same. “I sense there is a little more confidence coming into the market. Buyers are making decisions – there’ve been 19 sales above $1 million.”

Mr Murrell says the increased activity is happening across the board. But he urges caution. “One should not get too excited over month of sales. But if this trend continues for three or four months then it is significant.”

Lower Hutt couples still say “I do” to marriage

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:33:47 GMT

Couples in Lower Hutt are still tying the knot despite national falling marriage rates.

Hutt City Baptist Church associate pastor and marriage celebrant Cathie Boyce says that she has seen an increase in the number of couples getting hitched.

Ms Boyce says that it’s not just couples affiliated with the church that are saying ‘I do’ to marriage. “We’ve seen an increase in couples who are living together and have children deciding they now want to go down the traditional path and have their union recognised.”

“Lots of them come quite tentatively to me and are nervous to ask if I’ll marry them. And they have such a big sigh of relief when I say I would love to.”

Ms Boyce says that for those who used to see marriage as just a piece of paper, they now have the desire to make an actual formal commitment to each other. “I wonder whether it has something to do with the uncertainty in the world at the moment and that people look at marriage as a solid foundation.”

“I had a couple say that their decision to get married was because of the Christchurch earthquake. People just do not want to wait anymore because of that.”

She says people are returning to old fashioned values and are opting for more traditional weddings.

Althea Smith, of Wedding Belle’s Bridal Wear, has been helping brides prepare for their big day for over 20 years and says that she has definitely noticed a return to more traditional styles recently. “Skirts have got a bit bigger and fuller. Lace is still in, possibly because of the Royal Wedding.”

Ms Smith says couples have scaled back their spending for their nuptials in light of the economic situation.

Colleen Ryan of Flowers et ceter, agrees wedding celebrations are being scaled back. “There’s been a lot of cost cutting. And with things like flowers, this is somewhere they feel they can do that.”

Ms Ryan says the biggest trend she’s noticing is the vintage or retro look. “It harks back to wartime weddings where people got flowers from wherever they could. Not so much traditional 50s and 60s bouquets.”

Ms Boyce says some couples are having more “low key affairs” in order to bump up their savings for a big honeymoon. “One couple who attended my pre-marriage course were definitely not on the same page with budgets and that was something we had to work through.”

“At the end of the day it is a half-day event, but in saying that, some people have dreamed about it forever. It’s important for couples to talk about their expectations."

A word from the Mayor

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:32:52 GMT

Get on board and play a part was the message for members and supporters of the Petone Rugby League Club from President Ross Hatton at the club’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

The Petone Rugby League Club is a community asset and the message by President Ross was a straight forward one and one I endorse. It could apply to all community organisations.

The 100th Anniversary celebrations were superbly organised, a tribute to all those involved in the centennial committee. The history of the club was a fascinating insight into early Petone and the influence on the town of the Gear Meat Company where most of the Petone club players were employed. The history also acknowledged the many fine players and administrators who nurtured the club though the years to the present day.

The former Petone Borough Council played a role in making land at Hikoikoi available for the first club house and provided funding to complete construction. Hutt City Council continues to support the club as part of the Petone community. My heartfelt congratulations go out to all involved and it was an honour to be part of the celebration.

A representation review later this year will consider community views on how ratepayers and residents can continue to contribute to city decisions affecting the future of Hutt city.

The Greater Wellington Regional council, at a cost of $150,000, is establishing an independent panel to gather community views across the region on a Wellington Super City.

My commitment to the community is to ensure they have a voice in their future and elected representatives should be the ones to seek the views of those they were elected by. We need to have some informed discussion on this serious issue. I still recall the forced amalgamation in 1989 and the lingering resentment within the community. I want the wishes of the people to be known, heard, and actioned.

The heart in the Petone community was displayed at the Made in Petone Fair at the Sacred Heart School Hall. It was a great success and is a good example of a community activity involving local crafts people. The event was attended by a large crowd supporting Petone and local business activities. Well done team.

Till next time,

Ray Wallace

Mayor Lower Hutt

Remember you can contact my office on 570 6846, email me at ray.wallace@huttcity.govt.nz or follow me on Facebook.

Cricket strong in Wellington

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:17:01 GMT

Despite competition from other sports and activities, cricket is holding its own in terms of playing numbers around the Wellington region.

“Playing numbers are relatively stable,” says Cricket Wellington chief executive Peter Clinton. “We’ve got good numbers through juniors. There’s a bit of tail-off at secondary school. At the senior grades we’ve had lift through the introduction of 20/20 grades.”

Mr Clinton says the 20/20 grade has proved attractive as games are over within three hours. He says reduced-overs formats help to keep players who otherwise struggle to have enough time to play the longer forms of the game.

“We’ve got a range of formats to attract and retain players. Work and family sometimes make it difficult to keep players but the newer formats help to keep them.”

Mr Clinton says overcoming wet weather is a constant challenge, as is finding enough grounds and ensuring they are up to standard. “We’ve spent a lot of time with councils discussing our specific requirements. We’ve seen major improvements ground by ground.”

He says the introduction of artificial turf around Wellington has been good for the sport. “We’re accessing them for junior cricket. They’re good for introducing youngsters to the game on a safe surface.”

Finding umpires remains a problem. However Mr Clinton says the umpires association has been successful in attracting new members. “We’ve had umpires in all Pearce and Hazlett Cup matches for the first time.”

He says the umpires association is working to help umpires who want to progress to higher levels of the game.

Meanwhile, the Petone-Riverside Club can reflect on one of its most successful seasons in recent years.

President Allan Hewson says the senior team won the Hazlett Cup – Cricket Wellington’s second-tier competition – while the club’s second team finished third in its competition. “All our other teams did well.”

He says Kelvin Snell returned from England to score more than 500 runs and take 50 wickets, while Nick Ward scored more than 300 runs and Mark Hewson took 38 wickets.

In the lower grades the club fielded teams in the 20-20 grade but watches were seriously affected by the weather.

Mr Hewson says Petone-Riverside caters for all ages. “We’ve got junior teams from age five up. We cater all the way through.”

However there is one area that Hr Hewson is looking for progress. “We don’t have a women’s team. We hope to change that next season.”

Serious snooker superbly played at Petone

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:15:29 GMT

Some of the country’s top snooker players are honing their skills at the Petone Working Men’s Club.

Spokesperson for the club’s snooker adjunct Martin Baker says Petone’s facilities are among the best in the country

Among those who practise regularly are Harry Haenga from Porirua, currently the country’s No. 1 snooker player and Iti Talosaga who is ranked in the top 10.

Mr Baker says snooker players in the club meet for a club night every Wednesday to practise and learn new skills. He says there is an average attendance of 40.

While club members have yet to win any big tournaments, there have a number of cases of them making the last eight in national championships.

A number of the adjunct members are showing great promise, including John Lancaster who practices at the club five or six hours a day, and Bradley Epia who was last year ranked the country’s top under-21 player and has come to Wellington to attend Victoria University.

Mr Baker says the snooker season is about to begin and players are getting ready for local tournaments in Otaki and Masterton. Some of the better players are also likely to take part in Clubs New Zealand tournaments, including next month’s national Singles Tournament to be held in Tauranga.

While snooker is mostly thought of as a male-dominated sport, Mr Baker says the snooker adjunct has some enthusiastic female members. “We’ve got six fairly active female players. They play regularly, love the game and keep on playing.”

Fallen comrades remembered on Anzac Day

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:24:15 GMT

A young cadet reflects on the sacrifice of past generations.

The sacrifices of those who served and gave their lives for their country will be remembered on Anzac Day.

Lower Hutt Memorial RSA president Alison Sexton says members of the public are welcome to join veterans, RSA members and community leaders at a number of Anzac Day events.

The day begins early with Lower Hutt’s Dawn Parade. People are asked to assemble outside the Lower Hutt Town Hall at 5.45am before marching to the Cenotaph in Riddiford Gardens where the Dawn Service starts at 6am.

Then at 7am the Flag Pole Service takes place at the Petone Railway Station. This event is jointly hosted by the Petone Community Board.

Next on the agenda is the Petone Anzac Service. Participants are asked to assemble at 8.15am at the corner of Bracken and William streets before marching to the Garden of Remembrance at Memorial Park where the service starts at 8.30am. It will be led by the Rev Canon John Wilson, vicar of St Augustine’s, with music from the Hutt City Brass Band.

Petone Community Board chairman Gerald Davidson says attendances at Anzac Day events have grown in recent years – especially from younger generations. “About a decade ago there was a discussion about dropping the Anzac Day service. But we kept it and it has become more and more popular.”

Later there is the Hutt Civic Service at the cenotaph starting at 9.45am.

Ms Sexton says the Lower Hutt Memorial RSA will also hold its own service at the Atrium in the Petone Working Men’s Club starting at 11.30am.

Meanwhile, Anzac Day commemorations in Eastbourne start at 9.30am when people are asked to assemble at Ballinger Gardens. They will then march to the Memorial Gates at Muritai School where the service starts at 10am. Wellesley College principal Warren Owen is the guest speaker, while the Muritai School kapa haka group and choir will perform. The service will be led by Archdeacon Damon Plimmer of St Alban’s Church.