Petone Herald 11 July 2012

Bringing Venetian magic to Wellington

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:08:21 GMT

Venice, masks, mystery and drama all inspire Escha van den Bogerd to paint.

“Venice has always been my place to go for inspiration and I am trying to bring some of that magical atmosphere to Wellington in July.”

Bogerd will be exhibiting her paintings solo for the first time in Wellington and it will be her first show based around Venice.

The Dutch born artist, based in Normandale, has been working as artist been painting for 17 years. Her large acrylic-on-canvas paintings are inspired by the old masters of Italy and Holland.

The Dutch Old Masters’ art makes her feel as though she can travel back in time to see how life was in 16th and 17th-Century Europe, she says.

Escha has been painting since she was three and has studied art throughout Europe and her work has been sold to far flung places like Mauritius and Peru, through her website eschasgallery.com.

She says dividing her time between her family in Holland and her partner in New Zealand makes her appreciate both cultures.

She enjoys the peace and quiet of New Zealand’s native bush, and being out of Europe makes her want to connect to her culture through her art.

“It might sound weird. But when I am here I miss the old cultures more. So I get almost more inspired by not being there and it makes me paint it even more.”

Bogerd will have seven Venetian masks on display, from her travels, which have inspired her art.

She will also serve some Italian food accompanied by classical music from composers such as Vivaldi to make the atmosphere complete.

The exhibition, La Serenissima, opens on July 7 and runs to July 29 at Kiwi Art House Gallery on 288 Cuba St.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their own masks, although some masks will be available in the gallery for people to wear, she says.

Leaders doubt Peters’ super rip-off claims

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:07:20 GMT

Hutt Valley community leaders have put cold water on claims by New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters that new migrants are rorting taxpayers by bringing in elderly family members into the country who then apply for and receive New Zealand Superannuation.

Petone Community Board chairman Gerald Davidson says he has good contacts with the area’s migrant communities and has not heard any occurrences of the situation Mr Peters outlined.

“It’s a bit of an unusual comment,” says Mr Davidson. ‘It’s got a racial aspect to it – it sounds anti-Chinese. It’s thinly disguised racial politics. It doesn’t relate to my experience and sounds ridiculous to me.”

Normandale Residents Association chairman Peter Matcham says he has no information that could support or refute Mr Peters’ claims. “It’s a good headline grabber. But I remain to be convinced there’s any problem.”

Paremata Residents Association president Terry Knight and Newlands Paparangi Progressive Association spokeswoman Tracy Hurst-Porter declined to comment, saying their organisations had never considered the matter and were unlikely to do so.

According to the Work and Income website, to be eligible to receive New Zealand Superannuation a person needs to be aged at least 65, be a citizen or a permanent resident who has lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since they turned 20 –with five of those years since they turned 50. However, time spent in certain overseas countries such as Australia, Britain, Ireland or Canada can still qualify you to receive New Zealand Superannuation.

Because New Zealand Superannuation is not income tested, recipients and/or their partners can continue to work while receiving it - although employment while receiving New Zealand Super may affect tax liability.

Currently married recipients receive $536.80 a week (when both are eligible for National Superannuation) while singles living alone $348.92.

National Super is paid fortnightly into recipients’ bank accounts.

Science fair inspires young minds

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:06:47 GMT

A science fair at Maungaraki School gave students the chance to experiment with everything from sugary water crystals to finding out how foundations can save a lego house in an earthquake.

Jayden Smith, 7, and Dylan Judson, 6, stuck sticks into jars with varying amounts of sugary water as an experiment to see how much sugar is needed to make crystals.

The two students had thought crystals would only form in the jars with a cup and two cups of sugar. They were surprised to find all sticks had some amount of crystalised sugar on them.

Their hypothesis was the more sugar, the more crystals, which was proven.

Their crystals were on display, along with 268 other students’ work, during the science fair on June 26.

Lego houses built in a sand tray experimented with different foundations, to explore what effect they have in keeping a house from being destroyed during an earthquake.

“The student concluded that the foundations needed to be square and the same length as the building,” says Michelle Lax, the teacher in charge of the fair.

The best exhibits from year seven and eight go through to the NIWA-run science competition. It was a great oppourtunity to get the whole school involved, she says.

Some of the products created from the experiments will be sold at a market day next term, including ‘ice candles’ formed when hot wax hits ice cubes, leaving chucks in the cool wax when the cubes melt.

League tables not needed

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:05:50 GMT

School principals have given the thumbs down to a suggestion by Prime Minister John Key that the Ministry of Education should compile league tables comparing student performance.

Mr Key said that schools are already required to submit data on student performance in reading, writing and maths to the ministry as part of their obligations under National Standards.

But principals spoken to by the Petone Herald say league tables are a bad idea and there is already plenty of information out there for parents.

“You can’t use numbers to represent the quality of a school,” says Andrew Bird from Muritai School. “League tables produce anxiety among parents and teachers. But they don’t improve learning outcomes for children. League tables are like repainting your house at least once a year. You’re dressing it up but not necessarily making it better.”

Mr Bird agrees that parents are entitled to information on which to base decisions on which schools to send their children. “If parents are selecting schools they should visit schools, meet the principals and talk to the teachers. And if they want information on how their children are doing, most parents find face-to-face interviews with teachers the best way to get it.”

Mr Bird says Education Review Office reports on schools are available online and provide data that parents can use to compare schools.

Wilford School principal Neil Sargison says league tables can never show progress or the difference that teachers make to the achievement of their students. “Some students will never reach national standards. But they could be making real progress every year. But that won’t be reflected in league tables.”

He says league tables could lead to a narrowing of the curriculum. “There is much more to learning than reading, writing and maths. But league tables won’t measure sporting, artistic or cultural achievement, or scientific knowledge or thinking skills.”

Carmen Jennings for Discovery School says there are plenty of sources of information for parents. “There are ERO reports and there are children’s own reports. Parents should ask them how happy they are school and what opportunities they’re getting.”

Ms Jennings says it will be a real shame for New Zealand education if league tables are introduced. “We work hard to develope the whole child – academically, physically and culturally. League tables will force schools to narrow the curriculum.”

Raroa Intermediate principal Kevin Ryan says while decisions on where parents send their children are important and should not be based on a few figures that measure only part of the educational process. “A school is more than its results on a narrow range of tests. League tables don’t tell you whether a school has a caring environment or fosters or sport.

“When parents are looking at a school they should go in and see it in action. They should talk to the relevant people and see and read the ERO report.”

Aotea College principal Kate Gainsford says data on NZCEA achievement in secondary schools has been available for years and has often been published. “There’s a huge amount of data out there. The way it is manipulated is critical.”

Ms Gainsford says legislation already sets requirements for schools when reporting to parents.

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Stream humming thanks to volunteers

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:04:11 GMT

Volunteers from 'Friends of Waiwhetu Stream' hard at work clearing away rubbish and weeds.

A stream that was once described as New Zealand’s most polluted waterway has taken a fresh lease on life thanks to a small group of community-minded citizens.

For decades the Waiwhetu Stream, which flows through the Seaview industrial area became a dump for toxic chemicals and other waste.

Greater Wellington regional Council initiated a project in 2009 that removed 56,000 tonnes (equal to 4400 truckloads) of contaminated sediment from the stream bed.

Not only did the project improve the life-giving qualities of the stream, it also helped to reduce the risk of flooding – important for residents and businesses seriously affected by the 2004 floods which caused millions in damage and forced scores of homes to be evacuated.

Following the completion of Greater Wellington’s project in August 2010, the Friends of Waiwhetu Stream was formed under the chairmanship of Merilyn Merrett.

“The regional council’s clean-up had been in the area south of the Bell Rd Bridge. But there were still issues that needed to be addressed in the area north of the bridge,” says Ms Merrett.

Ms Merrett says this area is residential and little attention had been paid to the stream that passes through it. “The whole stream had been treated like an open dump ground. It was full of plastic, bottles, bags and cans.”

The banks were overgrown with weeds, while the lack of shade in many areas was affecting the health of the stream.

Ms Merrett says the Friends of Waiwhetu Stream was set up a year ago. “We tried to target things we could do.”

Those things were clearing rubbish from the stream and planting its banks with natives in an effort to reduce erosion and to improve the environment.

Volunteers have also been busy removing weeds - including the invasive Cape Pond weed.

She says Friends of Waiwhetu Stream has a committee of 12 and an e-mail list of 80. It also publicises its activities on its Facebook Page.

Greater Wellington regional councillor Prue Lamason says the group is doing an important job. “They’ve been cleaning up the rubbish from the stream. That’s important because the stream has been full of rubbish for so long.”

Ms Merrett says a lot of hard work is paying dividends. “Our primary aim is to make Waiwhetu Stream a healthy functioning ecosystem that is enjoyed by the community.”

If you want to get involved, e-mail mfmerrett@gmail.com or go to the group’s website www.waiwhetu-stream.org.nz

Wilford school art auction wows the crowd

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:01:14 GMT

Students from Wilford School show some their auction pieces

From glittery kowhai patterns to fabric tikis to masks, the art auctioned at Wilford School on June 27 was eclectic says Principal Neil Sargisson.

Each class has studied different techniques and artists.

“The five-year-old class tried to reproduce similar art to a Melbourne five-year-old girl who is a successful selling artist,” he says.

Another class’s art pays homage to Reuben Paternson’s glittery kowhai designs, floral patterns and animal heads.

Mr Sargisson says the art work is a testament to the staff's teaching skills.

The inspiration of Maori culture is also reflected in the bilingual class’s fabric tikis.

He also says the school's small class sizes are helpful and if the controversial government proposals to increase class sizes had gone through then his school would have fought them.

The best two pieces of art from each class were put up for auction.

The rest was available to take home for a dollar from the student’s parents.

The art auction raised $1200 for the school.

Petone Football club to have a good old time on natural turf one last time

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:00:10 GMT

Petone Football Club will get nostalgic on Old Timers’ Day which coincides with the last game played on their home park’s natural turf on July 14.

Members initially joked about keeping squares of the natural turf at Memorial Park but now the club is considering doing so when it is replaced with artificial turf.

Club chairman Craig Deadman says some members are mourning the fact it will be the last time they will play on grass at home. But all members see the benefits of artificial turf. The game has already been postponed a week because the ground was under water from heavy rain.

He says many old timers will reminiscence about the games they played on the natural turf which was laid in 1961.

The club's biggest achievement the on their home soil was winning the central league title in 1991.

Other significant milestones included building the club rooms, having the first floodlit pitch in Wellington, and recently putting up an honours and timeline board.

The club has struggled in recent years; it has not won a central league title since the fifties, he says, which is the New Zealand equivalent of the FA cup.

The reserve team is at the bottom of the table in the premier league and the first team is fourth in the central league.

There is some hope for the team, though. Four of the reserve team players have been selected for regional trialing with the Wellington under-19 team and two players from the first team are trialing for the under-17s.

The club wants to make the Old Timers' Day an annual event, where members can share a light lunch, cheer on the first team, share stories and be entertained by a singer to top the day off nicely, he says.

He encourages old timers to come down to their home soil and celebrate the club's successes.

Petone Football Club, was formed as Petone AFC in 1898, and has been at its current base at Memorial Park since 1961.

The club’s major achievements were winning the Chatham Cup three times — 1928, 1930 and 1949, winning the Central League in 1990, and winning the Capital Premier League in 2006 and 2007.

Last season the club fielded 30 junior teams, plus nursery grade, four women’s teams and 12 senior men’s teams. This year it is fielding 55 junior teams and 17 senior teams.

Cash jobs to save tax: not worth it

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:56:33 GMT

Businesses that try to hide their tax obligations through cash jobs are likely to find themselves in trouble.

In the 2010 Budget the Government gave IRD extra funding to increase its enforcement of the undercover economy – industries in which there is a history of non-compliance and wages are often paid under the table. IRD says the extra investment was worth it, as it collected an additional $118.5 million in tax – much more than the additional spending.

In April 2012 IRD released benchmarks for 16 industries – including restaurants and electricians – giving financial ratios that could be considered normal from a typical business within that industry.

Institute of Chartered Accountants tax director Craig Macalister says his organisation supports IRD’s position that people in the cash economy should fulfil their tax obligations. “If they are not paying their share, that means the rest of us have to pay more tax, while traders who pay taxes are being placed at a competitive disadvantage.”

However, Mr Macalister says IRD has been trying to catch-up after being slow to realise there is such a thing as an underground economy. “It’s come as a revelation to IRD that people with cash businesses have for years been under-declaring their income.”

He says IRD powers are greater than those of the Police and Serious Fraud Office, having the power at any time, to seize records and interview staff. Sometimes, IRD inspectors turn-up at the busiest or most inconvenient times, such as lunchtime in a busy cafe.

“Many cash businesses are operated by people for whom English is not their first language. IRD operates under the assumption that people understand their tax obligations. But many do not.”

And as the economy goes through tough times, more people are struggling to cope with their

income tax and GST obligations, making the temptation to understate their income even greater.

While IRD staff can be heavy-handed, Mr Macalister says they have a job to do. “We applaud them doing it. But we do have some complaints about the process.”

Porirua charted accountant David Miller who has been in business 40 years says he gets many approaches from people with cash businesses who want him to take over their books. But if he smells something fishy he usually says no.

“We don’t deal with people who are seeking to evade paying tax.”

Mr Miller says the answer to a simple question usually reveals the motivation behind the request for his services. “I ask them why they’ve left their previous accountant. It’s normally because the previous accountant found something that wasn’t right.”

He says businesses with compliance issues include electricians, taxi drivers, seven-day dairies and some fast-food outlets.

Mr Miller says people who evade tax by under-declaring their income will eventually be caught. He has no sympathy for those in that situation.

“You’re expecting us to pay for you if you get into trouble but you’re not prepared to pay your share for the services we all need.”

Petone board member part of the community

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:51:41 GMT

Mason Branch believes that community boards make a difference.

Mr Branch was elected to the Petone Community Board in 2007. “My friend Roger Styles got sick of me telling him how to run the city and suggested I should stand.”

He says the Petone board has dealt with some meaty issues in the five years he’s been on the board, such as the McKenzie Pool redevelopment and consultation over WelTec and people’s concerns over parking.

Mr Branch says the Petone board has generally been a unified group, although there has been more friction in the current triennium. “If you put six people in a room they’ll seldom agree on everything. But we are in close orbit on most things.”

He believes the board keeps in close touch with the community it serves. “Our views are probably in line with the feelings of a majority of the community. We do a lot of consultation on a lot of issues.”

After the 2010 elections Mr Branch was chosen by his colleagues to be the board’s deputy chairman. Mr Branch says as deputy his main role is to support chairman Gerald Davidson and fill in for him at events he is unable to attend. ‘’I go to meetings as his wingman. We take turns writing submissions.”

As a board member Mr Branch says the achievement he is most proud off is successfully pushing for an upgrade of Petone’s public toilets. “Money from the sale of the old Plunket rooms was earmarked for public toilets. I’ve just had budget confirmation that the toilets in Hikoikoi Reserve are to be replaced and new toilets built at the end of Bay St.”

Although not many politicians like claiming credit for public toilets, Mr Branch says they are important for a lot of people.

And as moves start to reform the structure of local government in Wellington, the continued existence of community boards has come into question. Mr Branch says they should stay. “Under a super-city model they become even more important.”

Mr Branch, a Korokoro resident, works as a freelance videographer and as a projectionist at Petone’s Light House Cinema. He says he intends offering himself for re-election at next year’s local body elections. “I really enjoy being on the board.”

Playcentres doing well despite social change

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:50:09 GMT

A movement that started in Wellington more than 70 years ago is coping well with rapidly changing social and economic conditions.

Playcentres were founded in Karori in 1941. There are currently 489 playcentres throughout New Zealand.

Playcentres have no paid staff and are run entirely by parents. New Zealand Playcentre Federation co-president Maureen Woodhams says the parent-run model and the absence of trained staff differentiates playcentres from most other childcare providers, such as kindergartens and early childhood centres.

While many families in the 21st Century have two parents in the workforce, or only have one parent in total, Ms Woodhams says that has not necessarily been bad for Playcentre. “In some ways children are similar but parents have different roles. Families are smaller and are more mobile. But children still need to play and build strong relationship with their peers.”

Ms Woodhams acknowledges Playcentres are not for everyone, with many parents not able to provide the time commitment that Playcentre demands. “This is something that all voluntary organisations are dealing with – having enough people who have enough time to put time into them. People these days have less discretionary time. That’s something that sports and service organisations also have to deal with.”

As a licensed provider Playcentre is required to teach the Te Whariki early childhood curriculum. “That’s something Playcentre strongly endorses,” says Ms Woodhams.

She says the biggest threat to Playcentres is possible changes to government funding. In 2009 an advisory panel recommended that Playcentre funding be reduced by 70%. However, the government refused to act on the recommendation. “The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education said they would not cut Playcentre funding because playcentres provide the best return on spending in early childhood education. Policy-makers can’t afford to let something that works as well as playcentres fail.”

Ms Woodhams says Playcentre has a positive future. “Because of our parents I’m sure Playcentres will continue to be strong. Nothing’s easy. We have to do a little bit more with a bit less. But that’s a sign of the times.”

Raising awareness of breast cancer for Pacific Women

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:49:29 GMT

More Pacific woman are getting breast screening but awareness and funding still need to be raised.

Breast screening of Pacific women in Wellington has almost hit the national target. But a Wellington woman fighting breast cancer for the second time says awareness of breast cancer among Pacific and Maori women still needs to be raised.

A Wellington-based breast screening organisation screened 69.1% of all Pacific women in its area. Its target is 70%

The proportion of Pacific women getting screened nationally is 71%.

But Andrea Fairbairn of Petone believes more education and promotion of breast screening is needed. So she is writing a blog and fundraising for the Cancer Society.

“I wanted to celebrate everything positive that I have experienced in my journey and to raise awareness of breast cancer, especially amongst our Pacific and Maori women,” she says.

“Statistics show that we are more likely to die from the disease, more likely to get more aggressive forms of cancer, and less likely to go for mammograms.”

Ms Fairbairn, of Pacific Island descent, has been writing a blog www.breastcancernirvana.co.nz about her experiences with breast cancer since 2011 when she received her second diagnosis.

“It started as therapy, for my own sanity and healing process. I wasn’t trying to do it for anyone but me at first when I kept my first cancer journal in 2007. But as I’ve continued to tell my story online, many women are telling me how its helping them get through their own ordeal,” says Ms Fairbairn.

As well as telling her journey, it’s been a vehicle to tell other inspiring stories, as well as provide a hub of practical tips and resources, including a Samoan translation of a Breast Cancer Guide and an adaptation of the Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer booklet.

Andrea was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer that only constitutes 20 per cent of breast cancers.

HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer.

She is still going through Herceptin treatment, with side effects of fatigue, low immunity and headaches.

Her website provides inspiration and hope for other women battling the disease.

“Women have told me they want to see more success stories of people come through breast cancer with flying colours. If it gives people a little certainty about what to expect, then it’s worth it,” says Ms Fairbairn.

Statistics New Zealand says breast cancer is the most common cancer among Pacific women. It causes the most deaths because they do not get screening and early detection.

A raft of activities are aimed at stemming this trend have been initiated and are being promoted through TV advertising. A DVD in Samoan, Tongan and Maori that walks through the screening process will be launched in July.

Ms Fairbairn raised $5500 for the Cancer Society through a charity auction and a function to launch her website.

A word from the Mayor

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:48:21 GMT

New heavy duty asphalt road surfacing in Jackson Street will be finished shortly providing a sound foundation for the constant traffic along one of Lower Hutt's busier streets.

Typically a total of 14,000 vehicles including nearly 1,000 buses and heavy vehicles use the road every day. My sincere thanks, and apologies for any inconvenience, go to all the shop keepers and shoppers for their understanding and patience during the road works.

JPS PROGRAMME

Jackson Street is still very much the focus of activity within Petone and we will soon be meeting with the Jackson Street Programme committee and discussing issues around preservation of heritage values along the street.

MCKENZIE POOL CONFIRMED

Council has formally adopted its Long Term Plan for 2012- 2022 which keeps a steady hold on rates while providing for future growth of the city. Included in the plan is the upgrade of the McKenzie outdoor swimming pool which will incorporate a splash pool - it will be great for the Petone community. This is a great example of Council and the community working together.

SETTING OF THE RATES

I am very much aware that we are in tight economic times. The question from me in setting rates has always been, "can our ratepayers afford it?" It has served to keep our feet on the ground and ensure a prudent approach to our spending.

SUBMISSIONS ON REVIEW

The representation review of second tier community boards and community committees is continuing and a poll of community views is currently being evaluated. As you are aware I have been a strong supporter of community boards. The work carried out by the Petone Community Board is very valuable when it comes to the full council considering issues affecting Petone.

PLAN CHANGE 29

Plan Change 29 proposes changes to Petone West including mixed-use commerce, retail, residential and also the size of retail development. Petone has a great future and we must ensure community wishes are refl ected in planning for that future - so have your say and make a submission to ensure all views are included.

KEEP IN TOUCH

You can keep up to date with the latest events by reading Ray's blog at www.raywallacehuttcity.blogspot.co.nz You can also subscribe to the Mayor's monthly eNewsletter at raywallacehuttcity@gmail.com

Till next time

Ray Wallace

Mayor of Lower Hutt

Artificial turf project at Memorial Park to start

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:47:15 GMT

An artificial pitch at Petone’s Memorial Park could be ready for use by the end of the year, providing an all-weather surface for teams to practise and play the game.

The $2 million project is a joint initiative between Hutt City Council, Capital Football and football’s governing body FIFA.

Capital Football operations manager Cliff Bowden says the project is being jointly funded by the three organisations, with assistance from charitable trusts.

Mr Bowden says work will start as soon as FIFA gives final signoff on the project. “We hope contractors will be able to start by the end of July.”

He says work should take three to five months, with the artificial turf in use by the end of 2012.

The project has come about as a result of the increasing popularity of sport, stimulated by the All Whites making the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa and the success of the Phoenix in the A-League competition.

“We simply don’t have enough grounds,” says Mr Bowden. “We can’t go around asking councils for more green space. That’s not viable. So we’ve got to make better use of the green space we’ve got.”

He says a normal turf pitch can cope with two games over a weekend – presuming good weather conditions. An artificial turf can take 20 and it can continue to be used in all but the most adverse weather.

He says the artificial turf will be used for both practise and for matches at all levels. “It’ll be used by seniors, juniors and the Central League – the whole gamut. Petone Football Club will use it as a practise facility.”

Although Memorial Park is owned by Hutt City, Mr Bowden says Capital Football - which is headquartered at Memorial Park - will manage and maintain the artificial turf.

Artificial turf has already proved its worth in the capital and Mr Bowden hopes more will be developed over the next few years. Football currently uses two artificial pitches at Wakefield Park in Island Bay and a three-quarter field at Nairnville Park in Khandallah.

The $2 million construction cost at Memorial Park includes the installation of new lights, ensuring the new turf can be used in the evening for practises and matches.

Water Polo a hit in Hutt Valley

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:46:42 GMT

Hutt Water Polo Club chairperson Cheryl McGuinness says Water Polo has been strong in the Hutt Valley for decades.

Water Polo is an aquatic sport that resembles netball in a swimming pool. It is considered one of the most physically demanding sports there is, with competitors having to swim up to 3km in a match.

Played around the world, water polo has been an Olympic sport since 1900. Its fast-paced action makes it a favourite spectator sport.

Ms McGuinness says the Hutt Water Polo Club was originally part of the Hutt Swim Club but split and has established its own identity.

“We are the largest Water Polo club in the Wellington region and the only club serving the Hutt Valley and surrounds. We operate out of Naenae Pool and have all our training there. We have been solely a water polo club for nearly 25 years after a break away from Hutt Swimming Club. We currently have about 150 playing members."

She says the club has built a strong record in national competitions.

“We compete in all age groups at national championships from under-12 to senior level. In 2011 the men’s team won the national title for the first time in 40 years. Unfortunately, we couldn’t repeat that this year. But the women came third.”

The club has coaching programmes across all levels.

“We run a junior development programme for new players. We have a Hungarian coach Joszef Sike who comes out each year to coach our senior league teams and to coach and develop our own coaches. We are fortunate that many of our players are willing to put their hands up and coach our younger teams.”

Ms McGuinness says the club has several players who have represented New Zealand and have played for overseas clubs. Some have been on Water Polo scholarships to the USA.

The club runs the Hutt Valley Schools competition which runs in term two and three each year at Naenae Pool.

The club has six teams taking part in the Pan pacific championships in Auckland. She says the championships provide good experience. “There are many Australian and American teams playing in this so it is a great opportunity for our players.

Ms McGuiness says the club is keen to have new members. For more information (including a list of contact people) go to its website www.huttwaterpolo.org.nz

Possum eradication helps rid another pest

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:45:37 GMT

An operation that has successfully reduced possum numbers in Korokoro valley has had an unexpected side-effect in reducing the numbers of another unwanted pest species.

Members of the Korokoro Environment Group (KEG) helped Greater Wellington Regional Council put possum traps in the valley that extends from Cornish St in, Petone to Stratton St in the Belmont Regional Park.

Greater Wellington’s biodiversity co-ordinator Kim Broad says the traps require animals to go through a tunnel with inked cards on the floor. The frequency of pests can be identified through their footprints. “Fewer than 2% of the cards have rat prints.”

He says rats and possums enjoy eating the same bait. The fact that there were now so few rat prints indicated numbers were down. That is a good sign for native birds.

However as rat numbers decline, Mr Broad says the number of mice appear to be flourishing, probably because they eat similar food – such as invertebrates and lizards. Less competition from rats mean more food for mice and - consequently - an increase in numbers.

Mr Broad says the trapping programme also targets mustelids - weasels, stoats and ferrets - all of which are big predators of native species. However, just one record of a stoat was picked up.

But Mr Broad says the number of hedgehogs is up. “The tracking rate is a lot higher than we would expect and we have no idea why that would be. Tracking normally drops in winter when hedgehogs hibernate. But numbers in Korokoro valley are up.”

He says high hedgehog numbers are bad because they eat native invertebrates, including snails. Hedgehogs are also hard to control.

He says the input of KEG members is vital because while Greater Wellington can provide and set the traps, it is reliant on volunteers to monitor them and report signs of pest activity. “We rely on the community to do the monitoring. A recent influx of people has been a real help to the small core group who have done most of the work.”

Historical societies busy in advance of Heritage Month

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:41:34 GMT

The region’s historical societies are busy as they prepare for Heritage Month in September.

Petone Historical Society president Nik Zangouropoulos says membership of his group has risen from 50 to 70 in recent months, giving it a much needed injection of young blood.

Last month the society helped member Roy Hewson launch his history of Petone’s Walk of Champions. Mr Zangouropoulos says sales have already raised enough money for another plaque to be installed.

He says the society has started a series of talks focusing on the events of particular decades of the 20th century. The latest talk covered events of the 1960s, while the next talks will focus on the 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Zangouropoulos says the society is hoping that a book on the History of Gear Meat by society member Warwick Johnston will be published soon, although that depends on the success of funding applications.

The society is also putting together “Memories of Petone”- in which residents and society members recall how Petone used to be. “We’ve got enough material. It now has to be packaged into a book.”

He says another task on the society’s agenda is to refresh the displays at the old jail in Jackson St. Longer term, the society plans to produce 2013: A Diary of Petone. “We’re looking for volunteers to help with that.”

Porirua Historical Society vice-president Brian Mosen says many of his members recently took part in events marking the 70th anniversary of US marines in New Zealand during World War II.

He says the society is also involved in a series of oral history interviews. “I’ve just completed one in Pukerua Bay and I’m just about to do one in Plimmerton.”

Mr Mosen says he just discovered some old video he took in 1990 of a waka arriving in Porirua from the South Island as part of the country’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The video will copied on to a DVD and will be available to view at the society’s museum.

Tawa Historical Society has just opened a display of 50 historical photos of Tawa. Society president Bruce Murray says the photos cover the period from 1865 to 1960. “There are photos of people and buildings, plus some aerial photos and maps. Some come from the society’s collection, some from the Alexander Turnbull Library and some from individual members.”

Mr Murray says the display has been together as part of Tawa History Week. It can be viewed at the Mervyn Kemp Library until June 15.

Shoppers bagging bargains

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:40:28 GMT

With television prices plummeting, more and more shoppers are on the lookout for bargain prices elsewhere on the shop floor.

Prices for audio-visual equipment, including televisions and computers, plunged by 18 per cent in the year to March according to the latest figures from Statistics New Zealand.

Bond and Bond Lower Hutt manager Emma Duncan says television prices have dropped dramatically.

“I bought a 40-inch television just over a year ago and now I could get a 50-inch with built-in Freeview for the same price.”

A 50-inch Panasonic high definition plasma TV was selling for $839 at Bond and Bond stores over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Newbolds 100% Johnsonville store manager Alan Lee says consumers can now pick up a new flat screen TV for as little as $399.

“The price for a larger one used to range from $3000 to $4000 but now you can get them for just $700.”

Mr Lee says prices for household appliances, including whiteware, are going down – for the time being at least.

“This will change with things like the exchange rate. We still feel like we offer the best price and are always competitive.”

Statistics New Zealand recorded an increase in household contents and services prices of 6.8 per cent for the March 2012 quarter, as a result of higher prices for glassware, tableware and household utensils.

This was influenced by reduced discounting for the March 2012 quarter compared with the December 2011 quarter.

Harvey Norman Porirua City sales person Ben Kerr says the market is always going in different directions but there are still deals available to customers on household appliances at the moment.

Mr Kerr says Harvey Norman Porirua City is currently selling a Dyson DC23 vacuum cleaner, originally retailing at $999, for $499.

“That’s a ripper of a deal.”

Bond and Bond customers could pick up a 6.5kg Samsung washing machine for $499 over Queen’s Birthday weekend, while Harvey Norman is currently selling a Simpson 12-place setting dishwasher for $748.

Mr Kerr says further discounts on items are dealt with on a case by case basis.

“It’s in some people’s nature to bargain. Some people just take the deal as it is because they feel it’s rude but hey, it’s a bit of fun.”

Mr Lee says he is experiencing customers trying to take down his prices every day.

“It’s sort of become part of Kiwi nature now.”

Appliance Central 100% Lower Hutt store manager Bryan Morris says he has definitely seen an increase in the number of people wanting to get more bang for their buck.

“Everyone out there wants something for nothing. People are now looking to get twice as much for half of the price.”

Free CPR saves Wellington Free Ambulance chief executive’s life

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 03:56:39 GMT

When Operation Heartbeat started none of Wellington Free Ambulance's staff knew it would save the life of their chief executive.

Last November a woman followed the React, Ring, Revive catchphrase by calling 111 for help, and successfully performing CPR on her husband who had collapsed

at home.

“She saved his life and had only completed our Operation Heartbeat session two weeks prior,” says media spokeswoman, Sally-Ann Moffat.

“What is even more astounding is that she is the wife of our chief executive.”

Ms Moffatt says they are lucky to still have their CEO, and his wife is lucky to still have her husband, thanks to Operation Heartbeat training.

Wellington Free Ambulance staff run Operation Heartbeat and have trained 1500 in Lower Hutt this year and many more in the northern suburbs.

They train people of all ages from schools to companies and community groups.

“We had a recent session with a group in Lower Hutt where an attendee was 92 years old.”

On average three people a week suffer from cardiac arrest in the Wellington region and less than one-third of them receive CPR from a bystander.

Operation Heartbeat hopes the free CPR training will encourage Wellingtonians to do the three Rs: React to a heart attack, Ring 111 immediately and have the confidence to Revive and perform early CPR and even use a defibrillator if one is available.

To book your company, school or community group for free CPR training ring (04) 384 1549.