Petone Herald 30 November 2011

Christmas cookies fund study

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:02:33 GMT

Caption: Hannah Kirk sells cookies to put herself through University.

While most students opt for traditional summer jobs to fund their study, Hannah Kirk is funding her degree with cookies.

As part of Cookie Time’s annual campaign, Ms Kirk is running her own business selling cookies in the Petone, Seaview, Alicetown and Eastbourne areas in the lead up to the festive season.

“I had heard of a neighbour of mine who had done it while she was at university and the job really appealed to me. I was told it was really, really hard work. But I like that you get out of it what you put into it.”

“It’s six weeks of slogging your guts out. I’ll often start at 6:30am taking orders or selling and work all the way through until midnight completing paperwork.”

Ms Kirk has just completed her second year at Otago University studying medicine and says this is a big incentive for getting involved as a Cookie Time seller.

“I’ve wanted to get into medicine for as long as I can remember - I love it. I’m interested in reconstructive plastic surgery but that includes nine years of study. So it has definitely led me to want to decrease my loan.”

“I ummed and ahhed about whether I should do the campaign again this year. But then I thought about how last year I managed to do it for just five weeks and make $6500. My mum said to me that I wouldn’t find another job like that.”

Ms Kirk says that she couldn’t do it without support from her mum and friends who sometimes lend a hand.

“Mum is a huge angel with Cookie Time - she’s always there helping. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her.”

“You get rude people who make you want to just go and sit in your car crying and screaming but then you get awesome people as well. People who had remembered me from last year were genuinely interested this year to see how I was doing at med school.”

Ms Kirk says she might don the Cookie Time shirt again next year for another campaign.

“You never know I could be back next year.”

A proportion of all cookie sales go towards the Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand. Rain or shine, Hannah will be selling cookies every Sunday up until Christmas outside Petone Mitre 10 Mega from 12pm to 2pm.

Jackson Street to get a Kiwi Christmas makeover

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:59:22 GMT

Despite Petone's Santa Parade being put off this year, the Jackson Street Programme is forging ahead with adding Kiwi Christmas festivity to the heart of Petone.

It had been hoped that a Christmas parade on Jackson St would add to the growing number of popular events in the town.

The Jackson Street Programme (JSP) manager Robert Hutton says that with Christmas fast approaching time ran out to plan the parade.

“It was a shame—we’re hoping it will happen next year but planning will have to begin at the start of the year.”

Mr Hutton says he is now putting together plans for retailers to “get in the swing of things” and encouraging people to start putting together Christmas-themed window displays.

“It makes a world of difference,” he says.

Two judges will then judge which Jackson St retailer has created the best display.

“We’re looking at having five different categories for judging this year - including traditional or contemporary displays, those featuring Kiwiana, and also more innovative ideas.”

JSP is looking at running competitions to promote Petone shops, whereby shoppers will be able to win prizes and gifts.

Mr Hutton is hoping that the JSP will again have a Christmas tree outside of the police station and will be decorating it with solar lights.

“Unfortunately someone decided to steal them last year which is a shame because they were there for the enjoyment of everyone. But never give up. Otherwise they win and we lose.”

Retailers will also have the chance to decorate shops with Christmas-themed bunting.

“The bunting comes in ten metre lengths and is reusable so we’ll be encouraging shop owners to get some to use. We’ve still got rugby bunting on the police station so we’ll be taking that down and replacing it with Christmas themes.”

Mr Hutton says that Jackson St will start to see the decorations and window displays in the coming weeks.

Speed limit cut on Jackson Street?

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:58:41 GMT

The speed limit in Petone’s main street could soon be cut to 40kph if an initiative from the Jackson Street Programme gets the green light from Hutt City Council.

Jackson Street programme manager Robert Hutton says the group is putting forward the idea in light of increased traffic and pedestrian volumes. Wellington City council’s reduction to 30kph in Lambton Quay and proposals to cut speeds in most suburban streets to 40kph were also contributing factors.

“A few retailers have suggested it, while residents are saying cars are going too fast.”

However, Mr Hutton says the idea is at its early stages and there is no organised campaign. “We brought it up at the Petone Community Board. We want to see what the council’s stand is.”

A council spokesperson says the matter has not yet been brought to its attention.

However, he says the council will consider any submission made through the community board. But any proposed change in speed limits will have to go out for public consultation and, if approved, could take two years to implement.

Despite Jackson St’s busy traffic, including buses, and vehicles moving in and out of parallel parks, Mr Hutton agreed there had been few accidents and no serious injuries, although there have been some near misses. But he says what has happened in the past should not be the determining factor. “It’s a precautionary thing. We are being proactive rather than reactive. We don’t want to wait until someone dies before we do something."

However, Harbour ward city councillor Ross Jamieson doubts a 40kph speed limit will have much effect. “Can you ever get along there faster than 30kph? I wonder if we need to change the limit.”

Petone Community Board chairman Gerald Davidson says, although the board is aware of the idea, it has not yet taken a position. However, he says speeds in Jackson St are generally below the 50kph limit due to parallel parking and speed humps. “I would be surprised if it were adopted because I don’t think it would have any effect.”

Do you agree that the speed limit on Jackson Street should be cut to 40kms an hour?
Should the limit be dropped on any other Petone Streets?

Coment below or send an email to iditor@pcn.co.nz

Dunne and Mallard both back for another Term

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:57:27 GMT

United Future leader Peter Dunne has managed to keep his 27-year hold on his Ohariu seat, with a margin of 1,646 votes over Labour’s Charles Chauvel.

A close eye was kept on Ohariu as the election count got underway for the significance United Future would pose in the formation of a National government. With all booths counted it became clear that National would need support from United Future, after Mr Dunne won his seat.

Mr Dunne says he is pleased that he will be back for a 10th term and thanks the people of Ohariu for their support.

“I think the various criticisms from my opponents over the fact that I’d been around for a long time backfired because people decided that it wasn’t actually a bad thing. Thank you very much for your support – it’s very humbling to be continuing on to 10 terms. It’s an awesome result.”

Labour contender Charles Chauvel says that the result reflects National’s endorsement of Mr Dunne.

“John Key told everyone to vote for him and they did. I wish Dunne and United Future the very best for the next three years. I think the result shows support for Labour and we will be back with a strong team for 2014.”

Labour’s Trevor Mallard also held onto his seat in Hutt South with 14,332 votes, defeating nearest rival National list MP Paul Quinn by 4,193 votes.

Despite his party’s bleak result nationwide, Mr Mallard was able to repeat his success in the traditionally Labour stronghold.

“From the feedback I’ve got they have said that people appreciate the time I’ve spent working hard for Hutt South for the last 3 years.”

Mr Mallard says that he plans to progress on transport issues within the area.

“I’ll have a quick rest before I get right back into it. A big priority for me is to get both the Seaview-Gracefield rail line and Cross Valley Link back on the agenda. They are both important for preserving Petone.”

National contender Paul Quinn says the result reflects voting which is “historically the same”.

“If you look at the profile of the electorates, National win two precincts and Labour win three, and this has always been the case. Mallard has maintained his personal following.”

Mr Quinn says that in terms of the party vote the win for National reflects that people are happy with the work he has been doing for National.

“We won the party vote by 2000 votes, so we got what we had fundamentally set out to achieve,” he says.

Lower Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace says the results for Peter Dunne and Trevor Mallard reflect that they are both “high-profile, hardworking local MPs.”

“I have had good working relationships with both of them and hope that this will continue. Trevor and Peter are locals who are seen in their communities and this has resulted in convincing wins for them both.”

“I am also excited about working with Green MP Holly Walker because she is based in Petone which is then good for Petone.”

We are interested in comments from readers on the election result both at the local and national level.

Any surprises? Also are you happy that MMP will continue for the foreseeable future?

Muritai School to host art auction

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:56:25 GMT

Caption: Muritai School students Mia Harrey and Ruby Donnelly put some finishing touches to artwork for next week’s auction.

Students at Muritai School are hoping to entice prospective bidders at their art auction with works they have created.

The school is hosting the auction to raise funds for the Green Gecko Project which cares for and educates 70 former street children in Cambodia.

As part of students’ social science inquiry on child labour they will be liaising with the Green Gecko School to decide what to do with the money to ensure it best meets the needs of the Cambodian students.

Principal Andrew Bird says the auction will serve two purposes.

“It will empower our children at Muritai to make a difference in their global community, and celebrate our children’s collective hard work and talents,” he says.

“The artworks are looking fantastic—inspired by artists such as Andy Warhol, Kadinsky, Van Gogh, Annie Hayward, and many more. There will be something for everyone.”

Senior syndicate teacher Kirsten Berry says that the evening will allow people to “taste, sip, browse, bid and buy”.

While bidders browse the artworks, they will be treated to freshly made tapas made by budding year seven and eight chefs with support from local chef Adrian Hornsby of Blue Carrot Catering.

“We are lucky to have the generous help of Blue Carrot Catering and Bidvest who will top our supplies that we are not able to grow in our school vegetable garden,” Mr Bird says.

“They’re going all out for us,” Ms Berry says.

Beer, wine, and juice will also be available at the bar, while the school’s “talented student musicians” provide background music as people place their bids.

Ms Berry is passionate about teaching her students about the cause for which proceeds of this “exciting” event will go.

“The Green Gecko Project doesn’t just provide the children with a school, but a family, a home, and a future. They are giving them back their childhood. At the moment they’re trapped in a cycle of poverty. But Green Gecko give the children more hope and exciting futures.”

The auction takes place on Friday December 2, with bidding closing around 8pm.

Mr Bird encourages parents to come to the auction and support their children’s efforts.

“Come and help empower your children make a difference in our world and have fun at the same time. We hope you’ll come, support, enjoy and celebrate with us.”

Celebrities give it up for hospice

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:55:08 GMT

Celebrities are cleaning out their wardrobes of their designer gear this month for Hospice’s national Give It Up campaign.

Hospices throughout New Zealand have embarked on the quirky campaign to raise awareness of Hospice shops. The shops are heavily relied on to help raise much-needed funds to ensure hospice services remain free to patients and their families.

The campaign’s success relies on people donating a designer or well-known item of clothing to their local hospice shop - and celebrities and media haven’t hesitated this year to part with their pre-loved items.

TV3’s 60 Minutes journalist Paula Penfold is one of the celebrities getting behind the cause, giving up her winter wool coat designed by World.

“I’m helping because my father spent time in hospice last year before he died and they really were incredible both to him and to us as a family. Their care and their concern were so welcome at such a distressing time.”

Ms Penfold is one of many television personalities who are having a spring clean of their closets; others include TVNZ’s Breakfast combo Petra Bagust and Corin Dann, TV3 News presenter Mike McRoberts, and TV3’s Target presenters Brooke Howard-Smith and Jeanette Thomas.

Mr Howard-Smith says he is a bit short on designer gear so instead he is giving his prized Dan Carter autographed boot—worn by Carter in the 2011 season.

Not to be out-done Paul Henry is giving up one of his much-loved pairs of Converse shoes.

“I adore Converse shoes. In fact I only wear them. So choosing which ones to give up for hospice was quite tricky but it’s a great cause and I’m happy to help.”

The face of the campaign, recent New Zealand’s Next Top Model Winner Brigette Thomas (pictured left), says she has been a hospice shop customer for years.

“Some of my favourite clothes I bought at our local hospice shop in Motueka. Right now hospice is asking people to donate a piece of designer clothing, so clean out your wardrobe and drop your pre-loved labelled clothing off this week.”

Te Omanga Hospice shops in Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Petone will be on the lookout for locals with a “passion for fashion” and will be encouraging shoppers to enter the Hospice Fashion Collection 2011 competition.

Entrants need to buy at least one item of clothing from a participating hospice shop and then post photos or videos of their “look” on Facebook or YouTube - with winners determined by the highest number of votes from online supporters.

Prizes up for grabs include two passes to the NZ Winery Tour 2011, as well as backstage passes to meet with tour headliner Gin Wigmore.

Entries close on December 10, and winners will be announced December 17.

Energy Smart changes hands after liquidation

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:52:54 GMT

The new owner of Energy Smart says the company is well positioned to continue as a major installer of home insulation products in the Wellington region.

The company was placed into liquidation in September by its previous owner, the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust.

Earlier this month (November) liquidators Shephard Dunphy announced Energy Smart had been sold to Christchurch-based Terra Lana Products, a major supplier of home insulation. Terra Lana managing director Andrew Everist would not disclose the sale price “because it’s confidential”.

Mr Everist referred further questions to sales and marketing manager Neil Edmond.

Mr Edmond says Terra Lana has been a supplier of wool insulation since the start of the Energy Wise Warm Up New Zealand scheme in 2009. “Purchasing Energy Smart gives Terra Lana an opportunity to operate one of the key service providers in the EECA scheme and ensure its wool products are well promoted in the market place.”

He says Terra Lana is not concerned about taking over a liquidated company. “Terra Lana is well funded and is able to supply the capital necessary to re-establish Energy Smart as a viable business. Terra Lana has already begun rectifying areas of inefficiency in Energy Smart’s operations and overheads that will lead to cost savings and, therefore, stronger profitability.”

However, Mr Edmond says job losses will result. “The Nelson and Dunedin branches have been closed for the time being and the head office in Lower Hutt is being restructured. The result is loss of around 15 jobs. However, new roles are likely to be created in the future to offset this.”

Mr Edmond says Energy Smart is continuing to trade and he expects its activity in the Wellington region to get stronger.

Hutt Mana Charitable Trust chairman Ian Hutchings says Energy Smart was put into liquidation “because its trading results in the current market had been both poor and volatile, and it was not seen as sustainable without further action”.

He says trustees considered putting more capital into the company. “But it was not evident that this would be a good use of beneficiaries’ funds. A sale option would have been a longer process with no better outcome being assured.”

Asked how much the trust had lost as a result of the Energy Smart debacle, Mr Hutchings says it is still too early to say. “But I have previously recognised that the ownership equity of close to $2 million was not expected to be recovered.”

Are you happy with how the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust has handled the Energy Smart issue? Is there anything it could have done differently?
Were you, or do you know anyone, who was left out of pocket ?
What do you think of the final outcome?

We want your views.

Letters To The Editor

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:51:29 GMT

The Editor

After reading the article in Petone Herald (16 Nov) about the PWMC conference centre being great for Petone I feel I must comment on PWMC`s grandiose idea.

No one has raised the question why does PWMC think it can succeed with a $19 million project when property developers are going bust? Where are they going to get all the money from? What happens when the project runs into strife - what will happen to the PWMC? Will the members be faced with increased subs and price rises?

Did Petone Herald realise the go ahead for this huge project was only approved by the majority of 176 members present at a special meeting that most members did not know about?

The PWMC has about 12,000 members. For a majority of 176 members at a meeting to be able to approve a $19 million project is ludicrous, despite the fact that the club's constitution allows it.

Maybe Petone Herald should do a poll of club members to see what they really think of the idea.

Mr. Priest's comment “We`re doing it to future proof the club...”, could well be the death of the club I think. The proposed facility will apparently be the first in Wellington /Hutt valley area. I wonder why – this in itself should set alarm bells ringing - maybe because no one else thinks it is a realistic proposition, hence why there is not one.

Karl Oliver, Lower Hutt

We are keen to hear your views. Letters to the Editor are warmly welcomed.

They must include your name and can be emailed to editor@pcn.co.nz or

online at www.pcn.co.nz/petoneheraldlive

Youth initiatives for Petone a “long time coming”

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:49:58 GMT

Peter Foaese plans to give Petone youth a voice in 2012 as holder of the youth portfolio on the Petone Community Board.

“It’s been a long time coming and has just been initiated, so we are discussing projects. I spent this year observing and working out what it is we could really do for youth in Petone.”

Mr Foaese says while Petone is a modern area, it is lacking a fresh approach to youth.

“I feel really strongly that Petone, and the whole ward, really lacks a youth vibe. Young people in the community have said to me that unless you’re involved with a church or a sports group there’s nowhere to go and nothing to do within the community.”

Over the last five years Mr Foaese has been working as a youth advocate, joining the Hutt City Council youth council in 2008. That has led to roles as youth development officer and member of the community development team.

“There’s a lack of engagement with young people in general with community issues. When we talk to people and discuss projects, such as the McKenzie pool or the Jackson Street upgrade, we’re not getting a youth opinion. But they are the people who are going to be using the pool and shops.”

Mr Foaese says that the board is planning to establish a ‘toy library’ similar to the one set up by Plunket in Alicetown where members are able to borrow toys for a fixed period.

“We want to set up one for older groups, especially for things like beach and sports gear. It would mean young people could hire stuff for recreation and take it back when they’re done, rather than having to buy it.”

Improving Petone’s rundown parks is also one of Mr Foaese’s objectives for 2012.

“We want to upgrade our parks—most of them haven’t been touched in years.”

Mr Foaese says he is committed to initiating and following through with projects to ensure youth are recognised as valued members of the community.

Petone Toastmasters trio’s terrific success

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:49:20 GMT

When Diane Isherwood first joined Toastmasters she lasted five weeks before walking out.

“I was physically sick.”

Seventeen years later Mrs Isherwood (right) is the organisation’s Wellington Division Governor. In early November she along with husband Neville (centre) and daughter Tania Sales (left) - all members of Petone Toastmasters - achieved a unique quinella at Toastmasters National Convention in Tauranga. Mrs Isherwood was named Divisional Governor of the year, while Mr Isherwood and Ms Sales received Distinguished Toastmasters awards. “It’s the first time in the history of Toastmasters in New Zealand that three members of one family have received awards at the same time,” says Mr Isherwood.

Mrs Isherwood rejoined Toastmasters in 2004 and her husband followed her in two years later. “My wife joined to further her career,” says Mr Isherwood. “I joined to see more of my wife.”

He says Toastmasters teaches leadership and communication skills. “You also watch other people learn and develop. Even now I’m learning new skills – in communication, team building, listening and feedback.”

But he says there is one thing Toastmasters does not teach. “We don’t teach you how to speak. You do that every day of your life. Most people asked to speak before a live audience find their mind going blank and their tongue begins to swell. Even now I feel nervous. The question is how you handle it. Toastmasters teaches you how to think on your feet and how to develop your thoughts while talking.”

Mrs Isherwood is currently a member of seven clubs, three of which she formed herself. The division she’s in charge of has 47 clubs.

Mr Isherwood is also heavily involved, serving as Toastmasters national club coaching co-ordinator, in a role in which he helps small clubs develop.

Ms Sales joined Toastmasters four years ago after being convinced to give an ice-breaker speech at the formation of a new club. “I hated it. I had to speak all about myself. It was terrifying. I thought ‘I can’t keep doing this’.”

But like her mother, Ms Sales learned to love Toastmasters. They even worked together to form a Sunday afternoon club in Petone. “You meet wonderful people and develop self confidence. I’ve also developed lots of skills I can use in my personal and work life.”

She intends continuing in Toastmasters. “I love it. You get out what you put in.”

A word from the Mayor

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:48:27 GMT

Petone residents have supported a number of community activities throughout the year and I have been very pleased with the input received from your Petone community Board and Jackson Street Programme representatives.

During this last month I have been reflecting on my first year in office and I hope that my promise of providing greater representation for communities like Petone, are beginning to bear fruit.

Certainly my Mayoral clinic showed residents welcomed the opportunity to have a free and frank discussion with their Mayor and I will be holding a further clinic at the Petone Library on Friday, 9 December at 4pm.

I stood on a platform of encouraging greater participation in the running of our city and I have actively gone into the community in an effort to make myself available and accessible.

Volunteers from Petone continue to make a positive contribution to the city and I have decided to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers by hosting them to a special breakfast. This is my opportunity to say thank you to the people who make our communities special.

McKenzie Pool is now open for the summer and it is good to see the schools and community making use of the facility. There is plenty of discussion around the pools at the moment and council will be considering its commitment to upgrade the pools. My belief is that a commitment was made and should be honoured.

I will be looking forward to another busy new year and would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone all the best for the festive season.

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.

WHAT I'VE BEEN THINKING

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:41:46 GMT

OPINION

We need to think – and act – about our drinking

As weekends approach, many of us think about going out and getting plastered. And with the festive season getting closer our alcohol consumption increases still more. While it might be the season for giving, for many kiwis it is also a time to get seriously drunk.

That’s a pity, as our drinking has long-term adverse effects – not only for us but for the people who we live and work with. They deserve better than to see us out of control, unable to exercise good judgement or perform even the most basic tasks.

And as human beings we need to ask: what are we doing to ourselves? We’ve got to remember that we only have one body. If it packs up, that’s that. It’s not like a car where if a part fails, we go to the garage and get it replaced. The damage that alcohol does to our kidneys, livers, and our brains can never be repaired. It’s up to us to blow the whistle before it’s too late.

Alcohol is also associated with many acts of criminal behaviour. It also plays a part in the majority of family violence. Women’s Refuge know only too well the havoc that alcohol causes to our families and the long-term costs that it imposes.

The problem is not just alcohol. It’s the easy availability of it and how we use it. Libertarians may say that as hinking adults we are all responsible for our actions. Therefore, we are capable of making responsible decisions and dealing with the consequences.

For the most part, I would agree. But there are provisos. Like nicotine, alcohol is an addictive substance and the consumption of it impairs good judgement. Many users would like to get rid of their addiction but are incapable of doing so. And the messages we see in the media glamorising alcohol – including its association with top sporting events – can distort our perceptions and help us forget how harmful and dangerous it can be.

For years politicians have wrestled with the right approach to minimise alcohol harm. For more than a century we had the triennial alcohol poll, where voters could decide on options such as State Purchase and Control or Prohibition. Unlike the USA we never supported Prohibition, although there were periods when it enjoyed significant support.

The big question in the 21st century is not whether we should prohibit the sale of alcohol but the conditions under which it should be sold.

There are many who say our drinking age should be raised to 20 or 21. But there is no such thing as a legal drinking age. It is quite legal for persons of any age to consume alcohol. What is at issue is the age at which they can buy it – the purchase age.

Raising the purchase age would be a futile and misguided gesture. It would in effect blame young people for all alcohol abuse across society. And the 18 and 19-year-olds who, theoretically, will be unable to buy the stuff will probably have little difficulty accessing it – albeit in less-controlled environments.

If we want people to make informed decisions about drinking, they need the facts. To do that, the promotion of alcohol needs to be counter-balanced by an equal amount of marketing spelling out its dangers and how to get help. Currently, the marketing scales are tilted too much in the favour of those who benefit commercially from selling alcohol. Redressing that balance should be a priority for the incoming government. The costs of not doing so are too horrendous to think about.

Carols by Candlelight comes to Lower Hutt

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:37:57 GMT

Lower Hutt will kick off Christmas festivities this year with Nick Tansley’s Carols by Candlelight which will be held at the Hutt Recreation Ground.

The family-friendly event has become a household name running in Wellington City and around the country for over 20 years, and is to be held on Saturday 3 December.

Carols by Candlelight will combine the features which have made it popular in Wellington City but will take on a “uniquely Lower Hutt feel” this year.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace is excited about bringing Carols by Candlelight to the city for the first time and is looking forward to seeing the Hutt Recreational Ground come alive with Christmas spirit.

“Carols by Candlelight is a well known, fantastic family event, and we are privileged to be able to host it for 2011 right here in Lower Hutt.”

Host Nick Tansley is looking forward to bringing Carols by Candlelight to Lower Hutt.

“We’ve run the event up and down the country, but this is the first time we’ve been able to come out to Lower Hutt. Everyone’s so enthusiastic, and we’ve got some great support behind us, so things are shaping up for a fantastic event.”

Carols by Candlelight will provide Lower Hutt with an opportunity to showcase local talent opening with a community concert at 5:45pm, before the main event gets underway at 7:30pm featuring “carols, Santa, and much more.”

The event is a chance for family and friends to gather in a relaxed and fun atmosphere before the chaos of the Christmas season starts.

Entry is free, and gates open at 5pm. In the case of some poor Wellington weather, the postponement date is Sunday 4 December.

Petone man looks forward to professional rugby

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:36:36 GMT

2011 has been a golden year for Petone forward Brad Shields.

In July the big flanker was a member of the New Zealand team that won the World Under-20 rugby cup in Italy, beating England in the final.

After returning home, Shields was a starring member of the Wellington Lions. While the team struggled with indifferent results, Shields was a standout and his strong performance against Southland helped the team avoid relegation.

Shields’ gutsy physical approach caught the eye of Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammett. That led to Shields signing a two-year contract.

And at last week’s Wellington Rugby Awards Shields walked away with two trophies – Most Promising Player and the Wellington Rugby Supporters Player of the Year.

Shields says Petone Rugby Club has played a big part in his development since he joined after finishing Taita College in 2009.

He joined Petone because it has a premier team and because it has a reputation for nurturing talent. But making the top team proved difficult. “I spent most of my first year on the bench. I had to earn my spot.”

Shields says the call from Mark Hammett was a special moment, even if was not entirely unexpected. “I was hoping for it. I was pretty chuffed.”

He says the team’s poor 2011 season and off-field disagreements are of no concern. Making the step up to Super rugby will be a challenge but one he is looking forward to. “Hopefully, I’ll get into [the match squad] of 22.”

As to what he offers Hammett? “A bit of physicality.”

While the Hurricanes start the season with three games in Africa, Shields says he is particularly looking forward to playing at home. “The stadium is awesome. It’s one of the best grounds I’ve ever played on.”

That could also mean playing in front of his parents. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”

Energy crusader speaks out for the underdog

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:35:39 GMT

Molly Melhuish admits she could easily spend all her days looking out the window of her York Bay home, watching native birds through her binoculars.

While she gets pleasure doing that, Mrs Melhuish has not let ornithological diversions get in the way of her major mission in life: holding New Zealand’s energy companies to account.

It’s a life she could have scarcely dreamed of growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, on America’s east coast.

While studying physical chemistry at the University of California in Los Angeles she met fellow student, New Zealander Hugh Melhuish. They married in 1963 and Mrs Melhuish and her new husband moved to New Zealand. “I wanted to come here. I knew it was a beautiful country.”

While her husband found work with the DSIR in Gracefield, Mrs Melhuish focused on raising her two children in the home she and her husband built on the hills overlooking Wellington Harbour.

Her foray into energy issues began in the 1970s in response to a proposal to fell beech trees on the West Coast. “I made a submission and I think it made a difference.” The logging scheme was abandoned.

That was followed by a submission to the Royal Commission on Nuclear Power. “The New Zealand Electricity Department argued that we would nuclear power by 2000. It argued that demand was rising by 7% a year. I said that was wrong. It was scary arguing against energy policy makers. But I was right.”

The creation of state-owned enterprises in the 1980s and the deregulation of the 1990s fundamentally changed the energy scene. Mrs Melhuish says that has been to the detriment of domestic consumers.

She believes there are two critical shortcomings in the current energy market. The first is the favouritism shown to big industrial users. “Big industries don’t pay enough for the energy they use. They don’t pay for the resources they use. Industries on average pay half of what domestic consumers do. But the costs of supply don’t differ much at all.”

Her second concern is the regulatory framework. “Our regulation is unique in the world. The whole set-up is designed by corporates in their own interests – which is making bigger profits. Regulation should be redesigned to support energy as an essential service for New Zealand and its people.”

She says the system presumes commercial and domestic consumers have the same interests. “This is totally, insanely, incorrect.”

Mrs Melhuish says energy hardship in New Zealand is worse than in almost any other country in the world. And it is not only high prices that are to blame. “Many of our houses were built in an era of cheap energy. Almost all have insufficient insulation or none at all.”

While the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Warm Up New Zealand campaign has had an impact, Mrs Melhuish says investment in it is dwarfed by the $5 billion energy companies are spending on new power stations. Shareholders and capital markets will require a return on that investment, which can only come from selling more power.

Mrs Melhuish set up the Domestic Energy Users Network to advocate for the interests of domestic consumers. She also speaks out on behalf of Grey Power, the Public Health Association, Rural Women New Zealand, Age Concern and the Child Poverty Action Group. But she says she does not seek out publicity.

“I don’t do press releases. I answer questions when they’re asked. Not enough people ask questions. I’m happy when they do.”

Meanwhile Ms Melhuish urges consumers to shop around the best deal. She recommends Powershop, an offshoot of Meridian Energy which offers deals via the Internet. While that means buying power in advance, she says the price she pays - 23c a kilowatt-hour - makes it worthwhile.

Away from energy issues, Mrs Melhuish enjoys trying to keep her garden under control. She also owns Checo - a 30-foot yacht with an all-female crew. “I love sailing.”

Measles and meningitis outbreak update

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:34:55 GMT

With three more measles cases reported by Regional Public Health this month, Wellington residents are being urged to ensure that they are immunised against the highly infectious disease.

The three unconnected cases are the first to be confirmed since October, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Wellington to nine.

Regional Public Health says babies are not the only ones at risk. Older children, teenagers, and adults who are not immunised can contract the disease.

Those most recently affected by measles include a teenager and a man and a woman both in their 30s.

According to Ministry of Health figures from June, 80% of five-year-olds had received their age-appropriate immunisations in the Hutt Valley District Health Board area, while 81% in the Capital and Coast area were fully immunised.

Although these figures are above the national average of 76%, children who are not vaccinated remain at risk.

Wellington's medical officer of health Margot McLean says there has been a recent “marked increase in MMR immunisation across the region”.

She says measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and permanent disabilities. It is spread from person to person through the air by breathing, sneezing or coughing.

Deputy director of public health Darren Hunt says, that while Wellington is not experiencing the same rates of the disease as Auckland, it is still important for people to be alert.

“Measles is very contagious and can spread rapidly among people who are not immunised,” Dr Hunt says.

Early symptoms include a fever, cough and sore red eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash and white spots inside the mouth.

Wellingtonians are also being warned to be aware of the early signs of meningococcal disease after another recent confirmed case in the region.

There have now been 12 cases of the disease diagnosed in Wellington this year - with 7 cases in September alone.

Regional Public Health says that at this point the rates for group C of the disease are “well below the trigger point” for the implementation of a vaccination programme in the greater Wellington region. But it will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Meningococcal disease can look like flu in the early stages. It is often hard to diagnose and develops rapidly. Symptoms include fever, headache, aversion to light, vomiting, a rash that does not fade when pressed, confusion and a decreased level of consciousness.

Early treatment is crucial so anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to seek urgent medical attention.

Petone kids urge council to keep pool open

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:20:55 GMT

Caption: Students from Petone Central School with their petition to keep the McKenzie Pool open. With them are principal Iosua Esera and Petone Community Board members Tui Lewis and Mike Fisher.

Students at Petone Central School are so concerned at the possible loss of their local swimming pool they have organised a petition to call on Hutt City Council not to close it.

The matter is expected to come to a head tonight (Monday November 28) when the council’s community and infrastructure services committee is to debate a recommendation from officers to close Petone’s McKenzie Pool and instead redevelop the Huia Pool in central Lower Hutt.

But the children say the pool is important to them and their community. They will be turning up at the meeting to tell councillors what they think and to present their petition.

Griffin Edward, 12, says he organised the petition because a majority of people around Petone don’t want the pool to close. “So I might as well give the council a reason not to close it.”

Hana Olds, 12, says she has many happy memories of swimming at the pool. “When I was little I used to go there with my little brothers and sisters.”

Matariki Kapea, 10, likes McKenzie Pool because it is a pool for families. “It’s cool. There’s a pool for kids.” He is lukewarm about going to Huia instead. “I hate it. I wouldn’t like it.”

Principal Iosua Esera was one of the first to sign his students’ petition and is concerned at the possible closure. “It’ll have a huge impact on our school. We won’t be able to have our swimming programme. That’s very important for children who can’t get into swimming classes”

He says the pool is handily located, meaning students are able to walk to the pool – something that would not be possible if they have to go to Huia. “That’s very handy in terms of time. “

Mr Esera says having travel to other pools will mean the school will have to hire buses – something it is not funded for.

Committee chairman Max Shierlaw says the officers’ recommendation makes sense for ratepayers. “We can have a purpose-built learn-to-swim pool. And there’s a strong need for a hydrotherapy pool in the Hutt Valley. Currently Hutt people needing to use one have to go to Kilbirnie.”

Mr Shierlaw says officers have advised that a hydrotherapy pool needs to be an indoor facility, which rules out McKenzie Pool. They’ve also put a $6.9 million price tag on a new McKenzie Pool, while redeveloping Huia will cost $4.7 million.

He says a proposal from Mayor Ray Wallace to install a retractable roof at McKenzie is a non-starter. “It’s so expensive that officers did not include it in their report. Its several more millions – it’s not viable.”

However, Petone Community Board member Mike Fisher says arguments about what should happen at Huia are a red herring. “We have a facility. The community wants to keep it.”

He says if the McKenzie Pool is lost the same fate could be in store for the Wainuiomata or Eastbourne pools. “They could be facing the same fight for survival as we are.”

He says Mr Shierlaw’s position is driven largely by geography. “If the pool were on the other side of the railway line it would be in his ward. Would he then be fighting so hard for closure?”

Harbour ward councillors Ross Jamieson and Michael Lulich - both of who are on the committee - say they will support a rebuild of McKenzie Pool.

Mr Jamieson says past councils have made a commitment to rebuild McKenzie Pool. “That commitment should be honoured.”

He says the pool is good for the area’s kids because they can walk to it.

Mr Lulich says it is important that Petone people voice their strong opposition to closure. “The commitment made by the last council has to be honoured. The community has to be heard.”

Community board member Tui Lewis says residents can show their support by texting “save our pool” to 878.

Councillors will make a final decision at their last meeting of the year on December 13.