Petone Herald 20 January 2012

Signs of life in Hutt property market

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:52:40 GMT

The last three months have seen a firming of activity in the Hutt Valley real estate market.

Rick Mooney of Leaders Lower Hutt says there are plenty of buyers. Well presented properties are selling quickly.

He says a property on Richmond St, Petone sold for $50,000 above valuation after being on the market for three weeks. During that time 150 prospective buyers viewed the property.

Mr Mooney says Petone and Alicetown are doing well and there is a scarcity of listings in those areas. “Well presented properties can sell in two to three weeks. Others can take months. People are still price sensitive.”

He says activity in the western hills is still strong in lower-price brackets. But properties above $500,000 are struggling to attract buyers.

He believes continuing low interest rates should ensure activity levels will increase. “The election result is pretty positive for real estate because there will be no capital gains tax.”

Mary Clayton-Greig from Harcourts Eastbourne says November was a good month for real estate in Eastbourne, with her office recording more than $5 million in

sales. That result has been achieved despite the same challenges as apply in all other areas – low levels of consumer confidence and concerns

about job security.

Mrs Clayton-Greig says the average sale time in November halved, showing there is still good demand for well-presented properties. “Summer should be good with blue skies and sunny days.”

John Ross from The Professionals Hutt City says his office has done 44 sales in the western hills over the last three months, with prices varying from $295,000 to $831,000. Sales were at or close to valuation.

A four-bedroom home in Petone with a GV of $600,000 sold for $115,000 above valuation. The median price for the sale three months was $470,000.

Mr Ross says his office has done 15 sales in the eastern bays over the last three months, with prices between $840,000 and $297,000. Most sales were below valuation.

The Petone Rotary Fair Celebrates 21 Years

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:52:07 GMT

While it will be business as usual at this year’s Petone Rotary Fair there will also be cause for celebration as the fair turns 21.

Organiser Alan Stevens has been with the fair since it started and is currently hard at work organising everything to ensure things run smoothly fat this year's fair on February 18.

He says the fair won’t be short of people to help celebrate. “On a good day we’ll get 35,000 people.”

Over the past 21 years the Petone Rotary Fair has raised a significant amount of money for the community, and continues to support a number of organisations in the area.

Petone Rotary Club member George Forbes says the fair has raised “well over” $260,000 for community projects since its first year.

He says all proceeds go towards the Rotary’s projects, such as Britannia House and Te Omanga Hospice, which they are long-time supporters of.

“Generally we want to make sure that we respond to specific requests, such as funding a vehicle with wheelchair access for Britannia House, or we just provide cash funding. We also help with local projects like playgrounds.”

The Fair has also provided the Rotary Club with funds to assist local organisation Thumbs Up Charity Trust, which supports the needs of young people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Thumbs Up Trust chair Rose Chadwick says that it has been wonderful to have the interest and support of the Petone Rotary Club since the organisation became part of the Petone community in 2007.

“Members from our two organisations have enjoyed attending some of each other’s special events, and getting to know more about the work we each undertake.”

Mr Stevens says the fair is one of the most significant summer events in Hutt City.

A 2007 economic study commissioned by Hutt City Council concluded that the event brought in $2.875 million of additional spending into the city.

He says that’s pretty good for an event organised by volunteers that raises money for the community.

Petone board looks forward to a successful 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:51:23 GMT

2011 has been a challenging year for the Petone Community Board and 2012 promises more of the same.

Board chairman Gerald Davidson says his main policy priorities are to make progress on getting the rail link to Gracefield reopened (and thus getting logging trucks off The Esplanade), and getting a start on the rebuilding of McKenzie Pool.

Mike Fisher, who is the board’s newest member after winning a by-election in July, says he has enjoyed his first few months on the board. “It’s really been an eye-opener to see the amount of activity in the community to which we can have input. It’s been a steep learning curve. I’d like to think I’ve made an impact and have helped make a difference.”

Mr Fisher says his main priorities for 2012 are getting the McKenzie Pool replacement nailed down and the WelTec education precinct sorted – one way or another.

“It’s going to be a busy, busy year. ”

Deputy chairman Mason Branch says 2011 was a good year for Petone. “It’s been good for retailers on Jackson St. There has been a low level of crime and lots of events. Petone’s been a very vibrant place to live.”

Mr Branch has a number of priorities for 2012. “There’s money for upgrading public toilets in Petone. I’m keen for it to be spent in this year’s budget. Unfortunately, most of it appears to be earmarked for the toilets that are already pretty good. The focus should be on the grottiest toilets.”

Mr Branch also wants to move forward on replacing the McKenzie Pool. “I also want to keep the Cross Valley Link in the long-term plan. It’s had a kick in the teeth. But too many people want it for us to give up on it.”

Tui Lewis, who was first elected in 2010, says her first year on the board has been exciting. “I’ve enjoyed being out working among the community and sharing items arising on the Council’s agenda that concern Petone and her residents.”

Mrs Lewis cites the controversy over the Exide battery recycling plant and the proposal to close the McKenzie Pool as issues that galvanised the community during the year.

For 2012 Mrs Lewis wants to get a better feel what the community wants. “That will help Petone grow into an even better place for families and businesses. Petone always has lots going on – I doubt if I will have time to be bored in the new year.”

Harbour ward councillor Ross Jamieson, who is also a board member, says his aim for 2012 is to keep working with the community and ensuring Petone’s views are kept to the fore at the council table.

Other key priorities for Mr Jamieson include retaining Petone’s character, and helping to keep WelTec in Petone.

Heritage changes stir up community

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:50:18 GMT

Heritage advocates have slammed a decision by a Hutt City Council subcommittee they believe could lead to the destruction of the city’s built heritage without any public input.

The council’s District Plan committee decided on Monday December 12 to remove controls on heritage buildings except those already registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

The meeting was considering a heritage inventory of 400 properties – many of them private homes – and considering whether they should be given heritage protection under the council’s District Plan. A number of owners turned up to complain that a heritage listing would reduce their property values, make it difficult to get insurance and would make repairs and maintenance expensive and bureaucratic.

After a sometimes boisterous public comment section lasting more than two hours the subcommittee decided not to list any of the properties, infuriating heritage advocates.

Petone Historical Society president Roy Hewson is upset at the outcome. “It’s shocking, absolutely shocking. They should talk to people before deciding things like this.”

Mr Hewson chaired the council’s heritage advisory group which was set up in 1997. “We’ve been pushing them to make a list of all the heritage buildings in the city. It took them 10 years to do it. Then they wouldn’t let anyone see it.”

Mr Hewson says the process the council used ended up scaring owners and ensuring many opposed being listed without being fully aware of the facts. “It’s quite an annoying thing. They just don’t treat people as human beings.”

He believes the outcome was ideologically driven. “Those on the subcommittee are not in favour of heritage. They’ve fought against all the heritage things for years.”

Historic Places Trust central regional manager Ann Neill is disappointed the decision was made without consulting the wider community.

“This is a backward step for heritage. It takes it back to pre-2004 days when the Resource Management Act was strengthened to require councils to have a stronger regard for heritage protection. This is an issue for the whole Hutt City community to have a say in.”

Mrs Neill says owners are concerned at the impact a District Plan listing might have on their property rights and values. But those concerns can be addressed through early communication and accurate information.

She says, in many cases, a listing can enhance a property’s value.

“You only need to look at the desirability of Patrick Street, for example, which has 10 properties on the District Plan, as an example where a listing has increased their value.”

Mrs Neill says the decision could result in the council failing to fulfil its legal obligations.

However, subcommittee chairman Roger Styles says the subcommittee had little choice because officers had not undertaken a cost-benefit analysis of the proposal as required by section 32 of the Resource Management Act. “We have a duty to follow the law.”

Mr Styles says legal advice that opposed the officers’ proposal to allow owners to decide whether their buildings should be listed was “poor quality”.

Given the lack of information, Mr Styles says the subcommittee decided to leave the heritage inventory properties out of the District Plan.

Instead, officers have been asked to draft a District Plan change and to do a cost-benefit analysis. The matter will come back to the subcommittee in April. The draft change will then require the approval of the subcommittee and the council before being put out for public consultation.

Mr Styles says there will be submissions and public hearings before final decisions are made.

Eastbourne communicating with its Board

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:43:56 GMT

Eastbourne Community Board is heading into the New Year with “improved and enhanced” communication and involvement with the Eastbourne community.

Chairman Derek Wilshere says this improvement is starting to have its benefits. “Harmonising Eastbourne views is always a challenge! We have benefitted particularly from working with our Eastbourne Youth Worker Gina Sinclair, young people and our residents’ associations.”

He says the board’s ‘Board Speak’ now reaches more than 250 people.

“We have not been afraid to tackle hard issues like cell phone towers, community policing and youth issues.”

He says the board has also helped with a number of small things that have made a difference to ratepayers, such as getting the Eastbourne ‘MenzShed’ up and running.

Looking ahead to 2012, Mr Wilshere says the board has a good record of achieving benefit for its community and will continue to work hard to achieve this.

“The first year of a new triennium is always interesting.”

“We were disappointed not to secure anticipated funding for our ‘Vibrant Village - Eastbourne 2013’ project but we will be working to secure more dollars to complete it in 2012.”

He says a big project for the board in 2012 is to make progress with its ‘Communityville’ project.

“It will investigate rationalisation of our sport, recreation and cultural clubs and facilities to improve their use, management and administration for the benefit of all in Eastbourne.”

Following the implementation of the Tsunami Awareness and response plan, the board will also be reviewing the emergency and Civil Defence infrastructure in the bays to improve Eastbourne’s security.

He says the board is anticipating much discussion on issues of local government structures in the Wellington region and the role of community boards in the future. “We will enter into this with vigour.”

Meanwhile, Mr Wilshere is looking forward to 2012 with a few aspirations in mind of his own.

“I look forward to a year when the recent political divisiveness’ in New Zealand is dampened down and we seek more harmony in our relationships with one another and our natural environment. There is no room for ongoing selfishness in our very small nation - or our village for that matter.”

Tai Chi School Celebrates 10th anniversary in China

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:40:27 GMT

More than 30 students and supporters of the Wellington School of Tai Chi Chuan celebrated the school’s 10th anniversary in style with a three-week tour of China in October.

With almost two years of planning, the tour allowed the Tai Chi group to visit popular tourist attractions like the Great Wall of China and Terracotta Warriors. Also included were specialised trips to the Shaolin Temple—home of Kung Fu—and Wudangshan—the birthplace of Tai Chi.

The Petone-based group also took the opportunity to “make like the locals” and practice Tai Chi in parks and public squares each morning—much to the fascination of Chinese locals. The sight of a group of foreigners practicing Tai Chi drew large crowds who applauded and took photos.

Practiced in China for centuries as a martial art, exercise, and as a means of improving the flow of internal energy (chi) within the body, Tai Chi, is said to improve balance, memory and strength.

School Sifu (Master) Hennie Barnard, has been involved with martial arts for over 50 years and has been an instructor for 20 years. Mr Barnard says the tour of China was the culmination of many years of hard work for him and his wife Hettie, who both emigrated from South Africa in the 1990s.

“I feel extremely proud of what we have achieved in the last ten years, and the opportunity to visit China, the home of Tai Chi, with a group of dedicated students and supporters was so special.”

The school is the largest of its kind in the Wellington region, with more than 100 students and nine instructors. Due to increasing demand, new branches have recently opened in Whitby and Roseneath.

Mr Barnard says Tai Chi is suitable for people of any age or ability and students include everyone from martial arts experts, to dancers, to people recovering from hip replacements.

The Wellington School of Tai Chi Chuan also offers classes in Qi Gong, meditation and self-defence. For those wishing to join, the first class is free of charge when a time is arranged with an instructor.

Quinn looks forward to life after politics

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:38:21 GMT

Defeated National Party list MP Paul Quinn says he plans “to go back to earning a living”.

Mr Quinn unsuccessfully contested the Hutt South electorate for National at the November 26 general election. And at 55 on National’s list, he missed out on being returned as a list MP by two places. That means his parliamentary career is over - for the time being - after one three-year term, despite his party’s landslide re-election.

“I‘ll go back to doing what I was doing before – working in the corporate world and giving advice to companies.”

Mr Quinn says he is satisfied with his campaign in Hutt South, despite finishing 4825 votes behind sitting Labour MP Trevor Mallard, although National won the Hutt South party vote by almost 2000 votes.

“We gave it our best shot. We ran a pretty good campaign. There were lots of candidates’ meetings. We had more hoardings and more leaflets than anyone else.”

The result also means one fewer MP from the Wellington region. But Mr Quinn is more concerned that it leaves Hutt South without a voice in government. “You can scream all you like in opposition but no one will take any notice of you.”

Among his achievements in parliament Mr Quinn says he is most proud of increasing the amount of

funding available to the Hutt based crown research institute IRL and ensuring a suggested relocation of IRL to Auckland did not take place.

“I’ve enjoyed working with people throughout the whole Hutt Valley. I’ve done a lot of work in Petone. I get a lot of satisfaction helping the Thumbs Up Trust into their new building.”

Although he won’t say definitely, Mr Quinn says a return to politics in 2014 is unlikely. “I think it’s a long shot.”

Despite recession some Hutt Valley businesses are “Thriving”

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:37:02 GMT

Despite difficult economic times over the last two to three years, some businesses are thriving, says Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director David Kiddey.

He says the chamber’s recent Business Excellence Awards provided numerous examples of companies doing well in the face of the recession.

Despite the likelihood of further public service cutbacks, he believes economic prospects for the Hutt Valley remain good. “Public service numbers have been fluctuating for years. There are always new jobs being created in the economy.”

He says the Hutt chamber’s major project is Technology Valley, which links businesses with innovative services from Crown research institutes and helps businesses use technology to develop and deliver new services.

The chamber is also running a series of seminars aimed at upskilling small businesses in social media and how to use it as a marketing tool.

Meanwhile, Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says he is ecstatic at the government’s decision to allow Crown research institute IRL to remain in Lower Hutt after fears it could relocate to Auckland. “It’s a real vote of confidence in our city.”

He says IRL has received national and international recognition for the science it has done in the city, enhancing the area’s reputation as a centre for science and innovation. “I’ve been pushing the Technology Valley concept. I’m committed to work with IRL and other science providers to make the Hutt the science and technology capital of New Zealand.”

Hutt City Council’s city development manager Gary Craig says that the council is committed to supporting business and economic growth in the city, and is involved in a number of initiatives to make this happen.

One of the council’s main projects, Making Places, aims to maximise the potential of the central business district. The plans involve 200 potential projects over the next 20 years that aim to make the CBD more attractive to businesses and residents.

He says the council also provides financial support to the Seaview Gracefield Working Group to help implement the Seaview Gracefield Vision, which aims to provide stability to support the area's existing businesses while providing a suitable environment for the growth of new and emerging ones.

“We want to work together with the Seaview Gracefield business community to ensure the area continues to be a crucial industrial and commercial hub for the region.”

The Wellington Regional Strategy, the document that guides economic development throughout the region, is currently being reviewed.

A spokeswoman for the region’s economic development agency, Grow Wellington, declined to comment on current initiatives pending the outcome of the review.

She says the review is likely to be finishedshortly. Grow Wellington will work with local councils to implement the review’s findings.

Foaese here to represent Petone youth

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:36:26 GMT

From August of 2010 to August of 2011 the United Nations General Assembly celebrated the year of youth, a whole year dedicated to recognising young people around the globe, their diversity, their skills, and most importantly their contribution to society today and societies of the future. The international year of the youth was established 25 years ago to emphasise to all countries that their youth are the most vital resource for local, national and international development. Look at the middle east and the 'Arab Spring' and see the youth that lead campaigns on facebook and twitter for democratic reform that toppled their governments, look at the youth leading the campaigns for Climate Change awareness and Occupy Wall Street for equality, look at Christchurch and the youth volunteer army numbering thousands that helped the recovery effort after the Earthquake - youth are change makers and when empowered the impossible becomes possible.

Now its 2012 and as a Petone Community Board member who is passionate about youth I have asked myself and community residents this question 'what can we do to ultilise the amazing youth resource we have in our community?'. The most obvious answer is greater participation, we need more of our local young people to be interested, involved and included in our local activites and projects. However, young people need to know they are supported to feel comfortable participating so it is the responsibility of our community to encourage our children and youth to get involved.

So in 2012 my main goal is to establish a support system for our local young people to get more involved and initiate community projects that have our children as its focus. This year Hutt City Council intends to develop and implement a Children and Young Peoples Plan which will tackle the biggest youth issues and increase support for youth development. This is an opportunity for our young people to have their voice heard and let people know what they need to be positive contributors to our community.

Eastbourne Community Board will soon have a by-election to decide who will represent their community - this is a great example of an opportunity to encourage someone young to get involved and play a significant role in local governance. Young people are our future but just as we saw in Christchurch they are capable of making big things happen today - lets start giving them the opportunities to do it.

Petone tertiary education precinct gains momentum

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:35:29 GMT

A proposed tertiary education precinct for Petone has moved a step closer following a decision by a Hutt City Council subcommittee.

The precinct has been proposed by WelTec which says current District Plan rules affecting its Petone campus are confusing and unclear.

The council’s district plan subcommittee last month endorsed WelTec’s proposal to go out for public consultation as a possible change to the District Plan.

Subcommittee chair Roger Styles says the proposal is a positive step for Petone and Hutt City and provides a clear direction for future development of the site.

“WelTec is a significant organisation that makes an important contribution to our city. The decision by council reflects a desire to ensure WelTec continues its commitment to the area.

“There has been two years of consultation on this issue and it will now be formally notified, including suggested rules around height, car parking and boundary distances.”

Mr Styles says public notification is expected in February. Submissions will be called for and a public hearing will be held around May or June.

WelTec chief executive, Linda Sissons says the council decision will provide her organisation with greater certainty and allow planning to meet changing circumstances.

“We are pleased with the decision which follows significant consultation with the community led by the Petone Community Board. We will continue to work closely with the public at all stages of the process,” she says.

Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says WelTec brings in millions of dollars into Petone and the wider city. “If it were to move, it would have a detrimental effect on the city.”

He says while the proposal will provide clarity, it will not allow WelTec to simply do what it wants. The overlay only applies within the existing WelTec campus.

Petone Planning Action Group spokeswoman Pam Hanna says nearby residents will want to look closely and what is being proposed. “WelTec wants certainty. So do residents.”

Petone short of meeting places?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:34:54 GMT

Petone is short of meeting places for community groups and voluntary organisations, according to long-time local identity Roy Hewson.

He says the problem got worse since the Red Cross Hall in Kensington St was sold recently and got transported to the Wairarapa.

“There are some halls but they are all privately owned, apart from the meeting space in the library.”

He says while schools have halls and other spaces, they are in use during the day when many groups like to meet. The Petone Working Men’s Club is one option. But its best meeting spaces are upstairs, which can be difficult for older people to access.

There are vacancies in upstairs meeting rooms at the Petone Community House. However, those downstairs are fully booked.

Across the road in the library complex, the meeting room used by the Petone Community Board is also very busy.

Mr Hewson belongs to Probus which currently has 60 members. Mr Hewson says they would like to take on more members – there are 20 on their waiting list. But the community board room can’t hold any more and Mr Hewson says there are no other suitable meeting spaces around Petone that can be booked on a regular basis.

Mr Hewson says he has made Hutt City Council aware of the problem. “Once upon a time we had lots of small halls all around Petone. Now there’s nowhere to build a hall in Petone.”

He is waiting to hear the council’s ideas on the issue. “I know it’s being bashed around.”

Petone Community Board chairman Gerald Davidson agrees Petone has a lack of good meeting spaces.

He says WelTec has some large spaces, such as lecture theatres. But they are fully utilised during the day. Petone rugby and cricket clubs hire out their spaces for functions. But they are not suitable for smaller groups. Mr Hewson says those clubs also charge commercial hireage rates which are beyond what many community groups can afford.

Mr Davidson says Petone suffers in comparison with many others areas because it no longer a secondary school. While the buildings of the former Petone College remain, Mr Davidson says the Office of Treaty Settlements has made it clear it will not open them up for the community to use.

Picnic in the Park

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:34:27 GMT

Wellington’s parks will again become a popular location for those wishing to enjoy a family picnic this summer.

The region boasts many public parks perfect for picnickers. But with facilities varying between them, it is best to consider your options before packing up your picnic basket and hitting the road.

Although most parks offer picnic sites for public use without the need to book in advance, there is no guarantee that they will be available. If your picnic is for more than 10 people it is best to plan ahead and consider contacting the park ranger to book a site.

Belmont Regional Park ranger Jeremy Paterson says the park does not enforce bookings or fees for groups wishing to picnic.

“Picnic tables are used in the park on a first-in-first-served basis. In saying that, there are plenty of nice spots within the park to picnic which don’t require a table.”

Battle Hill Park ranger Andrew Nevin says that there is a large area set aside within the parks for day use and picnics, although the campground is also free to be used by picnickers.

“There are no barbecues but people are welcome to bring their own. Four of the picnic sites and all campsites have fire pads where people can make campfires.”

Mr Nevin says that booking is usually only necessary for bigger events of more than 20-30 people.

“There is always space where families can picnic without booking.”

For groups looking to make use of public barbecues for their summer picnic many parks offer electric or gas barbecues.

Kaitoke Regional Park has free electric barbecues available at its campsite. Greater Wellington Regional Council suggests that groups of 20 or more consider booking the large barbecue shelter during summer months for a small fee.

Public barbecues are also available in Hutt City at Avalon Park, Petone Foreshore, Williams and Bishop Parks.

In Porirua, Aotea Lagoon and Waitangirua Park boast a number of picnic areas with free barbecues.

Porirua City Council parks and reserves manager Bill Inge says that Aotea Lagoon also has two areas available for exclusive use—the Rose Garden or island on the main lagoon.

“This costs $169.03 per day or part day. It would be a fantastic place to use the island for a family or community group picnic - great fun for a private gathering.”

If, however, all you are after when heading off for a family picnic this summer is a nice patch of grass to place your picnic blanket, then all of the region’s parks should not disappoint.

A word from the Mayor

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:33:56 GMT

“Use a bit less…” is the theme of water restrictions this summer as we approach the long hot days to come.

We as a council work with other councils in the region, including the Greater Wellington Regional Council, to promote awareness of the need to ensure there is adequate water supply for the region.

A joint effort by all residents to use a bit less water will help later in the summer when conditions are expected to be drier. There will be ongoing publicity about water restrictions and all residents will receive a reminder, in the form of a fridge magnet, about the use of garden watering systems and sprinklers between 6am-8am and 7pm-9pm on alternate days.

The Petone artesian water fountain continues to be very popular drawing people from all over the region.

Over the next few months our city is going to be a busy place with a wide range of diverse activities programmed for young and old alike.

Among the popular events is the Splash and Dash in Petone within a fun run and sea swim over four weeks beginning Wednesday 25 January. Other key dates include the Te Ra o Te Raukura on Sunday 5 February at Te Whiti Park, Petone Rotary Fair on Saturday 18 February and Shapeshifter, which turns the Civic Gardens into a magnificent outdoor gallery beginning 25 February.

Heading into March, Lower Hutt will host more than 2000 competitors for the Australasian police and emergency services games starting on 2 March.

With exploration of the outdoors, biking the trails, the swimming pools, and the Big Day at Dowse late in March, there is a great deal to entertain residents and visitors within Lower Hutt.

This year will present further challenges for the city council as we continue to contain costs and ensure ratepayers get real value for their money. We did a good job last year and I intend to ensure we keep up the good work.

The Lower Hutt development plan will soon be out for public consultation and will include a number of proposals for the allocation of spending by council. I urge readers to take an interest in this important democratic process.

A representation review is also planned this year where we will consider, among other things, the continuation of community boards. Again this will be an opportunity to have your say and be heard.

Make the most of the good weather to come and all the best for the New Year ahead.

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.

Unlikely risk of oil spill at Seaview

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:33:14 GMT

Regional authorities throughout New Zealand are learning valuable lessons from the response to the grounding of the container ship Rena off the Bay of Plenty coast.

If an oil spill was to occur in the Wellington region Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and the Greater Wellington Regional Council say they are well prepared to tackle it.

Tens of millions of litres of petroleum are stored in the Wellington Region, mostly in the bulk storage tanks at Seaview, Kaiwharawhara and Miramar, and over 800 million litres are transported along roads, railways and across the sea every year.

Greater Wellington regional harbourmaster Captain Mike Pryce, who is responsible for the council’s response to regional marine oil spills, says that a major oil spill at Seaview is unlikely.

“If there was an oil leak in Seaview then it would be petrol or diesel and would then most likely disperse by itself,” he says.

“The most likely scenario is a pipeline leak at Seaview Marina but we regularly practice with booms and equipment like that to deal with this situation, and have recently practiced with fire-fighters.”

MNZ say that each region has the equipment necessary to deal with minor spills and to mount a credible first response to more significant incidents.

MNZ Marine Pollution Response Service (MPRS) manager Andrew Berry says Wellington has 25 trained and qualified oil spill responders, two on-scene commanders and one shoreline clean-up assessment specialist.

“They are trained and gain qualifications in courses provided by MPRS through a nationally consistent training cycle.”

While a major oil spill at Seaview may be unlikely, Mr Berry says the Port of Wellington is listed as high risk in the marine oil spill risk assessment.

Wellington is equipped according to its risk level with a number of boom, skimming and pump systems, as well as wildlife support equipment.

Only New Plymouth and Marsden Point, which are both listed as very high risk, have larger stockpiles than those in Wellington.

Larger and more specialised equipment for more complex spills is based at MNZ’s marine pollution response service warehouse in Auckland.

In the event of a large oil spill MNZ say that equipment can be mobilised quickly from anywhere in the country and transported by road and air to the scene.

MNZ director Catherine Taylor says regional councils form the backbone of New Zealand’s oil spill response system.

Led by the team at MNZ’s marine pollution response service, the regional council oil spill responders work year round to ensure New Zealand is ready to respond to an event like the Rena grounding.

“They are our key partners in oil response. The support we have received from the regional councils has been outstanding.”

Three times the fun for Mike Mercer

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:24:59 GMT

Caption: Petone triathlete Mike Mercer is in training for March’s national championships to be held in Wellington.

Petone man Mike Mercer says being a triathlete is like doing three sports at once.

Mr Mercer competed in September’s world triathlon championships in Beijing, finishing 22nd out of 52 in the 25 to 29 age category.

It was a creditable finish for someone who had only been doing triathlons for three years.

Competing in Beijing on the same course used for the 2008 Olympics was “awesome”. “I loved the atmosphere. The swim was in a reservoir – it was fresher than most lakes in New Zealand.”

Mr Mercer says he was encouraged to take up the sport after Shaun Kavanagh, a close friend, qualified for the 2008 world championships in Vancouver, Canada.

“I love the variety triathlon gives you. I like trying different things. Having swimming, biking and running means I never get bored.”

Mr Mercer gets up at 5.30 most mornings to travel to Lower Hutt’s Huia Pool, where he swims 3.5km, or 140 laps. “Swimming gets you off to the best start every day. I feel really energised when I come to work.”

He fits training around his fulltime job as a real estate agent for The Professionals Hutt City. “The really tricky part is to find time in the day to run or bike. Saturday is my main training day because on Sundays I do open homes. One day a week I have a rest, otherwise I get training overload.”

2012 will be an interesting year with the New Zealand championships in Wellington in March and the world champs in Auckland in October. “I can’t wait. It’s going to be exciting. It’s also going to harder, with so many wanting to represent their country at home.”

With triathlon effectively being three sports in one, Mr Mercer says it’s expensive to compete. “It’s three times the cost. There is prize money for those at the top level. They can also make money from sponsorship.”

Mr Mercer says he pays the costs of competing himself. However, he and a few fellow competitors fundraised to help pay the cost of getting to Beijing. “We have a movie night – The Hangover Part 2.”