a straw bale garden

Your local community newspaper goes out to 4,600 households in Manakau, Otaki and Te Horo 30 October 2013

TyrerecyclingPage: 5

WaitohuSchool 50 yrsPage: 13

Otaki RiverWalkPage: 7

Hamish's Glittering Path

Mens & Ladies Fashion Clothing

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by LLOYD CHAPMAN

Former Otaki Mayor Murray Scotts son is literally treading the path established by his father. Hamish Scott, 51 has patented a world-first paving product that glows in the dark. The prototype is being trialled by Cambridge City Council in England. If you google Starpath youll be surprised the media attention his company is attracting. Their website contains a video that explains the revolutionary product.

Hamish Scott grew up in Otaki. Rex Kerr remembers him as playing for the 2nd XV. On leaving Otaki College in 1979, he began an engineering apprenticeship with Southgate Engineering in Arthur Street. He then joined his fathers company, Matta Products. Hamish was a born salesman, remembers his mother. At the age of 29 Hamish went to England, to sell his dads innovative matting wares. Hamish sold Matta products to every council in England, building up a solid rapport with his customers.

Hamish married an English girl, Lara and now has two daughters. They live in Virginia Waters, Surrey West of Londons M25. Eventually Hamish sold his distribution company, but retained his focus on councils needs.

His new company, Pro-Teq Surfacing has just patented innovative pathway re-surfacing methodology called STARPATH. Hamish Scott said, Councils spend significant sums of money fully replacing existing pathways when the existing surfaces have reached the end of their practical life. Our

product is cost effective, fast to apply and fast to set, is an anti-slip surface, while the client has a choice of size and colour of aggregate. Once the aggregate is laid we apply a finishing coat, which is specially formulated to ensure the surface is water-resistant, and provides longevity

to the finished product. Further, the surface is environmentally-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. He continued, We are so pleased Cambridge City Council has agreed to trial the product. STARPATH has attracted much interest from

the public, in C a m b r i d g e and other

councils in the UK. We continue to refine and adapt the product to ensure it meets the on-going needs of our customers and the environment.

Continued on page: 2

Hamish Scott

Page: 2 Otaki Mail - 30 October 2013

Otaki Kindergarten 68a Waerenga Road, Otaki Phone 06 364 8553

Email [email protected] of operationTeina (younger children)Tues & Fri 8.30 am 12.40 pmTuakana (older)Mon, Wed & Thurs 8.45 am - 2.45 pmCall in to kindergarten to complete an enrolment form or do it online at

www.wn-kindergarten.org.nzOr just pop in for a look around the kindergartenVacancies availableWe provide a high quality Educational

programme All teachers fully trained

By MARGARET ANDREWS

There was plenty for everyone to do at the Otaki College gala with a good variety of stalls, activities and entertainment as people came out and enjoyed the bright sunshine.

It was a fabulous day, enjoyed by a large number of people of all ages, said Megan Nelson-Latu, Home & School Committee spokesperson. And the weather was stunning!

Numbers were on a par with the last two years and they expected to raise between $8000-$9000, with the proceeds going to fund student activities and gear.

There were the traditional gala stalls - cakes, books, white elephant, toys and plants, hot dog, sausage sizzles and sandwich stalls along with the Chow Mein and the sweets, toffee apples and cold drinks, which were popular during the lunch hour, the chicken wheel quick draw raffles and hangi were also popular.

Out on the back field were the bouncy castles, paintball and horse rides, with new activities wet sponge stocks, smash-em-up car wrecking and Knock your Block Off opposing warriors dressed in inflated garments trying to knock the head off the opposition with a giant sized inflated paddle! Other activities included a Japanese fishing game, face painting, and raffles.

Among the goods donated to the gala, was a pretty womans powder box containing some hidden treasure, it was in a box of goods including a New Zealand book inscribed To Mum from Barry. If anyone recognises the container or book, please contact the college office as they are keen to return the unexpected treasure.

Maddie Hawley-Stone sang to

the crowd and the year 10 dance class gave a demonstration of a flash mob dance. In a quiet spot by the whanau centre, people could sit and listen to Andrew and Kirsten London sing and play guitar as they enjoyed a quiet cuppa at the caf.

The gala was organised by the Home & School committee with support from staff and parents.

It seems Pro-Teq are streets ahead of the rest and are clearly welcomed by many. Pro-Teq has earned an outstanding reputation for repeat business from key customers, primarily because its customers recognise there is a significant technology and environmental gap between Pro-Teq products and more traditional resurfacing options.

The Cambridge path took Hamish and his team of four only four hours to resurface the existing pathway. People were able to walk on the new path half an hour later. Best of all, its inexpensive, costing only $150 a square metre, which may sound a lot, but in council

terms, its cheap and effective.How does it work ? Its spray-

applied as a three coat process. First the polyurethane base, then the aggregate (or rubber chip) coating, finally the polyaspartic top sealer coat. The aggregate material absorbs and stores energy from ambient (UV) light during the day, then releases the energy at night, allowing the particles to glow.

Why are councils so excited ? Local government is trying to cut costs by cutting night-time lighting. Starpath may provide the solution. Hamish reports As far as I know (and I speak to Cambridge City Council regularly) the path has

been received very well. Radio Cambridge broadcast live from the site earlier this week and were stopping passers-by and asking their opinion, and all of them were very favourable!

The Otaki Mail asked Hamish whether this would be suitable for resurfacing our troubled Main Street footpaths. He laughed: I will be back in December but will not be doing any demos. I cant spray without my trucks and I cant put them on a flight! As much as I would love to help Otaki to resurface their main street, I think that project may have to wait for a while longer.

Hamish's Glittering Path Continued from page: 1

Fabulous day enjoyed by all ages

Eric Matthews works hard at the chicken wheel egging people on to buy the quick fire raffle tickets, with offers of great prizes.

Not bareback but backwards! Cooper James aged, was so confident riding old Moose he straddled the saddle backwards as he was led around the ring.

Page: 3Otaki Mail - 30 October 2013

SummerSet by the rangeS love the life

Otaki and Te Horo residents who have made the move to Summerset by the Ranges

Great people make a great retirement village. Nowhere is that truer than at Summerset by the Ranges.

We have a warm and welcoming community where the greetings are friendly and the smiles are genuine. Were here to enjoy life whether its the organised activities or just getting together for a cup of tea and a chat. There are so many things to do here and, of course, its always up to you which activities you choose to enjoy.

If you would like to know more about Summerset by the Ranges, call Robyn Minchin on 06 367 3085 or drop in if youre passing by. You will find our lovely, established village at 102 Liverpool Street, Levin.

An affordable home a more enjoyable lifeWhen you come to Summerset, living in an affordably priced home with no rates or maintenance bills means you have the time and the means to enjoy your life to the fullest.

Right now we can show you a selection of homes that we know you will love, at a price you will love. Drop in if youre passing by, or call Robyn on 06 367 3085.

Meet Robyn from SummersetGertrude Atmore Supper Room

Otaki Memorial Hall, Main Street, Otaki Wednesday 6 November, 2pm 4pm

Renee - always a writer

By MARGARET ANDREWS

It aint all Honey and it aint all Jam, a journey from childhood to today with 84 year old playwright, novelist, nonfiction writer, teacher, poet, gardener and cook, Renee, at a recent evening at the Otaki Community Health Centre.

A book is a book is a book its a book whether its online or between covers, Renee (she prefers just Renee) as she encompasses the modern technology and writing e-books, one chapter a week if Charles Dickens could publish a chapter a week in a newspaper in

Victorian times, I thought I could do the same in the 21st century, on the net!

Although she was a bright child of course you got as high in class as you could was her mothers approval when she came top in class! She had little formal education, leaving school at age 12. Renee had always enjoyed writing and so sent some articles away for publication; although she was soon getting paid for her work, after early rejections she knew she had to learn how to write for publication. She joined the Hawkes Bay branch of the NZ Womens Writers Group, soon realising almost all members were university graduates! She began writing essays and then started extramural study and attended Auckland University in her third year. It took 10 years to complete her arts degree.

She wrote her first play 'What did you do in the war Mummy' after she graduated and later 'Wednesday to Come', which was written for her mother who died at 42 when Renee was just 19. The play was directed by well-known actor and director, George Webby, with Kate Harcourt, Jane Waddell and Georgina Whitehouse, opening at Downstage theatre. This was followed by a revue which later went on tour around New Zealand.

I knew now I could write stage shows that people would come to see she said.

Renee has received many awards for her work and contributions to literature, theatre,

teaching and mentoring, the pinnacle being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and her most recent the Kingi Ihaaka award; she has also held the Robert Burns Fellowship at Otago University, the Waikato Writing Fellowship at Waikato University and the Randell Cottage Fellowship in Wellington.

More recently she has been tutor and mentor at the Whitireia Polytechnic creative writing programme and led many workshops. Her 'Your Life, Your Story' workshops on Memoirs for the Cancer Society and in the wider community led to the book 'Your Life,

Your Story' a Practical Guide to Writing Memoirs.

In 2012 she began her own website Wednesday Busk.com publishing a chapter of a novel each Wednesday, Wednesday poems contributed by poets from around the country and a Writers Talk interviews with well-known NZ writers, poets and playwrights, and a blog in which she muses on life, gardening and writing.

More recently she has been teaching at a nine week writing workshop through the Otaki Womens Health Centre, who hosted the evening.

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If you live in Te Horo and have something newsworthy to share, call 364 3046 or Email Vivienne on [email protected] Lets put Te Horo on the map and make Te Horo an essential part of the Otaki Mail every month.

By MARGARET ANDREWS

After nearly 30 years of clearing rubbish and keeping the grass cut and grounds tidy, the swimming pool in use and the heating operating, Otaki College caretaker Llew Ellis, hung up his keys and retired at the end of term three.

The former jockeys first taste of working at the college was on a placement on the former Department of Works work scheme, from which he gained the caretakers position.

That first morning this cocky little jockey walked up the drive and I wondered what the heck theyd sent me, former principal Rex Kerr told Mr Elliss farewell assembly. But later we hired him! Hes been here almost 30 years, thats a remarkable time for anyone.

Mr Ellis has stayed in the job for close to 30 years, no one was quite sure when he officially started work, and he has seen many changes in that time. Workwise the best upgrade would have had to be to the automatic natural gas system which lit at the flick of a switch; before that it was the coal fired boiler, where he had to shovel the coal off the truck into the coal bunker and then into the boiler, getting it started early each winters morning, so classrooms and offices were warm by the time pupils and staff arrived for the day.

From his first days to his retirement he has made many friends among staff and students.

Heartfelt thanks to you, for the 28-29 years youve served the school, Principal Andy Fraser said. Every burglar in town knew Llew and knew if he caught them hed take them off at their knees

He presented Mr Ellis with a kauri waka which had been carved in traditional patterns, one symbolising strength, agility and swiftness, the other representing the Atua - the gods, who protect all who sail in the waka and the person who owns it. A smaller waka, once given to Mr Fraser by Mr Ellis, was attached outrigger style, as Mr Fraser felt it belonged to his workmate, having been carved by a friend of his many years before.

The whole school then performed a haka, in recognition of what Mr Ellis meant to them and the work he did at the college.

One of his earliest duties was security, there were no lights or alarms then and he would do his rounds accompanied by his guard dog Schulz, a huge

Alsatian cross who followed him everywhere. Teacher, Gillian Gordon spoke of how reassuring it was to know he was around, when she was in a classroom after hours and the alarm went off. I only had to text Llew and hed come.

He was known to be pretty good at picking winners and always had some good tips going, but former teacher, Rod Graham said the best tip was Always do what the principal says, but remember the most important people were the lady in the office and the caretaker!!

I knew nothing about this today, he said of the total surprise of the assembly presentation and the morning tea. Maybe his fellow staff members knew him too well, judging by the photographic proof of his ability to disappear when it was time for the annual staff photo, they probably rightly guessed he would be missing at the appropriate moment!

There were several former staff members at the farewell assembly and morning tea, who added their memories to the occasion during morning tea.

By MARGARET ANDREWS

An Otaki residents last wishes were granted, when he received a military burial following his death in late September.

Staff Officer (retired) William Charles Cooper died on September 26 and as a long serving officer was entitled to a full military honours burial. His funeral service - tangi, was held at Whakarongatai Marae in Waikanae, before his casket was brought back to Otaki for the burial ceremony. The flag draped casket was loaded onto a gun carriage and escorted up Anzac Road to the soldiers cemetery, accompanied by an escort party from the 2nd Engineers Regiment based at Linton Army Camp.

I served with Bill in three separate units, said David Maloney, National Vice President for NZRSA.

He was a fellow with lots of skill, integrity and honesty. We will miss him.Over 300 family and friends attended the service and burial, with his former SAS mates recited the brothers ode, sang their song The

Green Green Grass of home, which was followed by three rounds of rifle salute, playing of the Last Post with the lowering of the flag and Reveille to end the formal part of the burial.

It cannot be recalled when such a funeral was last held at Otaki Cemetery, president of the Otaki RSA, Colin Robertson, said.

A military funeral is the entitlement of any long serving officer and is arranged by the NZ Defence Force.

Bill Cooper served 23 years in the NZ Army, enlisting in 1963 he saw action in Vietnam, Malaya and later with the Special Air Service in Borneo. After 10 years with the SAS he was discharged in 1984 when he transferred to the Reserve Officers list until his retirement a year later.

A little known part of Mr Coopers life was his involvement with the Te Maori Expo from when it opened in New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Arts in 1984. Many of his extended family were involved with the kapa haka group which attended the opening.

Te Horo Christmas MarketPlans are currently underway

for the communitys Christmas Market, which will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, 14th December at Te Horo Community Hall. This is the eighth year for the market, a popular destination for both the local community and those from further afield. Spokesperson,

Sharon Hurst, said shes received many enquiries already regarding stalls.

Its a great family morning out, and also a way of supporting your local community. Bookings can be made from late October by contacting Ms Hurst on 06 364 3624 or [email protected]

Craft Circle expandsThe success of Te Horos

Craft Circle group has led to an extension of hours which are now 10.00am to 4.00pm, at Te Horo Hall.

The ladies wanted more time to craft so we experimented last month with a new time it was a great success.

Crafters are now able to bring along their sewing machines

and larger projects to work on, such as quilts. Crafts involved are varied, and include advent calendar-making, hand-smocking and card-making.

Newcomers are always welcome, you dont need to stay all day and its only $2 for a coffee. Next meeting is Wednesday, 13 November.

Te Horo Community MarketIf you find yourself with

a large surplus of fruit or something in your garden, or youre starting up a new craft, youll be welcome at Te Horos regular monthly market. Stalls are available and theres no

need to commit to having a stall every month. Its a great, friendly market and a lot of fun. Next market is Sunday 3 November, 10.00am to 12.30pm - to book a stall contact Barbara on 06 364 3900.

Drinks and NibblesThe monthly evening get-

together at Te Horo Hall continues to attract new faces, and last month saw an incredible turnout. The BYO event is a great way to meet

newcomers to the area and to catch up with old mates and neighbours just bring a plate of something to share and a drink next Drinks and Nibbles is Friday, 1 November, 5.30pm.

I wondered what the heck theyd sent me

Military funeral for long serving officer


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by LLOYD CHAPMAM

One of the more interesting developments for Otaki's Cleantech Park is the recycling and reprocessing of tyres. Kapiti resident Reiner Wenzel is embarking on a factory to recycle tyres from cars & trucks. He plans a prototype factory commencing March, employing 7 local staff to process initially 400,000 tyres per annum. A more ambitious 24,000 square metre factory processing ten times the initial volume is scheduled to come onstream in late 2015. It is projected to employ 50 people.

So how does it all work ? A conventional car tyre weighs about 10kg. It comprises 85% rubber, 12% steel, 3% fibre. At the end of its life, having travelled about 80,000km, it weighs 9kg and the original steel and fibre remain. Collecting and recycling tyres is a difficult business, with a large proportion of tyres finding their way into landfills, where they do not decompose. Car tyres generally have 70% synthetic rubber, 30% natural. Truck tyres are much higher in natural rubber. Reiner's approach is to shred tyres direct at the collection point, with a trailer-mounted shredder, resulting in a coarse granulated product that is easily transported to the Otaki factory for further

processing. Back at the factory, the

granules are shredded, with steel and fabric separated out. The remaining rubber is ground down to the consistency of fine sugar granules. The rubber granules are 'devulcanised' with heat & pressure into long-chain hydrocarbons. This results in a sticky powder. Next comes the clever bit, involving the 'secret ingredient', which he describes as the 'revulcanise' process, which produces 'new' rubber. This will be exported to the far east, where there exists a ready market for the production of tyres, or conveyor belts.

Right now, New Zealand consumes 4 million tyres annually. Reiner's pilot plant will process 400,000 tyres. His $20 million factory scheduled for 2015 will have a capacity to take 1/3 of all NZ tyres or approximately 3,000,000 tyres annually . It will run 24/7 and will employ 50 staff. When the factory is running, Reiner reckons he will need 10 trailer-mounted shredders, to operate throughout the country. This is the sort of operation that might be franchised, in the long term. The Otaki factory will recruit locally, and will need machine operators, mechanics, and eventually will provide apprenticeships for

school-leavers. Why Otaki ? Well, Reiner has

visited NZ many times, likes Kapiti as a place to live, and has been seduced by KCDC and their forward-looking Cleantech initiative. The Ministry for the Environment have endorsed his proposals, having determined that his processes are not

environmentally harmful. Nigel Pritchard and his Riverbank Engineering team of innovative engineers are looking forward to working with Reiner to produce tyre-munching machines. There is already strong foreign interest for this type of equipment. Interested parties are scheduled to arrive in Otaki from China, Germany

and elsewhere this November to secure the purchase of the recycled rubber, says Reiner.

With Matta Products having already established Otaki as a clever recycling centre, Reiner Wenzel is set to expand the town's reputation.

Tyre Recycling Plant For Otaki

"The devulcaniser"


Taking Otakis pulse

Otaki Birthing Services

www.otakimidwives.org.nz Phone: 364 8337Open Thursdays from 10.30am -12pm or by arrangement

Please ring for more information regarding the next ante natal class or to make an appointment to be seen

He Whare Kohanga OraMaternity Information and Resource Centre

288 Main Highway, Otaki

takiCommunity Health Centre

186 Mill Road, Otaki

Otaki Womens Health CentreSexual Health ClinicsCervical Screening ClinicsCounsellingTotal Mobility AgentHealth Information

YogaMeals on Wheels

Arthritis Support GroupBowen Therapy 362 6603

Rebirthing Breathwork 021 143 4099ebooks Accounting 027 229 2312

MidCentral DHB Alcohol & Other Drugs Service, Child, Adolescent & Family Mental Health and Adult Mental Health Service

Rooms available for rent, long or short termFor information on services phone Janet or Michelle on 364 6367

Monday Friday

Place: Otaki Medical Centre 2 Aotaki Street OtakiDate: Tuesday 19 NovemberTime: 4pm 6pm

No appointment necessaryAll welcome

Free Spot Checks

By MARGARET ANDREWS

Often the thought of exercising brings about thoughts of pain and anguish from bending, stretching and twisting or pavement pounding, but at Kori Kaumatua

the sessions are fun and non stressful.

Kori Kaumatua is exercise for the older persons. Forget about fast aerobics, air-punching" exercises or lifting. The beauty of Kori Kaumatua is it low impact and relatively slow; the actions are smooth and the heaviest object you will lift is a ball! It involves stretching using resistance bands and chair aerobics sitting on your chair, so no heaving yourself off the floor and you can hang on to the back of your chair for balance if you need.

My family has seen a difference in me and say keep it up Mum 80 plus year old Jean Hing said. With the combination movements, especially arm movements, my strength and balance are improving. Mrs Hing has been attending for two months.

The twice weekly classes are held at Nga Pura Pura, the gymnasium complex opposite Te Wananga O Raukawa. Leader, Ngawira Logan, who started the classes after completing a Degree in Maori Lifestyle Development and sports coaching, including health and fitness.

Many of the exercises help with strengthening muscles in the arms and chest, which helps

recovery from body scarring and co-ordination movements with stroke rehabilitation, Ms Logan said.

Ours are really easy, not stressful and we all do it together, said Laree Mann, who is recovering from a stroke; she has been attending since classes began five months ago. Its improved my movement and balance, making what we do easier and the more you do the more you get from it.

Another delighted attendee is Waikura Logan, Ngawiras mother. She has been waiting for a knee replacement operation, when she first came to the classes she was walking with two crutches, now she can walk on her own.

Awesome, absolutely awesome, she exclaimed. Since coming here Ive seen people with various medical conditions and see how they have improved. Its good for their health and wellbeing.

The classes are open to anyone and run between 10 & 11 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The only charge is $2 for the morning tea provided at the end of class

MS Logan said they are trialling another group on Monday night at 5pm, class runs for 40-45 minutes.

By MARGARET ANDREWS

The child car restraint law changes from November 1, from when it will be compulsory for all children aged five to their eighth birthday to use an approved child restraint.

There are a variety of booster seats on the market including the half seat, which is just the base, using the adult seat belt.

Although the half booster seat is legal, we dont recommend them as they have no place to secure the seat belt away from the childs neck and have no neck or back protection, in a high impact collision, said Maheno Stone, Levin Plunket qualified car seat technician.

The New Zealand Plunket Society has extended its carseat hire service to include the booster seats, and their trained technicians can advise on the correct restraints for your children. The booster seats can also be purchased from Plunket and they will provide quotes for Work and Income NZ funding, where applicable. The seats available from Plunket range in price from $110-$280. The more expensive one has a five point harness and can be used by a child from three years or 29.4 kilograms up to 50 kilograms.

The Levin Plunket Rooms in Cambridge Street is the closest carseat advice and recommendations centre for Otaki people. Parents unsure of any information they have received can contact the Levin office on phone 06 3686762 or 029 7799667.

While a likely scenario with children over five, who now use

just the adult seatbelt, will be a protest at having to go back to using car seats again, but point out

the positive the higher they sit the more they can see out through the window.

Levin Plunkets Maheno Stone checks the booster seat for correct position and seatbelt security, four year old Rasela Fonoti from the Fanau Pasifika Kindergarten.

Keep them Safe!

Forget about fast aerobics


Focus On ..... .... Friends of the Otaki Riverby LLOYD CHAPMAN

George Gray of Ngati Raukawa was born at Tainui in 1931. In 1951 he joined the Manawatu Catchment Board, as the overseer of the Otaki river. He retired from the Wellington Regional Council forty years later. Initially much of the river work was done by hand, then by dragline, then tractors. Now modern diggers make it much easier. George remembers the great flood of 1955, when the river jumped to a different course, away from Chrystall's bend. He respects the Otaki river: 'You can't trust Nature: the river can change within hours'. Carl's family came to Otaki in 1935 and have farmed beside the river for nearly eight decades. George respects the contribution of the Lutz family to the Otaki river.

This year, in glorious sunshine, the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and the Friends Of The Otaki River (FOTOR) conducted their river walkover. This, the 13th annual walkover represents valuable community consultation; a chance for GWRC to showcase their flood protection work, and for the community to see FOTOR's development and planting of the river margin.

The Friends began in 2001, with Don Hunn as chairman. He was succeeded by Peter Pope, and since 2005 Max Lutz has headed the vibrant organisation, which comprises more than 200 members, representing all walks of Otaki life. All the old families are represented on the Executive, in a list that looks like the "who's who" of Otaki: Eric Matthews, Trevor Wylie, Peter Pope, Ron Clouston, Barry Cole, Ted Gimblett, Pat Hakaraia, Alan Jones, Barry Mansell, Christine Papps, Cathy Strong, Peter Waering, Leonore Winterburn, Margaret Bayston, Penny Gaylor, Margaret Niven, Rupene Waaka, Graeme Winterburn.

In three buses, the 115 visitors were taken first to the Rahui cliffs at the upper reaches of the river. The braided Otaki river system carries the greatest volume of water of all the rivers off the Taratuas. Matsudana willows have, in GWRC's opinion proved to be the best way to inhibit erosion, doing a better job than native plantings.

Rock groynes will be erected at the end of debris fences on the Southern bank to prevent erosion of the riverbank. In 1998 when GWRC began re-alignment, the river was 80 metres wide. In the second phase, bulldozers widened the river to ensure that the river channel was in the middle of the river which was widened to 240 metres. New stopbanks were built, in a $2 million scheme to provide buffers to protect the Rahui valley of Otaki from serious flooding. As part of the channel management plan, 54,000 cubic metres of gravel are extracted annually. Bunds have been built to protect FOTOR's planting of natives. Chrystall's Bend is no longer the weak link in the Otaki river flood management system.

Morning tea at Chrystall's lagoon gave a chance to hear about some of the important aspects of floodplain management, and to celebrate the supportive works of FOTOR. Chairman Max Lutz spoke enthusiastically of Rex Kerr's book Otaki River, an important piece of work documenting the history of the river and its people. Max says this is the first book on the Otaki River, and sold out within 4 months of its first printing last year. Now in reprint, it is available from New World, Caltex, and RiverStone Cafe at a cost of $30, with all proceeds going to FOTOR's planting and restoration projects.

Next, we witnessed the presentation of a cheque for $5,000 from the Philipp foundation to enable children from Otaki Primary School to plant 1,000 seedlings at the estuary next year. The Philipp foundation sponsors conservation, health and education in Kapiti.

There are now eight km of public walkways along the Otaki river. To the East, you can walk up the Northern bank to Chrystall's Lagoon, where the extensive plantings by FOTOR can be viewed. To the West, both banks of the river have good pathways. On the Southern side, you can walk down the stopbanks as far as Katihiku marae. On the Northern side, you can walk from the carpark past the gravel extraction plant all the way down to the rivermouth.

The recently-erected viewing plat-form affords a good view over to

Katihiku and beyond to Kapiti island. Te Waari Carkeek told the group of an incorporation of 4,000 owners who run the land, grazed under lease by a local farmer. There is the largest colony of pied stilts in the region, together with a population of lizards in the grassy sand dunes. The massive weed bur-den is a problem that requires ongoing maintenance.

Mark Hooker of GWRC spoke of the stopbanks near the gravel extraction plant. They were originally erected in the 1940s. Their purpose was to withstand one-in-20 year floods, with more extreme flooding overflowing into the adjacent market garden land. Gravel extraction allows GWRC to effectively manage the river channel, while being mindful of environmental effects.

Chairman Max Lutz spoke with enthusiasm of the planting carried out by FOTOR. Public planting days several times every winter afford the community a chance to participate. With pre-dug holes, it is not uncommon for more than a hundred people to participate. To date, plantings exceed 45,000 natives. FOTOR has been a victim of its own success, and without a Ministry for the Environment grant, they would not be able to maintain the ongoing support demanded by the burgeoning plantings.

The real success story belongs, however to the 15-20 volunteers who turn up every Wednesday morning at the FOTOR nursery at the Riverbank road GWRC depot. This was the brainchild of the late Dr Barrie Bayston, who reasoned that they would never be able to afford to purchase all the natives for their planting projects. So he developed a nursery, using eco-sourced seeds. He was able to produce plants at one third the cost of local nurseries. Now the nursery has an annual production of 5,000 plants, all of the very highest quality.

Back at the GWRC depot, lunch was served, and everyone had a chance to talk to GWRC staff, inspect the nursery, and talk about future plans for enhancing the riparian environment of the Otaki river.

Two Oldies but Goodies - Carl Lutz & George Gray

Friends of the River with Chrystall's bend in the background

Cathy Strong, Max Lutz and Rex Kerr discuss the book

Margaret Bayston and Viola Palmer in the nursery

Ray and Irene Mackle, representing the Philipp foundation, present children from Otaki School with the cheque

The Otaki Mail thanks GWRC for the photographs used in this article.

Eric Matthews and Max Lutz admire Eric's sign


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The banks are moving to limit lending to people with less than 10% and have the ability to limit their risk to borrowers with 20% and above deposit. The Reserve Banks limit on LVR (highloanto-value) lending has affected some purchasers in the bigger cities, (some real estate agents are reporting), where 20% deposits are very difficult for first home buyers.

Currently the major banks write loans at LVR levels are at 29% of their lending; this will now reduce by one third. ASBs move to cancel preapprovals for borrowers has had a chilling effect on some first home buyers as reported by the media. While many of the banks are reviewing who they will lend to, some banks lending criteria are strongly favouring the first home buyer as preference, other will lend only to existing customers, so it is time to shop around.

There is a mixed reaction from the loan markets as to the effect of the LVR, most believe that it will not affect the volume of sales within the residential real estate market, as investors will

step in to pick up the slack. Other market influences are the slowly rising fixed interest rates in the past months; however, these have not yet had an effect on reducing house prices.

So while the Reserve Banks intention for the LVR is to have an effect on limiting house value increased, particularly in Auckland, the predictions are this will apply influence over a period of time, except in some markets such as Auckland and Christchurch whereby, supply and demand will still be the drivers on prices.

Bach - Change of rulesAnother legislative change has been

in Bach depreciation and the mixed use of assets which include rental homes, charter boats and aircraft. The new rule requires reductions that relate to rented and private use of the property. The new rules increase the record taking liability of the owner. If in doubt check with your accountant so you are prepared for 2014 tax compliance.

Feeling the chill- First home buyers

'Te Ora Pai' the perfect place to live the lifestyle - in the mild benevolent Manakau climate. Here on your 3HA (approx 7ac) of quality grazing land, here amongst orchard,ponds, cows and chooks. Handy to Manakau Village for school and society, handy to Otaki for shopping and transport. Your young 4 bedroom home, master, ensuite, double garage, open plan living, elevated views and decks, is a delightful spot to live the rural idle.Offers around $520,000

Classic Lifestyle90 Manakau Heights Drive, Manakau

MARGARET ANDREWS

The planting of 30 heritage apple trees at Stand Childrens Services is the beginning of new groundsman, Bob Monaghans desire to have food producing crops growing on site.

The trees are a mix of cooking and fresh eating apples and should start producing fruit within a year or two. New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA) eight members spent the morning digging holes and planting the trees at Stand (formerly Childrens Health Camp), the beginnings of an on-site orchard and garden.

This will be great, its a start, Mr Monaghan said, hes keen to have food crops growing on site.

A few months ago, Hannah Swartz, Kapiti Coast Councils Green Gardener, had mentioned to

NZTCAs Sharon Hurst, she was looking for help to plant fruit trees at Stand. Ms Hurst mentioned the project at a Plant Propagation night class she attends and was offered the apple trees by class tutor Warren Kerruish, who had grafted them.

The project received assistance with donations of products, from Composting NZ a mix of compost and soil - the camp grounds are very sandy, Farmlands Otaki and with Mitchpine Products 60 stakes for the new trees to keep them steady as the put down their roots and Electras mulch to help the trees retain moisture in the difficult conditions at the Otaki Beach, the new trees are off to a good start there was even a good rainfall over the next day or two.

Personally, I find it a bit of a disappointment children often

dont know where their food comes from, Ms Hurst said. We help where we can with planting trees and some propagation, we hold regular monthly field events to see how plantings are growing and can give advice where needed.

One of main objectives for the Wellington-Horowhenua Branch of NZTCAs is to show people tree planting as a crop both fruit and nut trees and pine. Currently they have almond trees growing on one site as they try to find which area is best for growing almonds.

We try to help the community, Ms Hurst said. Over the last couple of years the group has planted a mixture of fruit trees at Kapanui School in Waikanae and fruit trees at St Matthews Park in Raumati and they are hoping to be able to plants more fruit trees in schools around the area.

The Kapiti Concert Orchestra is delighted to be playing its very own timpani in their next concert in Levin this November. Thanks to a very generous grant from the Philipp Foundation, the orchestra has been able to purchase three timpani, and will have them for the November 16th concert.

Also known as kettle drums, timpani are an essential part of the percussion section and are traditionally a large copper bowl with a drum skin and can be tuned to different notes. The modern instrument can be aluminum which 0makes the drums lighter and more easily transportable.

The orchestra is also

delighted to have been asked to play at Te Takere and this will be the first time an orchestra has performed in Levin. There will be about 50 players, mostly from the Kapiti Coast and a few from the Wellington area. The programme includes Tchaikovskys Nutcracker Suite, Hummels Trumpet Concerto, Mendelssohns Midsummer Nights Dream, and to finish, Andersons toe tapping Sleigh Ride.

Concert Saturday Nov 16th at 4.30pm at Te Takere, Levin. Tickets from Te Takere, online or from KCO

We welcome new players google Kapiti Concert Orchestra for more details

New Drums for Kapiti Orchestra

Pictured with the 3 timpani Doreen Douglas, Timpanist, Fran Tull and Angela Ford, KCO committee members

Children often dont know where their food comes from

Sharon Hurst and Hannah Zwartz KCDCs Green Gardener, secure a new heritage apple tree against the strong coastal winds at Stand Childrens centre


By MARGARET ANDREWS

Otakis second Community Organisations Expo was a great success with 26 groups on hand to display or give demonstrations and give people a chance to try their hand at some of activities on show.

Expo organisers Otaki Village Promotions Group members, were delighted with the response from the public with over 500 people who visited the expo in the Memorial Hall.

There are good contacts being made and theres such a variety, said Carol Ward, speaking for the organisers. We delighted with the turnout.

The Kapiti Coast Councils new Clean Technology electric rubbish truck drew lots of interest outside the front door.

The Otaki Bowling Club had an indoor mat down and people could have a go at bowling or petanque, there was an opportunity to wage battle at the Miniature War Games table, pot a cabbage tree seed with the Waitohu Stream Care Group then take it home and care for it

till it was big enough to move to a bigger pot or into the garden. A foursome from the Otaki Bridge Club set up a table and played a round of bridge for the duration of the expo. The local Tai Kwon Do club gave a demonstration of the skills and the Otaki Athletics Club was able to enrol several new families for the season.

Among Otaki service groups and clubs were representatives from Rotary International, Transition Towns and their Time Bank, Community Patrol, Civil Defence, Probus Club and members of the Menzshed, the Historical Society, Kapiti Older Persons Council, Volunteer Kapiti, Alzheimers Society and the Literacy organisations. Theres been lots of interest and with over 500 people visiting, moving the expo into the hall was the right thing to do, Otaki Village Promotions Debbie Carson said.

By MARGARET ANDREWS

Kids Go Green in Kapiti, planting seeds and recycling junk kept the younger children busy over at the library during the school holidays, while the teenagers built on their artistic skills learning two forms of portraiture.

Growing seeds has always fascinated children and they had the opportunity to make a cress head filling the toe of an old stocking or similar with cress seeds, decorating a plastic pot, yoghurt pots are ideal, sitting the head on top add some eyes and keep it moist. The seeds should sprout within a few days and keep a fairly continuous growth of cress, for a time.

The second week it was Junkobots robots made from recycled grocery boxes, tins, plastic bottles and such. The kids were very creative with their robots, sticking and gluing with the hot glue gun, to keep them more secure, then giving each a name. Both sessions began with stories on the day's theme, whether planting or growing seeds, and the stories of different robots and recycling.

Otaki childrens librarian, Pam Coleman, showed them several of her treasures telling a story about each the magical powers of a moonstone or pendant, then invited the children to choose a treasure and tell their story.

It was good fun with the recycling message. I enjoyed the robot session, it was great to see the kids imaginations, Ms Coleman said. The seed heads in the first week were really good fun, they used shells and driftwood, natural stuff to decorate.

Parents and grandparents joined in the fun both days.

For the older ones their art days involved developing skills to make an object appear three dimensional and the following week block

portrait painting where they copied a black and white portrait using just black and white paints and using blocks of colour and shadows to create a portrait. The four girls were all amazed at their finished portraits.

The teen art programmes were run by Jacinta McFarlane, a Kapiti Youth Council member, currently doing a Diploma in Art and Creativity at Whitireia Polytechnic.

Tracey-Lea (Morgan, KCDC youth activities co-ordinator) came to one of the council meeting, I

met up with her and we decided to make libraries more teen friendly, through art, Jacinta said.

"It's nice to offer something for the teens - theres plenty for the younger children, Miss Morgan said. The girls all said suck when presented with the art workshop but they gave it a go and all ended up with something beautiful they all wanted to take away.

Ms Morgan was co-ordinator of the programmes which were run at all four Kapiti libraries during the holidays.

26 groups on hand display their activities

Members of the Otaki Bridge Club played a few rubbers of Bridge, during the Community organisations Expo

Growing seeds has always fascinated children

Above: Painting a portrait using block colour, was a new experience for Georgia Rice 12, at the Otaki Library Teen Art programme, as she made a recognisable copy of a One Direction members a photograph.

Left: Creating Stinkpot was a highlight of eight year old Manaia Smith-Bennetts making a robot from recycled materials, at the Otaki Librarys holiday programme.


Constructing your own straw bale garden is a cheap and easy alternative to building raised beds and comes with an added benefit - you can put it anywhere - in the middle of your lawn or maybe the driveway as long as it receives at least six to eight hours of sun.

Straw is an ideal container for growing vegetables the hollow tubes suck up and hold moisture, and as the insides of the bales decompose (bales heat up much quicker than soil) they provide a rich home for your veggies.

Its best to source your straw direct from a farm, rather than from your local garden centre, particularly if you want to garden organically. And remember - straw is easier to come by in autumn, so if you arrange your straw bale garden before winter, youll be all set to plant when spring arrives.

Before setting up bales, lay down weed mat, or your favourite weed suppressant, to prevent weeds from growing up through the bales. Arrange them side by side in rows, with cut sides up. The strings that bind the bales should run across the sides, not across planting surface theyll keep the shape of bales as they soften and decompose.

Youll need to get your bales cooking a few weeks before planting. This means wetting and fertilising bales for around 10 days to start the inner straw composting. For the first six days, put down three cups of organic fertiliser per bale every other day, and water bales to filter fertiliser down, thoroughly saturating straw on off days, just water. Days seven to nine, lay down 1.5 cups of organic fertiliser each day and water. Day ten put down three cups with phosphorous and potassium (bone or fish meal mixed with 50% wood ash works really well). If you put your finger inside a bale, itll be hot and moist, and you may see some peppering black soil-like clumps that signal the beginning of composting. If mushrooms sprout, rejoice, they wont harm your plants it means straw is decomposing as it should.

A great thing about straw bale gardening is that it combines the best of container gardening with vertical gardening. Erect tall posts at the end of each row and run wire between them at intervals of ten inches from the top of bales as seeds sprout you can use bottom wire to drape frost cloth or plastic tarp to create an instant greenhouse for those chilly early-season nights. As plants grow, the wire works like a vertical trellis, supporting your cucumbers, squash and assorted vine vegetables.

If youre planting seedlings, use your trowel to make a hole in straw then add planting mix to help cover exposed roots. If planting seeds, then cover bale with a one to two inch layer of planting mix and sow this into the seedbed - as seeds germinate, theyll grow roots down into the bale. By laying a soaker hose over the

bales youll pretty much eliminate all work until harvest time.

Your bales will be soft, saggy and grey after harvest but thats exactly what you want. Pile straw together, leave to compost over winter and youll have a mound of beautiful compost to fill your pots and containers in the spring.

Tomatoes are an all-time summer favourite, and standing in your garden tasting a fully ripe, sun-warmed fruit is one of the rich rewards of growing your own.

However, they can be a challenging crop, and unless you have a glasshouse its best to delay planting out seedlings until soil warms up late October, or after our traditional tomato planting holiday, Labour Weekend. Plants should be in by the end of November to give them a long growing season.

If youre starting with seed, it gives you the widest choice of varieties, sow in loose, well-drained compost - it germinates readily.

If you dont have time, or dont want to start with seed, you can buy in seedlings. Sometimes slightly older potted plants are also available. Try to handle seedlings as little as possible be careful not to hold them by the stems as they are easily damaged.

Choose a warm, sunny spot and space smaller bush varieties 40 cm apart, and vine types at least 60cm apart, in well-drained soil. Dig in well rotted compost beforehand, and give dried blood and bone or potash. Regularly applying liquid seaweed fertiliser or a commercially prepared liquid tomato food is a good way to ensure they get what they need but dont overfeed or youll encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Provide some shelter from wind (but good air circulation) and a regular watering programme.

Untrained tomato plants have smaller fruit, so its a good idea to put in bamboo stakes when planting theyll be there to offer support when fruit develops. Encourage fruit formation rather than leaf growth by removing laterals (the side shoots from the main stem) as they start to form. You can do this at least once a week.

Tomatoes take 60-85 days from seed-sowing to harvest depending on variety and weather (tomatoes are highly sensitive to cold weather and fungal diseases). You can begin picking fruit when it starts turning red

placed in a sunny spot it will fully ripen, but tomatoes ripened on the plant are the sweetest.

Planting basil beside your tomatoes is said to improve their health and flavour, and also helps to repel flies, thrips, and mosquitoes.

There is a huge variety of tomatoes to choose from - large fleshy types, such as Grosse Lisse and Beefsteak, have lots of flavour and are great in a summer sandwich, or fried on the barbecue.

The vigorous cherry tomato, Sweet 100, is tangy and delicious, and still one of the best to grow. Sweet Petite, a bite-sized, slightly lower acid, pear-shaped tomato, and Gardeners Delight, which produces abundant, smallish, very flavoursome, sweet tomatoes, are also good.

You can also find all fruit types represented in heirloom tomatoes - like the sweet-tasting Amish Paste, a heart-shaped fruit with few seeds, and Principe Borghese, an old, small Italian variety with an intense flavour. Although they may not produce such large yields or as perfect fruits, heirloom tomatoes are often tastier and their diversity is fun to explore.


By VIVIENNE BAILEY

[email protected]

Flower garden

By MARGARET ANDREWS

Waitohu Schools Wet Rock group helped out down at the Waitohu Stream Care Groups nursery, potting and carrying out plant maintenance and planting on the beach front, two weeks ago. The year five and six students from room three, spent the morning trimming and pruning cabbage trees, toi toi and manuka at the Waitohu Stream restoration reserve, then learnt about potting seedlings and plant maintenance, before venturing out to the beach and planting windsand grass on the front dunes.

We each had three windsand plants to put in, 10 year old Stevie Willers. We had to plant them in the hollows and keep them close together and then put driftwood stakes around them to

protect them.During the course of the

morning about nearly 200 young plants and 11 different varieties were potted and planted during the morning.

The young windsand plants looked like any old weed grass but as they mature the very hardy grass has a bronzy tinge to the grass spears and during summer are smothered in feathery hazy pink flowers; hence the necessity to put protective stakes around them, until they grow bigger.

Were supporting what theyre doing and giving them hands on skills, said Frances Tull, from the Waitohu Stream Care Group.

The Waitohu School Wet Rock students have begun a 10 year project, restoring the central reaches of the Waitohu Stream with planting and fencing.

Chrysanthemums and dahlias can be planted this month.

Plant summer flowering annual seedlings such as cosmos, petunias, lobelia, impatiens, marigolds, phlox, verbena, larkspur, alyssum, portulaca and heaps more!

Sow seeds of flowering annuals directly into the garden alyssum, Californian poppy, marigolds, cosmos, nasturtium and sunflowers.

Sow in trays for transplanting later carnations, dahlia, livingstone daisy, petunia, salvia, gerberas, celosia, phlox and geranium.

Take tip cuttings of shrubs such as forsythia, hydrangea, spirea, pyracantha and weigela while their growth is fresh and healthy, and use to fill garden gaps.

Trim Californian lilacs (ceanothus) after flowering with shears or secateurs. Take care though if you cut back into bare wood, theyll never forgive you!

Plant water lilies, or divide established clumps as they start into growth.

Divide primulas and polyanthus after flowering, planting them in a shady place under a hedge until they are ready for planting out again in autumn.

Plant new seasons hibiscus plants. Once your narcissus foliage has withered,

lift and divide congested clumps, and feed others with high potash fertiliser to encourage flowering next year.

Fruit and vegetable garden Once grapes have set fruit, shorten fruiting

shoots to four leaves beyond each bunch. Non-fruiting shoots should be shortened to about 40cm or cut out entirely, and the main rods tipped as soon as they reach the end of supports.

Hang codlin moth traps in apple and pear trees to trap moths, and prevent larvae entering your fruit. One trap is usually enough for five trees.

Continue feeding citrus with fertiliser. Most warm weather vegetables can be planted

now tomatoes, cucumber, capsicums, eggplant, lettuce, sweetcorn, gherkins, spinach, spring onions, beetroot, celery and cabbage.

Sow seeds directly into garden beans, peas, pumpkin, courgettes, carrots, beetroot, parsnip, radish and sweetcorn.

Sow in trays for transplanting later lettuce, cabbage, capsicum, eggplant, leeks and spring onions. For continuous harvesting of lettuce, beans and sweetcorn, make sowings at three weekly intervals.

Plant out main crop potatoes. Keep onions well weeded and water if

necessary (dry onions may be attacked by thrips).

Lawns Theres still time to feed your lawn with a high-

nitrogen fertiliser. Apply when rain is due or water in.

Raise your lawnmower blades longer grass discourages weeds.

Second thoughts Keep an eye on baby and new plants pinch

out tip growth of any looking leggy and guard against drought stress all it takes to dry out upper layers of the soil (where their roots are) is a few late spring days with some wind.

Wet Rock Group potted and planted down at the beach

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Little Greenie open home

Electric rubbish truck formally accepted

BEFORE

AFTER

taki residents may have already seen New Zealands first electric rubbish truck picking up waste from public bins around the community.The electric truck is now officially part of Councils vehicle fleet. It had to pass 32 mechanical, electrical, software and on-road acceptance tests before it was formally accepted. These tests were overseen by independent experts to ensure the truck met the required standards.

We used it on what would be its regular routes around the district during this testing phase to see how it operated and identify where any improvements were required, says Councils Energy Advisor Jake Roos.

The truck was also tested on a rolling road at takis Clean Technology Centre to check the battery capacity and driven 2,000 trouble-free kilometres before it was given the seal of approval to officially start work. It replaces one of Councils diesel rubbish trucks which had reached the end of its useful life.

The electric truck, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, is cheaper to run and maintain than diesel trucks. It also produces less noise, fewer carbon dioxide emissions and absolutely no air pollution. The cost savings on fuel and maintenance outweigh the additional cost of purchasing the vehicle over its life time.

IN BRIEFElection resultsPenny Gaylor remains the taki Ward Councillor. The taki Community Board is James Cootes (re-elected), Colin Pearce (re-elected), Rob Kofoed (new) and Christine Papps (new).

Otaki Pool closureA reminder that taki Pool is closed for repair work until 17 December.

taki residents can swim free at the Aquatic Centre and, from 2 November, at Waikanae Pool by showing a voucher or proof of residency with ID.

Transfer station closuretaki Transfer Station will be closed on 1 and 2 December due to a new operator taking over the site. taki residents and commercial collectors can take their waste to the Otaihanga Transfer Station on those days if necessary.

Otaki-

October 28, 2013

If youve ever wondered what one of the countrys most energy efficient homes looks like, take yourself to takis Clean Technology Centre on Saturday 9 November and see for yourself.The 3-bedroom Little Greenie house is being built as part of a national training course for apprentice carpenters. The course is being run in association with WELTEC, supported by Council and located at the Clean Tech Centre off River Bank Road.

The course, in its first year, aims to increase public awareness of the benefits of sustainable housing, up-skill new and existing trades people in sustainable building techniques and construct community and civic dwellings.

The display home is open between 10am and 3pm and there will be demonstrations of its air tightness and efficiency. Everyone is welcome from potential homeowners to architects, designers and builders.

Arts Trail coming soon

A monthly newsletter from your local council

Ceramic sculptures by Paula Archibald

Whether youre an art enthusiast or have never looked at a painting in your life, dont miss the Kpiti Arts Trail on November 2 and 3.This is the 13th annual Arts Trail which has grown to become one of the most significant cultural events in the district.

If you want to visit taki artists in their studios, you can meet Jennifer Turnbull, Olinka Heath, Bronya Clare, Ernest Papps, Craig Arthur Watson, Margaret Hunt, Paula Archibald, LAs Cowshed Craft Studio, Bee Doughty-Pratt and Bruce Winter.

More than 30 artists will also be exhibiting and selling their work at six Art & Artisan Hubs throughout taki and Te Horo. These hubs are located at Trinity Farm, Te Whare Toi, Artscape, Blue Skies Art Gallery, Backwal Gallery and

Lavender Creek Farm. In addition, taki Mu-seum will be hosting a ceramics exhibition.

If youre keen to go further than taki, the trail goes as far south as Paekkriki via all the towns in between.

Check out the Kpiti Arts Trail brochure (avail-able at libraries, cafs and galleries throughout the district) to see what artists are participating and where theyre located.

Alternatively, take it by chance and look for the orange Kpiti Arts Trail flags as you drive around the district!

For more information, go to: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/arts-trail


Ross Church was elected mayor by a reasonable margin, with K Gurunathan second, the incumbent Jenny Rowan third.

Penny Gaylor was elected as our District councillor by a large margin.

The Community Board vote saw the incumbent chair, James Cootes re-elected, together with Colin Pearce. Newcomers Rob Kofoed and Christine Papps gained the remaining places, with incumbent Marilyn Stevens failing. Louise Dench failed to gain enough votes.

Kapiti Election ResultsKCDC Mayoral candidates vote count

KCDC Otaki Ward vote count

KCDC Otaki Community Board vote count

By MARGARET ANDREWS

It is 50 years since Waitohu School opened its doors and founding principal, Arthur Manz, was at the celebrations and to help cut the jubilee cake.

Along with 96 year old Mr Manz were several of the first teachers and pupils as well as the original school board members.

At the opening powhiri the kapa haka group led part of the proceedings, and speeches, the school musicians and choir entertained with songs accompanied by their ukulele and percussion groups.

Im very, very proud to have been a part of this school, Mr Manz said. But youll have to excuse me if I cant recognise you! Many of you are now grandparents!

He spoke of the first days of the school with just four classrooms and a staffroom. On that first day, February 5 1963, the assembly with four teachers and 88 pupils, from primer one to standard six was held outside. Some of those first day pupils at the jubilee included Max Lutz, Ian Carson, Lynn Walker (McGregor) and Judith Griffin, along with teacher Noeline Saunders (Reichenbach) and first commissioners (Board of Trustees) Carl Lutz and Ray Moffatt. During its 50 years the school has had just four former principals, Arthur Manz, the late Pat McGrath, Ian Ballentyne, Bruce Pilkington and now current principal Maine Curtis who with Mr Ballentyne was also present at the jubilee.

There was a jubilee cake, donated by parent, James Cootes which

some of the children helped to ice. This was cut by Mr Manz and Mrs Saunders, Ian Carson and current teacher Alison Moore, who has been at the school for 33 years.

Morning tea followed the flag ceremony and singing of the National Anthem, then it was the formal photographs and a jubilee tree, a copper beech, was blessed by Reverend Hira Royal and board member Scott Kyle and planted by Mr Manz and Max Lutz. The day ended with a luncheon.

Its the most fabulous and treasured gathering of those who have lived and loved within the Waitohu School community, Mr Curtis said. There have been many moments and many memories, weve enjoyed during our 50th jubilee celebration.

During the planning year or

two for leading up to the building and opening of Waitohu School, a prospective parent, Thelma Pike, filmed the progress from the purchase of the four acre block of land between Te Manuao and Waitohu Valley Roads, then being used to run cattle and sheep, through

to opening day and events during the first year; all captured on an eight millimetre camera; this amazing piece of the schools history has been put onto a DVD which will be available from the school.

By Ann Chapman

The election is now well and truly over and commentators and letter writers from all over Kapiti have had their fill over the last few weeks. I dont intend to add further to the distress of those who were defeated or the glory of those who won. Or for that matter, add to the vitriol I have witnessed in the last many weeks of the campaign.

On the local Otaki front, Councillor Penny Gaylors re-election went against the anti-council flow, the only ward to do so, (although in Paekakariki, the chair of the community board was elected unopposed after a resignation of their councillor). Penny managed, in spite of the swing against the outgoing councillors, to increase her majority from 100 at the last election to nearly 700 votes, and won on the first count. Of all the councillors (ward or districtwide), she received

the highest percentage of support from her electors.

A major focus of the new council will be in managing the debate on amalgamation and the position of Otaki in that greater regional body with the behemoth from the south Greater Wellington Regional Council pushing for amalgamation. Penny will do well to ensure Otaki's position in an enlarged electorate.

I am personally sorry that Jenny Rowan, with her knowledge and ability will not be there with her steady hand for that debate. I worked closely with, as her deputy, for three years and as an interested onlooker at her councils bravery over the last three. It will be no surprise to anyone that I support Jenny Rowan as a committed politician, a brave one, one who worked hard in all areas of the community. What should not be forgotten were the many achievements of a council which worked surprising well under her leadership.

Opinion - The Election

Waitohu School's 50th Birthday

Above: "School Photo" - October 2013 Right: Present day pupils Havana Housiaux-Roderique and Gracie Cootes, both aged eight, talk to 1963 opening day principal, Arthur Manz about school in his day. First day teacher, Noeline Saunders seated at rear.


Kapiti Olive Oil recently won two silver medals for its current seasons olive oil blends in the recent Olives New Zealand Annual Awards.

A ten year unbroken track record of medal winning oils can give confidence to consumers that they are buying a consistently world class olive oil with its attendant health giving properties and great taste says Kapiti Olive Oils Sales Director, Helen Walshaw.

The five varieties of olive oils

are tasted individually by owners Helen and David Walshaw, and then blended into two distinctive styles of olive oil; one a full and fruity oil with a lingering peppery aftertaste and the other a softer fruity oil with a slight peppery aftertaste.

The blends are created with the publics tastes in mind and to best utilise the oils produced in any one year whose quantities and taste can be variable depending on the season. It is important for the public to know that what

is blended is what is available in the supermarkets or through direct sales.

To achieve these awards, the olive oil has to be certified as true extra virgin olive oil. This means it has to pass a chemical analysis and blind tasting test and only then can New Zealand olive oils use the industry bodys red OliveMark sticker, which is found on all high quality NZ olive oils. After certification, and only then, can the olive oils be entered in the annual awards.

Kapiti Olive Oil Wins More Medals

Men and their SHEDLooking for you older guys, with

a bit of time on your hands, but still interested in doing a bit of carpentry or making things, the Otaki MenzShed could be the place for you.

The MenzShed is a place for men to be social, to learn new skills and hone old ones and have a project to work on while contributing to the community and is somewhere for mainly retired men and some women, to get together and work on projects for the community, local kindergarten or preschool, park furniture, maybe repairing things for older persons living alone or even a project of your own.

Its run on the basis of a couple of days a week, said organiser Valdis Plato, Otaki Probus Club vice president. Working with other people brings companionship and contact with others.

He anticipates this will be Tuesday and Thursday mornings, or more often for those involved in a project. For many men, retirement means loss of contact with people they have worked with, often for many years and leaves them with empty hours and how to fill them.

Some of the things Id like to include are mentoring boys and teens, Mr Plato said. Possibly have

those with computer skills helping others, or have a support means for assisting others to learn how to look after themselves as they get older and working closer with Maori people.

MenzShed has been in the southern Kapiti reaches for a few years and the Otaki Probus, a community service activity of Rotary Clubs; Otaki Probus has begun a branch here in Otaki and although they havent yet finalised premises, they already have names of 18 men keen to get together.

Wanting more information, contact Valdis Plato on 063645636 or email: [email protected]

Annie Blythell's idiosyncratic shop will be closing at Christmas. After seven years of trading, Annie's looking forwad to a well-earned rest. Otaki will miss this colourful beacon that has adorned Main Street. Doubtless this won't be the last we see of Annie...

Main Street Emporium Closing

Two charities, the Otaki Health Shuttle and the Rescue Helicopter will benefit from a garden tour to be held on Saturday November 2. The Otaki Womens Community Club is holding a walk through 13 of the best gardens of Otaki with the addition of plants and pottery for sale with refreshments also available at 7 Sunglo Terrace. (including toilets)

There are three gardens up the

Waitohu Valley on the spectacular Sunglo Terrace with its stunning views across the flood plain of the Otaki township. Nos 63 and 61 are really worth a visit. Travel along Freemans Road to 7a for another interesting garden to admire, then on to Victoria Gardens at 60 Rahui Road, where little Victorian perennial dainties will be available for sale. Other gardens are at

Westpeak Way, 17 Millhaven, 29 Matene Street, Tamihana Street, Lake Kauwhai Estate, 227 Rangiuru Road, 72 Atkinson Avenue and 44c Tasman Road with some wonderful stone walls.

Tickets with maps attached are available from Cathie Cole 364 8673, or at the gardens themselves and cost $10 with a gold coin donation for refreshments.

Garden Walks

By VIVIENNE BAILEY

Otaki-based Peter Scholtens is passionate about Toastmasters. The member of a Wellington club for more than 18 years, he told me the international organisation has a strong focus on communication and leadership skills, helping individuals learn to effectively formulate, organise and express ideas to others.

I joined in 1995 to improve my speaking technique and leadership abilities, values I needed in my work environment, where I was involved with regular in-house training sessions. The clubs are based on a self-paced, tried and true programme, one designed to promote personal growth and to create confident speakers.

People join Toastmasters for a number of reasons said Mr Scholtens, most staying with the club for two to three year as circumstances change. Reasons for joining include a desire to lessen a speech impediment, such as stuttering, to enhance confidence, and also to build up skills in those with English as a second language.

Theres a variety of reasons - some join because theyve been asked to be best man at a wedding, others because theyve joined a committee or a school Board of Trustees.

Although constantly improving his public speaking, maintaining standards Mr Scholtens said his commitment also involves passing these skills onto newcomers, in a mentoring role, and watching them blossom.

There is a continual rotation of opportunities within the clubs - like the regular speech contests - but its up to an individual to decide which direction to take - to follow your own journey.

Mr Scholtens has pursued a range of roles within Toastmasters including Leader of Toastmasters, Wellington, and National Treasurer, New Zealand, for two years. He has also won (in 2011 and 2012) the New Zealand Toastmaster of the Year, a national award for outstanding contribution to the organisation.

The award is about actively performing within the organisation, being involved in competitions, contests and on committees.

As well as the forty clubs within the Wellington district, clubs are also based in Levin and Waikanae, where they provide great networking opportunities for members, combined with a cost-effective personal development programme.

For further information about Toastmasters contact 0800 PEOPLE (0800 736 753) or Peter Scholtens 0275 674 [email protected]

Levin Toastmasters meet at the Red Cross Rooms, Queen Street East, Levin, contact 06 368 1720 or 06 367 2580. The Waikanae club meets at the Waikanae War Memorial Hall, Pehi Kupa Street, Waikanae, contact Peter Ropata 06 364 47558.

A passion for communication and leadership

Bernadine Bloemgarten of the Transition Towns group is enthusiastic about their Thursday market. "The more we have, the lower the price" she said. The weekly market outside the Memorial Hall sells produce from everyone's garden, starting at 11 o'clock. Everyone is welcome to bring along their surplus produce at 10.30. It's a non-profit venture, with growers getting 80% of the price which is negotiated by discussion with the enthusiastic volunteers. The remaining 20% is donated to worthy local causes: Citizens Advice Bureau, Wellington Free Ambulance and Otaki Health Shuttle.

Produce is seasonal: today there was an abundance of citrus, in all shapes and sizes. Free range eggs were plentiful. At 11 o'clock the stall is swarming with local shoppers keen for bargains of fresh locally-grown produce. By midday it's all gone.

Produce Market Back for the Summer


taki College News30 October 2013 www.otakicollege.school.nzPrincipals SpotEROThe Education Review Office (ERO) have just completed their review of the College. Having them at this time is very helpful as they provide an external lens to look at what we have been doing to get the best learning and social outcomes for our students. We can report that the Reviewers were very impressed with the College and the students. The final Review Report will be available on the ERO website (www.ero.govt.nz) for public viewing early in 2014.ERO were particularly impressed with the relationships between staff and students and how this has been fostered through the Restorative Practices and PB4L initiatives in the College. They were also complimentary about the way curriculum has been developed in the College and the how teaching and learning takes place. Having such a positive ERO Review is an affirmation that the College is certainly heading in the right direction with lots of great stuff going on to allow students to strive to be the best that they can be

Karen Boyes: Teaching students how to studyKaren is an internationally acclaimed speaker and educator. She came to the College on Wednesday 23rd October and worked with year 9 to 13 students on study skills and examination skills (for seniors). The feedback from students has been very positive and many are now trying to utilise the skills they learnt in their study leading into external examinations. These sessions were followed up with very successful workshops with staff and parents focusing on how students can be taught and supported to study and learn.We are looking at ways to fund Karen

back early in 2014 to run workshops with students. We are also considering how to best utilise her study resource to support students to build their confidence and proficiency in reviewing and studying the work they do in their classes.

Kapa Haka There has been a desire amongst students and whanau to re-build Kapa Haka in the College. In an effort to fulfil this wish I want to thank Matua Ricki Baker and Whaea Destine Kuku-Heaeta who have been working with a Year 7 to 9 group. This group will have its first performance at Takiri o Te Ata Kapiti Schools Kapa Haka Festival. Numbers still continue to grow with the Wednesday night Kapa Haka group which is being tutored by Anahere Miritana. This commences at 6pm to 7pm every second Wednesday and things are looking very good for this roopu as they develop.

StaffDeputy Principal position: Interviews for this position will take place on 8th and 9th of November. Once this appointment has been finalised we will have our confirmed Senior Leadership Team going into 2014. The structure of the team moving forward will be a Principal and two Deputy Principals with the ability to pull in key staff as required. At the end of week 4 we will lose the services of Lindsay Moore who has been teaching in the Digital Technology and Technology Departments this year. Lindsay has made a big contribution to the college and the students during his short time here. He will be missed but he is moving on to Upper Hutt College as Head of Technology and will be closer to Masterton where has wife has recently been appointed to a Principalship. We wish Lindsay all the very best and want to thank him for his contribution to Otaki College.

The College hall was filled with students beating over 200 drums following the lead of the award winning drummers from Rhythm Interactive. The drumming on African styled hand drums was both energising and enjoyable for the students who took part in either the senior or junior session. The theme was Actions speak louder than words and the lead drummer John Boon's instructions were unspoken, requiring students to watch and follow to get the beat. And get the beat they did, the hall was pumping.

Rhythm Interactive

Im very grateful to have been re-elected to the Kapiti Coast District Council as the Otaki Ward Councillor. Thank you.

My heartfelt thanks for the sup-port which saw me returned to Council, and with an increased majority.

I pledge to keep working hard to champion the issues facing our community, with a continued focus on economic development for our local economy, environmental sus-tainability, and youth issues.

Particular issues that I intend championing are; public transport connectivity for Otaki (bus servic-es, saving the Capital Connection, and for the longer term the funding of the extension of rail electrifica-tion through to Otaki), Ultra-Fast Broadband in Otaki, Councils Youth Employment and Training project in Otaki, and safeguarding our environmental restoration and sustainability projects.

Its been a tough month for Capital Connection users with KiwiRails announcement of the latest price hike to the service, 10% for travellers north of Waikanae from 1 November. Thats a 10% in-crease following on from 5% just a few months ago.

This train service runs from

Palmerston North, through Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast, Monday to Friday, taking workers and students in to Wellingtons cen-tral business district.

There has been a huge effort to save this service driven by the com-muters using the train. Government doesnt seem to be listening to our community.

The train received a reprieve, but only through till 2015. Oh, so, just a few months after the next general election, interesting.

KiwiRail promised commuters a marketing campaign to boost user numbers. But putting some arty posters inside the carriages misses the point that these commuters are already using the train, when in fact they should be pitching to non-users who could be swayed by the benefits of a reliable, safe, comfort-able, work-friendly and a previ-ously affordable service.

This service is part of the pub-lic transport network, government should acknowledge that, and ap-propriately subsidise it. No public transport service in New Zealand is starved of public funding to sus-tain it, except that is, the Capital Connection here in provincial New Zealand.

Its the government agency

NZTA that should be providing the subsidy.

So what is Governments mo-tive for abandoning this provincial piece of the public transport net-work? Perhaps theres no motive, perhaps they just dont care?

Government has chosen to spend a billion dollars on expressways through our district, but they cant cough up $350,000 a year on a long-serving public transport ser-vice that people depend on to get to jobs and education.

This attitude is neither supportive of our local economy or environ-mental sustainability, nor is it future focused for our younger residents.

Penny GaylorKapiti Coast Councillor

The patron saint of animals, St Francis of Assisi was acknowledged at the annual pet Blessing Service at St Margarets Church in Te Horo at the beginning of October.

With all the songs and hymns based on animals, farm dog Lu joined in all the songs with woofs of delight, she seemed to know everyone. But for Franny the young cavalier her first visit to the pet service was almost too much and she stayed in her basket under the pew for most of the

service and Ben the beagle had a nosey round to see what was going on. The other three dogs, veteran of many years, Rosie the golden retriever and second time visitor 13 year old Lucy the retired rescue Labrador, took the service in their stride, joining in with an occasional woof.

Each dog was accompanied by its owner and during the service Reverend Ian Campbell gave each its own special blessing, during the Eucharist and no, the dogs didnt get to share the bread or wine.

Public transport connectivity for Otaki

Annual Pet Blessing Service at St Margarets


FromtheOtakiMailMondayOctober29,1923

Otakis History

Rooms available for hire at reasonable rates

Free, Confidential Service Legal & Employment Issues Benefit Entitlements Consumer Rights Housing

Human Rights Health Personal Problems Neighbourhood issues Transport issues

Health Shuttle bookings - Tel: 364 5603Free 20-minute legal appointment

JP available by arrangement Hearing clinic pre-arranged appointments

Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 3.00 pm 65a Main Street, Otaki Village (next to the swing park by the Memorial Hall)Tel 06 364 8664 or 0800 367 222Email [email protected] www.cab.org.nz

Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o OtakiOur advice is free and confidential, not getting it could cost you though. If you know your rights, less can go wrong. If not sure, ask us!We have the information to help you with your problems, or can point you in the right direction. Call or see us -

Otaki Historical Society

Otaki Museum

Bridge Collapse

Facebook can be a great way to keep up with what your friends and acquaintances have been getting up to. While youre there, you could get some shopping done too.

If you buy goods or services from someone via Facebook, then what your consumer rights are pretty much boils down to whether the seller is considered a professional trader or not. Youre covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act for goods or services sold by a trader, unless you bid for it in an auction. If the seller is not a trader then its classed as a private sale, which means you dont have much protection.

In general, if someone is selling a lot of items online, then they are a trader. If youre not sure about a particular Facebook seller, check out their Facebook page. If they seem to sell a lot of similar kinds of items, and have sold a lot of items in the past, then they are probably a trader than an individual just having a household clear-out.

There are things you can do to minimise your risk when considering buying from a private seller, for example if

at all possible try to inspect the item before you hand over your money; ask the seller a lot of questions about the item so you know what to expect; look for feedback from past customers; for the expensive items (like a car) it would pay to check the Personal Property Securities Register in case it has been used as security for someones debt.

Also, pay by credit card or, if its going to a New Zealand account, by internet banking rather than by cash or telegraphic transfer so your payment can be tracked. Lastly, it makes good sense to get the full name and address of the seller in case the trade goes pear-shaped and you need to track them down.

If you have a problem with something youve bought its always best to talk to the seller first. But if you havent been able to sort it out by talking to them, come and see us at your local bureau. We have available information to assist you with, advocate for you and/or can point you to the right direction. You could also phone or send us an email. You may visit our website www.cab.org.nz. for more information about consumer rights.

Buying Through Facebook

The engineer of the Horowhenua County Council, Mr Anderson, with a gang of twelve men, commenced work on the reconstruction of the Otaki suspension bridge yesterday. It is hoped to rebuild the bridge a few chains down stream, where the span is considerably shorter. Mr Anderson and his men assisted the settlers to get their cream across the river by means of a wire rope.

The cause of the breakage was the fact that instead of being embedded in concrete on the eastern side of the river, the cables were twisted round two-inch by two-inch ironbark blocks buried in the ground, where naturally the steel cables rusted and gave way on Saturday night,

thus throwing the whole strain on the cables on the western side, which, in turn, gave way at about midnight on Sunday, precipitating the whole structure into the bed of the stream. The crash of the fall was heard nearly a mile away.

The bridge was a fine structure between 150 and 200 feet long, a single span between the rocky cliffs, about 75 feet above the water. It was suspended on steel cables and was considered capable of supporting any reasonable weight. Designed and built by the late Mr J Malcolm, the Horowhenua County engineer, about ten years ago, at a cost of 1,100, it was considered a model of efficiency and economy.

The Waihoanga suspension bridge (opposite Mr H L Beauchamps late property) collapsed yesterday but, luckily, no one was on the bridge at the time ....

Wednesday October 31 1923

Otaki Bridge - Cause of collapse

This month we have a man with a camera perhaps a professional photographer? Does anyone know who this is, and can anyone suggest a year? If you can help, please ring Jan on 364 7554. You can leave a message.

The next exhibition will be ceramics by Margaret Hunt, and will be open from 31 October, and during the weekend of the Kapiti Arts Trail, 2-3 November. The Otaki Museum is at 49 Main Street, Otaki

The speaker on Tuesday 1 October 2013 was Neale Ames, President of the Otaki Surf Life Saving Club. There were problems a

a straw bale garden

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