what's new in plimmerton? monthly community newsletter for july 2013

7/28/2019 What's new in Plimmerton? Monthly community newsletter for July 2013

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Plimmerton Residents’ Association Newsletter

What’s new in Plimmerton?

July 2013Lessons to be learned from storm responseFirst the good news: Plimmerton Volunteer Fire Brigade did an amazing job in very difficultconditions dealing with 29 callouts in 36 hours. Many of these involved property and treedamage and people not knowing who to call for assistance. Thanks on behalf of thecommunity for all your dedication. They have families and homes at threat from the stormtoo but they go out on a limb for us.

PCC staff did a great job out in all weathers to get roads open and safe. Local councillors,Nick Leggett the mayor and local MP Kris Faafoi all worked responded swiftly to requestsfrom PRA chair Colin Bleasdale and used communication media to help get issues resolved.

Council and utility staff who worked in atrocious conditions to clear roads and restorepower ... you are heroes.

And the bad news: PRA civil defence coordinators Dave Lowe and Alan Reader have seriousconcerns with energy company responses to last week’s storm-induced power cuts. Theyare preparing a report which they will present to the organisations involved. One energycompany took more than 12 hours to respond to an extremely dangerous situation with livesparking 11kv power lines down across a driveway and garden (potentially lethal,instantly), despite repeated calls from fire and police. The outage in Gordon Road andOgilvie Terrace could have been fixed very simply as the cause was identified and reportedby an experienced local. However the energy companies lacked expertise on the frontlines and things had to be escalated to get action. After three days the linesmen finally

turned up and took less than ten minutes to unpack, climb the ladder, fix the fuse, packup and depart. Because of the time involved in sorting this issue probably hundreds ofcalls were logged over the three days by the residents in the 80-100 houses involved whichwould have clogged up the already inefficient system.

Major response issues identified in a first-pass discussion include:

• Communication, overall this was a major problem. We need a strong localcommunication network based on street groups where information about resourcesand people at risk is held. Some streets have organised groups and they were ableto support older people with food and warmth during the three days without power.How people who are unwell or frail coped in some areas is not known.

• Civil Defence planning and preparation needs beefing up. Trevor Farmer, PoriruaCD coordinator, did a sterling job. We need more people within our communitytrained in CD and with the right equipment to galvanise our response to majorevents like this.

• Energy companies need to get their communication act together.

• We cannot rely on electric appliances for heating. For elderly or unwell people,three days or longer in the cold, dark and damp could be fatal. Gas heating withelectric starting devices is also useless.

• LED head lights proved to be the most useful item. Other experiences show thatcandles are no good for going down stairs as you cannot see your feet! Emergency

kits and all the things you need in a crisis must be accessible and visible.



• A local radio station could be dedicated to providing civil defence info in a crisis, so

we can all get info from a centralised and reliable source. Being kept in the loopabout slips, trees down, dangerous power lines and power outages would enable usto respond effectively. (Most of us didn’t even know that power was out for threedays to Gordon Road and Ogilvie Terrace and accommodation, hot food and other

assistance would willingly have been provided.)

• A database of useful resources in each street area would include things like big gasbbqs, motor homes, boats, portable toilets, chainsaws etc. Also people withpractical skills such as medical, search and rescue and so on. This informationwould be available to local coordinators and could save lives in an emergency.

• Roofs lifting, windows blowing out, trampolines flying away and trees falling arepanic-inducing things. Perhaps we should have a community response team to dealwith these in a crisis (armed with tarpaulins, tools and expertise) freeing up the firebrigade to deal with life threatening situations.

Share your experiences and photos of the big storm. Send photos and stories to

[email protected] and we will put them all up on our web site. And let us knowwhat you and others can learn from the experience so we can be more prepared.

Senior fire officer Dave Anderson tells us that they all are extremely grateful for thesavouries, muffins and other treats that families brought along to the station to thankthem for their sterling efforts.

If you would like to help the PRA group with civil defence planning contact us [email protected]

Organise a street group meeting with mulled wine at your place this month. Let usknow who the contact is. Keep all your information safe. Guidelines for planning areon our web site.

WW100 organising group to plan commemorationNext year New Zealanders will participate in a number of official events to commemoratethe outbreak of the Great War and the turbulent period where two world wars werefought.

Plimmerton people were involved in both conflicts and our commemoration will celebratethose people who served at the front and at home. Convenor Allan Dodson is working withTe Papa and the WW100 to co ordinate events. Our local celebrations will include anddisplays featuring local stories and a range of other themed events including (possibly)parades, dances, concerts and performances ... and who knows what else.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting period and of planning, and have ideas for

events or activities, call us today [email protected]

Flexibility, function and fabulousnessNot a yoga class, but our community web site www.plimmerton.org.nz Webmeister Sandy Werner is very excited that the move to our new server went without ahitch thanks she says to Eduardo, supremo of Chilli Web. She is also excited about theopportunities this move opens up for her in developing our site further. We all say a hugethank you to Sandy who toils away silently creating our fantastic web site. If you are not aregular visitor go in there now and take a look. Sandy is a star.

Email newsletter only please!

Soon you will be able to stick a decal on your letterbox if you do not want a printed versionof the newsletter delivered to you. You will only receive the email version. Stickers willbe available from mid-July at The Big Salami.



Storm damage rebuildingLocal resident and contractor Terry from Distinctive Home and Landscapes Ltd can helpwith your clean up and rebuilding. He has been running landscape projects in this area

since 1999 so can handle any outdoor projects. Check outwww.distinctivelandscapes.co.nz

Terry says there is huge demand after the storm for replacement fences in particular soquotes and assessments for insurance claims will be a priority.

Contact Terry 233 8610, 027 270 9420 [email protected]

Pet Feeding Solutions proudly launches ... The Dog Park!Fun, freedom and friendship for your four legged fur baby Would you like your dog to be picked up every day and taken to a safe secure playground?Justine from Pet Feeding Solutions has just opened a unique facility in Ulric St where dogs

can play outside for an hour or two, fully supervised in small groups with compatible dogs.Socialisation, stimulation and companionship ... and Justine will collect and drop off yourdog. Current vaccinations must be sighted and bookings are essential.

Contact Justine [email protected] 021 175 4031.

Plimmerton School Quiz Night ... get your team sorted! Friday 9 AugustDoors open 7pm, quiz starts at 8, Plimmerton School Hall. Cost: $120 per table (max 8people). To book contact [email protected] More info www.plimmerton.school.nz

Motuhara Road is not a race trackLocal residents have reported a persistent speedster from Roy’s Road who has several

times endangered children walking down the road. The car’s make and number has beenpassed on to the community constable who is following up. Report all speeding drivers toCrimestoppers 0800 555 111 or [email protected]

Mainline Steam excursionsArthur’s Pass 14 and 28 July 11 and 25 August

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass and return through some of the mostmagnificent scenery in NZ ... hauled by a grunty Ka942. Adults $110, children $65,family (2A 2C) $330.

Midland Mountaineer 7 and 8 SeptemberA weekend away, travelling from Christchurch to Greymouth and return on this

exciting steam excursion. Fare includes return travel, one night accom at theKingsgate Greymouth, dinner on Saturday night, breakfast on Sunday morning ... and achance to make new friends! $400pp share twin, $480 single supp.

Full details www.mainlinesteam.co.nz 0800 462 978.

Mid winter swim ... 17th annual event ... coldest on recordCongratulations to the team from Plimmerton Kindergarten who organised yet anotherstunning event with 150 hardy dippers braving frigid temperatures to entertain hundredson shore with mid-winter entertainment. Good on Dianne Khan with her stunning coffeeoutfit ... we hope she wins Nescafe’s $10,000 fundraiser prize. The event was not derailedby high tides, storm debris, or icy temperatures and $10,000 was raised for upgrading the

kindergarten’s outdoor area.



Announcing ... The Makers, after-school art and craft ... term 3Arty, crafty primary school kids in years 1-4 are welcome to a new art and craft groupstarting next term, on Fridays, after school in the pavilion. Kids from all schools arewelcome and there will be a walking bus from Plimmerton School around to the pavilion.Spaces are limited and it will cost $148 per term. They have lots of big, crazy creativehands-on stuff planned.

Organisers Alix and Haylee are also looking at running half day workshops in the holidays.Contact them to make your bookings [email protected]

The old people are revolting!More cheer and chuckles from Mana Little Theatre. On Wednesday 3 – Friday 5 July @8pm, Saturday 6 July 3pm, Wednesday 10 – Saturday 13 July 8pm. Booking essential 2338889.

Crime stoppersWhen you see people or vehicles lurking where they hadn’t oughta be call Crimestoppers

0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-nz.org

For local information about nefarious goings-on contact community [email protected]

Porirua HarboursPCC, GWRC and WCC are all working collaboratively to monitor and improve Porirua’s twoharbours. A new study has provided a context and framework for scientific workimprovement, Barbara Donaldson from GWRC says.

Read Harbour’s decline tracked by Niwa www.plimmerton.org.nz/in-the-news/

Kick start your exercise programme with Karate GKR self defenceNo contracts, pay as you go, adult children and family (discount) classes.

Visit gkrkarate.com or call Mike 021 030 7485.

Wanted ... pre-loved model trains and toysMacks Track at Plimmerton Railway Station. 233 8555 [email protected]

After 12.00km, Vince Langford is fourth in African rideOn our web site www.plimmerton.org.nz/vince-rides-for-cancer/

Ted the dog is very pleased that he’s home.

Accommodation alert• House to rent available for 6 months min, for up to 3 tenants

Walk up to tidy 3 bedroom house with sea views, deck, open plan kitchen and livingwith heat pump and wood burner, two double one single bedroom, near the beachwith parking on street. Up to 3 tenants, no smokers or pets. Min lease 6 months, [email protected]

• House wanted in Plimmerton/CamborneFamily seeks to buy four bedroom/two bathroom home in this area. Contact us [email protected] and we will pass on your details.



Sue and Harry present ... the bird report“The shore plovers are visiting our beaches again on the odd morning. We need to keepdogs cats (and people) off the beach area by the fire station when the birds are there. Weare looking at double siding the signage so it’s more obvious.

A pair of Caspian terns is hanging out near the fire station area too as are numerous oystercatchers (including one with a missing foot). White faced herons are numerous, whitefronted terns, and from time to time rare black fronted terns, are visiting. Black backedgulls, red beaked gulls, sacred kingfishers ... an occasional reef heron, all sorts ofcormorants, gannets, pied stilts, the odd dotterel and wrybill can be seen regularly on ourbeaches right now.

You don’t have to be an ornithologist to appreciate the rich variety of bird life we areprivileged to enjoy around Plimmerton.”

Shared Care record project ... your health info in Capital and Coastdistrict

Health professionals will soon be able to access information from general practices toassist with patient care. Check out the details on our web sitewww.plimmerton.org.nz/health?/

Call 0800 727 664 to find out more.

Karehana Park planting day attracts hopeful crowd in grubby raincoatsNow we know why ... a typo in the mid month reminders sent to residents by email enticedpeople along to planting in the park by omitting the l from planting! At least all workerswere served a splendid morning tea to compensate for any disappointment.

Gig guideKevin Clark and Fran Barton - Sunday 28 July 6.30pm Jazz ‘n’ fish ‘n’ chips

Plimmerton Boating Club. Book today, it’s very popular, with Sandra 233 1592.

Work need doing at your place? Clearing up after storm damage?On our web site you’ll find contact details for John and Steven under home help available.

Tonkinese cat missing from The Track ... have you seen him?Relocated cat has gone AWOL, big beige boy. Call Helen 022 070 9897

Subs and donations ... thanks!Thanks to everyone who has paid the $15 sub for PRA membership and to those who havealso made generous donations to help with projects under way. Every family andindividual here is invited to be a PRA member and it’s just $15 per household per year.

Bank details www.plimmerton.org.nz

Email contacts for civil defence and community newsHands up if you have changed your email address in the past year. Now give yourself a bigclap if you have let us know your new address. Send it now to [email protected]

We can only contact you with the latest police, fire, civil defence and community news ifwe have your email address. The list is totally confidential and only used to send news toPRA members.

Our website: www.plimmerton.org.nz and our email: [email protected]

Support your community – it’s the best!

what's new in plimmerton? monthly community newsletter for july 2013

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