July 2001
Residents & Ratepayers Association
Over the last three months the Association has been very active. One of our concerns has been the need for the area’s infra-structure to be upgraded to meet our rapid expansion. Council has responded by tackling one of our main concerns – Higgs Rd. Work is to commence on the area of the sharp bend south of Jessie St, with an extension of the existing footpath.
We continue to lobby for our concept plan of the waterfront park in the Port area in an attempt to influence what happens there after the clean-up.
In May the AGM elected the following Committee: Wilma Tansley 5402380 (Chair) Ruby Bay; Bill Williams 5402528 (V-Chair) Mapua; Rita McDougall 54003355, (Secr) Mapua; John Jackson 5402366 (Treas) Ruby Bay; Pat Perry 5402805, Annette Walker 5402850, Andrew Earlam 5402845, Brian Say 5402626, – Mapua; Hugh Gordon 5403858; Leslie Hamilton 5402212 – Ruby Bay; Bruce Fraser 5402469 Bronte; Hanne Bjorklund 5432602, Mahana. As can be seen, this is an enlarged committee that represents all areas.
Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at Mapua Hall (next one July 9th) at 7.30pm. A billboard is put out on the day to remind you. Everyone is welcome.
Rural Policing Update for Mapua
Hi to you all. I hope the summer season went well for everyone. The Motueka police have undergone some fairly drastic staff changes over the last 8 months. 6 staff left the district in total (2 resigned, 2 transferred, 1 went on holiday and 1 sickness) as a result I had to cover some of their shifts, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to be out and about in the rural area as much as I would have liked. We are fortunate to have 6 replacement staff settling in now.
I’m happy to be able to report that crime in the Mapua/Ruby Bay area is not rampant. There didn’t seem to be the ‘usual’ influx of thefts from rural orchards at the end of the fruit season. I was talking to a local resident last week, who told me of a theft from a vehicle in Iwa street and there is uncertainty as to whether the police were advised or not. I can only repeat that if you don’t tell the police about an incident then you are not only helping the culprit get away with that offence – you are also encouraging them to continue offending unnoticed.
A recent drink-driving blitz at rural hotels caused headlines because 31 rural drivers were apprehended driving over the limit. Gladly Mapua did very well in comparison to other areas – keep up the good work.
Just a reminder I can be contacted at Motueka on ph 03 5288800 or fax 03 5286005 or by leaving a message at the Mapua Four Square.
Take care and keep warm! - Grant Heney
We’re back….
Since the demise of the Village Times, we feel our community runs the risk of being out of touch with various organisations, and of course vice versa. So here we go – the newsletter, renamed the Coastal News, will be available to the district. To make start-up simple and financial, we will be placing copies at strategic places rather than delivering to everyone. Each display will have a donation box in which we would ask satisfied readers to place at least 20˘. Later we will ask for volunteers to help out so that production does not weigh too heavily on individuals. The Coastal News will come out at the beginning of the month, and all copy needs to be in by 20th of the month. (Hard copy to Mapua Store, or email to andrew@mapua.gen.nz ). Contact Bill Williams 5402528 or Andrew & Merlene Earlam 5402845.
If you are thinking of volunteering, these are the vacancies we may need to fill, with the job description:-
Typists with e-mail – we have 3 already.
Set-up – someone or two who can use MSPublisher, or wants to learn, and has the time each month
Printers – drive to TDC, work photocopier.
Collator – sort, count, deliver to roadrunners.
Roadrunners – hand delivery to a smallish area.
Advertising, accounting, billing – maybe.
Many thanks to the Mapua Volunteer Fire Brigade for funding this first issue.
Mapua Soccer
Mapua Soccer is co-ordinated by Neil Hine and David Francis. We are going strong and making great use of the improved Domain.
There are 10 children's teams ranging in age from 5 to 13 approx. Every Saturday morning some of these teams play home games at the Mapua Domain starting at 9.30 going on till late morning. The teams invite any of you readers to come down to watch and support the players in these exciting games. There is also a $1 sausage sizzle running. A great morning’s entertainment - more exciting than the All Blacks, more wins than the All Whites!
The teams are:
Midgets or 6th grade Mapua Magics coaches Peter Watson and Marcus Graf
7th grade Mapua All Stars coach Jan Trevett
8th grade Mapua Cats coaches Christine Johns and Karen Prestige
9th grade Mapua Flames coaches Peter Clinton-Baker and Wayne Chisnall
10th grade Mapua Knights coach Brad Smart
10th grade Mapua Kings coach John Fraser
11th grade Mapua Mighty 7 coach Henny van Laanen
11th grade Mapua Sharks coach Rod Gibson
12th grade Mapua Raiders coach David Francis
13th grade Mapua Meteors coach Bob Lancaster
Mapua Health Centre News
At last, after advertising in NZ and UK for many months for a doctor to replace John Mills and processing a good number of applications, we are very pleased to announce that Dr Richard Thomas has joined our staff. Richard and his wife, Sally who is also a doctor, have moved here from England along with their young daughter, Bethan. He is well qualified with a broad knowledge and experience of family medicine, as well as having a very affable personality. He will be working from Mondays to Wednesdays, along with Tim Ewer, and Vivien Edge will continue to cover Thursdays and Fridays. If anyone knows of a suitable house for Richard and his family to rent or buy in the area please contact the health centre.
We are in the process of sorting out possible ways of improving the weekend oncall roster for the doctors. There may be times when incoming phone calls are diverted to either the Richmond or Motueka weekend doctor in order that the practice doctors can have a break from being always oncall. This would mean that any patient who needed to be seen would have to travel to see the appropriate surrounding practice. There have been times when weekend phone calls have not been able to get immediately through to the oncall doctor due to the cell phone being temporarily out of range. It is most important that a message is left as requested on the answer phone so that the doctor can get back to the caller as soon as possible. Messages are usually received every 15 minutes via Telecom. However, in a medical emergency, if there is delay in reaching the doctor phone 111.
There have been 2 fatal cases of pneumonia in the region recently and it reinforces the need to consider having the flu vaccination for those who may be more at risk, such as those with respiratory problems and older people. We continue to have some flu vaccine in stock so please contact the practice nurse if you need more information. Also, the health department have initiated an MMR vaccine catch up programme for those children aged 4-11. We will be sending out letters to parents to outline the programme and offer vaccination where appropriate.
Dr Tim Ewer has just returned from attending a symposium on neurotoxicity and environmental medicine in the USA. He had previously been to Manila as an invited participant of the World Health Organisation for a meeting to establish policies on traditional medicine in the region. He will also be speaking at a conference in Australia at the end of the month on chemical sensitivity. We are most grateful to Dr Pip Reeve for her locum work while he was away. Vivien Edge will be attending the annual GP conference in Auckland at the end of June.
The health committee is looking into the setting up of a group of volunteer helpers who would be willing to assist the elderly in the community with fixing minor problems around the home. We would also need someone who would be willing to co-ordinate the process. Please let the receptionist at the health centre know if you are interested in helping (540 2211).
We are due to have our AGM for electing members to the health committee. Due to several members leaving we are at risk of not having sufficient members to keep the committee going, so we are very keen to attract new members. The health committee has important roles in organising community health promoting activities, looking at issues which involve how government policies may affect the health of the community and helping to raise funds for equipment. Please consider taking part and let Linden Visser know on 540 2211.
Mapua and Districts Netball Club
After a sleepy couple of years with just one or two senior teams playing in the Motueka Competition, a public meeting was held and it was unanimously decided to revitalise the club. The club changed its name to Mapua and Districts Netball Club, as there is a blend of players from Mapua, Mahana, Tasman and Upper Moutere. It was also decided to play at the Saxton Field venue.
The Club has 2 kiwi teams, 2 junior teams and one senior team. A lot of fund-raising and sponsorship was needed (in a hurry!) to make sure all the teams had uniforms and equipment. Mapua, being the wonderful community it is, came to the fore and we are very thankful to the following sponsors for enabling us play in uniforms and not our underwear and that we all have balls to catch:
Mapua Auto Centre – for sponsoring the senior team and 2 junior teams
Carey And Riggs – for sponsoring a kiwi team
Spectrum Homes – for sponsoring a kiwi team
Nature Smoke – for supplying balls for a team
Sheer Perfection – for supplying balls and a gear bag
Mapua Store – for supplying balls and a gear bag
Perry’s Auto – for supplying balls and a gear bag
Mapua Tavern –for the possibility (as yet uncon.firmed) of sponsorship from pub charities.The teams all have coaches and are all performing well in their grades. Next year we hope to include a high school team and another senior team. The practices for the seniors are held at the Saxton Field courts on Tuesday nights at 5.45. The two junior teams practise at the Mapua School on Wednesday afternoons. The kiwi teams are split between Mahana and Mapua School. We hope to have a lighted court for next years practices in the Mapua area and will be working towards this with fund-raising – so look out for us!
For further information please feel free to contact:
Pres: Helen McDonald 5402 290 or 025 278 3934
Secr: Marion Cross 5403 828 or fax/ph 5403 632
EXERCISE CLASSES
What: Step Aerobics plus weights, abs, stretches etc
Where: Mapua Hall
When: Mondays 6.30 pm till 8pm
Cost: $20 for 4wks - next 4 wk block starting 2 July
Great music Great workout Great fun
Also: Exercise class for all ages, including the not so young
Where: Mapua Hall
When: Tuesday and Friday mornings 9.15 to 10ish
Cost: $35 concession card or $5 casual
Contact Lynda Mabin 5402269 or just come along
Mapua Hall
The Mapua Hall Society AGM was held recently, with the current committee surprisingly re-elected, normally these voluntary positions are snapped up. The committee managing the Hall is Mike Shirer (Chairman - 540 2698), Helen Wells (Treasurer - 540 2847), Elston Blain (Secretary), Barry Evans (Deputy Chairman), Patsy White (Sanitation), Bill Marris (Maintenance), Pauline Wishart, Jenny Ralfe, Graeme Snook, Barry Barker, and welcome back to Peter Hancock. If you have any issues regarding the Hall these people will be happy to talk it through. A special note of thanks was given to Marilyn and Stuart at the Mapua Store (and their helpers), for looking after the Hall booking book.
Some points of interest from the AGM. The Hall finances are healthy, with usage of the Hall up on last year. The Supper room floor will be sanded and polyurethaned shortly. Planning is underway for the renovation of the Hall toilets. Our options range from building a new block at the rear of the Hall to changing the toilet paper. We would welcome any input from Hall users on what changes you would like to see.
With the number of new people moving into the district we would also like to remind everyone the Hall is available to all sorts of events, functions or meetings at very reasonable rates. We would welcome your inquiry. The committee would like to thank all users for their support
Mapua Boat Club
The Club was formed as an incorporated society with the object of saving the wharf and building from the demolition planned by the owners, the Nelson Harbour Board. This first objective was successfully completed with the full co-operation of the owners, who leased the clubrooms to the club for fourteen years and gave the club a licence to operate the wharf for the same period; these concessions expired on 31st May this year.
The focus of the Club is to preserve the wharf for public enjoyment. The rapid expansion of commercialism in the wharf area has focused the minds of many residents and club members on the risk we face in the possible loss of this free access. We have lost sections of public land to this creeping occupation of areas we were once free to use, and our aim is to keep what we have left.
The club’s next challenge was to maintain and improve the facility, which they have successfully achieved over the past 14yrs, with earnings from the wharf plus other club income being used to maintain the wharf and improve the building, which was just an empty shell when taken over.
We now come to a new phase for the club where the TDC (the present owner) has offered us a 2 year extension of our lease/licence. The reason given for the short term is that they may have other plans for the facilities.
The Club has been developing a strategy, which they will be discussing with its ninety members at a meeting in the clubrooms on 20th. June at 7-30pm. Any prospective members or those who wish to have input on the future of the wharf will be welcome. Readers of this newsletter will be kept up to date with the plans in future issues.
Community Library
We have received a grant from the Community Trust to enable us to build a new library and an RSA/Community room on the present site. Upstream Design have prepared plans which can be viewed at the Library.
In 1997 the RSA gifted the present building and site to the TDC, and in that year the Library moved from a small room at the back of the Hall – the books hardly filled the shelves. Now we have no place left to expand.
The proposed building will be a great asset to young and old – children’s area, young adults, comfortable chairs and eventually we may become computerised.
The Committee is delighted with the increased membership and book issues – we are continually adding to and updating our collection. There are plenty of children’s books and jigsaws for the winter.
As always new members are very welcome – don’t forget to drop in Tuesdays and Saturdays 2-4.30pm.
Mapua – Mahana CWI
Our 62nd birthday lunch was held June 14th in Mapua Hall.
FUTURE MEETINGS: -
3rd Jul Visit Stoke Wakatu Institute, starting at 1.30pm in the Catholic Church Hall at Songer St.
9th Aug Our Nelson President, Mrs C Pitman, will speak
13th Sep There will be a mystery outing.
11th Oct Member, Mrs E Theobald, will give a talk on returning from her overseas trip.
October is C.W.I’s International month.
8th Nov We have an area group meeting and mini show.
7th Dec We celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts.Competitions take place each month. We have an active Garden Circle and a Craft Group, with meetings on the 3rd Wednesday and last Thursday of each month, respectively.
Any ladies are most welcome to join us. Meetings are usually held in Mapua Hall at 1.30 pm. Please phone our President, Mrs J Satherley, 5403 399 for further details.
Mapua Community Toy Library
Our main purpose is to provide a wide range of toys, puzzles and videos to the families of preschool children of the Mapua/Ruby Bay Community. The toys range from large ride-ons, mini kitchens, prams, tricycles, wagons, pop-up tents to musical toys, sports equipment, floor puzzles, a large range of children’s videos and many more.
The Toy Library operates very similar to a book library. Families pay a yearly subscription of $30, take toys out for two weeks, return them and take out a new set for a further two weeks and so on. The service provides our children with a large choice of educational, fun toys at minimal cost to the parents. Over the last year we have bought lots of new toys, puzzles and videos with the grants we have received, and installed new display shelving.
If you don’t know where we are, you can find us in a room behind Mapua Hall, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month 10-11.45am. Everyone is welcome! If you have any further questions please contact Fiona Wilson 540 3553.
NOTICEBOARD
Mapua Friendship Club
In May we celebrated our 26th birthday, with a beautiful luncheon at the Village Rest. We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month at Mapua Hall 2-4 pm for indoor bowls (2 mats), cards etc. It costs nothing to join. Sales tables and mystery parcel are also available. None of us had played indoor bowls before, and only a couple had played outdoor. It’s a fun afternoon with plenty of laughs and a lovely afternoon tea at 3.30pm. All members bring a plate. If you are lonely and would like to join us, please do, as we are seeking new members. Several of our older members have retired to a home - Mr Tom Wiley has just retired at 96, we have a 93 year old and several in their 80’s. At present we are raffling a lovely hand painted china plate, donated by Brenda Matthews. See you there. For information phone 5402 717.The Herb Circle
was started in Motueka 21 years ago by Pat and Hugh Long. As the majority of our members now come from the Moutere Hills area, our meetings are held at the Mapua Community Church Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We start our meetings promptly at 1.30pm and usually finish by 3pm which fits in with school bus hours.At each meeting we have a herb of the month which is researched and presented by one of our members. The yearly programme includes some outside speakers, a garden visit and is completed in June of each year with our winter feast. Our feast takes the form of a pot luck lunch, each dish to incorporate a herb or two. The recipes are printed out and the collection is available to members from 10˘ a page. We have a sales table at each meeting and a well stocked library available for members use.
A monthly newsletter is posted to every financial member. Enquiries and new members are very welcome. Contact: June Fortune 5402645, or Anne Austin 5402790.
Probus Club.
The Combined Probus Club of Mapua District meets on the first Friday of each month at 1.30pm in the Mapua Hall Supper Room.
Contacts are: President - Peter Butchart - 540 2686
or Vice President - Norm Thawley - 540 2876
If anyone is interested, please contact either of the above, and they will be only too happy to discuss the Club.Moutere Hills Rose Society
Contacts: Robyn Williams 540 2925 (Pres); or Jo Drummond 03 428 7596 (Secr). Are you interested in Roses? Enjoying and growing, pruning, planting and perfume, showing and sharing these beautiful and addictive blooms? We are a group who meet - usually the 1st Monday in the month, to improve our knowledge, visit gardens and listen to interesting speakers. If you admire a wild rose on the roadside or an exquisite bush covered in blooms - join us. We would love to welcome new members. There will be a pruning demonstration 10am July 7th at Mapua Hall.
MAPUA FIRE SERVICE
MAY CALL OUTS
04/05 6:30 am SH60/Higgs Hill MotorVehicleAccident
06/05 3:00 pm Upper Moutere MotorVehicleAccident
08/05 5:20 pm Seaton Valley Rd. Rubbish Fire
08/05 10:12 pm Higgs Road SmokeAlarmActivated
11/05 3:04 pm SH60/Bluffs Fuel Spill on Highway
16/05 6:22 pm Stafford Drive Rubbish FireSAFETY TIP: HAVE YOUR CHIMNEYS CLEANED
Like to be a fire-fighter? If you can hear the Mapua fire siren day & night and have spare time, we would like to hear from you. Please contact the Fire Chief Ted Perry at home on 540-2674. Or, call in at the Fire Station on Thursday nights at around 7:30pm. Thank You.
Hills Community Church
services for June/July 2001
17 June 9:15am Morning Worship at Mapua
10:45am Informal Worship at Mapua
24 June 9:15am Holy Communion at Mapua
10:45am Informal Worship at Mapua
11:00am Morning Worship at Tasman
1 July 10:45am Combined Worship at Mapua
8 July 9:15am Holy Communion (NZ Prayerbook) at Mapua
10:45am Informal Worship at Mapua
(There is a Creche/Sunday School for children aged 0-13 years during the 10:45am Service)
Minister: Rev Ian Smith (ph/fax 5402 270)
MAHANA SCHOOL is EXPANDING!
Mahana School has virtually doubled in size since obtaining 7000m2 of land adjoining the school. This land will soon be developed into a playing field that will add much needed outdoor recreation space. Mahana School has grown from a one teacher school with 20 pupils in 1920 to the present day roll of 77 pupils, three classrooms, an Administration area, a library, computer suite, swimming pool and adventure playground. The children of Mahana School and its surrounding community thank the neighbouring orchardist, Alan Ridgen and family, the Ministry of Education and the Property Group Ltd for their participation and support in this proposal.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Lower Higgs Road Group
ANNUAL MID-WINTER SOCIAL EVENING
Thank you for returning the questionnaire.
By majority vote of 18 to 6, the venue and date are:
The VILLAGE REST on JULY 1st. START 6:00PM for a 6:30pm MEAL. See you there!
Quiz Night
- heaps of prizes, Sat July 21.
Bar open 7pm, start time 7.30pm, at Mapua Hall. Teams of 6(max) $5 per person. If you haven’t got a team, come along and join one. Alcohol & beer sales, FREE supper.
Tickets at Mapua store or from Lisa 5402112.
Fundraiser for Sea Scouts jamboree
Credits
Edited by Bill Williams & Andrew Earlam. Contact us at 5402528 or 5402845 or andrew@mapua.gen.nz. Copy to Mapua Store by 20th of the month. Non-commercial classified ads – $2 must be included with copy. Club notices etc free. Published on the world wide web thanks to Site Productions of Mapua and Tasman Solutions, Richmond. Meanwhile would the volunteers please step forward.