September 2001
Residents & Ratepayers Association
Since my last report in this popular newsletter there has been more activity You are probably aware by now that the TDC agreed in principle to the Concept of a Waterfront Park, after the clean-up at the chemical site, for public enjoyment. We had hoped to secure the area, but with the unknown findings of the clean-up company Thiess Services Ltd, it's a "waiting game". We are still hopeful that the District will benefit by a waterfront venue for all to enjoy! We have requested finance from TDC for a Discussion Plan to be drawn up for the Mapua area. We would like to sincerely thank Mayor John Hurley and all the Councillors who voted for our proposal and who have given their support and encouragement over the last 18 months. Good luck for the coming elections! We are pleased with the outcome so far. At this point we stress that it would be very encouraging if more moral support from you good people was a little more obvious. We are working hard for our village, and Council are aware that we represent your wishes. Let us know you are there - we need your input!! I would like to thank our Committee Members for their dedication, and also our loving partners, for their forbearance.
The speed-zone limit on the coastal highway is still under investigation. James King - Traffic Co-ordinator Safety Authority, said "the changing of the speed limit is now before the authority, and final paper work leading to gazettal of the change is in hand." Roger Ashworth TDC informed us that the speed change from the School through Aranui Road is being processed. Final plans are still underway for the Higgs Road realignment and footpath, and we are assured that works will start in a few weeks.
Hanne Bjorklund is our local candidate for the TDC elections. We will need an enthusiastic and knowledgeable representative for our region. Richard Johns is the TDC Mayoral candidate. Two other local people, Brian Say and Liz Richards, are standing for the Nelson Marlborough Health Board.
At next month's meeting on September 10th, 7.30pm at the Hall, guest speakers will be Hanne Bjorklund and Richard Johns. All are welcome.
LATE NEWS! The four Mayoral candidates and the Waimea Moutere Ward candidates for Council have also been invited to attend for the purpose of "Meeting the Candidates". Each will give a five minute opening statement before receiving questions from the floor.
Rural Policing Update
Hello to you all. Another fairly quiet month crime wise in our district thankfully. There were a couple of sheep stolen from a semi-rural property near Motueka and some petrol stolen from near Lower Moutere, but not near Mapua thankfully. I went to the Mapua Ratepayers Association meeting on the 13th and reported that the council were awaiting approval from the Land Transport Authority to change the speed along the entire length of Aranui Rd to 50 km/hr. As you are aware the speed from the Mapua Tavern down to the tennis courts is currently 70 km/hr, and a petition was organised in December last year to lobby the council for a change. Nothing happens quickly with these things!
In the first week of August at 2.30am one morning a car load of Nelson youths ripped around the Leisure Park and threw a picnic table from the Mapua Boat Club off the wharf. They also did some wheelies at Grossi Point. The Police were called and some of the youths ran off, only to be tracked by a police dog from Nelson. All were located and one was bitten for his trouble. The driver of the car was driving while under the influence of alcohol and he solely admitted responsibility for the damage and disorder. This is highly unlikely - there were 3 females and 2 males in the car. A letter of apology has been received by the Leisure Park from one of the females and the driver of the car will be making an appearance in court - charged with drink driving and wilful damage. Reparation for the picnic table is being sought from the offender.
Good work to the person/people who phoned the police so quickly.
Well - take care until next month
Grant Heney,
Rural Community Constable,
Motueka
Ph 03 528 8800,
POBox 156 Motueka,
Mailbox at Mapua Store
Editors Note
...into the third edition. We will continue to use our eight display boxes and we thank you for your donations. There has been a response to the idea of an annual postal delivery, and for others who wish it, please send a $10 subscription to: Coastal News Subscription, Postal Delivery Centre, Mapua. Perhaps as a suggestion we could encourage young people to contribute and help - it is so easy for our generation to express our interests and ideas when there is so little for the young.
Thanks to Tasman Solutions and Site Productions we now have this presence on the world wide web.
Election Time
Friends and Neighbours, it's local government election year again, and in a few weeks we will be asked to decide who should represent us and our community on the Tasman District Council.
Like you, I would like to see an end to the ever-increasing bureaucracy, rules, regulations, frustrations, permits, delays, fees and rate increases, as well as unnecessary waste. Five years ago I entered local politics with the goal of doing something about this unacceptable situation.
Since then, working towards improving things for Tasman District ratepayers has become a significant part of my life, and that's why I am offering myself as a candidate to represent the Moutere-Waimea ratepayers and residents on the Tasman District Council.
I have been a Tasman District ratepayer and resident for 26 years, have two adult children and two grandchildren, a University degree in Interior Architecture, have been both a business manager and self-employed and am now semi-retired.
It is important that all ratepayers and residents are represented by someone:
- Who will be a full-time Councillor.
- Who stands for transparency and accountability.
- Who is aware of local concerns.
- Who has the time to work effectively.
- Who will listen and be available.
- Who is prepared to look to the future.
- Who respects the needs and wishes of our community.It is also important that the eastern area of the Moutere Waimea ward has a local representative. We are a rapidly growing area and it is essential to ensure that the TDC invests in the infrastructure that is needed to cope with such growth. Elective luxuries must take second place.
I would like to meet with you and your friends to discuss your needs and concerns, - maybe at a club meeting, or in someone's home over a cuppa. Or phone me for a friendly chat. Or email me to find out where I stand on many issues. Communication is one of the cornerstones of true Democracy - let's talk.
HANNE BJORKLUND,
Mahana,
543 2602,
email: bjorklund@clear.net.nz
Mapua Health Centre News
There is a definite sense of change at the Health Centre in terms of medical staffing. The sad news is that Vivien Edge is moving later this month to take up a partnership in a city practice at the beginning of October. This has been a long and difficult decision for her as she feels very much part of our community and enjoys her work as a GP. We wish her all the best for her new position and know that she will be greatly missed by many in the community.
Fortunately, Sally Harris will be able to fill in on Thursdays and Fridays for the first 2 weeks and we have started advertising and interviewing for a replacement GP. Hopefully we will be able to fill the gap before too long and maintain the presence of a female GP in the practice. Now that Richard Thomas has familiarized with the NZ health care system, he is keen to take on more patients and build up his workload. He and Sally (and their young daughter Bethan) will shortly begin moving into their new house.
We are also thinking of making some changes to the Health Centre building in order to improve the waiting area and increase the reception area. These won't be happening for a little while and we will be making sure that there is minimal disruption to the day to day running of the centre.
There is a national prostate awareness week from August 25th to October 3rd and we would encourage all men from their 40's onwards to consider getting a check of their prostates every 1-3 years.
Plunkett has a clinic at the Health Centre every alternate Friday and these can be combined with early childhood immunisations. We are also encouraging parents to consider bringing their children along for wellness checks with the practice nurse and doctor. Ideally these would relate to the ages of six weeks, 15 months and 4 years. If you are interested, please consider making bookings through the receptionist (540 2211). There are no medical fees for children under 6 years of age (during normal office hours).
Mapua - Mahana C.W.I
On the 9th of August, our Federation President, Caroline Pitman was on Jury Service, so Jean Satherley, our Branch President, read her report. The remit concerning Jury Service was lost, but the remits on the cost of diabetic food and the one concerning safety and alcohol use on boats were both passed. Please refer to previous notices for full details.
It was pleasing to see such a large attendance for a winter meeting, indicating that we are fit and well. Our interest in healthy food, in particular fruit, was evident when members were asked to name their favourites. Apples proved to be the most popular because of their versatility, followed by berry fruit.
Knitted garments for premature babies were displayed; a lot of knitting fingers have been busy recently!
It is proposed to help again this year with "Clean-up New Zealand" week on 17th-23rd September by weeding the traffic island by the Mapua Tavern. A donation is to be given to Mahana School to purchase and plant a tree of their choice. Following a request from the Blind in the Nelson area, it was decided to forward a $50 donation rather than collect locally.
Joy Sutton, who has now moved to Richmond, won the raffle. Jean Satherley and members are to visit our Lone member, Betty Donaldson, to celebrate her birthday this month.
The Garden Circle visited garden centres on 15th August, and the Craft Group will meet at the home of Netta Perry on the 30th August to make a variety of cards.
COMPETITION RESULTS:
The Eggers Silver Cup results (for jars of lemon honey, pickled onions and preserves) went to:
1st B Halse, 2nd H Wells
BLOOM: 1. H Wells, 2. J Higgs, 3. B Halse/N Perry
CLUSTER: 1. B Halse, 2. H Wells, 3. J Higgs/ N Perry
SHRUB: 1. J Higgs, 2. B Halse, 3. D Siddle
Helen Wells gave the Motto:
"He who rows the boat is too busy to rock it."On the 13th September we will meet at the Mapua Hall at 9am for our Mystery Outing. The morning tea will be provided; food and fare money will be required. We had a brilliant mystery outing last year to Takaka - where will we be going this year? I'll tell you more about it next month!
REMINDER: Items for the Burn Trophy should be given to Jean Satherley before the September Mystery Outing.
Reported by: Barbara Halse.
Hoddy Road Health Promoter Stands for District Health Board
Liz Richards is seeking support from people who wish to see a local person with a background in community health elected to the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board. Liz has worked for six years as a health promoter at the Public Health Unit in Nelson. She is a keen advocate of community involvement and is spending the weeks leading up to the election calling on residents in the area. Her aims are to work towards a system providing free access to local GP's for everyone and to ensure that money is spent on prevention as well as illness services.
Health promotion is about enabling people to increase control over the things affecting their health and well being. Returning to a system which actively encourages community involvement is a move in the right direction. Liz believes that listening to what people are saying is essential and will take issues of concern to the Board meetings.
If you would like to ask any questions or make suggestions please contact Liz on 544 0475
Email sewell.richards@xtra.co.nz
Mapua and Districts Business Association
The Association has been in existence now for some 9 years, with the main emphasis of providing a cohesive voice on matters relating to the business community of Mapua and surrounding districts.
Recently the Association held their AGM and there was a change in elected officers due to the stepping down of Richard Johns and Ian Gault from their Chairman and Secretary/Treasurer roles.
A new committee has been established headed by Brian Davies as the new Chairman, and Helen Macdonald as Secretary / Treasurer. Other committee members are Barry Evans, Marion Satherley, Jim Thawley, Paul Nankivell, Francis Gilbertson, and the retained services of both Richard and Ian.
The committee would like to invite all existing members along to the next Association meeting to be held 7:30pm 25th September at the Upper Moutere township Fire Brigade building meeting room. Any new business people in the district are welcome to come along to attend and join. A guest speaker will be present on the night.
I would also welcome the opportunity to talk to committee chairs' from other district organizations and gain an insight into how the Business Association can best serve our collective interests.
Our contact details are:
Home Phone 540 2290
E-mail: brian& Helen@xtra.co.nz
PO Box 3376,
Richmond
Brian Davies, Chairman
Mapua Boat Club
presents
The Biggest Games Day
The Club's Annual General Meeting held recently was well attended, with a good sprinkling of new members, which was a reflection of the doubling of our membership in the past year. It was also good to see a representation from the Residents and Ratepayers Association who give us good support. This lift in membership, while partly a result of the increasing population is more from a growing awareness of the importance of the wharf to the district, and the determination to retain it in full public control and guard it from the creeping commercialism which has already started. A non-commercial presence in the wharf front building is the only way to protect the wharf from exploitation.
There is steady progress on the development of the museum in the clubrooms. Memorabilia, particularly photos of the wharf area are needed; photos for copying would be appreciated. John Ward is now the President of the club. Dennis Crawford has been of great value in his two-year term and will still be so as custodian and committee member. The committee has been strengthened with the addition of Arnie Ahnfeldt, Barry Barker, Brian Quinn, Malcolm Blair, Shaun Atkinson, Lloyd Blythen and Murray Goss, so is now rigged to face any challenge broadside on.
Community Library
Thanks to those folk who made overdue donations to the Pink Pig last month. $45.25 may seem a trifle in the overall scheme of things, but with all the extras inherent in a new library, every contribution counts.
A generous donation from Barbara Reynolds, Glenfield, Auckland (42 paperbacks, 3 hardbacks), plus 40 books purchased by Susanne, made an awesome total of new titles for the month. Included in the list are six for the 'Large Print' shelves, among them: Of love and other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez; An Imperfect Marriage by Tim Walderstone; Cross Channel by Julian Barnes.
Issues for the past calendar month were Tuesday(s) 363; Saturday(s) 377 an impressive total of 740 considering our present hours of 2-4:30pm on each of the above days.
NOTICEBOARD
Mapua Friendship Club meets third Thursday of the month, Mapua Hall 2-4pm. Indoor bowls, cards etc, sales table, mystery parcel, raffle & lovely afternoon tea. Come and enjoy a good afternoon.
Moutere Hills Rose Society. 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. Contacts: Robyn Williams 540 2925 (Pres); or Jo Drummond 03 528 7596 (Sec).
The Mapua Woolgatherers meet 2nd Tuesday of each month in the supper room, Mapua Hall, from 10am-2pm and would welcome all those interested in spinning, weaving or indeed any handicraft to join them. Contacts: Pat Holland 5266 814, Mary Russ 5402 021
Exhibition: In September the Suter will hold an exhibition called The Mapua Years: Toss Woollaston. Toss Woollaston lived at Mapua for most of the years between 1930 and 1949. It was here that he developed the artistic foundation of his life as a painter. For many years Woollaston and his family lived in an earth brick home he built in Seaton Valley, while he painted and worked in the area. The exhibition will feature paintings and sketches of Mapua and people Woollaston knew. Some of the artworks have not been exhibited before. Curated by Judith Taylor. The exhibition runs from September 1- 23.
Want to Paint? Editions Gallery Classes
Watercolour Classes - beginners and general. Book your place in this popular painting course. Next course starts mid October, half a day a week for six weeks. Andrew Clacher teaches both a beginners class and a general class. All classes are at Editions Gallery in Ruby Bay. Call in there or ring Andrew direct at 03 5284334 to find out more.Mahana School Quiz Night Report:
Success of the night was high on all counts with approximately $400 proceeds earned for the School and a highly enjoyable night for participants (nearly all of whom received a prize). Darryl Page presented a diverse and novel range of questions, which delivered some creative answers and dodgy team tactics! We are pleased to note that the teachers team were able to recognise and name all the dinosaurs. A large part of this evening's success has been due to the support of sponsors so please continue to give them your support - Mahana School students and parents extend a big thank-you to all who donated prizes.Motueka Recreation Centre Exercises - Wednesdays & Fridays 11am-noon, in the exercise room, moving stiff complaining joints to music or to calls from the instructor. Numbers vary from a dozen down to one, but there is always a videotape set up ready to go and in winter the room is warm. The Arthritis Society organises these hourly sessions of therapeutic exercises and a trained instructor. Those who take advantage of this service may be recovering from strokes or heart conditions, have had or need joint replacements, or may just like to limber up. The classes cost $2 a session and operate all year. Plenty of room for more to come and steady numbers will keep the service operating.
Spring Clean: It is nearly a year since a keen group cleaned up and replanted the area at the Warren Place end of the beach walkway. The deep layer of mulch and the water-retaining treatment helped the plants to survive the summer drought and winter frosts very well. Now the walkway needs a spring clean up and with plenty of people to help it won't be too hard. Clean up New Zealand week is from 17 - 24 Sept. Last year there was a good response from this area and three groups took part, each tidying a different place. If you would like to be part of either or both clean up group please phone Gillian 540 3354
NOTICE OF MEETING
NELSON BAYS
Community Law Service Inc
All those interested in our Service, which offers free legal information and assistance, plus talks / workshops on legal topics, are welcome to attend our AGM: Wednesday 19 September 2001, 6.00 to 7.30 pm at the Mapua Boat Club, Mapua Wharf. Enquiries: 03 548 1288
Complimentary light refreshments provided
MAPUA FIRE SERVICE
July call out:
3/7/01 MVC SH 60 near Maisey's Rd, ice
25/7/01 Chimney fire Foley Rd
27/7/01 House fire Blackbird Valley, turned back
28/7/01 Scrub fire SH 60 near Marriages Rd
30/7/01 controlled burn SH 60 TasmanSafety tip - Plan to get out alive
One of our members has resigned, WE need you.
If you can hear the Mapua fire siren day & night & have spare time & would like to be a fire fighter, we would like to hear from you.
Contact the Chief, Ted Perry at home on 5402 674, or call in at the fire station Thursday nights around 7:30pm
Mapua Netball Club Dance
Fun Fun Fun - On 15th September the Mapua and Districts Netball Club is holding a fund-raising dance. Paul Madsen will be entertaining with supper provided. There will be a licensed bar, or BYO. Tickets: $15.00 available from club members, or the Mapua Auto Centre. Tickets are strictly limited so be in quick!
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.