May 2003
___Residents & Ratepayers Association
At a well attended meeting in the Mapua Hall on 14th April Eric Verstappen, TDC’s Resource Scientist for Rivers and Coasts, outlined the elements of a new report on the Ruby Bay coastal erosion problem (3 copies are available for viewing in our Library). At present the best cost-effective solution is to counter the west to east flow of sands & gravels, by regularly trucking these deposits back from east to west!
In a following debate a resolution was put forward to ask Council to at least finance an experimental groyne as a possible cure for this ongoing problem. Mike Stevens will meanwhile explore the costs and suitable location for this proposed groyne with Eric Verstappen, and to present the findings at our May monthly meeting.
In addition to this highly technical debate, Rose Biss TDC planner, talked about the future of Mapua/Ruby Bay. How big do we want to grow? Where can possible expansion be situated? A vast subject, too great for immediate decisions. The public are encouraged to write to Rose expressing their ideas on concerns, and our Association requested planners to return to our meeting, when matters can be given more time for discussion.
Reports from the Causeway Group were presented by David Mitchell, and a copy of this is available in the library. Main points: the establishment of the public’s right of access onto the beaches via the causeway, past the Mapua Leisure Park, except at high tides. Also concern for improvement of the wetlands to the north.
Next came a report from the sub-committee concerned with Estuary signs giving public information on the wild life of the estuary. Displays have been started but not yet finalised, and will initially be sited at Grossi Point and the ramp at Port Mapua.
This month’s meeting on 12 May at 7.30pm is our AGM and time to elect our executive. Be there or the “Thought Police” will make you do press-ups!! TDC staff & councillors will present the Annual Report also. Great to know so many residents want to be involved in Community developments, we look forward to seeing you next month.
Bill Williams (Vice-Chairman)
___RSA Memorial Library
Our AGM will be held 7:30pm Tuesday 13th May at the Library. The May monthly meeting will be held beforehand, starting at 7pm. Everyone is most welcome to come. There is plenty of room for more committee members, or come along anyway if you are interested in what’s going on in the Library. Absolutely pressure-free for those suffering committee phobia, other more hardy souls may volunteer themselves on the night. Supper will be served after the meeting.
A big thank you for the great response we had to our plea for the return of overdue books, it makes a huge difference to the running of the Library to have these books back on the shelves.
The latest development is that we plan to install a phone at the Library. This will allow people to renew their books more easily. Thank you to the TDC who will pay the line charges which makes this possible. We will advertise the phone number when this service becomes available. Also our investigations into computerisation continue.
In March we issued 1108 books – another record-breaking month!
___Walkways Group
A very fruitful meeting was held 3 April with lots happening regarding walkways at the moment.
Matters discussed were:
Rural Three and its impact on walkways development. A submission has been sent to the TDC.
The coastal erosion issue along Ruby Bay.
The disappointing postponement of the Chaytor Road / Dawson Road connection to the coast due to the ten-year delay of the highway bypass development. Tree-planting ideas were shared.
Jenny Easton had several enthusiastic volunteers for the making of the estuary walkway, which will begin in May.
Work continues on creating a linking walkway from the causeway to the school and on to the beach.
Any questions ideas and general ramblings on walkway issues can be directed to me, Sarah McLeod (540- 2698), or Kate Hine (540-2130).
___Mapua Combined Probus Club
Mahogany house boats, Srinagar, Kashmir
On 19 March the club hired two mini vans for a day trip to the Cobb Dam, and 19 members went. The weather was perfect with a cloudless sky. Our first stop, to stretch our legs and enjoy the view was at the car park above the Ngarua Caves on the Takaka Hill. Once over the hill, turning off at the historical site of the Rat Trap pub, our mini vans wound our way up the twisting narrow Cobb Valley Road. At a convenient stopping point our two drivers, Bob MacKenzie and John Sharman, stopped to admire the view and have morning tea. Our next stop was at the power station, which in its heyday was a small thriving community.
The road up to the dam site was rough and unsealed, creating a “London fog” for the trailing mini van to drive through. At the highest point of the road we had another stop to have a clear view of the dam reservoir with its very low water level. From the head of the dam, we drove for another half-hour to the inlet of the reservoir at the Trilobite Hut for a 1pm lunch break. Our return trip was an 88km drive back to Mapua. An enjoyable day was had by one and all.
Our regular monthly meeting was on Friday 4th April. Our main speaker was Graeme Skinner, a government Air and Marine officer. His talk gave an overview of our country’s border control of illicit drugs and goods. He showed various ways drugs such as Ecstasy were smuggled into the country and several flick knives found on passengers. Most of Graeme’s work is in and around Port Nelson, as Nelson has a domestic airport. His area of work can take him from Picton to Westport dealing with various boat people coming into the country. His talk concluded with a good variety of questions from club members.
Patsy White was our mini speaker. Her subject was a holiday to Little Tibet, a part of the world where few westerners have chance to tour. In 1983 Patsy teamed up with a group of teachers. Their tour started from Delhi travelling by a very over-crowded train to Jammu in Northern India. From Jammu it was a bus ride to Srinagar staying on a house boat for a few days. The completion of the tour was a slow 270-mile bus ride over tough roads and high mountain terrain to Leh.
David Higgs Publicity
___
Mapua Playcentre
Well, the Easter Fair is over. It is a time that teachers, parents of Mapua Playcentre, and Mapua School pull together to run it. This year Playcentre ran the Children’s Entertainment area.
This consisted of two bouncy castles, games — coconut shy, sand treasure, one or two rabbits, and adult entertainment – ‘Madhatter’ (music), ‘Fairy Lou’ (story teller), ‘Señor Antonioni’ (magic). A few brave girls ‘gave it a go’ dancing (Linda Bevan’s pupils), played musical instruments (including Alison Pickford’s pupils). Another parent, Amy, ran the café, and others did all sorts of jobs. All good fun and a great effort by everyone! Our share of the funds raised will help run the Centre, and renew equipment.
We’ve had new families join our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday sessions, and some are leaving as real estate prices effect more locals one way or another.
We’ve had fun visiting Natureland, Mike Perry’s pottery, Graeme Snook’s woodturning, the McKee Domain, and the wharf during last term, plus the new entrant class of Mapua School, and Damon Ward visited us.
So we are into a new term with new assistants and lots of activities. Remember the first three visits are FREE, parents have fun with their children, and after 2½, children can be left for the session.
___What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a holistic, complimentary therapy of working reflexes in the feet that correspond to all major organs, glands and body parts. From ancient texts and illustrations we know that the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians and Egyptians worked on the feet to promote good health.
By using a specific pressure technique on precise reflex points on the feet, the body is stimulated through the 10 energy zones or meridians. This facilitates the flow of energy to remove blockages, which allows blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to deliver to all cells. It also promotes the removal of waste products and toxins.
Reflexology stimulates more than 7000 nerves when touching the feet. This encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways which allows for messages to be carried from the brain to all parts of the body. These pathways are often polluted or blocked by many factors such as stress. By inducing deep relaxation, stress is reduced which in turn allows the body to return to a state of balance where the body can heal.
Benefits of Reflexology are endless. No matter what the age, condition of health, in some form or another, Reflexology is a wonderful way to heal and maintain. It is used to treat many ailments and disorders such as digestive, respiratory and women’s complaints, muscular aches and pains etc. Introductory Special: A Reflexology treatment with 15 minute complimentary neck, shoulder and upper back massage, for month of May. For a professional and confidential treatment, please phone for an appointment 03 540-3305. See advertisement for further details.
___Mapua Bowling Club
Our club finished the season on the 12th of April with an informal celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the club. A triples tournament was enjoyed by our club members and visiting teams. The winning team was skipped by Neville Vercoe, ably supported by Peter Latter and Margaret Kingsford.
Most of the club’s championships were completed with the following results:
Women. Jr Singles:- Rita McDougall
Jr Pairs:- Rita McDougall, Diane Martin
Sr Singles:- Nancy McAlwee
Sr Pairs:- Nancy McAlwee, Silvia Peter
Triples:- Nancy McAlwee, Judy March, Rita McDougall
Fours:- Nancy McAlwee, Joy Scott, Diane Martin, Judy March
Men Veterans Trophy:- John Coeland
Jr Singles:- Brian Say
Jr Pairs:- Brian Say, David Higgs
Sr Singles:- John Coeland
Sr Pairs:- Dick Dawson, Marty Verdonk.
Triples:- Marty Ver Donk, Elston Blain, Gordon Court
Fours:- Chas Broad, Peter Latter, Neville Vercoe, Glen GatesOn the 8th April our club ladies had their final competition with their Friendship “Giggle” day. It is an annual unconventional bowling tournament with most competitors playing with fancy hats and unconventional bowling clothing. There was a good representation. The winners of the day were Syd Daughtrey, Jenny Flemming, Snow Wells, and Nancy Heeman. Other unconventional “competitions prizes” were: noisy with a whistle; orange kitty; lovely singing; and the embarrassment for most bowlers, playing the wrong bias.
There was unanimous agreement of an enjoyable day’s bowling and looking forward to doing it all again next year.
David Higgs, Publicity
___Councillor’s Comment
Issues before the Tasman District Council are extensive, difficult, and far-reaching in their effect. Close to home is the Wai-iti water augmentation proposal, which evolved over the past eight years and is now down to the wire. Existing and intending irrigators are required to chose for or against the project, and for most, it is a difficult decision balanced between the cost of the water, its profitable use, and availability. If the result is positive there may be capital investment and land use changes, driven by the need to use the water profitably. If there is insufficient commitment to make the project viable, the difficulties of water resource over allocation will remain and lead to further difficult decisions.
The desire of many to live in the Tasman District is leading to land use changes away from rural production and an increasing residential settlement. Earlier land use decisions have resulted in many new properties on the hills behind Wakefield, but it is nowhere near enough, and the pressure for change in the Mapua/Tasman area is fairly described as volatile. I have not observed the property market so consistently buoyant before. This has caused well established farmers and orchardists to oppose changes that threaten their existence, while the property market bears down on them, seemingly unstoppable. The “Rural Three” proposal has been commented on by interested parties and Council will soon choose how best to progress the issues, and the balance of rural production and residential settlement in the Mapua/Tasman area will change for ever.
The Government has decided that we need to encourage growth, and furthermore, that ratepayers should subsidise this growth by picking winners and promoting them. It is likely to lead to further investment in education facilities, the seafood industry, its associates, and the imposition of the opinion of an “Economic Development Agency”. I am firmly opposed to this racket, believing that the market itself is by far the best for choosing a profitable future. The thought that hard working people should give up their discretionary money to subsidise major industries is unacceptable to me, even though the pressure to comply with Government direction is substantial.
The TDC Annual Budget has been drafted. The loans raised over the past six years to fund major roading upgrades are now requiring repayments that are leading to excessive rate increases. Council has chosen a path forward, expressed in our Annual Plan, and comment is sought from interested parties leading up to budget decisions in June. The introduction of a new Local Government Act has created additional funding requirements. State interference and direction comes at a price. The taxpayers and the ratepayers pay it.
Other significant issues include Regional recreational facilities, Port Tarakohe development, variations to the Resource Management Plan, growth-pressured rezoning around Richmond, Motueka and Takaka, rezoning for industrial land, roading strategies, and a host of minor matters that are nevertheless important to those affected.
Cr Michael Higgins
___Mapua & Districts Business Association
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Date: Wednesday, 21 May 03
Venue: Mapua Hall, Supper Room
Time: 7.30pm
All businesses in the district are welcome to attend.Community Directory 2003
This valuable local resource will be available to residents again this year in August/September. If you would like details of your community group to be included or you would like to advertise your business in the directory, please contact Diane Maisey, 540-2909
The Role of the Business Association
The Association plays a vital role in the local community in acting as a central point of contact for local businesses and TDC on local business issues, including signage, street-scaping, and information. TDC councillors have recently reconfirmed to the Association about how important this organisation is to their endeavours.
It is about local business people acting with professionalism, and brings together the wider business communities of the Upper Moutere and Mapua districts.
Everybody is welcome to attend the Business Association’s monthly meetings, which are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Contacts:
Chairman: Brian Davies, 544-1315. Brian & Helen@xtra.co.nz
Treasurer: Vincent Emms, 540 3262 sales@hats.co.nz
Secretary:Diane Maisey, 540 2909 maisey@internet.co.nz
___Hills Community Church
After Sir Walter Raleigh was beheaded, they found these lines written in his Bible; “But from this earth, this grave, this dust; my God shall raise me up, I trust.” Raleigh maintained his faith to the end. That's victory! That's death without a sting! That's the reality of Easter!
Easter 2003 is over. The war in Iraq is over — but the fighting continues. Fighting among the different sects of Muslims — the United Nations (anything BUT united in their ideas of how to rehabilitate Iraq, and the part they will play in it).
Iraq will have to rise from its ruins to a new life. The spirit of the country is still very alive and they want to move forward under a new elected government of their own choosing. Understandable.
For Christians Easter brings a new life too. Christians have just celebrated that giving of life — a new start for us — given by God through his son, Jesus Christ.
The Alpha dinner was enjoyed by all who attended. Not so many in numbers this year, so the dinner was held in the very bright and comfortable church hall. The meal, starting off with drinks and nibbles, was delicious, and the informal atmosphere led to good conversation. A testimony of a participant of last year's Alpha course (and how it affected her family, so that her husband was moved to go to the following one to "taste and see") was very innovating. The course will be commencing after 28th April at different times of the day as suitable to participants. More details can be obtained by ringing Peter Bean, phone 526-6204.
A model of the proposed new church building is on show in the Uniting Church for consideration and suggestions. Looking interesting! We serve a God of change. He's always on the move, and we must move with Him, because we need change and challenge, just like we need food and water. Comfort is not always good for us. Sometimes even the disciples didn't know what to make of Jesus. When he walked on the water they said, “He's a spirit”. When he ate with them on the shore they said, “He's a man”. When you decide to follow Jesus, get ready to have your circuits blown and your faith stretched. In other words, get ready to move with a living God!
HCC Service Information
May 04 10:45am Combined Missions Sunday (Uniting)
May 11 9:15am Anglican Communion (St James)
10:45 Contemporary Communion (Uniting)
May 18 9:15am Morning Worship (St James)
10:45am Contemporary Service (Uniting)
May 25 9:15am Communion & Worship (St James)
10:45am Contemporary Service (Uniting)
___Mapua Recreation Reserve
The Mapua Recreation Reserve sports field is to undergo renovations to improve grass cover and surface levels for sports usage on the fields. To achieve this, we need to establish a 100mm layer of quality topsoil over the entire domain, as this is the minimum recommended depth for achieving thick grass cover over the sports field. The existing soils vary from dark fine sand with no topsoil to sandy loam with 300mm of topsoil.
We are digging out approximately 700m3 of droughty/sandy soils to 100mm depth and replacing it with good quality topsoil. Secondly, we will overlay another 800m3 of topsoil to stony areas with a thin layer of existing topsoil, to increase the topsoil to 100mm. Large areas have sufficient topsoil to sustain good grass growth and these areas will have no changes. We will grade the surface before seeding to improve levels to less than one per cent fall.
Topsoil was stockpiled in the north-western corner of the reserve before the Easter fair and will be heaped up to 2.5 m high to reduce the surface area. Earth works will begin immediately after Easter on 22 April 2003; we are hoping to have all work completed by 30 May, weather permitting.
The swale drain along the southern boundary will be widened and lengthened into the south-eastern corner to pick up storm water from the car park; otherwise the swale drain remains unchanged.
Winter soccer is to be relocated to Mapua School and Mahana School and this has been arranged with the Mapua and Districts Soccer Association.
If you have any further queries please contact me on 03 544-8176, ext 796. Stephen Richards, Parks Officer TDC
___Dawson Road BBQ
We thought it would be nice to get together for our second 'street' BBQ on the last Saturday before daylight saving finished. It was a casual affair in the way of BYO Everything. A couple of neighbours brought their large BBQs and another provided a table. The venue being the old skid site near the end of the road.
We dropped flyers in the letterboxes to notify everyone and had a very good response. More than 30 people turned up from babies, toddlers, school-age children, of course with their parents, young couples and the not so young, a very good mix of all ages.
It was lovely to meet new people who had moved in the neighbourhood recently. Soon there was a gathering around the BBQs with people chatting happily, swapping building problems, the view, and keeping the kids happy.
It looks as this will be an annual event. Perhaps this may give others the idea of doing the same thing. It's no problem apart from someone taking the initiative to do a letterbox drop. A nearby park, usually already with picnic tables, or the end of a cul-de-sac would do very nicely. The last evening of daylight saving could be an annual event for the whole of New Zealand to have a street party. How about it!
___Community Law
In recent months Nelson Bays Community Law Service has received a number of enquiries about limited licences.
What are they and who can apply?
If someone has been disqualified from driving they can apply for a limited licence. This is a licence subject to conditions (e.g. can drive only between certain hours on certain days).
An application is filed at the District Court (current cost $150). In general, there is a stand down period of 28 days before a disqualified driver can apply for a limited licence. Check whether this applies to you.
You may be granted a limited licence if you can prove not having a licence could cause:
Extreme hardship to you, or
Undue hardship to someone else.An example of extreme hardship may be if the disqualified person works as a sales representative or owner/driver for a transport company and losing his or her licence may result in the person losing their business and livelihood. The non-availability of alternative transport is taken into account.
An example of undue hardship would be where a disqualified driver has disabled children who rely on that parent for transport. The Courts need evidence of greater than normal hardship. They may also be prepared to look at whether disqualification would cause the disqualified person’s employer undue hardship, e.g. impossible to temporarily employ someone else. The employer would be required to give sworn evidence about the hardship they would face.
So you need to prove more than just inconvenience to get a limited licence. There are some restrictions on who can apply for a limited licence; such as if the person was convicted of driving while disqualified while currently serving a sentence of disqualification.
When the Court looks at granting the limited licence it also has to be satisfied public safety is not put at risk by the granting of a licence. In making the order for a licence the Court will specify; the circumstances in which the driver is permitted to drive, details of the vehicle to be driven, and days of the week and times that the driver is permitted to drive.
For more information contact Nelson Bays Community Law Service on 548-1288 or 0800 246 146.
___Mapua Health Centre
As the long days of summer disappear and the rustic hues of autumn enliven the countryside our immune systems can become affected by the change in climate and make us more susceptible to the various bugs that are going around. It is important to avoid getting cold and to make sure the diet is rich in vitamin C and bioflavinoids that are found in fruit and berries.
Also, for children with mild colds and a fever, it is good to remember that their temperatures can be brought down with the use of either Paracetamol and Brufen, and/or the use of tepid sponging (use a face cloth and warm water to keep wetting the skin so that the evaporation cools the body’s temperature). The flu virus vaccination is now available and is free for those with certain chronic medical conditions and those over 65. If you wish to consider being vaccinated please contact the practice nurse on 540-2211.
There has been a lot of publicity about the SARS virus and the national policy is that if anyone has either been to an infected country or in contact with a suspected case of SARS and develops a cough or fever, they should contact their medical centre in order to make special arrangements about being seen rather than simply turning up. It is important that the correct procedures are carried out so that the risk of spread is minimised.
We have just received a huge number of registration forms from the health department that require us to obtain signatures from every patient on our register. This is part of a national plan to bring in a capitation system to fund primary health care. As we now have a legal obligation to prove who is on our records we would greatly appreciate your help and patience as we undertake yet another (unpaid) bureaucratic ordeal.
On the brighter side, we now have our Lifepak defibrillator, which was donated by Pub Charity, and we have just undertaken some hands-on training for the staff. If there are any other groups in the community interested in having access to this equipment please let us know and we can look into ways of making it available for emergencies as well as training by St John ambulance staff.
___Community Police Report
April is the month that fruit picking is in full swing of course and there are a lot of new workers in our area. It is pleasing to be able to report that there have been no great problems in the Mapua area over the month of April.
I have a story from the Motueka area that I would like to tell you all. It is a simple one, but one that could happen to anyone — either in the town or the country. Unfortunately it is a true experience, give or take a little poetic licence:
“I live in the country about 10km out of Motueka. One lovely afternoon I decided to go for a walk before dusk. It wasn’t terribly far and I would never be a great distance from the house. I'd be gone for about an hour. It was a peaceful stroll in the mild autumn afternoon and the trees looked lovely, their ever-changing leaves dancing in a slight breeze. When I returned home I felt refreshed and looked forward to relaxing at home with the family and hearing about their day. The house had been unlocked while I was out.... someone had been in and stolen our television and video player. I felt physically sick. How could someone do this while I was enjoying myself so much? How could they have invaded my home, my privacy, my castle? My feeling of relaxation and the joy of the afternoon were wiped away in an instant. All ruined. I wish I had just locked the house up before I left. I just didn’t think.”
This could never happen to you.... could it?
Mapua Occurrences:
April 1: Search warrant in Ruby Bay results in prosecutions for cultivating cannabis.
April 4: Orchard worker arrested at Mapua tavern after he stole a handbag from the pub and hid it in his car.
April 8: Burglary at the Coolstore Gallery, Mapua Wharf. Clothing and jewellery taken.
April 20-22: Burglary in Warren Place. Cash register stolen. Recovered in Appleby.Also during April the Motueka police attended two domestic type incidents at private addresses.
I have also heard that from time to time there are some problems at the local skate park on Aranui Road. Bullying and even reports of older youths smoking cigarettes and cannabis have filtered through to me. I want this to be a safe place for all concerned so please contact me (in confidence) if you have any knowledge or information and I will act on it promptly.
Keep warm and be careful out there!
Grant Heney, Rural Community Constable Motueka, Ph: 03-5281220, Fax: 03-5281221
___Mapua/Mahana CWI
Mavis Maisey hosted our April meeting, members and visitor, Valerie Roche, being welcomed by Diana Furlong. Janice Higgs explained correspondence, financial report and future competitions. A meat raffle donated by Jean Satherley and the Sales Table helped to boost funds.
An invitation was received from Motueka CWI to attend their 70th Birthday celebration.
Our next social outing will be on 7th May to Nelson gardens with lunch at Café Affair. Our 8th May meeting will be at 15 Jessie Street, Mapua where Nan Crawley will give us a background to art appreciation.
COMPETITION RESULTS:
Shrub: 1st J Ralfe 2nd J Higgs 3rd N Crawley
Cluster: 1st N Perry 2nd D Furlong 3rd J Ralfe
Bloom: 1st N Perry 2nd J Ralfe 3rd J HiggsMapua/Mahana CWI came second overall (by just one point) in the AGM Nelson Federation Competition at Stoke on the 7th April, with a first for Gent’s Button Hole going to J Higgs and a third to N Perry for a Bookmark. N Perry was presented with her badge for 60 years membership — a record indeed. Actually she is a founding member with 64 years attendance. Birthdays were recognised when D Furlong gave Spring bulbs to three members. E Tucker was congratulated and given a plant for her “Special” birthday. Nan Crawley spoke about “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”, notably the escapades of young children.
After the playing of the Norwegian national Anthem, Barbara Halse talked about her coastal cruise of Norway on the Versteralen (left) in 2001, when she and her husband voyaged from Bergen to Kirkenes in the far North, enjoying the experience of the “Midnight Sun”. Photographs and books were shown, also a Norwegian traditional knitted sweater she had made 35 years ago. Another treasure shown was the National dress for an 18-month-old girl, bought in Norway by her husband for their daughter Tricia. Her two children Kirsty and Alicia had worn it.
Barbara and husband Mike produced Kanapeers (open sandwiches), Finske Smaker and Vaniljekranser (shortbread style biscuits) for afternoon tea. A professional video tape of Norway is available to members to view the marvellous scenery of Norway, in their own homes. Norway is famous for fish, oil and gas, Thor Heyerdahl, Edvard Grieg, Ibsen, and the stories of “The Shetland Bus” and “We Die Alone” by David Howarth, the latter two being stories of the Second World War and the little understood invasion and occupation of Norway.
The Thomas Trophy for May is for three peanut cookies and the Roll Call will be “The most useful thing in my kitchen” – lots of room for thought here!
Reported by CWI Publicity Officer
___Changing Face of our Landscape
The Changing Face of our Landscape
Not so long ago the hills behind the Tasman Bluffs were covered in scrub, orchards or pine trees. Now housing developments extend as far as the eye can see. This picture was taken on Easter Sunday during a helicopter ride from the Mapua Fair. Centre-left is Pine Hill Heights, Ruby Bay
___Mapua Volunteer Fire Brigade
March – April call-outs
20/3/3 Grass fire Aranui Rd, out on arrival
24/3/3 Small engine fire Higgs Rd
24/3/3 Veg fire Wakefield, tanker only, did not go
24/3/3 Diesel tank knock-over by truck, Higgs Rd
28/3/3 MVA SH60 & Harleys Rd, assist MotuekaSafety Tip – Matches, Candles & lighters are tools not toys
Our Chief is retiring this month as CFO of Mapua Volunteer Fire Brigade; we will not lose all his skills as he is staying on in a role of operation support for the brigade. We wish Ted & Heather all the best and a little bit more leisure time.
Some unofficial stats:
31 ½ years – first and only Chief Fire Officer, February 1972 One fire station, Three Fire appliances, 83 Members, & Over 900 calls out We are getting low on daytime firefighters.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. Work at home, shift work or a business around Mapua and can help, Contact the Chief, Ted Perry, at home on 540-2674, or call in at the fire station Thursday nights around 7:30pm.
___Mahana School News
Much of April has been a holiday but Mahana School had a full schedule of activities.
Each class visited the Isel Museum to learn more about Maori culture. Parents were involved in supporting the activities at the museum and the class visits were very successful.
The Year 7s had another fantastic day when they experienced the challenges and thrills of rock climbing and abseiling at the top of Takaka Hill. ALL of the group [kids and adults] took up the challenge to abseil.
The Middle Room class ended their sunflower topic with a great day making sunflower sculptures. They look wonderful, each one is so different, and parents were there to help groups of students. An exhibition is planned in the new term. Junior Room children finished their rock pools unit which included a large creative collage of their field trip on the classroom wall.
Term 2 highlights include a focus on Healthy Eating that includes a Mahana Breakfast — parents are invited to join in. A great writing experience will begin with our Peer Writing programme and student Peer Writers will be trained in the new term.
Road Sense Oral Language time is also beginning in May and children will be learning road safety messages. The new term sees the beginning of rehearsals for the school production in Term 3, NIZAGIM, an Intergalactic Adventure. Great fun for everyone.
For more information: Rodger Smith, Principal 543 2887 or email office@mahana.school.nz
___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.
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. Contacts: Robyn Williams 540-2925 (President); or Jo Drummond 03 528-7596 (Secretary).
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 526-6- 814, Mary Russ 540-2021
Writing Group — anyone interested in joining or starting a writing group please call Laura on 540-3006.
Kidz n' Koffee Playgroup is held every Wednesday (in school term) from 10am to 12noon. The age group is newborn babies through to five years. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend, there is no cost. Morning tea is provided for you and your children, a donation is appreciated. The playgroup meets at Hills Community Church, Mapua. We have a huge range of outdoor activities and ride-ons, as well as an extensive selection of indoor games, toys, blocks, etc. Other activities include a craft activity and a music and movement session. Come and relax and meet some new neighbours. Enquiries to Sharon De Jong 543-2486, Jane Dennis 540-3451, Diane Maisey 540-2909.
Flax House Healing & Retreat Centre Open Meditation every Sunday evening. You are welcome to join us in Prayer and Meditation from 7.45pm Sundays. Absent Healing is at 9 pm. Please come and go as you need. All are welcome – ph 540-3970
Spiritual Discussion Group: 7:00pm-8:45pm, Monday evenings, starting 28 April & throughout May. An opportunity to come together as a group, sharing spiritual thoughts and questions in a supportive and caring environment. By Donation. Phone Paul or Victoria for details, 03-540-3970.Situation Vacant: A cleaning position is open at Mapua Auto Centre. Approx 3 - 4 hours per week. For more information contact Marion, 540-2180.
Situation Vacant: A cleaning position is open at Mapua Auto Centre. Approx 3 - 4 hours per week. For more information contact Marion, 540-2180.
KIDPOWER Parent / Child Workshop. Have fun with your child (ages 4 to 7) while they learn effective safety and confidence skills through hands-on practice. Motueka Sun 4 May, Nelson 18 May 11.00am-1.30pm – for more information and bookings call 543-2669.
FULLPOWER Personal Safety for Women and Teens in Motueka (6 May) and Richmond (8/15/22 May). We can have fun while finding out how to use our positive power to avoid and/or stop verbal or physical aggression. Experience a positive difference in your life, every day. Call 543-2669 to reserve a space now.
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.
