Letters to Editor - 17 October 2008
Guy Fawkes night
Fireworks are dangerous. The New Zealand Fire Service has its busiest days of the year around Guy Fawkes night, either because of bonfires that have got out of control, fires started by stray fireworks, or injuries caused by fireworks. Public displays are inherently safer.
Sealord Guy Fawkes Fireworks takes place at 9pm on Saturday 25th October in Collingwood. We would encourage anyone who likes a good fireworks display to fill up their car with family and friends and come along.
As well as providing safety cover for the fireworks team and having a crew on standby, Collingwood fire brigade will be having an open day from noon onwards.
We're fundraising for new medic backpacks and other medical equipment. All donations would be appreciated, either at the station or later during the fireworks display.
Graeme Miller, chief fire officer,
Collingwood Volunteer Fire Brigade
Careless driving
I do not apologise to the dangerously speeding motorists that I yell at to slow down on Rangihaeata, Fraser and Fenwick Roads. Cyclists, pedestrians, horses, and dogs along with their humans of all ages use these roads.
No points to the silly little fellow in his big 4-wheel-drive vehicle who roared his way carelessly fast along Fenwick Road recently, giving "the finger" to an elderly gentleman, a 3-year-old and her mother. Slow down before an accident occurs and someone is hurt. If only the TDC would install a 50km speed limit in this area.
Paul Kilgour
Collingwood Playcentre
Collingwood Playcentre has been open to the children of Golden Bay for 28 years. Anyone who has experienced Playcentre (either here or elswhere in New Zealand) will know what a great environment it is for both pre-school children and their families.
At Collingwood, we are open three times a week and our sessions are almost full. We are bursting at the seams, so we are planning to extend the centre, increasing our indoor play area and adding new kitchen and bathroom facilities. This will also enable us to comply with new government regulations for early childhood education facilities. Failure to comply would mean that we may have to close.
Over the next short while you will start to hear about a range of fundraising activities that we are planning. Please come along, enjoy youselves and help keep a valuable asset alive in Golden Bay. Any queries or offers of assistance can be made to me on 524 8944.
Sarah Milligan, president, Collingwood Playcentre
Affordable Housing
Good on you, Liz Clingan (GBW Letters 10/10). There have been a lot of "community" building projects recently, all of which have been "overseen" by out-of-town companies. I do not believe your letter was answered clearly or accurately by the Golden Bay Housing Trust. With all the talk of sustainable communities arising from Golden Bay, one would expect there to be a more transparent process open to all types of trades and suppliers where community funds and intellectual capital is used or required.
I think if the general consensus is to "close the Hill" and become self-reliant, it should begin with the glue (tradespersons) who actually keep this town beautiful and functional. I'm sure the discretionary spending of profits throughout the year are helpful to all in this community from these groups and they deserve more solid support.
Michael McKenna
Holiday banners
Calling all artists and enthusiastic artisans. The community board is keen to add to the holiday banners that were created last year by invited artists and some of the schools. I have agreed to co-ordinate the painting of the banners which this year have been made up by Mark Allinson of Shade Upholstery & PVC. Now that you have seen the banners and enjoyed them in place, please consider offering your services to design and paint one for us.
If you would just like to help by painting someone else's design that also may be an option. Please phone me at 524 8487 and if I do not answer leave a message so that I can get back to you asap.
I am also looking for a venue that would be accessible at the convenience of the volunteer banner painters in or close to town during November. If you have an empty garage, room, building, hall, where we could set up to paint and dry the banners please let me know. We do not make a mess, we just need a space to paint.
I will have the blank banners and all other pertinent information available at the Grand Opening of Bay Art at the high school at 6pm on Friday 24 October. But please call to register your interest and to book your blank banner now.
Liza Eastman, Golden Bay Arts
Israel/Jordan course
During May and June I attended a five-week course at the University of the Holy Land studying The Historical Geography of Israel and Jordan. This course focused primarily, but not exclusively, on features and sites that were important for understanding both the Old and New Testaments. It was a wonderful opportunity to put many of the Biblical stories into their wider context and I would like to share these insights with any who are interested.
We are holding a series of six talks in the Presbyterian Church, beginning this Monday at 10am and repeating the talk at 7.30pm. We will cover an introductory session and then look at the land area by area finishing with a final talk on Jerusalem.
It would be helpful if you could indicate your interest by phoning me at 525 9740 so that I have sufficient handout material available.
Bob Reid
Boredom Busters
Once again the TDC School Holiday Boredom Buster Programme was very successful even though a couple of activities had to be cancelled. Both the Armada Day and Rameka Track Ride Day were rained off, but that's springtime.
The children put a big effort into their craft creations, as do our excellent tutors and volunteers. Sorry to those who missed out on Super Chef; I think we need to run two sessions there. Krista Hobday from the Road Safety Council came over to watch the Bike Khana. Seven boys who had never been on a motorcycle before ended up learning to ride by themselves. The more experienced ones are getting faster; a few of them had minor spills. Maybe we'll have a Josh Coppins come out of a Boredom Buster Programme, who knows?
Once again I'd like to give a big thanks to the kind person who anonymously left a box of toys and nicknacks for the children. They were a great success with a Treasure Hunt.
Thanks to all those who took part and if you have any suggestions about school holiday activities, please contact me @ 525 8876.
Dave Myall
Boredom Buster/OSCAR programme organiser
Flaking at the Mussel!
Thanks to all who gave their loving attention and caring hands on Saturday 11 October after I fainted. I'm well rested and doing fine.
Jacinda Pomeroy
The 15-year housing dispute
As a result of the Close-up TV programme over Mr Reg Cooper's Rangihaeata home many offers of help were received in many forms across New Zealand.
After very long discussions Mr Cooper has allowed us to set up a legal fund at Takaka's BNZ bank (he is a very proud man).
As a result the "Reg Cooper Legal Help Fund" account has been opened at BNZ banks. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so at any branch throughout New Zealand.
Our thanks go out to those who may help us in this TDC coverup fight.
Kerry Campbell (a justified supporter)
Second hand children's clothing and toy sale
Golden Bay Toy Library will be having our six-monthly second-hand clothing, book and toy sale on Saturday 8 November at the Senior Citizens' Hall starting at 9am. Our aim is to help people buy and sell items cheaply and quickly. This is an alternative to TradeMe right here in the Bay and it's a lot cheaper to take part. You drop off your items and we sell them on the day for only $4 all up (not per item). So spend a couple of hours over the next few weeks having a sort out and make yourself a few dollars before Christmas. Anything from trikes to T-shirts. For further information phone me on 525 6116.
Fleur Murray
for Golden Bay Toy Library
Something to smile about
Regular drivers from Central Takaka to town are smiling at the symbolism displayed by the election hoardings they see.
When a strong wind blew last week the National Party poster, though expensive, was twisted, contorted and severely crippled. The Labour Party sign fell flat on its face and has remained there ever since. Only the Green Party hoarding remained secure, unmoved by the extremes of politics or the climate.
Mike Scott
Golden Bay's community spirit
Sincere thanks to those friends who responded to our request for more fruit trees for the cycle-walkway at Rototai. Sheila C's grapefruit, Hazel W's mandarin, Premyog's lemon and special thanks for Evan C's nine assorted trees including three cherries. Thanks to RoJo for almond and boysenberry, Trevor and Lorraine for chestnut. Twenty-three rescued trees are now happily creating new fruits. Just one orange is needed, roughly metre-high, plus running daisies.
It's great that Bob B is donating a fine selection of Tarakohe rocks with Solly's help to move and place them, and that Fulton Hogan support the project.
This is now a 340metre-long "edible artwalk" to play with, a community asset, for all Bay residents and visitors, a model for other neighbours, for New Zealand and beyond. While some are caught up in the "I, me, and myself," this is all about the We, Us, and Ourselves," about sharing. The "Community Spirit" mosaic is underway, and early in the New Year, weekend mosaic workshops will be happening. The community mural will commence mid-November. Stay tuned.
NgAng for RR&F
Felting group
The Golden Bay Felting Group will be gathering again on Tuesday 21 October at the Senior Citizens' Hall in Takaka. The group goes from 10am-5pm and the cost is $5. Please bring your supplies and a pot-luck food item to share. The group will continue to meet the third Tuesday of each month.
Thanks to all who have come and inspired each other and created together the last two groups. What a good time. Thanks also to the Golden Bay Community Arts Council for sponsoring the purchase of some materials for the group. We are still in need of clear plastic, felt quality wool, folding tables, and buckets. For information contact me on 027 600 7873, 525 8399.
Amira Porporina
