Letters 19 June 2009
Changes to The GB Weekly
This is the last edition that will be printed in black and white by Golden Bay printer, Stefan Waldner. From next week The GB Weekly will be tabloid and in colour. We have enjoyed working with Stefan since 2002. We have especially appreciated his professionalism, flexibility and reliability. We thank Stefan and wish him every success in all his future endeavours.
Marg Braggins and Neil Wilson
Another Spring
Congratulations to all those involved in the performance of Another Spring. It was a truly impressive display of talent from the students, each giving their role a unique flavour. The artistic backdrops were stunning and local writer/ director James W Barnes deserves to be proud. Well done!
Hera Livingston
Stormwater drainage repairs
In the Tasman District Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) it has been proposed that fixing stormwater drainage problems in Commercial Street, Takaka waits until 2011-12. (Meihana Street 2013-14 and Waitapu Road 2018-19). The problem is apparent in Commercial Street near the Reilly Street intersection and elsewhere.
It will be helpful if residents contact the Golden Bay Service Centre with reports of observed stormwater drainage problems in Commercial Street and elsewhere in Takaka detailing the location, approximate width of water build-up and duration on each occasion. Photos will also be helpful. We need remedial action as soon as possible on this continuing problem.
Joe Bell, chairperson, Golden Bay Community Board.
Our Ligar Bay home
We really love living in our quaint little house on the beach here at Ligar Bay where we have raised our three wonderful healthy sons and boatloads of fine fruits, flowers and vegetables.
We have had the privilege of living in this beautiful bay since 1990. Our place is among eight homes and baches on the road reserve at Ligar Bay that were established during the 1940s and 1950s. This particular house has been permanently occupied since 1951 by a succession of local families. These homes and baches are a long-established and valued part of this great little seaside community.
The current lease arrangement expires in March 2014 and we are requesting that TDC continue this fine partnership beyond that time. We are aware of some issues concerning the occupation of coastal reserve land and we believe these are all resolvable.
If you feel these homes and baches should remain as part of this diverse local community, please fill out a survey form available at the TDC Service Centre (deadline 4pm Friday) and/or attend the Ligar Bay community consultation meeting at Pohara Hall, 7pm, Tuesday, 23 June 2009 and have your say.
Garth and Lesley Bray
Boredom Busters for the holidays
The winter school holidays aren’t too far away so look out for the Boredom Buster Mag at your school, the library, TDC office or i-Site. The mags will be out about Thursday 25 June. There are a couple of activities that we are reintroducing and some new ones like Body Jam fusion dancing for 11 years and over, plus archery.
In the past we’ve had to limit the numbers at the full-day OSCAR sessions due to lack of space at the GB Community Centre. These holidays’ first week’s activities will be held at the Takaka Primary School Hall. We’re looking forward to basing the Golden Bay OSCAR programme there because of the large space both indoors and outdoors.
As registration forms are no longer on the back page of the Mag, I can e-mail them to you. Just let me know <recreation@gbcw.co.nz>
Dave Myall, OSCAR/Boredom Buster programme organiser
Time to think about entering Bay Lit
It is Bay Lit time again and the Golden Bay Arts Council wishes to encourage all locals to get their writing pens out and enter our poetry and short story writing competition.
Our judges this year are David Hill (prolific journalist, reviewer, fiction writer, playwright and children’s writer), and Tusiata Avia (poet, performer and children’s book writer, well known for her performance poetry).
We had 130 entries last year and would love to see this number increase. For inspiration, previous entrants’ contributions are compiled in books available at the library, to borrow or in the reference section. Entry forms can also be picked up there and at the TDC Office. For categories and closing dates see advert in Weekly or enquiries to me on 525 8844.
Lynne Udell, arts worker
Have your say!
The Ministry of Education wants to find out the most helpful ways to report to parents and also how you think you can be supported to be involved in your child’s learning.
Parents/whanau, have your say. If you have a child in primary or intermediate, this affects you. Also, if you have a child with special needs or a disability, you can have your say on if you want an IEP or a standard report, or both.
Our country schools need a voice. Take five minutes out of your day before 3 July and fill out the feedback form.
Just visit <www.minedu.govt.nz/nationalstandards> There is lots of other good information in it too.
Sharon Trustum
Free car wash anyone?
Each July a group of Golden Bay youth heads away to Christchurch for “Get Smart” youth conference, where they are challenged by some of the leading youth communicators from around the world.
This year, to help us get there we are holding a free car wash. Basically, some great supportive people have pledged a certain amount of money per car that we wash which means you can bring your car and have it washed for free. The car wash will be held on Saturday 27 June from 9am onwards, with a sausie sizzle and yummy homemade fudge available for purchase. Location is Takaka Church of Christ, opposite Bickley’s on Commercial Street. We would love to see you all there with your cars. Also if anyone would like to donate or make a pledge per car, (eg you donate 40 cents per car washed), it will be most welcome and appreciated.
Michelle Thorpe on behalf of GB Youth Group
