Porirua news Wednesday, December 15, 2010 CALL US: 587 1660 Your lives, Your community, Your news 7827344AA He says “I do” Book now and receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine per table Is your wedding around January to April next year? www.CreativeHospitality.co.nz (04)8014998 CATERING & VENUE HIRE 7743084AA 85.H 7798663AA 04 232 6461 22 Mural maestro 7883364AA Healing touch p4 Having a heart p27 p27 ON SHOW: Mu Hte, a Burmese refugee, belongs to the Padaung tribe of long-necked women. She and other Burmese refugees have established a small industry selling traditional woven fabrics at markets. Photo: Andrew Bonallack / CCN041210ABlongnecked01 Continued on p8 Weavers band together Council pushes for rehash The Porirua City Council has passed a motion calling for ‘‘back to the table’’ consulta- tion on national standards, adding its weight behind five eastern Porirua schools who are publicly deferring their implementation. Mayor Nick Leggett stands by the unusual vote, saying it is a council’s role to ‘‘speak up for their community’’. Eastern ward councillors Litea Ah Hoi and Wayne Poutoa tabled the motion at last week’s full council meeting, saying Pasifika and Maori students are at risk of being labelled failures under the sys- tem. The motion passed 10 votes to 2, with councillors Euon Murrell and Tim Sheppard voting against. Last month over 200 schools in New Zealand declared they would defer setting achieve- ment targets on national stand- ards. Windley School, Holy Fam- ily School, Bishop Viard Col- lege, Natone Park School and Corinna School were among them. Two principals, Holy Family’s Karl Vasau and Corinna School’s Michelle Whiting, gave a submission to the council. Cr Ah Hoi says when chil- dren don’t meet the levels required, they will be deemed failures. ‘‘I just think it’s another level of bureaucracy and law imposed on our teaching pro- fession. These five schools, if the government decides to sack them, who is that benefiting.’’ She says the vote is about the ministry ‘‘coming back to the table’’ and encouraging discussion and dialogue ‘‘Right at the bottom of the ladder is our kids, they are being used as guinea pigs. ‘‘There’s no evidence, there’s been no trial. Plus our parents don’t understand how it works, won’t understand why kids are coming home with a certain grade.’’ Cr Poutoa says as a former social worker, he knows what support and encouragement young people need. ‘‘This is being used as a measuring tool for Pacific Islanders, but it’s untested, untrialled, yet they want to roll it out. ‘‘If you keeping saying things like this, saying you are below standard, kids are going to say, ‘What a waste of time, I’m not going to make it’ ‘‘Truancy is going to sky- rocket.’’ As a new councillor, he says he was very pleased to come through his first discussion with such good support from his colleagues. Mayor Nick Leggett says he voted for the motion and he believes council is an appropri- ate place to discuss issues of community concern. ‘‘It had strong support from council because councillors thought [the motion] was really asking for there to be better dialogue between government, schools, teachers and students.’’ He says even those that were pro-national standards voted for the motion, because they felt more dialogue was needed. ‘‘We’re not taking a position at this stage, but our job is to speak out for the community.’’ In November Porirua hosted a regional forum for Pasifika parents, which largely concluded that national stand- ards would damage the learn- ing of Pasifika children.
Transcript
Poriruanews
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 CALL US: 587 1660Your lives, Your community, Your news
7827344AA
He says “I do”
Book now and receive acomplimentary bottle ofsparkling wine per table
Is your wedding aroundJanuary to April next year?
www.CreativeHospitality.co.nz(04)8014998
C AT E R I N G & V E N U E H I R E
7743
084A
A85
.H
7798663AA
04 232 6461
22
Muralmaestro
7883
364A
A
Healing touch p4
Having a heartp27
p27
ON SHOW: Mu Hte, a Burmese refugee, belongs to the Padaung tribe of long-necked women. Sheand other Burmese refugees have established a small industry selling traditional woven fabrics atmarkets.
Photo: Andrew Bonallack / CCN041210ABlongnecked01
Continued on p8
Weavers bandtogether
Council pushes for rehash
The Porirua City Councilhas passed a motion calling for‘‘back to the table’’ consulta-tion on national standards,adding its weight behind fiveeastern Porirua schools whoare publicly deferring theirimplementation.
Mayor Nick Leggett standsby the unusual vote, saying it isa council’s role to ‘‘speak up fortheir community’’.
Eastern ward councillorsLitea Ah Hoi and WaynePoutoa tabled the motion at lastweek’s full council meeting,saying Pasifika and Maoristudents are at risk of beinglabelled failures under the sys-tem.
The motion passed 10 votesto 2, with councillors EuonMurrell and Tim Sheppard
voting against.Last month over 200 schools
in New Zealand declared theywould defer setting achieve-ment targets on national stand-ards.
Windley School, Holy Fam-ily School, Bishop Viard Col-lege, Natone Park School andCorinna School were amongthem. Two principals, HolyFamily’s Karl Vasau andCorinna School’s MichelleWhiting, gave a submission tothe council.
Cr Ah Hoi says when chil-dren don’t meet the levelsrequired, they will be deemedfailures.
‘‘I just think it’s anotherlevel of bureaucracy and law
imposed on our teaching pro-fession. These five schools, ifthe government decides to sackthem, who is that benefiting.’’
She says the vote is aboutthe ministry ‘‘coming back tothe table’’ and encouragingdiscussion and dialogue
‘‘Right at the bottom of theladder is our kids, they arebeing used as guinea pigs.
‘‘There’s no evidence,there’s been no trial. Plus ourparents don’t understand howit works, won’t understandwhy kids are coming homewith a certain grade.’’
Cr Poutoa says as a formersocial worker, he knows whatsupport and encouragementyoung people need.
‘‘This is being used as ameasuring tool for PacificIslanders, but it’s untested,untrialled, yet they want to rollit out.
‘‘If you keeping sayingthings like this, saying you arebelow standard, kids are goingto say, ‘What a waste of time,I’m not going to make it’
‘‘Truancy is going to sky-
rocket.’’As a new councillor, he says
he was very pleased to comethrough his first discussionwith such good support fromhis colleagues.
Mayor Nick Leggett says hevoted for the motion and hebelieves council is an appropri-ate place to discuss issues ofcommunity concern.
‘‘It had strong support fromcouncil because councillorsthought [the motion] was reallyasking for there to be betterdialogue between government,schools, teachers andstudents.’’
He says even those thatwere pro-national standardsvoted for the motion, becausethey felt more dialogue wasneeded.
‘‘We’re not taking a positionat this stage, but our job is tospeak out for the community.’’
In November Poriruahosted a regional forum forPasifika parents, which largelyconcluded that national stand-ards would damage the learn-ing of Pasifika children.
2 Wednesday, December 15, 2010Porirua News
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Festival of theElementsThe Porirua Arts Council isaccepting applications from groupsor individuals interested inperforming, volunteering, orsculptors who would like to be a partof an ice sculpting competition. Thefestival is on Sunday, February 6from 12 to 7:30pm. ContactMargaret Armour 027 224 5670 [email protected]
Nga KakahuExhibition at Pataka until end ofJanuary.Change and Exchange. Acelebration of cross culturalexpression in New Zealand thatexplores the art of Maori weavingfrom both a Maori and Pakehaperspective. Sculptor Jo Torr andweaver Roka Ngarimu-Cameronhave chosen costume as amediumto explore this theme, drawingattention to the way both benefitedfrom the exchange
PlimmertonResidentsAssociationMonthly meeting Dec 20, 7.30 to9.30pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall.
Mobile officeOhariu-based National list MPKatrina Shanks will be holding herfinal Mobile Office for the year onFriday, December 17. Times:9-10am, 10-11am, NewlandsShopping Centre; Tawa shops;11-12pm, Johnsonville Mall;12-1pm, Maungaraki shops; 1-2pm,Khandallah village; 2-3pm, Ngaiovillage. More info: 461 7193 [email protected].
Porirua HospitalmarketDec 18, 7.30am to 12pm, Bric-a-brac items only. New stallholderswelcome, charge $5, no food stalls.Phone 0274455383.
Bridal expoThe North CityWedding and BridalExpo, Jan 30, 10am to 5pm at TeRauparaha Arena.
DOING IT FOR THE KIDS
HEALTHY:AoteaLagoon’snew fort isnow open —and there’sno smoking.From left:CaelanMacInytre, 8,Taylor Boult,10, MaggieBooker, 10and GabeCooper, 9, trythe fort outfor size.DaniMcDonald /CCN131210D-Maoteapark
Aotea Lagoon Playground isnow open and smoke-free.Porirua Mayor Nick
Leggett launched a newpolicy last week making allchildren’s playgrounds inthe Porirua area smoke-free.Mr Leggett says the
policy will protect childrenfrom being drawn to
smoking, as research showsthe more children andyoung people are exposed topeople smoking, the morelikely they are to think ofsmoking as a normalactivity.‘‘This one is for the kids.
Council has always providedgreat facilities such asAotea Lagoon that help keep
our residents active andhealthy. Now we’re taking ita step further byintroducing the smoke-freepolicy,’’ he says.Mr Leggett was also
particularly excited aboutopening the new fort — hesays he was one of the firstgenerations to play on theold one.
3Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Porirua News
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Bothamley ParkMark Feb 26 in your diaries for theBothamley Park fair, to celebratethe upgrading of Bothamley Park.Running from 11am to 2pm atMephamPlace.
Summer holidayprogrammeTheOscar children’s school holidayprogramme, based at TeRauparaha Arena, Porirua School,Ngati Toa Domain, Pataka,Postgate School, and Churton ParkSchool, can be booked.WINZsubsidies available, bookings forone or more days, discount forbooking eight or more days perfamily. For ages 5-9 and 10-14.Runs 9am to 3.30pmwith extendedhours available. Contact TeRauparaha Arena on 2371521 oremail [email protected], or seewww.terauparaha-arena.co.nz todownload the holiday brochure.
European paintingsEuropeanMasters at Te PapaMuseum. Until February 27, 2011.Admission charges apply. VisaPlatinumGallery, Level 4. 10am—to 6pm every day, and until 9pm onThursdays.
ConcertPeter Shaw & The Blue 56 CDrelease concert at Old Saint PaulsCathedral, Mulgrave St, Thorndonon December 18, 7.30 -9.30pm.Door sales $10
City GalleryCity Gallery exhibitions over theChristmas season. Roundabout,until January 16. Free entry. TonyAlbert: PAY ATTENTION, untilJanuary 16 at DeaneGallery. Freeentry. Karl Fritsch: Scenes from theMunich Diamond Disaster, untilJanuary 16 at Hirschfeld Gallery.
Pukerua Bay clean-up kids protect our beaches
Photo: Andrew Bonallack / CCN091210ABbeachclean
YUK: Pukerua Bay School pupilJordana Brackenberry, 6, givesher opinion on the amount ofrubbish collected by her schoolduring their annual beach clean-up. In fact, it had been two yearssince the last one, but the schoolsays there was markedly lessrubbish than last time, fillingabout 10 big rubbish bags.Included was a rotting bag ofchequebook stubs and keys(inset) which the school says willbe handed over to police. Theschool was supported byWestpacBank Porirua employees,including Porirua branch managerShane O’Hagan, who provided theschool with red bibs and abarbecue afterwards on behalf ofthe Sir Peter Blake Trust. MrO’Hagan says they chose PukeruaBay School because of theirstrong enviroschool status.
Innovative approach to election
CANDIDATE: Gareth Hughes willstand as the Green candidate inOhariu in the 2011 GeneralElection.
Photo: Supplied / CCN061210SPLhughes
■ Kate Bleasdale
New Zealand’s youngestMP Gareth Hughes willbe standing as theOhariu candidate in
next year’s General Election,although his campaign will bequite different.
While Mr Hughes will beactively door-knocking andhanding out leaflets, he will beurging voters to give the Greenstheir party vote, rather thanvoting for him.
Standing in the electorate inthe 2008 election, Mr Hughesreceived 2665 personal votes.
‘‘Last time I had a lot of fun,’’says the 29-year-old.
‘‘It was three sitting MPs andme. I just got stuck in.’’
Campaigning last time forparty votes, Mr Hughes says con-
stituents understood where hewas coming from.
‘‘I think there’s a myth thatpeople don’t understand MMP butwhen you look at the stats they dounderstand.
‘‘We grew by 50 per cent in thelast election and have been work-ing hard with other parties.’’
This includes doubling thevote in Ohariu.
Next year Mr Hughes’ cam-paign focus will be on transportoptions other than TransmissionGully, which he says is anunnecessary move for Welling-ton.
‘‘The Official Information Actshows it’ll take longer to clearthan the Coastal Highway in anearthquake.
‘‘The single most effectivething to do is the light railoption.’’
Mr Hughes says light railwould benefit Johnsonville resi-dents by providing them onesmooth journey right into Well-ington, rather than on the out-skirts where the trains currentlystop.
Currently Mr Hughes is work-ing on passing his EnergyEfficiency Conservation (WarmHealthy Rentals) Amendmentmember’s bill into law.
The bill would provide a mini-mum rental property standard,with particular attention given toinsulating the thousands of coldhouses around the country.
‘‘It’s not just a student prob-lem, We’ve got one of the highestasthma rates in the world,’’ hesays.
‘‘People I’ve been talking to,they love that someone’s takingnotice.’’
4 Wednesday, December 15, 2010Porirua News
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Shirley Te Kootirecounts her story ofbeing institutionalisedand developingschizophrenia. Withthe support of TeKowhao, and throughthe power of sharing,Shirley can now heal— physically,mentally, emotionallyand most importantly— spiritually. DaniMcDonald reports.
Maori kaupapa hasthe healing touch
REFLECTIONS:Shirley TeKooti, fiveyears after herordeal. ‘‘Ihaven’t beenable to smile orlaugh like thisfor threeyears.’’
DaniMcDonald /CCN101210DMshirley
‘Nobody said, ‘Shirley, do youunderstand what is going on?
Would you like me to explain?’’
Weekday, 9am, somemonth in 2005.Shirley Te Kooti’sinstitutional journey
began with a simple knock on thedoor.
There’s a group of men wearinghospital identification standingoutside.
She demands to know who theyare.
‘‘I had no idea why they werehere. But they tried to get entry intomy house.
‘‘I was worried they would takemy children away,’’ she says.
The Crisis AssessmentTreatment Team retreat, but returnagain at 10pm with the police, whohave been told she is ‘‘noncompliant’’.
Later, there’s bright lights and asterile room.
She’s sitting in front of a groupof people at Te Whare a Huru — thePsychiatric ward in Lower Hutt.
‘‘I started crying and I realisedsomething was wrong but I didn’tknow what was wrong.
‘‘They class that as signs ofdepression, but I felt so let down.’’
Around her are twopsychiatrists, plus nurses andclinicians. She can’t remember theexact number.
With no family in Wellington,Shirley is alone. She has no one toturn to.
Her son is taken to Child Youthand Family. She sits in front of thedoctors with nothing except theclothes on her back. No toothbrush,no hairbrush, no clean change ofclothes.
‘‘It would have been nice forthem to let me collect my personalstuff,’’ she says.
The psychiatrists and thedoctors sit around Shirley decidingwhich is option is best for her.
No one talks to her.‘‘I didn’t know what I was there
for. The doctors and nurses weredeciding to commit me.
‘‘They had to put me through myassessment. They were around me,talking about me, and I had no ideawhat was going on,’’ she says.
She is committed to theIntensive Care Unit, where bothmen and women reside. Shirleyfeels unsafe.
‘‘I thought I could be in a bit oftrouble. You can’t get out. You needpermission to go out the doors. Iwasn’t into that. But because Ididn’t know what was goingon, I just stayed there.’’
At the end of the longcorridor inside the ICU is aglass window that looks outonto the doctors and nurseswalking past..
Shirley stands and looksout, knocking on the glass.Pleading with them to let her out.
No one does anything.‘‘Nobody said, ‘Shirley, do you
understand what is going on?Would you like me to explain?’
‘‘They didn’t inform me that Ihave human rights. I would havebeen more compliant to taking mymedication.
‘‘It was really scary stuff. All
your worst fears that you thinkabout came true. My worst fearswere going in and never comingout. I felt like I had been deceived bymy own family.’’
Five years later, Shirley hascome a long way from that point inher life.
As she sits down in front of mewith three others who have beenthrough similar experiences sheappears warm and at peace.
The turning point was having akaumatua in the assessment roomwith her.
‘‘That was my first taste of Maori
kaupapa.She describes it as having
support on your right-hand side andyour left-hand side.
‘‘Maori kaupapa has gotten meto my full potential.’’
Looking back, she nowunderstands her family wasconcerned about her.
Her family told her that her
actions were that of a drug oralcohol abuser — the side effects toprozac and tranquillisersprescribed to her for post-nataldepression. ‘‘They said that I hadgone crazy. I know that now. Backthen I didn’t understand.’’
Lack of sleep and stress broughtup traumatic memories.
She developed schizophrenia.She started hearing voices — fromcats meowing to softly-spokenvoices empowering her. She saysbehind the softly spoken voice shecould hear groups of people talking.
‘‘I was really fortunate becausemy voices were passive.They weren’t demanding orcontrolling voices.’’
Her colleague describes itas listening to an iPod allday at the same volume andthe same song continuously.
She started talking backto the voices — and when
she realised what she was doing,she bought herself a diary andstarted to write down theconversations.
Shirley is now part of TeKowhao — an anti-stigma groupunder the incorporated groupsociety of Te Roopu PookaiTaaniwhaniwha, based in Porirua.
The group is made up of five
others — Jacinda Waitaiki, RichardVoogd and co-ordinator DaleMackey — who have all sufferedsimilar experiences of both mentalhealth and the health institution.
They have teamed together toeducate others of what it is like tobe institutionalised.
Te Kowhao has been workingwith Massey University nursingstudents through workshops andhui for six years now, and Massey isthe first institution that has set up aMemorandum of Understandingwith Te Kowhao.
Te Roopu PookaiTaaniwhaniwha manager AlecCairns says the work is not only togive the nursing students an insideglimpse into the experiences of thepatient, but it is also just asbeneficial for the group members toshare their stories.
‘‘This type of service improvesour own emotional wellbeing.
‘‘We want to let the public knowthat providing the service worksnot only for the service we’reteaching but also for us,’’ he says.
Te Kowhao focuses on holistichealth — psychological, physical,spiritual and wellbeing.
Rather than teaching thestudents, Te Kowhao sets thestudents up in a schizophrenic-likesituation, so they can experiencethe emotions that come with thedisorder.
What’s different with this group,compared to other mental healthawareness groups, is that iscompletely based in a Maoricontext.
Unlike in western society, Maorikaupapa incorporates hearingvoices as a connection withancestors — and as Dale puts it,‘‘it’s a reality to Maori’’.
Senior lecturer at the School ofHealth and Social Services atMassey University Dr TulaBrannelly says Te Kowhao offersthe students a great opportunity tounderstand both the culturalaspects involved in Maori mentalhealth and also offers them hintsand tips on what can make adifference in the mental healthpractice.
‘‘It’s really important because itenables us to provide the level ofcultural education — that’s reallyimportant for us to access in NewZealand.’’
It’s been five years since Shirleygot involved with Te Kowhao.
By sharing her stories, andestablishing the support networkaround her — provided bycareworkers and people who hadsimilar experiences — Shirley is onher way to recovery.
‘‘I haven’t been able to smile orlaugh like this for three years. It’s afeeling I haven’t felt in a long time.
‘‘People say it’s a side effect ofthe medication,’’ she laughs.
She hasn’t heard voices in herhead for five years.
5Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Porirua News
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Brawlersget ‘closeto home’About 15 youths wereinvolved in a street brawlon Friday December 3, inVictory Crescent, Tawabefore police came out withtheir paddy wagons.
Porirua News reporterDani McDonald witnessedthe beginnings of a streetbrawl, where cars wereforced to turn aroundbecause of the mob ofoffending youths.
An un-named residentsays the fight last weekendwas reminiscent of lastyear’s fight in the samearea.
The resident says lastyear’s party got out of handand suspected youths weretexting each other to join.
‘‘It just got really bad andit spread out on to thestreet, and they startedsmashing bottles . . . andsome of the partygoers weregetting in their cars anddriving up and down thestreet.’’
This year’s brawl startedabout 10pm and the yellingand abuse could be heard100 metres away.
Cars were forced to driveslowly through the crowd,while some appeared toreverse to where they camefrom, says the resident wholives in the area.
The resident says theyare most concerned abouthaving the brawl so close totheir home.
‘‘Essentially when youget cops, they must havesent out about five cop cars,they lined up along that hill— it’s a concern for anyonewho lives in that area.’’
Senior Sergeant MartinTunley says he has heard nocomplaints from Tawaresidents, and only knowsof the one fight in Tawaduring the weekend.
He also says there areoften fights in the Poriruaarea over Thursdays,Friday and Saturdays,particularly during thesummer.
He is quick to point outthat there is not a trendhappening.
Kids have fun whatever the weatherCommunity park opens
PLAY: Aiel Snow, 3, enjoys the new park. Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMwaitangirua3
MOVES: Local MC Conway Matthews shows the crowd how to dancewith the help of Corinna School. Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMwaitangirua5
UNBEATABLE: Vailahi James, 9, wasn’t going to let the rain stophim from enjoying his new playground.
Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMwaitangirua2
WAIATA: Year 8s from Te Kura Maori o Porirua perform kapa haka to thecrowd. Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMwaitangirua1
FUN: Ariana, 2, and Ezra Payne, 4,have fun on Waitangirua’s new see-saw.
Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMwaitangirua4
Rain, hail or shine, the kidsweren’t going to let theopening ceremony to the new
Waitangirua Community Park be putoff.The park opened last weekend
and despite the drab weather theplayground was swarming withkids.Community Developer Maria
Burgese says she received a phonecall in the morning to say the eventwas cancelled, but the kids were sokeen and eager that the event hadto go ahead.‘‘I’m rapt. The kids just make do
with what we’ve got here,’’ she says.Corinna School and Te Kura
Maori o Porirua performed somekapa haka and traditional beats.
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6 Wednesday, December 15, 2010Porirua News
OPEN 7 DAYS | Ph 236 8775 | Cnr Dimock & Morere Sts,Titahi Bay
Morere St Liquor StoreSpecials 14th December to Christmas
Management reserves the right to refuse sale of liquor products to under age and those deemed unfit for purchase thereof.Offers and specials are subject to stock availability, and can be retracted at the discretion of managment.
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PLUS OUR EVERYDAYPLUS OUR EVERYDAYINSTORE SPECIALSINSTORE SPECIALS
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7714349AA Promotion helpswork in ManaJust as I was about to drawbreath from the intense andabsolutely exciting Mana by-election, I received a phonecall from the PrimeMinister, appointing me toCabinet. I am absolutelydelighted!
I have become theMinister of Women’s Affairsand of Ethnic Affairs,Associate Minister for ACC,for Energy and Resources,and for the Community andVoluntary Sector.
Over the last three years Ihave worked withorganisations andcommunity groups in theMana Electorate thatpertain to these portfoliosand my appointmentprovides an opportunity forme to build on this work.
My appointment will alsoenable me to have an evenstronger voice in John Key’sgovernment and to develop,implement and lead policiesthat have a positive impacton all New Zealanders — notjust in my portfolio areas,but across Government.
And I am determined thatthe voices of Mana will beheard through all stages ofthe policy developmentprocess.
Although myappointment to Cabinet has
added to what was already avery busy schedule, I willcontinue working hard forthe people of Mana.
There are a number ofinitiatives that I want topursue over the comingyear. I want to grow theYouth Awards so that moreyoung people can besupported with their futureaspirations; I want to look atinnovative and creativeeducation initiatives; and Iwant to explore ways toattract and grow businessand increase employment.
An urgent initiative I amsupporting is thereplenishment of suppliesfor food banks in theelectorate. A number ofpeople and organisationshave kindly supported mewith this initiativeincluding the Titahi BayAmateur Athletics Club andI encourage others tosupport food banksparticularly as we near theholiday period.
I would like to wish youall a happy, safe, andrelaxing holiday break and Ilook forward to catching upwith you in the New Year.■ My Mana Office will re-openon January 25.Nga mihiHon Hekia Parata
7884588AA
We are looking for an Alpaca Farm Assistant tohelp run a successful Alpaca Stud in Judgeford,Pauatahanui.This is a position with flexible hours with a minimumof 3 hours a day 5 days a week.The successful applicant will, in conjunction with thefarm manager, be expected to help with the day to daymanagement of the Alpacas. This includes shifting
of stock, mating, feeding out, halter training, recordkeeping, animal health, pasture management.Also some work with horses and other generalduties when required, knowledge and experience ofAlpacas would be an advantage but not essential.Stock experience is required.Experience and competence in riding an ATV and acurrent drivers licence is necessary.
Paul Nation, Willowbank Farm, 264a - betweenParemata - Haywards Road, RD1 Porirua 5381Any Enquiries please phone 027 3754881Applications close December 23rd.97J
7847733AA
8 Wednesday, December 15, 2010Porirua News78
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Healthy Livingof Abundant Health
Over the years I have created nutritional supportprogrammes for those with Crohn’s disease andUlcerative Colitis (UC). This year one person has noticedmajor improvements in UC to the point of having muchless severe symptoms and being able to reduce anti-inflammatory medication. Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD) refers to autoimmune diseases that affect thegastrointestinal (GI) tract. These can affect any areafrom the mouth to the rectum. The 2 most commonforms of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and UlcerativeColitis (UC). Both are autoimmune diseases and whilemanageable with medication and surgery both aregenerally classified as incurable.
From a nutritional view we want to reduce localinflammation of the gut while lowering body-wideinflammation generated by the immune system. Themedical mainstay for UC and sometimes Crohn’s isthe drug Mesalazine (Pentasa). This is derived fromaspirin like (salicylic acid) substances and has alocal anti-inflammatory affect. It appears to blockthe enzymes that produce inflammatory chemicalscalled prostaglandins. It is also thought to act like anantioxidant neutralising the excess of free radicalsproduced as part of the local inflammation.
This is precisely the goal of nutritional therapy. Firstlyto turn down body wide inflammation and then toadd potent antioxidants that both remove excess
free radicals and also have a local anti-inflammatoryaffect. While I use a wide range of antioxidant andanti-inflammatory compounds by far the mostimportant are grape seed derived proanthocyanidinssometimes called OPC’s or PCO’s. These are powerfulGI tract antioxidants and also help moderate highlyinflammatory chemicals (cytokines) produced by theimmune system.
Of course everything starts with diet and we need toensure that foods are anti-inflammatory and are alsowell tolerated. To this I then add specific compoundsfrom supplements including Vitamin D. The mostdifficult decision with Crohn’s and UC is where to startand in what doses. Invariably we start very cautiouslywith a very narrow antioxidant product then as we getresponse we then increase and broaden the therapyadding anti-inflammatory Omega 3 and many othercompounds. For many people adopting such anapproach can lead to real improvements in quality oflife and be an important step in long term managementof these serious health problems.John Arts is a natural health researcher andcommentator. If you would like to talk to John you cancontact him on 0800 423559 or email [email protected]. You can join his weekly newsletter atwww.johnarts.co.nz For product information visitwww.abundant.co.nz
Nutritional support for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
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with JOHN ARTS
Advertising Feature
TRADITION: Mu Hte, with some of theweaving she sells.
New home, new opportunitiesContinued from p1
A former Thai tourist attraction iscausing almost as much interest inWellington and Porirua as shereinvents her life.
Mu Hte, a Burmese refugee whosettled in Cannons Creek a year ago, isa member of the Burmese Padaungtribe where women wear brass ringsaround their necks, causing theirnecks to elongate.
She and other Burmese women haveformed the Porirua Burmese WeavingGroup, and operate a stall, sellingtraditional woven fabrics at the FrankKitts Underground Market inWellington.
She dresses for the camera, to attractattention to her stall and fascinatedWellingtonians frequently ask for aphotograph.
The irony is that being in front of acamera was a life she has been fighting toescape.
In the late 1980s, thousands of Burmesefled across the border to Thailand whencivil war broke out between Karenniseparatists and the Burmese army.
Generally refugees were placed incamps near the border but the long-neckedtribes were placed in ‘‘villages’’ to becomeThailand tourist attractions.
In 2008, the Melbourne newspaper TheAge reported the plight of the Padaung asbeing virtually a ‘‘human zoo’’, with theThai government reluctant to allow alucrative tourist attraction to emigrate tocountries willing to give them a new home.
Mu Hte spent 14 years in Thailand,although some, like her marketcompanions Ri Meh and Khee Meh, havebeen in refugee camps for two decades.
Today, the three women spend acompanionable day at the market,displaying scarves and other cloth wovenon a newly-acquired loom.
Mu Hte speaks very little English butdescribes her escape from Burma as‘‘boom, boom, scared, not enough food,government not kind’’.
Of her nine children, two boys and twogirls are in New Zealand. The sons are at
university and the girls high school.Their new loom comes courtesy of their
former English teacher, Cecila Johnson.Ms Johnson says she was keen for the
group to gain some independence and earnmoney.
Through the Porirua Language Project,they started at Pataka, and while theremade contacts which progressed them tothe Wellington market.
She says Mu Hte is well aware of hertourist potential.
‘‘She knows she’s the centre ofattention, and she’s used to it.’’
She hopes Wellingtonians will buysome of their products for Christmas, aswell as taking photos.
‘‘At Pataka, people were taking photosbut weren’t buying anything.’’
The group has organised a stall at thismonth’s Porirua Saturday market.
Join us for a delicious lunch tocelebrate Christmas Day 2010
Phone 04 2379007182 Paekakariki Hill Rd, Pauatahanui
www.thelodgevenue.co.nz
THE
LODGEPAUATAHANUI INLET
Christmas 2010 at The Lodge
Harbor Vue dining will offer as a delightful alternative to the traditional buffet the“Christmas Family Table”, a concept popular overseas and a growing trend herein NZ. Delicious dishes chosen from our vibrant selection and served plated toyour table for your enjoyment. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Christmas cheeron arrival and a selection of pre-lunch tapas on the patio overlooking the inlet.$124.50 per person. (Limited space available)
Contact us now to reserve your table – numbers will be limited
Our kitchens for Christmas Day will be directed onsite by Simon Pepping.
Simon’s team of professionals with experience in award winning facilities bothhere and overseas, will build a menu from a selection of delicious and beautifullypresented Christmas dishes.
The hallmark of good cooking is the ingredients. We source as much local andorganic produce as possible, without wavering on quality, blending a NZ flavour totake advantage of the tremendous choices of primary foods and ingredients thelocal area has to offer.
Christmas Day at The Lodge will have a choice of sensational traditional andseasonal flavours, fresh local fare and attentive understated service.
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PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
20 winerieswinery restaurants
boutique food producersworkshops
fashionchildren’s playground
and entertainmentall in one stunning venue.
Roy’s Hill, Gimblett Gravels, Hastings(next to the Kart Club)
Contents...Contents...StunningStunning entertainment line-upannounced for Hawke’s BayWine and Food
Festival 01.01.
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From NZ’s hottest DJ to Aussie jazz singer/songwriterto a Kiwi soul classic. Top New Zealand DJ Dick (Magik)Johnson will mix it up with Australian jazz singer/songwriter Vince Jones, and old school soul favouritesArdijah at the Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival onJanuary 29, 2010.
Festival organiser Carol-Ann Stubbs said she was thrilledwith the range of artists secured for the region’s biggestcelebration of local wines and food at the picturesqueRoy’s Hill in the Gimblett Gravels winegrowing region,near Hastings.
“With a total of six bands, a fashion show, food and wineworkshops and 24 wineries the Hawkes Bay Wine andFood Festival will be back to back entertainment,” MsStubbs said.
Ms Stubbs welcomed the return of Ardijah to Hawke’sBay where they have been warmly welcomed byaudiences in the past. “Everyone knows Ardijah and theyhave a new look, a new album, (The Best Polyfunk), andare really looking forward to coming to play in the Bay- their laid back soul sound will really suit the Festivalfeel,” Ms Stubbs said.
Ardijah are famously known for the song Gimme Time,but have also topped charts over the decades withTime Makes the Wine , Your Love is Blind, Give me YourNumber, Love so Right, and others.
Ms Stubbs said Vince Jones, who has headlined themajority of wine festivals across the Tasman, would benew to some Kiwis but he was sure to be welcomed by alllovers of superb jazz.
“There’s no doubt that Vince Jones is at the top of hisgenre and contemporary jazz lovers are sure to be wonover the Australian musician’s sublime talent,” she said.
Based in New South Wales, Vince Jones is well knownas a leading vocalist, songwriter, trumpet player andcomposer however he has rarely toured in New Zealand.
Hugely popular New Zealand DJ Dick Magik Johnsonis renowned as being one of New Zealand’s mostsuccessful DJ’s and is also a radio host on Auckland’sGeorge FM.
Johnson will set a faster pace for the Festival and a funkyback beat for the fashion show by Degas of Napier.
There will also be entertainment from the Ryan EdwardsBand, the six piece Lindisfarne Reggae Band, “Rutsu”and the Soulers to provide all day entertainment for thefestival.
This year’s Festival is set to be bigger than last year with24 wineries confirmed for the event including: Askerne,Ash Ridge, Bilancia, Beach House Wines, CJ Pask,Clearview, Craggy Range, Esk Valley, Frizzell, HawkesRidge, Lime Rock, Lindauer, Matariki, Mission, MoanaPark, Sacred Hill, Trinity Hill, Tukipo River Estate, TheGrail, Vidal, Unison and Wild Rock.
There will be an increased focus on seafood and winewith seafood workshops and a large marquee offering awide range of seafood, including crayfish, from Hawke’sBay Seafoods.
There will also be 4 fun and informative workshopsincluding; a syrah workshop with leading winemakerTony Bish from Sacred Hill, a food and wine matchshowcasing the ‘essence of Clearview with winemakerTim Turvey and head chef Kerry McKay, and JeremyRameka of Pacifica will host a seafood workshop withwine matched by Gordon Russell from Esk Valley.
A workshop titled “The seed of life – Caviar, Quail,Chook and Ostrich” promises a new look at eggs with theOmelette Guy - Ian Thomas, Lime Rock Wines and theManurau Quail Egg farm.
Local food producers will be showcased in a FestivalMarket and children will be well catered for with a fullyequipped play area, complete with merry go round,bouncy castle and giant sandpit.
The event has attracted high profile sponsors includingMercedes Benz and TSB Bank.
Mercedes Benz are opening a new sales showroom and aservice centre in Napier early next year and are tipped toshowcase some of the new range of Mercedes Benz carsat the Festival.
Tickets are available throughwww.hawkesbaywineandfoodfestival.co.nz
For more event details please phoneCarol-Ann Stubbs 027 450 0472 or0508 946326 (0508wineandfood)
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Hawkes Bay Wine & FoodFestival
Omaka Aviation, Blenheim
Wellington
Wellington, Kapiti andHorowhenua
KapitiWairarapa
Wairarapa
ManawatuWanganui
Destination Taupo
Destination Taupo
Hawkes Bay, Taranaki,Bay of Plenty & AucklandHitting the Road
Bay of Plenty
Wellington
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If you want to experience first hand “one of theworld’s best and most innovative airshows” thenClassic Fighters is a must see.
This interactive airshow is happening duringEaster weekend for three days from April 22-24,2011, at Omaka Airfield, and is guaranteed to beloaded with entertainment and spectacle.
Be prepared for an action-packed weekend oftheatrical air displays, set amid the backdrop ofthe magnificent scenery of Marlborough at wineharvest time.
‘The Allies are on the offensive, with some of thegreatest, iconic fighter aircraft in history goinghead to head. The battle is on for victory in Europe,during the Great War of 1914-18 and again in the Second World War of1939-1945.’
Omaka Airfield is just minutes from the centre of Blenheim, and is anappropriate venue to host the Classic Fighters event that will be bulgingwith action packed family excitement and visual effects.
Friday night’s Twilight Extreme will kick off the formal entertainment,following a day of practice displays which are open to the public.
Both Saturday and Sunday are the main show days, but don’t think thatattending just one day will be enough! Although you can expect to seemany of the 70-plus air craft flying each day, the way they are displayedin the theatrical scenarios will change.
The theme for the 2011 event may see the war action over Europe,but the public area will be firmly located on Churchill’s defiant homeground.
Currently the props department at the venue are busy on both arenas,set dressing with in the public area to suggest anEnglish country village and building all manner ofstructures and machines, to be blown sky high onthe other side of the fence.
However, if you would prefer to meander aroundthe stalls, there will be plenty to see amongst thecraft and trade sites. Enjoy listening to jazz whilstsipping a glass of delectable, award-winningMarlborough wine or beer and sample from theextensive range of foodstalls.
There will be a FunZone for the kids and if you area classic/vintage car fan, you will enjoy perusingthe many vehicles brought together for theweekend’s Classic Car Festival.
Be sure to get your tickets early online at www.classicfighters.co.nz for the best price and avoidthe queues on the day. Remember, Gold Passesare limited!
Photos: Gavin Conroy, Philip Merry and GeoffSloan.
Classic Fighters’2011 ‘V for
Victory’
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Welcome to the OmakaAviation Heritage Centre
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre housesa display like no other and you don’t haveto be an aviation buff to enjoy it! Humanstories from the Great War come to life ina theatrical treatment, which is innovativeand visually stunning. Captivating scenesdepict the aircraft in context, somerecreating actual incidents. The rarememorabilia is worthy of any nationalcollection and ranges from beautifullycrafted ‘trench art’ through to personalitems belonging to the famous Red Baronhimself.
Located in Marlborough just minutes fromthe centre of Blenheim we are open daily,(except for Christmas and Boxing Days)and promise an enthralling experiencefor all.
Omaka is one of Marlborough’s majorvisitor attractions - offering a captivatingexperience for the whole family.
Kiwi – Tuatara – Silver Fern – Bush walksKea – Kaka – Tui – Lookout tower – Picnic areas
Information Centre - +MORE!
NGA MANUNATURE RESERVE
www.ngamanu.co.nz
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This new exhibition at the Museum of WellingtonCity & Sea explores Wellington’s identity throughart. Aimed at the ‘young and curious’ but fun forthe whole family, this fully immersive exhibition isbased on Gregory O’Brien’s award-winning bookBack & Beyond.Friendly, inviting, and conversational in tone, Back& Beyond & Here uses interpretation and resourcesto assist visitors on their journey. In particular,an activity journal containing engaging activitiesencourages them to unleash their imagination asthey delve into the range of artworks on display.Featuring music composed by Wellingtonian Robin
Nathan and with a design that creates a relaxedenvironment in which to view art, Back & Beyond& Here is an exciting insight into Wellington art andartists.A summer art school holiday programme, led byInverlochy Art School tutor Robbie Lowe, will runon 10-14 January and repeat 17-21 January. Thesedaily workshops will focus on different themesby exploring painting, clay, collage and drawingtechniques with kids completing artworks to beproud of. For more information visitwww.museumswellington.org.nz or ph: 472 8904.
Back & Beyond& Here Free entry
on until 29 May 2011
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The staff at City Life Newswould like to wish you alla very Merry Christmasand a Happy New Year.
Safe motoring andsee you in 2011.
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Family Pass: $15 ( 2 adults+3 children under 15)Adults: $5, Children: $3 ( Sorry, no EFTPOS)Enquiries: Mike Lee (04) 476. 8593FAX (04) 476.8595
Wrights Hill Fortress - Karori - Open Day
10AM - 4PMTues 28 Dec 2010 and Sunday 6 Feb 2011
Visit the historic World War Two Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori. Self guidedtours. Lots of fun for the family.
Bush walks, panoramic views. From Karori Rd, turn left into Campbell St, toWrights Hill Rd. Follow the signs. Plenty of free car parking.
This festive season join Father Christmas andhis Elves in their enchanting Woodland Home atCapital E.You’ll find them down a leafy walkway, nestled intheir magical Tree Hut from Thursday 16th untilChristmas Eve, eager to entertain children of allages, hear Christmas wishes and share yuletidestories. The Woodland home will be brimming withmerry entertainment.The journey begins at the beautiful twinklingfoliage entranceway where you will find a MagicWishing Tree.Post your letters filled with Christmas wishes thencross your fingers as the Magic Wishing Tree will bemaking three dreams come true this year!Travel further into the woodland and you’ll discoverplenty of games to play inside the colourfulGingerbread house.To complete your Christmas experience make adecoration to take home and hang on your tree.No need to book, just drop in from 10am – 3pm….don’t forget your camera! www.capitale.org.nz
Santa Claus
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is coming tois coming to towntown…\…\
An experience for all ages to see and enjoy
SOUTHWARDCARMUSEUM
Open 7 Days - Hours: 9am - 4.30pm • OTAIHANGA RD, PARAPARAUMUphone: 04 297 1221 I email: [email protected]
website: www.thecarmuseum.co.nz
Relax and picnic in the beautiful grounds then take a step back in time into thefamous Car Museum for a touch of nostalgia.
Wednesday & Christmas Day - CLOSED- Eftpos available
Easy open Cat CarryEasy open Cat CarryCages & Nutrience SuperCages & Nutrience Super
Premium Pet foodPremium Pet food
Variety of reasonably pricedVariety of reasonably pricedcat toys and New soft &cat toys and New soft &snuggly pet beds in stock!snuggly pet beds in stock!
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HimatangiHimatangiBeachBeach
HolidayHolidayParkPark
An Award WinningHoliday Park that is safe &
secure, where friendliness & cleanfacilities are assured.
A bed for every budget with all sites being flat,having power & water.
Short walk to a unique beach that has a fun-filledstream running to the sea.
Trampoline, sand-pit & free use of pool-tablewhere children are entertained along with a
TV room.
An internet kiosk & wifi is , alongwith free use of BBQ’s.
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The French believe that life is an adventuresand that’s exactly what Jean Caillabet intends toprove when he opens Adrenalin Forest Porirua-Wellington next week.Pumped with energy and overseeing his intrepidteam of qualified instructors, Managing DirectorJean, who hails from Serre Chevalier in the FrenchAlps, can’t wait to see his adventure park open tothe public“It’s a high rope course but a new concept,”explains this adventure junkie who already ownsa high-wire forest course in Christchurch andcatered for 25,000 clients last year. “Everybody isclipped with carabiners, lanyards and harnessesto the safety lines at all times. There are fivepathways,” explains Jean who waited two yearsto choose the right spot in the forest beside GearHomestead on the outskirts of Porirua. “The firstone is easy and low and then they get higher andmore difficult. It’s a French concept and it’s verypopular there. I’ve brought it to New Zealand.”And with no doubt, looking up at timber platformsthat have been built high in the pine trees, thelandscape looks hardly changed as it melds withthe forest.With the emphasis on plenty of fun, plenty ofexcitement, a number of thrills and an enormousadrenalin rush, Jean aims to attract adults andchildren alike to the Adrenalin Forest. Whetherthey wish to fly through the air on a 100 metremega flying fox, walk across giant steps, balanceon rope ladders or face such obstacles as theIndiana Jump, the Snowboard, the Net, Stirrupsor see-saws, it’s all there to address physical and
emotional challenges that will test and amaze.With eighty different challenges at the AdrenalinForest, covering just over 2kms in total, Jean saysthat age is no barrier to having fun on the course.“The minimum height is 1m.30 to do the firstpathway and 1m.45 to do the rest of the pathways.”Catering for schools, families and individualsas well as companies who use his ChristchurchAdrenalin Forest for team building, Jean isdelighted to have Porirua Mayor Nick Leggettofficiating at the opening on Friday 17th Decemberwhen he cuts the red ribbon suspended from oneof the wires.“We will be open to the public at 10 am on Saturday18th December and its going to be fun… fun…fun,” smiles Jean.
By
Kat
eS
pen
cer
AdrenalinAdrenalin
Pictured:
Jean Caillabet
(photo by Kate
Spencer)
PumpingPumpingKeep theKeep the
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HOSTS: Margaret and Dennis Penney30 Koputara Road · Himatangi Beach 4891
Small friendly, safe & secure camping groundsituated at Himatangi Beach. We are only 2hours from the Interisland Ferry and 2 hoursfrom the Tongariro Crossing and 30 minutes toPalmerston North.
We have a range of cabins tosuit every budget.
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BYRON’S RESORT,OTAKI BEACH- UNDER NEWMANAGEMENT
OPEN FROM 10.00AM - 7 days a week
BRUNCH - LUNCH - DINNER
NEW MENU - GREAT FOOD - GREAT MUSIC
SCUTTLEBUTT’S UNIQUE ICE CREAM PARLOUR - NOW OPEN
Come and relax in our dining room or have brunch inour outdoor courtyard
Available for conferences, birthdays, weddings & business meetings
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
PHONE 06 364 8121 or 027 216 0026
Delicious meals and a great atmosphere await you at Scuttlebutt
Martinborough is well known for itstemperate climate and great wineries andConey Wines Cafe’ is where you will findone of the best combination so fine wineand delicious food.
Margaret Coney brought up a family offour, with token assistance from her lazyhusband. Their demands for food werevociferous and never ending. From suchbeginnings, and having dismissed thesechildren into the real world, it was but ashort step for Margaret to don the apronagain and move into the gleaming newcafe kitchen to ply her trade. She is aserious foodie, Margaret creates deliciousrecipes for the vineyard cafe.
At Coney Wines’ Trio Cafe everyescapist gets the quintessential vineyardexperience. Succulent cuisine from thekitchen matched with the award-winningConey Wines all in a superb vineyardsetting creates absolute ambience.
Add to this informative and amusingtastings at the table or bar from ConeyWines’ irrepressible owner and the resultis an experience you will always rememberwhich is what we at Coney Wines call “theperfect accompaniment”
Head on over to Coney Wines and try outthe Trio Cafe.
. . . The perfectaccompaniment
Coney Wines offers...
SummerSummerEscape GuideEscape Guide
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Phone: 06 357 2684 • Park Road, Palmerston North www.lidoaquaticcentre.co.nz
The Lido Aquatic Centre the place tocome for the following:
• Swim Magic Swimming Lessons• Before and After School Care• Holiday Program• CLM Health and Fitness• Fitness Classes• Aqua Aerobics Classes• Dedicated Swim Shop• Water Safety Classes for Schools• Birthday Parties (with a dedicated area)• Hot and Colds Sports Groups• Aquabeatz (Disco every Friday Night for Kids)• NEW INFLATABLE AQUA RUN
The facilities we have available include:• Indoor Leisure Pool • Indoor 25m Pool• Sauna • Spa • Steam Room• Two Hydroslides • Outdoor 50m Pool• Outdoor Dive Well • Outdoor Leisure Pool• Dedicated Learn to Swim PoolFor affordable family fun come to theLido Aquatic Centre
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*Skills ActiveNew Zealand CLMFacility of the Year2010.Wave Rave ($5.50 every Fri night for 8-16yr olds)
REMEMBER, IT PAYS TO BOOK EARLY
Daily Sailings at 1.30pm
WAIMARIENEW ZEALAND’S LAST PADDLE STEAMER
NO SAILINGS CHRISTMAS DAY.
Extra Scheduled Cruises 10am27th & 28th December and 3rd & 4th January
For a truly different experience when you are in theWanganui area, don’t miss a trip on the restored1899 paddle steamer Waimarie.Sitting on the deck beneath the crisp white canopyyou can almost imagine yourself back in time,sipping a cup of tea (or something stronger) orgoing down to the saloon for a bite of lunch as theengine thumps rhythmically under your feet.There is something distinctly soothing aboutcruising sedately up the river, seeing somemagnificent properties on the banks whose lawnsslope to the waters edge shaded by broad-leavedtrees that might remember days when the steamerwas a busy cargo boat plying between Pipiriki andWanganui on a regular schedule.When the jazz band is playing the illusion ofyesteryear is magnified.There are also chartered trips for private parties,and a variety of cruises during the season, lunch,BBQ, & dinner cruises and trips towell know gardens up the river.If you are lucky you may visit thebridge and even try your hand atsteering under the watchful eye of theskipper.
Enjoyment of this unique opportunity to samplean authentic piece of New Zealand maritimeheritage is amazingly affordable.Bookings are essential to avoid disappointmentand tickets have to be uplifted 20 minutes beforedeparture time.
For all information and bookings ph0800 STEAMER (7832637) or [email protected]
NZ’s only paddle steamer
well worth the trip!
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The Lido Aquatic Centre is the place to go theseSchool Holidays and all year round.Conveniently located in Palmerston North, onlyan hour away from Kapiti, where you and theentire family can relax, kick back and enjoy all thefacilities and activities on offer.
Check out the Lido on line at http://www.clmnz.co.nz/lido and find out all the amazing facilitiesand activities on offer for the whole family.
Palmerston North offers one of the best shoppingcentres around and with its fabulous cafes, it’swell worth the visit for the day or weekend.
Lake Taupo is the perfect relaxed summer holiday location for families, whethera relaxed holiday is wanted or one that is more active is on the cards. Watersports are a firm favourite, with boat ramps, ski lanes and plenty of familyfriendly swimming beaches dotted around the shoreline.
There are plenty of great family activities on offer in the region, such as thefamily favourite Huka Prawn Park – an experience unique to Taupo, or a visit toActionworld - a giant inflatable playground for children of all ages, or the TaupoAdventure Park or Puzzleworld – the options are endless. Taupo Hot SpringsSpa and the AC Baths are great leisure pool complexes, with slides and publicand private pools.
In Turangi the refurbished National Trout Centre is a must visit, and theTongariro River offers safe family whitewater rafting opportunities. The TokaanuHot Pools are fabulous for a visit after a busy day, and right next door is ageothermal area where boiling mud and hot water pools are on display.
There are great mountain bike tracks in and around the region which are easilyaccessible, and walkers are catered for as well. The path from Spa Park to HukaFalls is an easy walk for all ages – why not stop off for a soak in the geothermalhot pool on the way?
The events calendar is an annual summer highlight in the Taupo region, with amix of concerts, spectacular outdoor events, and headline acts performing inthe laid back Riverside Park Unison Amphitheatre and around the region.
For a full list of activities, events and otherthings to do in the Taupo region, go towww.greatlaketaupo.com.
Family FunFamily FunTaupoTaupoin thein the SunSun
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Taupo International Dragway’s scorching summerdrag racing action continues with the Hell Pizza
Summer Classic Car and Hot Rod FestivalSummer Slam on Monday January
3,2011.
New Zealand’s largest fieldof Doorslammers for 2011 isalready confirmed to comeand do battle, and just for
something different, they’ll becompeting over the eighth-mile
rather than the quarter; you absolutely do not want to miss this spectacular event. Ensuringa full day’s entertainment, support classes include Top Street, Competition and bikes, plus anostalgia/hot rod division.
And, in another new attraction for TID, there will be a Young Gun (Junior Dragster) Outlaw divisionrunning heads up to the 330 foot mark. Then of course, there’s kids entertainment, Miss SummerSlam Bikini Competition 2011, live big screen, sponsor giveaways, trade displays, and cash prizesgiven away every hour.
But wait, there’s more! The Flying Kiwi, Athol Williams, will be appearing with his Top Fuel bike tosee if he can beat his own New Zealand record.
Racer entry is $80 across the board (JDs no charge) gate entry $25 per person, under 13-years free.Racer pre-entry will be available on the website at www.taupointernationaldragway.org
Head on down to Lake Taupo Reserve to meet some of your favourite racers, and have your phototaken with them, on January 1 and 2 2011. Static display and fire-ups will be held from early ‘til late.
Visit www.taupointernationaldragway.org for more details, or give Steve a call on 0274 751 648.
TaupoDoorslammerstake ontake on
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If the Bay of Plenty is your summer escapedestination be sure not to miss the thrillingWhakatane Hunting and Fishing Opotiki Rodeo onDecember 28th.The area is believed to have been a leader in NewZealand rough riding and buck jumping and in themodern Rodeo era the Opotiki Christmas Rodeohas become famous, recognised for drawingthe “best crowd” in the business with hordes ofvacationers and locals regularly supporting it.It is common knowledge that East Coast summerweather is usually fine and sunny so why not planyour holiday around the Rodeo and then enjoy the
many other attractions available - fishing, hunting,bush walks, jet boating as well as all the beaches.You will surely have the best weather in thecountry?The Whakatane Hunting and Fishing Opotiki Rodeo2010 starts at 10 am. Rodeo grounds are atthe Northern end of St John Street, just off StateHighways 2 and 35 – (plenty of signboards out onthe day).Food and licensed drinks booth on the groundsand also amusements for the children. A real familyday out.The Rodeo committee works hard to ensure thateverything goes smoothly on the day.Admission charges are Adults $20, children over 5years $5 or a family pass is $40.
www.OPOTIKIRODEO.CO.NZfor further informationT: 07 315 0212 or 027 523 1051
Cook newsWednesday, March 10, 2010 CALL US: 587Your lives, Your community, Your news
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www.numberworksnwords.comKilbirnie Ph 387 1013
A family pass to Zeand theirlong-awaitedVisitor Centre
se
LIGHT PLAY: Lyall Bay artist Séraphine Pick with her 2009 painting, Devil’s Music. An exhibition of Pick’s work is on display in the City Gallery as part of their Festival Season.Photo:KateBleasdale /SWseraphinepick030310.
Rich and varied works in exhibition See story pg 5
A government report releasedlast month has slammed RidgwaySchool in Brooklyn for a culture ofblame and poor communicationamong management.The Education Review Office
has particularly commented onsignificant disharmony amongthe school’s board of trustees, cit-ing an atmosphere of distrust thatis causing friction, inappropriatedecision-making, and hinderingcommunication between the boardand parents.While ERO says the classes are
settled,with well-paced lessons and
effective teaching practices, it isconcerned over “significant incon-sistencies” in student assessement,and is not confident of the validityof achievement information.As a consequence, trustees are
not receiving sufficient and well-analysed achievement informationto inform decision-making.The role of the principal as a pro-
fessional adviser to the board is notapparent, the report also states.ERO has made a recommenda-
tion to the Secretary of Educationfor intervention, and will return foranother assessment in 12 months’time.Principal Danae Heinz says the
report is fair, and in fact the boardhas already received assistancefrom the ministry to improve thesituation.“We are looking forward to im-
plementing the recommendations.
What we want is to be back in theposition that we were in previously,of having positive ERO reports.”The ministry is expected to let
the board of trustees know tomor-row what type of intervention willbe put in place, Danae says.“When four people left, it really
brought the issues to the front.Wesought advice from the ministrywho appointed a training advisor.”In May 2009, four board mem-
bers resigned.ERO notes that board relation-
ships had been an ongoing concernsince early 2009.Some members of the board
were sometimes stepping on hertoes in her role as the principal,Danae says.“Since talking with ERO, we put
things in place and it has alreadyimproved the way we operate asa board. I think we are very clear
now. We want to make sure thatthe new board has the same under-standing,”Danae says.Board of trustees chair Kathy
Dent says a new board will beelected in May, so dissolving thecurrent board may not be the min-istry’s option.Communication has already
improved within the board and to-wards the parents, she says.“The parent community has a
great interest in what is happeningat the school so it is important thatthe board doesn’t discuss issues byemail between meetings.”For example, the discussion
about the playground project hasto be discussed at the table ratherthan behind close doors.Kathy says ERO was very useful
The Christmas holidays are justaround the corner and it can be veryplanning your travel to accommodatechildren, while keeping to yourschedule – and maintaining yoursanity.The crucial part to enjoying a road tripis planning carefully and being relaxedin doing so. Plan everything that is inyour control (such as what you put inyour car and the time you leave) andlet go of everything else, ie such aswhen the next toilet stop will be.Your holiday begins the moment youleave your house, rather than whenyou eventually reach your destination.A rule of thumb is to add an extra 30minutes for every two hours it usedto take you for travelling before youhad children. If you are travelling withyoungsters, you may need to allowadditional time for feeding cyclesetc. Do plan time for a toilet stop andstretching of the legs.You need to plan your holiday early. Aweek or so from departure, make a listof what you will need to take, includingsupplies, bedding, clothes, food andentertainment items.Children can help pack their ownbags from as young as two years oldand help them make their own list,with items quickly drawn rather thanwritten and have them collect these.Tick off everything as you put theminto bags. Keep the bags aside witha list of any last minute items that arestill to be packed. Often, we head offon holiday at the end of the workingweek, and do end up having less timeand energy than planned, realise thatessential items are in the wash. So
packing early removes any of thatstress.It’s a good idea to check that the carseats are all okay during this time. Ifyour child is still in a rear-facing seat,you can think about Velcro-dotting afew pictures or photos in front of themso they have something to look at.Make sure you have one bag asidewith a change of clothes for everyoneand anything you many need for a day(such as nappies) and place this in aneasy access place in the car.Pack your car the night before so youcan get the family up for an early start,which is ideal for children. Also ensureyou have a small snack box for eachchild, bottles of water and picturebooks.Take the stress out of travellingwith children and keep them intheir pyjamas, without having hadbreakfast. Allow them to munch ontheir fruit snacks and stop around anhour into your trip for some breakfastand let the children get dressed.Pre-empting problems will make yourtrip much more enjoyable. Keep aplastic container available for any carsickness and several plastic bags forrubbish and some few extra snacks,bottles of water.Make sure you budget for anyunexpected problems. Ensure youhave extra money available in caseyou need to stay a night somewhereon the way and be prepared for anyunforeseen changes to your plans.The Staff at City Life News Wellingtonwishes you all a very Merry Christmas,a Happy New Year and safe Motoring.
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SummerSummerEscape GuideEscape Guide
20102010
7874437AB 7818756AA
Spring is here along with the
scallop season and there are
an increasing number of divers
looking for scallops in the harbour.
However, recently divers have
been looking in very dangerous
places. We have had reports
of divers surfacing in water-ski
lanes and shore divers searching
for scallops at the entrance of
a marina. These practices are
extremely foolhardy, a fatal head
injury is not worth the risk. Both of
these locations are in breach of the
Wellington Navigation and Safety
bylaws, and offenders can be fined
up to $200.
The minimum legal size for a dive
flag is 60cm x 60cm which must
be clearly visible when diving from
a boat. There is no requirement
for shore divers to show a flag but
most dive shops will have towable
float with a flag to make divers
more visible.
Any boats seeing a dive flag must
either slow down to 5 knots, or
even better, stay at least 200
metres away from the flag.
To report dangerous behaviour
on the water contact Greater
Wellington Harbours on 830 4160
or after hours on 388 1911.
DIVING
-86.D
(bylaws 3.4.1 & 3.4.2)
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22 Wednesday, December 15, 2010Porirua News
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PROUD: Anthony Tonu’u, 14, (left) and Henry Kururangi, 14, stand in front of Mana College’s new mural, designed by Tonu’u. Kururangi was one ofthe pupils who helped paint it on. Dani McDonald / CCN71210DMmanamural
Clean start at Mana
The drive against graffiti hasspread to Mana College in theform of ‘‘inspiration,determination and legacy’’.
Anthony Tonu’u, 14, ofMana College won the Old HBlock Mural designcompetition set up by ManaCollege and the Porirua CityCouncil graffiti managementplan.
Old H Block used to be a hotspot for taggers until ManaCollege teamed up with
Porirua CityCouncil to run acompetition forthe students todesign a muralthat includedfeatures of ManaCollege.
PE teacher Jeff Chapmansays the purpose of thecompetition was to have kidsown a part of the school tohinder the growing taggingproblem around the school.
‘‘It’s all about positivechange, getting rid of thetagging. We’re trying to getthat whole ownershiphappening,’’ he says.
In a speech to the rest of hisschool mates, Tonu’u says thathis mural design stemmed
came from three words —inspiration, determination andlegacy.
‘‘These are the three wordsin my mind. These words arethe reasons that keep mebelieving in myself, my life andmy future. So the muralrepresents all of these things Ibelieve in,’’ he says,
Mr Chapman says theschool had many kids involvedin painting the mural onto thewall. Local Porirua urbanartist Tupe Rogers also lent herartistic skills.
‘‘It was wicked. It was agreat idea that just kept onrolling,’’ he says.
Before the initial painting ofthe wall, Mr Chapman says thewall was left white, and within
12 hours the wall was riddledwith tagging.
Now, after two weeks of themural being up, the wall hashad three small tags on it, andall are easily wiped off.
Graffiti management co-ordinator Tushara Kodikarasays the many murals showingup around the city is the workof the community and a chancefor the people to feel proud oftheir own work.
‘‘I think there is a big driveto beautify the city withmurals. It’s getting thecommunity to buy into theprojects,’’ he says.
The project at Mana Collegeis a three to five year plan thatwill add murals to othertagging spots.
WEWANTTO HEARABOUT IT
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NOVEMBER 2010
The term “credit union”conjures up all kinds ofpossibilities, from a fellowship
with secret handshakes, to a tradeunion for people in the credit andfinance sector.Far from it, a credit union is a
member-owned co-operativefinancial institution that providesmany of the same financial servicesthat banks do. Not registered asbanks, credit unions are registeredunder the Friendly Societies andCredit Unions Act and are open toanyone joining them.One such credit union, which
celebrates 20 years of dedicatedservice to its growing membership of16,000members is Aotearoa CreditUnion.Bruce Bleakley, General Manager
of Aotearoa Credit Union, saidwith total assets in excess of $15.0million, Aotearoa Credit Union has
offices in Papatoetoe, Clendon, GlenInnes, Otara, Otahuhu, Papakura,Hamilton,Wanganui and Porirua.“While one of our strategies is
to support, promote and advancethe welfare of Maori people forthe benefit of the community,membership is open to all of thecommunity and we also have a veryhigh proportion of Pacific Islandpeople,”Mr Bleakley emphasisedthat membership is open toeveryone.“Aotearoa Credit Union
encourages its members to talkto them, to work out the best wayforward and provides loans to itsmembers at very favourable rates,without penalties or excessiveupfront fees as well as providingbudgetary assistance.“They are particularly active in
assisting members who could go toloan sharks, expecting people to pay
8 percent per week for loan sharkloans belies belief, it is immoral andAotearoa Credit Union’s doors areopen to welcome anyone.“In line with other Credit Unions,
Aotearoa Credit Union is a non-profit co-operative offering acomprehensive range of savingsand investment accounts, loans andinsurance. Banking facilities suchas ATM/EFTPOS card, telephonebanking, internet banking, SMS textbanking, direct debit, direct creditand automatic payments supportsthese products,” he said.
Existing to serve its members,Aotearoa Credit Union is managedby professional, experiencedmanagers and is governed by aBoard of Directors that is elected bythe members.The opening deposit for a savings
account is $10 or $1 for a children’saccount.Aotearoa Credit Union’s Porirua
office has been open for 8months.
By Iain Hyndman
AOTEAROACREDIT UNION
Branch Manager, Sharlene & Member Services Officer Brandon
and is situated at 18 Hartham Place,Porirua. The very friendly staff therecan assist members with any savingsor loan enquiry.
24 Wednesday, December 15, 2010Porirua News
7876515AB
Camilla Welch is the Supreme Winner of the 2010Wellington Businesswoman of the Year Awards.She has also taken the Awards for Best Small toMedium Business and Sustainability. But as GeneralManager of the Petone based Label & Litho printingbusiness, Camilla is refusing to take full credit for herhuge success.
Although she is very much the driving force behind asuccessful self-adhesive label printing business thathas grown tremendously in the last two years, despite aglobal economic downturn, Camilla insists that brothersHamish and Angus play equally as important roles.
But with more than 20 years experience in the printingindustry, Factory Manager Hamish Kincaid whooversees the day-to-day running of the plant as wellas being involved in procurement, still points the fingertowards Camilla when it comes to making sure thebusiness runs smoothly.
“We start at six in the morning and go through tomidnight,” explains Camilla of the two shifts that her 41staff work in order to keep the plant going. “Our fatherstarted the business in 1964 and got into label printingin the 1970s.”
Camilla has steered the business with her brothers forthe last five years and made it the successful companyit is today. “We purchased the company in May of thisyear and we’ve had two years of phenomenal growth.”
Attributing the recent success of the business andher win at the Business Awards ceremony to havingreally good machinery and employing excellent andloyal staff, Camilla says that providing great customerservice is paramount.
Operations Manager Angus Kincaid works closely withthe Sales Manager and four sales reps who work allover New Zealand.
“He goes all over New Zealand,” says Camilla. “But,”she smiles… “I look after the Pacific Islands!”
Pointing out what makes their company different,Angus says… “I believe, it’s that we have one of the fewfamily-based firms that still has full interaction throughevery area of the firm and run a total open-door policyto all staff.”
Crediting Camilla with having introduced innovativeand detailed processes into the running of theCompany, Label and Litho achieved an EnviroMarkGold certification in 2008 and for that step towardsenvironmental friendliness she received theSustainability Award.
With a factory that spans four buildings, Camilla saysthey are constantly looking to improve what they do.“We have passion and commitment.”
Spearheading one of the biggest producers of self-adhesive labels in New Zealand, Camilla admits thatwhen growing up she never thought that the threesiblings would end up making labels together. “Iwas trained as a Secretary,” she says. “But I was anextremely good one.”
Looking to the future, Camilla says Label & Litho aimto become more established in the Auckland market aswell as expand their digital printing. General Manager,Camilla points out however that being the biggest inNew Zealand isn’t where it’s all at.
“We want to be the best at what we do,” she smiles.
SUPREME WINNERPRAISES BROTHERS• By Kate Spencer Advertorial Feature
Straitsmanopens doorsALL CLEAR AHEAD: MatthewRyan, 9, Whitby, tries out thecaptain’s chair for size on thebridge of The Straitsman, thelatest Cook Strait ferry forBluebridge.The company held a open dayaboard the vessel over theweekend, with a gold coinentry going to Wellington’sHospital and HealthFoundation.
Photo by: Andrew Bonallack /CCN111210ABblueridge01
KIDS ZONEONLY
GOODWILL: Danny Sneyd-Utting, 6, sells fudge and candy at Porirua’s kids market held under thecanopies last weekend. The market was a kids’ only stall event, with all sorts of crafts and candyfloss to buy. Danny’s sister Kitty also played her violin at the event. Danny says it was a slow start,but he hoped to sell all of his fudge. Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMdanny
MAKING MUSIC: Evelyn Such, of Johnsonville, has been playing the saxophone for 10 years and isa member of North City Country Music Club. ‘I come here every time, I love the club,’ she says.
Dani McDonald / CCN131210DMcountry
Everyone’scountry
■ Dani McDonald
Cigarettes, whiskey and wild, wild women —they’ll drive you crazy, according toPorirua’s North City Country Music Club.
The club held its Christmas party lastweekend, hosting about 100 members andvisitors.
From Grandma Got Runover By aReindeer to Tim Spencer’s Whiskey,Cigarettes and Wild, Wild, Women, the daywas full of laughs, singalongs and fabulousdancing.
The club boasts members from age sevento 85, and the event catered to everyone.
Santa Claus turned up in fine form,delivering lollies to the young and not soyoung, before a barbecue was put on forlunch.
Since the club’s formation in Septemberlast year, it has proved to be a hit withPorirua locals and membership, currently at65, has been rising ever since.
Club committee member Robert Antonio
says he expected the growth to happen overtwo or three years, and is happy with thepopularity.
‘‘It’s been going really well. All from anidea a couple of people thought. Four of usmet for the first time.
‘‘The question was do we need a club hereand we had a public meeting and we wentfrom there,’’ he says.
Gail Russell, a club member and also arecorded country music artist, insists peoplecome along even if country music isn’t theirthing.
‘‘It doesn’t matter if they do somethingdifferent. We kind of make it a happyatmosphere — and we particularlyencourage the young ones.’’
The next club meeting is on February 20in the bottom hall of the Porirua Club inLodge Place, Porirua. Entry fee is $3 for nonmembers and $2 for members a month. Kidsentry fee is 50c.
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Hollie singsfrom the soul■ Kate Bleasdale
SOUL SISTER: Hollie Smith plays at the SanFrancisco Bathhouse on December 18.
Photo: Supplied / CCN031210SPLhollie
Don’t bog yourself downwith stresses over Christmasshopping and holiday preparations.There are still some great gigs sneaking into the city
prior to December 25 for you to let your hair down at andenjoy.Pop punk kids Die! Die! Die! are rolling around to
Wellington again tomorrow night (December 16) andwillbe hitting the stage at the Garden Club onDixon Street.Hailing fromAuckland, these guys released their
second LP Form in winter this year andwill no doubt beblowing the audience’s socks off when they bring theirenergetic performance toWellington.On the same night,Motocadewill be taking the
stage just around the corner at the San FranciscoBathhouse.The Auckland indie-rockers have been on theNZ
music scene since 2005 and released their debut LPTightropeHighway this year.The boys are familiar with popularmusic festivals
such as the Big Day Out, Homegrown and RhythmandVines, so this will be a chance to get a bitmore up closeand personal with the band.
For thosewho swing to a different kind ofmusic,Sharon Joneswill be gracing the Opera House stage onDecember 17, accompanied by The Dap Kings.TheNewYorkers bring toWellington their revivalist
funk/soulmusic flavour, which should hopefully seesome audiencemembers doo-wapping in the aisles.Also paying the capital a visit this weekend is New
Zealand’s own soul sister Hollie Smith (pictured), whowill be filling the San Francisco Bathhousewith hersweet voice onDecember 18.If you haven’t seen Smith live before, it’s a gig you
shouldn’tmiss. The songstressworks seamlessly withher band to create soulfulmusic, and her voice is just asmoving live as it is over the stereo.
More info:■ undertheradar.co.nz.
NEWS BRIEFS
Police seeking informationTopor cafe in Plimmerton village was broken into onSundaymorning, December 5, around 2am. Thefront door was kicked in. Porirua Police are askingfor information from anyone whomight have seenanything. Phone the police on 238 1400.
New exec for ChamberThe Board of the Porirua Chamber of Commercehas appointed Holly Thompson as the newExecutive Director. Other appointments includeRob Craig as Chair of the Board and TrevorCampbell as Deputy Chair. Ms Thompson iscurrently the Executive Officer of theManawatuChamber of Commerce. She has amediabackground, working as a broadcaster, announcerand co-host for three local radio stations.
Accommodation neededA local family has amember with a terminal illness.They are looking for accommodation for familymembers visiting over the Christmas, New Year,January period. The extended family will take greatcare of any houses offered. This will be a sad andstressful period for the family and any help withaccommodation will be greatly appreciated.Contact Plimmerton Residents Association [email protected].
Win a surf boatYour vote could help Titahi Bay Surf LifesavingClub win a new Inflatable Rescue Boat, courtesy ofBP. Go online to www.bpsurflifesaving.co.nz andvote for your favourite surf life saving club. Only onevote per person. Voting closes on January 31.
27Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Porirua News
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Kids take food labels to heartGOOD START: Postgate School pupils, from left, Kaylah Batchelor,Grace Hunter, Jayden Kraj, QuintynMatagi, Caleb Aiulu andBailey Vitaliano line up their healthy food at NewWorld Thorndonas Health Minister Tony Ryall watches on.
Photo by: Andrew Bonallack / CCN091210ABheartstart
■ Andrew Bonallack
Postgate School became the‘‘poster child’’ last week as part ofa launch of a new healthy eatingpartnership by the HeartFoundation and Foodstuffs.Health minister Tony Ryall
observed the school’s Year 5 and 6pupils completing theirrequirements for their Heart Startcertificate at Thorndon NewWorld.Recently Foodstuffs and the
Heart Foundation partnered on apackage that combines Foodstuff’sFood for Thought programme withthe Foundation’s Heart Startaward.Schools that sign up to the
Heart Start programme can use theFood for Thought programme toachieve most of the Heart Startrequirements.In Food for Thought, students
take a supermarket tour to teachlabel reading and identify healthyoptions. They also get a sponsoredlunch, the menu planned by thestudents.At Thorndon NewWorld, the
Postgate School students, armedwith calculators, split into groups
to select food, read labels andprepare a healthy lunch.Health minister Tony Ryall
queried the marshmallows hediscovered in one of the baskets,but was told they were a smalltreat as part of the fruit kebabs. Heasked the pupils what they likebest about Postgate School — theyresponded: ‘‘Pride’’.Pupil Kaylah Batchelor says
they eat fruit and vegetablesbecause it keeps them healthy.Teacher Sue Ross says her
Voyager syndicate is definitelymore aware of healthy choicesthanks to the programme.‘‘They know what healthy food
is about, and what a healthylifestyle should be, and they taketheir work home so parents know.’’Heart foundation spokesperson
Sian Bliss says Postgate School isthe second school in theWellington region to complete theHeart Start programme.
More info: ■ To find outmore about the Heart Startprogramme and Food for Thought,see www.heartfoundation.org.nz
Day to make a difference
VOLUNTEERING PEACE: Workers from Greenstone Energy get their handsdirty with Mana Recovery to set up a peace garden for people with mentalillness. From left: Nick Bartlett from Greenstone Energy, and Elizabeth Coluzzi,Leanne Pelabon and John McGuigan from Mana Recovery.
Dani McDonald / CCN71210DMvolunteer1
Greenstone Energy donated theirday to support Mana Recovery’svision of setting up a garden oftranquillity and peace at theirtraining unit, Vailima, earlier thismonth.
Once a year Greenstone Energycelebrates Volunteer day[December 3] by donating about 50workers to Volunteer NZ, whothen match workers with acommunity group in theWellington region.
Mana Recovery is a non-profit
organisation that providesrehabilitation and vocationaltraining services for people withmental health needs, which alsoinclude a sustainability focus.
Project Manager LeannePelabon says the work done atVailima established the groundsas a therapeutic place to trainpeople with mental health needs.
Most of their materials used onthe day were either supplied,donated or recycled to helpbeautify the garden.
Paint and brushes and paintingexpertise were donated byBunnings and Resene.
Landscape Architect KatieBailey volunteered her own timeto design the garden.
The seats in the garden aremade from old telephone poles,and the table is made from an oldmacrocarpa lying in the grounds.
Greenstone Energy was alsoassisted by the trainees fromMana recovery, and Ms Pelabonsays it will be a day they will neverforget.
‘‘Our trainees will talk aboutthis day for a very long time, andremember everyone who helped tomake their place a better place.’’
The Vailima site was once thehome of Truby King, who was thesuperintendent of PoriruaHospital for many years, and alsothe founder of the Plunket Societyand the famous Truby KingGardens in Wellington.
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