Morning Tea by the Sea and Family Fun Afternoon, South Brighton, 16th February. On a sunny Saturday approximately 75 people attended our Morning Tea by the Sea at Te Karoro Karoro Reserve. A wonderful contingent of local residents was in attendance before the event even began to help move tables and chairs from the surf club to the reserve. Local people supplied a fantastic range of baking, either by attending a baking day at a local residence, or by bringing home-baked goodies along on the morning of the event. We also provided tea, coffee and juice, and the Liquidity coffee van was in attendance for those needing a bit more of a caffeine hit. A jazz trio perfectly complemented the relaxed, friendly atmosphere where neighbours mingled and chatted while children played in the reserve. An SBRA committee member provided some large photographs of the South Brighton area from the 1940s and 1950s which many people enjoyed poring over throughout the day. The Pleasant Point Yacht Club members, despite having had only two days’ notice, were in the reserve for the whole day. They brought along several of their craft. There was plenty of enthusiasm from local residents regarding their determination to set up a facility at the domain. Tim Sintes came to the morning tea and people were very excited about the visions for a New Brighton Water Park. At 1pm the event switched modes to a Family Fun Afternoon, with around 200 people. Pedalmania brought their crazy and ever-popular bikes, the YMCA contributed an amazing race, two local teenagers provided one of the most popular activities – kick the ball into the wheelie bin – with a prize of a free ice cream (thanks to Shayne the ice cream vendor). This proved a big hit with many people trying out for what proved to be an elusive prize. Tango and Lee kindly organised a game of touch which was enjoyed by many. Four local members of the New Brighton fire brigade brought a fire engine, and showed it to interested children (when they weren’t trying to get the ball into a wheelie bin!) For the younger children the City Libraries kindly provided a story and activities corner (thank you to Laura, herself a South Brighton resident). People enjoyed playing outdoor chess and checkers, and trying out the sets of circus tricks. Once again Alex was a big hit with the children with his amazing balloon creations. The family fun afternoon also finished with food: free sausages and veggie kebabs. Volunteers and members of the committee cleared away at the end, but their effort was minimal as everyone had taken away their own rubbish and left the reserve clean and tidy. A ‘Big Thank You’ to everyone who came along and enjoyed the day. Also to the following for their voluntary contribution of time and services: our community volunteers who helped with delivering flyers, baking and serving, games, and setting up! Absolute Proof (printing publicity posters); Probus New Brighton (wonderful baking and loan of crockery and urns); South Brighton Surf Club; St Faiths and St Lukes churches; New Brighton Fire Brigade; Pleasant Point Yacht Club; CCC libraries; YMCA; CERA; CCC; and Mr Whippy. Update on the Residents’ Association The Residents’ Association continues to grow as we generate more interest with our events and plans. We continue to look for people who may be able to help out with the odd job, such as delivery or baking; or people who may be interested in helping with organisation of events or funding or being on the committee. SBRA has become an incorporated society meaning it will be a separate legal entity. We are already applying for grants for items of equipment to enhance the community. Several residents have been in touch regarding their own contact with various agencies, such as SCIRT and Fulton Hogan. This has allowed us to be aware of community concerns and make sure these are passed on. Meetings are held on the FIRST Friday of every month. Location can change. Please come along and see what we’re up to and whether you’d like to be involved to any degree. Email [email protected] for details of meetings and an agenda. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 May, South Brighton Bowling Club, Beatty Ave, 7.30pm, all welcome. Speaker to be announced. The South Brighton Newsletter Issue 4 - 4 - 2013
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Morning Tea by the Sea and Family Fun Afternoon, South Brighton, 16th February. On a sunny Saturday approximately 75 people attended our Morning Tea by the Sea at Te Karoro Karoro Reserve. A wonderful contingent of local residents was in attendance before the event even began to help move tables and chairs from the surf club to the reserve. Local people supplied a fantastic range of baking, either by attending a baking day at a local residence, or by bringing home-baked goodies along on the morning of the event. We also provided tea, coffee and juice, and the Liquidity coffee van was in attendance for those needing a bit more of a caffeine hit. A jazz trio perfectly complemented the relaxed, friendly atmosphere where neighbours mingled and chatted while children played in the reserve.
An SBRA committee member provided some large photographs of the South Brighton area from the 1940s and 1950s which many people enjoyed poring over throughout the day. The Pleasant Point Yacht Club members, despite having had only two days’ notice, were in the reserve for the whole day. They brought along several of their craft. There was plenty of enthusiasm from local residents regarding their determination to set up a facility at the domain. Tim Sintes came to the morning tea and people were very excited about the visions for a New Brighton Water Park.
At 1pm the event switched modes to a Family Fun Afternoon, with around 200 people. Pedalmania brought their crazy and ever-popular bikes, the YMCA contributed an amazing race, two local teenagers provided one of the most popular activities – kick the ball into the wheelie bin – with a prize of a free ice cream (thanks to Shayne the ice cream vendor). This proved a big hit with many people trying out for what proved to be an elusive prize. Tango and Lee kindly organised a game of touch which was enjoyed by many.
Four local members of the New Brighton fire brigade brought a fire engine, and showed it to interested children (when they weren’t trying to get the ball into a wheelie bin!) For the younger children the City Libraries kindly provided a story and activities corner (thank you to Laura, herself a South Brighton resident). People enjoyed playing outdoor chess and checkers, and trying out the sets of circus tricks. Once again Alex was a big hit with the children with his amazing balloon creations. The family fun afternoon also finished with food: free sausages and veggie kebabs. Volunteers and members of the committee cleared away at the end, but their effort was minimal as everyone had taken away their own rubbish and left the reserve clean and tidy.A ‘Big Thank You’ to everyone who came along and enjoyed the day. Also to the following for their voluntary contribution of time and services: our community volunteers who helped with delivering flyers, baking and serving, games, and setting up! Absolute Proof (printing publicity posters); Probus New Brighton (wonderful baking and loan of crockery and urns); South Brighton Surf Club; St Faiths and St Lukes churches; New Brighton Fire Brigade; Pleasant Point Yacht Club; CCC libraries; YMCA; CERA; CCC; and Mr Whippy.
Update on the Residents’ AssociationThe Residents’ Association continues to grow as we generate more interest with our events and plans. We continue to look for people who may be able to help out with the odd job, such as delivery or baking; or people who may be interested in helping with organisation of events or funding or being on the committee. SBRA has become an incorporated society meaning it will be a separate legal entity. We are already applying for grants for items of equipment to enhance the community. Several residents have been in touch regarding their own contact with various agencies, such as SCIRT and Fulton Hogan. This has allowed us to be aware of community concerns and make sure these are passed on. Meetings are held on the FIRST Friday of every month. Location can change. Please come along and see what we’re up to and whether you’d like to be involved to any degree. Email [email protected] for details of meetings and an agenda. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 May, South Brighton Bowling Club, Beatty Ave, 7.30pm, all welcome. Speaker to be announced.
NewsletterThanks once again to all the people who kindly deliver newsletters and flyers for us. Also thank you to all contributors, including Ash and Andy; and Joan and Jackie for their fantastic editing and proof-reading. The newsletter does take a lot of work to produce which is why it is not as regular as we would like. If you are able to help with any writing or planning please get in touch!
Pleasant Point Yacht Club: The Waiting GameAs mentioned in the last newsletter, Pleasant Point Yacht Club would like to build a facility in the domain adjacent to the jetty. The nearby dangerous trees have recently been removed, and repairs and rebuilding of the jetty and two small ramps are being planned. However the club is still seeking council approval of their plans in principle, and are concerned that the South Brighton Reserves Management Plan will not be released
until 2014, and also the current suggestions that any permanent facility be housed away from the water’s edge.The club hopes to start the 2013/14 season sailing from the South New
Brighton Domain, even if it is with temporary facilities. The club is interested in talking to other organisations that they might be able to collaborate with and hope the community will support their efforts to re-establish a facility lost to the East. Contact Nigel Humphreys, 349 3101.
Less Tagging in South BrightonLee, a Pine Avenue resident signed up for the Off the Wall graffiti removal programme at the SBRA Beach Planting Day. “Everyone moans about graffiti, and I didn’t realise that people could help do something about it.” Since signing up she, with the help of her family and friends, has removed the tagging from the old scout hut, the Bridge Street shops, and the bowling club. Next on her list is The Bach. Lee’s been very impressed by the programme and enjoys improving our local neighbourhood. The coordinator quickly helps with any queries and is able to assist in getting permission from property owners. The programme delivers paint, bibs, brushes and rollers.To reduce graffiti in the neighbourhood you can sign up to Off the Wall by phoning the hotline on 941 8666 for quick removal. For Orion boxes, take the address and report direct to [email protected] or 3639898.
Cenotaph UpdateThe Residents’ Association has been in touch with the Christchurch City Council regarding the graffiti on the New Brighton cenotaph and surrounding walls. The council’s heritage team is involved in finding a solution. The ink has penetrated the stone, making it difficult and costly to remove. A poultice has been applied that relies on the sun to bleach the stone and therefore fade the graffiti. The CCC acknowledges the graffiti is a serious issue, and hopes there will be a grant to develop an ambassador’s programme for New Brighton. This will provide heightened security as well as some resources from trained people to work with youth. The graffiti will be masked on Anzac Day. Additionally a new flagpole has been erected so the New Zealand flag will again be able to fly on the 25th April!
Dogs on the BeachSouth Brighton Residents’ Association has requested bigger and bolder signage regarding dog control on and near the South New Brighton Surf Club during daylight saving.
New Brighton Water ParkThe New Brighton Water Park petition gathered over 20,000 signatures of support, far exceeding expectations. David East and Tim Sintes presented the signatures to the Mayor at a full council meeting, to generous applause.
The council are now undertaking a feasibility study. It is hoped CCC will back the project with the portion of QEII insurance money that has already been earmarked for a water facility in the east. Once this happens, the corporates will become involved with further financial backing. Tim and Dave continue to give talks and hold meetings with interested parties. This has already included Westpac, Bodyglove International and Whitewater International, (the largest water park designers in the world). About a million people a year used the aquatic facilities of QE2. New Brighton business owners and landlords are 100% behind the project, and see it as an amazing chance to turn Brighton’s fortunes around. Dave and Tim would like to thank all the people who have, and are, supporting us. For updates see www.newbrightonwaterpark.co.nz
Helping Injured Birds in the AreaPam Drake took over the handcraft shop in New Brighton Surfside Mall three years ago. Unusually for such a shop, it holds a license from DOC to help injured birds reach recovery. Pam’s passion for animals started at a very early age. In 1947 she and her brother spent a year at an orphan home while her mother and stepfather were building a new house in Belfast. “At the orphan home, there were between 60 and 70 children and there were no toys to play with and we were not allowed pets.” But Pam found a way to have pets: anything that would fit in her pocket, be it butterflies or worms, she gave her heart to. “I guess this is where it all started” she says. “At the moment there are a couple of owls and the finch in the handcraft shop, but at home I’ve got three sparrows, lots of ducks, and a pukeko with a broken leg, shags, thrushes, blackbirds, seagulls, and a couple of swans - one of them with a dislocated knee. He will not be able to get into the wild again.”
Pam with Ollie, a German Grey Owl.
Local Toy Library reopensThe Seaside Community Toy Library has reopened. Come and join us at Southshore Community House, 47 Rocking Horse Road every second Saturday from 9-11 am. Our next open day is 20th April. We’ve got great toys for kids from 0-7 years old and we’re accepting new members now. $80 annual membership or $25 trial membership. Toys cost $1-3 for a 2 weekly hire.
For more information see our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/seasidetoylibrary) or contact [email protected]
New Zealand Red Cross RecoveryPack and Move Grant The Red Cross is offering a grant of $750.00 to assist households in greater Christchurch who have had to move as a result of the earthquakes. The grant is for those with limited or no insurance, who are moving from the residential red zone; OR out of earthquake damaged properties while they are being repaired; OR moving for a third time or more since September 2010. The grant will be paid directly to the moving company and will not be paid retrospectively. For more information or application form phone 0800 754 726 or www.redcross.org.nz
Tenants Protection Association SurveyTPA is conducting a survey of the rising cost of renting and the quality and standards of rental housing in the Canterbury region post-earthquakes. If you would like to participate in this survey please contact TPA on 03 379 2297 or visit www.tpa.org.nz
Bootcamp in the ParkYou may have spotted Tango Wineti running ‘boot camp’ exercise sessions in Te Karoro Karoro Reserve. He is a local personal trainer who is providing a fantastic opportunity for the wider community to improve their health, fitness and general well-being. Tango hopes that active participation in regular fitness activities and the integration of guided fitness programs will transform the quality of life for people, making their health goals a reality. Tango uses team sports as the basis of his training. “It sounds a bit military” says Tango, “and I do yell at people and there has to be a disciplined approach”. However, he explains that the yelling is really part of the motivational aspect driving people to achieve more. “The guys that come along build a real camaraderie”. At present those coming along cover an age range of 16 to 45 years. A new camp started 6th April. Sessions are 7.30pm Tuesday and Thursday at Shoreline Fitness, 6:00am Monday and Wednesday at the whale pool, and 9.30 am on Saturday at the reserve. The cost to come along casually is usually $15.00 per session but Tango has very generously offered all readers of this newsletter
one FREE session for the remainder of the camp. Just go along and mention the ‘South Brightside’ and you can try it out. So what are you waiting for? *MOVE IT!* See https://www.facebook.com/xtfitnesschch for further info or contact Tango on 0221956357.
Birds in the EstuaryAndrew Crossland, CCC RangerThe white heron has been present on the estuary since spring. There are only 100 in the country, and they usually return to Okarito to breed and are not normally found in the Christchurch area at all. Bird experts suspect it came over from Australia last winter. There have also been over thirty royal spoonbills in the estuary. An autumn influx is expected, and their numbers will exceed one hundred! Up to seven bitterns were noted at Bexley/Lower Avon last winter and at least two were present over spring. Only 750 of these birds exist in the world. Look out for little black cormorants - more than fifteen have been counted in the Bexley/Lower Avon area (they feed in a flock and chase fish, so are easy to spot). This is the southern-most breeding population in their international range.The dying trees on the estuary bank, although an eyesore, are being left ”in situ” for a couple of years in the hope that they will provide roosting for birds including cormorants and herons. Meanwhile the salt marsh is turning to mud flats in many areas due to changes post-quake. Since the earthquakes new predators are increasing in numbers (ferrets, stoats and weasels) as red zone properties become empty.
Music TotsPowerstore Riccarton recently donated a new music system to the Music Tots group as the old one had finally given up the ghost, so a great big thanks to them.
The group meets every Friday in school term time from 11-12 at St Lukes Church, 212 Pine Ave, South Brighton. Ruth Baker runs the group and said everyone is welcome and we accept kids from birth up to 5 years old. It’s pretty relaxed and friendly and we just ask for a gold coin donation with morning tea provided and it is a good chance to keep up with local news and events. For further information please contact Ruth on 980 9853.
The River of Flowers FestivalThe second River of Flowers Festival on February 22nd was well attended by South Brighton and Southshore Residents. Bernie Calder from Southshore welcomed those present and said a few words in remembrance. The wooden bench was decorated with flowers and people could attach a note to the bench. At 12:51, a two minute silence was observed and then flowers were thrown into the estuary. Bill Simpson offered the hospitality of the Southshore Community House and many chose to meet there. It is nice to believe that it was not just a chance change in the weather that caused that noticeable rise in temperature, but the collective consciousness of a city mourning their loss and looking to the future.
Reserves Management Workshop, April 6th ‘13More than 60 people attended the recent workshop. The CCC ranger gave a very interesting talk on the changing wildlife around the estuary and reserves. There were also presentations from the council’s landscape architect about the current plans for the reserves, and from the Arborist about the current and planned tree removal. A more detailed report is available on our Facebook page and on the community noticeboard next to the dairy.
South Brighton Choral SocietyYour community choir is performing 3 concerts a year. If you can hold a tune and enjoy singing come and join us – no auditions. We welcome new members, especially men. Wednesdays 7.30pm at Union Church Hall, Union St. Phone Helen 388 5456
Interested in Local Plant Nursery?The SBRA is considering ways that the community can contribute native seedlings to the South Brighton reserve. We need people who want to organise or just grow! Contact Jane on 3882265 or email us.
Community InformationInformation about things happening in the community is regularly posted on our noticeboard next to the dairy, and on our Facebook page. Take a look! We also send out occasional emails with information updates to people on our database. Email us to be included.
Bridge Update: The bridge will take longer to repair than first thought. However it is hoped it will be open to two way traffic by September!
Get Fit, Have Fun and Support the CommunityWe’ve heard about these projects in other communities and thought it would be fun to try it in South Brighton. The idea is to get together a group to exercise, plan a 5km walk or run, and try to raise some money for a local cause. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels – do it as a family, a group, a couple or an individual. If you’re interested in being part of this group contact [email protected] or Phone Jane 388 2265 South New Brighton School – Merger UpdateThe school’s Board of Trustees has rejected the education minister’s interim decision to merge with Central New Brighton School into a new school on the present South Brighton site in January 2014. The new submission strengthened the argument against any merger put forward previously.
Free Caffeine for South Brighton Residents. The SBRA is funding Switch coffees for residents, Tuesdays, 8.45-10am. Coffee van in Baptist Church car park on roundabout. This will take place every Tuesday until funding runs out. Come and have a seat and chat to your neighbours. Thank you to Fale for kind use of carpark for this event.
Information and Assistance SourcesEnclosed with this issue is a leaflet outlining issues regarding earthquake repairs within the Flood Managment Area.
Earthquake Support Coordinators can assist people to navigate their way through the wide range of services involved in rebuilding people’s homes and lives. The coordinators work with you to access as little or as much help as you need.The assistance is free and confidential. Call 0800 777 846
InsuranceWatch.org.nz is the work of a team of volunteers helping quake-affected Christchurch property owners. Their aim is to improve insurance response to earthquake affected customers. Visit their website for up to date information on insurance issues, and comparisons of insurance companies.
LinksRed Cross grants (see for details of Christchurch Earthquake grants disability support grant and storage / relocation grant). 0800 754 726 or http://www.redcross.org.nz (look at “Grants” tab towards top of page). Cancern: http://www.cancern.org.nz. (good source of information)Rebuild Christchurch http://www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz/
