Plimmerton Residents Association Newsletter

Whats new in Plimmerton?

February 2014
Happy new year to all Plimmerton residents. Theres a lot happening here in the next few weeks to keep you entertained. And thats without storms and earthquakes to keep us on our toes. Timely reminder to keep our survival kits up-to-date even in the balmy days of summer.

Picnic in the Park Sunday 26 January at Karehana Park

You are invited to join in an old fashioned picnic day with sack, egg and spoon and three-legged races and a tug of war. Try out the ptanque court and the new park furniture. Enjoy live music from Mana Blues and meet up with friends and neighbours. Find out about the further developments planned at the park. Bring a picnic, a rug, sunscreen and a hat and enjoy a day in Plimmertons premiere play spot Karehana Park. From 11am-2pm. To see how Karehana Park has been redeveloped and whats next www.plimmerton.org.nz/events/karehana-park/

Eat, Drink and be Crafty Sunday 26 January 11am 4pm Battle Hill
Mana Lions invite everyone along for a day of entertainment including music, homemade goodies and crafts, games for kids, horse rides, and heaps more to raise funds for Life Flight Trust. (It has been suggested that we should go to the picnic in the park first then up to Battle Hill in the early afternoon to enjoy both events. Spoilt for choice.) www.plimmerton.org.nz/what-to-do-in-plimmerton/lions-club-of-mana/

Club fund-raising opportunity Saturday 15 February 2-7pm

Unreal Films are making a staff training film for the NZ electoral commission and they need to simulate a real voting day situation. Rally your troops and become extras for a day to raise money for your club. Contact the director today to register your interest manan@unreal.co.nz Each person works one hour and you can select time slots Each person needs to bring easy to change accessories for four changes of appearance A donation will be paid into the account of participating clubs based on numbers This is a serious training film so actors will need to behave like genuine voters . All participants must be over 18 and will need to sign a consent.

Sign of the times

Whoop de doo, our new beach front signs look amazing. Thanks to the stupendous efforts of landscape architect Linda Kerkmeester, designer Anne Johnson (who also designed our stylish updated village plan, see it on the web site) and the chaps from Metalmorphic and Dac who created the frames and panels and PCC staff who approved and installed the signs. Good things take time as the cheese blokes say.

Festival of the Elements Waitangi Day Thursday 6 February

11am 7pm Te Rauparaha Park, Te Rauparaha Arena, and Pataka Did you know that Poriruas annual Festival of the Elements is New Zealands largest Waitangi Day event with more than over 30,000 people attending each year? FREE entry to enjoy fantastic performers, taste fabulous food from around the world, entertain the kids all day with heaps of activities, and involve yourself in some fabulous creative art projects. This is an event run for the community to celebrate Waitangi Day by Porirua Community Arts Council mostly by volunteers and funded from grants and sponsorship. Lots of Plimmerton and Camborne folk are involved. If youd like to help out on the day call Margaret Armour 233 8436. This years event promises to be even bigger and better with headline acts including Albert Wendt, Bella Kalolo, Ray Henwood, Amiria Grenell, The Beat Girls, Newtown Rocksteady, Bullfrog Rata and many more. Theres something for everyone. Bring the kids, a smile and fine weather. (Sorry, no dogs please.) For full details, see http://www.elementsfestival.org.nz/

Beach Carnival at Hongoeka Marae in Plimmerton

Saturday 22 February 10am 4pm Many attractions at this local fund raising event including : hangi cooked and served the old way, all day music, kapa haka, open mike, local band AKA, artists working on weaving, carving and ta moko, arts and crafts for sale, stone adze making, rides and heaps of things for kids to do, like a giant water slide. Stalls still available call Bob Smith 021 027 577 49.

Porirua branch, NZ Society of Genealogists

Are you researching your family history or thinking about it? Would you like to talk to people who can help? This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from February at 7.25pm in the meeting room at Pataka. Visitors are warmly welcomed to meetings. Interesting speakers to spark ideas. To find out more contact Gill 233 8863.

ANZAC story
This month the spotlight is on George McDermid who moved to Plimmerton after serving at Gallipoli and other theatres of combat in the Great War. He was one of a number of public spirited men who formed the Plimmerton Fire Brigade in 1934 and was its first superintendent. The first fire alarm was a length of railway iron suspended from a pole outside his house (at 3 Motuhara Road) which was struck with an iron bar to sound the alarm! www.plimmerton.org.nz/history/anzac-stories/

Mana Lions Club join in their annual golf tournament

Judgeford Golf Course Friday 21 March for Ronald McDonald House Lions invite individuals or teams of four to take part in a fun day for this very worthwhile cause. Entry $45 per person. Details regarding participation, sponsorship etc. from Dave Black 233 1388, 0274 763 905 blackee.gran@gmail.com

Road works
If you want to know when the road and footpath outside your place are next due to be dug up then go to www.pcc.govt.nz/News---events/latest-news/roads-footpaths-andbridges-work-update.

Short-term rental available amid the bush and birds

Trina and Richie tell us, We are heading overseas for 4-5 months in mid-May till late September. We are looking to let out our little place while we are away. This is our sanctuary so we are looking for people who will care for as their own. Its nestled in the bush, fully furnished, a two bedroom home with open plan living and all the usual amenities. Contact trinammking@gmail.com

Have a go at croquet! Saturday 22 February 1pm

Plimmerton Croquet Club invites you to Have a go at croquet day. Have you tried croquet pool? This fun combination of two games shows newcomers how to use their mallets. No tables or green baize involved, just the immaculate green of the croquet lawn. Age is no barrier croquet gets you out into the fresh air. You get your daily exercise while having fun, meeting great new people and learning a new sport. Flat shoes are a must so the near-perfect lawns are not damaged. Coaches, mallets, and those colourful croquet balls are all provided. Plimmerton Croquet Club, off Ulric Street, take the garden centre turn off continue round the bend taking first right. Enquiries Alison Lloyd Davies 021 036 2645 www.plimmerton.org.nz/what-to-do-in-plimmerton/croquet/

Mosaic artistes wanted to help create two new wave seats

A couple of years ago Plimmerton won a mosaic to be made by professional mosaic artist Kerry Scott who has created many fantastic works in Poriruas villages. She has designed a mosaic to go on two new concrete wave seats, (like the ones in Queens Ave with the groovy pauas). We did ask, ages ago, for people indicate interest but for various reasons the project couldnt go ahead then. But now its a happening thing. Please email us if you are keen and we will let you know when and where that is all being organised now. plimmertonra@gmail.com See Kerrys great design on our web site www.plimmerton.org.nz/top-stories/mosaic/

Barley grass warning

Vets and dog groomers have advised us that they seeing dogs with barley grass embedded between their toes which causes painful injury and infection. The sharp heads creep up under the skin. We have asked PCC to spray or remove barley grass from dog exercise areas, the beachfront and walkways. If you see any please contact their service centre 237 5089.

Taggers cost everyone mega bucks

Thanks to PCC and Richard Witheford-Smiths anti tagging team who are working with Kiwi Rail to sort out tagging around our beautiful station and trackside. Thanks too to our local team who appear at the crack of dawn to remove mindless rubbish scrawled around the village. The cost of removal and repainting is horrendous. Some areas of Wellington have been wrecked totally by tagging, like Aro Street, so thanks to those working hard behind the scenes to ensure it doesnt happen here.

Discipleship walk Pauatahanui parish

Saturday 1 February Starting at St Philips in Paremata at 10am and finishing around 11.45am at St Andrews with a bbq. Contact Dorothy Mitchell 233 1346 r.d.mitchell@xtra.co.nz

Refuge house donations for Shakti thanks

Zonta have asked us to thanks everyone who offered to donate items for the refuge they have furnished in Porirua. You can find out more about the Shakti project and Zonta and the work they do locally, nationally and internationally for women and children www.plimmerton.org.nz/what-to-do-in-plimmerton/zonta-club-of-mana/

Bay Street Gallery now Richard Young Gallery

When you have visitors take them to enjoy work by local artists. The gallery in School Road is open featuring exhibitions of paintings and photographs by local artists. Open Saturday 1-4pm and by request. Call Richard 021 084 57322

Emerging Light Gallery art and gifts

In the Remax building Contact Michael 021 913 656.

Mountain biking with Mana Cycle Group

Mana Cycle Group is focussed on making this area better for cycling. They promote cycling for people of all ages and skill levels. Find out more from Rob 027 2277445 and there are links to their page on our web site.

Plimmerton running group

Every Friday rain or shine. Meet at The Big Salami at 6.30am for a 9km hill run or a 7km flat run. Contact Dean Chandler dpchandler@xtra.co.nz or 021 424 738

Treasure trove at the Family Store

When we have an off weather day (ha) have a spring clean and take your pre-loved treasures to the Family Store on Steyne Ave. Quality clothes, decorator items, jewellery, bags, shoes, toys, linen Elvyn and her merry band of volunteers will gratefully accept items in good nick. Please try to drop goods off in working hours as stuff left outside attracts pilferers.

Plunket in the neighbourhood (PIN) Mondays 9.30 -11am

Coffee groups for new parents. Its all on the web site www.plimmerton.org.nz/neighbourhood-info/plunket/

Whitby Newsbrief and Kapi Mana

Check out the web site to read recent stories about Plimmerton people in the news www.plimmerton.org.nz/top-stories/in-the-news/

Table tennis table free to good home

Call Mike 233 8197

Bar licence holder sought

Person with a bar licence wanted to run a bar on Saturday 29 March from 7.30 11pm. Please ring Joan Reader 233 8041 or Helen Webber 233 1238.

Plastic seedling pots looking for a good home

Beverly has lots of plastic seedling pots ideal she suggests for someone raising seedlings for a school gala or similar. Call her 233 2557

Gig guide
Plimmerton Boating Club, Kevin Clark and Fran Barton Jazz n other stuff, Sunday 2 March 4-6pm. Carvery dinner. Call Richard to book 233 1592 Book in at PBC on Sundays 22 March, 6 April, 11 May, 15 June and 13 July. See our website for details www.plimmerton.org.nz/what-to-do-inplimmerton/plimmerton-boating-club/ Plimmerton Boating Club 16 March, Andrew London Trio Dinner, Topor Bistro and bar live music every Sunday lunch time, see our website for details of performers.

Found and lost

For news about stuff thats been lost and found (tents, photo albums, bikes) and pets go to www.plimmerton.org.nz/neighbourhood-info/lost-and-found/ Good news: a missing cat and a missing tent have been found. The cat was not camping out in the tent.

Beauty spots of Plimmerton your neck of the woods

Theres a new feature on our web site celebrating Plimmertons special places. Isabella Cawthorn will be regularly highlighting a special part of Plimmerton. It might be a special tree, bush and birds, native plantings or some other attraction. The first feature spot has been described as like a bush walk, but its a street. Where is it? Go to www.plimmerton.org.nz/your-neck-of-the -woods/ and if your property is in the photo you have won a prize. Isabella says, We want to celebrate the beautiful places in Plimmerton and the people who look after them.

Sol Weinstein stone unveiling and yard sale

David Weinstein says, Our beloved father/friend/prospective fianc, Sol Weinstein passed away on 25 November 2012. On Sunday 16 February we will be unveiling Dads headstone at Makara Cemetery in Karori. We invite you to the unveiling at 1pm in the Progressive Jewish section, (plot #8, row F) for a short ceremony. Even if you dont make it to the unveiling you are invited to 8 Reserve Road from 4-6pm for afternoon tea. Some of Sols precious things will be at the house for friends to take home to help keep him in your memories. If you are coming to Sols yard sale and afternoon tea please RSVP. david.weinstein@klezmer.co.nz or 021 077 6069, 233 0003

Housesitters wanted for August

To mind house, two cats and a fish-filled aquarium. Call Heidi 021 162 4373.

Auditions for Alice

A new comedy for our times. Mana Little Theatre is holding auditions on Sunday 2 February. Find out about audition requirements www.manalittletheatre.org

Photo workshop FREE for young aspiring photographers

Sunday 23 February three hours from 4.30pm If you are under 18 and would like to sharpen your photography skills this is a great opportunity. The Guardians of Pauatahanui are running a workshop for young people who would like to enter their annual photo competition. Places are limited so register early. Download a form to register http://www.gopi.org.nz/photocompetition/ or phone 233 2557 See what can be achieved. View tutor Destina Munros photographs at http://destinamunro.com/

Email addresses
If you are not yet on our email mailing list, or you have changed your email address over the holidays, please let us know your contact details today. We will send you civil defence, police and community notices as things happen. If you arent on the mailing list you will not know the latest news. The list is only used by your residents association and is completely confidential. We are including more and more information on our web site and we use our mailing list to keep you posted about these things, like the fantastic design for Karehana Park for example. Please email us at plimmertonra@gmail.com to be sure that you and your family are kept in the loop.

Adopt a spot
Please let us know if you are looking after a garden, stretch of coast or roadside area here. We are putting together a map of adopted spots in Plimmerton and looking for people to take care of a small area they like. plimmertonra@gmail.com Our website: http://www.plimmerton.org.nz/ and our email: plimmertonra@gmail.com

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