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March 9th, 2010
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Home > News Archive 2006 |
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archived news items on Helensville and the surrounding area.
2006 Articles
(November 30th, 2006)
(November 30th, 2006)
(October 19th, '06)
(October 19th, '06)
(September 24th, '06)
(September 24th, '06)
(August
26th, '06)
(August
26th, '06)
(August 26th, '06)
(July 19th, '06)
(July 19th,
'06)
(July 1st, 2006)
(July 1st,
2006)
(May 24th,
2006)
(May
24th, 2006)
(May 5th,
2006)
(March 26, 2006)
(March 26,
2006)
(February
23, 2006)
(February
22, 2006)
(February
22, 2006)
(January
27, 2006)
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here for more recent news articles
2001
Articles
2002
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2003
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2004
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2005
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2007
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2008
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2009
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Council looks to speed consent process (November
30th, '06)
Rodney District Council is streamlining
its management systems and processes to speed up the time it takes for resource consents
to be approved.
The council’s manager for resource consents, Lloyd Barton, says while most of the
changes will be behind the scenes, customers will have better accessibility to council
staff, there will be more certainty of the outcome, and as a result costs will be minimised.
“Like most councils we have struggled to keep pace with the number of resource consent
applications received, and acknowledge there was room for improvement,” he says.
“Over the last three months we have been working hard to improve efficiencies through
better systems and realignment of the team with seven case managers. We are confident with
these changes our timeframes will significantly improve,” he says.
Changes include new guidelines telling customers what information needs to be provided
with their application. This will reduce delays caused by requests for additional information.
There is also a formal process for pre-application meetings and a case management service
for larger, more complex applications.
Mr Barton says case managers will work with developers and experts such as engineers and architects before
their applications are submitted.
“This will help identify and solve any problems early in the process and will prevent work having
to be re-done at a later stage. It will also reduce the likelihood of any appeals,” he says.
On average, the council receives about 150 resource consent applications each month. Latest results show
that 80 percent of non-notified consents are processed within 20 working days and 90 percent of notified
applications within 70 working days.
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New physiotherapy centre opens (November
30th, '06)
Kathryn Long and Susan Narbey have
joined forces to establish the Helensville Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre,
which has now opened the doors to its new premises at 10 Commerical Road, Helensville.
The new centre has five treatment rooms plus a rehabilitation gym. It is open for treatment
from 7am to 7pm Monday and Thursday, and from 7am to 6pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Locals will still receive one-on-one individual treatments, with specialised care programmes.
But there are now extended hours to allow for increased appointment availability, plus
the rehabilitation gym.
The centre's mission, say the pair, is to provide personal care, standards of excellence
and high quality of work to the Helensville Community.
“We are committed to providing this service through ongoing education and regular
auditing of our standards.”
The centre is part of the Endorsed Provider Network (EPN) that is run through ACC for accredited
practices who meet ACC's standards for treatment. This means there is no surcharge for
ACC clients. Patients are able to come directly to the Physical Therapy Centre to complete
ACC claims as no referral is required.
The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre also holds contracts with ACC for activity
based programmes, which are specialised for long-term rehabilitation of patients. The new
rehabilitation gym at the centre will provide excellent modern facilities for these programmes.
Kath Long has been involved since the inception of the original centre in 1996.
She completed her post-graduate diploma in Manual Therapy in 1991 and has since become
registered on the register for Physiotherapy Acupuncturists. She has a special interest
in the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal problems. Kath is developing a niche market
for equestrian injuries.
Sue Narbey has spent the past four
years working at Red Beach Physiotherapy, following completion of her Physiotherapy Degree
at AUT. She has just completed her
Masters in Physiotherapy, specialising in manipulation and Western Acupuncture. Susan has
a keen interest in sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation programmes.
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Christmas parade marks full day for Helensville (October
19th, '06)
The 2006 Helensville Christmas
parade will be held on Saturday December 2 at 1pm.
The parade will start as usual from
the railway station and proceed along Garfield Road and into Commercial Road, travel most
of the length of Commercial Road and then turn left into Rimu Street, right into Makiri
Street, right again into Karaka Street and finally right into Commercial Road again to
return to the station.
It is expected the parade will take
approximately one hour during which time these roads will be closed. Through traffic is
still able to detour via Puriri and Garfield Roads.
Groups wishing to enter a float
should contact Lyn Curran on 420 9349 for an entry form.
The day will be a busy one for the
district with lots of activities planned for both the period prior to and following the
parade.
On Saturday morning the St John
Ambulance group is organising a 'Barbie Doll' display at the Helensville War Memorial Hall
(entry by gold coin donation). On show will be a huge number of Barbie Dolls of various
types and colours collected over the years by local St John manager Patsy Carlyle.
It is planned to turn Creek Lane
into a pedestrian precinct and have a variety of activities taking place there. These will
include Santa's Grotto, children's karaoke competition and stalls of various types.
Buskers are encouraged to take up
positions up and down Commercial Road to add to the colour and festivities.
After the parade PACKS will start
their Christmas celebration at the Parakai Domain with a concert followed by a Christmas
pageant starting at 7pm. There will be further entertainment to follow, with the programme
running to 9pm (see page 12 for more detail).
Parade organisers, The Helensville
District Business Association are grateful to Ritchies Coachlines who have again agreed
to provide a shuttle bus service between Helensville and Parakai. This will start at 3pm
with the final bus leaving Parakai for the return journey at 9.30pm.
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Medical Centre fundraising reaches $1.6 million (October
19th, '06)
The target thermometer on the board
outside the new Helensville Community Health Centre construction site has risen sharply
- all the way to $1.6 million.
The Helensville District Health Trust is delighted the Helensville Freemasons have chosen
this project as their charity this year. To kickstart their fund raising for the project
they held an auction on August 23 which raised $3,000. Thank you to all those who bid for,
and bought, the great bargains on offer.
The Freemasons will also hold a golf tournament later in the year, with proceeds earmarked
for the Community Health Centre.
The Trust also wants to acknowledge a very generous donation from the Trusts Charitable
Foundation, through the Parakai Licensing Trust, of $30,000, and $10,000 from the Paeroa
Homestead Trust.
At the opening celebrations of the new ASB Bank branch in Commercial Road on September
11, the ASB Bank made a presentation to the Trust of $2,500 toward the new Health Centre.
Thanks go to the ASB Bank for their investment in the health of the local community.
Century 21 has also donated $2,000. Thank you to Century 21 for helping to shoot the thermometer
further skyward.
The Helensville District Health Trust have also raised a mortgage through the ASB Bank,
and in addition to these most recent donations plus community fund raising support the
$2 million fundraising target is now at $1.6 million. A huge thank you to all of those
who have made this possible.
The Trust held a 'Black and Bling' Dance in the War Memorial Hall on Friday October 13,
with local musical icon Roger Skinner and the Motivations providing the music, and Barbara
Ross catering a sumptuous supper. Fun raffles were held throughout the evening, and prizes
awarded for the 'best dressed table', 'most original outfit' and the 'best dancer on the
night'.
Plans are now well under way for the refurbishment of the present doctors' rooms; these
will be in keeping with the building's art deco style. Pictures of the new plans will be
displayed in the Medical Centre rooms for everyone to view. This work will begin soon.
The Trust is still seeking donations.
These can be sent to Helensville District Health Trust, PO Box 13, Helensville, or phone
June King on 420-7596 and ask for a brochure and official form to complete. The HDHT is
a charitable trust and all donations over $5 are eligible for IRD rebate, and are acknowledged
with a receipt.
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Council seeks submissions on Creek Lane (September
24th, '06)
Rodney District Council is calling for public comment on a draft concept plan for upgrading Helensville’s
Creek Lane.
The plan is the culmination of six years of work by the council and Helensville Riverside
Heritage and, according to council capital works project manager Peter Bilton, if adopted it will
provide the opportunity for a pedestrian precinct that reinforces the town’s connection with
the river.
Mr Bilton says Creek Lane is an integral piece of public space in the heart of the CBD that
is currently devoted to car parking and a thoroughfare for heavy vehicles to the adjoining service
lane.
It’s a very busy area that is becoming increasingly congested at certain times of the day
with the conflict of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The post box at the entrance of Creek Lane
and the existing public toilet at the river end of Creek Lane add to the melee, says Mr Bilton.
He says the council has commissioned a traffic management assessment of the CBD section of
Commercial Road which will look at various things including all the existing access points/driveways,
intersections, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and loading zones.
“The Creek Lane/main street intersection will obviously be a key focus of the assessment.
An initial observation survey of this intersection in June 2005 recorded vehicle counts and traffic
behaviour that was cause for some concern,” says Mr Bilton.
“Any upgrade of Creek Lane, and the adjoining service lane over a longer term, needs to provide
safe separation of vehicles and pedestrians as well as making it an attractive space that links
with the riverside walkway.”
Planning for a pontoon and lookout structure off the end of Creek Lane is complete and has
been approved by Council. Tenders for construction are now being called for, with a view work being
completed by May next year.
The council’s draft concept plan for Creek Lane is on display now at the Helensville Service
Centre. Submission forms are also available at the centre.
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Ratepayers slow to claim rebates (September
24th, '06)
Less than half the estimated number of people who may be eligible for a
rates rebate have applied for assistance, and Rodney District Council is urging residents
to check to see if they qualify.
The Department of Internal Affairs estimates that 3,500 to 5,000 Rodney
residents may qualify for a rebate of up to $500 per year on their rates
bill.
The council's Revenue Manager, David Low, says so far the council has
received around 1,500 applications under the department's rebate scheme,
which aims to ease the financial burden on superannuitants and low income
families.
"Going by the Internal Affair's rough estimate, there is a large number of
people who may still be entitled to a rebate so I'm urging them to contact
us if they think they are eligible," says Mr Low.
The income threshold to qualify for a rates rebate varies depending on
individual situations, but Mr Low says that households with a total income
up to $30,000 could be entitled to assistance.
In addition to the rebates scheme, council offers a rates postponement to
people who have lived in their present home for five years or more and who
are experiencing financial hardship or are 65 years of age or over.
"I'm urging residents to ring us on 0800 426 5169 or visit one of our
service centres to find out if they qualify for a rebate or postponement,"
says Mr Low.
Rates rebate application forms are available
from the council or can be
downloaded from the Internet at www.ratesrebate.govt.nz.
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St John looks to expand Helensville station (August
26th, '06)
St John is launching a campaign
to expand its Helensville headquarters, and is asking for community help to achieve it.
The
Helensville St John area committee campaign aims to raise more than $350,000 for the expansion.
Concept drawings just released for the addition to the existing station include a complex
and facilities for youth and community first aid training.
St John now operates its ambulance
and other services from facilities that have changed little since they were built in the
1960s. But St John, a charity, needs financial help to fund the extensions.
"St John
needs your help so we can continue to care for our community," says
fundraising manager Trudy Hall.
"We have outgrown our facilities
and this is your opportunity to help ensure we remain a valued part of Helensville and
district. The Government only part funds ambulance services - and the funding does not
cover capital or equipment expenditure."
The revamp is part of a five-year
plan for improving St John facilities in its Northern Region, and the Helensville completion
date is planned for July 2007.
St John volunteers will approach
local commercial organisations, charitable trusts, clubs, families and individuals seeking
contributions toward the improvements.
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Council proposes four wards for next election (August
26th, '06)
Rodney District Council is
proposing to introduce a fourth ward for the October 2007 elections.
The proposal follows
the Council's decision on submissions to the initial review of representation proposal,
and was approved by majority vote at a Council extraordinary meeting last month.
The new
ward, to be called the Central Ward and to be similar to the Wainui Ward that existed prior
to the 2001 elections, includes Coatesville to the south, Dairy Flat and Redvale, and Wainui
area in the north. It also includes an area of Okura currently in the Eastern Ward.
In making
its decision, the Council considered the area to have a general orientation to the East
coast and the South, rather than to the Western Ward which will contribute much of the
land area of the new ward.
The new ward will not result in
an increase in councillors. The Council elected to keep to 12 councillors, plus the mayor.
The new Central Ward will have one councillor, whilst Western Ward representation will
reduce from four to three. Eastern and Northern Ward representation would remain the same
at five and three respectively.
The Council is also proposing to change
the name of the Eastern Ward to Hibiscus Coast Ward.
Community Boards, which were also
considered in the representation hearings, have been given the thumbs down in the final proposal.
A council spokesman says investigations had shown there were practical difficulties and cost
implications in pursuing the concept in such a diverse district with so many communities.
However,
more support was shown for the introduction of area committees, and a recommendation to the
next council that it introduce area committees was passed at the meeting. Area committees
would involve councillors from each area being delegated the power to determine and act
on local issues.
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Gala Birthday event for PACKS (August 26th, '06)
The Performing Arts Centre Kaipara
South (PACKS) is celebrating it’s first birthday with a special gala event this Thursday,
September 7.
The first PACKS gala showcase evening,
held last year, attracted around 700 people, and to prevent a recurrence of last year’s
overcrowding, this year entry to the event will be by pre-purchased ticket only.
The evening
will feature more than 25 acts covering two and a half hours of dance, drama and music, and
will start at 7pm at the Kaipara College hall.
Tickets are available from the college,
the Helensville Information Centre, and River Cottage Antiques, and cost $10 for adults,
$5 for children and $25 for a family of four.
There will be no door sales this year,
and numbers will be strictly limited to 500 people.
For more information contact organiser
Nick Roberts on 021 420 784, or visit .
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Consents sought for stage 2 of river walkway (July
19th, '06)
Consents are being sought
by Helensville Riverside Heritage Inc for the second stage of the riverside walkway project,
which is the building of a lookout, landing, pontoon and ramp.
HRH chairman David Bott says the organisation is confident the building will be completed
this year.
They are applying for money from funding agencies to supplement the project budget, and
if successful it will allow them to complete all parts of the structure together.
“This will be a major asset for Helensville and will attract many more people to
use the walkway and the river,” says David.
HRH have recently turned their attention to the design for Creek Lane.
“Creek Lane is a special place in the CBD. It serves many aspects of community life
but the result is that it is grossly overloaded with traffic, and pedestrians have no protection.
It is essential therefore that progress be made to make it both an attractive and safe
place for all its users.
“Being the main entrance to the riverside walkway we have an opportunity to make
it a unique place, and HRH is dedicating itself to achieving this as quickly as possible.
“We hope to be able to present to the community our plans in the near future and
I am confident they will be met with wide approval,” says David.
Public toilets do not feature in the HRH plans for Creek Lane.
Rodney District Council has requested further consultation take place to find an acceptable
location, and representatives drawn from the community at a recent meeting of the South
Kaipara Forum will address the matter.
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Kaipara Communicators closing down (July 19th,
'06)
The Kaipara Communicators
Club is disbanding after 32 years.
Club members have decided
to wind up the club, which began in 1974 as part of the world-wide Toastmistress movement,
which was established in the United States in 1927 to encourage women to develop self expression
and leadership skills.
The Club has made its mark in many ways, not least in debating.
Club member Janet Heron came second in the international speech contest in 2002, the community
giving generously to send Janet to the Bahamas. First, second and third placings have been
gained in the national writing contests since 2002, and the Region President for 2005-06
was a Kaipara member.
Kaipara Communicators has contributed to the community by instigating speech contests in
primary schools, and by providing judges and evaluators for college debates. They have
organised public meetings where a knowledge of procedure proved invaluable.
Club membership has been dwindling for some time, and members feel society no longer has
a need for this type of confidence building and prefers a 'quick fix'.
However, while the Kaipara Communicators Club is closing down, members are very proud of
the legacy left behind.
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ASB branch on move in September (July 1st, '06)
The ASB Bank's new premises
at 40 Commercial Rd are ahead of schedule and expected to be open for business mid-September.
“Everything is working well for us and the contractors so we will be opening early”,
says Ross McEwan, head of Retail Banking and Marketing for the ASB Bank.
The ASB will install a piece
of technology which has not been seen in Helensville before, said Ross.
“Customers will be surprised
and delighted. It is quite different and provides a far more open banking transaction
than the current teller operation.”
The new premises at 40 Commercial Road swells the floor size from 70 sqm at the present
branch to 114 sqm. The existing bank has shared offices and there is no facility for private
customer interaction.
Current staff at the ASB includes six full time and three flexi-staff. Increasing the size
of the bank allows for an additional full time employee.
Two new offices in the floor plan will also allow investment advisors, insurance brokers
and business managers to spend more time in Helensville with their clients. This has been
difficult with the current bank because of its restricted space, says Ross.
The fully operational bank with increased technology and new décor is a response
to increased business in the area.
Relieving Branch Manager of the ASB at Helensville, Vic Pringle says moving into new premises
was a chance to prove that the ASB was well ensconced in the town.
“It is also an opportunity for us to grow with the community,” he says.
The ASB Helensville branch
opened in March 1998 after it was petitioned by townsfolk. More than 400 local residents
and business owners packed out the War Memorial Hall at a public meeting shortly after
the Bank of New Zealand and the ANZ banks closed their doors within a week of each other.
A representative from the
ASB attended the meeting and took the feelings of the community back to head office, and
subsequently a mobile bank was set up in Creek Lane.
For six weeks, the Helensville
Lions Club committee distributed flyers and petitioned everyone to support the bank. There
was a great response and subsequently the ASB took a lease on its current building.
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New physiotherapy clinic for Helensville (July
1st, '06)
Earthworks have begun on
a new Physical Therapy Centre at 10 Commercial Rd, Helensville.
Local physiotherapist Kath
Long and husband Michael Smith are joining forces with physiotherapist Susan Narbey to
meet the growing demands of the town.
The 200 sq.m. two-level facility
will include five treatment rooms, a rehabilitation gym, reception, kitchen, showers, an
office and basement storage. Private parking for eight cars plus a disabled park and wheelchair
access is also included.
Kath, who has been practising
locally for the past six years, says it is a hugely exciting project and essential to join
forces with Susan to accommodate the growing town.
It is hoped that other professionals
such as a massage therapist will rent the remaining treatment rooms.
Local tradespeople have been
engaged to complete the centre, and work on the building, designed by John Osborne, is
expected to be completed by the end of September.
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$2.2 million facelift for Mill Rd (May 24th, '06)
Commercial developments of
more than $2.2 million have been completed in Mill Road during the past few weeks.
The value of land in Mill
Road has doubled in the past three years and new buildings, improvements and expansions
completed have given the major road into Helensville a facelift.
Last month, Dave Swale of
Swale Earthmovers moved his staff of five into brand new premises at 103 Mill Road. The
130 sq.m. office, reception and storeroom is only stage one of a three stage proposal which
includes another 2000 sq.m. of commercial warehousing.
The smart new premises have
better exposure for the earthmoving and metal supply yard.
A road proposed by Rodney
District Council to loop around the site and link back to Mill Road beside the Mitre 10,
will open up even more land for commercial development.
Fifty metres closer to town,
local residents Matthew and Kay Fielding-Link have invested heavily in 50-52 Mill Road. In
late May they were to move their Waimauku motocross and quad specialty business 'Bikesport’ along
with five staff to their new 557sq.m. site in Helensville.
The premises include a large
showroom, car park at the front and workshop area for servicing motorcycles and all terrain
vehicles (ATVs).
“This has nearly tripled
the size of our premises and we are confident of a 50 percent growth in business,” says
Matthew Fielding-Link.
Matthew and his wife have
been Helensville residents for the past six years.
“We have had good customers
over the years”, says Matthew. “People are
very loyal and like to deal locally. Our policy has always been to do the job right, provide
the best service and put money back into the community.”
Fifth-generation Helensville
businessman Bruce Scott is also investing and expanding into Mill Road.
He and wife Amber have built
a 500 sq.m. new premise at 64 Mill Road for their expanding gourmet and traditional butchery
business.
Currently located in Railway
St, Kaipara Meat Processors will be moving their business into Mill Road in June because
of the higher turnover of traffic.
The project has been underway for two and a half years but the construction of the Coloursteel
building which includes three shops, a mezzanine office, lunchroom and store room has taken
only three months and is due for completion this month.
Kaipara Meat Processors will
take one shop, and there has been a great deal of interest in the two remaining shops which
are available for lease, says Bruce. Each is approximately 55 to 60 sq.m. The development
includes off-street parking for 13 cars and another five roadside parks.
“We're hoping to attract
other 'food' related businesses which will benefit from the high profile site and the growing
through-traffic,” he says.
The Helensville Fitness Centre
joins the expanding Mill Road businesses as it takes on a new look at 101 Mill Road next
month. The new 288 sq.m. location will more than double the size of the existing fitness
centre, which is currently operating from a rear site in Commercial Rd.
Director Mark Brimblecombe says the expansion will allow room for more equipment, toilet
and shower facilities and group aerobics sessions.
A 24/7 operation, the fitness centre uses swipe technology to allow access by members.
The addition of shower facilities will allow members to call in before and after work,
shower and continue on their way, which is a huge plus, said Mark.
Commercial real estate expert Errol Bland of McLennan Real Estate has experienced major
interest in the development of commercial and industrial real estate in Helensville during
the past four years.
Mill Road will be one of the
major players in the future because of the roading and types of buildings and parking,
he says.
The market value of land in Mill Road has doubled in the last two to three years, he adds.
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Mentoring programme for young boys available locally (May
24th, '06)
The award winning Big Buddy
mentoring programme is now available in the South Kaipara region.
Big Buddy is about mentoring fatherless boys – “doing what men have done for
thousands of years, looking after the young fellas”, says Andrew Connolly of the
Men and Family Centre in Helensville.
Big Buddy mentoring is based
on the simple philosophy that boys need good male role models in their lives to become
good men. Unfortunately, many
boys do not have a father or other male role model, and while mothers do courageous work
in raising their boys alone they cannot model maleness.
A solution is to match these boys with a well-screened male mentor who can foster a relationship
similar to that of, say, an uncle; a relationship hopefully for life.
To do this men are recruited from the community to act as mentors to these fatherless boys.
The Big Buddy mentor commits to spending at least three hours a week with a boy (“Little
Buddy”, aged 7-11) for at least a year - but all going well, for much longer than
that.
They spend quality time together
doing ordinary things like kicking a ball round a park, fishing, walking on the beach or
visiting a museum.
The content of the outings is not important - just showing up regularly, listening to and
being with a Little Buddy is probably the most important gift a Big Buddy gives. They can
both have a lot of fun in the process!
A regular weekly phone call adds continuity to the relationship.
Big Buddies and Little Buddies are interviewed and screened before they are matched to
ensure this will work for them, and the Men and Family Centre provides ongoing support
for the relationship.
“The idea is simple yet profound in its reach”, says Andrew. “Just a
good man showing up every week into a boy's life, assuring him another man cares for him
and giving him a model of what it means to be a man. No coaching, no psychological behaviour
management, no blaming of parents.”
“Knowing there is a
man he can trust to show up and to listen will increase the boy's self-esteem, improve
his relationships and give him a sense of place in the world. He will do better at school
and he will be less inclined to crime and abuse. The statistics on positive mentoring are
clear and compelling.”
Big Buddy is looking for men who have two to three hours a week they could spend with their
Little Buddy doing fun stuff.
For more details check visit , or contact Andrew Connolly at the Men
and Family Centre, ph 420 8263 or Tracy Davis on 027 242 7722.
If you'd like to apply to be a Big Buddy please contact Richard at Big Buddy, ph 09 838
4448.
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Horse Expo a success despite weather (May 5th,
'06)
The 2006 Horse Expo NZ at
Helensville on Saturday April 29 was another success, despite a wet and muddy start.
Heavy
rain for days before the event created a few logistical problems, with parking
and some trade displays having to be relocated. And while a small number of the demonstrations
were cancelled for safety reasons, an estimated
1200 spectators still turned up to enjoy the day.
The highlight for many was
The Company of the Lance jousting team, which thrilled the crowds with two displays of
jousting and skills at arms. The latter represented the games with which knights and their
horses were trained for battle, and which were an important part of the medieval culture.
Riding for the Disabled, Horse
Expo’s nominated charity, put on a
30-minute display of a typical RDA lesson. RDA will receive a percentage of the profits
from the day; more than $2500 has been donated by Horse Expo NZ from the previous two events.
The Warkworth Roping and Barrel
Racing Club, first time participants at Horse Expo, demonstrated their roping skills on
a mock calf in two lively displays. The public were given the chance to have a try for
themselves – but
on the ground, not on horseback!
Other popular participants
were the Auckland Miniature Horse Association, who also had several horses for sale; The
NZ Mounted Games Association, who put on a spirited display with some of their top
riders wowing the crowd with their speed and agility, and Helensville Pony Club, who demonstrated
dressage lesson and show jumping.
Tasman
Rides of Parakai had two of their “Narnia” horses on the grounds. Phillip,
the “talking horse”, and Pippin were both in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Bruce Liddle showed how they had taught the horses to rear on command and ‘play dead’ for
their movie roles.
A lunchtime Parade of Breeds
covered eight different breeds.
Chip
Johnson of Kiwi Savvy gave two demonstrations of his foundation horsemanship programme.
Chip donated a gate prize of a two-day horsemanship
clinic, valued at $300. The winner, drawn on the day, was Kim Rennie of Silverdale.
Paul
Renwick of HorseSense in South Head spent the day starting two horses from scratch, taking
them to the point of being able to be saddle, bridled and ridden. He had a constant crowd
at his custom-built arena.
Professional
advice in the Demonstration Corner included saddle fitting by Yvonne Gausden of Horselands
Silverdale, equine first aid with Mark Anderson of Helensville Veterinary Services, barefoot
trimming by Will Miller of The Naked Horse, orthobionomy (a gentle osteopathic technique)
and energy psychology by Valee More, and Bowen therapy by local therapist, Michelle Coenradi.
Trade
stands covered everything from horse floats, horse-themed china and sculptures, saddles,
apparel and books, to many equestrian services and facilities. Winner of the trade site
competition went to Pat Kennedy of Equestrian Supplies.
“We were thrilled that so many dedicated horse lovers were interested
enough to come to Horse Expo, in the less-than-perfect conditions,” says Horse Expo
organiser Shona Addison.
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Knights will rule day at Horse Expo (March 26,
'06)
People looking for a knight
in shining armour should go to Horse Expo at the Helensville Showgrounds on Saturday, April
29.
That’s because the headlining entertainment for this year’s
Expo is a jousting display by The Company of the Lance.
The four-horse jousting exhibition and medieval games display with swords
and spears will be sure to thrill visitors. who will have the chance to ask questions, get photographs
and see the armour and weaponry up close.
Other entertainment will include pony rides for the younger set and Clydesdale-drawn
carriage rides.
This is the third year Horse Expo has been held in Helensville, and it
will follow the same basic format as previous shows - but with a number of new features and enhancements.
For the first time, every paying visitor will go in the draw to win a $300
two-day Partnership Clinic with Chip Johnson and Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship, plus a spectator pass
worth $40. The winner will be announced on the day.
Paul Renwick of Horse Sense at South Head will be "backing" three
horses, including an 18 month old colt. In roughly two hours he will quietly get an unbroken horse to
the stage where it can be saddled, bridled and walked with a rider - the first step to training
a new horse.
At the first Horse Expo, Paul wowed the audience by loading a horse that had never seen
a horse float before onto one in just 15 minutes.
Displays by more than 20 equestrian clubs and societies will be held in
two arenas and on the race track.
Retail and trade stalls and displays will be selling everything from tack
and health products through to books, and there will be a selection of food stalls.
The Demonstration Corner will feature practical talks by experts in fields
such as basic horse first aid, equestrian massage and saddle fitting.
A relocated Saleyard will enable people to sell their horses, floats, trucks
and miscellaneous gear. For the first time this year, horses being sold will be able to be put through
their paces in one of the arenas. Website: .
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Work to begin on new Medical Centre (March
26, '06)
Building work was set to
begin on the new purpose-built Kaipara Medical Centre in Commercial Road in early April.
The Helensville District Health Trust has appointed Rob Thompson
as project manager for the new facility. Mayor John Law officially
launched the project last November.
Sunrise Earthmovers won the contract for the construction
of car parking, and the successful tenderer for the building work and the successful building
contractor were to be chosen by the end of March.
Work is set to start on the site on April 10, with completion
of the facility by the end of November.
When complete the Kaipara Medical Centre will accommodate
the existing doctors' practice, a Medlab and Te Ha nursing services. The modern facility
will include four consulting rooms, four clinical/nursing rooms plus a minor surgery theatre
and a large waiting area.
Roses from the existing garden have been lifted, pruned and
stored, and will be replanted in the new landscape design.
Fund raising is progressing well with Genesis Energy confirmed
as a key sponsor. A presentation ceremony was held on March 3 attended by Genesis Energy
CEO Murray Jackson, Helensville MP John Key, and Rodney mayor John Law.
Approaches to other potential sponsors and funding sources
are now under way, and community donations continue to come in on a daily basis.
Local artist Doug Lee has kindly donated paintings, on show
at the Kaipara Medical Centre, wihch are for sale by silent bid auction.
A considerable sum was raised from raffle tickets sold at
the recent Helensville Show, together with a percentage of proceeds being donated from
a very successful Tupperware stall.
Donations toward the project can be sent to Helensville District
Health Trust, P.O. Box 13, Helensville, or phone June King on 420 7596 and ask for a brochure
and official form.
The Trust is a registered charitable trust, so donations
over $5 are eligible for tax rebates and are acknowledged with a receipt.
Helensville News will keep readers up to date on progress at the centre in future issues.
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Water upgrade for town (February
23, '06)
Three large green tanks and
their associated pipework are the visible signs of an earlier-than-planned upgrade to Helensville's
water supply system.
Rodney District Council has received a number of complaints from Helensville and Parakai residents and businesses about the poor taste and odour of the town’s
public water.
The water quality problems were caused by the breakdown of some of the
older equipment at the treatment plant, which reduces the effects of taste and odour in the raw water.
It was planned to upgrade this equipment later this year, however following the recent problems the upgrade was moved forward and is currently under way. The new tanks and pipes allow Helensville’s
three water sources to be isolated or blended as required in an effort to improve the quality of the
raw water going to the treatment plant.
The Council’s contractor, Rodney Water also flushed the mains. The
recently upgraded filter at the plant is working well.
However, council Community and Administration Manager Kim Gordon says the
problem may persist for some households. People still having problems are advised to flush their own
pipes by running several taps in the house for three to five minutes. Residents can be assured the taste
and odour problems are not a health risk.
Problems with water quality could occur periodically until the second stage
of upgrade works are completed later this year. That work will include improvements to the reservoir
and installation of new chemical dosing equipment.
Once all upgrades are completed, the council expects that the water quality
problems will be alleviated.
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Helensville Men and Family Centre opens (February
22, '06)
Helensville's new Men and
Family Centre South Kaipara is now operating two days a week.
The Centre, at the old Rodney Community Learning Centre in Gerald Stokes
Ave, is run by the South Kaipara Men's Trust. It's a place where men and young men can access services
directed towards their needs.
A formal opening and blessing is planned sometime in the next few months.
Services available include counselling, career development, and referral
to specialist services as well as a men's group.
Later in the year programmes addressing issues such as couples relationships
and communication skills, clearing anger, rights of passage from youth to men, family violence and good
fathering are planned.
Further programmes including mentoring, father and child relationships and adventures, male roles, privileges
and responsibilities are planned for the future.
The Centre is forming relationships with ManAlive in Henderson and Essentially
Men, and plans to work in with these organisations where possible.
Recent research within the Helensville area community strongly supported
the need for a locally-based provider of services to meet the needs of men, young men and their families.
The Men and Family Centre is open on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Centre co-ordinator and counsellor Andrew Connolly can be contacted on
ph 420 8263 or by emailing
He says the Centre is open to ideas and initiatives from the community,
and would appreciate hearing from people who have experience working with men and young men.
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Security form sets up shop in Helensville (February
22, '06)
Helensville now has its own
security and investigations business.
Hawkeye Security & Investigations set up shop in Helensville last month,
after several years investigating ways the business and residential areas of Helensville and Parakai
could be protected from the recurring petty crime and graffiti that threatens the safety and spoils the
attractiveness of the town.
The firm came after being told of the urgent need to provide security and
safety for the community and to assist Police.
Hawkeye say their staff are not here as 'bullies', and trust the community
will cooperate with them. It is expected their presence will act as a deterrent to the irresponsible
and destructive people who have previously taken advantage of the lack of a security presence.
Hawkeye Security Ltd and another company, Entertainment Protection Services, merged in September 2005 to become Hawkeye Security & Investigations
(HSI), a division of the Mantis Corporation.
Its security division was formed in response to the public's demand for
a professional, skilled protection service for property, equipment and personnel. It is owned by directors
Steven Ohlson and Tane Goldsmith.
The pair appreciate that businesses are investing significant amounts of
money and energy into the project to protect events and premises, and expect the highest levels of attention
and security without disruption.
Owners of residential security systems can have their private alarms monitored by Hawkeye Security & Investigation.
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Pioneer Museum reopens (January
27, '06)
The Helensville Pioneer Museum
reopens to the public on Wednesday, February 1 after a $350,000-plus makeover.
The museum’s new Riverside Reserve location in Mill Road, Helensville is the result of more than two years hard work by a dedicated group of Helensville & District
Historical Society members.
Work began on the relocation in late 2003, and initial hopes were to have
the museum open during 2004.
The museum is open from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays,
or by arrangement for groups on other days.
The museums's website at ,
while still under development, has a large amount of information about the museum's services and local
history.
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