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Last updated
February 3rd, 2012
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Home > News Archive 2008 |
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links below to
archived news items on Helensville and the surrounding area. Most articles appear courtesy Helensville News.
2008 Articles
(November 21st, '08)
(November 21st, '08)
(November 21st, '08)
(November 1st, '08)
(November 1st, '08)
(November 1st, '08)
(September 29th, '08)
(September 29th, '08)
(September 29th, '08)
(August 21st, '08)
(August 21st, '08)
(August 21st, '08)
(July 26th, '08)
(July 26th, '08)
(July 26th, '08)
(April 24, 2008)
(April 24, 2008)
(April 24, 2008)
(April 24, 2008)
(April 1, 2008)
(April 1, 2008)
(April 1, 2008)
(February
28, 2008)
(February
28, 2008)
(February
28, 2008)
(January
30, 2008)
(January
30, 2008)
(January
30, 2008)
(January
30, 2008)
 Click
here for current news articles
Click
here for archived stories from: 2008
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First Heritage Day a huge success (November 21st '08)
Helensville's first Heritage Day on
November 9 has been hailed a resounding
success by participants, visitors and
organisers.
A real spirit of the community working
together was evident and the celebration
of heritage in many forms was a great
theme for the day.
Young and old, from children through to
90 year olds joined in as participants,
demonstrators, or visitors. It was a festival
of song and dance, craft skills, colonial
activities, history and heritage, and food.
The highlight of the day was
undoubtedly the Heritage Houses Tour,
where people walked or travelled by
minibus around the town viewing the 14
different heritage buildings which had
been made available.
These ranged from workers' cottages,
bungalows and villas and the distinctive
colonial style of Te Makiri to the old
Helensville post office building, the Grand
Hotel and the railway station. An estimated
300 people took part in the tour.
Opening ceremonies were held by
Ngati Whatua at the Rata Reserve, and at
the Helensville Museum. The day's
programme started with the unveiling of a
plaque for the Leighton paving, the
presentation of a seedling from a Judge
Rogan oak tree at Te Makiri, and the
handing over of the Te Awaroa Youth Club
mural representing the meeting of the local
Ngati Whatua with the McLeod families.
The entwining of Pakeha and Maori
cultures was evident from the presentation
of the colourful mural, the opening
ceremony, kapa haka group performance
and hangi on the Rata Reserve, and the
historical slide show presentations in the
courthouse.
Helensville's links to Novia Scotia
through the McLeod family were
celebrated with Scottish country dancing from a mixed Auckland group, and music
from the Hibiscus Coast and Districts Pipe
Band. Other music was provided by
buskers in the cafes and on the streets in
Helensville, and at the museum.
With the focus on heritage, there was
plenty of variety in the programme.
Demonstrations of colonial skills at the
museum garnered much admiration and
interest, from the butter-making,
embroidery, quilting and the collection of
needlework to spinning, rag rug making,
felting, woodturning and the making of
fishing nets.
The vintage cars and old army vehicles
drew many admiring glances.
The courthouse was venue for three
lecture-demonstrations, covering such
diverse subjects as a century of kauri
milling, fishing on the Kaipara, and the
story of the 10 acre block and Rata
Reserve.
Many people dressed in colonial style garb, which added to the atmosphere on
the streets, in the shops and cafes, at the
heritage houses and at the museum.
The enthusiasm of the children
involved delighted the audiences, from the
lemonade sellers and the shoeshine girls
to the kapa haka group.
Collections of heritage items and
photographs were on show at the railway
station, the Kaipara Cruising Club and the
museum, giving a good insight into the
history of the town and district.
A large degree of the Heritage Day's
success can be credited to the planning by
Keren Mackay and her committee, which
represented a variety of organisations and
individuals of the district. The involvement
of so many different people made it a truly
Helensville and district-wide event.
Ideas are already being floated for next
year's Heritage Day.
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Liquor ban for Helensville and Parakai (November 21st '08)
Rodney District Council was set to
confirm night-time liquor bans in
Parakai, the Helensville central
business district and Te Arai Point
Beach at a meeting on November 27.
This followed a police request for the
bans to be introduced in public places
because of problems with alcohol
related disorder in those areas.
The bans will take effect from
December 16 and operate year-round.
The Helensville and Parakai bans will
run from 9pm until 6am, and the Te Arai
Point ban from 6pm to 6am. Police
requested the liquor bans cover those
times as that is when most of the
problems associated with people
drinking are occurring.
Senior Sergeant Glenn Adkins, the
sub-area manager for rural Rodney said
the police supported the introduction of
the liquor ban because “The people of
Rodney deserve to enjoy our facilities
without it being spoilt by a small unruly
element, fuelled by alcohol.” Police will
be responsible for enforcing the bans.
Liquor bans are already in place in a
number of other areas throughout the
District.
The bans were adopted by the
council at a meeting on November 6,
but final confirmation was set for the
later meeting to allow comments from
members of the public.
Local ward councillor Greville
Walker had called for the areas to be
liquor-free 24/7, but was outvoted at the
earlier meeting. He was encouraging
people to make submissions to the
council in support of the total ban.
In a memo to interested parties
Greville said: "There is no downside to a
24/7 ban - only positive results - as being
experienced in Wellsford where a 24/7
ban was introduced in July this year.”
The Police have given assurances
that no one will be penalised in
instances such as family picnics, where
liquor is consumed in a respectable
manner.
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Plenty of plans for Women & Family Centre for 2009 (November 21st '08)
The Helensville Women & Family
Centre is wrapping up a successful year
- and has plenty of new things planned
for next year.
Plans for 2009 include:
More than 2000 people made
enquiries about or used the centre's
services during 2008, covering the
centre's range of services.
Staff changes saw Mihi Shaw (nee
Blair) and Christine Salmon appointed
co-managers, and a new Family
Support/BEAM Coordinator - Jo Reidy-Davis - appointed. Jo Reti remains in
charge of administration.
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Christmas in the 'Ville returns (November 1st '08)
The annual public concert and carols evening ‘Christmas in the Ville’ will be held again at Parakai Domain on Saturday, December 20.
"The theme this year is peace," says project co-ordinator Nick Roberts, "and the art work is already underway under the leadership of Kaipara College Year 13 student Alex van Dam. The props from last year's event were all designed and created by Alex and her ideas for this year are just as exciting."
hristmas In the 'Ville attracts an audience of around 3500, and there are nearly 200 performers, coordinators, designers, and painters in the PACKS-organised event.
People wanting to audition for the show are asked to choose appropriate material for the audience and theme.
“We also hope the audience will get into the ‘peace’ swing and dress up accordingly. Bring out those threads from the sixties and seventies," says Nick.
Community organisations, schools and churches are being encouraged to contact PACKS about setting up information and fundraising booths at the event.
PACKS will be holding auditions shortly; posters will be put up in local shops and sent to primary schools with details.
"Christmas In The 'Ville is once again a free community show. We have heard from the North Pole that we can expect a special guest this year so bring a picnic, a blanket and your singing voices and let's celebrate with a great community night,” says Nick.
For more information phone Nick Roberts on 021 420 784, or email .
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College top school for music (November 1st '08)
Kaipara College has beaten all other schools in New Zealand to collect the title of School of the Year for 2008 by the PlayItStrange Trust.
The trust runs an annual songwriting competition for all New Zealand secondary school students to encourage the development of songwriting.
Kaipara College entered 13 songs into the PlayItStrange competition, and Charlotte Silverstone and Avalon Hewitt made the national top 40 while Shelley Scott and Ellie David were placed in the top 20.
The title caps a great year for the college in music, starting with 14 bands entering the national SmokeFree RockQuest competition, with four of those selected for the regional final. Following directly from that, one of the bands, Valiance, was chosen as a top 10 finalist in the Juice TV My School Band Rocks video competition.
The Rodney Live talent search saw current and former college students performing to a very competitive level, with five of the acts making it through to the final coming from the college. In addition, Year 13 student Shaun Darlison and former student Steve Oswald played in the house band for the competition's six week season. The overall winner was Lou Collier from Whangaparaoa, who will be singing at Christmas In the Park in December at the Auckland Domain.
Never looking for a rest the students also take an active part as both tutors and students in the Groove Factory holiday programming targeting beginner to intermediate level performers, and the exciting Band Factory for progressing rock genre musicians.
Kaipara College has also released a CD of 14 original music tracks written and performed by music students. Titled 'Check It Out', the CD aims to celebrate the achievements of the college's musicians. It has been selling steadily and includes a number of the songs entered into this year's PlayItStrange. A special final track is a moving speech set to music by college head boy Jordan Bradly. The speech was written for the ANZAC day ceremonies this year and won acclaim within the community for its imagery, potent message, and mature delivery by Jordan.
Questioned about the success of the department, college head of music Nick Roberts said: "It's not really that much of a surprise as the students are passionate about what they do. The students here play, perform and work well beyond the school's weight.
"We went to the club world champs for dragon boating, our sustainability and environmental work run by Marty Taylor has won numerous national awards this year, Ruby Scott-Smith is a gold medalist in cooking, our Kapa Haka is very competitive at a national standard. Music is just one more string to our bow, and being a small school a student can develop a passion from year nine and succeed to a very high level.”
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Local artists transform power transformers (November 1st '08)
Over the next few weeks a group of Rodney artists will be creating murals on selected electricity transformers around Helensville and Parakai.
Local artists Liz Sutherland, Fiona Whyte, Filani Maccassey and Gaylene Earl have all been given a brief to create murals that reflect the history, culture and social life of both areas.
Each artist has designed a unique and vibrant mural, which they will paint on a transformer.
Liz Sutherland is currently working on a transformer outside the Helensville Library on Porter Crescent.
“I’m really enjoying the challenge,” she says.“It’s wonderful to have a big working canvas in a public space.”
The first transformer to be painted in Rodney was in Orewa’s Hilary Square. It was painted in May this year by Whangaparaoa artist Jun Arita and has proven popular with locals.
The project is sponsored by Rodney District Council, Vector and Resene Paints.
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Community Expo a winner (September 29th, '08)
Helensville's Community Expo on
September 13 has been hailed a
success and there are already calls for it
to become an annual event.
The catalyst for the Expo was the
launch of Te Awaroa Youth Club's 'Tag
Free Town' initiative, and more than 100
locals turned up to check out information
stalls set up by 16 local community
groups in theWar Memorial Hall.
Highlights of the Expo were the
Kaipara College kapa haka group, and
college band, the KJ's.
A large mural evolved over the
afternoon, depicting Ngati Whatua Nga
Rima o Kaipara (the five marae), the
Kaipara River and harbour, and Helen
and Isaac McLeod. It has been donated
to the community and will be on show at
the Helensville Pioneer Museum.
The event was topped off by a hangi
and acoustic guitar performance by
Charlotte Silverstone.
The Expo was blessed by Chris
Pairama of Ngati Whatua O Kaipara and
MC'd by Rei Samuel. Labour MP Darien
Fenton congratulated Helensville on the
Tag Free Town initiative, made possible
with funding from the Ministry of Justice.
Councillor Suzanne Weld asked
locals to take a caring attitude towards
one another, saying this would
strengthen and empower the
community.
Local police Mike Colson and Andy
Gentry were present, encouraging
people to join Neighbourhood Support
and to volunteer for the up-coming
Community Patrol. Councillor Grev
Walker further promoted those groups,
saying he believed the groups, together
with the Tag Free Town project, would
reduce tagging and antisocial behaviour
in the town.
The event has already resulted in
some promising outcomes such as
stronger connections between
community groups spawning new ideas
and initiatives, and a number of people
signing up for the Community Patrol.
Groups participating on the day
were: St John Ambulance Service; Women and Family Centre; Men and
Family Centre; Te Awaroa Youth Club;
South Kaipara Youth Forum;
Neighbourhood Support, Helensville
Community Patrol – Police; Whanau
Atawhai; Parent Aid Kaipara; HIPPY
South Kaipara; Mt Tabor Trust;
Helensville Christian Life Centre;
Helensville and District Historical
Society; Helensville Riverside Heritage;
City Care; Rodney District Council.
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Record Birthing Centre
numbers cap great year
for Health Trust (September 29th, '08)
The number of people using the
Helensville Birthing Centre has hit a
record high.
The Helensville District Health Trust
says there were 317 admissions for the
12 months to June 30 this year - its
highest ever number.
Those figures were made up of 58
births (compared to 55 in the previous
12 month period) and 259 post natal
transfers (up from 207).
To cap off a great year, the Birthing
Centre was presented with its Baby
Friendly certification this year.
To achieve certification staff had to
undertake special training to get their
knowledge and skills up to the required
level. The results have been very
beneficial to patients, who in turn have
provided the centre with very positive
feedback.
The Birthing Centre now receives
admission requests from mothers all
over the Auckland region, and boasts a
reputation as 'the best Birthing Centre in
New Zealand'. Mothers within the
Helensville area receive preferential
booking.
Other highlights from the Health
Trust's last financial year include:
- Completion of the renovation and
refit of the old doctor's house at 51
Commercial Road. This has now
been transformed into a community
health facility and renamed the Alison
McKenzie Community House in
recognition of the tremendous
contribution Trust chairperson Alison
McKenzie has provided to local
health through her leadership role in
the Trust. Special thanks go to the
ASB Community Trust which
provided financial support for the
project.
- Occupying the new Kaipara Medical
Centre premises built by the Trust.The centre currently has five doctors plus a registrar, eight nurses, four
receptionists, an administrator and a
practice manager. The team
provides daily comprehensive
medical care to our community.
- Installation of a new generator to
ensure continuous power supplies to
both the Birthing Centre and the
Medical Centre. It was installed just
in time to provide cover during recent
winter power cuts.
- The arrival of new tenant, Diagnostic
Medlab, which has proved to be a
much appreciated service for the
district. Both the new and original
buildings in the health complex are
now fully tenanted.
The Helensville District Health Trust
was established in 1989. The Trustees
work hard to ensure the best possible
health facilities and services are
provided for the district.
While originally founded to ensure
that the area retained birthing facilities
for local women, by securing the old
maternity hospital it has not only
retained the birthing facilities but also
extended the buildings by working with
various health partners to offer an
integrated range of rural health
services.
The range of health services now
located in the Genesis Energy and
Helensville Health Trust building at this
strategic health site in Commercial
Road include Kaipara Medical Centre,
Diagnostic MedLab, Focus 2000
Homecare, Helensville Birthing Centre,
Waitemata Health Community Services,
Te Puna Ote te Ora, and Meals on
Wheels, while the adjacent Alison
Mckenzie House is home to the
Women's Centre, Mount Tabor Trust,
ParentAid Kaipara and Podiatrist Lynley Macdonald.
The Trust acknowledges the
importance of ongoing community
support and also recognises and wishes
to thank those organisations that
provided cornerstone funding during the
last two years of construction and
renovation of the health facilities. These
include:
Genesis Energy, Helensville
Freemasons, Licensing Trust Charitable
Foundation Inc, the Lions Club of
Helensville, Rodney District Council,
Paeroa Homestead, Vector Ltd, and
everyone else that donated generously
to theTrust.
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New community patrols aim
to reduce crime in Helensville (September 29th, '08)
Helensville Police and a number of
community-minded residents are in the
process of setting up a local Community
Patrol, to help the police make
Helensville a safer community.
Community patrols have been a
nation-wide success in reducing
'nuisance’ crimes such as graffiti,
tagging, wilful damage, and car theft.
They have also been found to help
suppress other forms of crime such as
burglaries, robberies and general
offending.
The Community Patrol is made up of
locals who are willing to give some of
their time to act as 'eyes and ears',
patrolling the community in pairs - either
by day or night - and noting anything that could be suspicious.
Usually a roster is worked over a
period of a month or so, giving members
set dates for their patrols.
Police notify the patrol of suspicious
activities and trouble spots they would
like the patrol to keep an eye on, as well
as informing the patrol of events
occurring in the area.
The patrol helps the police by
undertaking surveillance and
observation, taking notes, recording
and gathering information, assisting
when asked at accident scenes,
watching out for stolen cars, patrolling
the streets in vehicles, patrolling
residential, business and industrial
areas, and reporting signs of suspicious
activity.
All the volunteers must be vetted by
the police before becoming patrol
members, and must complete a period
of training (usually over three months),
where they work with those who are
already trained. The three month
training or 'probation' period enables
both parties to decide if they wish to
continue.
Each volunteer receives a threehour
training session before they go on
patrol for the first time. After that, where
possible, they are rostered with an
experienced patroller for any nights that
they patrol over the next three months.
Each member must sign a declaration of
confidentiality and agree to abide by a
code of conduct before working with the
patrol.
The South Kaipara Community
Patrol will be affiliated to the national
organisation, Community Patrols New
Zealand; there are currently more than
100 community patrols with 4,000
members through New Zealand
affiliated to this national body.
Locals who would like to contribute
to the South Kaipara Community Patrol
should contact the Police Liaison
Officer, Andy Gentry, at the Helensville
Police Station on 420 8967.
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Project aims to make Helensville graffiti-free (August 21st, '08)
Together we can have a tag-free town.
That's the message from Heidi Van Duyn, project manager for a new scheme in Helensville and Parakai called - appropriately - Tag Free Town (TFT).
The project, which is being funded by the Ministry of Justice and facilitated by Te Awaroa Youth Club.
Some stages of the project will involve working partnerships with Rodney District Council, Helensville Police, City Care, Kaipara College and other organisations such as the Helensville Women and Family Centre and the Men and Family Centre South Kaipara, says Heidi.
The first stage will be an official launch of the Tag Free Town project on Saturday, September 13.
“We are asking the whole community to set aside part of the day to remove any tagging on their property. This can be done prior to, or on the day.
“We encourage you to support others to remove tagging as well. If you or some else needs help then please contact 420 7977 as we can offer assistance. The intention is for our community of Helensville and Parakai to begin with a clean slate.”
Following the 'paint out' of existing tagging there will be a community event in the Helensville War Memorial Hall from 3pm to 7pm the same day. Along with the launch of the TFT project there will be tables set up to promote other community groups, as well as information about Neighbourhood Watch and the new Community Patrol which is soon to be set up in Helensville. There will be food, music and a great opportunity to network.
“I guess it'll be like a community expo,” explains Heidi.
For the TFT project to succeed, it will need support she says.
“Neighbour support is a great way for our community to unite in being more community aware, which helps deter criminal activity in our neighbourhoods. With our close proximity to Auckland we are at risk of becoming, in time, just another suburb. For us to maintain our community spirit we need to ALL make an effort to take heed of the value of community wellbeing before we lose it forever.
That’s a sentiment reiterated by Western Ward councillor Suzanne Weld.
“I encourage people to be involved in their communities, to get to know their neighbours, rather than feel afraid and isolated in their own homes. Communities used to be much more connected and therefore crime and antisocial behaviour was less. People used to know each other and what was going on. A community has the power, by working together, to improve the safety and well-being for all residents.”
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DOC conservation strategy
meeting draws crowds (August 21st, '08)
It was almost standing room only at a public meeting in Helensville on August 15 to discuss the Department of Conservation's (DOC) draft Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).
DOC was seeking public views on the way public conservation land and water will be managed over the next ten years.
The meeting featured well-directed group discussions on a range of topics including:
- What area of public conservation land or water is important to you?
- What has changed at that area/place in the last 10 years?
- What would you like to see achieved at that area/place in the next 10 years?
- What would you be prepared to do to see those achievements happen - how do you want to be involved?
After the discussions suggestions were read out; they were collected and will be combined and a report issued in approximately three months.
The public meeting was part of the pre-statutory phase of DOC's CMS review. It was the fourth public meeting held, the others being at Great Barrier Island, Warkworth, and Devonport.
Feedback received from meeting participants will be considered during the preparation of the draft Auckland CMS. It is intended the draft will be publicly notified in February 2009, initiating the statutory phase of the review. This is when people can make a formal submission on the strategy.
The CMS guides how public conservation lands and waters are administered. It covers issues such as protecting forests and wetlands from pests, helping threatened species, restoring historic and cultural sites, visitor recreation facilities, marine protection, working with communities on conservation projects, and the use of conservation land for appropriate commercial activities.
It also identifies places that are especially important to communities around the Auckland region, so DOC and communities can focus their efforts on those places.
CMS Project Manager for the Auckland region, Rebecca Rush, said it is really important people give their opinions on how conservation places are managed.
“People's views on the places that are special to them, and those they visit or have an interest in, are essential to this process. Public conservation land and water is there for all to enjoy, and this is a chance for people to have a say in how it is managed. We need to know what matters to you.”
For more information, contact DOC Warkworth on 09 425 7812, or Liz Maire, Community Relations Programme Manager, on 09 425 7842.
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RDC eyes bushlot management (August 21st, '08)
Rodney District Council wants to work alongside private landowners in the region to manage nearly 3500 bushlot covenants in the district.
“These areas are a vital part of the district’s natural environment,” explains Maximus Smitheram, the council’s Manager, Natural and Coastal Environment. “That’s why council plans to work with landowners to support them in meeting their legal obligations to manage bushlots in relation to covenants on their properties.”
He says over the years, RDC has let landowners subdivide in exchange for the continued legal and physical protection of native bush, wetlands and native revegetated areas - or bushlots.
“This incentive has been well utilised with nearly 3500 bushlots created on some 2250 properties in the region.”
However, concerns about the management and protection of the district’s bushlots follow a recent pilot monitoring exercise, which assessed the health of 22 bushlots, checked the condition of fences and identified weed and pest issues. The results indicated only six were in good condition, eight in fair condition and eight in poor condition.
“It appears many landowners only have sketchy knowledge of the location and nature of the covenant on their land. Some properties have since been on-sold with landowners not fully aware of the legal obligations created by these covenants.”
The council’s Strategy and Community Committee recently agreed a communication plan should be developed to provide information about bushlot management requirements and to advise landowners of how RDC intends to monitor bushlots on their properties.
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Kaipara tidal power trial gets grant (July 26th, '08)
A project to generate electricity from
the tides in Kaipara Harbour will receive
a $1.85 million grant from the
government’s Marine Energy
Deployment Fund.
Energy Minister David Parker
announced the grant to Crest Energy
recently.
Crest Energy's Pouto Link project
will see up to three turbines deployed,
connected to a small converter station
on land and then feeding in to existing 11
kV transmission lines.
It’s the first stage of Crest's long term
plan to operate 200 turbines of up to 1
MWeach in the Kaipara.
The grant is subject to resource
consents being obtained.
It’s the first grant from the Marine
Energy Deployment Fund, which was
set up to kick-start the deployment of
marine devices in New Zealand waters.
The fund is administered by the
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Authority, EECA, and applications are
assessed by an independent expert
panel, which recommended funding the
Crest Energy project.
The panel described Crest's
proposal as ambitious, with the potential
to advance many aspects of marine
energy development and provide a
foundation for future projects.
David Parker says the project will
benefit New Zealand by providing
practical knowledge that will feed into
larger project and other marine energy
projects.
The project will also provide
enhanced electricity supply to a remote
rural area on the Pouto peninsula.
“There is great potential in New
Zealand for generating electricity from
both wave and tidal energy. Marine generation technology is
now about where wind technology was
15 years ago, and the Marine Energy
Deployment Fund will support the
development of the technology,” says
Mr Parker.
Marine energy technologies are at
an early stage of commercial
development internationally, but like
wind technology they are likely to
develop quickly. Marine energy has the
potential to be the next commercialscale
technology.
The Marine Energy Deployment
Fund has $8m to allocate to precommercial
projects over four years, to
provide practical experience of what
works in the New Zealand environment.
Marine energy is a sustainable and
renewable resource with relatively little
impact on the environment. It is
generated by harnessing the power of
the waves and tides.
New Zealand has a large wave
energy resource. Wave power can
exceed 100 kilowatts per metre of wave
crest length on the southwest-facing
coast of New Zealand. While New
Zealand's tidal range is relatively small,
generally less than two metres, there
are significant tidal currents in some
West Coast harbours and in Cook and
Foveaux Straits that offer considerable
potential for generation.
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Maori Medium Education
coming to local primaries (July 26th, '08)
Maori Medium Education will be
available to families in the South
Kaipara from February next year.
After a series of five informative
community meetings held this year and
a visit to Newton Central School to see
Maori Medium Education in action, the
community has decided to support the
establishment of Maori Medium
Education Units at both Helensville and
Parakai primary schools.
This educational pathway will be
available to people of all cultures. It
especially offers parents the opportunity
to be involved in their children's learning
and school.
Initial consultations brought forward
expressions of interest from families
throughout South Kaipara, however firm
numbers are needed. 2,000 pamphlets
have already been sent out to the wider
community and a question/answer
session was held for families in the first
week of the school holidays.
During community consultations
these goals were identified as priorities
in order to establish successful Maori
Medium Education Units in South
Kaipara primary schools:
- A high quality, tailored learning environment that is responsive to
Maori and English language learning
needs
- High quality teaching staff
- Small class numbers
- Strong family participation and
leadership
- A supportive and pro-active
management and governance team
- A supportive and pro-active school
environment.
Thirty people from the Kaipara area
recently visited Newton Central School
in Auckland. Newton Central is an inner
city mainstream school with five Maori
Medium Education classrooms in
operation. These classes are so
successful there is a waiting list for
families to enter them.
Bernette Malizia, coordinator of
HIPPY South Kaipara, said: “It was
inspiring to see the engaged, confident
children, the excellent teachers and
stimulating learning environment. Maori Medium Learning is an
accelerated learning mode. I can't wait
for this to happen here - my grandson
Jack will hopefully be one of the lucky
children to begin this exciting
educational pathway!”
For more information contact Sven
Hjelmstrom at Helensville Primary on
420 8005, or Sean Valvoi at Parakai
Primary on 420 8494.
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Passenger rail trial gets off to great start (July 26th, '08)
The Helensville passenger rail service
trial got off to a great start on Monday, July
14 with an official welcome and opening at
Helensville station.
ARC chairman Mike Lee cut the official
ribbon for the departure of the train at
6.30am.
Prior to leaving, a special
commemorative train control tablet was handed by
'stationmaster' Alan Hargreaves to Train
Manager Ray Gosai. Ray worked on the
last Helensville train in 1980.
At the three new stations - Helensville,
Waimauku and Huapai - 160 people got on for the trip to the city. Many were local
people just going for the ride.
The train runs Monday to Friday,
leaving Helensville at 6.32 am and arriving
at Britomart at 8.02 am. The evening return
trip leaves Britomart at 5.30pm and gets back to Helensville at 7pm.
In addition the train has to return to
Auckland every night and when leaving
Helensville at 7.15 it will take passengers
to the city. This provides an opportunity for
people to go into the city in the evening.
.
The cash fare from Helensville to Britomart is be $9.10. A ten-trip concession will be available at $81.50 and a monthly pass at $225.
Any further questions or comments can be made to the Nor-West Rodney Rail Support Group by emailing .
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Helensville News turns 100 (April 24th, '08)
Helensville's local newspaper, the Helensville News, celebrates it's 100th issue to be published on May 6.
A 20-page special edition will feature some background to the paper, a brief look back at many of the more important articles covered since its inception in 1999, plus a brief history from Andrea Mullins, one of the people behind the paper's foundation.
There will also be reproductions of advertisements from advertisers who have appeared in every single edition of the publication, which began as a four-page newsletter with a circulation of around 2000 and has now grown to a regular 16 or 20 pages with a print run of 5000.
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Horse Expo to become annual event (April 24th, '08)
The fourth at the Helensville showgrounds last month was such a success organisers have decided it will become an annual event.
The Expo attracted about 1200 visitors and showcased the variety of equine talent in Rodney and West Auckland.
Helensville Pony Club took the crowd through a half hour of combined workouts, then the action turned to displays by the Auckland Miniature Horse Club and Kumeu Western Riding Club.
In the main oval top local harness driver Mairi MacIver thrilled spectators with the speed and agility of her pony in harness. Mairi regularly competes at top-level harness driving meets.
Sarah-Jane Pinkerton from the Waikato took an assortment of local riders and their horses through some of the disciplines involved in new equestrian sport Le TREC, which incorporates facets of orienteering, timing, natural obstacles and set tests.
Throughout the day the Calibre Boats Clydesdale competition ring was busy, with in-hand, ridden, and working classes. Organisers were thrilled to discover how many Clydesdales are in the area, many of which had never been shown before.
The novice classes were well contested and the inaugural Calibre Clydesdale trophy for Novice Horse and Handler was won by Helensville physiotherapist, Kath Long and her horse Dusty.
Clydesdale owners came from as far afield as Kaitaia, Dargaville and Pukekohe.
A crowd favourite was 14-year-old Sarah Wilkinson of Waitoki and her 18 year old station-bred gelding, Greendowns Laredo, who performed two musical freestyle dressage displays to a combination of Michael Jackson soundtracks.
Sarah is riding at Advanced Level, (just one level below Olympic level) and competes against adults in regional championships.
Riding for the Disabled - Horse Expo’s nominated charity - put on an excellent demonstration with two confident riders.
Polocrosse took centre stage at 1pm with a four chukka game between the newly formed Redvale Club and Counties of South Auckland. Spectators were surprised by the range of ages of the players, and enjoyed the speed and agility of the riders and ponies. The game is like a combination of polo, lacrosse and netball - but on horseback.
Two lively displays which delighted the crowd were the Kidz Kartz & Pony Trust and the NZ Mounted Games Association, which featured predominantly Rodney riders, and spectators enjoyed egging on the teams who flew up and down the arena popping balloons, picking up litter, doing mug and flag games.
The many breeds on show at Horse Expo were of great interest.
These included the adorable donkeys (both miniature and large) and the equally fluffy Icelandic ponies, the Haflinger (a cross between an Arab and the Tyrolean Pony), Shetlands Ponies and a display of two Peruvian Pasos complete with authentic costumes from Peru.
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Kaipara College student first to use mobility dog at secondary school (April 24th, '08)
At 15, Kaipara College student Josh Dainty is the youngest recipient of a mobility dog to date - and his chocolate Labrador Carma is the first to attend a New Zealand secondary school.
Assistance dogs have been helping people with physical disabilities for over 30 years internationally, and New Zealanders have benefited from the life-changing service since 2003 when the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust (Mobility Dogs) was established by Bradley Mark.
Mobility dogs are trained to assist a human partner 24 hours a day both inside the house and out in the community. They enjoy increased access to education, places of work and recreation opportunities. And this is where Helensville's Josh Dainty and Carma come in.
Following a recent training camp held at Wairau Valley Special School on the North Shore, Mobility Dogs was delighted to welcome the three new official 'Working Teams' - Barry and 'Bentley', Amy and 'Bonnie', and Josh and 'Carma'.
These teams graduated at the Apollo Centre for Health and Wellness in Albany. Rodney Hide, MP for Epsom and supporter of Mobility Dogs kindly agreed to present the certificates of appreciation to all those who have contributed to each dog - breeders, animal welfare agencies and individuals who have donated puppies, puppy-raisers, sponsors and supporters.
Upon graduation the dogs were divested of their 'L' plates by trainers Vicky and Laura, re-dressed in their new Mobility Dog pack systems and 'capped'.
Josh first met Carma as a very young pup at an initial weekend in September 2006. Carma was the first of the mobility dogs to learn to 'read' commands on cue cards, and is now a familiar sight at Kaipara College.
Josh and Carma will attend a Lions Club dinner at the RSA rooms in Helensville on May 26 to say “thank you” to the Lions for their support in this experience.
Further information re the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust is available at www.mobilitydogs.co.nz or phone 09 448 5520.
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Passenger rail trial starts July (April 24th, '08)
Helensville’s commuter rail trial will start on Monday, July 14.
The Norwest Rodney Rail Support Group has worked closely with the local community to establish the most appropriate travel times for the one-year trial.
Group chairperson Scott Osmond says: “The group conducted a survey of potential departure and return times given to us by Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and its operator, Veolia Transport Auckland.
“We received 90 responses from the community, with the majority in favour of a departure time from Helensville just before 6.30 am, to arrive at Britomart by 8 am, returning again from Britomart near to 5.30pm.”
Final timetable details will not be completed until later this month, and will be publicised as soon as they are available.
The trial service is being funded by the Auckland Regional Council and is one of a number of steps in the expansion and development of Auckland's rail system by ARTA, partnered with the national rail agency, ONTRACK. Platforms and construction of shelters at the stations began in April.
“ARTA has worked closely with us to achieve the best result for the community for the trial service,” says Scott.
“Discussions with the community have been held with respect to both the service and the location of the station sites and the service has been promoted at both the Helensville and Kumeu A&P Shows, with further marketing and promotion planned - and of course an official launch.”
The Norwest Rodney Rail Support Group is particularly pleased the final proposal has reduced the train travel time from that originally proposed.
“Thanks for this improvement go to ARTA for taking our message on board, and ONTRACK for improvements to the rail tracks to allow for faster train speeds,” says Scott.
He believes the service will appeal to commuters both to the city and to western areas such as Henderson and New Lynn.
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Plus size horses to be a highlight of Horse Expo (April 1st, '08)
More Clydesdales than you’ve ever seen in one place - that will be one of the highlights of the fourth Horse Expo NZ, being held at the Helensville Showgrounds this Saturday.
A large ‘herd’ of these magnificent animals will be on display at the Expo, displaying both in-hand and working classes in their own arena.
And if the huge Clydesdales aren’t big enough for you, organisers hope to have a gigantic 19.1 hand high horse on show, complete with rider decked out in ANZAC uniform displaying the kit and style of the mounted troops who went into battle in World War 1.
The owner was still trying at time of writing to organise a vehicle large enough to accommodate his huge mount to bring it to the show!
Balancing out the ‘oversized’ horses will be the miniatures - always popular with the children.
Another attraction at Horse Expo which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser will be Jed Craig and his Mischievous Mule, which performs a variety of tricks.
The new equestrian sport of Le Trec, which tests the rider/horse partnership, with a combination of trail-riding, orienteering, natural obstacles, basic flatwork and jumping, will be on show. Sarah-Jane Pinkerton of the Waikato has brought the sport to New Zealand, and will be using local horses and riders to show what's involved in this relaxed new sport.
There will be a four chukka polocrosse display match from 1pm by the newly-formed Albany Polocrosse Club, which will feature a commentary on what’s involved in this fun family sport.
Local Mairi MacIver will be putting her pony through its paces in a display of harness driving, while young Waitoki rider Sarah Wilkinson will be performing a musical freestyle dressage display.
Sarah won the World Dressage Challenge in both 2004 and 2005. She was Auckland Advanced Dressage champion in 2005 and 2006, North Island Young Rider Advanced Dressage Champion in 2007 and 2008, Auckland Young Rider Champion in 2006 and 2007 - plus winner of numerous other titles over the past three or four years. She will be riding Greensdown Laredo, affectionately know as ‘Larry’.
There will be pony rides and miniature-drawn carriage rides all day, plus a Mounted Games competition.
Horse Expo will feature its usual array of trade and retail stands, displays by a wide variety of equestrian clubs and breed societies, and a number of practical equine demonstrations.
Those will include Release Body Therapy, Bowen Therapy, blacksmithing, horse measuring, Bioptron Light Therapy and hot shoeing.
This year, all paying visitors to Horse Expo go in the draw to win a woollen horse blanket worth $200. The winner will be announced at 4pm on the day.
The Expo will run from 10am to 4pm, and as with previous events a percentage of the gate take will be donated to nominated charity, Riding For the Disabled.
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Plans to bring road safety campaign to Helensville (April 1st, '08)
A controversial road safety campaign targeting young male drivers in Rodney, has won a silver advertising award in Australia - and it could be coming to a road near you.
The campaign saw a series of 10 billboards erected along Matakana Road in April 2007. The signs showed a male at different stages of his life, followed by the slogan ‘Don’t let your life flash before your eyes - slow down’.
Rodney District Council’s road safety co-ordinator, Jacqui Dawson, says the ‘Flash before your eyes’ campaign was effective at raising awareness about the consequences of speeding and had a positive impact on driving behaviour.
“There was a noticeable reduction in speed in that area while the billboards were up, and all the hype about them fuelled discussion about road safety, which is a good thing,” says Ms Dawson.
Now she is going through the process to gain permission to install the billboards in the Helensville area.
The billboards caused some concern when a few people questioned the safety of the signs, but Ms Dawson says all appropriate steps had been taken to ensure they were safe.
“We had the campaign assessed and approved by roading engineers, safety experts and town planners,” she says.
Saatchi & Saatchi, who provided the creative on a pro bono basis, received the silver award in the public service category at the ‘Award’ advertising show in Australia.
Saatchi’s Art Director, John Koay, says people from across the Asia Pacific attended the awards and applauded Rodney District Council’s brave new approach to road safety campaigning.
“Rodney District Council has been recognised as a bold organisation that operates outside the box, and has set new standards for other government institutions across Australasia,” says Mr. Koay.
The details of the campaign are being published internationally in books and advertising annuals.
Ms Dawson says the council will continue to explore new ways of getting the road safety message across to the community.
“We are not going to rest on our laurels. There are still far too many road accidents that could be prevented if people simply changed their behaviour – we will be working hard to remind them of this,” she says.
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600 turn up for first Children's Day Out (April 1st, '08)
The Helensville Women & Family Centre held its first Children's Day Out on Sunday, March 9 at the Helensville War Memorial Hall.
The event supported National Children's Day - Te Rā O Te Tamariki, which had the aim of promoting several key messages: giving time; praise and encouragement; listening and talking; love and affection; and new experiences.
An estimated 600 children aged from 0-12 years and their families participated in the day, and the free event included activities such as bouncy castles, Segways to ride, physical activities, entertainment and arts and crafts. The Womens Centre also held mini seminars which highlighted programmes and events which will be held throughout 2008.
The event also gave community groups an opportunity to tell families about the services they offer in the community. The various community organisations had lots for the children to do, such as finger and face painting, arts and free giveaways. There were playdoh activities, sausage sizzles and mini jumble sales outside in the carpark, where kids had fun running around with their friends.
The Helensville Women & Family Centre would like to thank sponsors the Lions Foundation, and also key contributors: HIPPY South Kaipara, Parent Aid, Men & Family Centre, YMCA, WDHB- Public Health Team Helensville, Girl Guides, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Tu Tangi Ora - South Kaipara Collective.
Thanks for the all fundraising groups and Child Care Centres for their support, and Wikiriwhi Ratima - Bouncy Castles, Arthur Brown - Segways, Duncan at Harbour Sport, Nick & the PACKS Team, Toy Library and the Lions Club of Helensville for helping set up and break down.
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Construction starts on major new commercial building (February 28th, '08)
Work has begun on one of the largest developments in Helensville in recent years.
It's a new 2100 sq.m commercial building in Mill Road, which when complete will feature four street-frontage units with nine warehouse-style industrial units behind.
The project at 69 Mill Road is costing between $3.5 million and $4 million, and is the result of four years of consultations and 3½ years of intense negotiations, says local property consultant Errol Bland, who is promoting the building and marketing it through Albany-based Maclennan Realty.
Completion is planned for August this year, with the finished units ranging in size from 86 sq.m. to 233 sq.m.
Foundation requirements for the construction have been massive. Sixteen metre piles, two metres apart, have been driven into the alluvial soil to reach the hard strata below. Noise from the pile driving reminded one local resident of the marine reclamation work for Kaitak Airport in Hong Kong many years ago!
Oversize concrete and steel footings above the piles are a metre deep and wide, and on these will be built the four street front units.
These will be in traditional style with retail on the ground floor, professional suites of offices upstairs, and 49 car parks in front. Behind, there will be nine tilt slab-construction warehouses for industrial use.
A drain that previously ran parallel to these units has been filled in to provide access and parking, together with additional car/truck parking at the end, for the industrial buildings,
It takes optimism and confidence in the future of Helensville and the South Kaipara area to venture a construction of this size, but the buildings will be a sound investment for prospective buyers says Errol, who has specialised in industrial and commercial business in Helensville and Parakai for seven years.
He can be contacted on 027 483 2586, or email .
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Hospital shuttle service starts (February 28th, '08)
A daily weekday shuttle bus service from Helensville to North Shore, Greenlane and Waitakere Hospital Clinics began late last month.
The service is on a three month trial, and is on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis.
Pick-ups are from the Helensville library foyer, and a van with a hoist is available for people in wheelchairs.
Children under five are free, while those over five years pay $10. Adults pay $10 return to North Shore Hospital, and $20 return to either Greenlane or Waitakere hospitals (connecting with other shuttles).
Bookings are essential for the new service, and patients should give their hospital (NHI) number when booking. Clinic appointments should be made after 9:30am and before 2pm, and the clinic should be told patients will be on the Rodney Shuttle Service. Passengers need to inform the co-ordinator if a support person will be travelling with them.
For bookings phone 0800 809 342; for more information phone 09 426 0918.
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Coastguard Kaipara sets up youth programme (February 28th, '08)
In a move to promote boat and water safety in the young, Coastguard Kaipara has launched Junior Coastguard for local children 8 years old and over.
With the younger “coasties”, the focus is on general boat knowledge and water safety, and they'll spend a large amount of time learning about the different parts of the boat, with instruction on safety gear, rope work, and what they should take when you go out.
Those 15 years and over will go through the same training as the regular Search and Rescue crew.
Coastguard Kaipara has long been aware of the benefits of such a programme in the community and are very excited about its launch and the chance to teach safe boating to the youth of the area.
Regular training will be held every Tuesday evening, and an introductory day will be arranged once registrations are complete.
Registrations are limited.
Contact Adam Butler for further information on 0275 995 228.
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Ambitious plans unveiled for major
Parakai Reserve redevelopment (January 30th, '08)
Big plans are afoot for the long-term development of Parakai Reserve.
The Parakai Springs Trust has released a detailed development proposal and plan which will revitalise the area. The plans include: Enlarging the current free public park area, and providing some recreation facilities, such as tennis courts.
- Relocating the existing camping ground to behind the pools and converting it to a campervan and caravan park with emphasis on tourist accommodation.
- Create two lakes as a landscape feature which will also enable the pools to better manage and cool the flow of hot water from the pools complex into the estuarine mangrove ecosystem.
- Construction of a small hotel providing resort and conference accommodation plus chalet-style accommodation around the lakes.
- Development of a Longevity Centre – a therapeutic spa based on the thermal springs.
- Extended car parking.
Other potential developments include a golf driving range and a mini golf course.
The Trust is holding a public meeting at the Aquatic Park Parakai Springs private venue at 4pm on Saturday, February 16 so the local community can be provided more detailed information and also provide the Trust with feedback.
At this stage no applications have been submitted to Rodney District Council as the plans - still at the concept stage - are expected to be further developed following community consultation.
Representatives from the council will attend the public meeting, and the development plans and model (shown at left) will be on display. They have also just gone on show at the council's Commercial Road service centre, where they will remain until the public meeting.
The Parakai Springs Trust has a long-term lease from the council on all the land making up the Parakai Reserve. It maintains the free public access park area and the camping ground, as well as owning and operating the pools complex.
The development plan states: “The Trust recognises that the thermal springs are a significant regional attraction and that the reserve land is an important resource for the local community. For that reason, consultation with the community, district interest groups and Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara, as representatives of the Ngati Whatua tribal area, has been given a priority by the Trust.”
The long-term development concept includes a substantial expansion and improvement to the free public access area by incorporating the portion of the reserve currently occupied by the camp ground, as well as providing extra amenities.
As well, there will be additional fee-paying facilities and activities proposed to provide the necessary commercial basis for the project.
The Trust emphasises that its policy of making the pools available at a discounted rate to Rodney residents and community groups will continue.
The Rodney residents VIP discount card, the Trust's relationship with Tu Tangi Ora health activities collective, ProCare Health Ltd's Green Prescription programme, Parakai Primary school and the Helensville Swimming Club will all be maintained.
The development of a twin lake landscape feature complete with chalet accommodation would be a major improvement to the currently unused and very rough area at the back of the pools site according to the Trust.
They say the more efficient and better use of the thermal springs is expected to benefit both the community and local businesses.
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Horse Expo back in April (January 30th, '08)
A photography competition is one of the new features at Horse Expo New Zealand, being held again at the Helensville Showgrounds on Saturday, April 5.
This will be the fourth time the expo has been held at Helensville, with previous shows in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The photography competition has just one subject - ‘Your Favourite Equestrian Shot’ and offers prize money in three age groups - under 12, 13-16 and 17+.
Entries close on Monday, March 31, and should be sent to Gaylene Ashton, Horse Expo NZ, PO Box 23, Helensville with name, address, phone and age group clearly marked. There is a maximum of 10 entries per person, maximum size of 17.5cm x 12.5cm, and all entries will be displayed on the day.
There are a raft of exciting new features at this year’s Horse Expo, which as with previous events will be raising money for the Riding For the Disabled charity.
Rarely seen in this area will be a full Clydesdale show, including both in-hand and working classes.
There will be a demonstration of hot new equestrian sport Le Trec, which tests the rider/horse partnership with a combination of trail riding, orienteering, natural obstacles, basic flatwork and jumping.
And Waikato rider Sarah Wilkinson will ride her horse Greendowns Laredo in a musical freestyle dressage display. In 2005 Sara, aged just 12, was among just seven kiwi youngsters chosen to compete at the World Dressage Challenge in Germany, where she finished eighth overall.
As with previous expos, a diverse range of equestrian clubs and breed societies will be on show, along with practical equine demonstrations plus both indoor and outdoor trade and retail stalls.
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Performing arts school opens (January 30th, '08)
The Helensville School of Performing Arts will open it doors to adult and student learners this month.
The school will initially offer music tuition after school hours and on weekends.
Participants will be able to enrol in individual or group instrument tuition, soloist and group performance skills, basic technology skill classes including live and recorded sound, computer assisted composition and adult singing for fun groups.
Instruments available for tuition are: modern keyboard, piano, ukulele, classical guitar, folk guitar, electric guitar, drums, electric and double bass - and of course voice.
The tutors include qualified music teachers, seasoned professional performers and advanced music students. Managers are Nick Roberts and Mike Trent.
One point of difference the school is offering is that participants will be able to create their own development programme. An example may be one-on-one tuition followed by group musicology/theory then finally a band factory workshop all in one evening. This approach will allow for less time travelling to attend lessons and the possibility of one night focused on learning rather than interrupting many.
For more information contact Nick Roberts on 021 420 784 or email .
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Medical Centre becomes teaching practice (January 30th, '08)
becomes a teaching practice this month.
Drs Adrian and Maryanne Gane have been very keen to support the current government expansion in the training of doctors to join rural practices. The Centre has now been approved by the Postgraduate, Rural General Practice Education Programme to start training this year by taking on registrars.
A registrar doctor is fully qualified, sometimes with years of experience in hospital.
The five-month placement with the Medical Centre is to enable the doctor to experience the varied cases that are part of rural practice. The registrar is supervised and mentored by the senior staff.
The placement forms part of their ongoing education, so that at the end of a year they will be ready to sit the exams for the first part of the specialist GP qualification.
When visiting the centre this year, patients may be asked if they would mind being seen by the registrar. He or she will have full access to the patient’s medical notes on the computer, and will always refer to the patient’s own GP or senior staff member if necessary.
Patients will not pressured into seeing them if they would prefer to visit their usual doctor.
Patients’ support will help the doctors and staff to promote rural medicine. This will hopefully encourage more doctors to consider taking up rural general practice, so there will always be doctors in town.
This is an important consideration because if new doctors cannot be persuaded to work in these areas, then someday locals may have travel many kilometres to see their GP.
The first registrar starts at the centre on February 25: Dr Rubina Rasheed will be with the practice until mid-July. She will then be replaced by Dr Donald Palmer, until the end of the year.
The change to becoming a teaching practice means there will be changes to the days that the existing doctors work, to allow best use of the available rooms. Patients should check with the surgery for details.
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