News and Views Dec 2009 - Final issue

8/9/2019 News and Views Dec 2009 - Final issue

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Official Newsletter of the Plimmerton Residents

Association Inc

December 2009

Issue No. 84


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CONTENTSPage

Join the PRA Have a Voice in your Community 2

Goodbye from our News & Views Editor 3

Your Residents Association Has Been Busy! 4$2m in Local Community Grants 8

Did You Know? Plimmerton Street Names 9

Whats Happening at Plimmerton Kindergarten? 12

Whats New at Plimmerton School? 13

Life at St Theresas 16

A Cops Lot Mana Community Police 16

PRA Committee Details 2009-2010 19

News & Views 22

From our Volunteer Fire Brigade 23

New Member/Subscription Renewal Form 24

The Advertisers in this issue of News & Views are loyal

supporters of your Residents Association

please support them!

JOIN THE PRA - HAVE A VOICE IN YOUR LOCAL

COMMUNITY!

It would be great if at least one representative from each household in Plimmerton was a

financial member of the Plimmerton Residents Association. Imagine the influence our local

voice could have in regard to the myriad of issues that arise every year if we had an increased

level of membership. You currently have a very committed group of volunteers who work very

hard in conjunction with the Porirua City Council to attempt to get the best possible outcomes tovarious local issues.

Why not show your support by becoming a financial member of the Association? You can join by

completing the form on the last page of this newsletter and sending it with your membership fee

by cheque to the PRA, P O Box 57-027, Mana or pay it directly into the PRA Bank Account. If you

choose the bank deposit option, please remember to email our Treasurer (details on Page 19)

with the details of your payment so we can record your membership.


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GOODBYE FROM OUR NEWS & VIEWS EDITOR

Since 2002, it has been my pleasure to produce the twice yearly News & Views. My husband

and I have recently sold our home in Camborne and have moved to the Kapiti Coast. Sadly,

therefore, this will be my last newsletter. It will be up to the Committee to decide whether they

will continue to produce it. However, if there is anyone out there who has the expertise and

would be interested in helping with this, please contact Colin Bleasdale or Carolyn Williams

(contact details on Page 19).I have enjoyed my time on the Committee of

the Plimmerton Residents Association and

have made some good friends. It is a wonderful

community and I strongly urge you, if you are

not already, to become a financial member of

the Association. You have a wonderful group of

people who work very hard on your behalf, at

times for little thanks. If you have some time to

spare, consider putting your name forward to

help the Committee with the myriad of projects

they are involved with.

During my time in Plimmerton, the face of the

Village has changed dramatically and many

other improvements have been introduced

throughout the area, including the recent

introduction of the monthly newsletter that a

number of residents have told us they think is

fantastic.

You are now entering another exciting stage

with many projects on the go to furtherenhance Plimmerton. I look forward to coming

back to visit from time to time and to see what

has been achieved.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish

everyone in Plimmerton a happy festive season.

Kind regards,

Diane Sprowell

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE

PLIMMERTON RESIDENTS

ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

WE WISH YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON WE

LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL AGAIN IN 2010


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Railway Station Refurbishment

This will start while the line is closed in January with the replacement of roofing iron and

guttering etc. PRA Committee Members, Alan Dodson and Dave Anderson, are project

managing the involvement of community volunteers at each stage of the project and working

with rail and local authorities to co-ordinate efforts. There will be lots of opportunities for

locals with skills of every sort to help once the actual interior fit out and painting get underway.

Murals in the Rail Underpass

Five stunning murals by local students were unveiled by our Mayor Jenny Brash in November

in the underpass. Plimmerton Kindergarten, Plimmerton Primary School, St Theresas

Primary School, Aotea College, and Bishop Viard College are all represented.

We thank Meryl and Ian Harwood for all their hard work in co-coordinating this project over

many months and we thank all the talented, hard working students and teachers. These

wonderful Plimmerton-themed works have brought sunshine into a dull part of our village.

Underpass Reed Patterned Fence...

That old concrete wall did not want to budge!

After a great effort it was finally lowered and the new fence put in place. This has brightened

up the area and improved visibility and safety. Thanks to Ian Barlow and the designers and

contractors for a great job.

Mediterranean colour scheme for shops

Our caf corner has been smartened up with a modern colour scheme. Thanks again to the

Village plan team.

Plunket

With generous help from Cherie at Scene@plimmerton, two initiatives are under way to help

Plunket. The CD Merry Christmas Baby is selling like hotcakes all the profits all go to our

local Plunket.

and weve started Welcome New Baby, where all new Plimmertonians will get a welcome

parcel thanks to all our skilled and generous knitters.

Village Plan National Award

The working relationship Porirua City Council has with villages in this area is unique and is

proving very beneficial to our community. In recognition of this they won the top national

prize for their Villages Programme. This was a massive achievement and we congratulate the

team especially our own Ian Barlow.


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We thank all the people we work with at PCC for their support and enthusiasm. We look

forward to working with the Council on many future projects and initiatives to complementthe work already completed in Plimmerton.

Whats New in Plimmerton

Our monthly newsletter continues to bring people in our community together by keeping

people involved and informed about what is happening here, and to make Plimmerton a

happier and safer place to enjoy.

You and your family are welcome to join in with the many projects underway inPlimmerton. Your membership fee of $15 a year per family helps us to with

many of these initiatives.

Join us and support your [email protected]

Support your community its the best!


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$2 MILLION IN LOCAL COMMUNITY GRANTS!

Contributed by Cr Tim Sheppard

Do you know of the Porirua Community Trust, Trust Porirua and the Mana Community Grants

Foundation?

As well as being one of your ward councillors I serve our community as a trustee on these three

trusts which support most generously hundreds of local worthy causes. Heres a little

background on them.

Porirua Community Trust, formerly the Porirua Licensing Trust, is now essentially a shell

organization which allows for the public election of trustees at the same time as council

elections. Trustees elected to the PCT are then also appointed to its two related trusts: Trust

Porirua and Mana Community Grants Foundation.

Trust Porirua (Chair: Sue Dow) has about $6 million of diversified investments, including local

property. Our newly established strategic goal is to distribute 30% of the Trusts net annual

surplus for important community purposes. For example the Trust recently provided a grant of

$100,000 to assist with the development of the new Performing Arts Centre at Whitireia and

introduced a Tertiary Scholarship Scheme offering each of the five local colleges one scholarship

annually of $3,000 per annum for up to three years.

Mana Community Grants Foundation (Chair: John Burke) is a charitable trust which gives out

grants to many hundreds of our local community groups. We will distribute about $2 million this

year with funds generated from gaming machines that the Foundation is licensed to operate in

five venues.

Beneficiary groups range from sports and recreation to cultural and educational. We support

almost all local sports clubs, including codes ranging from archery and athletics through tovolleyball and yachting. Music, fine arts, pottery and theatre are all helped. People of all ages

benefit too, with our grants going to pregnancy help and crches through to daycare for the

elderly and a hospice. Schools and preschools are given money for library books, sound systems,

playground equipment etc. Scouts and Guides are helped, as are the Red Cross and RSA. Our

society at large is protected by our contributions to the Coastguard, Life Flight and Search &

Rescue.

Most grants are four-figure sums but we do have a few key organizations in our community

which receive larger annual amounts. Recently we have been contributing $500,000 a year

towards the capital

cost of the new TeRauparaha Arena

and from 2012 this

amount will be paid

towards the

planned new Arts

Centre.

So many of our citys amenities and assets thrive on these charitable grants!


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Steyne Avenue - Probably named by John Plimmer after The Steyne (pronounced Steen) which

was the social centre of Regency Brighton on England's south coast.

Sunset Parade - Self-explanatory.

Taupo Crescent - Named after Taupo pa (subsequently a Maori land block).

View of Taupo Kainga from the Taua Tapu

(Pukerua) Track

Image: Pataka Museum Collection

The Track - This was probably part of Pukerua

Track (also known as Troups Track) which ran

from Paremata Bridge to Pukerua Beach. It was

originally only a bridle track, made before

Paekakariki Hill Road and the railway were

formed.

Toup's Road - George Troup was Mayor of Wellington

and NZ Railways architect. He designed Dunedin'sRailway Station and was subsequently nicknamed

Gingerbread George. He designed and had a stone

house built for himself in Motuhara Road and also

designed Somme House in Karehana Bay for his brother-

in-law Charles Moore. Troup was eventually knighted.

Pictured Right: Somme House

Ulric Street - named after Sir Clifford Ulric Plimmer (1905-1988), chair of Wright Stephenson &

Co and friend and colleague of Jack Tse who developed the Plimmerton estate. Plimmer

developed the pastoral company Wright Stephenson and Co and held many outside

directorships. Article reproduced courtesy of Porirua City Council www.pcc.govt.nz


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WHATS HAPPENING AT PLIMMERTON KINDERGARTEN

A big THANK YOU from Plimmerton Kindergartento all the local businesses and individuals who have

supported us through 2009.

The Mid Winter Dip was a sensational success due to kind weather conditions and undying

support from the community.

As a result our 'pot of gold' has grown enough to commence

our renovations scheduled for summer break. Our current

fundraiser are frozen croissants (great for Christmas morning) and

freshly made pizzas.

Please contact the Kindy on 233 1027 or by email at

[email protected]

if you would like to purchase some.

Plimmerton has got to be the best place to raise

our children!"

Contributed by Nicky Duncan, Chairperson

Plimmerton Kindergarten Committee

Pictured: The childrens artwork to be hung in the subway


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WHATS NEW AT PLIMMERTON SCHOOL

Another very successful school year is drawing to a close and things

tend to wind-up rather than winding-down at the end of a school year.

Teachers are presently completing end of year assessments and writing

end of year reports. They are also preparing for the gala, water awareness programmes, end of

year concerts, final assemblies as well as readying classes and resources for 2010.

Effective delivery of the New

Zealand Curriculum with a

focus on literacy and numeracy

has continued to be at the

heart of the school's teaching

function. The school's

Integrated Curriculum Plan and

the NZ Curriculum Key

Competencies are the drivers

for planning programmes ofwork.

Provision of additional

interesting and challenging

learning opportunities

continues to be a feature of

school programmes. Cultural

programmes, E.O.T.C. and

visitors to the school were

some of the vehicles for

delivery of additional

programmes. An outstandingJunior Production was

presented in the school hall at

the end of Term 3.

Educational visits and outdoor experiences were available at all areas of the school and students

in Years 3-8 participated in class/syndicate camps during Term 1

Other highlights for the year included:

A programme of school and inter-school sports and sports coaching A school-wide "buddy" programme and each term full school interaction days Participation in environmental activities Swimming programmes and Syndicate Swimming Sports Language Programme for Year 7/8 students Gifted and Talented/Thinking Skills Programmes Choirs and bands at all levels of the school Te Reo and Taha Maori programmes Participation in the Australasian English, Science and Mathematics competitions.


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Plimmerton School has continued to grow throughout the year and the school will end the year

with 467 students in 21 classes. The increasing roll along with the introduction of reduced

pupil:teacher ratios placed additional strain on available teaching spaces and the Board of

Trustees undertook to construct a new classroom block in the field area known as The Bay

earlier in the year. This new modern facility was opened in July in time for the start for the third

term and has proven to be an invaluable addition.

Projections for 2010 show the roll continuing to increase to a maximum of 492 students by the

end of next year and this will create demand for yet another classroom. The Board of Trustees is

presently negotiating with the Ministry of Education to this end.

The teaching staff is

very stable looking

forward to 2010 with

no teachers known to

be leaving at this

stage and the

recruitment of an

additional teacher

completed.

I salute the students

for their work

throughout the year

and thank parents

and the community

for the fantastic

support we receive.

We look forward

another outstanding

year in 2010.

Maurice Laird,

Principal


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Russell Wm

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Woldxcel adPowelpoilWoldxcel adPowelpoilWoldxcel adPowelpoilWoldxcel adPowelpoil

Plimmerton Motors Ltd194 Main Road, Plimmerton

Locally owned and serving the

community for over 40 years MTA Member LTNZ Approved WOFs Warranty Servicing

All mechanical repairs on petrol and light diesel vehicles

Lubes and Servicing

FOR YOURFOR YOURFOR YOURFOR YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAYSUMMER HOLIDAYSUMMER HOLIDAYSUMMER HOLIDAY MOTORINGMOTORINGMOTORINGMOTORING

BOOK YOUR VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY CHECKBOOK YOUR VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY CHECKBOOK YOUR VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY CHECKBOOK YOUR VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY CHECK

Manager: Ian Capewell

Telephone: (04) 233-8036Facsimile: (04) 233-8082

[email protected]

Thank you for your continuing support


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Work: 233-8361 Home: 233-9777 Email:[email protected]

LIFE AT ST THERESAS

St Theresas School inPlimmerton has been very

busy as we are fast

approaching the end of the school year!

At the end of Term 3, the school held their biennial

musical production, involving every child, teacher

and most of our parents who supported with

sewing, costuming, and generally helping out. The

musical was entitled Showtime at Sea and

celebrated life in and around the water and the beach a very appropriate theme for this area!

In November the whole school visited Hongoeka

Marae for a day, something we have done for several

years now. The children were welcomed onto the

marae and after the formalities, entertained with their

songs, a haka and a variety of waiata, including a poi

song. The weather was glorious and while the seniors

remained at the Marae for the day, the juniors took

the opportunity to walk back to school via several

Plimmerton landmarks and playgrounds! They had a

wonderful time.

One of our classroom teachers Pauline MacLean

has been working with children to develop a

mosaic mural. This has been a huge task that has

involved working with several children every

lunchtime for many weeks. The mural will be

hang in the rail underpass in Plimmerton and will

be officially unveiled on 28th November 2009.

Contributed by Zita Smith, Principal

A COPS LOT

MANA COMMUNITY POLICE

Local Policing Office


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Firstly, a reminder to all about our local Community Policing Office which is located behind Monteiths Bar

on Mana Esplanade. Staffed during business hours by local volunteers, this is your port of call for non-

emergency enquiries. Neighbourhood Support Groups are arranged through this office too. Either stop

by while the Office is open or contact us on (04) 233 9780.

Liquor and Beaches

As we move towards summer, this is a timely reminder that the beaches in and around the Plimmerton

area are covered by a permanent liquor-ban bylaw governed by the Porirua City Council. It is illegal to

possess or drink liquor on our beaches from 5.00pm -7.00am daily. The purpose of the law is to minimisealcohol related crime at these places and to improve safety around water. In the instance that Police are

required to attend a report of poor behaviour, this bylaw allows them to take action to prevent further

problems.

Pedestrian Crossings / Speed Humps

What are the basic rules surrounding these traffic control measures? I have received several queries

recently and there have been some law changes.

An official pedestrian crossing has white stripes running across the road. A new law has recently been

created stipulating that motorists must give way to pedestrian who wishes to use a crossing.

If there is no raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on anypart of the crossing. If there is a raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to

pedestrians on your half of the road. So called "courtesy crossings" provide a place for motorists to allow

pedestrians to cross and are also used to slow the flow of traffic. Motorists are not obliged to stop for

pedestrians, so it is the responsibility of the pedestrian to decide when it is safe to cross. Courtesy

crossings lack the white stripes that identify a crossing as an official pedestrian crossing. These crossings

are currently in place in the Porirua area including the city centre and Steyne Avenue.

Neighbourhood Support Groups

Neighbourhood Support Groups (NSG) have been well established over the years. Some streets have one

or more groups, while others need new people. Perhaps there is already a group in your street, but if

not, would you like to form your own? The NSG is all about getting to know your neighbours and

looking out for one another. As an example - If you are going to be away, ask your neighbour to keep aneye on your property. Ask them if they could clear your letter box as if it is obvious that mail is not being

cleared, it is an indication to a potential burglar that nobody is home.

You could also perhaps ask your neighbour to park a car in your driveway in the evening, which would

look as if there is someone at home.

Neighbourhood Support Groups also involves young ones. If there is anything happening in the street

which does not look right to you, do not hesitate, call the Police.

If someone is on your neighbours property and they look suspicious, call the Police. Graffiti and letter box

damage or suspicious vehicles in your street, are reasons to be vigilant and report it to the Police. Help

keep your area safe. To find out more about NSG, contact the Mana Community Policing Base. The Mana

Coordinator is Cheryl Hood.

Crimestoppers Hotline Launched

This is the stated mission of the new Crimestoppers hotline.

"To provide the community with additional legal means to fight crime in their community in order to create and

maintain a safe and secure environment for that community."

Following success in the US and UK, this service has been established in NZ as a result of theft of Victoria

Crosses from Army Museum. Anonymous information received assisted with the return of the stolen


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property and its value was acknowledged. Sometimes, for whatever reason, people feel that they are not

in the position to directly contact Police. If you wish to make a tip-off either visit www.crimestoppers-

nz.org or call 0800 555 111.Constable Jonathan Westrupp - Mana Community Constable


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PRA COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2009-2010

Name Address Telephone Email address

Dave Anderson 55 Cluny Road 233-1659 [email protected]

Roger Beckett 27 The Track 233-1655 [email protected]

Colin Bleasdale, Chairperson 35 Gordon Road 233-8803 [email protected]

Barry Cook 79 St Andrews Road 233-1129 [email protected]

Alan Dodson 33 Cluny Road 233-1087 [email protected]

Kevin Millard, Secretary 34 Ogilvy Terrace 233-1680 [email protected]

Pip Piper 22A Steyne Avenue 233-8591 [email protected]

Alistair Robb 3 Reserve Road 233-9666 [email protected]

David Sperry, Treasurer 60 Cluny Road 233-1652 [email protected]

Lyndon Underhill 32 Moana Road 233-8005 [email protected]

Sandra Werner,Email Database Secretary

60 Cluny Road 233-1652 [email protected]

Carolyn Williams 22 Beach Road 233-6385 [email protected]


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NEWS & VIEWS

Again, we hope you have enjoyed this issue of News & Views.Welcome if you are a new resident to the area.

Please feel free to contact any one of our Committee members if

you want information about the local Plimmerton Community.

Better still, consider coming along to our meetings. Ring one of

our Committee Members (Page 19) for details. You will find out

about the local issues that are currently concerning our

community and have the opportunity to make new friends.


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News

from ourVolunteer

Fire

Brigade

2009 has been a special year. Following on from our 75th

Jubilee celebrations at Easter, we were able to recognise arare milestone by celebrating and thanking Station Officer

Anton Sutorius for 50 years service with the Plimmerton

and Porirua Fire Brigade's. Anton was presented with only

the 66th fifty year service medal ever awarded at a ceremony held at Plimmerton Boating Club in

July.

Following in the theme of service, in early October, Plimmerton, Porirua, and Titahi Bay

Volunteer Fire Brigade's were collectively recognised for serving the community by receiving the

supreme award at the Porirua City Community Awards sponsored by Wellington Airport and the

NZ Community Trust. We were thrilled to be acknowledged by the city amongst many equally

worthy community organisations.

Recently, we attended a local house fire that started in a pot of fat left unattended on the stove.

The occupant had left the room to answer the telephone when the fat ignited. Despite efforts to

cover the fire with a wet tea towel, the fire took hold and occupant called 111 and evacuated the

house. Fortunately no injuries occurred but many possessions were lost to smoke damage. The

Fire Safety message is to always keep looking while you're cooking.

As we move into summer, now is a good time to have gas bottles

and BBQ hoses checked to prevent leaks, and if you're thinking about

going to the beach, remember that Council Permits are required for

open fires - it only takes one spark to ignite nearby bushes and our

coastline reserves need to be protected for all to enjoy.

On a last note, please drive safely and if an emergency vehicle

approaches, you can help by indicating and giving way early.

Carl Mills Chief Fire Officer


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News and Views Dec 2009 - Final issue