Whatever your passion is, getting together with others who share it is like having a shot of adrenaline. That’s how it was for us this past weekend at the Community Newspaper Association (NZCNA) Conference in Christchurch. We were invigorated to be with a group of people who are so professional and passionate about their independent papers serving their local community. We soaked in all we could at this, our second NZCNA conference, and after networking with our peers we returned home with plenty of exciting tricks up our sleeves. It was interesting to have Kris Faafoi, Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media give the opening address, and the audience asked him some perceptive questions; the consensus from the room was that if the government is serious about democracy and community building, then they must consider how they support community papers who play a major role in this. A serious problem for papers nationwide has been the reduction in government and local council advertising. These bodies have an army of PR staff and prefer to communicate only positive, good news stories about themselves via their own publications. Print worldwide has faced many challenges with a lot of advertising revenue moving to online platforms. The daily papers that were so dominant a couple of decades ago are fighting a rear-guard action against falling subscriber numbers. We have decided to do our bit and subscribe to the NZ Herald online. We appreciate their service and it takes money to provide that. What would Auckland be like without the Herald? If the government is serious about democracy and community building, then they must consider how they support community papers who play a major role in this It is looking like the news will increasingly be dominated by global brands like CNN and Fox - and hyper-local community papers. As the metropolitan daily papers continue to retrench it provides more scope for independent locals to flourish. As trusted community members, the free local papers are also a good choice for local businesses to advertise in. Papers like the Beacon are only possible because of advertising support. As that grows, we are able to run more pages and have increased space to publish more stories from your neighbourhood. We began our Beacon adventure three years ago with heaps of enthusiasm, some background in communications, but no actual experience in newspaper publishing. Coming late to the party and having so much to learn, it has been an exciting and worthwhile journey. Though we have been part of this community for decades, our involvement in the Beacon has provided a constant revelation to us of the many wonderful people there are in the area that are doing so many different things that enrich lives. Being part of the hub at the centre of all this is a lot of fun and a real privilege. You, our readers have always been encouraging and supportive which is really appreciated. Thank you so much! After our weekend away we feel inspired and excited for the future of community news, we can’t wait to get started on the August edition. Kerrie and John Subritzky
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Fun and flotillas on the WhauFlowing between New Lynn and the Te Atatu peninsular, the Whau River with a short overland connection, provides a portage across the Auckland isthmus. For iwi, this route traditionally provided a natural infrastructure of food, connection and economic production. In the colonial economy the river and portage played a crucial role in the urbanisation of Auckland, as both a transport route for food grown in the fertile land to the south, and as a source of clay. Along the riverbanks numerous brick and pipeworks produced an astonishing array of goods, all shipped along the waterway to the building sites of the inner city. Unfortunately, in the latter decades it was also used to drain away by-product materials from factories situated on the riverbanks resulting in heavy pollution. But thanks to the efforts of various groups like the Scouts, the Watercare Harbour Clean Up and Whau Catchment Trusts, the river is now regaining its health and becoming a more enjoyable place to play. For the New Lynn Scouts, this river, due to its sheltered nature, has been an important training ground since the early sixties: an ideal resource to take the younger members for their first experiences out on the water, right through to the older members, who will often go for a longer row then drop anchor to go for a swim. Thus, the Scouts have a vested interest in helping restore this important waterway back to its former glory. Every year for the past couple of decades, the New Lynn Sea Scouts have teamed up with the WHCUT and WRCT to help keep the Whau River clean. Over more recent years a Flotilla on the Whau event has also been run to encourage the community to celebrate this waterway. This year both activities were bought together on what ended up being a fine winters day following a week of wild weather up and down the country. The afternoon on the water started with the arrival of the Phil Warren 2 laden with rubbish picked up from the water earlier. This boat is named in honour of a former chairman of the past Auckland Regional Council, and is tasked with keeping the waters of the Waitemata Harbour free from floating rubbish. After unloading the vessel, a procession of boats; some rowing, others canoeing, paddle boarding or under sail, headed from Archibald Park up to the pontoon at the Westend Rowing Club where members from the Club hosted a BBQ lunch for all. As the tide turned, it was then time to head back down the river collecting more rubbish along the way. This was against the tide to get back to Archibald Park making it hard work for the rowers for the last few hundred metres as the tidal stream picked up, while the fickle wind made it a challenge for those under sail. At the end of the day, it was satisfying to fill another rubbish skip so full that it was overflowing, a great result for the health of the waterways. By Andrew Stevens Join us!The New Lynn Sea Scout Group caters for boys and girls aged 5 - 19 years. So if you want a slice of action on the water, or to go camping and explore the awesome adventure playground that we are blest with out West, then give Andrew a ring on 027 6939 756 or check out www.newlynn.seascouts.org.nz for more details. Love nature? You can help too!Do you love nature and the outdoors? Enjoy the camaraderie of teamwork? Want to make a real difference in your local environment by planting out native trees, weeding, and picking up litter around the Whau River catchment The Whau River Catchment Trust (WRCT) is the principle environmental umbrella organisation for our area. Currently their main focus is ecological restoration work on the Rosebank Peninsula, although they cover the whole of the Whau River area with a range of different projects. Operating in the Whau River area since 2000, successful examples their efforts can be seen many areas, such as the start of the Kurt Brehmer Walkway in Charann Place, Avondale. The WRCT puts in around 20,000 native plants every season (June – September) with the aid of corporate and community groups, and individual Friends of the Whau volunteers. The off season focuses on weeding and mulching the plantings, aiding their survival. The Trust is also focused on community education and engagement, running workshops and visiting schools and community groups. They are currently surveying the biodiversity in the catchment with a website and app called iNaturalist. It’s easy, educational and a good way to get all ages outdoors, hunting for the most obscure wildlife! If you are interested in any of the activities they have running in the Whau, get in touch using one of the ways below: ObituariesSt Dominic’s parish Blockhouse Bay are mourning the loss of three of its long-time stalwart members. These three ladies passed away within days of each other, in the span of a week. They were all very active in the groups they were involved with, and will be remembered with great fondness. Kathleen (Kath) Vickers |
The aim is to create a native wildlife corridor where native birds, flora and fauna can flourish |
Getting neighbours working together to help reduce predators along the stream is a vital part of achieving this goal.
Work on the project started late last year. Students researched rat trap designs and spent a day with EcoMatters’ Nature team, building traps using plywood cut by woodworkers at Paremoremo Prison.
“The students are learning and getting so much from being involved. There’s the environmental aspect, as well as being part of a community,” says teacher Sam Morrison.
Neighbours who live along the stream can get a rat trap for free, along with training in how to use it. All they have to do is check and clear their trap, and report how many rats are captured.
More traps are now being built so if you live along the Waitahurangi Stream and want to take part, email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz to register your interest. You can learn more about the Waitahurangi Wildlink here: www.ecomatters.org.nz/waitahurangi
Work on the project started late last year. Students researched rat trap designs and spent a day with EcoMatters’ Nature team, building traps using plywood cut by woodworkers at Paremoremo Prison.
“The students are learning and getting so much from being involved. There’s the environmental aspect, as well as being part of a community,” says teacher Sam Morrison.
Neighbours who live along the stream can get a rat trap for free, along with training in how to use it. All they have to do is check and clear their trap, and report how many rats are captured.
More traps are now being built so if you live along the Waitahurangi Stream and want to take part, email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz to register your interest. You can learn more about the Waitahurangi Wildlink here: www.ecomatters.org.nz/waitahurangi
Some people thrive on challenge. Even so, it takes a clear vision and plenty of courage to leave a secure job to go out on your own. Despite the pressures facing Blockhouse Bay local Prateek Malhotra the year he launched his business, he knew that the only way was forward.
Prateek and wife Sheetal had a young son. They had just bought their first home in June, and he was a month away from launching his business in August when they found out they were expecting again.
“I don’t know what I was thinking!” he laughs as he recalls those months in 2012. “18 months on one income!”
“Are you sure you don’t want another month?” says his boss at the ANZ, handing him a lifeline.
But there was never going to be a ‘perfect time’ and his mind was made up, so with the enthusiasm born of a long-held dream of being in business and several years of planning, Prateek began Everest Financial Services in August 2012. He chose the name because of the aspirational image Mt Everest conjures. It’s the epitome of challenge, aligning with his own determination to keep pushing to the next level.
Prateek and wife Sheetal had a young son. They had just bought their first home in June, and he was a month away from launching his business in August when they found out they were expecting again.
“I don’t know what I was thinking!” he laughs as he recalls those months in 2012. “18 months on one income!”
“Are you sure you don’t want another month?” says his boss at the ANZ, handing him a lifeline.
But there was never going to be a ‘perfect time’ and his mind was made up, so with the enthusiasm born of a long-held dream of being in business and several years of planning, Prateek began Everest Financial Services in August 2012. He chose the name because of the aspirational image Mt Everest conjures. It’s the epitome of challenge, aligning with his own determination to keep pushing to the next level.
Theres's never a 'right time' and the only way is forward
Prateek was no stranger to challenge. He left his home in Delhi as a 21-year-old with a BSc in Maths (Hons). His idea was to finish his MBA and go back to India, but the market was a bit slow. He worked in the BNZ for eight years, then the ANZ for another four, meanwhile studying part time at AUT.
In January 2005 he went back to India for a visit and came back married. Fortunately, he was given a couple of extra weeks off work for the occasion.
Their son was born in August 2009. Prateek finished his MBA in October and they took the baby to his graduation in December in a baby capsule.
The decision in 2012 to launch his business was a good one. Prateek worked from home for two years then as his business grew, he moved into premises in the Blockhouse Bay village. “I went in to get some business cards printed and Brom [Breetvelt] had a spare office going at the back of his premises, so I took it.” Five years later he now occupies a large office with its own street frontage, and is planning to take on a couple more brokers, preferably local people.
No-one from Prateek’s family had been in business or self-employed, and they couldn’t understand why he would want to do that. But he had always wanted to be in business on his own terms, and he’s happy with his decision which has provided him with freedom, choices, flexibility and time. He understands his customers’ needs, and gets tremendous satisfaction helping clients into their first home.
“Of course, there have been ups and downs; some years good and some not so much”, he says. “A lot depends on the economy, and banks changing lending policies and LVRs (loan to value ratios) affects business. But you just hang in there”.
“When I started out, my biggest fear was ‘how do I survive?’ My next was ‘how do I grow?’ But my biggest challenge is getting too comfortable”, he muses. “I constantly have to stay focused and remind myself what is important, especially my family – you don’t get the time back that you spend”.
In January 2005 he went back to India for a visit and came back married. Fortunately, he was given a couple of extra weeks off work for the occasion.
Their son was born in August 2009. Prateek finished his MBA in October and they took the baby to his graduation in December in a baby capsule.
The decision in 2012 to launch his business was a good one. Prateek worked from home for two years then as his business grew, he moved into premises in the Blockhouse Bay village. “I went in to get some business cards printed and Brom [Breetvelt] had a spare office going at the back of his premises, so I took it.” Five years later he now occupies a large office with its own street frontage, and is planning to take on a couple more brokers, preferably local people.
No-one from Prateek’s family had been in business or self-employed, and they couldn’t understand why he would want to do that. But he had always wanted to be in business on his own terms, and he’s happy with his decision which has provided him with freedom, choices, flexibility and time. He understands his customers’ needs, and gets tremendous satisfaction helping clients into their first home.
“Of course, there have been ups and downs; some years good and some not so much”, he says. “A lot depends on the economy, and banks changing lending policies and LVRs (loan to value ratios) affects business. But you just hang in there”.
“When I started out, my biggest fear was ‘how do I survive?’ My next was ‘how do I grow?’ But my biggest challenge is getting too comfortable”, he muses. “I constantly have to stay focused and remind myself what is important, especially my family – you don’t get the time back that you spend”.
Lynfield College is leaping for joy as students’ silent film, Overexposed, takes 1st place at the International Youth Silent Film Festival held in Portland, Oregon last week.
Directed by Harry Ashley (Lynfield College class of 2019), shot by cinematographer Raymond Feng (current Lynfield student) and starring Shamir Sarif (class of 2019), the film (Noir genre) beat out 24 other finalists from around the globe, including America, Australia, Canada, The United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand. Having won 2nd place at the IYSFF NZ regional awards last October in Tauranga, the film qualified for the Global Awards alongside another Lynfield College-produced film - and 1st place winner ATTACK! Of the Death Robot - which was directed by current Lynfield College student Joseph Hisayasu.
Directed by Harry Ashley (Lynfield College class of 2019), shot by cinematographer Raymond Feng (current Lynfield student) and starring Shamir Sarif (class of 2019), the film (Noir genre) beat out 24 other finalists from around the globe, including America, Australia, Canada, The United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand. Having won 2nd place at the IYSFF NZ regional awards last October in Tauranga, the film qualified for the Global Awards alongside another Lynfield College-produced film - and 1st place winner ATTACK! Of the Death Robot - which was directed by current Lynfield College student Joseph Hisayasu.
On behalf of Lynfield College, Joseph flew to Portland to represent both films. He participated in a week of activities specially organised for the young aspiring filmmakers. The week included a tour of Michael Curry’s studio and workshop - one of the best parts of the trip, according to Joseph. Curry is an American production designer who specialises in creating large scale props and special effects, and has worked on Broadway and with Disney.
Joseph also got to chat with Tom DeSanto, an American producer and screenwriter who worked on the X-Men and Transformer franchises, as well as being escorted around all of the activities by Jon ‘JP’ Palanuk, the President and founder of the International Youth Silent Film Festival.
The trip also included a trip to City Hall, a hike in the gorge and a ride on a float in the annual Rose Parade through downtown Portland. Joseph said about the trip “It was absolutely brilliant.”
Joseph also got to chat with Tom DeSanto, an American producer and screenwriter who worked on the X-Men and Transformer franchises, as well as being escorted around all of the activities by Jon ‘JP’ Palanuk, the President and founder of the International Youth Silent Film Festival.
The trip also included a trip to City Hall, a hike in the gorge and a ride on a float in the annual Rose Parade through downtown Portland. Joseph said about the trip “It was absolutely brilliant.”
Harry, you’re an absolute legend, mate. You’ve earned this more than anybody
- Joseph Hisayasu
The week culminated with the final event which was the screening and awards ceremony for the IYSFF of 2019. The Hollywood Theater, which features a Wurlitzer organ - played live by the composer of the film scores - was filled with participants from around the world, eagerly waiting for their films to be judged live by a panel of local celebrities and filmmakers. Joseph accepted the award on behalf of Harry and his team stating “Harry, you’re an absolute legend, mate. You’ve earned this more than anybody.”
Baycourt Community & Arts Centre in Tauranga who put on the IYSFF Regional NZ competition were thrilled at the result. Manager James Wilson said he is over the moon to see young Kiwi filmmakers succeeding on the global stage. “We have loved watching these young filmmakers flourish here at Baycourt during the New Zealand leg of the festival and it is fantastic to see Over-exposed do so well against such strong international competition”, he said.
“To win honours at the International Awards will be a boost to their confidence and ambition at this early stage of their filmmaking careers. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on these names because these are the Oscar winners of the future!
“On behalf of the IYSFF NZ Nationals team we want to offer a huge congratulations to Harry Ashley, Raymond Feng and Shamir Sarif on winning first place. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Baycourt at this year’s event to celebrate your win in style!”
Baycourt Community & Arts Centre in Tauranga who put on the IYSFF Regional NZ competition were thrilled at the result. Manager James Wilson said he is over the moon to see young Kiwi filmmakers succeeding on the global stage. “We have loved watching these young filmmakers flourish here at Baycourt during the New Zealand leg of the festival and it is fantastic to see Over-exposed do so well against such strong international competition”, he said.
“To win honours at the International Awards will be a boost to their confidence and ambition at this early stage of their filmmaking careers. I strongly recommend keeping an eye on these names because these are the Oscar winners of the future!
“On behalf of the IYSFF NZ Nationals team we want to offer a huge congratulations to Harry Ashley, Raymond Feng and Shamir Sarif on winning first place. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Baycourt at this year’s event to celebrate your win in style!”
27th July marks the 60th anniversary of Iona Scouts, which they will celebrate by hosting an open day at their den. They have been busy digging through old photos and memorabilia from storage, finding the process fascinating as they learn about their history – such things as how Iona Scouts started, where the group’s name came from, what activities were done in years gone by and a particular highlight was finding out about past fundraisers.
The Scout group, led by their founders the late Shirley and Bob Goddard, were passionate about raising funds to build the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. In honour of the work of they did, the Iona Scouts Den located in the basement of the Community Centre is named The Shirley and Bob Goddard Scout Hall.
The group have had some interesting fundraisers over the years, such as the “Chooky-Poo” fundraiser. According to Allan Goddard, Shirley and Bob’s son, this was a real winner for the group and ran for 18 years. It began in 1966, originally buying in and re-bagging bulk manufactured fertiliser into smaller 10lb bags to sell. They switched to selling fowl manure in the mid ‘70s when the manufactured fertiliser became uneconomic.
The Scout group, led by their founders the late Shirley and Bob Goddard, were passionate about raising funds to build the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. In honour of the work of they did, the Iona Scouts Den located in the basement of the Community Centre is named The Shirley and Bob Goddard Scout Hall.
The group have had some interesting fundraisers over the years, such as the “Chooky-Poo” fundraiser. According to Allan Goddard, Shirley and Bob’s son, this was a real winner for the group and ran for 18 years. It began in 1966, originally buying in and re-bagging bulk manufactured fertiliser into smaller 10lb bags to sell. They switched to selling fowl manure in the mid ‘70s when the manufactured fertiliser became uneconomic.
Other fundraisers around the same time were “Bobs for jobs” week, and their thrice-yearly bottle drive. In 1975 they ran a golf day, raising $631. A later bulk buy and rebag project was mandarins and oranges, sourced from Kerikeri.
The Scouts were also involved in various community fairs including running the white elephant stall at the Iona Church fair for many years, and one at the Blockhouse Bay Primary School.
The Scouts were also involved in various community fairs including running the white elephant stall at the Iona Church fair for many years, and one at the Blockhouse Bay Primary School.
Back to the present and times have changed, with a myriad of different opportunities available nowadays for groups to raise funds. Iona Scouts are the fortunate recipients of two new sewing machines thanks to the Trusts Million Dollar Mission.
And this month a new fundraiser is happening David from fotoman is holding a family photo shoot at the scout den, with a minimum of 10% of sales going to Iona Scouts (see details later on this page). Iona Scouts are keen to share their history, with lots photos and memorabilia on display at their open day showcasing how much things have changed over time. There will also be plenty of fun activities available for people to join in, to experience firsthand the type of things the group enjoys on a regular basis. A great opportunity for families who are curious about scouts to check out whether it’s something they would like to be involved in.
Times have definitely changed; however, some things remain constant such as the friendships, sense of adventure, and passion to learn, and these will continue into the future.
Times have definitely changed; however, some things remain constant such as the friendships, sense of adventure, and passion to learn, and these will continue into the future.
Family Photo Shoot Sunday 21st July Contact Raelene on 021 233 1260 or raeccc@gmail.com or Susanne on 021 911 448 or susanne.carter@xtra.co.nz |
In 1919 several famous people were born. Some of these included crooner Nat King Cole, the flamboyant Liberace, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, actor and rodeo star Slim Pickens, ballerina Margo Fonteyn, Argentina’s First Lady Evita Peron, and our own Edmund Hillary. All of these celebrities are now long gone.
However, Lynfield resident Mrs Martha Vir who was also born that year is very much looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday on July 10th, and most particularly receiving a letter from Queen Elizabeth II.
In honour of her friend‘s impending birthday, Mrs Pratima Nand put together a brief biography:
Martha was born into a farming family in Ba, Fiji Islands, and grew up in Rakiraki. At the age of 16, she married Samuel Vir and moved to her marital home in Navua, subsequently relocating to Tavua.
In 1944 they moved to Suva, eventually migrating to Auckland in 2001 to be with her children. Sadly, Martha lost her husband six months after moving to NZ. She has six surviving children (four daughters and two sons), 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Converting to Christianity in 1947 having been raised in a staunch Hindu background, Martha is well-versed in the Hindu and biblical scriptures. She has a strong faith and frequently is called upon by her family to pray for them when sitting for exams, going for job interviews or for anything else of significance. She starts each day by lighting a candle and uplifting her entire family in prayer.
In Fiji Martha was a dedicated member of the Methodist church in Toorak, Suva, assisting in many ways behind the scenes without seeking recognition. She used to gather all her children once a month to clean the church inside and out. Likewise, in Auckland she took pride in sweeping the outside of the Lynfield Community Church on late Saturday afternoon in preparation for the Sunday morning service.
Her compassion led her to open her doors to deserted children, single mothers, and victims of domestic violence. She also acted as a mediator to couples undergoing marital crisis.
However, Lynfield resident Mrs Martha Vir who was also born that year is very much looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday on July 10th, and most particularly receiving a letter from Queen Elizabeth II.
In honour of her friend‘s impending birthday, Mrs Pratima Nand put together a brief biography:
Martha was born into a farming family in Ba, Fiji Islands, and grew up in Rakiraki. At the age of 16, she married Samuel Vir and moved to her marital home in Navua, subsequently relocating to Tavua.
In 1944 they moved to Suva, eventually migrating to Auckland in 2001 to be with her children. Sadly, Martha lost her husband six months after moving to NZ. She has six surviving children (four daughters and two sons), 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Converting to Christianity in 1947 having been raised in a staunch Hindu background, Martha is well-versed in the Hindu and biblical scriptures. She has a strong faith and frequently is called upon by her family to pray for them when sitting for exams, going for job interviews or for anything else of significance. She starts each day by lighting a candle and uplifting her entire family in prayer.
In Fiji Martha was a dedicated member of the Methodist church in Toorak, Suva, assisting in many ways behind the scenes without seeking recognition. She used to gather all her children once a month to clean the church inside and out. Likewise, in Auckland she took pride in sweeping the outside of the Lynfield Community Church on late Saturday afternoon in preparation for the Sunday morning service.
Her compassion led her to open her doors to deserted children, single mothers, and victims of domestic violence. She also acted as a mediator to couples undergoing marital crisis.
I feel truly blessed and thankful to God for my life
Martha was fortunate to have travelled to India six times, leading tour groups. On her initial trip in 1959, she met the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and has since met some 45 Bollywood icons.
Despite some frailty nowadays, Martha enjoys a surprising independence in her own unit. She continues to do her own housekeeping, laundry and cooking, and insists on walking to her church for worship.
She has been known to entertain friends and family with stories from her youth; with a glint in her eye she narrates one of her favourites involving her task of driving the cows into the cow shed - the sight of her astride her horse inevitably dictating to the cows what to do.
Now with the luxury of time, Martha is able to enjoy some hobbies. Once a keen gardener whose green fingers magically nurtured blossoms to emerge, she now looks forward each year to the Ellerslie Flower Show. She also loves to cook, a life-long hobby and skill which has blessed her family, friends and the community. A favourite pastime is watching her Hindi serials, particularly Jhansi Ki Rani, which as of late has been irregular in its screening much to her annoyance.
It’s not surprising that as Martha approaches her 100th birthday many of her family and circle of friends are no longer around to help her celebrate this auspicious milestone. Despite the trauma of losing children, grandchildren and very close family members, she has shown amazing resilience, and this can be attributed to her strong faith. She feels truly blessed and thankful to God for her longevity.
And she is very much looking forward to that special letter from the Queen!
Despite some frailty nowadays, Martha enjoys a surprising independence in her own unit. She continues to do her own housekeeping, laundry and cooking, and insists on walking to her church for worship.
She has been known to entertain friends and family with stories from her youth; with a glint in her eye she narrates one of her favourites involving her task of driving the cows into the cow shed - the sight of her astride her horse inevitably dictating to the cows what to do.
Now with the luxury of time, Martha is able to enjoy some hobbies. Once a keen gardener whose green fingers magically nurtured blossoms to emerge, she now looks forward each year to the Ellerslie Flower Show. She also loves to cook, a life-long hobby and skill which has blessed her family, friends and the community. A favourite pastime is watching her Hindi serials, particularly Jhansi Ki Rani, which as of late has been irregular in its screening much to her annoyance.
It’s not surprising that as Martha approaches her 100th birthday many of her family and circle of friends are no longer around to help her celebrate this auspicious milestone. Despite the trauma of losing children, grandchildren and very close family members, she has shown amazing resilience, and this can be attributed to her strong faith. She feels truly blessed and thankful to God for her longevity.
And she is very much looking forward to that special letter from the Queen!
Do you love nature and the outdoors? Enjoy the camaraderie of teamwork? Want to make a real difference in your local environment by planting out native trees, weeding, and picking up litter around the Whau River catchment.
The Whau River Catchment Trust (WRCT) is the principle environmental umbrella organisation for our area. Currently their main focus is ecological restoration work on the Rosebank Peninsula, although they cover the whole of the Whau River area with a range of different projects. Operating in the Whau River area since 2000, successful examples their efforts can be seen many areas, such as the start of the Kurt Brehmer Walkway in Charann Place, Avondale.
The Whau River Catchment Trust (WRCT) is the principle environmental umbrella organisation for our area. Currently their main focus is ecological restoration work on the Rosebank Peninsula, although they cover the whole of the Whau River area with a range of different projects. Operating in the Whau River area since 2000, successful examples their efforts can be seen many areas, such as the start of the Kurt Brehmer Walkway in Charann Place, Avondale.
The WRCT puts in around 20,000 native plants every season (June – September) with the aid of corporate and community groups, and individual Friends of the Whau volunteers. The off season focuses on weeding and mulching the plantings, aiding their survival.
The Trust is also focused on community education and engagement, running workshops and visiting schools and community groups. They are currently surveying the biodiversity in the catchment with a website and app called iNaturalist. It’s easy, educational and a good way to get all ages outdoors, hunting for the most obscure wildlife!
If you are interested in any of the activities they have running in the Whau, get in touch using one of the ways below:
The Trust is also focused on community education and engagement, running workshops and visiting schools and community groups. They are currently surveying the biodiversity in the catchment with a website and app called iNaturalist. It’s easy, educational and a good way to get all ages outdoors, hunting for the most obscure wildlife!
If you are interested in any of the activities they have running in the Whau, get in touch using one of the ways below: