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Community Contact is compiled from the contributions of the people of South Westland. Articles, items, news, recipes, stories, etc. from everyone are most welcome. All personal opinions should be signed and publication is at the discretion of the Community Contact team. The views expressed in Community Contact are not necessarily the views of the CC board. Send your articles or adverts to your contact or e-mail to weegerm@hotmail.de by 15TH January to be included in the February issue.

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DECEMBER 2014 & January 2015

lizhawker@farmside.co.nz

Don’t Take a Pom Whitebaiting

I am a Kiwi hunting guide,

Shooting and fishing too,

I’ve guided tons of blokes around,

From way across the blue,

I even take them whitebaiting,

Cos that’s in my line of work,

But I’ve just met a champion,

A champion, “Pommy Burk”.

With receding chin and monocle,

He’s a funny looking bird,

He says “By Joves” and “What ho there”,

“I’m Elworthy—the third”.

“I wish to catch some whitebait”.

I ask “yer gotta net”.

He says “No, I’ve only tried the rod,

But I haven’t caught one yet.”

Well, yer know, yer gotta meet one.

So I sort him out some gear,

I take him to a “possie”,

And say “You’re sure to get em ere”.

I show him what to look for,

I show him how to do it,

He says “By joves, that just top hole, I

say,

There’s nothing in it.”

Well! He nets near twenty pounds,

And I help him lift it in.

I show him how to slip the knot,

And tip em in the bin.

Elworthy the third just looks at ‘em,

And as true as my name’s Jack,

He says “By Joves: they’re all too small”.

And chucks the buggers back.

Origin Unknown

With kind thanks to Fay Eggeling for her generous donation

Thank you

Natalia Yates for

all your hard

work for

Community

Contact this year!

Community Contact needs a

new contact person for Franz

Josef! It doesn’t have to be the

CDO. Please contact the

compiler if you’re interested.

Community Contact wishes

everyone safe holidays, a very

happy Christmas and a

wonderful New Year!

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Fox Glacier DECEMBER & JANUARY

FOX GLACIER NEWS

As the official start of Summer rolls up, we are instead bracing ourselves against mid winter

weather of winds blowing straight from the pole, heavy rain laced with hail and that always pretty

snow well below the tree line. Good ol spring weather!

First up Thanks so much to everyone who organised, helped out at, and supported this

year’s bonfire and fireworks gala held at the fire station at the start of November. About $3,500.00

was raised for the school, as well as a great night had, of games, good food and a pretty cool

fireworks display. And of course it was a beautiful fine evening!

So thanks again to all of you who took the time to come out and enjoy the evening and appreciate the time and effort put in

by a whole lot of people to make it all happen.

GOODBYE TO CHRIS, BECS AND ZAHYLA

I know this is slightly old news but none the less important. Back at the start of November we waved goodbye to a couple of

our long time residents as Chris and Rebecca (Becs) and Zahlya left Fox, and headed north to Whangarei.

Becs arrived here in Fox way back in 2000 to be a “Doris” for Alpine Guides and Chris not long after, working in hospitality.

They met here, partied here and between the two of them were a big part of our Fox community. Among other things, Chris

served as a volunteer fireman, with Becs doing a huge amount of work with the fundraising team for the community centre.

They will both be missed and hopefully Whangarei will appreciate what they have gained in now having the Jones/Morgan’s

as part of their community! Best of luck in your next adventure.

SCHOOL NEWS

This past month has been a busy time for the school with Pet day kicking it all off, followed closely by the

Gala evening, then the following week saw the junior class head off to Wanaka for their school camp. Coming up at the end

of the month (27th &28th Nov) is “tournament” held in Hari Hari , followed the week after(2nd -5thth Dec) by Year 7 and 8

heading off to Christchurch for their “city visit” camp.

Then before we know it, it’s the end of the school year with an evening on Tuesday 16th Dec to wrap up the year and

farewell some of our students and catch up with Santa. This is followed by the final school day on Wednesday, to pack up

and get set for a much deserved Christmas break.

Well, till next time...BRING ON SUMMER!!!!

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Bruce Bay DECEMBER & JANUARY

The Bruce Bay Sports Day Committee would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors

of this year’s Sports Day and Ball:

4 Square Franz Josef

58 On Cron

Across Country Quad Bikes

Alpine Adventures

ANZ

Aspects Salon and Day Spa

Asure Brookvale Motel Wanaka

BedsRus Hokitika

Bidvest

Carrol & Mike Browne

Cheekys

Coffee & Equipment

Cooks Saddle Café & Saloon

Dean Caldwell Ltd

Electronet

Ellerys Hokitika

Eunice Sullivan

Farmlands Whataroa

Fern Grove Souvenirs

Fish and Cruise Wanaka

Flagstaff Earthmoving Ltd

Fox Glacier Motors

Fox Store

Fulton Hogan

Glacier Country Kayaks

Glacier Hot Pools

Glenfern Villas

Glynis Condon

Grey Valley Courier

Griffen & Smith Mitre 10

Hann Construction

Helicopter Line

John Pfeifer Panelbeating

Johnston Motors Haast

Keywest Computers

Lakeland Adventures

Maggie Williams

McMullan Timber ITM

Mt Cook View Motels

New World Hokitika

Pine Grove Motels

Rentons Hokitika

Russell & Lorene Allison

Sicon Fergusons

South Westland Horse Treks

South Westland Salmon

Sportsworld Hokitika

Take Note Hokitika

Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio

The Jade Factory

The Landing

Waimea Estates

Waitoto River Safari

West Coast Scrap & Steel Ltd

Westland Dairy Sheds Ltd

Westland Greenstone Ltd

Westland Pharmacy

Wild Outdoorsman

Bruce Bay Sports

Whitebait Raffle Results:

1st 8kgs K Mahuika

2nd 4kg Paul Cowan 7627 685

3rd 2kg Mark Beynon 139AMorgans Rd Timaru 027 246 9093

4th 1kg Barbara Jebson 7 Stanwood Grove Darfield 317 9006

5th 1kg Ross Birchfield

6th 1kg Jo Clarke Fox Store

Other Raffle Results:

Boys 22 Bev & Scott Southby

Girls 12 Keiah Alexander

Childrens 16 Jamie Marshall

Xmas 70 Lorraine Molloy

Lamb 74 S Tozer

Franz package 47 Mata Holliday

Ladies 25 May Cain

Mens 44 Bev & Terry

Franz Romantic

Package 14 Kent Martin

Wanaka package Mike Haan

Grocery hamper 37 Reece c/- J McLaren

We would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors and support-ers to help make our day a success.

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Haast DECEMBER & JANUARY

Long held Okuru property

To be sold by Tender

Several large native bush blocks will be offered for sale by tender

which opens in early December and closes on February 4, 2015.

The freehold land covers a total area of 264 hectares in five

blocks which are located near the coast between the Okuru,

Turnbull and Hapuka rivers some 15km south of Haast.

Most of the property has had only two owners in the last 125

years. The holding is the last remnant of West Coast land

originally held by Norman and Arthur Wallis timber merchants of

Greymouth. The two brothers operated timber mills for nearly fifty

years throughout the West Coast from Inangahua Landing in the

north to Whataroa in the south. The land for tender was among

the last areas to be milled.

Its first owner was Joseph Cuttance, a local farmer who was also

Okuru’s resident postmaster and harbourmaster. In the 1880s,

he was successful in a government land settlement ballot and

held the land as part of a bush grazing property.

In 1924, Norman Wallis travelled to Okuru from Greymouth. He

had his supplies replenished by Mick Sullivan who farmed near

the Fox Glacier and then rode on horseback via the Haast-

Paringa cattle track to inspect and eventually purchase the

property.

One outstanding feature was the large quality of mature

Kahikatea and reaching nearly 55 metres in height. NZ’s tallest

surviving native trees are Kahikatea, with one measuring over 65

metres. The property also had harvestable stands of mature rimu

as well as many other native species including Miro, Silver and

Pink Pine, Southern Rata and Kowhai.

In 1938 some of the land near the Turnbull river was subdivided

and sold to Joseph Harris and has since been grazed in the

intervening years by Kerry Eggeling and now Kim Landreth from

Wanaka

Early on the Wallis brothers selected large white pine (kahikatea)

trees more than a meter in diameter as peeler logs which were

cut and shipped from the Jackson Bay wharf for the Sydney firm

of Dixon Primer. Later the Buchanan family took up Silver Pine

cutting rights over the property for a period.

The opening of the Haast Pass 50 years ago, and the

establishment of a large mill by Carter Merchants Ltd allowed for

more intensive logging of the property in the 1960s.It is estimated

that by 1969 more than 20,000 cubic metres of Kahikatea and

over 5000 cubic metres of Rimu were processed through the mill

at Hannah’s Clearing.

In the past forty five years the native bush has quickly

regenerated with mature, semi mature and juvenile Kahikatea

and Rimu throughout the property. The bush attracts flourishing

native birdlife, native fish are present and deer are seen feeding

at times. The bush blocks are located in two parcels; one on the

Haast-Jackson Bay Road (56 hectares) and the other on the

South Turnbull Road (208 hectares).

Tenders (no offers accepted prior) close for the five blocks

at 4pm Wednesday Feb 4, 2015 at 17 Helwick St, Wanaka.

Contact Sue Grant 021 443 906 or Callum Grant 021 244 9047

@ Harcourts Wanaka

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Franz Josef DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Franz Josef DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Whataroa DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Okarito DECEMBER & JANUARY Out & About in Okarito

Okarito has a change in the air with people moving in and out – and in the nature of the village this is the way it has always been. From the heydays of the gold rush in 1865 where the town was the hub of the West Coast to the days in the 1960’s when the local papers declared Okarito would cease to exist (when the last pub burnt down!), and it was close, with a population then of just four.

But just like the continual ebb and flows of the tides so do people come and go. As we watch new homes going up and older ones exchanging owners, we also bid a very fond farewell to faces familiar to us all – Richard, Edwina, Monty (and of course Flynn the dog).

After 14 years renting kayaks at Okarito Nature Tours, they are headed south to the Cromwell area – Monty is off to school there and Richard and Edwina to a change of pace inland! We wish them all the very best in their exciting new adventures and know that they will be very much missed about the village by all. We look forward to their visits back to the coast and trust they will come accompanied with the occasional peach or two!

Okarito Nature Tours will carry on with business as usual with newcomers Bas and Gemma who have taken on the business with a 5 year lease and will be renting kayaks and whipping up that fabulous coffee (under the watchful eye of pro barista Mel who is back on board).

Mark this one on your calendar, grab your tramping boots or your mountain bike, your great sense of bush navigation and maps of old you’ve had tucked away and bring them along to the Great Route Finding Meet at Okarito on Sunday, Dec 7th.

The South Westland Wilderness Cycle Trail Project is looking for bush savvy volunteers to help with route planning from Franz Josef to Okarito and Okarito to Whataroa. Come along and find out what the buzz is all about and help us plan the next great adventure on the coast! See the poster in this issue for more info or contact Paula on 753 4223.

And further along in the New Year, Okarito Boat Tours is once again partnering up with Department of Conservation to bring you a day of celebration with World Wetlands Day.

Make a note for Sunday, Feb 02nd – there is an international photo competition for the event for photos taken from a Wetlands area and we will have a great new fun event to add to the “Locals go Free” boat trips. Watch local posterboards for more info!

We hope you all have lots of family and friends coming around this holiday season and we look forward to some beautiful summer weather to celebrate in! Enjoy and we look forward to seeing you out and about in Okarito!

For more on what’s happening in Okarito visit our facebook pages at www.facebook.com/VisitOkarito and www.facebook.com/donovansstore and www.okarito.net

Whataroa DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Inland Revenue

Inland Revenue will be resuming monthly

visits to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier in

the summer on the following dates:

Franz Josef : 7th Oct, 4rd Nov, 2nd Dec,

6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar, 7th April, St Johns

Rooms

Fox Glacier: 20th Oct, 18th Nov, 15th Dec,

20th Jan, 17th Feb, 17th March, 21st April,

Fire Station

Appointments can be made by ringing Juliette

on 03 906 0317 or Tina on 03 906 0307.

GLACIER

CONCRETE

For all your concrete

needs in Westland

Call Tim Gibb on 0211584043 to

discuss your requirements.

Driveways, dairy sheds, lime bins,

foundations, pole sheds, animals

shelters, standoff areas, farm race

ways etc.

Now might be the time to add a concrete

patio or pathway.

Glacier Contracting can also provide

gravel , sand, large stones for soak holes

etc and can do your site preparation

work. Call Tim for a free no

obligation quote. Email

glacierenterprises@xtra.co.nz

For all your electrical

and heat pump needs.

Servicing of heat pumps

Freeview TV

Installing heat pumps

General electrical work

Fujitsu accredited Installer

DAVE DELORE

027 291 6699

Email: david_delore@hotmail.co.nz

Licensed Building Practitioner

New Homes, Additions, Renovations,

Concrete Work, Gib Stopping, Tiling

and Finishing Work a Specialty

Phone: 751 0170 Cell: 0272 751017

Email: deancaldwell@getrheel.co.nz

*Need a painter?

*Need a Gib Stopper?

Kevin Hansen Painters

Whataroa 0275 753405

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Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

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Ross DECEMBER & JANUARY

Permanent &

Casual

Commercial &

Household

HARI HARI TO

FOX GLACIER

(03) 753 4151

South

Westland

Rubbish

Ross Ramblings

Any readers who felt a strange sense of deja vu last month were quite correct. A regrettable administrative lapse on the part of this correspondent meant that Ross Ramblings was sent in from an entire year ago. If you didn't notice anything amiss, then perhaps that goes to show how slowly things change!

However 150 years ago times were changing on the West Coast, and much shifted in the space of a year. In April 1864, the Lyttleton Times suggested that enough lives had been lost in the exploration of a 'very rough and dangerous coast', and that though the West Coast may be suitable for a penal colony, it was otherwise unlikely to attract settlers for many years to come. In August the paper suggested that if a West Coast gold field was to be forced upon Canterbury, settlers should be consoled that it was in the remotest corner of the province!

But in mid November 1864 news reached eastern Canterbury of a 'New Rush on the West Coast', 40 miles south of Greymouth. In December a Lyttleton Times correspondent detailed how the increasing population of miners, many who arrived by steamer, were “completely bewildered by the density of the bush, the numerous rivers, and the difficulties connected with travelling”.

“Complaints are in every person's mouth about the quantity of rain that falls here.”

2014 has hosted a particularly cold and wet spring, but we can at least retreat to warm and dry houses. The Totara 150 gold panning event in Ross at the start of this month featured a bit of this blustery precipitation, but was a success nonetheless. Many excited young panners took home their pots of gold, and we look forward to a bigger event next year. 2015 marks the true birth of the Ross township; by late 1865 newspapers were featuring complaints about the impassable mud-ridden streets and grog shops.

The last time there was a big heritage event in Ross, the highlight was arguably not the crazy old machinery or costume parade, but the speech by long-time West Coast historian Les Wright. This address was no dutiful obligation to be endured by the crowds: Les was passionate about his subject and our town, we listened, he made exploration and mining history sparkle down through the years. Les Wright wasn't at the

Totara 150 event, and he won't be he next year. He died in 2013, in the New Zealand bush that he loved, and will be missed at West Coast events for years to come.

One person who was at the Totara 150 event was our new community development co-ordinator Mike Keenan, who is looking after our town and Kumara. You can keep an eye on the noticeboard to find details of a welcome for Mike sometime soon.

Much of last month's erroneous information can now be given accurately for this year. The playgroup is again hosting minister Vivien Harbor to tell Christmas stories to the kids. This is at 10am on Thursday 11 December. It will be an exciting morning – at 11am Sally Richardson will be along for the final Melody Makers session of the year.

The usual Ross playgroup Christmas party is also being held – this is always a great event because it features not only swimming and a jolly (and for the children, oddly familiar) Santa handing out presents, but also antique fire engine rides. Come along at the pool from 10.30am-1pm on Sunday 21 December. Playgroup will provide sausages, but everyone should bring a plate to share. If you'd like your child to receive a present from Santa, small wrapped and named presents can be snuck into a sack in the playgroup kitchen from now on.

The school is also holding an end of year event at the pool on 10 December. In Ross 11 December will be the last day of school for the year. Things are looking good in the classrooms, with a recent (and pleasant) Education Review Office visit providing an incentive to get new brightly coloured cupboards and couches matching the other new furniture.

Finally, the last housie date for the year is 5 December. This always features scrumptious baking to raise money for the pool, which in turn helps save our children from what 150 years ago was beginning to be known as a particularly New Zealand death.

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South Westland Communities Development Project

Haast * Bruce Bay * Fox Glacier * Franz Josef * Okarito * Whataroa * Hari Hari * Waitaha * Ross

South Westland Communities Development Project (SWCDP) involves:

Supporting communities to be innovative, to generate their own solutions to local issues, and to become more self-reliant and resilient. It will support community-driven projects that enable people to come together, build trust and begin working towards achieving community outcomes.

Enhancing the ability of the people of South Westland to develop and celebrate strong, resilient communities and generate community driven sustainable solutions to local issues, having regard to the diversity of each community’s identity, culture, heritage, natural environments and economic opportunities, their small populations and remoteness from service centres

The Department of Internal Affairs has funded the employment of a Community Development Facilitator for SWCDP for three years (2014-17). WestREAP is the project manager and community associations in Haast, Bruce Bay, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Okarito, Whataroa, Hari Hari and Ross are partner organisations. In Ross SWCDP will work in co-operation with the Kumara-Ross Community Development Project, also funded by Department of Internal Affairs.

David Stapleton has been appointed the Community Development Facilitator for SWCDP. David is trained in geography, economics and town and country planning and has had a long experience in regional and community development and strategic planning, including with the Ministry of Works and Development, as Principal Executive Officer of the West Coast United Council, Development Planning Manager of the West Coast Regional Council, manager of the Port of Greymouth, and through Coast Link Services consultancy. Since 2010 he has been WestREAP’s Community Networker.

Planning is underway to:

Visit each of the South Westland communities to bring community associations up to date on the project and discuss next steps.

Identify leaders and organisations within the communities with potential projects and ideas.

Assist each community association conduct a self-review to identify its needs for development and training to better carry out its functions.

Engage service providers with SWCDP and South Westland people and organisations.

Support schools to include SWCDP as part of their student leadership training programmes.

Hold community planning meetings in each community and for South Westland overall during January to July 2015 to produce community development plans.

Hold a Community Led Development Workshop in South Westland.

If you have a vision for a community led project, want to be involved in community decision making

and leadership, or want more information on SWCDP contact:

David Stapleton, South Westland Community Development Facilitator,

on (03) 762 6515, (027) 48 48 722, outreach@westreap.org.nz.

and also let your local community association know.

A SWCDP page will soon be on www.westreap.org.nz

THE REMEMBER POEM

I remember the cheese of my childhood

And the bread that we cut with a knife,

When the children helped with the

housework,

And the men went to work not the wife.

The cheese never needed a fridge,

And the bread was so crusty and hot,

The children were seldom unhappy

And the wife was content with her lot.

I remember the milk from the bottle,

With the yummy cream on the top,

Our dinner came hot from the oven,

And not from the fridge or the shop.

The kids were a lot more contented,

They didn't need money for kicks,

Just a game with their mates on the

road,

And sometimes the Saturday flicks.

I remember the shop on the corner,

Where a penny's worth of sweets was

sold

Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic?

Or is it ... I'm just getting old?

I remember the 'loo' was the lav,

And the bogey man came in the night,

It wasn't the least bit funny

Going ‘out back’ with no light.

The interesting items we perused,

From the newspapers cut into squares,

And hung on a peg in the lav,

It took little to keep us amused.

The clothes were boiled in the copper,

With plenty of rich foamy suds

But the ironing seemed never ending

As Mum pressed everyone's 'duds'.

I remember the slap on my backside,

And the taste of soap if I swore

Anorexia and diets weren't heard of

And we hadn't much choice what we

wore.

Do you think that bruised our ego?

Or our initiative was destroyed?

We ate what was put on the table

And I think life was better enjoyed.

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What’s happening at DOC during December and January?

Rowi Release October: Save Kiwi Week

Locals were treated to sunny weather and a grand view at Do-novan’s, Ōkārito Lagoon on October 24, where Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio lead a pōwhiri, welcoming home nineteen of our very rare Rowi. These birds spent most of the year on Motuara Island, in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, where they grew and learned to fend for themselves. After the ceremony, which was attended by SWA School students, sponsors and stakeholders, as well as lo-cals, DOC’s Rose Hanley-Nickolls and Ian Graham displayed two handsome specimens for people to get up close.

Many remarked that “this has made kiwis real for them”, and being part of releasing them into the sanctuary where they will live was a terrific privilege. More comments: “The thing I liked most was getting to hold and release a kiwi." - Charles, Year 9. “It was a wonderful opportunity to have." - Niamh, Year 9. “It was fun and we learned a lot." - Cameron, Year 8.

Let’s do it again next year! Thanks to Okarito community, and all who participated in this event.

Okarito Nursery Community Work

“Spring has sprung, the grass has ‘ris’, I wonder where the “boidies” is.” (From a Marx Bros film)

We have sown heaps of native seeds and are cranking. If you live in the village, and would like to help out, feel free to wander over and check the board for tasks you can do, or talk to someone who is working in there. Right now we are pricking out & potting up

Conservation Week Event

“It’s your Fault!” glacier walk, with Dr Tim Little, of Victoria University was well attended; more than 50 people came to learn more about the geology of the glacial valleys of the West Coast whilst walking up the Franz Josef valley. It was enough to work up a hunger, so luckily DOC barbecued some snaggers for everyone. Thanks Wayne and Rod, for organising the event.

Seaweek (in Feb 2015)

Seaweek is a national celebration of our marine environment, coordinated by the NZ Association for Environmental Education and DOC is a proud supporter. Events throughout the week provide opportunities for Kiwis to take to the water, get active on a coastal walk, bike ride or cleanup beaches, learn about our amazing seabirds – and much more. Haast will host an event at Ship Creek. Watch out for more activities at your favourite Marine Reserves along the West Coast.

Lion’s Club Fishing Competition (in March 2015)

Held annually at McDonald’s Carpark, Lake Mapourika for more than 20 years, this event is popular. DOC will run activities alongside the competition so we can all get involved with native fish and our beautiful lakes and rivers, and the unique plants which grow near them. For

more information on any of the events above, visit our website http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/events-and-awards or talk to Cornelia Vervoorn 03 752 0084 or Jo Mead 03 752 0082. Mitre 10 Takahe Rescue

During November we promoted the Takahē Recovery Programme and sold carry bags for $1.99 each to raise awareness of the needs of these incredi-ble and rare birds. We invite you to join us; pop in to see if we have any bags left.

Haast Tokoeka Chick Named Ben

Named by student Ben Wright, aged 8, in a draw, this wee chick hatched on October 10 with the help of staff at West Coast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef. Haast School visited Doc’s Haast Incubation room in September, and watched Rose health check the egg, while learning about the trials & trib-ulations of being a kiwi. They hope to see or hear Ben in the wild one day.

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Haast Visitor Centre News

The Haast Visitor Centre is now open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm but closed Christmas Day

“Between Places” Art Exhibition, Haast Visitor Centre

Kate Buckley, a visiting artist, has been working with our local South Westland schools and rural schools on the West Coast of Ireland. The “Between Places” project specifically focuses on a partnership between Haast School, South Westland and Inver School, Mayo County. The children have described what is special about their environment using the visual arts, then compared their worlds with each other. There will be an official opening of the exhibition at the Haast Visitor Centre, 6.30pm on the 13th December and everyone is welcome. The exhibition will remain on display until the 31st January 2015. For more information call the Haast Visitor Centre 03 750 0809.

Roar Ballots

The Haast Roar ballot has been drawn, with 563 applicants, all of whom should have been advised of their outcome. Confirmations should be returned to the office by 4pm, 9th January 2015. Unsuccessful applicants from the initial ballot draw may apply for unconfirmed blocks by phone from 9am on the 16th January and must quote their allocation number.

Tahr Ballots

Tahr information packs will be available from the 1st December, either on the DOC website www.doc.govt.nz or by phoning the Haast

Visitor Centre. The Tahr Ballot closes on Friday 30th January 2015 at 4pm and the ballot will be drawn on Wednesday 11th February

2015.

DOC Campsites and Family Activities this summer

A great place to take the family this summer is Gillespies Beach, near Fox Glacier, site of a former gold mining town and also of a seal

colony; or how about MacDonald’s Campsite on Lake Mapourika, where you can swim or boat, or catch a trout? Then there is Lake

Ianthe, further north on State Highway 6. All sites have drinking water and toilets, though sites are on a “first come, first served”

basis. Check DOC’s website for details and pricing, and remember, dogs are not allowed except by permit at Gillespies. http://

www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/west-coast/glaciers-area Aren’t we

lucky to have these beautiful campgrounds so close?

South Westland Police Report

I have missed the last couple of issues but have still been around doing stuff. This last couple of weeks has been much busier. I have been in the office trying to clear away paperwork so I can go on holiday.

Well, there was a group of three who went to McDonald's creek and eyed a tent up. Once everyone had left the area they swooped, scooping the tent and its contents into the back of their vehicle. About a week later I went to an address and the stolen property came to light. They all were very quick to blame each other and came up with all sorts of sto-ries. A search of their address uncovered cannabis seeds, cannabis pipes, bongs and spotting knives. Further digging located stolen courier parcels as well, that never quite made it to the rightful owners. It also appears they have been rip-ping off camp ground honesty boxes. They will definitely be appearing in a court facing a raft of charges.

We have also had a couple of drink drivers over the last month. I keep going on about this but it is a problem. Below is from the Police website.

From 1 December 2014 the alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 years and over lowers from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg. The blood alcohol limit lowers from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.08), to 50mg (0.05).

For drivers under 20, the limit stays at zero.

The law says you must not drive if the amount of alcohol in your breath or blood exceeds these limits.The number of alcoholic drinks you can have before you reach these limits

depends on many factors, including whether you are male or female, your size and how much you have eaten.Even small amounts of alcohol affect your

judgement, and the ability to drive safely begins to deterio-rate after just one drink. So if you drink at all, don’t drive. Call a taxi, take a bus or get someone who hasn’t been drink-ing to drive you home. Think ahead - it’s always easier if you have a plan.

The safest option is if you drink then do not drive.

The 2nd police position here has been advertised and it sounds like there are a few people applying which is great. It will still be a month or so before they actually get here but I would just like to thank everyone for their support while I have been here by myself. It is great to work within all the communities knowing I have that support.

I have received a few calls from people recently who have wanted to discuss issues they are aware of. This is great and I always encourage open and honest discussions and need to know what issues people feel are affecting their communi-ties. It is always treated confidentially and I will always try to work with people to find a solution.

As always the cannabis growing season is pretty much here, although the hail we have had recently may be knocking the seedlings around. I am always interested in any suspicious vehicles parked in suspicious places at suspicious times so let me know. Every time I search an address I seem to find around 100 or so cannabis seeds so there must be quite a few people out there planning on doing some gardening.

Everyone keep safe out there and keep the communication going, Bill Parker

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CHURCH SERVICES—December 2014

Catholic 7th 14th 21st 25th 28th

Ross 10.30am 10.30am

Hari Hari 9am 5pm Sat. 9am 9am

Whataroa 10.30am M. Tea after

9am 10.30am 9am 9am

Franz Josef 5pm 5pm

Fox Glacier 11am 11am 11am

Haast 5pm

South Westland Catholic Parish: Contact Fr. Michael Mahoney, 0210333746 or 037534140

Note: This mass is the normal parish schedule. It is wise to check that a mass has not been changed for some special reason.

Anglican 7th 14th 19th 24th 25th 28th

Ross 11.30am, com-

munion

Hari Hari 9.30am 9.30am, com-

munion

9.30am

Whataroa 11.15am 4pm, communion

Franz Josef 3pm 9.30pm, nine

lessons & carols

Jacobs Riv-

er

Haast 6pm

Anglican Contact: Rev’d Vivien Harber (03) 755 5125

Anglican 4th Jan 11th Jan 18th Jan 23rd Jan 25th Jan

Hari Hari 9.30am 9.30am

Whataroa 11.15am

Franz Josef 3pm 3pm

Haast 6pm

Cycle Trail Exploration Day

Fit, bushwise volunteers needed to help us find a route through the Okarito Forests.

Sunday Dec 7th

Meet at Donovan’s Store, Okarito, 10am with your bike & your tramping boots Lunch provided. Sausage sizzle when it’s all over!

Phone Paula 03 7534 223