Letters

Rate rises

The latest SWDC rates newsletter congratulates the Council on a rates increase of 5.48% — which it describes as “slightly higher” than the 4.69% forecast in the long-term plan.

Of course, the increase is not “slightly higher”. It is 17% higher than the forecast increase, which can only be “slightly higher” in the minds of those who don’t have to pay it.

In addition, an increase of 5.48% in the rates is significantly greater than the current inflation rate, and much greater than the movement in any index of wages or earnings.

Am I to suppose that this increase is needed to pay for the spin doctors who would have us believe that 17% is a slight increase?

Richard Rudman … Continue Reading

Did you know

24,767 PEOPLE tried to vote at the last election only to find that they had not enrolled. 7.6% of New Zealanders who are eligible to vote have not bothered to enrol. Are you enrolled for the local body elections?

‘THE ESSENTIAL characteristic of a nation is that its individuals must have many things in common and must have forgotten many things as well’ – French philosopher Ernest Renan.

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY  researches have estimated that the  anaesthetic gases released by a New Zealand hospital have the carbon footprint of 500 return flights to London 

A 1906 NEWSPAPER reported that ‘in a splendid run’ Mr Herb Scott drove a 16 horse power Reo car from Palmerston North through the Manawatu gorge to Martinborough, with rain most of the way,  in 4½ hours. With the return journey taking only 3¾  hours.

‘A LIFE WITHOUT fame can be a good life but fame without a life is no life at all’ – Clive James 

AUSTRALIA  HAS the highest  gambling losses of any country in the world. These equate to an annual $1,000 per person for every man, woman and child.  Pokie machines are the  main culprit and a major operator of these, Australia Leisure and Hospitality, is 75% owned by Woolworths providing a profit of two billion dollars a year.  … Continue Reading

Cooking Corner

Spicy beef, kiwifruit and avocado 

Ingredients 

150 gr Beef fillet (in one piece) 

3 golden kiwifruit

1 ripe but firm avocado 1 tbs soy sauce

1 soft leafy lettuce

2 tbs olive oil

2tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp Tai hot chilli sauce 

8 – 10 large green olives

1 lime,  juice and zest

parsley to garnish 

salt and pepper to taste … Continue Reading

Waihinga Centre

Glow in the Park was a hit with all ages.

Fundraising Success

Fundraising efforts are go and so far it has been lots of fun! The Square of Gold kept on rolling until a total of 50 ½ metres had been snapped up, bringing us to a total of $2020. Quite mind blowing given this was only meant as a bit of gold coin fun for Easter Sunday! It goes to show that people are really keen to support and love the idea of a set amount that is both achievable and makes a big difference as a collective.

We also had a fabulous evening for the Glow in the Park event. The word of the night was “WOW!” as children and adults enjoyed the beauty of the moon through a telescope and the planet hunt gave fun facts on a unique journey. A Huge thanks to Becky from Under the Stars and Alex and Crew from Hiamo for their time and expertise, it really was out of this world! Also a HUGE thanks for all the support from local businesses and volunteers making it all possible. We raised $534 which meant we all had a glow. 

What next?  Well there are no end of ideas in the mix, a disco and dessert night, comedy show, degustation dinner, bingo the list is endless so watch this space but we will also be thinking of quirky ways for people to pledge too, follow the Friends of the Waihinga Facebook page  to keep in the loop!

If you’re keen to join in the fun making things happen contact me, Charlotte on 021 949 049 or email nzlottie@hotmail.com. Watch this space for what’s happening and how we are progressing and don’t forget the Give a Little page where you can donate directly: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/waihingacentre”.

Supporter Profile – Jaspers Family

Charlotte (7) and Earl Jaspers (5) are playground connoisseurs.  “Whenever we travel we visit the local playgrounds” says their mother Celia. “They just love them and can’t wait for the new one in Martinborough.   Earl loves water play so he’s excited this is part of the new design.   They both miss the flying fox and look forward to seeing it back in action.”

Knowing the value of a playground to their own children, Celia and husband Ali wanted to contribute to an amenity that would benefit the whole community.  “We’re here for the long haul and we hope the same will be true of the Waihinga Centre park and playground.  It’s a legacy for the town and maybe one day our children’s children will be able to play there too.”

It will be a double delight for Charlotte and Earl.  They already love the new children’s library area.   Soon they will be able to run straight out the door into an exciting new playground.