DECEMBER 2014 & January 2015

Community Contact wishes everyone safe holidays, a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

With kind thanks to Fay Eggeling for her generous donation Don’t Take a Pom Whitebaiting So I sort him out some gear, Thank you I take him to a “possie”, I am a Kiwi hunting guide, Natalia Yates for And say “You’re sure to get em ere”. Shooting and fishing too, all your hard I show him what to look for, I’ve guided tons of blokes around, work for I show him how to do it, From way across the blue, Community He says “By joves, that just top hole, I I even take them whitebaiting, Contact this year! say, Cos that’s in my line of work, There’s nothing in it.” Community Contact needs a But I’ve just met a champion, Well! He nets near twenty pounds, new contact person for Franz A champion, “Pommy Burk”. And I help him lift it in. Josef! It doesn’t have to be the With receding chin and monocle, I show him how to slip the knot, CDO. Please contact the He’s a funny looking bird, And tip em in the bin. He says “By Joves” and “What ho there”, compiler if you’re interested. Elworthy the third just looks at ‘em, “I’m Elworthy—the third”. And as true as my name’s Jack, “I wish to catch some whitebait”. He says “By Joves: they’re all too small”. I ask “yer gotta net”. And chucks the buggers back. He says “No, I’ve only tried the rod,

But I haven’t caught one yet.” Origin Unknown Well, yer know, yer gotta meet one.

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 [email protected] by 15TH January to be included in the February issue. ADVERTISING RATES [email protected] Full Page $150.00 1/2 Page $80.00 1/4 Page $40.00 1/8 Page $20.00 Address: Brenda Monk - Post Centre, South Westland 7834 We prefer online banking payments directly into the Bank Account: 1 Community Contact 12 3166 0042300 02 with your name & what the deposit is for. Please do not send cash. 2 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!!!!

3 4 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 Fox Store Mt Cook View Motels 58 On Cron Fulton Hogan New World Hokitika Across Country Quad Bikes Glacier Country Kayaks Pine Grove Motels Alpine Adventures Glacier Hot Pools Rentons Hokitika ANZ Glenfern Villas Russell & Lorene Allison Aspects Salon and Day Spa Glynis Condon Sicon Fergusons Asure Brookvale Motel Wanaka Grey Valley Courier South Westland Horse Treks BedsRus Hokitika Griffen & Smith Mitre 10 South Westland Salmon Bidvest Sportsworld Hokitika Carrol & Mike Browne Take Note Hokitika Cheekys Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio Coffee & Equipment The Jade Factory Cooks Saddle Café & Saloon The Landing Dean Caldwell Ltd Waimea Estates Electronet Hann Construction Waitoto River Safari Ellerys Hokitika Helicopter Line West Coast Scrap & Steel Ltd Eunice Sullivan John Pfeifer Panelbeating Westland Dairy Sheds Ltd Farmlands Whataroa Johnston Motors Haast Westland Greenstone Ltd Fern Grove Souvenirs Keywest Computers Westland Pharmacy Fish and Cruise Wanaka Lakeland Adventures Wild Outdoorsman Flagstaff Earthmoving Ltd Maggie Williams Fox Glacier Motors McMullan Timber ITM

Bruce Bay Sports Xmas 70 Lorraine Molloy Whitebait Raffle Results: Lamb 74 S Tozer 1st 8kgs K Mahuika Franz package 47 Mata Holliday 2nd 4kg Paul Cowan 7627 685 Ladies 25 May Cain 3rd 2kg Mark Beynon 139AMorgans Rd Timaru 027 246 Mens 44 Bev & Terry 9093 Franz Romantic th 4 1kg Barbara Jebson 7 Stanwood Grove Darfield 317 Package 14 Kent Martin 9006 Wanaka package Mike Haan 5th 1kg Ross Birchfield Grocery hamper 37 Reece c/- J McLaren 6th 1kg Jo Clarke Fox Store We would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors and support- Other Raffle Results: ers to help make our day a success. Boys 22 Bev & Scott Southby Girls 12 Keiah Alexander Childrens 16 Jamie Marshall 5 Haast DECEMBER & JANUARY Long held Okuru property Pink Pine, Southern Rata and Kowhai. To be sold by Tender In 1938 some of the land near the was subdivided and sold to Joseph Harris and has since been grazed in the Several large native bush blocks will be offered for sale by tender intervening years by Kerry Eggeling and now Kim Landreth from which opens in early December and closes on February 4, 2015. Wanaka The freehold land covers a total area of 264 hectares in five blocks which are located near the coast between the Okuru, Early on the Wallis brothers selected large white pine (kahikatea) Turnbull and Hapuka rivers some 15km south of Haast. trees more than a meter in diameter as peeler logs which were cut and shipped from the Jackson Bay wharf for the Sydney firm Most of the property has had only two owners in the last 125 of Dixon Primer. Later the Buchanan family took up Silver Pine years. The holding is the last remnant of West Coast land cutting rights over the property for a period. originally held by Norman and Arthur Wallis timber merchants of Greymouth. The two brothers operated timber mills for nearly fifty The opening of the Haast Pass 50 years ago, and the years throughout the West Coast from Inangahua Landing in the establishment of a large mill by Carter Merchants Ltd allowed for north to Whataroa in the south. The land for tender was among more intensive logging of the property in the 1960s.It is estimated the last areas to be milled. that by 1969 more than 20,000 cubic metres of Kahikatea and over 5000 cubic metres of Rimu were processed through the mill Its first owner was Joseph Cuttance, a local farmer who was also at Hannah’s Clearing. Okuru’s resident postmaster and harbourmaster. In the 1880s, he was successful in a government land settlement ballot and In the past forty five years the native bush has quickly held the land as part of a bush grazing property. regenerated with mature, semi mature and juvenile Kahikatea and Rimu throughout the property. The bush attracts flourishing In 1924, Norman Wallis travelled to Okuru from Greymouth. He native birdlife, native fish are present and deer are seen feeding had his supplies replenished by Mick Sullivan who farmed near at times. The bush blocks are located in two parcels; one on the the Fox Glacier and then rode on horseback via the Haast- Haast-Jackson Bay Road (56 hectares) and the other on the Paringa cattle track to inspect and eventually purchase the South Turnbull Road (208 hectares). property. Tenders (no offers accepted prior) close for the five blocks One outstanding feature was the large quality of mature at 4pm Wednesday Feb 4, 2015 at 17 Helwick St, Wanaka. Kahikatea and reaching nearly 55 metres in height. NZ’s tallest surviving native trees are Kahikatea, with one measuring over 65 Contact Sue Grant 021 443 906 or Callum Grant 021 244 9047 metres. The property also had harvestable stands of mature rimu @ Harcourts Wanaka as well as many other native species including Miro, Silver and

6 Franz Josef DECEMBER & JANUARY

7 Franz Josef DECEMBER & JANUARY

8 Whataroa DECEMBER & JANUARY

9 Whataroa DECEMBER & JANUARY

Okarito DECEMBER & JANUARY Out & About in Okarito Mark this one on your calendar, grab your tramping boots or your mountain bike, your great sense of bush navigation and Okarito has a change in the air with people moving in and maps of old you’ve had tucked away and bring them along to out – and in the nature of the village this is the way it has the Great Route Finding Meet at Okarito on Sunday, Dec 7th. 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 South Westland Wilderness Cycle Trail Project is looking the 1960’s when the local papers declared Okarito would for bush savvy volunteers to help with route planning from cease to exist (when the last pub burnt down!), and it was Franz Josef to Okarito and Okarito to Whataroa. Come along close, with a population then of just four. 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 But just like the continual ebb and flows of the tides so do issue for more info or contact Paula on 753 4223. people come and go. As we watch new homes going up and older ones exchanging owners, we also bid a very fond And further along in the New Year, Okarito Boat Tours is farewell to faces familiar to us all – Richard, Edwina, Monty once again partnering up with Department of Conservation (and of course Flynn the dog). to bring you a day of celebration with World Wetlands Day. Make a note for Sunday, Feb 02nd – After 14 years renting kayaks at there is an international photo Okarito Nature Tours, they are competition for the event for photos headed south to the Cromwell area – taken from a Wetlands area and we Monty is off to school there and will have a great new fun event to Richard and Edwina to a change of add to the “Locals go Free” boat pace inland! We wish them all the trips. Watch local posterboards for very best in their exciting new more info! adventures and know that they will be very much missed about the We hope you all have lots of family village by all. We look forward to and friends coming around this their visits back to the coast and holiday season and we look forward trust they will come accompanied to some beautiful summer weather with the occasional peach or two! to celebrate in! Enjoy and we look forward to seeing you out and about Okarito Nature Tours will carry on in Okarito! with business as usual with newcomers Bas and Gemma who For more on what’s happening in have taken on the business with a 5 Okarito visit our facebook pages at year lease and will be renting kayaks www.facebook.com/VisitOkarito and www.facebook.com/donovansstore and whipping up that fabulous coffee 10 (under the watchful eye of pro and www.okarito.net barista Mel who is back on board). 11 Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

12 Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

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shelters, standoff areas, farm race Franz Josef : 7th Oct, 4rd Nov, 2nd Dec, ways etc. 6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar, 7th April, St Johns Now might be the time to add a concrete Rooms patio or pathway. Fox Glacier: 20th Oct, 18th Nov, 15th Dec, 20th Jan, 17th Feb, 17th March, 21st April, Glacier Contracting can also provide gravel , sand, large stones for soak holes Fire Station etc and can do your site preparation Appointments can be made by ringing Juliette work. Call Tim for a free no on 03 906 0317 or Tina on 03 906 0307. obligation quote. Email [email protected] 14 Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

15 Hari Hari DECEMBER & JANUARY

16 17 Ross DECEMBER & JANUARY Ross Ramblings Totara 150 event, and he won't be he next year. He died in Any readers who felt a strange sense of deja vu last month 2013, in the bush that he loved, and will be were quite correct. A regrettable administrative lapse on the missed at West Coast events for years to come. part of this correspondent meant that Ross Ramblings was sent One person who was at the Totara 150 event was our new in from an entire year ago. If you didn't notice anything amiss, community development co-ordinator Mike Keenan, who is then perhaps that goes to show how slowly things change! looking after our town and Kumara. You can keep an eye on the However 150 years ago times were changing on the West noticeboard to find details of a welcome for Mike sometime Coast, and much shifted in the space of a year. In April 1864, soon. the Lyttleton Times suggested that enough lives had been lost Much of last month's erroneous information can now be given in the exploration of a 'very rough and dangerous coast', and accurately for this year. The playgroup is again hosting minister that though the West Coast may be suitable for a penal colony, Vivien Harbor to tell Christmas stories to the kids. This is at it was otherwise unlikely to attract settlers for many years to 10am on Thursday 11 December. It will be an exciting morning come. In August the paper suggested that if a West Coast gold – at 11am Sally Richardson will be along for the final Melody field was to be forced upon Canterbury, settlers should be Makers session of the year. consoled that it was in the remotest corner of the province! The usual Ross playgroup Christmas party is also being held – But in mid November 1864 news reached eastern Canterbury this is always a great event because it features not only of a 'New Rush on the West Coast', 40 miles south of swimming and a jolly (and for the children, oddly familiar) Greymouth. In December a Lyttleton Times correspondent Santa handing out presents, but also antique fire engine rides. detailed how the increasing population of miners, many who Come along at the pool from 10.30am-1pm on Sunday 21 arrived by steamer, were “completely bewildered by the December. Playgroup will provide sausages, but everyone density of the bush, the numerous rivers, and the difficulties should bring a plate to share. If you'd like your child to receive connected with travelling”. a present from Santa, small wrapped and named presents can “Complaints are in every person's mouth about the quantity of be snuck into a sack in the playgroup kitchen from now on. rain that falls here.” The school is also holding an end of year event at the pool on 2014 has hosted a particularly cold and wet spring, but we can 10 December. In Ross 11 December will be the last day of at least retreat to warm and dry houses. The Totara 150 gold school for the year. Things are looking good in the classrooms, panning event in Ross at the start of this month featured a bit with a recent (and pleasant) Education Review Office visit of this blustery precipitation, but was a success nonetheless. providing an incentive to get new brightly coloured cupboards Many excited young panners took home their pots of gold, and and couches matching the other new furniture. we look forward to a bigger event next year. 2015 marks the Finally, the last housie date for the year is 5 December. This true birth of the Ross township; by late 1865 newspapers were always features scrumptious baking to raise money for the featuring complaints about the impassable mud-ridden streets pool, which in turn helps save our children from what 150 years and grog shops. ago was beginning to be known as a particularly New Zealand The last time there was a big heritage event in Ross, the death. 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

South Permanent & Casual Westland Commercial & Rubbish Household HARI HARI TO

FOX GLACIER (03) 753 4151 18 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, [email protected]. and also let your local community association know. A SWCDP page will soon be on www.westreap.org.nz

THE REMEMBER POEM They didn't need money for kicks, And hung on a peg in the lav, Just a game with their mates on the It took little to keep us amused. I remember the cheese of my childhood road, The clothes were boiled in the copper, And the bread that we cut with a knife, And sometimes the Saturday flicks. With plenty of rich foamy suds When the children helped with the housework, I remember the shop on the corner, But the ironing seemed never ending And the men went to work not the wife. Where a penny's worth of sweets was As Mum pressed everyone's 'duds'. The cheese never needed a fridge, sold I remember the slap on my backside, And the bread was so crusty and hot, Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic? And the taste of soap if I swore The children were seldom unhappy Or is it ... I'm just getting old? Anorexia and diets weren't heard of And the wife was content with her lot. I remember the milk from the bottle, I remember the 'loo' was the lav, And we hadn't much choice what we With the yummy cream on the top, And the bogey man came in the night, wore. Our dinner came hot from the oven, It wasn't the least bit funny Do you think that bruised our ego? And not from the fridge or the shop. Going ‘out back’ with no light. Or our initiative was destroyed? The kids were a lot more contented, The interesting items we perused, We ate what was put on the table 19 From the newspapers cut into squares, And I think life was better enjoyed. 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, 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.

20 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 depends on many factors, including I have missed the last couple of issues but whether you are male or female, your have still been around doing stuff. This last size and how much you have eaten.Even couple of weeks has been much busier. I small amounts of alcohol affect your have been in the office trying to clear away paperwork so I judgement, and the ability to drive safely begins to deterio- can go on holiday. 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- Well, there was a group of three who went to McDonald's ing to drive you home. Think ahead - it’s always easier if you creek and eyed a tent up. Once everyone had left the area have a plan. they swooped, scooping the tent and its contents into the back of their vehicle. About a week later I went to an address The safest option is if you drink then do not drive. and the stolen property came to light. They all were very The 2nd police position here has been advertised and it quick to blame each other and came up with all sorts of sto- sounds like there are a few people applying which is great. It ries. A search of their address uncovered cannabis seeds, will still be a month or so before they actually get here but I cannabis pipes, bongs and spotting knives. Further digging would just like to thank everyone for their support while I located stolen courier parcels as well, that never quite made have been here by myself. It is great to work within all the it to the rightful owners. It also appears they have been rip- communities knowing I have that support. ping off camp ground honesty boxes. They will definitely be I have received a few calls from people recently who have appearing in a court facing a raft of charges. wanted to discuss issues they are aware of. This is great and I We have also had a couple of drink drivers over the last always encourage open and honest discussions and need to month. I keep going on about this but it is a problem. Below know what issues people feel are affecting their communi- is from the Police website. ties. It is always treated confidentially and I will always try to work with people to find a solution. From 1 December 2014 the alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 As always the cannabis growing season is pretty much here, years and over lowers from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of although the hail we have had recently may be knocking the breath to 250mcg. The blood alcohol limit lowers from 80mg seedlings around. I am always interested in any suspicious of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.08), to 50mg (0.05). vehicles parked in suspicious places at suspicious times so let For drivers under 20, the limit stays at zero. me know. Every time I search an address I seem to find around 100 or so cannabis seeds so there must be quite a The law says you must not drive if the amount of alcohol in few people out there planning on doing some gardening. your breath or blood exceeds these limits.The number of Everyone keep safe out there and keep the communication alcoholic drinks you can have before you reach these limits going, Bill Parker 21 22 23 24 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 9am 10.30am 9am 9am M. Tea after 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- 9.30am munion 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

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