BAY VIEWS Email: [email protected] June 2020

Lockdown in Macandrew Bay

I must admit I was apprehensive about lockdown. The term itself suggested the description from Shakespeare's Scottish play, "But now I am cabined, cribbed and confined". In effect, it has been quite Winter Market different. Day It was a most relaxing time apart from the news of where the virus was making its presence visible. It was still possible to exercise and there was plenty of time to do so. It was delightful to meet and greet people out walking on our footpath. Perfectly possible to have Portobello Coronation Hall conversations at two metres, especially during the first Sunday 9th August 2020 four weeks when traffic was light and the trucks were absent. 10am—2.30pm Dodging the slow cyclists became an art form, though the ones that crept up from behind did startle one. The Stallholders with crafts, clothing, fast cyclists, clad in their lycra uniforms, were less easy to accommodate and it did seem contrary for the food, books, bric-a-brac, jewellery, pedestrians to take to the cycle lane to avoid the anything (legal) you want to sell. wheels. We learned to bless the cyclists that cheerfully called out "cyclist coming through on your right/left" and rue those with no voice or bell. Locals & Community Groups and Buskers all welcome. Now we have returned to being able to give and receive hugs from dear friends as well as those in our bubble. During this time of extra precaution, we have been If you would like to book a stall, contact blessed with sunny weather for most days, plus the Christine on 4780 878 or 0272 234824 or winds have been kind. Hopefully, this will be a unique experience and not one we have to repeat any day soon. email: [email protected] Lyn Dowsett

Contact Us E: [email protected] Check us out on the website : www.macandrewbaynews.org.nz Newsletter Group Lynne Aldridge Colleen Bond Sue Pierre Linda Seddon Lyn Dowsett It was lovely to see so many people rushing to use the library just before lockdown. More books went out in the last two sessions than Exciting news flash in most whole months. We have had many The Castle is open new people joining too so the library is being again from 9am daily. well used. We would love to have you visit. We are back to normal hours: Wednesdays Ask about our Loyal 5.30 - 7.30 pm, Fridays 2.30 - 4.30 pm and the local offer. Pay the full last Sunday of every month 4.00 - 5.00 pm. Castle and Garden Still only $5.00 per family per year and no entry price of $34, or overdue fines. choose to buy a Garden only pass for The Random Readings meetings will start in the Library at 7.00 pm $17 and receive the on Wednesday 24th June. This follows on from Readings by equivalent in 12 month free pass. Harbour Light and is an opportunity for readers to share, discuss and explore different ways of choosing what to read with an This entitles you to come any time in the next 12 emphasis on meeting people, having fun and sharing the written months on us. Come by yourself or bring a friend word. There will be no charge. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to (they will need to purchase a ticket). bring a reading but no pressure. Oh, by the way 'Kids are free' until the 30th of October. Our Ballroom café will open daily at 9.30am and our amazing new shop is a must visit. If you have friends visiting from out of town looking for accommodation, our Lodge opens on the 27th of May. Watch our face book page for other offers and events over the next few months. www.larnachcastle.co.nz Along with the rest of the country our school has just experienced a moment in history with the Covid 19 pandemic and its impact on us all. It brings to mind the polio pandemic that took place when some members of our community were young and attending school, either here or elsewhere in New Zealand, and also the Spanish flu back in 1918/ 1919.

Our school was pretty much totally closed for nearly 6 weeks and then we returned with just a very small group of between 5 and 10 children for another 3 weeks in Level 3. We were delighted when the school children and staff were able to return on the 18 May in Level 2. Although it is great to be back up and running again it is very much under the ’new normal’ protocols, which involve limited access, with everybody signing in and out for contact tracing purposes, lots of hand sanitising and hand  Golf Club has firewood for sale. Pine, washing and increased hygiene measures. We were all so happy to see ready for next year, 6 x 4 trailer, price $50. If each other and to be back with friends, classmates and colleagues that it interested please contact Peter Dangerfield, hasn’t been a problem managing all these extra procedures. Things are phone 4780 170. going well at school.  During lockdown, some laws of the land have While in Level 3 and 4 our staff, students, and families were asked to been in abeyance, but the following by-law is deliver teaching and learning in a whole new way. Parents and teachers still in force. were also asked to juggle the world of work, family life and supporting 5.9 FOULING IN PUBLIC PLACES their children with home learning programmes. Our country and globe came to grips with a pandemic and its health, social and economic 5.9.1 The owner of any dog that is in a public fallout. Everyone all did incredibly well and I am so proud of the way the place must carry and display a bag or staff, our school community. Our country as a whole stepped up to the other receptacle suitable for the removal challenge and did things to make this time manageable, to follow the of faeces. safety rules and to focus on the positives. 5.9.2 The owner of any dog that defecates in a public place or on land or premises other Thank goodness we live where we do. I think the beauty of nature, the than that occupied by the owner must harbour and the birdlife, plus the chance to slow down and stop rushing immediately remove the faeces. about helped everyone cope. Many of us used the walkway regularly and felt the benefit of exercise and peace and quiet. Lots of delicious baking 5.9.3 Where a public litter bin or similar was done so the children have learnt a whole lot of new skills over this receptacle is used to dispose of the time. faeces, they must be suitably wrapped or contained to prevent fouling the receptacle. At the moment, we are just appreciating how wonderful it is to be able to teach and learn together as a school. We have put the devices down, and Please, either train your dog to poo at home are enjoying our learning discussions, hands on activities, and being or watch carefully and collect the offending able to play with our friends in the playground at playtime and lunchtime. poo and dispose of it as indicated in the by- It is great to be able to see the children’s smiles, hear their laughter and law. for us all to be moving back towards more normal life.

Talent in the Bay At times this has become a full-time voluntary occupation for Craig. Lea is a great supporter and From Chicago to Washington to and now helps him with the large volume of paperwork and legal absolutely committed to and loving Dunedin. I had to ask processes involved in making submissions and even Craig and Lea Werner why they decided to settle in sometimes taking it further to the Environment Court. Dunedin when they literally could choose anywhere in the Having seen many examples of poor land development world to go. They had been working long hours in high- in other parts of the world, Lea and Craig realise the flying jobs and craved an escape from the corporate world importance of smart development on the Peninsula. Not and a change of lifestyle. Both really enjoyed tramping in just growth for growth’s sake. They see the bigger the mountains and a myriad of outdoor pursuits, so after a picture. Eventually there may be a series of well- lot of research they decided to explore New Zealand. When planned little villages around the harbour that enhance they came to Dunedin, they both fell in love with it the landscape and support sustainable tourism and immediately. It was more like a small European city with a other businesses. thriving centre but surrounded by hills and within a short distance of beautiful beaches. After living in places with It takes all of us to make sure the beauty and freezing winters and hot summers, a temperate climate naturalness of the Peninsula are protected. We can all was appealing. do our bit by looking after our own land, controlling pests on our properties, and supporting community Friends were amazed at their decision, but Lea and Craig organisations and projects. As members of the public, were excited for a new adventure. They moved to Dunedin you are able to provide input and attend the monthly in 2002. Initially they rented homes in and Peninsula Community Board meetings. It will take all of Glenleith. In 2004 they settled in a house they loved in us to keep our Peninsula beautiful. Macandrew Bay. They still pop back to the USA to visit friends and family but here is their forever place and their How lucky are we to have Lea and Craig who are so commitment to Dunedin and the Peninsula is informed, so enthusiastic, and so committed to the extraordinary. advancement of our community. Lynne Aldridge Both Craig and Lea feel strongly about preserving what we have. They realise that growth will happen and is important but MUST be well planned and thought out if we want to retain our outstanding natural landscape. Craig has travelled extensively and seen the results of unplanned urban sprawl. He realised what a huge difference good planning makes. Rural and urban areas do need to be carefully considered. After seeing examples of permission being given to purchase and use good agricultural land around Dunedin for businesses more suited to the town, and erratic development across parts of the outstanding landscapes on the Peninsula, Craig became concerned. Last week, Zehavit Darlington, of Macandrew Bay, He read the Resource Management Act, the Dunedin City shared her love of pottery with our school children. The Council’s 2GP Plan, and its Spatial Plan. He attended children have been sculpting their most positive meetings and wrote submissions to voice his concerns memories of lockdown and preserving them in clay for an exhibition later in the year. It was great to see the when he could see well informed reasons for doing so. children using their hands to make something creative Those of you who read the proposed 2GP (Second and to have Zehavit support them. We will be firing the Generation Plan) which included the extension of the land works in our kiln later this week, after the children have stability hazard zones, will understand how complicated glazed their works. and confusing these plans can be. Craig saw how It was great that our school could support Zehavit as important it is to keep informed and be vigilant. The legal her kiln (ex Glenfalloch Potters Cottage) now needs issues can be overwhelming. You need time to study and repairing and she is trying to raise $3,000 to allow her understand the documents. As he was retired and to do that. passionate about preserving the Peninsula, he decided to Did you know that Zehavit was also the person who dedicate his time to this cause. initiated the planting on the road edge at the bottom of Porterfield St? A seat has now been installed there. Craig started a public interest group first, and then formed Another example of her commitment to the local a charitable trust called The Preservation Coalition Trust. community. If you can help financially (maybe some of the savings on petrol you made during lockdown?) I am The Trust retains experts to help with the planning ideas sure she would appreciate it. and legal advice needed on the most complicated matters, such as several appeals on the DCC’s 2GP. Craig https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/kiln-repair-for-ceramics-to communicates with Peninsula tourism businesses and -thrive community organisations because he believes in consensus development.

SAVE THE (STOP) Kia ora koutou, from all the Macandrew Bay Playcentre families.

Our centre has once again burst into life after a dormant period over Alert Levels 4 and 3. Our playcentre families gathered together for a It was great during the last couple of months to see re-opening ceremony during Alert Level 2. Karakia (prayers) and more people becoming familiar with the Hereweka waiata (songs) lifted the rahui, (temporary closure) and restrictions Harbour Cone Block and the Broad Bay Slip Site. held over the centre during the surreal time of lockdown. It was wonderful to see how the children responded to each other, gently, Some walked to the top of Harbour Cone for the first but very happy to be reunited once more. time and many others took the signposted “Future Forest Walk” (through the first gate off the bottom of Families got outdoors during lockdown for quiet, refreshing low-tide the Bacon St Track) and were astonished by the walks along the rocks on our local Macandrew Bay beach. Some children are getting quite expert at finding shellfish, crabs, sea-stars extensive native revegetation project being undertaken and of course red krill on the shoreline. Some families enjoyed bike by STOP volunteers since 2014 in the Smiths Creek rides and walks regularly and would discover many friendly looking Catchment. teddies in windows or Star Wars characters near letter boxes.

Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP) has restarted their But mostly the time during lockdown was spent at home. Some families built tree-houses, huts, set up tents and joined in the regular volunteer working bees on Tuesday, Thursday activities in the garden. Some children built huts out of chairs, and Sunday. During winter, the start time will move to blankets and cushions. Other children used every pillow, cushion 10am. Sessions are from two to three and a half hours and duvet they could find in their house to create a ‘Bouncy Castle’ duration. Because of Lockdown we are behind on this on the couch to leap off and crash land. Dressing-up became a daily event, and of course, there was a lot of help from the children to year’s programme and seek as many new volunteers bake biscuits, cakes and bread. Everyone’s cooking skills as possible. improved!

(On Tuesday and Sunday we meet at the far end of Now we have returned to Playcentre again and it is now Alert Level Bacon St in Turnbulls Bay). 1. The children have grown, some have new teeth, some can walk and say new words and others can climb! The children have been drawn to one another in their play. Friendships have reignited and it Activities include planting and maintenance of has been great to see the children connecting with each seedlings, weed control and track maintenance. other. Playing with bubble foam in water is a great way to have fun with the friends you haven’t seen in a long time. Fitness required – you need to be able to walk across an uneven paddock. Tasks will be tailored to your New families are welcome. Macandrew Bay Playcentre sessions are on Tuesdays and Fridays 9am -12 noon. level. If you can garden then you can assist.

Transport subsidy is available for students and pensioners. (Bus or car). Dogs are welcome in the Bellamys are back with a warm welcome fenced area. Manu Berry looks after the gallery Wed to Fri 12 - 5pm and For more information contact Lala Frazer: Miranda Bellamy Sat and Sun 12 -5pm Email , or Mobile (text only)

New Zealand's smallest bird, the Rifleman is one of the small birds that have suffered most from predators. It has rounded wings, a short, stumpy tail and a fine, slightly upturned bill. The male is bright green above while the female is streaked brown above. Rifleman are most easily found by hearing their distinctive, high- pitched 'zzzptt zzzptt zzzptt' calls, but unfortunately, these are too high-pitched for some people's hearing. They can be distinguished from other small birds by the fact they are rarely still and flick their wings repeat- edly.

The Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group, assisted by Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP) is hoping to get some riflemen boxes out into the bush remnants, ac- companied by rodent trapping in particular, to see if we can increase their numbers. If you would like to help here are some of the ways:

1. Build some riflemen nest boxes. Email [email protected] for instructions. 2. Donate $15 per box to enable a volunteer to build one (Save The Otago Peninsula Inc (03-0903-0595631-00) 3. Place a box(es) in your bush remnant and commit to a rodent trapping programme (or to having a volunteer check the trap line weekly)

Lala Frazer for Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP) Inc Soc

Do you work on the Peninsula and would like to have an office assistant? If so please txt Julie on

0211129042 and I will call you back. I have a Tena Koutou veryone mature work ethic and over 10 years working experience in an office. I would love to work My Bubble, Social Distancing and Alert Levels are new words closer to home. we are all familiar with I’m sure, given the past couple of months. Tuning into the 1pm Press Conference has probably been a big part of your lives for the past couple of months. I certainly have been very interested in watching.

Well, our world has changed for sure and as I type this we are in good shape now at Level 1. To the families of the 22 people who have passed because of this virus my deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to you all. I’m sure you all send thoughts as well.

I have been out and about over this time and I must say, to the majority of you, that I am impressed with the way you have all taken the lockdown seriously and how you were going about your day. This has been a trying time for everyone and I must thank you all for knuckling down and doing what was needed.

It has certainly made my job easier than it could have been. I With Covid-19 causing a major shift in how we have all have heard some cringe stories from other parts of our been living through the lockdown process, it seems a country. good time to focus on the positives. We have been My spy’s have advised me that there is a lot of talk on social fortunate to have mostly summer like weather during media about the driving and speeding on our roads. The theme Autumn which allowed us to get out and about for is that the roads are not being policed. Well, I can assure you , some exercise. The Portobello Road widening has I am doing my best in this regard. Since I have been told of truly proved its worth when the shared pedestrian/ the discussion, I decided to get out there and have a really cycleway was almost as congested at times as the good look. road usually is. This asset to our community has shown its value already, and we look forward to the What we must remember now is there is no complaining about completion of the work which will link tourists. This past week I have made it my focus to look at and Broad Bay. Lockdown may have caused some speed and to be honest, I am not impressed. Some of the talk delay in completion, but the work is now continuing at on Facebook is warranted. For the 4 days I worked this week I a fast pace. have issued 7 speeding tickets. Ranging from 15kmph to 37kmph over the posted limit. This ranges from an $80 ticket During lockdown, the Board has continued with to $260 ticket. There is no excuse for this. From what I am submissions on the Annual Plan, and Resource being told about the social media posts, there is a reality to Consent for the redevelopment of Te Rauone Reserve this. It disappoints me immensely. You cannot blame any and Beach. We are pleased to see consent has been tourist for this. Those big round (Red/White) signs with a large approved for the replacement of the pontoon at number in the middle actually mean something. Macandrew Bay Boating Club. This should be installed in the near future. I have continuously harped on about speeding in my previous articles and from now on I have my limits. If you decide to go The next meeting of the Board will be held on June 18, over these, then please expect to be paying some of your hard 10a.m. at Portobello Bowling Club. We wish to remind earned money to the pit of “WHY” ? you we have a High School Student Scholarship Fund available for students wishing to advance leadership To the Macandrew Bay Store and the Pharmacy Team, thanks skills through attending extramural activities, and we for doing what you have done during the Alert Levels and for have some funding available for Community groups. being there for the community. It was greatly appreciated. Application forms are available online through DCC, Otago Peninsula Community Board. To all of you essential workers out there a big thanks for doing what you do. I understand how hard it is to head off from your Should you have any queries or issues needing whanau and do the important job you do for the community. attending to please contact Customer Services You are the people that are making life a bit easier for 4774000, or contact us. everyone and I applaud you.

Take care of yourselves and look out for your neighbours and Edna Stevenson [email protected] loved ones. Paul Pope 027 466 8446 [email protected] Kia Kaha to one and all Aaron Smith You might have noticed what appears to be red staining in the harbour's water and Bay recently. Or perhaps you've noticed the droppings of the gulls has turned pink and are smellier than usual.

Munida, otherwise known as Squat Lobster has come into the harbour again It's been a challenging couple of months as Otago Peninsula Trust recently. pivots to new beginnings, post Covid 19 lockdown. 96% of the Although it appears to business at the Royal Albatross Centre came from outside Dunedin, 'stain' the water red, in so losing that income has made a huge change to our organisation. fact what you are seeing are thousands of tiny squat lobsters We've introduced new locals price tours and have changed our opening hours. in swarms in the harbour. We appreciate your supporting local. Please come and visit, support Seen individually these our cafe and gift shop. It is YOUR local! We've been very grateful to little crustaceans look our out-of-town visitors whose entrance fees have enabled us to build just like miniature lobsters. world-class attractions. Now its your chance to come and see what the world has been flocking to see. The 24 albatross chicks are all Munida is affected by the tides, so it is swept growing beautifully and are happy and healthy. It is a fabulous time to around with the currents and washes up on see these 8kg beauties. Did you know the inaugural World Albatross beaches. That's where the gulls can get them, Day is June 19th? hence their pink poo. When collected in a bucket from the harbour, the red animals appear to change colour in a few minutes, to a lighter Royal Albatross Centre + Fort Taiaroa shade of pink. It’s more than just gull feed. It feeds whales, birds, fish and much more.  New - Local's Half Price Albatross Tour: 1.00pm,1.30pm, 2.00pm Munida gregaria is the scientific name. 2.30pm $25 Adults, $10 Child, $50 Family (2+3) - 45 Minute tour They are found mostly on the east coast of NZ,

sub-antarctic waters and all the way around to  New Locals’ Half Price Unique Tour : 1.00pm or 3.30pm or on South America. They grow no larger than 3cm. demand. $30 Adult, $15 Child Family $75— 65 minute tour includes In the post-larval stage, which is when we see Royal Albatross viewing + Fort them, they are about a third of that size.

 New - Private Albatross Tour $200 for 1-4 people. 55 minutes in Take a moment to have a closer look at the Munida next time you see that distinctive red the Observatory with own guide. Mornings on demand. 3pm stain along the water's edge. Wednesdays.

Rachel McGregor  New - Private Unique Tour $300 for 1-4 people. 55 minutes in Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours Observatory with own guide plus Fort tour. Mornings on demand. 3pm Wednesdays

 Fort Taiaroa Tour 4.00pm $26 Adult, $10 Child

 Cafe Specials. Sunday Roasts $15 - please book. Buy cheese Rolls for your freezer! Albatross Shortbread

Blue Penguins Pukekura We were very fortunate to have received See the world’s smallest penguin waddle ashore each evening in its funding from the 'Lottery Fund for Community natural habitat. Benefit Related to 2021 America's Cup' to pay for our new rescue boat. Kiwi Yachting  Evening Tour 5.30pm $35 Adult $10 Child Consultants are putting together a Cormorant Limited Numbers. Bookings 03 478 600 with a 90HP outboard. We will have it for the 0499 [email protected] opening of the season later this year. Also good news on the floating pontoon and ramp structure which was taken out of the water Glenfalloch Garden a few years ago needing repair. This has been a real community asset over the years and has been sorely missed from a functioning and Escape to a magical historic woodland garden filled with birdsong. safety perspective. Peter McGrouther from the  Open 9am – 5pm for walks and enjoyment DCC has been working on consents (with the ORC) and the new build. The last  Restaurant closed – bring a picnic! communication on timeframe was that the new pontoon and ramp will be in the water by July in its original position. It will be fantastic to be able Fletcher House to tie up rescue boats, get kids in and out of boats from the pontoon again this coming  Open All weekend and Holiday Mondays 11am – 4pm season. We appreciate the DCC's work on this.  $10 Adult, Children Free Anna Leslie, Secretary