Number 337 SEPTEMBER 2020 Published at 47 Wickliffe Tce, Post returns to Port It's official! the ability to Post your mail has returned to Port Chalmers. Digiart & Design is the new home for mailing services in Port Chalmers. They are located across the road from the Pharmacy and they now offer West Harbour residents the chance to again post mail and parcels in Port Chalmers. While at this stage they are not providing international courier, Digiart provide nor- mal domestic and overseas mail services.

Digiart & Design came to Port Chalmers in 2011, looking for a building to base their graphic design and print business in, they found a suitable building and when opened, the business quickly became busy and they soon em- ployed Fred’s daughter Sam, and now employ a total of five part and full time staff.

As the business has evolved over the years it has developed into a major local provider of design, print and copy services, also including scanning, binding, laminating and small box die cutting. Their large client base is now in Post Girls - Sam Cross, Shirley Cameron and the hundreds including Port , the Chipmunks franchise and other clients Ashliegh Arthur. from and throughout Otago.

Since arriving in Port Chalmers the business, spearheaded by Anne Tamati and Fred Cross, soon realised the potential to build their business to include a range of gift items for the burgeoning cruise ship market over the summer months. The store provides not only a range of gift items for visitors but also an interesting mix of gifts to also appeal to the local market. Anne and Fred soon realised when the opportunity arose to look at taking on the Postal agency that it would add another facet to their business which will not only provide a service to the local community and visitors, it will also increase the foot traffic through their store.

While the postal boxes to mail items will remain outside the Pharmacy across the road, Digiart & Design stock a range of postal bag sizes and boxes as well as the new environmentally friendly postal bag (left) which is made of recycled padding. Also if you would like to get a P.O Box in Port Chalmers, you can organise that at Digiart as well while the actual boxes will also stay across the road at the back of the Pharmacy building.

Anne, Fred and their staff are looking forward to seeing more local people in the store now that they are providing postal services to the West Harbour community but please be patient and come with a little extra time up your sleeve as the staff are learning, and please have your parcels to Digiart by 3pm so they can be picked up by the friendly NZ Post team. Ange McErlane

Toastmasters Club – opening in Port Chalmers

ThisTHIS IssueISSUE Learn to speak with confidence: meetings, presentations, impromptu speaking. Posting at Port! Pg 1 Learn to effectively express your ideas in a wide variety of situations. Whether you need more confidence in meetings and Congratulations Pg. 5 interviews, or need to present ideas in formal or informal situa- Tayla-Rose tions, Toastmasters can help. Toastmasters is an affordable way to gain public speaking Gardening with Pg. 6 skills. Working at your own pace through the Toastmasters Sally education programme, you will learn how to give prepared

Trades & Pg speeches, and have regular practice at impromptu speaking Services 8& 9 and giving feedback. Meeting regularly, members run the meet- ings, taking turns at different roles. Supported by more experi- First Port Chalmers Meeting at the Port News Pg. 10 Rolfe Room across the hall from Port enced members, everyone has the opportunity to practice a vari- Chalmers library Skip Days Pg. 11 ety of communication and organizational skills. All abilities welcome, from complete beginner through to those wanting to brush up on skills they already 10 Questions Pg. 14 have. with Jude Meetings will be on alternate Wednesdays at 7pm in the Port Chalmers library once we are at Covid-19 Level 1. All welcome. The Port Chalmers Club is being opened with support from the September @ Pg. 14 Toastmasters Club. For that reason, Port Chalmers meetings will alternate with meetings at the your Library Blueskin Bay Library. Members are welcome to attend meetings at one or both locations. Meeting dates Whats On Pg. 15 will be advertised on the Port Chalmers Community Facebook Page. For more information about Toastmasters: www.toastmasters.org, or about the Port Chalmers club email: [email protected] or check out the Waitati group Facebook page: Facebook Dusting Off Pg. 16 @waitatitoastmasters. Jane Gregory

2 The Rothesay News September 2020

Harbour Physio Matters:Trust the Process When pain lingers with injuries through the rehab process it can often be hard to feel like we are progressing. Especially when it has been multiple weeks of feeling similar levels of pain. How- ever it is important to remember it will improve and the pain will start to reduce. A good indicator of pro- gress when pain lingers is your functional levels. As we work through the reha- bilitation journey there will be movements or activi- ties that you previously weren’t able to complete. If you can achieve a new activity (i.e. walking up stairs, or carrying grocer- ies) even if the pain is still present this is progress. Over time you will gradu- ally see the pain drop away with these activities and you will be able to achieve more and more. For some people in their journey, pain will completely disappear, but for others it may appear every now and then. This is normal, just remember to stay your course and “trust the process”. Contact:[email protected], 027 631 0476 or www.facebook.com/harbourphysio for further information. Real Estate on The Port Line Krystal Cameron

Woohoo its spring again! So I thought as more homes tend to go on the market at this time of the year I should go over some basic home presentation tips when getting ready to sell.

First of all make sure when the buyer turns up the first impres- sion, is a good one. So cut any bushes that may be encroach- ing on the entry point to the front door, water blast paths, make sure the garden and lawns are as tidy as possible, win- dows are clean and clean the spouting.

Inside the house if you have a pet get a friend to come around “an honest friend” and ask them if there are any smells from your pets, if they say yes look to get the carpets professionally cleaned. Just remember there is how you live in your home and then there is how your home needs to look when it goes on the market to get the best result.

If you have a lot of stuff like boxes, old cabinets full of stuff you haven’t used for a while then you may look to get this stuff put into storage. I always say to people the more floor space a buyer can see the more spacious your home will look. Also, done well painting can give you the best return for your cost and effort. Make sure when buyers come through your home is warm, there is nothing worse than looking through a cold house.

A good agent will already know but look to do open homes when the home is enjoying good sun. Despite what a lot in the media were trying to tell us a few months back the Dunedin market is very strong with homes attracting large numbers. It is amazing how many people are coming here to live particularly with the Covid situation.

If you are considering selling I can help with presentation and can recommend great people particularly with painting and the Judd Acupuncture tidying up outside. ● Acupuncture, Cupping, Heat Therapy, Herbal I can be contacted in a number of ways: mobile number is Medicine, Wahine ora, Tane ora. 0275 609 819 www.facebook.com/hamishsellshouses or e- ● First Treatment with full consultation, diagnosis and mail [email protected] the office number is 467 7277. initial treatment $45 Have a great month. Hamish McDonald ● Tender Loving packages and follow up payment plans

available. ● ACC Treatment Provider. ● 20 years NZ Registered, Qualified Professional Service. Taking appointments now, Ph/ txt: 0220-70-50-81

September 2020 The Rothesay News 3

OPEN: Thurs Night FROM THE CHEF…This recipe comes from The Wild Fennel Pizza night Co located at 23 George Street, Port Chalmers. Mon-Wed 8.30am - 3pm Buy 1 get another Creamy Chicken Tagliatelle with Fried Sage & Walnuts Thurs & Fri half price (same You will need... 8.30am - late or lesser price) 2 chicken breasts (diced), 400g fresh Tagliatelle Sat 9am - late Dine in 200ml cream, 1/2 sachet of Wild Fennel Co. Chicken seasoning Sun 9am - 8.30pm or takeaway 1 glass of white wine, 1 handful of chopped kale Zest of one lemon, 50g chopped walnuts

10 fried sage leaves, Olive oil for cooking Serves 4 people

To make... First get a deep saucepan of water on to the heat ready to cook the fresh tagliatelle. Whilst that comes to a rolling boil take a large non stick frying pan and heat it to a medium to high heat. Add a good glug of oil to the frying pan and then start to gently fry the diced chicken. Harbourside Table tennis club Once it has caramelised on all sides, sprinkle with half a sachet of the The shortened interclub season has already reached Wild Fennel Co. chicken seasoning, lemon zest and then the glass of the mid way point. All three teams are performing well. white wine. Stir and allow to reduce by half. Next add the cream, bring Our A Reserve team is in third place and looking good for the to the boil, then turn down to a low heat and allow it to reduce and finals. Our two B grade teams are second equal and could thicken whilst you next cook the pasta. Place the fresh pasta into the well meet in the semi’s. boiling water and cook for 8 minutes. Drain through a colander and Club nights are still really busy with a core of 12 players at- add to the cream sauce along with chopped kale. Stir the ingredients tending regularly. With the level of intense competition we’ve so every thing is evenly coated in the rich creamy sauce then serve in decided to reintroduce our ladder system so games will be- to 4 large bowls. To finish sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and fried come even more competitive! We are looking at a move to the sage leaves. Chefs Tip: To fry the sage crisps, heat olive oil in a Town Hall as we really need more space with our growing small frying pan on a low heat. Pop the sage leaves in, no more than numbers. Hopefully this will be sorted in the near future. If ten at a time, and then allow them to fry gently until crisp. Drain them you’d like to come along and join in the fun come along to the on paper towel once finished and sprin- Harbour Rugby Club at 7.30 on Thursday nights. Ian Landreth kle with little sea salt. Another way to West Harbour Weekly do this if pushed for space and time is Exercise Classes to tightly wrap a plate with glad wrap, brush olive oil on to the sage leaves Steady as You Go in Port and stick it to the glad wrap. Microwave Chalmers. Falls prevention for 2 minutes, then boom, you have programme for Men and crisps. Sprinkle with salt to finish. Women, simple leg exer- cises. Port Chalmers Town

Hall on Wednesdays at It's come around again. 10:00am, only $3 per class. ——————————————————————————–—————————- Isn't it delightful, Yoga @ Port Chalmers bulbs coming up again. Town Hall. Monday night Everything all bright and fresh, at 6 - 7.30pm with Kathy after the welcome rain. $10 casual, for information phone 021 084 14215, Another really lovely time, [email protected] as we move on thru the year. Yoga4Life Wednesday at Surprises almost every day, 10.00am with Lisa. Bring a daffs and others, and "Early Cheer." yoga mat and a blanket.

[email protected] 027 437 0779. Such calm nights, —————–————–——————————--- and clear bright lights. Steady as you Go - Falls Shining across the bay, prevention programme for amazing view I say. Men and Women. Wednes- day 1.30pm at McCurdy - After having come back home, Grimman Hall, Driver St I'm loving the less hectic pace. Long Beach $3. For Info call It's just so quiet and peaceful, Patsy 482 2518 or Ruth 482 A heavenly happy place. 2283. ————————————————————— Pamela Mae Pilates with Hayley Davey . Thursday Morning 9.30 - The Rothesay News 10.30am @ the Pioneer Hall. For more information contact October 2020 Issue Hayley Davey, 021 183 5352 COPY DEADLINE [email protected]

is the 12th September for the Port Pilates at Pioneer October 2020 issue. Hall Tuesdays 6.15pm. Please make sure you have your Call to book on activities and events with dates, 0273445334, $14per class times, location and any other casual or $12 pre-paid for information, the course of 8 sessions. in by the deadline. ______Forward your stories, recipes, Tai Chi - Fridays @ 10am, photos, news and upcoming Port Chalmers Town Hall, events, or if you have not received Chalmers Lounge $3. Any the Rothesay News to: queries contact Yvonne on [email protected] 472 8487.

4 The Rothesay News September 2020

Halo Project - St Leonards & Burkes Residents: Do you have pests? PHARMACY SNIPPETS - Cold Sores We’d love to hear from you if you live in St. Cold sores normally first occur on or near your lip. They Leonards or Burkes and have predators lurking in your are caused by a type of herpes virus that is highly conta- backyard. If you think you have possums, please get in gious and are often caught in childhood from someone who is in- touch and we’ll visit, monitor, and offer suggestions for fected. The virus lies dormant until it is activated, usually at a most helping your property inconvenient moment, and starts by tingling or burning near where to become possum (or the blister is going to occur. Within a few hours one or more small even predator) free! blisters form, often swelling the surrounding area, giving rise to a The Halo Project team throbbing painful sore.

and volunteers have The liquid inside the blister contains active herpes viruses, so may been engaging with spread to other areas or other people once the blister breaks. The the Roseneath and sore may become infected with bacteria as well as with the virus, Photo: Kate Tanner . Evidence of Blanket Bay communi- so care must be taken to prevent any further infection. possum: Rose bush stripped of buds ties over the last two and leaves in St Leonards Once you have had your first cold sore you remain infected, so months. We’ve been there is no absolute cure. The virus often lies dormant for some amazed at how many time, and is activated by stress, sunburn, colds and flu’, by physi- possums there are on the Roseneath peninsula and sur- cal injury such as from dental work, fatigue and being run down. rounds. Thanks to the help of dedicated residents and new members, we’ve installed traps where possums, rats and Antiviral medicines are recommended to be used at the first sign of stoats were detected. tingling, which is the warning sign that cold sores are on their way. To be possum free: Many medicines are available at your local pharmacy – from tab-  Contact us – [email protected] / 022 026 2115 lets that are taken as soon as warning signs develop, to medicated  We’ll make a date and time to visit. patches that treat the cold sore with specific antiviral medicine as  When we visit, we’ll undertake a site assessment for well as protecting the cold sore from infection from hands or food safety. debris. Other patches that are not medicated protect the area from spreading to others, ease the pain and help to heal and protect.  Together, we decide whether we can install our humane kill traps and where. Most cold sores resolve within 10 days, but will return if you don’t  Hosting a possum trap is free of charge (some condi- prevent the triggers from activating the virus again. Your commu- tions apply). nity pharmacist will be able to give you advice to treat and supple-  Rat traps in wooden safety boxes are sold at discounted ments to help prevent reinfection of cold sores, and determine if price. you need to seek further medical help to prevent your cold sores  Once you sign up, you’ll receive ongoing support. developing into more serious infections. The team at Port Chalmers Pharmacy Being possum free, you’ll see increased native birdlife, flourishing vegetable gardens, healthy trees and more! Garden Club, Our work installing new traps and maintaining existing traps Arrangement -1st Sandra Dalziel is permitted under Covid-19 Alert Levels 1 and 2. We can- not install or maintain traps under Levels 3 and 4. Spring bloom-1st - Shirley Parsons Follow us on Facebook (@halobeyondorokonui) for the 2nd -Sandra Dalziel latest news, or visit www.haloproject.org.nz and subscribe 3rd -Janeen Greer-Pringle to our quarterly newsletter. The Halo Project Team Leeks - 1st+2nd Shirley Parsons

September 2020 The Rothesay News 5 P ū rākaunui School embarrassing moments. The raffle was won by Bev and the lucky

We have had an action packed start to Term 3. It cup by Pam. has been great to be able to get out and about. The evening concluded with supper. Our cross country preparations saw us running along Station Competition results. Rd near school and also along Long Beach at low tide. The Large bloom - 1st. Gwen Wilson. 2nd Vivienne McLauchlan. cross country event in was excellent, and it was Small bloom - 1st. Jenni Mains. 2nd. Gwen Wilson. lovely to catch up with our coastal cluster schools. Hellebore - 1st. Pam Woods. 2nd. Gaylene Gardener. 3 Winter vege - 1st. Pam Woods. June Cross It was very special to have children’s authors Robyn Belton and Kathryn van Beek visit the school and share some of Port Chalmers Swim Club their stories with us. It was fantastic having such expertise in our midst and we learned some very cool ideas and meth- ods to help us with our writing and illustrating skills.

We also enjoyed a wonderful trip to central Dunedin, riding on the free public bus. We went on a tour of the ODT which Congratulations was fascinating as we got to meet reporters and photogra- to our competitive phers and to see the machinery in action. We also went to swimmers this the Art Gallery for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with the season, espe- resident educator. These two visits were designed to tie in cially Tayla-Rose with our media studies topic which is proving to be very en- (left) at the Otago gaging. Our town day finished with some book shopping at SC Champion- the University Bookshop thanks to a generous grant from the ships in Dunedin Otago Community Trust which we appreciate enormously. recently where We now have lots of reading and writing to do now that we she won 3 med- are back at school! als and 7 ribbons Any queries about Pūrākaunui School please call the office (shown here). on 4821026. Tim Cook, Principal All the best to her Port Chalmers Country Women’s Institute for the South On Tues 11th August a good attendance of Port Chalmers Island SC Cham- CWI members listened, as our guest speaker Bronwyn Pow- pionships in ell-Grubb, presented an interesting and informative talk on in Gambling Addiction. September. Our meeting then proceeded with the reading of the minutes and treasurer reports. Remits were then discussed, and If you'd like to voting for the design of the 100 year centenary badge, sponsor this 1921-2021, to be presented to the NZ Federation Confer- young woman's ence. Some laughter then ensued, at various members ex- progress please email us at: [email protected] pense, following our roll call for them to share their most .

6 The Rothesay News September 2020 West Harbour Community Awards GARDENING WITH SALLY 1.Asparagus - Choose a position in full sun and prepare your The West Harbour Community Awards 2020 sees the 3rd patch with organic matter like compost, seaweed and sheep year the Community Board has held these awards This year pellets or manure. In plant asparagus from August Board Member Ange McErlane is spearheading this wonder- to December in cooler areas. Harvest asparagus grown from ful campaign. crowns after two seasons, this allows the crown to clump up and produce more spears long term. These awards are an opportunity for residents of the West Harbour to nominate individuals, community groups or a local 2. Sowing seeds- it is time to start sowing vegetable seeds for the business that they feel should be recognised for their activi- season ahead- if you have a warm sunny spot or a glass house ties in the local community.

you can start sowing the more tender summer vegetables- To- It is important when people nominate a person/group or busi- mato, courgettes – We have a great range of Yates and Kings ness that they provide some information about why they are seeds available in store. If you are unsure of what to grow and nominating them and some background so the judges can be when, we have the Habitate vegetable growing guide available well informed as to why the nomination has been made. for sale in store.

3. Potatoes – it is time to sprout your Christmas crop of potatoes. This year’s categories are: Keep them in a dark, dry place laid out on a tray. Plant Jersey Individual: someone who has contributed to the cultural, Bennes, Liseta, Cliffs Kidney and Maris Anchor. environmental, educational, emotional well-being of our com- munity.

4. Berrilcious Berries from your own garden – Berries are easy Groups/societies/clubs: This category is for a community to grow. Lots available in store including blackberries, raspber- organisation, club or society that has made a contribution to ries, boysenberries, berry delights including thornless varieties. our community for the benefit of others. It could be a regular Feed your berries and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients event for the community, or be something particular their from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures group as a collective contributes to our community. your plants grow to their full potential. Business/Commercial: This category is for a local business The Garden Centre is open 7 days from 8.30am. We are open to or commercial entity that provides a contribution in the form of customers in Level 2, Level 3 we are open for contactless sales- support to a local community organisation be it contribution of Please follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date time or financial support, or support in other ways such as with what to do in your garden and all the exciting new stock arriv- providing volunteers or administrative support providing a ing. Email [email protected] or phone 034822828

service such as photocopying or sponsoring equipment for a Blueskin Nurseries & Café, 2 Harvey Street Waitati. Open 7 days team. Anything that promotes and supports the West Harbour year round from 8.30am. Phone 03 4822828 email community. [email protected] Sally Brown Nominations are now open, if you live in the West Harbour, please send yours to westharbourcommunity- [email protected], stating the name of your nominee, and an outline of what they have contributed. Nominations close at 5pm on the 27 September, and all those that have been nominated will be invited to attend the awards scheduled to be held in October. Ange McErlane

September 2020 The Rothesay News 7

Here’s a great present -

‘Dusting Off … West Harbour, the First 150 Years’

The Rothesay News committee has republished this historical book which beautifully captures glimpses of the first 150 years of West Harbour life (in pictorial and written form). The book can be purchased directly for $34.95 plus postage, by completing the form below. It is also avail- able from these Port Chalmers retailers: Digiart, and Port Chalmers Maritime Museum.

Order Form Name: ……………………………………………………………………. Address: ………………………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………

Postcode: …………...

Phone:……………………………………... Mobile ……………………………………… No of copies…….@ $34.95 per book + postage (1 copy). Internet banking: 11 8427 0421556 11 Postage within NZ approx Standard $4.40 International Air Mail: Australia $12.00, England & USA $24.00

TOTAL $...... Please pay by internet banking or cheque to: ‘The Rothe- say News’ and send with the order form to: The Treas- urer, Rothesay News, 17 Grey St, Port Chalmers, Dune- din, 9023, New Zealand.

If receipt required please tick 

8 The Rothesay News September 2020 Trade & Services Directory GOLD & SILVER Port to Port Cruises

I buy any gold and silver, ● Ferry Back Beach to Por- tobello/Quarantine Island. in any form. Unwanted or 12.55pm & 3.00pm broken jewellery, chains ● Portobello/Quarantine Island and watches, coins and to Back Beach bars etc. 1.15pm & 3.15pm

Local buyer, fair ● Adult $12.00 Child $6 each way. prices. ● Booking essential

Phone: Alexander 020 416 24250 027 367 8863 www.porttoport.co.nz HARBOUR HEALTH PORT CHALMERS LTD 47 George Street Port Chalmers Ph: 472 8026

General Practice

Welcoming new patients 9am – 5pm Under 14yr old free for enrolled patients

September 2020 The Rothesay News 9

Trade & Services Directory

Open late night Thursday & Open Saturday morning

Phillip Cowley Chartered Accountant

Affordable Accounting Services

- Small business set up - Annual accounts - Taxation advice - GST returns - Migrant tax issues – UK

P (03) 471 0767 M 027 338 8307 E [email protected]

TJ’s Flooring Todd & Matt Donovan

Your local floor Specialists Carpet Tiles, Cork, Vinyl & Vinyl Tiles.

All floor preparation

HAFSLUND Polished UPHOLSTERY floors a specialty (see Pioneer Hall) Antique Specialist

Recovery and Repairs on all household and office furniture 38 Grey St, Port Chalmers

62 George St, Port Chalmers Todd 0276 477583 or Matt 0275 309945 Free quotes Ph: 472 8554

10 The Rothesay News September 2020 PORT OTAGO PAGE

September 2020 The Rothesay News 11 floor and replacing flooring in the Chalmers Lounge, after which the Chalmers Lounge and foyer areas were re- painted. The new carpet was then laid and the curtains in the Chalmers Lounge were dry cleaned.

In conjunction with the upgrade Port Otago agreed to spon- sor the total refurbishment of all the chairs in the Chalmers Lounge and the Town Hall which also included the pur- chase of an additional 50 new chairs. The Town Hall Soci- ety is indebted to CEO Kevin Winders and Port Otago for their generosity for which the greater community will benefit from for many years to come.

Trying out the refurbished chairs - Back row: Bruce Clark, Dave Marshall, Les Box (Chairman), Sue Bainbridge, Front: Bill Parsons, Katherine Ryder (Treasurer).

“Many thanks also to Ewen and Edna McDonald who very ST LEONARDS PLAYCENTRE generously donated us a piano for the Chalmers lounge.”

Community Matariki Celebrations - We enjoyed a fantastic With the interior of the Town Hall having been repainted Matariki Celebration with our friends up the road at St Leonards over the previous 18 months, the complex is now looking School. Following in our annual Matariki tradition, school and play- like new. With its self-catering kitchen for those wanting to centre families met at the school, where this year, for the first time do their own catering, our complex offers facilities for both we were treated to an amazing UV light display in the playground small and large events including wedding and funerals. organised by the senior students. We then walked in our lantern Bookings are now being taken especially for weddings by procession down the road to playcentre for waiata and hot choco- phoning Port Chalmers Town Hall on phone 425-9821 or late. view our website www.portchalmerstownhall.org.nz In the week before our gathering, the year 6 children from St Leo- nards School came down to playcentre and helped us make some Port Chalmers Kindergarten beautiful lanterns. It was a real treat having the big kids help our Kia ora. This term Port Chalmers kindy is focussing on well- younger playcentre children who enjoyed their company and guid- being. ance with lantern making. In keeping with our wellbeing theme we have welcomed After recent events it felt great to be out enjoying this lovely com- visits to the kindy from some amazing people in our com- munity festival with friends and family! munity who support our tamariki and whanau wellbeing.

Come and Visit! - St Leonards Playcentre is open on Monday and There was a dental therapist who came and showed the Thursday 9.30-12.30 every week, except in school holidays. children how to brush their teeth and police officer Emily Come and meet our friendly parents and children and learn how and Plunket nurse Nikita dropped in to teach us about road playcentre is run. Enjoy our great activities, toys and resources for safety. your children, grandchildren or homebased care tamariki. We also said haere mai to Sara Best, who came along with Ages 0-6. Everyone welcome and the first 3 sessions are free. Pop a colleague and conducted a research project about animal in and say Hi. For more information please contact: stleo- care in early childhood settings. Our guinea pigs Popcorn [email protected] and Alfonso and our goldfish Batman and Bindi were espe- cially happy to see them! We are seeking a session Facilitator, Monday and Thursday - 4 hours per session. Please contact us for more information, We have been kindly invited to be part of the West Harbour Jan 0273316776, [email protected]. Kapa Haka, to be held early in term four. We are excited to be part of this local event as Polyfest was cancelled this Our Centre is also available for hire for Children’s parties. year.

Reasonable rates, contact us for details. Antonia Wood Matariki has been an area of interest and we have been re- telling our Maori myths and legends around the meaning of Port Chalmers Town Hall Matariki, singing waiata and reading books and completing Since mid-last year the Port Chalmers Town Hall Society have puzzles that focus on Matariki. been planning and fundraising to repaint and re carpet all of the carpeted areas in the Town Hall complex. Thanks to the generos- Together we are continuing to work on our sign language ity of the Southern Trust, Alexander McMillan Trust, Otago Com- and we hope you see us using it in the kindy environment. munity Trust and funds allocated from the Town Hall Society’s This term has also seen us connecting with nature and we funds this made it all happen. Prior to this the DCC had to enlist a are excited to be back up and running with our Eco Warri- Building Contractor to carry out major maintenance to the floor of ors programme at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The children the Chalmers Lounge then COVID-19 struck which bought things were also very excited to visit Otago Museum, where they to a halt. Following lockdown, work recommenced with first levelling the Port Chalmers Kindergarten Continued on page 12

12 The Rothesay News September 2020 Port Chalmers Kindergarten Continued from page 11 learned about what Otago was like in ancient times. The dinosaur fossils were a highlight of the trip!

There are two big things coming up this term that have the children – not to mention the mums and dads – very, very excited. First up will be a visit to the Teddy Bear’s Hospital, followed by a visit to the kindy by some fire fighters.

If the idea of teddy bears and Firefighters sounds tempting then the good news is Port Chalmers Kindergarten has spaces avail- able so please pop by or call us if you would like your child (and you) to join in the fun. Nga mihi Angela Cuming, Committee Treasurer

. . Pioneer Hall Kia ora to you all. The Pioneer Hall is open under level 2! There are some slight changes to the way the Hall can be used, but we‘re doing all we can to keep everyone safe and remain open. We have hand sanitizer and disposable face masks for hall users who don‘t have their own.

Walking past, or into the Hall you shouldn't find it difficult to miss the QR Code for the Ministry of Health Covid 19 tracker app, and it‘s important that they are used please!

While using the Hall it is important to remain spaced out, so keep 1 metre between individuals. For this spatial distancing reason the limit of people able to be in the Hall at one time is capped at Yoga on Friday afternoons, most Sunday mornings the West 50 people while under level 2. Harbour Ukulele group meet at the Hall.

All that being said, the classes y‘all know and love are still on If you‘d like to know more about the Hall or to make a through the Hall! booking contact the Community Coordinator Chris Arm- strong on 022 369 6807 Monday nights and Thursday mornings is Yoga with Hayley, Tuesday evenings is Port Pilates with Rachel, Thursday evenings Stay safe, wash your hands, and check on your neighbours. has the Sea Cadets, Bob Scott is teaching guitar on Wednesday Chris Armstrong and Thursday afternoons and Aaron Kyle teaches adult and kids

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September 2020 The Rothesay News 13 Backyard Medicine Girls’ Brigade Recognition of Service

It’s Spring, and a great time to read about Cleav- Glenis Whipp (left) from St Leo- ers-Galium aparine to be exact, also called sticky nards was recognised for her weed and goosegrass. As herbal medicine it is used both commitment and dedication to internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of Girls’ Brigade in the West Har- ailments. A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin bour area at a special event held problems such as seborrhoea (overactive oil glands) ec- on 11 August 2020. zema and psoriasis. It has been used as a general detoxify- ing agent in serious illnesses such as cancer. It has a mild Glenis joined Girls’ Life Brigade laxative effect and stimulates the lymphatic system and has (GLB) as it was known then, shown benefit in skin related problems. when she was 7, her family lived in Maia. She went through the The fresh plant or juice of cleavers herb is used as a medici- ranks of GLB as a girl, becoming a commissioned leader in GB in nal poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin prob- 1962 and has just completed 58 years of continuous service to lems. An infusion can be used for glandular fever, tonsillitis, girls’ and young women in our community. hepatitis and cystitis. You can use cleavers for a Spring clean - collect up enough Over the years Glenis has held many positions within the Organi- fresh, clean cleavers (you might need gloves!) to fill a 1 litre sation. She was recognised for her service by Girls’ Brigade NZ glass jar. Pour over enough cold filtered water to cover, and receiving both a National Executive Award and National Commis- leave overnight on the bench. In the morning, strain the liq- sioners Award. Glenis was made a Life Member of GBNZ in uid into a jug, and drink a 200ml glass each morning for 3 2018. There are many in the West Harbour community who have days only, before you eat or drink anything. Store the ex- been associated with Girls’ Brigade over the many years that cess in the fridge. Glenis has been a leader here, so on behalf of those residents, Cleavers Succus is a wonderful remedy for a sore throat - we say “thank you Glenis for the service you have given”. and is made by juicing fresh cleavers and mixing it into an Jennifer Box, QSM, Otago GB Secretary equal measure of runny honey, eat a teaspoon at a time, 4 hours apart. Port Chalmers Swim Club Report 2020 Please note: you MUST positively identify the plant before you try anything with it! If you are on any medications at all, In February this year we launched our new main fund- DO NOT use without first consulting your healthcare profes- raiser, the Swimathon 2020. Special thanks to Megan sional. DO NOT use any plant that may have been sprayed Brasell-Jones who got this off the ground and to everyone who Francisca Griffin, Naturopath participated and made it a success. We plan to run it again this season and hope your enthusiasm continues.

Special thanks to the Port Chalmers & Districts Lions Club for holding their Christmas raffle for us and to the public for their support of it. The donation went to training our squad coaches and purchasing two underwater pool platforms. Thanks also to Bendigo Valley Sports & Charity Foundation for their grant sup- port of the platforms. These platforms are important for the Width Improvers group to give them support as they progress into deeper water.

We finished the season two weeks earlier than expected due to the Covid crisis and we weren’t able to hold our usual prize- giving in April. However, Digiart & Design Ltd came on board by sponsoring our new certificates which the children enjoyed re- ceiving by post this year and we are planning to hold our prize- giving presentations on our Club Open Day on Sunday 13th Sep- Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua tember. We hope you can join us this day to register for the new season and celebrate the achievements of our swimmers. Kia ora koutou Meghan Hughes, our ‘new’ island Keeper, and her We support swimming of all levels and ages. It’s never too late to whanau, Gareth, Arlo and Zoe, are settling in well to start. Both adults and children are welcome to join our club island life, with Meghan kept busy with hosting groups and whether it’s to learn to swim or to race or to get fit. We have two arranging bookings for group day trips and stays in the fitness squad sessions each week for those keen to enjoy the Lodge. club atmosphere at the same time as getting fit. Our supportive We welcomed new visitors at our July Open Day, and en- coach will encourage you to be the swimmer you want to be. We joyed visits from Koputai Kids and Bap- hope more adults will join the fitness group. tist Church holiday programmes in the school holidays, and For those who don’t actively swim please come and join our hosted a group of students from Pukekohe High School, “Friends of Swimming” volunteer group. This is a great way to Auckland, who stayed a few nights in the Lodge. We’ve had support and help us grow as a club. Volunteer support is vital for volunteers, students from Logan Park High School Enviro our swim club to stay active. Contact us by email: portswim- Group, lead by Port Chalmers resident, Cristina Barriga, [email protected] or follow us on Facebook. and AAPES Otago who helped with weed control, and plant- ings, and a beach clean-up. Do come and join us on our Club Open Day to welcome our new

th swimming season back and be part of our swimming community. Our next Community Open Day is on Saturday 26 Sep- Chris Thorne tember (dependent on COVID-19 restrictions). For Volun- PCSC President teer Opportunities see our website quarantineis- [email protected] or join our Facebook page Quarantine Island/ Kamau Taurua Community for updates and details of events. To arrange a visit or stay on the island, for a school ‘camp’, or workshop venue, you can contact the Keeper on 03-478- 0874 or email [email protected]. Claire Hagglund

14 The Rothesay News September 2020 @Port Library & Service Centre …with Jude Newton Magic and Mayhem with Jonathan Usher 10 Questions Join our magical tour as Dunedin Magician Jonathan Usher Each month we ask a West ► shares his secrets with shows and workshops to delight 8-15 Harbour personality to an- year olds and their parents. swer the same ten ques- Jonathan will be teaching some visual magic tricks that are tions. easy to learn, and great fun to perform. This will be ideally suited to young people who are starting their journey in magic. This month is Jude Newton Places for these workshops are limited, so PRIOR booking is who is well known as a long essential. Tickets are $5 per child (parents go free). term resident at Pura- kaunui. After Jude left VISIT YOUR PORT CHALMERS LIBRARY OR CALL school she went to work as 472 7583 TO BOOK, Please book places for children only - an office junior in a law firm parents welcome to accompany but don't need to book. and worked her way up to Friday 2nd October, 11am-12pm, Port Chalmers Library be a personal secretary.

SKINNY JUMP She had her three eldest Skinny Jump is a not-for-profit service that offers flexible pre- sons at an early age and paid broadband: Only $5 for 30GB of data, no contracts or when they were 4, 6 and 7 credit checks, and the modem comes free of charge. Just top she moved to live in Austra- up as you go. lia for three years. We specifically support those most at risk of digital exclusion, In later years Jude did as identified in the government's digital inclusion blueprint. courses at the Lotus Col- If one or more of the following sounds like you, then you lege in Roseneath in Mas- would probably be eligible: sage, Trigger Point Therapy Families with children and Reiki. · · Job seekers These days Jude does · Seniors massage in rest homes and · People with disabilities a little bit of cleaning work. · Refugees and migrant communities .A resident of Purakaunui for · Those in social housing 31 years, it's a place she visited as a child as her grandfather Visit Port Chalmers Library and Service Centre to sign up for lived there and as a boy went to Purakaunui School. Jude tells a modem or call 472 5783 to book ahead The Rothesay News that her youngest son who is now 29, had a Ainslie and the Team at Port Chalmers Library wonderful childhood growing up at Purakaunui doing all the things boys love to do. Jude is president of the Purakaunui St Leonards School - The country school in the Amenities Society, a role she has held for quite some time, and city. she is passionate about the village, it's people and it’s beauty. Kia ora koutou, Our Source to Sea learning project (supported by the Halo Q. If you had the chance which three people (dead or alive) Project ) is continuing this term, with letters by the students to would you invite for dinner? a fictional Clearwater City Council to inform them of the is- A. John Denver, Jasper Kent and Ben Drake. sues with their water catchment and what they can do to fix them, which is a great all round learning opportunity! Q. What are your three favourite movies? A. E.T., The Sound of Music and The Boy who Harnessed the We recently had a fantastic writing/illustrating workshop sup- Wind. ported by UNESCO Dunedin City of Literature. The children met the well-known illustrator Robyn Belton and the newly Q. What was your first car and if money was no object what car published author Kathryn van Beek. These opportunities are would you like to buy? greatly valued and inspire our future writers. We are delighted A. Morris 1100, older model Jaguar. . that one of our students, Aoife Ryan Markie has had her writ- Q. If you were to face the guillotine in the morning, what would ing accepted in ToiToi - the nationwide journal for young writ- you choose as your last meal? ers and artists. We are excited that it will be in print next A. Roast Pork. month! . Q. Which three countries would you most like to visit? A heads up that our annual Art Exhibition and Market day is A. Turkey, Italy and Egypt. happening this year, 6-8 November, keep the dates free ! . November 6th-Art Exhibition opening night, Art Sales available Q. When you were at school can you remember what you first from 6-8 November. wanted to be when you grew up? A.I always wanted to work in an office . November 7 - Art Exhibition and Market Day. There will be stalls selling everything from books to toys, second hand Q. What do you think is the most useful invention of all time? clothes and bric-a-brac (with lots of tasty treats to be had at A. The cellphone. our pop-up Kereru Café!). If you’d like to book a stall call (03 Q. What is the best book you have read? 471 0501)/ email ([email protected]) the school! A. Twelve by Jasper Kent. Jo Wilson, Principal Q. If you had a time machine where in the past or future would you go? A. I would like to go back in the past and meet my Great Uncle For information on who died In Austria in the first World War Otago COVID-19 . COVID-19 Q. If you had to spend one month on a desert island name three (Novel Coronavirus) Welfare Helpline things you would take along? A. Caramel Tim Tams, matches and Baileys. www.covid19.govt.nz 0800 322 4000 Ange McErlane

September 2020 P UBLIC NOTICES & C LASSIFIED 15

What’s on this month on the West Harbour … - Pea Sea Art Exhibition: September JOHN FRANCIS. Opens Sun- FOR FUNCTION HIRE day 6th September, 5-7pm. Closes Friday 24th September.

- Justice of the Peace - Port Chalmers Library every Monday Port Chalmers Town Hall morning from 10am - 12pm. Complex.

Weddings-Functions- - Euchre is played at the Port Chalmers Bowling Club every Monday Meetings Column sponsored by the at 1.00 pm. The cost is $3.00. Everyone welcome. For info 472- 8755. For any enquiries contact West Harbour Community Board the Custodian INFORMATION - Ravensbourne Play Group meets at Ravensbourne School  425 9821 or 021 222 8878 every Monday and Wednesday 9am -12pm during school terms. Contact 4710410 for more info. Port Chalmers

- Harbourside Table Tennis Club - 7.30pm Thursday nights, Cost Port Chalmers Swimming Library & Service Centre $3, Coaching and gear provided, at Harbour Rugby Club, Albertson Ground floor Ave. Pool (opens 14th September) Town Hall, - Toy Library, open Saturdays 2-4pm, look out for the yellow sign on Ravensbourne Road. Hours Beach Street. School Term Times - West Harbour Ukuleles: Most Sunday mornings at the Pioneer Ph. 474 3690 Hall,11.00.am. Check Facebook, ‘West Harbour Ukuleles’ or call/txt Lane Swimming only Greg Hings for more information, 021 962 396. Hours: Mon-Fri 6.00am - 9.00am - Kia Ora Katoa Women’s Institute meet in the Chalmers Lounge 12 noon - 1.30pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: upstairs in the Port Chalmers Town Hall on the second Thursday of Sat & Sun -10am - 11am 9.30am - 5.30pm each month at 1.30pm. For information contact Irene Todd 472 7163. Leisure Swimming Thursday - Port Chalmers Women’s Institute: meets in the Chalmers Lounge Mon, Wed, Fri - 3pm - 7pm upstairs in the Port Chalmers Town Hall on the second Tuesday of Tues & Thurs 3pm - 4.30pm 9.30am - 8.00pm each month at 7.30pm. For information contact Mary Fahey 472 Sat & Sun - 11am - 5pm Saturday 8370.

11.00am - 2.00pm - United Church of Port Chalmers: Sunday Services all at Em- School Holiday Times manuel Church Sawyers Bay at 10.00am. Service Centre hours:

- Holy Trinity Port Chalmers, Main Service - 10am, Sunday mid- Lane Swimming only week Service - 10am, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Family Service - 10am, Mon-Fri 6.00am - 9.30am Sat & Sun -10am - 11am West Harbour 1st Sunday of the month.

- St Mary’s Star of the Sea, 38 Magnetic St, Port Chalmers. Mass Leisure Swimming WestCommunity Harbour BoardCommu- 5pm Saturday, Wednesday 11.30am. Mon - Fri - 9.30pm - 7pm nity Board

Sat & Sun 11pm - 5pm - All Fibre Handcrafts e.g. knitting, crochet, patchwork, embroidery, Francisca Griffin spinning. Emmanuel Church Hall, Sawyers Bay, Monday 7th & 21st Duncan Eddy September, come at 11am or 1.30pm. For info contact 472 8487. Chairperson 4728483021 or 174 0274834707 0400 - Bookshare @ Port Chalmers Library: First Wednesday of the [email protected] month at 11.00am. Trevor Johnson

- Sawyers Bay Garden Club - Meets at Emmanuel Church Hall, DeputyFrancisca Chairperson Griffin Sawyers Bay, on the 3rd Tuesday September - March at 7.15pm and 4724710632 8483 oror 0272848611027 483 4707 the third Saturday of the month April - August at 1.45pm. For infor- mation contact Secretary Karlina Jackson 472 8510. TrevorSteve WalkerJohnson - Senior Citizens meet each Tuesday at 1.00pm in the Chalmers 471 0632Councillor or 027 284 8611

Lounge upstairs in the Port Chalmers Town Hall. For information 0278505603 contact Dorothy Allum 472 7712.

- Port Chalmers Maritime Museum: normal hours: Monday to Fri- AngeDuncan McErlane Eddy day 10am-3pm, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 1.00 - 4.00 p.m. 4727 8730211740400 or 027 4380 601 Also open by special appointment. Enquires 472 8233. [email protected]

- Blueskin Market: 6 September, (First Sunday of the month), 11 Jacque Ruston to 1. local arts, crafts, produce, and more! Gallery on Blueskin at Ange027 McErlane247 9090 Waitati. Free stalls available. 4727873 or 0274380601

- Port Chalmers Community Market: 20 September (every third Sunday of the month), 10am-1.30pm, George St, opp 4Square. JanJacque Tucker Ruston QSM Organic produce, local food, craft, music and lots more. 472 7463 or 021 140 8890 027 247 9090

Jan Tucker QSM 472 7463

Editor:Ange McErlane: [email protected], 472 7873, West Harbour 0274 380 601. Story Ideas/suggestions: The editor. Community Board

Accounts & Subscriptions: Nola Broere 472 8907. Masthead Photo 30 September 2020 Flying Boat The Rothesay News community newspaper is published by The Rothesay News Inc, 47 Centaurus on Otago Meetings commence at 5.30pm and Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers. Printer: Digiart & Design Ltd, 19 George Street, Port Chalmers. Printed for September 2020. Circulation 2,540, Ravensbourne to . Copy Harbour in 1938. Photo are held in the Rolfe Meeting Room, deadline 12th of the month prior. Copy should be submitted as a virus-free emailed text Port Chalmers Town Hall and Service document. Images should be greyscale with a minimum of 300 dpi in jpg format. Community taken by Stan Garner News articles should be 100-250 words, and may be abridged at the editor’s discretion. Any Centre. If you have issues that you notices not submitted as paid advertisements are subject to space availability. Preference is father of Ron Garner, given to news of interest to the wider community, and promoting future events. Photos to be would like to raise at the Boards public captioned and named. Contributions to have a contact name and phone number. The views Thank You Ron (& Stan) and opinions expressed by contributors and correspondents in printed articles, are not ISSN 1171-0950 forum, please phone Jennifer Lapham necessarily shared by the editor, or any member of the Rothesay News Committee. 474 3363.

16 The Rothesay News September 2020 D USTING OFF THE PORT CHALMERS FLAGSTAFF

The original flagstaff on Observation Point in Port Chalmers was the mizzen (stern) mast from the condemned barque Cincinatti which had arrived in Port Chalmers in 1862. It was owned by the notorious buccaneer, William “Bully” Hayes and the mast was raised and be- gan operation as a signal station for Port Chalmers in 1864. Other signal stations which controlled shipping in the , were located at Taiaroa Head and Dunedin's Sig- nal Hill. Following Gabriel Read's discovery of gold in 1861, thousands of people were attracted to Otago to seek their fortunes.

In 1860 there were 69 ship arrivals in Port Chalmers, the following year there were 256. In 1864, the year the flagstaff was raised, there were 865 arrivals. The flagstaff was a signal station and used coloured flags to notify ships of the depth of the harbour and to warn ships of vessels approaching from Dunedin. The flagstaff was also used to fly signal warnings to fishermen who plied their dangerous calling in the open sea beyond Taiaroa Head. In 1864, Captain John Robertson was appointed as the first Signal Master and a house was provided nearby for him.

The flagstaff is comprised of a mast with yardarms and a crows nest, stabilised by guy wires that descend and anchor it to the ground in six places. A time ball was added to the flagstaff in 1867. In 1910 a new “ironbark” flagstaff was fitted to replace the original which had rotted and in 1920 the yardarm was also replaced. In the same year signals which cleared Captain Robert Falcon Scott's expedition to the South Pole were hung from the yardarms.

Around 1970 the flagstaff came under threat when the Otago Harbour Board decided to dismantle it on the grounds that it was unsafe and considered to be an impediment to traffic. A group of local people banded together and formed the Port Chalmers Flagstaff Appeal Committee. This group was responsible for the restoration and repositioning of the flagstaff 75 metres closer to Port Chalmers. It was decommissioned on Wednesday 29 September 1971 and its owner- ship was transferred to the Port Chalmers Borough Council by the then Minister Of Lands, Hon Duncan McIntyre. In 1989 the ownership was transferred to the Dunedin City Council.

By the 1990s the flagstaff had become a site of protest and was used to mount banners for campaigns against the Aramoana smelter and the Observation Point excavation by Port Otago Ltd. The flagstaff was badly damaged in March 1994 when the guy ropes were loosened during the removal of the “pier master's house” by Maxwell Bros; it was reinstated at a cost of $15,000.00. During 2020 the flagstaff is undergoing considerable repairs and restoration by the Parks & Recreation Division of the Dunedin City Council prior to the rein- statement of the timeball, a Port Chalmers Historical Society Incorporated project.

This flagstaff, which is a Heritage New Zealand Category 2 structure, has considerable social and historic signifi- cance. It is a visual reminder of the important role that shipping has played in the establishment and development of Dunedin and Otago during the last two centuries and is a symbol of the historic significance of Port Chalmers.

The only surviving part of the original Cincinatti mizzen mast can be seen in the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum. This is the first part of a two-part history of the flagstaff and the timeball. The next part will be included in next month's issue of The Rothesay News. Norman Ledgerwood Port Chalmers & District Lions

At our July club meeting we had guest speaker, Kate Tanner from the Halo Project – beyond Orokonui which support resilient communities by engaging in healthy landscape development within the 55000 hectares surrounding the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. One of the areas is predator control to make Dune- din safer for native flora and fauna to strive throughout the West Harbour area. Kate showed us the traps used for trapping, and the usage of chew card for identifying the targeted pests (possum, stoat, rat, mice) around our home environment.

It is time again towards the Port Chalmers Lions Club Annual Dell Day which is on Sunday, 25th October 2020, Labour Weekend. If you wish to have a stall ($10.00 per stall) at the Dell Day, please contact Lion Pat Haraki @ [email protected]. Immediate Past President Derek Old- field presenting an item to Kate Tanner The Port Chalmers Lions Club has for sale - Oriental Lily Bulbs – 12 varieties for her presentation to the club. to choose, from $2.50 each Orders to Lion Shirley Parsons at [email protected] or Lion Pat Haraki at [email protected] Any information or inquiries on our activities or joining the club, please contact our President Lion Peter Dicks on 4728353. Juay Lim, Club Administrator/Communications, Port Chalmers & District Lions Club, [email protected], Ph: 027 214 5691

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