Editor’s pick - iconic photo by Tony Somerville 17th January

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edition

March 2021 March

Kaka Point Newsletter Newsletter Point Kaka

The Market Day at Port Molyneux School was a huge success . Lots more photos inside thanks to Karen Broad

More busy days — KP Surf Life Saving Club hosts the Champs 6th and 7th February Photos Marilyn Dunn

Beach Ride 14th February Photo Katy Button

1 Playgrounds The KP Community Group are interested in working towards a revamp and improvement of our KP playgrounds. They are interested in hearing from any of you out there who might have some ideas for what you think might work.

Have you seen great ideas at other playgrounds ? What would you like to see in KP?

The KP Community Group would love to hear from you. contact Kimberley - [email protected]

Point Café and Bar

A big thank you to Chris and Lisa for their generous donation of three wooden picnic tables for the foreshore. It’s very heartening to see local businesses give back so freely to the community for the benefit of locals and visitors.

Very much appreciated.

Winter hours - The Point Café will be closed on Mondays until further notice.

A big thank you to Rex and Marilyn Brumby for sponsoring this newsletter

2 KAKA POINT COMMUNITY MARKET DAY 2021

From the organising team, Karen Broad, Christine Dennison and Wilma Ryan

Many thanks to everyone who helped out in our extremely successful Market Day this year. We were over- whelmed with the number of people who turned out for this event. The new venue proved to be a great success. We knew this would be a learning curve for us all and have certainly picked up on improvements needed for next year.

Special mention and thanks to Stephen and Adele Gold for mowing the paddocks and allowing us to use them for car parking. We couldn’t have managed without them!!! Huge thanks to Mark McKeever for managing the traffic control and to his wee band of helpers. There will definitely need to be a bigger band of helpers next year as regards traffic control!

A big thank you to Geoff and Christine Dennison who every year donate all the sausages for the Community BBQ. This is very much appreciated. The bread, drinks, onions etc were also all donated by locals. Many thanks to Ken, Oscar, Greg, Robyn and Carolyn who kept the BBQ going all day. Community BBQ top right….

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Thanks to S.J.Allan (Septic and Chris) for putting in some extra toilets for us.

To the Port Molyneux School’s Jade and Lyndon McNab, a massive thanks for allowing us to use your beautiful venue. You were absolutely amazing to deal with and your enthusiasm for the event was much appreciated and rubbed off on us all. The comments we have received since have been so positive and encouraging and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Thank you everyone , Karen, Christine and Wilma

Editor’s note.- We have had ten wonderful market days organised by Pauline Simpson, but this was an opportunity in 2021 for another team to try something different. And with initiative and courage they envisioned something new– and had many practical issues to navigate.. A huge learning curve. The punters came in their thousands. Stall holders report record sales—it was a triumph!

On behalf of the community and all who enjoyed this wonderful day—

A huge thank you to Karen, Wilma and Christine.

4 Kaka Point Surf Life Saving Club …. Report and photos Fiona Wilkinson

Have had another busy year being on guard throughout the summer to help keep our beach safe. Our thanks to you all.

But also, to hone their skills, Surf Life Savers revel in good competitions.!

Throughout Waitangi Weekend the Kaka Point Beach was full of action-packed racing in the 2021 Otago Surf Life Saving Championships. (quite a while since this competition was held down here)

On Saturday was the Junior events, where the Kaka Point Club had 17 keen participants. The events latest throughout most of the day and included both beach and water events from Under 8 through to Under 14. Well done to Lola Povey who was Under 8 Girls Champion and Hollie Harrex who was the overall Female champion, with the most points scored through the day..

Busy beach—photo Marilyn

Beach flag race…. The Junior team Great results!

Canoe race seniors...

5 Some participants went on to compete in the Southern Regional Championships, which includes all clubs from the South Island. The Juniors competed at Warrington where Max Wilkinson was overall Under 8 boys champion.

Pictured at Warrington Beach—left is Jay Wilkinson who won a gold in a relay team race and Max Wilkinson, the under 8 champion. Below—the Under 8 8 relay team win gold,

The Senior Southern Regional Championships were held at South Bright- on Beach in Christchurch. Four of our local volunteer Lifeguards (Isla Has- tie, Lucy Kell, Briana Dent and Maia Pryde) competed in the Junior Women's division in both the Long and Short Course Canoe races and received a Bronze medal in both events. The girls had put a lot of hours into training for the National event to be held at Ohope Beach, but unfortunately, this had to be cancelled due to covid.

The team of girls who got two bronze medals at the Senior Southern Regional Championship at South Brighton Beach Pictures left to right ‘ Isla Hastie, Briana Dent, Maia Pryde, Lucy Kell

Fantastic individual and team efforts. We are so proud of how vibrant and committed our KP Surf Lifesaving Club is.

Going down memory lane…….by Shirley Scott The list of shop owners that Marilyn Dunn mentioned in the last newsletter made for interesting reading and the name McKechnie sent me down memory lane. Mr McKechnie also had the bus run from Kaka Point to Balclutha picking up not only working girls; June McPherson springs to mind, but also High School pupils from Paretai; the Caleys from the Cheese Factory (or was it the Punt that plied the from the Cheese factory to ) ; and school children from Finegand to Balclutha Primary School, and not forgetting adult passengers travelling to Balclutha.

As a small child from Finegand I recall Phil and Rona Williamson and a babe in arms using the service. The babe was wrapped in a beautiful shawl. [Even as a small child I was interested in beautiful hand crafts.] As a primer one pupil and the fact that the bus was for workers, the gap between school finishing and the bus leaving was some considerable time. Stretchers were erected in a class room and the littlies slept in the intervening time.

Was there another bus operator between Mr McKechnie and Gordon Murray? Sometimes Gordon Murray’s bus didn’t behave as expected! Once I recall the bus stopping at Finegand [before the road alignments present today] and the boys having to push the bus to get it going; running alongside and hopping on board. I am sure there were no Health and Safety Regulations then! Needless to say the school was not impressed if we had to walk from Invertiel, but when a group arrived at the school gates closer to 10.00 all with the same story; “The bus broke down and we had to walk” who could argue. Perhaps walk should have been replaced with ‘dawdle’! Roll on several years when we lived in Rata Street in 1969. Geordie Ross, from Kaitangata, ran an excellent ser- vice for locals wishing to shop in Balclutha. From memory that service ran on a Thursday, directly after lunch, re- turning around 4.30pm. Mothers with prams and small children, older women who didn’t drive, or maybe there was only one family car, made good use of this service, with the added bonus we were dropped off at our gate,

6 Kaka Point Bowls report by Ken Stephens The club once again held the annual Tom Sheppard Memorial Trophy optional fours tournament on Boxing Day. We were blessed with a fine day after a light shower as we were starting. We had fourteen entries, including the regulars from Gore and Green Island, and everyone enjoyed the after- noon. As usual , the bowls were of a very high standard, and after four games, the Lindsay McCaughan skipped team emerged the winners. The other members were Ryan McCaughan, Stuart Wightman and Craig Sheppard. It was good to see the Sheppard name going on the trophy once again. The afternoon concluded with a lovely afternoon tea provided by the local ladies. We are hoping to fill the green with 2 more teams next year

Waitangi Day Bowls Report

The weather was perfect for the Kaka Point Bowls Waitangi Day roll-up.

Thirty bowlers or would-be bowlers turned up , some from as far away as Christchurch, to participate in our annual event, which is designed to give everyone who wants to have a go, the opportunity to play some friendly bowls alongside someone who can give them some help.

We split everyone into teams of three, 1 bowler and 2 beginners, and played three games of 6 ends. It was really pleasing to see some people who hadn’t played before, get the idea quite quickly.

Of course there was a fair bit of competition between teams, and that all added to the fun. There certainly was a fair bit of laughing, especially when someone put their bowl away on the wrong bias.

At the end of the three games, when the points were all tallied, the winning team, which won the Waitangi Day Roll-up Trophy, was Tineke and Henk Geers, skipped by Club President, Colin (Paddy) Paterson. The Bowling Club is grateful for the sponsorship from Speights and Balclutha New World. The day concluded with a lovely afternoon tea which was made by the bowling club ladies. The event will be held next year and everyone who participated this year wants to play again next year. Photos Karen Broad

7 Best wishes for a long and happy retirement to our postie, David Fenton,

David is retiring at the end of March after 18 years doing RD1 deliveries.

I asked what David’s work day looked like and this is what his wife, Colleen, told me.

He generally leaves home 6.30am to go to Post Office to sort his mail, scan in his customers parcels and load up the mail vehicle. Then he’s off on the run. A normal day (if any day can be called that) he will be back in Balclutha around 1pm. There he checks in with the local courier for parcels for the next day before unloading any mail he has picked up on the way around.

Of his time as a postie, David writes this—

I have had some interesting experiences over that time as well. I’ll always remember tourists stopped in the middle of the Nuggets Road, passengers all out on the beach with their cameras, and all oblivious to the need for the mail truck to get passed. And of course there is always the car, again tourists, stopped in the middle of a mob of sheep that the farmer is trying to move along. In one particular instance the passenger was out in amongst the sheep trying to get a close-up photo.

From time to time I would come across the odd breakdown and would help get assistance for them. This was more frequent before the Nuggets Road was tar-sealed, and numerous tourists, rental vehicles would be off the road, down banks, into ditches or into fences. Another time I came across a burnt-out campervan on the Nug- gets Road.

Apart from motoring issues, there was the incident (twice) where I opened a mailbox to find a possum looking back at me (dead of course). Mailboxes are often the subject of mistreatment – in one incident a letterbox had been blown up by fireworks, and in another the letterbox had disappeared altogether – over the clifftop, again Nuggets Road.

There have been many changes over the past 18 years. The earlier days had more metal roads to travel on, but since then the Nuggets, Karoro Creek and Ahuriri Flat Roads have all been sealed – making travel much more comfortable and less wear on the tyres. Another change, brought about by NZ Post, was the introduction of group stands in Kaka Point rather than individual boxes at each house. I guess the biggest changes have been the reduction in letters, and the increase in parcel delivery due to on-line shopping.

Satisfying moments – guess that will be the ‘treats’ that are often left in the mailbox – seafood, baking, pre- serves, wine etc

David— When I asked around , people said things like:

‘Thank you for your service to us, going out of your way to support our community.’ ‘Thank you for your big smile, and warm wave,’ “You have always been so helpful and kind’ . ‘You have gone above and beyond’

We know that people will miss you, and the service that you have provided.. All of KP wish you and Colleen a long, relaxed and satisfying retirement.

And all the best to Jane Whitmore who will be taking over the business at the beginning of April

8 A&P Society Giant Pumpkin Competition, Family Fun & Market Day

Family Friendly Event with FREE ADMISSION Clutha Country Music Club will be providing LIVE MUSIC throughout the event. Animal Petting Area Market stalls & Entertainment for the whole family.

To book a Market Stall & receive application form, contact: Bridget Lowry 0273477683 or PM our FB page https://www.facebook.com/southotagoap

Sites $15 each, Electric & Tables available on request at $5 each. All prices incl GST.

Non Profit Groups are eligible for FREE Market Stall sites; great opportunity to showcase your group to the South Otago Community & Fundraise

Then and now

A year since lockdown. Worth a moment or two of reflection. This was the scene on 26th March, our first day at Level 4 lockdown, The beach front was deserted except for the small groups of walkers—families (with Dad) and dog out in their bubbles, for their allowed exercise. How would the town survive? Lisa at the Point Café worked hard to get the shop open and to provide vegetables milk and bread.– and then the joy of takeaways! And now look at us—thriving! Campervan City!!

Thursday 26th March 16th March 2021 2020

Get that one -off, unique gift !

Art Nuggets Gallery

Open day 3rd April 2020

34 Factory Road, Paretai. at the old Cheese factory

20% discount on any item sold !

Point Café and Bar Second Hand Book Stall

This is a great asset for the community and it helps in the production of this newsletter. This year the total was $375.20 Thank you to everyone who donated good quality second hand books and maybe bought some too. And of course thanks to Lisa for giving space for the book stall.

9 KP welcomes our new business—the Neux Café

Another new business…

Introducing Nathan’s Taxi Service

Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 9am—4 pm

Saturdays 9am - 3am

Nathan White is a local lad who is keen to serve the community.

He will take rides from KP. He estimates those might be in the $20-30 range .

His taxi is Pay-wave capable as well as Mastercard ,all Visa and Visa Debit Cards !!

10 Kaka Point Community Group

A big thank you to local, Nick McKenzie, Beekeeper, who is donating $2.00 per pottle of honey he sells to the KP Community Group.. Last month Nick donated $200—a most generous contribution to the ongoing work of the Communi- ty Group to enhance KP.

Next meeting is Wednesday 21st April. 7.30pm Bowling Club All welcome

Nugget Point Fishing Club Easter Competition

To find out more please contact Chris and Robyn Barnett Email robandclive@hotmail 027 421 0497

Cavalcade on Beach Some photos of the horse and riders and wagons getting some exercise in preparation for the Twizel Cavalcade—from Willsher Bay to the fishing camp then back to Nugget Burn for billy tea and scones and cake.

Photos by Marilyn Dunn and Katie Button

Craft Group Meets at Lyla Jones’ place every Tuesday. . Everyone is most welcome to come along, even if you don’t have a specific craft project just yet.

Jocelyn Blakely - Baby jacket Layla Jones

knitted jersey and hat by Margaret Lamond

Advertisement Are you looking for someone to do painting and minor maintenance or repairs? Phone 4128687 after 8 pm

11 Sea Lion pups in this summer

After I sent out a flyer from DoC about sea lion pups, Marilyn Dunn had a message from Kath Widdowsons a former local, now living in Richmond, who likes to keep track of what’s going on around KP. Kath was interested to read the DoC flyer, which mentions Marea, the first female sea lion to give birth here for many long years. Kath used to be the volunteer wildlife ranger down here for a number of years and rescued many a sick penguin. She lived at Nugget Lodge where WiIly and Pauline Simpson now live. Kiwa at 6 months in 2007 Here is some of what Kath had to say, Photo Kath Widdowsons

I am still connected to the Sealion Trust and I looked after Marea since she arrived in the Catlins. She spent a lot of time in our front yard. I had the privilege of naming one of her first pups, who I called Kiwa. . Mana Dunn helped with her name. I have shots of Kiwa only a few hours old. I also assisted to tag them. Many pups were lost, mainly to dogs and harassment.- then NZers were the worst offenders. And that includes locals

Murray Walkway If you haven't already—come and take a wee stroll out of the wind, along this delightful walkway. Signage is yet to go up, but you will find it off either Tarata or Totara Streets and opposite Miro. The walkway is actually the missing section of Miro Street which is interrupted in the middle by reserve land through which the new walkway runs. . You can read all about the history of this land and find out why it is called the Murray Walkway, on the very informative panels at each end of the track. A huge thank you to Gerry Essenberg for his initiative and leadership and to the many helpers who worked so hard to bring it all to fruition. The track was funded by the Clutha County Council. Labour was from locals and the gravel was generously donated by Andrew Haulage. Additional native plants were donated by Jan and Brian O’Callaghan.

Photo Marilyn Dunn Gerry in February last year—hard labour! Many thanks, Gerry, for your leadership in creating this walkway. Photo Moira

Kaka Point Newsletter editor Moira Spicer 6 Esplanade 027 4158 707 03 4128184

Send me all your photos and news to [email protected]

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Our old sleep out building

Our old sleepout has gone, awaiting a replacement. During demolition we were surprised to find that one room was a stand alone little hut. The weather boards were still there under the newer cladding and it was scrim lined. We retrieved a few scraps of newspaper under the scrim- and one had a date ’August 2.1911’ , So this has been an old building, possibly a stand-alone one, most likely shifted on to our section, we think by the Buchanans who build our present hexagonal home ? .

Does anyone know the origins of this little old hut circa 1911?

Our cute but damp old sleepout. Moira and John Spicer 6 Esplanade

Some lovely additional photos from Marilyn Dunn

13 Getting Notified by Council…

The recent water shortages due to infrastructure leakage, raised the issue of how you can be alerted to these issues. Thank you to Lisa Biginato who asked for there to be more advice and was sent this from Diane Byars Communications Advisor, Council.

They suggest we all download their Antenno app. to get water issues alerts and. information.

How did we manage before apps? I guess word of mouth as was used in KP—we talked to our neighbours and made sure the word got round. And that is still the bottom line as suggested in this communication

Recycling changes….

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