Pipiri (June) 2021 WBRA Newsletter
Pipiri (June) 2021 Newsletter
Kia ora koutou kātoa,
It is with great sadness that I tell you that Elaine White, Treasurer for the Waikawa Beach Ratepayers Association since 2013, passed away suddenly on Sunday, 23 May 2021. Our condolences to all of Elaine's family and friends.
John Hewitson, Chair of the WBRA, writes:
In 2012 the WBRA Secretary resigned and the Treasurer (John Brown) moved into that role. That opened up the Treasurer position, which Elaine took on, starting on the first of January 2013.
For over 8 years Elaine, a qualified Accountant, kept the books of the WBRA in excellent order. She attended every Committee meeting and all the various AGMs, Sports and Boat Days and other activities. She was always prepared with a smile, petty cash, and with accurate record keeping for those who chose to pay their annual subs in person at those events.
When Elaine presented accounts and other papers to the WBRA Committee or the AGM, no-one ever had questions because the materials were always clear, precise and comprehensive.
If anyone did have any questions about payments or other matters to do with the accounts Elaine had the answers at her fingertips. We were very lucky to have someone so well-qualified and diligent dealing with the WBRA's finances. Everything was done when it was supposed to be, accurately, and without fuss.
Even when Elaine wasn't well she never missed a meeting, because she was so dedicated to her position.
Elaine and her husband Tony did a lot of work behind the scenes for Boat Days and the other activities and often donated a great many very high quality prizes. These were very generous donations.
It will be extremely hard to find someone of Elaine's calibre to replace her as Treasurer. We were very fortunate to have Elaine as our Treasurer and friend. She will be sorely missed.
Our condolences go to her many friends and family.
Matariki
The Māori New Year, Matariki, takes place around mid-June. It is a time of renewal and celebration. Before dawn in June look to the northwest horizon for the star cluster known as Pleiades, or Matariki. Waikawa Beach is a perfect place for this, thanks to our dark skies.
With Matariki this month here are some handy words to know: whetū, rangi, tau hou : star, sky, new year.
Local News
The road markings down Waikawa Beach Road and round the village have been refreshed in time for the longer hours of winter darkness.
Local olive oil is an international gold winner: the folks at the blueberry farm won gold at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition for their 2020 blend. There's that Waikawa excellence!
Awa Pukapuka had a successful launch with about 40 or 50 folks and a few dogs attending. Read more at Books be free.
The Horowhenua District Council contacted us about a trampoline that mysteriously turned up on the Hank Edwards Reserve basketball court. It was removed as it posed a safety hazard. If you own the trampoline or know anything about it, please contact us. There is a concern it may have been stolen. Read more at: Query about trampoline on basketball court, June 2021
Yet another Fatal crash near Kuku East Road on 02 June 2021 blocked the road to Levin for hours. Then again on Monday 14 June traffic was delayed for a short time by a 3 or 4 vehicle nose-to-tail crash in rain. Fortunately no-one was injured and emergency services quickly cleared the scene.
And on Thursday 17 June 2021, while this was being written, there was yet another accident at Ōhau when someone slid off their motorbike. Someone was taken off in an ambulance, both lanes were blocked for a while.
Meanwhile Work on Ōtaki to North Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) has been confirmed (again).
Changes to whitebaiting regulations start this year. Changes include limits on how close to a groyne you can fish. From next year the season will be shorter — September and October only. Read the linked article for more details and a link to the full announcement.
Dog registration fee increase takes effect in July 2021. A desexed pet will cost $79 to register. Check the link for other fees.
There's a report on the Waikawa Beach Facebook group about a bach owner missing a kayak and dinghy after being away for a few days. Remember to be alert, folks!
Property
Recent property listings: 6 James Street, 61-63 Manga Pirau Street (sold), 146 Strathnaver Drive (sold, then went back on the market, then sold again).
Is your $25 WBRA Subscription due?
WBRA subscription $25 per year, is due every October. After you pay, our Treasurer emails you a receipt. Please check your emails and bank records to see if you've already paid.
If you haven't paid yet for 2021, please pay now. Make sure to give us your email address on the bank form!
Special note: we can no longer accept cheques.
Ngā mihi nui,
Miraz Jordan