After rather inconsistent training weather over the summer and concerns about water quality, the Eastbourne Wharf to Wharf team were happy with the 108 swimmers that turned out for the 2026 race from Days Bay Wharf to Rona Wharf on the 1st March.
People enter the race for lots of different reasons. This year we had a group of five 24-year-old friends who swam the race, three of them using it as a warm-up for the ironman race the following weekend in Taupo. Eastbourne locals, Josh Mallet and Jack Healey, plus their school friend Oliver Hourigan. Toby Mark was one of this group along with Eastbourne local Ben Grenfell (see photo on page 3).
For the last 20 years Mandy Holmwood has been volunteering her time to run the Wharf-toWharf swim along with help from her husband Mark. Mandy has decided it is time to move on to other things. We wanted to say a huge thank you to Mandy for her commitment to this community event that has been running for at least 70 years, and possibly longer and can’t run without
people like Mandy. Mandy will be missed but we wish her well on her next adventures.
Ray Gough, who won the race 16 times over the years and
volunteers that keep turning up and supporting this event. More photos and stories - page 3.
trained many swimmers at the swim club, donated a cup before he died. The cup was to be awarded for sportsmanship for the event. This year the cup went to Romy Anderson who has been volunteering on the day at the finish line of this event for 20 years. A huge shout out goes to Romy for being one of the many
Garden Maintenance Made Easy.
Toby finishing the race with Romy Anderson congratulating him
Renewal...
Like many stories unfolding in today’s fractured world, the Easter story began in the early morning, when grief was heavy and hope was fragile.
A group of women go to a tomb expecting to mourn a friend. Instead, they discover the story they thought had ended, is still unfolding…
The story doesn’t pretend suffering, injustice or loss aren’t real - the cross came first. Easter says these don’t have the final word. Even when hope seems buried, life can emerge. At heart, Easter is the stubborn possibility of new life.
You don’t have to look far to see resurrections. They appear when communities come together after hardship, when people choose kindness over bitterness, when someone finds courage to begin again after loss.
Our culture often assumes cynicism is the realistic response to the world. Easter offers another vision, inviting us to believe love, kindness and justice are forces for renewal.
Perhaps Easter’s meaning is less about explaining a miracle and more about living its promise. Even in difficult times, life surprises us, hope grows again and the future is open. Sometimes the smallest act of care is where resurrection quietly begins.
To learn more about Easter - and why it still matters in our modern world; join one of our churches. Details below
EASTER SERVICES
•Good Friday Service at San Antonio all invited 3 April at 3:00pm
•Shared Easter Sunday Service
(St Ronan’s+St Alban’s) at San Antonio church 5 April at 9:00am
•Easter Sunday Mass at San Antonio 5 April at 11:00am
Note: No Vigil Mass Sat 4 April
REGULAR SERVICES
St Alban’s+St Ronan’s: 1st Sundays monthly Shared Communion, next is 3 May 9:30am at St Ronan’s church
St Ronan’s: 1st Sundays shared with St Albans (see above). 2nd and 4th Sundays 9:30am informal, 3rd Sundays 9:30am traditional, 5th Sundays 12:00pm fellowship meal.
St Alban’s: 1st Sundays shared with St Ronan’s (see above). Other Sunday services at San Antonio church at 9:30am. 1st Thursdays, communion at 10:30am at St Ronan’s church.
San Antonio: Vigil Mass, Saturdays 5:30pm.
Sacred Heart, Petone: Mass, Sundays 9.30am and 5.30pm.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING HAIR
MARCH
As summer fades and autumn begins to show, it’s the perfect time to simplify your hair routine!
Say goodbye to high-maintenance greys and brassy tones, and hello to your natural sparkleenhanced and refined
Grey blending isn’t your typical foil or tint. It’s a specialised technique, tailored precisely to your unique grey pattern Rather than covering greys, we embrace them, weaving in highlights and lowlights that create a seamless, graceful transition.
I also look closely at your skin tone are you a warm autumn, cool winter, or glowing spring? I use your colour palette to create harmony and balance that flatters you This service is designed for women who want elegance without the maintenance. If you ’ re ready to transition gracefully or simply modernise your look, this could be the transformation for you
Column sponsored by St Alban’s Anglican
St Ronan’s Presbyterian & San Antonio Catholic
Every appointment is thoughtful, never rushed, and entirely bespoke. My bookings fill up quickly, but I am always happy to book in consultations for grey blending
I’d love to help you discover just how stunning natural grey can be Let’s create colour that enhances your confidence!
PLANT PRODUCTIVITY
March/April: Early-/mid-autumn. Lots of rain. Hills green.
Plant-based: Last month, we considered the huge amounts of water used by the plants on which our primary industries are based (75% of our exports). That’s grass, clover (dairy, meat, wool) and trees, vines (timber, fruit, wine). Productivity? How is it EU, USA, China, India must support their primary industries with indirect subsidies from manufacturing, but NZ makes good money from our unsubsidised primary sector...?
Timber - Look at an NZ pine log. The growth rings are 1-2 cm wide - wider in older (inner) wood, narrower in younger (outer) wood. Count them, the tree was felled at age ~25 years and diameter ~50 cm. Look at an EU pine log. Its rings are 0.1-0.3 cm wide. It
has ring-count age of ~90 y and diameter of ~35 cm. The wood volume produced /tree/y in the EU is about 15% of that in NZ.
Fruit - NZ’s apple orchards produce ~60 t/ha/y (tonnes per hectare per year). This is 2½-times that of EU’s major apple producers (Poland, Italy, France) with yields of only ~24 t/ha/y. NZ and EU grapes and kiwifruit show similar yield differences.
Pasture - NZ’s rainfed pastures achieve ~15 t/ha/y, our irrigated pastures can exceed 20 t/ha/y. Pastures in the EU, N America, achieve only ~10 t/ha/y.
Because? Multiple reasons...
Temperature - Plant growth depends on temperature (www. mulchpile.org/5). Our maritime climate avoids the stressful too hot/too cold temperatures of a continental climate. Result? Almost year-round growth.
Rainfall - After too hot/too cold, the next most important plant stress is too wet/too dry. Continental plants suffer summer drought, so shut down to conserve water. Most places in
NZ get 600–1,600 mm/y of rain. Also, this rainfall is spread fairly evenly through the year. All plants do better if irrigated in summer. We have plenty of good water. We irrigate our orchards, some dairy pastures, but not our pine forests.
Technology - Our horticulture uses advanced production systems to grow export-quality produce. USA, EU subsidise their local-market production. Subsidy doesn’t encourage technical advance. Same is true for our advanced ryegrass-clover pasture systems which beat the mineralfertiliser based pasture systems overseas - which also use less optimal species. Our forestry is based on elite cultivars of an elite species – ‘Radiata’.
Soils - Our soils are mostly fertile, with good structure, free-draining, acidic, and high in organic matter. Not so EU, USA.
Land-use tradition – Compared to EU, USA we mostly achieve a better fit between crop & soil & climate.
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Eastbourne Bowling Club Secures Its Future with Synthetic Green Upgrade
Following on from significant community backing to continue bowls in our well established location on Muritai Road, the EBC is setting its sights on green improvements. With membership ballooning out to 150, plans are well underway to replace our grass green with an all weather synthetic surface. This will enable bowls to be played 12 months of the year rather than just over the summer months. Established more than 100 years ago, the Club has long been a vibrant community hub for local families. Many current members recall parents and grandparents who played at the Club or enjoyed its past social events.
Following our public consultation nine months ago regarding the possibility of the Club relocating ,we were very fortunate to receive strong backing from new sponsors Willie Davis Builders, Mitre10 MEGA Petone, and Gee & Hickton that has allowed the Club to commit to remaining on its current site and investing in the future.
Installation of the new surface is planned for June 2026.
The total project cost is approximately $312,000. While sponsorship support and member fundraising initiatives have provided a strong foundation, the Club is now inviting the wider East Harbour community to help complete the project.
Club President Craig Hunter says the upgrade is about more than sport.
“This Club has been part of East
Harbour life for over a century. We’re asking the community to help us secure it for the next hundred years.”
Community members who may have played bowls in the past, had family connections to the Club or simply value the presence of a local sporting venue are invited to consider making a donation toward the project.
All contributions, large or small, will go directly toward the installation of the new synthetic green.
Those wishing to support the project can contact the Club at eastbournebowlsclub@gmail.com or make a direct contribution to: Eastbourne Bowling Club 02-0544-0136109-00
Reference: Synthetic Green –[Your Name]
The Club looks forward to welcoming the community onto the new surface later this year.
Community Kindness on show
You can tell a lot about a community by the kindness it shows to its guests.
Fortunately for our construction crew working on Tupua Horo Nuku, we have experienced many acts of kindness since arriving in the Eastern Bays.
In early March, Māhina Bay residents hosted a morning tea for our team on site. This generosity, which we have also experienced
in other bays over the years, is sincerely appreciated by our crew.
As we start closing out our work, we want to extend our thanks to residents across the Eastern Bays who have shown this support and appreciation. Your kindness continues to motivate our team to deliver the highest-quality asset to this community.
Not long to go now, folks, get ready for the completion ceremony on April 18th.
It’s been a fun start to the term at Days Bay Playcentre. Tamariki have been learning new skills, including how to use poi, enjoying plenty of time on the swings, and making the most of summer with a trip down to our beautiful beach. There’s always lots of laughter, play, and learning happening as our tamariki explore together.
Waterfront vintage store throws up treasure
Janelle Rodrigues, owner of the new vintage store Urchin, on Marine Parade, grew up fossicking and foraging. Living in the country out of Inglewood in Taranaki, with a beachcombing artist gran to visit at the nearby beach, sealed her love of all things rustic. “My gran was quiet and gentle, and taught me a lot about observing nature.”
So it’s no surprise that some of the most singular items in Janelle’s stunningly curated collection, assembled over 30 years, come from the seashore or the country – sea urchin shells (kina), wool bale hooks, stencils from shearing sheds and barns, garden tools in need of new handles. She even uses her great-grandmother’s ledger to record sales on the solid central table in her recycled wood-lined converted garage opposite the Eastbourne pool.
A brand and advertising designer in her other life, Janelle constantly tweaks her displays, some of which have the look of still lifes, or even shrines.
Years spent working in London after earning a design degree from Waikato, plus trips to places like Japan, are reflected
Duncan Povey
in the rack of cool clothes and accessories like felt fedoras, oversized shirts, beads she strings up herself, belts – and her own paintings. Ceramics such as Temuka pottery, Crown Lynn vases and school inkwells keep company with rusted metalwork, tarnished silver cups, vintage pocket knives and low-hanging lampshades. Recently back from a trip to the Far North, gathering treasures along the way, Janelle – who has lived in Eastbourne for 10 years with her partner Tim Fraser and son Marlow –feels she’s come full circle…a child following that gran.
Still on the lookout for bits and pieces to add to the stock
at Urchin – which has quickly become a social space, with regulars dropping by to see what’s new – Janelle is currently open weekends and public holidays, 11 am – 4 pm.
local knowledge of Hutt Valley, Eastbourne, and the Bays.
With over $300M in career sales, he brings experience you can trust and results you can rely on.
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We are proud to welcome you home to the Tommy’s Hutt Valley team! Duncan combines sharp negotiation skills with deep
Povey
Janelle Rodrigues in her new vintage shop on Marine Parade
Local artist on award - winning costume design team
This Oscar's season you only have to google Frankenstein, and that glorious, green-circled, malachite-inspired, silk jacquard dress worn by star Mia Goth comes up.
This textile design, like many in the movie, was created by Eastbourne textile designer Genevieve Packer - one of a large, specialised team behind the work of Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley. In her Oscar acceptance speech, Hawley paid tribute to “the artisans, the alchemists, the dream weavers” who brought her vision to life.
Genevieve says that Hawley, with whom she first worked on the film Lovely Bones in 2009, is “a conceptual genius whose visions excite and inspire”, and that she thoroughly deserves the Oscar –and the BAFTA a few weeks earlier – that she won for Frankenstein.
We offer a wide range of cardio fitness equipment for hire or purchase including treadmills. exercycles. cross trainers, rowing machines and spin bikes, primarily for home use. With 25 years of experience importing top quality fitness equipment, we ensure you can work out comfortably and conveniently at home.
Come into our showroom to view new machines available or ex rentals, or look online. https://rutherfordfitness.co.nz/
Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm
Closed
image credit: @kenworroner
Introducing our Head Students for 2026
As part of our Muritai tradition, Term 1 sees us select our Year 8 student leaders for the year ahead. The selection process this year was incredibly difficult, as we received a significant number of applications from a wide range of talented and passionate students. We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who applied; the level of dedication
Tessa Hayward
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Pirongia te maunga, ko Waipa te awa, ko Purekireki te marae, ko Ngāti Maniapoto me Waikato Tainui ngā iwi, ko Ngāti Pou me Ngāti Mahuta te hapū, ko Tessa toku ingoa. Kia ora everyone, my name is Tessa Hayward and I am delighted to say that I am Head Girl of Muritai School for 2026. I applied to be head girl because I love te kura o Muritai and want to help make it even more awesome for the kids who will be here after me. I started at Muritai in 2018 with Mrs. Sullivan and have learnt so much from her and all my teachers since. More than just reading, writing, and maths, I’ve learnt resilience, friendship and teamwork through school sports events, art festivals, kapa haka performance roopū, and NIWA Science Fair (thanks to everyone who helped with my cupcake experiment!). Eastbourne is a great place to grow up. As Head Girl, I’m really looking forward to connecting more with our community, representing Muritai School at events, and working with teachers and students making sure Muritai School is the best it can be. Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.
and the vision shown by our student body was truly inspiring. In addition to these roles, we have a number of other leadership roles that are on offer for our ākonga ranging from House Captains, Sports Ambassadors, Enviro and Art leaders plus many more.
Our new head leaders hold an essential responsibility within
Fraser Halman
I’m Fraser and I am Muritai School’s Head Boy for 2026. I feel incredibly privileged to be Head Boy for Muritai school. This role means leadership and giving full effort, making sure you help others no matter the task. Head Boy means not giving up and being a role model and that’s what I will strive to be. Muritai has so many cool opportunities like Kapa haka, band, camps and so much more… that’s what I love about Muritai! There are opportunities for everyone. Let’s make it a great year Muritai school!!
our school community. Their roles go beyond the title — they are the primary student voice, ensuring ideas and concerns are heard. Furthermore, they serve as role models for all, consistently embodying our core school values in everything they do. Below are some short messages from our Head Students.
Mahinarangi Barker
Kia ora I’m Mahina the Deputy Head Girl at Muritai School for 2026. I’m really looking forward to this role and all the opportunities that come with it like speaking at assemblies and getting to know all of the students at our kura. This school has helped me through all the seven and a bit years I’ve been here. It has taught me so much it has truly earned a special place in my heart. The role of deputy head does mean taking a lot of responsibility along with representing the school and its values which is something I will gladly do. Let’s make this an awesome year!
Finn Anderson-Budd I’m Finn, the Deputy Head Boy at Muritai school. This role means so much to me. I always looked up to the heads and deps because of the respect they gave to everyone and their kindness. I’m going to try to be just as empathetic as them. I feel honoured to be able to represent this school. And I will be the best I can be. I hope to hear ideas from everyone in the Eastbourne community. I’m looking forward to having more student voice at Muritai which has gotten so much better but I feel it could still improve. I want to make sure everyone at Muritai feels included in school decisions. I hope to do a great job and I hope you will support me along the way.
Are you perpetually busy, and how is it affecting
your relationship?
Louise Parry, Liberty Counselling
We often talk about being busy as if it’s something that simply happens to us. Work demands, family responsibilities, social commitments, and the everyday logistics of life can easily fill every available space. Yet beneath this, there is usually an element of choice - how we prioritise, what we say yes to, and where we place our time and energy.
In romantic relationships, each partner brings their own commitments. Some of these are unavoidable. But even with very full lives, the way we allocate our limited time reflects our priorities. When busyness becomes constant, it is worth asking how much of our time is being spent on essential tasks, and how much is being placed ahead of the relationship out of choice rather than necessity.
When a relationship consistently takes a back seat to other commitments, one partner may begin to experience distance, not only because the other is busy, but because the relationship is not being actively chosen. Over time, this can lead to questions about whether the connection itself is being given enough importance and value, in order for it to thrive.
It is important to recognise that this is not just about physical time together. Two people can spend a lot of time in the same space, but if attention is elsewhere, the relationship can still feel absent. Connection requires more than proximity; it requires intention. It means making a choice to turn towards the relationship when it matters.
Perpetual busyness can sometimes become a way of avoiding emotional closeness, whether consciously or not. It may be symptomatic of differing expectations about what a relationship needs to stay strong. Over time, this creates tension and distance. The partner who is waiting may begin to doubt themselves: are their needs too much, or should they be more understanding of the demands on their partner? But another, equally important question often sits underneath this: is the relationship of equal importance to both partners?
Many people stay in this space for some time, hoping things will shift once life becomes less demanding. But often, the pattern of busyness continues, because the underlying priorities remain
unchanged.
Couples
therapists John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman suggest that healthy relationships are active, not passive. Staying connected requires ongoing attention and a willingness to remain engaged in each other’s inner world, regardless of how full life feels. Clarity often comes not from waiting for life to become less busy, but from noticing what is consistently happening. Are both people making space for the relationship, or is one person doing most of the adjusting? Is busyness temporary, or has it become the norm?
Busyness is part of modern life. But when it becomes constant, it is worth asking what it may be costing, and whether the relationship is being given the priority it needs to flourish. Counselling can offer a space for reflection on relationship patterns and priorities. Get in touch to make an appointment at libertycounsellingnz@gmail.com or phone or text 022 0800 393.
Get ready to celebrate
Tupua Horo Nuku
Shared Path & Seawall
Get your bikes tuned up, lace up your walking shoes, and prepare to explore the completed 4.4km path with us!
We’ll have some fun things planned for you around the bays - find out more at:
hutt.city/tupuahoronuku Saturday18April Save the date!
Market Intel
Sinead Diederich, Harcourts
Eastbourne & the Bays continues to operate differently from the wider Lower Hutt market, shaped by its coastal setting, limited housing supply, and strong community appeal. Thirteen properties have sold so far in 2026, largely to existing locals who value the area’s lifestyle. As of late 2025, the average house value sits around $1.04 million. While values have eased slightly, the decline has been far more moderate than in many Wellington suburbs. The Bays typically moves in smaller cycles, supported by lifestyle driven buyers rather than speculative activity.
This remains a low volume market, with only 82 sales in the past year. As a result, each sale is highly influenced by factors such as views, sun, proximity to the beach or village, property condition, and overall buyer appeal.
From what I’m seeing locally, properties that are priced realistically and presented well are attracting solid interest, while overambitious pricing is being challenged much more quickly than it would have been a few years ago. Buyers are cautious, well informed, and taking time to assess options before offering.
The Bays really is a collection of micromarkets — each of our bays behaves slightly differently. Waterfront and view properties continue to command a premium, even as insurability is a genuine concern. Homes offering walk to village convenience or strong family layouts continue to be
consistently sought after.
My recent conversations have centred on global economic pressures — including rising fuel costs — and how these may influence buyer behaviour. The impact on pricing is still uncertain, but The Bays historically adjusts steadily rather than sharply.
If you’d like tailored insights for your street or part of The Bays, I’m always happy to talk.
Top Tip for March:
If you own multiple properties, speak with your accountant about whether you can claim a portion of your home expenses to reduce tax.
NOVEMBER
APRIL
PLANTING
Tulip bulbs
Autumn flowers
Potted colour
Japanese anemones
Camellias
Winter veges
Regenerate nitrogen in empty beds
April brings shorter days but they are often still warm, so this month is ideal for tidying up and nourishing the garden ready for winter crops. While it still fairly mild, watch out for the transition to winter in the air.
KITCHEN GARDEN
Compost finished plants
Reduce watering of chilli plants
Protect veges from caterpillars
Guard against frost
Divide summer perennials
KEY POINTS FOR THIS MONTH
` Continue to plant winter vegetable crops.
` Sow seed and plant winter flowering annuals.
` Get spring flowering bulbs in the ground – early April is the last opportunity to do this. If it gets too late consider tulips as they can be planted as the weather cools.
` Landscape your garden. April is the perfect time for this as it’s not too hot or too cold and you can plant trees and shrubs.
` Prune existing hedges and plant new ones.
` Do a final clean-up in the garden before winter sets in.
` Maintain lawns and sow new ones before the weather gets to cold and wet.
` Sow green crops of lupin and mustard in any empty spaces of your vegetable garden for digging into the soil for green manure.
` Harvest the last of summer crops.
` Remove all finished vegetable plants from the garden; put them in the compost bin rather than digging in to the soil.
` Prepare for winter crops by adding compost and sheep pellets to the top layer of soil.
` Sow seeds: beetroot, broccoli, broad beans, cabbage, carrots, onions, radish, spinach, silverbeet. Transplant to the garden as the weather warms and when they are showing at least two sets of true leaves.
` Broad beans can be planted directly in to the soil, stagger the sowing for a continuous harvest.
` Garlic and shallots can be planted in warmer regions.
` Get a last crop of peas in before winter, in warmer areas you can also get away with snow peas.
` Dust your cauliflowers, broccoli and brussels sprouts with Derris Dust to protect them from white butterfly and diamond back moth.
` Protect seedlings from slugs and snails, scatter bait around each plant.
Scan to view the April gardening checklist video
King Lear on the road to Stratford
Anne Manchester
For the fourth time in its history, the Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe has toured its latest summer Shakespeare production, King Lear, to Stratford.
Following its sell-out season in Eastbourne, director Elspeth Cotsilinis is delighted audiences beyond Wellington have been able to see the play. Part of the annual Stratford Shakespeare Festival, it was performed at the historic and recently refurbished King’s Theatre for one night only on March 22.
“The last time we toured one of our Bard in the Yard (BITY) productions to Stratford-on-Patea was in 2007,” she said. “Not only was it great to get back there, but touring King Lear has also been a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary of performing works by Shakespeare.”
John Marwick, who gave a towering performance as the title character, has toured with all three previous productions to Stratford – All’s Well that Ends Well in 2004, Two Gentlemen of Verona in 2005 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2007. “Returning to Stratford after a nearly 20-year hiatus has been thrilling,” he said. “All of us love to be on stage, so performing before a whole new audience in Taranaki has been a wonderful way to finish our King Lear season.”
Getting the production to Stratford was not without its challenges, however. Philip Rossiter, who played the Duke of Cornwall in Eastbourne, was unable to go to Stratford. Allan Burne, who has had leading roles in previous BITY productions, replaced him, learning the lines and staging for this oneoff performance. And Will Clannahan's non-speaking role, was played by another local, George Klingbeil.
Transporting the actors, their costumes and props by van and trailer up to Stratford was also challenging, said Elspeth. However, the great support the troupe received from the Stratford
Shakespeare Trust meant everything went smoothly in the end.
Running from March 19-31, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival included an eclectic selection of works – a musical reimagining of the Greek myth of Heracles, performed by the Barden Party, recently returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; a punk rock version of Macbeth by the Manawatū Summer Shakespeare; The Book of Will presented by the Stratford Shakespeare Trust; and culminating on March 31 with the best of the Taranaki region’s secondary schools competing in the annual Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) competitions. The SGCNZ national competition will be held in Wellington later this year.
Stratford first adopted the famous placename in 1877, inspired by a literary member of the then Taranaki Waste Lands Board who saw similarities between the local Patea River and the Avon in England. A Shakespeare Society was formed a few years later, with 67 streets eventually being named after Shakespearean characters.
The annual festival, run by the Stratford Shakespeare Trust, is usually held in April to coincide with the bard’s birth and death dates. This year, it was brought forward to March because of Easter falling earlier this year.
APPLICATIONS FOR EASTBOURNE FREEMASONS’ SCHOLARSHIP
Closing date 15 May 2026
This $5,500 scholarship is available to students who have distinguished themselves during a minimum of three years tertiary study and who have lived in Eastbourne for a minimum of five years during their life.
Application forms available to download from https://www.eastbourne-bayscommunity-trust.org.nz/ Applications to be emailed to trustees@ebct.org.nz (only electronic applications will be accepted).
Contact Gaby Brown : 021 179 5311
phone or text: 022 0800 393
libertycounsellingnz@gmail.com
Trail Cameras and Auto Traps
Ben Bruno
MIRO is adapting to new technology to be more effective in helping restore East Harbour Regional Park. Two modern tools in our arsenal are trail cameras and NZAutotrap’s AT220.
Trail Cameras Protecting Banded Dotterels
The banded dotterel are charismatic shorebirds, nesting directly on open beaches and gravel areas. While their wellcamouflaged eggs help them avoid their natural predators, nesting on the ground also makes them vulnerable to accidental disturbance by human activity and predation from introduced pests.
Trail cameras allow MIRO volunteers to observe nesting behaviour without being physically present near the nest. This is important because even careful monitoring by people can unintentionally attract predators or disturb the birds.
By reviewing the footage, volunteers can see when birds are incubating eggs, when chicks hatch, and how successful nests are. Cameras also help identify threats, especially domestic dogs and cats that harm nests and introduced predators such as hedgehogs and rats. This information helps guide conservation actions to give the dotterel the best possible chance of raising their chicks safely.
Understanding Mammalian Pest Activity
New Zealand’s native wildlife evolved in the absence of mammalian predators. Today, introduced species such as rats, stoats, weasels, possums, and hedgehogs pose a major threat to birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. Trail cameras provide valuable information about when and where these animals are active within East Harbour Regional Park. By understanding pest density, MIRO can place traps more effectively and measure whether pest control efforts are working.
And who knows, it may be one of our trail cameras that detects the first kiwi to reintroduce itself to the Northern Forest.
This happened just last year when Little Spotted kiwi were unexpectedly snapped on a trail camera in Adams Wilderness Area on the West Coast. We would like to thank Bushnell for their support in providing some of the trail cameras that we use.
NZAutoTraps AT220
MIRO has a network of over 900 traps across the East Harbour Regional Park that are checked monthly by volunteers, some of whom hike over 4 hours to service their line. To supplement this, we have been adding AT220s to our network. These self-resetting traps, that target primarily possums, enable more frequent control; for example four possums in two nights. AT220s are built in NZ and paid for through grants from GWRC and other sponsors. If you would like to know more or get involved with MIRO's activities please get in touch via info@miro.org.nz
Butterfly Creek: Our gem in the forest
Rober t Ashe, East Harbour Ranger robert.ashe@gw.govt.nz
Butterfly Creek is one of my favourite places in the world. It’s where I spent my first night out in the bush. It’s where I took my first cliff jump. It’s where my daughter, Charlotte, spent her first night in the bush…and many nights since.
It’s a crazily beautiful and sheltered place to pitch a tent. And because it’s so close to Eastbourne, you can camp in relative luxury – as teenagers, we even once ran back for fish and chips for dinner while camping there.
Some of my daughter’s favourite memories about camping there are: Being woken up by ruru calling on the tree right above our tent; a safe place to explore and play hide-and-go-seek; and jumping off that rock into the cold, dark swimming hole.
Popular for more than 100 years
Kids have been visiting Butterfly Creek and jumping off that rock for over a century. Muritai School used to make regular picnic trips there, and Wellesley College boys used to carry huge amounts of rubbish out from there.
Butterfly Creek’s heyday was undoubtedly in the 1940s when a picturesque punga log cabin was built there serving tea, scones, and soft drinks to well-dressed visitors.
Day visitors from Wellington would arrive on the ferry at the
Rona Bay wharf and walk over the hill from a track starting in Matipo Street. Most of our beloved local bush tracks were built in the 1930s by Eastbourne Council workers, local unemployed labour, and the Eastbourne Forest Rangers.
Before them, Māori had a network of tracks from Waiwhetū Marae all the way along the main ridgeline to Mount Cameron and then onto the Parangarahu Lakes. Restoring a route following this same path is now a distinct possibility with the purchase of Gollans Valley farm!
Butterfly Creek today
If you visit Butterfly Creek today via the Kowhai Track, you’ll see a temporary installation of historical stories along the way and find some butterfly wings at the picnic area where you can have your picture taken next to them. Nobody knows exactly how the Butterfly Creek area got its name; it was probably a good marketing ploy, as the area is home to hundreds of different moths but only a few, infrequent butterflies. One of my first jobs as the new ranger was to cut away the significant amount of gorse that had taken over that famous jumping rock. Local diver,
Matt Fabish, from Underwater Solutions, then volunteered to clear the swimming hole of debris. Despite near pristine water flowing into the swimming hole, visibility there is poor, potentially hiding submerged logs. It’s a good, deep (2.8 metres) swimming hole and now it is clear of debris… until the next big storm comes along.
If you’re contemplating a swim there, always check it is safe to do so beforehand. You’re in the wild, after all. Check for submerged hazards, changes in depth, and currents before jumping into the water. Rivers and creeks can change quickly, and hidden hazards may be present at any time.
Matt Fabish from Underwater Solutions
Are you in this picture? Julia Stuart's photograph of Muritai School visiting Butterfly Creek in 1979.
Teaching Charlotte some bush basics at Butterfly Creek
Kia ora neighbour - Kerry
From Kerry: Long before the van of happy barking dogs came past my house each morning, I admired Coralie (Coco) Foucher, owner of the Lonely Dogs Club. Accustomed to being kindly shushed by my Kiwi friends, I’m always on the lookout for another boisterous soul.
Makin-Byrd
One day last summer I heard a long loud laugh of pure joy across the RSA dining room. There was Coco, joking with friends and scooping up her daughter. Even from across the room, I knew this woman embodied joie de vivre (a spirited joy of living). I’m so glad she’s part of our
community and was willing to chat for Kia Ora Neighbour. Please email me at kerry@ drkerrymakinbyrd.com to nominate anyone who you think should be highlighted in this column.
Kia ora neighbour - Coralie Foucher
My name is Coralie Foucher. My ancestry is Canadian (half Native Indian, a bit like Maori) and I grew up in Montreal, Quebec. My loved ones would describe me as enthusiastic and caring. Now I call Eastbourne home. When and how did you decide to land in Eastbourne? I have been with my partner Tim for 12 years. He grew up in Eastbourne and always wanted to live there. I first visited 10 years ago and fell in love with this paradise, so it wasn't hard to decide that we would settle here when we were ready and done-ish travelling. We have now been living here full time for the past 5 years and it's been delightful. Tell me one silly thing that you love. I absolutely love raw and loud people. I love transparency and big emotions. I love craziness so maybe that's why I'm so drawn to dogs.
What’s your favourite local gem? The beach to me is my everything and I have always dreamed of living around it. So to call it my office is above and beyond life expectations.
What do you think is one of our region’s best kept secrets? The orchid flowers that grow around Burdan's Gate and the edible blackberries you can find along some of the local bush walks
Have you ever had an experience that changed the direction of your life? Walking my in-laws' Bernese Mountain dog, Chester, during Covid. I thought an office job was for me until I spent time with Chester walking in Eastbourne. I was doing these long and beautiful walks
Kerry Makin-Byrd
every day off I had. I wondered how I could do that forever … that's how I decided to start The Lonely Dogs Club walking pack 5 years ago. Spending time outside connecting with nature and keeping fit became my main goal, but of course the tipping point was that I was able to spend my days with dogs. They are really my absolute people and mean the world to me.
What's it been like starting a business in Eastbourne? It's been the absolute dream. With a really tight community to be able to be accepted and included that much, it's a very special feeling. I wouldn't
move away or change anything ever.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting a local business? To be community driven, to be personable and flexible to everyone's different needs. Accommodating all the differences in everyone's schedule has been my biggest success.
If you could whisper advice to your younger self, what would you say? Keep trusting your guts—they're great. Do take the risk ahead, it'll be worth it, and don't listen to people who tell you otherwise.
Kia ora neighbour - Coralie Foucher
How do you spend your days now?
I start the day by caring for my 4 year-old daughter, elderly pug and now new puppy. After Kindy drop off I do a beach walk with Eva (lovely daycare staff) and the daycare dogs too then go back to the center with them for about 30 mins. We offer a daily walk to every dog that joins the daycare. After I get a coffee from Hive (ahhh) I start the Walking pack pick ups. I do 2 to 3 walks per day involving about 20 to 30 dogs. My maximum is about 10 per walk and the trip is about 2hrs including pick up and drop off.
At the end of the day I come back home around 4:30 which is a fabulous time to be present with my lovely family. We then make sure we spend time together locally or going on adventures.
What's a surprising or unexpectedly funny thing about managing dogs
Community Tidy Up
Did you notice Hunter and Denver out cleaning streets the other day? If you did see them I hope you took the time to say thanks and well done.
Hunter Grant, 11 and Denver Gilbert, 10, both year 7 students at Wellesley College, decided to get outside and do some tidying up after the strong winds we had spilt garden rubbish all through the streets. They offered a green waste collection service to help get rid of the debris.
They are participating in the William Pike Challenge which
amongst other tasks requires them to complete 20hrs of community service. There are 3 elements to the challenge.
1. Outdoor Activities
2. Community Service
3. Passion Projects
Here is the website where you can find more info www. williampikechallenge.co.nz
Kerry Makin-Byrd
all day? It is pleasantly tiring. People think it's really easy and it's really chill, but we do referee them all day long and make sure they respect each other's boundaries. It's very physical and it's a 24/7 job to make sure everyone is always cared for and happy, which I don't mind at all and love. I pride myself on treating each client and dog like family.
W hat's the biggest similarity between being a kid mum and a dog mum? Dogs are easier than kids ahahahhahah, but it is constant surveillance, constant interaction, and constant patience.
If you could make one wish for our community, what would it be? To always stay as small and as pure as it is and to keep supporting each other.
Mā te wā, friends. Warmly and arohanui, Kerry
Nicola Morris
Watch this space as they will be completing more community service in Eastbourne soon.
WHAT'S ON
Mondays
• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry. Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.
• “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at the library 10.00am.
• Toy Library - 7.30-8.30pm.
EastbourneToyLibrary on Facebook. Kathy 0273551950.
•DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, from 9:30am to 12 noon. Drop in anytime to visit a session or email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz to arrange a visit.
• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. pcpointhoward@gmail.com
• The Historical Society’s Eastbourne History Room above the library is open 2-4 pm every Monday.
• Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade training every Monday 7-9pm. Ph 562 7001 for more info.
• Keas - 5:15pm - 6:15pm. Ed 021 738 699.
•Junior sailing at Muritai Yacht Club, 4:30-7:00 weather dependent. More info: myc.org.nz
Tuesdays
• Mindful Mummas group for Mums and preschool children. Childminder onsite. 1011.30. Text Emily 027 552 6119 to join or go to bemoreyou.co.nz for more info.
•DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, from 9:30am to 12 noon. Drop in anytime to visit a session or email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz to arrange a visit.
• Muritai Tennis Club 9.30–noon. Merryn 562 0236.
• Eastbourne Homebirth Group 1st Tuesday of the month. Phone Kate 562-7096.
• East Harbour Women’s Club Morning Tea & Chat Group 10am. Contact Glendyr 0210303480.
• Indoor Bowls Club 1.30pm, at the croquet club, Oroua Street. Rosemary 562 7365
• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.
• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impactteens to 70+) Music Movement Magic - Muritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www. niainwellington.com
• Toy Library - 9.30am-10.30am. Wednesdays
• Cubs: 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Ed 021 738 699.
• Venturers - 7:15pm - 9pm - Ed 021 738 699.
• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.
• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15 -11.45am. pcpointhoward@gmail.com
• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.
• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.
•DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, from 9:30am to 12 noon. Drop in anytime to visit a session or email daysbay@playcentre.org.nz to arrange a visit.
• “Steady as You Go” Age Concern sponsored Falls Prevention and Exercise Programme. Held 11.30 each Wednesday at Eastbourne Community Hall. Classes are held for 1 hour and is free for the first session. Improve your strength and balance to reduce falls and injuries. Falls are preventable. Please join us!
• Tai Chi 9.40am Muritai Yacht Club Lyn 021 1428915
Thursdays
• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.
• St Ronan’s Mainly Music, 9.15am-11.15am, during school terms. Contact Cathy 027 213 9342.
• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.
• East Harbour Women’s Club,- Bolivia 12.45pm, Contact Glendyr ph: 0210303480. Guest Speaker (3rd week of month)6pm, drinks and nibbles provided, Contact Celeste 021 206 5713
•Lions meet 2nd Thursday of the month at the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club, Tuatoru St 6.30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. Graham 562 8819.
• Scouts 6pm-8pm - Ed 021 738 699
• Eastbourne Bowling Club casual summer bowls 5.30pm for an hour or so. Make up a mixed team of three. Contact Keith Turner ph 04 934 4142.
• Sing Eastbourne: 8pm, San Antonio.
Fridays
• Pop in and Play playgroup at St Ronan's Church Hall, 9am-11.30am during school terms. All preschoolers (0-4 years) welcome. Cath 027 213 9342.
• Pt Howard Playcentre Fri 9.15 -11.45am pcpointhoward@gmail.com
• AA Plunket Rooms 7.30pm. Mark 566 6444/ Pauline 562 7833
•Senior Residents: Lighthouse Movies - last Friday of every month. Pick up from 10am. Contact Celeste on 021 206 5713 for more information. Okiwi Services (Eastbourne Community Trust).
• Probus club of Boulcott
Hutt bowling club, Myrtle street, Lower Hutt. Meeting every 2nd Friday @ 10am starting in February 2026.
Fun - fellowship- friendship
New members welcome.
More information contact Doreen 0210799063
Saturdays
• Justice of the Peace at the Eastbourne Community Library, first Saturday of each month 12pm-1pm.
• Croquet from 10am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.
• Lions' Bin - cost effective rubbish and e-waste disposal. Last Saturday of the month (except December) by Bus Barns. Gavin 027 488 5602.
• Club sailing and racing at Muritai Yacht Club, 1:00-5:00 weather dependent. More info: myc.org.nz
Sundays
• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Karen 021 440 705.
• Days Bay Touch Rugby, by arrangement on Whatsapp group, text Xavier 027 249 3645 to join.
Our Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Te Omanga. Volunteers are an integral part of the valuable service we provide to all our patients and families.
We need some more volunteers on our happy lawnmowing team. Once a fortnight commitment, or could be once a month. Need to be able to bring your own lawnmower. Morning tea provided.
Call Rachel on 021 103 8841 for more information or email volunteers@teomanga.org.nz
The Eastbourne Herald is proud to support Te Omanga Hospice.
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A home that welcomes and delivers
This substantial family home is set on a sunny, flat 918sqm section in the heart of Lowry Bay, offering both privacy and space in a highly regarded location. With renewed motivation, this home is seriously for sale. For more information, do not delay, call Matt today. bayleys.co.nz/3329663
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Beachside living
5 Cheviot Road - a residence that feels
and quietly impressive. This property underwent an extensive marketing campaign, had over 50 groups through the home which resulted in multiple registered bidders at auction, selling under the hammer on the day.
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Welcome to 8 Cheviot Road, Lowry Bay, a home that delivers the privacy, outlook and lifestyle this sought after seaside suburb is known for. After a successful tender campaign and multiple groups through the home, we are pleased to announce this home is now sold.
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Eastbourne Community Board
Report-a-problem (RAP)
Use this service to report all council related issues in the community. You can now register to be kept updated on your submissions. https:// my.huttcity.govt.nz/
Tupua Horo Nuku
We are all eagerly anticipating the official opening of the shared path on the 18th of April, and the reduced traffic disruption. If you’ve followed the shared path journey, you’ll know that the design of the Days Bay section was deferred to ensure the deadline for Shovel Ready Funding was met. Design and construction has also been constrained by resource consents imposed at the time. Following completion of the path, the Community Board will be encouraging submissions and consultation on the missing Days Bay section and other improvements identified by the community so we can make the best use of this fantastic asset.
Annual Walkabout
The annual Community Board walkabout will be held some time later in the year after the shared path is completed, but you can raise issues of concern with the board at any time.
Bike / Cycle Skills Area
Burdan’s Gate concept plans are being developed for Council consideration and we welcome ideas from the young people who would use it. Please contact Jeremy if you can assist.
Next Public Meeting
Tuesday 14 April, 7:15pm, Eastbourne Hub/Library (from 6:45pm)
ECB Members
Bruce Spedding Chair 021 029 74741
Jeremy Chaston Dep Chair 027 515 5571
Murray Gibbons 04 562 8567
Ben Hainsworth 022 584 2248
Emily Keddell 021 188 5106
Tui Lewis (Ward Councillor) 021 271 6249
Eastbourne Wharf to Wharf
Congratulations to Toby Mark, who was the overall winner in a time of 18.10 minutes, and to Anton Nadilo, the first Eastbourne local swimmer home in 4th place overall. Anton’s daughter Marina was the overall winner last year and the fastest local swimmer for the two previous years but has recently moved to Australia to further her swim training over there, so has passed the mantle to her father.
While the committee were thinking about the past, a little digging down memory lane found some interesting stories.
The Kenny cup for the fastest local across the line shows the first female winner was Sandra (Sandy) Watson in 1977.
Still an Eastbourne resident, Sandra recalls teacher Mrs Budd arranging for a group of Muritai students to do their life saving certificates. Budd found a trainer - Robert Walker, who held a national swimming title - to prepare them for the Wharf-to-Wharf race. They did three to four sessions a week in the local pool which Sandra's father had helped to build. Robert trained them hard and the
result was Sandra winning the race. Rasjidah Sipkes was a close second doing breaststroke behind her.
If you have any other stories or memories about previous races, the committee would love to hear from you.
Please email eastbournew2w@gmail.com. Thanks to Claire Allan for the great words and a big thanks to Phil Benge for all of the action shots.
Diane Middleditch, Sandra Watson holding the cup, Rasjidah Sipkes and Julie Scott after the race.
Ben Grenfell, Josh Mallet, Toby Mark, Oliver Hourigan, Jack Healey from left to right
