The Village Messenger What do you want for Pirongia?
Summer 2022
Over the last five years or so, Pirongia has undergone dramatic changes. New subdivisions have been established, bringing higher student numbers to the school and childcare centres, new businesses and increased traffic (border closures notwithstanding).
New loos, footpaths and lighting have also appeared in recent years. As a ratepayer, you are helping to contribute to the maintenance and availability of many of these facilities. There is a significant cost involved in maintaining and retaining these facilities.
The Community Association takes a leadership role in identifying and addressing issues that affect the residents of the village. We are also custodians of the Community Centre and Chapel, and liaise with other organisations that operate in the village.
As I mentioned in the last issue, advocacy is a big part of the role of the Community Association. This year we want to know what you think our community needs and wants in terms of public facilities, including halls and open spaces. Let us know by email, or include your thoughts in a short submission to the Long Term Plan. Get involved in the Association and help drive change, and preserve history.
We are very fortunate to have so many fantastic facilities here: the Rugby and Sports Club, the Golf Club, the School Hall, the Memorial Hall, and the Community Centre. There are also halls on the outskirts of the area, Te Rore and Mangapiko being the closest. We have historic buildings like the Museum, Playcentre and Restoration Society. We have playgrounds, a proposed skatepark, and various walks through bush and by the river.
Wednesday June 15: save the date for our AGM, where we will be hosting a panel discussion about public facilities, both current and proposed. We look forward to hearing from you!
To learn more or become a member (it's free!), send us an email or complete the 'signup' form on our website. Recent meeting minutes, our strategic plan can also be found there. Read or download a digital version of this issue from our website - www.pirongia.org.nz.
WHAT'S ON
SAVE THE DATE
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE LONG TERM PLAN The consultation runs from Friday 18 March until 5 pm, Wednesday 20 April. The full draft 2022/23 Annual Plan, consultation document and submission forms are available at waipadc.govt.nz/letstalkannualplan. Have your say online, via email, in person at a Waipā District Council office or library, or by post. PIRONGIA LIONS MONTHLY MARKET Last Sunday of each month at the Community Centre: 27 March | 24 April | 29 May
Monthly Clinics at St Saviours Church: Podiatry Clinic: Ph 027 4242442 for appointment Mahoe Med GP Clinic: Ph 07 8720923 for appointment The Village Messenger is a community project funded by The Pirongia Community Association www.pirongia.org.nz | @explorepirongia | @thevillagemessenger email: pirongiacommunity@gmail.com
A very long time ago in the Village 23 September 1939
Do you have a family story or local legend we could share? Get in touch!
8 August 1919
ADVOCATES WANTED - COMMUNITY SAFETY
JOB VACANCY
Due to the recent rise in damage to local facilities, and the arrival of 'boy racers' in the village and its surrounds, there has been renewed interest in having security cameras in the Village.
The Pirongia Community Association are the custodians of the Community Centre and Chapel, situated on the corner of Crozier and Ross Streets.
The Association is looking for two or three people to form a sub-committee to drive this project.
The buildings are used by a number of community groups and private individuals including Scouts, Young at Heart and the Lions Monthly Market.
If you are interested in being part of this group, we would love to hear from you. Contact Ruth Webb: Pirongia Community Connector | pirongiacommunity@gmail.com To get regular information on safety, get involved with Neighbourhood Watch, or participate in the Community Patrol, you can contact CommSafe: www.commsafe.co.nz
We wish to employ an experienced cleaner to keep these buildings clean and tidy. The role will be 10-12 hours per month. The role is initially for six months but is likely to become permanent. We wish to fill the position as soon as possible. Please send your application and CV to: Ruth Webb- Pirongia Community Connector pirongiacommunity@gmail.com A position description is available on request.
If you go down to the woods today... The Irish have their leprechauns, the Nordic people have their trolls and in New Zealand Maori have Patupaiarehe. These mysterious fair-skinned beings were known by various names and stories about them are common in most tribal histories. They were said to have lived deep in the forests on the high slopes of Taranaki and other mountains, only venturing out at night or on misty days. According to many traditional legends, these people did not cook their food and could not tolerate sunlight. Sometimes, on still, foggy evenings, the Patupaiarehe could be heard playing their flutes and singing their strange, haunting songs. People were warned not to listen or they would be spirited away. Pirongia Mountain was known as the home of the Patupaiarehe in Tainui legends. An ancient settlement also called Pirongia, in the Oakura Valley, between the Pouakai and Patuha ranges, is said to have been occupied by these mysterious people. The story goes that Patupaiarehe men would 'spirit away' young women and those who eventually escaped back to their own people brought with them the arts of weaving and net-making. Legend says such stories may have been invented by infatuated young women or unfaithful wives on their overdue return home after an illicit passionate encounter with a lad from the next village! It is interesting to note that Maori were the only Polynesians to weave in precisely the same manner as early European cultures. While they did not use a loom, the cords were woven together to form a fine cloth very like ancient Irish linen. This was long before any known European arrivals in New Zealand. Captain Cook, on his first visit to New Zealand in 1769 also noted that "the natives used nets woven exactly like our own". He had seen many other fishing nets in Polynesia but had not made such a comparison. The children of Patupaiarehe men and Maori women, and their descendants were, and still are, known as Urukehu, which translates roughly as light-haired. The Patupaiarehe seem to have been fair-skinned, nonPolynesians who may have been driven into the high mountain forests by the more warlike Maori. Patupaiarehe have been dismissed as simple fairy stories but, in Maoridom, they were and are, very real and only disappeared after the arrival of Pakeha and the destruction of their forest homes. It is said that, in some very remote forests, a few survivors may well still exist. There are many stories from Pirongia locals of hearing laughing and squealing on the mountain at night. Next time you're up there, stand still and listen - you might just hear the voices of these mythical creatures yourself!
Kids
Corner Get cooking! Easiest outing ever...grab an icecream at the shop and head to the playground. Don't forget the scooter - 'the loop' is perfect!
Sunrise sunset experiment What you need: clear drinking glass water whole milk
measuring cup teaspoon torch
Half fill a clear drinking glass with water. Shine your flashlight on the glass directly above it. The water will look white. Now pour 1/2 cup of milk into the glass and mix well. Take the glass somewhere dark and shine the flashlight from the side of the glass through the milk. The milk will look yellow, orange, or red. Why? Just like a sunset or sunrise, the light is shining through particles. The atmosphere is full of billions of particles. When the sun is low in the morning or early evening, its rays must travel through a thicker layer of atmosphere than at other times of the day. When sunlight hits these particles, the light bounces off of them and scatters. Orange and red lights scatter the least, which is why you see these colours in a sunrise or sunset.
Easy feijoa ice cream It's nearly feijoa season! To make this easy ice cream you will need: 500g feijoa flesh - (about 1kg of whole feijoas) 2 medium-sized ripe bananas - peeled and chopped ½ cup cream or natural yoghurt 1 feijoa - stem removed 20 fresh mint leaves Directions: 1. Line a large tray (that will fit in your freezer) with baking paper and arrange feijoas and banana on top in a single layer. Cover with cling film and freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight until frozen hard. 2. When ready to make and serve the ice cream, place frozen feijoas and bananas in the bowl of a large food processor (note: if the fruit is frozen rock-hard, leave it to thaw for about 5 minutes before blitzing; this will make it easier on the food processor!). 3. Chop the whole feijoa (including the green skin) and add to the food processor, along with cream or yoghurt and mint leaves. Blitz everything together until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the food processor a few times to make sure everything gets blitzed. Add a little more cream/yoghurt as necessary, until you have achieved an ice-cream consistency. 4. Scoop ice cream into bowls or cones and serve immediately. Or if not eating straight away, scoop into a container and return to freezer – it’s best eaten within 4 hours of freezing before it starts to become too hard/icy in texture. Recipe courtesy of nadialim.com
Pirongia School news Exploration Modules begin for Kawaka students this week – Thursday is an exciting day for our Kawaka team of teachers and students. Towards the end of last year, we modified our Tech Arts programme into Exploration Modules. We have built upon all the great things our Tech Arts programme included while adding NEW options such as Outdoor Education, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Music composition and hydraulics just to name a few. Another adaptation is that our year 7 and 8 students, along with their parents, choose their six Exploration Modules for the entire year based on their passions. This means that no two learners have the same programme. The team of teachers delivering this year’s modules are: Mr Holden, Mrs Dee, Mrs Ruthe, Whaea Hayley, Mr Jordan and Mr Gemmell.
Term 1 Tues 1 Feb to Thurs 14 April Term 2 Mon 2 May to Friday 8 July Term 3 Mon 25 July to Fri 30 September Term 4 Mon 17 Oct to Wed 14 December Staff Only Days 2022 - School Closed: Friday 3 June Friday 8 July Friday 30 September Stat Holidays - School Closed: Friday 15 April - Good Friday Mon 6 June - Queen's Birthday Fri 24 June - Matariki Mon 24 October - Labour Day
FOCUS ON BUSINESS CARL TURNER ROOFING
New roofs, re-roofs and extensions for your long run project. We are a small family business based in Pirongia specialising in long run roofing. We pride ourselves on excellent communication and workmanship using trusted Colorsteel products. Get in touch with Jazz to organise a no obligation quote.
Jazz Turner 0273 701 018 carlturnerroofing@gmail.com
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!
INTRODUCING OUR COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
Ruth Webb has been appointed as the Pirongia Community Connector. '' I have been actively involved in the community since moving here many years ago, with Plunket, Playcentre, PTA, and the Pirongia Community Association,'' says Ruth. The committee has seen the need for the role to be able to connect with the community and to be more interactive role. Responsibilities include: * The management of the Community Centre on Crozier Street - we have some exciting plans for the buildings including some upgrades to make them more appealing to use. * Collating and sharing of information between groups/businesses etc. * Advocate with council on issues raised by the community. Ruth is keen to hear your ideas for the community and our centre. Ph 0211316736 or email irongiacommunity@gmail.com
PIRONGIA VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE Our local fire brigade is seeking more volunteers - The team Pirongia Volunteer Fire Brigade is on the lookout for new members. According to firefighters Jean Mckenzie and Darryn Yates, the brigade welcomes people from all walks of life. They want the brigade to reflect our community and the people they serve. Darryn remarks that “It costs nothing but your time and commitment to volunteer with us. In return, we’ll teach you valuable technical and life skills, and you’ll experience the rewards of helping our community”. Pirongia Volunteer Fire Brigade plays a critical role in keeping our community safe. They respond to around 100 emergency incidents each year. Fires make up about a third of these incidents; however, the brigade also responds to multiple medical incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other requests from people in need.
Six fire safety tips to remember Check fire permits for the season
Jean adds that “Volunteering is a serious commitment but it’s also a lot of fun. The team will always support yoU and you’ll get more out of it the more you put into it.” If you’re aged 18+ (or 16-17 with permission from your caregiver), a team player and would like to contribute to your community, contact Pirongia’s Brigade Leader, Chief Fire Officer, Roan Gouws on 027 538 4400 or Roan.Gouws@fireandemergency.nz
Have electric blankets checked by an electrician Press the button to check your smoke alarms Do not charge a device under a pillow, on the bed, or on a couch – they can overheat and cause a fire Only use the charging equipment that came with the device, and don’t use it if it’s damage Do not leave batteries or devices in direct sunlight or in hot vehicles
ADVERTISE WITH US
Business Card Size: One issue: $50 | Four issues: $150 Quarter Page: One issue $100 | Four issues: $300 Your own flyer inserted in every issue printed: One issue $150 | Four issues: $500 The Messenger is printed quarterly and delivered to every letterbox in the village boundary, available at local stores and on our website. Contact pirongiacommunity@gmail.com to book space.
C
Corner
ouncil
Keeping the rates increase steady against a tumultuous year has been no easy feat, but maintaining the limit set through the Long Term Plan was a key priority, said Waipā District Council Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ken Morris. “We’ve had to take a hard look at our work programmes to identify where we can tighten our belts in order to keep Waipā rates within the limits set in the Long Term Plan.”
“I encourage residents who are interested in further detail to take a look at the full document, it’s only 84 pages and it’s all there in the content.”
One area that continues to be an issue is recycling contamination. “Over the past 12 months we have constantly seen contamination by the way of rubbish bags, medical waste, oil, and other undesirables in our recycling bins and its simply not on. Contamination costs us all, and if we don’t start to rein this in, we might have to change the way we provide the service,” says Ken Morris.
“We know people are trying to limit interactions and public gatherings at present, so we’ve put together an online webinar series called ‘A Cuppa with your Council’ where people can head online to learn about the draft 2022/23 Annual Plan. Our elected members and staff will make a short presentation but the majority of the session caters for questions from our community. It’s our way of offering the same open discussions for our ratepayers from the comfort of their own homes.”
Some of the options the Council is considering are increasing the annual recycling charge, undertaking more recycling audits, or reducing the number of collections to offset the increasing cost of disposing of the contaminated materials to landfill. Another change is deferring $5.28m for the Te Awamutu – Ngā Roto – Pirongia cycleway by one year to 2022/23, due to delays in achieving landowner agreements for the favoured off-road section. A public consultation document sets out the major changes from the Long Term Plan for the Annual Plan. Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest also encouraged residents who were interested to read the full draft 2022/23 Annual Plan itself. source: WDC website (abridged)
The series covers the district with events for Ohaupo, Pirongia, Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Cambridge, and Karāpiro, as well as topic-specific business and rural sector webinars. From Friday, people can register to attend a webinar by heading to bit.ly/3CKRtc9. Consultation runs from Friday 18 March until 5 pm, Wednesday 20 April. The full draft 2022/23 Annual Plan, consultation document and submission forms are available at waipadc.govt.nz/letstalkannualplan. Have your say online, via email, in person at a Waipā District Council office or library, or by post. Ratepayers can find out their proposed 2022/23 rates by heading online, emailing info@waipadc.govt.nz or phoning 0800 WAIPADC (924 723).
Councillors notebook It is very encouraging to see the Waipa economy grew by 6% over the year to December 2021 compared to Waikato 5.2%. There is strong primary sector growth predicted with a good payout for the 2021/22 year and good cash injection into our District. There has been pleasing employment growth but businesses are struggling to find employees with our borders closed. There were 191 building consents issued in Waipa District in the December quarter ended 2021 compared to 149 in the same quarter in 2020. Pirongia is experiencing growth as people find it a great place to live and work. We need to be more vigilant, as at the moment a lot of vandalism is occurring. A hand dryer, for example, was stolen from the Franklin Street toilets, and to replace with like for like is $1000.00. These properties cost a lot to build and maintain so this is of concern.
Council staff are working in bubbles to keep essential services running and at times are struggling to provide services due to Covid implications. The services our local volunteers provide have been affected by Covid by the inability to meet and get out to see people. Many of these people are in their senior years so are looking after themselves first. You can be assured that Clare St Pierre and I are doing our best to promote Pirongia Ward and our local centres of interest which are very special in how they are set up and operate. We are your voice on Council ( although at the moment most of our meetings are held virtually via Zoom ). If you have any concerns please contact me on 0274728671 or Clare on 0273248195 and we will be only too happy to help. Bruce Thomas - Pirongia Ward Councillor
Get a move on!
On yer bike!
Young at Heart Senior Exercise group – known as YAH Gym came together after the fitness group, held at the Sports Centre, closed. During their time together, strong friendships were formed, and they were keen to continue with the benefits of exercise - and so YAH was born. Young at Heart (YAH) started in February 2017 at the Community Chapel, and was run it with equipment we already had at home or found at op-shops. Norma, who had Sport Waikato experience, became our unofficial leader, with the aim of having fun while keeping active. Twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays mornings between 9.15-10.15, we ‘workout’ for balance and strength. We support and encourage each other, even reward ourselves by going out for coffee now and then, and at times, if you listen outside the door you’d think there was a bunch of kids in there!
The Pirongia MTB Park can be found at the top/end of Sainsbury Rd just a short distance from Pirongia township.
Sessions cost $2 – what’s left after venue hire is spent on something special at the end of the year, with some always going to a worthy cause. Ages range from mid 60s through to 80+ we can have as few as six or as many as sixteen at any session, and we always have fun! So if you are a woman of a ‘certain’ age, need a nudge to get out of the chair and get those limbs moving, then check us out. FIND OUT MORE: Ph Norma 027 389 4874 or Paula 027 845 1181
The park consists of a range of trail types and difficulties. From flowy jump trails to technical downhills and then to smooth sailing single trails, there is a trail for the entire family up there. Please note cell phone coverage is limited and drinking water is not available. Please observe MTB trail direction and ride considerately. The club is going from strength to strength, with riders coming from all over NZ to experience the trails. There's also a strong social aspect to the club, with rides, clean-up days, and fundraisers happening regularly. Trails have intriguing names...are you ready for the Apprentice? A Trick or Treat? Or just time for Home and Away? The latest updates on trail conditions can be found on the Facebook page - head over there before heading out for your ride FIND OUT MORE: www.pirongiamtb.co.nz Les the Pres: 021 247 7464
Waikato’s Pirongia Forest Park is a natural home for North Island kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni), a blue-wattled bird with a charismatic black mask. Some say it has the most beautiful bird song in the world. Kōkako disappeared from the maunga in the 1990s because their population couldn’t cope with the impact of rats, possums, stoats, weasels, and ferrets. Kokako can only survive in native forests with areas that are actively managed to reduce these pests. Under relentless attack through egg predation, overgrazing of food supplies, and the killing of chicks, kōkako stand little or no chance without intervention. In 2002 the Pirongia Te Aroaro O Kahu Restoration Society was formed with the goal of seeing kokakō and other key native species reintroduced to Mt Pirongia. The Society is planning a top-up translocation of 10 kokako. This has been recommended by DoC and supported by ecologists Dave Bryden and Amanda Rogers. The birds would come from Waipapa, Pureora Forest as provided by their original wildlife permit when translocations first began. This important stage of the project will ensure good levels of genetic diversity within the Pirongia kokako population. FIND OUT MORE: www.mtpirongia.org.nz
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Commsafe Craft Group Creative Fibre Group Mt Pirongia Country Music Club Mt Pirongia Lions Pirongia Annual Craft Day Committee Pirongia Bowling Club Pirongia Clay Target Club Pirongia Scouts Pirongia Fire Brigade Pirongia Fishing Club Pirongia Golf Club Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre Pirongia Memorial Hall Pirongia Mountainbike Club Pirongia Netball Pirongia Playcentre Pirongia Rugby Football Club Inc Pirongia School Pirongia Senior Citizens Pirongia Sports Club Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society Pirongia Tennis Club Pirongia Women’s Institute Plunket St Saviour's Church Waipa Girl Guides
info@commsafe.co.nz Mondays at St Saviour’s Church 3rd Thursday of each month, Memorial Hall 2nd Sunday of the month, 12.30pm - 4.30pm $4 entry contact: jim1@xtra.co.nz Lawn bowls Mon 9am | Twilight bowls Thurs 5.45 pm
Tuesdays during term time | contact mandjearwaker@gmail.com Roan.Gouws@fireandemergency.nz 1st Wednesday of each month www.pirongiagolfclub.co.nz pirongia.hvc@xtra.co.nz | pirongiaheritage.org.nz adrianbathgate@paradise.net.nz | www.pirongiamtb.co.nz pirongia@playcentre.org
Bowling Club the first Wednesday of each month www.mtpirongia.org.nz Thursdays 6:30pm at the Pirongia Sports Centre 2nd Wed of each month in the Memorial Hall Clinic 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month | contact rhiannon.waswo@plunket.org.nz stjohns.awa@xtra.co.nz Michelle: michellegirlguide@gmail.com
EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY Kids playground Happy hour Wed and Thurs Live music every week! New menu OUT NOW!
Is your organisation missing? Contact us: pirongiacommunity@gmail.com
ISE T R E V AD YOUR HOSPO ESS BUSIN HERE!
MONTHLY MARKET The Pirongia Arts, Craft and Food Market last Sunday of each month. Pirongia Community Centre, cnr Crozier & Ross Sts.