Published as Issue No. 66
27 March, 2013
Cleaning up Houghton Bay and Lifting the Creek: Comments have been received following the articles in Newsletter 65. Other input welcomed.
David from Cave Rd: “I am fully in favour of finding a solution to the leachate pollution in Houghton Bay. The chemical look and smell on the beach is often disgusting. However, I am opposed to the further development of a wetland in the bottom park of the Buckley Road Reserve (that is, the grassed area between the children’s playground and the houses south of the reserve). This park is the nearest green space for people who live in the southern part of Houghton Bay and, because of the trees beside the road, one of the most attractive green spaces in the reserve.
For people with a disability, as I have had for the past year, it is one of the few accessible recreational spaces in the lower valley. It is also very close to a children’s playground. Children often run down the slope into the park, sometimes without parental supervision. Would it be safe to establish an open creek and possibly a full wetland in such an area? I am concerned that the opinion of people who live below the park, who are most likely to be affected by any changes, are so far not being actively sought by the Council. Therefore, I am grateful for the opportunity to present my views in our newsletter.”
Jenny from Hungerford Rd: “We are still trying to find out what is possible and how it could work. The following is my idea of how it might be: The fields above the playground are rarely used, difficult to access, not very interesting and boggy due to poor drainage. A stream channel for drainage and planting would create a sense of place for these rather forlorn patches. We could then create a walking track linking the fields. Near the playground it may be simpler to pipe the water, but in the lower area there is enough space to incorporate a wetland without losing all the grass. It could be broken into a couple of areas with trees and wetland expanding in the middle.
Essentially there is a wetland there now, and an open stream – the planting around has made it safe enough right next to the playground. A purpose built wetland would be bigger, but not take up the whole space. It would not be more than ankle deep, and overflows can ensure this during heavy rain. There would need to be more containment (i.e. a basin) so that excess water can be held in case of flooding. Planting would help keep younger children from getting near the water; older children would enjoy it! The wetland could have a boardwalk and a track through the bush on the far side made at a grade suitable for disabled access.”
What happened to the Bees?: Despite a special issue of the Newsletter and resultant publicity in other media, Jacob of Haewai Meadery has not yet found the bee swarm he brought back from Otaki to join his own hives. Dave from Houghton Valley Rd, who fits in the role of caretaker at the school around his many other activities, commented – Last Thursday five children at school were stung by wasps and a search soon revealed a nest sited near the slide. It is now eradicated. This forms a reminder it is now wasp season and we should walk around our valley with care, especially if going off the tracks. The summer days and plentiful supplies of fruit such as blackberries provide wasps with ideal breeding conditions. It is also still the season when bee swarms can occur. In general a bee swarm will not hurt you. They are a good sign. Just keep out of their way, observe where the bees settle and ring Jacob or Dave, who will endeavour to ensure they are cared for.
Marine Centre: Huib of View Rd commented on a regional issue in our backyard: “I read that the Te Moana trust have resurrected plans for an aquarium on the south coast, targeting land at the base of Hungerford Road. I haven’t seen plans myself but clearly a huge commercial project ($36 million) of this size would have a massive impact on the surrounding community. I thought it might be good to bring it to the attention of the Houghton Valley community and am interested in other resident’s thoughts.”
See http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8443647/Lyall-Bay-aquarium-plans-unveiled
Broccoli seedlings: These are available from the community garden over the next few weeks. Come down on Sunday afternoons to collect yours; free cup of tea at 3.30 pm with seedlings (gold coin donation if you insist).
Fires on Te Raekaihau Headland: Geoff from Buckley Rd spotted smoke coming from the headland last week and rang the fire brigade. It seems that some people lit a fire in the picnic area in front of Piebe’s Seat. If anyone sees any smoke coming from this area, please call the brigade.
Norman and Grant