Published as Issue No. 146
March 8, 2016
Going, going, gone: If you haven’t looked down lately on this view of the Houghton Valley Playcentre outdoor space [No attachment] then it’s too late! A working bee over the weekend began demolition. Its replacement – thanks to $20,000 raised locally matched by funding from the NZ Playcentre Federation – will be completed in about three weeks.
Local economy: You can’t get more home grown than local bees gathering local nectar, processing and adding value in Houghton Valley. Jacob of Haewai Meadery and Wind Gardens advises he has harvested 40 kilos of local honey which he will sell in re-cycled jars. He comments “A late season and looks like a good one” Seriously low food miles too!
Yoga Reminder: Yoga for all, suitable for beginners, Houghton Valley Hall $10. 9.30 am Tuesdays, come in for a free trial session. Enquiries Julie.
House to rent: Houghton Bay Rd, across from the park. Two Bedroom plus a small room that could be an office or child’s room; 1.5 bath and fenced garden, fully insulated (including walls), wood burner, and double glazed windows downstairs. Looking for a professional couple or small family. Pets welcome, rent $500 per week. More information contact Jessica.
Notes from Nick: Nick from View Rd, and for many years a stalwart of the Newtown Residents Association, has ideas about a geologically-focussed trip by locals to Upper Hutt, using his front lawn as a community orchard or herb garden and the relationship between residents and Council on walking track development.
Old Man’s Beard: Deborah of View Rd reminds us that if Old Man’s Beard gets into Houghton Bay back sections and reserves it will be almost impossible to stop. It strangles trees and shrubs and can rapidly take over large areas and is showing up more than ever this year, is seeding and about to spread everywhere right now with patches seen near bus stops, on private sections, and in the school grounds.
The solution is to clip the flowers (white, similar to convolvulus) or seed heads, better still remove the patch completely. See information and photos on Weedbusters.org.nz, also the community Facebook page. If neighbours have patches within 10 metres of your boundary contact the Wellington Regional Council to get this removed (unless your neighbours are happy to do so of course).
Norman and contributors