West Hamilton PharmacyNewNawton Mall, Nawton. Phone 846 3121. Facsimile 846 3165

Te Rapa, Pukete, St Andrews, Beerescourt, Whitiora, Maeroa, Frankton, Dinsdale, Templeview, Nawton, Western Heights, Rotokauri, Crawshaw, Brymer

Issue No.25 (October 2006) Delivered to 16,500 homes throughout Hamilton’s western suburbs

Preventing Child PoisoningIt is horrifying to know that in New Zealand, each year on average, 366 children aged under 15

years are admitted to hospital due to unintentional poisoning. The most common poisoning agents are medicines (prescription and non-prescription) and drugs (substances usually of abuse). Together they account for around two thirds of poisoning-related hospitalisations. Children aged between 1 and 3 years are at risk the most.

It’s the usual scenario - little Johnny has got into mum’s handbag and opened her bottle of medicines. Or there’s toddler Lucy who, on a visit to grandma’s, finds grandma’s medicines on the bedside table, all laid out nicely ready for her to take that evening. To Lucy, she’s found the lolly jar!

“Children must be protected from these sorts of situations”, acknowledge Self Care pharmacists, “and there are many tips we can provide to help parents, grandparents and caregivers protect children from being harmed. That is why we are supporting the Safekids Campaign focussing on child poisoning prevention, which is being launched on Friday 13 October.”

According to Self Care pharmacists, “the way to prevent poisoning is to place effective barriers between children and poisonous substances.” Safe storage is the first critical step. Safe means out of sight and reach of children - in a high, or locked, cupboard. If your medicines, or your child’s, need to be stored in the fridge, put them on the top shelf at the back. Hide them behind other things so they are not visible.

Always return medicines to their safe storage area immediately after use. When your sick child needs paracetamol during the night it might seem easier just to keep it by her bedside, lid only half-screwed on to make it easier to get at the medicine when required. “But”, warn Self Care pharmacists, “children have been harmed in these kinds of situations - thinking the medicine is a drink. We should be concerned with safety for our children, not convenience for ourselves.”

An additional safety measure is to ask your pharmacist to put child resistant closures (safety caps) on all dispensed medicines, where possible. For some medicines (ask your pharmacist which ones), PHARMAC meets the cost of these safety caps; for others there is a small cost. For the safety of your children and grandchildren, Self Care pharmacists encourage you to request safety caps so there is a further barrier against unintentional poisoning. People may think these caps are hard to open, and that brute strength is required. That shouldn’t be the case, advise Self Care pharmacists. “You just need to know the special technique for opening them, so ask us to show you how.”

Make sure all lids, including safety caps, are put on the bottles properly after use. Even with safety caps, still store medicines out of sight and reach of children since the caps are child resistant, not child proof. Some children are able to open them!

Other important medicine-related safety tips include always storing medicines in their original, welllabelled, containers so the contents can be identified easily. Before giving medicines to children, always read the labels and follow the instructions. For liquid medicines, use a special medicine measure available from your pharmacy. These measures are much more accurate than the household teaspoon so you can be confident you are following the label instructions correctly.

Don’t keep unwanted and expired medicines as they contribute to the potential for poisoning. Talk to your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of these medicines, including returning them to the pharmacy for destruction.

For further information about the Safekids Campaign, and ways to prevent child poisoning, talk to your Self Care pharmacist.

NZ Idol star Ashlee Fisher makes it into the Top 10. See page 3

Our local star

Fore

stlake Wearable Arts

See Page 4&5

� Western Community News - October 2006

F o r 11 years April Pepperell has worked at Frankton Primary School as the After School Care Co-ordinator. Her programme runs every school day from 3.00pm – 5.45 pm and caters for 40-50 children aged between

5 and 11. She says she loves her babies and their awesome parents, who are always there to provide support and resources whenever she needs them. April’s team consists of 2 other staff members and 1 volunteer, who work together to provide a programme of arts, crafts, sports, games and special events from After School idol to a birthday party for the building they operate from.

April spends a lot of her time searching out craft items she can modify to make it easier for children to create. April loves watching TV programmes like DIY and Martha Stewart, where she gets lots of exciting ideas. Children at the after school programme are encouraged to bring along art or craft items they have made themselves so they can enjoy the responsibility of teaching others.

Creating a loving and supportive environment is important to April and her team, and a strict policy of no swearing or hitting (for both adults and children) is in

place at the programme. April credits her love for children to her

relationships with her own 3 children and 2 grandchildren and the many opportunities she has had to work in primary schools, as a netball coach, parent helper and teachers aid. April feels working with children and their parents has helped raise her confidence and self esteem. The children bring me back to myself she says and I love them so much I want to be surrounded by them for the rest of my life.

April, the eldest of 8 children, was born and raised in Mount Maunganui and has lived in Hamilton in the Nawton area for 35 years. The biggest changes she has noticed in the area are the expansions to the Hamilton Zoo, which was originally called the Hamilton game farm, and cost 20c admission, and the huge developments of housing around Rotokauri Road.

April is blessed with a beautiful singing voice and in her early 20’s moved to

Australia where she worked as an entertainer in Sydney. It was during this time that she was discovered by a talent agent and asked to sing with a band who performed for U.S. military troops in Vietnam. April spent 3 years in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore during the Vietnam war, where they traveled from show to show in Helicopters or sometimes army tanks. She sang on makeshift stages which were often hastily put together on the back or army trucks, and remembers how special it was to meet kiwi soldiers who were so far away from home.

She says there were many frightening and sad experiences which were part of being in a country torn by war but she learned to focus on the good things and make the most of every day. It is that same warm “ take it in your stride” attitude that April has today and her motto of “never panic” which makes her such a valuable asset to the community, parents and children of Frankton school.

April PepperellCOMMUNITY PROFILE

ONE OF A KIND B-BOY WORKSHOP

A one of a kind B-boy, B-girl workshop for youth was run during term three at St Peters Church hall. Also referred to as ‘Break dancing’, the six week workshop proved popular with students from Maeroa Intermediate, St Andrews Middle School, Vardon School, Fairfield Intermediate and Fairfield High school attending.

Taught by well known Hamilton B-boy Dujon Cullingford , the classes were unique in that they had two components. Firstly the practical component, learning the steps, moves and techniques. Secondly the theory component, which covered the names and origins of the movements, and looked at the true culture behind the dance style. Over the six weeks students learnt every thing from ‘up rocks’ to ‘baby swipes’ to ‘freezes’. Every class finished off with a Jam session where students could demonstrate the new techniques they had learnt.

At only a gold coin donation per class the workshop was great value. It was sponsored by the Hamilton City Council with the aim of providing a fun after school activity with minimal cost to youth.

Details of term four B-Boy, B-Girl workshops will be available at Pukete Neighbourhood House and The Western Community Centre.

At their Change-over night in June, the incoming President of the Dinsdale Lions Club, James Marris, had the pleasure of inducting new member Jack Humphry into the club.

The club undertakes a unique brand of Lionism based on fellowship, laughter and a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves. Over the last 28 years the Club has been involved in many rewarding projects within the community, and is presently forming a close working relationship with the Western Community Centre. The club plans to hold a promotional evening on Wednesday 11 October at the Western Community Centre. Inquiries phone John: 8464183.

Dinsdale Lions welcome new member

Ride the Night Rider into the West

The Western Community News is published jointly by the Western Community Centre, Inc., and Hamilton’s Fraser High School. It is produced every second month by local people, including Tim Atkinson, Ioana Tolofua, Neil To-lan, Robin Read-Bloomfield, Julie Pullman, Saun Libeau and Dave Macpherson. Contact phone: 07-847 4873.

Residents of Hamilton’s western suburbs might not be aware that a late (very late) night bus service operates between town and the main western areas on Friday and Saturday nights.

For $2 (or $1.40 with your Busit! card, you or your children can forget the car and hop on the Dinsdale/Te Rapa ‘Night Rider’ bus - which leaves from outside Iguana Restaurant in Victoria St on Fridays at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm & 10pm, and on both Fridays and Saturdays also at 12.15am, 1.15am, 2.15am & 3.15am

(before midnight Friday, regular late night services run). Security staff travel on them from midnight Friday & 10pm Saturday.

The bus travels via Tristram St, down Hall St, across Massey St overbridge & along Massey, Newcastle, Ellicott Rds onto Avalon Drive & out to Pukete Rd & Ashurst Ave, before returning to the city via Pukete Rd, Totara Drive, Sandwich Rd, Vardon Rd, Ulster St and Seddon Rd.

In other words it goes within reach of most of the western area - so use it!

City

night-rider bus route

Western Community News - October 2006 �

IDOL ASHLEE

Your SAY: “Skye asks Whats the best thing about living in H Town ?”

TAGGING IS A CRIMINAL OFfENCE !BUY some PAPER its cheaper than paying a FINE !

LeiallanWell … the best

thing bout living in H-Town is that you can communicate with pretty people.

TarrynI really enjoy being

with my friends because we can

go shopping together …. And that I live on a

farm.

ChrisBecause lots of

people are friendly and I love to hang with my friends.

SamCoz H-Town has got a lot of peace

and coz the people in Hamilton all go to Church.

Kingdom of God for life.

AngeCoz there’s

some pretty nice boys and ‘some’ of the parties.

Shoutouts! Blipz, Cody, Elle Dawg and Nare Dawg.

CrystalCoz there’s heaps of cool people and

lots of hot guys and cool parties.

ManuwaiWell I’m always

home so I just like home.

HiriakoIt’s my home

JayeKick’n it with the Mrs and strolling around town with

the bros.

For the majority of Secondary Students school holidays was a time to relax with friends, work that part time job or just chill for two weeks. However for 49 Senior students and 20 support crew from Church College of New Zealand the holidays meant Tour Time with the schools bi-annual performing arts show. Over 6 days the tour visited the Bay of Plenty and East Coast performing shows in 4 different locations. Upbeat songs, energetic dances and the full rhythm of a back up band enthralled audiences as they joined Peter, Tink and Ludwig in a Neverland Jubilee Celebration.

The tour gave students the opportunity to share their talents with the different communities they visited. Several of the performances were community based with proceeds from the shows being returned to a local community group. Clara-Mei

Brown described the experience as being “mint” with Mahonri Owen echoing the sentiment that being on tour was a great opportunity to get better at what he enjoyed doing by sharing his talents with others. For Yasmin Barker the tour gave her the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. All the students felt that it gave them the chance to share something about themselves and their school.

The show script was written by English teacher Hinerau Ahu with some assistance from student Clara-Mei Brown. The theme of the show was that no matter what turns a person takes in life they can all ways find hope in finding a place to call home. Supporting the cast where teachers and parents who gave freely of their time to make each show a success. Over the third term students put in on average more than 25 hours practice each week.

Tour timeIce Age Challenge

West Hamilton Youth and Forest Lake Youth present Survivor this year’s great event, with a new name this year’s challenge is packed full of fun and craziness! So get your mates together and head along to this years Ice Age Challenge.

This year’s theme is Ice Age so get the movie out, have a watch and come dressed up as your favorite character or just come in something from the ice age. The afternoon will begin at 1pm when you will be placed in a herd, your herd will then compete against other herds in an all out battle to win the title.In the evening prepare yourself for the great Ice Rave. Dance the night away to some awesome bands; play station, catch up with mates and have an all round good night. It all takes place 14 October starting at 1pm at St Davids Anglican Church for ages 13 - 18, with a fantastic low cost of $15. Registration close 9th October. Contact Ben Slatter 07 855 7866 or 027 468 2037 for more info and to

secure your place.

First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for the great support during the past few weeks, especially the support I received from the Nawton area and all my friends at Fraser High School.

My idol journey, wow, where do I begin?I never imagined all those months ago

when I sent in my application for NZ Idol that I would of experienced the things I have lately. It has been the most incredible time and something that I will treasure forever.

The long hours waiting in the queues for the first auditions in Auckland seem like such a long time ago now. Going thru each stage of the auditions was nerve racking, not knowing if you’d made or not.

Being in the Idol house was a lot of fun. My roomy while I was in the house was Kali. We had a great couple that looked after us along with their 2 beautiful children. The house was just the most amazing fun place; we all got on so well and just had the funniest times. One of the funniest things was Ben’s addiction to the movie “Family Guy”, I think he knows every single lane and even plays all the characters.

One of my most favorite times on Idol was our “Dom’s Day Out”; we got to spend the

day out on the America’s Cup boat. We all got turns at the wheel, but my favorite part of it was when a big wave came over the side and drenched Stables, we were all in fits of laughter.

In between the fun times was a lot of hard work; our days would consist of time with our vocals coaches and musical composers, Suzie, Eddie and Adrian as well as Learning dance routines. Our days would start at 6.00am and finish at 7.00pm.

I enjoyed my time on Idol even though I found some of the judges’ comments had gained so much from my time on Idol and am looking forward to going back for the final show where we all get to perform again.

Best moment in the competition? Walking on to the idol stage for the first time. It was pretty much like a dream.

Worst moment? Being in the bottom two for both weeks. It’s the most horrible felling. I wouldn’t wish it upon anybody but everyone has to go through it.

Who did you connect with best in the Top 10? I connected really well with Kali, Clinton and Toni…Toni and I clicked straight away. The youngest and the oldest, it’s hard to imagine but she’s an amazing person.

Fore

stlake Wearable Arts

“Forest Lake School had a fantastic term, for creativity and style genius. The objective for both Junior and Senior Syndicates was to hold a ‘Wearable Arts’ evening, similar to the annual ‘Trash to Fashion’ awards show.

The focus for the Junior School was Recycling. Items from home that would usually have been taken away to the Refuse Transfer Station, were used by the children to transform themselves into princesses, knights, insects, birds and models parading woven wet weather and stylish evening wear.

Fabric and fibre was the focus for the Senior School. Hessian, woven flax, leaves and feathers made for remarkable on stage scenes. Designer hats and fabulous masks astounded the crowd.

The Thursday night Wearable Arts Show was a huge success, with dinner available before the show. Hamilton North School clapped and cheered on Friday morning when the school performed a second time for family and friends.”

Karyn Grey (Forest Lake School Arts Committee Leader)

QUOTES:“Putting on a show

each year is hard work, but the enjoyment for the

community and the children make it worthwhile. It brings out the creative

side in children and teachers. An experience l i k e this gives them a chance to express their creative ideas in an imaginative way.”

Karyn Grey - Teacher“The creations and imagination of the children are

just astounding. It was a fabulous experience for me helping the classes as a student teacher at Forest Lake School.”

Lisa Sutton – Student Teacher“This was the most amazing thing I’ve seen from

children in a long time. Well done.”(Rangi’s Nan)!!

Community Radio

behindthe

scenesCommunity

Radio Hamilton’s newest show offers listeners a sneak peak at what’s happening in and around Hamilton. Presented by Western Community Centre regular Jay, Offstage profiles the local events scene every Tuesday at 4.30pm.

Regular interviews and reviews cover a wide range of events - from high school and community productions, to sporting events, and music gigs. The only criteria is that all the events featured on Offstage are open to all ages.

“You’ll hear from the producers, the punters, and the players themselves, and get a behind the scenes view

of the action every week on OffStage,” says Jay.Another great new youth show

on Community Radio

Hamilton is Café Shout, presented by the Hamilton Youth

Council at 4pm on Mondays.Hosted by Youth Councillors Chantal and

Andrew, two passionate advocates for rangatahi in Hamilton. The programme features discussion of relevant local youth issues, including some controversial guests. A recent show covered the true story behind recent media coverage on the availability of alcohol at Hamilton high school after-ball functions.

Community Radio Hamilton (106.7FM & AM1206) promotes all kinds of community information, and provides a forum for a diverse range of voices. If you think you’ve got what it takes to make it on Access radio, contact Phil at Community Radio Hamilton on 07

834 2170.

Alex & Edie MarconCOMMUNITY

Alex and Edie

Marcon moved to Dinsdale from Christchurch in June 1987, where they had been involved in the social service scene since 1966 in both paid and voluntary roles. They joined St David’s Anglican church and became involved in assisting with setting up programmes and services provided through Barnabas House (Crosslight Trust). Alex served as a Trust member for many years.

In 1990 Alex and Edie started to have “garage

sales” in the church car park and in 1991 a decision was made to open an op shop which Edie managed for six months then continued to volunteer at least one day a week (usually more). Alex used his skills and time to help wherever he was needed.

In 1999 Alex and Edie received a HCC Civic Award for People and Wellbeing.

Earlier this year Alex (93) and Edie (91) Marcon, for health reasons, decided to “retire” from working in the op shop although Alex continues to maintain a very attractive garden in front of the Crosslight Trust offices and both serve the morning tea for the Monday morning walking group.

Volunteering has given them “something to do while we are fit and well, we didn’t want to sit back and be utterly useless. We love people especially those who are in need and we can serve God by helping others”. They miss the contact with customers and staff but enjoy being able to spend more time with each other.

Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Ranui Hapi tōku ingoaEnergizing your mind and body is the key to

improving your overall health and well-being. More people today are choosing to take responsibility for their health rather than rely on doctors to cure them.

You can improve your health by making lifestyle changes.

Everyday lifestyle factors influence our energy levels and increasing awareness of how we are affected by our working environments, our emotional state, our dietary habits & even our use of common drugs such as caffeine or tobacco can maximize our energy and improve our health.

As the Healthy Lifestyle Coach for Sport Waikato I focus on Māori communities to ensure that appropriate information and support is readily available and easily accessible. Therefore if you require any information or would like me to work with your community, I can be contacted on 027 446 7040 or ranuih@sportwaikato.org.nz

Hamilton offers many opportunities for embracing physical activity into our lifestyles. From the use of the walkway around the lake to community activity classes and groups; there are activities available to suit any age and ability. As the Hamilton Active Living Project Coordinator, my role is to help promote physical activity options and healthy eating education opportunities. I am also available to work with the community to assist in developing new options to meet community needs.

As many people feel that it can be too expensive to participate in physical activity, I will be promoting low and no cost options. There are many free walking groups and low cost activities happening across Hamilton. For more information on these activities, or if you would like to share your thoughts

on other activities you would like to see happening, please contact Sarah Prowse on 07 838 2657 or sarahp@sportwaikato.org.nz. Visit our website on www.sportwaikato.org.nz for more details on the Hamilton Active Living Project and options in your area.

Ranui spins on healthy lifestyles

Te Roopū Kapa Haka o Nōera are a community based group, aged from just 5 to 10 years of age, with a current role of 55 students. The goal of the roopū is to encourage and support Kapa Haka in our young children and to hold fast to the treasures ā kui mā, a koro mā.

The roopū have had a fantastic year with the following having been achieved so far; in March, placed 1st equal in the Manuariki National competition in the Midget section. In April, cut a compact disc to promote the roopū and in August, placed 1st in the Manuariki Regional Competition in the Midget section. The roopū are currently raising funds to travel away on a cultural enrichment programme down through Wanganui, Waikanae and Wellington. The main focus for the journey is to hand over the national Manu Ariki trophy to Te Roopū o Whakaoho Ake and to share and celebrate Ngā Mahi a Te Rēhia (The Art of Māori Performance). For more information, please contact Nawton School, on 07 8477420.

Grasslands Kindergarten is situated in Karen Crescent, off Kahikatea extension. It is a two teacher Kindergarten with 30 children attending am and pm sessions.

Staff offer a fun, caring and stimulating environment for children and run a programme based from the children’s strengths interests and passions.

Staff include the Head Teacher-Ally Edwards, Teacher-Raelene Ellis, Support Staff-Brenda Muldoon who between them have 26 years early childhood experience. We run a strong behaviour management programme with clear limits and boundaries encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions and express their thoughts clearly and confidently to their peers.

Playing as good friends is a strong focus and encourages children to experience positive and fun social interactions with their friends. Part of our Kindergarten family include JoJo the Ring Neck Parrot, CJ our pet rat, Mrs Bunny and Fredrina and Herbie the expecting budgie parents.

Staff are really excited to share with the community that we have recently secured a 3 year ICT Professional Development contract with the Ministry of Education. The opportunities this provides for our children, families and staff are amazing.

We have begun documenting children’s learning with digital photos of their work and presenting slide shows to parents at the end of sessions.

Chi ldren are able to use the digital cameras to document what is meaningful to them and their learning.

Next term children will be given the skills on how to download their photos, create a book involving printing, lamination and binding about their learning to share with their friends and family.

Cameras are available to children and families to take home to document family events, home, pets to share with us at Kindergarten.

Events such as our recent Punk Rocker Day back up band to Sandi Thom ‘I wish I was a punk rocker’, received enormous support from our community. Staff have made a DVD available to parents of this event as part of our ICT focus and sharing of skills with the community. Our Fire station Visit documented on CD is also available to parents .

If you wish to make any further enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact Ally, Raelene or Brenda on 07-8472908.

Grasslands

Kindy

Contract

Nga Tai Atea WharekuraTenei te tuku I nga kupu whakamoemiti ki to tatou

Kaihanga.Ka whakahonore I to tatou Kingi, a Tuheitia, me te

Whare Kahui Ariki whanui tonu.Huri kau ana ki nga mate. Kei taku Ariki, moe mai

ra I roto I nga ringa o to tatou Kaihanga. Koutou te hunga mate ki a koutou. Tatou, nga urupa o ratou ma, tena ra koutou katoa.

Tena koutou katoa e te whanau whanui o Kirikiriroa.

Tenei matou o Nga Taiatea Wharekura e mihi atu nei ki a koutou katoa.

This year has been an amazing year for the Wharekura, which is now 2 ½ years old. They are thankful to the students, staff, whanau, and the wider community for all that they have contributed to the Wharekura this year. Ki te kore ko koutou, e kore e tino puawai whakawaho atu ai to tatou kaupapa.

Highlights for the Wharekura this term include Te Wairere Ngaia placing second in the national Maori speech finals competition in Taranaki and Roopu Kapa Haka placing 6th in the national secondary

Kapa Haka finals. There was also 4 teams (lip sync, dance, singing) qualifying for the regional finals of the Search for the Stars competition and our Girls and Boys basketball teams made the regional semi finals and finals in their respective competitions.

Another one of our highlights this term was the sports and cultural exchange with Hamilton’s Fraser High School with thanks to the Whanau Rumaki o Taniwharau. Tena ra koutou e te whanau.

There was awesome weather and a great environment for the Rangatahi to celebrate being together. The day started with a powhiri and then got straight into the action with the multi-sport competition between the Year 9, 10 and senior teams of both schools.

On the 25th of October Nga Taiatea has set aside this day to serve our wider Waikato community. During this day students and staff of Nga Taiatea will be serving not for profit community group such as marae, Kohanga Reo, and other community groups. If you have a project that you would like Nga Taiatea Wharekura students to help you out with for one day, please contact our Office Administrator, Whaea Maria Henry (07) 850 6358

Nawt

on Sc

hool

Western Community News - October 2006 54 Western Community News - October 2006

� Western Community News - October 2006

Every Wednesday morning at the Western Community Centre, a group of seniors meet to get together and share their knowledge of crafts. We have knitting, crochet, card making, plastic canvas work and at the moment are into Christmas decorations in a big way, says participant Joyce Butler. We all share our knowledge and if you come across a problem with something in the craft area there is usually someone who can work it out for you, or a collective mind from the whole group will come up with a solution or a way around it. As well as doing their own craft work the group also provides valuable service to the community. From knitting tiny items of clothing for premature babies in the new born unit at Waikato Hospital to their most recent project, of joining together hundreds of knitted squares to create baby blankets. Over 35 blankets have been donated to Plunket, who were thrilled to be able to give them to new mothers and their babies. Who knows what their next project will be, but whatever it is the process of accomplishing it will be filled with laughter and companionship.

Everyone is welcome to attend knit and natter from 10.00 am – 11.45 pm Wednesdays.

Blankets for Plunket

When travelling overseas in an unknown city it’s a common experience for Kiwi travellers to ask for directions from a person with a friendly face. At the same time the intrepid traveller is hoping they will be able to understand the answer.

A similar experience is everyday fare for new migrants and refugees coming to live in Hamilton and the solution may also be similar.

ESOL Home Tutors provide a space for people to have their questions about this new country answered in a friendly way. A voluntary home tutor can help a new resident to practise their English and gain confidence.

There will be a 20-hour training course to learn about home tutoring skills next month starting on the 17th October. After the training course volunteers visit their learners for about an hour a week. New tutors are needed in this area. Please phone Dorothy, Elaine, Jenny or Dianne at 853 2188 for more information about ESOL Home Tutoring.

Opportunities for home tutoring The last time you read about Peter Crake and his

family was when he left the Western Community as Centre Manager. That was in 2003.

Well here they are again only this time they are way down in the deep south. Peter was working for Works and Infrastructure as working Foreman carrying out road maintenance over 85% of the roads in the Gore area are which are gravel as well he was in charge of flood, ice and snow patrols. Unfortunately Peter is now on Acc for aggravated ligaments in both shoulders as a result of falling off a boat in November 2001. He is off for 3 months and if surgery is needed he will be off for 6 months. Works Infrastructure have stood peter down for 12 months with out pay but have left his job open for him when he is able to return to work. He tells me the community where he lives has been very supportive of him and his family.

Peter is still community minded and is a very busy man being elected on the executive of RSA and has joined his local rugby club doing fundraising and training the committee in the funding application area as well. Peter and his family loves the South Island, he told me he found it quite hard to get used to their laid back attitude and their she’ll be right mate existence.

He also sends his love and best wishes to all his friends in the Waikato and he says, I quote: “Things haven’t changed same things different community “

Stuck in the South

Western Community News - October 2006 �

Smart subdividing at RotokauriA new form of subdivision is about to pop up in the

Rotokauri area. Called a ‘smart’ subdivision, 40-odd lots will be created in the corner between Baverstock and Rotokauri Rds, facing north-west over Lake Waiwhakareke (Horseshoe) and the surrounding heritage park.

The subdivision is owned, and will be developed by the City Council as an example of good environmental design, with state-of-the-art solar-efficient heat, lighting and water systems. Stormwater run-off will not be your usual ‘into the drain, and onto the stream’ set-up, but via swales and grassed areas into the ground.

Cycle, foot and bus access will be encouraged, and houses will be built to a set of designs that maximise land-use efficiency in a pleasant setting. Gone will be the days of Flagstaff’s grey roofs (hopefully) when the area takes off early in 2007.

What’s On Out West?The Salvation Army, 180 Grandview Road, HamiltonLight Party – 31 October 2006. Session #1 4.00 pm 5.00pm; Session #2 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm. Contact Lynne on 846 3321.Youth Group – Friday nights from 7:00pm (11-17 year olds). Contact Brendon on 824 3224.Toy Library – Wednesdays and Saturdays 9:30 am -11:30am. Contact Lynne on 846-3321 for more details.Music and Movement sessions – Tuesdays 10.00 am. Contact Lynne on 846 3321.Friday playgroup – 9.30 am-11.30 am. Contact Lynne on 846 3321Kids Church on Sundays – 10.30 am. Contact Graham on 846 3336.

Dinsdale Family Store, 22 Whatawhata Road, HamiltonAlways accepting good donations of furniture, linen, bric-a-brac, and clothing.

Can you help us by volunteering on a Friday? Contact Ros on 847 3298

Employment Plus work based training courses (free horticulture/farming and cabinet making courses) - 182 Grandview Road, Ph 846 5216 for more details. The Hamilton – Dinsdale Lions Club has been involved in many rewarding projects in our community over the past 28 years. An important emphasis for the club is FUN and FELLOWSHIP, and with that in mind, a warm invitation is extended to attend a social and information evening at the Sports Complex, Western Community Centre, 46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton on Wednesday 11 October from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Kotahi Playgroup meets in the play centre building at 108 Grandview Road

Monday, Thursday and Friday 9.00 am - 12.00 pm. All parents and pre schoolers welcome - Cost $10 per term.

Parenting Apart - A work shop for parents who have separated. covers practical aspects of what your kids need most from you and the different ways you can provide for those needs. This will be held at the Western Community Centre in conjunction with Relationship services on 06 November 9.30 am - 1.30pm.

Senior luncheons are held every second Thursday of the month. 12.00 pm - bring a plate for a shared lunch. Fabulous entertainment provided. Transport available.

Pilate’s Plus 6.30 am - 7.30 am Tuesday mornings at Western Community Centre $2 per session

At home and school we teach safety and values . . . but when Halloween comes along each year, we face a tradition that encourages poor behaviour, “rewards on demand” by trick or treating and celebrates by wearing scary masks or costumes. Many parents are not happy about this negative influence and are looking for a positive alternative; a better way to celebrate Halloween . . . there is a growing trend to provide safer options for children and their families, and one of these is by attending a “Light Party”. A Light Party is a family focused event that provides fun and laughter in a safe environment.

Last year The Salvation Army in Grandview Road held a Light Party for the first time and were amazed by the huge response to this. Children came along dressed as Spiderman, Superman, Construction workers, Fairies, Angels, Princesses, and much, much more.

The Salvation Army will be hosting another Light Party on 31 October this year to celebrate good rather than evil.

Are you happy seeing children in our community out on the streets unsupervised, asking strangers for lollies? We didn’t think so. So bring them along to The Salvation Army in Grandview Road on 31 October and join in with us. Session #1 is for under 6 year olds from 4:00-5:00pm. Session #2 is for 6-12 year olds from 5:30-7:00pm. Gold coin entry. No scary Halloween costumes please.

Light PartyFINALLY....4 lanesNo, Transit are not pulling our legs.....they really have (finally) started on the four-laning of State Highway 1, outside The Base - the stretch of road they told the Environment Court would be finished by the time The Base opened. The 4-laning part is likely to be finished by Xmas this year, or soon after, but the upgrade of the nightmare Wairere Drive/Avalon Drive roundabout - expected to become a much safer 6-lane, signal-controlled intersection - is at this stage not due to be completed until December 2007 (Transit are still arguing over the design). The whole project will cost between $7 and $8 million, of which our City Council is putting in over $2 million to make sure it all happens. Ah well, no-one ever said government departments could move quick!

� Western Community News - October 2006

Come on down to Elliott Park - Hyde Ave from 5.30pm, Tuesday 31st October to join in the all fun and excitement.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic night with free bouncy castles, activities, giveaways, food stalls, face painting and a great line up of local performers getting their acts ready just for you. If you are year 8 at School or under then there’s free treats to be collected throughout the night. Are you brave enough to enter the Scary House? The Artmakers crew have been really busy putting it all together so for all those 9 years and over just bring $2 and maybe a friend to help you get through, you never know what might be around the next corner. Tickets can be bought from the registration area on the night.

Our local Nawton skaters are currently working hard to put together the skate competition and have invited a number of demo skaters along to showcase their talents at the Park.

This year we have a number of community groups and organisations on site promoting their services and providing information and available to answer any questions you may have.

With limited parking available around the event, local residents are encouraged to leave the car at home and enjoy a walk down to the park or share transport. You may like to make a gold coin donation towards the cost of the event on the night so look out for the collectors who will be clearly identified.

Treats in the Park was initiated due to the feedback from schools, parents, community groups and residents to provide a safe activity as an alternative to children wandering the neighborhoods late into the night collecting treats.

For more information contact the Western Community Centre 8474873 email wccadmin@xtra.co.nz or neil.tolan@hcc.govt.nzInstructions for children registering for TreatsLast year over 2500 children registered for Treats and we expect even more children this year so to help us manage this process we have a few basic instructions. 1. Treat Tickets are collected from the Registration areas no earlier than 5.30pm.2. Children Intermediate aged and under must be present to receive a special stamp on there hand as well as their ticket and an entry into a special prize draw. Parents cannot collect tickets on behalf of their children who are not at the registration area.3. Don’t forget to put any rubbish in the bins provided and Enjoy the night.

Are you ready for

Notice to Houses in the vicinity of Elliott Park Treats in the Park will be held Tuesday 31st October from 5.30pm – 9pm.We are expecting large numbers of people to attend this popular event again this year. If you have any concerns or issues on the night don’t hesitate to call The Western Community Centre on 8474873

.