KOOKABURRA Magazine of Kawau Island New Zealand
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SPRING 2019 KOOKABURRA Magazine of Kawau Island New Zealand
Kawau Island Kookaburra
“To publish the Kawau Island Kookaburra as a means of communication
and as an outlet for news and articles written by interested persons”
Kawau Island Residents & Ratepayers Association Rule 3(g)
Correspondence and contributions to:
Michael Marris: editor@kirra.org.nz 021 739 973
Advertising managed by:
Jude Wood: advertising@kirra.org.nz 021 529 633
KIRRA membership is invited:
Contact Nikki Porteous: secretary@kirra.org.nz 021 0270 8953
Membership includes four issues of Kookaburra each year
Check out our Kawau Island website: www.kawauisland.org
KIRRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2019 - 2020
Chairman: Andrew Fyfe 021 622 231
Secretary: Nikki Porteous 021 027 08953
Treasurer: Sally Ostick 021 223 4268
Gael Archer 021 052 9002
Colin Bright 09 524 6189
Peter Buckton 422 3520
Pam Dallow 444 3378
Shelley Futcher 021 231 1372
Lin Pardey 09 422 8997
Sally Ostick 021 223 4268
Carl Weaver 0274 572 640
Mandy Weaver 021 273 9479
Jude Wood 021 529 633
KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 1
Contents Comment
Cover Photos: Patria Hume; The Two Jens Michael Marris
The somewhat gloomy countenance of this 2011 seeking recognition of protected custom-
Comment 3 Teaching on Kawau 1952-53 44 winter is yielding to the fresh face of spring. ary rights, and customary marine title. There is
That is not to suggest we will be immune from more of that later in this issue. It is a matter of
Michael Marris Margaret Clement
the expectable equinox tempests. It is equally vital importance to us all with potentially pro-
Letter To The Editor 4 Kawau Research Programme 50 expectable that Kookaburra in this annual found implications.
Peter Newson James Kim “coming out of the dark days” issue can look a
little like a tree with new growth appearing but Importantly however, our Kawau history is
Vivian Bay News 6 LegaSea 52 expressed in many ways – the written first
not yet in full-blown. Such as a natural reflec-
Fay Richardson & Lyn Hume Scott Macindoe person experiences of early Kawau Island set-
tion of winter hibernation!
North Cove News 8 Poem: The Shout Out 54 tlers, Māori oral history over several centuries
Ross West Lois H. Hunter However, there is a silver lining for this gives and colonial oral history that has been passed
opportunity for us, as a community deeply down and recorded over the past 180 years, ac-
South Cove News 12 Bookworms 56 rooted in our Island world, to refresh ourselves counts of explorers and visitors, photographs,
Andrew Stone Lyn Hume about how Kawau has come to be the way it newspaper articles and the physical evidence
Camp Bentzon Report 14 Park Notes 58 is, and the roles of so many people before us of buildings and structures. These all provide a
Peter & Erin Hyde Sue Stoddard who have both worked on and trodden our compendium of our world as it once was.
landscape. A history defines our present – the
Report:Takutai Moana Act 18 A Fairytale Wedding 60 history itself is a contentious matter most fre- The real task will be how they are distilled into
Colin Bright Michael Marris quently viewed through sometimes narrow some meaningful and coherent form. This is
Afloat Around Kawau 24 lenses of individual experiences. not only for children to absorb and appreciate
Poem: Brexit 62
within their educational system, but also that
Lin Pardey Peter Newson
It is fitting that this government is now en- our society is confident of a narrative that pro-
Escaping Winter 26 Sandspit Rubbish Facility 64 suring that a knowledge of our New Zealand vides a balanced and equitable account of our
Kawau Girl Beth Houlbrooke, Chair RLB history will be compulsory in all schools from past.
2022. What is less certain is what shape that
The Beach House 28 Local Body Elections 64 This spring issue showcases the magnificent
history will take. Whilst there are often clear
Annika & Brett KIRRA Message writings of Margaret Clement of her days as
factual outcomes of historical events that can
Pohutukawa Trust 30 Solar Options 66 be and are well documented, their underly- a teacher in the 1950s at Schoolhouse Bay.
Thomas Weaver Tim Dudek ing dynamics are often far less clear and open These are delightful and informative accounts
to a wide spectrum of interpretation. New of Kawau Island life of that era. Margaret was
Kawau Boating Club 35 Music in the Gardens 67 a beautiful young teacher who has over the
Zealand’s next generation of children will be
Robyn and David Lee Fay Richatrdson decades has carried with her that grace and
dependent upon a balanced and carefully ex-
Fire Team 36 Mt Taylor and Swansea Bay 68 plained account of our history, both precolo- beauty. Her recent Kawau pilgrimage with her
Sophie Wells the late Ray Weaver nial and postcolonial. There will be inevitable three (very adult) children was, from accounts,
tensions. a wonderful trip into nostalgia.
KBC New Pontoon! 38 Road Toll & Drugs 70
KBC Newsletter Peter Newson We, of Kawau Island lineage (societal if not It has been my editorial policy for the past dec-
Sandspit Wharf 43 genetic), are embedded in our own history. ade to regularly present to readers recorded
KIRRA Exectutive Minutes 72
This is a history very much in focus at the mo- items from our Kawau Island past, in my belief
Auckland Transport briefing Nikki Porteous, Secretary
ment because of the claims lodged under the that we each have a responsibility to be mind-
Coastal and Marine Area (Takutai Moana) Act Continued on page 4
2 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 3
Letter To The Editor
Peter Newson
The new “Venture Capital Fund”. were successful and it could be said that much
of the super $300 million from OUR current
The government has raided the Superannua- super fund is likely to suffer the same fate. Our
tion Fund to create a $300 million Venture new Coalition Government, short of skills and
Capital Fund. The funds in the super fund ac- experience, has appropriated $300 million
count should be sacrosanct and only be drawn from the nation’s super funds with no guaran-
down on for the purpose it was created for. The tee or schedule of repayment.
word “Venture” should be changed to “RISK”
Capital Fund and if is anything like PM Mul- We have all heard rumours that it won’t be
doon’s Think Big projects which were funded long before the golden eagle cannot find the
by complete confiscation of all the funds in necessary to meet the Government’s superan-
the then National Superannuation Scheme, nuitants’ sacred obligations. A small or large
this took 7.5 % of all the wages and salaries by saving could be made if our current and previ-
NZ Inland Revenue when taxed and put into ous Members of Parliament could also become
an individual’s named account with their tax Universal Superannuitants and accept the
number. same superannuation and become real New
Zealanders at last.
I started paying in 1955 and then it disap-
peared about 1983, 28 years later! We were all I firmly believe they are contravening the
promised a Universal Superannuation Scheme terms and conditions put in place by the Mul-
and I presume that is where the $300 million doon Government by accepting an exclusive
came from. Not all of the Think Big projects and undemocratic superannuation payment.
Comment Continued from page 3 implications for all of us who are residents and
ful of how we have all come to be here. Whilst rate-payers of Kawau Island. Colin believes it
we may claim rights of ownership, these come is now on a fast-moving pathway that will im-
with the responsibility of good citizenship. pact ultimately on all of us who value the use
Tensions at this interface can be easily mobi- of jetties, seawalls, moorings and other Coastal
Marine Area resource consent activities. There
lised, and at present some are.
may be a wider implication than this. • Marine construction
There are presently challenging issues, also • Wharfs/Jettys/Pontoons/Gangways
You are strongly encouraged to carefully read
focused on history, that confront our Island • New builds/Repairs/Refurbishment
this report. The outcome of the process will
community. Colin Bright has spearheaded an affect all of us – perhaps in ways that we will • Seawalls
intense investigative and protective process as have to absorb some indignation and reframe • Boat Ramps/Boatlifters/Boat Sheds
the ever-increasing complexities of the Marine some of our ideas around the rights of land • Consents/Engineering & Design
and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 ownership. available
unfold within the legal and po-litical systems.
His report on page 18 is critical: whilst this is- I would suggest you read the “Critical Points”
sue is extremely complicated at one level, its in- box first. That will provide a platform for con-
evitable outcome at another level has profound sidering the more complex issues.
4 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 5
Vivian Bay News After the long weeks of inclement weather,
Dave asked me if I would like to go to Fiji for
they have managed to hatch chicks over the
previous years, they have unfortunately not
some warmth and sunshine. What was a girl managed to rear them to adulthood. Hope-
Fay Richardson & Lyn Hume
to say!! fully this year will be different but for this we
Fay writes: write this - only for the very brave in this tem- need to ensure that dogs are kept strictly under
After 48 years and a bigger budget than my last control on the beach. Every year we remind
perature today.
It has been a very quiet winter in Vivian Bay trip, Fiji was everything the brochures claim. I people that this is a mark of respect for our en-
this year, with The Beach House closed and The weather has delayed my usual seed germi- was in heaven, swimming, snorkelling, walks vironment.
very few visitors to the baches. nation in my glasshouse but my top garden is along deserted beaches, eating fresh fish and
still producing lots of potatoes, cabbage, broc- salads grown locally, and we even swam with We are also enjoying the sight and sound of
Karina and Luke are returning to Ireland as the manta rays. Our water taxi from Musket two pairs of kiwi in our vicinity and we can’t
coli spinach, parsley, and a new crop of snow
their visa applications were denied, so once Cove marina to Beachcomber Island was a lo- stress enough that their survival to a large de-
peas.
again we have new managers. Brett and An- cal long boat so luckily it was a calm 30-minute gree depends on the sensibility of pet owners
nika have just arrived to take over the role and We spent two days bucketing out the remains trip. to keep both dog and cat pets under control
we welcome them to our friendly shores. of our top tank and after a clean, it is slowing and either inside or kenneled overnight. The
Now I’m happily back in Vivian Bay with the
filling up...that is when the sun shines enough lives of other birds are also at risk and it is very
fire keeping us warm and looking forward to
A farewell lunch was held at the Humes and to pump up from our home tank with the so- distressing to find the remains of other birds
another summer on our own Island.
we are all very sad to lose this lovely young lar power, so that come summer we will have on our properties. Last summer we found
couple that embraced our Island life. Luke has plenty of water for the garden as well as the Lyn adds: kereru, tui, wekas and fantails which had very
just gone for his last swim off the wharf while I house. obviously been killed and partially eaten. It is
One of the beautiful aspects of this time of the really great watching the birds on the Island
year is the return of the pair of dotterels ready and listening to their calls, particularly the tuis
to build a nest on same spot on the foreshore with their amazing mimicking and melodious
again. It is fascinating to see that although sounds.
6 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 7
ingly slow in a yacht. I incorrectly presumed camping in Sandy Bay. Being an Olympic sail-
North Cove News Neville was a friend of Herbs, but it turns out
Neville noticed the property while cruising in
or Jock favoured sail over engine, so it was a
trusty Laser that ferried the family back and
Ross West the area and approached Herb. I think eve- forth from Tawharanui Peninsula. After their
Two North Cove properties have changed and husband, Tim. They were even married ryone in North Cove hopes an arrangement ‘wooden tent’ was built the Laser was used as a
hands since I last wrote this column. At the on Kawau at The Beach House some 17 years between the two can be reached and Neville floating ute, sometimes towing an aluminium
head of Moana Creek and next door to Jill ago. They take over the property in November and his partner Wendy Steele become a regu- dinghy to accommodate large items like a full-
Hetherington three lots, previously owned by so will get to live out their dream this summer lar part of the community. Incidentally Media sized fridge. Jock says there were about three
Gordon Price and his late wife Laurel, have a and gently melt into the community. Luna is the name of a move in Argentinian crossings that should NOT have been done
new owner. Jill remembers Gordon and Lau- Tango which Neville was learning when look- but they survived and did well over a hundred
rel celebrating Christmas on the Island in 1989 In the last issue I talked about Herb Fava’s ing for a new name for his vessel! trips from1987 to 2015. At the age of seventy
but after that their visits were infrequent and property having some love put into it and can nine Jan said ‘enough is enough - in future we
Gordon hasn’t appeared for a good ten years. now put a name to the face of the man doing The neighbour to the east of me is the large go by ferry’!
Gordon used to drive the ferry, and he dug a all the work. Graphics designer Neville Eade Bilger property that runs from the head of
channel through the mangroves to enable his lives aboard his very large Warwick designed Starboard over to the eastern coast of the Is- The flora and fauna have always been impor-
launch to access on the tide. Of course, the launch Media Luna now moored on Herb’s land and up to Bon Accord Harbour. In 1947 tant to the family and as a young man Jock put
dwelling and property in general have suffered pontoon and from this base he’s done a mas- Jock’s parents purchased what was advertised a lot of time and money into possum eradi-
from years of neglect but Jill remembers it with sive exterior clean up. All weeds, and there as ‘a fifth of Kawau’, a thousand acres, for a cation on their property. Without his work I
a fine orchard and beautiful garden all nestled were many, have been removed and some 19 guinea an acre. The family enjoyed many years doubt there’d be a pohutukawa left on the east-
in a sheltered valley with lots of sun. I haven’t cubic metres of contractors’ left overs have in the existing dwelling on Emu Point but as a ern coastline. Jon, his wife Tracy and their two
met the new owner but I understand he has gone to the mainland on Mark Phillips’ barge. young man Jock discovered the eastern coast daughters, Lucy and Stella, have picked up the
three teenage boys, so I’m sure they will have Next is an interior clean. Neville is no stranger and with wife Jan and young son Jon began Continued on next page
it sorted in no time. to the Island having lived for five years in the
old Lees property adjacent to Camp Bentzon,
Anyone who’s visited Starboard Arm will know which he sold to its present owner, Lloyd Lam-
the Pettit property with its substantial palm berg, 25 years ago. Neville and his wife home-
plantings established by John and Shirley over schooled their two girls, who were eleven and
their many years of ownership. I talked about twelve when they first arrived here.
that legacy in a previous copy of the magazine
so now it’s time to introduce the new owners Before Media Luna, Neville cruised the South
Caroline Boot and Tim Duffett and their sons, Pacific for six winters in a Young 43, but
Tom and Chester. Caroline has a long connec- changed to a launch after building a house in
tion with the Island going back to childhood so Greenhithe where he found the trip from the
the purchase is part of a long-term plan for her upper reaches of the harbour to sea frustrat-
8 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 9
batten with enthusiasm. I understand guests path. It scuttled a short distance where it
realise early on that they’re there to participate stopped with its head and upper body stuck
in weed and pest control. No ‘free lunch’ there! between two saplings, playing dead, hoping I
would leave it alone which of course I did.
With the aid of a FWD Mule to move water,
A young couple who have been coming to the
Jon has sprayed a vast amount of pampas at the
Island on weed control and planting projects
head of Starboard Arm and is paying someone
for me have encountered kiwi every evening
to carry on with this work over a lot of their
they’ve gone looking.
property. Seeing a stoat run over their lawn
prompted Jon to invest in 25 Goodnature traps I hear them every night and not far from my
which dispatch both rats and stoats. house. They’re slow breeders so the more we
can do to eradicate predators the better chance
He has counters on the devices and when last we have of increasing their numbers. The old
checked had clocked up close to eighty hits. days of dogs running free is thankfully no
Wekas remove the evidence. The three Bilger longer tolerated.
generations are true kaitiaki of the land and a
great example to us all. I hope spring isn’t the bumpy ride a few fore-
casters are talking about and that summer is
Walking home one evening recently I came full of sunny days with ten knots of wind and
across a kiwi wandering along my foreshore 25 millimetres of rain every Sunday night!
.........Environmentally friendly sewage treatment
.........Aerated sewage treatment
.........Installed in New Zealand for over 25 years
.........Low power whisper blower
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10 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 11
South Cove News
Andrew Stone
Do you ever feel you want to skip August and
jump from July to September and spring? If
there ever was a month to forget then August
would be my contender.
Maybe it reflects the lousy forecast - there was
not a single day when a front didn’t pass by,
throwing some bitter wind and chilly sharp
showers around.
Every year it seems the same. Winter bites
hard, the ground gets soft, colours leach from
the garden as temperatures slip down into sin-
gle figures. South Cove often seems deserted in to lean and their condition deteriorated. It’s
August because its residents have pretty much unlikely they were in imminent danger of top-
agreed to skip the month and go somewhere pling but the odd big branch could have eas-
warm. Those who stay crank up their wood ily snapped off in a big blow, given the trees
fires and hibernate. copped winds from most quarters.
One couple who own a quad added a cabin to Jenny, one of our new residents, decided that it
the machine. They saw the lightweight frame at was best to be safe rather than sore. For most
Fieldays and knew straightaway it would tick of August machines worked on her property,
the boxes for the drive down the road to the removing the old trees and slicing the logs so
jetty on a miserable winter’s day. With a little they could go through a mulcher. Piles of fresh
adjustment it’s possible to get two squeezed pine chips have been dumped outside places
under cover and out of the elements. all over the Cove - a bit like gold dust really
because it’s so difficult to get that amount of
Did I say August was a beast? It was so bad
mulch across from the mainland.
one day that even Reuben’s water taxi couldn’t
berth. A nasty sou’west swell heaved by the From some viewpoints, the ridge where the
wharf and the skipper felt it was too dangerous trees grew is a wide-open space. There are still
to tie up. The passengers had to return to Bon old stands of pines around the place, but the
Accord where they disembarked in relative undergrowth around Knight Ridge should
tranquillity and got a lift overland. respond to all the light that has suddenly ap-
peared. Especially now that August is behind
But even in this wretched month work has
us.
gone on. A new build along Woods Ridge. The
biggest change in the bay has occurred at the
corner of Knight Ridge. A collection of pines
had stood on two corners of a T-intersection
for decades. As the trees aged, some started
12 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 13
Camp Bentzon Report
Peter & Erin Hyde
Winter Maintenance
Camp Bentzon is transformed into a working
site for three-four weeks each year and jobs are
undertaken that cannot be done with children
around. This is always quite intense as there
are time constraints. We again this year had
the support of the local Warkworth Lions Club
and got some of those jobs done that needed
an empty Camp. Everyone pulls together in-
cluding contractors to meet our deadlines and
ensure that the Camp reopens in the last week snorkeling in Aka and staying with a family North Cove, which Peter shared with them.
of August. there. Erin enjoyed the experience too in her kayak
This year we achieved new stairs, a new confi- - on one occasion they swam under her boat.
Kokapu School There were aproximately six orcas with two
dence course platform, reshaped road (thanks
Russell for all your time to achieve this), fire- calves.
This is quite a fun camp who have been here
wood, nicely pruned trees, retaining wall, and before. This year the school has grown so they www.campbentzon.co.nz
painted top bunkroom doors. only brought the five to eight-year-olds. It al-
John Hyde ways amazes me how this age bracket does so
well. The children did the confidence course,
Sadly, we have lost Peter’s Dad, he passed away
bivouac making, orienteering, kayaking, wharf
on 21st August. We are very grateful that he ally miss him. The photo shows John ready to
passed quickly and that he had still been able jumping, Mansion House hike, sailing and so
work! many other things. The photo shows them
to contribute to the community, which he so
enjoyed doing, planting trees at Shakespear Our Japan Holiday with Peter, learning how to sail prior to ven-
Park only ten weeks previously, and still work- turing out on the water.
Peter and I have also headed to Japan for a
ing at the Hospice.
three-week break. We very much enjoyed this, Orcas in the Cove
Camp Bentzon has also lost a volunteer. John finding Japanese people to be helpful, polite
has done on average four weeks voluntary and the country so litter and graffiti free. A This weekend was a lot of fun with 60 children
work at the Camp each year, fixing trolleys, rail pass proved a great way to travel with us from Takuranga Playcentre. They got to en-
installing groynes, repairing arrows and at- seeing parts of Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, Lake joy an amazing experience of having orcas in
tending to a range of small timber jobs. This Chuzenji, Takayama, Toyama, Shirakawa-
in turn has meant we have had the opportunity go, Hiroshima, Kure, Miyajima, Osaka, Nara,
to share many aspects of Camp Bentzon with Kyoto and then flying to Okinawa and then by
him, which we have appreciated. John was ferry to Aka Island.
very passionate and supportive about what we
did at Camp Bentzon, which was a great thing Highlights were having our first meal “local
to share with your Dad, and we will both re- style”, Osaka Aquarium, scenery to Takayama,
14 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 15
SOMETHING ABOUT OUR ADVERTISERS
Welcome to our Spring issue and we are so happy to say hello to three new
advertisers. Alphabetically (no favouritism here) they are Pontoonz, Solarcraft
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forms (love the play on pontoon and nz). He has already done some work on
the island, in particular with the Beach House, now sporting one of Al’s models.
Solarcraft have also made an impression on the island as you can see by the
glowing reference supplied at the bottom of their advertisement. Their busi-
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please, pretty please ?
From Top Left to Right
New Beach House degustation dessert (Annika & Brett)
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$QHZPRWRULVOLIWHGLQWRExplorer (The Two Jens)
Foggy morning in Bon Accord (Peter Morton)
:DWHUH[SORUDULRQLQ6WDUERDUG$UP(Grant Whitehouse)Report:Takutai Moana Act This report by Colin Bright on behalf of the KIRRA subcommittee is
detailed. We urge all Kawau Islanders to read it carefully. The outcome
Colin Bright FRQVHTXHQFHVDUHOLNHO\WREHSURIRXQGDQGWRVLJQL¿FDQWO\LPSDFWRXU
TAKUTAI MOANA APPLICATIONS FOR RECOGNITION ORDERS community.
THE IMPACT FOR KAWAU RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS COULD BE MAJOR Central Points
• Impact for Kawau Islanders could be major
Almost beneath the radar, a number of ap- Of those who have commenced proceedings
• To date around 18 applicant groups are claiming coastal and foreshore
plications are presently being considered by in the High Court, within the time limitation
rights around Kawau
the New Zealand High Court and/or by the stipulated by the Act, the applications are be-
Crown. The applications have been made un- ing case managed, by what appear to be tight • KIRRA has status as an “interested party” for relevant applications but
der the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Mo- timeframes towards hearings. has to pay High Court fees for each application
ana) Act 2011 (The Act). The applicants seek • This is crucial to KIRRA being able to evaluate and if warranted take a
recognition of coastal and foreshore rights. Some applicants have sought and have been position on any evidence presented
granted temporary time stays, so that they can
• .,55$¶V¿QDQFLDOUHVRXUFHVKRZHYHUZLOOQRWDOORZDSURSHUHYDOXDWLRQ
Applications have been made seeking the rec- undertake direct negotiations with the Crown.
Others are continuing through the Court. • 7KH$WWRUQH\*HQHUDOZDVLQLWLDOO\WKRXJKWWRUHSUHVHQWDႇHFWHGFRPPXQL-
ognition of rights over various parts of the
ties such as ours, but this role is now being challenged by some applicants
coastal and marine areas around the whole of
Without first being in a position where the • Each applicant (and there may be several) who establishes the
New Zealand. Some have been made to the
Committee has been able to see, and to con- right to customary marine title around Kawau will need to both be
High Court. Those claims were lodged in ac-
sider, and to evaluate, the nature and extent consulted and to give consent before any resource consent can be
cordance with a date limitation requirement
of the evidence presented by the applicants, lodged – for example, jetties, seawalls, moorings
of the Act. Some applications have been made
in support of their applications, KIRRA is not • .DZDX,VODQGUHVLGHQWVDQGUDWHSD\HUVQHHGWREHFRQ¿GHQWWKDWDQ\VXFK
under the same Act, and within the same time-
in a position to reach any conclusions on the ULJKWVDUHDZDUGHGRQDMXVWL¿HGHYLGHQWLDOEDVLV
frame, to enter into direct negotiations with
merits or otherwise of individual applications.
the Crown. • 7KLV ZLOO UHTXLUH VLJQL¿FDQWO\ PRUH ¿QDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV WKDQ .,55$ FDQ
To try to be in a position to both keep the resi- apply
Of all of the applications that have been made,
dents and ratepayers informed about the vari- • KIRRA is unable to obtain any costs relief from the Crown (unlike what
a small number affect Kawau. Because some ous applications, and what they seek as they appears to be the case for most applicants)
have been made for direct negotiations with affect Kawau, and also, where practicable, to
the Crown and are not High Court proceed- have input and to be in a position to provide financial support from its members to be able properties, and/or who have interests in prop-
ings, it is difficult to determine the total num- comment on evidence presented in support of to reasonably evaluate the various applications erties that may be protected by sea walls. It is
ber of applications that relate to the coastal and applications. KIRRA has committed funds for that affect our Island and to be able to provide important because each applicant who estab-
marine areas around Kawau. legal research and representation. That com- some input into the decisions that are made. lishes a right to a customary marine title will
mitment is major for KIRRA but it is tiny for need to be consulted, and their consent will
To date about 17 or 18 applicant groups have what is required to provide a proper overview Why is that important? need to be obtained, before an application can
been identified. for our community. The funds allocated, how- be lodged to extend, or renew, any resource
ever, are at the limit that the organisation is in There are a number of reasons why, whatev- consent, or permit, for existing jetties, or sea
Although it is known that some groups have a position to commit. er rights may be established by the applicant walls, or moorings (i.e. you will need the con-
undertaken direct negotiations with the Crown groups will be important for, and have an im- sent of the holder of a customary marine title
over the establishment of rights to the coastal Regardless of whether an evaluation, by your pact on, Kawau Islanders, but of the rights and before you will be able to seek a resource con-
and marine areas around Kawau, almost noth- Committee, were to determine that particular entitlements sought one is particularly impor- sent to extend, or renew, any existing resource
ing is known, at present, of the stages that have applications deserved support, neutrality, or tant for Kawau Islanders who have moorings,
been reached in those direct negotiations. opposition, KIRRA will need a lot more direct or who depend on jetties for access to their Continued on page 21
18 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 19Continued from page 19 things, it is contended that the applicants have
consent, or permit, for anything in the affected been forced to participate in the proceedings
coastal and marine areas). in order to protect their indigenous, hereditary
and legal rights to their Takutai Moana.
To be able to monitor the applications that
have been made and to try and ensure that the Contrasted to what seems to be the positions
applications for such rights around Kawau are of the applicants, an interested party like KIR-
founded on a justified evidential basis, seemed RA has no such costs relief. It must meet all
to the Committee to be something we should of its Court costs payments and all of its legal
be doing and that it was important. fees. In addition it faces costs risks if it takes
a position on an application, or a step in any
Costs of the proceedings, that results in a costs order
against it.
There is an aspect of the present applications
before the High Court, where there appears to The Position in these Proceedings of the Attor-
be a significant difference between the posi- ney-General
tions of interested parties, such as KIRRA, and
the applicants. That aspect relates to costs. As The position that may be taken by the Attor-
an interested party KIRRA has been required, ney-General, on behalf of the Crown, to the
by the Court, to file a notice of its appearance as various applications is uncertain. Initially
an interested party for each application where it seemed that the Attorney-General would
it claims such an interest. Such a notice has to largely stand in the position of contradictor on
set out the basis upon which it is claimed that behalf of all unrepresented New Zealanders to
KIRRA should be recognized as an interested test the evidence presented in support of the
party. On each application that has so far been applications. Such a possible stance was chal-
identified separate notices have been prepared lenged by some of the applicants.
and filed and served on the other parties, and
KIRRA has been asked to meet, and it has met, The Attorney-General then seemed to indicate
the High Court filing fees required. that its position would be as an interested party
to each application and that it would consider
However, it does not seem, from material filed
its position in relation to each application on
in the Court, that the positions of the appli-
a case by case basis. Some parties are seeking
cants has been similar. For the applicants it
more clarification on the role of the Attorney
seems that their filing fees have either been
waived, or met by the Crown. Such waiver General.
and/or the costs being met by the Crown, may
That background is outlined because whatever
also extend to other Court fees.
final ruling is made on that issue (which could
Most of the legal costs of the applicants appear include that that is not a matter on which the
to also be being met by the Crown. Court should rule), unless KIRRA takes an ac-
tive role in endeavouring to understand and
An application is presently being prepared by monitor the individual applications made,
an applicant to determine whether the appli- that affect the coastal and marine areas around
cants should face any costs risks in relation Kawau, there can be no guarantee that anyone
to their proceedings, because, amongst other else will.
20 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 216DQGVSLW
$ÀRDW$URXQG.DZDX transported to a new location, made for the
most amazing photographs.
Lin Pardey Museum enjoyed, ice cream in hand, we wan-
The wind came blasting in, far stronger than dered the small downtown area, walked along
forecast. But before it did, we’d had a fine the docks of the town landing. I tend to read
run down through the Apostle Islands. Now everything and anything and I began noticing
streaks of white filled the horizon, wave crests simple 8 by 11 posters advertising a chamber
breaking against the hull began covering us music concert at the local church in just over
in spray. So, we turned to head back into the an hour. The first half dozen I sort of ignored.
marina early in the afternoon and helped tidy Then I pointed out yet another one to David.
up the 30-foot sloop that served as our hosts’ “Be interested?” I asked.
summer cottage and lake explorer.
“For $12 why not be supportive. Only hap-
“Tell you what,” said Karen. “Let’s head over pens once a year according to this poster,” he
to Bayfield and have us an ice cream, a look replied.
from Australia and New Zealand they gave us
around.” The turn our day took brought to
“Okay, we’ve got time to ask Jerry and Karen a standing ovation. They seemed exceptionally
mind one of the many lessons cruising taught
to drive us back so we can get our truck.” I an- pleased we had dropped in just on a whim and
me.
swered. responded to the beautifully chosen and beau-
For the previous two weeks we’d been mean- tifully played music just as they did.
dering ever westward, on land, not by sea. Da- But Jerry and Karen were interested too, as
Later, over a late dinner with Karen and Jerry,
vid, who is from Australia, had never explored they had friends in Bayfield. “Might run across
I commented, “Almost sorry we are planning
the American west. Fortunately, I have a pick- someone we know.”
to continue westward in the morning, I know
up truck and slide-in camper which I use for
if we stayed, we’d have made friends with some
occasional US seminar tours. Between tours I An hour slipped gently by as we browsed the
of the people we met this evening and had a
store it with friends, one in Connecticut, the well-stocked bookstore (yes, I did buy yet an-
fine time as we got to truly know the place.”
other in California. This year, the truck was other book because of the owners’ high recom-
waiting in Connecticut. We settled Sahula in mendation and am enjoying it now.). Then we The lesson I relearned from my voyaging days?
Tasmania for the southern winter and took off Bayfield turned out to be a delightful little found seats at the local church and settled in Keep your eyes open, your schedule flexible
on an extended land tour. Mostly we kept our town. A small volunteer-run maritime mu- for what turned out to be and hour-and-a-half and be willing to try almost anything that
schedule loose, choosing our route and des- seum showed us the rich and often strange of tear-inducing beautiful music played by a was a bit different. I can’t count the number of
tinations as we moved along. We both had a history of area which until recently was de- mix of professional and semi-professional lo- times doing just this provided the highlights
few special friends we wanted to visit. Thus our pendent fully on the fishing fleet. It had once cals. During intermission, the husband of the of our voyaging life and introduced us to lo-
path took us through Vermont, on to Niagara numbered more than 150 working boats but pianist commented to us, “My wife has been cal people who became life-long friends. Even
Falls, then into Canada. Three sets of friends, those had now dwindled to about a dozen. The practicing for this concert all year. Now I hear at home on Kawau this would hold true. As I
three days with each of them. We continued most interesting exhibit to us with our more it played with the other four musicians, and an read of plans someone has made to get a group
along the south shore of Lake Superior. At tropical-based upbringings, was the ice road. audience, I see why she does it.” At the end of together to try weaving and flax work, I know
Sault Ste. Marie we dropped down into Michi- Each winter, as the lake freezes over, a road is the second concerto, we, like all the generous my first reaction might have been – why? But
gan and drove almost to the western end of cleared across the ice to connect the nearest is- crowd of local people who were in attendance, remembering this evening would make me
the Great Lakes to meet up with Karen Larsen land to the mainland. Over a hundred people eagerly gave the musicians a standing ovation. change my mind.
and Jerry Powlas. We’d been friends since they live there. The children cross to the mainland But what made the event one I’ll always re-
asked Larry and I for advice and ideas to start by boat in summer, by ice tractor in the winter. member is the warmth which many people ex- My answer would be - why not, if instead of
what became a successful magazine called But occasional mishaps such as when the ice tended to us when they learned we came from being here in the wilds of the USA, I was afloat
Good Old Boat. could not bear the load of a full house being far away. When they learned we had come around Kawau.
24 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 25Escaping Winter
Kawau Girl
M.O.T.H. and I leaving for winter holiday and
there pops up message from editor:
“DEADLINE FOR SPRING ISSUE is
30th August”
Well....we are away till then.
Cruising Italy, the Amalfi and Dalmation
Coasts from Rome to Venice. Halfway through.
In Venice, with some family joining us for the
cruise from Venice via Croatia and the Greek
Islands to finish at Athens.
After hours of flying, finally in Rome to start
our holiday. It’s HOT and KAWAU ISLAND is
but a dream, sombre, wet, and cold, majestic
and compared with Europe so isolated and va-
cant: aren’t we lucky to have this paradise.
Here it’s dry, barren hills and HOT HOT 40
degrees, perspiration runs down my face and
I am generally dripping. and lovely couches to recline under the shade
of huge umbrellas.
Rome is overcrowded with tourists. We join
the ship - it’s full and the swimming pool with This island like most of the Greek Islands is
standing room only. I can’t get in it, the thought similar to Kawau Island: rocky, barren, only
of all those sweaty bodies, a cold shower will scrubby trees and stony dirt tracks to walk, the
have to do, beach was gravel and sandals were necessary
to get near the water. I don’t think any wildlife
I am so used to swimming off the jetty at could possibly exist not even fish.
Kawau with M.O.T.H. and only the stingrays
for company. Every port we stop in is crowded with tour-
ists. Some ports have six cruise ships in at the
M.O.T.H. and I took an excursion from Hvar same time. Venice, Santorini and Athens were
which is quite a big island belonging to Croa- choked with tourists - and don’t forget the
tia. We went to a little island with a resort very HEAT.
popular with the locals. By clambering over
the rocks you could swim in the sea - it was just I know we came to escape winter and it’s been
a bit tricky getting out again. It was cold at first a wonderful trip but our next holiday will be
but delightful. The resort was huge, catering Kawau Island: the peacefulness and isolation
for several hundred daily visitors, a restaurant away from crowds of people.
26 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 27The Beach House
Annika & Brett
Hello everyone!
It’s Annika and Brett from The Beach House.
First of all we want to thank you for the very
warm welcome we’ve received. We consider
ourselves very lucky to have the chance to live
in such a magical place. We’ve already seen
dolphins and the dotterel couple (thanks to Fay
and Dave) and even heard a kiwi’s call close to
the lodge.
You probably would like to know who these
people are that took over your beloved Beach
House. Well, there is not much to say – we are The other half of the duo is me, Annika. I was
just normal, down to earth people. Brett was born in Germany where I also studied logis-
born in South Africa and moved with his par- tics and business administration. For two years
ents and his sister to New Zealand when he now I have worked in hospitality as front of
was 16 years old. He’s a New Zealand trained house and barista.
chef and has been a head chef for over 10 years
now. During his career among other things We both love the outdoors, hiking, gardening
he had the opportunity to be the chef to some and experimenting in the kitchen.
celebrities and was pastry chef for former PM
Helen Clark. After working all over Australia We are looking forward to a busy season and
for ten years, he moved back to New Zealand especially seeing all of you coming in for a
in 2018. But enough talk about Brett now. drink and trying out our new menus.
Tackle and Outdoor Boating Fishing Outdoor
Anchors Fishing Lines Beach trolleys
Chandlery Lures & jigs Boots
12/14 Elizabeth St, Warkworth /LIHMDFNHWV1HWV JDႇV&KLOO\EDJV
Rod holders Reels Clothing
Ph: 09 425 7994 Ropes Rods Home smokers
Tackle bags Kitchen items
www.tackleandoutdoor.co Terminal tackle Waders
28 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 29Pohutukawa Trust cull taking place in June and one scheduled to
start shortly in September we intend on con-
Thomas Weaver tinuing to reduce the number of pests on the
Island to further advance the rehabilitation of
Question: native species and plant life.
Who was prosecuted for illegally selling liquor at I encourage the Kawau Island community to
Mansion House in the early 1900s? take a step back and try to rally a sense of pride
for the Island as many residents and visitors al-
Please read on and you will find the answer at up my whole life I guess I used to take it for
the bottom of this article. ready do. It is quite easy to become complacent
granted how amazing our little Island is. in day-to-day life but we should never forget
Greetings Everyone! how lucky we are. New Zealand is a place of
It also humbles me to sit and think of the pro-
gress that has been made environmentally for pure beauty and tranquillity, Kawau Island is
Well, I suppose you could call this some sort of its own little gem inside of this paradise.
Kawau Island since I have known it. I can dis-
“passing of the torch”.
tinctly remember as a child deploying numer-
ous amounts of Timms Traps up on the Island, With the focus on Predator-Free NZ there is a
After learning the ropes from his brother Ray, lot of research underway.
and night after night becoming quite success-
Carl (my father) has taken over the reins of the
ful in reducing the possum and rat numbers
Pohutukawa Trust and now it is my turn to The Pohutukawa Trust is currently assisting a
on the Island.
start paying my dividend to Kawau Island for number of agencies including Manaaki When-
all it has given to the family. Times have changed quite drastically from ua Landcare Research, Te Papa and the Auck- This group and a few others around the world
when I used to walk up the old tracks hold- land Museum. are trying to sequence the genomes of species
Don’t worry; he is still in charge - I am just
ing Uncle Ray’s hand, counting the number for evolutionary studies, and to provide re-
helping with writing these articles!
of wallaby until he had to take over because I During our September culling program we are sources for conservation. Having a sequenced
Like Dad and Uncle Ray, I am also an engineer couldn’t yet count that high! assisting Dr Andrew Veale who is a genetic genome, while not conservation in itself, al-
so don’t be expecting any extraordinary gram- researcher based at Manaaki Whenua Land- lows a multitude of studies to be done that are
Now, I can go for a walk in the early evenings care Research, specialising in the genetics of
mar from this article. relevant to conservation subsequently, such as
and see kiwi in our very own backyard; quite
invasive species. He completed his PhD on looking at population connectivity, population
remarkable.
My name is Thomas; I am a 23-year-old aero- the genetics and ecology of stoats, and since sizes, disease resistance etc. With the walla-
space engineer who has been going to Kawau then he became interested and involved with bies on Kawau being controlled with the hope
Recently the Trust has been increasing its ac-
since I was in nappies. sequencing and analysing the genomes of in- of eventual eradication the Trust supports this
tivity with the help of Auckland Council and
the Department of Conservation. With one vasive species. programme. Shortly after death, the DNA and
We don’t realise how lucky we are. For the last RNA start to degrade, which makes sequenc-
five years I have been attending university in A genome is the complete genetic makeup ing the genome difficult or impossible. That
California, and the place I missed the most in means samples need to be as fresh as possible.
of an organism - effectively the code to make
the world was Kawau Island. The deep vibrant
that individual. He is currently involved in the
blue of the sea in and around Kawau would During a cull we are endeavouring to gather an
stoat genome sequencing project, where he is individual sample of each species for genomic
take my breath away every time I visited home.
helping to create a complete and error-free ge- sequencing. For various reasons samples are
Stepping off the boat up into the forest under nome assembly, along with a plan named the not easily able to be retrieved in Australia for
the pohutukawa, surrounded by enormous Vertebrate Genome Project (VGP) based in any of these wallaby species, so they will not
kauri and silver ferns, compared to the dry the USA. If you’re interested in their project, have access to pristine DNA, but we have the
often barren Californian landscape, it was like the website is here: https://vertebrategenom- opportunity to obtain these samples during
turning up the contrast in my retinas. Growing esproject.org/. the cull. One individual sample of each spe-
30 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 31cies is obtained immediately after death, and dispense a lure specifically designed for that Hallett’s defence was that he was under the im-
samples of each of the organs are flash-frozen species. pression that the Island at the time was outside
in liquid nitrogen. These will then be stored at the New Zealand boundaries. This made him
-80oC for future genetic work. These samples Once again, several members of the commu- exempt from the Dominion’s licensing laws as it
will then be used to create a perfect genome for nity have reached out and asked for advice was not in any county, nor were any rates cur-
each species, helping understand and conserve on seasonal planting and we are very happy rently being paid.
them back in Australia. to help. It is getting late to plant larger plants,
although as we end the wettest August on re- A number of witnesses were presented to the
Manaaki Whenua is currently also involved in cord, ground moisture levels will stay higher Court in support of his belief. Hallett did how-
a trial to understand the detectability of wal- for longer. If you will not be around to give it ever admit to the Auckland Court that he sold
labies with various detection methods. This some water when things get dryer you should liquor. Hallett was fined 51 pounds, 5 shillings
is being done in the central North Island to consider something that will be more tolerant. and sixpence.
assist wallaby eradication operations there.
Coprosma (of which there are about 90 species Carl Weaver, Chairman, Pohutukawa Trust
Although the Trust has very good data on the
of evergreen shrubs) are both hardy and great New Zealand
movement of wallaby on Kawau, what they
for birds etc and should survive planting at this
find will have relevance to Kawau in terms of
time of year. POHUTUKAWA TRUST NEW ZEALAND
modelling the parameters required to ensure
Registered New Zealand Charity CC23836
that all individuals are detectable. The wallaby The Trust is looking into providing a source of $OOGRQDWLRQVDUHWD[GHGXFWLEOH
population, centred on Rotorua, is the tammar natives appropriate for planting on the Island gratefully received, and needed
wallaby - this is the smaller grey species we and hopes to be able to bring news of this in a Please support the Pohutukawa Trust
see on Kawau Island. It was in fact introduced future issue. SRKXWXNDZDWUXVW#[WUDFRQ]
from Kawau to land near Lake Rotoiti.
MOORINGS
We still have a good supply of rat baits avail-
What Manaaki Whenua is doing is putting able should you have a need. If your dwelling
GPS collars on some wallabies, and determin- is free from rats consider moving the station
ing their movement patterns and home ranges. further away from the house - perhaps next to
They then put out an array of detection de- trees that you have previously seen birds nest- • Installed • Serviced
vices - primarily cameras at different locations There is also research being undertaken else- ing in.
• Lifted
around what has been determined as an ani- where which we are interested in with the use
mal’s home range. What they want to be able of a thermal camera, in conjunction with AI If you prefer not to use toxic bait you can insert • Inspected • Repaired
to determine is the probability of detecting (artificial intelligence), for monitoring of pred- a Victor style rat trap (ordinary spring type
the animal at the centre of its home range per ators. The thermal are much more sensitive with the wooden base) outside in a drain pipe
to prevent weka accessing the trap. Based at Sandspit
night, and then how wide they range. than standard trail cameras designed for larger
RDC registered
mammals. The AI aspect when programmed As always, the Trust operates with the gener-
Once they have this information, they are has the capacity to identify and differentiate osity of our supporters. If you would like to
working towards being able to say, for instance, between rats, stoats, and possums with high
that a 300 x 300 m grid of cameras or detection accuracy. The possibility exists that it will soon
assist us in our work donations may be made RODNEY MOORING
through our Givealittle page: https://givealittle.
devices will have over 95% probability of de- be possible with 100% accuracy distinguish co.nz/org/pohutukawatrustnz
tecting a wallaby if one is present over a three- between a predator and say a weka or kiwi.
week period. On the other side of them being Phone Tony
Answer:
able to do this is that if such a camera network These devices could be cost-effectively pro- 027 459 0006
was put in a specific area, and it didn’t detect duced and they have the ability to communi- Thomas E. Hallett was the lessee at Mansion Email: info@rodneymooring.co.nz
an animal then you could be reasonably sure cate with traps etc that when a particular pest House in 1909 when he was charged with five
that there were no wallabies in the area. is detected, they activate a suitable trap and instances of having sold liquor without a license.
32 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 33Kawau Boating Club
Robyn and David Lee
Not long now folks and the iconic Kawau Boat-
ing Club will be open for another season!
This will be our 6th season (hard to believe!!)
and we are all geared up for a boomer season
with a great team already secured. How lucky
are we to have the same staff return year upon We are currently working on a monthly ‘guest
year! A record number of ‘Islanders’ this year speaker’ schedule – this will include informa-
with Olivia, Kiera, Janice, Heather, Elle all of tive talks from a Sandspit Marina representa-
whom will be resident on the Island this sum- tive, Lin Pardy who will be on location Feb/
mer. March and a Fisheries Office representative
to talk about our local waterways and regula-
Our chef Tony is back in the kitchen after tions etc. Full details will be in the next issue
spending the winter at the RNZYS in their of Kookaburra.
kitchen. We are seeking another chef to assist
him so if anyone has any contacts please send Robyn’s Boaties Boutique will be open all sea-
them our way. Pizzas are going to be flying out son once again….a wonderful range of Italian/
the door this summer, with the help of a new European clothing items being collected as we
pizza oven. Unfortunately, due to Island fire write!!
bans, we are unable to do the ‘wood-fired’ ones
but these will be just the ticket. Opening day for the KBC is Thursday 24th Oc-
tober, 10am. Labour Weekend continues to
We are considering buying some paddle- be the ‘official’ opening weekend and we look
boards to hire out this year. Watch this space. forward to welcoming you all along for some
Island conviviality! If you haven’t already
The new floating pontoon is now installed and joined the Club for this next season you can
is ready for action. The Club has had a good re- do so online - www.kawauboatingclub.nz. The
sponse from its members by way of donations KBC Committee would like to thank those Is-
and the purchasing of ‘dedication’ plaques. land property owners who have taken up the
You will soon see these mounted on the inside opportunity to purchase ‘dedication’ plaques,
and outside edge of the pontoon. The money as part of their membership entitlement.
donated will assist with the building, installa-
tion and ongoing maintenance of the pontoon. See you Labour Weekend!
34 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 35Fire Team
Sophie Wells
With the fire season well behind us for now,
the team has taken the opportunity to focus on
the medical side of training. Most of the call-
outs we get are injuries and, as Kawau Islanders
seem to have a great talent for finding creative
and diverse ways to end up in a Westpac heli-
copter, it’s important to be prepared to be able
to deal with any scenario that comes our way.
This training boiled down to a co-responder
course held by St John at Camp Bentzon,
where current members got re-certified, and
new members got qualified. The day consisted
of more comprehensive resuscitation training
and a strong focus on learning the components
of our new Resuscitation and First Aid Kits re-
cently issued by FENZ (Fire Emergency New
Zealand). Following this was training on inter-
acting with patients, recognising medical con-
ditions, and dealing with breaks and bleeds.
to try and stop a fire’s spread. Whilst some of
Finally, the day came to a head with a mass- the team had a go cutting through fallen logs
casualty training scenario, where the training with the chainsaws, others dragged vegetation
elements from the previous instruction were out of the way, and still others hacked through
combined into a real-life situation simulation. mature kanuka logs with our axe-like Polaski
The day left everyone much more confident tools. It was definitely a good excuse to not go
with what to do in any situation across the
to the gym that week, and provided a great op-
board, although we’re definitely hoping these
portunity to get some hands-on experience on
skills won’t have to be employed too much in
something that could make a major difference
the future.
on the fireground.
Gavin’s dry-firefighting training day saw the
team learn some of the tricks of the trade that Over the past couple of months, there has
he’d developed whilst deployed to Canada. also been the opportunity to complete some
Whilst we are lucky enough to be surrounded courses on the mainland. These included: us-
by water, one of the great perks of being on ing smoke machines in cars for car-fire simu-
an island, although there are some areas that lations, information on how to manage fire
can be challenging to supply water to in the grounds, and also having the opportunity to
event of a fire. It’s amazing how much of an im- work with mainland crews. It’s been a great few
pact hand tools and chainsaws can make, and months of training, and we’re looking forward
they’re invaluable when creating fire breaks to what’s next!
36 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 KOOKABURRA Spring 2019 37You can also read
