Issue 4 of BeachLife Magazine, the magazine that celebrates the lifetyle of the beach communities of Wainui and Makorori north of Gisborne

1. Wa i n u i • M a k o r o r i • T a t a p o u r i • S p o n g e B a y
ISSUE 4/SPRING 2009 Online at www.wainuibeach.co.nz | Free to every home | Extras $5.00
World’s top surfer joins local crew
The Place To Be, Beside The Sea
History of the Chalet Rendezvous
Winter Review • Local News • Our Kids • Wave Rave and more

2. Brunch, coffee, the paper. Every Serenity @ Wainui Beach 59a Lloyd George Road
weekend at the Wainui Store.
agency limited
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bacon & egg
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2 | BeachLife BeachLife | 3

3. Local GP offers a beauty aesthetic
M A G A Z I N E
Delivered free to every home from
contents
intro
Sponge Bay to Makorori.
Published four times a year. 7 Editor’s comments and a preview of the issue.
.................................. beachlife
PuBLiSheD AnD PRinTeD By 8 People on the move – a flurry of buying and selling this winter.
Gray Clapham Design Arts
9-11 Local news and issues updated.
..................................
eDiTORiAL MAnAGeR
12 Nigel Bryant’s bid for a world wave-ski title.
Gray Clapham 13 School hangi fund raiser a success.
90 Moana Road, Okitu 14 Amber Dunn reports on the sand erosion effects of this winter’s big storms.
Wainui Beach, Gisborne 16 California Dreaming – Sarah and Peter Dixon’s story.
Phone 868 0240 Fax 867 7010
19 Pop Smurf ’s DVD surfing documentaries.
ALL LeTTeRS, ARTiCLeS &
CORReSPOnDenCe TO beach weddings
info@wainuibeach.co.nz
20 Locals and former locals get hitched.
..................................
ADVeRTiSinG
beach babes
Gray & Sandy Clapham 22 This winter’s new arrivals.
Phone 868 0240 Fax 867 7010
DR ANUYA DESHPANDE: “As a GP people come in feeling sick and you get them feeling okay again. With appearance medicine, beach history
info@wainuibeach.co.nz
people come to you feeling okay, and you work with them to make them feel great. So it’s a whole different level of satisfaction.”
.................................. 24 A Place By The Sea: The Story of the Chalet Rendezvous From the Swiss couple who
G
isborne’s beaches are a honeypot for visitors, keeping the two meet. As a GP, people come in feeling sick, and you get them dreamed up the idea in the 1950s to the present day the full story of the Chalet Rendezvous is
extra copies available at $5.00
region topped up with people escaping the crowded grind feeling okay again. With appearance medicine, people come to you
told for the first time.
of major centres in the Northern Hemisphere. Like many feeling okay, and you work with them to make them feel great. So All issues will be archived after
publication on the website
Gisborne businesses, the Kaiti Medical Centre sweetens its web- it’s a whole different level of satisfaction. 37 Windmills Mystery Continues: More pictures and updated information about these
based recruitment with online pictures of the region, and just as Dr “The most rewarding thing is seeing the happiness on people’s www.wainuibeach.co.nz
intriguing structures from a lost era.
Anuya Deshpande decided she couldn’t face another British winter, faces when they come back. You can take ten years off a person’s
she stumbled across the site. external age, and allow them to look as good as they feel. When you our kids
“The thought of another winter in Manchester getting seasonal do it well people don’t notice what has been done, there is just the
affective disorder from the dreary, grey weather was just too much impression someone looks fresher, and healthier.” 39 Lana Phillips dancing to stardom; Aaron Harding’s life with Down Syndrome.
to face. On the Kaiti Medical Centre website I saw a great aerial Our love of an outdoors life comes at a cost, she says.
shot taken over Makorori – blue skies, blue sea, white beaches – it “A lot of my clients were once sun-worshippers. We opened the our surf
just looked like an idyllic seaside town to work as a family doctor.” clinic in September, and have expanded our treatments from Botox
So she came to see the real thing, arriving in Gisborne in time for and fillers to scar-less mole removal. More recently we’ve started
43 Wave Rave with Kelly Ryan: Surf stories, results and what the groms are up to.
springtime, safely out of the grip of the Northern Hemisphere winter. offering skin rejuvenation and hair removal with the latest medical-
She spent six months before returning to another year back in the grade IPL, which can also remove pigmentation spots and treat All BeachLife pages can be viewed online at
mad, busy life of London, but was soon to return to live here and to rosacea and fine, broken capillaries – especially on the face, hands
marry sixth-generation local, Martin Gibson.
She loves life on this side of the world: “I’ve really enjoyed the
and décolletage – which get the brunt of sun damage while people
are outside.”
Historical photographs and assistance
courtesy Tairāwhiti Museum www.wainuibeach.co.nz
laid-back lifestyle and the diverse range of people here. People Gisborne people have been looking and feeling better as a result:
seem friendlier and more open than in the UK and take a genuine “It’s very liberating for a woman when lines, moles or blemishes she P I L AT E S • MASSAGE • REIKI Experience the beauty of New Zealand Greenstone
interest in why you’re here. And the food is great.” thought were permanent are gone. It’s affordable, and people make • View carvers at work • large selection of carvings • PLUS shell & bone jewEllery
As well as her general practice work at Kaiti Medical Centre, it part of their beauty regime, just as they would haircuts and facials.
Anuya has opened Skin Deep Aesthetics – an appearance medicine Although men here are pretty coy about looking after themselves,
clinic above Bex on Gladstone Road – to help Gisborne people to more and more of them are sneaking in. Getting new clothes or a
“look as good as they feel”. new haircut is not as satisfying as looking in the mirror and looking
“Between the ages of 16 and 18 I was undecided between a and feeling younger.”
career in art or medicine. I ended up doing medicine, but it was For more information visit www.skindeep-nz.com or call
that love for art that led me to appearance medicine, where the 06 863 2688.
Dr Anuya Deshpande
Appearance Medicine Physician WENDY SHUTT
24B Coronation Buildings, Gladstone Road 55 Lloyd George Road
Wainui Beach
Tel: 863 2688
Phone 863 1087
www.skindeep-nz.com
lotusstudio@xtra.co.nz 237 STANLEY ROAD • NEAR OLYMPIC POOL • PHONE 06 867 3900
4 | BeachLife BeachLife | 5

4. intro
Publisher’s Comments | by Gray Clapham
People often ask, what is it you do?
GRAPHIC DESIGN | Design Arts is a creative bureau
W
experienced in the artistic development of corporate elcome to the fourth issue of BeachLife Magazine. If you In this issue we have a few more babies to say hello to and a lot of
Design Arts is a graphic design and logos and creative promotional concepts. We do
everything from designing stationery and business cards
are reading this it means we have survived a full year of new families to welcome to the beach. The community is definitely
publication. The feedback since we started the magazine going through a time of youthful influx. There’s also a delightful
to multi-page brochures and signage. New Zealand 2008
12 months ago has been overwhelmingly positive with so many story skimming over the eventful life of California immigrants Peter
printing bureau. With foundation skills in Magazine Designer of the Year Jaimée Clapham adds a
people congratulating us on the concept in general and commenting
new perspective to design concepts when required. and Sarah Dixon. And, in the wake of the huge storms that lashed
on the stories we’ve written so far. the coast this winter local beach scientist Amber Dunn gives us her
both photography and journalism DIGITAL PRINTING| Design Arts has an in-house By now you will have a fair idea of what the magazine is all about observations as a lead in to a series of more in-depth features on sand
digital printing capability providing short-run printing – basically a celebration of life here at the beach. It’s not a magazine and sea dynamics planned for later issues.
solutions in brilliant colour on all weights of paper. We created to give a soap-box for any set point of view, or a vehicle to As this issue hits the letterboxes let’s hope the worst of winter is
we bring a variety of artistic and marketing skills can provide you with business cards, flyers, booklets and promote or oppose any particular issue. It’s all about the life and times over and spring is in the air. Let’s hope another brilliant Wainui
posters at short notice if needed, and all printed here at of the people who live here. Beach summer is on its way!
to the business of creative promotion. Wainui Beach. People say they have never read anything quite like BeachLife.
Some say it’s the best community publication they’ve ever read
PRINT BROKERAGE | As a print supplier we source
(love you for that!). The magazine comes from a perspective I have
competitive large and medium run printing quotes from
a variety of top class printeries, locally and nationally, for
developed as a journalist over 30 years or more. I’m not really
interested in scandals and conflict anymore. It’s pretty hard to shock
Subscribe to BeachLife.
every printed product imaginable. Try us for a fresh price
on any job. people these days anyway. I love writing (and reading) stories about
people achieving things, living challenging lives or taking an inspiring
Get 4 issues delivered
PUBLISHING | Design Arts is well experienced in
preparing and publishing large and small book projects.
We designed and printed The Surfing Photography of
view of the world.
At journalism school all those years ago, my brilliant head tutor, for just $30.00.
Christine Cole-Catley, continually reminded us, “people like to read
Logan Murray and Eastwoodhill: Colours of an Aboretum about people.” From local kids doing well at sport and work, to stories
books. We can advise and quote on publishing any book If you’ve enjoyed BeachLife Magazine over
from our elder citizens lives which give us an historical perspective of
project. We also publish and print our own in-house the past year, you can now make sure you get
how we got to where we are today. It’s all about people.
publications and annual pictorial calendars. e.g. Under
In the first issue I made a call for voluntary subscriptions for the another four issues delivered to your letterbox.
The Sun, Blue Sky Highway, BeachLife Magazine. Fill in the subscription form loosely inserted
first four issues, and this issue honours that commitment to the
CREATIVE WRITING | Director, Gray Clapham, is first many households who responded. With this issue comes a new in this magazine and post with your cheque to
and foremost a journalist. A long career as a newspaper call for subscriptions to assist with the production of the next four BeachLife. Or make an online payment using
and magazine editor, art director and journalist preceded issues through the rest of 2009 and into 2010. The annual four issue your name, and street address as references.
Design Arts. We not only design your brochure, booklet subscription cost is just $30.00 and that includes the delivery of the
or website, we also write it. magazine to your letterbox. Subscription is totally voluntary. It will
still be delivered to every house in the circulation area and extra Extra copies are available from
PHOTOGRAPHY | Director, Gray Clapham, has a copies of the magazine will be stocked in the local dairies.
professional photographic career background having This issue’s main feature is the history of the Chalet Rendezvous. the two local dairies.
worked and freelanced as a photographer for many
What a story! When I started the research I didn’t even know the
print publications. He is available for most commercial
names of the people who built the well-known former restaurant and
photographic work (not weddings!). The photographic
function is a bonus to clients needing quality illustrations
motel complex. Slowly, over several weeks, the full story emerged. So
for brochures and websites. many people have been touched in some way by the history of this
famous, sometimes infamous, local establishment.
PHOTO IMAGE LIBRARY | Gray Clapham’s huge
photographic image library is viewable at
www.xphoto.co.nz and all images are available for hire.
Xphoto contains a comprehensive collection of high
resolution photographs of Gisborne, East Coast and
“Books are lighthouses erected
in the great sea of time.”
DESIGN ARTS
general images for the positive promotion of this region.
Numerous businesses access these images for their own
websites and printed promotions.
- Edwin P Whipple
.
90 Moana Road WEBSITE CREATION | Yes, we do this too, with
a passion! Utilising the Xphoto image library and
Okitu 868 0240 photographic skills as required and Gray Clapham’s skills
as a creative writer and designer, we provide a one-stop
bureau for imaginative website development.
art@designarts.co.nz | www.designarts.co.nz | www.xphoto.co.nz
6 | BeachLife BeachLife | 7

5. beach life beach life
People on the move, new Schools access drainage scheme nears
completion but residents are not happy
families arrive at the beach Play area upgraded
T
he retention pond stormwater drainage concept for the Schools access is nearing AILSA SHELDRAKE WRITES: As a
completion after delays caused by the recent major storms while nearby residents are mother and resident of Okitu I was very
voicing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the construction. much aware of the need for upgrading the
T
here’s been a lot of movement at the beach this winter with forward to having a horse and keeping chooks. GDC stormwater engineer Joss Ruifrok says the half-completed design stood up well in play facilities at the beach, I felt the existing
older couples moving away and a number of young families Continuing the “Domino Effect” and moving in to fill the vacuum what was a one-in-nine-year storm event. ones were both extremely dangerous and
coming in. Some of the young people are former Wainui at the Moleta house is Pak‘nSave owner Hamish Walton and family. The wetland-style project is a first for Gisborne in an effort to provide a low impact drainage inadequate.
children who grew up here returning with their own families while In probably one of the simplest moves, the Waltons – mum Cher, solution in an environmentally sensitive area. The idea is that stormwater is held in the two When the W.D. Lysnar and Wainui
others are new to the area. Sophie (9) and Ella (6) – have moved just one number from 105 retention ponds during wet weather and allowed to slowly soak into the soil and percolate Beach Reserves Management Plan (the
Representing the former group is Darryn Emerre who grew up at to 103 Wairere Road. Originally from Oamaru, the Walton’s have through the “bunds” or dam walls. When the bunds are overtopped in very wet weather the “plan”) first came out I noticed that there
the beach, went to Wainui School, belonged to the Wainui surf club retained 105 and have yet decided what their plans are in that flow will be wide, shallow and sheet-like causing minimal erosion effects. was no provision for any play area and so
but, like many of our kids, moved away to find a career and a life of direction. The retention ponds will be a maximum of 0.75 metres deep when full. Mr Ruifrok says proposed to a Council hearing that one be
his own away from Gisborne. After travelling the world and working Greg and Huia Judd, and nearly 2-year-old Matua, sold their they will contain ponded water during wet winter periods, but will probably be dry during the considered. Over the past year I have been
at a career for nearly 20 years, Darryn has come home to settle at the Wairere Road home this year and are in the process of planning to summer months. Final touches to the 9-car parking area, general landscaping and grid matting involved with helping the Council develop
beach with his wife, Joanna, and their children Noah (4) and Hugo build a new home on land in the Lysnar Valley. of the bund tops should be finished very soon. A low visual impact stainless-steel wire fence a new, consolidated, much needed, play area
(nearly 2). New Zealand-known artist Tony Ogle and family have moved has been added to the design alongside the Wairere Road footpath. Mr Ruifrok says the design at “Pines”. Initial work has been carried out
After leaving home in 1990 Darryn travelled and surfed through to Wainui Beach from Auckland’s Bethells Beach this winter. Tony, will be monitored for effectiveness and safety. clearing the area of bush and some trees and
south-east Asia, worked in London where he met Joanna (from 50, has devoted over twenty years to making prints and colourful However, nearby residents who have watched the project develop have a few reservations. the old play equipment has been recycled.
Levin), got married in Fiji in 2004 and spent the last nine years in paintings celebrating the land and the coastline of New Zealand. We asked Mr Ruifrok if the state of the project is the finished work. He says remedial work in There is some new equipment that was
Wellington working for a property investment company. He returns Tony has been surfing for more than 30 years and after ten years on the wake of the storm needs to be undertaken where the heavy seas have eroded the seaward previously budgeted for, the road has been
home to take over the reins of his dad’s, Wayne Emerre’s, partnership Auckland’s west coast he and wife Elena, and the boys Luke (4) and bund: “We have been waiting on the water level to drop in the retention ponds before starting closed for safety, there are new benches and
in the local insurance broking business Emerre and Hathaway. Joanna Jaimie (2) have succumbed to the temptations of Wainui Beach after remedial works. The rain and saturated soil condition have delayed any work commencing. tables and the site is now ready for more
continues to work for Flight Centre as a part-time business developer. a visit here in 2007. They have bought 131 Wairere Road; formerly Some discussion has also taken place regarding potential modifications to the design to equipment.
Darryn says it was a big decision to throw in his Wellington-based owned by Matt Smythe and Sandy Hogg. “On the beach, close to the improve the rate of drainage but still maintain the philosophy and outcomes of the design. At a Council hearing last June I made an
career, but decided he wanted to give his two boys the same sort city and a great school for the children nearby,” are just three of the “The scour protection matting will be laid just below the ground surface level of the bund. additional submission and appealed to the
of life he had growing up at the beach: “The local school, Wainui reasons for the move. Tony Ogle’s art can be viewed on the websites The top of the bunds will be grassed, with the final bund planted with small plants and shrubs Council for further funds for additional play
nippers, the surf club, surfing. I guess it’s a trip down memory lane. www.alohapiha.com and www.artport.co.nz. on the seaward facing side.” equipment. The Council has replied and
But you just can’t put a price on it.” The Emerres are renting in Displaced from renting at 131 Wairere Road have been Peter and He says when it has matured the area will consist of two grassed bunded areas surrounded said that they cannot find further funds and
Murphy Road at the moment while waiting on finding the right Sarah Dixon, the American couple who have been around Wainui by rambling shrubs and grassy areas, a meandering footpath, and the car park. that the necessary money will need to be
house to buy at the beach. Beach for several years now. (See page 16). The Dixons, with son Pahl, Commenting on observations that the ponds have been slow to drain after the heavy rains raised through the community.
Leaving Wainui after 19 years on the Wairere Road beachfront have moved to town, buying a home and an acreage on the banks in July he said: “Initially the bunds did what they were supposed to do, with many people I have managed to secure funding from
are well-known locals Ray and Flo Moleta. Ray says the decision of the Waimata river along Darwin Road, where they can now grow commenting how quickly it drained away. However after several storm events the deposited the Kiwanis and some family trusts for play
was made in five days. When Cory and Ange Hutchings’ brand-new an orchard and develop a self-sustaining vegetable garden. They are silt layer has led to a decrease in the rate of stormwater infiltration into the soil. This matter equipment. It is a hard decision what to put
house on the beach at Roberts Road became available Ray and Flo also pleased to become near neighbours of their good friend,former should be addressed once the works have been completed and vegetation established. This was in the playground as the aim is to make the
weighed it up and decided to move to town. Ray says they’ve already Wainuian, Owen Williams, who lives on the river in Magnolia Street. a significant rainfall event – there was roughly two-thirds of the rainfall that was recorded area multi-age and multi-skilled. It will be
noticed they’re getting more visitors calling in; town friends and “ Dad you have got to get back to Gisborne!” is the message that during Cyclone Bola.” a work in progress but I hope to have the
relations who seldom made the drive out to Wainui. John Wilson’s daughters gave him after recent visits to Gisborne. Some residents have been concerned about the safety issue of creating an area of open ponds following at some point!
Wainui must have a lot of going for it to drag Cory Hutchings “ Certainly that’s where both Katya and Rebekah feel their home which could be a potential drowning danger to small children. This issue was also bought up Ages 1-3: a whale and a surfboard “rocker”.
away from the town beach. The almost legendary 11-times New is and we seem to know most of the old crew out at Wainui, the at a council meeting by district councillor Allan Hall. Mr Ruifrok answered: “This must be Ages 3-7: a small self-contained play
Zealand surf lifesaving ironman champion virtually grew up on the disreputable ones anyway,” comments John. looked at in comparison with the many other (recreational) locations beside aquatic areas in area (similar to the one at Wainui School)
beach in front of the Midway surf club, but recently he and Angela John’s first stint here was as a teacher at Gisborne Boys’ in 1971, the district. For example rivers through the city, the Hamanatua Stream, the Awapuni lagoon, with bridge, climbing frame, “OXO” games,
sold their new home on the beach at Roberts Road and have opted and having lived here a couple of times since, the family are looking Wainui and city beaches. There is a danger there but at an acceptable level.” steering wheels etc hopefully in the shape of
for the Stock Route lifestyle along Murphy Road. forward to shifting back this summer, after recently buying the house Another issue Wairere Road residents have queried is the surprise erection of a protective a boat.
Like Darryn Emerre, Cory puts it down to the needs of the kids: in Wairere Road formerly known as One Orange. fence along the footpath bounding the new carpark. They say it was not detailed as a fence on Ages 5-10: a huge rope climbing frame/
“Town is great, but for the family I think this is the place to be. It’s Another new arrival at the beach is James Evans and his English the plan they made submissions to. At first it was erected with wooden railings which affected structure.
great for the children as they get more and more into surfing.” Oldest partner Jo Thurton, who have bought a home in Douglas Street. the view of the beach through the beach access which some residents had enjoyed and even I would hope to raise $50,000 to really
son Korban, who goes to Gisborne Intermediate, is currently at the James is a Gisborne boy who has been away for nearly ten years, based their property purchases on. The railings have since been replaced with stainless steel make this park a great place to play. Council
top of the under-12 boys division of the national Billabong Grom working as a professional sailor on luxury super yachts. wires. have already done a huge amount of work
Series. Skye (9) and Luke (7) have moved from Awapuni to Wainui Young couple Mike and Cate King, with new baby Tilly, have also Mr Ruifrok says unfortunately the cross-section (elevation view) showing the fence detail and managed to find money when there was
School. Baby Zac is two-years-old. recently bought a house at the beach, the home next to the Wainui was not included in the letters to the residents as part of the consent and public consultation none budgeted, they have been supportive,
The Hutchings have moved into Bron and Tim Gaddums house Store. process. However he says the fence was a requirement under the Building Act for one metre helpful and encouraging. Given that there
on Murphy Road. After eights years at the beach the Gaddums are We may have missed mentioning someone, but overall there have high retaining walls. are so many contentious issues with the
moving back to a country life on an 11 acre lifestyle block in the been quite a few changes this winter with several new families with Commenting on a suggestion that similar drainage schemes may be used at the Okitu plan its good that there is something that
Matokitoki Valley. Originally from a large station on the Parikanapa young children moving in. Far from being a retirement village, as it lagoon and at Sponge Bay he said there are no specific projects for these areas at the moment, everyone can agree is a positive asset for the
Road the Gaddums are country folk at heart with Bron looking once was, Wainui is becoming a young and vibrant community. however council’s approach to stormwater management is to use low impact design. kids of the community!
8 | BeachLife BeachLife | 9

6. the matters of interest to the community in relation to the Myland
beach life Holdings Limited zone change proposal. We are presently assessing beach life
the matters relevant to the zone change process in more detail. We
are particularly interested in traffic and landscape issues and are
Residents association to be
looking to commission independent professional assessment reports. formed at August meeting
Kate Fraser’s vision for valley
W
“We are also working to address matters relating to stormwater
ork is continuing on efforts to form a local residents
meets local opposition management and wastewater disposal. Myland Holdings Limited and “Okitū ōte tūpāpaku” on the other. The New Zealand Transport
association. A public meeting has been called for Sunday, Agency says: “This was initially placed on the sign as we were advised
remains fully committed to ensuring the project is environmentally
A
August 16 at 7.00pm in the Wainui Beach School Hall that this was the full and correct place name for Okitu. Objections
sustainable and one which will be an asset to the Wainui/Okitu
plan to create a 41-section subdivision in the Lysnar where the association will be formally set up and representatives
communities. As always, we are happy to discuss any aspects of the were raised by members of the community about the wording of the
Valley was announced recently and quickly met elected.
proposal in more detail. Contact details are ross@insightgis.co.nz or signs. While we had undertaken consultation on this wording, after
opposition from residents of the area. The Gisborne A survey form was dropped in Wainui Beach letter boxes in May
phone 929 1539. We propose to provide a further community update listening to these objections, we decided it was appropriate to change
Herald reported on June 5: Wainui resident Kate Fraser is and the facilitators are still calling for feedback from residents.
once the detail of the further environmental assessment work we are the wording so the signs simply read Okitu.”
applying for a zone change from rural residential to residential for an 8.5 Information about the proposed association can be downloaded
currently undertaking is available.” So down came the big green panels and up went new ones. But
hectare block her family has owned for 40 years. from www.wainuibeach.org.nz . There is still time to email back the then in July the signs came down again – this time all the way down,
Kate Fraser, as director of Myland Holdings Ltd, was reported survey to info@wainuibeach.org.nz.
saying she: “Envisaged an environmentally-sensitive, three-stage
residential development encompassing a 3.4ha reserve with public access to
new concrete power poles According to the website the objects of the proposed association
including the removal of the underground concrete base work. The
Transport Agency says it had to do this because their design did not
are to:
a large natural pond and part of the Hamanatua Stream”. will be here for a generation • Promote and represent the views and unique characteristics of
meet new safety standards. Design requirements have been updated
recently and the first signs installed were based on an old standard.
M
Gisborne District Council’s draft urban development and urban Wainui Beach, its well-being, environmental and sustainability and
coastal strategies have already identified the land as a possible oana Road homeowners who may have seen a chance to future development.
expansion area for Wainui. The Herald later reported on opposition rid themselves of the overhead powerlines in front of their • To protect and enhance the unique nature of the ecological, Mural idea for Stock Route wall
F
to the proposed development saying the suggestion that Wainui was properties this winter were shocked into reality by the cost geographical and social environments of Wainui Beach and to provide
of putting the power underground. ormer local lad and celebrated public artist Simon “Fred”
about to spread inland had drawn an angry response from neighbours: a forum within which the community can identify discuss and deal
Eastland Network, as part of its asset upgrading, have so far Clarke sees a need for a “public art” mural on the concrete wall
“It would change the zoning that has been in place since 1921, and would with local issues and concerns
replaced 18 old wooden power poles along Moana Road with new on the beach at Stock Route.
set a precedent for more satellite suburbia stuck out on the fringes of the • To provide an informed and united voice to represent Wainui
pres-stress concrete models. Some of homeowners with poles yet to Advocating for his brother’s idea Adrian Clarke says he would like
city, a concept that is really falling apart in the States,” says Larry Prosor, Beach ratepayers and residents to local and regional bodies and to
be replaced, from 73 to 104 Moana Road, seized the opportunity to Wainui residents to consider the concept: “Right now the stock route
who has a 10.9-hectare block overlooking the area, which he has subdivided ensure that their views are reflected in the development of policies
enquire about the option of having the power lines, 11kv and 400volt wall has a pretty ugly “SRM” tag on it. I’m suggesting tidying it up
in accordance with a rural residential zoning. I wouldn’t be opposed to a which affect the area
conductors, put underground – and out of sight. with a piece of art in keeping with the beach and history of Wainui.
well thought-out subdivision, but land that is zoned general residential • To endeavour to ensure that rates paid by ratepayers in respect
The response from Eastland Network was that this could be made If the council are willing to pay for a piece of art for the Wainui
allows sections as small as 800 square metres.” of property within the district are the subject of the maximum fair
possible – but at a price. The extra cost to go underground instead of community, surely people will get into it? I could maybe suggest a
Kate Fraser said her vision is less grand and more in keeping expenditure by the appropriate body within the district for the benefit
replacing the remaining 15 poles would be around $540,000. The cost couple of sites, but the Stock Route wall to me seems like a great spot.
with the environment. She would not be going ahead unless the of residents and visitors to Wainui Beach.
to go underground would be $900 per metre with an average cost per The other thing I have made quite clear to the council is its not about
development was right, she said: “It has to be right. We have kept the So far around 80 people have said yes they want to join and two
household of around $18,000. And it would need to be a unanimous making money – its about public art. Fred would be happy to have
whole concept as green and environmentally-sensitive as possible.” have opposed the idea. The draft constitution is on the website.
decision by all the properties involved. A survey has been undertaken his costs covered.”
She proposes starting the subdivision with 10 sections and
by a local resident, Peter Carroll, to see if the issue should be pursued Fred Clarke currently lives in Auckland where he works as an artist
continuing farming on the undeveloped areas. Over five to 15 years,
she will open up another 14 for sale, then the final 17. or other less costly options explored. The chances of a unanimous The amazing disappearing and and graphic designer.
“The last thing I want is a development that is incompatible with the decision to accept such costs seem rather slim. Some residents are reappearing speed signs GDC has responded to the Clarke public art idea for the Stock
Route by saying: “Any proposed art pieces and sites are put through
looking at an option where only the 400 volt, the lower lines, could be
D
valley. The sections are generous — with a median size of 1200m2. I could
put underground. This allows for a greater span between poles which riving in and out of Okitu for most of this year motorists the Arts in Public Places Trust for initial approval. If the proposed
have squeezed another 20 sections out of the block but I wanted to keep
is already the situation near the Chalet. may have been rather perplexed by the large speed art pieces are on Council owned property – it makes the process
sections family-sized and on the flat land, away from the stream banks.
Eastland Network has put the pole replacement project on restriction signs – or thresholds as they are termed – which a little bit easier. In the case where art is being proposed in a
Because we have a clean slate, we have the opportunity to create something
hold until it gets a decision from the residents. If and when the have been erected, dismantled, erected, dismantled and have just been public place – such as the one at Wainui – there would need to be
special with the existing pond, a walkway, picnic areas and potential for a
new concrete poles are erected, they come with a 65 year plus life recently erected again. community buy-in and support for the work.
bridle track along the stream to the beach.”
expectancy. So it will be a long time before the opportunity to put the The first version of the signage gateway, after concrete bases were Adrian Clarke is seeking feedback on the idea by asking people to
In a subsequent letter to the editor of the Gisborne Herald Lysnar
power underground comes around again. created and green panels erected, read “Okitu” on one side of the road email him at bullyfu@hotmail.com.
Valley residents Karinjean Daniel and Trevor Herk said: “Despite
the enticement of an ‘environmentally sensitive vision for the (Wainui)
community’ the proposal ultimately is financially motivated. It is about
carving a valley into 41 sections, from a quarter of an acre to a third of an
Kids get early feel for the game Redefining the art of coastal living Aertex Shirts
F
acre, without justifiable demand. Contrary to Kate’s statements, findings ormer local soccer international John Hill is running a Suit Hire
from primary research indicate that the residents of the Valley and environs “football fun session” at Wainui school for kids under five
do not support this proposal. It is not that development is abhorrent to the years old. “We started up the session on Saturday mornings
Catering for big sizes.
residents but rather that development on such a scale is unnecessary and 10.30 to 11.15 when I realised that the under 5 year old kids were not WINTER SALE NOW ON!
short-sighted.” catered for as they were not eligible for school teams,” he says.
Kate Fraser describes it as a “soft development”, not dominated
Collier’s Menswear Ltd
In its second year numbers have grown to the point where he This dynamic coastal landscape inspired our name and inspires our
by roads and services, in keeping with her own environmental has up to 15 children (girls and boys aged roughly 3 to 5) and their architecture. A modernist response to the South Pacific lifestyle.
philosophies. parents and grandparents arriving for a kick around and a bit of a
45 Wairere Road, Wainui Beach
The proposed Lysnar Valley development is dependent on a zone catch up. Anyone is welcome. There is no coaching as such, as it is Phone 06 868 9381 Fax 06 868 9380 110 Gladstone Road • Phone 867 3447
change which is yet to be publicly notified and will be subject to more about trying to encourage the kids to have fun and run off some info@pacificmodern.co.nz GENERAL MENSWEAR
public comment. On behalf of Myland Holdings consultant Ross energy. Weather permitting John will be continuing to run this for www.pacificmodern.co.nz & SUIT SPECIALISTS
Muir of Insight Resoure Mangement told BeachLife: “The initial
community consultation process has been very helpful in identifying
another couple of months.
Anyone interested can just turn up or call John Hill on 8688259.
pacific modern architecture Collier’s Menswear is a Wainui Beach owned local business.
10 | BeachLife BeachLife | 11

7. Beach here in Gisborne in fact, in 2007.
beach life He came sixth in the men’s open and the beach life
following year came 5th in the world at
an invitational event on Reunion Island.
From here he and Claire came back to New
Zealand to live; to Gisborne to take on the
new job with Ngati Porou and to rent a
house at Okitu where he could have instant
access to the surf.
Nigel surfs every morning before work
for an hour or more, at lunchtime and again
after work until dark. In the weekends
he’s out even longer; working towards a
determined bid for the World open wave-ski
title this year. He knows it won’t be easy as
he’s up against current world champion Rees
Duncan, who will be competing at his home
beach at Coffs Harbour. Nigel has surfed
against Duncan in heats three times in the
past, with a won-one, lost-two record.
Behind Nigel’s obsessive training
programme is the reality of just how
gruelling the championships can be with
WAVe-SKi DynAMO
A STEAMING SUCCESS: Wainui School hangi crew 2009 unearth the traditionally cooked
up to five heats a day for up to five days in Maori feast as students and families watch on. From left at the pit we have Patrick Brass, Steve
a row. He knows that in the end its fitness Grace, Don Green, Chuck Ngaira and Daren Coulston
that will allow him to prevail if he makes the
School hangi a welcome feast
eyeS WORLD TiTLe
final. He also knows the judges are looking
for extreme manoeuvres. Aerials are the key.
E
Barrel-roll airs are where the most points ach year local families get together at Wainui School for a social gathering and a hangi
come from and extremely difficult to pull off.
M
meal to help raise funds to pay for the school’s waiata tutor .
ost surfers and Wainui wave watchers will have noticed the local iwi-owned company through the development of the recent Only a few wave-ski riders in the world even This year the food was mainly donated by parents of the school, and especially the
a dynamic new presence in the water since last summer. Real Fresh and Off The Hook retail business concepts. attempt the 360 degree roll-over while flying Walton family who own Pak‘nSave.
And they’d be hard pressed to suggest anybody more After graduating in 2002 Nigel and his then girlfriend (now wife), high above the breaking wave, and then land The hangi is put down by volunteers. Daren Coulston who helps co-ordinate the event
committed to the surf than wave-ski rider Nigel Bryant. Claire O’Connor, set off for the Gold Coast of Australia where the move to continue surfing. says: “The hangi is prepared ‘by consensus’ and is well supported by the school community,
32-year-old Nigel has been wave-ski riding for 13 years, has Nigel’s first career job was with a seafood export-import company. Some mornings Claire stands on the kaumatua, kuia and the community at large.
competed internationally and is setting his sights firmly on winning Living on a rented lifestyle block in the Tallebudgera Valley behind dunes with a video camera so Nigel can later “This year we prepared 450 food packets, with smaller packets for the children who don’t eat
the world wave-ski champion’s title this September in Coffs Harbour. Burleigh Heads Nigel was just five minutes from the surf while study what he’s doing right or wrong. On as much and seem to like certain foods better. And ... plenty of gravy!”
Nigel, who lives at 89 Moana Road, currently ranked sixth in the Claire, a passionate equestrian, was able keep her horse which she had other days he sets the video camera on a The protocols of karakia and kawa are observed before the food is served with volunteers
world rankings, spends just about as much time in the water as shipped over from New Zealand. Claire currently owns the “Divine tri-pod and lets it run to record the session under Linda Coulston’s guidance organising the food in advance, making up the packets and
out of it, even on a work day he can spend up to six hours in the Equine” equestrian equipment shop at the Wainui Road-Harris Street unmanned. He isn’t sponsored and pays for storing them in a chiller (donated by Fenn Refrigeration). Some years the children prepare the
surf working on his fitness and honing his manoeuvres for the shopping centre. his own equipment, shelling out around food and make up the packets.
international challenge ahead. Nigel wasted no time getting into the Gold Coast surf scene, $2500 for each new carbon fibre wave-ski On the day the students are involved in the process of preparing and putting down the hangi
A Ngati Porou Maori on his mother’s side, Nigel was born and picking the fiercely local Duranbah at Tweed Heads, as his home which weigh a mere 5kgs. He has a quiver and are encouraged to be involved as much as possible. Classes receive tutelage and various
brought up in Napier and educated at Tamatea High School. It wasn’t break. Right from the first day he gained the respect of the local of five skis, in various states of repair in the aspects of the process when visiting the food preparation and fire pit areas.
until he was 19 that he took up wave-ski riding, and it was almost by surfers with a combination of good surf etiquette and radical wave ski shed. He currently rides an Australian made School families are involved in providing live music to add to the ambience. Daren says:
chance. Keen to take up surf life saving he put an advertisement in riding. “I wasn’t a wave hog, but when I did get a wave I went hard, Gee Board. “Overall the children love the day and having everyone’s families there in a social setting. The
the local paper seeking to buy a secondhand clubbie’s surf-ski so he taking on the biggest barrels. I soon got to know all the locals surfers Nigel won’t be alone travelling to Emerald parents enjoy the evening with children self managing and there is always reluctance to head
could train in his own time. A guy rang up with a high-performance and became recognised as one of the crew, in and out of the water. Beach at Coffs Harbour in September. Local home when it’s all over.”
wave-ski for sale, so Nigel bought that instead. There was never any animosity towards me as a sit-down surfer. I wave ski veteran who has 13 New Zealand
So began several months of trips to Waimarama and Ocean got to surf with Parko and Occy, and even Kelly Slater who was out titles across the age groups, Steve Gibbs,
beaches where, after several near drowning incidents, he taught one day. I surfed Snappers, Currumbin and Burleigh as well. Never a is going there to defend the World Grand CHRIS JAMES
himself to eskimo roll and to surf the waves. He eventually became problem.” Masters (50-55) title he won here in 2007.
PLUMBING & PUMP SERVICES
part of a group of local stand-up surfers and, through his guts and Nigel has surfed all over Australia, throughout Indonesia and has So too are current New Zealand champion
determination, became accepted as a surfer in his own right. even tried tow-in wave-ski surfing in cyclone surf off Currumbin. Brett Cronin and world No.2 Tony Cherry.
Right from day one Nigel suffered the traditional rubbishing that During this period Nigel belonged to a loose group of 15-20 stand- Steve Gibbs says Nigel is considered one Craftsman Plumber/Gasfitter & Reg. Drainlayer
stand-up surfers often directed at wave-ski riders: “ I know all the up surfers who used to have informal, but serious surfing contests of the world’s best free surfers but has yet to
names, I’ve been called them all. Goat-boater, you name it. It just amongst themselves. He was the only “goat boater” allowed into the back it up with a title as he so far has had a • Installation & maintenance of all plumbing, gas & drainage services
drove me harder to be better than them.” group and regularly won the events, often against top 40 pro-circuit problem adapting his amazing free surfing • Pump & irrigation systems designed, installed & maintained
That was 2002 and Nigel was at E.I.T. in Napier studying for an surfers. Up to this time, apart from these “Board Jammers” contests, intensity to the competitive arena.
eventual degree in business and marketing. It’s his marketing and he considered himself a free surfer. But after coming 9th in his first BeachLife wishes both local surfers all the Chris (Fred) James
management skills that have brought him to Gisborne where for he is foray at the Australian Championships he decided to have a go at the best and will watch eagerly for news from Phone 027 483 1116 a/h 06 868 7444
retail-wholesale manager for Ngati Porou Fisheries. Nigel has steered World Titles which were to be held in New Zealand, at Makorori Coffs Harbour come September. email:fredjames@xtra.co.nz
12 | BeachLife BeachLife | 13