Getting selected for a national team is a great achievement, being able to survive the rough and tumble of roller derby is another matter. Local Harwood woman Nic Hedley is about to accept that challenge on the international stage. The busy mother of three and Wharekai Co-ordinator for Te Runanga o Otakou has been selected as one of 20 New Zealand skaters to travel to Dallas in December. Roller Derby is a contact sport where teams score points by having a designated skater try to lap the opposing team while the remaining team members attempt to block and shield the scoring skater. Nic who skates in the local league under the name “Nicki Noxious” has been hard at work fundraising for her trip to the United States as derby is not a professional sport. Nic would like to say a special thank you to Tony Reid from the Portobello Hotel and the Peninsula community for getting behind her fundraising to date. She has also had assistance from local physiotherapy clinic owner Jim Webb from Integrated Health Otago for, making sure she is in top shape before her international tour. Good luck Nic and go hard!
Tag: Paul Pope
Calling out to the Congregation
The Dunedin Methodist Parish and the Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa, have made the decision to close the Broad Bay Methodist Church. Members of the Broad Bay congregation will continue to participate in the Dunedin Methodist Parish but will be leaving the present building.
A de-commissioning and closing service will be held at Broad Bay (65 Greig Street) on Sunday 30 November 2014 at 11am. The service will be followed by a shared lunch* with time to talk and share memories.
An invitation is goes out to anyone who has had an association with the Broad Bay Methodist Church, and the wider Otago Peninsula community to join in the closing service which will be one of celebration and moving on.
The service will be addressed by the Vice President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Arapera (Bella) Ngaha and there will be recollection of the history of this congregation which has had a presence on the Otago Peninsula since 1859 when William Bacon set up a room in his home for Methodist worship.
There will be a small display of photos and other memorabilia and if anyone has material to add please use the contacts below. A pot luck lunch will be held after the service, so please bring finger food or food that doesn’t need reheating. Out of town visitors are not expected to bring food – as Peninsula parishioners will ensure there will be plenty to share.
For more information please contact;
Jenny Winter, 03 478 0491, mob 021 168 9272, email mcleanwinter@clear.net.nz
Elspeth McLean, 03 478 0547, email elspethmclean@actrix.co.nz
Rev Siosifa Pole, 03 466 4600, email siosifap@dmm.org.nz
Portobello Skate Park Working Bee
The 1st day of November and Portobello Community Incorporated were on a mission at the Portobello Domain skate park. The working bee had several tasks including replacing the plywood and painting the new ramps, giving the old tennis court fence a coat of paint and installing a recently purchased half-pipe. Helped with some warm weather, plenty of hard-working volunteers and a great morning tea at the pavilion everyone really got stuck in. Special thanks to Portobello Inc. Deputy Chairman Geoff Sheridan from Toll New Zealand for providing a much-needed truck to get the half-pipe on site.
With Portobello Community Inc purchasing the half-pipe and funding half of Fulton Hogan’s road marking costs for the park, this project has created a great asset for the community and its families. Its was fantastic to see so many people and children turn up on Saturday and pitch in to make this project really happen. We’re looking forward to the grand opening on the 9th of November during the Portobello Paddock Pursuit.
Click on the pictures to see them in a full size viewer.
Olly gets the work done.
Getting the kids working.
It was hot day for old dogs!
Girls (and Caleb) can do anything!
Enjoying the sunshine.
Lifting the half-pipe into place.
Thanks Toll NZ & Geoff!
The kids can’t wait!
The park crew
From Trash to Treasure
Sunday 19th dawned bright but fresh for the Portobello Hawk & Hurl held at Portobello Domain and once again the event was well attended. There were plenty of bargains, a fair bit of cheek and a significant amount material saved from landfill on the day. Many people have things they no longer want or can use and by bringing them to the Hawk & Hurl they can see those things transferred to a new owner for re-use. It’s a great place to pay $10 for a child’s bike, buy recycled building materials, cheap furniture, tools and every other weird thing you can imagine. The other great initiative of the event is the scrap collection. Portobello Inc. will take any scrap metal off people’s hands and use the proceeds for the community group we’re working for. This year our proceeds from the Hawk & Hurl are going to the Portobello Toy Library as they look to relocate to new premises at the Portobello Domain pavilion. The Otago Peninsula have many generous people who support their community and a special thanks goes to Dave Murphy Fencing who supplied a truck for all the recycled metal. Thanks Dave, that man deserves a beer! To all the residents who donated goods and scrap as well the team from Portobello Community Incorporated for working on the day many thanks for your efforts and we’ll see you again in February 2015. (Click on the pictures to see full size)
Getting behind the skate park.
Everyone gets a bargain
Even the kids get in on the action
Great building supplies
Nothing like a snarler!
Spring cleaning Jackie?
Birds In Paradise
Otago Peninsula environmental group STOP (Save the Otago Peninsula) have published a pocket guide to the Otago Peninsula. The publication which features stunning photographs by wildlife photographer Craig McKenzie and excellent species descriptions by Richard Schofield is a must have for locals and visitors alike. This compact guide is easy to carry or place in a day-pack while exploring our region and includes bird species from garden, bush, beach, coastal and marine habitats. The profits from the book will be used to assist local conservation projects.
As part of the launch of the book STOP have arranged a “Birds” Exhibition at the Portobello Gallery on the corner of Portobello Rd and Hereweka St. Works include local artists who have contributed paintings, ceramics and photographs to create a stunning exhibition. Take this special opportunity to see other bird photographs taken by Craig McKenzie, the gifted photographer for the Pocket Guide. You can also buy your copy of the Otago Peninsula Birds Pocket Guide while you’re are at the Exhibition.
Order your Otago Peninsula Birds Guide Here….
Portobello Jetty Pontoon Repairs
The Portobello pontoon has been towed by tug back to the Birch Street wharf for repairs. Over recent months the pontoon has developed a list and the City Council will have the pontoon inspected for leaks. Staff from Action Engineering pumped the pontoon out and released the collar so that it could be towed. Portobello local, Trevor Restiaux was in charge of the tug Kapu taking the pontoon back to the city. With the current tide and depth of water the tug only had a narrow window of two hours to complete the removal. The Portobello jetty and pontoon have become an important facility for the township and a significant amount of fundraising was undertaken by Portobello Community Inc to see the project to completion. It’s not known what the cause of the leaks are, but it is hoped that the pontoon will be returned to Portobello by October.
Releasing the pontoon
Alongside the Kapu
Moving out of the Bay
Playcentre Survey
Like many community organisations membership ebbs and flows with generational change, community needs and population fluctuations. Presently, the Portobello-Broad Bay Playcentre is struggling for families with children to get involved and play an active part in this important pre-school organisation. Currently our local Playcentre has less than 10 families, and if the roll does not improve the Peninsula may lose Playcentre for good.
Currently, the Portobello – Broad Bay Playcentre is gathering information from the community about what families really need so that the organisation can try to make changes that will both serve the community and make Playcentre more sustainable.
There is a survey being distributed around the community with a stamped and addressed envelope that allows people to provide information to the group on the current Playcentre. If you’re a parent, caregiver or grandparent and have children or know someone who might be interested in Playcentre take the time to give the group some feedback. The survey is available at the, Peninsula Medical Centre (Portobello), Portobello Store, Toy Library or by letter box drop. If you have any questions or would like to get involved with Playcentre you can email Rachael at bergersen_01@hotmail.com or call her at (03) 4780 4781265. Give your support to our local Playcentre.
Portobello Community Market
Despite some late rain the Portobello Community Market saw 400-500 people come through the Coronation Hall in Portobello on Sunday. With more stalls and displays from local community groups this year, the market is growing as an annual event in our community. There was plenty of attractions and things to buy and once again Jonathon Usher performed an entertaining magic show for children and adults alike. Port Pilates gave a great demonstration that should motivate all of us looking for fitness and flexibility. The Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group also gave a practical demonstration on the benefits and methods for catching those pesky possums. Overall, Sunday was a great success which is aided by the generous support of Cadbury and local businesses like Coffee Time. Looking forward to next year.
Jamie on stage
Port Pilates demonstration
Magic moments
Jonathon entertaining
Oh la la mes amis
Pirate paint
Hawking their wares
Biodiversity and Te Rauone group
Splat the rat boys
Playcentre Quiz Night
The Portobello & Broad Bay Playcentre is holding a fundraising quiz night on Thursday 19th June 2014 at the Portobello Hotel, 7pm start, and only $5 per person! You can pre-register at h.r.martin@icloud.com or just turn up on the night.
We have secured a major raffle prize of a one night stay at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland in a King Deluxe Harbour View Room, including breakfast for two the following morning in the FISH Restaurant. You can buy tickets now via Facebook (Portobello Broad Bay Playcentre Quiz Night) or contact Helen on 478 1198 (Leave your contact telephone number if your call is not answered). This is a stand alone raffle and will be drawn on Monday 23rd June 2014. Tickets are just $2 each so be in for a chance to win!
The Playcentre have some other great raffle prizes to be drawn on the night of the quiz and that list will continue to grow until the 19th June. Tickets will be sold for $1 each, so bring your coins and be in to win!
Portobello Community 