The distribution of our newsletter must be effective and widespread (congratulations Tony Bacon). Since my letter in the March newsletter about mystery tunnels found in Waiatarua I have been contacted, from Waihi where he now lives, by Peter Beveridge, son of Bill Beveridge. Bill was a park ranger between 1970 and 1990 who, in recognition of his extensive knowledge of all things relating to the Waitakere Ranges became colloquially known as “Mr Waitakere”.
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Plant of the Month
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Plant of the Month: Tauhinu / Cottonwood
We lost a little bit of ground earlier this year – it slipped down the hill! We wanted to plant something that is native, not too tall, attractive for birds and bees and is recognised as an erosion prevention plant.
Community Updates and notices
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Look how beautiful our hall looks
Recently the Waiatarua Hall was hired for a wedding. We were sent these wonderful photos to share with the community
Community patrol
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Criminal behaviour
Criminal behaviour has been a hot topic over the past months and sadly some of our local businesses have been directly affected with both the Oratia Dairy and Kenlock Motors (Mobil) being subjected to break ins. Our thoughts are with the business owners and staff, as this is a very unnerving and frustrating time for them.
As a result, our team have been conducting a number of night-time patrols in the past few months and have reported several instances of suspicious activities to Police. Our patrol has come across vehicles (and people) acting in a questionable manner, who have quickly de- parted on seeing our patrol car. This is immediately reported to Police Comms and all de- tails recorded. What we do can make a difference. -
Waiatarua Community Patrol News
Nature is a wonderful thing
Library
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Library news
We have just received a great new selection of books from the Auckland Library. Come and have a look, there's sure to be something for you.
We have also purchased more books for your reading pleasure
History
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Mary Bendall and the Bendall family – original settlers
Mary Bendall was the only woman amongst the original Crown Grants awarded for settlement at Waiatarua. Mary’s land – which eventually amounted to 264 acres – was at the junction of West Coast Road and today’s Scenic Drive and ran westwards over the hill to today’s Quinns Road.
What distinguishes Mary as a settler was not just that she was the only woman, but that she was a widow with four children aged between 11 and 19 years when she emigrated and chose this remote high point of the Ranges as her new home. -
Letter to the Editor – More about the caves
Waiatarua Volunteer Fire Brigade
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Winter is coming
There is a crispness to the air that heralds the cooler months and with it the dusting off heaters, electric blankets and the acquisition of firewood.
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Our volunteers are essential
Playcentre News
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Waiatarua Playcentre update
Waiatarua Playcentre has had a fantastic start to the year. We have enjoyed welcoming our new families and love having lots of little ones at the centre again
Environment
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WASPS BLITZ : Update from the R&R
Hi All, for those of you who have signed up to have your property baited up for wasps - please look out for the survey in your email inbox - weather permitting this will happen this weekend so we just need a few details!!!