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Welcome to the first issue of the Port Underwood Association newsletter for Feb. 2014.
This newsletter contains updates regarding the logging truck submission, the Whataroa mussel farm decision, fire safety, the SAG meeting neighbourhood support information and much more. We hope that this newsletter is informative and useful. Contributions from members are welcome as are suggestions as to what should be included.
We hope to get a website up and running soon. The website will contain minutes of meetings, copies of submissions and decisions forms to complete for reporting incidents on roads etc. There will be separate sections for forestry, aquaculture, road issues and neighbourhood watch. If you can think of other items you would like, please let us know at the ‘Port Underwood’ e-mail or postal address below.
There have been some changes to the committee; contact details are provided below and background to the new president is on the next page.
Committee members
President John Davison
Secretary and Treasurer Sara Roush
MembersKen Roush Ali Kircher Annabel Phillipson Greg Phillipson Di Cranfield Jeremy Ward David Whyte
Introduction to John Davison
Port Underwood Association
Subscriptions, fire safety neighborhood support and other matters
Admin:
The Whataroa mussel farm decision
Mussels
Our submissions regarding road use
Log trucks
To Eric and Ali for their contributions to the Port Underwood Association
Our thanks
Contact details and Chairman’s background
Committee
Contents
Port Underwood Association contact details:[email protected] or
PO Box 59 Blenheim 7240
Port Underwood Association January 2014
I was pleased to be elected to the role of President of the association and I look forward to carrying on the good work of Eric Jorgensen who through his tireless efforts has made a great contribution to the Port Underwood Association. For those of you that do not know me, I thought you might like a few notes regarding my background.
My wife and I have been in Ocean Bay, Port Underwood for two years. I moved here from Australia and intended to spend a year or so looking around New Zealand for a place to live. The first place we saw was Port Underwood and we thought we could do no better than this and moved in.
I am currently teaching the accountancy for the commerce degree at NMIT (unfortunately mostly in Nelson), but prior to this I was a tax partner for several mid-tier firms in London and Sydney.
I have worked for a number of charities in various capacities over the years. When in Sydney I was treasurer for the NSW branch of the Wilderness Society. We campaigned against the best efforts of business and government to turn Australia into a quarry with a beach. I also assisted with organising a large fundraising event; a 100km walk through the Blue Mountains. I have also taken part as a competitor in this event and also the Oxfam Trailwalker event in Taupo. In the UK I acted as a volunteer for a raptor charity and a Conservancy Council.
On a personal front, I am married and have two daughters (24 and 22), both in Wellington. I enjoy cycling, but have not managed to get on the bike for the past couple of years, but hope to start again soon.
Minutes of the AGM 3 January 2014Draft minutes of the AGM are enclosed at the end of this newsletter. In addition, there are some notes provided by Eric Jorgensen regarding activities the Association has been involved in throughout the past year. Members are advised to read the minutes and these notes.
We are extremely grateful to Josie Smith for taking the minutes and providing a comprehensive record of the meeting
Sounds Advisory Group meeting in Port UnderwoodThere will be a public meeting at 1:00pm on 24th February at Ken & Sara Roush’s house – 2417 Port Underwood Road, located 2.5 km south of Ocean Bay. The Sounds Advisory Group consists of community representatives from throughout the Marlborough Sounds, DOC, other stakeholder groups, and Marlborough District Council Councillors and staff. This is an opportunity for the Port Underwood community to bring forward topics of interest directly to the Marlborough District Council. Items for discussion could include the three R’s – roading, rates, rubbish, - as well as aquaculture, forestry, subdivisions, - whatever you wish to bring to the
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attention of your councillors. You are encouraged to attend this opportunity to meet face to face with your council representatives.
Eric Jorgensen – Retiring President of PUA
The AGM saw the end a notable era upon the retirement of Eric Jorgensen as President (Chairman) of the PUA after over nine years in the role. During that period Eric has led the association with creditable ability and dedication, perseverance and professionalism. With limited support Eric became the guiding force and public face of the association, particularly in the area of advocacy. This has been especially notable in the preparation of submissions and hearing presentations on resource consent and planning changes affecting the Port. These inevitably required in-depth investigation, analysis and documentation. The quality and balanced consistency of these actions has lead to the PUA being perceived and received as a responsible and reasonable representative of the community’s collective position. A recent example resulted in the PUA being asked to draft conditions to control a marine aquaculture resource consent for consideration. Through Eric’s efforts a high benchmark has been set and templates established for future advocacy on behalf of the Port. If the same standard was to be sourced from an outside professional the PUA would have quickly exhausted it’s funding and subscriptions would have needed to be raised substantially.
Eric tirelessly championed the PUA despite his heavy involvement in a multitude of other community responsibilities. Indicative of his selfless manner the majority of members would be unaware of the breadth and intensity of Eric’s involvement in activities in the Port and wider afield, whilst at the same time attending to family and farm commitments at Ocean Bay.
Eric’s tenure as Chairman is justly deserving of recognition however he would be embarrassed at the attention. Accordingly at the AGM he was simply apprised of the depth of appreciation felt for his input and leadership over the extended period. He was presented with tokens of wine and a book voucher. It is hoped that he will now have a deserved break to enjoy them.
Ali Kircher – Retiring Treasurer and Secretary of PUA
The committee would like to acknowledge with regret and warm wishes the retirement of Alison Kircher, our Treasurer and Secretary for the last 14 years. Ali has worked tirelessly behind the scenes collating, editing, printing and posting the newsletters, collecting and receipting subs, and managing the Association's finances. She has also played an important role in ensuring the committee keeps up regular communication, that members contribute and make decisions on all matters arising. She has been a valuable assistant to Eric Jorgenson during his term as President.
Ali will remain as a committee member with the PUA, and Sarah Roush will take over her role as Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you Ali on behalf of the PUA for your highly valued contribution.Whataroa Forest Harvesting; Road Usage Proposal
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Port Underwood Association January 2014
The association is aware of three submissions made to Blenheim council regarding the road usage proposal. Two private submissions were made by David Whyte and Jeremy Ward. A submission was made on behalf of the association by John Davison.
The proposals were made along the lines agreed at the AGM and the notes by Eric Jorgensen (at the end of the newsletter) broadly reflects the proposals made. In the interests of space the detail is not repeated here.
Neighbourhood Support
Our neighbourhood support networking system is working well as we are able to pass on information about suspicious activity and then track the undesirables as they drive through the Port.
Just recently, we had a fire at Flagg Bay which provided a timely warning regarding the hazards of fires and also reminds us of the outstanding work and commitment of the volunteer fire brigade. Homeowners at Flagg Bay were evacuated to HakaHaka but unfortunately a house and a few sheds were lost. When the police arrived, they were given the Neighbourhood Support list and then were able to contact everyone from Flagg Bay that was on the list to make sure that they had evacuated and were safe. Thank you for all of those in HakaHaka who were able to help the evacuees, and especially to Ian Cantwell who opened up his home to them.
With the help of monsoon buckets and helicopters, our hardworking fire crews were finally able to bring the fire under control, but not before two of the crew were injured. A grateful thank you to all of those involved.
To show our appreciation the Port Underwood Association wrote a letter of thanks to all of the brigades and contributed $500.00 to their social funds.
The following links will provide more information about the fire at Flagg Bay:http://tinyurl.com/ke4mgr5
http://tinyurl.com/m5tpboo
Fire Safety Tips
Port Underwood is a restricted fire area and a permit is required to have an open fire. Phone (03) 520 7400 (Marlborough District Council) to obtain a permit. This number has recently changed, so please update your emergency contact list. www.mkrfa.com for more information.
As you are aware, if a fire occurs in Port Underwood the response time to get fire appliances on the scene means that each of us needs to take responsibility for reducing the risk of fire damage as much as possible. Some steps that can be taken include:
Clean dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters. Remove overhanging branches;
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Port Underwood Association January 2014
Clear thick vegetation within 10 metres of buildings. Establish lawns, paths and drives between your house and flammable vegetation. Use less fire-prone vegetation. Store firewood and other combustibles away from the house;
Further out, thin the forest canopy by removing whole trees. Remove trees and limbs that are close to power lines, being careful not to hit any in the process.
Have access to attics and crawlspaces to put out spot fires; Build decks from non-combustible materials. Line the undersides of eaves,
balconies and overhangs with 12mm non-flammable sheathing; and Install multi-purpose fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
Check that your insurance will cover your buildings, vehicles, and contents. It should contain public liability to cover damage to others. It should also cover fire fighting costs for fires caused by you or started on your property.
Whangatoetoe Bay mussel farm application decision
An application to create a new mussel farm around the headland on the south side of Wangatoetoe Bay has been approved. In light of the response from PUA members to oppose new mussel farm applications where appropriate, the committee made a submission opposing the application based on the grounds of recreation, public space and amenity values, the cumulative effects, and the wider environmental effects. As the farm is to be situated on top of a significant red algae bed the Association was asked to contribute ideas for a monitoring regime to protect the algae bed should the application be granted.
While we are disappointed that consent was given to the application we are equally concerned that, in our opinion, the designated monitoring program has been skewed in favour of the applicants and does not adequately provide the necessary structure to fully monitor the effects of the farm on the algae bed or the marine habitat throughout the algae bed and in the surrounding environs of the farm.
SUBS REMINDERIt is that time of the year again when $20 subs are due. Please could you mail a cheque along with the enclosed sub form to The Secretary, Port Underwood Association, P.O. Box 59, Blenheim 7240.
Alternatively you can do a direct deposit into the Port Underwood Association account , Westpac Bank Blenheim, 030599: 0216931 00 Please be sure to quote your surname and Bay as references. Then, could you email any changes or additions to your personal details to [email protected]
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Port Underwood Association January 2014
Port Underwood Association Inc.PO Box 59 Blenheim
Minutes of the Twenty First Annual General Meeting HELD FRIDAY 3RD JANUARY 2014
Eric Jorgensen welcomed the members present to the Twenty First Annual General Meeting held at the Hinton residence, Haka Haka Bay. The Hinton family was thanked for the use of their residence by the Association. Members were invited to briefly introduce themselves.
Present Peter Banks, Bryon Gleeson, Eric Jorgensen, Ken Roush, Sara Roush, Ali Kircher, Paul Blaschke, Susan Rutherford, Annabel Phillipson, Greg Phillipson, Ruth Simonsen, Wendy Simonsen, David Whyte, Wayne Wiffen, John Cranfield, Diane Cranfield, Carole McArthur, Ian Cantwell, John Davison, Mara Davison, Jeremy Ward, Annie Ward, Irene Ross, Lex Hayward, Josie Smith, Naida Sharp, Kevin Sharp
Apologies Patsy Platts, Robert Platts, Peter Platts, Tracey Williams, Lawry Hinton, Rosemary Rutherford, Tim and Victoria Freer, Helen and Trev Parr, Mike Rutherford, Steven Sheats, Barry Osbourne, George Platts
Minutes The minutes of the last AGM, held 30th December 2012, were confirmed as a true and correct record.
G Philison/ D Whyte - AcceptedMatters Arising Membership survey results were sent out to members with newsletter during
the year.Roading maintenance was queried and explanation received that the maintenance schedule had been impacted by weather events.Website not actioned as yet.
Correspondence All correspondence has been dealt with by the committee.No significant matters arose during the year.
Chairs Report Eric Jorgensen spoke to his annual report.Topics covered - Aquaculture submissions made including on applications for an
extension at the Neck and a new farm application on the Whangatoetoe Bay headland.
Hakahaka water quality measurement Forestry and roading consultation by prospective buyers of Whataroa
forests Landscape provisions of regional policy statement consultation Thanks were made to Ali Kircher and Sara Roush. Acknowledgement of work of committee and individual members who
had contributed during the year.
Jorgensen/Lex Hayward - Accepted
An Information Sheet was also provided to meeting participants that
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provided details on the topics outlined in the Chairs report This is included below.
Treasurers Report
Ali Kircher presented the Financial Report.Ali overviewed the Associations accounts which are now sufficient to permit the Association to engage expertise if required albeit for a short time.That the Treasurers report presented at the meeting be approved.A Kircher/E Jorgensen - Accepted
Membership stands at 118 households. The meeting was requested to let the committee know of any new arrivals so they can be contacted and invited to join the Association.
Sounds Advisory Group Update
Ken Roush advised the meeting that the Sounds Advisory Group(SAG) is meeting in Port Underwood on February 24th and that the public is invited to meet with the group to discuss their issues at the Roush residence on Ocean Ridge from 1pm.
Ken undertook to provide an update of SAG’s activities/discussions over the past year via email or newsletter.
Marine Farming Applications
- Jerdans Bay, The Neck and Whangatoetoe Bay were submitted to by PUA. Opihi Bay and Deep Bight Bay were not.- Consent Application Changes at Hearings - Meeting discussed the practice by consent applicants of altering their original consent applications at consent hearings. Submitters as a result are disadvantaged as their submissions don’t align with the application before the panel or Commissioner. MDC could require an exchange of evidence (as in the Environment Court) to ensure participants arrive at the consent hearing and no last minute changes are made.SAG discussed this issue during the year and found the MDC lawyer unsupportive.Meeting participants will be able to raise any concerns they have with this practice at the meeting with SAG at their February 24th meeting in the Port.- Whangtoetoe Marine Farm Application – The decision on this application is pending following the consent hearing and exchanges between applicants and submitters on monitoring conditions.
Meeting briefly discussed future marine farm applications for new space which are likely to extend further out into the Port and the extent of mussel shell deposition.
Neighbourhood Watch
Sara Roush gave an update on Neighbourhood Watch which included information on burglaries occurring in the Port, Mongrel Mob presence in Hakahaka, the fire in Flagg Bay.The meeting noted- that public liability insurance may be appropriate for some members.- sensible to remove vegetation from immediate house surrounds- the Picton Police Station is unattended on weekends and public holidays and members should dial either 111 or phone the Blenheim Police Station.
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- can be useful to record out of place vehicle registrations and descriptions, dates and locations.
A donation of $500 will be made by the Association to the Marlborough Rural Firefighter Service.
Neighbourhood Support stickers/signs were available to the meeting attendees.
Action Add the Blenheim Police Station number to the Neighbourhood Support list. (It is in fact already listed). Note in next newsletter the times when the Picton police are unlikely to be available and Blenheim police should be contacted
Freedom Camping By-Law
Freedom camping on some foreshore areas of Port Underwood are managed under DOC rules other areas are managed under a MDC Freedom Camping by-law.The Freedom Camping Bylaw is being reviewed, the meeting was asked to provide feedback to the committee.Under the current by-law freedom camping is permitted (by vehicles with toilets) for a maximum of two nights anywhere in Port Underwood (managed by MDC) other than Ocean Bay.DOC forbids freedom camping in other areas such as Hakahaka Bay and Tom Canes Bay.
Whataroa Harvesting Plan
Prospective buyers of the Whataroa Forest have been canvasing local community groups for input on proposals to truck domestic logs on Port Underwood and Picton roads.The PUA committee have a list of proposed conditions which are covered in detail in the Fact Sheet.David Whyte suggested the buyers explore the option of using the private forestry roading network that would see logging trucks joining the public road at the lookout on Port Underwood Road.
Input from members is now sought so the committee can prepare a submission on the log transport proposals.Submissions are due by January 24th.Members are also encouraged to make their own submissions.
Road Incident Reporting
Meeting discussed incidents with trucks on Port Underwood Road and road accidents generally.Suggested that an incident reporting template be developed so details can be easily forwarded to Marlborough Roads as at present reported accidents/incidents are used by them as the benchmark for setting logging company road usage requirements.Requested that any incident reports or any other forms of correspondence sent to Marlborough Roads, logging companies or MDC by members be copied to the Committee so a comprehensive picture of the issues can be
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understood.
Action An incident reporting template to be developed so members can record road accidents/incidents.
Election of Committee
President - John Davison – K Roush/I CantwellSecretary/Treasurer – Sara Roush – D Whyte/J WardCommittee – Ali KircherCommittee – David WhyteCommittee – Annabel PhillipsonCommittee – Ken RoushCommittee – Jeremy WardCommittee – Greg PhilipsonCommittee – Di Cranfield
Lex Hayward moved that nominations be closed and that the proposed committee be elected, seconded by S Roush. Accepted.
Retirement of Eric Jorgensen
David Whyte on behalf the Port Underwood Association thanked Eric Jorgensen for his significant contribution to the Association as the Chairperson over the last nine years.
Eric was presented with a gift by way of thanks for his exceptional contributions.
Retirement of Ali Kircher as Secretary / Treasurer
Annabel Philipson expressed thanks to Ali Kircher on behalf of the Committee and membership for her long tenure as the Associations secretary and treasurer.Ali is continuing as a Committee Member this year.
The meeting was concluded at 5:50pm.Thanks were expressed to the Hinton Family for having the AGM at their home.
The next AGM will be notified for either late December 2014 or early January 2015.
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Port Underwood Association January 2014
Port Underwood Association Inc.
Annual General Meeting 3rd January 2013
Information Sheet:
1. Whataroa Forest Harvesting; Road Usage Proposal:
As noted to members via email and through the December newsletter two companies have applied to Council for permission to use public roads for log extraction from the Whataroa Peninsula Forestry lot. Permission is required as the original resource consent associated with the forestry activities on the land contained a condition that Council permission would be required for the activity of moving logs via the public road network.
If granted permission the applicants proposed to minimise the impact on the infrastructure and public perceptions of logging traffic by way of the following restrictions:
Prioritising barge transport of logs to Shakespeare Bay for export grades whenever possible (KIS grade logs are more suitable for transport by road due to high handling costs).
Limiting cartage on public roads to 10 loaded trucks per day (total number of loads for all forests in Port Underwood area).
All trucks will be fitted with RT’s for communication, and drivers instructed to use road location markers in situ on the road to communicate between trucks.
No loaded truck movements outside of the hours 7.00am to 5.00pm. Minimise the carting of logs through Waikawa Road school zones between the hours
of 8.15 – 9.00am and 3.00 – 3.45pm on school days. Not using roads within 24 hours of rainfall exceeding 10mm. No cartage of logs on Sundays or Public Holidays. Working with other forest owners in the area to co-ordinate harvesting to achieve
the truck frequency target above. No use of the public road between Jerdans Bay and Ngakuta Bay.
Following initial consultation the Association provided suggestions to Council for consideration when reviewing the applicant’s request. These suggestions, to be considered as a starting point for further discussion if a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were to be agreed, included:
If a MOU agreed compliance with conditions must be enforceable and subject to withdrawal in event of non-compliance.
Compliance with MOU a condition in all future consents regards forestry harvesting in Port Underwood.
Internal road networks be used for all logging traffic.
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Port Underwood Association January 2014
All future consents, where internal road network are available be conditional on public roads not being used.
Public road usage be prohibited for the full extent of public holiday weekends and the full extent of holiday periods (Christmas-New Year, Easter etc).
Usage times would apply to all heavy forestry vehicle movements (i.e. unloaded log truck, transporters, gravel trucks…).
Internal forestry road network designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standard.
Port Underwood Road saddle parking area be enlarged to enable laagering of log trucks before moving off in convoy.
Any future application to subdivide Whataroa would require applicant to upgrade and seal Tumbledown Bay Road.
Forestry worker vehicles be identifiable and have a strict no alcohol policy enforced.Council has now requested formal submissions from affected parties, closing January 24 th. The meeting today needs to consider:
a) Should the Association submit and, if sob) Provide direction to the committee as to what matters are to be addressed.
2. Freedom Camping By-law Review:
In November 2012 Council introduced a new bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act. Council wants to know what experiences you have had with freedom camping in the Marlborough district over the last year.
Under the bylaw self-contained freedom camping is permissible in the district except for prohibited or restricted sites. Non self-contained freedom camping is only permitted in designated areas. Under the by-lay In Port Underwood this means there is no non self-contained freedom camping allowed other than at Robinhood and Whites Bays. There is no freedom camping allowed at all in Ocean Bay. If campers are found to be breaching the bylaw they can be fined $200.
Before Council decides whether to make changes to the Freedom Camping Bylaw they would like to hear what experiences you have had with freedom camping in the district.
Feedback received from the public and sector groups will be used to help Council determine if changes should be made to the current Freedom Camping Bylaw.
To get more information on freedom camping please see the Freedom Camping Bylaw page of this website. Submissions must be in writing and may be posted to Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240 or emailed to [email protected] by the close of 25 January 2014.
Members are encouraged to make their own individual submissions if they have concerns in this area and the Association needs to determine whether it will make a further submission on behalf of members after having submitting through the initial consultation period in November 2012.
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Port Underwood Association January 2014
3. Association Submissions made 2013:
The following is a summary of the submissions made through the last twelve months by the Association:
a) Application to renew and extend marine farm at Jerdan’s Bay, Port Underwood. Association made an initial submission in opposition to the extension of the farm but did not appear at the hearing. The extension was approved.
b) Application to extend a marine farm at ‘The Neck’, Port Underwood. The Association opposed the application and appeared at the resource consent hearing. The extension was granted.
c) Application for a new marine farm at Whangatoetoe Bay, Port Underwood. The Association opposed the application and appeared at the resource consent hearing, which was adjourned until all parties had further submitted on monitoring conditions for the farm should the application be approved. A decision is pending.
There were two further applications for extension received by Council for farms in Port Underwood. Due to a lack of resource and with reference to the decision to allow the extension at the Neck it was felt it was unlikely the Association had sufficient grounds to warrant a strong case in opposition to those.
4. Sounds Advisory Group meeting in Port Underwood
A reminder to all that the next Sounds Advisory Group meeting will be at Ken And Sara Roush’s, 2417 Port Underwood Road, 2 km south of Ocean Bay (on the water side of the road) at 1:00pm, 24th February 2014. All members are invited and encouraged to attend.
5. Contact Us:
The Association is looking to centralise and rationalise the manner in which members can communicate with the Committee. To this end we have created a single email address that will be utilised for all outwards and inward email correspondence with members. That address is:
In future you should only receive emails from this address.
We strongly encourage members to provide us with an email address if at all possible as we feel we are more able to keep members updated in a timely manner via that medium.
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