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AUGUST 10 - 2011
This is a series of regular articles keeping you informed of happenings on our harbour today, and from bygone days — truly the ‘Jewel of the Kaipara’.
Where the wind blows
by Paul Campbell
While the Crest Energy plan to place undersea turbines in the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour has approval, the actual technical side of the project seems still to be months if not years away from it actually happening. Some scientists postulate that while permission exists, the scale of expertise to actually place massive turbines in a channel where the tide flows at nine knots and the seabed shifts and changes, has yet to be developed. The seabed project has aroused the organised opposition of Te Uri o Hau. But not so the prospect of a wind power generation farm in the forest on the Pouto peninsula, about 70km south of Dargaville.
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Kauri Coast
Rest Home & Hospital
The hapu’s treaty settlement trust, has said the 3,200ha site would be able to generate up to 300MW — vastly increasing power generation by existing wind farms, which produce about 170MW. “Embarking on this project proves the point that we are not opposed to renewable energy as a matter of principle,” the hapu says. “It is that the Crest Kaipara Harbour experiment is at the mouth of a harbour that is already under ecological stress and is a taonga for Te Uri o Hau and Ngati Whatua. Unlike the Crest project there are many examples and locations of wind turbines in the North Island that we can compare with.” Matters under consideration in relation to the wind turbines being placed on the land include wahi tapu areas, shifting sand, existing pine trees, ecological factors including bird flight pathways, noise, employment opportunities, and social factors including housing capacity. While undersea turbines are nothing if not experimental harnessing the wind has proven to be one of the cleanest, most sustainable ways to generate electricity. It has its detractors — but those seem to be from urban areas in sight of the windfarms, affected by ‘visual pollution’ and perhaps the incessant rumble of turbines.
AGED CARE MATTERS
Poutu then would seem an ideal spot, and an ideal alternative to delving beneath the sea. For the writer, the choice seems fairly obvious, but then again, I spent many years on Great Barrier Island — where wind-power — a rattling three-bladed propeller spinning a small generator, topped up batteries to provide all the light, TV and radio we needed. And hey, a wet-back stove did the cooking and water heating. There is something to be said for simpler times.
Turiwiri Produce Ltd
Ph 09-439 7774 SH12, Dargaville
Giving wholehearted care to the older person Happenings at Kauri Coast Rest Home and Hospital. The big thing at the moment is the development of the garden area inside the new fence at the front. We have had several meetings with residents to develop the plan and this is looking good. Plants have been purchased and we are now deciding what paving we want the path constructed of. That decision is to be made next week so we can proceed with getting a price on its’ laying. I have offered my services but staff and residents have suggested I stick to what I do best. This is promising to be a great area for residents to relax, contemplate, stroll and enjoy. Two features will be an old style two person ‘love seat’ and a farm style gate along the path. We are looking for someone with the knowledge, skills and tool who would volunteer to make these for us. They will be long lasting and will be a very special contribution to the residents environment. If you would like to get involved in this project please speak to the manager, assistant manager or activities officer at the care home 09 439 6367. We are also in the process of planting some fruit trees along the back of the property for the enjoyment of residents and staff when they come to fruition. Speaking about volunteers I will take this opportunity to thank all those who do contribute to the residents quality of life. The Dalmatian group who came and entertained with music and dance recently and the ballroom dancers who came the same night. The church groups who come and sing, pray, take services. The Kapa Haka groups that have and do come and perform. The schools that have come and sing and play instruments. The highland dancers that come and perform. The pianist who regularly comes and entertains. The artist who holds a group each week. The RSA man, yes, you know who you are Dick, who supports the residents. Those that just come and talk to residents. I believe I have covered most, if not all. If I have missed anyone my apologies. We really do appreciate all that partner with us. There is still room for others. If you can read a newspaper out loud and discuss some of the contents with a small group there is a place for you. Maybe you would like to support taking people on a van ride once a week and could assist the driver. Perhaps you have a talent or skill you would be prepared to share. We recently had someone with a sewing machine that does embroidery come and demonstrate. It is our ongoing aim to build links with the community that will enrich your lives and those of the residents. If you would like to discuss what you can do, big or small, we would be happy to have a no obligation talk with you. With minimal effort you can make a huge difference and be surprised at how much you will get in return.
Whatever, wind energy is the fastest growing source of electricity in the world. The United States has installed in excess of 8,500MW capable of powering more than two million homes. The technology is both old and new. From the grain mills of the pre-industrial world, to the latest high-tech wind turbines, we have used the power of the wind for millennia. The modern wind era began in California in the 1980s. Small companies and entrepreneurs installed 15,000 medium-sized turbines, providing enough power for every resident of San Francisco. Pushed by the high cost of fossil fuels, a moratorium on nuclear power, and concern about the environment, the wind industry took off.
Fish and Kumara Pie Ingredients
5 large kumara, peeled and diced into 2.5cm squares Salt and pepper 2 eggs 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach 1 carrot, halved and finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped Extra virgin olive oil 285ml cream (or double cream) 2 good handfuls of grated cheddar or parmesan Juice of one lemon 1 heaped teaspoon English mustard
Method Oven to 230° C / Gas 8. Put potatoes into salted boiling water for 2 minutes. Add eggs and boil till hard boiled and potatoes cooked. At the same time steam spinach in a colander above the pan. Steam 1 minute then remove and gently squeeze excess moisture. Drain potatoes, remove eggs, cool, then peel and quarter. In a separate pan slowly fry onions and carrots in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes, then add cream and bring to boil. Remove from heat and add cheese, lemon juice, mustard and parsley.
Parsley to taste
Put spinach, fish and eggs into an appropriate sized oven dish and mix together, pouring over the creamy vegetable sauce.
500gms fish, any fish will do (add some smoked fish as well for a difference)
Mash kumara with a smig of olive oil, salt and pepper and spread over top of pie. Bake 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown.