SURF AT PIHA
There has been some talk about surf breaks at Piha Beach being destroyed by man’s interference. There are two cases I’m aware of.
One, the unauthorised stonewalling of the creek that flows on to the beach. Previously it spread out naturally causing no problems. A certain local had problems with erosion of his land from that creek in flood so stonewalled that creek to encourage better flow and cleansing of the silt that to some extent blocked the flow of that creek.
Two, authorities planted up the sand dunes at Piha to stabilise the dunes in front of the car park and built contained walkways which encouraged dune build up.
Surfers noticed an immediate deterioration to the offshore banks that generated good left and right breaks. These guys really protested this issue.
I am a retired surfer at the age of 83 who surfed for 30 years with my two sons. We have seen the natural build up of offshore banks and their disappearance naturally but I’m sure this is hastened by mans’ interference. ERIC STRICKETT Massey
THE FLYING HERONS
A function was held at The Falls restaurant sponsored by the BNZ and Rosebank Business Association to honour Bryan and Pat Heron for a lifetime award for business and generosity. The Herons were owners of Heron Plumbing for 50 years until 2011 and trained more than 200 apprentices.
The couple were part of Surf Life Saving, sports clubs, schools, and many worthy organisations. Bryan and in later years, Pat, were well known in various circles. They were major sponsors for the Trusts Arena, Waita¯ kere Athletics Club, West Auckland Surf Life Saving Club, Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club and various Heritage Trusts to name a few.
Bryan has the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow medal, The Queen’s NZ Order of Merit, Lions Clubs awards, various plumbing awards, the Waita¯ kere Millenium for Services to the community and various life memberships.
They are both life members of the Waita¯ kere Business Hall of Fame and trustees of various charitable foundations and trusts.
Bryan and Pat are still supporting and working within many areas of the community on trusts, as patrons and as donors, giving their help and advice where possible.
To quote them, ‘‘we love this way of life, to be able to give back
TRANSPORT OUT WEST
I worked for NZ Rail at the time and attended a management conference in the mid 1970s where we were shown a map with the plans to run rail down the side of the Northwestern Motorway and onto the North Shore.
Sir Dove-Myre Robinson was mayor at the time.
It was also to go from Onehunga up over the hill and along the path of the present motorway. Railway-owned houses were cleared off the land as far as Pt. Chevalier to allow it to be built.
But with a change of council and government it stopped there. Now it’s the latest thing so we will see what happens this time. JOHN WHITE
Massey
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