Letters to the Editor Response to Pirirākau

With reference to the letter, January 2021, by Julie Shepherd, Pirirākau Environment Manager.

I live on Plummer’s Point Road. If we become Huharua, are we then an area apart from Te Puna, Whakamārama and Ōmokoroa?

Not long ago we were Ōmokoroa Station Road, so presumably part of Ōmokoroa, with No.1 School at the top of the road.

Then we became part of Whakamārama which I think is really on the other, southern, side of SH2.

So, would we be Plummer’s Road, (keeping the name of the settler) Huharua?

It would be good to know. Yours faithfully,

C. H. (Dilly) Arnold, Plummer’s Point.

Fact or opinion?

In the January edition of Lizard News, Pirirākau Environment Manager, Julie Shepherd states; “The currency in Aotearoa of correcting Māori place names... are widely supported by most of our nation…” This is only her opinion, without any corroborating evidence. I believe that she is wrong, but that is also only my opinion.

In mentioning our country’s unique culture, I would suggest that, as her name indicates she is at most only a half descendant of the Māori culture she promotes by her frequent use of Te Reo. I believe many are disturbed by the increasing replacement of English by Te Reo in official signage and the media.

Te Reo is only a minor language with only 3.7% of the 84.5% identifying as Māori speaking it, and its promotion costs the taxpayers over $600 million annually. That seems expensive for each speaker. But this is only my opinion.

Bryan Johnson, Ōmokoroa.

The Editor responds: Te Reo is growing in popularity. A record one million people signed up online to take part in events to celebrate Māori Language Week in 2020. The Māori Language Commission’s website tetaurawhiri.govt.nz says its audacious goal, to have one million Māori language speakers by 2040, is an achievable goal. A new website, www.reoMāori.co.nz aims to provide support to learners throughout the year.

Not just curtains

Some Ōmokoroa residents may know I have been operating my curtain and blind business here for the last eight years or so. I have enjoyed helping people put character into their homes, often repeated in subsequent homes.

I feel it is time to let Diane’s Décor go to someone else. There is a very big market out there with all the new development, and this is the only curtain and blind business between Tauranga and Waihī, I think.

It’s an ideal job opportunity for someone who loves fabric, is good with figures, and helping people bring character to their home. The business includes an extensive range of fabric samples, tracks and rods, roller blind and wooden Venetian. It’s a perfect opportunity to work from home and have a showroom In a garage or spare room. I use professional installers and local blind and track manufacturers.

Thank you Ōmokoroa, for the great business we have built and the many friends I have made through it. Contact me on 07 548 1920 or 027 284 6543.

Diane Goetzlof, Ōmokoroa.

Dinghy sailing

Waitangi Day adults in sailing dinghies is an annual fun event sailed off the Ōmokoroa Boat Club, with ideal viewing from the deck.

The briefing is at 1pm. Adults may have a young crew. Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn. Sailing is for the Golden Centre Board trophy and pride.

Contact and register with John Budden on 07 548 1180 or buddennz@gmail.com

The annual Duck Race, rowing and paddling races will be coming up in early April.

John Budden, Ōmokoroa.

Consider the pūkeko

We need to talk about pūkeko. Is their population increasing at the cost of the smaller birds? By concentrating on killing other predators; rodents and mustelids, have we enabled pūkeko to flourish? Are we reaping unintended consequences?

“Pūkeko Plunderers”, a poem

We are the smash and grab gang. We rape, pillage, kidnap and kill Steal babies, apples and oranges Strip maize, pick out saplings and bulbs.

Do fierce battle over territory and mates.

But we nest together; we share the care. Jointly feed and protect our young. Our leader can snatch a hovering hawk Drag it down, peck it to death While we crowd around, cheer and help. Feathers and bones are all that is left. More respect, brother, is what we ask. We are comical, cute and clever. In public approval, we bask. See us on mugs and tea-towels Natty and neat with funny big feet We are a national icon.

But how can you be so fond

Of the terrorists of paddock and pond? Don’t you see our darker side? Hear our raucous squawks and shrieks With murder and mayhem in mind? We are the Pūkeko Plunderers New Zealand’s favourite gang, you’ll find.