Chairperson Robin Taylor opened the meeting at 10:16 am

1.0 Apologies:
Jonathan Hunt, Dave Beck, Ella Baker, Warren and Ingrid, the Thomas family, Ann Robinson, Ngaire Sullivan - ARC, Paul Warburn - ARC, Jenny Cottingham, Dianne Goodley, David Howe

Late: Mary Gardner, Penny Hulse, Harry Turbott, Bob Harvey, Paul Buchanan

Total present: 36 at start of meeting, prior to late arrivals

Robin T: Welcome to council and community board members and distinguished guests, it is a sign of the health and vitality of the community that we can get so many here on a fine day

2.0 Approval of minutes -
most of last year's issues are on this year's agenda.

3.0 Matters arising.
Queries on matters not covered this year called for: none received.

MOTION Proposed by John Edgar that minutes be accepted, seconded Dave Bryant, passed.

The Karekare Community Management Plan has been put together and presented at the meeting by Robin T, who requested a touch typist to enter the earlier plan on computer.
The later plan is electronic, and makes extensive reference to the earlier plan.
Caroline Groves - query re roadside spray; is the request for the community to be a no spray one in the management plan?
Plan requests cessation of spray.
Caroline asked KKRRT committee to make sure this is noted when the plan is presented to council.

4.0 Chairperson's report (provided report inserted below).
What a year it's been! Our small community has again punched well above its weight on the wider stage, and has had an impact well beyond our valleys. For example, we've helped to revitalise and transform Waitakere City's Council, community boards and licensing trusts, and we are building a Forest Restoration programme that is already inspiring other West Coast communities.
I thank our members, and our supporters across Waitakere City, for the time, effort and love they have given to the cause of protecting and enhancing our environment and community. In particular, I want to recognise the outstanding contributions made by:
Peter King, Mike Nixon, Dave Bryant, Julia Moore and the other trappers in the Forest Restoration teams; John Edgar and Cr. Carolyn Stone of Team West; ARC Rangers Craig Lupton and Simon Stoddart; Karel and Kubi Witten-Hannah for unstinting service to the community; the Landcare group - especially Caroline Grove , for leading the assault on the pea plant; Ingrid O‚Hanlon, for sealing LK Rd almost single-handed; Councillors Denise Yates and Penny Hulse for support when the going got tough; Mary Gardner for putting together the Community Management Plan, and our lawyers, Cr. Greg Presland and Alex Witten-Hannah for keeping us out of trouble - well, almost!
It has been a challenging year for KKRRPT; we have had to fight for our principles, but through the commitment of our members and with support from across the City, we have won through. In the process, we have ruffled quite a few feathers - not just those whose schemes we've frustrated, but perhaps also a few locals who wonder if KKRRPT is becoming 'too political'. In response to their concerns, I want to read a letter from one of Karekare's favourite sons, Mayor Bob Harvey:

"Dear Robin,
I'd like to comment on the aggravation you are getting from certain quarters, which is totally unnecessary, and offer a vote of support for the work you do.
You and your organization should be commended for the courageous effort you have put into the Waitakere Ranges, to its care and protection for future generations. That you have to be political to achieve what you need in the Ranges is to be applauded. In the past, the frustrations of Karekare residents have even turned to sabotage to ensure that priceless pieces of forest and wilderness are preserved.
Thankfully those days are over, and democratic lobbying clearly works.
The Karekare Residents and Ratepayers Group has been a beacon of sane and reasoned dialogue, drawing political competitors into the fray from within and without.
What pleases me greatly is the young, positive members who understand that organisations like yours must be political. If you don't win at the ballot box, the developers win the battle.
Kind Regards,
Bob Harvey, Mayor"

Moving on to specifics, committee members have been active across a wide range of areas, and I'll leave it to them to describe these. I wish to focus on one important area, which has been our support for the Resource Management Act.
In this country, no-one is above the law, regardless of who they are and the bluff and bluster they might try to bring to bear. In matters of planning and development, the RMA is the controlling legislation, and our AGM in January 2000 passed a unanimous motion that, in effect, called on the Council to follow due process under the RMA law.
On our website last year, I drew attention to an apparent breach of the RMA by the Planning Committee of Council in the way it gave a non-notified consent to an application for bush clearance. I also noted that the leader of the Go Waitakere faction on Council, Jenny Price, was a near neighbour of the applicants, and had spoken in favour of their application. It is my belief that this decision could set a dangerous precedent, and I noted that the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society was considering High Court action to resolve the matter.
Subsequently, the KKRRPT committee was astonished to receive letters from Jenny Price's husband (and Go Waitakere's lawyer) Ewan Price, threatening legal action against myself, the Trust, and our internet service provider. I received legal advice that we were in little danger of such an action succeeding, and the committee wrote to the papers, noting that we were not the only R&R group in the Ranges to receive such letters, and calling on Go Waitakere to "abandon the tactics of bullying and evasion and to engage in open and honest debate on the real issues".
As you probably all know, the Prices responded by issuing an action for defamation against myself and the Trust. Now, we had a solid defence six layers deep (truth, honest opinion and qualified privilege, two technical defences and an interesting option along the lines of 'those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones'), so it appeared that this was primarily a political action, and we had neither the need, nor the desire, to spend large amounts of time and money in court on a sideshow to the main event.
Accordingly, we adopted a dual strategy; to offer a formal apology to dispose of the case, whilst working to remove the Prices and their supporters from the political landscape. I was delighted to be able to play a part in recruiting Sandra Coney for that role, and now congratulate her and Paul Walbran on their landslide election victory.
As we all know, Go Waitakere and their cronies were overwhelmingly defeated by Team West, a political party whose roots are deep in Karekare. The defamation case was quickly withdrawn. The committee deeply appreciates the pro bono services of our lawyer on this case, the witty and wise Greg Presland.
Another contentious RMA issue was the perennial one of vehicle access to the surf club. For at least twenty years, a faction within the club has sought an all-weather, all-year road to the clubhouse, despite strong opposition from the landowner (the ARC), locals and other surf club members. Last year, the KKRRPT committee found itself again embroiled in the issue. To try to resolve the matter once and for all, we asked the club to determine its membership's preferred course of action, and to take that to the ARC as a resource consent application with public notification. We noted that this would enable full public discussion of all relevant information and enable a sound democratic decision to be made.
My thanks to Phil Parks for representing us at the meetings on this issue, and also for organising the much-needed sign at the top of the cutting.
I am pleased to announce that we have obtained a $4,000 contribution from WCC to our joint ARC/KKRRPT project to drain and resurface the Green car park.
Thanks also to Harry Turbott and the other locals who attended the series of meetings to control erosion and traffic problems on Watchman's Rd.

Other Activities:

With the completion of the WC Plan, Dave Bryant has taken over from Shalema Witten-Hannah as our representative to the West Coast Plan Liaison Group; our thanks to Shalema for all the meetings she‚s attended over the years the plan was hammered out.
Thanks also to Ingrid and Vanessa for taking over the Billboard when Jenny and I were unable to continue, and to retiring committee members Ingrid, Kerrie, Kevin and Fran for all their efforts over the years.
In addition to those already mentioned, I would like to give thanks to the following organisations for their service to our community over the last year:

The Karekare Fire Party
The Lone Kauri School Committee
The Piha/Karekare First Response Unit

Finally, thank-you to the Surf Club for looking after us and our families on the beach, and for their hospitality to us today.

Robin Taylor
Chairman, KKRRPT

Matters arising from the Chairperson's report
Kubi Witten-Hannah queried the issue of deciding to pay a local resident for work in the area?
Deferred - to be addressed as part of the Landcare report.

MOTION to accept Chairperson's report, forwarded by John Edgar, seconded Caroline Grove, approved.

5.0 Financial Report (provided report inserted below)

KAREKARE RESIDENTS & RATEPAYERS TRUST
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 10/01/2002

Noted, Since this was typed out, KKRRT received $250 from a film crew donation, subs and $25 donations.
MOVED: by Kubi Witten-Hannah that financial report be accepted, seconded by Vanessa Ferguson, approved.

6.0 Election of committee
Each nominee stood to introduce themselves and make a brief speech, or were spoken for if absent.
Discussion on voting process.
Motion proposed that KKRRT AMG elect the committee, then elect the officers.
Motion proposed that Committee be elected at the AGM and office holders be selected at the first meeting.
Second Motion withdrawn.

Christine, Chairperson of Waitakere Community Board, agreed to be returning officer.
Election held, returning officers retired to count as meeting continued.

7.0 Community reports

First Response
Karel Witten-Hannah: We have had a few first response callouts, it is being upgraded as we move to St Johns and have been given pagers, which work at the upper end of the valley. The ambulance control centre has been more efficient at calling us. We have four members.
In the first instance always call the ambulance on 111, rather than calling us direct.

Fisheries Officer:
Karel Witten-Hannah. At the end of last season compliance was reasonably good. This season compliance has deteriorated and I need support from locals in helping to enforce compliance. On one occasion I went down and ten or 12 people were on the rocks taking shellfish, and I had to blow a whistle and hope they all came over at once!
Especially at low tide, if you see anything speak to people, most claim ignorance and will put them back. I've had no unpleasant incidents. Fishing regulations have changed, and if I can get accurate details a $250 fine can be imposed. In the past I've tried to keep the approach educational as I don't have the time or wish to spend time in court, and it can be difficult to get accurate details. Ask for assistance if you see something and need help.

Queries arising:
Julia Moore: What do we say?
A: Say, "Are you aware there is a total ban on taking shellfish at Karekare, and a fine can be imposed if you continue."
Q Kate - What type of offenders?
A: Fishermen may take a few mussels for bait but the main offenders are immigrants taking them for food.
Q Julia M: Do you see the same people?
A: It's difficult to say. Last year I felt I was making an impact as people using mussels for bait were able to show receipts.
Bob Harvey commented this is a problem across the region - some Polynesians took forty sacks out of Wenderholme recently but because of people like Karel we are holding our own.
Suggestion from the floor: Elsewhere people control it by providing mussel farms.
A: There's a two year moratorium on mussel farms.

Shellfish Ban (report inserted below)
John Edgar
Karekare Shellfish Survey
Our Rahui has now been in place for eight and a half years. We now have a permanent protection under the Fisheries Act (1996) against the taking of all marine live excepting fin fish.
This year we carried out our 14th shellfish survey on 28 January, and this time our team was accompanied by Anna Madarasz. Anna is studying environmental and marine ecology at Auckland University, and has chosen to study the rocky shore at Karekare for her M.Sc thesis. She will work with the Shellfish Team to carry out the annual surveys, and will conduct a full year's research into the marine biology of the rocks. She will also analyse the eight years of data that the community have collected, and she will be able to direct our efforts and advise us on better study methods for the next few years. The results of her study will go towards better understanding of the West Coast and will inform the debate about better protection for the West Coast.
Over the last two years I reported about the almost complete loss of bull kelp from the rocks. There has been substantial regrowth but it seems that it could take years for the kelp to get back to its 1997 density.
Our Honorary Fisheries Officer Karel Witten-Hannah reports that there have been few incidents of people taking shellfish, but it is impossible to monitor the rocks all the time and there is evidence that some fishermen take mussels for bait.
Maybe we have become complacent at Karekare. It is easy to forget our responsibility to educate the public. We need to work harder at Karekare to ensure our ban is effective. New pamphlets are available now. Please take a few home and distribute them to people who need to know about this ban. Carry some in your beach bag and hand them out on the beach when necessary.
We should be encouraged Labour Government's commitment to establishing more marine reserves. This is something that Karekare and the West Coast communities should be seriously considering. Forest and Bird Soc. and WRPS are actively investigating marine protection for this coast and it is now time for the communities to have their say.
Thanks to our Shellfish Survey Team, Ann Grace, Miles Hargest, and to WCC who support our work and fund the photographic survey. To Karel and to the surf club who keep an eye on the rocks.
I would like to introduce Anna Madarasz and ask her to say a few words about her research.
John Edgar
Shellfish Survey Coordinator

Aana Madarasz introduced herself and talked about the research work she's doing on the rocks, which Karekare can use to help determine how to go in the future. She can be contacted via John Edgar, and will report back at the next AGM.
Question: Where is she studying?
A: North and South rocks, but not Mercer Bay as access is too hard.
Harry Turbott felt the access area is too small and Mercer Bay should be added - lack of easy access can be a variable in the study.
Harry T said sand is now wider, the sea further out, how will water level be taken into consideration?
A: Mentioned wave force and variables.

West Coast Plan/Marine Park Proposal
Dave Bryant
The WCP liaison committee was set up to liase between WCC and interested parties. It has no statutory power but a sympathetic hearing with the council. Consists of interested community groups, community board members, fire party, surf club, Waitakere Ranges protection society etc. Meets four or five times per year. Council provides secretarial, financial and research assistance.
This year addressed submissions to 2001 budget, ARC Parks management plan of which there has been a major revision, Manukau foreshore plan, filming on the west coast, land and water management plan, WCC annual plan and West Coast marine Park.
This idea came from the move to protect the Hector's dolphin. It's in its early stages and involves consultation with disparate groups including commercial and recreational fishers: much of the park in the land area covers the Waitakere ranges but a lot of private land is involved. It covers Manukau heads to Raglan and four to six nautical miles offshore.
Thus far much of the consultation will take place and be firmed up ready for presentation to Government in 2003 or 2004.
The driving force was Forest and Bird Waitakere branch, and it's being taken up nationally.
Q: John Edgar; It's Kaipara South head to Raglan.
A: There's some debate as to how far into the Manukau that will go, probably as far as Huia.

Landcare report (provided report attached below)
Caroline Grove
Karekare Landcare group has continued its involvement in a range of conservation issues - with the main emphasis being on organising monthly weeding and/or planting days. We support and applaud the work being done on control of animal pests by the groups organised by Peter King and Mike Nixon and Dave Grant
Our gardening efforts continued right through the year and we targeted - Agapanthus in the valley, on the beach and along the Piha road, - Pampas on the beach, - we cleared Bill's Park, removed Wachendorfia from along parts of the Karekare stream, - planted trees in the waterfall area, - had three sessions attacking the Polygala (pea plant) below the cave and in September, for a change, did a beach clean-up - from Karekare half way to Whatipu. A big thank you to everyone who attended any of those days, and particularly to the people who organised them and also, to Ngaire Sullivan from the ARC who provides refreshments (and does the weeding and comes to our meetings and helps in many ways) and our local rangers who support us so enthusiastically - and end up taking all the weeds away. And, we would like to challenge all Karekare people to come to at least one of our days this year.
We see education as a big part of our function and we try to keep the community informed through the billboard and pamphlets about the invasive plants and pests we target.
We regularly get council weed bins for people to dispose of their un-compostable nasties. The council has an endless supply of blue plastic weed bags - see Caroline Grove if you want any. We are trying to encourage people to remove their ginger plants before the ARC starts to get heavy about it- the council has special red bags for ginger which can go out with rubbish on Mondays.
Ella Baker is keeping a record of those who have bought land shares and planted memorial trees. Trish is co-ordinating the collection of local native seeds.
We have approached the ARC about making the Polygala (the pea plant) a special project and putting some funds into removing the plants from the less accessible places. They are planning to do a weed survey of the area before deciding on further action. In the meantime we have decided to make the pea plant the major focus of our weeding efforts. It has already started to spread quite a way from the cave area but we are determined to try to contain it. Alan and Julia have been using their abseiling skills to get plants off rock faces.
See you all at the next weeding day - 10 a.m at the car park on Sunday February 10th, or on the second Sunday of any month thereafter.

Q Mary Gardner, what are the options for dealing with pea plant?
A The council is still looking at whether to address it. No proposals as yet. Meanwhile we pull it with help from local rangers.
Q: How invasive is it?
A: Started in 1982 with an area below the cave, but it's crossed the creek and likes open spaces. It could spread down to the beach.
Q: Are there plans for aerial spray?
A: that could be an option, but there'd be a full range of options
Harry Turbott invited those who don't believe it's invasive to see the plant on his block
Q: The white lily in the dunes isn't listed?
A: It's not a major, there are bigger problems

Lone Kauri Forest Restoration Group (provided report attached)
Mike Nixon
Lone Kauri Forest Restoration Group was formed to restore and enhance the recovery of native flora and fauna to an area of 200 hectares centred around middle Lone Kauri Road.
We applied for and received $4000 from the ARC's Environmental Initiative Fund on Oct 31st.We also received a grant from the KKRRT to purchase traps which was approved in the August 2000 meeting.
Recently KKRRT has also approved the purchase of a GPS unit and a digital camera both which have and will prove vital to document the work we are doing.
These are available for other community projects and ongoing work
We are applying for other grants as needed.
KKRRT has also been one of the several sponsors for the time I have taken off from my paid work to work more on this project and particularly the stoat trapping project as it's the best time at present.
As part of the grant, we are required to publicise the work we are doing, and this has been achieved, largely through the success of the stoat trapping programme, which is one part of our strategy. There is now people in both Piha and around Arataki to target the stoats which I am currently training in our methods and traps.
We have caught 23 stoats and well over 300 rats as well as starting to see some evidence of bird recovery in the areas a poison and trapping program has been going for longest.
With all the equipment however, the success of the project has largely depended on voluntary effort, and in all weather and every day virtually, there's no holidays or sick leave.
I would like to thank the following people,
first the Caroline Grove for her unstinting support.
Julia and Alan Moore, Peter deJaegar and Warren O'Hanlon have been out on many trips sometimes in the worst weather, always smiling though.
Kate Lang for the onerous job of counting and bagging frozen rats prior to freeze drying, for use as stoat bait.
Robin my partner for too many things to mention, she has filled in a lot of gaps, just getting me to work on time has helped on many occasions or dealing with frozen and not so frozen carcases of the many feral animals that have passed through our freezer.
Shaun Tremaine, our rabbit shooter, has been instrumental in our success with the stoat trapping program by providing a constant stream of dead rabbits
And many other people who have come out or encouraged us.

Need more volunteers, if key people left or were injured while getting off the ground we couldn't continue. Getting a flow of people from outside, but we need locals to muster commitment to the trapping programme.

Dave Bryant reported on La Trobe Forest Restoration:
Initially started after operation Forest Save. The area is about 230 hectares covering the headwaters of Company Stream. Peter King is a leading light, he has a Royal Society grant so has a year off school to work full time. We're setting up a series of bait stations at 50m intervals throughout the area using the GPS to ensure the grid is accurate. Some areas have been intensively baited for two or more years, some only for two or three months. Peter is setting up rodent monitoring stations, bird counts and setting up pit traps to count invertebrate numbers in the intensively controlled area, and will compare that to an area on the other side of Huia ridge tracks where there is no control.

Seed fall and regeneration is also included and we should get some good hard data as well as keeping predators down.
Stoats are a problem but rats are a bigger problem in my opinion, both in terms of birds and seedlings.

Have already noticed increase in bird numbers, anecdotal at this stage, no hard data yet.
Grey faced petrels are breeding again in the bush I'm sure because of mustelid and rodent control.
The work Peter and Mike have initiated should bear reasonable fruit: if Peter can present data ARC and DOC will take it on board and we have a good chance of introducing Robins back to the areas, which is a start, as we'll have a mini mainland island backed up by data to present to DOC as a preliminary to getting more of the birds back.
Part of Peter's work will be community education and schools, five to seven year biology students will assist in monitoring and we'd like local landowners to take responsibility for their local areas.

Q: Kubi Witten-Hannah - While I strongly support the work that's being done I have concerns about KKRRT paying money to individuals for their time largely because so many give their time to do so much it needs to be more widely done. If money has been given there needs to be a clear job description, performance accountability etc. Just the fact someone's doing a good job, which Mike Nixon clearly is, isn't good enough.
Rob Taylor read out the relevant part of the relevant committee meeting's minutes to clarify.

Kubi - something which is such a marked departure from precedent should have waited for the AGM

Robin T: Funds were raised for Land and environment restoration, and the committee has the ability to consider and fund such matters. The AGM can set financial guidelines which the committee would have to act on.

Q What about Operation Forestsave?
A: It circulates and will return, is now concentrating on areas with marked possum problems. ARC isn't doing enough monitoring though does supply bait.

Q: Has the university been approached to conduct a research project?
A: Dave Bryant: It's a very big area, six to 12 groups or more would be needed to monitor.
A: Robin B: Each trap line requires a three hour walk

Comment: Mary G: on the topic of funding, she reminded us of the history of our community - teaching starting informally then progressing to a paid post. This trend is seen in conservation too. We shouldn't forget social trends.

Community reports interrupted to announce election results.
Christine announced new committee:
Phil Parks
Matthew Groves
Kubi Witten Hannah
Dave Bryant
Ann Robinson
Josie Arnett
Jacqui Madelin
Marcus Dye
Robin Binsley
Robin Taylor.

MOTION Robin B proposed voting papers be destroyed, seconded John E.

Surf Club Report (supplied, inserted below)
Steve Pye
The club is in good health and looking forward to a great season once the weather settles down and beach attendances increase.
There has been a general increase in the number of people swimming outside patrol hours, which has resulted in an increase in the number of after hours rescues. This has already resulted in one drowning this year.
Trend is also being noticed within the local community, in particular with people choosing to swim in locations which provide less predictable conditions. The disturbing aspect of this is that in many cases children are also involved. We would like to say that these actions are teaching the wrong behaviour to children and may ultimately result in serious tragedy. We can already point to specific situations where such tragedy has been narrowly avoided. We urge local beach users to act in a responsible manner.
We are excited about the prospect of the remainder of the season and look forward to a busier second part of the summer.
Stephen Pye
President
Karekare Surf Lifesaving Patrol

Steve Pye said if anyone intends to quote numbers in the club, they should check them with the club - he disputes Rob's inference that small numbers were involved (statement not enlarged).

The club is in good health, the weather is setting people up - including after hours swimmers and therefore after hours rescues, which have resulted in one drowning already.
Locals especially are swimming in areas harder to control and the incidents include children. We ask locals to behave in a responsible manner. Bear in mind conditions change and swimming after hours should be encouraged.
Q: Harry Turbott: on beautiful evenings it is unreasonable to expect people not to swim late, what do you recommend as a safe place?
A: Kubi W-H: You can improve the odds by where you swim.
A: Steve P: You are three times more likely to drown on this beach than at Piha. The theory that it is safer to swim on an incoming tide is a myth, there are as many rip changes as the tide comes in. High tide is only marginally safer than low, there are lower waves at low tide, but more holes. Conditions at the beach are not consistent.
Q Robin Binsley: Is it sensible for the local community to know about current beach conditions, ie via the Billboard?
A; Steve P: We discussed this with Mary G before Christmas; if the patrol is not there, it is safer not to swim. Conditions change too quickly.

MOTION: Proposed by Jacqui Madelin, seconded Olivia Sheehan, Steve Pye to put to the Surf Club Committee that twice a year there be a training day for the community to expand its information and education. Passed.

Kim: Junior Surf encourages local kids to join, and even if they are just visiting. Open to kids 7 and upwards, though younger ones can be involved.

Jacqui Madelin suggested this be mentioned in the Billboard at a suitable time, and that the Surf Club occasionally provide some surf awareness text for the Billboard.

COMMUNITY REPORTS INTERUPTED FOR DEBATE ON ELECTION OF CHAIR.
Robin Taylor nominated in writing prior to the meeting
Matthew Grove nominated from the floor, proposed by Kubi Witten-Hannah, seconded by Vanessa Ferguson.
The first vote was a dead draw.
Kubi W-H suggested now Robin T is on the community board, to avoid conflicts of interest, that he steps aside as chair: still be very involved, but to support the young committee rather than as chair.
Robin T suggested a chair should have experience of committee and processes. Matthew Grove hasn't been on the committee.
Discussion, heated at times, on whether Robin should stand down and why; how to deal with a drawn vote where the chair can't make the casting vote.

REVOTE HELD, MEETING CONTINUED WHILE VOTE WAS COUNTED

School report (provided report included below).
Lone Kauri School has started the year with seventeen children happily working away in our most idyllic setting.
I think that this is a good time to acknowledge our appreciation to Jonathan Hunt for his generous use of his land for the school.
Story has it that Jonathan's only stipulation was that he wouldn't be able to see the school from his house and this has carefully been adhered to. It is hard to believe as you drive down the driveway past Jonathan's house that such a peaceful and seemingly empty block of land could contain all these children enjoying such a unique educational opportunity. Our community is lucky indeed.
The highlight of the year just has to be the trip to Ruapehu. After much fund-raising and planning twenty-five or so parents and children spent four days in the Forest and Bird Hut just above The Chateau. They spent their time skiing at Turoa where all the kids had lessons, going on walks in the National Park, swimming in hot pools and generally having a wonderful time.
We have continued this year to have a close liaison with Oratia School and I think this is beneficial for us all. Cal Greer the Principal comes out every second Friday afternoon and plays ball games with the kids which they really enjoy. He also works closely with Bev on administrative and curriculum matters but in most respects we are still a sole-charge school.
We have plans this year to build on a much-needed kitchen which would free up space in the classroom area. With the number of children continuing to be around the sixteen to eighteen mark space is at a premium. This would give us the excuse to install a hot water cylinder at the same time which would be much appreciated with the endless clean-up jobs involved in running a school.
Once again we will be running the food tent at the Beach Race Day so come and support our little school and make sure you get your orders in for t-shirts early.
Susie Butler (School Committee Chair)

Kubi W-H said that last week the school lost a benefactor, Gus Dean, the man who subdivided the farm. He stayed on and was a tremendous influence on people here.

Fire Party Report
Kevin Ferguson
We've had a few callouts this year, half the annual average. We are in good heart, a few people have left and we have one or two vacancies: if you are interested, call, and I can tell you what's involved.
We are especially interested in a few more people who are available during the day. Weekends can be a problem but nights are fine, and during the week we have unfailingly turned a crew out, frequently an all female crew, more power to them.
WCC continues to be head and shoulders above every other council in the country in terms of looking after rural fire parties. Please pass that on to the council, Bob.

Website report
Mary Gardner
Karekare.org.nz has been on line 18 months and has had 4368 hits in the last quarter. There have been 970 visitors a month, an average of 32 per day.
From memory two-thirds are NZ visitors, so it's not an overseas tourist site. It contains eight regular features, a community guide, Billboard, news from meetings, email, etc.
Highlights in the past year have been the Muddy Creek Subdivision report going on line when WCC was charging $200 for it.
Filming information is on line, the Karekare management Plan, local ecology, surveys about access.
In the last 12 months the site has cost about $500 for the domain name and site hosting. Volunteered services make up 500 hours in site overhauls at five hours per week to keep updates going on. Four or five people have grouped to look at the year to come, and hope to revitalise this access to the community.

Q: John Edgar - Film information shouldn't just go on site
A Mary - it's supposed to be mail dropped as well.

Kubi W-H - the West Coast Liaison group has been talking to Bethells which has an advanced filming protocol.

Meeting interrupted to discuss vote for chair
Seven more people voted than were present.
Heated discussion developed on how to conduct the election from here.

MOTION proposed Kubi Witten-Hannah, seconded Mike Nixon: That KKRRT adjourns the meeting to another occasion, out of Surf Club hours, with seven days notice given, to vote for the officers.
Two against: carried.

MOTION: The new committee to be charged with investigating the constitution to try to clarify those areas which aren't clear.
Proposer and seconder not noted - but passed

Bob Harvey mayoral report:
Most local residents and ratepayers groups around NZ talk about development and subdivision, this one seems to revolve around the environment, and keeping it as a legacy. I applaud that decency and integrity. May I suggest a meeting at night, when we look outside at the lovely weather, tempers fray.
I have noted factions developing and I note it with concern - we are one community and we need to resolve our differences in family.
I've come to thank Kubi for the work he's done, especially on the Painted Apple moth, he's brought integrity and wisdom to the debate.
I'd like to acknowledge deputy mayor Caroline Stone, Penny Hulse and Denise Yates, thank you for a vote which brought sanity. Thanks also to the community board members and to Sandra Coney, representing ARC, a huge welcome.
I'd like to mention toilet options, the Piha toilet wrangles have been going for some time, and you're about to enter this issue. Toilets are long term assets and short term nightmares. You'll all be welcome to the meetings and will get a slice of the action.
Work on the Watchman will never please everyone but something happened, and you've seen the result.
Thanks to the community for the passion with which it has attacked a myriad of issues. All of them matter to this council.
We're here to support you and to help you at the drop of a hat. I hope nothing splits the community. The road to the Surf Club issue probably polarises the debate.
There's a need to stress this beach is isolated, it's hard to call for help, hug caution is required, this is one of the most glorious beaches in NZ, and one of the most dangerous.

8.0 Nixon's Road Subdivision Appeal
Robin T - KKRRT is going to the environment court for the appeal. Nick Spencer is appealing the council decision to deny consent. The environment court set up a mediation meeting with lawyers, the environment court and community to try to find a common ground.
The next stage is a site visit where everyone will look at compromise options. If we can find a middle ground we may get a better result than if we take the expensive option of going to court.

9.0 Painted Apple Moth:
Kubi said there are two big issues. The Ministry went to the Government believing the moth was localised and the Government, on very little evidence and planning, gave them the money and now, though they know the area involved is more widespread, they are insisting on continuing with the spray programme. It is essentially an experiment on the people of the area despite the fact the problem is more widespread. The moth is now on the Piha road. They refuse to give the right advice - a relatively safe spray has caused problems because of the lack of information and at least two people have died.
This is one issue the council does not seem to want to be involved with and it won't make any statements. It's important everyone is aware the council is working hard to deal with the issue.
Big issues are how far it will spread and how it will be dealt with, especially now it is established in the water catchment area.
Christine (?) has attended meetings of the community board and requested Ruth Frankton to attend on questions specific to the ranges, such as extent of spread.

John Edgar: Kubi says it's well established round the reservoirs?
Kubi: Yes, according to male catches. Males only travel a few 100 metres in their life.

10.0 Toilet:
We now have an opportunity to upgrade the toilet block. Need to consider - do we upgrade? Move the building? How do we treat our sewage - pump it away? Dispose of it here?
The council team visited before Christmas and was invited to attend the AGM to give the community its first opportunity to be involved.
Grant Jennings and Brent Hawthorn.
Grant J said it's a long and involved process, consents will be needed, community feedback is required and there'll be other meetings with the community to fine tune.
A brief presentation covered the areas potentially involved, what can and can't be done, displayed plan of sites.
Four sites identified, a wetland area up Watchman's road; the slope behind the toilets; the cave area, discounted due to iwi issues; and the sand dunes.
Methods of waste disposal outlined, discussion on how busy the year is, peak occupancy rates. Pros and cons of composting, how to deal with solid and liquid wastes.
Underlined, there'd be specific community meetings to discuss the toilets.
Underlined that the issue is urgent, there's a real problem.
Can't use car park as waste field.
Council will do more research.
Questions to consider:
Does Karekare want the toilet block to be in its current location?
Are there better locations?
Are changing rooms required?
The toilets are on a road reserve and a small site.
AGM stressed the requirement to investigate methods using minimal water, that can cope with frequent, long power cuts.

11.0 General Business

Robin Binsley issued a notice of Motion for an addition to the KKRRT management plan re memorial fixtures.
Robin B said there are a number of stakeholders and there's been no real consultation with the community. It's a sensitive issue, people put their whole life into this place and friends might like a lasting monument to that, but there is increasing pressure on the sites available and it seems that from the long term protection and conservation of the environment further development in this area would probably be better to be deferred.

MOTION
Addition to the Karekare Community Management Plan

5.14 Environment and Conservation p16
There is at present no management policy on the installation of memorial fixtures within the Karekare catchment.
This recommendation asks that stakeholders, the Auckland Regional Council, Waitakere City Council, Friends of Arataki and the Karekare community consider the impact of memorial installations with reference to the long term protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural environment.

Recommendation:
That the Karekare community endorses a moratorium on all memorial fixtures - plaques and seats on Karekare Beach and all bordering park areas, and supports the planting of memorial trees through the Memorial Tree Register.

Proposed Robin Binsley, seconded John Edgar, carried.

Denise Yates drew attention to a campaign to reduce speed on our roads. Information will come out through local groups.

Mary G: There have been two unconfirmed sightings of a poisonous Australian spider in the area. It's a house dweller. She'll put something in the Billboard.

Re Road Building: Rob Taylor spoke to the council, part of the road project to seal Lone Kauri was to put damage right. Rob T will call the project manger if all isn't fixed.
Mike Nixon: The white posts are too high. Agreed new committee will take the issue up.

Mike Nixon concerned that karekare.co.nz is a non commercial site purporting to represent the views of the community and Matthew Grove has a site which says, for example, things about Landcare not passed by Landcare. Mike to address it at the next committee meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 2pm.

CONTINUATION OF AGM TO ELECT OFFICERS
MARCH 8 2002-04-21 Meeting at Fire Station, opened 8:20 pm

Apologies: Kevin Healey, Penny Hulse, Ann Robinson, John Edgar

Before continuing Robin Taylor said he would like to thank Mary Gardner, Sue Curtling and Shalema Witten-Hannah for their work on an update to the Karekare Management Plan. It will be on the website.

Robin said this is an interesting situation, KKRRT has never had so many attend a meeting. Called for a fair, open, transparent meeting.
We will rule on the election, then decide how to move forward. Rob T said he would not accept motions to close the meeting down, the AGM must elect officers, a Special General Meeting is unconstitutional.
Only valid points of order will be accepted.
The previous election was declared invalid because of plural voting, and adjourned.
Later the outgoing Chairman, secretary and treasurer met with copies of the constitution and reports from the returning officers, and came up with a number of concerns which were addressed to Alex Witten-Hannah, the trust's honorary lawyer, and author of the constitution.

Following receipt of advice from the solicitor a meeting of outgoing and newly nominated committee members was called, the situation was discussed, and more questions raised, which were passed to the solicitor.

The solicitor's advice was, in essence, that there were sufficient deficiencies in the voting process and result to declare the election invalid, not just of the chair but also of the committee.

The minutes did not reveal the election was ruled as accepted.

That means we can declare that election invalid and move to a fresh election without being in jeopardy should someone choose to challenge that in the high court.

Alex Witten-Hannah addressed the meeting on the question of irregularities of the first part of the AGM. He noted his presence as a disinterested, neutral advisor. He read his opinion (his original letter answering points addressed is held by the secretary).
He suggested instead of a revote, the meeting decide to adjourn and take fresh nominations for chair and board of trustees, and start the election from scratch.

Alex W-H suggested the constitution be rewritten to stipulate nominations must be in at least a week prior to the AGM so a proper ballot paper can be prepared, likewise that proxies should be in a week before.

Karel Witten-Hannah: If it's possible within the legal framework to adjourn and call for fresh nominations, couldn't that be done now?

Alex W-H confirmed if that were moved, seconded and carried the meeting could do this.

Robin T said he would chair the procedural part of the meeting, and Kevin Ferguson the electoral part, unless his proposal was opposed: it was not opposed.

Discussion on what can be done, what the procedure is if proposed actions aren't part of the constitution: confirmation by Alex that provided sufficient member numbers sanction an action, it doesn't have to be covered by the constitution.

Suggestion from Alex that new candidates be made known publicly, with a biography and outline of policies and beliefs, and more informed choices be made.

Confirmed that members at the time of the vote, not the first date of the AGM, are entitled to vote.

Robin T: Based on the information received I declare the election at the first half of the meeting to be invalid based on electoral irregularities.
We now must move forward; two options:
1 We move to elect the chair based on written nominations, then elect the committee based on written nominations.
2 We adjourn the meeting, go to fresh elections, and do it the way Piha does it with potted biographies, Q&A sessions etc.

Discussion: some people unhappy with delay; constitution doesn't allow cut-off period prior to meeting; we have most members present now, and may not get this number again; suggestion next Billboard calls for nominations; how long to leave if election not today? Who carries on as caretaker board? (Established last year's committee to deal with day-to-day concerns).
Discussion on future form of elections - postal ballots?
Confirmed if meeting adjourned for fresh nominations and elections, proxies for that meeting would be accepted.

Discussion revealed three options.
1 Original slate voted on at this meeting
2 New nominations verbally, now, voted on at this meeting
3 Meeting adjourned for new nominations, proxies and election

Further discussion: if election held now with new nominations do we disenfranchise people who didn't know things would turn out this way. Discussion became heated, meeting divided.

Vanessa Ferguson proposed a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Caroline Grove; discussion interrupted by the fire alarm.
Motion on the floor discussed; also assertion Robin T had refused to accept a motion from Karel, which wasn't seconded.

Alex W-H pointed out if a motion to adjourn is accepted and passed, no further discussion can take place.

Discussion on how to proceed with a large number now dealing to the fire alarm.

Robin T proposed to test the will of the meeting prior to accepting any motion.
If it went to a vote, should the meeting adjourn for fresh nominations and proxies? Overwhelming support via show of hands.
Should the meeting go ahead and vote today? Very little support.

Robin T: It seems clear that the mood of the meeting is to adjourn.
Discussion: when to adjourn to.

Mood of meeting vote:
1 All those in favour of putting full renomination and holding the new election tonight?
2 All those in favour of the adjournment being a reasonable period, to allow new nomination, notification, new proxies etc?
New count, majority for second option.

It is important that a motion to adjourn has an overwhelming majority.

MOTION proposed by Dave Munro, seconded by David Williams, To adjourn the meeting for new nominations, proxies etc with a date to be decided tonight.
Carried unanimously

Agreed what is happening to be put in writing and sent to all ratepayers.
MOTION Kubi Witten-Hannah proposed, Karel Witten Hannah seconded, meeting adjourn to April 12.

Heated discussion returned to holding election tonight, or waiting longer.
Motion went to vote; most for, only one or two hands against, motion carried.

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED

Unofficial continuation of the meeting discussed who to notify; Bob Harvey expressed disturbance at the breach of customary local goodwill and respect; discussion on source or sources of vituperation; what should be covered in candidate bios.

Unofficial discussion, including disagreement from a minority on the concept of outlining subjects for candidates to address, revealed the following issues for candidates to address.
- Views about subdivision at Karekare, and the current management plan
- Parking, should there be more or less
- Candidate's opinion on a road to the surf club
- What is the surf club's role; should it include social activity ie serving meals
- Will the candidate support the majority view even if it's not their own
- Does the candidate believe the chairperson should be neutral on issues which divide the community
- How does the candidate feel Trust money should be spent
- How do the candidates feel about vehicles on the beach
- What does the candidate feel about limiting noxious animals

CONTINUATION OF AGM
April 12
Karekare Fire Station
Meeting opened 8:15 pm

Robin T welcomed the meeting and stood down as chair. He thanked the Land Fundraising team, and Mary Gardner who had the difficult task of writing most of the technical submissions to ARC and the council. Also Shalema Witten-Hannah for her last act as chair, organising the council loan, and presenting it to Robin as his first act as chair to sign the loan.
Robin T delegated chairmanship of the meeting to Kevin Ferguson until a new chair was elected. Carried unanimously.

APOLOGIES:
Everyone who submitted a proxy vote
Betty Hanson and Kevin Healey (Waitakere Community Board), councillor Denise Yates,

Kevin Ferguson nominated Christine Shepherd as scrutineer to count votes and check papers, Karel Seconded, Carried.
Kevin nominated Jacqui Parks as scrutineer's second, seconded Vanessa Ferguson, carried.

Three people are standing for chair. Kevin outlined the procedure to be followed.
Discussion on whether to follow preferential vote or first past the post. Referred to lawyer who suggested latter. Discussion. Decided to follow first past the post.

Kevin outlined procedure for proxy voting.
Nominees each made a short speech, and answered questions:
Robin Binsley
Matthew Grove
Dave Munro

Votes were handed in.
While the vote was counted, the committee nominees introduced themselves, and discussed matters of interest with the meeting.

9pm Results of the election handed to Kevin.
David Munro was elected chair.

MOTION Karel Witten-Hannah proposed, Mike Nixon seconded, that voting papers be destroyed

Kevin Ferguson: Robin Taylor has been chair for the last couple of years and I would like to minute that he has put an enormous amount of time and effort into the chairmanship of KKRRT. I would like to move a vote of thanks t Robin T for his time and effort.
Applause.

Kevin Ferguson handed the chair to David Munro.

Dave Munro outlined voting procedure.
The vote took place.
While the vote was counted, Phil Parks, Robin Taylor, Kevin Ferguson, Ingrid O'Hanlon and Mary Gardner addressed the meeting on the consultation procedure for the new toilets. Discussion and queries raised on time frame, procedure, issues to be discussed, importance of Karekare speaking with one voice, difficulty of and reasons for the tight time frame, next step in process, how to keep community informed, problems at Piha with upgrading toilet block.

Kevin Ferguson addressed the meeting on the new race day date, Anzac day, April 25.

Discussion on rubbish trucks and problems encountered with them; if residents have problems with the rubbish trucks, especially pertaining to their driving behaviour on the road, they should call council on 836 8045 and register a formal complaint. Council is logging formal complaints.

Next Landcare weeding day announced.

Discussion on horse and dog poop on road and beach, what to do.

Returning officers returned and meeting called to order 9:45pm

Successful candidates:
Dave Beck
Dave Bryant
Robin Binsley
Mary Gardner
Matthew Grove
Jacqui Madelin
Julia Moore
Ann Robinson
Robin Taylor

Unsuccessful
Warren O'Hanlon
Phil Parks
Kubi Witten-Hannah

MOTION Dave Munro, seconded Dave Bryant, to destroy the ballot papers. Passed.

Meeting closed.

NOTE: hand copy of meeting minutes include fuller details of general discussion and question and answer sessions.