Minutes from the 2003 AGM held on April 19th at the fire station will be available after they have been accepted at the 2004 AGM. In the meantime all reports presented at the AGM can be found below

Chair's report

1. Introduction / commitee members
The Kare Kare Residents and Ratepayers Trust has had a busy year with an effective committee working hard on a range of issues. In this report I will touch briefly on a number of the 'highlight' areas of our past year's activities. Some major areas will be the subject of fuller reports by other committee members.
Committee members this year were:

Ann Robinson
Dave Beck
Dave Bryant
David Munro
Jacqui Madelin
Julia Moore
Mary Gardener
Matthew Grove
Philip Parkes
Robin Binsley
Robin Taylor

Mary Gardener left the committee mid-year when she moved to live with her family in Raglan. I take this opportunity to express the sincere gratitude of KKRRT for Mary's contribution to Kare Kare during her time here. She was a fearless and scientifically knowledgeable campaigner on a range of marine and land-based environmnetal issues and was the creator and pioneer of our well-regarded website. Mary's passionate approach in her pursuit of important causes saw some inevitable clashes and fiery discussions of the sort that we have come to know and expect in our sometiimes highly-charged local political environment. It is people like Mary that keep important issues alive. Whether you found youself agreeing or disagreeing with Mary, on occasion or by issue, I reiterate here that Mary's contribution to our community over the 17 or so years that she was resident here secures her a solid place in KKKRRT's heritage.
With Mary's departure we recently co-opted Phil Parkes to the committee thus ensuring that there was a 'voice-from-the-valley' on the committee and also bringing to the group Phil's years of knowledge and experience at Kare Kare, and his understanding of Beach, Vallley and Surf Club matters.
Everyone on this year's committee has been hard-working and I hesitate to identify particular contributions. Nevertheless, with that caveat, and so that the meeting may appreciate some of the particular area's of interst and activity of committee members I make note as follows:

• Jacqui and Mathew who each have marvelous secretarial skills. Particular thanks to Jacqui who sometimes produced our minutes after midnight at an airport in Germany and still managed to e-mail them through. (In that tale lies an explanation of Mathew's taking on of the secretary's role late in 2002 given Jacqui's fantasic work commitments. The committee is especially appreciative of Jacqui's secreterial work over her time on the committee)
• Julia, Mathew and Mary who put in many hours on the website
• Dave Bryant who represented us on the West Coast liason group
• Robin Binsley who took on the role of Treasurer and who with Ann Robinson kept us up-to-date with Landcare developments, and who was also our link to the network of 'pest eradicators'
• Robin Taylor who has been able to keep us right-up-to-speed with WCC and Community Board activities from his position on the Waitakere Community Board
• And Dave Beck whose commitment and affection for us remains despite a lifestyle change that is is taking him away from Kare Kare.

As Chair, it has been a rewarding committee to be part of and I am gratefull for the support of committee members and others in the community during this year.

2. The issues
Beach carpark public toilets
This has been a lively issue for the community during 2002/3. Much consultation has been undertaken on the matter of effluent disposal and, more recently, siting and design of the building. For my part, I will put my stake in the sand (dripper field?!) and express my view that the consultation has been thorough, effective and fair. I believe that Peter Sewell from WCC deserves congratulation for his attention to the process. Members of our Community Board also deserve mention for many hours put into facilitating consultation and listening to views.
At time of writing the Community Board has endorsed the Council's plan to seek a resource consent to design and build an effluent disposal system that will involve a 'Packed Bed Reactor' and dripper-based disposal for the processed liquid to be situated in the sand dune area above the Glade. Consultation on the siting and design of the building itself is ongoing.
Nixon's Rd Spencer subdivision
Robin Taylor has been KKRRT's representative on this issue and he will report fully on the matter. It has been a very close thing that we may have been able to report a very satisfactory conclusion to this matter this evening. Unfortunately, whilst resolution is very close, it is not yet quite signed-and-sealed'.
Constitution / protocols
Our constitution is basically pretty good. With the exception of the issue of proxies, this year's committee did not conclude that a wholesale review of the constitution was necessary. We have circulated 'protocols' for the operation of the committee, an idea that we have borrowed from Piha, to sharpen up our operating. 'Protocols' can be adopted without changing the constitution provided that they do not conflict with the constitution. I attach here my comments from the October and January Billboard on these matters. From October:

'The current KKRRT Committee undertook early in its term to review the KKRRT constitution and to develop recommendations for any changes to go to the next Annual General Meeting. The decision to do this was driven in part by the length of time that has passed since the constitution was written, and in part because the operation of the constitution in relation to elections and powers of officers etc was seen as confusing and unclear during the difficult period around this years AGM.
At the last committee meeting we enjoyed the benefit of a presentation from Yvonne Dufaur who has been active in the recent review and re-write of the Piha RRT constitution. Yvonne's contribution was extremely helpful. We came to see that apart from being very legalistically written (long sentences, big words) our constitution is not too bad and that much of what has been concerning us could be fixed by adopting some operating procedures and protocols. Such P&Ps could deal with how elections are run, when agenda's should be circulated, who is responsible for public communications, how spending is authorized etc etc. As a committee we have committed to developing our ideas for P&Ps for our next meeting. Yvonne has promised to send us through some examples of such documents from other voluntary organisations, and any feedback from other KKRRT members would be valued and appreciated.
One specific area of the constitution that does nonetheless continue to cause debate is the application and use of proxy voting at the AGM. In general there is a view that proxies are not a good thing. That is, it is best wherever possible that members attend the AGM, have their say, listen to others, and participate personally. The only valid reason to have proxies is to allow for the representation of residents and ratepayers who cannot reasonably and conveniently attend the AGM.

And from January:

Probably the only area of the constitution that continues to excite debate is the use of proxies. The constitution allows for proxies and there are no restrictions on this. Whilst not suggesting a change to the constitution the committee nonetheless observes that the intention and spirit of allowing for proxies is to allow people who cannot reasonably conveniently attend the AGM to be able to still be counted. Examples include being overseas, at work, on surf patrol, or being required to care for dependents at the time of the meeting. (For what it's worth the committee doesn't believe that this includes a spur-of-the-moment decision to go for a tramp or out to a movie for instance). A proxy given to another member of the Trust entrusts that person with your vote. You may indicate to them a preference about an agendered item, or a vote for a position, but they are entitled to use your vote as they see fit at the meeting. The point of having a meeting is that people are influenced by the discussion at the meeting and may form, and/or change, opinions as a result. We hope that the new timing of the meeting will considerably reduce the need for proxies.

And that's all about that.
WCC annual plan submission
KKRRT made an extensive submission to the Waitakere City Council Annual Plan in accord with our guiding principles and policies. Copies are available on request, on the WCC website and shortly (being a good idea that I have just had) on the Kare Kare website.
Website
Julia Moore will report fully on the website. I note here that the website has been re-vamped and is attractive and effective. We have firmly established operating protocols. It is a community website, not a KKRRT website, on which KKRRT has a page of its own. KKRRT pays to have the website hosted and, as part of our protocols, requires that a member of the 'web team' also be a member of the KKRRT committee.
Painted apple moth
KKRRT has corresponded with WCC over the matter of eradication of the Painted Apple Moth. We expressed the view that eradication of this pest is a top priority environmental matter that must be accomplished quickly, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption to people in the infested areas and in particular their health. We expressed opposition to Council funding of attempts to sue the government on the matter of aerial spraying as being at variance with this stated objective.
Beach access
KKRRT has corresponded with the Surf Club on the matter of beach access to vehicles. KKRRT, the Surf Club and the Kare Kare management plan are all in accord on this issue. That there is limited vehicle access to Kare Kare beach is one of its precious features. We all agree on keeping vehicle access to a minimum and to acting responsibly to ensure that this remains the case. KKRRT expressed its gratitude to the Surf Club for their ongoing role in managing and enforcing limitations to beach vehicle access.
Miscellaneous
Other matters that have been touched on this year include:

• Discussion about reforming / maintaining the Valley Rd footpath
• Our relationship with local iwi Kawerau a Maki and preparations associated with the putting in place of the Beach carpark memorial carving
• Discussion on a submission from a member to change the membership rule to more strongly emphasise property ownership
• Commercial use of parkland and the impact in particular of 'Canyoning'
• Proposals for separate ARC rating (Note presentation this evening)
• The role of the Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts on our community and the impact on that of the recent ballot on their monopoly position as regards liquor sales in Waitakere City.

3. Conclusion
KKRRT is a small organisation with a big impact. Resourced as we are with a very talented community of residents and ratepayers in one of the most beautiful places in the world, we are a fortunate organisation indeed. It gives me great satisfaction that we have operated successfully and effectively over this past year and that the potentially damaging divisions within the community that can degenerate at times to attacks on people instead of issues have been kept to a minimum.
We work best, I'd contend, when the community is united around issues that attract a broad consensus amongst us. The issues that we confront of course do not always allow for a tidy consensus to develop (witness the toilet issue as an example) and in such circumstances we must be very attentive to our processes and behaviour with one another. People who are divided by an issue today will find themselves united tomorrow on another matter and needing the common respect and regard for one another that will allow them to work together effectively. We mustn't burn bridges to one another through the fervour with which we attack issues.
In conclusion I would like to flag an issue that I believe has the potential to unite us in an effective campaign. That is the matter of seeking legislative protection for the Waitakere Ranges. This notion is sometimes labelled as the 'Heritage Park' project as it owes in part its origin to similar initiatives in other countries. In essence, the idea is to create a new category of land definition - Heritage Status - that creates responsibilities on all land-owners, both public and private, to protect the unique environment of a particular area, in this case the Waitakere Ranges. These responsibilities would be enshrined in legislation. When such legislation is in place the protection of the Waitakere Ranges could no longer be jeopardised by the election of a City Council that might wish to extend subdivision into the ranges due to the continuing pressure for housing land in Auckland. Other solutions would have to be found and the Waitakeres would be safe for our children and their children. Politically the time could not be better. In West Auckland we currently have the Speaker of the House, the Minister of Conservation, and other government MPs who will support such legislation if we press for it.
It is a big issue; I invite further debate on the matter this evening.

David Munro - Chair - April 2003

Lone Kauri School report
Lone Kauri School continued to thrive throughout 2002.
We produced three musicals that we performed for the local community to much acclaim and applause. With the profits from these endeavours the children, parents and Bev all went on a great trip to Miranda Hot Springs and the Thames butterfly house. These trips have a wonderful effect on everyone's relationships and really reinforce the family atmosphere back in the classroom.
Last weekend the senior children had a weekend camp at Big bay on the southern shores of the Manukau Harbour. Bev (our teacher and mentor) and her husband Sid have had a wonderful property there for many years and it has become a highlight for our older children to go there on a weekend school camp each year. This year was no exception. Twelve children had an absolute ball swimming, visiting the Manukau Heads lighthouse, and playing endless games of T-ball and tennis. The heavy rain on Saturday night was somewhat of a challenge for the Munro tent (never mind the fact that it has seen torrential rain on the Mulgrew property at Whatuwhiwhi many a time) and we had a few sodden children at 3am. Still, this is what camping is all about.
The unveiling of the commemorative carving for Kawerau a Maki was a really important event for our children. They all behaved impeccably singing into the dawn light playing their recorders and pulling the cover off the carving with due ceremony. Needless to say they all enjoyed the magnificent breakfast afterwards in the surf club. Special thanks to the ARC for their organisation of this fabulous event.
We approach next term with nineteen pupils (an ideal number for our physical environment) in good heart with endless news about the sporting and academic achievements of our ex-pupils.
On a personal level I just love dropping all the valley kids off on the paddocks of Jonathan's and seeing them all running down to school with such enthusiasm. What an idyllic start to their schooling life. And, after twenty years (come July) of doing this I reckon I know what I'm talking about.
In educational solidarity

Susie Butler (School Committee Chair)

Karekare Shellfish Survey
Our Rahui has now been in place for ten years on 2nd May this year. We now have a permanent protection under the Fisheries Act (1996) against the taking of all marine live excepting fin fish.
This year is the first year that we have not carried out an annual shellfish survey.
The reason for this is that we have passed the last 9 years of data over to Anna Madarasz, who is studying it as part of her M.Se thesis. She will analyse the data that the community have collected, and she will be able to direct our future efforts and advise us on better survey methods. 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.
Let's not 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 by the Government's commitment to establishing more marine reserves. This is something that Karekare and the West Coast communities should be enthusiastically supporting. Forest and Bird Society and WRPS are actively investigating marine protection for this coast and it is now time for the communities to have their say in the public discussion document available from F&B.
Karekare residents should be very pleased to be adjacent to the new Whatipu Scientific Reserve. 820 ha of Whatipu sand dunes have now been designated as the largest scientific reserve in the Auckland region. DOC have invested the management of this land with the ARC, and We can expect to see an improvement in weed and pest management very soon.
Honorary Fisheries Officer Karel Witten-Hannah report
I would like to introduce Anna Madarasz and ask her to say a few words about her research. Anna is studying environmental and marine ecology at Auckland University, and has chosen to study the rocky shore at Karekare for her MSc thesis.
John Edgar - Shellfish Survey Coordinator

Karekare Surf Patrol

2002/2003 has again been a good patrolling year. This years season will be ending at the conclusion of the school holidays on Sunday the 27th of April.
After the warnings of last year about swimming after patrol hours there has been a marked improvement in locals targeting the final hour of the patrol rather than after the patrol has departed. A worthy point to note is that 75% of rescues happen after 4pm. We would encourage that people continue to program their swimming activities to fall within the patrol hours.
In future years it is planned that the Patrol season will run from Labour weekend to the end of Easter or the end of the first term school holidays, which ever is later.
While a moderate season in terms of activity, the club has had good success in competition, the nipper program, patrolling and lifesaving awards. There have been two rescues nominated for rescues of the month. The club has also been working with a film company to record the recent history of surfing and lifesaving at Karekare. This will result in a documentary at some stage in the future.
We have also completed our club website and will be using this as a primary communications channel for the club, information about the club and beach.
With membership continuing to grow we are looking forward to a busy and exciting 2003/2004 patrol season.

Steve Pye President Karekare surf life saving patrol

Website report
Karekare.org.nz has been on-line now for 3 years. Mary Gardner started it two years ago, and we were fortunate to start up website team months before she left Karekare. We have made much progress in the last 12 months making the site more community-focused, with news relevant to us here in Karekare. After much thought and discussion we changed the design and navigation to make the site easier to find information on certain areas of the community. The goals we are consistently trying to achieve include:

• Consistent look throughout the site
• Clear format that focuses on the content
• Easy to navigate
• Good search facility
• An honest representation of the community with all local interests covered
• Simplicity that allows the site to be easily maintained
• Compatibility with various browsers
• A showcase design that inspires other communities

The new design began in September last year, we started by updating the existing Landcare and KKRRT sections. From there, we created new sections for other areas of the community such as: the Surf Club, the School, Fire Party and First Response. All were built with help from various people involved in these areas, thanksver much for your help. The Karekare Billboard is also available on-line every month.
We have also added an environment and history section, which would benefit from more work and research over the next year if anyone feels that they can help in this area, please contact any one of the members of the team as it is an area we have only covered briefly.
I have many enquiries to the webeditor from New Zealand and overseas asking for unusual things like environment employment opportunities and houses for sale or to rent, but also community enquiries about the beach horse races and Landcare events, so people are looking at us and we feel the site is reflecting what our interests are.
We would welcome any stories, pictures and photos from those who would like to contribute, as we cannot all be at every event, but we would like to record and note most of them on the site if possible.
Some future ideas for development are: a neighbourhood watch section, a directory or links to west coast or Karekare services, and a local trade & exchange service on-line. "Freespeak" the on-line chat room we have not been using and we will down load soon. We have decided to give the service to another Waitakere group called "wedge" who are interested in maintaining a chat room and are able to monitor the on-line conversations on a more regular basis.
visitor stats

Basically, the hits on the site have increased substantially, visitors significantly & pageviews hardly at all.
We are very lucky to have our community interests on-line for the world to notice that we are a working and active community that just happens to live by a pretty beach!

Julia Moore with Alan Moore, Mike Nixon and Mathew Grove - website team

West Coast Plan Liaison Group
This year the group addressed submissions to the ARC Parks management plan, WCC annual plan, commercial operations such as filming in the ranges, discussions regarding options for the protection of the Waitakere Ranges (including the foothills and coastal villages - in effect a Ranges Heritage Area), and the West Coast Marine Park.
Priorities for 2003 will be supporting the WCC Environmental Management Committee initiatives regarding Heritage Protection for the area and the RF&BS proposals for the West Coast Marine Park.
David Bryant