The Stephens Island wren became extinct because of the lighthouse keeper’s cat. The only European to ever see the Stephens Island wren alive was David Lyall, the lighthouse keeper on Stephens Island in 1894. Stephens Island is the northern-most island in the Marlborough Sounds. David Lyall reported that his cat had brought him 17 birds, which were all the same species (they were later named the Stephens Island wren). The cat hunted the wren, which could not fly, and the wren became extinct soon after it was discovered. In fact, the Stephens Island wren was discovered and then became extinct within the space of a year. Thanks to a cat!
Credits: Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of NZ)

I have a real soft spot for pets and have always shared my home with companions of the four-legged kind. But, while I generally love cats, there is one around that is fast turning this into very much a love-hate relationship. Around a week ago, a new cat appeared in the neighbourhood. It is large, ginger and clearly a tomcat. A tomcat looking for love can be a terribly noisy creature and this one has a voice that causes sleepless nights and teeth-grinding days. I don’t know much about cat mating habits, but I really hope that this tomcat gets the kind of loving he is looking for and moves on soon.

Papaioea Ward is the largest Ward in Palmerston North. It is the largest in area and, in June 2003, it was estimated that the population had reached 20,600 residents. Palmerston North’s population was estimated at 77,100 at that time.

I have represented Papaioea residents at the Council table since my inauguration in February 2003. Prior to this, I had spent three years as Deputy Chair of the Papaioea Ward Committee (which is a committee of council made up of the Ward councillors and six elected members of the local community).

Map of the Papaioea Ward of Palmerston North.

My involvement in our community includes:

*Palmerston North City Councillor (December 2002 - );
*Deputy-Chair, Papaioea Ward Committee (1998-2001);
*Member, Pit Park People Society, Inc.;
*Member, Executive Committee Age Concern (2004,2005);
*Member, Association of Justices of the Peace;
*Involvement with the Department of Labour, Community Employment Group, ICT Strategy team;
*Member, Historic Places Trust;
*Founding Member, FLAG;
*Creator of the Square Deal community web site
*Supporter of a number of community organisations.

Membership of Professional Organisations

Member, Information Technology Cluster, Vision Manawatu;

Member, Resource Management Law Association;

Member, New Zealand Institute of Management;

Lobbied the last council to distribute surplus council computers to schools and community groups. Perseverance won out and now council computers which are surplus to requirements are distributed to schools and non-profit community organisations. I am the only councillor involved in this project.

Instigated the installation of new mobility parking spaces in Milson and Hokowhitu.

Advocated over hospital area parking and took residents concerns to the Mid-Central District Health Board.

Instigated a review of the mobility parking regulations within the District Plan to assess compliance with NZ Standard 4121:2001.

This month sees the end of the first full Long Term Council Community Plan undertaken by this council and community. The LTCCP sets the direction we will be taking for the next ten years and also includes some longer-term projects that are scheduled to be progressively developed over a much longer period than that. As a council, we still have many more meetings and debates to go before we finalise the Plan and adopt it on 28th June. By law, the Plan must be adopted by 30th, so there is no leeway for anyone who wishes to derail the process.

I think there must be something genetic, something planted in the DNA before birth, that causes the blood to stir at the sounds of Scottish Pipe bands. Apparently, I have always loved the sounds. I know it takes a lot to prevent me attending our Highland Square Day every December. I suspect its the touch of Celtic in my genes that transports me whenever I hear the pipes and drums, so I am pleased as punch that the Mayor has asked me to represent her next week at the annual dinner of the Pipes and Drums of Palmerston North & Districts. It will be great to be there to show support, but, oh! How I am looking forward to enjoying hearing them play! I can’t think of a nicer thing to be doing on a cold winter’s night.

In June 2003 I joined the selection panel for the allocation of council’s surplus computers to community groups. The selection panel consisted of me, a council officer, and the Executive Officer of the Palmerston North Community Services Council, Inc. This was set up as a trial after almost two years of lobbying by me to get council to distribute surplus council computers to schools and community groups. The trial was a success and I am pleased to say that council is now committed to distributing their retired computers into the community.

It’s that time of year again folks. The silly season is upon us as many make preparations to be with friends and family for Christmas. For some of us, Christmas is not a good time of year and my thoughts and best wishes go out to everyone who finds this season difficult. I do not attend Christmas functions or do the “Christmas thing” as this is a time of great sadness for me and my family. However, while my Christmas ended when my husband was killed on the roads and laid to rest on Christmas Eve, I am still very pleased to see so many enjoying this season and our summer weather. Please take care on the roads.

I have had a question for the major political parties, which I thought appropriate to ask in the run-up to the General Election. I decided it was best to send my question by e-mail, not least because any response is then written and can be followed up if necessary.

In case you also have questions you would like put to the parties, I am listing the e-mail addresses of many of them here. Note: these are in no particular order.

policy@greens.org.nz - Greens

info@unitedfuture.org.nz - United Future

info@nzfirst.org.nz - NZ First

hq@national.org.nz - National