PAGE 10 Wednesday <strong>March</strong> <strong>25</strong> <strong>2020</strong> BAY HARBOUR Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Just in case you find yourself... A LITTLE BIT ISOLATED WE CAN HELP!!! Some great family indoor activitieS to Stop the boredom Setting in... COLOURING AND PAINTING BOOKS MIND PUZZLE BOOKS KIDS ACTIVITIES AND GAMES PUZZLES SOFT TOYS BOOKS – ADULTS AND KIDS 1005 Ferry rd Ph 384 2063 while stocks last (see instore for terms and conditions) Barry & kerry
Wednesday <strong>March</strong> <strong>25</strong> <strong>2020</strong> Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz BAY HARBOUR PAGE 11 News BIRDS OF THE ESTUARY Tanya Jenkins is the manager of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, a nonprofit organisation formed in 2002 to protect one of New Zealand’s most important coastal wetlands. Each week she introduces a new bird found in the estuary. Her column aims to raise the understanding of the values and uniqueness of the area. Innovative gull dominates other birds NOT FUSSY: The wide-ranging appetite of black-backed gulls has led to a large increase in numbers since their arrival in New Zealand. PHOTO: ANDREW CROSSLAND WORDS LIKE innovative, adaptable, cunning and survivors spring to mind when talking about the black-backed gull or karoro – the largest and most common gull species in New Zealand. They are found anywhere across the country in non-forested areas, from coastlines to high country farming areas. Since European arrival, numbers of these large birds have exploded due to the fact that they quite like the introduction of farms and especially landfills where these not too fussy eaters have done extremely well. With an appetite for anything from newborn lambs, rabbits, eggs and chicks from other bird species, landfill waste, public rubbish bin contents and fishing offal from fishing boats, numbers have increased from a few thousand to an estimated half million plus, with some colonies reaching up to 1000 birds. Carrying the disease salmonella, their waste can actually ‘pollute’ grassed areas which can be detrimental to farm animals and cause pollution in our waterways. In Christchurch with the closure of the Burwood Landfill in 2005 this bird has dispersed throughout the city where it manages quite well. In 2018, black-backed gulls managed to raid the chicks from every single nest of the critically endangered black-billed gull in Charlesworth Reserve and they have, understandably, not returned there since (and neither have other nesting birds such as the pied stilt). Due to the current risk of losing a number of other bird species in and around the estuary a black-backed gull management strategy is currently under review. Watch this space. How can we help prevent these birds from taking over the estuary? Please do not encourage these birds to stay here by making it just too easy for them by feeding bread or left-over fish and chips near the estuary. Safety a priority for all water-craft Navigational safety officer Gary Manch delivers his first Pirate’s Corner column for the year Wow – hasn’t the weather been great? And of course, all that good weather means that you boaties have been out and about, enjoying our region’s waterways. I am pleased that even with the increased number of boats on the water, complaints have been few and far between. However, there are still boaties out there who do not know the rules or choose to disregard them. One of the main complaints we hear is the speed of boats too close to the shore, other boats or swimmers. The rule is not that complicated; if you are within 50m of another boat or swimmer, keep your speed to a fast walking pace, without creating a wake. If you are within 200m of the shore, the same rule applies. It’s also timely to remind paddleboarders that you must wear a life jacket. The only exception is when you have a leg rope attached and the paddleboard is being used to surf. We are now in the fourth season of the need for vessels to be identified (Part 20 of the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2016). While progress has been a little slow, it’s great to see more and more boats complying. If you haven’t yet identified your boat, PWC or any other vessel, it’s time to get it sorted – there will come a time in the not too distant future where instead of a friendly chat to ensure compliance, we may have to issue infringements. Lastly, with Autumn round the corner and the weather starting to get colder, you might be keen on having something to do in the evening – have a look at the courses offered online through the coastguard. The Day Skipper, Boatmaster and Martime VHF Operator certificates can all be completed online and are well worth considering. To identify your vessel, visit www.ecan.govt.nz/do-itonline/harbourmasters-office/ recreational-boating or to look at courses offered through the coastguard, go to www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses Why are Enduring Powers of Attorney so important? Sell your home this summer! Relax in the sun and let me work for you The summer months are the peak selling time in our seaside suburbs so, if you are considering selling, call Chris today for the latest market news and a free appraisal of your home. Call today for professional, local advice on real estate Chris Moores Harcourts Grenadier Ferrymead 1020 Ferry Road P: 03 384 7950 | M: 027 588 4440 E: chris.moores@harcourts.co.nz Licensed Sales Consultant REAA 2008 GRENADIER With life full of constant surprises, it is important to consider whether you have arrangements in place for your affairs and your health should you be unable to manage them. Many people know what a Will is but not as many know the importance of also having Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOAs) in place. EPOAs are legal documents that grant another person (your Attorney) the ability to manage your property affairs and make decisions for your welfare on your behalf, should you be unable to do so due to accident, illness or mental incompetence. Many people also assume that their spouse/ partner or other family members can automatically take the reins if they lose capacity, but this is not the case. If EPOAs are not in place, an application needs to be made to the Family Court for Orders to appoint someone to assist you. This can be an expensive and time consuming process when urgent decision making is needed. Having EPOAs in place can then save you and your family a lot of stress and also ensure that you get to choose who looks after you and your affairs. The law on EPOAs states that lawyers must be engaged in the process of creating EPOAs to ensure that they are created properly, and that you are well informed and satisfied with the power you are giving to your attorney. Contact Charlotte Grimshaw to find out if EPOAs apply to you 03 940 2435 987 ferry rd, christchurch charlotte.grimshaw@saunders.co.nz
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