Bluff Road Now Open
We are delighted that Bluff Rd was able to be re-opened before Christmas to cyclists and pedestrians.
The photo above shows Bluff Road with the safety mesh installed, just prior to reopening.
Public Meeting THIS SUNDAY, 7 January at 3pm (at the Kuaotunu Hall)
KRRA (Kuaotunu Residents & Ratepayers Association) always holds a public meeting at this time of the year, so that our many absentee ratepayers have the chance to not only hear in person what's happening in the Kuaotunu area, but also have the opportunity to let KRRA know what their views are.
This year the KRRA committee is pleased to be able to celebrate a number of achievements where our advocacy efforts on your behalf have had a positive result, including:
- The re-opening of Bluff Rd to pedestrians & cyclists.
- The installation of the long-awaited bike rack and public notice board in the village.
- The new section of footpath at Kuaotunu West.
- New navigation lights on the hill above the boat ramp.
- The buoys being trialled at Kuaotunu beach.
- The new Penguin crossing signs.
The public meeting is not just about KRRA reporting on what it has been doing for the last 12 months - we also invite other entities such as the Kuaotunu Hall Committee, the Library Committee, the Rings Beach Wetland Group etc to report on their recent activities. It's also YOUR opportunity to raise any issues which may concern you about life in Kuaotunu, and to stay up-to-date with what's happening.
As you will be aware as a reader of this newsletter, the Committee has also worked hard this year to improve its communication with not only its members, but also with the entire Kuaotunu community. We have been heartened by the many expressions of appreciation for the newsletter, and by the fact that a large number of you have taken the opportunity to engage with us directly through our new website. We look forward to expanding on these initiatives in 2018.
Don't forget, 3pm this Sunday at the Kuaotunu Hall - we look forward to seeing you there!
New Buoys at Kuaotunu Beach
You may have noticed the three marker buoys that have been placed 200m offshore along Kuaotunu Beach. These are intended as a trial to see if they can be effective in keeping jet skis and boats well away from swimmers, and also to give the drivers of these vehicles a visual reminder of where they need to reduce their speed to 5 knots.
These buoys will be removed at the end of the holiday season (after Easter), at which point their effectiveness will be reviewed. If successful more may be placed at Kuaotunu West Beach in the future.
Update on the Rings Beach Reserve Track
Those of you who walk the Rings Beach Reserve track regularly will have noticed significant changes over the past few years due to the the felling of a large number of wilding pine trees. 
The initial focus was on the wetland area, to provide habitat for the fern birds and the other native birds re-entering the area. Soon It became obvious that elimination of all of the pines would be necessary in order to restore the reserve, over time, to a flourishing native forest.
In 2016, two donations from members of the Rings Beach Wetland group provided the funds for a much larger felling program, and additional donations supported a similar program in 2017. Donated funds of $25,000 have been spent thus far and it is estimated that a further $130,000 is required to complete elimination of all the pines in the reserve. The group applied for funds from the government initiative to eliminate wilding pines throughout the country, and has been granted $30,000.
If you are interested in contributing to this effort you can make a donation to the Rings Beach Wetland Group via the Coromandel Peninsula Coastal Walkways Society's bank account, 03-0458-0252250-00. Please enter "Rings Beach tree felling" as the reference.
With your help, the Rings Beach Wetland group can restore more vistas like this one:
Rubbish Compactor Now Installed
The new solar-powered rubbish compactor was installed at the boat ramp just prior to the summer influx of visitors.
A $2 coin opens a chute where you can deposit a bag of rubbish. It is expected to be the first of several to be installed at sites around the Coromandel Peninsula.
Final Reminder: FREE Kiwi Aversion Sessions for Dogs on Saturday 13 January
Saturday 13 January 2018 - 8:30am to 12:30pm
The sessions take approximately 10 minutes per dog and they are free. To book one of these sessions, or to register your interest in future sessions, please email Sheila at avertmydog@projectkiwi.org.nz or text her on 021 716514 with the number of dogs to be trained. The venue is Waitaia Rd, Kuaotunu (follow the signs).
Sheila Westley is running these sessions as part of her voluntary contribution to the Project Kiwi Trust, but please feel free to donate a little to the Project Kiwi Trust, either on the day or via their website, www.projectkiwi.org.nz.
Don't Miss It - 10 Artists Exhibition at the Kuaotunu Hall
This Auckland Anniversary weekend 10 artists who live, work or holiday in and around Kuaotunu are having an exhibition of their combined works at the Kuaotunu Hall.
From weaving to painting, photos to sculpture, there will be something to interest everyone, so please come along and support our local creative people.
With your support and encouragement this event will become an annual event in Kuaotunu.
Get in Touch
We welcome your feedback on anything to do with this newsletter, or Kuaotunu itself. You can either reply to this email or contact us through our website.
You don't need to be a member of KRRA to receive this newsletter, but if you appreciate the work we do on your behalf and would like to have your opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of this wonderful community we call home, please join KRRA today.