Eye on Kope

He Who Mistreats His Guests, Has A Dusty Marae

2012-01-16T22:45:00.003+13:00

The Whakatane District Councils approval of the Whakatane Visitor Information Centre relocation is ineptitude at its finest. A signature move from a group of Councillors that continue to display that they're not only out of touch with a large percentage of their constituents, but that their short-sightedness knows no bounds.

Whakatane has long-struggled to attract tourists. Without the hard work of local tourism operators who paved the way, visitors would be rolling along that old Auckland-Wellington tour bus route; One day in Auckland, one day at Waitomo Caves, one day in Rotorua and one day in Wellington is how a lot of North Island package deals were sold to tourist when I worked for a large tour bus company. An East Coast excursion was an add-on that we struggled to sell even with my championing of White Island tours, East Coast diving and yarns with true-blue locals. The fact was, and still remains that Whakatane is a remote outpost in the eyes of tourists.

What a great way to repay the visitor with the sense of adventure to try our slice of paradise. Let's move the VIC away from it's location that literally frames our greatest attraction: the ocean. Let's move the main source of visitor information away from the major bus stop in the town. The next time you're going to stay with relatives, try parking ten minutes away and lugging all of your gear to their house.

I've worked in an Information Centre. One that, when I started, was in the middle of a multimillion dollar upgrade by the very same people who designed Whakatane's new Museum and Library building. We worked out of a prefab, plonked to the side of the i-Site being built, with no public toilets and at times no functioning bus stop. Tourists were frustrated, confused and bewildered that we couldn't provide them with the services they needed once they arrived in the city. The bus drivers took to dropping visitors directly to their accommodation, bypassing our services and reducing our bookings and lowering our earnings.

Whakatanes new Library and Exhibition centre is being purpose-built. No where on the plans did I see any mention of an Information Centre. To squeeze this service into the new building to save a couple of bucks is incredibly short-sighted. The Councillors that voted for this relocation for the sake of $48 000 in annual savings obviously don't know the value of word of mouth. The value of treating your visitors well can equal them telling their friends and family back home or their fellow tourists they meet in a backpackers in the next town.

We need to encourage visitors to our town and sell our point of difference: our beautiful CBD with views to Whale and White Islands, our friendly people and a great little information centre at the heart of it all.

Tangata takahi manuhiri, he marae puehu.

Can someone please edit this into a letter to the editor for me? Many thanks.

2012

2012-01-13T12:03:00.001+13:00

Might be doing something this year.

If you're down to read, I'm down to write.

Happy 2012!

I-Site To Move?

2011-12-14T22:10:00.002+13:00

Do me a favour and don't move the Information Centre into the new library/museum building. That is 100% ridiculous.

Whoever is pushing for that is eleven types of wrong. What is wrong with people?

Small Town Economy

2011-09-26T09:09:00.001+13:00

Ever get the feeling that the money just moves around the same circles in this town?

How you been?

Goodnight Sweet Prince

2010-09-30T09:00:00.000+13:00

Now is the hour for me to say goodbye.

Eye On Kope has been running for two year as of tomorrow. It's been great fun and as I mentioned in an earlier post, I've achieved more than I imagined I could.

$1 Pies has been a great art project and although I tried quite hard to keep my identity secret, it wasn't long before people figured it out. I think there has been a distinct change in the tone of the posts since I was in the paper and people started realising who I was. It just became harder and harder to write from an aloof perspective.

My hope is that you've enjoyed reading the updates and that they have made you think about this area we live in. Hopefully it has inspired you to do something to better this town or better the poeple in it. Maybe it didn't, that's OK. If it made you go out and buy a pie from New World, that's good too.

The comments were the thing that made the blog worthwhile and I want to thank our regulars for all their comments. Often times their writing was better than the article they were commenting on and they were hilarious to boot. Thank you to everyone who commented.

Thank you to everyone who supported the various things I did in conjunction with the blog. The people who bought t-shirts, attended the Soda & Slice night, downloaded the mp3s and picked up the zine. Thank you very much.

To the local media who not only covered my exploits from time to time, but provided 99% of the content that formed this blog - thank you so much. I have been so busy lately and every day I see stories that I want to write about and comment on. The work done by the various people at The Beacon and the 1XX Newsdesk has made this blog what it is. Thank you.

To anyone who has read the blog, recommended it to their friends, linked it or sent me hate mail. Thank you very much.

Thank you to my wife and family for putting up with me writing blog posts every night when I should have been doing other things like dishes, helping with homework and the rest of it.

Thank you to youall for making Eye On Kope such a success.

Kind regards,

$1 Pies
(Abraham Larsen)

Boy Does Good

2010-09-22T09:05:00.000+12:00

How about Boy smashing it at the New Zealand Film and Television Awards? Hard out.

I really need to see that movie again, but from memory it was good and those seven awards are very much deserved.

Chips Ahoy!

2010-09-22T09:00:00.002+12:00

Sometimes I bike home from work and I look around the town and just marvel at what a beautiful place it is and how it is filled with beautiful people.

The news that one of the finalists in that one competition to come with a new flavour of chips is from Whakatane is just the icing on the cake.

I for one think that Butter Chicken chips are a brilliant idea. I was going to enter 'Roast Potatoes with Aioli & Tomato Sauce' but I thought I might be alone on that one.

If you see the chips for sale in town, please let a honky know.

Well done Tiina Sirkku.

New Zealand's Next Top Modull

2010-09-21T09:10:00.001+12:00

Try and say that with a Kiwi accent.

I watched this program for the first time ever the other night. Crazy that Danielle Hayes from K-Town is on it. I love the whole 'I was used to jandals' angle, makes for great TV. Wouldn't dream of spending my hard earned cash voting though. Haha.

Good luck eh bays.

Tony Bonne: Mayor v2.0

2010-09-21T09:05:00.000+12:00

Not that I'd ever vote for the guy, but this article on Tony Bonne answered a lot of questions.

I missed this one in the Beacon some how.

Election Madness

2010-09-21T09:00:00.000+12:00

Well well well, what a time we are living in. Everything has a electioneering spin on it. Turn on the radio, it's campaign adverts and interviews with candidates. Read the paper and it's articles on Mayoral hopefuls and the like.

Soon enough we will need a break from it all but in the meantime, it's been good times reading through the booklet about the candidates and hearing the banter in the staff room.

I've already cast my votes and I think I've chosen the best people for the job. Actually, I feel like there wasn't a Mayoral candidate taht ticked all the boxes for me. There was one who came very, very close but I couldn't bring myself to vote for them. Instead, I voted for my second choice and I guess that's just the way it goes.
I guess you can't have it all can you?

This might ruffle a few feathers but it has to be said. I know too many people are tip-toeing around this issue so let's just lay it on the line. My first choice for Mayor was Pouroto Ngaropo. I don't know the guy from Adam but I like his candidate material, outlining his views and promises. It's right up my alley. I hear he is a good orator and I don't doubt it. I would hope that he could use that skill to unite the two worlds he says he deals with. Maori and Pakeha, he connects with both - I get that.

My main problem with him is his "one voice, one heart, one mind, one spirit, one vision, one people and one community" slogan. It's nice and all, but it's missing 'one law'. If Judy Turner dug up her grandmothers necklace she'd be in jail.

I can't vote for someone who claims to move between two cultural paradigms but didn't take the fall for what they did. Even if they seem like the best candidate for the job.

Vote wisely brothers and sisters.

Loud Shirt Day

2010-09-17T09:00:00.001+12:00

Today is Loud Shirt Day and I'm taking part.

Please donate to the cause by dropping some shraps in the box I have at Phoenix Health on Pyne Street. If I get more than five donations I'll post a picture of my horrendous shirt for the world to see. If you know me and my daily routine to Vendor Cafe at around 11am, you'll see me looking stupid. It's for a good cause.

Dig deep. Shot bro.

Caption Contest XII

2010-09-17T09:00:00.000+12:00

Wow you still come here? Awesome!

You know the deal take your pick, specify either photo 1 or photo 2.

Steamers & Shakers

2010-09-07T09:05:00.000+12:00

That Christchurch earthquake is crazy and my thoughts go out to all the Cantabs affected.

It was interesting listening to the news reports this morning and hearing the angles people were talking about. For me, the main angle was that it brought back a lot of memories for me. I was only five at the time of the 1987 earthquake but I remember the actual quake as if it was yesterday. It made such an impact - not just on my memory but on our antique china collection.

So if you're looking at the images on the news or in the paper and it's bringing up some memories for you - I'm in the same boat. It sucks for the people of Christchurch and I guess we are in a good position to know how they are feeling. Sucks a lot.

I never would have picked Christchurch as the next place to have an earthquake.

Wananga Gets The Green Light

2010-09-07T09:00:00.000+12:00

Yoooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I'm back. For how long, who is to know? I'm trying to be out of here by October the 1st but it would be nice to hit 600 posts before then. We'll see. Sorry I was away last week, you can blame that on the radio station. Sigh.

This wananga story hit around the time I started to go a.w.o.l and I suspect I don't know all the facts. What I do know is that I love the old Apanui School building and I believe there are plans to move it, that's a shame.

The rest of the plans, well they don't really bother me but maybe that has something to do with the fact that they're not happening on my street. Still, I watch this one with interest. I've noticed that the wananga use so many different buildings around town. They're probably keeping the developer of that George St apartment blocks happy. But to have all their services under one roof would be a good look - is that the plan?

Wow, this is quality journalism right here; go to write about a story and realise that I know nothing about it and get you to fill me in. That's how it's done baby! Eye On Kope!

Caption Contest XI

2010-08-27T09:05:00.000+12:00

It's that time of week folks! This one almost writes itself, but give it a go.

"Lead in Trident High School's Othello gives wooden performance"

Beacon Photograhy at LIFE Status

2010-08-27T09:00:00.000+12:00

When I retire I want to live in a bach at Tirohanga Beach. I will have a home studio in the spare room and I'll record an album about learning to surf and how cool it is that my kids have grown up to start their own community-minded blogs.

One of the other things I've always thought of doing when I retire is to read every single LIFE magazine photography book ever made. I used to love borrowing the 'Best of 1960s LIFE Magazine' from the Whakatane Library when I was a little lad and buzz out over the incredible pictures of technical developments and smoking hot hippie broads with no tops on. I was thirteen so I think I get a pass.

One day they should do a Beacon Photography book and this should be on the cover. Ultimate ultimate photo! Well done.

Uphill Battle for Growth

2010-08-26T09:00:00.002+12:00

The 1XX News Room stays winning and sometime I wish they could write longer articles. Obviously their journalistic skill is right up there and some stories require a TIME magazine-esque article.

This was a great story but I wish it was longer. It could be a great in-depth article for LOOK Magazine or something - someone make it happen!

Apparently the Whakatane District Council is about to sign off the Urban Growth Strategy. Sounds serious. When I was a little boy my father used to say that one day Whakatane would join up with Tauranga and we'd live in a city. In a childs mind that seemed pretty plausible and pretty exciting too. These days it doesn't seem likely or as appealing. The day Coastlands becomes Papamoa South, I'm buying a bach in Tirohanga Beach and starting up www.eyeontirohanga.co.nz - I swear.

But, it is inevitable that Whakatane will grow and unfortunately we have two things hindering the sprawl of our town.

The first is the fact that we have a moat around us. The river is basically the seat belt that restrains our development. We've built right up to it and there is nowhere else to go but across the water. What to do, what to do? Desecrate an urupa and building a Burger Fuel along from Piripai? Possibly. Put a bridge by Trident and turn Paroa into the next 'hot' suburb? Yeah bro. The other options are up in the hills around the dump and Hillcrest Cemetery - there is some great real estate up there but I truly believe at the end of the day we will find ourselves in the same position: having to build across the river.

The second problem is the whole N.I.M.B.Y attitude - Not In My Back Yard (Shout to Peter 'Toots' Tootell). Everyone wants a Burger Fuel, a ten pin bowling alley and a shopping mall. But do they want it next door to them, or on their street? Not on your nellie! Whakatane-ites need to figure a way to get over this so that we can not only get bigger but we can get incredible burgers and the best soy malt shakes money can buy from Burger Fuel. Let's pull together as a town and make this happen.

I propose we hold a meeting and gather ideas of where we can build in order to increase the population base, and the economy, of our town - but you can't hold it at my place.

Hows The Serenity?

2010-08-26T09:00:00.000+12:00

So much serenity...

Candidates For Local Council

2010-08-25T09:10:00.000+12:00

The bro sent me this the other day - it's a website showing all the different council candidates and which ward/positions they are standing for.

I don't know about you but there only seems to be one decent candidate and I guess I'm biased.

Also, I don't know what it is but Julie Jukes doesn't seem right to me. Something about posing in the paper with your bros - just doesn't sit right with me. Still, good luck to her.

Graeme Hanlen I'm not mad at. I'm thinking very seriously about voting for him. But like I've asked before, is he just Colin Holmes Lite?

Tony Bonne I hear good things about but I'm reserving my judgement until I read the little booklet that comes with my voting papers - they still do that right? That 'Lose the weight and keep the gear' advert is putting me right off haha.

I'm know sweet f.a about Ian Shearer. I know he didn't want the pensioner housing to be sold and stood up on that issue. I also know that he stepped in and answered the tough questions posed to Tony Bonne in a letter to the Beacon. Tuff Gong.

Judy Turner is a good pick - she's got central government experience and she fought tooth and nail to keep Environment Bay of Plenty in Whakatane. Mean as.

In terms of District Council, it's Christine Larsen all the way.

Who are you voting for?

Walkway Wins Award

2010-08-25T09:05:00.001+12:00

This is old news sorry. But this story has been in my bookmarks folder since it happened and I just haven't had a chance to write about it.

That river walk is awesome. I've been running it at about 11pm on week nights to get fit and it's awesome. It's well lit, it's got an incredible outlook, even in the dead of night and it's a real credit to our town.

Congratulations to everyone involved for giving us such an awesome resource that hopefully encourages more people to get out there and get active - or get home from town quicker. Choice as.

Rugby Without Haka = Without

2010-08-25T09:00:00.003+12:00

There's a better way to write that title but I'll let you fill in the gaps. Big shout to the Bacon for their title 'Haka Hoo Haa' - love it!

Call me old-fashioned or maybe it has something to do with being on the sidelines of Taneatua vs Ruatoki or Paroa vs Waimana J.A.B games, but not letting the little tikes do haka? Wrong, so wrong.

Back in the old days Maori students used to get the strap for speaking Te Reo in the classroom and it quite possibly had something to do with the dying off of the language. To me, this is not too far removed from the same principle. Remove the haka, the culture, and it'll die off. For a lot of kids, the haka is their identity, it's their team, their whanau, their culture, their being.

To make them do it in the changing rooms is sacrilege and ultimately pointless. I really hope that the teams around here continue to do it and tell the people North of Bombay Hills to pull their bloody heads in.

Are children under 14 emotionally equipped to deal with the haka and understand it's importance and purpose? Maybe not, but explaining the tikanga behind it is the easy solution to that.

I avoided writing about this for a while because it gets me riled up. What do you guys think about this?

Bonus Over 14 Rugby Haka Footage:

Project Kope = Good Times

2010-08-24T09:10:00.001+12:00

One of the bummers about this blogging gig is that it doesn't pay the bills. I have a day job and in the evenings I write this here blog. The day job and the family and all those other commitments stop me from doing what I would really like to do with the blog and that's attend and review events.

A doozy would have been Project Kope. As a proponent for change in Whakatane's coolest suburb, it was right up my alley and I was sorry to miss it. Luckily it seems as though the initiative was attended by a wide cross section of the community who shared their ideas and vision for Kopeopeo. Sounds like there were some great ideas garnered and these will be presented to the potential council candidates. All in all, it was a great idea and it was pulled off well.

Shot to everyone who attended and contributed. And a big shout to Aunty Christine for going hard - proud as.

Council Tickets In Public Car Parks

2010-08-24T09:05:00.000+12:00

This is an interesting wee story here. Russell Orr has called out the Council for using their resources to ticket people parking illegally in private (read: business) car parks.

It's interesting because on the one hand, council parking wardens are more than qualified to deal with people without disability cards parking in disabled parks. They have the skills, the resources and the experience to be able police those rascals.

But the question is does the Council have the legal right to police private car parks? Does their jurisdiction cover supermarket car parks and the like? That's a great question. From reading the article, the answer is no.

So are the businesses contracting the wardens to do this or are the parking wardens ticketing in private car parks on the Councils dollar? Cause if so, our rates are paying council employees to do work for local businesses. I mean, why not get them to act as trolley boys at the same time? Can't the businesses flow the council some money for this service or something? Sure they get the proceeds of the fine, but damn bro!

Top marks to Russell Orr for bringing this interesting issue to light.

Dodgy Dental Dealings

2010-08-24T09:00:00.000+12:00

Hows that for a schmaltzy title? I'm all about it!

I picked this story breaking about two months ago when I heard an advert on 1XX urging people to choose a qualified dental technician to fit their dentures. Crack up.

So now it's broken and it seems someone out there is practising that sweet denture love without having their ticket. Bit naughty. My favourite thing about it? How 1XX took the higher ground and didn't name the business breaking the rules. That's really nice of them. I'm wondering if I'm sposed to be following the same tack?

I'm interested to see how this story pans out. Local scandal ++!

Grand Master In The Making

2010-08-23T09:05:00.000+12:00

Let's start the week off on a good note then shall we?

The bro and I were talking about kids these days, society and all the worlds problems - trying to solve it over a beer. We talked about apathy seems like the way of the walk these days and people are pretty happy to just sit on their arse and let life pass them by. We both lamented how the youngsters need a boot up the backside to get them to do something with their life. We pondered if it was going to take something drastic for the youth to stand up and make a change. Turns out we were wrong burgers.

Toiroa Williams bummed us both out by seizing life with two hands and caning it.

Not only did he freestyle, 8-mile style, to take out second place in a national speech competition - he's Head Boy at Opotiki College, goes hard in rugby and is possibly chasing Grand Master status in the school Chess team. Bad ass!

Toiroa, we salute you. When the baby-boomer, Woodstock generation get geriatric, people like Master Williams will hopefully be fixing all the mistakes they made when they turned their back on that peace and love shit.

Welcome Back!

2010-08-23T09:00:00.000+12:00

So my ratings took a bit of a hit thanks to me taking the week off unannounced to do radio station stuff. Sorry about that.

So, I'm going to see what I can do for you this week and we'll see if we can get some of our numbers out.

PS: Still on the look out for someone to take over the blog come October. Have a think about it.

Flooding: Over It

2010-08-17T09:05:00.000+12:00

Can someone please explain this for me.

We have had lots of flooding. It has sucked. Obviously we can't do anything about the actual weather, but is there something we can do about the flooding? I feel like I'm missing something. Has it been flooding so often because of something that hasn't been done or is it a totally blameless situation?

The only reason I ask is because I overheard someone complaining about how the council hadn't sorted out the stop banks and I have to admit I wasn't too sure what they meant.

Go brainy people, go!

Triple AAA Soul

2010-08-17T09:00:00.001+12:00

October 1st will mark our two year anniversary as well as my retirement. Two years is a good time to bow out I think.

There was also another reason I chose this date and that was because the nominations for the local Triple AAA awards close at the end of August and the award ceremony is in Novemember. The hope was that this timing would give people the idea to nominate this site for a Triple AAA community award or some such.

There is only one hole in my plan; there is no award that suits the site this time around. What a bummer! For everything else, you can vote here.

Astronomical Society Turns 50!

2010-08-13T09:05:00.000+12:00

Been a bit slack with the stories as I've got a lot on my plate putting things in place for my retirement.

The Whakatane Astronomical Society has turned 50. It's incredible to think that 50 years ago a group of people had the idea to form a society with the sole purpose of looking at the stars. Humans have been looking up since time began I imagine. What is it? Why is it there? Man I got the munchies.

I don't know about you, but looking at the stars brings a certain amount of calmness into my life and I really look at it as a meditative act. The society has been looking up for answers for 50 years. In a time when one of the world's foremost minds is saying that the only hope for our races survival is to colonise other planets - 50 years experience is going to come in handy.

Well done to the team. Keep rocking in the free world and doot do do doot doot?

Caption Contest X

2010-08-13T09:00:00.000+12:00

For some reason I can't find the story that goes with this image on the Beacon website. Suck. But it was basically about an event that is being thrown called 'What Women Want' or something to that effect. The organiser is looking for some attractive men to dress up in waistcoats and be waiters for the women attending the event.

I found it funny that What Women Want is so hard to find. But then I thought that might be taken the wrong way decided not to write about it.

Instead, have a caption contest

DPB Capital

2010-08-12T09:05:00.000+12:00

Maaaaaan. Can't we be known as the 'Awesome Capital', or 'Ice Cream Sundae Capital' or something?

It's interesting that such a big deal is being made about this. In my mind the Domestic Purposes Benefit is a god send for a lot of people. I'm sure if it wasn't for it, I would've been another malnourished kid in Taneatua taking jelly crystals for lunch to school.

If it was the Unemployment Benefit then yeah, it would be cause for concern. But the DPB to me represents something else. Sure, if people are using it as a career choice that's not great but on the real, how many women out there are actually doing that?

My other question is, if the government made it easier to earn money while on the benny, do you think the numbers would be so high? Or the amount of money that was being paid out. I mean they encourage people to work but if you're on the DPB or the dole you get taxed by ridiculous amounts and it makes it more worthwhile to sit at home playing Play Station instead of stacking shelves at Pak N Save.

It's a tough one and as I say, I don't know if I'm entirely outraged by these facts. More the idea of us being coined the capital of something that has a negative connotation.

Project Kopeopeo

2010-08-12T09:00:00.000+12:00

Guys I really dropped the ball on this one.

Today is the day of Project Kopeopeo. Hopefully you saw the Beacon article yesterday about the initiative.

As we all know, Kope is looking run down and is basically going to the dogs fast. There doesn't seem to be a clear strategy to make it better but with your help, ideas and input - we might be able to come up with something.

Between 9:00am and 5:30pm today you can go to the old Post Office building in King Street and pitch your ideas. It's a great way of getting our community thinking about ways to better our streets, better our surroundings and in turn, better our people.

As they say 'Our community holds the answers'.

$8.2 Million Dollars

2010-08-11T09:05:00.000+12:00

My wife never lets me get the groceries because I suck at sticking to the shopping list and end up buying things we don't need. Chocolate sauce? Yes. Chocolate lamington log? Yes. 24 of Coke? Yes.

Can you imagine what she'd do if I spent $8.2 Million more than I was sposed to. I'd get voted off the island lickey split.

Seriously. Who voted for these people? Me? You?

Who's up for another $8.2 mil?

Construction At The Heads

2010-08-11T09:00:00.000+12:00

The other day my son and I were getting a little one-on-one time down at The Heads. His Mum was grumpy and his little brother was stealing all his toys so we jumped in the car to go climb the rock wall and pull brown eyes at the incoming boats.

Once we got down there we saw that there was some serious construction going on. We both wondered out loud at what was being built? A McDonalds? A Tennis Court? A new Indian-A-Rama? - as he calls it.

Turns out we were wrong burgers, but still, it was a fun afternoon.

But a facelift for The Heads? A facelift! Come on son! A great idea for a facelift would be to not have a monstrous apartment building down there fucking up the view, the carpark and that whole area for the rest of us. Facelift, pfffft.

Pizza At Vendor Cafe

2010-08-10T09:10:00.000+12:00

Quitting this blog and buying the radio station with my wife has made me really question what I'm doing with my life.

Basically, this town can drive me crazy, like the rest of you. But instead of being someone who says "Nothing ever happens here, it's way better in [insert lame town here]", I decided to make the changes I wanted to see happen. As Oprah says, "Become the change you want to see". That'll be my election campaign motto when I run for mayor.

So when I see someone doing something to make a change, I try my absolute hardest to support. Farmers Markets on a Sunday? Yeah bro, if I'm not hung over. And now, Pizza by the slice? Yeah co, if I have any spare change.

For the longest time I wanted to start up a Pizza Slice Cafe and just sell huge slices of Pizza and cans of soda like the do in New York City. So when I saw that Christine and her team were doing this, I spent the last of my shrapnel. You should too.

Mean!

Four Bad Apples

2010-08-10T09:05:00.002+12:00

The Independent Police Conduct Authority confirmed what we all know to be true - The four Police (I don't even know why I'm giving them a capital letter here) officers who dealt with Rawiri Falwasser used unnecessary force.

Here's what I know; I wasn't there and I've only seen sped up footage with no sound and no real context. So the intricate details of the event, I'm not too clear on. For that reason I don't think I can make any informed comment.

I know Rawiri from school and when this happened I was like "Nah, there has to be another Rawiri". It was unfathomable to me that Rawiri would even do anything that necessitated him being restrained by the police. It was unthinkable. So obviously something went seriously wrong there.

The thing that is extremely obvious to me, and to most people, is that if someone is in a holding cell, there is no need to use any force. They are contained so they are only a threat to themselves. The police were out of harms way so they didn't need to pepper spray, in my opinion, and they really could have just left him to chill out instead of aggravating the situation by acting like a pack of thugs.

The other thing that is plain to see is that Rawiri required specialist attention because of whatever mental state he was in. Clearly the four police officers involved were way out of their depth and really, at least one of the four of them should have seen that the situation wasn't getting any better with their current technique. With their combined years of experience they should have able to put together a better plan of action than torturing a detained person.

I don't know about you, but I look at the police as upholders of the law and I expect them to be competent at their job. If you can't see that constantly spraying a detained offender with pepper spray isn't working, then frankly you shouldn't be a police officer anymore.

The worst thing about this whole saga is that there are a lot of great police officers here in Whakatane and these four people have put a huge black mark on the local force, not to mention, done wonders for the increasing 'Fuck The Police' sentiment that is so prevalent in our community. In other words, those four officers made their colleagues jobs that much harder because they used incredibly poor judgement.

So will the two remaining officers be let go from the force?

Like A Hole In The Head

2010-08-10T09:00:00.001+12:00

Maybe I should have left this one up to the experts but it seems to me that having another liquor outlet in Kopeopeo is like having another McDonald's in Dallas, Texas.

Clearly our area, like others, has a problem with alcohol. One look at our Court News section of the Beacon can paint a good picture. If anything, Kope needs one less alcohol outlet.

This article in The Beacon gives a lot more detail about those opposed and the enterprising businessman who is applying for the sale of liquor licence. It does not surprise me that this person is from out of town. Ask anyone who is scooping these kids off the streets after run ins with alcohol, talk to the families who are losing relatives to drunk drivers, or talk to any sober person outside the pubs at closing time. The last thing this town needs is more liquor outlets.

I really don't know another way to put it.

Reaching: Tony Ryalls Photos

2010-08-05T09:05:00.000+12:00

I think we touched on this briefly (pause) a few months ago. It's like the latest trend for media outlets to expose politicians, councils and other government agencies for their spending habits.

Sure, if an MP is racking up the 'Anal Doctor 4' movie in his hotel room, that's wrong but is it news-worthy? Who's to know.

This story about Tony Ryall spending $85 on getting photos taken is a reach. I mean, is this a story at all?

Sorry 1XX, I love you guys, but this spending seems legitimate to me. I guess a part of me wishes I had $85.00 to spend on photos of myself - I'd be giving Troy Baker and Robot Bill a call in seconds flat.

Newsflash: EBOP Pulled The Longest Swifty Ever

2010-08-05T09:00:00.000+12:00

So let me get this straight; Environment Bay of Plenty were wrong to go ahead with their relocation plans without taking the public opinion into consideration.

Now that it's a few years down the track and the majority of people who were relocating for the jobs have moved, or quit - what does this mean now? Is it a moral victory? Is it a 'Yes we did it!'. Or is it a try and reverse the whole decision and keep them here in Whakatane?

Pretty damn crazy. It never seemed right to me, and a whole bunch of dedicated people too. Well done to them, glad my rates went towards something awesome.

So where do we go from here?

BSide FM Has A Facebook Page

2010-08-03T09:05:00.000+12:00

Facebook is the devil. I should know, I spent four years denouncing it saying I would never ever join, then joined two weeks ago and have logged on every single day since! They should just call it Crackbook and be done with it.

Anyways, the point of this update is to say that BSide FM Whakatane has a Facebook page. If you're on the ol' FB, friend us up or 'like' or whatever the kids call it. We are going to try and use it as a tool to see what sort of music people want to hear, what time they want to hear that music and we're going to debut our new logo on there and see what people think. Basically it's going to be our sounding board and we'd love to have you over for the party.

If you're on the crack, you can find us here. But if you're not on Facebook, don't join, whatever you do.

"I Am Iron Man, Dinna Dinna Dinnada Vote For Me"

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000+12:00

Special bonus points if you know where the quote in the title comes from.

The bro sent this to me today and I have to say, it's an amazing tool. The Department of Internal Affairs have put together a nifty website that is basically an Hitchhikers Guide to Local Body Elections. It's radical.

Want to know who you can vote for in the various different elections coming up? Want to know how long you have to vote? Want to know something else - this website is probably your best bet.

The local content is a bit lacking (Malcolm Whitaker FTW!) but it's an incredible resource that I fully encourage you to check out.

(Big shout Chandra)

Toast + EyeOnKope = BSideFM

2010-07-30T09:00:00.002+12:00

Yes, I can finally confirm Whakatane's worst kept secret.

Once EOK closes it's windows, I'll be teaming up with the very talented and beautiful TOAST on a new project.

Earlier this year when I made the decision to stop EOK I started thinking about the next step. I wanted to buy BSideFM, our local alternative radio station, but I didn't have the means to buy it. Fast forward about three weeks ago and the opportunity came up. After some furious negotiation, a lot of favours and a lot of promises, it looks as though we'll be ready to roll in September.

As it gets closes to September we'll give you a few more details and ease you into the transition.

Just want to give you a heads up. It's going to be a hard slog but the Mrs and I think we'll be able to do it.

Thanks to everyone who has helped us get to this point.

1XX: Maori Language Week

2010-07-29T09:05:00.001+12:00

Kia Ora Koutou.

Yeah that's all I got. Just wanted to give a big clappity clap to 1XX for their Maori Language Week content. Olivia Wix is killing it with the news introductions and outros. Really top, top notch work.

We noticed.

Zero Alcohol Equals Zero Court News

2010-07-29T09:00:00.000+12:00

You know what? Take away alcohol-related offences and alcohol-related driving offences and your Court News is going to be about two entries.

According to the annual crime statistics assaults in public places are on the rise in the Eastern Bay. No shit? I wonder where alcohol figures in these... figures. I mean, how many of them would end up in the court news starting off like this:

"A night on the town turned into three months prison for ***** ******-******. After being asked to leave a local bar for being disorderly Mr ******-******* became abusive at which stage the police were called. Mr ******-******* was charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest" - it's chronic.

Sure, times are tough and tempers are flaring left right and centre, but is it possible that there is some sort of correlation between alcohol and people punching people's throats in?

When was the last time you read this in the Court News?

"A four hour session on the bucket bongs resulted in three months prison for ***** *********. After buying pies from a local service station Mr ******** ran into an man he previously had an altercation with".

I know right?

Moana Mackey In The House!

2010-07-28T09:05:00.001+12:00

I just wanted to talk this opportunity to show off that Moana Mackey commented on my blog.

Another goal ticked off the list.

Mutton Dressed As Lamb

2010-07-28T09:00:00.000+12:00

A well-known fact is that I applied for a job with the local Economic Development Board before returning back to Whakatane.

You see, I had been living in Nelson for four years and worked very closely with the towns domestic marketing department, not to mention the arts marketing department. All fired up on what I had been doing there I thought I could bring my new found knowledge and passion for Whakatane to the EDB and make things happen in this town. Unfortunately I got shot down and now here I am with Whakatane's 4th Most Popular Blog. Has been a success? Have I made as much of an impact doing this as I would've down on the EDB? You tell me.

I know one thing - sprucing up the CBD just to get some shops filled would not have been my course of action. Still, I'm sure they all know what they're doing.

Air NZ CEO Sells Out

2010-07-27T09:05:00.001+12:00

You know, ever since reading 'Love Marks' by Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide CEO, Kevin Roberts, I've been interested in high-profile CEOs.

Why? I don't know. At the time I was working in an organisation that turned over millions of dollars a year and we had a CEO who basically had a team of people around him to do whatever he wanted. He was an incredible leader, a visionary and even better - was surrounded in a great team who made all his ideas come true. I think I aspire to be in a position where I can round up a team of talented people to bring my ideas into fruition while I sit back and make the executive decisions and collect a big pay check. "Mexican food cart outside the Boiler Room on Friday nights - make it happen people!". "Lone Star franchise in the Where Else? building - let's do it team!".

If you're anything like me, you'll be gutted to hear that tomorrow's talk with Rob Fyfe, CEO of Air New Zealand, has been sold out. Well done Whakatane Chamber of Commerce. Please email me his hints and tips. I may just get there yet.

Humble $1 Pies

2010-07-27T09:00:00.000+12:00

So, maybe I was wrong. Protesting may just work.

"I'm against picketing, I just don't know how to show it" - Mitch Hedberg

Alright Rocko!

2010-07-22T09:05:00.000+12:00

What a pleasant surprise to get this story in my inbox this morning: Teen smoking rates have dropped to half the national average. This is great news. I'm proud of our rangatahi.

Smoking is for fags, kids.

Top 5 Council Initiatives

2010-07-22T09:00:00.002+12:00

Let's face it, the majority of Whakatane District Councillors are out of touch lameos or fast talkers who got the apathy vote. In this election, maybe it's time to vote in some decent people who can push things forward instead of back into the dark ages.

Colin Holmes has stepped out of the mayoral race (peace to my tipster who told me this ages ago - way to go!) and has recommended Graeme Hanlen. He had some pretty interesting things to say about Ian Shearer too which I thought were rather scathing.

Graeme Hanlen is a tough one. I like the guy. In my limited dealings with him he's always seemed like a great guy but in terms of being the mayor - I worry that he may just be "Colin Holmes Lite(TM)".

I'm going to review my choices as they come in but basically, I'm looking for councillors who can do this for me:

1) Do something about Kope.
Yeah it's a tough one. What do you do? How do you do it? How do you get all the stakeholders involved? How do you stop those changes falling into the hands of the gang prospects and fuckwits that are ruining our neighbourhood in the first place? I'll vote for whoever can come up with that solution - hell even Obama figured out a way to get free health care in The States, nothing is impossible in politics and governance.

2) Stop letting the Mills kill our people.
I refuse to believe that our mills are safe. You can show me all the biased scientific research in the world. There is no way that our health isn't affected because of these places. I'd vote for someone who has the balls to actually say no to these guys and not care about the fact that they won't get an Alfa Romeo for giving them a free pass. I love jobs but I'm kinda anti-pollution - there is a way.

3) Stop the war on kids.
Seriously. The majority of people (there are exceptions) on the council are grinches who seem to have lost all connection with what it's like being a young person growing up in a small town. These kids have sweet F.A to do in this town and so they turn to crime, drugs and gangs. Instead of treating the problem, why not treat the cause of the problem? Creating bylaws to stop kids jumping off bridges or off the wharves? Epic fail, Grandpa.

4) Improve the quality of our water.
I was in Auckland the other day and drank water straight out of the tap. It was delicious. How the hell can Auckland have better tasting water than Whakatane? Do you know how many towns pump their waste into that river before it reaches Auckland? Taneatua has incredible water, why don't we? We have had two bouts of our tap water tasting like salt. The rest of the time it tastes like dirt. This is a necessity and we can't even get it right. Boo to you.

5) Chill on the spending.
This may seem hypocritical as I was always encouraging the WDC to drop some coin on the Arts Centre. But that was totally worth it, haha. My problem is with how we seem to do things twice. Grab the cheapest, nastiest tender and when the contractor messes up - just pay for it all over again. Or if it comes in over budget - she'll be right, just pony up the costs. There's gotta be a better way.

What's on your top five?

Old News: Elderly Pay More Rent

2010-07-21T09:00:00.002+12:00

Old news in the fact that I some how missed this article in the Bacon.

The Whakatane District Council voted against Ian Shearer's plan to keep pensioners rent down in the pensioner flats.

Who are these clowns? Who votes for these people? Are they representing your views? Are you happy with how they're doing?

In other news, Ian Shearer is running for mayor. Maybe keep in mind his attempt to keep things fair for the elderly.

(note: am I allowed to tell people to vote for?)

Child Assault Charges Chucked Out

2010-07-21T09:00:00.001+12:00

Crazy. That guy who 'assaulted' a child wearing a red t-shirt has had his charges dropped.

An interesting tidbit at the end of the 1XX New article said

"Mr Masters-Pomana has expressed relief, saying the shame of the charges has led him to try and turn his life around and end his informal support for Black Power."

No shit?

Opotiki: Comedy Central

2010-07-20T09:05:00.000+12:00

Had a great conversation yesterday with someone from Whakatane about how awesome Opotiki is and how they are basically leaving our town in the dust.

Not only do they have a council that seems to encourage development (and in turn, employment), they also host cool events like the Silent Film Festival.

On August 11th, Opotiki will go one further when they host the Improvised Antiques Roadshow. They describe it like this:

"Audience members can bring along family heirlooms to become part of the improvisation.

Theatre veteran Patrick Duffy and his side-kick will then create their own histories for the pieces, replacing facts and knowledge of antiques, with comedy."

That's really funny because it's what me and the bro used to do after a few bucket bongs and the mute button pressed while watching channel One. Now it's a 'thing'.

Cops With Guns

2010-07-20T09:00:00.000+12:00

Once I was preparing for a trip to Thailand to meet up with my brother. He was giving me advice on what to pack and some basic Thai phrases (yes, no, beer). One thing he said was "When you get to the airport you'll see policemen with guns, don't freak out".

On the face of it, it's kind of funny. When you really look at it, it says a lot. I don't know about you but I grew up in a culture where cops don't carry guns. They carry night sticks and Maglites - both great weapons, but still aren't guns.

What with the boys in blue getting a drumming around the country, calls are being made for more police to be armed. It's a tough one. Would people be willing to mess with cops if they knew that they would get popped? Or would offenders start arming themselves knowing that they're going to be going up against firearms if they step out of line? Again, it's a toughie.

What do you think?

In The Paper Again

2010-07-16T09:05:00.001+12:00

If this guy got paid by the blessing, he'd be making a killing. In the paper every day blessing this, that and the other.

I'm sure it's absolutely necessary and a nice little bunsen.

(sidebar: Good luck for the mayoral race, Pouroto!)

Signs Of Life or Holy Crap?

2010-07-16T09:00:00.000+12:00

This article in the Bacon is a great positive spin on the empty shops around town. Businesses are shuffling around to different locations and outgrowing their previous digs.

All that is great, but there's one jarring factoid in this article; there are at least 10 empty shops in the Strand.

Are we going backwards? Will things pick up once the aftershocks of the recession pass? What say you?

Old Countdown Lot Leased

2010-07-15T09:05:00.000+12:00

I noticed in the weekend that the old Kope Countdown building had been leased by Des Hutchinson. I never in a million years would have thought another supermarket would go in there. The suspense is killing me.

I'm so glad to see another empty shop being filled again. It will definitely lift the spirits of our little village. Also, it may mean that they fix the multitude of pot holes in that carpark.

Great stuff.

Moko Back To Mahia

2010-07-15T09:00:00.000+12:00

So Moko has died and now the dramas begins. It's like Michael Jackson all over again.

Where will Moko be buried?

From my understanding the decision has already been made. I think it's a shame, Moko should go back to Mahia. It's where he came from to get to our shores. It's where he was named. It just makes sense to me.

What do you think?

Caption Contest IX

2010-07-15T00:06:00.001+12:00

They've been a slow few weeks since the announcement - here's a bit of fun to pick things up again.

R.I.P: Moko The Dolphin

2010-07-14T11:35:00.003+12:00

I've taken some bereavement leave from Eye On Kope due to our dolphin friend going to that big ol' trawler net it the sky.

"This old lady told me / If I ain't got nothin' good, say Nathan" [(c) Andre 3000], so instead I'll just leave you with this:

(note: I'm on holiday at the moment with two sick kids and a sick wife [epic!], so there'll be more posts soon)

Battery Theft On The Rise

2010-07-08T09:05:00.000+12:00

This sounds like a headline off Sim City 2000 or something.

Turns out its for reals. The rascally robbers are now turning to car batteries in the great 'money for scrap metal exchange'. Crazy. Batteries are not exactly light so stealing 20 of them is quite a feat.

I was wondering if anyone has any battery related puns to share - for example:

Criminals on a bad buzz
Battery thieves putting cash in the volt

Something Different: The Sounds Of Hope

2010-07-08T09:00:00.000+12:00

This one is for Christine at Vendor Cafe.

The other day I was telling her about how one of my favourite New Zealand directors, Chris Graham (well, music video directors I guess) was working on a documentary for Maori Television but wasn't letting on what it was about.

It turns out he was working on 'The Sounds Of Hope' - a documentary series focusing on New Zealand musicians talking about child abuse. It sounds like a stretch but each musician talks about their thoughts about children and then sings a song inspired by children. It's amazing to see that so many well known songs are actually about children.

What does this have to do with Whakatane? Well, local songstress Maisey Rika features in the series and is interviewed down at The Heads. It's a dream come true to see one of my most favourite spots in the world filmed by one of my favourite directors, it looks very cinematic. Maisey gives a performance that is incredibly moving to say the least.

Other highlights include Dallas from Fat Freddys singing in his lounge with just a guitar.

Check out the clips on the Tamariki Ora website.

Shot Dr Jo!

2010-07-07T09:10:00.000+12:00

Dr Jo Petersen kicked ass over in the Gobi Desert, coming in 9th and by my calculations 1st in his age group. Could be wrong there. Either way, that's hard nuts. 250kms in 30 odd hours.

We were a bit worried he got lost for a while after the local village people (no Y.M.C.A) moved the flags around at the checkpoint. But he smashed it.

Haati.

Bring Back Dominos

2010-07-07T09:05:00.000+12:00

With the recession and all the rest of it, there have been a bunch of foreclosures. A bunch businesses have gone into liquidation and generally I keep my nose out of it. I imagine like the rest of us, most of those business owners did their best to keep things afloat but somewhere along the way a bum deal or wrong decision just knocked the first domino over. Maybe in the old days you could bounce back or absorb the losses, but with the economy falling out, these times are so forgiving. This is pure speculation of course.

I don't really know what happened with Dominos. I'll tell you two things I do know: One) Daniel, who used to run Dominos, was always a pretty stand up guy with me. He gave out free pizzas as a way to encourage young people to make their voice heard when it came to the bridge jumping meeting. Pizza for politics? Sounds good to me.

Two) Despite my wife being killer at making homemade pizza, I miss a grease-dripping Tony Pepperoni with a 1.5L Coke. It's killing me.

Hold tight Dominos family.

Arts & Culture Centre For Real Now

2010-07-07T09:00:00.000+12:00

So in a years time they are going to start construction of the much talked about Arts & Culture Centre.

This is great news. As ol Wayne Marriot says, having a start date means it's actually happening. It's not some pie in the sky scheme. Sure the centre has its opposition but I think at the end of the day people will realise that having an over-budget Library, Museum and Exhibition space will be better than none at all - or worse, the ones we have now.

There some things that are worth more than dollars and cents, and to me one of those things is culture. When my bourgeois cousins come down from Auckland they're like "Oh I went to the most fascinating talk by this amazing author at the library last Thursday". In reply I'm like "True bro! Me and the kids went down to the heads and ate KFC, it was enlightening".

Well done to the councillors for having the balls to saddle my generation and the generation after me with huge amounts of debt to create something that will bring a lot of people joy and enlightenment.

The Future

2010-07-06T09:10:00.000+12:00

If you know me well, I would've told you this by now.

In October I will be hanging up my blogging gloves. Eye On Kope has been a fantastic creative outlet for me and I have achieved more than I could've imagined with it. It's opened up a lot of doors for me and has provided me with untold opportunities. Coming into this project I had two goals:

+ Create a sense of community

+ Don't stop

The original aim was to create an awareness of a alternative community. For people to stumble across the blog and think "Wow someone thinks like me too!". Once they had done that for a few months I was going to sucker punch them with a mixtape full of raps and it'd be the worlds greatest long game.

I've said this a hundred times but basically the blog took on a life of it's own and it ended up being about more than that. It became more about me, $1 Pies. At the start it was people trying to find out who I was, then it was trying to find out what I thought about different stories. $1 Pies has been a great persona to use - I can say whatever I want, most of it rubbish, to get people talking/commenting. It's been a fun game but it's losing it's allure.

October 2010 will mark two years of this project and as I've said, I've achieved more than I could've hoped. There aren't too many boxes to tick anymore. I've had to re-write my goals time and time again and I've managed to cross them all off (the benefit of aiming low).

I'm currently deciding what the next project will be and it's an exciting position to be in. Rest assured that whatever I do, I'll be doing it with the same goal in mind; creating an awareness of community. Letting you know that there are thousands of us in this town that love living here, love the people but just wish there was a little bit extra. Hopefully whatever I do provides you with that thing that keeps you from moving to the big city. Hopefully it gives you a chance to participate in something that makes this place more than 1XX adverts, karaoke at The Office and lameos that don't see the irony in colour co-ordinating their outfit while trying to be tough.

In October $1 Pies will retire. You haven't seen the last of me though, I'm here for a long time, Daddio.

With love,

Abraham Larsen

Hold Tight K-Town

2010-07-06T09:05:00.000+12:00

Man what an absolute tragedy that Pinelands fire was. My thoughts go out to the owners and to the rest of Kawerau.

Sounds like an intruiging story to say the least. Doused in petrol? That's on some Sopranos buzz.

Great Photo # 4080

2010-07-06T09:00:00.000+12:00

Ugh that Beacon website is painful. But luckily photo was large enough to post up today. I wonder if they're publishing them small to stop people like me reproducing them?

This is so foggy I don't know where it is. Any ideas?

"Here You Go, Have Some Gravy"

2010-07-01T09:10:00.001+12:00

Whenever a struggling group gets a slap in the face, I'm always reminded of a great Chris Rock quote - "Here you go, have some gravy!". It really doesn't relate, but I just think of it.

It happens a lot - but our government (no matter who is running the show) has a happy knack of under delivering when it counts.

So you worked for saw mill back in the day and now you and your family are riddled with health problems, what does the government do? Offer you free health checks. Woah, slow down there Ministry of Health. I don't know if our tax dollars will be able to cover those exponential costs!

Shot to the M.O.H for recognising that these ex-workers are suffering and suffering some things that are absolutely horrendous. But come on guys, get fire wise. You don't think you can extend those health checks to the family members too? You don't think maybe a little compo might be in order? A public apology?

So there you go. Work hard, provide for your family, get struck down by some cell-morphing, body-rotting bullshit and your thank you? A free annual health check.

Here's some Chris Rock to cure what ails you, mind the language:

No Moko? The Next Best Thing

2010-07-01T09:05:00.002+12:00

Now that our good mate Moko has moved on from our shores (I miss that guy, someone said he's been scooped up by a trawler), I've been waiting for the next thing to replace him. Slicky the oil-drenched seal? Ringo the little blue penguin with a six pack ring around his neck?

How about Grim, the Great White Shark? I can imagine the crowds of people flocking to the heads to swim with him. Having a ball as he swallows your kayak paddle whole. Woo!

We're going to need a bigger boat.

In Your Dolphin-Hugging Face!

2010-07-01T09:00:00.000+12:00

Full credit to John Forbes, Opotiki Mayor for saying what need to be said. If you want to protest about oil exploration, stop using oil. Bam.

Good luck with the whole driving in your SUV to the beach to make your stand in protest. What a bitchslap to the Greenies. Have fun trying to get the Green vote in the next round of elections.

Whakatane's Best Pie 2010

2010-06-30T09:05:00.002+12:00

Yup, we're doing it again.

Nominations for who sells Whakatane's best pie, best pie variety and judges are being sought before next week.

Comment away!

Cobb & Co + 500 Posts = Yay!

2010-06-30T09:00:00.000+12:00

Now that I've grown up and had a family, I've started to realise how important family is. I grew up with cousins and aunties and basically a whole bunch of people to play with at family gatherings. I'm trying to give my kids the same thing. The best way to do that is by encouraging my siblings, who should be having babies by now, to move to Whakatane for it's awesome lifestyle and child-raising qualities.

Safe streets, friendly dolphins, one good high school, radical op-shops and now Cobb & Co is coming to town. If feeding your kids up on Taties, Traffic Lights, Pink Panthers and Cobb Dogs is not flicking your switch; I can't do nothing for you man - (C) Flava Flav.

(Use the comments section to post your favourite things about Whakatane and Cobb & Co. I know, this is a weird post but cut us some slack, it's our 500th post. Word.)

A Quiet Week, Sorry

2010-06-28T09:00:00.000+12:00

How was everyones weekend? I had a blinder thanks.

The deadline for my funding application is approaching fast so I am taking this week off to finalise my proposal.

Things will probably be a bit quiet around here, sorry.

Media: Down With Everything!

2010-06-25T09:18:00.005+12:00

I don't really know if I can consider myself 'local media'. Maybe you can tell me whether I fall in to that category.

With this whole MP spending scandal and the Manukau Mayor being border-line Ward 8 material, the media are right into central and local government spending stories. It's great when they discover something like Shane Jones watching 'Anal Doctor 4' in his hotel room. But a lot of the other stories I could do without.

This story by 1XX on the $95 000 survey to ask residents their opinions and attitudes about their council is a beat up.

First of all, by law the council is required to conduct the survey - so although it sounds like a waste of time, not following the law wouldn't be too wise.

Secondly, they surveyed 1300 at a cost of $95 000. Let's break it down: according to my Taneatua Primary School math skills, that's roughly $73 per person.

That's $73 for each person to be interviewed. That covers the expenses which could include telephone and power charges. That covers the drafting of the questions. That covers the analysis and the writing of the report. Maybe I'm crazy, but these costs seem 100% justified.

Is this really a story worth reporting? Or is it 1XX trying to find their own scandal? I may be too ignorant or narrow minded to answer that one, maybe you can?

Oil Exploration Protest Planned

2010-06-25T09:03:00.003+12:00

I've been thinking a lot about protests lately, what with the Russel Norman vs Chinese Delta Squad thing last Friday.

People say that Dr Norman abused his privileges and shouldn't have used his access to protest. Then other people say he was in the right and John Key shouldn't have apologised to the Chinese. Then you have the really crazy people, who love writing into the newspaper, saying that there's no point protesting; as if one man holding a flag is going to change anything.

What is worse? One man holding a flag or no one holding a flag? Did Dr Norman ever set out to change the world by holding a flag and yelling "Free Tibet!", I highly doubt it. Was he ever going to make a difference? Hell no. But what sort of person are you if you disagree with something and do nothing?

Ani Pahuru-Huriwai has the right idea. She is planning a protest action on the Eastern Bay coastline this Sunday. All she asks is that people who are against the oil exploration in the Ranfurly Basin stand shoulder to shoulder. Will big business take notice? Doubt it. Will the government rescind the permission for exploration to take place? Not on your nelly! But will it get people thinking? I'd say so.

What are you going to do? Let the National government grant permission to drill our coastline without consulting us? You're a big fan of corporate fat cats, who couldn't give two shits about you and your lifestyle, doing what they please in our backyard? Great! Do nothing. But if you feel some kind of way, why not make yourself feel like you did something about it. It's not about changing the world, it's about knowing you did something. Even if it's to justify it to yourself. Or to tell your grand kids in twenty years time, "I did something".

In other news, I won't be there. Haha.

Every Day Is Pyjama Day In My Hood

2010-06-24T09:10:00.000+12:00

Love Hospice and everything they do and stand for, but no.

Go to Pak n Save on any day at any time and I can guarantee you will see at least one person wearing PJ's. This has to stop.

Oh Snap! 1XX FTL

2010-06-24T09:05:00.001+12:00

Believe it or not, I'm a left-leaning Labour voter who loves winding my Greenie friends up by telling them I voted National and love John Key. I don't know why.

The left is great and all, but sometimes I feel like maybe I'm batting for the wrong team. Case in point: National Standards in primary schools.

Can someone explain to me how having a way to measure if teachers are teaching your kids the right things, is a bad idea? Sure, kids don't learn at the same rate and have different learning styles - but can't we agree that if your kid can't do simple additions and subtractions their teacher is slipping? If your kid can't read 'Spot Goes To The Zoo' by age eight, their teacher is doing them a disservice?

Every year you get your car warranted. You check if it can pass certain tests and then the garage lets you know that it's time to change the tyres or the steering column. Why don't we do the same for our children? People are scared that the teachers are going to be too busy trying to fulfil these National Standards and wont have time to teach the kids. Crazy.

Here's the bottom line: Teachers do a great job, a hard job, an important job. These days they spend more time with our kids than we do. They shape them into the people who will run this world after we have finished ruining it. But teachers are way down on the priority list, it's all about the kids. Teachers may find their job is harder and more difficult but if that means that our kids can write legibly and complete their exams without using TXT language - then the teachers can cry me a river.

In other news, whoever wrote this great story for 1XX clearly needed some National Standards in their life. Haha, just kidding :)

"Ms Delahunty says leauge tables are for sports teams not schools, and children should compare results to their own achievement, rather than other schools."

Nightlife In Whakatane

2010-06-24T09:00:00.000+12:00

In response to the funny Richard submitted, Carwyn from Whakatane.info submitted this:

Touche!

Whakatane.info is definitely the one if you're looking for something. Try it.

Happy Birthday No Offence!

2010-06-23T09:05:00.000+12:00

One-time contributer and regular commenter, No Offence is having a birthday today.

All the best! Many happy returns.

Light Rays

2010-06-23T09:00:00.000+12:00

I've been keeping an eye on this site for the longest time, waiting for the day I could do this...

Date: Wednesday 5 May 2010
Time: 5.10 am
Location: Ruatoki Valley, Whakatane, North Island
Special features/characteristics: large bright light low over landform

Description:
Duration of sighting one to two minutes. Clear sky, no wind.
The witness, a logging contract, was in the Ruatoki Valley, at the end of Grace Road by the Whakatane River. He observed a large bright white light, around the size of a ten cent coin held at arm's length. It was considerably brighter and larger than any planet he has seen. The light appeared from the direction of Whakatane in the north, moving in a straight line towards Opotiki in the east. The witness estimated the light was some 5 km away above the Ohope hills.
He observed the light through binoculars, and could not see strobe lights or other conventional lights that might indicate it was an aircraft. He stated that as the light moved away from him, the intensity and size of the light did not diminish, as the landing lights of an aircraft would have. The light was eventually lost from view over low ridge line.

-

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2010
Time: 4 am
Location: Kawerau, Eastern BOP, North Island
Special features/characteristics: large bright white light

Description:
The witness, a logging contractor, sighted a large bright white light to the south of his position, moving from the direction of the township of Kawerau in the west, towards Waimana in the east. The light was close to the observer and moving low over tree tops. It disappeared behind pine trees on a ridge towards Waimana.
The light did not display strobe lights or any other conventional aircraft lighting. The light did not diminish in intensity or disappear as it moved across the sky, as the landing lights of an aircraft would.

I want to believe.

Video Superstar This Saturday

2010-06-18T09:05:00.000+12:00

I heard about this on the radio and it piqued my interest. About an hour later I had some more details in my inbox. Check this out:

This Saturday (the 19th) looks to be a a bit of a doozy down at the Mataatua Reserve. From 12pm there is going to be a stack of things going on. Most importantly, a world record haka attempt, an eating contest(!), Tiki Taane & Maisey Rika performing, a BMX demo and your chance to be in a music video. Radical.

There sounds like there is going to be so much happening and best of all it's alcohol and drug free and great for the whole whanau. So rustle up your Nana, your Koro, your neighbour and your Niece and be part of history and have a whole gang of fun at the same time.

The most important thing to note, is that it's all free. Free as a bird mate.

Big shout to Abe (great name), the Whakatane District Youth Council Event and everyone else involved. Sounds like its going to be a blast.

Nightlife In Whakatane

2010-06-18T09:00:00.000+12:00

Richard sent this funny over from Whakatane.com. I LOL'ed.

Click to enlarge.

Dr Evil In A Red Bandana

2010-06-15T09:10:00.000+12:00

Yooooooooooooooooooo! Crazy news yesterday from One Double Ads - I had to share it.

With those fancy new laws that allow the RICO investigators to seize assets and what not - they've recently seized $1 Millon worth of assets of a Mobster in Maketu. Not only is this crazy, it totally proved the point I was trying to make with someone the other day about how much money there is in this gang thing.

One million dollars man! One million dollars!

T-E-R-R-O-R-ist

2010-06-15T09:05:00.000+12:00

The Court of Appeal hearing is underway for our good friends caught up in the fracas out in the valley - and around the country. Interestingly enough the media aren't allowed to report about it. Contentious huh?

Talking to my good mate Tame last time I saw him, he seemed to be pretty confident they'd get through it. The more I learn about the raids, the more I tend to agree with him. One thing I will say is this; it's bigger than military training camps.

Maybe we're getting closer to having some answers after all. Good luck to all those affected.

(Big shout to brother Dan.)

Sorry Bro

2010-06-15T09:00:00.000+12:00

So yeah, it was actually true. The government didn't consult with Ngati Awa about the oil exploration that was given the go ahead.

Gerry Brownlee said "Oh sorry bro" and that's the end of it. Or is it?

Also, while we're on the topic - the bro reminded me of the time we went to Collingwood for a look around and the locals were telling us about how they did exploratory drilling near Farewell Spit. They did it for a year or two but when they finished the plugged the hole, got all the local contractors to sign a confidentiality agreement and then left town. I wonder if the same thing will happen around here?

Friday 11th June 1XX Headlines

2010-06-11T11:37:00.003+12:00

Hi guys,

Didn't get a chance to write last night so here is something to make up for it. I'm at home today and did a video update for you. My son Otto helped me out, as you can hear in the background.

Let me know what you think, maybe we can do it again some time.

Youth Grafitti Competition

2010-06-10T09:05:00.000+12:00

Man I really dropped the ball on this one. Not only did I get the day wrong, I - nope, I just got the day wrong. So there you go. I was actually going to go there and cover it with the videoing and the photos and the blogging and the hellooooooo - (c) Professor Frink.

So yeah, here are the winners with their winning entry.

Good one.

Getting Financial And Stuff

2010-06-10T09:00:00.000+12:00

Allow me to get a bit nerdalicious with it and share these two articles I was reading by local investment advisers, Pascoe Barton.

Blatant Dishonesty - Scandalous! This is like an episode of Young & The Restless or something. Great reading, for me, who doesn't invest in anything but groceries.

Retiring Debt vs Savings - I always think about this. They totally answered my questions.

There you go, enlighten yourself, or not. Doesn't bother me.

Yikes: Drillin' For Oil

2010-06-09T09:05:00.000+12:00

Man timing is a mother lover but ah well.

So last week it was announced that they are going to do some exploratory drilling behind White Island on the ol Raukumara Basin. Interesting.

The timing of the announcement was shocking what with BP wasting the Mexican Gulf right now (big shout RichP!) and I can't help but think that if that wasn't going on right now, I may be more enthused.

It's a tough one because it'll bring money into the area, what with Brazilians and they're penchant for buying things. But on the other hand it may just bring some sweet, sweet oil into our local marine lifes life. Not so cool.

Gerard Casey (great guy) has come out in support of the drilling and that's exactly what he should be doing. So good for him.

How do you feel about this one?

Caption Contest VIII

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000+12:00

This one is just begging for a caption contest.

Respect Where Respect Is Due

2010-06-08T09:05:00.000+12:00

You know as a Troy Baker fan it pained me to call him out for the photo on the front page. As he mentioned, he just takes the photos and someone else chooses what goes on the front page. Duly noted.

Furthermore, I think respect is due for these four band photos with not a brick wall, train track or mid-air jump in sight!

The ironic thing is that if my funding application comes through, guess who I'm going to ask to take a photo of me jumping over a railway track in front of a brick wall?

Trap Goin' Ham

2010-06-08T09:00:00.000+12:00

So how was that long weekend for you? Any good? It was nice that it was relatively sunny on Monday. Good times. I had a great weekend. Came up with a 5 year plan (EOK doesn't feature at all, sorry), did a bit of art, came up with a concept for some posts on EOK and spent time with the family.

Speaking of family, my sweet wife stumbled upon this some how:

I don't claim to know this guy well but I've dealt with him. He's a great guy and I knew he was a bit of a muso. But to see him in that photo just makes me smile from ear to ear. If I ever reach his age I'll be well stoked. If i'm a quarter as cool as he is, then I'll be over the moon.

Shot Ham!

What A Week!

2010-06-04T09:15:00.000+12:00

Man this week has been full of news and fun times.

It's been an absolute pleasure blogging for you guys this week. Even with a day off with a tummy bug I was still happy to have a bit of a tap-tap-tap for you fine people.

Thanks so much for some hilarious comments too. They've been going off.

Enjoy your long weekend and safe travels to all of you.

Moko Has Gapped It

2010-06-04T09:11:00.000+12:00

How about that aye? Moko has gapped it off to Toerags and there we are.

The Moko Minders think it's because Moko knows he's not being minded anymore. Oh man, that just proves my point.

Look, I'm all for loving dolphins. I'm a big fan of whales and think they shouldn't be harpooned and all that. I think dolphins are special and maybe a little bit too smart for their own good. But really? Really guys? Is it any coincidence that Moko followed the same boat that brought him here?

Let's hope Moko doesn't spend too much time in the Mount as he'll start to think he is way too cool for school. Have you been there lately? Ugh*.

Farewell Moko. When my grand kids ask me about you, I'll say I never gave in to the mania and am damn proud of it.

(*Still love Lower though).

Theatre Whakatane: FTW

2010-06-04T09:05:00.000+12:00

You know with the entertainment industry what it is - album sales are going down, movies are being pirated and bootlegged a year before they come out and all the rest of it - it's pretty cool to read that Theatre Whakatane have caked it with 'All Shook Up'.

Theatre is such an important part of a community, I think. Back in the old days it'd the years highlight to see the local blacksmith playing the hero and the local baker playing the villain. For some reason when I think of theatre I always think about King Rat, the novel by James Clavell. Even in a Japanese prisoner of war camp they still had a theatre that put on shows. It's just part of our culture.

So, well done to Theatre Whakatane for bucking the trend and for putting on such a great show. Well done to everyone involved.

RIP: Merata Mita

2010-06-04T09:00:00.000+12:00

I know we're late on this one and I can't claim to have know that much about her, but still. I'm familiar with her work and from all reports she sounded like a very talented, pioneering woman.

Rest In Peace Merata Mita.

Mandy Hague: FTW

2010-06-03T23:03:00.003+12:00

People must know by now that I'm a super Troy Baker stan.

Well thanks to Leeroy I got an advance on tomorrows Beacon tonight. That front page photo is a very weird choice. Like the bro said, of all the cool debris photos you could choose, they chose that one?

I guess you can't win every time.

Meanwhile, Mandy stays killing it:Click to make it ~~larger~~ awesomer

Oh To Be There

2010-06-03T09:05:00.000+12:00

How crazy does this sound?

"EDGECUMBE College girls had to have a police escort out of Opotiki after an ugly confrontation with supporters at a rugby match."

Someone please tell me there is YouTube footage out there. I mean, I'm all for fair play and supporters not being eggburgers but for some reason this really piqued my interest.

Must have something to do with going to Taneatua vs Waimana rugby games as a lil fulla.

Tai Sentenced For Manslaughter

2010-06-03T09:00:00.000+12:00

So how do you like that? Punch someone in the head and then kick them while they're down and you get home d while waiting to be setenced and then you get two and bit years. Shot!

I don't know about you but to me this sentence seems way too light. I mean, obviously the judge knows what she's doing. But to me, if you set out to punch someone in the face then kick their head while they're down, you've got some sort of intent. Manslaughter seemed like a stretch to me, but again, they know what they're doing.

Every time you raise your fist and use it there are consequences but it doesn't seem like the justice system is teaching this.

Two years and ten months is fuck all.

Eye on Kope

He Who Mistreats His Guests, Has A Dusty Marae

2012

I-Site To Move?

Small Town Economy

Goodnight Sweet Prince

Boy Does Good

Chips Ahoy!

New Zealand's Next Top Modull

Tony Bonne: Mayor v2.0

Election Madness

Loud Shirt Day

Caption Contest XII

Steamers & Shakers

Wananga Gets The Green Light

Caption Contest XI

Beacon Photograhy at LIFE Status

Uphill Battle for Growth

Hows The Serenity?

Candidates For Local Council

Walkway Wins Award

Rugby Without Haka = ______ Without ______

Project Kope = Good Times

Council Tickets In Public Car Parks

Dodgy Dental Dealings

Grand Master In The Making

Welcome Back!

Flooding: Over It

Triple AAA Soul

Astronomical Society Turns 50!

Caption Contest X

DPB Capital

Project Kopeopeo

$8.2 Million Dollars

Construction At The Heads

Pizza At Vendor Cafe

Four Bad Apples

Like A Hole In The Head

Reaching: Tony Ryalls Photos

Newsflash: EBOP Pulled The Longest Swifty Ever

BSide FM Has A Facebook Page

"I Am Iron Man, Dinna Dinna Dinnada Vote For Me"

Toast + EyeOnKope = BSideFM

1XX: Maori Language Week

Zero Alcohol Equals Zero Court News

Moana Mackey In The House!

Mutton Dressed As Lamb

Air NZ CEO Sells Out

Humble $1 Pies

Alright Rocko!

Top 5 Council Initiatives

Old News: Elderly Pay More Rent

Child Assault Charges Chucked Out

Opotiki: Comedy Central

Cops With Guns

In The Paper Again

Signs Of Life or Holy Crap?

Old Countdown Lot Leased

Moko Back To Mahia

Caption Contest IX

R.I.P: Moko The Dolphin

Battery Theft On The Rise

Something Different: The Sounds Of Hope

Shot Dr Jo!

Bring Back Dominos

Arts & Culture Centre For Real Now

The Future

Hold Tight K-Town

Great Photo # 4080

"Here You Go, Have Some Gravy"

No Moko? The Next Best Thing

In Your Dolphin-Hugging Face!

Whakatane's Best Pie 2010

Cobb & Co + 500 Posts = Yay!

A Quiet Week, Sorry

Media: Down With Everything!

Oil Exploration Protest Planned

Every Day Is Pyjama Day In My Hood

Oh Snap! 1XX FTL

Nightlife In Whakatane

Rugby Without Haka = Without