I am the proud holder of a Queensland Government Marine Licence issued in 2006. This permits me to operate all recreational boats powered by a motor over 6hp. It is a lifetime licence. To obtain this licence I had to attend a full day of lectures and then pass both written and practical exams. As a matter of interest Jet ski drivers require the above plus an extra day of assessments.
Two lessons stuck in my mind. The first was that Australians have water police who check boaties leaving port. No licence or incomplete safety gear then back to port you go.
The second was a zero tolerance of alcohol if you are a skipper. If you cannot pass the road breath test while on the water then you loose your boat licence and your car licence. Ditto if you are caught over the limit driving your car you loose both licenses. No ifs and buts. The only time a skipper can drink on the boat is when tied to a wharf, not simply at anchorage.
Why I mention these details is to comment on the recent tragic collision between a jet ski and jetboat in Queenstown. Apparently alcohol was a factor as well as no lifejackets, speed, and lack of knowledge of navigation rules on the river.
Water safety is yet another issue where we are way behind Australia
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Christchurch Earthquakes
At 12.51 on Tuesday the 22nd of February 2011, I was standing in front of the computer checking my twitter feed. Then began a gentle swaying motion that lasted about 10 seconds. I immediately posted a tweet recording the event and clicked to the quake drums on the Geonet website to find the epicentre. I always do this as our big worry here is the risk posed by a tsunami triggered by a nearby local earthquake. Geonet took until 1pm to update their drums, longer for the Christchurch drum. But within three minutes someone from Christchurch posted on twitter.
Within the next few hours the true scale of the event unfolded, a catastrophe for the city. The loss of life and devastation are just terrible. We wait with trepidation for the casualty lists as although we live five hours drive away it is without doubt we will have lost friends and acquaintances.
Those of us in the science community were well aware of the potential risks to buildings and infrastructure posed by the soils of central and eastern Christchurch. The localities at risk are displayed on hazard maps. However, all of New Zealand faces a tectonic or volcanic threat of some degree so we tend to ignore the dangers in day to day living.
The quakes impact is very relevant to Okarito as we too live with the potential for liquefaction. Okarito lagoon features several circular islands that may be the result of large scale sand blows.
During the development struggles 10 years ago, the Community hired a geotech scientist to advise whether the easternmost undeveloped sections were suitable building sites. He concluded that the land was no better or worse than most of eastern Christchurch. It wasn't a yes or no answer, simply saying they do so over there so why not here?
Fortunately, the majority of Okarito houses are built on gravel and coarse beach sand, a more stable substrate than the saturated fine sands under the undeveloped sections. The global financial crisis has taken care of Okarito's eastern sections in the short term but the issue remains.
Everybody is chastened by the tragedy unfolding in Christchurch. Our local risks seem more real now and we wonder how we will cope during and after an event. I expect our civil defence preparations will become a little more polished in the near future.
Within the next few hours the true scale of the event unfolded, a catastrophe for the city. The loss of life and devastation are just terrible. We wait with trepidation for the casualty lists as although we live five hours drive away it is without doubt we will have lost friends and acquaintances.
Those of us in the science community were well aware of the potential risks to buildings and infrastructure posed by the soils of central and eastern Christchurch. The localities at risk are displayed on hazard maps. However, all of New Zealand faces a tectonic or volcanic threat of some degree so we tend to ignore the dangers in day to day living.
The quakes impact is very relevant to Okarito as we too live with the potential for liquefaction. Okarito lagoon features several circular islands that may be the result of large scale sand blows.
During the development struggles 10 years ago, the Community hired a geotech scientist to advise whether the easternmost undeveloped sections were suitable building sites. He concluded that the land was no better or worse than most of eastern Christchurch. It wasn't a yes or no answer, simply saying they do so over there so why not here?
Fortunately, the majority of Okarito houses are built on gravel and coarse beach sand, a more stable substrate than the saturated fine sands under the undeveloped sections. The global financial crisis has taken care of Okarito's eastern sections in the short term but the issue remains.
Everybody is chastened by the tragedy unfolding in Christchurch. Our local risks seem more real now and we wonder how we will cope during and after an event. I expect our civil defence preparations will become a little more polished in the near future.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Akaroa
We have just returned from an brief (overnight) visit to Akaroa. It takes just over an hour of travel from Christchurch via Waihora, Lake Forsyth and Little River. We loved the place with it's numerous Catagory 1 historic buildings and various cafe's. Luckily, the village has escaped serious damage from the recent earthquakes largely because most buildings are of wooden construction.
As I always do I headed up for the hills along a walking track that assends directly behind the village on Rue Bulgarie. The trail rises up steep roads that eventually give way to a grassy trail that heads up to a saddle pass over to the next valley. What superb scenery! The run-down farmland has clumps of reverted kanuka and ngaio that create a park-like landscape. I saw rabbit, hares, geese, a hedgehog and a few woolly sheep. There are also healthy numbers of kereru, tui, and bellbirds.
If you were looking for viable farming ventures, forget it. These farms can't even be paying their Council rates and are nothing more than large life style blocks (life sentence more likely). Closer to the village are the remnants of many failed alternative life style ventures, especially protea groves?
It is tourism that provides today's economy at Akaroa. My thoughts were that the Akaroa environs are typical of the wider New Zealand scene. Beautiful scenery and pleasant villages but few signs of viable enterprises.
As I always do I headed up for the hills along a walking track that assends directly behind the village on Rue Bulgarie. The trail rises up steep roads that eventually give way to a grassy trail that heads up to a saddle pass over to the next valley. What superb scenery! The run-down farmland has clumps of reverted kanuka and ngaio that create a park-like landscape. I saw rabbit, hares, geese, a hedgehog and a few woolly sheep. There are also healthy numbers of kereru, tui, and bellbirds.
If you were looking for viable farming ventures, forget it. These farms can't even be paying their Council rates and are nothing more than large life style blocks (life sentence more likely). Closer to the village are the remnants of many failed alternative life style ventures, especially protea groves?
It is tourism that provides today's economy at Akaroa. My thoughts were that the Akaroa environs are typical of the wider New Zealand scene. Beautiful scenery and pleasant villages but few signs of viable enterprises.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wilding Pines
You cannot drive the Arthur's Pass Road to Christchurch without noticing the spread of wilding pines between Craigeburn Cutting and Broken River. They now cover thousands of hectares on both sides of the highway from heights of the Craigeburn Ranges to the far side of Flock Hill.
What an absolute disaster in the making! Debbie has heard me grumbling about the lack of action for the past three decades. Where on earth have DOC been? I know of report after report but f'all else! You can see pitiful efforts at clear-cutting the original planted forest, mowing along the Flock Hill flats and a few patches which look like spraying trials.
The situation is now lost, in my opinion. Seedlings will continue spreading across the landscape and only well grazed pasture will be spared. Most seedlings are Pinus contorta which grow to virtually useless forest. There are Douglas fir and Larch seedlings as well which may create an economic forest where they dominate. What alarmed me most were the scattered bushes of Alnus viridis, a shrub introduced to stabilize scree slopes on high slopes. I remember being assured that there was no way they could spread.
I have a personal interest in this wilding issue as I once risked my job in the 1970's by publically questioning the revegetation polices of the Forest Service and Ministry of Works. Being a whistle-blower in those days was not without its risk. Readers may not be aware that wilding pines are a scourge in several other areas on both islands of NZ.
All came from a decade when Forest Service managers believed they could save NZ from "deer-induced erosion" by revegetation of the barren mountains. I know of a helicopter being used to scatter contorta seed along the Tararua, Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. Just a man sitting with the door off scattering seed from a bag over the slip-faces. Fortunately, the seed cannot have been viable on that occasion.
Now we are left with several major ecological disasters with no feasible solution.
What an absolute disaster in the making! Debbie has heard me grumbling about the lack of action for the past three decades. Where on earth have DOC been? I know of report after report but f'all else! You can see pitiful efforts at clear-cutting the original planted forest, mowing along the Flock Hill flats and a few patches which look like spraying trials.
The situation is now lost, in my opinion. Seedlings will continue spreading across the landscape and only well grazed pasture will be spared. Most seedlings are Pinus contorta which grow to virtually useless forest. There are Douglas fir and Larch seedlings as well which may create an economic forest where they dominate. What alarmed me most were the scattered bushes of Alnus viridis, a shrub introduced to stabilize scree slopes on high slopes. I remember being assured that there was no way they could spread.
I have a personal interest in this wilding issue as I once risked my job in the 1970's by publically questioning the revegetation polices of the Forest Service and Ministry of Works. Being a whistle-blower in those days was not without its risk. Readers may not be aware that wilding pines are a scourge in several other areas on both islands of NZ.
All came from a decade when Forest Service managers believed they could save NZ from "deer-induced erosion" by revegetation of the barren mountains. I know of a helicopter being used to scatter contorta seed along the Tararua, Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. Just a man sitting with the door off scattering seed from a bag over the slip-faces. Fortunately, the seed cannot have been viable on that occasion.
Now we are left with several major ecological disasters with no feasible solution.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Bush
From the time I was a small child I have spent a lot of time both working and just being in native forest. Now when I walk into the forest it is though I wrap a warm blanket around my shoulders. The sights and smells are so familiar as are the calls of the birds. Whether it be a solid rimu or a spindly kamahi every tree plays a unique role creating a vertical column of life over the mossy forest floor. You can sort of visualize the forest as a living cloak over the landscape.
One great advantage of New Zealands forests is that you can sit or lie on the forest floor without being attacked by unfriendly little critters. The exception is of course the mozzies but they only appear after dark. There are no other hidden dangers such a snakes, spiders, leeches etc. The worst that can happen is getting yourself lost and having to spend the night out.
On occassions I have been caught out after some higher being turned out the lights, as they do early in the bush. Then you are in for a long night sitting and trying to keep warm as the hours slowly tick by. You go through a process of deduction - yes I'm still in the South Island, between this and that river, probably so many kms from the road end. GPS has reduced the uncertainty but people will still get lost.
Our forests vary greatly in openness. The densest places are the coastal forests of the Kaimais and Westland where travel is limited to less than one kilometer per hour. There are masses of kiekie, supplejack and Gahnia grass to severely try your patience. At the other extreme are the beech forests which are pleasantly open for travel.
Once the Forest Service had responsibility for most of our forests and it took it upon itself to count and measure all the variants of forest as the most important function of management. Then came DOC and now threatened species are the go. Birds such as Kiwi and Kakapo take an inordinate amount of resources while nobody worries about the trees.
One great advantage of New Zealands forests is that you can sit or lie on the forest floor without being attacked by unfriendly little critters. The exception is of course the mozzies but they only appear after dark. There are no other hidden dangers such a snakes, spiders, leeches etc. The worst that can happen is getting yourself lost and having to spend the night out.
On occassions I have been caught out after some higher being turned out the lights, as they do early in the bush. Then you are in for a long night sitting and trying to keep warm as the hours slowly tick by. You go through a process of deduction - yes I'm still in the South Island, between this and that river, probably so many kms from the road end. GPS has reduced the uncertainty but people will still get lost.
Our forests vary greatly in openness. The densest places are the coastal forests of the Kaimais and Westland where travel is limited to less than one kilometer per hour. There are masses of kiekie, supplejack and Gahnia grass to severely try your patience. At the other extreme are the beech forests which are pleasantly open for travel.
Once the Forest Service had responsibility for most of our forests and it took it upon itself to count and measure all the variants of forest as the most important function of management. Then came DOC and now threatened species are the go. Birds such as Kiwi and Kakapo take an inordinate amount of resources while nobody worries about the trees.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Homespun
How can an old (mature) man give life advice to a young man still in his high school days? First problem is finding the opportunity (what is called "quality time" nowadays) far from the distractions of modern life. Such occasions are rare. Then will he listen or reject the advice as just another harangue from a irrelevant grey-haired old codger. The time and place happened to me unexpectantly while on a walk in the bush - where better! Here is a synopsis of my impromptu talk.
Through a combination of luck and determination I enjoyed my working life. Working in the woods on the science of forestry was my bliss. "What you need to think about, John, for your future", I said, "are the five "Ms" - the five alternative paths of life ahead of you".
Your first option is to be a mercenary: These are the financially successful men who understand money and how to make it. Here you need to be smart, streetwise, believe in yourself and have determination, plus luck.
Your next and equally rewarding option is to be a missionary. Men whose work is their bliss and the monetary reward is a secondary. A commitment to study is often, but not always, a prerequisite for such a career. I guess I fell into this category.
Don't become a mug. These are the poor sods trapped in jobs they dislike or hate. Few will take the chance to find a better life. No difficulty to qualify here, just cruise along and take the easy path.
Even sadder is to end up a misfit. A weirdo, addict or worse who through misfortune or choice, lives on the fringe of society.
And I know you are not a potential mongrel. A thug or lawbreaker who passes his best years of life in and out of jail.
Look at your elders and peers in life and guess which "M" they are or will be. Then set your goals and choose where your heading.
Through a combination of luck and determination I enjoyed my working life. Working in the woods on the science of forestry was my bliss. "What you need to think about, John, for your future", I said, "are the five "Ms" - the five alternative paths of life ahead of you".
Your first option is to be a mercenary: These are the financially successful men who understand money and how to make it. Here you need to be smart, streetwise, believe in yourself and have determination, plus luck.
Your next and equally rewarding option is to be a missionary. Men whose work is their bliss and the monetary reward is a secondary. A commitment to study is often, but not always, a prerequisite for such a career. I guess I fell into this category.
Don't become a mug. These are the poor sods trapped in jobs they dislike or hate. Few will take the chance to find a better life. No difficulty to qualify here, just cruise along and take the easy path.
Even sadder is to end up a misfit. A weirdo, addict or worse who through misfortune or choice, lives on the fringe of society.
And I know you are not a potential mongrel. A thug or lawbreaker who passes his best years of life in and out of jail.
Look at your elders and peers in life and guess which "M" they are or will be. Then set your goals and choose where your heading.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Fishing
Fishing is a primeval human activity. I have yet to meet the person who shows no thrill in catching their first fish, even if it is only a small herring or cock-a-bully. I began fishing for "mountain trout" or kokopu in the creeks around Whangarei harbour using cotton and a bent pin with worms for bait. My Maori friend, Johnny Pitman, and I would fill our pockets with fish and then liberate them into cow water troffs. I remember a scolding from my Aunt Shirley after she found four week old fish in the pockets of my shorts.
There were many trips sea fishing on Whangarei harbour with my father, Herbie, and Grandad Bill using hand lines to catch snapper, kahawai and kingfish. Nets were used for piper, flounder and grey mullet. Johnny and I would have most fun netting ourselves sometimes catching a stingray in the net. That was a scary thrill like capturing a fearsome taniwha.
Ever since I have fished whenever the opportunity arose in the mountain rivers and on the nearest sea coast. Fishing for me now is less a sport than simply a pragmatic process of food gathering. It is a game of cat and mouse with a creature I need/want to eat. It's a life or death struggle for the fish.
My fishing gear is minimalistic, weatherbeaten and only just adequate for the job and let's me down sometimes. This slightly increases the odds for the fish. Not for me the sportsmen who spend a small fortune on the latest tackle and designer clothing to look right for the event. Sport shops are full of fancy stuff designed to catch fishermen more than fish. My gear proves that fish can be caught on the simplest of gear. It is more being in the right place at the right time. When the fish are hungry they'll take any thing that looks edible.
My gratitude is to the NZ environment for the fish we have plus the progress the authorities are making in managing fish stocks for all. Despite all the controversies and problems we've had in the past, there are signs of a growing maturity in our attitude to fish resources. In the next few years with more marine reserves and better fisheries management our children should enjoy good fishing as much as my generation have.
There were many trips sea fishing on Whangarei harbour with my father, Herbie, and Grandad Bill using hand lines to catch snapper, kahawai and kingfish. Nets were used for piper, flounder and grey mullet. Johnny and I would have most fun netting ourselves sometimes catching a stingray in the net. That was a scary thrill like capturing a fearsome taniwha.
Ever since I have fished whenever the opportunity arose in the mountain rivers and on the nearest sea coast. Fishing for me now is less a sport than simply a pragmatic process of food gathering. It is a game of cat and mouse with a creature I need/want to eat. It's a life or death struggle for the fish.
My fishing gear is minimalistic, weatherbeaten and only just adequate for the job and let's me down sometimes. This slightly increases the odds for the fish. Not for me the sportsmen who spend a small fortune on the latest tackle and designer clothing to look right for the event. Sport shops are full of fancy stuff designed to catch fishermen more than fish. My gear proves that fish can be caught on the simplest of gear. It is more being in the right place at the right time. When the fish are hungry they'll take any thing that looks edible.
My gratitude is to the NZ environment for the fish we have plus the progress the authorities are making in managing fish stocks for all. Despite all the controversies and problems we've had in the past, there are signs of a growing maturity in our attitude to fish resources. In the next few years with more marine reserves and better fisheries management our children should enjoy good fishing as much as my generation have.
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