Greetings Everyone – Welcome to 2020. The ORCA Committee has held its first meeting for the
year, the team consisting of Carol Basham (Chair), Sandra Carley (Secretary), Jennie Kingma
(Treasurer) and Gillian Bertram, Murray Brown, Les Fleming, John Freer, Ted Gibson, Eleanor
Haughey, Ruhi Pene, Bruce Scott and Masele Siatu’u.
Being aware of the discussions at the Annual Meeting, held the previous month, the committee
will consider a number of activities during the coming year including Freedom Camping and the
amount of voluntary work required to ensure the success of events, activities and the general
beautification and maintenance of Onemana. Like the Freedom Camping debate, another
important issue is the Onemana Emergency and Community Response Plan which will be
updated and implemented during the year.
Communication with members and non-members is critical to ensure that everyone with an
interest in Onemana is aware of activities and issues.
The Committee has updated the website while social media is always a good vehicle to spread
the word on community events and happenings. Over coming weeks it is our aim to update our
database incorporating both members and non-members. We will then be circulating
information relating covering the many events and activities and asking you to input where you
can assist.
The benefits of a strong cohesive community were evident recently in one of the busiest
holiday periods we have experienced. Events such as the Market Day and the Carols evening
were very well supported while the inaugural sports day was successful with room for more
participants. Please play your part in assisting where possible.
Just to Recap – Over the past month or so the successful Market Day was held – a fine day
brought out the crowds with stall holders happy with the day. Funds raised on the day from
ORCA activities are donated to the Onemana Surf Lifesaving Club.
Santa was delivered in an open-top Morris Minor to the Carols by Candlelight – again a
wonderful turn-out of residents with many children enjoying the contents on Santa’s sack.
Our inaugural sports day was held with a number of events being arranged. This looks to have
great potential for future years.
Fire Danger – An extreme fire danger warning is in place. Please no fires anywhere. We had a
recent situation of a beach fire – fortunately this was extinguished by Onemana Rural Fire Force
members after the fire was seen by a resident.
Freedom Camping – TCDC is reviewing the Freedom Camping Bylaw this year – as discussed at
the AGM once information is available, we will look to call residents together to discuss.
Surf Patrol – Thanks to the Onemana Surf Life Saving Club members for patrolling our beach
over the holiday period. It was a tough period for you all with an unfortunate loss of life at our
beach. Being a life guard is a very rewarding experience where you meet some very special
people – thanks for your contribution guys and girls.
Coming Events – Coffee Morning – Thursday 27 February – 10.00am at the Onemana Beach
Café.