The Timaru Herald
19 Jun 2017
STU OLDHAM
Andre Stokes, 8, of Timaru was among those who laid coloured rocks on Caroline Bay, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of New Zealand becoming nuclear free.
Hundreds of coloured rocks were laid on the cool sand of Caroline Bay in a gesture of support for those who continue work for nuclear disarmament.
Some 419 rocks were arranged in the shape of a peace symbol to belatedly mark the 30th anniversary of New Zealand becoming nuclear free.
The Let’s Say Thanks event was organised by TimaruRocks, a group that encourages people to paint and hide rocks, for others to find, around Timaru.
One of the organisers, Roselyn Fauth, said the event was a nonpolitical way to thank the people who helped New Zealand take a world-leading stand.
It was also a way to thank those New Zealanders who continued to work to consign nuclear arms to an unpleasant chapter in history.
Top-of-mind was long-time antinuclear campaigner Dr Kate Dewes, of Christchurch, who was part of a team negotiating a disarmament treaty at the United Nations.
‘‘It just felt like a good, positive cause that has affected us all. It wasn’t a protest, it wasn’t political, but it was something for people to become involved with and to talk about.’’
Many people visited the display after it was laid on Saturday. Fauth said many arrived with stories for their children and grandchildren.
‘‘Hearing people say ‘wow’ when they discovered the rocks was just part of it. Hearing parents and grandparents talking about what happened was very special.’’
Some talked about the French bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, others about nuclear testing in the South Pacific.
A couple from Scotland was so surprised and impressed by the ‘‘organic’’ rocks movement that the vowed to take the idea home, she said.
TimaruRocks has grown to have more than 2500 members on its Facebook page. Those members have hidden hundreds - perhaps thousands - of rocks around Timaru.
Their work is supported by the Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery and the Oxford Cafe, which sponsor ’’rock boxes’’ of material to help create more decorated rocks.
Fauth, who is also the Friends’ president, said at least 1000 Timaru school students have created their own rocks using the boxes.
‘‘A lot of young people, and a lot of older people, have become involved and it keeps on growing.
‘‘In a world where we are so used to taking and collecting, it is about looking, being curious and leaving surprises.’’
There are similar groups in Waimate, Temuka, Geraldine, Pleasant Point and Oamaru, she said.
Tree programme
Work to remove and replace trees along Grasmere St, Timaru, is set to start next week, the district council confirmed. The removal stage begins next Monday and is set for completion by June 30. There would be significant disruption to traffic with access restricted at times to both Grasmere and Jonas Sts. The Grantlea bus heading towards Northtown Mall will be diverted via White St, however no stops will be affected. Work to plant the new trees will be completed by the end of this year.
Police Notebook
Incidents reported to police included:
A 34-year-old Waimate woman was arrested for breaching a police safety order on High St, Waimate, at 11.54 am on Saturday.
A 23-year-old Timaru woman was arrested for breaching her bail conditions by assaulting her partner on Leven St, Timaru, on Saturday afternoon.
Police are investigating reports of several cars doing burnouts near Pareora Gorge Rd at 5.50pm on Saturday, after complaints from members of the public.
No-one was injured after a car hit a power pole at the intersection of Paul St and William St in Waimate at 6.30pm on Saturday.
A 28-year-old Timaru man was arrested for the wilful damage of a car window at a Queens St address on Saturday night.
A 19-year-old Timaru woman was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol of 447mcg of alcohol per litre of breath at 10.46pm on Saturday, after being stopped by police on Wai-iti Rd.
A 59-year-old Timaru man was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol of 447mcg of alcohol per litre of breath at 1.33am on Sunday, after being stopped by police on Russell St, Pleasant Pt.
Article Name:Symbol of peace a line in the sand
Publication:The Timaru Herald
Author:STU OLDHAM