Activist, surfer and local identity Malibu Hamilton passed away on Tuesday this week. Born Michael Hamilton in Kawhia, he was called Maori Mike by the original crew of surfers in Raglan in the 1960 and 70s - before taking on the nickname Malibu.
Surfing led to a concern for the environment which then led Malibu to university where he became an expert on the Resource Management Act. He ended up working as a commissioner on various decision making panels around the country and, alongside Angeline Greensill, was responsible for changes to the Waikato district plan that enabled the creation of Papakainga. A decade after that work there are two flourishing Papakainga in Whaingaroa, the first on Wainamu Rd and more recently the second on Wainui Rd near the Marae.
Malibu was also instrumental in founding the Karioi Project and Whāingaroa Environmental Defence and put a lot of work into the legal case won by KASM and into the work of the Surfbreak Protection Society, which got many of our surf breaks protected.
Waikato District Council has confirmed that it will be working with Hamilton City Council on designing a joint Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services, as part of the government's 3-waters reforms.
Following discussion amongst all the Waikato councils Hamilton City Council broke away and announced they were forming their own council controlled organisation, and that the other councils could join it later on. Recognising that Waikato district would need a solution sooner they agreed to work on a joint 2-waters project, with stormwater being handled separately.
It is not known how much say Waikato District Council will really have over the proposed CCO and it is notable that they have the ability to opt-out of the project and will also continue to work on plans for a joint waters entity with other Waikato councils. They are even considering the option of a singular Asset Owning CCO, which presumably will be the most expensive option.
The 14th Annual Raglan Arts Weekend preview exhibition kicks off next week with the exclusive opening of its exhibition to the public on Friday 4th October signalling the start of the RAW festivities.
The Preview Exhibition will house 84 artworks, all of them developed especially for the event. All of them are for sale and some will apparently be offered at a very attractive price point.
The Raglan Arts Weekend will be held over Labour Weekend from 26-28th October along with the Country and Blues Festival.