WELCOME to M.E.G.A..... Great to see you have come to check us out. Yes we do exist and hundreds of visitors to the site are already checking in regularly for new and zany updates. Scroll down and enjoy!  
WELCOME to M.E.G.A..... Great to see you have come to check us out. Yes we do exist and hundreds of visitors to the site are already checking in regularly for new and zany updates. Scroll down and enjoy!  
M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION -  
M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION - M.E.G.A. MARCH 2025 EDITION -  

Make Eastbourne Great Again

We’re not a party—just locals fed up with waiting for change.
No politics (well, maybe a little), no nonsense—just action, satire, and a bit of community spirit.
Tired of red tape and endless talk? So are we. Instead of waiting, we’re making things happen—
whether that’s fixing problems, calling out bureaucratic madness, or having a laugh along the way.
No party politics, no corporate nonsense—just Eastbourne,
making itself great (again). Because someone has to.
*** MEGA Website best viewed and enjoyed on PC, Laptop or Tablet.***

Did you miss last months stories?
Then click button and see them on our Facebook Page.

M.E.G.A. Facebook

Hydrants, Hatches, and Hushed Silence: MEGA Sounds the Fire Alarm!  

MEGA has been quietly (well, not that quietly) approached by members of the Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade with a very real concern: a worrying number of fire hydrants in Eastbourne and across Lower Hutt are faulty, poorly maintained—or not working at all. [Full Article on our Facebook Page]

MEGA Concerned: 

Hutt Council’s ‘Significance’ Plan Insults Intelligence, Promotes Divisiveness and Upsets Elderly. [Full Article on our Facebook Page]

The Plot to Make Eastbourne Great Again  

Question:
Can anyone tell the community what the plan is to get the 'Shared Pathway from one side of Days Bay to the other?
The HCC shows a series of 'dotted' lines and no answer! Where is the lame Community Board?

Question:
Everyone has seen the obscene 'crime' of Wellington Water and the Fulton Hogan rip-off, most of which happened under the Chairman at the time Campbell Barry! This is the same 'relationship' that exists with the Shared Pathway and the excessive traffic management overspend, the slow progress, the design failures and the the huge public inconvenience. Who is pocketing the money? Who is responsible?

Question: 
Has the Seaview stench been diverted to Eastbourne escaping at the Windy Point vent and others along the sewage line rather than properly dealing to the original Seaview problem?
Maybe 'You simply can't polish a turd' (Quote) Mayor Campbell Barry has an answer. 




Days Bay Picnic at the Putting Green:
Friday March 21 - 5:30pm at the Pavilion -  Games, Happy Hour and more

Eastern Bays Community Resilience Expo.
Sunday, March 24, 2024, 10:00am - Muritai School.

Not Your Nana's Craft Market.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 - Eastbourne Community Centre

RSA Poppy Day.
Friday, April 11, 2025 - Annual appeal day to support our veterans.

Pito-one Harmony Singers – MEGA’s favourite community group for those with cognitive decline: www.musicforlife.co.nz 

Electric Ferry back in service at the end of March (we hope).
Power bill paid!

And the Eastbourne & Days Bay Community Facebook pages. Super for lost pets, jandals and who baked the best cakes. Keep it up!

It seems the Eastbourne Community Board (ECB) has become something of a political relic—existing more out of habit than impact. Hutt City Council initially saw the writing on the wall and voted to disband it, only to reverse course when the usual voices of self-interest piped up. The result? A board that generates paperwork destined for a shelf rather than meaningful change.

Meanwhile, our rates remain among the highest in the city, yet real representation is as elusive as a summer’s day without a northerly. The Mayor and local Councillor appear like clockwork in election years, only to vanish once the votes are counted.

So, let’s ask the real question: Does the ECB serve Eastbourne, or merely itself? If it’s ineffective and ignored, why keep it? What we need is a dedicated local representative—someone who actually lives here (Howard Point southward) and is invested in the community beyond election season.

It’s time for a real discussion. Join the MEGA Facebook Group and have your say—because Eastbourne deserves better than political theatre.

**Note** Sat March 29 the ECB is going on their annual 'Walk-Around' (the Board and 1 x Council Officer (probably the tea lady) looking for issues?)

"Ask not what your community board can do for you, but what you can do to make it actually do something."
—(JFK, reimagined for MEGA) 

M.E.G.A. is proud to support the many clubs, organizations, and people who make Eastbourne such a vibrant place to live. From the RSA and EESC to sports clubs, hobby groups, and service organizations like Lions, Rotary, and the Men's Shed, our community thrives because of those who get involved.

We’re lucky to have fantastic resident associations, arts groups, local performances, quiz nights, and even our very own newspaper. And let’s not forget the excellent schools in Eastbourne and Days Bay!

While MEGA’s website isn’t a traditional notice board, we’ll regularly highlight activities, and our Facebook Group is the perfect place to share and promote local events.

So, why not jump in and be part of it? Get involved, support local, and help make Eastbourne great!


We’re on a mission to cook up some legendary events—some will be one-offs, some might become annual traditions, and a few may be so outrageous that they remain legendary in our imaginations. Either way, we need YOUR ideas!

The M.E.G.A. Crew has been brainstorming, eavesdropping (legally), and taking notes from our Facebook Group (if you haven’t joined yet, what are you waiting for?). Here’s what we’ve come up with so far:

1. Banksy on the Beach
Got a stick? Got wit? Great! We’re looking for the funniest, quirkiest, or most thought-provoking phrases written in the sand. Snap a pic, send it in, and let’s turn our beaches into temporary art galleries. Extra points if a seagull photobombs your masterpiece.

2. Wellington has 'Super Cars by the Sea' - What about 'Bikes by the Bay"?

3. A New ‘Groundhog Day’—But Make It M.E.G.A.
America has Groundhog Day, but what should we have? A day where we all wear socks on our hands? A festival where we collectively pretend it’s still 1999? Pitch us your wackiest ideas—we promise to consider (or at least chuckle at) all of them.
Now It’s Your Turn!

Got an idea? No matter how big, small, weird, or wildly ambitious, we want to hear it. Nothing will be ignored! (Okay, some might be laughed at, but in a loving way.)

Drop your ideas in the comments, send us a message, or scribble them on a napkin and mail them via carrier pigeon. Let’s make some M.E.G.A. magic happen!

MEGACOMPETITION

Name the Piggy or Brand the Bacon! 

M.E.G.A.'s little porky mascot is missing one thing – a name! And that’s where you come in. Give our piggy pal a winning name, and you could be taking home a delicious pile of pork chops, proudly sponsored by Eastbourne Quality Meats – your friendly village butcher.
Think you’ve got the perfect name?
Sizzle on over to our Facebook Page (button below) or use the email section on the bottom of this page. Be in to Win! 

Enter on our Facebook Page & Win

01

Sizzling Suggestions So Far

"Sir Snouts-a-Lot"  --  "Pork Barrel"  --  " Oinky McOinkface"
"Ham Solo"  --  "Mr. Swine & Dine"  --  "Piggy Stardust"  --  " Lipstickon"  --  "PH.O.N.E. (?)  --  "Makin Bacon"  --  "Chris P. Bacon"  --  "Chops Away"  --  "Piggy Piggy Bang Bang"  --  " ......

MEGAFEATURE

Days Bay Wharf: A Rusty Masterpiece in the Making?

$4.6 million later, Days Bay Wharf was supposed to shine. Instead, it’s streaming with rusty brown stains, as if auditioning for a post-apocalyptic film set. The culprit? Good old-fashioned cheapness. Instead of splurging on stainless steel nails, someone thought non-galvanised iron nails would do just fine—because why not save a few bucks and let corrosion handle the decorating?
Of course, the sea had other plans. Salt, moisture, and a pinch of negligence turned the wharf’s crisp white railings into a rusty masterpiece. A little extra investment could’ve kept it pristine, but hey, what’s a marine structure without a bit of premature decay? At least commuters now get heritage vibes—just a few decades earlier than expected.
Another screaming success for the HCC. 

MEGAPREDICTS

 The Hutt’s Political Crystal Ball

Ah, the great political shuffle of the Hutt—where loyalty is flexible, ambition is limitless, and the electorate is just here for the drama.

Campbell Barry: Out of the Mayoral Chain, Into the MP Game?
The once-boy-wonder Mayor, Campbell Barry, won’t be running for another term at the top of Hutt City. Instead, he’s eyeing the Hutt South Electorate, sliding neatly into Labour’s open seat like as a loyal party stooge , ready to toe the party line.

Tui Lewis fancies an upgrade from Deputy to Mayor—will she get it? Probably not.

A Dark Horse ?
A wildcard mayoral candidate could steal the show—Lower Hutt loves an underdog (or just hates predictability).

Ginny Anderson: Hutt South? Nah. Parliament Anyway?
Labour MP Ginny Anderson skips the electorate battle but clings to the comfy spot as a List MP Parliament. It’s like missing the bus but still getting to your destination in an Uber.

Chris Bishop: The King of Hutt South
‘Bish’ remains the King of Hutt South. Like a political cockroach in a nuclear war, he just won’t be taken down. A Hutt South Win again, as Labour tries but they’re just swinging at air.

Hutt Politics: Same drama, different election. Pass the popcorn. 

MEGACHATTER

Fencing Fiasco!

Yes, our HCC & ECB with the assistance of council 'officers' seem to have again wasted time and money by erecting totally unnecessary sets of posts and ropes in front of the ESSC Clubrooms in Eastbourne. WHY?

Not to contain the rampant penguin invasion or the hordes of rabid dogs apparently.

They sprayed and killed of the flax plants and other native fauna which now lie rotting in the sand, drove away the tui's and other birds which patrons always enjoyed, for what?

And now the kids and the elders stumble and fall across this man made hazard that no one asked for or wanted.

Where is Eastbourne's Residents Association?
Every other 'Bay' has one.
Maybe such a community organisation would help fight for these issues and others instead of leaving it to the 'toothless' ECB.

Eastbourne’s Never-Ending Cycleway Saga: A Comedy of Errors

Remember what was meant to be a picturesque shared pathway for Eastbourne was swept away at Windy Point when the grand reconstruction ended in a twisted pile of metal—twice. The council insisted the barriers were just “skeletons”.
With the budget bloating from $30 million to $80 million and planning held together with bungee cords and wishful thinking, we are still left questioning whether this project is even remotely seaworthy. At the time, Mayor Campbell Barry dodged interviews faster than a cyclist avoiding debris on Marine Drive.
But what did this f@#$ - up cost? Who was responsible?

MEGA suggests that the metal ‘junk’ heap could/should be turned into a contemporary sculpture and permanently centre-pieced at the intersection and temporary roundabout at Marine Parade/Marine Drive / Muritai Road.

A Resurrection in the Village!

Just when we thought the cash machine had spat out its last $20, a shiny new ATM has risen from the ashes—just in time for Easter 2025. Coincidence? Divine intervention? Who knows. 
At around $3 a transaction, it's not exactly the loaves and fishes, but hey—it’s here, it works, and it takes actual cards.

MEGA-METER
Pothole of the Week

MEGA Members have sent in so many examples we added them all up instead. TOTAL 137 potholes, cracks & serious water leaks.

Rumours!

Someone is handing out MEGA Badges, Caps, T-Shirts and MEGA Piggy Ears for the Kids. (True)
MEGA Welcomes The 'Real' Housewives of Lowry Bay to MEGA - Yes they do exist.
Is Hurricanes Co-Captain Brad Shields (a new local) planning a breakaway franchise rugby side for Eastbourne?

Pollution ?
One of these things doesn't belong—Paddy Gower "bombing" in Days Bay, porpoises dropping by, and the Wharf 2 Wharf Swim making waves [maybe we should have added the Seaview Smell]
MEGACLASSIFIED

PUKATEA SANDS RESORT–
THE ONLY PLACE WHERE 'WORKING FROM HOME' COMES WITH OCEAN BREEZES AND A FRONT ROW SEAT TO THE SUPER-YACHTS.

Property Developers have arrived on our shores.
A visionary, sustainable community redefining modern living.
Nestled on Wellington Harbours eastern coastline, Pukatea Sands blends heritage charm with future-forward design. This vehicle-free, carbon-neutral development offers a mix of luxury apartments, affordable housing, retail, and recreational spaces, all centred around a vibrant village green. [Four stages of 40 individual sites]
Heritage Meets Innovation – Trams replace cars, and the iconic Kirkcaldie & Stains relocates and returns, bringing timeless elegance to modern retail.
Two Marinas – The Northern Marina caters to superyachts, while the Southern Marina (Whaka) embraces local maritime culture.
Hospitality & Entertainment – Cafés, a pub, restaurants, and Wellington’s first Casino create a dynamic social hub.
Powered by wind and solar, Pukatea Sands is more than a place to live—it’s a new era for the Hutt. 
Secure your place in this extraordinary community today. Enquire at your local real estate agents.
[classified advertisement]

Let Us Entertain You!

MEGA's First Free Public Event in the Eastbourne Village.
99% of the morning shoppers and passersby enjoyed the sounds of Tony, our classical guitarist, playing an eclectic range of favourites. Thanks to the shopkeepers who actively supported us in setting up.
Please join MEGA if you haven't already done so, and watch out for our next event. [or if you are really talented, then let's hear from you - Another Star is Born?] 

Go MEGA! Volunteer, Perform, Support!

MEGA is on the lookout for energetic volunteers (18+) to help organize exciting events—snacks, uniforms, and even costumes provided! If you have a shop that could use some extra buzz, a service, event space, or equipment we might need, let’s collaborate. Sponsorships and support are always welcome—we know how to make it worth your while!
Got Talent? Show It Off!
Are you a singer, magician, juggler, actor, or have a unique talent? MEGA is searching for performers to shine at special events, festivals, and even surprise flash-mob moments. If you or someone you know has a hidden talent, we want to hear about it!
Be part of something big—Make Eastbourne Entertaining Again! Email Us Today 

MEGAFUNNY

“OH LOOK, THEY REMEMBER WHERE EASTBOURNE IS!” 

Mayor ‘Amble Badly’ & Deputy ‘Newly Clueless’ resurface in Eastbourne after three years of strategic invisibility. — Must be election season.
Locals advised: Danger!
Do not you want more of the same-old? Or is it time for something fresh?
Doing nothing about it shouldn't be an option!
Your vote, your opinion matters.

Quotes from MEGA World: Such a cool website, expresses exactly what a lot of people here are thinking - love it. [Heike] --------- And MORE than about time that HCC was called to account for the outrageous over- spending on " silly things "....while ignoring the " Necessary things " ! --------- Would love to see an official audit of all transactions between HCC and "suppliers " ( ie - cone - movers, phone addicts on traffic duty etc).....that would shake a few feathers ! - Carry on , Mr Mannering !! [Pablo Fotzo] --------- Bravo......its about time this smug community got a wake-up call.  
Quotes from MEGA World: Such a cool website, expresses exactly what a lot of people here are thinking - love it. [Heike] --------- And MORE than about time that HCC was called to account for the outrageous over- spending on " silly things "....while ignoring the " Necessary things " ! --------- Would love to see an official audit of all transactions between HCC and "suppliers " ( ie - cone - movers, phone addicts on traffic duty etc).....that would shake a few feathers ! - Carry on , Mr Mannering !! [Pablo Fotzo] --------- Bravo......its about time this smug community got a wake-up call.  

FAQ

Questions Asked By Our Facebook Group Members.
We are different, and not everyone will like us...... but you're still here.

Can I stay anonymous?

Absolutely! You can use an alias if you prefer to remain incognito. Just keep in mind that you must actually live in Eastbourne or the Bays area—we may privately confirm this (no spies from across the harbour, sorry!).

If you’re happy to have your real name linked to your posts or articles, that’s totally fine too. We’re after your participation, not your life story (though we do like you, promise).

If you’re sharing photos, make sure they don’t accidentally reveal your secret identity—unless you’re fine with the world knowing who captured that stunning sunset. But please, do send stuff. We love it.

M.E.G.A. Rules
As Freedom of Speech is essential in M.E.G.A. philosophy so there are really no rules except for extreme cases of abuse. We are not about censorship.
✅ Don’t Be Shy: Your thoughts, ideas, contributions and participation is actively encouraged.
✅ Post regularly: So we get a feel of what you want to vent about and get off your chest.
✅ Stupidity & Extreme ignorance will not be tolerated: ‘Yeah Right!’
✅ Be Inventive: Had a ‘wicked’ idea? Want to tell us about it? Then do!
✅ You Must be Positive & You must have Fun: ‘The Golden Rule’

Ah, the age-old question—what sets M.E.G.A. apart from the wonderful (and sometimes wonderfully opinionated) tapestry of local rags, Facebook groups, and community newsletters?

First off, let’s be clear: we’re not here to replace, criticize, or rain on anyone’s parade. The Herald, the Eastbourne and Days Bay Community Facebook groups, and those ever-polite Residents’ Association newsletters all do a fantastic job. You need to find a lost cat? They’ve got you. Keen on debating the appropriate shade of blue for a beach sign? Perfect place.

But M.E.G.A.? Well, we dance to a different drum.

We’re not about fines, lost keys, or an endless parade of grandkid photos (as adorable as they may be). We’re here for big ideas, bold opinions, and the kind of cheeky mischief that makes life interesting.

We believe in freedom of speech—not just the parts that make everyone nod in polite agreement, but the real deal. If you have a point to make, make it. Whether our admins or members agree or not, we welcome robust, spirited discussions.

And perhaps most importantly? We’re here to shake things up with a whimsical, mischievous, and innovative spirit. If the local conversation were a dinner party, we’d be the guest who arrives with a bottle of something interesting, a controversial topic, and a twinkle in our eye.

That’s why M.E.G.A. is different. And that’s why you’re here.

Time to join the M.E.G.A. Community.........Sure Is.
Curious? Intrigued? Are you interested in your community?
Maybe you want to be heard. Maybe the time is NOW!
There's Only one condition to join... You Must Have A Sense of Humour.
(its' the only condition)
Fill in the details below and we'll send you an invite to Join our Special Members Facebook Group,
where you can stay connected, comment and help Make Eastbourne Great Again.
If you are not on Facebook then keep checking this website for new updates and chatter,
plus use the email link below to tell us 'stuff' and to participate, add your thoughts.....
and.... enter our special events and competitions.

M.E.G.A  [Not MAGA]

M.E.G.A. Disclaimer:

This website is intended exclusively for the legends who have stumbled across it. It might contain top-secret info, witty banter, or something mildly confidential—so please go and spilling the beans. If you’re not the chosen one (or the slightly less cool employee/agent tasked with delivering this information), you’re invited to the party. Forwarding, copying, or sharing this information is strictly encouraged and might result in a strongly worded letter of thanks, good karma, or possibly civil acclamation (but mostly good karma).

Thanks, and remember: Eastbourne & The Bays are great— Cheers! 

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