Lizard News April 2024

TL i z a r d Ne ws

L i z a r d Ne ws

Abbeyfield close to reality

he development of a new shared housing facility for older people in Katikati is close to becoming a reality, with most of the funding needed for it now secured

The Abbeyfield house will cater for 14 residents aged over 65, providing affordable rental accommodation where they can enjoy the company of others

A site for the house has been purchased in Wills Road, and nearly $3 million was raised towards the house’s development through local fundraising, grants, donations, sponsorship and other contributions

Abbeyfield New Zealand Executive Officer, Susan Jenkins, says this meant only $280,000 more now needed to be raised

“While there are still some funds to raise, we are almost there,’’ she says. “Abbeyfield appreciates funding support for the project from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Rental Pathway We also commend Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty for its active fundraising campaign, which has been instrumental in progressing this project ’’ Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty chairperson Carole Parker says it was exciting to be nearing the goal of getting an Abbeyfield house built, and the final stage of the fundraising campaign would now be launched Various events and activities were planned

They included offering people an opportunity to sponsor a garden stake created by local artists, which would form part of the landscaping for the house. People could sponsor a stake for a donation of $5,000 or more

She added that the Abbeyfield house was badly needed, as there was a lack of affordable and suitable rental housing for older people with limited means in Katikati

“This house will be an ideal solution for our community It will be a place where residents can maintain their independence but live in a supportive, caring environment They can build social connections and live healthier, more active lives,” she says

The Abbeyfield housing model is often likened to flatting for older people Residents live independently, with their own studio room with ensuite, and come together to share meals prepared by a housekeeper/cook They live like a big whānau or

Dfamily, sharing communal living areas

There are 14 Abbeyfield houses already operating in New Zealand and the Katikati house will operate along the same lines Abbeyfield houses have been in New Zealand since 1992 They are self-funding once established, with the rent covering operating costs Each house is managed by a local Abbeyfield committee, made up of volunteers The volunteers’ contribution ensures the rent remains affordable and the residents are well supported

Rates spend on dog park

By Peter Presland Ōmokoroa Community Board Chairperson

on’t get me wrong I love dogs and respect the roles they perform for us, both the working and companion versions But I don’t love your dog It’s your dog; I get that, but I don’t need to love it or have any of my rates contribution allocated to it, whether that be for compliance or the latest 21st-century thing, a Dog Park

I know I am treading dangerous ground here; I know so many dog owners are passionate about their pooch

And before you ask, yes, I have owned many dogs, up to nine at a time actually, but then they were all working dogs, as I was on a mustering run as a young fella, chasing merinos and half-breds (sheep) in the tops in Central Otago You need plenty of dog power for that gig, as the faithful dogs worked themselves to a standstill, so they needed to have days off, rest their weary and sometimes cut foot pads, cut from the shale in the tops of the mountains So, I totally get how we can feel so deeply connected to dogs

But in this age of financial restraint, I think Council, as unsexy as it sounds, need to stick to footpaths, drains and local roading/reserves networks Increasing any

rate we pay for anything outside of those services for the likes of dog parks, I say ‘get in behind’

On this, I stand alongside the Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association [ORRA], which points out that a dog park in Ōmokoroa will be funded by ratepayers, that’s ratepayers, not dog owners And that the proposed location for the ratepayer-funded dog park is Precious Family Reserve, a place enjoyed by so many ratepayers, whether they be dog owners or not

Before you yell Waylego to me, I urge you to make submissions on the matters your ORRA has raised; that’s all And please don’t sic your poodle on me, just my opinion

The Abbeyfield WBOP Committee, L-R: Mikayla Tāmati, Bill Rae, Natasja de Graaf, Elizabeth Rae, Pauline van Rijen, Theo van Rijen, Melva Howard Janet Charlton Carole Parker Peter Charlton Absent: Isabel Ford PHOTO: Supplied

Letters to the Editor

Matakana Island fire

Kia ora Matthew On behalf of us here on Matakana Island, I would like to publicly mihi to all the Fire Service Crews who came from near and far to assist in the efforts to control the fire on Matakana Island, and in particular to publicly acknowledge our own volunteer Fire Service here on Matakana Island

To us who live here on the Island, our men and women of the Matakana Island Fire Service Crew are our heroes, our heroes who put themselves at the forefront of the December 2020 fire and then again in December 2023.

The February issue of Lizard News didn’t quite capture the level of our contribution and the gratitude that we have for not only the “townies” but also our own volunteer Fire Service It was a whole lot more than dropping off baking

As an Island, we are all related, and for those of us who were watching from the side, we were extremely worried for their safety and are grateful for all they did and still do The 2023 fire activated more volunteers into the Matakana Island Fire Service, and the responsibility to protect what we hold dear has been accelerated Ngā mihi,

Nessie Kuka, Matakana Island

A letter to Council

When did the people of Ōmokoroa tell you they wanted a dog park, and what was the percentage for and against during that survey?

I don’t believe that Ōmokoroa needs a dog park at all There is heaps of space to let dogs have a run I have been to the Te Puke park If you are going to build the same thing here, it is an eyesore At least it is in a commercial area away from the residential homes in Te Puke There is a very good dog exercise area at Plummers Point An undeveloped area on Prole Road could be ideal. There

are no residents in the immediate area

I bought land at 43 Western Avenue from the Council for the development of ten sections There was never any talk of a dog park at the time It is totally unreasonable to put this park outside the fences of people at Links View Drive reserve It will be right in their face

There are also many health and safety issues which will arise from this proposal of it being up against residents’ properties

Rex McDonald, Ōmokoroa

Editor: Please refer to Council’s response on page 6.

SH2 speed limits

I read Scott Simpson MP’s article in the Katikati Advertiser about the gridlock on SH2

The road works are mainly during the night, 8pm-5am During the day, these speed reductions are not essential, so why not reverse them, say, 60kph or 70kph during the day?

This would make a lot of people much happier Just a thought

Tonnie Geux, Ōmokoroa

MenzShed wants work

The Ōmokoroa MenzShed members wish to thank the community for your support and encouragement Over the past two years, our membership has grown to more than 60

Now that we are up and running, we need your help

We want work, no matter how small We have the skills to undertake most projects

We will build new, repair, restore or replace with wood or metal

We are at 7 Prole Road from 9am to 1pm, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Come and talk about your project and have a coffee

MenzShed Ōmokoroa

Farmlands and Agrecovery soft plastic recycling

I was thrilled to receive an email from Farmlands in early March saying that they have partnered with Agrecovery to recycle small (25kg and under) LDPE #4 and Woven PP #5 feed, seed and fertiliser bags that have been purchased through Farmlands

I was then disappointed to learn on the Agrecovery signup page that it currently only caters for large-volume users who register for the programme

Registrants receive a liner that can take 60-75 Woven PP bags or 100 LDPE bags As the liners cannot be stored for longer than six months, small-volume customers like me can’t participate I’d be lucky to purchase two bags of anything in a year, so this obviously was not going to work for me

I contacted Agrecovery and Farmlands Te Puna to see if they could provide a bag in-store for small-volume users, and was pleased to hear from Agrecovery that they are working on rolling out a nationwide scheme for lifestyle farmers and low-scale users In the meantime, Te Puna Farmlands has agreed to accept small volumes in-store

I rocked up to the counter with my one empty Yaramila bag and the staff member told me they weren’t accepting them However, Agrecovery had told me they had organised this with branch manager Kelly Robertson, and after checking with Kelly, I found that my small offering was accepted

I really want this initiative to succeed, so I encourage all small-volume Farmlands customers out there to recycle their used bags at Farmlands Te Puna

The LDPE #4 or Woven PP #5 bags must have been purchased through Farmlands, be empty, and given a good shake out, removing all residue Ensure your bags are clean from contamination – both inside and out.

Sharon Parker, Ōmokoroa

Award for museum boss shared with team

Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic has been acknowledged for 12 years of dedication with the Tauranga Heritage Award 2023

She has made the museum in Katikati a “place of excellence in museum practice and visitor experience” since then

Paula attributes the museum ’ s collective success to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team and the steadfast support of the community

“I am honoured by the opportunity to lead our team During my formative years, I had the privilege of being mentored by Roy Clare, former Director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, who graciously provided access to his esteemed team of professionals

“As an adult learner, I pursued studies in Museum Best Practice, Māori in Museums, and Te Tiriti Papers, laying

La solid foundation for our endeavours

“Te Papa National Services Te Paerangi has been an invaluable source of guidance and wisdom, navigating the complexities of the non-profit sector and the museum landscape with their support I hold them in high regard, and the importance of qualifications, scientific rigour, and specialised skill sets, and I readily embrace expert knowledge as fundamental to our achievements

“Museums Aotearoa, as custodians of our sector’s Code of Ethics, has played a pivotal role in our development and fostering cohesion within our professional community The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s willingness to take calculated risks and provide opportunities for growth has been instrumental in our journey

“I thank the volunteers and our community for their steadfast support and trust in my leadership Our collab-

Scott says

By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel

ast month, the Education Minister announced that 350 school property-related projects needed to be reviewed because it wasn’t possible to deliver them within their current budget or timeframe

Unfortunately, the new schools at Ōmokoroa are among the projects identified, which is a blow to many local families who want certainty that their children can be educated locally The Minister wants the reviewers to report back in three months, and I remain hopeful the two new schools will go ahead as planned

It’s important for me to stress that this isn’t connected to any cost savings the Coalition Government is seeking to make to operational expenditure We are committed to funding school infrastructure as a priority, and the school property capital funding has not been cut I will continue to advocate for the prioritisation of the two new schools for Ōmokoroa

In better news, the Government has announced its Policy Statement on Transport, and I’m pleased to see that the Tākitimu Northern Link Stage 2 has been designated

as a Road of National Significance It’s one of 15 projects across the country which will be prioritised to support economic and regional development

As a regular road user in the Western Bay of Plenty, I know we have our share of transport issues Many of these are long-standing and are only getting worse as the region grows Similar situations are occurring across the country, as decades of underfunding and poor planning has left behind a significant infrastructure deficit

The Coalition Government is committed to addressing this issue and we will be laser-focused on delivering a better transport network for the Western Bay and the rest of New Zealand

The draft Government Policy Statement on transport also fulfils our campaign promise to establish a Pothole Prevention Fund Potholes became a talking point around the country when it was revealed that under Labour, the State Highway network needed over 62,000 potholes repaired in 2023 – the highest number in ten years We’re focused on maintaining our State Highways, and we ’ ve ring-fenced $500 million over three years for the repair and prevention of potholes

“Today, our museum boasts a team of nine passionate professionals, each bringing exemplary qualifications and dedication to their roles We approach our work with diligence, commitment, and a spirit of unity

“While it is impossible to individually acknowledge all those who have contributed to our journey, their collective impact is deeply appreciated I am inspired by the ongoing commitment of individuals who eagerly offer their support and expertise to further our mission

“Finally, I express my heartfelt appreciation to my husband for his unwavering support throughout this journey

“Looking ahead, we are excited to embark on plans to propel our museum into the 21st century with a transformative vision I invite you to stay tuned for the exciting developments that lie ahead,” Paula tells Lizard News

Years of commitment Paula in 2018 with the Armistice commemoration exhibition Those Who Served PHOTO: Supplied oration with the hapū of northern Tauranga Moana has been essential in sharing their rich history with the world

How we ’ re represented at Council: have your say

Now is your chance to assess if Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s current representation arrangements fit or are due for a change

“Representation lies at the heart of a thriving democracy and community, ensuring that the voices of everyone are heard, considered, and represented in decision-making processes, ” explains Western Bay Mayor James Denyer

Councils are required to review their representation arrangements every six years to ensure effective and fair representation for the community This includes things like the boundaries of our District’s voting wards and the number of elected councillors

The last review took place in 2018 “Our

Hcommunity is evolving, and our representation arrangements need to keep pace, ” says Mayor James Population estimates, according to Stats NZ, show nearly 12,000 newcomers to the Western Bay – from 48,960 in June 2017 to 60,770 in June 2023 This includes the general electoral population increasing from 43,000 to 53,500 and the Māori electoral population increasing from 5,960 to 7,240

Issues for review include the boundaries of wards, as well as the number of Māori wards, our District should have Should we keep community boards, how many there should be, what their boundaries are, or whether we should try something different?

Council has already decided that the ‘First Past the Post’ electoral system will be used for the 2025 and 2028 local body elections

It also decided to establish Māori wards for the 2025 local body election This means that for the first time, Council’s representation arrangements will include a Māori ward or wards

Following this community kōrero, Council will develop a draft proposal and report back in July-August before adopting the final arrangements

Any changes will be in place for the next Western Bay of Plenty District Council election in 2025

What are the current representation arrangements? Western Bay has a mayor

who is elected by the whole of the District, i e ‘at large’ There are 11 councillors who are elected from three different general wards (Katikati-Waihī Beach ward: three councillors; Kaimai ward: four councillors; Maketū-Te Puke ward: four councillors)

There are also five community boards (Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke and Maketū), each with four members and two councillors

You can give feedback via hard copy forms available at all Council library and service centres, via email at haveyoursay@westernbay govt nz, online at the Have Your Say web page haveyoursay westernbay govt nz/rep-review-2024

Feedback closes 5pm Monday 15th April 2024 Article supplied

New mural at Western Avenue Reserve

By Alie Henderson

ave you seen the eye-catching, vibrant, colourful new mural that has been springing up on the small facilities building in the car parking area near the Library on Western Avenue?

Local artist Stella Clark has created a stunning design for the mural with wideranging representations of leisure, sport, and recreation The mural was commissioned by Public Art Ōmokoroa Stella and the project team worked with groups of students from local schools who contributed their ideas to the final design

The building looked quite small when it stood white and lonely on the huge playing fields of the Reserve, but the team of local artists from the Ōmokoroa

Artists group who are completing the painting of the mural will tell you that long hours of painting over multiple weeks have been involved as they discovered just how big the four walls are.

The design is first transferred to the walls using chalk outlines; then, background colour is added before the final, more detailed design is completed

The Ōmokoroa Centre Trust has generously funded this project, and we would like to acknowledge excellent support from the Ōmokoroa Community Board and Western Bay of Plenty District Council staff

For more information about Public Art Ōmokoroa, please visit our website: publicartomokoroa org or contact our Secretary, Sue Dark omokoroapublicart@gmail com

Brian Ebbett and Stella Clark on the south side of the building PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Ōmokoroa Artists Jill Pretty painting fine details PHOTO: Supplied

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Ōmokoroa Dog Park status

Commentary from Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson Matt Leighton, Policy and Planning Manager

Thanks for the opportunity to share information about the Ōmokoroa

dog exercise area consultation

We received a fantastic response to this public engagement Over 850 pieces of feedback were received The more feedback we receive, the better informed we are to make decisions

We are currently reviewing this feedback, but we would like to keep the public informed on where we are at with the process The background on this project was outlined in the consultation information, but some people still had more questions, so we’d also like to provide more details for them

Let’s revisit the background of this project: Up until October 2023, there was just one off-leash fully fenced dog exercise area in our District at TECT Park This has been a very popular resource over the years, so to find out if people wanted more of these in their District, we went out to the community three times to seek feedback, both in Ōmokoroa and the wider Western Bay of Plenty District The feedback was very supportive of dog exercise areas, specifically in Ōmokoroa

In 2016, Dog Control and Policy Bylaw Review consultation showed 89% of submitters were in favour of dog exer-

cise areas Ōmokoroa was the most popular location across the District, with Katikati coming in as the second

In the 2021-31 Long Term Plan preengagement in 2020, 68% of submitters were in favour of dog exercise areas ‘Ōmokoroa – land between Links Avenue and Western Avenue’, was the most preferred location across the district This was the first time this location was considered as an option Respondents were not able to make multiple submissions

491 people said yes to more fenced dog exercise areas in the District 250 said Links View was their preferred location 226 said Te Puke, 165 Katikati, 140 Waihi Beach

Following this supportive feedback from the community, we made a commitment to create four new dog parks in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Waihī Beach and included budgets in the Long Term Plan 2021-2031

Tō Wāhi Your Place engagement in 2023 showed 64% of submitters agreed with Links View Drive Reserve as a location for a dog exercise area During this engagement, the public suggested four alternative locations, the most popular being Precious Family Reserve, which is where the current consultation question has come from Three other locationsCooney Reserve, Margaret Drive and Ōmokoroa Domain - were investigated and discounted due to ecological values (bird nesting), not being Council land, or dogs being prohibited on the site under

Dog Control Bylaw (due to high public use and/or ecological values)

How will this dog exercise area be paid for?

Council has allocated $30,000 towards the Ōmokoroa and Katikati dog exercise areas through the Long Term Plan 20212031 to kick start their creation This has come from 80% dog registration fees ($24,000) and 20% general rates ($6,000) We will work with the community, external funders and the Community Boards to source additional funding

For example, the Te Puke dog exercise area, which opened at Lawrence Oliver Park in 2023, was made possible by funding from the Council, Te Puke Community Board, TECT, and hard mahi from the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway Society

Isn’t there already a dog exercise area at Huharua Harbour Park (Plummers Point), and if not, can we build one?

There are spaces at Huharua Harbour Park (Plummers Point) where dogs can exercise off leash and under control, but there is not a dog exercise area A dog exercise area is a designated, purposebuilt, fully fenced space This area was considered for a dog exercise area, but it was discounted because most people would have to drive there The Park also has archaeological sites of cultural and historical significance

It’s important to note that building a new dog exercise area doesn’t change the use of other public spaces for dog owners You will still be able to have your dog off leash if it is under control on Council land, except in areas where this is already specifically restricted or prohibited by the Dog Control Bylaw Dog exercise areas are additional facilities where people can exercise their dogs in a safe and contained area

Where are we at now with the process? What’s next?

Currently, we are working through the submissions and collating feedback Responses will be read through, and common themes will be examined We will look at how many responses preferred Links View Drive Reserve or Precious Family Reserve, suggested other locations, or did not support a dog exercise area

The timeline for the process is April –May 2024: review feedback, confirm the outcome of the survey, and plan for possible next steps June – July 2024: Decisions are expected to be made by the Council We will be in touch with the community to keep them informed as we go further along this process In the meantime, if there are any further questions, we welcome these through our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732), or email at haveyoursay@westernbay govt nz

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From Ōmokoroa to Tauranga to Pāpāmoa and their surrounding communities. We are here for you, 24/ 7.

Planning rules put Council between ‘ a rock and a hard place’

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter

Nalisha@thesun co nz

ew planning rules have been adopted in the Western Bay of Plenty, but one councillor has likened them to “swallowing a dead rat”

The new rules allow for greater housing density in Ōmokoroa and Te Puke If Council didn’t adopt the rules, it risked losing funding for an essential highway roundabout

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council adopted the intensification planning rules at an extraordinary council meeting on Wednesday 6th March

Council chose not to adopt the rules in February over concerns the infrastruc-

three homes on a site, houses up to 11metres high, half of a site can be buildings, and at least 20m2 of outdoor space must be available

Homes that meet the standards do not require resource consents but will need building consents

The previous government made the standards mandatory

However, the new government said councils can opt into the rules, although the legislation supporting mandatory rules remains in place

Council formed an independent hearing panel to hear submissions on this proposal - Plan Change 92 Enabling Housing Supply - in September 2023, with recommendations released in January

The recommendations are for planning zones and rules in response to submissions

They must be accepted by Council If

ture wasn’t there to support increased housing

A workshop was held, and the risks Council faced if the planning rules weren’t adopted were explained

One of these risks was the loss of $46 8m in funding from Kāinga Ora for road upgrades and a roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road, according to workshop notes.

The roundabout was needed to open up land in Ōmokoroa for housing and also as a safer entrance to SH2

At Wednesday’s meeting, councillor Rodney Joyce said: “Today we have to swallow a dead rat; it’s just a question of which rodent we choose ”

It was a choice between rejecting some “pretty awful” planning rules imposed by the Government and risk infrastructure funding, or, adopting them and hoping they didn’t do “too much damage” before they could be changed, he said

“The biggest risk here, in my mind, is that very necessary roundabout We need it We need it for safety ”

Joyce said the rat he’d chosen was to adopt the planning rules as recommended by staff

Councillor Anne Henry said they were “basically between a rock and a hard place”

“We don’t really have any choice in this matter”

The Government’s medium-density residential standards (MDRS) mean Western Bay’s urban areas of Ōmokoroa and Te Puke are earmarked for greater housing intensification These areas are projected to have populations over 10,000 in coming years

The nine standards include allowing

rejected, the decision about them is placed in the hands of the Environment Minister

Council chose to reject four recommendations about indoor railway noise and vibrations, not rezoning land in Ōmokoroa industrial and not rezoning other private Ōmokoroa land as natural open space

Council recommended zoning land between Francis Road and Ōmokoroa Road light industrial but not enable cool stores to be built It also wanted the other land rezoned as open space, not future urban, as recommended by the panel

Councillor Murray Grainger said the intensification rules shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone because 22 years ago, plans were made for Ōmokoroa with growth projections of more than 10,000 people

“Our region is desperately short of houses We need to provide more land for housing so then the question is housing density ”

He said you couldn’t provide homes for 13,000 people in Ōmokoroa on quarteracre sections, so density was necessary but also a legal requirement

Mayor James Denyer said the inevitable loss of funding for the roundabout and the “lack of actual choice” around the standards made the decision more straightforward than it had seemed at the previous meeting

“This development is happening anyway This plan change puts in place essential parameters to control that and lead to better development ”

Plan Change 92 was publicly notified and came into effect on 13th March

Council risked losing funding for a roundabout at the intersection of SH2 and Ōmokoroa Rd if it didn t adopt the plan change PHOTO: Alisha Evans/SunLive

Tanners Point fatality

The man who died after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 at Tanners Point on Saturday 24th February was Brendon Ross Bourne, 55, of Tauranga Police extend condolences to his family and say enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing

Port sell-off ?

The Regional Council’s asking locals if it should sell part of its shareholding in Port of Tauranga to reduce risk by diversifying investments Quayside Holdings dividends provide a quarter of Regional Council revenue to reduce rates bills Regional Council proposes a 13% rates increase for 2024/2025, including $33 more general rates for a median property, plus targeted rates Public feedback on the Long Term Plan closes Tuesday 9th April. Other questions relate to funding buses and investigating new regional parks See www boprc govt nz/ltp-2024

City rates soar

Tauranga City ratepayers face a proposed average 15 8% rate rise because of Three Waters being scrapped by the new government Draft average rates will be up 13 1% for 2024/25, plus a levy to cover a 30year Crown infrastructure partners loan over 30 years Residential rates will be lower at 11 1%, and commercial rates higher City ratepayers must now provide $1 8 billion for water services investment from 2026 The completion of Cameron Road from 17th Ave to SH29 has been delayed to 2030 with increased costs

Te Puna Stream bridge works

Waka Kotahi accepts road users experienced long delays on SH2 near Whakamārama on Monday 11th March NZ Transport Agency contractors were milling out and resurfacing the road over two nights near Te Puna Stream Bridge The work site was at a different level to the road Some motorists slowed to walking pace for the change in road level, causing tailbacks

Moth plant action

A fast-growing, poisonous vine from South America, moth plant is particularly invasive in shelter belts and

hedges It smothers native plants and the milky sap can cause painful dermatitis This weed needs to be controlled urgently as mature seed pods burst open from late summer into autumn Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid contact with sap For information, contact kea@projectparore nz

Second life for unwanted goods

Furniture, appliances, lawnmowers, old fridges, screws and bolts, and e-waste are among items being accepted at Katikati Recycling Centre Until August, the District Council is running a resource recovery trial with Chrome Collective Charitable Trust, offering training, employment, and advocacy to people with disabilities The trial runs Thursdays and Saturdays, 9am to 4pm Normal recycling and greenwaste drop-off will continue

Katikati boat ramp

Feedback closes 5pm Monday 1st April on proposed changes to Beach Road boat ramp Proposed improvements include raising and widening the first 30 metres of the ramp, installing cultural and historical features, more green space for new picnic areas, upgrading public restrooms, and adding more parking, including dedicated boat trailer parking See haveyoursay westernbay govt nz/beachroad

Settlers’ Hall reno

The plumber, electrician, roofing contractor, and window supplier have been working alongside Chris

Moon’s team on the small hall Thanks to Pioneer Fire Services, wiring has been completed towards a compliant fire system Work now starts on the interior renovation The Large Hall and its kitchen remain fully operational See www settlershall co nz

Greenwaste hours extended

Ōmokoroa Greenwaste is extending opening hours to meet demand Saturday and Wednesday sessions will be 1pm-4pm from Wednesday 4th April Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Team Leader, Ilze Kruis says, “We’re pleased to extend the hours to assist gardeners We’re also grateful to all the Lions volunteers who donate their time to make this possible ”

ECHO Walking Festival

The ECHO Walking Festival kicks off on Monday 8th April with the stunning Union Hill Walk in Waihī and spans two weeks until Sunday 21st April’s Orokawa Trig Walk at Waihī Beach Each year, organisers encourage walkers to take phones or cameras to capture the beauty of the bush, the people participating, and the spirit of ECHO Participants may enter up to five photographs into a competition for cash prizes Participants must book any walk, cycle, or other ECHO activity they wish to join See www echowalkfest org nz/ registrations

Te Puna playground soon to take flight

Tamariki will soon be able to spin, swing and fly their way to fun at a new playground in Te Puna

Construction of the playground at Māramatanga Park, on the top corner of Te Puna and Tangitū Roads, will begin on Monday 8th April and is expected to take five weeks (weather dependent)

The $323,000 facility will include a natural play wonderland, slide, swings, spinning ‘Supernova’ and a flying fox

Jointly funded by Council and a generous $190,000 grant from the Lion Foundation, the design considers feedback from the community, with a flying fox being one of the most desired pieces of play equipment

“Neighbourhood playgrounds like this

are a vital part of our communities Not only do they provide healthy spaces for children to play, but they are also a place where families can meet and connect,” says Council’s Project Manager Marcia Velloen

“During the design phase, we invited the local community to meet with us onsite to share their ideas on what sorts of play equipment they would like to see included A flying fox was at the top of the list for many tamariki and rangatahi, and we are looking forward to seeing it in action ”

To keep everyone safe, signage will be installed, and the site will be fenced off while Council contractors work Article supplied.

Alzheimer’s group urgently needs volunteers

What have you got planned for 2024? Could you help by volunteering with Alzheimer’s Tauranga to make life more rewarding for the more than 600 families across the Western Bay of Plenty living with dementia?

Alzheimer’s Tauranga is urgently looking for volunteers to help support the growing number of families affected by dementia Many of their regular volunteers finished up last year as they plan to travel, had become unwell themselves or were ageing and less able to volunteer Volunteer coordinator Stephanie Harlan says the organisation is looking for people with a wide range of skills and experience from across the Tauranga-Western Bay area

“We’re wanting anyone who is compassionate, trustworthy, reliable and, above all, patient to work with our clients in all sorts of ways The roles include befrienders, people who can help in social and

companion groups, cognitive stimulation therapy programmes for clients, and others who may have skills in helping people write their life stories or assist with art, music and creative activities

“We’ll provide training about dementia and supporting people with dementia as well as an Introduction to Dementia certificate We run four to six training sessions a year, which can cover more in-depth areas such as aphasia [inability to speak or understand speech], Parkinson ’ s and caring for dementia clients through an occupational therapy lens

“We want to help as many people with dementia as possible, but we just can’t do it without our volunteers We currently need a few more volunteers to meet the demands of our growing service ”

Anyone interested in volunteering with Alzheimer’s can contact volunteers tauranga@alzheimers org nz

Article supplied

Reading Enrichment Programme

For the past few years, Pahoia School has run a successful Reading Enrichment Programme, and we are very keen to continue this in 2024 The Reading Enrichment Programme is a reading initiative that is aimed at children who are slightly below their chronological reading age, and just need a period of one-to-one reading instruction to get them up to speed

Do you, or anyone you know, have one spare morning a week, Monday to Thurs-

day, between 9 and 10 30am that you could regularly donate during term time to help these children improve their reading and writing abilities? No previous experience is necessary as training and ongoing support will be provided You just need to be patient, a good listener and enjoy helping children reach their potential

If you feel you could commit your time to this worthy cause, please contact Karen Radley karen@pahoia school nz, or phone the school on 548 0723

Māramatanga concept drawing IMAGE: Supplied

Fungi Fest NZ

TBy Emma James-Ries

he inaugural Fungi Fest NZ takes place from 14th March to 14th April

2024 This will be a first-of-its-kind festival for New Zealand with more than 27 smaller events culminating with a large community festival day

The point of this mycology-themed festival is to use creative practice to educate the community on fungi and mushrooms, their important role in our ecosystem, and how to respect them when out and about Some events are in collaboration with Envirohub Bay of Plenty’s Sustainable Backyards program

The festival takes place at the start of the main fungi season in New Zealand so that people can then go out fungi searching with their newfound knowledge

These include mushroom growing workshops, author talks, information evenings, and creative workshops (including pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and sewing) as well as food events, film showings, fungi finding walks, art/photography displays and free community workshops

A very special ‘Fungi Finding and Identification Basics’ walk takes place at Aon-

Flavours a Plenty

Three dark beers will be paired with three desserts at The Rising Tide Ōmokoroa when the venue hosts a Flavours of Plenty Festival experience on 11th April The event has been bubbling away for months since Spongedrop Cakery owner Dani Cubis began discussing the collaboration with Mount Brewing Co head brewer Pawel Lewandowski

gatete on Friday 5th April at 10am, run by Botanist and ex biology/science teacher

Shirley Kerr, who was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to mycology in 2021 Shirley wrote A Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi, arguably the best NZ fungi field guide available Shirley will also be giving a talk ‘Fungi Fetish - how fungi have taken over my life’ later that day at Tauranga City Library from 6pm Shirley is an ex-resident of the Kaimais, who now resides in Blenheim

We also have a beginners ‘Fungi Photography Basics’ walk led by Lee Ormsby Andricksen Lee is an avid amateur fungi hunter and photographer and helps to run the Facebook group ‘Mushrooms of New Zealand (photography)’ which has over 19,000 members This walk will cover fungi finding and entry-level fungi photography This takes place at Puketoki Reserve from 11am on Saturday 6th April

All three of these events are free events, but each has limited spaces and bookings via the website are essential More information and details are on the website: ecoscievents org nz/fungifestnz

While details about the dishes will remain under wraps beforehand, Dani can supply a few hints

“To complement the beers, there’ll be chocolate vibes Maybe a little coffee and caramel ”

She says diners should expect the desserts not to be too big or too sweet

“But I’d still recommend maybe having

“There’s been a lot of brainstorming to individually match the different tastes and nuances of each of the beers with a dessert,” Dani says “It’s really exciting and very unique If you ’ re into red wine and dessert, I think our ‘A Dark Night’ event is a really great alternative ”

just a light dinner beforehand ”

The annual Flavours of Plenty festival also features a pasta-making masterclass with chef Marko Velickovic at Alma Eatery on The Esplanade

The full festival menu includes almost 50 food-related events in the coastal Bay of Plenty region, between Waihī Beach and Ōhiwa Harbour Ōmokoroa residents have oodles of options nearby, including a makeyour-own gin experience in Aongatete and a honey harvest in Whakamārama

For more details, visit flavoursofplenty festival com Article supplied

A Dark Night promises delicious dishes paired with local beers PHOTO: Supplied

Our Santa Parade entry from December 2023 PHOTO: Supplied

Te Puna Heartlands

By Beth Bowden

Te Puna Heartlands is an organisation that has something for everyone “We loved the guerilla gardeners and the hideaway haymaker,” says its secretary, Rosemary Turner Waugh “But we also do serious stuff like making submissions in consent application proceedings and participating in District Plan and Representation Reviews ”

Heartlands has a new committee for 2024 Peter Lochhead is Chair and works with Beth Bowden, Bev Kain, Liz Riepen and Rosemary Turner Waugh Everyone lives in Te Puna and, along with a wider group of volunteers, meets every couple of months to discuss matters of interest and concern for Te Puna residents The

next meeting is at the Te Puna Memorial Hall on Thursday 11th April at 7pm

The Te Puna Plan is an important element of Heartlands’ work, but so is support for others wishing to involve themselves in making, and keeping Te Puna as a great community Heartlands often acts as a conduit for communicating with the District Council and, because Heartlands membership is open to any resident of Te Puna, is a great way for groups to stay in touch with new developments as well as background information

To get on its mailing list, contact Te Puna Heartlands at tepunaheartlandinc@gmail com, or “Just turn up at the Hall at our next meeting,” says Peter “You are very welcome, even if you ’ re not a gardener or a haymaker!”

Te

Puna School

By Kylie Chambers

This term, the Hato Hone St John in Schools programme provided an instructor to teach important firstaid skills to all our tamariki

Our 5-year-olds learnt which number to call in an emergency and why we need emergency services They learned what the inside of an ambulance looks like and listened to each other’s heartbeats

One thing we learnt was how important it is for children to know their own addresses It is a good idea to check if your children can explain where they live if they are ever on the phone to the emergency services Can they describe where they live in more detail than‘down the road from the school’ or ‘ over the bridge’? This is vital information that they may need to tell a 111 operator Learning a contact phone number is also very useful

The year 2/3 children learnt how to phone 111, how to put people into the stable side position and simple bandaging techniques Our Year 7/8s practised advanced skills of DRSABC and CPR

Healing Rooms Ōmokoroa

By Andrew Frankland

We are pleased to announce that Healing Rooms has opened here in Ōmokoroa It is based at Ōmokoroa Community Church and opens between 1-3pm on Mondays, except public holidays No appointment is necessary, and there is no fee

Healing Rooms provide a safe, confidential environment where you can receive healing prayer from a small team We pray for physical healing and/or emotional healing or any issues that are troubling you

The Healing Rooms ministry was originally started in Spokane, Washington USA, in the early 20th century by a man named John Lake, which resulted in over

100,000 documented miracles of healing within the space of five years This had an enormous impact on the local community and bankrupted the medical services in Spokane, with many doctors running out of patients The US government in Washington declared Spokane the healthiest city in the world Healing Rooms began in New Zealand in 2006, and there are now twenty-six in the country

So if you are injured or unwell please consider visiting the Healing Rooms and the team will be happy to pray for your healing

For more information, please contact Tanya at the Church office on 07 548

Guerilla gardeners highlighting potholes outside Te Puna Motors PHOTO: Supplied

Hopefully, our children will never need to use these skills, but they are now prepared in case they come across an emergency situation

Listening to heartbeats PHOTO: Supplied

Double recognition for Waihī Beach volunteering

The hardworking community members and groups of Tauranga and Western Bay were recently showcased to their peers and recognised for their contributions at the Western Bay Community Awards

Over 300 people gathered at Baycourt to acknowledge the 30 finalists and congratulate the eight winners, all of whom are making significant positive impacts in the Tauranga and Western Bay region

The Western Bay Community Awards are delivered in partnership with the region’s five local funders, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council

“The Community Awards are all about celebrating and recognising the great people whose efforts often go unsung, who put their time and energy into making the Western Bay of Plenty a better place to live,” says TECT Chairperson, Bill Holland Waihī Beach’s Melanie Gearon was on stage twice during the awards, first as part of the Live Well Waihī Beach team as they took home the Sustainable Future Award Later, she returned solo, as the People’s Choice Award Winner

“There are so many things to enjoy about

Bvolunteering,” says Gearon “It is just something in your blood If you ’ re a volunteer, you just give ” “It is an opportunity to give back It is an opportunity to connect with people in all areas of life Whether it’s Waka Ama, fire, or Live Well Waihī Beach, we can help so

many different people ”

Live Well Waihī Beach is a long-term community-led initiative that has evolved since its development in 2020 Governed by a local steering committee, guiding local kaupapa, recognising the need for a sustainable future This mahi has forged

unique collaborative partnerships not just locally but regionally that have benefited everyone involved It has provided education and advocacy for the community, businesses, and visitors, sharing the message that we have collective responsibility, which has positively affected people coming forward to volunteer on various projects

Melanie’s People’s Choice citation reads, “Congratulations to Melanie, who plays a vital role within the Waihī Beach community due to her dedication across multiple volunteer roles for numerous community organisations Melanie volunteers for the Mayor View Fire Brigade, Live Well Waihī Beach, Sustainable Waihī Beach, Accessible Beach Mats and local Waka Ama groups She always goes above and beyond for her community and is always looking for ways to connect and support the community more effectively”

Around 80 nominations were received across six award categories, and more than 1,600 votes were submitted for the People’s Choice Award

Videos highlighting the efforts of each winner are available on TECT’s Facebook page Article supplied

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer

oth firefighters and first responders were relatively quiet call-wise during February Firefighters responded eight times, thankfully to no major events

Of significance is another motor vehicle crash on the corner of State Highway 2 and Youngson Road Please remember this is a dangerous area when driving in the vicin-

ity, and take extra care behind the wheel

A car crashed over a bank at Apata; no major injuries were sustained by the driver, and in a 2-vehicle collision on the Esplanade in Ōmokoroa, serious injury was just avoided

A couple of defective alarms at different sites had firefighters scrambling, both on the same Friday

First responders chalked up 12 callouts during the same period attending the

motor vehicle crashes with firefighters and their normal array of cardiac arrests, breathing problems and people falling over

Thank you to those who are stopping and giving way to emergency vehicles with lights and sirens operating It makes for a safer environment all round

A lot busier in March for First Responders, being called 22 times up to the 24th of the month Chest pain was a high prior-

ity at a large percentage of calls, along with three motor vehicle crashes attended by firefighters

Firefighters were quiet, responding only four times, three of those to motor vehicle crashes Two were minor crashes The third was a more serious one at the State Highway 2 and Plummers Point Road intersection

Easter Weekend is almost upon us Please be safe and drive carefully

Melanie Gearon with her People s Choice award PHOTO: Supplied

We w o u l d l i k e t o w e l c o m e

G r a c e A n d e r s o n t o o u r K a t i k a t i t e a m .

T h i n k i n g a b o u t s e l l i n g ?

“ I l ov e m y c a r e e r a n d p r i d e m ys e l f o n

d e l i v e r i n g w o r l d c l a s s s e r v i c e ”

B r i g h t , b u b b l y a n d d ow n - t o - e a r t h , G r a c e a n d h e r d y n a m i c t e a m d e l i v e r s u p e r i o r s e r v i c e a n d

o u t s t a n d i n g r e s u l t s

A t r u e p ro f e s s i o n a l , s t r a t e g i c t h i n k e r , a n d

ex c e l l e n t n e g o t i a t o r , G r a c e p r i d e s h e r s e l f o n p e e r l e s s c o m m i t m e n t t o ex c e p t i o n a l c l i e n t s e r v i c e b y e n s u r i n g a l l a s p e c t s o f h e r c l i e n t s

c a m p a i g n s a r e i m p l e m e n t e d w i t h t h e u t m o st

c a r e a n d a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l

G r a c e p l a c e s a h i g h p r i o r i t y o n o p e n a n d h o n e s t c o m m u n i c a t i o n w i t h h e r c l i e n t r e l a t i o n s h i p s

a n d h a s a c r y s t a l - c l e a r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e

p ro p e r t y m a r k e t T h i s d e p t h o f ex p e r i e n c e a n d

k n ow l e d g e o f t h e r e a l e s t a t e i n d u s t r y p a r t n e r e d

by a r e a l i s t i c , y e t a l way s o p t i m i s t i c a p p ro a c h , m e a n s h e r c l i e n t s b e s t i n t e r e s t s c o u l d n o t b e

b e t t e r s e r v e d

G r a c e a n d h e r t e a m s ex t e n s i v e b u y e r n e tw o r k , a l o n g w i t h t h e i r e n t h u s i a s t i c a n d t h o ro u g h

a p p ro a c h e n a b l e s t h e m t o s u c c e s s f u l l y m a t c h

b u y e r s t o c l i e n t' s p ro p e r t i e s a n d a c h i e v e

p r e m i u m r e s u l t s

A l o c a l w i t h s e v e n y e a r s ex p e r i e n c e i n R e a l

Es t a t e i n t h e a r e a , G r a c e b e l i e v e s s t ro n g l y i n

g i v i n g b a c k t o t h e c o m m u n i t y G r a c e G i v e s

B a c k h a s d o n a t e d t h o u s a n d s o f d o l l a r s t o b o t h

l o c a l a n d n a t i o n a l c h a r i t i e s

G i v e G r a c e a c a l l t o d a y !

G r a c e A n d e r s o n : 0 2 7 4 7 2 2 3 0 1

g r a c e a n d e r s o n @ t r e m a i n s c o n z

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

Here are some of the groups and activities which happen regularly in the area. If you have a regular group you’d like to add to the list, please email liz@lizardnews.net or call 548 1200.

This is presented as a guide We recommend you check with organisers beforehand

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO), McDonnell Street 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday Local history, community information and art for sale Contact

Alison on 021 294 9294

Ōmokoroa Cafe Cruisers cycle group Monday, Friday and Sunday 9am at Ōmokoroa Library for local and away rides Manual and ebikes welcome

FB: Ōmokoroa Cafe Cruisers for details

MONDAYS

Ladies’ Fitness Classes at 8am on Pahoia Road at the Cow Shed Gym Anneli 021 077 5416

Device Advice Katikati Community Centre from 9am $10 after 2 free sessions Please book on 07 549 0399

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start 30A Park Road, Katikati New members welcome

Email katikati tennis@outlook com

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-12 30pm omokoroa@playcentre org nz Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 9 15-10 15am

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Katikati Bowling Club Names in by 9 15am 2x4x2 format Coaching available 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103

Scrabble at Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki

Manawa 10am Refreshments provided Free Postnatal Support Group 10am-12pm Bethlehem Birthing Centre All parents and caregivers of children under two welcome

Phone 549 4522

Keep On Your Feet Strength and balance classes for older adults 11am-noon Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall Sharnie 021 1118617

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651 Justice of the Peace clinic 11am-1pm at Waihī Library, 40 Rosemont Street Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 1pm for 1 30pm play Ōmokoroa Settler s Hall Call Ruth 571 1564

Scottish Country Dancing 1-3 pm St Peter s

Anglican Church, Beach Road $4 All ages, no partner required Call Douglas 021 0244 6099

Ōmokoroa Sewing Group Boomerang Bags or BYO project Ōmokoroa Library, Whakamārama Room (downstairs) 1-3pm Bring your own machine/extension cable if you have one

Contact Christine Sherriff 549 5601 or 027 434

9842

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction,

Katikati Tickets $12 Limited seats 549 5250

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion

afternoons Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail com

IGIRLZ Activities for girls 8 - 11 6-7 30pm

Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall Call 548 2515

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6-8pm Contact

Mollie 021 177 8018

Table Tennis Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 18+ 8pm

$5 per person White-sole shoes preferred steve thacker@hotmail com

Social indoor netball term time 6pm Apata

Community Hall, Pahoia School Ages 11+, all

levels $5 Call Kirsten 022 535 1530

Hatha Yoga at Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 7pm

Stefan 022 477 3809, email stefan@mlyoga co nz

or visit www mlyoga co nz

Cards 500 7pm Ōmokoroa Bowling Club $3 incl

tea and biscuits Carpooling from Katikati

available Call Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404

Bolivia Katikati Christian Centre, Henry Road 1-4pm Some knowledge of canasta useful

Indoor Bowls 7pm at Waihī Beach RSA Contact

Grant on 027 475 0556

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/9 am

start All year Casual & new players welcome

Call Kevin 027 273 5655

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control from 8am and from 1 30pm Contact

Shirley on 552 2707

Hatha Yoga at Te Puna Hall 9am with Stefan Ph 022 477 3809, email stefan@mlyoga co nz or visit www mlyoga co nz Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa

Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Te Puna Playcentre 9am-1pm term times only

225 Te Puna Road te puna@playcentre org nz

MenzShed Ōmokoroa 7 Prole Road, Ōmokoroa 9am-1pm Welcome to just call in or email info@menzshedomokoroa org

Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis 9am start

Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9 30am in term

times $4 per family Annie 0274 878372

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am Spin, weave,

Rugby & Sports

Club, Moore Park Sharnie 021 111 8617

Justice of the Peace clinic at Waihī Beach Library

11am-noon

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club Roll-up, names in by 12 30 for 1 o clock

start All welcome Bowls and coaching available

Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 30 to 4pm 30 Hamurana Road Beginners and visitors welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Katikati Bridge Club Katikati Memorial Hall

Lounge 12 50pm All levels welcome Contact

Margaret 027 406 0994

Mahjong Circle 1pm at the Ōmokoroa Sports

Pavilion Western Avenue Call Suzanne 027 477

2010 or Margaret 548 2126

Wise & Wonderful Arts & crafts, games and afternoon tea for

Contact Bronwyn Carter on omokoroarotary@gmail com or 021 236 4623 or find us on Facebook Yoga Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 8 45-9 45 am and 6-7pm Contact Brooke 021 878 838 MenzShed Ōmokoroa 7 Prole Road Ōmokoroa 9am-1pm Welcome to just call in or email info@menzshedomokoroa org

Pickleball at Waihī Beach Community Centre 9 30-11am Bats, balls, courts and nets provided $3 per session

Call Phil on 021 624 908 Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Tai Chi 9 30-11 00am Te Puna Memorial Hall

Contact David 027 222 2824

Ōmokoroa

Marilyn 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church Beach Road Call Edna 027 474 9946 Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Katikati Library Caregivers please stay with your children Free to attend

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee 10-noon Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting

Diabetes NZ Drop-in group 10-noon 177a Fraser Street, Tauranga 571 3422 tauranga@diabetes org nz

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-12pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 11 30am12 30pm Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Rummikub at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd

Katikati 1pm start $3 per person

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing planting and weed control 1-4pm Contact Shirley 552 2707

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall BeginnersIntermediate 1-3pm Call Joce 021 486 265

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati Tickets $12 Limited seats 549 5250

Genies Unbottled Belly Dance Small friendly sessions of 5 people 5 30 & 7 05pm Te Puna

Beginners welcome Contact Linley 027 286 3452 Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall, term time from 7-8:30pm Contact Jan Murray 027 286 1552

Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club We welcome all ages and experience

Contact Eryl 021 404 163

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion in the evening Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail com

Katikati Toastmasters Club Communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater selfconfidence and personal growth 7 30pm on 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at Community Centre, Beach Road Contact 544 5989

FRIDAYS

Ladies Fitness Classes at 8am on Pahoia Road at the Cow Shed Gym - Anneli 021 077 5416

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/9 am

start All year Casual & new players welcome

Call Kevin 027 273 5565

Friends of the Blade direct message the Facebook: Friends of the Blade or email noelenetaylor57@gmail com

Pilates mat class 9am at Ōmokoroa Pavilion

Social Room Nicole 022 409 7109

Ladies Singles Tennis 9am at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa Enjoy some competitive but fun games

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall General session 9am-noon Call Shirley on 548 1633 Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-12 30pm omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move at 10am at Ōmokoroa Library Caregivers, please stay with your children Free to attend

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon

Bethlehem Community Church, 138 Moffat Road

Are you interested in learning to play Bridge – possibly the best card game in the world?

If so, Omokoroa Bridge Club invites you to try something new for 2024.

$5 per lesson

We’re looking for a small group of around 6-8 keen beginners to start in April or May at an agreed time –a weekday evening or on a Saturday or Sunday Homework video time is also required

We are excited to experiment with this new, more personalised format

We would particularly welcome teens or young adults to fit in with your studies Bridge is such a great life skill to learn in your youth!

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon Katikati

Community Centre, 45 Beach Road

Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa

Community Church Hall 10am-12 15pm for $4

Morning tea and lunch provided Drop in or call

Lorraine Taylor 548 1404

Ōmokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship, coffee, outings, etc 11am Ōmokoroa Boat Club

Phone 021 627 107 or email

omokoroa senior singles@gmail com

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling

Club Roll-up, names in by 12 30 for 1 o ’clock

start All welcome Bowls and coaching available

Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com

Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 45pm

Contact Janet on 0274 467472

Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls 12 45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall Contact Chris 549 0958

Cards 500 at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd

Katikati 1-4pm $2 per person

Katikati Plant & Produce Market A&P Showgrounds 3 30-5 30pm Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449

SATURDAYS

Junior Tennis Coaching at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Members and Non-members welcome Visit omokoroatennis com for information and to book

Waihī Beach Farmers Market 8am-12noon at Waihī Beach School Produce music kids’ activities Stalls $35 casual or $25 members To 27th April 2024 Contact info@waihibeachfarmersmarket co nz Katikati Toy Library 9-10am at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

FB: Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

Friends of Cooney Reserve 9am Bring sturdy footwear and gloves, and tools if you wish Contact

Chris Cole (text only) 0274 545 586 Ōmokoroa Crochet Group Whakamārama Room (downstairs) at Ōmokoroa Library 9 15-11 15 (ish) Refreshments provided

MenzShed Ōmokoroa 7 Prole Road, Ōmokoroa 9am-1pm Welcome to just call in or email info@menzshedomokoroa org Grow On Katikati 9 30-10 30 Pick up/drop off seeds and seedlings for community food resiliency Next to Katikati Community Centre growonkatikati@gmail com

Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9 30-11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

omokoroatoylibrary@gmail com

Tai Chi Katikati Community Centre 10-11am

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee 10-noon Hamurana Road south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour Noon

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 30 to 4pm 30 Hamurana Road Beginners and visitors

welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start 30A Park Road, Katikati New members welcome

Phone Michael 027 473 1540

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up 1pm

Names in before 12 45pm Coaching available

Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Rd, Katikati 07 549 0103

Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric

4038 to join or donate fabric Every other

Katikati Mini Kickers From 9 30am for children born between 2016-2020 Contact Caroline on 027 551 5589 or katikatifirstkicks@gmail com

community shopping bags Txt Robyn on 021 158

Saturday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 1pm Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 2-4pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517

Catholic Vigil Mass 5pm Ōmokoroa Community Church

SUNDAYS

Waihī Beach Sunday Market Wilson Park every Sunday from Labour Weekend till April, from 9am till 1pm Arts, crafts, food + more hello@weekendevents co nz Athenree Homestead 360 Athenree Road Enjoy the homestead and gardens ($5 donation for Homestead entry) Every Sunday, 11am-3pm from Jan–March, and first Sunday of the month Apr to Dec athenreehomestead org nz Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags Txt Robyn on 021 158 4038 to

Year-round swimming in Ōmokoroa interest you? Russell: 021 153 0767 or mothcork@gmail com Join us & swim for health & well-being

Mon 1st U3A Art Group 10am-noon 1st & 3rd Mondays Waihī Bowling Club $2 Bring materials Jose Jebb: 027 457 0242

Mon 1st Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road 1st & 3rd Mondays 6pm Colin: 576 9110

Tue 2nd Katikati Small Business Network 10-11am Chrome Café, Katikati Connect with other business owners, gain invaluable support in an encouraging environment 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 549 5250

Wed 3rd Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am12 30pm 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Visit aongateteforest org/join

Wed 3rd Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am Waihī Beach RSA Interesting speakers, conversation, & people 1st Wednesdays

Wed 3rd Kati Chat 10-11am The Arts Junction Katikati Learn about local organisations All welcome Morning tea provided Ph 07 549 5250

Wed 3rd Citizens Advice Ōmokoroa 1-3pm The Old Library Ōmokoroa 1st & 3rd Wednesdays No appt req’d

Thu 4th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 1st Thursdays, 9 30am Ōmokoroa Community Church Geoff Gripton: 548 1027 or Fred Hartley: 548 1939

Sat 6th April Katikati Tramping Club Moderate, 4-hour, off-track tramp with a knee-deep river crossing & some steep climbs on Jane’s stoat line, top of Work Road Call Jane: 549 1952 or 022 600 5941 kaimaijane@icloud com by Friday night

Sat 6th Katikati Carboot Sale 8-11am A&P Showground, Major Street $15 trailer, $10 carboot Register via 027 457 9686 or abbeyfieldwbop chair@gmail com

Sat 6th Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Seeds, produce, seedlings, preserves, jams, baking etc 1st Saturdays Katikati Community Centre, 9 30-10 30am Jizzy: 549 2337 or Marie: 929 7906

Sat 6th Preloved Boutique Fashion Show & Clothing Sale Ōmokoroa Point School fundraiser 6 30pm Ōmokoroa Pavilion, 28 Western Ave $30 Tickets from school office

Sat 6th-Sun 7th Daylight Saving ends Turn your clocks back and check your smoke detectors!

Sun 7th Katikati Folk Open Mic 5pm 1st

Sundays Blackboard (open mic) session

Forta Leza 2656 SH2 Aongatete

Mon 8th to Sun 21st Echo Walking Festival. www echowalkfest org nz for info

Tue 9th Ōmokoroa Photographic Society Sports Pavilion Social Room All levels welcome 7-9pm 2nd Tuesdays omokoroaphotoclub@gmail com

Tue 9th Katikati Creative Fibre 7pm on 2nd Tuesdays St Paul’s, Mulgan Street $5 marparmail@gmail com

Wed 10th U3A Katikati 10am-noon in the Digital Hub next to the Library on 2nd Wednesdays $3 Guest speakers Pam: 021 104 2925

Wed 10th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall, 2nd Wednesdays Keith & Rosemary: 548 2117

Wed 10th Katikati Herb Society 2nd Wednesdays 7pm St Paul’s Church Jenny Ager-Pratt: 027 309 9695

Wed 10th AA/NZTA driver & vehicle licencing Mobile unit in Katikati 2nd Wednesdays 9 30-4pm 0800 822 422

Thu 11th Business Breakfast 7am Pātuki Manawa 2nd Thursdays Register www theartsjunction org nz

Thu 11th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking 2nd Thursdays Meet Leyland Road carpark John: 548 1180 or Terry: 552 6222

Thu 11th Ōmokoroa Business Network 9am coffee, Boat Club, 2nd Thursdays omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 11th Katikati Genealogy Group 2nd Thursdays, Red Cross, 33 Middlebrook Drive, 1 30pm $5 junegrant7@xtra co nz

Thu 11th Te Puna Heartlands meeting 7pm Te Puna Hall All locals welcome

Fri 12th Connecting in Te Puna 1-3pm Te Puna Memorial Hall supper room 2nd Fridays $5 All welcome

Fri 12th Katikati Folk Club: Rachel Dawick 7 30pm The Arts Junction Tickets $25 Ph 549 5250

Sat 13th Katikati Town & Country Market 2nd Saturdays 9am-1pm Katikati Memorial Hall Angie: info@town&country nz or 021 203 9554

Sat 13th Patchwork Quilting Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-4 30pm 2nd Saturdays

Christine: 027 280 1344

Sun 14th Katikati Psychic Cafe Katikati

Community Centre, 45 Beach Road 2nd & 4th Sundays 7-9pm $10 cash 027 336 3896 or FB: Katikati Psychic Cafe

Mon 15th Representation Review Closes Give feedback about the structure of Council’s elected membership Visit haveyoursay westernbay govt nz/ rep-review-2024 Closes 5pm

Mon 15th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions

Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road 1st & 3rd Mondays 6pm Colin: 576 9110

Tue 16th Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers 3rd Tuesdays 10am Ōmokoroa Library

Tue 16th Katikati Small Business Group 10-11am Chrome Café, Katikati Connect with business owners; gain invaluable support Encouraging environment 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 549 5250

Tue 16th Innovation Garden Club 1 303pm, 3rd Tuesdays Waihī Beach RSA 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail com

Tue 16th Katikati Youth Theatre Ages 1230 Games, learning, fun Supper included 3rd Tuesdays, 7-9pm kkyouththeatre@gmail com

Wed 17th Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am12 30pm 1st & 3rd Wednesdays aongateteforest org/join

Wed 17th Citizens Advice Ōmokoroa 1-3pm, The Old Library 1st & 3rd Wednesdays No appt req’d

Wed 17th Business After Five 5 15pm Katch Katikati Arts Junction 3rd Wednesdays Hosted by St Johns

Thu 18th Give Blood Katikati 1pm-6pm War Memorial Hall Must book on 0800 448 325

Thu 18th Café Scientifique 7pm The Arts Junction, Katikati All welcome

Fri 19th to Sun 21st Katikati Tramping Club Three-day trip including Pākihi Track (Ōpōtiki) & Eastwoodhill Arboretum(Gisborne) Pākihi Hut easy, flat walking, 6 hours Easy options include the Dunes trail & various shorter walks Laraine: 021 0737 084 laraine hughes9@gmail com

Sun 21st Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sundays Informal session, Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete

Sun 21st Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evenings Jonathan: 572 2091

Wed 24th Give Blood Ōmokoroa 8 30am-

1 30pm Ōmokoroa Pavilion, 28 Western Ave Must book on 0800 448 325

Thu 25th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9 3011 30am Settlers’ Hall 4th Thursdays Wavyne: 548 1233 or Jean: 548 2239

Thu 25th Genealogy Support Help with family history & DNA research Ōmokoroa Library, 3rd Thursdays 10am 1-on-1 help available other times Lyn: 027 259 6643 or lynevaughan@gmail com

Thu 25th Anzac Day

Thu 25th Fun Mixed Doubles Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Western Ave 3rd Thursdays, 5 30-7 30pm

Fri 26th On Point Coffee Club Coffee & chat 4th Fridays, 1 30pm, Ōmokoroa Boat Club Lorraine Barnes: 548 2351

Sat 27th Eileen’s Market 8 30am-12pm Katikati Memorial Hall

Sat 27th Katikati Lions Garage Sale 4th Saturdays, behind Caltex, Main Road 9amnoon Tools, furniture, books, art & more 578 1073

Sun 28th Katikati Psychic Cafe Community Centre, 45 Beach Road 2nd & 4th Sundays 7-9pm $10 cash 027 336 3896 or FB: Katikati Psychic Cafe

Sat 27th Repair Cafe makers, tinkerers & fixers diverting broken items from landfill 8 30am-noon Last Saturdays 148 Durham Street, Tauranga repaircafe@tinkd nz

Sat 27th Ōmokoroa Market 9am-1pm Crafts, art, produce, bbq, plants, car boot, cafe & more Last Saturdays omokoroamarket@gmail com

Sat 27th Courageous Conversations about life, dying & death 9 30-11am Ōmokoroa Library, Matakana Room Carol: 021 878 730

Sun 28th Pest Trap Library The container next to Whakamārama Hall 3-5pm Last Sundays

Fri 3rd May Charity Gold Tournament at Fairview Golf Club Katikati Funds raised for Abbeyfield WBoP $45 Register at fundabbeyfieldwbop@gmail com

Mon 6th & Tues 7th May Katikati

Tramping Club Moderate to hard tramp from Wharawhara - Te Rereatukahia HutWahine Rock - Wharawhara Call Ian: 027 525 3543 ian newman64@hotmail com

on this 6- day tour Led by John Vicker s who has a lifetime interest and knowledge of NZ her itage, you will lear n why this region housed many of the countr ies finest homes . To add to the joy, we

MenzShed builds a platform with a view

By Peter Smith

The bird-viewing hide at Cooney Reserve, Ōmokoroa, has risen out of the ground with the flooring of the hide and walkway almost completed It has been a big couple of weeks at the reserve, with two 8-person community service work crews supervised by Peter Ehrlich from the MenzShed, working hard to complete the boardwalk and platform

The workers arrived on the site two days a week, and they could choose from the tasks that needed to be done that day Peter says, “Many were super excited about their involvement and asked to be rostered repeatedly to the project Some returned to the site after work to show their families around ” Peter says keeping the project

running to plan has kept him on his toes

The completion of these items, the biggest chunk of stage work, marks a significant construction milestone The entire project will feature two separate buildings, the Cooney Observatory and the Tinopai Observatory, named after their respective adjacent sandbars In addition to these buildings, a prominent Godwit-inspired bird sculpture will be erected near the accessway

This will be a great asset for the community, and there will be uninterrupted and close-up views of the birds, the harbour, and wildlife for locals and visitors, who will be unseen behind and in the completed hide, so that the birds are not disturbed

Big servings of community and competition at Ōmokoroa tennis

By Sharon Parker

The weather yet again turned up beautifully for our annual tournament on 9th-10th March A big shout of thanks to our principal sponsor, Eves Real Estate, and to other businesses that donated prizes:

Bethlehem Butchery, The White House Restaurant, Te Puna 4 Square, Ōmokoroa Menz Shed, and Bethlehem Health Shop We really appreciate your contributions as they add to the success and enjoyment of our tournament We are fortunate to be part of such an involved and generous business community

The men ’ s doubles winners were father and son team Irv (Ōtūmoetai) and Kieran McSweeney (Canterbury), while Lisa Vickers (Pāpāmoa) and Kylie Ward (Ōtūmoetai) took out the women ’ s doubles Sunday’s mixed doubles competition was held at Te Puna, an

occasion tinged with nostalgia as it was the last major event before the demolition of the Te Puna clubrooms, which commences on 8th April Laura and Mark Richardson of Waihī Beach were the mixed doubles winners

With the tournament behind us, we are gearing up for our club champs competition, which will take place during April and May

Did you know that you can book a tennis court for free on Sunday afternoons at the moment? We are trialling free access to the courts for the months of March to May Just head to our website www omokoroa tennis com, and click on Book a Court If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an ID (username and password), and then you ’ re good to go You will receive a unique PIN code to access the courts at your booked time Catch you on the courts

Oyster-catchers and terns roosting on the Cooney sand spit viewed from the hide platform PHOTO: Supplied

Men’s doubles winners Kieran and Irv McSweeney with Jane Cross of Eves Real Estate

Women s doubles winners Kylie Ward and Lisa Vickers with Jane Cross of Eves Real Estate PHOTOS: Supplied

By Jacques Vannoort

In March, our members and visitors enjoyed a talk held at the Te Puna Community Hall on the subject of massage It was presented by Jacky Blue of Tauranga It was very informative to learn about this ancient treatment practice

Holistic beauty therapy caters for a person ’ s specific needs The treatment allows one to unwind and let worries melt away Massage can be a facial, a relaxing massage, a body treatment, or a

Connecting in Te Puna Growing growing gone

manicure It can relieve tension in stress points such as the jaw and eye area to lift and tone facial muscles or rejuvenate both body and mind.

Jackie also talked about bridge, the card game, and what it entails Quite often, we see that the Connecting meeting also touches on other subjects that interest one or more of our members

In May, we welcome a speaker from Council to tell us what is happening in the area while at our meeting on 12th April, we plan to give members a

chance to talk about their own tips and remedies in the household or garden from a personal perspective so we can learn from that.

At present, a steering group oversees the organisational aspects of running Connecting meetings, including money matters and organising speakers Some support would be helpful, and we look forward to hearing from any member who wants to lend a hand in this

Our book club has become so successful that we are now considering the setting up of a second one Let us

know what you think

We look forward to meeting you and hearing about your ideas and experiences in the area. Please also bring along a friend or anything you wish to swap for our barter table, and remember that our door charge is $5 per person

For more information, please call Irene on 021 223 9239 (irenelillian70@gmail com) or come to the community hall on 12th April at 1pm for a chat and a cuppa on the day

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Gardens

After the disastrous last year of la Nina (wind, rain, slugs and locusts), the garden has been booming, flourishing and producing huge vegetables in what is now our fifth year of production

We have a reliable band of volunteers every Thursday morning and Saturdays from 10am-noon and we have established good systems for sowing, transplanting and nurturing a wide range of delicious salads, herbs and vegetables

With mounting food prices and worldwide food anxiety, where else can you go and get fresh produce that has never been exposed to chemicals, insecticides, herbicides or gentle poi-

sons? If you get a chance come and learn how to sow and harvest everything from spuds, beans, and tomatoes to asparagus, Okinawa spinach, kale, beetroot and kumara

As we get into autumn and clear the last of the salads, come along and find out about winter vegetables and when to put garlic, fennel, cabbage and onions into the beds

All are welcome to help and learn and share green-fingered stories over hot drinks and random snacks Yes, kale chips are delicious!

Last year was the completion of our first four years of crop rotations, and we look forward to bigger, tastier and healthier food for our community

Volunteers are welcome every Thursday and Saturday from 10am to noon

All you need is attitude and interest

Some of the garden s recent healthy harvest PHOTOS: Supplied

ABy Fiona Powell Katch Katikati

pril is a month of long weekends and school holidays, making it the ideal time to explore Katikati’s murals and the walking and cycle trails near town Or venture into the more exhilarating mountain bike and horse tracks at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park and other bush walks in the lower Kaimais For guidance and maps, drop into The Arts Junction in town, where our friendly volunteers can assist you

Echo Walking Fest

Talking of walking, the annual Echo Walking Festival includes two Katikati

walks: the Lindemann Loop on Tuesday the 16th and the Aongatete Short Loop

Track and Nature Trail on Saturday 20th, which visits the swimming hole for those brave enough for a dip More info at echowalkfest org nz

Festival of Flavours

April is the month for celebrating and discovering the food our region has to offer with the Festival of Flavours Katikati hosts two events: The Food Bowl of Plenty exhibition by Western Bay Museum from Thursday the 4th with stories from our horticultural champions, including kiwifruit, avocados, bees, honey, and more. A new local enterprise, Avocado Tours, offers tours of their avocado orchard, allowing locals and visitors to delve into the fascinating world of avocados and taste delightful avocado treats More info at flavoursofplentyfestival com

Markets of Katikati

Katikati hosts various markets throughout the month that are worth checking out There’s the final Abbeyfield Car Boot Sale for the season on Saturday 6th, from 8-11am at the A&P Showgrounds, Major Street The Town and Country Market at the Memorial Hall the following weekend runs from 9am1pm and features local produce and artisan products There are two markets on Saturday the 27th with crafts, plants and food at Eileens Market at the Memorial Hall from 8 30am until midday At the same time, the Lions Garage Sale happens behind the Caltex Service Station, 104 Main Road, with lots of household items at bargain prices Every Friday afternoon from 3 30-5 30pm, the Katikati Produce Market at the A&P Showgrounds offers local and seasonal produce, as well as baked goods, preserves, and plants

Western Bay Museum: The Food Bowl of Plenty Exhibition

Over the past six months, Western Bay Museum has diligently dedicated efforts to prepare, plan, research, and design the forthcoming exhibition, titled ‘The Food Bowl of Plenty’ This exhibition offers a captivating reflection on the transformation of our district, evolving from a dairy farming locale to the thriving horticultural centre it stands as today We delve into the rich history of the citrus and nashi pear industries that once adorned our landscape

This showcase will reveal narratives of innovation, progress, and evolution within the kiwifruit and avocado sec-

tors undeniable pillars of horticultural prowess that significantly contribute to the economic vitality of the Western Bay district

Scheduled to debut on March 23rd, 2024, ‘The Food Bowl of Plenty’ exhibition harmoniously coincides with the Flavours of Plenty Festival, slated for 4th14th April This festival serves as a jubilant homage to the Bay of Plenty’s distinguished culinary landscape

Our focal point lies in honouring the individuals behind the flavours that grace the hospitality sector Nestled amidst the shelterbelts of the Western Bay of Plenty, an array of boutique growers and suppli-

ers labour diligently, offering an assortment of exquisite delicacies and beverages each presenting a hidden gem awaiting discovery

Visitors to the exhibition can embark on a journey through truffle farming, the cultivation of Kiwano (NZ Horned Melon), the artistry of Swiss chocolatiers, the allure of vanilla, the allure of strawberry and citrus cultivation, extending across the harbour to the blueberries of Matakana, and beyond Thirty suppliers and producers, including those specialising in cheese, nuts, oil, tamarillos, and passionfruit, among others, will be showcased

In collaboration with our environmental partners, Project Parore, we offer insights into ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the wild Aotearoa space in and around Katikati This endeavour underscores the imperative of restoring what has been lost from our environment, addressing the contemporary challenges faced by local ecosystems, and nurturing a vision for a thriving future Additionally, we shed light on the top five pest plants posing challenges to our food producers

Admission to this enlightening exhibition is free, and we extend a warm invitation to all, welcoming visitors seven days a week Article supplied

Boat Day a highlight for families and students

Matahui School held its annual Boat Day on Thursday, 14th March, at the Ōmokoroa Domain Boat Day is a highlight in the school calendar and a cherished tradition at Matahui School since its inception in 1989

It is a unique and enjoyable family event where the entire school community comes together to participate in various activities aimed at fostering teamwork, confidence-building, problem-solving, and physical activity The day featured a range of engaging activities, including sailing, kayaking, beach Olympics, and tubing, providing students with opportunities to learn and grow outside the traditional classroom setting

“Boat Day is an annual highlight in our Matahui year, ” says Mary Woods, Matahui School Principal “It not only offers a day of fun and adventure but also serves as a platform for valuable learning experiences Through activities like sailing and kayaking, students learn about

responsible risk-taking, teamwork, and problem-solving while gaining confidence and self-esteem ”

The success of Boat Day relies heavily on the support of parents and volunteers, who play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the event

Parents are assigned to various activities and provided with guidelines to ensure a safe and enriching experi-

ence for the students.

In addition to the activities, Boat Day provides an opportunity for students to explore scientific concepts such as sinking, floating, and sailing principles Before and after the event, Boat Day inspires students’ art, writing, and classroom learning

“While Boat Day is undoubtedly a day of fun and excitement, it also aligns with our school philosophy of instilling valuable life skills in our students,” says Woods “We are immensely proud of the positive impact Boat Day has on our students’ growth and learning journey ”

Matahui School extends its gratitude to the Ōmokoroa Boat Club and all volunteers for their support in making Boat Day 2024 a memorable and enriching experience for all participants

For more information about Matahui School visit

www matahui school nz Article and photos supplied

Whakamārama Kindergarten goes solar

ABy Johanna Kirschner

s an Enviroschools kindergarten, Whakamārama Kindergarten is committed to a long-term sustainability journey and a shared vision for sustainable energy use They are the 11th kindergarten in the Inspired Kindergartens family to have solar panels installed

The children have been learning about solar power, inspiring some beautiful learning conversations at kindergarten and at home Teachers Mike, Emily and Johanna have overheard comments from the children such as “When it’s night time, the solar panels don’t work No electricity in the night time”, “They gotta get lots of light, and then they will work,” “When it’s morning, and the sun is big then they make lots of power ” Solar panels are also making their way into children’s constructions, drawings and pretend play

Dressed in yellow and orange to represent the sun, all children, families and teachers celebrated the new addition to their building on 4th March with a warm thank you to their generous sponsors

Anton Terblanche of Bayleys, Grayson

Dales Electrical, Mind Your Movement Pilates Ōmokoroa, and Inspired Kindergartens - Tauranga Regional Free Kindergarten Association

Remember to brush twice a day

OBy Matthew Farrell

pen wide A reunion of NZ school dental nurses who first met each other 69 years ago has been held in Ōmokoroa The octogenarians lived, trained and worked together in Wellington from 1955 to 1957

In March, they came together from as far afield as Wānaka, Rangiora, Whāngarei, New Plymouth, Gisborne, Palmerston North, and Auckland Brandishing a history book, Francie proudly tells me the programme began as a world-first social experiment, based on the number of armed forces enrolments refused based on the state of the applicants’ teeth

“It was not an easy job even when we came along a few years after it began The girls got to work on horseback or with milk tanker drivers; others had to take a boat in the Sounds, and one trav-

elled to school thanks to an undertaker

“Now we read some children are waiting three years to be seen by a mobile clinic We were based at the schools, so it isn’t the same as it was, ” says Francie

The group of 85 to 87-year-olds has got together several times since 1957, but the last meet-up in Auckland was a few years ago The latest gathering has been planned for about a year

It was a chance to reminisce about their accommodation, where up to six would share the bath water Birthdays were a celebration with gin, smoking, and tomato sandwiches The bottle of gin was hidden under a removable floorboard

“We were homesick to begin with, but there were tears at the end,” she says

There was a strong hint of racier stories that are not for respectable publication

L-R: Adrienne Spark Philippa Robins Lorraine Lewis Avianne Faram Marj Phillips Josephine Bailey

Patricia Bignell and Francie Basher gathered at Francie s home

Horijames explains: The solar panels make things work! PHOTOS: Supplied

Whakamārama Kindergarten celebrating their new solar panels with families and sponsors

New logo in school rebranding

By Sandra Portegys Principal

Our new vision is coming to life with our new logo Last year, we shared with our community and students our new school vision which centres around the characteristics of the kuaka (Godwit) The kuaka is a small coastal bird which travels great distances across the world Every Spring, the kuaka depart from their breeding nests in the great Siberian and Alaskan tundra and return to the rich feeding grounds provided by Aotearoa’s tidal flats and coastal marshes Each year, approximately 7,000 kuaka come to the shores of Ōmokoroa

To be successful, kuaka need to be

both mentally and physically prepared and continually develop skills and knowledge to navigate their world It is these qualities that we aim to continue developing and nurturing in all members of our school community throughout their journey at Ōmokoroa Point School Inspiring and supporting our learners to achieve great things collectively while also having the ability to power their own flight, we embody the characteristics of the kuaka: thinker, citizen and navigator We locate our learning in our local environment and beyond, nurturing today, empowering tomorrow We have been working with a graphic designer to create a new school logo which reflects our school vision We are

pleased to be able to share this with you at the start of our school year You will see this logo on our communications, around the school, and we’ll soon have a new school sign We will work through the process of designing new school hats and shirts We will let you know when these are available We have a very limited stock of our current shirts If your child does not have a school hat, they can wear another wide-brimmed hat this term We know that there will be a transition period of children growing out of their current shirts and hats There will not be a need for everyone to immediately replace the existing items as we do not want to place any unnecessary costs on families

By Ian Newman

VWairoa shelter renovation

olunteers from the Katikati Tramping Club (KKTC) and Kaimai Ridgeway Trust (KRT) spent several days over the past month renovating the Wairoa Shelter

It is east of the Lindemann Loop Track in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, about two hours walk from the end of Lindemann Road

The old shelter had a rusty iron roof, tumbledown ponga walls, an earth floor and poor drainage However, the support structure and rafters were sound

The shelter now has Coloursteel walls and roof, a gravel floor, polycarbonate windows and a seat constructed from leftover timber. Drainage has been improved, the helicopter landing point levelled, and nearly 60 metres of boardwalk placed on muddy parts of the track

Aapproaching and leaving the shelter

The volunteers who assisted from the Katikati Tramping Club were Laraine Hughes, David Vickers, Peter Williams, Brett Wisheart and Brian Haworth Ian Newman, also a member of the club and a KRT Trustee, managed the project

The building materials and volunteers were flown in by helicopter, and the volunteers either walked out the same day or stayed overnight

KRT volunteers assist the Department of Conservation in maintaining the Kaimai backcountry tracks (180km) and huts (7) Volunteers belong to a network that includes NZ Deerstalkers branches, tramping clubs, and individuals They also deliver small projects such as the Wairoa Shelter renovation.

Funding is provided from hut fees from Te Rereatukahia Hut (managed by KRT) and Te Whare Okioki (built

and managed by KRT), the Backcountry Trust, other organisations and public donations, see www sporty co nz/kaimaicommunity

If you are able to assist KRT with projects, track or hut maintenance or via a donation, please email kaimairidgeway@gmail com

Senior Swans ballet is taking off

dults over the age of 50 are joining the worldwide trend of being able to join a ballet class To either fulfil their childhood dream of always wanting to attend ballet or reacquaint themselves with it from their youth Senior Swans licensee and owner of Over 50s Ballet Tauranga, Michelle Heyder, is providing a platform in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty to empower mature dancers to turn their dreams into reality

“I started ‘Over 50s Ballet’ classes in October of 2023 in Ōmokoroa, Bethlehem and Matua, not really sure how

they would be received, but new students are arriving at their first class expressing that they have wanted to attend a class since they saw it on television, or that they have been searching for a class for ages, ” says Michelle “One lady arrived at her first class with her arms flying like wings and spinning around, saying that she’s here to learn ballet It was so delightful “Students have expressed the sense of calm they feel, muscles they have found again or haven’t used before and the friendly class community They say the classes challenge their cognitive

thinking, coordination, and balance control through posture and body alignment I notice a sense of pride and gratification when students have been working on a particular exercise for a few lessons, and they finally get it There’s such a wonderful appreciation of achievement with clapping and laughter in the class – the enthusiasm is infectious, and it brings a lovely sense of joy to us all ”

Scientific studies have shown dancing to reduce individuals’ chance of developing dementia The act of dancing is not just physical but also a dynamic

learning experience

Mastering intricate ballet patterns fosters the creation of new neural pathways, optimising brain function and promoting mental acuity

Michelle says, “It is a privilege to teach Over 50s Ballet to such a wonderful, enthusiastic community of people; there is no competition Dancers of diverse ages, shapes and fitness levels attend classes for themselves and their love of ballet It is such a pleasure witnessing students grow in physical confidence and self-esteem to express gracefulness and beauty in and outside of class ” Article supplied

L-R: Katikati Tramping Club volunteers Peter Williams Brett Wisheart Laraine Hughes and David Vickers at the partially completed shelter PHOTO: Supplied

Katikati cat show

By Chris Lowe Patches & Pointed Event Coordinator

Thank you, Katikati, for your wonderful show venue, the Memorial Hall We love the support that the local community give us on show day, and this year was no exception

The Patches & Pointed Cat Club dedicated this show to a local group of volunteers who work tirelessly in the Katikati Rescue Cats They rely on community support to continue providing rescue services to cats and kittens that are “dumped,” left behind when people move on, cats that are not desexed, and kittens that are simply thrown away or ill-treated

These cats and kittens can all end up being new members of the feral cat population

Because of the wonderful sponsorship we receive every year, we were able to extend a helping hand to the rescue group by providing over 60kg of cat food (Proplan Purina) and kitten milk powder (Tu Meke Friend), which our exhibitors re-donated, along with a small but very welcomed cash donation of $400

We had exhibitors from all over the country, and the standard of competition amongst predominantly kittens was amazing We also had a very good section of “L-plate” exhibitors and cats, meaning that the cat or owner had not shown before

It was delightful to see one of our Lplate entries take out the ‘Lord n Lady Katikati Sash’ This was such a lovely moment presenting the sash and lovely prizes to a family that has provided a wonderful home for PuddingPaws

Please consider a donation to Katikati Rescue Cats this is an important local group You can also follow them on their Facebook page

Not retiring, but re-inventing

By Liz Farrell

Gaye Hemsley is not ready to hang up her dancing shoes, but after seventy years of teaching, she’s ready to slow her song

The Katikati local is quick to deny she’s retiring, instead choosing ‘re-invention’ for the next stage of her life

Having spent her whole career working with groups of children and adults sharing her twin passions for dancing and writing, she has, until recently, been hosting weekly classes teaching adult ballet and a monthly writing group called Sunday Scribblers

Gaye will now be concentrating on oneoff events, starting with a World Dance Day event on 29th April

While other groups have typically used this as an opportunity to only demonstrate different styles of dance, Gaye is offering visitors the chance to ‘give dance a go ’ and try out dances from around the world

Gaye will share details of the event nearer the time

Stories of the poor put to music

By Paul England

Rachel Dawick is a New Zealand folk artist whose previous album, ‘The Boundary Riders,’ was a finalist for the NZ Tūī Award Folk Album 2015 She returns after living in London for the last four years with her new folk album and book ‘London Labour and the London Poor,’ based on Henry Mayhew’s work from the mid-1850s

The songs focus on the voices of the people themselves, ranging from Jack Black, the Queen’s rat catcher, the teenage mudlark, the rhubarb and spice seller, the acrobat, the Punch & Judy man and many more, all to recreate a snapshot of life on the streets

This sociopolitical work by English journalist and playwright Henry Mayhew is a fitting album for today’s times as the same issues arise, voices that seem to echo the past Her album will be released in New Zealand in March-May 2024 before being released in the UK at the end of 2024

Don’t miss this unique evening of story and song

Katikati Folk Club is fortunate to host the talented Rachel Dawick on Friday 12th April The doors open at 7pm for a 7 30pm concert start You can book your tickets online For more information, check out www katikatifolkclub co nz

Gaye s memoir Journey of a dance teacher: let the dance begin as well as her children s book The giant and the fairy are available to borrow from Western Bay Libraries PHOTO: Supplied

Pudding-Paws wins the Lord n Lady Katikati Sash at the recent Patches & Pointed cat show PHOTO: Pepperbox Photo by Ian

Ōmokoroa senior sailing

By Jo Richards

Five yachts set out at 10 30 am on Sunday 17th March There was no wind, and it was decided to motor to W12 and then sail around the SE side of Motuhoa to Hugh’s Mark and then to the finish line at D

Four yachts lined up at the start

The Wētā said not to wait for him as it was too difficult to get to the start line At the very time we were all lined up to start, the wind suddenly increased to 10 knots SW

Caribbean, Goldie and Diversion got off to a good start; however, Diversion soon trailed due to a poor tack The three leading yachts made fast progress to the east side of Motuhoa where the wind had increased to a 19 knot SW

It appeared that Caribbean was in some difficulty as it was circling on the edge of the channel Later, it was revealed that a winch had jammed

Meanwhile, Goldie and Kōnini were racing ahead of Diversion On the western side of Motuhoa, Diversion passed Goldie and Kōnini

It was a great sailing day with some very close competition and some technical difficulties along the way, which made for a very exciting race

Everyone enjoyed the sail very much It was just a lovely day

Diversion and Goldie were very close until the Motuhoa mark, where, with some slick manoeuvring, Goldie passed Diversion From then on, it was a race to the finish, with Diversion managing to overtake Goldie close to the finish line

The Old Library Ōmokoroa Gallery and Craft Collective

NBy Alison Badger

ow that we are in the firm grip of autumn, the darker mornings and cooler nights bring a drop in temperatures, with the occasional sunny days a welcome reminder of summer Enjoying late afternoon sunshine in the garden gives us an opportunity to relax before retreating indoors – although no lighting of the fire just yet

We are pleased to extend the ‘ occupation’ of the Ōmokoroa Artists Group, with a change of artworks from their March display Art comes in so many different guises, and the diversity of the group means there is usually something that suits everyone ’ s taste

You may have seen the Ōmokoroa Artists busy at work creating the mural on the Western Ave facilities block; such an improvement and added point of interest for our community Thanks to those who have provided the entertainment over the past couple of weeks

Our craft collective involves our

volunteers’ own crafts, from repurposed bottles into lamps, painted rocks, patchwork cushions, knitted teddy bears, and not forgetting the beautiful work of the Ōmokoroa Menzshed There is always a jigsaw on the go and a selection of others to borrow or buy

Don’t forget that you can access the advice of the CAB on the first and third Wednesday afternoons 1-3pm There is no need to make an appointment, just pop in and speak with one of the knowledgeable CAB volunteers

The Old Library Ōmokoroa Gallery and Craft Collective is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm Pop in and see us – we’d love to see you

Katikati College sports

By Angela Macdonald

Our swimming sports were held over two days with our ‘Fun Day’ for the whole school on Thursday 15th and then our competitive swimming on Friday 16th February

Our athletics day is a whole school event and this was held on Tuesday 5th March We were delighted to have our Japanese international visitors from Tamadai Hijiringaoka Junior High School participate. PHOTOS: Supplied

Handy new bike racks are now installed outside TOLO PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

The Diversion crew were winners on the day PHOTO: Andrew McLennan