Lizard News August 2018 by Lizard News

Lizard News AUGUST 2018

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AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

Te Puna acknowledged for stand out season By Matthew Farrell e Puna Rugby Club’s beaten Baywide finalists “will be better for it”, according to the head coach of the premier grade team. Talking to Lizard News on the pitch of champions Te Puke shortly after the final whistle on Saturday 28th July, Aidan Kuka was both philosophical and upbeat. “It’s nice to be here for once. It’s done wonders for our community to have something positive, and we have our club’s centenary next year to look forward to. “I thought our defence was outstanding. We only conceded two tries, but Te Puke were very good at defence too and only conceded one. They won more moments than us and were on the better side of the penalty count,” says Aidan. Te Puke scored the first try, but Te Puna led twice in the first half, initially when Te Aihe Toma converted his

own try and again a little later from his successful penalty kick. Te Puke lead 11-10 at the break. Both sides fielded replacements on the hour mark, with the home side 14-13 ahead. Eight minutes later Te Puke went over again and were in the ascendancy, with a conversion and two penalties making the final score 27-13. A roller coaster ride for whānau and friends of Te Puna ultimately ended in defeat, but not before memorable semi-final wins the week before against Tauranga Sports in all three grades: premier (39-17), reserves (16-15) and development (38-14). BoPRU president Phil Barnett says it was a fantastic game, truly befitting of a premier final. “It’s probably a tough day for Te Puna, but you can hold your heads high. You are perhaps the only club ever to have three teams in the finals. I think it’s un-

precedented. Maybe next year, you’ll go one further and take the trophy,” says Phil. Te Puna captain Te Aihe Toma graciously congratulated Te Puke and says Te Puna couldn’t have asked for anything more from their supporters. His Pirates counterpart, Danny Underwood, thanked Te Aihe for his kind words and also paid tribute to Te Puna for bringing supporters and families in numbers. Aidan Kuka says regardless of the results; he’s extremely proud of all three Te Puna teams. “Their training ethic has been high quality, their comradeship strong and they’ve played their hearts out every Saturday. The majority of players will be back with us next season if they’re staying in the area, and we have a young premier team.” Te Puke also won the development final 27-22, while Rūātoki won the reserves final 20-13.

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Thanks from Drake-Gallagher family he past month has been a surreal roller coaster ride for our whole family and close friends as we cope with Lucy's rapid lack of mobility, resulting in emergency surgery and the eventual diagnoses of a rare and rapidly growing form of cancer within her spinal cord. At the very least it has turned our world upside down, and we have a very long difficult journey in front of us. But even in this terrible dark time, we have been struck by the wonderful rays of sunshine from the members of our amazing community. Coming to our rescue by packing, moving and cleaning two houses, building a ramp for Lucy's wheelchair and providing dozens of delicious meals for our family in Ōmokoroa and those in our new home away from home in Auckland while Lucy is having treatment. The overwhelming response to the Give a Little Page set up for Lucy has also completely blown both Nick and me away. Providing us with breathing space to have one of us off work to support Lucy while the other is home to support our other children Ella and Benny, who are both having to learn to cope with our new way of life. Nick's Ōmokoroa Tiling clients have been incredibly patient, with many putting projects on hold until he is back to work, several have even coped with half-finished bathrooms until we could found an alternative tiler who could take over the job. Nick and I totally understand the stress that is involved in building and renovating a home and truly thank those that have been patient with the extra delays this has created. I would also like to thank my amazing new employers and teaching team at The Garden Preschool for the support and understanding they have shown me over the past month. I really appreciated having the security of knowing that my new job was being held open for me during this time of uncertainty and understand the juggling and extra work involved to make it happen. It means a lot to know that I am working with such a caring and loyal team of teachers. Nick and I are now taking weekly turns in Auckland to support Lucy while she

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completes radiotherapy and chemo over the next six weeks to fight her cancer and get back up on her feet as best as possible. In Lucy's usual insightful and inquisitive way she is fully involved in all decision making and has decided to attack it with everything she's got with the help and guidance of the amazing medical team at Starship Hospital. Meg Gallagher, Ōmokoroa.

Walnut tree becomes timber member of the public expressed concern regarding the health and safety of a Black Walnut tree within the Crapp Reserve, Ōmokoroa. Upon inspection with Full Circle Arboriculture, Council staff noted dead branches within the crown requiring attention. Council’s arborist was on site 13th July carrying out a canopy reduction of the walnut. While on site, Council received a call advising that dead wood and decay was more extensive than first noted, dead limbs as thick as one's leg showing signs of rot and die back. Not good, landing on one's head! Unfortunately, the conclusion and recommendation from the arborist is to remove the entire tree. Council would like to see the trunk wood recycled, either park furniture, trunk carving or remain in Ōmokoroa in some form of art, not firewood. Send any suggestions as to what this wood could be used for to murray.grainger@westernbay.govt.nz Murray Grainger, Ōmokoroa Community Board Chair.

You can’t park there, mate ere is a photo of a car in my little patch of lawn in front of the amenities block at Wairoa Reserve. The guy jumped SH2 from the other side of the car park at 3am on Friday 20th July. Interesting. There would also be footage of the event from the traffic camera if you can get your hands on it. Coraleigh Parker, Hi Ho Silver Coffee Cart.

H Brent prepares to slow down t is time to pass the baton on, so to speak. What started out as a five-year plan has turned to 32 years. I sincerely thank all my loyal customers past and present for their support over the years. I wish you all the very best for the future, and I hope that I can still catch up with some of you as I will continue in the new business (and at the cafe!) Being self-employed allowed me to serve the Ōmokoroa community as a volunteer firefighter for ten years. My family loved growing up in the iconic coastal setting that makes Ōmokoroa so special. I know I will be leaving you in good hands with Steven, Darren and the team which is something that was very important to me as I have always believed in delivering the best quality service to my customers as possible. I have always tried to give my best. Until we meet again, goodbye and good luck. Brent, Debbie, Kayla, Brooke and Kaitlyn McLean - Ōmokoroa Plumbing.

Letters continued on page 8

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Tavern applicant to consider next move

By Matthew Farrell opies of more than a hundred objections against a tavern proposed for Ōmokoroa have been sent to the liquor licence applicant to consider. A three-week statutory feedback period finished on Friday 20th July. We understand among the 108 objections were petitions, submissions from individual residents and neighbours as well as Victoria Key, Ōmokoroa Country Estate,

Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc, Communities Against Alcohol Harm Inc, Ōmokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park and Ōmokoroa Medical Centre. A place of assembly is a permitted activity in a commercially-zoned area under the District Plan. Some residents asked for a public bar during last year’s Community Conversations, and many posts on our Facebook page have welcomed the idea of a bar. However complaints have been made

New library considered for pavilion site By Matthew Farrell

Council is to weigh up the possibility of a new library and service centre building as part of the community-driven sports pavilion project at Western Avenue in Ōmokoroa. Western Bay’s Operations and Monitoring Committee was to meet on Thursday 2nd August. Councillors were to be asked to consider either preliminary investigations or final designs in consultation with the Community Board, and Sports and Recreation Society. A further option was to move straight to approval in principle for construction, subject to budgetary requirements and the potential sale of the existing Ōmokoroa library.

The fast-track approach would enable the Council to catch up with the pavilion planning, which is at a more advanced stage. The background report provided to councillors states the location would be central for the peninsula as development increases south of the railway. The Council considers library use as passive recreation which meets the ethos of reserve land use. Five submissions were made to the Long Term Plan regarding the provision of a budget for a community hub and library on the peninsula. The report says the pavilion represents an opportunity to provide improved service to the community in the medium term, and that a multi-purpose building would meet local aspirations for the facility.

on the grounds of health effects, noise, potential anti-social behaviour and the intention to run a gambling venue 9 am - 1 am, seven days a week. The application was made by Kunal Lachhani of KLM Enterprises Ltd. It is classified as a residential property investment company registered at Marsden Road in Paihia. Lachhani Trustee Ltd owns the site at 168 Ōmokoroa Road. In March, the District Council authorised building consent for the conversion of existing sheds, with a 40-seat restaurant in the unit nearest Super Liquor, adjacent to three proposed retail shops. A separate tavern is proposed for the smaller shed closer to Victoria Key, with 18-seats and eight bar stools, nine pokie machines and a TAB room which appears to measure about 2.7m x 3m. The

architectural plans show 35 car parking spaces. As for the confusing double driveway which exists with Ōmokoroa Road, Lizard News has learned the District Council owns a five-metre strip of road reserve including the landscaped planting area between the health centre complex and Neighborhood Pizzeria. This will become a single intersection, with a traffic island on the boundary. A health complex spokesman Murray Smith says they will also be getting a footpath. The District Council consulted the health complex regarding roading but didn’t require their consent. The Council is now waiting to see what the licence applicant intends to do as a next step. If they choose to move forward, it will go to a District Licensing Committee hearing.

Complaints about the tavern include inadequate notification, including a white A4 poster on a white building, some 50 metres from the road front. INSET: When asked for a show of hands, no one present at July’s Community Board meeting supported either pokies, a TAB or 1 am closing.

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Tuapiro submissions mount up

By Matthew Farrell bylaw review essentially proposing to ban horse riders from the popular beach reserve at Tuapiro Point due to environmental and cultural concerns has attracted 597 written submissions. The District Council says 96% of submissions opposed the proposed bylaw and the vast majority of feedback relates to the use of the beach at Tuapiro Point for horses. More than 100 people have asked to speak at a hearing in Katikati on 6th August, leading the Council to batch groups of ten like-minded submitters into 30minute windows, in a process similar to previous Long Term Plan consultation. Initially, each group of ten was given 20 minutes, but Policy Committee Chair Mike Williams extended the time follow-

ing democracy-related complaints. Three community open days were held in Katikati, Waihī Beach and Paengaroa in a seven-week consultation period from 14th May to 9th July. Submissions were made by individuals, clubs, organisations and committees, including petitions. Spokesperson for Recreational Horse Riders BOP, Lisa Coulson, says that riders feel Council are using the open days as a reason not to give them the opportunity to speak as individuals for a fair amount of time. “The open days were held for riders to gather more information, to help them make written and verbal submissions. At the time, riders weren’t in a position to be able to have their say fully,” says Lisa. There are also some disputed facts regarding a planned public gathering at

Tuapiro on 30th June. It’s estimated more than 60 people, 30 horses, some dogs and two goats turned up for what organisers named a hīkoi of hope. The event was publicised on Facebook before being supposedly cancelled, then seemed to go ahead anyway as a low-key gathering. “A Council staff member tried to persuade a rider that having the hīkoi would be potentially detrimental to our cause, as it would not be a good look having that many horses on the beach. “It was implied we shouldn’t go ahead with the event because we didn’t have a health and safety plan. At no time was I offered any assistance in putting together this plan,” says Lisa. The Council’s Policy and Planning Manager Emily Watton denies the suggestion that Council told organisers to

cancel the event. “We contacted the organiser to let her know there are health and safety obligations for Council as a landowner and her as the event organiser. Council did offer to assist with a plan, but were told at a meeting on 27th June the event would be cancelled,” says Emily. Lisa Coulson says horse riders want to move forward together with iwi and Council, to develop an improved relationship based on mutual respect, where riders better observe any rules concerning access in future. After hearing all the verbal submissions, the Policy Committee will make its decisions at a meeting on 27th September. The Committee will consider all written and oral presentations, as well as informal feedback from the open days.

Reception boost from new tower By Matthew Farrell The new cellular communications tower in Ōmokoroa went live on 25th July. Users of Spark and Skinny reported improvements in capacity and coverage between Minden and Pahoia on day one, but Vodafone and 2degrees customers were left waiting a little longer. We understand mobile call dropouts have been occurring in recent months due to demand overloading, as devices hopped between Te Puna and Katikati area towers in search of the strongest signal.

It's probably just a coincidence, but the day before we had asked Spark when they'd be switching on the Ōmokoroa tower. The foundation and concrete pad were completed in May when the electrical and fibre ducts were also installed. The tower went up on 29th June, and the control cabinets were due to be fully operational by the end of July, after what a Spark spokesperson described as “a few unforeseen delays”. Lee Palmer told our Facebook page he

Smile!

was looking forward to better coverage because the “carpet has worn out at 'the best reception corner' of our house”. Fay Murdoch commented that it’s great to have better mobile reception, but asked if anyone had noticed interference with TV reception going haywire. A joint build between Spark and Vodafone, the tower is on Council-owned land by the railway line. It is behind the Settlers’ Hall and Playcentre, beside other utilities such as the wastewater pump station.

Ōmokoroa’s new mobile tower has gone live.

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Navigating together to prevent suicide By Matthew Farrell contemplated suicide 20 years ago, and I have experienced what some would describe as both chronic and acute clinical depression. I am fortunate to have learned to live medication free since then. The road to recovery is individual, and I want to help others. Unfortunately after ten months, I have decided to mothball the mental health coffee group which I have been running at Ōmokoroa Community Church. Demand was inconsistent, and I had difficulties finding a weekday and time to suit enough people.

I will still be available for peer support as part of a group currently meeting fortnightly on Thursday evenings at Turning Point Trust in Tauranga’s Historic Village on 17th Avenue. The next meeting is on Thursday 9th August, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. You can keep up-to-date by joining the Facebook group “You Are Not Alone BOP”. This free coffee group was formed by volunteers after the Government's inquiry into mental health and addiction visited Tauranga in June. In the past year, I have received peer support training from the Junction ser-

Domain development hot topic

Last month’s open day at Ōmokoroa Boat Club.

road through Ōmokoroa Domain and possibilities for additional parking were among the draft proposals grabbing attention at an open day on Saturday 21st July. Public feedback was sought on a range of ideas presented at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club, with the District Council budgeting $780,000 over the next three years. Here are some of the comments made to Lizard News: • Car parking seems to be major. I couldn’t get a park here yesterday at 3 pm, and I couldn’t see any people, so obviously they were all on the ferry Wendy Galloway. • I’d like to see the car park used for boats and trailers as is the case with Pilot Bay, particularly in summer months. Some boaties are waiting an hour. It happened to my son last year. There should also be a policy of no mooring overnight or for days on end at the pontoon. It’s so crowded for

fishing - Keith Glass. • Harbour View is too narrow to use as an access road. It’s not viable for a road to go through the Domain; that is ridiculous. I do not want the ferry down the other end with milk tankers using it. We need dedicated long-term parking for those Islanders. Some cars are being left for days or weeks - Hazel Leslie. • They should clamp all the people taking up three boat and trailer spaces with a car. They could put some longterm parking for Island residents on the edge of the domain where the pump station is. Other parking needs a time limit - Pete Dobson. • It's just getting so over trafficked here. All residents make use of this area, and there’s no space compared to say Karangahake Gorge. We need better signage and policing of monitored parking. Non-boat users aren’t aware Sue Dobson.

vice of Turning Point Trust and more recently Lifekeepers suicide prevention training from LeVa, funded by the Ministry of Health.

My message is don’t give up. There is always hope for a better tomorrow. I am living proof that talking, and listening to others, can help save lives.

Deadline draws close for NZTA

By Matthew Farrell fter months of waiting, claims from opposition MPs and counterclaims from the Government, NZTA’s investment plans for State Highway 2 are released later this month. The National Land Transport Programme is due to be announced on 31st August, coming into effect the following day. A spokesperson from the office of Transport Minister Phil Twyford says the NLTP will incorporate regional transport programmes. Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller again raised the Tauranga Northern Link in the House of Representatives on Wednesday 25th July, having repeatedly challenged the Minister to say what’s happening to the transport needs of Ōmokoroa, Te Puna and Tauranga. He says the response from the Government benches was to laugh and sneer at him. In an earlier statement to Lizard News, Phil Twyford said Mr Muller had been deliberately misleading to suggest the former government funded a 36km four-

lane motorway from Tauranga to Katikati. “Only 6km of that road is a funded project which is still under consideration by the New Zealand Transport Agency. It’s not good enough that this dangerous road has been neglected for years,” said the statement. During a visit to Tauranga on Wednesday 11th July, when Mr Twyford was questioned about SH2 by a passer-by while doing a television interview, he said, “We’re going to invest in that road. We want to solve the problems. That’s exactly what the Transport Agency is working on now.” The Bay of Plenty Times reported that he’d earlier told journalists, “the Northern Link is a critical artery that so much new housing relies on. I expect significant investment in SH2 to better support the urban growth that is happening and to save lives”. The Ministry of Transport received record interest in the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, with more than 900 submissions.

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Cards, keys and cash unclaimed e have a huge stack of about 20 left behind EFTPoS cards, a cell phone and, believe it or not, two or three sets of car keys. We keep all left behind lost property and cards, and a record of it. Customers just need to come in and ask at the checkouts. We have recently had a Chinese passport and two wallets containing drivers licence, cash, and super gold cards that took some time to be claimed. We make every effort to return all lost items and cards, but it’s getting harder now that people aren’t in the phone book. Anyone can come to checkouts to claim their lost property, or you can email info@freshchoice Ōmokoroa.co.nz to ask. Be sure to bring some ID with you, to prove you are who you say you are. Viv Wood, Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa.

Environmental stock take o members and friends of the Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Incorporated, the Annual General Meeting will be held at the Ōmokoroa Community Church on Tuesday 14th August at 2 pm, followed by afternoon tea. We welcome your attendance and encourage your participation in the OEMI which is the parent body of the following groups:Ōmokoroa Estuary Managers, Friends of the Crapp Reserve, Friends of the Cooney Reserve, Mangawhai Environmental Managers, Pest Free Ōmokoroa, Ōmokoroa History Group, Ōmokoroa Artists, Ōmokoroa Public Art Group, Anzac Committee. Please ring our Chair, Murray Grainger, on 548 1409 if you would like to be involved in any of the above groups or have an environmental issue you wish to discuss. Phil Gall, Secretary.

Rates, debt and spending decisions in LTP

By Matthew Farrell rates increase of 3.6% has been set for 2018/2019 as part of the ten year plan adopted by Western Bay on Thursday 28th June. The District Council says it aims to keep average rate increases below 4% in the next decade, excluding growth in population. There was engagement with residents on four key proposals in the Long Term Plan. One decision included spending an additional $1.2m to enable faster development of walkways and cycleways over the next couple of years. Secondly, District-wide rates will be used to provide $70,000 annually to the Western Bay Museum. Thirdly, an arts and culture strategy increases Creative Bay of Plenty’s funding by $50,000 for the ten years, while there’s $45,000 in grants for The Incuba-

Walkwaycycleway connection to Western Ave

tor Creative Hub over three years. Lastly, debt management will be reviewed annually. Ratepayer contributions to interest and debt repayments are reduced to $1m for 2018/19, due to growth forecasts. Council’s debt was $140m in 2013. It is now below $100m and reducing. Local matters Council has budgeted $1.29m to relocate the Ōmokoroa green waste facility by 2023. Further investigations are planned into alternative kerbside recycling and rubbish collection options. A provisional $6.1m is set aside for upgrading the Ōmokoroa boat ramp in 2028, subject to future LTP processes. One individual requested a swimming pool for Ōmokoroa. In its submission, the Ōmokoroa Community Board suggested Council could consider converting its stormwater pond

land at the end of the Western Ave extension into a passive neighbourhood reserve for a relatively small investment. These comments were diverted to ongoing Reserve Management Plan reviews. Elsewhere, Council says it will review safety upgrades for Youngson Road following NZTA’s decisions on State Highway 2. The possible vesting and improvement of Goodall Road will be investigated this year. A loan of $200,000 to refurbish Whakamārama Hall was declined. Council says funding may be reconsidered depending on more detailed plans and estimates, and external funding. The speed limit on Minden Road and the cost of a future footpath will be considered. A proposal to budget $140,000 for two netball courts near the Te Puna Rugby clubrooms at Māramatanga Park was also declined.

WalkwayCycleway

Esplanade Reserve Overland flow path

01 01

No public vehicles beyond this point

Overland flow path

Grass

Existing swale (outlet)

Walkwaycycleway only

Existing Concrete walkway cycleway

Informal boat Kayak etc launching

03 01 06

Tauranga Harbour Pump station 07

Possible future angle parking

Esplanade Reserve

Amenity planting along boundary.

The Ōmokoroa Community Board requested that LTP funding should be considered to complete an "around the peninsula" walkway, including a sea level section north of Precious Reserve. The final concept plan for the reserve shows future vehicle access as far as the existing pump station, with plans for a public car park and toilet nearby.

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Youngest qualifier wins the highest prize

By Liz Farrell ahoia School student Hannah Lines, aged 9, has won the title of New Zealand Figures Champion at the recent New Zealand Artistic Roller Sports Championships. The best skaters from around New Zealand meet for the week-long competition held in Whanganui on the 16-21st July. The competition comprises four grades including Figures, Dance, Freestyle and Precision skating. Just two other skaters qualified to represent Tauranga alongside Hannah: adults Jenny Bailey and Belinda Gifford. Hannah is a member of the Tauranga Roller Skating Club and has been skating for 16 months, training five days a week with her coach Michelle Webb. Hannah had to qualify for the Championships and competed in early May in Auckland at the Northern Area competitions which included competitors from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga. Getting to Nationals was a massive achievement for the skaters. Hannah won the title of New Zealand Figures Champion for her class and also came 4th in her Freestyle event. Belinda brought home a silver medal in her Dance competition and came 5th in her Figures. Jenny did the club proud with a fourth in her Figures and 5th in her Dance class. Hannah is enjoying a two-week break from training and is looking forward to starting new routines for the coming year.

Hannah Lines during her Figures grade. PHOTOS: Belinda Jane Photography.

Hannah with coach Michelle Webb.

Minden radio tower shock for new homeowners

By Matthew Farrell ork has halted on the planned erection of a 15 to 17-metre radio communications tower with six dishes, on a concrete pad just seven metres from a home in Minden Road, after the District Council realised residents hadn’t been notified. Western Bay’s utilities manager Kelvin Hill met seven neighbours on Wednesday 4th July to discuss their concerns about the proposed location, on a small piece of Council-owned land outside a property 3km up the road. He says the project is a permitted use activity with no legal requirement to publicly notify. However, Council’s standard procedure is to inform surrounding residents of any such work well before it occurs. “The lack of communication with residents who would be potentially impacted by the presence of the tower was the result of a misunderstanding between the project consultant and Council,” says Kelvin. He says the primary concern of residents, apart from being upset at not being told in ad-

vance, was that the tower would severely impact property values and their view. The owners of the most affected property had only just purchased the house. Despite researching the property title and asking for advice from Council planners before buying, there was no mention of the proposed tower. The property owners said they wouldn’t accept any tower construction - even if Council offered compensation or a lower design for the tower, and said they wouldn’t have bought the property if they’d known about the tower. The residents asked Council to consider other sites for the tower, which will form a network of four 10m-15m directional radio antenna at strategic locations across the District as a communication tool for the public water network. Kelvin Hill says the meeting was constructive and that Council will review the project, explore alternative sites and will do no further work on the site in the meantime before returning to the residents with the outcome of the review.

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Fine French fare Unwanted avian visitors fundraising T

astille Day was celebrated with a French-styled luncheon for 26 invited guests, resulting in a further $650 for the new sports pavilion. Peter and Rosemary Otway hosted the meal in their Ōmokoroa home decked out with French flags, tricolor balloons and bunting. The guests, most of them appropriately attired, were greeted in basic French with a glass of punch based loosely on French wine and with the unmistakable voice of Edith Piaf in the background.

The meal began with French onion soup, delivered with baguettes and followed by a delicious French food platter, and then by demitasse chocolate mousse, all rounded off with coffee and fruit tarts. By this stage guests had become thoroughly immersed in the spirit of the occasion as French songs, some traditional, some slightly risque, broke out spontaneously at intervals amongst peals of laughter – the sure sign of a “fun” and very worthwhile event. Article supplied.

Guests about to be delivered their French food platters, all lined up ready to go. PHOTO: Supplied.

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A community vegetable garden Animals: guinea pigs, rabbits, fish

By Rosemary Balu he increased presence of birdlife evidences the success of anti-predator programmes around Kōwhai Whakamārama. I garden, cut hedges and move plants accompanied by a cluster of tūī: many of whom are quite happy to let me see them and not fly away as I walk by. Pīwakawaka dance around me in the paddock and swing wildly on small stems of Corokia. Kererū visit to forage. The original title for this article was “Avian Vandals”, but my now adult child of rural upbringing is concerned it may encourage some of the community to take retaliatory action and insists I amend “vandals” to “visitors”. I’m not talking about the harbingers of Matariki, the Kererū Cirque de Soleil balanced, methodically stripping the small green leaves from the Kōwhai tree. I’m not complaining about the inconveniently placed “deposits” from tūī, Kererū and others (although I am thinking of moving the washing line from the flight path). Or the superstitious “Good Mornings” uttered to the single fly-past Magpie. I’m not even talking about the tamely persistent Thrush who sits within pouncing distance waiting to eat the remains of the cat’s breakfast while I yell “you’re a bird….that’s a cat”. Or a cat which takes no notice of the Thrush but makes sure there’s always something left in the bowl as it saunters off to spend the morning sleeping half hidden under the small weeping maple. I’m referring to the denizen of our region: the Kaka. The Kaka who with its perfect scimitar has stripped enough small pieces of bark off at least two of my large conifers to ring-bark them. At first, it was a mystery – who could climb up there to remove all that bark? The wisdom-rich retired farmer who kindly came and peered up

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into the trees was clear “he’d never seen anything like it in his life.” The second resident I related my detailed description to knew exactly what it was: the Kaka. He was intrigued: “I didn’t think you were on its flight path”. Like it’s a privilege? I made enquiries of DOC who told me Kaka move into the Kaimai’s or go to Mayor Island in the Spring/Summer. When I responded that I hoped the one eating my trees went to Mayor Island, I heard nothing further from them (DOC that is). I think I wasn’t showing appreciation for the personal blessing of Kaka visits that is environmentally required. I’ve never seen it or them. Whether they are alone or coming in a work team, I have no idea. The destruction was and is evidenced by piles of almost regular rectangular pieces of bark neatly circular around the base of my trees and large gleaming sections of denuded trunk. I’m very pleased Kaka are back in Whakamārama, but if there is anyone who would like to share the privilege of bringing down the trees they’ve killed, please contact me! Rosemary Balu lives on a small portion Bark damaged by visiting of historic Upper kaka. PHOTO: Rosemary Balu Whakamārama.

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What Could You Do For Scouts? What Could Scouts Do For You?

he purpose of the Lizard News has always been to inform the community, as best we can, of news, views and events from across the Te Puna, Whakamārama, Ōmokoroa, Pahoia and Aongatete area. You may have noticed, in the last edition, we significantly expanded the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section, featured on the centre spread. This month we’re complimenting this directory with an online calendar. Our Home Page features a snapshot of upcoming events, and if you click on “Lizard News Area Events Calendar” or the “Events” link at the top of the page, you will find the whole calendar - populated for six months at a time - with all the regular groups and clubs as well as one-off, monthly and less frequent events. There are many regular meetings of like-minded people involved in sports, games, environment, arts and music. There is something for all ages and interests. Just like the businesses listed on Lizard Local, there is so much available within our community. We’ve included everything we’ve heard of - but if you know of any others we’ve missed, please send an email with all the details to liz@lizardnews.net, and we’ll add them to the page.

ane Miller, Group Leader at Ōmokoroa and Pa- welcome. There's a bank of knowledge out there that hoia Sea Scouts, answers the questions she is we'd love to tap into. most often asked about Scouts. "How else can people help?" We need fundraising "Why do you do that?" Sometimes, I'll admit, I do support. Maybe you could help with some maintewonder, but in truth, the reasons are many. nance of the scout shed or the boats? Maybe you are It's fun. I'm learning new skills all the time. I get to a retiree with lots left to give. Or a newcomer to spend time with other leaders, nice people, who share Ōmokoroa wanting to get involved and meet people. some of my values about making a difference to the Perhaps you were a Scout or a Guide and know the communities in which we live and helping young peo- value of this and wish to pass it on. Maybe you want ple to develop. I get to see great young people on their something to add to your cv. Perhaps you'd like to learning adventures, developing skills and building come on an adventure with us? friendships. Did I mention that it's fun? For more information, see our website: "What do Scouts do?" We learn about knots and omokoroascouts.org or contact us at: build rafts; learn first aid; we sail in the Spring/ Sum- omokoroapahoia@group.scouts.nz mer terms; work towards awards - there are badges Ōmokoroa and Pahoia Sea Scouts meet on Thursday for subjects from Māori life to meteorology, to fishing, evenings at 6.30pm at the scout hut, north end of the swimming, cooking, computing, the list goes on; we Ōmokoroa Domain. play games to develop team working skills; we go camping and would go more often if we had more volunteers. "What's involved?" I am the Group Leader and plan to stay involved for a few years yet, but we need more volunteers, including some more Scout leaders to work with and bounce ideas off would be the ideal. We don't have any Cub or Kia Leaders yet - but we'd be happy to support a younger group if anyone wanted to set one up. If you aren't able to commit to regular involvement but have something to talk to us about or a skill to teach us over a session or Cooking over a campfire at the end of Term 2, Jane at rear right. PHOTO: Matthew two, then that would also be most Farrell.

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Balancing the books and investing in the future By Angie Warren-Clark Labour list MP s a part of my Plastic Free July journey, last month I visited businesses which are doing their bit to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic that winds up in our landfills, or worse, in our oceans. Like the café who gives discounts to customers to encourage them to bring their own containers; local artisans, like Oka Pottery, who produce beautiful locally made reusable coffee cups, along with others. You’ll have seen in the recent Budget that New Zealand is doing well. Everyone deserves credit for that, especially the millions of hard-working Kiwis who get up each morning determined to help their family get ahead. Yes, the Budget showed that the books are in order and we’re committed to the tight control of the economy to keep it this way. But this Government isn’t just about minding the shop. We’re making the investments that you asked us to make in last year’s election. We’re investing in housing, in health care, in schools, and in our regions. For example, it’s clear to see that people in Tauranga are backing our $2 billion KiwiBuild policy, with over 3,400 locals registering their interest in a KiwiBuild home in less than two weeks. We all know that a massive housing crisis has struck this country over the last decade. Now we’ve finally got a government determined to fix it. National have been quick to criticise our government’s determination to help Kiwi families get ahead, but have been slow to say if

they’d cut the policies we’ve introduced, for example, would National force students at Toi Ohomai Polytech into crippling debt by cutting our fees free policy? Or would National cut funding recently announced in our families package, which saw 384,000 families with children be better off by $75 per week? Or would National strip $700 a year from retirees and lowincome families which helps them keep warm and healthy in winter via our recently implemented Winter Energy payment policy? I’m proud of our government's policies that will help more people enjoy the fruits of our strong economy.

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Fuel tax fears as TNL wait continues

By Todd Muller MP for Bay of Plenty n the 1st of July, the Government’s Regional Fuel Tax came into effect after the Labour Government put the House into urgency so they could rush it through. The law was passed to allow an additional fuel tax in Auckland, but the Government has left the door open for other Councils to follow suit and our city and regional councils here in Tauranga have already signalled they are interested. In my view, the last thing hardworking families who are trying to get ahead need is another tax. My concerns about this Government’s economic agenda are continuing to mount. Already we are seeing business confidence plummet, thousands of workers across New Zealand on strike or announcing their intentions to and the borrowing of $17 billion more than the previous National Government planned. That’s the equivalent of what we invested rebuilding Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes. An eye-watering figure. The Government is borrowing more, taxing more and spending more – but the borrowing isn’t the result of a global financial crisis or a natural disaster. It's business as usual spending driven through the roof by loose and untargeted promises fired from the hip on the campaign trail or negotiated in secret behind closed doors to get New Zealand First and the Greens on-side. They have no plans for how we as a country can earn more, and in the meantime, it’s reducing New Zealand’s ability to cope with future shocks. We need to continue to prudently manage our finances as a country to ensure we’ve got enough in the bank to cover the next unexpected event, just like a family does with their own weekly budget. You never know when you’ll need a new set of tyres or see an unexpectedly high power bill. But this Government doesn’t understand the concept of living within our means and is instead spending billions on diplomats, a ter-

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Raising the alarm By Matthew Farrell

t two o’clock in the morning that smoke alarm saved lives, without a doubt,” says Ōmokoroa’s Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt, as he delivers a couple of replacement alarms to Michaela Woolridge at her Hamurana Road home. “It ended up as just a melted ball of plastic after falling off the ceiling, but the alarm was still sounding almost half an hour later,” says Michaela. The pair are united in their enthusiasm to make sure local householders not only have smoke alarms but have them installed with working batteries. If the alarm hadn’t gone off on 18th June, everyone would have been asleep. No one would have known. The thick, black smoke was toxic because bedding was alight. “It was honestly one minute between the alarm going off and us having to get out. The smoke consumed the house,” says Michaela. “You see the adverts on TV. Some people may not believe them, but that’s how fast fire happens. Don’t be complacent and think it’ll never happen to you,” she says. A work colleague bought Michaela

“A

some new smoke alarms the following day. “I was so thankful. Just because I’ve had a fire, that doesn’t mean I won’t have another one. I’ll certainly have a smoke alarm in every bedroom from now on.” While it may seem admirable that the occupants attempted to fight the fire with a bucket of water and a hose, Ian Blunt says smoke inhalation can quickly overcome people and kill them. “If the windows and doors are shut, that starves a fire of oxygen. Just get out. “We recently attended an evening house fire in Whakamārama, where a 150 watt light fitting had ignited dried timber in the ceiling,” says Ian. Although the owners had smoke alarms, they hadn’t been refitted following renovation work. “This fire had been slowly burning for some time but was only noticed by the occupants when it came through the ceiling. If it had occurred at 2 am, the outcome could have been catastrophic,” says Ian. Michaela says staff at Fresh Choice told her several people bought smoke alarms immediately after learning of her close escape. She’s reminding people alarms must be installed and have working batteries to give you a chance of survival.

CFO Ian Blunt hands Michaela Woolridge replacement smoke alarms.

This month’s fire report

By CFO Ian Blunt This report covers the period to 24th July. round 5.30 am on the 12th July, the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to assist Katikati at the truck fire on State Highway 2. Stormy weather on Sunday the 15th resulted in a tree being blown onto State Highway 2 at Apata and was removed from the road by the Brigade. Around 9.30 am on the 20th, the Brigade was called to a car in the water at the end of Beach Grove, Ōmokoroa. It was low tide at the time; a person had driven his vehicle over the mudflats to the channel to go fishing. The vehicle bogged itself, and the incoming tide washed the inside of the vehicle. A tractor towed the vehicle to dry land. On the afternoon of Monday 23rd at about 2.30 pm, the Brigade was called to a child who had both legs stuck through

the railings of her cot. It only took a couple of minutes to free her unharmed. The following day at noon, we were called to rescue a dog trapped on a ledge over a bank in Plummers Point Road. The large black Labrador was about 4 metres from the top of the bank with another 5-6 metres to the beach. The bank was covered in thick Kikuyu grass and scrub. The team reached the dog, who wasn’t at all bothered, using ropes with harnesses. We cleared a track through the undergrowth down to the beach, the dog following us no worse for its experience, and was reunited with its owner. The First Responders have been quiet, responding to three calls, one with the Brigade to the Beach Grove incident. The the second to Kayelene Place to a patient suffering from bad abdominals pains, and the third on 24th to a sick person in Ōmokoroa Road.

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WE NEED YOU! Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade are looking for

• FIREFIGHTERS • FIRST RESPONDERS FOR MEDICAL CALLS For more information please call: CFO Ian Blunt 027 4599 478 or DCFO Simon Priest 027 436 6265

August 2018 | Lizard News |

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Congratulations to Community Boards face axe Ōmokoroa Bridge T Club’s novices By Murray Grainger, Chair Ōmokoroa Community Board

By Eunice Eccles reat success for four of Ōmokoroa’s players who have only recently started to learn how to play Bridge. They competed in the recent 'novices' section in the tournament at Tauranga recently, taking the top two places. A fantastic achievement for Dee Lynn and Les Buttimore who came first with 59.82%, and Mike Johnson and Jerry Hale who were second with 57.76%. Under the guidance of Ross Petersen, the Ōmokoroa teacher, a group of 27 new learners took lessons this year,

and their success is a credit to his teaching and encouragement. Entering your first tournament is always a challenge, and winning is wonderful. Ōmokoroa has a lovely club of enthusiastic Bridge players who give great support to their new learners. It provides a relaxed, friendly environment where they can develop their new skills along with great social activities. Anyone interested in joining this happy group should contact David Luxton, the Club’s Secretary, on 548 0521. Well done, Ōmokoroa, this is only the beginning!

Winning novices L-R Mike Johnson, Dee Lynn, Jerry Hale, Les Buttimore. PHOTO: Supplied.

he Council is progressing through the Representation Review which, by law, must be undertaken every six years. There are three parts. The first was a vote to retain “first past the post” voting for Council elections. The second was to whether to establish Māori wards. This was passed by Council and subsequently overturned by majority ratepayer vote. The third and final part decides the number of Wards, Councillors and Community Boards. The proposal passed at the Council meeting on 10th July is: * To retain three wards, with a slight boundary adjustment moving Pahoia and Apata from the Kaimai Ward to the Katikati Ward. * To retain eleven Councillors plus theMayor. * To disestablish all Community Boards. The five existing community boards of Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke and Maketū would be disestablished and replaced with three ward committees of Council, with membership being the relevant ward councillors and appointed community representatives from identified communities of interest within the relevant ward areas. Note that there is no election process for the membership of community committees. The concept is very much in the planning phase, but it is likely that the Council will ask for expressions of interest from people in the community and then appoint a group

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that will have the appropriate skill set and represent the various different community areas. In the Kaimai Ward, as a case in point, the issues affecting Te Puna are different from those affecting Ōropi. The current Ōmokoroa Community Board is of no value to either community under the existing structure. If community committees became part of the representation fabric of the future, the Council would work through the operational issues at that time. The advantages of community committees are that they could be more flexible and interactive without the formal structures and limitations imposed by legislation on the community board model. For example, a community committee can form sub-committees for specific community projects bringing in qualified people with specific expertise from those who live in the community for a community/ward project. The reason for disestablishing the existing community boards and replacing these with ward committees is that Council can better achieve fair and effective representation of all of the communities of interest across the District as opposed to the current representation where only 58% of the WBPDC population reside in current community board boundaries. In the Kaimai Ward, this figure is only 20%. As this is a major change, the above initial proposal will be submitted for formal public consultation, including inviting submissions, in the period 24th July - 24th August.

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Suz adds soaps to Beads With Flair

By Matthew Farrell he woman behind Whakamārama jewellery Beads With Flair has marked her move into hand-made soap production, by opening a cottage studio for her craft. Sue McDougall had been working out of limited space in her wash house and

garage on Plummer Road and needed a kitchen area. The studio was built by husband Don, before being opened with neighbours in July. “Our road has a get-together once a month. Sometimes it’s at a restaurant, other times it’s a potluck dinner. Last month we had it here, opening the cot-

Lizard News takes industry role he owner/editor of Lizard News has been nominated as a committee member for the New Zealand Community Newspaper Association, following the organisation’s annual national conference held in Rotorua. Matthew Farrell joins the new executive team for the next 12 months. It will be lead by incoming President David Mackenzie of Cambridge News. The other committee members are Aaron Buist of Beacon Media Group (Whakatāne), Desme Daniels of Ashburton Guardian, Mark Julius of Allied Press (Otago Daily Times), Aaron Heath of Wānaka Sun, Claire Rogers of Sun Media (Tauranga), and Andrew Board of Nelson Weekly. The Star (Christchurch) took out the award for Supreme and Overall Community Newspaper of the Year. Retiring committee member, Gary Anderson, was presented with a Service Award for his many years of contribution to CNA. The Association, run by locally-owned independent newspapers, is delegated with the responsibility to foster, promote and safeguard the interests of the industry in New Zealand and to improve and regulate conditions and standards. With more than 20 years of media industry experience, Matthew and Liz Far-

rell founded Lizard News with its first edition in June 2017. Matthew brings to CNA enthusiasm and a fresh perspective, and believes a healthy future can be planned for community newspapers. Matthew is a career journalist who has worked in local, regional, national and international news across radio, television, newspapers and internet platforms. He was part of the Sky News 24-hour team in London for the new millennium and worked on the desk through the events of 9/11/01, before moving to New Zealand in 2004. After launching Radio Live breakfast news bulletins in Auckland, he became a community news editor in Waikato with the Fairfaxowned Matamata Chronicle - before returning to regional field reporting with Radio New Zealand in Bay of Plenty. Matthew volunteers locally as a mental health peer support worker. He’s also an Ōmokoroa Boat Club committee member and a maths tutor at Ōmokoroa Point School. Liz was formerly the editor of the Lego Club Magazine in the UK and is known to many through her work at the library in Ōmokoroa, her community fundraising and as one of the volunteer organisers of Anzac Day events for the peninsula.

tage as a celebration,” she says. Sue began making jewellery in 2009 and soon became a regular at Tamihere market, using colourful glass beads sourced from around New Zealand and overseas. “I do design work, repairs, remakes and work to order - also using cord, chains, and some natural stone,” says Sue. She got the bug for cold pressed soap production after going shopping for supplies at a candlemaking outlet a couple of years ago. “I use natural oils and butters, so my soap is moisturising. It doesn’t make skin dry or tight. Some of my clients have eczema and find my soap doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. I also make a lip balm, an all-natural deodorant without aluminium, and a new men's shaving soap,” says Sue. The McDougalls moved from Feilding in 2003, attracted by an avocado orchard named Three Gables, where they’re set-

ting up a B&B (&B&B). That’s bed and breakfast, with beads and bubbles. Studio visits are by appointment, so please phone ahead. See Sue's advert on this page.

L-R: Sue is handed flowers by Alison Badger at last month’s studio opening.

Soaps with ingredients such as avocado - lime, basil and mandarin - lemon zest - black raspberry and vanilla - are displayed alongside Sue’s colourful jewellery.

Connecting COMMUNITIES

Local people

History evening for Ōmokoroa esidents are invited to come and see a little of the past, in an Ōmokoroa History Group evening at the Settlers’ Hall on Wednesday 5th September. Beginning at 7 pm, it will feature a presentation by Jocelyn Hicks on early development. There will also be a section on the history of local baches, presented by Chris Wright and Colin Pettigrew.

Colin will also present videos about sailboats with wide, flat-bottom hulls known as scows used from the Plummer's Point wharf, Barrett's Store, and the installation of the Lizard. There will be a display of photographs depicting the area, too. All are welcome to enjoy a cuppa at the conclusion. Entry is by gold coin donation, to cover costs.

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www.cna.org.nz August 2018 | Lizard News |

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

lizardnews.net

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.

Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat Tennis Club days Mondays 9-11am, Tuesdays 5-7pm, Thursdays 9-11am and Saturdays 2-5pm. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.

Mon, Wed & Fri Aqua-aerobics 9 am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Kim on 027 246 8635. Mon ‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9.30am. $2. Contact Angela 021 546 946.

Mon Fitness League Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30am - 10.30am. Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448.

Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat Taekwondo Self Defence Tai Chi and Qigong. Various classes. Sports Pavilion, Western Ave Sports Grounds. Call 027 548 1960 to check times and availability.

Mon and Tue Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowls Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Mondays at 1.30 pm and Tuesdays at 7pm. All equipment is provided. Call Anne on 548 1636 or Jill on 548 2799.

Mon and Thu Ōmokoroa Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Church Hall on Monday afternoons and Thursday evenings. call David Luxton on 548 0521. Mon, Thu and Fri Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am - noon. The first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz

Mon Table Tennis at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7pm - 8.30pm. $3 per single and $5 per couple. includes supper. Soft shoes preferred. Contact Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741. Mon Cards 500 7.15 pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. Phone Andy Smith on 570 6035. Tue Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control mornings from 8am and afternoons from 1.30 pm. Contact Shirley on 552 2707.

Tue Ōmokoroa Beach Mahjong Circle 1 pm at Sports Pavilion, Western Avenue. Call Denise on 548 1385.

Tue and Thu Tai Chi 9.30am - 10.30 Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Contact Trevor on 022 322 3410.

Wed Mainly Music at Ōmokoroa Community Church from 9.15am ready to start at 9.30am. Email office@theocc.org.nz or call 548 2515.

Wed and Thu Te Puna Playcentre 9.15am - noon. 225 Te Puna Road. Email tepuna@playcentre.org.nz or call 552 5253.

Wed adult tennis/fun/fitness evenings in August from 6.30pm at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club. $10 per person. Please call Jeff on 021 10 99 66 8 to book.

!""#$%&!''($% Annual Appeal +- – August 6th . 11th //+!#)#*+&, Collectors Needed 01%%(2+13*&4((5(5&

Wed Te Puna Scouts 7pm - 9pm at Māramatanga Park in Te Puna. Contact Leaders Simon Penness: simon@coolstore.co.nz or 021 223 3800, Warwick Catto wcatto@ballance.co.nz or 027 433 8421, or Josie Hinkley on josiehinkley@hotmail.com Wed Casual Soccer at 7.15pm at Western Ave Sports Grounds bottom field. Open to everyone over 12 years old. Call Hamish on 552 6427.

Thu Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am - noon. Refreshments provided. Contact Jackie on 548 1518 or Karen on 548 1454 or see facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists.

Thu Whakamārama Community Library opens 9am - noon. Visit whakalibrary.com or drop in to see our eclectic mix of donated books.

Thu Whakamārama Playgroup Whakamārama Hall at 9.30am - noon. Contact Alison on 552 4246.

Thu Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea Scouts Slipway (north end of Ōmokoroa Domain) 6.30pm - 8 pm (winter hours). For more information contact Jane on 022 351 5696.

Thu Ōmokoroa Songsters Settlers' Hall during school terms from 7pm - 8:30pm. Contact Richard Francis 548 0046, Jean Taylor 548 2808, Heather Reynolds 548 1620.

Saturday 18th August Omokoroa Settlers Hall 9.00am - 12.00pm Email: lizardmarket@hotmail.com Facebook: @lizardomokoroa

Thu and Fri Line Dancing @ Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Thursday beginners 1.30pm - 3pm. General session Friday 9am - noon. Call Shirley on 548 1633 (general) or Jean on 548 2808 (beginners).

Fri Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10 am12.15pm for $3. Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Barbara Walls on 548 2899.

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

Fri Mingles Over 50s Singles Club Running Bird Cafe at 11am. Email omokoroa.mingles@xtra.co.nz or just turn up for a coffee.

Fri Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.45pm. All enquires to Linley on 07 218 7003.

Fri Friends of the Blade Contact Colin Hewens on 552 6771 or via a direct message on the facebook page: Friends of the Blade.

Fri Omokoroa Baptist Youth Age 11+ at Settlers' Hall during term time. 7pm - 9pm for some fun and games. Find out more at facebook.com/OBYGROUP

Sat Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9.30am - 11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

OPEN Saturdays 9.30 - 11am Behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd

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| Lizard News | August 2018

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – August Wed 1st New Settlers’ Group. The Centre, 14 Hamurana Road, on the first Wednesday at 1.30pm. Also Wednesday 5th September. Wed 1st and 15th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am - 12.30pm. First and third Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join Also Wednesday 5th September.

Thu 2nd Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9.30am. First Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact Dave on 548 1093 or Margaret on 548 2737. Also Thursday 6th September. Fri 3rd Whakamārama Kids@Play 2.30pm-4.30pm on the first Friday each month. After school community gathering. Bring some afternoon tea to share. Tea and coffee are available for a gold coin donation. Also Friday 7th September.

Mon 6th-11th Assistance Dogs Appeal Week. Donate at Ōmokoroa Library, at our collections points at Fresh Choice or at givealittle.co.nz/org/adnz Tue 7th and 21st Pahoia Creative Fibre group Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30am. Call Robyne on 549 5100 or Barbara on 021 144 6329. Tue 7th and 21st Peggy Purl Knitting knitting for vulnerable local kids. The Centre, Hamurana Road at 10.30am first and third Tuesday of each month. Contact The Centre on 548 2331. Tue 7th Representation Review Ōmokoroa community event. 5pm-7pm, Ōmokoroa Community Church. Find out

TODD MULLER

MP FOR BAY OF PLENTY Omokoroa Constituent Clinics: 3rd Monday of the month Feb - Nov 10.00am — 12.00pm Omokoroa Settlers’ Hall 334 Omokoroa Road No appointment necessary.

Upcoming clinic dates August 20 | September 17 | October 15 All enquiries E P

Todd.MullerMP@parliament.govt.nz (07) 542 0505

Authorised by Todd Muller MP, 3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa.

Monthly meetings and one-off events

more about Council’s proposal to change ward boundaries and disestablish community boards.

Tue 7th Junction Coffee & Chat a free mental health support group. 6.30pm7.30pm at Ōmokoroa Community Church. Contact Matthew on 027 549 5410 and matthewjfarrell@xtra.co.nz

Wed 8th Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Club 4pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117.

Wed 8th Alchemy Poetry at the Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Whakamārama from 6pm - 8pm or thereabouts. Read your own work of that of a published poet. Contact 07 571 8722 or 021 145 5810.

Thu 9th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking again every 2nd Thursday. Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Contact John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards on 552 6222.

Thu 9th and 23rd Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am at Beached On Blue cafe. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Sat 11th Representation Review Katikati community event. 10am12noon, Katikati War Memorial Hall. Find out more about Council’s proposal to change ward boundaries and disestablish community boards. Sat 11th Wellbeing for Women. 12.30pm – 3.00pm at The Atrium, Waipuna Hospice, Te Puna Station Road. Contact newzealand@esotericwomenshealth.com

Whakamārama Hall regular events LIBRARY Thursday 9 am-noon, and every third Friday (TWIF night) from 6:30-8 pm. See www.whakalibrary.com

Sun 12th The Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market 9am - noon Western Ave carpark second Sunday of the month. Contact Barbara Haseltine on 548 2255.

Mon 13th Friends of Cooney Reserve working bee the 2nd Monday of the month 9.30am - noon. Contact Jan on 548 2299 for more information.

Tue 14th The Women’s Shed 2nd Tuesday at Te Puna Quarry Gallery. 9.30am - 2.30pm, $15 per person. Contact Kim Cutting at cuttingkim@gmail.com or 021 513 093. Tue 14th Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers inc. AGM at 2pm at Ōmokoroa Community Church.

Fri 17th Boundary Changes in Tauriko from Western Bay to Tauranga City. Consultation closes today. Google Tauriko for Tomorrow.

public meeting 7th August in Ōmokoroa and 11th August in Katikati.

Sat 25th Matahui Mexican Fiesta. Pahoia Hall 7pm-midnight. $45 tickets available from Matahui School office, admin@matahui.school.nz or 552 0655.

Sun 26th Affordable Art & Artisan Fair 11am - 3pm last Sunday monthly. Black Sheep Bar & Grill on Plummers Point Road. To book, contact Birgitt on aaafair17@gmail.com

Mon 27th Ōmokoroa Business Women’s Network. Ōmokoroa Preschool on Margaret Drive at 7pm Contact obwn@fastmail.com

Wed 29th Katikati Community Board meeting. 7.00pm at the new Katikati Library & Service Centre hub, Talisman Drive, Katikati.

Fri 17th Thank Whaka its Friday. Held on the 3rd Friday monthly, Bring some food and turn up.

Fri 31st Daffodil Day street appeal. Call 07 571 2035 or email karengemmell@cancersociety.org.nz if you can help.

Sat 18th Fundraising Concert for A Miracle for Amanda. 2pm - 5pm at Bethlehem Hall. Tickets at facebook.com/events/1806256982792807

Tue 4th September Ōmokoroa Community Board meeting 7pm Ōmokoroa Community Church. Agendas and past minutes available online at www.westernbay.govt.nz or at Ōmokoroa Library.

Sat 18th The Lizard Market Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall from 9am - noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Thu 23rd Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.30am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Jean 548 2239 or Carol on 863 7292.

Fri 24th Western Bay's Representation Review consultation closes at 5pm. See

Sun 2nd September Fathers’ Day.

Wed 5th September Have a Go Art Textures with Melanie Wakeman of Ōmokoroa Artists. 9 am-12.30 pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $10 per person. All materials supplied. Phone Karin on 548 1787 to book.

CAN YOU LEND A HELPING HAND?

We have a volunteer vacancy at our Katikati charity shop

KIDS@PLAY 1st Friday 2.30-4.30 pm. For families with little ones, a chance to socialise and meet locals. Bring some afternoon tea to share. Coﬀee and tea for a gold coin donation. PLAYGROUP Thursday, 9.30 am-noon. A free, no-pressure group for pre-school children. Come and have a cuppa. Let the kids enjoy a fantastic range of toys and the outdoor playground. For more details phone Alison 552 4246. TWIF Thank Whaka It’s Friday, every 3rd Friday of the month from 6-9 pm. All welcome. Bring your dinner and a bottle or two. An excellent way to meet locals in the community and get to know what’s happening in Whakamārama. WHAKA EMAILS Colin Hewens informs residents of news in our community including police reports, lost and found animals, items for sale, excess fruit and vegetables, and rentals wanted. If you would like to receive these emails, please contact Colin on col.hewens@orcon.net.nz

SAT |

9:00am – 2:00pm

TUE | 12:30pm – 4:00pm To apply visit waipunahospice.org.nz and complete the online registration form or phone 07 552 6897, or email volunteers@waipuna-hospice.co.nz to request an application form

WED | 12:30pm – 4:00pm

If you’re a master at sorting goods or general shop duties we’d love to hear from you!

HALL BOOKINGS Call Debbie Allan, the booking oﬃcer, on 552 5141 or email whakahallbookings@outlook.com to hire the hall, chairs and tables at very reasonable rates.

August 2018 | Lizard News |

lizardnews.net

Amanda’s stem cell hope ou are invited to an afternoon of music to help raise much-needed funds for Amanda Berry who has relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This cruel neurological disease is stealing her ability to be herself, to be a wife, to be a mother, to do the smallest of things most of us take for granted. Amanda - and her family - need a miracle that can, at this time, only be found in Moscow. Stem cell treatment for MS has produced astounding results. But it’s expensive and not available in New Zealand. Amanda has been accepted for treatment at the National Pirogov Medical Surgical Center for October this year and she needs to raise close to NZ$100,000 to get her there and cover all costs. All profit from the fundraiser will be going towards this fund. There will be three amazing musicians entertaining you over the course of the three hours - Tom Charleson, Ash

Laforteza and Adam McLean. Lemongrass Catering is providing some delicious food; The Amazing Travelling Photobooth will be onsite for you to get some awesome shots, and the team at Love Olivia Photography will also be there capturing the event as it unfolds. There will be raffles on sale with some amazing prizes up for grabs. This is a cash only event and for ages 14+. Tickets are $45 per person which includes an individual picnic box for each person. Doors will open at 1:40 pm for a 2 pm start. To book your tickets, please pay into account: A Miracle for Amanda: 03-0435-0648287-026. Please use your name as a reference. Then email kate@asyoulikeit.co.nz with your address for tickets to be sent to and if you have any dietary restrictions. If you can’t make it along to this event, you can donate to the crowdfunding page at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ a-miracle-for-amanda

Ancient trees found in Puketoki Reserve By Adrian Brackenbury hen setting a new trap line toward the southern end of the Reserve, we have come across two large trees, a rimu with 4-metre girth and a pūriri tree. Signage is being made up to identify the track and trees, so when having a walkthrough, keep a watch for the signs, about the three sister’s area leading to the rimu, then on to the pūriri. These trees could be 1000 years old, or more. Thank goodness the saw millers left the trees to watch over the new growth in our beautiful reserve. The kererū love the fruit, gulping them down whole, then spreading the seeds to grow new trees elsewhere in the Reserve. This year’s possum catch is 12, the same number as this time last year, and a total of 25 possums for the season, so we are keeping them at bay. Rat bait takes from the bait cafes show a recent increase in activity but hopefully just an autumn spike. On the plus side, with the warm damp summer, there is an abundance of new flora growth and bird life. While doing the bait line check recently, a gecko was sighted climbing a punga fern, estimated to be 30cm long. The number of North Island robins amazes us, so tame and beautiful and long may it continue that way. Hence the impor-

tance of keeping up the trapping and baiting. Friends meet twice a month, usually on a Thursday morning and anyone interested in joining us to see what we do, or just come for the exercise. Extra hands are always welcome, especially as some of the long-standing friends are no longer able to give of their time. Our next meet up at the reserve is on Thursday, 26th July. For further information, please phone John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards ph 552 6222.

Amanda and Chris Berry married earlier this year, a few months after her diagnosis.

Friday Night

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Become a social member for just $50 annually to purchase alcohol with your meal A walk through Puketoki. PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell.

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NON MEMBERS MOST WELCOME!

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| Lizard News | August 2018

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Follow the news updates online at

lizardnews.net and facebook.com/lizardnews

lizardnews.net

ADVERTORIAL

TOP Club members get ready to get thru

By Ranald Ducat he July guest speaker at The Peninsula Club was Jono Meldrum from the BOP Emergency Management organisation, who explained the role of Civil Defence, with the emphasis on Ōmokoroa. What is Civil Defence? Communities, utilities, welfare and emergency services coming together to prepare and to work through an emergency. It is not a grand army coming to save us – we all have a responsibility to get through an emergency. Preparation is important. The Ōmokoroa Community Guide explains how to get ready and to stay informed. The four main points are to get your family ready. Have a plan for emergencies. Maintain a survival kit. Have a getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry. Don’t forget your pets. This has shown to be important after recent emergencies. Have your car ready. You may be stranded, so think what you

would need. Keep your tank topped up. Assist vulnerable people in your community – get to know your neighbours. Jono said there are many ways to stay informed, both in preparation and during an emergency event. Know the natural warning signs, e.g. long, strong earthquake. Register for the emergency mobile alert (smartphones only) from Civil Defence. There is also a text alert you can register for, and the Red Cross has a Hazard app. Listen to the radio and TV, keep in touch with your neighbours and others in the community. Use social media. In some areas there are sirens, but not yet Ōmokoroa. Ōmokoroa residents should be aware of Tsunami risk areas and know where the safe, high ground is. The Community Guide has a map which can also be found online at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, and Facebook.com/bopcivildefence Twitter.com/bopcivildefence. The August guest speaker will be community constable Paul Wrigley.

Book review semantic serendipity: This Road Sucks

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop he creators of this pocket-sized compendium of poor taste and floor level humour are to be commended for their perspicacity. How two Americans were aware of the condition and circumstances surrounding SH2 (aka the Tauranga West Road) is miraculous. But the dangers facing us here North West of Tauranga are not unknown in other jurisdictions. “America’s complex network of highways, byways, side streets, alleys, and bumpy-as-shit back-ass country roads…” Some of you will find the images, referenced behaviours and language offensive. But it is nowhere near as offensive as the deaths and injuries that users of SH2 from Katikati to Tauranga, and particularly from Ōmokoroa to Bethlehem have experienced. Do I recommend this book, probably not? Some of the images were funny (I think) but many are not. But the title which leapt off the shelves of the Tauranga City Library meant I couldn’t pass up this little gem. I’ve used a variant of the title to ex-

Are you avoiding the dentist? Research reveals the top seven reasons why patients don’t like seeing the dentist. Let’s look at them more closely and dispel some common myths and misconceptions. Reason #6: I don’t want a lecture.

ave you ever been to a dentist or hygienist and received a lecture like a school child? Have a dentist or hygienist ever scolded you for not taking the right care of your teeth. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, look at all this calculus… And here’s a cavity big enough to hide a lolly inside. Don’t you brush properly?” Do you sometimes feel you don’t want to go to the dentist just to avoid a lecture or even being ridiculed? Don’t want to hear these slightly suppressed sighs over your open mouth? Don’t want to see those telling looks that the dentist and his

pointment. The last thing they want in a situation like this is to be told how “bad” they were and how it is all their fault that their teeth have deteriorated to that terrible state. We all make mistakes, and that’s why we dentists are here. We understand how patients feel, and therefore we work with our patients to fix these mistakes without a lecture. Bad things happen. If someone hasn’t brushed their teeth as they should, we can look at this together and then find a way to improve it. We never ridicule and we

assistant exchange as he examines your teeth while mumbling enigmatic verdicts like “24, carious”… At Omokoroa Dental Surgery we understand how uncomfortable it can be to go to the dentist. Most people have to pluck up all the courage they can find just to pick up the phone to make a dentist appointment. Then, if they stay brave, they make it to the ap-

don’t lecture. We believe in building trust and long-term relationships. We want to be our patients’ long-time dental friend to whom they can freely come with their dental problems without the fear of being blamed. And yes, sometimes it is their fault if something goes wrong, but all they need is a friend who can help to fix the problem. This is who we want to be.

This Road Sucks and Other Street Signs We Really Need, Dan Consiglio & Brad DeMarea. Running Press, Philadelphia 2014.

press my on-going disgust at the bureaucratic process that controls our lives in my article. “A clear and present danger: SH2 sucks” is published on ARTbop in ‘Enviro & Political’ at artbop.co.nz. And again a huge thank you to all of our community who have advocated so hard to have our area given the roading that is so obviously necessary.

the outdoor

Handyman Cobblestones • Small Retaining Walls

Block/Slab Paving • Paving Repairs • Fencing • Pathways Steps • And Odd Jobs

Nick Tyler 021 052 8070

This column is brought to you by Omokoroa Dental Surgery.

August 2018 | Lizard News |

lizardnews.net

Further farm-sitting adventures

By Heather Reynolds Continued from July.

untaway Roy was not himself, not wanting to run with his mates, instead sitting miserably by the gate and not very mobile. See how he is tomorrow when our farmhand might be

New strain of rabbit calicivirus confirmed in Bay of Plenty esting of two wild rabbits found on a Rotoehu farm has confirmed the presence of the already identified new strain of the calicivirus in the Bay of Plenty. This is the second time that the strain has been confirmed in New Zealand. The first confirmation was in a single wild rabbit found on Marlborough farm in May. Called RHDV2, the new strain is widespread in Europe, but until recently it had not been found in New Zealand. Greg Corbett, Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity manager says, although landowners will be happy about a new strain helping them in their war against wild rabbits, pet rabbit owners may be concerned, and advises them to talk to their vets. “It’s not uncommon for new strains to spread, and a rabbit owner’s best defence is to make sure their pets are up to date with their vaccinations,” says Corbett. Pet rabbit owners can also protect against the virus by limiting their contact with wild rabbits. There are a number of practical steps rabbit owners can take to minimise the risk to their rabbits: Keep them separate from wild rabbits; Wash hands between handling rabbits; Control insects around pet rabbits as they can spread the virus between rabbits; Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to pet rabbits; Thoroughly clean and disinfect cages and equipment. Talk with your vet for further information. Article supplied.

coming. I go to sleep hearing his mournful howl, in the morning I find Roy dead. Could I have done more?? How would it be out in the wild, is the pragmatic way I cope. On our walkabout, we come across a cast ram. He lay in a hollow and was unable to get up. We find him as he takes his final breaths. His carcass is used as a decoy for the wild pigs in the bush area. We’re also on the farm as a presence – poachers for wild deer, pigs and goats must be dissuaded, beehive theft happens. Apart from anything, it’s all about safety, so you know who’s about the farm. Access is by permission only and for something for the freezer. The baleage arrives – big rectangle bales offloaded by the huge tractor, one at a time all set for feeding during the cold winter months. This year has been unseasonably moist and mild, greener

than I’ve ever seen here before, until the frosts come and halt the growth. The truck needs a tow on the steeper part of the road without the weight he has no traction. I often look at the dusty vehicles on the highways. There’s a very valid reason – the metal roads are either dusty or muddy. Water is a precious commodity there are better uses for water than cleaning your car, usually. The rain is scarce, the animals and household are far more in need. We have a selection of vehicles depending on the task and the weather. The dirty black beast of Holden Commodore for trips away, Landcruiser for farm/town, side by side RTV for the hills, huge tractor for grading and heavy work, and quadbike to be wary of. The rains came again shrouding the surrounding hills in a blanket of cloud,

Friends of the Blade mount a new war on stoats By Colin Hewens

recent weekend’s tally of rats killed in our 13 more easterly trapping lines showed only 22 rats in nearly 200 rat traps. An unfortunate consequence of reduced rat numbers is that stoats and ferrets turn to other sources of food, mainly birds. In their breeding season, this can be catastrophic. So we now have to step-up our mustelid trapping. Currently, there is a series of stoat traps along our northern border, and along the Ngamuwahine track going two kilometres south of the area, plus a few others randomly within the trapping area. We have had two recent catches. To stop these critters, we have obtained a further supply of Goodnature a24 gas fired stoat traps. We plan to continue weekly trap checking on the three most recently established trapping lines where we have been catching up to 30 rats in 45 traps. The other lines will be checked fortnightly, releasing many volunteers to other tasks. One of these will be cutting and clearing further lines for possum and rat trap deployment; the other will be to put stoat traps every 220 metres down lines three and eleven, from the third trap into the third trap

from the end. This will place them throughout the “close to rat free” zone, giving them the most chance of killing stoats and ferrets. Our current overall stats for our operation are at least three stoats, one ferret, 742 possums, 881 rats and 48 mice.

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| Lizard News | August 2018

James 022 573 4910 Shaun 022 130 1043 07 573 4910 A 295 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke www.boptractors.co.nz

We hope to have line 17 set up with new traps by the second weekend in August; then there will be six more to complete. If you want to join us on this exciting project in the Kaimai Mamaku State Forest Park at Whakamārama, contact Colin on 552 6771.

A recently-caught ferret next to an adult-sized jandal. PHOTO: Supplied.

NZ’S FAVOURITE HORTICULTURAL TRACTOR

the fire was stoked up, we’re alone, and no-one can see us. The dams are filling nicely. It’s not bad - dining on lamb, venison and crayfish, plenty of stores on hand, good whisky and wine, plenty of books and games. No connectivity suits us – a stout walk up the nearby hill gives cell phone coverage. The homestead is compact and comfortable surrounded by lavender, rosemary, mint and parsley. Trophy stag antlers line the carport roof. Fresh heads with their antlers left to decay stare at me from the nearby trees. An assortment of trees and bush provide shelter from the winds. The creature comforts of white linen, nice china, good coffee, soothing teas and hearty meals balance the harsh environment. The final instalment printed next month.

lizardnews.net

Boat Club invests as new Commodore steps up im Raeburn is the new Commodore of the Ōmokoroa Boat Club, taking over after seven years at the helm for Phil Cox. The club held its 35th AGM on Sunday 24th June with 48 members in attendance. With the Club’s finances in a healthy state, the committee recommended the annual fees and entrance fee remain unaltered. A family subscription is $105 for the year. Single membership is $80. The nomination fee is $200, and the club continues to accept new members. It was decided to spend approximately $65,000 plus GST to upgrade the north deck with a greater covered area on the restaurant side.

A member, Hugh Reynolds, asked if any thought had been given to raising the platform of the Club due to increased sea levels. It was discussed and decided that it was not an issue at the moment, but that a contingency fund should be set up to cover costs if it was decided to raise the platform of the Club at some time in the future if required. At the same time, the Club would check with the insurers that sufficient cover is in place. A proposal was put forward to award Phil and Donna Cox honorary life memberships. John Budden then awarded prizes for junior and senior sailing and fishing. L-R: The cream of the senior sailors: John Budden, Hugh Reynolds, Tim Raeburn, Keith Heron, Christow (receiving for Diogo D'Ajuda), Bruce McCabe, Jo Uttinger, and Paul Uttinger.

L-R: Commodore Tim Raeburn with fishing stars Stew and Zac Weir and OBC’s irrepressible manager Fee Lynch.

L-R: Junior sailing prize winners Morgan, Makayla, Emily, Angus and Zac.

Brent sells up but sticks around mokoroa Plumbing has a new owner, Darren Carter - a third generation plumber who says he’s been in the shop since he was in nappies. You will still see Brent McLean around for a while though. The community stalwart isn’t going anywhere and will, in fact, continue to work for the business for a while yet. “With Darren and Steve coming on board, our turnaround times will be faster. Having extra local guys is only going to benefit everyone,” Brent says. Brent will be based in Ōmokoroa, Steve in Te Puna, and Glenn in Katikati all supported by Wendy on the phone.

Darren says this means the expanded team will cover a larger area with a quicker response time, particularly in the event of emergencies. “It can be hard to get a plumber. More guys on the ground will make things easier for local people. Brent is still involved, you will still see his face. “We will be carrying on all that Ōmokoroa Plumbing did, including maintenance, gas fitting, alterations, bathrooms, extensions and kitchens,” says Darren. The transition is happening, so in the coming months, you may hear Ōmokoroa Plumbing or Laser Plumbing Ōmokoroa on the phone. See Brent’s letter on page 2.

L-R: Brent and Darren of Ōmokoroa Plumbing.

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Celebrations at Ōmokoroa Playcentre

By the team he last couple of months have been full on and super exciting at Ōmokoroa Playcentre. As for many other early childhood centres around NZ, Matariki was a great opportunity for all our families to get together to celebrate the Māori New Year. It was lovely to be able to meet the dads and older siblings who don’t often come to Playcentre sessions during the

week. We shared a meal together with some delicious, hot winter vegetable soup and we roasted marshmallows and smores over the fire. It was a bit of a novelty for some of our younger tamariki to run around in the cold wintery darkness with torches and glowsticks too. Here’s a picture of our Playcentre kiddies tucking into some kai around the dinner table altogether. Aren’t they just adorable?

Kai time at our Matariki celebration. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Since it’s been so cold and rainy, the kids have loved any and every opportunity to get outside. Our obstacle course and jumping mats have been really popular in recent weeks as they don’t get to run and jump-and fly-quite so hectically indoors. This equipment is a terrific way for the children to develop their gross motor skills and imagination at the same time – balancing on the narrow ramps and “woobbblllyyy” mats; launching off the end like Superman (or Batman, depending on the costume of the day); running and jumping; roly-polies over and over and over…. Woooaah! What fun! We’ve also had the Education Review Office (ERO) visit our Centre last month to assess our performance and how we operate as an Early Childhood Centre. We are thrilled to have received such a favourable report from them and their endorsement that we are “well placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children.” In particular, they noted: “Responsibility for centre leadership is shared across centre members.” “The centre aims to promote a service where adults and children can learn with and alongside each other in a family-whānau setting.” “Members provide children with rich curriculum experiences. They

prepare an environment that provides children with choice and supports them to lead their own learning. Te ao Māori perspectives, literacy and mathematics are naturally interwoven throughout sessions. Children engage in sustained and meaningful play.” “Children are central to all decision making, and internal evaluation practices focus on improving outcomes for children.” “Children have many opportunities to develop their social competencies with other adults and their peers. Infants are well catered for. Members foster the well-being of children and support them to develop as capable and confident learners.” This fantastic observation is testament to the hard-working parents that make Ōmokoroa Playcentre such a vibrant and fun place for children to play and learn. It’s such a great community within a community. Come along and see what we’re all about sometime. Ōmokoroa Playcentre is located behind Settlers Hall, 334 Ōmokoroa Rd, and is open 9.00am – 12.00pm Mon, Thurs, Fri (during school terms). For more information, pop in during our open hours, or email omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz. We’d love to see you.

Literary success for Point student

By Deborah Warren he Jenny Giles Writing Competition is an annual contest run by the Tauranga Literacy Council and is open to schools in the Tauranga area. The 3 sections are for Years 1-3, Years 46 and Years 7-8. The competition has grown over the years and there were many entries. Having previously won the Intermediate section with an entry by a Year 8 student, Ōmokoroa Point School was incredibly proud when, this year, Year 7 pupil, Bella McShane won this section with a piece of writing titled ‘The air turns black all around me.’ The title was chosen by the Council and the piece had to contain a maximum of 500 words. Schools are only allowed to put forward 1 entry and Bella’s writing, which was about World War Two, was chosen to be entered for its thoughtful and insightful originality. Congratulations Bella.

Ōmokoroa Point School Year 7 student Bella McShane. PHOTO: Supplied.

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French flavour for film fundraiser

By Liz Farrell

triped tops and berets were in abundance at the Settlers’ Hall on Saturday 14th July to celebrate the French national day with some warming winter food and a Gallic comedy. More than 50 movie-goers shared the boeuf bourguignon, chicken chasseur and vichyssoise soup, washed down with a glass of ‘vin rouge’. Most attendees went back for seconds - and some managed thirds and more. There was certainly none left over. The meals, prepared by Alison and Neil Badger,

were délicieux and multiple requests for the recipes were received (see Vichyssoise on this page). The film was “Les émotifs anonymes” or “Romantics Anonymous”. Set in a chocolate factory, it follows the awkward romance between Angélique, a secret chocolatière, and her new boss JeanRené, a chocolate factory owner whose business is lacking novelty and losing its way. Both characters are incredibly anxious and sensitive, each using self-help tapes, groups or therapy to try to overcome their ‘hyper-emotionalism’. A warm and funny film.

Polishing off the last of the supper.

During the interval, guests were treated to camembert and Blue Monkey blue cheese provided by the 2018 Farmers Market Winter Food Awards Supreme Winner Mount Eliza, Katikati’s raw milk cheesemaker (we hope to bring you more on this next month). Again all the plates were cleared. Not a cracker left behind. A lovely selection of these are available at Te Puna Deli, Tauranga Farmers Market on Saturdays, Katikati Plant & Produce Market on Fridays and direct from the website www.mounteliza.co.nz. Lizard News was happy to sponsor this tasty part of the evening.

Pieter and Anne Tjaberings ready for the film. PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell.

Have a go at tennis By Jeff Warren ’m club captain (because no one else wanted to do it) at Ōmokoroa Community Tennis Club. We are looking to run adult tennis fun and fitness evenings every Wednesday evening at 6.30 pm from 1st August. All abilities and non-members are welcome, we will have two tennis coaches on hand to run and organise the evenings, and we hope to have three floodlit courts available. We currently have two. So if you are a seasoned campaigner who hasn't picked up a racquet for a while, a beginner who would like to give it a go, or someone who just wants to take out life's frustrations on a poor defenceless tennis ball, give me a call on 021 10 99 66 8 (also the number for a good plumber) and come and give it a go. We are running this as a casual 4-week trial, to

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Raffle prizes were announced before the film re-commenced and John Budden won the first prize, a coffee machine donated by Fresh Choice, who also sourced the bar selection. The combination of light farce and impeccable menu made a perfect recipe for a relaxed Saturday night out. Thanks must also go to the Year 7 & 8 parents Bridie and Jane from Ōmokoroa Point School who helped set-up, tidy up and manage the bar and kitchen, and to Deborah Warren for tech support. The evening raised just over $500 for the school’s end of year trip to Wellington.

begin with. The cost will be $10 per session. You don't have to commit to all four sessions. It’s not too late. Go on take the plunge; you know you want to. Our website has been updated by Simone ‘Sureshot’ Jenkins and has an events calendar, photos, court booking system and downloadable membership forms. Why not give us a look and a like on Facebook? Due to the excellent weather, the four courts have been continuously pounded upon, on Saturday afternoons. We have many other events planned for the coming year which include junior coaching, leagues of five singles tennis tournaments, business house summer mixed doubles, friendly inter-club doubles days, as well as our usual club days which are Saturdays 2-5 pm, Tuesdays 5-7 pm, Mondays 9-11 am and Thursdays 9-11 am.

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Katikati’s “green” warriors Authentic learning at growing for a Minnows Kindergarten sustainable future A

izzy Green of Katikati is living proof that you can live a sustainable lifestyle while living in the middle of town. Jizzy and husband Mike’s 1228 square metre backyard is a veritable supermarket – it’s bursting at the seams with 60 fruit and nut trees, a hothouse and full vegetable gardens. Grid-tied solar panels provide most of their power and heat their water. They also harvest rainwater in case of emergencies. Simply put, the Green’s backyard is a model example of Western Bay’s Sustainable Backyards programme run under the umbrella of Envirohub Bay of Plenty. Envirohub, supported by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, works in Western Bay and Tauranga communities educating, informing and inspiring people to take part in sustainable environmental actions. Envirohub manager Laura Wragg says Jizzy and Mike are proof that you don’t need a lifestyle block to achieve sustainable living. “The Western Bay is home to many passionate environmentally-minded individuals who are only too willing to share their journey and skills. We encourage everyone to take that first step

towards a more sustainable existence, start small, keep taking steps and see where they take you.’’ Jizzy is a great ambassador for Envirohub in Katikati, spreading the sustainable message through a variety of regular workshops. These include the sustainable living workshop Growing GreenNZ, teaching environmental education at local Early Childhood centres and schools, Trash to Flash workshops which convert rubbish into useful day-to-day items and running Boomerang Bags Katikati where people sew donated fabric into reusable bags. The programme is supported through Katikati College and Robyn Cameron who provide the sewing machines and Fabric Tech room. The journey for Jizzy and Mike started 14 years ago. They bought a quarter acre plot in town, built an eco-house and planted their entire backyard as a ‘green’ supermarket. “We share with people that the first step to sustainable living is turning your backyard into your supermarket and that growing greens is the first step,” says Jizzy. “Each step takes people to the next step – and before long it becomes a passion – and then an obsession!’’ Article supplied.

By Beverley Haddon, Manager uthentic learning is real life learning. Everyone learns best by doing, and it is great to be able to get the children to experience many of the things they learn about in books or on screens. We are lucky at Minnows Kindergarten that Ōmokoroa has so many places we can go on our walks, to extend the children’s understanding of the world we live in and be able to contribute to keeping it a great place for everyone. While on our walks, the older children enjoy sharing their local knowledge and theories with each other and the younger children. We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thankyou to everyone in the community who have contributed to creating and the upkeep of our wonderful local parks and reserves.

In this changeable July weather, there are still opportunities for the children to use our beautiful outdoors to have fun while learning. This week we were able to set up our fire pit to talk about risks and benefits of fire while cooking a special afternoon tea. There was enough breeze for the children to see how the smoke rises, (and therefore how the air would be clearer lower down during a house fire). We talked about fire safety, and while experiencing the heat and unpredictability of fire, we were able to reinforce the “get out and stay out” fire safety message. Steve Revington, an advocate for authentic learning, tells us "education has but one main purpose – to prepare students for the real world. To do that we must get real in education. It is imperative that we provide authentic learning opportunities for our students."

Using the fire-pit to learn about fire safety.

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Eco-warriors Jizzy and Mike Green in their sustainable backyard in Katikati. PHOTO: Supplied.

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New furry friends at The Garden By Rachel Jacobs

t has been a busy few months at The Garden Early Childhood Centre. Between farewelling Alison on maternity leave, welcoming the lovely Meg to The Garden whānau, welcoming new children and new furry friends too. We are so blessed to have Meg join our team, another teacher who quite clearly teaches from the heart and inspires a culture of kindness. Meg is an Ōmokoroa local which is something we really value as part of our philosophy, and she has been enjoying the past few weeks getting to know the children and their families. We have two new bunny friends at The Garden now, Peter Rabbit and Mango Flower (yes that is correct!) The children have been learning all about bunnies: feeding them, patting them and helping Mornay to build them a much bigger play space. These bunnies are Giant Flemish and are going to need lots of space to run, dig and play. Just like the children, they have a truly extensive outside garden to explore, run and play in. As you all know, the roadworks have been a big talking point in the community. On the bright side, our young and

curious minds have found many opportunities to look at the diggers, scrappers and dump trucks and are loving all the commotion going on. The daily conversations we have been having are quite delightful. It’s amazing to hear a little person’s understanding of what is happening around them. With spring on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about what we might plant in our veggie gardens next, keeping in mind some healthy choices for the bunnies as well. We are hoping to have lots of excess veggies so we can be filling up our new Community Fruit and Veggie Stand. Mornay has been busy working away on this stand, alongside a few little helpers, and it is now up and running. To find out more, please look us up on Facebook. Basically, this stand is available for everyone to drop off any excess produce and anyone can take from it what they need. We would love to see a sense of community being instilled in the children, so they learn how important and unique their community is. That’s all from The Garden this month. Next month I will be looking forward to talking about the weekly yoga classes we have started with the children.

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Peter Rabbit and Mango Flower settling in to their new home. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Haere rā Jo and Manaia

By Te Puna Playcentre t the end of Term 2, we bid farewell to Jo and Manaia Ormsby, with a beautiful ceremony acknowledging the enormous contribution they have both made to our Playcentre. Jo joined Te Puna Playcentre in 2012, with Hollie (then aged 13 months) and immediately took advantage of the free education programme offered by all Playcentres. She worked to achieve the Level 3 qualification, the first of our members to do so. In accomplishing this, she was able to share her knowledge of educational theories, child development and learning stages with our centre members. Jo has expanded bi-cultural practices within our Playcentre. She has devised ways to engage us with our learning of te reo, tikanga and key elements of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) as well as facilitating waiata, poi and te rākau/tītītōrea workshops. She has been instrumental in driving our annual Matariki celebration, again celebrated this year with a beautiful sunrise at Minden Lookout followed by a delicious breakfast back at Playcentre with friends and whānau. Manaia has been a part of our Playcentre since he was 20 days old. He has grown from a shy little boy who never strayed very far from Mum to a responsible, kind, caring, playful and energetic five-year-old who is curious and up for

any adventure. Another member commented how beautiful it was to observe this journey – something unique to Playcentre – where children and whānau learn and grow together. We are located at 225 Te Puna Road, right next to Te Puna School. For more info, please pop in during one of our session times (Wed & Thurs 9.15am12.15pm during school terms) or email te.puna@playcentre.org.nz

Manaia and Jo kindly donated a korowai which Manaia was the first to wear for his leaving celebration. This will be developed to have a leaf attached for each child graduating to school.

Tamariki enjoyed making pizzas, then celebrated with shared kai, waiata and a piñata. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Anyone can be a citizen scientist

By Tammy Bruce Wild about NZ educator tudents from Ōmokoroa Point (OPS), Ōmokoroa No. 1 and Whakamārama Schools participated in the annual nationwide Landcare Research ‘garden bird survey’ which occurred between 30th June and 8th July. We take part in this citizen scientist survey because we care about our envi-

ronment, we love our birds and because they are an indicator of the health of our environment. When many people participate, it gives the scientists a large data set to work from. This helps make a clearer picture of how both native and introduced birds are doing in NZ. F or more information on how you could be involved in the future, go to www.landcareresearch.co.nz and search

Boundary alteration between Western Bay and Tauranga underway he Western Bay of Plenty District Council is preparing a proposal to alter the boundary between Tauranga City and Western Bay at Tauriko West. Altering the boundary is part of an initiative between the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency to provide for urban development at Tauriko West. Part of the proposed urban growth area at Tauriko West is located within the Western Bay of Plenty District. Tauranga City Council is well placed to provide future servicing and administration of the area, which will complement development at The Lakes.

Feedback to establish the degree of landowner and community support for the proposal will be considered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council prior to finalising a boundary change application and submitting it to the Local Government Commission in late 2018. If the Local Government Commission agrees to consider the application it will publicly notify the application in early 2019 and further consult with a decision expected by mid-2019. The Commission, which is independent of the councils involved, has the final say on the boundary alteration. Further information is available at westernbay.govt.nz. Search for Tauriko for Tomorrow. Feedback on the proposal closes on Friday, 17th August. Article supplied.

for ‘garden bird survey’. During term 2, the students in room 8 at OPS were fortunate to receive a ‘pest’ talk on rodents by Jose Law, the Ōmokoroa Pest Free Coordinator. Their field trip this term was to Te Puna Quarry Park where volunteers Francis and Peter kindly walked us along their traplines and explained to the students about what pests they catch, and the various traps, lures and bait used. Whakamārama students visited the Blade and walked a trapline, thanks to

the Pennell family (volunteers of the Blade project) who showed us safe handling of traps. Ōmokoroa No. 1 were lucky enough to have Scott Sambell from Ethos Environment and his rat dog Milly go for walk in the Blade with them. For more information on these volunteer led pest programmes, contact Pest Free Ōmokoroa: joselaw@xtra.co.nz; Blade Project: col.hewens@orcon.net.nz and Te Puna Quarry Park: www.tepunaquarrypark.org.nz

Whakamārama students checking a rat trap.

No.1 students with Scott, and Millie the rat dog.

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OPS students with Te Puna Quarry Park volunteers, Francis and Peter. PHOTOS: Supplied

The cost of apathy ife insurance has three purposes: funeral costs, repaying debt and looking after your dependents for a while. It is not designed to make your family rich. And let’s be honest; you’d rather not claim on it, right? So, it is important to manage the cost. In your 20s, the cost of insurance hardly changes. In your 30s it increases a bit. Once you hit 45 though, the increases really start to bite. However, it is not just the age-related premiums that are costing you money. Assuming that you initially got the right amount of cover, the only thing that remains constant is the cost of a funeral. Your mortgage should be coming down, and your kids are getting older. Hopefully, your overall wealth is also increasing. So why is your life insurance cover increasing, when it should be going down? The answer is apathy, both on your part and that of your broker or bank. You get the renewal letter from the insurer, and you just accept the increase as a cost of getting older. Do you sit down on a Saturday night and say; “there’s nothing

on Netflix, let’s review our life insurance”? Yeah, nah. Yet you regularly service your car. You’ll drive ten kms to fill up with petrol to save 6c per litre. Some people change their power company regularly to save $100. If you want to save serious money, review your life cover level every year. It’s not hard. Mark Lynch is a Registered Financial Adviser. Any comments in this column are the opinion of the writer and should not be construed as financial advice.

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Matahui exemplifies community inclusion

By Sharlene Reay hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not that of a single warrior, but that of many. Our principal Max Muller frequently and eloquently uses Māori whakataukī (proverbs) to demonstrate the values with which the school embodies. At Matahui we have an enormous sense of community, which was illustrated in a recent parent survey that showed the two main reasons for choosing our school were the caring nature of Matahui and the community itself. Term 3 is going to be an exceptional example of this in action. The students are currently preparing to stage Matahui’s biennial production, “The Point”. Set in a community where everything is pointy, including the people, round-headed triplets are born, much to the shock of both the unsuspecting parents and town. Based on a story written by Harry Nilsson in 1971 and featuring his wellknown song “Me and my Arrow”, the students will act out the adventures of the triplets as they are cast out from the town. “The Point” is very much a student-led production, from working on the script to costumes, backdrops, music and of course acting, with speaking parts for all. And this has spilt over into all areas of our curriculum, the processes as important as the final production. The children are incredibly excited about the performances, and you can purchase tickets from the office. Show dates are 4th, 5th and 6th September. Our major fundraising event this year is the Matahui Mexican Fiesta on Saturday 25th August at Pahoia Hall. We are

The Drifter: slow senior sailing

By John Budden t was a fine, clear morning but a bit on the cool side for the club’s midwinter sailing event on 23rd June. Due to the perceived lack of wind, it was agreed that we would motor down to Rangiwaea at the start of the entry of the Motuhoa channel then sail back to E off Omokoroa Point finishing at D. We started at 12.20 with the aim of being back in the club by 4.00pm. The starters were: Daylight Robbery with Keith in charge and solo; Sophie Rose with Jo, Paul and Keith E; Wayleggo with Heather, Hugh and Peter; These Days with Chappy and Steve, and Against All Odds with Lloyd and John. At the start, there was surprisingly no wind, so the drift was on. Mostly every-

putting in our efforts to raise money for a new school bus. Currently, we have families that would like to attend Matahui if there were seats available on the bus. However, our existing bus is full. We frequently rely on parents and staff to provide transport on excursions and having a bigger bus would free up this time and responsibility. This event would not go ahead without the amazing contributions and generosity from both the school and the wider communities. Tickets are available at the school office from Term 3. Another example of the Matahui community in action is the newly formed sewing group, originally intended as an opportunity for parents that enjoy sewing, knitting and other crafts to get together over a glass of wine, pursue their hobby and share ideas. After sourcing some ‘Matahui-themed’ fabrics featuring two well-loved mosaics from the school (including one that was created by a year eight student), the group began to sew beautifully quilted, reusable shopping bags as fundraisers. They will be available to bid on at the Matahui Mexican Fiesta’s silent auction. We hope to see you there.

one stayed in the tide and in the channel - but then one yacht drifted one way, then another the other - until Daylight Robbery, Wayleggo and Sophie Rose had a committee meeting in mid-channel. Meanwhile, Against All Odds and These Days made up the slack. So the last was first and vice versa. So it went, on up to E. Some tried F but to no avail. Eventually, there was enough breeze or a slackening of the tide to allow movement to the finish, but it was slow. Daylight Robbery crossed first at 14.48.20, These Days at 14.48.48, Sophie Rose at 14.58.20 Wayleggo at 15.13.00 and Against All Odds at 15.19.45. Well done all, and all ashore by 4 o’clock.

The start, from the left: Daylight Robbery, These Days, Wayleggo and Sophie Rose.

These Days, photo taken from Against All Odds. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Sky-gazing whānau

By Te Puna Community Kindy Matariki hunga Matariki ahunga nui Matariki has many admirers Matariki brings us together This year we came together with whānau and our wider community to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year. We enjoyed a shared kai, and the children had a warm kūmara wrapped in tinfoil. It was a glorious night to have a bonfire and fireworks under the clear and starry sky. The Astronomical Society came with their telescopes, and we got a close view of the moon and of Jupiter. Over 200 people attended and a wonderful night was had by all, highlighting the warmth and friendliness of our Te Puna community. A huge thank you to all the people who

provided support in the lead up to and on the night of our Matariki celebration. Feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are a rural kindergarten based on Minden Road, Te Puna in a beautiful natural learning environment. Our kindergarten promotes sustainability, and we value our strong relationships with our local community. The ages of our children start at 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whānau/family orientated and encourage their involvement. Come and experience Te Puna Community Kindergarten. It has a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Enrolments are welcome. Come and visit us at 45 Minden Road, Te Puna. Ph 552 5736.

Using the big telescope, thanks to the Astronomical Society.

Budding chefs at Ōmokoroa Number 1

Whānau sharing supper.

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By Rob MacLaren hloe Davies and Elea Hargraves entered the first ever nationwide RaboDirect Root to Tip cooking competition which was open to all Year five and six students around New Zealand. And they won for this area. They’re off to Wellington for the New Zealand finals on 3rd August, to be judged by Al Brown. The girls will get a full tour of Weltec Wellington School of Hospitality and receive advise around careers in food. Root to Tip was a fun and creative cooking competition that encouraged kids to create menus and recipes that incorporate the resourceful use of vegetables and fruits that are seasonal and produce minimal waste. Vegetarian only. Everything had to be

It was a perfect night for fireworks. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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| Lizard News | August 2018

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local & in season, using every edible part of the produce. Anything edible not used in the dish was considered waste and would be deducted points because of this. For example, mandarin was used for the salsa and guacamole, so they had to use the peel and did so by candying it for the dessert. They gained points for the difficulty of cooking / preparation methods used. They had to complete both dishes in 2 hours – they trained hard to achieve this. The girls had no waste other than what was inedible & went to the worm farm. It was very different for them being in a large commercial kitchen, but they adapted, and the head chef at Toi Ohomai has offered the kitchen facilities for the girls to train in over the coming weeks. The winning menu was created based on where they live. They started off with kiwifruit & a shared love of guacamole and went from there. ‘Beantastic Nachos’ with mandarin, tomato & mint salsa, fantastic guacamole & hand cut tortilla chips. Heilala Vanilla poached golden kiwifruit with white chocolate macadamia crumb, candied mandarin & lime peel with roasted kiwifruit quills served with a spiced honey syrup. If they win the competition, they will win the garden to table programme for the school for one year. It’s an amazing programme which I think the school should look at incorporating into the curriculum regardless. Our school is smack in the middle of a large horticulture community, and it would be great to further the kids understanding of how to grow their own food. You can read more about the programme on the website www.gardentotable.co.nz.

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Coastguard – every boatie’s best friend

Welcoming Communities network for newcomers estern Bay District and Tauranga City councils have been selected for a two-year pilot programme by Immigration NZ to bring communities and local government together to provide friendly, helpful and hospitable communities for newcomers. Hosted by Welcoming Communities Tauranga and Western Bay, two workshops were attended by a cross-section of groups including Volunteering BOP, Sport Bay of Plenty, Multicultural Tauranga, NZ Police, Rural Woman NZ, education providers, funders, school representatives and staff from Western Bay and Tauranga councils. Welcoming Communities Co-ordinator Haidee Kalirai says the workshops were the first step to building a community network for Welcoming Communities to

deliver activities for newcomers. “It was a great start toward developing a local Welcoming Plan. This was an opportunity to share initiatives that welcome and support the inclusion of newcomers in the community – and celebrate all the great work that already exists in our communities,’’ says Haidee. “There are lots of people doing great things in our communities, and the workshops enabled attendees to share ideas as to how we could collaborate on future projects and to look at where we can do more.’’ Welcoming Communities is an initiative of Immigration New Zealand to bring together local councils and communities to ensure a hospitable, friendly and welcoming place for newcomers. Article supplied.

Waihī Beach Volunteer Coastguard members, from left, boat crew Sam Dunlop, Ops Manager Jim Pooley, Tim Watts and radio operator Rex Knight on board the squad’s newest boat AVOCO RESCUE.

nited in their love of the sea, topped with the desire to lend a hand in their community, the Waihī Beach Volunteer Coastguard squad is a bunch of like-minded people doing a fantastic job. Each day, one of 14 volunteer radio operators is in the Bowentown watchtower listen to VHF channel 16 or 07 ready to respond to any emergency on the water. Also ready are the 25 volunteer boat crew members capable of putting out to sea at any time of the day or night to rescue boaties in distress. The Coastguard’s rescue craft – Gallagher Rescue and AVOCO Rescue – are within metres of the sea to make responding as speedy a process as possible. It takes dedication, hours of training and years of skill for a volunteer rescue operation to reach such a high level of expertise. Such is the depth of the Waihī Beach Volunteer Coastguard. Last year they responded to 31 calls for assistance and returned 73 people safely back to land. Waihī Beach Coastguard is supported through the generosity of corporates Gallagher and AVOCO which sponsor the two rescue vessels at Waihī Beach in recognition of Coastguard’s value to the community. Western Bay of Plenty District Council contributed $20,000 from its Community Matching Fund for the extension of

Coastguard’s basement garage to house the new vessel AVOCO Rescue. Operations Manager Jim Pooley says this initiative by Council was a huge help and the Coastguard has forged a good relationship with elected members. Coastguard’s main operational funding is from its membership of 500, but there’s plenty of room for more boaties to join their local unit and show them support. As Jim says – “you never know when you may need the Coastguard’s help’’. “Imagine a fire engine, police car and ambulance land-locked and sitting on a wharf. Look out to sea, and there’s Coastguard – doing the combined work of all three emergency services plus the search and rescue skills required on water. “We are the boatie’s best friend on the water.’’ Coastguard’s service extends beyond sea rescues. The volunteers hold regular educational days on how to safely cross the Bowentown bar; they help out at boat ramps during fishing contests; they teach water safety to school groups; teach Katikati College senior students Dayskipper skills and they operate as safety-support vessels during water sports events. The squad would love more volunteer radio operators. An open day was held in July but more helpers are always welcome. Article supplied.

Welcoming Communities Coordinator Haidee Kalira (centre) with Payal Raj (right) from the Indian community and Gary Southon from United Nations Association at a workshop in the Bethlehem Baptist Church.

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1. What taonga was legally protected on 1st August 1987?

2. What is the only ‘enemy’ vessel ever to be seized by New Zealand?

3. Who was NZs youngest Prime Minister of the twentieth century?

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4. In which event did Jack Lovelock win gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympics? annual award for up and coming comedians?

Saturn Uranus Venus

Mercury Neptune Pluto

Earth Jupiter Mars

STR8TS

6. Which artist’s body of work includes the ! Black series.

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7. First introduced in Auckland in 1958, ! what is the ‘Barnes Dance’? 8. Which natural phenomenon caused the!

deaths of three people, injured 80 more! and damaged about 150 buildings in 1948? !

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10. Which New Zealander has been called the ‘father of nuclear physics’?

Very Hard

Can you figure out these two rebuses?

9. Which author was as famous for her dramatic psychiatric history as for her publications?

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Create as many words of 4 letters or more, using the letters once only and ! always including the letter in the middle Which NZ entertainer is honoured by an of the wheel. There is one 8 letter word. !

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. 3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

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This month in history: AUGUST

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To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Omokoroa Tide Chart August 2018 Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

1 Wed 4:49 10:51 16:57 23:16

2 Thu 0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.8

2.0 0.1 1.9 0.2

R 10:34

S 10:07 R 22:25 18 Sat 1:01 7:10 13:30 19:30

4 Sat

6:11 0.4 12:13 1.8 18:21 0.4

S 9:38 R 21:27 17 Fri 0:12 6:21 12:39 18:39

5:29 11:31 17:38 23:55

3 Fri

2.0 0.2 1.9 0.3

1.9 0.3 1.8 0.4

S 0:03 R 11:08

*Not for navigational purposes

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

1:22 7:43 13:48 20:00

S 10:37 R 23:25 19 Sun 1:50 8:00 14:23 20:23

0:37 6:56 12:58 19:08

5 Sun

S 1:03 R 11:45

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

S 11:08 20 Mon 2:40 8:50 15:17 21:17

6 Mon

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.5

S 2:01 R 12:24

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

3:07 9:31 15:45 21:58

R 0:27 S 11:42 21 Tue 3:31 9:42 16:11 22:12

2:12 8:35 14:44 20:56

7 Tue

1.8 0.4 1.8 0.5

4:08 10:30 16:50 23:01

1.7 0.4 1.8 0.5

5:16 11:27 17:56 23:59

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

1.7 0.4 1.8 0.5

R 3:44 S 13:57 24 Fri 6:08 1.7 12:17 0.4 18:45 1.8

S 3:48 R 13:53

9 Thu

R 2:37 S 13:05 23 Thu

S 2:56 R 13:06

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

R 1:31 S 12:21 22 Wed 4:23 10:34 17:05 23:07

8 Wed

S 4:36 R 14:42

S 5:20 R 15:35

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| Lizard News | August 2018

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10 Fri

5:11 1.9 11:31 0.2 17:54 1.9 G

0.3 1.9 0.2 2.0

R 4:49 S 14:57 25 Sat 0:49 6:57 13:04 19:30

0:04 6:16 12:31 18:56

11 Sat

0.5 1.7 0.4 1.8

S 6:00 R 16:30

0.3 1.9 0.1 2.0

R 5:50 S 16:04 26 Sun 1:35 7:43 13:48 20:13

1:05 7:17 13:28 19:53

12 Sun

0.4 1.8 0.4 1.8

S 6:36 R 17:27

0.2 2.0 0.0 2.1

R 6:45 S 17:15 27 Mon 2:18 8:26 14:29 20:53

2:03 8:16 14:23 20:48

13 Mon

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 7:09 R 18:24

0.1 2.0 0.0 2.1

R 7:33 S 18:27 28 Tue 2:59 9:07 15:10 21:31

2:57 9:12 15:16 21:41

14 Tue

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 7:41 R 19:22

0.1 2.0 0.0 2.1

R 8:15 S 19:39 29 Wed 3:40 9:47 15:51 22:09

3:50 10:05 16:08 22:32

15 Wed

0.3 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 8:10 R 20:20

0.1 2.0 0.1 2.1

R 8:53 S 20:49 30 Thu 4:21 10:27 16:32 22:48

4:41 10:57 16:59 23:22

16 Thu

0.3 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 8:40 R 21:19

R 9:28 S 21:56 31 Fri 5:02 11:07 17:15 23:29

5:31 0.1 11:48 2.0 17:49 0.1

R 10:01 S 23:00

0.3 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 9:11 R 22:20

NOTE: Tauranga tides subtract 50 mins, and Katikati tides subtract 20 mins from the times shown.

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6 7 5 7 6 4 5 4 5 7 4 1 2 2 1 3 8 1 2

2 1 6 5 3 3 9 6 8 5

2 1 8 7 9 5 6 3 4

4 3 9 8 7 1 2

8 3 7 5 4 6 2 9 1

9 4 5 8 2 1 3 6 7

2 6 1 9 3 7 5 8 4

3 8 6 2 9 4 1 7 5

7 1 2 6 5 3 9 4 8

5 9 4 7 1 8 6 3 2

1 5 3 4 7 9 8 2 6

4 2 8 3 6 5 7 1 9

6 7 9 1 8 2 4 5 3

centre from 9am to 12 noon averaged 230 and from noon to 4pm numbered about 125 vehicles. Centre staff are also supportive of the extended hours, as it removes the pressure from the morning and results in a safer, less stressful environment for everyone. The new hours will continue for three months during which Council will monitor the additional costs associated with the increased level of service before making any decision in the longer term. Article supplied.

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tastic variety of quality items. We all thank Nelda for her reliability, commitment, enthusiasm and friendship over many years. Nelda and husband Allan have sold their house in Ōmokoroa and look forward to creating a new home in the city. We wish them all the best - our loss is Tauranga’s gain.

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Sudoku Solution

Katikati Recycling Centre extends hours

DIANE’S DÉCOR

Quiz Answers

he Katikati Recycling Centre has extended its opening hours on Thursdays from 9am until 4pm and will continue to trial the hours for a further three months. The change follows a survey in May by Western Bay of Plenty District Council to see how customers used the centre and whether a longer opening time on Thursdays would help ease congestion. Vehicle numbers during the survey period confirmed that the community appreciated the additional time available. Vehicles using the

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8 9 9 8 1 6 2 1 3 2 4 3 4 6 7 7 5

By Jen Moleta n mid-July we farewelled Nelda, one of our long serving volunteers at The Centre. With a beautiful morning tea of home baking and a magnificent “Happy Last Day” cake made and decorated by Fay, it was an occasion to both celebrate and farewell Nelda. In response to a brief speech of thanks by Sandra, Nelda told us something of the history of The Centre of which she has been a part for the past 11 years, both as a volunteer and also as a member of the committee. It was most interesting to hear how The Centre has evolved from what was basically a library - there being no public library in Ōmokoroa at that point - and a drop-in place. When it was found that the original concept wasn’t financially viable, it was decided to close but thanks to the initiative of a local woman, the seeds of The Centre as we know it today, were planted. What has developed in that period is of tremendous benefit to the community - both for grants and also as a source of a fan-

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TAEkwOndO sELF dEFEncE TAI cHI QIGOnG

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Farewell to Nelda

Andrea Van Klei

Word Wheel solution:

Method Pre-heat the oven grill to 220ºC. Finely chop the almonds using a knife. Alternatively, you could pulse them in a food processor until coarse. In a small bowl, mix the almonds with the parsley, lemon zest and salt.

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Ingredients 4 salmon fillets 1/2 cup blanched almonds 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped zest of 1 lemon 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Heat a heavy bottomed frying pan with a little olive oil to a medium heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Lower the heat and allow to cook gently for 15 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the salmon almost cooked through. Carefully top the fillets with the crust mixture and place under the grill in the oven for 5 - 10 minutes, until the almonds are toasted and golden.

SERVICES

Rebus solutions:

By Roz McIntosh almon’s nutritional content makes it one of the world’s healthiest foods. Salmon has a number of benefits for the entire body, many of them resulting from salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids. Here are four proven salmon health benefits: One serving contains more than a day’s worth of vitamin D. Considering 25% of New Zealanders may be low in vitamin D it makes a great addition to your diet. Salmon contains Omega 3 which can help keep osteoporosis at bay due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Improved brain function due to omega-3s, vitamin A, D and selenium. It can also potentially reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Being rich in omega-3s, salmon can help reduce systemic inflammation and the risk of developing atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke. This delicious salmon recipe is quick, easy and a bit fancy!

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News in brief...

Power pole delays Emergency services initially responded after multiple reports of a car hitting a power pole on State Highway 2 near Tauranga on Saturday 7th July. Two people were initially thought to be trapped in a car at about 1.30 pm, but were instead waiting for power to be isolated. The pole was knocked down and the road remained closed until 4 pm, with diversions in place at the intersections of Wairoa Road and Te Paeroa Road. One motorist contacted Lizard News to complain about what he saw as inadequate traffic management. Another driver supplied us with photographs. NZTA advised motorists to avoid the area or delay their journeys, due to the alternative route being SH29 via the Kaimai Range.

Waihī beach service moves to two days The ‘Town Connector’ Waihī and Waihī Beach to Katikati van service will run two days a week from 1st August. Following consultation with the community and stakeholders, Bay of Plenty Regional Council decided to increase the service which started as an extension to the Katikati Shopper service in October 2015. The 11-seater van service will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-5pm. A new stop has been added at Athenree Hot Pools, providing access to this popular destination six times a day. Board updates on school buildings There are two key projects underway at Ōmokoroa Point School. The first is a new junior playspace planned for outside rooms one and two. More information on this is expected soon. The second is a classroom build project. The scope of the project includes three new classrooms and toilets to be situated on the field at the Coppelia Avenue exit. With an aim to protect the green spaces, these classrooms are to be built with the ability to place a second storey in later stages. The classroom space is funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE), as announced in April 2017, and there is a MoE Project Manager who will be working closely with the school Board of Trustees and the appointed architects, Chowhill, to complete the build in 2019. OPS is midway through the preliminary design stages and expect to share these designs early in Term 3.

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SUV: stuck underwater vehicle

By Matthew Farrell car, stuck in the sand and stranded in the rising tide of the inlet at the end of Beach Grove, was towed to safety from near the channel on Friday 20th July. The police and the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade attended before a local tractor driver came to the rescue with

The early view from Ōmokoroa Road over the estuary facing rooftops. Inset: Back on dry land.

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multiple towing strops a little later. The car driver told a passer-by he’d been trying to transport his fishing gear because there was too much for him to carry. A photo and video on our Facebook page proved to be among our most popular posts of the month, with a reach of 2,763 as well as 61 reactions, 38 comments, 12 shares and 896 video views.