Lizard News AUGUST 2020
FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY
Te Puna • Whakamārama • Matakana Is • Ōmokoroa • Pahoia • Apata • Aongatete • Katikati • Tahāwai • Bowentown • Athenree • Waihī Beach
Pavilion past, present and future By Matthew Farrell rom athletics and football to mahjong and library services - the new community pavilion at Western Avenue is shaping up to be the heart of sporting and social life in Ōmokoroa. Members and supporters of Ōmokoroa Sports & Recreation Society Incorporated and representatives of a significant funder TECT took a walk through the ‘almost ready’ building last month, to see how much progress has been made on construction since the end of lockdown. Mayor Garry Webber says the impressive space is testament to the hard work of many volunteers over the past decade - and Council will continue to invest. “We will build a new library wherever the town centre lands. This is an interim measure as we grow from two to twelve thousand people. We’re currently at four to five thousand. “Eventually this library here will be a continuation of the pavilion, and it’s the tenacity of volunteers in this community which gets projects like this done,” says Garry. Following a Council resolution on Tuesday 21st July, the Ōmokoroa Community Board is to consider whether it supports the purchase of the old pavilion building for $1, for it to be relocated and refurbished for use by arts groups, a youth centre and men’s shed. The Council recommendation is conditional upon funding approval from the Community Board at its meeting on Tuesday 11th August, 7pm at the Ōmokoroa Community Church. Community groups have been advocating for additional community building space in Ōmokoroa to cater for growing demand. The community is also seeking to retain the McDonnell Street building currently used as the library. The current library was due to be sold to help pay for the new library at the pavilion. Still, the retention of the old library may be possible if the Ōmokoroa Town Centre Fund money is used as an interim measure until the long-term town centre is developed. OSRS chair Rick Gerrish says the construction crew have been very accommodating and very quick. “They’ve got in there post-lockdown and smashed it out. We’re delighted to be on schedule, hoping for the end of August. Things couldn’t have gone any smoother. “Looking around, it’s just painting, gib stopping, floor coverings and so on. We are continuing to raise funds for the internal fixtures and fittings,” Rick says. Dennis Cresswell of builders Watts & Hughes says an unexpectedly large amount of soft topsoil which didn’t
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show up in the GeoTech report cost $40,000 to remedy which was found through contingency budgeting, and adjustments to canopy and joinery designs. As OSRS treasurer, Dennis pays tribute to former committee chair Tim Maurice. “Without his momentum, we would still be sitting around talking about it. He was an instrumental person in kicking this off,” says Dennis. Mayor Webber also paid tribute to two community stalwarts - boxing coach Peter Rae, and Glenn Whittaker of the Community Board - for their tireless advocacy in the past. Committee member Vicki Knell says she can't wait for the pavilion to open. “It’s a fantastic facility for the com-
It takes a village to fundraise a pavilion. PHOTO: Liz Farrell.
munity, by the community, in partnership with Council,” Vicki says. OSRS secretary Andrea Willoughby says donations of $50-$499 would be classed as Bronze Sponsors, $500$999 as Silver Sponsors, and over $1000 as Gold Sponsors. “Sponsors will be recognised on a board displayed in the new pavilion. All groups and individuals who have donated to date will be included. “Donations can be made by a deposit directly into the SBS Bank account 03-1369-0212729-00. Ensure you put your name and ‘donation’ in the reference sections. Donations are tax-deductible as we are a registered charity,” says Andrea.
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Watchdog slams mining plans
the o t s r e t t e L
FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY
Ōmokoroa Rd urbanisation
mokoroa Road from Tralee Street to Western Avenue was slated to undergo “urbanisation” starting in April. Covid-19 got in the way. In Level 1, shovel-ready projects were supposed to commence immediately. Was it not shovel ready? It’s now mid-July. Any news on when it might happen? Steve Raymond, Ōmokoroa. Council’s project leader is engineer, Raj Sumaran. He tells Lizard News: "This project is currently out to tender and tenders will close on 10th August. The contract is expected to be awarded by the end of September with construction commencing in October 2020. This is currently not a 'shovel-ready' project." Our thanks to Raj for this response.
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Water works
District Council spokesperson has responded as follows, to a query raised on the letters page of the Lizard last month: “Prior to 2016/17, Council had five separate sewerage models across the District. In 2016/17, the models were amalgamated and the sewerage charges were rebalanced across the District. All ratepayers now pay the same amount to maintain their sewerage system.” Our thanks to Council for this explanation.
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Death Cafe
t a Death Cafe we share feelings and talk openly about death and dying, how we experience end of life and the fear, grief and questions that can be there for us all. Everyone welcome, Katikati Community Centre, every 3rd Friday of the month 1.30-3pm. Free. Tea and cake will be offered. See www.katikaticommunity.nz or call 07 549 0399. Carole Moselen, Katikati.
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ccording to Coromandel Watchdog, the mid-July announcement of a new open cast mine in Waihī failed to mention the fourth mine planned by Oceana, in Department of Conservation land behind Whangamatā. While Oceana Gold announced Project Quattro, the expansion of mining in Waihī, they also released a preliminary economic assessment of the Waihī District, which discusses in detail prospects Oceana Gold is focusing on. Specifically, it outlines four key developments: Martha Underground mine, the newly announced Martha Pit expansion, the also newly announced Gladstone Open Pit and also the Wharekirauponga prospect. “This assessment was released quietly, with no mention to the media of Oceana’s intent to mine public conservation land at Wharekirauponga. It is hard not to question why Oceana Gold didn’t even once refer to their intent to mine this area in their publicity about the expansion of their operations,” says Coro-
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Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade
By Ian Blunt, Chief Fire Officer uly began slowly for the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade with a call to a tree down across State Highway 2, followed by an alarm activation call to Pahoia School. Katikati were attached as backup, and again to the same venue a week later. On both occasions, an alarm fault was the reason for the turnout. There were three motor vehicle accidents in July, the first on SH2 where a car crashed over a bank; the second two were on Whakamārama Road, a head-on between two vehicles about one kilometre up the road, the other a car hitting a bank on the corner at the beginning of Whakamārama Road.
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Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained by anybody. A call to a fire on Motohua Island was investigated further and found to be a controlled burn. Our First Responders had a busy month, responding to a total of ten times. They attended the motor vehicle accidents along with the fire truck, having three calls within an hour and a half on the 8th July and one cardiac arrest. Although the last week of July has seen some improved weather conditions, most of the month has thrown bad weather at us. Drivers need to be extra vigilant and careful. Slippery roads and limited vision when it is raining can be a volatile mixture while driving.
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mandel Watchdog spokesperson Augusta Macassey-Pickard. “The Government continues to fail to honour their promise to protect this area from mining by banning new mines on or under Public Conservation land. They have also failed to honour their promise to the communities of the Coromandel, and the thousands of people who supported them, to extend Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act to include all of the Coromandel Ecological area. “The fact this company is right now promoting its plan to mine in Coromandel conservation land to its shareholders, while promoting only part of the project to Kiwis, highlights the significance of these failures.” Augusta says the Wharekirauponga 'prospect' is on public conservation land in the Southern Coromandel Ranges that is home to a myriad of threatened species. The area is well-loved and used by trampers and the community, Coromandel Watchdog says. Article supplied.
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Te Puna Hall opening confirmed unday 16th August will be a great day for Te Puna,” says George Butler, Chairman of the Te Puna Hall Committee. “After three years and eleven months, our new Memorial Hall will be opened and celebrated in a series of events starting at 7am on that Sunday.” The new Hall, built to replace the 94year-old original, has been beset by delays since the construction of the SH2 roundabout that now occupies the original site. “The last straw was the Covid19 lockdown,” says George. “The Hall was 95% complete when all work stopped. We had set our hearts on an Anzac Day hīkoi for 2020. Instead, some staunch locals came down the road and stood, socially-distanced, outside the new Hall doors at 6am on 25th April.” Already new stories are being made in and around the new Hall. On Friday 17th July kaumātua Tommy Kuka, local priest Father Ricky and a group of tamariki from the Te Puna School holiday programme assembled respectfully outside
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By Nicola Newton of Minnows Swim School
the doors, before removing their shoes and entering the foyer to witness the memorial plaques being put in place by two Brunel workmen. There were karakia and a waiata as the plaques were blessed and then covered over to await their formal unveiling on the morning of 16th August. “You will remember this day all your lives,” Tommy Kuka told the children. “Now, listen carefully as I read out all the names of the men who served in the two World Wars. Their names may
be your name too. Or they may be one of your tūpuna, your ancestors, that you can talk about at home. Remember them.” The donation of a flagpole, from Dave and Shirley Sparks, is another community gesture to mark the day. And the Hall Committee has commissioned two wooden tables, now installed in the two new meeting rooms, made from timber taken from the old Hall at the time it was taken down. “We remember the old Hall
The new flagpole awaiting its installation on the southeastern corner of the new Hall. PHOTO: Supplied.
very fondly,” says George. “We welcome everyone who wants to make time to come to our opening events.” The re-dedication of the plaques takes place at 7am, Sunday 16th August followed by the formal opening at 10am the same day. The first cabaret will start at 7pm on Saturday 22nd August and look out for a possible concert from the NZ Army band - date to be advised! For further information, contact Beth Bowden on 0274 530033.
Early groundworks for the new hall back in October 2019. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.
Pool closed for good
hope you and your children enjoyed the recent school holidays. I'm sure many of you took the opportunity to get out and see some of our amazing country. It's fantastic to have the freedom to move around New Zealand again and enjoy all we have to offer. Over the past twenty years, I have had the privilege to teach thousands of children in the local area how to
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NEW LISTING
swim. Eighteen of those years have been spent at Minnows Swim School, but it is now the end of an era. Minnows will not be opening in term four and will be closed permanently. I have decided it's time for a change in career and direction, hence my decision to close down Minnows Swim School but I look forward to seeing many of you around the community. We have been lucky enough to have had the fantastic support from two current employees, Maree and Vicki. Maree is currently considering options for an alterna-
tive venue to continue teaching and she will keep you updated on what the next stage will be with that. If you wish to contact Maree her email address is mareelongley.edwards72@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing Maree embark on her venture and wish her well. It has been highly rewarding to teach so many youngsters, some who are now parents themselves, and connect with so many families in our local community. I would like to thank everyone for their loyalty and support over the years and wish you all the very best going forward.
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The wise women of the Quarry By Dulcie Artus
An Honour for Jo was pleased to hear that Jo Dawkins had been acknowledged with the award of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to horticulture in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June. This award is well deserved by our hard-working Jo. It recognises not only her work for the Quarry but also her involvement with the International Plant Propagators Society for over twenty years. Jo held the office of NZ President, New Zealand’s International Director and lastly International President. Jo has been working at the Quarry from day one and followed her own vision for the park when it came to planting. She has been instrumental in setting out and
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Celebrating Jo Dawkins. PHOTOS: Supplied.
planting the various botanical areas and gardens and we largely have Jo to thank for the tremendous variety in those areas. Jo is all about the plants. Ask her the name of some shrub you are admiring and she invariably rattles off the Latin name. Her knowledge of plants is extensive and amazing. There was a time in the early days when the committee decided (several times) that we shouldn’t develop any further. The thinking was that we would never be able to look after it all if we kept taming the scrub further up the hill. Chas even drew a line one day and suggested, politely, that Jo shouldn’t make any more gardens beyond that line. Somehow these decisions and requests were bypassed, and Jo would labour on further and further up the hill, sometimes aided by her sister Mary, and encouraged by a number of timely donations of magnolias, maple trees, strelitzias (or bird of paradise flowers) and so on. I believe we are now all glad that Jo took no notice and carried on with her vision. In the years to come those magnolias and maples will look more and more magnificent. Three days a week Jo can be found somewhere in the Park, beavering away at her latest project, or perhaps just talking to visitors in the Park, something she really enjoys doing. So, congratulations Jo, on being awarded this honour.
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Shirley Sparks retires wee while ago, Shirley announced that she would be retiring from the committee, and the work she has been doing so ably for the Quarry Park. At age 90, I think Shirley has earned her retirement many times over. More than 25 years have passed since Shirley and her family conceived the vision of what an old disused quarry could become. There followed three years of planning, frustration, ear bashing, and struggle, before approval was finally obtained to commence work in the old quarry. In the years that followed, we have all witnessed the miracle that has been worked on the unforgiving landscape. And Shirley has always been there, inspiring us with her vision, thanking us for being there. In the early days, the work was hard and a handy grubber was the tool of choice. Shirley and Jo even abseiled into precarious places as they discovered the terrain of the Park. Occasionally, Shirley would say “where shall we work today?” There were so many places we hadn’t even looked at. “Let’s explore over that way,” she would say. We’d have the joy of finding beautiful rocks, hidden gullies, forgotten paths. Slowly, our beautiful park emerged from the neglected wilderness. In later years, Shirley has been less
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involved in the physical work but instead took on looking after bookings for the Gallery, a task which has become a very big one. As well as that major job, Shirley has kept the worm farm that she started at the Quarry, a job that you can’t put off or neglect. She has handed that one on to Shona. Shirley has an incredible collection of hats and we have been privileged to see many of them. You seldom see Shirley without a hat! With the hard work behind her, Shirley is looking forward to joining us at morning tea on Tuesdays. And we volunteers hope she will continue to do that for a long time yet.
Shirley busy at work at the worm farm.
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Introducing OPS’s new principal
By Sandra Portegys
am delighted to be able to write this as the new principal of ĹŒmokoroa Point School. I want to acknowledge the work Vicki Knell has done over her tenure at OPS, and I wish her the best for her future endeavours. I started my new role with a pĹ?whiri on Monday. ĹŒmokoroa Point School gave a warm welcome to my family, the staff, Board of Trustees and student representatives from Maungatapu School and myself. I have found everyone to be very helpful; I am enjoying getting to know you all. I am joining ĹŒmokoroa Point School having spent the past seven years as Deputy Principal at Maungatapu School. Previously, I have been Deputy Principal and Principal, a Resource Teacher of Behaviour and Learning Cluster Manager, and a teacher of all primary levels from year New Entrant to Year 8 at a variety of schools in Rotorua and Tauranga area. I completed my Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching at Waikato University, returning to complete my Master of Educational Leadership in 2015. I am a Waikato girl, having grown up on a dairy farm just out of Morrinsville. My parents moved to Morrinsville on retirement, so I still visit there often. I live with my husband Trevor in The Lakes in Tauranga. I enjoy running, walking and doing Pilates to keep fit, al-
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Sandra Portegys arrives among the manuhiri (visitors) from Maungatapu, to join her new whÄ nau at OPS. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.
though at times the mind is more willing than the body. I believe in creating a platform of excellence for students, setting high expectations for learning and behaviour through developing and delivering a responsive and relevant curriculum. I prioritise establishing a positive school culture based on shared values and a commitment to bicultural partnerships.
As a person and a leader, I take pride in getting to know people and building relationships that are genuine and authentic. I look forward to meeting you all and working alongside you to continue the great work I have heard and read about from Vicki and the Board of Trustees. NgÄ mihi nui.
Recording the oral history of Covid-19 By Sandra Haigh Community Archives s the nation was placed into complete lockdown during March and April this year, communities all over New Zealand rapidly mobilised to meet the needs of our vulnerable people. I was lucky enough to be a part of a
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Katikati group which came together within a few days and put together a plan to deliver essential services to those who could not access them. This group zoomed in together twice a week over the Level 4 lockdown period, putting forward plans, ideas and suggestions for what we could do to help. Allan Wainwright is the manager of
the Katikati Community Centre on Beach Road and he stepped up to facilitate this process, co-ordinating the various services, chairing all the meetings and acting as the "go-to" person throughout lockdown and beyond. Alert Level 2 allowed Allan and I to sit down and create a record of this unique and unprecedented period in our history
from the point of view of a small community. These are available to listen to as a three-part series on our Archives website. To listen to these recordings, go to westernbay.recollect.co.nz and scroll down to ‘Oral Histories’ and you will find the three parts called “Katikati during Covid-19 : a Community Response�.
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Licensed under the REAA 2008. *Welcome to Omokoroa $500 gift pack refers to five hundred dollars’ worth of vouchers for participating eateries and venues throughout Omokoroa. These vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash. Sizes of sections are approximate. Availability current at time of publishing, some sections may no longer be available.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
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By Fiona Powell
Western Bay Crop Swap
he Western Bay Crop Swap meets on the first Saturday of the month from 10 to 11am at SuperGrans, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. This is a free event for backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers to swap and share high qual-
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ity, local food on a regular basis. What can you swap? Vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, seedlings, herbs, eggs, preserves, jams, baking, liquid manure, gardening books, magazines, planting containers, seeds, sprouts and microgreens. Sign in, display your offerings and check out what else is on display. Ask your questions and share what
you know. Have a cuppa and at 10.30am we welcome everyone and then everyone participating is free to take a little of what is on offer. No money changes hands – just give a little, take a little. For further information, phone 549 4522 or email info@supergranswbop.org.nz
Feeling flat about batteries
By Sharon Parker or years I have been hoarding flat batteries, knowing they were not meant to go to landfill because of the toxicity of the chemicals and heavy metals they contain. When a battery casing disintegrates, toxic chemicals can leach into the environment. That’s why batteries and their packaging display warnings to not dispose of them in landfills. Another direct hazard of discarding batteries in household waste is that they can cause a fire in the collection truck or the recycling plant. And surely there must be some way to recover and re-use those chemicals and heavy metals? This would soften the environmental impact of extracting more raw materials that will also most likely end up in a landfill. Exciting technological advances in resource recovery and recycling are happening all over the world. An excellent example is our own Kiwi start-up company Mint Innovation which has developed the world’s first bio-refinery, using micro-organisms to scavenge precious metals from complex e-waste streams. They can produce 100% recycled, cyanide-free metals including gold, palladium, copper, silver, and other metals such as tin, zinc, iron and nickel. Anyway, back to my batteries. Years ago optimistic me, certain that the chemicals in batteries could be recovered for re-use, searched for a collection/recycling option. It wasn’t easy to find – the easiest alternative at the time was the occasional Hazard Waste collection drive from WBOPDC (and I’m not sure how much of that would have been recycled anyway). So I gave up
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looking and starting hoarding. Today I decided to track down what our local council is doing about battery recycling. To my delight I discov-
The spent battery collection bin at Ōmokoroa Library. PHOTO: Supplied.
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ered that I can drop off my spent batteries at the Ōmokoroa library, into a white plastic collection bin just inside the door. The only kind they do not accept are car batteries. So in went my entire hoard – AAA, AA, D, C, old cellphone batteries, watch batteries, garage remote batteries, calculator batteries, TV remote batteries, kitchen scale batteries, CR2032s, CR2016, LR44, 9-volt, 6-volt, NiCd, NiMH…… you get the picture. The library’s collection bin is now quite full. You might not be too worried about the environmental impact of used batteries – they’re small after all – how much of a problem can such a small, occasionallydiscarded item be? In fact, the cumulative picture is pretty big. A 2012 report commissioned by Auckland Council estimated that 1120 tonnes of zinc carbon and zinc chloride batteries and 4220 tonnes of alkaline manganese batteries are imported into New Zealand every year. That’s a mountain of batteries. We can assume that a similar volume becomes waste every year. And these are only the cylindrical dry cell nonrechargeable ones. Of course, the ideal solution would be to not use batteries at all, which is not going to happen anytime soon. Too many of our convenient modern devices depend on them. But maybe, just maybe, with our awareness of the impact of batteries on the environment, the next time we go out to purchase a battery-driven consumer item we might be motivated to instead seek a battery-free alternative. Or even better, we might question whether we really need that item at all.
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Getting to grips with maintenance
By Sharon Parker t’s been a pretty cold and wet start to the winter – not great conditions for playing tennis, as the balls get heavy and the players don’t like being wet and cold. However, we’ve been having good turnouts when it’s not raining, with all four courts generally in use on Saturdays and all three lit courts on the Tuesday evenings. We had a modest but enthusiastic turnout at our AGM on the evening of 1st July at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club, and are pleased to report that all committee positions were filled and the club is in good spirits. Outside of the committee, many club members help with tasks like running Club Days, organising interclub teams, helping Pete on Saturday mornings with the junior coaching, and turning up to club working bees. We are very grateful for this. Our most recent working bee was to spread sand on courts 1 and 2. Several volunteers with brooms did a great
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“spreading and bedding in” job and the sand has greatly improved grip on the courts and increased the longevity of the surface. The shadecloth panel recently attached to the west side of the Court 1 fence was provided by Tecnifibre, who
last year became the major sponsor for tennis in our region. The panel is a trial, to test for wind loading and to see if players like it. The cloth doesn’t do much to block out sun on those late winter afternoons, but it does offer some relief to the mottled background of the trees making
Spreading one tonne of sand on Courts 1 and 2. PHOTO: Supplied.
By Rachael Hyland he Centre volunteers continue to be amazed and grateful for the generous support received from donors of goods for sale and that of our customers old and new. Thank you all. At a recent volunteers’ morning tea, three long-serving committee members, Jan Lipinski, Sandra Hunt and Val Ewens, were thanked for their valuable work at The Centre over many years. They were each presented with a potted cyclamen. We are very pleased that these ladies are continuing as volunteers at The Centre. The introduction of EFTPoS has been welcomed by
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our customers. After a few teething problems the system is now working well. Thanks to Diane Gill (Trustee) for arranging this. For all you bookworms out there, a non-fiction section of books for sale has been set up. Take a look at the shelves beside the changing room. If you have any unwanted N-F books – biographies, autobiographies, NZ, self-improvement, humour, travel, etc., Heather would love to check them out for our N-F area. Thank you. Our suppliers of jams and pickles are keeping those shelves well-stocked. Customers who asked about more Passionfruit Honey - it’s there, but be quick, as it won’t
OMOKOROA
AUTOMOTIVE • • • •
Full mechanical service W.O.F agent and repairs Trailers, small motors MTA assured
Ph/Fax: 548 1976 Mob: 027 233 3857 A/Hrs: 548 0429
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it more difficult to see the ball coming at you from the other end. So if it passes the wind load test, we’ll be putting up more panels behind the other three courts. Part of the Tecnifibre deal is that we have to use Tecnifibre balls for TennisNZ sanctioned competitions. So we bought some boxes of those balls and all reports are that the players like them. They are pretty lively and retain their bounce for longer than other brands. We are excited about the imminent completion of the Sports and Recreation pavilion. Once it is complete and fitted out we will be looking at hosting the occasional tournament. Visitors are welcome to join us on Club Days. Come and try out our courts and meet some other locals in a fun, casual environment – we’re a pretty friendly lot. Club days Tuesday 6 to 8pm and Saturdays 2 to 5pm. For more information visit our website at omokoroatennis.com or call or text us on 027 261 9517.
be there for long! We also have a new range of handmade candles and delightfully decorated rocks for sale….Excellent gifts. If your club/group has a project planned and funding is needed, please apply for a Centre Grant. The Centre fundraises for the Ōmokoroa Community Trust which distributes the funds raised as grants to clubs/groups in our area. Grant applications are due by 31st August and the paperwork can be obtained online from, and returned to, omokoroa.centre@outlook.com Once again, thank you for your continued support. See you at The Centre.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
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Celebration of Term 2
By Sue Morgan-French fter finally being able to come back to Ōmokoroa No. 1 School and get back to a more 'normal' life we decided to celebrate this great term with a whole school Sports Funday, held on the last day of school. This day was run by our school house leaders and other Year 8 children and what a day it was! The children were divided into 14 teams for the morning and rotated around 14 different activities run
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by our school leaders. The activities were a lot of fun and very diverse. They ranged from gumboot throw, balloon volleyball, sack races, pingpong game to dancing, cooperative games and goal shooting. After spending the lunchtime recovering, the day culminated in an obstacle course relay run with each house and every child participating, the senior children guiding the younger ones. It was a wonderful way to finish the term, and may become an annual event.
Ōmokoroa No. 1 students during the sports fun day. PHOTOS: Supplied.
Testing for Covid-19 continues s part of the Government’s ongoing Covid-19 elimination strategy, changes are being made to both the Covid-19 testing strategy, and the supporting case definition. The testing strategy has been updated to reflect the current situation in New Zealand, where our greatest risk of re-introduction and spread of Covid-19 is from people travelling to New Zealand, and those working around the border and managed isolation facilities. Testing for Covid-19 is prioritised for those at greatest risk. There will still be testing of people with cold or flu-like symptoms as part of ongoing community testing and surveil-
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lance for the virus, and on the advice of the clinician. The symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to common illnesses such as a cold or influenza and may be one or more of the following: cough, a high temperature, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, temporary loss of smell. If your symptoms are mild, please note that it is safe to wait over the weekend and phone to arrange assessment on Monday. Not everyone who is tested will need to self-isolate while they are awaiting their test results – only those who have acute respiratory symptoms and have
had one or more of the following in the last 14 days: Contact with a confirmed or probable case; International travel; Direct contact with someone who has travelled overseas; History of working on an international aircraft or shipping vessel; Cleaning at international airport, maritime ports or areas frequently visited by international visitors. The updated approach to testing also includes testing everyone in managed isolation twice during their stay whether symptomatic or not, and surveillance testing of people working in managed isolation facilities and around the border, based on health monitoring information.
Bay of Plenty residents with symptoms of Covid-19 can go to their doctor (local GP) for assessment and swabbing where needed. All consultations with GPs for suspected Covid-19 cases are free. If you do not have a GP, please phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice. In addition, Accident and Health Care, 19 Second Avenue, Tauranga (07 577 0010) is open from 8:00am to 9:00pm every day and are also able to do assessments for people with suspected Covid-19, free of charge. ‘Stay vigilant’ is the message from Toi Te Ora Public Health. Article supplied.
WE ARE GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL Give your local property experts a call to see how we can help you buy or sell your next property. Janine Parker Sales Consultant – Omokoroa Office 021 383 700 | janine.parker@tremains.co.nz
Noel Benstead Sales Consultant – Omokoroa Office 027 525 3380 | noel.benstead@tremains.co.nz
Angela Fowler Award Winning Sales Consultant Katikati 027 220 8992 | angela.fowler@tremains.co.nz
Keep up-to-date with the latest in residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property from across the Bay of Plenty.
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Around here we know Todd Muller well By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel
’ve known Todd since his early days as a Young National and then when he worked in Prime Minister Jim Bolger’s office in the Beehive. People in this community know him well too. We know him to be a man of substance and good character. None of us would have suspected he’d demonstrate those personal strengths and qualities in the manner he did by stepping down as Leader of the National Party. What Todd did was brave. Very brave. A lesser person may not have been so brave. Politics is a tough game and collectively we as New Zealanders ask and expect a lot of those who hold high
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office in our democracy. It’s particularly tough on families who sometimes are too often the forgotten ‘civilians’ of politics. I’ve been spending a fair bit of time here in Ōmokoroa lately and its hasn’t taken me long to have confirmed what I already knew, that Todd Muller is highly regarded and deeply respected with this community. People talk with me about the passion he has for the electorate he represents in our Parliament and his commitment to those who live here, work here and call this place home. They talk of his good humour, his sharp intellect and his gift for oratory. They talk of his ability to put people at their ease and his skill as a good listener. Many locals tell me about the connections they have had with the
Muller family over long years and how they have watched the path Todd Muller has taken in terms of both his business and political careers. Yes, his decision to step aside from the Leadership came as an unexpected surprise. But for those of us who have known him for as long as we have and who understand the man and his family, with hindsight perhaps it should not have come as such a surprise. Todd’s decision was Todd’s decision. I’m sure it was made carefully and with Michelle. Now that it has been made and we’ve all had a chance to gain a better understanding, the surprise has lessened. But for me and I know many others, the respect for Todd Muller MP, husband, father, son and colleague has only grown.
Western Bay first to see new investment I
By Nathaniel Blomfield got involved in politics because I want to make sure I leave the world in a better condition for my children, and their children, to live and prosper in. I am so proud to be representing the Labour Party as it launches the “Fit for a better world” plan for the primary sector. This bold plan looks to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade, while protecting the environment and growing jobs. The 2020 Budget allocated $19.3 million over four years to fund initiatives in this plan that will place at least 10,000 New Zealanders in primary sector jobs by
rapidly retraining and absorbing workers displaced from other sectors. The first project to be funded as part of this initiative is in the Western Bay of Plenty. Labour has fast-tracked up to $200,000 investment into a local kiwifruit training programme to help the kiwifruit industry provide employment opportunities. As Minister Damian O’Connor said, “We know the interest is there, we want to build on that and, in the longer term, retain workers to meet current and future needs. Right now the focus for kiwifruit growers is to complete pruning over winter. This is critical for next
year’s production. We’re not wasting any time, these courses will start this month.” If projects like this are just a taste of what “Fit for a better world” can offer the Western Bay and our country, I will continue to be proud to represent Labour in the Coromandel electorate. My team and I are keen to meet you. Please invite us to your group to hear more about Labour and why I am standing for Parliament by contacting labourincoromandel@gmail.com or visit my website: https://www.labour.org.nz/nathanielblomfield Let’s keep moving.
SH2 through Te Puna closed after power pole damaged tate Highway 2 was closed to eastbound traffic between Te Puna and Wairoa River Bridge on both Monday 6th July and Saturday 11th July, to replace a power pole damaged when a tree fell in high winds.
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This work was started on the Monday but was unable to be completed due to unfavourable weather conditions. Eastbound traffic towards Tauranga was detoured via Te Puna Road and Te Puna Station Road, to allow room
for a crane on the road. Westbound traffic remained on SH2. The Transport Agency says the journey time for eastbound traffic between Te Puna and Bethlehem was increased by about five to ten minutes.
Scott
Simpson
Get in touch:
nathaniel.blom eld@labour.org.nz labour.org.nz/nathanielblom eld
Coromandel
Authorised by Dianna Lacy, 160 Willis Street, Wellington
AIL ABLE N HOMES AV
OW!
The kettle’s always warm so pop in for a cuppa and a chat! If you haven’t visited Omokoroa Country Estate recently you really should call in and take a look. We’ve got homes available to view right now, and we’ve made lots of changes around the village so don’t be shy - call in and say hi!
Authorised by S Simpson, 614 Pollen St, Thames.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
To organise your personal viewing, contact Emma on
07 548 1170
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Katikati College and Waihī College win Invitational 10’s Rugby Tournament By Marcus Howie
aturday 4th July saw the first ever Thames Valley Secondary Schools Invitational 10’s Tournament held at Paeroa Domain. Ten 1st XV teams, eight Under 15 teams and three Girls teams battled it out for the RDO Trophies. At the end of pool play in the Under 15s, Mercury Bay Area School Blue & Mercury Bay Area School White ended up in one semi final and Waihī College took on Whangamatā Area School in the other. Waihī College got through to the final, scoring nine tries to Whangamatā Area School’s none. In the battle of mate against mate, Mercury Bay Area School teams were all tied up at the end of normal time. Mercury Bay Blue were first to score in extra time to go through to the final. In the final under lights, Waihī College proved far too strong for Mercury Bay Area School Blue winning 29-7 to take the RDO Trophy. Schools who entered the Under 15 grade were Waihī College, Mercury Bay Area School two teams, Paeroa College, Te Aroha College, Thames High School, Whangamatā Area School and Katikati College. In the girls final, Mercury Bay Area School took on
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Whangamatā Area School, the final was a good affair with Mercury Bay Area School getting over the line 22-17 and taking the Women’s RDO Trophy back to Whitianga. Earlier in the day Whangamatā Area School beat Hauraki Plains College, which Mercury Bay Area School also followed up in beating in the midday match. The 1st XV semis saw two of the visiting teams play two local teams. In the first semi-final, Paeroa College beat Morrinsville College then Katikati College took on Hauraki Plains College White which saw Katikati College proving far too strong. In final, which saw Paeroa College don the yellow and red Thames Valley jerseys as both teams had identical green jerseys, Katikati College got out of the blocks strongly and continued to keep the hold on Paeroa College. Paeroa got back in the game only for Katikati College to finish with a last minute try to take home the Senior Boys RDO Trophy 27-7. Teams entered in the 1st XV grade were Katikati College, Paeroa College, Hauraki Plains College two teams, Morrinsville College, Whangamatā Area School, Mercury Bay Area School, Te Aroha College, Forest View High and Waihī College.
Marcus Howie is a senior rugby development official for Thames Valley Rugby Union.
Paeroa put on the sun for the inaugural Thames Valley Secondary Schools Invitational 10’s Tournament. PHOTOS: Supplied.
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ADVERTORIAL
Welcoming Communities accredited estern Bay District and Tauranga City Councils have achieved further recognition from Central Government for their great work in fostering cultural diversity and understanding through the Welcoming Communities programme. The councils have gained accreditation by Immigration New Zealand as an Established Welcoming Community – a status that acknowledges the efforts of both councils and communities to welcome newcomers and create an inclusive environment for all ethnicities. The latest accreditation is the second of four levels and comes on the heels of the programme’s success in February this year when it earned national recognition after a two-year pilot in the Western Bay and Tauranga communities. Accreditation as an Established Welcoming Community is further testimony that the two councils and their communities are creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for migrants in the Western Bay. Events such as the Katikati Festival of Cultures, New to the Bay Expo and Celebrating Cultural Diversity programme are examples of the councils’ commitment to celebrating the region’s diversity of cultures. The accreditation also recognises the efforts of Welcoming Communities to
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Let’s talk teeth
Why teeth like it moist
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ne in ten people have dry mouth syndrome. Among older people it is more common, with one in four suffering from a lack of saliva. A persistently dry mouth is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying problem. In a healthy mouth a steady flow of saliva from salivary glands located around the mouth and throat keeps the mouth moist at all times. Chewing and swallowing food increases the flow of saliva. Even simply looking at or thinking about appetising food can cause an increased saliva flow. Saliva’s secret formula Having enough saliva keeps the mouth healthy. It contains substances that directly attack the bacteria that cause decay, has anti-fungal properties, helps to destroy viruses, and neutralises the acids produced by plaque. Saliva also contains phosphorus and calcium. These substances are vital to the ongoing process of tooth remineralisation, i.e. the rebuilding of enamel to prevent tooth decay. Conversely, a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases. While it is common knowledge that poor oral hygiene and a sugary diet tend to cause tooth decay on the biting surfaces and in between teeth, a lack of saliva damages teeth in a different way. The decay tends to start along the gum line and, in some cases, the gums draw back to expose the yellowish dentine layer. Unlike enamel, dentine is less resistant to acids so that decay tends to be rapid. It is also called ‘root caries’. The main causes of dry mouth syndrome are drugs and medications, often combined with dehydration, i.e. not drinking enough, or certain auto-immune diseases. Breathing through the mouth, for example, in the case of a persistently stuffy nose or blocked sinuses, or hormone changes from pregnancy or menopause can also contribute to a dry mouth. Managing the problem Improving and managing dry mouth syndrome include dietary changes and the use of products that help moisten the mouth, such as sprays, lozenges or pastes. Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow and drinking plenty of water also make a difference. While good oral hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing is always important, it is particularly important for people with dry mouth syndrome to counteract decay, as are regular visits to the dentist.
This column is brought to you by Omokoroa Dental Surgery.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber (front left) with Western Bay of Plenty District Council Community Manager David Pearce (back left), Welcoming Communities Coordinator Haidee Kalirai (front right) and Team Leader Community Development, Tauranga City Council, Dani Jurgeleit. PHOTO: Supplied.
build relationships across tangata whenua, mana whenua, iwi and hapū throughout the region. Mayor Garry Webber says Welcoming Communities has taken a leadership role in raising awareness of the region’s ethnic diversity and in so doing has inspired communities to be involved in cultural activities that have deepened understanding. “The programme has helped enhance the community spirit that makes the Western Bay such a welcoming place. This latest achievement further cements the value of Welcoming Communities as a platform to build diversity, strengthen cohesive and connected communities and for migrant communities to showcase their cultural identity through celebrations such as Katikati’s Festival of Cultures.” Tauranga City Council Mayor Tenby Powell says a hallmark of a strong community is its openness to diverse cultural influences. “The Western Bay’s accreditation to the Welcoming Communities programme is a great achievement and speaks to our commitment to foster diversity and make people from different cultures welcome here. “We can all take pride in that and do our part to ensure that we make newcomers, wherever they are from, feel valued, safe and at home.” Immigration New Zealand General Manager of Refugee and Migrant Services, Fiona Whiteridge, says the recognition is well deserved. “The councils and their communities have worked hard since they first joined the programme in 2017. They’ve shown commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all residents can thrive and belong. We’re delighted they have gained formal accreditation as an Established Welcoming Community and we look forward to working with them further.” The Welcoming Communities programme has been run by the Tauranga and Western Bay Councils since 2018, led by coordinator Haidee Kalirai. Article supplied.
Scammers persistent: be vigilant We’re urged by NZ Police to be vigilant of scams and keep safe practices online. • Be cautious about emails or phone calls asking you to update or verify your details online. • Be cautious of emails saying you’ve won prizes from competitions that you don’t remember entering. • Be cautious of emails that try to get you to act quickly by threatening you with legal action or loss of an account. • Ignore any emails asking you to provide personal information like passwords, or banking information. • Remember legitimate organisations like banks will never ask you to send them your password. • Only open email attachments when you’re expecting them, even if you know who the sender is. • If you’re unsure if an email is from a legitimate organisation, you can contact them to ask. If you do contact them, make sure you go through official contact channels you have checked - don’t use the phone numbers, websites or email address links included in the email. Anyone wishing to report potential cyber security problems, can do so online via CERT NZ: https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/
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Western Bay distributes $300k to community groups estern Bay of Plenty District Council has distributed $300,000 to local groups financially hit by Covid-19 through its Community Resilience Fund. The Fund was initiated in recognition of how Covid-19 would negatively affect the ability of community groups to access external funding for their projects. A total of 49 groups were successful from 78 applications. The Fund provides short-term relief to public service organisations affected by the pandemic. The $300,000 was gained from combining Council’s two traditional funds – the Community Matching Fund and Facilities in the Community Fund. Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says it was good
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that Council could repurpose its community funding to create the special relief money. “This was part of Council’s overall Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan to distribute money where the community need was the greatest. “Covid-19 has made it tough for our community organisations and while this one-off fund offers financial help for some, there is no doubt many will continue to feel the effects of the pandemic for some time to come.� Council’s Community Manager David Pearce says assessing the applications and distributing the funds has been a rewarding process. The panel included councillors John Scrimgeour, James Denyer and Mark Dean.
“We have been impressed with the wide range of applications from all sectors of the community – and it has been very apparent that Covid-19 has put many of our community organisations under severe financial stress. “We have had to make some tough decisions when it came to spreading the $300,000 across so many applications but we believe we have reached the best outcome for the greatest number of groups. “We are happy that Council has been able to help in some way to relieve that financial stress for those successful applicants.� To view the full list of recipients, visit westernbay.govt.nz > Council > Economic Recovery Plan. Article supplied.
Brownie takes honours as Alfie’s buddy estern Bay’s spokesdog Alfie has found a cute new mate to help him educate dog owners across the District for the coing year. Meet Brownie – the five-month-old Australian Terrier/Maltese/Shih Tzu pup from Te Puke who stole the hearts of Council’s judging panel to become the face of Western Bay dogs in 2020/21, including the Western Bay Wander Dogs Summer Series. Kushla and Glen Haenen bought Brownie for their seven-year-old son Willem. Willem was a little shy of dogs so Kushla and Glen wanted him to learn confidence. A teacher at Willem’s school had a buddy pup that was helping the children
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Alfie’s new mate Brownie. PHOTO: Supplied.
learn the correct behaviours around dogs and this encouraged Kushla and Glen to find a wee buddy for Willem. Brownie has turned out to be a perfect new family member – and he will be a great wee mate for Council’s spokesdog Alfie, joining him in cartoon form for the 2020/21 year. Brownie was one of more than 60 entrants to Council’s Facebook competition to register for the new registration year by the end of June and post a photo of the dog with its new blue tag. Council’s Compliance and Monitoring Manager, Alison Curtis, thanks everyone who entered, saying it wasn’t an easy task to pick the winner from so many cute dogs of all shapes and sizes. “However Brownie had the X-factor
and now we look forward to seeing him come to life alongside our Alfie as the two faces of Western Bay dogs for the next year.� Dog owners who have not registered their dog for the 2020/21 year are reminded that a 50 per cent penalty fee applies to all dog registrations after the due date of 31st July, and late payers also need to be aware that if a dog is unregistered and impounded after 1st July, any impounding fee also increases. This year’s registration tags are blue and information on fees and how they apply to different dogs (de-sexed, unneutered, dangerous, working and assistance dogs etc.) is available on Council’s website www.westernbay.govt.nz/dogregistration. Article supplied.
Got questions about Council’s proposed return of ownership of Panepane Purakau, the eastern end of Matakana Island, to the ďŹ ve local hapĹŤ? A end our community open days to ďŹ nd out more.
OPUREORA MARAE MATAKANA ISLAND SATURDAY AUGUST AM- PM OMOKOROA BOAT CLUB SATURDAY AUGUST AM- PM TAURANGA YACHT AND POWER BOAT CLUB SATURDAY AUGUST AM- PM Or head online to have your say haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/panepane
For more information contact 07 571 8008
haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/panepane August 2020 | Lizard News |
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS
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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.
MONDAYS
Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189.
Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Email katikati.tennis@outlook.com.
Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 9-11am. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.
Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz
Katikati Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. 6 Binnie Road. Contact katikati@playcentre.org.nz or 07 549 0211.
‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9.30am. $5 or $40 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390. Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30-10.30am. Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448. Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 9.30-10.30am. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.
Scrabble at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free.
Postnatal Support Group 10am-12pm. Bethlehem Birthing Centre. All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome. Starts back 10th Feb. Phone 549 4522.
Justice of the Peace clinic 11am-1pm at Waihī Library, 40 Rosemont Street. Indoor Social Bowls 12.45pm Katikati Memorial Hall. Phone 549 1008.
Community Tai Chi Katikati Memorial Hall Lounge 1pm during school terms. Contact Trish 021 482 842.
Scottish Country Dancing 1-3 pm. St Peter’s Anglican church, Beach Road. All ages, no partner required. $4. Contact Douglas 021 0244 6099.
Bolivia Pātuki Manawa McKinney Room 1-4pm. Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential. Contact Gay 549 2527.
Movie Matinee 1.30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati. Tickets $10. Limited seats. 549 5250.
Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall in the afternoons. Call David Luxton on 548 0521. IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 11. 6-7.30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall. Call 548 2515. Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6.15-7.45pm. Contact Mollie 021 177 8018.
Table Tennis at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Any age 5.15-7pm, Seniors (18+) 7-9pm. $3 per single, $5 per couple. Includes supper. Whilesole shoes preferred. Call Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741. Social indoor netball term time at 6pm. Apata Community Hall - Pahoia School. Ages 11+. $5 per night. Beginners welcome. Contact Kirsten 022 535 1530.
Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. $3 includes tea and biscuits. Prizes plus raffles once a month. Carpooling from Katikati available. New members welcome. Contact Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404. Indoor Bowls 7pm at Waihī Beach RSA. Contact Grant on 027 475 0556.
TUESDAYS
Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Barry 027 492 6475.
Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control from 8am and from 1.30pm. Contact Shirley on 552 2707.
Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis. 9am start. Casual and new players welcome. Phone Catherine 021 506855.
Katikati Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. 6 Binnie Road. Contact katikati@playcentre.org.nz or 07 549 0211.
Pahoia Creative Fibre group Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 9.30am. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7pm. Learn to spin, weave, felt, knit, crochet and more. New members welcome. Call Barbara on 544 0920 or 021 144 6329. Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Contact Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
Mindful hatha yoga classes 9.30-10.30am and 6-7pm. Beginners yoga class 11-12. Lengthen, strengthen and find balance. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz Knit & Natter at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free.
Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club. Roll-up, names in by 12.30 for 1 o'clock start. All welcome. Bowls and coaching available. Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail.com Mahjong Circle 1pm at the Sports Pavilion, Western Avenue. Call Denise on 548 1385.
Wise & Wonderful Arts & crafts, games and afternoon tea for seniors. Pick up and drop off available in Katikati area. 1.30-3pm at Katikati Community Centre. Contact info@katikaticommunity.nz or 549 0399 to register. Gold coin.
Therapeutic Tai Chi for beginners. Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 2.45-3.45pm. One free trial class then $7. Contact Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz
Teen Advisory Board Plan, promote and implement programs and events for teens. Year 7 to 13 students. 3.30-4.30pm during the school term at Pātuki Manawa.
Gentle Yoga & Qi Gong at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4–5.30pm. One free trial class then $10. Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz Twilight Bowls from 5pm. Ōmokoroa Bowling Club, Hamurana Road. Starting 11 February through to 17 March. Teams of three or individuals. $20/team/night or $100 season. Bowls supplied. Contact Graeme Thacker 548 2576 or Club 548 0077. Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 5-7pm. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.
Darts, Serious Singles Register names by 6.50pm for a 7pm start. Oche fees apply. Contact Top Shot Bar, Te Puna on 552 6405. Tauranga Toastmasters Develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. 7.30pm at Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard, 72 Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point. Zoom access also available. Contact 021 161 0421.
WEDNESDAYS
Gentle hatha yoga 8.15-9.15am, 10.3011.30am. Lengthen, strengthen and find balance. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz. Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189. Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Phone Cushla 027 414 2587.
Mainly Music at Ōmokoroa Community Church from 9.15am. Email office@theocc.org.nz or call 548 2515.
Te Puna Playcentre 9.15am-noon. 225 Te Puna Road. Email tepuna@playcentre.org.nz or call 552 5253.
Katikati Parents Group 9.30-11am at SuperGrans, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome. Starts back 12th Feb. Phone 549 4522. Community Tai Chi Waihī Beach RSA 9.30am during school terms. Contact Trish 021 482 842.
‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9.30am. $5 or $40 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390. Zumba Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30-10.30am. Contact Carla 578 8780.
Keep on your Feet seated and standing exercises to music. All ages. 9.30-10.30 at Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion. $6 or $50 for 10. Contact Maureen on mtaylor18@xtra.co.nz.
Stepping Up free computer classes at Katikati Library. Book on 571 8008 or www.steppingup.nz Wednesdays/Thursdays from February 12.
Fitness League exercise, movement, dance, focusing on posture, strengthening & stretching for all ages & abilities. Memorial Hall, Katikati at 10am. Phone Pam 549 4799.
Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 1pm start. Names in by 12.45pm please. All welcome. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103.
Community Tai Chi Bethlehem Hall 1pm during school terms. Contact Trish 021 482 842.
Adults Dance & Move 1.30pm St Peter’s Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Experienced tutor introduces you to many styles of dance in a fun way. Contact Gaye on gaye@christinaproductions.co.nz , 577 1753 or 027 274 8753.
Katikati Family Time Trials 5km time trial series is all-round family fun where you can track your time each week. 6pm every Wednesday 5th-26th February. Beach Road boat ramp. Twilight tennis at Te Puna Tennis Club. 6pm start. Phone Catherine 021 506855.
Social Pool Night register names by 6.15pm for 6.30pm start. $5 entry fee. Contact Top Shot Bar, Te Puna on 552 6405.
Te Puna Community Library in the School library 6.30-7.30pm.
Justice of the Peace clinic 6.30-7.30pm Te Puna School Library.
Indoor Bowls Club 7pm start Katikati Memorial Hall Contact 549 1008. Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7-8pm. Contact Sarah 021 022 19892.
Quiz Night Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road. 7-9.30pm.
Casual Soccer at 7.15pm at Western Ave Sports Grounds bottom field. Over 12 years old. Call Hamish on 552 6427.
THURSDAYS
Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 9-11am. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668. Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee. 9-11am. Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School.
Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Katikati Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. 6 Binnie Road. Contact katikati@playcentre.org.nz or 07 549 0211.
Whakamārama Community Library 9amnoon. Visit whakalibrary.com or drop in to see our eclectic mix of books.
Whakamārama Playgroup Whakamārama Hall at 9.30am-noon. Contact Alison on 021 873 057.
Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon. Refreshments provided. Contact Jackie on 548 1518 or see Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists.
Te Puna Playcentre 9.15am-noon. 225 Te Puna Road. Email tepuna@playcentre.org.nz or call 552 5253. Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Contact Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.
Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Phone Jenny 549 2151.
Adult Colouring-in at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free.
Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Katikati Library. Caregivers, please stay with your children. Free to attend.
Justice of the Peace clinic 11am-1pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre, McDonnell Street.
Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 11.30am12.30pm. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.
Rummikub at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati. 1pm start, $3 per person. Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Beginners 1.30-3pm. Call Joce 552 0791 or 021 486 265. Brick Club After school LEGO sessions in Ōmokoroa Library at 2.45 and 3.45. Limited spaces. Please book.
Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $5 Beginners. 5.45-7pm. Call Shirley 548 1633.
Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club. We welcome all ages and experience. Contact Mick 021 217 1780.
Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall in the evening. Call David Luxton on 548 0521.
Katikati Toastmasters Club Develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. 7.30pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at the Resource Centre, Beach Road. Contact 544 5989.
FRIDAYS
Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Barry 027 492 6475.
Friends of the Blade contact Colin Hewens on 552 6771 or via a direct message on the Facebook page: Friends of the Blade.
Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189.
Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz
Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. General session 9am-noon. Call Shirley on 548 1633.
Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Ōmokoroa Library. Caregivers, please stay with your children. Free to attend.
Sewing, Mending & Knitting with SuperGrans 10-11am at SuperGrans, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Sewing machine available. All welcome. Phone 549 4522.
Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon at Bethlehem Community Church, 138 Moffat Road.
Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road.
Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10am-12.15pm for $4. Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Barbara Walls on 548 2899.
Mingles Over 50s Singles Club Running Bird Cafe at 11am. Email omokoroa.mingles@xtra.co.nz or just turn up for a coffee.
Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club. Roll-up, names in by 12.30 for 1 o'clock start. All welcome. Bowls and coaching available. Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail.com Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club at 12.45pm. All enquires to Linley on 07 218 7003.
Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls 12.45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall. Contact Heather 549 1008.
Cards 500 at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati. 1-4pm. $2 per person.
Whakamārama Farmers Market 3-6pm at Whakamārama Hall. $5 per table. Community produce swap table - gold coin koha. A wastefree event. Bring containers and bags. Contact Billy 021 047 8628 or Debbie 07 552 5141.
Katikati Plant & Produce Market A&P Showgrounds 3.30-6pm. Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449.
SATURDAYS
Gentle hatha yoga 8.30-9.30am. Lengthen, strengthen and find balance. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9.30-11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.
Te Puna Community Library in the School library 10am-noon.
Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Phone Michael 027 473 1540.
Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 1-3pm. Names in by 12.45pm please. All welcome. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103.
Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea Scouts North end of Ōmokoroa Domain 6.30-8.30pm term time. For more info contact omokoroapahoia@group.scouts.nz.
Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 2-5pm. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.
‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 77.45pm. $5 or $40 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390.
Waihī Beach Sunday Market 9am-1pm Broadlands Reserve, Wilson Road. A good mix of produce, arts, crafts, clothing, food and happy summer vibes. Labour weekend - end of April. Email waihibeachsundaymarket@gmail.com to book.
Social Club Darts Top Shot Bar, Te Puna. Register by 6pm for 6.15 start. Oche fees apply. Contact 552 6405.
Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers' Hall during school terms from 7-8:30pm. Contact Richard Francis 548 0046, Jean Taylor 548 2808, Heather Reynolds 548 1620.
SUNDAYS
Jam session Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road. 4-7pm. Everyone welcome
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – AUGUST Monthly meetings and one-off events
Sat 1st Crop Swap Gardeners, home bakers and food foragers swap and share high-quality local food. 1st Saturday of the month at SuperGrans, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. 07 549 4522 or info@supergranswbop.org.nz Sun 2nd Katikati Folk Open Mic 3pm every 1st Sunday of the month. Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete. Mon 3rd U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2. Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242. Mon 3rd Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road. 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6.00pm. Contact Colin 576 9110. Also 3rd August. Tue 4th Tech Support available at Ōmokoroa Library. Every 1st Tuesday. Please book. Tue 4th Women’s Textile Shed 1st Tuesday at Tauranga Arts & Craft Centre, Elizabeth Street, Tauranga. 9.30am2.00pm, $15 per person. Kim at cuttingkim@gmail.com or 021 513 093. Tue 4th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers. (Theme selected at previous meeting). 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa. Tue 4th Tech Support available at Waihī Beach Library. Drop in the 1st Tuesday or book a slot. Wed 5th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join. Wed 5th Have a Go Art Class 8.45am-12 noon. $15 with all materials included. Tea and coffee provided. Booking required, space limited. Contact Karin 548 1787 or email baysyoga@xtra.co.nz. Wed 5th Growing food with SuperGrans. 10-11am at SuperGrans, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. 1st Wednesday of the month. All welcome. Every 1st Wednesday. Phone 549 4522.
Thu 6th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9.30am. 1st Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact Anne on 548 0566 or Margaret on 548 2737. Thu 6th Boomerang Bags Katikati sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Contact Jizzy on 549 2337 or txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm. Fri 7th Recycled Clothing Boutique at Ōmokoroa Point School. Presale evening 7-9pm. Tickets $20 include goodie-bags, spot prizes, nibbles. Runway auction. Sat 8th Recycled Clothing Boutique at Ōmokoroa Point School. 8am-noon. Sat 8th Katikati Lions Moggies Market Katikati War Memorial Hall from 8am. Every 2nd Saturday. Contact Alan 027 279 1096 (outside) or Sharon 022 318 0196 (inside). Sat 8th August Katikati Tramping Club Pivot Rock, Karangahake. Contact Gail 027 7591084. Mon 10th Friends of Cooney Reserve working bee the 2nd Monday of the month 9.30am-noon. Contact Jan on 548 2299 for more information. Wed 12th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117.
14 Jocelyn Street. Every 2nd Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz Fri 14th Bethlehem Night Market every 2nd Friday from 5.30-8.30pm at Bethlehem Hall. Facebook: cnmbethlehem or contact Jen on 021 672 281 cnmbethlehem@gmail.com. Sat 15th Katikati Artisan Market 9am1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati. Every 3rd Saturday. Sun 16th Car Boot Sale at the Lighthouse Cafe, 10 Lockington Road, Aongatete. Every 3rd Sunday 8am-12.30pm. $5 per car. Call Nancy 022 092 1316. Sun 16th Sunday Scribblers 11am12.30pm. Working on memoirs. Every 3rd Sunday. Summerset Retirement Village, Park Road, Katikati. Ph Gaye 577 1753 or 027 274 8753. Sun 16th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm every 3rd Sunday. Informal jam sessions at the Forta Leza, 2656 State Highway 2, Aongatete. Sun 16th Friendship Force meets at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall in the evening of the 3rd Sunday of the month. Ph Jonathan on 572 2091. Mon 17th U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2. Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242.
Thu 13th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday. Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Contact John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards on 552 6222.
Mon 17th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road, Te Puna (Behind the Tennis Courts). 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm. Contact Colin 576 9110.
Thu 13th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details.
Tue 18th Tech Support available at Katikati Library every 3rd Tuesday. Dropin or book a slot.
Thu 13th Katikati Genealogy Group meets on the 2nd Thursday at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1.30pm. $5. New members welcome. Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259. Fri 14th Family Planning appointments 10-1pm and drop-in 1.30-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms,
Tue 18th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers. (Theme selected at previous meeting). 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library. Tue 18th Innovation Garden Club 1.303pm every 3rd Tuesday. Waihī Beach RSA. Contact innovationgardenclub@gmail.com or 027 289 7674.
Wed 19th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join Wed 19th Ōmokoroa Acoustic Jam Ōmokoroa Boat Club 7pm. Play, sing, enjoy. Gold coin donation. Refreshments available. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Heather 027 477 6877 or Trish 548 0753. Thu 20th Boomerang Bags Katikati sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Contact Jizzy on 549 2337 or txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm. Fri 21st Thank Whaka It’s Friday every 3rd Friday from 6-9 pm. All welcome. Bring your dinner and meet the community. Whakamārama Hall. Sat 22nd Katikati Lions Garage Sale 811am behind Caltex Service Station, Main Road, Katikati. Every 4th Saturday. Contact Trevor 027 488 1238. Sun 23rd Poets’ Corner. 11am-noon every fourth Sunday at Summerset Retirement Village. Park Road, Katikati. Read, listen, learn different forms of poetry $2. Call Gaye 577 1753 or 027 274 8753. Thu 27th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details. Thu 27th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.30am-noon at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Jean 548 2239 or Carol on 863 7292. Fri 28th Family Planning appointments 10-1pm and drop-in 1.30-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati. Every 2nd Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz Sun 30th Pahoia Markets 10am-2pm last Sunday of the month. Pahoia School Hall, Esdaile Road. Locally Handmade art, wares, produce, flowers, car boot sale, and refreshments. Facebook: PahoiaMarkets@gmail.com
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August 2020 | Lizard News |
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Community Garden working bee By Rick Peers e are having a working bee down at the Ōmokoroa Community Garden on Saturday 1st August from 8.30am, but come when you can. If you have an hour or two to spare, we'd appreciate you coming down to help build the remaining six beds and fill with soil; bring a wheel barrow if you have one; paint the shed and install the mural; put up the timber frame for the seating area. Bring a plate of something to share at morning tea if you can and bring a rain coat and something warm to wear.
Can you spare an hour to help at the Community Garden? PHOTO: Supplied.
If you have any questions please email me at rick.peers@gmail.com
Over the top fun
T
xperience the intensity of the New Zealand bush at night then wake to hear native birds in a rousing dawn chorus! This Spring sees the fifth ‘Breakfast With The Birds’ event Aongatete Forest Project have hosted. The event’s creator and organiser, Barbara McGillivray, has been thrilled with the response each year. “It’s amazing how popular the chance to hear the forest at dawn has been,” she commented. “I suppose it’s something many have never done, and we get such wonderful feedback from our guests.” Based at the Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre, the event kicks off with a delicious two course evening meal, talks by renowned ecological and conservation experts and a guided walk in the dark forest to see all manner of normally elusive nocturnal insects. Relive your youth with an overnight stay in the lodge’s classic dormitories before ven-
E
W
By Jane Cosmas he LJ Hooker Over the Top Fun Run for Waihī Beach School is taking place on the 12th September at Waihī Beach. In its 5th year, this very popular community event has something for everyone. The 3, 6 and 10km runs/walks start at Brighton Reserve on the Waihī beachfront and take participants over to Orokawa Bay or Homunga Bay. The event raises much needed funds for the local Waihī Beach School, for the improvement of the outdoor physical activity environment, and at the same time is a great way to make use of the area’s beautiful surroundings. We are very grateful to our main spon-
Breakfast with the Birds returns
sor, LJ Hooker, and all our other supporting sponsors, who make this event happen. We are especially grateful this year that these businesses are getting behind us; it was touch and go that we would even be able to go ahead with the event because of Covid so we are super excited to be underway with our planning. The excitement is building, we can’t wait to bring the wider community together for our awesome Fun Run. Get in behind this awesome event to support the local Waihī Beach School. Registrations are now open for all events. We have some fabulous spot prizes available on the day. Find more information on our Facebook page @overthetopfunrun
Come and enjoy Breakfast with the Birds this September. PHOTO: Supplied.
turing out before sunrise for the dawn chorus. With skilled bird identifiers on hand, you’ll have the chance to hear over 20 species welcome in the day at Aongatete. A restorative hot breakfast will be served before more intriguing flora and fauna insights will be shared. The event wraps up with a late morning tea at the project’s kōhanga. Held on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September, the event costs $60 per person (includes meals and accommodation) and is suitable for adults with a minimum age of 16 years. Numbers are limited so if you’d like to experience this year’s Breakfast With The Birds, email events@aongateteforest.org or call Barbara on 021 238 5195 today.
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Oscar Charlie Papa Golf By Matthew Farrell
strong turnout of around 40 Community Patrol volunteers in Ōmokoroa greeted the Tauranga Community Constable for a Police radio training session last month. It gave attendees an insight into how Police use the radio and what is expected of patrollers. Constable Timo Gardiner gave an informal but very informative talk with reference notes and also brought four working Police radios for patrollers to have hands-on practice. Ōmokoroa’s new Community Patrol vehicle is equipped with a radio to enable patrollers to be in two-way contact with Police as required instantly. Patrol trainer Peter Goad says the primary message attendees came away with is that they should regard the
A
radio as a tool to be used more frequently. Experienced volunteer Julia Wharton became the new leader of the Patrol at the Ōmokoroa Community Policing Group Charitable Trust AGM last month. In his annual report, Chairperson Pat Harrison thanked many volunteers, sponsors, and partners for their support of the Trust’s four arms - Community Patrol, Neighbourhood Support, Graffiti Busters and the Police Information Centre at the library. “My understanding is that more Police will be attached to the Katikati Police Station in the near future and that one of these officers will become a permanent Community Constable for our area, instead of being based in Tauranga. We look forward to the new appointment,” he says. A notable highlight of the financial year was purchasing the new MG ZS patrol vehicle from Farmer Autovillage at the Mount.
Constable Gardiner led an informative and engaging radio training session last month with volunteers of the Ōmokoroa Community Patrol.
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News in brief...
Body in canal Police enquiries are underway after a body was recovered from a vehicle in the Ruahini Canal near McLaren Falls Road, Omanawa. Emergency services were alerted that a vehicle had gone into the water at around 1.20pm on Wednesday 22nd July. The canal water levels were lowered over three hours to allow better access.
Proposed boundary change The Local Government Commission has called for submissions on proposals for three possible alterations to the boundary between Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City. These are in the areas around Keenan Rd, Belk Rd, and Tara Rd. Submissions were clos-
ing Friday 31st July.
Vegetables stolen After a recent spate of honesty box theft and vandalism at roadside stalls around Ōmokoroa, a vege garden has been targeted. Vegetables were taken from the garden at Ōmokoroa Country Estate last month. Manager Kevin Searle tells the Cyberlink website that it is very disappointing to find produce missing after it was lovingly grown by avid gardeners. Please be vigilant to ensure your vegetables are not the target of selfish thieves, he says. Ōmokoroa cycleway closure The Ōmokoroa to Tauranga Cycleway
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is closed for three days this week near the bridge connecting Lynley Park Drive to Plummers Point. From Tuesday 28th July to Thursday 30th July there will be no access past this point. It will reopen on Friday 31th July.
Free museum entry Western Bay Museum is offering free entry to all Western Bay residents until the end of the year. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to check out their great exhibitions and learn some history of the Western Bay District. You’ll find them in Katikati, open seven days a week.
Library competition To celebrate the launch of its new Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries
website, Council has two Samsung Galaxy tablets to give away. Just jump on and explore the new site, answer a few simple questions and go in the draw to win. Entries close Monday 31st August.
‘Have a go’ Have you ever wanted to try to work with pastels or want to learn all about it? Ōmokoroa Artists’ popular ‘Have A Go’ art class session is coming up soon, on Wednesday 5th August at the Settlers’ Hall. The time is 8.45am for a 9am start, until noon. The cost is $15 with all materials included; tea and coffee provided. Booking is required, as space is limited. Have a go. Contact Karin Brown on 548 1787 or email baysyoga@xtra.co.nz
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Tai chi; have another look
By David Parker or more than ten years, tai chi has been a stream of opportunities to meet some wonderful people, improve my health and feel years younger than my
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age. Two years ago, I thought starting the new Tai Chi Internal Arts School would be simple, but really, it’s a pretty big job. Only the continuous help and encouragement from so many has ensured the school has grown and thrived. My biggest source of energy and inspiration is the student group who amaze me with their humour, resilience and ability to overcome health and body issues that creep up on us as we age. Although anyone can learn the ancient arts of tai chi and qigong, experience tells me it is the fifty-plus demographic who see the possibilities. They notice that
they’re not as young or bombproof as they once were, with muscle soreness from digging, chainsawing, golf or walking - and occasional balance issues like trips and lurches. Tai chi offers a gentle process of increasing body strength while releasing tension in muscles, remobilizing the lower spine, realigning the body posture, sorting balance malfunctions, and improving breathing. My role as an instructor is to notice the stages and milestones of a student’s progress and be ready to increase the motivation during moments of doubt and convince them to have another look. I started tai chi because I was curious about the martial aspect. I liked the way participants looked calm and graceful as they moved. But it has taught me that what we first see is usually an illusion. What might appear
simple or straightforward can turn out to be more complicated. A tai chi beginner class at the new Te Puna Hall starts Thursday 3rd September at 9.30am, priced $5. Call 027 222 2824.
Give tai chi another look, you might even get to dance with dragons. PHOTO: Supplied.
Tree planting welcomed
By Matthew Farrell ine years after an Environment Court ruling in favour of an intended 26ha business park in Te Puna, a business owner has planted 5,000 trees required as part of his resource consent. While it has been a long time coming for some nearby residents who opposed the development, the planting has nonetheless ended up being successfully managed in conjunction with the local hapū Pirirākau - and as a fundraiser for Te Puna Rugby Club. All 5,000 saplings were planted in a day by 40 volunteers along the Station Road frontage of A&J Demolition and Gravel Supplies. They funded the planting to meet the environmental requirements of their consent. Pirirākau’s Julie Shepherd says it’s a great example of tangata whenua participating in a good outcome in the historic former wetland area near Clarke Road. “This isn’t about a hapū making money. This is unpaid work for us. It’s about our footprint in our rohe, and it’s about community involvement,” says Julie. The District Council initially refused an application
to rezone the land as industrial. Most of the 200 sub-
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The working bee in June.
mitters objected and 15 Te Puna residents funded a lengthy court battle. In 2011, the Environment Court stated the proposed $50m park must reflect the area’s rural nature and the developers were to complete extensive landscaping. At the time, the project manager stated internal hedges, a central wetland, ponds and trees would screen the business park. Owner Barry Daniel says the intention is for the new trees to do that. “The natives will look a lot better than gorse and pines. It made sense to help a local sports club, too,” says Barry. Te Puna Rugby Club chairman Charles Kuka says when the trees are established, they’ll be beautiful. “These boys will be proud of what they’ve done. They’ll be able to tell their sons they planted these and began this regeneration. It’s a legacy for their kids,” Charles says. Selected varieties include mānuka, kānuka, kōwhai, four types of pittosporum including lemonwood, pūriri, kahikatea, flaxes, cabbage trees, tītoki and tōtara.
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Black & White in business
By Matthew Farrell he woman who has opened a private beauty room onsite with the well-established Topz Hair Studio was once a primary student at Point School. Melissa White has been a beauty therapist for 15 years, working near Hamilton for ten years after her training. After a career break to start a family, she began a mobile service. “I trained for two and a half years as a beauty therapist, which is more involved than a beautician. I studied at Tauranga College of Beauty Therapy. At the time, the only institution offering an international qualification,” she says. Two years ago, Melissa moved home to Ōmokoroa, where her mum has lived for 36 years. Now young Ethan is 3, while Sophia has just started school at OPS, where Melissa went from 1987 to 1992. “I approached Paula Reed about opening a beauty room before lockdown, working alongside her Topz team. It was meant to open on March 25th, the day we went into lock-
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down. It ended up being May 14th at Level Two. “I feel a one-stop beauty hub for locals is needed,” she says. Melissa’s repertoire includes manicure, pedicure, massage, facials, micro-needling, derma-planing, and nail enhancements. She retails skincare and body products, candles, and diffusers. “It’s nice to come home. I see faces I recognise in the supermarket. I think it’s because I must have gone to school with them, but I can’t remember!” Topz turns 24 years old in September and will have new specials. Paula Reed says a positive for her after the Covid fall out is the resilience of this unique community. “We do appreciate locals supporting our local business. We are so thankful for their custom in our friendly, warm, and unique salon and relaxed park-like setting. Come in for a treat,” she says. Paula welcomes finishing apprentice Larissa and talented, qualified stylist Emily to her team.
Back, L-R: Paula, Aimee, and Larissa. Front: Melissa and Emily.
Mobility minibus taxi arrives By Matthew Farrell he owner of Ōmokoroa Minimart and Takeaways has responded to customer queries of his taxi business by investing in a 10-seater van with wheelchair hoist. RJ and Pooja Kumar have been popular with the community since taking over the superette at 1 McDonnell Street - bringing back chicken and chips, Indian takeaways, and introducing their taxi service. The Toyota Prius has been busy, and RJ was often asked if he had a larger vehicle or would consider a mobility taxi. Acquiring a 2012 Toyota Hiace minibus during lockdown enables him to transport groups, or the certified hoist and rear seating can move to accommodate two large wheelchairs and one small, all at once. “I’ve picked up an ACC contract from Auckland for hospital appointments and Gold Card holders with
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RJ testing the wheelchair hoist.
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mobility issues. I’ve also had a lot of interest locally with transport bookings for five or six weddings between now and November. Taxi work takes me from Katikati to Tauranga, plus airport runs,” he says. RJ encourages anyone thinking they might need a taxi to plan, so he can avoid any double bookings, which cause delays or passengers to miss out. “Overall, business isn’t too bad at the Minimart. Some days are quieter. Others are just boom; great days. People were very supportive during the lockdown. Little things help; they are what matters in this community. “People coming in to buy a bag of flour or yeast, because no one else had these supplies some days, except us. When we saw the look on their faces, it felt good to be able to help people who travelled to our shop. It would be great if people could support us in turn, now that we are at Level One,” RJ says. RJ has also signed up for training as a volunteer with Ōmokoroa Community Patrol.
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Ōmokoroa Boat Club’s 70th anniversary
By Steve Willoughby Club Commodore ince my election at the AGM at the end of June, I am proud to take over as commodore of the Boat Club this year. We have been lucky enough to have a string of great commodores over the years at the Club, and with ex-commodores John Budden, Phil Cox and Tim Raeburn remaining on the committee, I am sure I will have great help. I have been a member for 17 years and Club Captain for eight years, and my passion has been to bring music to the Club. We have such a beautiful facility here and after finishing the last alteration, the Club is looking great. We have a wonderful crew behind the bar, with Fee keeping everything in check and Steve and Louise Clarke running Skippers, our restaurant. On Saturday 18th July we had a great
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turnout for a 70`s night, with nearly everyone dressing up. We had a wonderful night. This was the start of celebrating our 70th year as a Club and we will be
celebrating with one or two more functions as well as some reminiscing in story form. Watch for more in future editions of Lizard News.
Prizes for pool, darts, fishing and sailing (above) were awarded at the Boat Club’s AGM. PHOTO: Supplied.
Boats, briefings, and bikes By Matthew Farrell
t’s been a busy month socially in the Lizard News household, with yours truly becoming the new President of Ulysses Motorcycle Club’s Tauranga branch. To free up time to Grow Old Disgracefully with the aged 40plus social riding scene here in the Bay, a couple of other commitments have had to be relinquished. I have stepped down after four years on the Ōmokoroa Boat Club committee, leaving OBC in solid financial shape with a new extension and recently renovated. Thanks to those continuing their roles, stepping up, moving sideways or freshly coming on board.
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I’m also relinquishing the role of Community Patrol coordinator after an exciting 12 months managing weekly Police briefings for our patrollers, as the Trust worked to acquire a new patrol vehicle before being advised to park up during lockdown. I’m excited about the road ahead with Ulysses. My first significant projects will be setting up a charity ride in November to fundraise for the rescue helicopter and St John Ambulance based at Tauranga Hospital and helping with a nationwide club recruitment video. If you are interested in riding motorbikes socially, having fun with mature riders, and looking out for one another, drop me a line to tauranga@ulysses.org.nz
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New green jobs top of list for Green Party candidate he Green Party are announcing Pamela Grealey as their candidate for Coromandel at the general election. Creating green jobs for local people is one of Pamela’s top priorities. Pamela owns a consulting and mentoring business based in Coromandel Town and, as part of that, works with the Colville Social Service Collective. She is a volunteer and relief operator at the Goldmine Recycling Centre and Refuse Transfer Station in Coromandel Town. She’s been involved in environmental activities in both New Zealand and Britain and is currently treasurer of the McGregor Bay Wetland Society. Pamela says “We are living through a key moment in history with the challenges presented by Covid-19, but we have an opportunity to break with the status quo and strive to achieve a better outcome. “We have a rare opportunity to change our economic focus and create a system that supports both our people and our planet. The
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Green Party candidate Pamela Grealy. PHOTO: Supplied.
government will be investing significant sums to retain and create new jobs in the coming decade. For me, creating much-needed employment for local people to oversee our wonderful natural environment is simply a must. Within the Coromandel Electorate, there’s plenty of scope for creating new green jobs in waste avoidance and waste management. “We must embrace a circular economy, ensure manufacturers take accountability for reducing and recycling their packaging and incentivise the re-engineering of supply chains to reduce waste and promote reuse and real recycling here in NZ, not shipping our waste overseas. “I’m excited to represent the Green Party in our electorate to get this message out and to help make this a reality. We are the party most committed to tackling these issues, and have already delivered landmark wins for our climate, water, housing, and green jobs during our current term in government.” Article supplied.
The Opportunities Party Coromandel candidate
By Rob Hunter hank you for this opportunity to introduce myself as The Opportunities Party (TOP) candidate in the Coromandel electorate, in this year’s General Election. This is my first experience in the political arena, and I have become involved with TOP because of the way their policy suite aims to balance economic, social, and environmental drivers for New Zealand. The way in which TOP develop policy is based on a rational, evidence-based and transparent assessment of the issues and problems as well as potential solutions. This was a strong driver for me to become involved in the changes that New Zealand needs to go through to put itself in a position to succeed in the future. That balance that TOP achieves involves putting the environment up front but at the same time providing for the economy to grow and be successful. No nation can make any significant positive change without first having a strong economy upon which to enable the change. My initial training was as a Civil Engineer and I have held roles in engineering and environmental management in the pulp and paper, forestry, meat processing and electricity generation sec-
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tors. I have experience in consulting, central and local government and now I run my own small business, Hire A Hubby, largely within the electorate. My wife and I are active volunteers with Mercy Ships in Africa, and supporters of the work that Childfund NZ carries out in developing countries. I was born in the King Country and brought up in small town NZ before ending up in Auckland for secondary school and university, and since then have worked in various places around the North Island. I am particularly passionate about the need to protect and enhance our environment and this includes climate change. Without making significant change in the way we treat the biosphere in which we live we are going to see further uncontrolled events, such as Covid-19, and severe and costly climate change impacts. The changes that we need to make include adaptation to climate change as well as mitigation. My team and I are keen to meet you and more fully introduce ourselves and TOP to you. This will help you in understanding what we can do for Coromandel and New Zealand. Contact me on top.rob.hunter@gmail.com or through ‘Rob Hunter – TOP Candidate for Coromandel’ on Facebook.
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TOP candidate Rob Hunter. PHOTO: Supplied.
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Balls, Belles and Beaux By Lorraine Wilks of Fragrance of Flowers
t’s ball season. She becomes the Belle of the Ball when you adorn her arm with a wrist corsage and you become the Beau of the Ball when you wear the matching Boutonnière. This year we have a large selection of wristlet bands which include diamanté bracelets, pearl bands and wrap-bands (for a more secure fit). The Covid-19 lockdown back in March has affected flower production so it is advised that you pre-order flowers to avoid disappointment. A short history of the corsage: Corsage is a French word meaning “a
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Pre-order your ball corsage
4 Main Road, Katikati
www.fragranceofflowers.co.nz
weeks before the event to allow the florist to order the finest blooms to best match the gown. Provide Fragrance of Flowers with as much information as possible about the fabric colour, dress style and jewellery. Save - buy a matching boutonnière to take advantage of our Belle and Beau Combo Deal. Wrist Corsages are $45 each and boutonnières, $15 each. We offer a Belle and Beau Combo Deal for $54, giving you a 10% discount. Fragrance of Flowers is located at 4 Main Road, Katikati and can be contacted on 549 2775. The Bonbon Factory Gift Pack and Flowers Competition was won by Thippavan Thongpikul of Katikati.
Murder at the Museum ponsored by Western Bay of Plenty District Creative Communities NZ, Western Bay Museum is hosting Murder at the Museum. Something nasty is afoot, a truth will unfold and there will be a murder most foul. Mystery and intrigue abounds during the auspicious month of August. As the events of the evening play out, attendees will need to keep their eyes and ears open and their wits about them, while witnessing the plot thickening and the inevitable bloodcurdling conclusion. These evenings of intrigue will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for the first three weeks of August. Tickets can be pur-
S 07 549 2775
dress bodice.” For special occasions, women would pin a small bouquet of flowers onto the centre of their dress bodice. These became known as “bouquet de corsage.” Over time, the fashions changed and ladies then began to wear their bouquet de corsage on their left shoulder. Nowadays, many dresses are strapless, so corsages are stunningly worn around the wrist, making her the most beautiful girl at the ball. A boutonnière is a French word meaning buttonhole and it refers to a single flower worn by a male in the buttonhole of his jacket’s lapel. To buy a corsage, place your order from Fragrance of Flowers at least 2-3
chased for $20 at Western Bay Museum prior to the event. During the day, the ‘The Battle of Britain’ exhibition will be open to the public. Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of this historic event, this display focusses on Sir Keith Park of Thames and the role of New Zealand Forces. Following ‘The Battle of Britain’, the ‘Champions in Their Field’ Exhibition will feature 140 Years of Katikati Rugby, Denny Hulme – Motorsport, and Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. This will open on Saturday 5th September. The Museum will be closed from 27th August
to 4th September for the exhibition changeover. A visit to the museum is a nice warm winter idea to consider. Get ten or more friends and/or family together a book a Group Experience. Enjoy a museum tour, scones from the wood range and a cup of tea served in bone china. Please book your group on 549 0651. Western Bay Museum offers free entry to all Western Bay Ratepayers until further notice and is open Monday to Friday from10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. Further information is available at www.nzmuseum.com. Article supplied.
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Reporting local crime By Bruce Banks or some unknown reason, there can sometimes be a reluctance for Ōmokoroa residents to report local crime events. Maybe it was minor, nothing significant was stolen, or you don't want to be a bother for Police. If crimes are not reported in Ōmokoroa, it will appear that the area is free of crime. If that is seen to be the case, it is possible that less patrols will be undertaken in the area by Police, and sent to other areas where offences are being reported. Can you see how this is not in your best interests? There have been instances where incidents have been posted to Facebook. Sometimes that incident does not show up in the official Property Crime Report, so the victim has seen fit to post online but not to report it to Police.
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If the Police do not know about it, the odds of apprehending the offender are almost nil, and an opportunity to target patrols in the area is lost. Remember there are two numbers to report all crime, urgent 111, and non-urgent 105 when incidents have already happened such as theft, vandalism, shoplifting and lost property. Your Community Constable has been away on leave recently, but has had time to let me know that there has been very little crime reported in Ōmokoroa of late. In fact, recent days have seen nothing of any significance reported, however there is still an ongoing issue, possibly related to youths, who are stealing cash from fruit stalls. If you see any suspicious activity around fruit stalls, please call Police immediately. There are still ongoing issues with general disorder
by youths in Ōmokoroa, so please continue to report these occurrences so that Police can help stamp this behaviour out. Constable Timo Gardiner also congratulates the great work done by Neighbourhood Support in Ōmokoroa, and is pleased that Community Patrol has been able to restart. Neighbourhood Support is achieving great coverage with Street Groups being formed in a good number of streets. The aim is to achieve complete saturation so many more volunteer Street Co-ordinators are needed. Does this role appeal to you? If so, please give one of your Ōmokoroa Neighbourhood Support Area Co-ordinators a call, either Cathy Taylor 021 704 686 or Annabel Reyes 021 445 476 or email nsomokoroa@wbopns.org.nz
Kindness in adversity By James Alexander hat is the definition of kindness? Saying or doing something which makes others feel better. And of adversity? Having something happen to you which makes you feel worse. We suffer adversity at many stages in our life. Bullying and abuse in childhood, infidelity in marriage, as a refugee fleeing from a war zone and in many other ways. The stage which adversely affects everyone who attains it is old age. It is in old age that kindness is most appreciated. In a so-called civilized society, the medical services are dedicated to keeping everyone alive as long as possible, but is that always kind? Retirement homes are sometimes referred to as
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Scott Simpson
MP for Coromandel Freephone 0800 550 330 Thames 07 868 3529 614 Pollen Street, Thames 3500 mpcoromandel@ parliament.govt.nz scottsimpson.co.nz
God’s waiting room, but as in all waiting rooms, there are those who put that time to good use and those who don’t or can’t. Everyone needs kindness as they wait. Animals have no say in the matter; the old and sick are put down because they no longer have any purpose in the world they live in. Their bodies have irretrievably broken down and it is considered kind to end their lives. Euthanasia for humans in a similar condition has always been a contentious issue and it will always be so. It is, however, sad, pointless and unkind for a person to be kept alive whose body or mind has completely failed and their quality of life is nil. To be in a vegetative state is surely one of the worst forms of adversity. The definition of dignity is true worth. The greatest kindness that can be shown to the old who are in ad-
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versity is to make them feel that they still matter. That they still have a contribution to make to their families and to those about them. It is at retirement that a feeling of loss of worth first strikes. Those who live the longest, meaningful lives are those who find fresh targets and interests after years in the workplace where, with luck, they have enjoyed camaraderie and kindness. It is also kind to allow people to continue working after normal retiring age as much as they wish or are able to, especially when this staves off financial adversity. In the present pandemic, we are constantly being urged to be kind. It is arguably the worst adversity outside of warfare which has hit mankind. Kindness is what we must try to show to those around us who are suffering, medically, mentally or financially.
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This week in the Whakamārama bush
By Colin Hewens ne of the delights in running the volunteers who give their time so cheerfully to do the mahi up at the Blade. Noelene had her second run in the bush with her partner Bill, who joined our group just before lockdown and has recently adopted one of our new southern lines. While helping by checking the rat traps for mice or rats, she had the
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shock of her trip to find that the trap, a standard Victor Pro rat trap in a box designed to keep non-target species out, had caught a female adult stoat. We have had the odd teenage stoats go for peanut butter in the past, but the bait in this one was Treacle Gold, a green lure, to discourage birds, made from walnuts, golden syrup and other top secret lures. Stoats are killers of the worst kind in our bush, and Noe-
lene, as you can see, was over the moon! Our total kill that Friday was around 50 rats, 10 possums, 2 stoats and 19 mice, another good day in wet bush doing our thing to keep the bush healthy. If you would like to join us for a look at what we are doing, give Colin a ring at 552 6771. Ka kite, kia kaha. PHOTO: Noelene is excited to find an adult female stoat trapped. PHOTO: Supplied.
Rural NZ deserve a share of the infrastructure spend s it divvies up the $3 billion ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure spending pie, the Government should reserve a few slices for the rural areas that drive our export earnings, Federated Farmers says. "It’s understandable that the first 12 predominantly urban projects announced this week emphasise jobs and kick-starting the post-Covid rebuild," Feds President and commerce spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says. "But at the same time we should also have an eye to building longer-term resilience and putting in infrastructure that underpins increased primary indus-
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try production." For example, the government has earmarked $210 million of the fund for climate resilience and flood protection. "A prime candidate for some of this money must surely be boosting community water storage," Andrew says. "We’ve just witnessed some of the worst droughts on record in a number of provinces, and climate change will compound that pressure in the years ahead. "Putting in infrastructure to store water when it’s plentiful is an investment in future options, flexibility and resilience not just for agriculture and horticulture, but all industries and town-
ships." The $708 million put aside for transport shouldn’t all go to expensive trainsets, cycleways, walkways and metro motorways. "There needs to be increased investment in the maintenance and improvement of rural roads and bridges to better support transport connections heavily relied upon by rural and provincial people," Andrew says. "Many rural roads are already in a poor state and numerous rural bridges are past their designed lifetimes." For the $670m for community development, investment in improving the
limited broadband capability in rural areas - and not just more communications hubs in provincial towns - will help level the digital divide between town and country and support increased uptake of emerging technologies on farms to lift productivity and the nation’s earnings. "As for the $155m put aside for energy projects, there’s a strong case for improving the reliability of rural electricity supply, and support for farm-scale and community-scale generation that moves us further towards that climate-friendly goal of 100% renewable energy." Article supplied.
What’s on at Whakamārama Hall?
By Clare Green e wāhi hāpori ki te huihui, tūhono me te whakatipu mo tātou i a tātou katoa” “A place for us all to gather, connect and grow together” August 29th will see the return of the
“H
famous annual Quiz Night and this year’s theme is ‘space’. See the flyer below for details. There are limited spaces, so register your team asap! Whakamārama locals should remember they contribute to the maintenance of the hall in Council rates. They receive
a special 'hapori/locals' discount of 50%, so be sure to make use of it! If you would like to book the hall for community or fundraising events, the hourly rate is $12.50 per hour, the day rate is $90 (access from 8 am to 5pm), evening rate $90 (access from 5pm to
Law Elder law Property Subdivisions Employment Law Company Business Relationships
12am) and the 24 hours rate $150 (access from 8am to 8am the following day). Whakamārama Hall is located at 469 Whakamārama Road and hosts a wide range of community events and activities. We’re on Facebook @WhakamaramaCommunityHall.
Help bring back our native birds Join the Friends of The Blade volunteers and adopt a trap line. CALL COLIN ON 07 552 6771
Wills Trusts Probate Estates Powers of Attorney Retirement Villages ª ÚÞ Å å ĥ
LAWYERS Philip Annan 548 1406 Geoff Annan 548 2675 1 McDonnell Street Omokoroa 548 1048 Open mornings Mon – Thurs wow@annanlaw.nz Tauranga Office 578 8888
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| Lizard News | August 2020
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National pledges transport package for Bay and Coromandel ational’s Bay of Plenty and Coromandel transport package will create hundreds of jobs and drive economic growth across this fast-growing region, according to National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop. While visiting Katikati on Friday 24th July with MP Scott Simpson, Mr Bishop announced a suite of local transport projects that National would deliver in Government. This includes building the full Tauranga to Katikati Expressway, complete with a bypass at Katikati that will be a priority in the first term. Mr Bishop says, “this project will connect the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel with a new world-class, four-lane expressway, replacing one of the most dangerous sections of the roads in the country. “The Tauranga Northern Link was out
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for tender before the last election and the project has gone nowhere since, because Labour cut $5 billion from the state highway budget. “Labour belatedly put money towards part of this critical project but chose not to fund the final section from Ōmokoroa to Katikati, including the bypass of the town. This is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country.” National will invest $855 million in this project, with construction due to start in 2027. MP Scott Simpson says “Three years of wasted opportunities to make muchneeded and long-awaited progress on some of the most dangerous roads in the North Island will be put right if my Party is given the responsibility of forming a new Government in September. Crucial to the long term future pros-
perity of the region will be a new four lane highway from Katikati to Tauranga. “A bypass of Katikati township would be nearly finished by now, if Winston Peters had gone with National rather than Labour and the Greens. “We will get it underway very early if elected. We know how long Katikati people have been waiting and what price they’ve paid in both congestion and poor access to their town. “There are never going to be fewer people living, working or holidaying on the Coromandel Peninsula and in the Western Bay of Plenty. We’re the Party of infrastructure and people know that we’ll get these roads and bridges built. “This Coromandel and Bay of Plenty package will transform the region and can’t come soon enough,” he says. Supplied article edited.
Opportunities to Act
By Matthew Farrell candidate in September’s Parliamentary election says it’s a travesty he hasn’t been invited to speak alongside rivals for Coromandel. Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association is holding a “Meet The Candidates” evening at Settlers’ Hall on Friday 31st July. Self-employed Hire-A-Hubby handyman Rob Hunter of Ōmokoroa, standing for The Opportunities Party, requested to join the discussion but was refused. ORRA chair Bruce McCabe says the As-
A
HARRY MADDOX JEWELLERY AND DESIGN SPECIALISING IN REPAIRS, RESTORATION AND CUSTOM-MADE JEWELLERY
sociation only wants to hear from candidates of parties in Parliament already, polling above 1.5% on Friday 17th July. Rob Hunter says it’s anti-democratic not to give a person a fair chance to say a few words. He now plans to hold his own “Meet Rob” gathering for interested locals. ORRA says candidates from National (Scott Simpson), Labour (Nat Blomfield), Greens (Pamela Grealey) and Act (David Olsen) will be speaking. NZ First hasn’t confirmed a candidate. Provisionally, Michael Egleton is standing for the New
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Conservative Party and Georgia Todd for the Outdoors Party. Neither has been invited. In 2017, after National’s Scott Simpson (55.09%), Labour’s Nat Blomfield (20.85%), Greens’ Scott Summerfield (12.10%), and NZ First’s Anne-Marie Andrews (9.88%), the only minor party candidate in Coromandel was Ban 1080’s Clyde Graf (2.05%). The highest-polling minor party was The Opportunities Party with 1.71%, versus 0.41% for Act - almost identical to the 2014 candidate result of 0.43% achieved by David Olsen.
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Matariki at By Jen Hague n Sunday 19th July, Ōmokoroa Playcentre held its annual Matariki event. Our Matariki celebration was a special occasion where all of the tamariki and whānau could come together and spend time with each other. We lit a fire to keep warm and toast marshmallows and bananas, and we had shared kai with a vegetable soup, parāoa parai (fried bread) and ate together as the sun set. We talked about why we celebrate Matariki and sang waiata together. After dark, the tamariki were very ex-
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cited to have an outdoor disco party with a glitter ball and chase each other around with their torches. Everybody took home their own pack of vegetable seedlings thanks to a very kind donation from Grower Direct. Occasions like our Matariki celebration are a real highlight for Ōmokoroa Playcentre as it is a chance for parents who may be working during the week to see how much their children enjoy being at Playcentre. There are really positive relationships and manaakitanga (kindness) that exist between all of the Playcentre children and their caregivers.
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Fun with the torch.
Toasting marshmallows.
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Playcentre’s slogan is 'Welcome to Our Village' and it is such an important part of our philosophy. What an amazing night the village had to celebrate the Māori New Year. If you would like to join us for a visit with your 0-6 year old children, come and see us on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm during school term time. We are located at 334 Ōmokoroa Rd, behind the Settlers Hall. You can also find us on Facebook 'Ōmokoroa Playcentre', or email omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz. The first three visits are free. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Socialising around the campfire. PHOTOS: Supplied.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
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A locally owned and operated family business, with a team of qualified electricians that carry out all aspects of residential and commercial work including security alarms, heat pumps, and solar power generation.
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A day with Fozzie at Ōtūmoetai College
Bridge Club supports a new charity Plunket here was good support for Tauranga’s new charity with 32 pairs competing in the Plunket Charity event. The overall winners were Pat Rutherford and Jan Gvenge, with Stacey Hilton and Graham Young in second place, Julie Sheridan and Robyn Knight were third. Janice Watson and Jenny Lynham were the top Junior Pair. Brenda Ford and Kay Beadle won the Intermediate section and Jo Simpson with Keryn O’Brien were the winning Open/Junior combination.
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Ian Foster captivated the Ōtūmoetai College rugby players. PHOTO: Supplied.
By Ros Lee t was wonderful to be able to host Ian Foster, All Black Coach at Ōtūmoetai College on the 23rd of July.
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An early start and a late finish to the day for him, Ian give willingly of his time for the betterment of Ōtūmoetai College. This is a real testament to him. Ian was welcomed by our Kaumātua, Tū Piahana and our exceptional Poutama students. Our cultural group performed a truly spinetingling haka. This set the scene for what was a memorable day. Two hundred students from varied areas of the school were invited to hear Ian speak. Head Student, Rose Akkerman, leading a question and answer session with Ian Foster, was one of many highlights. Ian connected instantly with all our students. His responses and messages were wise, considered and challenging, conveying important life-long messages. These certainly resonated with our young men and women. After a quick cup of tea and a snack, Ian was off to our
(L-R) Pat Rutherford, Trish from Plunket and Jan Gvenge. PHOTO: Supplied.
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First XV training. Ian led several drills that were incredibly advantageous for our players. He balanced the theory with the practical perfectly, our lads were moving and listening throughout. Yet again, Ian was approachable, humorous and relatable. Yet another audience captivated. He has mana. Our players responded positively to his wisdom and knowledge. They walked away believing in themselves and having acquired more game sense and knowledge. Later that evening Ian was to arrive at Tauranga Sports Rugby Club, specifically for a fundraiser devoted to our rugby team. Ian was once again put through a question and answer session, this time with Pete Blackwell, who was a little more cheekily challenging than Rose. Again Ian demonstrated his emotional and intellectual intelligence, navigating our MC’s questions masterfully and with humour and honesty. The night culminated in an auction that was entertaining and very financially advantageous for our rugby programme.
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5. Complain (colloq) (5) 6. Expression of surprise, shock (4,5) 7. Light (7) 11. Take it in turns (9) Down 13. Dishonourable (7) 1. Deadly (5) 14. Rust (7) 2. Vase (3) 3. Drug which has no 16. Not suitable (5) 18. Inflexible (5) effect (7) 21. Frozen (3) 4. Refusal to show emotion (5,5,3)
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19. Large snake (3) 20. Subsequent (9) 22. Upright (5) 23. Drunk (colloq) (3-4)
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Across: 1. Faux pas, 5. Bagel, 8. Tantalise, 9. Own, 10. Lease, 12. Fatigue, 13. Introspection, 15. Nurture, 17. Refer, 19. Boa, 20. Following, 22. Erect, 23. Pie-eyed. Down: 1. Fatal, 2. Urn, 3. Placebo, 4. Stiff upper lip, 5. Bleat, 6. Good grief, 7. Lantern, 11. Alternate, 13. Ignoble, 14. Corrode, 16. Unfit, 18. Rigid, 21. Icy.
Omokoroa Tide Chart August 2020 Omokoroa Tides
Fishing Guide Moon Phase
Omokoroa Tides
Fishing Guide Moon Phase
1 Sat 5:26 2.0 11:39 0.4 18:09 2.0 G
S 5:08 R 14:51 17 Mon 5:48 1.9 12:04 0.5 18:29 2.0 G
R 5:34 S 15:20
2 Sun 0:12 6:24 12:35 19:04
3 Mon 0.5 2.0 0.4 2.1
1:08 7:19 13:28 19:55
G
0.5 2.0 0.4 2.1
G
S 6:05 R 15:49 18 Tue 0:37 6:46 12:59 19:23
4 Tue
0.6 1.9 0.4 2.0
G
0.5 2.0 0.3 2.1
G
R 6:23 S 16:27
*Not for navigational purposes
0.5 2.0 0.4 2.1
2:50 9:00 15:05 21:30
G
S 6:56 R 16:51 19 Wed 1:32 7:42 13:51 20:15
2:00 8:11 14:18 20:44
5 Wed
R 7:07 S 17:38
0.5 2.0 0.4 2.1
G
S 7:38 R 17:53 20 Thu 2:25 8:36 14:43 21:05
6 Thu
0.4 2.1 0.3 2.2
B
R 7:46 S 18:51
0.5 2.0 0.4 2.1
4:22 10:30 16:32 22:56
G
S 8:15 R 18:55 21 Fri 3:17 9:28 15:33 21:55
3:37 9:47 15:49 22:14
7 Fri
0.3 2.1 0.2 2.2
B
5:04 11:11 17:13 23:35
0.3 2.1 0.2 2.2
4:57 11:10 17:14 23:34
Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.
0.5 1.9 0.5 2.0
0.2 2.2 0.2 2.2
S 9:40 R 21:51 24 Mon 5:47 0.2 12:02 2.1 18:05 0.3
B
R 8:53 S 21:16
9 Sun
G
S 9:14 R 20:54 23 Sun
B
R 8:21 S 20:04
0.5 2.0 0.5 2.0
G
S 8:46 R 19:55 22 Sat 4:07 10:19 16:23 22:44
8 Sat
R 9:25 S 22:27
B
R 9:58 S 23:38
www.ofu.co.nz
omokoroa Proud to Support
Our Community 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa. Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days. Phone 281 1577.
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| Lizard News | August 2020
Owned and operated by locals
10 Mon
5:45 0.5 11:51 1.9 17:52 0.6 G
2.0 0.5 1.9 0.6
F
S 10:05 R 22:47 25 Tue 0:25 6:38 12:55 18:59
0:13 6:24 12:30 18:32
11 Tue
2.2 0.3 2.1 0.4
B
R 10:33
1.9 0.6 1.8 0.7
B
S 10:30 R 23:44 26 Wed 1:17 7:30 13:51 19:54
0:50 7:04 13:10 19:13
12 Wed
2.1 0.3 2.1 0.4
G
S 0:48 R 11:12
1.9 0.6 1.8 0.7
B
S 10:57 27 Thu 2:11 8:23 14:49 20:52
1:29 7:45 13:53 19:58
13 Thu
2.1 0.4 2.0 0.5
G
S 1:57 R 11:56
1.9 0.6 1.8 0.7
B
R 0:42 S 11:26 28 Fri 3:07 9:20 15:50 21:52
2:11 8:30 14:42 20:47
14 Fri
2.0 0.4 2.0 0.6
G
S 3:02 R 12:46
1.8 0.6 1.8 0.7
B
R 1:40 S 11:59 29 Sat 4:07 10:18 16:50 22:53
2:59 9:18 15:36 21:42
15 Sat
1.9 0.5 2.0 0.6
G
S 4:01 R 13:42
1.8 0.6 1.8 0.7
B
R 2:41 S 12:38 30 Sun 5:07 11:16 17:48 23:52
3:51 10:12 16:34 22:40
16 Sun
1.9 0.5 2.0 0.6
G
S 4:52 R 14:42
R 3:41 S 13:24 31 Mon
4:48 11:08 17:32 23:40
1.9 0.6 1.9 0.7
F
R 4:39 S 14:18
6:05 1.9 12:13 0.5 18:42 2.0 G
S 5:37 R 15:43
NOTE: Tauranga tides subtract 50 mins, and Katikati tides subtract 20 mins from the times shown.
lizardnews.net
New venue for market he former Affordable Art and Artisan Fair had been held at the Black Sheep on the last Sunday of every month since November 2017. Co-ordinators of the fair Deb Bowden and Peta Clavis felt it was time for a change of venue and a whole new look, hence the Pahoia Markets idea began. The Pahoia Markets will continue to be held on the last Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm but will now take place at Pahoia School. There are amazing facilities at the school including a massive indoor hall, kitchen, and awesome outdoor spaces and it will give the market a real community feel. It also allows us to team up with the school for their fundraisers. The Pahoia Markets will have all the previous
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art and artisan products but also include local produce, plants, flowers etc. We are hoping that all the local growers and hobbyists get on board with this to showcase the amazing produce we have within our local area. It would be awesome to have the markets as a one-stop-shop. So if you have locally grown produce, homemade bread, preserves, chocolates etc book your stall and come and join in the fun! There will be a canteen available with tea, coffee, take away food and snacks to purchase on the day. For info contact either Deb on 027 680 6149 or Peta on 027 634 4808 or send an email to pahoiamarkets@gmail.com Article supplied. L-R: Deb Bowden and Garden to Table coordinator Suzy Picard. The first Pahoia Market on Sunday 26th July was a fundraiser for the school program. Suzy is looking for more volunteers from the community to help in the garden and classroom, and hopes other schools would consider running a Garden to Table program. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.
Keeping memory fit
By Gillian Low umour started the Ōmokoroa Probus meeting and set the tone for the AGM business session, which concluded just twenty minutes later. All officials were reelected for a second term unopposed. A scrumptious morning tea was served which was followed by our guest speaker Doug Hendry, aka the Puzzle Man, who split his talk between ‘memory’ and ‘puzzles’. He explained that retired people can help themselves to keep memory fit by doing puzzles every day, whether it be crosswords, code crackers, sudoku, wordsearches or anything that makes you think. Most daily newspapers have puzzle pages which have been supplied from Mr Hendry’s library of over 150,000 puzzles. These puzzles
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are produced through a software programme and often shared with other producers around the world. Oversupply and costs mean it isn’t worth producing puzzle books in New Zealand. The speaker was thanked by Dave Arlidge and the meeting closed with a Thought of the Day given by Dawn Reyneveld. Some members then went to lunch at the Boat Club. If you would like to join us and hear interesting speakers, our friendly members are waiting to welcome you at the Settlers Hall 9.30am on the 4th Thursday of the month. We have various interest groups in action. Coming up shortly is a visit to the Toyota factory in Thames. Contact Jean Leadley, Ph 548-2239 for more information on membership.
Welcome changes at kindy
Lizard Classifieds SERVICES
SERVICES
FOR SALE
Aaron
• DRY SHED STORED FIREWOOD
P re p & P a i n t
Painter & Decorator Now taking bookings for your Summer and Autumn projects.
Call Aaron on 027 441 7296 or aaronhook82@gmail.com painting . plastering . finishing
• Shelter Mulching & Cleanup • Orchards • Lifestyle blocks • Frontend Loader for Driveway Clearing Experienced Local Operator Ridgeview Partnership
Ph: 548 2177 or 027 2333 936
Animal Health Care Is your Pet suffering from Itchy Skin, Eye or Ear problems, Seizures, Anxiety, Arthritis, Muscular pain/ stiffness or just unwell? Homeopathy and Bowen Therapy offer safe and effective treatments supporting your Pet’s health. Contact Hannelore: 548 0824
• Feel better • Ease pain • Relieve stress Therapeutic, Sports, Relaxation, Lymphatic Drainage, or Hot Stone Massage Specialising in Myofascial Release Therapy
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Andrea Van Klei (Registered Massage Therapist)
021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz
MATHS TUITION Online or face2face Mathematics, statistics & calculus tuition. Years 9 -13. NZ qualified, experienced, practising teacher. Excellent results. EMAIL mathsmattas@gmail.com
• $100.00 PER CUBIC METRE
HYDRALADA HIRE Want to safely prune and tidy trees around the house or orchard? Use our Hydralada for easy access. Call Grant: 021 284 7268
OMOKOROA CLEANING SERVICES Homes, gardens, lawns, car valets. Glass,tile shower rejuvenation. Water blasting, painting. All enquires welcome. Ph. Ludi & Andrea 548 2657 | 021 070 0021
DIANE’S DÉCOR not just curtains!
Curtains • Roman Blinds Tracks • Rods • Rollerblinds Wooden Venetians • Shutters By appointment 10am-4pm dianesdecor@xtra.co.nz 548 1920 • 027 284 6543
RIDGEVIEW PARTNERSHIP PH: 548 2177 OR 027 2333 936
FIREWOOD For Sale Free delivery Katikati, shed stored, Ph 549 2141 027 778 7301 Govt. approved essential service for delivery NOW.
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An Empty Shed or Garage could earn you a few extra dollars. What about a shipping container, implement or farm shed that sits empty? If you think you have a space that you would consider leasing or renting, Call Aaron: 027 500 4846
SITUATIONS VACANT
Part time Clerical Assistant Te Puna
NUTRIMETICS Face the elements with Ultra Rich Oil. All your cosmetics + skincare needs
CONTACT evegrimley@gmail.com 021 182 6030 07 548 0999 • Stump Grinding Tractor Mounted • Paddock Topping • Rotary Hoeing • Gorse & Pasture Spraying Ridgeview Partnership
Ph: 548 2177 or 027 2333 936
Casual Football Every Wednesday at 7.15pm, a very casual kick around is held at the floodlit bottom soccer pitch of Western Ave, Ōmokoroa. Anyone over 12 years is welcome, year round. Call Hamish on 552 6427.
If you have a background in administrative office activity and enjoy an orderly existence, then you might find helping this business owner to bring order into her life an interesting challenge! You will need lots of experience with taming the paperwork; your understanding of Microsoft office including spreadsheets, general knowledge of small office routines, and your attention to detail will be invaluable. This role requires someone for 4 to 5 hours per week. Hours can be split. Please email your cv to us at admin@transcriptionz.com or call Rosemary on 578 8480
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Experienced, mature nanny available full or part time, to look after your family in your home.
Personal notices $5 per 20 words, Business classifieds $10 per 20 words. Maximum of 40 words per advert. Photos extra.
Omokoroa to Bethlehem area only.
Call 548 1200.
Call Heather: 027 204 8998.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pain Relief with Bowen Therapy Pōwhiri for Whāea Suzanne. PHOTO: Supplied.
h my goodness, it has been a busy time at Te Puna Kindergarten recently! We held a whakatau to welcome our new kaiako, Suzanne Steen. Nau mai haere mai Whāea Suzanne to our Kindergarten community. We had Suzy the sheep visit us. She enjoyed bouncing and running about with the tamariki.
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To celebrate Matariki we came together for breakfast and to watch the sun rise. We also cooked sausages and marshmallows on a stick over a fire. A big thank you to Naked Meats for gifting us the sausages. Come and visit us at 17C Minden Road, Te Puna. Phone 5525736. This kettle is always on. Article supplied.
Are you suffering from Back, Neck, Shoulder or Knee pain, Sciatica, Tennis Elbow, RSI, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue or any other discomfort? Bowen Therapy offers gentle and effective hands-on relief.
Call Hannelore on 548 0824
Justices of the Peace drop-in sessions Mon Wed Thu Fri Fri
11-1 6.30-7.30 11-1 10-12 10-12
Waihī Library Te Puna School Library Ōmokoroa Library Bethlehem Community Church Katikati Community Centre
Find a JP at: www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz August 2020 | Lizard News |
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Plant thieves strike again at Te Puna Quarry Park By Lorraine Ryan hy do people think it is okay to steal plants and shrubs from a community park that is created by hard working volunteers and funded by generous donations from the community?
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The Te Puna Quarry Park gives pleasure to young and old and many dogs on leads with its walking tracks through native bush on the eastern side and a maze of walkways on the western side which take you to stunning views of the Bay of Plenty and oasis-like areas of gardens along the way. This park has been created over a period of 20 plus years by volunteers. In the last three weeks, volunteers have come to work on Tuesday morning
to find gaping holes in their respective areas where plants and shrubs once grew. The Native area, the Herb area, the Succulent and Bromeliad area, the Rose garden, the Sensory garden have all been raided - no area seems to be sacred to the thieves. Dozens of plants and shrubs have been taken. We are taking security measures and would ask the public to report any unusual activity you see happening in the park. Drop an email with any detail you can gather to tepunaquarrypark@gmail.com We want Te Puna Quarry Park to continue to be a place of beauty for everyone to enjoy – and we hope that members of the community will support us in this endeavour.
Nicole and Lyn in the Herb garden.
Shirley and Dianna in the Succulent garden. PHOTOS: Supplied.
Five-year timeline for high school By Matthew Farrell he Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins, has revealed a proposed opening date of 2025 for a new secondary school in Ōmokoroa. The last official word on the subject, in September 2019, had suggested a high school would be built “towards the latter part of the decade… closer to 2030”. That was in a document entitled the National Education Growth Plan, which outlined how the Ōtūmoetai and Ōmokoroa catchment has been struggling with roll growth. However, in a written response last
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month to a letter from a resident asking for the build to be accelerated, Mr Hipkins appears to confirm that both a specific tentative date has been set and that it may be as soon as five years earlier than we were led to believe last year. The Ōtūmoetai catchment, which includes Ōmokoroa, is one of 39 major growth areas in New Zealand highlighted in the plan. In his letter, Mr Hipkins says the Government is continuing to monitor and evaluate planning changes. “Regional analysis and catchment modelling… is regularly updated and re-
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fined as new data becomes available. This includes school roll data, population projections, and large-scale residential and infrastructure developments. “You will be pleased to know the Government has already announced the purchase of land for both primary and secondary provision in Ōmokoroa. At this time, we have not changed the proposed opening date of 2025 for a new secondary school in Ōmokoroa,” he writes. In last October’s Lizard News we revealed Ōmokoroa had been earmarked for a potential new 500-student primary school in the next few years, and a
today!
House and Land Packages available across the Bay of Plenty.
Visit our Omokoroa Show Home in Te Awanui Waters or contact our friendly Omokoroa Sales Team: Sarah Yeates 027 271 4627 Michaela Churstain 027 642 2299 Abigail Donoghue 027 290 4050
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| Lizard News | August 2020
prospective new secondary school with 1,000 student places. The Ministry will be considering a vacant site it already owns to assess suitability for schooling, and the potential relocation and expansion of an existing school onto that site. Both the primary and secondary networks were expected to reach capacity last year. A new senior student block opened at Ōmokoroa Point this year to ease growth pressures on the peninsula. The District Council has projected a 30year quadrupling of the population from 2,500 in 2013 to 10,000 by 2043.