Lizard News August 2023

L i z a r d Ne ws

L i z a r d Ne ws

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

Aongatete Forest Project founders awarded Forest & Bird’s highest honour

Ann and Basil Graeme of Tauranga have been awarded Forest & Bird’s highest honour of Distinguished Life Membership for their service to conservation nationally and in the Bay of Plenty over almost five decades

Their successful campaigns have included opposing planned destructive developments, such as the discharge of treated sewage into Tauranga Harbour in the 1970s, clearance of Kaimai Mamaku native forest for pine plantations, and development of Tauranga’s wetlands

The Graemes have also been prominent in leading and taking part in pest control and restoration projects in the Bay of Plenty They continue to keep track of developments that threaten nature, make submissions and maintain bait lines

“I find their energy inspiring,” says Forest & Bird President Mark Hanger “They’ve kept going for a long time, and they’ve set incredibly high standards for themselves ”

“They’ve got guts and are not afraid to stand up in pretty hostile rooms and speak up for conservation ”

The Graemes’ advocacy has had a national as well as regional impact Basil’s work on native forest clearance helped lead to the Tasman Accord in 1989 and 1991’s New Zealand Forest Accord, which ended clearance of native forest for plantation forestry

Ann was the coordinator for the Kiwi Conservation Club (KCC) from 1992, and she edited the KCC magazine Wild Things for over 20 years until 2013 Working with illustrator Tim Galloway, she engaged the curiosity of children and nurtured a new generation of conservationists

Her deep knowledge of Aotearoa’s natural world captivates adults, too, in the articles she regularly writes for Forest & Bird magazine

Ann and Basil shared Forest & Bird’s Central North Island field officer role from 1988 into the late 1990s During all of their conservation activism and volunteering, they have been a team

In 2006 they initiated the successful Aongatete Forest Project in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, which carries out pest control and restoration work over 500ha

Basil says he and Ann were tremendously grateful to receive the award but added they stood on the shoulders of many conservation experts and leaders, as well as dedicated Forest & Bird members

Ann added they had always enjoyed what they did, even when it was hard and stressful “Forest & Bird enabled us to do so many things we couldn’t have done otherwise, and we ’ ve met a lot of lovely people

and been to many special places,“ she says

The Graemes aren’t the types to dwell on past successes, but they do feel pleasure when they drive past an area of native forest they helped save

“The forest is still standing, and we contributed to saving it That feels great,” Ann says

Another important legacy is their three daughters, Kate, Meg and Claire, who are all involved in conservation and environmental roles Kate is Forest & Bird’s Deputy President

Distinguished Life Membership is Forest & Bird’s highest award and is given in recognition of exceptional long-term service in advancing conservation and the organisation’s objectives, especially at the national level.

Ann and Basil were presented with their Distinguished Life Member award at Forest & Bird’s conference in Wellington on Saturday 29th July, which celebrated the centenary of New Zealand’s largest independent conservation organisation

Article supplied

Basil Graeme

Ann and Basil Graeme have done everything together PHOTOS: Supplied

Ann Graeme

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Letters to the Editor

White Island

I have been following the White Island case with some dismay If Worksafe is right, the ski fields on Mt Ruapehu will have to be closed, as will the main trunk line (Ruapehu has seriously erupted a couple of times last century and wrecked a train), The Tongariro Crossing will have to be closed (an eruption wrecked the Ketitahi hut) and, of course, National Park anywhere near Ngaruhoe will need to be closed because that mountain is constantly steaming Lake Taupō once produced one of the biggest eruptions the planet has ever known and has suffered a series of small earthquakes in recent years Taupō will obviously have to be closed too, and its town moved

While I feel for the people who died and were injured on White Island, I am seriously concerned that a bunch of bureaucrats polishing their office chairs can honestly believe that they have the duty to prevent other human beings from having adventures

No one walks on a volcano without, on some level, knowing that volcanos erupt Pompeii has gone down in history for its mass obliteration of human life Closer to home and far more recently, we have the eruption of Mt Tarawera Everyone knows what a volcano is and what it can do Most people also understand that

there is not a volcanologist alive who can claim to accurately predict the timing and size of an eruption

In my lifetime, I have sailed on a square rigger to Raoul Island, flown in a glider at 18,000 ft, kayaked and tramped solo in all sorts of places and even had a go at paragliding All of these activities are, at some level, dangerous I am human and I happen to like these little adventures

Is the next generation going to have to forego all of these activities and stick to their computer screens and virtual reality headsets? Is Sir Ed really going to be the last Kiwi adventurer because bureaucrats think we all need a management plan first? Even if it’s impossible to predict when an event is going to happen?

Keith Edwards, Ōmokoroa

Tahāwai nursery

Kia ora kōrua I read with excited anticipation your article on the proposed native nursery at Tahāwai Reserve I am a member of the Tanners Point Residents and Ratepayers Association Committee I can state that we are fully supportive of Council and Ngāti Te Wai in realising their aspirations to create jobs and restore the whenua through planting and maintenance in

Fire Report

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Firefighters responded nine times in July, with three calls on the windy, rainy afternoon of 4th July

Trees across the road and loose roof components were attended to A two-car motor vehicle crash on the corner of Youngson Road and SH2 resulted in traffic chaos but no serious injuries

A call to the Te Puna Hall on Te Puna Road resulted in no major fire We were also alerted to help Katikati on two occasions but were not required on the scene

Please respect our firefighters when

driving close to the fire station when the volunteers have been called out Some drivers of private vehicles are not being courteous, not slowing down and not giving way to emergency vehicles when they are exiting the station under lights and sirens

Your cooperation will be helpful and may prevent accidents Thank you

Our First Responders continue to be very busy serving those in our community who require medical assistance, responding 21 times in July

Multiple calls on several days have really stretched the volunteer personnel, but they have managed to attend all who were in need of help Thank you for your dedication, team

the local reserves

Riki and his Kaimai Kauri crew are doing an excellent job I am confident we will be responding positively when the consultation on the Licence to Occupy opens As Riki indicates, TPRRA and Council are aligned and supportive of Ngāti Te Wai on a number of related projects that benefit the whole community Ngā mihi

Michael Mills, Katikati

Saddle up

I add my comments to others regarding the Katikati to Tauranga road, which used to take half an hour to drive, now often up to two hours The last time I was stopped in traffic, an elderly gentleman on a pushbike passed me twice and finally disappeared in front of me

Firstly, Tauranga, all my life, has been our city, but now, with the slow road works, Cameron Road business places are, sadly, almost impossible to access Waihī, Paeroa, and, better still, Thames (only three-quarters of an hour away) are far more attractive options now

Mid 1920s, my dad would leave Tauranga for Katikati on a walking horse at the same time as the Ford service car Because of the state of the road in those days, he often beat it into Katikati

If our traffic position gets much worse, should I buy a horse? Worth considering!

Norm Mayo, Katikati

Mural Town Singers

Don’t miss Katikati Mural Town Singers’ next Concert, entitled, “Spotlight On Broadway”

Come and listen to all your favourite songs from the musicals: Chicago, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Grease, My Fair Lady, and Rent - just to mention a few

Venue: St Paul’s Church (corner of Main Highway/Mulgan Street) Date: Sunday 6th August at 2pm

Tickets: $10 at the door Child entry: gold coin donation

Marit Moon, Katikati

Katikati College

Open Day

Wednesday 9 August 2023

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Motorists ignoring fire brigade urgency

By Matthew Farrell

The Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade says there has been a marked increase in the number of incidents of motorists failing to give way to emergency vehicles exiting the station, or failing to pull over, as required by law

Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt says the drivers of the fire engine and medical first response vehicle need the public to be alert for emergency vehicles leaving the fire station on Ōmokoroa Road under lights and sirens to attend callouts

“Whilst there is no give way sign on either side of the fire station at 335 Ōmokoroa Road, written law states drivers must give way to emergency response vehicles with beacons and sirens operating.

“We urge motorists to display some common courtesy and obey the law, and

give way to the response vehicles leaving the station under lights and sirens By not considering the response vehicles, you are placing a lot of other people at risk, including yourself and the volunteers that respond to help others in need Please be considerate and obey the law

After all, an option is to have traffic lights installed when the road reconstruction begins,” he says

“Just recently, when on the 80 km per hour highway, responding to help Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade, an inconsiderate motorist slowed and would not pull over for 2 kilometres, finally turning off the main road and giving firefighters the finger On another occasion, the appliance driver had to wait for five vehicles before exiting the station,” says Ian Senior Fire Fighter Mike Matthews says he has experienced similar situations while serving at both Silverdale

and Tauranga

“This problem is all over New Zealand These motorists don’t seem to realise that it could be their property or their family that we are going to help, and they are costing us critical time,” says Mike

Station Officer Steve Bone says more often than not, the crew is forced to wait for traffic before pulling out Steve says he was serving in Waitematā when the brigade there was forced to install traffic lights because of the same problem

Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers

ŌBy Chris Cole Secretary

mokoroa Environmental Managers Inc or OEMI is an organisation which provides an umbrella of Charitable Trust status and Public Liability Insurance coverage to a growing number of volunteer groups in Ōmokoroa Many of these groups regularly place articles and photographs in Lizard News

In the June edition, for example, the newly established Friends of Kaimai Views promoted their first Weeding Bee Greg Taylor wrote a lovely article about the ANZAC Day commemoration services

at Crapp Reserve and then at Acacia Park Alison Badger wrote about TOLO (The Old Library Ōmokoroa) hosting David Henderson’s lino cut and printed artworks Following this, Chris Wright wrote an article about her History Groups’ regular historical displays in TOLO and the interesting guest speakers who attend their bi-monthly meetings in TOLO

In the July edition of Lizard News, an article about Ōmokoroa MenzShed’s recent purchase of two containers to provide a metalworking facility and extra storage space, was followed by an item

written by Alison Badger about longterm resident Heather Reynold’s involvement with TOLO, and that the World of Wearable Arts will be TOLO’s focus for August

On 18th July, OEMI held their quarterly meeting in TOLO Prior to the meeting, reports from each of the sub-groups are circulated and any challenges are discussed and usually resolved These subgroups include Volunteer Co-ordinators for Gerald Crapp Reserve, Precious Reserve, Cooney Reserve and Kaimai Views Other sub-groups include ANZAC, Pest Free Ōmokoroa, Library of Things, Bird

(Godwit) Festival, History, and the MenzShed Sitting in the executive are Chairman Roger Goodman, Treasurer Heather Reynolds, ex-Regional Councillor Norm Bruning, District Councillor Murray Grainger, Allan Hughes of the Ōmokoroa Community Board, and myself as Secretary

Our AGM will occur on Tuesday 3rd October at TOLO If you would like to be proactive about improving our local environment and would like to join us, do consider attending New volunteers are always welcome For any enquiries: 0274 545 586

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Community and Council come together on Waihī Beach stormwater issues

Let’s acknowledge the past, focus on the future and get on with it, were the main themes from the first meeting of Waihī Beach’s new stormwater-focused community liaison group

The community liaison group formed following the 29th May floods in an advisory role to Western Bay of Plenty District Council At their first meeting on Friday 21st July, the group gathered to discuss the stormwater issues across Waihī Beach and how best to get moving on over $19 million in stormwater upgrades planned to take place over the next few years

The group includes representatives from Te Whānau a Tauwhao (hāpu of Ōtawhiwhi Marae), the Storm Water Action Team (SWAT), Waihī Beach Community Board

Members and Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward

Councillors Allan Sole, Anne Henry, Rodney Joyce and Mayor James Denyer

Council’s Waihī Beach stormwater project lead James Abraham says that it’s great to have an open dialogue with community leaders on stormwater after the devastating floods earlier this year

“We really appreciate and value the community’s insights because they add an onthe-ground perspective of our systems and services and help us to create more fit-forpurpose solutions

“Working together, we ’ ve already identified some quick fixes to infrastructure that we can get started on immediately We’re keen to make progress and show the community that we ’ ve heard them

“We’re committed to maintaining a trusting and open working relationship with the Waihī Beach community through the liaison group We all recognise that stormwater and flooding issues will never completely go away in Waihī Beach – but there are things we can do to help, and when we work together, we ’ re all better off ”

Sue Hope and Paul Weaver attended the first meeting with five other members of SWAT SWAT is a group of concerned Waihī Beach residents that re-formed after the recent floods

“We feel encouraged by the commitment of the liaison group in seeking long-term and sustainable solutions to many of the stormwater issues facing Waihī Beach The information supplied to SWAT by the community formed the basis of our presentation and we encourage the community to get in touch if they have any further information or questions they would like the liaison group to raise with Council,” says Sue

At their first gathering, Council engineers provided the community liaison group with a proposed list of stormwater projects for reprioritisation to get improvements happening as quickly as possible

The Waihī Beach Storm Water Action Team (SWAT) provided input into this process and supplied an in-depth assessment of

each catchment from their lived experience and observations, highlighting their concerns and supplying valuable information These projects were added to the wider list of stormwater projects to address

The draft reprioritised project list will now go to Council’s Projects and Monitoring Committee meeting on Tuesday 8th August, for their approval The meeting will be livestreamed on Council’s YouTube, and the agenda will be available on the website from Friday 4th August Community members who want to raise an issue with the community liaison group can do so via the Waihī Beach Community Board Facebook, email a Community Board member or email SWAT at waihibeachswat@gmail com

Article supplied

Watermain repairs to Uretara Bridge

Anyone travelling at night on State Highway 2, north of Katikati had to prepare for delays while urgent works on an important watermain pipe took place last month

Stop /go traffic management was in

place to allow Western Bay of Plenty District Council to carry out the repairs at Uretara Bridge State Highway 2, after the pipe was weakened by debris from previous floods

Scaffolding was installed on the night of

Monday 10th July for pipe repair work scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th July

The work was completed on the Wednesday, though, with scaffolding being removed overnight to complete the work

Stop/go single laning was put in place from 7pm to midnight to minimise traffic impact Council put controls in place to ensure that if the watermain were to fail, the water supply to residents in Katikati would not be affected

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The first meeting of the newly formed Waihī Beach Community Liaison Group gave Council and the community a chance to discuss their common concerns and work towards a plan for the future PHOTO: Supplied

Te Puna Business Park “far from the positive contribution” expected

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter

alisha@thesun co nz

The rural community of Te Puna in the Western Bay of Plenty is rallying to be heard about non-compliant industrial activity in their area

“The whole community is stepping up and taking some responsibility,” says Priority Te

Puna spokesperson Alison Cowley

The incorporated society, Priority Te Puna, was formed in March last year by locals who were concerned about the type of industrial activity that had been happening for years at Te Puna Business Park

Currently, submissions are being sought on the retrospective resource consent for non-complying industrial activity by Tinex Group Ltd, which operates from 205 - 245 Te Puna Station Road

Tinex Group is seeking retrospective resource consent from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council for the storage and renovation of relocatable houses, storage of empty skip bins, portable fencing and building materials As well as swimming pool shell storage and storage of large earthmoving machinery tyres

The business is seeking resource consent for up to two years, and because the business is already operating, the consent is retrospective

“The site is subject to the Te Puna Business Park Structure Plan, which requires development and infrastructure works to be completed pre-requisite to operating industrial activities These prerequisites have not been fulfilled in accordance with the Operative District Plan; hence the industrial activities do not qualify as permitted activities,”

according to the WBOPDC website

An abatement notice issued to the Tinex Group on 18th May 2022 by WBOPDC stated the requirements that had not been satisfied included wetland planting, acoustic bunding, stormwater ponds, landscape planting and stormwater management

In 2005 the Environment Court ruled the land, which sits in the Te Hakao Valley, could be zoned industrial, but with caveats The ruling also stated, “Industrial activities should not adversely affect the environment in other zones, in particular through noise, odour, visual impact or by traffic generation ”

It required industrial activities in “visually sensitive areas ” should have “appropriate screening and landscaping ”

Wetland areas were also meant to be created because in the 1940s, extensive earthworks occurred in the valley, and the Minden Stream was diverted, draining the

wetland that meets the Wairoa River, for pastoral land, says the ruling

Cowley says, “The community feels this site is far from the positive contribution touted to them in 2005

“Everybody in the community was expecting a rurally orientated business park that would be an asset to the community”

Cowley says she began raising her concerns about the activity happening in the area with the council in 2019

There were issues with stormwater and flooding occurring on people’s properties as well, says Cowley

The land is also culturally significant to mana whenua as Pirirākau occupied the Pukewhanake Pā at the headland of the valley, and the wetland was once an important food source for them

Pirirākau kaumātua Neville Bidois says the development was “culturally insensitive” to Māori

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He says his father would walk through the valley with his aunty and mum, collecting eggs and food

“It was their food basket It was their cupboard,” says Bidois, who is also a Priority Te Puna member

“They’ve [the council] allowed him [Tinex Group] to choke the filtration of that cupboard There are endangered species ”

Cowley says the group ’ s end goal was to have all the mitigations put in place as per the Environment Court ruling

“We understand that businesses have to operate somewhere, but wherever, they have to be compliant and have not to degrade other people’s lives ”

WBOPDC general manager regulatory services Alison Curtis says Tinex group requested the resource consent be publicly notified

“We are aware of some cultural concerns from tangata whenua that the area is of cultural significance

“As a result, we are appointing two independent commissioners to hear and decide the application – one with expertise in cultural and planning matters and Te Ao Māori, and the second with expertise in planning matters ”

Asked how long the non-complying activity has been occurring and how many abatement notices had been issued to the Tinex Group, Curtis replied, “As this is an ongoing compliance/enforcement matter and specific matters are proceeding through the courts, we are unable to provide any further information ”

Tinex Group appealed the abatement notice, and a hearing will be held through the Environment Court from 31st July Tinex Group was approached to comment for this article Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Alison Cowley of Priority Te Puna with the 12 2ha site owned by Tinex Group at Te Puna Business Park in the background PHOTO: Alisha Evans/ SunLive

Land, Sea and Turf: Ōmokoroa Farming Families 1900-1970

By Sandra Haigh Community Heritage Services Co-ordinator

We ’ re celebrating some of our local families this Family History Month, with an event at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on 2nd September Doors are open from 9am to approximately 4pm

Western Bay Community Archives and the Ōmokoroa History Group are collaborating to bring you a day of stories from our past We’ll be featuring John Holyoake, CEO of Western Bay of Plenty District Council, who will talk about the Holyoake connection to the area There will be an opportunity to hear from the descendants of farming families who contributed to the book Ōmokoroa Farming Families: 1900-1970, which was compiled by the Ōmokoroa History Group

Members of the History Group will also be talking to us about how the book came about and all the work that went into producing it. There will be copies for sale on the day, too

There will be displays from key local groups and we are grateful to have permission from Western Bay Museum to borrow their collection of traditional school desks and chairs because, with

slates and old schoolbooks from the Western Bay Community Archives collection, we’ll be recreating a special part of Ōmokoroa’s history in the Settlers’ Hall by returning a part of it back to what it used to be Come and join us to find out more

By Matthew Farrell

Pamela Grealey will again contest the Coromandel electorate for the Green Party

Her campaign was launched in the Kauaeranga Valley on Matariki Friday, where Jeanette Fitzsimons based a successful Greens campaign for the Coromandel electorate in 1999

She says her campaign will focus on securing party votes for bold action on climate change, reducing poverty, and imposing a wealth tax on fewer than 1% of New Zealanders who own net assets exceeding $2 million In 2020, Pamela Grealey finished in third place

The incumbent since 2011, National’s Scott Simpson is running for the fifth time

Labour is standing community mental health psychologist Beryl Riley NZ First is standing Caleb Ansell, who contested Waikato for the New Conservatives three

By Matthew Farrell

The Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association (ORRA) has organised a Meet The Candidates event for the upcoming general election, for which it is charging the general public an entry fee to cover costs It is due to be held on Wednesday 6th September at the Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Pavilion on Western Avenue, at 7pm

ORRA says “invitations have been sent to candidates” from National, Labour, ACT, Greens and NZ First ACT had not yet announced a candidate for Coromandel

The Association says it has identified a list of issues it has asked candidates to address

ORRA says its five C’s are co-governance, cost of living, crime, congestion (Ōmokoroa/SH2) and climate change response

years ago At the time of writing, ACT has not announced a Coromandel candidate but has named its candidates for Tauranga and Bay of Plenty

Party nominations officially open from 28th August

ORRA is asking for further questions and issues via omokoroaresidents@gmail com so that they can ask for these to be answered The Association says it is most important that people get out and cast an informed vote in this election The meeting has a $5 charge for non-members of ORRA and those with an unpaid subscription

Details of this event were supplied to Lizard News by Dr Bruce McCabe, Chairman, ORRA Inc, ℅ 101B Kayelene Place, Ōmokoroa, 3114

At the time of writing, Te Pati Maori (2 8%) and The Opportunities Party (1 7%) were both polling above 1 5%, but like ACT, neither had announced a candidate in the Coromandel Electorate The entry fee and selection of speakers for this event were determined based on criteria decided by ORRA

Pamela Grealey PHOTO: Supplied

Retirement village choirs come together

By Helena van der Merwe

There are more than 25 retirement villages in the Bay of Plenty The age and physical condition of the residents vary, but it is easy to say that this is a large community with very special talents People who served their communities, families, and the country but who can still, in their twilight years, contribute to society in their own unique ways.

Music plays a major role in the lives of people, especially older people, and music therapy is widely acknowledged as the one thing that combats and slows dementia Music is used to assist people with Alzheimer’s to communicate, and many great stories are shared of how people who are past any engagement still participate with pleasure in music activities

Music, and very specifically choral singing, is used to engage people with depression, anxiety, and even physical challenges Choral singing improves posture and breathing and increases brain abilities

In Britain, there are more than a mil-

lion people enrolled in choral singing

The value of the interaction between the elderly during choir practices and the positive health effects that it has on the body is widely acknowledged and published

SH2 drainage work in Te Puna

Roadside drainage work is due to take place on State Highway 2, involving a shoulder closure and speed reduction between Clarke Road and Te Puna Road

The works are scheduled for Wednesday 2nd August to Friday 4th August

There will be a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 9am and 5pm past the work site on each of the three days

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that road users should expect delays and adhere to sign-posted speed limits to ensure workers are kept safe

The works are subject to weather conditions and the dates or timing may change Keep an eye on Journey Planner for up-to-date information journeys nzta govt nz/traffic

In the small town of Ōmokoroa, a choir started three years ago with great success Not only did they successfully perform at various events, but they helped people to settle into the retirement living environment and even to overcome depression

Now the Ōmokoroa Country Estate singers are taking the lead in organising a Music Festival for the Bay of Plenty villages

Six villages committed their choirs to perform at a two-day event on the 12th and 13th of August at the Bayswater Metlifecare village in Tauranga

More than 120 choristers will be participating, and the excitement is growing

Never forget that more than half of the choristers are wearing hearing aids,

some cannot walk, and the average age is 83

We are going to make a difference in the lives of the community, too, as all the proceeds of the events go to Waipuna Hospice and Star Jam, an organisation where volunteers train disabled children to participate in music and theatre performances

The standard of the choral singers is excitingly high, and the variety of music ranges from

‘If I Were a Rich Man’, ‘In the Mood’, ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’, and some Gilbert and Sullivan favourites

Choirs, acting groups, a ukelele group, and even a 99-year-old pianist will be part of the performers

The Ōmokoroa Country Estate singers are off to the BoP Villages Music Festival PHOTO: Supplied

Spr ing/Summer 2023

Spring is in the air and the blossoms are calling! We’re in for 5-days of beautiful gardens, delicious food, fun festivities, and wonderful Waikato hospitality! In addition to the festival, we visit some amazing proper ties and people and conclude with a jet boat ride up the ‘Mighty Waikato’ river!

How about the week around Christmas savouring the French charm of Akaroa or wines at the cellar doors of the Or while and admiring the spectacular vista’s on the Coastal Pacific Rail? Or how does a of bubbles

How about celebrating the week around Chr istmas savour ing the French char m of A simply sipping wines at the cellar door s of the Waipara Valley? Or while sitting and ad the spectacular vista’s on the Coastal Pacific Rail? Or how does enjoying a glass of bubbles on Chr istmas day at an histor ic Manor sound?

If the answer is yes , then come and join us on this 7-day tour that unwra ps the many delights the City of Chr istchurch and its surrounding regions have on offer

Draft plans for Takitimu North Link Stage Two

People can now view the proposed footprint of Stage Two of the Takitimu North Link project, marking a significant step forward to protect this route and extending the new State Highway 2 onwards to Ōmokoroa

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency published draft plans for the 7km expressway and shared path online at nzta govt nz/takitimunorth Local people in Te Puna, Whakamārama and Ōmokoroa areas received information packs through the post during July

Regional Manager System Design, Jess Andrew, says it’s no surprise there is a high level of interest in how this project is progressing

“We are keen for people to have the time to look at the draft plan for this road Feedback given will be taken into account as we further develop these proposals

“There has been a significant amount of work completed to get to this point, with funding to protect the route provided through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme

“This process will give councils, landowners and the community certainty of the route and ensures Waka Ko-

tahi is best placed to move forward when funding for construction becomes available,” says Ms Andrew Designation and resource consents are scheduled to be lodged with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council in the second half of 2023

“As part of developing the applications, a thorough review of the alignment options has been undertaken, and technical assessments including geotechnical testing, ecological, site contamination, and engineering investigations carried out Consultation and discussions with landowners, local hapū, and local government are ongoing ”

Before they lodge designation and resource consent applications, they invited people to view designs and resources online at nzta govt nz/takitimunorth where comments could be submitted directly The engagement period was open from 3rd July to 4th August

Approval of the designation and resource consents will protect the route and provide certainty that the project can be constructed when funding becomes available

Route protection is intended to protect

the land from any development, which could make construction of the project more difficult in the future It does not finalise the exact details of where any future road would be built but sets out the footprint of the land required to build it

Once route protection is secured, the

next stages, after funding is confirmed, include property acquisition, detailed design, tendering and construction Investment in transport infrastructure is set out in the Urban Form and Transport Initiative for the western Bay of Plenty, and this is an important strategic corridor

Treasures of Cultures exhibition

An explosion of ‘cultural colour’ is how museum manager and curator

Paula Gaelic would describe the latest exhibition, “Treasures of Cultures” at Western Bay Museum

In April, a call was put out to our community to share their personal taonga/ treasures and the stories behind why the objects were so important to them There

was a tremendous response to the call out, with community members sharing objects and stories representing literally dozens of countries

The exhibition is truly a celebration of the rich diversity in our region, with every continent having representation

It is bright, cheerful, honest, sometimes sad, and intriguing, and every donor has

been very proud to share their own personal stories Among the objects on display, we have textiles, tools, china, rugs and carpets, coffee pots, calligraphy, bulls, traditional costumes, and so much more

Too many countries to list, and there is something that will appeal to everyone “It is really beautiful and quite amazing, really,” says Paula

The “Treasures of Cultures” exhibition will open to the public on Saturday 5th August and will remain on display until January 2024 Western Bay Museum is now pleased to offer free entry to all walk-in visitors Museum experiences such as public programmes, education programmes and some events still have a charge Article supplied

By Fiona Powell Katch Katikati

As the year flies by, our community is already planning for events toward the end of 2023 and into 2024 The Katikati Garden Ramble is happening from 4th to 5th November, with tickets on sale from 1st August from The Arts Junction; the Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival is scheduled for 13th January 2024, with tickets on sale from 1st September and the Katikati A and P Show is all set for the 3rd and 4th of February 2024

Focus on Katikati

Two telecommunications cabinets in Katikati are scheduled to be artistically painted as part of the Chorus Cabinet Art Project 2023, thanks to Creative Bay of Plenty, in collaboration with Chorus and The Breeze Tauranga If you ’ re a local artist, this is your chance to contribute to the beautification of our region and showcase your unique artistic style Artists are invited to register their design concepts by the end of August on the Creative BOP website

Spectacular ballet and opera on the big screen

As winter drags on, Katch Katikati is bringing back its Winter Series, a series of stunning live performances on the big screen, this year featuring two lavish ballets and two spectacular operas With tickets only $10, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy world-class dance and music matinee shows in the warmth and comfort of the boutique Junction Theatre in central Katikati Screenings include

Thursday 3rd August: The Australian Ballet, Coppélia Wednesday 9th: Opera, Rigoletto on the Lake Thursday 17th: Opera, La Bohème on Sydney Harbour Wednesday 23rd: The Australian Ballet, The Merry Widow

Tickets, including afternoon tea during intermission, are available from The Arts Junction, Katikati or online at www TheArtsJunction org nz

Rotary Garden Ramble scheduled

By Rod Calver

The Rotary Club of Katikati is pleased to announce that their 2023 biennial Garden Ramble is to be held in the first weekend of November Seventeen of the district’s best gardens from Athenree to Prestige Road will feature, and this year Kings Seeds will be open to the public for all of the Saturday 4th, allowing the ramblers to visit the facility and purchase seeds In keeping with Katikati’s artistic heritage, many gardens will feature works by local artists

Tickets are $30 per person for the two days, which is the same price as two years ago They can be purchased online at: www katikati org nz or in person at the Katikati Information Centre in the Arts Junction

Two years ago, the ramble was upset by Covid, and no one from the Waikato or Auckland could attend This year, Katikati Rotary is welcoming visitors from other areas Visitors with self-contained caravans or motorhomes will be able to stay at the Katikati Primary School or at the Uretara Domain

Sponsors for this year ’ s ramble include Tui Garden Products, Grower Direct and Katch Katikati Funds raised by the Garden Ramble go to supporting many community projects within the district and some in the Pacific Islands

Jan Welsh s garden PHOTO: Francis Young

Local cabinets to become artworks

Months

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Love the life you choose

2019-2023

AgedCare & RetirementVillages AgedCare RetirementVillages

By Rachael Hyland

The highlight of The Centre’s fundraising efforts every year is the distribution of grants by OCT (Ōmokoroa Community Trust) This year, 36 sports, educational, health and leisure groups applied for and received grants totalling $84,098 49 Add to this the one-off donation made to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and the total amount distributed was $104,098 49 A totally amazing result

A huge thank you to our very generous community for the continuous supply of donations dropped off at The Centre These donations stock The Centre shelves and are sold to raise funds for OCT Without your support we would not function You are essential to our fund raising efforts

All our customers, many local regulars and out-of-towners can be tagged as an invaluable cog in The Centre’s ‘wheel’ too They have a great time browsing,

searching nooks and crannies, purchasing essentials and those ‘must-have treasures ’ Thank you for dropping in You’re always welcome

Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers They all enjoy working at The Centre, it’s a really happy place to spend a few hours Some days, in fact most days, the work can be relentless, but it is very rewarding knowing that the funds raised are helping to provide for the needs of Ōmokoroa’s community groups

The OCT trustees support the running of The Centre throughout the year, but the most important part of their job starts once all grant applications have been received It’s then that they assess each one and distribute the available funds accordingly Many thanks to them

Everyone involved in any way with The Centre and OCT (as outlined above) creates this wonderful, continuous cycle of giving Once again thank you all for helping to achieve such a great result

Te Puna social group gets going

By Jo Gravit

The new community social group

in Te Puna was recently launched on Matariki Day

Steering group member, Robyn Roan, says, “It was quite symbolic of this new national celebration”

We think of all the past Te Puna community events and the people who have had gatherings in the old hall, and now we are in a new era, but we are still meeting on almost the same central village site New users are holding different events They use new technology to create memories that we hope will be shared for the next hundred years ”

Merry Cooney was delighted that she had to interrupt her meet-and-greet duties to wheel out more chairs Over 20

arrived and immediately started chatting as it was a diverse group, with many not seeing any familiar faces as they gathered around the tables in the supper room

The group started by sharing how they came to be living in the area and why they had come to the meeting Just to prove how small New Zealand is, two discovered that they had overlapped as pupils at a very small country school in the Tararua hills As the group expands and the stories flow, there will be more similar discoveries

The main agreed points were about wanting to be part of a better linked up local community and being able to meet new people as well as possibly explore new interests As with many Kiwi groups, the sharing of food and friendly

chat was a priority, and they will leave party politics at the door. However, there will be time for hearing about local issues that affect our area from relevant spokespeople

A number were interested in forming special interest subgroups to learn new skills or to share a hobby or expertise in their own neighbourhood without travelling to the city or Ōmokoroa Even if people cannot attend the monthly group meetings, please let Irene Smith (021 223 9239) know about your possible future interest in joining the email list for a subgroup

At the next meeting on Friday 11th August at 1pm, the steering group is expecting a draft programme to be outlined for the rest of the year, taking into account some of the ideas that could

more quickly be followed up

While the Hall Committee, Te Puna Heartland and Collab Realty have been supportive of the early stages, the group will have to pay its own way with a monthly small entry fee unless sponsorship is obtained A group website will be investigated

A couple of members have offered to share their knowledge with short talks followed by general discussions. One is an overview of the new TNL road currently being built and how it may affect Te Puna, and the other is on the joys and challenges of home winemaking

“The group is already showing a great range of interests, and this is only the start, so come and join the fun,” says Irene Smith

•

•

•

• From

What we get up to, at Ōmokoroa MenzShed

By Allan Hughes

Our Shed has been going for almost two years now So, what do the guys get up to?

Our most mature member, Des, has made close to 100 pest traps, with more to come He is a ball of energy and brings a lot of talent and experience to the job

John is the man for finicky, technical jobs requiring precision in design and construction – such as templates for 3D paintings (the angles of the wood have to be so exact to fit together).

Ivan looks after our store, our hand tools, and materials, most of it needed for our guys to be able to do their jobs He has a way (a nice way) of finding out where missing tools have gone

Jerry is a gun at making chopping boards, the chess pattern type boards, made from purple heart and other hardwoods The boards show end-grain, which is great in not showing knife cuts

Jerry has another very important role –he keeps our biscuit container sufficiently full for our guys

Steve is great at fixing precious items such as old chairs and occasional tables

Bill and Len are ex-technology teachers and are running a woodworking extension program for a number of students from Ōmokoroa No 1 school with the help of Peter S and Peter E The students are currently making corn bag games They love it

Mike is our President and keeps us together (most of the time)

Peter E is working with Cooney Reserve to start work, with help from other sheddies, on a bird hide or two A great design which will be an asset to Ōmokoroa

Peter S writes our monthly newsletter and has taken on the role of Health and Safety Coordinator

Grant has refurbished close to 40

Ōmokoroa community grants

By Heather Reynolds

The Ōmokoroa Centre trustees were delighted to host the grant recipients’ morning tea at TOLO on 4th July It's estimated we had about 50 in attendance representing the many groups and organisations that had received grants this year

Those who attended were delighted to hear what the grants meant to the

community It is clear the “Olympic Ring” effect is in existence where there is wonderful community interaction helping in many valuable ways

Most importantly, the generosity comes from the community giving and buying at “The Centre” shop, with $104,000 given back to the community in grants a fantastic contribution

Huge thanks and recognition goes out to all “The Centre” volunteers

tables for the Settlers’ Hall and mows our lawns

Andrew is the expert on knife sharpening

Paul tags and ensures our electrical tools and machinery are safe to use and that our wiring is appropriate for our needs

As for me, I am not overly practical My interest is in the people side of things Seeing them have purpose and enjoyment is special I also make grant applications, which we have been quite successful at because of all of the work that our guys do for themselves, for each

other, and especially in this community

There are many more who contribute their time and effort, too many to name.

And behind all this are the Shed Supervisors Rob, Dick, Richard, Bill, David, Len, and Andrew They coordinate, delegate jobs, and pitch in where needed

All our guys give freely of their time and energy to do small and big projects for the community, and sometimes for personal projects, and learning from and guiding each other Our shed is a great place for our guys to be

We welcome things for repair or things to be made Our success is built on the jobs that come in from the community If you want something fixed or made, visit our shed at 7 Prole Rd, from 9am to 1pm, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays Or phone Rob on 020 474 0797, or Dick on 027 297 6157

The old and the young working at the shed Des is our eldest member and Carter and Jake are from Ōmokoroa No 1 School PHOTOS: Supplied

DATEs For your DiAry – WEEKLY EVENTS

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

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

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO), McDonnell Street 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday Local history, community information and art for sale Contact Alison on 021 294 9294

MONDAYS

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

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start

30A Park Road, Katikati New members

welcome Email katikati tennis@outlook com

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa

Settlers’ Hall 9am-12 30pm

omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 9 15-

10 15am Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up

9 30am Names in before 9 15am 2x4x2 format

Coaching available 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103

Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 9 30-

10 30am Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448

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

Keep On Your Feet Strength and balance classes for older adults 11am-noon Ōmokoroa

Settlers’ Hall Sharnie 021 1118617

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main

Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Justice of the Peace clinic 11am-1pm at Waihī

Library, 40 Rosemont Street

Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 1pm for 1 30pm play

Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth Hamilton

571 1564

Scottish Country Dancing 1-3 pm St Peter’s

Anglican Church, Beach Road $4 All ages, no

partner required Call Douglas 021 0244 6099

Bolivia Katikati Christian Centre, Henry Road

1-4pm Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential Contact Christine Sherriff

549 5601 or 027 434 9842

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction

Katikati Tickets $10 Limited seats 549 5250

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion

afternoons Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820

omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail com

Yoga for Men 5 15-6 30 pm Katikati

Community Centre Call Gerry 021 050 8419

IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls

8 - 11 6-7 30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church

Hall Call 548 2515

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 6-8pm Contact

Mollie 021 177 8018

Table Tennis Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall Seniors

(18+) 7-9pm $3 per single, $5 per couple Inc

supper White-sole 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

ITF Taekwon-do at Te Puna School Hall 6-

7 30pm Self defence self confidence fitness

First 2 weeks free George 022 437 4403

Hatha Yoga at Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion

6 45pm with Stephane Ph 022 477 3809, email yogameditationnz@gmail com or FB: mindful life yoga omokoroa

Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club $3 incl tea and biscuits Prizes/raffles monthly

Carpooling from Katikati available Call

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 Kevin 027 273 5655

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

Contact Shirley on 552 2707

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa

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

Te Puna Playcentre 9am-1pm term times only

225 Te Puna Road te puna@playcentre org nz

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

Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis 9am start Casual and new players welcome Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9 30am in term

Annie 0274 878 372

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am Learn to spin, weave, felt, knit, crochet and more

Call Alison 022 0849 348

Tai Chi 9 30-10 30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults 10 15-11 15am Catholic Church

Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati Sharnie 021 111

8617

Justice of the Peace clinic at Waihī Beach

Library 11am-noon

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling

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

start All welcome Bowls and coaching available Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863

1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com

Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 30 to 4pm

30 Hamurana Road Beginners and visitors

welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Katikati Bridge Club Katikati Memorial Hall

Lounge 1pm All levels welcome Contact

Estelle 021 187 1620 or Sara 021 999 806

Mahjong Circle 1pm at the Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion Western Avenue Call Denise on 548 1385 or Margaret 548 2126

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 Gold coin Contact 549 0399 or info@katikaticommunity 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 at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

4–5 30pm One free trial class Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra co nz

Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6-8pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517

Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 6 30pm for 7pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564 Katikati Toy Library 6 30pm-8pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

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

WEDNESDAYS

Ladies Fitness Classes at 8am on Pahoia Road at the Cow Shed Gym - Anneli 021 077 5416 Katikati Coffin Club 78a Prestidge Road (off

Whakamārama Hall regular events

Library

Thursdays 9am – noon (during term), and every third Friday 68 30pm Visit whakalibrary librarika com to see our great range of books A real eclectic mix!

PrESCHOOL PLayGrOUP

Thursdays 9 30-noon (during term time) This is a friendly, free group with a fantastic range of toys and great indoor and outdoor spaces Email Dayna, on daynarowe83@hotmail com for more information

WHakamārama EmaiLS

Community news including lost and found animals, items for sale, excess fruit and vegetables, and rentals wanted

To receive these email Carolyn at rossroad@eol co nz

HaLL bOOkiNGS

Whakamārama Hall bookings are now available online

To check availability and to make bookings head to spacetoco com

Keyword Whakamārama Community Centre

Morton Road) 8 30am-noon $10 lifetime

membership Contact John Russell afactor@xtra co nz or 027 281 7629

Kaimai Ramblers day tramp Good standard of fitness required, boots recommended Call Lisa 021 044 6449, or Kevin 021 0200 6306

Hatha Yoga at Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 9am with Stephane Ph 022 477 3809, email

yogameditationnz@gmail com or FB: mindful life yoga omokoroa

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start 30A Park Road, Katikati New members welcome Phone Cushla 027 414 2587

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 15-10 15

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706 Community Tai Chi Waihī Beach RSA 9 30am during school terms Contact Trish 021 482 842 Knit & Natter at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa, Katikati 10am Free

Stepping Up free computer classes at Katikati Library Wednesdays/Thursdays Book on 571 8008 or www steppingup nz FLexercise exercise, movement, dance, for posture, strengthening & stretching All ages & abilities 10am Memorial Hall, Katikati Phone Pam 021 11 77 170 Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 10 45am-3 30pm $5 Contact Jill 021 408 660 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists

Adults Ballet/Plus 12 30 St Peters Anglican Church Hall, Beach Road Katikati Ph Gaye 07 577 1753 or 027 274 8753 email gayehemsley@gmail com

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up 1pm names in by 12 45pm Coaching available Social activities to follow 8 Park Road ph 549 0103 Katikati Toy Library 2 30pm-4pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

Grow On Seedlings Club Katikati Community Centre 3-4pm 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of month, term time Intro to gardening for children aged 6-10 years Call Janet 021 0236 7038 Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 2pm WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651 Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4 15–5pm (3–6 years) and 5 15- 6 45pm (7–14 years) at Western Ave Sports Grounds

Wrestling Katikati Primary age 5 30-6 30pm, College age/seniors 6 30pm-8pm Bring a drink bottle A&P Hall Major Street Text Ross 027 256 4470

Help bring back our native birds

Join

CALL NOELENE ON 07 579 3908

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

Here are some of the groups and activities which happen regularly in the area. If you have a regular group you’d like to add to the list, please email

Diabetes NZ Drop-in group 10-noon

177a Fraser Street Tauranga 571 3422

tauranga@diabetes org nz

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-12pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am

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

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

Rummikub at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati 1pm start, $3 per person

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

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

Beginners-Intermediate 1-3pm Call Joce 021 486 265

THURSDAYS

Brick Club Afterschool LEGO sessions in Ōmokoroa Library 2 45-4 45pm

Hatha Yoga at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 5 45pm with Stephane Ph 022 477 3809 email yogameditationnz@gmail com or FB: mindful life yoga omokoroa

ITF Taekwon-do classes at Te Puna School Hall 6-7 30pm Self defence, self confidence, fitness First 2 weeks free George 022 437

4403

Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

term time from 7-8:30pm Contact Jan Murray 027 286 1552, Alison Badger 548 1544

Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club We welcome all ages and experience Contact Eryl 021 404 163 Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion in the evening Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail com

Tennis Club, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa Enjoy some competitive but fun games

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall General session 9am-noon Call Shirley on 548 1633

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa

Settlers’ Hall 9am-12 30pm

omokoroa@playcentre org nz

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

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon

Bethlehem Community Church, 138 Moffat Road

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon Katikati

Community Centre 45 Beach Road

Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa

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

Morning tea and lunch provided Drop in or call

Lorraine Taylor 548 1404

Ōmokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship coffee outings etc

Email omokoroa senior singles@gmail com or phone 021 627 107

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

start All welcome Bowls and coaching

available Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863

1349 waihibeachbowls@gmail com

Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club

12 45pm Contact Janet on janetandwillie@kinect co nz or Linley on 218 7003

Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls

12 45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall Contact Chris 549 0958

or call

Contact Chris Cole (text only) 0274 545 586

MenzShed Ōmokoroa 7 Prole Road Ōmokoroa

9am-1pm Welcome to just call in or email info@menzshedomokoroa org

Grow On Katikati 9 30-10 30 Pick up/drop off seeds and seedlings for community food resiliency Next to Katikati Community Centre growonkatikati@gmail com

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

Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9 30-11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall omokoroatoylibrary@gmail com

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee 10-noon Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting Western Bay Museum Guided Tour Noon

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

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

welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start

30A Park Road, Katikati New members

welcome Phone Michael 027 473 1540

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up 1pm Names in before 12 45pm Coaching available Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Rd, Katikati 07 549 0103

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

Contact David 027 222 2824

Tai Chi 9 30-10 30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548

0763

Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church, Beach Road, Katikati Call Edna 027 474

9946

Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 10-11am Call Sabine 021

1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail com

Preschool Storytime Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Katikati Library Caregivers, please stay with your children Free to attend Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee 10-noon Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting

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

FRIDAYS

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

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/

9 am start All year Casual & new players welcome Call Kevin 027 273 5565

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

Ladies Singles Tennis 9am at Ōmokoroa

Cards 500 at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati 1-4pm $2 per person

Katikati Plant & Produce Market A&P

Showgrounds 3 30-5 30pm Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449

SATURDAYS

Junior Tennis Coaching at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Members and Non-members welcome

Visit omokoroatennis com for information and to book Katikati Toy Library 9-10am at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

FB: Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com Friends of Cooney Reserve 9am Bring sturdy footwear and gloves and tools if you wish

Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags Txt Robyn on 021 158 4038 to join or donate fabric Every other Saturday from 9th April at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 1pm Masks required Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 2-4pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517

SUNDAYS

Athenree Homestead 360 Athenree Road

Enjoy the homestead and gardens ($5 donation for Homestead entry) Every Sunday, 11am-3pm from Jan–March, and first Sunday of the month

Apr to Dec athenreehomestead org nz Ōmokoroa Cricket 20 overs from 1pm every second Sunday at Western Ave BYO picnic FB: @omokoroacricket

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati Tickets $10 Limited seats 549 5250 Jam session Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road 4-7pm Everyone welcome

Monthly meetings and one-off events. Every effort has been made to be accurate, but please check information with event organisers

Year-round swimming in Ōmokoroa interest you? Contact Russell on 021 153 0767 or mothcork@gmail com for more information You are welcome to join us and swim for health and well-being

Tue 1st Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa

Wed 2nd Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am-12 30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month Visit aongateteforest org/join

Wed 2nd Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am at Waihī Beach RSA Interesting speakers interesting conversation and of course interesting people Every 1st Wednesday

Wed 2nd Kati Chat Learn about the local organisations in our wonderful town and what they can offer you 10am at The Arts Junction, Katikati Free event includes morning tea

Thu 3rd Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 1st Thursday of the month, 9 30am, Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan) Contact Geoff Gripton 548 1027 or Fred Hartley 548 1939

Thu 3rd The Australian Ballet: Coppélia screening The Arts Junction, Katikati 1 30pm $10 tickets from The Arts Junction

Sat 5th Treasures of Cultures opens at Western Bay Museum Katikati The display runs until January 2024

Sat 5th Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Swap excess produce, seeds, seedlings, preserves, jams, baking etc 1st Saturday of the month Garden shed beside Katikati Community Centre on Beach Rd 9 30-10 30am Call Jizzy on 549 2337 or Marie on 07 929 7906

Sun 6th ‘Spotlight on Broadway’ by Mural Town Singers 2pm at St Paul s Church, Katikati $10

Sun 6th Katikati Folk Open Mic 5pm every 1st Sunday of the month Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete

Mon 7th 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 7th 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

Tue 8th Ōmokoroa Rotary meets every 2nd Tuesday at 7 30am For information contact Bronwyn Carter on 021 236 4623

Tue 8th Ōmokoroa Photographic Society Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion Social Room All levels welcome 7-9pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month omokoroaphotoclub@gmail com

Tue 8th Katikati Creative Fibre 7pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month at St Paul s, Mulgan Street $5 Email marparmail@gmail com

Wed 9th Katikati College Open Day Tours

from 9am Contact the school office for bookings on 549 0434

Wed 9th AA/NZTA driver & vehicle licencing Mobile until in Katikati 2nd Wednesday of the month 9 30-12 45 / 1 15-4pm Enquiries to 0800 822 422

Wed 9th U3A Katikati monthly meeting 10amnoon in the Digital Hub next to the Library on 2nd Wednesday each month Guest speakers each month Call Pam Mazoyer 021 104 2925

Wed 9th Opera: Rigoletto on the Lake screening The Arts Junction, Katikati 1 30pm $10 tickets from The Arts Junction

Wed 9th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117

Wed 9th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul s church Contact Jenny Ager-Pratt 027 309 9695

Thu 10th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday Meet at Leyland Road carpark Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222

Thu 10th Business Breakfast 7am at Pātuki Manawa, beside the library, Katikati Ph 07 549 5250

Thu 10th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 10th Intro to Family History with Sandra Haigh, Community Heritage Services Coordinator Katikati Library 10am-noon Please register via tracy silver@westernbay govt nz

Thu 10th Katikati Genealogy Group 2nd Thursday, Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1 30pm $5 New members welcome Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259

Fri 11th Te Puna Social Group from 1-3pm in the Te Puna Memorial Hall supper room 2nd Friday of the month All welcome

Fri 11th 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

Fri 11th Katikati Folk Club presents Andrew White 7pm at The Arts Junction, Katikati Ph 07 549 1658

Sat 12th Katikati Moggies Market Second Saturday each month 9am to 12pm Katikati Memorial Hall Your local monthly market Support local, buy local Angie: katikatiartisanmarket@gmail com or call 021 203 9554

Sat 12th Patchwork Quilting at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-4 30pm second Saturday each month Contact Christine 027 280 1344

Sat 12th Boobops Dragon Boat open day Come along and have a go 11am at Sulphur Point opposite the boat ramp on Keith Allen Drive For more information, contact Shelley 022 126 7420 boobopsrock@gmail com

Sun 13th Katikati Tramping Club Te Waihou Springs and Jim Barnett Reserve Easy walks4 hour total, with 30 minute drive between Text leader Peter on 027 634 4741 by Friday

night preceding to join in

Sun 13th Line Dancing fundraiser social 11am-4pm, Katikati Memorial Hall Ph 07 552 0885

Sun 13th Katikati Psychic Cafe Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road 2nd and 4th Sundays 9-7pm $10 cash 027 336 3896 for FB: Katikati Psychic Cafe

Tue 15th Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library

Tue 15th Innovation Garden Club 1 30-3pm every 3rd Tuesday Waihī Beach RSA Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail com

Tue 15th Katikati Youth Theatre for youth aged 12-30 Games, learning and fun Supper included Third Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm kkyouththeatre@gmail com

Wed 16th Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am-12 30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month

Visit aongateteforest org/join

Wed 16th Business After Five hosted by Hauraki Rail Trail 5pm at The Arts Junction, Katikati All welcome Ph 07 549 5250

Thu 17th Genealogy support Help with research into family history and DNA searches Ōmokoroa Library, 3rd Thursdays 10am One-on-one help available at other times Contact Lyn on 027 259 6643 or lynevaughan@gmail com

Thu 17th Opera: La Bohème on Sydney Harbour screening The Arts Junction Katikati 1 30pm $10 tickets from The Arts Junction

Thu 17th Fun Mixed Doubles Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Western Ave Third Thursday of the month from 5 30-7 30pm

Thu 17th Café Scientifique 7pm at The Arts Junction, Katikati All welcome

Sat 19th Katikati Artisan Market 9am-1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati 3rd Saturday of the month

Sat 19th Death Cafe 9 15am at Ōmokoroa Boat Club Contact Carol on 021 878 730 or find more information at www deathcafe com

Sat 19th Back to the 80s Quiz Night Katikati Rugby & Sports Club From 6pm, tickets $40 A fundraiser to send the senior basketball team to the Nationals Book via h silson@xtra co nz

Sun 20th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs Fun writing exercises to warm up 3rd Sunday of each month 11am-12 30pm Chrome Cafe 3 Wharawhara Road Katikati Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail com or 027 274 8753

Sun 20th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete

Sun 20th Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month Ph Jonathan on 572 2091

Mon 21st 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 21st Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm Contact Colin 576 9110

Wed 23rd The Australian Ballet: The Merry Widow screening The Arts Junction, Katikati

1 30pm $10 tickets from The Arts Junction

Thu 24th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 24th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9 3011 30am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239

Thu 24th Intro to Family History with Sandra Haigh, Community Heritage Services Coordinator Katikati Library 10am-noon Please register via tracy silver@westernbay govt nz

Fri 25th On Point Coffee Club Coffee and a chat every 4th Friday of the month at 1 30pm at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club Contact Lorraine Barnes on 548 2351 Everyone welcome

Sat 26th Kaitkati Tramping Club Pāpāmoa Hills 3 hours of easy track with steep bits Contact Laraine 021 073 7084 for leader and other information by Friday preceding

Sat 26th Repair Cafe makers, fixers and tinkerers working to divert broken items from landfill 8 30am-noon the last Saturday of the month repaircafe@tinkd nz 148 Durham Street, Tauranga

Sat 26th Ōmokoroa Market 9am to noon

Last Saturday each month except Dec Crafts, art, produce, bbq, plants, car boot, cafe and more E: omokoroamarket@gmail com

Sat 26th Katikati Lions Garage Sale 4th Saturday of each month May-Nov Behind Caltex Main Road Katikati 9am till noon Tools furniture, books, art and much more Ph 07 578 1073

Sun 27th Trash & Treasure market at Ōmokoroa Boat club 11am-2pm Tables $10 member, $20 non Contact shelley keill@icloud com

Sun 27th Katikati Psychic Cafe Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road 2nd and 4th Sundays 7-9pm $10 cash 027 336 3896 for FB: Katikati Psychic Cafe

Sun 27th Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3-5pm Last Sunday of the month

Wed 6th Sept Meet the Candidates for the General Election Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion, Western Ave at 7pm Organised by Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association Email your questions to omokoroaresidents@gmail com $5 for nonmembers

Thu 7th Sept Intro to Family History with Sandra Haigh, Community Heritage Services Coordinator Katikati Library 10am-noon Please register via tracy silver@westernbay govt nz Slotcar Club Ōmokoroa to race club class saloons Controllers and cars will be provided for all drivers Contact Steve Wall on 021 163 2055 for dates/times

E-bikes and scooters stolen

Police are appealing to the public to assist in locating a number of stolen e-bikes and scooters in the Western Bay

The vehicles were taken during two separate burglaries, on Thursday 13th and Friday 21st July from a local business in the Tauranga area

Police are seeking any information from people who may have seen a UBCO electric motor bike, particularly a khaki green model, or a GoScoot electric scooter left in an unusual place - or if someone in your

neighbourhood has recently acquired one

Information can be reported to Police via 105 by quoting file number 230714/4945

Crime and incident report

By Senior Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh and Senior Constable James Muir Burglaries

A residential burglary was reported at a Francis Road, Whakamārama address

A large quantity of items were stolen, including jewellery and tools Unfortunately for the victims, the ashes of a pet that recently died were also stolen

A burglary was reported in Ōmokoroa, no property was taken

A building under construction on Minden Hill Lane, Minden was entered, and a brand new Fisher and Paykel washing machine in its packaging and a dehumidifier were stolen

Just after 1 00 am on a Sunday morning, three vehicles parked at a transport yard on Ōmokoroa Road were broken into Petrol was siphoned from one vehicle, and the other two were rummaged through

A White Ford Econovan regno SX2488 was stolen from a SH2 Minden address

Not recovered to date

A commercial building on Prole Road, Ōmokoroa, has been broken into, and a large amount of power tools were stolen Most of the tools were found in a vehicle stopped by Police on the 29th June

A tractor shed was entered, and windows were broken at an Ōmokoroa

Road address

An Acer Laptop computer, JBL speaker and Samsung M51 phone were stolen from a Pukakura address while the owners worked outside during the day

A 2m wide Landmax Ag200 mulcher/ side shift flail mower coloured orange taken from a Kauri Point Road property

Theft

A hoodie and wallet were stolen from the Pahoia Domain A vehicle has been identified, and Police are making inquiries to identify the offenders

An unlocked vehicle was entered while parked on Main Road Katikati, and an iPad was stolen

A bag containing various personal items was stolen overnight from outside a Gilfillan Drive, Katikati address

A hanging basket and ceramic pot were stolen from a Malta Cresent address The items were recovered after the owner chased the young females who he had seen taking them The girls are to be referred to the Youth Aid officer

Petrol drive-off at Whakamārama

A number plate was stolen from a vehicle parked at a Mulgan Road, Katikati address Clothing was stolen from a laundrette in Katikati

Continued on page 23

Ōmokoroa Boat Club prizegiving

By John Budden

The 2023 Prizegiving was held at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club on Sunday 25th June 2023 following the AGM

For the first time, the darts tournament had an all-female final Congratulations to the Terry Edwards trophy

winner Lyn Vaughan and runner up Angie Harris

In the pool tournament, Graeme Cheeseman took out the top spot in the singles with Steve Thacker and Gordon Thomas winning the doubles Peter McCrea won the Anthony Avery trophy

In sailing, for the first time in the

Todd talk

Opinion by Todd Muller MP, Bay of Plenty

Over the recent Parliamentary recess, I had the pleasure of spending more time in the Bay of Plenty, and Tauranga in particular, rather than travelling around New Zealand as I used to with portfolio engagement Having fewer regional commitments, I’ve appreciated the increased opportunities to connect locally with constituents and stakeholders Can you guess what the most frequent topic of conversation is?

Infrastructure People are greatly concerned about roadworks, delayed or on time, throughout our district, with two of our three major connecting highways regularly closed or brought to a standstill

We are now seeing rush hour all day, every day Trying to access central Tauranga is an exercise in patience Frustrations are growing with road closures, and I feel great sympathy for the businesses on Cameron Road who are suffering in road cone hell while also losing customers due to the lack of car parks

anywhere in their vicinity New, wide footpaths have replaced the car parks, but who is using them?

New Zealand does need to focus on the effects of fuel emissions, and enhancing safety for cyclists is key But removing the ability for our citizens to travel efficiently is the price we are paying All over New Zealand, and here in Tauranga, there is a greater than ever focus on providing cycle lanes at the expense of car parks

It’s great that more people are commuting by bike as it’s a healthy activity and reduces traffic But not everyone has the physical ability to cycle, and it’s not always practical to fit our shopping in saddle bags As we plan future infrastructure, we need to be realistic about how our society can and will move throughout our city Those who want to cycle can, but roads are as important as cycleways and motorists’ needs must also be taken into account during infrastructure conversations

Funded by the Parliamentary Service

Authorised by Todd Muller, 3/9 Domain Road, Pāpāmoa

TODD MULLER MP FOR BAY OF PLENTY

recent history of the club, Andrew McLennan and Caribbean won Livingstone Cup 33 points, (line honours), Hiskin Cup 31 points, (handicap) Coulston Cup (Kārewa line honours) Merv Anderson (consistency), Crapp Memorial (most sailed 11 out of 12)

The Patron’s Plate was won by Jo and Paul Uttinger on “Diversion” for the Cyclone cruise to Opua

The Nush Cruising prize went to Phil Baker on “Goldie” for the Bay of Plenty Classic Cruise

Sam Snowden for best presented yacht was won by Lloyd Berendt on “Against All Odds” The Captain Crapp Cup for most improved went to Chappy Farrell on “Loch Mara”

Walsh Cruising went to Brendan Cooney on “Kōnini” The prizes for Mono and the Vivian Crapp Cup both went to Gerrit Bahlman on “Weka 1174”

The Ladies Trophy was won by Valerie Little on “Goldie”, and the Crapp Memorial for the smallest yacht was taken out by John Budden on “Piccaninny”

Due to weather and Covid there were no trophies for junior sailors this year

Fishing prizes were as follows:

Certificates were awarded to: Daniel Barraclough, Ryan Berg, April and Violet Fergus, Dylan and Leah Moreton, Lenny and Annabelle Ammer

Stage 1 certificates were given to Catherine Crimmins, Logan Reyngoud, Hazel Fergus, Forest Brown, Flynn Ammer and Michael Ignatev

ToddMullerMP

Authorised by Todd Muller MP 3/9 Doma n Road Papamoa

Andrew King also took out the Wattie Crapp Cup, largest fish in harbour (seniors) and Fisherperson of the Year Largest fish in harbour (juniors) was

won by Zac Weir with his snapper The Stan Rogers Memorial was awarded to the Evered Family

Free Funeral Guide

L-R: Darts all-female finalists Runner-up Angie Harris and winner Lyn Vaughan PHOTO: Supplied

Upcoming lineup at Katikati Folk Club

Andrew White is a troubadour He is one of those rare artists who can skilfully combine brilliant finger-style guitar work with a compelling story in lyric and deliver them both in an engaging live performance

After a well-deserved break from the rigours of international touring, Andrew returns to the stage showcasing material from his new studio album ‘Beautiful Trouble’his sixteenth album to date - his forthcoming solo Ragtime/Blues album, ‘Where the Wild Winds Moan’, and his first children’s book, ‘Dingle the Dolphin ’ Internationally, Andrew has performed on tours and collaborations with artists such as The Corrs, Michelle Shocked, Clannad, John Martyn, Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Janis Ian, Mary Black, Cappercaille, The Indigo Girls, The Strawbs, John Renbourne, Roy Harper, Seals and Crofts, Tommy Emmanuel, Ottmar Liebert, and many others

While technically brilliant, his guitar work is not just out to impress It has a pleasing, highly melodic structure Andrew White is one of the few who combine international-class guitar playing with skilfully crafted and beautiful songs His music will take you on a spiritual journey

Andrew will be appearing at Katikati Folk Club on Friday 11th August

Gitbox Rebellion is an innovative and exciting six-piece guitar ensemble that perform intricate and clever original compositions as well as a few much-loved guitar hero covers, such as ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ and ‘Guitar Boogie’

Founded by Nigel Gavin, Gitbox toured regionally and nationally, releasing two albums, Pesky Digits, featuring nine guitars and Touchwood, featuring four guitars, a cello, a violin, tablas, and flute

In 2017, Nigel reformed the group with a new lineup featuring ten guitars Original members Nigel Gavin and

Kim Halliday are joined by Doug Robertson, Sonia Wilson, Rob Mita and Sasha Witten-Hannah

The group ’ s experience ranges from beginners to advanced players The third album Curveball was released in 2021 and had its first outing whilst the group were touring NZ with Arts On Tour

Gitbox Rebellion plays Katikati Folk Club on 1st September

For both events, doors open 7pm for a 7 30pm start There will be an intermission around 8 30pm Tickets are $20 for members, non-members $25, children free Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits at the break A cash bar is available for wine and beer Article supplied

Katikati College wins at the Waikato Culinary Arts Fare

We went, we represented, we were spoken highly of by the judges, and we walked away with three gold medals and one silver medal

Reid O’Connell, Hamish Tanner and Eloise Searle competed against other North Island schools recently in the Waikato Culinary Arts Fare

Eloise won a silver medal with her classical carrot cafestyle cake It took the judges three hours to taste the incredible amount of cakes that were entered with competitors from Taumarunui, Rotorua, Auckland, Waihī, Hamilton and Katikati To walk away with a silver, and one point off gold, is a pretty awesome achievement Well done, Eloise

Hamish and Reid impressed the judges by cooking ‘live’

against other students in a 60-minute time frame

Hamish came away with a gold medal for his Greek-inspired ballotine of chicken served with gratin potatoes, broccolini and a stunning gravy Hamish also won gold in the junior barista competition

Reid won gold for his creative vegetarian burger, where he opted to make a punchy chickpea and roasted walnut patty served with his own homemade buns, fresh rocket, mint aioli, tomato relish and vegetable crisps Reid executed this dish like a professional, and the judges said the flavours were ‘just banging’

Huge thanks and acknowledgement must go to our Hospitality teacher, Ms Karyn Williams, for her fantastic tutoring and dedication to our ākonga Article supplied

We are local builders and would love to hear from you for an obligation-free chat, to see if we can transform your homeor build you a stunning new one

We pride ourselves on the quality of our work

We can provide full management of your project

Todd Ward LBP 027 570 0225

Gitbox Rebellion play Katikati Folk Club on 1st September PHOTO: Supplied

L-R: Reid O Connell Hamish Tanner Eloise Searle PHOTO: Supplied

By Gary Meynell

Who would have thought that our small group of Ōmokoroan photographers would have the opportunity to go to Thailand for a photography masterclass workshop? Not even the founders of the club considered that when they started this club back in early 2021

Late November will see several of us heading to Pattaya in Thailand for a 2week photography excursion covering travel and street photography techniques This trip will give us the opportunity to learn to take fabulous travel

photographs and carry these skills with us throughout our journeys for years to come

This month’s local outing for our members is a night photography session to be held at the Tauranga Marina The marina is a good place for night photography because it’s quite protected there – giving us the opportunity to capture some lovely images of the boats docked at the marina with the beautiful reflections they produce in that still water We do have some fun in this group, so why not come and join us? For just $65 a year, you get access to all our monthly get-togethers and all our workshops and

training Our monthly field trips are included, and you get the opportunity to participate in trips further afield when they arise All this, plus the friendships you make along the way – it’s a bargain!

We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion on Western Avenue See you there on the 9th of August Create a reminder on your phone now

Steve Brown

Brian Lomax

Brian Ebbett

Evelyn Hoddinott

Judy Sinkinson

Expect major delays SH2/ Fifteenth Ave – Cameron Road Intersection

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport

Agency advises that from 7pm Friday 4th August to 6am Monday 7th August, contractors will be commissioning the new traffic lights at the Fifteenth Avenue/ SH2 intersection

Lane closures will be in place as work will be done on all four corners of the intersection and the central medians

Major traffic delays are expected

Traffic will not be able to cross Cameron Road as the centre of the intersection, between the northbound and southbound lanes of Cameron Road, will be fully closed

Traffic heading from Fifteenth Avenue to SH2 will be diverted along Fraser Street and 17th Avenue to the north-

From page 19

bound lane of Cameron Road to SH2

Traffic heading from SH2 to Fifteenth Avenue will be diverted left onto Cameron Road to Thirteenth Avenue, Devonport Road, to Fifteenth Avenue

These detours will also be in place for eastbound (heading to Fifteenth Avenue) and westbound (heading to SH2) traffic

Detours and digital travel information signs will be in place

This work is being carried out by Tauranga City Council and the Cameron Road Joint Venture and is weather dependent

If commissioning does not occur on this weekend, it will occur from 7pm Friday 18th August to 6am Monday 21st August Article supplied

DC on 26th July

Found Property

A small colourful wallet with a small amount of cash was found on the Haiku trail

A mountain bike was left at the Police Station

A red and white purse and a black purse containing jewellery were found at Countdown Katikati

Unlawful taking of motor vehicles

White Nissan Safari registration GMW348 was stolen from a Walker Road East property Not recovered to date

Mazda Demio was stolen from an Ōmokoroa address The vehicle was driven through a mesh fence when leaving the property The vehicle was found abandoned and damaged approximately a kilometre away

Arrests and apprehensions

A 17-year-old was arrested after making threats at a local service station

Police arrested three people for breaching court-imposed bail conditions

A 49-year-old Katikati woman was arrested for assault following an incident in Katikati

A 22-year-old Ōmokoroa man was arrested after an incident between him and road workers on Prole Road, Ōmokoroa

It was alleged that a firearm was seen in the male’s vehicle Police responding to the incident located the male driving the vehicle on Ōmokoroa Road The vehicle was stopped on Old Highway, and the male was arrested and charged with threatening to kill, receiving stolen goods from a Prole Road burglary, theft of goods and trespassing at an Ōmokoroa supermarket and theft of goods from a Whakamārama service station He was held in custody, with Police opposing his bail He was subsequently granted bail with conditions once he appeared in the Tauranga District Court

A 29-year-old Waihī man has been charged with intimidation after following a woman home from her workplace in Ōmokoroa The male was not known to the woman

A 36-year-old Aongatete man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol in Katikati

A 30-year-old Aongatete man was charged with breaching a protection order

A 57-year-old Whakamārama man was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon and threatening to kill after an incident in Whakamārama He was held in custody to appear in the Tauranga

A search warrant was executed at an Ōmokoroa address on 20th July Subsequently, a 31-year-old Ōmokoroa woman and a 38-year-old Tauranga man were charged with burglary to a Whakamārama dwelling in June and ten charges of using a stolen PayWave card at various Te Puna and Tauranga stores The female has been remanded on bail with a 24-hour curfew, and the male has been remanded in custody until 1st August

A 47-year-old Katikati man was arrested at the Katikati Police Station and was charged with trespassing and disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence

A 31-year-old Te Puna man was arrested and charged with escaping Police custody, failing to stop for Police, driving contrary to an alcohol interlock licence, dangerous driving and breaching bail conditions He has been remanded in custody until 12th September

A 31-year-old man of no fixed abode was stopped on Beach Road, Katikati He has subsequently been charged with driving with excess breath alcohol He has also been charged with the theft of petrol from a Whakamārama service station

General

A serious assault occurred in Ōmokoroa, where a set of keys were stolen The offender has been identified, and police inquiries are continuing

Police attended a single vehicle accident motor vehicle accident on State Highway 2 near Apata Road There were no injuries to the occupants of the vehicle

More scams were reported involving Trade Me purchases

A vehicle failed to stop for police on Clarke Road Te Puna The driver decamped and was not located

Police are investigating suspicious behaviour in the Ōmokoroa area A vehicle of interest has been identified, and the driver has been interviewed

A driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after being involved in a crash on SH2

A driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped at a checkpoint on Ōmokoroa Road

A driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped at a checkpoint on SH2 Bethlehem

An unlicensed driver was stopped driving on SH2 and failed a breath screening test

If you see something, say something Call 111 if it’s happening now Call 105 if it is after the event

A kaleidoscope of butterflies

Agroup of Pahoia Creative Fibre members took on the challenge of each knitting a papillon shawl to produce this kaleidoscope of colours The pattern (papillon is French for butterfly, and a collection of butterflies is known as a kaleidoscope) was designed by Marin Melchior

As a Creative Fibre group, we have a focus on learning new skills and techniques, so we were keen to take on knitting this shawl when one of our members suggested it for our education programme One of our members attended a workshop at our National Exhibition and got the rest of us started

What made the pattern a challenge was, in part, the way it was written - the designer had developed a new way of describing her instructions; and, in part, the number of ‘short rows ’ that had to be completed Taken together, it meant we

By Bob Firth Secretary

had to count constantly and had 50 stitch markers in place by the last row

“We all think it was well worth it,” says Frances Kelly, the group ’ s president for 2023

“It wasn’t the sort of knitting you could do in public or even while watching television But we ’ ve each had such admiring comments whenever we ’ ve worn our shawls, and together we think they make a wonderful colour burst,” she says Pahoia Creative Fibre has been meeting at the Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall since 1997 At that time, it was known as Pahoia Spinners and Weavers We still spin and weave - but we also felt, dye, knit and crochet - and warmly welcome anyone who would like to join us at 10am on the first, third and fifth Tuesday of each month.

Article supplied

Waihī Beach Menz Shed

We have another order for 65 rat traps, which is well underway

We have just finished refurbishing trestle tables for Waihī Lions Club as well as a repair shop job on a squeezebox

The garden in front of Menz Shed is a work in progress, and an insurance job on a fence in Hillview Rd is waiting for approval

Devon is about to start his carving instruction group If you are interested in learning how to carve, we have a profes-

sional in our shed If you would like to learn this very satisfying art please ring Devon on 021 800 933 asap, as you may miss out

The council have erected new toilet blocks in town and has asked us for ideas to decorate/screen them They are happy to pay for this service but need us to put forward some prototypes Any shedder with design ideas, here is your big chance to make a difference at the beach Please contact us

Subs are now due at $30 per member If you want to use the machinery in the shed, you must be a paid-up member; otherwise, you are not insured under our

liability insurance So, unfortunately, no subs, no entry to the workshop You can still come for coffee and a chat, as that’s part of our core existence Our account number is “Waihī Beach Menz Shed 060473-0447945-00” Just organise a payment today, making sure your name is in the “Ref ” column or drop in and see us Friday or Tuesday and leave us a sealed envelope Nudge nudge, wink wink

Also, the committee has approved the door entry combination to be changed every year to accommodate financial members only

The rules have changed around the health and safety induction on our ma-

chinery You are now not fully inducted until you have used the said machinery under supervision We have a list of shedders who have been introduced to specific machinery, but you are now required to operate this initially under supervision To get signed off, please see the two Keiths who attend the shed on Tuesdays 9am to 3pm

If you haven’t yet seen the NZ Herald Local Focus doco, Hanging Out At The Men’s Shed, visit https://tinyurl com/ menzshed It’s worth looking at just to see the bloke saying that he joined the Menz Shed just to keep his wife sane Cheers Keep warm out there

The colourful shawls called a kaleidoscope of butterflies PHOTO: Supplied

Scott Simpson MP for Coro

Recognising eco volunteers

By Shenagh Gleeson

The huge contribution made by volunteers in Ōmokoroa reserves was recognised last month at a gathering at the Ōmokoroa Sport and Recreation Pavilion social room

A total of 27 volunteers from ten different reserve groups attended the event organised by Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s volunteer coordinator Kate Loman-Smith on 12th July Similar events were held across the district as part of National Volunteer Week

Kate says the event was held to “celebrate and acknowledge great outcomes in local reserves, none of which would be possible without thousands of hours of volunteered time”

Such gatherings also offer opportunities for networking and other great ideas to be generated, she says Participants enjoyed afternoon tea provided by Council

Katikati prostate support group

By Rod Calver

The Prostate Cancer Foundation has a number of support groups all over NZ Katikati’s group meets every second month at 181 Park Road in Katikati This is the excellent facility at Summerset by the Sea The Tauranga group meets every month

The Foundation has a great website: www prostate org nz, where anyone can get information about prostate cancer, and they also operate an information line: 0800 660 800 When men first receive their prostate cancer diagnosis, there are lots of decisions to be made, and it is important that men and their partners are able to have all their

questions answered

Physiotherapy can play a very important part in the success of prostate cancer treatments It is important for men to seek physiotherapy advice before they have their treatments

At Mount Maunganui, men can attend a Prostfit exercise class held weekly In Katikati there is a Men with Cancer exercise class held on Thursday mornings at Habit Physio in the Medical Centre A very important component of these classes is the social time afterwards, where the men can chat over a coffee

For more information about The Prostate Support group, please phone Rod Calver: 027 590 9710 or Neil Harray: 027 384 6606

Reserve groups operating in and around Ōmokoroa are Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Incorporated, Friends of Crapp Reserve, Friends of Cooney Reserve, Friends of I’Anson Bush

Reserve, Friends of Te Puna Quarry Park, Ōmokoroa Rat Group, Ōmokoroa History Group, Ōmokoroa Bird Group, Friends of Kaimai Views, Ōmokoroa Moth Plant Project

Scott says

Opinion by Hon Scott Simpson

MP For

Coromandel

In every corner of the Western Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel electorate, there are countless volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making our communities better It can be a thankless task, but volunteering provides a terrific sense of purpose and allows people to see the positive impact that can be made through both large and small acts

One of the more unheralded volunteer groups is Justices of the Peace Often shortened to just the letters ‘JP’, many people don’t know about these folks until they need their services JPs can witness signatures, certify copies of documents, and take statutory declarations Most people need a JP at some point in their lives because their services are required in a lot of situations, such as withdrawing Kiwisaver funds

When you need a document certified, you realise that JPs are the very foundation stones of our entire justice system All the work they do is done by volunteers giving generously of their time and often over many years and sometimes several decades of public-spirited service It’s just a fantastic part of our society, and the ability to give back in this way was a huge reason why I became a JP before entering Parliament

If you need a Justice of the Peace, you can look them up online at justiceofthepeace org nz to see the available justices in our local area JPs are one of the many groups giving back to our communities We simply wouldn’t be able to function without our volunteers’ willingness to step up, give back and do their bit Thank you one and all

Funded by the Parliamentar y Ser vice

Authorised by Scott Simpson, 614 Pollen Street, Thames

Ōmokoroa reserve volunteers at a gathering held to recognise their work PHOTO: Supplied

Seventy solstice swimmers

Friends of Cooney

By Chris Cole Coordinator

The dramatic evolution of Cooney

Reserve continues to rocket upwards, from its dilapidated state of a few years ago to an amazing asset for the residents of Ōmokoroa A very sincere vote of thanks goes to our hardworking Western Bay of Plenty Reserves and Facilities Team Leader, Steven White

It is due to his persistence that the potholed and muddy Cooney carpark has been upgraded with a hard-seal surface, that the picnic tables and seats have been installed, and that, at last, the long-

By Liz Farrell

On Sunday 25th June, around seventy brave souls donned their togs and wet suits to take part in the third annual mid-winter solstice swim Many more spectators lined the Ōmokoroa Domain beach to watch and support

Organiser, Russell Oliver, gave a safety briefing for the uninitiated before everyone made their way into the water Some walked confidently; some threw themselves in with gusto Some tiptoed their way in with caution, took a quick dip then retreated to the beach A very few launched themselves in and had a good splash

Rick and Ron Peers from the Ōmokoroa Library of Things were on hand to sell hot soup as a fundraiser for their new venture, and Lizard News was once again pleased to offer a free hot drink at Skippers to all swimmers

Congratulations to Russell on his dedication to year-round swimming and for organising another successful solstice event

awaited toilet block has been installed

Thank you, Steven We are all very thrilled with the results

After many months of constant wetness, the eager volunteers of Friends of Cooney gathered together to plant in excess of one hundred shrubs and small trees We were delighted to welcome a number of Rotarians from the newly formed Rotary Club of Ōmokoroa who joined our planting bee

We planted a pūriri tree adjacent to the picnic tables Hopefully, it will provide suitable shade to picnickers in years to come

Organiser Russell Oliver briefs the swimmers

The new toilet block at Cooney Reserve PHOTOS: Supplied

Some stepped in gingerly, some launched themselves

Mark Lynch gives himself a thumbs up

PHOTOS: Liz Farrell

Chris Cole planting a pūriri tree next to the picnic tables

50 shades of gardening

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Gardens

The days are getting longer, and I was leafing through my latest delivery (under a plain paper wrapper) of 50 Shades of Gardening, a monthly magazine for those who want to get a bit of excitement back into their backyard

It turns out that BDSM (Big Digging, Swearing and Moaning) is so last century, and the vogue amongst garden influencers is for soil tickling

The idea is to mimic nature and drop organic matter onto your beds and growing areas just like Mother Nature does with leaves, fallen twigs and fly-by droppings from our avian friends

And there has been a change of attitude to what were once called weeds but are now “Botanical Heroes” with the preferred pronouns of “them and they”,

which has added to our morning joy as we tickle the heroes of bed 19 and pile on the mulch and compost and seaweed Weeds can be happily sliced through and left to rot as we tickle the surface in readiness for our new slug-resistant seedlings

After what seems like months of rain and wind, we’d be forgiven for planning next year ’ s crops around water chestnuts and rice paddies, but the news on the horizon is that our crusty friend El Niño is just on the horizon, and we can expect dry, drier and drought

I asked ChatGPT for some advice on planting for a drought, and the response in a nanosecond was to “consider beans, peas, pole beans, cowpeas, quinoa, mustard, okra, corn, grapes and Swiss chard ”

All are welcome on volunteer mornings, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9-12 Come for a cuppa and a tickle of the beds

The Old Library Ōmokoroa

By Alison Badger

How come we are already in the second half of the year? Matariki has come and gone, the days are beginning to lengthen and – fingers crossed – spring is on the way Here at TOLO, we have a new exhibition each month, and it seems no sooner have we installed a new display than the time is upon us to do it again

July saw the wonderful fun art of Heather Reynolds, an Ōmokoroa stalwart who, although now living in Rotorua, still maintains strong links with our community Entitled the ‘Fun Factory’ Heather’s innate sense of fun is clearly illustrated in her new style of spinning, blowing and throwing paint onto a canvas spinning on a turntable – as she says, “it’s great fun if somewhat messy ” Within the wonderful colour combinations, it is quite possible to see images within the paint, as some of us do when gazing at clouds or the flames of a fire

In August, we will have something

completely different One of our passions is to discover, celebrate and exhibit the creativity and – yes, sometimes downright weirdness – that exists within our talented community Not to give too much away, this display features a truly unique piece of art that has been seen on a worldwide stage but conceived, developed, constructed and made here, not only in New Zealand but right here in Ōmokoroa

Hot on August’s heels, in September, we will have our annual ‘Blue September’ focussing on six of our local male artisans, then ‘Pink October’ featuring the ladies November will focus on our younger artists and, in December, upcycled, recycled, re-invented, and transformed items of interest and pieces of art

If your hobby is to give something a second life, why not get in touch? Watch this space for more information, or pop in anytime Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm

Perceptual Motor Program

By Sue Morgan-French

Ōmokoroa No 1 School runs a PMP programme during Terms 2 and 3 for the junior school This involves five activity centres that the children participate in for up to five minutes each These stations need to be supervised, and we could not run this programme without the help of our wonderful parents

The Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) is a movement-based program which helps younger students improve their eye/hand and eye/foot coordination, fitness, balance, locomotion and eye-tracking skills

It aims to develop children’s perceptions and understandings of self through motor experiences It helps children to refine gross motor skills to prepare the brain for formal classroom learning

Strong gross motor skills are critical for the healthy development of children –physically, emotionally, and cognitively –and build their self-confidence

A perceptual-motor program at their level is a vital solution for enhancing their gross motor skills while simultaneously boosting their self-confidence

The children love these activities, and, I am sure, any parent who has helped supervise would recognise the difference it makes in these children, as do the classroom teachers Research shows that children with adequate perceptual-motor skills have more self-confidence, greater body awareness, and improved coordination, all of which help with success in and out of the classroom

With our roll growth and lack of spaces, it is getting harder to find places to assemble this programme, but because of outstanding parent support, we continue and know that when our new classrooms come, we will be back to better accommodation for our PMP

Once again, I cannot stress the importance of parental support for this programme Without these wonderful people, there would be no PMP programme

School Sustainability and Resilience Fund projects

In early 2023, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council received applications for its School Sustainability and Resilience Fund from schools, kura, kōhanga, kindergartens, early childhood education centres and other education organisations across the rohe

The fund aims to support schools and early childhood centres to carry out sustainable projects and prepare for the impacts of climate change and natural hazards

Each successful project was selected through a public voting round, while

a youth panel then voted for more projects once the public voting had closed

There was such an overwhelming response of applications that it was decided to increase the fund from $35,000 to $50,000 This meant the public had $35,000 to spend, while the Council’s Youth Panel team had another $15,000 to allocate

Toi Moana Community Engagement Team Leader Stephanie Macdonald says the Regional Council received 34 eligible projects this year, which were put out

to the community for voting

“More than 700 voters went in and selected their favourite projects for this year ’ s fund,” she says There were only 73 votes between the most-voted project and the least-voted project

Edible gardens, chicken coops, restoration, greenhouses, water play, sensory gardens, and hydroponics were examples of projects the different education providers sought sponsorship for

This year ’ s youth panel consisted of 16 young people between 12 and 24 years

old They had the opportunity to consider all the remaining projects and vote for them after the public voting had closed, bringing the total number of funded projects up to 16

Congratulations to all 16 successful applications in this year ’ s School Sustainability and Resilience Fund - including Waihī Beach School, for their Te Ohu Taiao - a sustainable seed library programme

For more information about the fund, and other successful projects, visit www boprc govt nz

Students participating in PMP with parent and teacher support PHOTOS: Supplied

Embracing change Katikati Art Group

By Kinsa Hays

Like many of us, Joyce Louis started painting when she retired because she had more time She always liked art at school and would get an A+ for her natural talent However, after leaving college, she worked in an office, and art faded into the background Joyce continued office work until she was 62 She paid off her house mortgage in Auckland and chose to move to newer fields in Pāpāmoa, nearer her family She joined The Mount Art Group

In 2010 she moved to Katikati and joined the Art Group here She just walked into the gallery and asked Val Helm who was there At the time, there were so many new applicants she had to wait six months to get in Not that she minded She was painting anyway, but bedrooms and walls in her new place

Joyce likes painting detailed scenes and children and prefers using oils “I used to do watercolours but became discouraged when a small mistake, which is hard to change, stuck out like a sore toe,” she laughed “So I changed to oils I only paint at the gallery on Thursdays with Val’s group ” Joyce is still painting at 85 and

feels lucky that her health is good

The gallery is on the right side of the Katikati Memorial Hall It’s open to the public most weekdays between 10am and 1pm Paintings are changed monthly and are curated by our talented Nelsy Jordan, who learned those skills while exhibiting with the Waikato Society of Arts

The Katikati Art Group is holding their exciting annual exhibition in the Memorial Hall from 29th September to 3rd October this year Don’t miss the new works members have created.

By Stephane Skowronski

In the French Alps near Grenoble, we led fulfilling lives Cathy organised outdoor activities for children, while I, Stephane, worked as an engineer However, my passion for yoga led me to make a drastic career change ten years ago, becoming a yoga teacher after a four-year training course.

Five years ago, we visited New Zealand and fell in love with its mindset, landscapes, and the welcoming nature of its people We decided to relocate, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to wait until August 2022 to arrive in Auckland with our two children, Matthieu (11) and Denis (13), accompanied by their courageous grandmother

Cathy found a position as a project manager in a civil engineering consulting firm in Tauranga, prompting us to move to Ōmokoroa five months ago, a charming peninsula that captured our hearts We can easily explore the beautiful coastline on foot, bike, or sit on our terrace and enjoy the view

Although initially challenging for our children to leave their friends behind and adapt to a new country and language, they settled in well They attend the local school (OPS) within walking distance, have

made new friends, and are quickly improving their English skills

As we gradually integrate into the community, I am excited to begin offering Hatha Yoga classes at Settlers’ Hall (Thursdays 5 45pm) and the Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion (Mondays 6 45pm and Wednesdays 9am) These classes cater to individuals of all ages and genders, providing a comprehensive and progressive approach to enhancing overall health, encompassing the body, breath, and mind

Our journey to Ōmokoroa has shown us the significance of embracing change and finding fulfilment in new experiences We are grateful for our warm welcome and enthusiastic about contributing positively to our new community

Feel free to contact me on 022 477 3809, via email at yogameditationnz @gmail com or find more information on Facebook: mindful life yoga omokoroa

L-R: Matthieu Denis Stephane and Cathy Skowronski

PHOTO: Supplied

Joyce Louis Katikati Art Group member PHOTO: Supplied

Quick cr osswor d

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make, using each letter only once? No words beginning with a capital are allowed

Boobops open day

SERVICES SERVICES

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Lawn mowing green waste bags, hedging/ tree pruning, yard/garden tidy and large green waste removal Locally owned and operated ser vicing Omokoroa and surrounding areas All enquiries welcome

By Jude Butler

We are a breast cancer dragon boat team that has been on the water since 2003 and has improved over the years Our team trains at Sulphur Point in Tauranga three times a week in the summer and twice a week in winter

This is a great sport to try after breast cancer as it can give you a new purpose and a positive vibe with a group of ladies ranging in age from 38 to 80 who are all, literally, in the same boat

We support all ladies on and off the water, and the camaraderie is amazing We love to meet for coffee and exercise; we have a special bond

We are hosting an open day on 12th August at 11am at Sulphur Point, opposite the boat ramp on Keith Allen Drive

If you would like to meet some of the team and have a go at this fun sport, contact us at boobopsrock@gmail com or call Shelley on 022 126 7420, or just show up on the day Come and find out what we ’ re all about

Funding for more CCTV cameras available

Does your community need extra camera surveillance to enhance public safety?

Applications are now open for Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s CCTV Fund, with $50,000 available

The fund is designed to prevent crime and deter anti-social behaviour by adding to the growing network of CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras around the District

Council’s Operations Manager

Kerrie Little says it’s important that people feel safe in our District, and the CCTV Fund helps to achieve this

“We’re keen to work with the community to determine the most-needed locations for that added security

“So if there’s a blind spot that needs some surveillance in your neighbourhood, please put an application in ”

Kerrie says the fund has grown in popularity over its short life, with applications increasing from 2021 to 2022 Which means there will likely be some applications that miss out

“In the first two years of the fund, we ’ ve installed 17 new cameras around the rohe There have been some great applications that unfortunately missed out on the

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last funding rounds, so we’d love for those groups to consider reapplying this year ”

All applications will be considered by a panel including Councillors Rodney Joyce, Margaret Murray-Benge and Richard Crawford, Council’s Operations Manager Kerrie Little and a NZ Police representative

See westernbay govt nz/cctvfund for application forms and more information Applications close at 5pm, Thursday 10th August

Completed forms can either be emailed to info@westernbay govt nz (subject 2023 CCTV Fund) or dropped off at one of our library and service centres at Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Barkes Corner or Te Puke

Please note, applications to monitor private property will not be considered

The CCTV fund is an outcome of Council’s Long Term Plan 20212031, with our five Community Boards showing strong support for this initiative

The $50,000 fund runs for three years (total $150,000), with the last year being 2023. The continuation of the fund will be considered as part of the Long Term Plan 2024-34

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