Lizard News December 2017 by Lizard News

Lizard News DECEMBER 2017

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

More inside: Principal ready to go

Māori wards approved New Civil Defence plan

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FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

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newS and adveRTISIng 07 548 1200 matthew@lizardnews.net www.lizardnews.net Matthew Farrell News & Advertising 027 549 5410

Liz Farrell Accounts accounts@lizardnews.net cIRculaTIon 5,000 copies printed for:

AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA PAHOIA • TE PUNA WHAKAMĀRAMA

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ia ora. I notice that you use the macron over the Ō in Ōmokoroa. (I haven’t worked out how to make Google let me use the macron). That’s awesome and good on you for doing so. Why however does no one else use this correct spelling of the name of our town? We should be proud of the name and celebrate that it is part of the native language of our wonderful country. Not even the Western Bay of Plenty Council could get it right with their new signs. I seriously don’t understand it. Nor does the school I will be sending my kids to, nor does any business that I have noticed. Maybe it’s just an awareness issue. I know that there are far more substantial issues for us all than this, but just thought I would put my 5 cents worth in for tikanga Māori. I am moving to Ōmokoroa in January and will be doing my utmost to use the correct Māori pronunciation of “Oormor-kor-raw-ah” and “Tow-ruh-nga”, even with my Euro-centric perspective. Loving reading the Lizard News! Keep up the great work. Craig Grant. (Abridged. Macrons added for you, Craig! Liz)

ust a point of clarification regarding your recent story about the Precious Reserve Concept Plans (Lizard News, November). Council purchased the land in 1998 for $400,000 from the Precious Brothers, and it is now known as the Precious Reserve. Garry Webber.

am writing to inform you and the readers of the Lizard News that, with a heavy heart, I am leaving Ōmokoroa Dental Surgery to return to the UK. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Bay of Plenty and Zealand, the beautiful especially the Ōmokoroa peninsula with its welcoming community spirit. may be aware, I proAs some of you posed to my girlfriend in January this year on the Sydney Harbour Bridge where she excitedly said yes! We decided to get married in our hometown of sunny Newcastle in the UK. As a result, we planned that we would travel home for good in April 2018. This would allow us

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| lizard news | December 2017

David Reed.

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It’s street BBQ time By Paul Wrigley Community Constable t is the time of the year where people are looking forward to a break from the grind, but not before the obligatory end of year Christmas work function and BBQs for sports clubs and the like. These events are not always that enjoyable, often we end up talking about work anyway and invariably someone drinks too much and tells the boss what everyone has been thinking for the last 12 months. However, the event that always seems to run well and I have always enjoyed participating in, is the good old street BBQ. Often it is the case that one family grabs the bull by the horns and nominates their front garden/garage area as the BBQ area and drops a few invites either side of their home. And the neighbours always come, don’t they? They’re relieved someone else is prepared to open up their home. Everyone brings a plate and bottle of bubbly to share, we all stand around chatting about all sorts of topics, while the kids run amok all over the place. Somehow these events always work well, not too much is expected from anyone, you don’t have to drive anywhere, and you can come and go as you please. In my view, it is the one event that most builds a sense of community. So take the plunge, pick an evening, fire up the charcoals and cross your fingers for good weather. Your neighbours will be pleased you did.

Pahoia School

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time to settle in the North East of England and to attend to the preparations for the wedding later that year. However, the management at Ōmokoroa Dental Surgery preferred an earlier change of personnel so that they can create a more long-term, consistent staff. It is a business decision I accept and understand. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the patients I have worked with here at Ōmokoroa. Every one of them has been a delight to serve. It was a privilege to help my patients regain oral health – and often a long-lost sense of confidence. I am leaving with a tinge of sadness, but also with a lot of good memories of wonderful people. Thank you. I wish you good dental health in the future. David Reed.

everal local police officers including Community Constable Paul Wrigley visited Pahoia School on Wednesday 15th November. The Blue Light Bangers managed to serve 200 children, including some of them for second helpings, in around 45 minutes! Principal Mike McKee says the children really appreciated this special visit.

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Coastal Challenge raises $9,000 for sports pavilion By Liz Farrell espite threatening rain and last minute changes to avoid too much mud underfoot, the third Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge saw record numbers participate in the seven events at Western Avenue. From babies in pushchairs and dog walkers to serious athletes who were pretty inspiring to watch, the full range of ages and abilities turned out. What organisers describe as “a modest fun run in 2015” is now a thriving multisport event, attracting entrants from all over the North Island. This year saw 468 entrants competing in the short and long duathlons, 2km fun run, and the 5km and 10km running and walking events. This is almost double the 240 who participated in 2016. Although fantastic for the organisers’ fundraising intentions, it did mean some people were disappointed by an early close of registrations. More participants meant more money raised and the OCC group were happy to announce approximately $9,000 from the event will be donated to the new sports pavilion project.

The team that organised the Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge is Monique Geraghty, Simone Rose, Tammy Bruce, Ron Peers, Melissa van Heerden and Catherine McDonald. They put in hundreds of hours of their own time, and deserve tremendous praise for their time, effort and enthusiasm. Congratulations to all participants, spectators, marshals, sponsors and stall holders. The community spirit shown by everybody was a reminder what a great area we live in and made for a fun day for all. The organisers wish to acknowledge Lynley Park, Ōmokoroa General Carriers and Ōmokoroa Boat Club who each generously donated $250 towards the prize pool. Also to Kevin Blincoe for his help with sponsorship of prizes. Finally, big thanks to the principal sponsors who made the event possible: BaseUp Contracting Ltd, Rachel Millard from Tall Poppy Real Estate Ōmokoroa, Classic Builders, Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa and Healthquarters. We look forward to the next event with anticipation - mouse-click at the ready to get those registrations in nice and early.

The duathlon participants’ bikes racked up, ready for the event.

Duathlon competitors. PHOTOS: Olivia Desset & Melissa van Heerden.

10km athletes racing off at the start of their event.

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December 2017 | Lizard News |

News in brief... Depression, anxiety, and bipolar are more common than you may think. Thankfully, there is a growing evidence base of positive outcomes from peer support. If you have personal experience, it can be helpful to know you are not alone. Come along for a free cuppa and meet others in the community who can sit alongside you, as we support one another to fully live a good quality of life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a public environment and isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t designed for in-depth discussion of health and illness for safety reasons. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about having respect and understanding towards all involved and how they may be feeling. The next Mondays are 18th December and 29th January at Ĺ&#x152;mokoroa Community Church on Hamurana Road from 11am-noon. Come along and say hello. can be contacted Matthew on 027 549 5410 and matthewjfarrell@xtra.co.nz

Dog owners are being alerted to the danger of the weed, barley grass, in both the Walnut Grove Reserve and Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve in Ĺ&#x152;mokoroa. The triple seed heads, or awns, easily stick to pet hair and fur. They are held together by a sharp-pointed barb which can quickly pass through the skin and invade the body, causing sores or lameness. The ears and toes are the most commonly affected area in dogs. The worst problems are caused when awns travel deep into the body and cause hidden infections requiring invasive surgery.

Entries are now open for the Trustpower Photographic Competition and close Tuesday 9th January. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $10,000 worth of prizes and a wide range of categories to enter. The winning photos will be exhibited outdoors on The Strand in January 2018. This is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate our region and the creative talent within it. See downtowntauranga.co.nz for full details.

A new initiative mapping the Western Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than 200 social service agencies is underway. Funded by SociaLink and SmartGrowth, the project will give the public and organisations a database of whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing what and the issues theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With over 220 agencies providing hundreds of services around housing,

| Lizard News | December 2017

domestic violence, poverty, health and mental health in the Western Bay of Plenty, the time is right to improve our understanding and awareness of the social sector network,â&#x20AC;? says SociaLinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Manager Liz Davies.

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SUMMER SERVICES

93% of the Bay of Plentyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshwater bodies are swimmable says the Regional Council. However thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increased pressure on resources, a decline in water quality, climate change, funding issues, loss of kai and overallocation in some areas. A recent SmartGrowth Leadership Group workshop considered Western Bay perspectives on freshwater. This summer, check out lawa.org.nz if you want to know whether a river, stream or lake is rated as swimmable.

2017/2018 Omokoroa Library & Service Centre Hours DECEMBER Fri 22 December 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11.30am

JANUARY Mon 1 & Tues 2 January CLOSED

Sat 23 December 9.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 noon

A er these dates, regular hours resume.

Mon 25 & Tues 26 December CLOSED

The owners of Beached of Blue say they had a good response and some useful feedback from their pop-up restaurant evenings over Labour Weekend. Debbie Fielding says they formally opened for Friday and Saturday night dining on 10th November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Labour Weekend was a good experience for us. We have a new kitchen, new chefs Will and Chad, and Hannah has joined us a baker,â&#x20AC;? she says. Debbie says theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken some time to work out what was needed regarding staffing and the menu. The Friday and Saturday evening restaurant will now continue through the summer.

A new facility in Ĺ&#x152;mokoroa is opening to mixed opinions. With high capacity and high-performance washers and dryers, The Laundry Room seems to be something people either canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to use or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so excited,â&#x20AC;? says Sarah Aldridge, who looks after a local bach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to do everything at one time - no more waiting for the house machine to do load after load, when guests have leftâ&#x20AC;?. Other people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the need and wonder if there will be enough demand. In other parts of the country, it is popular with working families as a higher amount of washing can be done in a shorter time - making for a good time vs cost value. It is a cashless facility. Instead of being coin-operated, customers purchase (and top up) cards from Fresh Choice supermarket. I, for one, am looking forward to giving the summer bedsheets a freshen up. I might even wash the curtains - Liz.

Omokoroa Greenwaste Drop-oďŹ&#x20AC; Hours DECEMBER & JANUARY Wednesdays and Saturdays 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm

Barkes Corner Head OďŹ&#x192;ce Hours DECEMBER Fri 22 December 8am - 12 noon Mon 25 & Tues 26 December CLOSED JANUARY Mon 1 & Tues 2 January CLOSED A er these dates, regular hours resume.

For enquiries please phone 0800 926 732 or see www.westernbay.govt.nz

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Who is Civil Defence? Well, we all are! hen disaster strikes, it is the community which is first to respond and lend a hand. This help comes from neighbours, community groups, sports clubs and volunteer organisations like Neighbourhood Support and Salvation Army. No one knows a community better than the people that live and work in it, and this is why the Ōmokoroa community has come together to develop a plan. Fortunately, the Ōmokoroa community has no shortage of champions ready to roll up their sleeves and get organised.

The Ōmokoroa Community Board along with local schools, businesses and churches are working together to develop a plan for how the community might come together to support each other when an emergency happens. Called the Ōmokoroa Community Response Plan, it covers how the community plans to self-activate and respond in the initial stages of a large-scale emergency (primarily for the first 72 hours). The Ōmokoroa Community Response Team have been working hard to develop a Community Guide to Emergen-

cies which you will find enclosed in this edition of the Lizard News and available at your local library, Western Bay of Plenty District Council offices and online at www.omokoroabeach.co.nz The Community Guide to Emergencies has been delivered to every household to promote preparedness and inform residents about their local tsunami evacuation zones. It also hoped that the guide would encourage residents to participate in the Community Response Team and come together before an emergency happens. Emergency Management Advisor Naomi Luckett says Ōmokoroa is a highly proactive community.

“It’s great to be working with such an engaged community. As April's rain proved, Ōmokoroa, like many communities in the Bay of Plenty, is vulnerable to some risks. It's important these are considered, then planned and prepared for. I encourage everyone to become familiar with the Community Response Plan, get along to a local meeting and find out how you might be able to support the community” says Miss Luckett. To get in touch with your local community response team and find out how you can be involved in the development of the plan and an emergency response email emergency@omokoroabeach.nz Article supplied.

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade By Ian Blunt t’s been another quiet fortnight for the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade with only one callout. This was to Whakamārama Garage on Monday 20th at around 5.30pm. A suspected workshop fire turned out to be rubbish being burnt in a drum behind the building. Smoke was rising above the roofline, giving the impression the building was on fire; it being called in by a passing motorist.

Bramley Drive after the April slips. PHOTO: Murray Grainger.

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The First Responders were called on four occasions, firstly at 8.30pm on Friday 10th to Kaylene Place, a sick person needing treatment. The following morning at 4.00am, the team responded to Hamurana Road, a person suffering chest pains. Wednesday the 15th at around 9.00pm saw a response to a person suffering from breathing problems. On the 16th at about 6 am, the team responded to an Ōmokoroa Road patient suffering from severe abdominal pain.

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Start your engines! By Matthew Farrell he grass was undoubtedly browner on the other side of the safety fence, after another successful Lawn Mower Racing Gala at Ōmokoroa No. 1 School. The school’s annual major fundraising event, in its 14th year, took place on Sunday 19th November. Last year, an estimated crowd of 7,000 people contributed to a $74,000 turnover of which $49,000 was profit. It was the last Mower Day as an organiser for retiring principal Chris Broadhurst. “It was started by a parent who was a builder from Wellington, who’d seen or read about a similar event in England. The first year was basically ride-ons with blades still attached, and just one modified go-kart mower which was disqualified,” says Chris. “That first year we had maybe 200 people. There was a women's race with stations where competitors had to stop and multi-task by answering a phone call, peg panties on a washing line, and peel potatoes. It was funny at the time, but looking back it was pretty sexist by today's standards,” he smiles. Racing is now governed by the New Zealand Lawn Mower Racing Association, with various classifications and scrutineers. “We see 30 or 40 highly modified racing machines with top speeds of 70 to 80 kph. Because it was the first such event in the country, Ōmokoroa still hosts the

end of season presentations as the final event of the calendar. We’ve got a bit of a name for it now,” says Chris. Apart from the loud, full-on mower racing - there were the usual favourites of raffles, pre-loved clothes, books, toys, household items, and the Bay’s biggest silent auction. There was also a host of attractions to enjoy including Oceania helicopter rides, Higgins drive-a-digger, foam sword fights with a medieval knight, sumo suit wrestling and Bay of Plenty Pipes and Drums performed for the crowds.

After some early showers, the crowds came out to support Mower Day.

Bay of Plenty Pipes and Drums were a popular spectacle for racegoers.

Mike (#97) leading the field on his way to a victory in the heats.

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| Lizard News | December 2017

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The view from the principal’s desk By Matthew Farrell he outgoing principal of Ōmokoroa No. 1 School says while there’s always been a need to think ahead, the projected growth of the community is going to pose significant challenges. When Chris Broadhurst took up the reins in 1997, he says there were six teachers and “just on” a hundred pupils. Now there are about 315 children at the school, on the corner of Emeny Road and Plummers Point Road. He says influxes from South Africa then England have been followed by more Aucklanders. “We have five-year and ten-year property plans. With plenty of green space, we expect to be targeted for expansion by the Ministry of Education. However, car parking is chaotic in the afternoons and the logistics of staggered class times may have to be considered,” he says. From Nelson, and a student of Christchurch Teachers College (Class of ‘70), his first year of teaching was at Avondale School which has since been lost in the earthquake. He then moved to Ashburton. He taught at Tinwald School (‘72-’73) and was a founding teacher at Ashburton Intermediate (‘74-’86), where he became a senior teacher. Chris enjoyed the responsibility and wanted to “have a go” at being a principal. His first job as a principal meant a move to the North Island and a twoteacher school at Te Miro (‘87-’93) in the Waikato, between Cambridge and Morrinsville. He was then Deputy Principal at Hamilton West (‘94-’96) before settling in Ōmokoroa. “The school needed attention, but it was great to have the opportunity to create something I maybe had at the back of my mind when I started. Environmental stuff; replacing the swimming pool and building the dome, for example,” Chris says. There was the opportunity to bring the community into the school more, as coaches and managers of sports teams as well as elected members of the Board of Trustees. “The seven Boards I’ve worked with over the years have been fantastic. They don’t hold you back; they’re supportive and encouraging,” he says. “The one thing we do lack here is cultural diversity, with just 3% Māori and a few Asian and Indian students. We’ve

L-R: (back) Sydney Williams, Emily van Breda, Chris Broadhurst, Finn Keen, Devon Donohue, (front) Ella Ryan, Toby McGuffie & Rhett Hollis.

been introducing more Te Reo and kapa haka. And we don’t know what’s around the corner with technology or how much to invest,” says Chris. He has worked at all levels in schools but says he most enjoys the two-way communication with the Year 7 and 8 students. Some things never change. “I have only ever suspended one kid from school, and he still calls me Mr Broadhurst. They all do really. You notice it on Mower Day when former pupils often come back,” he says. As for the lows, Chris says the school has lost four ex-pupils in his time to accidents or illness, and a teacher’s death this year showed the best in people. “That’s when the community comes together; we have such neat families. Our staff have a level playing field and support one another. I will also miss the collegiality between our local cluster of rural schools,” he says. His maths extension class posed for a photo opportunity and thanked him out of habit as they left the room, even though a lesson hadn’t taken place. He loves that. “I have already been offered a new job as a bus driver for special needs students, which may also involve some driving of tourists from cruise ships. But I am

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keen to remain a maths tutor from home. We’ll see what comes along,” says Chris. Whether it’s cycling, walks around the Mount, or bathroom renovations - he says he’s ready to retire, but it won’t be to vegetate in front of the television. “I also enjoy working on my machinery. I was repairing my 1955 Massey Ferguson 28 with a new clutch until 11

o’clock last night,” he grins. “I adapted when I came here. I guess I will adjust to having more time on my hands. My wife Bridget, the head of Year 7 and 8, will continue for a few more years.” Chris says from what he knows about the incoming principal, Craig Pentecost, the place will be in good hands.

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an MSc degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. As a child with a chipped front tooth who was teased a lot, it was a huge relief for him when he got his tooth fixed and finally felt confident enough to open his mouth and smile again. But his career path took a few turns before he decided on dentistry and then found his passion for endodontics. Though always wanting to be a doctor, he first studied pharmacy before choosing dentistry. At one point he realised that many teeth that were extracted could be saved by performing root canal treatment. “Today, with better materials and better imaging systems the outcome of root canal treatment is much more predictable, and the procedure is much more comfortable for the patient”, says Imran. In January 2017 he moved to Tauranga with his wife and two children to be closer to his brother in Auckland and his mother and sister in Fiji. Imran looks forward to helping his patients in Ōmokoroa to smile with confidence. “Your smile is your signature,” is his credo. Article supplied.

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Sandbar catches another By Matthew Farrell family group of three were fortunate to escape injury as their boat hit the sandbar on the way back to Ōmokoroa, after attending a tangi on Matakana Island last month. Unfortunately, the Bonito capsized and mostly sank, despite the best efforts of ferry operator Glen Proctor to help pull the stricken craft onto the older of his two barges. The barge then towed the sunken boat back to the Ōmokoroa boat ramp, and the tip of its bow was tied to the wharf. As I arrived, Sonny Moetū told me he had merely turned in a little too soon and run aground. Apart from being shocked, thankfully he, his wife and daughter were unharmed.

Unluckily his keys, wallet and phone had gone down with the boat, so the delayed salvage effort impacted on their intended journey back to Wellington on Monday 13th November. A tractor arrived on the 4.30 pm ferry from Matakana as the tide was going out, to help tow the Bonito back to shore and onto its trailer.

High-speed broadband progressing ore Ōmokoroa residents are seeing the ground works underway to introduce the Government’s Ultra-fast Fibre Broadband network to the community, as the fibre ducts are installed under footpaths. This is part of the second wave of fibre installation by UFF, which has already completed deployment of a 3,000kilometre fibre optic network to eight central North Island cities and towns. UFF Chief Executive, William Hamilton, says the expanded network footprint has created a lot of interest from the towns which have benefitted.

“We know these smaller communities can hardly wait to be connected. We would love to deliver fibre to everyone immediately, but we do have a building programme to work through, stretching out for the next year or so,” says Mr Hamilton. Ōmokoroa is one of three smaller areas on the North Island to see the early benefit of the second stage expansion along with Ngaruawahia, north of Hamilton and Stratford in Taranaki. Katikati was also selected for Ultrafast Fibre deployment, along with Huntly, Kihikihi, Raglan, Eltham, Inglewood, Waitara, Putaruru, and Te Puke.

Perseverance, ingenuity and teamwork brought the Bonito ashore. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

Efforts to drag the Bonito up onto the barge were unsuccessful. PHOTO: Bruce Murdoch.

Ultrafast Fibre contactors, Bay Directional Digging, working to install fibre ducts in Haden Place, Ōmokoroa, with fencing and environmental controls in place.

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Local estuary part of national study By Matthew Farrell mokoroa is one of two sites in Tauranga Moana where scientists are researching the effect of nutrient and sediment runoff, the two most important stressors affecting our coasts. They want to know if there’s a “tipping point” at which excess nitrogen can’t be processed naturally by the marine ecosystem, and how different amounts of runoff affect biodiversity. In total, there are 24 test sites in 15 estuaries and harbours spanning a range of sediment input conditions from Whāngārei to Southland. The other place in Tauranga Harbour is in the northern estuary, north of Katikati. The sites are mid-tide, accessible from the shore or by a small boat, sandy with a small amount of mud, and have abundant wedge shells, or hanikura. Sandflats are also an important source of kaimoana and provide nursery habitats and food for birds and fish. The shallow burial of small amounts of slow release fertiliser in February simulated the impact of more land-derived nutrients from intensive agriculture entering the estuary. I met Prof Conrad Pilditch of the University of Waikato’s School of Science in Ōmokoroa last month. He says field experiments provide real-world data. “The aim isn’t to make the sediment toxic, just to give the seabed ecosystem a nudge so we can assess its efficiency in processing nutrients. It’s a lower amount of nitro-

| Lizard News | December 2017

gen than you might put on a lawn or garden over a very small area. This will increase our understanding of how the ecosystem functions and ultimately contribute to better management than we have at present.” Conrad says a research team from numerous agencies returned to the sites in November to take samples and check on thermometers and light sensors. “We’ve been measuring plant growth and the release/uptake of nutrients, as well as taking a small volume of sediment to count worms and shellfish,” he says.

Conrad says subtle, but cumulative impacts can profoundly change marine ecosystems, rapidly altering the way they function and putting at risk the many benefits we enjoy from the sea including fishing and recreation. “We need to move forward with the science required to assess the risk of these profound changes before they happen - to identify what activities are likely to cause the changes and what parts of the ecosystem are likely to be most affected,” says Conrad. The multi-agency study includes scientists and students from the National In-

stitute of Water and Atmospheric Research and the Universities of Auckland, Waikato, Canterbury, and Otago. Their research is part of Sustainable Seas, a $31m, five-year program and one of eleven National Science Challenges funded by central government. Conrad says the Ōmokoroa site, just off the peninsula near a new residential zone, is interesting because it has a higher number of tributaries and therefore more sediment than some other locations. Previous research in Tauranga Harbour has included swan grazing in Ōmokoroa.

L-R: University of Waikato MSc student Grady Petersen, PhD student Vera Rullens, and PhD student Steph Mangan sampling plots in Ōmokoroa.

lizardnews.net

Inclusive vote acknowledged for bravery

By Matthew Farrell estern Bay of Plenty councillors have voted 9-3 in favour of introducing one or two Māori wards at the 2019 and 2022 local body elections. Mayor Garry Webber says heading into a post-Treaty of Waitangi settlement environment; it is clear Māori should be represented around the Council table. “Our differences should enrich our decision-making process. Change is inevitable, but it takes work - and relationships are the same. “We have 11 iwi and 74 hapū within our rohe, and while no representation system is perfect, it needs to represent the people it affects. Today’s bold step by Council recognises this and paves the way for fairer representation,” says Garry. The mayor pointed to similar Local Electorate Act reviews in the Whakatāne and Manawatū districts and at Palmerston North City Council. Māori wards are already established in Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Councils while Wairoa District Council will have Māori wards at the 2019 elections, as a result of a public poll. Before the vote, Christina Humphries of Katikati described it as an undemocratic, backdoor way of being elected which appeared fashionable but is outdated. Norm Mayo of Katikati told the meeting Māori are a wonderful race capable of being elected on merit, and it was sad to see apartheid in reverse. However, Maria Horne (Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū) identified a clear lack of Māori representation amid issues needing to be addressed. “With the increasing economic influence as a result of Treaty settlements, there’s an opportunity for the whole district to benefit from improved relationships,” she says.

A lot of Ōmokoroa talk

By Matthew Farrell ainly if you live in Ōmokoroa, you could be forgiven if you are a little confused about Council consultation. There’s quite a lot going on at the moment across the Western Bay district as a whole, and the peninsula in particular - but you can still have some say. You have until Friday 8th December to comment on the Ōmokoroa Structure Plan. This is the long-term framework to guide about 40 years of future growth from 3,000 people to 12,000 by around 2060. Two open days were held late last month at the Community Church. Meanwhile, consultation has just closed on the Draft Ōmokoroa Community Plan. This represents the community’s views on how Ōmokoroa should look, and includes a list of priorities for the “near future”. The Final Ōmokoroa Community Plan is now being produced. Lizard News aims to keep you informed. There’s also the WBoPDC’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028 review. Phase two of the consultation ended on Tuesday 31st October. Feedback is being analysed and the statutory phase - the final stage of engagement - will happen around March 2018.

Reon Tuanau says it’s a brave stand by Mayor Garry Webber and he asks the people of the district also to be brave and give tangata whenua a chance.

Reon Tuanau (Ngāi Te Rangi) says Māori wards provide a chance to redesign the relationship between Council and tangata whenua to one of equity, fairness and mutual respect leading to more robust debates. “Representation will make this partnership meaningful and sustainable,” says Reon. Kevin Tohiariki (Te Whānau o Tauwhao) says far from being undemocratic, Māori wards allow a minority to have one or two seats at a table of 12 which is proportional representation. “We already have geographicallybased wards and electorates in New Zealand. Māori wards will help to counter separatism by better representing all of the people of the district, in line with the Treaty of Waitangi.” Cllr Mike Lally was ropeable, angrily describing Māori wards as divisive. Cllr Kevin Marsh felt it was unfair that three of his seven grand-children without Māori blood wouldn’t get the opportunity to stand in Māori wards. Cllr Margaret Murray-Benge encouraged Māori to take the risk of standing for election under the existing system and wouldn’t support “patronising” wards. Cllr Mark Dean, however, says Māori wards allow a voice to enable future decisions to be made avoiding confrontation. “What better way to consult with iwi than having them around the table?” he asked to applause from the mainly Māori audience.

Cllr David Marshall admitted having educated himself about the Council’s legal and Treaty responsibilities during the review. “The more I have learned about Māori humility; I have changed my view towards ensuring this representation happens. It is essential, and it’s far better for iwi to be elected than appointed,” says David. Cllr Peter Mackay perhaps unintentionally got a few laughs and some applause too. “My ancestors were about as rednecked as they get, but the time has come for Māori representation. I’ll be

voting for it and encouraging my colleagues to do the same,” says Peter. Another converted during the debate was John Scrimgeour. “In the past, I was opposed. Even a few weeks ago I saw this as a process with risks, but these presentations and talks have made me realise how important this is to Māori.” Anthony Wihapi (Ngāti Moko), the presiding chairperson of the Council’s Tauranga Moana / Te Arawa ki Takutai Partnership Forum, says democracy, as it stands without Māori wards, is merely the tyranny of majority rule. “We are grateful for this vote. I have been here since my waka arrived 1000 years ago, before the Magna Carta. Today you have opened to door to me to representation, for me to be around the table,” Anthony says. After formalities concluded, Carlton Bidois of Ngāti Ranginui, acknowledged the Western Bay for a monumental shift in thinking. “This took leadership. It took balls because this issue could affect some of these councillors getting re-elected. The problem is that democracy doesn't work for the minority. Councils are an agent of the Crown whether they like it or not,” says Carlton. His view is that the next logical step would be to create two Māori wards, one for Tauranga Moana and the other for Te Arawa. If five percent or more of the District’s electors demand a poll, the issue will be determined by a public vote.

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your

Breakfast with the Birds

SUMMER SERVICES

2017/2018 Katikati Library & Service Centre Hours DECEMBER Fri 22 December 8am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11.30am

By Barbara McGillivray Chairperson he future is in her hands! Lana Wheatleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dazzling smile as she was introduced to an Auckland tree wÄ&#x201C;tÄ , was one of the many highlights of the second Breakfast with the Birds event hosted by Aongatete Forest Project. A light drizzle didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dampen the spirits of 60 guests who joined AFP volunteers for an overnight stay at Aongatete Lodge. The guests were treated to a delicious meal, then surprised and delighted to be introduced to Millie the rat eradicating terrier, by her owner and work partner Scott Sambell.

Sun 24 to Tues 26 December CLOSED JANUARY Mon 1 & Tues 2 January CLOSED

Sat 23 December 9am - 12 noon

Katikati Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre Hours Lana Wheatley meets a tree wÄ&#x201C;tÄ .

DECEMBER Fri 22 December 8am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11.30am

JANUARY Mon 1 January CLOSED

Sat 23 December 9am - 2pm

Tues 2 January 10am - 2pm

Sun 24 to Tues 26 December CLOSED

Apart from these dates, routine hours apply.

Katikati Recycling Centre Hours DECEMBER Sat 23 December 9am - 4pm Sun 24 December 9am - 12 noon Mon 25 to Weds 27 December CLOSED Thurs 28 December 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm

Sat 3o December 9am - 4pm Sun 31 December 9am - 12 noon JANUARY Mon 1 to Weds 3 January CLOSED Thurs 4 January 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm

Fri 29 December CLOSED

A er these dates, routine hours resume: SUMMER Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday CLOSED Thursdays 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 noon Saturdays 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Sundays 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 noon

When it was truly dark - warmly clad and armed with torches - four groups headed into the bush, each lead by an expert invertebrate specialist. Initial creepy crawly fear was soon replaced by a fascination for the world of spiders, wÄ&#x201C;tÄ , millipedes and many more invertebrates which thrive in the Aongatete Forest. The dawn chorus was spine-tingling! First the tĹŤÄŤ, then the bellbird began singing as they heralded the new day but it was what came next which amazed even local environmentalist, Dr Ian McLean. For 15 minutes, five or six North Island robin sang raucously all around the guests in the clearing. Not to be outdone two kererĹŤ flew over, their fine white breasts in full mating display. We are fortunate to live so close to the Aongatete Forest where dedicated volunteers carry out rat and possum control. This means it is still possible to hear a dawn chorus and get close up to huge wÄ&#x201C;tÄ and spiders. Sadly the rest of the Kaimai Range is plagued by introduced pests and is now largely silent. If you would like to know more about how you can help Aongatete Forest Project to keep the dawn chorus singing, find us on Facebook and at aongateteforest.org

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Tauranga Northern Link moving forwards he NZTA says it is pleased to confirm the specimen design phase of the Tauranga Northern Link (TNL) is almost complete and the Agency has submitted the information required for the resource consents needed for construction. Over the past nine months the project team, including consultants Bloxam Burnett and Olliver, have undertaken investigations and prepared designs to ensure the new road can be built within the designated footprint. At the same time, the team has also gathered the information needed to support the resource consents process. NZTA says this has kept the project on

The trial embankment being created.

track for its construction phase. What is known as a pre-load trial has been taking place on flat land between Wairoa Road and Wairoa River. This part of the design process helps engineers to learn how the ground in the area behaves. Pre-loading involves stabilising the ground layer-by-layer to ensure a stable platform for construction, as well as a relatively flat and even road surface. Building a road requires a firm base. Adding layers of dirt fill over a period of time compresses the soil underneath, and reduces the risk of sinking in the future. The trial uses fill to build an embankment and includes the installation of erosion and sediment controls. Bulldozers compact the fill and cover it with hay mulch to stabilise the embankment faces and lower the risk of dust. The 12-month embankment trial will be inspected and monitored regularly looking at the amount and rate of compression of the ground. Once tests have finished, the embankment will be removed. In September, the primary resource consents for the project were lodged with Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The resource consents will specify the conditions under which the Northern

Link must be built and will authorise things like construction of the bridge over the Wairoa River, earthworks and stormwater discharge. NZTA says the resource consent applications are supported by ecological, archaeological and hydrological assessments, and dust management, erosion and sediment control plans. The Council will notify the public of the resource consent applications, and they will be open for submissions. If submissions are received, a hearing may be held. Decisions on the consents are

Waihi Road

TO TAURANGA

compared with the normal process of years. While it doesn’t provide for appeals, a full process of consultation and hearings is planned. The 280ha of land is said to have the potential for about 3,000 homes. Following the change to the Regional Policy Statement, the land needs to be rezoned, and infrastructure put in place to support the development. You can read more about the Tauriko West development at taurikofortomorrow.co.nz Article courtesy of Priority One.

15th Avenue

Tauranga Northern Link Otumoetai Road

Bethlehem Road

15th Avenue connection to Takitimu Drive Toll Road BETHLEHEM

Te Puna Station Road

Cambridge Road

TNL / Takitimu Drive Toll Road roundabout

Moffat Road

Te Puna Road Clarke Road

Wairoa Road

Wairoa Rriver bridge

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Cambridge Road overbridge

Te Mete Road Loop Road

Wairoa Road overbridge Minden Road

Minden Road interchange

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Section of nearby Tauriko housing development to be fast-tracked 280ha area of the proposed residential development at Tauriko West, which lies between SH29 and the Wairoa River, was to be fasttracked after approval was given by the Building and Construction Minister. This follows an application by Tauranga City Council, Western Bay District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to speed up the development under the new streamlined planning process - put in place under the RMA to help councils keep up with growth rates. The streamlined process will enable the Regional Policy Statement to be changed over a period of months, as

anticipated by early 2018. The overall existing designation for the highway and the conditions applying to it were established in 2001 and remain unchanged. There will be minor alterations to the designation, but this isn't affected by the resource consents process. If you are interested, you can read the application summary on the NZTA’s website, from where the information for this article was sourced by Lizard News. The project is currently on track to issue the Design and Construct contract in 2018.

TAURANGA NORTHERN LINK

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New hole a hit for members By Mark Middleton Club Captain ast month saw the official opening of the re-designed Number 11 hole at Ōmokoroa Golf Club by our Mayor Garry Webber. The hole was redesigned by Dave Graham from Bay Shaping Ltd to minimise golf balls straying into neighbouring properties of a new subdivision, developed by the Rowe family in Western Avenue. The work took six months to complete, and we now have a very testing two-tier green together with two bunkers guarding the front of the green - as well as new

cart paths along both sides of the hole. Many club members spent a considerable time helping out on this project on a voluntary basis, and they along with some of our current club champions were invited to be amongst the first to use the new hole. The Mayor was the first to tee off, but Jonny Smith was the only club member who managed to hit the green on day one. Pink Leow’s photo shows Jonny Smith, Dave Graham of Bay Shaping, Alan Nicholls, course convenor Jonathan Lewis, and head greenkeeper Nathan Kerr.

Small Schools Athletics Day

Te Puna Hall facing further delays By Beth Bowden he Te Puna Hall Committee held its annual general meeting, the second one without a Hall to have it in, on Monday 13th November. It was excellent to see some community support. The mood, however, was sober, since we had just received the advice that an appeal had been lodged against the Commissioner’s decision, approving the proposed site of the new Hall. This means a further delay while a case is prepared and put before the Environment Court. There is no expectation of a hearing before April 2018. Chair George Butler gave a brief report outlining the activities and efforts the Hall Committee had

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made in the past twelve months to influence the protracted processes involved in the initial hearing. He expressed disappointment that the Committee was still unable to focus its attention on the work of creating a new community amenity to replace the one now lost. Nevertheless, the society is in a good financial position and is in good heart for taking the project forward as soon as this becomes feasible. The meeting was advised that proceedings were going forward under the new Rules agreed to last year, and the present set of members were elected unopposed to the body now known as the Executive Committee. They are George

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Butler, Chair; Rosaleen Holmes, Treasurer; Dorothy Butt, Secretary; and committee members Jo Gravit, John Butt and Beth Bowden. As well as including public input (although no voting rights) for anyone who lives in the Hall’s area of interest, the new Rules allow for people to become active members by writing to the Committee. Active members will be a useful resource as the new build gets underway – and meanwhile, anyone interested is encouraged to find out more by going to the register of incorporated societies at societies.govt.nz and searching using the Hall Society’s registration number, 595721, or call Rosaleen on 552 6291.

he Year 4 to 6 Small Schools Athletics Day was held at Western Avenue in Ōmokoroa on Thursday 9th November. PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell.

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Near misses and dangerous acts prompt road safety reminder By Matthew Farrell oncern about close calls and dangerous behaviour around roadsides are prompting the principal of Ōmokoroa Point School to speak out on safety. Vicki Knell is urging parents and caregivers to talk to their children and remind them to be extremely cautious of moving vehicles - and to look out for drivers coming out of driveways. The school’s emailed community newsletter for week six of the term, commencing Monday 20th November, featured two separate road safety messages from Vicki. “We are very concerned about close calls that have been reported to us,” she says. There have also been reports of dangerous behaviour on Ōmokoroa Road alongside the skate path, where a couple of pre-teenage children attempted to copy a dangerous stunt involving a moving vehicle which they had apparently seen on the internet. Vicki says she understands the children were very fortunate to escape injury, from what could potentially have been fatal foolishness.

“They were lucky, and the driver of the vehicle was extremely shaken. If you witness dangerous behaviour on or near our roads, keep calm and please do not hesitate to call the police,” says Vicki. Vicki Knell says with warmer weather more children are spending longer hours outdoors, which is great. However, with the increase in traffic - especially trucks - it is more crucial than ever for responsible adults to know what children are up to, and to remind them of behavioural boundaries to keep everybody safe and happy. She says another issue for some in the community is cycling and skating on footpaths. This can be incredibly dangerous, particularly with cars coming out of driveways not expecting fast-moving children. Parents need to ensure their children are looking for cars in driveways, as well as on roads. “For little ones, we have the skate path with its wonderful long return path now. The pavement is meant for walkers," Vicki says. She says footpaths are for pedestrians, parents with youngsters in pushchairs, and users of mobility scooters - not kids on scooters, skateboards and bikes.

Dates for your diary All December

Tree and stump removal Tree pruning Tree health assessments and reports Hedge trimming Storm damaged trees/emergency tree work Planting and gardening Land clearing Chipping and mulching Firewood and mulch delivery Rental property maintenance

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December 5th, Twilight Bowls, Ōmokoroa Bowling Club, 12th & 19th Hamurana Road.

December 9th

Wander Dogs, Uretara Landing Reserve, Katikati, 10 am.

December 10th Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 9 am-noon.

December 15th Carols in the Quarry. Te Puna Quarry Park $5 per car, cash only.

December 16th Night Before Christmas concert, Bethlehem College, 5 pm-10 pm. Free entry.

December 19th Official opening of the Ōmokoroa Memorial Cairn, Gerald Crapp Reserve, 6 pm.

December 22nd Last chance to buy Earlybird tickets to Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival, from Katikati Information Centre and www.iticket.co.nz

December 25th Merry Christmas from the Lizard News team! Aongatete, Ōmokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna, Whakamārama we’d love to share your events. Email your details to matthew@lizardnews.net and they’ll appear here and on our website.

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A familiar face

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Noel Benstead joins Ray White. Ray White Te Puna is proud to announce Noel has joined our team. Noel has a young family and lives in Omokoroa. With an Honours degree, Business ownership and management experience, Noel has attributes that will be refreshing for property owners and buyers.

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December 2017 | Lizard News |

riginally from the UK, Spencer Samuel came to New Zealand 17 years ago and after touring the South Island on a bicycle decided to stay. Four years later he established his audio, video, surveillance and data business and has continued to train, develop and up-skill to

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Colour and Gold: Susan Harrison-Tustain uring the recent Tauranga Art Festival, ARTbop contributor and archival photographer Lee Switzer visited ‘Design on James’ at 24A James Rd, Te Puna to see the exhibition by artist Susan Harrison-Tustain. Widely known as an artist, HarrisonTustain also teaches workshops around the globe. The exhibition at Design on James was titled “Gilded Edge - A Celebration of Gold and Colour.” During the artist's talk, Susan said she is not a ‘precious’ artist who refuses to give details about her works. Leading us from painting to painting, she discussed her materials (German for the most part)

and noted her paintings are usually on Belgian linen or laminated poplar wood with eight coats of gesso. Susan spoke of her methods and techniques such as sketching, making small samples before starting a big piece, waiting three weeks for some paints to dry, dabbing oil from your neck when using gold flakes - and remembering not to breathe! Many of the pieces in this exhibition reflected personal extensions of abilities and pride in discovering fresh elements for exploration. Often Susan’s art contains a nearly hidden path for the interloper to tread. Much like her own visible, utilitarian and visceral experiences; trav-

Not only is Alice a flautist, but she also plays the guitar, other instruments and sings.

Book Review Val McDermid “Northanger Abbey” By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop he author’s biography states McDermid has “published 27 novels, short stories, non-fiction and a prize-winning children’s book.” I've borrowed four books from the Ōmokoroa Library: three are bog-standard adult crime fiction. The fourth, glaringly new and Penguin-orange, is a contemporary Jane Austen-style tale of youth, love, pride and prejudice. Modern Edinburgh, and it's internationally renowned Fringe Festival, provides the backdrop. There’s new-age supernatural, glowering rural Scotland, crayon-characters and a happy ending - “one girl in search of an extraordinary life”. If you are planning a summer holiday with a long period of non-brain-taxing reading, then take out “Northanger Abbey” and see that time has not changed us much. If you’ve brought along the more typical McDermid thrillers don’t fall off your deckchair: her point of difference is the regular inclusion of living gay and lesbian characters. Why am I warning you? Well, sometimes these books are returned partly read by the offended and agitated. Borough Press, London, 2014.

| Lizard News | December 2017

• Garden edging • Concrete • Paving

• Paths/patios/driveways

els over new ideas are imparted with subtle reminders of possibilities. You can see more of the work of Susan Harrison-Tustain in the full-length article by Lee Switzer on artbop.co.nz Article supplied.

Drive safely and slow down around roadworks rivers in Western Bay of Plenty are being reminded to take care around road works sites as the new maintenance season get underway. “Roadworks can be a little frustrating, but the end result is improved road surfaces which keeps us all safe. Traffic management measures within roadworks sites are there to keep road users and construction workers safe,” said Senior Sergeant Ian Campion. Traffic management measures within roadworks sites can include layout changes, lane closures, stop/go controls and speed restrictions. “It’s crucial that motorists observe speed restrictions at all times - if it says thirty then that’s the speed limit. Speed restrictions also help to prevent windscreen damage, which tends to arise from people driving too fast through roadworks and flicking up loose chips into other vehicles,” said Senior Sergeant Ian Campion. Even if there is no work happening onsite, drivers need to keep their speeds down to let the new surface cure - otherwise, it can get ripped up, and it will have to be re-laid, resulting in the restrictions being in place longer than necessary.” So please keep our road workers and yourselves safe by driving slowly and safely through roadworks. If you are aware of roadworks on your intended journey, be prepared for delays and allow extra time to get to your destination. Article supplied.

D Susan and her subject, local musician Alice Sea, went to many different locations looking for suitable scenes for this painting.

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View from the judge’s corner By Joanne Wiggett was lucky enough to judge some of the arts and crafts at Whakamārama School the day before their show day on Saturday 28 October. It was well worth the visit with the quality of the pupil's art and craftwork so improved from last year! The principal Natasha Greatorex told me that perseverance had been an aspiration for the pupils this year and I could see it in their artwork, with some pupils coming back many times to improve on and finish their craft project until it was just right. What a great learning to take away and apply to other parts of life. "La Fiesta" was the theme and the crafts were creative, colourful, joyful and fun. The maracas chattered away happily, the hats were magnificent, and I couldn't help laughing at the 'Pimp Your Bear' competition. On

the day of the show, although the weather was drizzly, the community gathered around, and it was lots of fun with food, brightly coloured fiesta cakes for auction, a sausage sizzle, and tea and coffee. The smell of the decorated cupcakes was amazing, and I saw a few snatched away to be eaten by their cre-

ators before the day ended - or I hope it was their creators enjoying them! Thanks so much Whakamārama School for inviting me to help judge your exhibits and for the glimpse into a school that is coming to life in the community with creativity, fun and learning great skills for life.

Whakamārama students’ creations for Show Day. PHOTOS: Joanne Wiggett.

Student success at Show Day By Natasha Greatorex hakamārama School Show Day is a calendared favourite for students, families, whānau and local community members. The rain didn't hold us back on Saturday 28th October; it was just confetti from the sky. It was heartwarming to see so many people at school enjoying the day with us. The school balconies were adorned with people visiting exhibits, watching animals and conversing over a cup of tea, some delicious baking

L-R: Alexis, Lucy, and Starlia at Whakamārama School Show Day.

or a sausage sizzle. Whakamārama School parents, staff and community members geared up for this year’s silent cake auction with new ideas, recipes and kept in with the trends in baking. La Fiesta cakes were well sought after with bids being made right down to the last second. Afternoon tea was enjoyed by many sweet-teeth around the school community later that day. Show Day is always a great community event that is an integral part of the special character of Whakamārama School.

Acknowledgement of Achievement: Lamb Leading: 1st Starlia, 2nd Sitevah & 3rd Mason. Lamb Calling: 1st Starlia, 2nd Lucy, 3rd Alexis. Lamb Rearing: 1st Starlia, 2nd Lucy, 3rd Alexis. Calf Leading: 1st Seth. Calf Rearing:1st Seth. Calf Type: 1st Seth. Champion of Champions: Starlia. Small Animals: 1st: Jorja, 2nd: Shanae 3rd: Alley.

Seth with principal Natasha Greatorex.

Western Bay lifestyle properties in demand emand for lifestyle properties in the Western Bay of Plenty remains strong, while house prices in Tauranga have recently stopped increasing in value, according to the QV House Price Index. It shows nationwide residential property values for October increased 3.9% over the past year. That’s the slowest annual rate since June 2012. Values rose by 0.9% over the past three months, and the nationwide average value is now $646,807 - which is 56.1% above the previous market peak of late 2007. When adjusted for inflation, the national annual increase drops slightly to 2.0% and values are now 30.3% above the 2007 high. QV’s Andrea Rush says the nationwide housing market continues to stabilise, with the lowest rate of value growth

seen in five years. “In Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton and Christchurch some areas have seen some growth, while others areas are flat or down slightly. Values continue to rise moderately in all parts of Wellington, and Dunedin,” she says. Tauranga home values increased 5.4% year on year but decreased 0.6% over the past three months. Values in Tauranga are now 42.7% higher than the previous peak of 2007. The average value in the city is $687,241. The Western Bay of Plenty market increased 5.2% year on year and 1.6% over the past three months. The Western Bay market is now 39.3% higher than the previous peak of 2007. The average value in the district is now $627,634. A registered valuer with QV Tauranga,

David Hume, says many buyers and sellers had been taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach until after the election, which meant we hadn’t seen the usual early spring surge in the market. “In the Western Bay of Plenty, lifestyle properties are still very popular. Demand remains strong from those looking for better bang for their buck, concerning what they can buy further out than in Tauranga City,” says David. “It was a slower start to spring than usual with activity being hampered by unusually wet weather and with the election result taking a while to be decided. We no longer see the frantic buying of 2015 and 2016. People are still achieving good sales prices; it’s just that values are no longer rising at the rate they were previously,” he says.

December 2017 | Lizard News |

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Council invests in Ōmokoroa landslide research octoral students at the University of Waikato think they might have found a way to stabilise Ōmokoroa’s sensitive soils and reduce the number of landslides. Western Bay of Plenty District Council will contribute $10,000 annually over the next three years towards a University of Waikato Doctoral Research Project on Ōmokoroa’s geology, centred on soil stabilisation. The project, led by Earth Sciences senior lecturer Dr Vicki Moon and undertaken by doctoral student Tom Robertson, is focused on discovering

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how to improve the stability of the material in the sensitive soils that make Ōmokoroa’s peninsula cliffs prone to slippage. Dr Moon and her colleague Dr Willem de Lange, presented an update of their research to Council’s Operations Committee last month. The team has been studying Ōmokoroa’s landslides since 2009, focusing on the Bramley Drive landslide that occurred in 1979. Dr Moon said their attention is on the failure of the sensitive soils at the base of landslides.

Ōmokoroa has two types of landslides - translational and flow slides. The most damaging are the flow slides, due to the fragility of the sensitive soils. These soils are mainly made up of halloysite; a mineral that forms in old volcanic ashes, typical to Ōmokoroa. The latest findings of the research project indicate that a form of salt can act as a stabiliser in halloysite-rich soils by `locking up’ the soils over a period of time. Dr Moon said initial laboratory testing shows enormous promise with a significant uptake of the salt and a near-dou-

bling of the peak strength of the soil. However, more testing is required over a wide range of stresses to confirm the early results. A small field trial in Ōmokoroa will be carried out when possible to install soil mixed columns and monitor how quickly concentrations of the salt can be achieved. On-site research has been stalled since Cyclone Debbie caused further slippages in April this year, making the cliff sites too unsafe for researchers. Article supplied by WBoPDC.

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Tom Robertson and Francesca Spinardi monitoring an inclinometer.

Help a student with a survey Christina Hanna is a PhD student at the University of Waikato and is investigating natural hazard management for her doctoral thesis. “Managed Retreat” is topical in Ōmokoroa at present so you may wish to assist Christina. See surveymonkey.com/r/8JPT3SM

Quarryfest an overwhelming success By Doug Morris he weather was kind for Quarryfest 2017 held on Sunday 12th November, and it seemed everyone was shaking off the winter blues and embracing summer. Friends, families, young and old crowded into Te Puna Quarry Park and for one day the quiet, beautiful ambience of the place at the end of Quarry Road, Te Puna was lost. 80 stall holders, a string of musical acts and the backdrop of the old Quarry site burst into life with attendance a smidgen under 3,000 people, all contributing to the success and continuation of the park. It is the second year the Bethlehem / Te Puna Lions club has organised the event with Ian Calvert the chief-incommand.

It is the primary on-site funding event of the year for Te Puna Quarry Park. Money raised assists with new plantings, tracks, features and maintenance. Parking was at a premium and Lions members are trying to source further parking on Munro Road so people won’t need to park over SH2 on Snodgrass Road. The park and ride buses and golf cart rides to the amphitheatre worked well. Plans are now well advanced for a Bethlehem / Te Puna Lions Autumn Quarryfest to be held on Sunday 8th April 2018, to raise funds for the community. Lion Ian Calvert says this will mean having one such event at the beginning of the summer and another at the end of the season.

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| Lizard News | December 2017

The community turned out to support Te Puna Quarry Park at last month’s Quarryfest, to the delight of Lions and Quarry Park volunteers.

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Whakamārama kids learn at Water Expo

Rosie leads from start to finish By John Budden unday 12th November was a grey old day, but the threatened gales and rain did not eventuate. Another great turn out of eight yachts and crews came to the briefing at 11 am, and a fun course was set. The start was to be at D mark off the Ōmokoroa Point, down the harbour to starboard mark C off Motuhoa, back up to F off Matakana then round E to the first starboard mark on the Pahoia channel to finish at D. All on a rising 1.9m tide. The start was at 11.50 am, with light to no breeze and an incoming tide. At the line Rosie led with Wayleggo, Sophie Rose, These Days, Piccaninny, Culprit, Kōnini and Little Gem all looking for a breeze. At the C, Rosie was first to turn while Piccaninny lost two places to Wayleggo and Sophie Rose as they tacked for the down tide leg. Little Gem flying her kite picked up three spots when, like all the other yachts, she fell

foul of the tide and no wind. Meanwhile, Rosie was romping up to E and F, while Wayleggo, Sophie Rose and Piccaninny had an interesting sail in her wake. At F, Wayleggo turned and flew her kite ahead of Sophie Rose, with Piccaninny close behind. At E, Wayleggo turned just ahead of Piccaninny and Sophie Rose looking for the next mark only to see Rosie heading for a finish. Then Wayleggo stopped to admire the scenery allowing Pic and Sophie to slip past, make it to the mark and finish. Little Gem was next with Kōnini and Culprit having a great battle to beat the tide. The rest of the fleet suffered from the lack of wind and the results were:First Rosie - Diogo and Keith, 2nd Piccaninny - Alan, Peter and John, 3rd Sophie Rose - Jo and Paul, 4th Little Gem - Richard and Issac, 5th Kōnini - Brendon and top crew at 15.41.22, and 6th Culprit - Lloyd and Murray at 15.41.52 - only 30 seconds, so it was close! Wayleggo and These Days retired.

Whakamārama School at the Hands-on Water Expo. PHOTO: Supplied.

estern Bay of Plenty District Council’s utilities team was in the thick of the action at the Hands-on Water Expo last month, where 200 school children got to grips with the importance of waterways and doing their bit to keep them healthy. The expo, on farmland near Paengaroa, was attended by children aged from eight to 12 years from 21 schools in the Western Bay and Tauranga. Coordinated by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in partnership with Western Bay and Tauranga City councils, NZ Landcare Trust and the Department of Conservation, the Expo featured fun-based interactive sites featuring waterways and the importance of treating them and the plant and fish life living in them, with respect. Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Three Waters presentation focused on drinking water quality. It featured a working display of Council's role in the management and provision of drinking water, wastewater treatment and disposal. Council’s utilities contractor Veolia was also on site to assist in this educational presentation. The children learnt about harmful bugs (bacteria and viruses) in untreated water. They watched a working example of how water gets to the home; how a mains break affects water pressure and supply - and a wastewater pump demonstrated how wastewater gets to treatment plants. Each pupil went home with a bug in a bottle (a lolly that looks like a bug), a dolphin or frog ball and a Veolia water bottle as a reminder of the conservation and preservation message. Operations Manager Peter Edwards says Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s presentation aimed to teach children how Council makes sure drinking water is safe for human consumption and how Council gets water to homes.

“We also showed how we ensure wastewater is handled, so that only clean products are returned to the environment. By using practical examples and making their experience fun, we hope children go home with a memorable experience. “Giving the students water bottles to fill with safe-to-drink water from Council’s reticulation system, brought home the concept that Council is always checking the potable water supply to make sure no bacteria or viruses can grow in the water," says Peter. Interactive activities included water sampling, the lifecycle of the endangered longfin eel, measuring water quality, recycling pollutants from waterways, discovering where stormwater goes, learning which baddies not to flush down the drain - and finding out which fish are pests or pals in our waterways. Regional Council community engagement advisor Natalie Ridler says the Expo helps children to understand the part they can play in keeping waterways safe. “The aim is to give as many children from primary schools across the Bay an opportunity to participate in fun, handson learning to explore the kaupapa of freshwater – including aspects of science, biodiversity, biosecurity, conservation and Māori perspectives. “We were thrilled to fill all the spots at the Expo this year with schools from all corners of the region. Some are already doing great work to care for local streams as a result of learning opportunities like this. We expect more will be inspired to do the same.’’ Natalie says the involvement of local councils, volunteers and community groups made the event a huge success. It is the fifth year the Expo has been held. Visit the Council’s Three Waters webpage to find out more. Article supplied.

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Movanning for beginners - A Molesworth experience By Lindsay Roberts (Tiger #4798) Continued from November...

About 1 pm we had made it to the confluence of the Acheron and Guide Rivers. Following the lead of others, we pulled off to a large, flat area adjacent to the river for lunch and, for some, a cooling dip in the river and boy do I mean cooling! About 2 pm we were on our way with around 20km to go. Apart from the grasslands, the main vegetation was matagouri, and briar rose - neither to be trifled with. About 3 pm and still some distance out the cloud came in, and the temperature dropped. At first, it was just a few drops, lovely to still the dust, but it got heavier and heavier. The dirt turned to mud, but on we went, there was a New Years party to attend. We were close now, we could hear on the CB from those who had made it advising of conditions. While most of the road was rock-based, the stretch of a couple of kilometres, leading down to Acheron House, was all clay with little metal. I put the van into low gear, opened the hand throttle and kept well away from the brakes, not a problem. We pulled to a halt outside the Old Acheron House and were directed to a parking area across CALL SIMON 027 487 5444 OR AFTER HOURS 552 0079

the river. We had made it. Shortly after 4 pm, the rain stopped and the clouds cleared away for a lovely evening. About 5.30 pm a roll call was taken, and it was found that two could not be accounted for. They were large busses with young families. I’ll never forget their names, “Kauri Kipper” and “Kaos” We had come across them earlier in our travels up in Titirangi Bay, (another problematic journey). K.K. was a VAL twin steer Bedford, and they would take it anywhere. About 6 pm they rolled happily into camp having made the most of their day in the Molesworth. The New Year's party was a great success for most, but for Erica and I, we were introduced to Ron and Marge Wing who invited us to a tasting of several vintages of “Wings Wines”. That, as the saying goes, was that! New Year 1994, was many hours old before we got to see it.

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Māori Wardens spread safety net in Katikati ehind the scenes in Katikati, a group of volunteers spends every waking hour dedicated to helping local people in need – youth at risk, the vulnerable elderly, solo and teenage mums and families whose cupboards are bare. The Katikati Māori Wardens Charitable Trust has been quietly tapping into the community’s deepest needs for almost four years. The wardens provide shelter, refuge, food, laundry facilities and a warm embrace for everyone who reaches out.

Katikati Māori Wardens from left Susan Tūkākī, Charlotte Huiarangi.

Trust executive member Shaan Kīngi says the Māori Wardens are seen as the ‘go-to people’ when help is needed. “We offer a place where the young people can come and be safe. We help young people develop into confident adults who can integrate into the community. We offer support for our kuia and kaumātua – all vulnerable people in town who seek us out.’’ There are 31 wardens in Katikati, a core group of which operates the hub at 49 Beach Street. Their day-to-day work is voluntary, and several funders in the wider community contribute to their annual operating costs of approximately $34,000. Recently the wardens received $5000 from Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Community Matching Fund and a from the grant Katikati Community Board. Council’s support extends beyond funding. Through Katch Katikati, Council Shaan Kīngi, and helped them source

funding, set up their community hub, and mentored the Trust with its planning and strategic direction. Community Relationship Advisor Ben Wilson has worked with the wardens every step of the way and says they are a good example of community building. “Council has always seen the merit in backing this group. They do an enormous range of work and are seen as pivotal to the community frontline," says Ben. The success of the Katikati Māori Wardens has triggered discussions with iwi

• • • • • • • • •

across the Tauranga Moana rohe (from Ōtamarākau to Waihī Beach) to establish similar Māori Warden groups to promote community care and safety. Shaan is hoping to help other towns, such as Te Puke, establish Māori Wardens to build the community resilience and support network that Katikati is achieving. He credits the good relationship with the three iwi in Katikati (Ōtāwhiwhi, Te Rereatukahia and Ngāti te Wai) as being pivotal to the success of their work. Article supplied.

To date the following programmes have been run by the Katikati Māori Wardens: Youth at Risk programmes. NCEA studies for Year 11 facilitated by external services and tutored by former Katikati College students. Mini Mums: Super Grans helping teenage and solo mums with budgeting and life skills. School Holiday Camps: White water rafting, horse riding, outdoor camps. Kiwi Can Do: Introducing 17-year-olds upwards to trades to give them a pathway to employment. Homeless: Help families get a roof over their heads. Food deliveries: Weekly food care parcels to families and elderly in need, provided by the Good Neighbour Trust. Civil Defence emergency assistance: Wardens helped out after the Edgecumbe floods and Christchurch earthquakes. Security work: Wardens provide safety and security assistance.

Festival promises feast and fun By Jacqui Knight Katch Katikati his next Avocado, Food and Wine festival is going to be bigger and brighter than ever before. Entry at the Uretara Domain event is from 11.00 am Saturday the 13th of January 2018, but the entertainment starts before the gates open! The Neil Diamond tribute show will kick things off, then Kokomo Blues are back by popular demand. The headline act is The Flying Kiwis! Kiwi icons Rikki Morris, Jackie Clarke and Annie Crummer play a blistering show of classic kiwi hits, with unadulterated patriotic pride, shameless gusto and just the right amount of tongue in cheek. The Harcourts Kids Zone is free for all to enjoy and includes giant slides, bouncy castle, merry-go-round, magic, juggling, comedy and much more. Local chef Shane Yardley will showcase the fantastic dishes that can be created using avocados. There will be four

key sessions in The Kitchen during the day. Please leave food and drink at home. Our fantastic selection of wineries and food vendors have everything you could want, from wine (of course) and beer, to soft drinks, coffee and all sorts of delicious meals and snacks. The Festival is a family event, but you must be over 18 to drink alcohol. Anyone under age can attend the festival for free but must be accompanied by an adult. Earlybird tickets cost $20 per person and are available from www.iTicket.co.nz or the Katikati Information Centre. Earlybird closes on 22nd December 2017. After this date, tickets will $25 per person, so be sure to get your tickets early. There will be EFTPoS machines on site however you may find cash easier. Don’t forget your sunblock, hat and sunnies if it looks to be a fine day. You are welcome to bring a chair or picnic rug to enjoy this fabulous festival. For more information, visit katikatiavofest.weebly.com

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Loved 4 Life

Ōmokoroa Playcentre This month we talk to two more Ōmokoroa Playcentre mums about why they love coming to Playcentre and what makes it a great place for their families. Aja Hansen and Zdenek (4yrs)

What would say to someone who hasn’t been before? Just come on in. Let your child play, and it’s likely you’ll come back because they’ll love it so much. It’s great because you get to be a part of what they’re learning and playing at, which you don’t get if you just drop them off somewhere. Coming two days a week worked well for us because there were different people on the different days and various activities set up. If staying home drives you nuts, it’s a great place to come to entertain the kids – especially when the weather’s bad! Zdenek, what’s your most favourite thing about Playcentre? I like the slide and the candle experiment! E-J Weller and Mickey (11 mths)

What first attracted you to Playcentre? We’ve been coming to Ōmokoroa Playcentre for four years - since Zdenek was a baby. We were new to the area, and my husband worked nearby so knew it was here, and he sent me along to meet some people in the community and get out of the house. I kept coming back because Zdenek loved it and I wanted to make new friends and talk to adults! What has been the best thing about coming to Playcentre for you and your child? 4 years down the track I still have the same friends who have become like my extended family (all my family are back in Czech). Also, they provide really good support at those times when you need it – like dinner rosters when you have a baby or help with the kids and support in those more difficult seasons of life. What has your experience of Ōmokoroa Playcentre been in particular? I’ve loved coming here – it’s a very welcoming place. It’s relaxed, and my child gets to something different than what he would do at home as it’s too messy for most of this stuff at home. It’s great that there’s a mix of all ages – the little kids look up to and learn from the older kids (they see what they can do if they try!), and the bigger kids love to help take care of the smaller ones. When Zdenek was younger, often we’d have plans to go somewhere else, and he’d cry “I want to go to Playcentre” so we’d end up coming here instead.

I first found out about Space through a friend who had completed it in Tauranga a couple of years ago and loved the relationships that came through Space. I saw the ad run late last year and thought it would be an excellent opportunity to meet other new mums in the area. It was so valuable to be able to ask questions and have other people with babies around the same age who had experienced the same thing. The facilitators Vicki and Emjay were knowledgeable and fantastic and were always approachable and happy. Some highlights include seeing my son rolling around happily in the paint during a 'finger' painting session. Mickey is a lot more comfortable and confident around other babies because of the time that we have had at SPACE, and I'm grateful that the programme ran at Ōmokoroa. Article supplied.

Omokoroa

OPEN 9am - 12pm Mon Thurs Fri Behind Settlers Hall 334 Omokoroa Rd

Keen for your kids to develop social skills in a fun environment with unhindered exploring?

By Cathy Taylor

he Ōmokoroa Chapter of Loved 4 Life was begun in February 2017 with me as the sole member. The purpose of this non-profit organisation is to positively impact families in our area after the birth of a baby, so they feel loved and supported knowing they belong to a caring community. We now have a wonderful group of 8 women, plus the Peggy Purl Knitting group who are working together so that we can gift every baby born in Ōmokoroa a patchwork quilt, warm woollen knitting and a home cooked meal welcoming them into our community. We have welcomed 11 new babies this year and look forward to meeting many more next year. At this stage, we are working only in the Ōmokoroa area but hope to expand into Whakamārama and Pahoia once we have a better idea of the numbers involved. This is how you can help! We need to know about upcoming births. If you are pregnant or have a friend, neighbour or workmate who is, please contact me so that Loved 4 Life can continue to support new Mums and their babies. I can be reached on 021 704 686 or 777 0633 or by email at Some of the handmade items ready to gift to new babies. gregncathy51@hotmail.com

New Arrivals

Lisa Anderton of Katikati welcomed a baby girl named Eden Joyce Anderton on Wednesday 25th October, weighing 8 lbs 8 oz.

Grandkids coming to stay but got no toys? Or tired of buying toys that never get played with?

It’s all at Playcentre - come for a morning of FREE PLAY and exploration omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz • 07 548 1343 first 3 visits free • 0-6 yr olds welcome

| Lizard News | December 2017

I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic support we have had in the way of very generous grants from The Centre (Ōmokoroa), Legacy Funerals and WBOP District Council Community Matching Fund. These grants have enabled us to purchase fabrics, wool, quilt and knitting labels, and brochures about our organisation. Thank you very much for your support.

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

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Te Puna Kindergarten’s trip to Mossop’s Honey By the Teaching Team ith a sense of spring in the air, we set off to the Mossop’s Honey shop. We were intrigued to learn about the different roles that bees have in the hive and that they must serve a time of apprenticeship in each role before they progress to the next. We learned (and we saw) how a group of bees eject a dead bee from the hive. We also learned how the bees communicate with each other where to find the best flowers through the vibration of their wings and their body. Wow! This made me realise that the bees know a lot about whakawhanaungatanga, the essence of working together, too! After some of you tried on the bee keeper’s suit, we went outside to see where the bees put their dead. Evelyn gave you a little container to put a dead bee in, and some of you were even given a live bee! To which River brightly said to Māui “Wow this is your lucky day Māui!”. Before heading off to the park, we enjoyed a delicious ice cream in the courtyard. Thank you Mossop’s Honey for your warm and informative welcome and thank you, Kristie, for organising this trip. It was a lovely way to spend a sunny spring morning. We are currently open for enrolments. Please feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten, where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are in a rural setting with a beautiful natural learning environment. We promote sustainability, and we value the strong relationships we have within our community.

Walking through Cooney Reserve.

Aesthetic awareness in action By Louise Roberts

y life should be filled with wonder, discoveries, and adventure. Take me outside. Let me get to know and love nature. I will remind you what it’s like to see with a child’s eyes and open heart.’ We are so lucky at Minnows Kindergarten to have Cooney Reserve right on our doorstep, so of course, we take many opportunities to explore and enjoy it. Earlier this month while our 4-yearolds were enjoying Whale Sharks (the getting ready for school programme), the rest of us went for a walk to the beach. We all held hands and together walked to the top of the hill at the entrance of the Reserve. With one of our teachers waiting at the base of the hill, we headed down, running, skipping, jumping, or walking. Once we all reached the bottom,

‘M

we walked to the beach where we were able to climb the big tree, run races across the sand, dig for crabs or sit and play in the sand. It’s lovely to see our little ones being able to experience and explore such activities. We should never underestimate the value of the aesthetic development promoted by being outside. Aesthetic awareness refers to a heightened sensitivity to the beauty around us. Because the natural world is filled with beautiful sights, sounds, and textures, it’s the perfect resource for the development of aesthetics in young children. We would like to take this opportunity to wish the community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be open as usual during the holidays. See you next year! Minnows Kindergarten “Where kids can be kids.”

The ages of our children range from 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whānau orientated and welcome your involvement. Come and experience Te Puna Community Kindergarten. It has a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Please feel free to visit us at 45 Minden Road, Te Puna or call us with any enquiries on 552 5736.

Meg dressed as a beekeeper.

The return of the BOB Squad fter a successful first holiday season in 2016/17, the Western Bay of Plenty Libraries’ Summer Reading Programme for primary school-aged children - the BOB Squad - is back for the 2017/18 holidays. Children register to become BOB Squad Agents and are then assigned a code name, signed up for library membership if they are not already members, and issued with an ID card and mission log book. Throughout the holidays, agents receive a number of spy missions either by mail or email according to preference.

Ruby and Neave bury their feet in the sand. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the Lizard News readers, supporters, contributors and advertisers who have made our ﬁrst 6 months so successful. It has been an exciting, challenging and rewarding journey so far. Many people tell us how much they enjoy reading the wide range of stories and articles we print. Our aim was to share the news of this vibrant and growing community and it seems we are achieving our goal. Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei. Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain. We wish you all the very best for the festive season. We hope your families stay safe on our roads, in and on our waters and gather safely together to celebrate the many blessings offered to us in the Bay of Plenty. Matthew & Liz Farrell

These missions include a range of activities. Some are physical, some relate to code-cracking, and some are design activities for spy-related gadgets. As agents complete the missions, they are required to come into HQ (their local library) and have the task signed off. At the end of the school holidays, there will be celebrations held at all libraries and spies will be issued achievement certificates. If your little spies-in-training would like to become BOB Squad agents, just head to your local Library and ask for a registration form. Article supplied.

JANUARY EDITION

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Pest control proving effective - get involved! By Colin Hewens WCI Blade Project Leader riends of The Blade volunteers are most heartened by the increase in bird life which is resulting from their efforts with pest control; rat baiting, as well as possum and stoat trapping. We had a ruru (morepork) count for an hour on dusk recently, the fourth in a series. We listened to four at one time during the hour and several others that could have been a total of six. Previously we have heard none. While putting out tracker cards last week, I saw two fernbirds (kāroti, koroātito, kōtātā, mātātā, ū-tick) and heard two others. These are a highly endangered species that love the habitat our wetlands below the Blade create. When collecting the cards the following morning, I heard toutouwai, the NI robin, everywhere on my travels through the area. During September, we have done a blitz on rats using an anticoagulant bait. Three weekly placements have seen a good reduction, and rat traps are being trialled to mop up odd pockets of rodents. The possum deaths have been slow at this time, as they seem to prefer stealing from the rat bait stations. We had 25 for the month, bringing the total to 444.

We have recently had a meeting with DOC to discuss the expansion of our area of trapping only, up the Ngāmarama track to the north and down the Leyland – O’Brien tramway to the south. The idea is to create a thin corridor of DOC 200 double trapped stoat boxes. With the range of these pests varying so much, the effect could be a reduction zone for stoats and weasels of up to one km wide. These traps will allow for future expansion of the current area by using it as a backbone for further trapping lines out from those tracks into surrounding bush, for half a km each side. This will only be possible in the future with many more volunteers and sufficient funding. The volunteers’ hours will enable the funding to come, as it is based on the value of the hours of voluntary labour. This expansion fits in with the Pest Free NZ 2050 campaign, which was one of the best things John Key launched during his past career. I hopefully envisage the various pest control groups being swamped with volunteers, as Bay of Plenty citizenry catch that vision. If you want to be part of this body of our community creating a Pest Free Kaimai Mamaku Range, we are ready to accept you and train you to be a part of it safely. The possums and egg-stealing rats and mustelids will always be with us until we

get the 250,000 Ha of the Kaimai Mamaku Range under control. The level of invasion is slowing but expected to level off until our expansion starts to affect the wider area. Any bush-loving people who would like to be a part of this expanding activity

near Whakamārama, we have a place for you. Call 552 6771 or email col.hewens@orcon.net.nz Colin’s article arrived a little too late for our November edition. The additional report on this page contains several updates - Matthew.

A successful possum trapping.

Volunteers vital for broader Blade offensive By Matthew Farrell ore people power is the main thing needed to treble the size of the 100ha pest free zone, around the new loop walkway under construction at the end of Whakamārama Road. Whakamārama Community Incorporated project leader for Friends of The Blade, Colin Hewens, says DOC has given the go-ahead for the extension of the existing rectangle using the Ngāmarama track and Leyland O’Brien track areas. He says the Department believes a significant expansion of the existing community-led volunteer project would be the most effective way to safely reintroduce native species like kaka, kōkako and kiwi - as has been achieved at Otanewainuku Forest in Ōropi. “We’ve started making hardware funding applications so we can go from nine trapping lines to 23 on the plateau west of the existing block. We badly need another 24 regular volunteers, for three hours per fortnight. I expect it’ll take us a couple of years to get there, but that’s our aim,” says Colin. When the project began 18 months ago, 25 tracker tunnels revealed 18 cards with imprints of multiple rat tracks. Six weeks of poison baiting later, only one card had a single rat footprint. More than 440 possums have been killed, too - helped by local fur trappers

A possum trap is reset with a bait of aniseed paste.

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working this part of the Kaimai-Mamaku State Forest Park. The group now needs 65 trap backing boards of preferably H3 treated scrap timber such as previously-used decking offcuts. The dimensions need to be roughly 100mm x 25mm and 550mm to 700mm long. “We’re very grateful the Western Bay of Plenty District Council has granted us another $5,000 for the track expansions. BayTrust has also helped us get established, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council is providing ongoing support, but it’s essential for the existing team of experienced operatives to train new volunteers from our local community,” says Colin. A working bee was held on Sunday 26th November to deploy 20 additional stoat traps. If joining in and developing a reasonable level of fitness is something you could handle, call Colin or Steve on 552 6771, or email col.hewens@orcon.net.nz There remains a shortfall of about $10,000 and you can also help financially by adopting one of the 730 new traps in a community Pest Trap Library, like the one which has gained some media attention in Christchurch. There will be 260 rat traps and 260 rat bait stations costing $20 each, 200 possum traps at $40 and ten double stoat traps at $120 each. Colin’s putting his money where his mouth is, sponsoring one of each for $200.

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A trolley-full of triumph Christmas tournament a gift for visitors for Fresh Choice By Liz Farrell he last few months have seen a host of success for local business owners Steve and Chantal Ling and the customers of Fresh Choice. From mid-August until the end of October, snack-food producer Arnotts ran a promotion called “Don’t lose your biscuit’. Just 11 prizes each of $5000 Fresh Choice gift vouchers were up for grabs around New Zealand, and one of these was won by Ōmokoroa local Patricia Wilkinson when she answered the question “why should you never, ever lose your biscuit?” Crumbs, the answers could cracker you up! At the annual Group Conference & Awards Dinner on Saturday the 28th of October Fresh Choice won first place in the Shoppers Anon Mystery Shopping Award. The store is judged over a twelvemonth period by mystery shoppers going into the supermarket and reporting back on their experience. The scoring is reasonably comprehensive. There are 97 key point indicators per audit and include categories such as ‘First Impressions’, ‘Staff Encounter’ and separate reviews for each food department. Not only were they the top performing FreshChoice store, but they also beat all 64 stores in the broader group in the country (including the Super Value

group) with an overall score of 98.76%. On Friday the 10th of November the team attended the Westpac Tauranga Business awards at ASB Baypark Stadium & Arena. They left the event as a finalist and with second place in the Retail Excellence Category. Another magnificent achievement for the team! Congratulations to all staff for their ongoing commitment to excellence.

Steve Ling presenting Patricia Wilkinson with her prize. PHOTO: Supplied.

By Bill Murphy riving around Ōmokoroa on Tuesday 14th November, it was fairly obvious where all the action was – the Bowling Club. During that day there were 128 men from clubs all around the Bay of Plenty competing in the Aussie Butcher sponsored Open Men’s Fours (Hams) Tournament, for which - you guessed it - the prizes were Christmas hams. There was stiff competition, but Tauranga South took out the top three placings, while Katikati, Ōhope and Omanu shared the balance of prizes. The afternoon prize went to an Ōmokoroa team of Rodger Broomhall, John Hunt, Ian Stevenson, and Derek Ilsley. Later on the same day, the greens were

again filled – this time with close to 60 people from the Ōmokoroa community having a go at bowls on the first night of the Twilight Series, sponsored by Rachel Millard Tall Poppy Real Estate. Some players were ‘returners’ who had competed in the Twilight Series in previous years, while others had come to the recent Open Day. There were even a couple of bowlers on holiday from England. With plenty of laughter and encouraging comments, the visitors must have enjoyed themselves, as even more participated on the second night of the series. The evening ended with a sausage sizzle followed by prize giving. The Twilight series continues each Tuesday evening until the 19th of December. Everyone is welcome to come along. Article supplied.

LEFT: Aussie Butcher Men’s Open Tournament winners, L-R: Mike Hammond, John Looney, Barry Karl, Noel Adams and Ōmokoroa Club President, Ken Coleman.

Local business expands to South Island t was a milestone moment recently when Sarah Ryder from Nelson joined the 2017 Forget-Me-Not Life Stories training. Sarah is the company’s first South Island writing partner. “We are delighted finally to have a presence in the South Island,” says Christine Norton, the Ōmokoroa-based founder of Forget-Me-Not Life Stories. Sarah, who is a qualified journalist, possesses broad experience in senior marketing roles, in marketing communications and as a freelance writer in the Nelson area. But Christine feels it is her warm, likeable personality which will serve her well in her work as a personal historian to record elders’ life stories in the

Nelson-Tasman region. “I made initial enquiries in 2015 because I could see that this role could work well for me - but the timing wasn’t quite right. In the meantime, I crafted the life story of a prominent citizen in Nelson for practice, and now that I’ve completed the training, I am excited to launch my business in the new year,” says Sarah. Sarah already has a detailed marketing plan in place. The training in October also gave the whole Forget-Me-Not team of editors, writers, graphic designers and transcriptionists the chance to come together from their various locations in New Zealand, to enjoy an early Christmas celebration. Article supplied.

L-R: Sharon (Auckland North Shore), Sarah (Nelson), Melanie (graphic designer), Samantha (Waikato), Kate (Bay of Plenty), Elaine (Auckland Central-West), Lisa (graphic designer). Seated is Christine. Absent: Leane (Auckland-East).

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STR8TS

SUDOKU Medium

7 1

3 5

9 8 6 7

6 4 5

6 8 6

7 6 1

9 3

4 3

6 9 5 8

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

5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

3 2 8

8 7 9 4

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Omokoroa Tide Chart December 2017 1 Fri Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

0:01 6:10 12:23 18:34

2 Sat 0.3 1.7 0.3 1.8

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 4:03 R 17:17 17 Sun 1:55 8:19 14:21 20:29

0:58 7:11 13:22 19:32

3 Sun

0.3 1.8 0.4 1.7

R 5:06 S 19:24

*Not for navigational purposes

0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

S 4:41 R 18:28 18 Mon 2:41 9:05 15:08 21:14

1:54 8:10 14:20 20:29

4 Mon

0.2 1.8 0.4 1.7

R 5:45 S 20:17

0.0 1.9 0.2 1.9

3:42 10:00 16:11 22:18

S 5:24 R 19:39 19 Tue 3:25 9:49 15:52 21:56

2:49 9:06 15:16 21:24

5 Tue

R 6:29 S 21:07

0.0 2.0 0.1 2.0

S 6:13 R 20:50 20 Wed 4:07 10:30 16:35 22:36

6 Wed

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.7

R 7:17 S 21:53

-0.1 2.0 0.1 2.0

5:25 -0.1 11:46 2.0 17:57 0.1

S 7:09 R 21:57 21 Thu 4:47 11:08 17:16 23:15

4:33 10:53 17:04 23:12

7 Thu

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.7

6:05 0.3 12:23 1.8 18:37 0.3

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.9 0.0 2.0 0.1

24 Sun 0:33 6:45 13:02 19:19

R 9:56 S 23:51

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

R 10:53

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Owned and operated by locals

0:59 7:07 13:32 19:43

10 Sun 1.9 0.0 2.0 0.1

S 10:25

R 9:01 S 23:15

9 Sat

S 9:17 R 23:50 23 Sat

R 8:07 S 22:36

0:05 6:16 12:38 18:50

S 8:11 R 22:57 22 Fri 5:26 11:46 17:56 23:54

8 Fri

1.8 0.1 1.9 0.2

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

S 0:25 R 11:51

R 1:14 S 12:37 26 Tue 1:59 8:13 14:27 20:50

2:49 8:52 15:20 21:31

12 Tue 1.8 0.2 1.9 0.2

R 0:35 S 11:32 25 Mon 1:15 7:28 13:43 20:03

1:53 7:59 14:25 20:36

11 Mon

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

S 0:57 R 12:51

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

R 1:49 S 13:39 27 Wed 2:47 9:02 15:15 21:40

3:47 9:48 16:15 22:25

13 Wed

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

S 1:28 R 13:53

1.7 0.4 1.8 0.3

R 2:22 S 14:40 28 Thu 3:40 9:55 16:08 22:34

4:45 10:45 17:09 23:20

14 Thu

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

S 2:00 R 14:56

R 2:53 S 15:39 29 Fri 4:39 10:53 17:04 23:31

5:43 1.7 11:42 0.4 18:02 1.8

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.2

S 2:35 R 16:03

R 3:24 S 16:36 30 Sat 5:41 1.7 11:55 0.3 18:04 1.8 G

S 3:14 R 17:12

15 Fri 0:14 6:38 12:38 18:53

16 Sat 0.3 1.7 0.4 1.8

0.3 1.7 0.4 1.7

R 3:55 S 17:33 31 Sun 0:30 6:44 12:57 19:05

1:06 7:31 13:31 19:42

R 4:29 S 18:29

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.9

S 3:58 R 18:23

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

Lizard Classifieds

Phone or Text 021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz TENNIS Join our club in Te Puna for tennis and fun social activities MONDAY MORNINGS ladies interclub TUESDAY MORNINGS vets, all ages welcome WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (winter) – casual doubles WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (summer) – twilight teams THURSDAY EVENINGS ladies tennis aerobics LATE SUMMER TOURNAMENTS doubles & singles Access to courts at other times. New members welcome! Call Dallas: 021 663 100

Pop-up Shop, Wed-Sat 10am-3pm, Dec 6th-23rd

Painter & Decorator Now taking bookings for your spring and summer projects.

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Lasagne, pizza bases, sauces and homemade Italian meals by order.

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Cooking Classes and Personal Chef services. Contact Alessandra 548 2453/021 183 5591 SITUATIONS VACANT

WANTED After school carer. 2-3 days per week, by negotiation, 2-5pm. Three school age children in Pahoia. Contact Kylie: 021 0565 487

2018 KIWIFRUIT SAMPLE COLLECTORS Quad Bike / Foot KATIKATI WANTED

We're looking for applications from people with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our teams sampling throughout BoP for the March to May season. Training provided.

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Donations to Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre or call Liz on 021 069 6657

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They also experienced Māori culture at Huria Marae, saw the kiwifruit packing process at Aongatete Coolstores and were hosted at a mayoral dinner at Mills Reef. Education and New Zealand exports were also a focus for the group. Greg Simmonds, Priority One’s chief operating officer, says “The friendly relationship between the two cities has resulted in many education exchanges, including eight Tauranga high school students who spent six days in Hitachi earlier this month. The sister city relationship also provides opportunities for local exporters to trial their products in the Japanese market.” Article courtesy of Priority One.

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For all your painting/paper hanging requirements, phone Gerard Quilty on 027 447 5493 or 548 1337 after hours.

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

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Method: Soak the dates in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and add to a food processor along with the other ingredients except for the pistachios. Process to a thick paste. Line a slice tin with baking paper and spread the chocolate paste out on the base using the back of a spoon.

group of 13 leaders from one of Tauranga’s oldest sister cities visited the area during October. The delegation from Hitachi in Japan included the mayor, city council chair and representatives from business, international and cultural associations, who were keen to find out how Tauranga was dealing with growth issues and an ageing population. Hitachi became Tauranga’s sister city 29 years ago, with each city taking turns to bring a mayoral delegation to their sister city every three years. The group visited Bob Owens Retirement Village to learn about how Tauranga was coping with an ageing population - a problem Hitachi shared.

Contact Sonja: 027 548 1960

8 4 3 2 7 1 6 5 9

Ingredients: 1 ½ cup dried dates 1 ½ cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds 1 ½ cup desiccated/shredded coconut 3 heaped teaspoons coconut oil 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder Zest of one orange ½ cup chopped pistachios

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Tai chi. Sat 9-10am, Wed 7-8pm. $3/session.

9 2 1 5 8 6 4 3 7

Come and join us at Pahoia Community Hall Circuit training exercises, swapping between stations, going at your own pace Tue: 9.15am to 10.15am Thu: 6.15pm to 7.15pm $5 per session Contact Liz: 0275 424 775

Mon, Wed, Thu, from 6pm. $45/month, term discounts available.

6 5 7 4 3 9 1 2 8

hese are the perfect little treats to have stashed in the freezer for this time of year when friends and family unexpectedly turn up. They are my healthier version of chocolate fudge, without all of the refined sugar. It’s super simple to make if you have a food processor and is ready in minutes.

Press chopped pistachios into the top and place in the freezer to set. Slice into squares and store in the freezer or fridge.

Looking for a fun and social workout?

4 9 8 6 5 2 7 1 3

By Roz McIntosh

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

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1 3 5 7 9 8 2 4 6

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TAEKWONDO & SELF DEFENCE

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of our Committee members - were only too happy to play the part of Santa’s helpers for the photo, and showcase some of our Christmas goodies. We have had a very diverse selection of such things thanks to the people of Ōmokoroa who so regularly donate to us quality goods from every field. When I was working in the shop recently, a woman from a different area commented to me that in her opinion it was the best shop of its type that she had visited. We have an extremely broad range of goods at very reasonable prices, and there are definitely some great bargains to be had. As most of us have experienced, if you see something you like - buy it then, because the next day it will be gone for sure. Regular visitors to the Centre reap the rewards because there is an ever-changing stock, and that special thing you’ve been keeping an eye out for may just have arrived on the shelves. Also, our volunteers who give their time so willingly, love to be busy and have satisfied customers. Come and see us and have a ‘Centre experience.’

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By Jen Moleta hristmas is coming! By the time this is published there will be Christmas music in the shops, and we will be continually reminded that there are ‘X’ days until the big day. There is clear evidence at The Centre that something special is coming as the Christmas decorations we have on display keep flying out the door, and others keep coming in to replace them. Jan, Sandra, Rachael, Val and Fay - some

Ease Pain and Discomfort with Bowen Therapy

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lizardnews.net

December 2017 | Lizard News |

lizardnews.net

All invited to memorial dedication he Ōmokoroa Community Anzac Group is excited to announce the date of the official opening of the permanent memorial in the Crapp Reserve. The dedication will take place on Tuesday the 19th of December at 6 pm. A low-key turning the turf event on Friday 3rd November saw Community Board chair Murray Grainger do the honours to cut the ground after Liz Farrell, on behalf of the organising group, gave a short presentation of the history of the project. “When the first Anzac Day service took place in Ōmokoroa in 2015, we (with fellow organisers Heather Reynolds and Alison Badger) assumed it would be a one-off event to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli Landings. The response from the community was so positive that it has become an annual event,” says Liz. This year, the group suggested to the community that a permanent memorial be installed in the Crapp Reserve. The cairn structure was proposed and received favourable feedback as well as suggestions for modifications to the original design. Fundraising and grant applications ensued and this month will see the unveiling of the finished construction, which includes elements suggested by the public. Also in attendance at the sod-turning were the team who are building the memorial. Paul Gautron, the master mason from World of Stone, has carved the Pirirākau motif as well as poppies which will be set into the structure.

Stonemasons from Casmark Ltd are undertaking the main construction which comprises a taller semi-circular wall, which will be used as the focal point for future dawn services, and two lower quarter arcs which will act as seating for year-round use. A silhouette of “soldier resting on arms reversed” will be made by Letter Rip and added to the front of the main wall. Glenn Whittaker, who has supported and advised the Ōmokoroa Community

Anzac Group since its inception, also attended the event. “I have to commend you for this. I had never heard of a cairn, but now I have learned how it represents those who have served - whether they fell, or came back”, said Glenn. Hugh and Heather Reynolds and Paul Uttinger began the digging by hand on Wednesday 15th November to prepare the ground for the stonemasons, and construction was to take around two to three weeks to complete.

The Ōmokoroa Community Anzac Group would like to thank the Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc for taking them under their umbrella, as well as the funders and donors who have made this project possible financially, and the broader community for supporting the memorial. “This will be a wonderful asset in the Reserve and a great focal point for the 2018 Anzac Day dawn service, marking the centenary of the outbreak of peace,” says Liz.

L-R: Paul Gautron of World of Stone, stonemason James Boyd, Carole Henderson and Mark Henderson owners of Casmark, Liz Farrell, Murray Grainger, Don Cameron, and Glenn Whittaker at the ‘turning of the sod’ on 3rd November.

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Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

The team at Omokoroa First National would like to thank everyone who has Purchased, Sold and Rented with us during the year. We thank you for all your support. We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy summer. Cameron Staple Lifestyle/Residential/ Rural Sales Consultant m: 022 341 5071 e: cameron@tfn.co.nz

| Lizard News | December 2017

Lee Stringer Lifestyle/Residential Sales Consultant m: 021 250 3113 e: lee@tfn.co.nz

Janine Parker Residential Sales Consultant m: 021 383 700 e: janine@ofn.co.nz

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