Lizard News December 2022

L i z a r d Ne ws

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

Vintage engine a cause to smile

By Matthew Farrell

Christmas

has come early for for

mer Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade chief John Luckman, with a trip down memory lane in the vintage V8 engine he once crewed John is now living back in town after a few years in Te Ānau, where he retired and was well known for crafting hand made wooden toys and furniture

Today’s chief Ian Blunt visited with driver Ross Leek and Jason McKie before John chose to take a trip to the boat ramp at the Esplanade, then a drive past the site of the original fire station where the old library is now located, and his old house on Kōwai Grove.

Ross says there’s still a cartoon draw ing on the wall of the current station, which depicts John running a few doors up the road to the old station not quite dressed

“Do you know how much we paid the Mount brigade for this truck? I think it might have been $50,” recalled John as they set off, with Jason keeping an eye on John and traffic behind

John asked Ross the area the brigade now covered, which is from Sargent Drive south of Katikati to Snodgrass Road in Te Puna

Years later the brigade was given one of five Bedford trucks imported from England by the government

“The pump was about the same weight as this truck and I was stuck with it A couple of brigades wanted to buy our V8 for about $500, but I fought tooth and nail to keep it and here’s the result today

“We had several house fires and oven fires back then Only the Goldstones fire was a big loss Two trucks, a couple of runabouts, and farm equipment We had no water access, only a couple of cattle troughs It was terrible,” John remem bers

Jason says the old V8 hasn’t had much use for a couple of years, but brigade members have decided to keep it “It’s part of our history Now we need to get out and use it more, ” Jason says

“My thanks, Ian I loved that Thanks to everybody It’s made my day No, it’s made my week,” says John

Te Puna • Whakamārama • Matakana Is • Ōmokoroa • Pahoia • Apata • Aongatete • Katikati • Tahāwai • Bowentown • Athenree • Waihī Beach

L AYOUT & DESIGN

Creative By Design, Matamata team@creativebydesign co nz PRINTING Beacon Print Whakatāne

Letters to the

The ‘power’ of the press

The Editor writes: We were recently sent photos of exposed electricity mains cables at 191 to 193 Ōmokoroa Road Resident, Ian Blunt, was fed up after complaining about the length of time it was taking Powerco to restore a safe site in his view, following Council road and driveway works We asked Powerco when they were likely to be able to fix the situation I would describe their response to our interest in the story as fairly rapid Their work to rectify the site began within a couple of days of our contact

Powerco responds:

Powerco is working to rectify the area around an electricity pillar box on Ōmokoroa Road following land subsidence The power supply was not affected by the subsidence

On 27th October 2022, a Powerco contracted fault person inspected the pillar box for safety At that point, the site was deemed safe, with no cables exposed

A fault person again inspected the pillar box on 7th Novem ber and ensured it was safe, pending further work being car ried out

Mark Hermann, Powerco Head of Customer Delivery, says public safety is a top priority and fault crews are sent to assess equipment as quickly as possible when Powerco is alerted to a potential safety issue

“We aim to provide a good service, but if something does go wrong, we want to know about it On this occasion, when con tacted, we promptly sent a technician to assess the pillar box for safety

“We’re working to rectify the issue as quickly as possible We understand the customer’s frustration at the wait, however, or ganising plans and securing contractors to carry out this type of work, unfortunately, does take time ”

Thank you, Steve

Recently Steve Abbott ran a promotion at Ōmokoroa Tyre & Alignment for Ōmokoroa Point School Steve donated $5 for every tyre sold to ŌPS parents Parents from ŌPS who bought new tyres were given the opportunity to nominate their child’s class The class with the most nominations was to win a $100 Prezzy Card

that contributors assist us in upholding standards of decency and privacy avoiding discrimination and defamation We reserve the right to edit or abridge submitted material and will identify scribes where appropriate other than where confidentiality has been assured Unless an article is marked as supplied, those without bylines will typically have been written by the editor

This promotion resulted in Steve donating $305 to our school and $100 Prezzy Cards to not one class but four classes Rooms 3, 11, 9 and 7 were the lucky recipients Thank you, Steve, for your support of our school

Portegys, Principal

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer

mokoroa Volunteer Firefighters have responded six times to call outs to the 20th November A tree down over half of the road at the start of Plummers Point Road at 5 30 am on 7th November was dragged off the traffic lane and deposited out of danger on the roadside berm Later the same morning, firefighters assisted Katikati Brigade at a house fire on Wright Road Four days later, the Brigade responded to a kitchen fire in Traverse Lane where the occupant had left a pot of oil heating up on the stove, which in turn over heated and caught fire The occupant suffered from burns when he picked up the pot to deposit it outside Thankfully the kitchen sustained only minor dam

age, and the burnt occupant took a trip to Tauranga Hospital. All kitchens should possess a fire blanket and a fire extin guisher in case of fire The Brigade also attended three calls to smoke showing from controlled burns

The team of First Responders have been extremely busy responding 17 times to the 20th November On two sep arate occasions, there were three calls in one day, leaving the team stretched to cover the incidents However, they man aged to achieve coverage Well done to the team

As this is the last issue of the Lizard News before Christmas, our Brigade takes the opportunity to thank the com munity for their support throughout the last 12 months, especially our major sponsors who very generously help us to provide the funding to keep services

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 five and a half years so successful It has been an exciting and rewarding journey, even with the Covid related challenges since April 2020

Many people tell us how much they enjoy the wide range of stories and articles we print Our aim is to share the news of this vibrant and growing community and together, so far, 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 loft y 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

running To Seeka, a huge thank you for providing our First Response team with a brilliant new utility vehicle to respond to our medical emergencies; 190 turnouts so far this year Thank you to Tall Poppy for funding to run and main tain the Firefighters’ response utility, the vehicle they helped fund some two years ago Thank you also to Your Real Estate for funding to run and maintain the Med ical Response utility Thank you also to all those who have contributed to the Brigade in some way to help us maintain our service to our community

Finally, a huge thank you to all our staff who dedicate themselves, giving a huge amount of time training and responding in order to aid those in our community when they need help

Merry Christmas, and may you all enjoy a safe and happy festive season

Sandra

A new Rotary Club for Ōmokoroa?

By Matthew Farrell

Last month a meeting was held at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club to explore the formation of a Rotary Club at Ōmokoroa In the chair was Katikati President John Bothwell, along with As sistant District Governor Pat Taylor They addressed 14 other attendees on the benefits a club could bring to the fast growing community

John describes Rotary as a family that is local but also national and interna tional He says Rotary allowed him to build up a considerable friendship group while getting stuff done for the Katikati community, children and the environ ment John mentioned vehicle battery re cycling, garden ramble fundraisers, firewood initiatives, school partnerships and helping the Lions Club. John says a beach cleanup with a barbeque might be an idea for Ōmokoroa

Pat says Rotary has about 250 clubs in New Zealand with 7,000 members Ro tary raises $200m worldwide annually to promote peace, fight diseases such as polio, and support youths such as 700

put through a driver awareness course locally Projects such as picnic tables, working bees, and community break fasts for anyone struggling were exam ples of ordinary locals doing amazing things for the world with their friends

There was strong support expressed by attendees for continuing to pursue the commitment of the required mini mum of 20 people willing to become charter members A follow up meeting is being planned, at the same location, be fore Christmas The Lizard News has committed to publicising the initiative The possibility of a new club holding weekly or fortnightly, perhaps 6 30am to 8am, breakfast meetings at the Boat Club was discussed

Past Katikati President Peter Mackay wrote a letter of support, saying while fellowship is important, he thought the women and men who join this hypothet ical new club should be motivated more by “doing useful stuff,” not just meeting for a meal and a chat

To express interest, contact Jenie Strongman on 027 620 8911 PHOTO: Nigel Williams

Sentence handed down for watchkeeping failings

Afailure to keep watch nearly had disastrous results on the ocean off the Bay of Plenty coast

Mike Te Pou was the Skipper of the near 20 metre fishing vessel, FV Com mission in July 2021, when it collided with a 266m container ship, the Kota Lembah

Mr Te Pou was fined $1625 in the Tau ranga District Court under the Maritime Transport Act for operating a ship in a manner which caused unnecessary dan ger or risk to any other person or to any property

On the night of the incident, the FV Commission had been at sea for a week, and as well as the skipper also had two crew members and an MPI observer on board

While his crew was setting out long lines for fishing, Mr Te Pou was manning the wheelhouse At about 3 15am, he ob served the Kota Lembah on his radar Investigations Manager Pete Dwen says despite seeing the vessel on the radar, he went out the back to help his crew

“He remained away from the wheel house for 40 minutes Didn’t check on the location of the Kota Lembah, and at 3 55am, the two vessels collided

“This was a collision a long way off the coast of New Zealand and was com pletely avoidable

“While no one was injured, this had the potential to be a serious event or even throw multiple people into the water,” Pete Dwen says

Having someone keeping watch is one of the best ways to keep your vessel, those on it and others on the water safe

“We have prosecuted numerous cases this year for watchkeeping failures, and it is frustrating we are continuing to see these incidents arise

“Vessels should always ensure some one is always on watch in that role,” Pete Dwen says

It is acknowledged that Kota Lembah had contributed to the incident as it had failed to give way as required by the Mar itime Rules, and it did not alter its course either to avoid a collision

Article: Maritime New Zealand

Court date looms for Te Puna industrial case

By Matthew Farrell

residents’ group opposing years of non compliant industrial activity on Te Puna Station Road is appeal ing for locals to support a legal fighting fund and to write personal impact state ments

More than 60 people gathered at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 15th Novem ber, as Priority Te Puna Incorporated So ciety hosted a public meeting to update locals, and answer questions

Mayor James Denyer and all four Kaimai Ward District Councillors were there Also spotted in the audience were observers with personal or family busi ness interests in at least two of the three neighbouring properties

PTP spokesperson Alison Cowley says eleven abatement notices have been is sued at three sites, and resolution on current unconsented activity is being ac tively worked on by all parties

“This is key to controlling future com mercial and industrial activity, and hours of operation on the sites, especially for traffic and rural environmental impacts,” says Alison

She says Priority Te Puna has engaged specialist lawyers Bell Gully in an advi sory role but will access their expertise frugally and ‘piggyback’ on District Council lawyers where possible, and re turn any unspent funds to contributors pro rata

Alison Cowley says Priority Te Puna has documents dating back to 2003 when locals opposed the proposed re zoning of the site on Te Puna Station Road

“That rezoning went through despite opposition from the community and the District Council, because very strict con ditions were imposed in the Environ ment Court

“Three different owners actively committed to setting up a very profes sional, environmentally responsible, rural service and supply business park It was these commitments and vision which the judge ruled as preferable to the somewhat ad hoc land filling Barry Daniel, in particular, was already doing

“Immediately, those commitments to quality landscaping, care for waterways and road improvements should have

started The requirement was that all these elements were to be in place before any commercial activity,” she says

Alison Cowley says neighbours noticed commercial activities on the Barry Daniel and Grant Overton sites were be coming larger and more established in 2019 and raised ‘fact based’ concerns with the Council

“Since that time a large number of un consented and non compliant commer cial and industrial activities have been established with none of the environ mental or amenity elements developed to the specifications required in either

the Environment Court ruling or District Plan,” she says

Priority Te Puna has made requests under the Local Government Official In formation and Meetings Act and has worked with environmental organisa tions to collate data relating to streams and waterways

The volunteer committee says the cur rent non compliant activities on two of the three properties are being used as precedence to justify applications for further non complying activities on the third property

The District Council has denied Barry Daniel a late request to extend abate ment notices that expired on 1st Novem ber He is now challenging that denial in the Environment Court, with initial me diation set by the judge for 1st Decem ber If mediation fails, the case will go to a hearing which would be scheduled in January

“We have reviewed the submission from Mr Daniel We contest most of his claims Priority Te Puna will be there every step of the way, and we will use our legal team in a targeted and prudent manner All development at Te Puna Business Park must preserve and en hance surrounding rural amenity value, as per the Environment Court ruling,” says Alison

Waka Kotahi will also be involved at the mediation due to major traffic safety concerns around State Highway 2, raised by residents over a long period of time

Alison Cowley says locals can provide personal impact statements and con tribute to the legal fund by emailing prioritytepuna@gmail com

Priority Te Puna says locals can help by providing personal impact statements and legal funds as they prepare to go to the Environment Court

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Godwit art winners

By Alie Henderson

We were delighted by the high level of interest in our chil dren’s art competition celebrat ing The Godwits Ngā Kuaka, and amazed at the range of artworks submit ted There were sculptures and models, dioramas, mobiles, a digital drawing, and paintings using a variety of techniques and media

We are so excited by the creativity of our young tamariki and rangatahi in Ōmokoroa

The three judges, sculptor Ashley Grant, potter and artist Pam Robinson, and artist Brian Ebbett complimented the young artists on their imagination, technical ability, eye for detail, and the composition of the entries deciding the winners was very challenging

And the winners are (10 14 years) first prize: Paige Moriarty Rae and Lily Ayres, and second prize: Nina Crosby Fagan (5 9 years) first prize: Armani Wallace, second prize: Benjamin Hartley and Brody Foster

Each prize winner receives a gift voucher to buy art and craft materials of their choice

We were also delighted by the wonder ful array of artwork submitted from classes at Ōmokoroa Point School and Matahui School Special thanks to Debbie Warren, Dallas Townsend, Ali Lawrence, and Kathryn Burtenshaw for inspiring your young students and working with them on a range of printmaking and painting techniques And I would like to acknowledge the great support of Ōmokoroa Library staff, Leanne Hey wood and Liz Farrell, who helped with handing out entry forms and receiving the competition entries, as well as the design and printing of the certificates for the winners

All entries and the class artwork are now on display until the end of the school term (Thursday, 15th December) at The Old Library (TOLO), McDonnell Street, which is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm Make sure you come and see this amazing exhibition

If children would like to keep their art work, it can be collected from TOLO on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th or Thursday 15th December Please contact Alie Henderson, Chairperson, Ōmokoroa Public Art, with any queries Mobile 021 248 0173 PHOTOS: Supplied

Benjamin Hartley and Brody Foster

Nina Crosby Fagan

Armani Wallace

Paige Moriarty Rae and Lily Ayres

Inaugural Godwit

Ngā Kuaka festival

By Chris Cole Secretary, ŌEMI

It was an auspicious moment when huge flocks of godwits filled the sky above Ōmokoroa’s Cooney Reserve late on Saturday morning, 29th October, as the final touches were being made in preparation for the Godwit Ngā Kuaka Festival It was opened by Roger Good man, Chairman of ŌEMI (Ōmokoroa En vironmental Managers Inc) He then introduced our new Mayor, James Denyer, who welcomed the crowd and congratulated the organisers for creating this inaugural festival which will become an annual event for the residents of Ōmokoroa

Friends of Cooney volunteers had done hard work during the past year, and I thanked them for achieving the magical transformation of the reserve from a di lapidated state to its current manicured appearance

Dave Roy was then introduced as the artist who created the magnificent God wit Ngā Kuaka kinetic sculpture Dave talked at length about our magical god wits before presenting prizes to three young artists who came from our two local primary schools With the formali ties over, the crowd spent the next hour or so socialising whilst enjoying a sausage sizzle, coffees, and ice creams from local vendors

The success of this festival was due to the successful collaboration of a large number of groups within our commu nity ŌEMI member groups included the Chairperson of ŌEMI (Roger Goodman) for his extensive role in the planning and organisation of the Festival, Ōmokoroa Bird Group (Chrissie Cleaver) for dis playing and judging the children’s art work, TOLO (The Old Library Ōmokoroa) for displaying the children’s art before and after the Festival, ANZAC (Greg Taylor) for providing the mar quees, Ōmokoroa Public Art Group (Alie Henderson) for liaising with Dave Roy and creating the Godwit kinetic sculp ture in Cooney Reserve, Friends of Cooney (Chris Cole) who was totally re liant on his magnificent group of volun teers, Pest Free (Josie Law) for

co ordinating her teams of rat trappers keeping our reserves pest free

Other groups within Ōmokoroa who helped make this Festival such a success were Ōmokoroa Point School for pro moting interest in the Godwit Ngā Kuaka amongst the pupils and for pro viding the portable sound system and marquees, Ōmokoroa Country Estate for sponsoring the promotional signage, Fresh Choice (Steve Ling) for sponsoring the sausage sizzle, Rachel Millard ‘Your Real Estate Ōmokoroa’ for BBQing the sausages, WBOPDC (Steven White) for providing the Portaloo, Natalie and the Full Circle team for the immaculate pre sentation of Cooney Reserve, Rainer Oehmig of Katikati Bin and Skip hire for rubbish and recycling bins, and Evey Hoddinott for the wonderful pho tographs

Julie Shepherd of the Pirirākau Incor porated Society had arranged for a karakia to be given by one of their kaumātua We understood, subse quently, that a recent bereavement within the hapū had prevented a kaumā tua from attending the Festival On be half of the Festival organisers, I wish to pass our condolences to Pirirākau

The Godwits Ngā Kuaka took to the skies in a magnificent display

Winning artworks by Raven Salem and Ella

The community enjoyed refreshments after formalities were concluded PHOTOS: Supplied

Armed police response in Ōmokoroa

By Matthew Farrell

An operation involved multiple armed police officers around Hamurana Road in Ōmokoroa on the evening of Wednesday, 2nd Novem ber

At least six police vehicles were parked near Point School, including an un marked SUV

Several officers armed with rifles en tered the grounds of at least one prop erty and then maintained a strong

presence in the area.

The media team at Police National Headquarters in Wellington confirmed to Lizard News that Police were responding to a report of a man discharging a firearm in Ōmokoroa Road, which was reported at around 5 30pm

A spokesperson stated one person, a man, had been taken into custody and the reported firearm was an imitation or replica firearm The man was to be pro cessed in due course

Katikati crash

State Highway 2 south of Katikati was closed after a serious crash on Friday 4th November.

Both lanes were blocked as emergency services responded at about 5 30pm

Police advised motorists to avoid the area if possible due to the length of time the road was expected to be closed

Defibrillator stolen

A valuable defibrillator unit, intended to save the lives of heart attack victims, was stolen from Te Puna Quarry Park on Friday 18th November

Volunteers say Police have been noti fied and security footage was being re viewed Anyone with information is asked to contact the park, or Police in Tauranga

Glass recycling

To help reduce overflowing blue kerb side glass crates with bottles and jars over the holidays, Council is providing bins for excess glass to be dropped off at the Ōmokoroa Greenwaste Centre, 336 Ōmokoroa Road from 21st December until 28th January Access to these bins will be available every Wednesday and Saturday, 2pm to 4pm (excluding Satur day 24th December)

Winning wines

The Leveret Mills Reef team picked up two trophies at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards in November

Seven judges went through the largest number of entries since 2016.

The winning Mills Reef Reserve Pinot

Get tooth-fit for the finish

t s only a few weeks until Christmas and the New Year Many of you will already be in the spirit of the special season Some of you may even be looking forward to a holiday away from home

But a tooth niggle that’s neglected and then becomes a full blown abscess or other major dental problem just a that time of year is something that can ruin the festive spirit Nobody wants to see the emergency dentist, especially when finding one may even be difficult depending on where you head for your holiday

If you have any minor tooth problem, we strongly urge you to get it sorted before Christmas Please make an appointment now.

Our surger y is open until 22 December 2022 (inclusive). We open again in the New Year on 9 Januar y 2023

The entire team at ER Dental Omokoroa would also like to thank all patients for choosing our services We value your trust and confidence in us and sincerely appreciate you

We wish you a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to serving you again in the New Year

This information is brought to you by your dentists with a difference

Gris 2022 and Leveret IQ Premium Brut Methodé Traditionnelle are available from wineportfolio co nz and the Cellar Door in Katikati

The recycling mission

As part of its Waste Minimisation Pro gramme, the District Council sponsors the Paper4Trees initiative to help schools and preschools with tree plant ing and waste reduction

There are 53 Western Bay schools signed up Together they’ve recycled 115 tonnes of paper and cardboard, saved 922 cubic metres from landfill and 622 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being pro duced. Plus, they’ve planted 475 native plants in one year

Wasps building up

Wasps are beginning to build their nests, and residents are advised to check their fences, gardens and retaining walls to discover and destroy nests while they are still small Department of Conserva tion has information about wasp identi fication and control and recommends dealing with the pests at dusk

A dream stay in the Bay

What’s your favourite way to spend your summer break? Discovering marine wildlife, a bit of heritage and culture, or maybe winding down in an off the grid eco retreat

You and a friend can win a dream stay thanks to Tourism Bay of Plenty Every package includes a two night stay, an un forgettable experience and a dining voucher for two people The competition closes Wednesday, 30th December See bayofplentynz com/win

ADVERTORIAL

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Western Bay’s new Council welcomed in

Western Bay’s new changemak ers have kicked off their three year term

Mayor James Denyer, 11 Councillors and 20 Community Board members were officially welcomed into the West ern Bay of Plenty of District Council whā nau at its inaugural meeting held in Council chambers

Following a powerful whakatau (welcome) from mana whenua Ngāi Tamarāwaho, the 32 community repre sentatives, in front of whānau and friends, took the oath of office before finalising the frequency of Council meetings and chair appointments to committees

Mayor James Denyer announced John Scrimgeour as deputy mayor, seeing the fourth term Maketū Te Puke Ward Coun cillor continuing the position he held for the last three years under Mayor Garry Webber

“Having John continue as deputy mayor provides really important conti nuity during a period of significant change for our District

“John is well connected and brings a wealth of experience to the role So, I’m thrilled he has agreed to work alongside me in this role,” says Mayor James Four new councillors, Rodney Joyce, Tracey Coxhead, Richard Crawford and Andy Wichers were also officially sworn in

They join existing councillors Anne Henry, Allan Sole, Murray Grainger, Mar garet Murray Benge, Don Thwaites, Grant Dally, and John Scrimgeour along with Mayor James Mayor James also re vealed his Council Committee structure, putting forward a line up of committee

Mayor James Denyer and Councillors have been sworn in PHOTO: John Borren chairs He says he considered experience and personal strengths before making his final recommendations

“With four new councillors, we have a good mix of experience and fresh think ing I look forward to working with them in a collaborative manner to achieve great things for our communities

“This triennium will be defined by change Change because I am a new mayor, change because we shall have major legislative reforms to deal with I intend to lead Council in navigating these changes to get the best outcomes for us all ” Article supplied

COUNCIL STRUCTURE

Council will be chaired by Mayor James Denyer, with Deputy Mayor John Scrim geour as the deputy chair There are six additional committees

Annual Plan and Long Term Plan is chaired by Deputy Mayor John Scrim geour and deputy chair Rodney Joyce Strategy and Policy is chaired by Mayor James Denyer and deputy chair Richard Crawford Projects and Monitoring is chaired by Don Thwaites and deputy chair Allan Sole Audit, Risk and Finance is chaired by Murray Grainger and deputy

chair Tracey Coxhead District Plan is chaired by Deputy Mayor John Scrim geour and deputy chair Murray Grainger Community is chaired by Margaret Murray Benge and deputy chair Grant Dally

Councillors are also appointed to com munity boards as follows Katikati; Rod ney Joyce and Anne Henry Ōmokoroa; Don Thwaites and Murray Grainger Maketu; John Scrimgeour and Richard Crawford Te Puke; Grant Dally and Andy Wichers Waihī Beach; Allan Sole and Anne Henry

International recognition for Waihī Beach firm

n November, the global LJ Hooker network met in Cairns for the Pinnacle Conference and International Awards With more than 400 offices across New Zealand and Australia, the compe tition is strong

We are thrilled to announce the team at LJ Hooker Waihī Beach and Waihī were named winners of the International Champion Com munity Relationship Award

This award is presented to the office most involved in their local community, and it’s hard to com pete with the generous team at

LJ Hooker Waihī Beach

LJ Hooker New Zealand Network Chief Graeme Hyde commented, saying, “to be recognised on the in ternational stage is a real testa ment to the work the team at LJ Hooker Waihī Beach puts into their community

“Our founder, Sir Leslie Hooker, always said real estate is about people Gary and the entire team at Waihī Beach emulate what Sir Leslie envisioned for LJ Hooker

“Over the years, whether it be supporting their local schools, helping people in wheelchairs ac

cess the beach, supporting local sports and even international sports the team at LJ Hooker Waihī Beach isn’t just part of the local community; they are en grained in the local spirit that makes Waihī Beach a great place to call home,” says Graeme Hyde “If you ’ re a part of a community, I think it’s important to give back We love playing our part in en couraging people to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and to appreci ate the attractions of our region,” says local owner Gary Alway Article supplied

Waihī Beach Menz Shed diary

By Bob Firth Secretary

Thursday 27th October Just been down the shed, and it’s looking fantastic

The bench on the back wall is almost complete Thank you, Devon and helpers; you are doing a fantastic job It is well made and will last us for years Lots of storage, too We received our electrical certificate today, so now we only need a bit of plumbing and we are signed off Great

Painting has been done, hooks have been made to hang any number of things, and we even have a baby chang ing table in the bathroom Ideal when

you bring your grandies The first shed der to use the changing table will get a free packet of nappies compliments of Menz Shed

We are getting a quote for alarms and cameras as we have been donated thou sands of dollars of machinery, and this needs to be secure The machinery is on loan until we are in a position to buy our own

We are working through a few jobs, but we have the capacity to do more We have retired guys waiting for something to do Help them out, please See you all tomorrow Who’s going to bake this week?

Thursday 10th November The shed

looks great All has been cleaned out and organised, ready for the delivery of our new machinery Cameras are being in stalled, so we can guard against theft or break ins, God forbid

We still have some uncompleted jobs in the “work to be done” boxes, and we would appreciate you helping with these wee jobs if you feel confident It is a good source of income for the Menz Shed

Welcome back, Brian, from your ex tended stay in Belgium

Thursday 17th November Well, a lot is going on in the shed

Cameras and alarms have been in stalled Our shed is monitored now You will need the entry code to

deactivate the alarms and remember to reactivate them on departure

Thanks to our shedder member Mar tin Finkel we have been loaned a consid erable amount of machinery This is being moved to the shed this Friday Once again, this will be discussed We may require help in the form of muscle power

Code of compliance has been re quested from the Council, so we are so close to having a completed shed Well done

We are negotiating on the concrete driveway and floor coverings for the shed kitchen area

Next on the agenda; an open day, then the official opening It’s all go, here

LJ Hooker Waihī Beach winners of the Community Relationship Award PHOTO: Supplied

Dame Silvia speaks for Abbeyfield

By Matthew Farrell

Dame Silvia Cartwright was the guest speaker at an Abbeyfield House fundraising dinner at Fairview Golf and Country Club in Katikati on Saturday, 19th November

Dame Silvia is probably best known to many for her role as Governor General of New Zealand, the de facto head of state, from 2001 to 2006

After canapes and prosecco, guests first heard from Abbeyfield Western Bay chair Carole Parker about the vision for the project

“It’s a housing model to address lone liness among older people who don’t need looking after but do need looking out for They have their own furniture and front door, with a communal lounge, laundry and garden,” says Carole

The Abbeyfield House project has se cured land on Wills Road but faces $1 2m

of fundraising in order to unlock public and private philanthropic funding, to build a shared living environment for self sufficient but lonely older residents of limited means

Approximately 70 dinner guests then heard a serious but informative address from Dame Silvia in which she recalled years of struggle in a very male domi nated legal profession

After touching on a varied start to her work life in the family shoe shop, then as a cheese roller, cleaning and nursing it was a swift canter through a stellar legal and international career

From a lonely and mediocre start as a student struggling to get a job in Dunedin as a lowly law clerk, she made her way via Rotorua, then Hamilton, to the family court

Only the second woman appointed to the NZ judiciary as a District Court judge, she then chaired the 1988 inquiry into

allegations concerning 20 years of inad equate secretly experimental treatment of cervical cancer at National Women’s Hospital

Becoming well known, Dame Silvia was unwillingly recruited as Chief Judge of the District Court, leading 100 judges, then the first woman High Court judge and was later appointed to the Court of Appeal There was only a brief mention of being Governor General before an in sight into her “hands down” career high light, which was eight “unexpected” years in Cambodia

There she dealt with crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes A quarter of the population had died in three years of murder, disease and mal nutrition Two million people were forced to leave home at gunpoint to work in rice fields At one point, proceedings were adjourned because English, French and Khmer translators hadn’t been paid for three months

“We had some fun between the hor rors of the trials There were a few light moments in between a succession of cases that were hard to endure,” she says Since then, Dame Silvia held the Public Inquiry into the Earthquake Commission in 2018 and is currently investigating historic abuse allegations at Dilworth School She is not quite retired

This was the latest instalment in a wide variety of fundraising events for Abbeyfield, which have included a golf tournament at the same venue, various raffles, sales of preserves and second hand goods, and an auction of art by Katikati and Ōmokoroa locals also fea turing a doodle from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

Thanks team!

Lizard News is a local, independent, family owned and home based business in Ōmokoroa Matthew and Liz Farrell started the company in April 2017, producing 4,200 copies for the first monthly edition in June, which was printed by Inkwise in Christchurch.

Our adverts and pages are created by Keith and Elaine at Creative By Design in Matamata, while our website is managed by Ben Bell of Shotbro in Ōmokoroa

In April 2019, the run increased to 10,500 and we engaged Beacon Print in Whakatāne, a month after Audrey Dubois joined our team as an advertising sales contractor

Our freight is managed by NDL Trans port in Gate Pā Up until now, our Rural Delivery bundles have been managed by John and Diana Hatwell in Judea

The Hatwells have decided it’s time for them to stop, and we’d like to place on record our thanks to them and wish them well for retirement

Guest speaker Dame Sylvia Cartwright and Abbeyfield Western Bay chair Carole Parker in front of an auction item donated by local artist Val Helm PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Baby on Board, Mum is Driving

By Lyndsay Morgan

Iam the author of a book titled ‘Baby on Board Mum is Driving’ My name is Lyndsay Morgan, and I live in Ōmokoroa

I am a trained Karitāne Nurse with many, many years of experience helping mums settle in with a new baby and, in many cases, a not so new baby who needs to learn who’s the boss

So many new mums ar rive home maybe two days after giving birth and then say to themselves, ‘ now what?’

Mums are so excited at the impending birth of this precious baby, having all the necessary bits and pieces ready to go but what now?

I have written a short book covering the first three months, all about how to have a settled baby who is gradually introduced to a routine Life is a routine, and with a routine comes peace and quiet when a new mum can put her feet up, have a cup of tea, and bring joy to the immediate family I have had nothing but rave reviews from mums not only in NZ but from USA, Eng land and Australia

If mums choose to follow my ‘rules’, life is also about rules, the outcome is amazing

Karitāne Nurses, in the first instance, were trained by a very special Doctor, Sir Truby King, who, after training in Scot land, returned to his home in Karitāne a small village on the East Coast of the South Island out from Oamaru The young women were taught the very ba sics I have mentioned, ie a routine, four hourly feed (give or take) and firmly wrapping the baby It’s all in my book

I have cared for so many babies, in cluding twins, triplets and, yes quads

The mother of the quads had a full time Karitāne for two years, supplied by the Government

I cared for twins whose mother also had a 20 month old, so three children under 20 months The breastfed twins slept through the night at seven weeks with routine and self settling I myself had three children under 3, breastfed and all sleeping through the night at six weeks It can be done!

Read my advertisement at the back of the Lizard come to my classes and dis cover how you, too, can achieve what you thought was impossible

Food bank drive

By Rick Peers

The Ōmokoroa Community food bank drive this year will be on Tuesday 6th December between 6 30 and 7 30pm

We’ll have sirens blaring; lights flash ing and people collecting door to door With the rising cost of living there are more people in our community feeling the pinch, so please give what you can If you are out that night and want to leave a parcel at your front door, we’ll be happy to collect it

Thank you to Ōmokoroa Fire Brigade and First Responders, Tall Poppy, Tremains, Your Real Estate, Active 8, Ōmokoroa Tennis Club, The Lions, and

all of the individuals that have stepped up to help make this happen

Email rick peers@gmail com if you have any questions about this year ’ s food bank drive

Editor: The Ōmokoroa Community food bank drive is kindly organised by Rick Peers of Cyberlink You can sign up for Rick’s mailing list at https://tinyurl com/cyberlinkemails

Lyndsay Morgan with her new parenting book

PHOTOS: Supplied

New roundabout finished at Katikati

The first of six new roundabouts be tween Katikati and Ōmokoroa has been built and opened in Novem ber, with just a few final touches left to complete, including line marking and in stalling signs and barriers

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Re gional Manager of Infrastructure Deliv ery, Jo Wilton, says intersection crashes are the cause of one in four deaths and serious injuries on this section of State Highway 2, and roundabouts and flexible median barrier will significantly reduce the risk of crashes by making it easier for traffic from side roads to access the high way

“Road to Zero is about making sure our whole transport system is safer Safer drivers, safer speeds, safer cars, and safer roading infrastructure The pur pose of the roundabouts along this section of SH2 is to provide a safe turnaround option once flexible median

barriers are installed ”

“This roundabout brings us another step closer to a safer State Highway 2, and we are really proud of the team who are working in this challenging construc tion environment ”

Most of this roundabout has been con structed while maintaining two way flow for traffic on a busy state highway, with around 15,000 vehicles passing through each day

“Constructing a roundabout is com plex, like putting together a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle We start at the outside and work through into the middle

“As with a jigsaw puzzle, the middle becomes very constrained for workspace, meaning at times there needs to be traffic controls and stop/go put in place,” says Ms Wilton

“The team has worked hard to get to this point. With a very wet winter and a month’s worth of rain at the start of Oc

tober, the programme has been carefully managed to maximise the time on site when it has been dry, as well as minimise traffic delays ”

“Activities that have required stop/go have been carried out at night where possible; however, this is not always an option We need to always ensure the safety of our people on site and consider the logistics of materials being supplied ”

“It’s great to see the community ad justing well to their safe new round about, we appreciate these works have been disruptive at times, but the im provements make it safer for everyone who uses it ”

The second roundabout at the Morton Road intersection is expected to be com plete in mid 2023, and over the next three to four years, 14 1km flexible me dian barrier will be installed between Katikati and Ōmokoroa, making SH2 safer for everyone Article supplied

Police urge caution with scam email

Police are aware of an email scam circulating that references Police and other justice sector partners

The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s com puter and located explicit, illegal mate rial The recipient is directed to reply within 48 hours, or a warrant will be is sued for their arrest

This email is a scam, and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances

Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond

While the nature and specific details of scams often vary, it’s important to note that Police and other government agen cies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details

Police have received several reports of this scam, and enquires are underway

Anyone who received this email is asked to forward it directly to the Police Cybercrime Team: cybercrime@police govt nz

Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails

Trust your gut instinct if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t

Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www consumer p r o t e c t i o n g o v t n z / g e n e r a l h e l p / scamwatch

Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online

ABC of springtime

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Gardens

Artichokes, broad beans and cabbages are all abundant in the first weeks of spring, providing tasty meals and a reward for midwinter planting Hippocrates and Pythagoras, influencers of style and diet before the Internet, advised that “ you are what you eat” and found broad beans, also known as Fava beans, were a perfect source of protein Pythagoras said, “beans have a soul”, although, in Ancient Greek, it also means “beans have wind ” You can eat small broad beans raw, and as they get bigger, it’s advised to steam or boil them for a few min utes before eating. You can eat the outer fibre casing,

but as an exercise in mindfulness, you can spend happy moments peeling the outer casing and adding it to your recipe My favourite is with feta and some salad dress ing

Once the beans are pulled from the garden by the end of November, the soil is perfect for rotating a crop of brassicas such as kale or cabbage, and the bean plants can be composted

Artichokes were introduced to the English speaking world at the time of Henry VIII and have always had a reputation as an aphrodisiac (yes, he had VI wives) and a producer of gas

Steam them for 45 minutes, and then eat the fleshy base of the leaves dipped in vinaigrette, aioli or garlic butter. Slice off the top seed head and remove the

heart, which is delicious

The gardens are changing quickly as we shift to warmer, drier weather and all the hard work preparing the soil and the compost is starting to show benefits Our main focus now is mulch Mulching preserves mois ture, and with a prediction of hotter summers, it’s es sential to save water and preserve the plants I use any recycled plant matter and put it through the old mower before creating a shallow layer of grass and organic matter to feed and protect Keep the grass clippings thin, as they tend to combust and heat up in thick lay ers Volunteers are welcome and can come for a cuppa and a biscuit under the shade of the trees See you Sat urday or Thursday

Win for Ming

Ōmokoroa pharmacist Fiona Ming Menzies has won the Auck land disc golf champs in mid November at a course in Hillsbor ough where the event has been held every year since 2006 The trophy is from the inaugural event and has the names of the original 24 players recorded on its base Ming and a previous male winner both attended the recent event

This year there were 61 men and 9 women entered Congratula tions Ming

An artichoke in flower PHOTOS: Supplied

Green fingers and thumbs at the Community Gardens

Boobops Dragon Boat team

The Boobops are a breast cancer survivor Dragonboat team based in Tauranga Moana We are a group of women of all shapes and sizes, aged from our late 30s to 80 years old!

Many of us have had breast cancer treatment in the distant past, but some have finished only in the past year or are still undergoing treatment

Dragonboating with the team has not only benefits for breast cancer surgery recovery but also camaraderie with

others who understand what you have been through

We would love you to join us to see if Dragonboating is the sport for you, and will welcome you with open arms

We are looking for new paddlers as well as callers on the boat

If you are interested, call or text the paddler liaison Janet Blaauw on 027 531 5030, or email boobopsrock@gmail com

Rick Burke on farm policies

By Nigel Williams Katikati Rotary Club

Rick talked to us recently about how emissions policy frameworks should be designed for the farming sector Rick is a local farmer who has been heavily involved in farm advocacy over the years, including rallying against the Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change One (PC1) and, more recently, being a signatory in the “Waka adrift” open letter addressed to farmers and published in Farmers Weekly

His 295ha farm is just south of Katikati against the Kaimai Ranges, with 162ha in pasture as a beef, sheep and dairy grazing operation The remainder has been retired and planted some in exotic forestry (23ha) and the rest (110ha) in native trees, regenerating bush and wet lands

He predicts a “blow up ” if predictions prove correct of 20% of sheep and beef farmers exiting the industry if the gov ernment’s farm emissions reduction pol icy is passed.

He says that government and primary sector leaders need to re establish their connections with grassroots farmers If they do not, they risk groups like Groundswell emerging and filling that leadership vacuum The best way to re connect with grass roots farmers is to empower and better utilise farmer catchment groups, such as Project Parore

Such groups are the ideal vehicle for getting key government people and pol icymakers out onto farms to better un derstand the issues farmers face If set

up right, catchment groups operate like discussion groups where farmers can better engage It can take years for a farmer to have the confidence to try something, but if their neighbour is doing it as part of a catchment group ini tiative, it gives them an avenue to be come involved If the government puts the resources and the funding in behind those groups, this provides a massive op portunity for the leaders within those groups The farming industry has tried to do something in a collaborative way through He Waka Eke Noa but is failing because it is trying to please everyone

Trying to meld outcomes for both sheep and beef and dairy farm systems is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, he says Consultation be comes prescriptive because of tight deadlines around submissions, and the end result is farmers at the bottom hav ing little input, and it becomes very “top down” in approach Rick recognised that grassroots farmers weren’t being en gaged with, and this resulted in the po larisation of farmers. Intensifying the issue is the sheer volume of legislative change that has been thrown at farmers over a short period of time, along with the disruption caused by Covid, which prevented people from gathering to thrash out the issues

Collaboration principles urgently need to be looked at and managed a lot better in terms of managing conflicts of interest and hidden agendas Splitting advocacy between the different land based sec tors, each with different emission pro files and challenges, would ensure policy outcomes suit their farm types

Article supplied

Tauranga Moana Dragonboat team is looking for new paddlers and callers PHOTO: Supplied

By Sue Morgan French

Pet Day is one of the most popular days on our school calendar

Last year was the first time in 24 years that it had to be cancelled due to terrible weather we did still do the lambs and calves, though

The two years before that, we had no Pet Day because of Covid, so being able to go ahead with it this year was a real bonus

Unfortunately, this year we had no calves but plenty of lambs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, chickens, rabbits and a va riety of other miscellaneous pets It is wonderful to see children handling their pets so confidently and the knowledge they have about them Champion and Re serve Champion Lamb places were a

family affair well done, Thea and Reid Carlyle

Children who didn’t have a pet to bring did studies on an insect or built a scare crow There were some very impressive insect studies and scarecrows

In addition to the pets, each class made an assortment of creations to display The variety in each class was astounding The seniors are famous for their incred ible cake creations, along with other clever displays

Plasticine creations were popular, as were unusual flower containers, sand gardens and LEGO creations

Old favourites were also to be seen on display; Vaseline saucers, leaf animals and flower bookmarks

The lovely weather made the day per fect PHOTOS: Supplied

Ōmokoroa Frogs win boxbot battle

By Todd Burton

On Wednesday, 26th October, three teams from Ōmokoroa No 1 School travelled to Hamil ton to compete in Tronbot’s annual Boxbot Competition at the University of Waikato’s Performing Arts Centre

The Ōmokoroa Campers, Ōmokoroa Warriors and Ōmokoroa Frogs spent term 3 constructing their bots using sim ple electronics and craft materials Using a remote control transmitter, the Year 6 students practised driving their bots and learning to manoeuvre around obstacles Eleven teams battled each other across

five events accumulating points for each win The events were: Duck, Duck, Bot; The Maze; Mathbots; Sumo; and Rob the Nest

The Ōmokoroa Frogs outperformed the other teams to take out the title of Boxbot Champions for 2022.

Kai Base, from the winning team, says, “driving the bots is way harder than it looks!”

The event organiser Shannan McPeak, who runs Tronbots, is supported by Waikato University’s School of Engineer ing Shannan works across multiple schools sharing his passion for robotics

For more information about robotics, visit the Tronbots website: www tronbots co nz

Ōmokoroa Neighbourhood Support

By Rachel Millard Coordinator

As we head towards summer and, hopefully the sun begins to shine more, we look forward to those longer, warm evenings We do hope the lighter evenings will deter any suspi cious activity

We would ask everyone to stay vigilant as the guy offering to clean your win dows or do odd jobs for cash is now back in Ōmokoroa He has been around the whole district taking money from people without doing the work He is a tall slim, dark haired guy, scruffy looking and often carries a bag across him If he does pay you a visit, be sure to call 111 if he is still close by or 105 if it’s after the inci dent Police are keen to talk to him

Safer Plates

Thank you to anyone who came along to the Safer Plates day It was a great community day with our local police and volunteer fire brigade in attendance The atmosphere was great, and through the plates and sausage sizzle donations, we managed to raise $980, which was given to our local volunteer fire brigade and first responders

Know your neighbours

One of the best ways we can prevent crime is through our capable and obser vant local community It is important for

our community to look out for and look after each other Being visible and atten tive in our neighbourhood makes it less attractive to those less honest

About us

The neighbourhood support is part of the Ōmokoroa Policing Group Charitable Trust, which is comprised of volunteers who meet six times per year These meetings are held to look at ways to im prove the service our volunteers can offer to the community in terms of neigh bourhood support, community patrol, graffiti busters and contact with our local police

Opportunities available

With the growth of the area, we are keen to form a small committee for neighbourhood support We will meet every second month to look for ideas to not only grow the membership but also support the current street contacts and individual members If you are inter ested in becoming part of this team, please let me know via email at nsomokoroa@gmail com

We are keen to keep building our net work, and if you know of anyone who would like to become a household mem ber, please send your details to nsomokoroa@gmail.com, and we will add you to the database to receive our newsletter and alerts

Keep safe, everyone

Winning team Ōmokoroa Frogs

Boxbots in action PHOTOS: Supplied

Christmas Lights.

Another year has own by and Christmas is right around the corner. Bring your friends, family and neighbours to the festivities near you! Join us on the 8th of December at Greystone Place, Omokoroa or on the 9th of December at Park Road, Katikati for an evening full of fun, for the whole family.

Thank you

We would like to thank all of our clients who trusted Tremains Real Estate on the sale and purchase of their home in 2022.

We wish you, your family and friends a Merry Christmas & a peaceful New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2023!

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

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

Thu 1st Katikati Santa Parade 3pm from Katikati College along Carisbrooke Street to Christmas in the Park at Moore Park until 6pm Enjoy musical performances, horse rides, puppeteers, face painting, food stalls and craft stalls

Thu 1st/Fri 2nd ‘A Reindeer Revolt at Santa’s Workshop’ by Katikati Theatre Inc 7pm at the Arts Junction Adults $20 children $10

Sat 3rd Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Swap

excess produce, seeds, seedlings, preserves, jams, baking etc 1st Saturday of the month Garden shed beside Katikati Community Centre on Beach Rd, 9 30 10 30am Call Jizzy on 549 2337 or Marie on 07 9297906

Sat 3rd Wander Dogs Puketoki Reserve Powertalk 9am, walk starts 10am Free See westernbay govt nz/wanderdogs

Sat 3rd Live Music Big Muffin Serious Band 7 30pm, The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets from The Arts Junction, Katikati Phone 07 549 1658

Sun 4th Make your own kawakawa salve at Katikati Museum 2 3pm Katikati Arts Junction Limited spaces Please book at admin@westernbaymuseum nz or 021 113 445

Sun 4th Katikati Folk Open Mic 5pm every 1st Sunday of the month Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete

Mon 5th U3A Art Group 10am noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club $2 Bring your own materials Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242

Mon 5th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6 00pm Contact Colin 576 9110

Tue 6th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa

Tue 6th Ōmokoroa Foodbank Drive Collection of pantry goods as well as bathroom consumables Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade and community volunteers will

be coming door to door in Ōmokoroa from 6pm

Wed 7th Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am 12 30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month Visit aongateteforest org/join

Weds 7th Kati Chat at The Arts Junction, 10 11am Morning tea provided Free event, all welcome Learn about local organisations: Meals on Wheels, Tree Croppers, Waipuna Hospice and Community Patrols

Wed 7th Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am at Waihī Beach RSA Interesting speakers, interesting conversation and of course interesting people Every 1st Wednesday

Wed 7th Movie White Christmas 1 30pm at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Includes festive afternoon tea Ph 07 549 1658

Thu 8th Emergency preparedness drop in sessions every 2nd Thursday at The Centre Pātuki Manawa, Katikati 10am noon Visit westernbay govt nz/community/civil defence

Thu 8th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday Meet at Leyland Road carpark Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222

Thu 8th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 8th Katikati Genealogy Group meets on the 2nd Thursday at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1 30pm $5 New members welcome Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259

Fri 9th Family Planning appointments 10 1pm and drop in 1 30 4pm To book call 578 8539 Katikati Midwives Rooms 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati Every 2nd Friday See familyplanning org nz

Fri 9th Bethlehem Night Market every 2nd Friday from 5 30 8 30pm at Bethlehem Hall Facebook: cnmbethlehem or contact Jen on 021 672 281 cnmbethlehem@gmail com

Sat 10th Katikati Moggies Market Second Saturday each month 9am to 12pm Katikati Memorial Hall Your local monthly market Support local, buy local E: moggiesmarket21@gmail com

Sat 10th Patchwork Quilting at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am 4 30pm second Saturday each month Contact Christine 027 280 1344

Sun 11th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs Fun writing exercises to warm up

2nd Sunday of each month 11am 12 30pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail com 577 1753 or 027 274 8753

Sunday 11th It’s Christmas Concert 3pm at St Pauls Presbyterian Church, Katikati Featuring Mural Town Singers, Mellowtones, Waihī College Concert Band

Mon 12th Te Puna Indoor Bowls Te Puna Memorial Hall at 6 45 pm for a 7 9 pm evening of social games and coaching if you wish 2nd Monday of the month First two months free Contact Jo Gravit 027 552 6063

Tue 13th Ōmokoroa Photography Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion Social Room All levels welcome 7 9pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month Contact omokoroaphotoclub@gmail com

Wed 14th U3A Katikati monthly meeting 10am noon in the Digital Hub next to the Library on 2nd Wednesday each month Call Pam Mazoyer 021 104 2925

Wed 14th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117

Wed 14th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul’s church Contact Fiona 022 684 5178

Thu 15th Genealogy support Help with research into family history and DNA searches Omokoroa Library, 3rd Thursdays 10am One on one help available at other times Contact Lyn at lynevaughan@gmail com or 027 259 6643

Thu 15th Fun Mixed Doubles Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Western Ave Third Thursday of the month from 5 30 7 30pm

16th 28th Santa’s Christmas Grotto A magical Christmas experience at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Road, Katikati Santa is onsite for selfies daily until 23rd December

Fri 16th Death Cafe 1 30 3pm at Katikati Community Centre, every 3rd Friday of the month We talk openly about death and dying, how we experience end of life and the fear, grief and questions that come with it

Fri 16th Thank Whakamārama It’s Friday 3rd Friday of the month from 6 9 pm All welcome Bring your dinner and meet the community Whakamārama Hall

Sat 17th Katikati Artisan Market 9am 1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati 3rd Saturday of the month

Sat 17th Wander Dogs Huharua Park Power up talk 9am Walk starts 10am

Sun 18th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete

Sun 18th Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month Ph Jonathan on 572 2091

Mon 19th U3A Art Group 10am noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club $2 Bring your own materials Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242

Mon 19th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road, Te Puna (Behind the Tennis Courts) 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm Contact Colin 576 9110

Tue 20th Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library

Tue 20th Innovation Garden Club 1 30 3pm every 3rd Tuesday Waihī Beach RSA Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail com

Wed 21st Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am 12 30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month Visit aongateteforest org/join

Wed 21st Business After Five 5 15pm A different location on the 3rd Wednesday each month, 5 15 6 30pm RSVP to 07 549 5250 to check venue All welcome

Thu 22nd Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 22nd Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9 30 11 30am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239

Sat 24th Katikati Lions Garage Sale 9am noon at the containers behind Caltex, Main Rd Indoor & outdoor furniture, tools & more 4th Saturday Call David 027 549 0168

Sun 25th Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3 5pm Last Sunday of the month

Sat 31st Ōmokoroa Markets 9am to noon Last Saturday each month except Dec Crafts, art, produce, bbq, plants, car boot and much more E: omokoroamarket@gmail com

Slotcar Club Ōmokoroa to race club class saloons Controller and cars will be provided for all drivers Contact Steve Wall on 021 163 2055 for dates/times

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO)

McDonnell Street 10am 4pm Tuesday Sunday Local history, community information and art for sale Contact Alison on 021 294 9294

Dave Hume swimming pool in Katikati is open for the summer season Check times/sessions at www davehumepoolkk com or contact 549 1069

MONDAYS

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

welcome Email katikati tennis@outlook com

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am 12 30pm

omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 9 15 10 15am Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up 9 30am Names in before 9 15am 2x4x2

format Coaching available 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103

Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 30 10 30am Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448.

Scrabble at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa 10am Refreshments provided Free Postnatal Support Group 10am 12pm

Bethlehem Birthing Centre All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome Starts back 10th Feb Phone 549 4522

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

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Justice of the Peace clinic 11am 1pm at Waihī Library, 40 Rosemont Street

Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 1pm for 1 30pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564

Scottish Country Dancing 1 3 pm St Peter’s Anglican Church, Beach Road $4 All ages, no partner required Call Douglas 021 0244 6099

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

not essential Contact Christine Sherriff 549 5601 or 027 434 9842

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction

Katikati Tickets $10 Limited seats 549 5250

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion afternoons Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 lynchaston@btinternet com

Yoga for Men 5 15 6 30 pm Katikati Community Centre Contact Gerry 021 050 8419

IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 11 6 7 30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall Call 548 2515

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6 8pm Contact Mollie 021 177 8018

Table Tennis Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall Seniors (18+) 7 9pm $3 per single, $5 per couple Inc supper White sole shoes preferred Call Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741

Social indoor netball term time at 6pm Apata Community Hall Pahoia School Ages 11+ $5 per night Beginners welcome Contact Kirsten 022 535 1530

ITF Taekwon do classes at Te Puna School Hall 6 7 30pm Self defence, self confidence, fitness First 2 weeks free George 022 437 4403

Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club $3 incl tea and biscuits Prizes/raffles monthly Carpooling from Katikati available Call Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404

Indoor Bowls 7pm at Waihī Beach RSA Contact Grant on 027 475 0556

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/

9 am start All year Casual & new players welcome Call Kevin 027 273 5655

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

Contact Shirley on 552 2707

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am noon omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Te Puna Playcentre 9am 1pm term times only 225 Te Puna Road Contact te puna@Playcentre org nz

Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis 9am start Casual and new players welcome

Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9 30am in term times $4 per family Tamryn on 576 5387

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am Learn to spin weave felt knit crochet and more Call Alison 022 0849 348 Tai Chi 9 30 10 30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults 10 15 11 15am Catholic Church Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati Sharnie 021 111 8617

Keep on your Feet seated fitness for older adults 11 30 noon Catholic Church Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati Sharnie 021 111 8617

Justice of the Peace clinic at Waihī Beach Library 11am noon

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club Roll up, names in by 12 30 for 1 o ’clock start All welcome Bowls and coaching available Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 30 to 4pm 30 Hamurana Road Beginners and visitors welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

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

Wise & Wonderful Arts & crafts games and afternoon tea for seniors Pick up and drop off available in Katikati area 1 30 3pm at Katikati Community Centre Gold coin Contact 549 0399 or info@katikaticommunity nz Teen Advisory Board Plan, promote and implement programs and events for teens Year 7 to 13 students 3 30 4 30pm during the school term at Pātuki Manawa Gentle Yoga at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4 5 30pm One free trial class Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra co nz Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6 8pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517 Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 6 30pm for 7pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564 Katikati Toy Library 6 30pm 8pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 15 10 15

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Community Tai Chi Waihī Beach RSA 9 30am during school terms Contact Trish 021 482 842

Knit & Natter at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa, Katikati 10am Free

Stepping Up free computer classes at Katikati Library Wednesdays/Thursdays Book on 571 8008 or www steppingup nz

Fitness League exercise movement dance for posture, strengthening & stretching All ages & abilities 10am Memorial Hall, Katikati Phone Pam 549 4799

Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 10 45am 3 30pm $5 Contact Jill 021 408 660

or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists

Adults Dance & Move 12 30pm St Peter’s Church, Beach Road, Katikati Many styles of fun dance Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail com 577 1753 or 027 274 8753

Katikati Toy Library 2 30pm 4pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or

E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

Grow On Seedlings Club Katikati Community Centre 3 4pm 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of month term time Intro to gardening for children aged 6 10 years Call Janet 021 0236 7038

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 2pm WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4 15 5pm (3 6 years) and 5 15 6 45pm (7 14 years) at

Western Ave Sports Grounds

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

Twilight tennis at Te Puna Tennis Club 6pm

start Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

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

Te Puna Community Library in the School library 6 30 7 30pm

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7 8pm Contact Sarah 021 022 19892

Quiz Night Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road 7 9 30pm

Casual Soccer at 7 15pm at Western Ave

Sports Grounds bottom field Over 12 years old Call Hamish on 552 6427

THURSDAYS

Katikati drop in Community Breakfasts

7 30 8 30am Baptist Church, 2 Wedgewood St, Katikati Free entry All welcome Pick Up/Drop Off Service and shower facilities available 549 0399

Pickleball at Waihī Beach Community Centre Starts at 9 30 11am Bats, balls, courts and nets provided $3 per session Call Phil on 021 624 908

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 9am noon omokoroa@playcentre org nz Tai Chi 9 30 11 00am Te Puna Memorial Hall Contact David 027 222 2824 Tai Chi 9 30 10 30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church, Beach Road, Katikati Call Edna 027 474 9946

Adult Colouring in at Pātuki Manawa 10am Refreshments provided Free Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 10 11am Call Sabine 021 1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail com

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

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee 10 noon Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting Diabetes NZ Drop in group 10 noon 177a

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY WEEKLY EVENTS

Fraser Street, Tauranga 571 3422 tauranga@diabetes org nz Justice of the Peace clinic 10am 12pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 11 30am 12 30pm Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

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

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

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall Beginners 1 3pm Call Joce 021 486 265

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

ITF Taekwon do classes at Te Puna School Hall 6 7 30pm Self defence, self confidence, fitness First 2 weeks free George 022 437 4403

Social Dancing Ballroom, Latin, Rock n Roll, Salsa 7pm Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall $5 Contact Angela 027 246 1624

Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall during school terms from 7 8:30pm Contact Jan Murray 027 286 1552, Alison Badger 548 1544

Katikati Concert Band 7 9pm Katikati Bowling Club We welcome all ages and experience Contact Eryl 021 404 163

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

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

FRIDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/ 9 am start All year Casual & new players welcome Call Kevin 027 273 5565

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

Ladies Singles Tennis 9am at Ōmokoroa

Tennis Club, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa Enjoy some competitive but fun games Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall General session 9am noon Call Shirley on 548 1633 Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am 12 30pm omokoroa@playcentre org nz

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

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am noon Bethlehem Community Church, 138 Moffat Road

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am noon Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10am 12 15pm for $4 Morning tea and lunch provided Drop in or call Lorraine Taylor 548 1404

Omokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship, coffee, outings, etc Email Omokoroa Senior Singles@gmail com or phone 021 627 107

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club Roll up, names in by 12 30 for 1 o ’clock start All welcome Bowls and coaching available Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com

Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 45pm Enquires to Janet on janetandwillie@kinect co nz or Linley on 218 7003

Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls 12 45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall Contact Heather 549 1008

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

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up 2 00pm Names in before 1 45pm Coaching available Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103

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

SATURDAYS

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

Visit omokoroatennis com for information and to book

Katikati Toy Library 9 10am at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

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

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

Contact Chris Cole (text only) 0274 545 586

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

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

Te Puna Community Library in the School library 10am noon

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee 10 noon Hamurana Road south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting Western Bay Museum Guided Tour Noon WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 30 to 4pm 30 Hamurana Road Beginners and visitors welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start 30A Park Road, Katikati New members welcome Phone Michael 027 473 1540

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll up 2 00pm Names in before 1 45pm Coaching available Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Rd Katikati 07 549 0103

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

SUNDAYS

Ōmokoroa Cricket 20 overs from 1pm every second Sunday at Western Ave BYO picnic

FB: @omokoroacricket

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati Tickets $10 Limited seats 549 5250

Jam session Waihī Beach Hotel 60 Wilson Road 4 7pm Everyone welcome

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

Crime and incident report

By Senior Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh and Senior Constable James Muir

Burglaries

On 19th October, a shed was broken into on Te Puna Quarry Road The lock had been tampered with to gain entry The following items were stolen from the shed: a chainsaw, knapsack sprayer, socket set, and a water blaster

On 20th October, a burglary was reported at a Lockington Road address Property from an accommodation block has been reported stolen but has since been recovered from a Kaimai address We are looking for a person of interest in relation to the bur glary

Between the 21st and 24th, a burglary occurred at a Beach Road, Katikati ad dress The victim’s garage and home have been broken into A sensor light above the door has been smashed A shed window has been smashed where items have been stolen, including two couches and a Ryobi lawn mower

Between the 21st and 25th, a commer cial property located on Marshall Road was broken into, and a large number of

tools stolen The workshop had been left locked and secured Theft

A female has stolen a monopoly game and other goods from the Paper Plus shop in Katikati Police have a positive line of inquiry

Two calves have been reported stolen from a Ross Road, Whakamārama Road, address

Two vehicles parked on Corbett Drive, Minden had their number plates stolen

Two vehicles parked at the end of Hot Springs Road were broken into, and the vehicles searched An AUX cable was stolen from one vehicle, and the number plate from another vehicle

On the 23rd, a vehicle parked on Macmillan Street was entered by smash ing a side window The vehicle was left locked but not alarmed Items taken from the boot of the vehicle include gum boots and some orchard tools

Unlawful taking of motor vehicles

On 17th, a 1996 Nissan Laurel motor vehicle was stolen from Fairview Road, Katikati At about 1 30pm on 18th, a Po lice patrol observed the vehicle on SH2, south of Katikati The Police patrol exe

cuted a u turn to follow the vehicle The vehicle was followed into Wharawhara Road, where it was briefly driven on the wrong side of the road before turning into a holiday park A passenger has run from the vehicle but was located and ar rested in a nearby swamp A 27 year old Tahāwai man has subsequently been charged with receiving a stolen vehicle He also had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to appear in court on several dishonesty charges He was held in cus tody with bail opposition until he ap peared in court the following day He was subsequently bailed with a 24 hour cur few

A Honda Accord was reported stolen and later located in Te Puna, the owner has gone to recover the vehicle, but un fortunately, it had been stolen again and was not recovered

Arrests and apprehensions

On 18th October, a 27 year old Tahāwai man was arrested after Police stopped a Nissan Laurel vehicle on Wharawhara Road He was arrested after a foot chase and charged with re ceiving a stolen vehicle

On 19th, a 62 year old Whakamārama

man was arrested in Whakamārama for trespassing and possessing metham phetamine

On 21st, a 50 year old Kauri Point man was arrested and charged with burglary in relation to an incident on Tetley Road, Katikati recently He has appeared in the Tauranga DC and was further remanded on bail until 14th November

On 23rd, a driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol

Also on the 23rd, a 45 year old Tahāwai man was arrested and charged with burglary in relation to an incident on Tetley Road, Katikati recently He was due to appear in the Tauranga DC on 28th

On 24th, a 33 year old Katikati man was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on dishonesty charges He appeared in the Tauranga DC on 25th and was further bailed

General

There were two minor vehicle acci dents reported in the area

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

Lions’ tertiary scholarships close soon

By Shirley Miller Past President of Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club

Do you know a university student from the Ōmokoroa community deserving of a tertiary scholar ship?

The Ōmokoroa Lions are delighted to announce they have two scholarships to award towards studies in 2023: The Beryl Scott Tertiary Memorial Scholar ship of $2,000, and The Precious Family Memorial Scholarship of $1,500

Eligibility Applicants must have com pleted at least one year of full time ter

tiary study and intend to continue their studies The applicant’s family must have resided in the Ōmokoroa area for at least three years and have attended a local secondary school for at least three years If you are interested or know someone who is, please email omokoroa secre tary@lionsclubs org nz to request an ap

Whakamārama Hall regular events

Library

Thursdays 9am noon (during term) and every third Friday 6 8 30pm Visit whakalibrary librarika com to see our great range of books A real eclectic mix!

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

TWiF

Thank Whakamārama It s Friday takes place every 3rd Friday of the month from 6 8 30pm Everyone is welcome Bring your dinner your family and a bottle or two and enjoy a gathering with neighbours and friends Find out what s going on in the community and meet fellow Whakamārama locals

WHakamārama EmaiLS

Community news including lost and found animals, items for sale, excess fruit and vegetables and rentals wanted To receive these email Carolyn at rossroad@eol co nz

HaLL bOOkiNGS

Whakamārama Hall bookings are now available online To check availability and to make bookings head to spacetoco com Keyword Whakamārama Community Centre

plication form and full details

Applications close Sunday, 11th Decem ber with interviews to follow Candidates must be available for an in person inter view on Saturday, 14th January Late ap plications will not be considered

Help bring back our native birds

The Old Library Ōmokoroa

By Alison Badger

What a busy few months at The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO)

During Blue September, the Menzshed had an awesome display of their work, plus a knife/scissor sharpen ing service We were pleased to donate $258 80 to the Prostate Cancer Aware ness campaign Onto Pink October and the Wonder Women Who Have Changed Our World Our Project Uplift promotion gathered hundreds of new and nearly new bras for the Pacific Island ladies, and the Bags of Love resulted in a huge box of toiletries for the Women’s Refuge

Congratulations to Rachel, who won a $50 voucher from the lovely Abby at The Upkeep Company Thank you, Abby; we know you do heaps to support local groups

October also hosted the amazing God wits exhibition, together with the Ōmokoroa Public Art Group’s Godwit art competition

November saw the Old Library filled with the most amazing quilting work by Ōmokoroa Quilters, and we were happy to support Parkinson’s Awareness month Beautiful turned wooden tulips were on sale for just $5 each How to follow that? With a return visit

in December by the awesome John D Wilson with a fresh new collection of art featuring his mind boggling 3D art It must be seen to be believed We thank our awesome volunteers for their commitment to supporting our community space and gallery We thank our lovely visitors who have made so many beautiful comments which encour age us to believe we are getting it right We thank the local groups who use our premises for their activities, proving that there is a need for a small meeting space

at a very reasonable hire (often even free)

We look forward to welcoming you to our December display and collection of ‘alternative’ Christmas presents and dec orations

This year has flown by, and we are al ready booking artists for 2023 January, in particular, will be spectacular If you are one of our amazing local creatives, why not give me a call and consider an exhibition of your work?

Contact me on 021 294 9294

Scott says

By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel

If you ’ re fed up with the 80km speed limits that have been placed on some State Highways, get ready for lots more The Government has marked parts of the state highway network as not hav ing a ‘safe and appropriate speed’ meaning speed limits are potentially going to be slashed under Labour’s plans to slow New Zealanders down.

Getting around New Zealand in a safe and efficient way is critically important to all New Zealanders, especially our rural communities and those who trans port freight around the country How ever, lowering speed limits simply mean it will take longer to get around and make people more isolated; it will do nothing to address the poor state of our roads, which have become peppered with potholes

In Parliament, the Government has also pushed through the Fair Pay Agree

ments legislation, which will result in a significant change to our industrial rela tions landscape and laws

Essentially, the legislation will make New Zealand’s workplaces less agile and flexible Instead of individual employers and employees negotiating terms and conditions, Fair Pay Agreements force employers and workers within a sector to bargain for minimum terms and con ditions for all employees in that industry or occupation, regardless of whether they want to be included

The biggest impact of going back to Fair Pay Agreements will be felt by smaller businesses that don’t have the resources to be sitting at the negotiating table They’re going to be left out and won’t have an input into what the terms and conditions are of their employees

National believes that flexible labour markets are essential to our future eco nomic success and have promised to re peal the Fair Pay Agreements as soon as possible

Ōmokoroa History books

Read about the early European history in the books Ōmokoroa and later times in the “Ōmokoroa Farming Families 1900 1970” These iconic publications are presented professionally with many interesting articles supported by fabulous photos

A great Christmas present for sale at $45 each For online payment, the Ōmokoroa History Group’s account: 12 3146 0290374 000 Please add your surname as reference

Contact Don Cameron 548 0655, Chris Wright 548 0088 or Val Hale 548 0370

Also available at Ōmokoroa Pharmacy and TOLO ( The Old library McDonnell Street)

All proceeds go to the Ōmokoroa History Group for further projects

Congratulations to Rachel Buer winner of the $50 voucher to The Upkeep Co PHOTO: Supplied

Western Bay Museum Pā Harakeke

By Paula Gaelic

n Monday, November 14th, we joined with Kaumātua and Kuia of Te Rereatukahia Marae, hapū representatives of Northern Tauranga Moana, Creative Bay of Plenty (BoP), sponsors and supporters to bless and unveil our Pā Harakeke, a project that has been 18 months in the making It was such a happy occasion

Our Pā Harakeke was created by Kairaranga (Weaver), Kuia Kerewai Mur ray Wanakore, Te Rereatukahia Kuia and Kaumātua, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Canterbury and Western Bay Museum Funding received from Cre ative NZ’s Creative Communities Scheme enabled us to bring this project to fruition

We feel privileged and honoured to have spent this past year working closely with Kuia Kerewai Murray Wanakore Thank you as well to Kairaranga Sarah Tangitū, who, along with Kerewai, flew to Lincoln to bring the cultivars home Seven species were selected, each serv

ing a different purpose, and over time it is intended that our Pā Harakeke will be a site of workshops, educational pro grams and exhibitions

To the Māori, there was no plant more important than harakeke As Pākehā cul ture and clothing displaced time hon oured Māori ways in the latter part of the last century, traditional harakeke culti vars fell into neglect In the early 1960s, a Kairaranga (weaver) of Gisborne began noticing that weavers were reduced to using inferior harakeke and started to seek out and collect good traditional va rieties Over succeeding decades, she as sembled a collection of some 60 Māori cultivars The collection was given to the former Department of Scientific and In dustrial Research and has since formed the basis for numerous plantings around the country by Manaaki Whenua Land care Research, who has saved these tra ditional harakeke cultivars

A solid partnership has been estab lished with Manaaki Whenua, the Kairaranga (weavers) of our District,

continue to have this cultural engagement under the gov ernance of Kuia Kerewai and Kaumātua of Te Rereatukahia It is their taonga, and all initiatives going forward will be at their approval.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the support

and hard work of

Parore for tak ing such care in preparing this space, in cluding weeding, brush cutting, spraying and spreading the mulch, and to Taylor Brothers Transport Ltd for supplying the mulch

We have taken our first steps, and we look forward to moving forward collec tively with this project

Northern Tauranga Moana and Western Bay Museum We will

Project

Sarah Hera Tangitū collecting the cultivars from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Lincoln

PHOTO: Manaaki Whenua/Kim Triegaardt

Kaumātua George Burt Kuia Kerewai Murray Wanakore ( Te Rereatukahia) Rev Brendan Gibbs and Reon Tuanau (Ōtāwhiwhi)

Pa Harakeke Info Board covered with Korowai until unveiling

Old pavilion on the move

Acting President’s Probus piece

By Rob Wakelin

Our last meeting for the year was well attended, with two very in teresting speakers

Our first speaker was Cindy Switzer, another country town babe from Feath erston She talked about her early years on the outskirts of town and then a sec retarial existence, marriage, two babes of her own and finally retiring from Wellington to wonderful Ōmokoroa Part of her family is close by and others in Australia

She has a glorious time with a nice campervan and intends spending a long spell in the South Island next year Thanks, Cindy

The main speaker was Steve Walker from the St John Shuttle Service, based in Tauranga While Steve was primarily involved as a shuttle driver, and volun teer for the last ten years, he did move to join the area committee last year He re ceived training on the defibrillator be fore coming to us

The shuttle service does not operate in Ōmokoroa yet, and it would take a con certed community effort to get this es tablished

Steve provided statistics on the St John operation in the Bay of Plenty and the mission statements for Hatu Hōne St John in NZ (which operates everywhere except Wellington, where Capital Health runs its own service) His area commit

tee is responsible for the Community Health Program, which includes sup porting volunteers

The automated external defibrillator (AED) was introduced to us and Steve gave a very good run down on what it does, what cannot do, and the dos and don’ts for its use He demonstrated its use on a mannequin and also spent time doing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscita tion) on that same creature

The Settlers’ Hall committee has re cently received such a unit from the local Lions Club, and this will be placed in the Hall foyer Full verbal instructions are within the unit

A big thanks to Steve, and we will be making a donation to the Shuttle Service

Thanks to all the Hall and kitchen helpers and to Gillian for her big lily

Thoughts for the day were provided by Colin. “Life is like riding a bicycle; you have to keep moving to stay balanced ” Also, “You are here on earth to add what you can to life, not to see what you can take ”

Lunch was enjoyed at the Boat Club and we will be in touch with those re quiring transport to the Christmas Lunch at the Oak Room Restaurant, Greerton RSA on 24th November

On behalf of Wavyne, a big thanks to you all for another interesting year

Liz Farrell

Charlemagne Lodge hosts festival

RimuFest Chamber Music Festival

was founded by Amelia Taylor and Alejandro Larumbe Amelia grew up in Tauranga, attending Tauranga Girls College before continuing her education at Waikato University to complete a Bachelor of Music specialising in violin performance She then furthered her music education in America The main Rimufest event is a 6 day summer pro gramme for beginner to advanced string players between the ages of 7 18 It pro vides music collaboration opportunities where students can develop effective communication, teamwork, goal setting and organisational skills The pro gramme offers a one of a kind experi ence Students are involved in Chamber groups, orchestra, Alexander technique, coachings from high calibre national and international musicians, rehearsals, mas terclasses and performance opportuni ties RimuFest is also known for its concerts and events, dedicated to provid ing the Bay of Plenty community with high quality music It is also proud to have this platform to perform original works by New Zealand composers

Rimufest also offers a 4 day workshop at the end of the school Term 3 This year ’ s event was staged from 1st to 4th October

Further details about Rimufest are on the website: www rimufest com Amelia and Alejandro currently live in San Diego However, they return to New Zealand each year to prepare for and run the January Festival.

Rimufest January 2023 is the fourth time the festival has been held in Tau ranga Article supplied

Saturday, 7th January, 5 30pm, Charle magne Lodge, Te Puna Bring a picnic and enjoy an exciting pro gramme of strings and percussion per formed by world class musicians The concert begins at 6 30 pm Monday, 9th January, 1 30pm, Graham Young Youth Theatre, Tauranga Boys College

RimuFest student concert Come and sup port young students in a variety of chamber groups Fun for the family Tuesday, 10th January 10th, 6 30pm, Graham Young Youth Theatre, Tauranga Boys College USA violinist, Chase Ward, will be perform ing Chase is a faculty member for the January 2023 festival

Not a lot of puff

By John Budden Sailing Convenor

There were certainly no fireworks on Sunday, 6th November, just an overcast sky and cool with a light east north east breeze

The start was at 1300h at D mark when three yachts, Against All Odds, Wētā and Goldie, set out for the turning point at Panepane Wharf with the finish back at D.

It was a great start, with Goldie leading out, Against All Odds and Wētā closing fast The last of the ebb tide helped, but the breeze was very light to variable

At Rangiwaea narrows, Wētā was ahead of Against All Odds, but G was close behind

In to the main channel at slack water, the breeze packed a sad, but Wētā man aged to keep going as did Against All Odds On Goldie, we tried all the tricks, but you need puff which we did not have Wētā turned first, followed by Against All Odds, then Goldie at about 1500h

The breeze and tide made the home run a delight Wētā finished first at 15 37 42, Against All Odds second at 15 57h and Goldie third at 16 13h

Well done all for hanging in there; for Gerry single handed, the gourmets on Against All Odds and the triers on Goldie

The next sail was in two weeks, sched uled for 20th November However, this was cancelled due to a forecast thunder and hail storm

The January RimuFest schedule

Te Puna School out and about

By Kylie Chambers Teacher

Education outside the classroom has been a fea ture of Term 4 at Te Puna School

Rooms 5, 6 and 7 visited Tutereinga Marae Staying on a marae was a first for many of the children a memory they will hold forever

The days were filled with learning how to make putiputi (flowers) using harakeke (flax), singing waiata (songs), playing Tapu Ae (a ball game), learning local stories, acting Māori Myths and Legends, cleaning our community roads during a rubbish walk and develop ing independence by staying

overnight on a camp

The children from Te Puna Mātauranga also came to share their wisdom with the classes by helping lead some of the ac tivities Huge thanks to Tutereinga Marae for opening their marae to our children, al lowing them to learn more about Te Puna its people and history

The year 5 and 6 classes vis ited Waitomo for four action packed days Their days were filled with abseiling, caving, boat rides, museum visits, glow worm spotting, kiwi house ex cursions and even torchlight games held in the evenings Te Kotahitanga Marae was an ex cellent venue

Rm 13 year 7 and 8 children

set off for camp also; their des tination was Thames’ Kauaeranga Valley Campsite

As Hollie (a Year 7 student) recalled, they moved into 14 person off ground tents for three days The river was a 10 second walk from camp The weather was amazing, the food was awesome, and the activities kept them very busy

The seniors did eleven activi ties ranging from frisbee golf, slingshot paintball, train jiggers and BMX, flying fox, ropes course, archery, air rifles, Burma trail, go karts, raft build ing and water slide, to name a few

They had awesome fun having outside hot showers, swimming when they wanted (with adult supervision), listening to scary stories by the fire, looking for quartz in the river bed, and spending hours riding on the jiggers by camp The mountain range was beautiful, the river was crystal clear, and the snor ing from the parents’ tent was no less than annoying

One more action packed camp to Auckland is planned for our year 3s and 4s Riding through Karangahake Gorge one day, then spending a night in the tunnels at Kelly Tarlton’s, will be a real highlight

These are all invaluable expe riences that the children will re member forever

Year 7 and 8 on camp at Kauaeranga Valley Campsite Thames

Caving in Waitomo for years 5 and 6

Glow worm spotting during a boat trip in Waitomo

Who are the mystery Scouts?

By Ellen Haynes

Believe it or not, The Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall (OSH) super handyman, Mike Pow ers, found this photo stuck behind a wall while he was completing work for our Small Hall’s new storeroom back in August

The photo is of a group of Cub Scouts looking to be planting some trees on the side of the OSH carpark bank down towards the railway line prior to the fence being erected (thankfully, the fence was erected; otherwise we can only imag ine what accidents could have happened!)

As you may know, OSH was used as the Cub Scouts’ ‘den’ for a number of years There is more information about this on the ‘History’ section of our website www settlershall co nz

There is a small plaque on one of our fence sections acknowledging the Cub Scouts planted the tree: “This Kowhai was planted by the Ōmokoroa Cubs on 23rd March 1984 Maureen Bruning, Akela Cub Leader”

Do you recognise any of these boys? We would love to be able to complete the picture with their names Contact us at set tlers hall@gmail com

More homes and better infrastructure A noteworthy second retirement

By Angie Warren Clark Labour List MP

While housing supply is ramping up with a record number of new houses consented this year, we know that one of the main barriers to the construction of more homes is a lack of basic infrastructure

Our Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF), designed to speed up the pace and scale of house building, has taken a big step toward tackling this problem This initiative is jump starting housing developments by funding the vital infrastructure needed for new hous ing like roads, water pipes, and flood man agement systems

Investments through the IAF are expected to enable more than 30,000 new homes right across the country, including 2,580 in Ōmoko roa, with $38 4M in funding for transport

For decades, New Zealand’s broken re source management system has also been a major barrier to the construction of new homes in Ōmokoroa and much needed in frastructure projects After successive Gov

ernments failed to reform it we ’ re getting it done Delivering a new resource management system to protect the environment better while cutting red tape, lowering costs and speeding up the approval process By making the resource management process quicker, cheaper and better, we ’ re helping to unlock the infrastructure that Ōmokoroa needs

Building new homes will be simpler and less expensive for Kiwis Our reform will sim plify the consenting process and replace com plex consent applications This has the ability to enable faster consenting timeframes and more affordable housing through lower de velopment costs

We know the current resource manage ment system hasn’t supported Māori housing and development opportunities, and the changes we ’ re making will help to turn this around too

There’s no single answer for fixing the housing crisis, but the measures we ’ re putting in place will continue to make a real difference for Kiwis

By Angela Williams

The Committee of Ōmokoroa Settlers

Hall would like to acknowledge and thank an amazing couple, Elaine and Gordon Gra vatt, for their long ser vice to the community They originally came to us from a dairy farm ing background in Northland, where they started their journey to gether and began their family; a son and two daughters They later moved to running a packhouse for ten years as quality controllers in South Auckland Elaine and Gordon then moved to Ōmokoroa in 1995 to retire but ended up being on our committee for 20 years We are so grateful for their experience, knowledge and input

into the community, and we are very much going to miss them in the fu ture

A big thank you, Elaine and Gor don; the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Halls Committee sincerely wishes you well in your retirement, 20 years after your ‘retirement’

Retiring committee members Elaine and Gordon Gravatt

PHOTO: Supplied

Kiwi kid turns year 4 school speech into a fun and loveable children’s book

boy who turned his Year 4 school speech into a fun and loveable children’s book is shar ing his creation with budding young readers

Written by Aedan Smart, Bob the Prawn is an amusing tale about the cir cle of life under the sea Suitable for children up to eight years of age, the book follows Bob the Prawn, Sammie the Snapper, and Marino the Mako Shark as they encounter nature’s lively aquatic lifecycle

Bob the Prawn originally started life out as a Year 4 school speech at Ōmokoroa No 1 School Written in 2020 when Aedan was eight, the speech was a firm favourite with fellow classmates and eventually took its cre ator through to the finals Now ten years old, Aedan sold out his first print run of 150 copies in 2021 and can proudly call himself a self made pub lisher

“My mum always thought my speech would make a good book,” says Aedan “Then, when we got stuck at home dur ing lockdown last year, we had lots of spare time, so decided to give it a go ”

The first print run was snapped up last Christmas by family, friends, and connections for Santa sacks nation wide Copies even made their way to

some of the young patients spending Christmas in Starship hospital Featur ing themes of diversity, conservation and storylines that promote a love of reading, Bob has quickly become a firm favourite with young fans and their parents Their encouragement and feedback have given Aedan the confidence to print a second run

Modifying the original speech into a book meant some of the content was adapted to appeal to wider audiences However, much of the original speech and characters remain Finding an af fordable way of illustrating the story was made easy thanks to the online freelance app Fiverr Collaborating with one of their popular children’s book illustrators, Tuly Akter, Bob the Prawn was translated with beautiful visuals into a bright and colourful un derwater themed book.

Owner of one of New Zealand’s most loved outdoor brands Stoney Creek, Brent McConnell, was also happy to support Aedan’s endeavours

‘We are forever on the hunt for inno vative new ways of thinking that in spire a passion for the outdoors,’ says Brent “Aedan has used his creative flair to think outside of the box It’s a great skill to have No doubt he will in spire other Kiwi kids to get out and enjoy fishing in our great outdoors ”

Most recently, Bob the Prawn has been busy swimming its way across in ternational borders In September, copies of the book were presented to potential future exchange students in Japan and Korea courtesy of Aedan’s school principal Craig Pentecost Mr Pentecost featured in the original school speech but was ceremoniously ‘dumped’ in favour of the book’s pub lished teacher Ms Snappity Snap

“Bob the Prawn has taken the tradi tional school speech to a new level of excitement for students,” says Craig “Using authentic content in a different context, Aedan has applied his speech writing to opportunities outside of the classroom on a pathway with a global platform It has inspired other stu dents to think differently about their own creative writing ”

Earlier this year, Aedan donated $550 raised from his first round of book sales to the school It was a much appreciated donation at a time many fundraising events had to be cancelled Copies of the book are now a popular loan in the school library

With another Christmas fast ap proaching, a second print run of 100 books is available to buy online with Kiwi owned global marketplace www chooice co nz and search Bob the Prawn Article supplied

Principal Craig Pentecost says Aedan s book has inspired students to think differently about cre ative writing PHOTO: Supplied

Calling aspiring conservation leaders

Tauira Mahi is an employment and training programme under Jobs for Na ture, aiming to grow the capability and conservation skills in the Bay of Plenty and support adult cadets on their career path in conservation Launching in Jan uary 2021, the seventh intake is due to get underway in mid January 2023

“What we have learnt is that this pro gramme is creating conservation lead ers, ” says Bay Conservation Chief Executive Michelle Elborn “With over 60 cadets now having completed the pro gramme, we are really inspired to see what they have gone on to do The suc cess rate of employment in the environ ment sector is about 75%, and cadets are working across a range of organisations and roles like DOC, MPI, Auckland Zoo,

Project Parore, and hapu led pest con trol, to name a few ”

The programme provides training around core areas of conservation man agement This includes understanding the context of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna It grows knowledge

around bird and plant identification, predator control ethics and techniques, water quality monitoring, species moni toring techniques, the use of technolo gies such as GIS and GPS, Rongoa and cultural values and much more

Many of the sites that cadets spend time at are member groups of Bay Con servation Alliance (BCA) BCA plays a role in supporting community groups (many volunteer led) working towards conservation outcomes. The cadet pro gramme provides a fantastic opportu nity to support the work of these volunteer projects whilst also getting valuable real life insights and experi ence

The programme facilitates a range of certificates that aid the employability of each cadet These include Outdoor First Aid, bush navigation, high performance

predator control, light utility vehicle driving, wasp control, Growsafe and con trolled substance handling

Applications are now open until the 27th November for the next intake start ing on 16th January Criteria for applica tions and an online application form are available on the Bay Conservation Al liance website: www bayconservation nz > Cadets & Education

“Funded by Ministry for Environment, we feel privileged to be able to deliver such a valuable programme here in the Bay of Plenty The reward is immense as we watch people with a passion for sup porting the Taiao grow their confidence and direction in life If you hold the pas sion required to give this programme 110%, we’d love to see an application from you, ” says Michelle Elborn

Article supplied

The Tauira Mahi programme trains adult cadets in aspects such as bush navigation pest manage ment and water quality monitoring PHOTOS: Supplied

Drive safely to stay alive we want you here for Christmas

Six people died on the roads in four separate crashes across NZ during one weekend in November

“They could all have been prevented,” says Assistant Commissioner of Police, Road Policing, Bruce O’Brien

“Our biggest challenge is that Police mes sages are not getting through to motorists on how to avoid crashes ”

Police can’t stop road crashes alone Mo torists also need to play their part

“The crashes from this weekend are all under investigation, so we cannot com ment specifically on the causes at this stage, but history tells us that it’s the same factors time and time again resulting in deaths and trauma on our roads ”

Even when speed doesn’t cause a crash, it is the single biggest determinant in whether you and your passengers walk away or are carried away

Less speed means less harm

“The science tells us that just a 1km/hr decrease in mean speeds across the board equates to between a 4 6% reduction in fatal crashes

“In today’s numbers, that means a poten tial saving of approximately 16 lives na tionally “

That’s a huge risk we can avoid with a small reduction in speed, but also, it’s been wet in some parts of the country, and that may have had an impact ” says Assistant Commissioner O’Brien

Driving to the conditions in wet weather means if it’s wet enough to put your wipers on, it makes sense to put your headlights on as well Slow down It helps you brake more gently and gives you enough time to react and retain full control of your vehicle It takes longer to stop in the rain Move away from the vehicle in front to increase

your stopping distance

Remember to buckle up Don’t get be hind the wheel when you ’ re too tired to drive or allow yourself to be distracted

Put your phone away and make sure ev eryone in the car has the appropriate re straints on

Alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in about a third of all fatal crashes “If you are going to be enjoying a few drinks, make sure you have a plan to get home or find a sober driver

“As a community, we have a responsibil ity to ensure we drive safely at all times and do not take any unnecessary risks getting behind the wheel after drinking; they’re risks not worth taking ”

Drivers can expect to see more check points all summer, so if you are stopped by Police, no matter what time of day or the reason, you can expect to be breath tested

“Our officers will be out in force anytime, anywhere to deter unsafe driving be haviour, and we ’ re working together with Waka Kotahi and the Ministry of Transport on the Road to Zero campaign to prevent road deaths But we need everybody’s help Road safety is everybody’s responsibility “We are committed to ensuring that every road user arrives alive at their journey’s end and those who put others at risk will be found, prosecuted and held account able

“The most important message Police want to convey is really simple: don’t risk your life and that of others by driving while impaired in any way

“Police are asking motorists to play their part by making good decisions ” Road safety is everyone ’ s responsibility and if you see unsafe driving behaviour, re port it immediately by calling 111

Todd talk

By Todd Muller MP Bay of Plenty

Well, that’s 2022 done I hope it’s been a good one for you and your loved ones Personally, it’s been a positive year for me I’ve enjoyed my varied portfolios and have especially liked working in the Primary Industries space again Since growing up on our Te Puna ki wifruit orchard, I’ve always had a love for horticulture, as well as for agriculture and fisheries

Last month I was confirmed as the Na tional Party’s candidate for Bay of Plenty in next year ’ s General Election I am ex cited about what lies ahead for my family, my electorate and my country It is time for change

People are expressing their anger to me on a daily basis they are angry about economic policies, angry about surgical

wait times, angry about rising crime, and angry about the cost of living

I’m hearing that Bay of Plenty con stituents want a government that will tax workers fairly and spend that tax wisely You want an education system that priori tises literacy and numeracy, so school leavers are ready to join the workforce and contribute meaningfully to society You want democracy to be returned to Tauranga’s ratepayers You want youth crime addressed National will do every thing possible to bring you these out comes next year

Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year And thank you to those of you who are working through the festive sea son to provide hospitality to visitors and locals on holiday My team and I am look ing forward to working with you and for you in 2023

Auckland and ag days

By Juanita Meder Office Administrator

Term 4 is racing along, chock full of learning, activities and celebra tions

Thanks to our wonderful school com munity, Pahoia School’s annual Agricul tural Day was a fun filled family day out Calves, lambs and chickens had been reared, gardens and hanging baskets tended, and projects completed

The hall was humming with families enjoying seeing the displayed projects,

browsing the huge range of second hand books for sale and trying their luck play ing the carnival games, vying for one of the many prizes to be won

The Year 6 end of year trip to Auck land was an action packed two days Day one began with a climb up One Tree Hill, then a visit to MOTAT A tram ride before pizza at Western Springs was enjoyed by all, followed by a walk along Mission Bay and a sleepover at Kelly Tarlton’s Day two was spent at Auckland Zoo, then a long ride home for many tired people What a fabulous trip it was

We spent day two at Auckland Zoo PHOTOS: Supplied

By Ellen Haynes and Craig Joubert

Junior interclub tennis started again

this month Our Ōmokoroa Smash ers have been promoted after fin ishing second in their division last season This team continues to provide a pathway for our more competitive junior players to progress into match play against other clubs from across the Western Bay of Plenty, thanks to our wonderful Coach Pete O’Dea’s Saturday morning coaching sessions

Max Joubert started four years ago as the youngest member of the original team and has now become the team’s leader Alongside him, Philipp Klochko is another stalwart of the Ōmokoroa team Josh Harrison and Logan Pinkerton enter their second seasons, having seen their tennis make remarkable progress as a consequence of the matchplay nature of interclub

The team is excited to have Coach

Pete’s recent graduates, Liam Bartle and Harry Keane, joining the team this sea son

Good luck to the OCTC junior interclub team Watch this space for updated re sults

During the week of December 18th to 24th, there is a free to attend Interna tional Tennis Federation tournament in Pāpāmoa. Players will be ranked 200 300 in the world Very little separates these players from the Nadals and Djokovics, except the elite make even fewer mistakes

Volunteers from OCTC will be needed to help on a kids’ court, just for an hour or two Also, volunteer drivers will be needed each day to ferry the players to and fro You would get paid a nominal sum, and you could meet one of the fu ture greats

See omokorotennis com for further in formation

By Nicole Dixon Mind Your Movement Pilates

Welcome to the month of the silly season Staying active over this time can sometimes be the least of our priorities but it doesn’t need to be Just like the season ’ s change our move ment habits also do; Christmas and New Year is no exception Changing the way we do things over this time is important so you still experience your holiday but keep active at the same time My top 5 tips to stay active over the silly season are:

Build physical activity in to your holiday traditions It could be a daily bike ride, a hike to a waterfall or secluded beach The memories created over the summer holi days will stay with you and your family

Make social catch ups active ones In stead of meeting a friend for drinks or food, schedule in a walk or even better or ganise to start exercising with a friend over the holiday period There’s no better motivation then not wanting to let a friend down

Give a movement gift Some of the best Christmas presents are the ones that are

interactive and involve everyone Kubb or cornhole are great presents that will get you moving over the festive season Or in stead of buying a physical gift try an expe rience voucher It could be a voucher for yoga, personal training, golf lessons or Pi lates

Use competition as your motivator If you are a competitive person there’s noth ing quite like a challenge to get you moti vated Why not set your family or even yourself a challenge, such as a swim every day over the holidays Or enter a fun run/walk/bike/swim If you have a lot of

time on your hands you could organise a family amazing race

Try something new The holiday season can be that one time when you have a lit tle bit more time on your hands Why not spend this time trying something new, ticking something off your bucket list such as learning to surf, play golf or ride a horse

We all know Christmas can bring a lot of mental stresses, and movement can be a great way to let go and forget about those stresses So this Christmas, look after your mental and physical health

L R: Josh Reuben Liam and Max PHOTO: Craig Joubert

Western Bay shakes it out

DROP, COVER AND HOLD Hun dreds of Western Bay residents got down to the ground or under tables for this year ’ s ShakeOut

ShakeOut is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national earthquake and tsunami drill, organised by Emergency Management New Zealand and promoted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council throughout the District

Many schools and workplaces in coastal Western Bay also did the Tsunami Hīkoi, following their evacua tion plans to get to higher ground or as far inland as possible in preparation for a tsunami threat

Tamariki from Waihī Beach School have been learning about the various emergencies that could happen in their area and were excited to be taking part in the ShakeOut and Tsunami Hīkoi

Principal/Tumuaki Rachael Coll says the Shakeout and Tsunami Hīkoi is an important event on the school calendar

“Being in a coastal location, our kura needs to be prepared for a potential tsunami threat, and our tamariki did a great job they were calm, looked after each other and listened to their kaiako to get to our evacuation point quickly ”

“To prepare the tamariki, we used the great learning resources and videos on the Get Ready website, as well as doing

drills every term, so we all know exactly what to do in a real emergency ” Council’s Resilience Advisor Elle Reid says it’s vital for everyone young or old to practice what to do in case of emer gency and have a plan in place for their whānau

“The ShakeOut and Tsunami Hīkoi is a perfect time to think about the ‘what ifs’ and get a plan in place and grab bags sorted ”

“Big thanks to everyone for taking part in the ShakeOut and Tsunami Hīkoi this year an especially important year marking the 10th anniversary of the ShakeOut in New Zealand

“And a special shout out to Waihī Beach School for letting us spend the morning with them it’s great to see that our tamariki are well prepared for an emergency, and that whānau are on board with the school’s emergency plan to keep their tamariki safe,” says Elle

Here at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, our team also did the ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ exercise, taking cover under desks or strong doorways in case an earthquake was to happen while we ’ re in the office

For further information on hazards, how to get prepared for an emergency and learning resources, visit western bay govt nz/emergencymanagement

Article supplied

Musical mayhem comes to Katikati

By Paul England

Hailing originally from Hamilton but now based in the tiny Waikato hamlet of Te Pahū, The Big Muffin Serious Band have been cre ating their finely crafted ukulele based musical mayhem for over 39 years Comprising founding members ukulele virtuoso Jim Fulton and actor and former politician Graeme Cairns (aka The Laird McGillicuddy), with long term recruit bassist, percussionist and luthier Bevan (Baz) Galbraith, they have recently been rejoined by two former members drummer, actor, and chil dren’s singer/songwriter Tony Wyeth, and singer, actor Nick Clothier (on lead vocals).

Described by Olde Music Express Mag azine as “ a cross between Country punk, Skiffle and Barbershop Rock”, the Muffins play a curious mix of popular hits from the 1920s, loving parodies of rock anthems, and musical oddities from all around the world

They’ve appeared on TV, toured an original shadow puppetry show, have won busking competitions, and all this was achieved with three part harmonies and some humble ukuleles!

Don’t miss the Big Serious Muffin Band for some serious pre Christmas fun on Saturday, December 3rd Katikati Folk Club doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm concert start For more information, check out our website www katikatifolk club.co.nz

Waihī Beach Antique Fair

By Heather Christini Secretary

The Antique Fair being held on Sunday, 1st January and Monday, 2nd January is our annual fundraiser, which assists the committee in carrying out yearly maintenance at the Waihī Beach Community Centre With out this two day event, we wouldn’t be able to implement all the maintenance that is required each year

The Antique Fair is now in its 27th year Every year it is growing in popular ity, attracting large numbers of holiday makers

The hall, kitchen, lounge, and stage are completely full of stallholders from

Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga, and local folk selling all types of antiques and other older items

It is a great place to pick up all types of goodies, from linen to large furniture items There is a coffee cart and also a food truck available on site, catering to everyone ’ s needs

A huge thank you to Les and Jenny Vi olich Their continued support and tire less efforts are what make this Antique Fair so great EFTPoS is available for the adult entry fee of $4 There’s no fee for children under 14

We hope to see you there for a fun time, and you may pick up that special treasure

The Big Muffin Serious Band PHOTO: Supplied

Tamariki from Waihī Beach School evacuate to their tsunami evacuation point PHOTO: Supplied

By Gary Meynell

In November, we held our AGM on our usual club night held on the first Tuesday of every month in Western Avenue at the Ōmokoroa Pavilion Eight committee members were nominated and chosen to help make the Ōmokoroa Photographic Society be a fun group to be a part of for the next 12 months Al ready a few ideas are being thrown around for different events we may be able to have, and some of those ideas even involve the whole community (Watch this space )

This month’s club night involved ev eryone bringing along one image that they were prepared to share This time, though, there was no ‘theme’ as such, as long as it was a black and white image This left the door wide open to choose anything we wanted, and boy, did we get some variety We had three people re

viewing the images, and none of them was stuck for something to say Let’s just say we had quite a bit of fun showing off our images and discussing their merits

After all the images were shown, there was a discussion on the various genres of photography directed by our resident expert, Mr Steve Brown, from Black Dia

mond Photography Discussion was had on the picture style differences between street photography, photojournalism, portraits and wedding photography Steve brought along some images he had shot in a studio environment to show just what can be achieved when you have the power to manipulate and control the light using various apparatus to direct and diffuse sources of light

Tonight’s session may very well have been one of the most informal we ’ ve had in a long time, but it certainly packed a

punch when it came to the information that was distributed to those who at tended I say it was an informal evening simply because of the amount of discus sion, laughter, and fun we had through out the evening oh, and the jokes too!

Our next get together will be the final one for the year on Tuesday 13th of De cember This will be a very social evening with food and drink, so if you are think ing you may like to check us out, then this is the time to do it Who knows, you may even like us

Evelyn Hoddinott

Christina Cleaver

Brian Ebbett

Barbara Thomas

Gary Meynell

Jeff Martin

Pete Dobson

New mayor “hopeful” the Future for Local Government Review will provide clarification

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter alisha@thesun co nz

Western Bay of Plenty’s new mayor is welcoming the review proposing extensive changes to local government to “fix a few issues” the sector faces

The Future for Local Government draft report proposes allowing 16 year olds to vote, mana whenua appointees poten tially sitting alongside elected Māori ward councillors, changing council terms from three to four years, and more money for councillors

These are just some of the 29 recom mendations from the independent panel set up 18 months ago by Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta before its final report due in June 2023

Strengthening relationships between local and central government, as well as looking at the scope of what councils do in the community, were also key parts of the review

Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer told Local Democracy Reporting: “There’s a few issues in local government that need fixing and a little bit of clarifica tion on where we as a sector are going” This was “particularly” with the Govern ment mandated Three Waters reform and council “potentially losing” its three wa ters functions, he said

As well as the repealing of the Resource Management Act (RMA), which Denyer said; “will profoundly change how and why council does things ”

“The review has the potential to tide that direction ”

When asked if the review would help, seeing as the reforms were underway and the Future for Local Government review was still in draft form, Denyer replied: “The trick will be to align everything”

“Ideally, you would’ve done the review and then done Three Waters and the RMA review, but we are where we are I’m hopeful that the review gives a little bit more guidance to council ”

Denyer was “ very keen” on extending council terms to four years because three year terms were “too short” and it was “out of step with most other western democracies”

Councils were required to do a long term plan every three years, which takes two years to do, so it was a “continual treadmill for staff,” he said

Elections were also “expensive and dis ruptive” in terms of their cost as well as inducting and training new councillors

With a background in finance, Denyer said: “I was hoping to see something a lit tle bit more transformational in terms of local government funding ”

The report recommended retaining rates from home and landowners as the “principal mechanism for funding local government”

It also recommended central govern ment developed an “intergenerational fund for climate change” and enabled councils to introduce new funding mech anisms

Denyer agreed with strengthening rela tionships between local and central gov ernment and said they “need to work closer together”

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) president Stuart Crosby told Local Democracy Reporting the review was “de signed to put the local back into local democracy”

“There’s been a lot of commentary that that has been eroded over a number of

Season’s greetings from The Centre

By Rachael Hyland

By the time this is in print, there won’t be too many more sleeps until the chubby man in his red suit deposits suitably wrapped surprise pack ages under your Christmas tree It’s an ideal time for us at The Centre to thank the people of Ōmokoroa for their continued, generous support during the year Your donations are our ‘bread and butter’

We receive donations every day, and this allows us to keep the shelves stocked, and restocked, with desirable goods The resale of these items ensures funding will be available for OCT to distribute mid year to local groups Our customers, too, are an essential part of our fundraising ef forts Many thanks all round

At this time of year, The Centre has a wonderful array of pre loved items that make great gifts Our ‘sales on behalf ’

items are worth considering, too There are jams and pickles, mosaics, plants, knitted items, candles, collectable dolls and handmade greeting cards

Remember, you ’ re always welcome at The Centre

Once again, from all of us, a big thank you! Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year Enjoy the festive season with family and friends, and take care out there

years by a number of governments ” Crosby, a current Bay of Plenty Regional councillor and former mayor of Tauranga, said: “The key issue is how central and local government delivers services to the community more effectively and effi ciently”

“Unfortunately, in this country, we have siloed governments So central govern ment do their thing, local government do their thing There’s a huge opportunity to have seamless delivery of services to the community through local and central gov ernment.”

He said he had “deep concerns ” that the review would be shelved, as the final re port was due in June 2023 when parlia ment went into “election mode” ahead of the general election later in the year

“The risk is Three Waters goes ahead in some shape or form, the Resource Man agement Act [reform] goes ahead in some shape or form, and this piece of work sits on the shelf

“But in saying that, the panel are very clear that a lot of their recommendations do not need a legislative change ”

Future for Local Government review panel chairperson Jim Palmer said: “The reality is because our report lands in June next year, it will be a new government that actually takes the recommendations for ward and considers them ”

Both Crosby and Palmer were keen for councils and the public to share their thoughts on the review

Submissions on the draft report are open until February 28th, 2023 They can be made via the Future for Local Govern ment website:

government govt nz Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer was very keen on extending council terms to four years PHOTO: Brydie Thompson/Sun Media

Local Government New Zealand president Stu art Crosby had deep concerns the final review sits on the shelf PHOTO: Supplied

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta PHOTO: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Calls for greater flexibility with open space in new developments

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter alisha@thesun co nz

Changes to how much open space people will have access to as Tauranga grows is under the spotlight

Tauranga City Council is proposing to change the requirements for the proxim ity, amount of space and the type of parks and reserves that people can ac cess from their homes in new develop ments

This comes as the council prepares to develop land in Tauriko West and Te Tumu in Pāpāmoa East for housing

The Open Space Level of Service Policy currently has a standard requiring 1 7 ha per 1000 people of neighbourhood and local reserves for new greenfield devel opments, with at least 50 per cent of that neighbourhood reserves

Council proposed to amend the stan dard to no longer require 50 per cent to be neighbourhood reserve, provided neighbourhood reserves would be within 400m of most residences

A neighbourhood reserve was around 3000m2, and had a play area and flat open space within 400m of homes, ac cording to council’s consultation docu ment

While a local reserve was an area for informal activities, with pathways for walking and cycling around 3000m2 in size within 2km of homes

Consultation on the proposed changes ran from 12th to 30th September and 14 submissions were received

Public hearings were held at a Strat egy, Finance and Risk Committee meet ing

Envirohub chair Mary Dillon told the meeting she was open to the policy being “ more flexible”, and there was a need to look at greenspaces differently to fit in with future growth and the changing population

“People have to be connected to nature in a very personal way It’s a doorway to getting people’s support in terms of cli mate change action,” said Dillon

The former Tauranga deputy mayor

and councillor said it was “important” the developers and council “sat down at the beginning and worked through” the plans to include open space and stormwater reserves in the design

In response, commissioner Shadrach Rolleston said: “I support wholeheart edly us thinking about the way we plan and the way we deliver those services right from the outset ”

Jeff Fletcher presented on behalf of the Ford Land Holdings group and Tumu Kaituna 14 Trust, which represents two of the three main landowners in Te Tumu

He said the land was “looking to be re zoned somewhere in the near future”, and the policy was “really important” in regard to that

Half of the 760 hectares of land was protected and would remain protected after rezoning, said Fletcher

The land was bounded by the coastal strip on one side and the protected zone

comprised of areas of biodiversity, natu ral character, cultural significance and archaeological sites

“In general, the landowners broadly support the approach that’s been taken here It does provide for a greater and more pragmatic approach to the provi sion of neighbourhood reserves

“Analysis done by the council team sev eral years ago showed what was effec tively a chicken pox view of neighbourhood reserves across the growth areas, as opposed to a more strategic and pragmatic alignment of neighbourhood reserves ”

The landowners wanted the flexibility to work with the council and stakehold ers to develop a “ range of neighbour hood reserve experiences”, said Fletcher Commission chair Anne Tolley re sponded, “flexibility and making sure that we have something for everyone in a neighbourhood is certainly where we ’ re trying to end up ”

Chief executive of land development company Bluehaven Group, Nathan York, called for the whole policy to be re viewed

“I understand that the new urban growth areas have an overlay around quality [of open spaces] as opposed to the quantity metric

“What we don’t see is the same metric being applied in existing consented de velopment areas ”

He said it was “hard” for the company to meet the current policy requirements, especially if the council wanted intensi fication

York also wanted “clarification” on how the council would “ measure qual ity” as this was “important for develop ers going forward”

“We want to see quality because qual ity generally translates into more people using the reserve space ”

Tolley replied the policy was “looking to get equity across the city with access to green space and reserve space, but sometimes it’s not as easy as it seems.

She said York’s point about quality was “absolutely right”

“One of the things I would certainly be looking for from a policy would be that it caters for a mixture of recreational ac tivities, whether those are active or pas sive, that goes across all age ranges, that’s accessible ”

Commissioner Stephen Selwood said the “key message ” they heard from the submitters was to understand the “ over all context” of a development and “match it with the reserve policy, rather than being prescriptive”

The committee will deliberate on the issues raised by submitters on 5th De cember

Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Public

Commission chair Anne Tolley PHOTO: John Borren/Sun Media

The City Council is reviewing its open space policy as the pressure grows to provide housing

PHOTO: John Borren/Sun Media

Envirohub chair Mary Dillon PHOTO: Sun Media

A new card game for families created in Whakamārama

By Audrey Dubois

We are a French family living in New Zealand since 2018 This card game, Fly Funky Fly (FFF), is a new challenge for us It was the idea of Matteo, age 8, and me We chose to create a card game of strategy with some luck involved It is a game for the whole family, from 8 years and up Everyone will enjoy playing together

This card game is inspired by a true story We had a lot of animals and goat farms near our home in France. So, there were heaps of flies!

Benjamin, my husband, learnt how to catch up to fifty flies in a few minutes So, I can say that Ben is a big part of the

game ’ s inspiration. The ‘Serial Fly Catcher’ card is in his image

The goal of the game is to be the best Serial Catcher by getting the least num ber of flies

Heaps of flies make you crazy, but luck ily action cards may upturn the game at any time Frustrated Fly has the power to decide on several crazy actions Funky Fly is organising a live pop music concert at your place (+50 flies choose any player) Fart Fly loves your hen house because it is yuk ( /+40 flies) Fishing Fly fishes the remains of your fish and chips in your bin ( /+30 flies possibly play the pair) Flat Fly is a legend The Serial Catcher missed her ( /+20 flies) And you don’t want to meet Frightened Fly

(+40 flies for everyone).

Quentin, age 12, loves to draw I asked him to create a mascot for our FFF card game He sketched it, and I fell in love with the design Then, he enjoyed draw ing all the different flies The design and quick stories on each card make the game unique

Now, the next challenge was to de velop our FFF card game in NZ and make it available around the world If you like the idea of the Fly Funky Fly card game, you can support us by ordering a game or goodies online at www.fffcard game co nz It would make a beautiful Christmas present created right here in New Zealand

For more information, you can follow

us on Facebook: @fffcardgame or Insta gram: FFF cardgame Our website: www fffcardgame co nz, and you can email us at hello@fffcardgame com

It’s going to be a barking good summer of dog walks and events for our ca nine community

Calling all kuri, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s ever popular Wander Dogs Summer Series kicked off in November with some pawsome new fea tures.

Te Puna Quarry Park hosted the first walk of the series on Saturday, 19th November, and we will celebrate some super special gems around the District right through to February 2023

We’re also excited that the much loved Doggy Day Out will be making a come back on Saturday, 25th February, at the Ōmokoroa Sportsground on Western Av

Power to the pooches

enue, after a hiatus last summer due to Covid restrictions

Council’s Compliance and Monitoring Manager Dougal Elvin says the Wander Dogs Summer Series, now in its eighth year, is a fantastic way to connect with our dog community

“Our Summer Series is all about giving dog owners some events just for them where they can bring their dogs to so cialise safely and have a good time ex ploring our beautiful walks at the same time

“All dog breeds are welcome Whether you ’ ve got a Labrador, German Shep herd, Jack Russell or Miniature Schnauzer, bring the whole whānau

along and have some fun The events are free, and everyone gets a special doggy treat bag to take home ”

This year our walks will also include a cool new feature ‘ power up education talks’ where our experienced Animal Services Officer Betty (and her sidekick Alfie) will share her skills and knowl edge on a variety of topics, including re call, happy leash walking, defusing dog on dog reactiveness, the hyperac tive dog and teaching your dog to stay

“A big part of what our team does is educating the public about dog safety and helping owners with their dog’s be haviour, so the power up talks are an other way to offer that education side of

dog ownership,” says Dougal

“Often people don’t know where to turn to find help and information on these topics, so hopefully everyone can learn a thing or two by coming along to these talks and get the most out of sum mer with their pooches ”

For more information about the Wan der Dogs Summer Series, check our web site westernbay govt nz/wanderdogs

The next two events planned espe cially for our furry friends are Saturday, 3rd December, at Puketoki Reserve and Saturday, 17th December, at Huharua Park The Power up education talks start at 9am, and the walks start at 10am

Article supplied

Matteo had the idea for the game

Quentin designed the flies

Fly Funky Fly is available to buy now PHOTOS: Audrey Dubois

Santa makes his first appearance for the festive season on Saturday 3rd De cember at the Lion’s Christmas Parade beginning at 3pm from Katikati College The parade makes its way along Caris brooke Street toward Moore Park, and included in this year ’ s parade are 25 vintage tractors thanks to members of the Tauranga Vintage and Machinery Club who are raising funds for Waipuna Hospice in recognition of Life Member Eric Green’s battle with cancer

Christmas in the Park kicks off from 3 30pm to 6pm and promises lots of fun and entertainment for all the family, including live music on the outdoor stage, horse rides, puppeteers, face painting and Santa will be available for selfies A diverse range of art and craft stalls will provide inspiration for the perfect Christmas gift and food trucks are on hand with a tempting range of delicious food and drinks

The Junction Theatre at The Arts Junction transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland between 16th and 28th December with festive dis plays from Western Bay Library, Katikati Theatre, Katikati Combined Churches, Katikati Floral Art, Fairy Wonderland and Katikati Toy Library Santa’s Christmas Grotto guarantees to wow everyone of all ages with lights, fairies and the magic of Christmas Santa will be making appearances daily at various times until the 23rd, so pop in, say hello and grab a selfie Ho ho ho!

Vote for your favourite tree

Katikati’s Upcycled Christ mas Tree competition has re ceived 14 amazing entries from playcentres, rest homes, businesses, organisations, in dividuals and clubs It’s evi dent many hours have been

spent handcrafting each unique tree using a diverse range of materials such as wool, glass, wire, egg cartons, felt, and paper mache, along with a whole lot of imagina tion and resourcefulness Check these creations out at The Arts Junction before 24th December, but get your vote in for the People’s Choice Award by midday on 12th of December

Showcase your shed or studio

Do you have a shed or art studio bursting with treasures that beg to be shared? The an nual Sheds and Studios Ram ble (formerly Blokes in Sheds Ramble) is scheduled for Sat urday 29th April 2023, and Katch Katikati is calling out for anyone interested in showcasing their shed or stu dio to register for the event

Katch Katikati has teamed up with Abbeyfield WBOP to provide volunteers to man the

gates at the various shed and studio locations Proceeds from the event will be do nated to their project of build ing an Abbeyfield house on Wills Road, Katikati Register at Kirst@katchkatikati org nz

PHOTOS: Supplied

By Fiona Powell, Katch Katikati

Welcome Santa to Katikati

Visit Santa in his Magical Grotto