Lizard News February 2022 by Lizard News

Lizard News FEBRUARY 2022

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

Ōmokoroa playground open for summer fun

The new Ōmokoroa Domain playground has been well received. PHOTO: Supplied.

eady, set play! The Ōmokoroa Domain’s $1.06 million playground opened for kids and adults to try out just before Christmas. The fences around the playground came down in an ‘unofficial opening’ after kaumātua from Pirirākau hapū led a blessing of the site mid-December. The destination playground features some spectacular play equipment including mega swings, pendulum swings, junior swings, climbing nets, timber play boat, a junior mound with slide, climber and tunnel, tower, in-ground trampolines, mousewheel, musical equipment and wheelchair accessible carousel. Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and

Assets Manager, Scott Parker couldn’t be happier to have this playground open in time for the summer holidays. “We’re thrilled that everyone living and visiting Ōmokoroa for Christmas was able to enjoy the playground. A big thank you to our contractors, Downer, for pushing to get this done for the community.” The final design for the fantastical new playground was inspired by designs from tamariki at local schools Ōmokoroa No 1, Ōmokoroa Point, Pahoia, Whakamārama and Te Puna. The five schools – all between Apata and Te Puna - were chosen because they are within the traditional mana whenua rohe of the Pirirākau hapū.

Students were keen to add some adrenaline to their play equipment and were given free rein to get creative with their playground models. Scott says, “It’s heart-warming to finally see kids using the playground with huge smiles on their faces.“ The project team ran a thorough community consultation process over 18 months with tangata whenua, local community, and schools to land on the final concept. “This is the biggest and most innovative playground in the Western Bay of Plenty. We’re really proud and we hope the community are too, “ says Scott. There were a few more finishing touches to come in January with addi-

tional tables, seating and a barbecue. Everyone is asked to please stay out of the temporary fencing areas so the grass can grow. The playground is an important feature in the wider Ōmokoroa Domain upgrade which will ultimately include a boardwalk along the esplanade and foreshore, footpaths, fitness equipment and landscaping. The upgrade is one of many large projects being undertaken around Ōmokoroa Peninsula preparing the town for the current population growth continuing into the near future. The playground upgrade was funded through a mix of existing asset renewal funding and capital works funding. Article supplied.

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Total fire ban now in place

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer total fire ban is now in force so please adhere to the ban and do not light fires. It has been a long and hot summer so far and with next to no rain, vegetation is very dry. As we have seen in other areas, large vegetation fires have been very dangerous, threatening houses and causing evacuations from homes. It is very unsettling for those it affects, so please do not light up. The year 2021 saw Ōmokoroa Firefighters respond 83 times, down a little from the previous year’s total, with 22

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The result of a Katikati shelterbelt fire in mid-January. PHOTO: Supplied.

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A total fire ban is now in force. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

motor vehicle crashes on the list. Thankfully there were no major accidents with fatalities. A major house fire and a couple of minor property fires were also attended. Our First Response team had a mammoth year responding 240 times. A huge thank you to all personnel for their attendance at both training and incidents. Special thanks to the first responders

who fronted for every call. This year has started slowly for firefighters with seven callouts so far. Twice we have backed up Katikati at vegetation fires and have attended three in Ōmokoroa’s district. The first responders have been called out 11 times so far this year to the usual chest pains, breathing problems, stings and the occasional accident.

Police Report

By Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh and Snr Constable James Muir

Crime and Incident Report 3rd January to 18th of January

Burglaries A garden ornament was stolen from a residential address in Katikati. On the 9th of January, we received reports that dog collars had been stolen from an address in Whakamārama. On 17th January a 2011 Mazda BT50 utility was stolen from Whakamārama Road. It was found the following day on Junction Road minus all of the tools that were stored inside. It is believed that the vehicle may have been towed to Junction Road. Anyone who may have seen this vehicle being towed is asked to contact the Police. Between the 14th and 16th of January, a shed on a Pukakura Road property was entered and tools were taken. Theft Two reported thefts from motor vehicles in Ōmokoroa. Both vehicles had windows smashed to gain access. Suspects were possibly caught on security cameras so police inquiries continue. Unlawful taking of motor vehicles A 16-year-old male was arrested after

threatening and attempting to take a vehicle from the owner on Main Road, Katikati. Wilful damage Plants were damaged at a Māniaroa Drive property overnight on 12th January. Other Shoplifting and petrol drive-offs still remain of concern for Katikati staff, with several incidents including theft of alcohol from a local supermarket. Arrests and apprehensions Two males have been arrested for an aggravated robbery on Minden Road. Both have been remanded in custody. A female was arrested for breaching bail conditions. A male was summonsed to court for cultivating cannabis after Police located a growing operation at his home address. A male was summonsed to court for dangerous driving and assault with a weapon after an altercation with members of the public in Whakamārama. On the 12th of January, we executed a search warrant at a Main Road, Katikati address. As a result, a 32-year-old Katikati man has been charged with burgling a Crosby Lane address on the 3rd of December and receiving a stolen concrete cutter which was stolen from a

worksite recently. He has been remanded on bail to appear in the Tauranga District Court on 4th February. On the evening of the 14th of January, Police were called to a Te Puna address after a disturbance. After a confrontation with a 46-year-old male, he was arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon, escaping Police custody and shoplifting. He was remanded in custody to appear in court on the 27th of January. On the 16th January, a 20-year-old Ōmokoroa man was stopped in a vehicle on Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa. As a result, he has been summoned to court on 28th January for driving with excess breath alcohol. On the 17th of January, a 38-year-old Ōmokoroa man was arrested for assaulting another male in Ōmokoroa after a neighbourly dispute. He had been bailed to appear in the Tauranga District Court on 24th January. General The public counter is open, but I would encourage people to keep on reporting crime and incidents online through the Police website or by ringing 105 unless it is urgent in which case 111 is the go-to number. If you SEE something SAY something.

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Demand for container depot transparency

By Matthew Farrell ocals set against the development of a proposed shipping container storage, cleaning and maintenance site in rural Te Puna have presented a petition to both the Western Bay District and Bay of Plenty Regional Councils demanding procedural transparency. A resource consent application was lodged online with the District Council by Te Puna Industrial Ltd for 297 Te Puna Station Road, on the night of Thursday 13th January. That very morning, a group of Te Puna residents delivered a petition to Barkes Corner. These included Neville Bidois of Ngāti Taka and Pirirākau, Derek Masters the Chief Executive of DMS Progrowers, Alison Cowley whose property looks down the valley and shares catchment with the site, and direct neighbours Paul and Elaine Winwood. They were met by Council CEO John Holyoake, Mayor Garry Webber and Te Puna local Councillor Don Thwaites. The petition, signed by 1500 people, is demanding any consent applications for activity and development at the so-called Rural Business Park site should be publicly notified. “This would ensure the people who work, live and recreate in Te Puna have an opportunity to be heard in any consent process,” says Alison Cowley. “We ask for a commitment from Western Bay Council that the rural culture and amenity value of the environment, including the human environment will be prioritised, respected and honoured. “Concerns are raised by all sectors:

L-R: Nev Bidois, Derek Masters, Council CEO John Holyoake, Alison Cowley, Mayor Garry Webber, Cllr Don Thwaites, Paul and Elaine Winwood.

neighbours, commuters using already congested roads, retailers and hospitality business owners who will all be directly impacted upon. “Growers, contractors and post-harvest operators raise concerns about heavy traffic, safety, and biosecurity. Containers carry biological matter. Container cleaning results in runoff which will too easily find its way into the harbour. This is a low-lying site,” she says. Alison Cowley says Te Puna is growing and vibrant but the local village focus can’t be sustained with up to 500 truck and trailer unit movements per day. An Official Information Act request shows the applicant met Council staff formally on 17th March 2021, and informally on 28th September 2021. Council’s Group Manager Policy Planning and Regulatory Services, Rachael Davie, says the first meeting was to discuss a ‘Package of Plans’. Eight Council staff and five representatives of the developer were present. Minutes show the developer’s agree-

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network of implications for the environment. “Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder has clarified very firmly to us that the 2005 Environment Court ruling and caveats legally stand, and only the Environment Court can change that ruling in any way,” says Alison. A Facebook campaign group named Wrong Business, Wrong Place now has more than 130 members. Western Bay of Plenty District Council CEO John Holyoake says Council has an obligation to meet any individual or party should they seek information or clarification on a process. “Everyone is entitled to ask questions and have a discussion with Council staff regarding their individual situation. However, this does not infer Council endorses a project or approach, or in this instance will approve any Resource Consent application,” says John. The District Council must now work through statutory steps outlined in the Resource Management Act to determine if notification is required.

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ment was to go unconditional on 10th August 2021 and the meeting was to gain insight on what Council requirements would be. Andries Cloete of Council’s Resource Management department is quoted as saying he saw a container yard as ‘storage or a depot which are both permitted activities in the zone’. “After that, the developers went ahead with their purchase so clearly they came out of the meeting thinking it could be a go,” says Alison. Alison says the use of Te Puna Road means trucks going through the roundabout as other roads are even less suitable. She says the developer asked questions about current height restrictions of nine metres and mention was made of possible future access via rail, which would mean needing access across Te Puna Station Road and ultimately a potential 26ha site. “This is not the well-landscaped positive contribution to the rural community as proposed in the OPUS consultants technical report of 2002. This site has a

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News in brief... Arrests for aggravated robberies Two men have been arrested in relation to two aggravated robberies in and near Tauranga. The robberies took place on Bethlehem Road and Minden Road on the evening of 4th January. A 21-year-old man is facing two charges of aggravated robbery, as well as cruelty or ill-treatment of an animal. An 18-year-old man is charged with one count of aggravated robbery. They were scheduled to appear in Tauranga District Court on 8th January. Fire season change

All of Bay of Plenty is now in a restricted fire season. The change includes all of the traditional Bay of Plenty, as well as the South Waikato and Taupō District Council boundaries. FENZ District Manager Jeff Maunder says this means people in the Bay of Plenty will need a permit to light an open-air fire. “There are some activities people can do while in a restricted season, and the best way to avoid any confusion is to visit www.checkitsalright.nz and put in your planned fire-related activity. Fire and Emergency also recommends people planning on lighting a fire consider the conditions. If it is hot and windy, do not light a fire, even if you have a permit,” Jeff Maunder says.

Hikurangi Road, shortly after 8.30pm on 20th December. The road was closed in both directions and motorists were advised to avoid the area, due to severe delays. The driver of one of the vehicles, John O’Neill Dent, 81, of Katikati, died following the incident. The three occupants of the other vehicle received minor injuries. The Serious Crash Unit was in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the incident were ongoing. The death was referred to the Coroner. Road Toll

The official Christmas/New Years holiday period for 2021/22 ran from 4pm December 24th to 6am 5th January 2022. There were 17 deaths from 17 crashes. Police say this is up from 11 the previous year. Serious crash SH29

SH29 was closed and diversions put in place following a crash in the Lower Kaimai Range, near Belk Road. The crash, between a car and a van, occurred about 11.25am on 22nd December.

Fatal crash Tahāwai

Four people were injured - one seriously, one moderately, and two have received minor injuries. Motorists were warned to avoid the area or expect delays.

Emergency services responded to a serious crash on State Highway Two in Tahāwai. Police were alerted to a two-vehicle crash, between Tuapiro Road and

2021 was New Zealand’s warmest year on record. Annual temperatures

Feeling hot, hot, hot

were above average (+0.51°C to +1.20°C above the annual average) for much of Aotearoa.

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Well above average temperatures (more than 1.20°C above the annual average) occurred in parts of Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Tasman and Fiordland.

The Chief Executive of the Western Bay District Council, John Holyoake, has been invited to attend. Richard Comyn will be in the chair.

Take care when carving next Christmas. In the three years 2018-2020, ACC says it dealt with claims for 150 injuries involving the Christmas ham alone. Twothirds of cases (91) involved bad cuts.

Council is thanking everyone who has registered their dog this year. Their database shows the most popular dog names registered this year are Bella, Charlie, Poppy, Max, Molly, Ruby, Jess, Roxy, Buddy and Bear.

A pig of a Christmas

Also in that period, there were 119 claims related to Christmas decoration injuries - mostly fractures, strains and cuts. Christmas tree mishaps resulted in 178 claims. Six months of kerbside

The Kerbside Collective recycling scheme has now been running for half a year. In this time, Council says 1546 tonnes of material has been diverted from landfill; glass (639 tonnes), recycling (609 tonnes) and food waste (298 tonnes). Te Puna Heartlands

Te Puna Heartlands’ next meeting will be at 7pm on Thursday 10th February 2022, in the community meeting room of the Te Puna Memorial Hall. Covid rules apply. Although anyone resident in Te Puna is eligible to attend Heartlands meetings, the venue is limited in space and ventilation and vaccine passes may

Dogs of the Western Bay

Council’s Wander Dogs event is next at Waihī Beach, exploring Anzac Bay and Bowentown Domain from 10am on Saturday 5th February. Waitangi Day sailing The Ōmokoroa Boat Club will have its annual Waitangi Day sailing races on Sunday 6th February. The adults will be in sailing dinghies, while our club members in Sunbursts will sail for the Golden Centreboard trophy. Other dinghies will be sailing to contest the Waitangi Day trophy. It is a fun event for competitors and spectators alike. Registration is available at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club bar or directly with convenor John Budden via email to buddennz@gmail.com or sailors can phone 07 548 1180.

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Alternate day sprinkler ban ooking at a forecast of hot, dry weather ahead, increasing water demand and decreasing water storage levels, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s alternate day ban is an effort to hopefully avoid imposing further restrictions over the summer. Council Utilities Operations Manager EJ Wentzel says “We’ve been watching the weather forecast and the reservoir levels and have reached the point where we need to act.” The situation was made more urgent when the rain expected over the middle weekend of January didn’t eventuate. “We appreciate that many of our Western Bay communities are already doing their bit to conserve water. Let’s keep up the good work and turn it up a notch. “Western Bay residents and holidaymakers alike have been enjoying a classic Kiwi summer, but it is time for everyone to turn off their sprinklers and get savvy with their water use,” says EJ. The small number of Council reserves (two rose gardens and two turfed cricket wicket blocks) maintained with town supply, are already using the new alternate morning or evening watering. Odd numbered houses have limited use of sprinklers on odd numbered days of the month. Vice versa, even numbered houses can have limited sprinkler use on even numbered days of the month. On permitted days, sprinkler use will be limited to one hour, before 7am or after 7pm. For example, residents at 9 Tūī Street can use the sprinkler on 17, 19, 21 January. Residents at 10 Tūī Street can use their sprinkler on 18, 20, 22 January. All sprinkler use is limited to one hour per day, before 7am and after 7pm on permitted days. This applies to everyone who gets their water from Council but excludes water from private sources, such as bores. EJ says, “Sprinkler bans are the first stage of water restrictions. We implement them when water use outstrips how fast we can safely produce it, causing reservoir levels to drop. “There are many ways to conserve water and if we all play our part and use

Second arrest in historic homicide ay of Plenty Police have arrested a second person in relation to a homicide in Tauranga in 2018. David Kuka was fatally shot at an address in Wilrose Place, Gate Pā on 11 February 2018. A 34-year-old man was charged with Mr Kuka’s murder in December and appeared in Tauranga District Court. Police arrested a second man on Thursday 20th January in relation to Mr Kuka’s death. A 36-year-old from Tauranga was due to appear in Tauranga District Court on 21st January, also charged with murder. Police say they can’t rule out further arrests and extend their thoughts to Mr Kuka’s family during this difficult period.

A hot, dry forecast has led to sprinkler restrictions. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

water wisely, Council will hopefully avoid imposing further restrictions. “Now is a great time to get creative and challenge your household to find new more water-savvy ways of doing things. If you need some inspiration, start with the water-wise tips on Council’s website.” For tips on how to save water at home check out westernbay.govt.nz/waterconservation

Women in court over Te Puna child killing By Matthew Farrell

wo sisters appeared in Tauranga District Court twice in December, in connection to the homicide of five-year-old Te Puna boy Malachi Subecz. At the second appearance Michaela Barriball, aged 27 - who had previously been charged with ill-treating Malachi prior to his death - faced upgraded charges of murder, as well as disfiguring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring with intent to injure. Her older sister, Sharron Barriball, aged 37, has appeared before the court on a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice relating to the investigation of Malachi’s death. Both women have entered not guilty pleas and elected trial by jury. Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Rawlinson says Malachi was found with injuries at a Te Puna property on 1st November and treated in Tauranga Hospital. He was subsequently airlifted to Starship Hospital in Auckland, where he died on 12th November. The case is next due before the High Court in early February.

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Tongan shockwave detected in Ōmokoroa ay of Plenty Regional Council live monitoring sites picked up the exact time the shockwave from the Tongan eruption hit Tauranga Harbour. Monitoring sites also recorded evidence of tsunami waves in the Bay of Plenty – something Data Services Manager Glenn Ellery says shows why it was so important to heed Civil Defence Emergency Management advice around

coastal waters when issued. The eruption had occurred roughly between 5.20pm and 5.28pm (NZ time) on Saturday 14th January. Regional Council’s monitoring site at Ōmokoroa Wharf showed a distinct spike in atmospheric pressure from 7.15pm to 8pm as the shockwave from the eruption passed through the area. This was followed by evidence of tsunami waves in the harbour from

Police leaders honoured by the Queen wo leaders in Police were honoured by the Queen for their services to New Zealand Police and the community. Superintendent Andy McGregor, Bay of Plenty District Commander, and Detective Superintendent Peter Read both become Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the New Year Honours. Commissioner Andrew Coster congratulated the award winners. “Police work is all about service, not awards, and these recipients would be the first to tell you that,” he says. “However, these honours are extremely well deserved and it’s fantastic to see New Zealand formally recognise their contributions.” Detective Superintendent Peter Read has been a senior investigator for 20 of his 42 years in the Police and is currently Detective Superintendent: Southern.

| Lizard News | February 2022

Superintendent Andy McGregor has been in Police for 41 years. He has been Bay of Plenty District Commander since November 2014, with previous roles including Canterbury Metro Commander and National Manager of Communications Centres. In the Bay of Plenty, he has instigated a culture of partnership between government, NGOs, iwi, hapū and minority communities and has driven culture change locally to enable more effective policing and increase community engagement. “I am very humbled by this award, as it is not something I was expecting,” says Andy. The recipients will be presented with their insignia in a ceremony hosted by the Governor-General of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, on a date to be confirmed.

9.20pm with a peak from 1am to 2am on Sunday morning. Mr Ellery says effects of the tsunami waves were not just seen in the region’s harbours, but also in its rivers. The monitoring site at Ford’s Cut on the Kaituna River recorded evidence of tsunami wave action from around 8.45pm on Saturday. There was a large 650mm change of water level in the river between 4.38am and 4.59am on Sunday morning. Mr Ellery says this rapid change in levels represented a significant amount of water, and velocity, surging up the Kaituna River and an equally strong current flowing out again from the tsunami waves. “This data shows why it is so important to heed advice from Civil Defence

during events such as this,” says Mr Ellery. “Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges around our coastlines and river mouths can occur in response to natural events and may not always be easily seen to the eye. “While we had peak tsunami waves occur early in the morning in this case, when it is unlikely people will be near or in the water, had it occurred at another time we could have swimmers and fishermen easily get into trouble.” Similar results with rapid changes in water levels were seen in monitoring sites from the Western Bay across to the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Regional Council manages over 75 live water level monitoring sites across the Bay of Plenty Region.

A chart showing atmospheric pressure (blue line) and tidewater levels (green line) at Ōmokoroa Wharf during the time the shockwave and tsunami waves from the Tongan eruption hit. The crest and trough of the shockwave are clearly visible. IMAGE: Supplied.

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Waka Ama Dash a no go

Teams come from near and far to participate. PHOTOS: Supplied.

By Alex Williams e’re disappointed to announce that the Ōmokoroa Dash will no longer be taking place this year on Sunday, March 6th, due to the change to ‘red’ under the new traffic light framework. The Waka Ama racing starts at the

Ōmokoroa Domain beach, with clubs from around the region/country joining in. This year, we were due to host a whānau race open to whānau wishing to have a go at waka ama, and of course, encourage the public to come along and get involved.

The Waka Ama event usually takes place at Ōmokoroa Domain.

We hope to hold the event in either October or November 2022, but will be able to plan better nearer the time.

For more information about waka ama in the Bay please visit www.tmocc.co.nz

Kaimai Range road works tate Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range was scheduled for up to three weeks of crucial maintenance work early in the New Year, during which time there were a number of stages of work and associated traffic management requirements. The first stage of work saw the installation of new roadside drainage on the westbound (Waikato-bound) side of the road, and saw one lane operating in each direction between 8pm and 5am, Monday 10th January to Thursday 13th January. Following this, the second stage of work saw a section of the westbound lane re-built and resurfaced. Due to the narrow, windy nature of this section of

road contractors closed the road between 8pm and 5am for two successive nights on two consecutive weekends (Sunday 16th/Monday 17th January and Sunday 23rd/Monday 24th January) to maximise efficiency within a safe working environment. On both weeks, there were three nights of alternating one-way closures, on Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th January and Tuesday 25th to Thursday 27th January also be between 8pm and 5am. When SH29 was only open for alternating one-way flows there were two three and a half hour windows to allow for traffic to pass through in one direction only.

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Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival he Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival on Saturday 15th January took advantage of the ongoing great weather and put on an excellent show for all attendees. Auckland duo 2Fold started the afternoon’s entertainment, followed by Bay of

Plenty group Kokomo. The main musical attraction was Sir Dave Dobbyn, who performed with his six-piece band. A wide array of food and beverage vendors supplied everyone with delicious offerings. Cooking demonstrations were available, and a space for the kids to play

safely. Many people took advantage of free photos with Katikati business owner The Photobooth Lady. Organisers had pitched a good number of gazebos and marquees to provide well-needed shade surrounding the busy PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell. dance floor.

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Plants and pictures on display

Ōmokoroa Community Tennis Club

By Alison Badger

“As the sun colours flowers, so art colours life,” said John Lubbock. If you asked 100 people what gave them pleasure, a fair number would answer either art or gardening (there are other categories, but read on). Whether you are inspired, excited and soothed by the beauty of plants and flowers, you are not alone. Since time immemorial, humankind has painted pictures and grown plants, either for pleasure or necessity. In these otherwise troubled times, we are fortunate indeed to be able to continue to do either or both. The February display at the Old Library Ōmokoroa combines those two aesthetics. A very wise man once said, ‘if you have a library and a garden, you have all you need’. Well, for the whole month, come and enjoy them both. From paintings to plants, food for the soul or the tummy, we are confident you will find something to make you smile. If you have time, pick up a book or magazine on either subject and relax for a while. If you have more time, why not add a piece or three to the jigsaw. Enter our competition and maybe win a prize – it’s easy and so relaxing, and

Junior coaching starts again soon. PHOTO: Supplied.

By Therese Temple

s it hot enough for you? It’s quite challenging playing tennis in 29 to 31 degrees! Good on those who have turned up for club tennis. There has been good attendance at our club days generally. Put the 12th/13th March in your diary, grab a partner for men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles and enter our second senior tournament with Ōmokoroa and Te Puna clubs. Last year this was a great success and we had entries from all around the Bay of Plenty. There will be prizes, food and of course competitive play. Cardio Tennis is still very popular and the sessions fill up quickly. Peter O’Dea runs a fun one-hour session with music and great drills. The cardio sessions will be ongoing as long as there is interest and to date, it shows no sign of waning. Members and non-members can join these sessions. Check out our website.

open to all ages! Mindfulness with the lovely Jane will re-commence on Tuesday 8th February at 8.45am. Drop the kids off at school, then head on down for a soothing cup of herbal or fruit tea before Jane takes you on a journey of relaxation, setting you up in a positive frame of mind for whatever your day brings. (Kids not mandatory!) Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, you will always find a friendly face, a warm welcome and plenty to engage and entertain you.

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omokoroatennis.com Junior Coaching starts up again soon and operates each year in terms 1 and 4. This is great for the kids and each year Peter holds a tennis clinic at the schools in the last week of term 3, (end of September) to gauge interest in junior coaching. Every year we need help from parents whose children attend these sessions, so if you can help, drop an email to omokoroactc@gmail.com Every 3rd Thursday night of the month. Jeff Warren is running a fun mixed doubles evening with $25 vouchers from ‘The Local’ up for grabs. Text Jeff if you are interested in playing on 021 1099 668. Our Club Days are held on Tuesdays 6pm and Saturdays 2pm. Please keep checking our website to keep up to date with upcoming events. Use our ‘book a court’ system to play anytime.

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Abbeyfield auctions underway By Natasja de Graaf f you’ve driven down Wills Road in Katikati over the past couple of months, you will have seen our sign on the land we have secured for the new Abbeyfield House. We hope to organise an onsite visit and invite our supporters, friends and community members to come along. Covid restrictions are presenting challenges to this at the moment. In the meantime, we continue with our fundraising and awareness efforts. We have launched an online art auction on Trade Me. Thank you to the Katikati and Ōmokoroa Art Groups members who have donated their art-

work. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also donated her doodle artwork. We will continue to add art listings. Please visit our listings by typing the keyword ‘abbeyfieldwbop’ on the Trade Me homepage. The Garden Ramble on 6th and 7th November 2021 generated significant money. Thank you, Katikati Rotary Club and Rod and Mary-Ann Calver, for allowing us to have two stalls in their lovely garden and to those who purchased our goods. Thank you also to our volunteers who helped over the weekend. Thank you also goes to Katikati Patchwork Group for taking the time to make a fabulous quilt for a raffle. Arty Tarts in Katikati held their own fundraiser for

The Abbeyfield House sign on Wills Road. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Abbeyfield WBoP and had a raffle before Christmas. We thank you for kindly donating your raffle proceeds to Abbeyfield WBoP and greatly appreciate your support and generosity. We have had a meeting with Fairview Golf Club and have locked in a new date of 8th April for the Abbeyfield WBoP Golf Fundraising Tournament. With the summer months comes lots of produce for making lovely jams, chutneys, pickles, sauces and relishes. We are looking for people who can spare some time peeling and chopping fruit and vegetables. We also need help to remove labels on jars and clean the jars. When fruit and veggies are donated, they need to be prepared as soon as possible to reduce waste. We are looking for volunteers to help prepare fruit/ vegies (you do not have to make the jams, jellies, chutneys, and sauces). We are never quite sure when food will be donated; therefore, we would like to build a team of volunteers who we could call on when help is needed. People on the volunteer list will be contacted when fruit and veggies are delivered. If you were available, we would be grateful and pleased to have your help. Our busy season will be starting in January through to April. If you are interested or would like more information, please give Carole a call on 0274 579 686 or email her at abbeyfieldwbop.chair@gmail.com Thank you for the time people have taken to sell raffle tickets and donate the money raised to Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty. We are truly grateful and humbled by your support.

The PMs doodle artwork up for auction.

Both Katikati and Ōmokoroa Artists have donated pieces to auction. This one by Heather Reynolds.

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Mural at the Ōmokoroa Domain By Alie Henderson Ōmokoroa Public Art Group s I write this article for the Lizard News, the Ōmokoroa Public Art Group (OPAG) is busy creating a mural on the changing sheds at the Ōmokoroa Domain. This is an exciting addition to the development of the playground and upgrade of the Domain. Sue Dark has developed the mural from an original design by Pam Robinson and it is being painted with the help of members of the Ōmokoroa Artists Group. The design features stylised ‘postcards’ depicting recreation activities, flora, and fauna enjoyed by the local community and visitors to Ōmokoroa. This is the second project OPAG has completed in the Domain. He Punga, the Anchor Stone, on the edge of the beach nearby, was created by sculptor Ashley Grant and completed in December 2019.

We would like to acknowledge generous sponsorship from Resene, who have donated the paint and materials needed for the mural, and a grant from The Ōmokoroa Centre Trust, for supporting this project. The members of OPAG volunteer their time to the group. We plan and develop public art projects, seek funding from grants and the local community for these projects, and then work with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the Ōmokoroa Community Board, and the local hapū, Pirirākau, to manage their implementation. We welcome ideas, comments, and community involvement and regularly create displays featuring past and current projects at The Old Library in McDonnell Street. Contact me, Alie Henderson, Chairperson, on 021 248 0173, for further information.

Stella Clark presents the work started on the west side of the ablution block.

Work in progress. PHOTOS: Alie Henderson.

Katikati pair take the win

Congratulations to Robin Pierce and Kevin Mahon of the Katikati Club who were winners of the Ōmokoroa Pairs 2x4x2 bowls tournament held recently. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Playground on Seaforth Road Despite some initial community opposition, this new playground has been a huge success and is very well used by the young people in the community.

acknowledges that a new building in front of the existing community hall is what the community wants and is probably the best fit.

Athenree to Bowentown cycleway There has been great progress here. Planning is going steadily to provide a shared pathway suitable for pedestrians and cyclists and be easily accessible for mobility scooter and wheelchair users.

By Gabriella Fraser aihī Beach is enjoying a brilliant summer with ongoing exciting developments. Waihī Beach Community Development Charitable Trust was set up as a community Trust to overarch various initiatives in the village as they are developed. It is now a fund-holder and a fundraiser for the Menzshed, Focus Group and Focus on Waihī Beach and is available to other charities in the community. Here are some updates for many of our local groups.

Waihī Beach Menzshed The Menzshed is now completely closed in and lockable. Spoutings and flashings are next to be worked on, followed by the kitchen, toilets and services, then we will be in business. A big thank you to Council, Community Board, all our sponsors, and the community for their ongoing support. The committee comprises Brian Baynes, Chair; Don Fraser, Construction Supervisor; Bob Firth, Secretary/Fundraiser; and Tom Wallace, Treasurer. The Menzshed was built under the umbrella of the Waihī Beach Community Development Charitable Trust. Library/Community Hub This is progressing slowly. Council

Historical bollards The Waihī Beach Community Board has funded the placement of digital signage to allow visitors and residents to take a walk through the area’s history. The bollards, which feature QR codes, are named after the walking tracks where they are located: Waihī Beach North End Loop, Island View Stretch and Athenree Stretch, and Athenree Homestead. To use them, align the camera on your cell phone to the QR code. If a blue icon pops up, click on this to activate the scan-

Focus Group Our seniors are certainly enjoying this active social group with lots of interesting speakers already booked for 2022. They meet on the first Wednesday of the month at the Waihī Beach RSA at 10am.

One of the digital bollards linking visitors to the area’s history.

ner reader in your phone. This will share the photographs and information about the site you are standing at. Maps are found in places people like to go and online with the QR code. More information is available on the Waihī Beach Information Centre website: waihibeach.co.nz on the ‘Activities’ page.

Karaka Pines retirement village It is great to see them ‘digging in the dirt’ on Browns Drive for this much needed new 92 unit village with steady progress expected.

Focus on Waihī Beach This group was formed from the Waihī Beach Residents and Ratepayers Assn to better reflect their role in the community and raise awareness in the wider district.

Groundworks are underway for the Karaka Pines retirement village. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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NZ Bridge fans flock to the Bay By Matthew Farrell he New Zealand National Bridge Congress is due to be hosted in Mount Maunganui for the first time in its 35-year history from 10th to 17th

February. The highly anticipated event sees the best Bridge players from across the country come together to compete and celebrate the card game they love.

Leaving your home this summer?

By Superintendent Eric Tibbott National Manager Prevention

ith summer trips still to be enjoyed, make sure your home and property is secure from burglars. Take these simple steps to help deter burglars from your home: Lock your doors and windows. Keep valuables out of sight. Record the serial numbers of expensive electronic items and photograph these and other valuables. Install an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted. Keep garden sheds and garages locked when not in use. Keep hedges or plants around doors and windows well-trimmed, don’t give the burglar a place to hide. If your car is not secured in a locked garage at your house, here’s how you can deter criminals: park in well-lit areas when possible. Don’t leave valuables or documents with personal information behind. Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you. Any boats or vehicles on your property

should be disabled so they can’t be moved or towed away. Consider a steering wheel lock - it’s a great deterrent. Note and report any car registrations and descriptions of suspicious vehicles or people in or around your home. We also know that many of us this year have got to know our neighbours better due to Covid restrictions, so keep an eye out for them and their property and let them know if you are going away. Simple things like clearing the mailbox and cleaning up around your property show that it’s occupied, and less of a target. These are easy steps that can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your property safe. Come back to a locked and safe home, not a preventable burglary. If you see anything suspicious and you need police urgently, call 111. We would rather attend to prevent a crime from happening than attend after an offence has occurred. You can also provide information via the Police nonemergency number 105.

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The Congress will be attended by Bridge Blacks, top international players to watch, exciting young rising stars and competitive family teams. The event regularly attracts 700+ players during the week, often this includes international players, but this year it will be a uniquely NZ event. It takes place at Trustpower Baypark’s Lion Foundation Centre at 81 Truman Lane. It was originally planned to take place in September 2021 but was rescheduled due to Covid, so it’s been 28 months between events. General Manager of Tourism Bay of Plenty, Oscar Nathan, is delighted the Government’s Regional Events Fund is

helping to bring the Congress to Mount Maunganui for the first time. “Generations of New Zealanders regard the coastal Bay of Plenty as their ‘happy place’, and we hope the players will enjoy the vast array of visitor attractions they’ll be able to choose from, to relax and refresh, before and after their games. We have a thriving foodie sector, many culturally significant sites, and a vast array of marine wildlife.” Local Bridge clubs are offering lessons. You don’t have to be a card shark to start playing. Beginners can pick up the basics quickly, but there’s huge scope to develop over a lifetime for a truly hobby. See rewarding www.playbridge.co.nz/contact-us

The 2020 Bridge Congress. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Friends reunited but booster jabs will be needed now

By Fiona Powell atikati has its very own colouring book – featuring 16 of the town’s murals – thanks to a collaboration between Katikati Open Air Art and Kati Kopy and Print. Katikati is well known as New Zealand’s Mural Town, boasting over 70 murals, sculptures and artworks throughout the town. “Kati Kopy and Print approached us to create a colouring book, which they designed with our guidance,” says Steve Graveson, President of Katikati Open Air

By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel very summer is special, but this year took on extra significance as friends and families reunited after too long separated by regional boundaries. It was terrific to see towns, beaches and rural communities packed with locals and visitors enjoying a muchneeded break. Unfortunately, when so many people are moving around the country we often see a spike in accident-related fatalities. Ōmokoroa and Western Bay of Plenty locals know this all too well. This summer we’ve had far too many people lose their lives. With several busy months ahead, it’s a reminder that we all need to take extra precautions on the roads and out on the water. While 2021 turned out to be a lot like 2020, I’m hopeful that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that 2022 will see a return to something resembling normality. But the Omicron Covid variant will, it seems, be with us sooner rather than later. Already, there have been further restrictions placed on people who wanted to return home to New Zealand and that has caused both frustration and concern for those involved. So for now, the best thing is to get a booster vaccination jab as soon as you become eligible but as you do, please do spare a thought for the tens of thousands of New Zealanders currently locked out of the country.

Paint the town – yourself

I’m back at work and my office is open. Parliament resumes in early February and we should get an early indication of how far the Government will push its Three Waters asset-grab agenda. I’ve seen how passionate people around the Coromandel and the Western Bay are about retaining control over their water assets. The National Party and I will continue to fight the Government on their plans which amount to nothing more than state-sanctioned theft of ratepayer assets. They need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a solution that will ensure the delivery of quality water for future generations. Please never hesitate to be in touch. If you have any issue you wish to discuss with me, don’t hesitate to get in touch by either calling 0800 550 330 or emailing mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz

Art Committee, the stewards of the town’s artworks. “The colouring book is an important creative addition to our town that can engage our youth with the community’s artworks and inspire their interest in art.” The colouring book is an ideal gift with a local flavour for young and old. Priced at $15, it is available from The Arts Junction on the Main Road in Katikati. Katikati Open Air art are planning more colouring books in the series featuring local sculptures and festival murals – so watch this space!

Katikati’s very own colouring book. PHOTO: Supplied.

Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel I’m going to be in Omokoroa and will be available to meet with you - so call my office 0800 550 330 to make an appointment. Upcoming Dates: 25 February 2022 08 April 2022 20 May 2022 Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Scott Simpson, 614 Pollen St, Thames.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

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MONDAYS

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Email katikati.tennis@outlook.com. Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion. 9.1510.15am. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706. ‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9am. $5 or $25 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390. Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.3010.30am. 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. Justice of the Peace clinic 1-3pm Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre. Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowling Club Settlers’ Hall 1pm. 1st session free then $3. Equipment and tea provided. Wear smoothsoled shoes/slippers. Call Anne 027 430 4876. 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 Community Centre, Beach Road. 1-4pm. Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential. Contact Gay 549 2527. Movie Matinee 1.30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati. Tickets $10. Limited seats. 549 5250. Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion afternoons. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 lynchaston@btinternet.com

Dance Fit Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 5.30-6.30. Call Kylie 022 071 2794. IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 11. 6-7.30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall. Call 548 2515. Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6.15-7.45pm. Contact Mollie 021 177 8018. Table Tennis 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. 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. Jena 021 052 7262. 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. Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults. 10.30-11.30am 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 Therapeutic Tai Chi for beginners. Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 2.45-3.45pm. One free trial class then $7. Contact Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz Teen Advisory Board Plan, promote and implement programs and events for teens. Year 7 to 13 students. 3.30-4.30pm during the school term at Pātuki Manawa. Gentle Yoga & Qi Gong at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4–5.30pm. One free trial class then $12. Concessions available. Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6-8pm. Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517. Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowling Club Settlers’ Hall 6.30 for 7pm play. 1st session free then $3. Equipment and supper provided. Wear smooth-soled shoes/slippers. Call Anne 027 430 4876 or 548 1636. Katikati Toy Library 7pm-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

Te Puna Today, 83 Kiwis will need lifesaving blood or plasma. Unseen emergencies happen every day. DON’T WAIT TO SAVE A LIFE.

What makes us unique? - Stay and play with your tamariki - Watch them learn and grow - Meet local parents, make friends, become part of your local community

Please bring ID with you

| Lizard News | February 2022

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

COME TO PLAYCENTRE!

Open 9am-12pm Mon Thurs Fri

OPEN Tuesday 9am-1pm term time

Friday 4 February 9:30am – 1:00pm

Omokoroa

First 3 visits free 0-6 yr olds welcome Find us on Facebook omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz

NEW BLOOD WANTED Omokoroa Pavilion 28 Western Ave Omokoroa

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. ‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9am. $5 or $25 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390. 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. $4. Contact Jill 548 0139 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists. Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 1pm start. Names in by 12.45pm. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103. 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

225 Te Puna Road, Te Puna 5525153 | tepuna@playcentre.org.nz

Behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd

Outdoor Explorer sessions 9am Tues Also at Te Puna, Katikati & Waihi Beach // ﬁnd hours on Facebook

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

Here are some of the groups and activities which happen regularly in the area. If you have a regular group you’d like to add to the list, please email liz@lizardnews.net or call 548 1200. 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. Te Puna Community Library in the School library 6.30-7.30pm. Justice of the Peace clinic 6.30-7.30pm Te Puna School Library. 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. Tai Chi 9.30-11.00am. Te Puna Memorial Hall. Contact David 027 222 2824. Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Call Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763. Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Call Jenny 549 2151. 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 Fraser Street, Tauranga. 571 3422 tauranga@diabetes.org.nz Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-12pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre. Scrapbooking The Old Library Omokoroa 10am and 12.30pm fortnightly. $10.00. Contact Collette 027 460 9630 for more info and to book. Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am. WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE. 32 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 0651 Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 11.30am12.30pm. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

Rummikub at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati. 1pm start, $3 per person. Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control 1-4pm. Contact Shirley 552 2707. Scottish Country Dancing Bethlehem Hall, 1.15-3.15pm. Call Heather 021 185 5747. 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 548 2452, Alison Badger 548 1544. Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club. We welcome all ages and experience. Contact Mick 021 217 1780. 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 selfconfidence and personal growth. 7.30pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at the Community Centre, Beach Road. Contact 544 5989.

R O A D S H O W

5th March 10am to 3pm Athenree Teas available at the station For further information contact Sha: 027 415 1263

Three valuers onsite – $5 per item, limit 3 per person

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. 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 Barbara Walls on 548 2899. Ōmokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship, outings, etc. Coffee 11am at Ōmokoroa Boat Club or email Ōmokoroa.Senior.Singles@gmail.com 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 Plant & Produce Market A&P Showgrounds 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449.

SATURDAYS

Yoga at Ōmokoroa Pavilion 8-9am. $80 for 8 weeks. Contact Natasha on 021 735 327. www.natrainwellness.com Junior Tennis Coaching at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club. Members and Non-members welcome. Visit omokoroatennis.com for information and to book. 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. 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. 13pm. Names in by 12.45pm please. All welcome. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103. 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 Jam session Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road. 4-7pm. Everyone welcome.

2022 OBC Fishing Competition

Lead sponsor: Rachel Millard Your Real Estate Omokoroa

The Children’s Competition (ages 0-7 yrs & ages 8-14 yrs)

Saturday 5th March 6am to 4pm All kids will receive fish and chips and a goody bag.

OBC Members $10, Non Members $30

The Adults’ Competition 6pm Friday 18th March to 4pm Saturday 19th March OBC Members $15, Non Members $40 Tauranga Harbour ONLY. Tickets and rules available from the OBC bar mid-February.

$10,000 worth of prizes! Lead Sponsor: Your Real Estate Omokoroa February 2022 | Lizard News |

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – FEBRUARY

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

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

Wed 2nd Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join.

Wed 2nd Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am at Waihī Beach RSA. Interesting speakers, interesting conversation and of course interesting people. Every 1st Wednesday. Wed 2nd Kati Chat New to town? Join us for morning tea and invited speakers. Every 1st Wednesday, 10am The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 549 5250. Wed 2nd Seniors supports, allowances and rights advisory service. The Old Library, Ōmokoroa 10am-4pm. Every 1st Wednesday. No appointment necessary.

Thu 3rd Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9.30am. 1st Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact John Owens 021 822 127 or Fred Hartley 548 1939.

Thu 3rd Boomerang Bags Katikati sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm. Fri 4th Blood Drive Ōmokoroa Pavilion, Western Ave 9.30am-1pm. Please book an appointment and bring ID. Call 0800 448 325 nzblood.co.nz

Fri 4th Family Planning appointments 10am-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms, 14 Jocelyn Street. Every other Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz

Sat 5th Car Boot Sale Katikati A&P Showgrounds 9am-noon. Fundraiser to build an Abbeyfield House in Katikati. $10 car/$15 car+trailer. Contact Carole on abbeyfieldwbop.chair@gmail.com or 0274 579 686.

Sat 5th Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Swap excess produce, seeds, seedlings, preserves, jams, baking etc. 1st Saturday of the month. Garden shed beside Katikati Community Centre on Beach Rd, 9.30-10.30am. Call Jizzy on 549 2337 or Marie on 07 929 7906. Sat 5th Wander Dogs Take your pooch for a group walk at 10am, meet at Anzac Bay carpark, Waihī Beach.

Sun 6th Waitangi Day sailing Ōmokoroa Boat Club annual racing. Contact/register with John Budden buddennz@gmail.com or 548 1180.

Sun 6th Movie Matinee: Dune at the boutique Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. 1.30pm. Tickets $10 / $7.50 Gold Card. Ph 549 1658.

Sun 6th Katikati Folk Open Mic 3pm every 1st Sunday of the month. Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete. Mon 7th U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2. Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242.

Mon 7th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road. 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6.00pm. Contact Colin 576 9110.

Wed 9th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details.

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

Wed 9th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul’s church. Contact Fiona 022 684 5178.

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

Thu 10th 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.

Thu 10th Te Puna Heartlands meeting 7pm at Te Puna Hall. The Chief Executive of the Western Bay District Council, Mr John Holyoake, has been invited to attend. Richard Comyn will be in the chair. Vaccine passes may be required depending on numbers attending.

Fri 11th Bethlehem Night Market every 2nd Friday from 5.30-8.30pm at Bethlehem Hall. Facebook: cnmbethlehem or contact Jen on 021 672 281 cnmbethlehem@gmail.com. Sat 12th Katikati Lions Moggies Market Second Saturday each month 9am to 12pm Katikati Memorial Hall. Your local monthly market. Support local, buy local. E: moggiesmarket21@gmail.com Sun 13th Katikati Tramping Club Moderate 6 hour walk to Wairoa Shelter from Wharawhara Road. Phone Graeme 549 3186.

Sun 13th October Plant Sale Te Puna Quarry Park. 2nd Sunday of even months. Contact ruthdainty@gmail.com

Sun 13th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs. Fun writing exercises to warm up. 2nd Sunday of each month 11am-12.30pm 73 Wills Road, Katikati Ph Gaye 5771753 or 0272748753 email gayehemsley@gmail.com Tue 15th Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers. 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library. Tue 15th Innovation Garden Club 1.303pm every 3rd Tuesday. Waihī Beach RSA. Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail.com Wed 16th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join Wed 16th Business After Five Networking and an opportunity to learn about a local business. 5.15pm. The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 549 5250. Wed 16th Ōmokoroa Acoustic Jam The Old Library Ōmokoroa 7pm. Play, sing, enjoy. Gold coin donation. Refreshments available. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Heather 027 477 6877 or Trish 548 0753. Thu 17th Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm. Fri 18th 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 18th 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 18th 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 19th Katikati Artisan Market 9am1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati. 3rd Saturday of the month.

Sun 20th Movie Matinee: The Mole Agent at the boutique Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. 1.30pm. Tickets $10 / $7.50 Gold Card. Ph 549 1658.

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

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

Mon 21st U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2. Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242.

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

Wed 23rd Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details.

Thu 24th 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 26th 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.

Sat 26th Katikati Tramping Club Moderate 5 hour walk to Ōtawa Trig at Te Puke. Phone Ian 572 2987.

Sat 26th 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

Sat 26th Doggy Day Out at Western Avenue sports grounds, Ōmokoroa. 10am2pm. A fun-filled day with something for every dog and their human. There will be demos, doggy retail stores, plenty of food and drinks, and lots to learn.

Sat 26th Katikati Family Bike Ride Leaves Dave Hume Pools at 2pm. Choose either 4km or 12km ride. Enjoy a BBQ and swim afterwards. Ph 549 5250.

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

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.

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| Lizard News | February 2022

WAVE26354 LN

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Greta’s dog comes home By Christine Robertson reta Gane from Ōmokoroa considers herself one very lucky lady. Years ago, so long ago the 92year-old can’t remember when, Greta and her late husband Abel had one of their concrete spaniel ornaments stolen from the top of a pillar in their driveway. Much to Greta’s delight, she received a knock on the door last month. It was her The reunited pair - one looking slightly worn out immediate neighbour Jeff, saying “I have for his adventures. found your dog”. Greta thought “I don’t have a dog?” Then Jeff said “your concrete dog!” Greta couldn’t believe it. When the dog was stolen, they walked all around the village looking for the dog. They put posters in the library and the beach shop window and even had the story published in the Bay of Plenty Times. For all these years, the thieves had not carried the dog further than the neighbour’s front garden, dumping it between foliage. It could be more than ten years since the dog went missing. Greta and Abel removed the second dog at the time of the theft, fearing the thieves may return for it. Both dogs are now back sitting together looking out towards the harbour enjoying the sun. Greta still A ‘missing dog’ news article printed at the time. PHOTO: Supplied. can’t believe her luck.

Ōmokoroa Community Policing Group Charitable Trust Ōmokoroa Neighbourhood Support By Rachel Millard ONS Coordinator

Greetings everyone and Happy New Year from the team at Ōmokoroa Neighbourhood Support. We trust you are all enjoying the lovely weather and time with your families. Unfortunately, over the Christmas break we have had a number of car break-ins so just a reminder to ensure there is nothing of value left in your vehicles. Having a really good community network can help mitigate these situations and assist in getting essential information out to friends and neighbours quickly. Please encourage all neighbours and friends to become part of this valuable community group. Currently we are looking for volunteer street contacts in Kaimai Views. This area is growing rapidly and unfortunately is the location of some of the vehicle break-ins over this period. As a street contact you are responsible for collecting everyone’s contact details in your street and keeping them up to date as people move in or out. The Neighbourhood Support team will supply information and stickers for everyone’s letterbox. If you feel you would be able to help, please contact the team on nsomokoroa@gmail.com.

Ōmokoroa Community Patrol By Peter Goad OCPGCT Patrols have concentrated on areas which have recently suffered from thefts from parked cars and incidences of antisocial behaviour and irresponsible driving. The patrols aim to cover all the streets on our peninsula during daylight and after dark. We have had a good response to our appeal for volunteers but would welcome more with the ever-expanding area to be covered. If you would like be a part of this important community activity, please call or text me on 0279 443 145 and we will arrange vetting and training. A good proportion of our patrollers are couples or buddies who generally roster on together as well as individuals who welcome the opportunity to make new friends, so if you are fully vaccinated and interested, pick up the phone to find out more. Finally, if you witness an incident, don’t hesitate - ring the Police on 111, or if it has already occurred dial 105 and you will be attended to in an efficient and friendly manner and our local police will be alerted. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022. Graffiti Busters Unfortunately, we continue to have a few incidents of graffiti. If you come across fresh tagging, please phone 07 548 1286 for us to arrange for it to be removed. If you witness any tagging taking place, ring 111.

OMOKOROA

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Katikati Concert Band: the Goodalls By Eryl Raymond Secretary/Treasurer he Katikati Concert Band is putting on a special performance to farewell two long-term members. Mick and Susie Goodall emigrated to Katikati from the UK in 2012 and shortly thereafter joined the Concert Band. Mick, formerly a GP, has a long association with music, playing French horn and tuba in various UK orchestras and bands, before taking up the euphonium and trombone here. In contrast, Susie, a nurse, came to music later in life. She started in the Katikati Concert Band as a novice tenor saxophone player and has developed with the band as a fine musician. She has recently learned to play the euphonium as well. Both Mick and Susie have been key

members of the band committee, as secretary/treasurer and music librarian. They are also well known in local bridge and golf clubs. Both have performed in the Katikatz Jazz Band, most recently in the Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival. Their decision to return to the UK has been prompted by the birth of three grandchildren in the UK and the difficulties of international travel that we all now face. At the time of printing, the Katikati Concert Band was due to perform their farewell concert to the Goodalls at 5pm on Saturday 29th January at St Paul’s Church, Katikati. The concert would feature a number of soloists, including Mick and Susie, as well as conductor, and virtuoso trumpeter, Hiro Kobayashi.

Mick and Susie Goodall will feature in their farewell concert. PHOTO: Supplied.

Housing market - what’s in store for 2022? remarkable year for New Zealand’s residential property market has come to an unremarkable end, with a flood of new listings helping to dampen home value growth but also failing to stop it altogether. The average home increased in value by 7.8% nationally over the three-month period to the end of December, up from the 6.9% quarterly growth in November. The national average value now sits at $1,053,315. QV spokesperson Simon Petersen comments, “No matter how you slice the data, 2021 has been an absolutely bumper year for New Zealand’s residential prop-

erty market. We all thought 2020 was a big year, and yet values increased by less than half as much on average as they have this year.” QV Operations Manager Paul McCorry commented, “Never in recent times have we had so much external intervention in a housing market and yet, in the midst of a global pandemic, the market grew by a record 28.4% nationally. “2021 has certainly been actionpacked. We’ve seen the return of loan to value ratios, rapidly rising debt-to-income ratios, high inflation, low-but-rising interest rates, and a raft of significant tax changes designed to take some of the

steam out of the market. Just about the only thing we haven’t seen this year is significant drops in home values.” Mr Petersen says he doesn’t expect to see significant drops in 2022 either. “However interest rates are highly likely to rise further, making things even more difficult for first-home buyers in the foreseeable future.” Mr McCorry says, “It became pretty clear towards the end of the year that this level of growth was not going to continue indefinitely as we started to see a decline in the quarterly rate of growth. The market has definitely pumped the brakes, but it hasn’t ground to a halt completely.”

“The most likely lever to reduce the rate of inflation going forward is to increase the Official Cash Rate (OCR), which in turn increases interest rates banks will offer to prospective homeowners. We saw successive increases in the OCR in October and November, and it is no surprise that this was when we started to see the tide turn a little in the rate of growth,” says Mr McCorry. With increased listings due to the nicer weather, buyers have more choice. Managing vendor expectations coming out of 2021 and into 2022 will be a very advantageous skill set for an agent,” Mr McCorry added.

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Te Puna kindy ready for term one By Ellen White e Puna Kindergarten is very excited to share with you that we are starting our playgroup in the purpose-built whānau room that has a wonderful inside/outside space. Playgroup starts in term one on 1st February. It is aimed at family and whānau with children aged 3 months and older, with different days catering to different ages and stages. Our fully qualified playgroup coordinator, Krystal Clarke, says, “Te Puna community Playgroup is starting this coming term and I am excited to offer not only a space Mums/Dads/Caregivers can bring

their young ones to play but to build a community that supports one another through each individual’s early years. Playgroup also offers parent education particularly on sleep and child development, including behaviour.” Every week the Playgroup sessions will focus on play invitations and schemas that promote and support all children’s development. Playgroup is built on five foundations: Whakawhanaungatanga - relationships (always at the forefront). Manaakitanga - to welcome (A place for everyone). Kaitiakitanga - caring for the land and the people. Rangatiratanga - to lead support and take responsibility. Āko -

to teach and learn. Within the centre of these foundations (Pou) is whānau, the core of playgroup, where each family can build a village of support, creating connections and authentic relationships which is a support network. He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. For information or enrolment details please email krystal.clarke@ikindergartens.nz Come and visit us at 17C Minden Road, Te Puna. Ph 552 5736. The kettle is always on.

Playgroup coordinator Krystal Clarke.

The whānau room is ready to welcome you. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Native tree numbers on the rise in Bay of Plenty he 775,000 native trees and shrubs planted by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana and volunteers in the past financial year are expected to remove 307,515 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over the next 80 years. Figures from the Ministry for the Environment state that New Zealand’s total (gross) emissions are equivalent to 7.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person per year. Acting Regional Council General Manager of Integrated Catchments Laverne Mason said since the Regional Council declared a Climate Change Emergency in 2019, a key focus has been to invest in natural carbon storage solutions such as trees and wetlands. “We had a great planting season this past financial year by taking advantage of co-funding opportunities with partners like the Ministry of Primary Industries’ One Billion Trees programme and the Ministry for the Environment’s Jobs for Nature fund.” “While we achieved a lot in the past financial year, we are on track to surpass that number this financial year and are aiming to plant more than 880,000 plants,” said Mrs Mason. In addition to planting trees, the Regional Council is

Many volunteers have helped Regional Council with planting. PHOTOS: Supplied.

also aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050, has committed $1.8 million to funding mitigation and adaptation projects and is working to prepare and adapt the community to climate change-related challenges. “Climate change projections for the Bay of Plenty region show that we will experience more days with temperatures over 25 degrees, fewer frosts and more rain.” “We will see more extreme flooding events, unpre-

dictability in our weather and sea levels rising. It is important we tackle climate change head-on and work to mitigate and adapt now,” said Mrs Mason. Mrs Mason said the Regional Council couldn’t have achieved this great planting result without the help of its many volunteers and expressed her thanks for their continued support. Article supplied.

All the trappings of Christmas By Noelene Taylor of Friends of the Blade his great summer season has been a time for everyone to thrive, and this unfortunately includes the predators in the Kaimai-Mamakū conservation park. Regular visits by volunteers to clear their traplines around The Blade in Whakamārama halted in mid-December for the Christmas break, but some volunteers were able to keep working their traplines and found they were trapping large numbers of possums and rats. There’s no better motivation for predator controllers than to see results, so they kept baiting and clearing traps. By the time the whole group of volunteers came back in mid-January for the first full muster of 2022 there

had been a total of 54 possums removed from the bush. The full team of volunteer trappers returned on Friday 14th January, and a total of 60 possums was recorded that day. The overall result of trapping during the four week period over Christmas was 114 possums; a very impressive tally for the group. The southeastern boundary of the area cared for by Friends of the Blade saw the biggest influx of possums. Juvenile possums that have graduated from the ‘back rider’ stage when they were still travelling on their mothers’ backs, will strike out on their own to establish a territory for themselves. The possums caught over this Christmas time seemed to be mostly young males coming in from neighbouring, untrapped areas, looking for the chance to occupy territory left vacant when older males

had been removed. Their opportunistic movement into bush that had fewer possums and less competition also brought them into contact with the external traplines so their quest for new territory ended abruptly. The Friends of the Blade volunteer group is heartened by the success of their summer trapping and hope to keep the results up. New volunteers who could give some of their time to this group will be very welcome and they will have the happy experience of seeing and hearing native birds - the reason for the work we do. Anyone interested in finding out more about Friends of the Blade should email noelenetaylor57@gmail.com or find out more on the Bay Conservation Alliance website.

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Western Bay Museum appoints Collection Curator estern Bay Museum in Katikati has taken a significant step toward realising its ambition as Aotearoa’s best small regional museum with the appointment of a museum qualified Collection Curator. The only museum in the Western Bay, the Western Bay Museum is the guardian and custodian of the Western Bay’s stories and treasures. The Collection Curator role is a crucial element of the Museum’s Development and Strategic Plan, and applicants from around the globe applied for the position. “The science and skillset of museum qualified staff mostly go unnoticed as these highly skilled people work behind the scenes,” says Paula Gaelic, Manager

of Western Bay Museum. The successful applicant, Rosemary Deane, has worked for over 20 years in Collections, Library/Archive and Exhibition curator roles. Rosemary obtained a PGDip in Museum Studies from Massey University and has extensive museum experience in a variety of Museums, including MOTAT, Rotorua Museum, Te Awamutu Museum, Cambridge Museum and Te Toi Uku, the Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum. “Rosemary’s skills and experience will take us to the next level in museums best practice,” says Paula. Rosemary begins her new role in February. “I am really looking forward to working with Paula, who has a great vision for the museum,” says Rosemary.

“The collection needs a lot of work to get it onto a database, but I relish a challenge, and there are plenty of volunteers to help with the process.” Rosemary says her career highlights include helping deinstall the taonga Māori from Rotorua Museum after closing due to earthquake damage. “I helped condition report and clean some of the huge carvings, including Pūkaki, who appears on our 20-cent piece. At Te Toi Uku, the Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum, I developed and installed all new exhibitions after I started, which made the museum a bigger and better experience for visitors as a result.” Western Bay Museum’s new Collection Curator, Rosemary Deane. PHOTO: Supplied.

Irrigators: plan ahead for resource consent expiration By Michael Goff of Goff Groundwater Science ater is the most common substance on the earth’s surface and one of the most critical when in short supply. As climatic conditions vary, so does the increased need for irrigation water to maintain productive crop growth through the growing seasons. Groundwater resource consents are granted by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and allow for the take of groundwater for beneficial uses including horticulture and farming, among others. Almost half of the Bay of Plenty region’s resource consents to take water

were granted under the Water and Soil Conservation Act, and became 35-year consents under the Resource Management Act 1991. In 2026 there are a total of 1,259 consents due to expire, with 751 (59%) being water take consents. The majority of the water take consents that will expire are for agricultural use. At a minimum, renewal of these water take consents will require some consultation with Regional Council, application submission and payment of fees. In many cases, groundwater take resource consent renewals will require pumping, testing of the bore and assessment of environmental effects on other users and the environment.

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Bay of Plenty Regional Council expects that applications for renewal of expiring water take resource consents will be lodged starting 6 to 12 months prior to the 2026 expiration date. This push for applications will likely be preceded by a flurry of activity in the pumping testing and water bore replacement industry. High demand for a limited number of quality contractors may result in higher prices for work and extended completion times. Water users are encouraged to make plans early if they need to complete water bore installation, pumping testing, assessment of effects and application for renewal of their groundwater take resource consent. • • • • • • •

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Another critical aspect of these events is that the Regional Council will have the opportunity to reduce overall groundwater take in overallocated catchments in an effort to better manage catchment hydrology. Some groundwater catchments are significantly overallocated, meaning that groundwater is recharged at a rate less than is allocated to be taken out. Overallocated catchments may experience declining groundwater levels over time as well as related hazards such as land subsidence and saltwater intrusion. The individual user, renewing their consent in affected catchments, may be required to reduce their allocation.

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Te Puna bike track success By Alexia Skipper-Jones Sports Co-ordinator, Te Puna School ith the addition of the Acon Bike skills track, bikes and accessories, the Te Puna School and community bike and scooter track was a lively hub of action-packed cycling, scootering and skateboarding all day, every day in the lead up to Christmas. Each class timetabled themselves to two 45 min sessions a week, 26 allocations, five lunchtime sessions, and 40 senior bike monitors were shown the ropes, a very very busy, but rewarding time for our tamariki. The bike track has something that appeals to everyone. Whether it be the big hill, jump, bumps, seesaws, bamboo

crossing, tyre slalom, dirt tyre off-ramp, roundabout, or the carpark/grass area for learning. Feedback from the students has been great. Rebecca says, “The tyres in the ground help us get better at steering like if someone is in the way when we are riding somewhere steep or fast, it would make it a bit more easy to dodge them. My favourite part of the bike track is the bumpy bamboo track.” Paraia says, “I like the roundabout, you have to look out for people. I mostly like the seesaw because it is not hard to go on the seesaw. The little ramp is hard but I can go on it because I get my balance and look where I’m going.” There was also the opportunity to paint with local artist Jamie Harkins to

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lizardnews.net complete a mural on the container. In those six weeks, our tamariki grew in confidence, awareness, resilience, perseverance and support for each other. Just when it all sounds amazing, it gets better, in March, the addition of a pump track will be the icing on the cake. None of this would be possible without a huge amount of mahi and support from our PTA, friends of the PTA, Board of Trustees, whānau and community sponsors, Bikes in Schools, TECT, and Tū Manawa Active fund. We thank you and we appreciate your support for this project. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Users encouraged to vote TECT Park estern Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council are urging people to vote for TECT Park in the International People’s Choice Award for Green Flag Award winning parks. In New Zealand, the Green Flag Awards are bestowed annually by the New Zealand Recreation Association, on behalf of the international Green Flag organisation. In 2022, all Green Flag Award winners are also entered into the International People’s Choice Award, decided by votes from the general public worldwide. TECT Park took out a seventh internationally recognised Green Flag Award in

2022, and it has a chance to go one better with the People’s Choice Award. With enough votes, we can put our much loved TECT Park from remote New Zealand on the same footing as some of the most impressive parks from across the world. Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says your vote could help TECT Park reach a new level of recognition for the unique and high-quality experience it offers. “There’s no question that TECT Park is an incredible park, we have seven Green Flag Awards to prove it in just eleven years of existence. “TECT Park is truly special because it’s home to a lot of sporting codes and small

Healthy smiles for the future hildren at early childhood centres have been proud to show off their pearly whites in an annual oral health challenge. Centres across the Western Bay were invited to take part in the annual World Oral Health Day Challenge - organised by the Bay of Plenty District Health Board oral health promotion team. Best Start Palm Springs in Pāpāmoa pipped runners-up Best Start Montessori Bethlehem for first place, while New Shoots Pyes Pa was awarded third place. Activities at Best Start Palm Springs included learning songs about brushing teeth and washing hands, colouring in teeth on a laminated poster and brushing the colour off with a toothbrush, and

tooth decay experiments. Parents were encouraged to take photos of their children when they visited the dentist, and children shared their photos and talked about their experience at mat time. Older children learned about healthy food to have in their lunchboxes. BoPDHB Oral Health Promoter Nicole D’cruz thanks all those who were involved. “They did a great job with the activities promoting good oral health, long term sustainable policies, and they had great parent involvement.” Prizes for the winners included a big box of fruit and vegetables, toothbrushes and toothpaste and a large tooth model.

One of the many activities that take place at TECT Park. PHOTO: Supplied.

community groups that would struggle to find space elsewhere. There are so many hobbies and sports that survive because of this place, so it’s time to show our appreciation and vote TECT Park!” The Green Flag Awards recognise excellent park management and the provision of high-quality recreational experiences. TECT Park is the only park in the Bay of Plenty to receive this award. Tauranga City Council Commission Chair Anne Tolley also supports the call for community recognition of TECT Park. “The park is a local taonga and provides diverse outdoor recreation experiences enjoyed by an ever-increasing number of visitors,” she says. “It would be great to see that popularity translated into an International People’s Choice award, so if you are a user, get in behind

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Gregers Andersen Now taking summer bookings. Contact your local Omokoroa property expert, to understand the New Zealand Sotheby’s approach. We chose Gregers to market our property for a number of reasons, including the fact that he was very professional but also easy to talk to at the same time, he was punctual which showed us he cared about our time and the opportunity to list our property, and he had thoroughly prepared our appraisal going so far to research council subdivision requirements. Gregers gave detailed and immediate feedback from open homes and showings, and his careful advice early on about the market made us confident in accepting a pre-auction offer received after just over a week of marketing. Gregers ensured the sale process was smooth and we would definitely recommend him and New Zealand Sotheby’s. Camille & William Bell (Vendors) If you are thinking about selling your property and would like the best exposure for a better result while have world class selling experience, give me a call!

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TECT Park and make your vote count.” TECT Park Manager Bill Wheeler says, “The Green Flag Awards mean a lot to us, they set the benchmark for the best parks in the world, and now we have the opportunity to make TECT Park the people’s favourite park. “We hope everyone who’s ever visited TECT Park will show their love for the place by jumping online and voting for us.” The 1650-hectare TECT Park in Upper Pyes Pa, is a joint venture between Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City councils. It is the base for many outdoor sports user groups and its public facilities include tracks for walking, mountain biking, equestrian and familyfocused motorcycle tracks and a dedicated dog exercise area.

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POP goes the pelvis By Anja Morris ou might tell a friend over a cup of coffee that you’ve got a sore back, but would you say, “Guess what happened, my bladder/uterus/rectum slipped”? Or, “I can’t lift my child because…I’ve got an issue down below”? Not likely! I’m a keen tramper. I teach Bush Skills for Women and other Outdoor Skills courses. I feel fit and active. And yet my pelvis went POP. Why me? That was the question I asked myself when, two years ago, my uterus unexpectedly slipped lower than it should have. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects approximately 50 per cent of women and 30 per cent of female athletes, some of whom haven’t even given birth. Maybe your mother, sister, wife, partner, daughter. It affects our family, work and social life, it restricts our sporting activities. POP is common, yet most of us get caught by surprise when it happens because we have never heard of it before. Due to its location in the body, an intimate area, it is a subject not often talked about. My POP experience started me on a new journey. I had so many questions. If POP was such a common condition, why was it not talked about? Why was there such a stigma associated with pelvic organ prolapse? How did other women deal with the restrictions that POP had on their daily lives? The physical, but especially the mental impacts. To find answers, I started the ‘POP goes my pelvis’ project. Trying to get in-

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formation about the project out there was a reality check. It showed some of the reasons why POP was not talked about. Of thirty New Zealand newspaper editors I contacted, only one replied. She commented that most editors were male and that POP ‘was not exactly a sexy topic.’ So we’ve got a vicious cycle: lack of public information, little confidence to talk about it, and thus a continuing silence. A year of collecting stories from active women around New Zealand who have experienced a prolapse, and gaining feedback from a range of pelvic health physiotherapists, resulted in the Active and POP website. Women in their thirties to seventies share their experiences and offer advice on something they thought would never happen to them.

Anja Morris is raising awareness about POP. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Anja (far right) with one of her Bush Skills for Women groups.

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Ōmokoroa Lions Tertiary Scholarship winners

By Christine Robertson wo outstanding local students were the 2022 winners of the Ōmokoroa Lions Club Tertiary scholarships. These scholarships are available to students from the Ōmokoroa district who have at least one year of tertiary education. The criteria for the scholarships are academic excellence, the student’s vision of their career path, involvement in extra-curricular activities and their financial need. The quality of the applicants this year was excellent and all of those interviewed would have been worthy of an award. The winner of the Beryl Scott scholarship valued at $2000 was Anna Raeburn who is studying science at Victoria University. Runner up and recipient of the Precious Brothers scholarship of $1,500 was Ryan Bosselmann who has embarked on civil engineering as a career choice at the

University of Canterbury. Anna and her family settled in Ōmokoroa after the earthquakes in Christchurch prompted a new start to their lives. Anna has a self-confessed love of school and all things academic. She has a keen interest in learning about the natural world and is passionate about the issues facing our planet, such as climate change. Her focus is on being part of the solution and leading the changes that need to be made. Hence her chosen career in environmental science, ecology, and biodiversity. When not away from home studying engineering at Canterbury University, Ryan is a local boy who grew up in the Ōmokoroa district attending first Pahoia School and finally Tauranga Boys College. With a strong thirst for knowledge, Ryan speaks enthusiastically of his summer internship at the Port of Tauranga learning the practicalities

Anna Raeburn, winner of the Beryl Scott scholarship. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Ryan Bosselmann, recipient of the Precious Brothers scholarship.

of becoming a civil engineer. Ryan has an exemplary academic record, achieving high grades while at the same time balancing study with his

other love – rugby. Both Anna and Ryan are high achieving students and worthy recipients of these scholarships.

Summer state highway works By Matthew Farrell s people continue to make summer travel plans or return to work, they’ll notice road contractors out in force taking advantage of the good weather. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says its contractors are advancing significant maintenance programmes across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway network. The Agency says it’s completing an ambitious programme to improve the

safety and resilience of the network and whilst delays are expected, many considerations have to be made for how to complete these important works. “Waka Kotahi monitors the weather forecast closely, and sites and timings will change at short notice. We have been making the most of the summer weather and the period of time before schools go back,” says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager, Maintenance and Operations. “Our key focus is to keep people using

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the roads and our contractor crews safe. While this can mean there are lastminute changes to our maintenance programmes, we provide information as up-to-date as we can.” Sites in the Western Bay include State Highway 2 Tākitimu Drive / Waihī Road overbridge, the Bay Link project from Bayfair to Te Maunga, and the Eastern Link Toll Road. Safety improvement works have been back underway on SH2 from Waihī to Ōmokoroa with four active sites between Athenree Road and Tanners Point Road,

| Lizard News | February 2022

Kaimai Law K A T I K A T I

Lions’ Health Aids / Equipment Available on Loan The Lions’ Club of Omokoroa maintains a wide range of health aids equipment which is available to community residents on a loan basis when needed following illness and/or surgery. To maintain and update equipment, donations are expected on return of any loan equipment.

To enquire about the equipment contact Mary Klein 548 1600

• • • • • • • • •

Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection and Lund Road to Sargent Drive, as well as night resealing sites. Tree felling work was planned for Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road. As for the Tākitimu North Link, enabling works continue with ecological and environmental investigations at Wairoa Road off SH2 near Oliver Road. A southbound shoulder closure has been in place, which was not anticipated to impact traffic. Visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz for up-todate information.

Domestic Installation and Repairs New House Wiring and Renovations Irrigation, Frost Protection, Pumps Heat Pumps Supplied, Installed and Repaired Commercial Industrial Underground Cabling Thermal Imaging Test & Tag

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#5 plastics join Kerbside Collective crew estern Bay’s Kerbside Collective crew just got bigger, with #5 plastics now being accepted. Ice cream containers, margarine tubs and yoghurt containers are some of the everyday household items that can now be added to yellow lid recycling bins as part of Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s kerbside rubbish and recycling service. Council’s Deputy CEO and Group Manager Infrastructure Services, Gary Allis, says the addition of #5 plastics is welcome news given the number of everyday items and products #5 plastics covers. Previously only #1 and #2 plastic bottles and containers along with flattened cardboard, paper, egg cartons, tins and cans were accepted.

Gary says the addition of #5 plastics to the Kerbside Collective team comes after confirmation of a long-term sustainable market for the recycling of plastic grade 5, also known as polypropylene (PP). “Council took a cautious approach when implementing the district-wide service by not accepting #5 plastics at the outset, as we had not secured a market for these types of recyclables yet. We did not want to start providing a service only for it to be stopped and see it end up in landfill. “The first six months of the service has allowed us to test the capacity of the collection service and ensure we can add #5 plastics without disrupting the service.” The rates-funded recycling service, implemented on 1st July 2021, is designed

to increase the amount of material diverted from landfill by about 60 per cent – around 1800 tonnes a year. On average, each household District-wide produces about 640kg of waste per year, 380kg of this could be recycled. In the first six months, 1546 tonnes of material has been diverted from landfill; glass (639 tonnes), recycling (609 tonnes) and food waste (298 tonnes). Gary says, “Our residents have shown they are right behind this collective waste minimisation effort, and taking #5 plastics will only lift our waste diversion levels even higher. “And remember to wash your items before you recycle. Everything you put out for recycling is hand sorted, so why put your dirty items in your recycling for someone else to deal with?”

Council’s recycling and greenwaste centres across the District will also be accepting approved #5 plastic products. To see what plastic grade your item is, check the recycling triangle at the bottom of your packaging to find the recycling number. If there is no number or you’re unsure if it can be recycled, please place it in your red lid rubbish bin if no other re-use option is available. For more information, visit kerbsidecollective.co.nz. If you’re unsure what item goes in which bin, try our item search function - kerbside collective.co.nz/item-search/ The top five #5 plastics now accepted are ice cream containers, yoghurt containers, margarine tubs, jam and honey containers, and dips and hummus tubs. Article supplied.

Plan to survive when you dive By Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams National Manager Police National Dive Squad f you are going diving these holidays, we need you to take care. If you are diving from a boat, it’s a legal requirement to display a dive flag. With divers, spearfishers, snorkelers and swimmers sharing the water, it pays to be careful. It is a good idea for freedivers and swimmers to have a float if more than 200m from shore, and if you’re going scuba diving, have a safety sausage you

can deploy on the surface. Some areas, such as Wellington, are making this a requirement. Always dive with a buddy throughout the dive. The Buddy System is developed to improve diver survival across a range of situations. Routine annual maintenance is an imperative component of the diver’s schedule. Failure can have severe consequences. Always check the weather and tide conditions in advance of departing the dock.

Safe surfacing procedures, including safety stops, are an essential component in a scuba diver’s skill set. Plan for things if they go wrong during the dive and on the surface. Are you fit to dive? New Zealand Underwater offers consistent advice to divers returning from a hiatus. Here are some important messages, people need to know: Please don’t dive alone because you could die alone. Always take someone with you. If you are going to make diving a hobby or sport, you should get the right equip-

ment and maintain it well. Don’t share masks due to the risk of Covid and always check local rules around where you can dive under Covid restrictions. Please avoid alcohol – the night before and on dive day. Lastly, but most importantly, are you fit and healthy enough to dive? Make sure you are okay – medical events do happen. Check if the medications you take are compatible with diving and get a checkup from your doctor. For further information, visit nzunderwater.org.nz

Remember to rinse and wash before you recycle Unclean recyclables go straight to landfill

Hi We now recycle Top five

plastics!*

s you can now recycle:

Ice cream containers Yoghurt containers Jam and honey containers Margarine tubs Dips and hummus tubs = Polypropylene/PP

*To find out what’s accepted and what’s not, visit: kerbsidecollective.co.nz February 2022 | Lizard News |

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Todd Talk

Why persevere with Tai Chi? By David Parker hy do people decide to learn Tai Chi? The usual response to this question is, they saw people doing Tai Chi in the park and it looked so nice, so attractive as an activity. When I consider how many start and how few persevere, this means there are challenges involved so a better question would be why do some people keep going. As a Tai Chi teacher, my role is to help students face the challenges and so I get to know and anticipate what their next hurdle is likely to be. I was extremely fortunate to begin learning Tai Chi with a teacher who was very patient and persuasive. I was one of those students who was impatient to do one more move until suddenly it was a complete jumble in my mind and I would have to start again. It looked so easy. So frustrating. At each hurdle, my teacher was ready to listen to my litany of complaints about how hard it was, how slow to learn I was, how I may as well give up and on and on. My teacher would refocus me on what I had achieved and identify what he saw as an important development. My ego would be mollified and I would begin practice again. It wasn’t long before I started to get the hang of it. My love of Tai Chi had started. It seems like a long time ago and yet, like every student of Tai Chi, I had things

By Todd Muller MP Bay of Plenty 022 is already well underway for many of us. Thank you to all the people who kept working throughout the summer break, providing warm hospitality to our visitors and to locals having stay-cations. Our city has some exciting projects on the horizon and I hope that 2022 is the year that central government addresses the infrastructure needs to support these. The needs of New Zealand’s fastest-growing city must be treated with the same urgency as larger cities, and I’ll continue to advocate strongly for this in Wellington. In this ever-changing Covid landscape it’s going to be another year of challenges for many in our community and my team and I are available as always to

help constituents find their way through difficulties with bureaucracy or to provide advice where possible. I’ll be holding a series of public meetings in the coming months and I’m looking forward to connecting with more of the community throughout the Bay of Plenty electorate. These will be advertised on my website at www.toddmuller.co.nz when dates and locations are confirmed. This month my constituent clinics resume, and it’s a great chance for you to connect with me or my team if you have any issues that you need help resolving with government departments or just feel like sharing your views on the state of our nation. It’s always a pleasure for me to connect with the community so please do come along to the Te Puna Hall between 10am and noon on Monday the 21st of February.

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| Lizard News | February 2022

I needed to learn about facing challenges head-on and realising that the hurdles are never as high as they appear. There might have been some ego issues. Over the years, it helped to have a brilliant teacher appear when I most needed one. I do believe the saying ‘when the student is ready the teacher will appear’. It’s important to recognise your new teacher so you can learn the lesson. These days I find my students are older and often have serious health challenges involving their balance and posture. We work together using Qigong and Tai Chi but the emphasis is on how it can help balance and posture, not how quickly we can remember complicated sequences of moves. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed and in a relatively short time, the outcomes are often satisfying and rewarding. I am often asked why I teach. What I get is an opportunity to increase my understanding of Tai Chi by observing how the students learn. I am now reflecting on the Yin Yang concept of equal and opposite. This could be one of my longest lessons. Why do people persevere with their Tai Chi? Maybe they also manage to overcome their challenges as I did and come to love the gentle art of Tai Chi. Classes take place at Te Puna Memorial Hall Tuesdays 1pm and Thursdays 9.30am. Contact. David 027 222 2824 for more information.

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Across 1. A delay or reversal (7) 5. Colour/fruit (5) 8. Colour/fruit (7) 9. Binding (5) 10. Undue speed (5) 11. Yearning (7) 12. Guarantee (6) 14. Named (6) 17. Fan (7) 19. Indicate (5) 22. Undecorated (5) 23. Landscape (7) 24. Mad (colloq) (5) 25. Financially sound (7)

Down 1. Break (5) 2. Conditions (5) 3. Very old (7) 4. Type of drum (6) 5. Repeatedly (5) 6. At the beginning (7) 7. Occupied (7) 12. Hone (7) 13. Leftover (7) 15. Put in danger (7) 16. Free of charge (6) 18. Gangling (5) 20. Picture (5) 21. Dogma (5)

Last week Across: 1. Classic, 5. itto, 8. lo a fuse, 9. Ice, 10. E ual, 12.

Across: 1. Setback, 5. live, 8. A ricot, 9. Tying, 10. aste, 11. Longing, 12. Surety, 14. Titled, 17. Admirer, 19. oint, 22. lain, 23. Terrain, 24. utty, 25. Solvent. Down: 1. Smash, 2. Terms, 3. Ancient, 4. ettle, 5. ften, 6. Initial, 7. Engaged, 12. Shar en, 13. Remnant, 15. Im eril, 16. ratis, 18. Rangy, 20. Image, 21. Tenet.

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Taking the barb out of the barbeque this summer hat better way to enjoy summer than to eat outdoors? Before you lay those kebabs on the barbeque and whip up a salad – take a minute to ensure you, your friends and family will be safe from the misery of food poisoning. Every year lots of New Zealanders get foodborne illnesses and many are caused by unsafe food handling practices in the home. “Whether you go on a picnic, barbeque or camping trip – you’ll be taking your food out of the fridge or freezer. As soon as the temperature of the food begins to rise, bacteria in the food can multiply and this could be a risk,” says Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health, Dr Phil Shoemack. “Unless perishable food is handled properly, it can cause problems so keep hot food hot and cold food cold – or don’t keep it at all.” Cleaned the barbeque since last summer? A dirty barbeque is a haven for pests that love to spread bacteria so make sure it has been cleaned before you use it. Your hands and any utensils also need to be cleaned thoroughly (wash for 20 seconds, dry for 20 seconds) before and after preparing food. “Cross-contamination from raw to cooked foods is one of the

biggest risks,” says Dr Shoemack. “Be careful with knives, cutting boards, hands – anything used for raw and cooked foods and clean them thoroughly when moving from raw to cooked foods.” Preferably use different chopping boards for meat and other food. The golden rule for barbeques is that perishable foods should always be refrigerated until needed, which means removing food from the fridge or chilly bin only when you are ready to cook it on the barbeque. Also, remember to ensure food is not packed into a chilly bin while it’s still warm - food cannot cool quickly enough in a chilly bin to prevent bacteria from growing. “When cooking, always make sure chicken, pork, sausages and minced products like hamburger patties are cooked until the juices run clear – there should be no hint of pink. It can be better to precook these foods and any frozen meat must be thoroughly thawed prior to cooking” he says. “When taking foods off the barbeque, use a clean plate, not the plate which held the raw meat.” It’s easy – Clean, Cook, Cover, Chill. For more information on how to prepare food safely, go to www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safetyhome. Article supplied.

SERVICES

OMOKOROA CLEANING SERVICES Homes, gardens, lawns, car valets. Glass,tile shower rejuvenation. Water blasting, painting. All enquires welcome. Ph. Ludi & Andrea 548 2657 | 021 070 0021

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Call Hannelore on 548 0824

Casual Football Every Wednesday at 7.15pm, a very casual kick around is held at the ﬂoodlit bottom soccer pitch of Western Ave, Ōmokoroa. Anyone over 12 years is welcome, year round. Call Hamish on 552 6427.

Lawn mowing, green waste bags, hedging/ tree pruning, yard/garden tidy and large green waste removal. Locally owned and operated, servicing Omokoroa and surrounding areas. All enquiries welcome. Call Trent for a free quote: 022 333 2644

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Community folk who join Whakamārama Cyberlink are emailed news and events relevant to Whakamāramans, sent to more than 230 families in the area. Posts include: lost and found, free stuﬀ, community road notices, requests for help, positions vacant, markets, WBoPDC updates, house rentals/sitters, workshops, neighbourhood watch, stray stock etc. We also forward info from Ōmokoroa Cyberlink of general interest. Join up by emailing: rossroad@eol.co.nz asking to be added to Whakamārama Cyberlink.

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Members can share via Ōmokoroa Cyberlink community news and events to over 900 emails. Recent posts include: lost and found, free stuﬀ, requests for help, positions vacant, new local businesses, markets, WBoPDC updates, house rentals/ sitters, workshops and much more. To join or send a post, email cyberlinkomokoroa@gmail.com with your name, email address and message, if required. Thank you, Rick Peers.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Justices of the Peace drop-in sessions Mon Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Fri

11-1 1-3 11-12 6.30-7.30 10-12 10-12 10-12

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Find a JP at: www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz February 2022 | Lizard News |

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CONSTRUCTION COMMENCING

Early 2022 Tralee St, Omokoroa

Limited leasing opportunities available, contact: Rachel Millard 021 513 189

Ivy Shen 021 038 2128

Philip Hunt 021 378 348

PROUD TO BE BUILDING

in Golden Sands

Now selling three-bedroom, two level villas in Papamoa, situated near the t re town centre development he an . For more information text GOLDEN to 3001 OR contact our friendly sales team: Abigail Donoghue 027 290 4050 | Brendyn Gray 027 271 6493 Sarah Yeates 027 271 4627 | Stephen Lim-Yock 027 532 8635 Mike Colville 021 038 2411

| Lizard News | February 2022