Lizard News February 2023

L i z a r d Ne ws

L i z a r d Ne ws

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

Deluge, deaths, destruction and delays Deluge, deaths, destruction and delays

By Matthew Farrell

Residents of vulnerable homes in slipprone areas face several more days of weather worry after a period of unprecedented rainfall for the time of year

Just two weeks after former Cyclone Hale brought heavy rain and severe gales, particularly to Coromandel, Napier and Gisborne, another weather system brought a record 260mm of rain to parts of Auckland in one day. The equivalent of a whole summer ’ s normal rain fell on Friday, 27th January, with more through the weekend

At least four people died in the flood events, Auckland International Airport was closed, and Elton John’s concerts at Mount Smart were cancelled at the last

minute Every fire engine in Auckland was in use as inundated streets and businesses were evacuated amid a state of emergency

Coromandel’s roads are suffering A large section of SH25A Kōpū to Hikuai collapsed on Saturday afternoon The Tapu-Coroglen and 309 roads were also closed

Closer to home, a house collapsed in Maungatapu on Saturday night, and residents were evacuated from others at risk A freight train derailed in Te Puke, and State Highway 29 at Lower Kaimai was closed for the second time in two days after multiple slips The One Love concert in Tauranga was cancelled, and all staff and residents of Waipuna

Hospice were evacuated as a precaution

With the Bay of Plenty already saturated, streams and the Wairoa river have risen rapidly As well as flooding, there have been localised underslips and overslips, with multiple roads and footpaths impassable and others littered with tree and vegetation debris

Challenge Ōmokoroa was among 168 properties affected by a power outage on the Saturday morning. Ōmokoroa Golf Course cancelled Sunday’s opening day, closing the course with serious flooding around the front nine holes Local orchardist Max Kehoe recorded 200ml of rainfall from Saturday to Monday morning

The Historic Village at 17th Avenue

was also out of bounds after falling victim to the deluge

Surf Lifesaving NZ was ready to deploy for any water rescues or evacuations of flooded houses after flooding at Walnut Avenue in Waihī Beach

If you have any flooding or slips to report, call 0800 WBOPDC – 0800 926 732

The District Council’s advice is to follow Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP for State Highway updates, MetService New Zealand for weather, Bay of Plenty and Taupō Police and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence for civil defence advice

For more photos of the flood damage from around the area, see pages 32/33

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

Rural and industrial sections were inundated as low-lying Te Puna Station Road was closed Residents say pasture is ruined stock is stranded and the Wairoa River and Hakao Stream have been polluted

PHOTO: Jack Farrell

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Letters to the Editor

Ōmokoroa Rotary

Now that the mad holiday rush is over, we at Katikati Rotary are moving ahead with the procedures that are necessary to establish a new Rotary Club at Ōmokoroa

You may be interested in joining this new Rotary Club; we now have more than 20 local women and men interested

We will be holding a further planning discussion at Skippers Restaurant at the Boat Club on Saturday 4th February at 9 30am All are welcome For catering purposes, or apologies, if you are interested but cannot attend, my phone is 0274 829 451

Peter Mackay, Katikati

Roadside eyesore

About six weeks ago, I made a complaint about the garden on the roadside beside the Liquor Store on Ōmokoroa Road I sent a photo of waist-high weeds

to the Council Sadly no action has been taken to remove these unsightly weeds

When the road upgrade was completed last year, small plants were planted all along the footpath verge to enhance the beauty of Ōmokoroa This stretch of footpath verge beside the Liquor Store is an absolute disgrace

Please see it for yourself, and you will understand the reason for my letter

Pauline Moller, Ōmokoroa

Classic, vintage or different

If you have a classic, vintage or different vehicle, get it out of the shed for the day and bring it to the local picnic car day 760 Esdaile Road, 10am-5pm, Sunday 12th February BYO everything - picnic, blanket, food, drinks, sunhat Park in the paddock and enjoy fire engines, motorbikes, trucks or whatever with wheels that turns up

This is a free family fun day, and we have a bbq, coffee cart and loos on-site

It’s sponsored by Ōmokoroa Automotive and Ōmokoroa Tyre & Alignment, and we’d love to see you there

Tony Hall, Pahoia

Rimufest treat

In the December issue of the Lizard News, there was a story about Charle-

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt

Chief Fire Officer

The 2022 year ended with firefighters responding 84 times, 14 of those being motor vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, one fatality was recorded, and a couple were on the serious side The rest of the incidents were reasonably minor However, with the amount of traffic on the roads these days, you cannot be complacent Your full attention to driving is required

There were no major property fires within the Ōmokoroa fire district, a great sign that our community is aware of the dangers of fire We assisted Katikati on four occasions and attended a number of minor incidents.

Our first responders were once again very busy, responding 216 times in 2022

Thank you to both teams for your dedication to helping protect those in our community, both people and property

Thank you to those in the community who support our volunteers; we appreciate you caring about us

This year has begun with 17 callouts for our first responders, which is about the normal monthly turnouts at this stage of the month Firefighters have responded seven times, one motor vehicle crash and some minor flooding calls, and two alarm activations Thankfully, our anniversary weekend has not been busy as we have not been affected by the weather bombs like other parts of the country has Just one call to an alarm activation at 4 30 am - an early wakeup call for firefighters

We have vacancies for two firefighters and two first responders, so if you feel you are able to commit some time to help your community, learn new skills and join a team of professional volunteers, then please call for further information, CFO Ian Blunt 0274 599 478 or DCFO Fergus Keith 0274 922 887

magne Lodge hosting a concert as part of the Rimufest chamber music festival I attended this concert in January, and it was outstanding

A group of six professional musicians performed a variety of pieces by classical and modern composers on a variety of instruments, including violin, viola, cello and an extensive range of percussion instruments, including the marimba

The pieces played ranged from a violin/cello duet to a rousing finale involving all the instruments Charlemagne Lodge provided a beautiful venue, despite the rain meaning the concert was indoors rather than in the garden The ticket price included a complimentary drink and dessert, which was an extra surprise

What an absolute treat it was to be entertained by such a talented group of internationally acclaimed musicians and then to be able to chat with them after the concert, too, not something that is possible at bigger events

I would definitely recommend watching out for the next Rimufest concert if you enjoy live classical music, especially as it is held just down the road at Te Puna

Glenyce Gilmore

Crashes in Athenree and Tuapiro

By Matthew Farrell

Police were advising motorists to avoid the Athenree Gorge area near Waihī Beach following a serious crash on Monday 2nd January

State Highway 2 was blocked from around 4pm as emergency services attended, and the Serious Crash Unit was advised

Traffic management was put in place, and it was some hours before the road was cleared

On the same day the following week, emergency services managed another serious crash scene on SH2 north of Katikati, which also blocked the road for several hours

A car collided with a power pole shortly after 11 30am on Monday 9th January, bringing down lines at the intersection with Tuapiro Road in Tahāwai Traffic was diverted off the highway at Kauri Point Road

One person was taken to Thames Hospital with moderate injuries

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Countdown to the 2023 Census

The countdown is on to New Zealand’s next census, says Stats NZ

The official five-yearly count of New Zealand’s people and dwellings, citizens, residents, and overseas visitors - Census Day is Tuesday 7th March

“The 2023 Census is the only survey we all do as a country Not only is it the official count of people and the places we live or stay, but it provides a point-intime understanding of life in Aotearoa New Zealand, how the population is faring now, and how life is changing over time,” says Simon Mason, Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive Census and Collections Operations

The information collected is turned into census data that is used to make important decisions that impact every person and community

“Iwi, community organisations, councils, businesses, and the government all make important decisions about where to fund and locate services and key infrastructure like hospitals, schools, roads, public transport, parks, and recreation facilities using data from the census, ” says Mason

For example, Nau Mai Rā, which supplies affordable power to whānau, was started when Ezra Hirawani and Ben Armstrong saw census data that showed that 130,000 families were living without power

“There are many examples all over the country of how census data has been used to help improve the lives of Kiwis

It is so important people take part, so the data from the 2023 Census truly reflects who we are as a country and the communities we are part of,” says Mason

The census is the only way we collect information about how many people speak te reo Māori and provides data about which iwi people are affiliated to For the 2023 Census, there will be

double the number of census collectors in communities to assist those that might need it

“We are making sure that it will be easier for people to take part in the next census There will be more choice about how to take part – either online or on paper – and there will be more census collectors providing more support to people so they can complete their census forms,” Mason says

“For the first time, the census questions will be translated into New Zealand Sign Language Braille will be available again, and questions in audio format to assist people to take part Information about the census will be available in 29 languages, and the call centre is being set up with nine languages

“I encourage everyone to help make a difference and play their part in ensuring Aotearoa New Zealand gets the best possible data we can in the 2023 Census Tatau Tātou – All of us count ”

Census collectors will be in communities from 13th February, when people will start to receive their census packs in the mail or delivered to their homes by a census collector People will be able to fill out their census forms as soon as they get them

The local libraries in Ōmokoroa and Katikati will have computers available for anyone who would like to do their census online and do not have internet access or would like help to log on from the friendly library staff

Census collectors will be available at certain times to help at the libraries above Dates and times will be put on a notice at the library

We will also have a Census stall at the Katikati A & P show on 5th February Please come and visit

Flavours a Plenty

By Sue Hoffart

Foodies are smacking their lips as ticket sales open for a regional food festival that embraces the Western Bay of Plenty district

The second annual Flavours of Plenty festival, which runs from 24th March to 2nd April, will bring culinary events and crowds to Waihī Beach, Katikati, Whakamārama, Te Puna and beyond

Tickets went on sale when the programme launched on 1st February

“Most of the ticketed festival events sold out last year, ” says director Rae Baker

“This year is much, much bigger, with about 40 exciting options that range from degustation dinners to a sausagemaking workshop We also have long lunches, a wild food challenge and celebrity chef events running right across the coastal Bay of Plenty area

“And I’m thrilled to see the northern end of our region has really embraced the festival and come up with some wonderfully creative activities for food lovers ”

Events in the Lizard News area include

There are many sweet options in Flavours a Plenty festival this year PHOTO: Supplied

a helicopter and burger event in Waihī Beach and a ‘flights and bites’ event in Te Puna Wannabe apiarists will have the chance to don a bee suit, spin their own honey at a ‘bee the beekeeper’ experience in Whakamārama, or tour ‘bee-hind the scenes ’ in a honey packing plant in Katikati

“There’ll be plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty and bellies full ”

For more details, see flavoursofplentyfestival com

Serious response to skate path kicking

By Matthew Farrell

The mother of an 11-year-old boy kicked in the head at Ōmokoroa Skate

Path says it’s important the community knows there was a serious response to the “shocking” incident, particularly for the youth offender

She says her son was sitting down at the time of the unprovoked assault, around 4pm on Monday 16th January, and was briefly knocked unconscious

The mum has expressed appreciation for the community’s concern but says after being overwhelmed with messages of support, they’d prefer not to be named in print and will be grateful for privacy going forwards

“However, it does need to be discussed as it’s a real issue, so I’m happy for the incident to be mentioned in the Lizard as one of a spate of recent crimes

“We went through so much with it People should know that a plan has been made to improve safety regarding this particular of-

fender and an accomplice

“People need to keep their eyes peeled Our children shouldn’t feel this unsafe in play areas, ” she says

The mother previously told Facebook that the Police found and apprehended two youths, and the instigator’s parents were made aware

“The thugs are in the minority, but certainly causing lots of trouble in our community ”

She says her son ’ s braces were broken, his jaw bruised and misaligned, and his lip was cut and swollen, which led to five hours in head trauma assessments in hospital

The victim’s mother and father thank adults at the scene who helped their son and called the Police

Relief as Jacqui found

By Matthew Farrell

The Ōmokoroa community mobilised boats, cars, and bicycles to help look for a 78-year-old woman missing from her rest home late last month

Jacqui Soden, who has memory loss, left CHT Acacia Park sometime between 2pm and 3 30pm on Monday 23rd January, according to separate social media posts

When Lizard News contacted reception at 7 40pm we were told Police, and Search and Rescue were already involved, and no community effort was yet being coordinated

Two Facebook chat groups thought otherwise Additional phone calls were made, and within minutes, the Ōmokoroa Boat Club quickly and calmly launched a rescue boat to check the shoreline A couple of recreational fishing boats and the Community Patrol SUV joined the hunt equally briskly

Multiple individuals left their homes to check surrounding streets, cycle tracks and walkways, continually posting updates of the locations they had searched

Jacqui was located safe and well onshore, to the relief of her daughter

Taasha Lee - a teacher in Aucklandfollowing the search effort on Facebook

She was found in an area of bush

below the Acacia Park premises at about 8 45pm - shortly before nightfall, as the sun was disappearing over the Kaimai Range

A message of thanks on behalf of the family was later posted to social media by Raewyn Norris: “The family wish to thank the Police, SAR, Community Patrol, and the many private citizens of Ōmokoroa who dropped what they were doing on Monday to participate in the search Words cannot express our deep gratitude Thank you, Thank you, Thank you What a great little community we share ”

Jacqui Soden PHOTO: Raewyn Norris/Facebook

Ōmokoroa Community Skate Group s award-winning path opened in May 2016

PHOTO: OCSG

The skaters code outlined a bully-free zone

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Crime and incident report

By Senior Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh and Senior Constable James Muir

Burglaries

On 10th January, an out-board motor was stolen from a rural address in Katikati

On 13th January, the Orchard Café was broken into and money stolen. CCTV footage is available

On 20th January, a vacant house was broken into on Hyde Street Katikati It appears a homeless person may be sleeping at the address

On 22nd January, a shed on a kiwifruit orchard was broken into and a large number of items stolen A Honda 700 side-by-side farm vehicle was stolen, and several tools

Theft

A vehicle parked on Wai Huri Place, Ōmokoroa, was broken into, and various items stolen

A Nissan Tiida was broken into while parked on the roadside in Te Puna

On 16th January, a vehicle was broken into while parked on the roadside in Te Puna Two suspects decamped in a vehicle and were not located

On 16th January, a vehicle parked in Ōmokoroa had its rear window smashed No property taken from the vehicle Another vehicle parked on a residential section in Ōmokoroa also had its rear window smashed and a wallet stolen

Unlawful taking of motor vehicles

A Nissan Tiida registration LQB519 was stolen from a parking area in Ōmokoroa

A Nissan Primera registration JDE445 was stolen from a Katikati address

A Mazda Demio registration GCE329 was stolen from Ōmokoroa

A Toyota Coaster mobile home was stolen from a Katikati address CCTV footage located the vehicle travelling north towards Waihī

A Mercedes Benz registration FUW991 was stolen from a rural address

A Nissan Pulsar registration DZP715 was stolen from Katikati

On 22nd January, a motor vehicle was stolen from an address in Katikati, a suspect has been named, and police inquiries are continuing

The Western Bay of Plenty has seen a recent rise in thefts from vehicles and also stealing of vehicles The main targets are smaller vehicles, including the Mazda Demios and the Nissan Tiida Prolific juvenile joyriders have been identified and are currently facing charges for several offences; however, we still need to be contacted if you observe any suspicious behaviour Other trends have included stealing trailers to trade for drugs

Found Property

A camera was located at the Fairview Estate Gold Club

General

A suspended driver was stopped in Katikati and was also driving with excess breath alcohol

A male and a female were arrested for failing to appear in the Tauranga District Court

A male was apprehended after shoplifting from a local supermarket

A female was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol

A male was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after he recorded a reading of 1770 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath That is over four times the legal limit He was also a disqualified driver

A male was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol He was twice the legal limit

The week of 16th of January was a busy week for police staff with domesticrelated incidents

A driver stopped near work was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol He was over twice the legal limit

A male has been arrested after causing a disturbance outside a local business He has been bailed to appear in the Tauranga District Court

A male was arrested for breaching a police safety order and had been remanded in custody

A driver was stopped driving on State Highway 2 near Woodland Road after complaints about her driving Summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court.

A suspended driver was stopped in Katikati, her vehicle was impounded, and she will appear in the Tauranga District Court

A female was processed for assault after an incident at a local service station

We are getting a number of people reporting social media scams These scams are often intended to manipulate or trick people into giving away their personal details, financial details or even money

There are several ways you can protect yourself against scams and fraud

Don’t give out too much personal information online, whether on social media or by email

If a friend asks you for money on social media, call or email them to confirm their request is legitimate don’t pay without checking first

Choose unique passwords for your online accounts don’t use the same password for every account you have

Don’t click on web links sent by someone you don’t know

Don’t pay invoices for any goods or services that you didn’t ask for or receive Be wary if a company you often deal with changes its account payment details unexpectedly If you ’ re unsure about an invoice, call the business directly to check the details before you pay

Try to remember that if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is

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

Lengthy wait times for tests ‘distressing’

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter alisha@thesun.co.nz

People are having to wait over an hour for tests because of significant staff shortages at pathology services in Tauranga

The Greerton, Mount Maunganui, and Ōtūmoetai Pathlab clinics have closed, and the Te Puke and Katikati sites have reduced hours because of the shortages

Paula Bilbe has needed weekly blood tests since June last year and said the delays have increased during that time

“It’s nothing unusual to wait up to 1 hour 20 mins for a test that takes less than 10 minutes,” said Bilbe

She lives two minutes away from the Ōtūmoetai clinic that closed in November 2021, which was “much easier” to fit into her busy schedule

Bilbe now has to choose between the clinic on 2nd Avenue, Bethlehem or at the Tauranga Hospital.

“Regardless of which branch I choose, the wait is never less than 20 mins

“The max time I have had to wait was 1 hour 20 mins Believe me, I wasn’t the only annoyed and frustrated person wasting my valuable time ”

She has tried going to the branches at different times of the day but said it “makes little if any difference on time spent waiting”

“It’s not ok For a city the size of Tauranga, we need more locations It’s time to staff the Ōtūmoetai and Greerton branches again”

Bilbe applauds the staff at the clinics who were “always busy rushing about

trying to get the numbers through and apologising for the wait”

Larissa Allen has had weekly blood tests for the past 13 weeks because she is undergoing chemotherapy

She agreed the staff worked “really hard” and did “ an amazing job”

A regular user of the Pāpāmoa Pathlab, Allen said the wait times range from 20 minutes to an hour, and her longest wait was just over an hour

“I notice a lot of people get frustrated, but it is what it is People just have to have patience ”

Asked if she was worried about being in a busy wait room whilst being immunocompromised, Allen replied, “No, that didn’t even cross my mind”

“When you ’ re in Pathlab, you have to wear a mask anyway So everyone ’ s wearing their masks ”

For a Te Puke resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, it wasn’t just time but the extra cost of having to travel to Pāpāmoa for tests because the Te Puke

clinic was only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays

She needed tests two to three times a week for most of last year

“I live on a Supported Living benefit due to physical disabilities, and the extra petrol costs to travel further for blood tests meant that sometimes I didn’t go as often as I was supposed to as I couldn’t afford the extra petrol ”

“[As] a regular user of Pathlab services, I have been very distressed with the service and lack of communication clients have received over the last two years ”

Pathlab chief executive officer Dianne McQueen said laboratories had experienced workforce shortages in recent times, and there was both a national and global shortage of phlebotomists (those trained to take blood)

“The Covid-19 pandemic further impacted our business through employee sickness and resignations, primarily due to fatigue, which has meant we have had

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to redistribute our team to the more densely populated areas we service ”

Currently, there were 19 phlebotomists and 10 receptionists or assistants at the six Pathlabs in the Western Bay of Plenty, she said

“In the last 12 months, we have had 29 staff transfer, retire or leave for other positions,” McQueen said

Nine fully trained phlebotomists were needed to reopen the closed collection sites, she said

“Recruitment of staff for these positions has been a key focus for over two years

“We have broadened our advertising to include Facebook, word of mouth via PHOs (primary health organisations) and our staff, which has yielded good responses ”

Pathlab has recruited 26 staff and has another four starting this week and each month thereafter, said McQueen

Staff required a minimum of three months training, and Pathlab made changes to its training programmes to ensure new staff were ready to work without supervision after three months, she said

The hope was to have the closed clinics open within the next two to three months, said the CEO

“We are truly sorry for those that are experiencing the excessive wait times, as seen across all healthcare in New Zealand

“Unfortunately, patient numbers dayto-day vary hugely, so it is very difficult to plan ahead for those extra busy days ” Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Wait times of 1h 20m at Pathlabs in Tauranga are nothing unusual according to a regular user

PHOTO: John Borren/Sun Media

Frocks on Bikes

Frocks on Bikes is returning to Waihī Beach, after a two-year break because of Covid “It is a chance, once again, for visitors to have fun riding bikes while enjoying our beautiful beach community,” says co-ordinator Tee Carroll

“All you need is a frock, a bike and a helmet Guys are very welcome, as long as they are wearing a dress!”

This is a fun family event for all and is suitable for all ages There will be great spot prizes, including best dressed and the most decorated bike, all for just a gold coin donation Teams are welcome

Going drastic on plastic

Hundreds showed up at Waihī Beach for an emergency beach clean last month, which was featured on the evening TV news Sustainable Waihī Beach reported the following:

“Well, Cyclone Hale stirred up the Moana, swirled it around some and spat out a considerable amount of nano, micro and macroplastics onto our beach This was a 50/50 split of consumable plastics and nurdles

We were lucky to have Sustainable Coastlines onboard, and they came down to Waihī Beach for an emergency beach clean on Tuesday, 17th January There was huge community support shown, with hundreds of people turning out to help

Multiple agencies dropped everything to assist, and we must remember our fabulous Surf Lifesaving Club, who fed and watered everyone We were honoured to have Reon Tuanau, Garston Smith and Kararaina Sydney from Te Whānau-aTauwhao opening the beach clean with a karakia

The results of the Sustainable Coast-

After registering at the Waihī beach RSA at 10am on Sunday 5th February, the cyclists will follow several routes each with an experienced local team leaders The ‘ easy rider’ is around the village and surf club, checking out the cafés and boutique shops, another goes out to Bowentown

The emphasis will be on safe riding, while enjoying a unique fun cycling outing at stunning Waihī Beach

For further information, visit eventfinda co nz/ frocksonbikes or waihibeachinfo co nz Article and photo: Supplied

lines targeted clean (sample A) were eyeopening - within the 100 x 20m area, 2,988 pieces of macroplastic were recovered, weighing 4,568 grams The litter density per 1,000m2 was 1,494 - so in basic terms, it was not a good result We also had a sample B taken from random beach cleans in exchange for a free coffee This was mainly random, more oversized items and several nurdles; we discounted this sample

We are now working with stakeholders to look at the way forward, as this type of event will occur more regularly

We must keep our beaches clean and look at ways to stop plastic waste from reentering the Moana Unfortunately, we can’t just groom the beach with a tractor as they do elsewhere

We are also investigating the source of the millions of nurdles, of which a third sample, C, was taken We will update you once we have investigated this further Also, how many million could have potentially washed up on our beach ” Article supplied

Hundreds turned out to clean the beach of plastics after Cyclone Hale PHOTOS: Sustainable Waihī Beach/Facebook

All you need to know about KaiGo

At Katikati Taiao, we believe that every issue in a community can often be solved by the community

KaiGo is a perfect example of this. KaiGo is a relatively new initiative that was launched by Katikati Taiao in June 2022 KaiGo is a food rescue project that collects and distributes food from local food donors that cannot be sold but is still edible

“KaiGo links in with the values of Rotary, so we were happy to help with initial funding and help the project get up and running,” says Katikati Rotary Club President and KaiGo volunteer John Bothwell “A big plus for us in the steering committee was that we got to see what those at Good Neighbour [Tauranga] and The Hub [Te Puke] were doing, they do all sorts of things in their community, and that’s what we can do here in the future”

KaiGo was developed to help feed more people in our community while also playing our part in reducing organic/food waste in landfills As KaiGo is a food distribution initiative, the main goal is to reduce the amount of food going into landfill, but being able to feed our community is a huge bonus Helping our recipient groups feed people in our community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project

“KaiGo has empowered us to help our people while increasing people’s quality of life,” says KaiGo recipient, Lindie De Toit “With the cost of living going up (rent, power, food), there’s really not much money left over for food Having food available really brings relief to these families ”

Currently, KaiGo receives food and other goodies from Countdown Katikati, Good Neighbour Tauranga and Bee NZ

Food that is received from our awesome donors is redistributed back to local food distribution organisations in the Katikati, Waihī and Waihī Beach areas

Although KaiGo is based in Katikati, they have been making weekly deliveries to organisations in Waihī KaiGo hopes to extend its services to the wider Western Bay of Plenty region over the coming year

Since opening in June 2022, KaiGo has redistributed over 21 tonnes of food back into our community Lindie also says, “It doesn’t matter how much or how little we get; they [KaiGo] always have something for me to give out”

KaiGo is ready to take on even more

donors this year to increase these amounts of food for our community while taking an environmental stand against food waste in landfills

KaiGo is always looking for more local food donors, private food donations, and volunteers. You can get in touch with them at hello@katikatitaiao org or give them a call on 022 365 0703

Join the effort and make a difference in your community today by supporting KaiGo Article supplied

FreshChoice get on board

FreshChoice Ōmokoroa owner/ operator Steve Ling says he’s committed to supplying KaiGo and will be working with them to sort out the nuts and bolts of the process

“All going well, it will kick off towards the end of next week They are doing a bloody good job of looking after people in need, especially in tougher economic times

“If we can do something to help with that, it’s better to give edible food to people that can use it rather than to pigs Anything that benefits others, and helps each other to get stronger, has got to be good,” Steve tells Lizard News

Sonic Sleuths’ summer success

By Grace, Melanie and Tara Western Bay Libraries Summer Students

The Western Bay of Plenty Libraries

Summer Programme concluded with an exciting interactive performance from The Travelling Tuataras Children from around the Bay became Sonic Sleuths this summer, learning about sound and music, completing B O B Squad missions, and participating in craft activities at their local libraries

Tamariki got stuck in, spending hours at their weekly craft events with the summer team, making an array of fantastic crafts to take home

Iron-on-bead Christmas decorations

were a hit for children of all ages, and rain sticks made for plenty of fun amidst downpours during Macca the Alpaca week Children were captivated by the whirring and spinning of their porotiti during Mahi Toi week In the final week, decorative notebooks and library card holders made great take-home souvenirs

Children and Teens Librarian Angela Armiger was very pleased with the outcome of this year ’ s programme stating, “We have many avid young readers in the district who have logged an amazing number of reading hours this year ” She noted that the community embraced the programme and “ a great time was had by all ”

Pop in for a visit

January is the time at Te Puna Kindergarten when we come back from our holidays and are keen to get back into the swing of things It is also a time when we have a few spaces for new children as some of our older children have moved on to their schooling journey

Our kindergarten provides a natural space for your children to explore and discover We have 100% qualified teachers that are extremely passionate about providing quality early childhood education Our environment allows a child to build on their learning through discovery and problem-solving, with a big outdoor space that has real grass, trees, chickens and a focus on the sustainable world

Resilience, determination, and persistence are practised Knowledge gained from communication, research, and trial and error builds our learners into capable, competent children that can problem solve, make mistakes and keep on trying until their goal is met These are strategies that are used in lifelong learning

We use the community around us to take children on adventures like Farmer Burr’s orchard, Puketoki Reserve, and Te Puna Quarry Park These experiences nurture a child’s sense of wonder and curiosity, and because they have consistent opportunities to revisit these spaces, robust learning unfolds beyond

Inyour backyard...

our wildest expectations

If you believe this is the early childhood experience you would like to see your children grow in, please feel free to visit us and spend time with the teaching team. We are always happy to see new faces

You can find us at 17c Minden Road up the same driveway as The Deli and Naked Meats but continue up the hill Call 07 552 5736 or email tepuna@ikindergartens nz Article supplied

Home Based Education

Many B O B Squad Sonic Sleuths attended the end-of-holiday finale party at Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion on 25th January enjoying musical fun with the Travelling Tuataras PHOTOS: Supplied

Tamariki learning about their environment and taking an active part in protecting it PHOTO: Supplied

Ōmokoroa Photographic Society

By Gary Maynell

The Ōmokoroa Photographic Society’s last meeting for the year was in December After no get-together in January, we will kick things off for the 2023 year with our first meetup on 14th February

For our final session for the year, our president Andrew McWilliam spoke about the many changes that have taken place across the last year in the society Our club is certainly growing in many ways and will strengthen even more throughout the 2023 year as we incor-

porate some of the new ideas we have planned

One of the improvements we have planned for 2023 is to increase the number of photography field trips

These outings will be both local as well as further afield These field trips will

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 surger y To maintain and update equipment, donations are expected on return of any loan equipment

To enquire about the equipment contact Mary Klein 548 1600

07 548 1200

Please call to enquire about our free professional ad design

We can support your business with photos, logos or ideas

help everyone gain some valuable experience, and it’s also a great way for us all to socialise and have some fun together

During the second part of the evening, we took the time to look at, comment on, and formally review the ‘Celebration’

images submitted for this month’s theme These images were reviewed and discussed for the purpose of educating everyone on the various aspects one needs to consider when shooting an image

Various topics were discussed, including noise, distortion (intentional and non-intentional), depth of field, clarity, focus techniques, colour choices from the colour wheel, shapes in an image, light sources, shadows and their uses, fill light, ISO, shutter speed and aperture Some of the images presented on the night are shown here for your viewing pleasure

The third and final part of the evening was purely social Everyone brought a

plate, and we gathered around the food and got to know each other a bit better

Anyone wishing to come along and see what we ’ re about is reminded that you are welcome to attend two free meetings to assess whether the club is for you Let me just say at this point that if you have any desire at all to increase your photography skills, then this is likely to be the best value training you will ever get

The Ōmokoroa Photographic Society wishes you and your family the very best for 2023

Pete Dobson

Brian Ebbett

Rachel Buer

Bevan Collings

The many types of printing in art

What’s original about an original print? Local artist, Jackie Knotts, explains

“Perhaps it is easier to say that it is not printed mechanically on a copier - unless it’s a digital image created on a computer An image is inked and printed by hand, usually using a printing press There are many ways to create an image - lino cut, woodcut, etching, collagraph, lithograph, cyanotype and monotype Screen prints are printed using a squeegee

“Some woodcut or lino-cut images can take months to cut The final image might involve several blocks Given the amount of time taken to create the image, it makes sense to print multiple copies, each called an edition The more copies are made, the less exclusive it becomes (but not necessarily cheaper) The edition number is written in the left-hand corner of the print, and once the artist has decided what that number is, it cannot be increased

“Many mass-produced reproductions are sold as ‘limited edition’ as a marketing ploy Check the number if it is on the print - it could be several thousand It may be a limited edition, but it is not an original print

“A monoprint is just one print. Gelatine prints are a fun and easy way to make prints without the need for a printing press It is also possible to burnish the back of a piece of paper laid over a lino or woodblock using the back of a spoon Paper is an important component of the printing process Some handmade paper can be very expensive As with everything, you get what you pay for A print printed on cartridge

Ōmokoroa tennis club

paper should be cheaper than one on cotton rag It is possible to print some types of printmaking on other surfaces like fabric

“You may remember doing linocuts at school and possibly cutting yourself ! You may even remember potato prints which are now not culturally okay. Your mother may have painted your hand and or foot when you were really small and pressed them on paper ”

Jackie Knotts will be exhibiting her original prints at TOLO (The Old Library Ōmokoroa, McDonnell Street) during February and will be happy to demonstrate and explain how she creates her images You may also like to try inking and printing yourself Article supplied

By Jeff Warren

Well if it hasn’t been pouring down and club day cancelled, it’s been blazing hot and a real struggle to run around - but we carry on regardless Our ‘raining’ champion for wet weather play is ‘lucky shot’ Liz Megchelse and as you can see from the picture she is a brolly good player! Hopefully, now we will get a continuous dry spell so that we can all shift a bit of the excess Christmas baggage, and if anyone reading this wishes to do the same, please feel free to come

along to a club day either Tuesday or Wednesday at 6pm or Saturdays at 2pm for a very nominal charge, I think it’s $6

We are thinking of running an absent-minded club day duty person award, that’s when the person who should be on duty and organising things forgets it’s their turn and doesn’t show up Hats off to Ellen Haynes for taking an early lead with a noshow on Saturday, 21st January A prize for this will be awarded at the end of the year if any of us can remember to get one (Sorry, Ellen)

Happy tennising, everyone

Liz Megchelse taking her game very cirrusly PHOTO Supplied

Artist Jackie Knotts will be displaying at TOLO in February IMAGE: Supplied

Precious memories preserved in diaries

By Sandra Haigh, Community Heritage

Mabel or Mabs Kelly (nee Precious) lived in Ōmokoroa from around 1963 to 2000

Mabel’s parents, Edward and Margaret, emigrated from England Edward worked for a time as a blacksmith in Katikati Mabel’s brothers Jack and Stan Precious farmed in Woodlands Road for many years, then moved to Mt Maunganui with their mother Margaret and sister Mabel before finally settling in Ōmokoroa in around 1963

Mabel spent many years with the Country Women’s Institute, becoming President of the Ōmokoroa branch She was an extremely capable woman, having run the Woodlands Road farm during the war when the men were away, then in later years hosting lunch and dinner parties, managing the accounts for the Tauranga County Council for ten years, and playing a great game of golf

The Western Bay Community Archives is privileged to have received Mabs’ di-

aries which span many years, from 1965 to 1994 Her life in Ōmokoroa, the joy she took in her family, golf and the CWI is evident in her words The diaries provide a unique insight into life in Ōmokoroa when it was a small beach settlement

Mabel’s brothers Jack and Stan Precious farmed on property at Ōmokoroa which was later subdivided into orchards Part of the property is where the Ōmokoroa Country Estate is now and another portion was purchased by Mr Cooney who later donated part of his land to the Community Church

The Precious brothers left not only the Precious Family Reserve to the community, but also provided a tertiary scholarship of $1500 for local students which is administered by the Ōmokoroa Lions Club

Many thanks to granddaughter Anderley Middleton for the donation of Mabs’ diaries They can be viewed at the Western Bay Archives Room at Katikati Please contact 027 243 8439 or sandra haigh@westernbay govt nz

The Old Library all set for a full year

By Alison Badger

They say time flies when you ’ re enjoying yourself – so where did 2022 go? It seems only a short time ago we were asking the same of 2021 –and here we are in a brand new year2023 With Covid restrictions now a relatively distant memory (touch wood), it is wonderful to be able to welcome people through our doors unmasked to see what treasures we have unearthed from our local community – and treasures, there are a’Plenty

We have set the bar high for this year ’ s exhibitions, starting with the amazing John D Wilson’s 3D and surrealist art (extended for January, so John is not short-changed due to the holiday closures)

In February, we welcome the talented local Jackie Knotts with her wonderful lino cut artworks One of the driving forces behind the Imprint Gallery at the Historic Village, Jackie is known for her ‘what if ’ approach Never satisfied with following the obvious route and simply perfecting something she’s already good at, she loves pushing boundaries, discovering new techniques and creating unique artworks “I have more ideas than time to explore them!” she says “My latest goal is to figure out the perfect way to combine lithography, linocuts and drawings – that’s going to be a real rabbit

hole ” Now you don’t want to miss that, do you?

The Ōmokoroa History Group has an interesting display of local history, including a fascinating video collection of old movies and slides, showing Ōmokoroa ‘back in the day’ Many of the families who settled in Ōmokoroa live on in road names – Goldstone, Prole, Bert Wall, are just a few

In the community area of the Old Library, we currently have crafts including upcycled metalwork, fairy houses, bird boxes, hand-knitted teddy bears, cotton dishcloths and shopping bags, decorated light bottles, and if you were looking for high quality, great value greeting cards, Ōmokoroa Artists have a diverse selection to choose from

TOLO is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Mabs Kelly is seen here on the far right in the 1960s or 70s PHOTO: Supplied

Part of the detail of a Jackie Knotts print called Near and far away IMAGE: Supplied

Live music and sumptuous food: the perfect summer combination

From the moment you entered the Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival in 2023, there was lots on offerfrom live music to cooking demonstrations, kids’ entertainment and sumptuous food and beverages

Boom Boom Deluxe kicked us off at noon with 50’s inspired Rock n ’ Roll and a non-stop high-energy performance, leaving tired but happy dance-floors behind them Fronted by New Zealand Rockabilly royalty pinup legend Hettie LaBombe and partner harmonica-blowing

D D Deluxe, their modern Rockabilly delivery with hints of Jazz and Swing (courtesy of Hettie’s singing and playing style) and also heavy rock and blues (D D’s contribution) makes for a truly unique experience

Next on stage from 2 20pm was The Lady Killers These wonderful ladies need little introduction From a whisper to a scream and everything in between, Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch and Jackie Clarke make beautiful music bursting with harmony and power The Lady Killers’ approach is simple; take

great songs and lovingly accessorise them with harmony. The Lady Killers’ sound defies pigeonholing, wilfully crossing genres from pop, R&B, jazz, gospel, country to a whole lotta rock and gleefully name-checking iconic artists such as Queen, The Beatles, Neil Young, Neil Finn and Dolly Parton These gals sing anything that takes their fancy A Lady Killers performance is a dazzling vocal tour de force full of wonderful pin-drop moments, warmly presented by three women who know how to entertain and have a good laugh too

The Jordan Luck Band

wrapped up the day from 4.30pm, and who does not know the words to all the Exponents songs? This iconic kiwi singer and his band are playing the best of all those iconic Exponents tracks we know and love as well as some of Jordan’s favourite kiwi classics From ‘Who Loves Who The Most?’ to ‘Victoria’, ‘Why Does Love Do This To Me?’ to ‘I’ll Say Goodbye’ and so many more favourites, the Jordan Luck Band brought the party

Shane Yardley returned for the fifth year to hold cooking demonstrations throughout the afternoon on the hour Shane was “excited to showcase the versatility of avocados and to create recipes that can be replicated by everybody at home”

Local vendors were on site

with a wide variety of foods and beverages to satisfy every taste. Feedback from a visitor says it all: “Fantastic day out Great atmosphere, food, stalls and music Organised very well and the weather was magical Well done everyone ”

To see a gallery of photos, including a link to the Photobooth Lady’s gallery, visit katikatiavofest co nz Article supplied

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The crowd all sang along with their Exponents favourites

The Jordan Luck Band ended the Festival with a party vibe

The Ladykillers smashed out a great set

PHOTOS: Matthew and Liz Farrell

A relaxed festival atmosphere was enjoyed by all

full-time, and they sold up

do-up project, “ Karen says

By Matthew Farrell

The new owners of the McDonnell Street retail block are settling in Ōmokoroa after a relaxed tour of New Zealand in a motorhome

Karen de Lautour and Dom Carroll are no strangers to the town Karen’s parents have lived here for more than 30 years, and they’ve been frequent visitors during that time

They took over the property on Tuesday 31st January, with commercial tenants including Ōmokoroa Takeaways, The Centre op shop, Your Real Estate, Ōmokoroa Accounting & Taxation, The

Salon, and Ōmokoroa Law

“People will wonder who had bought the property, so we wrote to them all to explain our intention - which is business as usual We are community-minded, and we plan to keep it as it is,” says Karen

“I think it was a sigh of relief for everyone; and they’re nice people, too,” says Dom

The couple previously lived in Gisborne when they decided to go for motorhome life and hit the road for six months in 2017 They rented out their apartment and went remote before deciding it was right for them

“I had this hair-brained idea to travel New Zealand and give it a go, and now we can say we ’ ve been there and done that,” says Karen

Dom’s self-employed work in websites and graphic design gave them the flexibility to explore, but post-Covid, they’ve taken stock and reevaluated

“My parents are close It’s a home and income We looked at other houses, but this was the glass slipper which fitted It also ticks our boxes as a

Businesses as usual Rehabilitation for tendon injuries

By Nicole Dixon Mind Your Movement Pilates

Over the past year, I’ve noticed a number of clients coming in with tendon injuries Whether it is shoulder, Achilles or hamstring tendon, there should always be a plan in place for rehabilitating this injury

As we age, our tendons become stiffer and less able to tolerate stress Therefore, it’s even more important to con-

tinue to load and stress tendons with exercise appropriately

If you know you have a tendon injury, I imagine you ’ ve had a diagnosis from your primary healthcare provider, most typically a Physiotherapist, which is the first and best step to take to recover

Your strategy should be to go from pain to performance - a return to your normal daily tasks - whether that’s walking, playing golf or being in the garden

Once your pain has settled, the next

Body Treatments

Lizard News

step and a very important one to fully rehabilitate the tendon and bring it back to its optimal function, is to correctly load the tendon with strength exercises

Exercise prescription for your injury will depend on your pain and area of weakness Therefore a case-by-case approach must be taken

It’s extremely important that you are consistent with your strength exercises and you monitor your pain and progress each day and week Your program must

“The property hasn’t seen too much love lately, and the dwelling needs to be brought up to the new Healthy Homes standards We love the feel of Ōmokoroa and that we can go fishing just outside Mum and Dad’s. We love the trails and cycleways,” says Dom

Long term, the couple may well retire here as a lifestyle choice For now, they’ll park up the travelling life and move into the home above the shops while they renovate

be revised every one to two weeks to provide the appropriate load for the tendon to strengthen and rehabilitate

Too much load, and the tendon will flare up Too little load, and the tendon won’t strengthen

The last thing to keep in mind is that tendons can take three to four months to respond to a loading program, unlike muscles which are around six to eight weeks So having patience with your rehabilitation program is vital

Karen and Dom have seen it all and chosen Ōmokoroa PHOTO: Supplied

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

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

This is presented as a guide

We recommend you check with organisers

beforehand

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO), McDonnell Street 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday

Local history, community information and art for sale Contact Alison on 021 294 9294

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

MONDAYS

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start 30A

Park Road, Katikati New members welcome

Email katikati tennis@outlook com

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa

Settlers Hall 9am-12 30pm

omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 9 15-

10 15am Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up

9 30am Names in before 9 15am 2x4x2

format Coaching available 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103

Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 30-

10 30am Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448

Scrabble at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki

Manawa 10am Refreshments provided Free

Postnatal Support Group 10am-12pm

Bethlehem Birthing Centre All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome

Starts back 10th Feb Phone 549 4522

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

Settlers’ Hall Sharnie 021 1118617

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main

Rd Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

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

Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 1pm for 1 30pm

play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth

Hamilton 571 1564

Bolivia Katikati Christian Centre, Henry Road

1-4pm Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential Contact Christine Sherriff 549 5601 or 027 434 9842

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction,

Katikati Tickets $10 Limited seats 549 5250

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion

afternoons Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820

omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail com

Yoga for Men 5 15-6 30 pm Katikati

Community Centre Call Gerry 021 050 8419

IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls

8 - 11 6-7 30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church

Hall Call 548 2515

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6-8pm Contact

Mollie 021 177 8018

Pilates Mat class Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6-

7pm Contact Nicole 022 409 7109

Table Tennis Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall Seniors

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

supper White-sole shoes preferred Call Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741

Social indoor netball term time at 6pm Apata

Community Hall - Pahoia School Ages 11+ $5 per night Beginners welcome Contact Kirsten 022 535 1530

ITF Taekwon-do at Te Puna School Hall 6-

7 30pm Self defence, self confidence, fitness

First 2 weeks free George 022 437 4403

Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club

$3 incl tea and biscuits Prizes/raffles monthly

Carpooling from Katikati available Call Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404

Indoor Bowls 7pm at Waihī Beach RSA

Contact Grant on 027 475 0556

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/

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

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

Contact Shirley on 552 2707

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

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

Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis 9am start

Casual and new players welcome Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

Abbeyfield WBoP Annual

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

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am Learn to spin, weave, felt, knit, crochet and more

Call Alison 022 0849 348

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

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

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

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

Justice of the Peace clinic at Waihī Beach

Library 11am-noon

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

start All welcome Bowls and coaching

available Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com

Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12 30 to 4pm

30 Hamurana Road Beginners and visitors

welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Mahjong Circle 1pm at the Ōmokoroa Sports

Pavilion, Western Avenue Call Denise on 548 1385 or Margaret 548 2126

Wise & Wonderful Arts & crafts, games and afternoon tea for seniors Pick up and drop off available in Katikati area 1 30-3pm at Katikati

Community Centre Gold coin Contact 549 0399 or info@katikaticommunity nz

Teen Advisory Board Plan promote and implement programs and events for teens

Year 7 to 13 students 3 30-4 30pm during the school term at Pātuki Manawa

Gentle Yoga at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

welcome Phone Cushla 027 414 2587

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 15-10 15

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

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

Stepping Up free computer classes at Katikati Library Wednesdays/Thursdays Book on 571 8008 or www steppingup nz Fitness League exercise, movement, dance, for posture, strengthening & stretching All ages & abilities 10am Memorial Hall, Katikati Phone Pam 549 4799

Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

10 45am-3 30pm $5 Contact Jill 021 408 660 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists

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

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

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

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

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 2pm

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

Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4 15–5pm (3–6 years) and 5 15- 6 45pm (7–14 years) at Western Ave Sports Grounds

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

Country Rock

Friday 31st March 2023

Entry $35 includes lots of prizes, morning tea and food after golf

At Fair view Golf & Country Club, Katikati

To register: Email your name, Club, Player I D and Contact Phone Number to fundabbeyfieldbop@gmail com

Online Banking: 38-9 019-0720156-00 Ref: Golf/ Name Mobile: Melva Howard 021 424 821 or Natasja de Graaf 027 348 7748

Come along and support our cause

Limited entries

Closing date: 23 March 2023

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

Twilight tennis at Te Puna Tennis Club 6pm

start Contact Catherine 021 506 855 or tptennisclub@gmail com

Pilates Mat class Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

6-7pm Contact Nicole 022 409 7109

Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6-8pm Contact

Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517

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

Free entry All welcome Pick Up/Drop Off

Service and shower facilities available 549

0399 Recommence 9th February

Pickleball at Waihī Beach Community Centre

9 30-11am Bats, balls, courts and nets provided $3 per session Call Phil on 021 624

908

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa

Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon

omokoroa@playcentre org nz

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

Contact David 027 222 2824

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

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548

0763

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

Adult Colouring-in at Pātuki Manawa 10am

Refreshments provided Free

Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 10-11am Call Sabine 021 1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail com

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

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee

10-noon Hamurana Road south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School Weather permitting

Diabetes NZ Drop-in group 10-noon 177a

Fraser Street, Tauranga 571 3422 tauranga@diabetes org nz

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

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am

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

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 11 30am-

12 30pm Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

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

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

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall

Beginners 1-3pm Call Joce 021 486 265

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

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

4403

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

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

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

FRIDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/

9 am start All year Casual & new players

welcome Call Kevin 027 273 5565

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

Ladies Singles Tennis 9am at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa Enjoy some competitive but fun games

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

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

omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Preschool Storytime Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Ōmokoroa Library Caregivers, please stay with your children Free to attend Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon

Bethlehem Community Church 138 Moffat Road

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road

Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa

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

Morning tea and lunch provided Drop in or call

Lorraine Taylor 548 1404

Omokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship coffee outings etc

Email Omokoroa Senior Singles@gmail com or phone 021 627 107

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

start All welcome Bowls and coaching available Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail com

Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club

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

7003

Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls

12 45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall Contact Chris 549 0958 Cards 500 at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati 1-4pm $2 per person

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up

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

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

SATURDAYS

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

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

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

E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

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

Contact Chris Cole (text only) 0274 545 586

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

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

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee

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

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

welcome $5 Ph 021 255 6415

Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start 30A Park Road, Katikati New members welcome

Phone Michael 027 473 1540

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up

2 00pm Names in before 1 45pm Coaching available Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Rd, Katikati 07 549 0103

Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags Txt Robyn on 021 158 4038 to join or donate fabric Every other Saturday from 9th April at Katikati College

Fabric Tech Room from 1pm Masks required

Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 2-4pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517

SUNDAYS

Athenree Homestead 360 Athenree Road

Enjoy the homestead and gardens ($5 donation for Homestead entry) Every Sunday 11am-3pm from Jan–April athenreehomestead org nz Ōmokoroa Cricket 20 overs from 1pm every second Sunday at Western Ave BYO picnic FB: @omokoroacricket

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

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

Old School Groove

Featuring Michael van Lieshout, Akash Dutta, Carol Storey, Cornz Houkamau and James Upjohn

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

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

Wed 1st Kati Chat Discover what Katikati has to offer you and learn more about local organisations All welcome Morning tea provided 10am-11am at The Arts Junction 36 Main Road Katikati

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

Thu 2nd Business Breakfast 7am-8am at Pātuki

Manawa Guest Speaker: Charli Crocker; Emergency Management RSVP to info@KatchKatikati org nz

Thu 2nd Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 1st Thursday of the month, 9 30am, Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan) Contact Geoff Gripton 548 1027 or Fred Hartley 548 1939

Fri 3rd 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 3rd The Frank Burkitt Band Katikati Folk Club at the Arts Junction 7 30pm start $20 members/$25 non-members/children free Katikatifolkclub co nz

Sat 4th Car Boot Sale Katikati A&P

Showgrounds 8-11am $10 or $15 with trailer Contact Carole on 027 457 9686 or abbeyfieldwbop chair@gmail com An Abbeyfield fundraiser on the 1st Saturday until April

Sat 4th Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Swap excess produce seeds seedlings preserves jams baking etc 1st Saturday of the month Garden shed beside Katikati Community Centre on Beach Rd, 9 30-10 30am Call Jizzy on 549 2337 or Marie on 07 9297906

Sun 5th February Katikati A&P Show Uretara Domain 9am-4pm

Sun 5th Frocks on Bikes Register at Waihī Beach RSA at 10am Gold coin entry Visit waihibeach info for more information

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

Mon 6th Te Rā o Waitangi at Western Bay Museum 6am A commemoration of Waitangi Day Mon 6th 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 6th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – FEBRUARY

1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6 00pm Contact Colin 576 9110

Tue 7th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa

Wed 8th U3A Katikati monthly meeting 10amnoon in the Digital Hub next to the Library on 2nd Wednesday each month Call Pam Mazoyer 021 104 2925

Wed 8th Ballet – Cinderella Live performances on screen at The Arts Junction 36 Main Rd Katikati 1 30pm Ph 549 1658

Wed 8th 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 8th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul s church Contact Fiona 022 684 5178

Thu 9th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday Meet at Leyland Road carpark Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222

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

Thu 9th Katikati Genealogy Group 2nd Thursday, Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1 30pm $5 New members welcome Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259

Fri 10th 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 11th Katikati Moggies Market Second Saturday each month 9am to 12pm Katikati Memorial Hall Your local monthly market Support local, buy local E: moggiesmarket21@gmail com

Sat 11th Katikati Tramping Club Franklin Road to Waiorongomai Moderate 7 hours Ph Ian 07 863 7927

Sat 11th Patchwork Quilting at Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 9am-4 30pm second Saturday each month Contact Christine 027 280 1344

Sat 11th Drop Deep Skate Fest 1pm Katikati Skate Park Prizes and competitions to be won https://www dropdeepskateboarding co nz

Sat 11th River Sounds Festival A boutique notfor-profit music festival about mental health, finding hope and choosing life From 1pm, 384 Woodland Road Katikati Tickets https://events humanitix com

Sat 11th Te Puna Speed Shear at The Point Alehouse, 17 Plummers Point Road 5 3011 45pm Entry by gold coin or foodbank donation

Sat 11th Katikati Twilight Concerts: Cool Jazz with Blue Light Trio and Catriona Fallon & her band Visit katikaticoncerts co nz

Sun 12th Picnic Car Day Vintage, classic or whatever with wheels Get it out of the shed 760 Esdaile Rd 10am-5pm Free family fun day BYO everything Bbq, coffee cart and loos on site

Mon 13th Te Puna Indoor Bowls Te Puna Memorial Hall at 6 45 pm for a 7-9 pm evening of social games and coaching if you wish 2nd Monday of the month First two months free Contact Jo Gravit 027 552 6063

Tue 14th Innovation Garden Club 1 30-3pm every 3rd Tuesday Waihī Beach RSA Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail com

Tue 14th Ōmokoroa Photography Club

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

Wed 15th Aongatete Forest Project working bee Top of Wright Road 9am-12 30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month Visit aongateteforest org/join

Wed 15th Opera – Carmen on the Lake Live performances on screen at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati 1 30pm Ph 549 1658

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

Thu 16th Genealogy support Help with research into family history and DNA searches Ōmokoroa Library, 3rd Thursdays 10am One-onone help available at other times Contact Lyn on 027 259 6643 or lynevaughan@gmail com

Thu 16th Fun Mixed Doubles Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Western Ave Third Thursday of the month from 5 30-7 30pm

Thu 16th Café Scientifique at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Road, Katikati 7pm Free event All welcome Speaker: John Innes, Mammal pests and conservation – some facts, legends, myths and café thoughts

Fri 17th 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 17th 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 18th Katikati Artisan Market 9am-1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati 3rd Saturday of the month

Sun 19th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs Fun writing exercises to warm up 3rd Sunday of each month 11am-12 30pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail com or 027 274 8753

Sun 19th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza 2656 SH2 Aongatete

Sun 19th Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month Ph Jonathan on 572 2091

Mon 20th 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 20th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road, Te Puna (Behind the Tennis Courts) 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm Contact Colin 576 9110

Tue 21st Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library

Wed 22nd Letters Live Live performances on screen at The Arts Junction 36 Main Rd Katikati 1 30pm Ph 549 1658

Thu 23rd Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 23rd Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9 3011 30am at Ōmokoroa Setters Hall every 4th Thursday of the month Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239

Thu 23rd Different Strokes Exhibition opens at Waihī Arts Centre & Museum, 54 Kenny Street Runs to 20th March Featuring Naomi Wheeler and Sheryl White and guests

Fri 24th Scott Cook Balladeer One of Canada’s most inspiring storytellers Katikati Folk Club at 7 30pm Members $20, non-members $25, children free

Sat 25th 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 25th 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 25th Doggy Day Out at Ōmokoroa Sports Ground Western Avenue 10am-1pm Agility demonstrations, training tips, market stalls, photobooth entertainment

Sat 25th Summer Garden Party Te Puna School fundraiser 1pm-5pm Drinks, nibbles, live music Book via eventbrite co nz

Sun 26th Katikati Tramping Club Franklin Road to Dalys Clearing Moderate 5 hours Ph Graeme 021 626 848

Sun 26th Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3-5pm Last Sunday of the month

Sun 5th March Ōmokoroa Boat Club Kids’ Fishing Competition 6am-4pm Tauranga Harbour Only Up to 14 years OBC members $10 entry, non-members $30 Includes kids meal and goody bag Register at the bar

Tue 7th March Census Day

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

Discover the best kurī-friendly walks

Did you know there are over 20 places to take your dog (kurī) for a walk in the Western Bay?

From sandy beaches to native forests, our backyard is a dog-lovers paradise And with on and off-leash exercise options, so you’ll be sure to find something that suits you and your pooch

Some of the most popular dog-friendly spots managed by Western Bay of Plenty

District Council are Puketoki Reserve in Whakamārama, Te Puna Quarry Park, TECT Park and Island View beach to Bowentown beach

Puketoki Reserve is a little slice of heaven It includes 34 hectares of native bush and two walking trails Your dog will love the shaded forest path and the opportunity to cool off in the shallow freshwaters of the Te Puna stream

Puketoki Reserve has on-leash walking trails between 20 and 60 minutes

Te Puna Quarry Park combines dogs, nature and culture with its extensive gardens and beautiful sculptures A round trip of the park with your pooch takes 45 minutes, but we recommend allowing more time to enjoy the surroundings Keep a close eye on your dog though; rabbit bait is sometimes used in the Park

Te Puna Quarry Park has on-leash walking trails up to 45 minutes

The TECT Park dog exercise area is one your dog won’t forget The off-leash area spans one hectare, is mostly shaded by trees and is fully fenced It’s suitable for most dog sizes over the age of four months The fencing will not prevent very small dogs from escaping so keep your leash with you, just in case

There are dog poo bags, water bowls, a play area and agility equipment and offleash walking trails up to 20 minutes

From Island View beach to Bowentown beach, dogs may be off-leash

DOGGY DAY OUT

Sat 25 Feb 2023, 10am-1pm Ōmokoroa Sports Ground Western Avenue

SUPERDOGS THEME

It's the doggy event of the year! Dress your pooch up in their best superhero costume for a pawtastic day of fun – there's something for every dog and their humans!

Summer Series 2023

Presentation from top animal behaviourist, Mark Vette

Agility demos and training tips Plus lots more!

westernbay govt nz/doggydayout

Walk your dog to the beach itself using a leash and keep to pathways Dogs are not permitted above the high tide line in summer It is recommended to stick to the beach area roughly between Albacore Avenue and Plom Road – where you can walk your dog anytime

At Island View Reserve itself, dogs must be on a leash all summer (OctoberMarch) to protect nesting birds

On the main beach at Waihī Beach, there are summer restrictions Dogs can only be walked at night or early morning (from 7pm to 9am) from Wednesday 21st December, to Tuesday 7th February

Tips for a hassle-free dog walk: Always keep your kurī under control, take a leash even if you don’t need it, and carry poo bags Keep your kurī on a leash in the main town centre areas of Katikati and Waihī Beach Don’t take your dog onto scenic reserves or playgrounds at any time Visit westernbay govt nz/ dog-walks for more information

Article supplied

A beautiful sunny day at Puketoki for a past Wander Dogs event Pups posing at Te Puna Quarry Park PHOTOS: Supplied On the run in the off leash exercise area at TECT Park

There are summer dog restrictions at Waihī Beach

Angie’s aspect

By Angie Warren-Clark Labour List MP

The mark of a true leader is to lead with everything, recognise when your tank is empty and hand on the baton knowing you ’ ve left things better

People always ask me what Jacinda is like in person

The truth is she’s tremendously kind, funny, empathetic, and, most importantly, authentic What you see on TV is exactly what you get with her Sharp intellect, emotional intelligence, grace under attack, fierce loyalty and dedication to our nation Tears were shed farewelling the amazing woman who led us through dark times and good Though sad for us, I feel good about giving Jacinda back to her family

My first leadership change was navigated respectfully and decisively by a united party Jacinda officially resigned on 25th January, with our new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni being officially sworn in Chris’s intelligence is harboured by a quick mind with a strong sense of duty and commitment He gives his all to everything he does Chippy’s optimistic enthusiasm is the perfect vibe for a reset With our full support behind him and his relentless energy levels, he’s got what it takes to lead us into the 54th Parliament as Prime Minister

Carmel was New Zealand’s first Tongan MP, and is now our first Deputy Prime Minister of Pacific descent Another glass ceiling is broken, another step towards neutralising bias – conscious or unconscious Carmel and I have worked together since 2017 Like me, Carmel has experienced being a single mum and has benefited from the training incentive allowance, which enabled a hand-up She would never pull the ladder up behind her She’s been an extraordinary minister and a massive feminist, with women, children and family at the heart of all she does

The honour of being welcomed onto Rātana was a

bittersweet one this year, as Jacinda’s last official outing as Prime Minister The Labour Party and the Rātana Church have long held a special relationship since Labour consulted supporters of the Rātana movement when deciding Māori Policy We were welcomed into the temple for simple prayers and welcomed by the Mōrehu (followers) A beautiful series of speeches from the paepae thanked Jacinda for leading us through the best and worst of times. Chippy was welcomed as the incoming Prime Minister alongside our Deputy Carmel A great start to the political year

In local news, it was fantastic to hear about the approval of Tauranga’s innovative new courthouse I worked as a domestic violence advisor based in the Tauranga regional office on McLean Street I knew about its condition because I was often in the Courthouse during that role, and my office looked down on the leaking roof I’m delighted the new court will offer modern justice solutions - drug and family violence courts that meet the needs of victims as well

2023 is already set to be a busy and interesting year for our region and Aotearoa The announced election date of 14th October will undoubtedly speed towards us, so touch base with our team as early as you can with any event invites or meeting requests E-mail me at angie warren-clark@parliament govt nz or call the office on (07) 571 2492

Angie with Carmel Sepuloni in front of Rātana church

Chris Hipkins first Rātana celebration as PM

Jacinda Ardern was fondly farewelled at Rātana PHOTOS: Supplied

Sixteen years of service at Aongatete Forest Project

We recently said farewell to Nigel Williams from our board of trustees - we’d like to publicly thank him for his wonderful contribution to the project over a remarkable number of years Nigel took the time to pen his thoughts on his tenure as a volunteer and the changes he has witnessed

“I attended my first volunteer work day at the forest in June 2006 I had recently retired from a forestry career in Rotorua and joined the Katikati Rotary Club Trustee Campbell Babington persuaded me that my assistance was required. I was ready to acquaint myself with native forest in the area

“40 new volunteers turned up to install the first 100 prototype home-made bait stations on the brand new stringmarked gridlines which had been set out over the preceding weeks, over 180

hectares, by contracted polytechnic students We worked from a horse-float trailer, which was stored down Wright Road and parked in the (then unsealed) car park on work days Much, if not all, of the forest, was in a shocking state of decay, birds largely absent and undergrowth very sparse in most places It has been estimated that at least 60% of the carbon stored in our formerly healthy forests has been lost to the atmosphere

“AFP founder Basil Graeme soon also commandeered me to help prepare several applications to the Regional Council and the Lotteries Commission for continuing funding. In 2010 I was asked to join the board of trustees and about a year later took over from Gordon Walker as Treasurer for the next six years When our founding Chairman, John Howard, died in 2014, I agreed to act as interim Chair until I helped persuade Barbara

Staying connected and catching up

By Mayor James Denyer

Connection It’s something we ’ ve all missed and craved in recent times: being able to see friends and whānau, and attending special occasions and social events

I’m sure many are with me when I say there’s only so much digital connection one can take

So, as we begin 2023, I look forward positively and expectantly to the year ahead, buoyed by what I experienced over the summer break

Despite the mixed bag of weather, my family and I loved the freedom to be able to fill our holidays with all our favourite things to do

Whether visiting treasured or new places, cooling off at the beach or nearest swimming hole or soaking up the good vibes of concerts, markets and fairs, our district really is awesome at this time of year

And everywhere we went, there was a real buzz in our community A renewed confidence and energy to make up for lost time

People are living in the moment and enjoying what’s in front of them and around them Friends and whānau are reconnecting, and much-loved summer concerts and A&P shows are back on the summer programme

Council is similarly catching up with mahi that has been put on hold either directly because of Covid-19 restrictions or the resulting supply chain issues I look forward to seeing preliminary works getting started on the Ōmokoroa intersection This intersection will unlock critical housing supply for the region by solving the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection Once completed, more than 900 new homes will be built by 2029 - including a mix of standalone homes, affordable homes and medium-density housing

The opening of the 89-hectare Waitekohekohe Reserve near Katikati is also

on the plans Dedicated to horse riding, mountain biking and walking, the development of the reserve is the result of Council and community working together following our Long Term Plan 2021-31

We’ll be ticking off some long-awaited road rehabs to help keep our local roads safe for everyone who uses them

The completion of our three star-gazing platforms at Waihī Beach along the trig trails will be done in time for Matariki – strengthening our relationships with tangata whenua and helping our communities celebrate the importance of Matariki for years to come

Which is why I want to build on this momentum by connecting, and staying in touch, with you, our communities

Because often it is the casual conversations, on the street or at such events I’ve mentioned above, that are just as important – if not more beneficial than Council’s traditional methods

So, in 2023 I want to be, and will be, connected with our district more

We’ve got a big year ahead of us with some big conversations to be had We will be continuing our Your Place Tō wāhi (District Plan Review) kōrero –working with you to prioritise what’s important as we embark on a new journey to plan for change and growth We’ll also be exploring what the next chapter in our waste minimisation story looks like

And so, whether a current or future resident, a business operator, a community group or mana whenua, your aspirations are important and we want to hear from you at certain times along the way

Only by staying connected and working collaboratively – Council and community together – can we deliver real benefits for the Western Bay now and into the future

So, I encourage you to take part May 2023 be fantastic for you, and let’s see what great outcomes we can achieve together

McGillivray to take over, and I think getting Barbara on board was perhaps my best achievement as a trustee

“One of my last tasks as Treasurer was to pay the final invoices in early 2015 for the new kōhanga (nest) designed by Basil Graeme Having our own permanent ‘home’ on site was a huge step forward for the project

“The changes in our now 500-hectare project area have been significant and pioneering within our region Like many other similar projects throughout the country, we have demonstrated that it is possible to reverse the catastrophic damage suffered by most of our indigenous forests, which due to the depredations of rats, possums and stoats, no longer adequately protect our critical watersheds and waterways We can expect that continuing ‘elephant in the room ’ – climate change – will reinforce the need for much more pragmatic pest control, including browsing animals like deer and goats over much larger such areas If only we could generate the necessary political will!

“We truly have “brought back (at least some of ) the birds” But our achievement is minuscule in scale, and precarious Restoring the biodiverse health of all these forests, including the huge quantities of fixed carbon involved, remains a monumental challenge of our Anthropocene era

“I have truly enjoyed being involved

with the project, and I am confident that, in retiring from the trust in 2022, I am leaving it in strong and competent hands ” Article supplied

Nigel Williams Aongatete Forest Project s retiring board member PHOTO: Supplied

Hotter warmer wetter

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Gardens

The new year has brought resolutions galore, all thwarted by cyclones, clouds, rain and lack of sunshine and a challenging time for the volunteers As I write, it’s hot and sunny, but cyclones loom

This year the Christmas plums were all done before Christmas, and I’ve noticed the grapes are ripening earlier each year, and the winters are milder, with selfseeded tomatoes and sunflowers flourishing into July So, with climate change in mind, we are thinking about water, mulching, planting, and changing our crops

Regular readers will know my passion

for the bean, and warmer days mean it’s possible to plant runner beans as late as March, with three months to maturity

Broad beans, garlic and fennel bulbs used to go in the ground in June (for the shortest day), but I’m suggesting planting earlier, after Easter, for the best results

My New Year’s resolutions are fivefold: 1 Gather and collect water; 2 Mulch mulch mulch with clippings, compost and anything you can put through the lawn mower to keep soil moisture 3

We are aiming for ‘low mow ’ at the gardens and thinking about the fuel needed to flatten the grass We are looking at reducing lawns and promoting trees, longer grass and biodiversity.

4 Plant more times a year (three bean crops) 5 Compost everything we don’t use

Finally, an interesting story from the UK where scientists have developed ‘Beans in Toast’ using broad bean flour to make a high protein bread!

Volunteers are welcome to the Gardens on Hamurana Road every Thursday and Saturday mornings

PHOTOS: Supplied

Todd talk

By Todd Muller MP for Bay of Plenty

National and Labour both held their annual caucus retreats in the Hawkes Bay this month, in a strange scheduling coincidence I think it’s fair to say the Blue Team had the better outcome

National Leader Christopher Luxon announced the National Caucus portfolios, and I am delighted to have been confirmed in my role as Agriculture Spokesperson, with the addition of the Climate Change portfolio too This is my second time with Climate Change, and I’m looking forward to working with the agricultural sector to develop a climate change policy that works for farmers as well as for New Zealand’s international environment obligations

It’s hard to ignore the events in Government over the last week, with a major change in Labour’s leadership lineup and further Cabinet reassignments too We are hearing sound bites designed to

appeal to middle New Zealand, who have expressed growing alarm at the radical swerve to the left that the previous leadership were taking our country in

I wish Chris Hipkins well in his new role He has indicated that some of the more contentious policies that we ’ ve been surprised with since the last election will be put on the back burner No doubt that will be welcome news to many But if legislation by stealth has been acceptable to the Government this term, can we believe that they won’t do the same if re-elected for a third term this October?

Over the next nine months, my colleagues and I will stay focused on the core issues of cost of living, rising crime, overwhelmed health services and falling educational achievement. Tax relief, welfare-to-work programmes, and consequences for youth and gang crime are other key areas we will address as the next National government Have a great February, and I hope to see you out and about in the Bay

Author sed by Todd Muller MP 3/9 Domain Road Papamoa

Tiny but mighty Katikati RSA to focus on core outputs

By Matthew and Liz Farrell

It was an eventful year for Katikati’s Tiny House Builders

“We ended 2022 on a high, winning three of the five prestige industry honours at the Tiny House Awards in Auckland in October,” says director Rebecca McLean

The local company scooped the ‘Best Commercial Build’, the ‘Resene Colour Award’, and the ‘Tiny House of the Year’ categories All of the builds entered were based in Katikati

Rebecca has recently been inducted into the NZ Tiny House Association as Chair and is currently looking at legislation at a Government level, to try to streamline the process clients navigate

“Councils have to enforce the rules, and we need to remove unnecessary cases being argued and needing MBIE involvement

“We are working closely with Western Bay District Council to look at how tiny living can enable housing in our region We are very happy with the support shown from the Council to date

“With the pending District Plan review, we ’ re working together to make

changes,” says Rebecca

Tiny House Builders hosts an open day on Saturday 11th February from 10am2pm, to give people a chance to view different builds at different stages, and see the award-winning projects in person

“Visitors can gain a feeling of the space, view the options and meet the team to talk all things tiny It’s a great opportunity for our team to share knowledge, especially around the three L’s - land, lending and legislation - and answer common questions about composting and incinerating toilets,” Rebecca says

Tiny House Builders is also planning an Airbnb in Katikati They previously ran a tiny home as an Airbnb from June to December 2020 and were pleased with the results, despite the Covid climate it was operating in

“We’re excited to be setting up a new Kowhai and Tiny Pod Airbnb for potential clients and travellers to experience tiny living We’re currently building a beautiful big deck to create an awesome functional space, and hope to launch very soon, ” says Rebecca

For more information email rebecca@tinyhousebuilders co nz or call 027 302 1900

By Glenn Burt President

Some big changes have occurred within the Katikati RSA organisation These have been brought about primarily from the negotiated terms of renewal of the lease of their RSA building to the Katikati RSA & Citizens Club, (who run the club facilities in Henry Road), a review of member needs, and a desire to ensure the assets of the RSA remain in Katikati in perpetuity for the benefit of the local community

The RSA will continue to focus on its grassroots, with the primary output being the welfare of our members through both the Poppy and the Welfare Trusts, the preservation and display of memorabilia, an overview of the management of facilities such as the Services section at the cemetery, the War Memorial Hall, other monuments, the running of the Katikati RSA Charitable Trust, the conducting of ANZAC and Armistice parades, and - most importantly - the development of camaraderie among members through social activities and participation in our outputs

The Katikati RSA & Homewood Village Trust has been formally renamed the ‘Katikati RSA Charitable Trust’, and its objectives or purpose has been extended

The RSA has gifted its land and buildings on Henry Road to the Katikati RSA Charitable Trust It has also gifted $124,500 from its reserves to enable the Trust to acquire the adjoining two carparks that were previously owned by

The Katikati RSA & Citizens Club has been granted a 21-year lease of the former RSA building by the Trust in exchange for the Club meeting all outgoings (rates, insurance and all maintenance costs, i e cost neutral to the Trust) The Club is also required to change its name to Club Katikati by the end of the year

The RSA has taken out corporate membership with Club Katikati The Roll of Honour and the everlasting flame have been moved to a prominent place within the foyer of the building Club Katikati has generously given the RSA the use of its old office, which will be converted into a ‘quiet’ room where memorabilia and some historical photos will be displayed

Residents of the 38 residential units within the RSA Village will not be impacted in any way, but the Village will be renamed in January as the Homewood Village The Bofors gun, previously located at the RSA, will be relocated to the village and incorporated in a redeveloped frontage The upgrade of units within the Village, budgeted to cost in excess of two million dollars, is continuing and, while expected to take several more years, will ensure that the residents have a quality environment to live in

The Village and the Clubrooms are significant assets within the Katikati community The executive of the Katikati RSA is excited that these changes will ensure they remain in our community in perpetuity for the benefit of the Katikati community

The Bofors gun will be moved to the Homewood Village PHOTO: Supplied

The Tiny House Builders Waihī Beach homes were open to view during the summer holidays

L-R: Peter Bartlett, Rebecca McLean, Brenda Bartlett, Cathy Norman, Kylie Watkins, Naomi Mataic, Lilly Winter taking out 3 of the 5 awards at the Tiny House Awards PHOTOS: Supplied

the Katikati RSA & Citizens Club

Senzugreens delivers fresh local microgreens to your door

You can’t get fresher produce than from Senzugreens in Ōmokoroa, delivered free to Ōmokoroa residents (or $5 delivery fee for elsewhere) every Monday morning after having been harvested fresh at dawn

With 40% more nutrients than their fully grown counterparts - the fresher, the better Starting from just $10 a week, getting your weekly nutrients in is as simple as collecting the mail Throw them in a salad, garnish your meals or blend them into a

I’

sauce or smoothie - no prep required

Senzugreens is run by long-time locals Liberty Jones and Murray Fuller, whose shared passion for health - for people and the planet - sits at the heart of this local business From sustainable growing methods, to 100% compostable punnets, these greens are nothing but good Choose from a variety of 150g mixes or design your own Call 021 0853 6101 or email senzugreenz@gmail com to get started or to find out more Article supplied

Christmas crochet community project

By Deb Bowden

m looking for interest from people who would like to help make a Community Christmas Tree by crocheting Granny/ Peggy squares during the year, which will then be attached to a teepee-type structure to make a Christmas tree for the foyer of the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall next December

This type of tree was featured on the Seven Sharp show on 7th December last year, and I think it would be a great community feature here in Ōmokoroa

As the organiser of the Ōmokoroa Market, I have seen a lot of people who can crochet and think this would be a fun project to organise I already have some stallholders from far and wide who would like to participate in this project, and the more, the merrier

So, if you can help make these squares,

ADVERTORIAL

Holes – and why a timely tooth-check matters

Do you have a hole in one or more teeth? In golf you may be onto a winner with a hole in one, but with teeth it’s a different matter

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Not only will a hole eventually make itself noticed with a toothache

If a cavity is not treated before it starts causing pain, you may need more extensive treatment later on So what are your treatment options?

If it is a tiny cavity, a fluoride application may help restore your tooth s enamel Most likely though you notice a deeper hole by running your tongue over the respective tooth surface, or because it is clearly visible At this stage, a tooth-colored, composite resin filling will probably fix the problem However depending on the size and location of the cavity, we may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay

Size really matters: the bigger the hole and the bigger the filling the less structurally sound the tooth will become If more than half of the tooth structure is decayed, a crown would be needed to achieve a durable result

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please email me, and I will start a list of those interested I will send out a basic pattern and instructions on size, type of yarn needed, hook size etc If we make enough, we may be able to make a second tree for the library

I am also looking for 8ply/double-knit acrylic contributions If anyone has spare they don’t want that I can hand out to those making the squares, it would be greatly appreciated

Once Christmas is over, the tree could be dismantled, and the squares be crocheted together to make blankets which would be given to those in need Therefore none of the hard work will go to waste! Again, all help to do this would be appreciated, and the blankets can be made after Christmas is over Please advise your interest in helping or donating yarn to me on omokoroamarket@gmail com

S T E O P A T H E M M A G I L E S

Murray Fuller and Liberty Jones can regularly be found at Ōmokoroa Market at the Settlers Hall on the last Saturday of the month PHOTOS: Supplied

Choose your own variety of microgreens Punnets are 100% compostable

Focus on Katikati

By Fiona Powell, Katch Katikati

Go bush for Bike Month

February is National Bike Month, and Katch Katikati is celebrating with a casual guided Mountain Bike Trail ride at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park, a reserve in the upper hill slope catchments of the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, on Saturday 18th February from 10 30am - 12pm

Waitekohekohe Recreational Park is situated at Thompsons Track, Katikati and offers trails for mountain bike and horse riders along with bush walks The guided ride is a great opportunity for locals to check out the awesome grade 1-5 mountain bike trails that have recently been built for the community before the official opening of the park in early March

Damon McLachlan, creator of the trails, will lead the ride, or you ’ re welcome to explore the tracks at your own leisure

Everyone is welcome on the ride Bring your own mountain bike and helmet and meet at the mountain bike carpark at 360 Thompsons Track, Katikati

Visit www waitekohekohe nz for trail maps and more information on the park

Scott Cook From Canada to Katikati

By Paul England

Beginning in 2007, Scott Cook toured from his home in Canada across the United States and eventually to Europe, South Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand Along the way, he released six albums of songs When the pandemic struck, he wrote and produced a hardcover book and his seventh album ‘Tangle of Souls’ The songs offer glimpses of road life and his own battles with self-doubt and survival The album spent two weeks at #1 on Alberta’s provincewide community radio network CKUA, and earned Scott his third Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for English Songwriter of the Year Its second single, ‘Say Can You See’, was the second most-played song of 2020 on Folk Alliance International’s folk radio charts and took top honours for the folk category in both the 2020 UK Songwriting Competition and the 2020 Great American Song Contest

“Scott Cook’s seventh ‘love letter’ to the world is all strings and beauty, a 12-song agnostic endorsement of love over fear It doesn’t condemn; it summons to one fire Of all his records, this one simply feels the best Five stars,” wrote Fish Griwkowsky of The Edmonton Journal

Friday 24th February will be a show not to be missed Folk Club doors open at 7pm for a 7 30pm concert start Come early and get a good seat Remember, members pay only $20 and casuals pay $25 You can book via our website On the night, we accept Eftpos or cash As always, children are free

During the break, grab yourself a complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits Or, before the show starts, treat yourself to a wine or beer from our cash bar. For more information, check out our website www katikatifolkclub co nz

Commemorating Waitangi Day

Western Bay Museum invites you to join them in marking Waitangi Day with a flag raising and karakia beginning at 6am on 6th February 2023 outside the Western Bay Museum

Do you have a shed or studio you’d like to showcase?

We are looking for sheds brimming with unique and interesting treasures and creative studios in the Katikati and Waihī Beach area to take part in the annual Sheds and Studios Ramble (formerly Blokes in Sheds Ramble), to be held on Saturday, 29th April 2023

Email Kirst@katchkatikati org nz or call 07 549 5250 for more information or to register

Live performances on screen

Due to the fantastic feedback we received from the live performances screened in the Junction Theatre over winter, Katch Katikati is presenting a summer series in February

Held over three consecutive Wednesdays, the series includes the witty, vibrant and glamourous ‘Cinderella’ Ballet on 8th February, ‘Carmen on the Lake’ opera, a story of passion, destiny and obsession on 15th February, and a screening of ‘Letters Live’ where remarkable letters are read by outstanding performers, on 22nd February

Each screening starts at 1 30pm and afternoon tea is served during intermission The screenings are expected to sell out, so it’s recommended to grab a ticket to secure your seat Tickets are available from The Arts Junction and online at www TheArtsJunction org nz

Scott Cook will be performing at Katikati Folk Club on 24th February PHOTO: Supplied

Neighbourhood Support

By Rachel Millard Coordinator

Our beautiful peninsula welcomes a large number of visitors during summer, so please remember to take extra care with security If you are going away, let your neighbours know so they can keep an extra eye on your property

There have been a number of incidents recently of cars being broken into with valuables being stolen Please ensure your cars are locked and valuables are removed from your car each evening We would ask everyone to stay vigilant and be sure to call 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the incident Be aware that scammers are also out there and, unfortunately, are preying on the unsuspecting

Senior Constable James Muir tells us a story of how neighbours being alert can bring culprits to justice

“A man was seen mid-evening being on a right-of-way acting suspiciously He got out of his car, and jumped a couple of fences in Margaret Drive, but when he realised he had been seen, he quickly left the scene The alert neighbour had recorded the personalised number plate and reported it to Police A 46-year-old Auckland man was subsequently apprehended for being unlawfully on a Margaret Drive, Ōmokoroa property

Fortunately, the registration of the man ’ s silver Subaru Legacy was noted at the time, which allowed Police to apprehend the suspect at a Tauranga address He was also wanted in relation to a number of other offences and has been charged with 11 other crimes, including burglary, being unlawfully on properties and using

stolen cash cards

The Police often use the phrase ‘if you see something, say something,’ and this example is a classic case of neighbours taking action when seeing something suspicious,” says James

Our community is better when we get to know our neighbours

One of the best ways we can prevent crime is through our capable and observant local community It is important for our community to look out for and look after each other Being visible and attentive in our neighbourhood makes it less attractive to those less honest

Neighbourhood Support is part of the Ōmokoroa Policing Group Charitable Trust who are all volunteers who meet six times per year. These meetings are held to look at ways we can improve the service our volunteers are able to offer to the community in terms of neighbourhood support, community patrol, graffiti busters and contact with our local police

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

nsomokoroa@gmail com

We are keen to keep building our network, and if you know of anyone who would like to become a household

member, please send your details to nsomokoroa@gmail com, and we will add you to the database to receive our newsletter and alerts

Happy New Year from Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall

By Ellen Haynes

The Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall committee would like to say many thanks to our wonderful community for your support over 2022 We hope this year brings many reasons to give you a lot of happiness, success and good health over 2023

As you may know, the Hall is unique to Ōmokoroa and provides a venue for a very wide range of activities such as yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, dancing, art, table tennis, indoor bowls, along with events

that include: discos, wedding receptions, family gatherings, our monthly market plus exhibitions just to name a few We feel privileged to work with you as well as act as the caretakers on your behalf on our historic Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall As our Community continues to grow and develop, we look forward to 2023 along with actioning some longawaited Hall improvements If you would like to be a part of our dynamic Committee team, please email: settlers hall@gmail com

The Committee L-R: Trish Clokie Secretary; Angela Williams Technical (IT ) Administrator; Bernie Limbrick Chairperson; Corinne Payne Building and Maintenance Officer; Deb Bowden Hall Maintenance; Ellen Haynes Booking Officer; Janet Reynolds Treasurer Absent/Inset: Hugh Smith Hall Building Compliance

Bowentown Boating and Sport Fishing Club recently celebrated the opening of their long-awaited, upgraded deck

A significantly bigger and better facility, the project was completed just in time for summer

Wrapping around the front and western sides of the building and offering unrivalled views of the inner harbour, the deck is described as a “game-changer” by the club’s recently retired ex-Vice Commodore, John Fagan, who saw the project through from beginning to end

The club’s previous balcony was small and narrow, with limited usability The new design provides ample space for outdoor dining and functions, John says “We wanted a space for people to be able to enjoy a drink and meal out in the open whilst watching the boats and enjoying the beautiful view ”

According to club Commodore Stu Curd, the committee is pleased to have the project complete ahead of the busy summer season It will meet the needs of the community now and in the future

“The size of the deck future-proofs the club for the ongoing growth in the area, ” Stu says

The club was formed in 1962 by a small group who met to discuss their common interest in boating, sailing and other water sports The initial phase fo-

cused on installing concrete boat ramps, followed by building the club rooms

Since then, the club has developed to be a key organisation in the community of Bowentown and Waihī Beach

The club rooms are regularly used by community groups and families for meetings and functions; Waihī Beach Coastguard volunteers use the club facilities for training sessions; and the local waka ama group is based at the club

“It’s not just a boat club; it’s a community centre,” says John

Bowentown Boating and Sport Fishing Club decked out in time for summer Scott says

TECT granted $92,608, and the Lion Foundation granted $35,000 towards the project The rest of the funds came from club fundraisers and member donations

In true community spirit, the outdoor furniture was made by locals and given to the club at cost price

TECT Trustee Mark Arundel, who attended the official opening of the deck in November, says TECT was proud to support a project that involves and benefits such a wide range of users in its community

“With 1,200 members in a community of 2500 people, the club is a significant community amenity indeed The huge community volunteer and donation support to the project was heart-warming; the facility is clearly so much more than just a boat club ”

Article supplied

Omokoroa Waihi Beach

Te

By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel

Happy New Year, I hope everyone has had a chance to refresh for the year ahead We’ve experienced some patchy weather over the summer, but weather events aren’t uncommon in our parts and we ’ re well served by dedicated teams of first responders

Parliament has taken a break over the summer, but in February, it will be back in full swing, and a general election will be held later this year Our country’s economy and how government policies affect the weekly household budget will be at the forefront of most voters’ minds 2022 was particularly tough, with people grappling with inflation at levels

unseen for decades This financial strain was felt during every visit to the supermarket or at the fuel pump

Unfortunately, the horizon doesn’t look much better as the medicine dished out by the Reserve Bank is a higher official cash rate, which will mean a very difficult year for mortgage holders National will be keeping the pressure on the Government and calling out wasteful spending when it occurs With the grim economic forecasts across the globe, New Zealanders need a government laser focused on outcomes and getting the economy back on track

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

The new deck at Bowentown Boating and Sport Fishing Club PHOTO: Supplied

Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre tracks turned into streams PHOTO: AOEC/Facebook

Work Road Katikati was completely blocked

PHOTO: Becks Vastre/Facebook

PHOTOS: Leigh Speedy/Facebook

The Precious Reserve walkway was submerged

PHOTO: Jill Pretty/Facebook

A slip below Kaharoa Avenue near the Hamurana Reserve in Ōmokoroa on 29th January

PHOTO: Russell Oliver

Ōmokoroa Golf Club was forced to close due to

lakes

PHOTOS: OGC/Facebook

A coastal slip below Waterview Terrace exposed the stormwater pipe

PHOTO: Murray Grainger

Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business, most of us in business would have experienced a cashflow crisis to some degree With potentially gloomy economic times ahead it is now more impor tant than ever to have a good handle on your business numbers and ensure you have a buffer or plan B should the need arise

Please join us for a seminar in conjunction with Xero to learn ways to manage your cashflow

Te Puna Station Road under water

PHOTO: Brent Aburn/Facebook

Traffic was at a standstill due to weather disruptions near Te Puna Station Road

PHOTO: Jack Farrell

Te Puna Station Road on Monday 30th January

PHOTO: Alison Cowley

Flooding near Wairoa River bridge PHOTO: Sabine Tetzlaff/Facebook

A section of SH25A Kōpū to Hikuai collapsed

PHOTO: Waka Kotahi-NZTA

Additional photos around Wairoa River: Jack Farrell

Major road improvements complete in Ōmokoroa

Two key roads in Ōmokoroa are now safer and easier to use thanks to major upgrades completed in December

Improvements totalling almost $10 million have been made to Ōmokoroa Road and Western Avenue as part of Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s efforts to prepare the peninsula for growth

The Ōmokoroa Road Urbanisation Stage 1 and Western Avenue Urbanisation projects are also the first of Council’s projects partially funded by the Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) fund to be completed

The projects involved upgrading sections of both roads, totalling 2km, from the old rural road condition to a new urbanised standard

The existing road has been widened to 11 5m and new 2 5m shared paths have been constructed on both sides of the road, as well as through Western Avenue Reserve

Council’s Project Manager, Raj Sumeran, says two of the peninsula’s most important roads are now safer, fitfor-purpose and more accessible to all users

“These upgrades will make a massive difference to the day-to-day travel of people through Ōmokoroa, and go a long way to helping ensure the area is ready for the growth that is coming

“The shared paths we ’ ve built will eventually link up with future planned paths to create a trail through the peninsula –enabling enjoyable and safe alternative options for travel to and from school, work, shops and recreation ”

The projects also included under-

Whakamārama Hall regular events

Library

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

PrESCHOOL PLayGrOUP

Thursdays 9 30-noon (during term time) This is a friendly free group with a fantastic range of toys and great indoor and outdoor spaces

Email Dayna on daynarowe83@hotmail com for more information

TWiF

Thank Whakamārama It s Friday takes place every 3rd Friday of the month from 68 30pm Everyone is welcome Bring your dinner your family and a bottle or two and enjoy a gathering with neighbours and friends

Find out what s going on in the community and meet fellow Whakamārama locals

WHakamārama EmaiLS

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

HaLL bOOkiNGS

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

Keyword Whakamārama Community Centre

grounding of powerlines, new streetlights and plantings, two new roundabouts, bus bays, safe crossing points, and kerbing

“Thank you to the Ōmokoroa community for their patience as we completed this work, we hope they enjoy the results,” says Raj

About Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects

Council estimates by 2050 the Ōmokoroa peninsula will be fully developed and home to an estimated 12,000 residents

To cater for this significant growth, Council is planning ahead by undertaking a series of more than 15 projects – roading, recreation, cycleways, stormwater, building and planning – to ensure current and future residents benefit from a great quality infrastructure

In August 2020, Council received $14 million through the CIP fund to start work on several of these projects

Friends of the Blade

By Noelene Taylor

Traps have been cleaned and sharpened up, goals for the coming year updated, and volunteer trappers have been revisiting their lines in the bush as the Friends of the Blade group gets ready to carry on the fight for biodiversity in the Kaimai-Mamaku

Last year, the predator control members were impressed by the impact of AutoTraps being trialled along the outer boundaries A perimeter fence is beyond the financial means of most care groups, but self-resetting traps, carefully placed in hot spots on the boundary, can be a ‘virtual fence’ that stops an impressive number of invading animals The tally over a threemonth trial period using several autotraps on the boundary was 72 possums and 107 rats, while the total number of possums trapped over the whole project

area last year was 757

Gaye Payne and Dale Williams, two consultants who work with BOPRC, reported that Friends of the Blade are developing their trapping effectively to help remove pest animals

We welcome anyone interested in joining Are you tech savvy, or maybe a data scrutiniser, a predator hunter, a lover of healthy bush and wildlife, or simply looking for an opportunity to join the work towards Predator Free 2050?

Our corner of the bush is close to town, our volunteers are well-supported, and you will find a welcoming community of like-minded people If you are interested in joining a small and enthusiastic management group or our larger pool of equally enthusiastic predator control volunteers, contact us for more information by emailing friendsoftheblade@gmail com

Shared paths have been constructed along Western Avenue and through the sports fields as part of the upgrade

Stage 1 upgrades to Ōmokoroa Road are now complete PHOTOS: Supplied

Waihī Beach Menz Shed diary

By Bob Firth Secretary

Tuesday 20th December

Hi Shedders Is anyone at a loose end tomorrow with time on their hands? The Waihī Beach Community Board would like a hand weeding around shrubs adjacent to the Community Centre site If you can help, please be there at 1pm with gloves, rakes, and spades

Thursday 12th January

ducted, Keith will be running induction sessions very soon

There are three basic rules: There must be two of you on-site at all times You must sign the attendance registrar You must be inducted on the machine you intend to use

Thursday 5th January

Come and see our new driveway all concreted now

The trap library is up and running - anyone can take one home and start trapping with full instructions given

All machinery is now in place and ready for your projects Test and tagging of all equipment and machinery has started Vinyl flooring will be completed in the kitchen and bathroom area on 15th January, thanks to Owens Flooring A new garden is being designed for our front entrance, and we hope to supply veg and herbs to the “Friends Place” The shed is fully alarmed and monitored now, with more street signage to go up soon

The fence is all fixed and rewired between the school and us We are now qualified with “SHE”, which means we can undertake work on behalf of the Council We are planning an open day, an official open day and an AGM More on this as the year progresses

We are planning to shift the big container and then build an archgola from the shed to the re-sited 40ft container Any shedder who has a contact or knows someone who can shift our container at a reasonable cost, please contact Don

We intend to list all paid-up members and their contact telephone numbers on the noticeboard This is so fellow shedders can contact one another for jobs, help or to have a chat In terms of personal privacy laws, if any shedder does not want his/her name displayed in this manner, kindly advise Otherwise, I can presume you are happy with this and proceed accordingly

We are having a full Executive meeting soon, and the Chairman will brief you on the outcome of this and any other updates

Come and see our new vinyl flooring, kindly donated and laid by Owens Flooring Ltd Please consider them when next seeking a flooring quote We are coming very close to opening the shed permanently and almost have the machinery set up and ready to go Your committee are working through this

We are seeking projects, semi-mass production items such as letterboxes, bird feeders, bbq tables and the like to get you guys involved and give us a purpose to get started These items could be sold at the markets or on TradeMe Anyone with any ideas or a plan of attack, please come forward The Tauranga Menz Shed has hundreds of templates for all sorts of items that we can borrow We just need to settle on something and go for it

Thursday 26th January

Thursday 19th January

The shed is now set up and ready to go All machinery has been set in place and is wired up and usable Paidup members are now free to come along and use it, provided you have been inducted in its use and signed the Health and Safety register If you have not been in-

Induction training days have been organised If you require training and induction on our machinery, Keith has set aside the following two Tuesdays at the Shed, 31st January and 2nd February, both 9am until noon The shed is now open to financial members A list has been posted on the noticeboard PHOTOS: Supplied

Regional Council posts $10m deficit

Also, the Waiōeka wetland project worth $2 5 million was discontinued, and the funding was proposed to be reallocated across other climate readiness projects

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter alisha@thesun co nz

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has ended the year with a $10 million operating deficit

The council’s annual report for the year ended 30th June 2022 shows the operating deficit was $3 9m higher than the budgeted deficit of $6 1 million

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) adopted the audited annual report at a meeting on Thursday 22nd December

Chief Financial Officer Kumaren Perumal told the meeting the council delivered its work programme with an operating expenditure of $158 4 million compared to a budget of $163 7 million, which is $5 3 million lower than budget

Perumal said BOPRC achieved a total operating revenue of $148 4 million against a budget of $157 7 million

“That’s resulted in a deficit that’s higher than budget ”

The council also delivered a capital work programme of $18 5 million, he said

According to Perumal’s written report, the capital works budget was $34 6 million, so the council spent $9 3 million less than what was budgeted

This was partly due to the impacts of Covid-19 and material shortages, the report said

Free Funeral Guide

BOPRC’s investment arm, Quayside Holdings, paid a dividend to the council of $40 million, which helped to reduce general rates by an average of $348 per property in the region, said the annual report Quayside is the majority shareholder in the Port of Tauranga

From a non-financial perspective, BOPRC achieved 32 out of the 44 key performance measures it set out for 2021/22

One of those not met was its target number of visitors to the Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park and Onekawa Te Māwhai Regional Park The goal was 121,635 visitors, but throughout the year, there were 102,250

The key reason for the reduction in visitors was due to the roadworks on Te Puke Highway limiting access to the Pāpāmoa Hills regional park, according to the report Traffic coming from Mount Maunganui could not access the entrance for the duration of the roadworks from mid-February to late March

The Covid-19 alert level contributed to the reduction in the number of visitors in August 2021, the report said

Another measure not met was to increase trips on public transport from the previous year There were 2 25 million trips taken on public transport in the 2021-22 year and 2 66 million in 202021

The 15 4 per cent decrease was due to Covid alert level changes and the Omi-

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•

cron outbreak in early 2022, said Perumal’s report

A shortage of bus drivers also meant the Tauranga network moved to a weekend timetable at the end of February, and Rotorua ran a weekend timetable during March

Some of the measures achieved included improving air quality and visitor satisfaction for people that went to regional parks The goal was to have 75 per cent visitor satisfaction, and 98 per cent was achieved from the 254 respondents to the survey

The council also accomplished its maritime operations goals One of these being that 95 per cent of oil spills in Tauranga were responded to within 30 minutes There were 31 oil spills in

Tauranga, and the council responded to all of these within half an hour

Every local authority’s annual report must be audited before it is formally adopted Audit New Zealand audit director Leon Pieterse told the meeting the audit went “really well”

“We completed the audit, and we are ready to issue an unqualified audit report on the financial statements and statements of service for performance,” he said

An unqualified audit report means the financial statements and statements of service present fairly and were transparent Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

The regional council s operating deficit was $3 9 million higher than the budgeted deficit of $6 1 million PHOTO: John Borren/Sun Media

Did you know that there are over 1 2 million pukapuka (books), magazines, eBooks, eAudio books and eMagazines available from your local library?

And that’s just a taste of what Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries have on offer

There are four libraries spread across the Western Bay in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Waihī Beach, so there is no excuse for not dropping in

And now is the time to get back to your library, according to Team Leader Libraries (East), Amanda-Jane McFadden

“Your local library has a lot happening, maybe more than you know In the last year, our library network has run holiday programmes, reading, and colouring competitions We’ve hosted Sir Edmund Hillary’s Hut Virtual Reality Experience and had be-spook Halloween activities

“We want everyone to know they’re welcome at our community libraries, and we ’ re sure to have something that will interest you ”

One of the most exciting recent changes was the libraries going fine-free in 2022 This included wiping the slate on over $21,000 of historic debt from 2589 library users

This means there are no overdue fines for borrowed items, apart from rental items: DVDs and Top Shelf books And any old fines from items, holds, and rental items (DVDs and Top Shelf books) have also evaporated Team Leader Libraries (West), Julia Edgecombe says these bills were slashed in a move to encourage the community to get back into the library and reading again

“Our libraries are here for our communities We don’t want anything stopping people from visiting

“To anyone who’s stayed away because of old fines, please don’t hesitate to come in We’re here to help and we want you enjoying your favourite books again ”

In 2022 there were 316,516 books borrowed from our libraries, and the team is hoping to increase that number in 2023

Events and activities are also back in full swing Adult events include computer classes (one on one and group), knit and natter, Scrabble groups, and book chat And for the younger ones we have code clubs, story times, school holiday events and much more Community services like the Justice of the Peace clinics at Waihī Beach and Ōmokoroa Libraries are also back in 2023

Your local library wants you Minnows’ new baby area

Joining, or re-joining, the library is super simple Pop into your local library with your photo ID and proof of your address In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have access to our entire collection

Check out your local libraries at libraries westernbay govt nz Article supplied

By Louise Roberts

The transition into early childhood education is a big step for children and their families, so creating an engaging, welcoming and playful learning space for children under the age of two is as important as setting up environments for older children

At Minnows, we believe that babies and toddlers will settle quickly and therefore learn in an environment where they feel secure and safe, where they can build trusting relationships with our caring and responsive staff and foster a strong sense of belonging

A separate under 2’s learning environment offers our ba-

bies and toddlers specialised care and attention, with ratios of one teacher to a maximum of four children; it provides consistency in relationships for the children and their families

Our new baby room offers stimulation in all of the three early years ’ prime areas: personal; social and emotional; and communication, language and physical development

Minnows is excited to announce the opening of our new baby area, and we are now accepting enrolments for under 2’s, though spaces are limited

Come and visit us at Minnows, 3 Margaret Drive, Ōmokoroa (near FreshChoice) or call us on 07 548 2040

Ayen Chen

Minnows new baby area PHOTO: Supplied

Tamariki love coming along to story time in Katikati Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach Libraries with our Children and Teens Librarian Angela PHOTO: Supplied

Quick cr osswor d

HOGTIED THEATRE UTILITY Good

Wor dBuilder

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

There’s at least one 6-letter word

TRK A AE

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,kate ,raet k.ert

,ekat ,erkat ,rat ,erat ,aet

,tar ,atar ,etar ,ter ,akat

,eta ,rae ,tae ,are ,ate ,ETARAK ,trak ,aek e,kar

,aera ,kra ,tra

A year of progress on Tākitimu North Link

THE DOG HOUSE

Grooming with Care Omokoroa

Please phone for appointments

Ash 022 046 5895

PIANO LESSONS

Piano lessons

Tue - Thur

Ruru Piano Studio Robyn 022 065 8421 ruruinarewarewa@gmail com

Diana Pedersen

Qualified Naturopath

Providing Professional Holistic Consultations & Treatment Plans

• Herbal Medicine

• Nutritional Supplementation

• Lifestyle & dietar y inter vention

• Homeobotanicals & more

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E: dee@onestep co nz

Sewing alterations in Omokoroa

35 years’ experience Call Ann: 07 925 9004

Aaron

At Cambridge Road the overbridge piling is finished The new temporary Harrison Road is constructed; image from November 2022 PHOTO: Supplied

T

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Jo Wilton says people now have the opportunity to drop into the project office and speak to the team as they open a visitor space

“People will soon be able to pop into our visitor space to learn more about what’s happening We know that a lot of the work underway is not visible to the people in the community, so we ’ re opening the doors for people to be able to view our project maps, see the latest aerial photos, and speak to the team ”

River,” Ms Wilton says “Utility services, including water, electric, and broadband fibre cables, are also being relocated as part of this phase of the project, ahead of construction.

Contractors Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture are installing new Tauranga City Council watermain pipes running underneath SH29 as part of the project and continue to work closely with partners to deliver for the Western Bay sub-region ”

An enormous programme of environmental controls, archaeological investigations and ecological work has been underway across the 6 8km site This has included the relocation of more than 100 mokomoko (indigenous lizards) and 8000 fish

Glass,tile shower rejuvenation

Water blasting, painting

All enquires welcome Ph Ludi & Andrea 548 2657 | 021 070 0021

Experience 6 weeks of Tai Chi easy, flowing, and mindful movements

Locals in this area may notice an increase in truck movements along Moffat Road over the summer months as earthworks ramp up in the Smiths Farm area at Tauriko/Bethlehem

“The team has also been focused on setting up the site for our first full earthworks season and getting major structures underway this summer This has included vegetation and site clearance and building haul roads from SH29 / Tākitimu Drive Toll Road, through Smiths Farm, Wairoa Valley, and a 145m construction bridge over the Wairoa

E

At the Cambridge Road overbridge, the piling is finished, and the new temporary Harrison Road is constructed and will open soon“Work has begun on five of the eight bridges to be built across the project, with the first to get started at Wairoa Road in May 2022 A diversion road was built to enable the bridge to be constructed, piling completed, and 66-tonne precast concrete beams installed in October This bridge moves another step closer to completion mid-2023 with the concrete deck now being poured ”

“A highlight has been the completion of the construction bridge built over the Wairoa Awa (river) – this enables the permanent bridge to be built and provides access for construction vehicles across the river, reducing the number of trucks on roads ”

Drop in to meet the team at the project office, fortnightly on Wednesdays between 2pm and 4pm at 635 State Highway 2, Te Puna

Karin Brown and Sabine Tetzlaff will start a Tai Chi beginner class at the TOLO (9 McDonnell St) ever y Monday from Februar y 20th - March 27th from 4pm-5pm

You will learn

–

–

–

– Conscious awareness of yourself and your surroundings

Cost for the 6 weeks course is $40 Contact Sabine on 021 1388 770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail com

New beginner tai chi course

xperience six weeks of tai chi and qigong’s easy, flowing, and mindful movements

Karin Brown and Sabine Tetzlaff will start a tai chi beginner class at TOLO at 9 McDonnell Street, Ōmokoroa The six-week course will be held every Monday from 20th February to 27th March from 4pm to 5pm

What is tai chi? It is an ancient, Chinese martial art that involves mindful movements performed in a slow, focussed manner and accompanied

What is qigong? Qigong is one of the oldest exercises in Chinese history, dating back more than one thousand years and it is a breathing exercise integrated as part of tai chi

You will learn to breath your way to a better health, balance your body and mind with yin and yang, and improve your cognitive functions Conscious awareness of yourself and your sur-

by deep breathing Tai Chi is low impact exercise, gentle on your joints and is suitable for all ages and fitness levelsroundings will improve and easy qigong and tai chi movements will further improve and balance your life at home

The cost for the six week course is a one-off payment of $40 payable before the course begins Numbers are limited, so please book no later than than Friday 10th February

To book, and for more information, contact Sabine on tetzlaffsabine @gmail com or 021 138 8770

Article supplied

P r e p & P a i n t Call Aaron on 027 441 7296 or

Painter & Decorator aaronhook82@gmail com

Now taking bookings for your next project

painting plastering finishing

PLUMBER

Omokoroa local area only

Mix Just Cats Boarding Cattery 482 Esdaile Road, Pahoia Single rooms, no sharing, j t $16 per day Ph 577 1993 or 027 233 2643

Maintenance and small jobs

Phone Jason 021 241 9843

updates house rentals/sitters workshops neighbourhood watch stray stock etc We also forward info from Ōmokoroa Cyberlink of general nterest Join up by emai ing rossroad@eol co nz asking to be added to Whakamārama Cyberlink

Supply all year round

00 cube KGN Gardening for all your gardening, lawns, hedges and trees Give us a call/text for a free quote: 021 295 0134

00 cube KINGFISHER TRUSTLAW Is a small firm with experienced trust lawyers

Essential oils and aromatherapy support for your health and wellness

Based in Omokoroa Contact Liz on omokoroaoils@gmail com mydoterra.com/omokoroa

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Driver, homework helper and boy management expert needed for three Te Puna boys aged 12 10 & 6 years 3-4 afternoons per week flexible

$20-25p/h, 3hrs/day

Full drivers’ license and references req’d

Bridget: 027 515 3156

each

or