Lizard News January 2018

Lizard News JANUARY 2018

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

More inside: Coastal walkway fix

Plan for Te Puna

More letters than Santa

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FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

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

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Editor

ust a warning for those cat owners living on Pahoia Road, near the Pahoia School end, that our pet cat was shot in the head at 8.30 am on Friday 8th December. The cat did have a collar and a bell on, so it was clearly a pet.

Not a very neighbourly act.

Oscar, a British Short Hair, survived after an operation to remove the 22 slug from his body. He has been getting better over the past few days. The slug entered into Oscar at the back of the head and lodged in his body. Bethlehem Vets did an amazing job, not only with mending Oscar but managing a very upset family.

With all the work the local police have to do, we appreciate the time they are spending investigating who would do this cruel act to a family pet.

Jeremy Brown.

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| Lizard news | January 2018

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Bryan Johnson.

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of management

RaTeS

he December Lizard article was a fair reportage of the Western Bay Council's meeting, but some relevant points need clarifying. "Bold steps" seems to suggest a degree of courage while the heading "Inclusive vote acknowledged for bravery" is a very loose use of the word 'bravery' when reflecting on the recent remembrance of Flanders' Fields and true bravery. Flying in the face of public opinion does not constitute bravery but lack of perception and a disturbing degree of ethnic complicity.

Treaty Settlements did not include either a partnership or a change from the Westminster form of our government, national and regional. As equal subjects under the Treaty, Māori have the same rights and obligations as all other subjects. No more no less. If they want council representation, they must conform to the system they agreed to in 1840.

To suggest that unelected office will help to counter separatism is a ludicrous subversion of the true outcome of such a change. Although some Māori Wards have been set up in a few areas, when the public, in all other areas, have been canvassed they have voted overwhelmingly against this form of racial privilege.

Mr Mayor, go to your constituents.

Hold a poll in accordance with Section 19ZB of the Local Electoral Act 2001. Do not make a unilateral decision you may well live to regret.

Tale of Two Cycleways. It is becoming more and more apparent that there are two cycleways being built from Ōmokoroa to Tauranga. It appears that there is a sensitive style of construction when it is carried out in full public view and quite another when it is not. The photograph shows recent clearing along the Wairoa River esplanade reserve north of the rail bridge and adjacent to the pony club on Teihana Road. While it is likely that the vegetation will have been labelled as invasive or advantageous or some such, it is the riparian margin, and it was full of birdlife. It has been subjected to slash and chip, and I expect the operators reported that there was no evidence of wildlife whatsoever! This is not dissimilar to what has happened at the Te Puna estuary which is similarly out of sight.

Meanwhile, in the “built” landscape of Newnham, Borrell, and Lockhead Roads, the proposed cycleway will pass 58 gateways (counting along the left-hand side travelling east). One of the pleasures of cycleways is separation from other traffic. Here it seems that the cycleway will be along the existing footpath pushed hard against the hedgerows where the sightlines are non-existent and cross traffic certain. Exciting maybe, but not exactly pleasurable nor particularly safe for cyclist nor resident either. I pity the 158 regular commuters who will use this route twice each day.

In our haste to second whatever existing structure we can find and to call it a cycleway, we may be entirely missing the point about what makes a cycleway appealing to people.

Kelvyn Youngman.

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Thank you for the feedback. The headline reflected the use of the word bravery

by Reon Tuanau and the electoral risk highlighted by Carlton Bidois. Brave in the sense of daring or bold, rather than gallant or heroic perhaps? I have asked Graham Bidois Cameron of Pirirakau and Ngati Ranginui Iwi Inc Soc to comment on the Treaty matters you raise. Matthew. admire and cherish a free press. I love reading letters to the editor and always turn there first. Locally, even Peter Dey, with his tired old thinking based on 177-year-old papers from people from the other side of the world, that we are not responsible for [but he would like to pretend we are] is sad and silly really, but provides a laugh for better-informed people. The treaty was drawn up to stop slavery, cannibalism, tribal wars, and to provide British protection from those evils.

The politically correct and obviously confused majority of Western Bay District Councillors and Mayor, who advocate racially dividing seats on the council, need to join the present century and represent the people who voted them in. Otherwise next election they may be looking for another job. That's democracy for you!

A recent five-week road trip to northwest USA, in mostly country areas, with many Indian reservations, and before that a study of Australian aborigines, makes me realise how good and positive our relationship, intermarriage, and integration with our lovely Māori people really is. Most good-hearted kiwis have had gutsful of the few elitist and divisive Māoris who criticise, constantly ask for money, and try to damage the way we are today. They seem to want to persist in punishing our generation and try to drive a wedge of separatism and apartheid thinking into a relationship that most of us are proud of. I do not support our misdirected and 'pc' Western Bay District Council, who I am very sad about, a little ashamed of, and dare I say

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it, a little contemptuous of. I hope my good Māori mates will see this tokenism for the insult it is to you! In central Government recently, 27 people with Māori blood have proved they have the ability, common sense, and the guts to achieve high office.

Let's oppose the shallow thinkers and our Council, and salute all New Zealanders in our modern multicultural society, regardless of race, politics, religion or skin colour, and let them have a say. Common sense and decency demand it.

Cheers, Norm Mayo.

Graham Bidois Cameron responds to these points in his letter, which I have included by way of balance. I have also transcribed a variety of Treaty, electoral and socioeconomic facts into a followup article on page 9 of this edition, for those seeking more information when considering their views. We accurately reported public verbal submissions to Council, the deliberations and vote in our December edition. Matthew. n the debate and responses about the Māori wards, I have been fascinated by the confusion there seems to be about te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Neither Norm nor Bryan seems to have read our national founding document as they make critical errors. Firstly, te Tirti o Waitangi was not an agreement to any system of government. In 1840, there was no Westminister form of government in Aotearoa nor did the treaty imply the structures of the government of our country. Secondly, te Tiriti o Waitangi has nothing to do with slavery, cannibalism nor tribal wars. There's no mention of these nor did they figure in the discussions previously as a motivation.

Two sovereign nations come together to sign a treaty to agree: Article 1: the governance of the British Crown here; Article 2: the Crown protecting the unqualified exercise of chieftainship by Māori chiefs and that land they choose to sell will be through the Crown; Article 3: all peoples in NZ will have the rights and duties of British citizens. There is no end date to this agreement. It is enduring.

Article 2 is the reason that local councils consider Māori wards. Māori wards are a tool provided in legislation to allow Māori leadership to pursue their "unqualified exercise of chieftainship."

Māori wards have nothing to do with race and everything to do with te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you are against Māori wards than make an honest statement like this: I don't think our government, representative of the Crown, should honour its agreements with Māori to allow them a measure of self-determination. The reason for that I leave to you, but I find it hard to imagine a justification that isn't, at its base, racist. To yell "racial privilege," "tokenism," "politically correct," "separatism," "racially dividing," "elitist and divisive Māoris" and on and on, are racist attacks that imply that when we as Māori seek to maintain our agreements in the treaty, we are getting above our station. A good Māori person is apparently one who bows their head and thanks the masters for the privilege of colonisation.

We're done with that. Those days are thankfully long past.

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Heoi anō, Graham Bidois Cameron.

Letters continued on page 4

lizardnews.net

Cell tower Slip damaged coastal walkway to proposal be restored to proceed

By Matthew Farrell

By Matthew Farrell park has been given the go-ahead to build a new cellular communications tower on land off Ōmokoroa Road.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council confirms it has approved the Certificate of Compliance applications from the company.

The Council says the cell phone tower is a permitted activity under the District Plan and the National Environmental Standard for Telecommunication Facilities.

The cell tower will be built on Councilowned land by the railway line at the back of the Settlers Hall, beside other utilities such as the local wastewater pump station facility.

Spark says the location was jointly agreed with the Council.

It is a joint build between Spark and Vodafone.

Spark has advised Lizard News that construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2018 and says the tower site will improve the mobile network coverage and access to digital services in the Ōmokoroa area.

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he slip-damaged part of the Ōmokoroa walkway by Ruamoana Place is to be repaired on a costshare basis between Western Bay of Plenty District Council and affected residents, despite disagreement at an earlier committee stage.

The reserve between Bramley Drive and Ruamoana Place has been closed due to slips that occurred during the two cyclones in March and April 2017. The slips also threatened some adjacent homes.

Mayor Garry Webber says Council has agreed to reinstate part of the walkway at a maximum cost of $600,000, to which the residents of 23, 24 and 25 Ruamoana Place will contribute $300,000.

“This is an innovative engineering research project. There are no guarantees, but if the trial of this drainage drilling is successful it could be a solution we can roll out through the District,’’ says Mayor Webber.

Resident John Roper, representing the owners of the three properties most endangered by the damage, says their contribution of $100,000 each will also reduce the risk of more land slipping away in future storms.

John’s neighbour Marion Troon (#23) also attended the Council meeting where the decision was rubber-stamped, along

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The project involves drilling vertical chimney drains down the damaged cliff faces, linked with directional drilling, to channel groundwater out to sea from the multiple layers of the cliff.

PHOTO: WBoPDC.

with Natalie-Jane Swift and her son Fred, Sue Mills and her grandson Ethan, and a delayed Sylvia Zlami.

On the day, there was a unanimous decision among the dozen councillors.

However, at an Operations and Monitoring Committee meeting a week earlier, Deputy Mayor Mike Williams (Katikati/Waihi Beach) was one of four councillors to vote against the proposal, saying the ratepayers of Omokoroa should pay half of the bill instead of the whole district.

The others were David Marshall (Katikati/Waihi Beach), Grant Dally and Mike Lally (both Te Puke/Maketu).

Consultant engineer Peter Clark de-

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scribed the drainage research as an innovative solution that should be tried, with the results likely to be known within five years - as the alternative was just sitting back and watching the cliffside fail.

John Roper believes without this work; futures would be in jeopardy.

“The walkway would be lost, and our properties would be eroded and join those already abandoned on the Omokoroa peninsula.

“The site presents unique and difficult geotechnical challenges, but with innovative techniques, we stand the best chance of a successful outcome,” says John.

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January 2018 | Lizard News |

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Letters continued would just like to say I am truly disgusted and saddened by the image of the possum hanging from a trap on a tree which was placed in December’s Lizard News, while I agree possums are a pest, believe it or not there are actually some people who have a heart and care for these innocent creatures hunting for their next meal. Yes, the bird life has flourished, but possum lives were lost.

Every animal is an equal just like humans. By adding this article to your newspaper you are not only offending those with caring souls but also displaying to the younger generation that this is the right thing to do. I believe a formal apology in the next paper would be at a minimum. Thank you.

Daisy Sedgwick.

Educating every generation about the right thing to do is exactly my intention, in line with all those volunteers and DoC staff striving to protect and reintroduce native species in NZ. I have also given Colin Hewens of Whaka Inc the opportunity to respond below. Matthew.

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As one of these people who by implication don’t “have a heart or care” because I use humane traps to kill the alien creatures who are terrorising helpless fledgeling native NZ birds, biting their heads off, while their traumatised parents flutter helplessly around witnessing the murder of their offspring. Maybe Daisy has had children and could put herself into the position of those avian parents, for whom I DO have a heart and care. It would be like a re-make of Alien,

lizardnews.net where the visitors from outer space, raid the bedrooms of countless humans families and, in front of the agonised parents eyes, ripped the infants from their little cribs and devoured them. It is a shame that previous humans stupidly brought species like possum, stoat and rat into Aotearoa NZ, but that has done immense damage to flora and fauna of the local environment. There is a well-intentioned aspirational target of making this country Pest Free NZ 2050, and I am happy to be a part of the multitude of concerned, caring, good-hearted Kiwis helping that target.

Colin C Hewens. would like to voice my discussed opinion (transcribed as supplied) in December’s Lizard News. The content of a dead hanging possum is just vile. What sort of people thinks it is okay to show such acts of torture to the younger generation growing in the local community?

Hunter Nelson.

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he traps we use are approved under the NZ Animal Health and Welfare Act 1999. See https://mpi.govt.nz/protection-andresponse/animal-welfare/ I prefer that as a kinder method than the use of 1080 and other less humane methods to rid us of these noxious pests.

Unconsciousness is swift, followed by death within the Act’s stipulated time limit and cannot be described as torture by reasonable folk. We also use some of the more expensive Good Nature A12 traps, where death is instant. However the traps we mostly use are a fifth of the price, and unless Mr Nelson would like

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to become our funder, we can’t afford them.

Colin C Hewens. easons greetings to you all. As the year comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge the volunteers that I work with whose contribution creates community spirit. Neighbourhood Support is a growing healthy organisation that works because somebody on your street is willing to be the contact person, knock on doors and build relationships.

Also, Community Patrol volunteers do a great job cruising around the streets being the eyes and ears for the Police. By their presence, I am confident they prevent a large amount of dishonesty offending in our streets. I manage two Police Information Centres, and I really appreciate those of you who give up your time to take reports and give information on behalf of the Police. The Police are committed to giving timely and relevant help as soon as possible, and so we appreciate any assistance we can get in this regard.

Finally, the Police resources are going to be stretched over the New Year holiday period. Officers will be working through the holidays while most people are off work, so this means more people out and about on our roads and beaches, and inevitably this means more calls for Police service. I ask that if you need us, be prepared to be a little patient at times and if necessary take any steps to keep yourselves save, modify your alcohol intake and take a coffee break if driving on the highways. Koa Kirihimete (Merry Christmas).

Paul Wrigley, Community Constable.

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tres of searching later, still no sight or sound, until a phone call from some friends living on a dairy farm on the Pahoia peninsula. “Have you lost your dog?

There is a dog in one of our paddocks eating grass”. Sure enough it was Marlow, how he managed to get there we don’t know. He doesn’t like swimming but had gotten over to the other peninsula somehow.

Home again he’s back to his normal routine, maybe a little wiser but he’s not telling!

A big THANK YOU to our friends, neighbours and the Ōmokoroa community for all your searching, concern and support, we really appreciated it.

Dick and Liz.

big thank you to all parents and students for your help with the Ōmokoroa Community Fundraiser event held on Saturday 2nd December.

We were all wowed by this. I am pleased and happy to say that all children had a great time with lots of fun games.

Mr Santa Claus sizzling the sausages made this event even more special.

Denise de Latour and the ladies from the Mahjong club were very helpful serving coffee and tea. Thank you to all stall holders. The children from Taekwondo Koryo BOP performed a spectacular demonstration.

We raised $481.60 in just two hours for athlete development and the new pavilion.

(Abridged) Master Sonja Janssen.

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| Lizard News | January 2018

n 25th November “Marlow” decided to go sightseeing - no mean feat when you’re blind in one eye and can barely see out of the other, let alone struggle to walk because of spinal myopathy.

For nine days he wandered, yet no one saw him despite the numerous people looking for him. Many hours and kilome-

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e welcome your feedback and letters to the editor. We strive for accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting news of public interest. We request that contributors assist us in upholding standards of decency and privacy - avoiding discrimination and defamation. We reserve the right to edit or abridge submitted material and will identify scribes where appropriate, other than where confidentiality has been assured. Unless an article is marked as supplied, those without bylines will typically have been written by the editor.

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Weekend away for Sea Scouts

Sea Scouts camping at Lake Tarawera. PHOTO: Richard Miller.

By Richard Miller n the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of December, Ōmokoroa & Pahoia Sea Scouts embarked on their sailing adventure across Lake Tarawera. Thirteen Sea Scouts took part, sailing under their own steam across Lake Tarawera in their two Cutters. The Sea Scouts were briefed and given safety and navigation guidelines, and off they went on early Saturday morning. Initially apprehensive of their first sailing

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adventure, within one hour they were quickly into the sailing, and thankfully the wind picked up. Two hours later they were mooring their sailboats at the beautiful Hot Water Beach campsite, amongst the motor-cruisers. They swiftly pitched camp with the hot water pools proving a distinct temptation and also the “biscuiting” on the lake after a well-earned pool soak. In the evening the Sea Scouts prepared their own meals and then, after a few stories and yarns,

went to their tents for R&R after a fullon day. On Sunday, the Sea Scouts sailed to the wharf adjacent to the Lake Tarawera – Lake Rotomahana track and duly set off for a fantastic tramp linking the lakes. On their return, they celebrated in the only way they could by cooling off in the waters of Lake Tarawera. Afterwards, it was back onto the Cutters, hoisting sails and setting off across the lake to home. After recovering the boats, the weary Sea Scouts were

picked up by their parents, none the worse for their adventure and much, much wiser and confident in their abilities. This is the start of many adventures for the Ōmokoroa & Pahoia Sea Scouts. Ōmokoroa & Pahoia Sea Scouts meet on Thursday evenings at the north end of the Ōmokoroa Domain. They currently have space for another three Sea Scouts to join the Group. Please contact Jane Miller for further information 022 351 5696.

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lizardnews.net

Community supports unveiling of memorial

By Liz Farrell he music of Pipe Major Damian Hodgetts of Bay of Plenty Pipes & Drums carried over the blustery wind to welcome guests to the unveiling of the Memorial Cairn at the Crapp Reserve on Tuesday the 19th of December.

The karakia and welcome by Tame Kuka of Pirirākau were followed by the sounding of the conch. Played by Jo’el Komene, a Taonga Pūoro (traditional Māori Instrument) musician, it is a customary way of opening and closing ceremonies.

Pastor Don Moses of Ōmokoroa Community Church spoke thoughts and prayers of remembrance for those who have served our country. This was followed by a brief explanation of the history and purpose of the project, by Alison Badger. Murray Grainger, Chairman of the Ōmokoroa Community Board, then acknowledged the team ef-

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fort of the Ōmokoroa Community Anzac Group, stonemasons and carver, and thanked volunteers for helping create this community asset, calling it “a fitting and lasting memorial to horrors in distant lands, here in the peace of our paradise peninsula”.

Mayor Garry Webber acknowledged the organisers’ fortitude to bring the idea into a reality. He said he hoped the cairn would be “a place of solace where people can reflect on our shared history.”

After Liz Farrell, Heather Reynolds and Alison Badger, the drivers of the Ōmokoroa Community Anzac Group, removed the cloth to complete the unveiling, Ōmokoroa Baptist Church Pastor Howard Cross read the story of Joshua, crossing the Jordan. In the story, each tribe set down a stone as a reminder of their journey. His prayers gave thanks for the sacrifice of those who had given so much and he hoped this cairn would stand forever as a memorial to those

Pastor Don Moses saying prayers of remembrance at the cairn. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

who gave us the freedom we so often take for granted. The playing of the conch signalled the close to the official programme.

Photographs of those involved, including supporters, donors, speakers and organisers, were then taken, and guests took the opportunity to ex- Speakers, organisers, supporters, stonemasons and Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea amine the cairn Scouts after the formal ceremony. PHOTO: Neil Badger. and had the chance to talk with the team. fore, had the opportunity to ‘cut his Stonemason Mark Henderson of Cas- teeth’ on his first project. Master carver mark Ltd had two others with him: Paul Gautron of World of Stone, who James Boyd helped select the stones to carved the poppies and the Pirirākau be used in the project before injuring his motif, was also in attendance. Glenn thumb. Student Patrick Newton, there- Whittaker, former Community Board chair, created a beautiful hand-crafted lectern to use on the cairn on Anzac Day and other special occasions.

All funds for the memorial were raised via community donations, grants and fundraising events. The organisers are extremely grateful to everyone who supported this project with funds, ideas, volunteering time and tools and encouragement. A few finishing touches, including the inner floor, remain to be done, and will be completed well before the 2018 Anzac dawn service at the cairn on Wednesday, April the 25th.

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| Lizard News | January 2018

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Speed Shear for a special service dog

By Maree Morton 999 saw John Dalziel and a group of Te Puna locals come together to have a Speed Shear competition - yes, shearing lambs quickly! Now 19 years down the track, the event has grown to be right up there on the shearers’ calendar.

There are a few that have competed at the event from the beginning, one being the well-known shearer, Digger Balme. Digger and Cheryl Balme’s 14-year-old son, Kyle, has Autism and Severe Developmental Delay. When the committee that now runs the Te Puna Speed Shear heard that a shearing family needed help to raise money towards providing an Assistance Dog for their son, they wanted to help.

Sponsored by Ray White Te Puna, Stihl Shop Tauranga/Waihi, Agrisea NZ, and others, this year’s Te Puna Speed Shear will be a fundraiser for an Assistance Dog for Kyle.

The Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust was founded in 2008 by Julie and Rick Hancox.

Their mission is to enrich the lives of people living with a disability by providing purpose bred and trained assis-

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tance dogs, meeting the unique needs of individual clients and families.

ADNZ Trust strives to deliver a personalised and tailored assistance dog service to their clients with an exceptionally high standard of duty and care.

It takes 18 months and nearly $50,000 to raise and train each canine companion. The companionship and confidence they foster with those who need them are invaluable.

Money raised on the 13th January 2018 at the Te Puna Speed Shear at Top Shot Bar in Te Puna, will be given to Assistance Dogs NZ to help Kyle get his companion that will change his, and his family’s, life.

On the night there will be top NZ Shearers in action shearing lambs. In past years there have been times recorded of around 17 and 18 seconds, even 15.94 seconds once which was amazing! The Open Shearer winner will take home a prize of $2000. The winning Senior Shearer wins $1000.

Entry from 5.30pm on the night is by gold coin donation, and the event will also feature raffles, a silent auction hunting trip, singlet sales and much, much more. This is a night for Kyle, let’s make it a successful one.

Assistance Dogs NZ Trust founder Julie Hancox says Kyle will get an Assistance Dog just like Milo, depending on how Milo's training progresses. Inset: Milo as a puppy. PHOTOS: Courtesy ADNZ.

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Speed Shear

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| Lizard News | January 2018

Money Money raised raised on on the the night night is is going going to to an an Assistance Dog forfor their son with autism.

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Junior athletics at No. 1 he weather stayed fine, and everyone had a fun time during the junior sports day hosted by Ōmokoroa No. 1 School on Monday 27th November.

After a lot of organisation, five local schools took part in the Combined Districts Tabloid Athletics.

The visitors to Plummers Point Road

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included Ōmokoroa Point School, Whakamārama School, Matahui School and Te Kura o te Moutere o Matakana.

The organisers say there were some nail-biting moments in the relay and sprint races and all of the children can be proud of their achievements.

PHOTO: Debbie Woodfield.

Māori wards apartheid or a partnership?

By Matthew Farrell ouncils must conduct a representation review every six years.

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Councillors in Western Bay of Plenty, Manawatū, Whakatāne, Palmerston North City and Auckland recently voted to establish Māori wards.

Councillors in Napier City, Waikato District, Northland Regional Council and Whāngārei recently voted against establishing Māori wards.

A binding poll of all voters - on whether or not to introduce Māori wards for the next two elections - must be held, if demanded by 5% of electors.

In September last year, electors in Wairoa District voted 54% to 46% in favour, which was the first success for Māori wards from six polls held in New Zealand since 2007.

I am not a historian nor an expert on the nation's founding agreement. This information is abridged from the Treaty 2 U website of NZ’s national museum, Te Papa: “One item the Pākehā visitors brought caused more upheaval than any other the musket. By 1830, some tribes had been decimated and others driven from their lands by war. Tribal boundaries across the North Island had been changed forever.

In 1840, James Busby redrafted William Hobson’s treaty, adding an allimportant promise - that Māori would retain possession of their lands, forests, fisheries, and other property.

Finally, the missionary Henry Williams translated the treaty into Māori. However, it wasn't an exact translation. There are several crucial differences of meaning.

In the English version, Māori cede sovereignty to the British Crown. The Māori version guarantees Māori 'tino rangatiratanga' (full chieftainship) over their lands and possessions.

More than 500 rangatira or chiefs signed the Treaty, but some refused, while others were not offered the chance. Only 39 chiefs signed the English version.”

The following information is abridged from Wikipedia, where individual state-

ments are referenced: "In 1867 Parliament passed the Māori Representation Act which established four electorates solely for Māori. The settlers had 72 seats at the time and, on a per capita basis, Māori should have got up to 16 seats. All Māori men (but not women) over the age of 21 were given the right to vote and to stand for Parliament. [New Zealand gave women the right to vote in 1893.] Māori were only allowed to stand for election in general electorates from 1967. After a referendum in 1993, the electoral system became mixed-member proportional from 1996. That year, the number of Māori seats increased to five - the first increase in 129 years. In 1999 there were six.

Since 2002 there have been seven.

“Disproportionate numbers of Māori face significant economic and social obstacles, compared with other New Zealand ethnic groups. Māori make up 14-15% of the population, but almost 50% of the prison population. Māori have higher unemployment and suicide rates than other cultures.

Māori suffer more health problems, including higher levels of alcohol and drug abuse, smoking and obesity - with lower life expectancies and incomes. They experience higher levels of crime and educational under-achievement.

Socioeconomic initiatives have been implemented aimed at closing the gap between Māori and other New Zealanders. Political redress for historical grievances is also ongoing."

Despite never signing away sovereignty in their own language 177 years ago, Māori do not have proportional representation at a local government level in most of NZ. The devil's advocate might ask; "How will Māori as an ethnic minority gain a decision-making voice around Council tables post-Settlement, unless the ethnic majority allows it?"

Women around the world only began to gain a political voice when New Zealand men took the lead and allowed them to vote. Democracy is majority rule, but that doesn’t mean the minority in a partnership should effectively have no say.

Peninsula schools at Rā Whakangahau apa haka is on the map in Ōmokoroa, with both No. 1 School and Point School taking part in this year’s Rā Whakangahau for the first time.

In 2016, 34 schools participated when St Mary’s Catholic Church played host.

This year the event grew again to 44 schools. The 25th anniversary of the two-day festival was held at Waipuna Park in Welcome Bay on November 23rd and 24th.

It was the first time the organising had been shared between two schools - Selwyn Ridge Primary and Welcome Bay School.

“He tino pai katoa. Congratulations to our kapa haka group who performed at Rā Whakangahau.

It was our first time, and we were very proud of our kapa haka roopu.

They stood strong and performed with spirit.” Ōmokoroa Point School.

“The day began with trep-

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idation and nerves, but as soon as we were on stage and heard the strumming whaea’s of guitar, we knew we were ready for this.

Many of our friends, teachers and whānau were watching us. They were so proud of our performance, and so were we. We looked great, and we performed with pride. Ko wai Mātou? Who are we?

Te Kura o Ōmokoroa tu kotahi e!” Ōmokoroa No 1 School.

Other local schools taking part included: Bethlehem College, Matahui School, Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, Katikati School, Te Kura o Te Moutere o Matakana, Katikati College - and Te Puna School, which began the event in 1992.

Ōmokoroa Point School at Rā Whakangahau. PHOTO: Kate Apanui.

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Red sticker process taking time

By Matthew Farrell he Earthquake Commission says it has now settled 26 of the 40 claims received in the Western Bay of Plenty, for damage caused by the April 2017 flood and storm event.

Of the 40 claims, there were coincidentally 26 in the Lizard News circulation area.

One was in Aongatete, 16 in Ōmokoroa, five in Te Puna and four in Whakamārama.

EQC provides cover for “physical loss or damage” that a residential property or its immediately surrounding land incurs, due to a natural disaster.

In response to queries from Lizard News, EQC says of the 40 claims received, 29 were for land damage only with the remaining claims a mix of land, building or contents damage.

An EQC spokeswoman, Louise Nolan, says in general it takes EQC about four months to complete landslip or storm claims because of their complexity.

“The process for issuing a Dangerous Building Notice under section 124 of the Building Act, which is also called a ‘red sticker’, is under the authority of the local Council. It’s a separate legal process from the EQC Act. “The Council has the power to issue a Dangerous Building Notice if the building poses a safety risk to occupants, other people, or property,” says Louise.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s consultant engineer, Peter Clark, was due to receive a report from the environmental and engineering con-

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sultancy Tonkin & Taylor as our January edition went to press.

A District Council spokeswoman, Ruth Woodward, says the report was required to be finalised before EQC can advise Council to red sticker any properties.

Lizard News understands this concerns five properties on the Ōmokoroa peninsula.

A red sticker means a building has been condemned as being sufficiently unsafe, based on the amount of damage it has sustained or the risk it poses to those who go in or near the building. As you might expect, red stickers mean “do not enter” - no one is allowed in.

A certain je ne sais quoi

By Matthew Farrell he owner of La Petite Cafe in Ōmokoroa says plans are progressing for his business to move into the corner property vacated by First National last year.

Bruce Andrews says an engineer has been putting together a structural improvement plan to make the empty office earthquake proof, for a new code of compliance.

Architectural design delays have been caused by the change of use of the commercial property. Earthquake and fire safety specifications have been updated since the building was initially constructed.

“The Council have been excellent.

They’re just trying to protect citizens.

This kind of thing is happening all over

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The last straw - berries...

By Matthew Farrell Fresh Market in Gate Pā, as well as farm ust a few more weeks remain of the gate cash-only sales of $10 family packs strawberry season, and Paul Ham- from 8am-6pm, Mondays to Saturdays. mington is loving what he calls his But get in quick. Strawberry fields semi-retirement in Whakamārama. don’t last forever.

His new venture Bite Me Berries has been selling big, ripe, sweet fruit since the start of the season in October at 442 Whakamārama Road.

That is about the same time they moved into their new house there, after living on site for ten months while it was built.

“I am originally from Porirua, but we ran the Fencourt Gardens strawberry farm in Cambridge for 25 years. We had 70 staff and grew 300,000 plants per season mainly for export for the last ten of those years,” says Paul.

“This season we are growing 25,000 plants with just three staff. It’s not as full-on. Now, we only supply the local Bay of Plenty market,” he says.

This includes Pak N Save stores and The L-R: Becka and Andrea checking on the ripening crop last month.

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the country to owners of commercial properties,” he says.

A former resident of the peninsula, Bruce is quoted on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s website as a local business figure:"Growth in the peninsula is enormous.

With the amount of development going on I see great opportunity for businesses to set up here. Ōmokoroa is such a beautiful harbourside village - but it is the people who make it so special."

Bruce says his landlady is waiting for the engineering report to be completed and sent to her, to forward onto the Council.

For now, the new name of La Petite Cafe remains a closely-guarded secret.

“I’ll tell you something. It won’t be so little anymore,” laughs Bruce.

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Ōmokoroa launches its 10-year action plan group of locals have put together a plan to guide Ōmokoroa through the next decade.

The 2017 Ōmokoroa Community Plan aims to capture and protect the essence of community life.

Led by Don Cameron, the eight-strong group has reviewed the previous 2010 Community Plan to make it relevant to the changing environment and population growth in Ōmokoroa.

It covers culture, heritage and the arts; social and community values; residential, commercial and industrial develop-

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ment; the natural environment; recreational opportunities and connectivity (cycleways, walkways, roading).

“We live in a special part of New Zealand. We all need to be active in ensuring the elements of community life that make Ōmokoroa special are retained and enhanced for the benefit of all residents and that we keep pace with change,” says Don. Community plans are an aspirational document that creates a unified voice for an area.

The aspirations in the plan can then be

used as the platform for dialogue with any agency, organisation, funder, or not for profit. It can also be used as the basis to make formal submissions - such as to Western Bay Council’s Long Term Plan.

Don says it is vital that locals get a good grasp of the key actions in the Community Plan and put in their submissions to Council’s Long Term Plan.

“This is the only way people’s voice will be heard – and the more submissions that are made, the greater chance we have of the key actions in the Community Plan getting implemented by

Council,” says Don. Council’s Community Relationships Advisor Glenn Ayo says the Plan is written by the community, for the community, with Council providing resource support and facilitation.

“Council is mandated to help build strong communities. Any individual or group can now align their actions with this Plan and move ahead with confidence.” The Ōmokoroa Community Plan can be viewed on the Council website.

Search for ‘Community Development Planning’.

Article by WBoPDC

Looking ahead more than 40 years

By Matthew Farrell

lanning is underway for the longterm future of Ōmokoroa, with the District Council considering possibilities for the area between the railway line and State Highway 2.

The structure plan concerns infrastructure provision around a projected population of 12,000 people by the year 2060. Open days were held on Friday 24th and Tuesday 28th November at the Community Church on Hamurana Road.

Lizard News attended both.

“I came to figure out what they’re doing about the Ōmokoroa Road layout.

I have a good idea now from looking at the plan. I’d like fewer people here, but we’re not going to have the little village we had 13 years ago.” - Kevin Linehan.

“I thought we were getting four lanes for Ōmokoroa Road soon. That was my

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impression from a previous meeting, but it isn’t happening, which is disappointing for a fast-growing community after all the dust and stop-go signs. We’ve got to think about buses, trains and a water taxi for accessibility other than State Highway 2.” - Anne Sandel.

“We’re concerned about the scorched earth policy. It’s all about dollars, but they could have left some trees. Developers aren’t encouraged to take notice of nature. The Council should put more environmental controls in place.” - Greg & Cathy Taylor.

“Some multi-storeyed development could work in the right place. We need a blend of various styles of construction.

Building upwards, you could have Kaimai to sea views, and that would allow the community to retain more green space. You don’t have to have New York here, but there are large yet elegant

buildings in Belgium, Germany and the UK.” - Karen Loten.

“The State Highway intersection is the number one problem. You won’t get businesses establishing here until that death trap is fixed. Also, the commercial land options closer to the State Highway are preferable to the northern site. You don’t want delivery trucks on Ōmokoroa Road day and night.” - Tom Cowdell.

“It’s more hui than do-ey. There’s a whole lot of years between ‘now’ and ‘eventually’. The Council needs to act immediately to buy the land between Fresh Choice and the Community Church for a library, a hub, and a few shops. We need more facilities until the additional commercial centres due by 2060.” - Anonymous.

“We don’t build hospitals and schools; we advocate for residents. The Council owns kiwifruit land at the start of Prole

Road which is currently zoned future Reserve land. We’ve been advocating for an intermediate/high school for at least 15 years, but the Ministry of Education is quite last-minute. We need a strong, demographic, evidence-based, persuasive argument for Wellington.” - Mayor Garry Webber.

The Council has earmarked three locations of around 4ha on the north side of Ōmokoroa Road as possible future commercial centres. One is directly south of the special housing area Kaimai Views, opposite the land owned by developers The Neil Group.

The second would affect the Self Storage and Campground area, south of Prole Road and north of the planned extension of Francis Road. The third is close to State Highway 2, beginning shortly after the existing park and ride at the gravel pit car park.

January 2018 | Lizard News |

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lizardnews.net

Funding and timing questions for SH2

By Matthew Farrell he Transport Agency has announced what it describes as the final options for State Highway 2 improvements from Waihī to Tauranga, but with no firm timeframe.

Wide centrelines, side barriers and 26 intersection upgrades are to be delivered between Waihī and Ōmokoroa starting this year, along with a bypass of Katikati and the Tauranga Northern Link - a new seven-kilometre highway between Tauranga and Te Puna.

NZTA says the overall programme will improve safety, journey reliability and cater for growth, adding to immediate safety improvements along the route which are already underway.

The intersections at Ōmokoroa and Youngson Roads were repainted overnight last month, and new lane marker posts were installed, in a bid to improve driver awareness and caution.

NZTA's announcement follows written requests made by Lizard News for information from the Minister of Transport's office.

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Line markings being repainted last month.

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The Agency says the focus now shifts to design work and acquiring any land needed, and that construction will proceed “subject to further funding”.

That sparked a question from Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller during Parliament’s Question Time, to which he says the Minister Phil Twyford offered nothing but "weasel words".

Mr Muller asked, “Can the Minister confirm the construction of the Tauranga Northern Link will commence as expected in 2018?”

Mr Muller says the Minister failed to answer the question.

“All Mr Twyford could say was that ‘it is not the role of the Minister of Transport to prioritise particular roading projects’”.

“The residents of Ōmokoroa have been not only expecting work to commence on this road in 2018 but for work to include a new grade-separated intersection onto State Highway 2 that will significantly improve the safety of that road,” says Mr Muller.

Meanwhile, stuff.co.nz reports the Tauranga Northern Link may end up being one of four new toll roads across the North Island.

New Zealand currently has three toll roads including the Eastern Link and Tākitimu Drive in Tauranga, and the Northern Gateway between Silverdale and Pūhoi north of Auckland.

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Finn Stephenson placing cat’s eyes near the new lane marker posts.

Development of Katikati library and community hub ahead of schedule he development of the Katikati library and community hub is ahead of schedule, with the floor poured and the library panels ready to go up.

Watts and Hughes is contracted to undertake the development, which is expected to be completed in mid-2018 at a cost of around $4.5 million. The library

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will be two storeys and includes a service centre building for Western Bay of Plenty District Council and a single storey community centre. Located at 21 Main Street, the buildings were designed

by Tauranga firm, First Principles Architects.

Article courtesy Priority One.

The walls going up at the hub. PHOTO: Brad McNamara.

lizardnews.net

Slow down, stay safe

Fruit stall couple killed in high-speed collision

By Matthew Farrell

well-known Te Puna couple has died as the result of a two-car crash on State Highway 2 last month.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called just before 3 pm on Sunday 3rd December to the intersection of Quarry Road.

Westbound traffic was diverted down Te Puna Quarry Road, and eastbound traffic down Snodgrass Road while the State Highway was blocked.

Dorothy Williams died at the scene. Her husband Rex died two days after his wife’s funeral. Police have expressed their sympathies.

Another person was treated in hospital for minor injuries and discharged.

In later years, the couple were known for their

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Kerb and Paving Tauranga

"All things concrete"

By Ian Blunt

truck and little stall at the Wairoa River where they sold excess plums and other fruit from their orchard, mostly for fun, according to our Te Puna community connection Beth Bowden.

“You would drop in for fresh, organic produce, and a story if you were lucky. But earlier in their lives, lots of young people of Te Puna were roped in to help Rex with his contracting business. He was the hay baler for the district, with his Bedford trucks,” she says.

“Dorothy was the classic kiwi farmer’s wife - always ready with hospitality, baking and a smile. She was a lovely woman,” remembers Beth.

The Serious Crash Unit has been investigating.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the crash happen, or saw either the white Toyota or dark-coloured Mazda ute before the collision.

ecember has been a busy month so far for both Firefighters and First Responders. Beginning on Saturday 2nd December, Firefighters and First Responders attended a motorcyclist who crashed his bike in Tim Road; Sunday 3rd, a serious crash at State Highway 2, Quarry Road intersection resulting in a fatality, and Monday 4th to a van versus a power pole in Wainui South Road, no injuries reported. A quiet week followed until Monday 18th when Firefighters responded to a truck over a bank on State Highway 2 by Apata Station Road. The driver was uninjured, but his load of full and empty LPG cylinders were a little scattered. There was no danger to the public.

Later the same day around 7.30pm, Firefighters were called to assist in Tauranga after the deluge of heavy rain, and finally around 11.30pm, the Brigade responded to a suspicious car fire at the bottom of Wainui South Road. Tuesday 19th December saw Firefighters and First Responders again attend a serious head-on

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crash on State Highway 2 just past Apata Station Road where two persons needed to be cut from one of the cars.

The First Responders have attended all MVA’s along with the Firefighters and have also responded to another eight general medical emergencies in our township and surrounding area. The types of calls included breathing difficulties, choking, allergic reactions, broken bones and chest pains.

This report takes us to the 20th December, and it is rather alarming that Motor Vehicle Accidents have dominated our callouts. By the time you read this article, Christmas will be over, and we will be into 2018. I cannot emphasize the message of keeping you and your families safe in all aspects of the festive season. Please drive safely; please have patience behind the wheel; please concentrate on the road; please be courteous, obey the road rules and please consider those who are members of the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade who will still respond to emergencies. We will all enjoy a happy start to the new year.

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Friendship in January Remembrance messages

By Barbara Walls, President

he Ōmokoroa Friendship Club has continued meeting at the Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall most Friday mornings of the year. When Joan Torteli resigned in November, we felt bereft because she was the person who bought food for lunches at the local supermarket and was always in the kitchen early. But then our wonderful Joan Noah took on the shopping, and the kitchen team make the sandwiches. They are Jenny Robertson, Elaine Sim and Judy Turner. They are all having a well-de-

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served break over December and January. However during January on Fridays the 5th, 12th and 19th there is an invitation for folk to join Ōmokoroa Country Estate Friendship members on Friday mornings from 10 am-noon for morning tea and games. We enjoy sharing our lovely facilities with our friends.

Friendship meetings resume at the Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall on Friday 2nd February. Be assured of a warm welcome. Please phone me on 548 2899 if you’d like more information.

And may the Good news of Jesus birth shine on us all this Christmas.

Boutique market may return hakamārama Kindergarten hosted its first boutique market on Friday 1st December at Whakamārama Community Hall. The Christmas-themed market showcased local businesses and locally made products, children’s entertainment and refreshments.

An organiser, Debbie Allen, says there’s been some interest in the possibility of a regular market.

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benefit Hospice

By Matthew Farrell mokoroa Country Estate residents Mike Jenkin and Eunice Cunningham were among the local volunteers collecting for Waipuna Hospice at Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa last month.

The annual remembrance tree appeal took place at various sites around the Western Bay, including the Katikati Hospice Shop.

The remembrance tree appeal is a long-standing tradition for many. As well as being a fundraiser to support hospice services, it offers a unique opportunity to remember those we love at Christmas by writing a message to someone we have either lost or who can’t be with us.

Customers can donate and write a personal note to hang on the tree while shopping.

Waipuna Hospice on Te Puna Station Road provides specialist medical and nursing care such as symptom control and pain management, for patients living with an illness for which cure is no longer an option. This primarily includes Hospice at Home, as well as a nine-bed inpatient unit for short-term admissions

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and a day services clinic.

Hospice also offers support services to family/whānau, friends, neighbours and staff at rest homes and hospitals. Its geographical area covers Waihī Beach to Paengaroa.

Mike and Eunice with the Waipuna Hospice remembrance tree at Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa.

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| Lizard News | January 2018

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Party time as community comes together uch fun and merriment was had at Fresh Choice’s Community Christmas Party on Wednesday 6th December.

The Amazing Travelling Photobooth, carol singing from Ōmokoroa Songsters,

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a bouncy castle, face painting by Minnows Kindergarten staff, as well as a performance from Ōmokoroa Point School’s kapa haka group kept the crowd entertained.

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teer Fire Brigade truck as it pulled up with the guest of honour - Santa Claus.

Chief Fire Office Ian Blunt gave Father Christmas a hand as he climbed down from the truck to pay a visit and pose for some photos.

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Puketoki Reserve volunteers celebrate native resurgence

Summer arrives for the housing market

By Matthew Farrell he Western Bay of Plenty property market continues to rise, with prices up 5.9% year-on-year, and 2.1% over the past three months.

November’s QV House Price Index shows the market is now 39.0% higher than the previous peak of 2007. The average value in the district is currently $626,120.

Tauranga home values increased 3.3% year-on-year but decreased 1.0% over the past three months. City values are now 42.7% higher than the previous peak of 2007. The average value in the city is $687,310. QV Tauranga registered valuer, David Hume, says the sub-region has seen continued growth across

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Friends of Puketoki members enjoying a shared Christmas dinner. PHOTO: Supplied.

By Adrian Brackenbury

FEBRUARY EDITION

News and Advertising deadline Friday 19th January

e have completed seven patrols of the bait lines in the reserve this spring since August, and the overall results are very satisfying. Up until the 13th of December 2017, we had recorded 15 possums trapped, ten males, four females and one joey, caught in warrior possum master and the gas A12 traps. We have also established a bait line in the southern block in the replanted area where all the new plants are doing well.

The rat cafes and chew cards show there is very little, if any, rat action, and wetas seem to be enjoying the ditrac baits. The evidence in the bush is very clear with bird life very active, seedlings everywhere and saplings shooting up.

All this is down to the dedication of a small group of “friends of the reserve” whose regular visits to the reserve have nearly got complete control of the pests.

Well done Terry Edwards and formerly Colin Hewens for their sterling efforts.

More good news, the group has been awarded a grant from the Western Bay Community Fund to assist with track maintenance and weed control.

With the lack of vermin, the flora has increased significantly and is looking great. No doubt the bird numbers will follow suit. Enjoy the reserve, but please keep dogs under control.

Recently we had our end of year potluck dinner at a member's home, where those of the group who attended had a most enjoyable evening. Many thanks to our hosts. Attendees were Terry and Lolita Edwards, Clarrie and Raelene Beardsmore, John and Sydney Budden, Tony and Anita Allen, Adrian and Noeline Brackenbury, Robbie Banks and Mike Yee, Peter and Hazel Catcheside, Dave and Sheila Rolfe, John and Rachel Morriss.

After a brief break over the holidays, Puketoki friends are resuming their patrols late January. Wishing all members all the very best for 2018. New members and enquiries to Terry Edwards ph 5526222 or John Budden, ph 5481180.

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| Lizard News | January 2018

the board.

“The Western Bay of Plenty now has a similar percentage increase as Tauranga from the previous peak in 2007. Soaring kiwifruit orchard prices continue, too.

Some prime established gold orchards are now achieving more than $1,000,000 per hectare,” he says.

“The trend of a more stabilised market continues in the sub $700,000 bracket, with many in the industry describing it as a more normalised market,” says David.

QV’s national spokesperson Andrea Rush says it’s possible the usual slowdown over the holiday period may mean we don’t see the anticipated improved activity and demand in the housing market until February and March.

Tauranga’s best service station on our doorstep

The Challenge Ōmokoroa team at the recent MTA Awards.

By Matthew Farrell ustomers of Challenge Ōmokoroa have voted it the best local service station in the area.

The Tauranga branch of MTA (Motor Trade Association) recently celebrated the organisation’s centenary, marking its 100th birthday with a line-up of business awards at the ASB Baypark Stadium/Arena.

Kaimai Region chair and president of the Tauranga branch, Sean Squires, congratulated the team at Challenge.

“All MTA members work hard to meet our standards and ensure customers get great service. It is good to see that this is well recognised,” he says.

Joann Deane says they took the whole team to the dinner and when their name was read out they were very vocal.

“We knew we would be in the running

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because of the support from our customers. The other awards involved assessment by a panel of judges. This was the only one of its kind, determined by public text votes. It was very exciting,” says Joann.

“The last time this award was given three years ago it was won by Z Ōmokoroa just before they closed the doors.

That shows the loyalty of the local area people have got in behind us. It’s been quite humbling really,” she says.

Mike Deane says since they opened Challenge and got back into fuel on site, the shop has improved and regulars enjoy coming in for a coffee and a chat.

Joann says they’re also seeing plenty of new customers. “We need to ensure they have a good experience, too. We’re always striving for consistency,” she says.

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Swimming spots unsafe after downpour our swimming sites in the Western Bay are unsafe due to high E.coli levels, following recent heavy rain.

The District Council has placed `No Swimming’ signs by the Wairoa River at State Highway 2 near Bethlehem as well

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as below McLaren Falls Road.

The other two sites are north of Katikati but may be more relevant to our readers in the Aongatete and Apata area.

They are Tuapiro at McMillan Road and the Uretara Stream at Henry Ford.

Toi Te Ora Public Health has warned that each of these sites has recorded E.coli bacteria levels well above the acceptable limit for safe swimming.

The contamination is likely to be the result of farm run-off, after the heavy downpour of rain earlier this week.

Escherichia coli normally lives in your intestines. Most types are harmless and help keep your digestive tract healthy.

But some strains can cause diarrhoea if you eat contaminated food or drink fouled water.

Toi Te Ora advises that swimming in any lake or river after heavy rain may cause ill health.

These sites will be re-sampled until they return to acceptable levels and the signs will be removed.

You can check the water services section of the District Council’s website for updates.

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Ōmokoroa and Minden on water conservation watch ocals in Ōmokoroa and Minden may face water restrictions unless they start conserving.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has placed limited water level signs in the central water zone areas of Ōmokoroa peninsula and Minden to encourage lower use.

Utilities manager Kelvin Hill says only the Central Supply Zone is affected at present - levels are acceptable in the Council’s eastern and western zones.

The dry spell has created greater demand on water and the central supply zone has shown a steady increase in daily consumption.

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Kelvin warns the system won’t keep pace with demand, unless water use is reduced. ``We are urging consumers to please be more conservative with use. Failure to do so will result in water restrictions being put in force.’’

Central water levels are currently at 85% of full production.

Council staff are monitoring levels daily.

Wharawhara in Katikati was also initially identified by the Council as an area where water conservation would be requested but it was then removed from the list.

Pizzeria ome unique artwork popped up on the side of the Neighbourhood Pizzeria while it was under construction on Ōmokoroa Road, next to Super Liquor.

Kyle and Marcel have been working hard the past few weeks and were set to open just before Christmas.

A seven pizza ceramic turntable oven from Italy was being installed. A little cafe, some al fresco tables and chairs, and ramp access to a disabled toilet were also planned.

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Left: Omok’s Queen Margherita took up residence in late November, as the new Neighbourhood Pizzeria really began to take shape.

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News in brief...

On 1 March 2018 Waste Management NZ Limited (also operating as Environmental Green Bins) will stop collecting glass in kerbside mixed recycling.

Waste Management are the major contractor in the solid waste space - servicing around 90 percent of our District.

It's important to note that all kerbside rubbish and recycling collection in the Western Bay of Plenty District is carried out by private contractors on a pre-paid basis. This is not a Council run service.

Te Puna Quarry Park has announced a kūwaha gateway is to be erected at the entrance to the eastern bush area at Park, marking the boundary between the developed part of the Park and the bush. It will stand 3.45m tall and will be a significant addition, creating an authentic and culturally significant connection between the land and its heritage.

The carver is Morris Wharekawa and the project will cost $13,600. The committee of Te Puna Quarry Park Society are asking the community to visit their website and support this project. See givealittle.co.nz/cause/kūwahagateway

Daily monitoring of freedom camping spots across Western Bay will begin in mid-December and extend until early

February 2018.

Weekend monitoring started in Waihī Beach on Labour Weekend but will increase to daily monitoring from 15 December until 5 February 2018. Council has contracted First Security to carry out mobile patrols to ensure campers are complying with Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw.

The summer demand period for Police communication centres has arrived, with a record number of 111 calls received in November.

Between 21st and 27th of the month Police received 19,725 calls to 111, the highest weekly total since records began in 2003.

During November, 111 calls exceeded 77,000, the most of any month this year.

Police are asking the public to help by reserving 111 calls for genuine emergencies only - not reports of historic crimes, noise or parking complaints.

Only around 20% of calls to 111 result in an emergency response.

Richard Smith from Rich Landscapes, who designed the Ōmokoroa Skate Path, has been designing a new community skatepark for Kaimai School.

It could be the first school in the region to have a community skatepark built on its grounds.

Construction of the new skatepark began at the end of September and was expected to be finished just before Christmas. The school was initially going to build a new playground to replace one that had rusted through.

However, they decided to replace it with a skatepark after community consultation and research. It has been funded by the school, in addition to grants received from Pub Charities, TECT, NZ Lotteries Commission and Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise - Priority One.

if the three-month trial is successful, the free internet access could be offered across all services.

The Regional Council says free Wi-Fi one of the most requested improvements asked for by urban passengers.

Internet access is already offered permanently on two regional services, Route 80 Katikati and Route 221 Te Puke.

Brush killer spraying that has been taking place in the district is for prickle and broad leaf weeds which affect parks and reserves. A WBoPDC spokesperson tells Lizard News this work would usually have been done during the months of September and October.

“Unfortunately due to unforeseen weather patterns during September there was a delay and the time frame was pushed into late November. Once sprayed the weeds die off, leaving space for grass to naturally sow in their place which increases the quality of the turf,” he says.

We’re being reminded to flush the drinking water taps each morning and before using water for evening cooking when we’ve been out all day.

The reason is to get rid of any heavy metals absorbed from household plumbing.

Heavy metals from fittings - such as lead, nickel, cadmium, copper and antimony - can dissolve into our slightly acidic water. It’s called plumbosolvency.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is sharing the Ministry of Health recommendation and says the first 500ml is better for pot plants or dishwashing than the drain.

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Free Wi-Fi is being trialled on six Bayhopper urban buses in the Western Bay. Bay of Plenty Regional Council says

Heilala Vanilla of Te Puna is now working with a cooperative of vanilla growers in Uganda.

The company already grows vanilla in Tonga and manufactures high value products from it, while providing employment and infrastructure across a number of communities.

The Tauranga branch of the Enterprise Angels investment network is supporting the Newnham Road company and says there are still opportunities to co-invest.

The first Enterprise Angels meeting for 2018 will be held on 20th February in Tauranga. You can call 571 2520 or visit enterpriseangels.co.nz - Priority One.

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Most significant award yet for master builders

By Matthew Farrell rick by brick, Belco Homes can claim to be cementing a place as one of the top bespoke builders in the Western Bay / Tauranga area and perhaps the country.

The Plummers Point Road company has had extra reason to celebrate this Christmas and New Year, after securing its most significant award yet from Registered Master Builders.

Kathy Bell is delighted to have scooped the national award for a new home in the $1m - $2m category of the House of the Year Awards on Saturday 25th November.

“We were thrilled to see our entry go forward to the national competition. It was certainly fierce with lots of elegant homes in our category. We had no expectations, but we were very proud of our entry and excited to be there,” she says.

As for the judges' comments, “innovation has been the key to creating this remarkable private urban oasis, which is situated on a tight site that presented unique challenges and opportunities.

Every square metre has been cleverly utilised with consideration to the surrounding views, without compromising privacy,” they said.

Belco also took the national Outdoor Living Award for the same home. Again the judges had specific praise. “Dual outdoor living spaces make this house unique, with one off the upstairs formal and main living area and one off the ground floor

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OPS trip to Matakana

children’s living area. The upper alfresco with its louvre sliding shutters provides many options regardless of the weather conditions,” they stated.

Project Manager Kerry Mear, who co-owns Belco with Mike and Kathy, says they have a long history with House of the Year.

“We’ve achieved more than 25 awards across the years, including a previous national award in 2003 in the renovations category, and a supreme regional win for a beautiful home in the $2m+ category. The level of competition has grown over the years - and $1-$2m is a very challenging category of bespoke homes built by some top builders,” says Kerry.

Mike Bell says this charming home was very enjoyable to construct and is right up there among their best work yet.

“Every project is so different when you focus on design and build - offering vastly different challenges and complexities. This particular home while exuding stylish calm is packed with detail, construction challenge and complexity,” he says.

Kathy is already thinking about the outlook for the new year.

“Following a well-earned Christmas break the boys have plenty to come back to, but we still have spaces for 2018. With the number of teams we have, this gives us flexibility, and we can accommodate a good workload. We enjoy helping new customers through the planning stage into construction,” she says.

oom 8 of Ōmokoroa Point School enjoyed an awesome visit to Matakana Island on Friday 8th December.

Principal Vicki Knell thanks Glen and Rachel for providing the transport to Opureora on the flash new barge.

Matakana Island has been continuously populated for centuries by a number of Māori tribes, mostly associated with Ngāi te Rangi iwi. The population was 255 at the

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2013 Census.

The island is of national importance for the NZ dotterel and katipō spider. It is New Zealand's only raised sand barrier island and is a nationally significant geological site.

The District Council has been working through a consultation and design process with Matakana Islanders to replace the old wharf/jetty at Opureora, after the ferry terminal ramp widening.

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Te Puna community development plan finalised and published n the 6th of December 2017, at the second of two meetings to consider community feedback, the group known as the Connectors finished their work of incorporating Te Puna people’s ideas for improving the Te Puna Community Plan.

The Plan was published online, on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s website, on 20th of December.

“We’re really pleased with the range and quality of the views expressed on the draft Plan,” said Julie Shepherd and Beth Bowden, who were nominated to lead the Connectors group while Karen Summerhays, the independent community facilitator for the TPCP project, went overseas. Karen came back to analyse the submissions and to guide the group on how to incorporate them into the main themes that will shape a future Te Puna. She says: “This community-led plan has been made possible through the

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hard work and goodwill of the Connectors group, made up of members from Pirirākau Hapū, Heartland Inc, geographical area representatives, and other communities of interest (e.g. the school and environmental groups). I have very much enjoyed working to produce a robust, bicultural community plan that provides opportunities for all residents to play their part in creating a futureproof Te Puna.”

All concerned are grateful for the support provided by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The Te Puna Community Plan has been completed in time for interested people to use it to support their submissions on topics listed in the Long Term Plan. As long ago as August 2017 the Chief Executive was alerted to the likelihood that Te Puna issues might need budget allocations within that Plan as it is presented to Council.

“The Te Puna Community Plan itself is merely ‘noted’ by Council,” Julie and Beth explain. “But, as a we l l - c o n s u l te d and inclusive community document, it provides significant evidence and forceful community opinion to those who have particular projects and ideas to put forward.”

The Te Puna State Highway 2 through Te Puna. PHOTO: WBoPDC. Community Plan will be reviewed every three years and Shepherd, 027 210 5522, Julie.Shephas a 10-year planning horizon before herd@xtra.co.nz and Beth Bowden, 0274 another community plan is attempted. 530033, beth@chatelaine.co.nz Article supplied.

Further inquiries can be made to: Julie

Bay of Plenty MP adjusts to new world order

By Matthew Farrell ay of Plenty MP Todd Muller has told Lizard News it’s been an interesting transition period since the election, getting his feet back under the desk and his head around the new world order.

In an exclusive interview, Mr Muller says he sees his job in opposition as holding the government to account on plans made for the region while National was in power.

“For example, I’ll be connecting back in with administrators such as NZTA on roading projects of historical significance, like the Tauranga Northern Link. This isn’t pie in the sky stuff. There’s a cost/benefit analysis,” he says.

“Tauranga is competing with other places of interest. But this (TNL) is some-

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thing which simply must occur. We’re the fifth largest city in New Zealand, and the infrastructure needs are real. It’s a part of the country which is working well. That isn’t a partisan thing; it’s reality.” Todd Muller’s name was one of a handful mentioned by political commentators as a possible successor to Bill English when NZ First decided to go into coalition with Labour.

But the former Te Puna schoolboy is happy to sit tight, saying Mr English has been hugely supported.

“With 45% of the party vote, he performed superbly in the run-up to the election. He had a genuine and deep connection to people while campaigning, not just waving and hopping in a car,” says Todd.

As for his appointments as National’s spokesman for Climate Change and Crown/Maori Relations, he says NZ’s response to climate change must be sensible, balanced and proportionate - and he describes the Treaty of Waitangi as a living obligation of partnership.

“As we transition to a post-Treaty settlement environment, a continued robust relationship between the Crown and iwi is only going to grow in importance," he says.

Labour MP walks the talk erry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! At the time of writing this, I've just started on my present shopping and the annual hunt for where I stored the Christmas tree. So this column suddenly gives me the feeling that I had better crack on with the festive season.

As a Labour List MP, my role is to be present in your community alongside my colleague Jan Tinetti.

We're currently getting our shared office in Greerton set up and organising ourselves with staff and learning the ropes in Wellington.

We're in the middle of our Labour-led first 100-day plan in Parliament, so this is a very busy time. Our plan will see us pass a tremendous amount of legislation and changes to policy, which we campaigned on and the voters asked for. We’ve made some significant changes to supporting our country. So far 26 weeks paid parental leave, healthy and dry rentals, increases to student allowances, removing National Standards from the Primary school curriculum, restarting the National Superannuation payments to the

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Superfund and, as we write, bringing into law the Families Package.

Come the new year we'll be on the ground in Ōmokoroa with a proposed clinic/visit schedule.

Recently I visited Ōmokoroa for what I think is the best-kept secret in the Bay. Your amazing mineral hot pools! I spent an hour or two with my friend soaking in the pools coming out feeling refreshed.

The building and growth in Ōmokoroa is shifting the face of Ōmokoroa from a beautiful seaside village to a modern suburb of Tauranga. Jan and I are interested in your views of what is needed for your community and what issues you face right now and in the foreseeable future. We do look forward to serving your community.

All the best for the season - sunny days, mosquito-free nights, quality family time, love and laughter!

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Road completion on Demolition makes way for Harbour Ridge track for June

By Matthew Farrell n updated roading plan for Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to the railway has been posted on the District Council’s website. A link to a zoomable PDF map shows a new park and ride facility about 100 metres east of the Prole Road intersection, with parking for 25 cars.

The project includes two kilometres of widened carriageway, but it will remain two lanes and not four. There are also safety improvements planned to the Prole Road intersection and two new intersections for three larger scale housing developments.

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A roundabout is planned for the intersections being created for Kaimai Views and Harbour Ridge.

Asbestos removal specialists wearing protective gear will be safely excavating the old decommissioned asbestos cement water main to a certified receiving site.

Earthworks will continue along the project length until April, followed by the new carriageway and surfacing.

The Council says although the upgrade has been slower than programmed due to many weather delays over winter, the timeframe for completion remains June 2018.

By Matthew Farrell emolition experts have worked to safely remove a property, as part of site clearing for Stage 2 of the Harbour Ridge development on the east side of Ōmokoroa Road.

Brian Goldstone bought it when it was a neighbouring property. He initially intended to carry out remedial work on the leaky home before deciding demolition was the better option.

Brian says the concrete was likely to be down by Christmas for a new Best Start

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childcare centre, and the roundabout will be coming early in the new year.

Titles for 67 residential lots of Stage 1 of the Harbour Ridge subdivision are expected in February/March.

Brian consented to us sharing drone footage of the demolition on our Facebook page and accepts there is public interest.

However, he reminds drone users to contact landowners before filming private property. The WBoPDC has drone use information online.

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n January 1st, with the best intentions, millions of us committed to making a change in 2018. Studies have found that 25% of us don’t stick to our resolutions in just the first week, and, 92% fail altogether in achieving what they had set out to do at the beginning of the year. Why is it so difficult?

Habits are stored in your Subconscious mind, and it takes repetition and consistency to build new habits at a conscious level – especially if there are already some old, well-worn habits existing there too.

For change to happen it also requires, not just the rational conscious WILL to change, but the subconscious mind too.

Your subconscious mind is the master controller for everything you do. It forms an automatic response to life events such as, “I’m stressed, I need a cigarette,” or, “It’s been a long day, a bowl of ice cream will pick me up.”

Logically, we know that we should kick the habit or stick to the diet.

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Inaugural Affordable Art & Artisan Fair a great success

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop

he organisational hard work was worth it: the collaborative community project by the Black Sheep Bar & Grill, and the creative arts magazine ARTbop meant the first Affordable Art & Artisan Fair at the Black Sheep, Whakamārama was an all-round success.

ARTbop’s Birgitt Shannon (who is a Katikati-based artist) was delighted with the support from the exhibitors and stallholders and the excellent standard of work and presentation. A contingent of Bachelor of Creative Industries students from Toi Ohomai found their work

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greatly appreciated by the many visitors, many of whom stayed to enjoy the food, music and atmosphere of the Black Sheep itself. A wide variety of artisans displayed goods made from glass, wood, chocolate, fudge, textiles as well as more traditional painted canvasses. Tauranga writers were also present with some locally written and produced books.

Birgitt noted that organisers had always been confident that the Fair would be a local tourist attraction. The great attendance (despite the numerous other pre-Christmas activities and markets occurring within days of it) confirmed it to be a winning combination.

Birgitt and Gerry Carey, drone photog-

rapher, have produced a video of this first Fair. Birgitt has interviewed three of the stallholders and plans to repeat these at each Fair with different exhibitors: great publicity for them, the Fair, the Black Sheep and our Whakamārama District. You can find the video on ARTbop’s website www.artbop.co.nz The Fair will be held on the last Sunday of every month in 2018 from 11 am to 3 pm. It will start again on the 28th January at the Black Sheep Bar & Grill on Plummers Point Road, just off SH2.

Watch out for our road signs and come along and support local artists and artiPHOTOS: Rosemary Balu. sans.

Above: Katikati woodwork creative.

Right: Toi Ohomai BCI students.

Centre right: Katikati band Woodworx opened the Fair.

Far right: The Black Sheep Bar & Grill proved an ideal venue for the Affordable Art & Artisan Fair.

PHOTO: Marcus Hobson.

Where are the ‘wild’ spaces in Ōmokoroa?

By Tammy Bruce, Wild About NZ educator ith all the new development that is happening in Ōmokoroa, it is even more important that we all do our bit to protect our wild green spaces. But where are these places? Where does our wildlife live?

You may be surprised to find out that we have an “at risk, declining” species living right here on our peninsula; the longfin eel/ or tuna. And while many of us might not have a favourable opinion of eels, there is a lot to learn about these interesting creatures, such as the mammoth migration they must make to survive!

There are two main types of eel found in NZ – the shortfin and the longfin. The longfin eel is our only endemic freshwater eel species. It is one of the largest eels in the world, and it is found only in the rivers and lakes of New Zealand. The short-finned eel is not threatened and can be found in NZ, Australia and some Pacific islands.

W

This tiny, unassuming creek in Ōmokoroa is home to longfin eels.

The Ōmokoroa Point School students with two longfin eels caught in the creek. The eels were safely returned to their home.

How to tell them apart On a longfin eel, the dorsal (top) fin extends a lot further forward than the anal (bottom) fin. The dorsal fin of a shortfin eel only extends a little further forward than the anal fin.

Anyone who has handled an eel out of water knows that they will not usually stay still long enough to allow you to measure their fins! So, some ‘rules of thumb’ can be used to identify them.

An eel is probably a longfin if it’s: very dark in colour, more than a metre long, living in a high-country river or lake, or a clear, cold, spring-fed stream at any altitude. A longfin’s skin forms big, loose, obvious wrinkles when bent; a shortfin’s skin wrinkles are much smaller.

What are the threats?

While longfin eels are still relatively common, fishing

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| Lizard News | January 2018

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has had a significant impact on the species. Habitat loss also affects eels. Changes caused by hydro development, drainage and irrigation schemes and river diversions affect eels by reducing their habitat and the water available for aquatic life. Culverts and dams can also impact on eels by preventing their migration.

Pollution also impacts eel habitat. Sewage and effluent from meat works and pulp and paper plants discharged into rivers can remove large quantities of oxygen from the water. The result of this oxygen depletion is that the fish will either die or move away.

Give the longfin a helping hand: Avoid catching them, and if you do, return them to the water unharmed.

Fence stream banks to keep stock out. Plant trees along stream banks to create shade (certain trees also provide a food source). Don’t let pollutants enter waterways.

There is little difference between the longfin (top) and shortfin (below) eels.

The Department of Conservation have great school holiday activities for the kids to learn more about these amazing creatures. Just go to www.doc.govt.nz and type ‘Conservation Activities’ in the search bar.

SWIM SCHOOL Summer holiday course | Mon 15th to Fri 19th January Small classes for children of all ages | Heated pool Phone 07 548 0758 | Mobile 021 682 432 329 Plummers Point Road, RD2, Tauranga Email minnowsswimschool@gmail.com W W W. M I N N O W S . C O . N Z

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Several series hit shelves in January Ōmokoroa Library Ph. 07 571 8008 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9.30am-noon

Whakamārama Community Library Ph. 07 578 7015 Open Thu 9am-noon 3rd Friday 6.30pm-8pm

Te Puna Community Library Ph. 07 552 5715 Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-1.30pm (closed school holidays) Weds 6.30pm-7.30pm Thu 3pm-4pm (closed school holidays) Sat 10am-noon

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Saffron Lane

By Anna Jacobs

Book Review Marae: Te Tatau Pounamu. A journey around New Zealand's meeting houses by Muru, Robin & Sam Walters.

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop he back cover says this book is “a magnificent tribute to New Zealand's wharenui, big and small”, but for me, this book is much more. The images of the very different building and

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decorative style of wharenui took me on a New Zealand-wide journey – to places small and large I have not seen and people I have yet to meet. This is a beautifully imaged book giving a tremendous insight into more than Māori architecture. It's a book you want to stroke: it's images are so beautiful, entertaining and insightful. In its way it also presents the issue of “Māori” style – look at the contemporary interpretation of Te Rau Aroha, Bluff.

And, as I turned the pages, I realised how many contemporary New Zealand homes now reference the covered forecourt of wharenui with their roofed-over “outdoor” seating and entertainment

area. Residing in the Western Bay’s Ōmokoroa Library – I will bring it back before the holidays finish, but I just want to turn the pages one more time. Godwit Random House, New Zealand 2014.

You can read more re views by Rosemary at www.artbop.co.nz

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A Baxter Family Christmas

By Karen Kingsbury

Five Carat Soul

By James McBride

That which does not kill us makes us stronger

By Matthew Farrell

and out of the water in the harbour a few times.

From the tried and true circuit staples such as push-ups, and crunches, through to the no-pain-no-gain feeling of squats and lunges, and onto a variety of exercises I had never tried before - it was varied, challenging to everyone taking part on their own personal level, and downright fun. New friends motivate you to keep going, not just with the workout you are currently doing, but also with regard to turning up to the next session.

It helps to have a professional encouraging you to push your boundaries. And when we pushed ourselves it didn’t kill us. It just made us a little stronger, and fitter, each time. Thanks, Karla.

hat quote is attributed to the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche.

I doubt he was talking about fitness workouts in Ōmokoroa and Te Puna, but he may as well have been. It came as something as a surprise to me, when after about 12 years of no exercise and plenty of pies, I was told not to worry so much about just my weight.

Instead, personal trainer Karla Bremner of Activ8 Fitness prefers to focus on strength and cardio improvement. This means exercising becomes more comfortable, and recovery times faster.

It also means I didn’t stress too much about ordering a sticky pudding after a celebration burger at the Black Sheep Bar & Grill last month.

More than 30 people signed up for Karla’s latest eight week Boot Camp in the great outdoors. Between workouts at Western Avenue Sports Ground in Ōmokoroa to the Minden Stairs and the Quarry Park, she had us jogging the parts of the new cycleway and in Karla Bremner putting us through our paces at Western Ave.

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Local since 1984

Day of the Caesars

By Simon Scarrow

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Looking forward to learning through play in 2018 ere’s to 2018, Happy New Year to the community and welcome to all our new families and friends. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you are enjoying summer.

2017 was a great year here at Minnows but what a fantastically busy time we have planned for this year!

We now have our mudpit garden which the children are loving - it’s great to see them working as a team, problem-solving and having fun. Recent research has shown that playing in mother earth has a positive effect on the body and mind. In short, playing in mud makes you happy.

Whale Sharks group (Minnows transition to school programme for four-year-olds) will be extending the learning they have been doing, looking at self-confidence, feelings and emotions and what makes us unique and different to our friends (eye, hair colour, what we like etc.) During this time we will be taking the younger children on walks to Cooney Reserve, learning action songs with them and talking about friendship and what makes a good friend.

We will also continue our regular trips with the children to Mainly Music and Story Time at the Library, taking plenty of walks in our wonderful community as well as providing swimming lessons for over 3’s* (*conditions apply).

We will be looking at the ‘Loose Parts’ theory. Loose parts are open-ended materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials with many possibilities that can be used alone

H

Great teamwork in the mudpit garden.

or combined with other materials.

Minnows Kindergarten is Ōmokoroa’s longest running quality early childhood centre next to Cooney Reserve in Ōmokoroa Village. We provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for children aged 0 5 with flexible hours, small numbers, low student to teacher ratios and an innovative teaching programme.

We are open 7.30 to 5.30 Monday to Friday inclusive of school holidays. Call in and see us anytime to see how we can help prepare your child for future learning with confidence. 3 Margaret Drive, phone 07 5482040, email minnows@xtra.co.nz or visit: www.minnowskindergarten.co.nz “Where kids can be kids.”

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Learning about what makes us all unique.

SPACE students graduate at Ōmokoroa Playcentre PACE at Ōmokoroa Playcentre has recently finished another successful programme, with a celebration for all the families who attended over the last year and a ‘graduation’ ceremony for the babies. ‘SPACE for you and your baby’ has been running throughout the Western Bay Playcentres for the last 10 years and is proving to be a hugely beneficial opportunity for new mums in the local area.

“It is an awesome programme” said

S

Vicki Bradley, one of Ōmokoroa’s SPACE facilitators, along with Emjay Cole. “The first 12 months of becoming a parent is such a huge life adjustment. SPACE gives new parents the chance to come together, connect with like-minded parents, and talk about all things baby.

We love watching the babies and the parents grow throughout the year. Just giving them the confidence and empowerment they need to be the best parent they can be is really important.

We often have parents returning with their second and even third babies, which is fantastic.”

Sessions run for 2-3 hours on a Wednesday morning and involve music and movement, a discussion topic (sometimes with a guest speaker), social time and often a craft activity. Our qualified facilitators share their collective knowledge and experience with the group, and parents are encouraged to share their own parenting experiences and questions to help support each other too. It’s such a great way to meet other new mums and make new friends in your community, especially if you’re new to the area.

We are now taking registrations for next year’s SPACE programme so if you have a baby born between October 2017

and January 2018, simply visit www.facebook.com/spacewbop and follow the link to book online and secure your place. Or phone Ruth on 07 570 0085 or email ruth.wboppa@xtra.co.nz to find out more.

If you’re a family with kids under 6 we’d love you to visit sometime in the new year – you’re welcome to drop in anytime during our session times. We look forward to meeting lots of new faces in the year ahead. Ōmokoroa Playcentre is located behind Settlers Hall, 334 Ōmokoroa Rd, and is open from 9am–12pm Mon, Thurs, Fri (during school terms). For more information, phone 07 548 1343 or email omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz See you soon!

Article supplied.

Te Puna Kindy well supported t was lovely to see our community come together for a wonderful Christmas Market before we closed on 20th December. A big thank you to our parents and everyone who supported our kindergarten. We do feel very lucky to have such a supportive community.

Happy New Year to everyone! We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

We start back on Monday 22nd January.

We are currently open for enrolments.

Please feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are a rural kindergarten based on Minden

I

The 2017 SPACE parents and babies at their graduation – check out the babies’ personalised caps!

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| Lizard News | January 2018

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Come and experience Te Puna Community Kindergarten. It has a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Please feel free to come and visit us at 45 Minden Road, Te Puna, or contact us for any enquiries on 552 5736.

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Digging the great outdoors

By Matthew Farrell aving a go on a mechanical digger has been one of many early highlights shared with children by the new owners of Songbird Early Childhood Centre. Dan and Rebecca Hesson took over the former First Steps Aongetete in September after moving to Ōmokoroa from Auckland.

“Big thanks to Shane MacDonald, one of our parents, for bringing the digger in in late November and spending time helping everyone have a go. Our children are fascinated with machinery, roadworks, construction and diggers. What a

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Jackson the kunekune paying a visit last month.

The Kārewa Cruise

By John Budden – Sailing Convenor ix yachts lined up at Panepane Wharf for the start of the second cruise to Kārewa, only this time we were to finish at D mark off Ōmokoroa Point.

The weather was a little overcast with clouds massing on the Kaimais and rumours of possible rain or thunder, but there was a fresh breeze from the North West and as a result a lumpy sea all the way to the island. Low tide at 12.43 gave us a swift current in the entry out past B buoy.

Piccaninny was first away but soon overhauled by Rozie, Wayleggo and Sophie Rose, while These Days and Black Soo (the Miller’s other yacht) followed the leaders. At B buoy the breeze allowed the yachts to set a course for the Rock as it was to be passed to starboard, it became a bit of a hard slog.

Rozie revelled in the conditions and took an unassailable lead and was first round followed by Wayleggo, Sophie Rose then Black Soo, having made up considerable ground on Piccaninny, and finally These Days.

The run back to the entry was much like the last cruise with the lead three boats keeping their places. Piccaninny managed to pass Black Soo, and that was the finishing order; however, the never say die attitude held good as Sophie Rose was nipping at the heels of Wayleggo

S

Dates for your diary

neat hands-on learning experience for the children,” says Dan. “We are loving the move to the area.

Our children Spencer and Lily have now settled in nicely at Ōmokoroa Point School,” he says.

Rebecca, a fully qualified ECE teacher, is teaching at Songbird alongside the current long-term staff.

Dan, who has an IT and corporate background, is working on the admin side behind the scenes.

“Songbird is unique and we are working hard to ensure the continued good reputation of the centre,” says Rebecca.

In the past three months, Songbird has had visits from Eunice the lamb, some chickens and Jackson the kunekune pig.

Children have planted a herb and vege garden, learned about bees, made cupcakes, and enjoyed messy play as well as new outdoor climbing equipment.

Otis Elwood (5) has a turn on the digger.

The children were excited to see the digger arriving.

Unique style of acoustic Hendrix fter seeing in the New Year at the Wondergarden in Auckland, Paul Ubana Jones is travelling New Zealand singing at intimate venues on both sides of Cook Strait. His tenth and final show of the month will be at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club where music lovers will hear the blues, rock, folk and jazz influences that have merged to form a unique contemporary style. Jones been likened to an “acoustic Jimi Hendrix” and brings mixed genres to his songwriting.

A guitarist from a young age, the British/Nigerian Paul Ubana Jones stud-

A A picture from the finish line earlier in December. PHOTO: Diogo D’Ajuda.

and at the tail These Days pushed Black Soo hard to the finish.

Well done all crews for a very fast event where the backmarkers took handicap honours but nothing has stopped Rozie taking out the first half of the summer series. If only we could get Diogo to give up Chris and Keith, we could have two more yachts out!

We also welcomed Bruce to the Club sailing and hope his Carpenter 30, Aventurer will be out in the New Year.

A very Happy New Year to all you sailors and your families.

Details of the Dinghy sail will be given shortly as tides are not cooperating over the New Year.

ied guitar, cello and composition before travelling the world playing and developing his musical style. He moved to New Zealand in the late 1980s and has made it his home, although he still tours internationally. In a recent Fairfax media interview, he stated that “The passion to tour, play and write remains as strong as ever”. Paul Ubana Jones will perform at Ōmokoroa Boat Club on the Saturday of Auckland Anniversary weekend, the 27th of January, from 8 pm. Tickets are available from the bar at $25 for members, $30 non-members.

January 9th:

Trustpower Photographic Competition closes. Enter at www.downtowntauranga.co.nz January 13th: Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival 11am-6pm at Uretara Domain. $25 gate sales.

January 14th: Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 9 am-noon.

For information, call Brian Burford 548 0933.

January 19th: Thank Whaka Its Friday. Whakamārama Hall 6 pm - 9 pm.

January 28th: Affordable Art & Artisan Fair. Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Plummers Point Road. 11 am - 3 pm.

January 29th: Junction Coffee & Chat. Ōmokoroa Community Church.

11am.

January 29th: Auckland Anniversary Day. February 10th: Wander Dogs, Cooney Reserve, Ōmokoroa.

Meet at 10am.

February 10th: All White on the Night. From 6 pm. Venue: notified onl the day. Contact Alison Badger thebadgers@xtra.co.nz or 548 1544.

Aongatete, Ōmokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna, Whakamārama – we’d love to share your events.

Email your details to matthew@lizardnews.net and they’ll appear here and on our website.

January 2018 | Lizard News |

25

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Looking back in January

3.

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5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Which NZ research station was opened on January 20, 1957?

What was the name of the first European settler ship to arrive in Petone on January 22, 1840?

Who set a new world record running the mile in January 1962?

Create as many words of 4 letters or more, using the letters once only and always including the letter in the middle of the wheel. There is one 8 letter word.

Which city hosted the 1974 Commonweath Games?

Whose arrival is commemorated by Auckland Anniversary Day?

STR8TS

SUDOKU Tough

Born on New Year’s Day 1873, what was Margaret Cruickshank’s claim to fame?

8 1

What was the subject of protests at the 1970 visit of US Vice-President Spiro Agnew?

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4 9

1 8 2 5 7 6 2

1

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Can you figure out these two rebuses?

Who sang the back-to-back No 1 hits ‘Jezebel’ and ‘Montego Bay’ in the summer of 1980?

Easy

7

6

7 5 9

1

9

10. Who was the commander of the Astrolabe, the first vessel which to navigate the Marlborough Sounds in 1827?

6 1 2

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

3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

4 9 7 1

5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

© 2018 Syndicated Puzzles

2.

Lit for the first time on January 1, 1859, what was notable about the Wellington Harbour lighthouse, Pencarrow Head?

© 2018 Syndicated Puzzles

1.

7 3 2

To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Omokoroa Tide Chart January 2018 1 Mon Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

1:28 7:46 13:57 20:05

2 Tue 0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

B

0.0 1.9 0.2 1.9

3:20 9:41 15:52 22:00

B

S 4:49 R 19:32 17 Wed 2:55 9:20 15:24 21:28

2:25 8:45 14:56 21:03

3 Wed

0.3 1.8 0.4 1.7

G

R 6:03 S 20:35

0.0 2.0 0.1 1.9

B

S 5:47 R 20:37 18 Thu 3:37 10:01 16:07 22:10

4 Thu

0.2 1.8 0.4 1.7

G

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.7

G

R 6:56 S 21:16

R 7:51 S 21:53

*Not for navigational purposes

-0.1 2.0 0.1 2.0

5:05 11:28 17:39 23:48

B

S 6:52 R 21:36 19 Fri 4:18 10:41 16:48 22:50

4:13 10:35 16:46 22:55

5 Fri 0.0 2.1 0.1 1.9

B

S 8:02 R 22:26 20 Sat 4:58 11:18 17:30 23:29

6 Sat

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.7

R 8:48 S 22:27

5:56 0.0 12:20 2.0 18:31 0.1

0:41 6:46 13:11 19:22

B

S 9:12 R 23:10 21 Sun 5:39 0.2 11:56 1.8 18:11 0.3

G

7 Sun

G

1:34 7:37 14:02 20:13

1.7 0.2 1.8 0.3

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.7 0.2 1.8 0.3

1:35 7:49 14:01 20:24

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R 10:44 S 23:31

1.9 0.1 1.9 0.2

R 11:44

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

G

S 0:02 R 12:45

www.ofu.co.nz

omokoroa Proud to Support

Our Community 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa.

Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days.

Phone 281 1577.

26

| Lizard News | January 2018

Owned and operated by locals

2:27 8:29 14:54 21:04

10 Wed 1.8 0.2 1.9 0.2

G

R 0:23 S 12:30 24 Wed

23 Tue 0:51 7:03 13:17 19:37

9 Tue

B

S 11:27

G

R 9:45 S 23:00

1.9 0.0 2.0 0.1

B

S 10:21 R 23:48 22 Mon 0:09 6:20 12:36 18:53

8 Mon

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

G

R 0:55 S 13:31 25 Thu 2:23 8:38 14:48 21:14

3:21 9:21 15:45 21:56

11 Thu

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.2

G

S 0:35 R 13:49

1.7 0.4 1.8 0.3

F

R 1:27 S 14:30 26 Fri 3:16 9:31 15:40 22:07

4:16 10:15 16:37 22:48

12 Fri

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.2

G

S 1:10 R 14:54

1.7 0.4 1.7 0.3

F

R 1:58 S 15:27 27 Sat 4:14 10:29 16:37 23:05

5:12 11:11 17:28 23:41

13 Sat

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.2

G

S 1:49 R 16:01

R 2:31 S 16:24 28 Sun 5:16 1.8 11:31 0.3 17:39 1.8 G

S 2:35 R 17:09

14 Sun

6:07 1.7 12:06 0.5 18:19 1.7

B

0.3 1.7 0.5 1.7

F

R 3:07 S 17:19 29 Mon 0:04 6:21 12:35 18:42

0:32 6:59 13:00 19:10

15 Mon

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.8

G

S 3:28 R 18:15

0.3 1.7 0.4 1.7

0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

B

S 4:28 R 19:16

R 4:27 S 19:03 31 Wed 2:03 8:25 14:36 20:45

2:10 8:36 14:39 20:44

0.3 1.8 0.4 1.7

G

F

R 3:45 S 18:12 30 Tue 1:04 7:25 13:37 19:45

1:22 7:49 13:51 19:58

16 Tue

R 5:13 S 19:51

0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

B

S 5:35 R 20:11

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

lizardnews.net

Young entrepreneurs go MAD about digital witching on young people’s IT brain is the aim of an initiative by the Venture Centre that’s proving popular in Western Bay secondary schools.

Make-A-Dent, known as ‘MAD’ Ventures, taps into entrepreneurs and digitally skilled people in the community and brings them together with secondary school pupils to turn pupils’ ideas into reality.

MAD is an initiative that coordinates youth programmes and workshops as part of the region’s Digital Enablement Project (DEP).

Venture Centre Co-Founder and Director, Jo Allum, says young people can access real-world expertise from role models, mentors, coaches and facilitators of learning outside the school curriculum and school hours.

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MAD Ventures joins up multiple learning opportunities such as Codebrite (coding workshops), Mashup (a series of three events) and the region’s Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) which encourages young people to start their own business.

Venture Centre is holding a free, two-hour introduction to code (computer programming) for young people aged 8 to 13. It is at Katikati College on Thursday the 25th of January 2018 from 1 pm to 3 pm, and is run in collaboration with the Katikati Community Centre.

To register, go to: www.businessaxis.nz/ltctasterktkt Article supplied.

All White on the Night Mystery venue for pop-up fundraiser

Lizard Classifieds SERVICES

SERVICES

Amore Omokoroa

Ease Pain and Discomfort with Bowen Therapy

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

Are you suffering from Neck, Shoulder or Knee pain, Sciatica, Tennis Elbow, RSI, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue or any other discomfort?

Bowen Therapy offers a gentle and effective hands-on treatment.

Cooking Classes and Personal Chef services.

Contact Alessandra 548 2453/021 183 5591

Plasterer / Painter Remedial; Interior painting/plastering; Skims; Cove repairs.

30 years’ experience.

Contact Duncan: 548 2453 022 038 7782

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

House Cleaning Like a helping hand to clean your home?

Now open locally!

• Feel better • Relieve stress • Ease pain Offering 30, 45, or 60 minute Sports, Therapeutic, or Relaxation massage

Call or text Robyn on 027 202 7282 Do you suffer from panic attacks or anxiety, or know somebody who does?

I've helped hundreds of people like you to cure their anxiety or panic attacks in only one session.

Andrea Van Klei Phone or Text 021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz

Painter

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he holiday season can be challenging for many people - a change in routine, larger groups of people at work or family gatherings, or it could be the opposite - a time when friends and neighbours are away leaving some feeling isolated and alone.

Junction Coffee & Chat will go ahead on Monday the 29th of January. It is Auckland Anniversary public holiday which offers a chance for those who have been unable to come along previously to attend.

There’s a possibility the sessions may be moved to an evening in the autumn if this will allow a greater number of people the option of popping in, but for now, we will be at Ōmokoroa Community Church from 11 am-noon. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please do come along for a chat.

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

Kymberley Carter-Paige Rapid Transformation Therapist AMHNZ, AAAH

027 538 3777 PUBLIC

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

Election Declaration Notice

Call Aaron

Board of Trustees' Election Declaration of Parent Election Results

on 027 441 7296 or aaronhook82@gmail.com painting . plastering . finishing

Animal Health Care Is your Animal in Pain, having Skin, Eye, Ear problems, Arthritis, Epilepsy, Anxiety or just unwell? Homeopathy and Bowen Therapy offer safe and effective treatments supporting your animal back to health.

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

Quiz answers 1. NZ’s only female lighthouse keeper, Mary Bennett.

2. Scott Base, Antarctica.

3. The New Zealand Company’s Aurora.

4. Peter Snell.

5. Christchurch.

6. Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson.

7. The first registered female doctor in NZ. 8. The Vietnam War. 9. Jon Stevens.

10. French explorer d’Urville.

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poncho or umbrella.

This is the third All White on the Night fundraiser to be held in the Ōmokoroa area. Proceeds from the first event contributed to the funds for Assistance Dog NZ Lobo. The 2018 evening, like the event that took place in 2017, will go to support the new sports pavilion on the Western Avenue Sports Ground.

Table leaders gather friends and relatives to join in. On the day, participants arrive at a pre-arranged meeting point with their table, chairs, and picnic materials, and then make their way to the secret location, which is notified to the table leader at the last minute. They take all of their belongings with them at the end of the night, including leftovers and rubbish, and they leave the site as clean as it was upon arrival.

All guests must dress elegantly in head-to-toe white. Originality is always encouraged, as long as it is stylish and tasteful. A folding-table and white chairs; a picnic basket or bag including a gourmet meal, a white tablecloth and cloth-napkins, cutlery, dishware, and glassware; and a garbage bag.

For more information, and to register your group, please contact Alison Badger on 548 1544 or email thebadgers@xtra.co.nz

Western Ave pavilion, Ōmokoroa.

Fun classes, all ages.

Three weeks free trial for newcomers.

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

Tai chi.

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

Contact Sonja: 027 548 1960 TENNIS

MONDAY MORNINGS ladies interclub

(Registered Massage Therapist)

ust like its international cousin, Diner en Blanc, the local community “All White on the Night” is a rain or shine event bringing a ‘pop-up’ dining experience to a public venue. The presence of each guest is necessary and mandatory, regardless of the weather. In case of rain, guests must remember to bring a white or transparent raincoat,

TAEKWONDO & SELF DEFENCE

Join our club in Te Puna for tennis and fun social activities

*Gift vouchers available*

An all-white al fresco dining experience. But what is the secret venue this year? PHOTO: Neil Badger.

COMMUNITY

Parent representatives votes: Veronica PEERS – 56 Votes Richard APANUI – 52 Votes Alana RAPSON – 32 Votes Alan CRESSWELL – 26 Votes Nicholas deMAY – 7 votes There were 0 Invalid Votes I hereby declare the following duly elected.

Veronica PEERS Richard APANUI Signed, Jim Boyes Returning Officer for OMOKOROA POINT SCHOOL 7th December 2017

TUESDAY MORNINGS vets, all ages welcome WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (winter) – casual doubles WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (summer) – twilight teams THURSDAY EVENINGS ladies tennis aerobics LATE SUMMER TOURNAMENTS doubles & singles Access to courts at other times.

New members welcome!

Call Dallas: 021 663 100

Learn to play ukulele in three easy one-hour group lessons. $45. Venue in Ōmokoroa; ukuleles provided.

From January 8th.

Tutoring also available in reading, writing, and maths for 5 to 10-yearolds. Phone Kathleen: 021 230 9819.

CAMPER HIRE

• Volkswagon LT46 2006 • 2.5L Turbo Diesel 5-speed. 7-metres.

• Reversing camera • Originally 6-berth • 3rd bed swapped for leather seats • Sleeps 4; but only 2 seat belts for open road • Campsite plug-in & solar charge house batteries/inverter • $200/day • Longer package deals.

Matt: 027 340 3150

NOTICES

Puzzle Solutions

Word Search Solution

WANTED

Picture frames with an A4 aperture.

Metal, plastic or wood.

With or without mats.

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

January 2018 | Lizard News |

27

lizardnews.net

Two-storey classrooms may save OPS playing fields

By Matthew Farrell he principal and Board of Trustees of Ōmokoroa Point School are excited at having convinced the Ministry of Education to allow them to custom build possible two-storey classrooms.

Last April, approximately $1.2m was earmarked for three new classrooms at the school on Hamurana Road, but the Ministry preferred transportable socalled “modular” buildings.

Principal Vicki Knell was concerned this would mean the permanent loss of green space and set about exploring other options for teaching space.

“This process is taking longer than we’d anticipated, but the Board has been working very hard to ensure we get the best outcome, to retain as much green space as possible - even with the addition of more classrooms,” she says.

“We’re now in a design and build process, which will give us the opportunity to create classrooms that fit our school rather than the Ministry’s relocatable option. We are hopeful that we may have new classrooms by the end of 2018,” says Vicki.

Outgoing BoT chair Liz Farrell says the Board has spent considerable time and energy in planning and meeting with Ministry of Education staff to progress the project.

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“There is still quite a bit of work to do, to develop the best teaching spaces we can achieve. The Board will ensure the impact on our environment is minimised, and the learning opportunities and outcomes are maximised,” she says.

Liz Farrell and Shaun Vickers completed their terms on the BoT last month and didn’t seek re-election. They are replaced by Richard Apanui and Veronica Peers. Existing trustee Greig Neilson is the new chair, alongside Melanie Weir and James Heyder.

In a written response to questions posed by Lizard News, Minister of Education Chris Hipkins says modular buildings could have been in place by mid-2018.

“However, the Principal and Board of Trustees have undertaken their own research and have strong views about specific solutions. This includes the desire for a two-storey option in a location that minimises any impact on the playing fields,” says Mr Hipkins.

Vicki Knell says a custom build will allow for the integration of the hot water bore heating and for the creation of spaces where children can gather, perform and learn collaboratively.

A draft longer-term concept design for the distant future suggests potentially eight additional classrooms, but for now, the school and Ministry expect a roll of about 300 pupils by 2020.

Winning light display

By Matthew Farrell

he unanimous winners of the inaugural Let’s Light Up Ōmokoroa competition were Chris and Karen Moore of 5 Greystone Place.

It was indeed a “wow” factor to turn into the road in Lynley Park on judging night, where several neighbours had gone to a lot of effort to be one of the best-dressed streets for Christmas lights on the peninsula.

“Well done guys, the photos do not do justice to the job you have done,” says Ron Shanks of Harcourts Advantage Realty.

The second prize went to Kevin and Jan Lipinski of 84 Harbour View Road.

“Their family played a big part in get-

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ting their house decorated, as Kevin is no longer able to climb the ladder,” says Ron’s wife and real estate partner Pat. The third prize went to Warren and Leizl East of 91 Hamurana Road.

There were several noteworthy mentions on McDonnell Street, The Esplanade, Walnut Grove, Ruamoana Place and Ōmokoroa Road - but you have to be in it to win it, and some fantastic displays were not entered into the competition this year.

The three winners receive Visa Prezzy Cards worth $300, $200 and $100 respectively.

Thanks to everyone who got into the spirit of Christmas and decorated their house and gardens for everyone to enjoy.

A 1956 Chevrolet Belair playing Christmas tunes was the centrepiece of the display at 5 Greystone Place, which lit up every side of the property.

We'd like to say a big thank you for all the wonderful entries this year.

Congratulations to the Visa Prezzy Card winners of Let's Light Up Omokoroa.

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1

We're already looking forward to next year's entries.

Chris & Karen Moore

Ron & Pat Shanks | Marketing Consultants F 0800 766 728 M 021 956 270 (Ron) | M 021 804 463 (Pat) ron.patshanks@harcourts.co.nz www.ronandpatshanks.harcourts.co.nz Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

3rd

2nd Kevin & Jan Lipinski

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| Lizard News | January 2018

Warren & Leizl East