Lizard News July 2018

Lizard News JULY 2018

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AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

By John Budden Guardian of the Ducks

Nice weather for ducks

here was quite a lot of quacking as 200 Englefield bathroom ducks were let loose for the 8th annual sweepstake-style “Running of the Ducks” at Ōmokoroa Boat Club.

As the 22 kph ‘breeze’ and tide swept the yellow mass closer to the Club, at least six ducks broke into the lead.

The nominated RIB collected the first four, while 196

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were netted and brought home.

The winners were: 1st No 104 Ann Bostock, 2nd No 143 Mike Van Klei, 3rd No 106 Richard Mason, 4th No 54 Callie Breen.

Thanks to all our supporters and congratulations to the winning ‘duck owners’. After deducting prize money, half of the proceeds from the ‘sale’ of the ducks go to the Boat Club and the other half to Ōmokoroa Point School.

We held the duck race on the same day and same

course as the Club’s yearly rowing races for men, ladies and juniors to ensure family interest.

Every dollar helps in any activity, but the Club fully supports the junior sailing group as a community project. There is no charge for Club members’ children to learn to sail. Non-adults can join as a junior member for $30 per annum for tuition and use of the Club’s sailing dinghies. The fleet consists of nine Optimists, three Vikings and five Sunbursts. Main photo: Ducks crossing the finish line, by Robbie Banks.

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SH2 speed limit review

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Ōmokoroa Road he articles and letters previously reported in the Lizard News (May P15, June P4) regarding vehicle tyres which have either been punctured or damaged beyond repair during the reconstruction of Ōmokoroa Road, need to be addressed.

I have also become aware of windscreens which have been damaged by stones thrown up by trucks during construction of this road.

I believe that the owners of these vehicles are entitled to compensation for any damage which has been sustained based on the following principle: If another person crashes into your vehicle causing damage, then the driver of that vehicle is liable for the cost of any repairs.

Dependent on the seriousness of the crash, particularly if there are injuries, the Police would be called, and charges could be laid against the offending driver.

A local tyre dealer and an automotive workshop who have been dealing with these tyres have commented that the gauge of the metal being used by the contractors on Ōmokoroa Road was too large, with sharp edges.

So accordingly, liability for any such damage caused to a vehicle clearly lies with: The Western Bay of Plenty District Council who are responsible for the planning, development, and funding of the road using ratepayers’ money; and Downer and J Swap who have been contracted by the Council to build the road.

As usual, the Council would appear to be refusing to accept any liability or responsibility.

Kevin Goddard, Ōmokoroa.

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Editor’s note: Lizard News approached the District Council several days in advance of publication to offer the opportunity to comment. No comment was received on the subject of vehicle damage on Ōmokoroa Road on this occasion. We will gladly publish any Council response/s received in July to balance the ledger in August - Matthew.

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On budget, on time Professional & reliable Call-outs Fault finding & repairs Rewiring & renovations Alterations & extensions Rural work/pumps

s residents of Ōmokoroa for 18 years, we wholeheartedly support the suggestions made by Bob Lax in the June issue of Lizard News for temporary measures to help reduce fatalities and accidents on State highway 2 between Katikati and Tauranga. Mr Lax, being the retired Police Superintendent of the South Yorkshire Policing, Road Policing division, and having spent most of his 33 years in the force in the Traffic Division, is eminently qualified to comment on the state of this highway.

He is entirely correct in stating that a four-lane highway on this route will take years to build, ten years would not be far wrong, based on the time it has historically taken to build roads in the Bay of Plenty. It is imperative that this new highway is built but how many more fatalities will occur on this road in the meantime with the continual build-up of traffic on this route? Being recognised as the most dangerous highway in New Zealand, it needs to have different safety measures in place now.

His two suggestions below make perfect sense and could be implemented in a short space of time.

Ask the appropriate authority to reduce the speed limits at and on the approach to the accident black spots, and place speed detection cameras at each of these locations and enforce the speed limits rigorously 24/7. Undoubtedly this will have a dramatic effect on reducing the casualty figure and to hell with the moaners and groaners who complain. As Mr Lax states, the only people who would object to the speed cameras are the very people who don’t comply with the existing rules of the road. It is only when you have family members killed in

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Reduce the maximum speed of logging trucks to 80 kph. Loaded logging trucks are a real menace on the roads. Travelling back from Tauranga hospital to Ōmokoroa at 3 am last night, we were tailgated by a fully loaded logging truck and trailer unit doing well over his 90k limit. Speed cameras would pick up these offenders easily and give a wakeup call to the companies who employ these drivers.

Tina & Wayne Butler, Ōmokoroa.

Pavilion support ear Matthew and Liz, on behalf of the Ōmokoroa Sport and Recreation Society, I would like to thank Lizard News for supporting our recent Bingo Night. The evening went really well with around 100 people attending. Feedback was that it was a great, fun night. The total funds raised were $2100.

These community fundraisers are important to show the major funders we are applying to, that the community is behind the new pavilion project. Kind regards, Andrea Willoughby, Secretary, OSRS.

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Reader photos Editor’s note: Thanks to Robbie Banks for a cracking photograph this month, worthy of the front page, we thought. We should also have given a specific mention to Andrew McWilliam for last month’s Anzac Day front page photo. This was the second year Andrew has kindly shared his photos with us including many of those in our June centrefold. We also have proof that lizards do indeed read Lizard News.

The quick-thinking Jackie Toohey took this photo. Keep the letters and photos coming - Matthew.

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Investigation after house fire

By Matthew Farrell

olice have been working with the fire service to investigate the cause of a fatal house fire in Ōmokoroa last month.

Officers were called to an address on Bramley Drive at the request of the Fire Service at 4.42 am on Tuesday 5th June.

Three days later, after family members had been informed, Detective Sergeant

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Darryl Brazier told us Inge Provoost had been living alone at the address. The house was described as having been “severely affected” by the blaze.

Following the post-mortem examination, Detective Sergeant Brazier said Police could only confirm that the 54-year-old had died as a result of being in the house at the time of the fire.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

Check smoke alarms “now, not soon”

By Liz Farrell ichaela Woolridge of Ōmokoroa credits smoke alarms for saving her life. At around 2 am on Monday 18th June, she woke to the sound of her smoke alarm and up to a metre of smoke in the hallway of her Hamurana Road home.

“Within minutes - and I mean minutes - I could barely breathe in the house.

Luckily everyone in the house got out, including the mutt, but one of us had to be checked out at the hospital from inhalation of toxic fumes,” says Michaela.

A health and safety specialist, Michaela has posted her experience on Facebook, purely to raise awareness. She wants to tell her story, so it encourages people to

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check their smoke alarms.

“Please share with your family and friends. Without those alarms, it would have been RIP Michaela. Check them now, because ‘soon’ might be too late.”

Michaela says a member of staff at Fresh Choice has told her that the day after the fire, at least four people bought smoke alarms from the supermarket.

It was the second house fire in Ōmokoroa in quick succession, following a fatal fire in Bramley Drive earlier in the month. Michaela praised the local Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade, saying, “Much love to you guys and your families. Thank you for your service, OVFB. You people are all living angels with fire masks.”

The scene on Bramley Drive from a distance, on the morning of the fire.

OVFB monthly report

By Ian Blunt his report is from the 25th May to 20 June, beginning with a student trapped in a tree at Pahoia School on the 25th May. In the heavy rain of 3rd June, the Brigade responded to three flooding calls, one of which was to assist Katikati, then on 5th June, the crew attended a major house fire in Bramley Drive. Unfortunately, there was a fatality at this incident.

On 18th June, a bedroom fire in Hamurana Road was quickly extinguished by the Brigade. Three smoke alarms installed upstairs saved the occupants. The person who tried to extinguish the fire suffered smoke inhalation. It is recommended that you do not attempt to extinguish flames, especially when the fire is very toxic and heavily smoke laden.

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Keep windows and doors shut to help starve the fire of fuel.

The First Responders responded to the Pahoia School incident on the 25th and then on 28th May to someone with chest pains in Beach Grove. On 30th May they assisted a distressed patient in Margaret Drive, then an unconscious patient in Greystone Place on 1st June.

First Responders accompanied the Brigade to the Bramley Drive incident and later the same day helped a patient with abdominal pain on Anderley Avenue. 15th and 17th June saw two calls in quick succession to the Esplanade, one for an allergic reaction and the other patient who had dizzy spells.

Again the team assisted the Brigade on 18th June at the house fire on Hamurana to treat the patient with smoke inhalation.

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Coins add up for causes The SH2 waiting game

By Matthew Farrell mokoroa Point School is one of the latest to benefit from loose change donated by shoppers at Fresh Choice, to the tune of $150.

The supermarket’s owner/operator, Steve Ling, says the coins placed in collection boxes at the checkouts add up over time.

“It’s customer-funded; ten cents here and there. It’s a good vehicle for community groups to use to fundraise easily for their various needs. We want to share this opportunity around, to help as many people as possible. We can fit groups into a schedule.”

The plastic boxes have space for a

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postcard-sized backing, to show what people are giving towards.

“While cash is less commonly used now than it used to be and only accounts for about ten per cent of our trading these days, this is an example of how a little money can make a difference.

These things fill up pretty quickly, and $150 is still a reasonable amount to come from not a lot of effort,” says Steve.

Principal Vicki Knell says the money will go towards a play-based learning project at the school.

A covered area is planned outside Rooms 1 and 2, so children can spill out of the junior classrooms in different weather conditions.

L-R: A Motuhoa house captain, Ryan Vickers accepts the cheque from Steve Ling along with a Kaimai house captain, Thomas Presland.

By Andrew Hollis hen I started the Fix the BLOODY Road campaign, I had no idea what was involved.

Now, I realise that community engagement is not as simple as it seemed. Nor is influencing the groups responsible for making decisions about such things as spending on roads.

It turns out the easy part is aligning a community towards a goal, especially around a very emotive issue. That part happened very quickly after I invited a small select group to meet at Top Shot Bar in Te Puna which turned out to be sizeable unruly rabble baying for immediate action including, but not limited to, tearing trenches across SH2.

Things calmed down as information was gathered and the list of people and organisations that needed to be influenced grew. It turned out 18 committees were involved in the decisions to 4-lane the road from Takatimu Drive to Francis Road, plus the other little bits and pieces needed. We needed to follow the process so the phrase “but you had the opportunity” would never be uttered.

Our group influenced the community to stay calm and lobby the government through the submission process. The first to hear our submissions was the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Proudly, the community voice was extraordinarily loud and direct with 1,800 written submissions, and 300 verbal presentations heard to let the BoPRC know in no uncertain terms that the community wanted the road turned into a four-lane with a

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SH2’s daily congestion through Te Puna.

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

median, at least to Ōmokoroa. It was a remarkable three day period, followed by our community lobbying Central Government through submissions to the GPS. Now the slow bit. We started in February, before submissions in April and again in May, with formal decisions coming back to the community in June and BoPRC giving its “final” priorities to the NZTA for the Agency’s deliberations ending in August.

We now have to wait to see what this final committee has to say about the safety and protection of our community.

It’s a long time to stay focused and keep people waiting. Do our government and their agencies care enough about our community to build the safest road we can, to prevent locals from being killed and severely injured going about their daily business? In my opinion, and especially when compared to when the road was first requested in 1995, it is an inordinate amount of time.

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Prevent tool theft

By Paul Wrigley Community Constable f you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, gardener or arborist or any other trade which requires tools, this is for you. If you are not, but you own tools or have a garden shed, here are some tips for you also to ensure your tools are not stolen. Firstly, engrave your tools with your driver licence number. Police are routinely searching known burglars homes, and we find tools that are suspicious but not proven to be stolen. A simple search on an engraved licence number not only helps locate the owner but also means we can charge the suspect with theft immediately.

Secondly, google “SNAP”, the Police approved website for recording your valuables including serial numbers and photographs. Also review your locks on

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sheds, vehicle canopies, tint your van windows and check car alarm systems.

Losing a day’s productivity out of your business while you go around buying more tools can easily be worth the investment, it will reduce your insurance costs and can be accounted for as business expenses and will give you peace of mind. There are some great locking and alarm systems out there in a competitive security market.

Simple things like not leaving tools on building sites overnight, installing CCTV or security lighting on your driveway or simply parking your trade vehicle off the road all reduce the risk of theft. Finally, tools are a hot commodity but remember, the Police monitor secondhand dealers’ shops, so they won’t buy tools etched with driver licence numbers that the seller can’t account for.

Beaches for everyone

By Lisa Coulson ccess to community coastal areas for recreation such as dog walking, horse riding, freedom camping, boating and fishing makes our community special. It’s a right that can be balanced with the needs of everyone in the community.

Recreational riders in the Bay of Plenty have set up a second Facebook page ‘Why I love riding at Tuapiro’ telling our story, explaining why banning horses from Tuapiro Point would be such a loss to the community.

We are concerned that this is part of a bigger picture that will affect other activities carried out at Tuapiro, and other coastal areas of New Zealand.

A relationship of reciprocity between

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iwi and the broader community is important, and we recognise the cultural value of this area. We are very keen to understand more about the concerns other groups may have regarding horse access to Tuapiro - and to collectively work to address these concerns in a way that protects the natural environment and respects the cultural heritage, without disallowing any sector of the community from accessing this much loved and valued location.

We are asking the community to support us by submitting to the District Council opposing this ban. If you have any questions on this issue, please contact me through Facebook and see our initial page named Recreational Horse Riders BOP.

A mum’s story

By Sarah Elliott y 9-year-old daughter Riley suffers from anxiety. She finds all sorts of things more challenging than a typical child would. Going to school is a daily challenge, attending birthday parties, going to pretty much any event without mum being there to support her. Riley has developed issues with hills (driving in the car, on the farm bike, and horse riding) and is too scared to ride on any hilly areas now. Tuapiro has been a beautiful place to ride - she feels safe and can challenge herself to trot her pony while I ride too. It makes my heart so happy to ride with her.

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Riley enjoying a ride at Tuapiro Point with mum.

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The early bird catches the discount

By Simone Rose egistrations are now open for the 4th annual Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge taking place on Sunday 11th November. Visit our website to secure your entry and help support two very worthwhile causes. 100% of profits will be donated to the Tauranga Community Foodbank and Waihī Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

There are scenic walk and run routes for all fitness levels (or lack of!) with options to suit 1 to 100 years old - and we even welcome your pooches.

Need extra incentive to register? Then consider the following: Early Bird pricing is on offer for registrations made before 31st July 2018; The first 300 adults and 100 kids receive an unbelievable goodie bag; Last year’s event sold out early leaving many disappointed people; Extravagant prizes on offer! (get a taster below); Businesses are catered to with a special Corporate Challenge deal (great for team building); Experience Ōmokoroa stunning scenery along our various walk & run routes; Incredible offers from our friends at Health Quarters including membership & personal training discounts, reduced rates on their huge array of services

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(physio, massage, acupuncture, in-depth health checks & more), FREE seminars on run plans, injury prevention & other topics to help you achieve your fitness goals.

The prizes (with even more to come) include: A Go Pro for one lucky Under 18-year-old, drawn at random (courtesy of First National); a Tongariro Crossing Package for two which includes two nights’ accommodation, transfers to and from the Crossing, and dinner on the night of the Crossing (courtesy of Ōwhango Adventures*); Whanganui River Self-Guided Canoe package for two which includes three nights’ accommodation (1 night before the trip and then two on the river), canoes and all gear, plus drop off and pick up (courtesy of Ōwhango Adventures*).

What are you waiting for? Head to runrunrun.co.nz and book your spot. *Ōwhango Adventures is based near Taumaranui and licensed by the Department of Conservation to operate on the Whanganui River. Owned and operated by locals, they have a wealth of experience navigating both the Tongariro Crossing and the Whanganui River. For more information www.canoewhanganuiriver.com.

Galaxy aim for the stars

Janine Parker of kit sponsors First National Ōmokoroa meets the Galaxy U10 Girls and their coaches Cale Taiapa (left) and Enoka Ngatai (right).

omen’s football worldwide is increasing in popularity, and for the first time, Ōmokoroa Football Club has been able to field a team in the WAIBOP girls-only U10 competition.

A club spokesman, Ben Bell, says while girls have been a constant on the field for Ōmokoroa teams in recent years, having a team in a girls specific competition does feel special.

“In a way, we were stepping into new territory for our little club, and while the committee was obviously quite excited to get this underway, we weren’t sure of numbers and interest from the community.

“In the end, we had a great response from players and parents, and under the enthusiastic coaching of Cale Taiapa, the Ōmokoroa Galaxy have had a great start to the season,” says Ben.

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Keeping girls playing football has always been a struggle for the club.

“We see a lot of girls taking part in our club’s Minis programme (ages 4-7), but then leave to play other sports, often because playing mixed age grade football can be a little daunting. Having a girlsonly team offers some of these players a reason to continue with the game,” adds Ben. Overall, Ōmokoroa FC’s 2018 season has started well. As well as some great results on the field, the club was lucky to secure further kit sponsorship from First National Ōmokoroa - who were particularly interested in the performance of the Ōmokoroa Galaxy U10 Girls Team. First National’s Janine Parker took in the Galaxy’s recent game against Ōtūmoetai FC, and thoroughly enjoyed the girl’s performance. Article supplied.

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Controversial road through Domain suggested

By Matthew Farrell

here was a mixed reaction, yet also some constructive debate, at a community workshop to discuss possibilities for developing Ōmokoroa Domain, the boat ramp and Esplanade in the next three years.

The District Council has the unenviable responsibility of ensuring the area caters for growth and multiple uses, while retaining the character, greenery and natural foreshore environment.

Sixteen community representatives met Council staff and consultants last month to consider various options.

A so-called one-way “spine road” to join the boat and camper parking to the turning circle by the toilet block was a point of robust debate.

The possibility of additional permanent parking was-

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n’t welcomed by Esplanade residents Tom and Janet Barratt, who said total capacity was only reached on half a dozen peak days annually.

Many of the participants agreed there was a problem

Ōmokoroa Domain and boat ramp. PHOTO: WBoPDC.

with very long-term parking of cars near the boat ramp and said a solution was needed for Matakana ferry users.

Other suggestions from attendees included expanding the boat ramp to two lanes, upgrading the picnic and barbeque area, improved toilets, playground facilities and signage.

Safety was a significant factor concerning children near the proposed spine road, the need for a walkway from the Boat Club to the Beach Store, and swimmer safety near the pontoon. Seasonal restriction or relocation of freedom campers was also discussed, as was improving winter drainage of the Domain.

Concerned residents of The Esplanade were assured at June’s Community Board meeting that full public consultation would take place with open days in July.

Skate path well loved

By Matthew Farrell estern Bay mayor Garry Webber says security cameras have not been included in the budget for the Western Avenue skate path playground upgrades.

“The short answer is no from a Council perspective.

The main reason being that it is really a Police matter, and they do not have the staff to monitor the outputs,” says Garry.

The District Council and its contractor were praised for acting quickly to remove unwelcome tagging from the community-driven skate path in May. It was the third time there had been painting related vandalism in two years. On both previous occasions, paint splashes and spray graffiti were also professionally removed. There was a very large if a little mixed reaction on social media, to a photo posted initially on the Ōmokoroa Buy Sell Swap Noticeboard page.

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The vast majority of commenters seemed to feel the tagging reflected a tiny minority. From my point of view, I told the Bay of Plenty Times I felt Ōmokoroa has an exceptionally welcoming community spirit.

People move here to be a part of what is a real neighbourhood. We hope newcomers want to volunteer and contribute socially as the skate path and pavilion committees do.

Anonymously tagging a community-driven kids’ skate path is vandalism, not a valuable contribution. I was glad to see the majority of social media comments condemning this act.

Some Facebook users labelled the tagging cowardly.

Unfortunately, the story spread from Facebook to SunLive, the BoP Times, Stuff and Newshub. However, we believe widespread disappointment at the vandalism of a children’s park says more about the community of Ōmokoroa than a little paint does.

A Downer contractor, Harry Stoddart of Whakamārama, restored the surface with a sanding power tool and repainted a clear coat sealant.

July 2018 | Lizard News |

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News in brief...

Waihī camp charge An investigation by Police into allegations relating to a Labour Party summer camp at Waihī has led to a man being arrested.

The 20-year-old was bailed to appear in the Auckland District Court on Thursday 5th July on four charges of indecent assault.

With the matter before the court, police were making no further comment.

New slips at Kauri Point Following heavy rain in early June, further slips have been discovered at Kauri Point Historic Reserve. The District Council has been arranging for assessments by geotechnical engineers.

Part of the roadway to the jetty was lost in April last year, in a 20-metre slip near the end of Chelmsford Street. The same area has been showing signs of instability.

Locals are being asked to keep clear of the road, and cliff top edges on the reserve.

Hārata sought Tauranga Police have been asking for information on the whereabouts of 30year-old Hārata Kiwi. She was sought on a warrant to arrest for failing to appear in Tauranga District Court and was described as actively avoiding Police.

Hārata Kiwi was thought likely to be in

the Western Bay of Plenty. People can call Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Murray “much loved” The principal of Ōmokoroa Point School says local identity Murray Moon was “much loved”.

He co-owned the Ōmokoroa Beach Store for many years before retiring.

Vicki Knell says Murray was the father and grandfather of children who now attend or have attended OPS, and many past students started their part-time working lives at the Beach Store. His funeral was held last month.

Katikati hub named The new multi-purpose Council building in Katikati is to be named ‘The Centre - Pātuki Manawa’.

This means ‘the beating heart’ in Māori. The hub facility began construction last September and is due to be officially opened at a community event in late August. Community feedback last year showed mixed support for a name only in Te Reo. The Katikati Community Board recommended the joint names.

Too busy?

Don’t have time for the dentist?

Ōpōtiki set for macrons Ōpōtiki District Council voted last month to correct its official spelling with macrons through Land Information New Zealand.

The small dash identifies longer vowel sounds which change the meaning of words in Te Reo. There won’t be a legal requirement for business and groups to change their name. Agencies such as NZTA would alter signs as part of their regular renewal or damage replacement programme.

Toll road bridged The $1.6 million cycleway bridge over the Tākitimu Drive toll road was due to open as we went to press, connecting Bethlehem and Gate Pā for walkers and cyclists.

The span of the 72-metre, 200-tonne bridge was delivered to the site in two separate pieces and welded together before being lifted into place.

Turning to worms Reducing household waste to landfill is within reach with worm composting.

The Council is subsidising the next workshop at Waihī Beach Community Centre on Saturday 8th September. It’s described as perfect for beginners or those needing a refresher on their knowledge. Western Bay residents can

get a worm farm bin, worms, lime and compost worth more than $250 for just $31.50.

Top idea from Lions Here’s some joined up thinking from the Lions Club in Ōmokoroa, to benefit Kidney Kids NZ - and it’s an easy win for everyone.

A bin for wine bottle tops has been placed next to the green glass skip at the Fresh Choice supermarket. The tops are supposed to be kept out of the glass, which is ideal as the Lions collect them as a fundraiser.

Set up in 1990, Kidney Kids is a parent-driven not for profit organisation which currently helps the families of approximately 500 children with kidney disorders.

Ōmokoroa Baptist Youth If you have a son or daughter who would be interested in a youth group, you may like to know that there is one at the Settlers’ Hall during term time.

It has been run by Ōmokoroa Peninsula Baptist Church for about a year for Year 7 (age 11+) upwards.

Come along on Friday evenings from 7 pm - 9 pm for some fun and games, and meet new friends with Ōmokoroa Baptist Youth.

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New forestry rules help manage environmental effects orestry rules have been streamlined across the country in a move to make things clearer for those who work in the industry. The new rules, set by the Ministry for Primary Industries, apply to any forest of at least one hectare that has been planted specifically for commercial purposes and will be harvested. Bay of Plenty contributes 40% of the total national harvest.

Consent Manager Reuben Fraser says local forestry and wood processing industries form a significant part of the local economy and the single set of regulations are a good move.

“If not managed properly, the impact from harvesting forestry can be devastating to the environment. By simplifying the legislative landscape we are making the rules easier to understand,” says Mr Fraser.

The new rules cover eight core activi-

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ties associated with plantation forestry such as harvesting, earthworks and river crossings as well as associated activities such as dust, noise and slash traps. A feature of these rules that will be new to foresters is that for some permitted forestry activities, they now need to let Council know where and when they are carrying out this activity.

Conditions that manage potential effects on the environment need to be complied with. Where it isn’t possible to manage these effects or comply with the conditions – for example, the site is at high risk of erosion and needs greater controls – the activity requires resource consent.

For more information on these rules and how to give Council notice of your permitted activity check out www.boprc.govt.nz/forestry Article supplied.

Return to the rustic rural romance

By Heather Reynolds

e offered our services to “farm sit” our nephew’s remote backcountry spread of 3000 acres while he went overseas – turns out he spent time recuperating after a quad bike accident. There are possibly thousands of sheep and a hundred or so beef, but the vastness keeps them from view.

We did a tally of twelve horses and seven working dogs.

On arrival, we note the fissures in the road have healed following the Seddon earthquakes. We’re 45 minutes inland off the State Highway 1 on a single lane metal road. There’s a notice firmly stuck to the front door “CAN BE USED” – although the utilities have not been checked. The chimney is fixed, the piles have moved, the woolshed repaired. The candles, BBQ gas, water and lots of tinned food and freezer full indicate we are prepared and quake-safe.

Our first night had us shaken awake when a couple of reasonable tremors came through. It’s a full moon of course!

The source of mouse droppings was at the top of our list next day. Yep – there it is – tipping the gladwrap roll, out he tumbled, skimming my face, down inside

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my shirt. He hit the floor running, leaving me startled and screeching but ready for the chase. It’s getting cold outside so traps are set in the oven warming drawer, pantry and under the bed. Total caught: 4.

We’re isolated. The nearest neighbours are several kilometres away. No air, noise or light pollution. The bee hums and fly buzzes are heard from a distance. The forty quail strut across the tennis court lawn. Plover screech and a lonely cock pheasant calls to his mate. Friendly fantails peep peep peep as they flit from flax to feast. The pair of paradise ducks, partnered for life, squawk and honk in the paddock. Other birdsong fills the day.

Galloping hooves race around nearby having their daily exercise.

High overhead aircraft slip across the brilliant blue skies leaving their vapour trail. Any approaching vehicle has the dogs on high alert.

There’s domestics to do, gates to fix, water works to attend to – those skills gained from another life come seeping back – yes this is how it’s done. We’re also aware that any personal mishap is not easily fixed as the doctor and hospital are over an hour away. Self-reliant, self-help, self-supporting.

Daily care of seven working dogs takes time, including cutting down their steaks from the carcass of a cattle beast in the killing shed. Meat hanging for a time

takes on an odour that has you breathing through your mouth, not your nose. One lot accompanied by nice, juicy maggots.

More rural ruminations next month.

Student insight into horticulture ver 125 secondary school students from across the Bay of Plenty took part in this year’s ‘Cultivate Your Career’ event, which had a focus on multi-faceted innovation in the horticulture sector. Horticulture is New Zealand’s fourth largest primary industry, with an export revenue increasing steadily each year to a projected $5.4 billion in 2018. ‘Cultivate Your Career’ showcases the wide range of career opportunities available in the horticulture sector, particularly those high-level roles that require scientific, technical and commercial expertise.

Katy McGinity, chair of Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower Upskilling Inc, says “The Bay of Plenty region is home to a multitude of world-class innovative businesses, and as an industry, we want to

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showcase this and the career opportunities available to our young people on their back doorstep.” This year the students took a bus tour to visit innovative local companies such as Robotics Plus, Tūhono Whenua Horticulture and Port of Tauranga, accompanied by horticulture industry ambassadors who talked about their careers and answered questions. The group also received a presentation from Zespri and participated in activities with the ‘Kiwi Leaders’ programme developed by Te Awanui Huka Pak. Priority One’s Instep programme supports ‘Cultivate Your Career’ each year by helping facilitate the attendance of students from secondary schools across the Western Bay sub-region.

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Rats and mice too common

By Matthew Carter and Hayley Adams e have been learning about rats, mice and other pests and we have been setting up tracking cards to see what pests we have in our school. So far, we have found mouse, rat and insect prints which show us that we need more traps around our school to help protect the native birds & insects in our area. We have learnt that there are three types of rats in NZ: ship, Norway and kiore. All three species do damage to our native wildlife and forests. Here is how you tell the difference.

The Norway rat is different from the ship rat in that the tail, which is about 18 cm long, is thick and shorter than the body, which is about 20 cm long, and its ear doesn’t reach the eye when pressed forward.

The ship rat is the most commonly found rat in New Zealand and is the smaller of the two European rat species.

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It has a tail that is longer than its body, and ears that cover the eyes when pressed forward.

Kiore is the Māori name for the Pacific or Polynesian rat. An adult kiore is approximately 4 cm shorter than an adult ship rat but looks very similar, and the two species are often confused. The tail of a kiore is shorter than the body. Kiore are unique because of their association with the migration of Polynesians throughout the Pacific, and their cultural and spiritual values to some iwi.

Matthew and Hayley are Wild About NZ students at Whakamārama School.

Students identifying footprints on the “trakka” cards.

Club champs concluded

By Jeff Warren ou’ll be happy to know the two new courts are now in use in daylight hours (no floodlights yet). Instead of an open day, anyone is welcome to turn up on a Saturday between 3 pm and 5 pm and have a go if they are thinking of taking up the noble art.

Our club champs have just concluded and the results are as follows: ladies singles A champ Sureshot Simone Jenkins; ladies B champ Chantal ‘I have a fresh choice of shots’ Ling. Men’s singles A champ Aiden ‘you certainly have been’ Dunn; men’s B champ Nigel ‘spin to win’ Schwartz. Ladies doubles champs Simone and ‘lucky shot’ Liz Megchelse.

Men’s doubles A champs Andrew ‘the beast from the’ Easton and sadly Keith ‘lucky bounce’ Bardwell; men’s doubles B champs Stevie ‘wonder’ Wall and sadly Ian ‘the reverend with the racquet’ Pittendreigh. Mixed doubles A champs, un-

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Matthew and Hayley, learning about rats.

SHOW HOME

fortunately, Keith LB Bardwell and Simone; and mixed doubles B champs Gail ‘force 10’ Singleton and thoroughly well deserved Jeff ‘the panther’ Warren!

We are currently trying to organise one evening a week of tennis fitness/coaching for all abilities. If you are interested, could you please call me (Jeff) on 021 1099 668. Non-members are more than welcome. We also held our AGM/awards night at the Boat Club on Tuesday 12th June. All went well; many thanks to the Boat Club. The evening got underway with the junior awards and certificates. Many thanks to Bay Turf for the prizes. There was an excellent turn out of students with Jackson Currie our coach. They have been a great group. Many achieved an 80+% attendance record over the 16 sessions of coaching, plus some would turn up on Tuesday afternoons. That’s about it for this month. Happy tennising everyone.

Jackson Currie with the tennis students who received certificates and awards.

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Puketoki Reserve report Cross country season

By Adrian Brackenbury riends of Puketoki have been taking their winter break and will resume trapping in late July.

We are awaiting signage for two recently found large trees, and, once available, will be placed so that everyone can locate and admire them.

Some of the Friends of Puketoki have been active for ten or more years and are on the move, so we are hoping for others to take their place. All the strenuous work has been done, and now the essential maintenance work must be kept up.

If anybody is interested in joining the group, we meet every second Thursday, starting 26th July. Some members unable to commit to a weekday do their run on the weekend, but still enjoy the friendly gatherings during the year.

So, if you enjoy a walk in the woods, why not fit in a bait run as well? Support will be given. For further information, please phone John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards on 552 6222.

t’s been a month of cross country action with the Small Schools cluster for Years 4 to 8 the first out of the blocks on Thursday 7th June at Whakamārama School. The event was followed a week later by the Juniors and North Cluster Schools events at the same location.

The Tall Poppies competitors ran in the Western Bay Of Plenty Champs on the 20th.

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Thanks go to all families and caregivers who provided transport to the events.

The Bay of Plenty Championships, which had been scheduled to go ahead on Tuesday 26th June at Kaharoa, was postponed until the 28th. Hamurana Road and Kaharoa Avenue in Ōmokoroa are named after the areas north of Rotorua.

Rata vine, growing up a recently-found rimu tree.

Gone, where’s the wind?

By John Budden he winter series is living up to its name. Last time out, we had too much wind but were relatively warm. On Sunday 10th June, we had almost no wind and were chilled by the lack of activity!

Nevertheless, six hardy skippers and crews signed on for the event. They were Sophie Rose, last time’s winner, with Against All Odds, These Days, Wayleggo, Wild Thoughts and Daylight Robbery.

Given the lack of wind, it was agreed to motor down to West 10, the Western Channel mark off Rangiwaea, and then “sail” home before high tide at 5.00 pm.

We started at 1.31 pm, and it was quite a sight, six yachts on a mirror calm harbour all looking for a breeze, trying to avoid each other and the marks.

Against All Odds took the lead and very slowly edged up the channel with the tide doing all the work. Sophie Rose came next with Daylight Robbery sneaking along in her wake, on the Wairoa bank Wild Thoughts flew her kite and was moving well while Wayleggo and These Days were having private conversations. Chappy was sailing single

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handed and may have become lonely.

As we neared Te Puna, Sophie Rose, Daylight Robbery and Wild Thoughts had passed Against All Odds, and Wayleggo, flying her kite, also slipped by.

Moving between the sandbar and Motuhoa there was a big wind hole, so Against All Odds managed to pick up a breeze and the pace and nipped at Wayleggo’s heels. These Days had run out of wind, and as it was nearly 4.00 pm, Chappy pulled the plug and headed home.

Meantime the leaders were heading for the first starboard mark off Motuhoa before the run to the finish at D. Against All Odds had held her breeze and was driving down tide to the mark, as Wild Thoughts then Sophie Rose and Daylight Robbery turned for home.

As the breeze faded again, Wild Thoughts finished 1st at 4.13.10, Sophie Rose was 2nd at 4.16.10, Daylight Robbery was 3rd at 4.22.10, Against All Odds 4th at 4.25.50 and Wayleggo was 5th at 4.36.20.

Well done everyone for sticking to it and getting home before high tide and dark. Also to Chappy for sticking it out alone except for the A.P.

The Year 4 Boys of the Small Schools cluster, opening the season at Whakamārama. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

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The Blade needs volunteers The “Blade” car park - named after an old logging blade that used to sit on the mound to the right of the roadway in, removed by scrap-metal people some years ago. A replacement recently arrived.

By Colin Hewens

t is Volunteers Week as I write this, so I have made that our theme. Our volunteers are wonderful folk, whose love for the bush and NZ fauna, gives them the heart to commit to regularly joining together to look after our nearest piece of native bush, accessed at the end of Whakamārama Road.

The volunteers at our Pest Free Zone in the Kaimai-Mamaku State Forest Park have reached the halfway point to the full implementation of their extension activities.

More than two years ago, the dream was a 100 Ha zone around the Blade Loop track, now renamed as the Pā Kererū Track, which is being developed by the residents’ group, Whakamārama Community Inc. Funding for this venture has come from the Regional Council, with track development and trapping gear supported by the District Council and BayTrust grants.

For the first year, eight 1,500m lines of manually operated possum traps and a 1km line of automatic gas traps were set up. This - combined with bait stations

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safely giving an anticoagulant toxin to the rodents - saw a mostly pest free zone maintained, helping the native bird population to increase. Thanks to our core of a dozen or so volunteers, 258 possums were killed, with 23 rats as by-catch, plus around seven possible stoats.

As our second year began, the vision expanded to take in a larger area to add some of the higher plateau country west of our initial area. We planned to go to 300 Ha, giving us a pest free zone, which would be a significant area of biodiversity protection, where more could be done to re-introduce bird species that have been absent for a while. These could include kiwi, kōkako and kaka.

The second year saw the total possum toll grow to 683. Rat deaths, with the gradual installation of around 200 individual boxed rat traps, climbed to 540, mostly over the last three months.

Twenty stoat traps were also set out on two tramping tracks going west and south, at 200m spacings, which have killed around 60 rats and one stoat, although gas traps may have killed more stoats. Larger predators sometimes remove bodies before we see them.

At this stage, we have around 15 kilo-

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metres of additional tracks yet to set out.

Adding about 100 possum and 200 rat traps would complete our aim of protecting 300 Ha of native bush, plants and animals from destructive pests. We are more than halfway to this objective.

We are not going to be able to advance this ambitious Pest Free 2050 effort much further without more volunteers.

Can you help?

Our existing volunteers are stretched to the max. As we add new lines, we would like to have two new volunteers to look after each.

Although we usually go in as a group, to check traps on Friday afternoons, others do their lines on weekends. We can train up volunteers; then they can handle their assigned lines at any time. What is involved? You may ask. The lines are marked and cleared for you. The terrain is interesting, but not too challenging. A reasonable level of fitness is required, with suitable footwear. The anticoagu-

lant is rodent-specific and is safe when handled with the provided gloves. High vis vests, gloves and traps are all provided. It takes average ability and two to three hours to complete the work there.

Current volunteers are aged from 10 (as part of a family team) to 78, of all abilities. We do have one in his late eighties who does trap maintenance work in his shed. You will not be overextended.

Currently, we also have weekend working bees to establish new lines once a month. The last was on June 17th from 10 am to 3 pm, with a picnic lunch half way through. We had a team of eight, one of whom was new, and has joined the overall team. We set up line 15 and then cleared the southern half of line 16 on our way out.

Our next working bee is likely to be either 15th or 22nd of July, depending on the weather.

Call 552 6771, text 022 3155 646 or email col.hewens@orcon.net.nz

Research reveals the top seven reasons why patients don’t like seeing the dentist. Let’s look at them more closely and dispel some common myths and misconceptions.

Reason #5: I can’t find the time

ife can get busy. Just when we think we have enough on our plates to deal with, we find that more gets piled on.

It is very easy to forget about our teeth, especially if there is no problem we are aware of.

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At Omokoroa Dental Surgery we understand this as we, too, experience the lack of time in our own lives. Once you enter our practice after having found a free car park right in front of the building you will immediately notice the relaxed atmosphere. Also, getting an appointment at 6pm on a

Tuesday that suits even a busy working person is possible.

We don’t rush, and yet we have a run-on-time policy. We won’t let you wait because we know that your time is valuable too.

We constantly optimise our procedures and invest in new technology to make our treatments faster and more comfortable. And we strive to complete treatment plans in the least number of visits possible.

Where there’s a will to see the dentist, we’ll find a way to fit you in and not waste your time.

This column is brought to you by Omokoroa Dental Surgery.

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| Lizard News | July 2018

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Your choices, your responsibility

By Matthew Farrell he speaker at a recent Waste Free Homes seminar in Ōmokoroa says there were great questions, discussion and feedback from the 30 or so attendees.

Kate Meads says the most important thing for people to learn is that ultimately we are each individually responsible for the waste situation.

“It is the businesses that continue producing waste - and the consumer who buys it and takes it home - therefore we have a never-ending pile of rubbish

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to be dealt with.

“The most effective way to make a difference is to Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and then Recycle if possible,” says Kate.

A sample pack given to each member of the audience contained items such as reusable produce bags and food pouches ideal for stock, yoghurt or soup.

There was also a bamboo toothbrush in recyclable packaging, a washable cloth menstrual pad, a stainless steel drinking straw, and a cotton/beeswax cloth to replace Glad wrap.

Kate Meads says the workshop went well and the feedback was excellent. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

Small steps, big picture for waste-free homes

By Kate Meads e are at a critical crossroads when it comes to the planet, the environment and sustainability.

We are known as clean, green New Zealand, but sadly the latest statistics on the amount of waste we are producing collectively as a country, tells a different story. New Zealand is a beautiful country that people from around the world come to visit. But at a rapid rate, our waste consumption figures are skyrocketing.

But there is hope on the horizon, and we have the opportunity to rectify this together.

Many people look at the environmental issues we are facing and feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Some of that reasoning is because we have come to the point of thinking that unless everyone does everything, we may as well do nothing.

I have a different way of looking at things. I believe if we all stop worrying about doing everything and we all do at

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least one thing every day, the changes will be massive. Imagine if 4.5 million people used just one less piece of packaging tomorrow, then 4.5 million pieces of packaging would not be consumed in one day.

There are many small changes we can make, one thing at a time that will make a real difference. Let me explain a few simple changes: Reduce or eliminate plastic bag use

We didn’t need plastic bags before, and we don’t need them now. I used to justify my use of plastic bags because I used them as bin liners but once you have visited a landfill and seen the plastic bags floating around, or watched a few videos on the whales and turtles dying because they eat the plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish I changed my behaviour. We don’t need to line our bins because if you are only sending to landfill the stuff that should be going there your bin should be clean. Solution: Take your own bags where ever you go, especially to the su-

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permarket. Take the time to look for less packaged items to purchase, i.e. unwrapped fruit and vegetables.

Reduce plastic wrap

If you wrap one sandwich in plastic wrap every day when you go to work, you will go through around 75 meters of plastic wrap per year per person. Again we never used to need the plastic wrap.

We used to use sandwich paper to wrap a sandwich, and we used to use a plate over the top of a plate to cover our leftovers or when reheating food. Solution: Try some beeswax wraps to wrap a sandwich in and also to cover the end of your cheese, it will keep your sandwiches moist and prevent the end of your cheese from going dry.

Use a reusable coffee cup

We are currently looking for solutions to the ‘new’ take away coffee cup phenomenon. Again we never used to need them, but with our busy lives, they have

become a daily norm for many people.

There must be hundreds of thousands of them used in a single day in New Zealand, and there is nowhere for them to go but to the landfill.

They are a single-use item that is going to landfill for a small about of hot liquid consumed in a timely fashion. Previously we were fully capable of reusing and washing a cup out, but now we buy and throw. Solution: Get yourself a reusable takeaway cup and personally prevent hundreds of cups from going to landfill every year. Or leave ten mins early and take some time to yourself to enjoy a coffee in a washable cup.

I can go on for hours on small insignificant changes we can all make to leave this place better for our future generations, but the fact is it only takes one small change in your personal behaviour to make a difference. Fixing this place is possible if we all make a little daily effort. If we all take care of the small things the big things will look after themselves.

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Matahui students learn value of teamwork

By Sharlene Reay

n 23rd May, Leo Holley, Henrietta Davenport, Bridget McGirr and Hugo Bruning proudly represented Matahui School at the first round of the EPRO8 challenge, which, this year, was held in Katikati. They had every reason to feel proud, as we are, of their achievement - because they won the event. According to the judge who scored the EPRO8 Challenge, the scores reached by the top eight teams at the Katikati event were so high, that they would have scored in the top three at any of the other events held thus far. Wow! The team proceeded to the semi-finals on 21st June. It was an outstanding team achievement, so I interviewed the stu-

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dents to see if the adage is, in fact, true.

Read on.

What made you all want to be on this team?

“It seemed like it would be fun, especially as you get the chance to invent and experiment with making things like robots and other mechanical devices.”

How did the team prepare for the challenge?

(Initial burst of hearty laughter). “Actually, we didn’t really prepare which didn’t worry us – except Bridget. We probably should have, because we would have been able to save time because we would have had a better understanding of how to wire things up. We also wasted time constructing some framing as we didn’t recognise the importance of using

triangles in the construction phase.”

Given you didn’t prepare as well as you might have, why do you think you were so successful in the end?

“We worked so well as a team. Everyone was good at something different, so we were able to divide up tasks and shared the responsibility of completing each challenge we faced. We listened to each other without criticising. We collaborated and co-operated, probably better than some of the other teams.”

When you learned you had won, what emotions did you experience?

“A whole range – happiness; excitement; surprise and delight.”

No. 1 dance moves

By Christine Radford

ur hip-hop dance crew N.G.U. placed first in the Intermediate section of “Project” dance competitions in Tauranga. N.G.U. (Never Give Up) was inspired and in memory of our much loved and missed teacher, Leanne Thompson, who sadly passed away in January 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Her mantra is one we hold close to our hearts.

We are so proud of N.G.U. achievements in a very tough competition. They now ready themselves with more practices to compete as a crew in the Aims Games coming up later in the year. A huge thank you to Urban Dance and Brooke for their training and support, Megs Ryan for being the manager, parents for their commitment and of course our dancers for all their hard work.

On Wednesday 13th June, Ōmokoroa No. 1 School performed at Baycourt Theatre as part of the Fresh Moves Dance

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Winning Matahui team, L-R: Leo Holley, Henrietta Davenport, Hugo Bruning and Bridget McGirr.

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PEN !

Where will this success take you next?

“We will be heading to the semi-finals, and if we do well there, then it will be on to the finals.”

What do you think you learned from this experience?

“We need to do some preparation this time so that we are more organised. We found out that we need to spend a little more time planning before we launch into creating and making.”

And, we learned the value of effective teamwork.

So, there you have it. There is no ‘I’ in team, certainly not if you are in a Year 7/8 Matahui School EPRO8 team.

Festival. Fresh Moves is non-competitive and allows kids of all abilities and ages to take part. The one thing everyone has in common is their love of dance.

Our performance was themed ‘Weather With You’ (after the Crowded House song), and our focus was on showing the weather map and the changing weather patterns that can occur. It finished with reference to climate change and the uncertainty of weather in the future.

The kids, who had been creating, practising, reviewing and changing their group dances for just over three months, performed wonderfully. Indeed, the panel of experts, who gave feedback at the end of the dance, was very impressed. We were awarded an excellence certificate for inventive choreography.

Congratulations also go to our Jump Jam team for placing third in the very tough Regional Championships at Pāpāmoa College. Great dancing, great teamwork, great effort.

Open for enrolments The Garden is beautifully and thoughtfully set up with natural and recycled materials to create a home away from home for children aged 3 months to 6 years.

High Teacher: Child Ratio.

Open 7:30am to 6pm.

Situated in easy access to State Highway 2.

Locally owned and operated.

Real grass, real trees and lots of space to explore.

No. 1 students on stage at Baycourt for Fresh Moves Dance Festival.

Local since 1984

• 33 years in the trade locally • Callouts, gas fitting, maintenance • Alterations, bathrooms, extensions, kitchens, advice • Trustworthy, reliable, honest

Now accepting enrolments for 2018

Visit us and see the difference!

7a Prole Road • 07 548 2036 www.thegarden.co.nz • info@thegarden.co.nz

14

| Lizard News | July 2018

Brent Maclean 0274 996 317 or 07 548 0206

lizardnews.net

Todd Talk: Taking the politics out of climate change

Farms, food and waste

By Angie Warren-Clark Labour list MP These three connected things have been occupying a bit of my time over the past month.

Last month I visited Pukekauri Farm in Katikati where I learnt all about the incredible sustainable farm management practises Rick and Jan have introduced.

They have done riparian planting on marginal land, retired former grazing land and boosted dry matter production on the remaining land by two tonnes per hectare, resulting in liveweight gains and profitability increases.

Whilst walking across the paddock at Pukekauri I was reminded of the many environmentally friendly and sustainable initiatives in this year’s budget. One such initiative is an extra $15 million over the next four years for the sustainable farming fund to help more farms follow in Pukekauri’s footsteps.

Along with visiting the farm, I also made my yearly pilgrimage to Fieldays over at Mystery Creek. It was awesome to see the many varied products that we

manufacture, and the incredible new innovations being rolled out across the agricultural sector.

However, one part of the productive sector which is less often talked about is food waste. Did you know that every year 122,547 tonnes of food goes straight to the dump? This is all food that could have been eaten! I have visited a few food rescue organisations around the country who are making small inroads into the huge amount of food that is wasted every year, these organisations deliver food to community groups and those in need. There is much more that is needed to be done in this space.

And finally, did you know that it’s plastic-free July? We are all encouraged to reduce the amount of plastic we use, something as simple remembering to take your reusable grocery bag to the supermarket every week can make a huge difference to plastic which is wasted. I’m going to be sharing a few tips this month over on my Facebook page at facebook.com/angiewarrenclark so be sure to check it out.

By Todd Muller MP for Bay of Plenty s regular readers you will know I usually reserve this column space for local issues, but this month I want to discuss an important issue that I have been working through in my portfolio as the National Party Climate Change spokesperson – a global issue that impacts all of us.

When Simon Bridges became the Leader of the National Party he promised to focus more on the environment – and for the last few months we have been working hard to do just that.

Climate change is one of the world’s most serious environmental challenges and the National Party is committed to ensuring New Zealand plays its part.

National has always been the party of practical environmentalists and we’ve made good progress on climate change recently - but we need to do more.

Last week Simon outlined how National plans to take the politics out of climate change and work with other parties to establish an independent Climate Change Commission. It builds on the National Party’s promise to work with the Government when we believe it’s acting in the best interests of New Zealand, and hold it to account vigorously when it’s not.

We want to find sensible and practical solutions to climate change that won’t harm our economy or disproportionately drive up the cost of living for New

A

Zealanders. That is why we also set out some core principles that will guide the work we do on climate change: • taking a pragmatic, science-based approach, • utilising innovation and technology, • getting the incentives right to drive long-term change rather than shortterm shocks, • acting as part of a global response, and • considering the wider impacts on the economy, jobs and incomes.

It won’t be easy but if we are all pulling in the same direction we can help ensure that our beautiful natural environment is preserved for generations to come.

I want our grandchildren, and their grandchildren after that, to know that all of us have done what we can to protect the environment.

OMOKOROA

AUTOMOTIVE • • • •

Full mechanical service W.O.F agent and repairs Trailers, small motors MTA assured

Ph/Fax: 548 1976 Mob: 027 233 3857 A/Hrs: 548 0429

Brian & Michelle Kirk 8 Hamurana Road omokoroa.automotive@xtra.co.nz

L-R: Maria Madill, manager of Kiwi Harvest Food Rescue, with Angie. PHOTO: Supplied.

YOUR ONLY LOCAL TYRE & ALIGNMENT EXPERT Quality products and competitive prices for all your tyre needs

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July 2018 | Lizard News |

15

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

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

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Aquaaerobics 9 am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools.

Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Kim on 027 246 8635.

Monday ‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9.30 am. $2. Contact Angela 021 546 946.

Monday Fitness League Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30 am-10.30 am. Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Taekwondo Self Defence Tai Chi and Qigong. Various classes. Sports Pavilion, Western Ave Sports Grounds.

Call 027 548 1960 to check times and availability.

Monday and Tuesday Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowls Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Mondays at 1.30 pm and Tuesdays at 7 pm. All equipment is provided. Call Anne on 548 1636 or Jill on 548 2799.

Monday and Thursday Ōmokoroa Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Church Hall on Monday afternoons and Thursday evenings. call David Luxton on 548 0521.

Monday, Thursday and Friday Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9 am-noon. The first three visits are free.

Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz

Monday Table Tennis at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7 pm-8.30 pm. $3 per

single and $5 per couple. includes supper.

Soft shoes preferred. Contact Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741.

Monday Cards 500 7.15 pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. Phone Andy Smith on 570 6035.

Tuesday Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control mornings from 8 am and afternoons from 1.30 pm.

Contact Shirley on 552 2707.

Tuesday Pahoia Creative Fibre Group Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays from 10 am, and 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call Robyne on 549 5100 or Barbara on 021 144 6329.

Tuesday Ōmokoroa Beach Mahjong Circle 1 pm at Sports Pavilion, Western Avenue. Call Denise on 548 1385.

Tuesday and Thursday Tai Chi 9.30 am10.30 Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Contact Trevor on 022 322 3410.

Wednesday Mainly Music at Ōmokoroa Community Church from 9.15 am ready to start at 9.30 am.

Email office@theocc.org.nz or call 548 2515.

Wednesday and Thursday Te Puna Playcentre 9.15 am-noon. 225 Te Puna Road. Email tepuna@playcentre.org.nz or call 552 5253.

Wednesday Te Puna Scouts 7 pm-9 pm

at Māramatanga Park in Te Puna.

Contact Leaders Simon Penness: simon@coolstore.co.nz or 021 223 3800, Warwick Catto wcatto@ballance.co.nz or 027 433 8421, or Josie Hinkley on josiehinkley@hotmail.com Wednesday Casual Soccer at 7.15 pm at Western Ave Sports Grounds bottom field. Open to everyone over 12 years old.

Call Hamish on 552 6427.

Thursday Ōmokoroa Artists at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 am-noon. Refreshments provided. Contact Jackie on 548 1518 or Karen on 548 1454 or see facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists.

Thursday Whakamārama Community Library opens 9 am-noon. Visit whakalibrary.com or drop in to see our eclectic mix of donated books.

Thursday Whakamārama Playgroup Whakamārama Hall at 9.30 am-noon.

Contact Alison on 552 4246.

Thursday Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea Scouts Slipway (north end of Ōmokoroa Domain) 6.30 pm-8 pm (winter hours).

For more information contact Jane on 022 351 5696.

Thursday Ōmokoroa Songsters Settlers’ Hall during school terms from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. Contact Music Director Richard Francis 548 0046, Communications Jean Taylor 548 2808, Co-ordinator

Heather Reynolds 548 1620.

Thursday and Friday Line Dancing @ Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Thursday beginners 1.30 pm-3 pm. General session Friday 9 am-noon. Call Shirley on 548 1633 (general) or Jean on 548 2808 (beginners).

Friday Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10 am-12.15 pm for $3. Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Barbara Walls on 548 2899.

Friday Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10 am at Ōmokoroa Library.

Caregivers, please stay to accompany your children. Free to attend.

Friday Mingles Over 50s Singles Club Running Bird Cafe at 11 am. Email omokoroa.mingles@xtra.co.nz or just turn up for a coffee.

Friday Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.45 pm. All enquires to Linley on 07 218 7003.

Friday Friends of the Blade 1 pm-4 pm.

Contact Colin Hewens on 552 6771 or via a direct message on the facebook page: Friends of the Blade.

Saturday Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9.30 am-11 am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

$15

Café de

Samedi 14 Juillet L’Hotel du Settlers Rue Omokoroa 18:00 dîner (Saturday 14th July, 6pm)

Event Promotions supports Waipuna Hospice in a unique night run/walk held at one of Tauranga’s hidden jewels – Lake McLaren Falls Park.

A course to remember with tracks running along streams, waterfalls and glow worms.

With 3 different options, (one lap, two laps or three laps) there is an event for everyone! eventpromotions.co.nz/runbeneath-the-stars REGISTER NOW TO SECURE A PLACE.

Cash Bar

French Film

All profits to support OPS Year 7 & 8 school camp Contact Liz Farrell: lizfarrell@xtra.co.nz or 021 06 96657

TODD MULLER

MP FOR BAY OF PLENTY Omokoroa Constituent Clinics:

3rd Monday of the month Feb - Nov 10.00am — 12.00pm Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Road No appointment necessary.

Upcoming clinic dates July 16th | August 20th | September 17th

Saturday 1st September 16

| Lizard News | July 2018

Hot Supper

All enquiries E P

Todd.MullerMP@parliament.govt.nz (07) 542 0505

Authorised by Todd Muller MP, 3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa.

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – JULY Monthly meetings and one-off events

July 1st Dog Registrations due. From 1 August penalties apply. Register at any WBOPDC office or library.

Tuesday 3rd and Friday 6th Junction Coffee & Chat. 6.30-7.30 pm Tuesday, and 11 am-noon Friday at Ōmokoroa Community Church. Peer support mental wellness group held on the first Tuesday evening and first Friday morning of the month. Subsequent meetings are on Friday 3rd and Tuesday 7th August.

Tuesday 3rd and 17th Peggy Purl Knitting Group knitting for vulnerable local kids. The Centre, Hamurana Rd at 10.30 am first and third Tuesday of each month. Contact The Centre on 548 2331.

Wednesday 4th Have a Go Art pastels with Hanneke de Graaf of Ōmokoroa Artists. Starts at 9 am at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. All materials supplied.

Phone Karin on 548 1787 to book.

Wednesday 4th & 18th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9 am-12.30 pm. First and third Wednesday morning of the month.

Visit aongateteforest.org/join Wednesday 4th New Settlers’ Group.

The Centre, 14 Hamurana Road, on the first Wednesday at 1.30 pm.

Thursday 5th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9.30 am. First Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community

Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact Dave on 548 1093 or Margaret on 548 2737.

Friday 6th Whakamārama Kids@Play 2.30 pm-4.30 pm on the first Friday each month. After school community gathering. Bring some afternoon tea to share.

Tea and coffee are available for a gold coin donation.

Friday 6th End of Term 2 Enjoy the school holidays.

Sunday 8th The Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market 9 am - noon Western Ave carpark second Sunday of the month. Contact Barbara Haseltine on 548 2255.

Sunday 8th Waihī Beach Coastguard Open Day from 11 am. Come along and learn what’s involved in becoming a Coastguard volunteer radio operator.

Seaforth Road, Waihī Beach.

Monday 9th Friends of Cooney Reserve working bee the 2nd Monday of the month 9.30 am-noon. Contact Jan on 548 2299 for more information.

Monday 9th Have Your Say on the Draft Reserves and Facilities Bylaw 2018 feedback closes on at 4 pm. Changes proposed are horses on Tuapiro Point, and the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (including drones) on Council owned land.

Tuesday 10th The Women’s Shed 2nd Tuesday at Te Puna Quarry Gallery. 9.30 am-2.30 pm, $15 per person. Contact Kim Cutting at cuttingkim@gmail.com or 021 513 093.

Wednesday 11th Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Club 4 pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117.

Wednesday 11th Alchemy Poetry at the Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Whakamārama from 6 pm-8 pm or thereabouts. Read your own work of that of a published poet. Contact 07 571 8722 or 021 145 5810.

Thursday 12th Community Matching Fund applications close at 4 pm. Application forms and full grant criteria and guidelines are available at the Council website westernbay.govt.nz or from the Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre.

Thursday 12th and 26th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9 am at Beached On Blue cafe. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Saturday 14th French Film Night at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Supper from 6 pm, (sub-titled) film starting at 6.45 pm.

Licenced cash bar. Tickets $15 cash available from Ōmokoroa Point School Office or Liz at Ōmokoroa Library. Email lizfarrell@xtra.co.nz or call 021 069

6657. No door sales due to catering planning.

Tuesday 17th Ōmokoroa Community Board meeting. 7 pm Ōmokoroa Community Church. Agendas and past minutes online at www.westernbay.govt.nz or at Ōmokoroa Library.

Wednesday 18th Katikati Community Board meeting takes place at 7.00 pm at the Katikati Library and Service Centre, Main Road, Katikati.

Friday 20th TECT Elections close today at midday. You can use your postal or online vote - but not both.

Friday 20th Thank Whaka its Friday.

Held on the 3rd Friday monthly, Bring some food and turn up.

Saturday 21st The Lizard Market Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall from 9am-noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Monday 23rd Term 3 begins.

Thursday 26th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.30 am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Jean 548 2239 or Carol on 863 7292.

Thursday 26th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking again every 2nd Thursday from 26th July. Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Contact John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards on 552 6222.

Whakamārama Hall regular events Saturday 21st July Omokoroa Settlers Hall 9.00am - 12.00pm Email: lizardmarket@hotmail.com Facebook: @lizardomokoroa

AUGUST EDITION

News and Advertising deadline Monday 20th July

LIBRARY Thursday 9 am-noon, and every third Friday (TWIF night) from 6:30-8 pm. See www.whakalibrary.com KIDS@PLAY 1st Friday 2.30-4.30 pm. For families with little ones, a chance to socialise and meet locals.

Bring some afternoon tea to share. Coffee and tea for a gold coin donation.

PLAYGROUP Thursday, 9.30 am-noon. A free, no-pressure group for pre-school children. Come and have a cuppa. Let the kids enjoy a fantastic range of toys and the outdoor playground. For more details phone Alison 552 4246.

TWIF Thank Whaka It’s Friday, every 3rd Friday of the month from 6-9 pm. All welcome. Bring your dinner and a bottle or two. An excellent way to meet locals in the community and get to know what’s happening in Whakamārama.

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

Toys for children 0-5 years from as little as 50c for two weeks*

omokoroatoylibrary@hotmail.com

WHAKA EMAILS Colin Hewens informs residents of news in our community including police reports, lost and found animals, items for sale, excess fruit and vegetables, and rentals wanted. If you would like to receive these emails, please contact Colin on col.hewens@orcon.net.nz HALL BOOKINGS Call Debbie Allan, the booking officer, on 552 5141 or email whakahallbookings@outlook.com to hire the hall, chairs and tables at very reasonable rates.

BE PART OF THE VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY! • Contribute to caring for our native forest • Engage with nature • Get fit • Meet local people Join our friendly like-minded team for a 'bush walk with a purpose' (there's always a delicious morning tea too!)

WHEN

9am-12:30pm Wednesdays: 4 July, 18 July, 1 August

WHERE

@ the kohanga top of Wrights Rd, Aongatete

MORE INFO

email: events@aongateteforest.org or call Mary 07 576 5933

Visit our website www.aongateteforest.org/join/ for details including what you need to know and do before joining us in the forest. The website's Volunteer page has updates & weather-related postponements.

AFP is a joint Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust and Forest & Bird project *Annual membership fee applies

July 2018 | Lizard News |

17

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - JULY CONTINUED Monthly meetings and one-off events

Sunday 29th Affordable Art & Artisan Fair 11 am-3 pm last Sunday monthly.

Black Sheep Bar & Grill on Plummers Point Road. To book, contact Birgitt on aaafair17@gmail.com Monday 30th Ōmokoroa Business Women’s Network. Ōmokoroa Preschool on Margaret Drive at 7 pm Contact obwn@fastmail.com

Tuesday 31st Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge Early bird registrations close today for the 11th November event. Visit www.runrunrun.co.nz to take advantage of special pricing.

Wednesday 1st August Have a Go Art watercolour for beginners led by Betty Oaks of Ōmokoroa Artists. 9 am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Phone Karin on 548 1787 to book.

lizardnews.net

Wednesday 1st August Aongatete Forest Project working bee. See listing on page 17 from 4th July.

Wednesday 8th & 15th August Aongatete Forest Project working bee.

See listing on page 17 from 4th July.

Friday 3rd and Tuesday 7th August Junction Coffee & Chat. See listing on page 17 from 3rd July.

Friday 3rd August Whakamārama Kids@Play See listing on page 17 from 6th July.

Thursday 2nd August Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club See listing on page 17 from 5th July.

Wednesday 8th August New Settlers’ Group. See listing on page 17 from 4th July.

Celebrity chefs favour local Lizard ith the clouds clearing and the sun shining, it was another great day for the Lizard Market.

Not only were there over 30 stalls booked, including five newcomers, but the Market had some exciting guests joining them too. After being contacted by Leanne Phillips in the week leading up to the market, the Lizard Market Team could not believe who had just asked to join their stallholders for June. None other than Kasey and Karena, the 2014 Masterchef winners!

Kim Breen, one of the organisers, said “I thought that it was a joke at first. I even replied asking if they were sure they had the right market.” Kasey and Karena had chosen the Lizard Market Ōmokoroa for the vibe, and the close community feel.

The sisters cooked up some yummy smoked pork rewena rolls and also had a chocolate slab with creme fraiche on offer. They were selling and signing their latest cookbooks, ‘For the Love Of’ and

W

‘Hungry’, while also promoting their new culinary experience “The Creation Dinner”, the first of which was held in Rotorua in April.

Karena & Kasey were grateful for having the opportunity to come to Ōmokoroa and spend time with the community.

They said they made the right choice attending the Lizard Market as it gave them the ability to spend quality time talking to people, “it just felt more personal”. The Lizard Market Team were thrilled with the turnout which included lots of new market goers. One customer commented, “what a fantastic little market. There was a great range of products on offer.”

Kasey and Karena may be back later in the year, schedule permitting, so if you missed out on meeting the girls, don’t panic. Follow the Market’s Facebook page @lizardomokoroa to hear when the next event will take place. The upcoming market will be held on Saturday 21st July, 9 am-noon. Article supplied.

Market organisers with celebrity guests at the June Lizard Market. L-R: Janet Brown, Kim Breen, Kasey and Karena Bird, Cushla Stephens.

New events at Whakamārama Hall

By Clare Green ome to the new ‘MOVE IT’ fitness every Monday morning at 9.30 am at Whakamārama Hall. An informal, casual exercise class for anyone of any age or fitness level. Go at your own pace. Just $2 per person. The class runs for approximately 45 minutes.

Please contact Angela 021 546 946

C

for more details.

At Thank Whaka It’s Friday this month (July 20th) there will be a history evening about Whakamārama Hall.

Come and hear the past, present and future of the hall from 7 pm. Hot Meat Rolls available from 6 to 7 pm (cash only please). All welcome, BYO food, drinks and kids.

Night run for Hospice

By Matthew Farrell

he chance to run either 7, 14 or 21km beneath the stars at McLaren Falls Park is on offer as a fundraiser to support the work of Waipuna Hospice.

The Ledlenser Run Beneath the Stars is coming to Tauranga on Saturday 1st September as an expansion of the successful Rotorua Night Trail Run. The unique dusk or night running and walking event is being held at one of Tauranga’s hidden jewels. This unique

T

Hi Neighbours, check out the feedback from one of my recent sales!

A local agent with local knowledge who knows how to get the job done!

We highly recommend Linda as your agent, whether you are buying or selling.

We have had experience of both. For the buyer, once your decision has been made, she will follow up with any information required and steer the process through efficiently. For the seller, Linda is a person who thinks outside the box and relentlessly follows up every lead, keeping the seller up to date with results of Open Home viewings or those coming individually.

Getting the advertising jargon right is one of her talents and also looking for ways to move forward when interest is flagging. In the case of multiple offers, her negotiating skills come to the fore. She is a positive and enthusiastic person to deal with and has a very cheerful disposition to top it off. Go for Linda, whether you are buying or selling.

Mike and Anne Newcomb (89 Whakamarama Road)

If you're thinking of selling now, or in the future, I'd love to hear from you.

Home: 07 548 1699 Office: 07 578 8887 Mobile: 0274 221 040 Email: linda@nrgrealty.co.nz Web: www.nrgrealty.co.nz 590 Cameron Road, Tauranga

To find out more, call me, I’d love to come and meet you 15% off commission (conditions apply)

Your local, proven, successful lifestyle agent

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18

Supporting the Child Cancer Foundation for over 20 years.

| Lizard News | July 2018

location provides an exciting circuit along various trails and road surfaces, looping through beautiful glow-worms and finishing alongside the stunning lake in Omanawa, Lower Kaimai.

The track will include a combination of sealed roads, the Waterfall trail, and the Lakeside trail to showcase as many parts of the park as possible. Head ranger Chris Barker has designed this outstanding course along with Beau Bennett.

With three different distance options (one, two or three laps) there is a personal challenge to suit a range of fitness levels and personal goals. No lights are required for the 7km dusk option at 5 pm, but they are needed for the 7km night option at 7.30 pm, the 14km at 6.30 pm and the 21km at 5.30 pm.

Competitors must be aged 12, 14 or 16 respectively as the distances increase.

Entry costs $50. Registration is at McLaren Falls Park ticket office. Call 07 348 3301.

Parking is at McLaren Falls Equestrian Centre, with shuttle buses taking competitors to and from the event hub at all times.

lizardnews.net

Protect your fruit trees with organic pruning paste

By Jo Wiggett recently made tree pruning paste, thanks to Rob Velseboer’s recipe via Ruth McLean. Pruning paste creates a barrier to stop fungus and repel insects on your fruit trees. This recipe is organic, so environmentally friendly.

This recipe is not suited to trees with hollow stems that need to breathe, e.g. figs and tamarillos. It can also be used on outdoor wooden furniture for waterproofing and protection.

It makes fabulous easy to apply furniture wax.

Source: indoor organicediblegarden.co.nz search for ‘pruning paste’.

I

Ingredients: 1-litre raw linseed oil 1 cup grated beeswax (Mossops sell beeswax in small lumps if you don’t have your own, so no need to grate) 5 drops each of tea tree, rosemary and lavender essential oils - Or any oils with antiseptic properties.

Method: Warm the linseed oil in the top of a double boiler. I used a pyrex bowl resting inside my preserving pot. Add the grated beeswax and stir until dissolved.

Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Cool the wax and pour into containers. For a firmer wax, use more beeswax or less linseed. Makes about 4-5 jars.

Seasonal garden tips t’s a great time to prepare the soil for spring when you’ll be planting more vegetables and flowers. Add compost, lime and mulch. Roses, fruit trees and camellias are available now.

Broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, onions, silverbeet and spinach are popular seeds to sow in sheltered trays for a few weeks. Start beetroot, carrots, parsnips and potatoes too if you are likely to avoid any frost. Strawberries can go in early too, with pea straw mulch.

Some seedlings can go into the ground directly, such as artichoke, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, and silverbeet. Beware of slugs and snails, fungus diseases and bacterial blight spots. Remember long term fert when planting new seasons fruit trees like apples, apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums.

I

It’s pruning time. Protect cuts with a pruning paste and make sure your tools are sharp and clean. Bug oil can protect fruit plants by smothering aphids and mites.

Winter colour can come from well-fed seedlings directly-planted like cineraria, dianthus, lobelia, pansies, stock and sweet pea.

Prune damaged, dead or diseased rose branches. Plant, compost and fertilise new season roses along with Daphne, hellebores and rhododendrons.

Seed trays for spring can contain favourites like delphinium, forget-menot, larkspur, primula, salvia, snapdragon and wallflower. Cut back agapanthus, fuchsia, geraniums and lavender. Don’t forget the lead-in time for summer flowering. It’ll soon be time to plant begonias, dahlias, gladioli and lilies.

New firearms safety training for first-time applicants rom Sunday 1st July firearms safety training is changing. Police have been working with the firearms community to improve safety outcomes by delivering an enhanced firearms safety training programme for first-time firearms licence applicants.

“Much like the process for obtaining a driver licence, first-time applicants will need to pass a theory test and undergo practical training to obtain a firearms licence,” says Acting Superintendent Mike McIlraith.

“For many years the current theoryonly programme has provided new firearms users with a solid start. But over recent years, Police and the firearms community identified the opportunity to build on this and provide first-time applicants with a practical hands-on component too.”

The theory test is a computer-based multi-choice test which will be delivered

by Police using the same system used for computerised driver licence theory tests.

Firearm licence applicants will be able to sit the firearms theory test at all Automobile Association (AA) outlets; including AA Licensing Agents and Rural Mobile Units, as well as all VTNZ branches that offer driver licensing.

Applicants must pass the theory test before they can attend the firearms practical training course.

Firearms instructors from the Mountain Safety Council will deliver the practical course and training on safe handling of firearms.

Police are also working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand around the potential use of volunteer fire stations in some locations.

The Whakatūpato course will continue to provide firearms safety training in remote and isolated communities.

“New firearms users will still need to gain experience using firearms safely in

F

a variety of settings. Tapping into clubs with experienced firearms users who can pass on that valuable knowledge and experience is a vital part of being a responsible firearms user. We want the firearms community to continue to support new firearms users.”

Police are seeking help from firearms clubs, and volunteer instructors from the programme which ended in June, to provide community-based mentoring and to partner with new firearms users.

“Imagine a person getting their firearms licence because they want to go hunting, but they don’t know any hunters. Clubs play a vital role in bringing new firearms users together with experienced users. Having a new practical component and a community of people keen to coach and mentor new firearms users will contribute significantly to improved safety outcomes. That is what Police wants,” says Mike McIlraith.

Article supplied.

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More success for Western Bay artist Birgitt Shannon

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop he mid-June Tauranga Society of Artists Inc Trustpower Supreme Award at the Society’s Art Expo saw Birgitt’s entry judged runner-up.

Birgitt may be better known to Lizard readers as the outstandingly capable event organizer of the Affordable Art & Artisan Fair at the Black Sheep. Multi-talented Birgitt is a visual artist of increasing renown. Not only has her work been sold internationally but Birgitt is currently part of an Auckland Matarikithemed exhibition.

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I first saw Birgitt’s very identifiable style of work exhibited in the then Creative Bay of Plenty Gallery in Downtown Tauranga. ARTbop and Birgitt have been in contact since that time and it has been a personal pleasure to see the wider success and recognition this hard-working artist is achieving.

Much of the on-going success of the monthly Affordable Art & Artisan Fair at the Black Sheep, Whakamārama is the result of Birgitt’s dedication to the concept of providing an all-weather, affordable exhibition space for local creatives.

As the principal event organizer for the ARTbop and Black Sheep community focused collaboration, Birgitt spends many hours each month liaising with the current and potential exhibitors. She is the person who ensures that the art, art craft and artisan products exhibited at the Fair are original, local and of a consistent quality. At each Fair Birgitt has an area dedicated to the display and sale of her work: you should come along on the last Sunday of the month and take a look.

The Affordable Art & Artisan Fair at the Black Sheep, Whakamārama is on the last Sunday of the month 11am to 3pm wet or fine as the Fair can be held within the covered café area of the Black Sheep.

Birgitt Shannon receives runner-up at the Tauranga Society of Artists Inc Trustpower Supreme Awards in June. PHOTO: Supplied.

If they’re not in our library, they should be

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop inter is the most wonderful excuse to huddle by the fire, ignoring the outdoor work and read… just read. The two books I’m mentioning today were sourced from one of the Tauranga City Libraries – I share my book-borrowing favours with our delightful Ōmokoroa Library. Both of these were excellent, if thought-provoking, fiction written by acknowledged and acclaimed authors. Yes, the subjects are dark and unpleasant… but so is life and contemporary society, and no-one is always entirely black or white, good or bad. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.

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Even Dogs in the Wild

by Ian Rankin Classic Rebus. Classic Rankin. It is entirely believable because sadly it mirrors contemporary reality. It’s the retired Rebus “The new John Rebus”: but Rebus has never changed. Somewhat older but no need to be wiser Rebus employs his

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| Lizard News | July 2018

skills and talents and holds the reader bound. So good I took it along to the hairdressers to read while I waited. The gold standard against which I measure others. London Orion Books 2015.

In Her Blood: A Catherine Berlin novel by Annie Hauxwell Gold star read. Female investigator, flawed but not with alcohol. A very realistic read that, like macramé, produces an amazing pattern from simple threads.

If I were to be locked inside in our Whakamārama winter weather, I’d want this and the Rankin. You could read them both twice. Penguin Group Australia 2014.

You can find more of Rosemary’s “Rapid Reviews” in the WORDS archives of ARTbop along with a diversity of book reviews by ARTbop contributors: artbop.co.nz

Editors note: The Rankin is available both districts’ libraries. The Hauxwell is available through Tauranga City Libraries.

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Trio of artists representing peninsula

By Matthew Farrell hree artists from Ōmokoroa have been selected as finalists in the prestigious Miles Art Awards. The biennial event, named after one of Tauranga Art Gallery’s original donors Venetta Miles, has run since 2010.

Stella Clark, Jackie Knotts and Emma Prill are among only 39 artists to have works selected from more than a hundred entries.

Jackie says it’s noteworthy if only to dispel some notions of what is art.

“All our work is non-representational, which will confuse some. I’m not blowing our trumpets, but this shows we aren’t insular on this peninsula.”

Awards judge Nigel Borell was impressed with the range of entries, saying, “the pursuit of excellence and quality is surely a goal for any artist. There are some outstanding examples of this idea among this year’s nominees.”

An artists statement accompanies each entry.

Stella Clark: “This heavily textured work on raw canvas explores the concept of the space around ourselves. I wanted to work in an abstract way to see what the outcome would be. There are many layers built up with acrylic paint, fabric and various mixed media to create a scene, some mystery and a sense of

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movement. The space draws you in and pushes you out at the same time, with a lot of tactile surfaces and a bird’s eye perspective. Space is constantly adjusting and moving in this painting. Different surfaces interact with each other to support that this is a moment in time.”

Jackie Knotts: “I was inspired by the circular centre and looping lines of the daisy petals. Not having an identifiable image gave me the freedom to explore the potential of the hand-coloured, hand-printed linocut medium. Working instinctively with no plan and within the limitations of available materials and equipment, I cut stencils of the shapes created by the intersecting lines of my design. I sprayed Liquitex acrylic paint onto coloured paper and hand printed my lino block using coloured ink. Each print was different, and was a progression of what had gone before - achieving effects that could not be planned.”

Emma Prill: “This work integrates many aspects of my practice using colour and methods of painting. Revealing and concealing layered surfaces, reinterpreting the traditional painter’s canvas. Deconstructing and reconstructing applications of colour, using scissors as a drawing tool invites a dynamic between layers of suspended canvas. Negative and positive forms, spaces and

Speak your words: poetry at the Black Sheep e’ve called ARTbop’s shared and spoken word monthly poetry gatherings at the Black Sheep, Whakamārama, Alchemy: because words have the power to create magic and poetry has the power to transform words.

Once again, with the generous support of the Black Sheep Bar & Grill, local poets have a warm and comfortable venue to meet and share their original work or read from a favourite published poet.

Regular attendees have been wellknown Tauranga slam poet Dhaivat Mehta and Western Bay’s author and reviewer Marcus Hobson along with ARTbop’s Rosemary Balu. Rosemary says “if you’re not comfortable reading your original poetry, Marcus or Dhaivat can

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share it for you. Alchemy is not a session of critique or criticism but an opportunity to meet and share your words.”

The June gathering heard original poetry alongside readings from W.B. Yeats, Wilfred Owen, Dylan Thomas and young Pacifica poet Simone Kaho as well as some humorous school-learnt poems still lurking in the intellectually-diverse memory of Marcus Hobson.

Come along and see what you think.

We meet again on the second Wednesday of July at the Black Sheep, Whakamārama 6 pm to 8 pm (or thereabouts) PS you can read Marcus Hobson’s book reviews on Good Reads and hear them mentioned on RNZ’s “Lately” with Karyn Hays. Article supplied.

By Jackie Knotts.

By Emma Prill.

shadows constitute compositional and colour relationships. This work brings the informal experimental nature of my studio into consideration.” She finishes her statement with a quote from Henri Matisse: “Cutting into colour reminds me of the sculptor’s direct carving.”

Tauranga Art Gallery Director Karl Chitham says there is an excellent diversity regarding materials, scale and subject matter from artists across the region.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite piece. The People’s Choice Award will be presented after the exhibition of selected work closes on Sunday 2nd September.

By Stella Clark.

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www.treescene.co.nz Local author and reviewer Marcus Hobson at last month’s Alchemy evening. PHOTO: Supplied.

July 2018 | Lizard News |

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Assistance Dog a model student

By Liz Farrell s we go to press, the winter school holidays are upon us, and ADNZ Lobo completes his milestone first term at Ōmokoroa Point School. Has he been a model student? He has undoubtedly been a hit with the children. One mum says her son has become more confident with reading because he reads to Lobo. Other students sit and explain their maths problems to him, working out their mistakes and conclusions as they talk them through.

Classmate Connor Berwick is a big fan of Lobo. “He’s really cool. I like it how he sits here in his corner because I get to see him a lot. When we go outside, he comes with us and watches us. I like him being there.”

In many ways, these ‘side-effects’ of having Lobo at school are, in themselves, extremely valuable. But it is not the primary reason he’s there.

ADNZ Lobo has worked with Georgie since September 2015 as her Assistance Dog. Georgie was diagnosed with Autism, Global Developmental Delay and Speech Delay at the age of 3.

She had no idea about safety for example when crossing roads or car parks, or personal boundaries when interacting with strangers. She was a flight risk and looked for opportunities to run away.

Lobo was paired with Georgie because he was the biggest in his litter, yet has a calm and tolerant nature.

Initially, Georgie wore a special vest with a lead from her back to Lobo’s vest.

This prevented her from running away at

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will. As Georgie and Lobo’s relationship grew, so Georgie’s behaviour improved.

She learned that if she bolted, Lobo would hold his ground and stay stock still until the handler supported him to help Georgie back to walking safely.

However, if she asked to go and look at something, it was likely she could, and Lobo was instructed accordingly. As she grew and developed, Georgie was moved on from a vest to a belt, though still tethered. For some months now Lobo has just a small handle attached to his vest which Georgie can hold independently, on trust that she will not let go. The belt is still being used if we have to go to crowded or unfamiliar environments, or somewhere the general busyness is likely to cause Georgie discomfort.

In under three years, she has made fantastic progress thanks to the steadfast reliability of this wonderful dog. Over this time, Lobo has settled into his routine. He knows the rules and responds to commands quickly.

At the beginning of the academic year, the school was notified that Georgie’s allocated teacher aide hours would be cut, just six months after the Ministry of Education provided adequate funding to support her at school full-time. The timing was right to bring Lobo into school to enable him to be working every day, to better support Georgie and give her some independence and comfort when unsupervised. Lobo has two beds at school. One in class and one in the principal’s office. These options mean he can have a quiet break away from the class-

room, especially if music or drama is underway.

Teacher Bianca Hawkes comments that one day, Georgie was working unsupervised and became frustrated. “Lobo walked over to Georgie and stood next to her until I came across. He knew she needed something,” she says.

This special bond was what was hoped to be achieved when, three years ago, our family embarked on the journey to raise $20,000 - our contribution to the Assistance Dogs NZ Trust - who breed, raise and train these special companions. We continue to support the Trust

wherever we can, so they can continue to provide similar companions to others who have special requirements for a family member.

Monday 6th August will be the start of their 2018 Annual Appeal, and there will be collection buckets at Ōmokoroa Library and other locations in Tauranga.

If you can give an hour or two to help to collect, please get in touch by calling the free phone number on the advert on this page. If you’d like to make a direct donation, use the Donate Now button on the Assistance Dogs website assistancedogstrust.org.nz

!""#$%&!''($% !#)#*+&,+- . //+01%%(2+13*&4((5(5& Georgie reads to ADNZ Lobo in class. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

Potential free school buses to be evaluated he Bay of Plenty Public Transport Committee is recommending partnering with Tauranga City Council and NZTA, to consider whether public bus services could potentially be made free for Tauranga school students.

A Regional Council survey indicates free student travel would likely remove

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| Lizard News | July 2018

some cars from the morning peak period but would cost about $1.2 million per year in lost fares.

Current Tauranga student bus fares are $2.00, or $1.60 with a Smartride card.

The Committee recommends spending $100,000 on a cost/benefit analysis.

Meanwhile, 27 dedicated school services will operate in Tauranga from the start of 2019.

BOPRC is still awaiting confirmation on potential assistance from the Ministry of Education for Pāpāmoa and Pāpāmoa East students attending Bethlehem College and Aquinas College. New public Bayhopper route details will be released in coming months.

Article supplied.

lizardnews.net

First Responder Nikki de Vreede

By Matthew Farrell

medical first responder with the Ĺ&#x152;mokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade, Nikki De Vreede is the last of the original St John team which began life in 2010.

Nikki grew up on a farm in ManawatĹŤ before moving to Feilding. Her first job was in a supermarket before she moved to Auckland. For ten years, she worked in the office of an aircraft maintenance firm based at Ardmore Airport where she met her husband.

They moved to the peninsula 22 years ago, and Nikki has spent the past five years working at Ĺ&#x152;mokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park, which she says has been a most supportive employer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was interested when they first said St John wanted a response team here in

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2009. I was accepted as a volunteer at the initial meeting. After training, St John supplied an ambulance, and we started working from our own properties. There was a shed, but a lot of the time we were responding from our lawns,â&#x20AC;? says Nikki.

There were 16 people in the initial intake, but Nikki recalls the team dwindled to little more than half that in the first ten months or so, before a period of stability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then in 2015, the fire brigade stepped in and asked if we would join them at the station as medical first responders. Otherwise, we could stay with St John and keep working from home, hoping for an ambulance station which had never arrived,â&#x20AC;? she says.

With an increasing number of medical callouts, the firefighters recognised they needed more support on the medical

side to back up their first aid training.

The team of medical first responders had dropped as low as five, but with a concerted recruitment drive, three recruits have recently come forward.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attending calls as observers until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve received training. The ideal number of volunteers is 20, to have a roster system instead of everyone being on-call. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deep down, I always wanted to be a nurse, but I never did it. I saw this as an ideal opportunity to help people. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough at times, and with family and work commitments it can be a juggle, but we manage to fit it in. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very rewarding, especially in a community like this,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Nikki suggests the more volunteers that continue to come forward, the better our lifeline service will be - and everyone will benefit from that.

Nikki De Vreede.

A cautionary tale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when ACC isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t what you think oe is a self-employed arborist. Very healthy and loves his job. Last month he fell out of a tree and broke his back. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be off work for a long time, but at least heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got ACC. On average he makes $80,000 a year, so even at 80% of that, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be okay. You can understand his anger when his first weekly payment from ACC was only $430! How could this be? ACC has two types of cover for selfemployed people, Cover Plus and Cover

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Plus Extra (CPX). Joe is on Cover Plus, which is the default.

Last year was a bad year work-wise, and Joe only made $56,000. To make matters worse, he splits his income with his wife for tax purposes. ACC paid him 80% of half of $56,000, which is only $22,400 p.a., hence the $430 per week.

Had Joe taken out CPX for the full $80,000, ACC would have paid him $80,000, regardless of what he earned

last year or how he splits his income for tax purposes. Joe can change to CPX now, but it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cover him for his back injury.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re self-employed, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be like Joe. Talk to your accountant or financial adviser to make sure that ACC will do what you think it will.

Mark Lynch is a Registered Financial Adviser. Any comments in this column are the opinion of the writer and should not be construed as financial advice.

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July 2018 | Lizard News |

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Ōmokoroa Playcentre head to Quarry Park By the team n this cool but sunny day in May, we all headed off to the Te Puna Quarry Park for an outdoor adventure. Everyone had a great time running around and climbing, splashing in puddles and putting their hands in the stream, looking at the different sculptures and playing the musical instruments.

The butterfly house was also a fantastic experience. So many caterpillars, cocoons of varying stages and butterflies clearly showing the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly. We were able to get close to the butterflies as they flew around us and landed on the swan plants nearby.

The trip was made extra special as each child was given a painted rock from one of the Te Puna Quarry Park volunteers who was planting by the butterfly house.

There was so much to see and do, but everyone had their own highlight: Caleb loved the digger and how he could move the levers and pedals. He also liked exploring lots of nooks and crannies.

Lachie was fascinated by the water wheel, especially by the fact that the wheel had to wait until it filled up with

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water before turning and tipping the water out.

Lucas’ favourite thing was chasing the butterflies and then trying to find them after they flew past him.

Holly and Marley both loved seeing the butterflies and receiving their painted rocks. Coincidentally Marley’s rock had a beautiful monarch butterfly painted on it.

Mickey enjoyed seeing the butterflies, making music with the outdoor instruments and wandering around.

Ollie loved walking the tracks and finding all the puddles for jumping.

Olivia’s highlight was climbing on the train for a ride with the crew.

Jack loved the caterpillars, cocoons and butterflies – he still talks about the ‘cacoons’ a few weeks later.

And baby William - he just slept on mum.

This trip was such a hit. We will plan more outdoor adventures soon that provide different experiences and environments for the children to explore.

Thanks so much to all those generous volunteers from our community who keep this wonderful park so alive and beautiful.

Right: Jack, Mickey, Olivia, Lucas (background), Lachie and Caleb taking the train to lunch.

Te Puna Playcentre celebrates Matariki By the team particular strength of Te Puna Playcentre is our bi-cultural aspect, underpinned by one of our founding documents, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A particularly treasured bi-cultural activity is our wonderful Matariki celebration, held again recently, that brings together friends, whānau and community to celebrate the Māori New Year.

We started at 7 am on a beautiful still Sunday morning, all the way up at the Minden Lookout, with tamariki excitedly awaiting Rā (the sun) to peek his rays over the horizon. He rewarded our patience with a beautiful display of richly coloured morning light which we accompanied with warm Milo and harmonious waiata. The sounds of Tīrama Tīrama (Twinkle Twinkle) floating out over the misty Minden hills was truly magical.

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A misty Minden morning taken by one of our tamariki, Violet, Age 4.

Te Puna

Then we all headed back to our Playcentre for a delicious cook-up of bacon and egg ‘McMuffin’ skilfully churned out by a few Playcentre Mums and Dads. It was particularly special to have extended whānau join us for this celebration, a few returning to the Centre, having been members themselves some 40 years ago.

We welcome any new members. We have sessions on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9.15am, you and your tamariki are invited to come along and enjoy messy play, a delicious morning tea and friendly local faces in a supportive and fun environment. Your first three visits are free.

We are located at 225 Te Puna Road, right next to Te Puna School.

For more information, please email te.puna@playcentre.org.nz or pop in during one of our session times.

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| Lizard News | July 2018

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

Mon Thurs Fri Behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz

07 548 1343

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Nice weather for ducks, not rowers

By John Budden unday 17th June dawned fine but windy after a night of thunder and rain. The competitors in the Ōmokoroa Boat Club rowing races gathered on the Club deck to find a 22 kph wind from the south-west and a harbour chop on the sea.

A course was laid from the Club deck towards Ōmokoroa Road then out to the Channel and back to the Club, with a start planned for 9.30 am.

The men’s event was first with a field of six starters. Hugh Reynolds led from start to finish, and despite a constant clash of oars, Riley Birks was second, Andrew Birks third, Tim Raeburn fourth and John Budden fifth. Aaron Henry had dinghy trouble.

The ladies had a field of four and got away in fine form. Robbie Banks powered away with Samantha Crapp hard on her heels.

Louise Turner was plugging away, and that was the finishing order. Amanda Crapp also had dinghy problems.

In the junior event there was only one entry, Angus Raeburn, but dad Tim paddled with him to ensure he finished.

Well done all rowers and rescue boat crews, in very trying conditions.

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The men’s rowing racers set off. PHOTO: Louise Turner.

Thinking about retirement village life

By Philip Annan of Ōmokoroa Law ne of the most common observations we hear is “we should have done this years ago”. Living in a retirement village is often not a prudent financial investment. It is, however, a jolly good investment in well being and lifestyle.

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Useful matters to consider are whether the particular village provides what you are looking for now and whether it will continue to do so if your health deteriorates in the future.

Other useful questions are: whether you have considered alternatives to the move such as bringing support services into your home; looking at any of the checklists and information available online to help decide whether the particular retirement village is right; discussing the decision with family or friends and seeking their opinions; and visiting other villages and talking to the residents.

A move to a retirement village is much more than a decision to sell and buy and home. For many people, it marks a significant transition point in their life and may involve aspects of loss and grieving which can complicate the decision-making process.

A decision to purchase in a retirement village has significant financial consequences. In most cases, an exiting resident will receive less than they paid to enter the village. Intending residents are usually well informed of the exit costs before they discuss the matter with their lawyer. They may accept this as simply meaning a smaller inheritance for the children. The exit costs will, however, become burdensome if having moved into the village the decision is that “village life” is not for you after all. At that

time if you do not have sufficient means to re-enter the property market on leaving the village you can find yourselves trapped in the village or forced into the rental market if you leave the village.

Occupation rights in retirement villages are usually joint with the rights passing to the survivor of the couple. The implications of joint ownership must be taken into account and factored into your wills and estate planning documentation. The source of funds being used the purchase the joint occupation right might also give rise to relationship property issues and trust considerations if you have a family trust. If you have a section 21 Property (Relationships ) Act 1976 agreement (Contracting Out Agreement or PreNuptial Agreement), then this should be revisited before you commit to the village life.

Every village must make available copies of its financial statements. It

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would be wise to have your accountant review these statements. If there are any concerns regarding the financial viability of the village, then questions should be asked of the statutory supervisor. The statutory supervisor is the resident’s friend. They are charged by the government with supervising the village and ensuring the village operator complies with its obligations.

Most villages will allow you to make a conditional application for a unit. The application might be conditional upon the sale of your existing property. Also, there are powerful cooling off rights giving you the right to exit the agreement.

You will be inundated with paper when you make an application. Lawyers love paper. They will chew through all the documentation and then explain it to you. The lawyer will then certify the documents stating that they have explained the general effect of the documents and their implications. The explanation must

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Te Puna Community Kindy Matariki celebration By the team

atariki is the te reo Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises just once a year in the Winter around June. For many Māori people, it heralds the start of the New Year and harvest time.

Soon we will be celebrating the Māori New Year by having a potluck dinner and bonfire with all our children and their whānau at our kindergarten. We are expecting to have well over 100 people come and enjoy an amazing night. Hopefully, the stars will be out and we can enjoy listening to our children singing waiata to their families. The Astrological Society will be our guests, and we hope to see the Seven Sisters in the night sky.

We will continue celebrating Matariki throughout the month to instil in our

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An early dawn whānau trip to Minden Road lookout to celebrate Matariki. PHOTO: Supplied.

tamariki a greater sense of what Matariki is all about.

Feel free to come and visit our fantastic kindergarten where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are a rural kindergarten based on Minden Road, Te Puna in a beautiful natural learning environment. Our kindergarten promotes sustainability, and we value our strong relationships with our local community.

The ages of our children start at 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whānau /family orientated and encourage their involvement.

Please feel free to contact us for any enquiries.

Come and experience Te Puna Community Kindergarten. It has a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Enrolments are welcome.

Come and visit us at 45 Minden Road, Te Puna. Ph 552 5736.

TOP Club considers TECT election looms November trip I

By Ranald Ducat

he guest speaker at the June meeting of the Peninsula Club was Ian Balme of Forgotten World Adventures, who gave a fascinating talk of how the company was set up, and where it is going.

The company delivers a choice of railcart and jet boat adventures centred around Taumaranui, Whangamomona, Whanganui River and the Bridge to Nowhere.

The company employs 32 people in season, runs 142 km of rail and has 45 self-drive railcarts. Expansion of cycle trails is being planned, and shorter excursions are being developed targeting overseas visitors. A customised tour for club members was suggested for November, and many members were interested.

President Anne Pope attended a meeting of combined clubs that were formerly members of Probus but are now affiliated to Friendship NZ. She reports: “Although I made it clear that our club was not affiliated with any organisation, I was invited to join the discussion of the various agenda topics.

“After listening to what sounded simi-

T

7KH 2PRNRURD 3HQLQVXOD &OXE

lar to the way Probus is run with administration staff, and levies per member being paid to the organisation, I outlined how our club was business as usual apart from a name change and becoming an incorporated society, and no club funds were forwarded to a “mother” organisation. The gentleman next to me clapped and said: “that is how all our clubs should be operating” which left me wondering how long these new organisations that were formerly Probus will last and I was so proud our club voted to become the TOP Club Inc.” Members are reminded that subs are now due at just $25. The July meeting will have a soup luncheon. New members are most welcome at Ōmokoroa Church Hall at 9.30 am on the first Thursday of each month excluding December and January.

t’s election time again for the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust. The Trust is administered by six trustees, with three trustees retiring by rotation every two years. Nominations closed for the 2018 TECT election at midday Friday 1st June.

Independent Returning Officer, Warwick Lampp, says that this year there has again been strong interest in the election with 19 candidates nominated for the three positions available on the Trust.

This compares to 11 candidates in 2016, 19 candidates in 2014, and 23 in 2012.

The confirmed candidates for the 2018 election are: ARUNDEL Mark, BLACKWELL Pete, CAMERON John (JC), CHAMBERLAIN Ron, EDLIN Bev, JENNEN Tina, JONKERS Willem, LEWIS Pamela, MILN Alex, NEILSON Frank, NESDALE Sheldon, PURCHES Graeme, RHODES Hylton, ROWE-MITCHELL Valerie, SUMMERHAYS Karen, TRAPPITT Phillip, WHEELER Stephen, WHITE

Peter, WILLIAMS Kim. Current trustees Paul Tustin and Ron Scott have chosen not to stand, but Pete Blackwell is re-standing.

The election is being carried out by both internet and postal voting, with voter packs being sent out on Monday 25th June.

This is the seventh election for TECT that has used online voting, but consumers can only vote using one method.

If votes are received by both internet and post from the same consumer, both their votes will be invalid. Each consumer is entitled to one vote irrespective of how many power connections they may have.

Voting closes at midday on Friday 20th July.

Any queries about the election of Trustees or eligibility to vote can be made to the Independent Returning Officer, Warwick Lampp, on the election helpline 0800 666 029.

Article supplied.

About electionz.com electionz.com is New Zealand’s leading election services provider, having provided election services in New Zealand since July 2000 to hundreds of public and private organisations. Based in Christchurch, electionz.com provides a full Returning/Electoral Officer service

on contract to private and public organisations, as well as internet voting, telephone voting, internet surveys, vote processing and counting by scanning technology for both First Past the Post (FPP) and Single Transferable Vote (STV) voting systems.

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Monarchs at the Quarry in winter

Birdlife in abundance at Quarry Park

Y

some of their favourite food sources – montanoa trees, which came into flower at the end of May. The flowers usually last for about a month, depending on the weather. On warm, sunny days during May and June, there have been abundance of monarch butterflies and bees fuelling up on the nectar from the flowers. Watching the butterflies in the Montanoa trees is a sight to behold.

no! With the Wonder Weeders’ help, we got the water drained out, the very damp compost delivered to the Herb Garden, and in the process found a good number of worms alive and active and ready to start anew. They too are part of the life of the Quarry, just like the birds. I have become very fond of these populations of creatures who have arrived as part of our efforts to create this COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS. This foundation idea has been given great expression by Morris Wharekawa in his creation of a kūwaha to mark the entrance to the eastern bush area. Do go and have a look – his detailed and elaborate carving stands proudly at the beginning of the path that takes you into the native bush, where volunteers have been planting native trees, taking out wilding pines, and making paths for at least a decade. Morris’s work shows how the Pirirākau hapū, the Western BoPDC, and the Quarry volunteers have all worked together to make it possible to enjoy the Quarry as it is today while understanding something of its history and those A daisy tree, covered with dozens of monarchs and bees fluttering about or having a feed. animals, birds and humans who were here before.

I thank the people of Pirirākau who made the unveiling of the kūwaha such a IPL Treatments • Body Massage memorable occasion in the story of the Beauty Treatments • Spray Tan Quarry. It was a wonderful morning of

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By Clare Nicholson es - there are still plenty of monarch butterflies around.

Monarch butterflies do survive over winter by sheltering in trees, then emerge to mate in spring to start the next generation of their species. On sunny days, they will emerge from their hiding places to search for food. The Te Puna Quarry Park Butterfly Garden has

WWW.SHOTBRO.COM 021 973394

By Shirley Sparks cacophony of loud twittering sounds from thousands of birds in the trees, in the late afternoon and into the evening, has been greeting me lately on my almost-daily walk in the Quarry Park. Disturbed by cars arriving or leaving, or reacting to Quarry visitors, or just doing what birds in a flock do, they lift briefly in a dark cloud into the air, only to re-settle almost immediately to continue their amazing chorus of sound.

As the autumn dusk and darkness closes in, they become quiet, and my thoughts go back twenty-three years to when we were first exploring the possibilities of turning the Quarry into a park.

The place was a wasteland, devoid of birds – not even sparrows crossed our paths at that time.

For a while, a few magpies came and went in the area that became the carpark, but they were the only bird life to be seen. What a difference twentythree years makes. A vast variety of birds now frequent the park, increasing in numbers as planned plantings mature and entice and encourage them to stay.

Also about twenty years ago, an enthusiastic ‘greenie’ volunteer set up the two worm farms in discarded baths. Timber frames were constructed by her partner to support these recycled containers. But her life took her further afield and I took over the care of the worms. It was a big learning curve for me, but a most successful and rewarding one. And, twenty years on, the timber frame supporting one of the baths rotted and needed replacing.

Our lovely volunteer Roy came to the rescue and replaced the timber frame, leaving the bathful of worms on the ground alongside. And then the heavens opened. Rain poured down for two solid days. The bath filled with water and I feared the worms were all drowned. But

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July 2018 | Lizard News |

27

lizardnews.net

Funding available for Western Bay community projects oes your community group have a project in mind but needs extra funding to get it over the line?

D

Community groups in the Western Bay can apply for a portion of $100,000 for projects set to benefit the District.

Application forms for Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s 2018 Community Matching Fund are now available, with submissions open until 12 July.

The matching fund is designed to help not-for-profit community groups help themselves, by matching their contributions with an equivalent dollar value.

Last year 27 projects received funding.

Successful projects included planting native trees to enhance ecological values at Makahae Marae, community art projects in Ōmokoroa, a youth development and mentoring programme in Katikati, and a community garden in Waihī Beach.

Council’s Community Development Advisor, Glenn Ayo, says the matching fund recognises the enormous effort community groups contribute to such projects.

Western Bay councillors visiting the Ōropi School Kōkako Gardens recently with Principal Andrew King.

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“We know that people put a huge amount of time, effort and resources into their projects. This fund allows us to match their efforts with a grant. It’s a great way Council and community groups can work together to foster strong and vibrant communities.”

New team member for Emma Giles Emma Giles is a UK trained structural and cranial osteopath. She opened her Tauranga clinic in 2008, and in 2012 she began a second location in Ōmokoroa.

Emma recently welcomed Anna Furniss to the team, alongside Neil Maidment and Paul Russell. Anna introduces herself.

“I am a New Zealand trained osteopath and graduated in 2011. My Masters thesis explored the osteopathic treatment of women during their pregnancy. As such, I have a particular interest in treating women during their pregnancy, as well as children. I am also interested in the management of osteoarthritis and general osteopathic complaints of all areas of the musculoskeletal system.

I am returning to work after seven

o als roa w o no ok Om in

months on maternity leave after having a beautiful baby boy named Hugh.

The experience of becoming a parent has further highlighted to me the benefits of osteopathy for babies and children from addressing birth-related strains to managing common infant presentations from colic to plagiocephaly (flattening of the skull).

I am trained to provide treatments of both structural and cranial osteopathy and work on Tuesdays here in Ōmokoroa. I love Ōmokoroa and the Bay of Plenty, and I enjoy meeting all the wonderful people we have in our community. Please feel free to contact Emma to see if osteopathy could help you, or if you would like to book an appointment for yourself or your child. I look forward to meeting you.”

Article supplied.

“We’re keen to see some more applications for the environmental fund this year – environment-focused groups should take full advantage of the money available.” Application forms and guidelines are available now at www.westernbay.govt.nz/matchingfund and applications will be accepted until 4 pm, Thursday 12th July 2018.

Successful applicants will be notified between Thursday 30th August and Friday 14th September 2018.

Anna Furniss is joining Emma’s team.

Article supplied.

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28

There are two parts to the fund – a general fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives, which has a pool of $60,000, and the environmental fund for projects benefitting the natural environment which has a pool of $40,000.

| Lizard News | July 2018

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Western Avenue playground update

By Scott Parker n February this year, we asked the Ōmokoroa community for feedback on a draft concept design for the Western Ave playground.

We received 32 very positive responses. Some of the photos show how we got some of the feedback.

Common themes were to look at further seating opportunities, to include shade structures, the location of a drink-

I

ing fountain, equipment specific to under-5’s, equipment with audio qualities, tunnel ideas, planting areas - including to define between activities and assist with safe separation - and, water and sand-play opportunities.

This feedback was considered and incorporated into a revised concept by the community-driven project team, which was then tendered to playground supply companies.

The feedback specific to water and sand play will be addressed during the Ōmokoroa Domain playground upgrade planned for 2019 because this location is more suitable.

Council and the project team, including Tim Lander of LOAM landscape architects, are in the process of purchasing specific play equipment which will be installed when it becomes available over the next few months. This includes a twin cableway (flying fox), junior embankment slide, swings, spinner, sound tube, music piece.

It is expected that this initial “Stage 1” of the concept plan will be completed by summer.

Another $200,000 to $250,000 is required on top of the Council $100,000 budget to complete concept plan remaining stages.

The project team would like to thank the Ōmokoroa, and the broader community for the active interest and support received so far.

Scott Parker is Reserves & Facilities Projects & Assets Manager for WBoPDC.

The draft plans by Tim Lander of LOAM landscape architects.

Dallas Townsend back in September, with 3D models made by the children of Rooms 1 and 2 using straws, ice block sticks, sand, sticky tape, tinfoil cups, and egg boxes.

Connecting COMMUNITIES

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Ethan St Clair making a few design suggestions.

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The students of Room 8 plotting playground ideas on the whiteboard last year.

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This month in history: JuLY

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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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Omokoroa Tide Chart July 2018 1 Sun Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

3:58 10:01 16:07 22:31

2 Mon 0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

G

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.8

G

S 9:22 R 19:46 17 Tue 5:03 11:17 17:19 23:46

4:38 10:39 16:45 23:08

3 Tue

0.1 2.0 0.1 2.1

B

R 10:22 S 22:01

5:18 11:17 17:24 23:45

4 Wed 0.4 1.7 0.4 1.8

F

S 9:59 R 20:42 18 Wed 5:55 0.1 12:10 2.0 18:11 0.1

2.1 0.2 1.9 0.2

G

B

R 10:57 S 23:07

*Not for navigational purposes

5:58 0.4 11:56 1.7 18:04 0.4

0:24 6:40 12:38 18:47

F

S 10:33 R 21:38 19 Thu 0:38 6:47 13:04 19:04

5 Thu

R 11:30

1.8 0.4 1.7 0.4

2.0 0.2 1.9 0.3

S 11:35 R 23:34 21 Sat 2:21 8:31 14:54 20:52

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S 0:11 R 12:02

1:06 7:24 13:24 19:34

7 Sat 1.8 0.4 1.7 0.4

1:52 8:11 14:14 20:25

B

F

S 11:04 R 22:35 20 Fri 1:29 7:39 13:58 19:57

6 Fri

1.9 0.3 1.8 0.4

G

2:41 9:03 15:10 21:21

22 Sun 1.9 0.3 1.8 0.4

4:06 10:17 16:45 22:45

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.8 0.4 1.7 0.4

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.5

4:58 11:10 17:38 23:39

S 3:10 R 13:45

1.8 0.4 1.8 0.5

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S 4:07 R 14:25

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| Lizard News | July 2018

Owned and operated by locals

3:35 9:58 16:10 22:21

10 Tue 1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

F

R 1:35 S 13:08 24 Tue

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F

R 0:33 S 12:35 23 Mon

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S 12:04

3:14 9:24 15:50 21:48

8 Sun

R 2:40 S 13:45 25 Wed 5:50 1.8 12:01 0.4 18:29 1.8

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S 5:01 R 15:09

4:34 10:56 17:13 23:24

11 Wed 1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

G

5:34 1.9 11:55 0.2 18:16 1.9 G

R 3:47 S 14:27 26 Thu 0:31 6:39 12:50 19:17

12 Thu

0.5 1.8 0.3 1.8

F

S 5:52 R 15:56

0.3 1.9 0.1 2.0

G

R 4:56 S 15:17 27 Fri 1:20 7:27 13:35 20:01

0:25 6:36 12:53 19:16

13 Fri

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

F

S 6:38 R 16:47

0.3 1.9 0.1 2.0

B

R 6:05 S 16:14 28 Sat 2:05 8:11 14:18 20:44

1:24 7:35 13:49 20:13

14 Sat

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

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S 7:21 R 17:41

0.2 2.0 0.0 2.1

B

R 7:09 S 17:19 29 Sun 2:48 8:54 14:59 21:24

2:21 8:33 14:43 21:07

15 Sun

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

G

S 8:00 R 18:36

0.1 2.0 0.0 2.1

B

R 8:08 S 18:28 30 Mon 3:29 9:34 15:38 22:01

3:17 9:29 15:36 22:01

16 Mon

0.4 1.8 0.3 1.9

G

S 8:35 R 19:33

0.1 2.0 0.0 2.1

B

R 8:59 S 19:40 31 Tue 4:09 10:12 16:17 22:38

4:10 10:23 16:28 22:54

R 9:43 S 20:51

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G

S 9:07 R 20:29

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

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woman to gain a university degree in NZ. 7. The first group of wounded Gallipoli soldiers.

8. Queen Victoria. Issued July 1855.

9. Lotto, first on Sale on July 22.

10.Carless days, which were scrapped 10 months later.

sewer; they’re easy peasy to make and great if you are just starting out with sewing.

Pattern and samples are available from the Library if you’re keen.

Amore Omokoroa

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

Word Wheel solution:

Caroline picks up a couple of new bouncing-back bags.

No partner required, just join the line, get fit and have fun.

A mix of Latin, waltz, quickstep etc plus Country & Western.

Licensed Builder Practitioner (LBP)

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LINE DANCING @ Omokoroa Settlers Hall Thursdays beginners/ improvers 1.30 - 3pm Fridays 9am - noon

• Decks & Fences • Alterations • Retaining Walls • Houses Please phone Chris Schabrun 027 261 8095 or 07 548-2091

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.

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

Call Hamish on 552 6427.

CA S Builders

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dianesdecor@xtra.co.nz 548 1920 • 027 284 6543

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to have a little bite (al dente). Approx 9/10 minutes Once cooked, add the butter and the cheese, stir and allow to rest for 1 minute before serving.

Buon appetito.

Animal Health Care

Gerard Quilty 027 447 5493 or 548 1337 after hours.

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Curtains • Roman Blinds Tracks • Rods • Rollerblinds Wooden Venetians • Shutters

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Bouncing back bags ready to roll out

free mental health support group is currently available monthly. Junction Coffee and Chat takes place at the Ōmokoroa Community Church on Hamurana Road.

The sessions were on Monday mornings but have moved to the first Tuesday and Friday each month, with a morning and evening option.

The next sessions are Tuesday 3rd July and

Kymberley Carter-Paige

07 552 5420

painting . plastering . finishing

By Heather Reynolds have been sewing these bags over the past 20 years and have given them as gifts and prizes. Now they are destined for Fresh Choice in a bid to stop the over-use of plastic.

Myself, Liz Farrell and friends have about 100 ready for the Ōmokoroa community to use at Fresh Choice. The plan is for customers to keep, reuse, recycle or return thereby reducing plastic use. The biggest issue will be remembering to put them back in your vehicle for your next shop.

Donations of material have been forthcoming, so there is now virtually no cost in production, but we’re looking for assistance in sewing them up.

They are made of washable fabric, fully lined, are sturdy and in materials from fashionable, funky, flippant, plain and even bloke-friendly fabrics. Some are for just a few items so aren’t lined.

They’re not just for shopping! They’re great for the library, beach, picnics or on the boat, as they are soft and won’t scratch your perfect paintwork.

Each one is labelled, so if you can help by sewing, or donating suitable fabric and thread, please give myself or Liz a call. Our numbers are 548 1620 and 548 0008 and are also found on the label.

By the way, you don’t need to be a fantastic

I’ve helped hundreds of people like you. I treat anxiety and depression without medication.

Painter

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

Train your body to heal.

Relieve chronic pain.

BodyTalk, Applied Kinesiology, cranio-sacral, visceral & TMJ release.

For all your painting and decorating requirements, interior and exterior, including roofing.

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

GENTLE HOLISTIC TECHNIQUES

Do you suffer from panic attacks or anxiety, or know somebody who does?

1. Sir Āpirana Ngata.

2. Bastion Point/Takaparawhā.

3. Crash of National Airways Corporation DC-3 flight from Auckland to Tauranga.

4. The Labour Party.

5. Decimalisation in NZ. The old ￡/s/d became obsolete.

6. She was the first

Tracy Livingston

SERVICES

Rebus solutions:

By Alessandra Zuccheri 100 gr per person Arborio, Roma or short grain rice extra virgin olive oil onion finely sliced salt pepper cheese to garnish vegetables/beef/fish stock white wine knob of butter Sweat the onion in extra virgin olive oil until transparent. The onion needs to be finely sliced so it will melt in the risotto. You can use quite a bit of oil as you will toast the rice with it. Add the ingredients you want to flavour the risotto: spinach, mushrooms or seafood. Risotto is very versatile; it really goes with any flavour you like. Let it cook adding a bit of stock. When soft, add the rice to the pan and toast for 40 seconds to a minute on high heat, stirring often. After toasting the rice, add the white wine or a bit of stock, and stir well until it evaporates. Lower to medium heat and start adding the boiling stock, a ladle or two at a time. Stir gently and as soon as the rice absorbs the broth, add another scoop or two of stock to it, and so on until cooked.

The best way to find out when the risotto is cooked is by tasting it. The rice grains still need

SERVICES

Coffee Break, Once in a Blue Moon

Basic risotto recipe

SERVICES

Word Search Solution

Western Ave Pavilion, Ōmokoroa Family, kids, juniors, teens & adult classes Various classes, Mon, Wed, Thu 6pm - 8pm & Sat: 9 - 11am Register online: koryobopnz.strikingly.com taichiomokoroa.strikingly.com

027 548 1960

July 2018 | Lizard News |

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lizardnews.net

Pavilion’s winning numbers come up

By Matthew Farrell

here’s a chance a mah-jong tournament next May could be among the first significant events hosted at a new sports pavilion in Ōmokoroa.

In a significant boost which will accelerate the design project to reality, the Lottery Community Facilities team last month approved a $400,000 grant to Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Society Incorporated.

The message from Lotteries acknowledged the effort that went into the application and stated that the request aligned with Lottery Grants Board outcomes, priorities and funding criteria.

Lotteries was stretched with $8,406,426 to distribute in the face of 99 requests totalling $22,164,486 for the funding round.

A committee member, Vicki Knell, says the Sport and Rec Committee are all thankful to have received such “spectacular” news. With $400,000 allocated from TECT, $295,000 from the District Council and Ōmokoroa Community Board, and more than $60,000 of locally raised funds contributed, she says it’s all getting very real.

“We’re incredibly grateful and fortunate to have se-

T

cured this latest grant. It takes our total to over $1.15 million to go towards our project. We’re not there yet, but we’re well and truly on the way. We have several other much smaller grant applications that we’re waiting to hear about,” she says.

Vicki says now is the time for the Ōmokoroa community to get behind this project.

“If you have any ideas and would like to become involved in supporting the pavilion, get in touch with members of the Sport and Recreation Society to let us know what you can do. The committee has been working extra hard for more than two years to get this iconic Ōmokoroa project so far. We’re excited about the next few months ahead. Join the wave, folks!”

The pavilion is estimated to be likely to cost between $1.2m and $1.6m and may take approximately six months to progress from earthworks to a turnkey building. The Lotteries announcement gives Sports and Rec the confidence to move from concept plans to more detailed drawings and costings, knowing the project can be put out to tender in the next two to three months. Find @Ōmokoroasportspavilion on Facebook or call Secretary Andrea Willoughby on 07 548 0848.

Read. Refresh. Relax. oin in the fun at Western Bay of Plenty Libraries, with their Winter Reading Challenge.

Read. Refresh. Relax is open to anyone over 13 years of age - students, teachers and parents can all take part.

Just grab a card from your local Western Bay library (Te Puke,

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Ōmokoroa, Katikati or Waihī Beach), and complete challenges to go in the draw to win cool prizes. You only need to complete four of the eight challenges to be in to win.

Some of the challenges include reading a nonfiction book, attending an event in the library or going

digital by reading an eBook. There is something to suit everyone’s reading style.

Read. Refresh. Relax runs until Tuesday 31st July.

For more info, call free on 0800 926 732 freephone or find Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries on Facebook.

OSRS Committee members Suzanne Kirk and Dianne Ellacott adding red tape to the Sports Pavilion thermometer - up, up and away! PHOTO: Supplied.

Help us support the Sports Pavilion Fund.

If you are considering selling or buying property in Omokoroa, by joining up with Team R & P we can boost the pavilion fund together.

List and sell your property, or purchase a property in Omokoroa using Team R & P from June 2018 and a percentage of the commission will be donated by us to the Sports Pavilion Fund.

Terms and Conditions Apply.

Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REA 2008

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

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| Lizard News | July 2018