Lizard News July 2021

Lizard News JULY 2021

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

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

Polar Plunge aturday 7th June saw an impressive 100+ adults and children turn out for the Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Polar Plunge, many of whom were dressed to impress the judges looking for the most creative and outrageous costumes of the day.

The Polar Plunge has been part of the Club’s history since its establishment in 1935.

Club lifeguards set up a safe, monitored area to ensure everyone’s safety between the flags. Advanced lifeguard Christiaan Maarhuis took responsibility for event safety and senior lifeguard and highly experienced nurse, Fiona Lafferty was on standby for any first aid needs – fortunately not required.

Watched by young and old, members of the Waihī Beach community and the Club enjoyed the spectacle which saw entrants brave an outside temperature of a ‘mild’ 16°C while the sea temp was a chilly 14°C. Participants, including a bride and groom, clowns, fairies, ninja turtles and more raced into the freezing water, around two buoys and out again, with some taking their time to enjoy the experience and others getting out as quickly as possible!

Everyone was welcomed up to The Deck at the Club afterwards for hot chocolates, mulled wine and prizegiving. See more silly swimming antics on page 9. Article and photos supplied.

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the Letters to

Editor

Fact-checking Todd

Todd Muller says that there are 75,000 more New Zealanders on unemployment benefit since Labour took office (Lizard News, June 2021).

The NZ Statistics Department reported that in September 2017, unemployment was 123,000 and in March 2021 135,000.

That makes an increase of 12,000, not the 75,000 that Todd is claiming. Is there a spin or ‘alternative facts’ site that we should be aware of?

Tony Pollitt, Ōmokoroa.

Todd’s office replies: To clarify, the figure quoted in Todd’s column last month was referring to the current number of Jobseeker recipients as April 15th, minus the figure when National left office.

Stats NZ figures are based on a quarterly survey of 30,000 people. The figures quoted in Todd’s column were provided to the Opposition Spokesperson for Social Development, based on Jobseeker Support Recipient figures that are issued weekly by the Ministry of Social Development. MSD weekly income support data is a real-time indicator of people dependent on the Government for income (Editor: as distinct from the number of unemployed). If you would like to discuss the figures further, I can ask Louise Upston’s office to discuss the question in more detail.

Office of Todd Muller MP, Pāpāmoa.

No magic roundabout

I am aware of a petition circulating in Ōmokoroa to construct a roundabout at the intersection of SH2 and Ōmokoroa Road. The intersection is dangerous and needs urgent attention from NZTA staff.

However, I believe that traffic engineering should be treated with the same consideration we treat other professional areas. We do not tell our dentists how to treat root canals, we don’t tell pharmacists how to produce certain medications, and I have yet to see a Letter to the Editor opinion on how best to perform heart surgery. So why offer an opinion on complicated intersection design?

Roundabouts in high-speed environments are complex design elements.

What led to the demand for its construction? Was it a lowering of the speed?

NZTA can achieve that with a simple speed sign coupled with a fixed speed camera at a fraction of the cost.

I was pleased with NZTA’s announcement of the construction of the Tākitimu North Link. Finally, we seemed to get a

State Highway that deserves that label.

The announcement of the cancellation of Stage Two in favour of the Auckland cycle bridge changed my mind into a state of despair.

So reluctantly, despite my misgivings of telling experts how to do their job, and only in an attempt to reduce the public pressure of an ill-conceived idea to build a roundabout in that location, I offer a different intersection design. The design goes some way in achieving the original design objectives at a fraction of its cost.

Maybe, there is a way of including it in the Stage One project.

In my defence for giving that advice, I claim that working as a qualified traffic engineer in my early engineering career gives me an understanding and insight into the subject.

My sketch of the intersection design combines two slip lanes and a set of traffic lights. Traffic from Tauranga stays on the existing lane with no interference from intersection movements. Traffic from Ōmokoroa to Tauranga is directed via a newly constructed slip lane, extended to the dual carriageway some 700m further south. Build a median slip lane north to Francis Rd. Traffic lights could control the following movements: Right-hand turn on SH2 from Tauranga into Ōmokoroa Rd, right-hand turn from Ōmokoroa Rd into SH2 slip lane to Katikati, and stop lights for south-bound traffic on SH2 (Katikati to Tauranga) and turning into Ōmokoroa Rd. Werner Corbe, Ōmokoroa.

Hit sticks wanted

I note that the orange hit sticks have been removed from the median on each side of the Ōmokoroa intersection.

These sticks effectively slowed traffic down, and I observed that there were two accidents in the vicinity soon after they were removed.

Surely these sticks are cost-effective, and as there are still speedsters in the area, I request as a concerned driver that they be put back to reduce the possibility of future accidents.

Jo Richards, Ōmokoroa.

Bike Ready at No. 1

On the 18th and 19th of May, the Year 6 students at Ōmokoroa No.1 School did a Bike Ready Programme at the school and the roads around it.

On Tuesday morning, all the students had to bring their bikes and put them on the field. At nine o’clock, everyone got into their groups to meet their instructors. Everyone checked their helmets and then checked their bike’s quick-release, air, brakes, chain, direction and seat.

Then everyone started doing different things. Some groups were practising

hand signals while some were playing games. We kept doing that until morning tea.

After that, most groups went out to the field to practise emergency braking. Most people were doing skids along the ground. We also practised looking behind us for cars. Some groups joined together to do games like a slow race, which is the opposite of a normal race. The last one to cross the line wins, but you can’t put your foot down, or you’re out. Some groups had turns going down a big hill. Now all the groups were ready to hit the road.

Wednesday was the day that we finally went on the road. Everyone met up with their groups again, hopped on their bikes and went for a quick ride around the fields before heading off. The big groups went off by themselves, and the smaller groups joined together for the ride down to the end of Plummer’s Point Road.

The ride took about ten minutes before we split up to learn about passing parked cars, starting your journey safely and getting past an intersection. After that, we biked back to school, played a few games, and then went down the big hill.

Bike Ready was really fun. Now when I go out biking on the road, I know how to keep safe.

Elliot Bond, Ōmokoroa.

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer hank you to those who expressed interest in joining us and becoming a medical first responder. We have signed up two persons but would appreciate another two. Please get on the phone and ring me 0274 599 478 to find out more. The Ōmokoroa first responder team has been very busy since Saturday 22nd May, responding 29 times since our previous report in the June edition. This equates to almost one emergency call every day for our volunteers.

On the afternoon of Saturday 26th June, there were three calls to three different incidents in Greystone Place - two in quick succession - which required the fire truck to respond as well.

Overall, the volunteer firefighters have had a quieter month with only a handful of calls. We attended a car versus car at Youngson Road on the afternoon of Saturday 5th June. There were no serious injuries. This was followed on Sunday 13th June by a cyclist coming to grief off her bike at the end of Lake View Terrace near the boardwalk.

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Help needed to deliver bike park fter some passionate advocacy from Ōmokoroa children and youth, the Western Bay of Plenty Council has adopted a Bike Park into their Long Term Plan.

The group of local parents behind this idea is excited to be able to influence the development of recreation facilities on the peninsula for our rapidly growing community. At this time, Council has committed to work with the group to identify potential locations and investigate costings in preparation for the next round of budget allocations. It is now the plan to set up a formal committee to work with Council on this project.

Can you lend a hand? Ailsa Fisher has put herself forward to chair the committee, a nomination backed by the group as she brings a lot of skills to this role through her work as a town planner. The committee will also need a treasurer and a secretary - are

these skills that you could offer your community?

You don’t need to know anything about biking, but if you are looking to give back to your community, are able to attend meetings and have the necessary skills then this is a great way to get involved.

The committee will also need members who do know about biking, especially mountain biking or bmxing. We would love to hear from anyone who is passionate about helping with the project. We would especially love to involve some local teenagers.

Like the Ōmokoroa Skate Path, this is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and work with Council to create an exciting and distinctive facility that we can take ownership of.

If you would like to be involved or find out more, please email Ailsa at leightonandailsa@gmail.com.

Article supplied.

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Can you help make a community bike park a reality? PHOTO: Supplied.

TNL cancellation letdown

Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel n a deeply cynical political move the Labour Government has once again cancelled the Tauranga to Ōmokoroa Northern Link upgrade. This was one of the projects axed from the New Zealand Upgrade Programme. During last year’s election they campaigned up and down the country on these projects. To renege on these promises only a few months into the political term is a kick in the guts

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AIL ABLE N HOMES AV

to the Western Bay of Plenty and everyone who uses that road.

The road between Tauranga and Ōmokoroa is widely acknowledged as one of the most dangerous stretches in the country. It was never built for the job we are asking of it today let alone the needs of one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions. Prioritising a fantasy walk and cycleway across the Waitematā Harbour shows a complete disregard for the people of the Western Bay of Plenty.

Needless to say, I’ve had lots of feedback from concerned road users and local residents since the announcement was made. They are angry and feel utterly let down. They are telling me the Government has its priorities wrong and that more lives will be lost on this road.

Moreover, apparently some 140 property owners are affected by the Government’s decision to cancel the upgrade.

Their land was due to be purchased and

many have made financial and lifestyle decisions based on this assumption.

Now NZTA won’t be buying those properties, but the inevitability of a future upgrade still hovers over property owners.

It simply isn’t fair to leave people in this state of limbo.

I’m keen to hear from anyone in this situation to gain a better understanding of how they have been impacted. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office on 0800 550 330.

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The kettle’s always warm so pop in for a cuppa and a chat!

Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel I’m going to be in Omokoroa and will be available to meet with you - so call my office 0800 550 330 to make an appointment.

If you haven’t visited Omokoroa Country Estate recently you really should call in and take a look. We’ve got homes available to view right now, and we’ve made lots of changes around the village so don’t be shy - call in and say hi!

To organise your personal viewing, contact Emma on

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Large beams on the move ive large bridge beams were moved by road between Te Puke and Ōmokoroa on Sunday 30th May. The beams, for the new pedestrian and cycle railway overbridge, travelled from Station Road in Te Puke down the Te Puke Highway, before continuing onto State Highway 2 at the Domain Road interchange, through to Ōmokoroa.

Each beam is approximately 35m long, 4.2m high and 3m wide.

They were moved approximately 30 minutes to an hour apart, with the first of the beams arriving in Ōmokoroa around 10am and the last before 4pm.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says pilot vehicles travelled in front of and behind the trucks transporting the beams to ensure drivers were aware of the large size.

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A bird’s eye view of master engineering. PHOTO: WBoPDC.

Community Board update

By Theresa Sage Board Chair t the last Ōmokoroa Community Board meeting, the expression of interest regarding the MenzShed for the Old Pavilion was left to lie on the table for further consultation. In between the community board meeting in April and this latest one on 8th June, the Board met with the committee of the MenzShed on the 10th May. As a result of that meeting, Blaise Williams (property manager, WBOPDC), Mike Hayden (Chair of MenzShed) and I (Chair of the Community Board) met to discuss the results of the previous meeting with the board to find a way forward.

The community board have always been supportive of a MenzShed here in Ōmokoroa, although through the many meetings that have occurred over the months it has become apparent that the Old Pavilion is not a suitable building for the MenzShed. The main reason being that the proposed funding linked to the building is from a town centre fund and that fund is for the whole community, not for specific interest groups. These funds are collected through rates district-wide.

At the June community board meeting, the expression of interest from the Menzshed Ōmokoroa was declined. The Community Board have requested to Council that Council staff will work with the MenzShed to facilitate an alternative accommodation.

The Community Board have recommended to Council that the Old Pavilion be relocated within the grounds of the reserve and that it is refurbished for community use. A member of the community, Matthew Farrell, had brought forward a proposal at the 8th June Community board meeting for the use of the old pavilion as a community centre that would be able to cater for many groups and uses. This project is in its infancy and is currently looking for volunteers

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to help Matthew and his new team to enable this to happen. Ōmokoroa continues to be like a huge building site. We have a new population that has arrived in the form of traffic cones which seem to be reproducing faster than the speed of light.

Long has gone the ability to get anywhere in Ōmokoroa within five to ten minutes, there are multiple stop/ go signs that can pop up anywhere. However, the road workers seem a friendly bunch, that will often give a smile or a wave to the motorist passing through or waiting in the queues. Long may the friendliness and cooperation from the community and road workers continue, as the traffic queues are here for a little while longer as the roads become upgraded.

There are two new bridges for foot traffic, either side of the railway bridge, that are being constructed. This will enable safe crossing for all pedestrians on both sides of the road. The arrival of the large concrete bridge platforms was an event in itself with the public going to watch their arrival into Ōmokoroa and into the new bridge sites.

The JACE town centre proposal has been accepted and we wait in anticipation on how that will look and hopefully have a positive effect on our community.

The WBOPDC have been holding public meetings to give the public a chance to have their say on the development of stage three. Now that they know the JACE development has been accepted and are aware of the new school position they are better able to have public consultation and discussions.

So, still, lots happening, and we continue to have new arrivals coming into our community.

As we welcome our newcomers, we hope they find Ōmokoroa as their new home welcoming and friendly even though the construction chaos will continue to happen for a while longer.

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he’s a master at reinventing herself. Elīna Arnese, whom some Omokoroa patients may remember from assisting chairside, has over the years progressed to a front desk and then administrative role. As general practice manager she now ensures that all three ER Dental surgeries are smoothy running to the same standard.

Elīna came to New Zealand from Latvia, seeking adventure. She lived in different places including Auckland before settling in Omokoroa. “The Bay of Plenty has always been attractive to me. Omokoroa is lovely, with a good sense of community and offering a safe environment.” She loves the natural beauty and being surrounded by the ocean on her frequent walks around the peninsula.

What she enjoys most about her current role is ER Dental’s great vision for dentistry, the diversity involved in her tasks, and the close-knit team she works with. Self-improvement, learning new things and taking on new challenges are always on Elīna’s mind, both in her career and in her personal life.

Her hobbies include art, occasionally computer games, and watching documentaries.

This column is brought to you by ER Dental Omokoroa

lizardnews.net

Plans to get underway for future Ōmokoroa town centre ews that detailed design and planning for a future Ōmokoroa Town Centre can now officially commence, has been welcomed by its owners JACE Group.

Resource consent was granted for the project on 10th May by independent commissioners appointed by the Western Bay of Plenty Council. The window to appeal the decision with the Environment Court expired on Monday 31st May with no submissions lodged.

JACE Group Director Craig Lemon is pleased they can now proceed with certainty on planning and preparing the 5.3-hectare site at 404 Ōmokoroa Road, for development.

“We are grateful the independent commissioners had the conviction to approve consent for an application driven by a locally owned and community invested company,” Lemon says. “But we were always aware of the inherent possibility that an appeal could be lodged, so weren’t prepared to release any further details until we were

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By Matthew Farrell tage Two of the Tākitimu North Link from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa has been put on the back burner for three to ten years, with the bombshell news coming just days after confirmation that Stage One of the project is still due to begin later this year.

A joint news release from Minister for Infrastructure Grant Robertson and Minister of Transport Michael Wood on Friday 4th June says the 7km TNL extension

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confident we could do so.”

With Land Use and Subdivision consent granted it means the company can shift to the next stage of planning. Reiterating that development will be staged in response to demand, JACE Group will be reviewing the commercial application of consent conditions in the detailed design process and is set to begin negotiations with interested tenants.

Conceptual render of how the JACE Group town centre could look. IMAGE: Supplied.

Staff and elected representatives of Council held two drop-in sessions to discuss land use around Prole Road, following the town centre decision.

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

The mixed-use commercial town centre will feature retail space, cafes, restaurants, accommodation, a childcare centre, offices, and a civic centre. Residential dwellings and reserve areas are also included.

“The community can expect to see some low-level activity on-site over the coming months as we progressively cease operating the site as a kiwifruit orchard and start ground preparation in

readiness for future roading and infrastructure services,” says Lemon.

With multiple community projects due to commence on the peninsula including the neighbouring school, JACE Group continues to focus on remaining transparent with all stakeholders involved.

Lemon advises locals to follow the company’s Facebook page (JACE Group) and keep an eye on local media for updates as planning gets underway.

More highway holdups from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa remains a ‘protected route’ for the future.

However, TNL Stage Two construction now depends on how funding is allocated in the National Land Transport Programme. This definitely won’t occur within the next three years and is described as ‘unlikely’ within the next ten years.

TNL Stage One, a 6.8km four-lane expressway between Tauranga and Te Puna is now subject to property negoti-

ations. Design and preparatory activities are underway and the construction contract has recently been awarded to Fulton Hogan and HEB. The big question is whether any interim improvements will be made to any of the State Highway 2 intersections, particularly at the boom town of Ōmokoroa where a newly consented town centre, a separate retail village and a high school are expected.

Last month’s funding announcement

for the government’s NZ Upgrade programme says 26 out of 32 projects go ahead unchanged around the country, supporting more than a thousand jobs, with 13 of those projects now underway.

News of the Stage Two decision was released as the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2031 was being finalised. The timing left local politicians with a near impossible task to reprioritise their strategic wishlist in a meaningful way.

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Service starts from 1 July 2021

Are you binfit?

Get match ready for your kerbside collection with these handy tips: Get your PAYT tags From 1 July you’ll need a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) tag on your red lid rubbish bin in order for it to be collected.

Get your pre-paid PAYT tags today from retailers, libraries and service centres across the District.

Find your collection day Check the side of your bin for your collection day and then refer to our printed collection day calendar (received with your bins) to help you with which bins to put out on which week.

There are some changes to collection days in the District, so check online for the latest collection day information.

Get to know your bins Use our online item search finder to learn exactly which bin each item goes into.

Old bins and green bags If your current provider hasn’t contacted you about removing their bins you might want to get in touch with them to arrange this.

Don’t forget, there will be no green bag collections a er 30 June.

You can dispose of any excess pre-paid green bags at our recycling centres during normal opening hours until the end of August.

Find all information at

kerbsidecollective.co.nz 0800 926 732

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Pay-as-you-throw tags on sale now re-paid rubbish bin tags aimed to financially incentivise Western Bay residents to reduce their waste are now on sale.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s new kerbside rubbish and recycling service starts 1st July. The recommended retail price is $3.95 for each tag.

The pay-as-you-throw rubbish tags are available from a number of stockists across the District including Council Library & Service Centres, supermarkets and dairies. The fluorescent orange prepaid tags are for the red lid rubbish bin component of the new service.

Council Deputy CEO and Group Manager Infrastructure Services, Gary Allis, says Council has attempted to provide an even spread of stockists across the District.

To use the tags, simply purchase a tag

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from one of the selected stockists, attach the pay-as-you-throw tag to the red rubbish bin by looping through handle and bin attachment. Fasten the tag and place the red lid rubbish bin on the kerb by 7am alongside other bins ready for collection on your collection day.

Gary says on average each household District-wide produces about 640kg of waste per year and these pre-paid tags are an initiative to help reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

“By implementing a pre-paid system for red lid rubbish bins, each household is only paying for the rubbish they generate and is not bound by a fixed rate – providing a financial incentive for people to reduce their waste.”

Serviced households’ recycling, food waste and glass bins will be collected on a regular basis, but the frequency of the

Glass bins to go

By Matthew Farrell he glass collection service that has been provided to Ōmokoroa residents was being removed from the FreshChoice supermarket at the end of June. Ōmokoroa will instead benefit from rubbish and recycling collections once Council’s new kerbside service starts on 1st July.

The District Council’s fortnightly mobile recycling drop off at Pongakawa BP has also finished up, after a successful 18 months of providing alternative options for more remote rural parts of the Eastern end of the District.

Council’s Deputy CEO and Group Man-

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ager Infrastructure Services, Gary Allis, says the two initiatives have been extremely worthwhile in diverting recyclables from landfill.

Since November 2019, the Pongakawa site saw an average of 75 vehicles per morning fortnightly, collecting a total of 17 tonnes of glass, paper, cardboard, plastics, and steel and aluminium cans.

Maketū, Pukehina, and some of the surrounding area will also have recycling at the kerb while Te Puke Recycle Centre will remain open.

The Ōmokoroa and Pongakawa recycling collections were funded through the Waste Minimisation Levy.

New ‘pay-as-you-throw’ rubbish bin tags. PHOTO: Supplied.

red lid rubbish bin being collected is up to the resident. Only when a pre-paid pay-as-you-throw tag is attached to the bin will it be collected.

The rubbish collection component of the new service is charged through the pay-as-you-throw tags – a pick up cost only charged when people choose to put their red lid rubbish bin out. This cost is not included in the annual targeted rate being added to eligible households’ rates invoices – $149 for a full service and $98 for a partial service – which covers the recycling component of the service (recycling, glass and food scraps).

“The costs of disposing waste to landfill will continue to increase. To reduce this we all need to think about sending waste from landfill to be recycled or composted,” says Gary.

“Moving from plastic bags to a pay-asyou-throw system is also a better environmental choice for our District.”

Gary reminds Katikati and Aongatete

residents that there will be changes in their collection days from 1st July. Council’s new collection day schedule moves from Friday to Tuesday. The rest of the District’s collection days remain mostly the same with some minor changes.

If unsure of a collection day for the new service, residents can find their collection day printed on the side of their red lid rubbish bin or yellow lid recycling bin.

Residents will also find an information brochure and 12-month collection calendar inside their blue glass crate or food scraps bin. The collection calendar shows households when their first collection for each bin will be in July, as well as timings for all collections for the next 12 months. For more information on pay-as-you-throw tags and the new kerbside rubbish and recycling service, as well as a full list of tag retailers, visit kerbsidecollective.co.nz.

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News in brief...

Serious crashes at Minden Police responded to two serious crashes on State Highway 2 in Minden on Tuesday 21st June.

A car crashed into a tree near Clarke Road at 2.30pm. Both occupants were seriously injured.

Another two-vehicle crash happened on SH2 at 8.45pm, with diversions put in place at Snodgrass Road.

One of the drivers died at the scene. A person from the other vehicle was seriously injured.

Public order A small group of youths threw glass bottles on the road and knocked over traffic cones in the Ōmokoroa Road area at around 9:40pm on Tuesday 21st June.

A Police unit pulled over a vehicle in relation to the incident, but there were no arrests. The attending unit was delayed being dispatched from Tauranga as the serious crash on SH2 took up resources.

Community Constable James Muir tells Lizard News he’ll be following up with suspects for the incident, and hopefully also with the creator of a Facebook group set up as a public response to juvenile crime.

Constable Muir says it’s the second incident of its kind and he takes the matter seriously.

Police return to Ōmokoroa Subject to operational requirements, Katikati Police plan to be at their temporary office in the old library building, McDonnell Street, Ōmokoroa (TOLO) on a Tuesday and Friday from 12 noon to 2pm for the people of Ōmokoroa.

Community Constable James Muir

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says if there is a demand, he will add more hours to his visits. If you need to speak to Police personally, see James at the old library office.

Witnesses sought for Kaimai driving incidents Police investigating reports of traffic offending around the Kaimai Range from last December are seeking information and witness accounts of similar offending since.

There were multiple reports of a motorist braking suddenly on SH29 from Pūtāruru to Tauranga, causing other vehicles to heavily brake to avoid a crash.

Call 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting file number 201223/1967.

Breakdown over Wairoa Waka Kotahi / NZTA was advising motorists to delay travel or expect delays on State Highway 2 north of Bethlehem, after a breakdown on the Wairoa Bridge.

The vehicle was later moved but traffic was backed up in both directions on the afternoon of Thursday 27th May. Rain not enough Despite last month's rain, parts of Tauranga and Rotorua are still experiencing low flows in some streams. Flows in the Paraiti (Mangōrewa) River and Ngongotahā Steam have steadily been dropping and are now at their lowest in more than 30 years.

The Regional Council says the underlying lack of rain, warmer forecasts and droughts over the longer-term will affect stream health, aquatic species, water users, pasture, crops and animal health.

$200k for environment More than $200,000 is available for local environmental groups who need help funding local projects, but time is running out to take advantage of this year’s Environmental Enhancement Fund.

The Regional Council fund, which closes on 31st July, provides seed funding of up to $25,000 for each community-based project that helps improve the environment, raises environmental awareness and uses the enthusiasm and skills of the community.

Free buses for mobility impaired People permanently unable to drive become eligible for free transport on Bay of Plenty Regional Council bus services from 1st July.

The Accessibility Concession is loaded onto the passenger’s Bee Card to enable free public transport seven days a week, following an assessment.

Take a hike Walking and tramping adventures just became a whole lot safer with the launch of a world first trip-planning app.

Plan My Walk, by the Mountain Safety Council, has information on more than 1000 DoC tracks, MetService forecasts, gear lists and advice.

Users add trip members, assign an emergency contact, then share their plan.

Tree works on SH2 Tree removal and maintenance have been taking place on State Highway 2.

Work to remove dead trees posing a safety risk was undertaken on Sunday 13th June, west of the Francis Road

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The following week, work was carried out on an existing shelterbelt north of Sharp Road.

Katikati Playground update The playground between the Western Bay Museum and the Arts Junction in Katikati is being upgraded with some cool new features.

The District Council says the new equipment will be installed in the coming weeks with construction aiming to be complete by August, depending on the weather.

NZ Garden Bird Survey Between 26th June and 4th July, New Zealanders will gather near windows and under trees in gardens, parks and school grounds to count garden birds.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the NZ Garden Bird Survey calls itself the country’s longest-running citizen science project to make birds count.

Quarry Park plant sale Te Puna Quarry Park’s popular plant sale is becoming a regular feature, on the second Sunday of every second month, i.e. 13th June, 8th August, 10th October.

Lots of plants, shrubs, young trees, seeds, bulbs, garden tools and items are on offer.

Normally the sale will be outside, but with bad weather it will be in the Gallery. If you want to help with fundraising for the Quarry Park, they’d greatly appreciate donations of plant material.

Please contact ruthdainty@gmail.com

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| Lizard News | July 2021

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Regional rates hike to cover $2bn spend

By Matthew Farrell

he Regional Council is increasing general rates by 5.8% this year, an average of $23 per property, as part of its Long Term Plan.

The Council says it’s also using accumulated reserves in each of the next three years to cap rates increases needed to fund $1.86 billion of spending

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over the next 10 years.

The dividend from its investment arm Quayside Holdings is worth $347 per household, offset from the general rates bill - which is administered by the District Council.

Key decisions include plans to extend a one-year trial of free bus fares for school children in urban Tauranga, to introduce similar trials in Rotorua and

Whakatāne, to increase capital funds for flood protection, to regulate the Mōtītī exclusion area and maritime activities in the Eastern Bay, and a $4.1m grant to Rotorua Museum.

The Regional Council also plans to increase dedicated funding for community engagement with a specific focus on youth, to implement a regional funding mechanism for safety and rescue ser-

vices, and to set up a scheme to install sustainability initiatives to private households.

Chairman Doug Leeder says rapid population growth is creating notable challenges for housing, transport and urban development - as the Regional Council adapts to significant regulatory reform and changes in the local government landscape.

Swimmers celebrate solstice

By Liz Farrell round 35-40 hardy souls turned out at Ōmokoroa Domain on Sunday 20th June to brave the cold water and celebrate the winter solstice with a swim.

With high tide at 3.30pm, organiser Russell Oliver planned the 3pm event for his group of regular harbour swimmers and thought he’d issue an open invitation to others to join them.

“I have been surprised at the number of regular winter swimmers I have come across in recent months,’ says Russell. “I'm in regular text contact with a few, and we

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All smiles before hitting the water.

are seeing if we can swim regularly through the winter.”

The article in the June edition of the Lizard News prompted more interest from polar plungers as well as a good number of well-wrapped up spectators.

He points out that winter swimmers are not masochists. “They swim because they enjoy what is frequently a truly lovely experience in the water and the sense of well-being that follows!”

It was clear to see those who were a little more practised at the discipline. While some were quickly in and out of the water, quite a few enjoyed a more leisurely quar-

ter-hour swim.

Lizard News was excited to get behind the event, offering a free hot drink from either Alma or Skippers to help warm up afterwards.

Russell sends out a daily text to a few who are interested. This includes high tide times, wind information and the time he’s likely to swim and the location. “The text is just a casual, no-obligation, no-reply arrangement that gives folk the chance to swim with others if that is what they would like.”

If you would like to join Russell’s group, please send him a text on 021 153 0767.

A good-sized gathering joined in the swim.

Even superheroes joined in. PHOTOS: Liz Farrell.

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By Debra Jager f you have fruit, nut and avocado trees on your property, you may need to consider placing traps up in your trees. These trees provide a constant food supply for rodents, often meaning they do not need to come onto the ground at all.

Bryce Buckland of Birdlife on Grampians in Nelson writes for Predator Free website: “In the bush (where most groups trap), the best food for rats is up trees. It’s

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Rats in trees where all fresh shoots, nuts, seeds and flowers are, and tracking tunnels have little success.

“Trees are a far safer place to live. Up there, they are much safer from weka, hawks, falcons, hedgehogs, cats, dogs and (especially) humans with scary ground-based traps. Many trees also have cosy, dry entrance holes in their trunks just right for raising young in high-rise living.

“Traps are best nailed in a reclined position, about a “rat’s body length” above

the fork of a tree. Laying the trap backstops the peanut butter running out and encourages the rat to lean onto the trigger plate. Nailing the trap loosely with a galvanized clout allows the tree to grow without pushing the trap off, and a floppy trap lessens the chance of a rat leveraging itself free.

“We use smooth peanut butter (PICs, of course) and apply it with a 50mm syringe. This dramatically speeds the job and is less messy.”

You can even place the rat trap directly

above a possum trap. Chances are you will catch both rodents in one night.

If you have ever been out at night in your orchard with a torch and looked up in the branches of your fruit trees, you might get the shock of your life as it comes alive with rats scurrying along the branches. Happy trapping.

The Whaka Pest Trap Library, a WCI initiative, is open the last Sunday of every month from 3-5pm at 469 Whakamārama Road, by Whakamārama Hall.

Supporting your neighbourhood

By Matthew Farrell t least one new area co-ordinator is needed for Neighbourhood Support (NS) in Ōmokoroa, with the current double act of Cathy Taylor and Annabel Reyes stepping down together.

20th-26th June was National Volunteers Week, and quite timely as a new volunteer is precisely what is needed.

Over the past couple of years, Cathy Taylor and Annabel Reyes have done a fantastic job building membership and visibility in Ōmokoroa.

Sadly, both Cathy and Annabel have had work and family commitments increasing lately and now find themselves unable to continue as area co-ordinators.

Cathy says, “I also volunteer with the non-profit organisation Loved4Life. We welcome all babies in our community with a quilt, merino garments, a blanket, and a home-cooked meal for the family. I have recently joined the national board, and I can’t dedicate time to both groups.

“I feel proud of what Annabel and I have achieved but feel now is the time for someone younger, preferably with computer skills and the enthusiasm to keep NS active and establish new Street Groups in the new subdivisions,” she says.

Annabel says that despite the close-knit community, as the town grows, it’s possible to lose what’s previously been taken for granted

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without structure.

“Neighbourhood Support can ensure connections with our neighbours are maintained. We saw the value of this during lockdown, and I’m sure we’ll need it again.

However, the next step for Ōmokoroa NS is better relations with the Western Bay network and the Police.

“That would mean an area co-ordinator who has considerable experience of relationship building, with time and patience to commit longterm.

“We now need an Ōmokoroa specific regular newsletter with current information fed from the Police. That would add value and give NS a purpose,” says Annabel.

Neighbourhood Support is looking to recruit a volunteer to continue the excellent work already achieved and expand its Street Group network.

The key attributes of our new area co-ordinator include: be a good communicator, be community-minded, have reasonable computer skills, be active and mobile, and be willing to follow the NS operational systems.

Full training and guidance are part of the process, and as a member of an enthusiastic team, help and advice are just a call away.

If you’d like to know more about this volunteer opportunity, contact manager Bruce Banks at nsomokoroa@wbopns.org.nz or 027 271 3772.

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Quarry Park reveals new artwork

By Elly Nederhoff Secretary, Te Puna Quarry Park

he latest addition to the collection of artworks in Te Puna Quarry Park is a five-piece sculpture made

by Tauranga artist Isaac Weston. It was unveiled on a sunny day in June with a festive morning tea, enjoyed by about fifty of the Quarry Park community and guests.

This new piece of art is quite different from the many other sculptures in the Park. Isaac uses fire, water, air and acids to reveal the hidden elements of metal.

This particular artwork, named ‘The Life Journey’, is made from local railway sleepers and polished copper. The result is a stunning contrast of light and darkness, and of rough texture

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with refined patterns.

The bonus of working with a local artist is that his artwork is accessible to the public via his studio in Tauranga. Information about Isaac’s artwork can be found on his website: www.reworkit.co.nz.

A great thank-you goes to the sponsors of this art project, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, who gave Quarry Park a grant from the Creative NZ’s Creative Communities Scheme, and to Annie Hill of Creative Bay of Plenty for facilitating the process.

‘The Life Journey’ is placed where it catches the sun nearly all day and where many visitors can enjoy it. To view ‘The Life Journey’, follow the main track in Quarry Park for a few hundred meters and you’ll find it diagonally opposite the

mosaic figurine family.

Te Puna Quarry Park is located in the foothills of the Kaimais, off SH2, about 6 km out of Bethlehem. It was a desolate quarry until volunteers started developing it in the late 1990s. It is now a stunning park of 32 hectares, full of adventures for kids and fun for the whole family. It features a wide assortment of beautiful trees, shrubs and flowering plants, native and exotic, as well as ponds, an amphitheatre, butterfly house, structures, sculptures and much more.

Te Puna Quarry Park is a public park, open all daylight hours. It is managed and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, under the direction of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Admission is free - donations are welcome.

Artist Isaac Weston working on ‘The Life Journey’, now installed at Te Puna Quarry Park.

PHOTO: Ruth Dainty.

Western Bay volunteer hours add up es has been in the bush since he was 15. He is now 92 and still lends a hand each week with pest trapping and pest plant control for his local care group in Whakamārama.

Volunteers like Des make up the membership of care groups, which carry out crucial work across the Bay of Plenty, benefitting both the community and the local environment.

Friends of the Blade, the group he gives his time to, is just one of the 50 care groups that help Bay of Plenty Regional Council extend their work programmes, while building community resilience. In return the Regional Council gains invaluable localised knowledge from the mem-

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bers' diverse skill-sets and experience.

It's a two way street with volunteers enjoying the opportunity to meet new people, develop their skills and helping the region to thrive.

Volunteers contribute to coastal dune restoration, wetland and estuary protection, stream and lake margin management, and control of pest plants and animals.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chief Executive Fiona McTavish says over the past year, despite COVID-19 interruptions, care groups and volunteers have generated amazing results.

In the Western Bay of Plenty, 29 land care and estuary care groups have con-

tributed to more than 17,500 volunteer hours.

In that time they have set over 3,800 pest control devices, caught more than 800 pests, and planted countless native plants and trees.

In the Eastern Bay of Plenty, volunteers have been responsible for planting 2,800 natives, caught in excess of 700 pest animals, and contributed to 3,200 hours of volunteer labour.

There are five very active care groups in Rotorua, some of them operating since the 1990's, carrying out crucial pest control work and native planting.

Across the region 4,300 CoastCare volunteers and another 2,700 school stu-

dents spent 7,900 volunteer hours planting 70,000 sand dune plants between June and September.

Fiona McTavish says volunteer work is not only crucial for the environment but also helps to build communities.

“Over the past year our volunteers have contributed more than 30,000 hours to our local environment. We are so thankful and grateful for our volunteers at Toi Moana.

“Our strength is not as individuals, but as a collective. We are strong and we serve our community because of the volunteers we have,” Fiona says.

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Todd Talk

By Todd Muller MP Bay of Plenty ast month’s announcement that the Government are pulling Stage 2 of the TNL was an utter slap in the face to everyone who has worked so hard to get State Highway 2 up to the quality we deserve in the Bay of Plenty. Too many people have lost their lives or been affected by injury to themselves or loved ones due to acci-

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dents on this dangerous piece of highway. I don’t think there is a single person in this city who isn’t shaking their head at the cancellation of the link to Ōmokoroa.

Instead of getting underway in 2018, the incoming coalition government cancelled the TNL. Then two years later they reinstated a watered-down version from Tauranga to Ōmokoroa. Now they have cancelled that extension, along with other significant roading projects

around New Zealand.

This is a government that just can’t deliver. Their decision to defund highways around New Zealand is incredibly short-sighted when you consider their huge push to get people into electric vehicles. Do they think that these EVs will take up less road space than traditional cars? We will still need wider and better roads, more than ever, as our population grows faster than public transport systems can

keep up with.

To add insult to injury, you and I will instead be funding a cross-harbour cycle bridge in Auckland. I doubt we’ll ever get to use it, and probably most Aucklanders won’t either, assuming it ever gets built.

But that’s nearly a billion dollars put aside for the project that can’t be spent on expanded health facilities, pay rises for nurses and teachers or additional police resourcing. We deserve better in the Bay.

Cross-boundary support

By Angie Warren-Clark Labour List MP his is my first column writing in the Lizard this Parliamentary term.

I think it’s appropriate after learning this week of the pending retirement of Todd Muller, MP for Bay of Plenty, to acknowledge my colleague and his work.

While Todd will finish out this term of Parliament, I want to recognise his years of service to this community.

Todd and I go back a long way to our

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student days at the University of Waikato, in the days before Tauranga had its own campus. We began our political careers in student body politics.

Although we are elected Members of Parliament from across the political divide, Todd and I have remained friends from across the House throughout our time in Parliament. I sincerely wish Todd, Michelle and their family all the best for the upcoming years post Parliament.

With the boundary changes that occurred at the last election, Ōmokoroa moved into the Coromandel electorate. I am delighted that I can now confirm that I am the buddy MP for Coromandel. This means as a Labour List MP I will be supporting both the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel electorates.

Rest assured that I know that safety remains a major concern on State Highway 2.

We’re continuing to build safety im-

provements along SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa to help save lives. The Tākitimu North Link Stage One will significantly improve safety and accessibility, build resilience, support growth and provide more transport choice for communities. The Government has also decided route protection of Tākitimu North Link Stage Two, a 7km extension between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa, will be progressed as part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

Another podium finish for Ming

By Fiona Menzies aka Ka’ching Ming

224 women worldwide participated in the Disc Golf Amateur Masters Women’s Global event on 8th May. Each entrant played two 18-hole rounds in 99 events worldwide. I came third place in my division (age 60+) of which there were 46 entries.

Our event was held at a course in Henderson and we had 32 entries overall. A similar event took place in Wellington with 38 women taking part.

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I’m getting a prize in the mail from the Professional Disc Golf Association. I am excited to see what that will be!

Disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, though, players use a flying disc or Frisbee®. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).

If you are interested in finding out more, visit www.newzealanddiscgolf.org.nz or the local club can be found at www.facebook.com/TaurangaDiscGolf

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Action shot from the Amateur Masters Women’s event in May. PHOTOS: Discshop.co.nz

TODD DD MU MULLL LLER

MP FO OR BAY OF P PLENTY Te Puna n Constitue na en n Clinics: nt Meet with To odd or od o hiis team

Re egular g Clinic ics: 3 d Monday 3r Mo of the month m h between e F bruary and Februa d November 1 .00am — 112.

10 12 2 00pm m at Te Puna Pun na Hall

Next Clinic nic Dates in 2021: n 19 July, 16 6 August, 20 Septtember em

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| Lizard News | July 2021

Preston Rowe Paterson Tauranga Ltd 111 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3110 PO Box 2327, Tauranga 3144 prpnz.nz/prp-tauranga/

All enquiri qu es: E P

Tod dd Mu dd.Mu ullerMP@p parrliame ent. ent t.govt.nz (0 07) 542 0505

Authoris ised by Todd Muller uller MP, 3/9 Domain main Road, Papa amoa.

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Supports, allowances and rights for over 65s lder people often struggle on in difficult circumstances and may not be aware there are supports and services out there that can assist.

Did you know you could get up to $66 a week from the Government if you live with a long-term health condition or disability? Are you aware of the home help and personal care services in your area

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Christine Potts will be available once a month to advise seniors on support services. PHOTO: Supplied.

and how to access them? What are your rights as an older person? Are you caring for a dependent partner or family member and need help?

Information about all these questions and more will be available at the Old Library, McDonnell Street, Ōmokoroa, from 10am to 4pm on Wed 7th July, and thereafter on the first Wednesday of the

month.

Christine Potts, a volunteer, who has a background in community support for older persons and disability, will be there to assist you with your queries and concerns and provide information. A private area is available for more a confidential conversation if needed.

Article supplied.

Serving the community for 35 years

By Anne Andrews ions Club of Ōmokoroa has celebrated 35 years serving the community of Ōmokoroa, from 1986 – 2021 Looking back over this milestone year, we have been indeed fortunate to be able to continue our monthly dinner nights through the pandemic whilst remembering the plight of other countries not so fortunate.

Projects of note for Ōmokoroa Lions over the past 12 months include the mammoth effort of cutting and distributing firewood, the book fair (a first for our Club), the Peace Poster competition at Ōmokoroa Point School, installing the drinking fountain at the Skate Park (our 100 year Lions Centennial contribution), tree planting at the Lions Tree Grove in TECT Park, and not to forget the Health and Medical Aids equipment raising $2525 into our Trust Account.

Recently, eleven members picked 11

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banana boxes of Kiwifruit. We had planned to sell these at our last market, but unfortunately the weather was against us. Instead, we distributed to the food bank at the Community Church, Acacia Park, and two of the early childhood centres here on the peninsula.

We have paid a total of $8817.40 in donations over the past year, along with $4000 of university sponsorship to two recipients, at $2000 each.

Love4Life organisation was delighted to receive a $500 donation to purchase material for making newborn baby arrival kits.

Our Club Puzzle nights, as a change from Speakers at Dinner meetings, were always cause for amusement and fun. We had a social visit to the Elms Mission House and Mission Cemetery in Tauranga, along with the little red taxi trip across the harbour to Mt Maunganui.

The wonderful BBQ luncheon we had on the Shaws Farm in January was well sup-

ported as was a luncheon at the Cidery in Te Puna, and ten pin bowling in Tauranga. These last two, plus the visit to the Hemp Farm in Tauriko, were great social outings.

Having our new gazebo has increased the profile for Lions in Ōmokoroa. Whilst we had to cancel our monthly market in Western Ave, we now have a great spot at the new market in the carpark at Settlers’ Hall on the last Saturday of the month. If the position is right, the smell of sausages from a Lions BBQ is ever tempting. I think we are on to a winner here!

The Club formally celebrated the 35 years anniversary on 9th June. Eight past members joined us for a mid-winter Christmas dinner, and also to see our annual Change of Officers.

We are always looking for new members to join the Lions Club of Ōmokoroa, a Club that continues to be proud to serve our community, with great friend-

ships forged over the years, along with lots of fun and fellowship.

President Anne Andrews and two past Presidents of Omokoroa Lions Club, Colin Kurth (left) and Mark Ulyatt (right). PHOTO: Supplied.

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Beauty and purpose in one

By Frances Kelly reative Fibre Pahoia spent its first morning meeting in June felting soaps. We transformed bars of soap into colourful additions to our bathrooms. The process of felting causes the wool to shrink tightly around the soap. As the soaps are used, the fibres continue to felt, making for a soft face-

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cloth and soap in one. One of our members took the opportunity to make a set of felted soap pebbles which she plans to have as a permanent feature in a bathroom.

We have been planning our activities for the next few months, and welcome all who would like to join us at the Settlers’ Hall on Ōmokoroa Road. Creative Fibre members aim to explore, create and inspire, with fibre. We share, promote, teach and preserve the cultural activities of spinning, weaving, and wool crafts – knitting, crochet, felting and dyeing to name just some. You name it, if there’s fibre involved, we’re doing it.

There’s a ‘day group’ which meets from 10am – 1pm on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays each month, and sets the first meeting of each month as a learning session. Our ‘night group’ meets from

7pm to 9pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

The day group will begin July with a session on Nuno felting, a wet felting technique where wool or other fibre is felted with and through an open weave fabric such as silk or chiffon. Water, heat and friction come together to felt the fibre. From August we are looking to develop our spinning skills. Meanwhile the ‘night group’, is continuing its focus on developing knitting skills. They’ve been widening the range of cast on and cast off methods they use.

You’re also welcome to join us for three meetings at either group while you decide whether Creative Fibre is for you.

It’s $5 per meeting to cover the hall hire.

We look forward to meeting you.

The two groups will come together on Saturday 7th August for an Open Day

Examples of felted soaps made at a recent creative fibre session. PHOTOS: Supplied.

from 10am – 12 noon at the Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall. We will have a wide range of items we’ve created on display as well as equipment for spinning, weaving, felting, knitting and crochet. If you’d like to try your hand at any of these, we’ll have people there to help you. In late October we’ll also hold a display at The Carlton Gallery in Katikati.

Taking my time to learn

By Juanita Meder Office Administrator fter many mornings of practice, the Pahoia School Cross Country was finally held here at school. Being situated on a small hill with a corner of bush made for an interesting course, as did the hay bale stack and the big mud puddle. Our fundraising team provided lots of morning tea and lunch options, which were enjoyed by both parents and children.

Friday morning 'My Time' is once again in full swing. This year we have many new options, as well as many new faces coming into school to share their knowledge. Groups can be found all over the school, taking part in board and card games, felting, playdough modelling, creative dance, zentangles, painting, science wonders, building blocks and games, sports, tapestry, art and craft, playing the ukulele, painting, Minecraft, and finding out what's in space.

A

Pahoia students enjoy the hay bale obstacle during cross country.

PHOTOS: Supplied.

• • • • • • •

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

ASL

ELECTRICAL

You’re in safe hands

Pahoia-based Serving Te Puna to Katikati

Lee: 0210 834 5200 Registered, qualified tradesman Fully guaranteed and insured

Omokoroa

My Time on Friday mornings offers lots of self-driven learning opportunities.

Waihi Beach

With local plumbers based in Te Puna, Omokoroa, Katikati and Waihi Beach

Omokoroa 07 548 0309 • Gas fitting • Drainage • General Maint • Gas fitting • Drainage • General Maintenance Waihi Beach 07 863 5621 • Plumbing • Gas fitting • Drainage • General Maintenance

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| Lizard News | July 2021

lizardnews.net

Get your skates on

By Vanessa Torbet mokoroa Point School PTA has a unique and fun fundraising event coming to the Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion on the 1st - 4th September.

Ice Skate Tours - powered by team Trueman Bayleys and More Fm - is coming to Ōmokoroa! Get your tickets for this cool but not ice-cold skating and curling experience.

Ice Skate Tours is an artificial ice rink that has a similar gliding capacity as natural ice but is slightly easier to skate on for children and beginners.

Skates, helmets and gloves are provided.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, Team Trueman Bayleys, we are able to put on an awesome

Ō

event spanning four days which will include children’s ice-skating lessons and ice discos. For something a bit different we’re having a Curling Cup on Friday 3rd September from 6pm.

Curling is a fun activity and as not many people have tried it before it’s likely that everyone will be at the same level. It’s great for team spirit but will no doubt get the competitiveness out of people.

Teams of four adults compete for the Cup. We have two yummy food trucks and a bar so it’s going to be a great night. We wrap up Ice Skate Tours with public skating on Saturday 4th September from 10am to 2pm.

Event details and ticket information can be found at trybooking.co.nz/HDM

Morris dancing underway n exciting new weekly group is starting at a fabulous venue in The Jam Factory at the Historic Village. Every Wednesday, come along for dance, fun, music, with Border Morris dance practice (with big sticks) and social with tunes session.

Doors open at 6 for a 6.30 start. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to dance. Then 8 - 9pm is the social and tunes session.

Please Messenger or email to let us know if you are coming, so we can be sure to have enough sticks!

If you’d like more info, contact Marty and Ann on TaurangaBorderMorris@gmail.com

A

Questions and costumes n Friday 25th June the Ōmokoroa Point School PTA held their annual Quiz Night. It was a sell out crowd with not just parents and teachers but also the wider community. We would like to sincerely thank all of you who attended the evening to help make this a fun and suc-

O

cessful night. We appreciate the time and effort in your amazing costumes, this is always a highlight! We all appreciate the competitive bidding on our auction items and other prizes. All proceeds from the evening will go towards new IT equipment in our children’s classrooms to benefit their learning en-

vironment.

The evening would not have been possible without the support of our valued sponsors. Your generous contributions were gratefully received, and we would like to say a massive thanks.

Also, a special thanks to Nick Rose from Alliance AV for donating your time

to organise the audio/visual system for the evening and Anmea Hoskin @The_Photobooth_lady for capturing all the fun and energy of the night.

Thank you from your OPS PTA Team: Vanessa Torbet, Sandra Easton, Penny Groucott, Janine Parker, Annabel Reyes, Mornay Jacobs.

OPS QUIZ NIGHT SPONSORS • • • • • • • •

ER Dental Ōmokoroa Tauranga Kerb and Paving Ōmokoroa Tyre and Alignment Grants Firewood Black Diamond Photography Shane Jurgensen NZ BlackCaps Team Trueman -Bayleys Rachel and Linley - Tall Poppy

• • • • • • • •

One Staff Neighbourhood Pizza Leveret Estate Liz Van Welie Aquatics Alma Eatery GJ Gardner Homes Bethlehem Butchery Tremains

• • • • • • • •

The Upkeep Co BOP Vets Ōmokoroa ITM The Style Loft Carine Garden Centre KJ Studios Musa Sushi Activ8 Fitness

• • • • • • • •

Boheme Home Pretty Please B&W Beauty Topz Hair Studio Ōmokoroa Golf Club Spark VPT Health Club The Recovery Room

• • • • • • • •

Tildy and Co Inside Out – Waihī Running Bird Café Skippers Restaurant The Local Bar and Eatery The Garden Early Childhood Fix and Fogg Ōmokoroa Automotive

• Freshchoice • Ōmokoroa Accounting and Tax • Reside Construction • Lizard News • Kirsten Symes • Annan Law • Skin Centre

• • • • • • • •

Briscoes Electrify NZ Gilmours Me Hairstylists Ōmokoroa Pharmacy Jeb’s Kiwi Garden Heaven & Home Ōmokoroa Kayaks

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

3S SEPT 6PM 6P PM

PUBLIC SKATING T 4 SEPTEMBER 10AM 10 0AM - 2 2PM PM .CO.N NZ/HDM

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

• • • •

New tyres 4” to 22” Wheel alignments Puncture repairs All major brands available CAR • SUV • VAN TRAILERS • MOWERS QUADS • CARAVANS

Your locally family owned and operated tyre shop 18 years experience

Steve: 548 0556 8 Hamurana Road, Omokoroa

July 2021 | Lizard News |

15

What’s been happening?

We’re more than halfway through 2021 and it’s great to see the progress made on various Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects. Here are some key highlights.

New kerb and channel installed.

Beams being launched.

Exciting developments are happening in your neighbourhood.

Ōmokoroa Railway pedestrian/cycleway bridges Excellent progress has been made by contractor HEB Construction on the two standalone pedestrian bridges being constructed adjacent to the existing Ōmokoroa Road bridge over the railway line. The team have installed the piles, completed the abutments, and installed the beams for both bridges. HEB is now installing the deck, and the approaches to the bridge.

The pedestrian footpath/cycleway from the Kaimai Views roundabout to Tralee Street has also been designed to provide be er walking and cycling facilities on the western side of Ōmokoroa Road and to complement the eastern side of the road.

What to expect next:

By 2050, the Ōmokoroa Peninsula will be fully developed and home to an estimated 12,000 residents.

To cater for this significant growth and the need for continuing improvements to the peninsula’s infrastructure, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is undertaking a series of exciting projects — roading, reserves, cycleways, stormwater, building and planning — between now and 2022.

The 15-plus Council-initiated projects will be carefully managed to keep impacts to a minimum, however there will be some level of disruption in the community during this time, and we apologise in advance for these.

These projects are being done in collaboration with Tangata Whenua, Pirirākau Hapū; Ministry of Education; and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

$50m

$14m

12,000

Estimated total projects cost

Co-funded

by Central Government*

Residents estimated by the year 2050

*New Zealand Government Shovel Ready Infrastructure Programme

Upcoming events Come along to the rest of our 2021 information sessions!

i

Thursday 29 July, 4.30pm to 6.30pm Ōmokoroa Se lers Hall, 334 Ōmokoroa Road

i

Thursday 18 November, 4.30pm to 6.30pm Ōmokoroa Se lers Hall, 334 Ōmokoroa Road

These public sessions are a great opportunity to meet with Council during these developments, find out more about the projects, and ask any questions you may have about specific projects.

• Superstructure (bridge decks and handrails) to be installed during June/July.

• Project expected to be completed by end July.

Ōmokoroa Road Urbanisation Stage 1 (Western Avenue to Tralee Street) Work on upgrading 1.3km of Ōmokoroa Road from Western Avenue to Tralee Street continues to progress well with contractor, J Swap.

Council thanks the public for their continued support Rebate completed by the and co-operation. The past skatepark and footpath fill placed. few months have focused on undergrounding power (including fully undergrounding power lines from the Western Ave Reserve through to the Country Estate Boundary); relocating network cables; installing stormwater connections; preparing groundworks for the cycle path; removal of vegetation on roadside berms; construction of kerbing and channelling and pedestrian/cycle path; installation of the watermain and associated services to adjacent properties; and drilling holes for installing new streetlights.

Another pedestrian/cycle path is being investigated on the western side of Ōmokoroa Road to complement the path on the eastern side.

What to expect next: • Further undergrounding of services, construction on stormwater connections, footpath, and cycleway, kerbing and channelling.

• Construction of roadway and pavement from September 2021, with a target to be completed by end 2022.

The new seating area off Western Avenue.

Western Avenue shared path

What’s coming up? Ōmokoroa Road Urbanisation Stage 2 (Prole Road to the railway): Contractor to be confirmed; physical works expected to start before end of 2021 or early 2022, and largely completed by end of 2022.

Western Avenue Urbanisation (Ōmokoroa Road to north of Gane Place): Final design being progressed (does not include any footpath on the western side); combined cycle and pedestrian path to be installed along the eastern side; Western Ave carriageway to be widened; improvements made to existing amenities. Ōmokoroa Domain upgrade and new playground: Awaiting delivery of playground equipment items from overseas; Downer has been awarded the construction contract, and the project is expected to be completed in time for summer.

This project involved a new pathway connecting Ōmokoroa Road through the reserve to the new Sports Pavilion. The project, now complete, also features benches with special umbrella slots for shade in the heat of summer. The area will soon be filled with more plants and grass too.

Golf Course stormwater bund and cycleway This project involves the construction of a 1.2km stormwater bund to prevent flooding of the Ōmokoroa Golf Course and the lower section of Precious Family Reserve. Stage 1 and Stage 2 construction of the stormwater bund at the eastern end of the Ōmokoroa Golf Course have been completed. Consent has now been received for Stage 3 – to construct a boardwalk through the wetland, linking the bund and walkway to Kaylene Place.

What to expect next Construction of the boardwalk is expected to begin in July.

Structure Plan update Stage 3 of the Ōmokoroa Structure Plan covers the area between State Highway 2 and the railway, and will be the final stage on the peninsula.

It shows the proposed layout, including residential zones, industrial areas, town centre, future school site and proposed sports fields. Dra residential rules are also needed to manage the new development area.

They are needed to manage the expected higher level of density and ensure a ractive neighbourhoods are created.

Community consultation ran from 10-24 June. Thanks to all who a ended our ‘have your say sessions’ and who submi ed feedback.

What to expect next: • August 2021*: Notification of proposed Structure Plan and residential rules.

• December 2021*: Public hearing to consider staff recommendations and submissions.

• January 2022*: Hearing Panel makes a recommendation to the Minister for the Environment, who makes the final decision. *Timing subject to Ministerial availability and approval to use the Streamlined Planning Process.

Visit our

Interactive Story Map

Check out the progress here:

Stay up to date on all our Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects:

Our story map is a great interactive tool showing a satellite image view of the areas being developed. Scan the QR code to access our ‘Ōmokoroa Projects’ interactive story map.

• Visit www.westernbay.govt.nz/omokoroaprojects and sign up to our e-newsle er.

• Email: omokoroaprojects@westernbay.govt.nz Phone: 0800 926 732

Te Kaunihera a rohe mai i nga Kuri-a-Wharei ki Otamarakau ki te Uru

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

lizardnews.net

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.

MONDAYS

Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189.

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

Email katikati.tennis@outlook.com.

Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion. 9.1510.15am. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9am. $5 or $25 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390.

Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.3010.30am. Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448.

Scrabble at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free.

Postnatal Support Group 10am-12pm. Bethlehem Birthing Centre. All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome.

Starts back 10th Feb. Phone 549 4522.

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

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

Justice of the Peace Clinic 1-3pm Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre. Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowling Club Settlers’ Hall 1pm. 1st session free then $3. Equipment and tea provided. Wear smooth-soled shoes/slippers. Call Anne 027 430 4876.

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

Bolivia Katikati Community Centre, Beach Road. 1-4pm. Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential. Contact Gay 549 2527.

Movie Matinee 1.30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati. Tickets $10. Limited seats. 549 5250.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion afternoons. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 lynchaston@btinternet.com Dance Fit Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 5.30-6.30.

Call Kylie 022 071 2794.

IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 -

11. 6-7.30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall. Call 548 2515.

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6.15-7.45pm.

Contact Mollie 021 177 8018.

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

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

ITF Taekwon-do classes at Te Puna School Hall. 6-7.30pm. Self defence, self confidence, fitness. First 2 weeks free. George 022 437 4403.

Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. $3 incl tea and biscuits. Prizes/raffles monthly.

Carpooling from Katikati available. Call Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404.

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

Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 7-8pm. Call Sabine 021 1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail.com.

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Barry 027 492 6475.

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control from 8am and from 1.30pm. Contact Shirley on 552 2707.

Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis. 9am start.

Casual and new players welcome. Phone Catherine 021 506855.

Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9.30am in term times. $4 per family. Jena 021 052 7262.

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7pm. Learn to spin, weave, felt, knit, crochet and more. Call Alison 022 0849 348.

Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

Mindful hatha yoga classes 9.30-10.30am and

6-7pm. Beginners yoga class 11-12. 8a Vernon Rd, Te Puna. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults. 10.30-11.30am Catholic Church Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati. Sharnie 021 111 8617.

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

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club. Roll-up, names in by 12.30 for 1 o’clock start. All welcome. Bowls and coaching available. Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail.com

Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.30 to 4pm. 30 Hamurana Road. Beginners and visitors welcome. $5. Ph 021 255 6415.

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

Wise & Wonderful Arts & crafts, games and afternoon tea for seniors. Pick up and drop off available in Katikati area. 1.30-3pm at Katikati Community Centre. Gold coin. Contact 549 0399 or info@katikaticommunity.nz

Therapeutic Tai Chi for beginners. Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 2.45-3.45pm. One free trial class then $7. Contact Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz

Teen Advisory Board Plan, promote and implement programs and events for teens. Year 7 to 13 students. 3.30-4.30pm during the school term at Pātuki Manawa.

Gentle Yoga & Qi Gong at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4–5.30pm. One free trial class then $12.

Concessions available. Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz

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

Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowling Club Settlers’ Hall 6.30 for 7pm play. 1st session free then $3. Equipment and supper provided. Wear smooth-soled shoes/slippers. Call Anne 027 430 4876 or 548 1636.

Darts, Serious Singles Register names by 6.50pm for a 7pm start. Oche fees apply. Contact Top Shot Bar, Te Puna on 552 6405.

WEDNESDAYS

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

Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189.

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

Phone Cushla 027 414 2587.

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 9.15-10.15.

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

Community Tai Chi Waihī Beach RSA 9.30am during school terms. Contact Trish 021 482 842.

Mindfulness and Meditation classes 9.30am at Ōmokoroa Pavilion. Bring a cushion and an open mind! Koha. Contact Kylie 021 142 6020 or visit www.aninsidejob.org

‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9am. $5 or $25 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390.

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

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

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

Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 10.45am-3.30pm. $4. Contact Jill 548 0139 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists.

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

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 1pm start. Names in by 12.45pm. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103.

Adults Dance & Move 12.30pm St Peter’s Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Experienced tutor introduces you to many styles of dance in a fun way. Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail.com, 577 1753 or 027 274 8753.

FOTHERINGHAME CLASSICS

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZAS - $25

Garlic Bread - $7

We suggest you get one….everytime.

Margherita - $10

5 years later and it‛s still the most important pizza on the menu.

Pepperoni - $15

Pizza Of The Week - Always good, always interesting. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or look out for us on the Ōmokoroa Community Facebook page.

CONTRACTORS LTD www.fotheringhamecontractors.co.nz

Beef Brisket & Jalapeno - Slow cooked brisket shredded over our rich tomato sauce, with red onion, peppers, jalapenos & the perfect amount of sour cream.

Roasted Mushrooms & Feta - Balsamic roasted mushrooms with creamy Danish feta, olive & herbs, garnished with rocket & cracked pepper.

We finally found a great salami!

Thank you Blackforest butcher.

Ham & Pineapple - $15

Salmon & Capers - The best smoked salmon we Probably doesn‛t need an introduction. could find, with lemon zest, capers, olives & red onion.

Served with a squeeze of lemon & parsley.

Meat Lovers - $20

Blue Cheese & Chorizo - Better than last summer‛s version! That carrot & ginger relish, with blue cheese, olives, chorizo & tray baked miso onions!

Good salami, good ham, and slow cooked brisket.

Chicken and Chorizo - $20

Caribbean-style chicken, with spinach & chorizo. The all-time best seller is now a classic.

Beef & Chimichurri - Slow cooked brisket is pulled

ITALIANS - $23

apart & served with caramelised onion, olives & our fresh & zingy herb sauce. Such a good combo.

Anchovy & Capers

With red onion, olives and a squeeze of lemon.

Pepperoni & Chilli

With red peppers, red onion, olives and parsley

Prosciutto & Mushroom

With balsamic reduction, olives, and parsley.

07 548 2858

Haloumi & Peppers - New for the summer; grilled

haloumi is paired with our housemade BBQ sauce & jalapeno peppers. If you like a kick, this is for you.

Chicken & Prosciutto - Probably the best chicken & bacon pizza you‛ve had. It won‛t have a swirl, but it does have barbecue sauce & miso onions. Go on.

Bianca Mushroom - A white pizza base. The almost famous feta whip, with roasted mushroom & caramelised onion. Garnished with rocket & olives.

4

Wed - Sun 4pm to 9pm

18

Prawn & Kaitāia Fire - An epic combination of chipotle marinated prawns, hot sauce & peppers.

Served with a squeeze of lemon, parsley & olives.

| Lizard News | July 2021

Vegan & Vegan - Rich tomato sauce with spinach, roasted mushroom, chickpeas & our seriously good herb chimichurri sauce. With vegan mozzarella too.

From Bulk Earthworks to Civil Finishing works • Driveways • Civil Drainage & Road Construction • Site Preparation • Land Development • R.O.W Subdivisions • Earthworks • Contouring • Land Development • Earthworks • Tree Removal • Topsoil Supply and Cartage • Metal Cartage • Engineered Retaining Wall • Bridge Construction • General Construction • Concrete Work

Call now for a free, no-obligation quote!

fothcon@xtra.co.nz | 07 549 3576

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

lizardnews.net

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.

Grow On Seedlings Club 3pm-4pm. For children 6-10 yrs. Learning to grow food. Project Generate, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Registration needed.

Phone 549 4522 or txt 027 472 1112. Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4.15–5pm (3–6 years) and 5.15- 6.45pm (7–14 years) at Western Ave Sports Grounds.

Wrestling Katikati Primary age 5.30-6.30pm, College age/seniors 6.30pm-8pm. Bring a drink bottle. A&P Hall, Major Street. Text Ross 027 256 4470.

Twilight tennis at Te Puna Tennis Club. 6pm start. Phone Catherine 021 506855.

Social Pool Night register by 6.15pm. 6.30pm start. $5 entry fee. Top Shot Bar, Te Puna 552 6405.

Te Puna Community Library in the School library 6.30-7.30pm.

Justice of the Peace clinic 6.30-7.30pm Te Puna School Library.

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

Quiz Night Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road.

7-9.30pm.

Casual Soccer at 7.15pm at Western Ave Sports Grounds bottom field. Over 12 years old.

Call Hamish on 552 6427.

THURSDAYS

Whakamārama Community Library 9amnoon. Visit whakalibrary.com or drop in to see our eclectic mix of books.

Tai Chi 9.30-11.00am. Te Puna Memorial Hall.

Contact David 027 222 2824.

Whakamārama Playgroup Whakamārama Hall at 9.30am-noon. Contact Alison on 021 873 057.

Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Call Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Call Jenny 549 2151.

Adult Colouring-in at Pātuki Manawa. 10am.

Refreshments provided. Free.

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

Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Katikati Library. Caregivers, please stay with your children. Free to attend. Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee.

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

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

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 11.30am12.30pm. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

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

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

Scottish Country Dancing Bethlehem Hall, 1.15-3.15pm. Call Heather 021 185 5747.

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

Brick Club Afterschool LEGO sessions in Ōmokoroa Library 2.45-4.45pm.

Social Club Darts Top Shot Bar, Te Puna. Register by 6pm for 6.15 start. Oche fees apply. Contact 552 6405.

ITF Taekwon-do classes at Te Puna School Hall. 6-7.30pm. Self defence, self confidence, fitness. First 2 weeks free. George 022 437 4403.

Social Dancing Ballroom, Latin, Rock n Roll, Salsa. 7pm Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $5. Contact Angela 027 246 1624. Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall during school terms from 7-8:30pm. Contact Jan Murray 548 2452, Alison Badger 548 1544.

Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club. We welcome all ages and experience.

Contact Mick 021 217 1780.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion in the evening. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 lynchaston@btinternet.com Katikati Toastmasters Club Communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater selfconfidence and personal growth. 7.30pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at the Community Centre, Beach Road. Contact 544 5989.

FRIDAYS

Te Puna Hunting & Fishing Club Night 5pm Top Shot Bar. Raffles.

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Barry 027 492 6475.

Yoga at Ōmokoroa Pavilion 8-9am. $80 for 8 weeks. Contact Natasha on 021 735 327. www.natrainwellness.com

Gentle hatha yoga 9.30-10.30. 8a Vernon Rd, Te Puna. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz.

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

Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189.

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

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

Sewing and Knitting with Project Generate 10am-11am. 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. All welcome. Phone 549 4522 or txt 027 472 1112.

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

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

Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10am-12.15pm for $4.

Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Barbara Walls on 548 2899.

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club. Roll-up, names in by 12.30 for 1 o’clock start. All welcome. Bowls and coaching available. Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail.com

SATURDAYS

Gentle hatha yoga 8.30-9.30am. 8a Vernon Rd, Te Puna. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz

Grow On Katikati Every other Saturday 9.3010.30 growing and distributing vegetable seedlings in the community. Next to Katikati Community Centre. hello@katikatitaiao.org

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

Te Puna Community Library in the School library 10am-noon.

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee.

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

Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.30 to 4pm. 30 Hamurana Road. Beginners and visitors welcome. $5. Ph 021 255 6415.

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

Phone Michael 027 473 1540.

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 13pm. Names in by 12.45pm please. All welcome. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati.

Phone 549 0103.

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

Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.45pm. Enquires to Janet on janetandwillie@kinect.co.nz or Linley on 218 7003.

Te Puna Indoor Bowls 6.45pm for 7pm start at Te Puna Memorial Hall. $5 adults, $2 under 18s. Contact Jo Gravit on 552 6063.

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

Ōmokoroa Cricket 20 overs from 1pm every second Sunday at Western Ave. BYO picnic. FB: @omokoroacricket

Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls 12.45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall. Contact Heather 549 1008.

Katikati Plant & Produce Market A&P Showgrounds 3.30-6pm. Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – JULY

lizardnews.net

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

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

Thu 1st Boomerang Bags Katikati sew reusable fabric community shopping bags.

Contact Jizzy on 549 2337 or txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm.

Sat 3rd Western Bay Crop Swap. Swap surplus produce. 10-11am. 1st Saturday of the month. Project Generate, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Call 549 4522 or txt 027 472 1112.

Sun 4th July Katikati Tramping Club Waihī Beach Tracks. Moderate. Call Grant 0274 750 556.

Sun 4th Movie: Cousins Junction Theatre at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati.

Screening 1.30pm. Tickets $10. All welcome.

Sun 4th Katikati Folk Open Mic 3pm every 1st Sunday of the month. Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete.

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

Mon 5th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road. 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6.00pm. Contact Colin 576 9110.

Mon 5th Waka Kotahi/NZTA State Highway 2 information session. 1-6.30pm, Pātuki Manawa - The Centre, Katikati.

Tue 6th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers.

10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa.

Wed 7th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am-12.30pm.

1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join.

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

Wed 7th Kati Chat New to town? Join us

for morning tea and invited speakers. Every 1st Wednesday, 10am The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 549 5250.

Wed 7th Seniors supports, allowances and rights advisory service. The Old Library, Ōmokoroa 10am-4pm. Every 1st Wednesday. No appointment necessary.

Thu 8th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday.

Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222.

Thu 8th Katikati Genealogy Group meets on the 2nd Thursday at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1.30pm. $5.

New members welcome. Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259.

Fri 9th Family Planning appointments 10am-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms, 14 Jocelyn Street. Every other Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz Fri 9th Bethlehem Night Market every 2nd Friday from 5.30-8.30pm at Bethlehem Hall. Facebook: cnmbethlehem or contact Jen on 021 672 281 cnmbethlehem@gmail.com.

Sat 10th Katikati Lions Moggies Market 8am-noon War Memorial Hall, Main Road.

2nd Saturday. Crafts, books, plants & more.

Call Sharon 022 318 0196 or Lois 021 131 3167.

Sat 10th Movie: Where’d you go, Bernadette Junction Theatre at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Screening 1.30pm. Tickets $10. All welcome.

Sun 11th Katikati Folk Club: Reb Fountain and Dave Khan at Katikati Arts Junction, 7pm. Door sales $20, limited to 100.

Tue 13th & 20th Pottery Workshop 10am-noon at Te Puna Gallery. gallerytepuna.com/workshops for information and booking.

Wed 14th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details.

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

Wed 14th Katikati Herb Society Every

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2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul’s church.

Contact Fiona 022 684 5178.

Wed 16th Ōmokoroa Acoustic Jam The Old Library Ōmokoroa 7pm. Play, sing, enjoy. Gold coin donation. Refreshments available. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Heather 027 477 6877 or Trish 548 0753.

Wed 21st Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am-12.30pm.

1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join Thu 21st Boomerang Bags Katikati sew reusable fabric community shopping bags.

Contact Jizzy on 549 2337 or txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm.

Fri 16th Death Cafe 1.30-3pm at Katikati Community Centre, every 3rd Friday of the month. We talk openly about death and dying, how we experience end of life and the fear, grief and questions that come with it.

Thu 21st Ōmokoroa Community Policing Group meeting. Whakamārama Room below the Library, 28 Western Ave. 7-9pm

Thu 15th & 22nd Pottery Workshop 10am-noon at Te Puna Gallery. gallerytepuna.com/workshops for information and booking.

Thu 22nd Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.30am-noon at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239.

Sat 17th Katikati Artisan Market 9am1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati. 3rd Saturday of the month.

Sun 18th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs. Fun writing exercises to warm up.

3rd Sunday of each month 11am-12.30pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Rd, Katikati Ph Gaye 5771753 or 0272748753 email gayehemsley@gmail.com Sun 18th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete.

Fri 23rd Family Planning appointments 10-1pm and drop-in 1.30-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati. Every 2nd Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz Sat 24th Movie: Nobody Junction Theatre at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati.

Screening 1.30pm. Tickets $10. All welcome.

Sun 25th Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3-5pm.

Last Sunday of the month.

Sun 18th Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month.

Ph Jonathan on 572 2091.

Sat 26th Katikati Lions Garage Sale 9amnoon at the containers behind Caltex, Main Rd. Indoor & outdoor furniture, tools & more. 4th Saturday. Call David 027 549 0168.

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

Wed 28th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details.

Mon 19th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road, Te Puna (Behind the Tennis Courts).

1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm.

Contact Colin 576 9110.

Sat 31st Ōmokoroa Markets 9am to noon.

Last Saturday each month except Dec. Crafts, art, produce, bbq, plants, car boot and much more. E: omokoroamarket@gmail.com

Tue 20th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers.

10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library.

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

Tue 20th Innovation Garden Club 1.303pm every 3rd Tuesday. Waihī Beach RSA. Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail.com

Sun 8th August Plant Sale Te Puna Quarry Park.

2nd Sunday of even months. ruthdainty@gmail.com

lizardnews.net

Ōmokoroa Tennis Club

By Therese Temple t’s Saturday 19th June and raining cats and dogs! No tennis this weekend. It seems no matter how dry it is in summer and autumn, somewhere during the winter months, the deficit is made up.

Feels like half that deficit will be made up this weekend.

Enough about the weather. We held a fun mixed couples tournament on the 12th June and nine couples entered. The day started with a compulsory mulled

I

wine and even though it was a supposed ‘fun’ tournament, those with the competitive gene gave it their all.

Once the official games had been played, couples organised their own games, simply because they ‘love tennis’.

The overall winners of the day were the young Jouberts, edging out Sharon Parker and Andrew Dallas. It was a great afternoon, even though the plate draws got a bit muddled, but in the end, even that didn’t matter. Everyone enjoyed it so

much that when the idea was mooted for a replay, it was a unanimous yes. Perhaps the next one will be a night tournament to celebrate the new lights on court four.

Apologies to those who entered and their entry ended up in my junk mail.

Next time you can text your entries to my cell phone. There were three people affected, but I was sorry that it happened at all.

A reminder that the Ōmokoroa Com-

munity Tennis Club AGM is on Wednesday 7th July at the pavilion in the Council's Pahoia room on the ground floor – not the upstairs space as was previously advertised. Please come and support your club. We have a great committee and you might like to be a part of it.

Don’t forget our club days on Saturdays from 2pm onwards and Tuesday nights from 6pm.

See you out there.

Katikati road safety discussion atikati residents are invited to share their views on proposed road safety improvements in the area at a community information dropin session on Monday 5th July.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is holding an information session with Western Bay of Plenty District Council at The Centre – Pātuki Manawa in Katikati between 1pm and 6.30pm.

Waka Kotahi is currently analysing 500 pieces of feedback received during the consultation phase of a proposed median barrier for a 14km section of State Highway 2 between Tetley Road and Esdaile Road, which includes a median barrier and five to six turnaround areas.

Waka Kotahi Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Jo Wilton says it was encouraging to see the number of people in the community interested in the plans.

“While not included in the original

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$93,320

scope for the SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa safety improvements project, a median barrier to physically separate opposing traffic and prevent head-on collisions, was always part of the longer-term plan for the corridor.

“We will not apologise for putting the safety of people first. While no decisions have been made in the detailed design phase, we welcome another opportunity to discuss the proposals with the community. People are passionate about road safety,” says Ms Wilton.

Waka Kotahi is installing proven safety interventions along SH2 as part of the Road to Zero road safety strategy.

These include widening the road, putting in a wide centreline, widening the road shoulders, putting in roadside safety barriers and making intersections safer.

“Flexible barriers are a cost-effective infrastructure treatment that can reduce

the number of people killed or seriously injured in crashes by 75 per cent.

“Improving safety on New Zealand roads is a priority for Waka Kotahi. To achieve Vision Zero, we must put the safety of people first, before efficiency and travel time. This commitment to saving lives is behind our ongoing work to make SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa safer,” says Ms Wilton.

“The next step after this information session is to hold meetings with residents whose access may be affected by the proposed design.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Deputy CEO and Infrastructure Services Group Manager, Gary Allis says this is a chance for people who missed the SH2 Waihī to Tauranga corridor open day in March to come and get updates on the safety projects along State Highway 2.

“The proposed median barrier be-

tween Tetley Road and Esdaile Road, south of Katikati, has been a hot topic. This is a chance for the community to come along, listen to what is being proposed, and ask questions so they understand the full picture,” says Mr Allis.

Article supplied.

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Monday 5th July, Katikati The Centre - Pātuki Manawa Drop-in, 1pm to 6.30pm

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College students bring music to our ears ander through the Ōtūmoetai College Music Department at any time of the school day and you are likely to hear magical sounds wafting from practice rooms, classrooms and the stage as young performers jam, improvise, compose and rehearse for individual and group performances.

And the student performances don’t stop when school ends. For example, a specially-formed band provided live music for the recent highly successful school show, School of Rock. One of several school rock bands, ‘Big Angry’ recently picked up the award for first place in the band category at the Bay of Plenty regional Smokefree Rockquest, as well as the award for best song. They are now in contention for a place in the national finals in September.

Several of our Chamber music ensembles performed at the Regional Chamber

W

Music New Zealand competition this week, bringing back the Adjudicators Award and a Highly Commended. The Jazz ensembles can be found competing at the Easter Jazz festival every year. All the performance groups are given opportunities to perform at school assemblies and/or Awards evenings and Showcases.

The department is lucky enough to be staffed by highly talented and experienced musicians. Almost every staff member of both our permanent and our itinerant staff is not only a teacher but also a performing musician in their ‘spare’ time. In some cases, composing as well as performing music. Collectively they offer a large repertoire of tuition in a wide range of instruments and bring a huge amount of experience across a broad range of musical styles.

You will find them working locally and

Big Angry on stage at the Smokefree Rockquest. PHOTO: Supplied.

nationally. They individually work their magic in bands with names like L.A.B, Looking for Alaska, Superhero Second Line and The Harmonic Resonators. You can spot them performing with ensembles such as chamber choir Scholars

Baroque Aotearoa, Tauranga Big Band, Bay of Plenty Symphonia, to name but a few. It’s hardly surprising, then, that their enthusiasm for their instruments is ‘transposed’ to their students. That’s music to our ears. Article supplied.

An individual approach to education t Matahui School we understand learning takes many shapes and forms and all children are individuals and learn in different ways. This is the reason why we have built a school ethos that acknowledges and values the different strengths of each student. Instead of asking “Is this child smart?” we ask ”How is this child smart?” Instead of fitting students into a box, we celebrate individual brilliance, we call these ‘super-powers’.

Dr Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple intelligences is embedded in everything we do to find students ‘smarts’ or ‘super-powers’. Is your child word smart, logic smart, do they have strengths in math, music, drama or are

A

Learning happens everywhere. PHOTO: Supplied.

School guide students in their understanding of key concepts while encouraging each student to think creatively, collaborate with their peers and teacher, and be free to experiment and take risks.

An opportunity for EOTC is our Guardians of the Forest programme which allows students to have real-life experiences in a natural environment where they can play, learn and create; explore land and water and become guardians of our natural environment.

Matahui School offers school tours every Wednesday during school terms, for anyone who would like to learn more about the programmes we offer students.

they a natural scientist or palaeontologist? Are they fascinated with insects; do they care for the environment? All of these are ways of being smart and we make connections with these types of intelligence and nurture them in a safe environment where students can be themselves.

As we prepare our students for their futures, we teach them how to think and problem-solve through our interdisciplinary approach. Core subjects are integrated across different areas of learning to create relevant meaning for each individual student. Students are able to connect and gain an understanding of concepts through engaging handson activities. Our teachers at Matahui

Contract awarded for playground

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project for our Ōmokoroa community,” says Scott.

The revamp of the Ōmokoroa Domain includes an exciting new destination playground to replace the existing outdated playground. The new playground will include swings, trampolines, tunnels, climbing structures and a hamster wheel, creating a new recreation experience for all visitors to the Domain. It will rejuvenate the main entrance into the Domain, as well as create a new fit-for-purpose destination play space, which will better serve the needs of the growing community.

Play equipment has been selected through a separate tender process and multiple suppliers. While some of the WWW.SHOTBRO.COM 021 973394

estern Bay of Plenty District Council is pleased to confirm that Downer has been awarded the construction contract for the upgrade of the Ōmokoroa Domain’s playground.

Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager, Scott Parker, says Council followed a robust tender evaluation process, with the construction component of the $1.04 million project expected to total approximately $550,000.

“Downer are also responsible for the maintenance of Council’s reserves network, including playgrounds, and we are confident their teams’ experience on similar projects across the country will enable them to successfully deliver this

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and the five local schools within Pirirākau’s rohe – Ōmokoroa No 1, Ōmokoroa Point, Pahoia, Whakamārama and Te Puna.

The playground is part of the wider Ōmokoroa Domain Concept Plan which includes several other future upgrades in addition to the playground — such as extra car parking, boardwalk along The Esplanade and foreshore, more picnic areas and a covered BBQ, footpaths, fitness equipment and landscaping.

The upgrade is funded through a mix of existing asset renewal funding and capital works funding. For more information about this project, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/omokoroa-playground-upgrade.

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equipment is made in New Zealand, there are a number of items that needed to be imported from overseas. At this stage, the construction start date remains dependent on the global supply chain, with the delivery of some play equipment items currently delayed.

“However, the project is expected to be completed in time for summer, and we look forward to seeing children and their families enjoy the new facilities then,” says Scott.

The construction phase is the final stage of the project which started in 2018 after an extensive 18-month community engagement period with tangata whenua, representatives of the elderly, health and disability communities, local businesses

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Clean sweep for bowls champ

By Anne Sandel ay was a busy month for indoor bowlers. The Junior Singles Champs was fought out by ten members. Congratulations to Margaret Jefferies who was the only competitor to win all four of her games on the night.

Second place was hotly contested between Shirley-Anne Withers and Zena Clark. The former succeeding on countback of points.

The Annual Open Mixed Fours Tournament was sponsored by the Ōmokoroa Country Estate. It was contested by 16 teams who had travelled from as far afield as Pāpāmoa in the east to Whangamata in the north.

The weather turned on the sun and the atmosphere was all abuzz with old friends catching up - as the event had not been held since 2018. Our thanks to Emma Norton from Ōmokoroa Country

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Business sold and a new brand emerges

Estate for the prizes.

If anyone would like more information about indoor bowls, please contact me on 027 430 4876.

Angela is taking appointments at her home studio. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

i, Diane from Diane’s Décor here.

I have sold my business to Angela Butler, who will trade as Ōmokoroa Interiors. She lives in Ōmokoroa and will look after all your interior design needs.

I have loved working at this business for the last nine years, building it up from nothing. It has been a privilege to meet so many locals and see some beautiful homes and views.

I will continue to be involved for a while as Angela gets underway, and I wish her every success.

H

L-R Junior Singles winner Margaret and runnerup Shirley-Anne.

Gate Pa team skipped by Debbie Reed, receiving prizes from Emma, right, of Ōmokoroa Country Estate. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Introducing Ōmokoroa Interiors Named after the beautiful paradise peninsula nestled in the Western Bay of Plenty, Ōmokoroa Interiors was established in 2021 by interior décor enthusiast and professional Angela Butler after acquiring the well-known local business, Diane’s Décor.

“I have spent many years in the creative environment as a key account manager and buyer of soft furnishings for large format retail accounts. I have, alongside my husband, successfully project managed and designed layouts for our family homes in South Africa and New Zealand,” says Angela.

“I have found that my passion for interiors was far greater than just the space between four walls, and I am formalising my passion by completing a diploma in Interior Design with the Interior Design Institute – New Zealand.

“Many dream for their home to resemble the glossy pages of interior design magazines; I think that a home should reflect one’s own personality to truly celebrate life by living in delightful spaces.”

To find out more, or to make an appointment, contact Angela on omokoroainteriors@kinect.co.nz or 027 666 4687. Article supplied.

New public art projects

By Alie Henderson Chairperson he Ōmokoroa Public Art Group (OPAG) is excited to announce two new public art projects that are currently underway.

Dave Roy, a local Whakamārama sculptor, has been commissioned to create a stunning kinetic sculpture celebrating the godwits that visit Ōmokoroa each summer. This sculpture will be installed at Cooney Reserve, at the entrance to the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga cycleway/walkway. Just as the godwits embark on an inspirational journey each year, we hope that cyclists and walkers living in or vis-

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iting Ōmokoroa may be inspired to embark on their own journeys.

The second project is a mural to be painted on the changing facilities/toilet block at the Ōmokoroa Domain that will further enhance the development of the new playground. It will feature themes celebrating the environment and recreational activities associated with this area, based on original concept drawings by local artist, Pam Robinson.

Both projects are expected to be completed before the end of 2021. Look out for further details!

The members of OPAG volunteer their time to the group. We plan and develop

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public art projects, seek funding from grants and the local community for these projects, and then work with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the Ōmokoroa Community Board, and the local hapū, Pirirākau, to manage their implementation. To date we have completed three projects: The wrought iron panels at Western Ave, the lizard that once marked the entrance to the Ōmokoroa peninsula, and the anchor stone, He Punga, at the Ōmokoroa Domain.

We are looking forward to developing new projects as the Ōmokoroa community grows, with plans already in the pipeline for an installation in the library.

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We are also still working through the issues related to plans for the intersection of SH2 and Ōmokoroa Road, and how the lizard might best be replaced.

The goal of Ōmokoroa Public Art Group (OPAG) is to create a stimulating environment that reflects and enhances the local area’s heritage, diversity, and character through public artworks integrated in the architecture, infrastructure, and landscape. We welcome ideas, comments, and community involvement.

Have a look at our display board at The Old Library in McDonnell Street, or contact Alie Henderson, Chairperson, 021 248 0173.

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Western Bay Museum future planning

By Paula Gaelic e Papa National Services Te Paerangi has recognised that Western Bay Museum is the most progressive museum in the country at present. But there is more work to be done.

We have worked extremely hard to build strong relationships with them.

They have constantly provided support, guidance, expert knowledge exchange, professional development and services.

Their wise counsel has been and always will be the main influencer in how to navigate the complex world within the museum sector.

With the financial assistance of Te Papa National Services Te Paerangi we have had a professional evaluation of our situation in this regard, and from this came our Museum Development Plan.

The Museum Development Plan has a three-staged prioritised and strategic approach. It will take time and is all subject to working through logistics, processes and securing funding.

Stage one is to focus on a Museum Qualified Collections Curator. As with any professional qualification, there is a science and skillset that enables one to deliver unlike one without this level of expertise. The collection is the heart of the museum. A Museums qualified collections curator plays a key role in our 10-year plan.

Stage two looks at our storage and workspace facility. We are in the process of securing the use of WBOPDC owned land on Middlebrook Drive to hopefully build our own bespoke storage

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and workspace facility. This facility would be built to museum compliancy design.

From the moment an object is received, we are responsible to care for that object regardless of it being in storage or on display. Up to 95% of our collection is housed in storage and the same care is given to these objects as the ones on display.

Building a design specific, storage and workspace facility will provide muchneeded space for a holding office, conservation and workspaces, specific and separated storage areas for Taonga Māori, textiles and costume as the housing process alters from collection to collection. The 11,000 objects that we hold in our collections warrant adequate care so they are preserved and conserved for future generations. Our current situation restricts our ability to provide the best care possible.

Stage three is about a Cultural Centre and the return of Māori Taonga.

Literally hundreds of objects are safeguarded at present in other museums and they cannot be returned until we reach storage and workspace compliance, and have a museum qualified collections curator to correctly care for them.

There are at least 600 Māori Taonga housed in other museums that belong to Ngāi te Rangi. Some which carry ‘national significance’, as they travelled around the world in the Te Māori Exhibition in the 1980s.

We make no assumptions but we take our role and responsibilities seriously with regard to The Treaty of Waitangi

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they champion certain aspects of the plan. Te Papa National Services Te Paerangi will assist us wherever possible and help navigate us through this journey.

New Act for family trusts

By Jacques F Vannoort Kingfisher Trustlaw new trusts Act is now governing the setting up and the administration of family trusts in New Zealand. The new Act has come into being in an attempt by our lawmakers to give more rights to possible beneficiaries of trusts and to increase the duties of trustees of trusts.

Whilst it is important to fulfil the prescribed duties set out for trustees by law, often this will mean that very little has changed for prudent trustees of trusts.

The management of entities such as partnerships, companies and trusts have always been regulated by law and should be performed properly and professionally without any doubt.

When settlors of trusts have made the required variations and applied the variations to their deeds of trust it will mean that the trustees will be able to run their trusts as they did before.

Trustees of trusts which are adapted according to the new Act will be able to invest as before, make decisions as they

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personally believe are prudent for the beneficiaries, and will also continue to benefit themselves.

It is the independent trustees who are increasingly finding themselves under more scrutiny, and laden with heavier duties than ever before. The settlors of most trusts are in a different position as they are part of the family and therefore closer to the beneficiaries than the other trustee.

This different relationship gives them more freedom to act than the other trustees.

In the next few articles, I would like to explain how trusts should be adapted under the new Act and how people who have set up their trusts can continue to run them for themselves and their family members.

If you have any questions or if you would like more information on these issues then please give me a call at 021 830308 or email me at kingfishertrustlaw@gmail.com with your query or book in to see me at kingfishertrustlaw.co.nz

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and Māori in Museums. A strong Iwi relationship and partnership is part of our ‘Big Dreams’ philosophy.

Our Board of Trustees have adopted and strongly support this plan, in fact,

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I’Anson Bush Reserve in Te Puna revitalised

By Elly Nederhoff ’Anson Bush Reserve in Te Puna is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This attractive bush park of about 10 hectares comprises stands of magnificent kahikatea and a wide variety of other native trees such as kauri, rimu and tōtara. It features a popular 2km walking track around a small lake and along a stream.

The land was gifted by the I’Anson family to the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) in 1987. The bare paddock land was planted by the community and the Tauranga Forest and Bird Society under guidance from QEII and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Over the past three decades, the trees have grown and matured beautifully and are a rare example of native forest locally.

Unfortunately, invasive weeds and animal pests took hold. This prompted Kate Loman-Smith, from Forest and Bird, and Rob Fraser, from QEII, to initiate a group of volunteers in 2018. The resulting Friends of I’Anson Bush Reserve set out on a mission to weed out the bad and nurture the good. Their persistent work over three years is now showing results.

This year, the Western Bay District Council gave the park a major overhaul, utilising funds from the kauri

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Volunteers have worked hard to return I’Anson Bush Reserve to its current state. PHOTO: Supplied.

dieback prevention fund. The tracks were widened and gravelled, and unwanted trees were felled. With funding from the Bay of Plenty Environmental Enhancement Fund, contractors were engaged to fast-track some of the weed work.

Invigorated by this fast progress, the Friends of I’Anson Bush Reserve are determined to continue the war on weeds and pests. At the start, we removed the climbing weed vines such as the murderous moth plant and hostile honeysuckle from the native trees and we eradicated thousands of invasive seedlings such as tree

privet, wild cherry and wattle. Last month we alternated the weeding with planting new kōwhai , kohekohe and pūriri trees. Baiting and trapping for rats, possums, mustelids and hedgehogs is also undertaken by the volunteers.

We would like to increase our volunteer numbers.

Newcomers are very welcome with no experience needed. Various fitness levels are accommodated, equipment supplied, training given on the job, and satisfaction guaranteed. Just wear sturdy shoes, and if you wish, bring gloves and a water bottle. The job involves weeding for only two hours per month.

We usually meet every third Thursday of the month but please register your interest with Kate (details below) as the date is occasionally subject to change.

Meet at 9.30am at the car park off Loop Road. We drop the tools by 11.30 am and some of us enjoy lunch together afterwards in a nearby café.

I’Anson Bush Reserve is situated off Loop Road, which is off SH2, about 700 metres north of Te Puna roundabout. There is a free carpark and more parking space along Loop Road.

For more information, contact Kate Loman-Smith, ‘Re-Naturist’ (021 657 344) and Rob Fraser (Queen Elizabeth II Trust (027 562 0333).

Slugs and snails and proper dug tales

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Garden

his is the time of year when it all stands still with the sun, but underground is a hive of activity. In the two years since we built the garden beds the slugs and snails have moved in, bred and ravished the seedlings like Viking pillagers, leaving stumps and lacey leaves as they march/slither on to garden domination.

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Our challenge, and all advice is welcome, is how to control the mucus trailing spawn of Satan without damaging the soil and the environment. Whatever we use has to be safe for us to eat and, as we don’t put slugs on our toast or in our baby food, we don’t want toxic chemicals near the food we grow and eat.

Currently, we are trialling hand plucking by torchlight, pale ale bowls, gravel, copper tape and cursing.

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beetroot, leeks, parsnips and onion seedlings. The strawberry plants are ready for a good feed and the days are at last getting longer.

When the godwits return in September, we can think about planting out the salads, beans and tomatoes Volunteers are welcome to help Thursday and Saturday mornings 10am-noon at the Ōmokoroa Community Gardens, Hamurana Road at the south end of the school grounds.

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ground activity and this time of year we are busy cutting, mincing, chomping and macerating our toxin-free organic matter to encourage the worms and the bacteria to do their digestive duty in preparation for our springtime plantings and growth.

We aim to recycle everything organic and place it under the new seedlings.

Matariki / winter solstice is the prompt for planting kūmara, garlic, fennel and broad beans. The volunteers have also been busy planting out the

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Loop Trail construction to stop during winter onstruction of the final forest section of the Waihī Beach loop trail is on hold over winter and access remains closed for safety reasons.

In addition, the existing upper trail to the south-west of the Trig Trail summit area will be closed until August as the neighbouring property owner undertakes forestry harvesting operations and is using the reserve for access.

The public are asked to not venture beyond barriers and signage for safety reasons due to tree felling and other hazards at both sites. Site security staff are in attendance during logging operations. The Trig Trail and the dam loop trail remain open.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Waihī Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust have been working together to extend the loop trail sections to complete the full loop in 2021. The loop trail completion will redevelop the former water supply reserve into an experience of walking and cycle trails in Waihī Beach.

Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager, Scott Parker says good progress has been made on extending the forest trail network with a new connection to the dam loop trail but asks for the public’s patience while the

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By Lorraine Wilks Fragrance of Flowers his month I would like to introduce you to Wonder Weeder which is a very simple, lightweight garden tool that is a MUST for every garden. Invented

by Godfrey Jameson back in 1982 in his Christchurch shed, it is made using 4mm galvanised wire.

I use my Wonder Weeder for the big (and small) jobs in my garden and I rate it as the ‘Best Garden Tool Ever!’ Sometimes weeds intermingle with plants but the thing I love is that your Wonder Weeder hooks out weeds, roots and all, without affecting the plants.

Rockeries can be a real nightmare to weed, and people often revert to using sprays to keep their rockery under control. However, the Wonder Weeder can easily clean up the rockery in no time at all.

They are also great for weeding between paving stones, in the vegetable garden and for borders. It is an ultra-cheap tool and it fits snuggly into the palm of your hand. One more thing, if you happen to drop it while gardening, you’ll easily find it. Just look for its bright red handle.

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project pauses for the winter season.

“We aim to restart works in late spring to complete the full loop trail circuit which will add a continuation of the community’s desire for off road and dedicated trails and shared pathways,” says Scott.

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2021 award winner plays in Katikati

Reb Fountain and Dave Khan will play at Katikati Folk Club this month. PHOTO: Supplied.

By Paul England eb Fountain and her multi-talented sidekick Dave Khan are swapping the bright lights of Auckland and coming to Katikati for an intimate concert at the Arts Centre on Sunday 11th July.

With her roots in folk, Reb’s sound has evolved to be a bit Patti Smith, a bit Nick Cave, and a whole lot contemporary New Zealand powerhouse. Powerful songwriting and a voice that will haunt you long after the session is over. The Aucklandbased artist’s fourth full-length album won the prestigious 2021 Taite Music Prize for her 2020 self-titled album ahead of some of New Zealand’s skilled musicians including Tami Neilson, The Beths, Nadia Reid, L.A.B, and last year’s winner Troy Kingi. Besides the 2021 Taite Music Prize, Reb has also won the Tui Award for Best Country Album/Artist 2018 for her EP Hopeful & Hopeless, APRA Best Country Song 2018 for the title track Hopeful & Hopeless and her album Little Arrows was nominated for Best Folk Album of 2018.

And Dave Khan is looking forward to returning to the Katikati Folk Club. Multi-instrumentalist and very talented Dave has played alongside Tim Finn, Marlon Williams, The Bads, Tami Neilson, Delaney Davidson, Gin Wigmore, and Don McGlashan. Take note of the date: Sunday, July 11th. Door sales only and seats are limited to 100, so it’s recommended that you arrive early. The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. There’s free tea, coffee and biscuits plus a cash beer and wine bar. Further information from www.katikatifolkclub.co.nz

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Streams reveal astonishing variety of life

By Karen Smillie e’ve all seen those gritty TV dramas that have astonishing science and tech at their fingertips to analyse the DNA from crime scenes. It turns out much of it is not all that far-fetched! We now have the ability to use ‘genetic breadcrumbs’ found in our stream water to identify all manner of different species – from microbes through to mammals.

The Graeme family used an eDNA kit they were given to conduct sampling on the Aongatete and Whatakao rivers early this year. There was no expectation of what might be found, but we were hopeful of something exciting. Do we perhaps have the ancient and elusive Hochstetter’s frog at Aongatete Forest Project, for example?

Well, sadly there were no frogs, but we were delighted to be told by the director of analytical laboratory Wilderlabs, Shaun Wilkinson, “These must be special sites. It’s rare to see so much species diversity from just two samples.”

The highlight was the shortjaw kōkopu, our freshwater fish taonga species that is classified as threatened with extinction. This finding has been notified to the Migratory Species Aquatic Unit at DOC, as they are putting in a lot of effort trying to understand the distribution of shortjaw kōkopu around NZ. Along with the shortjaw kōkopu, the other ‘whitebait’ species (īnanga, kōaro, giant kōkopu, banded kōkopu) were detected, along with both the longfin and shortfin eel. There were seven caddis fly species and five mayflies – all indicative

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of healthy waterways. At least two dozen other insects and spiders were found, plus 12 species of worms, including the plentiful ‘sludgeworm’ and the much less common ‘red wriggler’.

What about higher up the food chain?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, red deer, possum and black rat were found, plus human DNA! Very little sign of our more obvious feathered forest-dwellers though; a little bit of chaffinch and goldfinch DNA in one of the streams, and some ruru/morepork in the other. Perhaps they don’t leave much evidence in flowing waterways as they spend relatively little time in them, bathing or pooping?

We have gained a fresh appreciation for the huge number of organisms that currently live in our streams in the forest, the vast majority of them unseen.

And it would appear that what we consider to be lovely clear and ‘clean’ water is, in fact, DNA soup.

What is eDNA? Environmental DNA is the genetic material that is shed by organisms through the loss of skin, hair, scales, fluids and faeces. It can be isolated by filtering water and used to monitor the distribution of species through time and space using sensitive molecular tests. The rapid growth of eDNA-based monitoring reflects its ease and cost-effectiveness compared to physical survey methods.

Wilderlab, based in Wellington, can identify thousands of species of fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, and other organisms. All of this from just a cup or two of water.

The Old Library Ōmokoroa f you weren’t one of the Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO) visitors in June and saw for yourself the amazing skill and workmanship displayed by the Ōmokoroa Patchworkers, then you missed a treat. This display showed exceptional artistic flair and dexterity. This display showed that patchwork quilting is not a ‘stuck in the last century’ hobby but offers contemporary and modern designs to test the most ardent follower.

Perhaps you will be able to catch the July display of Pencil Art by Ōmokoroa Artists - and don’t be fooled by the idea that pencil art is ‘merely’ sketching.

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Leonardo da Vinci really started something when he drew his machines and anatomy! The detail and complexity within a drawing must be seen to be believed.

We are also pleased now to be able to offer workshops in making cards and boxes, and also scrapbooking sessions. If you are interested in knitting, perhaps you might like to pop in on the first and third Tuesday mornings and join in.

Christine Potts will be available on the first Wednesday of each month to give help and information on seniors rights – no appointment needed, just pop in.

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Basil and Kate Graeme conduct eDNA sampling in the Aongatete river. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Finding our new furry friend

By Liz Farrell t just 7 years of age, our Assistance Dog Lobo passed away in March. Sadly he had a ruptured spleen and by the time we knew he was sick, it was too late to save him.

Our daughter Georgie, now aged 11, has autism and Global Developmental Delay. She had been supported

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Georgie and ADNZ Lobo pose together for their ‘handlers licence’ when Georgie started leading him herself. PHOTOS: Liz Farrell.

by Lobo since she was five years old. Initially tethered together, she had grown in confidence with his support and, at the end, was able to lead him (with adult supervision) on walks and in public places.

His death has been a huge loss to our whole family but most of all for Georgie.

We made the decision to enquire about a new dog and, following a visit from Assistance Dogs NZ Trust in mid-June, we have been matched with a new Assistance Dog called Willow who is now undergoing final training for Georgie. We have committed to fundraising for her, and for the whole Assistance Dogs NZ programme.

With your support, we can help Georgie increase her independence and confidence, and give her a new companion to help keep her safe in public as well as lend emotional support.

There will be some fundraising events coming up, such as a French Film night on 28th August and a Bingo night on 11th September. We also hope to feature in the Fresh Choice till collection boxes again later in the year.

The last collection in June raised $83.30 - a great start to our Givealittle campaign.

If you would like to make a donation towards Willow’s training, visit www.givealittle.co.nz and type ‘Georgie’ in the search bar. All funds go directly to Assistance Dogs NZ Trust so you can be confident it will go directly to the organisation that helps so many families with special needs children.

We’d love for you to follow us on our journey on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/georgieand We

ADNZ Willow on a recent visit to see if she and Georgie would make a good match, with Tracy from Assistance Dogs NZ Trust.

post updates on our activities including fundraisers and we’ll share photos and news on how Willow settles in with us.

Never too old to learn to play number of local mums have been completing training workshops at Playcentre recently as part of the free education programme that Playcentre Aotearoa offers to its members. The training aims to support and equip parents in their roles as a child’s best teacher. It teaches how to more effectively communicate with children in a way that is meaningful and relevant to them, maximising their learning and relationships.

The workshops focus on discovering how different children learn as they develop; practical play strategies and how to provide resources that are inviting to children (they don’t need loads of toys); positive guidance strategies for better managing difficult behavioural situations; and much more.

These workshops are part of the nationally recognised Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification.

One of the most popular features has been the discussion around schemas, which are children’s natural urges or patterns of repeated behaviour as they play and explore an idea. Things like repeatedly hiding things, or pouring things

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out, or building and demolishing things are all very simple examples of schema.

Recognising these patterns help us identify what a child is currently grasping mentally, and we can provide resources and opportunities to help build on those urges – rather than just giving them a toy that they have lost interest in five seconds later.

Katie says “it’s reassuring to learn that certain behaviours I have previously found undesirable, and even triggering at times, are actually part of normal development. I’m now much more aware of what’s happening and able to fine-tune ways to help them satisfy those urges.”

Janine says “this awareness helps me stay much calmer at home.”

During one workshop they explored the concepts at the carpentry play area.

Tamariki got involved sawing up clay, chiselling, spinning vice handles, hammering nails and blitzing cakes of soap to bits – and yes all the tools were real!

Using clay and bars of soap rather than wood made the activity more manageable for the younger ones – even oneyear-old Connie got engrossed poking nails into the clay. The sense of achievement from sawing all the way through a

Carter (3yrs) hammering a cake of soap.

Lochie (23 mths) sawing a lump of clay. PHOTOS: Supplied.

block of clay was evident in their proud grins.

Another member explains “We notice a huge shift in our sessions after parents have completed these workshops – they are so much more enthusiastic and engaged. The kids love it too when mum or dad (or nana) get involved at their level

rather than just supervising from a distance, or passing a toy. Play is about so much more than toys.”

Playcentre runs multiple sessions each week at Ōmokoroa, Te Puna, Waihī Beach and Katikati. Check out Facebook or the www.playcentre.org.nz for more details. Article supplied.

Te Puna

What makes us unique?

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

Omokoroa OPEN 9am - 12pm Mon Thurs Fri Behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd

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

It’s all at Playcentre come for a morning of FREE PLAY and exploration first 3 visits free 0-6 yr olds welcome

OPEN 9am-noon term time Tuesday & Thursdays

28

| Lizard News | July 2021

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

07 548 1343 omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz

lizardnews.net

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We recognise that buying and selling property is one of life's monumental moments.

Partner with a real estate team who have a proven track record, who you can trust and enjoy the process with. 60% of Team Trueman's clients are repeat business because Brent, Rhys and Jasmine ensure that a seamless blend of unique skills, strengths and ideas combine to connect people with property.

B Trueman Br Bre Bren Brent T Tr Tru True Truem Truema Rural and Horticultural Specialist

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Rhys Trueman

Brent Trueman

Rural and Lifestyle Specialist 027 722 0055 | rhys.trueman@bayleys.co.nz

Rural and Horticultural Specialist 021 607 718 | brent.trueman@bayleys.co.nz

SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

July 2021 | Lizard News |

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ROSE MADDER RUNNING MAN SALEM’S LOT TALISMAN THE GREEN MILE THE SHINING THE STAND THINNER UNDER THE DOME WASTE LANDS

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Omokoroa Law Philip Annan | Geoff Annan 1 McDonnell Street, Omokoroa | 548 1048 | wow@annanlaw.nz Open mornings Monday – Thursday | Tauranga Office 578 8888

omokoroa Proud to Support

Our Community 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa.

Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days.

Phone 281 1577.

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| Lizard News | July 2021

Owned and operated by locals

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Lizard Classifieds

North-South Track, Kaimai Range Continued from the June edition

By Laraine Hughes ay 3 Once again we were up, tents packed and stashed again for later retrieval, breakfasted and packs repacked (funny how the load doesn’t get that much smaller by eating a bit of dehydrated food). Off we go, across the river – a bit rough getting the boots and socks soaked first-off, but we were wise enough not to have put dry socks on to start with. Dry socks are treasured!

On we trundled. The ‘undulations’ weren’t too bad on this section, but we had a good uphill to go.

We got to the Kauritatahi Stream and stopped for morning tea at a point Cindy called Tom’s Camp, a nice flat area beside the stream that had obviously been used for a camp of some sort in days gone by. As we sat and enjoyed our snacks and drinks, we became aware that we were sharing the nearby bush with others – we could hear voices. Well aware that we were in the bush in the ‘roar’ of the deer season, I called out ‘just be aware there are others in the bush!’.

A minute or two later we were joined by one of the two voices we had heard – a DoC worker who was with his mate, repairing the halfround and wire steps that climbed the steep bank we were about to climb.

His name was Warren Geraghty and he had been employed by DoC since the 1980s and knew ALL the tracks in the Kaimais intimately.

We spent a lengthy break talking to this legend and asking all sorts of questions about the Kaimai tracks – all of which he was able to answer because of the amazing amount of time he had spent working in the bush. As Warren escorted us up the staircase they were repairing, we left him and his mate in no doubt how very much we appreciated the work they were doing. The next bit of track was steep – seriously steep. And then it was narrow, covered with exposed tree roots, and with steep sides.

When you’re bearing a hefty pack on your back, you need to be mindful of balance. Get careless and make a mistake and you’re likely to overbalance and the pack’s weight will ensure you make a move you didn’t intend to. I had a couple of over-balances but thankfully in places where I landed on the pack and not down a steep incline. A bit of laughter, get the pack off and get myself upright again, reconnect with the pack and off we go. None of us sustained any injuries, so the first aid kits we all carried remained unopened. Something you have to carry but hope not to have to use. This was a section of track that most of us had not trodden before, so it was very interesting. We had another break at the Upland Road junction, then carried on to Thompsons Track. We popped out of the bush and were immediately on the deeply rutted 4WD track and had a little difficulty finding where the North-South Track went from there.

While we were consulting various maps and Topo50 apps for guidance, we were buzzed by a drone, which turned out to be related to an all-terrain vehicle that was making its way up Thompsons Track. The drone flyer was scouting the terrain ahead. They were able to help us with direction to the track markers we were seeking. There are great views at this point as the landscape is open grass-covered slopes – going up of course! Although the slog was long, at least we now had a line of clear markers to follow. The grasslands eventually gave way to bush again and we were pleased to eventually reach Motutapere Hut for the night – another small but very well-kept, clean and tidy refuge in the Kaimais.

To be continued.

D

SERVICES

SERVICES

Pain Relief with Bowen Therapy

Animal Health Care

Are you suffering from Back, Neck, Shoulder or Knee pain, Sciatica, Tennis Elbow, RSI, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue or any other discomfort? Bowen Therapy offers gentle and effective hands-on relief.

Call Hannelore on 548 0824

Is your Pet suffering from Itchy Skin, Eye or Ear problems, Seizures, Anxiety, Arthritis, Muscular pain/ stiffness or just unwell?

Homeopathy and Bowen Therapy offer safe and effective treatments supporting your Pet’s health.

Ruru Piano Studio Lessons available terms 3 & 4 for beginners and ongoing learners, aged 7-adult Tuesdays and Fridays, Esdaile Rd Robyn Whalley LTCL, Dip Tchg 022 065 8421

Painter

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

Gerard Quilty 027 447 5493 or 548 1337 after hours.

Aaron

P re p & P a i n t

Contact Hannelore: 548 0824

ACCOUNTING PAYROLL SOLUTIONS

Xero Partner Practice Tax Agents I♥ Year End

Monthly/EOY Accounts Payroll/GST IRD Compliance filing Phone 0274 392 737 Waihi Beach aps.accounts@xtra.co.nz www.accountingpayroll solutions.co.nz

Painter & Decorator Now taking bookings for your Winter projects.

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

PLUMBER NZ Certified Omokoroa local Maintenance and small jobs only Phone Jason 021 241 9843 Sewing alterations in Omokoroa.

35 years’ experience.

Call Ann: 07 925 9004 SITUATION VACANT Part-time Receptionist Omokoroa Country Estate

Handyman Specialising in Omokoroa and the surrounding area.

Small handyman jobs and gardening.

Experience with tractors, varied machinery, farming and livestock.

Class 2,4, P endorsement license.

Interested in 20 hours per week or one-off jobs.

Graeme: 022 046 6776

Diana Pedersen Qualified Naturopath Providing Professional Holistic Consultations & Treatment Plans.

Email your CV and contact number to Tania Young at relationsmanager@ocestate.co.nz

FOR SALE

Stumpgrinding Compact tractor mounted stumpgrinder Suitable single stumps/ small shelter rows

DRUM INCINERATORS FOR SALE

Experienced Local Operator Ridgeview Partnership

Ph: 548 2177 or 027 2333 936

• Herbal Medicine • Nutritional Supplementation • Lifestyle & dietary intervention • Homeobotanicals & more…

PH: 022 030 9209 E: dee@onestep.co.nz

Chipseal.

Driveway sealing, resurfacing and maintenance.

Engineer assessment reports.

HYDRALADA HIRE

FREE QUOTES

Want to safely prune and tidy trees around the house or orchard?

Use our Hydralada for easy access.

Call Grant: 021 284 7268

021 025 09136 DWild@RoadRapter.co.nz www.RoadRapter.co.nz

Just Cats Boarding Cattery 482 Esdaile Road, Pahoia

KINGFISHER TRUSTLAW Is a small firm with experienced trust lawyers who can set up and review your Family Trust to comply with the newly enacted Trusts Act. Call for a complimentary appraisal.

Jacques Vannoort LLM Te Puna 021 830 308 kingfishertrustlaw@gmail.com

OMOKOROA CLEANING SERVICES Homes, gardens, lawns, car valets.

Glass,tile shower rejuvenation.

Water blasting, painting.

All enquires welcome.

Ph. Ludi & Andrea 548 2657 | 021 070 0021

SITUATIONS VACANT STAFF WANTED Customer Service, Yardperson and an All Rounder

Single rooms, no sharing, just $14 per day Ph 577 1993 or 027 233 2643

• Tractor/Machinery Mechanic - Bush & Turf: Servicing and repair of tractors, trucks, hydraladas and orchard and farm machinery.

• Automotive Technician/Mechanic - Adams Automotive: Diesel and petrol, including vehicle servicing, repairs, WOFs, motorbikes and trucks.

We run busy workshops in Katikati and we need people with the right skills and attitude to join our friendly team.

We’d love to hear from you!

Please email your CV to linich@fleggbrothers.co.nz or call Nick Flegg 021 445 587.

Fruit picking bags front or bottom drop $55ea, professional storage box with wheels and brake 1200 x 600 x 600 $225, industrial bench drill belt-driven with vice $125, new drop saw and bench $200, swimming pool 3.6m x 1.8m x 1m deep with chemicals, cleaning gear and pump $150, storage units $50ea, power tool lot: 10mm chuck B & D electric drill, B & D electric belt sander, flash battery drill/driver kit, B and D battery handyman skill saw, Ryobi 115 angle grinder, two palm sanders B & D, renovator tool, jig saw, hot air gun $250 lot.

Model railway products HO & G scale & collection of model Minis - offers. Airpowered nail gun plus nails, serviced $175.

FIREWOOD Ready to Burn

Experienced Local Operator Ridgeview Partnership

Ph: 548 2177 or 027 2333 936

Pine $90.00 cube Mix $95.00 cube Gum $140.00 cube Free delivery Katikati town Phone 549 2141 or txt 027 778 7301

SERVICES

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.

Essential oils and aromatherapy support for your health and wellness Based in Omokoroa Contact Liz on omokoroaoils@gmail.com mydoterra.com/omokoroa

PUBLIC NOTICE

Either drop in to see us to pick up an application form or email us on recruitment@carine.co.nz for one to be sent to you. We look forward to having you join our team.

Carine Garden Centre Cnr State Highway 2 and Te Karaka Drive, Te Puna Phone 07 552 4949

44-gallon drum incinerators $35 each.

Delivered between Katikati and Tauranga.

Phone: 548 0823 or 0274 920 223.

Grant: 027 284 9959.

• Shelter Mulching & Cleanup • Orchards • Lifestyle blocks • Frontend Loader for Driveway Clearing

If working in a Garden Centre would interest you, this is your opportunity. We have various positions available for the right people.

The job: Email and phone enquiries, greeting visitors, general reception duties and resident support. Three days per week, approx. 15 hours. Immediate start.

The candidate: excellent interpersonal and time management skills, attention to detail, great verbal and written communication with a diverse range of people, Microsoft Office suite skills, previous reception experience.

SERVICES

SERVICES

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

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

Waihī Library Ōmokoroa Library Waihī Beach Library Te Puna School Library Ōmokoroa Library Bethlehem Community Church Katikati Community Centre

Find a JP at: www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz

Looking for a low-cost option to buy/sell/trade?

Personal notices $5 per 20 words, Business classifieds $10 per 20 words.

Maximum of 40 words per advert.

Photos extra.

Call 548 1200.

July 2021 | Lizard News |

31

lizardnews.net

Young golfer USA bound

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By Sue Thomson ighteen-year-old Caitlin Maurice of the Ōmokoroa Golf Club has been awarded a full scholastic and athletic scholarship to the Sacramento State University in Northern California commencing in late August. Caitlin is an exceptional golfer having gained as low as a plus 3 handicap and has achieved a high academic standard after attending both Ōmokoroa Point School and Tauranga Girls College.

Caitlin was introduced to golf at a young age as her father was the Ōmokoroa Golf Club Manager and from her very first swing the bug was caught and the love of the game began. It was with her father’s initial coaching and family guidance alongside participation most Saturdays with the Women’s Golf Group, Caitlin’s abilities developed.

To be on a plus 3 handicap Caitlin is not only a wonderfully gifted athlete she also has an inner strength of character and temperament to undertake the many thousands of hours of practice.

Dedication, discipline and perseverance with golf are the hallmarks to her incredible achievements today.

On offering Caitlin a full scholarship, Sacramento State's head golf coach stated how impressed he was with Caitlin’s deep resume of high-level golf which over 2020/21 features a number of tournament successes. Caitlin has had three top-five finishes, including a win at The Pegasus Open and was also second at the North Island Stroke Play and was fourth at the New Zealand U-19.

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Sacramento State University is one of the most beautiful State campuses in California being declared the ‘University Tree Campus, USA’. The University is situated on 305 acres and has 30,000 enrolled students. In Caitlin’s first year she will live in a dormitory with other golfing students from America, New Zealand, Argentina, Sweden and Hawaii.

The golf team plays in the top echelon of Division One competition.

As well as her academic studies Caitlin will be fully involved in golf practice each day and will travel to competitions around the country. A new, wonderful, exciting and busy, busy life is ahead for Caitlin. Ōmokoroa Golf Club is extremely proud to be part of Caitlin’s early development and we wish her well and every success in the USA. We look forward to following her achievements on the world stage.

For any young person wishing to learn golf contact the Golf Club Office for information on the Thursday Junior programme.

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WE E BUILD D ON YOUR LAND With over 200 pre-designed architecttural plans, there’s bound to be one to suit your land and lifestyle.

For more info f rmatiion contact our Sales Team: fo Sarah Yeates 027 271 4627 | Abigail Donog ghue 027 290 4050 Brend dyn Gray 027 271 6493 | Stephen Lim-Yock o k 027 532 8635

32

| Lizard News | July 2021

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