Lizard News March 2018 by Lizard News

Lizard News MARCH 2018

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AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

More inside: Glass far from sorted Waka Ama champs

Te Puna Country Fair

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| lizard news | March 2018

A rich sense of community lizardnews.net

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have emailed Waste Management and Mayor Webber in regards to the glass recycling station locations. After receiving the flyer, I was keen to look up where our community drop off point was to be. I was shocked and disheartened to discover the nearest station was at the Bethlehem town centre. I think for this initiative to work, the stations need to be more conveniently located - otherwise people will just start throwing glass into their rubbish bin or roadside, which is obviously a backwards step concerning environmental sustainability. I have asked Waste Management to advise me whether there is likely to be a drop-off point set up in the Ōmokoroa area. Sarah Cooney.

ecently Ōmokoroa Point School commenced the school year. My 6year-old daughter was riding her bike to school, and on the way, a car backed out of their driveway and didn't slow down to look for pedestrians. Luckily no one was hurt this time - but obviously gave both parties a massive fright. My daughter was with an adult who was able to shout out to the car that there were kids on bikes, but it could have been very different. I have spent lots of time telling my children to look and listen for cars as I have seen this regularly around the streets of Ōmokoroa. I also walk around the footpaths frequently and regularly have stopped for backing cars who back straight out of driveways without looking first. Please, can this be a reminder to look out for people on the footpaths and roads especially when backing out of driveways? My kids love the local school, so you will find even though the school hours are 8.30 am to 2.30 pm the kids will be out and about early as they love getting to the best little school in the Bay. Please, please watch out for them. Melissa van Heerden.

Plenty District Council, it seems their options are limited. They say they cannot look for them over private property, but would gladly remove them if we catch them. However, without yards and sheepdogs that is impractical. At one stage they said the owner had been located, and the sheep returned home, but a few days later they reappeared. None of our immediate neighbours knows who they belong to, so if any of your readers know – or can catch them could they please inform WBoPDC's animal control staff on 571 8008. Brian Jackson.

efore Christmas two white-faced and two black-faced sheep started wandering over several properties on the eastern side of Te Puna Road. With few fences around here, they roam at will, sometimes disappearing for several days at a time. One of the white-faced ones has since gone (into a freezer somewhere?) leaving the others to wander on, passing through here again on 15th February. They’re not causing any problems, but as the photos show they are likely to need dagging, dipping, drenching, pedicures or facials - and shearing. If nothing is done, we will end up with three Shreks! More seriously they could also go out onto the road, with potentially tragic results. After several discussions with the animal control staff at Western Bay of

APRIL EDITION

News and Advertising deadline Friday 16th March

ce was found a month to the day after disappearing from our property. We are eternally grateful for the observation skills of Nathan, his mate Richard and dog Rosie who realised they were looking at a dog not a deer in the bush adjoining the stream on Nathan’s property. Thanks also to Bruce and Lynne Heaton who stepped in and assisted until we could get back (of all the days to be out fishing!) Special thanks to Sarah, Steve and Emily who came up every weekend to search. Also thanks to people in the local community and beyond for all their support, encouragement and ideas as we searched for our missing dog. Ace was in a very bad way when found, barely able to stand and unable to walk. He had lost half his body weight and needed some vet care to help his recovery. He continues to gain weight, move more freely and we are seeing a little of his personality returning. He is enjoying some lovely treats from well-wishers, and new toys are being investigated on occasion. It truly was a miracle he was found, and we are just so happy to have him back. Angela and Ewen McRae.

By Paul Wrigley Community Constable reetings to you all. I have been thinking about what makes rich communities. Sometimes we look at the streets in our town with the bigger houses and trailer boats parked out front and make that erroneous link between materialism and perceived happiness. I have been fortunate enough to travel to other countries where I have both lived in and visited communities with much much less than most NZers have with little or no support from local authorities. The lack of resources probably forces those communities to communicate more with each other, live in closer proximity to their neighbours, share their resources, trade amongst themselves and work together when an issue arises. One of the standout observations of those places I have visited is the apparent high demonstration of happiness even though the people I was visiting seemed to have very little and even less chance of improving their circumstance. So I encourage you to get out and engage with your communities, volunteer where you can, offer to help an elderly neighbour with their garden or give a friendly hello when walking down the street. They are small things, but cumulatively they create a positive vibe to where you live, and who knows, you may even feel richer for it.

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State Highway 2 toxicity: dicing with death By Rosemary Balu he Lizard, the public art district symbol, on the corner of State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road, has had a bag over its head. It’s avoiding looking at the stream of vehicles waiting to enter SH2 and the speed at which the highway traffic is passing its perch. It cannot bear to think about the current circumstances of SH2 traffic. I’m not scared of speed. I’ve driven all round the North Island; stood at the edge of various motocross tracks holding up the lapboard and I regularly travel on Auckland’s Southern Motorway. But, these days the manoeuvres required to merge onto SH2 from Barrett Road have me increasingly dicing with death. It isn’t a new issue for me. I’ve been to the community consultation meeting at the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. I’ve filled in my little booklet of comments. In 2012, following an informal neighbourhood discussion about the speed and problems entering SH2, I even wrote to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Land Transport New Zealand. I got back a “get stuffed” letter from the WBoPDC contractor signed by a “Graduate Engineer”, and absolute silence from the other lot. In the early 2000’s, upon moving to Whakamārama, we were told there was

an expressway to Tauranga designated and ready to go ahead. I even met a rural landowner towards Te Puna who told me there was a notice to that effect on her property title and her home and garden would be “in the middle of the motorway.” That property is still there, intact and blooming. Having endured the fiasco of the construction of the Te Puna roundabout, I’d have to buy a helicopter to travel to and from Tauranga, if there were to be additional development works on the existing road. Of course, I selected the option to leave SH2 as a district by-road and create a new four-lane highway. The other reason I supported that project is that I was there when they built the instantly too small, stupid Auckland Harbour Bridge. I can’t give up – not because I don’t want to be the next death, but because there seems to be an apparently quick and straightforward solution. A week or two ago when I noticed an NZTA vehicle parked outside a local cafe, I sought out its occupants. A lovely young man, wellspoken and charming, tells me they’re alert to the issues; they’ve got an interim plan for “safety improvements”. I suggest that the simplest thing to do is lower the speed limit to 70kph and transform the “overtaking lanes” into “slow vehicle

lanes”. That’s when he tells me that Wellington has decided the speed limits “have to be 60, 80 or 100kph.” Those who know me will be able to hear my unprintable response. He tells me they are considering “variable speed limits”. Despite the acknowledgement of the issue, the ongoing deaths and the obvious constant dangers on SH2 - I’m aghast to read Matthew Farrell’s article on Page 8 of the February Lizard News - particularly: ‘“... we will be speaking more to the community about reducing the speed along State Highway 2” Mr Gliddon says.’ Well, there goes another year or two just to implement an “interim measure”. It’s obvious the speed limit needs lowering (stand on the corner of Plummers Point Road and watch the cars roaring up to the end of the “overtaking lane”). Why not reduce it to 70kph from Katikati

and see what happens. You can then consult with us to see if we want it raised back again. And while you’re doing that could you look around to secure sufficient land to create a secure FREE park and ride facility for our anticipated expanding local population. It’s all very well to increase the population of Ōmokoroa and to widen the road through the peninsula merely to funnel drivers onto an inadequate and dangerous road. No wonder the Lizard’s got a bag on its head. And who said it? “Don’t just stand there, do something.” Rosemary Balu is the Managing Editor of ARTbop. She frequently travels from Whakamārama to urban Tauranga and through Katikati, Waihī and Paeroa on her way to Auckland.

NZTA didn’t reply to Lizard News queries regarding 13 missing lane markers installed as an interim safety measure. Nonetheless, the batons were immediately reinstated. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

A plastic bag was placed over the lizard sculpture to prevent further water damage, and allow a protective coating to set. PHOTO: Rosemary Balu.

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The bag was gone on Sunday 18th February but was swiftly replaced by Ōmokoroa Public Art Group volunteers. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

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Redefining the art of hospitality By Matthew Farrell handeliers, gold cutlery, comfortable seating and very solid wooden tables; it can only be Montre. Lizard News paid Ōmokoroa’s new cafe experience a visit after the lunchtime rush on their opening day, and we’ve since learned a little more about proprietors Juliana and Mustafa Gultekin. “Today was our first day. We are fine, just tired from the past few days of preparations; working late and starting early but our day was very exciting. “Our staff were vibrant, our store and our cabinet looked perfect. I just felt joy and gratitude for this finished project,” says Juliana. Gultekins The have been living in Ōmokoroa for almost a year. They’ve been waiting for Montre longer than anyone else has. “When we did the lease of the store in May last year, we scheduled the completion for four months - including the architectural project, Council approval, and site works. “Unfortunately, things didn’t happen as planned. We had several losses from the builders, which generated a delay of more than four months in the opening. “But now our store is open, beautiful and stunning, ready to embrace the population of our lovely Ōmokoroa with our high-quality service and menu - and, of course - crowned with all the comfort and cosiness that our store offers customers,” she says. The style, furniture, and lighting aren't your average proposition. “I have always believed from my early childhood that whatever we do in our lives, be it professionally, in our personal or social life, we should do our best, and we should outgrow the day before. I cultivate this philosophy in all areas of my life. It is from there

that this beautiful and light-filled design was born. Montre not only offers people a place to eat but also and especially, a place to be happy. It is this feeling that we want to awaken both in our clients and in our team. We want to make people's lives happier!” She says the details have been enjoyable rather than stressful, while she organised everything from recruitment and staff training to uniforms and an alfresco area. Juliana is originally from Brazil and Mustafa is from Turkey; they lived at the Mount before Ōmokoroa. She’s happy to let locals know a little about their journeys and prior life experiences. “Yes, sure. I have been in the gastronomic business world in Brazil for more than 25 years in management positions, from family businesses to multinationals and large franchise companies. My entire childhood was inside restaurants. My parents had restaurants for life. My three siblings and I were all born into restaurants. “Mustafa has also been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years here in NZ. His first store opened in Wellington in 1993. It was a large restaurant with more than 80 seats, running three shifts. Here in Tauranga, he’s had the brand ‘Turkish to Go’ since 2006, with five very successful stores and a factory until last year. “We’ve combined my experience of high gastronomy and management, with the knowledge of the New Zealand market that Mustafa has acquired in all those years. That was how this beautiful project Montre was born. We hope Montre brings a lot of warmth to people's meals and especially a lot of joy to their lives!” Combining an obvious passion for customer service with an appetite for hard work, Montre is redefining the art of hospitality for those wanting to be treated.

March 2018 | Lizard News |

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Private contractor turns bottle stopper By Matthew Farrell esidents are unhappy with the state of glass recycling in the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga sub-region. Meanwhile, the electorate MP for Katikati and Pahoia, Coromandel’s Scott Simpson (National’s environment spokesperson) is disappointed with the local authorities. However, the WBoP District Council says the private contractor Waste Management / Environmental Green Bins hasn’t provided customers with adequate notification of its decision to end kerbside glass collections. We probably have a lot more glass heading into our general waste, until a better system arrives. We’ll be stepping backwards locally by throwing more glass into landfill, akin to whoever is dumping plastic in our oceans and paper into incinerators. Why have glass collections stopped? Glass can only be recycled in Penrose, Auckland. It must be colour sorted before it breaks. Broken glass from wheelie bins goes into landfill along with the paper, cardboard and plastic that is unsafe for workers to sort manually, due to shards. The environmental group Zero Waste Network says kerbside wheelie bins for mixed glass should never have been introduced here in the first place. The material sorting facility in Te Maunga is owned by Waste Management, so their call affects all other waste collecting contractors, too.

Why so suddenly? The District Council is probably asking the same question. WBoPDC Utilities Manager Kelvin Hill says in July/August, Waste Management was considering separate kerbside bins for glass before deciding on new community drop-off locations just before Christmas. “We first learnt about the locations in mid-February, less than two weeks before glass collection stopped. Right now, there are only two locations in the District. Waste Management’s notification period hasn’t been long enough for customers,” says Kelvin. What can we do with glass now? The nearest bottle banks for thousands of our readers will be Bethlehem or Katikati. There is a transfer station at Maleme Street in Tauranga and WBoPDC recycling centres in Te Puke (since 2010), Athenree (since 2003) and Katikati (also 2003). What’s the District Council doing? It’s been seeking community feedback on its Waste Minimisation Management Plan. The subject of a Council-run recycling centre at Ōmokoroa has been part of that public consultation. The glass issue may stimulate interest in making submissions. “One option is for Council to contract out the services for waste and recycling, rather than leaving the private sector to manage it. Ōmokoroa is disadvantaged. The timing of additional services depends on sufficient population numbers to make a centre viable,” says Kelvin.

Council doesn’t currently manage private waste, only illegally dumped rubbish and its facilities (including green waste in Ōmokoroa since 2004). Kerbside rubbish and recycling haven’t been a rates-funded activity since 2003, according to Council’s Ilze Kruis. What does Coromandel MP Scott Simpson say? “Broadly speaking we should be reducing use, reusing more and recycling more. We simply need to be more careful about what we buy and throw away. Raglan even has kerbside collections of kitchen waste for a town composting facility. In Nelson, there’s a company that has brought back the glass bottle rinse and return system for daily milk crates. In Hauraki, Smart Environmental sorts your glass as they collect it. I am disappointed TCC and WBoPDC haven’t yet explored a more sophisticated kerbside option like other parts of the country,” says Scott. What’s the view of local businesses? We have been speaking to the owners of Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa, Steve and Chantal Ling, about this subject for a couple of weeks. “It upsets us that glass was going to be dropped from our recycling plan at the supermarket. The lack of information is poor. We need a better way of recycling - and an assurance that recycling collected by private operators will actually get recycled, instead of being put in the general waste at the dump. We’d like to work on a short-term solution for

Ōmokoroa until WBoPDC makes a decision on recycling, but this hasn’t been an easy road to travel so far. A solution needs to found, but not collecting glass is not a solution. Commercially and socially, we need to look at the bigger picture, and all strive for Zero Waste as a common goal. In our view, recycling must be managed by the Council,” says Chantal.

An independent Waste Watchers audit found Steve and Chantal Ling’s Fresh Choice team are diverting 90% of waste away from landfill. PHOTO: WBoPDC.

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| Lizard News | March 2018

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ANZAC Biscuit Recipe

Commemoration of a century

Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup plain flour 1 cup sugar 3/4 (three-quarters) cup coconut 125g (4 oz) butter 2 tablespoons golden syrup ½ (half) teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 tablespoon boiling water

Method Combine oats, sifted flour, sugar and coconut. Combine butter and golden syrup, stir over gentle heat until melted. Mix soda with boiling water, add to melted butter mixture, stir into dry ingredients. Take teaspoonfuls of mixture and place on lightly greased oven trays; allow room for spreading. Cook in low oven (150°C or 300°F) for 20 minutes. Loosen while still warm, then cool on trays. Makes about 35.

By Liz Farrell n 2015, after a 50-year hiatus, the Anzac Day services were reintroduced to the Ōmokoroa community to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings. 2018 marks a century since the end of The Great War and as such is the last of the centenary commemorations in the “World War One Hundred” series. This year, our theme is Peace, and the regular schedule for Wednesday 25th April will be supported by a gallery exhibition titled “A Century in Pictures”. We are still in need of picture frames with roughly an A4 aperture to complete this display. If you have any which you are

Please bring your biscuits to Omokoroa Library or to the dawn service at the Crapp Reserve. Please put them in old ice-cream containers that we can recycle, thank you.

The 2017 wreath-laying ceremony at Ōmokoroa Point School. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

willing to donate, please take the frames to the Ōmokoroa Library before Friday 13th April. The gallery will be held at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club. We intend for it to be open on Monday 23rd, and Tuesday 24th April from 10 am until 5 pm, and on Anzac Day from 1 pm until 5 pm. All frames will be ‘sold’ for a donation, the funds from which will go towards the completion of the cairn in the Crapp Reserve. If you would like to buy one of the frames, simply inform the volunteer on duty. If you would like to volunteer to be a gallery host, please get in touch. On Anzac Day itself, the Poppies on the Point dawn service will take place in the Crapp Reserve at 6 am using the new cairn. Afterwards, hot Milo and Anzac biscuits will be served by the Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea Scouts. Any donations of home-baked Anzac biscuits would be gratefully received either in advance (at the Library) or to the tent, on the day. A suggested recipe is included on this page, and you can also pick up leaflets from the Library. We would ask bakers to deliver these in old ice-cream boxes

rather than risk losing homewares. An 11 am service will take place at Ōmokoroa Point School and will include a wreath-laying at the flagpole at the conclusion. If you intend to lay a wreath, make sure you order it from a florist soon and let us know your name and organisation so that you can be properly announced. After this event, the Sea Scouts will again be serving hot drinks. This year, the team from Black Sheep Bar and Grill are kindly providing the sausage sizzle. We are excited to present this programme to the community in 2018 and commemorate this important date. Please feel free to contact members of the Ōmokoroa Community Anzac Group: Alison Badger 548 1544, Heather Reynolds 548 1620, or me Liz Farrell 021 069 6657. How can you help? Donate picture frames Bake Anzac biscuits Volunteer as a gallery host

The 2017 dawn service at the Crapp Reserve. PHOTO: Andrew McWilliam.

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Ōmokoroa Road update wo months after telling Lizard News the "timeframe remained unchanged", the District Council has admitted the Ōmokoroa Road upgrade is no longer on schedule for completion in June. The Council has previously blamed bad weather over winter for delays and now says a shortage of specialist contractors has been slowing the progress of the work. Upgrades have included replacing a water main, and installing underground power, fibre optic cables, and sewerage. WBoPDC's Mayor Garry Webber says the coordination of specialists during the Bay’s construction boom time has put

the project behind, but the work is now starting to take shape. “This includes widening the carriageway, creating a new intersection for housing developments, building a new park and ride area - and improving the safety of the Prole Rd intersection - and preparing the new road area for pavement,” says Garry. Once a new roundabout has been completed, the traffic flow will be redirected away from the existing road to allow earthworks and the remaining underground service installations to be finished. No new date has yet been estimated for the project’s completion.

Lizard Local business directory ince the launch of the Lizard Local online business directory in February, we have received positive feedback from those included and requests to be added by others. All businesses operating within the Lizard News area are offered a free linelisting in the Lizard Local. This includes the business name, category, address and contact phone number. For Lizard News display advertisers, this listing will have a complimentary colour background. There are optional low-cost upgrades for both Lizard News display advertisers (Display) and others (Online only). For businesses who do not advertise in the Lizard News with a display advert, and for those who advertise via classifieds, your $20 per month (or $200 per year) Online advert will also include multiple phone numbers, a place on the searchable map, your website link and

the facility to receive emails directly from potential clients who find your business through the Lizard Local website. For “Display” advertisers, these features, plus the addition of a business logo, cost only $10 per month (or $100 per year) as a thank you for supporting the newspaper. Display advertisers also have the option of a premium listing at $20 per month ($200 per year) which can feature multiple images, a video and their listing among those ‘pinned’ to the top of the category. There will be one banner advertisement available per month. Please enquire. For businesses which operate outside of the area and do not pay for Display advertisements, the $20 per month Online rate will apply to all listings.

Action on Ruamoana walkway By Matthew Farrell izard News understands work may begin this month on trial drainage drilling, which it is hoped will lead to the reinstatement of the Ruamoana walkway in Ōmokoroa. A resident of Ruamoana Place has been kind enough to invite us into his front garden where three test bores were being drilled by civil engineers at the end of January. Number 25, owned by John and Rosemary Roper, is one of three properties where the Western Bay of Plenty District Council has agreed to work in partnership on a 50/50 cost share basis to see if coastal erosion can be arrested by innovative research. Methods will include controlling groundwater in the cliffside by creating horizontal-bored and chimney-style drains. The owners of Numbers 23, 24 and 25 are due to contribute $100,000 each, while the Council will spend a maximum of $300,000 on this high-tech trial. John Roper knows the site is unique with difficult geotechnical challenges but says they’ve been kept informed.

“The resource consents have been applied for, and we’ll be paying our money in March for the work to begin. Peter Clark of the District Council has been a great bridge builder, and we’re really appreciative of having him,” he says. John says he understands the test probes are capable of permanent soil monitoring. Consultant engineers Tonkin and Taylor had not returned our phone calls at the time of going to press.

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Paddles dazzle at Waka Ama champs Why do people avoid going to the dentist? Research reveals the top seven reasons why patients don’t like seeing the dentist. Let’s look at them more closely and dispel some common myths and misconceptions. Reason #1: Cost hy is dentistry so expensive in New Zealand?“ This is a question we hear almost every day. There are a few good economic reasons why it is perceived to be expensive:

“W

Quality dental treatment: some dental treatments are only quick fixes. In our five-step plan we discuss options how to improve oral health and choose procedures that will have a lasting strengthening effect.

No government funding: unlike in medical care there is no funding for dentistry other than ACC and free basic oral care for under-18s.

Long-term patient relationships: every person’s mouth is different and responds differently to treatment. Building up a long-term relationship with your dentist gives him or her a chance to know your mouth and your specific needs.

Goods and Services Tax: all the same, there is 15% GST on dental services. In other words: the ﬁrst 15% of dental fees goes straight to the government. ACC fees: dental practices have to pay ACC levies for all their employees. Compliance: every year more and more codes of practice are released by the Dental Council and have to be adhered to. Usually this means more equipment, more consumables, more fees for inspections etc. Continued education: dentists have to spend thousands of dollars on courses and travel every year in order to stay up to date with dental procedures. Expensive equipment: investing in decent equipment is expensive. Buying cheap imported products is possible, but these sometimes don’t comply with New Zealand safety standards. Wages: all wages must be paid, and all legislation must be adhered to. But there are also ways to curb the cost of dentistry. Prevention is better than cure: most expensive dental treatments become necessary because of a lack of maintenance. We pride ourselves on our ﬁve-step plan to achieve optimum oral health and then to actively maintain this status.

| Lizard News | March 2018

ing. We can keep an eye on everyone. The teams and clubs just organise themselves and do their paperwork,” she says. It’s an inclusive community sport. There’s a great sense of cooperation between Tauranga and its neighbours, both Hoe Aroha at Pilot Bay and the Maketū club when it comes to supporting craft and marshalling. The Masters Men (age 40+) paddled 32km from Maketū to Pilot Bay the day before and were either barbequing or marshalling when I spoke with Gaylene. “They’ll be out for a paddle after their duty. There are eight teams here across the age ranges. If you’re looking at a new sport, this is one of the fastest growing for participation. It’s low impact, but you do need a lot of upper body strength,” she says. Gaylene acknowledges the help of the District Council, Regional Council and Harbourmaster. Anyone wanting to learn more about Waka Ama can visit tmocc.co.nz or email tmoccnz@gmail.com

Quality-focussed dentistry: this usually shows in a dentist’s equipment and facilities. New or well-maintained surgeries are a good indication of the standard of care oﬀered. Here are two examples. All dental surgeries use compressors and compressed air to drive the dental hand pieces. If this equipment is not properly serviced or a cheap compressor was purchased, it can have signiﬁcant health risks. Sterilisation areas where HIV and other viruses can be spread through dental instruments are also of huge importance today. Decent modern practices will have their sterilisation areas on display for their patients to see. Value treatment: value doesn’t always mean the cheapest. Cheap can be very costly in the long run. Look for a quality practice with high standards. If such a practice charges reasonable fees, chances are you will receive greater value than if you try to buy cheap.

Binding poll on Māori wards he Western Bay of Plenty District Council is to hold a binding poll, to see whether Māori wards should be introduced for the next two triennial elections in 2019 and 2022. Council hopes to have an opportunity to establish a Māori ward or wards as an outcome of this process. The poll has come about because in November 2017, Western Bay councillors voted to establish one or

more Māori wards. Consequently, an independent petition against the move (confirmed as valid on Tuesday 20th February) from more than five percent of Western Bay District electors was handed to Council, triggering a poll. The poll will be held on Saturday 19th May, conducted under the provisions of the Local Electoral Act 2001, by the Council’s electoral officer.

Poll timetable: We try to ensure all our patients get the best value for money: state-of-the-art, painless treatments delivered by experienced dentists using top-quality equipment. And we have a pricing policy where we undertake to charge the New Zealand average price for our services.

This column is brought to you by Omokoroa Dental Surgery.

By Matthew Farrell bout 400 paddlers and supporters made Ōmokoroa Domain their base for the day, as Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club hosted its annual Waka Ama event here for the fifth consecutive year on Sunday 4th February. Club president and organiser Gaylene Macfarlane says the event is held at the end of the national sprint series and is their primary fundraiser for the year. “This is about family and whānau. Kids are giving it a go, as well as competitors like our age 50+ ladies, qualifying for the Worlds in Tahiti in July. Our oldest today is 79, and our youngest is 6-years-old. We introduce children to this at a very young age,” Gaylene says. The event used to be held between Whareroa and Maungatapu marae. But Ōmokoroa is a naturally sheltered environment and offers the ability to work with tides more easily. “There’s the playground and the park-

23 February

From 27 April

27 April to noon 19 May Noon 19 May 21 May

23 May

Public notice of poll Voting documents posted to electors Progressive roll security/special voting period/early processing Poll day, voting closes Official declaration of results Public notice of results

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A new place to play onsultation has just closed on the concept design for a new playground at Ōmokoroa Sports Ground on Western Avenue. It’s edging closer to reality, after the draft proposals were heavily influenced by local children and adults from the

Ōmokoroa Community Playground Group, working with LOAM Landscape Architects. Western Bay of Plenty District Council says the planned features include a flying fox cableway, low terraced playing space on part of the existing slope, swings, slides and a bridge, rotating equipment, a junior treehouse and using shade cover from trees. A two-week feedback period ended on Friday 23rd February. The design should be finalised this month, and it’s hoped construction will begin in April.

Dates for your diary

Weekly Friday Weekly Friday evening twilight market. 5 pm - 7 pm Lighthouse on Lockington, Aongatete. Weather permitting. Check the Facebook page for cancellations. March 4: Children’s Day SunDay FunDay. 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm. Katikati Community Centre. Free. March 7: Future Focus Meeting. Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 7 pm. March 8: Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9 am Beached On Blue cafe. March 9-24: The Perfect Murder. 16th Ave Theatre production. Mystery Comedy. March 11: Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market. Western Ave carpark. 9am-noon. March 13: Free 12-week computing course starts. Ōmokoroa Community Church, Hamurana Road. Call 0800 86 46 46. March 13: Ōmokoroa Community Board Meeting. 7 pm. Ōmokoroa Community Church, Hamurana Road. March 16-17: Whakamārama Harvest Festival. See Page 18 for further details. March 17: Lizard Market. Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall. 9 am - noon. March 17: Te Puna School Annual Country Fair. 10 am - 2 pm. March 17: St Paddy’s Pop-up Picnic: Celebrate Irish-style with a BYO supper. $10 per head. Call Alison on 548 1544 or email thebadgers@xtra.co.nz to reserve your space. See ad on Page 20. March 22: Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9 am Beached On Blue cafe. March 24: Doggy Day Out. From 10 am Western Ave Sports Ground, Ōmokoroa. March 24-25: Neighbours Day. See neighboursdayaotearoa.org March 25: Affordable Art & Artisan Fair. 11 am - 3 pm Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Plummers Point Road. March 26: Junction Coffee & Chat. 11 am Ōmokoroa Community Church, Hamurana Road. Contact Matthew: 027 549 5410. March 26: Ōmokoroa Business Women’s Network. 7 pm at Ōmokoroa Preschool, Margaret Drive. April 1: Easter Sunday. April 3: First of four free Tennis Club sessions running each Tuesday during April. Contact Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668 or 548 2371 to book a space. April 8: Quarry Fest. Te Puna Quarry Park 10 am - 4 pm.

Aongatete, Ōmokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna, Whakamārama – we’d love to share your events. Email your details to matthew@lizardnews.net and they’ll appear here and on our website.

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News in brief... State Highway Two was closed at Tahāwai, north of Katikati, following a severe crash on Saturday 27th January. Police were called to the two-car crash at the intersection with Kauri Point Road at 8:44 am. One person was critically injured. Two others received moderate injuries. The Serious Crash Unit was called, and the road was closed in both directions.

Police Media Centre confirmed to Lizard News there was a death at the Wairoa River in Te Puna on Thursday 8th February. A spokeswoman said it was understood the fatality in the afternoon was the result of a medical event and there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Users of the Wairoa Bridge over State Highway 2 in Te Puna were advised of possible delays while night work was

completed, weather permitting. The NZ Transport Agency notified that geotechnical testing was being carried out through the bridge deck over four nights.

Construction sites in Ōmokoroa continue to be built without too many crime issues, according to Community Constable Paul Wrigley. A gas infinity unit was stolen from a new home in Kayelene Place during an afternoon at the beginning of February. Constable Wrigley says while Pāpāmoa construction sites have had many issues, Ōmokoroa is perhaps helped by having only one way in and out, a relative distance from other communities and a Community Patrol which does a great job.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana is currently reviewing its Long Term Plan 2018-2028, and the public consultation stage is now open. You can have your say on what direction you think the region should take in the next ten years. Community Feedback is open until 4 pm on Monday the 19th of March. Hearings will be held in April, followed by Council deliberations in May. The final plan will be adopted in

NO WO

June. Information is available from www.boprc.govt.nz

A laden trailer tipped onto its side, blocking one lane of Ōmokoroa Road at the SH2 intersection on Monday 5th Feb just after 1.30pm. The Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the scene, providing traffic control and attempting to right the trailer. The commercial ute was detached from the trailer shortly after this photograph was taken.

A free mental health support group gets together on the last Monday every month. Junction Coffee and Chat takes place at the Ōmokoroa Community Church on Hamurana Road. The next session is on Monday 26th March from 11am-12pm. Whether it is depression, anxiety or

bipolar - you may find tea or coffee, and friends is the perfect blend to help relax and bring some sunshine through the cloud of isolation. Contact matthewjfarrell@xtra.co.nz or 027 549 5410, or just pop by in the morning.

A free computer course is available at Ōmokoroa Community Church starting on Tuesday the 13th of March. The 12week course aims to improve basic computer skills and introduce users to cloud computing. For more information call 0800 86 46 46.

The Lighthouse Cafe has been trialling a twilight market in their carpark from 5 pm until 7 pm on Fridays, with the first one taking place in February. Each stall holder will have a carpark with approx a 3x3m area for a gazebo and trestle, or to sell directly from their vehicle. These will continue subject to demand and interest from stallholders and public until the weather cools.

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Ripper clipper fundraiser By Matthew Farrell

Adrian has been counting down the days to farewelling his new beard which his wife hates. wo teachers and five pupils at Pahoia School They’ve approached a few local businesses about have raised more than $2500 in a fortnight sponsorship, but say if anyone else would like to be ahead of a charity drive for Leukaemia & Blood involved they would be more than welcome to conCancer NZ. Adrian Harwood and Kim McCormack tact the school office. will lose their locks in front of the entire school asPahoia School has also organised for the NZ Blood sembly on Friday 23rd March. Service mobile unit to visit on the day so that the They’ll be joined community can by Sam Bourke donate blood. The (8), Matthew biggest use of McLachlan (9), Wil blood products is McCormack (8), for the treatment Felix Denyer (9), of cancer at 28%, and Riley Warren with the next (8) from the Year biggest being acci4-6 composite dents at 19%. Aongatete Pod. Only 4% of us Adrian Harwood currently roll up feels compelled. our sleeves and “We have a 4donate, yet 3,000 month-old baby, donations are Zoe. I was talking needed EACH to other parents WEEK to meet the other day hospital needs. about how parentPrincipal Mike ing is hard. Then I McKee expects exthought how much Hair today, gone tomorrow. L-R: Sam, Wil, Matthew, and Felix can’t wait. citement, noise harder it would be and celebration. if she were sick. Thankfully she isn’t, but it makes “It’s great that Mr Harwood and Mrs Mac have reyou realise,” he says. sumed this initiative, which one of our former learnKim McCormack couldn’t let Adrian do it by him- ers Oscar Maybury started in 2015 when he was self. “The more I read about it, the more I knew it eight. We are trying to promote ‘Give a Pint, Win a was a really good cause. Leukemia affects many chil- Pint’ and hoping to organise gift vouchers or a coudren. As an educator and a mum of two boys, it’s ple of spot prizes to be won by one lucky blood close to my heart. At the moment the leading bid to donor,” he says. cut off my ponytail is $100, but if anyone wants to Pahoia School was the fourth largest fundraiser on go any higher just get in touch,” she laughs. shaveforacure.co.nz at the time we went to press.

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Free tennis lessons as new courts loom By Jeff Warren

hile Ōmokoroa’s new courts aren’t yet complete, the latest news is that the asphalt was due to be laid on 5th March then things should progress speedily. Our second series of the leagues of five is underway, with some members from Te Puna Tennis Club taking part in five leagues of five players, playing each other at singles. True to form I have personally played 1 and lost 1. Never mind. We have entered a team into the business house doubles that Te Puna is running. Our lazy lizard squad is made up of: Gail ‘camp mum’ Singleton, Murray ‘he’s too good to hurry’ Treloar, Chantal ‘I have a fresh choice of shots’ Thomas, ‘net chord’ Kevin Goddard, and ‘whacky’ Jacqui Pittendreigh as well as myself Jeff ‘what a player’ Warren. We do have points on the board after two weeks but not many, however on a winning note, our team that entered the WBoP tennis twilight doubles tournament won their opening match 4-0 against Gate Pa. Well done to Keith ‘lucky bounce’ Bardwell, Andrew ‘dilly dally’ Dallas, Simone ‘sureshot’ Jenkins and Chantal Thomas for her fresh choice of shots! We all know how daunting taking up a new sport can be, or indeed returning to a game you played in earlier years. Well, the good news is here. If anyone out there, young or old, would like a gentle introduction to tennis or to remove the cobwebs after being out of the sport for a while - read on. In April, we’re planning to hold hour-long tennis sessions on all four Tuesday nights. It’ll be very casual, but club members will be on hand to either guide, advise, or leave you to your own devices. These four Tuesday sessions will be free. If you then wish to join our happy band of tennisers in May, you will get 16 months of membership for the price of 12. We can't say fairer than that. We do need to know of interest before starting. If you’re keen or need further information, please call me with no obligation on 021 109 9668 or 548 2371. That’s all folks.

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Barklie interprets body adornment By Margarete Kraemer he opening night on 26th February of Jacki Barklie’s four-day exhibition was heralded in, not with fanfare, but a dazzling display of lightning over Te Puna. Dazzling is probably also a fitting description of some of her art. On display were 70 pieces of art representing just one year’s work. They were underpinned by the theme of body adornment inspired by the connotations of an ancient artefact, The Golden Cloth. A hairdresser with 37 years of hairstyling experience, Jacki has been painting over weekends and selling her art for over 20 years. But three years ago she wanted to explore how far she could take her art. She also longed for an intellectual challenge. What was meant to be a one-year sabbatical from hairdressing became a three-year degree course: in December last year Jacki graduated from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Visual Arts. “I changed from adorning heads to adorning canvases and cloths”, she laughs and says the experience allowed her to look deep inside her identity. “It made me a more complete human.” She also stresses: “You have to keep evolving as a person. Never stop evolving!” Jacki calls herself a multi-dimensional, mixed-media artist. She uses acrylics, charcoal, pastels as well as printmaking, creating diverse art that does not fit in

any one genre. Her signature technique - and one that is very time consuming is “rusting”, a process she devised on her own. Rusting technique alongside gold Pressed for an approximation to a defined style in art, she calls it contemporary expressionism inspired by Art Nouveau and especially Gustav Klimt. Most of her paintings are figurative, but some are abstract. “I would call it decorative art, but it’s not ‘pretty’ art”, Jacki adds. In her Art Nouveau inspired works she uses gold as well as rust. “Putting the rust to the gold produces an interesting combination. It’s like in life. Often, if you scratch a rusty surface, something shiny emerges. Conversely, not all that glitters is gold. There can be rust underneath.” Another source of inspiration and a recurring element is semiotics, the study of how signs and symbols create meaning. “The signifier becomes the signified through communication between humans into signs and their interpretations”, explains Jacki. One of her pictures, Bird of Paradise, is a good example to illustrate this. The profile of a woman’s face infuses hair design, i.e. a form of body adornment, with semiotics. “The bird of paradise is symbolic of reaching newer heights. Feathers stand for ascension and spiritual elevation to a higher plane. I also use a lot of shapes, for example, circles, which signify completeness or wholeness.”

Self-expression through adornment Jacki’s art explores the self. Who are we? What makes us tick? Why do we pretend to be somebody else when we can be just ourselves? “It’s about celebrating one’s authenticity”, is how she would best sum it up. Born in Zambia and brought up in Zimbabwe, Jacki lived in Cape Town, South Africa, most of her life before moving to New Zealand in 1994. Components of her art are inspired by her exposure and colourful upbringing in Africa. The diversity of cultures, materials and styles in Jacki’s work come across as art filled with emotion, expression and excitement. You can see more about Jacki Barklie’s art on facebook at: artunboundbyjacki

Summer Menu 2018

Starters

Neighborhood Pizzas

Garlic Bread ________________ $7 The best in town, add one!

Flatbread __________________ $11 House made Hummus and Balsamic Reduction.

Pizza of the Week ______________ ?

Changes weekly. Check Facebook, Instagram, or just ask.

Chicken & Chorizo ______________ $19 Free Range Chicken with a Caribbean style sauce.

Classics Margherita _________________ $11 The most important pizza on the menu.

Here since the beginning, with Lemon and Hot Sauce. Brought together with Lemon Zest & Parsley.

Beef & Jalapeño ________________ $19

Ham & Pineapple ____________ $14

Calzone ______________________ $16

New York style ... in Gizzy and Omoks. You know how this one goes.

Lovers of Meat ______________ $17 Slow cooked Beef, Pepperoni and Ham.

Jalapeños, Peppers, Pulled Beef. A staff fave.

A hero. A folded pizza with Beef, Jalapeños & Sour Cream.

Beef & Chimichurri _____________ $19 Tender Beef with Caramelized Onions.

Spinach & Mushroom ___________ $19 Served with Pinenuts, Olives and Balsamic Reduction.

Italians

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| Lizard News | March 2018

What’s that flag?

Salmon & Capers _______________ $19

Pepperoni _________________ $13

Perfectly balanced, perfectly spiced

Jacki Barklie in front of her painting Bird of Paradise (top left).

Prawn & Kaitaia Fire ____________ $19

ongratulations to Lily Gordon, 11, who correctly answered the February flag competition which was Albania. This month the flag is from a French overseas region in the eastern Caribbean.

The white cross on the blue background was originally a naval flag, and a similar flag can be seen in Québec, Canada. This flag dates from a 4th August 1766 edict, specifying that vessels of this French colony should fly a version of the French ensign. At the time, this was a white cross on a blue field, with L-shaped (for ‘’Lucia’’) snakes in each quarter of the cross. The snakes are called “fer-de-lance vipers” and are native to the island. Now open to all ages, email your answers to shrunk@xtra.co.nz by the 20th of March. All correct entries go into the draw to win $10.

lizardnews.net

A small museum with a big story

By Lulu Harding he Western Bay Museum is a small 21st-century museum in Katikati. It’s a small museum that tells a big story. We take immense pride in the historical, cultural and artistic accounts of our area and present these narratives in fresh and exciting ways, utilising our permanent collection of objects and artefacts, including our taonga Māori display, allowing for exhibitions to change regularly throughout the year. Visit our reproduction 1900s school room and home-

stead kitchen that will make you glad you weren’t around in the good ole days! Our new Rongoā herbal medicine garden is well underway with seating to allow you to visit and take in the awesome view of the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park. You can also pay a visit to the town’s original jail which functioned mainly as a drunk tank in its heyday. Remarkably small for the only planned Northern Irish settlement in the world! Schools are welcome to book their students into our education programme. Pupils will experience a day at

a 1900s school with our strict headmistress. Learning what life was like while wearing waistcoats, flat caps, mop hats and aprons provided. Communication is a large part of our present exhibition, so children will write note cards, buy a lick and stick penny stamp and learn how to send a message via morse code. Group bookings are also available. Why not take a guided tour of the museum and enjoy tea and scones, too? Our exciting new exhibition, ‘Pioneer Trades’, has just opened with displays from the blacksmith, cobbler, miner and dressmaker on display, along with a special exhibition for WW100 Armistice Day. See items from our collection and read about the local tradesmen who used them. Our next exhibition will be ‘Suffrage 125’. You can find us on westernbaymuseum.nz or at The Old Fire Station, 32 Main Road, Katikati. Contact us on 07 549 0651 or info@westernbaymuseum.nz

Volunteer positions available

By Carole Parker estern Bay Museum has a variety of volunteer positions. You don’t need to know about museums. We provide a job description, training and ongoing support. We are particularly looking for people who can help with our social media, be part of our frontline team, take on administration, work in the school room with our student groups, or act as a host for group visits. We also hold social activities for our volunteers. We can fit the hours and days around your availability. It can be long-term or short-term. If you are interested in more information, then contact me on 0274 579 686, and we can talk about the options.

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www.treescene.co.nz March 2018 | Lizard News |

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Get set for Te Puna Country Fair relaxing day of country fun for the whole family is on offer at Te Puna School's Country Fair on Saturday 17th March from 10 am - 2 pm. It’ll be jam-packed with fun activities for young and old, flavour-filled food and stalls for all. Children can enjoy the coconut shy, plate smash, rifle range shooting, face painting and much more. A cake stall will be chocka with homebaking, slices, and muffins for sale plus homemade treats such as fudge, coconut ice and toffee for those with a sweet tooth. The Café will offer tea, coffee and lots

of scones. There will also be a barbecue, hāngi, candy floss and drinks. People can pre-order hāngi for lunch or buy it on the day. Plants and produce will be on offer, along with a secondhand book sale, jumble, and fabulous silent auction items up for grabs. The world-famous in Te Puna helicopter ping-pong drop is at 1.30 pm on the school field - you could win a free helicopter ride! Email pta@tepuna.school.nz or find Te Puna School Country Fair on Facebook. See you there. Article supplied.

More prize money for local groups Saturday 17th March, 2018 10am-2pm

E: pta@tepuna.school.nz F: Te Puna School Country Fair

| Lizard News | March 2018

ommunity organisations can share in an increased prize pool with entries for the Trustpower Community Awards opening on Monday 5th March. The awards, which recognise the efforts of volunteers, first took place 25 years ago in the Western Bay. Trustpower’s Abbie Siely says it’s a milestone year and the company is adopting a fresh approach by increasing prize money and combining the celebrations with neighbouring Tauranga. “We’ve met Councils, attendees, past and present winners, and the broader community to find out what people value most about the Trustpower Community Awards, and what they think we can do better. “While it’s clear locals love to celebrate the efforts of volunteers in community organisations, it’s no surprise that for many finances are a constant concern. “So this year, the prize money for an award will double to $1,000. Regional Supreme Winners will receive $2,000 up from $1,500 last year - and a trip for two to the 2018 Trustpower National Community Awards, bringing together 25 Regional Supreme Winners from around New Zealand,” says Abbie. Last year’s Regional Supreme Winners

will attend the Trustpower National Community Awards in Queenstown from 13th-15th April this year. Miss Siely says every year Trustpower is reminded of the benefits of bringing like-minded people together to connect and collaborate. “An idea that is changing lives in one district can be implemented to significant effect in another. Often, groups may connect with the perfect person to help them bring an idea to life, or improve a current initiative. “This year, Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District will celebrate their community spirit and the achievements of volunteers at a shared event in Tauranga. Each district will have its own Supreme Winner and award recipients, but the ideas and inspiration will extend out into the wider region. Host locations will alternate each year, and Trustpower will provide transport for groups from neighbouring districts,” says Abbie. Groups or supporters can enter at trustpower.co.nz/communityawards until Thursday 31st May in categories including Heritage and Environment; Health and Wellbeing; Arts and Culture; Sport and Leisure; Education and Child/Youth Development. Article supplied.

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Free workshops for young entrepreneurs wo free workshops for Western Bay youth are aiming to encourage problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking and ways of turning ideas into action - and there’s still time to get involved. Mini Mashup was a day-long workshop on Saturday 3rd March for local youth aged 14 years and over at Venture Centre’s Basestation in Tauranga. It was designed to get students using problem-solving techniques to tackle things in the world they want to change or develop projects to benefit their community or their own lives. The main Mashup event is being held on Saturday and Sunday 24th-25th March. Over the weekend, teams of four will design a solution to a problem using mashing tech and business. They will develop a product idea, explore its viability and build a prototype. The challenge culminates in a final pitch to a panel of judges to win cash prizes. Venture Centre co-founder Pascale Hyboud-Peron says the workshops are designed to give young people entrepreneurial skills and networking opportunities to turn ideas into solutions. “Mashups allow young people and their friends to bring together different skills and interests. This includes business, computer, marketing, writing and design and working as a team in a safe, fun environment - to build something that matters to them.” Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City have a contract with Venture Centre to implement the Digital Enablement Programme in the sub-region. The programme aims to help people reach their potential in business, social interaction and economic growth through access to, and utilisation of, digital technology. See businessaxis.nz/mashupbop2018

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Seasonal shift in the garden utumn is arriving, but before the leaves start to change colour, there should still be enough time to keep enjoying courgettes and toma-

toes. Deadhead any spent flower heads to promote new growth. For some instant colour, you can still plant some wildflowers: poppies, pansies and dahlias. March can still be warm. If you water your garden, do it early in the morning or later in the evening, while the soil and foliage aren’t so hot, to avoid waste from evaporation. Keeping soil moist helps to prevent wilting of plants. A healthy plant is much less likely to be susceptible to diseases. Remember your indoor plants and container plants, too – they will also require regular watering. Lots of fruiting trees like apples, pears, plums and raspberries will have ripened by now. Continual harvesting and quickly removing any diseased fruit will help prevent the spreading of diseases. Keep an eye out for guava moth. Protect fruiting plants with a net to keep birds at bay and mulch around the base of fruit trees. Prune deciduous fruit trees. Stake young plants so roots can anchor themselves for the first few seasons. While the garden is a bit emptier, it's a good time to add valuable nutrients back into the soil with mulch or compost. Action what you want to grow this winter and sow your veggie garden. Carrots and parsnips can go into beds. Cabbages, kale, beetroot, broccoli, lettuce, coriander and parsley fare better in seedling trays. Stagger your planting to stagger your harvest. It’s also an excellent time to plant citrus and feijoas, hedging, camellias and grass seed. Marigolds, gazanias, and petunias last well into autumn. Perennial cyclamen will flower in autumn and winter. As it cools, start planting winter flowering annuals such as pansy, calendula, and polyanthus.

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Harvest Festival celebrations By Debbie Allan ver the past four years, the Whakamārama Community has been setting an annual tradition celebrating the end of the Summer Harvest. This year will be our biggest event, set over two days, Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March. The event will kick off on Friday evening at 6 pm with a traditional country evening. There will be a shared pot luck dinner where locals show off their culinary skills, bringing something to share for dinner and dessert. These dinners are a popular event, to catch up with friends, neighbours and to welcome new families to the community. The country evening will showcase some of the displays and entries for the Harvest Festival photo and art competitions. The doors of the Whakamārama Community Hall will open again on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, with displays of locally homegrown fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade preserves and jams - and art and floral entries - all contending in various categories, hoping to win at the prizegiving at 4.30 pm. This year will see the introduction of the fancy floral hat competition and local innovator’s award. Afternoon tea will be available to purchase from the country kitchen, and visitors will have a chance to hear from local speakers on a variety of subjects. There will be heaps of activities to keep the kids entertained.

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For further details, follow our event on the Facebook page of Whakamārama Community Centre, or contact Debbie Allan on 552 5141.

Whakamārama Hall By Clare Green s this is the first Hall report for 2018, I want to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year! I hope you have some exciting plans. There have been a couple of interesting developments regarding our Hall. An information leaflet, created by the Hall Committee, will be distributed to all Whakamārama residents who contribute an annual hall charge in their rates. The leaflet outlines the proposed hall alterations and encourages everyone to look at the plans and provide feedback. The proposals can be viewed at the library (open times below) and on: wh a ka h a l l b o o k i n g s . w i xs i te . c o m / whakamarama. Please make an effort and have your say. As reported in the February edition of Lizard News, the old playground in the Hall grounds has been pulled down and trees removed to make way for a brand new play structure. Debbie Allan, who runs the Whakamārama Playgroup, has been working hard to organise this. It is going to be fantastic. Thanks, Deb! The annual Harvest Festival is on this month – Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March. It's a very popular event that brings friendly competition amongst the gardeners within the local community. The festival will start with a Night of Country at Thank Whaka It's Friday, followed by the produce display and competition on Saturday afternoon. Come and show off your best pumpkin or preserves and maybe win a prize! Check out facebook.com/

whakamaramacommunityhall for more details. Library See whakalibrary.com our opening times are Thursdays from 9 am-noon, and every third Friday of the month (TWIF night) from 6:30-8pm. TWIF Thank Whaka It’s Friday happens every third Friday of the month from 6-9pm. All welcome. Bring your dinner, a bottle or two and meet the community. An excellent way to meet the locals and get to know what’s happening in Whakamārama. Playgroup A free, no-pressure group for pre-school children. Come and have a cuppa and let the kids enjoy a fantastic range of toys and the outdoor playground. Thursday mornings, 9.30am to 12 pm. Whaka emails Colin Hewens informs Whakamārama residents of news in our community which includes: police reports, lost and found animals, items for sale, excess fruit and vegetables, and rentals wanted. If you would like to receive these emails, please contact Colin on col.hewens@orcon.net.nz Hall bookings Contact the booking officer Debbie Allan to hire the hall, chairs and tables at very reasonable rates. If you need a clean, light, spacious and affordable venue for a special function, it’s all here. Give Debbie a call on 552 5141 or via: whakahallbookings@outlook.com The committee email is: whakamaramahall@gmail.com

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Panepane Wharf repairs undertaken tructural repairs were due to conclude in mid-February at Panepane Wharf at the Tauranga end of Matakana Island. The work by HEB Construction included replacing some timber piles and the access stairway. The work was necessary for the structural integrity and safety of the wharf. For about six weeks, wharf access was only available via the stairs on the eastern side - as shown in the accompanying image. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council expected access to the wharf for

boat passengers, including school pupils, to be possible most of the time during construction. However, the wharf may have needed to be closed for brief periods for safety reasons, and Council apologised for any inconvenience caused. Iwi recently put up a temporary barricade at the wharf in protest at the actions of what they called disrespectful visitors and inadequate facilities. Council representatives subsequently visited Matakana Island and agreed to set up a joint management plan.

Todd Talk By Todd Muller MP for Bay of Plenty his month’s column is not one I had been expecting to write for quite some time to come. With Bill English unexpectedly announcing his retirement from politics after a stellar 27-year career that has seen him fill the position of Party leader, Minister of Finance - quite possibly the best we have ever had - and Prime Minister. His contribution has been significant, and he has undoubtedly left his mark on New Zealand’s political landscape for generations to come. What I admire most about Bill is that throughout his entire journey he has always carried himself with the utmost integrity - grounded in the love of his family and the strong connection he held with the rural community of CluthaSouthland that he represented for 24 years. He’s left on his terms, which is the only way this was ever going to be - because of the enormous respect all in our caucus, the full National Party, and much of New Zealand have for him. During the election last year I vividly remember walking through a local shopping centre with him during a campaign stop. Most leaders would have taken the photo opportunity - smiled, waved and moved on - but not Bill. He stopped and spoke with everyone who wanted to chat, and you got a real sense that he genuinely wanted to engage with every personal story. He genuinely cared, and

for me, that is the measure of the man. At the time of writing this column, our caucus is in the middle of a leadership selection. By the time you read it, the outcome will likely be known - but that isn’t information I have today. Bill is a hard act to follow, but we are blessed with a very deep bench in the New Zealand National Party, and I have no doubt whoever is selected will be of the highest calibre to lead us going forward. No doubt I will have more to say about this in the next edition of Lizard News, but for now, I just want to pay tribute to Bill English and thank him for all he has done for me personally, for our Party, and for New Zealand - particularly during those tough years following the global financial crisis. Cheers Bill.

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Winning white night By Alison Badger orrential rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of 70+ party people for the annual pop-up picnic in support of the Ōmokoroa Pavilion Project. Usually, it is a rain-or-shine outdoor event, but as organisers, we took pity on the wonderful outfits people had made so much effort with, and hastily provided an indoor venue so the party could go on. The Settlers’ Hall was packed with groups ranging in size from four to 15, from local businesses and organisations; as well as groups of friends and neighbours. It’s such a simple format, yet people find it so entertaining. Plus it’s a great

way to boost funds for the Ōmokoroa Pavilion Project; we raised more than $700. There were many new faces to the Ōmokoroa social scene, people who had only recently relocated to the peninsula paradise and were keen to make contact with locals. All the feedback has been positive, so much so that we’ve been asked to repeat the event with an Irish theme. In response to that request, we’re now taking bookings for St. Patrick’s Pop-up Picnic on the Peninsula for Saturday 17th March. To reserve a table, email thebadgers@xtra.co.nz or call 548 1544.

Paving the way for the Bay oving a factory showroom from Greerton to Ōmokoroa a couple of months ago “just made sense” to Phil Cox of Paving Innovations. Phil says they began manufacturing their range of products on site shortly before Christmas, after thirteen years on Chadwick Road. Before that, Phil - current Commodore of Ōmokoroa Boat Club - had worked in the marine industry. He and wife Donna moved from Wellington to Tauranga in 1996, and they've lived in the Te Puna and Ōmokoroa area since. “Everything we do is made here; more than 20 products. These aren’t plain slabs, either. We pour mixes into moulds

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of natural stone to replicate each visual effect - including split granite, artificial slate, fossilised stone, sawn Hinuera, and Indian sandstone,” says Phil. The pavers are popularly used in patios, pathways and pool surrounds. The artificial slate product is also suitable for driveway use. Phil says from Ōmokoroa they can provide service to the upper North Island, from Auckland and Northland down to Taranaki and Whanganui, through to Manawatū and Hawkes Bay. There are separate franchises in Wellington, Marlborough and Christchurch. Franchise opportunities are available in other major centres. Paving Innovations is open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays by prior arrangement. See pavinginnovationstauranga.co.nz

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By John Budden Sailing Convenor here was a light breeze from the south-west as 6th February dawned fine. A 2m tide gave ideal conditions for Ōmokoroa Boat Club's first sailing dinghy races. Apart from the club's five Sunbursts, the Young Mariners group brought two, and the Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea scouts added two more Sunbursts - making quite a fleet of nine. Mike joined in a Laser, Richard in a Starling and a Young Mariner in an Optimist. The event aimed to have club adults sail the club's dinghies as well as the Sea Scouts and Young Mariners doing their thing, to add some flavour to the day. The basic course was a loose triangle from the start line, and each race was

The start of the second of three OBC sailing races on Sunday 28th January.

over three laps. The start-finish boat was the newly named Tod Stocker assisted by the club RIB, Young Mariner and Scout rescue craft. The first event was intense as the dinghies jockeyed for the line. Early away was the Laser followed by Richard’s Starling named Bobo followed by the Sunbursts. There were flukey patches and wind gusts to test the crews, and Team Raeburn in the club's yellow peril showed a clean stern to the others while the Young Mariners sailed well as a team. Some interesting tactics at the turns saw the Laser home first followed by Bobo and the yellow club boat. Young Mariner held off the scouts to go 2 to 1 up, due to a scout capsize. The second event was similar to the first, with more competition as skippers and crews adjusted to their dinghies. As the tide peaked, the racing finished, and the winner was declared. As first club member home in each event, the first winner of the Golden Centre Board for Sailing Dinghies was Richard Keech. The Young Mariners won the inter-cadet sailing 4 to 3. Congratulations to Richard and all the sailors that took part. It was agreed to have a second event next year on Waitangi Day.

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Winner Richard Keech with Commodore Phil Cox and the Golden Centre Board.

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Te Puna Quarry Park News By Shirley Sparks or twenty-one years the Te Puna Quarry Park has become more and more popular with the public as volunteers developed the disused, overgrown site littered with dumped rubbish during two decades of closure. The rubbish is well gone since we started work there, but vandalism and other adverse visitor activities have always been with us. Thefts and breakage mostly, but also a little graffiti. In January two people adorned our well-loved digger with their names in large letters using a thick, wax crayon. It was very ugly, very obvious and quite unnecessary. My father used to say to me when I was a child wanting to leave my calling card, “Fools’ names and fools’ faces often appear in public places.” I grew up disliking graffiti intensely, spoiling places of interest and beauty enjoyed by others. So, back in January, I was contemplating how to clean off the lettering on the digger when three young men joined me. We engaged in conversation. They were all nurses from the Philippines, taking leave of each other before heading off to hospital work in other parts of New Zealand. Being nurses, they were practical people with good ideas on how to remove the offending names. As I was walking home, down Quarry Road, to collect some hot water, detergent and various cleaning equipment, one of the young men came running after me say-

ing he was coming to assist me. I warned him it was quite a long walk but, undeterred; he was happy to be of assistance. Gideon and I collected the gear we needed and returned to the Quarry in my car. The other two nurses joined us in front of the digger, and within two minutes the graffiti was cleaned off. I was so thrilled to have the help from these three lovely men who would not wait long for my gratitude and instead set off to explore and enjoy their Quarry walk. Visitors of this sort are always welcome in our Park. On my daily walk, I always carry a plastic bag and pick up roadside litter. I very often fill my plastic bag from day to day. (An observant person, Gideon had also picked up rubbish as we walked.) I wonder to myself, what sort of people toss plastic bottles, food takeaway packages, wine bottles, aluminium cans and cigarette packages out the windows of their vehicles? Do they not care? Do they not think? Is it another, even more thoughtless, form of graffiti? It baffles me! In my research about creating good spaces out of steep places, I’ve read about the Inca Empire and how men and women of that era would assemble to combine work with festivities for the common good. I think we are pretty good at doing this with our volunteers working in the Te Puna Quarry Park. Our workdays are highly socially based – hard work, but fun, not a burden. Volun-

teers come because it’s recreational and enjoyable, a pleasurable practice. Our COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS is all about bringing people together for useful results. Certainly, challenges and long-term plans can be involved – but these are what keep us exercised and inspired. This is a fitness space where much is achieved for the use of the community. Our volunteers enter into the spirit of the work and very often extend their time into other days of the week as well as Tuesdays. We, and you, the public, all enjoy this worthwhile achievement. The Quarry

development has required much work and effort, but the reward has been all sorts of enjoyable and pleasurable experiences. Graffiti, vandalism and theft are not included among them, but even these do not stop us trying to make a difference, make new friends, and create a beautiful place out of an ugly wasteland. Our efforts to deal with people who make places ugly, turn us into people who can look at the Quarry now and into the future and say, “I’m glad I did,” rather than “I wish I had.’ I’m so glad of the help of Gideon and his friends. I wish I had found out when they might return to the Quarry Park.

Shelter message at Doggy Day Out By Matthew Farrell he plight of many dogs homed in substandard conditions is at the centre of an education campaign, being started by the District Council at the Doggy Day Out in Ōmokoroa on Saturday 24th March. The Council had a great response to a pre-Christmas hunt for untenanted kennels to donate to underprivileged or neglected dogs, whose owners can’t necessarily afford to provide adequate shelter. More than 60 kennels were given by people from all over the Western Bay, including three new dog homes made by C3 Construction of Pāpāmoa. The Animal Services team had offers

from as far away as Gisborne and Auckland. Animal Services officers want to give people the opportunity to learn about their obligations as owners and will offer tips on how best to care for dogs. The Council’s Compliance Manager Alison Curtis says some animal welfare cases are saddening, but Council is committed to working with owners to remedy substandard conditions and improve the wellbeing of these dogs. “Although more extreme cases are dealt with by the SPCA, we are finding that Council’s new Bylaw allows our officers to deal with substandard conditions more efficiently and faster than previously - which is better for the animals.

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“We are increasingly becoming involved in welfare cases, and we desperately want to change the living conditions of these dogs - hence the

education campaign,” she says. Kennels will be gifted to deserving pooches, and those that are not donated will be raffled or sold for a donation.

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Adventures and activities

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uring TOP Club's February meeting, club speaker Dave took us up the Gambia River to Illiassa, where he was helping sponsor the local school and soccer team. Cue many adventures with local transport, assisted by helpful and friendly locals. There were plenty of interesting photos and a map for the few who couldn’t place The Gambia. Guest speaker Pat Buckley of AMPED 4 LIFE gave a moving and powerful address. His childhood under an alcoholic and abusive father led him to bad company as a young teenager, with drug and alcohol abuse leading to addiction for many years. After nearly dying he turned his life around and now speaks to young people about choices they have and the consequences. He has zero tolerance for any drug use and gave many anecdotes of terrible outcomes. For more information, or to donate, go to amped4life.net.nz There are several upcoming events. For everyone in the club who would like to get back on a bike after absences that may stretch back over decades, John Owens has arranged for Colin Lunt of Melo Yellow Electric Bikes to bring along a range of ebikes, and e-tricycles, for us all to try out. He will also explain the options for clipping on an electric motor to your standard push bike, so you don't have to buy a brand new e-bike. This demonstration will occur at the start of our next riding day, on Wednesday 14th March. The Movie and Theatre Group will visit Rialto Cinema on Grey Street on Wednesday 7th March at 10.45am. The movie is “The Music of Silence”, Andrea Bocelli’s autobiography, with his alter ego, Adam Bardi, telling the story. For those who wish to, we will go for coffee after the movie. If you would like a ride, please phone Elaine Sim on 548 2212. On Friday 16th March, we are attending “Jailhouse Frocks” at Detour Theatre, at 7.30 pm. Price $23 pp. Set in the Birchwood County police station, Officer Dwayne finds his tranquil evening ruined by the arrest of three unlikely women – the mayor’s wife, the local mad cat lady, and a dangerous looking New Yorker. The night descends into mayhem as a New York gangster, disguised as an FBI agent, arrives to seek revenge on his wife. By the end of the night, the ladies have formed a gang, sung some songs, escaped from jail and locked the gangster up in their place. Dwayne is left wondering how he managed the arrest of a lifetime. Article supplied.

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By Adrian Brackenbury uketoki Reserve is a stand of native bush ten minutes off the main highway, well signposted off Whakamārama Road. There are two walking tracks, with some steps and bridges crossing the streams. The long loop is about 60 minutes and the short loop about 30 minutes duration. There are a great variety of trees, supplejack vines, ferns and fungi and more than 20 large trees marked with their botanical names. Once visited, I’m sure you will agree it is the jewel of Whakamārama. The “Friends of Puketoki” is a group of volunteers who go into the reserve once a month to maintain the traps, bait-stations and tracks. The traps and bait-stations have been put in place to

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eradicate pests and vermin and, over the years, have reduced possum, stoat and rat numbers to allow for a resurgence of flora and bird life. This all makes for an enjoyable walk with birdsong aplenty. The traps and bait-stations are maintained so that the unwanted pests are kept out, and there is very little sign of vermin, with only two possums caught since our Christmas break in early December. Birds and giant wētā are in abundance. We have received a Community Matching Fund grant to purchase loppers and weed-eaters to keep the ways open. Friends meet once a month, usually on a Thursday morning. Anyone interested in joining us to see what we do, to come for the exercise or to join the group, please phone John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards on 552 6222. PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell.

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Nails on Esdaile Steph Lines

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INTERESTED IN HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY?

| Lizard News | March 2018

Decks & pergolas • Digger hire Garden boxes & planters Clive McKenney 021 048 2833 • sheryl.clive@xtra.co.nz

The Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade requires more FIREFIGHTERS and personnel for the MEDICAL FIRST RESPONSE TEAM. Full training is given, driving courses are mandatory, full uniform provided. Community minded? Come and join this dedicated team in Ōmokoroa. Please call CFO Ian Blunt 0274 599 478 or DCFO Simon Priest 0274 366 265.

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Minnows backing sustainable backyards By Louise Roberts innows Kindergarten is supporting Sustainable Backyards March. Sustainability is always an essential part of our daily routine; getting our children involved in growing our food, then in the preparation and cooking process and keeping our scraps for some local pigs. We help to keep Ōmokoroa’s Cooney Reserve clean by picking up rubbish on our many visits to the beach. The children love being involved with the upkeep of our worm farm. We regularly connect them with nature and show them how to reduce, reuse and recycle. By talking to our children about why

Jamie and Juli working in the veggie garden.

sustainability is so important, and explaining the significance of our choices, they can begin to understand the impact we can have on the future of our planet. Teaching our children sustainability behaviours at an early age will give them the tools to develop sustainable habits that will last a lifetime. Sustainability is about meeting the needs of today without impacting on the needs of tomorrow. ‘He rau ringa e oti ai’ - with many hands the work will be done. For more information on Sustainable Backyards Month visit envirohub.org.nz/sustainablebackyards Check us out online at: minnowskindergarten.co.nz

Leander and Luca feeding the worm farm.

LEFT: Isa, CahlayaLee and Luca recycling. RIGHT: JJ, Lachie and Vinnie helping to make lunch.

By Jen Moleta reetings to the people of Ōmokoroa from The Centre. We are now well into 2018 after a very successful beginning to the year. Thanks go to the wonderful volunteers who kept the shop open over the Christmas holiday period and likewise to those who kept us supplied with great items to place on the shelves. Another thank you goes to those who support the shop in a different way - by purchasing the items for sale. It always strikes me

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Body Treatments

that if you see something that really interests you - don’t hesitate. I can guarantee that if you do, by the time you next come into the Centre, it will be gone because it has caught someone else’s eye as well. We are so grateful for the ongoing donations of quality goods which come into the Centre because without those, we couldn’t function - it is a fabulous way of recycling. And of course, there are also the beautiful homemade jams and craft items made by some of our very talented volunteers.

It’s almost that time again when ‘not for profit’ groups can make an application for a grant from The Centre. The concept of putting the profits from The Centre back into the community is so worthwhile and we, as a whole, gain from this. Projects which benefit the community are an asset to the area and groups which organise such projects are invited to apply for grants e.g. organisations/groups based in Ōmokoroa or possibly others at the discretion of the Trustees.

Please call into the shop and pick up an application form from our volunteers who would love to hear a little about the organisation you are involved with. The volunteers who give their time so willingly have something of a vested interest in the distribution of the grants. Plus it is always interesting to hear about potential new groups in the area who have not previously applied. So, complete your application form and return it to The Centre no later than Saturday 30th June. We look forward to seeing you.

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March 2018 | Lizard News |

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Literary goodies in the library this month Ōmokoroa Library Ph. 07 571 8008 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9.30am-noon

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

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

THRILLER

Dark in Death by J.D.Robb

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

Book Review Red Herring by Jonothan Cullinane

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop pparently, this is a work of fiction - well, it has to be - but it is a thoroughly researched narrative of the class-combative and vicious times of post World War II New Zealand. It’s about migrants, men and women, hardened by war and other conflicts, the power and internecine machinations within the union movement, and the intrigues of the then “ruling class”. There’s the 6 o’clock swill, domestic violence, the fear of communism and local communists and there’s the story of Fintan Patrick Walsh - who or what he may have been. To which ARTbop contributor did I give my copy of “Black Prince”? From today’s perspective, some of the Machiavellian schemes and scams seem simplistic and almost unbelievable - but I believe. The back cover says “... filled with memorable characters, including many colourful real-life figures from recent New Zealand history, Red Herring is the stunning debut from a vibrant new voice in New Zealand fiction.” The Auckland setting resonates with my youthful self. I got around the town on foot or by bicycle - everywhere. I know the places, and I know the names. I’m not sure I would have described the immediate post-war Arapeta Awatere as a “broken man.” When lawyer Frank Haigh is mentioned, I’m instantly walking up that slope of somewhat overgrown steps to the Haigh home - although I can’t remember why I was there. This book is the text version of a docu-drama, and it reminds me so much of the Melbourne-based story “The Richmond Conspiracy” by Andrew Grimes. It’s much easier reading than an academic version of events. I’d describe the writing style as “simple” - this is one of my accolades. There is an endearing author’s statement at the end of the book - although no photo. Jonothan Cullinane, local film director and Mt Roskill postman. Harper Collins, New Zealand, 2016.

Preschool storytime Waihī Beach Library Every second Tuesday, 10.00—10.30 am Katikati Library Every Thursday, 10.00—10.30 am Ōmokoroa Library Every Friday, 10.00—10.30 am

Read, Sing, Move Parents and caregivers please remain with your children during the session and feel free to join in

| Lizard News | March 2018

HISTORICAL FICTION

The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge by Kali Napier

COMING OF AGE FICTION

SUSPENSE

The Wanted by Robert Crais

The Only Story by Julian Barnes

Better lunchboxes

By Roz McIntosh t’s March already, and the routine of work and school is very much in full swing. Along with this daily grind comes the inevitable task of preparing lunchboxes. Many children around the country, however, will turn up to class without lunch, running on empty, perhaps with five dollars to buy a pie and a coke. Teachers have reported that children are unable to concentrate, let alone learn, when their bodies are nutritionally starved and hijacked by sugar and caffeine. So, if you are managing to make lunches at all, well done! But as a nutrition and health coach, I can still see room for improvement when it comes to lunchboxes. Childhood diet is one of the primary determinants of adult health, so the preparation and investment in real food should be a priority as a parent. Unfortunately, modern life has most of us running around at breakneck speed between work and home. Consequently, packaged convenience food has become the staple in many lunchboxes. Supermarket muffins and biscuits, crackers, chips and bread are what is predominantly found in children’s lunches. This poses a problem because they often lack nutrition and are very high in refined carbohydrates which spikes blood sugar levels, leaving children hungry, irritable, hyperactive, and in a nutritional deficit. Further down the track, a diet rich in these highly refined carbohydrates can lead to insulin

resistance, diabetes and obesity. So, what on earth are we supposed to put in the lunchbox? Including quality protein and fat is essential. Eggs, meat, nuts and seeds are perfect. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a must. Involving your children and being persistent is vital here. If you are buying packaged foods, take the time to read the back of packets, checking for artificial additives and sugar content. 4g of sugar is equal to 1 teaspoon. According to the World Health Organisation, the recommended maximum daily intake of sugar for children is 4 to 6 teaspoons. Artificial additives are very hard for our body to eliminate and can lead to inflammation and behavioural issues. For more lunchbox inspiration and encouragement head over to my website at rozmcintosh.com where you can download a free lunchbox planner, so you will never be stuck for ideas again.

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Ōmokoroa Playcentre refurbished and ready for Easter rock hunt t’s been an eventful holiday break at Ōmokoroa Playcentre with a significant renovation of our facilities taking place – we’ve completely rebuilt the kitchen, bathroom and office areas, and have a lovely new room dedicated to our sleeping babies. The goals of this project were many: firstly to promote our children’s education and learning by creating more accessible and safe spaces for their various activities such as cooking, and to allow for more independence and self-sufficiency in the bathroom areas. We wanted to make our centre wheelchair accessible throughout, and provide a much more practical, functional and efficient use of space to meet the needs of the parents too. We’ve also installed new systems to improve our energy efficiency across the whole centre. We hope that our new, clean, and fresh facilities will be so much more inviting to the many new

families moving to Ōmokoroa who might visit. The real star of this show, to whom we want to say a super special thank you, has been our fantastic builder, Peter Groot of Key 7 Developments. He’s worked tirelessly throughout this project and has been fantastic to work with – no job was too big, or too small. If anyone out there is looking for a builder that is flexible and accommodating, talented and masterful, with lots of great advice, and who is friendly to boot, then Peter is your man. Thank you so much, Peter, for all you’ve done for our little Playcentre – we’re so grateful. We’d also like to thank Playcentre Federation for providing the funds for most of this project; Harcourts Tauranga for their generous contribution; Peter Lochhead of Te Puna based ‘Design on James Architects’ for his charitable services; Lanna Gell, Emma Ward, Angela

Wallace, and Julia Third for their time and advice to the planning and decisionmaking process; and all the Playcentre members who have contributed along the way. There are too many to mention them all. It was a great team effort all around. Finally, to all those who have called Playcentre their own in years gone by, or who have young families yet to see what it’s all about, we’d love you to come and visit sometime and have a nosey. We hope to see you soon. During March, we will be hiding 100 bright yellow rocks around the Ōmokoroa community. These can be traded for a chocolate Easter egg at Ōmokoroa Playcentre at the end of the month. Tell your kids to keep their eyes open for these ‘Easter Rocks’ when they’re out and about, and if they find one, take it home and keep it safe. There is also a large Easter hamper up

Before

for grabs for one lucky rock hunter. To go in the draw, just take a photo of your child holding the rock (make sure the number on the stone is shown in the picture too) and post it on our ‘Ōmokoroa Playcentre Rock Hunt’ event on our Facebook page with #omokeasterhunt or email it to omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Article supplied. * Like or Follow our Facebook page so you can keep up to date with the event. * Rocks can be traded on Monday 26th or Thursday 29th of March (9 am - 12 pm). One rock per child, aged 0-6yrs from Ōmokoroa, Te Puna, Pahoia, Aongatete, and Whakamārama only. * Hamper drawn on Friday 30th March. Winner notified by phone; name published in April.

After

Melanzane alla parmigiana in padella By Alessandra Zuccheri

• • • • • • •

Serves four Ingredients: 3 aubergines, thinly sliced 500ml tomato puree (tomato passata) 200 gr mozzarella, thinly sliced (you can substitute another cheese) 1 garlic clove extra virgin olive oil salt basil Method: Slice the aubergines lengthwise, cook

Using our advertisers?

(parmigiana aubergines) them in a large frypan with a little olive oil and water until soft. Once cooked, salt them. Warm the tomato puree with the garlic, oil, basil and some water. Put a few spoons of tomato in a large frypan, add a layer of aubergines, add more tomato puree and add the sliced mozzarella. Make another layer of aubergines and add more tomato puree and the mozzarella. Cover with a lid and cook on a low to medium heat for approximately 15 minutes. Take the lid off, increase the heat and cook for another 5 minutes. Buon appetito!

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This month in history: March

1. Which “Kiwi Bloke” author published A Good Keen Man on March 3 1960?

2. What 5-yearly event was delayed for 2 years from 2011 to 2013 due to the Christchurch earthquake?

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

4. Opononi George died on March 9 1956. How was he better known?

5. Born Catherine Wilson Malcolm on March 10, which famous suffragette features on the $10 note?

CHESHIRE CAT MARCH HARE WHITE RABBIT

ALICE MAD TEA PARTY QUEEN OF HEARTS

STR8TS

6. What was Split Enz only Number 1 single, hitting the top spot on March 14 1980?

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE MOCK TURTLE WONDERLAND

SUDOKU Easy

3 8 7 5

7. Who was the first New Zealander to win an Academy Award?

8. What was created by Henry Williams in 1834, to represent the United Tribes?

2 4 1 8 2 8 9 8 5

Can you figure out these two rebuses?

9. Launched on March 28 2004, where will you find Te Kāea and Pūkana?

9 6

1 3 2 3

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

1 2

9 6 2 9 5 1 2 6 4

10. Who is the only Prime Minister to serve under three monarchs, who died March 27 1940?

4 5

Tough

3 9

5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

6 2 1 3 4 6 7 4 9 1 6 2

3. Which NZ opera singer was born on March 6 1944?

To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Omokoroa Tide Chart March 2018 1 Thu Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

1:42 8:06 14:17 20:29

2 Fri 0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

0.1 2.0 0.1 1.9

3:33 9:54 16:05 22:19

S 5:31 R 19:32 17 Sat 2:35 8:56 15:05 21:14

2:39 9:01 15:13 21:26

3 Sat

0.3 1.8 0.3 1.8

R 6:28 S 19:34

0.1 2.0 0.1 1.9

S 6:41 R 20:11 18 Sun 3:21 9:38 15:50 21:58

4 Sun

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.8

0.2 1.9 0.2 1.8

R 7:29 S 20:06

*Not for navigational purposes

0.0 2.0 0.1 1.9

5:13 11:33 17:44 23:58

S 7:50 R 20:47 19 Mon 4:06 10:21 16:35 22:42

4:24 10:45 16:55 23:09

5 Mon

R 8:31 S 20:38

0.1 2.0 0.1 1.9

S 8:56 R 21:21 20 Tue 4:50 11:03 17:19 23:25

6 Tue

0.2 1.9 0.2 1.9

R 9:34 S 21:12

6:01 0.1 12:20 1.9 18:30 0.1

0:45 6:48 13:05 19:16

S 10:00 R 21:55 21 Wed 5:36 0.2 11:47 1.9 18:04 0.1

7 Wed

1:31 7:35 13:49 20:01

1.9 0.2 1.9 0.1

0:57 7:11 13:18 19:39

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

1.9 0.2 1.9 0.1

1:47 8:02 14:09 20:29

R 12:50 S 23:14

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.2

R 13:54

www.ofu.co.nz

omokoroa Proud to Support

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| Lizard News | March 2018

Owned and operated by locals

2:17 8:21 14:33 20:46

10 Sat 1.8 0.3 1.7 0.3

S 13:01 R 23:40 24 Sat

R 11:44 S 22:29

9 Fri

S 12:03 R 23:03 23 Fri

R 10:39 S 21:49

1.9 0.2 1.9 0.2

S 11:03 R 22:28 22 Thu 0:10 6:22 12:31 18:51

8 Thu

1.7 0.4 1.7 0.4

25 Sun 1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

S 0:07 R 14:55

R 0:20 S 14:50 26 Mon 3:39 9:55 16:02 22:21

3:54 9:58 16:06 22:20

12 Mon 1.7 0.5 1.6 0.4

S 13:57

2:41 8:56 15:03 21:23

3:04 9:09 15:18 21:32

11 Sun

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

S 1:04 R 15:51

1.6 0.5 1.6 0.4

R 1:03 S 15:41 27 Tue 4:41 10:56 17:05 23:21

4:47 10:51 16:57 23:12

13 Tue

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

S 2:08 R 16:41

R 1:50 S 16:27 28 Wed 5:45 1.8 11:58 0.3 18:10 1.8 G

S 3:15 R 17:26

14 Wed

5:41 1.6 11:45 0.5 17:52 1.6

0.4 1.7 0.5 1.6

R 2:41 S 17:10 29 Thu 0:23 6:47 12:59 19:14

0:04 6:34 12:38 18:46

15 Thu

0.2 1.8 0.2 1.8

S 4:23 R 18:06

0.4 1.7 0.4 1.7

0.2 1.9 0.2 1.8

S 5:31 R 18:43

R 4:31 S 18:27 31 Sat 2:19 8:39 14:51 21:07

1:47 8:11 14:18 20:27

0.3 1.7 0.4 1.7

R 3:34 S 17:50 30 Fri 1:22 7:45 13:57 20:13

0:57 7:24 13:30 19:39

16 Fri

R 5:29 S 19:01

0.2 1.9 0.1 1.9

S 6:37 R 19:17

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

Lizard Classifieds

Puzzle Solutions

Quiz answers

COMMUNITY

1 Barry Crump. 2 The Census. 3 Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. 4 Opo the Friendly Dolphin. 5 Kate Sheppard. 6 I Got You. 7 Anna Paquin for her role in The Piano. 8 The first official flag of New Zealand. 9 Māori TV. 10 Michael Joseph Savage.

TAEKWONDO & SELF DEFENCE

Looking for a fun and social workout?

Mon, Wed, Thu, from 6pm. $45/month, term discounts available. Tai chi. Sat 9-10am, Wed 7-8pm. $3/session. Contact Sonja: 027 548 1960

Come and join us at Pahoia Community Hall Circuit training exercises, swapping between stations, going at your own pace Tue: 9.15am to 10.15am Thu: 6.15pm to 7.15pm $5 per session Contact Liz: 0275 424 775

TENNIS Join our club in Te Puna for tennis and fun social activities MONDAY MORNINGS ladies interclub

WANTED

Picture frames with an A4 aperture.

TUESDAY MORNINGS vets, all ages welcome WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (winter) – casual doubles WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (summer) – twilight teams THURSDAY EVENINGS ladies tennis aerobics LATE SUMMER TOURNAMENTS doubles & singles Access to courts at other times. New members welcome! Call Dallas: 021 663 100

Metal, plastic or wood. With or without mats.

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

FREE Staying Safe Driver Refresher Workshop for Senior Drivers

Friday 6th April Omokoroa Settlers Hall 334 Omokoroa Road Tuesday 10th April Waihi Beach Community Hall 102 Beach Road Monday 30th April Katikati Community Centre 45 Beach Road Workshops 9.30am to 1.30pm Open to anyone aged over 70 Tea, coffee and biscuits supplied. Participants need to bring their lunch. This is theory based, meaning we’re not behind the steering wheel of a car. We cover: road rules, intersections and roundabouts; looking out for hazards with searching and scanning skills; rural and urban driving; car care and maintenance hints/reminders; medication and driving. Participants register with Age Concern Tauranga on 07 578 2631

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.

SERVICES

Amore Omokoroa Lasagne, pizza bases, sauces and homemade Italian meals by order. Cooking Classes and Personal Chef services.

nzhifi

.com

Audio • Video • Data Wifi • UHF/FM Aerials Satellite Dish • Cables Brackets • Cameras AV Installation Hardware Call Spence: 0274 424 008 0800 NZ HIFI Supply and install: Golden Ear • Yamaha Arcam • Cambridge Nuvo • Rel • Blustream PrimaLuna • RTI • Dual Lambert • T+A

Redwood Originals Painter & Decorator Now taking bookings for your Autumn and Winter projects.

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

• Volkswagon LT46 2006 • 2.5L Turbo Diesel 5-speed. 7-metres. • Reversing camera • Originally 6-berth • 3rd bed swapped for leather seats • Sleeps 4; but only 2 seat belts for open road • Campsite plug-in & solar charge house batteries/inverter • $200/day • Longer package deals. Matt: 027 340 3150

Ease Pain and Discomfort with Bowen Therapy Are you suffering from Neck, Shoulder or Knee pain, Sciatica, Tennis Elbow, RSI, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue or any other discomfort? Bowen Therapy offers a gentle and effective hands-on treatment.

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

Now open locally!

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

Andrea Van Klei (Registered Massage Therapist)

Phone or Text 021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz

Personal notices $5 per 20 words, Business classifieds $10 per 20 words. Maximum of 40 words per advert. Photos extra.

2 3 5 4 1 8 9

Settlers’ Hall 334 Omokoroa Road

Saturday 17th March A fabulous selection of stalls arts • crafts • music coffee • cafe • face painting clothing • local fundraiser

SERVICES

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

Animal Health Care

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

Kymberley Carter-Paige Rapid Transformation Therapist AMHNZ, AAAH

027 538 3777

HOUSE CLEANER Te Puna and Omokoroa area Current availability: Tuesday and Thursday mornings Hourly rate $25 Contact 022 069 6272

House Cleaning Like a helping hand to clean your home?

Call 548 1200.

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

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

Seablues Art FOR SALE

Paintings/prints and Art inspired clothing, also short-term bach accommodation available, Omokoroa 548 2513 or visit seabluesart.co.nz SITUATIONS VACANT

Call or text Robyn on 027 202 7282

Painter

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

The Lizard Market Omokoroa

9am-Noon

CAMPER HIRE SERVICES

Contact Alessandra 021 183 5591

Rebus solutions: Dr Doolittle Three Blind Mice

Str8ts Solution 4 2 6 3 7 5 8

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

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

1 5 2 4 3

1 4 3 2 5 7 6 8

9 6 1 7 8 5 2 3 4

4 5 3 6 2 1 7 8 9

2 7 8 4 9 3 6 5 1

3 1 9 8 5 2 4 7 6

7 2 4 9 3 6 5 1 8

5 8 6 1 4 7 9 2 3

8 3 2 5 6 9 1 4 7

1 9 5 3 7 4 8 6 2

6 4 7 2 1 8 3 9 5

Word Search Solution

COMMUNITY

Casual Football

Western Ave pavilion, Ōmokoroa. Fun classes, all ages. Three weeks free trial for newcomers.

Word Wheel solution: Saturday Sudoku Solution

COMMUNITY

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

Plasterer / Painter Remedial; Interior painting/plastering; Skims; Cove repairs. 30 years’ experience. Contact Duncan: 548 2453 022 038 7782

DIANE’S DÉCOR not just curtains!

Curtains • Roman Blinds Tracks • Rods • Rollerblinds Wooden Venetians • Shutters By appointment 10am-4pm dianesdecor@xtra.co.nz 548 1920 • 027 284 6543

Maths tutor required Year 9 student requires maths tuition for 1 hour per week. Position would suit an older student. Text/ph James: 021 795 597

Classroom Learning Assistants (3) Supporting student learning alongside passionate, experienced educators. Fixed term, part-time 15-18 hours per week, mornings. Term time only. Application packs available at reception@omokoroa.school.nz

Applications close 4pm, Weds 14 March. Craig Pentecost, Principal Omokoroa No 1 School

OMOKOROA CYCLEWAY • Dogs must be on a leash at all times • Share with care • Keep le Thank you

Every third Saturday, monthly.

See you there!

March 2018 | Lizard News |

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Call for planting to halt erosion Building new

By Matthew Farrell Plummers Point Road resident fears somebody is going to be killed unless action is taken to arrest the erosion of exposed ridges in the area. Basil Young, 87, says as a former agricultural scientific officer working for the government he believes there is a disaster waiting to happen - because of old and recent vegetation removal and increasingly persistent rainfall patterns. “Some of these slips are progressing rapidly towards the end of the road. Fifty or sixty metres from the road end there is a sheer drop. You wouldn’t know until you were standing on top of it. There is no fence. The notices are discrete and inadequate, yet I see youngsters playing there,” he says. Basil recalled the local authority clearing scrub from the land about 25 years ago. He also says the Regional Council more recently felled more than 150 pine trees on a steep bank down to the harbour edge in the Bruntwood Drive area, about 300 metres from the railway line, which would have improved the views of some properties.

“Unless those stumps are replaced urgently with fastgrowing trees or shrubs, rather than slow-growing native varieties, there will be further erosion,” says Basil. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says it supports initiatives to restore harbour margins and prevent further coastal erosion. It says the work being done at Plummers Point Road is community led. Land management officer Chris McKay says the removal of ageing pine trees was necessary to prevent further coastal erosion and safeguard the area. “At around 40 years old, these mature trees are nearing the end of their cycle, and many were starting to fall into the harbour often taking large sections of the bank with them. To reduce the risk that these trees pose and prevent further land loss, the Regional Council is working with residents to remove them and replace them with native species that once flourished in the region.” We approached the District Council for comment as we went to press. Gary Allis, Manager Infrastructure Services, says Council will review the signage to ensure the cliff edge and potential fall at Plummers Point Road is clearly signed or fenced.

Basil Young says improved signage is needed at the end of Plummers Point Road while coastal areas urgently need fast-growing trees and shrubs planted, to stall erosion.

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bridges ork began on building the first of three bridges for the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga cycle trail, with the removal of the old structure. The bridge restores the link across the Jess Road wetland that was lost last year, with the closing of the old bridge by the Department of Conservation due to safety concerns. A spokesperson for Jess Road Estuary Group, Warwick Murray, says they are delighted as the new bridge will restore access to allow their restoration work. The first bridge will connect Ōmokoroa Peninsula to Plummers Point, the second is within the Jess Road wetland, and the third will join the end of Jess Road to the unformed end of Newnham Road. The District Council was expecting the new bridge, which will be 2.5m wide and 20m long, to take about four weeks to complete. The entire route is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Removing the old structure, in preparation for the Jess Road cycleway bridge. PHOTO: Supplied.

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| Lizard News | March 2018

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