Lizard News October 2021 by Lizard News

Lizard News OCTOBER 2021

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

Refire when you retire

Is it time to blow on those ashes and get the fire in your life going again? Spark new interests, reignite your passion for a hobby forgotten and rekindle ambitions in a totally new way. The Gables Lifestyle Village is the place where all of this can happen and more. At The Gables, we offer a range of stylish two and threebedroom villas surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Stage One, which is well underway with the construction of the first 26 villas about to begin, is only a few steps from the

elegant clubhouse. Well-positioned between Katikati and Tauranga, the drive or bus ride to town is a breeze, plus with the imminent development of the Ōmokoroa town centre, locals will simply be able to walk, bike or scoot to do the shopping or visit the doctor. Adjacent to the Ōmokoroa Golf Course, and just around the corner from the Settlers’ Hall, the location of the village means there are all sorts of activities right on your doorstep. You’ll have no trouble keeping the grandchildren entertained when they come to stay, with

Now selling The Greens, Fairview Estate from $979,000* The Greens at Fair view Estate of fers 25 architec turally designed freehold townhouses with dif ferent layout options to suit. T Ta alk to your local G.J. Gardner team today or visit our website to find out more.

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beaches, parks, cycle tracks, hot pools, and plenty of other leisure activities within easy walking or driving distance. The Gables is a place to make new friends, and enjoy all the benefits of no responsibility! Lawns are mowed, gardens are tended, and rubbish is taken away, meaning long trips away are never going to be a problem. Retirement isn’t about slowing down, it’s about making time for the things you love most; the activities, the hobbies, the people that make you happy; this is a part of your life that is, once

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again, all about you. If the timing is right for you to sell your home and free up some capital, ensure the balance of your years are full of activities and outings that make you happy and spend them in The Gables Lifestyle Village. Interested in visiting the village? Astrid Martin, Village Manager and Brett Yeatman, Sales Manager, would love to show you around and assist in selecting the best villa for your wants, needs, and lifestyle. To learn more, visit: www.thegablesomokoroa.co.nz Article supplied.

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As examples, note the subject matter of this month’s other letters. I wish to clarify that letters intended for this publication should largely, specifically relate to the boundaries of our circulation area of Te Puna to Waihī Beach. There are more suitable media for some correspondence we receive, of a generic ‘state of the nation’ flavour, such as reddit or blogs. I refer readers to our credibility statement routinely printed on Page 2. We are not inclined to publish much other than local news, events or people stories.

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Junior open planned

Three Waters objection

I would like to record my objections to Three Waters being transferred to another authority. I believe the management of water should remain within WBoP District Council jurisdiction. In terms of Section 130 of the Local Government Act, Council is required to consult with ratepayers on the disposal of strategic assets. Considering the lack of consultation regarding the proposed Three Waters legislation, I object to the transfer of the $323m of Western Bay of Plenty Three Waters assets being transferred to this proposed new water entity. Those assets have been paid for by the ratepayers of the WBoP and I do not support them being given away. It would amount to a gifting of $248m by the ratepayers - an amount this community cannot afford. The water quality within the Western Bay District is acceptable and we have paid dearly to build these assets. I believe these assets are best retained and managed within the district and expect the Mayor and Councillors to vote accordingly. Christina Humphreys, Katikati

The Editor responds: I do not think the government has done itself any favours with a pre-emptive charm offensive TV advertising campaign which up until this point has been very light on detail. It is human nature to be suspicious of unexpected change and people have a general bias toward safety and certainty compared to uncertainty and potential for loss. Humans have a natural tendency to gamble that risk events will not occur, rather than invest in controls to reduce the risks. As an example, it’s understandable that people think we should keep what we have - without considering that an earthquake, tsunami, flood or major supply contamination event could leave our local authority unable to afford future infrastructure. It’s a question of how the reader regards the probability of major events such as natural disasters, versus the status quo of previous experiences. Some studies suggest losses are twice as powerful to humans psychologically, as gains. But hold on a minute. We are awaiting public consultation based on having more facts in front of us. The Council’s explanation of the current situation may be found on page 3. Matthew.

Editorial integrity

Now that the editor of The New Zealand Herald has pledged, without fear or favour, to uphold the objective integrity of the Fourth Estate we may hope to see a broader spectrum of differing opinions and politically contentious correspondence in our national media. A problem may be that this letter gets printed only in the Herald. Bryan Johnson, Ōmokoroa.

The Editor responds: I am not overly interested in the editorial policy of other publications. Lizard News is independently owned and family operated. We aim to serve the need for local community news by publishing information particular to a specific geographical area; information often found exclusively in our pages.

On Sunday 14th November, the Ōmokoroa Golf Club is holding the inaugural Junior Open. Grades are Under 13, Under 16 and Under 19, Boys and Girls (NZ Affiliated Members). We are currently looking for sponsors to donate funds or products to supply our prize table. This tournament is to encourage young people to take part in this ever-growing sport. Should you be interested in being involved in this event, please contact the office on 07 548 0384, or call 07 548 0918 or 027 492 9996. Or you may email info@omokoroagolf.co.nz Online payments may be made to 03-1355-0508772-00. All sponsors will be displayed on the day in the clubhouse to thank you for your generous participation. All donations, no matter how small, would be gratefully accepted. John Marsh, Ōmokoroa.

A tough call in uncertain times

A decision to postpone Te Puna School’s planned 125th celebration has been made. With the uncertainty of a Covid environment and a much-reduced timeframe to prepare ourselves, our students and the school for the existing date, we needed to make a decision to proceed or to postpone. We will consider future dates over the coming weeks and let you know what our options are, as soon as we are able. In the meantime, we remain committed to the idea that the children and families enrolled in our 125th year will have an opportunity to participate in some sort of legacy event whereby we create something for the future, to look back on. We will keep you posted. Ag Day 2021 will still proceed as planned. Neil Towersey, Principal.

History will thank you

Some weeks ago, Ōmokoroa Library received an envelope containing a mounted aerial photo of the peninsula in earlier times. With it was a note: "Found in an old collection of photos. Thought the History Group might want it." But there was no signature, no name, so no way of directly thanking the sender for kindly thinking of the Ōmokoroa History Group. While we did already have a copy of this photo, I would like to thank the person who sent the photo and take this opportunity to remind everyone that even family photos of past events and scrapbooks of newspaper articles of earlier times can prove invaluable, to those of us engaged in researching and maintaining a record of local history. When we consider the pace of change, photos for example of the roads of even five years ago are now history. Photos of dairy farms and orchards of five years ago are now of historical interest. When sorting through photos and saved news items, please consider giving OHG permission to scan relevant items for our archives and possible use in research for future publications. Chris Wright, Chairperson.

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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.

2021 SOUTH ISLAND TOUR 19 DAYS – 12 Nov 2021 COST $4,450* *$165pp FAREWELL SPIT TOUR INCLUDED IN COST 2022 SOUTH ISLAND TOUR 20 DAYS – 20 March 2022 COST $4,350 2022 BAY OF ISLANDS TOUR 14 DAYS – 28 April 2022 COST $3,700 Check us out Cost of tour based on twin share. on Facebook! For an itinerary please ring MARGARET

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Significant issues with Three Waters direction estern Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking more clarity and information on the Government’s Three Waters reform proposal before it engages with the community on the District’s involvement. In late September, Council discussed an initial analysis of the Government’s draft proposal to shift responsibility for councils’ Three Waters – water supply, wastewater, and stormwater – from local government into four large entities known as water supply entities. The Government is currently seeking feedback on the potential impacts of the proposed reform, with responses due by 1st October. Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says Council’s initial review highlighted significant issues with the direction of the Three Waters reform to date. These include concerns about the proposed governance framework and how councils and communities could influence decisions that need to be made by the proposed new water entities. Councils must be able to influence decisions about setting priorities for growth of the Three Waters networks as well as setting the priorities for ongoing maintenance and upgrades of existing assets. The status of asset ownership and control was not clear in the proposed framework and it was important this was clarified. Council also identified concerns with the credibility of Government’s financial projections under reform, and in particular how they related to Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Three Waters networks and their Long Term Planning provisions. Council needs more information to clarify how debt and funding mechanisms like financial contributions will be treated if reform went ahead. Council strongly expressed its disappointment with Government’s public advertising campaign and lack of meaningful public communication which has resulted in local government having to shoulder the responsibility of explaining the Government’s reform direction to our communities. Importantly, Council confirmed its intention to take any final credible proposal from Government to the Western Bay of Plenty community for consultation prior to making a decision to opt in

or out of the reform proposal. The areas of concern were identified through the eight-week window councils were provided to study the Government’s current reform direction. For Western Bay this included undertaking a long term view in the analysis of Council information to assess the impacts of Three Waters reform, comparing the reform scenario to the scenario where Council continues to deliver the services as the currently do. That analysis covered several areas including service levels, finance and funding, workforce and capability, and social, community, environmental and economic wellbeing. Mayor Garry says Council has always done a good financially prudent job when investing in water infrastructure whilst providing a good service to its residents. “Our council’s Three Waters infrastructure is fit for purpose and is future proof in our opinion. We have made the hard decisions and have the appropriate charging strategy to fairly charge our ratepayers for the cost of providing our Three Water services. “However, from a national perspective this is the most complex reform, along with The Future of Local Government and Resource Management, that local government has faced for 30 years and therefore it is important this is a decision that is not rushed.” It is against that background that before any community conversation can be had, Council needs to be absolutely confident that it understands any final proposal, what opportunities, risks and trade-offs it presents, and what decision councils are being asked to make. “We understand our community has a vested interest in how our District’s Three Waters services are delivered in the future. But many of the details of the programme are still unclear, including whether participation remains voluntary. “The Three Waters reform could potentially and significantly change the way water infrastructure and services are delivered in our District which is why our communities will be consulted extensively when the time is right.” Article supplied.

Sunday 31st October 10am–3pm 5 Anderley Ave, Omokoroa Celebrate spring with us at our Annual Spring Garden Ramble. There’s food, art, music and entertainment to enjoy. Meet our gardeners and see our spectacular gardens! Pencil in the date, tell your friends – see you there! For more details contact Emma on (07) 548 1170 or sales@ocestate.co.nz www.ocestate.co.nz

Ward Forums and Community Board meetings cancelled he Western Bay of Plenty District Council decided to cancel Ward Forums and Community Board meetings in September and early October. The call was made in order to keep the community, elected members and the Council team safe. The meetings were considered a safety risk, as the format makes it difficult to meet Covid-19 ‘Delta’ Alert Level 2 requirements, which would include controlling public participation and maintaining physical distancing by restricting movement. Council CEO John Holyoake says “This isn’t a decision we make lightly but we have to put the safety of our people and community first, and don’t want to expose them to any risk. “We’re fortunate that there are other

ways our community can connect with our elected members and we’d encourage them to do so.” The Ward Forums will not be rescheduled, however Community Board meetings may be reassessed at a later date. Council expects to resume all Community Board meetings and Ward Forums in Alert Level 1, and was to review the decision at the end of September. If community members wish to raise an issue with their elected members in the meantime, they can contact them directly. For a full list of Councillor contact details visit: westernbay.govt.nz/ council/mayor-and-councillors. Article supplied.

October 2021 | Lizard News |

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Inaugural CEO appointed anaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of its inaugural CEO, Louise Saunders. The Trust will play a lead role in the environmental restoration of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges. Passionately committed to the wellbeing of the Kaimai Mamaku forests and catchments, Louise joins the Trust after 25 years as a consulting ecologist, the last 18 years of which were with leading environmental consultants Boffa Miskell Ltd. Louise also brings to the role many years of experience in project management, community engagement and collaboration. “The founding role for Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust is an opportunity to make a significant difference to conservation and communities on a scale rarely seen in New Zealand,” says Louise. “Growing up under the Ranges, and tramping and

volunteering in the Kaimai Mamaku forests, have given me a deep personal connection to their wellbeing.” In 2020, the Department of Conservation announced a commitment of over $19 million toward the restoration of the Kaimai Mamaku through Jobs For Nature funding. Alongside iwi and hapū, the Trust is working with the Department of Conservation to ensure that money is well-spent. The Trust will also bring together the many stakeholders in the wellbeing of the Kaimai Mamaku to develop a wide range of iwi, hapū and community-based projects to restore environmental wellbeing. Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust is a registered charitable trust established in 2019. The Trust’s main kaupapa (pur-

pose) is to restore the mauri (essence) of the ngahere (bush) of the Kaimai Mamaku. Eleven trustees representing iwi and hapū and community interests govern the Trust. In September 2020, the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced a $19 million investment over four years in the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project. The Project involves a partnership between the Department of Conservation, iwi/hapū, the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Councils, community conservation groups and organisations such as Forest and Bird across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. The Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges Forest Restoration Project comprises six areas Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust inaugural CEO, Louise Saunders. PHOTO: Supplied.

or ecological hubs covering more than 240,000 hectares from Te Aroha to Tokoroa, with specific conservation goals for each area. “The $19 million in funding and the pest and predator control work it enables will help protect rare species including the Te Aroha stag beetle, kōkako and kiwi along with long tailed bats and precious kauri trees,” said Eugenie Sage. Approximately 60 jobs are expected to be created through the investment over four years, which is part of the Government’s $1.3 billion Jobs for Nature programme. Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust is also a key partner in the pest control project “Toward Thriving Kaimai” developed by Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Councils and the Department of Conservation.

Rural women at the forefront of caring for our environment his year the International Day of Rural Women is all about the role of rural women in responding to climate change. On 15th October, Rural Women New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty will be commemorating the day with a public event - Our Women, Our Land, Our Water – Mātau Wāhine, Tō Mātau Whenua, Tō Mātau - at St James Church Hall on Pooles Road in Greerton from 9.30am-

12.30pm. The event will involve a series of short presentations from Janie Stevenson of the Bay Conservation Alliance on rural priorities; Paula Thompson from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council on community kaitiakitanga of the environment; and Chris Paterson, a Kaharoa farmer, on sustainable farming. There will also be time for panel discussion and questions relating to Our Environment - Te Taio.

The Hon Jan Tinetti MP will open the International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) event with a short presentation on ‘What the Ministry for Women is doing to support rural women in Aotearoa’ The IDRW is a United Nations initiative, which was instigated to recognise that with one in three women involved in working on the land, women are integral in the protection of natural re-

International Day of Rural Women is coming on 15th October. PHOTO: Supplied.

sources and agriculture. All are welcome. Please email rwnz tauranga@gmail.com with any queries and if childcare is required. Article supplied.

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Haley’s fight with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer This is our dear friend and former Ōmokoroa community member Haley and her family. In August this year, Haley was tragically diagnosed with incurable stage 4 breast cancer that spread rapidly to both lungs and liver in just a matter of weeks. Haley is only 35 years old and married to Tony who many of you may know through him fixing your TV or heat

pump. They and have three small children, Lauren 7, Rhys 3 and Millie 1. Haley’s battle began at the end of June when she and little Rhys were roughhousing, and Rhys accidentally kicked her breast. It hurt more than it should have and that’s when she felt a lump. An urgent doctor’s appointment, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies confirmed breast cancer. At that point, they

were told the cancer could be easily treated with chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation. It wasn’t until the beginning of August when a full-body MRI and CT were done discovering the aggressive nature and incurable cancer that ruthlessly invaded more of her body, and treatment would only involve hormone therapy as a means to buy time. Haley is a Registered Nurse and has spent the last 13 years of her life caring

for patients and their families. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, and Haley would like to share her story with others to raise awareness of the importance of self-breast exams and early screenings no matter how old you are. If you wish to read more about Haley’s story, keep up to date with her journey, or would like to help, you can scan the QR code on the picture or visit givealittle.co.nz and search ‘Haley’.

Bubbles for bras By Alison Badger

Haley and her family. PHOTO: Steve Brown, Black Diamond Photography.

Following on from ‘Blue September’ when the Old Library Ōmokoroa took on a blue mantle to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness, October will be dressed in an elegant pink to similarly promote Breast Cancer Awareness month. In addition to our talented local artists and artisans, there will be jewellery, candles, soaps and lotions, and other items intended to appeal to our feminine side. We will also be shouting out to all those who may be able to donate a bra – new or used - to support Project Uplift, a charity that provides bras to third world ladies where the priority for women’s spending is food and the education needs of children, and for any woman to spend money buying a bra for herself can almost be seen as an unforgivable sin. “In the Solomon Islands some of the second-hand shops sell bras but, mostly, women have to buy their bras from the Chinese Trade Stores. These bras have ADVERTORIAL

some problems; they come in smaller sizes, are made of nylon and perish quickly in tropical conditions. You cannot buy maternity bras or mastectomy bras in the country. For the women to be given free bras is an unbelievable experience for all of them,” said Rose Wale in her 2012 report of bra distribution in the Solomon Islands. Since 2005 Uplift has sent over two million bras wherever women have requested them. Uplift tries to ensure that bras get to the women who need them without compromising their dignity. On Saturday 30th October, The Old Library Ōmokoroa will be offering ‘Bubbles for Bras’, an opportunity to meet and learn more about the various projects currently ongoing in our community to help women less fortunate. Be a bosom buddy. Book your spot and bring a bra! For further information contact theoldlibraryomokoroa@gmail.com or call Heather on 027 477 6877 or Alison on 021 294 9294.

Your dentists with a diﬀerence

Jordan Walsh

ordan Walsh is one of ER Dental Omokoroa dentists. He studied at Otago University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery in 2012. He has worked and trained in Australia and New Zealand. Jordan likes to enable his patients to choose the ideal option for their smile and tooth function from the wide range of services he provides. While he enjoys the variety of general dentistry, Jordan has a special interest in full-mouth smile rehabilitation and all surgical dentistry, such as complex wisdom tooth removal and dental implant cases, all soon to be available with dental intravenous sedation. Currently he is studying at post-graduate level with world renowned Australian orthodontist Derek Mahony in comprehensive full-face growth orthodontics. Unlike teeth straightening with braces or clear aligners, full-face orthodontics is used to grow the jaw into a better shape, which in turn improves breathing, posture and appearance. Jordan has succeeded in establishing trusting and respectful relationships with his clients over the few years in Omokoroa.

This column is brought to you by ER Dental Omokoroa

October 2021 | Lizard News |

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Who will save Bumblebee? oldly buzzing into Bee Month was, Bumblebee, written by local Te Puna writer, Rachel Weston. This delightful, yet relevant story for 2 to 6-year-olds will help children understand the connection between flowers, bees and the food we eat. Gorgeously illustrated, this book complements Rachel’s best-seller, Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet. When Bumblebee awakens from her long winter sleep she cannot find any flowers for food. Who will save Bumblebee? A child, of course. Bumblebee’s journey through the seasons of her remarkable year will have children captivated. “This story starts it all off for our youngest humans on their way to becoming nature literate,” says Ruud Kleinpaste, the Bug Man. The gentle bumblebee is an amazing pollinator, pollinating local commercial food crops such as kiwifruit, avocados, tomatoes and our home gardens. The humble bumblebee with its fuzzy bottom and smelly feet is the perfect ambassador for inspiring our little people to take care of our little creatures and the world around us. Rachel will be at Paper Plus, Bethlehem, 16th October from 11am to 1pm with a LIVE bumblebee colony in a seethrough perspex box. Drop by to see the queen bumblebee and her busy bee family. For more information go to w w w. r a c h e l w e ston.co.nz Bumblebee is available at your local book store from 16th Oc- Front cover of Rachel Weston’s new book ‘Bumblebee’. IMAGE: Supplied. tober.

October is Arttopia espite the uncertainty that hangs over every event, planning for the Tauranga Art Society Art Expo has proceeded with the expectation that it will go ahead from 7th to 10th October at the Tauranga Boys’ College gym. This will be the third year at this venue, which is spacious and has no shortage of parking. The Art Society has more than one hundred members and the exhibition covers a wide range of media and subject matter. This year the Supreme Award has the theme ‘My New Zealand’. Jackie Knotts, one of several members living in Ōmokoroa, chose ‘Return of the Godwits’ as the subject of her lino cut. The Art Society invites other art and craft groups to participate in the show, as part of the Society’s inclusive philosophy. Opening night numbers may yet have to be restricted to 50, but during the day the venue’s size allows plenty of room for social distancing. The standard of work improves each year and there are new members exhibiting for the first time. Artists will also be selling cards. There will be a sufficient time gap to avoid being ‘artied out’ as Labour Weekend 22nd, 23rd and 24th October is when Ōmokoroa Artists hold their annual exhibition in the Settlers’ Hall. As in previous years, the exhibition of artists work will be in the large hall. The smaller hall will have artists working, activities for kids and a stunning display of wearable art. This year there will be a ‘tiny art’ section, as well as the varied subject matter and media of members’ work. The Ōmokoroa Artists group is a long-established integral part of the Ōmokoroa community with a growing membership. Their annual exhibition is an opportunity for work to “come out of the closet” and be shared, admired and - even better - bought by local residents. Article supplied.

Ōmokoroa vaccinations

A Covid-19 vaccination centre has been set up in Ōmokoroa for any enrolled patients of either Ōmokoroa Medical Centre or Bethlehem Medical Centre. To book a vaccination, call 07 548 0169. Please note: if you have already had your first vaccination elsewhere they can still accommodate your second, but the current guidelines are that they should be six weeks apart. Hit in the teeth The Community Dental Service for children and teenagers has reopened but has been affected by the threeweek closure during Alert Level 3 and 4. The Bay of Plenty District Health Board says appointments over lockdown are being rescheduled as they were following the seven-week lockdown closure in 2020. Some children and teenagers will have annual check-ups postponed due to others needing urgent emergency care, or being more overdue or vulnerable. Cyclist named Police have extended sympathies to the family of a cyclist who died in a collision with a vehicle on Park Road, Katikati on Thursday 19th August. He was a 76-year-old local man, Mel Beetham. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

C R E AT I V E B AY O F P L E N T Y In t he summer of 1969, a small group of Bay of Plenty civic leaders founded an n ar ts council to suppor t creative projects, ar tists, and cultural a celebrations in our community. Over fifty years later, we’re still s doing t hat as Creative Bay of Plenty. Across t he h region, i our non-pr n-profit organisation works to connect, suppor t, promote, and deve elop diverse ar ts and culture experience s. Each year, we adm minister dozens of ar ts grants, pre sent a variety of workshops and networking oppor tunitie s, develop creative networks, and promote t housands of local events. Our team works direct ly wit h hundreds of Bay of Plenty creative people to help guide t heirr dreams. They are poets, da ancers, musicians, cultural managers, educators, and cerramicists. They are filmmakers, carvers, curators, and fash hion designers. They are gallerie s, museums, festivals, and orch hestras. They are t he people and organisations t hat h t express our world, give us a sense of wonder, and change lives. For over halff a century, Creative Bay of Plenty has been nur turing t hese hu uman elements and building our capacity to dream toget her. In n 2021, our team is ready to help you find your own creative spark k. Discover t he ar ts from Waihi Beach to Pongakawa and frrom t he Kaimai Ranges to Mauao. Let us continue to tell you ur creative stories to t he world.

CONNECT WITH US

@creative.bop @creative.bop creativebop.org.nz nz connect@creativ vebop.org.nz

| Lizard News | October 2021

Mural by Shane Walker Designed by Lovely Creatures

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Housing affordability

The TECT Community Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the sometimes thankless work being done for the benefit of others. Nominations of up to 300 words for any group or volunteer featuring highlights of the past 12 months are due by Friday 29th October.

Three out of five property owners couldn’t afford to buy their home at its current value, according to Consumer NZ’s new sentiment tracker. Those aged 60-69 were least likely to be able to afford to buy the property (66%), followed by those aged 50-59 or 70+ (59%). Approximately half of those aged 18-29 would still be able to afford their property according to the advocacy watchdog.

Water mains scouring

Warmest winter on record

Barkes Corner revamp

New Zealand experienced its warmest winter on record, well exceeding the previous record set just last year. NIWA says June to August was 1.32°C degrees above average. Last winter it was 1.14°C above average. The figures show seven of the 10 warmest winters since 1909, have occurred since the year 2000.

The District Council is upgrading its head office reception area. The construction period was expected to be six to seven weeks. The customer service team will temporarily be moved around the corner to an existing office building towards the back of the site.

Rescue boat report

Rain alert

The Ōmokoroa Boat Club rescue boat responded to a Coastguard request to attend to a sailing vessel with problems in the Te Puna locality on Sunday 19th September. The stricken vessel was apparently aground with mast problems. Phil Cox and John Budden launched the RIB Tod Stocker at about 5.30pm and headed out on the search. Eventually, the vessel was located, the mast problems were solved and the skipper accepted a tow back to Ōmokoroa arriving at around 7.30 pm.

MetService issued a heavy rain watch over the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula for Thursday 16th September. Motorists were warned to drive to the conditions and watch out for flooding, poor visibility, hazards such as slips or fallen trees and possible road closures. On a wet road, speed limits can be too fast for the conditions and motorists are advised to increase following distances. Molasses spill Approximately 11,000 litres of mo-

lasses was spilt on State Highway 29 on Thursday 19th August, triggering a cleanup operation. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says it was an urgent pollution incident, as some was discharged into the Omanawa River.

From Monday 13th to Saturday 18th September, Downer undertook the annual water mains scouring program in Ōmokoroa. The flushing can cause temporary discolouration of tap water. If you find any discolouration at your home or business, the advice is to run an outside tap for 5 to 10 minutes until the water clears. Downer is the contractor to Council for the maintenance of the water, stormwater and wastewater systems and can be called on 0800 926 732. Bingo, going, gone

TECT Community Awards Do you know an incredible volunteer or community organisation that deserves recognition?

The planned bingo night fundraiser for Assistance Dogs NZ Trust in Ōmokoroa has had to be delayed already due to lockdowns. Due to further uncertainty around Covid alert levels, this event has been postponed indefinitely until things a little more stable - or as stable as they can be. If anyone would like to make a donation directly to our collection, please visit www.givealittle.co.nz and search for ‘Georgie’ and you will see the page ‘Assistance Dog for Georgie’. Thanks to everyone for your support, and we hope to be able to reschedule in the not-to-distant future.

Greggers Anders A en Your O Your Omok Omokoroa k P perty Specialis Prop S i li st Gregers is Bay of Plenty born an nd bred with ample local knowledge e, a love for property and d an extensive network of c contacts both locally and d internationally. His passion n for this coastal paradis se is unparalleled, having ga clear unders standing g of the attraction n of living g here. Gregers g an a nd his young fa amily reside on their lifes style property in Omokorroa. a If you are thinking about selling your property and would like the best exposure for a better result while have world clas ss selling experience, give Gregers a call!

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Small community making big waves towards an accessible beach ast year, a Waihī Beach local expressed sadness and frustration via social media that her partner in a wheelchair could not gain access to our beach. The community reaction to this was immense – they too expressed that this was simply not good enough and that absolutely everyone, no matter their capability, should be able to enjoy the beach. And so this started the Accessible Waihī Beach movement. In January this year, two beach wheelchairs worth over $16,000 were donated by LJ Hooker and a local beach resident. These were made available for free use for both locals and visitors all year round. Goldfields School from Paeroa visited the Waihī Beach area in February and used the beach wheelchairs the very day they were

Waihī Beach wheelchairs being used at Anzac Bay. Maddison Snow and Michelle Kleynhans of Goldfields School. PHOTO: Anna Schroeder.

delivered. Then the Waihī Beach community decided they would like to go even further and provide easy access for all onto to the beach. The plan to achieve this is by introducing Accessibility Beach Mats which enables wheelchair users, those with mobility issues, our elderly community and even young families to get onto the beach. It will also mean that Waihī Beach can welcome new events such as adapted surf competitions and host special needs schools at our beach and community. Guided by local Dave MacCalman, Halberg Foundation, and through consultation with Tauranga Council (who placed mats at Mount Maunganui), Waihī Beach Community Events and Promotions has coordinated a plan to purchase and install mats to be out over the summer period near the mobility toilets at the north end of Waihī Beach. Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club are also in full support of this initiative. The mats are made of 100% recycled polyester roll and will have longevity of 8-10 years. The project has been costed out at approximately $45,000. The response to the project has been huge. Sponsorship contributions large and small from both businesses and individuals, as well as a give-a-little page, have generated over 80% of the funds required. And we have just received news that we will receive the remaining funds through two local grants that were ap-

Community sponsors of the Accessible Beach Mats initiative. Back row L-R: David Hayes, Julie Hayes, Mel Gearon, Barb Young, Bill Young, Gary Always, Jessica Harris, Marion Gattung, Demian Dunlop, Theresa Gattung, Peter Church, Trudi Gatland, Cindy Clare. Front row L-R: Tai MacCalman, Dave MacCalman. PHOTO: Cassandra Sharp Photography.

plied for. Therefore, we are confident to have the mats purchased and installed by Labour Weekend, in time for summer. The key sponsors of this initiative are LJ Hooker Waihī Beach, The Gattung Family, Andrew’s House Movers, Waihī Beach RSA, Bee NZ, Waihī Beach Contractors, The Gatland Family, Bill and Barb Young, Flat White Café, Hīkaka Investigations, Maurice Trapp Group, Athenree Holiday Park, Threads of Mayhem, Waihī Beach Surf Club and Waihī Beach Community Events and Promotions. There are beach access mats at Mount Maunganui, Takapuna and Days Beach in Wellington. To our knowledge, these

were paid for and managed by the local councils in the region. However, the Waihī Beach community is driving this project and making it happen through its own initiative and funding. From here, there is also a plan to develop a map that lists all accessible accommodation, dining, facilities and ‘things to do’ options in our area, and in doing so, welcome and invite people of all abilities to our town. Waihī Beach is a community of coasties who work hard to care for and protect their beach but are equally passionate about ensuring that everyone can enjoy and experience our beach as they do. Now that’s what you call ‘community’.

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lizardnews.net By Snr Constable James Muir

Crime and incident report AUGUST

Burglaries Only one reported burglary for the Ōmokoroa area for August. A house under construction on Te Kākā Place had a number of tools stolen. A burglary occurred at a business during the Covid lockdown period. The suspect was quickly identified via CCTV footage and made a full confession to the incident. Wilful Damage We are dealing with complaints of wilful damage mainly along Ōmokoroa Road. Likely young persons are placing items on the road which are causing havoc with vehicles. Police inquires are continuing to identify the offenders. Taggers have been targeting the Ōmokoroa area. Several buildings were spray painted over a weekend. Thefts Reported theft from a mailbox on Coppelia Avenue. If couriers are delivering parcels, try to organise security measures to ensure they are delivered with no issues. General A vehicle abandoned at the intersection with Ōmokoroa Road and State highway 2 was to be removed by the Council when they are available. We are still getting calls about scammers targeting people via their cell phones. Be wary not to give out any personal information to anyone with verifying identification.

SEPTEMBER

Burglaries We had no reported burglaries for September. The Covid restrictions obviously helped with this result. Hopefully, we can continue this trend in the future. The wider Katikati area had two reported burglaries. Two offenders were arrested for stealing property from a new house under construction. Wilful Damage The skate park was targeted by graffiti offenders. The Council was notified to remove it. No suspects have been identified at this stage.

Thefts A trailer was stolen from the car park at the intersection of Ōmokoroa Road and SH2. The registration number is 59P19. General We are busy in the Ōmokoroa area with a variety of police incidents. We have had very few complaints about Covid relates breaches. Police patrols around the supermarket and shops have seen everybody wearing masks and maintaining the social distancing. Thefts and burglaries have been a concern in the surrounding rural area so please ensure that vehicles are locked, and all properties are secure. Please report any suspicious behaviour.

Please ensure that any crime in the area is reported. I get several inquires about offending, but some are not being reported. The 105 number is for historic

or minor matters and is an easy way to report crime or suspicious behaviour. Anything reported on the phone or online is viewed by the Katikati Police staff and appropriate action taken where it can be.

Crime and incidents can also be reported online at police.govt.nz or Google NZ Police Crime Reporting. 111 is for serious offending or incidents that require more immediate police attention. If you see something, say something.

Covid-19 vaccinations in Ōmokoroa he Ōmokoroa Medical Centre established a Covid-19 vaccination service in its reception area that opened on 1st September. This enables the Ōmokoroa community to get their vaccination conveniently when they are eligible. “We have set up this vaccination centre primarily to try and assist our elderly and frail patients or to help those people that are not easily able to attend one of the main vaccinations centres in Tauranga. “Given the small size of our building and the need to continue to provide other medical services to our enrolled patients, I think it is probably unrealistic to think that we can vaccinate everybody that lives in Ōmokoroa,” says Ōmokoroa Medical Centre Practice Manager Trevor Deane. “Realistically, I would like the residents of Ōmokoroa to understand that we are trying to help with the roll-out of the vaccine as much as we can but also appreciate that we have significant other responsibilities too, and these make trying to help everybody that lives

here difficult. “We have recruited some additional staffing to help meet the demand, but those people that already have appointments booked elsewhere or can travel to the larger sites in Tauranga can really help by still doing so. We are anticipating high demand for our service and ask people to please be patient,” says Trevor. Since the 1st September, everybody aged 12 and over is eligible to receive the vaccine and appointments can be booked at Ōmokoroa Medical Centre via their normal telephone number 548 0169. Trevor also acknowledged that “once again, patients can help by not flooding our telephone lines first thing in the morning when we are dealing with acutely unwell people. There should be plenty of time for everyone to get through later on”. If you can use one of the sites in town, use bookmyvaccine.nz for an appointment at Mount Maunganui, Tauranga or Katikati. Alternatively, call the Covid-19 vaccination health line on 0800 28 29 26. Article supplied.

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Rare tree species discovered

By Matthew Farrell Katikati man has stumbled upon a whole grove of significant trees at Nell’s Dell in Ōmokoroa. Peter Maddison has written to inform the District Council that there are between eight and ten trees known as Tainui or pomaderris apetala. He says this variety of tree has a current national conservation status of critically threatened and some of these are particularly large specimens, with one he estimates at perhaps 10 metres. “The identification has been confirmed by Mike Wilcox of Auckland Botanical

Society and Angela Simpson of Wildlands”, says Peter. “I will be notifying the Department of Conservation of this occurrence and though the trees are obviously planted, the need for protection extends to them.” Peter says as he understands this is a Western Bay of Plenty District Council reserve, he is seeking recognition and protection of these trees as significant for their size, and he considers that District Plan protection may be possible. “Also as the area surrounding the trees has many weeds, I would like to ask for appropriate weed removal. I note that

the trees will need some arboricultural attention and some protection from weed spraying in their vicinity,” says Peter. Peter Maddison says he has offered to show Council staff the significant trees and hopes that the Council is prepared to help protect them.

Ōmokoroa Community Gardens By John Collier

e were sitting around chatting at our weekly GA (Gardeners Anonymous) meeting and discussing what we would grab if our house caught fire. After children, loved ones, pets and photo albums what would we save that we valued most? No hesitation. I’d grab my box of seeds. Its like my life story in small manila packages of heritage tomatoes on bits of kitchen roll, small jars of marigold spikes and gnarled pods of climbing beans. Nowadays when I think of planting seeds in spring I want to know their provenance, where they come from, who grew them and where they fare best. My favourite climbing bean is a prolific climber and producer and is disease free. I blagged a few pods ten years ago from my neighbour after leaning over the fence and admiring her bean patch. She said she’d had them in the family for years after her father slipped a few in his turnups coming into the country from

Peter Maddison and the Tainui, or pomaderris apetala, discovered at Nell’s Dell. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Croatia and he’d got them from a mate in Italy who might have got them from a man with a dog. With the internet I searched and found they come from Europe and are named after a Major Cook who looked after the war cemeteries in Belgium. My rocket seeds come from a family friend in France and my sunflowers were found under Vincent Van Gogh’s bedroom window in the asylum he resided in, in Provence.

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Best feet forward By Matthew Farrell hree dads of children at Te Puna Playcentre are pushing ahead with plans to run long distances to fundraise for essential bathroom renovation works. The small, rural, parent-led cooperative education and care service next to Te Puna School needs $20,000 to stay open - and a few more enrolments would help, too. Ringleader Jordan Culpepper talked Logan Meredith and Sam Keller into joining him in the 50km ultra option at the Tauranga Marathon, before the event on 19th September was postponed due to

the Delta virus lockdown. “We want to help get this building back up to code and any surplus can go into resources or playground maintenance. We’ve set up a givealittle page and we are really hoping local business will get in behind our efforts,” says Jordan. Smith’s Sports Shoes are already on board, helping with running shoes and shirts. “The motivation of a good cause has helped me commit to a bigger running challenge than I would otherwise have taken on. Playcentre is all Lucy talks about the rest of the week when she isn’t here,” says Logan.

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Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer

uring August, lockdown month, the Ōmokoroa firefighters responded five times, to two motor vehicle crashes and three rubbish fires. September has seen a rise in the number of calls, so far to 26th September responding 10 times, beginning with a call to alarms sounding in Old Highway then on the same day to a major property fire in Esdaile Road around 7 at night. Two days later, a large shelter belt fire in Laurel Drive needed a tanker to supply water and upon returning to the station, we were tasked to respond to a rubbish fire on the side of the road opposite Challenge. There were four more incidents. Small scrub fires were extinguished, including three beside the railway line at Wainui South Road. A small diesel spill at Gull was mopped up using the on-site spill kit. Our First Response team have been busy responding 15 times in August and so far 13 times this month. Chest pains and breathing problems were the major-

The Laurel Drive shelter belt fire. PHOTO: Supplied.

ity of incidents attended. Thank you to all our personnel who have responded under duress and adhered to the Covid rules as set in Fire and Emergency policies.

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Teens rescued on Kaimais old, wet and shivering uncontrollably, two young trail bike riders hunkered down in the bush of the Kaimai Ranges waiting to be res-

cued. The 17-year-olds were cold, wet and borderline hypothermic when Waikato Police Search and Rescue officers found them on a Sunday evening in early August. With a southwest chill biting the exposed range, had Senior Constable Peter Karam and Constable Paul Roberts not reached them when they did it could have been a different story. The teenagers had set out in the morning for a daytime trial bike ride in the ranges between Tauranga and Waikato when one of their bikes broke down. Around 6.20pm, Police received a call from the ambulance reporting the pair were stuck in the bush with no warm clothing, torches or equipment for an overnight stay. One of the boy’s phones had died and the other had three per cent battery, says Peter. “These boys were fortunate they were able to use the remaining cellphone battery to get a call for help, much of the wilderness still does not have coverage. “If these boys had to spend the night wet and exposed to the wind there was a very real possibility they may have died.” Using the ‘mobile locate’ function, officers were able to establish the pair’s estimated location on the track, about a kilometre from the top of the Waikato side. “By the time we tried to get in contact the phone was completely flat and we had no contact with them,” says Peter. Conditions on Sunday were chilly with a cold southwest wind and showers. Peter and Paul drove a four-wheel-drive up Thompson’s Track before walking two hours into the bush to the teenagers’ last known location. Using the ‘sound-light’ technique the officers used

whistles and flashed their torches until one of the boys called out in response. They were found around 100 metres off the main track. “They were huddled together on the side of a gravel track,” says Peter. “One was shivering uncontrollably, huddled up in a bad condition.” Clad in light cotton clothing and shorts, the pair were both damp from rain and very cold and hungry. “They were absolutely overwhelmed and grateful. If we hadn’t had got them out that night, there could potentially have been a fatality – they would have gone downhill pretty quickly.” The officers gave them warm clothing, raincoats and hats to warm them up before giving them food and walking about half a kilometre to a sheltered area where the pair were given more food. “Once they started moving and got out of the wind, were dry and had some food they perked up pretty quickly.” Together the four walked out of the bush to where the boys’ families were waiting with a hug around 1.30am. “It’s a timely reminder for anyone going off the beaten track – to just always consider having the equipment to cater for a Plan B situation,” says Peter. “People need to take enough gear with them so that if they had to spend a night in the conditions if something unforeseen such as a breakdown, or an injury were to occur.” He advises always taking quality warm clothing, a raincoat even if it’s not raining, a hat and gloves, extra food, a torch and a fully charged cellphone. A personal locator beacon is always useful, along with a small first aid kit, map and compass if going anywhere off track. Peter says Thompson’s Track is a regularly used four-wheel drive and motorbike track but it is severely rutted and in winter conditions can become perilous. Article supplied.

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Bay’s transport vision shared with Minister ransport emissions and the need for new funding and finance mechanisms for projects were some of the topics raised by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Committee in a recent meeting with Transport Minister

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Committee Chair, Lyall Thurston. PHOTO: Supplied.

Michael Wood. Minister Wood was supposed to be visiting the region. In light of the recent Covid-19 outbreak, he instead met the committee, which includes regional mayors and councillors, online. Committee Chair, Lyall Thurston, outlined the committee’s 30-year regional transport vision of a transport system that is sustainable, resilient, efficient and meets the needs of a diverse growing community and regional economy. Transport is responsible for 61% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay of Plenty and Chair Thurston says Minister Wood described climate change as being one of the biggest challenges that we will be judged on by future generations. Chair Thurston says the Regional Transport Committee is currently working on how we will meet the Regional Land Transport Plan target of reducing transport sector carbon emissions by a minimum of 25% by 2030.

“The ongoing issues with traffic congestion in the Western Bay were also highlighted, including the recent omission of funding in the National Land Transport Programme for the Ōmokoroa Interchange and the 4-laning of Stage Two between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa,” Chair Thurston says. He says Minister Wood talked about the linking up of efficient freight networks which included coastal shipping and inter-regional rail. “Minister Wood says we need to show courage and do things differently. Transport is an enabler to better housing, wellbeing and economic development.” The Minister was invited to visit the region in person when Covid-19 Alert Levels allow. On 7th September, Waka Kotahi announced it will spend $121 million on improving safety in the Bay. This will include continued work along 35.8kms of State Highway 2 between Waihī and

Ōmokoroa. Chair Thurston says while it’s good to see Tākitimu North Link Stage One, a 6.8km four-lane expressway between Tauranga and Te Puna starting construction later this year (subject to property purchase), he’s disappointed that Stage Two is still on hold. “As a committee, we wrote to the Minister of Transport earlier this year seeking urgent consideration of funding for the Ōmokoroa Interchange, and if possible the 4-laning of Stage Two between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa.” Chair Thurston says the Stage Two link is one of the last major requirements for future-proofing the Tauranga network, including carbon reduction, and the safe efficient movement of freight and people. Waka Kotahi has indicated Stage Two is unlikely to be funded unless the priority of the project increases or additional revenue becomes available.

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By Angie Warren-Clark Labour list MP nder the current status quo, Aotearoa’s networks of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater are facing a crisis. Contaminated water causes some 100,000 sporadic illnesses every year. Rural communities may face the biggest challenges, but even 20% of town supplied water fails to meet safe levels. All New Zealanders deserve safe, reliable and affordable water services. Analysis using data provided by New Zealand councils has identified an investment of between $120 billion and $185 billion is needed over the next 30 years to ensure New Zealand’s

water infrastructure is fit for purpose. Councils, who manage these services on behalf of their communities, will not be able to meet these projected costs by themselves without raising rates or water charges to unaffordable levels. Something none of us wants! The Government’s Three Waters Reform Programme proposes to create four dedicated and publicly-owned entities that have the scale, expertise, operational efficiencies and financial flexibility to provide safe, affordable water services for New Zealanders. Under this reform, Councils will collectively own the Water Service Entities on behalf of their communities. It will be more difficult to privatise water assets and services than it is

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now. Iwi/Māori will have an active say in holding the entities to account, as we move away from ownership interests. All communities in New Zealand will receive better quality water services and all will pay less than they would without reform. Another essential and exciting legislative initiative from this Government. Safe drinking water is one essential component to keeping New Zealanders safe and healthy. The vaccine rollout is another. Book yours at www.bookmyvaccine.co.nz or by calling 0800 282 926. Keep updated on the Covid locations of interests at www.covid19.govt.nz and follow the advice. We’ve stamped out Covid before and we can do it again.

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Whakamārama Community Centre opening soon after renovations he Whakamārama Community Centre will open its doors to the community on 31st October after six months of closure due to renovations. The recent improvements include an upgrade to the toilets and new showers installed; a new kitchen; replacement windows; a new storage room; a sewer upgrade, structural improvements and insulation. These renovations follow upgrades completed in February as Stage 1 of the project. Lowering the former stage area improved the use of the space and provided indoor-outdoor flow to a new, large, covered deck area. New doors were also installed. Stage 1 was possible thanks to considerable volunteer effort of community members, overseen by local tradespeople and companies, who donated over 600 hours of work and gave up leave and weekends to get the job done. Whakamārama Community Centre Chairperson Mike Carter says the upgrades were necessary given the centre’s age. “At 45 years of age, the hall had some facilities and elements that were at the end of their economic life and required replacing. The kitchen hadn’t had any signifi-

| Lizard News | October 2021

cant work, we didn’t have an accessible toilet, so we were in breach of the building act, and there weren’t a sufficient number of toilets. So, with bringing the building up to speed, it made sense to tie in all those functions and redesign it and get it working.” The project started back in 2015 when a survey was undertaken to ask the community what it would like to see in its community hall, both now and in the future. Mike says the upgrades provide more flexibility of usable space that better reflects how we live now than we did in the 70s. “Obviously, the use of community halls has changed. There used to be lots of dances, for example. There’s fewer of those now, but having a space where you can communally get together or have large events, whether that be weddings, birthday parties, functions, just a chance to get together as a community, is still important. “We’ve felt a much closer sense of community up here rurally than we ever did in town – we didn’t know the people across the road before. But the locals here, like most rural communities, get to know each other a bit

better. The community centre is conducive to that.” The hall was built in 1976 on land gifted by the Bidois family of the local Pirirākau Hapū of Ngāti Ranginui iwi. It was built largely by locals with volunteered labour and materials. The community centre serves as a meeting and gathering place for residents and whānau, a venue for celebrations for the wider Bay of Plenty community, and serves a crucial function in the life of two local rural schools that are unable to have a school hall of their own. The facility is also used by a preschool playgroup, a fitness and yoga group, permaculture classes, community meetings and social nights, and as the location for the community library. Next on the to-do list, the community centre will look to get the floors redone, upgrade the outdoor space, and add new shelving in the library. While Stage 1 was largely made possible due to volunteer effort, the recent upgrades were supported by a TECT grant of $175,000. Mike says without this funding, the upgrades would not have gone ahead. “TECT’s funding was huge for us; without it, we would have been stuck. We needed money to engage an engineer, get the resource consent, complete the drawings, and finalise the cost. It was one of those chicken and egg scenarios where we needed to do quite a bit of work upfront. “With TECT’s grant approved, we then had a third of the funding, which meant we could go to the other funders. We are incredibly grateful to TECT for being that first funder on board to help us make these upgrades a reality. It means a lot to our community to have a more functional space.” To learn more about the Whakamārama Community Centre, visit their Facebook page @WhakamāramaCommunityHall Article supplied.

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Community Patrol Report ACC levies set to change: have your say CC is recommending changes to levy rates over the next three-year period and must consult levy payers before recommending changes to levy rates. The proposed changes will impact motor vehicles levies, workers and earners. Members of the public are able to give their feedback via the ACC website and have until 5th October to have their say. ACC uses levies to fund a range of services to help injured people. These services include treatment and rehabilitation costs; compensation for loss of earnings if a person cannot work due to their injury; childcare support; home help; transportation costs to and from appointments as required. Currently, each year ACC manages approxi-

By Bill Jacob on behalf of Ōmokoroa Community Policing Group Charitable Trust atrollers have been out and about and finding quite a few incidents: building site vandalism and theft, dumped vehicles that get vandalised until removed, and suspicious fires. Police notify us of burglary locations which we add to the areas for patrolling – repeat burglaries are not uncommon. Suspicious persons have been observed multiple times and it would assist Police if members of the public reported incidences of out-of-the-ordinary activity while out walking etc. With the roadworks on Ōmokoroa Road having lots of road cones, they become targets for mischief-makers moving them to inappropriate places. Graffiti Busters have been busy lately clearing up plenty of tagging being

mately two million claims. Questions on the feedback questionnaire include ‘What do you think of our proposed changes to levy rates?’ and ‘Should we increase the average levy for road injuries?’ Whether you are an employee or self-employed, if you ride a motorcycle or drive a car, the proposed changes will impact you and the amount you pay towards ACC. Visit shapeyouracc.co.nz/2021-levyconsultation/ to share your views. Recommendations to the Minister of ACC will happen in November, alongside ACC’s recommendations on levy rates. In December, the Government will make the decision on final levy rates, which will take effect next year and be in place for three years.

spread around including the lizard rock, bus shelter, roadside power cabinets and the skatepark. It’s funny how Covid-19 lockdown restrictions bring out anti-social behaviours. Phone 07 548 1286 if you see any tagging, or tagging taking place. Don’t forget: if you see or hear anything happening that should be a Police matter, don’t hesitate to call Police on 111 (if it’s urgent and/or happening now) or 105 by phone or on the web at www.police.govt .nz/105support . Alternatively, if you wish to provide anonymous information use the Crimestoppers Freephone 0800 555 111. Representatives of Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support and Ōmokoroa Community Policing Group Charitable Trust are meeting on Thursday 30th September.

Ōmokoroa IT are your local IT experts ocal Dan Hesson says the demand since he launched his IT business has been overwhelming. “The response has been awesome and it shows that there is a real need for a local IT service in and around Ōmokoroa,” he says. “We are already looking at expanding the team which I didn’t expect so soon.” Since moving from Auckland four years ago with his family to settle in Ōmokoroa, Dan has also been helping his wife Rebecca run their local Early Childhood Centre. He is also overseeing his

Auckland based music festival and is a co-owner of a large NZ website hosting business. Dan has a 20-year background in IT working for Microsoft in the UK before coming home to work for Microsoft here and other IT-based roles. “It keeps me busy for sure but I love what I do and Ōmokoroa IT has really given me a way to also meet locals and local businesses.” “I was called into a job at VPT gym the other day to fix an issue and I ended up signing up for a membership - locals

supporting locals!” The nature of IT means that Dan is on call 24/7 for any urgent issues and they also offer contactless service either by way of remote access support or picking up your computer equipment and dropping it off. “Many people in the area are reliant on technology to work from home or just to keep in touch with loved ones, particularly in lockdown. “It’s very important we keep them up and running and there is no job too big or small.” Article supplied.

Ōmokoroa IT’s Dan Hesson. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Community Connector at Waihī Beach Life can sometimes throw you a few curve balls and it can be difficult to know where to turn to for help. That’s where Angela Wallace, Community Connector, comes in, by helping people access the support they need. The Community Connector role is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and is one of the ways the government is helping communities bounce back from Covid. Angela has already been instrumental in making a difference in people’s lives in Katikati and Waihī Beach since she started in the role earlier this year. Angela has linked people to support services, helping others with Work and Income advocacy and accessed emergency assistance for young mums and the elderly living alone, making life safer and more comfortable for them. She has partnered with SociaLink bringing families into the Digital Divide project and providing them with an internet connection and Chromebook computer. “I love meeting people from all walks of life, getting to know them and helping them to find an answer to

their question or a solution to their problem,” says Angela. “Often I'll meet with people who have had a change of circumstances such as a job loss or unexpected illness. Helping to connect them with the right support and seeing them move ahead is really rewarding.” Angela worked with Anna Schroeder from 'Live Well Waihī Beach' on creating the ‘Need a Hand?’ directory of all the support services available for Waihī Beach and Katikati residents. WBOP District Council assisted with the design and BOP DHB express printed the pocket-sized flyer during the lockdown. In Alert Level 4 the free flyer was available to the community at supermarkets and community food stalls. Angela is based at the Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road on Monday, and Wednesday to Friday, and upstairs (via the library) at the Waihī Beach Community Centre, 106 Beach Road on Tuesdays from 9am to 3pm. Feel free to drop in and see Angela or phone 549 0399 for an appointment. It's a service that is free of

Angela Wallace, Community Connector. PHOTO: Supplied.

charge for the benefit of our community. Article supplied.

Ōmokoroa farming families 1900 to 1970 By Chris Wright, Val Hale and Maureen Bruning

ave you ever wondered how the land at Ōmokoroa went from fern to farm, orchard to subdivision? Who came to Ōmokoroa after Rev Gellibrand and Captain Crapp? What was life like for those early settlers here? A new book contains the answers and much more. The personalities and characters of farming families and rural community life through seven decades from settlement to modern-day subdivision are portrayed in this new book. It is a collec-

tion of contributions, narratives, personal accounts and some in-depth researched chapters. Following on from Colin Pettigrew’s book ‘Ōmokoroa’ which covered Māori habitation, Rev. Tice Gellibrand, Captain Arthur Crapp and his family, you will meet those who came next to farm the land, build the roads, schools and hall, creating a friendly caring community. You can follow them through their trials, tribulations and triumphs. Conceived by Jocelyn Hicks (née Francis) who sadly passed away last year, and who realised the importance of recording these various stories, it has been

compiled by a team of three co-editors, ensuring variety in all the chapters. There are 23 farming family chapters plus 13 portraying farming life from 1900 to 1970 and for some families to 2021 so readers can dip into the standalone chapters. Families past and present have given generously of their time, recording their memories and supplying photographs and other details of their years here. The lives of rural women, their children, shop keepers, the sharemilkers, neighbouring farmers, teachers, carriers, and more all feature. Comprehensive coverage of conditions

and events that impacted their lives is included such as the construction of the railway line, both world wars, the economic depression, the boom years, the building of State Highway 2 and the social history of those times. The book is amply illustrated with photographs, most previously unpublished, and maps. Newcomers to Ōmokoroa can discover who farmed the land upon which their new home sits. The book will be available in November. For further information contact Maureen Bruning, 548 0617, Chris Wright 548 0088, Val Hale 548 0370 or Don and Jo Cameron 548 0655.

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Pahoia cycleway bridge construction under way major step in connecting cyclists and walkers between Ōmokoroa and Pahoia will be taken this week, as construction of a new suspension bridge kicks off. Part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Pahoia cycleway project, the bridge crosses Waipapa Stream, connecting Prole Road to Pahoia when completed later this year. Situated just downstream of the existing railway bridge, the new bridge will be 72 metres long and nearly 2 metres wide, allowing for cyclists and pedestrians to comfortably share the trail. The traditional suspension bridge design uses towers on either side of the Waipapa Stream, connected by tensioned wire cables. Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager Scott Parker says the goal is for people to ride or walk from Ōmokoroa to Pahoia, without having to navigate State Highway 2. “We’re keen to help our avid cyclists and walkers to safely discover the Western Bay,

Render of the new Pahoia-Ōmokoroa pedestrian/cycleway bridge. PHOTO: Supplied.

and this new bridge is a key link in our long-term strategy to connect a trail from Ōmokoroa to Katikati and onto Waihī.” “I’d like to acknowledge the neighbouring property owners, KiwiRail, Ngāti Hauā and Piriraku hapū - their support was crucial in getting the cycleway off the ground.” Pirirākau hapū have also supplied designs for the cultural displays and design acknowledging the history of the area. The final steps will be to complete the trail connecting the new bridge to Pahoia Road, following KiwiRail approval and confirmed funding. Although exciting, Scott asks that people please stay away from the construction site. “Until the project is finished, the site isn’t accessible to the public. Please keep to existing routes for now.” The new bridge is funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and construction is expected to be complete in late 2021.

Performances and pedalling By Juanita Meder Office Administrator he end of Term 3 here at Pahoia School is a busy time for us all. We are practising songs and lines for our Term 4 production week, during which each pod has one day when they will put on two performances of their chosen musical. Thanks to the many parents who have volunteered their time, planning and making costumes and props are well underway. The Pahoia School gala and agricultural day will be taking place on Satur-

day 30th October. Come along and enjoy a great family day out with lamb, kid and calf judging, project areas on display, great food and coffee, raffles, carnival games, a wearable art parade, prize giving, bake sale, as well as market stalls. If you would like to have a market stall, please contact by emailing fundraising@pahoia.school.nz Our Year 5 and 6 students recently took part in the Kids Can Ride programme. This is a bicycle road safety programme, with bike safety checks, discussions on helmet wearing and practical riding skills practice.

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Festival of Arts to light up the town atikati is celebrating the Arts with its month-long Festival of Arts in October – albeit on a reduced scale due to alert level restrictions. Since 2006, the New Zealand Mural Contest and Festival of Arts has been a biennial event on the town’s calendar. This year’s event originally promised over 50 art-related events, workshops, competitions and displays encapsulating the theme ‘Lighting Up the Town’. “Unfortunately due to lockdown and Alert Level restrictions, which have im-

pacted on artists and our event partners in various ways, several events have been postponed or cancelled,” says Steve Graveson, President of Katikati Open Air Art, hosts of the Festival. “But the show goes on and there’s still something for everyone.” “The calendar still offers a range of events including movies, paint and wine nights, theatre and concert performances, as well as a range of light and art displays, workshops for the whole family and artistic competitions

with prizes up for grabs.” The New Zealand Mural Contest, with the theme of ‘Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of 2020’, and $12,000 in prizemoney for the winning artists, has been postponed until April next year, along with other bigger crowd events. Highlights of the Festival include the many free displays on show during the month, including the illumination of giant ‘Shrooms’, creating a colourful mushroom-shaped light spectacle night and day at Diggelmann Park on the Main Road of Katikati. Steve, along with Jacqui Knight, the Promotions Manager for event organisation Katch Katikati, acknowledge the amazing support from funders and sponsors. “The Arts are an integral element of our community and its well-being, and

our supporters enable us to bring this celebration of arts right to our door step.” Visit the Katikati Festival of Arts website at www.KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz.

Overloaded on sale

The giant ‘Shrooms’ installation will illuminate Diggelmann Park during the Festival. PHOTO: Supplied.

By Julie Thomas Katikati Theatre Inc Driving between Tauranga and Waihī these days may be fraught with holdups for traffic buildup, the dreaded orange road cones and road works. But it is a far cry from road trips in 1925 when Katikati Theatre’s next production, entitled ‘Overloaded’, is set. This will be the theatre group’s contribution to the 2021 Arts Festival and has been written by Francis Young, Di Logan and Julie Thomas. The Director is Di Logan. The play brings to life the mural ‘Overload’, painted by artist Peter Nicholson,

and will take you on the perilous ride in the Hudson service car driven by Les Hume from Katikati to Waihī in 1925. Les’ record load was 21 people in an 8 seater car! He was reported to never leave anyone behind. Hold onto your hats and join us for the ride of your life as the car negotiates potholes, thick mud, broken cotter pins and assorted other calamities. Performances:19th-24th October in the Junction Theatre, Katikati Arts Junction. Tickets are on sale at $15 adults and $10 school-age children, from the theatre. Article supplied.

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| Lizard News | October 2021

MAIN N ST . KATIKATI

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Art in real time

Ōmokoroa Boat Club Sailing programme By John Budden – Convenor

Senior sailing, meet at the boat club October 3rd at noon 17th at noon 31st at noon November 7th at 9.30 (Kārewa) 14th at noon 28th at 10.00 December 5th at 09.30 (Kārewa) 12th at 10.00

Junior ‘learn to sail’ group meet at the boat shed in the main carpark: October 2nd at 2.30 9th at 9.30 16th at 2.30 30th at 2.00 November 13th at 2.00 27th at noon December 11th at noon

Golf champions crowned

By Sue Thomson ntense competition highlighted the past month for the 18 hole women of Ōmokoroa Golf Club with their annual Matchplay Championships. Thirty-five women, the largest number of participants for many years, took part in their four respective handicap groupings to find the eventual champions. Anya Apanui, the Club’s latest protégé at just 12 years of age, took out the top honours in winning the Silver or Senior Division. Playing the 36 holes accompanied by her father Richard as caddie, Anya displayed all of her incredible talents in defeating Sue Thomson, a more experienced and seasoned player. Anya’s ability to chip and putt with deadly accuracy alongside her fearless determination and calm disposition were the features of her game. Jessie Savage, the Club’s most senior player, took great delight in presenting the trophy she had won many times to the youngest recipient ever. The Bronze One division was a most

Judith Allen with her painting for the exhibition. PHOTO: Supplied.

he uncertainties of lockdowns and levels make planning an art exhibition a leap of faith. The Ōmokoroa Artists have been working towards their upcoming annual exhibition in the Settlers’ Hall this Labour Weekend with the optimistic belief that it would happen and be open to the public with no restrictions. A wide variety of subjects in different media will be displayed in the large hall. This year will include a display of ‘tiny art’ affordably priced. Members of the Ōmokoroa Artists vary in their experience and chosen media and the exhibition provides the incentive to achieve and get work finished. A dead-

line to work towards means problems have to be resolved and ideas must be given shape and form. Artists will be at work in the small hall, there will be activities for kids and the stunning wearable art made by one of the members will be exhibited. There will be cards for sale and a raffle for a painting. Entry is free, EFTPoS is available and the wide variety of local and original work displayed is affordably priced. No more virtual exhibitions - this one is for real at Settlers Hall, Ōmokoroa on the 23rd, 24th, 25th October, 10am until 4pm with plenty of parking. Article supplied.

hotly contested grouping, and much playful bantering and a bit of good-humoured sledging occurred as friends were pitted against friends. The eventual winner was Chrissy Anderson, a stalwart of the Saturday morning women. Jenny Shirley was a formidable runner up ensuring all 36 holes were required for Chrissy to take the honours. Bronze Two and Bronze Three divisions were played over 18 holes, and again the championship was highly contested. Martina Keir took Diana Price to the 20th hole for Diana to be the eventual winner of Bronze 2. Janice Murray also was challenged to be champion as Mary Findlay ensured 19 holes had to be played for Janice to be crowned winner of Bronze 3. The Silver and Bronze One winners now progress to compete in the Bay of Plenty 36 hole Champion of Champions competition at Taupō Centennial Golf Course in November. The Club wishes Anya and Chrissy all the best in their quest to be champions of the Bay.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

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

MONDAYS

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

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Email katikati.tennis@outlook.com. Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion. 9.1510.15am. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

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

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

Scrabble at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free. Postnatal Support Group 10am-12pm. Bethlehem Birthing Centre. All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome. Starts back 10th Feb. Phone 549 4522.

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

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

Justice of the Peace clinic 1-3pm Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre.

Ōmokoroa Beach Indoor Bowling Club Settlers’ Hall 1pm. 1st session free then $3. Equipment and tea provided. Wear smooth-soled shoes/slippers. Call Anne 027 430 4876. Scottish Country Dancing 1-3 pm. St Peter’s Anglican Church, Beach Road. $4. All ages, no partner required. Call Douglas 021 0244 6099. Bolivia Katikati Community Centre, Beach Road. 1-4pm. Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential. Contact Gay 549 2527. Movie Matinee 1.30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati. Tickets $10. Limited seats. 549 5250.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion afternoons. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 lynchaston@btinternet.com Dance Fit Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 5.30-6.30. Call Kylie 022 071 2794.

| Lizard News | October 2021

IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 11. 6-7.30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall. Call 548 2515. Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6.15-7.45pm. Contact Mollie 021 177 8018. Table Tennis Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Seniors (18+) 7-9pm. $3 per single, $5 per couple. Inc supper. White-sole shoes preferred. Call Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741. Social indoor netball term time at 6pm. Apata Community Hall - Pahoia School. Ages 11+. $5 per night. Beginners welcome. Contact Kirsten 022 535 1530. ITF Taekwon-do classes at Te Puna School Hall. 6-7.30pm. Self defence, self confidence, fitness. First 2 weeks free. George 022 437 4403. Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. $3 incl tea and biscuits. Prizes/raffles monthly. Carpooling from Katikati available. Call Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404. Indoor Bowls 7pm at Waihī Beach RSA. Contact Grant on 027 475 0556. Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 7-8pm. Call Sabine 021 1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail.com.

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Barry 027 492 6475. Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control from 8am and from 1.30pm. Contact Shirley on 552 2707. Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis. 9am start. Casual and new players welcome. Phone Catherine 021 506855. Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9.30am in term times. $4 per family. Jena 021 052 7262. Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7pm. Learn to spin, weave, felt, knit, crochet and more. Call Alison 022 0849 348. Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

Mindful hatha yoga classes 9.30-10.30am and 6-7pm. Beginners yoga class 11-12. 8a Vernon Rd, Te Puna. Contact Michelle on 021 044 1042 or book online at yogaforeverybody.nz

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults. 10.30-11.30am Catholic Church Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati. Sharnie 021 111 8617. Justice of the Peace clinic at Waihī Beach Library 11am-noon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gentle Yoga & Qi Gong at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4–5.30pm. One free trial class then $12. Concessions available. Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz

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

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

WEDNESDAYS

Kaimai Ramblers day tramp. Good standard of fitness required, boots recommended. Call Lisa 021 044 6449, or Kevin 021 0200 6306. Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Christina 07 548 0298 / 021 071 7189. Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Phone Cushla 027 414 2587. Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 9.15-10.15. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706. Community Tai Chi Waihī Beach RSA 9.30am during school terms. Contact Trish 021 482 842. ‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9am. $5 or $25 per term. Class runs for about 45 minutes. Phone Caryn 021 133 5390. Knit & Natter at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa, Katikati. 10am. Free. Stepping Up free computer classes at Katikati Library. Wednesdays/Thursdays. Book on 571 8008 or www.steppingup.nz Fitness League exercise, movement, dance, for posture, strengthening & stretching. All ages & abilities. 10am Memorial Hall, Katikati. Phone Pam 549 4799. Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 10.45am-3.30pm. $4. Contact Jill 548 0139 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists. Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 1pm start. Names in by 12.45pm. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103. Adults Dance & Move 12.30pm St Peter’s Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Many styles of fun dance. Contact Gaye on 577 1753 or 027 274 8753 or email gayehemsley@gmail.com. Grow On Seedlings Club 3pm-4pm. For children 6-10 yrs. Learning to grow food. Project Generate, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Registration needed. Phone 549 4522 or txt 027 472 1112. Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4.15–5pm (3–6 years) and 5.15- 6.45pm (7–14 years) at Western Ave Sports Grounds.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

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Here are some of the groups and activities which happen regularly in the area. If you have a regular group you’d like to add to the list, please email liz@lizardnews.net or call 548 1200. Wrestling Katikati Primary age 5.30-6.30pm, College age/seniors 6.30pm-8pm. Bring a drink bottle. A&P Hall, Major Street. Text Ross 027 256 4470.

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

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

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

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

Quiz Night Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road. 7-9.30pm.

Casual Soccer at 7.15pm at Western Ave Sports Grounds bottom field. Over 12 years old. Call Hamish on 552 6427.

THURSDAYS

Tai Chi 9.30-11.00am. Te Puna Memorial Hall. Contact David 027 222 2824.

Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Call Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

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

Adult Colouring-in at Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free.

Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 10-11am. Call Sabine 021 1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail.com. Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Katikati Library. Caregivers, please stay with your children. Free to attend.

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee. 10-noon. Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School. Weather permitting.

Diabetes NZ Drop-in group 10-noon 177a Fraser Street, Tauranga. 571 3422 tauranga@diabetes.org.nz Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-12pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre.

Scrapbooking The Old Library Ōmokoroa 10am and 12.30pm fortnightly. $10. Call Collette 027 460 9630 for more info and to book.

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

Rummikub at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati. 1pm start, $3 per person. Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control 1-4pm. Contact Shirley 552 2707.

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

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

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

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

Social Dancing Ballroom, Latin, Rock n Roll, Salsa. 7pm Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $5. Contact Angela 027 246 1624.

Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall during school terms from 7-8:30pm. Contact Jan Murray 548 2452, Alison Badger 548 1544.

Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club. We welcome all ages and experience. Contact Mick 021 217 1780.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion in the evening. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 lynchaston@btinternet.com

Katikati Toastmasters Club Communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater selfconfidence and personal growth. 7.30pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at the Community Centre, Beach Road. Contact 544 5989.

FRIDAYS

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

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/9

am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Barry 027 492 6475.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10am-12.15pm for $4. Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Barbara Walls on 548 2899.

Ōmokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship, outings, etc. Coffee 11am at Ōmokoroa Boat Club or email Ōmokoroa.Senior.Singles@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

SATURDAYS

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

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

Grow On Katikati Every Saturday 9.30-10.30 growing and distributing vegetable seedlings in the community. Next to Katikati Community Centre. growonkatikati@gmail.com Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9.30-11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

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

Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee. 10-noon. Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School. Weather permitting.

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

Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Phone Michael 027 473 1540.

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up. 13pm. Names in by 12.45pm please. All welcome. Coaching available. 8 Park Rd, Katikati. Phone 549 0103.

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

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

SUNDAYS

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

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

Welcome to Omokoroa Property Management where managing your property is 100% our focus!

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October 2021 | Lizard News |

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – OCTOBER

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Monthly meetings and one-off events. Every effort has been made to be accurate, but please check information with event organisers, especially with changing Covid levels. Katikati Festival of Arts month Visit KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz for a full schedule of events.

Sat 2nd Western Bay Crop Swap. Swap surplus produce. 10-11am. 1st Saturday of the month. Project Generate, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Call 549 4522 or txt 027 472 1112.

Sun 3th Katikati Folk Open Mic 3pm every 1st Sunday of the month. Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete. Mon 4th U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2. Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242. Mon 4th September Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc AGM at The Old Library Ōmokoroa at 2pm. Mon 4th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road. 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6.00pm. Contact Colin 576 9110. Tue 5th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers. 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa. Wed 6th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am-12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join. Wed 6th Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am at Waihī Beach RSA. Interesting speakers, interesting conversation and of course interesting people. Every 1st Wednesday. Wed 6th Kati Chat New to town? Join us for morning tea and invited speakers. Every 1st Wednesday, 10am The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 549 5250. Wed 6th Seniors supports, allowances and rights advisory service. The Old Library, Ōmokoroa 10am-4pm. Every 1st Wednesday. No appointment necessary. Thu 7th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9.30am. 1st Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact John Owens 021 822 127 or Fred Hartley 548 1939 Thu 7th Boomerang Bags Katikati sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Contact Jizzy on 549 2337 or txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm. Fri 15th Family Planning appointments 10am-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms, 14 Jocelyn Street. Every other Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz

| Lizard News | October 2021

Fri 8th Bethlehem Night Market every 2nd Friday from 5.30-8.30pm at Bethlehem Hall. Facebook: cnmbethlehem or contact Jen on 021 672 281 cnmbethlehem@gmail.com.

Sat 9th Katikati Lions Moggies Market 8am-noon War Memorial Hall, Main Road. 2nd Saturday. Crafts, books, plants & more. Call Sharon 022 318 0196 or Lois 021 131 3167.

Sun 10th October Plant Sale Te Puna Quarry Park. 2nd Sunday of even months. Contact ruthdainty@gmail.com

Sun 10th Show Me Shorts Film Festival ‘The Sampler’. 1.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets $10. Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 1658. Buy Tickets online at www.KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz

Fri 15th Death Cafe 1.30-3pm at Katikati Community Centre, every 3rd Friday of the month. We talk openly about death and dying, how we experience end of life and the fear, grief and questions that come with it.

Fri 15th Thank Whakamārama It’s Friday 3rd Friday of the month from 6-9 pm. All welcome. Bring your dinner and meet the community. Whakamārama Hall. Sat 16th Katikati Artisan Market 9am1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati. 3rd Saturday of the month. Sun 17th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete.

Sun 10th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs. Fun writing exercises to warm up. 2nd Sunday of each month 11am-12.30pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Rd, Katikati Ph Gaye 5771753 or 0272748753 email gayehemsley@gmail.com

Sun 17th Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month. Ph Jonathan on 572 2091.

Tue 12th Katikati Lions Club 3D movie – Toy Story 3 10am, Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Adults $15, Child $10. Ph 07 549 1658. Buy online at www.KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz

Mon 18th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road, Te Puna (Behind the Tennis Courts). 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm. Contact Colin 576 9110.

Tue 12th Diabetes NZ support group 10am Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road 571 3422.

Tue 12th Katikati Lions Club 3D movie – Life of Pi 1.30pm, Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Adults $15, Child $10. Ph 07 549 1658. Buy online at www.KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz

Wed 13th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details.

Wed 13th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117.

Wed 13th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul's church. Contact Fiona 022 684 5178.

Thu 14th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday. Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222.

Thu 14th Katikati Genealogy Group meets on the 2nd Thursday at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1.30pm. $5. New members welcome. Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259.

Mon 18th U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2. Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242.

Tue 19th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers. 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library. Tue 19th Innovation Garden Club 1.303pm every 3rd Tuesday. Waihī Beach RSA. Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail.com Wed 20th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am-12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join Wed 20th Ōmokoroa Acoustic Jam The Old Library Ōmokoroa 7pm. Play, sing, enjoy. Gold coin donation. Refreshments available. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Heather 027 477 6877 or Trish 548 0753. Thu 21st Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Contact Jizzy on 549 2337 or txt Robyn on 021 1584038 to join or donate fabric. 1st and 3rd Thursday at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 3.30-5.30pm.

Sat 23rd Katikati Lions Garage Sale 9amnoon at the containers behind Caltex, Main Rd. Indoor & outdoor furniture, tools & more. 4th Saturday. Call David 027 549 0168.

Sat 23rd-Mon 25th Ōmokoroa Artists Art Expo Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 10am-4pm. Free entry. Items for sale. EFTPoS available. Tue 26th Katikati Lions Club 3D movie – Up 3.30pm, Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Adults $15, Child $10. Phone 549 1658. Buy online at www.KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz Wed 27th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contact omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com for details. Wed 27th Katikati Lions Club 3D movie – Jurassic World 3.30pm, Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Adults $15, Child $10. Phone 549 1658. Buy online at www.KatikatiFestivalofArts.org.nz Thu 28th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.3011.30am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239. Fri 29th Family Planning appointments 10-1pm and drop-in 1.30-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati. Every 2nd Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz Sat 30th Ōmokoroa Markets 9am to noon. Last Saturday each month except Dec. Crafts, art, produce, bbq, plants, car boot and much more. E: omokoroamarket@gmail.com Sat 30th Bubbles for Bras 5-7pm The Old Library Ōmokoroa. Project Uplift fundraiser. To book contact Heather on 027 477 6877 or Alison on 021 294 9294 or email theoldlibraryomokoroa@gmail.com Sun 31st Spring Garden Ramble Ōmokoroa Country Estate, 5 Anderley Ave 10am-3pm. 548 1179 or sales@ocestate.co.nz Sun 31st Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3-5pm. Last Sunday of the month. Saturday 6th November Ōmokoroa Health Fair Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 10am-3pm. Free entry. FB: @omhealthfair Slotcar Club Ōmokoroa to race club class saloons. Controller and cars will be provided for all drivers. Contact Steve Wall on 021 163 2055 for dates/times.

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Māori Health Authority co-chair announced he Bay of Plenty District Health Board Chair has been appointed Co-Chair of the Māori Health Authority and a board member of Health New Zealand. Sharon Shea says it’s time for New Zealanders to be bold and courageous regarding the potential benefits of health sector reform. “I believe in how we treat people, matters; how we think and act matters; what we do, matters and how we serve others, matters,” says Sharon.

Sharon Shea. PHOTO: Supplied.

“Inherent in this whakāro, is a belief that implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi with integrity is a powerful disruptor for positive good. Accordingly, any opportunity to provide leadership which supports transforming intergenerational cycles of disadvantage to advantage and to support enduring and positive intergenerational change, matters to me.” Health New Zealand will bring together the country’s 20 DHBs, a workforce of about 80,000, an annual

Te Puna Quarry music fest

Todd Talk

By Todd Muller Bay of Plenty MP hile it’s great to be out of lockdown, businesses in the Bay and throughout New Zealand will continue to struggle as long as our country’s largest market, Auckland, remains isolated at Level 4 or even at Level 3. While Aucklanders cannot shop, travel or manufacture goods, businesses elsewhere are still suffering negative impacts. My team and I have noticed that this year’s Level 4 lockdown has been more efficiently managed than our first time in March 2020. The fact that we have not had as many complaints about logistics, travel exceptions, wage subsidy access and employment concerns is a testament to the efforts of the public servants and front line workers who have managed the process so well. For those issues reported to us, we’ve had a very swift res-

olution from the agencies involved. Wage Subsidy and Resurgence Support Payments have greatly assisted but do not address the significant outgoings most business owners pay in rent. My colleague Andrew Bayly recently announced National’s SME Rental Support Package, which would provide up to 50 per cent of rental and building operating costs by the Crown in return for the landlord discounting rental costs by 25 per cent. This is how we would like to see remnants of the Covid Response and Recovery Fund allocated. The policy has the support of key industry bodies, including Hospitality NZ, the Restaurant and Franchise Associations, Retail NZ and Business New Zealand. National is calling for the Finance Minister to accept this proposal and help thousands of small businesses stay afloat throughout lockdown.

operating budget of $20 billion and an asset base of about $24 billion. The Māori Health Authority will work alongside Health New Zealand with a joint role in developing system plans, commissioning for primary and community services, and will commission kaupapa Māori services. The Māori Health Authority will also work alongside the Ministry of Health to develop strategies and policies that work for Māori. Article supplied.

By Doug Morris

he Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club is holding the Te Puna Quarry Music Fest on Sunday 14th November, with a postponement date of Sunday 28th November. It will take place at the new location of Māramatanga Park at the seaward end of Te Puna Road, on Tangitū Road behind the Te Puna Community Centre Tennis Courts. We are determined the event proceed this time, with a rainstorm washout and Covid restrictions spoiling our previous planned events. The Lions and Te Puna Quarry members have had to face the reality of subdivision and the lack of paddock parking at Te Puna Quarry Park, but hope the public will now enjoy close and easy flat parking for the event at the new location

of Māramatanga Park. As with previous Quarryfest events, we are encouraging a family atmosphere with an entry charge of $5.00 for adults and children under 14 free. Bring your chairs and rugs and sit all day in front of the Mainfreight Truck stage and listen to a great lineup of music and performance, and then feast off the variety of food stalls and buy handcrafted jewellery, plants, arts and crafts. The gates will open from 10am through to 4pm with six hours of continuous music and performances. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is very supportive of the new location allowing the use of their football fields right next to the Te Puna Community Centre. A donation will be made to the Te Puna Quarry Park Society.

TE PUNA QUARRY

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TODD DD MU MULLL LLER

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

Re egular g Clinic ics: 3 d Mo 3r Monday of the month m hb between e F bruary and Februa d November 1 .00am — 112. 10 12 2 00pm m at Te Puna Pun na Hall

Next Clin nic Da n Dates in 2021: 18 Octobe berr and 15 5 November ber All enquiri qu es: E P

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

Authoriised by Todd Mu uller MP, 3/9 Dom main Road, Papa amoa.

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A BETHLEHEM TE PUNA LIONS CLUB PROJECT WITH A DONATION TO THE TE PUNA QUARRY PARK GOOGLE BETHLEHEM TE PUNA LIONS

October 2021 | Lizard News |

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Blade table stolen e returned happily to the Blade on Friday 3rd September, having been allowed to resume under level 3. We had a great turnout of our team keen to get back into the bush after four weeks absence. However, sadly not everyone has been locked down. We discovered one of our tables we had installed for the use of the public had been unbolted and stolen Also, if you use this area, or would just like to help us replace the stolen picnic table, please contact us at ourbladedata@gmail.com for details to make a contribution, thanks. If you see a table (like the one in the background of the photo) that has ‘appeared’ in your community over the last month, please phone the police and advise them where it is. 07 577 4300. We have also reported the damage to the roadside fence at the entrance of the single lane track to the Blade to the District Council, who have promised to repair it as soon as possible. The assumption is that bad people wanted an easier cheap place to dump their garden rubbish.

Domain playground project begins

The remnants of the stolen table at The Blade. PHOTO: Supplied.

Shame on that perpetrator. Often this is how invasive weeds get into our bush. Out of interest, our traps caught 61 rats, 36 possums, 11 mice and a stoat during our fourweek absence. Article supplied.

Neighbourhood support eighbours knowing neighbours is the key to a safe, resilient, and connected community and Neighbourhood Support is the catalyst that makes that happen. Communities all over New Zealand currently number 220,000+ members. Ōmokoroa Neighbourhood Support membership continues to grow. We are well on the way to 950 member households, and we anticipate that that growth will continue as the community expands. The amount of construction in Ōmokoroa is astounding and we are seeing people from places like Pāpāmoa and Tauranga moving to Ōmokoroa, for a quieter lifestyle, and to get away from that horrendous city traffic.

Join the Friends of The Blade volunteers and adopt a trap line.

WWW.SHOTBRO.COM 021 973394

Help bring back our native birds

WEB | PRINT | DIGITAL

Neighbourhood Support Street Groups now exceed 60, and that should increase even more once Covid-19 Alert Level Restrictions are eased and our new Area Co-ordinators are free to get out in the community and meet face-to-face with residents and assist them to create a Street Group in those places that are in need of one. In time, our aim is to have EVERY street in Ōmokoroa with an active Street Group. For any enquiries about becoming a member, or wanting to know more about just how easy it is to set up a Street Group in your street, please get in touch: nsomokoroa@wbopns.org.nz Article supplied.

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| Lizard News | October 2021

Angela Marr Nails & Beauty

Farm Maintenance M Digger Hire Retaininng Walls Tree Felling Avocado Drilling Animal Burial

BARBER R

cater in the interim. One is located on the corner of the roadside near Alma Eatery and the Ōmokoroa Beach convenience store, and the other is near the ablution block. The new playground equipment will include a tower slide structure, trampolines, tunnels, a hamster wheel, and a new double rope swing that replaces the iconic old lullaby swing. The Ōmokoroa Domain upgrade will ultimately include a boardwalk along The Esplanade and foreshore, a covered BBQ, footpaths, fitness equipment and landscaping. Council says the playground upgrade is funded through a mix of existing asset renewal funding and capital works funding.

Fences have gone up around the construction site of the new Domain playground. PHOTO: Supplied.

John’s Lifestyle Farm Services S jpjam@eol.co.nz 021 2335 8456

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onstruction works are beginning for the Ōmokoroa Domain upgrade and new million-dollar playground after Downer was awarded the contract in July. The site was fenced off in late August, prior to Covid Alert Level 4 being implemented. Heavy trucks began delivering metal via the main boat trailer park under Alert Level 3 protocols. Works have been delayed for the final pieces of play equipment to arrive from overseas. It’s hoped construction may be completed by December. Reserves Maintenance activities have fully resumed. Rubbish bins may be moved from their normal locations. There are two rubbish bins nearby to

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Animal visit works wonders By Matthew Farrell nimal companions have raised smiles and seen memories recalled at CHT Acacia Park in Ōmokoroa, thanks to a planned visit by Pets Aid Therapy BoP. Arranged by activities co-ordinator Aja Hansen on Wednesday 4th August, residents spent time with a bantam hen named Princess and a Flemish Giant rabbit, among other creatures managed by the charity’s facilitator Helen Davies. The rabbit was big hit with several residents, particularly Joan Mulqueen and Murray Phillips. The Waitui Lounge and courtyard were also visited by two donkeys, a Labrador, a guinea pig and a second chicken. Aja says it was a fantastic experience, as the animals brought back forgotten memories for some residents. “One man who can be quite detached and sleepy sat up with bright eyes, chatting with interest about the dog. Another who is often disengaged socially and emotionally; it really unlocked his hidden personality today. “Some asked if any of the animals were for sale, or if they’d be returning,” she says. Aja says it would be good to have Pets Aid Therapy BoP come back as the weather becomes nicer and it’s warmer outside.

Helen Davies of Pets Aid Therapy BoP sharing her menagerie with residents at CHT Acacia Park. PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell.

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Donors provide lifeline to school t the end of term 2 this year, Matahui School revealed that it was struggling to maintain financial viability. As a not-for-profit organisation Matahui School relies on school fees for all running and operation costs of the school, which means that the low

enrolment numbers following the Covid19 lockdowns and its inability to host international students has seen a dramatic shortfall in its operational budget. The school’s future was looking bleak unless immediate financial assistance was found.

This announcement at the end of July prompted Matahui School’s parents and alumni to form a working group that reached out to its immediate and wider community for help to cover the immediate shortfall while a more permanent financial plan was put in place. In less than three weeks, a lifeline was successfully raised for Matahui School from a number of generous donors who heeded the call to help. With sufficient money donated, Matahui School is able to continue operating while a long term plan can be found, and will provide the students with stability till the end of Term 4, enabling them to continue learning in an environment where they feel safe. Principal Mary Woods says “It’s nothing short of amazing. We are so humbled by the response from our community and cannot thank all those who have contributed; be it financially, with their time, or through their kind words,” “Common themes in some of the responses from parents and alumni is that Matahui has greatly contributed to the

success of their children; how Matahui not only provides a more formal education but also teaches children empathy, social responsibility and kindness; and how the school provides an alternative approach for families whose children might struggle in the current educational environment.” The school was started 32 years ago in response to one parent’s concern about her child’s wellbeing and education. Since then, Woods says the school is proud to have ex-students who have gone on to be Olympians, as well as head and deputy head students at college. “Matahui School aims to provide learning that teaches in a way each student learns best; we place a strong emphasis on education outside the classroom with our forest school and many camps which help students develop resilience, problem-solving and leadership skills. Matahui is a place where children’s cultural, emotional and individual strengths are fostered and valued,” says Woods. Article supplied.

Matahui mechanical monsters triumphant he Matahui Mechanical Monsters from Matahui School have been crowned the Epro8 Challenge Champions having successfully beaten thousands of students from other schools with their joint 1st place win at the Bay of Plenty regional final. Every year over 10,000 students from 800 school throughout New Zealand partake in the Epro8 inter-school science and engineering competition and are challenged to a series of challenges set to promote science and engineering skills. Each step of the way, teams were given a set of challenges, each with their own level of difficulty. The harder the challenge the more points teams were able to win. But with limited time available, teams had to carefully choose which challenge they would attempt. The team of four year 7 and 8 students representing Matahui School competed at local heats in Katikati where they successfully forged their way to the semi-finals. Equipped with values instilled in them at Matahui School, the team showed perseverance, courage and cooperation, and were rewarded with a tri-

T Principal Mary Woods with students at Matahui School. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Matahui’s winning team at the Epro8 Challenge. PHOTO: Supplied.

Practice being kind By Lorraine Wilks of Fragrance of Flowers

e live in a stressful time, and no one is exempt from the stress caused by the current global pandemic. Be kind. These are words have almost become cliché, but they are essential words that will guide us daily. We live in uncertain times, so firstly, be kind to yourself and be kind to others. Auckland is now at Alert Level 3. This is good news for everyone. We often don’t realise just how important something is until we don’t do it. Our supercity feeds the rest of our country with many resources. Many of these resources

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umphant first place result at the regional grand final in Rotorua on Friday 27th June. Article supplied.

are deemed non-essential, yet they are very essential items for industries and businesses. These resources can now be released, and so can have items you may have ordered online during lockdown. Courier companies are going to be working around the clock as they deal with freighting items. This will cause congestion of warehouses, depots and roads. Staff working at these warehouses and depots operate under the NZ Government’s strict Covid-19 health and safety guidelines and protocols. They are working with reduced teams and maintaining social distance, and all of this takes more time. For this next part of the journey, remember to be kind and be patient.

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Parents as educators By Fin McDonald uring lockdown, many parents were feeling the pressure. Breadwinner, caregiver, chef/cook, cleaner, enforcer and all things in between. Then add teachers/educators to this list! That’s a lot of roles to play and it’s been even harder for working parents and business owners. The teachers at Matahui School have learned a few things over these lockdowns, and want to share a few practical tips parents can use to bolster their educating skillset. We’ve all had to do a fair bit of problem-solving lately. As parents or teachers, we can’t always be there to solve every problem for our children. In fact, this isn’t our job. Our job is to teach our children how to solve problems by themselves. This way, they can become confident, independent, and successful individuals. When you encounter a challenge, think aloud for the benefit of your child. Model how to apply the same problem-solving skills you’ve been working on together, giving real-world examples that they can implement in their own life. At the same time, show your child a willingness to make mistakes. Everyone encounters problems, and that’s okay. Sometimes the first solution you try won’t work, and that’s okay too! When you model problemsolving, explain that there are some things that are out of our control. As we’re solving a problem at hand we should focus on the things we can actually control. Naturally, these abilities go

hand-in-hand with a growth mindset. Matahui School has a proud tradition of instilling problem-solving skills. Our senior class recently won the EPro8 science and engineering competition where their problem-solving skills were put to the test against other schools in the Bay of Plenty Region. We’ve all heard the saying “Whether you think you can or can’t - you’re right”. This is important to Mrs McDonald, junior teacher at Matahui School. “This term we’re focussing on building a growth mindset and using the power of the word ‘yet’. If your child says, “I can’t do this”, we add the word ‘I can’t do this yet’ to build self-confidence”, says Mrs McDonald. The word ‘yet’ can change disparaging sentences into positive ones, promoting growth. This linguistic trick works especially well with sentences that include ‘can’t’ or ‘don’t,’ because it reverses the negative connotation. What’s happening in the junior school at Matahui this term? This term’s inquiry project is all about light. Where does it come from? What is light? How do light sources work? What is energy? Who would have guessed that 5 to 7-year-olds would be so interested in physics, astrology and electricity budding scientists in the making who thirst for more knowledge. They really are developing a love of learning through their own inquiry. For more tips or to find out more about Matahui School - visit our website www.matahui.school.nz

Matahui School junior class teacher, Donna McDonald. PHOTO: Supplied.

National opposes Three Waters

Applications open for Coromandel Youth MP 2022 oromandel MP Scott Simpson is encouraging young people aged 16 to 18 years old across the electorate to apply to be the area’s Youth MP. “This is a terrific opportunity for those who feel they can make a difference by raising awareness of the issues facing young people in New Zealand. “The successful applicant does not need any prior experience in politics. All that is required is a willingness to engage with your community and a desire to learn more about politics. I will offer support throughout their time as Youth MP, this involves advice and the chance to shadow me during a typical day of engagements. “The role culminates in a two-day Youth Parliament event on 19-20 July

2022 which gives participants the chance to experience the workday of an MP. Youth MPs will debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask oral questions of Ministers. It is a unique chance to get first-hand experience of how Parliament works and to bring the views of your community straight to the decisionmakers in Government.” For those wanting to apply please email a video titled ‘Why you should select me to be Coromandel’s Youth MP’ to mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz or tag me in your post on Facebook. The selection process is open now and entries close on 12th November. More information can be found at parliament.nz/en/get-involved/youth-parliament-2022/

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eople are right to be worried about the Government’s Three Waters policy. Three waters refers to Council’s drinking water, storm water and waste water assets. Labour’s planned reforms will effectively nationalise the assets bought and paid for by generations of ratepayers and turn them over to four new huge water agencies covering all of New Zealand. These changes will have massive implications on our communities, but there has been little to no public consultation. The Government has touted that the changes will bring cost savings, but their forecasts are based on unrealistic assumptions. All I can see is the potential to create another level of bureaucracy that water users will have to fund. The other big risk is that areas with

suitable water management systems will be subsidising those who haven’t invested in their infrastructure and therefore effectively paying twice. No doubt the improvement of water assets will be an ongoing issue, but it needs to be tackled on a local level. National opposes this policy because it would effectively take the “local” out of local government. It fails to consider that each region has different needs, different existing infrastructure and future challenges. We would investigate the possibility of co-investment or joint funding partnerships between central government and local councils to fix specific water needs. Please never hesitate to be in touch if I can be of assistance or if you’d like to let me know your thinking on issues of concern. Just email mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz or phone on 0800 550 330.

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MenzShed nearly in a new home enzShed Ōmokoroa has been taking part in displays at The Old Library Ōmokoroa in support of Blue September promoting prostate cancer awareness. In an agreement with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the group has acquired the use of two buildings on the corner of Ōmokoroa Road and Prole Road. President Mike Hayden says that work is now going ahead in leaps and bounds to be open to the community. The sheds have been water blasted in readiness for painting which will occur in the next week or so. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes from the members to prepare equipment and machinery needs so that the shed can apply for startup funding from various organisations. The MenzShed thanks The Centre, Ōmokoroa for a grant which is allowing them to do the preparatory work on the buildings. Mike says the MenzShed is a popular nationwide gathering which brings men together in one community space to share and learn skills, have a laugh, and work on projects, either personal or as a group for the Shed or the community, such as building or repairing benches, planter boxes, or traps for pest control. “It’s a great place for blokes to learn new skills, build confi-

The home of the MenzShed on the corner of Prole Road - shortly to display a new paint job and signage.

Tools from times gone by. Can you guess what they are? PHOTOS: Supplied.

dence, create friendships, and share their own talents and techniques - and to do some good in the community at the same time.” Membership enquiries are welcomed, and Mike is available on 021 247 8057 for a chat. “If you have tools and power tools in your workshop that you haven’t used for a while, rather than having them rust, the Shed

would be interested in looking at them. They would be better being used for the community, than sitting in the dark.” Part of the MenzShed display is ‘What on earth are these?’ which is a display of tools from yesteryear for viewers to guess what they are - and there is a prize for the most correct. Pop in and have a go.

Lockdown thoughts from Ōmokoroa No. 1 ockdown is pretty hard and different for everyone. Here is a perspective from two different areas of our school. Firstly, from Year 2 and then Year 8. “Three positive things that happened in lockdown for me were hanging out with my family, doing online activities on Seesaw each day and creating the point throw game. “Something that wasn’t good was when I went for a bike ride and had a flat tyre. We had to turn around and go back home. My feelings about lockdown are happy feelings,

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but I was excited to go back to school,” says Billee MacDonald. “I’ve missed going to school and playing with my friends. I really like staying safe at home. What I haven’t enjoyed is I can’t go to the Warehouse to look at and buy toys. My Mum has had to go to work because she is a midwife, so I always miss her and hope she is OK,” says Elizabeth Jenner. “Appreciation of lockdown. Spending time with family. Exploring different tasks other than normal school work. Knowing that I will have stories to tell when I am older.

Having time to myself. Interacting with my family during school hours. Helping my siblings with their school work. Learning differently,” says one Year 8 student. “Feelings about lockdown. A little weird, bitsy, calm. The dog is happy to be with us; excited to do other activities; fascinating to hear about Covid; going for walks and runs; strange not to be able to see people. Yummy food, missing my friends, masks when you leave the house; wake up later than usual. Kindness goes a long way,” says another Year 8.

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Loved 4 Life By Cathy Taylor ince the Ōmokoroa Chapter of Loved 4 Life was started in February 2017 we have welcomed over 80 babies into our community, including four sets of twins and another set due later this year. Our volunteers have made over 250 quilts, hundreds of baby vests, jackets, hats and booties, and delivered about 75 meals. Excess quilts have been sent to the Bethlehem Birthing Centre where they are put on the cots for the new babies and the mums are told they are welcome to take them home. These quilts are accompanied by the message “these quilts are made with love by the volunteers of Loved 4 Life Ōmokoroa in the hope that your baby will be loved for life”. We are very lucky to be helped by The Centre in Ōmokoroa who give us a grant each year to fund wool, fabrics and other small items we need, and Good Neighbour in Tauranga who provide us with foodstuffs for the meals we make and are also providing care packages for our new mums. We have also been given grants over the years from Legacy Trust, The WBOPDC Community Matching Fund, The Warehouse and Ōmokoroa Lions Club. We very much appreciate the contribution these groups have made, which allow us to continue helping our young families. We have a team of ten dedicated volunteers who meet monthly having a ‘show and tell’ of the things we have

Our eldest volunteer Phyl Watson with one of our new babies Hudson Smith in the woollies knitted for him by L4L.

made, sharing photos, texts and emails we have received from grateful mums and enjoying each other’s company. The Peggy Purl knitting group have also been very supportive of Loved 4 Life, making beautiful knitted merino blankets for each of our babies. Our mums all appreciate these very much, especially in these winter months. For those who have not heard about Loved 4 Life, it was established in 2007 in Waikanae in response to the tragic

New mums and babes at one of our morning tea get-togethers. PHOTOS: Supplied.

deaths of the Kāhui twins. A small church group led by our founder Marcia Guest wanted a unique and special way to reach out to families in their local community after the birth of a new baby to show they are loved and supported. Ōmokoroa Chapter is the 15th chapter of this wonderful organisation. Our vision is to positively impact families. Our goal is that every child will be Loved 4 Life and that parents will have the skills to make this happen. With Ōmokoroa growing as fast as it is, the area we are now visiting has extended to Pahoia, Whakamārama and Plummers Point and we are in need of some new volunteers to help us. Recently, after an article published in The Sun newspaper, we have had several replies which will now enable us to extend to the Katikati area. We will most likely begin a new chapter in Tauranga City, but we still need volunteers to help make the gifts we give our new mums. Can you quilt and would like to share? Can you knit and would like to share? Can you cook a meal and would like to share? If the answer is “yes” to any of these

A gift pack ready to be delivered to a new mum.

questions, we need you to become part of our wonderful Loved 4 Life team and we would love to have you join us to enhance the lives of the families of our newest community members. Contact me, Cathy Taylor on 021 704 686 or email gregncathy51@hotmail.com

Ōmokoroa Foodbank By Tanya Van Heerden

ou will always be guaranteed a warm and welcoming smile when you visit the Ōmokoroa Foodbank. Run from the Ōmokoroa Community church, the foodbank provides food parcels to many families in need. Christine Grainger has been making up the food parcels for the past four years. “In addition to parcels distributed from the church, we have always assisted our local Ōmokoroa Point School as they know which of their families need support. Halfway through 2021 we started to offer the same service to Ōmokoroa No. 1 School,” says Christine. Every Thursday morning the Foodbank has a number of volunteers assisting with the produce we receive from Good Neighbour. The variety of produce is amazing and is made up of bread, salad greens, fruit, vegetables, milk and sometimes even eggs. People do not need to make an appointment, they just come along and take what they need. One of our clients to us “It is not always easy to ask for help and we always feel so blessed by the encouragement and warmth we find when

we come here on a Thursday morning.” We are so grateful to Good Neighbour for this wonderful contribution to the Ōmokoroa Foodbank. We are also supported by Freshchoice, The Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade, and of course, our wonderful community. Rick Peers of Cyberlink organises the annual Food Drive on the second Tuesday of December and is supported by Freshchoice, the Lions Club, the Fire Brigade, NZ Police, Tall Poppy, Tremains, Active 8, Ōmokoroa Tennis Club as well as individual volunteers who assist with the collection. This well supported initiative provides the Foodbank with tinned foods as well as toiletries and cleaning supplies which are included in each food parcel. If you are fit and able and would like to assist with this year’s Food Drive, please contact Rick Peers via rickpeers@gmail.com. If you would like to donate to the Food Bank there is a collection point at Freshchoice Supermarket (near the front door), or at the Ōmokoroa Community Church. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.

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Hamurana house strikes gold stunning Ōmokoroa home has won gold in the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition. Also making the Top 100 in the country, it goes forward to the National House of the Year Awards which celebrate building excellence, quality and craftsmanship in New Zealand.

When owners Pauline and Mike started planning their new build, they never envisaged they would be rewarded with more than a dream home. “We are delighted. With the help of our builders Belco Homes, we were able to turn our dream into a reality,” says Pauline. “To come out with a gold medal was a lovely unexpected bonus.” For Belco Homes, the result continues a strong tradition of medal-winning builds. Their craftsmanship has achieved accolades at the highest level, triumphantly securing awards for every House of the Year competition they have entered since 2004. Entered into the Altus Window Systems New Home category, it was the eye-catching timber features that enabled the house to stand out. A traditional Japanese method of charring timber, Yakisugi or Shou Sugi Ban, was used on the Siberian larch of the custom gate, garage and western wing. The remaining contrasting cladding, oiled natural larch, has given the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home a warm look and feel.

Unique features include a concealed handle-free door to a guest wing and a hidden loft – perfect for storage or as a play area ideal for the grandkids. Blonded American oak on concrete ribraft adorns the floor while extensive LED designer lighting showcases the home’s many architectural features. Mike and Pauline’s love of fine lighting, airy spaces and comfort shows in the all-weather patio, a soaring living-room ceiling and bespoke imported fittings throughout. “For us, the recent lockdown wasn’t a hardship. We got to stay home, enjoy and admire all of the hard work that had gone into the build,” says Pauline. “I know many are experiencing significant challenges building during the pandemic. But the team at Belco were very supportive and managed all of the logistics for us and what transpired was a very stress-free build.” The national Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards are announced in November. Article supplied.

Ōmokoroa Community Tennis Club Therese Temple reetings, fellow tennis enthusiasts. The club will soon have a new ball machine available for use by members through our book a court system, for a small fee. What a great way to improve your tennis skills - hit 150 balls in quick succession. Watch this space. I hope you are up for the challenge. The ball machine will be at our Love Tennis day for you to try. Love Tennis is now being held on Sunday 21st November. Watch out for new posters around the community for details. If you are a member of our club, I challenge you to invite five people for loads of fun, games, prizes and activities on Sunday 21st November. Ōmokoroa Point and Pahoia Schools have agreed to play a doubles match on the day, so come along and support your favourite teacher!

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Members, remember the deadline for paying your membership fees is the end of September and please encourage people to join our club. If you are new to the area, rock up to our club days on Tuesday nights from 6pm or Saturdays from 2pm. Jeff, Ellen and Murray have committed to being at the courts at 5pm on Tuesdays for newbies and juniors for an hour before the official club start time. A big shout out to them. The Pavilion will now be open each Saturday for use on club days which will be great to socialise with other members. Our fun tournament was also postponed, and we will now hold this on our Christmas Club Day, Saturday 11th December. We will be handing out trophies for the club champs played this year. Come along, dress up and join in the fun.

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Ōmokoroa bowls success early in season

Supporting Alzheimers By Faye Philp very three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, 4 out of 5 of us know or have known someone living with dementia, it is something that affects almost all of us at some point. September was dementia awareness month and at Alzheimers Tauranga/ WBOP we promote the celebration of this by encouraging people to ‘Move for Dementia’ and set a movement challenge either solo or in a team. This can be anything from walking, aerobics to zip-lining! Create a fundraising page to share with friends and whānau and encourage them to participate as well. There is a promo kit on the Alzheimers NZ website to help with your challenge. Alzheimers Tauranga/WBOP is helping in the local community to make life better for those living with dementia,

through its support and education services. Back in April, there was a promotion for volunteers to help within the Ōmokoroa community from which we got some lovely people responding and this enabled us to set up a group alongside some existing volunteers. This group got underway in May and runs twice a month and is being enjoyed by around 14 people a month from the local Ōmokoroa and surrounding areas. They enjoy companionship, quizzes, music, food and conversations about all sorts of topics. The goal for this group would be to run it weekly and for that, we need a few more volunteers, so if you can spare three hours once a month to help out, or if you are interested in helping in any way to support those living with dementia, please contact me, Faye Philp, the Volunteer Coordinator to find out more. Phone 07 577 6344.

he bowling season opened in midSeptember after initial disruption by Covid levels, and immediate success was achieved by the club. Seven junior members, selected for the Bay of Plenty, were at the forefront when an eighteen strong Centre side beat a more experienced Gisborne -East Coast combination at Whakatāne, 14 matches to 10. Some of the Ōmokoroa players had been playing for less than 12 months but intensive practice and coaching over the winter months helped them to excel at the higher level. Club fixtures commenced towards the end of September with the first event of the newly formatted Mike Deane Motors/Challenge Ōmokoroa series. The Sunday tournament was a three bowls pairs competition, won in impressive fashion by Deryck Scott and David Rolfe. Club days are well underway on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons with good numbers lining up on most occasions. Saturday and Monday interclub competitions commenced in the Western Bay earlier this month where Ōmokoroa is well represented with five teams participating in the Saturday Pre-

Roads and road rules revised at Probus By Gillian Low he members of the Ōmokoroa Probus Club were welcomed to the July meeting by President Wavyne Phillips. Roads and Road rules appeared to be the theme of our speakers. Club Member Colin Pettigrew showed us a historical film of Joshua Morgan, the first European to survey the road from Stratford to Taumaranui, also now known as The Forgotten Highway. Mr Morgan’s life ended on this road at the age of 35 years. His grave and memorial can be found along the roadway. After morning tea, Tanya Smith from Age Concern gave us helpful advice for senior drivers whether it be on relicensing, refresher courses on the road code knowledge and discussing driving and transport options if you have been advised not to drive any more.

Several booklets were available to take away after the meeting. We were also given a voucher for a refresher course with an instructor, on driving and the road code. Many of Probus members had learnt to drive in what’s now referred to as classic cars without airbags, hands on the steering wheel in the 10-2 position. This is no longer the preferred position, as 9-3 is better should your airbag activate. In the 9-3, your arms will go out sideways, whereas, in the 10-2 position, the arms will rise upwards towards your eyes. The writer is now concentrating on this new position hoping to have it mastered in time for the arrival of her new aged license. The meeting closed with the thought of the day given by Carol Jones. More discussions then followed during lunch at the Boat Club.

mier 7’s and Championship 6’s events. Six teams are involved in the optional Monday 4's series. The first two open tournaments for the season, the Lynley Park Triples and the PMG Funds Mixed Pairs have taken place during the last three weeks welcoming back many tournament players from around the Western Bay. A new innovation by the club, Friday Night Bowls has started - where the greens and the club are open from 4pm every Friday throughout the season. Anyone is welcome to come down to the club and try the sport out or just enjoy socially, along with the members, the facilities on offer. Light food, raffles and refreshments are available and bowls are provided. Twilight Bowls, supported by Rachel and Linley Tall Poppy Real Estate, will again be underway soon, to be held on seven Fridays commencing 5th November - with a bang! Those interested from the community are welcome to leave a message on the club answer phone: 07 548 0077 or email: omokoroabowls@xtra.co.nz and return contact will be made. Article supplied.

L-R Jeff Meekings, Luiz Del Monte, Glennys Gwynne, Centre President Bill Murphy, Eddie Boschat, Sam Pritchard, Dan Leary and Deryck Scott relaxing after their great win. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Peace Poster winners Give up to give back By Anne Sandel Co-ordinator

ver the last ten years, students from Ōmokoroa Point School have participated in the local stage of the Peace Poster Competition. Students aged between 11 and 13 years of age are able to compete when sponsored by their local Lions Club. Over term 2, students designed and completed their poster – which is entitled ‘We are All Connected’. At a recent Lions dinner meeting, all the posters were displayed and voted on by Lions members and their guests. Congratulations to Poppy Hatch whose poster won first prize and to the runner up Pippa Drayson.

ockdown definitely has its challenges. We have given up certain freedoms to help one another remain safe and in good health. Giving up meals in restaurants, family holidays, or even regular haircuts are a few of the challenges faced. However, while all that stops, Waipuna Hospice doesn’t, and neither does our need for donations so we can continue to support our patients. While our care doesn’t stop, the Covid19 lockdown has had an impact on us. Unfortunately, we can no longer fundraise in person, and our charity stores have been closed, which means our ability to raise money has been impacted. We need your support now more than ever, so we can continue to care for our patients and support their families 24/7. So, while you’ve been stuck at home and saving money on things you would normally be out enjoying, how about you donate those funds to the care and support of terminally ill patients in your community? The money you have saved on petrol during Level 4 could become the petrol our nurses need to visit our patients.

Your next round of cocktails out could pay for a bed for a patient in pain. Your next family outing to the movies could help fund a counselling session for a mother of three who recently lost her husband. Help us help our community, and donate your lockdown savings by supporting our new Give Up To Give Back Shop campaign. There are many items that you may have managed without during lockdown, which can help raise crucial funds for the care of our patients and their whānau. Add one, two, or four, items to your cart, and be the lockdown hero hospice needs. Waipuna Hospice provides specialist medical care for patients living with a life-limiting illness and support services for them and their families. The geographical area covers Waihī Beach to Paengaroa. While the focus is on Hospice at Home, there is an Inpatient Unit for short term admissions, and Outpatient Services are also provided. To make a donation, simply visit waipunahospice.org.nz/donation-shop/ Article supplied.

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Runner up Pippa Drayson. with Shirley Miller. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Some of the posters were available to be viewed by the public at the Old Library building in McDonnell Street during September. This is just the first stage of the competition. It will be judged against winning posters sponsored by Lions Clubs in the 202L Lions District. The winning poster will then go down to Wellington where it will be judged against 6 other posters from the 6 NZ Lions Districts with the one winning poster representing New Zealand then travelling to America where it will be judged against posters from all over the world. Further information regarding this competition can be viewed online by searching Lions International Peace Poster Competition.

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Club President Shirley Miller with Poppy Hatch, first prize winner.

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JACQUES VANNOORT (LLM) Barrister & Solicitor Jacques, who is our trust specialist, advises on: The use of Family Trusts after introduction of the new Trust Act in 2021. “Much has changed in this field of law. Let me show you how to be a prudent Trustee and prepare yourself for the challenges.” Call Jacques at his oﬃce to book in a complimentary interview in Tauranga or at your home or business. You can also call us to set up a new Trust, or to have a Review of your existing Family Trust.

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| Lizard News | October 2021

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Win a free business planning session lear Mind Accounting & Advisory has launched in Western Bay. As head of the new accounting firm, local Shelley Roche brings a passion to her work for seeing small businesses get ahead. A lot of people reading this will know Shelley, as she was born and raised in Waihī Beach, went to high school at Katikati College, and now lives in Ōmokoroa. She has also been involved in local small business her whole life, growing up at Bowentown Beach Holiday Park. After working in accounting for years, the time was right to go out on her own and do things her way. Shelley loves working together with her clients, to see them grow. She says “If my clients succeed, I succeed. And if people have a trusted business advisor on their side, research shows they are far more likely to succeed.”. Shelley is the type of accountant you are not afraid to call and ask questions. In fact, all of her monthly packages include ‘Quick Queries’ so you can call any time and get the advice you need. Win a free Business Planning Session: To celebrate their launch, Clear Mind is giving away a Business Planning session worth $1,500. Would you like to increase the level of growth, prof-

Head of Clear Mind, Shelley Roche. PHOTO: Supplied.

itability and cash flow in your business? Receive support to unlock your business potential? Develop a clear outline of what you need to do to unlock this potential? And, create a document against which to measure your progress? This session looks at past performance, future direction, and sets solid and realistic business goals. At the end, you get a Business Plan as a guide map to ensure you are on course for success. To enter, visit www.cmaa.co.nz and sign up for the newsletter. Everyone subscribed at the end of October is in the draw. Want to learn more about Clear Mind? Check out www.cmaa.co.nz. Article supplied.

Spring has sprung at kindy By Ellen White efore lockdown Level 4 hit us again, the children here at Te Puna community kindergarten began their journey with a sunflower growing competition provided by Daltons. We were sent potting mix, seeds and growing containers. Alongside Whaea Tinah the children potted and started to grow their sunflowers, taking this competition very seriously with guesses on how big our flowers would grow. Over lockdown, the seedlings grew at Whaea Tinah’s house and she gave us all regular updates on their growth. Now we are all very excited to be back at kindergarten and the children have planted their sunflowers in the garden. We are watching, watering and measuring the plants as they grow. In our playground, we are blessed to have some beautiful fruit trees blossoming. The children are watching the bees pollinate our trees, as the children eagerly wait

for the fruit to grow. Children being able to explore and take care of our natural world enables them to become kaitiaki (carers) of papatanuku (our earth) and develop skills that will be with them through life. Nurturing and caring for plants and trees, and being a part of the process to grow fruit and vegetables is so rewarding when the children get to experience harvesting, tasting and sharing with those around us. Feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are a rural kindergarten based at 17C Minden Road, Te Puna in a beautiful natural learning environment. Our kindergarten promotes sustainability and we value our strong relationships with our local community. The ages of our children start at 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whānau/family orientated and encourage your involvement. Call 552 5736. The kettle is always on.

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Katikati horticulture academy established ast year, Katikati resident Ann Owen decided to take action. After attending several meetings held by Hilary Johnson from the Katikati Innovative Horticulture Trust, Ann realised there was a conspicuous gap in her community. The Trust was seeking funding to create an academy for horticulture, the likes of which doesn’t exist anywhere near the region. To retired nurse and real estate agent Ann, this seemed quite absurd. “It just seems so obvious,” says Ann. “There isn’t anywhere in the Bay of Plenty region – the centre of the kiwifruit industry – providing education and training for horticulture. Yet horticulture is so critical to the diversification of New Zealand’s economy – especially with a warming climate and potential water management issues in future – it’s just so important that future employees in this industry are well prepared.” With the project struggling to secure funding to build a dedicated facility, Ann felt inspired to do something herself and made a generous donation to the Trust via the Acorn Foundation. “They’re currently operating out of a leaky, damp building for their studies. All they wanted was a purpose-built structure”, says Ann, whose belief in

Ann Owen, Katikati philanthropist. PHOTO: Supplied.

the power of education drives much of her charitable giving. “Knowledge is power. And studying horticulture can be very beneficial to students who don’t particularly like literacy and numeracy. Once they become absorbed in something like tissue culture, they need to be able to read to follow the instructions. It provides the motivation to take reading and maths seriously.” As former president of the Katikati Rotary, Ann also volunteers through her church at the local food bank and continues to be heavily involved in international development projects through Rotary. “I just don’t like waste”, admits Ann, who lives with her husband and seven-month-old golden retriever. “I live a fairly frugal sort of life – I don’t have the flashiest car and we live on $100 worth of groceries a week for the two of us. In the end you can’t take your money with you. I just like to make sure I get the best value out of it.” If you’re interested in leaving a lasting gift to your community, find out how the Acorn Foundation makes your charitable giving go further at: www.acornfoundation.org.nz Article supplied.

Summer swim season starts he Dave Hume heated pools in Katikati opened their new season on Saturday 4th September. This is a month earlier than normal as the trust will need to close the season early in March for painting. New for this season, we have a learn to swim programme for 5 to 11-year-olds, called Splash. No other paid coaching will be permitted at the pool. During school terms, the pool will be open from 610am Monday to Friday and from 11am to 5.45pm on weekends for lane swimmers/lane walkers. However,

the school’s use of the pool after the October holidays, means the times available for public use between 9am and 3pm (M-F) will vary. Please check the swim schedule at the pool or online for actual times. Concession and season tickets are available. When the main pool is being used by a school, the learners’ pool is not available for the public, except for the learn to swim sessions. We have large steps we can use if you need help into and out of the main pool. Just ask the staff to put them in for you.

Both pools are tap water heated by a hot water bore. The main pool is about 26 to 27 degrees. The small pool is generally between 33 and 34 degrees. There is a gas BBQ that can be hired for $5 and is bookable via the pool office. It is ideal for birthday parties at the pool. The pool is also an excellent place for a picnic, with a grass bank and trees and artificial shade and of course an inviting pool of water to play in. For prices, times, Splash enrolments and bookings please visit www.davehumepoolkk.com or call 549 1069. Article supplied.

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Climate change field trip a joint effort limate change and the forest was the focus of a field trip at Aongatete, during conservation week in early September. Tauranga Sunrise Rotary, Bay Conservation Alliance and students from local high schools joined forces to learn about the pressure on the NZ bush from introduced pests and predicted climate changes. Tauranga Sunrise created this environment group as part of several new initiatives. One such linked up with Isaac Jarden from School Strike 4 Climate Bay of Plenty to put together a series of events, organised outside school time, specifically for young people. The aim is to support youth working hard to raise awareness of climate change and associated environmental

challenges. The events provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their commitment and convey powerful messages about the urgency of action to ensure planet Earth remains liveable over decades to come. “These are dedicated, articulate high school students who represent the demographic likely to be most affected by climate change in the future so deserve to be listened to. We want to provide opportunities for them to demonstrate their concern through their actions and we all know actions speak louder than words”, says Michele Beaton from Tauranga Sunrise Rotary.

tudes due to higher temperatures and forest soils being lost during heavy rain were just two examples discussed during the bush visit. “Our native environments all across Aotearoa are under attack due to the impacts of the climate crisis and introduced species. It gives me a lot of hope to see the work done by awesome groups like Aongatete Forest Project to protect our bush and our taonga species. I, along with all of the other rangatahi who attended this event, left feeling inspired!” says Isaac Jarden from School Strike 4 Climate Bay of Plenty. Article supplied.

Rotary to showcase Katikati

By Rod Calver

atikati`s Biennial Garden Ramble is being held to showcase our community and to display our wonderful growing environment and its gardens. Several of the gardens have views over the Birdwalk and the Haiku Pathway. The Birdwalk is part of the Yeoman Walkway which was a Katikati Rotary project and Rotarians were responsible for the daffodils which are at present in flower. Money raised in this Garden Ramble will all go to local community projects. Some of the organisations which receive help include the Chrome Collective helping people with disabilities make and sell their produce; and a local initiative to collect surplus food in the community to hand on to the Foodbank. We support both the Māori Wardens

Isaac Jarden and Santiago Sanchez protecting a new tree with a plant guard. PHOTO: Supplied.

Conservation week was the ideal time for an event in the bush, doing some conservation volunteering with Bay Conservation Alliance education team, Janie Stevenson and Emma Cronin. The students tramped along a forest track and tried their hand at setting a variety of predator traps that are common in conservation areas. They also helped put plant guards around the newly planted natives at Aongatete Forest Project to protect them from rabbits. There was lots of discussion on the evidence of climate change impacts on our native forest landscapes across New Zealand. Stoats moving to higher alti-

and Project Generate. Katikati Rotary has also provided many computers for Katikati College and for local organisations. One of the highlights of the Rotary year is the annual Christmas party for people with intellectual disabilities. Katikati Girl Guides have received a major boost to their funding to enable them to attend their jamboree. This year there is a big incentive being offered to those who purchase their tickets early, as prizes are to be awarded to some of the lucky early ticket buyers. The major Early Bird prize will be a much sought after garden sculpture made by local sculptor Dennis Walter. Tickets for the Garden Ramble can be purchased online at www.katikati.org.nz or directly from the Information Centre. Mark it on your calendar or in your diary now. 6th and 7th of November. Wet or fine.

Sculpture by local Dennis Walter is a major prize on offer. PHOTO: Supplied.

Hi Neighbours! Another one SOLD with an exceptional result for the owners and extremely happy buyers. We would like to welcome the new owner to our beautiful peninsular, Omokoroa!

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October 2021 | Lizard News |

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The community maketh the college

By Grace Fotheringhame and Connor Wilmshurst

hy come to Katikati College? Well for us, it is the community. Katikati College is a small rural school with just over 800 students ranging from Year 7 to 13. Being a rural school means we have a wide variety of people from all backgrounds. They say “variety is the spice of life”, so that makes our college very spicy! Students come from all parts of the globe and country. This mix makes for an interesting team dynamic and means often people will see things in a different way. Being a relatively small school means you get to know nearly everyone, staff included. This creates a super friendly and positive environment, which allows students to thrive. The peer support programme sees two

to four Year 13 students paired with a Year 7 class at the beginning of the year to guide them through. Because the students don’t have to worry about moving to yet another new school after only two years of intermediate, there is no time wasted at the beginning of Year 9 getting the students familiarised. Recently, an ex-student, David Roper, came back to visit. David left Katikati College in 1990, and after 31 years he made the trip back to see how our school had changed. Mr Roper has fond memories of the time he spent here. There isn’t a better testament to the long-lasting effect that our school has on its students than an alumnus coming back after many years. Multiple staff members have been here for many years. Some even taught the parents of students that attend our

Katikati College Senior Academic Captains Connor Wilmshurst and Grace Fotheringhame with alumnus David Roper. PHOTO: Supplied.

school. Some staff members were even students here themselves, which proves how positive the community environ-

ment is. Katikati College provides memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Supported living for older people

By Carole Parker Chairperson, Abbeyfield WBoP bbeyfield started in the UK in the 1950s as an answer to loneliness and isolation affecting older people. The concept was brought to New Zealand in the early 1990s by a Wakefield GP, and the first house was built in Nelson in 1992. Abbeyfield Houses provide affordable, respectful community living for independent older folk in supportive, safe, thriving and caring environments. There are 14 Abbeyfield houses in New Zealand with plans for a further six. Run by not for profit groups, the houses provide affordable rental accommodation for older people who want independence with companionship, privacy and security and are capable of self-care but welcome the support of

others. As people get older they can find it more difficult to manage their house and garden, especially if they are on their own. Shopping, cooking and general house management can become a burden. Older people can often experience isolation and loneliness, with few or no family or friends nearby, and little social interaction with their community. They may become more anxious and worry about safety and security. For many older people, it is a struggle to manage on their superannuation and many have no or limited excess funds. In an Abbeyfield house, a cook/housekeeper provides meals and is the only paid staff member; other support is provided by the local volunteer committee, working with the support and guidance

of Abbeyfield NZ. All-inclusive rent covers food, board and all the operating costs of the house, and is affordable if National Superannuation is the resident’s only income. Rent for residents would always be well within their National Superannuation. Sourcing development capital is the most significant challenge faced in establishing Abbeyfield houses today. Abbeyfield WBoP has had discussions with philanthropic trusts who have shown strong support for the Abbeyfield concept. However, for them to contribute we need to show that we have raised a portion of the funding. A mortgage for some of the cost can be raised and met within the income of the house. Once built, an Abbeyfield house is financially self-sufficient. Currently, the Society is focused on

raising funds. There are various options to contribute; one-off financial donations from individuals, corporates or groups, gifting the cost of a unit or key area in the house, and provision of services for building the house at no cost or discounted. We will continue holding fundraising events and activities. Abbeyfield WBoP is an Incorporated Society, a registered charity, and affiliated with Abbeyfield NZ, a registered Community Housing Provider. Donations from generous benefactors and very successful fundraising have enabled us to make a down payment on a section in Katikati to build an Abbeyfield House for 14 people. We are continuing to raise funds. If you are interested in supporting the Abbeyfield vision call Carole Parker on 0274 579 686.

Katikopy and Print has new owners im and Kevin Smith and their son Aidan saw Katikopy and Print come up for sale and thought it was a great opportunity to combine their skills and start a family business As an accomplished graphic designer and illustrator experienced in print media, Aidan can bring vibrance and life to any project. His experience in the industry includes working at a long-established corporate in Auckland, creating top-selling designs. If you can imagine it, he can help you create it.

With a background in tertiary and corporate learning across a variety of organisations, Kim specialises in developing digital and print-based learning resources. Her skills in writing and editing can be lent to CV’s, memoirs and many other written works. Kevin’s experience in retail sales and management means he has a talent for spotting business opportunities so there are plans in the pipeline to provide a picture framing service and a retail space stocking a range of photo, print and art

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| Lizard News | October 2021

supplies. Together with their high-quality digital print equipment, they are more than capable of providing your design and print needs. Services include production of business cards, flyers, brochures and invoice books; large format printing and laminating; canvas printing and framing; photo prints and enlargements; negative and slide scanning; personalised cards, calendars and invitations; booklets and bookbinding. As a locally owned family business, they understand how important your

printing can be and strive for fast turnaround and quality service to ensure your satisfaction. They also collaborate with a number of specialist suppliers to help you source printed apparel and a range of promotional products, such as flags, banners, logo mats and more. Providing design and print services to the Western Bay of Plenty area and beyond. Call us with your enquiries on 07 549 0519 or email info@katikopy.co.nz. Article supplied.

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MEDIUM

NOVEMBER EDITION

St Kilda

Sudoku Last week Sudoku

The Puzzle Company

Wordsearch I N I H G R O B M A L I N C O L N I

B B X L A K E R O T O R U A U Y N M

M C X S Y K K J A C A I B P E B T C

J O R I R A G N O T T N U O M I A O

O D H R U S C A Z X L Q M H S A E I

D M I H A T A G N U H U A H U U F N

J Q I E D Z I G D V F C C S R A N H

C B A K O N Q O L Z T G F P A H K O

D T A N V C U U A E A S U E O I G S

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

B A P A E K A T I A K A I O R E H W

O O D A B R B A R D R T S V S F D I

I N I H G R O B M A L I N C O L N I

E Y L W H U A K U N A M N R E P V A

F E N U B A O R I O O A V S Y E Z B

O D J O M O T Q D C D A I H X A N E R S B V D U Y R C Z S K B U I C K A U G A J R A D Z A D E V X C R A F L A T S C Q I S U C M B V E S H P S O R S E F I A A B D G N E T I S H I C MINI MITSUBISHI NISSAN PEUGEOT PORSCHE RENAULT ROLLS-ROYCE SAAB SUBARU SUZUKI TOYOTA VOLKSWAGEN VOLVO

L H A E U P A T O I A W D G W A T I

O G U L D G A L P L M U A E C N N U

E R W N O F U P E U G E O G H Y U N A F V T L U E C I E D B B A A R G A M D E L A O I N I S L R M O B E P I E H T I L O S N O E M O S R T N U A Z K O L A V B U Z Y E S E J K T C Y A R T I N E E S B E N Z M I T S U B HUMMER HYUNDAI ISUZU JAGUAR JEEP KIA LAMBORGHINI LAND ROVER LEXUS LINCOLN LOTUS MASERATI MAZDA MERCEDES-BENZ

B I K R X F A D A K A R O A A U B T

N U Y T E R L S E I E N L Y T I E S

L R V N W G W M B L U U Q M H M D T

I L E A C R I K A N A R A T R R R A

W E H V I A E I B T O T O Z K T B T

C H R Y S K S U B A X I V O L L W A N W A P E E J N P G E S D E R K D R F L O Z O O D E L V R X I X E D H D S R A D U Q S T A A M T T Z Z C S T A I F A S T O N M E R C E A T O Y O ALFA ROMEO ASTON MARTIN AUDI BENTLEY BMW BUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET CHRYSLER DODGE FERRARI FIAT FORD HONDA

R L T U A K A A E H A W A N A M O M

R P G F C A D N O H N R K U J R S I

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E U O A E B M I M E S S Z B E A E M

O D U L O I A L Y T T E L T O N H L

L R V N W G W M B L U U Q M H M D T

H A P P A R O M U W Q I Y U Q X E A

S A L W J S D Z L X S Q M C F N E O

T N O T O E O H U R U A G N O B R K

Y B O N E E K O E I D U A Z I O C Y

N T A A A M U I R A A K A H W A S E

R U V A E G R L D X H D A Z A T R O

Sudoku

U K M A C A U L E Y I S L A N D R S

H S I W P P E F O R D A T T T S E T

Wordsearch: Car makers

O Q Y L A E H I G I G G E N B A C H

C K X L A N D R O V E R S T S A M A

Quick crossword

M A G N A H I P R I K A U A T U P A

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Lions’ Health Aids / Equipment Available on Loan The Lions’ Club of Omokoroa maintains a wide range of health aids equipment which is available to community residents on a loan basis when needed following illness and/or surgery. To maintain and update equipment, donations are expected on return of any loan equipment.

Bed Loop • Bedside Table • Bedside supports (help out of bed) • Bed/Shower access Aid Bedpans • Chair for Rehabilitation • Chair Raiser • Commodes • Crutches Cushioned Eating Tray • Elephant Feet • Electric Fan • Exercise Cycle • Heat Lamp High Stool • Knee Supports • Knee Walker • Long Shoe Horn • Monkey Bar Moon Boot • Nebulisers • Non-Slip Shower mat • Picker Upper Protectors for Plaster Casts when showering • Ring Cushions • Sheepskins Shower Stools • Sock Putter-On • Softech Full Chair Cushion • Spenco Cushions Stroller Walkers • Toilet Seats • Transfer Board • Transfer Cushion • Urinals Walkers: Wooden/Metal • Walking Aid, 4ft • Walking Sticks • Wheelchairs

To enquire about the equipment contact Mary Klein 548 1600

omokoroa Proud to Support

Our Community 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa. Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days. Phone 281 1577.

| Lizard News | October 2021

Owned and operated by locals

Lizard Classifieds

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

By Laraine Hughes ay 5 Having soaked our boots and socks crossing the weir at Wharawhara last evening, we donned wet boots and socks to cross it again and make our way up to Cashmore’s Clearing and along to Waitawheta Hut for lunch. This large hut is very popular with school groups and today was no exception as we met a group of students from Whāngārei who were pursuing another step in their goal of their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Poignantly, this was the day the Duke passed away. It was great to see the enthusiasm of these young people – and they were heading off to construct emergency shelters for the night with a forecast of rain! The tutors were looking forward to a peaceful and comfortable night in the hut. Lunch over, we made our way down the Waitawheta tramline, which we knew well, to the Daly’s Clearing Hut turn-off. Up again, and it wasn’t long before the familiar blue hut came into view. With 16 bunks, 8 on each side of a central dining area, this hut even has the luxury of water at a sink in the hut. This evening there is a good discussion on how to vary and create tasty dehydrated meals. Are we nearly over these? For a tramper, dehydrated meals are well worth the effort of making your own, both for variety and the fact that they are almost weightless and take up very little room, but with a bit of steeping in boiling water once you reach the hut they make a really tasty and easy to prepare meal. Day 6 – we had the luxury of a lie-in this morning, as we were going to be joined by Pamela’s son Alistair who was leaving Franklin Road at daybreak and walking in to join us on the walk-out on our last day. ETA was 8.30 and right on the button, Alistair stepped onto the hut’s deck to give his Mum a big hug. It was with a light-hearted ‘hi-ho, hi-ho’ that we lifted our now much lighter packs onto our backs for the last day. We didn’t even care that it was going to rain all day. Well, it was drizzly, enough to warrant rain jackets. The section of the North-South Track from Daly’s Clearing Hut down to Dickey’s Flat is just beautiful. DoC has done a lot of work on this track recently, particularly nearer to Dickey’s Flat. Following the Waitawheta River, this section was rated the second-best of the journey, after the views from the tops at Abseil Rock. Allan had walked in from Karangahake to join us for lunch at Dickey’s Flat, which we enjoyed in the lovely park by the river. After lunch, it was torches out to find our way through the short tunnel to join the wellused track through the Karangahake gold mining historical area. We couldn’t use the Crown Track to come out as the bridge across the river was being replaced, so it was torches out again to negotiate the Windows Walk. All too soon we were back at the Karangahake car park – mission accomplished! Here we were met by Helen’s husband Andrew to transport the weary but elated trampers home, in true Andrew style by ‘piping’ us in, blowing down an orange safety cone. We loved it! “What’s next?" asked Cindy. "I haven’t thought about it yet,” I said. “I’m going to enjoy this one for a while yet.” The North-South Track is tantalizingly close for those of us who are blessed to live in the Bay of Plenty - a ‘Great Walk’ without the hordes. Put it on your bucket list. I’m certainly pleased that I did.

SERVICES

Chipseal. Driveway sealing, resurfacing and maintenance. Engineer assessment reports.

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

SERVICES

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

KINGFISHER TRUSTLAW

Diana Pedersen Qualified Naturopath Providing Professional Holistic Consultations & Treatment Plans. • Herbal Medicine • Nutritional Supplementation • Lifestyle & dietary intervention • Homeobotanicals & more…

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

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

Experienced Local Operator Ridgeview Partnership

Ph: 548 2177 or 027 2333 936

Just Cats Boarding Cattery

Aaron

482 Esdaile Road, Pahoia

Painter & Decorator

Single rooms, no sharing, just $14 per day

P re p & P a i n t

Now taking bookings for your Spring projects.

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

Stumpgrinding Compact tractor mounted stumpgrinder Suitable single stumps/ small shelter rows Experienced Local Operator Ridgeview Partnership

Ph: 548 2177 or 027 2333 936

PLUMBER NZ Certified Omokoroa local Maintenance and small jobs only Phone Jason 021 241 9843

HYDRALADA HIRE Want to safely prune and tidy trees around the house or orchard? Use our Hydralada for easy access. Call Grant: 021 284 7268

Community folk who join Whakamārama Cyberlink are emailed news and events relevant to Whakamāramans, sent to more than 230 families in the area. Posts include: lost and found, free stuﬀ, community road notices, requests for help, positions vacant, markets, WBoPDC updates, house rentals/sitters, workshops, neighbourhood watch, stray stock etc. We also forward info from Ōmokoroa Cyberlink of general interest. Join up by emailing: rossroad@eol.co.nz asking to be added to Whakamārama Cyberlink.

Sewing alterations in Omokoroa. 35 years’ experience. Call Ann: 07 925 9004

Ph 577 1993 or 027 233 2643

OMOKOROA CLEANING SERVICES Homes, gardens, lawns, car valets. Glass,tile shower rejuvenation. Water blasting, painting. All enquires welcome.

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

Call Hannelore on 548 0824

Call for a complimentary appraisal. Jacques Vannoort LLM Te Puna 021 830 308 kingfishertrustlaw@gmail.com

COMPLETE LAWNS AND GARDENING Lawn mowing, green waste bags, hedging/ tree pruning, yard/garden tidy and large green waste removal. Locally owned and operated, servicing Omokoroa and surrounding areas. All enquiries welcome. Call Trent for a free quote: 022 333 2644

Ruru Piano Studio Lessons Tuesdays & Fridays

Robyn 022 065 8421 ruruinarewarewa@gmail.com

Ph. Ludi & Andrea 548 2657 | 021 070 0021

FOR SALE

DRUM INCINERATORS FOR SALE

LAND FOR GRAZING

44-gallon drum incinerators $35 each. Delivered between Katikati and Tauranga. Phone: 548 0823 or 0274 920 223.

Approx. 21ha Flat to rolling hills Omokoroa/ Whakamarama area Contact Jasmine: 027 595 3490 SITUATIONS VACANT

FIREWOOD Ready to Burn

Pain Relief with Bowen Therapy

Members can share via Ōmokoroa Cyberlink community news and events to over 900 emails. Recent posts include: lost and found, free stuﬀ, requests for help, positions vacant, new local businesses, markets, WBoPDC updates, house rentals/ sitters, workshops and much more. To join or send a post, email cyberlinkomokoroa@gmail.com with your name, email address and message, if required. Thank you, Rick Peers.

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

Experienced, qualified hairstylist needed to join our great team. Flexible hours. Fun, friendly salon. Call Paula 027 448 1441

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Animal Health Care Is your Pet suffering from Itchy Skin, Eye or Ear problems, Seizures, Anxiety, Arthritis, Muscular pain/ stiffness or just unwell? Homeopathy and Bowen Therapy offer safe and effective treatments supporting your Pet’s health. Contact Hannelore: 548 0824

Lizard News

is a member of the NZ Community Newspapers Association

Another little stream to wet our boots in. PHOTO: Helen McMullen.

SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 548 1200.

October 2021 | Lizard News |

lizardnews.net

We have positions available on our orchard team! Good pay, great team and plenty of work! Join the Birchwood team today! Each year we see many familiar faces from our packing team returning for another season. But did you know that we offer year-round employment too? Whether you’re a returning member of the team or new to Birchwood, we want to hear from you if you’re wanting year-round employment.

Words from some of our current Birchwood family

“You’ll never feel like a number.” Debra Jones

“Very happy to have found Birchwood.” David Broome

Visit www.birchwoodpackhouse.co.nz for more information about the jobs we have available.

| Lizard News | October 2021