Lizard News October 2022

L i z a r d Ne ws

L i z a r d Ne ws

Waihī Beach aiming to be the most sustainable beachside community in NZ

Former Prime Minister and Waihī Beach local Rt Hon Helen Clark, of ficially launched Sustainable Waihī Beach as its ambassador on Saturday 10th September

“Waihī Beach can be the most sustain able beachside community in Aotearoa,” Helen says

That bold statement articulated the as piration of Sustainable Waihī Beach (SWB) to work towards that enviable goal

The SWB team has been working to complete its first project seven water stations where people can refill their reusable water bottles, helping to create a plastic free community. Clark officially opened the station beside the Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club as part of the launch event That station is an accessible one, designed for use by people in wheelchairs as well as those without mo bility issues

“Our oceans are under pressure It’s es timated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish Sustain ability is a journey, so I’d love to see, as a result of this initiative, no plastic bottles littering our beaches In fact, no rubbish on our beaches,” Helen says

SWB founder Pippa Coomes says she’d looked at Packaging Forum statistics, which meant she was able to estimate that permanent Waihī Beach residents and vis itors to the town contribute approxi mately 1 million plastic bottles annually

“All our ecosystems globally are under pressure Our oceans are under pressure The quality of

our oceans is so important not only for the habitat and the species that live there but also for climate regulation,” Helen says

“Our forest ecosystems are under tremendous pressure In this country, we have a third of its land in its natural habi tat, but it’s degraded because of possums and deer and other predator species But predator free isn’t just about the feral

cats It’s also about domestic cats mak ing sure they’re chipped, desexed and kept in at night so our birds including the dotterel have a chance

“The more you look at it through a sus tainability lens, the more you see that hu mans have had a terrible impact on our beach environment Every little step that you take at a community level to be cleaner, better, more sustainable it all adds up, ” Helen says

The event was attended by other digni taries, including Rt Hon Dame Silvia Cartwright, who has owned a home in the beachside town for 30 years, and outgoing Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Garry Webber

Waihī Beach School students performed rousing waiata and karakia

Te Whānau a Tauwhao representative and MC for the event, Reon Tuanau, says it was the young people in the room that the initiative was really all about “This is about the next generation who will carry this kaupapa on ”

SWB’s work will focus on four key pil lars: community, regenerative tourism, sustainable business, and the environ ment Reon says the group had aspira tions to make the Bowentown Heads area,

at the southern end of Waihī Beach, predator free There are several other ini tiatives in the pipeline

“This is very much a community initia tive, and we believe the water refill sta tions are just the start of a movement here to take exceptionally good care of our en vironment and the people who enjoy it, not just for this generation but for others to come, ” Helen says

Sustainable Waihī Beach partnered with Halberg Disability Support Founda tion to understand how and where an ac cessible water station could be installed as part of the refill station project Foundation senior advisor and long time Waihī Beach resident Dave MacCal man says he was impressed with the open and accepting way the community had taken on this access project

“What we ’ ve got are enablers here now The Live Well team and now Sustainable Waihī Beach have got beach wheelchairs, a beach mat, the accessible water founda tion and picnic table The next stage we ’ re hoping for is an accessible changing room underneath the surf club For me, this is a dream come true

“Goodness knows what Waihī Beach will look like in 10 years ’ time, but if it’s anything like this start, it will be spectac ular”

Dave says people who have mobility is sues tend to look to holiday destinations that are accessible “Now we can promote Waihī Beach as a place to visit I’ve already seen friends who are also wheelchair users come here over summer thanks to the beach wheelchairs and the beach mat that are available ”

The water stations have been installed at the Trig, Brighton Reserve, Coronation Park and Albacore Ave, and the North End near the Surf Club Two other units will be installed in the town centre next to the In formation Centre and at Waihī Beach School’s community playground

To get in touch with SWB or to find out more, visit www sustainablewaihibeach co nz

Article and photos supplied

Helen Clark opens the water refill station

Dave MacCalman at the accessible water refill station

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Crime and incident report

By Senior Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh and Senior Constable James Muir

Burglaries

A burglary was reported to a house under construction on Mural Drive 5 x 10 litre paint containers were stolen

In the early hours of 17th September, a female was disturbed attempting to steal packages from the NZ Post depot on Mar shall Road, Katikati She was with two males in an older style Japanese ute with an old trailer attached Unfortunately, no registration number was obtained Theft

Several cars were broken into in the Ōmokoroa area The scene was examined by our scene of crime officers, and hope fully, we can get a positive line of inquiry

A 45kg LPG gas bottle was stolen from Main Road, Katikati.

An 11 year old was spoken to by Police after taking energy drinks from a local dairy

Clothing was stolen from a laundromat in Ōmokoroa No suspects for this theft

Unlawful taking of Motor Vehicles

A Mazda Bounty Ute was stolen from a residential address in Ōmokoroa

A Ford Ranger was stolen from a rural address in Whakamārama

An attempt was made to steal a vehicle parked on Heron Crescent, Katikati Two young males were observed leaving the area

An attempt was made to unlawfully take a car from a Munro Road address, the car was searched, but nothing was taken

On 6th September, a Nissan Wingroad was stolen from a Barrett Road, Whakamārama address

Overnight on 8th September, a Mazda Atenza motor vehicle was stolen from an Ōmokoroa Road address and was later located abandoned on Cooney Reserve in Ōmokoroa

An attempt was made to unlawfully take a Mitsubishi Gallant motor vehicle from a Lynley Park, Ōmokoroa address The ignition barrel was badly damaged by the offenders

An attempt was made to unlawfully take a Mitsubishi Lancer from the car park at the Ōmokoroa Boat Club Another vehicle also parked at the Boat Club was also broken into

A car parked on Bramley Drive, Ōmokoroa had its quarter light smashed to gain entry and the vehicle was searched

Currently, we are following up on a positive line of enquiry for some of the above offending

We identified four suspects for the ve

hicle crime in Ōmokoroa last week We are continuing inquiries to identify the two females involved Found Property

Two wallets were handed in at the sta tion, and both have been returned to their owners

Arrests and apprehensions

A female was arrested for assaulting a Police officer

A 17 year old Ōmokoroa youth was ar rested on 12th September for removing his electronic monitoring bracelet and breaching his bail conditions over the weekend He was kept in custody to ap pear in the Tauranga DC on the 13th of September

A female was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after leaving a local bar

A driver was stopped at 8.32 am on 11th September and processed for driv ing with excess breath alcohol

A 24 year old Waihī driver has been summoned to appear in court after he was stopped by Police and did not have his alcohol interlock device fitted

A 60 year old disqualified driver was stopped on Esdaile Road, and his car im pounded He has been summoned to ap pear in court

A 68 year old Tahāwai man was stopped on State Highway 2 at 2 30pm on the 8th of September and blew over 1000 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath His reading was over four times the legal limit He has been summoned to appear in the Tauranga DC

On the evening of 16th September, a Katikati man was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped in Katikati His reading was three times the legal limit

On the evening of 17th September, Po lice attempted to stop a vehicle at the Te Puna roundabout The driver failed to stop and abandoned the vehicle on the beach at Te Puna He was located a short time later by a Police dog handler A 27 year old Te Puna man will appear in the Tauranga DC charged with failing to stop for the Police and driving whilst disqual ified

An 18 year old Te Puna man has been charged with assault with a weapon after an incident at a Te Puna address on 14th September He was to appear in the Tau ranga DC on 20th September General

Police attended a two car head on crash on State Highway 2 just north of Katikati No injuries but both cars were badly damaged

Police received another report of scam mers at work They claimed to be from

Bethlehem / Omokoroa Medical Centre

Job Vacancy

Practice Nurse

Spark but were calling from an overseas number

A vehicle left parked on State Highway 2 near Te Puna was broken into and had various items stolen

A vehicle failed to stop for Police In quiries identified the vehicle, and it was located in Tauranga and impounded

A male was summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court for driving while disqualified

A male driver will appear in the Tau ranga District Court after driving his car without an alcohol interlock device

A 19 year old driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol

A driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol and was nearly twice the legal limit

A young female stole energy drinks from a local superette, reported to Youth Aid

A disqualified driver was stopped on Barrett Road, and his vehicle impounded

A suspended driver was stopped in Katikati and was also driving with excess breath alcohol.

Police attended a two car nose to tail accident on Te Puna Station Road

A scam was reported to Police where a Visa card was scanned and used by an unknown person to purchase a prepay card

Another scam was reported where a message was received via Facebook mes senger asking for money to be deposited into an account

A single vehicle motor vehicle accident was reported after a vehicle slid into a ditch on Wairoa Road No injuries to the persons involved

The Tauranga Search and Rescue team were deployed to the Whakamārama area to assist with a search for a male with intellectual disabilities who had gone missing from his home Located in Ōmokoroa, he was safe and did not re quire any medical attention

A vehicle was damaged while parked on Noble Johnston Drive

A scam was reported where an item was purchased via Facebook messenger and was not delivered

A scam was reported where a fake debt collection agency sent an account on be half of Spark Do not give out personal in formation to anybody without verifying the identity of the person

A driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped in Katikati His reading was three times the legal limit

If you see something, say something Call 111 if it’s happening now Call 105 if it is after the event

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Ōmokoroa roundabout “better than nothing”

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter alisha@thesun.co.nz

The planned roundabout at the in tersection of Ōmokoroa Road and State Highway 2 is a “good step for ward”, but locals would like a more permanent solution A new interim roundabout will be built at the intersec tion, Ōmokoroa Road will be four laned from SH2 to Prole Road, and a second roundabout at the future Francis Road intersection will also be built to service the industrial area

Western Bay of Plenty District Council secured $38 million from Kāinga Ora and $5 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Trans

tersection to the depot on Ōmokoroa Road “The congestion trying to get out onto the highway is horrendous From 6 30am or 6 45am until 9am it’s hard to get out of Ōmokoroa Road onto the State Highway ” He says it’s worse turning right towards Katikati “A lot of people turn left and do a U turn down by Young son Road, which is dangerous as bug gery ”

Leek was in the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade for 40 years and had been

port Agency for the upgrade Ōmokoroa General Carriers director John Leek says the roundabout was a good step forward, but he thought the money should go to wards completing the full Tākitimu North Link that would see the road four laned from Ōmokoroa to Tauranga “I don’t know why they don’t just finish the road properly,” says Leek

Construction has started on stage one of the TNL, a 6 8km four lane express way from Te Puna to Tauranga In June last year the Government announced stage two from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa would not happen within the next three years, with work said to be unlikely within the next 10 years Leek says the traffic at that intersection affected his business by “eating into the drivers’ days” and it could take him up to 15 min utes to turn right between 7am and 8am The transport service has a fleet of 35 trucks and does up to 100 vehicles movements per day through the SH2 in

to “ a lot of accidents at that intersection” He says the roundabout would “defi nitely help” with safety getting in and out of Ōmokoroa

Dan Hesson started a petition calling for a roundabout at the “horrible” inter section a year ago out of frustration at the number of accidents happening there “I’m sick and tired of pulling out of there and risking our lives,” says Dan “It sounds a bit dramatic, but it is a really hard place to turn out of and it is danger ous ” Dan has lived in Ōmokoroa for five years and was “stoked” the roundabout was happening However, he was also sceptical if it would go ahead due to the number of times governments had changed their mind about the TNL He’d like to see the full TNL constructed and says the roundabout “ may not be the ideal thing, but it’s better than nothing”

“It’s about keeping things safer and I just don’t want a family or anyone to be wiped out because of how bad

this road is at the moment

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Ian Blunt says it was great that construction of the round about is programmed to commence this financial year “Any works to improve traffic flows and make the Ōmokoroa Road/SH2 a safer intersection to negoti ate is a bonus for emergency service workers, both paid staff, volunteers and commuters alike ”

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber says, “Being pragmatic, anything is better than what we ’ ve got at the mo ment Whilst we ideally want the inter change, the roundabout will be a big roundabout, where traffic is going have to slow down significantly, and that will make it a lot safer leaving Ōmokoroa ”

Webber, who is also an Ōmokoroa res ident, says it went “hand in glove” with stage one of the TNL and once that and the roundabout are complete, there should be “significant improvement” in travel times into Tauranga “Once they’re both done, which will be about 2026/2027, that should make life in Ōmokoroa a lot easier than it is today ”

The roundabout would be a minimum 10 year interim solution to address the immediate needs of the intersection, until funding becomes available to build a full interchange Construction on the first stage of the roundabout may begin during the 2022/2023 construction sea son, with completion expected in 2025. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

The current intersection has been described as horrible by one Ōmokoroa resident

PHOTO: Sun Media

A draft design of the intersection IMAGE: WBoPDC

How do I position my property for a successful sale?

A key element is partnering with the right salesperson who will harness the power of marketing to find the right buyer for your property, not just the first buyer Each property, vendor and purchaser are unique, so it is important to generate fresh marketing ideas rather than working on a pre-determined formula

Creating demand for a property requires two fundamental elements of marketing

1. Get the message right

2. Making sure the right people see it

The more powerful your message is, the more prospects you reach, the greater the demand you can create for your property The strategy is to then concentrate the demand into a defined time period, and by reaching the right buyers you can generate competition to maximise the value of your asset.

Did you know 41% of people purchasing in Omokoroa are currently residing in other areas of New Zealand? You can’t sell a secret so it’s important to let those people actively looking to purchase a new home know that your property is for sale and what the benefits and features are, that make it so special.

Finding the right buyer and obtaining the best price, and terms of sale for your property comes from planning, preparation and execution.

If you’re thinking of selling, I ’d welcome the opportunity to chat over co ee to listen to your goals and help you develop a plan to achieve them.

Warm regards, Sarah

Sarah

Kaimai Views clean up

By Hazel Howie

am so incredibly grateful to those Ōmokoroa neighbours that came to help with the Kaimai Views clean up on Saturday 24th September It was hot and hard work, and I was definitely feel ing it that night

I

Thank you to those that volunteered their time (they all worked hella hard), and thanks to Dominos Pizza Bethlehem for supplying us with tasty pizza

We got at least 25 rubbish bags, got rid of a bunch of pest weeds, a number of wooden posts and waratahs, plenty of plastic tubing and much, much more Cheers to Western Bay of Plenty District Council for coming to the party with a mega skip bin to fill

A lot of this had the potential to have made its way downstream and out into the Tauranga Harbour, and we all know what that does for our wildlife

I saw three ducks in the ponds when I

was doing a walk through, and they looked pretty content with their clean playground

From my personal observation, the most common items were plastic food wrappers, polystyrene pieces and pieces of plastic piping which I think must have been from when it was an orchard as there were hundreds of small pieces, some half buried

There was a big contrast to some mini clean ups I did along Ōmokoroa Road (alcohol bottles and chip packets) and Te Puna Station Road Reserve (alcohol bot tles, fish bait bags)

Picking up rubbish on walks is kind of addicting It’s so satisfying knowing that picking up a few bits of rubbish can pre vent wildlife deaths, especially marine animals

I can’t reiterate enough that it really was a team effort, and it was fantastic having people show an interest and put in the mahi Thanks, heaps

Investigations for Ōmokoroa roundabout

By Matthew Farrell

Early investigation work began last month for the $43 million upgrade of the State Highway 2 intersection for Ōmokoroa

For the next couple of months, contrac tors will be working intermittently along Ōmokoroa Road, between Prole Road and SH2

Shoulder closures and temporary speed reductions may be in place at var ious times and locations to allow inves tigations to be completed safely.

Topography surveying, service loca tion and geotechnical testing will pro vide Council with the information needed to complete detailed designs and work towards consenting

While it is hoped the design of the work will mean minimal impact on mo torists, there may be some minor delays

In July 2022, Council secured $38 292 million from the Kāinga Ora managed Infrastructure Acceleration Fund Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will also contribute $5 million to the upgrade pro ject, and supply land worth $1 49 mil lion

Council says the funding unlocks criti cal housing supply potential for the re gion by solving the existing safety and capacity issues at the intersection

The upgrade will include

year interim roundabout to address the immediate needs of the SH2 intersection, along with four laning Ōmokoroa Road from SH2 to Prole Road, and another roundabout servicing the industrial area at the future Francis Road intersection

Council says the interim solution will be constructed in a way that supports a future grade separated interchange overbridge, which is currently not funded

The Francis Road roundabout will be built in the location required for the fu ture interchange, and a lot of the initial works required for the interchange will be completed as part of the interim pro cess

The District Council says the current intersection is a barrier to critical devel opment required across the Peninsula to support population growth in Ōmokoroa and the wider region

With the upgrade complete, more than 900 new homes will be built by 2029 including a mix of standalone homes, af fordable homes and medium density housing

Construction on the first stage may begin as early as the 22/23 construction season, with completion in 2025 With this announcement, developers are con fident that the first houses in Stage 3 will be under construction by the end of 2023

from Kaimai Views PHOTO: Supplied

Ferry trial pushes the boat out

By Matthew Farrell

Anew Wednesday ferry service is being trialled to link Ōmokoroa with Tauranga CBD, and Tauranga waterfront with Salisbury Wharf at the Mount

The Wednesday Challenge initiative is aimed at changing travel habits for more environmentally friendly options and takes advantage of having the harbour on our doorstep

The trial, which launched on Wednes day 28th September, is a partnership be tween Tauranga Water Transport and Tourism Bay of Plenty

Project director Heidi Hughes says it’s a unique way to commute and get to meetings, or lunches and leisure activi ties each Wednesday

“It’s taken a few weeks to get all of our ducks in a row, but we ’ re now ready for this six week trial You can beat the traf fic between Ōmokoroa and Tauranga and back if you live out this way, or catch a

ferry between Tauranga waterfront and Mount Maunganui

“It takes a long time to drive be havioural change, so we are keen to push the boat out and come up with better so lutions that people want to use

“People love ferries, but it’s hard to get a service up and running However, the growing traffic and expense of running a car mean it probably stacks up better,” says Heidi

“This one workday per week trial is an opportunity to demonstrate what a good ferry service looks like and prove the need by using existing facilities

“It will hopefully show the Regional and City Councils and the community that it is worthwhile to plan to get a ferry service off the ground in terms of up grading wharf infrastructure

“A small flexible service like this may be more suitable than a large ferry ser vice which would cost a lot more up front,” she says

If the trial proves popular and cost effective, it will then be de cided whether to extend it for an other four weeks

Heidi Hughes says people were booking journeys both ways two weeks in advance, and it was en couraging to have some early pre sales

Rachel Millard of Your Real Estate purchased 20 tickets to support the trial by running a giveaway via the community email service, Cyber link.

“I fully support the idea of a trial, and I want to get behind it But if the trial proves successful, parking is a serious long term concern,

particularly for nearby residents and boaties

“Park and ride provision with a shuttle bus in Ōmokoroa would be important,” says Rachel

There are now more than 15,000 peo ple taking part in the Wednesday Chal

lenge, including 135 businesses and or ganisations, and thousands of schoolchil dren

Participants have logged 148,000 jour neys since March

You can check the ferry trial timetable at wednesdaychallenge co nz

Angie’s aspect

By Angie Warren Clark Labour list MP

D

uring her 70 years of service, over an extraordinary period of change in the world, Queen Eliz abeth II visited 46 New Zealand cities and towns. I remember her visiting New Zealand while I was still at school and thinking how little she was in real life but how large her presence I know there are many thoughts and feelings about her passing Nevertheless, her reign of dig nity is admirable, and Her Majesty was an inspiration to generations of women A one off public holiday for New Zealand’s State Memorial Service, in cluding a national minute of silence, was fitting

How awesome is it that we can now catch a ferry between Ōmokoroa and Tauranga? Thanks to Tauranga Water Transport teaming up with Tourism Bay of Plenty, we have a cost effective, sus tainable way to travel Bonus: you get to enjoy being on the water If you haven’t signed up for the Wednesday Challenge, head to wednesdaychallenge co nz and make sure you log your trips to be in to win

Recently, I attended the International

HIV conference in Montreal as Chair of the New Zealand Parliamentarians’ Group on Population and Development While there, New Zealand’s Government announced our plan to eliminate HIV transmission Fellow attendees were im pressed by this, and by New Zealand leg islation in general, especially our Prostitution Reform Act 2003 It’s great to be out in the world again, sharing with other parliamentarians

Another important initiative is the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the UN the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice My work in and pas sion for food rescue and redistribution feeds into many of these 17 goals (as well as feeding families!) I was hon oured to attend a Malaysian SDG confer ence as a panellist, to discuss “The SDGs: Development and Challenges and the Role of Political Parties ” So refreshing to again look beyond New Zealand’s borders, understand where we sit globally and answer the call for global partnership to take on these crucial chal lenges

One of the Tauranga Water Transport vessels Waipapa PHOTO: Supplied

Success for championship pennants team

By Marcus Niles Club Manager

in the camp at halftime was that it was anyone ’ s match

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mokoroa Golf Club is proud to have a team in the top division for pennants in the Bay Having a team in this competition not only pro vides a sense of pride in our club but also can help to attract top golfers to the club It also provides a pathway for our young players to aspire to

This year our team faced the daunting prospect of having to play a relegation match in order to maintain our position in the top flight for next year The lads stepped out on our beautifully repaired home track to stave off a strong chal lenge from our mates at Lakeview GC 6 3 to stay in the big dance next season

The opening round foursomes (played in pairs where each player plays alterna tive shots) saw some very tight battles Things were looking tough for Ōmoko roa when Neil Howard and Richy Apanui were three down with six to play But the pair turned up the heat and fought back to claim a crucial point

The team took two of the three points on offer in the morning, and the feeling

In the afternoon matchplay singles, in front of a number of faithful club sup porters, our lads kept their nerve in some very close matches, taking the af ternoon spoils 4 2 Tyler King and Bryan Pirani won 2&1, Neil Howard was 1 up, and Hayden Nganeko dominated his match 5&4

Captain of the team, Neil Howard, felt that “all six players contributed to the win ” He also acknowledged the support the team has received; “Thanks for the support of Don Howard all season and Ravi Shearman and John Paton on the day caddying Also, a huge thanks to the team sponsor, Ben Taylor and the gen erosity of Ben van den Borst See you next season ”

Sunday’s team was: Neil Howard, Richy Apanui, Hayden Nganeko, Bryan Pirani, Tyler King, and Ben Taylor Other core members of the team this year were Denne Stewart and Ben van den Borst When you see these guys around the club, make sure you give them a pat on the back for a job well done

Early postal history and the history of local post offices

By Chris Wright

rian Ducker was the guest speaker at the August meeting of the Ōmokoroa History Group, held at TOLO on Sunday 14th August From being a stamp collector since age five, his interest has widened into finding post marks for the many different post offices within the Tauranga postal district

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Some of these were very short lived; for example, they existed for less than a year, with interesting questions raised about why they were established in the first place and why they didn’t last Brian’s round up of postmarks for these small postal services throughout the wider Bay from Katikati to Ōta marākau, including Atuakahae, Aon gatete, Ōmokoroa and Whakamārama, were shown in his PowerPoint presenta tion

Matakana Island acquired telegraph services in 1952 When a post office was set up there the following year, the tele graph services were shifted to the mill,

and the office was renamed Hunter’s Creek This office was closed in 1972, while the Matakana Island service did not cease until 1989 Brian has cancella tions from all of these offices

In retirement, this interest has widened still further, with Brian collect ing postcards and envelopes which had been through these post offices He showed a whole variety from a young Tauranga teenager to the movie idol Cary Grant, another a Tauranga letter to Zane Grey’s brother The stories behind these or the imagined stories made for a very interesting talk

The history group secretary, Jo Cameron, worked as postmistress here for a year when she looked after the Ōmokoroa Beach Store and Post Office when her aunt, Myrtle Crapp, was un well The topic was therefore certainly of local interest

Brian was delighted with the interest shown in his many folders of collected postal history, which he made available over afternoon tea

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Annual art expo

By Jackie Knotts

oming soon to the Settlers Hall is the Ōmokoroa Artists’ annual art expo

Every year, the Ōmokoroa Artists group showcase their work in an exhibi tion over Labour Weekend in the large hall at the Settlers’ Hall

In the small hall, artists will be work ing in different media and happy to an swer any questions you have about technique, media etc There will be activ ities for kids so their caregivers can take time to look at the artwork next door

Carole Hebberd will have two of her spectacular wearable art entries dis played on mannequins

As in previous years, there will be a big variety of work displayed in size, media and subject matter If you think you sim ply cannot squeeze another artwork on the walls in your home, there will be tiny art of $50 and under on display which you could find a place for, even if it’s in the loo

All the new houses in Ōmokoroa must need new artwork We change our furni ture, decor, and clothes but not pictures

They become fixtures However, change can be good It can be cheaper than mak ing other changes to our living spaces, and during the pandemic and winter months, haven’t you got a bit tired of looking at the same thing? Also, a repro duction is never quite the same thing as an original piece of artwork

There will also be cards for sale and two paintings to win in a raffle

The exhibition is an incentive for artists in the Ōmokoroa Artists group to work towards For some, it might be the first time they have exhibited Personally, I do not rate the success of an exhibition only by the number of pictures sold, but by the number of people who came and got pleasure and enjoyment from look ing at the work displayed and showed community support

The expo is open 10am 4pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labour Weekend, 22nd 24th October

Tree removal will close SH2 Te Puna early October

The need to swiftly remove a tree next to the road means Waka Ko tahi NZ Transport Agency needed to close a section of State Highway 2 for two days early this month

The closure between the SH2/Te Puna Road/Minden Road roundabout and SH2/Te Puna Station Road intersection was to be in place between 5am and 4pm, on both Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October

The ‘root’ cause of the issue lies with a separate tree that fell previously, dis turbing the embankment and putting this tree at risk, explains Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

“Specialist arborists have been moni toring the tree recently and have con cluded that it needs to be removed before it poses an immediate hazard to the road and the travelling public

“We are closing the road to ensure the safety of road users and our crews dur ing the removal operation If the process takes less time than expected, the clo

sure period will be ‘truncated’

“We acknowledge that the timing is not tre(e)mendous, given this weekend is the start of the school holidays With daylight savings the weekend before, we expect that a significant number of people are keen to head away to enjoy the extra daylight hours, which hopefully coincides with some sunny weather We ask that you either travel on Friday or consider your travel time on the weekend to reduce the potential for ‘logjams’ on the busy Waihī to Tauranga corridor

The detour for all southbound vehi cles, including heavy vehicles, is via Te Puna Road and Te Puna Station Road, and the northbound route is the same, in reverse order Under normal circum stances, this will add less than five min utes to travel time

If the weather conditions are not suit able (high winds mean we won’t be able to do this work safely), then the work will need to be postponed to the follow ing weekend Article supplied

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Liz Farrell

Betta

BBlinds was established in 1999 and since then they have been building on their reputation for supplying and in stalling stylish affordable high qual ity custom made blinds and shutters They started as a small company based in Whakatāne The head office and manufacturing plant still remains in Whakatāne today but they are growing Their growth has been fostered by the people and their relentless focus to specialise in only indoor blinds and shutters

Specialising has allowed them to become masters of the trade

In 2018 local Te Puna resident Kane Burton Brown joined the team and expanded the mobile service into Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty They now service the entire Bay of Plenty, parts of the Waikato and Coromandel and have com pleted many special projects in Auckland

Betta Blinds Quality Assurance Guarantee includes a minimum five year warranty on all their blinds and shutters and their most popular range of blackout and sunscreen blind fabrics include an unsurpassed 10 Year Warranty!

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ranging from modern beachfront homes to the backstreet bach small and large offices, restaurants and cafes retirement villages hospitals and public sector projects Some recent local projects include Te Puna Town Hall, Mount Maunganui Surf Club and the brand new Waikato University student accommodation building in Selwyn Street

Betta Blinds are at your service with prompt quotes, expert advice and custom made indoor blinds and shutters installed by their own team

Because they specialise the people that come to measure and quote have vast experience with installing blinds and shutters This combina tion of product knowledge and passion for giving their customers the best option gives you an assur ance of a ‘best product satisfaction guarantee’

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Parting thoughts from the Mayor

By Matthew Farrell

It’s 14 years since Garry Webber was encouraged into the old library at Ōmokoroa to make up the numbers for the Community Board now he’s re flecting after stepping down following two terms as Mayor of the Western Bay Back then, Kiwirail wanted to establish a shunting line in Ōmokoroa, before Garry dug in his heels, and it ended up in Apata He then stood for Council, and the rest is history

There are thanks to elected members of yesteryear, including Glenn Whittaker and Jo Gravit, and staff such as Alison Badger who Garry regards as incredibly fortunate to have had as administrative support, pointing him in the right direc tion for reports and information

“It was a steep learning curve I look back at the 2008/09 Ōmokoroa Commu nity Plan, then fast forward to today The majority of the planned cycleways and walkways are done It’s more accessible and liveable with wider paths for mobil ity scooters and pushchairs.

“Locally, we ’ ve worked with education and transport bureaucrats to get a school and roads planned There’s the playground at Ōmokoroa Domain, the potential at Precious Reserve, and the golf club walkway

“And district wide, after Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach, Don Thwaites and I campaigned to fund Maketū, Ōngare Point and Te Puna West water schemes using the whole ratepayer base to spread costs and debt, while keeping Te Puke and Katikati compliant and getting re source consents renewed ”

But aside from wins with amenity value and water projects, it’s clear the outgoing Mayor is frustrated with the snail’s pace of long term transport in frastructure investment

“People don’t realise the work behind the scenes with the Regional Land Trans port Plan Ōmokoroa sits on a list Noth ing happens, and you have to get over it, because you understand other Councils across the Bay of Plenty have their own priorities too

“There’s a lot of frustration in the road ing space Many decisions of the past 12 years have been parked because they haven’t been based on accidents, traffic volume or safety

“Look at the Ōmokoroa intersection, Moffat and Cambridge Roads, Belk Road, Tauriko, Hewletts Road Some of the most critical issues for the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand don’t rate highly on a regional list, where every other Council has one vote, and the Regional Council has two votes People make democratic

New green as good as any in NZ

decisions, but they are doing deals

“The Regional Land Transport Plan committee isn’t a long term strategically focused group The legislation needs more technical and industrial input, as well as politicians who recognise the criticality of the Port to the nation’s economy, our population growth, our State Highway road arteries, and the need for a good rail network servicing inland ports

Garry says Council debt was exacer bated by the Global Financial Crisis of 2007/08, but Council has since worked hard to pay down debt while providing community services

“We are one of the few Councils to have improved our debt and balance sheet Rates have been high; loud voices regu larly tell us But many Councils have caught up to us In the next six years, many will go past us as they remedy their non compliance with 3 Waters, which has been a real strength of

Western Bay ”

Garry says his biggest fear is that ‘squeaky wheels will screw the scrum ’ , taking the district backwards rather than investing and building for future gener ations in a changing world

The hot topic of this election has been 3 Waters Garry is unapologetic

“Everybody wants compliant drinking water, and the naysayers have lost the plot We want to be able to export dairy and meat, horticulture, wine and tourism We have to tidy up our environ mental performance in waterways Parts of France and the USA can’t irrigate

“When people campaign on tax cuts and rates freezes, you are voting for a freeze on service levels and a lack of in vestment in future water compliance, for example,” he says

Garry will be taking a break of at least two years to go woodturning, carving and crafting with jade partly because they don’t argue or answer back

By Matthew Farrell

faces; as good as any in New Zealand, they say

Ō

mokoroa Bowling Club officially opened its new $286,000 green on Saturday 3rd September with President Mike Mail keen to thank funders TECT, One Foundation, the Dis trict Council and Community Board, and The Centre op shop

The balance was made up by club funds and generous members

“It’s been a long time in the planning; now it’s finally a reality,” says Mike A past club secretary Rodger Broomhall says it’s about eight years since the idea of a new green was ini tially mooted and investigations began

“About three years ago, the work really started with a subcommittee, contacting suppliers A Country Estate resident Bob Jones came on as project manager, and we had tender documents from three companies before choosing Tiger Turf,” he says.

Subsequently, there were big logistical problems with Covid when it came to having a specialist carpet woven and then shipped from Portugal

It’s the latest and one of the best sur

One of the fundraisers, Dave Rolfe, says they’ve already had teams from other clubs in the region commenting favourably

Rodger says it drains and dries so quickly after rain that it’s possible to bowl straight away, unlike traditional grass surfaces, which become too soft to play

A ceremonial jack was bowled by Janet Burmeister, wife of the late life member

Willie Burmeister before Mike Mail re leased the first bowl

Also enjoying the day was the Presi dent of Bowls Bay of Plenty, Bill Murphy, himself a bit of a club legend “I’m very proud to sit here with my club top on to congratulate you all ”

Bill says of 38 greens from Tūrangi to Ōpōtiki and Katikati, 19 are now artifi cial

The day was then celebrated with an exhibition match involving a host of es tablished and up and coming stars of the local and regional game, who between them, lay claim to more than 100 centre titles and a number of national titles

Rolling out the green carpet for a special open day PHOTO: Eddie Boschat

Garry Webber says time will now allow him to look at coming to play bowls in Ōmokoroa after cut ting the ribbon for one of his final public engagements as Mayor PHOTO: Eddie Boschat

Spring

Assistance Dogs Annual Appeal

By Liz Farrell

Assistance Dogs NZ Trust’s Annual Appeal focused on two days this year: Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September The first volunteer on duty at Ōmokoroa Fresh Choice was mum Melanie Newman whose first hand experience of these life changing dogs is just a few months underway

Mel’s son Callum was diagnosed at three months old with a range of neuro disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, both of which present several associated behaviours and challenges for the solo mum of two Life revolved around Callum’s schedule; leaving the house became stressful as Mel wasn’t sure if he would have seizures and need a nap, his mood would escalate quickly

and result in meltdowns, and they would have to head home urgently For Callum’s older sister Mariana, going out as a fam ily and enjoying time at the park or with friends was limited by the constant need to take Callum away; socialising simply wasn’t accessible

Mel came across Assistance Dogs while researching various therapies that might help her son Whilst there were choices of service dog organisations for his individual disabilities, Assistance Dogs was able to tailor train a dog to meet the wider needs of his multiple dis abilities, as well as their family

In June 2022, ADNZT’s Jack was matched with Callum and delivered to his family home in Katikati to begin his placement programme with the team When Jack arrived Callum’s reaction was one of immediate adoration. Callum is extremely genuine in displaying his emotions and has no filter, and you could see the joy on his face the moment he locked eyes with Jack He also struggles with transitions and new people, but Jack provided a welcome distraction, and he immediately went up to give him a cuddle The more the pair played to gether, the more Jack’s tail wagged, and the happier Callum became

During the 2 week training pro gramme with ADNZT staff Mel learnt how to become Jack’s primary handler, with Callum at his side During this time, they headed out into places they would regularly need to go in their community and simulated scenarios with Callum, such as hospital visits, school assemblies and trips At home, they fine tuned his training to ensure Jack could perform all

the tasks that Mel and Callum would need to make life a little easier

Jack’s purpose and training will con tinue to develop as he settles into life as a qualified working dog with his new family They both enjoy playing together and lots of touch, and it’s clear that both Callum and Jack are having as much fun as each other wrestling and cuddling around the home

Jack has become another member of the Newman family primarily caring for Callum but also providing new op portunities for the family to go out and enjoy their time together, something that was often too stressful to enjoy before

Jack has been a life changing addition to the Newman household, allowing the family to return to some level of ‘normal ity’ As the pair develop and Callum grows, Mel hopes Jack will continue to support his seizures through the night and learn new tasks to support Callum’s future development and behaviour For now, it’s clear that her son has found a best friend, and life has become a lot happier

Thanks to Mel for using her precious downtime to help collect vital funds for Assistance Dogs NZ Trust and to our other volunteers who gave an hour or two from their day as well as helped to set up and take down the collection point There was an amazing $843 60 in the bucket at the end of the collection Thanks also to Fresh Choice, who raised $76 50 through the collection boxes at the checkouts, which brought us to $920 10

As we were absent for the whole weekend at a family wedding, Lizard

News is happy to top up that total so that we can send a nice, round $1000 to the charity

If you would like to donate to Assis tance Dogs NZ Trust, visit www assis tancedogstrust org nz and click on ‘donate now ’

Callum has found his best friend in ADNZT Jack

ADNZT Jack with his new family Callum Mari ana and mum Melanie PHOTOS: Supplied

New ideas to solve housing crisis

By Matthew Farrell

The community led development organisation Katikati Taiao held a local housing hui on Tuesday 20th September at its Henry Road innovation hub

Participants first heard from David Marshall, who spoke about some of the key findings from Grey Power research carried out in June among more than 2,833 pensioners managing on NZ Super David says 42% of those aged over 70 say they’d like to downsize from a mort gage free home, but more than half of those can’t find suitable accommodation to stay locally, near friends and support networks They also have limited cash reserves

2018 Census data shows 39% of pri vate dwellings in Katikati are owned by retirees; among those, the single occu pancy rate is 68% which means 444 pensioners live home alone

A Katikati Taiao survey in 2021 re ceived 76 questionnaires 20% rented while 80% were owned occupied Of the 3+ bedroom homes, 60% were single oc

cupancy 70% expressed a desire to downsize, and 80% said financial stress was a major concern

Katikati’s retired population is twice the size of the national average, and the last Census shows the average income per household is under $60k, against the average of $102k

Sarah Kay Coulter provided insight from Waihī Beach She says some people with a roof over their heads mistakenly believe that housing is someone else’s problem and that we don’t have that problem here

From a Māori perspective, she says, an cestral land is often in fragmented blocks or landlocked after historic disposses sion, or locked behind current red tape processes

“Lack of housing options leads to in stability, impacts on well being, then people move out of their home area be cause there are no affordable rentals year round in a place with a summer season, ” says Sarah Kay

“We should all have a fundamental human right to be housed without fear and worry ”

Sarah Kay believes policy changes around minor dwellings could play a role in intergenerational housing scenarios to create permanence instead of transience

Another idea to be explored is bamboo construction methods used in Indonesia, she says

Taiao’s Alan Maxwell says making it easier for pensioners to downsize in their community could free up homes for working families, reduce the costs and environmental impact of their commut ing, and reduce the need for new large houses on horticultural land

Alan says since 2010, the Smart Growth Action Plan shows house prices in the sub region are up 107% while rents are up 75%

Participants then took part in breakout sessions, leading to inspiring ideas that it’s hoped could motivate real change around the local housing shortage

My personal contribution was to sug gest equity based lending to construct 1 and 2 bedroom units under a not for profit model, possibly with some angel investment.

Others suggested rent to buy schemes, leases under a lifetime right where capi tal gains were invested back into main tenance and growth, and shared ownership models

A pilot scheme under a Community Housing Trust sounded like a solid ac tion plan

Find out more at www katikatitaiao org

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer

ust four callouts for Ōmokoroa Vol unteer Firefighters in September, and again no major incidents A let ter box on fire on Whakamārama Road was easily extinguished on the 3rd fol lowed by a lift assist helping St John with a patient on the 7th

J

A controlled burn after the hours of darkness was called in by a passerby Please, if you are burning whatever, make sure the fire is extinguished by sunset The rule is all fires must be out by nightfall

A car rollover on State Highway 2 with four young persons in the vehicle could have ended as a major Thankfully only one person was taken by ambulance to hospital Firefighters had traffic control in place but were very concerned with the number of vehicle drivers speeding past the accident site Please have some consideration for those who are trying to keep everybody safe

Our First Responders have had a quiet month, responding twelve times One cardiac arrest and a number of chest pain patients along with some with breathing problems, and two patients who suffered strokes were attended to

Katikati Taiao s Alan Maxwell PHOTO: Supplied

Holyoake prepared for changes

By Matthew Farrell

The chief executive of Western Bay of Plenty District Council has been in the job since July 2021 He’s about to have a new boss himself, post election John Holyoake recently caught up with Lizard News to tell us about his background, and his lens on the landscape for local government change.

What were you previously doing for Tāmaki Regeneration Company?

TRC is owned by the government and Auckland Council It’s the only example in NZ of that shareholding It was set up by Bill English to achieve housing assets with a well being approach, to leverage spending for social and economic out comes, and education to employment I’m a true believer that everyone de serves security of tenure People need to know where they’re going to wake up in a safe and healthy home, with a social network, a doctor, and a school or it falls apart That’s my anchor

How do you see changes shaping up?

There’s so much going on with govern ment mandated change that provides the plank or lever for that change 3 Waters is transnational For me, it’s more about what does the future of local government look like?

Internally, we ’ re looking at Crown Councils taking a kaitiaki (guardianship) role around community led outcomes We own the frameworks and facilitate the co design and lead some of the im plementation across agencies with mana whenua and the community

To start some of those conversations has been easy It’s never all good and fluffy People react to change differently Some take longer, that’s human nature Others embrace change more quickly, but generally people are supportive

We’ve adopted some new priorities: community led outcomes, a more active role in housing delivery, and genuine partnership with tangata whenua A lot of people at Council were almost waiting for someone to say it’s ok to go ahead with these things

We are just people that live and work in the community

What is the landscape for local gov ernment challenges?

I’ve worked around central govern ment most of my life, and I have great re lationships in Wellington useful for progressing things I have been around politics long enough to know when to in fluence, and when you know you can

With Minister Mahuta, she’s very de termined about what she wants to achieve with 3 Waters So how much en ergy do you want to use? We’ll try to in fluence as much as we can within the framework of it happening We care about people and what is happening to them, but it will happen. Let it. All I see is a phenomenal opportunity to work a lot closer and in a different way with our community

What possible problems do you see coming from government?

Don’t tell us how to manage a relation ship with tangata whenua Tell us it’s im portant we have a relationship with tangata whenua, but don’t tell us how to

follow your process and system Western Bay is already doing the things that Crown are going to suggest we do We’ll stay within the realms of policy settings, and we are going to do it well, so don’t interfere with us too much Let us take a place based approach and we are going to be successful

How do you see Council’s sites?

We need a civic presence in Ōmokoroa, as we do in Te Puke and Katikati The Ōmokoroa library was never supposed to be a long term solution. There is an other solution coming I think Jace (404 Ōmokoroa Road) is probably where we could end up

From a staff office perspective, we have our main space in Barkes Corner We’d be lucky if we are using more than 50% of that A lot of people live this way; a lot work on the road There’s an ability for people to stop somewhere more cen trally to where they live

We are on a big piece of land in central Tauranga Regardless of what we want to do, there are probably better uses for that land Are we better off having a pres ence in the three towns? With a shop front model, does it matter where that is? Are we better off having a small ac cessible centre in Tauriko shopping cen tre for example?

What would you like to achieve?

We’ve reset priorities with a few changes in the organisation Everyone is talking differently about who we are and our strategic priorities. That’s a really good platform

Getting over the next while of the elec tions is going to be an incredibly impor tant period Who are we going to get? I’m going to get a new boss What is their view on these priorities and diversity going to be?

It’s interesting A new school year with fresh books and a fresh start Things are happening in central government We’ll have new local elected officials to induct and a real launch forward into the “let’s go ” period

Council CEO John Holyoake

5 top tips for returning to exercise postpartum

By Nicole Dixon Mind Your Movement Pilates

Welcoming home a newborn baby is an exciting experience for mums but can not always be an easy one Sometimes exercise can be the last thing you are thinking about between juggling sleep, your baby, family commitments or even work

Or you may be ready to begin your exercise journey but have no idea where to start

It’s important to return to exercise on your own terms and remember everyone ’ s situation is different Your ability to return can be affected by how much sleep you are getting, the help and support you have, how settled your baby is, your labour experience and what level of exercise you were doing pre birth

My 5 top tips for returning to exercise postpartum are:

1 Gain clearance to exercise from your GP if you are returning soon after your baby is born

2 See a specialised Pelvic Health Physiotherapist if you are concerned about your pelvic floor Your

M

pelvic floor, whether you have had a natural birth or C section, has undergone a fair amount of stress; please take good care of it

3 Choose a practical day/time that is going to suit you and your family to exercise There’s nothing worse than struggling to fit a routine into your life It must work for you!

4 When it comes to exercise, know yourself and what you enjoy Whether it’s the style of exercise or the environment you are in, it’s important to know what drives your motivation Is it a lighter style of exer cise, a competitive environment, being out in nature or one on one socializing with a friend?

5 Don’t expect to be back to your pre pregnancy fit ness levels Remember, it took nine months of changes in your body to grow a baby; things just don’t go back into place straight away

There are many benefits to returning to exercise postnatally, not just for your physical health but some times, more importantly, your mental wellbeing

There are so many great ways to exercise in our beau tiful community of Ōmokoroa, whether it’s a walk, bike ride, boot camp, gym, yoga, or Pilates, the options are endless

Mobile recycling service to kick off

obile recycling trailers are ready to hit rural roads around the rohe from Saturday 1st October

Western Bay of Plenty District Coun cil’s new mobile recycling service will be visiting BP Pongakawa, Omanawa Hall and Te Ranga School on Saturdays from 9am 1pm on a fortnightly rotation that starts from 1st October

The new mobile recycling service is part of Council’s commitment to make recycling more accessible for rural resi dents of the Western Bay who can’t use Council’s kerbside recycling, and who live a long drive away from the nearest recycling centre

The service was trialled in July Au gust when the two new recycling trailers visited Pongakawa, Omanawa, Te Ranga and Whakamārama communities

Residents were encouraged to bring in their recycling and share their whakaaro

(thoughts) on how the new service should run

Feedback showed people preferred a Saturday morning drop off time, on a fortnightly roster, and at the same loca tions as the trial The only site that hasn’t been included in the roster is Whakamārama, as most of the commu nity have recently been added to the kerbside service Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Team Leader, Ilze Kruis, says she received positive feedback on the new service

“People said, ‘Please continue the ser vice’, ‘ we just love the service’, ‘this ser vice covers everything I need’ and ‘brilliant set up keep this going’

“People from each community gave us valuable feedback that helped shape the mobile recycling roster going forward This service is for them, and they’re

really keen it’s great to see ”

Like with any recycling service, con tamination can be a problem, so Ilze says, “Please rinse your recyclables, flat ten your cardboard, and remove lids And if you ’ re not sure, you can ask our Council team member who will be with the trailers at all times ”

The trailers are also limited by their capacity, so please only bring in as much recycling as would fit in a kerbside recy cling service (240 litre yellow lid wheelie bin and 45 litre glass crate)

Large stored up amounts of glass and large items like fridge boxes will still need to be taken to our recycling centres

The first month of the service will roll out and repeat each fortnight Saturday 1st and 15th October, 9am 1pm, it will be at Omanawa Hall

The mobile recycling trailers can take clean glass beverage and food jars

green, clear, brown lids removed; plas tics numbers 1, 2, 5 only lids removed; tins and aluminium drink cans; and flat tened cardboard and paper

The mobile recycling trailers have been named Recyclosaurus Rex and Sus tainabox, through a community naming competition

The custom built mobile trailers were funded through the Waste Minimisation Fund with support from the Glass Pack aging Forum

For more information and key dates visit westernbay govt nz/mobilerecy cling Or you can download the free An tenno app and get reminder notifications straight to your mobile each fortnight Antenno can be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store

Printed versions of the roster can also be picked up from any Council Library or Service Centre Article supplied

Exciting original art exhibition

By Kinsa Hays

Katikati has a wealth it doesn’t sus pect

Our local artists have had two years since the last exhibition to create work You’ll be surprised and delighted with their imaginative efforts These can be seen during their exhibition at the Memorial Hall from Friday 30th Septem ber to Monday 3rd October 10am 4pm Entry is by gold coin donation

The artists have been issued with a challenge: to imitate an Old Master Be prepared to recognise some works you ’ ve only seen in books or world class museums and art galleries and guess which ones you know The public is in vited to vote for the one they like best so come and make your choice

There’s a wide variety of subjects from traditional to contemporary and ab stract You’ll wonder how they’ve been created in such different mediums such

as oil, watercolour and acrylic using palette knife, ink and modern tech niques Discover what you like in style and colour All original art is for sale at affordable prices

Guest artist Bob Drake has lived in Katikati since 2015, having returned to New Zealand after living in England and France from 1988 Drake has painted and drawn all his life, but it was not until he went abroad that he painted full time He produces abstract works based on the principles of sacred geometry He often works in series or groups to de velop his ideas on a theme. Drake exhib ited regularly while abroad and in Auckland His works are in many coun tries world wide

Digital Hub welcomes ground breaking virtual reality experience

This October school holidays, the Antarctic Heritage Trust is bring ing its popular virtual reality road show to Katikati’s Digital Hub What could be cooler?

From Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th October, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Digital Hub, located at The Cen tre Pātuki Manawa, will play host to the Hillary’s Hut Antarctica Virtual Reality (VR) Experience a large scale digital project which transports people to Antarctica in a way never seen before.

Through VR, you’ll get to step inside Sir Edmund Hillary’s hut, discover what it took to be an Antarctic explorer, and see what life was like living in the coldest place on Earth back in 1957

This free event will be open 10am 4pm for three days only and is best suited for those aged 9 years and older Places are limited, so bookings are es sential head to eventbrite co nz to book your session Council’s Team Leader Libraries West ern, Julia Edgecombe, says it’s exciting to be part of the nationwide roadshow and bringing Antarctica to Katikati

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Western Bay rangatahi and their whānau to come and learn more about Sir Ed mund Hillary and New Zealand’s first presence in Antarctica in a fun, interac tive and fully immersive way, ” says Julia

To celebrate this awesome event com ing to the Western Bay, our libraries

teams around the District will also be putting on some fun activities for tamariki during the October school holi days

“We’ll be going all out with the Antarc tic theme crafts, colouring competi tions, movies, LEGO®, and cool activity booklets so keep an eye on the Western Bay Libraries Facebook page to find out more ”

The Katikati Digital Hub opened in 2020 after receiving a $400,000 boost from the Provincial Growth Fund. Its purpose is to provide residents of Katikati and surrounding areas with ac cess to the digital technologies needed to adopt digital tools and learn new skills

“Having the Hub equipped with all the latest digital technologies, meeting rooms and resources is providing us with the ability to host amazing events such as the Antarctic Experience right here in Katikati, as well as providing lo cals with everyday digital connectivity

“We’re really proud of our Digital Hub, and we ’ re very lucky to be able to offer such a wonderful space to our commu nity,” says Julia

To book your free tickets for the Hillary’s Hut VR Experience, head to eventbrite co nz

To find out more about the Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub, check out pmdh nz

For more information on the Antarctic Heritage Trust, see their website: nzaht org

By Angela Armer

Hi there, cookie lovers! As you probably know and have already seen on my Facebook and Instagram Page photos of my yummy cookies and cakes

Heavenly Bites is the name, and I bake to order your favourite flavours I have had so many great reviews from customers already; it’s been very much

if you are not a baker, or just don’t

you

Bridging the Gap by Bob WDrake aihī Beach by David Blair

Scott says

By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel

Like most people, I was deeply sad dened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Her Majesty has been a prominent figure in our lives for so long and has come to symbolise stabil ity It is difficult to imagine a world with out her wisdom We all knew the day would arrive, but for me, the intensity of her passing was much greater than I had expected

So many people have told me they have been reflecting on her remarkable life of service, dedication, and commitment to her role as our Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth and Realm Countries

It’s a bit overwhelming when you con sider the world leaders she has met, the number of issues she has confronted, and the changes that have occurred over her lifetime Through all these changes, Her Majesty was a stable influence in our lives She was our rock Many of us felt we knew her well even though we may not have ever actually met her She was, in a way, a personal presence in our lives

As a child, I remember my mother tak ing me and my siblings to sit on a foot path outside the Mercury Theatre in

Auckland, where the Queen was due to attend a performance It seemed as though we had to wait for an eternity for the fleeting moment we saw her, but I still remember her arriving, getting out of the car, and giving everyone a quick wave as she made her way into the the atre

Many New Zealanders will have their own similar stories and recollections of the Queen and what she has meant to them For many, especially younger gen erations, she will be remembered as a constant presence in their households over Christmas, as they tuned in to hear her annual address She provided great clarity, and strength, and had an ability to bring people together

My condolences to her family and all those who loved her I am sure that in time they will take solace in knowing that she made a positive impact on so many people

We now face a future unfamiliar to many of us as we pledge ourselves to our new Head of State, King Charles III A few years ago, I briefly met the King, and I rest assured knowing that he shares his mother’s dedication to service Long Live The King

Jacqui Hardie

Waihī Beach Community Centre

By The Committee Waihī Beach Community Centre Society Inc.

The Waihī Beach Community Centre is situated at 106 Beach Road, op posite the Waihī Beach RSA It con tains a large hall with a stage, a supper room, kitchen, Waihī Beach Library, two offices and toilet facilities

The ratepayers of Waihī Beach own the Centre; after fundraising efforts by locals in the eighties, the building commenced in 1992 with completion in 1993, on Council owned land

The Centre is the only local Commu nity Centre not under the ownership of the Western Bay of Plenty District Coun cil

The Centre is run by the Waihī Beach Community Centre Society Inc , which has a membership of nine people who oversee that the Centre is maintained to standards required by the Building Act, as the building is leased out to the public and Waihī Beach School

Until 2020, the Society was tasked with maintaining the facility with income from leasing and renting space within the building The balance of the costs was from fundraising events, such as the Antique Fair at New Year, plus other small fundraising activi ties

The Council also had a small charge on

ratepayers to cover the cost of the building insurance

Since 2020, the Council has raised the ratepayers’ contributions to $15 per Waihī Beach ratepayer to assist with the ongoing maintenance costs and im provements required of a 30 year old building, thus reducing the financial risk that the Society has been burdened with over the past few years

Looking to the future, the Council has recommended that the new Waihī Beach Library is located alongside the Centre and still maintain its presence within the Community Centre

This will enhance their ambition to es tablish a Hub for Waihī Beach, which will include the Library, A Friends Place, Menz Shed and Waihī Beach School in close proximity to each other, along with the skating facility

To maintain this forward motion, The Waihī Beach Community Centre Society Inc is looking for new ‘blood’ to assist them in running the Centre and wishes to invite all ratepayers to attend their AGM on 31st October 2022 at 5 pm in the Supper Room of the Community Centre

If you are unable to attend the AGM but wish to assist, please contact Heather Christini, Secretary, Waihī Beach Community Centre Society Inc P O Box 52, Waihī Beach, 3642 or email wbh bookings@gmail com

Todd’s take

Todd’s take

By Todd Muller Bay of Plenty MP

It has been a remarkable period for New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as billions of us have reacted to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on the 8th of September While it was inevitable we’d one day have to farewell Her Majesty, the enor mity of the loss of our monarch has been felt widely

Personally, I’ve felt a strong sense of loss Queen Elizabeth has always been a major influence on me and for my family Growing up, we were very aware of the Queen and her own family Her values of determination, hard work and public service were reinforced to me by my grandparents, of the same generation, who were the Mayor and Mayoress of Te Aroha

Queen Elizabeth visited New Zealand on a number of occasions, and she clearly had great affection for our coun try and our people When I worked at

Parliament in 1995, I was involved in Queen Elizabeth’s State Visit, and it was a great honour to meet Her Majesty at Government House It was a brief con versation, but it was a special moment that I hold dear and that I’ve reflected upon over the last few weeks

For many of us, Her Majesty The Queen was the only monarch we ’ ve ever known, and it’s going to take some con siderable time to get used to having a King as our Head of State We’ll now sing God Save The King, refer to King’s Coun sels, rename holidays and create new honours Eventually, we’ll see changes to our currency, our passports and our coat of arms

I am looking forward to welcoming King Charles III on his first visit to New Zealand as our Head of State In the meantime, I’m sure you will join me in wishing him well as he takes over his new role while also dealing with his own personal grieving process God Save The King

Celebrating the life of Gordon Burr

This week we are going to celebrate the life of the best neighbour Te

Puna Community Kindergarten has had This past weekend at the age of 92, Gorgon Burr passed away and has joined his wife Avis, who passed away seven years ago

Gordon and Avis Burr donated the land in 1985 that the old kindergarten sat on up past his house on Minden Road, and for the past 11 years, Farmer Burr has been a part of our curriculum

Through playing in his orchard, learn ing to grow potatoes, peas, kūmara and any other vegetables that were chosen to grow Farmer Burr treated the children to rides on tarps behind the ride on

mower, pushes on the trolley carts down the hills and offered tasty treats from the vast orchard of fruit that Gordon metic ulously maintained

Recently while Farmer Burr has not been at home, the children have been going up to his orchard and helping maintain the order by picking up the eaten fruit skins left by the pukekos and rotting fruit on the ground, leaving it just like he would

Our children have been so blessed to be welcomed onto his property all these years and have Gordon give us his time, patience and love He is a taonga that will be forever treasured and remembered

Kia hinga he tōtara I te wao nui a Tāne A tōtara has fallen in the forest of Tāne

Business networking: It s been really informative for me to spend time with constituents in the busi ness sector lately We had a good night at Papa Mo s with Pāpāmoa East businesses and then Te Puna at Nourish Café for afternoon tea with local business owners It s tough for employers at pre sent and I appreciated the honest views they shared PHOTOS: Supplied

Farmer Burr opened his life and his land to the tamariki of Te Puna Kindergarten PHOTOS: Sup plied

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the only name to re member for quality cabin hire! MiZiN cabins are an ex cellent space creating solution for your lack of room All our cabins are fully insulated, built to NZ Building Standard NZS3604 and electrically safety certified We hire our cabins to all kinds of customers, for all types of purposes

Our cabins make the perfect solu tion for offices, sleepouts, she sheds for activities or hobbies They are also easily removable and will leave a minimal footprint on your site Tauranga MiZiN franchise owners, Andrew and Fiona, were looking for a business that matched their family values After a couple of years of search, they identified the Mizin fran chise as an ideal fit a quality prod uct that meets a proven need in the market above expectation, within a family of great people We are really

looking forward to working with our clients to meet their needs whilst providing outstanding service

When enquiring about our cabins, you may well have our daughter Maddie as the first point of contact Together, we hope to be able to work collaboratively with you to under stand your objectives and provide you with a top quality cabin that meets these

Generally, we have a stock of cab ins on hand and will endeavour to do our absolute best to get these to you as soon as possible If not in stock, then it is generally a matter of days to get a brand new cabin in stock, gen erally before you complete the pa perwork!

Whether it s for an office, an extra bedroom, a playroom for the kids or a creative space for everyone we have got a solution for you Article supplied

Katikati and Waihī Beach residents were out in force to hear from Ward candidates at Katikati Primary School on Monday 29th August

A minute s silence was observed for the Queen before the Mayoral debate at Te Puna Memorial Hall on Monday 19th September

One of the last public meetings with candidates was held at Ōmokoroa Pavilion on Tuesday 20th September PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell

If you eat unseasonally, you will pay unreasonably

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Garden

It’s been a strange year, more so when I chanced upon a programme called ‘News’ which was letting us know that tomatoes and capsicums were outra geously overpriced and might be leading to inflation

In these energy expensive times, I was puzzled why no one questions how we get offered tomatoes and cap sicums and aubergines in mid winter and how much it might cost to grow them, let alone nurture, tend and protect them from what we used to call winter They taste of nothing much and have no feeling or sense of connection to the land

We were sitting in the polytunnel last week, and the temperature inside is now over 30 degrees, and the en ergy cost of heating it is exactly nil with no added GST, thanks to the ever present sun Look around, and all the real plants are spurting,

sprouting and rising to the warmth We even have a sheltered tomato who survived winter under our picnic table

But the real joy of real seasonal vegetables starts now It’s called a nursery for a good reason, and once the wee things are big enough, we put them to bed outdoors when we know there will be no more frosts Then we nurture, protect and feed

One thing I like about the new King is his reputation for talking to plants and trees, and when he’s been king for six months, we should be able to harvest our babies and eat them!

Each mouthful in autumn is a sensory re minder of sowing, feeding, supporting and weathering everything that the climate throws at us I love them so much I could eat them! Come along to Ōmokoroa Com munity Garden, Hamurana Road, on Thursday and Sat urday mornings to share gardening joys and losses with lovers of tasty vegetables

Ōmokoroa Neighbourhood Support

By Rachel Millard Coordinator

even a permanent presence

A

s we head into Spring and hopefully the sun be gins to shine more, we look forward to those lighter spring evenings We do hope the lighter evenings will deter any suspicious activity

Snr Constable James Muir reports an incident on Fri day 16th September at Vista Close at around 7 30pm

Two young girls were knocking on doors, running away and hiding in gardens When confronted, the girls were verbally abusive and then dropped off a vile letter at the victim’s house the following day This incident has been reported to the police, who now have a copy of the letter Please be sure to call 105 and log such events

The more we report, the more it supports our need for a more frequent police presence in the community or

A Safer Plates event will be run by Ōmokoroa Com munity Patrols. It is run to help with vehicle related crime Patrollers replace the regular screws on the number plates of cars with tamper resistant screws

The aim of this event is to reduce the number of stolen registration plates that can be used to commit crime

Weather permitting it will take place on the 15th of Oc tober in the Prole Road car park There will be a sausage sizzle available whilst you wait with a gold coin donation to our local fire and first responders

Our community is better when we get to know our neighbours One of the best ways we can prevent crime is through our capable and observant local community

It is important for our community to look out and look after each other. Being visible and attentive in our

neighbourhood makes it less attractive to those less honest.

The Community Patrol is also looking for more younger people to join some o the patrols We are needing to add in some later evening patrols, and we could do with some new blood to help The pa trollers have a police radio and can be in touch as soon as they see or hear of something Being a patroller is about seeing what is happening but not physically re sponding The police need information, times, dates, cars, and descriptions

If you are keen to help in any way, please contact nsomokoroa@gmail.com

We feel like proud parents! PHOTO: Supplied

Ha nd Thera pist on the Ōmokoroa Peninsula

MichelleCaspersonn and Jill Edwards have over 25 years of experience between them as Hand Therapists, and five and a half years ago started All About Hands in Ōtūmoetai They both have strong ties to Ōmokoroa, with Michelle s parents living there and Jill s first job on a milk truck there in her teenage years

With a growing number of clients travelling in from the north, they started to look for options for siting a clinic on the peninsula With the availability of a skilled therapist moving to the area and a collaboration with Sally Bosselmann at Ōmokoroa Physiotherapy this has now been realised Kaylee Towers will be the face of All About Hands in Ōmokoroa and will be working two days a week from Sally s rooms Kaylee has returned from maternity leave for this role and is excited about working in the community in which she now lives Kaylee previously worked for All About Hands and also for Tauranga and Waikato Hand Therapy departments, bringing a wealth of experience in managing hand injuries, rehabilitation following surgery and managing arthritis Hand Therapy is a specialty area of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, and therapists undertake further study and accumulation of experience before becoming Registered Hand Therapists Our therapists have in depth knowledge and experience of anatomy and conditions from the elbow to the fingertips

In a session of hand therapy, your therapist will assess the problem, discuss options for treatment and come up with a treatment plan that suits you Treatment can include customised or off the shelf splinting warm paraffin wax and stretching manipulation strengthening and modification of tasks whilst the hand is not functioning as it normally would You don’t need a referral for Hand Therapy, and Kaylee can help you with lodging an ACC claim if you ve had an injury

Therapists work closely with surgeons other therapists involved and your GP Being located within a physio practice and next to a GP is ideal for a wrap around service and fits our All About Hands ethos of being experts who ensure therapy is customised to the individual and their life and of being an integrated part of the community Bookings can be made online at www allabouthands co nz or through the Ōtūmoetai office 07 570 2506

Article supplied

Right: Michelle Caspersonn, Kaylee Towers and Jill Edwards PHOTO: Supplied

Waterside stepping-stone to Waihī Beach

Those looking for a stepping stone to a beach front lifestyle need look no further than the hidden gem of Athenree, located on the shores of the Tauranga Harbour, says the area ’ s leading real estate agency LJ Hooker Waihī Beach In its latest report on the local property market, LJ Hooker Waihī Beach shines a light on the coastal village of Athenree, “which has experi enced a surge of interest from house buyers seeking close proximity to Waihī Beach, but without the multi million dollar price tag”, says Steve Bowen, LJ Hooker Waihī Beach’s leading real estate specialist for Athenree

“The latest figures from the REINZ (Real Estate Insti tute of New Zealand) show that for the year August 2021 to August 2022, 42 properties were sold in and around Athenree with a total combined value near to $50 mil lion. Of that, 24 properties sold for more than $1 million,” says Mr Bowen

“Of the 42 properties sold in and around Athenree, prices ranged from $440,000 for a 454m2 section up to

$2 39 million for a 4 bedroom house on 1 16 ha of land The number of days these properties stayed on the mar ket ranged from a lengthy 620 days down to one prop erty being sold within 2 days of being listed

“As summer nears, we are again starting to see re newed buyer interest and enquiry from people in Tau ranga, Hamilton, and Auckland who want to escape the metropolitan bustle, and Athenree continues to be a sought after peaceful location,” says Mr Bowen, adding that “there’s currently six new listings live in Athenree further boosting the area ’ s attractiveness to new buy ers ”

“Athenree is no longer being viewed as the poor cousin to Waihī Beach, as buyers quickly realise, they’re getting significant upsides in terms of lifestyle, including views of the Pacific, rural surrounds, eco wetland sunsets and access to the Athenree’s natural spring water hot pools and estuary,” Mr Bowen says Article supplied

Marriner

Inaugural Godwit Festival

By Chrissie Cleaver and Chris Cole Ōmokoroa Bird Group

These amazing birds have just ar rived back in New Zealand with their brand new babies that were hatched up in their Arctic nesting grounds only a few months ago They and their young have flown 12,000 kms non stop which is an awful long way with out a stop How is that possible? Many thousands of them roost at high tide on the sand bars just offshore from our own Cooney Reserve

To celebrate their return, a festival has been organised to commence at 11 30am on Saturday 29th October down in Cooney Reserve After a couple of wel coming speeches, we will all process down the boardwalk to view the godwits Upon our return, families are welcome to have a picnic lunch and enjoy a free sausage from the sausage sizzle

Do pop into the tent and view the won derful Godwit drawings and models cre ated by our industrious students at Point Primary School Also available will be booklets featuring Birds of the Ōmokoroa Peninsula and brochures from Pūko rokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre

In the meantime, a Godwit colouring in competition is being held for children during the school holidays in the Ōmoko roa library on Western Avenue

As Godwits will be resident here for the next six months, the Ōmokoroa Public Group plan to organise a competition for local primary school/intermediate age children, inviting them to create an art work which celebrates the Godwit; for example, in the form of a sculpture, dio rama, mobile, model, or original painting

This is the first time this festival has been held It is intended that it will be come an annual event Make sure you come down early to grab your picnic spot See you there!

By Alie Henderson

Ōmokoroa Public Art Group is de lighted to celebrate the arrival of the Godwits/ngā Kuaka in Ōmokoroa and to support the Festival Day on Saturday, 29th October, planned by the Ōmokoroa Bird Group

We invite children (5 14 years) to cre ate an original artwork inspired by these amazing little birds who fly such long dis tances to spend the summer in Aotearoa Create a sculpture, a diorama, a mobile, a model, a painting or an original art work of your choice!

Entry forms can be collected from the Ōmokoroa Library in Western Avenue or from The Old Library on McDonnell Street from Saturday 15th October, and the beautiful works of art can be handed into either Library until the closing date on Saturday 12th November

The entries will be exhibited in the Gallery space at The Old Library, with a small prize for the most outstanding cre ation in each of the two age groups (5 9 years, and 10 14 years)

For more information, please contact Alie Henderson, on 021 248 0173, or email alie henderson@gmail com

Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club

By Fred Hartley Secretary

Members and guests at the regular meeting of The Peninsula Club on Thursday 6th October can look forward to hearing from guest speaker Andrew Vincent about the com mercial development project now under way in Ōmokoroa

Known as ‘The Village’, developers Fos ter Develop Ltd have had lots of weather challenges this year, but Development Manager Andrew Vincent is satisfied that

the programme for occupation can rea sonably be maintained

The project will comprise a mixture of retail, office and food outlets, as well as apartment style living units It is aimed at creating a family friendly community hub in Ōmokoroa

The Peninsula Club meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Commu nity Church, Ōmokoroa, commencing at 9 30am For further information, contact Geoff Gripton (548 1027) or Fred Hartley (548 1939)

Godwits at the sandbar off Cooney Reserve PHOTO: Jeff Martin Children’s art competition to celebrate the arrival of the Godwits/ngā Kuaka

The migratory path of the godwits

e c e i v

N O T 1 , B U T 2 s

i n g t i m e m a k e o v e r s !

is presented as a

We recommend you

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO), McDonnell Street 10am 4pm Tuesday Sunday

Local history, community information and art for sale Contact Alison on 021 294 9294

Dave Hume swimming pool in Katikati is open for the summer season Check times/sessions at www davehumepoolkk com or contact 549 1069

MONDAYS

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start 30A Park Road, Katikati New members welcome Email katikati tennis@outlook com Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 9am 12 30pm omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 9 15

10 15am Contact Claudia 021 192 7706

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up 9 30am Names in before 9 15am 2x4x2 format Coaching available 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103

Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 30 10 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

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Justice of the Peace clinic 11am 1pm at Waihī Library, 40 Rosemont Street Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 1pm for 1 30pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564

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 Christian Centre, Henry Road 1 4pm Some knowledge of canasta useful but

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

not essential Contact Christine Sherriff 549 5601 or 027 434 9842

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

IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 11 6 7 30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall Call 548 2515

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6 8pm 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

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/ 9 am start All year Casual & new players welcome Call Kevin 027 273 5655

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control from 8am and from 1 30pm Contact Shirley on 552 2707 Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 9am noon omokoroa@playcentre org nz

Te Puna Playcentre 9am 1pm term times only 225 Te Puna Road Contact te puna@Playcentre org nz

Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis 9am start Casual and new players welcome Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9 30am in

EVENTS

term times $4 per family Tamryn on 576 5387

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am Learn to spin weave felt knit crochet and more Call Alison 022 0849 348 Tai Chi 9 30 10 30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults 10 15 11 15am Catholic Church Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati Sharnie 021 111 8617

Keep on your Feet seated fitness for older adults 11 30 noon 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 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 at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4 5 30pm One free trial class Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra co nz Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6 8pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517 Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 6 30pm for 7pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564

Katikati Toy Library 6 30pm 8pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

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 $5 Contact Jill 021 408 660 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists

Adults Dance & Move 12 30pm St Peter’s Church, Beach Road, Katikati Many styles of fun dance Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail com, 577 1753 or 027 274 8753

Katikati Toy Library 2 30pm 4pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’ text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

Grow On Seedlings Club Katikati Community Centre 3 4pm 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of month, term time Intro to gardening for children aged 6 10 years Call Janet 021 0236 7038

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 2pm WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4 15 5pm (3 6 years) and 5 15 6 45pm (7 14 years) at Western Ave Sports Grounds

Wrestling Katikati Primary age 5 30 6 30pm, College age/seniors 6 30pm 8pm Bring a drink bottle A&P Hall Major Street Text Ross 027 256 4470

Twilight tennis at Te Puna Tennis Club 6pm start Contact Catherine tptennisclub@gmail com or 021 506 855

Ōmokoroa

Justice

Quiz

Casual

THURSDAYS

Katikati drop in Community Breakfasts

Katikati

549

Pickleball Waihī Beach Community Centre

Starts at 8 45am on 1st and 3rd Thursdays

Bats, balls, courts and

Phil

session

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 9am

omokoroa@playcentre

Tai Chi

00am Te Puna Memorial Hall Contact David 027 222 2824

Tai Chi 9 30 10 30am Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763

Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church Beach Road Katikati Call Edna 027 474 9946

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

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall 11 30am 12 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 027 286 1552, Alison Badger 548 1544

Katikati Concert Band 7 9pm, Katikati Bowling Club We welcome all ages and experience Contact Eryl 021 404 163 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 self confidence and personal growth 7 30pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at the Community Centre, Beach Road Contact 544 5989

FRIDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8 30/ 9 am start All year Casual & new players welcome Call Kevin 027 273 5565

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

Ladies Singles Tennis 9am at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa Enjoy

some competitive but fun games

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

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am 12 30pm omokoroa@playcentre org nz

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

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 Lorraine Taylor 548 1404

Omokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship, coffee, outings, etc Email Omokoroa Senior Singles@gmail com or phone 021 627 107

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 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 Bowling Club Combined Roll Up 2 00pm Names in before 1 45pm Coaching available Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103 Katikati Plant & Produce Market A&P Showgrounds 3 30 5 30pm Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449

SATURDAYS

Junior Tennis Coaching at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Members and Non members welcome Visit omokoroatennis com for information and to book

Katikati Toy Library 9 10am at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati

FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail com

Friends of Cooney Reserve 9am Bring sturdy footwear and gloves, and tools if you wish Contact Chris Cole (text only) 0274 545 586

Grow On Katikati 9 30 10 30 Pick up/drop off seeds and seedlings for community food resiliency Next to Katikati Community Centre growonkatikati@gmail com

Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9 30 11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall omokoroatoylibrary@gmail com

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 Western Bay Museum Guided Tour Noon WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE 32 Main Rd, Katikati Ph 07 549 0651

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 2 00pm Names in before 1 45pm Coaching available Social club day activities to follow 8 Park Rd, Katikati 07 549 0103

Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags Txt Robyn on 021 158 4038 to join or donate fabric Every other Saturday from 9th April at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 1pm Masks required Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 2 4pm Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517

SUNDAYS

Ōmokoroa Cricket 20 overs from 1pm every second Sunday at Western Ave BYO picnic

FB: @omokoroacricket

Movie Matinee 1 30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati Tickets $10 Limited seats 549 5250

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

Country Rock

Year round swimming in Ōmokoroa interest you? Contact Russell on 021 153 0767 or mothcork@gmail com for more information You are welcome to join us and swim for health and well being

Fri 30th to Mon 3rd October Katikati Artists exhibition 10am 4pm at Katikati Memorial Hall Gold coin entry

Sat 1st Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Swap excess produce, seeds, seedlings, preserves, jams baking etc 1st Saturday of the month Garden shed beside Katikati Community Centre on Beach Rd, 9 30 10 30am Call Jizzy on 549 2337 or Marie on 07 9297906

Sat 1st October Te Puna Hall Centenary Circus, food vendors, cabaret From 11am

Sun 2nd October Movie ‘Elvis’ 1 30pm at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Ph 07 549 1658

Sun 2nd Katikati Folk Open Mic 5pm every 1st Sunday of the month Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway Aongatete

Mon 3rd 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 3rd 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 4th Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa

Wed 5th 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 5th Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am at Waihī Beach RSA Interesting speakers, interesting conversation and of course interesting people Every 1st Wednesday

Wed 5th 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

Thu 6th Business Breakfast 7am 8am at Pātuki Manawa Guest Speaker: Success HR RSVP to info@KatchKatikati org nz

Thu 6th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9 30am 1st Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan) Contact Geoff Gripton on 548 1027 or Fred Hartley 548 1939

Thu 6th Café Scientifique Katikati Extra Event 7pm The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Free event Guest Speaker Fiona Powell, Bird of the Year Campaign Manager for the weka All welcome

Sat 8th Katikati Moggies Market Second Saturday each month 9am to 12pm Katikati Memorial Hall Your local monthly market Support local, buy local E: moggiesmarket21@gmail com

Sat 8th Patchwork Quilting at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am 4 30pm second Saturday each month Contact Christine 027 280 1344

Sat 8th Local Election voting closes at noon

Sat 8th Show Me Shorts Film Festival The Sampler (8 short movies Short Film Festival) at 6 30pm Screening at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Ph 07 549 1658

Sun 9th Sunday Scribblers Working on memoirs Fun writing exercises to warm up 2nd Sunday of each month 11am 12 30pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati Contact Gaye on gayehemsley@gmail com 577 1753 or 027 274 8753

Sun 9th Afternoon tea with the Mayor Ōmokoroa Community Church from 3pm All welcome

Sun 9th Plant Sale Te Puna Quarry Park 2nd Sunday of even months Contact ruthdainty@gmail com

Mon 10th Show Me Shorts Film Festival The Sampler (8 short movies Short Film Festival) at 1 30pm Screening at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction 36 Main Rd Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Ph 07 549 1658

Mon 10th Te Puna Indoor Bowls Te Puna Memorial Hall at 6 45 pm for a 7 9 pm evening of social games and coaching if you wish 2nd Monday of the month First two months free Contact Jo Gravit 027 552 6063

Tue 11th Ōmokoroa Photography Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion Social Room All levels welcome 7 9pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month Contact omokoroaphotoclub@gmail com

Wed 12th U3A Katikati monthly meeting 10am noon in the Digital Hub next to the Library on 2nd Wednesday each month Call Pam Mazoyer 021 104 2925

Wed 12th 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 12th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul’s church Contact Fiona 022 684 5178

Thu 13th Emergency preparedness drop in sessions every 2nd Thursday at The Centre Pātuki Manawa, Katikati 10am noon Visit westernbay govt nz/community/civil defence

Thu 13th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday Meet at Leyland Road carpark Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222

Thu 13th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 13th Katikati Genealogy Group meets on the 2nd Thursday at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1 30pm $5

New members welcome Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259

Fri 14th 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

Fri 14th 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 15th Katikati Artisan Market 9am 1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati 3rd Saturday of the month

Sun 16th Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete

Sun 16th Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month Ph Jonathan on 572 2091

Mon 17th 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 17th 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 18th Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library

Tue 18th Innovation Garden Club 1 30 3pm every 3rd Tuesday Waihī Beach RSA Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail com

Wed 19th 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 19th Movie: Downton Abbey: A New Era 1 30pm at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Ph 07 549 1658

Wed 19th Business After Five 5 15pm Hosted by Project Parore, 3 Mulgan Street, Katikati RSVP to 07 549 5250 All welcome

Thu 20th Genealogy support Help with research into family history and DNA searches Omokoroa Library, 3rd Thursdays 10am One on one help available at other times Contact Lyn at lynevaughan@gmail com or 027 259 6643

Thu 20th Fun Mixed Doubles Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Western Ave Third Thursday of the month from 5 30 7 30pm

Thu 20th Café Scientifique Katikati 7pm The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Free event

Fri 21st 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 21st 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 22nd Sun 23rd Ōmokoroa Artists Expo Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall from 9am

Sat 22nd Katikati Lions Garage Sale 9am noon at the containers behind Caltex, Main Rd Indoor & outdoor furniture, tools & more 4th Saturday Call David 027 549 0168

Sat 22nd Live Music: Kokomo The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati 7 30pm

Sun 23rd Show Me Shorts Film Festival The Cost of Progress (8 short movies Short Film Festival) at 1 30pm Screening at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Ph 07 549 1658

Mon 24th Labour Day

Wed 26th Movie: The Last Bus 1 30pm at the boutique Junction Theatre @The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati Tickets $10 or $7 50 Gold Card Ph 07 549 1658

Thu 27th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail com

Thu 27th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9 30 11 30am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239

Sat 29th 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 29th Ōmokoroa Godwit Festival Cooney Reserve from 11 30am

Sat 29th Live Music: Eric Bogle The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati 7 30pm Katikati Folk Club members $20, casual $25 Refreshments available

Sun 30th Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3 5pm Last Sunday of the month

Sun 30th Western Bay Community Awards nomination close Visit www tect org nz/community awards 2023

Mon 31st Waihī Beach Community Centre Society Inc AGM 5pm at the supper room in the Community Centre Contact Secretary Heather Christini on 027 342 0390

Tue 1st Nov Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall AGM 7pm followed by drinks and nibbles All welcome Meet and get to know your Committee Members, have your say and perhaps even consider joining the Committee?

Sat 5th Nov Waihī Beach Op Shop Ball Day of the Dead 7pm at Waihī Beach Community Centre Tickets via Eventbrite

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

Sustainable Wearable Art Challenge

eturning in 2022, the Envirohub Sustainable Wearable Arts Chal lenge will this year feature as part of the Bay of Plenty Garden and Arts Fes tival, with a catwalk fashion show at Bloom in the Bay at Tauranga Race course on Saturday 19th November 2022

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Textiles are a major global polluter, and we feel there needs to be more edu cation and awareness around this Our Sustainable Art Challenge offers participants a chance to not only com pete for great prizes but helps to spread the message that whilst we all need clothes, we need to make wiser choices With participants from the ‘Under 16’ and ‘Over 16’ age groups, we

reach out to the next generation of fash ion designers and consumers to inspire future generations It’s free to enter, and it is great fun!

Last year our U16 category was won by an entry from Kaimai School, and we are keen to see what other fabulous de signers are out there in Western Bay of Plenty

Two challenges are available with a theme of “It’s easy to be green ” Firstly, a Wearable Art Category where you create your outfit from scratch using sustain ably sourced textiles and items Think World of Wearable Arts or Tarnished Frocks and Divas Included in the chal lenge is an opportunity to add a ‘hero item’ for extra marks in the judging Our

Waihī Beach Op Shop Ball

Day of the Dead altars are made as a way of remembering and hon ouring friends and family who have passed on The altars help guide the spirits back to the land of the living on the night of the Day of the Dead

This is the theme of the annual Op Shop Ball themed event that you won’t want to miss It’s always a good time and always sells out! The idea is to dress for the ball, with Cinderella’s budget Grab anything you can from the Op Shop and get creative

We will have an altar at the event, and we are encouraging attendees to bring printed photos with them to attach to our altar and celebrate and honour those who would love to party with you Doors of Waihī Beach Community Cen

tre open on November 5th strictly at 7pm, and the band starts at 8pm The floor is general admission, and tables and chairs are first in, first served, or share with others and meet some new people

Each ticket includes a $10 food voucher for the numerous food trucks that will be present at the event These vouchers will be distributed to you on entry

Additional food and drink will be on sale with an Eftpos and a cash bar available Please note, this is an R18 event

Tickets via Eventbrite in advance only No tickets will be sold at the door. All funds go back into community initia tives

hero items are things that regularly fea ture in landfill, namely uniforms and company merchandise The second chal lenge is a 48 hour second hand fashion challenge. Collect op shop items from us during one of our 48 hour windows and re turn them to us as a new outfit which we will hold for the catwalk show on 19th November

We will also be offering low cost sewing work shops for those who are interested in taking part and need some help or don’t have access to a sewing machine More details will be available

once your registration has been received

Full details on the Wearable Arts and 48 hour challenge event are on our website https://envirohub org nz/pro grammes/sustainable art challenge/

Sustainable Art is the challenge at this year s event IMAGES: Supplied

PrESCHOOL PLayGrOUP

TWiF

Quiz night

Congratulations to Alison and Caryn, who organised a fun quiz night at Whakamārama Hall on Saturday 17th September to raise funds

for Hall maintenance

There were many teams dressed up to the theme Mexican Fiesta with the

Lizard News team taking out ‘best con cept theme’ as the old man napping in amongst cactus ‘I thought you said siesta’ Best dressed man was Nacho Libre, and best dressed woman was Frida Kahlo Thanks to Barbara Ann Overwater for the photos

The end of the line for Zippy

By Noelene Taylor Friends of the Blade

Persistence has paid off for a preda tor control volunteer from Friends of the Blade care group in his effort to trap a stoat he nicknamed Zippy The volunteer, Rolly, was determined to catch the female stoat who appeared regularly on his Whakamārama field camera footage over the course of several months She was so fast and agile that the film of her raids on the bait in his traps seemed to be speeded up; Zippy was the perfect description of her high velocity running, climbing and jumping Rolly persevered, keeping his traps loaded with fresh rabbit bait, but could only watch in frustration as, time after time, Zippy carried off the bait while avoiding the business end of the traps Until, finally, she didn’t Zippy was pregnant with kits and would have continued to breed A male stoat would have promptly impregnated her again, along with any of her female kits. She would have continued to kill the

chicks of native birds to feed herself and her kits. Her species evolved in Europe to survive freezing winters by storing up food Here, the food supply is available all year, but the habit of killing more than her immediate needs has stayed with her, and she will hunt relentlessly

Sadly for Zippy, she will not be missed The spring breeding time for birds is ap proaching, and there will be one less predator to attack the eggs, chicks and nesting adults Friends of the Blade volunteers are preparing traplines and installing new traps to be ready for the new season Every surviving young bird, every new native seedling, and every thriving population of insects, reptiles or invertebrates will be a win for the biodiversity of the Kaimai Ma maku

Anyone who is interested in joining a small and enthusiastic management group or our larger pool of equally en thusiastic predator control volunteers is very welcome to contact us for more in formation by emailing friendsofthe blade@gmail.com

fiesta fun

Community Awards nominations open

The awards that recognise the dedication of Western Bay of Plenty’s philanthropic community are back for 2023

Previously known as the TECT Community Awards, the awards return with a new name, the Western Bay Community Awards

The Bay’s funders, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, have joined forces with TECT to deliver the awards, further reflecting the collaboration of our region’s local funders

The Western Bay Community Awards 2023 have been designed to bring together all those who are involved in the not for profit sector; to celebrate and acknowledge their incredible community work that is helping make the Western Bay of Plenty one of the greatest places to live

The event will be hosted online over six weeks from the 30th of January on our Facebook and website, and the winners will be announced at the

awards ceremony at Baycourt on the 16th of March

Any not for profit organisation or volunteer in the Western Bay of Plenty can be nominated for the Western Bay Community Awards Groups do not have to have received funding from any of the funders to apply The Awards are based on activities undertaken in the previous 12 months

Anyone can make a nomination in any of the six award categories Nominators do not need to be directly associated with the group/person being nominated

If in the view of the judges, an entry meets the criteria for consideration under another category, the judges reserve the right to transfer the entry to that category

The six categories are:

Event Excellence Award recognising an event that has excelled in bringing our community together Sustainable Future Award recognising a group that demonstrates

climate related practices, either through projects that protect or improve the environment or sustainability focused thinking and action within the organisation’s operations

Diversity and Inclusion Award recognising an innovative initiative which supports diversity and inclusion within our community

Heart of the Community Award recognising a group that has gone above and beyond business as usual to support a thriving, caring and connected community

Youth Spirit Award recognising an individual under 25 who embodies community spirit through their contribution to the community

Volunteer of the Year Award recognising an individual who has made a significant contribution to the community

A People’s Choice Award will open in February for the general public to vote on their favourite finalist Additionally, a

Lifetime Service Award winner will be announced on the awards show night

A panel made up of community representatives judges the entries The key criteria considered by judges are: Impact on community benefit of service/project on the wider community; innovation and creativity utilises innovative ideas and new approaches Effectiveness of activities success of service, achievement or objectives; use of resources cost effectiveness, sustainability, and volun teering involvement and commitment; and collaboration evidence of collaboration and partnerships

Do you know of a not for profit organisation or volunteer in the Western Bay working to help the community? Make sure to get your nominations in to celebrate the amazing mahi of these individuals and groups!

Nominations are now open at www tect org nz/community awards 2023 and close Sunday 30th October

Who do you think you are?

By Liz Farrell

For Christmas last year, I bought Ancestry DNA testing kits for myself and Matthew The results were really interesting but other than a few superficial sweeps of the Ancestry website, we haven’t really taken it further Potentially we’ll put more time into it later on when our children are older when we ’ re working less when other things become lower on the priority list But ultimately, while I think it would be a cool thing to do, I wouldn’t really know where to start Ōmokoroa local Lyn Vaughan started hosting genealogy support services once a month at the library, so I spoke with her about what she’s trying to achieve and how easy it might be for a ‘newbie’ to have a crack at looking back at their own history

What first interested you in genealogy?

I became interested in genealogy at around 14 or 15 years old when I used the “Look and Learn” children’s magazine to make contact with children in other countries A girl called Sue, who appeared to be a relative, contacted me from England

Her aerogramme letter arrived, but was delivered by some officials to my house who explained the letter had been in a fire on a plane and was now rather tatty As it turned out, the letter was quite burned around the edges and inside was a family tree Very surreal Ever since then, I have been fascinated by the sociological aspect of family trees and have put my own and many others

together using the library, church and Ancestry records to collate my information

What tools would someone need to begin their own family search?

There are books available that can help you get started, but just knowing your grandparents or great grandparents can be important if you are keen on a sociological tree A DNA tree can be a great way to start for those wanting to establish who they really are

Therefore, you need to have a DNA test done, and once this is complete and the results sent out, you can discover through your DNA connection who your relatives are Researchers today use this to reinforce their connections Many adoptive people use their DNA to connect to family members too

A word of warning, though, unravelling the DNA connections can take many hours of work

How much does it cost?

It is possible to work from a library for free, but then you need to have your own system for recording the information you find It can be an expensive exercise to become involved in research, costing about $700 a year for just the access I only ask for a koha to cover the costs of the room

It helps if you have a laptop or computer, and joining any of the available genealogical sites will increase your ability to work from the comfort of your home On the surface, the programmes such as Ancestry, My Heritage and Family Tree maker can look

most frequently asked 1Questions

9:

If you have a missing tooth or even a bigger gap there are different ways to fill that space and we recommend filling gaps as soon as possible, even if they are in the back of your mouth and not immediately visible

Bridges and partial or full dentures can be used to restore the appearance and partial function of missing teeth So: all good? Not quite

As the saying goes: use it or lose it This also applies to jawbone Bridges and dentures only replace the visible portion of the teeth and do not extend into the jawbone Like other bones jawbone is constantly being remodelled: old bone is resorbed, new bone is built However, this natural process depends on the stimulation or pressure of opposing teeth on tooth roots when chewing

Unfortunately, when you lose a tooth, the jawbone begins to shrink because it is no longer sufficiently stimulated With the tooth root gone, less bone is needed in that area and bone mass is reduced As a result the bone is absorbed at a faster rate than it is replaced, causing the bone to break down In most cases bone resorption starts about six months after a tooth is lost

With implants, an artificial root is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root It fuses with the jawbone and provides the same bone stimulation as a natural tooth root This means bone mass in the jaw is preserved

straightforward, but with more knowledge, they can become an invaluable tool for success

Many trees are wrong as people take the superficial road and do not check their information from other sources, so you need to know how to avoid these pitfalls

Why are you running these groups?

I love to keep busy and love to use my brain to solve mysteries I am always very pleased for the people who I help as they are super excited about finding out more about who they are Writing up your own life story can be very fulfilling too, and once again, there can be a process for this

It is very time consuming, but imagine the joy of an ancestor to read about your life and who you were 100 years or more

from now I wish I had known more about the “dash” of my ancestors and not just the years they were born and died I would love to be able to use my skills to help others Many people find their family history quite personal, and I understand that I do have a very open attitude to all the secrets of the past, though Some of them are better stories than the books we read!

Lyn is available for genealogy support with research into family history and DNA searches She will be in the Matakana & Rangiwaea room (downstairs) of the Ōmokoroa Library every third Thursday of the month from 2 to 3pm One on one help is also available at other times Contact Lyn at lynevaughan@gmail com or 027 259 6643

Wear a mask to keep hospital patients safe

Please keep wearing a mask when you ’ re visiting hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

That’s the message from Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty as respiratory diseases con tinue to place pressure on health re sources

The message comes as declining rates of Covid 19 seem to be creating compla cency in our community, including our district’s hospitals

Chief Operating Officer Bronwyn Anstis says some people are wearing a mask to the hospital entrance, then tak ing it off after entering

This risks infecting staff and patients with the flu or Covid 19

“There are still a lot of respiratory dis eases in our community, and some peo ple are carrying the flu or Covid 19 without showing any symptoms,” says Bronwyn

“Therefore, it’s still really important for people to keep wearing masks in public settings especially in hospitals and other health care facilities where there are a lot of vulnerable staff and pa tients ”

Tauranga Hospital and Whakatāne Hospital are both asking visitors to wear a properly fitted mask and keep it on at all times while in the hospital; wash/sanitise their hands regularly, and keep their distance from other people as

much as possible

People who are sick with an infection that can be transmitted to others are also being asked to avoid visiting friends and whānau in hospital

“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our patients and staff,” says Bronwyn

“Please be kind to our staff if they ask you to wear a mask they’re doing their best to keep everyone safe ”

Respiratory diseases like Covid 19, the flu and RSV can place a lot of pressure on hospitals partly because large numbers of patients need care, and partly because staff catch the diseases and cannot work

Some hospital departments have had more than 10% of their staff on sick leave while caring for large numbers of patients

These situations have to be managed through measures such as redeploying staff and deferring planned care surg eries

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is prioritising resources to ensure that health care is available to those people who need it most

The Ministry of Health has published guidelines to help people stay well during the cooler months Visit https://www health govt nz/ and search ‘stay well’ to read more

Article supplied

How do implants have a positive effect on jawbone density?

Lyn Vaughan is offering Genealogy research support in Ōmokoroa

Hauata Palmer; meeting history

By Matthew Farrell

auata Palmer of Matakana Island is regarded by some as one of the strongest Māori elders in the Bay of Plenty When I met this kaumātua of Ngāi Te Rangi iwi by chance last month, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to request an interview

H

Hauata was receptive to giving me his time When I talk to someone who I have little in common with, I try to establish trust and show respect

I wracked my brains for an ice breaker from my handful of marae visits I re called when a snowstorm closed the Napier Taupō highway a few years ago I was sent by Radio New Zealand to report on how Ngāti Tūwharetoa opened their whare to stranded travellers, fed them and provided a safe, warm place to sleep

Unlike other reporters, I helped with tables and chairs and washing up

“To go in and interview people isn’t enough But to get in among the kuia (fe male elders) and share the boilup; then people will have confidence in you, ” Hau ata understood me

Matakana Island has five hapū, and the potential for five marae Only two are currently operational, with others in var ious stages of being rebuilt

“One is demolished, one is being re vived, a third is being refurbished,” he says

I was curious to know how Hauata rose to being acknowledged as a leader among his people, and whether it is a practical role or more of a figurehead

“Kaumātua is a term applied to people when they get old You are supposed to have wisdom ” There is a twinkle in his eye. “You don’t give yourself mana. It is something other people give you, ” he ex plains

“Governance is by a team I suppose our leaders emerge as they do in any so ciety I don’t know that I am a leader, but I know a lot of stuff, and I stood up for what I was talking about

“On the paepae (a bench on which speakers sit in a meeting house) I was

learning from the elders of the time We had issues with the forestry; I objected to things happening on the island Sew erage issues with the pipe from Katikati; I took a stand on that Things like the re turn of Panepane back to the five hapū (in 2020/21) But I don’t measure it in those terms You emerge, and other peo ple will do it for you, ” he says

I asked Hauata what the issues are for the next generation

“Our way of life We are not the same as the rest of the country We live as much as possible by Māori tradition We are connected to the land We know there is talk of bringing another commu nity onto the island, the same size as ours

“If you have a community the size of ours, next to ours, they will not become us, but we will become them It’s coloni sation repeating itself That is my beef about it, and I am very clear about that We have been on the land too long, and we are set in our ways, I suppose, but we are also self regulatory We look after each other, we discuss the failings of oth ers

“We keep each other aligned because we are all related, for starters, in our whakapapa (ancestral) way It is not a control mechanism; it is a regulatory mechanism,’ says Hauata.

The population of Matakana Island is about 250 300 people The economy in cludes forestry, dairy, kiwifruit, blueber ries, avocados, an outside contractor growing maize and a medicinal cannabis growing enterprise, processing in Katikati

“The ferry is important, and he (Glen Proctor and family) operates a reliable service He’s put a lot of work into main taining continuity The community uses the barge for shopping, trade, milk sup ply and the crops I mentioned ”

Hauata says the return of Panepane Pūrākau over the past couple of years was important as a principle, as impor tant as the land itself

“A big block was taken in 1923, and a small part was used for a long time At the other end of the scale, it is low lying

Local cannabis meds heading online

By Nigel Williams

Katikati Rotary’s guest speaker on 19th September was Brendon Ogilvy, Commercial Director at Eqalis medicinal cannabis Brendon gave us a detailed overview of the development of his new company, based in Marshall Road, Katikati, and showed several short videos

Eqalis was established in 2019 to bring together everything needed to grow, manufacture and distribute high quality medicinal cannabis to those who need it This new industry is stringently regulated by Medsafe.

The two species of the cannabis plant with the most medicinal potential are c indica and c sativa The active sub stances that most affect therapeutic use are CBD and THC (which is well known for its psychoactive effects) The balance

between these is very important Other substances with therapeutic potential are turpenes.

At the Marshall Road facility, carefully selected plant clones are propagated to be planted out at secure growing facili ties at Matakana Island and near Timaru Harvested flowers are processed at Mar shall Road, and the active ingredient oils are then distilled for formulating into the final products

Two of its main uses are to treat chronic pain and epilepsy Other potential uses are emerging, but a lot of testing is needed before they can be ap proved.

A major challenge for the industry is to be able to produce effective medicines at affordable prices To address this, Eqalis is establishing an online clinic to be called RestoreME

land, and global warming will probably catch up with us anyway

“We have not been compensated for the 90 years The land was taken for har bour development, but growing pine trees is not harbour development. We challenged that in court, and we lost We have plans for native trees, but we need something to sustain the block because it costs money to own, ” says Hauata

In the two years since a large forestry fire on the island, it has recovered

substantially, but Hauata says the problem is going to be the continuation of people taking risks during the fire season “It could have been a piece of glass that started it, but our forestry man is still challenging people with barbe ques ”

With that, the ferry arrived at Matakana Island, so we went our sepa rate ways Hauata handed me an adult return walker’s pass to pay my way home An educational trip

Hauata Palmer arriving home PHOTO: Matthew Farrell

Last chance tour

Eric Bogle is touring NZ, possibly for the last time, with long time musi cal collaborators Pete Titchener (guitar) and Emma Luker (violin) Don’t miss the opportunity to see this leg endary songwriter in concert this year

Eric is a Scottish born Australian folk singer songwriter His songs cover a wide range of subjects, including bright comic songs, satires, protest songs and other se rious considerations of the human condi tion Some idea of the breadth of his work can be gained from the differing subject matter, ranging from The Aussie Bar B Q to a homage to Stan Rogers, entitled Safe in the Harbour One of his most popular songs, Katie and the Dreamtime Land, is a tribute to American folksinger Kate Wolf

‘And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’ is perhaps his best known song, being a

haunting evocation of the ANZAC experi ence fighting in the Battle of Gallipoli Eric Bogle and friends play Saturday 29th October at the Arts Junction, 35 Main Rd Katikati Katikati Folk Club doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm concert start Come early and get a good seat To enjoy the sounds of Eric Bogle, Peter Titchener, and Emma Luker, members pay only $20 and casual pay $25 We ac cept Eftpos or cash, or you can buy your ticket on our website As always, children are free Membership only costs $10 per person per annum

During the break, grab yourself a com plimentary tea, coffee and biscuits Or, be fore the show starts, treat yourself to a wine or beer from our cash bar

For more information, check out www katikatifolkclub co nz

Article supplied

Celebration of the best

By Fiona Powell

The 2022 Katikati and Waihī Beach Community Busi

ness Award ceremony celebrated the best of the community on Sat urday 3rd September

The Katikati Memorial Hall hosted over 150 people in attendance to recognise the finalists and winners in the var ious award categories

The two Western Bay of Plenty town ships combine forces biennially to high light outstanding locals, organisations and businesses in the region Waihī Beach strives to be the best seaside vil lage in New Zealand, and Katikati is overflowing with the arts and recognised as the Avocado Capital of New Zealand

Voting for the ten People’s Choice Award categories opened in early July, along with judging for the Business Ex cellence and Environmental and Sustain able Excellence Judged Awards The community voted enthusiastically this year, says Vicki Lambert of Waihī Beach Community Events & Promotions, joint organisers of the event with Katch Katikati “We received more votes in the first week of voting in 2022 than the en tire number of votes received for the 2020 awards ”

The awards ceremony was a spectacu lar event with a real community flavour “It’s been a long, tough two years, and we really wanted the awards ceremony to be a night to remember,” says Vicki The Katikati Memorial Hall was transformed into a magical space by event organisers and included foliage beautifully crafted by the Katikati Floral Art Group

Attendees enjoyed music from the Auckland based 2 Fold duo, beverages from the Cider Factorie and catering from Katikati College “The collaboration with the college gave credits to the stu dents while also giving financial support to the school,” says Vicki “Guests en joyed a delicious array of canapes, fol lowed by a Tuscan style dinner and dessert; all coordinated and served by Katikati students and overseen by Karyn Williams, Katikati College Technology/ Hospitality Teacher”

MC Jolene James from The Breeze kicked off the evening by reminding the audience of the theme of the awards re silience and how businesses and the community have really supported each other throughout Covid “A tremendous amount of passionate work goes in be hind the scenes of all our wonderful communities and business organisa tions These awards are a chance to

Category winners

BUSINESS

ENVIRONMENTAL AND

People’s Choice awards

SPORTS COACH OF THE YEAR

TEAM OF THE YEAR

SERVICE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

recognise those important and hard working groups and individuals The theme this year has been resilience, and these two communities have shown it in bucket loads ”

The Business Excellence Award and the Environmental and Sustainable Ex cellence Award were judged by a panel including James Denyer, Peter Hughes Hallett and Don Mossop, who all have backgrounds in corporate and public service organisations “Celebrating busi ness excellence is vitally important to the well being of communities it encour ages innovation and on going improve ment and recognises the passion of the owners and the importance of local busi nesses as employers,” says Don “The standard of entries in this year ’ s awards was extraordinarily high, and the final ists in each category were incredibly dif ficult to separate

“A number of businesses have demon strated remarkable resilience to bounce back quickly from the difficult business environment of the past two years This resilience was attributable to the passion and drive of the owners and their will ingness to adopt business management tools to assist their decision making ”

BeeNZ from Katikati took out the win ner of the Business Excellence Award with their key strengths being the family values based culture of the business, that they are a living wage employer, and their recent B Corp certification

Surf Shack Eatery from Waihī Beach was the winner of the Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award with their unrivalled commitment to sustain able practices throughout their business, including their carbon neutral status

Ten People’s Choice awards were pre sented, ranging from individual and community volunteers, sports and arts to business retail, service and tourism, with each award supported by a local business sponsor

Both Katch Katikati and Waihī Beach Events and Promotions thank sponsors for their support of the successful event, which has received overwhelmingly pos itive feedback from the community

HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

ORGANISATION OF

YEAR

VOLUNTEER INDIVIDUAL

BEST ARTS INDIVIDUAL:

BEST SPORTS INDIVIDUAL

L R: Emma Luker Eric Bovle and Pete Titchener will pay at Katikati Folk Club on 29th October

PHOTO: Supplied

Katikati Memorial Hall hosted over 150 people for the awards evening PHOTO: Supplied

Forward thinking Fridays

By Kylie Chambers Teacher

The middle school has begun a class rotation as part of their Forward Thinking Fridays at Te Puna School this term The three classes are mixed it’s a great opportunity for the children to build friendships with peers and learn new skills

Miss Green is showing the students how to make tracking tunnels which use peanut butter as the bait Using ink, they can deduce what animal has walked through the tunnel by identifying their footprints Children have placed their tracking tunnels around the school where they think there will be lots of ac tivity This has caused great excitement and nervousness when they discover the bait is gone

To collect more data on the predators living around our school, the children have recently attached chew cards (once again, using peanut butter as the bait) to trees After a week, the cards will be checked Chew cards show evidence of predators such as rats, mice or possums, unlike the tracking tunnels, which caught everything that moved at ground level

Mr Arthur is showing the students the science of a camera and what makes an effective photo The first group was out last week with the cameras, taking a bunch of different types of shots Ms Shilling is teaching students the ele ments of dance, dance techniques and

Te Puna School AIMS Games team in their spectacular custom hoodies PHOTO: Supplied skills, meeting new people and learning about managing timetables.

dance vocabulary Students are working in pairs and small groups to create dance sequences of their own

After two years of Covid related post ponement, our students were involved in the AIMS games participating in the sports of cross country, badminton and table tennis This gave our students a full week of competing, improving their

Are you going down the bank soon?

Most students had games from Mon day through Friday and played in a range of singles, doubles and mixed doubles contests It was great to see so many im proving over the week and go into higher grades for the knockout scenarios Lots of students made the semi finals in their respective grades, and two children com peted in the finals for badminton These results were very pleasing, especially

when you consider that our hall has been unavailable for training.

Our children looked particularly im pressive in their hoodies, donated by John Mamea Wilson of the Seki Group Students had input into the design and were keen to have the school values vis ible, which you can see on the arms and at the back of the hoodie

This was an awesome opportunity for our Year 7 and 8 children We look for ward to next year

By Stuart Reid

magine a layered cake with cream be tween the layers Now prop it up on one side and watch the layers start to slide sideways This cake is made of earth, and your house is on top of it The location is a place called Ōmokoroa Ōmokoroa’s soils have been created in layers by the volcanic eruptions of Taupō, Rotoehu, Hamilton, Mayor Island, and Edgecumbe The soil layers are called tephras and, in our case, contain a particularly slippery ash called halloysite that gets skiddier as its water content in creases So, our houses are built over po tentially slippery layers of this material, and the Earth’s geological forces have folded and shaped them and tipped them and moved them A geologist will tell it just like this

In Nelson very recently, we watched houses and banks, and cliffs, all slip and slide downwards, while they didn’t even have the added lubricant of halloysite layers They just had heavy, sustained rain, and their soils began to move As

climate change happens, with its in creased rainfall in our own area, the soil will begin to move here again There is likely potential for more slips along Bramley Drive and Harbour View Road, and Ōmokoroa Road, among many oth ers in our region

There are probably things that you and your neighbour can do to stabilise your properties to lessen the risk of their slid ing down onto the road, to the water’s edge or on top of your neighbour Waikato University geologists have been digging into our soils, and one of them is keen and able to inform you further of the practical steps that you might take to reduce the risks of your moving house unintentionally

Please indicate your interest in hear ing more on this subject If there are enough of us to warrant it, we will call in this geologist for a discussion and advice at a local venue in the next month or so

Probably with a door charge to pay for their time To log your interest, please go to: https://tinyurl

The slip below McDonnell Street after the 2017 event PHOTO: Murray Grainger

By Alison Badger

The clocks have changed, which means spring is here, so can sum mer be far behind?

We had a great September display from the guys; now, October is when we focus on the ladies

Our October display will again support Breast Cancer Awareness, and what bet ter way to celebrate our womenfolk than to feature ‘Wonderful Women who have Changed the World’ and whilst we will include the obvious Kate Sheppard, for example we are also celebrating our very own Ōmokoroa wonder women women who not only fulfil the traditional roles wife, mother, sister, aunt, etc but contribute in other ways to the bet terment of our community These may be businesswomen who have bravely taken a leap of faith and set up shop in these uncertain times, to those women who give of their time supporting voluntary groups and helping the less privileged Clearly, we will not have included every

one who would deserve to have a place in our gallery, so come in and tell us so that we can be sure to include them next time

We will again be supporting Project Uplift, so bring us your new and nearly new bras to be sent to those who need them We are also collecting toiletries etc to give to the Women’s Refuge to support their work

Women deserve to be celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to so ciety, remarkable triumphs and un matched fearlessness Despite gender inequalities across all sectors, women continue to thrive and beat the odds

A couple of quotes from two women who would appear to be polar opposites:

“Strong women don’t have attitudes, we have standards ” Marilyn Monroe

“If you want something said, ask a man: If you want something done, ask a woman “ Margaret Thatcher

Contact Alison on 021 294 9294 for more information

Students starstruck by Steamers

By Todd Burton

Three squad members from the Bay of Plenty (BOP) Steamers Provin

cial Rugby made their way to Ōmokoroa No 1 School on Friday 16th September to run a skills session with 20 or so Year 5 to 8 students

The special event was organised by Warren Broadmore and Ollie Tarawa Bailey from McFall Fuel, a major sponsor of the BOP Steamers

The Steamers players were Josh Bartlette (Prop), Melani Nanai (Winger), Kitiona Vai (Flanker)

Most of the students involved were Saturday rugby players so had some strong foundational skills already

The boys and girls participated in a few drills, played a game of touch rugby and finished the physicalities with a quick game of bullrush The afternoon

ended with a Q&A session followed by autographs, photographs and the hand ing out of some posters and other Steam ers merchandise

The students left buzzing Year 8 stu dent Mike Graham (also known as Big Mike) summed up the afternoon: “It was awesome!”

Squad

Huge hike in Regional Council rates for some

trict and City Councils, which have in voiced rates on behalf of the Regional Council previously

By Diane McCarthy

More than 5000 people’s Bay of Plenty Regional Council rates will be significantly different from last year Differences representing an increase of more than 40 percent have been calculated for some ratepay ers, while the Regional Council says oth ers will be paying less It says the increases are due to histor ical undercharging on the part of the Dis

This huge jump in rates may surprise some ratepayers, as rate rises indicated in the Regional Council’s annual plan sig nalled a total average rate increase of 2 2 percent, which included a general rates increase of 5 8 percent Recent property revaluations carried out in Tauranga City Council and Kawerau District Council Districts, it warned, would also impact the final rate

Since it was established in 1989, the Regional Council’s rates have been in voiced and collected by the seven Dis trict and City Councils within the Bay of Plenty region This year, it has decided to carry out its own invoicing and rates col lection, so ratepayers will receive sepa rate invoices from their District Council

Caribbean rounds off winter wins

and the Regional Council The Regional Council says this would allow them to be more transparent and accountable for the work they did

Letters have been sent out to ratepay ers to explain the change and the Re gional Council’s website provides a database on which people can search for their rates information, including total rates to be paid this year, along with a detailed breakdown of general and tar geted rates, and the amount paid last year

At least one Whakatāne resident’s Re gional Council rates had increased from $262 36 in 2021 22 to $377 36 in 2022 23, an increase of $115 The Regional Council’s chief financial officer, Kumaren Perumal, told Local Democracy Report ing in a written statement that the dis crepancies found in 5144 properties out of the 147,000 rating units throughout the region were due to incorrect applica tion by City and District Councils to the Regional Council’s rating factors “In set ting up our new rates service, we per formed a series of integrity checks to ensure that our technology system repli cated the rates calculation results the territorial authorities across the region had assessed for the previous (2021/22) rating year These checks were done to ensure that our system performed as ex pected, in readiness for the 2022/23 rat ing year

“The process confirmed a 99 96 per cent match against the rates collected by the City and District Councils It also re vealed just over 5000 properties where the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s rat ing factors had been incorrectly applied

This has resulted in both over and under charging of regional rates for af fected properties across the region for the 2021/22 rating year ”

Mr Perumal says there were three main reasons for the errors Incorrect area limits were being used for river scheme rates, an incorrect river scheme rate was being applied, and incorrect treatment of rate charges were being ap plied to rating apportionments

“The benefits for collecting our rates ourselves include greater control and consistency over the rates collection pro cess for the region,” he says Mr Perumal says ratepayers who had been histori cally undercharged could rest assured that recovery of historical rates would not be sought, however, the correct rate charge for affected properties would take effect from this rating year

For property owners who were over charged, legislation required rates to be reassessed for the current year and up to five rating years prior and would result in a credit being applied to the ratepay ers ’ rates account “The rates team will be contacting ratepayers who are im pacted before invoices are sent out If ratepayers have questions or concerns on this matter, they should visit our web site to check their rates for 2022/23 via our property search function or call our dedicated rates phone number 0800 BOP RATES (0800 267 728) ”

The Regional Council were not able to provide information about the total amount of rates it had undercharged for over the past five years before this story was published Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

By John Budden Sailing Convenor

At last, we had a day that resembled the forecast: relatively fine, a wind from the West, a calm sea with high tide at about 14 00 and 1 7m of water

The course was designed to test the sailors and the breeze Starting at D off Ōmokoroa Point, down channel to Western C off Motuhoa, turn there and sail to Western E off the Point, turn again to Pahoia 1, turn there, head towards D, then veer down the Ōmoko roa Channel to finish off at the Boat Club deck

Five yachts signed on, Caribbean, In vincible, Loch Mara, Kōnini and Pic caninny, and we headed for the start line There was quite a breeze at the line Pic caninny had an owner ’ s problem with a bungee over the mast track so withdrew and acted as the start boat

At 11.44, the siren blew. Caribbean timed it well despite Invincible being close by, Loch M serenely sailed up, but Kōnini was on a scenic tour Down Channel they flew, looking good,

then Caribbean hoisted the kite On Pic we foretold problems, and then there was a majestic broach! Recovery was in stant, and on they sailed By now, Pic was back at the pontoon, so we only saw the fleet turn back up channel

Apparently, one yacht mistook E for F, which made things interesting The Pa hoia reach was fun, and we then saw the lead yacht clear Ōmokoroa Point It was Caribbean The wind shadow off the point added to the incoming tide and slowed things down, but Caribbean fin ished first at 12 49 24

Then came Kōnini, revelling in a strong breeze to be second at 12 56 02 A huge surprise to watchers and the crew was Loch M ripping down channel to be third at 12 56 39, and fourth was Invincible at 12 57 06 The ladies did well to recover after a wind loss off the point Well done all

Caribbean won the Winter series on Line and Handicap, Invincible was sec ond on Line and third on Handicap, Kōnini was third on Line and second on Handicap and Loch Mara was fourth on both Roll on the summer series

No. 1 School speech competition

By Sue Morgan French

After weeks of

and

Goldsmith Bacteria

school competition are, Y3/4: 1st Alice Gunter Coral Reefs; 2nd April Fergus Tsunamis; 3rd Lucy Allport Bones; 4th Madeline

The results of

Y5/6: 1st Meg Hunter Youngest Chil dren; 2nd Nayul Kim Emotions; 3rd Charlotte Cockerill Sayings; 4th Annie Locke Bullying Y7/8: 1st Danika Burgham Mistakes;

2nd Gem Gamble Criminals; 3rd Scott Lawrence Vaping; 4th Gareth Willats Gaming

Highly Commended: Alex Cutfield Fishing

Congratulations to all

Love Tennis a success

By Therese Temple

The only dampener to this great event was the rain (excuse the pun) The courts were buzzing with mums and dads and lots of kids to the extent that people were playing tennis on the outside of the white line area of the courts

It was great to see so many people enjoying having a

hit Looks like tennis in our region is well and truly alive Bring on the new tennis courts The day would have continued in this way, we are sure, but the rain ar rived, and everyone disappeared into the mist Even our committed coach, Peter O’Dea, had to give in after get ting soaked Thanks for hanging in there, Pete

The day was a success, and we hope those that came to the courts enjoyed their time with us If you signed up with the app, you will be in the draw to win a trip to the ASB Classic in Auckland

You will soon be able to order our snazzy new club shirts on club spark There are men ’ s, ladies’ and chil dren’s t shirts and women ’ s and children’s singlet tops Details for members will be through shortly Ōmokoroa Community Tennis Club is growing, and we are always enthusiastic about new people joining and getting involved with their club Lots will be hap pening over the next six months, so keep your eyes tuned to our club and public newsletters Remember

everyone, even non members, can play by booking via our website: Omokoroatennis com

Club days are Saturday from 2pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm Ladies’ singles is on Friday from 9am

Enjoy the longer days and sunshine coming

Halcyon Acupuncture

The courts were buzzing during Love Tennis PHOTOS: Supplied

A focus on movement

On the evening of Tuesday the 13th of September, members of the Ōmokoroa Photo Club came together in the usual place at the Ōmoko roa Pavilion in Western Avenue to review the images captured for this month’s theme of ‘movement’ Many great nature images were submitted with flowing water in rivers, streams, and waterfalls

Others took the approach of photograph ing moving vehicles such as cars, bikes and even trains, so there was plenty of variety on the night for this topic

As each image is shown up on the screen, there is a quick discussion about its merits and how it fits with the current theme If any obvious improvements are noticed (which is most of the time), then these are suggested before moving on to the next image By doing this with every one ’ s images, we all learn a bit about composition, colour, angles, and the many other things that make up a good image

One of the benefits of having a differ ent theme each month is that it encour ages everyone to try something new with their camera These monthly themes are helping our members in two ways

Firstly, it forces everyone to think a lit tle bit about different topics month after month so that we each learn more about the style of photography that appeals to each of us as individuals

The second thing is that because we need to think a bit about the theme and decide on the best way to capture such a shot, we all learn a little bit more about how our cameras work by understand ing what our cameras are capable of

Both of these points are important for growing and having fun as a photogra pher

Next month’s theme is ‘architecture’, which is new to most of us Lucky for us, though, we happen to have one profes sional in our midst that has had many years experience as a real estate photog rapher

To kick things off on the ‘architecture’ theme ‘Pete the Pom’ showed some of his images from both here as well as overseas and discussed each one in de tail He explained the history behind

each shot and took the time to explain how and why he ended up with his final image

We are all now mulling over camera angles, camera height and perspective as we contemplate what ‘architecture’ im ages we might take for next month’s dis

cussion to be held on the 11th of October at 7pm at the Ōmokoroa Pavilion

If you would like to learn a bit about your camera and what it’s capable of, then why don’t you join us for a casual and fun evening

Article and photos supplied

PURAN BHAG SIN

Fo r O m o ko ro a Co m m u n i t y B o a r

Together let’s make a differen

I am delighted to stand for the Omokoroa Community Board I have lived in New Zealand for 30 years, of which most of the time I have lived in the Bay My reputation of working with people and for people is extensive I have run a vast number of businesses in the Bay across various industries and been active as a community leader advocating for strong community values I myself have faced the challenges that have occurred during COVID 19 times My family and I have provided food support for people in need during these difficult years Safety is my concer n and there is a need for a presence of police and/or police stations in Omokoroa We need to support family and small business to keep them safe

The development of Omokoroa is so important I am an active member of the Omokoroa Ratepayers Association, and I want to listen and help make a positive difference It is a privilege to be able to stand, and I seek your support

I will be a strong voice to upgrade SH2 from Te Puna to Omokoroa, plus the Omokoroa intersection

will advocate for a greater Police presence in the community to support a healthier, safer Omokoroa

be a voice

Dick Melchelse

Evelyn Hoddinott

Christina Cleaver

Jeff Martin

Pete Dobson

Bevan BCollings ruce Thomson

Pahoia School

By Juanita Meder

When the whole school gets in volved in a fun theme, it’s al ways a good day, and this year ’ s Bad Hair Day was no exception We were treated to an array of many and varied hair designs, including pencils sticking out of a topknot, green grass complete with insects and as well as cupcakes sprouting from the top of a head! Dress ing in mufti as opposed to wearing a school uniform also added to the day’s festive feel

Students in our Kaimai, Waipapa and Aongatete pods took part in Funky Fun Sports Days at Baypark TECT Arena and fully immersed themselves in the organ ised activities With a focus on learning new skills while having fun, Funky Fun Day is always a popular trip

Performing in front of a full house at Baycourt is a very daunting prospect, but our school choir did us proud The Tau ranga Primary Schools’ Music Festival Society’s presentation ‘Aotearoa’ brought together schools from throughout Tau ranga, of which four performed along side Pahoia School on the Friday night of the Festival Soloists showcased their tal ent alongside both schools singing their chosen songs and the massed choir songs What a fabulous night it was!

This year ’ s Pahoia School Agricultural and Gala Day is being held on Saturday 29th October Calves, lambs, kid goats and chickens are being reared, edible gardens and hanging baskets are grow ing, and many other projects are being planned These include floral arranging, wearable art, bug hotels, tiny landscapes,

photography, cupcake decorating and cooking creations Gala stalls include games with loads of prizes, a bake sale, raffles, a dunk tank and a huge second hand book stall Come and join in the fun Browse through the books, then enjoy lunch from one of the many food stalls

Follow us on Facebook if you would like to see more of what we get up to

RSA welfare matters

By John Dallimore

Local RSAs provide welfare services

to assist ex services personnel, whether or not they are members of their local RSA association The primary focus of the RSA organisation is to pro vide welfare support to those that have served their country through the Armed Services

RSAs rely on donations to help support our ex and current personnel, veterans and their respective families It is not commonly known, but we are creating more veterans today than at any time since World War 2 Of the 41,000 veter ans in New Zealand today, 30,000 have served since the end of the Vietnam War (i e three quarters of our returned pop ulation) Our service population is esti mated at 100,000 since the end of World War 2

The RSA support for our younger and older RSA members and their families is

through the provision of non govern ment funded support that assists individ uals and families to maintain their quality of life (i e health and well being)

The RSA National Office administers sev eral trusts and funds for the purposes of supporting returned and service person nel The guiding principle behind the granting of financial assistance is “need” Support is also available through Veter ans Affairs

The local RSA Poppy Trusts have the same criteria as the RNZRSA Trusts and can be used for the same purposes Local RSA support advisors are available to as sist in answering any questions service and returned personnel may have about RSA support services, and they also maintain regular contact with those who are receiving support services

If you wish to join the local RSA, the contact details are Katikati RSA 021 0831 9481, Waihī Beach RSA 07 863 5688

The school choir on stage at Baycourt during Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival PHOTOS: Supplied

Insects in the grass in this Bad Hair Day style

By Fiona Powell Katch Katikati

Dreaming of Summer?

The region’s favourite summer event, the Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Fes tival, will be happening on Saturday, 14th January 2023, at the Uretara Do main from noon til 6pm As well as live music from Boom Boom Deluxe, The Lady Killers and The Jordan Luck Band, there are also cooking demonstrations and food and wine vendors, plus a fun playground for the kids Mark your diary now for a fabulous afternoon of enter tainment and food suitable for the whole family Grab your early bird tickets today for just $45 (save $10) from www katika tiavofest co nz

around New Zealand screening the Show Me Shorts Film Festival during October

Each session includes eight short inter national and national movies running from four to 19 minutes long, so there’s lots of variety for the audience Katikati’s screenings are on Saturday 8th at 6 30pm and Monday 10th at 1 30pm with ‘The Sampler’ (cinematic highlights from the festival that will make you laugh or gasp) and Sunday 23rd at 1 30pm with ‘The Cost of Progress’ (which asks what price are we willing to pay for economic and technological ad vancement) Tickets are available from The Arts Junction or online at www TheArtsJunction org nz

Focus on Katikati

Craft a Christmas Tree

It’s time to embrace the festive spirit and start getting creative for your entry in the Upcycled Christmas Tree Compe tition Make a tree of recycled materials for display in The Arts Junction that’s in teresting and engaging for visitors to enjoy during the festive season and you could win cash for your school, club, or ganisation or business The tree judged the best wins $100, and the people’s choice winner receives $50 Deliver and set up your tree at The Arts Junction by Monday 14th November to be in to win

Get Your Groove On

New Zealand’s biggest little film festival

The boutique and stylish Junction Theatre in Katikati is one of 30 cinemas

Waihī Beach Menz Shed

By Bob Firth Secretary

Iam continually amazed at the gen erosity of our shedders and our sup porters keen to get on with it Every day, someone comes forward to help us in some way The shed is moving along fast now and looking good

A big day we have been waiting for since before Christmas last year; we have water and sewerage connected A big thank you to Pete Brambell for his help with this All the mod cons now Thanks to all the other helpers also

Delivery was arranged for our first new workbench Thanks, guys The workbench is fantastic, well built and thought out The bench was designed and built by our shed designer Devon Brooks A big thank you to Devon and Lynn for a donation in excess of $500 to complete this important shed asset Lance Walker is your new coffee maker this week He will guide you through the art of drinking coffee and having a chat at the same time, thanks Lance, for being the first to put your hand up We also have John Course wait ing in the wings to take over This com mitment is great Our kitchen has had a spruce up and is ready to go thanks to Phil If any shedder can donate coffee mugs, plates, tea towels, teaspoons etc we could use some more

Carters Contractors Waihī very gener ously donated free cartage for our sec ond container of wood delivered recently Warren Carter is the man If any shedder needs cartage, please contact him on 863 7070 We need to support our supporters Thanks also to Phil Bowyer for making this possible

We have been on the lookout for a Shed tool manager The job entails sort ing through all our donated tools, dis carding the inferior items and generally keeping an eye on their condition and well being

We have been donated steel shelving

by Pete Drummond We need a dust ex tractor machine urgently, Mike TePunia has put his hand up to help us with this

The filing cabinet is all fixed thanks to John Course I’ll be able to fill it with pa pers now

We still have some outstanding job sheets which need to be uplifted and completed Volunteers for this work, please Jobs include cleaning the donated BBQ and de rust and painting the do nated shelving Not great work, I know, but someone must have spare time on their hands

We are now taking registrations due for formal membership Subs are $15 and can be paid into our bank account Subs are for half a year only, and you will be financial until 15/3/23

You will then be permitted to use the shed and its machinery and equipment

Lastly: jobs, projects, and work to be done We are in business, up and running and keen to get our teeth into any jobs we can do to help you, a neighbour, friends or family We have a wealth of tal ent waiting Please contact our shed manager Michael Bonnici

The live music scene is certainly com ing alive again after lots of cancellations due to Covid, with Katikati fortunate to be visited by three bands over three weeks at the end of October First up is Bay of Plenty based Kokomo, a long standing Kiwi blues and roots group playing on Saturday the 22nd; the fol lowing weekend, the internationally known and respected songwriter Aus tralian Eric Bogle with Emma Luker and Pete Titchener is playing on Saturday 29th. Lastly, Mike Garner’s Ragtime Washboard Kings with pre war blues, ragtime, burlesque and original music will entertain audiences on Thursday 3rd November All bands are playing at The Arts Junction with the same start time of 7 30pm PHOTOS: Supplied

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Housing and roading hot topics at mayoral debate

By Alisha Evans Local Democracy Reporter alisha@thesun co nz

H

ousing, roading and what coun cils will look like in the future are the top issues facing the Western Bay of Plenty, according to the mayoral hopefuls The question was posed at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s mayoralty debate on the evening of Thursday 1st September

The evening was held at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus and hosted by SKY Sport broadcaster Kirstie Stanway She quizzed the eight candi dates on the top three issues facing the Western Bay, partnership with Māori, leadership style and how to ensure all voices in the district were heard

The candidates in the spotlight were current councillors James Denyer, Don Thwaites, and John Scrimgeour, and new comers Suaree Borell, Mark Boyle, Paul Haimona, Rodney Joyce and Hori BOP

Leaming

To start the night, outgoing mayor Garry Webber addressed the candidates Webber said he and the previous mayor Ross Patterson had “put Western Bay in a strong place” and he hoped whoever took over would “continue that perfor mance of taking us forward”

“The process you ’ re going through now is politics, getting yourself elected, but the process you will walk into is gover nance It is about governing a team of, some would say, disparate individuals to try and get them heading roughly in the same direction And rest assured, democ racy is not a skill test ”

Candidates were then given one minute to introduce themselves before Stanway posed the first question: “What do you see as the top three issues facing the Western Bay of Plenty district right

now, and how do you propose we fix those?” Each person was given 90 sec onds to answer each question and had the chance to be the first one to answer throughout the course of the debate

Boyle answered the Western Bay was an “aspirational place to live” with “ very strong economic drivers”

Denyer said the top three issues were housing, transport, and government re form “There’s obviously a housing short age and affordability problems there ” Haimona said his issue was “slavery” in the Kiwifruit industry where there were recognised seasonal employees who were living in buildings with 10 other people in bunks “It’s not comfortable at their home, so it’s slavery I’m going to im pact ”

Joyce listed the top three issues as rates, Three Waters and open gover nance and humility “We need to balance rates and investment, there’s no doubt about that We can’t stop investing, but we need a better balance ”

Leaming’s top three were housing and roading, communication within the com munity and building an events stadium in the Western Bay “One of the most im portant roads to deal with at the moment is State Highway 29, to get traffic through to the Port [of Tauranga].” Scrimgeour said the biggest issues were housing, roading and jobs “We have huge issues in terms of people sleeping on the streets, living in sub standard accommo dation, in their cars and all those things

Thwaite’s issues were “external influ ences ” , transport and housing He said the external influences involved the

Future for Local Government Review, Three Waters Reform and RMA reform “I propose to elevate housing to a full com mittee of council ”

Borell rounded out this question with her issues of housing and roading and the Future for Local Government review “I take a view that, that [review] will in volve a constitutional lens and that I will be well placed to guide this council on how we might undertake that ”

In terms of diversity, candidates were asked what they would do in their role as mayor to ensure council was catering to the diverse needs of the community Hai mona, who is Māori and of Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Mākino and Ngāti Pikiao descent, said the answer was to be inclu sive “Don’t ostracise people include them in the community,” he said Borell said, “Diversity is about understanding the complimentary ways rather than the contradictory ways that people work to

gether” and she would bring diversity to council “just by her existence” “I am fe male I am Māori I am currently in a re lationship of 15 years with a woman I am everything that other candidates are not ” She is the only woman standing for the mayoralty position

The other candidates spoke of listening to the whole community and meeting them where they are Leaming said: “You have to take the people with you, other wise you ’ ve lost from the get go ” Joyce said: “Humility comes to mind, talk with people, listen to people”

Finishing the evening was a round of quickfire questions where the hopefuls had to answer yes or no Each candidate was given different questions from the set

The debate was livestreamed and is still available on the councils’ Generation change website Public Interest Journal ism funded through NZ On Air

Is U3A for you?

By Christine Donehue

what it’s all about

D

o you want to know what U3A is all about? Do you want to know the wide range of small groups that are thriving in our community?

Maybe you have your own passion that you would like to share With a small, lively group, of friends you haven’t met yet

Come along to the next monthly meeting of the Katikati U3A Find out

It takes place on Wednesday 5th Octo ber at The Hub, (beside the Katikati Library,) from 9 45 to noon A gold coin donation helps cover costs Morning tea and a chance to mix and mingle, follows the first lively, short talk by one of our members

Our guest, Noeline Campbell, will speak about life in Kazakhstan

For further information, visit u3atau ranga kiwi nz and search ‘Katikati’

The eight candidates were grilled by broadcaster Kirstie Stanway at the Western Bay mayoral debate PHOTO: Alisha Evans/Sun Media

Rotary Katikati recognises local businesses

By John Strongman

he ongoing Rotary project of recy cling old batteries, in partnership with local garages and auto electri cal shops in Katikati, was acknowledged at the Rotary Katikati Club meeting on 22nd August

T

The project originated in 1995, and today, three garages and Allan Crapp’s Auto Electrical Services continue to col lect old batteries, which Rotary Katikati Club stores then despatch overseas through Metalco in Tauranga, where the lead is recycled

This project continues to be a signifi cant income stream for our club, with the bulk of the proceeds gifted back to the Katikati Community and our Club’s International Projects combined with Rotary International Grants to the Pacific and, more recently, Ukraine.

Our Club recognised the efforts of two local businesses by awarding Michael (Mick) Dean Freeman of Auto Super Shoppe and Allan Crapp of Auto Electri cal Services a Paul Harris Fellowship award each for their outstanding contri bution

Rotary established the Paul Harris Fel low (PHF) recognition in 1957 to show appreciation for exceptional Club or Community Service

The honour was named after Chicago attorney Paul Harris (1868 1947), founder of Rotary, in 1905

In the fifty plus years of operating, the Rotary Club of Katikati has only awarded five Paul Harris Fellowships to non Ro tarians

Patrick and Margaret Dean Freeman, Mick’s parents, and Katikati Auto Super Shoppe’s current franchise owners, have supported the project since purchasing the business some 22 years ago

Rotary Katikati members Hugh Mori son and Rod Calver have coordinated this project and conservatively estimate that more than $250,000 has been gifted back to our community since 1995. They encourage citizens needing replacement batteries for their vehicles, boats, mo torhomes, etc , to support this project by taking them to these businesses

Recently Sheffield Street Automotive and Northern Automotive have joined this project

Tlocations he new plan for Wilson Park

Preserving precious pōhutukawa trees, upgrading wharepaku (toi lets) and adding power for events are all part of the plan for Waihī Beach’s Wilson Park

The new concept plan for the three hectare park was adopted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Policy Committee following a rich kōrero with the community on what they use and value the park for

Policy Committee chair, Mayor Garry Webber says the community were very open about their love for the park and what facilities should be there

“This park is beloved by the commu nity for all that it offers people it’s an open canvas for them to do what they enjoy

“So we will be protecting the open space and adding a few small amenities to ensure the space continues to serve a wide range of people ”

The ‘concept plan’ represents the com munity and Council’s agreement on how Wilson Park should be developed in the future It’s based on what the community have told Council they want at the park

Throughout our kōrero, the commu nity mentioned the wide range of people

who use Wilson Park dog walkers, slow paced people watchers and thrill seeking kids riding bikes down the hill They made it clear that this space means something different to everyone in the community, and the new concept plan will protect that Council has also added rubbish bins, dog poo bins, a drinking water station, seating and bike racks to the plans based on the community’s requests They will also ensure new plantings for shade don’t impact the views from surrounding properties, and improve the entrance way

Mayor Garry says, “Many thanks to ev eryone who helped us shape the plan. We received really fantastic and con structive feedback from our community, and it’s helped make this plan a real suc cess ”

The next step to get these plans in mo tion will see funding sought through the 2023/24 Annual Plan The total costings for the concept plan are $460,000 (de pending on final specifications)

Read the decision story and see the final concept plan online at haveyour say westernbay govt nz/wilsonpark

Article supplied

Tamariki and public safety to benefit from new CCTV

new locations, including two near schools, will benefit from added security thanks to the latest round of Western Bay’s CCTV fund

For the last two years, residents have been invited to apply to Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s CCTV fund for purchasing new CCTV cameras to help se cure shared spaces across the rohe The $50,000 fund runs for three years (total $150,000), with the last year being 2023 Council’s Operations Manager, Kerrie Little, sat on the decision making panel She says the fund is designed to help keep people feel safe

“Two of the newly approved CCTV loca tions are near schools in Katikati and Waitangi, so we ’ re putting some of this fund toward giving whānau, their tamariki and the wider school commu nity a little more security and confidence

“And the support allocated to the Bell Road Boat Ramp will add to a wider pro ject to upgrade security at this site It’s been a long standing problem area, and we hope this mahi will make a big differ ence ”

The new cameras will be installed at the intersection of Beach Road and Park Road, Katikati, across from the school, Te Puke Highway and Rangiuru, Waitangi, Te Puke Highway bridge over the Kaituna River, near Rangiuru Road, Te Puke, Bell Road Boat Ramp, near the intersection of Bell Road and Tauranga Eastern Link

Kerrie says that the group had to make some difficult decisions about who would get funding this year “With a small pot of money and a long list of applications, we wanted to make a big difference with every dollar spent and support the exist ing camera network

“Only by combining information from the community, input from elected mem bers and valued insight from the Police were we able to narrow it down

“The level of applications was really im pressive and is a good indicator how much the community value this fund We hope the people who missed out will reapply in 2023 ”

The CCTV fund is an outcome of Coun cil’s most recent Long Term Plan 2021 2031 Community Boards have also strongly supported this initiative The fund has grown in popularity over its short life, with applications increasing from 2021 to 2022

Applications were considered by a panel featuring Councillors Allan Sole, Margaret Murray Benge and Monique Gray, Council’s Operations Manager Ker rie Little and a NZ Police representative

Applications to monitor private prop erty/ land were not eligible

More information on the fund, and last year ’ s successful applications (supple mented by operational budgets), can be found online at westernbay govt nz/cctv

Mick Dean Freeman being presented the PHF award by our 2022/2023 Club President John Both well Mick s father Pat proudly looks on PHOTO: Supplied

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Katikati’s big comedy night fundraiser is back

This time folks, it’s a Comedy Hoedown with Kiwi funny guy Ben Hurley fronting a night of laughs with two fellow co medians Justine Smith and Tony Lyall on Saturday 5th November

The event was hampered in 2021 by the Covid 19 pandemic but this November, it’s back, com plete with a live band kicking the night off, plus spot prizes, raffles and a three course meal

Audiences who are invited to dress up Western will walk through the saloon doors from 6 45pm for a 7pm show start.

Tickets to the R18 event are on sale now at: www eventbee com with a table of 10 for $690, single tickets at $74 each and, if you want to be up close to the Most Wanted fun in Katikati all year, the VIP tables of 10 are $795

Organised by the Par ents of the School (POTS), presi dent Dannae Baker says the committee is working hard be

Katikati Primary School princi pal Andrea Nicholson says this year, funds raised will be invested in Information Communication Technology for the school and its students aged five 12

“We are very grateful to the community for supporting this fabulous event, which will benefit

hind the scenes to bring the night back this year after a 24 month hiatus due to Covid 19 cancelling the event in 2021.

“We are so happy that we can host this Comedy Hoedown after it was cancelled last year This is because all money raised every single cent goes back to our pri mary school for much needed re sources ”

our children, and to Ben Hurley and POTS for making the event possible It will be great to see our community coming to gether now that Covid restrictions have eased ”

Tickets to the R18 Comedy Hoedown on Saturday 5th November at Katikati War Memo rial Hall with doors opening at 6 45pm for a 7pm start are on sale now at: www eventbee com by searching ‘Katikati Com edy Hoedown’

Dannae says tickets are limited and the event is always popular so book your tickets now to avoid disap pointment

“There will be awesome raffles on the night with prizes spon sored by a range of businesses even some as far away as Rotorua supporting the event plus spot prizes to be won

“We have a live band ‘This is How We Die’ kicking things off It’s going to be a great night out for a great cause!”

Busy Beaver property

Aaron

PIANO LESSONS

PLUMBER

OMOKOROA

Casual Football

Justine Smith PHOTOS: Supplied

Ben Hurley