Hibiscus Matters, 15 February 2017_Issue 210 by Lorry McCarthy

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February 15, 2017

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Inside this issue Precious photos found A 10-year search ends

page 5

Local folk How manuka honey makes life sweeter for Danny Battershill

page 9 The pest-proof defences of Shakespear Open Sanctuary were temporarily breached when a car took one of the gates off its hinges.

Gate crashers threatening sanctuary’s pest-free status

The hard-won pest proof status of Shakespear Open Sanctuary has come under threat from a new quarter, with two crashes causing significant damage to the pest proof fence. The latest incident, late at night on the car came through the gate onto the Force spokesperson says that the damage was discovered when the gate Anniversary Weekend (January 28), Defence Force land. saw a vehicle hit the NZ Defence So far the driver has not been caught alarm was activated. Force’s pest proof gate, tearing it off but relieving area commander Jason The gate is also a security barrier its hinges. The crash happened around Homan says Police are following for the Tamaki Leadership Centre. The security of the leadership centre midnight and Police are investigating, strong lines of enquiry. with the help of photos and video The gate is electronically monitored has not been breached and the spokesperson says maintaining that footage. 24/7 by CCTV inside the naval base Photos appear to show skid marks as command centre. A NZ Defence continued page 2

A healthy start Inspiration to get you moving

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Taking it to the streets Buskers return to Orewa

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| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

February 15, 2017 Issue 210

Continued from p1....

Enquiries: ph 427 8188 fax 427 8186 Unit G, Tamariki Plaza, Cammish Lane, Orewa, 0931 hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz www.localmatters.co.nz Next issues are March 1 & 15, 2017- Book your advertising now. Editor: Terry Moore ph 427 8187 terry@localmatters.co.nz

Advertising: Mel Buckley ph 022 029 1895 sales@localmatters.co.nz

Design: Lorry McCarthy ph 427 8188 hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 21,850 homes and businesses twice a month: Puhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Orewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat Red Beach • Whangaparaoa Peninsula Views expressed in Hibiscus Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

The strength of the impact can be seen from these photos, taken directly after the broken gate was discovered.

security is the Defence Force’s priority. Open Sanctuary senior ranger Matt Maitland says temporary manually operated gates have been put in place. They will remain for around two to three weeks while new gates are made. However, although the temporary gates are constructed of similar mesh materials over a timber frame, they do not meet the sanctuary’s exacting tolerances of a 6mm maximum aperture and also lack the hood over the top to thwart climbing animals. The temporary gates are supported with additional traps, footprint tracking cards in tunnels and remote motion activated surveillance cameras to help detect any pests that may approach or breach the defences. “We have established incursion response protocols for any pest detected by these means,” Mr Maitland says. Unfortunately this is not the only time that the pest proof fence has been damaged by vehicles in recent weeks. Early last month, a car hit the fence posts in the Army Bay car park approach, near Whangaparaoa Rd, in what Mr Maitland suggests could have been poor cornering. A six-metre section of the fence was damaged, leaving a gaping hole. Mr Maitland

says quick action by rangers saw repairs completed the same day the problem was discovered. It is an anxious time for SOSSI volunteers. Volunteers told the paper they have been talking of little else since the crashes occurred. They are worried about the potential for pests to get into the sanctuary, which recently celebrated five years of pestfree status. The cost of repairs is also a concern. Mr Maitland says that the gates are worth tens of thousands of dollars, but that cost will be reduced because only the part above ground needs to be replaced. Who will pay remains unclear, but the NZ Defence Force spokesperson says that it seems likely that the Defence Force and regional park (Auckland Council) will seek reparation. Mr Maitland says the crashes are disappointing, especially given that there is a clearly posted speed limit on the approach to the fence. “It shows that keeping the integrity of the fence is a continuous process and the pathways for incursions are many and varied,” Mr Maitland says. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Orewa Police on 426 4555.

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Family pet dies in shocking fountain incident In an incident believed to be extremely rare, a dog was electrocuted after jumping into a fountain in Orewa to cool off. The fountain is on the front wall of contractors found that the current was Evelyn Page Village in Orewa, by enough to be fatal for the dog, but the pavement. Ryman Healthcare not large enough to cause a human corporate affairs manager David King fatality,” he says. says that a couple was walking their Orewa Veterinary Centre’s Brett dog past the village on January 26. Finlayson says that in his 38 years of “We understand their dog loved to veterinary practice, he has never heard have a dip in our fountains as part of of this happening before and describes its walk,” he says. it as just “very, very bad luck”. On this occasion when the dog However, electrician Simeon Dudley jumped into the water she received an of Dudleys Electrical, who has been in electric shock, became unconscious the business for 25 years, says the mix of and died. water and electricity always creates a risk The owners were devastated and Mr and should be treated with due caution. King says Ryman cannot apologise “I wouldn’t have a water feature with enough for what happened. A health a pump in it at my place, with kids and safety investigation revealed that around,” he says. He suggests that a fault had caused a small electric any amount of current, even very low, current to leak into the fountain. has the potential to stop someone’s The water feature was drained and the heart, which is especially a concern for company is checking all ponds around babies or those with heart problems. its villages for similar problems. At this “Technically, someone can die from a point no other issues have been found. shock even from a small battery – it “We think it was a one-off, but we depends on the individual.” are taking every step to ensure that it He advises that although the risk never happens again. Our electrical is low, anyone with a water feature

The fatal fountain: Evelyn Page Retirement Village has since emptied its fountain where a couple’s much-loved dog recently died.

should ensure that they put a low voltage pump in it. Maintenance is also important. “Pumps only have a certain lifespan and they are working all the time. They need cleaning and checking once a month.”

It is also important to install a residual current device (RCD) for protection – if there is a fault in the pump, this will cut off the power. The device is often standard inside new homes, but can be retrospectively fitted by an electrician.

Source of significant smell still sought An unpleasant stench noticed by residents of Swann Beach and Stanmore Bay in recent weeks has lead to investigations by Auckland Council and Watercare. Council has suggested that the source is a stagnant stream, however several other theories have also been put forward. Simon Camp of Swann Beach says at times the smell has been strong enough to drive his family and friends off the deck and inside. He says he notices it most in the early morning and at night, rather than during the day. Some nights it has been strong enough to wake him up. “Once it was so bad I thought the house might be on fire,” Simon says. “It smelt a bit like burning nylon carpet. I’ve lived on the peninsula since 1981 and I’ve never smelt anything as bad as this before.”

One morning, at 3am, he called Watercare, which had received several other complaints and launched an investigation. Watercare spokesperson Maxine Clayton says staff visited Swann Beach on February 7 and found the pump station was operating normally. Cracks were discovered on a manhole cover near Ardern Avenue and Swann Beach Road and this was fixed. Other pump stations in the area are being checked. However, Maxine says that the overwhelming odour in the area seems to be coming from rotting seaweed on the beach – a suggestion also put forward by Simon and several others who contacted Hibiscus Matters. At the same time, Auckland Council was carrying out an investigation

that lead it to the conclusion that the problem is actually a stagnant stream. Council’s pollution investigation team inspected the Stanmore Bay area after complaints about the odour. Council’s compliance and resource consents manager, Steve Pearce, says the Stanmore Bay Stream was found to be effectively stagnant, blue/black in colour and giving off an “eggy” odour. “This is likely a result of decomposition of organic matter within the stream and is not an unusual occurrence in smaller streams over summer months when they dry out and stagnate,” he says. “The situation will remain until rainfall causes the water flow in the stream to return and flushes out the stagnant water.” If you see pollution, contact Council’s 24-hour pollution hotline 09 377 3107.

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| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

Feedback

Not so flash

I would like to add to the comments on housing provided by Vicki Phillips in your wonderful paper’s Valuation column. She is so right that we have our own desire for flash housing to blame, in part, with developers only too eager to cater to that market. However, could I add to the mix the cost of materials? As someone who recently renovated, we were horrified at the price of materials, as well as some of the labour costs. Let’s look at our own issues first before we take the easy route and blame the ‘immigrants’. Shannon Poole, Gulf Harbour

Crash coming Vicki Phillips’ ‘take’ on what’s fuelling the Auckland housing market misses the point (HM February 1). It’s a false, demand-driven market caused by uncontrolled immigration, foreign investors, speculators and, to a lesser extent, Kiwis returning from overseas. It will come unstuck, as was the case not too many years ago. Watch this space. John Clements, Orewa

Making space Vicki Phillips finally raises something that isn’t often talked about in the debate on housing – the excessive size of the houses that are being built (HM Feb 1). We would all have more space if we were prepared to live in far smaller homes, with less possessions, and the environment would be better for it. It would also reduce the cost of housing. The move towards small, and even tiny, houses is growing and could be the only way NZ can maintain its image as a place with space for all. Michael Day, Hatfields Beach

Poor design The government wants more houses built – affordable housing. When you go out to see what their idea of affordable housing is, you find it’s

What’s on your mind? Readers are welcome to air their views. We do not publish abusive or unsigned letters. Letters may be abridged and full versions are at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Address on p2 or e:terry@localmatters.co.nz

four bedroomed houses, with a study and a double garage. Not many newly married couples can afford that. So many of them are sold after a few years and rented out. Two-storied townhouses for retirees and newly married couples – not very practical for an older person who may not want to climb lots of stairs to get around the house. Later on when the young couple have children – their toddlers’ idea of fun will be to climb the stairs and fall down the stairs at every opportunity. It’s like they got a big rubber stamp for the same design to be repeated over and over again with no individuality. Suzie Gordon, Stanmore Bay

Charges outrageous I note with interest the article on page three of Hibiscus Matters re Water Carriers being under pressure. As we are reliant on tank water (there wasn’t town water in our street when we built 30 years ago) I’m outraged at the arrogance of Watercare. Although most of our water is rainwater we still pay an average of $50 a month for wastewater fees – in fact as much as those connected to the network. Does this mean we can now stop paying? We soon won’t have enough water to make waste if this dry spell continues! I would very much like to hear their answer. Christina Jensen, Whangaparaoa Watercare stakeholder media liaison advisor Maxine Clayton responds: Watercare customers who are connected to just our wastewater network have the option of paying a fixed wastewater charge or a variable wastewater charge, with a smaller fixed component. The latter requires them to install a water meter on their private water supply (rain tank or bore water). This means they can be charged in the same way and at the same rate as our metropolitan customers. Customers can call us or visit our website and search for “rain tank water meter” to find out more.

off

the record

Not so dynamic I was astounded to read today (HM February 1) that not only are the Dynamic Lanes on Whangaparaoa Rd nowhere near starting, but that the almost-finished roadworks are unrelated! These must have cost several million dollars, and the road will have to be dug up again when the lanes happen – or is this a subtle way of breaking the news that, like Penlink, they may never happen? I wonder how many Local Board members live on the Peninsula and have to endure the lengthening queues to and from work each weekday! When going to work I find the queue can now start sometimes as far back as Karepiro Drive, and regularly New World or Vipond Road, and continue through to the motorway; while in the evenings it can start at the off ramp or even 1-2 kilometres south, and continue through to Red Beach Road. Ho hum, just another example of nil planning. Perhaps those who stood at the intersections waving placards at election time (if they were elected) could stand there now, so that we can honk at them! Keep up the communications. Paul Parker, Stanmore Bay

Petrol price app There is a lot of local talk about petrol prices and at last there’s an App to help you find the best price. The new App “Gaspy” has live information on petrol prices at the gas stations. What a surprise to see that we are the most expensive, bar one, within a radius of 20km! Of course, no surprise to see that all local stations are the same price within 0.1c/litre. Surely there isn’t any price fixing! Anyway, it’s good to see that you can plan your top ups to suit your journeys and avoid the local stations. Sure, it’s only around a $5 gain for a full top up but for me it’s the principle and I will not purchase petrol locally unless I have to. Have fun download the app. John Boland, Manly (abridged)

A reader sent this into the paper, saying she has been watching the people in this image on the Leisure Centre’s wall fade to ghostly in the bright sunlight. In a few months there will be little left except eyelashes and hair, the reader says.

Not a worry I have just read the piece about people being concerned about the paper quality of your excellent publication (HM February 1) and I went out and burned two tyres in their honour. Sensitivity can be a form of despotism. I would like you do a response that nicely says, ‘go away, bugger off, control freak’. You would get a giant three cheers from many people for showing some courage and not being oh so sensitive. Geoff Hansen, Hatfields Beach Editor’s note: To clarify – it wasn’t the new paper stock’s quality, but its ability to be recycled/composted that people asked about. Those concerns were shared by Hibiscus Matters.

This ring, which has an inscription on it, was found by some Army Bay residents on January 27. It was discovered while the residents were snorkeling off Army Bay. The ring may have been in the water for a while as it had a barnacle on it. The owner is welcome to message Natalie Morine on Facebook or contact her via Hibiscus Matters.

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Feedback cont... Valves vandalised Shut downs at Watercare’s filling stations occur during periods of peak demand to ensure we can maintain a service to our customers. At all times, the Silverdale filling station remains open, so that private water cartage operators can fill up and supply their tank customers. These operators have unlimited access, 24 hour per day, seven days per week. The Stanmore Bay reservoir is supplied by water from the Scott Road reservoir (unlike Silverdale—which comes from the Metropolitan network). In recent times, flow has indeed been reduced at the Stanmore Bay station to 30 percent of the normal flow, in order to try to ensure a constant supply and avoid closures. Unfortunately, the water valves have been repeatedly vandalised, causing significant damage. The most recent attack happened at the weekend. If readers can offer any information about this, or encourage witnesses to contact Watercare and/or the police,

that would be greatly appreciated. Please note that tanker drivers were personally phoned prior to the shut down and supply was restored this morning. This week we’re contacting every water cartage company, asking them to update their contact details, so that in future they will receive text alerts about changes to the service. The weather has been incredibly hot recently and last week as a whole was the second highest water demand on record. Despite this, dam levels are still 80 percent full – the same level as this time last year. Maxine Clayton, Watercare spokesperson Editor’s note: Tanker drivers tell us that in many cases filling up in Silverdale is uneconomic, doubling their delivery time and therefore costs, for customers on the Peninsula. We are still unclear as to whether the shutdowns at Karepiro Drive are caused by an infrastructure problem, and will continue to seek clarification from Watercare.

Treasured documents returned A precious manuscript and photos stolen from Hilary Pedersen’s car around 10 years ago is now back in her hands after Hilary’s story appeared in Hibiscus Matters last November. Hilary’s father, Harry Dean, wrote Dannevirke region. memoirs of his World War II Lynda’s father-in-law was working experiences and the typewritten for Higgins cleaning roadside ditches document that had all his original when he found the folders containing black and white photographs in it the manuscript. He took them to disappeared when Hilary’s car was Ohakea Air Force Base, which returned burgled in Waipukurau. them after a year as the base had been Despite a massive search, and a reward unable to trace Harry. offered at the time, they appeared to Recently Lynda decided to have have gone without trace. another go at finding the owner, and Hilary, who lives in Gulf Harbour, had when she googled Harry Dean, the another manuscript (without photos) Hibiscus Matters story popped up. and used this to eventually publish the A few days later she was able to courier book, My Pacific Star, last year. The burglary was mentioned in the story the documents to Hilary. about My Pacific Star that appeared in Hilary says seeing the photos was especially exciting and she knows her Hibiscus Matters. Last month, Lynda Corrigan of Upper father would be thrilled that the circle Hutt contacted the paper saying has been completed. she had the original manuscript and “I’m so grateful for Lynda’s kindness – photos and had been searching for that she kept, treasured and respected the owner ever since her father-in- the document and photos and never law found them in a ditch in the gave up in trying to find us.”

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Why should Hibiscus Coast residents be concerned about a Bill that’s currently going through Parliament, which relates to housing development on a Recreational Reserve in Tamaki? The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board “Western Reserve is also Crown recently made a submission on the Reserve Land, from Riverside Road Point England Development Enabling down to and including the Orewa Bill, adding its voice to that of campground and all of Western Auckland Council. Chair Julia Parfitt Reserve,” Mrs Fitzgerald says. and deputy chair Janet Fitzgerald say There is the potential, if this Bill is that “striking similarities” between passed by Parliament, for a further Bill Point England and Western Reserve in in future relating to reserves that could include Western Reserve. Orewa are a cause for concern. The purpose of Building Housing and Mrs Parfitt says it’s important that Environment Minister Nick Smith’s residents are aware of the issue. Bill is to enable housing development “We are not scaremongering, but we on 11.69 hectares of land on the are alert to the possibilities and being Point England Recreation Reserve in proactive,” she says. “I’m concerned Tamaki, East Auckland. that public consultation on this Bill Mrs Parfitt says it allows the land’s was open over the Christmas/New reserve status to be taken away so that Year period and largely went under it can be used for development and/or everyone’s radar.” She says the previous Council’s treaty settlements. The Mayor’s office alerted the local statement that reserves could be looked at for housing where they are “under boards to the Bill, late last year. utilised” made the board nervous, Submissions closed on January 31. and that if a site has the potential for Mrs Parfitt says the Bill effectively “affordable housing”, there is potential circumvents the Reserves Act that leverage for incursions into reserves. would normally apply – certain changes “This area needs more reserves, not less, were mooted to this Act in late 2015, as more subdivision takes place,” Mrs but they haven’t happened as yet. Fitzgerald says. “We have made such a The key concern for the local board is big investment in Western Reserve and that the Bill doesn’t become a precedent. we have to be on our guard.”

Budget consultation begins

Auckland Council ratepayers have the opportunity from the end of this month through March to comment on Mayor Phil Goff’s first budget. The plan proposes restricting the annual average rate rise to 2.5 percent, as well as the introduction of a visitor levy, a targeted rate for new large-scale developments and a regional fuel tax. Mayor Goff says ratepayers cannot be expected to continue to shoulder the responsibility for the growth of the city on their own. “This proposal shares that responsibility more fairly across all of those who benefit from living and doing business in our city,” he says. On the visitors’ levy, which is set to raise $30 million, Mr Goff says accommodation providers and other businesses benefit most directly from the funding Council puts into attracting visitors to the city and supporting major events. “That is why I am proposing a new visitor levy to be collected by hotels, motels and B&Bs to replace ratepayer spending by ATEED in this area. Council is seeking Government support to implement a regional fuel tax to help close the $400 million gap in transport infrastructure funding identified under the Auckland Transport Alignment Project. The proposal also implements the Mayor’s commitment to a Living Wage for Council employees and contributes an additional $500,000 to coordinating work to support homeless Aucklanders. Council’s annual budget, which forms part of the Annual Plan, opens for public consultation from February 27 at shapeauckland.co.nz. It is due to be adopted on June 19.

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Viewpoint with Janet Fitzgerald, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board deputy chair, janet.fitzgerald@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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Residents are being urged to jump online early to book an inorganic waste collection from their property. There will be a notification sent to letterboxes of the timing of the local collection, but Auckland Council says in the meantime residents can go to inorganiccollections.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Inorganic/, enter their address and the tool will tell them the date of their collection week. They can then make a booking. Once a booking is made, you will be advised by email, text or phone what day the items will be picked up. All Auckland households can book an annual inorganic collection of up to 1 cubic metre of material (roughly the size of a small trailer load). The service runs between March and December. Residents pay for the service in their rates. Rather than store items for an annual collection, Auckland Council encourages residents to sell or donate their unwanted reusable items any time of the year.

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One month of 2017 has already gone wow! So much to do. The beautiful weather that summer brings looks like it has finally arrived. The draft annual Auckland Plan will be open for discussion and submission soon. I urge you all to have a say. Everyone wants things in their local areas but don’t want rates to increase, so how are we going to get things done to make our area a place that we love living in but also an area where tourists can come and enjoy our magnificent scenery and facilities? This is what shapes the beautiful area we live in. The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Plan for the next three years is underway and will be going out for consultation later in the year. My aim is to achieve what the community asked at a public meeting some 12 years ago – that the Penlink Now Team achieve Penlink in whatever way as soon as possible. As a Local Board member Penlink has been my prime goal and I take the opportunity at any meeting, place or subject to claim the benefits of this critical project. I was very heartened to see the Mayor’s comments on Penlink in the latest Hibiscus Matters. Late in 2015 The Chair and I met with Michael Barnett CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. We explained to Michael that not having Penlink was inhibiting employment growth in Silverdale, where zoned land was under pressure by developers to be used for residential. We also indicated that business, both in Silverdale and Whangaparaoa, were suffering. We were encouraged by the Chamber’s response: meetings were held with local businesses, developers, investors and the Chamber. Last week we had a meeting with the Mayor Phil Goff, the Chamber of Commerce, Auckland Transport, former Rodney District Council staff and interested parties to get some indication as to next steps to achieve Penlink. Mayor Goff readily agreed to the benefits of the $280m project, but pointed out that he was constrained by Council’s debt-to-revenue ratio. He encouraged the Chamber and other parties – Auckland Transport, NZTA (central government) and the local board to continue to seek ways to find ways to fund the project in a way that takes it off Council’s books. This is what we needed to hear, so Michael Barnett can now get a campaign underway seeking immediate action. This is where our community comes in to play; we need to have you behind us. Submission forms, photos and comments about the congestion you are experiencing can be emailed to mbarnett@chamber.co.nz or the Chamber’s website chamber.co.nz.

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| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

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The future of this Council owned building in Silverdale will be decided in the coming months.

Council considers bowling former bowling club building The issue of whether to renovate or demolish the former Bowling Club building in Silverdale Memorial Park will be considered by Auckland Council in the coming months. Weathertightness and structural copy supplied to the paper. surveys of the building commissioned Initial tests last year found that most by Auckland Council (and obtained of the asbestos was in structures by Hibiscus Matters under the Official outside the main building (the fence, Information Act) show that it is in a sheds and toilets). However, a later very poor state. report by ATL Ltd identified asbestos The report by Hampton Jones, dated containing materials in the ceiling August, 2016, found “moisture ingress space, under the floor and on the and timber decay to the structural outside of the building. components” of the building and that Following receipt of this report, parts were “significantly suffering from Council prohibited public access to decay/water damage and flooding the property, which is leased by the below its suspended floor”. Nippon Judo Club as well as the The report concludes that a significant No 5 (Rodney) Squadron of the Air amount of remedial work would be Training Corps. required to bring the building up to Council is now considering the future current code. The estimated costs of of the building and says that one such work were withheld from the option is to close it indefinitely.

Roadworks continue

A further round of roadworks is underway on Whangaparaoa Road. Auckland Transport advises that this is resurfacing work and not related to the proposed Dynamic Lanes project.

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Danny Battershill

A lifelong learner, Danny Battershill is a qualified chef, barista, bartender and restaurant manager. He has studied sustainable conservation and animal behaviour and is also a citizen scientist and musician who says his first real job was acting. Danny is the instigator of Earthstone Arts, which he describes as providing “people and passion empowerment” as well as running the Big Day Art markets. He spends a lot of time volunteering in the community. At 27 years old, suffering from chronic eczema, Danny has faced a number of demons, including drink, and came out with a desire to help others. He spoke with Terry Moore about the healing power of honey.

came to the Coast because I was in hospital and not only in a bad place physically, but in every way. I’ve had eczema my whole life but it got a lot worse when I reached puberty. In my early 20s, I was not coping. People were always telling me to stop scratching and I was in and out of hospital all the time. I’d looked for ways to numb my mind. I had become an alcoholic, and not a very nice person – I was looking for comfort, acceptance and healing in all the wrong places. When I left hospital that time, I was going to be homeless. Luckily Dad came down and saw me. He was living in Stanmore Bay, so he came down with a trailer, got my stuff and drove me back up. A lot of good has come from living here. Dad raised me to see the world as full of possibilities.

tress is what makes my condition flare up. To manage stress I play music, especially guitar, and spend time thinking and creating. I have a whiteboard in my lounge and I draw the eco homestead I dream of building one day, or think about what my tiny homes village might look like. I meditate, read a lot of books and compose music. When I first moved here I didn’t know anyone, but that’s something I relished because it was a chance to start again and not let my past define me. I did a bit of volunteer work with local organisations, which helped me get to know people in the community. I worked at BBs in the Plaza and got to know the Plaza management and that connection lead to the Big Day Art markets. My illness has made me unable to work nine to five for very long. In the last 10 years I have been hospitalised more than 50 times, which made life very uncertain and of course that doesn’t work for an employer. I’m not an unreliable person, but that’s how it ended up looking. After I was fired from the last hospitality job I had, I was in my ward and I realised I was done with working for other people and paying their mortgages. I started Earthstone Arts to help local creative people promote their work, because I have sales and marketing experience. Because of how often I’ve tripped up in my own life and had to

rebuild, I felt I had something to teach people. Even though I’m physically not that great, I can help people overcome their problems and see possibilities instead of obstacles, which is what I’ve learned to do the hard way. I’m also involved with Love Soup Hibiscus Coast and the community gardens and they are making a real difference in the world. When I’m in hospital I am kept in isolation because of all the open wounds. I have moments where I desperately need people around me, but mostly I cope okay with that and I don’t think Earthstone Arts would be what it is unless I’d had that time. If my skin’s well enough for me to open my eyes, I can work online and on social media from hospital too. When I’m in hospital I have to be helped to eat and go to the bathroom but when I’m at my weakest I’m also at my strongest because I know it takes real strength and faith to see me through.

I’

ve learned that 95 percent of wellness comes with diet and managing stress levels. Recently I went off all my medications for the first time in my life – no steroids or chemotherapy and no pills because I feel like they did more damage than good in the long run. I get bad blood infections, including MRSA (which is antibiotic resistant) from wounds. The topical steroids have thinned my skin and made me susceptible to heat and stress; I get very itchy and then it doesn’t take much for my skin to break. Nothing worked long term and the infection wasn’t clearing my system. Whatever the doctors had to try, wasn’t working and I would have to recover twice – from the infection itself and then from the side effects of the medication. After all that, I could get sick again within a month. Then I discovered manuka honey. The information about it kept popping up and I’m very curious and like to research new things. I realised raw honey was a winner when I saw that in Egypt there are jars of honey that are 5000 years old that you can still use because it’s so dense in antibacterial, anti viral and anti inflammatory properties that nothing, even MRSA, can live in it. I first put honey on my skin about

mid-way through last year. The best stuff is tremendously expensive, liquid gold – around $100 a kilo – but I got hold of a big jar of raw manuka honey through local beekeepers I know. My friend, Nakita Honnis, drove to North Shore hospital and gave it to me. I tried hot honey washes – a hot shower, followed by washing myself again with honey on a hot wet cloth. I’d basically be basting myself in honey and sit for half an hour until it dries in. At that stage I had many wounds and cuts and after half an hour I could actually feel the skin healing back over, which also made me want to scratch. It was like that for my whole body, almost before my eyes. My doctors were sceptical and that made me angry. I did that for a week and was out of hospital in six days instead of the normal 14 to 21 days and was MRSA clean. I couldn’t believe it. I still get flare ups and my skin is very temperamental but in terms of the level of deterioration and repair, I’m repairing faster than deteriorating now. It’s a slow process, but I’m okay with slow. I’m willing to let the honey do its thing. I’m developing a sunscreen because at the moment I can’t go in the sun without fully covering up – I’m very susceptible to sunburn because I have no barriers. Wearing a hoodie and jeans in the summer means I get hot and flushed and stared at all the time. I’m used to that. People fear what they don’t understand.

do get out in the garden and am working on making flour from the acorns on massive oak trees at our place in Manly. I’ve set up a net to dry them and must have picked up around 10,000 acorns. Then I’ll wash them and grind them to make flour. My flatmate is teaching me to make smoked cheese and biltong. I feel that my health is

improving because the world I’m part of is improving. This year is about refining the Earthstone Arts vision – understanding our direction and how to affect our world in a positive way. There are now half a dozen of us working with Earthstone Arts now and we are moving into different areas such as events.

was diagnosed with chronic depression several times, but I see it more as ‘situational depression’ caused by the ups and downs of my illness. I remember a time when I was around 18 or 19 when I was at the end of my tether. I was drunk and had a fistful of sleeping pills. I was looking at myself in the mirror and thinking no one was truly going to miss me. Now I can’t comprehend how I got to that place because of what I’ve done since then and learning how to pull me through. Having said that, last year I had a serious mental breakdown. It was a time when they had had to put IV lines in my feet because they couldn’t get them in my arms. Sometimes, when my skin is so tight I can’t extend my arms, it’s like being squeezed tighter and tighter and you feel like you’re drying out. This time, I felt my skin snap and I screamed and threw a chair at a window in the hospital. I had to be held down. Now I know that I can heal and that it’s just a bad day, not a bad life. But right then, in the moment, I felt like no one understood what pain I was in. These days I take the occasional antihistamine but the main things I use are the crème de la crème of natural remedies – tumeric, garlic, pink Himalayan sea salt, manuka honey and kawa kawa leaves. But in hospital, the treatment for conditions like mine hasn’t changed. I want that to change and will be doing my best to see that happen.

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| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

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Probians forced to consider ‘what’s in a name?’ Probus Clubs are facing an upheaval after being threatened with legal action if they continue to use the name ‘Probus’. Probus is a name that has been used in NZ for clubs that were originally an offshoot of Rotary for more than 40 years. There are seven Probus clubs on the Hibiscus Coast, with a total of close to 1000 members. The threat came after Probus South Pacific (the governing body, based in Australia) acquired the NZ trademark Graeme McIntosh rights to the name ‘Probus’. Last year A J Park, patent attorneys acting for club has been called that for 35 years.” Probus South Pacific, wrote to the NZ clubs, saying that they could only He says the other local Probus clubs are retain the name ‘Probus’ if they were currently in various stages of considering their options, which include affiliation affiliated to Probus South Pacific. with Australia, affiliating with Rebus Graeme McIntosh, public relations NZ or affiliating with another officer for Rebus Club of Hibiscus organization, Fellowship NZ. Coast (formerly Probus Club of Hibiscus Coast) says his club is the Graeme says it is unfortunate that the first of the seven Probus clubs in the issue has fragmented the organization. area to adopt a different name because He says the Probus movement in NZ made a mistake not trade marking the of the Australian edict. He says the desire for independence name within NZ and it is now too late. from Australia stemmed from an issue “The fact is that the rights to the name a few years ago when the Australians are gone and if we retain that name we asked for access to members’ private are using stolen property and leave ourselves wide open to legal action,” information. Graeme, who is also Rebus NZ chair, he says. “However, the choice remains said the alternative name ‘Rebus’ was with the membership of each club.” arrived at after a brain storming session Probing the name and was duly incorporated a year ago. He says renaming themselves Rebians The Probus name came from the UK found favour with a huge majority and was an amalgam of ‘professional’ of his club’s 115 members, although and ‘business’. Rebus came from it was not a decision made lightly. a blend of ‘retired’ and ‘business’ “People feel sad about the loss of the however from the beginning not name,” he says. “Some of our members all Probians, or Rebians, are retired agonized over parting with it, as our business people.

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February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Upper Orewa subdivision seeks resource consent Subdivision of 84.5ha of rural land into 575 residential lots, to be called Grand View Estate, is proposed for a site adjacent to a DOC reserve. The location of the site, technically could potentially service a far greater referred to as “Upper Orewa’, is on number of sites”. That decision lead to the western side of the Northern the current application. motorway, across from Grand Drive. The proposal is for 575 residential On its north and north-western lots ranging from 300sqm to boundaries, the property backs on 2000sqm. This will require significant to the large DOC-owned Nukumea earthworks, affecting 58ha, or 68 percent of the site. The vegetation to Scenic Reserve. Formerly part of Hall Farm, the land be removed includes up to 3.4ha of is zoned Future Urban and described regenerating native bush and stands as no longer viable for farming since of pine trees. it was bisected to build the ALPURT All land not in private lots will be motorway. It is steep and covered in transferred into common areas to be gorse, with some regenerating native set aside as reserves and for recreational activities such as walking trails. These bush. The application for resource consent areas will also be where stormwater to develop the land, by Orewa West and other services may be located. Investments, has been publicly Auckland Council’s planners consider notified, with submissions closing on that the scale and nature of the application makes it complex and the February 17. The documentation submitted by team sought clarification and further the applicant states that resource information from the applicant last consent was granted back in 2014 to year, prior to notification. subdivide the land into 105 lots. The The documents can be found at developer has since decided that this aucklandcouncil.govt.nz under publicly was “inefficient use of the land when notified resource consents, which is the infrastructure being developed also where submissions can be made.

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A course designed to help teachers learn more about the use of technology in classrooms may be coming to Orewa. The postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice (Digital and Collaborative Learning) is offered by The Mind Lab/ Unitec. It is designed for educators at all levels from early childhood through to tertiary. It is a 32-week, part-time NZQA-accredited qualification that “builds capabilities as a 21st-century educator”. It offers teachers the chance to learn practical strategies for bringing technology to life in the classroom – assisting them to improve engagement with students, increase student achievement, and ultimately enable teachers to respond to the needs of students in the digital world. An Open Lab will be held at Orewa College on February 28, 4.30pm–6pm, which will explore what the course offers, what content will be covered, how the course is structured, and fees and scholarships. There will also be some practical activities. The Orewa intake will only proceed if there are enough enrolments. Info: www.themindlab.com

Orewa seawall consent lodged

Auckland Council lodged a resource consent application to build a seawall along Orewa Beach from Kohu Street to Marine View last December. It included a request that the consent be publicly notified.

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environment

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017 17-PRO-0732-HM-1

Move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible. Don’t wait for an official tsunami warning. All of New Zealand’s coastline is at risk of tsunami. Knowing the right immediate action to take can prevent injury and save lives. If you are near the coast and feel an earthquake that lasts more

Blast from the Past with Susanne Wilson, Hibiscus Coast History on Facebook

than a minute or makes it hard to stand up, move quickly. Make a plan today. Know where to go, and find out who can help you and who might need your help. You can find Auckland tsunami zone maps and local information on the Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management website.

This wonderful photo of the Hibiscus Coast Boating Club ignites fond childhood memories of the Stanmore Bay Reserve, the gravel car park and the white painted logs that indicated car parking spaces. As a child I recall the hard gravel under my feet as I fled to the beach – dodging the boat tractors and trailers. The photo was taken in the mid-to-late 1980s. This was after the police village holiday resort had been constructed behind (where the Stanmore Bay caravan park once stood) and the club itself had expanded from its initial boat shed, used to store a tractor. The club was established in the 1950s and has grown in strength over the years, due to many dedicated members. Its clubhouse has been used by hundreds of locals for many events. Photo courtesy of Lisa Willis.

Horse poo complaints raised

Find out more: visit aucklandcivildefence.org.nz

The sight of large amounts of horse poo in the Orewa Reserve car park and reserve has lead Maygrove resident Jill Jeffs and others to seek clarification of the rules around horses on beaches. Jill says she is not against people riding on the beach, but wants to ensure that horse owners clean up after their animals. Council’s bylaws and compliance manager, Max Wilde, says there are clearly stated guidelines for responsible horse riding on Auckland Council’s website. These include cleaning up horse manure and giving other beach users plenty of space. He says Council follows a graduated enforcement policy that focuses on achieving compliance through advice and education. Beach wardens are no longer used. “If there were repeated complaints about breaches of this bylaw on Orewa Beach, Council would carry out targeted proactive patrols,” he says.

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environment

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

High hopes for gulf plan

implementation still rests with authorities such as Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation. The plan identified that the Tiritiri Matangi and Whangaparaoa area included a range of habitats such as sheltered and exposed reeds to a high current channel. Due to heavy recreational use and land-based impacts such as sedimentation, the health of the area is considered degraded. Kina barrens are observed and once abundant species such as crayfish and hapuku are rarely seen or absent. The plan recommends two scenarios (see maps): Scenario 1: Type 1 - No take marine reserve around Tiritiri Island including Shearer Rock. Type 2 - Protection of benthic habitats extends north from Army Bay and East and South to join the cable zone. Excludes all benthic impacting fishing methods. Scenario 2: Type 1 – No take marine reserve extending south from Northwest Point to southern point on Tiritiri island. Type 2 – Protection of benthic habitats extends north from Army Bay and east and south to join the cable zone. Excludes all benthic impacting fishing methods. The plan can be read in full here: seachange.org.nz/Read-the-Plan

The recently-released Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Spatial Plan is recommending greater protection for the waters off Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The plan was prepared over several years with the support of various agencies and community groups including manu whenua, Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation. It identifies that despite the intensive use of the Hauraki Gulf by humans, there is a fundamental lack of baseline knowledge for most of the park. While there have been a number of small-scale benthic surveys, either for geology or for species-habitat purposes, there has never been any large-scale systematic survey or series of surveys of the gulf to quantify ‘what is out there’ beyond the species that humans value economically such as fish or socially such as seabirds. “The old adgage, ‘you can’t manage The maps show two different what you don’t measure’ holds strongly scenarios for the protection of sea life here, both in terms of what is present, around Tiritiri Matangi. and monitoring it over time to detect any significant changes, natural or marine reserves. All were identified for their habitat and ecological values, and anthropogenic,” the plan says. The plan advocates for the introduction were based on scientific evidence. of 15 new Marine Protected Areas in However, while the plan sets out the gulf including 10 new areas of a range of recommendations,

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Rangers at Shakespear Open Sanctuary are now getting around the park on an e-bike and are enjoying the silence of the new ride. Open Sanctuary senior ranger Matt Maitland says the Ubco electric bike was purchased recently as part of regular upgrades of the park fleet. They cost around $8000 each. The quad bikes, which have been used up until now, have been phased out. Matt says as well as making it easy to get around the park, the electric bike, which is designed for off-road riding, is more environmentally friendly. He says that the New Zealand-made model costs around 80 cents to recharge and can cover a range of 100km. Pictured is, Shakespear Regional Park Community Ranger Bruce Harrison on the new Ubco e-bike.

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Health & fitness

Health&fitness

Rodney MP joins Parkinson’s fundraising ride A personal experience with Parkinson’s disease has prompted Rodney MP Mark Mitchell to join a 160km bike ride across his constituency in June. The ride is to raise awareness and funds for research into a cure for Parkinson’s. Mr Mitchell contacted Hibiscus Matters’ sister paper, Mahurangi Matters, to offer his support, following an article on January 18, which appealed for a charity rider. Scotsman Bernie Docherty, who was diagnosed with the disease two years ago, aged 50, launched the appeal. Bernie plans to complete a simultaneous, 100-mile fundraising ride in Britain, on June 25. “When I read the story I knew I had to find a way of supporting the ride,” Mr Mitchell says. “When I was in the Police force, I came off second best to a piece of fourby-two and that part of my brain that releases dopamine was damaged. For three years I had Parkinson’s symptoms and I can completely understand what Bernie’s going through.” Bernie has exchanged emails with Mr Mitchell and also received other offers of help from Mahurangi residents. “I was completely blown away,

especially by Mark’s offer to ride and raise funds,” Bernie says. “It’s a great cause, but there are millions of worthy causes out there. I feel very humbled.” Bernie visited New Zealand several years ago and says he loves Mahurangi. He initially wanted to place an advert for a rider to create a global fundraiser. “I got Parkinson’s at a young age and I have very severe symptoms. I can be awake for three days straight. Later in the year I will undergo Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. This project has given me real focus especially as I am no longer able to work,” Bernie says. Mr Mitchell says he is encouraging other MPs to take up the challenge. The cycle route is yet to be determined. “Bernie is very good at using humour to help him deal with his challenges, which is why I am looking to include as many downhill stretches of road as possible.” Donations can be made at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/BernieDocherty?utm_id=13 Above, Rodney MP Mark Mitchell, right, plans to ride 160km through his constituency to raise funds for research into Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s sufferer Bernie Docherty, left, will ride 100 miles in Britain on the same day.

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Customers of Farmers and New World supermarkets raised a total of $8,717 for Hibiscus Hospice over the recent Christmas period. The local community dug deep, with the following amounts collected in our local area: Farmers Whangaparaoa, Remembrance tree $3643; New World Orewa Remembrance tree $2728; New World Whangaparaoa Remembrance tree $2346. In addition, the Hospice gift wrapping service at Coast Plaza raised $1527 and at Paper Plus Orewa, gift wrapping raised $387. Pictured are Farmers staff (in black) with the cheque presented to Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Clare Bridle (in blue).

Health & fitness

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Singing the key to wellbeing Singing makes you feel good – and its value as therapy is becoming more widely known. Music therapist Ali Talmage, cofounder of the CeleBRation Choir at Auckland University’s Centre for Brain Research, says singing can help stroke survivors, and others with neurological problems, to find a voice again. As well as positive effects on brain circuits, singing can improve breathing and vocal strength – often a problem for people with Parkinson’s. For those with dementia, familiar tunes can elicit memories. Recently Ali started a new community music therapy group, Sing Up Rodney, in Silverdale and any adults living with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s or dementia are welcome to join. Partner/

carer participation is encouraged. Around 20 people took part in the first session, on February 2. Among them was Aphasia Rodney chair Ruth Farrell, who also sings with the CeleBRation Choir. Ruth developed aphasia after a stroke caused by a benign brain tumour seven years ago. She loves music and says singing has improved her speech but that the biggest benefit is “sociability”. The two-hour sessions at Rotary House in Silverdale include a tea break and Ali says this time to chat with others is as important as the singing itself, bringing people together. The weekly Sing Up Rodney sessions (on Thursdays, 10.30am–12.30pm) will run for the current term, until April 6, and people can join at any time. It

Charity ride battles the clock Ben Donaldson

On February 21 Ahuroa resident Chris Wiltshire, aged 42, will get on his Yamaha R1 1000cc sports bike in Dairy Flat, with a long road ahead. Chris is attempting to ride 1657 km across the central North Island, starting and finishing in Dairy Flat, in the space of 24 hours while raising money for Aran Animal Rescue. Chris says he was inspired to do the ride last month, to gain an award for completing a SaddleSore 1600k, presented by the Iron Butt Association for long distance riding.

“A fellow rider asked me to do the event a few years ago but I declined at the time,” he says. “Last month I put out a message on Facebook and my friend Jon Mitchell put his hand up to do it with me.” Chris says he also sees the ride as an opportunity to raise money and hopes to contribute one dollar for every kilometre he rides to Aran Animal Rescue. The ride will take the pair as far East as Gisborne, as far South as Fielding and as far West as Rahotu off Mount Taranaki. Chris says planning the route is one of the big challenges, and vital for success.

costs $10 per person (or couple). Ali says the number of participants, and securing ongoing funding, will determine whether the sessions can continue after April 6. She is considering setting up a Charitable Trust and would be happy to hear from anyone interested in supporting the initiative. Info: phone 027 464 2465 www. facebook.com/SingUpRodneyNZ, or email SingUpRodney@gmail.com Chris Wiltshire

The route incorporates 12 petrol station stops and requires the pair to keep an average speed of 66 kmph throughout the ride. “I think the important thing will be to find a good rhythm early on and stay consistent.” Chris has had to take into account the

Participants in Sing Up Rodney’s first session include both new and more experienced singers. Inset, Ali Talmage.

closing time of stations, speed limits and the shape of roads to avoid losing too much time. He says a breakdown causing a stoppage of more than half an hour is “game over”. His Yamaha is not a typical choice for this sort of event, being a low lying sports bike as opposed to a touring bike. Chris has previously competed in two New Zealand Road Racing Championships from 1998 to 2000 with a best result of seventh in formula two. He has also done three Battle of the Streets events in Paeroa over the same time period, finishing fifth in the year 2000. To help Chris fundraise go to givealittle. co.nz/fundraiser/saddlesore4aran

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Health & fitness

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

INTRODU CI N G n

Stanmore Bay Dental Studio

Making the experience of visiting the dentist a positive one is a priority for Claire and Titus Mulquiney, owners of Stanmore Bay Dental Studio. Claire has been a dentist since she qualified in Birmingham in 2008. She and husband Titus – a web designer and online marketer – moved to New Zealand three years ago. Initially a two-year adventure was planned, but they loved it here and eventually bought a house in Gulf Harbour. Their daughter Summer was born a year ago. As well as general dentistry, Claire enjoys forensic work in her spare time. She has a special interest in bite marks and is beginning to offer this expertise to Police. After working in a number of dental practices here and in the UK, Claire is champing at the bit to start her own from scratch. She says being in control of the quality of the whole experience is exciting. One of the things she finds most rewarding about dentistry is helping nervous patients. Psychology is part of dental training and Claire says her practice will have a strong focus on looking after the person as a whole. “I find it really rewarding getting a nervous patient from start to finish, especially if they were reluctant to smile before they came to us,” Claire says. The practice will cater for all general dentistry needs, including dentures,

Claire and Titus Mulquiney

fillings and implants. Associate dentist Johan van Rooyen, a specialist in implants and oral surgery (including root canals), is on the team along with a hygienist. Titus, who describes his supporting role as “director and general dogsbody” also puts patients first. He has built the website, dentalstudio.nz and looks after the IT support. “I am looking at the user experience and how to make patients feel comfortable when they walk in – creating a calm and relaxing environment,” Titus says. The clinic will feature soft chairs that fold down and noise cancelling headphones. Stanmore Bay Dental Studio, which is on Whangaparaoa Road in the same block as Family Doctors, will open on February 20 but bookings are already being taken by phone.

‘Life changing’ osteoarthritis course offered on Coast Although movement of joints affected by osteoarthritis causes pain, it seems as though ‘rotation, rotation, rotation’ is one of the things now prescribed for people suffering from this debilitating condition. Understanding the importance of keeping the joints moving and finding out about other aspects of managing life with osteoarthritis can be life changing, according to Orthopaedic Physiotherapist Kate Risbrook. Towards the end of last year Kate and Personal Trainer Aviv Jones ran a course at Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, designed to minimise the symptoms experienced by people with osteoarthritis. It included education, including advice on nutrition, and riding stationary bikes. Kate says one woman on the course no longer needs a joint replacement, and another described the six-week course as “life changing”. Kate says the course utilises the latest research on managing osteoarthritis. She says the general pattern that people follow after diagnosis is pain management, potentially followed by joint replacement. “Courses like this are valuable because they fill a gap, showing people ways of coping with the condition and improving their lives,” Kate says. She says non-weight bearing exercise, such as exercycling, nourishes the joints without stressing them. It also strengthens the muscles around the joint. “A lot of people are afraid of

aggravating the condition, and the cycling can cause a bit of pain at the start, but then it frees up and creates huge improvements.” Aviv, who also leads the Leisure Centre’s Never2Old programme, agrees that keeping moving is key. She says for some, weight loss is also an issue and that will be addressed in the course. “Sometimes even losing just a kilo or two can make a difference,” Aviv says. A local podiatrist and pharmacist will also offer advice on the course. “There’s time to ask questions and for people to share what has worked for them with others,” Aviv says. “It was quite empowering to take away tools and ideas that can help in everyday life. Some continue on with the exercise, which is one of the most important things.” “We had some great results from the first course and we have tweaked a few things and believe this next one is going to be even better,” Kate says. The pair say that the Leisure Centre has been hugely supportive, including providing the venue. The seven-week course begins on March 1. Sessions (1–1.5 hours) are held daily at the Leisure Centre, at 3pm. It is limited to 20 places, however anyone who misses out will have their details kept for the next course. The cost is $95. Info: phone Aviv, 027 556 6804 or visit the Leisure Centre in Stanmore Bay.

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Health & fitness

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Making Greenways happen

Cans for pots

Greenways Plan. He says that getting the plans off paper and onto the ground will require funding, and negotiations that the local board will undertake on behalf of the community with groups such as NZ Transport Agency, developers, DOC, the Ministry of Education and CCOs. The next stage of the process is detailed feasibility studies on some of the priority routes, followed by implementation, all of which is dependent on funding. The plan itself cost $18,000. Don says the benefit of having a Greenways Plan is that as development takes place, there is a chance to influence those plans for the community’s benefit. Local board chair Julia Parfitt says the board will “keep on battling” with developers to convince them that making those connections should be at their cost. There are plans to put the Greenways plan online, but currently it can be seen in the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Agenda for December 14, 2016, which is on the Auckland Council website.

The Resene Hunger for Colour fundraiser is back, for its third year. The initiative, which runs from February 1–28, invites people to go to their local Resene ColorShop and swap cans of food for 60-80ml test pots of Resene paint. The cans are then donated to the local Salvation Army foodbank. Resene marketing manager Karen Warman says the company first collected cans for the Salvation Army after the Canterbury earthquakes. “The campaign has generated fantastic feedback for two years running. People like donating food knowing it was going directly to help someone in need and the testpots are popular,” she says.

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The Hibiscus Coast now has its own Greenways Plan – a document aimed at identifying and creating largely off-road routes for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, long boarders and scooters. The more than 100 page document was adopted by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board at its meeting last December. It brings together information from many sources, including studies done by Auckland Transport that show three additional proposed park and rides for the area – one at the Redvale end of Penlink, one at Wainui Road and another by the Orewa motorway offramp. A number of priorities are identified, including planting a wildlife corridor from Waiwera to Orewa on NZ Transport Agency land; improvements to Te Ara Tahuna walking and cycling route that replaces an on-road section through Millwater with a loop around the coastal edge of Metro Park; and walking and cycling facilities to be part of Penlink. Don Lawson, Parks Advisor Rodney was brought in to manage the

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All welcome no matter where you plan to birth. Prenatal classes are a great way to meet other expectant parents, learn about birthing choices, and gain conﬁdence. Held at the Warkworth Birthing Centre, with a tour of the birthing room included. A wide variety of topics are covered, including: Late pregnancy exercise, nutrition, and warning signs • Relationship/lifestyle changes • Informed decision making • The labour and birth process • Birth place options and environment • Pain and power in labour • Massage and relaxation • Self help comfort measures and medical pain relief • Medical assistance and Caesarean birth • Postnatal emotions • Community support groups • Infant CPR • Breastfeeding • Early baby care and parenting Courses are FREE, and both evening (8 week) and weekend (4 week) options are available. Participants receive extensive handouts and a personalised facebook group. All groups also have a 4 week Mums ‘n’ Bubs course following the birth of the babies. Classes are facilitated by qualiﬁed childbirth educators Kama Richards and Danielle Stapleton.

To book please contact Kama on 021 208 0913 56 View Road, Warkworth | www.warkworthbirthcentre.co.nz

Health & fitness

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

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Food matters

If there’s one thing we are spoilt for choice for here on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s exercise facilities. With the abundance of gyms, home-based personal trainers and boot camp programmes, you can get your exercise fix any day and – looking at those poor souls I see out there in their workout gear in the early morning hours – any time. I love exercise and believe it has huge benefits to health. However, if your goal for this year is to lose weight then the most important exercise you need to focus on is the movement of your hand going to your mouth! If you eat five times per day this adds up to 35 times per week you are making the choice of how to fuel your body. This powerfully influences your body composition and determines whether your body stores fat or burns it. Even if you are exercising five times a week, it still pales in comparison to the 35 times you are eating and the choices you are making. Food matters – a lot. To get your nutrition on track, start with breakfast. If you start the day well, there’s a much better chance it will end that way. Regardless of when you choose to eat your first meal of the day, the most important thing is what you are eating. If you are struggling with low energy, sugar cravings and are hungry for morning tea within a few hours of eating, chances are you are eating the wrong thing. The key to balancing your blood sugar levels and fuelling yourself properly for the day ahead is to swap high-carbohydrate foods (toast, cereal, fruit etc) for foods that are rich in protein. Protein-rich foods contain essential amino acids your body needs for growth, recovery and repair. They help to boost your metabolism and feed your muscle. A breakfast rich in protein can keep you fuller for longer. Great options include eggs, bacon and other meats. Salmon is a delicious source of omega-3 fatty acids that will keep you full for hours. Soak chia seeds in milk overnight and eat with nuts and yogurt or try some of the new nut-based cereals available at the supermarket. A protein smoothie is a great go-to breakfast for busy mornings. Blend protein powder with your favourite milk, berries and avocado. Add ground LSA mix or linseeds for extra omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. This smoothie will keep you going for hours. Hibiscus Matters welcomes Nutritionist Sheryl Takayama to our Health column. Sheryl lost 30kg in her early twenties and says she has spent the past 20 years working hard to keep those kilos off. She has a post graduate diploma in nutrition and has shared her way of eating and tools for success with others on the Hibiscus Coast for the past seven years, specialising in weight loss, food addiction, gut health (particularly IBS) and emotional eating.

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Health & fitness

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Finding a way back to health Louise Heeney of Stanmore Bay has said goodbye to the days when the numbers on the scales ruled her life. Comfort eating, fuelled by depression and anxiety, meant that the 36-yearold’s weight seesawed up and down throughout her teens, 20s and early 30s. She weighed herself several times a day and tried every diet going. “I remember walking heaps at one time, and only eating an apple all day,” Louise says. But that level of restriction soon rebounded, with a return to binge eating. The crunch came when she reached her heaviest, 120kg, after losing and regaining 30kg in just a few months. Her general health, joints and back were suffering as a result. “I couldn’t go through that yoyo dieting process again,” she says. “I also didn’t want my daughter, who is now three years old, to grow up with body image issues. I started looking at my mindset and began by thinking about things I’m grateful for, each day.” She also started moving. “At the time, I was a Pilates instructor, despite being overweight, and also an aged caregiver for the Salvation Army. I saw older people with lots of physical restrictions and realized how important it is to keep moving and look after your health. At times I had exercised excessively and would be so sore afterwards that I’d soon drop it. I started more gently this time, walking for only around 10 minutes to start with. It was my type of exercise, so I stuck with it. I’ve come to realise that exercise should be something you look forward to and enjoy doing.” Feeling more confident and positive, she says, resulted in steady weight loss and a new focus on helping others to become healthier. “Staying positive, for me, was about finding more fun, fitness and friendships. I had been missing those connections, but once I got out and met new people I found that network is what keeps me mentally strong.” After qualifying to be a personal trainer, Louise took up powerhooping.

Mind over matter, and a whole lot of hooping, helped Louise Heeney back to good health.

“I met Amy McAuley of Powerhooping NZ and bought a hoop. I loved her energy – and the rainbow colours!” It took Louise a few weeks to get to grips with the technique needed to rotate the large, heavy hoop around the body. “Even when I began as a Powerhoop instructor, I was only a couple of steps ahead of the class.” Louise now takes Powerhooping classes at Sharks Sports Club in Orewa, and Fitter Faster Stronger in Whangaparaoa. She has the technique sorted, and says the fun of hooping is also an antidote to depression. “Once I tried hooping on a trampline and it was hilarious. It began as a tearful day, but once I tried that, I cracked up,” Louise says. These days she hardly ever weighs herself and is the healthiest she’s ever been. “It’s my mental outlook that made the difference. Now I’m up for a whole lot of new things – including doing the Colour Run with my daughter.” Louise’s tips for healthy living are with this story at www.localmatters.co.nz

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Health & fitness

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

Grey matters with Simmone Dyer, Hibiscus Coast Grey Power b.sdyer@xtra.co.nz

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For all appointments phone 09 426 6875

I recently had a painful accident. Hurrying down the stairs in my home just before 8pm, I slipped on a step, skidded across the landing and crashed into the wall on my left shoulder. I was stunned for a few moments and then was hit with “gut wrenching” pain. I sat on the floor and called for my husband but every move he made to help me up caused more waves of pain. Eventually I got up and we considered what to do next. It was now after 8pm, my local Accident and Emergency Clinic in Red Beach was closed and I was reluctant to call an ambulance and strain their already overstretched services as I wasn’t a medical emergency. But I couldn’t face the thought of my husband driving me down to North Shore Hospital as the slightest movement caused such pain. Waiting in a crowded room at North Shore Hospital didn’t sound great either. I decided to make myself as comfortable as possible in a recliner chair, swallow a hefty dose of pain killers and wait for the Red Beach clinic to open at 8am the next morning. I quickly found out I had fractured the top of the humerus bone in my left arm and impacted it into my shoulder. No wonder it hurt so much but at least I was comforted that I wasn’t just being a cry baby! The point of this personal story is that in the country’s largest and fastest growing District Health Board area of Rodney there is no 24-hour accident and emergency care available except in the North Shore and Waitemata Hospitals. We have several excellent 8am to 8pm clinics but nothing that stays open outside of those hours. The Waitemata DHB area extends from Wellsford in the north to the Harbour Bridge and incorporates Whangaparaoa in the east and the west coast beaches of Muriwai, Piha and Karekare. There are over 598,000 residents in this area and a population growth of 16 percent is expected which means 90,000 more people by 2025. I contacted the Waitemata DHB about this issue and received the following from Tim Wood, Deputy Director Funding: “We acknowledge that there is a need for an after-hours medical clinic to service the growing Hibiscus Coast community. Waitemata DHB intends to identify a potential provider through a tender process to be undertaken this year. If an appropriate provider is identified then a service should be in place later this year. We look forward to updating the community in due course.” I am grateful to the Waitemata DHB for the excellent services they do provide which must be a factor in the people of Rodney enjoying the highest life expectancy in New Zealand – 83.9 years, which is 2.2 years higher than New Zealanders as a whole. Well done Waitemata DHB, we look forward to 24-hour clinic care later this year.

Grey Power

Hibiscus Coast Grey Power Association Protects the rights of citizens aged 50 and over. Join up and benefit from cheaper electricity and gas supplies. Public meetings: last Friday of February, May, August and November, 1.30pm, St Johns Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Orewa.

Contact Simonne Dyer 09 424 1315 • 027 212 8322

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Health & fitness

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Fun in the sun Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club hosted a major event on Waitangi weekend, making the beach even busier than it normally would be on a sunny holiday weekend. Almost 400 junior surf lifesavers (under 14) took part in the Harcourt’s Northern Regional Junior Age Group Championships. While the bulk of competitors were from the Northern Region, clubs from as far away as New Plymouth were represented – taking the opportunity to get some local knowledge in advance of the 2018 Ocean Athletes event which will be being hosted at Orewa in March next year. That event is effectively the New Zealand championships for Under 14 lifesavers. Orewa’s head coaches Trevor Keinzley

Shark sighting clears beach

Gardening with Dee Pignéguy mikedee@clear.net.nz

Too hot to garden? Members of the Mairangi Bay, Whangamata, Red Beach and Orewa junior surf teams build friendships.

and Ian Siddins were both impressed with the performances of their young squads with a number of athletes claiming medals in what was, for many, their first major competition. A feature of the event was the friendly atmosphere, with a lot of fun being had by the young lifesavers between races.

While the championship was underway, on Sunday, February 5, a shark sighting resulted in a warning from lifeguards that effectively closed Orewa Beach for an hour. Orewa Surf Lifesaving club president John Chapman says sharks have been seen in the vicinity of Orewa Beach fairly regularly – almost every day in the week leading up to Waitangi weekend. He says the public is only alerted to the presence of a shark if it’s a reasonable size and/or close to shore. Lifeguards cannot make people leave the water, but normally announcing the presence of a shark on a loudspeaker is sufficient. On Sunday, almost everyone left the water and the lifeguards closed their patrolled area for an hour. After that, as there were no further sightings, the beach was re-opened to the public and the surf competition continued. The shark species seen most frequently in this area are hammerheads, bronze whalers, threshers and grey nurses, which are typically non-aggressive. However, John says that the lifesavers err on the side of caution, especially as they can’t specifically identify the species. Now that the school holidays are over, surf lifesaving patrols only take place at weekends, until Easter. John says if anyone sees a shark when patrols aren’t on, they should dial 111. The police will alert surf communications and a volunteer squad will be called out to attend and warn people in the water if necessary.

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We are smack in the middle of a Hibiscus Coast drought with hardly enough water for our household needs, let alone to keep our gardens flourishing. The vegetables in my Manly garden were planted before the hot dry days of summer arrived and had time to establish a root system that helped them to survive the hotter days. I experimented with carrots, parsnips, onions, swedes, potatoes, turnips, beetroot and kumara for three reasons – I was not sure if I had enough tank water, or enough mulch material, and knowing that healthy soil is the best protection for crops during a drought, I was certain that I had not incorporated enough compost into the new garden beds to hold enough moisture in the soil. A never-ending supply of water is not guaranteed. Perhaps the drought will have the upside of getting people thinking about conserving and re-using water. A plug in the bathtub allowed us to siphon all our shower or bath water onto the garden. Dish washing by hand kept water on site in the garden. And a series of smaller tanks to collect runoff from all the roof were installed. Drought would not be a problem if we used available technology. In future, houses will have grey water tanks, composting toilets, worm farms, instead of water hungry insinkerators. Rainwater tanks will be plumbed into laundries and toilets. To reduce the consequences of drought: Water vegetables early in the morning, and do it slowly around the roots to allow deep penetration into the soil • Establish a small orchard; trees provide shade to help plants stay cool. Once established, the deep roots will find their own soil moisture • Use cloches and shade cloth to protect plants during the hottest part of the day • Capture and store rainwater • Recycle all the easily available house water • Give plants some space but plant in blocks rather than rows. Put plants with similar water requirements together like cucumbers, and zucchini • Mulch all bare spaces to reduce soil temperatures and evaporation • Suppress weeds that compete for water with mulch • Grow perennials like asparagus, rhubarb, and Jerusalem artichokes • Plant kumara and pumpkins to ramble amongst fruit trees • Beans have the highest water requirements so plant them close to the house and use recycled water. Above, planted early, root crops can beat the summer heat.

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

The buskers are back Stunts, juggling, uni-cycling and even contortion acts will turn the streets of Orewa into a performance showcase later this month. This is the fourth time that business association Destination Orewa Beach has brought the buskers to town for three days of thrills and spills. Favourites from previous years, as well as new acts, are included. The Boulevard of Buskers runs in Orewa town centre from February 24–26. An acro-balance and high-unicycle duo from Israel as well as performers from Japan, a contortionist, aerial performers, jugglers and comedians are taking part. There will be two evening shows in the carpark by Muldoons – a family event and a show which will be aimed at an audience aged 16 years and over (the costumes will be smaller, the music bolder and illusions will be along the lines of razor blade swallowing). Destination Orewa operations manager Hellen Wilkins says that the event has grown exponentially

Kozo Kaos

they got in touch too late, but we will certainly be contacting them for the 2018 event,” she says. Hellen says that with a high standard of performers and the introduction of a second evening show, she hopes that this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever before. Info: A programme that shows times and locations of the various buskers is available from various stores around Orewa, from Destination Orewa Beach or from Hibiscus Matters’ offices.

Sport Suzie’s new persona – the Paper Girl.

and has got to the stage where international buskers are contacting her team to be part of it. “We turned down three internationals this year, as

Paintings show Coast in a new light

took Robin under his wing. “He literally showed me how to put one tree in front of another, and I never looked back,” Robin says. The process begins with photographs that Robin takes himself; the recent purchase of a drone has opened up even more possibilities for the artist, who is confined to a wheelchair. Robin’s paintings are built up in layers, an intricate and time consuming process that people can follow on his Facebook page. You can also watch Robin at work as he puts the final touches to his painting of Orewa Estuary at Estuary Arts Centre during the Arts Trail, on March 11 and 12. The exhibition, Painting by Robin Midgley, is on at Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Orewa, from February 17 to March 12.

After more than 20 years as a professional artist, Robin Midgley of Orewa is about to hold his first solo exhibition at Estuary Arts Centre. The exhibition, which opens this month, will feature the large, super realist style paintings that Robin is already well known for. Most depict scenes from around this region. Waterways are often central in the paintings – a recurring theme that is only natural considering Robin’s lifelong love of boating. He first spent time on the water as a child, on family fishing trips – and he continued boating, fishing and diving even after he broke his back in a fall from a roof in 1990. After the accident, the former sheetmetal worker, who says he’d always been able to draw, took up painting. NZ landscape painter Jonathan White

Robin Midgley will put the finishing touches to his latest work, featuring Orewa Estuary, in public at Estuary Arts Centre. Inset, This painting depicts Robin’s vision of how the Puhoi River could have looked, back in the ‘dirt road’ days.

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Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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1:27pm Rise 12:25am Rise 1:03am Rise 1:44am Rise 2:30am Rise 3:20am Rise 4:15am Rise 5:13am Rise 6:14am Rise 7:17am Rise 8:22am Rise 9:27am Rise 10:34am Rise 11:40am Set 2:21pm Set 3:14pm Set 4:05pm Set 4:55pm Set 5:42pm Set 6:27pm Set 7:08pm Set 7:48pm Set 8:26pm Set 9:02pm Set 9:39pm Set 10:17pm Set 10:57pm B F Good Fishing Fair Fishing Not So Good www.tidewiz.com www.tidespy.com www.ofu.co.nz Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

For the latest wind and swell information for the Auckland area go to: www.tidespy.com/?place=3005

Come and see Lane Sanger and the Mike Pero Orewa team at 8b Moana Ave, Orewa Come and see Lane Sanger and the Mike Pero Orewa team at 8b Moana Ave, Orewa

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Coastguard with Matt Turner, Coastguard Hibiscus www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

Life-saving service What did we get up to in the holiday period? For Coastguard Northern Region as a whole, December was the busiest month on record, with the Operations team logging nearly Hibiscus crew practise medical 16,000 trip reports – 1946 of them on procedures in a multi-unit training New Year’s Eve alone! exercise. Our unit was on the water on most days through the holiday break. Callouts covered the usual wide range of jump-starts, tows and bailouts. We also had a few medical incidents. On one day in January, Hibiscus Rescue 1 was tasked to a charter boat off Takapuna, where a male passenger was reported to have chest pains and tingling arms. Having assessed the patient, our crew transferred him to the Coastguard rescue vessel, which then headed fast for the Marine Rescue Centre in Mechanics Bay. During the transit, he lost consciousness, and they deployed the on-board defibrillator. Both of our vessels carry a defibrillator at all times, as well as oxygen and first aid equipment. A modern defib is easy to set up: simply press the ‘on’ button, and listen to the instructions on how to bare the patient’s chest and apply the pads. If the machine finds an irregular heartbeat, it gives the instruction to press the ‘shock’ button. No irregularity, no shock. (And contrary to the Hollywood myth, if there’s no pulse at all, only a ‘flat-line’, the defib will not shock; it’s time to use CPR instead.) On this occasion the defib gave the instruction to shock, which was duly administered, reviving the patient. Once landed at the Marine Rescue Centre, he was handed over to Westpac paramedics to receive higher-level treatment, and we’ve since heard he made a full recovery. It’s worth pointing out that, in such scenarios, the best way to summon assistance is to call Coastguard on VHF radio. This enables any other boats nearby, listening on the open radio channels, to pick up medical distress calls. Experience has shown there’s a reasonably high chance of there being a doctor or paramedic on a boat nearby, who may be able to give first aid before a rescue vessel arrives on scene.

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

THE scorEBoArD

ROUNDUP OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT aA Roundup of spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT

Gymnastics North Harbour Gymnastics, Hibiscus Coast Gym Centre, Stanmore Bay. Registration open for 2017 new members, Pre-school 2-4 years, Fun Gym 5+, Tumbling and Acro classes. Info: www.nhgym.co.nz Hockey Mahurangi Hockey Club, winter club hockey trials. It’s not too late to trial for this great club. The second trials will be held on Saturday February 18; Premier & Premier Reserve Women, 11.30am–1.30pm, Premier & Premier Reserve Men, 1.30pm–3.30pm, Senior 1 Men, 2.30pm–3.30pm, Senior 1 & 2 Women, 11am–12.30pm, (all held on Harbour 2). Please bring a white and dark shirt. Info: www.sportsground.co.nz/mahurangihockey Badminton The Orewa Badminton Club, Victor Eaves Park, Orewa. Play 7pm–10pm Tuesdays. Info: www.ezybook.co.nz or Noeline Kingston 426 3370. TRYathlon Weetbix TRYathlon, Manly, Sunday, March 26. The event provides a swim, cycle and run course for children aged from seven to 15 years. Registrations open until March 21, (early registration discount closes Feb 24). Info: tryathlon.co.nz To list sports news for FREE email: terry@localmatters.co.nz

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

Know

your local trades

Auto Super Shoppe Carzone Mark Manihera What your company specialises in: Mechanical servicing and repairs for all makes and models of Japanese and European cars , diesels and 4WDs including lease vehicles. We also offer quality used vehicles for sale. What are the essential skills and experience that you bring to this trade/service? I personally hand pick the vehicles offered for sale and I draw on my skills as a qualified A Grade mechanic to minimise mechanical failures. We also offer car finance. Our workshop is staffed by a team of qualified highly skilled, local individuals who offer an extensive range of mechanical services including WOFs while you wait, tune-ups, Air Con re-gassing, wheel alignments and puncture repairs. We have loan cars available. What is it about this job that gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you motivated? I appreciate the trust our customers put in us and applaud the loyalty and hard work of my team who take care of our customers’ needs. Based on that, I believe we are contributing to our community. Tell us about your favourite aspect of the job, and/or the key piece of equipment in your toolbox and why you would not be without it. I enjoy problem solving for both the customer and my team. The key piece of equipment that I would not be without is my attitude in approaching everything with common sense. Customers can count on you because? We are locals, we believe in transparency, honesty and quality in everything we do and we endeavour to deliver high customer satisfaction.

APPLIANC E S E R V IC E

Servicing north of the bridge to Warkworth We service all major brands of kitchen & laundry appliances: • Refrigerators • Cooktops • Range hoods • Ovens • Dishwashers • Washing machines & dryers

Ph: 09 360 0965 • Mob: 022 043 2284 Em: admin@euroserv.co.nz • michael@euroserv.co.nz

For all Mechanical Repairs, WOFs, Servicing

FREE winter weather testing on your BATTERY, TYRES & BRAKES.

Ph 428 7969 • 8/667 Whangaparaoa Rd Mon–Fri: 7.30am–5pm, Sat: 8am–12pm www.nocowboys.co.nz & type in GT Automotive

HEAT PUMP CLEANING

SPECIALISTS

Heat pump cleaning & servicing HRV, DVS, Smartvent & Moisture Master filter replacements.

10% discount (heat pump cleaning only) for Gold Card holders

Ph Neil 0800 225 327 www.heatpumpclean.co.nz

A Pump Doctor Repairs • Sales • Service We’ll keep you pumping ...

Ph Cedric 027 443 0654

Coastal Curtains and Blinds

Your local supplier & installer of all types of garage doors

Drapes • Roman Blinds • Nets/voiles • Rods & Tracks • Blinds Verticals, Venetians, Wooden • Roller Sunscreen & Blockout Blinds

CALL NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

Mobile service – Phone 027 69 89 925 pauline@coastalcurtains.co.nz www.coastalcurtains.co.nz

Local & Reliable All sizes available Ph 0800 300 666

Learn to play the Ukulele Kathy Manson phone 021 902 736 51 The Esplanade, Manly, Whangaparaoa www.absolute-beginners-ukulele.com

PAINTERS LTD

Interior/Exterior • Residential/Commercial Free quotes and advice

phone 021 707 427

em: mccookalan@gmail.com

Hibiscus Garage Doors Ltd

Sectional, Tilt & Roller doors | Repairs & Maintenance to all models | Automatic Openers & Accessories | Merlin professional

Freephone 0800DOORS4U | Ph 09 426 0851 M 027 476 2741 Em hibiscusgaragedoors@xtra.co.nz www.hibiscusgaragedoors.co.nz

Hibiscus Tiling Wall & floor tiling • Accredited Waterproofer Underfloorheating • Free consultations and quotations • 23 years experience

discountbins.co.nz

Phone Darcy 021 482 308

Need a professional CV?

HOUGHTON UPHOLSTERY

My e-CV is Free

e cv Job Seekers & Employers Support

Commercial, Domestic | Design & Recovery | Cut foam to measure

10 Puriri Ave, Orewa | Ph 426 6176

0274 436 222 | pat_and_houghty@hotmail.com

localmatters.co.nz

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Advertise your business here for only $64+gst per insertion. Phone 427 8188 or email sales@localmatters.co.nz or sellit@localmatters.co.nz

For all your building and carpentry needs Decks • Roofs • Pergolas • Doors • Gates Renovations • Maintenance • Fencing Kitchens • Gib fitter • Plastering • Painting Phone 09 428 4770 | 027 428 4770 Email: graham@top2bottom.co.nz | www.top2bottom.co.nz

ProPerty ManageMent

residential & holiday hoMes

North Shore – Hibiscus Coast • Locally owned & operated for over 16 years • Residential & Holiday Home/Bach Management is our core business

Ph 09 428 0010 • info@margay.co.nz www.margay.co.nz

Relax, your precious possessions are safe with us.

• Secure & monitored premises • Large ground floor drive-up units

The Company you know & trust for all your blind needs!

9–21 David Sidwell Pl, Whangaparaoa

If it doesn’t say service, its not! We MAKE Blinds We REPAIR Blinds • We CLEAN Blinds

Ph 09 424 6091 www.selfstorageworld.co.nz

Phone 0800 999 229 • www.vlr.co.nz

Silverdale Computer Support Services At a fair price, with a personal touch Servicing the Hibiscus Coast. We cater primarily for the 55+ age group and assist small business owners. APPLE MAC & WINDOWS SUPPORT AT YOUR PREMISES

One-on-one tutoring – 40% discount 32 Seamount Dr, Red Beach | Ph 09 427 8980 M: 022 543 2154 | E: daniel@silvercomp.co.nz COUNTRY CHARM

FURNITURE 2008

timber Furniture specialists with quality workmanship guaranteed specialising in antique, new furniture & all other timber surfaces. Furniture Restoration • Re-spraying • Special Finishing • Colour Matching Insurance quotes • Furniture repairs • Custom made – Recycled or new timber • Modifications • Upholstery

Phone Grant or Lesley 23b Foundry Rd, Silverdale | 09 426 2979 www.silverdalefurniturerestorations.co.nz 09 426 8412 | www.countrycharm.co.nz

WARKWORTH LANDSCAPING LEADERS IN QUALITY LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

• Retaining Walls Decks • Fences • Paving/Concreting • Planting • Irrigation & Instant Lawn

Ph Jeff 021 368 552

www.warkworthlandscaping.co.nz warkworthlandscaping@gmail.com

A CAR JUST 4 U

U SELECT > I IMPORT > U SAVE Import your own personally selected car from Japan

W P Cars Ltd (RMVT)

Ph 021 466 369 warrenpayne@outlook.com

eren ff i D Thse Clear! i

For all Domestic and Commercial Plumbing needs

0800 175 862 • info@plumbsure.co.nz

Phone 09 428 4418

20/A Hobbs Road, Tindalls Bay

Come and see Cecily and her team for friendly advice on 1000’s of tiles. 09 424 1214 ▪ 663 Whangaparaoa Rd

Commercial & Residential Window Cleaning • Highly motivated team servicing Mangawhai to Penrose • Shop fronts, offices & homes • After hours service

Phone Kelly 021 801 215

A/hrs 426 6247 • visualwindows@gmail.com

Advertise your business here for only $64 +GST* Ph 427 8188 or email sales@localmatters.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

Classifiedadvertising COMMUNITY NOTICES

SITUATIONS VACANT

BRIDGE LESSONS FREE – 10 weekly relaxed 2 hour lessons for beginners and re-starters Starts Monday February 27, 7pm, Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Ph Ian 428 3278 to register or for more information. BRIDGE LESSONS – Orewa Bridge Club. 10 Tuesday evening lessons begin March 7, 7pm–9pm. $50. Ph Eileen Sanger 426 1106 or Club 426 7677. FRIDAY ART GROUP, Friday 10am - 1pm @ Orewa Community Church. Exercise your artistic abilities and meet with like minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment. Ph Alan Smith 09 962 4929. HIBISCUS COAST TOASTMASTERS CLUB Meet fortnightly Tuesdays, Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Ladies Mile, Manly, 7.30pm. A fun and safe environment to learn speaking, listening and leadership skills. Visitors are most welcome. Enquiries Deborah 021 0222 5919. Visit www.hbc.toastmastersclubs. org or Facebook facebook.com/ HibiscusCoastToastmastersClub. HIBISCUS MINIATURES CLUB are meeting on Sunday, March 12, from 9.30am–2.30pm at the Girl Guide Hall on Centreway Rd, Orewa. If you are interested in making all things miniature please come along. Also, make a date for the upcoming Open Day on Sunday April 9. HIBISCUS SPIRIT AWAKENING AND HEALING CENTRE We are a friendly bunch of people who meet fortnightly and would welcome like minded people to attend. “Medium” on platform for spirit communication, healing and supper afterwards. For more details call Lynda 09 424 1998. HIBISCUS STITCHERS Meet a woolly crew at Whangaparaoa Library fortnightly. Embroidery, crochet, knitting etc. Thursdays 1pm–3pm. Ph Jean 428 5207 or Jan 424 2492. KIWI DANCE CLUB, SOCIAL DANCE ballroom, Latin American, new vogue, Modern sequence. All welcome. 4th Sun of month, 5pm-8pm. A great way to meet people. Silverdale Hall, Ph 427 5542. Next event February 26. OREWA LADIES GARDEN CLUB Monthly meetings, 2nd Thursday of month, 12.30pm, Orewa Catholic Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Orewa. Guest speaker or garden visits, trading table, competitions. Ph Ann 427 8377. REBUS CLUB OF HIBISCUS COAST Club meetings 9.45am Ist Tuesday of the month, the Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. This club for retired men offers opportunities to keep active minds, fellowship and make new friends. Ph Ray Watkins 427 5256, Graeme McIntosh 424 7115 www.rebus-hibiscus.nz SENIOR MOMENTS is a social activity group for seniors. Meeting twice per week, Mon and Thurs mornings, Methodist Church hall, Red Beach Rd. They are currently looking for volunteers to help with preparing morning tea and lunch. Love cooking and like to help? Ph Monique 027 253 5557.

BUILDING MANAGER/ CARETAKER - OREWA

A building manager/caretaker is required for Ocean Point Residences in Orewa. This quality 28 unit private complex features outstanding landscapes, swimming pool and BBQ area. This is an exciting opportunity for, possibly, a semi-retired handyman/ maintenance worker who should be able to exhibit similar previous experience. This is a ‘hands on’ position, envisaged at approx 12-15 hours per week and reporting to the Body Corporate Chairman. Competencies prerequisite to the the position include: A positive work attitude to both owners and contractors. Ability to plan and complete tasks efficiently and timely. Honesty and reliability with sound attention to detail. Good interpretation of occurrences and problem solving. Skills and Attributes required: Familiarity with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2016. Be computer literate and familiar with building plans. Ability to organise, document and control a number of on-site contractors. Undertake annual Building WOF Compliance requirements. Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the complex on a daily basis. A basement office is provided and an attractive contractor rate will apply to this contractor position. Applicants should have New Zealand residency and carry satisfactory Public Liability Insurance cover acceptable to the Body Corporate. Applications, confirming the above competencies and skills and attaching one reference should be addressed to ‘The Body Corporate Chairman’ and emailed to raewynbarrie@xtra.co.nz to be received by 24 February 2017.

CASUAL CARETAKER WANTED – WAIWERA

The Body Corp of a 17 apartment complex in Waiwera is seeking a casual caretaker to help keep its complex in tip-top condition. For a brief detailing the expected time commitment and responsibilities of the role, please call Selwyn (Body Corp Chairman), 027 2716 592.

Hibiscus Matters needs a mature, reliable walker with transport for Silverdale Industrial Park. Approx 3 hour delivery required for this area. GOOD rate applies.

Ph Kim 021 138 6975

HOME & MAINTENANCE

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FENCE IT NOW

PROFESSIONAL HYPNOTHERAPY

Posts, rails, battens, gates etc. Free advice, free quotes. Ph Chris 021 0256 4273 or 09 425 8575 No job too small or too big

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

New gardens, clean ups. Specialising in maintenance & improvement. Phone Dave 021 950 154

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

decks, fences, painting, foot paths or any other odd jobs. Phone Dennis 021 115 5233. SECURITY ALARM SERVICING $99 (+parts & GST). Local technician, 20 years experience. Ph 027 553 3032 or 09 428 5887 A PUMP DOCTOR will keep you pumping. Ph 0274 430 654. A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Same day service 423 9660/021 168 7349. BAY APPLIANCE REPAIRS – All major laundry/kitchen brands, small appliances, & power tools. Work guaranteed EWRB reg. Ph 09 947 0333/ 022 600 9919. BUILDER SEMI RETIRED – GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & SMALL JOBS. Good rates. Phone/txt Rob 021 167 2155 or 09 426 2960. CABINET MAKER/JOINER (RETIRED) Tables, sets of drawers, dressers, shelving, cabinets etc. Low rates, references. Workmanship guaranteed. Ph Derek 426 3541. ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE Ph 426 2320 ELECTRICIAN – SEMI RETIRED affordable rates, no job to small. Call Bruce 021 241 0000. PAINTER, DECORATORS Renovation specialists. Phone Kevin 022 0291 056. PAINTING – INTERIOR / EXTERIOR, Free quotes. Phone Jef 021 164 9709. PLASTERING, GIB STOPPING All aspects of stopping. Skim coat specialist. 25 yrs exp. Karl 0210 42 42 96 or 428 7127. PLASTERING, SOLID, GIB STOPPING, Painting/repair work. Small jobs. Trade Cert. Keith 424 8841 or 022 682 4760. PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps. Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253. WATERBLASTING & CHEMICAL HOUSE WASHING. Careful service, reasonable rates. Ph 426 2253. WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282, 027 478 7427, email: steve.reynolds@aquafilter.co.nz or www. aquafilter.co.nz

LOST LOST IN PUBLIC TOILETS by Orewa Library. Oakley sunglasses, of sentimental value. Please Phone Ken 021 214 4367.

FOUND AT ESTUARY ARTS CENTRE, Western Reserve, Orewa: Siemens Hearing Aid and a Toyota Car Key. Phone 426 5570.

Stress – Anxiety – Depression – Burnout. Painless Quit Smoking Phone Bill Parker NZAPH 424 7610 SUMMER SPECIAL! HANDS & FEET Nails cut & filed, includes hand & foot massage. $30 each – $50 for two. I will come to you. Phone 424 0676.

TUITION VIOLIN TUITION Whangaparaoa vacancies avail. Stanley Bolton ARCM (Hons Perf.) Ph 424 7868 or 021 530 680

RECORDING STUDIO WHANGAPARAOA RECORDING STUDIO 50% discount during January and February. Ph Dennis 021 115 5233.

HAIRDRESSING MOBILE HAIRCUTS European trained hairstylist to visit you at your time, your place. Sabine Ph 426 9652 021 149 8598

SERVICES TAROT, CLAIRVOYANT, MEDIUM experienced lady reader. ph 427 5635.

WANTED TO BUY COTTAGE IN RURAL AREA NORTH OF AUCKLAND WANTED TO RENT/BUY Any size, any condition. 027 283 8718 TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

TRANSPORT DRIVING MISS DAISY reliable safe transport for everyone. Phone 428 4490 or 0800 948 432.

WANTED TO RENT COTTAGE IN RURAL AREA NORTH OF AUCKLAND WANTED TO RENT/BUY Any size, any condition. 027 283 8718

FOR SALE DRY FIREWOOD - GET IT NOW!

2m3 Pine - $175 ● 2m3 Hot mix - $200 Ph Chris 021 0256 4273 or 09 425 8575

ELECTRIC BIKES

Smartmotion NZ Designed Ph 424 0334 for free demo Special $$$ POA

Sudoku - the solution

7 2 3 5 8 4 6 1 9

1 5 4 2 6 9 3 8 7

8 9 6 1 3 7 2 4 5

3 8 9 4 1 6 7 5 2

5 4 7 8 9 2 1 3 6

6 1 2 3 7 5 8 9 4

9 6 1 7 5 8 4 2 3

2 7 8 9 4 3 5 6 1

4 3 5 6 2 1 9 7 8

localmatters.co.nz

February 15, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters | More events online, list your event: www.localmatters.co.nz/whatson

February 2017

DIY Bokashi workshop, Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae, 2A Bluegum Ave, Silverdale, 1pm–4pm. How to make a worm farm, make bokashi bins to take home. Presented by Tori Christie and Rosie Hutchinson of Compost Collective. Limited numbers. To enrol, contact Sue Heathwaite, phone 021 987 223/09 420 4231 or email sueheathwaite@gmail.com

Thinking Europe 2017?

19 19 22 24

Free Music in Parks live performances, Manly Park, Lawrence Street, Manly, 3pm–6pm. Performances from Ijebu Pleasure Club, White Chapel Jak and the Allana Goldsmith Group. Get Moving Festival (second event), 10km, 5km, 2.5 and 1km kids walk/run options, Orewa Beach. Registrations open 7am. Info: http://getmovingfestival.co.nz

Orewa Lions information meeting, Sharks Sports Club, Victor Eaves Park, 122 West hoe Road, Orewa, 6pm. Find out more about becoming a Lion. Refreshments provided, all welcome.

Hibiscus Coast Grey Power Association first meeting for 2017, St John’s Catholic Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Orewa, 1.30pm. Open to anyone aged 50 and over. A speaker from Work and Income will update us on the services the Government provides for seniors. Have your questions answered, make new friends and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Info: Simonne Dyer, 424 1315, 027 212 8322, hbcgreypower@gmail.com

24–26

Boulevard of Buskers, Orewa town centre. Three days of stunts, juggling, aerial work and fun. Two evening showcase events in the carpark by Muldoons – a family event (Friday, 6.30pm–9pm) and a show which will be aimed at an audience aged 16 years and over (Saturday, 7pm–10pm). Info: www.orewabeach.co.nz (see story p22)

26 26

Orewa Organic Market, Orewa Square and Community Hall, 8am-2pm. Organic food, crafts and home made products. All welcome. AYO Baroque Concert, Orewa Arts & Events Centre, 4pm. Free entry and donations welcome. Info: www.facebook.com/ events/262479724188355/

March 2017

AWESOME UK/EUROPE AIRFARES OUT NOW Talk to one of our team today, or Join one of our escorted groups…

Deluxe River Cruise

with Avalon Waterways. Experience the Magnificent Europe tour with Dennis & Yvonne Payne.

10,789

from

BE QUICK JUST 2 CABINS LEFT

share twin. Cat E. Escorted departure 03 June to 23 June 2017

ESCORTED BY HOUSE OF TRAVEL OWNER OPERATORS DENNIS & YVONNE PAYNE

Orewa Lunchtime Toastmasters Open Meeting, 117 Centreway Rd, Orewa, 12pm–1pm. Develop public speaking confidence. If you do not want to speak at the Open Meeting, you can refuse. Pop in and see what you think. A light lunch is offered. Info: phone Sonley, 428 2424.

Mediterranean Discovery

Free Community Composting Workshop, Orewa Beach Kindergarten, 88 Riverside Rd, Orewa, 7pm–8.30pm. Run by The Compost Collective. Tips and advice on composting and worm farming. Register at www.compostcollective.org.nz

19 night Fly/stay/cruise package from

2&3

Hibiscus Coast Veterans Tennis 55 and Over Tennis Doubles Tournament, Hibiscus Coast Vets Tennis Club 56 Laurence Street, Manly. March 2, 9am to March 3, 5.30 pm. Friendly but competitive tennis. Play one day, or both. Entries close February 24. Thursday ladies doubles and men’s doubles, Friday mixed doubles. Info and registration: www.sporty.co.nz/hibvets or vetssecretary@live.com

5 5

Stanmore Bay School Gala, Stanmore Bay School, Waiora Rd, Stanmore Bay, 10am–2pm. Fun for the whole family. Big fundraiser for the school. All welcome. Annual Stillwater Raft race, Stillwater Boat ramp, 70 Duck Creek Road, Stillwater, starting 10am. DJ, market stalls, pony rides, bouncy castle, games, food, prizes and bucket loads of fun! Entries for raft race only $20 – comic characters theme. Info: look for Stillwater raft race 2017 or Stillwater market on Facebook.

Hibiscus Coast Grey Power Association clinic, Orewa Library, Moana Ave, Orewa, 10.30am to 12noon. Grey Power aims to protect the rights of citizens aged 50 and over and advance and support their welfare. Come to the clinic if there is any way we can assist you. Info: hbcgreypower@gmail.com

Italy, Greece, Croatia, Albania, Sicily, Sardinia, Spain and France

SINGLES ARE WELCOME

7,349

share twin, based on inside cabin. Departs New Zealand 14 June 2017.

Cruising Cuba

Cuba, the Caribbean and South America 13 night fly/stay/cruise package from

5,989

share twin, based on inside cabin Departs New Zealand 12 October 2017

BOTH CRUISE TOURS HOSTED BY CRUISE GURU ANN MELLOR The best holidays are created together. HOUSE OF TRAVEL OREWA 316 HIBISCUS COAST HWY I 09 427 9700 HOUSE OF TRAVEL WHANGAPARAOA 570 WHANGAPARAOA RD I 09 424 1021

localmatters.co.nz

28 | Hibiscusmatters | February 15, 2017

Coast takes out crucial cricket match

Hibiscus Coast Cricket’s senior team is in a strong position after a crucial game against Eden Roskill. This is the team’s first season in the Premier Reserve grade and club manager Tony Naidu says their goal was to hold their place in that grade and not be relegated. The team won two of its games against North Shore sides, and then faced a two-day game against Eden Roskill – a win there was an important step because it should enable the team to

Talented youth step up to crease One of the notable features of Hibiscus Coast Cricket’s senior side this season is the presence of three young players – the youngest is just 14 years old. Club manager Tony Naidu says it’s interesting to see the development and integration of youth into the top men’s side and all three have earned their place through talent. Team coach Bevon Jacobs says there are only a handful of Year 13 students playing at Premier Reserve level, and to have 15 and 14-year olds competing at that level is rare. The youngest in the Hibiscus Coast senior team is Bevon’s son, BevonJohn, who also plays for Westlake College. He is a batter who just passed 1000 runs for the season, playing at college, club and representative level. The other two are both at Orewa College: Tyran Van Ingen-Kal, who has just turned 15, is a spin bowler

remain in the Premier Reserves next season. Both games versus Eden Roskill were played at Metro Park East in Millwater. The first game, on January 28, didn’t start well for Hibiscus Coast – early on they lost three wickets for just 14 runs. Then one of the side’s youngest players, Ryan Le Poidevin, who is in his final year at Orewa College, came in to bat. His 95 runs, coupled with a good knock by Ramesh Lakmal, had the team back on a solid footing and they ended on a score of 280 after

batting the whole day. “It was the best score this season and very defendable,” Tony says. The second day of the game, played on February 4 in hot, dry conditions, proved to be a long, 98-over, day in the field for Hibiscus Coast. It all came down to the final over, with Hibiscus Coast winning by just two runs. “It was a great effort, especially as we have an almost completely different team from the one that got promoted last season,” Tony says.

Half Marathon entries open

If your goal is to try your first ever running event, there are options to suit everyone in the Orewa Beach Half Marathon. Entries are now open for the ever-popular event, which was first held in 2011. This year it will be held on Sunday, April 23. The organisers, Running Events, say that last year’s event was a sellout, with hundreds turned away. This year the event base will once again be on Orewa Reserve, next to the surf club. Options range from 2km to 21km courses. For the first time, the 10km Classic Course will feature a Point to Point run from Western Reserve, to reduce congestion in Alice Eave’s Scenic Bush Reserve and provide runners with a new experience. The Half Marathon is also the Grand Finale of the 201617 Garmin Auckland Half Marathon series. Earlybird rates apply. Info: Halfmarathon.co.nz

Raiders host ARL Nines

From left, Ryan Le Poidevin and BevonJohn Jacobs. Tyran van Ingen-Kal.

and all rounder, and batter Ryan Le Poidevin (17) is averaging over 100 runs. “All of them have played really well for us and we are excited about their future prospects,” Bevon says. “The

team has really gelled in the last three to four months and to be winning games is a credit to that cohesion.” Tony says the club’s big goal is to get promoted to the Premier grade within three years.

The Hibiscus Coast Raiders will host the Sportsafe Auckland Rugby League (ARL) Nines this week; it’s the first event on this year’s ARL calendar. Auckland Premiership teams will battle for bragging rights and the Nines trophy when they go head to head at the Raiders’ grounds at Stanmore Bay on Saturday, February 18. Back-to-back Auckland Nines champions, the Papakura Sea Eagles, will return to defend their title. The tournament augurs well for the season – the Sea Eagles went on to win last year’s Fox Memorial competition.

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