Hibiscus Matters, 14 December 2016_Issue 208 by Lorry McCarthy

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December 14, 2016

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Inside this issue Foodbank fills Community’s generosity overwhelms

page 3

Local folk Meet the Coast’s newest Priest

Santa Claus and one of his elves took time out to enjoy the luge at Silverdale Adventure Park recently, before Santa settled into his grotto at the park. There are a host of pre-Christmas and New Year events in and around the Hibiscus Coast to enjoy – see our feature, pages 15–32.

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Pair found guilty in council corruption case George Driver

A former senior roading manager at Rodney District Council (RDC) and Auckland Transport (AT) and a council contractor have been found guilty of a seven year relationship of bribery and corruption. Judge Sally Fitzgerald delivered her verdict in the serious fraud case at Auckland High Court last Friday, December 9. Former transport manager Murray Noone was found guilty on all six charges relating to receiving $1.1 million in bribes and a further $84,000 in benefits.

Projenz director Stephen Borlase was found guilty of bribery and also of providing $125,000 in benefits and gratuities to former RDC and AT transport manager Barrie George. Mr George pleaded guilty to bribery charges in August and is serving a 10-month home detention sentence. However, Mr Borlase was found not guilty of inflating invoices to RDC. Both men have been remanded on bail for sentencing on February 22. During the marathon seven-week trial, the Crown claimed Mr Borlase paid Mr Noone $1.1 million in bribes between 2006 and 2013, which were disguised as payments for consultancy work.

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Judge Fitzgerald said she was convinced that Mr Noone didn’t provided any consultancy services to roading contractor Projenz over the period and the money was to buy influence. The payments occurred every month for seven years, ranging from $8000 to $10,000. “I find it implausible that there would be no documentary record of it [the work],” Justice Fitzgerald said. In addition, Projenz made two lumpsum payments to Mr Noone of $200,000 in 2010 and $40,000 in 2012. She said no witnesses could provide first-hand evidence that Mr Noone

carried out any work and very few people were aware that he was working for Projenz. “Mr Noone failed to disclose to employers the arrangement with Projenz, despite having numerous opportunities to do so. “I believe Mr Noone and Mr Borlase understood this was wrong. “I am also satisfied he [Mr Noone] knew when receiving the benefits that it was in connection with his roles at RDC and AT.” Over the period, Projenz profits soared from $36,000 in 2006 to over continued page 2

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

December 14, 2016 Issue 208

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 February 1 & 15, 2017- Book your advertising now. Editor: Terry Moore ph 427 8187 terry@localmatters.co.nz

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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.

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$8 million in 2012. During the trial, the Crown claimed there was a widespread culture of corruption at AT and RDC, and many other staff members received significant gifts and benefits. Justice Fitzgerald said her decision and observations did not apply to AT and RDC as a whole, or their employees. She said there was insufficient evidence to find Mr Borlase guilty of four charges relating to inflating invoices to RDC, which the Crown

argued were to recoup the costs of bribes. This was because the offending occurred between 2006 and 2009, and the documentary evidence was now incomplete. However, she said if the charges were brought in a civil case, with a lower burden of proof, the outcome might have been different. When deciding to remand the pair on bail, she said it should “in no way be taken as an indication of the outcome of sentencing”. Read the full decision online at localmatters.co.nz

User pays budget coming A fuel tax, a targeted rate for development land and levy on accommodation providers are being floated as ideas to fund major infrastructure projects, as Auckland Council looks to limit rate rises. Mayor Phil Goff released his proposed ongoing fund that could be spent on Annual Budget this month, saying he infrastructure while also increasing is committed to keeping rate rises to land-holding costs, discouraging land 2.5 percent and is exploring a raft of banking. Details on where the rate proposals to fund the shortfall. The would apply and how it would be plan, which is currently short on struck haven’t yet been finalised. detail, will go out for consultation The Mayor has also proposed an early next year. accommodation levy of about A fuel tax at 10 cents a litre has been three to five per cent per room. It is mooted, but any tax would require anticipated the cost would be passed Government approval. Hibiscus & on to consumers. The levy is expected Bays Local Board chair Julia Parfitt to raise $20-30 million. and deputy chair Janet Fitzgerald have Destination Orewa Beach chair and said in the past that Coast ratepayers Beachcomber manager Brie Edwardswould be hit disproportionately hard Adams sees the proposed levy as by a fuel tax. That is because limited potentially being an opportunity to public transport and a shortage of invest in infrastructure to support and local employment means that most encourage visitors to this area. residents drive to and from work. “If additional revenue is required to Landowners on the Hibiscus Coast, support tourism infrastructure, we particularly in areas zoned Future see an industry-wide approach across Urban in Silverdale, Wainui and Dairy the nation to be key and not isolated Flat, could be hit by a proposed targeted to Auckland or accommodation rate aimed at curbing land-banking and providers only,” she says. “Aspects funding infrastructure for housing. that need to be addressed include how Currently a central tool for funding funds will be allocated and a fair way infrastructure for new subdivisions of gathering them across the tourism is development contributions, which sector. I hope that we find a solution average about $30,000 per dwelling. to support tourism that does not This is paid when a dwelling is ultimately discourage business.” consented or connected to the water Local boards will provide feedback on and wastewater network, but the the proposals and the budget will go Council says these charges often don’t to consultation in February next year. cover costs. The Annual Budget will be adopted The targeted rate would provide an on June 19 next year.

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December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

‘Outstanding’ community response restocks foodbank The shelves of the local foodbank, which were almost empty at the end of last month, are now filled to capacity, with boxes and bags piled high to take the overflow – the result of an outstanding response to a story in the last issue of Hibiscus Matters. Hibiscus Coast Community House in the chickens needed for Christmas Western Reserve, Orewa, operates the food parcels. Local company Neville foodbank that distributes food parcels Bros also offered to spend $500 on via agencies such as Women’s Refuge, groceries. Pak ‘n’ Save in Wairau Road Parent Aid and WINZ to local families on the North Shore donated groceries in need. and gift cards valued at $2500.. It is stocked by public donations and “We also had someone come in with a the Community House also buys donation who said they had once been items from the proceeds of its second in the position of needing help from hand store. an organization like this and wanted The foodbank faced low stocks of to pay it forward,” Christine says. basic items at its busiest time of “Another person gave us the proceeds year – something that also happened of selling a school uniform on Trade last Christmas, as demand for food Me.” parcels outstripped supply. On both occasions, the community Local churches including St Andrews, immediately responded to refill stocks. Red Beach and Manly Methodist, St Peninsula drop off option Stephens and St Chads also contributed Manager Christine Aleslbury says donations from parishioners. Residents of Whangaparaoa who want volunteers were inundated with goods to make donations to the foodbank The supplies will go into food parcels following the story in the December 1 can now do so, but without having to designed to provide Christmas treats edition of Hibiscus Matters. travel in to Orewa. All about People, “Once again this community has and also to see families through the in Manly Village is offering to accept Christmas and New Year period. worked its magic,” Christine says. “It donations this week (until December was an overwhelming response. We The Hibiscus Coast Community 19) and will ensure they are delivered have heard from people as far away as House foodbank closes from to the foodbank. Items can be December 19–January 9. Wairau Park who read the article.” brought to the All about People office She says the best thing was that people at 49 Rawhiti Rd (next to Jambalaya), From top, Restocked shelves will feed took note of the specific items needed. Hibiscus Coast families this Christmas. during working hours (8.30am–5pm) and placed in a box in the foyer. Info: Donations included cash from a Volunteers with a full box of donated info@allaboutpeople.co.nz resident who gave $500 to buy all food at Kiwibank in Orewa.

Donations for homeless women stream in Bags of personal hygiene products and toiletries for homeless women were dropped off at the Hibiscus Matters office over the last fortnight in response to a story in the December 1 paper. Two local women, Jill Walsh and Lesley Buckley, have been making up packs for homeless women since September and delivered them to the Auckland City Mission on December 6. Jill says they are very grateful for all the generous donations and that the City Mission was “over the moon”. Once the products brought into the

Hibiscus Matters office were added, Jill and Lesley were able to take 35 bags to the City Mission as well as distributing 10 packs to Women’s Refuge for distribution around the Hibiscus Coast. Each pack includes practical toiletries (toothpaste, soap, deodorant), sanitary products and a few luxury items such as perfume and hand cream. The project began when Jill found out about the need for donations of personal hygiene products, including tampons, pads and liners, for women who cannot afford them, or who are living on the street.

City Mission chief executive Chris Farrelly and fundraising team leader Alexis Sawyers, who received the packs from Jill and Lesley, say the need is great for these expensive but essential products and that donations of them are rare. Chris told Jill and Lesley that there are 250 homeless people living within a 3km radius of the Mission in central Auckland. He said 25 percent of those are women – mostly young women. Jill and Lesley say they will continue stocking up on these products and accepting donations so that they can deliver further packs to the Mission and Women’s Refuge next year.

Lesley Buckley of Manly, left, hands over care packs donated by local women to Auckland City Mission’s fundraising team leader Alexis Sawyers and chief executive Chris Farrelly.

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Feedback

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

Gift of life

My wife and I wish to convey our most sincere thanks to all the New Zealand blood donors who so willingly support this vital service to the community. We would like them to know that their blood donations are keeping my wife alive. She has been told that the form of cancer she has means that she can only expect to survive between two months and two years. Our special thanks must most definitely include the North Shore Hospital Day Care Haematology Team who give these transfusions. They are the most friendly, cheerful and efficient team we have met who make sure that you do not become depressed by your condition. Thanks to these generous donations it now looks as if the two-year survival forecast will easily be passed, but it will necessitate regular transfusions. Thank you all once again. Mac Hine, Whangaparaoa

Site poorly treated Re your article on page 7 of Hibiscus Matters’ November 16 paper – “Whangaparaoa Road site offered up for sale”, in particular the area of “mature native trees”. More than 30 years ago land at Whangaparaoa, in several titles, was compulsorily purchased by the Crown for “education purposes”, to build a college. One title was the land on the corner of Stanmore Bay Road and Whangaparaoa Road which was occupied by a family living in one of the original farm houses on

Local opinion And now – the news

the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The site then, as now, contained mature pohutukawa trees. The owner of the pohutukawa clad block fought to keep his family home, to no avail. An entrance to a school from that site would have been both foolhardy and downright stupid. But obviously the ‘powers that be’ were not to be flouted by one family. In spite of a prolonged battle, the house and land were taken. Within two weeks of the compulsory purchase the house was bulldozed and demolished, and every trace of it removed from the site. A few years later the ‘powers that be’ decided that the corner site with the mature trees was no longer needed for the school and offered the land to Rodney Council as a reserve. Council declined. So, a family were displaced and had to find somewhere else to live, and an historic house was unnecessarily destroyed. continued page 5

Editor Terry Moore

What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘good news’ – or ‘bad news’? These are terms that I frequently hear, usually in a sentence that goes something like:“we like hearing about positive things that happen in the community, not the negative stuff”. One thing I’ve learned for sure during my time as a journalist and editor of Hibiscus Matters is that whether something is considered positive or negative, is totally subjective and depends on who is reading about it. To journalists, it’s all simply ‘news’. We love publishing stories about the achievements of locals – their milestones, creativity, their businesses and challenges overcome. We tell you about the fun stuff – events, shows, sport and fundraisers. To reflect a community, though, you cannot shy away from the meatier topics – issues relating to Auckland Council (including the fraud case, on p1), health services, poverty and homelessness, transport, the pressures on our environment and how rapid growth is affecting residents. To ignore those things would be truly to have your head in the sand. These are also the stories that spark the most interest and debate, which takes place via our website or Facebook page, as well as in the paper. What is more, there are many examples in this paper’s nine-year history when stories we have published have been a catalyst for change. There are a few examples of that in this very issue, including one where Red Beach residents were beset by a mountainous pile of soil on their back boundaries, put there by developers of the former golf club. Several residents approached Hibiscus Matters and another local paper because they had had nothing but empty promises that the problem would be sorted. There is no doubt that the involvement of media was key to a satisfactory resolution. The Hibiscus Matters team wishes all our readers, advertisers, columnists and delivery people a happy and safe Christmas. We look forward to a further year of bringing you the news (both ‘good’ and ‘bad’!). See you in February.

off

the record

Just like the supermarket ad on TV where Santa is spotted doing his shopping, “incognito”, he was seen at The Plaza last week enjoying a snack at BB’s. Even in plain clothes, there was no doubt that it was the man himself!

Pigs on the beach

Early morning walkers along Stanmore Bay Beach on November 24 were surprised to encounter two recently dead pigs, partially covered in sand, near the boat ramp. There was also a small quantity of snapper. The carcasses were soon removed by Council contractors, but how they got there remains a mystery, with one possibility being that they washed up.

Not on speed dial yet

Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers got a text with happy birthday wishes recently from an unknown number. ‘Thank you kind person, who is this?’ was his response. “Phil Goff”, came the reply.

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Feedback cont... Two of the other titles scheduled for purchase for “education purposes” were those that are now divided into Red Hibiscus Road and Palmgreen Court. However, the owner of these two blocks was successful in his battle to keep his land. There were neither roads nor dwellings on the blocks at that time. Around that time Auckland Regional Council wanted to acquire a piece of land at Waiwera. A horse trek business was removed because of the intended compulsory purchase. Then the people at the ARC did their homework and discovered that the land was overlooked by a private dwelling, and changed their collective mind. And so another recreational facility was lost to the area. The outcome of this type of bureaucratic behaviour is that it tends to make a person entirely suspicious of officialdom. Eileen Williamson, Hobbs Bay (abridged) Note: Julia Parfitt, chair of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, says the local board tried hard to get Auckland Council to purchase all, or part, of the land alongside Whangaparaoa College on Whangaparaoa Rd for a public reserve once they knew it was going up for sale. It seemed that this reserve purchase was likely to happen,

she says, until council determined it no longer had funding for further reserve land acquisition. Jim Parrant of Orewa brought us this wee poem to entertain readers: Aah, The Golden Years A row of bottles on my shelf Caused me to analyse myself. One yellow pill I have to pop Goes to my heart so it won’t stop. A little white one that I take Goes to my hands so they won’t shake. The blue ones that I use a lot Tell me I’m happy when I’m not. The purple pill goes to my brain And tells me that I have no pain. The capsules tell me not to wheeze Or cough or choke or even sneeze. The red ones, smallest of them all Go to my blood so I won’t fall. The orange ones, very big and bright Prevent my leg cramps in the night. Such an array of brilliant pills Helping to cure all kinds of ills. But what I’d really like to know Is what tells each one where to go!

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Congratulations

Pamela Doyle of Orewa who won one of Anna Evans 2017 Art Calendars. Thanks to all who entered.

This year, local businesses and the public donated a total of $1974-worth of vouchers to Hibiscus Matters’ Buy Local Give Local campaign. With vouchers still coming in, we expect to end up donating a similar amount to last year’s record total of just over $2000. We would like to thank everyone who donated – you have made Christmas more Christmassy for many local families. The largest single donation was $500 from New World Whangaparaoa. Special mention also to Hibiscus & Bays Local Board deputy chair Janet Fitzgerald for her generosity – Janet donated $200 worth of Countdown vouchers. Most donations were supermarket vouchers – $920 from local New World stores, and $280 from Countdown. The Warehouse vouchers were also popular –$130-worth were donated. A total of $84 cash was found in the boxes, which we spent on Paper Plus vouchers. The campaign, now in its fourth year, asks residents to purchase gift vouchers from local stores and donate them to families who need a helping hand at Christmas. This year the vouchers will be distributed by Hibiscus Coast Community House with their Christmas food parcels; Love Soup Hibiscus Coasst will add the vouchers to gifts at their first Christmas Day dinner at Whangaparaoa Hall. Editor Terry Moore is pictured, left, handing vouchers to Christine Alesbury of the Hibiscus Coast Community House (centre) and Julie King of Love Soup.

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Silverdale switches on 4.5G

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Move over 4G mobile phone technology – Spark has already switched on 4.5G, recently upgrading its existing cellphone tower on Hibiscus Highway just past the Millwater Parkway intersection. This is Spark’s second 4.5G site in New Zealand, and the first to be placed in a residential area – earlier this year it put a 4.5G tower in Christchurch. Spark chief operating officer Mark Beder says that Silverdale was chosen not only because of population growth projections, but because it’s already the busiest mobile site on the entire Spark network – with over 1.6 terabytes of data being used each week. Demand for mobile data in Silverdale This tower in Silverdale has been set up is growing at around two percent per for 4.5G, ahead of most devices, to cope with the highest demand in the country. week, mostly driven by video. “By the 2030s, there will be nearly “Because it’s so new, the full capability 23,000 households in the Silverdale- of Spark’s network is actually being Dairy Flat area according to Auckland delivered ahead of the ability of most Council, and with subdivisions in existing devices – future-proofing Millwater and Red Beach and the Silverdale for when the next generation business park at Highgate all being of devices launch.” developed, this growth needs to be However, Mr Beder says people with supported with telecommunications one of the latest phones will already infrastructure with lots of capacity,” be able to get between three and five Mr Beder says. times the speeds of regular 4G. He says 4.5G will deliver faster speeds The upgrade also allows Spark to serve and more options for residents and more people from a single site – the businesses – but only once mobile tower now has around five times the capacity of a regular 4G tower. devices catch up.

Cellphone antennas extend

Changes to Government rules around environmental standards for telecommunications equipment mean that larger cellphone antennas than ever before can be put up on streetlights or power poles. However, erection of the much larger and more powerful cellphone towers in urban areas still requires resource consent from local authorities. The new National Environmental Standards for Telecommunications Facilities comes into force under the Resource Management Act on January 1, 2017. NZ Telecommunications Forum chief executive Geoff Thorn says the original intention was for Government to simply update the existing standards to reflect changes in technology – but instead the rules were completely re-written. The aim is to speed up repairs, maintenance and installation processes for telecommunications companies by taking away the need for resource consent. Communications Minister Amy Adams says it will also speed up the rollout of ultrafast broadband. Mr Thorn says putting these structures on light poles was already permitted under the old rules, but the main changes in urban areas are that the height of a pole and antenna can now be 3.5m over the height of the existing light pole (formerly, this was 3m). Mr Thorn says if there is no existing light pole, the telecommunications company can erect a new one to put its equipment on. In some cases, including near visual amenities, schools, view shafts or protected trees, consent will still be required from Council.

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December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Viewpoint with Julia Parfitt, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia.parfitt@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Board gets down to business With Christmas fast approaching, it is getting near to the time of the year when we reflect and start to plan ahead. Life however continues at a relentlessly hectic pace. The local body elections have come and gone. We welcomed three new Hibiscus Coast members: Vicki Watson, Caitlin Watson and Mike Williamson. They join our hard working anchor and newly appointed deputy chair, Janet Fitzgerald. Right from the start, Vicki, Caitlin and Mike have fitted in, worked hard and quickly come up to speed with council processes and plans. In December we had a whirlwind of events. We celebrated the fifth birthday of the predator-free Shakespear Regional Reserve with the SOSSI volunteers. The next day saw an open day at Stoney Homestead in Millwater. A fantastic job has been done transforming the historic homestead into a functional community hub for Millwater residents. The restored homestead comes with over half an acre of land making it an extremely valuable asset for this fast growing community. Well done to everyone who campaigned to save the homestead despite its extremely poor condition. Looking ahead, the Stoney Homestead Trust will administer the Stoney Homestead Community Hub and local groups looking to meet here or find out more should email info@stoneyhomestead.org.nz. This month, we also stepped up on our key advocacy item – Penlink. We hosted the Auckland Chamber of Commerce who made a presentation on why Penlink is vital for business growth in our area. Over 60 local community and business leaders attended a breakfast meeting at the newly opened Te Herenga Marae in Silverdale. In January, we will host a similar presentation for our new mayor along with Auckland Transport and the Silverdale Business Association. We believe a significant reduction of 16,000 cars a day slowly snaking their way through Silverdale will allow Silverdale to develop into the valuable employment hub it was designed to be, providing much needed quality local employment. Next year we would like your help to plan for the future. We are putting together the 2017/2018 local board agreement which indicates what we expect to achieve in the financial year 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. As always, we encourage you to read it and let us know your thoughts. So far projects include sun shade and equipment improvements for existing playgrounds and advocacy for funding to complete the Orewa sea wall project. Next year we also draft a new local board plan which sets the blueprint for what we intend to achieve over the next three years. We need to hear what your community or neighbourhood needs so the plan reflects what our community would like to see happen. Public consultation will occur during May/June. Finally on behalf of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, I would like to wish you and your families a safe, restful and happy holiday season.

Trial in the slow lane

There is still no firm date for commencement of the trial of dynamic lane controls on Whangaparaoa Road. The trial, on the portion of the road from Red Beach Road to Hibiscus Coast Highway, was made public six months ago. Auckland Transport spokesperson Mark Hannan says the trial has been pushed back to 2017 “to ensure that the designs cater for all road users and pedestrians and provide the highest level of safety”. He says before the trial commences Auckland Transport will consult extensively with the community so that commuters can make informed decisions about their journeys.

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December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

localfolk

Gendi Dwight, Anglican priest

Chartered accountant Gendi Dwight first went to church in 2005 – and only because her four-year-old daughter was keen. Initially sceptical, Gendi began to believe there could be something to church after all. On November 26 the 43-year-old from Red Beach was ordained as a priest at Holy Trinity Cathedral with much pomp and ceremony. She tells Terry Moore about her newly found beliefs and how they are not a million miles away from the practice of accountancy.

am a typical New Zealander in the sense that I was baptised at six months old but never went to church or had anything to do with church as I was growing up in Taranaki. I would have been 32, in 2005, when my four-year-old daughter all of a sudden wanted to go to church. She came home from daycare and said, “Ashley taught me to pray today and I want to go to church”. I thought, I’m Anglican, so we went there. I’m embarrassed to say we got to the church early and sat outside while I tried to talk them into going somewhere else. I just didn’t feel comfortable going in. I tried to talk them into going to McDonalds, the movies or the beach, but they insisted on church. I guess I thought it would be full of judgmental religious people, but it turned out they were lovely, so we kept going. After a few months, the vicar said, “how are you finding it” and I said, “it’s nice, but I’ll probably never believe what you believe, is that ok?” However, church was starting to answer some questions for me. At the time I was running a business coaching franchise and both children were in daycare but I had decided to step away from the business and come home and look after the kids. The stress of working all day, then being up with a toddler all night had made me unwell. I was starting to ask myself questions like “is this really all there is, how did we get here?” I’d never asked myself those ‘meaning of life’ questions before. I bought books on new age stuff, Buddhism, and so on but didn’t think I’d found the answers. It hadn’t entered my mind to go to a Christian church. One day when the kids weren’t with me at church, I thought I’d go forward for communion. I stood up and suddenly said to myself, if this is real, I’ll give it a crack. My husband often says that no one knows if any of that stuff that I now believe is really true. And he’s right, of course, but somehow in that moment before communion I knew there was something to it and that it was worth looking into further.

fter that I joined a home group with other mums and bought a Bible. Next year I enrolled in Bible

college because, for me, there was a lot that had to stack up and studying is how I like to approach things. The Vicar at the time suggested it would be good to take a paper each semester because there is so much to learn. The Bible is a really hard to understand book, so I wanted to interpret it based on some of the history and context. It took me a long time to get to grips with the language and I still find that does not come naturally to me. When I first studied the Old Testament, I didn’t know any of those stories – apart from Noah’s Ark, which rang a bell. Quite early on I realised I was heading towards the priesthood. At one stage I realised that finding some kind of faith had really changed my life and that I wanted to help others do that too. For me, that meant becoming a priest to administer the sacraments. The process is long and involved and I started in 2011, with applying to be considered for the priesthood. At the end of 2010 I’d had a melanoma removed and that gave me a push towards fulfilling my goal.

nitially there is psychological profiling to find out whether or not you are suitable to become a priest, which is done by ministry advisors and the Bishops of Auckland. It’s an intense process and because I was doing it so soon after I became a Christian, it was a bit quick for their comfort levels. I spent a year doing a research project about worship and the role of the church so they would realise I was fully committed, and then applied again in 2012. I studied theology at university part time for two years and have nearly finished my degree. My family are really supportive but early on there was a bit of suspicion and my mum said I should be wary because of the extremes of religion. I was ordained on Saturday, November 26 and I’m now licensed to be a priest at the Anglican churches in Albany and Greenhithe. My family were at my ordination and my grandmother talks to everyone in her rest home about it. They are proud. There were a lot of challenges and I think that’s only just begun. The more you learn about anything, the more you

find there is to know. The older I get the more I realise life is shades of grey, not black and white. I don’t think I’ve ever doubted that there is something beyond our experience of here and now – and some people like to call that ‘God’. I find Jesus easier to understand because he was human, like us.

’m still working fulltime as a chartered accountant business advisor with RightWay Ltd, which I own a licence for. I am working hard so that my business will become more established before I complete my theology degree, which I need to do if I’m to be paid as a priest. Whether I’ll ever be paid in the church is neither here nor there, because I can do so much already. I became a Deacon a year ago so I have already baptised a baby, taken church services and can now do funerals and weddings. Church readings are fairly prescribed, but when I write my sermons I try to unpack those verses of the Bible to make it relevant. Otherwise it’s just a story about something that happened thousands of years ago and you hear it and go home unchanged. You often hear people say that church is boring and irrelevant, but the Jesus I encountered relatively recently is neither of those things. Stories like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son tell of great human truths. The messages of foregiveness, love and reconciliation are still relevant and people need something to believe in. Even when people make business decisions they

are based upon something they believe in, whether they are doing pricing or tax, or paying their staff. And when we debate euthanasia over the next few years all of it comes from something people believe. Sometimes I think the church is modernising. It has flaws as a human institution that’s trying its best. The larger organisations get, like a business, the more structure they have to have and that can cause problems. But I think the church is realising that it needs to change.

his year, my Christmas Day will be a little different because I’ll be the one up the front, preaching. I’ll help lead a service on Christmas Eve. In the morning we’ll get up and open Santa sacks. I’ll go to church in Greenhithe at 9am and Albany at 10.30am. Then we have a family Christmas and take the kids to the beach. My ordination really clarified that when I am leading, it’s not really me personally. You put on the robes, the Alb and the Stole, and you become a representation of God/church/Jesus and that’s a huge privilege. It’s also a privilege to be part of people’s lives – to do things like offering comfort. Ordination to the priesthood is the start of a whole new thing, as I’ll be juggling between being an accountant and business advisor, and a priest – but the two things are not a million miles apart. After all, if we can build better businesses, we can build better communities.

localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Pile of soil the last straw for Red Beach residents Residents of The Fairways are among the worst affected by the residential development taking place on the former Peninsula Golf Club land in Red Beach. The process of turning a golf course nothing had been done for several into a 520-home suburban area began weeks. three years ago and the first homes are The creation of the pile has also now being built there. brought the noise, smell and dust of Fairways residents are resigned to the construction not just to neighbour’s fact that the uninterrupted views they boundaries, but also inside their enjoyed over the green golf course homes. with its mature trees are no more; they “You expect a certain amount of noise are tolerating as best they can the noise and disruption, but now it’s right at associated with heavy earthmoving our back door as they pile up the dirt,” equipment which begins at 7am and Madie says. “They should not ignore ends at 6pm, six days a week. people who live here.” However, their patience ran out with The pile is on the side of prevailing the recent arrival of a giant pile of soil winds and dust coats the tiled terrace that extends all the way along their back boundaries. The soil is estimated and outdoor furniture. No water to be around 5m high at its highest trucks have as yet damped down the pile. point. Retiree Madie Specht has lived in her “I can feel the dust in my eyes, which Fairways home for 10 years. She says are always red and sore. My windows both Fletchers Residential, which is are shut all day and the curtains are undertaking the development, and drawn to keep out the dust. And it’s its earthworks contractor, Ross Reid not even summer yet.” Contractors, had promised to reduce She says residents don’t understand the size of the stockpiled soil but why the pile has to be put so close to

Residents of The Fairways, including Madie Specht, pictured, faced a mountain of soil on their back boundaries.

a boundary with existing homes when there is such a lot of space, including near the centre of the site. Fletcher Residential general manager Ken Lotu-I’iga said there are comprehensive dust management procedures in place, monitored by council. He said Fletchers would visit the site and see what can be done regarding the height and odour of the stockpile. Initially Auckland Council described the pile as “standard for large

developments and compliant with resource consent conditions”, however in response to ongoing questions, Compliance, Resource Consents manager Steve Pearce eventually said that the contractor would reduce the size of the stockpile – a process that began last Thursday. “It will also be hydroseeded and mulched, and a water cart is on site to help with the dust,” Mr Pearce said. Ross Reid Contractors did not respond to questions prior to our deadline.

Whangaparaoa Plaza gets new name in time for Christmas The Plaza in Whangaparaoa has a new name to coincide with an ongoing refurbishment programme. Work on the exterior of the renamed Coast Plaza is expected to be largely complete this week – in time for the Coast Christmas Carnival, which will

be held on December 17 (12 noon to 7.30pm). The refurbishment began in September with a $200,000 upgrade to its courtyard (opposite the library) and was followed by painting and new signs.

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Coast Plaza manager, Anne Murphy, says that the name and new colours were chosen “to reflect our environment; sun, sea and nature, the things we Coasties love about Whangaparaoa.” She says not only will the centre have a new name and look, but there are

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December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

After and before: the conversion from farmland to residential subdivision has begun at Sunny Heights in Orewa.

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An Orewa subdivision that local politicians hope could be “a poster boy” for good development had its formal launch on December 2. However the local board says the toll on local infrastructure of adding almost 600 new homes to Orewa will be significant and it expects cooperation from the developers to mitigate that. The 570-house subdivision, named Sunny Heights, is on 42ha of steep, north-facing former farmland on Sunnyheights Rd, off West Hoe Chinese developer Changda Heights. The land was bought International (NZ) is to build a 570 by Chinese developers Changda home subdivision in Orewa. Members International (NZ), which obtained of the company are pictured at the Overseas Investment Office approval launch on December 2. for the project, as well as Special height to be a maximum of three-storeys Housing Area status. – something that Rodney MP Mark The site includes QEII covenanted Mitchell, who spoke at the launch, finds bush and is close to Eaves Bush Scenic disappointing. Mr Mitchell says he Reserve and 10ha deemed a Significant would have liked to see higher density to Ecological Area by Auckland Council. provide more options for people getting Earthworks are underway. The land onto the housing ladder. As a Special will be developed in three stages. Housing Area, the development must The first sections are already on the include a component of ‘affordable’ market. The company is also to build housing. Around 200 homes are two roads linking West Hoe Heights expected to have sea views. with Grand Drive. New pedestrian At the two-hour ceremony on December links to Sunnyheights Road, West 2, which came complete with the Hoe Heights and Roberta Crescent cutting of a silk ribbon and fireworks, are also proposed as well as two new Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia bus stops. Parfitt spoke about the challenges of Changda, which also recently unveiled being in a high growth area. a large project in Manukau, says the “That has certain benefits, but also Sunny Heights project will cost it means retrofitting to make it work as $420m. General manager Yanbing Liu far as things like social infrastructure said that the company hopes to invest are concerned,” Mrs Parfitt said. more, not only in Auckland, once She said that the local board wants its Sunny Heights development has to ensure connections are in place, stabilised. “We are looking for long including public transport. term growth and development here,” “Nearly 600 homes will make a Mr Liu said. “The only way to reduce substantial impact and the local board the housing price is to reduce demand expects the developers to work with by building more homes.” us in partnership,” she said. “We He said that community facilities, hope that Sunny Heights could be a including playgrounds, a kindergarten poster boy for how it can be done well and convenience store, are part of the to create something unique. I wish plan for Sunny Heights. Changda well with the project. We The company is working with NZ will be watching carefully.” companies including Beca, Boffa Mr Liu said he hopes that the first Miskell and Dempsey Wood. house will be built by early 2018. The Buildings include stand-alone houses, rest of the construction is expected to terraced housing and apartments with complete in late 2021.

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

business • realestate

‘Show me the money’ the cry for Penlink Road Frustration was evident all round at a Penlink meeting held for local business representatives in Silverdale last week. The meeting, held at Te Herenga These views were laid out at the Waka o Orewa marae in Silverdale meeting. Penlink has been deferred by on December 8 was hosted by the Auckland Transport, with no public Hibiscus & Bays Local Board and the investment before 2025-45. Mr Barnett said he would like the project Auckland Chamber of Commerce. It was attended by around 35 business brought forward, to a start date within representatives, mainly from Silverdale the next five years. and Whangaparaoa, as well as local However, with the estimated $390 politicians and Auckland Transport million needed to build the 7km road the key stumbling block, some were representatives. The local board enlisted the backing keen to crunch the numbers with a of Chamber chief executive Michael view to getting things moving even Barnett for the Penlink project in faster via a public private partnership. July last year and Mr Barnett held Mr Barnett said that “five or six” private the recent meeting to garner further organisations, including NZ-based support so he can continue to advocate banking institutions, have expressed an interest and that discussions are for the project. Those who back the project say that ongoing with all of them. building the Penlink toll road between BSW Architects associate director Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Redvale business development, Wang Li, who is key to minimising congestion, attended the marae meeting, was also promoting choice and unlocking keen to see details of the business case: productivity on the Hibiscus Coast as Cr John Watson promised to expedite this for him. the area grows. Members of the Hibiscus Coast Zonta Club are pictured outside Whangaparaoa library supporting the Zonta International focus of ending violence against women. The group put up a display in the library and also took part in ‘a walking bus’ (in conjunction with the White Ribbon campaign) through the Plaza on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25. Info: www.zontahibiscuscoast.org.nz Martin A4 flyer.indd 1

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December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

business • realestate

Motorway group fronts ahead of construction

The group that will build the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway is already expecting to finish the project ahead of schedule, announcing plans to open before Christmas in 2021. The Northern Express Group, which He said the public-private partnership is calling itself NX2, will build the arrangement would result in a better motorway and operate it for the next service for road users. 25 years. The consortium is holding “Having the private sector run it will an information evening at the Puhoi be a huge advantage. They will have a Sports Club on Thursday December team sitting at a base near Warkworth 15 from 5pm to 8pm. Members of and must respond to any incident the construction and design team within 20 minutes.” will attend the meeting to answer Details on how construction traffic questions from the public. would impact local roads were not NX2 chief executive Ray Wilson met yet available. Mr Wilson said a with Puhoi residents on November 30 comprehensive traffic management and set out a timeline for the project plan would be developed and would and answered questions from the have to meet traffic restrictions set out in the project’s resource consent. community. He said preliminary work on the NX2 consists of eight companies. motorway was underway, but major Fletcher Construction Company earthworks wouldn’t begin until and Spanish company Acciona Infrastructure will build the motorway, September next year and would while planning will be done by Becca continue over three earthworks and Tonkin and Taylor. seasons. All of the structures would be completed by October 2021 and the The project will be funded by Accident Compensation Corporate, HRL motorway would open soon after. Morrison & Co. Public Infrastructure About 450 to 500 people will be Partners and Fletcher Building. working on the project, including a NX2 would have a main office at 40 design team of about 130. Wyllie Road, which was expected Mr Wilson said there would be a lot of to open in April/May, and a smaller communication with the community office in Puhoi. throughout the construction. The consortium recently gained “You will be pissed off with us from approval from the Overseas Investment time to time, but we will do our best,” Office to acquire leasehold interest in Mr Lambert said. 1700ha of land for the motorway. CL

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Town Centre plan discussed

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After finding a niche market online, family-owned business Shine On opened a flagship retail outlet in Whangaparaoa this month. Gene and Fee Kirkpatrick admit they got into the fashion business almost by accident. Although Fee has worked in retail, she trained as a social worker and Gene is a graphic designer. “When I was at home with our first son Elijah, I started selling vintage clothing online,” Fee says. “I built up a following and it just got busier and busier. “We now have our own website and around 33,000 social media followers.” The move online meant expanding the range of clothes Shine On was offering, but that was easier said that done. Gene says a lot of suppliers were wary about working with an online store only. “But we did find a few suppliers who had faith in us and the business has continued to grow.” Fee says the clothing she sells targets women, particularly mothers, who want to be comfortable, stylish and fashionable. “I know from experience that once you have a ‘mummy tummy’ you don’t want dresses and skirts that are too short or t-shirts and pants that are too tight.

business • realestate

Gene and Fee Kirkpatrick.

“Over the years more companies have become involved and this has lead to some interesting collaborations.” Fee says one of the reasons she and Gene have had the confidence to open a retail store has been the involvement of her brother Cliff Hopkins, who is himself a successful businessman. “Cliff has become our mentor and has helped us to fine tune the business. He’s a great sounding board and calms me down when I think something’s gone wrong.” Gene and Fee, who now have two sons, say creating a family-friendly environment in the workplace has been important to them, as well as being customer-focused. The couple believe the store will bridge the gap for a lot of their potential customers who are still wary of shopping online. The new store will also carry new and different brands, handbags and shoes, jewellery and small gifts.

There was keen interest from local residents who stopped to share their thoughts on how Whangaparaoa’s town centre could develop. Town planner Jason Evans and landscape architect Paul Murphy were gathering information and ideas at The Plaza and Whangaparaoa Library last month to inform their plans. Jason has been commissioned by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board to develop a town centre plan for Whangaparaoa and Paul has been tasked with a design scheme for the Landscape architect Paul Murphy, left, area around Whangaparaoa Library, at the open day on November 29. opposite the Plaza. intersection between Whangaparaoa Paul says that a playground interesting Road and Karepiro Drive, and also enough to attract families is among Whangaparaoa Road/Stanmore Bay the most popular suggestions to date, Road, as well as a new link between along with better links between the Arklow Land and Rishworth Ave. library and Whangaparaoa Hall and its Providing more housing in and around community garden. Other suggestions the town centre, as well as the potential include shade, shelter and comfortable for a hotel and function centre and arts centre to be built were also mentioned. seating and a flying fox. Jason has already prepared town centre Paul says that he hopes to have some plans for Silverdale and Orewa; the drawings ready in the New Year, and plans look at the potential for future Jason’s draft plans will go to the local development and cover issues such as board in February, after which there cycleways and usable, attractive public will be further public consultation. spaces. There will be another opportunity to give He says the need for better pedestrian feedback to Jason and Paul on December routes and cycleways was frequently 17 at the Coast Christmas Carnival at mentioned. Other suggestions The Plaza Whangaparaoa and library included roundabouts at the forecourt, 12 noon to 7.30pm.

Give to cats in need

Items needed by local cat rescue service Gutter Kitties can now be donated at The Plaza in Whangaparaoa. A trolley is outside Countdown supermarket to collect donations of cat or kitten food, cat litter, pet toys, large rubbish bags or cleaning products. The trolley will be there until Christmas and Gutter Kitties is hugely grateful for any donations from the community.

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Off road fun planned for Silverdale site The land where the old Auckland Luge used to be, in between Snowplanet and Silverdale Adenture Park in Silverdale, has been left to languish into rutted paddock, cut through with concrete paths where the luge once ran. The Auckland Luge operated on the site on East Coast Road for just one year before going into receivership in November 2008. It is about to be reinstated as Surf Mountain, a business that will offer on and off-road tracks for drift trikers, long boarders, dirt scooters and mountain boarders. Owner Josh Nepia opened the site, in

largely undeveloped form, last week as a kind of ‘soft opening’ and taste of things to come. He made contact with members of the local 3 Wheel Motion Drift Trike group, who were keen to try out the steep, winding concrete paths on Friday, December 9, skidding down at terrifying speeds. Josh is sub-leasing the 6ha site from Silverdale Adventure Park and access to Surf Mountain is via the Adventure Park’s lower car park. Josh is undaunted by the work ahead of turning this grass and weed covered slope into an adventure playground for youth. At present, it is only suitable for drift

trikes, but Josh is confident that he can soon create dirt tracks suitable for mountain boards and dirt scooters as well as adding ramps, kickers and rails. Josh, who previously owned a mountain board park in Hawkes Bay, has been mountain boarding for around 15 years. Currently you need to bring your own drift trike, but equipment will eventually be supplied as Surf Mountain gets properly underway. Josh says he is working hard to get the site set up so that Surf Mountain can provide options for all levels of rider, from beginner to extreme; he hopes to hold a competition there next Easter. Info: phone Josh, 021 028 70079.

The former Auckland Luge track is ideal for drift trikes, but Surf Mountain owner Josh Nepia, left, and his friends tried out the concrete surface on mountain boards last week.

Summer water sliding begins at Silverdale Adventure Park A 100m inflatable waterslide now snakes its way down a hillside at Silverdale Adventure Park. The super slippery slide was put in place on December 2 and is expected to be a key summer attraction at the park. Visitors can enjoy the waterslide alone for $10 for a two-hour session, or as part of a package that includes other park activities such as the zipline, luge or Cosmic Play Zone. Recently the Adventure Park, at 2104 East Coast Road, Silverdale, also

opened a new area where corporate groups can enjoy lunch or a break from their adventurous activities. Packages are tailored to each group. Santa has arrived, and will be at the Adventure Park every Friday and Saturday from now until Christmas Eve. Children can have a chat with him and receive a gift and photo as well as time to play in the Cosmic Play area, which includes a Merry Go Round, spaceship ride, pirate ship and a space themed play area with ball pits, slides and tunnels. Booking for a

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$ Santa gets into the swing of Christmas in Stillwater.

Santa comes to Stillwater Christmas picnic in park Stillwater’s first Christmas in the Park market, on December 3, was all about the children, with games such as sack races, arts and crafts, face painting, a Jingle Bikes competition and of course a visit from Santa. Santa preferred getting up to dance with the young ones to sitting in his chair but he also found time to listen to all their Christmas wishes. It was a relaxed and festive occasion, with families picnicking on the reserve alongside Stillwater Community Hall and carols by candlelight.

Spy Valley Chardonnay

Jim Beam Bourbon

750ml

1699

1125ml

3999

Moet Brut NV Champagne

St Remy Brandy

750ml

1litre

4999

Bikes with Christmas bling were a feature of the Stillwater Christmas market, as well as games such as sack races.

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 750ml

Tohu white wine range 750ml

2499

each

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High

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Morr

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2699

Valid from December 14–24, 2016. ID required if under 25.

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Thousands of people lined the route of the New World Orewa Beach Santa Parade last month and after the floats had gone past, there was the new Surf Sounds Concert to keep the crowd entertained. This year 63 groups took part in the parade, including many local businesses and community groups. All Star Cheerleaders won Best Team Float, KingsWay School took Best School Float and Estuary Arts Centre won Most Creative Float. Barfoot and Thompson won Best Commercial Float and more than 25 drift trikes, which created a stir as they slewed sideways down the parade route, won best non-commerical float. Live performances at Orewa Surf Sounds had the audience on their feet, dancing the night away until the firework display finale. The concert was a fundraiser for Orewa Surf Life Saving Club, which raised in excess of $10,000. View photos at localmatters.co.nz

Don’t know what to get that one person how about a gift card?

Heineken bottles 15pk 330ml

2 Tamariki Ave, Orewa Phone 426 8232

www.liquorland.co.nz

Lane

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

These bears will be in the arms of children at Christmas, thanks to Jacqui Crossley of Whangaparaoa.

Bear necessities under tree Jacqui Crossley of Whangaparaoa wanted to help families in need this Christmas and she started by looking for soft toys online. She bought around 10 toy bears from an online Hospice shop, and then looked for a children’s charity to donate them to. Suggestions rolled in via Facebook and eventually she chose the Care for Families Trust, a non profit organisation that gathers new or used premature, baby and children’s

clothing, furniture, toys and accessories to put into packs for families in need. Chercara Timothy Thompson of Care for Families told Jacqui that the organisation would love the bears for its annual Christmas toy drive that delivers toys to foster children and families in need through the Anglican Trust for Women and Children and Plunket. Jacqui dropped the bears off to the local collection point in Orewa last month. “It seemed like a nice thing to do for others at Christmas,” she says.

Orewa resident John Clements makes wooden toys for Christmas, and dropped off a selection to go under the Christmas tree at The Good Home. The toys are being collected by The Good Home in Whangaparaoa for children under 12, and will go to Love Soup Hibiscus Coast to be handed out during their Christmas Day dinner. John’s toys, which include trucks, cars, trains and simple puzzles, are handmade to order. Info: phone John 426 9624.

Valuable tips

Police are encouraging both tradies and homeowners to secure valuable tools as summer holidays and Christmas approach. Last January saw close to $200,000 worth of tools and trade equipment stolen in the Waitemata Police District (which includes the Hibiscus Coast) and Police say some of these incidents could have been prevented. Sergeant Nick Herd says the holiday period is particularly high risk for tool thefts, with building sites, trade vehicles and residential sheds often left unattended and targeted. Police say that using a good quality lock and considering installing security lighting near homes and sheds can also be helpful. Ideally, equipment should be removed from any building site or vehicles, particularly at weekends. If tools must be kept in a vehicle, they should be stored in a lock box secured to the vehicle and a good quality alarm should be installed “ In addition to this, Police recommend people record the serial numbers of tools, using https://www.snap.org.nz, or take photos of them and store them electronically. Products like SelectaDNA that invisibly mark and identify tools can also be utilised. Taking these steps may enable Police to identify and return stolen tools, as well as increasing the likelihood of offenders being charged.

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

Declared, by Brendon McCullum with Greg McGee (Upstart Press, 2016) Brendon McCullum’s new autobiography is likely to cause a stir in cricketing circles. The charismatic sports star continues with his hard-hitting ways, dishing out strong admiration for some and harsh criticism for others in the cricketing world. Hard-core cricket fans will love reliving memorable matches and performances, and digesting stats for various players. For the less knowledgeable readers like me, it was intriguing to read what drives and what frustrates a professional sportsperson like McCullum, and to learn about the behind-the-scenes politics – who knew! McCullum describes how shocked everyone was by the tragic loss of Phil Hughes following an accident during a game, and how his whole perspective changed afterwards. Not unexpectedly, the most controversial part of the book is the story of the Chris Cairns match fixing case. McCullum gives as much of his side of the story as he is legally able, and even writes a ‘letter’ to his ex-friend, Cairnsy. It’s revealing, angry and quite fascinating stuff. To me, McCullum comes across as a straightforward and steadfast guy, dedicated to the game he has loved since he was four. But then I was already a fan. This book would be an ideal present for McCullum admirers, but for fans of Chris Cairns, it might be wise to choose something else if you want a peaceful Christmas.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (The Borough Press, 2016)

Eligible is part of the Austen Project which pairs six bestselling contemporary authors with six of Jane Austen’s books. This one is a very modern version of Pride and Prejudice. Set in Cincinnati, this is a really fun story of Mr and Mrs Bennet and their five single daughters. Of course Mrs Bennet is desperate to see her daughters married off, but only to ‘suitable’ men. The talk in the neighbourhood is all about Chip Bingley and his appearance on Eligible (a dating show) – he’s unashamedly keen to find love. Then there’s his snooty surgeon friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Is there love on the horizon for the sisters? This is a perfect book to take on holiday – funny, warm and relaxing. Judy, our talented book reviewer is leaving us for personal reasons, so this will be her last column. We thank her for her wonderful contributions and wish her all the best.

Metro Park hockey turf claims world first

Construction of the Hockey Hibiscus playing fields at Metro Park East in Millwater has begun and recently it was confirmed that the turf to be laid there is state of the art. Hockey Hibiscus Trust chair Merv Huxford says that no other hockey fields in the world have laid the Tiger Turf Ecocept irrigation technology. “Four other fields internationally use this type of turf, but all are football pitches,” he says. He says the Ecocept system utilises a porous shock pad made of recycled rubber and plastic within a waterproof membrane. “Laid perfectly flat, it allows the field to be irrigated from underneath, giving better wetness control, better game control and eliminating the waste of windblown aerial water spraying.” Merv says that all going well, the full-size turf should be operational by April next year. There will still be the ongoing development of the adjoining half-turf, which is to be used by a variety of sports codes, as well as building infrastructure in the $3.2m project. Info: hockeyhibiscustrust.org.nz or look for Hockey Hibiscus Trust on Facebook or GiveaLittle.

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

HAIR BY DESIGN Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm, (Late night Thurs) Sat by appoint.

19A Moenui Avenue, Orewa

Ph 427 8511

021 903 934

Set net monitoring over There will be no monitoring of set net activity on the Hibiscus Coast this summer – instead Auckland Council is relying on the public to keep a watch on our beaches. Last summer set net activity at Hatfields Beach and Matakatia was monitored by Council to gather information regarding public safety. Set netting, which entails placing nets in the water with anchors or weights and surface floats, is a legal activity, but can cause safety issues for other beach users, including swimmers and boaties. Under the Public Safety & Nuisance bylaw Council can impose restrictions on the practice, where evidence exists of a threat to public safety and/or nuisance. Last summer, during the monitoring period, Council received nine complaints to a dedicated email

address about set netters at Matakatia and four related to Hatfields Beach. Council’s Bylaws and Compliance manager, Max Wilde, says that this year Council will simply respond to complaints received via its call centre, and also undertake random patrols. He says this is because there have been no issues caused by set netters. Locally, there is a ban on the practice in place at Arkles Bay, from Labour Day to the end of Easter. The prohibited area extends 200m offshore. Set netting is also banned at Te Haruhi Bay in Shakespear Regional Park, and at Army Bay, from December 20 to March 31 (again, the ban extends 200m offshore). Set netting is permitted at Okoromai Bay. Anyone observing any issues with set netting over summer should phone Council’s toll free, 24-hour, sevenday-a-week call centre, 09 301 0101.

Trust to be formed

A Trust is to be formed to assist Auckland Council with the future development of the Metro Park East sports facilities in Millwater. Representatives of sports groups have been meeting regularly with Council and Sport North Harbour for the past three years as plans for the park take shape. This working party has now determined that a sports community Trust will be formed by four founding members: Hibiscus Coast Athletics, Hibiscus Coast Cricket, Hibiscus Coast Football and Hockey Hibiscus Trust. Chair of the working group, Merv Huxford says that the prime purpose of the Trust will be to assist Council with the overall use and development of the park, including the design and location of any buildings. The Trust Deed will allow for additional sport and community trustees to be added in future if needed. Currently the users of the park are the athletics club, now in its third summer season, and the cricket club, which has both artificial and grass wickets in operation.

Right beside the Methodist Church

Dining pullout feature

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Coastdining

Hibiscus Coast builds reputation as dining destination While there is already a good range of dining options on the Hibiscus Coast, some local restaurateurs believe a wider choice of international cuisines could make the area even more of a dining destination. They say that although fans of Mediterranean and Indian food are well catered for, there is less choice for diners wanting to sample interesting cuisine from other cultures such as Chinese or South American. “We do informal dining really, really well,” one restaurateur says. “There are lots of options for casual and al fresco dining, and many restaurants are family-friendly. Our location and views are second-to-none and we are only a short drive from the city. “But there is room for more choice in the types of restaurants here.” Catering contractor Scott Fraser, who runs the Kotare Bistro, in the Orewa Surf Club, agrees. He says visitors from America and Europe quite naturally want to find out what NZ fish and NZ beef tastes like. “We specialise in fresh, high quality food that offers value for money,” he says. “My philosophy is to offer generous portions and let the food

The environment on the Coast lends itself well to casual outdoor dining.

speak for itself. “But I think local diners would appreciate more opportunities to choose from a variety of international flavours.” The new owners of Mick’s in Orewa, Frank and Lesley Geaney, who are busy getting to know their new establishment, believe the one thing the Coast doesn’t need is fine dining. “The beach and the relaxed atmosphere on the Coast lends itself to good,

every day food,” Frank says. “There is definitely a dining out culture here and we’re quite conscious of that in terms of Mick’s. We’re keeping the restaurant’s good food reputation, although we do plan to extend the hours and opening days in future.” Owner of the Millwater Bistro & Bar, Deanne Wright, says she took into account her location when choosing her menu. “We’re on the Millwater Walk so our place makes a great little stop

for something a little different,” she says. “We like to think we’re bringing a little bit of the city to the coast by offering sharing plates with a tapa style menu. They are really popular with groups and couples. We have also invested in a fantastic wine selection to complement the food.” Deanne believes more variety in the styles of food available on the Coast will benefit the industry as a whole. “It’s always nice to have options.” continued page 25

Dining pullout feature

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016 CE

Micks Orewa Moana Court, Orewa Phone 09 427 6462

WA YR

D B HI AS CO

Orewa Pizza 8P Moana Ave, Ore Phone 09 426 42

AY W GH HI

Amy’s Cafe 8 Moana Ave, Orewa Phone 09 426 7014

Moana Cafe 16/8 Moana Ave, Or Phone 09 600 23

ST AE W E R

Emídelí Café 11 Tamariki Ave, Orewa Phone 09 421 0435

Millwater Bistro 175 Millwater Parkway Phone 09 777 6008 The Black Cherry Juicery & Kitchen Millwater Central Shops

WA Y

IGH

Northern Union 23 Wainui Rd, Silverdale Phone 09 426 2651

Open 7 Days– 11am till late (Closed only December 25 and January 1) • No surcharge on public holidays • Happy hour every Friday & Saturday: 4pm–7pm • Steak night every Thursday • Sunday Roast & live music from 1pm–3pm.

AR AP

Roberts Coffee Bar 175 Millwater Parkway Phone 09 212 9834

2 Moana Ave, Orewa • Ph 426 1539

498 Hibiscus Coast Highway Orewa

S CU

February 4, from midday onwards with food & live music

The Ship & Anchor 2 Moana Ave, Orewa Phone 09 426 1539

HIB I

Dining pullout feature

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Kotare Bistro Orewa Surf Club Phone 09 426 4828

ewa 264

rewa 325

Gorganics 498 Hibiscus Coast Highway Orewa

Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 21.12.2016

Muldoon’s Bar 8h Moana Ave, Orewa Phone 09 427 8444

MICKS OREWA

Stan’s 3/570 Whangaparaoa Road Phone 09 424 4050 AN

PAR

– Restaurant & Bar –

“Where the finest food is cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill and accompanied by an exclusive selection of wines, beers & spirits”

The Good Home 570 Whangaparaoa Road Phone 09 320 5616

D OA

JACs Trading Co 6 Main St, Whangaparaoa Phone 09 428 0259 Tuesday – Sunday: 1pm – 10pm Restaurant meals from 5.30pm. Bookings recommended WE

ITI

RIV

Please note: This map is indicative only EW T R NMEN E D E UN NAG A M

OPEN 6 Days

(Closed Mondays)

Starting from

$10

Orewa Pizza

8P Moana Ave | Ph 426 4264

www.orewapizza.co.nz

Phone 427 6462

Moana Court, 350E Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa (park at the back of the New World carpark)

Dining pullout feature

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

These meringues are a great twist on the original and a real surprise for guests. What seems like a normal everyday meringue is actually filled with amazing saucy treats.

Ingredients 4 egg whites 115g castor sugar 115g icing sugar Freeze dried plum, raspberry or blackcurrant powder

Filling Mango sauce – tart mango puree thickened with icing sugar Raspberry sauce – tart raspberry puree thickened with icing sugar Anglaise (aka custard) Vanilla crème fraiche

Method Start with a very clean and dry bowl and an oven set to 100⁰C. Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Very slowly whilst whisking add the castor sugar 1tsp at a time. Add the icing sugar in thirds. Finally, fold in the freeze dried powder until the mix changes colour. This is what gives the meringue a beautiful flavour and colour. Grease and line a tray with baking paper. Cook for about 1 hour and 20 minutes When the meringue are ready, they should be firm on the outside and come away from the baking paper without effort. When cool very carefully make a hole in the bottom, the same size as the end of a piping nozzle. In this order pipe in the vanilla crème fraiche, anglaise, mango sauce, raspberry sauce and finish again with the crème fraiche. Recipe courtesy of The Good Home, Whangaparaoa

Open 7 days • Mon to Fri: 12pm–8pm • NOW Sat & Sun from 9am for breakfast

Orewa Surf Club • 275 Hibiscus Coast Highway • Ph 426 4828 • Em: kotarebistro@gmail.com

Dining pullout feature

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

OPENING SOON

Beer makes a stand Although wine is still the preferred beverage accompaniment for most meals, the rise in popularity of craft beers is also making a glass of cold ale a common choice, especially on a hot summer’s day. Since 2008, the volume of beer consumed by Kiwis has fallen 12 per cent but bucking this trend is the off premise craft beer sector, where sales have increased 42 per cent per year for the past five years, reflecting an increasing preference for big flavoured beer over quantity.

theblackcherryjuicery&kitchen

Destination dining continued from p21 On the café scene, Emi Deli owner Jonathan Ma says that while Orewa already has plenty of variety and choice in cafes, the same cannot be said of its retail sector. “The shopping centre needs more retail stores to draw people into the town,” he says. “We need a hardware store, more clothing shops and an appliance store. A department store would be good too.” Jonathan has owned Emi Deli for nine years and has built a reputation for consistently good coffee and homemade gourmet food. “Local customers won’t settle for average coffee. But if they know they can rely on you for good coffee and good food, then they are very loyal.” Orewa’s Ship and Anchor owner Neeraj (Raj) Chugh says he would like to see businesses on the Coast work together to offer package deals for visitors. This could include accommodation, dining options, an activity such as surfing and rental car hire. Like Jonathan Ma, Raj would also like to see a vibrant retail centre.

“We would need the support of landlords to do this though,” he says. “If we can make Orewa a one stop shop/tourist destination that would be good for everyone.” The Ship and Anchor offers a tavern restaurant experience and can cater for functions such as parties and quiz nights. One of their first events next year will be a Bollywood Night. Roberts Café manager Nicola Cornelius says easier parking and better front of house service would also improve the dining experience on the Coast. “I would like to see more up-market restaurants and more bars that stay open later to provide the much needed nightlife on the Coast where you can go from one place to the next similar to Takapuna and Mission Bay,” she says. Roberts is a family friendly cafe with an all day breakfast and lunch menu with plenty of gluten free options, as well as a quality children’s menu. “We also have an indoor children’s area to keep the little ones entertained while dining.”

EmíDelí café is coming to Whangaparaoa 5/719 Whangaparaoa Road Coast Plaza, Whangaparaoa

Offering a nutritionally packed array of smoothies, juices, raw and health based food, an Organic based food store and a Boardroom for hire. A fabulous location "Millwater Central Shops" opposite the Orewa Estuary walk, (close to Kingsway and Silverdale Schools).

Christmas countdown daily special – Like our facebook for details

Santa is coming Dec 16 & 23, 9.30am–12pm Fully Licensed • Open 6.30am-4.30pm daily

175 Millwater Parkway • Ph 09 212 9834

Breakfast • Lunch High tea • Catering

www.emideli.co.nz

You’ll get great coffee • food & service @ EmíDelí every day of the week. Come & join us! Open 7 days: 8am–4pm 11 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa Phone 09 421 0435

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

Big Dig funds go to outdoor gym gear Restricted fire A set of fitness equipment designed for use in outdoor parks is coming to Orewa Beach, thanks to the Orewa Lions and The Big Dig. The Big Dig has been held for 34 years. It involves hiding prize tickets in the sand on Orewa Beach for children to dig up – a formula that has drawn thousands of locals and holidaymakers to Orewa. Last summer the event was cancelled and its long-term future was in doubt due to insufficient volunteer manpower, declining sponsorship and a misunderstanding over Council fees. It returns on January 21, and Orewa Lions president Mandy Hebben says it could be the biggest Big Dig ever, with sponsors Mike Pero Orewa, More FM (who will be MCs on the day) and Hibiscus Matters on board. One of the key factors making the return of the popular event possible is the assistance of volunteer Mark Rolland, who is bringing his rotary hoe down from Maungatapere to do the biggest digging of all. Mark has been responsible for digging up the sand where the prize tickets are hidden for every Big Dig to date. He moved out of the area this year, but is returning specially to complete the task, which must be done at 6am on Dig Day. Funds from The Big Dig are donated to community projects and next year they are going towards the Orewa Lions centennial legacy project, which includes benches to replace old planter

box seats on Orewa Reserve and new outdoor gym equipment. The benches, made by prison carvers, are due to be installed shortly on the area opposite BP station. The gym equipment may include a cycle strider, chin up and leg press machines, a cross trainer and ‘air walker’/stepper. A climbing wall is also being considered. It is proposed that these may be placed at the campground end of the reserve. The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board is seeking public feedback about the idea of putting gym equipment on the reserve (direct feedback to email hibiscusandbayslocalboard@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz). Mandy says that around $50,000 will be needed in total, so the proceeds of The Big Dig, normally around $3000, will be just the start. Orewa Lions have set up a Givealittle page to help raise funds for the equipment and say all donations, of any size, are gratefully accepted. Look for ‘Outdoor Gym Equipment for Public use on Orewa Beach reserve’ at givealittle.co.nz. Big Dig Day There will be fairground attractions for the young ones alongside the Big Dig. The Community Patrol will be sizzling sausages and making mussel fritters and ham rolls. Raffle prizes include vouchers from local bars and restaurants as well as

tickets for horse treks and to Silverdale Adventure Park. Tickets (which include an entry in the main raffle) are $5 for the under-fives and $10 for the older group. They can be purchased at the site, alongside Orewa Surf Club, from 9am. The youngest ones (under 5s) start digging at 10.30am and the older ones (5–12 years) at 10.45. The digging is by hands only and adults assisting with the digging need to purchase a ticket.

Equipment like this could work out for Orewa Beach Reserve.

season begins

A restricted fire season came into force for the mainland of the Auckland Rural Fire District from December 1. This means you need a permit to light a fire in mainland rural areas. If you live in an urban area, you can have small cooking or heating fires if these are used in a safe and considerate manner and you don’t create a smoke nuisance. A total fire ban or prohibited fire season applies for the Hauraki Gulf Islands. In a restricted fire season, you must have a permit to light any fire in the open air, including: open cooking/ heating fires, braziers that do not contain all embers and sparks, hangi/umu fires, open top incinerators, controlled/ prescribed burns and bonfires. Permits are free of charge. To apply, complete the online form. Allow a lead time of at least five working days for the permit to be issued. The fire season changes come into force heading into summer, in response to drier, windier conditions. Anyone planning to have a fire should view aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ruralfire and use the online address locator to check what requirements are needed for your property. If planning a fire, remember to: check permit requirements, burn only dry vegetation, supervise the fire at all times and have water available to put out the fire if it escapes. Anyone who sees a suspicious fire should call the fire service immediately on 111.

Join us for services throughout the month: St Chad’s Orewa Sunday 8am & 9.30am Wednesday 9.30am Christ Church Waiwera 1st Sunday 11.15am Holy Trinity, Silverdale 2nd & 4th Sunday 9am For further information

ph 426 4952

chadorewa@vodafone.co.nz

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

All will be revealed as the Rodders raise their hoods at this summer’s Orewa Beach Hop.

Mysteries under hood revealed ‘What’s under your hood?’ is a question that Hibiscus Rodders Beach Festival coordinator Sharon Morris says is frequently asked by “all the muscle dudes” as they admire the hot rods parked up in Orewa during the event. Next year, anyone keen to check out what powers those shiny Hot Rods will have their dreams come true as dozens of the vehicles raise their hoods for the public in the festival’s first ever What’s Under Your Hood display. Between 400–500 hot rods are expected to attend The Hibiscus Rodders Beach Festival and preregistration is now open for the 2017 event. The show is open to pre-1975 cars or any of American origin, and car numbers are limited to 500 on any given day to ensure the event runs smoothly. It will be held at Orewa on January

27–29 and car owners who preregister before January 15 get an extra chance to win a six-night trip for two to Los Angeles. Also new next year will be the throaty roar of a drag racing car, which will be on Orewa Reserve on Saturday, January 28. The car will fire up three or four times during the day and one lucky person will win a chance to sit in it while its engine roars. What’s Under Your Hood will be on the evening of Saturday, January 28, and is expected to be held at Victor Eaves Reserve. This venue was still being confirmed with the local board as the paper went to print. The open hood display will be followed by a nighttime cruise of hundreds of hotrods in convoy through Orewa town centre. For more information, site maps and routes, or to register visit www. hibiscusrodders.co.nz

Your Art & Picture Professional Framers

Shop ‘E’, Tamariki Plaza, Cammish Lane, Orewa (opposite Hibiscus Matters)

Ph 427 8124 | Fx 427 8126

Give well this CHRISTMAS Orewa Community Church

Discovering God Sharing Christ’s Love Sunday Family Services 10am + Kids Journeys

18 Dec: Kumeu Vintage Brass Band Speaker: Graeme Gillies 24 Dec: Christmas Eve "The wonder of Christmas" 7pm - Supper Provided

All Welcome

Amorino Drive, Red Beach Ph 426 7023 | occ.net.nz

And be in to win

a luxury 2 night stay at Sanctuary Palms, Paihia

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Youngsters get a chance to hone their skills in Puhoi

We have Rental Bikes Michelle and the team will assist you in finding the perfect bike suited to your needs and budget. We have a full range of bikes including; Mountain, Road, Kids, Cruiser and E-bikes. Fully equipped workshop for repairs, servicing and custom builds.

12 Florence Ave, Orewa | Ph 427 9300

orewa@saintcycles.co.nz | www.saintcycles.co.nz

There will be a new Boys Chop category at the annual Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival on Saturday January 14. The free all-day event has been hosted in the grounds of the Puhoi for the past 12 years. Puhoi Axmen’s Club secretary John Sanderson says they now have a group of young guns keen to get in on the action. “We’ve got a bunch of 12 to 15 year olds from here and Whangarei that are really showing some promise,” John says. “We’ve put on a Boys Underhand Chop this year to give them some competition time. They’re getting some good coaching and some good axes to cut with, so the next few years will be very interesting. It’s great for the sport.” Most of the 32 competitive axemen will come from around Northland. Events like the Jack and Jill sawing and axe throwing increases the number of competitors to 45. John says the Puhoi Carnival is booked out two months in advance. “Competitors class this as the best one day chop in New Zealand. The venue, the closeness of the crowd and the

standard of competition is top notch. “If the world number one comes to me now it’s too late – first come first served.” The world number one is currently New Zealander Jason Wynyard who was crowned best individual woodchopper for the eighth time at the World Championship in Stuttgart, Germany last month. The Puhoi Axemen also had their share of success competing at the Christchurch A and P show last month. The nine members from the team secured 10 wins and 10 second place finishes. “Christchurch was the best of the best because they have to cater for 72 axemen in three days. We were very pleased with the result,” John says. The total prize pool on offer at Puhoi is just over $4000. The day wraps up with a team race between Puhoi and the visitors. John says spectators at this year’s carnival should keep an eye out for axeman Jessie Whitehead. “He does almost every event and is a real entertainer – the woodchips will be flying.”

Winery Tour celebrates first decade

77 The Esplanade, Manly Beach

Tuesday 27 December, 2016

From 10.30am on, rain or shine. Local artists’ work • Devonshire teas

Free Admission

Iconic Kiwi musicians Bic Runga and Brooke Fraser will headline next year’s Winery Tour, performing with Benny Tipene at Ascension Wine Estate on Saturday February 4. The annual event is now in its tenth year. Brooke Fraser and Bic Runga have both won the APRA Silver Scroll for Song of the Year and have been awarded a total of 32 NZ music awards between them. They have sold over 650,000 albums between them in the NZ, including 21 top 40 singles. Los Angeles-based Brooke Fraser will return home to headline the 2017 Tour, following the release of her first career retrospective album A Sides, which will include her upcoming

single Therapy. “I am looking forward to getting home to play all the favourites from my career so far to the best fans in the world” says Brooke. Having played at the very first Winery Tour in 2007, Bic Runga returns to tour the vines once again. Bic will be celebrating her induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame (the youngest ever inductee) and her brand new album Close Your Eyes, showcasing her interpretations of some of music’s most classic songs. Benny is completing his second album in time for the Winery Tour, which will include the new single Where Love Comes From.

OREWA’S PADDLE BOARD SPECIALISTS

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters | Ljebu Pleasure Club

Live performances in Manly Three bands will perform at Manly Park as part of Auckland Council’s free Music in Parks summer series. The series will this year bring 24 free outdoor gigs to Auckland. The three-hour concert in Manly in February invites locals to “relax, unwind and dance into the early evening”. It showcases the talents of Ijebu Pleasure Club, White Chapel Jak and the Allana Goldsmith Group and is for lovers of jazz, blues and pop music. Allana Goldsmith is described by The Creative Jazz Club as “a rare gem, the kind of artist one hears for the first time and is immediately captivated”, while White Chapel Jak has “a fresh acoustic approach to familiar songs, with a warm, Kiwiana delivery and

Allana Goldsmith

Entry $40, Pre-book $35 10am, 2pm, 6pm. We provide everything you need to play!

Ph 09 424 0108

www.redzeed.co.nz

White Chapel Jak

technical flourishes”. Expect to be up and dancing as the African-inspired five-horn lineup and strong rhythm section of the Ijebu Pleasure Club takes the stage. The concert is on Sunday, February 19 at Manly Park, Lawrence Street, Manly, from 3pm–6pm.

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016 Phil Roberts as Jimi Hendrix. Photo, Megan Moss

Shellac nails • Acrylic nails • Eyelash extensions Pedicure spa • Manicure. Gift vouchers available

Grand opening up to 30% off Manicure Shellac $40 (normally $60), Acrylic nail set $42 (normally $60), Eyelash extension $65 (normally $80), Manicure & pedicure spa $50 (normally $65)

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Ph 09 428 1656 www.idolnail.co.nz

Hendrix live at Ascension Start the New Year by heading back to the 1960s, when The Hendrix Project takes the stage at Ascension Wine Estate on Friday January 6 at 8.30pm. Whangaparaoa musician Phil Roberts has spent over a year playing in Jimi’s psychedelic shoes. The role is not something he takes lightly – he says he has done copious amounts of research, expanded his wardrobe and immerses himself in Hendrix music in the build up to a gig. “If you playing as a Hendrix tribute act, the one thing you can’t be is just ‘ok’,” Phil says. “My rule is if we couldn’t nail it, we won’t do it. “It’s like getting into a role as an actor and I try understand Jimi beyond being just a guitar player and more as an individual.”

The Jimi Hendrix tribute band has been touring the country for the past six months and have been growing into the improvised style which has made Jimi an icon. “On this tour we’ve trekked up and down the North Island from Whangarei to Upper Hut and seen everything from Hendrix number plates to massive Hendrix tattoos in places you wouldn’t necessarily expect.” About 150 turned out to the band’s performance at Ascension earlier this year. “People go crazy, like they’ve been caged up. The music and the performance is something that helps people release a lot of energy.” Phil will be joined by UK musician Glen Child on drums and Steve Sussex on bass.

Coast Summer - Shop local feature

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

New marine reserves proposed

Fishing

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan, prepared by an independent working group aided by local councils, DOC and MPI, has identified options for marine reserves and other marine protection areas, including some in the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney areas. These are proposals only and there is a (adjacent to Mullet point across to lot of water to yet go under the bridge Kawau Island), and including Martins before any could be acted on. There Bay, Beehive Island, Motuketekete and will be further information in Hibiscus Moturekareka Islands; a new marine reserve centred around Moturekareka Matters’ February 1 paper. Options being considered for Tiritiri and Motutara Island. Fisheries Matangi Island include: a new marine restrictions are also proposed in and reserve around the island, including around Kawau Bay, with exclusion of Shearer Rock; a new marine reserve benthic impacting fishing methods on the south western side of the island including scallop dredging. between Northwest Point and the In addition, the plan proposes the southern point of the island, and – under creation of an ‘Ahu Moana’ coastal either of the options above – protection management area (out to 1km offshore of sediment habitats through exclusion for the entire Hauraki Gulf Marine of all benthic impacting fishing methods Park) where a 50:50 co-management (such as scallop dredging) from north of approach between mana whenua and Army Bay and east and south to join the local communities would apply. Cable Protection Zone. All those involved, including A 3km extension of the Leigh Marine Auckland Council, are evaluating the recommendations with further work Reserve is also proposed. Around Kawau, proposals include: to take place next year. a new marine reserve in Kawau Bay Info: www.seachange.org.nz

with Damian Clayton whangaparaoa@topcatch.co.nz

Summer bites With summer sitting right on our doorstep and the fishing being red hot at the moment I thought I would pen a few tips and tricks to get the season started. Fish the “bite times”. There is a bit of lunar science to apply here but basically there are four bite times during our 24 hour day. These are: moonrise and moonset and when the moon is above or below you. Check your lunar tables or see TopCatch at Whangaparaoa as they have this information displayed daily outside the store along with weather, tidal and fishing information. Think small baits and lures when the fish are spawning. They often don’t want to scoff down a large bait when they are in this mode and at times will swim right past a bait. This is when soft baits and lures come into their own. Snapper are aggressive and will “snap” at a moving jig, lure or soft bait just because it is in its territory. Choose a variety of colours and styles too as often it will be just one colour or style that that will catch them. Try a bright day-bright colours and conversely dull day-dull colours practice. Think stealth. Go lighter in your leaders, smaller in your jig heads, slow the drift down where you know there are fish holding and try different areas away from traffic. Dusk also seems to produce, during the Golden Hour at sunset, and it’s a great time to be cooling off after a busy summer day. Once you have caught your fish it’s critical to chill them down as best you can. Ideally a 50/50 mix of seawater and salt ice is the perfect way to keep the catch fresh and tasty. Not only that, it will last longer when refrigerated so you can enjoy it for a few days. The old rule still applies on a tough day though. If someone is catching all the fish...copy them! Stay safe on the water. Damian, known to all as Damo, says he has been fishing since he was ‘in nappies’. He loves it so much it became a career in commercial fishing and for the past 20 years charter fishing. Damo recently retired from chartering and now manages the Top Catch store at Whangaparaoa. He has been a Rodney resident for more than 30 years and fishes its coast regularly, keeping his fishy fingers on the pulse.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of regional parks, this artwork was unveiled last month, November 26, at Wenderholm Regional Park. The work was commissioned by Auckland Council at a cost of $126,000. It was made by artist Nic Moon in the shape of a kereru feather, to act as a shelter. She drew inspiration from the month she spent living at Wenderholm as artist in residence in 2008. In addition, ageing information boards have been replaced at the park and a new series of boards aimed at children have also been installed. Wenderholm was the first regional park to be opened, in December 1965 and Auckland Council held events to commemorate the anniversary over the past year.

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Support the businesses that support Hibiscus Matters

Auckland Area Sea Watch Hibiscus Matters Seawatch – Top Catch, Whangaparaoa Sat

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1:40am 0.2 2:34am 0.1 3:26am 0.1 4:16am 0.2 5:06am 0.3 12:03am 3.3 12:54am 3.2 1:45am 3.0 2:37am 2.9 3:32am 2.8 4:29am 2.8 5:25am 2.8 6:18am 2.8 12:37am 0.9 1:22am 0.8 2:04am 0.7 2:44am 0.7 8:09am 3.5 9:03am 3.6 9:54am 3.6 10:45am 3.6 11:36am 3.5 5:56am 0.4 6:46am 0.6 7:39am 0.7 8:34am 0.9 9:32am 1.0 10:29am 1.0 11:23am 1.0 12:12pm 1.0 7:06am 2.9 7:51am 3.0 8:33am 3.0 9:13am 3.1

Tide 2:09pm 0.4 3:02pm 0.3 3:56pm 0.3 4:48pm 0.4 5:41pm 0.4 12:26pm 3.4 1:17pm 3.2 2:08pm 3.1 3:00pm 3.0 3:52pm 2.9 4:44pm 2.8 5:36pm 2.8 6:26pm 2.8 12:59pm 0.9 1:42pm 0.9 2:24pm 0.8 3:05pm 0.8 7:14pm 2.8 7:59pm 2.9 8:42pm 2.9 9:24pm 3.0 6:33pm 0.5 7:25pm 0.7 8:17pm 0.8 9:10pm 0.8 10:04pm 0.9 10:57pm 0.9 11:49pm 0.9 Times 8:32pm 3.4 9:27pm 3.4 10:21pm 3.4 11:12pm 3.4 5:57am 8:35pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

5:57am 8:36pm

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Full Last New Moon Quarter Moon Set 6:03am Set 7:01am Set 8:04am Set 9:08am Set 10:12am Rise 12:01am Rise 12:38am Rise 1:11am Rise 1:43am Rise 2:14am Rise 2:45am Rise 3:17am Rise 3:52am Rise 4:29am Rise 5:11am Rise 5:56am Rise 6:46am Rise 8:35pm Rise 9:36pm Rise 10:31pm Rise 11:19pm Set 11:15am Set 12:15pm Set 1:12pm Set 2:08pm Set 3:03pm Set 3:58pm Set 4:52pm Set 5:46pm Set 6:39pm Set 7:31pm Set 8:22pm Set 9:09pm *Not for navigational purposes.

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

health&family

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Hibiscus Coast Community House would like to thank the local businesses, churches, groups and individuals who have supported us during 2016. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and very happy holiday. Special thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers for all their hard work and good cheer.

Western Reserve, Orewa • Phone 426 3598

W M C

Whangaparaoa Medical Centre “Provision of traditional GP services with emphasis on family practice”

The boutique practice on the Coast. Personal care for you and your family, with your own doctor. New patients welcome. Our friendly staff are here to help you.

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Two Red Beach competitors run for the final beach flag. Below, a board race nears the finish line. Photos, Ross Malyon

Red Beach hosts surf carnival

The first Junior Surf interclub carnival of the summer, held on December 3 at Red Beach saw 526 young surf lifesavers, aged 7-13 years, compete in the surf and on the sand, testing their speed, agility, fitness and skills. Five competition arenas were in operation and nine clubs from surf lifesaving’s Northern Region took part. The events held were beach flags, board races, the Run Swim Run event, board relays for U10 and U12 participants and a Mixed Rescue Relay for U14 competitors. It was primarily a participation event The young surf lifesavers were right and finals did not feature on the on their game, performing with programme. confidence and making the most of The next JuniorSurf interclub carnival what they’ve learnt since the season will be held on Saturday, January 14 opened at Labour Weekend. at Ruakaka.

Budding writers and artists in print Budding writers and illustrators from local primary schools have had their work published in Kids in Print. The book is published annually and contains the work of the winners of a competition for students run by Hibiscus Coast Writers Inc. This year there were 130 entries in the competition from 11 Hibiscus Coast and Rodney schools. From these, 25 were chosen to have their work published. Competition secretary Tanya Gouws says this year the standard was particularly high, making judging difficult. Millieke McKay from KingsWay School won the Val Shearer Trophy. In this category, students submit a portfolio of writing in three different sections and Millieke was judged to have the highest standard across all categories for her stories Paisley’s Nutcracker Surprise and The Puppy Tale and poem Siblings. Red Beach School students did exceptionally well: James Gardiner won the poetry prize with The Big Game and Maria Parsons won the Non-Fiction category with Grandad’s Creek.

Millieke McKay won the Val Shearer trophy.

An illustration competition was held, so that budding artists could illustrate the stories that had been chosen for publication and this was won by Luka Fairbairn, again from Red Beach School, with a colourful drawing of a house fire. Tegan Richards from Warkworth Primary School won the fiction section with Stars. Kids in Print 2016 is available at Orewa Paper Plus for $15. Info: www. HibiscusCoastWriters.weebly.com

health&family

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Snr Constable Mitchell with Superintendent Tusha Penny, Waitemata District Commander at his farewell.

Long service at an end Supporters of the open sanctuary at Shakespear turned out in force to celebrate five years since most pests were eradicated. Below, even the entertainment followed the pest-free theme.

SOSSI celebrates five pest-free years Around 100 people enjoyed a catered picnic at Shakespear Open Sanctuary, held in celebration of five years of pest-free status. Plants and animals have flourished in the sanctuary in the five years since a 1.7km pest proof fence was built within Shakespear Regional Park. A hot early summer day, with nearby pohutukawa trees in full flower set the scene for the event, on Saturday, December 3. SOSSI volunteers and rangers made up the largest contingent at the lunch, with Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia Parfitt and deputy chair Janet Fitzgerald also in attendance. Open Sanctuary senior ranger Matt Maitland acknowledged the input of current volunteers as well as that of the late Alan Parker and Jean Taylor Bell, whose vision and hard work helped drive the pest- He said that there are always going to be challenges free project along. but that being pest-free is possible with dedication, He said the sanctuary is unique in the number passion and vigilence. of landowners and organisations involved – this “We found a rats’ nest in a tent that we were includes Auckland Council, YMCA Lodge, transporting here from another site recently,” Matt Watercare, the Defence Force and around 13 iwi. said. “Everything that we tell the public about “Their cooperation and support goes to show what checking the gear that they bring into the sanctuary absolutely applies to us as well.” can be achieved with a shared vision,” he said.

A policeman was honoured for his long service to the community at a ceremony at Orewa Police Station last month. Snr Constable Dave Mitchell served 42 years in the NZ Police, in a career that spanned frontline work as a detective in the CIB and drug squad as well as time as a community constable and nearly 10 years working in Hibiscus Coast and Rodney schools teaching traffic safety. His ability to negotiate in difficult situations was highlighted in an incident early in his career, in 1976, when an offender presented a long barreled shot gun and threatened to shoot Dave and his patrol partner. Dave managed to talk the person down, protecting the public, and the offender was subsequently arrested. When Rodney MP Mark Mitchell (no relation) joined the police in 1988, Dave was his recruiting officer and Mark was among those at the farewell ceremony held for Dave at Orewa Police station on November 30. “He is a man I have always deeply admired and respected,” Mark says. He is loved by thousands of our school children for the work he has done teaching traffic safety.” Dave is beginning his retirement with a 12-month world cruise.

Whangaparaoa 424 5632 632 Whangaparaoa Road

health&family

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016 LIST NOW COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Keeping locals in touch with locals

Health with Tania Adams, pharmacist tania.adams@manlycarechemist.co.nz

The burning question

Your Foot Specialist 23/175 Millwater Parkway Silverdale • Ph 427 9997 Book online: www.myfootdoctor.co.nz

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Christmas –a time for family and friends, jingle bells, Santa and – sunburn! Yes, while we like to celebrate with sleighs, snowflakes all those other northern hemisphere traditional images of Christmas, in New Zealand we need to make sure that we are not like the chestnuts roasting on that open fire! Living in New Zealand we are often bombarded with messages about the dangers of sun exposure, and rightly so. According to Sunsmart, over 300 New Zealanders die of skin cancer every year and it is by far the most common form of cancer in this country. Our unique environment means we are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage and can lay the groundwork for skin cancer in later life. Sunburn occurs when your skin is overexposed to ultraviolet radiation causing it to change in colour from slightly pink to severely red or purple. Severe sunburn may cause blistered skin and even a fever, nausea and dehydration. The best way to prevent sunburn is to stay out of the sun, and use sun protection when in the sun, especially between 11am and 4pm. Sunscreen is one type of sun protection. Ask your pharmacist which is best for you (check out for the ‘new generation’ sunscreens that let Vitamin D in). You should also always wear protective clothing during the hottest part of the day, as well as a hat and sunglasses and stay in the shade wherever possible. However, if you do get sunburned, here’s what to do: Use cold compresses on the burnt areas, for example a wet, cold towel. Ask your pharmacist for topical treatments to manage the pain and heat, or try a moisturising cream for dry skin. If blistering occurs, do not burst the blisters as you may get an infection. Instead, cover them with a gauze or a bandage. If your blisters do burst, see your pharmacist for treatment options. If you are in pain you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Ensure you follow the directions carefully. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your body. If the sunburn is severe, your eyes are extremely painful, or you have blisters accompanied by a fever or nausea, see your pharmacist or doctor immediately. Yes, red is a great colour at Christmas time, but not on your skin! Wishing you all a happy sunburn-free holiday season.

New name to remember

Alzheimers Auckland has rebranded as Dementia Auckland. However it says the support services it provides for Aucklanders with dementia and their families, remain the same. Dementia Auckland chief executive Rod Perkins says around 60–70 percent of the people that the organisation serves have Alzheimer’s, but there are a significant number of people who have other forms of dementia, such as Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia. He says feedback from careers is that the word ‘dementia’ is preferred. For more health stories visit our website www.localmatters.co.nz

health&family

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

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

*Limited time offer. Terms, fees & conditions apply.

Are implants right for you? This aerial shot of central Whangaparaoa was taken in 1975. The upper Whangaparaoa shops had been constructed, containing a grocery store called Shoprite, where Eddie Law is now. However, the old shops that were decommissioned in 1990 (to create the mall we now know) had not yet been built. To the right rear of the shot, the Whangaparaoa Tavern (where The Warehouse now stands) can be seen – a most popular part of the coast in its day, it burnt to the ground late 1990s. In the foreground on the corner of Whangaparaoa Rd and Tower Hill, the old phone exchange is under construction and the original exchange can be seen below. To the lower left, the old Manse can be seen on the large sweeping corner of Homestead Rd. Central to the image is the original block of Whangaparaoa shops, which are still there today, but at the end, the three-storey building that contained Windows (the restaurant with sweeping views of Arkles Bay) had not yet been constructed. When I was a child we took Sunday drives down Whangaparaoa Rd and I recall lines of cars outside Ottos, the famous ice-cream parlour, packed with kids who all had sandy feet and sunburnt grins; those were the days. Photo, John Smiley

Come talk to us and see. Chat to us today. Lumino Implant Centre The Smile Studio 18b Tamariki Avenue 09 426 2251

luminoimplantcentre.co.nz

Warkworth Birthing Centre Prenatal Classes

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&family

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Coastguard

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY DENTISTRY Experience gentle care Experience technology

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

Experience value

SPECIALS: Exam & 2 bitewing X-ray's $70 • Book now for free specialist orthodontic consultation in January • 'In house teeth whitening' comes with 2 free offers to choose, call office for details. No interest or payment for 12 months on treatment over $200 if paid by Q-card. Terms & conditions apply

Dentists • Specialist Orthodontist Unit 21, Millwater Central, 175 Millwater Parkway | Ph: 09 972 1518

Homebased Education and Care

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Our ur experienced midwives will care for you from conception to 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. We work from Whangaparaoa to Maungaturoto Coast to Coast.

Back Row: Donna Hamilton, Sally Wilson, Rebecca Hay, Louise McLaughlin Sue Wynyard Front Row: Nicky Snedden, Nicole Upton, Terri Jury, Kathy Carter-Lee

Kathy Carter-Lee 09 425 6749 021 425 115

Terri Jury 09 4237350 021 2371856

Donna Hamilton 021 140 9866

Louise McLaughlin 09 425 6115 027 242 8830

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Nicky Snedden 09 425 8249 021 662 393

Nicole Upton 027 9724442 Sally Wilson 09 425 8127 0274 977 745 Sue Wynyard 09 425 8912 0274 934 491

Contact one of the midwives or the Warkworth Birthing Centre

09 425 8201 • www.warkworthbirthcentre.co.nz

Our tsunami plan At about 1.30am on November 14, I awoke to the trilling of my Coastguard pager. I would later learn that Kaikoura had been badly damaged, but for now there was an imminent risk of waves up north and it was time to enact our tsunami plan, which runs basically as follows: All available crew to muster at our vessels • Crew at Hibiscus Rescue 1 take vessel east into 30 plus metres depth • Crew at the Sealegs Hibiscus Rescue 2 drive her up Stanmore Bay Road and out of harm’s way • Vessels to return only when the all-clear message is received. By taking our primary response vessel offshore, there’s a strong chance we can ride out any disturbance, after which we can offer assistance to other vessels. On this occasion, there was no damage, just some rather tired crew that spent several hours on watch and were rewarded with a stunning dawn. In a future tsunami scenario, your best option is to stay on land and head for high ground – or, if you’re already at sea, head for deeper water (30 plus metres). And don’t forget we’re around to help. Wear a lifejacket November also saw the tragic loss of eight lives when the Francie capsized on the Kaipara bar. It highlights not only the danger of bar crossings, but also the need for lifejackets. Each of the three survivors had been carrying – not wearing – a lifejacket when rescued. None of the victims were in lifejackets at the time their bodies were retrieved. The very next morning, Hibiscus Rescue 1 assisted a small craft whose outboard had failed near the boat ramp. In the boat were a young lad (with a lifejacket) and his mum (without). Dad, also without a lifejacket, was chest-deep in the water trying to fend it off the rocks. The wind was blowing forty knots and rising, against the tide. Who knows what might have happened if their engine had failed an hour later, when they would have been further offshore. The key part of Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014 can be paraphrased as follows: If you’re on board a vessel under six metres, you must wear a lifejacket of an appropriate size at all times (sub-clause 9:1) – unless the skipper, having determined ‘there would be no reduction in safety’, expressly permits you to remove it (9:2). Sub-clause 9.2 may be open to misinterpretation, but it doesn’t get you off the hook. If there’s a danger to safety, make sure everyone’s wearing a lifejacket, and ensure it fits them. If you’re not sure of the conditions, then should you be on the water?

health&family

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Mental health facility opens in Orewa town centre A new Waitemata District Health Board child and adolescent mental health service was opened on Monday, December 12, at 12 Tamariki Ave, Orewa. The service is designed to serve the treatment is available in the right Hibiscus Coast and up into North place, at the right time. Rodney. It addresses significant “We know childhood and adolescence population growth and aims to reduce represents the period with the greatest the need for referrals elsewhere. opportunity to reduce the impact of The service will eventually house nine mental health and addiction issues fulltime clinical staff, including a through effective early intervention, psychiatrist. Half the team is already and this is what this significant in place and the Health Board is in the investment aims to address,” Dr Bramley says. “The increase in staffing process of recruiting the remainder. will address this demand and greatly The building will also be used by enhance access to a high quality mental teams normally based elsewhere to health services for local families and deliver their health services to local whanau.” young people and their families. Staff based in the Orewa facility will DHB Chief Executive Dr Dale have the flexibility to travel to meet Bramley says the organisation has demand within the broader Hibiscus tailored the service to ensure the right Coast and Rodney areas.

Plunket veteran retires after three decades After 30 years of attending to more than two generations of local babies, Pam Wenzlick is retiring from her role as Plunket community Karitane this month. Pam started her career as an obstetric nurse before getting a job at Plunket in 1986 in what she thought was a temporary role, covering the area from Whangaparaoa to Kaiwaka. Thirty years on and she says she is often overwhelmed by how many people she has worked with and how fast the years have gone by. “I blink and they are one year old, then before I know it they are coming back as parents,” Pam says. “Almost every day there is someone who shows me a picture of their baby all grown up or at their 21st. “It’s nice to walk down the street and see all the parents and children that I’ve worked with. Being able to help people is the most satisfying thing you can do.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED ..to trial a new treatment for type 2 diabetes

Do you have type 2 diabetes AND take at least metformin to control your diabetes AND do not take insulin? If yes, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study of an investigational procedure for diabetes being conducted at North Shore, Auckland, Middlemore, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington Hospital. The procedure is similar to a coronary angioplasty so this will be conducted by a cardiologist. Who can take part? People aged between 18 and 70 years • People without certain medical conditions such as kidney failure or liver damage • People whose diabetes is not well controlled (HbA1c above 57mmol/mol). Transport costs will be reimbursed.

To find out more please contact Hector Gonzales at North Shore Hospital 09 486 8920 ext 2231

Sudoku - the solution

5 3 8 1 9 6 2 7 4

1 6 4 2 7 8 5 9 3

2 7 9 5 3 4 6 8 1

6 4 7 3 8 2 1 5 9

8 1 2 9 4 5 3 6 7

3 9 5 7 6 1 4 2 8

9 5 1 4 2 7 8 3 6

4 8 3 6 5 9 7 1 2

7 2 6 8 1 3 9 4 5

PODIATRIST

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Orthotics • Ingrown toenails ACC registered • Corns & calluses Heel & arch pain • Diabetes check

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health&family

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Green scene with Phillip Wrigley, Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird. phil.w@xtra.co.nz

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

THE scorEBoArD

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

TRYathlon

Weetbix TRYathlon, Manly, to be held on Sunday, March 26. The event provides a swim, cycle and run course for children aged from seven to 15 years. Online registrations are open until March 21, discount for early registrations, which closes on February 24. Info: tryathlon.co.nz/

Badminton

Players wanted for social badminton, Thursdays 9am–11am. Green shed, Victor Eaves Reserve, Orewa. $4. All welcome.

Orewa Beach Series

Weekly run, swim and stand-up paddleboard options. Began December 1 at Orewa Beach. To register www.beachseries.co.nz

Run/Walk

Get Moving Festival consists of four walking/running events to be held next year, from January to April. The series provides a range of distances from 1km for the little ones to a 15km final event. The first event is on January 29 in Millwater and the final one is on April 2. Info: getmovingfestival.co.nz

Squash

The Silverdale Squash Club in the rugby club rooms, on Hibiscus Coast Highway, holds club nights on Thursdays from 7.30pm. New members welcome. Coaching is available by appointment for anyone new to the sport. To list sports news for FREE email: terry@localmatters.co.nz

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

Panel Beaters | Spray Painters | Rental Cars Does your car need some paint or panel work? Or maybe some rust repair for your next WOF? Come and see our friendly team for a FREE quote! We take care of rust on your vehicle! We do outstanding panel and paint work!.. AND we offer a FREE courtesy car while we fix yours!

Mention this ad and save $100 on your insurance excess! Mon–Fri: 7.30am–4.30pm | Sat: 8am–12pm

681 Whangaparaoa Rd, Whangaparaoa Call us today! Phone 09 424 8258

Water care needed Our streams get a hard time. A Council officer told me that somewhere between 100 and 200 kilometres of waterways lose their natural state each year across the Auckland region. They are replaced by pipes, turned into culverts or the earth is so moved about that there is no trace of them left. Streams are vital in managing stormwater run-off, maintaining water quality and sustaining biodiversity. I’ve seen a few eels in my time, but it was still a thrill to see a 600mm granddaddy lazing about in a pool of the Nukumea Stream. Our predominantly clay soils quickly colour up waterways in rain. The results are soon visible as they drain into the sea along with their sediment load. The Okura marine reserve was seriously polluted during our wet winter from this cause. A half-moon of discoloured water stretches from Orewa beach to Red Beach after heavy rain as the tide empties the estuary. I swam in Sydney Harbour earlier this year, at Manly,, and was amazed at the clarity of the water. I could see the rubbish lying on the bottom clearly! We don’t have the luxury of their rocky landscapes resisting erosion and so must rely on our waterways to filter out the dirt. This has long been recognised, but too often a mechanised solution is used rather than a natural one. Siltation ponds are appearing wherever new development takes place. Plantings on the edges are nice, but eventually the silt in them has to be dug out, exposing their artificiality. Reserve contributions often go towards sports facilities, but a fresh approach to using this cash is being tried at D’Oyly reserve in Stanmore Bay. As reported in Hibiscus Matters earlier this year, a green sward atop a stormwater pipe is to be revived as a stream and wetland. It would be great if the culverted Red Beach stream could have the same treatment. What about a forgotten stream near you? Stanmore Bay stream, at the bottom of Arklow Lane, clings to life. Apart from a flow of water, nothing remains of it to suggest it is a natural place, unless you count the weeds. Bulldozed building platforms loom over it. Riparian margins around it and other streams need to be protected or re-established as development encroaches. Rainwater quickly cascades into torrents that are hard to manage if it falls on impervious surfaces. But it seems footpaths are becoming wider and wider. At one time, 1.5m used to do; now they reach to three metres across, whether shared with bicycles or not. Concrete is still the favourite building material and the acreage of it ever rises. Drainage infrastructure costs rise to match and landowners bear the cost. Council monitoring optimistically labelled water quality on the Hibiscus Coast as ‘excellent’ overall, mainly it seems compared to chronically bad areas. The report noted that water quality declined to ‘moderate’ or ‘poor’ at sites in the upper reaches of the estuaries (Hibiscus Matters, November 16). Given the pace of development we see every day, there is a challenge ahead to prevent a deterioration. But let’s make that a challenge for the ecologists to deliver us wetlands and streams we can be proud of rather than one for engineers to take up with concrete and plastic pipes.

No skinks here

Work is well underway on the residential development at 20 Link Crescent, Whangaparaoa. Developer McConnell Property is required to relocate native wildlife found on the site and advise that 10 banded Kokopo (eels) were captured in the stream that runs through the site, and relocated downstream. No skinks were found. This relocation work was carried out under the management of Boffa Miskell as required under the company’s Resource Consent. The land will eventually contain 60 homes, an internal road, public reserve where a Family Centre is to be built, and children’s playground. The development was given Special Housing Area status in February of this year and obtained resource consent in June.

Squash coach wins award

Red Beach Squash Club’s Jarrod Van Driel took out Squash New Zealand’s Best Junior Coach Award last month. Info: www.doubledotsquash.com Are you following us on facebook www.facebook.com/hibiscusmatters

localmatters.co.nz

Know

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

your local trades

E-CV Limited Savia Arbuckle

What your company specialises in: Electronic CV and professional profiles for those looking for work, and candidate database subscriptions for employers. E-CV is an online link to a candidate’s CV that can also be changed to PDF format. It is an easy way to share with a potential employer, print or store on the computer. What are the essential skills and experience that you bring to this trade/service? I help people looking for work who struggle to write and retrieve their CVs. Having had a Human Resources business in the past, I saw the benefits of linking electronic CVs to a database where employers can subscribe and avoid the advertising costs, screening and selection time. What is it about this job that gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you motivated? It is not only a job. It is about supporting those who are actively seeking work, as well as those who have a job but would benefit from being found by another employer. It is about placing people in front of the employer, helping them to present the best of themselves and supporting them in their career ambitions. 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. Supporting people with their CVs. To date, I have screened hundreds of CVs and have observed how difficult is for most people to write their CVs to the best of their potential. We have a ‘tips page’ that candidates can look at before writing their CVs, and also offer support for a reasonable fee. We are passionate about our services and love to see the users in our database reaching shortlists and happily employed. Customers can count on you because? We offer a safe internet database environment where technology supports job seekers and candidates get found without compromising their privacy. Employers save on recruitment fees and time.We value your privacy and we check every employer request to make sure candidates only get messaged when there is a genuine job opportunity.

Need a professional CV? My e-CV is Free

e cv Job Seekers & Employers Support

Digital Security Specialists Ltd Alarm Servicing & Installation

CCTV & Cameras • Maintenance • Battery Service • Monitoring • New Alarms • Parts • Replacement Keypads Approved Security Licensed Operator. 25 Years in Security. Servicing Rodney

• PARADOX • DSC • BOSCH • MICRON • SCORPION • SOLUTION • ELITE • SPECTRA • TRAXX • LYNX • ESPRIT • ALTRON

0800 25 27 61 alarm2repair@gmail.com

Local & Reliable All sizes available Ph 0800 300 666 discountbins.co.nz

A CAR JUST 4 U

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

PAINTERS LTD

W P Cars Ltd (RMVT)

Interior/Exterior • Residential/Commercial Free quotes and advice

warrenpayne@outlook.com

em: mccookalan@gmail.com

Ph 021 466 369

phone 021 707 427

Experts in Excavation, Landscaping, Decks, Retaining and more

Phone Patrick

0210 878 0278

A Pump Doctor

ERIC ODDI FOR BLINDS

Repairs • Sales • Service We’ll keep you pumping ...

CALL FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

Offering a large range of styles and colours. Cleaning and repairs available. Phone 09 424 1505 or 0800 218 555 (toll free) Email: eoddi@clear.net.nz Serving you Rodney wide since 1995.

Ph Cedric 027 443 0654 Coastal Curtains and Blinds

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

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

CALL NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

Mobile service available Phone/Fx 426 6741 or 027 69 89 925 coastalcurtains@paradise.net.nz

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

localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

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

Carpet, Vinyl, Cork, Ceramic Tiles, Wood & Laminate

09 421 0006 19A Silverdale St, Silverdale

www.flooringxtra.co.nz 146M

For all Mechanical Repairs, WOFs, Servicing

ProPerty ManageMent

residential & holiday hoMes

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

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

HEAT PUMP CLEANING

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

www.heatpumpclean.co.nz

Hibiscus Garage Doors Ltd

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

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

9–21 David Sidwell Pl, Whangaparaoa

Ph 09 424 6091 www.selfstorageworld.co.nz

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

Hibiscus Tiling

10 Puriri Ave, Orewa | Ph 426 6176

0274 436 222 | pat_and_houghty@hotmail.com

p: 021 433 299 | e: nick@rescueloans.co.nz

Relax, your precious possessions are safe with us.

Your local supplier & installer of all types of garage doors

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

Rescue loans helps people get on top of their lending

09 425 7367 or stop by 74A Hudson Road, Warkworth www.rodneywindows.co.nz

Ph Neil 0800 225 327

HOUGHTON UPHOLSTERY

Specialising in: Consolidating numerous debts • IRD business owner/self employment debt • Mortgage payment catchup loans

Rodney Aluminium Joinery

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

Phone Darcy 021 482 308

New Zealand Limited

For ideas and advice about our windows and doors talk to us.

SPECIALISTS

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

Rescue Loans+

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

For all Domestic and Commercial Plumbing needs

0800 175 862 • info@plumbsure.co.nz

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

localmatters.co.nz

December 14, 2016 | 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

The Conservation Workshop Conservation Treatment of Paintings on Canvas and Wood as well as Polychrome/ Painted Wooden Objects

Paintings Conservator Angela Rüegger

Phone 09 428 4418

20/A Hobbs Road, Tindalls Bay

M.A. (Cons. of Cultural Materials) B.F.A NZCCM Full Member AICS Founding Member

M: 021 251 3851

E: angela.ruegger@conservationworkshop.co.nz W: www.conservationworkshop.co.nz

The Company you know & trust for all your blind needs! If it doesn’t say service, its not! We MAKE Blinds We REPAIR Blinds • We CLEAN Blinds

Phone 0800 999 229 • www.vlr.co.nz

WARKWORTH LANDSCAPING LEADERS IN QUALITY LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

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

For all your building and carpentry needs Decks • Roofs • Pergolas • Doors • Gates Renovations • Maintenance • Fencing Kitchens • Gib fitter • Plastering • Painting

Come and see Cecily and her team for friendly advice on 1000’s of tiles.

Ph Jeff 021 368 552

Phone 09 428 4770 | 027 428 4770 Email: graham@top2bottom.co.nz | www.top2bottom.co.nz

09 424 1214 ▪ 663 Whangaparaoa Rd

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

KARL HALL IS...

Free confidential advice & information on: Consumer rights, careers, budgeting, housing & tenancy, JPs, legal issues, sports, clubs & more

he can get you plastered too All aspects of stopping • New homes • Alterations • Renovations Level 5 • Commercial • Coveing specialist • 25+ years experience

phone: 0210 42 42 96

a/h: 09 428 7127 | 2plasterednz@gmail.com

For all computer sales & support

PH TOLLFREE 0508 482 846

ph: 029 772 1962 • Em: Itathome.business@clear.net.nz www.itathomeandbusiness.co.nz itathomeandbusiness

Open Mon- Fri 9am-3.30pm, Sat 10am-12pm Orewa Community Centre, Orewa Square Phone 426 5338 or email cab.hibco@xtra.co.nz

Advertise your business here for only $64+gst per insertion. To enquire contact Angela ph: 022 096 8517 em: sellit@localmatters.co.nz or Mel ph: 022 029 1895 em: sales@localmatters.co.nz

MERRY CHRISTMAS

RODNEY

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy safe summer.

The office will be closed from Wednesday 21 December and reopening on Monday 9 January. Photo taken at Warkworth Carols in the Park 2016

MAIL: PO Box 289, Orewa 0946 EMAIL: mp.rodney@parliament.govt.nz

OFFICE: 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa PHONE: (09) 426 6215

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Tamariki House, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa

AFTER HOURS: 021 228 3519

localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Classifiedadvertising COMMUNITY NOTICES HIBISCUS MATTERS PUBLISHES FREE COMMUNITY NOTICES SUBJECT TO SPACE AND AVAILABILITY, FOR NONPROFIT ORGANISATIONS. If you wish to guarantee placement of your community notice or have it run continually the cost is $6.00 (incl GST) per line.

ARTISTS, ARTISANS & CRAFTERS – Selling sites available for $25 at our Christmas Fete & White Elephant, Dec 3, St Chad’s, Orewa. For all queries and bookings contact Kay 021 0249 4344. BADMINTON PLAYERS wanted, badminton social group needs players, Thursdays 9am–11am, $4. Green Shed, Victor Eaves, Orewa. All welcome. BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN (BPW) HIBISCUS COAST $2000 TERTIARY STUDENT AWARD - 2017 Applications are now open to a past or present female Hibiscus Coast resident. Application Forms & Criteria available by either phone – 094260406/ email davenjen@xtra.co.nz Applications close December 31, 2016 We look forward to hearing from you. CRYSTAL VISIONS HOLISTIC CRAFT MARKET Orewa Community Centre, 368 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa. 2nd weekend of the month Next market Sat Dec 10, 10am–3pm. Stall enquiries Michelle michelle.crystalvisions@ gmail.com Ph 0210 292 2336. ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF HOUSIE (BINGO) at Bowls Orewa, every Friday, 1pm. Play 40, $20 houses for only $4. 50 prizes available from $20 to $1000. All welcome. Ph 426 6236 or 427 4674. 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. MANLY BOWLS would like to thank you for the advertising of ” The Twilight Bowls” that you recently put into your community notices. We had a great response and a lot of interest plus a great evening with many who had spotted your advert. From this we have gained some new members. A big thank you Hibiscus Matters. 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. INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW, or experienced in making miniature models for railways, doll’s houses? Hibiscus Miniatures Club every second Sunday of the month, 9.30–3pm, the Girl Guide Hall, 224 Centreway Rd, Orewa. Next meetings: Nov 13 and Dec 11. JOIN OUR BAND TO GET FREE TUITION on bag pipes and/or drums. All stages and ages welcome. Wednesdays 7.30pm, St Johns Hall Silverdale. The band is also available for hire. Ph Gayle 424 1166 / 021 104 3497 or Bob 424 1838. HBC and District Pipe Band. 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, expand interests, enjoy the fellowship and make new friends. Ph Ray Watkins 427 5256, Graeme McIntosh 424 7115 www.rebus-hibiscus.nz SILVERDALE & OREWA TOASTMASTERS CLUB meeting November 9 & 23 (Wednesdays) Orewa Baptist Church, Loop Road, 7.30pm. All welcome. silverdaleorewa@toastmasters. org.nz or Crispin 09 420 4401. SENIORNET FOR SENIORS Computer courses & workshops available. Phone 426 1509. Mon–Thurs 9am–3pm, Fri 9am–12pm www.seniornet-hbc.org.nz HIBISCUS COAST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SERVICES Christmas Eve December 24 Communion Service 8.00 pm Orewa Church, 105 Centreway Road. All Welcome. Christmas Day, December 25 Christmas Service 10 am, Whangaparaoa Church, 48 Wairoa Road, Stanmore Bay. All Welcome

SITUATIONS VACANT ALUMINIUM FABRICATOR AND INSTALLER HomePlus Rodney is based in the Warkworth area. The daily work is varied and experience in all aspects of Aluminium Joinery manufacture, repair and installation would suit us perfectly as would someone with building experience. We are looking for someone with trade related knowledge and tools and that holds a clean valid driver’s licence to join our family business. If you are reliable, can work accurately without supervision, have a professional manner, then apply now to become a valued member of our fast growing business. This position is available immediately. Applicants must be a NZ resident or hold a valid NZ work visa. Please Submit your CV by email with a covering letter to: rodney@homeplus.co.nz

Mechanic + Marine Mechanic + Boat fitter + Apprentice Marine Mechanic Part time, full time, semi retired can apply. Due to expansion we have the above positions available, full training also given to the right person. CV to Gulfland Marine 671 Whangaparaoa Road. craig@gulflandmarine.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSPERSON for Small Practice in Orewa Junior, Intermediate or Senior. Phone Bruce Campbell 022 355 4011, 09 426 3170 bruce@bcdesign.co.nz

HOME & MAINTENANCE

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FENCE IT NOW

SUMMER SPECIAL! HANDS & FEET Nails cut & filed, includes hand & foot massage. $30 each – $50 for two. I will come to you. Phone 424 0676.

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

HICKEY’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE decks, fences,

painting, foot paths or any other odd jobs. Ph 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. ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE Ph 426 2320 ELECTRICIAN – SEMI RETIRED affordable rates, no job to small. Call Bruce 021 241 0000. HANDYMAN Small Jobs, carpentry, rubbish removal etc. All jobs considered. Phone or txt Dave - 022 015 4032 PAINTER, DECORATORS Renovation specialists. Phone Kevin 022 0291 056. PAINTING – INTERIOR / EXTERIOR, Free quotes. Phone Jef 021 164 9709. PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps. Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253. 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. 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

RECORDING STUDIO WHANGAPARAOA RECORDING STUDIO by appointment only. Phone Dennis 021 115 5233.

SERVICES CHILDCARE 3 - 5 YEAR OLDS Jan 9 Feb 3 Reg. Teacher Diane 021 292 4105 dianelittleexplorersclub@gmail.com

TUITION Quality local courses for Professional Nanny & Childcare Careers Start January or July Free info pack - Call 021 040 9311 Ashton Warner Nanny Academy nannyacademy.ac.nz (Stanmore Bay)

BABYSITTING COURSE Orewa Sat Jan 14 9am - 5pm $80 1st Aid Course, Lunch & Workshop Diane 021 292 4105 diane@realparenting.co.nz

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

TRANSPORT GREEN SHUTTLES TO/FROM AIRPORT PHONE 09 476 7808 or

0277 808 808. info@greenshuttles.co.nz DRIVING MISS DAISY reliable safe companion transport. Ph Brenda HBC 428 4490.

WANTED SHIPPING CONTAINER 20ft suitable storage. Must be weather & wind proof. Ph 427 8124 or a/h 428 3236. TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

TO RENT PROFESSIONAL ROOMS FOR RENT IN BUSY HEALTH CENTRE on Whangaparaoa Road opposite Plaza. Ground floor. Would suit acupuncturist, podiatrist, counselor, physiotherapist, accountant, lawyer, architect etc. Ph 021 253 0577 for information.

FOR SALE WOODEN TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS PHONE 426 9624 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

THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT

Read the compelling faith journey of a vibrant lady facing cancer and the unknown consequences. Learn how she was able to balance hope and the possibility of dying in a confident way. $27.95 plus $6 P&P. Email dyinggraciously@gmail.com to order or receive a review.

localmatters.co.nz

December 14, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

More events online, list your event: www.localmatters.co.nz/whatson

December 2016

16 17 8pm.

Estuary Arts Centre Cash & Carry opening and Christmas Craft Market, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Orewa, 4pm–

Coast Christmas Carnival, The Plaza Whangaparaoa (inside and out) and outside Whangaparaoa Library, 12 noon to 7.30pm. Entertainment, stalls, food and fun for the whole family. Santa will be there.

The Great Manly Art Show, 77 The Esplanade, Manly Beach, from10.30am. Original art by Hibiscus Coast artists. Free admission. Info: phone Lesley Gager, 424 0398.

January 2017

The Big Dig, Orewa Beach (by surf club), tickets on sale from 9am. The return of this popular event after a year’s break. Dig up tickets to win prizes. Fundraiser for beachside exercise equipment. (see story p26)

27–29

The Hibiscus Rodders Beach Festival, Orewa. Events include Show and Shine and What’s Under Your Hood as well as cruising and entertainment. Pre-registration is open. Info: www.hibiscusrodders.co.nz (see story p27)

“

Our Coast Gem is the daily visit by these magnificent kereru to our front deck at Stanmore Bay. Usually they arrive one at a time to feed on the sugar water we leave out, but occasionally we are treated to a visit by two at once. We are so blessed to be living on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast. Judith Douché

”

This is the final Coast Gem in our series. Thanks to everyone who has contributed over the last two years, and particularly to sponsors Whangaparaoa New World. Proudly Sponsored by

February 2017

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. (see story 29)

Here are the Top 10 most read stories from Hibiscus Matters on localmatters.co.nz last month: > Compulsory Chromebooks cause parental concern > Scaffold goes up on The Nautilus > Gloves off in fight against depression > Kapa Haka festival honours Matua Murray’s legacy  > Bible connecting families  > 15 years of Mainly Music > Residents get sinking feeling  > Meg bringing in the bucks  > Projenz denies serious fraud charges  > Gifts that keep on giving

Keep coming back to see the latest news, have your say, read extended stories and watch video interviews. You can also get updates on facebook.com/HibiscusMatters and follow our news feed on twitter at localmattersnz

Cool down this summer with Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial! The only champagne to be enjoyed over ice with a selection of herbs & fruits of the day. A style of champagne that has bright fruitiness with a seductive palate using a classic blend of the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & chardonnay grapes.

Available exclusively on The Coast@

Where you can relax & enjoy a wide-range of beverages from our extensive wine list with a fantastic home style menu. Imbibe French Champagne, draught beers, spirits & cocktails. All brought to you by our super friendly team. Come on down to our little oasis, introduce yourselves, share a few laughs, spin a couple of yarns & crack a few jokes! It’s your local ! The recommended way to start, a fantastic meal experience with us.

View our full menu: www.millwaterbistroandbar.co.nz 175 Millwater Parkway (topside of shops)

Phone 09 777 6008

localmatters.co.nz

44 | Hibiscusmatters | December 14, 2016

Kim says it’s important to remember that paper delivery is not an easy job and that our walkers are doing their best. Their safety is paramount which rules out deliveries in busy areas with no footpaths. Kim says a paper round is still a great first job for young children, a way to keep fit and active or supplement a pension. She is always keen to hear from people who might like to take one on. There are also spots for parttime walkers to fill in when the regular delivery person is sick or away on holiday. Info: phone Kim, 021 138 6975.

Letterbox facts

Although our newspapers can all be read online, getting one in the mailbox is still something many people look forward to. Kim DuFresne has been involved with managing the distribution of Hibiscus Matters for more than three years. When she started, around 17,000 papers were delivered to local homes and businesses: that figure has grown

to more than 22,000 – a number that continues to rise as new subdivisions fill with homes. The paper goes into mailboxes from Silverdale to Hatfields Beach, including Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Millwater and Orewa (bulk deliveries are made to rural places such as Dairy Flat, Waiwera and Puhoi). That delivery area is divided into 75 delivery zones, with

each route mapped out for the walkers. Currently Kim has more than 60 walkers, (some are pictured above). Some do several routes. They range in age from nine years to retirees. Many have walked the same routes for years and know each letterbox, every spot where there is a dog to avoid, or a resident who likes to come and say ‘hi’ and get their paper in person.

yy During summer and spring, flowering plants that attract bees/ wasps planted by letterboxes can deter walkers from delivering. yy Papers can be delivered into boxes with No Junk Mail signs, however they should not be placed into those with Posted/ Addressed Mail Only or No Newspaper signs. What does your sign say? yy Hibiscus Matters has stickers you can put on your mailbox to indicate that you would like to receive our paper. These can override the No Newspaper-type signs. yy If there are any problems with the delivery of your paper, we like to hear about it. Please email admin@localmatters.co.nz

Merry Christmas from Tania, Thilina and the Unichem Manly team Same great team, same great service, fresh look, new name. 53B Rawhiti Road, Manly Village, Whangaparaoa Ph (09) 424 7708, Fax (09) 424 7427 www.unichemmanly.co.nz

Manly Pharmacy

Your local health professional