Hibiscus Matters, 1 March 2017_Issue 211 by Lorry McCarthy

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March 1, 2017

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Inside this issue Made in Orewa Top team brings movie making to Coast

page 3

Aloha Wicki Chix

Volunteers from Manly Fire Brigade are prepared for any emergency but getting this horse safely back home was something out of left field, and called upon all their strength and ingenuity. See story p21

Silverdale crew competes in Hawaii

page 23

Freedom camping causes conflict on Coast Visitors to the area who are camping for free near local beaches are costing ratepayers dearly, according to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board. Over summer, the local board was made aware of up to 27 groups camping on a single night at Arundel Reserve in Orewa – only a few were in vehicles that contained toilet facilities. A bylaw put in place by the former Rodney District Council states that only self-contained vehicles can camp outside designated campgrounds, on reserve land. Auckland Council is currently developing regulations to

contain freedom camping that will apply Auckland-wide, starting with a two-month pilot scheme at 29 sites. Almost half the sites included in the trial are in the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney areas. Local board chair Julia Parfitt says as well as a loss of car parks, residents have had enough of seeing washing lines strung up at places such as Arundel Reserve and outdoor cooking taking place. The toilets at Arundel Reserve, located at the northern end of Orewa Beach, had to be fixed several times in recent months because of over-use.

She says the pilot scheme provides enforcement tools. This is why the local board brought it forward. Signs have gone up at popular freedom camping sites that are on the trial in Orewa, Gulf Harbour, Hatfields Beach, Stanmore Bay and Waiwera. The signs note the need for self-contained vehicles, the length of time freedom campers can stay and the number of car parks available. Council is also paying for staff to visit the most popular freedom camping sites to enforce the new conditions. “Ratepayers are losing out twice,”

Mrs Parfitt says. “They are paying for enforcement and work on the public toilets, while at the same time losing revenue from Council-owned campgrounds such as the one on Orewa Beach.” A large number of spaces in the carpark on Orewa Reserve are also being filled with campervans staying overnight. In addition, people have been camping on the grass there, once the fencing came down to allow overflow parking. Mrs Parfitt said at last month’s local board meeting that she has discussed continued page 2

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017 Issue 211

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

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

Design: Lorry McCarthy ph 427 8188 hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 22,450 homes and businesses twice a month: Puhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Orewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat Red Beach • Whangaparaoa Peninsula Views expressed in Hibiscus Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

the issue with Orewa Surf Club to see if the club sees any value in allocating specific spaces for overnight parking there. “They said five or six car parking spaces would be appropriate,” she says. Mrs Parfitt says while in some cases the freedom campers are homeless, in this area most are travellers. Councillor Linda Cooper, chair of the Regulatory Committee, says that the trial, which takes place for two months from February 20, will hopefully reduce the conflict between the needs of freedom campers and residents. “We want to be welcoming hosts to our visitors. Campers bring an estimated $1.2 million a month into our economy over summer,” she says. “However the influx of freedom campers into hotspots, particularly in north eastern coastal and inner city locations, is creating problems.” Council proposes using a range

of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to try to move campers around Auckland. This includes making travel planning information readily available and using social media and printed information to inform people about alternative free and paid camping sites. There will also be increased monitoring of toilets and rubbish bins at the subject sites. A report on the pilot scheme will be presented to Council and will help inform the development of freedom camping policies and regulations for Auckland.

Local sites on the trial

Arundel Reserve, 467 Hibiscus Coast Highway • Gulf Harbour carpark, 1311 Laurie Southwick Parade • Hatfields Beach, 544 Hibiscus Coast Highway • Stanmore Bay, 162 Brightside Rd • Waiwera causeway road reserve, Waiwera

Tsunami sirens go before Hibiscus & Bays local board The likelihood of tsunami sirens being placed in Orewa or other areas of the Hibiscus Coast, will be strongly influenced by input from the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, as well as available funding. Local boards will soon have a chance to discuss their community’s public alerting needs with Civil Defence & Emergency Management, following the release of the draft Public Alerting Framework report last week. The draft is an overview that does not get down to the detailed level of identifying siren locations. Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management’s head of strategy and planning Craig Glover says that, following release of the draft, the next step is to speak with local boards about their communities’ needs “and how we can partner with local boards to deliver an enhanced and integrated public alerting system.” As many as five high powered tsunami sirens are being considered for Orewa, at a cost of around $50,000 each,

although this level of detail is not in the report. The draft says that the risk of tsunami, and its consequences, must be considered when deciding to add sirens to the network. Assessment of this risk at Auckland’s beaches is currently underway. Council currently has $2.7 million allocated in Long-term Plan budgets for public warning systems – how that will be spent is yet to be decided. The draft notes the possibility of developing a cost-sharing model, “depending on the level of buy-in and likely uptake from local boards to the enhanced network”. “This will be determined following initial consultation with local boards, a determination of the scale of any enhanced siren network and available budgets to install that network.” Local board feedback on the draft Public Alerting Framework will be presented to the May meeting of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Committee.

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Corrupt roading engineer jailed Former senior roading manager at Rodney District Council (RDC), and subsequently Auckland Transport (AT), Murray Noone, is serving a five-year jail term after being sentenced in Auckland’s High Court on February 22. Mr Noone was found guilty on six charges of bribery Justice Fitzgerald also referred to the wider impact and corruption last December, relating to receiving on the community and said it would tarnish $1.1 million in bribes and a further $84,000 in New Zealand’s reputation as a place where public benefits. In the same case, company director Stephen corruption was almost non-existent. The offending Borlase was found guilty of eight charges of bribery had seriously undermined the public’s trust in public and corruption – six in relation to Mr Noone and officials and she noted that this sort of activity has a two in relation to former RDC and AT transport tendency to promote corruption. manager Barrie George. She said while Mr Noone had shown some remorse Mr Borlase was sentenced to five-and-a-half years jail. for his actions, Mr Borlase had shown none. While the Crown submitted that the seriousness of Mr Noone appeared in court on crutches. His lawyer the offending warranted a maximum term of seven requested that any prison sentence be deferred for at years, defence lawyers said that jail terms of no more least two weeks to allow him to access the medical than three years would be more appropriate given treatment he was currently receiving. that the exchange of money had only been about However, Justice Fitzgerald said the Department of “developing a good working relationship”. Corrections would be able to provide Mr Noone with However, Judge Sally Fitzgerald said the gifts and the medical care he needed and denied the request. gratuities received in this case went well beyond Mr George pleaded guilty to bribery charges last year accepted corporate hospitality. and was given a 10-month home detention sentence. She said the sentences would reflect the harm the offending had done to the community, and she had Serious Fraud Office director, Julie Read said collusion been strongly influenced by the duration and scale between staff and suppliers prevented other suppliers from having a fair chance of doing business. of the offending. She said these were far from victimless crimes. The “Improper hospitality and bribes such as this case offending had a direct and real impact on Auckland can seem like part of business as usual and difficult Transport and its employees. There had been to uncover, but we suggest that every employee is significant legal and forensic accounting costs, time responsible for identifying any red flags.” and stress on employees, and the case had had a very Judge Fitzgerald’s decision and her reasons for sentencing negative effect on employee morale. are at localmatters.co.nz

Operation tank trials concluded A police operation described by Rodney Area Commander Inspector Mark Fergus as “possibly Rodney’s longest running case” will conclude with a court appearance this week by the second of two defendants. Operation Tank began early in May, 2015, with the discovery of numerous stolen trailers, sheds, horse floats and shipping containers at 999 Dairy Flat Highway. A record haul of stolen property was found – the largest of which was a 30,000 litre water tank. Other items included whiteware, concreting and building equipment, tools, motorcycles and quad bikes. The value of the goods was estimated at $178,319. The items were linked to dozens of burglaries, not only in the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast areas but other parts of the country as well. Most of the property, around 80 percent, was returned to its

owners after a massive effort on the part of Police. Gareth Williams was charged on two counts of receiving stolen property and Vaughan Wenham on more than 30 counts – he was convicted on six of the highest value counts. No other arrests were made relating to the theft of these goods. The trial last November, which involved more than 30 prosecution witnesses, ended with guilty pleas from both defendants. Mr Wenham was sentenced on February 17 to 120 hours of community work and eight months home detention. Mr Williams will appear in the Auckland District Court this week, on March 2, for sentencing. Inspector Fergus says the team are glad to see a resolution to this long running saga.

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From left, director Tony Simpson and producer Tim Sanders discuss production logistics as feature film Kiwi Christmas gears up for shooting.

Hibiscus Coast backdrop for Kiwi Christmas film

A family feature film, Kiwi Christmas, which begins shooting this week will primarily be filmed in and around Orewa, Puhoi and further north at Te Muri Bay. A large number of extras are expected to take part sourced from the local community. The film is directed by Tony Simpson and marks the next chapter for the creative team behind 2012’s family comedy, Kiwi Flyer. Written by Andrew Gunn, Tony Simpson and Dave Armstrong, the film is produced by double BAFTA award winner Tim Sanders (The Lord of the Rings:Fellowship of the Rings, Whale Rider, Kiwi Flyer). Oscar winning designer Grant Major has teamed with co-designer Ashley Turner and BAFTA winning editor John Gilbert is working with co-editor Scott Flyger. The plot is about what happens when, fed up with the materialism of Christmas, Santa runs away to NZ for a summer holiday. When two Kiwi kids figure out who he is, they have to find a way to get him back to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Finnish actor Kari Vaananen (Night on Earth) will play Santa with NZ actors Sia Trokenheim and Xavier Horan taking other lead roles. The two children will be played by newcomers Samuel Clark and Luca Andrews; the supporting cast includes well known actors Troy Kingi, Laura Daniel, Wesley Dowdell, Will Hall and Ian Mune. Kiwi Christmas is made with investment from the NZ Film Commission, Kiwibank and private investors. Madman Entertainment will distribute the film in NZ and Australia, and international sales will be handled by Scandinavian sales agency The Yellow Affair. Filming is taking place from March 1–April 11.

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Feedback

Seachange opposed

The recent piece on Seachange (HM February 15) gives one side of this issue. I have written the following, to show how it ignores the traditional rights of the recreational fishing community. I love the sea, and fishing. Judging by the huge number of boats around here, there must be many others who feel the same. But, our fishing is under threat by Seachange. Seachange is a group set up by environmentalists and Maori to come up with a plan for the future of the Hauraki Gulf. Token representation was invited from other interested parties (recreational and commercial; fishing, acquaculuture, farming).  After a lot of disagreement, a proposed Spatial Plan was released. It is a shocker. Details of the Spatial Plan are at seachange.org.nz – but it’s hard to find the “wood for the trees”. Possible Marine Protected Areas are no-take reserves. Two options are given but there are no reasons given for this. It also shows a possible “co-management” area (called Ahu Moana) along the whole coastline. This is not a joke – the whole coastline! Recreational fishing has been almost totally ignored. Amongst hundreds of thousands of words, recreational fishing has about 200. The rights and aspirations of the 220,000 people in greater Auckland who like fishing are submerged under a huge torrent of gobbldegook. Seachange proposes to introduce new Marine Reserves that would prohibit fishing (except for Maori cultural purposes). What’s more – they could be in prime traditional in-shore recreational fishing places including Tiritiri Matangi, the north side of Rangitoto/Motutapu and coastal islands south of Kawau. Prime places, because of their islands and shorelines, providing fish attracting structure and shelter. One proposed Tiri reserve would cover about 3000ha, everything basically; including all the shores of the island, half of Tiri channel, and out past Shag rock and as

off

What’s on your mind? Readers are welcome to air their views. Letters may be abridged or withheld. See address on p2 or e: terry@localmatters.co.nz far as Shearers rock. Another negative aspect is that in addition to five existing marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf, totalling 3088ha , there is a huge Marine reserve, the Cable Zone. This is an area of approximately 37,500ha, in which fishing is prohibited. This area is 12 times the size of the total of all the other reserves. It effectively removes an enormous part of the Hauraki Gulf from fishing. The second proposal that is objectionable is for “co-management rights” over the whole seashore out to 1km from the coast. Co-management with local communities – means, in practise, Maori control. Do you want to fish off the rocks, think again? Do you want to launch the boat over the beach, maybe not? It’s a grab for the whole coastline. The recreational fishing community needs to fight this. Don’t let it happen - stand up and make it clear our traditional fishing places are sacrosanct. For more see www. facebook.com/StopSeachange  Rex Beer, Whangaparaoa (abridged)

Dangerous laning Surprised to read Paul Parker’s comments in the February 15 Hibiscus Matters supporting the proposed ‘Trial Dynamic Laning’ of Whangaparaoa Rd. The choke point causing the Whangaparaoa traffic to queue back 5km, and often beyond Viponds Road, is the single-lane-entry into Hibiscus Coast Highway, between the light phases which prioritise access for either two lanes of Orewa or Millwater traffic. The $2million Dynamic Laning will not ease the choke point, nor divert traffic. Perhaps changing light phases to share the 5km traffic queues until completion of Penlink may encourage Millwater and Orewa traffic towards other motorway options. As the Highway is incapable of absorbing Whangaparaoa’s peak time traffic, diverting such ‘spare’ funds towards Penlink’s second route off the Peninsula, to permanently

the record

fix these growing traffic queues is now a necessity. For two hours daily we observe the polluting peak time morning traffic, idling or slow moving along Whangaparaoa Road, because of entry denied into the ‘at capacity Highway’. For cars waiting for entry, the Dynamic Laning will create a car park in the present ‘safety centre lane’ and create a dangerous, frustrating ‘trial’ for both the emergency services and local residents. Thankfully Janet Fitzgerald’s team is working on long term Penlink solutions to fix the Highway’s, and Whangaparaoa’s, traffic woes. Beverley McLeod, Red Beach

Several readers spotted this spelling error on the Whangaparaoa Road sign and forwarded it to us. Realising the error, but not wanting to risk making another one, the word ‘Feb’ has now been used. Another winner from Auckland Transport.

Playground plans

Ferry demanded

People are looking forward to the planned community centre and playground next to the new apartments in Link Drive. That was the initial plan. I have not heard mention of it lately and was wondering if it is still planned. Children need a safe playground nearby and a covered in play area for in winter. Younger children need different climbing frames, compared to older children. I was impressed with some of the new playground ideas such as a big climbing frame at Takapuna Beach for older children, a water play area for younger children, with sand and water running down a hollow log, artificial grass or bark under play equipment, established trees or a sail sunshade over seating areas. There isn’t a playground near the Whangaparaoa shopping centre, although the shopping centre has been established for many years and there are many children growing up in the surrounding area. People have asked me, “Where is the Community Centre?” Suzie Gordon, Stanmore Bay (abridged) McConnell Property general manager Nigel Richards responds: “The playground component to our broader development has always been a focal point for the Local Board and

The need for a weekend ferry service from Gulf Harbour to and from the city was brought up by Local Board member Caitlin Watson at a recent meeting. In reply, Auckland Transport’s Ellen Barrett said that there was no demand currently for weekend ferries and that would determine whether or not a service is introduced. The “chicken and egg” nature of this comment was pointed out by member Vicki Watson, “At present there’s no demand, because there’s no ferry!” she said.

Council generally as key stakeholders. Council’s approval of the Boffa Miskell design was an important milestone for us and the community at large.” Editor’s note: A playground is also one option being considered for the upgrade that will take place outside Whangaparaoa Library, opposite the Plaza. Also, see the story p13 re the Family Centre that now has issues with the Link Crescent site.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Sandra Traw of Orewa and Anne Graham of Stanmore Bay, who each won a copy of A is for Aotearoa by Diane Newcombe and Melissa Anderson Scott. Thanks to all who entered.

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Feedback cont... Missing the point In the Feb 15 issue, Janet Fitzgerald says that Silverdale business is being hampered by no Penlink. How this can be leaves me confused, as Penlink goes nowhere near to connecting anything to Silverdale. The long proposed traffic lights at Silverdale Street would do more to link business or alternatively, a bridge along Hibiscus Coast Highway over Silverdale Street so we could once again link the Silverdale Town Centre to the Silverdale Industrial area. This continued focus on Penlink alone (as it seems) misses the point that Hibiscus and Bays Local Board also covers the rapidly growing Millwater and Orewa areas. Bryce Pearce, Orewa

Close call Last Friday, February 17, I was nearly taken out by a truck on Wade River Road. On a nasty bend the truck was fair speeding down the middle of the road. I had a split second to drive up onto the kerb and grassy verge as there were no signs of the truck either slowing down or moving over. I had written to Auckland Transport months ago advising them of how dangerous this road now was with all the new housing and their reply was “there’s never been a fatality so it’s not a problem”. Well there nearly was a fatality last Friday. Does someone have to die to prompt Auckland Transport into making the roads safer due to the many extra cars that are moving into the area with all the new houses? Lesley Davies, Arkles Bay

Desperate for Penlink I’m amazed to see how the fight still goes on for Penlink (HM February 15). Yes, the traffic is terrible but I still fail to see how Penlink helps anyone apart from those who live on a certain part of Whangaparaoa Peninsula. By diverting traffic, it also diverts business. Once it’s built, it will be a big plus for Albany Mall, rather than

the retailers of Silverdale. Recently I saw on Facebook that they’re offering free wine for photos of congestion. Smacks of desperation. Alec Mills, Silverdale

Art work stolen Recently, the ladies toilet in Silverdale Village was updated. Paint was donated by Dulux and painting work was done by volunteers. To complete the work, a notice board was provided plus a table for ladies to put their handbags on, while washing their hands. As well two art works were donated for the walls. Sadly these two works have been stolen. It is disappointing that people who lack morals can undo the good work of those who are trying to make a public facility look nice. It would be nice to have these art works returned Lorraine Sampson, Silverdale

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Plan impacts wildlife The large subdivision proposed for the open countryside west of the motorway (‘Upper Orewa’) – HM February 15 – poses a huge danger to the neighbouring Nukumea Scenic Reserve. The problem is that about half the households will in all likelihood have a cat. The present domestic cat population is nil, but several hundred could be moving in, based on the size of the development proposed. That would be tragic as the Nukumea Reserve is currently isolated from urbanised areas and has a formidable barrier to stray cats in the form of the motorway. The developer proposes no restrictions on pet ownership. Submissions on the proposal have now closed and its fate will depend on a legal process. However, it does not comply with the Unitary Plan, which forsees low intensity development in this area – it is outside the Metropolitan Urban Limit. I do hope that the aspiration of Aucklanders to care for their environment are reflected in the decisions made. The fate of the wildlife in the west Orewa forests hangs upon them. Philip Wrigley, Red Beach

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Feedback cont...

Hibiscus Coast Community Shop

Thanks tank owners

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Help guide Auckland’s direction for 2017/2018 Each year we set our budget to meet future growth and deliver the services that council provides. As part of our Annual Budget consultation we want your feedback on a range of topics including your rates, targeted rates, how we pay for investment and local activities and priorities for 2017/2018. Visit shapeauckland.co.nz for more information and to have your say.

Have your say by 4pm on Monday 27 March, 2017. For more information and to provide feedback visit shapeauckland.co.nz or your local library, service centre or local board office.

I was waiting for a water delivery when the local standpipe was shut down in January with no notification. Drivers had to waste time and fuel travelling further and waiting for water. These extra costs will have to be recovered if this continues. I found the Watercare answer that ‘water was a priority for connected mains customers’ arrogant and ridiculous. Tank owners take the pressure off the mains system by collecting our own water and only needing occasional top ups. We should be commended, not penalized. In a recent Aussie drought there was a Government tank subsidy given to encourage more water collection, especially city residents who previously had to take out their tanks and connect to town water. So I suggest we get treated fairly. Catarina Militia, Gulf Harbour

Bring back gifts Being retired, I sometimes walk the street with my grandson and it is like a ghost town. This is because it is populated mostly with young working people, busy and diligent, paying the modern and often outrageous mortgage, travelling, sometimes at walking pace, to get to jobs away from home. With this busy lifestyle the community has lost a tradition that I

hope can be resurrected, revived and extended for our own sakes, and to show we are aware of and appreciate the people who clean up after us while we are at work. It used to be a tradition that we left a little gift (a bottle of beer or small box of chocolates) at Christmas time, for the rubbish collector and mailman, just to show that we are aware and that a community lives in these places that are so quiet during the day. It was an excellent tradition long lost. Also on the corporate level and maybe in the retirement villages, leave a little something for the cleaners and carers who are often poorly paid. We are starting to see the inevitable consequences of inequality and separation and it is not pretty. We must be aware and grateful. Now CEOs are only answerable to the shareholders and the performance measure by shareholder profit with the usual and easy way to do this is to keep the wage as low as possible, which leads to unhappy circumstances. I also think of the specialist who charges $1500 per hour and pays the cleaners $15 per hour and the retirement village resident, happy in their situation and seemingly unaware of the struggle the cleaners and carers have living on wages as low as the proprietor can get away with. God is watching! Revive awareness and teach the kids. Geoff Hansen, Hatfields Beach (abridged)

There have been a number of sightings of dolphins and orca around the Hibiscus Coast over summer. One of the most spectacular was when orca came in relatively close to shore at Little Manly on February 3. Local photographer Alistair Bain took this photo of dolphins around Tiritiri Matangi Island on Waitangi Day. Local sightings can be reported online by joining the Facebook group Whale and Dolphin Watch Whangaparaoa.

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Viewpoint with Cr Wayne Walker wayne.walker@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Knowledge is power

Government continues to rule out a regional fuel tax to fund roading in Auckland. Last month Finance Minister Stephen Joyce said that government will instead look at measures such as electronic tolling and private finance to ease congestion and fund some infrastructure projects, such as Penlink. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says asking ratepayers to fund the deficit in transport funding would push rates up by about 16 percent next year – something he is not prepared to do. “We must find new revenue streams to fund our much-needed housing and transport infrastructure rather than continuing to load the cost of growth on ratepayers,” Mr Goff said. A survey of Auckland AA members last December found that the favoured funding source was to continue the Interim Transport Levy. The levy is a targeted rate of $114 on all households. It was established last year, with a three-year horizon.

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Leadership, integration and transparency are at the top of issues for Auckland Council. There is simply not enough money to make mistakes, too many big issues that need joined-up solutions and Aucklanders need to know what’s going on to support the solutions. Much of my effort is getting to the bottom of what is behind agendas and issues so I can ask the hard questions and find answers. Fellow Councillor John Watson shares the load so we are more efficient and able to take more on. Even so it’s a matter of prioritizing what’s important; there’s simply too much going on. The integration of the previous eight councils may have simplified some – but the government established council controlled organisations including Watercare, Auckland Transport, Regional Facilities, Investments, Development and Tourism (six all up) need to work much more effectively together and with focused leadership from the council. There are big issues that could be better led such as public transport to the airport (heavy rail is my preference with light rail as a bonus), harbour and stream pollution from sewage overflows caused by stormwater intrusion, new funding tools – especially for transport, expensive stadium overspending at Western Springs, inadequate funding for new parks and reserves, and the lack of infrastructure for growth areas everywhere. In many cases there is very little public information available and often insufficient priority and focused time by council, and council itself is often under-informed. Whenever the opportunity I highlight these issues and suggest solutions. Locally it’s important that we make the most of what we can realistically get from a severely cash-constrained council. The upcoming Silverdale Park and Ride extensions, dynamic laning for Whangaparaoa Road between Red Beach Road and the highway, localised roading improvements in Silverdale, ongoing Gulf Harbour Ferry and bus increases and the soon to start commercial centre in Silverdale North adjacent to the motorway (Highgate Business Park) are all going to help offset the infill development, especially on Whangaparaoa. Sure there are tweaks required but let’s grab what’s on offer and make sure that our local improvements are integrated. The recent restrictions for water tankers at the Karepiro filling station were overthe-top. And the contribution that people on tank water on the Hibiscus Coast make to Auckland’s overall water supply and to rates, through sewage charges, has not been acknowledged. Sure there may be a need for limited restriction at peak times in the morning and evening but the rest of the time there shouldn’t be a problem. We need to sort this one out. People on tank water may know of someone on reticulated water who will let them top up their tank by running a long hose. After adding in the cost of wastewater (which is charged at 78.5 percent of water consumption) you get $3.36 a cubic metre – which is a fraction of the $11 to $13 from a water tanker. So it’s worth asking around to see if a friendly neighbour can help. I believe many of our problems can be solved by community based solutions so its important that council supply the information around the problems, possible options and solutions. Thomas Jefferson said “An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” Editor’s note: Hibiscus Matters did a story on the costs of tank water back in February, 2014. It can be found at localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

localmatters.co.nz

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Firefighter sticks with local board The fact that local board member Mike Williamson took three months paid leave, starting in January, after being sworn in last November has raised a few eyebrows. However, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia Parfitt says that it would have been unreasonable to deny the leave request. Mr Williamson requested leave from January 9 to March 31 to attend fire service training, which will enable him to become a full time paid fire fighter. He says that he got accepted into the NZ Fire Service, three months after applying, and found out the same week that he was elected to the local board. “There are 1500 applicants to the fire service in Auckland and only 10 get in,” Mr Williamson says. “There was no way I’d turn it down, and at the same time I can’t afford to drop the Mike Williamson is following a long-held local board income. I also take my local desire to be a full time paid firefighter but says he will continue to take his board responsibilities very seriously.” local board duties very seriously. Council’s democracy services general manager, Marguerite Delbet, says that Several members, both past and present, Mr Williamson is continuing to keep choose to hold down full time jobs as up with local board work by email well as serving on the local board. from Rotorua where the fire training is taking place. Remuneration rules Mr Williamson was elected to the yy Under its standing orders, the local Hibiscus subdivision of the local board may grant a leave of absence board with the second highest number or delegate this to the chairperson. of votes after deputy chair Janet yy Accepting an apology for a meeting Fitzgerald. is equivalent to granting a leave of absence. The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board approved the leave of absence and yy If a member misses four consecutive meetings without a chair Julia Parfitt says it would have leave of absence, the member loses been unreasonable to deny the request. his or her position. Members’ remuneration package is y y Elected members are not paid based on around 24 hours of local per meeting they attend, they are board work each week. Mr Williamson paid monthly (as outlined by the says the shift work of the fire service Remuneration Authority). will enable him to devote the time y y No request for leave has ever been needed to the local board, even if he turned down by any local board of is based at a station that is not on the Auckland Council. Hibiscus Coast.

On the lookout for ‘spillover’ robins In April last year 40 North Island robins (toutouwai) were re-introduced into Shakespear Regional Park. Thirteen pairs established and have just completed their first breeding season with 34 chicks being raised. The progress of these young birds has been monitored by SOSSI members Richard Chambers and Maree Johnston. “Already we know some of the juveniles have paired up so there’s a good chance they’ll be around for next year’s breeding season,” Richard says. “It’s a great success for the first year.” Despite this there are a lot of young robins that haven’t been seen since they left the nest. These juveniles can travel great distances in search of a mate and a place to settle down, even along the Peninsula outside the park. This is the kind of ‘spillover’ of birds

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from the park that will happen more and more as bird numbers inside the fence increase. All Shakespear Park’s robin chicks have colour bands on their legs and they, along with the whiteheads released at the park a year earlier, are the only birds locally with bands. The volunteers would love to know where these birds are travelling to. Anyone who sees a bird with coloured leg-bands in the garden can message the SOSSI facebook page or contact them via www.sossi.org.nz.

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localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

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localmatters.co.nz

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Funds uncertain for high performance sailing centre In a process Cr Wayne Walker describes as “downright devious”, Yachting NZ approached Auckland Council recently seeking sign off on $3 million for its High Performance and Community Sailing Centre. The money was sought before details, confirmation of complementary such as a location or business case for funding partners. the centre, are finalised. Mr Abercrombie says Yachting NZ will One of the areas under consideration review suitable sites (the other main is the Hammerhead at Gulf Harbour. site being considered is at Okahu Bay) Money to build the multi-million in the coming months and prepare a dollar sailing centre was allocated by proper proposal and business plan. North Shore City Council when a site He says while he personally thinks the in Takapuna was under consideration. Hammerhead is “a fantastic option” for That site, on a public reserve, was the sailing centre, he is well aware of abandoned after huge community the challenges involved in building on opposition. The council sold an reserves. He says the potential impact asset to obtain the money and there of subdivision of the Hammerhead is is debate around whether the funds currently unknown but could make a should still go to the centre now that big difference to the outcome. it won’t be built on the North Shore. “We haven’t gone into it wanting Yachting NZ chief executive, David to take over reserve land,” Mr Abercrombie, says although the money Abercrombie says. “We want to came from North Shore City, the contribute to the local community formation of the supercity should mean and the reserve. Also, the economic that the money can be used regardless benefit that sailing can bring to an of where in Auckland the centre is built. area is well known.” He says the organisation approached Mr Abercrombie says Yachting NZ Council’s Finance and Performance plans to bring a report back to Council Committee looking for a degree of in May. certainty around that funding, as well He says should the funding be an issue, as support from Council. there is a very real possibility that the The committee’s decision at its centre may be built outside Auckland. February 21 meeting was to defer “Auckland is the ideal place for it, but the item until a formal proposal, if the city doesn’t want the centre, or a including a business case, is received suitable venue can’t be found, we will from Yachting NZ – including look elsewhere.” Julia Budler was presented with Zonta Hibiscus Coast’s Young Woman in Public Affairs Award on February 28, at the Wade Hotel. At the function, she spoke about her recent visit to Jordan and Syria with World Vision’s Youth Ambassador Programme. Julia was head girl at Kingsway College last year. She has a strong background in volunteering and leadership and has been involved in the “You Are” programme for vulnerable girls as well as being a representative on the Auckland Students for Innovation Education Board and a Lion’s Young Ambassador. She has also worked in Tanzania with teachers supporting education and work for women. This year, she is studying towards a conjoint Law and Arts degree at Auckland University. Her application goes forward to be judged by Zonta at National level in April.

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

realestate

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

A concept plan of the Whangaparaoa Family Centre – but where it will be built is now uncertain.

Centre seeks alternative site Long-standing plans to build a Family Centre in Link Crescent, Whangaparaoa are now up in the air as those behind the project investigate an alternative site. Land in Link Crescent was allocated for the project by the former Rodney District Council in 2010 – community groups have been fighting for the centre to be built for around 20 years. The centre is to provide easy local access to a wide range of social services such as Plunket, CYFS and Family Planning. The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board got behind the scheme, working with the developers of 20 Link Crescent to get the best possible site for the centre. Lcoal board members were therefore somewhat stunned to hear, at a meeting last month, that the Family Centre Trust wants to look at another site, opposite The Plaza. Trust secretary Daphne McKerras says that the Link Crescent was never ideal for the Family Centre, but they were grateful for anything when it was offered to them. “We appreciate what Rodney District Council and the local board has done and we will build there if we have to, but we want to look for a more visible site,” she says. Issues of concern include the need for discrete entry and accessibility in an area frequented by the public. The local board funded a feasibility report into the project, which was completed last September but has not yet been released publicly.

The report found that overall the Family Centre model was likely to be successful, but identified issues with the Link Crescent site’s topography. “Primarily there are concerns with accessibility, flexibility and increased build costs due to the site topographical characteristics,” the report says. Its recommendations include that consideration be given to alternative sites. The site that the Trust would like the local board to consider is between Whangaparaoa Library and Whangaparaoa Hall. Family Centre representatives recently met with Cr Wayne Walker, who is on the Whangaparaoa Community Hall Trust. Cr Walker says he has been supportive of the Centre since he was involved as a Rodney District councillor. He says initial problems identified with building on land alongside the hall include the potential for the hall to be rebuilt in future. Plans for a rebuild, which date back around 20 years, are modeled on a community hub funded by commercial and apartment space above. Cr Walker says that in future, the Family Centre’s Link Crescent site will become a commercial and community hub as development continues there and that any alternative needs to be well thought through. The local board asked the Family Centre representatives to come back with more details of what is proposed. They also said that Panuku Development Auckland is happy to meet with the group to discuss any issues relating to the Link Crescent site.

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

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over North Harbour courts A request that Hibiscus Coast ratepayers help fund a new roof at Netball North Harbour’s facility, to the tune of $65,843, was put before the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board at its meeting last month. The request met a mixed response, with some members expressing concern about the large size of the sum. The total cost of the roof replacement is estimated at $696,000; 49 percent of the project cost is being sought from eight local boards in areas where residents use the facility. The amount sought from Hibiscus & Bays is worked out by the proportion of members of Netball North Harbour from this area. A survey last year identified 23 percent of members as coming from Hibiscus & Bays. The report presented to the local board meeting says that fully replacing the roof is the preferred option because it will have the lowest impact on activities at the centre. Other options included maintenance work ($58,850) or re-modelling the roof ($655,200). The report says that the work on the roof is required because the building (which includes indoor courts) has not been adequately maintained. The building, which has internal gutterings and was built in 1975, “has not received the required preventative maintenance since opening” the report says. Netball North Harbour chief executive Lynette Brady told local board members that this was because in order to make sport accessible, fees had been kept at a level that was not high enough to cover ongoing maintenance. Local board chair Julia Parfitt and members David Cooper and Vicki Watson questioned the need for such a large contribution from local ratepayers, particularly when a satellite netball facility at Metro Park East is currently being considered. “There is no question that the North

Harbour netball courts cater for local netballers at present, however a satellite centre at Millwater looks very likely and will impact on that in future,” Mrs Parfitt said. With that in mind, the board agreed to provide $50,000 from its locally driven initiative capital expenditure budget towards the project. This funding will only be provided if all the other funders asked to contribute to the roof rebuild also come to the party. “In return, we want Netball North Harbour to help us with leveraging funding for the Millwater facility in due course,” Mrs Parfitt said. Metro Park netball considered Netball North Harbour has been looking at the option of opening a satellite centre at Metro Park East in Millwater since last year (HM June 15, 2016). The proposal is understood to be for around six courts, with administration handled by North Harbour Netball. The scoping report on this is almost complete. Netball Northern chief executive Julie Paterson says she is preparing an overview from the document on behalf of the Regional Netball Facilities Working Group, and will be presenting it to the local boards that helped fund the report (including Hibiscus & Bays) this month. “There is strong interest from netball to be considered in the Metro Park sports development, however there is a long way to go before this can be confirmed,” she says. “On-going planning continues for the park and the great news is that netball has been included in these conversations.” At the recent local board meeting, Netball North Harbour chief executive Lynette Brady said that in looking at the Metro Park option, the organisation does not wish to “step on the toes” of Hibiscus Coast Netball Centre, based at Edith Hopper Park in Manly, and is working with them as plans progress.

realestate

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Petanque health and safety issues raised The petanque court that has been in Stanmore Bay, by the Leisure Centre, since 1996 is likely to relocate to Orewa because of stringent new health and safety requirements. Club president Bill Peachey says that the Hibiscus Petanque Club was told by its governing body (Auckland Petanque Association) last winter that it would have to restrict numbers at tournaments because of new Occupational Health & Safety rules. The club hosts around three tournaments a year, with players coming from around Auckland. Mr Peachey says the requirement to have no more than 60 players at a tournament is a severe one. He says the issue raised was that the design of the terrain at Stanmore Bay did not allow enough standing room for players when playing triples. There have been no health and safety incidents at the petanque ground to date. The club can continue to play at Stanmore Bay in the meantime, but only by limiting the numbers at its tournaments. Every cloud has a silver lining, and a story in Hibiscus Matters last May provided a potential solution. The story was about Bowls Orewa hoping to add other sports activities at its grounds. Mr Peachey says that his club approached Bowls Orewa after seeing that story and discussions with the

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From top, members of the Hibiscus Petanque Club are excited about a potential move to Orewa. The grassed area adjacent to Bowls Orewa in Western Reserve could be the site of Hibiscus Petanque’s new terrain.

bowling club and Auckland Council are underway. Mr Peachey says the bowls club is excited about the idea of adding a petanque terrain and Council has given approval in principle. The plan is to build an 18-piste terrain (the current one has 12 pistes), which will cost around $80,000 to $90,000. The club has begun approaching potential funders and says all being well it hopes to be up and running in Orewa before Christmas. “There is an opportunity to grow our club’s membership as well as having a larger terrain,” Mr Peachey says. “It will also allow us to share clubrooms and facilities with Bowls Orewa.” He says what happens with the Stanmore Bay terrain after the club relocates is up to Council.

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Business & finance feature

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Business&finance

Briscoes on its way

‘Golden nuggets’ for better cashflow by Fiona Clark

One of the key challenges for most small to medium businesses is cashflow. This is the lifeblood of a business – so how is it then that an estimated 82 percent of small businesses fail due to poor cashflow management? The business might be making money, but still can’t survive and operate. Firstly, how does this happen? When we’re busy with the day to day running of the business, keeping tight control of cashflow is something that can be overlooked until it’s too late and creates a real pain point. We often know some of the key things we should do to manage cashflow, such as invoicing quickly, tightening up on payment terms, gaining deposits on commencement of a job wherever possible and following up outstanding debt, but there are other strategies which are ‘golden nuggets’ to help boost cashflow: Key ways to improve cashflow yy Focus on two types of clients to scale and grow. Make sure there are bread and butter customers who may be lower value but are easy, you can invoice quickly, get paid and create a high volume of work. Then there are the higher value clients –

where the sale is larger but it takes longer to win the business. Bread and butter clients are often the backbone of a business and help pay the bills to keep the business afloat. Value both types of clients and keep filling your pipeline. yy Watch ‘scope creep’ and stop doing things for free, particularly when you’ve agreed on a set price for a product or service. It’s easy to add on little things, or do extra work that isn’t billed for, as a goodwill gesture. This will add up quickly and clients may not even be aware of the extra work you’ve done at no charge. yy Increasing the number of monthly ongoing clients at a set fee is a key way to safeguard cashflow now and throughout the year. Package up your offering and support and find ways to add value to new, current and past clients. This is a game changer. yy And, most importantly, try to make it easy on yourself. Get a good bookkeeper. They can get the billing done, get money coming in, sort outstanding debt, and keep that important cashflow going while you’re getting new clients

A Briscoes store could be built locally next year. Briscoes Group is currently having meetings with Auckland Council staff relating to its proposed building in Millwater Parkway. Managing director Rod Duke, confirmed early last year that the organisation had purchased land at the top of Millwater Parkway, adjacent to the site currently being built on by Farmers. Last week he told Hibiscus Matters that the company is working through the process with Auckland Council, prior to making a resource consent application. “Things are going ahead to our time frame and we’re hoping to build in 2018,” Mr Duke said. Briscoes Group is the parent company of Briscoes Homewares, Rebel Sport and Living and Giving. Mr Duke says he has had a lot of interest in the Silverdale store from locals keen to see it get underway.

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and making money. Sometimes simple strategies can provide the best answers. Fiona Clark is a business growth specialist who provides coaching, consulting and online business training. She is the director of BreakThrough Business Solutions and lives in Gulf Harbour.

The deadline for businesses to register under the new Food Act is coming up. Food businesses, including restaurants and cafes with an alcohol licence, need to apply by March 31. Over 5000 food businesses are already registered under the law, which came into effect last year. While new businesses have to comply straight away, existing businesses are changing over in stages. Other businesses that need to register by March 31 include Early Childhood Education centres that serve food. Under the new rules, higher-risk businesses, including restaurants and cafes, need to use a written plan for food safety. Info: www.mpi.govt.nz/foodact

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Business & finance feature

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Building boom innovations The building boom in Auckland means that traditional building materials are becoming harder to find when they’re needed, causing builders to turn to substitute products to get the work done faster. Auckland Council’s building control team general manager Ian McCormick, says building inspectors are seeing more substitutions than ever before, with cheaper prices being the number one reason for replacing a specified product. He’s urging builders to save themselves and their customers thousands of dollars by getting the proper signoffs before using substitutes. “We’re seeing innovative new products and processes entering the market. Auckland Council has to make sure those products meet our high standards and are fit for the intended use for the lifetime of the building.” He says while there are some great new products on the market, the boom has also attracted a few cowboys trying to cut corners and importers bringing in cheap, substandard products. Some imported products may look like the local offering, but if they’re being quoted as 40 percent cheaper then chances are they might not comply with the NZ Building Code. Mr McCormick says it’s common for substitutions to be discovered during an inspection. He says it is preferable for Council to be notified as early as possible to avoid delays in building. An example Ian cites arose out of CL

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a recent struggle that the pre-cast concrete panel industry was having keeping up with demand. “Some suppliers took the opportunity to introduce alternatives which could achieve the same outcome as the concrete panel. We encourage this type of innovation. Some of the substitutions were untested and a full fire and acoustic assessment was undertaken, after which they were able to be used,” he says. “Getting new building products signed off is cheaper and faster than having to re-work noncompliant construction – and in the end Auckland consumers get reliable and sustainable buildings.”

Checklist for home owners yy Owners should ask the designer or builder to provide confirmation that the product complies. yy Ask for the supplier for confirmation that the product meets the NZ Building Code. -• Check to see if the product has been independently appraised or certified in New Zealand. An example of this is the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ) appraisal website where they list products which have been tested and certify compliance with the NZ Building Code. yy Building inspectors can provide advice on compliance matters. yy Check compliance before buying, particularly if the price seems too good to be true.

Building with Karyn Phillips karyn@trenzhomes.co.nz

Future proofing your design Most people have a specific reason why they choose to build a home. For many it’s a lifetime dream to get something that is unique to them. Others build for an investment. And for some, it’s their only option, as there is nothing on the market at the time in their price bracket. Regardless of their reason there is always one question I get asked – what are the best or most important things to put into the build. Surprisingly the answer is not underfloor heating, feature lighting, or an impressive entry, expansive decking with glass balustrade, high ceilings or something else that gives it the wow factor. Rather, it’s simple things that stand the test of time and guarantee lifestyle flexibility and maximum return at any future sale date. These are: The quality of the driveway access provides a first impression, so this is a critical thing to get right. If a driveway feels uncomfortable to drive or maneuver on, this will put both guests and potential buyers off. It must be designed as part of your new build and is well worth any extra money it requires • Good positioning of the home on the land, capturing its best features, is often a key concern. Ensuring you use the most appropriate foundations for the home will help. A flexible approach (concrete, wooden subfloor, piles, blockwork) may be necessary to create the best positioning on site. For example, a site sloping from the road upwards away to the rear could have two approaches: either put a motorway size retaining wall around the majority of the section and build a home in the middle on the flat platform, or work with the land to create a flat platform at the front for the garage, and build the main part of the home on top of the garage to the back of the section on piles • The views/outlook versus sun debate can apply when the views or the outlook of the home aren’t to the north. Two simple design principles of having the living at one end of the home (which then gets both sun and views), or living in the middle of the home with exterior walls to both the view and north are the most common approaches. If this isn’t possible then focus on views and spend money on skylights, upgraded insulation, and appropriate heating and so on • Make all nonliving rooms bedrooms wherever possible – regardless of its position, that extra room/study should be designed to act as an extra bedroom. This doesn’t mean that it has to be the same size, just big enough to have a single bed, and wardrobe. The value achieved is huge when it comes to resale, or lifestyle; the room can provide for extra guests, extra rent, a music room, study, sewing room, art room, or a small TV/breakout space for older kids, extending your time in that home.

Business & finance feature

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

INTRODU CI N G n

C H A N GI N G P L AC E S n

Jaz Ammar brings Parisian flair to the modern Mediterranean cuisine that is served at Faridas in Orewa. Jaz became a chef in Paris, where he worked his way up, learning by experience. He has been in the hospitality business for more than 15 years. Until recently Jaz owned a restaurant in Panmure, but he began looking for a location closer to his Orewa home to save the commute. The café, restaurant and fully licensed bar opened this summer, next to Faridas Ice-Cream (formerly Plantation). The interior has been completely refurbished and is now air conditioned, as well as having windows that slide open facing Orewa Beach. Italian born/Paris trained chef Gaetano Francelle designed the menus. Gaetano has been a chef for around 30 years, including working in Michelin Star restaurants in Europe. The menus, which will change frequently, are boutique in size, but big on flavour. Fresh ingredients are a priority and each main includes vegetables and sauces carefully chosen to work together to perfection. Everything is cooked on site, including the sauces, which are made from scratch.

After what can only be described as a shocker of a year, Karen and Keith Browne of Sign Solutions are looking forward to 2017, from the business’ new location in Arklow Lane, Stanmore Bay. The company has built a reputation for quality signs, vehicle graphics, banners, printing and flags and has been based on the Hibiscus Coast for seven years. Keith handles all the graphics and printing, and has been in the sign industry for 17 years. Karen looks after the marketing, sales and administration. The team was dealt a body blow at the end of 2015 when one morning Keith got out of bed and was unable to stand. He ended up in hospital, having emergency surgery for osteomyelitis – a rare and serious infection that had got into the hip bone. What followed was a year-long series of operations that resulted in a hip replacement. During this time, Karen says, she was “thrown in the deep end” – not only caring for Keith, but working 12 hour days at Sign Solutions, keeping the business up to speed with help from close family and friends, former employees and a contract graphic designer. “We managed to not only keep the doors open, but also keep the customers happy,” Karen says. “We

Faridas Café Restaurant and Bar

Homestead partially open

Djaiz (Jaz) Ammar

“It takes hard work and love to get a delicious result,” Jaz says. For dinner there will generally be four to five entrées, four to five mains and a dessert selection to choose from. One of the most popular mains currently is slow cooked beef cheek with aromatic vegetables, Barossa sauce, beetroot purée and mustard crème fraiche. The lunch menu includes blackened salmon, crispy pork belly salad and barbecue prawn bruschetta. Vegetarians and people with special food requirements will be catered for. Feedback is welcomed from customers and Jaz says so far people are loving it. He says his aim is to keep the place humming with happy customers, especially in the evenings. “It’s lovely here on a summer’s day, but in the winter it will be a cosy place to enjoy great food and wine,” he says.

Stoney Homestead in Millwater is now open for bookings from local community groups. It is also open to the wider community, but only while groups are using the facility or by appointment. The Trust that runs the homestead says once there is sufficient income to support a paid position, the homestead will open at regular periods so that the public can drop by for “a cuppa”.

Sign Solutions

Karen and Keith Browne

are very grateful for our very loyal customers.” She says the support from the community and Whangaparaoa Baptist Church, was something she’ll never forget. Towards the end of last year, Sign Solutions was also forced to move from their sub-leased premises in Silverdale. Finding a suitable factory was difficult, but last November the business relocated to Arklow Lane. Keith is now recovering and back at the helm. “What happened last year has made us even more resilient,” Karen says. I think we’ve proved we’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Business & finance feature

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Digital world with Pauline Stockhausen pauline@thesocialcollective.co.nz

Direct communication best Direct message (DM) or private messages (PM) are important ways in which you can communicate with your customers. I have found that businesses generally only use DM as a way of replying to a message. However there are opportunities for businesses to reach out. For example, in Instagram you can not only DM your followers but you can also DM people who are not following you. This can give you a wider scope to reach out in a friendly way. An example recently was a campaign we ran for a local café. An offer was sent out to locals in the area who enjoyed coffee. First we kept an eye on the local hashtag (a hashtag helps you search a common theme word ie #Orewa) and made contact with all that used it. We followed all the locals who used the hashtags and engaged every day with our followers. We also followed other local business owners and interacted with them. This created a really nice collaboration between 3-4 businesses and they all ended up working together, chatting on each other’s pages. Followers who engaged on the café’s page were sent an offer through direct message. Then, they just had to show the offer when they next visited the café. The offer could read something like this: “Hi [name], we really appreciate you. Thank you for your recent engagement on our posts. Next time you are in the café, show the barista this message and get a coffee on us,” Jim. Or “Hi [name], we noticed you are new to the area. Welcome. Next time you are near our café, pop in and get a free coffee on us. Show this message to the barista. We look forward to seeing you in store,” Jim. The message was tailored to each individual, with free coffees given as a treat for someone who was doing something great or those we thought needed a little kindness. When that person came in, a photo was taken of them with their coffee for the café’s page, provided that the customer agreed to it. This campaign turned customers into huge advocates for the café and the retention of customers increased greatly. It also changed the whole vibe of the café – instead of being just customers, they became friends. Because the café followed them on Social Media and interacted with them on their page, that conversation could then follow on within the cafe. The campaign cost the business owners $100 a week but increased their turnover by 30 percent. Now they had an influx of customer returning for the familiarity and because they were known by name. This will be Pauline’s last column for our paper, as she has moved out of the area. We thank her for all her contributions.

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health&family

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Milford Eye Clinic

Health

Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

with Dr Peter Hall peter@familydoctors.nz

Orewa Branch

• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens • Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie • Dr Nadeem Ahmad

Mental health challenges

About 15 percent of my consultations have a mental health component, including drug and alcohol issues. This is a very significant figure as it indicates a high level of emotional stress and distress in our society. Only a small portion of these cases Serving the eye needs of North Shore can be dealt with in the public system so it falls back on to primary health care, community groups, families, schools and social services to bear the burden. and Rodney for over 35 years Sometimes these sectors feel overwhelmed by it. Teachers want to teach, but they are increasingly being asked to manage complex psychosocial problems. Charitable Cataract, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Retina, Cornea, organisations often have uncertain funding or are swamped by demand. Doctors Laser, Oculoplastics, Paediatrics. have experience and training, but struggle with time constraints. Consultations available at our Orewa, Warkworth and Milford GP’s continue to walk through life with families, offering as much support as branches. we can, but we would really like to have more resources to offer. Clearly this is a situation where medication is only part of the answer, though in some ways it is the easiest thing to do. We are well aware that human beings are not just bags of • Milford Eye Clinic, 181 Shakespeare Road, Milford chemicals and a truly holistic response is called for. • Warkworth, Unit 3, Warkworth Health Centre, And even when there are services available, financial, transport or other issues Cnr Alnwick & Percy Streets, Warkworth may make it difficult for clients to access them. • Orewa, Unit 5, The Nautilus 9 - 13 Tamariki Ave, Orewa However, there is some good news. We have come a long way since mental illness was a shameful thing, to be whispered about and hidden away. The For all appointments phone 09 426 6875 support of well known people, such as John Kirwan and Mike King, and the educational efforts of The Mental Health Foundation (which has a particularly good website) have wrought a dramatic social change. I take my hat off to them. I saw the effect of this recently when a young friend was quite comfortable to share his challenges with anxiety as part of a speech at his birthday. It was inspiring. Also,intechnology has turned out to be our friend in this area. Face to face Open Whangaparaoa counselling is fantastic but there are now online options for cognitive behavioural Tuesdays 7.00pm - 8.30pm therapy, such as www.beatingtheblues.co.nz. Accessing this kind of support in the St Stephens Church, 3 Stanmore privacy of your own home has obvious appeal. BayAnd Rd the development of community NGO’s has changed the landscape. I’ve impressed with& the NObeen APPOINTMENT NOwork of Equip (www.equip.net.nz) and Connect Supporting recovery (www.connectsr.org.nz) who bring ongoing professional CHARGE you doliving not with havemental illness. support (If to patients room we could leave this line of Social Development has given a contract It’s also good to hear that the Ministry to In-Work NZ Ltd, specifically to facilitate employment for mental health clients. out)

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health&family

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Firefighters’ first aid fundraiser Taking the time to learn first aid skills could be a life saver – and courses being offered at Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade this month have the added bonus of raising much-needed funds for the Sky Tower Challenge. The courses, provided by Phil Nesbit are becoming aware of the need for taking part in the challenge. Last year of Fire Rescue First Response, deal first aid skills. He says that CPR has Manly Brigade raised $10,000 and with the kind of emergencies people already been initiated in around half they’re hoping for something similar may face at home. They will provide the medical emergencies that the this year. hands-on instruction in dealing brigade attends and that the numbers with medical emergencies, including of people whose lives are saved is There are two separate courses, both assessing a patient, providing CPR climbing as a result. held at Manly Fire Station (you need and helping someone who is chocking, The courses are open to anyone over only attend one). Course one is on bleeding or has broken bones. Two fire the age of 12 years and cost $120 per March 7, from 8.30am–3.30pm and volunteers trained in first aid will take person, all of which will be donated course two is on March 18, 8.30am– the courses. to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ. 3.30pm. Graduates will receive Unit Phil says what makes the courses even Raising money for this organization, Standards. There is a maximum of more valuable is that the volunteers as well as challenging their fitness 12 people per course. Materials and have plenty of first-hand experience and endurance, is the reason that fire morning tea provided. Info and to dealing with medical emergencies. fighters take part in the annual Sky register, phone Cerise Jordan, 021 Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade is one Tower Challenge. 780 465 or message Manly Volunteer of the busiest first response brigades in Fire Brigade on Facebook. This year several local fire fighters are the country, attending more than 250 medical emergencies last year. At least In an emergency 30 of these were cardiac arrests and • Always call 111 • Check whether the person is breathing other issues that are common with an • CPR is ‘30 to two, no matter who’ (30 compressions to two breaths) ageing population. • If there is bleeding, use direct pressure and elevate. Phil says that more and more people

Confident use of a defibrillator, left, is just one thing that participants in the Manly Fire Brigade’s first aid fundraising courses will learn. Above, knowledge of CPR is growing among the general public, which is already leading to positive outcomes for patients.

Fire crew gallops to the rescue of family’s stranded horse When Sarah Poppe’s horse Storm refused to tackle some steep, slippery steps in the rain recently, she didn’t know where to turn. The family had led Storm from his grazing paddock to their Stanmore Bay back lawn to spend time with him, on February 16. Storm is normally a quiet horse, but he stumbled on the way down some

wide, steep steps to Sarah’s place, and when it came time to go back up those same steps on the way home, he refused to budge. “We tried everything, from carrots and apples to building a ramp but nothing worked,” Sarah says. By 9.30pm, it was getting dark and raining and the family was desperate.

Sarah called her friend Lizzy Bland, a volunteer firefighter who used to own Storm. She was on Red Watch at Manly Fire Brigade and wanted to help, but couldn’t leave her post. Her advice was to call 111 so that the fire volunteers could provide assistance in an official capacity. In the end, a total of seven firefighters took more than an hour to get Storm

up the stairs. Their efforts included cutting down vegetation, putting kitty litter on the path to provide a firmer footing and a fair bit of pushing, pulling and encouragement. Sarah is very grateful to the volunteers, describing it as “a wonderful example of the generous hearts in our community”.

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localmatters.co.nz/whatson

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

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From left, Tara McLeod’s artworks utilise wooden type trays, recycled ceramics and wooden letters. The art of manual typesetting is still alive and well in the digital age, according to Tara McLeod of Pear Tree Press. His Orewa studio features many drawers like this, filled with metal or wooden type.

Arts trail opens doors

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It’s a little like going back in time, when you enter the studio of Orewa artist and printer Tara McLeod, with its Victorian printing press, 1950s cylinder proofing press and drawers of type. However, the work that Tara turns out creates artworks (which he calls on these presses is contemporary – but three-dimensional graphics) using with the expert, hand-crafted feel of wooden type trays, ceramics and days gone by. poems depicted in wooden letters. His Tara is opening his studio to the public work is held in a number of overseas for the first time this month as part of libraries and universities and has been the Hibiscus Art Studio Trail (March exhibited widely, including at the 11 and 12). It’s a chance to take a look Dowse Museum and the Alexander Turnbull Library. around and see the presses at work. Tara says that there is a revival of Several of his works will be for sale to interest at art schools and universities Arts Trail visitors. around the world in printing processes that were in use for around 500 years. On the Arts Trail Those processes, in a nutshell, involve The Hibiscus Art Studio Trail is a making and inking three-dimensional free event that takes place on March blocks of type and printing onto 11 and 12. It gives the public an paper via a hand operated press. These opportunity to visit artists in their methods are kept alive in Tara’s studio studios and purchase work direct. – although he is retired, he receives It began in 2014 and has been commissions to make limited edition extremely successful with attendance books and broadsheets from those doubling each year and local artists who value the effect that traditional requesting to be a part of it. The letterpress provides. two-day, self-guided trail includes He says there are also new connections 12 studios this year, in locations being made between traditional from Silverdale to Hatfields Beach, printing techniques and computers. It including Whangaparaoa Peninsula. is now possible to set up a document Artists opening their studios include on a computer, then print it onto a painters, potters, sculptures, mixed polymer plate. A traditional press can media, photographers, and print then be used to print from the polymer makers. Brochures with details of plate, creating type with a raised surface the open studios can be found at libraries, Estuary Arts Centre and that is a feature of hand printing. As well as fine art printing, Tara Orewa Framing Studio.

Silverdale Village Market Silverdale Street, every Saturday 8am~1pm

Organic fruit/veges • Free range eggs Bacon • Honey • Books • Cut flowers Plants/shrubs • Antiques • Crafts Jewellery • Olive oil • Knitted baby wear Continental breads • Pet blankets

Stalls phone Jill 426 4479

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Love Food Hate Waste www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz

Ugly is beautiful

The Wicki Chix will compete against crews from around the world in Hawaii.

Are you a picky eater? Not necessarily in the food you like to eat, but more in the way you like your food to look? Do you only pick the best produce from the supermarket shelves, rejecting anything that may be misshapen or slightly bruised? We often judge our fruit and vegetables on how they look. We expect our carrots to be straight, our apples to be shiny and tomatoes to be round. So what happens when fruit or vegetables don’t meet that criteria? They might be smaller or larger than average, the wrong shape, colour or damaged in other ways. They get rejected – by the farmer, the supermarket or the shopper. Despite outer imperfections, ‘ugly’ produce is just as nutritionally good as other produce. To waste this healthy, nutritious food is just plain wrong. As consumers, be aware that even if things look a little battered, they can still be delicious. Soft tomatoes are great for turning into sauce, bruised fruit can be stewed and limp carrots can be transformed into these delicious carrot cake cookies.

Carrot Cake Cookies Ingredients 100g butter ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup white sugar 1 egg yolk ¾ cup high grade flour 1 teaspoon ginger ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup oats ¾ cup grated carrot, firmly packed Method Preheat oven to 180°C, fan forced. Soften butter and use an electric beater to whisk butter, sugars and the egg yolk together. Set aside. In another bowl sift flour, ginger and salt. Fold the dry ingredients in with the wet, followed by the oats and carrot. Mix well. Spoon tablespoons of mixture onto two baking-paper lined trays (you should have about 20 cookies). Allow some space between each cookie, although they won’t spread far. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Recipe and photo, Julie Crean

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

Hip hoppers head to Hawaii A hip-hop crew from Dance Dimensions in Silverdale has earned the opportunity to strut their stuff on the world stage. The 14-strong Wicki Chix crew Currently the group is fundraising – was selected at last year’s national attending the competition will cost in competition as a wild card to compete the vicinity of $35,000. at the Global Dance & Cheer Games. “It’s a massive fundraising effort, but The international event will be held in such an incredible opportunity and one Hawaii in May. that we can’t afford to miss out on.” Dance Dimensions manager and head Two fundraisers will be held this month, choreographer, Olivia Clarke, says the both at Orewa College Arts & Events crew, made up of local girls aged 12 Centre. The first, on March 10, is an to 16, was chosen because the judges opportunity to learn some Salsa dancing think they have the ability to take their moves with Dancing with the Stars dancing to an international level. instructors Jonny and Kristy Williams That vote of confidence has been and Matt Tatton Brown. No previous an exciting one for the small dance dance experience is required. The Wicki studio, whose energies are now fully Chix will also perform at the event. focused on the task ahead. The second fundraiser, on March 22, It will be the first time that a Dance is a Comedy Night featuring Paul Ego, Dimensions crew has competed Andrew Clay and Tevita Manukia. A charity auction will also be held. internationally. “We’ve had our first rehearsals and the Tickets for both events can be pregirls know it will be a massive challenge purchased at a discount by emailing and a lot of hard work ahead,” Olivia olivia@dancedimensions.co.nz. Door says. “Everyone is fully behind us and sales will also be available. Info: see What’s On, p31. we’re excited.”

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localsport

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Fishing

“Now he can hear all my jokes.”

with Damian Clayton whangaparaoa@topcatch.co.nz

Bite time Typically at this time of the season the snapper schools are in good numbers and feeding ravenously to put on condition for the cooler months. Meanwhile, the kahawai will be feeding on the white bait and anchovy schools and the kingfish are never far behind. Although there are a lot of fish feeding, we still sometimes have to refer to the ‘bite times’ to maximise our chances. Basically you can expect a bite time when the moon is overhead and under foot (around the other side of Earth) and again when it is rising and setting. There are many other factors too that can influence Two snapper on a single jig; ‘the bite’ such as the weather, your location, when the bite is on it can be fast the species you are targeting and other and furious fishing. environmental influences like seismic activity or fresh water runoff. Why wait any times longer to and rediscover thealljoy Dawn and dusk are great to fish if you can get your ducks in a row with weather, a bite timewhen and good and lures then you will surely ofgood healthy hearing webait make it easy? succeed. I prefer a dawn session as it is always going to get lighter and there are more options during Orewa daylight asBay someAudiology fish hide during the night. In saying this rock and beach fishers can do very well on a rising tide during the night as some fish come rightWhangaparaoa up into the shallows toBay feed Audiology on crabs, worms and shellfish. Areas to try this month are in 40m east of Tiri, in 50m east of Kawau, the Tiri Channel, Flat Rock for kingfish and Whangaparaoa Bay especially out in 18m–20m off Waiwera and Hatfields Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for diving gannets, shearwaters fluttering busily around on the surface and kahawai schools on the surface. On a windy day you might find a good catch from places like the Mahurangi Harbour or the mouth of the Weiti River where fish often congregate and feed in the nutrient rich flow. Rock and beach fishers could try slide baiting. This technique of sliding a livebait down the line has been proved to be successful. The rig itself is simple and easy to set up and allows land based fishers to target big snapper and kingfish from the shore. We can show you how in store.

Life’s better for everyone when you have healthy hearing. Sam surprised his dad Graham while he was getting a hearing test. Now he has hearing aids and doesn’t miss a trick.

Free hearing checks for everyone aged 18 plus Orewa Bay Audiology Whangaparaoa Bay Audiology Call Bay Audiology to book your free hearing check today on

0800 700 862

bayaudiology.co.nz

HEAR. FEEL. LIVE.

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

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Tide 4:25pm 0.4 5:11pm 0.4 5:59pm 0.4 12:49pm 3.4 1:42pm 3.3 2:38pm 3.2 3:38pm 3.1 4:42pm 3.0 5:46pm 3.1 6:47pm 3.1 1:19pm 0.7 2:10pm 0.7 2:57pm 0.6 3:41pm 0.6 4:23pm 0.6 5:02pm 0.7 5:41pm 0.7 7:43pm 3.2 8:35pm 3.2 9:22pm 3.3 10:06pm 3.3 10:47pm 3.3 11:26pm 3.2 6:49pm 0.5 7:42pm 0.6 8:40pm 0.6 9:43pm 0.7 10:48pm 0.7 11:51pm 0.7 Times 10:46pm 3.4 11:32pm 3.4 7:06am 8:00pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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First Full Quarter Moon Rise 9:27am Rise 10:34am Rise 11:40am Rise 12:47pm Rise 1:53pm Set 12:30am Set 1:22am Set 2:20am Set 3:21am Set 4:23am Set 5:25am Set 6:27am Set 7:28am Set 8:27am Set 9:24am Set 10:21am Set 11:16am Set 9:39pm Set 10:17pm Set 10:57pm Set 11:41pm Rise 2:56pm Rise 3:55pm Rise 4:49pm Rise 5:38pm Rise 6:21pm Rise 7:00pm Rise 7:36pm Rise 8:10pm Rise 8:42pm Rise 9:15pm Rise 9:48pm Rise 10:22pm *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

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Playing a bewitching mix of witch and ‘desperate housewives’ are, from left,  Helene Holman (Jane), Olivia Garriock (Alexandra) and Amanda Burnett (Sukie).

This Centrestage production of Spamalot won Best Choreography for Michael Sanders and Anna Mortlock.

Music magic and mayhem in Centrestage’s Witches Musical theatre meets dark comedy in The Witches of Eastwick, which is on at Centrestage Theatre this month. Originally a book, it was made into a musical, then a film starring Jack Nicholson and Cher in the 1980s. Director of the Centrestage production, Alex McKellar, says the local version follows the film closely. The story is about a group of friends who are outcasts in their small town in the 1950s because they are divorcees. They dream up their ideal man and he arrives in the form of Darryl Van Horne – after which all hell breaks loose. Alex says there is a feminist/girl power message to The Witches of Eastwick but above all it’s a musical comedy, with murder, magic tricks and mayhem thrown in for good measure. Alex says the big song and dance numbers and subversive humour are making rehearsals lots of fun. The large cast includes many familiar

Centrestage actors, along with some who are doing their very first show. One of the witches is played by Helena Holman, who many will recognize as the girl in the Trustpower ‘power meets broadband’ advertisements. Just over half the actors are from the North Shore. Among the local performers is Claire Murphy, who plays the witches’ nemesis, Felicia Gabriel. The show is on at Centrestage Theatre in Centreway Road, Orewa, from March 10 to 25. Tickets from www. iticket.co.nz or phone 426 7282. Hibiscus Matters and Centrestage have two double passes to The Witches of Eastwick to give away. To go in the draw, message us on Facebook, or write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Witches of Eastwick tickets, Hibiscus Matters, Unit G, Tamariki Plaza, Tamariki Ave, Orewa 0931. Entries close March 9.

Performing arts bag awards The quality of live theatre on the Hibiscus Coast was recognised with a raft of awards at the annual Northern Area Performing Theatre Awards (NAPTAs) announced last month. Centrestage Theatre Company was nominated for 32 awards across all categories (its largest ever number of nominations) and won three, including the coveted Best Musical award for Rent. The theatre also won Best Choreography for Spamalot (Anna Mortlock and Michael Sanders) and Best Leading Actor in a Musical – Matthew Pedersen as Tom Collins in Rent. Centrestage’s vice president Sarah Searle says she is immensely proud of all that the theatre has achieved over the past year and of everyone who has been involved both on and off stage. “The absolute icing on the cake was winning the best musical for 2016 with Rent – which was a very risky, different and edgy show from what we would usually stage,” she says. Peaches and Pickles Performing Arts won Best Hair and Makeup for Starlight Express.

Sophia Pedersen and the team at Peaches and Pickles Performing Arts won the NAPTA award for Best Hair and Makeup in a play or musical.

The cast of Centrestage Theatre’s Rent, which won Best Musical.

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Our best shot with Hibiscus Coast Photographic Club, www.hcpc.org.nz

This image by Caroline Ludford, called ‘Wild Seas’, won digital image of the night. Caroline took it while she was on a Seascapes and Waterfalls photo workshop in Tauranga. The image is a composite of three images taken of the same scene which, when combined, bring out all the features of the landscape.

Centrestage Theatre Company By Arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Limited

Presents

A Musical Comedy by John Dempsey & Dana Rowe

10 - 25 March With fantastic songs, a hilarious script & a little bit of magic, this musical comedy is one you won’t want to miss!

Bookings open now! iTicket.co.nz or call (09) 426 7282

Four legged fun

Locals are invited to bring their four-legged friends to a fun event being held this month as a fundraiser for Orewa Lions Club. The Hot Diggety Dog Show takes place on Western Reserve, Orewa (behind the bowling club) on Saturday, March 18, starting at 10am. It’s the first time that the Lions have run a dog show and president Mandy Hebben says the important thing is that it’s for the family pooch – a pedigree is definitely not essential! Categories include ‘cutest puppy’, ‘looks most like owner’ and ‘best dressed’. “We were looking for a fun, family-orientated event, and it made sense as there are so many dog lovers on the Coast,” Mandy says. The event includes prizes, ribbons and trophies. Quick fire raffles and food will be available. Pre-registration ($10) and more information can be found at Orewa Farmers Market on March 5 and 12, 8am to 11am, or email orewalions@yahoo.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Big games back in big fundraising effort After three years of running low cost games at Whangaparaoa School Gala, this year will see the return of large commercial rides such as the Mega Slide from Wet ‘n’ Wild Slides and the FunCo’s Cheese Balls Challenge (which also features on TV’s Wipeout). These types of rides were banned from Whangaparaoa School’s galas, starting in 2014, in favour of low cost, lowtech games run by volunteers. The idea was for younger kids to be able to have fun, while their money went further; whatever was spent went directly to the school. Initially the plan paid off – in 2014 the school had one of its most successful galas ever, raising more than $40,000. However, Parents and Friends Association (PFA) vice president Warren Frogley says that a downside of this approach was that the older children lost interest in the gala. Last year $31,000 was raised and Warren

Big balls and big falls are back at this year’s Whangaparaoa Gala.

says this year a lot more is needed. “Every year the PFA is tasked with raising the considerable funds required to give students the necessary learning aids, books, sports equipment, specialist staff and programmes that Government funding simply does not cover,” Warren says. “Currently more than $100,000 is needed each year.” As well as the commercial rides and

perennial favourites such as dunk the teacher, the gala will feature on-stage performances, a White Elephant stall, food, raffles and more. Prizes donated so far include a Kelly Tarltons Family Pass, a Raleigh Bike and Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre membership. Whangaparaoa Primary School Gala, Saturday, March 11, Ladies Mile, Manly, 10am–2pm.

Cake making career choice Teenager Sway Kivits’ happy place is in the kitchen, where she bakes and decorates cakes to order. The 15-year-old Orewa College student began baking birthday cakes for friends and family and soon realized how much she liked it. She is now focused on making a career from baking. In the meantime, she is using her skills to raise funds for a school trip to Spain.

Decorating the cakes, which she taught herself to do using YouTube videos, is her favourite part of the process and has involved a few challenges including carving cakes into 3D sculptures. Sway is hoping to be doing a lot more cake making in the coming weeks, as she is putting the money she earns towards the $6000 she needs for her language class trip to Spain next month. To find out more, or order a cake,

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Entertainment galore at Stanmore Gala

Spaghetti and pie eating contests are new additions that should provide a lot of messy fun at this year’s Stanmore Bay School Gala, which takes place on March 5. The Gala is the school’s major fundraiser for the year and will include rides such as the free fall and an obstacle course. There will be a games alley (coconut shy, plate smash, frog launcher and more), food stalls and a café. The Silent Auction is always popular – among the items up for grabs are a wetsuit and SUP board valued at $2000 from NZ Sail in Silverdale. On stage there will be a spaghetti eating contest for the kids (pies for the adults), belly dancing, power hoops and a performance by Pacific Cheerleaders and Nick, an electric violinist. Onboard Skate will be teaching kids to skateboard. Stanmore Bay School Gala, Sunday, March 5, Waiora Rd, Stanmore Bay, 10am–2pm.

localsport

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Athlete Profile

Scott Curran

Age 42, Dairy Flat

Bowling the Masters competition over Scott Curran of Dairy Flat aims to add a medal or two at the World Masters Games to the coveted Bowls NZ Gold Star that he achieved three years ago. At the age of 42, Scott says he is the youngest member of Bowls Orewa; despite that, he has had plenty of experience having played the game for more than 20 years. He chose lawn bowls at the age of 20 after a bad car accident. The painter/decorator was keen on sports as a young man but the accident resulted in a serious leg injury that effectively put his golf and tennis playing days behind him. Lawn bowls was one of the few sports he could still do, and he says almost immediately on taking up the sport he discovered a natural flair for it. That is why he continued playing even after full recovery from the accident. He says he remembers finding the stringent rules at bowling clubs difficult when he first started. “It would encourage more young people to play the game if clubs could relax some of the old fashioned rules, such as the dress code,” he says. “Having to turn up in your whites, for example, is something that many younger people struggle with and I remember feeling that way at the beginning.” He says once you do join a club, there are lot of things to enjoy about bowls. “It’s a game that’s very competitive, and more mental than physical,” Scott says. “I like that type of challenge and of course you can play bowls for the rest of your life.” Fitting games around full time work means that Scott only gets to the green around once a month, as

Left, Scott Curran began playing bowls at the age of 20. Above from left, two of the Coast’s bowling masters David Eades and Scott Curran .

Games facts and figures

well as competing in several tournaments. However, with the World Masters starting next month, he is hoping to get in quite a bit of practice with his team members to sharpen up before the event. Scott will compete in 40-50-year age group in the Fours, Pairs and Mixed Pairs. David Eades, also a member of Bowls Orewa and Gold Star holder, is Scott’s partner in the Pairs and also in the Fours team. “I think we’re in with quite a good chance,” Scott says.

The World Masters Games is the largest event NZ has hosted since the 2011 Rugby World Cup and takes place April 21-30 at 48 venues (most in Auckland). The closest venues to the Hibiscus Coast are in Albany. Registration closes this week, on March 3. This is the first time NZ will host the Games, which began in 1985 in Canada. Government and the Council CCO Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) invested approximately two thirds of the $35.85 million required to stage the event with the remainder coming from registration fees and sponsorship. Info: www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz

localsport

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters |

Nines “a great day of footy” at Stanmore Bay

Hibiscus Coast Raiders can hold their heads high after putting in a strong performance in the Sportsafe ARL Nines. The championship was played at Stanmore Bay on February 18. Last year’s Nines winners, Papakura Sea Eagles, withdrew at the last minute due to other commitments. Despite entering the competition as underdogs – with a team predominantly made up of open age restricted (under 85kg) players – Hibiscus Coast Raiders were among the strongest contenders, winning all but one game to secure their spot in the grand final. They ended up in second place, after losing the final to Pt Chevalier, 16–12. Pt Chevalier coach Zane Pocklington said he was happy with the result and how well they played the Nines format. “It’s been a great day of footy,” he said. He was impressed with the Raiders’ performance. “Hibiscus Coast jumped out of nowhere and gave us a fright at the start to be honest.” Hibiscus Coast Rugby League Club chair Karen Gibbons said the tournament was played in great spirits and she is proud of the team. “They did a fabulous job and the club and the community are proud of how well they played.”

Hibiscus Coast Raiders (maroon strip) played eventual Nines champions Pt Chevalier early in the day, and again in the afternoon’s final. They won the first game decisively, 14–4 before a crowd of supporters. In the final, Hibiscus Coast went down 16–12.

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localmatters.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Classifiedadvertising HIBISCUS MATTERS PUBLISHES FREE COMMUNITY NOTICES SUBJECT TO SPACE AND AVAILABILITY, FOR NON-PROFIT 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.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Sunday March 12, 9.30am, Red Beach Methodist Church, 76 Red Beach Rd. All people and Pets welcome. BRIDGE LESSONS FREE – 10 weekly relaxed 2 hour lessons for beginners and re-starters Starts Monday February 27, 7pm, Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Ph Ian 428 3278 to register or for more information. BRIDGE LESSONS – Orewa Bridge Club. 10 Tuesday evening lessons begin March 7, 7pm–9pm. $50. Ph Eileen Sanger 426 1106 or Club 426 7677. FRIDAY ART GROUP, Friday 10am - 1pm @ Orewa Community Church. Exercise your artistic abilities and meet with like minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment. Ph Alan Smith 09 962 4929. HIBISCUS COAST SINGERS want new singers of all voices. Come and try out , 7 pm on Monday March 13 at Presbyterian Church Waiora Rd.,Stanmore Bay ; rehearsals begin then for a Concert in June. For info.,phone Bob (4245711) HIBISCUS COAST TOASTMASTERS CLUB Meet fortnightly Tuesdays, Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Ladies Mile, Manly, 7.30pm. A fun and safe environment to learn speaking, listening and leadership skills. Visitors are most welcome. Enquiries Deborah 021 0222 5919. Visit www.hbc.toastmastersclubs. org or Facebook facebook.com/ HibiscusCoastToastmastersClub. HIBISCUS MINIATURES CLUB are meeting on Sunday, March 12, from 9.30am–2.30pm at the Girl Guide Hall on Centreway Rd, Orewa. If you are interested in making all things miniature please come along. Also, make a date for the upcoming Open Day on Sunday April 9. HIBISCUS SPIRIT AWAKENING AND HEALING CENTRE We are a friendly bunch of people who meet fortnightly and would welcome like minded people to attend. “Medium” on platform for spirit communication, healing and supper afterwards. For more details call Lynda 09 424 1998. MAYGROVE RESIDENTS ASSOC Luncheon. Sunday March 12, 12pm. Please bring a plate to share. Tea and coffee will be provided . Guest speaker, Janet Fitzgerald of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Meet old friends and welcome newcomers to our area.Free raffles. Ph Marie Walding 426 3742 OREWA LADIES CLUB (EX PROBUS) Mostly meetings 1st Thursday of month 10am. Orewa Catholic Church hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Orewa. Guest Speakers, Trading Table & morning tea. Make new friends ph Audrey 426 7115. SILVERDALE KINDERGARTEN, Bike-a-thon/Gala, Saturday 18 March from 10am-1pm, 2 Longmore Lane, off Millwater Parkway, Food, Games, Entertainment, Silent Auction, Pony Rides, Bouncy Castles and much more. Call 09 426 9600 for inquiries.

NZ NATIONAL PARTY RODNEY ELECTORATE: Notice of 2017 AGMs. Whangaparaoa Branch: Friday, March 10 2017, 7pm – Manly Methodist Church, 945 Whangaparaoa Road, Manly. Ph 428 7612. Orewa Branch: Friday, March 24 2017, 7pm – St Chads Anglican Church, 117 Centreway Road Orewa. Ph 427 4364. Warkworth Branch: Monday, April 3 2017, 7pm – Totara Park Village, 5 Melwood Drive, Warkworth. Ph 09 425 8258. Rodney Electorate: Monday, April 10 2017, 7pm – St Chads Anglican Church, 117 Centreway Road, Orewa rodneynpsecretary@national.org.nz THE HIBISCUS COAST COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL is looking for more members. (AGM – Mon March 13, 5.30pm, Destination Orewa Beach office, 350 Hibiscus Coast Highway, upstairs next to Bolliwood Restaurant.) The Council promotes all forms of arts in the Hibiscus Coast area. Currently it organises the arts part of the Boulevard Arts Fiesta and the Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, but would like to expand into other arts areas. If interested, contact Pat Shanks 426 4736 or rpshanks@xtra.co.nz

WANTED TO BUY TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

SITUATIONS VACANT COURIER DRIVER We are looking for a fulltime courier driver based preferably in Warkworth, courier run is between Albany and Warkworth with multi drops, full NZ drivers DG endorsed licence (No DG the right candidate will be trained) We are an equal opportunity employer, the successful candidate must be willing to undergo drug testing. Please email your CV and brief cover letter to Manager dispatch@vfcouriers.co.nz

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CATERING CONTRACTOR Hibiscus Coast Boating Club are seeking expressions of interest from individuals or businesses looking to expand their horizons providing our members with dining options 3-4 evenings per week. We have a modern, well equipped kitchen and dining area with a motivated and committed committee willing to assist our new contractors into a mutually beneficial long term contract. If you have the flair, interest and ability to fill this role, post your interest and experience to: PO Box 202, Whangaparaoa by Friday March 31. UPDATE YOUR CV AND HAVE FUN! GirlGuiding NZ are looking for people to volunteer some time to help groups in Orewa and Whangaparaoa continue empowering girls and young women. Apply at: www.girlguidingnz.org.nz or call 0800 484 331 for more info. Free leadership training.

HOME & MAINTENANCE

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

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

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

decks, fences, painting, foot paths or any other odd jobs. Phone Dennis 021 115 5233. SECURITY ALARM SERVICING $99 (+parts & GST). Local technician, 20 years experience. Ph 027 553 3032 or 09 428 5887

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

TUITION SILVERDALE BALLROOM STUDIO IS NOW OPEN FOR DANCE CLASSES FOR 2017. Excellent latin and ballroom classes for children from 5 years. Highly qualified teachers from overseas. Every Monday from 4pm. Adult classes Thursdays, 7pm. Silverdale Hall. Enrol now ph 427 5542

RECORDING STUDIO

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your local cleaning team is ready to deliver our 5 star shine in your home for weekly cleaning, spring or moving cleans. For a FREE quote ph 09 415 0028 or 0800 297 253 www_minthomecleaning.co.nz A PUMP DOCTOR will keep you pumping. Ph 0274 430 654. A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Same day service 423 9660/021 168 7349. BAY APPLIANCE REPAIRS – All major laundry/kitchen brands, small appliances, & power tools. Work guaranteed EWRB reg. Ph 09 947 0333/ 022 600 9919. BUILDER SEMI RETIRED – GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & SMALL JOBS. Good rates. Phone/txt Rob 021 167 2155 or 09 426 2960. CABINET MAKER/JOINER (RETIRED) Tables, sets of drawers, dressers, shelving, cabinets etc. Low rates, references. Workmanship guaranteed. Ph Derek 426 3541. ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE Ph 426 2320 ELECTRICIAN – SEMI RETIRED affordable rates, no job to small. Call Bruce 021 241 0000. HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for all those odd jobs. Ph Nev 021 399 226 @ Nev’s Odd Jobs. Great rates. Local & reliable. PAINTER, DECORATORS Renovation specialists. Phone Kevin 022 0291 056. PAINTING – INTERIOR / EXTERIOR, Free quotes. Phone Jef 021 164 9709. PLASTERING, GIB STOPPING All aspects of stopping. Skim coat specialist. 25 yrs exp. Karl 0210 42 42 96 or 428 7127. PLASTERING, SOLID, GIB STOPPING, Painting/repair work. Small jobs. Trade Cert. Keith 424 8841 or 022 682 4760. 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 WATER PUMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Ph Steve 09 945 2282, 027 478 7427, email: steve. reynolds@aquafilter.co.nz or www. aquafilter.co.nz WINDOW CLEANING 30 years exp, local owner operator, reasonable rates. Ph David 426 2253.

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

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

TRANSPORT DRIVING MISS DAISY

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localmatters.co.nz

March 1, 2017 | Hibiscusmatters | More events online, list your event: www.localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 2017

5 5

Stanmore Bay School Gala, Stanmore Bay School, Waiora Rd, Stanmore Bay, 10am–2pm. Fun for the whole family. Big fundraiser for the school. All welcome. (see story p27) Stillwater Raft race, Stillwater Boat ramp, 70 Duck Creek Road, Stillwater, starting 10am. DJ, market stalls, pony rides, bouncy castle, games, food, prizes and bucket loads of fun! Entries for raft race only $20 – comic characters theme. Info: look for Stillwater raft race 2017 or Stillwater market on Facebook.

5 6

Grow Your Greens, Whangaparaoa Hall, 3pm–5pm. Learn how to set up a small garden. Free. Info: tori@compostcollective.org.nz

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

IN CINEMAS MARCH 30

Summer Salsa Party – learn Salsa with Dancing with the Stars instructors Jonny and Kristy Williams, Orewa Arts & Events Centre, Orewa College, Riverside Road, Orewa, 7pm–10pm. Fundraiser for Dance Dimensions crew. Bring cash for refreshments and auction. Tickets: email olivia@dancedimensions.co.nz (see story p23)

11 12 18

Whangaparaoa School Gala, Whangaparaoa School, Ladies Mile, Manly, 10am–2pm. Fun for the whole family. All welcome. (see story p27)

Blessing Of The Animals, Red Beach Methodist Church, 76 Red Beach Road, 9.30am. All people and Pets welcome. Info, email Rebecca Galloway rgbg84@xtra.co.nz or phone 427 9383. Hot Diggety Dog Show, Western Reserve, Orewa, 10am. A not-soserious competition for the family pooch. Fundraiser for Orewa Lions Club. Categories include cutest puppy, looks most like owner and best dressed. Pre-register ($10) at Orewa Farmers Market, March 5 and 12. Info: email orewalions@yahoo.co.nz (see story p26)

18 22

Silverdale Kindergarten Bike-a-thon/Gala, 2 Longmore Lane, Silverdale, 10am-1pm. Food, games, entertainment, silent auction, pony rides, bouncy castles and much more. Info, ph 426 9600.

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Comedy Fundraising night, Orewa Arts & Events Centre, Orewa College, Riverside Rd, Orewa, 7pm–10pm. Have a laugh with comedians Paul Ego, Andrew Clay and Tevita Manukia. Bring cash for refreshments and auction. Fundraiser for Dance Dimensions crew. Tickets: email olivia@dancedimensions. co.nz (see story p23)

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localmatters.co.nz

32 | Hibiscusmatters | March 1, 2017

Above and right, Whangaparaoa School’s bike track officially opens this week, but is already getting a lot of use.

Bike track already proving popular Whangaparaoa School’s long awaited bike track opens this week, on March 1, in time for the school’s gala. The 500m-long asphalt track forms a be added. mini road, with some exciting humps, The idea of building a track began the Lion Foundation, Constellation dips and corners, around the school when a group of Year 6 students, Community Trust, Fulton Hogan, field. Teacher Debbie Thompson in 2013, brainstormed ideas to parents and the wider community. says that the track will help teach improve the school. They worked Bike On Trust through Bikes in children road safety skills and to be on the concept with a Fulton Hogan Schools provided support, including confident when cycling by providing engineer through the Future-in-tech sourcing a grant so that the school a safe place to practice. However, programme, which aims to expose could buy a set of bikes. to anyone watching children race students to engineering ideas as a At the start of this term, all the around the course on bikes, scooters possible future career. The concept also teachers had a day learning bike skills and skateboards, it is clear that fun is won a merit award in the Transpower from Harbour Sports coaches, so they the key component. The track is also Neighbourhood Engineering Awards can pass the knowledge onto their open for the public to use after school and that prize money kick started students. hours. the bike track fund. Other funders A grant from Pelorus Trust will allow Around $85,000 was needed to build include the Harcourts Foundation, a pump track and skills elements to be the track and there is a pump track to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, added to the track.

The Gulf Harbour School bike track, pictured, is officially open. In Term 3 of last year the school worked hard to raise around $50,000 to build the track in the school grounds to acknowledge former principal John Petrie. The 350m long, 2m wide Petrie Track is now open and is being used by the school children for riding and general fitness sessions. It is also available for the local community to use after school hours. It includes skill sections such as weaving between poles and over obstacles.

Wainui School is also opening a school bike track. An official opening, which was originally planned for February 16 was postponed due to weather and will now take place on Sunday, March 19 along with the school’s Fishing Festival and Fair.

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