Mahurangi Matters_Issue 472_5 February 2024 by Localmatters

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February 5, 2024

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Environment Court swayed by iwi division on Dome landfill It’s been revealed that the Dome Valley landfill resource consent may have been refused if the Ngāti Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust had not reversed its decision to oppose the project. The Environment Court’s interim decision, which was released just days before Christmas, says it would have endorsed Commissioner Sheena Tepania’s view that consent should be refused “but for the change of position by Ngāti Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust”. Tepania chaired the Auckland Council panel in 2021 that granted Waste Management NZ (WM) resource consent, but disagreed with her associates on a number of key issues, including cultural, ecological and the need for a new mega landfill. Judges Jeff Smith and Melinda Dickey said in their December decision that they placed “some weight” on Ngati Manuhiri’s switch from opposing the landfill to working with WM, and would have otherwise endorsed Tepania’s decision and conclusion. Instead, they have given WM the opportunity to revisit its application, saying that a modified request with improved design and more conditions and management plans, could meet Resource Management Act requirements. Although Ngati Manuhiri had initially been lukewarm in its opposition to the plan to build a regional landfill in Wellsford’s backyard, it later strengthened its opposition and became a major partner alongside all those opposing the project. But in January last year, it was revealed that in exchange for Ngati Manuhiri support, WM had agreed to several conditions, including a return of 1060ha of Waste Management landholdings once the site was no longer required, $2 million to construct six homes nearby, and a $10 million environment fund should the Hoteo River be exposed to risk.

Walking tracks are busy with summer visitors. Wendy Holmes from the UK used the cleaning station at Matheson Bay last week.

Ngati Manuhiri strengthened its bargaining position by first opposing the landfill, and then capitulated after negotiating a financial deal with Waste Management. That decision has influenced the Environment Court and had major ramifications for the groups opposing the project. Te Rūnanga ō Ngāti Whātua is now imploring Ngāti Manuhiri to reconsider its partnership position with Waste Management in light of the court’s statement, and is challenging the interim decision in the High Court (see story page 2). Ngāti Whātua said this confirmed its longheld belief it had an arguable case worthy of success, “in spite of the naysayers”. “Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua hopes to meet with Ngāti Manuhiri to resolve this issue in a tikanga-based way that avoids the ‘divide and conquer’ approach currently at play,” a spokesperson said. Ngāti Whātua said other errors of law in the decision included a finding that there was a “common understanding” between tangata whenua that the landfill site was solely within the rohe, or territory, of

Kauri dieback stations cause concern

Ngāti Manuhiri. It claimed there was no evidence to support this, nor any evidence to support a position that the landfill site could be “carved out” artificially. It also said the court failed to assess and apply a binding High Court “strength of relationship” precedent. Te Rūnanga ō Ngāti Whātua co-chair Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish said

A former Department of Conservation staffer and keen tramper is concerned that cleaning stations at entries to the Dome walkway may not be effective in preventing potentially devastating damage to mature kauri along the trail. Bruce Martin says DOC is not maintaining the cleaning stations adequately, and is not using the option of premixed water and the agricultural disinfectant Sterigene – an approach which he says has worked well elsewhere. The cleaning stations feature a mechanism that auto-mixes water with Sterigene at a specified ratio, and that mixture sprays up onto the underside of the shoes of a person pumping down on the treadle. Brushes, scrapers, and drench guns squirting water are also available. But Martin says that due to heavy use at busy

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News: Jannette Thompson ph 021 263 4423 editor@localmatters.co.nz Sally Marden ph 022 478 1619 reporter@localmatters.co.nz Patrick Goodenough ph 022 549 8271 news@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Ken Lawson ph 022 029 1899 advertising@localmatters.co.nz Marc Milford ph 022 029 1897 local@localmatters.co.nz Online: Alysha Paul ph 022 544 0249 online@localmatters.co.nz Accounts: Angela Thomas ph 425 9068 admin@localmatters.co.nz Graphic designer: Heather Arnold design@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 14,200 homes and businesses fortnightly from Puhoi to Waipu. Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

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from page 1

these errors resulted in “manifestly unjust, significant and intergenerational adverse effects to Ngāti Whātua”, and vowed to keep fighting the plans. “We will leave no stone unturned in our opposition to the landfill,” she said. Ngāti Manuhiri was approached for comment but had not responded as Mahurangi Matters went to press. Meanwhile, opposition group Fight the Tip extended its “heartfelt gratitude” to Ngāti Whātua for making its High Court appeal, not least since it can’t afford to lodge its own. Executive member Michelle Carmichael said the opposition group was grateful to them for holding strong against what they knew was a risk to the environment for generations to come. “We wish we were in a position to lodge our own appeal, but we are financially unable to do so at this time,” she said. “However, we have offered our support in whatever capacity we can, and are applying for funding to legally support both appeals lodged yesterday.”

Fight heads to High Court Environment underpins appeal Two groups fighting plans to develop a huge new regional landfill in the hills above Wayby Valley have gone straight to the High Court to appeal the interim decision announced by the Environment Court on December 21 (MM, Jan 22). Forest & Bird and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua say the 186-page decision is unlawful and filed their appeals last Wednesday, January 31. Judges Jeff Smith and Melinda Dickey said in December that resource consent could be granted to Waste Management NZ (WM), though only if design, conditions, management plans and tangata whenua relations could be improved enough to meet the purposes of the Auckland Unitary Plan and Resource Management Act. They gave WM until January 31 to respond with modification proposals and a timeline. Meanwhile, Auckland Council and Ngati Manuhiri (both of whom support WM’s plans) have until February 9

to respond, and appellants opposing the landfill – DOC, Fight the Tip, Forest & Bird, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Te Uri o Hau, and Bill Foster – have until March 1. However, Forest & Bird and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua have appealed straight to the High Court, on the grounds that the Environment Court decision was “wrong in law”. They are appealing the full 186page interim decision, each raising six different questions of law that need to be resolved. Their claims include that the Environment Court failed to consider several relevant matters, it breached tikanga (Māori customary law) and erred in its consideration of critical national and regional policies and plans. The High Court can only decide on the legality of any decision by the Environment Court, rather than the crux of the case itself.

Forest & Bird said it was “deeply disappointed” at the interim decision, since it essentially paved the way for a 60-hectare, 25.8 million cubic metre landfill in a site that was home to many threatened and at-risk species and habitats. The society said its High Court appeal was largely focused on the interpretation and application of freshwater policies under the Auckland Unitary Plan and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, and the correct approach to consenting decisions. “The landfill will result in the permanent loss of more than 12km of streams, which are habitat to an array of indigenous freshwater species, many classified as threatened or at-risk,” a spokesperson said. “The Society holds grave concerns that the dump development will kill a large number of Hochstetter’s frog, pepeketua, and indigenous freshwater species. The dump would also threaten the nationally critical pekepeka, or long-tailed bat, five lizard species and a variety of birds.” There would also be permanent wetland loss and a risk of increased sedimentation throughout the Hoteo River catchment. Forest & Bird, in common with other opponents, argued during last year’s appeal hearings that WM’s proposed conditions of consent, which were largely dependent on what they viewed as unreliable compensation measures, were overly complex and provided no certainty that adverse effects on ecological values would be safeguarded.

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Bill Foster said the Environment Court decision had left everything “a bit up in the air”.

Interim tip decision ‘kicking can down the track’ The only individual landfill opponent to appear at last year’s marathon appeal hearings has criticised the Environment Court’s interim decision (MM, Jan 22) for failing to make a firm decision either way. Bill Foster, of Leigh, gave evidence in the 10-month case against Auckland Council’s decision to grant Waste Management NZ (WM) resource consent to build a regional landfill on 1000 hectares, just south of Wayby Valley. He said the court’s decision announced on December 21, which effectively gave WM another chance to alter conditions and seek agreement between tangata whenua parties so that consent might be granted, was unusual and far from definitive. “I think from the court’s point-of-view, they wanted to get something out there to get it off their plate,” he said. “There was an awful lot in there to deal with and because it was so complex – the cultural issues and the environmental issues and the interpretation issues – I think the court really didn’t want to take a firm line on any particular outcome. “Whether the parties can reach agreement is problematic anyway, and so this just kicks the can a bit down the track.” He added that he believed the two High Court appeals lodged last week were well structured and strongly argued. “The interim decision was extensive and covered a lot of material, but jumped to arguable conclusions and left plenty of room for the appellants to focus on key areas of the law – and that they have done,” he said.

Crossing costs

Auckland Transport has confirmed that the cost of building the raised pedestrian crossing in Woodcocks Road Warkworth in 2021 was just under $132,000. The remedial work that was completed last month, following continued complaints that the crossing had been wrongly engineered, cost a further $75,000.

Kauri dieback stations cause concern

times of the year, the auto-mix mechanism can fail, so trampers unwittingly spray their shoes with liquid that is either incorrectly mixed, or is basically just water. The full, 12km length of the Dome trail runs between the former tearoom on SH1 and Govan Wilson Road in Matakana. There are two kauri groves along the track. Cleaning stations at either end aim to prevent the spread of the soil-borne pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease. Sterigene is non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly, proven to be effective against the spores. But Martin says that on a recent visit, the unit at the Govan Wilson Road entry was not squirting Sterigene, and the one at the tearoom entry was an early and troublesome model, which he says needs replacing. “Now we have two stations at either end that don’t work, and these last three months are the busiest of the year!” He argued that DOC should be checking and maintaining the cleaning stations more regularly than they are now, adding that cleaning stations on tracks overseen by Auckland Council were checked more frequently than the DOC ones. On particularly popular council-run tracks, such as Tāwharanui – with more than 20,000 visitors a year – council uses premixed water/Sterigene to sidestep the faulty mechanism problem, he said. Modern cleaning stations collect their own water from the roof and mix it with the concentrate. Martin said if a second water tank of the same size was fitted, one could Logo Small

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The kauri dieback cleaning station at the Govan Wilson Road end of the trail. Photo, Bruce Martin

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hold the premixed solution, and the other could collect the rainwater. Then during regular maintenance visits, the collected rainwater could be used to make a fresh solution. This would also enable the drench guns to squirt Sterigene instead of water, and so provide a backup if the treadle fails to pump. The premixed solution stayed “stable and active” for up to 12 months, he said. According to DOC senior heritage and visitor ranger Stefan Sebregts, while about 6500 people annually walk the first section of the Dome trail, from the carpark to the lookout, only around 1200 walk the full length, to Govan Wilson Road. The kauri groves are past the lookout, so would receive a smaller number of visitors. Sebregts said an experienced contractor carried out maintenance checks monthly, and equipment was replaced and upgraded as required. DOC rangers also checked the stations once a month, although timing was flexible to accommodate factors like the weather. Rangers also checked the stations if they were on site for other reasons. He agreed that wear and tear damage was possible, saying DOC mitigated that with regular checks. The public were also encouraged to report any damage via DOC’s website. “Our maintenance schedule is based on the state of the tracks and the visitor numbers, and we can reassess them when factors change,” Sebregts said. “Considering the tramper’s feedback, we will review the maintenance of the stations at these sites.” Asked why DOC didn’t use premixed water/Sterigene solution, he said that at

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popular sites where larger volumes of water were stored, DOC preferred not to use a premixed solution because holding it for a period of time created “flaking” that could block the auto mix pumps, increasing maintenance needs and costs. Sebregts stressed that cleaning stations, while important, were not the only kauri dieback measures in place on the Dome walkway. DOC had upgraded the track at the two kauri stands to the national standard. “With the track upgrades, the lower visitor numbers to this section, and the hygiene stations in place, DOC is confident it is helping to reduce the risk, as far as possible, of people spreading the pathogen to these areas.” Dr Sarah Killick, team manager plant pathogens for Auckland Council’s environmental services, said that in regional parks under council supervision, staff maintained all cleaning stations fortnightly, topping up the sterilising solution and cleaning brushes and the station area. Killick said council used both pre-mixed and auto-mixed units on its tracks. She agreed that heavy use did have an impact on the longevity of the units. “To mitigate potential damage from high use, our regular maintenance schedule also includes checking valves every three months – we test to make sure they are working and replace any that are not correctly functioning.” The pumps are also serviced annually, as they can deteriorate over time. WARKWORTH OFFICE 27 Percy Street

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Council rubbish service plans on track Auckland Council’s plans to move to a rates-funded kerbside rubbish collection across the city remain on course, with September next year the target date for its introduction in Rodney. At present, council offers only recycling services in the area, and food scraps collection in urban centres. Households rely on private operators for regular rubbish collection, purchasing orange bags at supermarkets or dairies. But all of Auckland is moving to a regionwide, rates-funded rubbish collection service, and that service will be extended to Rodney from September next year. Under the new system, rates accounts will include an annual targeted rate for waste collections. A council spokesperson says that the amount charged will depend on the size of wheelie bin requested by each household – 80-litre, 120-litre or 240-litre. This means households producing less landfill-bound rubbish will pay less than those churning out more. The bins themselves, ordered via the website aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/binrequests, will be provided at no charge. Rodney residents will have the option of the bin service or a council provided, rates-funded rubbish bags service (with equivalent capacity, in litres, as the chosen bin size). “The exact logistics of how this option is rolled out are yet to be determined,” the spokesperson said. “Rest assured that closer to the time, there will be extensive communications to advise residents of the changes and what they mean for different properties.” In Rodney, Northland Waste provides weekly collections of its orange bags and 80, 120 and 240-litre wheelie bins. Costs range from $199 a year (weekly equivalent $3.83) for 80 litre bins to $467 a year

Left, Northland Waste has given an assurance that its orange bag kerbside service will continue, at least until the council changes take effect.

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Anger festers over ASB closure Wellsford businesses and residents have reacted with anger and disappointment that the town’s last stand-alone bank, the ASB, will close at the end of the month (MM, Jan 22). Wellsford Plus president and Hammer Hardware owner Mitch Martin is urging customers to write to ASB to register their objections and make their voices heard by management. “I know that we are facing a ‘rising tide’, and the closure of banks in smaller towns is a reality across NZ,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean to say we don’t fight it – if we do nothing, we can guarantee we’ll get nothing.” Martin said he accepted that ASB was making a business decision based on a number of factors, such as building and staff costs and customer footfall, but said there were wider issues at play. “Our closest banks are now Warkworth and Whangarei. From a business perspective, we now have to travel a long way to get change, and it affects people over a huge area,” he said. “I’m concerned at how the wider community continue to do their banking – some people are not computer literate or may not have a computer or smart phone, or even want one.” Martin added that the closure was happening at a time when Wellsford and nearby towns were growing rapidly, with big new subdivisions planned and an influx of new residents and businesses into the community. Saloon Bar owner Chris Bright agreed, saying on social media that the closure simply wasn’t justified. “Drop to one teller if needed, but closing is crazy. Wellsford is a growing town not a dying one,” he said. Martin added that while banks, like all businesses, deserved the right to make money, He believed they also had a responsibility to serve those who banked with them in the community. “I believe there is an ethical responsibility,

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right now,” he said. “New Zealanders are doing it tough with increased food costs and mortgages, and now it will be extra time and fuel to go down to Warkworth. “Does a bank have a responsibility to not add to these costs when they are already making good money?” Unfortunately, ASB could offer little comfort to Wellsford customers. Executive general manager of personal banking Adam Boyd said the decision to close the bank was “carefully considered, was not one we took lightly, and it is final”. However, he said a smart ATM and bag deposit unit for business cash drop-offs would remain in Wellsford, and said if there were any issues with either, ASB would aim to rectify them as a matter of urgency. “We’re committed to supporting all our customers with this change and ensuring they continue to get the service they need,” he said. “We know the personal touch is important to some of our customers and we are in the process of proactively calling customers who frequently use our Wellsford branch, or who we know require extra support to help work through this change with them. “We appreciate not all our customers are able to bank with us digitally or over the phone and therefore carefully considered the proximity and accessibility of an alternative ASB branch, with our Warkworth branch a 20-minute drive away and open 5 days per week, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.”

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Landfill perplexing

Having visited New Zealand from the UK a number of times over the last 10 years, and being closely involved in the waste industry over there, I find the attitude to waste here quite perplexing. In the UK, we now have very few landfills, as the government taxed them highly due to public opinion over the loss of recyclable materials that were being buried and not decomposing for millennia. Some companies have even embarked on “mining” old landfills for such materials now.) This made people look at alternatives to landfill and most municipal waste is now sent to waste-to-energy incinerators that produce electricity from the heat produced. Despite some public opposition and environmental concerns, the emissions from these incinerators are “scrubbed” and it is actually mostly water vapour that is emitted from chimneys. The ash is further processed to remove metals, via magnetic and eddy current separators, with the final ash being sent for use within the aggregate industry. As this technology is now available the world over, surely it would be better to build a facility to turn Auckland’s waste into energy, rather than filling a hole in the ground in a remote, steep-sided valley and having to deal with the subsequent effluent run-off and associated side effects? It wouldn’t be allowed in the UK and it seems crazy that it’s allowed here in NZ. Paul Holmes, Arlington, UK

Tank failure

I wish to draw your attention to the safety hazard caused by a large plastic water tank catastrophically failing and the possibility of injury to persons close by. On January 1, one of my 25,000-litre water storage tanks burst with a load bang. The blast of water knocked the pump housing off its concrete slab and shifted the slab. Anybody in the close vicinity could have been injured. There had been no signs of the tank failing such as leaks, folds or splits. This tank was 23 years old, the warranty was for 25 years. It was installed according to manufacturer’s requirements and inspected by Council. I informed the manufacturer of the failure and invited them to visit the site and see the way in which the tank had collapsed. They showed no interest in doing this. Manufacturers are quick to blame these failures on incorrect installation. I believe these failures are due to material fatigue from constant flexing over time, causing the plastic to suddenly fail. In my opinion, the construction needs some sort of reinforcing membrane within the tank wall (or outside) to prevent the sides from bursting outwards. This would slow down the blast of water by holding the tank together. From my experience, when a tank fails it does so in an explosive manner rather than a passive manner.

I own eight large plastic water storage tanks. Two have failed, both in an explosive manner. Until I read the Mahurangi Matters article on page 34 of the January 22 issue, I didn’t realise how common these failures were and, thus, the potential for injury. Therefore, I am reporting this problem to WorkSafe. Jerry Rees-Webbe, Mangakura

Music men

A huge thank you to the group of very talented men whose carol singing, and accompanying music, down by the river was such a joy at Christmas time. To have come across them again on an evening walk, this time entertaining us with a variety of other songs from their repertoire, was a very welcome surprise. Lorraine Kidd, Warkworth

Hair’s an idea …

Sad news that the Leigh Harbour walkway will remain closed for the foreseeable future, though after recent community efforts in the town, we wouldn’t be surprised if local ingenuity found its way around the issue. Surely it’s not too far-fetched to imagine dedicated residents gathering up many kilos of hair clippings from Gabe Ransom and Frick’s charity Fire Brigade shave and knitting them into some kind of Snugleigh temporary mat-path?

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We welcome your feedback but letters under 250 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at www.localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or 17 Neville Street, Warkworth 0910

Cross country seating

The appearance of a bench seat, positioned in a garden in central Wellsford, has some people puzzled – is it an ornament to be admired, a piece of public art with an existential meaning or are shoppers actually allowed to sit on it? If the latter, we suggest they dress as gnomes so as not to spoil the effect.

Waste blockage

We received a call from would-be Dome dump developer Waste Management NZ recently, as their reply to an email from us asking for comment had bounced back to them. Since we were apparently receiving emails from all other senders, we asked to see the ‘Delivery has failed’ email, in case it could shed any technical light on the issue. Well, it certainly could – down in the diagnostic information text, we found the following sentence: “Your message can’t be delivered because messages to LOCALMATTERS.CO.NZ are blocked by your organisation”. We naturally asked why everyone at Waste Management NZ would be blocked from sending us emails, but have yet to receive an answer. Presumably the answer is still bouncing around their internal email system and hasn’t been allowed out.

Missing toilet door saga is a good long yarn Three months after vandals ripped off the public toilet door at Leigh Wharf, locals resorted to a novel DIY solution to restore users’ modesty over Auckland Anniversary Weekend. While residents and visitors waited in vain for Auckland Council to repair the door, artist Hillary Austin decided some creative yarn bombing and upcycling could be employed as a temporary stopgap. The Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub founder took an old door frame, some lengths of knitted scarf, a plastic milk carton and some hinges and soon had the yawning toilet door gap artistically covered. Austin said she decided to deploy the knitted door when it became clear that residents’ reports to council were getting nowhere. “It has caused many local feathers to be ruffled and many formal complaints were made to council to get a new door replacement,” she said. “It just had tape across the access, so I decided to hang a knitted door as a fun temporary measure.” The woollen water closet door panels were borrowed from Snugleigh, Austin’s long-term project to knit an enormous community scarf, which was started more than two years ago and is now several hundred metres long. “It has certainly created a fun topic of conversation

in the community and who knew Foundation was much more able to act than council?” she said. “It was a fun, much-loved knitting bomb that was also a nod to our Snugleigh scarf project.” Austin said the knitted door survived the long weekend without being vandalised, though she did have to employ a few more staples to help it stay put. Speaking on January 31, Auckland Council’s Rodney area manager for parks and community facilities, Geoff Pitman, said the delay in replacing the loo door was due to a “system error”. “Due to an Auckland Council system error and some staff being on leave, there was a delay in the door at the public toilets in Leigh being replaced,” he admitted. “We understand the inconvenience this matter may have caused for members of the community and visitors. “We have corrected the system error that contributed to this delay. We expect the replacement door to be in place this week.” True to his word, a new door was installed on January 31. Meanwhile, the temporary knitted door was reclaimed by Austin, though only after yet more vandals had thrown it onto rocks at the harbour.

Hillary Austin with her knitted door, complete with handle made from an old milk bottle.

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On the Island of Salamasond Over 50 years, I have been involved with the Rodney County Council, the Rodney District Council and, finally, the Auckland Supercity. During the tenure of the Rodney County Council, all the assets were built. The roads and drains were maintained, and there were local staff with an interest in keeping the area working. The council office was located in Warkworth and there was ownership of issues. As with any bureaucratic model, the organisation needed to get bigger. Rodney County Council became the Rodney District Council and moved to Orewa; expanding with new boundaries, bigger offices, more staff and a fundamental shift away from a rural model to an urban-centric model. Further infrastructure was obtained through borrowing, but the population base was still unable to fund this growth with a rapidly increasing population. In 2009, then Minister for Regulatory Reform Rodney Hide sold a dream to the community of Rodney. He stated that amalgamation into an Auckland Supercity was the way forward to get better outcomes. Supposedly, more rates taken off more people would amount to better levels of service. The people of the Wellsford subdivision were not convinced and took their concerns to John Key, the Prime Minister at the time. Despite huge apprehension about the Supercity proposal, it was ignored, and Rodney became part of Auckland in 2010. The Supercity governing body uses a formula to determine how ratepayers receive funding for services. This is called the 80-15-5 formula. For example, money will get allocated if there is 80 per cent of the population living in a certain area. This is designed to safeguard spending in urban areas. The 15 per cent part of the formula relates

to deprivation. This money is dedicated to areas without adequate infrastructure. This encompasses areas like Rodney where we have substandard, unsealed roads and poor drainage. The five per cent part of the formula represents land mass. Essentially, this portion is allocated to the rural population. Regardless of this flawed formula, 80 per cent of the money will always go to the urban area (Auckland central), regardless of where the money is collected. This money funds the City Rail Link and a multi-billiondollar Auckland central wastewater scheme. Fifteen years have elapsed since the 30year development plan was set. All we have achieved is ever increasing rates and a poor level of service. We are being asked to submit again through the local board to the governing body. Over 50 years, all the rural community has ever asked for are sealed roads and clear drains. One would think that the governing body would have recognised this after all that time. If Auckland Council had sealed 20km of unsealed road a year, they would have completed their 700km road sealing programme in 30 years. The savings in maintenance would have been evident. Drainage boards were adopted by the governing body due to the Supercity’s preferred suppliers being expensive and incapable. The drainage boards are still waiting for a service level agreement, seven years after being introduced. This situation draws parallels to Dr Seuss’ book ‘Yertle the Turtle’, based on the Island of Salamasond. Many turtles (layers of bureaucracy) including King Yertle at the very top, balance on the back of the smallest turtle (the ratepayer), asking for more and more until eventually, the smallest turtle buckles.

Warkworth South submissions

A total of 41 submissions have been lodged on a private plan change to develop a large parcel of land south of Warkworth. The plan change was submitted by KA Waimanawa Limited Partnership and Stepping Towards Far Limited, and includes the creation of two new precincts – Waimanawa and Morrison Heritage Orchard. The plan change will pave the way for 1600 new residential lots, parks, a retail/business centre, public transport hub and possibly a school. Several submitters supported the plan without amendment, but numerous submissions called for amendments including better environmental protection particularly for long-tailed bats. There were also several submissions asking for the plan change to be declined, some citing too much development, too soon. Auckland Transport included 81 sub-points in its submission. The plan is open for further submissions until February 9, after which Auckland Council will set a hearing date. “This is likely to be several months away, while matters raised in the submissions are investigated,” a council spokesperson said.

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Detours prepared ahead of Brynderwyns closure Ahead of the nine-week closure of State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyns, the Northland Transportation Alliance (NTA) says it’s confident that following significant improvements, alternative routes for private and commercial vehicles will be in good shape. NZTA Waka Kotahi plans to close the corridor for crucial repairs on slips caused by last year’s severe weather events from February 26 until March 27, then reopen it for six days over Easter, before closing it again on April 3 until the work is completed. When the route was closed for post-storm repairs for 58 days last year, alternative routes east and west of the hills proved inadequate at times. Some drivers reported getting lost due to insufficient signage. Serious traffic disruptions occurred when large trucks using the eastern detour – via Waipu and Mangawhai – were unable to navigate a hairpin bend on Cove Road, between Langs Beach and Mangawhai Heads, blocking the road. This time, three alternative routes have been identified for the closure period: The “scenic” detour, leaving SH1 at Waipu and the looping through Mangawhai before heading back to SH1 at Kaiwaka. It adds about 25 minutes to the trip between Whangārei and Auckland. Large trucks will not be allowed to use this route unless making deliveries locally. The freight detour, leaving SH1 at Oakleigh then south to Paparoa before joining SH12 heading east back to SH1. It’s expected to add about 15 minutes to the trip. The western detour, for oversized trucks – from Whangārei, west along SH14 to Dargaville, then south and east along SH12 via Paparoa and Maungaturoto to the SH1. The route is expected to add almost an hour of additional travel time. The NTA, a collaboration of NZTA and local governments in Northland, says roading crews have made significant progress improving and stabilising all three alternative

routes. NTA maintenance and operations manager Bernard Petersen said Kaipara and Whangārei District Council crews have completed around 300 repairs, including resealing, rehabilitation, improving bridge approaches, signage, line marking, drainage improvements, repairing underslips and subsidence and road realignments. Repairs will continue in the coming weeks. “The collaboration between 22 Kaiparaand Whangārei-based contractors to get the job done has been superb, because they recognise how critically important this is for the region to get our routes into Northland in good shape.” Petersen said around 14 per cent of the detour length had been resurfaced and about 20 per cent of the total roading area had undergone pavement strengthening, at a cost of more than $5.5 million in local and central government contributions. Detour signage is being updated to ensure locals and visitors can easily understand and navigate the alternative routes. National Road Carriers Association commercial transport specialist Paula Rogers said the NRC, an industry group

for road transport operators, had been working closely with NZTA on the upcoming Brynderwyns closure, regarding the timing as well as the detour routes. She said the fact there has been plenty of notice about the planned closure had enabled the association to communicate what is needed to ensure detour routes are safe for all road users. “A lot of work has been completed, especially on the Paparoa–Oakleigh Road, which we are grateful for,” Rogers said. “NRC requested detour signage to be improved on the eastern detour route, which has been instigated. So hopefully there won’t be a repeat of last time.” She said the association was continually sending updates to the freight sector ,stressing the importance of using the approved freight detour routes. “We all understand the closure needs to happen. Otherwise, if it’s delayed we will find ourselves in the winter months, and we all know what could happen then.” In November, NZTA announced that $61 million had been approved for immediate and medium-term recovery and enabling works on the SH1 at the Brynderwyns.

An underslip on SH1 on the northern side of the Brynderwyn hills last February. Photo: NZTA

“This is to ensure that the key route can withstand future weather events and disruptions this coming winter and the immediate years to follow,” it said. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/brynderwyn-hills

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Waipu

Brynderwyn Brynderwyn

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Detours during the Brynderwyn closure, from left: the ‘scenic’ eastern route, the Oakleigh-Paparoa-SH12 route for freight, and the SH12SH14 route for oversized trucks

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Hair yesterday, gone today Fire fundraiser exceeds all expectations The Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, which donated just under $37,000 to its Brave the Shave fundraiser held on January 27. Leigh locals Gabe Ransom and Frick agreed to have their lengthy beards and hair cut to help the brigade raise enough money to buy a single wheeled mule stretcher. The initial goal was $20,000. One of the organisers and brigade volunteer, Ataahua Knight, says around 200 people attended the event. “It was a huge success,” Knight says. “Amazingly, we got a callout in the middle of it all, so people could see how the brigade responds to a real life event.” To add to the entertainment, Frick and Gabe auctioned their hair and the highest

bidder got to cut off a ponytail, adding a further $1000 to the pot. “We are very grateful to the community and Frick and Gabe, and their family and friends who turned up on the day. Without Frick and Gabe’s support, this wouldn’t have happened, so we thank them immensely.” The funds will go directly towards lifesaving equipment, enabling the brigade to better help people in their time of need. The mule stretcher can traverse rough and narrow terrain with less strain on the responding crews. A special thanks was extended to Smiths Hairdressing from Leigh and The Lady Barber from Matakana. Sponsors of the day were Lee Fish, Stihl Warkworth, Summer Sessions and Matakana Butcher.

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Council’s Flood Viewer website is a useful tool for householders preparing for the possibility of future flooding.

Flood risks: Council urges vigilance

Flood Viewer users can also click on the “Get Prepared” link to see a series of videos and guides on what to do before, during and after a storm. These include how to make an emergency plan, preparing a home for the possibility of flooding, staying safe during a flood, and steps to protect homes or businesses from flooding. It also lays out responsibilities for those with a stream or creek on or near their property. “We see people using our Flood Viewer not just to understand their home’s flood risk, but also to make informed decisions when looking at somewhere new to buy or rent,” Vigar says. “Council has made increasing community resilience to floods a priority, and part of this is giving people the tools to make smart decisions to prepare themselves and their homes.” Council says it pays to be prepared, and residents should regularly clear gutters and check and unblock drains on their property. “Summer storms can be a surprise to many people due to the speed they happen and their unexpected nature,” Auckland Emergency Management general manager Paul Amaral says, adding that they can be dangerous, even if short-lived. “This is due to rain intensity and the potential for strong winds and tornadoes that sometimes accompany them. A little bit of planning in advance and maintenance around your home can help mitigate their effects.”

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Harbour walkway remains closed

The Department of Conservation has confirmed it has no plans to reopen the popular walkway around Leigh Harbour, or Omaha Cove, anytime soon. The northern section was closed by a significant landslide in November 2022, with further damage sustained due to severe weather early last year. Tāmaki Makaurau DOC operations manager Rebecca Rush says the department has sought geotechnical advice, which found the walkway cannot be practically reinstated in its entirety. “There are multiple landslips,” she says. “One significant landslip has completely removed the land supporting the track and this extends from the top of the cliff to the coast. “We’re aware this track is well-loved by the local community and the next step for DOC is to meet with the community and iwi to understand their aspirations.” Rush says that any decisions on coastal walkways with landslips will need to consider the future resilience of any infrastructure, as well as the ability to fund this50% work. “We acknowledge frustrations with the ongoing off.closure and ask for patience – it will take time to work through the future options.”

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A year after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods, Auckland Council is warning residents and businesses that their properties may be vulnerable to flooding, even if it hasn’t happened before. The changing climate is bringing more extreme weather events in Auckland, and this year’s strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to bring more variable rainfall over the summer than previous El Niño seasons, including the likelihood of intense rainfall and, possibly, severe storms, it says. Healthy Waters head of planning Nick Vigar says it’s essential that people are prepared for the possibility of floods, and understand their flood risks. Aucklanders can use council’s online Flood Viewer (find it at http://bit.ly/41wfVud) to see on an interactive map whether an overland flow path – the natural course that water takes across the land – runs through a particular property. If an overland flow path does run through a property, it should be kept clear so water can flow freely. Private drains and waterways should also be kept free from debris, to enable water to flow unimpeded. In addition to overland flow paths, the map helps to identify flood plains (areas predicted to be covered by flood water during heavy rain), flood prone areas (low-lying areas where water can collect during heavy rain, especially if stormwater outlets are blocked or reach capacity) and coastal inundation areas (areas predicted to be covered by sea water during large storms).

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Opportunistic offending Happy New Year to all. I have really enjoyed my first couple of months in the role of officer-in-charge of the Warkworth Police and getting around and meeting our partner agencies and members of the community. Warkworth and the surrounding areas have seen a huge influx of visitors over the holiday period, but despite this, crime in the area has remained relatively low, which is good to see. As students head back to classrooms, we want to remind road users to be extremely careful on roads around schools. Adhere to the speed limits and road conditions, wear seat belts and ensure correct car seats are fitted for children. We aim to be visible around school during pick-up and dropoff times. Police across Waitemata have received multiple reports of suspicious behaviour in relation to mailbox theft across our wider area and, as a result, a search warrant was executed on January 30 in relation to this offending. One person has been arrested

and charged, and the matter is before the court. We are not ruling out further arrests. Although several cases of suspicious activities were reported to Police, we became aware of some of the activity via social media and word of mouth. Police encourage anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to report it directly to Police via 111 if the incident is occurring at the time, or if there is a time delay, via 105 or their local station. We also want to remind the community to be vigilant around such opportunistic offending. If possible, people should empty mailboxes frequently and report any suspicious behaviour. If you are going on holiday, ask your neighbour to collect your mail. Also consider getting expensive items couriered to your work address, if possible. We are also asking courier drivers to be on the lookout for vehicles that may be following them and report any such activity to Police.

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2.30pm to 10.30pm, Puhoi Pub, Puhoi

Bike accident on Snells Beach A motorcyclist who was allegedly riding recklessly on the beach at Snells Beach on Monday evening, January 26, required medical treatment, after hitting the boat ramp at the end of Sunburst Avenue. A witness says the motorcyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet or shoes, and was travelling at speed when he hit the ramp and was flung several metres into the air. No one else was injured. Both police and St John Ambulance attended the incident. It is illegal to drive a vehicle on the beach unless launching or retrieving a boat, or in an emergency situation. Police said last week they were making enquiries but, at this stage, no infringement notices had been issued or charges laid. Although a resident said this was not the first time motorbikes on the beach had caused concern, the Snells Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association said the matter had not been raised with them. Police said they were also not aware that there was a problem, but were investigating. They urged anyone with concerns to contact them directly at the Warkworth Police Station.

The motorbike, and its rider, reportedly flew several metres into the air before landing well clear of the boat ramp.

“Too often we hear about these things through social media. We really encourage the public to call 111 if the matter is happening now, or call 105 to report an incident after it has occurred.”

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Mark Taipari, with an INXS tribute - FREE

1.30pm 2:30pm 4:00pm 5:45pm

Gates Open to ticket holders Jason Smith 7:30pm The Vibro-Kings 9:15pm The Refugees

JASON SMITH • REGGAE/DUB

WarkWorth Truck Hire 6 Wheeler Tipper 6 Wheeler Flat Deck 6 Wheeler Crane Truck 4x4 Crane Truck 4x4 Flat Deck

11.45am

Brown Sugar Lizzy Killers

Jason Smith: Veteran solo entertainer Jason Smith will be performing a set of Reggae & Dub from artists like Salmonella Dub, Bob Marley, UB40, Black Seeds, and Katchafire. Cool vibes to set you up for the awesome bands to follow! The Vibro-Kings: The Vibro-Kings are a popular band delivering engaging performances and are passionate about the tone, sound and feel of their music. These guys are a ‘tight band’! The Refugees: The Refugees are New Zealand’s own Tom Petty Tribute Show, covering all the Iconic Hits from Petty’s highly successful solo career, and with his band “The Heartbreakers”. Brown Sugar: Presenting the Rolling Stones ‘bangers’ like they should be... energetic, live, and loud! For lovers of ‘Stones’ music and lovers of old school live rock’n’roll shows it’s not just another gig... Brown Sugar really entertain! Lizzy Killers: Comprising members from past 80s - 90s rock bands Stonehenge, Adrenalin, Jealous Itch, brings you “Live and Dangerous” - Thin Lizzy. Lizzy Killers NZ’s only true Thin Lizzy Tribute Show.

With live music proving very popular, The Puhoi Pub is putting on its first music festival. No BYO drinks or food. Puhoi Pub kitchen will be open. BUSES: When purchasing your ticket via Event Finder you will be asked to add your email address if you are interested in the bus service to/from HBC station in Silverdale (a small fee will apply). We will be in touch with you closer to the date to

confirm bus times. Please make sure you have a safe way home. Please email any questions to thepuhoipublimited@gmail.com *If cancelled due to weather, the event will be postponed to a later date.

TICKETS $45 TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE PUHOI PUB OR EVENT FINDER (SCAN QR CODE)

Tickets available at www.eventfinda.co.nz

5 Saleyards Road, Puhoi 09 422 0812 Open: Mon to Thur 11am Fri, Sat and Sun 10am

February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

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Subdivision can go ahead, court decides Developers have been given the go ahead by the Environment Court to build a new subdivision on farm paddocks on the way into Snells Beach, at 124 Mahurangi East Road. Silver Hill Limited was originally refused resource consent to build 24 homes and a new road there by Auckland Council in 2022, on the grounds that effects on neighbours and the local environment would be unacceptable, and it was contrary to the Unitary Plan. The original application contravened the land’s residential – large lot zoning, which would allow just four new homes After mediation last year, developers have dropped the number of homes to be built on the Mahurangi East Road land from 24 to 20.

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on the 1.6 hectare block, instead of the 24 being applied for. Nearly 30 local residents made submissions opposing the proposal at the time, objecting to the scale and density of the development. However, after an appeal to the Environment Court last February and mediation between the developers, council and objectors in May, Judge David Kirkpatrick announced in December that the resource consent should now be granted. He said this was due to a number of changes to the subdivision proposal that had been agreed by all parties, not least the reduction in size from 24 homes to 20, as well as setting the development further back from neighbouring properties in Lett Road. Other changes included the provision of a griselinia hedge along Lett Road, with seven specimen pohutukawa trees to be planted along the road reserve, and changes to vehicle access. Other new conditions affecting some or all of the house lots included limited road sealing along Lett Road, ongoing landscape maintenance and no separate minor dwellings to be allowed. Altogether, the changes added up to a 20-page appendix to the court decision. “All parties have agreed that the revised proposal appropriately addresses their concerns and any consent should be subject to the conditions attached as Appendix A to this order,” Judge Kirkpatrick concluded. “The court, therefore, orders by consent that the appeal is allowed, and Auckland Council is directed to grant Silver Hill Limited’s application for resource consent to undertake the subdivision on the land at 124 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach.” The original applicant for resource consent, Rose Stanhope, said 15 after the successful appeal that she was not yet sure when Silver Hill Ltd would go ahead with developing the 16 new subdivision, but said it would be high quality. 19 “When we do get 20 underway, we’ll be focused on creating an attractive, leafy, cul-de-sac of high quality homes for Snells Beach families,” she said.

The popular mARTakana exhibition offered a range of works, at a range of prices.

Crowds flock to art show Individually painted surfboards in bold and bright colours were a crowd pleaser during the annual four-day art exhibition mARTtakana held in the Matakana School hall last month. The boards were the work of local artist Noila Souza. The exhibition is a major fundraiser for Harbour Hospice, which provides compassionate specialist palliative care, free of charge, to anybody who needs it in the Warkworth/ Wellsford community. Hospice communications specialist Karyn Henger says the exhibition drew good crowds, with a mix of locals and holidaymakers. “Artworks sold for as little as $25 to one piece worth just under $10,000, with something for everyone,” she says. Hospice thanked principal sponsor Barfoot & Thompson, New World Warkworth, St Pierre’s Sushi, the Mahurangi Artists Network and Matakana Coast App. Last year the event raised $20,850. This year’s total was not available when Mahurangi Matters went to print. The next big hospice fundraiser will be the Warkworth Theatre Group’s production of Calendar Girls, which will be on at the Warkworth Town Hall from April 26 to May 4. Ten per cent of all ticket sales and gala opening night raffles, as well as all donations, will be donated to hospice. Henger says many theatre group members have had touch points with hospice. The Matakana Gin Company is producing a new blend to be launched at Calendar Girls, with a percentage of sales supporting hospice. Hospice is also reminding Mahurangi creatives that the popular wearable arts event Catwalk Arts will be held at the end of June. The theme this year is Matariki. Tickets for the theatre event are available at: https://wwtheatre.co.nz/

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

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Vale

James (Jim) Royce McKinlay

he fact that there are still shorebirds nesting on Omaha’s northern tip can largely be credited to the committed work of the late Jim McKinlay, and his wife Laura, in the early 1990s. The couple were among the first to recognise that development at Omaha was putting increasing pressure on the birds, particularly then endangered NZ dotterel. They started trapping pests in 1993, initially targeting cats, until they realised that the greatest culprit in the decimation of the dotterel population at the time was hedgehogs. Once they stopped the hedgehogs from eating the dotterel eggs, the population started to recover. The McKinlays checked the traps every day for almost seven years, and enlisted other community volunteers to help. In 2009, the Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust was established, taking the lead in protecting the dotterels and other shorebirds, such as the variable oystercatchers. Today, the northern spit hosts about 200 NZ dotterels in the non-breeding season, and about 40 breed there. Growing up as the proud son of a Hikurangi coal miner, Jim had plenty of freedom to roam the countryside and was commonly seen with a knife on his

belt and the family dog at his heels. He attended Whangarei Boys High, then the Auckland Teachers Training College. He did his country service in Northland in the 1950s, where he indulged his love of rabbit hunting. The story goes he got so good he could shoot from the hip. By 1960, he was married to Laura and living in Avondale. A fascination for tropical fish meant that fish tanks were a feature of all his homes. In 1969, he was appointed deputy principal at Papakura High School, travelling across town every day in his VW beetle. A lifetime interest in archaeology took him to many places in the world, including Samoa, where he joined an Auckland University expedition to research the Lapita culture of the western Pacific. His son Bruce recalls Jim sitting on a camp stool, shirt off and maybe wearing a hat in the baking sun, a large clipboard on his lap, arguing with colleagues or students about how to interpret a stratigraphic layer. “I think that this was a very happy space for him, debating and interpreting the layers as they were uncovered.” Jim completed a Master of Arts degree at the University of Auckland in 1971, with a thesis on archaeology and legislation, and was a recipient of a Churchill fellowship to USA, UK and Europe in 1974. The whole family made the trip and was involved in exploring the south-

1929-2023

west of the US through archaeological contacts and visits to national parks. Highlights included Canyon de Chelly National Park in Arizona, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and Cahokia Mounds in Illinois. Then to Europe and visiting some of the sites Jim had only until then read about – Stonehenge, Greenwich. Lord’s Cricket Ground and Hadrian’s Wall en route to Scotland. He also attended the plenary session of the UNESCO General Assembly in Paris as a NZ representative. On returning to NZ, Jim carried on his work with the NZ Historic Places Trust. One of his achievements was to shepherd through Parliament legislation that led to a significant improvement in the recognition and protection of archaeological sites in New Zealand. In retirement at Omaha, he chaired the Mid North branch of Forest & Bird for six years until 2005, and launched the still popular annual Warkworth winter talks series on environmental issues. He was awarded the organisation’s Old Blue Award for dotterel conservation work in 2009. He was an active member of the University of the Third Age, as well as a leader at the Omaha Bowling Club. Jim died peacefully at Summerset Falls Retirement Village in Warkworth on November 27, last year, aged 91 years. He is survived by children Bruce and Joanne, and four grandchildren.

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

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| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

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Ngāti Manuhiri Nicola MacDonald, Acting Chief Executive www.ngatimanuhiri.iwi.nz/moana

Te Au ō Moana marine team’s summer

Kaipara home values up 54 per cent since 2020 Kaipara property owners will soon receive new three-yearly rating valuations in the post, reflecting an average 36.4 per cent increase in residential house values and an average 54.4 per cent increase in land values since the district’s last revaluation in 2020. Independent valuers Quotable Value (QV) has prepared average values for all 16,234 properties in the district on behalf of Kaipara District Council (KDC). Capital value (CV) is the price a property would likely have sold for on September 1 last year, excluding chattels. Land value (LV) is the likely sale price of the land if it was vacant. The difference between the CV and LV reflects the value of improvements. Valuation of properties are reviewed every three years and councils use them as a basis for setting some rates. KDC says the valuations should arrive in post boxes this month. They can also be checked online at kaipara.govt.nz/services/ rates/rates-property-search, or viewed at KDC offices in Dargaville or Mangawhai. Property owners have until March 8 to raise any objections to the valuations, using forms available online at quotablevalue. co.nz/services/rating-valuations/ or from council offices.

Since the 2020 revaluation, the value of residential housing has increased by an average of 36.4 per cent, with the average house value now at $843,000. The corresponding average land value has increased by 54.4 per cent to a new average of $473,000. “Since we last revalued Kaipara in 2020, we’ve witnessed a strong increase in residential property value levels overall,” QV Auckland/Northern manager Sanjay Kanji said. “Though property values have softened over the past 18 months or so, they are substantially higher than their prepandemic levels.” Kanji said more affordable properties – particularly around Ruawai and Dargaville – accounted for the highest increases due to competition from first-home buyers and investors. The average CV of improved lifestyle properties has increased by 37 per cent to $873,000, while LVs for lifestyle properties increased by 46 per cent, to $480,000. “Kaipara’s lifestyle market has experienced average growth since 2020. Mangawhai, the fastest growing coastal settlement in New Zealand, has experienced the highest increases,” Kanji said. “Retirees, holiday makers and local residents are most active within this market.”

If you have been out and about on the moana within our rohe over the summer break, you may have seen the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust’s boats. We are proud of our collective efforts in raising awareness about the invasive seaweed, the exotic caulerpa, and safeguarding our marine reserves within Te Moananui-āToi|Hauraki Gulf. Our summer marine monitoring programme launched, seeing our dedicated marine team championing our commitment to positive usage, education and the preservation of our invaluable marine ecosystems. Our resoluteness to protecting, preserving and enhancing the marine environment has led us to actively address the threat posed by caulerpa, discovered near Kawau Island last July. This invasive seaweed forms dense mats across the seabed, endangering native marine plants and disrupting the fragile marine ecosystem that taonga species such as crayfish and scallops rely on. Despite the hustle and bustle of the busy summer season, our focus on health, safety and awareness initiatives remained firm. We ensured the security and wellbeing of our marine reserves, which continue to be central to our stewardship and kaitiakitanga values.

We are delighted to share the success of our educational outreach programmes during the summer break. From caulerpa awareness to the management of pests and invasive species, we actively empowered our community with knowledge, fostering a sense of responsibility among all users of Te Moananui-ā-Toi. Our active presence within the marine reserves over the summer break exemplifies our dedication to kaitiakitanga and te taiao. As trustees, we took the opportunity to reinforce our kaitiaki responsibilities and encourage even greater community engagement, highlighting the role of each individual in the preservation of our marine environments. As we transition from the summer break, our summer marine monitoring programme continues to be our focus. We’ve witnessed the tangible impacts of our efforts and are heartened by what we have seen from the community, showcasing the strength of our collective commitment. Together, let’s ensure a sustainable legacy and promote a thriving marine ecosystem for generations to come. For more information on our marine kaupapa visit our website: www.ngatimanuhiri.iwi.nz/moana

Go Bus is Coming to Warkworth!

Go Bus has recently acquired the Gubbs School Bus Contracts in the area and we are proud and excited to be delivering these school bus services to the Warkworth community effective from February 2024. Moving our Tamariki safely to and from school every day is our paramount. Go Bus is the largest and most diverse bus company in the country operating across 40 depots from Auckland to Invercargill and is also part of the Kinetic Group – a global passenger transport business. With Go Bus’ broad experience delivering bus and coach services throughout New Zealand over many years, we will continue to provide reliable and professional school services to the local community as well as look to grow our charter services.

Local employment opportunities

Why join us?

We now have employment opportunities in the area and are looking for people to join our existing team of professional drivers to deliver these services. This is a great opportunity to be part of a great company and give back to the community, so if you are looking for part-time work, perhaps you are a parent looking to work around school terms, or semi-retired thinking of re-joining the workforce or a student looking for extra hours, we may have a role for you.

We have a great team and offer attractive benefits. We will support and train you to obtain your Class 2 drivers licence and passenger endorsement.

To apply contact Andrew Ison on 027 315 0618 or email andrew.ison@gobus.co.nz PG18849–0124

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Have your say on Auckland’s Long-term Plan Rodney residents can make submissions on Auckland Council’s proposed Long-term Plan (LTP) when public consultation opens later this month. The LTP sets out the priorities and funding for council activities that are planned over the next 10 years. Along with financial and non-financial information is a local board agreement for Rodney which includes local priorities and activities for the financial year 2024/2025. Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says with the big decisions that must be made, it’s more important than ever that Rodney residents’ views are heard. “Everyone knows about the council’s tough financial situation which it is going to continue for quite some time. Hard choices will be made and that is why it’s vital for our community to have their say and help shape the budget for Rodney.”

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Residents will be able to have say on key proposals, including: • Creating an Auckland Future Fund – a council-owned regional wealth fund capitalised with the council’s remaining Auckland International Airport (AIA) shares and proceeds from any port lease agreement. • Achieving a better return on investment from the Port of Auckland – through a 35-year lease of the port operations for an up-front payment of $2-3 billion (or) maintaining council ownership of the port operations. • Releasing waterfront land from the Port of Auckland for public use. Making public transport faster, more reliable, and easier to use – with a weekly $50 cap on buses, trains, and inner harbour ferries. • Refreshed fiscal and budget responsibility rules, including a range of cost savings. • Keeping rates affordable – with a new target to keep rates rises within 1.5% of inflation from year-four. Sayers says that the LTP aims to strengthen the long-term financial and physical resilience of the Auckland region. Changes to how the council operates will ensure the needs of residents are met now and in the future.

Councillor Greg Sayers

Feedback on the budget is open from 28 February to 28 March.

Rodney Local Board area Chair Brent Bailey says the local board is committed to supporting communities in the aftermath of extreme weather events. “We want to build community resilience with local emergency groups and action plans that can help during extreme weather events like droughts and floods.” Another priority is assisting community groups and mana whenua who restore biodiversity and maintain clean waterways. Bailey says, “With the growing number of families moving to the area, it’s important we provide adequate programmes and activities for our young people and playgrounds that are accessible.” Key priorities to include: • Deliver new and improved playgrounds and playspaces in Goodall Reserve, Te Hana Reserve, Rautawhiri Park and Riverhead War Memorial Park. • Support communities to develop local community emergency leadership groups and emergency action planning in response to the findings of the Emergency Response Assessment Study being undertaken.

Rodney Local Board members. First row: Michelle Carmichael, Mark Dennis, Geoff Upson, Louise Johnston (Deputy Chair). Second row: Tim Holdgate, Colin Smith, Brent Bailey (Chair), Ivan Wagstaff and Guy Wishart.

• Provide additional activities and programmes for children and young people using libraries, halls and open spaces. • Support local arts centres in Helensville and Kumeū and look to extend arts experiences to other parts of Rodney. • Support community groups and mana whenua to keep waterways clean and healthy. • Support community to minimise waste, turn it into resources and promote education on waste reduction. • Develop and refurbish toilet facilities in Glasgow Park, Dinning Road Esplanade Reserve and Port Albert Recreation Reserve. • Develop pathways connections in Green Road Park. The local board will continue to advocate for funding for rural roads that are resilient including: • $124 million for Auckland Transport’s Unsealed Roads Improvement Programme to improve unsealed roads through strengthening and other methods. • More funding ringfenced for maintenance that allows Auckland Transport to maintain at least eight to nine per cent of Auckland’s roads in any given year. Other advocacy items are for sensitive planning to avoid any impact on natural landscapes with high biodiversity values, and adequately resourced and enforced environmental compliance to protect the environment.

The Rodney Local Board will advocate for increased funding in the Long-term Plan for rural roads.

Have your say Feedback can be provided online, via email, by post or at a Have Your Say event: • Rodney Local Board office, 3 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth, 19 March, 4pm to 6pm. To find out more and give feedback, visit akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan on 28 February to find out more.

| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

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Homebuilders Jazz Bishop, Family Support Worker www.homebuildersfs.org

Here’s to good habits

It’s a Mata-of-fact! Scientific studies from Yale and Harvard suggest that singing can add years to your life, improve brain health and decrease blood pressure. Local Matakantata Choir members can attest to a marked increase in daily laughter, frivolity and a certain spring in their step, and that’s across all our age groups. And while singing may be almost universally loved and feared, it can be tricky to find opportunities to share a joy of singing. Yet, so many of us harbour a secret and often long-held desire to open our vocal cords to the world. Aside from the common ‘shower box’ performance for the lucky neighbours, or banging out I Did It My Way after a few too many at the karaoke lounge, the big question is where can everyday folk go to sing-a-long in a fun and encompassing way? The benefits of singing, and particularly group singing, range from simple toe tapping enjoyment to activating and exercising brain pathways, and encompass a range of emotional, physiological, mindful and social advantages. Meeting and connecting with others in the community was a strong driver when a new

The Matakantata Choir will hold a Taste and See evening at the Matakana Village Hall on Thursday, February 15, starting at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and learn more about the choir, with no obligation to join.

member recently joined the Matakantata Choir after relocating to the area. She found the visitor night was easy and fun, with lots of laughter and no ‘performance pressure’. She said the buzz after her first performance left her on real high with a sense of real accomplishment, and a new camaraderie within her community. Choir director Jenni Eirena describes Matakantata Choir as family friendly and absolutely inclusive, encompassing singers from all walks of life. “And there are no auditions or interviews,” she laughs. “We have members who are shy, fear performing in front of others, those who felt they couldn’t sing or are health or sensory challenged … everyone works together and everyone has something to offer. We also welcome members from the wider area, carpooling while practicing is quite common.” Those with a preference to try something before deciding will love the Matakantata Choir Taster, an open night designed to learn about the choir and the benefits of singing, meet choir members, share some songs, and share some supper.

Submitted by Avalon Sanders.

The New Year is often a time of reflection, goal setting and making changes in our lives. Whether a big change is on the cards or just little tweaks to the normal routine, our habits will shift to enable these changes. Much of our day-to-day lives are made up of a collection of habits. Even small choices have profound impacts over the long run. Developing the ability to add, subtract and tweak habits in our lives is worthwhile and rewarding. If you have made a resolution or thought about trying something new this year here are some little habit hacks that might help implement and sustain these. • Habit stacking: Use an already established habit and stack another one on top. To add to your new habit, put a visual cue somewhere that you will see when doing the original habit. Examples could be learning a new language with a podcast while doing the dishes, or getting those Kegel exercises in while brushing your teeth. • Cues: Starting a new habit requires a cue or trigger, perhaps a phone alarm, sticky note, text from a friend or say “Hey, Alexa, tell me to take my vitamins at 5 o’clock.” • Habit replacement: When we take something out of our lives it leaves a gap. Sometimes the best way to decrease something in our lives is to consciously increase what you want more of. For example, getting yourself to the gym an extra day a week leaves a few less hours to sit scrolling. • Make it easy: Don’t bite off more than

you can chew. Start small and get that down pat. It will help with avoidance and procrastination if you make it easy for yourself and increase the chance of it being a sustainable habit. For example, instead of meal prepping three meals a day seven days a week, start with meal prepping your work week lunches. Once you’re in the groove you can add more if it feels right to do so. • Body doubling: Body doubling is just doing something with someone else. This increases accountability and enjoyment of mundane or less desirable tasks. For example, organise a weekly movie night with a friend where you both tackle the washing pile. • Rewards: Associate positive feelings with the habit by incorporating treats. This could be getting a coffee after a gym session or giving yourself 10 minutes of mindless scrolling after paying some bills. • Reevaluate: The one constant in life is change. Habits don’t have to last forever; they serve a purpose and when they no longer do; adapt. Let go of what may not be serving you to make space for other things. Different seasons of life call for different priorities, and our habits can reflect this. • Visualise: To stay motivated, visualise the person you are becoming by forming this new habit. In a few years’ time, what could this mean for your life? Small things add up.

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Think award winning lifestyle At Summerset, we’re proud of what we offer, with our outstanding facilities, welcoming communities, and excellent staff. Now there are even more great reasons to choose Summerset. We’ve been voted winner of the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award, and Aged Advisor People’s Choice and Nationwide Group awards. So, if you are contemplating village life, pop along to our Open Day at Summerset Falls in Warkworth on Thursday 15 February and take a look through the stunning range of available homes and resort style facilities in the village. We’d love to share the Summerset lifestyle. We think it’s gold! Love the life you choose

Open Day

Thursday 15 February, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Falls 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 09 425 1202 | warkworth.sales@summerset.co.nz SUM5654_FP1

| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

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feature healthy habits

Barriers to youth fitness recognised

Not every child wants to play an organised sport, so finding alternative fun activities that still keep them active is important.

Call for safer school travel routes Kiwi kids need to move more and sit behind screens less, and they need safer ways to walk and cycle to school, according to a global assessment of physical activity in children and adolescents, published late last year. The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance compared 57 countries from six continents to assess global levels and trends in child and adolescent physical activity. New Zealand finished with an overall grade for physical activity of C+, recognising that only about half of the country’s children are achieving the recommended level of physical activity. Regular physical activity helps children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease. But the Alliance report says young people worldwide have formed new habits in response to the new normal – a screen-centric indoor living society, exacerbated by Covid-19, global conflicts and severe weather associated with climate change. Aotearoa scored better than the global average primarily because of the high rates of participation in organised sports and physical activity. However, NZ had one of the lowest grades for active transport

(D), with only five countries below it, reflecting a trend of low and declining active transport over the last decade. Denmark and Japan topped the table for active transportation. Denmark noted its comprehensive networks of cycle lanes and its government’s persistent efforts to implement safe routes to school as key contributors to its success. Research in Aotearoa with children, schools and whānau/ families consistently showed the need for improved traffic safety to facilitate active transport. The report identified that there was a dearth of connected and safe cycling infrastructure across the country, resulting in extremely low rates of biking. In earlier research, it was identified that safe road crossings should be a priority and more signalised crossings and raised zebra crossings were needed to slow traffic down. Initiatives to improve driver behaviour were also essential – speeding, inattentive driving, red-light running and failing to stop at pedestrian crossings were all common. Unsurprisingly, overall physical activity was also lower for those in school years 11 to 13, at 47 per cent (C-), compared with around 60 per cent for their younger counterparts. It was noted that considering physical inactivity tracks from adolescence into adulthood, there was an urgent need to facilitate activity in ways that work for adolescents.

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The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance findings (see story this page) come as no surprise to Warkworth Primary School teacher Nicole Callender who, up until the end of last year, was the school’s sports coordinator for eight years. “Fitness and physical activity are recognised as being an extremely important part of the school day,” she says. As well as daily sessions of between 10 and 25 minutes, students are expected to participate in physical education classes two or three times a week. Callender says that unlike previous generations who made up their own fun outdoors on a daily basis, children today are more inclined to need to be entertained. She says that while the gaming culture is one factor, the fact that most families have two parents working, often in jobs where there is a long commute, means that there is no longer anyone at home to say, “Go outside and play”. “But the rising cost of living is adding to the problem. It is expensive to have children in multiple sports teams, incurring costs for uniforms and tournament fees, and then the petrol to get them to these activities. I know a lot of families who are limiting the number of sports their children participate in because of this,” she says. As a mother of three active children, Callender says she still struggles with controlling her children’s screen time. Her advice is to set limits and turn the wifi off, if necessary. “It’s also important for parents to model the behaviour they expect from their children – if they see you always on your phone then they will think that is normal. “I believe sport is extremely important for young children. It is an important part of our culture and, apart from keeping kids fit and healthy, it teaches them to work as a team, develop and practise skills, communicate with others, and they learn how to win and how to lose.” Mahurangi College deputy principal Jon Blyth, who has been teaching for 25 years, says there is definitely a need for safer routes to school so children can walk and cycle. “I don’t blame parents for driving their kids in – they are just trying to keep them safe,” he says.

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He says in order to engage more teens in fitness activities, the physical education curriculum has moved well beyond offering just competitive type sports. “There is a lot more emphasis on fun-based learning activities and Mahurangi is always actively exploring other options to get kids

moving. If students find team sports such as rugby and netball intimidating, there are alternatives. Archery and underwater hockey, for instance, are hugely popular.” Callender says the healthed.govt.nz website is a good resource for parents who want to help their kids get more active.

efits of Physic al Ac tiv ity He al th Ben FOR CHILDREN

Academic Performance Improves attention and memory

Muscular Fitness Builds strong muscles and endurance

Cardiometabolic Health Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels

Brain Health Reduces risk of depression

Heart and Lung Health Improves blood pressure and aerobic fitness

Long-term Health Reduces risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity

Healthy Weight Helps regulate body weight and reduce body fat

Bone Strength Strengthens bones

CAB in Warkworth

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Wellsford is running a satellite clinic in Warkworth every Friday. CAB provides free,2ndconfidential, independent information and advice to Source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, edition To learn more, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/health-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-children.html October 2021 anyone. Volunteers can help people to understand their rights, including consumer rights, and how to access the services they need. The Warkworth clinic is being held in the upstairs meeting room in the Warkworth Town Hall, every Friday from 10am to 1pm. While drop-ins are welcome, appointments can also be scheduled for personalised assistance by phoning 423 7333.

Retirees mastering the mallet The centuries-old pastime of croquet is an ideal way for retirees to get outdoors and enjoy light exercise and social interaction. It’s also a highly-tactical game, as players seek not only to progress themselves but to stymie opponents along the way. At Summerset Falls, keen player Sue Brodziak describes this take-no-prisoners element as “vicious” – but she does so with a laugh, adding that it’s not really vicious at all, but highly competitive, and a lot of fun. Sue is leading the way in spreading knowledge and love for the game at the retirement village, having worked to win council approval to use a grassy, tree-lined area, part of the picturesque Esplanade Reserve adjoining the Mahurangi River, for regular croquet games. It’s not the ideal croquet court – too long, too narrow and a bit bumpy in places – but that hasn’t stopped Sue from helping fellow residents learn how to swing a mallet and nudge the blue, red, black and yellow balls through embedded metal hoops. She has measured out a course at the site and drilled holes for the hoops (the holes are plugged when not in use), and croquet games are played three afternoons a week in summer. Sue, who has lived at Summerset Falls for four years, has played croquet for over a decade. She serves as treasurer of the Warkworth Croquet Club, and is also secretary of the Auckland Croquet Association, which has 11 clubs and more than 400 members, so keeps very busy. Some retirement homes have dual purpose synthetic turf greens, used for both bowls and croquet. Summerset Falls does not have that option (yet), but a regular group plays on the riverside lawn at the village, and have-a-go days bring in new members. And two Sundays a month, croquet-keen residents go to the Warkworth Croquet Club to play on a professional lawn. A croquet tournament is currently underway among retirement villages, with home and away games, with a grand finale to be held in April. Summerset is supportive, providing T-shirts and contributing in other ways.

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Sue Brodziak has pioneered a croquet group at her retirement village.

“It’s giving people something to do. A lot of people haven’t played sport for many years. Perhaps they played tennis or hockey in their youth, but that’s a moving ball. Croquet and golf are fixed balls, so it’s much easier at a later age. You can quite easily pick it up, and the rules are quite simple. But there is also a lot of skill involved, especially at the higher levels.” Sue says a game of golf croquet – the modern, quicker version of the game that’s most popular – could take up to an hour on a large lawn, so with players on their feet and walking for that period of time, it provides good exercise. “It’s good for the torso and upper body. It strengthens your stomach muscles. It’s cardio exercise, but without you noticing. And because you stand up when you hit the ball, it’s easier when you get older – unlike in bowls, where you have to bend down.” There’s also a lot of laughter. During the course of the game, while trying to frustrate your opponent, you may instead unintentionally hit his or her ball through a hoop – the croquet equivalent of an own goal. “It’s a lot of fun,” Sue says. “There’s never a cross word. It’s technique and it’s tactics, and in the end, the winner is the one who has done the best in both of those.”

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Fun, fitness and fellowship The lycra-wrapped ‘gym junkie’ body in the mirror may be a hazy memory, but as we age, working on fitness, balance and posture becomes more, rather than less, important. With that in mind, weekly get-togethers for seniors at Christ Church Parish Lounge in Percy Street, Warkworth start with a 30-minute session of mostly seated exercises. Carrie Kemp, who runs the Monday morning gatherings, says participants love the exercises, which they can do comfortably at their own pace, and offer both a physical and mental boost. “It’s nice and gentle, and a real family environment, as they get to know each other and have fun.,” she says. The exercises are followed by morning tea and a programme of more sedate activities of various kinds. The meetings are open to anyone over 65 living independently – including those living independently in retirement villages. The average turnout is around 20, and the oldest attendee is 95. The group, which falls under the Selwyn Foundation, has been going for more than 10 years. Info: selwyncentre@warkworthanglican.nz

Another option for older locals are “gentle exercise” classes run by physiotherapist Marina Shannon of Movewell Physio, at the Mahurangi Health Collective on Neville Street. The class is described as a gentle movement session involving mobility, strengthening, balance and light cardio. It’s also suitable for those who have had strokes, surgery or have Parkinson’s. Marina says the 45-minute, smallgroup classes, approved under the ACC programme Live Stronger for Longer, have been running for around three years. Incorporating strengthening and balance exercises, the classes are highly beneficial for seniors, Marina says, promoting “muscle tone, flexibility, and overall mobility, thereby enhancing their quality of life”. “The carefully tailored programme is also invaluable for those with arthritis, neurological conditions or a history of stroke, fostering rehabilitation and aiding in the restoration of motor skills, coordination, and confidence in daily activities.” Info: marina@movewell.nz

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FLexercise classes feature exercises set to music, focused on balance and strengthen.

FLexercise classes are a sequence of exercises set to music, first developed in Britain in the 1920-30s by Mary Bagot Stack, the founder of the Women’s League of Health and Beauty. The later-renamed Fitness League lists as benefits of the classes a reduced risk of heart disease, a slowing down of the ageing process, minimising the problems osteoporosis can cause, a lower risk of developing arthritis and stiff joints, increased energy, reduced stress levels – and great fun. Jan Morris, 73, has attended FLexercise classes in Warkworth with her husband Keith, 78, for the past six years. At $8 for an hour-long session, they offered great value for money – and were a lot of fun, she says. “I loved the music, which was mostly from the 1950s to 1970s – our era. We’d sing along while exercising, hardly noticing that the time is passing.” The classes involved a range of activity focusing on balance and strengthening, working out arms, legs, abdominals and other muscle groups. A bonus was the social aspect of the classes. Jan says that participants, who ranged in age from 40s to 70s, became good friends, enjoying coffee afterwards and seeing each other in other contexts, such as going to movies together. For the past five years, the classes have been led by MaryAnne Church. She has now stepped down to travel, however. Jan says it’s a real setback, since alternatives are either too far away or aren’t as affordable. Fitness League coordinator and teacher Val Wightman says the organisation is actively looking to train a teacher to pick up the classes MaryAnne used to lead – not just in Warkworth, but in Matakana and Wellsford as well. Training as a teacher takes 10 to 11 months, so it’s a big commitment, but a rewarding one, she says. Teacher trainees study anatomy, physiology, music and choreography, ensuring they have in-depth knowledge of health and exercise and can teach in an interesting and varied way. Info: 0508 224 8687 or www.fitnessleague. org.nz/contact-us/

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Life put on hold by long covid nightmare Rachel Demler is the epitome of a modern, busy, successful woman, juggling a city career with community roles and responsibilities in and around Matakana. A seasoned IT professional, she is a senior project manager with Tower Insurance during the week, runs The Matakana Bag Lady business at the village farmers’ market at weekends and online, and for more than three years, she’s been chair of the Matakana Community Group (MCG). However, all that activity came to a screaming halt in April last year, when she not only caught Covid-19, but went on to develop long covid. “When I caught covid for the first time, it was really bad,” she said. “Five days in bed, eight days of fever, aches and pains. It was like really bad flu that knocks you on your backside.” Demler was prescribed high doses of painkillers every two hours and was off work for 10 days. “Unfortunately, just as I might have been thinking of going back to work, my Dad died unexpectedly in the UK and, after testing negative for the first time, I flew straight over,” she said. “I felt pretty ill for the three weeks I was there and when I came back, I spent 10 days thinking I was really badly jet-lagged, before I finally went to the doctors, who said it was a classic case of long covid.” Her symptoms were wide-ranging and utterly debilitating – extreme fatigue, fever, bone-deep aches and pains, a complete loss of taste and smell, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and an upset stomach. “I could do nothing,” Demler said. “I would go to bed at 7.30pm, I would wake up naturally around 8am and then, on a really good day, I was rocking and rolling if I could get in the shower and brush my teeth. But then I’d need a nap after that.” She said the experience was disorienting, confusing and quite scary at times. “It does feel like your life becomes very, very small,” she said.

“You’re used to being a capable person and suddenly, there’s nothing there; you can’t do anything at all. “For me, it was the endless days of not having the energy to do any of the basic human things that we all do.” Doctors could only prescribe a pain management regime and urge Demler to pace herself. “They did say to me it was pretty obvious why I got it – the severity of the covid itself, then not having sufficient recovery time before flying round the world, and the stress and grief of losing my Dad,” she said. “I also have an underlying condition, Crohn’s disease, which is well controlled, but it does mean I have an altered immune response.” Gradually, over the past seven months, Demler has slowly started to recover and regain her missing functions and senses, but it has been a long and painful road. “Every month, the doctors would reiterate that I was probably pushing it too much. It’s really hard, because we’re all busy people and we think we can do everything, but when you wake up after 12 hours sleep, and you take a shower and you need to sleep again, it’s a bit of an eye-opener.” Demler said her employers had been great, allowing her to work

only when she was able for a few hours at a time, as had husband Simon, who cooked and made sure she ate three meals a day, looked after the house and made sure she rested. “I don’t know how some people are living with this, because I’ve only got better by extreme rest and real long-term rehabilitation,” she said. It has all meant sacrifices – as well as drastically reduced work hours and needing help at the markets, Demler has had to give up her role with MCG and effectively put her whole life on hold. “I’m still not 100 per cent, but I’m a lot better. I’ve started doing more of the market, because I enjoy that, and my day job is now pretty much back to normal, but with a lot of working from home and not going to the office,” she said. “I know that there’s still a way to go.” Demler said it was important for people to talk about long covid and share their experiences. “Not enough is known about it, it’s different for everybody. For one of my colleagues, it’s badly affected her respiratory system and taken her back to being a full-blown asthmatic. With me, it seems to be more of a neuro-immune response,” she said. “It’s slowed me down. I think if I’m going to take anything from this for the long term, it is the importance of slowing down. “In the past, with health, I’ve always felt you have to fight a diagnosis, or battle a disease, but I feel with long covid, the actual answer has been to accept my limitations. If it takes a year to recover, you have to take a year.” Left, Matakana Bag Lady Rachel Demler is getting back to the markets and more after more than eight months with long covid.

The latest on long covid

Trying to find definitive case numbers or detailed information on the extent of long covid in NZ is not easy, as the medical profession and others grapple with the relative newness of the condition. Out of three local GP practices approached by Mahurangi Matters, one said it was a complex issue, but staff had no time to discuss it, while two didn’t respond at all. However, there are good national sources of information online, from government departments, medical organisations, universities and patient support groups. According to the University of Auckland, studies show that around 10 to 20 per cent of people infected by covid may go on to develop long covid, meaning there could be at least 200,000 suffering from it across the country. And there is ongoing research about whether some people are more likely to develop long covid than others. It appears to be more common among people with more severe initial symptoms, but can also affect those who had mild or moderate symptoms. And although it can occur in people of all ages, it is less common in children and adolescents, and more common among women and older people. Long covid can result in more than 200 symptoms, with some of the more common ones including anxiety, brain fog, depression, dizziness, fatigue, heart trouble, nerve pain, loss of smell and/or taste, and insomnia. Info: NZ Government site: https:// covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-isolation/ if-you-have-covid-19/long-covid/ Health Navigator charitable trust: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/c/covid19-long-covid/ Written by patients, for patients: https://longcovidsupport.co.nz/ University of Auckland Long Covid Registry research project: https://www. lcregistry.auckland.ac.nz/

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Broader scope and new date for flower show After more than 100 years of horticultural excellence, the Warkworth Garden Club is ringing the changes this year by moving its annual Town Hall flower show to February. Traditionally, the club has staged a show focused on roses every November, but after covid, its centenary and the loss of two stalwart rose growers, the committee decided to rethink the event’s timing and content. The result is a later show that will be held on Friday, February 23, which can accommodate a wider range of summer flowers, as well as fruit and vegetables as well. Show convenor Annette Sharp says the new show is aimed at encompassing more gardeners and growers, rather than focusing on the somewhat specialised world of rose-growing, although roses will still be included. “There are not many other flower shows held at this time of the year,” she says. “We think this will change the type of flowers we have being judged and on display – fewer roses, though still some of course, and more flowers like dahlias, hibiscus, hydrangeas, alstroemerias and so on. They are all so stunning and reflective of our local area.” There are four sections – Roses, Dahlias, General Flowers &

Foliage (including pots) and Fruit & Vegetables – with 34 different classes: nine for roses, seven for dahlias, a dozen for general flowers, and five fruit and veg. There is no limit to the number of entries per person in each class, nor any on the size of any potted entries – if you can carry it, you can enter it, Sharp says. Nine cups and trophies will be awarded to winners, as well as $50, $10 and $5 vouchers from sponsors for section place-getters. All entries must be notified to the garden club by February 22 (see below for details) and the Town Hall doors will be open to exhibitors for staging between 7.30am and 9.30am on show day. Judging starts at 10am, before the public is allowed in for viewing from noon to 5pm, with prize giving at 1pm. There will also be plant sales and raffles, and admission costs $2, under 16s free. Show schedules are available from Mahurangi Matters, and Warkworth, Mahurangi East and Point Wells Libraries. Entries should be notified to Jocelyn Sharp by 3pm on Thursday, February 22 on 09 425 7724, 021 159 7332 or jocelynsharp1180@gmail.com Info: https://www. warkworthgardenclub.co.nz

Annette Sharp has been convenor of the Warkworth Rose & Flower Show on and off for more than 20 years, and is looking forward to seeing what the new February time slot will bring.

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SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024 WARKWORTH SHOWGROUNDS | SH1, JUST NORTH OF WARKWORTH Organisers promise a magical evening in a beautiful setting.

Summer Magic casting a spell at Wenderholm’s Couldrey House Al fresco arias and medleys from musicals are on offer next month, when Music in the Garden returns to Couldrey House at Waiwera’s Wenderholm Regional Park. The Summer Magic concert on Saturday, March 2 will feature light opera classics and popular standards from musical theatre performed by up and coming singers from Auckland’s Opera Factory, which has been training young operatic talent for 30 years. Led by soprano Emma Sloman, the Summer Magic line-up will include sopranos Jess Webber, Antonia Brightwell and Calista Ngati Pou; tenors Mike Liu and Ivan Zhang; and baritones Campbell Ellison and Hamish Regan. Gates open at 4pm and all ticketholders will be able to visit Couldrey House free of charge between then and 5.30pm. The concert is the historic home’s major

annual fundraiser and starts at 6pm, running until around 8.30pm. As ever, concertgoers are invited to bring seats, rugs and a picnic to enjoy in the gardens as they listen to the performance, plus a torch for finding their way out when the show is over. Organisers say the outdoor concert is an unforgettable occasion and they encourage people to book tickets early, as Summer in the Gardens is always popular and usually sells out quickly. Tickets cost $45 for adults and $35 for Friends of Couldrey House, plus booking fees, while under-16s attending with an adult are free of charge. If March 2 is rained off, the concert will take place on Sunday, March 10.

save the date Don’t be a jackass, put it on your calendar now!

Info and tickets: https://www.eventfinda. co.nz/2024/summer-magic-music-in-thegarden/auckland/waiwera

A great day out for the whole family. Centre stage band, with sheep shearing, wood chopping, free family fun zone, entertainment, miniature horses, cattle, donkeys, mules and much more.

looks forward to welcoming you this summer! OPEN 7 DAYS 11am - 9pm

New events coming to the show in 2024 - to be announced!

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AUCTION at the show

We will be holding a WORKING BEE at the showgrounds to tidy up ready for the show. All welcome and the help would be appreciated very much! Saturday 10 February, from 8am.

We will be running an AUCTION at the show as a fundraiser for the Warkworth A&P Society. If local businesses would like to donate/sponsor an item or service for this auction please get in touch via email secretary@warkworthshow.co.nz or call 021 310 903.

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Splice the mainbrace and batten down the hatches, pirate dogs – Shipwrecked Festival is back.

Shipwrecked sailing to Te Arai Summer festival season continues this month with Shipwrecked, three days of DJs, live music and arts at a privately owned lakeside setting in Te Arai. Situated on the banks of a former sand mining lagoon between Spectacle and Tomarata Lakes, the 2024 Shipwrecked Festival features more than 100 international, NZ and local performers on five stages, as well as workshops, performance art, dance, market stalls, camping and food. Organisers describe the venue at 186 Atkins Road as a “spectacular adult playground”, with a pontoon, jetties, over-water swings, shade shelters, sculptures, bar areas and several beached boats. “Taking inspiration from the international festival scene, with uniquely Kiwi vibes, Shipwrecked is a place to come together to celebrate and immerse ourselves into a

weekend of underground music, visual and interactive art, nature and life itself,” they say. “The festival is located in Te Arai on a site that’s had year upon year of love, sweat and tears poured into it to create a unique lakeside playground for inclusive bass music lovers.” Acts include De Walta, Franca and Heimlich Knuller from Germany, Mystic State from the UK, Sacred Summit and Seijin from Australia, plus Bavhu, Dirdygerdi, Sunshine Sound System and Dan Paine. Shipwrecked runs from 12 noon on Friday, February 9 to 6pm on Sunday, February 11 and is an all ages event. Tickets cost $420 for the full weekend plus camping, $380 for Saturday and Sunday plus camping, or $150 for Sunday only.

Info and tickets: https://shipwrecked.co.nz/

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THE AUCKLAND OPERA STUDIO PRESENTS THE

THE AUCKLAND OPERA ANNUAL MATAKANA STUDIO PRESENTS OPERA PICNIC

The picnic takes place at dusk in an idyllic lakeside setting.

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ANNUAL MATAKANA OPERA PICNIC

The ensemble cast at last year’s Matakana Opera Picnic.

Top young opera singers to entertain in Matakana garden Some of New Zealand’s best young singers will be heading to Matakana later this month for Auckland Opera Studio’s annual gala picnic on the evening of Saturday, February 17. The outdoor concert will be held at its traditional lakeside venue, on the gently sloping lawns of Simon and Robin Barclay’s property on the corner of Matakana Valley and Ward Roads. Opera Studio co-founder Stephen Fitzgerald says this year’s programme is all about celebrating a new era – the here and the now – while not neglecting cherished classics. “With covid on the wane and with more than one of us in recovery mode, be it health, business, fortune, or everyone just generally ‘getting it back together’, we think it’s time to sing a new song,” he says. “We always like the programme to be a surprise, so we won’t do a big reveal. But as usual, we have some big operatic numbers with a few repeat old favourites.” There will also be a large selection of musical theatre songs and show numbers from various Broadway productions. The performers will be a mix of opera picnic veterans and virgins, with accomplished orchestral and operatic pianist Somi Kim leading proceedings once more. Singers

include the ever-popular soprano Amelia Berry and bass-baritone Joel Amosa making their return to Matakana, together with newcomers Katherine Winitana and Rhiannon Cooper (both soprano), brothers Emmanuel and Alfred Fonoti Fuimaono (tenor and bass-baritone) and Cook Island tenor Ridge Ponini. Fitzgerald says the new artists are all top calibre, having won a raft of awards, scholarships and competitions between them, not least Australasia’s top singing contest, the $50,000 2023 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, which was won by Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono in August. “We’re extremely proud of our cast this year,” he said. “Not only are they a collection of brilliant young singers on the cusp of leaving us for bigger and brighter things, they are all super human beings who have chosen the precarious life of a singer, just because they all love to perform. “We really think this could be one of our best concerts to date.” Tickets cost $60 per person, although under-16s are free, and concertgoers should bring their own picnic, drinks, lawn chairs and rugs. The show runs from 5.30pm to approximately 8pm.

Info and bookings: https://www.aucklandoperastudio.co.nz/ events

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Pets Vets Corner

Pet of the Month Rewa

For most dogs, catching a ball at the beach is one of life’s great pleasures. This is definitely true for Rewa, the German wirehaired pointer who came in recently. She had been enjoying a morning at the beach, playing catch with her owner. Unfortunately for Rewa, on one occasion she was a little too keen to catch the ball and it became lodged in the back of her throat. Luckily, the ball didn’t fully block her airways and her owner kept her nice and calm so when she came in she was a little bit scared and drooling but still able to walk around. Rewa was quickly anaesthetised and the ball was found to be quite firmly stuck. Two vets worked to free the ball and she recovered quickly afterwards. Rewa is now doing well and is her happy, exuberant self again.

History Lyn Wade, Warkworth & District Museum www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

Making a connection In our modern world, with its many ways of instant communication, it is hard to imagine a world where local letters were hand-delivered by boat or horseback, or where you travelled to your nearest post office on mail day to collect your precious mail. These post offices were sometimes tiny sheds not much bigger than those old outside loos. One of these early post office buildings from Mahurangi Heads now lives at the Warkworth Museum. Telegraph, using morse code which was decoded and then hand-delivered to the recipient, first came to New Zealand in 1862, and connected Christchurch and Lyttleton. It was a vast improvement for fast communication. By 1866, the Cook Strait and Trans-Tasman cables had been laid and telegrams were becoming used more widely. They were expensive, but much faster than letters. By 1877, New Zealand had heard of Bell’s development and patenting of a practical telephone, where a voice message could be relayed almost instantly. It would have seemed like magic. One year later, a single line had been trialled and perhaps we could say the rest is history. The first post and telegraph office in Warkworth was opened on March 11, 1875, when a telegraph line from Auckland to the Bay of Islands was built through the town (pictured below). This was on the corner of Alnwick and Neville Street. In 1911, it was replaced with a new building to serve the town for many years as telephone exchange and post office. Part of the building was a home for the postmaster and his family. This category 2 historic building still stands and now accommodates the Mahurangi Matters office. Many small exchanges existed around the district and were often attached to private homes and operated for only a few hours a day. Those on a party line, where several

properties were linked by one line, had a morse code ring and could dial and chat to each other without going through the exchange. Our number at home was 23D – one long ring and then two shorts – much quicker than a walk up the road to exchange news. I have it on good authority that those operating the telephone exchanges were quite up with all the local news! Telegrams were still an important part of communication, especially for overseas contacts. Maureen Young, whose father, Mr Best, was the postmaster and telegraphist at Warkworth from 1935 to 1956, tells of young Frank Otway, who took her father’s place during the war when he was called up to serve. Many of the war telegrams were to notify families of the loss of one of their sons. Once he had decoded the message, he would jump in the P&T truck and deliver the news personally rather than ring. Post World War II, the use of telephones expanded quickly and many of us not-soyoung folk will remember the old black Bakelite rotary dial phones. We can probably remember the five-digit phone number, too! Then came those brightly coloured rotary dial phones, now a collector’s item. By the 1980s, the first cellular phones were appearing on the market, just over 100 years since the first phones. Now we can all have digital phones and instant communication to almost anywhere in the world. It is hard to imagine how we might communicate in another 100 years. There is a new display of old phones and related items at the Warkworth Museum. The collection belongs to Ray Jensen, one of the museum volunteers and an ex Post & Telegraph worker. Ray also has a small booklet available from the museum shop about telecommunications in the Warkworth area from 1874 if you are keen to learn more.

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Flying over Auckland in a Hercules is not something that a Wellsford school teacher does every day. Molly is pictured second from the left.

Molly swapped classroom attire for blue overalls during her week at the camp.

Defence force upskills teachers Wellsford School teacher Molly Dagger was among 40 teachers from around NZ who attended a teachers’ edition of the combined School to Skies and School to Seas Camp, held at the RNZAF Base at Whenuapai and the Devonport Naval Base, last month. The camp aims to empower teachers to arm their students with confidence and curiosity, and inspire a potential career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). School to Skies programme lead Squadron Leader Matthew Pitts said the teachers gained hands-on experience in the aviation and maritime industries, and the camp provided them with new educational tools and ideas, as well as introducing them to inspirational career opportunities available to their students. He said the aim was for participants to develop a learning experience that would inspire their students to pursue STEM career pathways and, in turn, help to increase diversity in RNZAF technical and aviation-based roles. Dagger said the experience had completely changed her perception of the military, which she admitted had largely been informed by movies and the media. “We found the defence personnel we met very hardworking, welcoming and committed to seeing people reach their potential,” she said. “I also didn’t realise the sheer number of career options and trades they offer, from musicians to warfare officers to chefs. There are so many opportunities, which would suit such a wide range of people. That’s something I’ll definitely be communicating to students who are unsure of what they want to do when they leave school. “There is also a misconception that you have to be super fit to join the services but, in fact, there is a huge emphasis on health care to support people to reach their

required fitness levels.” In terms of teaching STEM, Dagger said the camp had given her a range of ideas for how to deliver these subjects in class, which she was looking forward to sharing with other teachers at the school. “Not everyone learns from books – sometimes taking a more practical approach such as constructing something like a small plane, as we did – will produce better learning outcomes.” At RNZAF Base Auckland, the teachers were introduced to military skills, the principles of flight and aviation mission planning. They also boarded a C-130H(NZ) Hercules for a flight over Auckland with No. 40 Squadron. School to Seas project lead Lieutenant Commander Emily Kutarski said recruiting and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, which represented all New Zealanders, was also critically important for the RNZN. “School to Seas certainly helps to show the range of career opportunities the Navy has to offer,” she said. “The camp aims to introduce what life is like at sea, as well as break down stereotypes and barriers that may prevent women and other under-represented groups from enlisting in the Navy.” During their time at Devonport Naval Base, the teachers were shown what day-to-day life was like for Navy personnel, as well as firefighting, navigation and leadership skills. “New Zealand’s STEM workforce has less than 30 per cent women. Female students in New Zealand drop out of studying maths and science at a rate far higher than their male counterparts, and for Māori or Pasifika that rate is even greater. “With global long-term shortages in the STEM workforce, we need to attract young women in order to sustain and grow our numbers both in the Navy and the wider maritime industry,” Kutarski said.

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The invincibility code ‘In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.’ So wrote the French-Algerian existentialist philosopher Albert Camus. After a grim 2023, we really needed to have an invincible spirit and an internal well of summer just to cope with the year. So once summer properly arrived, it was time to stock up. Time to lay a store of experiences, moments, laughter, adventure and some R&R to help heal the pain of the last year, of the anthropocene, and to bank some happiness resilience and invincibility for the year to come. For me, that meant paddleboarding among leaping fish in the warm rain in a green bay fringed with pohutukawa up north. It meant jumping off the pontoon and swinging on a rope from a tall tree with my mokopuna into the Wenderholm estuary. On that special day, my little great-nephew charmed the United Nations grannies of Wenderholm by toddling about the park towing his Buzzy Bee. I showed my beloved great-niece the magic of a pohutukawa tree. We took friends sea kayaking. I swam and swam and swam along the Mahurangi coast. We camped in the shelter of the woolshed at Lagoon Bay. After six years of closure, because of natural disasters that killed people and destroyed tracks and bridges, and management responses to kauri dieback disease, we were

finally allowed back to some of the closed areas of the Waitakere Ranges. We, and all the other walkers we encountered back in the forest, sighed with relief at being among real forest, real trees, yet again. We saw tomtits, swooping kereru, stick insects and giant kauri, many hundreds of years old. We tramped along the west coast and camped in a hidden and secluded forested valley. We swam naked in a rocky river pool in the rain. We watched sunsets, wondered at glistening moisture on caves in the night, saw infinite reflections in pooled water, oystercatchers bravely guarding nests. During an overnight stay at Tiri, we drank pohutukawa nectar straight from abundant flowers and laughed at our faces covered with pollen. We saw takahe chicks, tuatara, kororā coming ashore, kiwi and kokako skipping along the track. I grew a bumper crop of cucumbers, gherkins, salad greens, beans and beetroot. The tomatoes are ripening, the blueberries are almost ready. The sunflowers have provided beauty, and food for birds. My sweetcorn is sweet. We harvested our compost pile for worm-rich humus that’s given my garden a boost. My flower garden has been a delightful medley of larkspurs, candytufts, harebell and marigolds with their merry gold. I’ve had time for pottery, for sketching, for catching up on overdue chores. Long daylight hours mean each day seems to last forever. There are more adventures still to come. I’m building up my defences for winter. Invincibility is my aim.

Lagoon Bay

Music for mental health in Matakana

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| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

A one-day music festival featuring 11 local bands will be held this month in Matakana to raise funds for mental health. Rock4Reason is the brainchild of Primal AD lead singer Antz Sowry and Dirty Happys trumpet player Buck Rodgers and will be held at The Stables at the Matakana Country Park on Saturday, February 17, from 1pm to 10.30pm. Rodgers said the festival was aimed at bringing singers, musicians and DJs together to celebrate local talent, the spirit of community and the power of music to make a positive change. “We’re bringing together musicians from diverse backgrounds, from aspiring bands to seasoned performers, providing them with a stage to share their passion and creativity,” he said. “We’re starting off with folk, blues and light rock and going right through to punk, ska and heavy rock.” Stables owner Woody Richards has provided the venue free of charge, Omaha Construction is building the stage and all proceeds will be going to youth mental

health charity I Am Hope. Performers include Tricycle, The Mickeys, The Easy Brothers, Kaos Theory, DJ Stash, On Tick, 0800 Belly Up, T.A.N.G., Rumpus Machine, Bad Neighbours (pictured) and Primal AD. Rodgers, who is also manager and trumpet player with the WWB Big Band, said the response from the local music community had been overwhelmingly positive, with all bands, sound technicians, organisers and crew happily working for free. Tickets from $20 and are available from Eventbrite or via the Rock4Reason website. Info and bookings: https://www.rock4reason.co.nz/home

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Gardening Andrew Steens

Telling the lawn to sod off We’ve certainly had a taste of the tropics over the past few weeks, which has been wonderful for my tropical plants. I’ve never had my tropical cordylines, frangipani, bananas and bromeliads looking so good, with lots of warmth, enough sun and regular rain. I’m not complaining, although I was relieved when some cooler conditions came through and made the night temperatures more tolerable. Tropical conditions do bring a swathe of issues with them for plants that originate in less balmy climes, though. In particular, many lawns in the area seem to be suffering from a fungal disease that appears as semicircular or circular dead areas, similar to the damage from a mower set too low. This is typical of the fungus Magnaporthiopsis poae commonly known as Summer Patch. Aside from high humidity and high temperature, the disease is promoted by poor drainage, poor aeration of the soil and excessive nitrogen fertiliser use. There are fungicides (toxic and expensive) that can be used to control it, but really, it’s just a case of waiting till the weather changes and it will sort itself out. Or, you can do what I’m doing – getting rid of my lawn. Several years ago, I had enough lawn to warrant a ride-on lawnmower (well, okay, maybe I just like having a ride-on), but this area has been gradually whittled away – some was lost to a new garage, a bit more to a new driveway, some more to a gravel parking area (I prefer gravel parking over concrete as it reduces water run-off ). But mostly, the lawn has been taken over by new plantings of productive fruit and vegetable gardens.

It is very easy to reclaim gardens from lawn, I simply lay out cardboard (the big boxes that whiteware and similar are packed in are ideal) sprinkle with fertiliser and cover with mulch. The grass dies through lack of sunlight, and the worms make short work of the dead grass and eventually the cardboard. Don’t use cardboard that has the glossy finish and remove any plastic tape, as neither of these will break down readily. If you are impatient to use an area, just cut a cross in the cardboard and plant into this. I’ve planted melons and tomatoes this way with great success, just make sure there are lots of nutrients available, as lawns are often deficient. Otherwise, once you are sure that the grass has died off, you can plant as normal. My most recent reclamation includes roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) for the flower calyxes, which I use for jam and colouring my gin, sugarcane to produce sugarcane juice for my rum and useful ‘chop and drop’ mulch, Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia diversifolia), also for mulch, plus the glorious flowers to feed the butterflies, watermelons as both a ground cover and for the fruit, of course, and two clumps of bananas, Misi Luki and Blue Java, which should both be producing two to three bunches each of at least 100 bananas a bunch by next summer. In the current conditions, the growth rates of all of these tropical plants has been phenomenal and not only will this area be immeasurably more productive than a barren lawn, it’s also much better for the environment, and a hell of a lot more enjoyable than mowing the lawn at this time of year!

Central’s Tips February 2024 The fruit and vegetable garden • Green looper caterpillars hatch quickly in the heat and are responsible for the holes in tomatoes, mint and lettuces. Picking them off requires daily dedication, but there are natural sprays and remedies that will deal with caterpillars • Buckets of soapy water from the shower or from washing the floor are just fine to pour on to plants and a good way to give the pots a good soak • Cover ripening blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with bird netting – the birds are hungry and love a good berry patch • Basil is easily grown in summer as it loves the heat. Experiment with different types of basil to make those Thai dishes taste great • Thin out the fruit developing on young citrus bushes to ensure you get a decent size fruit crop. Too many on a stem and none of them will make it

The ornamental garden • Stake up the taller perennials in the garden – delphiniums, phlox and helenium to offer a great display in the summer border • New season’s daffodil and tulip bulbs can be stored in the fridge in paper bags. By the time they’re ready to be planted out in May they will have broken dormancy ready to grow strongly • For a summer flowering tree, the lagerstroemia (crepe myrtle) with it • Spray evergreen shrubs like rhododendrons, verbenas and bergenias to avoid the silvery thrip damage to foliage that becomes evident in autumn. A natural alternative is an oil spray on the reverse of the leaves or even a jet of water from the hose • Tropical plants add a lush, summery feel to any garden. Adding big leaves such as canna lilies, pukas and ligularias help this look as do palms and flowers such as impatiens and alstroemerias (Peruvian lilies)

Early warning app

Kiwis can now subscribe to receive mobile phone notifications when MetService issues a red warning for the most severe weather, or if there is an extreme fire danger risk near them. The service is available through the free MetService NZ Weather app with the location specific notifications enabled. The notifications for extreme fire danger will be triggered when Fire and Emergency’s fire weather system calculates the fire danger to be at its highest level (extreme – where fire intensities and spread rates are likely to make a wildfire extremely dangerous). MetService will trigger notifications when red warnings for severe weather are issued for specific locations. These warnings are for the most significant and impactful heavy rain and/or strong winds or heavy snow.

Sport participation boost

Auckland Council is inviting applications from sports organisations keen to receive a share of $3.2 million in funding designed to encourage greater participation in community sport and recreation activities. Applications for the three-year (20242027) funding round open on February 12 and close on March 24. A committee will make funding decisions in July. Those eligible include community groups with a sport/recreation focus, national or regional sport/recreation organisations, iwi, schools, universities or religious groups with sport/recreation facilities open to the community, and commercial entities operating sport/recreation facilities that directly benefit the wider community. Council’s active communities general manager Dave Stewart says a grant could be used for example for funding unexpected one-off maintenance or repair costs, ensuring the facility breaks even, for long term maintenance funding or for caretakers’ salaries. Info: sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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Book Reviews We welcome three new reviewers to our team of columnists this month – Juniper Elder of Snells Beach, Abby Soffe of Ahuroa, and Barbara Leslie of Kaiwaka. Happy reading!

One Of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus The last book of a thrilling trilogy, One Of Us Is Back is the ultimate conclusion surrounding the mysteries and secrets of the town of Bayview. The Bayview Crew, a group of exstudents from Bayview High, after enduring years of accusations, media scrutiny and mind games, is finally settling into normal life. But everything they’ve worked for is soon threatened with the impending return of an old enemy and when forgotten rumours and a new game emerges, is it really just a coincidence? One Of Us Is Back is a book I could not put down. Karen M. McManus effectively builds tension and keeps the reader hooked and on the edge of their seat with every page. Perfect for all murder mystery and crime lovers, there are themes of both betrayal and redemption, and a lovable, lively cast that will keep you engaged and guessing as the story progresses. This book has a gripping plot and an ending that will leave you shocked and in awe; a worthy finale for the best-selling, One Of Us Is Lying trilogy. Reviewed by Juniper Elder.

Everything Is Beautiful And Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro I don’t know about you, but I find something comforting in reading a book by a New Zealand author. Everything Is Beautiful And Everything Hurts is quintessentially a Kiwi book. It evoked childhood memories, with references to places and scenes that are familiar to us all. Especially now that I can’t stop thinking about homemade custard! This debut novel is a gritty read, while still being inspiring. It follows Mickey, navigating life feeling like an outsider, and facing the challenging relationships and bonds that change within

family and others we meet. The tough reality of being a competitive runner and how detours happen in life, and how sometimes a person or event can come along and change your path when you least expect it. The descriptions of competitive running were so vivid that I put the book down feeling like I had run a marathon alongside Mickey. Alas, my fitness tracker doesn’t agree with me. I would have truly believed this was an autobiography. Instead it is an impressive work by a talented new author. Trigger warnings, there are mild references to sexual assault, self-harm and eating disorders.

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Direct from Caluzzi Cabaret, Miss Kerry Berry.

Dancing and drag acts at night Pride

May is a bestselling Scottish author specialising in crime series, as well as stand-alone novels. In A Winter Grave, washed-out Glaswegian detective Cameron Brodie finds himself the only available officer with winter mountain climbing experience, who was able to investigate a body found high up in a steep, snow and ice covered Munro. It’s 2051 and the Gulf Stream has gone, leaving the independent country Scotland a very cold place and much of Britain under water. Brodie is old school and wants to redeem himself after a seemingly cut and dried case collapsed because he had not factored in the latest AI photoshopping. Kinlochleven is the last place he wants to go, but it is also where his longestranged daughter lives. He wants to tell her the truth about her mother, but doesn’t know how to. So, struggling with his demons and regrets, he sets off. What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed murder mystery where no one is as they seem, and everyone has secrets. Brodie has a nose for sniffing out the truth, but not before more tragic events occur. May crafts together a story where the main characters are developed and personalised so expertly that the reader feels connected in a way many authors could only aspire to.

Top city drag acts are escaping the bright lights of Auckland and venturing into rural Northland on Saturday, February 17 to star in this year’s Paparoa Pride event. Leading the evening line-up will be drag king and winner of TVNZ series House of Drag, Hugo Grrrl, and Miss Kerry Berry, a showgirl at drag queen dinner theatre venue Caluzzi Cabaret in Karangahape Road. They will be joined on stage at the Paparoa Sports Pavilion by local acts – drag king Victor E. Dance from Whangarei, blues band Slightly Blue and DJ Dan Dare. This will be the third Paparoa Pride event to celebrate and support the local LGBTi+ community – the first was a parade through town and a picnic in 2021, and the second a parade and picnic hosted by comedian Karen O’Leary at the showgrounds last year. This year, organisers have decided to freshen things up with an indoor show of drag, comedy and music to celebrate local diversity, which will run from 7pm to midnight. “This year’s event is a bit different than last year – an exciting night of drag queens and kings, entertainment from local musicians and a DJ for a dance party,” said one. “We have secured a fantastic line up of entertainers and it is a wonderful opportunity to get together from across Te Tai Tokerau to celebrate the diversity, richness and creativity of our region and its LGBTi+ community. “It’s going to be a party not to be missed!” Tickets cost $5 on the door and there will be coffee, tea and snacks on sale for cash only – there is no Eftpos. Attendees are encouraged to bring a plate of kai to share.

Reviewed by Barbara Leslie

Info: Paparoa Pride on Facebook

Reviewed by Abby Soffe

A Winter Grave by Peter May

LOW CARBON CONCRETE www.localmatters.co.nz

House of Drag Hugo Grrrl.

Firth Readymix Matakana, Wellsford and Mangawhai Orders 09 423 6044 | www.firth.co.nz February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Karaka berry, Photo, Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa

Karaka berry warning The festival will celebrate the role wooden boats have played in New Zealand’s history. Photo, Roger Mills.

Wooden boats take centre stage in Auckland Wooden boat enthusiasts from Mangawhai and Mahurangi will be among the guest speakers at the inaugural Auckland Wooden Boat Festival to be held on Auckland’s waterfront from March 1 to 3. Some of NZ’s finest wooden boats are expected to be on display, including everything from A Class classic yachts to classic launches, working vessels, clinker boats, mullet boats and indigenous, Pacific and Asian craft. The programme will include a series of talks, short films, hands-on sailing opportunities, entertainment and a photographic display. “Wooden boats are in our DNA,” festival founder Tony Stevenson says. “We are an island nation, connected by waterways and boats are truly integral to our way of life. Wooden boats are that connection back to

our heritage.” Speakers will include representatives of the Mangawhai Daring Trust, the group that is involved in restoring the 1860s coastal trading vessel the Daring. Kawau Island sailor and adventurer Lin Pardey will recount some of her voyages over the last 40 years. Pardey has a new book in the pipeline due to be published this year, the seventh in her cruising narrative series, and the 13th book of her career. The historic Mahurangi Regatta will also be acknowledged, with a short film of the 2018 event. Stevenson says the aim of the festival is to tell the story of Auckland’s maritime history from early Māori times through to today.

“Each of the 100 or so boats that will be on display has an inter-generational story to tell. They were handcrafted in a time when we still made things with our hands. Some carried across oceans, some were traders serving communities up and down our coasts. They were our transport and our recreation. “Many of these boats are 100 years old or more. They have survived wars, depression, celebrations, anniversaries, disrepair and, thankfully, restoration. “This festival will be a celebration of the boats, their custodians, skilled craftsman, sailors and enthusiasts who laid the foundation of New Zealand’s maritime tradition, and the generations that followed them.”

Organisers are still interested in hearing from any wooden boat owners who would like to be involved. For more information, go to: www.aucklandwoodenboatfestival.co.nz

Animal owners are being urged to be on the lookout for highly toxic karaka berries, as the tree’s fruiting season intensifies between January and April. While signs of karaka toxicity have been recorded in humans, sheep, cattle, chickens and other species, dogs are especially sensitive to the toxin in the orange berry, as they contain the alkaloid karakin. Consumption of the berries in dogs can lead to respiratory failure, impaired neurological function, and even death. NZ Veterinary Association president Kate Hill said signs of karaka berry toxicity in dogs can be delayed up to 48 hours following ingestion. Signs to be aware of in dogs include: • vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, and abdominal pain • paralysis of hind limbs • loss of balance • convulsions • reduction in the dog’s breathing rate and eventual paralysis of muscles used for breathing.

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| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

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Photo, Alan Martin

Mahurangi Regatta ‘magnificent’ Patchy weather did nothing to dampen spirits at the 2024 Mahurangi Regatta, which organisers declared an excellent rendition of the historical event. About 110 entries of all classes and types took part in the races off Sullivans Bay, about the same number as the most successful regattas in the past, Mahurangi Cruising Club vice-commodore Hugh Gladwell said. Sailing conditions varied, but overall the regatta went off without a hitch. Hundreds of yachts and boats in the harbour added to the festive atmosphere. First recorded in 1858, the regatta was then

held sporadically until Mahurangi Action revived the annual tradition in 1977. Organiser Cimino Cole said the event went “superbly well”, adding that the community was “hungry for another regatta” after covid and weather conditions impacted the last two years’ events. Light rain in the evening proved the value of a new, Bedouin-styled marquee used for the ever-popular prizegiving and dance at Scotts Landing, featuring the West City Jazz Orchestra. “It’s always pretty damn good, but this year was magnificent,” Cole said.

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Hands down success

The Warkworth Bridge Club held its annual Open Tournament at the clubrooms in Alnwick Street on January 20, attracting entries from as far north as Kerikeri and the greater Auckland area, as well as one player from Westport. Altogether, 64 players participated, making up 16 tables. The eventual winners were Jenny Robinson and Sandy Regan, from Orewa. The top performing Warkworth players were Celia and David Knighton, who came seventh, and Lynley and Ian Lewington, who were close behind at ninth. Club president Sarah Gordon said that due to covid, the tournament hadn’t been held since 2021. “It was a very successful day and we’re very glad to see it is back on the calendar,” she said. Tournament sponsors Warkworth New World and Leigh Fish were thanked for their support. Gordon said the club was always keen to welcome new players and beginner classes would start on Thursday, March 7, from 7pm-9pm. The 10-week course costs $100 and includes club membership. Info: warkworthbridgeclub.nz

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| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

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Harley 021 0220 8727 or 09 423 9012 February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

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| Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

Classifieds APPLIANCE REPAIRS A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/ Simpson dryers. Prompt service 021 168 7349. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

E-BIKE BUSINESS VENTURE

An opportunity exists for an experienced owner/operator to set up an E-Bike business venture in the Warkworth/ Matakana area. Must have experience in all aspects of E-Bikes. Partnered with excellent Brand. Secured Leasehold premises in excellent location for immediate start up. For further information and genuine enquiries only please contact 021-526-950. DRIVEWAYS

HOME & MAINTENANCE

COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME? Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations. Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04 WINDOW CLEANING/ HOUSEWASH/GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

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FERELYTH ROFFEY A Memorial service for Ferelyth Roffey will be held in the Snells Beach Community Church on Monday 12 February starting at 12:00. Ferelyth was supportive of many people and community groups and we would like her friends and acquaintances to attend this service which will be a celebration of her life. Rather than sending flowers or monetary contributions we ask people to give their time and expertise to supporting others in the community. SITUATIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS A reminder to the public that the JP Service Desks are available as follows: Warkworth, at the Library Monday 10am – 2pm If there is a long weekend, it is the following Tuesday from 10am to 12noon Matakana, Cinema Complex Tuesday 11am-1pm Snells Beach, at the Library Friday 10am – noon Warkworth RSA Fridays 3.30pm to 5pm No appointment is needed. There is no cost. At all other times there are plenty of other JP’s available in the Warkworth/Mahurangi Area, either in the Warkworth Community phone book, or on-line “find a JP”. Supported by Mahurangi Matters

CHURCH NOTICES

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Blue Skies Cleaning Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849

MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Ph Trevor 021 0225 5606 DVDS & VIDEOS

IN MEMORIAM

SURVEY STAFF REQUIRED Buckton’s are hiring – we have full time positions available for an experienced Survey Technician and a Survey Assistant. Please forward your covering letter and CV to r.cullen@buckton.co.nz or call Richard on 09 425 8950 or 021 0274 1660 for more information. 16 Mill Lane Warkworth www.buckton.co.nz WANTED TO RENT

LONG TERM RURAL

Looking for 3 brm house, double garage, ideally in the Ahuroa/ Kaipara Flats areas. 20 years in previous rental. Excellent reference. Ph 027 511 8889

Holy Mass Timetable: WARKWORTH

Holy Name Church, 6 Alnwick Street Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday: 10.30am

PUHOI

SS. Peter & Paul Church Sunday: 8.30am

The deadline for classified advertising for our February 19 paper is Feb 14. Send classified advertising enquiries to design@localmatters.co.nz

22 Mansel Drive, Warkworth Phone 425 8861 www.hopehq.nz Sunday Services 10.00am

Sudoku Solution

If it’s local, let us know! Mahurangi Matters 425 9068 Mahurangi Matters can be picked up from the following businesses: WARKWORTH: Mahurangi Matters, Paper Plus, Warkworth Information Centre, Woolworths, New World, Z • PUHOI: Puhoi Pub, Puhoi Store • SNELLS BEACH: Snells Beach Dairy, The Food Market, Gull, Snells Beach Library • MATAKANA: Matakana 4 Square, Gull, Matakana Information Centre • Point Wells Store • OMAHA: Omaha Superette • LEIGH General Store • WELLSFORD: Top Shop 4 Square, Woody’s Winners, Port Albert Store • KAIWAKA: 4 Square, Caltex • MANGAWHAI: Mangawhai Village Superette, Mangawhai Club, Mangawhai New World • MAUNGATUROTO: 4 Square RD1 • WAIPU: Waipu service station

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History captured in colour

The Warkworth Museum has produced coloured versions of this photo of the Wilson Cement Works, in Warkworth, taken when the operation was in full production. Originally in black and white, the photo has been colourised by Ian Anderson, at Hot Shots Photography. It is available from both the museum and the Museum Op Shop in Baxter Street for $10.

Info on Northland freshwater plan change

Beef + Lamb NZ is organising an online hui to discuss Northland Regional Council’s draft changes to its freshwater plan for Te Taitokerau on Thursday, February 8. Part information session and part Q&A, the hui will focus on aspects of the plan change that are likely to interest landowners, farmers and the general public. “It includes potential new rules that could mean big changes to how land and freshwater is managed in our region, so listen in, ask questions and find out more,” a spokesperson says. Info and registration: Search for online events at https://beeflambnz.com/events

www.localmatters.co.nz

February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

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SCOREBOARD THE scorEBoArD ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT FOR FIVE YEARS AND RUNNING

A round-up sports activities and events the district a Roundup ofof spoRTs acTiviTies ininTHe disTRicT Warkworth Surveyors proved too strong in the end, taking out the winners trophy. Pictured are team members, from left, Peter Farrow, Marilyn Dwyer, Wendy Carr and Rupert Mather. (Absent, Martin Koks).

Warkworth hockey Registrations are open for hockey at Warkworth Hockey Club. Trials for P3 Men, D1/D2 Men, and P3/ D2 Women are on Saturday, February 10, and Saturday, February 17, at Warkworth Showgrounds. See Warkworth Hockey Club on Facebook for times. Men’s football The Mangawhai Football Club men’s team has begun weekly kickarounds at 6pm on Thursday nights, at the Mangawhai Domain. If you are interested in playing football this year, or just keen for a run-around, then feel free to come down. We are always looking for more players. Top of the Rock is back The annual Kaiwaka Top of the Rock will return on Sunday, March 17. Choose from a 5km or 10km running/walking route, or enter the kids in the free Kids Fun Bike Ride. The route starts at Pakeho Road, Kaiwaka. Pick up an entry form from Four Square Kaiwaka, or visit www.kaiwakasport.co.nz/ top-of-the-rock Junior footy Puhoi Sports Club will host its Junior Football Muster Days on Thursday, February 8 and 15. Volunteers and coaches are needed for weekly training and Saturday game days. Contact the club on Facebook if you are interested. Masters golf Harbour Golf is searching for women aged 40+ who are interested in trialling for the North Harbour Women’s Masters team for the NZ Masters Inter-provincial to be held at Waiuku from April 5-7. Interested? Email David: david@northgolf.nz Scottish dancing The Silver Oaks Scottish Country Dancing Club meets every Friday, from 10am until midday at Shoesmith Hall. For the young-at-heart to keep bodies and brains working safely. The year starts with four basic refresher or learner classes this month and then gradually adds new formations and ToTalspan Rodney dances as the year progresses. The club is registered with the Live Longer, Live Stronger programme 229 sTaTe endorsed by ACC,HigHway so you can join 1 via a green prescription. You do not need a partner. Please wear soft-soled shoes, bring your water bottle and your smile. waRkwoRTH

Although it was social bowls, it was still competitive and sometimes the measuring tape was necessary. Pictured are Ray White team members Terry Mills and Nicole Banks.

Surveyors bowl over competition Warkworth Bowls wound up its annual Twilight Summer Bowls (formerly Business House Bowls) on January 30. After the final play, Warkworth Surveyors finished first, followed by Hynds Pipes and the Warkworth RSA. The successful competition ran for six weeks, with three play dates either side of Christmas, a format that will be repeated

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next summer. A total of 16 teams competed. The winners received a trophy, as well as an advertising package donated by Mahurangi Matters. Major sponsor Barfoot & Thompson was thanked for their support, as well as Central Landscapes, Kirsty Jane Designs & Wild Violets, Mason Containers, Mason Contractors, Warkworth New World and Warkworth RSA.

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Sun Sun Fishing Fishing Guide Guide

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New New First First Full Moon Moon Quarter Quarter Moon Rise Rise 5:08am 3:42am Rise Rise 6:27am 4:39am Rise Rise 7:45am 5:33am Rise Rise 9:01am 6:23am Rise Rise10:15am 7:07am Rise Rise11:26am 7:47am Rise Rise12:38pm 8:21am Rise Rise 1:48pm 8:52am Rise Rise 2:57pm 9:21am Set Rise12:33am 9:50am Set Rise 10:20am 1:20am Set Rise 10:52am 2:13am Set Set 12:54am 3:12am Set Set 4:13am 2:05am Set Set 5:14am 3:16am Set Set 6:15am 4:22am Set Set 7:14am 5:22am 1:28pm Set 2:13pm Set 3:05pm Set 4:03pm Set 5:05pm Set 6:10pm Set 7:16pm Set 8:23pm Set 9:29pm Rise 4:03pm Rise 5:03pm Rise 5:56pm Rise 6:40pm Rise 7:16pm Rise 1:01pm Rise 2:00pm Rise 3:06pm Set 8:13pm Set 8:50pm Set 9:23pm Set 9:53pm Set 10:21pm Set 10:49pm Set 11:20pm Set 11:54pm Set 10:36pm Set 11:44pm Rise 11:28am Rise 12:11pm Rise 7:47pm Rise 8:13pm Rise 8:36pm Moon Moon Set *Not *Not for for navigational navigational purposes. purposes.

Good Good Fishing Fishing

Fair Fair Fishing Fishing

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What’s on See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for a full list of upcoming events

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February 6

Waitangi Day celebration, Taha Awa Riverside Gardens, Dargaville, 11am-3pm. Live entertainment, cultural performances, interactive craft and toi Māori stalls, kai and a healing space. Free entry

Warkworth Liaison Group meeting, Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room, 7.30pm. All welcome

Mahurangi Friendship Club meeting, Mahurangi East Community Hall, 9.45am. Club for retirees and semi-retirees Club with guest speakers and day trips. All welcome.

Warkworth Men’s Rebus Coffee Morning, Summerset Village Cafe, 10.30am. Camaraderie and chat. Non-members welcome; it’s strictly social. Info: Ron 422 3111.

Matakana Vineyards in the Village, Matakana Farmers Market, 4.30-8pm. Wine from local vineyards, Italian in the Village pizza, live music, cellar door sales

9-11

Shipwrecked festival, Te Arai (ses story p28)

Wellsford Variety Music Club Day, Wellsford District Community Centre, 1-4pm. Live band and open mic format. $5 adult or $10 family of two adults & 2 children. Light afternoon tea provided, contributions welcome. Info: Andrew 09 422 4324

Guitar duo Mark Mazengarb & Katie Martucci, Whangateau Folk Club, Whangateau Hall. Info: https://whangateau.co.nz/about/folk-club/

Taste & See, an opportunity to meet members of the Matakantata Choir and learn more about what the choir is all about, Matakana Village Hall, 7pm (see story p19)

MICO WARKWORTH 9 Morrison Dr | 09 422 2430

Rainfall figures for January 113mm Wellsford

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Mangawhai

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Matakana Vineyards in the Village, Matakana Farmers Market, 4.30-8pm. Wine from local vineyards, Italian in the Village pizza, live music, cellar door sales

Rock4Reason, The Stables, Matakana Country Park, 1-10.30pm. One-day music festival, 11 local bands, raising money for mental health. Tickets from $20. Info and bookings: https://www.rock4reason.co.nz/home (see story p32)

Matakana Opera Picnic, cnr Ward and Matakana Valley Roads, 5.30pm. Tickets $60, under 16s free. Book: aucklandoperastudio.co.nz

Paparoa Pride, Paparoa Sports Pavilion, 7pm to midnight. Tickets $5 (see story p35)

Warkworth Men’s Rebus general meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 10am. Guest speaker. Retired and missing your mates? This group could be for you. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111.

* All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.

Warkworth Flower Show, Warkworth Town Hall, public viewing from midday to 5pm(see story p26)

www.mico.co.nz | 0800 101 999

Matakana Vineyards in the Village, Matakana Farmers Market, 4.30-8pm. Wine from local vineyards, Italian in the Village pizza, live music, cellar door sales

Warkworth Cement Works Walking Tour, Wilson Road, 3pm. Learn the history of the site and purpose of the remaining visible structures. Suitable for all walking levels. Info: John 021 175 6686

Cue Haven Nature Connect, 2704 Kaipara Coast Highway, Glorit, 10am12.30pm. Free guided walks to learn about flora and fauna. RSVP: claire@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz

Warkworth Ladies Rebus Club Meeting, Besoul, 3/12 Gumfield Drive Warkworth, 10am. Guest and club speakers. Meetings held fourth Tuesday of every month. Info: Beryl 027 494 3387.

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29, Mar1&2 Northland Field Days, Awakino Point East Road, Dargaville (see ad p28) 29

How to look after your textile treasures with Dr Tracey Wedge, Warkworth Museum, 10am-12pm. $20pp. Limited spaces. Booking essential. Email warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz. Info: Warkworth and Districts Museum on Facebook.

March 1-3

Auckland Wooden Boat Festival (see story p36)

Summer Magic - Music in the Garden, Couldrey House, Wenderholm Regional Park, 6-8.30pm. Performance by Opera Factory. Rain day March 10. Tickets $45 + booking fees. Under 16s free. Bookings and info: https://www.eventfinda. co.nz/2024/summer-magic-music-in-the-garden/auckland/waiwera (see story p27)

Warkworth Liaison Group meeting, Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room, 7.30pm. All welcome.

Mahurangi Friendship Club meeting, Mahurangi East Community Hall, 9.45am. Club for retirees and semi-retirees with guest speakers and day trips. All welcome.

Undergrand – Auckland Arts Festival, Brick Bay, 10-11.30am. Pop-up portable baby grand piano performance on Brick Bay beach. Free. Info: https://www.aaf. co.nz/event/undergrand

List your event by emailing the details to online@localmatters.co.nz

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February 5, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

The women’s team is keen to have another go on the lake next year.

gold. Bush Richards collected

Mangawhai waka ama making waves Mangawhai featured on the winning dias at the Waka Ama National Sprint Championships held on Lake Karāpiro last month. Thousands of paddlers, representing 73 clubs from Kaitaia to Dunedin, competed over seven days, with a chance to qualify for the World Waka Ama Sprint Championships in Hawaii at stake. Experienced Mangawhai paddler Lance (Bush) Richards walked away with a Gold Medal in the 75-year-old class. Bush has been competing in waka ama and outrigging competitions for 30 years, both in New Zealand and overseas. The club’s women’s team, Mangawhai

Rush, sponsored by Rush Coffee, also did well, missing a place in the finals of the 500-metre sprint by just one slot. Team member Mandy White said this was the team’s first time at the competition and they were “pretty pleased” with the result. The team competed in the 500-metre sprint and the turns race, a three kilometre race that involves three turns. “The calibre of the paddlers was huge and the turns race was a lot more technical than we’d expected,” White says. “It was a great experience, though and we are super-keen to have another go next year. The atmosphere was amazing, and

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teams were made up of all cultures, ages and ability. “Racing a waka involves everybody working together and when it happens, it’s an amazing feeling.” The Mangawhai team members were White, Birgit Meister, Ingrid Kaptein, Joanne Tischik, Anthoinet Top and Sharee Lum. The women have been paddling together for about three months, and trained three or four times a week in the run up to the Karāpiro competition. The next big event on the club’s calendar is the three-day Takapuna Cup, starting on February 17.

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The club will field a women’s team in the 42km changeover race around Rangitoto and Rakino Islands, as well as mixed and masters entries. White says the club is in good heart, with an enthusiastic membership that paddles several times a week. “Waka ama has a really good team environment, is great for fitness, and gives people a chance to get out on the water.” Anyone interested is welcome to ‘have a go’ on Saturday mornings from about 8am onwards. The club meets by the black container on the estuary, at the end of Mangawhai Heads Road.

a full range of family medical care, including Coast to Coast For A&M services in an system 24 hours Health Care integrated a day, across our region, including public holidays

Mangawhai

4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Matakana

74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Maungaturoto

138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

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Paparoa

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09 425 8585 44 | Mahurangimatters | February 5, 2024

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