Mahurangi Matters_Issue 473_19 February 2024 by Localmatters

Medical service cut P3 February 19, 2024

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Fuel tax kills Hill Street P4

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only do they take the eggs and “ Not kill the chicks, but they also kill the adult birds. ” Dr Marie Ward

Council pussyfoots over dotterel destruction A refusal by Auckland Council to seriously address the cat problem on the Omaha Spit could sound the death knell for the area as a breeding site for the threatened NZ dotterel/tūturiwhatu. There are an estimated 26 breeding pairs at Omaha, which potentially means more than 200 eggs are laid in any one season – dotterel can lay up to four times in a season depending on the success of their eggs. In both the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons, only eight chicks fledged and since then, the number has continued to decline. Only two chicks have so far fledged this season. Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust volunteer Dr Marie Ward believes that without some intervention, Omaha, once described as a “rare and special place” for dotterel, will cease to be a breeding site within two years. While the dotterel chicks face numerous threats to their survival – quad bikes, picnickers disrupting the chicks’ feeding habits, fishermen breaking the gate on the

Council inertia

Auckland Council is shirking its responsibilities as managers of the reserve by refusing to:

• Extend the predator proof fence to the low water mark to make it harder for cats to access the area

• Trap cats in the reserve, as it does in regional parks

• Close the reserve to the public during the dotterel breeding season

Without these measures, Omaha Spit’s future as a breeding ground for the endangered NZ dotterel is doomed. pest-proof fence and driving through the area in 4WDs, joggers and walkers, stray dogs, domestic dogs off-leash, drones, hedgehogs, weasels, stoats, hedgehogs and storms – the shorebird trust says cats by far are causing the greatest damage. Not only do they take the eggs and kill the chicks, but they also kill the adult birds. “If a cat approaches a male sitting on a

clutch of eggs, he will often stay too long trying to protect the nest so the cat will get both the bird and the eggs,” Ward says. Trust volunteers have found the carcasses of numerous dotterel on the public side of the pest-proof fence and have reams of photos from sensor cameras of cats with birds in their mouths. Despite this evidence, council, which

administers the reserve, remains complacent. Biosecurity principal advisor Imogen Bassett says trapping or shooting the cats is not an option because they are likely to be “much-loved” family pets. Council also has no intention of extending the predator-proof fence to the low water mark “due to the cost and the impact this would have on users of the beach and the area between high tide and low tide”. “We are, however, concerned about the risk that cats pose to threatened shorebirds, and that is why we’ve been working closely with the community to raise awareness of the importance of responsible pet ownership,” Bassett says. Unfortunately, this community education approach, which has been in place for more than 10 years, has done little to save the birds. In some cases, the cats in the reserve have been identified and the owners approached, with mixed results. Some owners are apologetic and take steps to continued page 2

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Dotterel breeding results Shorebird volunteers have erected homemade signs in an effort to better educate visitors to the reserve. Pictured are Sue Cook (left) and Dr Marie Ward.

Council pussyfoots over dotterel decline from page 1

restrict their cat’s movements at night, but there are others who deny it is their cat or who just don’t care. As Omaha becomes more urbanised, with an increasing number of permanent residents, trust members fear the issue will only get worse. Dotterel were once widespread and common, but there are now only about 2500 birds left in NZ, making them more at risk than some species of kiwi. The chicks are most vulnerable in the six to eight weeks before they fledge (fly). The parent birds don’t feed them, so they are left to forage for themselves while the adult birds keep watch. Dotterels are extremely territorial and if a chick is disturbed and flees to another bird’s territory, the consequences can be fatal. The idea of closing the sanctuary to all public access during the breeding season

(roughly between September and February) has been floated, but Bassett said it would be up to the Shorebird Trust to make a formal request to the Rodney Local Board. On a more positive note, Bassett says council has been working with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, investigating audio cues as a new way to keep wildlife safe from cats. “This technology uses sounds to create a virtual fence, keeping cats away without harming pets.” However, Council says it is not clear how much longer the experimental testing phase will take to determine how effective audio cues may be and what situations they’re suited to. “We will assess their potential use at Omaha and other sites once more results are available from this study.” (See We Say page 6)

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After-hours medical service ends March 1 In brief The only night-time on-call GP service between Whangarei and the North Shore will close at the end of this month. Coast to Coast Health Care (CTCHC) has announced “regretfully” that its Wellsford urgent care doctor service from 8pm to 8am each night will end from March 1. The practice blames an ageing workforce, inadequate funding and the safety of its team, after a spate of vehicle breakins (MM, Jan 22) and, most recently, an assault on a female doctor at the clinic. Coast to Coast director and GP Dr Tim Malloy said the decision was unfortunate, bringing to an end 37 years of after-hours service by CTCHC and several more decades before them. However, he stressed that patients could still call the Wellsford clinic for a nurse triage assessment, as already happens at the moment. Patients who call after hours are currently either offered advice for self-care, advised to see a doctor, to go to an emergency department or to call an ambulance. “Nothing will change, except that one of the responses is currently to see a GP (straight away), but now we won’t have anyone there,” he said. Malloy said that at present, two to six people a month ended up seeing a GP in person at the Wellsford clinic after hours. He added the safety of night-time staff was paramount and could no longer be guaranteed, with emergency vehicles having recently been broken into, equipment stolen and staff threatened. “The most recent event included an on-call female doctor being abused, intimidated and finally assaulted at night on her own in our clinic.”

Highway importance

Construction of the proposed Warkworth to Te Hana motorway could increase NZ’s GDP by $497 million, according to research commissioned by the Northern Infrastructure Forum. The forum was established last year to provide a voice for the north on infrastructure issues. The research, conducted by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, outlines the economic impact of potential state highway investments, both north and south of Auckland. It cites the benefits as reduced travel time and delay, improving efficiency for freight industries, fewer travel disruptions, a viable alternative route to SH1 especially for heavy vehicles, fewer crashes, and improved access to businesses and employment across the regional economies connected by the corridors. The findings will be presented to central and local government, as well as business leaders, on February 28. Patients can still call the clinic to speak to a nurse after hours, but the option of seeing a GP will no longer be available.

He said centre’s ageing workforce was also struggling with the demands of being oncall. “Nine of our doctors are over the age of 65 and many of us have got to the point where we don’t feel able to provide a night-time service while also maintaining our daytime commitments,” he said. Malloy added that insufficient government funding for primary care services was also an ongoing problem. “Night-time on-call services are certainly not cost effective to support,” he said. “The government simply hasn’t kept up with adequate funding for many years. It’s eroded the sustainability of practices

and the confidence of young medical professionals to want to be part of that system.” CTCHC has eight clinics in Wellsford, Warkworth, Snells Beach, Matakana, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto, Paparoa and Waipu, around 20 GPs and approximately 21,000 enrolled patients. It also treats 30,000 non-enrolled patients and visitors a year. The Wellsford and Warkworth medical centres will continue to offer urgent care from 8am to 8pm. The closest hospital emergency departments are North Shore or Whangarei. There is also a 24-hour urgent care clinic at Shorecare, Smales Farm.

Poaching increase at busy beaches While the return of decent summer weather has been welcomed by most, it also appears to have led to an increase in people poaching from local marine reserves, according to Department of Conservation. Following local reports of suspicious jet ski activity and someone being caught with a bag of kina near Goat Island, DOC marine reserves programme lead Gabrielle Goodin confirmed that investigations were taking place. “DOC is investigating five alleged Tāwharanui non-compliance incidents and two in Cape Rodney – Okakari Point (Goat Island) that were reported this summer,” she said. “Across Auckland’s five marine reserves there has been a higher rate of noncompliance this summer, compared to last summer. It is likely the hotter, drier summer has led to more people on the

DOC is investigating two alleged incidents at Leigh’s Goat Island.

water, which means more opportunity for people to take from a marine reserve, either knowingly or unknowingly.” Goodin added that with more people in boats and on beaches, there was also more potential for the public to witness poaching or any other offence taking place and report it to DOC or MPI. “The most common offence in marine reserves is fishing, including the taking of kina and shellfish. Other offences include

dumping rubbish; removing material such as sand, shingle or seaweed; and disturbing or injuring marine life.” Taking marine life from a reserve could result in three months’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. DOC works with Fisheries New Zealand and police to enforce rules. Goodin said anyone seeing suspicious or illegal activity in marine reserves should call DOC’s confidential 24-hour emergency hotline on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or MPI’s 0800-4-Poacher line (0800 476224).

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Warkworth Police are investigating a series of burglaries at the Matakana Opportunity Shop. The two incidents took place between February 6 and 9 and various items were taken during the break-ins. Police are asking the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour via 111. Warkworth officer-incharge Sgt Dan McDermott says police will be increasing patrols in the area, together with the Leigh Community Patrol. “The Opportunity Shop is in the community to benefit the community and it is disappointing that it has been targeted in such a manner,” McDermott says. If anyone has information that may assist, police ask that they call 105 and quote file 240209/7935.

Restricted fire season starts

A restricted fire season has been in force across Auckland and Northland from February 14, making it unlawful to light any open-air fire without a permit from Fire and Emergency NZ. The restriction, in place until further notice, covers all of Auckland except for Hauraki Gulf islands, which are already in a prohibited fire season – a total ban. It also covers all of Northland, except for the Muri Whenua Zone (its boundary runs from Herekino on the west coast through Kaitaia to Taipa on the east coast), which is also in a prohibited fire season. FENZ regional manager Ron Delvin says high westerly winds in Northland are driving fire danger to “extreme” levels, while Auckland is predicted to be drier than usual, with stronger winds, over the next few months. Anyone considering lighting a fire is asked to use the tool at www.checkitsalright.nz. A wild fire near Cape Reinga, last March, took eight days to extinguish at a cost of more than $1.5 million. A 2021/22 fire near Waiharara burnt for 50 days, costing more than $10 million. WWW.RDCONSTRUCTION.CO.NZ

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The woes of fixing Hill Street may not be over yet.

One Mahurangi believes the drilling in central Warkworth last week may indicate that Watercare has decided on a route for the wastewater pipeline from the north to Lucy Moore Park.

Hill Street upgrade on back-burner, again Wastewater pipeline concerns The long-awaited Hill Street intersection upgrade in Warkworth will be one of the casualties of the government’s decision to cancel the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) on July 1. In an exclusive interview with Mahurangi Matters on February 9, Mayor Wayne Brown said it was likely that Hill Street would be on the list of projects affected. This was later confirmed by the mayor’s office. One Mahurangi co-chair Dave Stott said that in light of the fuel tax decision, he thought the chances of Hill Street proceeding were “pretty slim”. “But I had hoped I’d be wrong,” he said. “When you see some of the high priority projects that have been put on hold, my gut feeling was that it [Hill Street] would probably be axed.” The project has been on council and government drawing boards for decades. The redesign was finally agreed to late last year and there were hopes construction might start later this year. The $20 million project was being funded jointly by government and Auckland Council from the Regional Land Transport Programme 2021-2031. It is council’s share that is now in jeopardy. Stott hoped more information would be forthcoming at the quarterly Infrastructure

Forum meeting in Warkworth on March 1. The intersection upgrade and a new wastewater pipeline from development to the north of the town to Lucy Moore Park were meant to happen concurrently, to save money and reduce the amount of disruption for the public. Stott said he couldn’t see Watercare delaying the wastewater project, so he hoped that the sense of doing these two projects together might give Hill Street some priority. Kaipara ki Mahurangi MP Chris Penk said the removal the Regional Fuel Tax did not imply “anything whatsoever” about the Hill Street redesign work. “We’ve made it clear that other revenue streams will be available to continue important transport works,” he says. But Mayor Brown says the government’s decision creates significant funding uncertainty for a large portion of Auckland Transport’s capital programme. He has asked Auckland Transport to pause work on programmes and projects that are earmarked to be partially RFT-funded, where construction contracts have not been executed, including consultant or contractor spend. This includes the Great

North Road cycleway, and other projects in the safety and cycleway programme, and the unsealed road improvement programme. AT has also been asked to review all RFT-funded projects where construction contracts have been executed to assess options for, and costs of, deferring, cancelling or re-scoping these projects. “Auckland Transport should use this opportunity to reconsider how it can do things better, faster and cheaper,” Brown says. On the question of unsealed roads, the Mayor said that the $124 million currently earmarked in the draft Longterm Plan 2024-2034 for unsealed road improvements, would be reviewed in light of the RFT decision. However, he added that unlike previous years when the funds were disproportionately weighted to be spent at the end of the decade, at least half of the budget would be spent in the first five years. The draft plan, which sets out what council hopes to AK achieve over the next 10 HAVE years and how it will be YOUR funded will be open public SAY comment from February 28.

One Mahurangi co-chair Dave Stott is concerned about recent drilling in Elizabeth Street and what it might mean for Warkworth’s central business district. A Watercare spokesperson says planning partners are undertaking topographic survey work and geotechnical borehole sampling on Elizabeth Street, as part of the feasibility phase for the Warkworth Interim Network Upgrade project. The “interim upgrade” will address the immediate network capacity constraints, frequency of overflows, and the partial passage of initial flows from proposed and pending development to the north and west of Warkworth. The Warkworth South branch (again from Hill Street to the pump stations in Lucy Moore Park, but via a different route) is still under investigation and Watercare expects to have an update by the middle of the year. Stott says Watercare keeps saying it is still reviewing route options for the south branch, “but it’s starting to look very much like they are proposing to go through Elizabeth Street and not around the town as we’d hoped”.

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New Wellsford footpath and bridge underway at last After well over a decade of campaigning by local residents, retailers and board members, work was finally due to start last week on a long-awaited eastern footpath link between Rodney Street and Centennial Park Road in Wellsford. The new path will mean people can walk easily from Wellsford town centre down to businesses, a preschool and Centennial Park itself without having to cross busy State Highway 1 to go over the railway. At present, the footpath stops at the driveway of 68 Rodney Street, meaning that anyone walking south has to then cross SH1, negotiate both Davies Road entrances and the railway bridge, before crossing SH1 again to get to Centennial Park Road. The new path extension will include a new footbridge over the railway line, and has been officially in the pipeline for more than three years, since Rodney Local Board committed funding from its transport targeted rate to the project. However, its execution has repeatedly been delayed, initially by the need to negotiate with NZTA Waka Kotahi, as the path will run along SH1, and KiwiRail, which is responsible for the railway line, but also over funding and site access. In late 2021, Auckland Transport (AT) said investigation and design for the $1.4 million project was underway, with a view

to building it in 2022. In June that year, the local board signed off on the new path and bridge, although the cost by then had blown out to $3.4 million, including a contribution of $400,000 from Waka Kotahi, and work was expected to start that October. However, in September 2022, AT said detailed design would not be completed until the end of the year, and work was subsequently not anticipated to start until November last year, which still didn’t eventuate. An AT spokesperson said the need to work closely with Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail, combined with programme changes, had led to the many delays in starting the project. “Closing the investigation/design phase and a revision to the programme took longer than expected, which meant it was pushed out to February 2024,” they said. The cost has also increased again, with the total budget now standing at $4.09 million for investigation, design and construction. Building the path and footbridge is expected to take around four months, weather permitting, and will be done by local contractor Wharehine. AT says motorists should allow for traffic management during construction, including stop/go signs, traffic lights and/or a lower temporary speed limit.

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See story page 1 Mayor Jepson and Jeannette Reid at the Treaty Grounds

WeSay

Turning heads at Waitangi

Extinction is forever

The care of our native wildlife is too important to be left in the hands of city bureaucrats. That’s the only conclusion to be drawn from Auckland Council’s utter failure to act on the declining number of chicks fledging at Omaha (see story p1). The definition of stupidity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. Council has been told for years that the public education it relies on at Omaha is not working. But it continues to ignore calls for a systematic and humane cat trapping programme, and an extension to the predator-proof fence to low water mark. So the dotterels and other shorebirds that roost on the spit pay the price. On a small but no less important scale, this issue is emblematic of the threats facing the Hauraki Gulf, which is on the brink of ecological collapse from over-fishing, habitat loss, pollution, sedimentation and the effects of poorly planned urban development. This has led to a 57 per cent decline in key fish stocks, a 67 per cent decline in seabirds and a 97 per cent decline in whales and dolphins in the gulf (World Wildlife Fund for Nature). The time for endlessly blowing hot air around about how to address

these issues is long gone. What our environment and wildlife need are politicians with the backbone to make the tough decisions and stick by them, even in the face of public backlash. There will always be the entitled minority who believe their rights trump everything else – the cat owners who take no steps to contain their pets at night, the dog owners who think the sign that says, ‘dogs prohibited at all times’ does not apply to them. The complaints from this sector deserve to, and must be, ignored. Omaha spit sits at the entrance to the Whangateau Harbour, which itself is suffering death by a thousand cuts – its muddy seafloor no longer a place where cockles, pipi, mussels and tuatua thrive, no longer a place where snapper and parore skim through its waters in schools or where kingfish herd hundreds of sprats. How much more do we have to lose before we wake up and see how much has already gone? “When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught and the last river poisoned, only then will we realise that one cannot eat money.” Native American saying

MAZ champ honoured in Kaipara citizens’ awards Colin Gallagher, former Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) chair and leading fundraiser, has been recognised in the annual Kaipara District Council citizens’ awards. Gallagher, who stood down last year after more than a decade at the helm of the MAZ Trust, was given the award at a ceremony in Dargaville on Thursday. Over that period, he is credited with securing millions of dollars in funding for a world-class skatepark, pump tracks, 3x3 basketball court, tennis court, outdoor gym and other facilities, including funds to level ground to create a playing field for soccer, cricket and volleyball. He’s also been involved in the MAZ Santa Parades and Christmas concerts and a volunteer on the Gumdiggers Track build. Mayor Craig Jepson, who nominated Gallagher for the award, noted that he often took the lead at working bees, planting and maintaining the facilities at MAZ. “His dedication has been outstanding.

Since taking office in late 2022 – after campaigning for election on a platform opposed to elements of co-governance – Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson has weathered criticism from activists unhappy about his stance on practices such as the opening of council meetings with a Māori karakia and the use of te reo in official documents. So how did Jepson spend Waitangi Day? At Waitangi, of course. And not in the expected attire. Jepson and partner Jeannette Reid attended the church service at Te Whare Rūnanga dressed in the type of kit Victorian settlers may have worn at the time of the signing of te Tiriti o Waitangi. Jepson, whose forebears arrived in 1850, spoke favourably of the treaty, saying it “brought us together as one nation, with different cultures, called New Zealand”. “And that’s what I witnessed at Waitangi,” he said. “After everyone had said their piece and everything was done, I sensed a genuine goodwill towards one another, regardless of differences.”

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Colin Gallagher chaired the MAZ Trust from 2013.

Colin chaired the committee and was actively involved in getting finance for construction where needed and organising volunteers to make a start. Colin is inspirational, always looking for new ideas how MAZ could be improved,” he said. First awarded in 2001, the KDC citizens’ award recognises substantial – usually voluntary – service benefiting Kaipara and its people.

Other recipients this year were Noel Moran, a volunteer fireman for 30 years and Lions Club stalwart over two decades; Peter Hames, chair of the Progressive Paparoa committee and longstanding volunteer in the community; and Tui Hutchinson, teacher at Dargaville’s Selwyn Park Primary School and driving force behind after-school sport and recreation programs.

The Child Cancer Foundation is calling for volunteers to help with its street collection on Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9. The street appeal is the foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year. “Every week this year, three Kiwi families will be told the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer,” foundation chief executive Monica Briggs says. “We don’t receive any direct government funding, so these families rely on the generosity of their fellow Kiwis to receive the vital emotional and practical support they need during the toughest time in their lives.” The foundation is currently supporting around 1100 families nationwide. Street appeal volunteers are asked to give just two hours of their time to help. Info: volunteer.childcancer.org.nz

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Showground meeting grounds It is that time of year, folks – Waitangi Day and Auckland Anniversary weekend are over, and now the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show approaches. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with a large number of people, as always, as locals invariably come to chat with me at my converted horse float about what’s going on in the world of politics. The stands and stalls at A&P shows have evolved over the years, with an ever-larger number of community groups and NGOs making themselves available. And, of course, businesses of every kind take the opportunity to tout their wares. This is all positive, but I hope we never completely lose the agricultural feel of these annual gettogethers. Livestock and other touchstones of rural life will always be at the heart of these gatherings. It is worth considering how much change has taken place outside the gates of the district’s showgrounds over the years, too. In the immediate vicinity of the Warkworth Show venue, a couple of developments, in particular, stand out since we gathered last year – the Matakana link road and our new stretch of Puhoi to Warkworth motorway have been open for a number of months. These are great examples of modern, effective engineering designed for safe transportation – at potentially speeds of up to 110km in the case of the motorway,

C A N

albeit with an official speed limit of 100km currently, I hasten to add. We need more of the same, basically, so please know that I will be advocating for the motorway to extend still further north (Warkworth to Te Hana) once the national infrastructure pipeline allows. I was reminded of this recently, as I was making a couple of road trips to Northland in the lead up to Waitangi Day. Clearly, areas along SH1 like Warkworth and Wellsford have traditionally relied on passing traffic to stop for fuel (meaning food and drink, as well as petrol) as a contributor to the local economy. For this reason, establishing a bypass can be a mixed blessing for townships that have uncomfortably high volumes of traffic. We should back such great areas as Warkworth and Wellsford to welcome enthusiastic visitors to sample their charms, therefore, as destinations in their own right. The question then becomes what activities we can encourage, by making them easier and more affordable for communities and businesses to offer. Government has a role to play in enabling such investment and we can all get involved promoting our areas as destinations for domestic and overseas tourists. It’s something to think about as we drive to and from the Warkworth Show this year. I am looking forward to seeing you there!

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Hope celebrates centre opening The Mahurangi Presbyterian Church, now known as the Hope Church, is planning a morning celebration on Saturday, March 2 to mark the opening of its new $11 million centre in Mansel Drive. After two years of construction, but nearly 30 years in the pipeline, the centre’s opening will mark a new era for the church community. Reverend Nick McLennan says he is extremely excited about the possibilities that the new centre presents. “It’s been a long time coming,” he says. The morning will start with a powhiri at 9am, followed by talks, performances and prayers. It will involve representatives of the Presbyterian Church of NZ, local pastors, school students and members of the Kiribati and Pacific communities, which have a long

association with the church. The new complex includes a chapel, function centre currently being used for church services, the Warkworth Christian Foodbank, sports courts and facilities, a café area, commercial kitchen, meeting and conference rooms, as well as church offices. A large auditorium on the Mahurangi River side of the building will eventually be fitted out as a church and conference centre as funds become available. Members of the public are welcome to join the celebrations on March 2, and an open day is being planned for later in the year. The new centre is located on one hectare of land at 22 Mansel Drive, across the road from the Summerset Falls Retirement Village and behind Warkworth Toyota.

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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Hearings on Mangawhai private plan change application A panel will hear submissions over three days next month on a private plan change application to rezone 56.9 hectares of rural land north-west of Mangawhai Heads for residential development. The owners of the site, east of Cove Road and north of Mangawhai Heads Road, The Rise Limited (TRL), envisage a future development of around 380 sections, with an average lot size of 600 square metres. Private Plan Change 83 to the Kaipara District Plan seeks to rezone the site from rural to residential and create a bespoke precinct. Kaipara District Council last June voted to publicly notify the proposal, and 69 submissions were received by the time the submission period closed in August. A further submission period in October brought three further submissions. Among issues raised in submissions, some of them multiple times, were broad concerns about the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant and other infrastructure and community facilities, increased traffic congestion and potential flooding risk. Others called for larger lot sizes, for a roundabout at the Mangawhai Heads Road-Cove Road intersection, for predator controls and a prohibition on dogs and cats. The impact on the ecology was also raised, as were “reverse sensitivity” issues including

Multi-instrumentalist Sika.

Sound journey with Sika

The District Plan map shows the site outlined in red. Light green areas are rural, areas in yellow are zoned for residential use.

calls for a no-complaints covenant to prevent future subdivision residents from complaining about rural odours and noise from livestock and agricultural equipment. Council in December appointed a panel comprising Cr Mike Howard and independent commissioners David Hill and Justine Bray. The panel, chaired by Hill, will convene at the Mangawhai Bowling Club at

The site of the prospective development lies north of Mangawhai Heads Road.

219 Molesworth Drive on March 26-28. TRL will present its case and submitters will be heard, after which the panel will make a recommendation to council on the proposal. Mayor Craig Jepson, a former TRL shareholder and inactive director, last June declared a conflict of interest and removed himself from any decision-making relating to the proposed project.

Anyone wanting to really immerse themselves in live music should consider attending a performance at Warkworth Town Hall this month. South Island multiinstrumentalist Sika is inviting people to join him on a “sound experience journey” featuring didgeridoos, drums, flutes, voice and orchestral elements, as well as sounds of water, stone, fire, trees, animals and wind. Attendees are encouraged to bring something comfortable to sit or lie down on and relax into a deep, meditative state as he plays. The performance takes place on Wednesday, February 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $40 plus booking fee from https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/soundjourney-with-sika/auckland/warkworth

Singers invited

The Kowhai Singers is inviting anyone interested in joining the choir to attend its weekly rehearsals held in the Methodist Church Hall in Warkworth, on Monday evenings, from 7.15pm. The choir promises a warm welcome and a supportive atmosphere with no obligation to join. The choir’s next performance will be Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass in May. Info: Phone Roger on 021 505 736 or Marion on 021 217 6834.

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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Brynderwyn Hills closure 2024 NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi needs to complete vital recovery and enabling works for SH1 Brynderwyn Hills. Northland is accessible through alternative scenic routes during the closure.

Closure dates Closed: 26 February to 27 March 2024 Open: 28 March to 2 April for Easter travel Kaipara District Council’s shared path network aims to improve safety and connectivity between Mangawhai’s two centres, making it easier to travel along the busy route by foot, bike or scooter.

Closed: 3 April to 13 May 2024

Mangawhai path extended Work has started on the next phase of the Mangawhai shared pathway project, which will eventually provide a seamless off-road link between the village and Mangawhai Heads. Since February 7, works have been underway along Molesworth Drive between Dune View Drive and Old Waipu Road. Temporary traffic and pedestrian management will be in place, although council stressed that two-way traffic will be maintained – no stop-go system will be used. This is important because an increase in traffic is expected during the nine-week closure of State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyns. Beginning on February 26, Waipu and Mangawhai will be the recommended detour for non-freight traffic between Whangārei and Auckland. At a recent drop-in session, the contractor

and project team answered questions from residents and nearby business owners. Completed in 2022, Phase One of the Kaipara District Council project included a section on the Heads side of the causeway on Molesworth Drive, from the ITM opposite the Mangawhai Activity Zone to Estuary Drive. Features in the village including streetscaping and roundabouts were also developed. Phase Two included sections of shared path on either side of the causeway, and a boardwalk across the estuary, which Mayor Craig Jepson, mana whenua and community representatives opened and blessed last August. Phase Three now underway includes a shared path section from the village to Mangawhai Central, and on the Heads side, from the ITM to Wood Street.

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Swap 2 cans of food for 1 FREE Resene testpot Bring in 2 cans of food and we’ll give you 1 FREE Resene testpot 60-80 mL (worth up to $6.50).

Come in and see us at: Resene ColorShop Warkworth 50 Morrison Dr, (09) 422 2150 All cans of food will be donated to local Salvation Army and community foodbanks to give to Kiwi families in need.

resene.co.nz/hungerforcolour

Waipū Gorge and Gorge Road – trucks with trailers not permitted Cove Road detour – for light vehicles (trucks with trailers not permitted Mangawhai to Waipū) Paparoa Oakleigh Road detour – HPMVs not permitted SH12/14 detour – suggested for heavy vehicles, HPMV must use this route

Limit of 7 free testpots 60-80 mL per household. Maximum of 1 testpot per Resene colour. Food can must be at least 200 mL/g of food or more. Hunger for Colour runs until 29 February 2024 or while testpot stocks last. See details instore or online.

www.localmatters.co.nz

February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

NEW TSUNAMI EVACUATION MAP FOR AUCKLAND

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The new map makes it clearer who needs to evacuate in an emergency. Red zones are in danger during smaller tsunami, yellow zones are in danger during larger tsunami. Check the map today and find out if you live, work, or play in an evacuation zone. Remember… In a tsunami emergency, follow official instructions and evacuate if required. If an earthquake is LONG or STRONG, GET GONE: evacuate all zones, move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible. Don’t wait for an official tsunami warning. Visit the hazard viewer at aem.org.nz to check the map.

| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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The exhibition was led by Clare Joensen, who has a personal connection with the Gittos family story.

Gittos treasures shed light on Kaipara history The latest exhibition at the Albertland Heritage Museum in Wellsford takes a closer look at one of the region’s pioneering families through family letters, photographs and memorabilia. A Mission on the Kaipara – William and Marianne Gittos officially opened on February 11. A large part of the exhibition is from a collection donated by Gittos descendant Margaret Buchanan, which has never been on public display before. It was curated by Rose Reid and Jenny Driskel, led by museum vice-chair Clare Joensen, who has a special connection with the Gittos family. She and her family have lived in the Gittos Memorial Church in Wharehine, built by Albertlanders in 1918, for the past 25 years. She is also friends with Margaret, but did not know of her connection to the church until after it was bought. “The museum is very grateful to Margaret for this contribution,” Joensen says.

The exhibition also includes clothes, scarfs, and bags from the Gittos family hand delivered to the museum by another descendant, Nolene Fairchild. “It all makes for a very rich and varied display,” she says. Joensen says the Gittos’ story is an entry point to much of the history of the area around the 1860s, a time of considerable change. Gittos was a key figure, alongside local chiefs, in facilitating the arrival of the Albertlanders. This included being involved in the sale of the 30,000 acre Oruawharo block, the eventual site for the Albertland settlement. Primarily, Gittos was a minister for the Methodist Māori Mission, a programme of work which he undertook throughout the Kaipara. His wife Marianne also spent most of her life living among Māori communities. She was the daughter of the Rev John Hobbs and Jane Hobbs and grew up at

the Māngungu Mission station in Horeke, in the Hokianga, the site of the third and largest signing of te Tiriti o Waitangi. Fluent in te reo Māori, she was respected for her intelligence and kindness towards the people in her community including providing medical care. “Together, the Reverend and Marianne were present and part of some of the most pivotal events in the region’s history,” Joensen says. “This exhibit moves across their lifetimes and opens up conversations about some of these events. The hope is that this will help to develop local understanding about the complexities of encounters within the context of 1860s Aotearoa New Zealand.” The museum hopes the exhibition will encourage other Gittos family members to come forward, as well as people interested in a history of the Kaipara and the Methodist community. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 11am to 3pm, and on Sunday from 1pm to 3pm.

Reverend William Gittos.

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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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Steve Reynolds, right, with colleagues Cameron Kennedy and Troy Parker.

Tim Judd

Tim Judd Osteopath

n experienced osteopath who has moved out of the Auckland for a quieter life in Snells Beach has opened a new clinic at the Mahurangi Health Collective in Warkworth. Tim Judd has been practicing osteopathy for nearly 30 years, but he doesn’t confine his care to manipulating aches and pains. “I treat each person holistically and the body as a whole,” he says. “I look for the cause of the problem, not just the problem itself, so I check related parts of the body and also take into consideration mental, emotional and nutritional states.” He believes that it’s important to teach people self-care, as well. “I try to encourage self-responsibility and educate patients as much as possible as to what’s happening in their bodies. I fix them, then give them the tools and

Warkworth Plumbing

knowledge to look after themselves.” That might include teaching breathing techniques to manage stress, discussion of diet and nutrition, or recommending exercises that can be done at home, often via his customised stretching website. Tim specialises in cranial osteopathy for babies and is very experienced in treating pregnant women. For some persistent musculoskeletal problems, he employs Western medical acupuncture. “I believe it’s really important to develop a relationship of trust and respect with my patients, and good communication is vital,” he says. Tim is currently in Warkworth on Wednesdays and Fridays and his Auckland clinic for the rest of the week, but he hopes gradually to work mostly in Mahurangi.

After 23 years of supplying pure drinking water systems across Rodney, Steve Reynolds of Aqua Works is expanding a fundamental element of the service it already offers. The result: Warkworth Plumbing. “It was a natural progression,” he says, bridging the gap between what Aqua Works is providing its 3000 customers and the obvious next step – a full, flexible plumbing service, including troubleshooting, maintenance and emergency callouts. “Calling it ‘Warkworth Plumbing’ is just formalising – authenticating – what we’re already doing,” he says. In addition to the certified plumbers on staff, Steve has undertaken a four-year plumbing course himself, and is soon to graduate. “Water treatment and plumbing go handin-hand. We already have unique expertise on the water treatment side. What we’re doing now is plumbing – but with a focus on water quality.”

Steve says he fell into the industry largely by accident. After studying agricultural engineering in the UK, he spent several years travelling the world and driving “the biggest combine harvesters I could find”. Holidaying in NZ in 1994, he fell in love with the country and never left. After moving to Mahurangi in 1998, he did voluntary work at a Bible college in Snells Beach, where his mentor, who owned a water filtration business, asked him to look after his customers while he recovered from surgery. “He said, ‘you’re good at this’. Eventually I took over the business – and here we are.” Living and working in a small town and surrounding areas “brings another level of accountability”, Steve says – a sense of responsibility to ensure his customers, his staff, the business, and the community all do well. “I call it a win-win-win-win.”

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Open · 28 years of experience as a family osteopath · Treating all ages and specialising in cranial osteopathy for newborns. · Experienced pregnancy practitioner. · Western Medical Acupuncture practitioner. · Minimal treatments for maximum results. · ACC registered, no GP referral required. Come in and see me at the Mahurangi Health Collective 18 Neville Street, Warkworth.

09 834 5191 | bodyworksosteo@gmail.com | timjudd-osteopath.co.nz

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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Kawau’s ‘rat pack’ makes ready

o c

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A new community initiative aimed at advancing the goal of a pest-free Kawau Island is focusing specifically on rats. The move is distinct from a broader Auckland Council-facilitated proposal aimed at ridding the island of rats as well as wallabies, possums and stoats, which remains under consideration. The newly-established Kawau Community Conservation Trust (KCCT) is encouraging residents to join the “rat pack” – a coordinated effort to rid their properties of rats. It’s applying for council grant funding to support Kawau-based management and coordinator roles, as well as bait, bait stations and traps. “There are many existing community rat control programmes already operating in various bays on the island and the aim of the trust is to tap into the considerable knowledge of the enthusiastic community members running those, as well as practical expert assistance on placement and best use of rat control measures,” KCCT chair Caroline Boot said. Council’s Kawau pest eradication project lead Lisa Tolich confirmed that council supported the effort and had offered assistance, even as work advanced on the bigger multi-species eradication plan. Last August, council presented a feasibility study authored by the NGO Island Conservation, outlining a proposed programme to kill wallabies, rats, possums and stoats. It drew widespread support but also some strong opposition (MM, Sep 11). Among the objections – concerns about the effect of toxins including brodifacoum on non-target species; resistance to killing wallabies, for humane and heritage reasons; and opposition to

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o n

outsiders seeking access to properties to oversee traps. With the latter objection in mind, KCCT proposes that neighbourhood team leaders in Kawau’s bays – some of which are geographically remote – would take responsibility for coordinating their areas and allocating traps or bait stations to landowners. “The team leaders will also buddy up property owners who are not often at their Kawau properties with their trusted neighbours, to make sure the bait stations or traps are regularly checked and refreshed.” Joining Boot on KCCT are Kawaubased trustees Carl Weaver, Joe Karam, Greg Tabron, Sue-Ellen Craig, and Pippa Tabron, who has stepped down from leadership roles at Kawau Island Residents and Ratepayers Association (KIRRA) to focus on the new initiative. Council’s Tolich welcomed the trust’s “collaborative approach”. “The group are keen to put in place community team leaders who will coordinate local activities, provide best practice training, distribute traps/bait stations and record locations of the control network.” Tolich said council staff were happy to help, including designing the network, and supporting training events. Funding opportunities were available through council grants. On the broader multi-species eradication proposal, Tolich said community feedback showed strong support for its goals, and confirmed that an approach initially focusing solely on wallabies and possums would be beneficial. Regardless of whether the rat component would follow, she said, community efforts to reduce rat numbers would significantly benefit native wildlife. Council also supported and shared similar goals and aspirations to other conservation groups on Kawau, including

the Pōhutukawa Trust and Tiaki o Kawau, a new KIRRA group focused on weed control. Community engagement on the broad pest-free proposal continues, with plans to establish an advisory group to explore the wallaby/possum component. Tolich said the results of that process, and confirmation of funding, were the next key steps in the eradication programme proceeding. KCCT said its plan had “very strong support” from organisations including Restore Rodney East (RRE), a support hub for dozens of environmental groups. However, RRE chair Tim Armitage cautioned against any inference that REE was supporting the KCCT plans in preference to the council-initiated proposal. “We equally support any initiative through KCCT, council or otherwise to help achieve pest-free (animals and weeds) status for Kawau or any other situation,” he said. “We definitely do not take a view on whether one initiative has greater merit than another. “Our preference as a hub organisation seeking to achieve maximum collaboration between groups in Rodney East is that the Kawau initiatives would get together and find ways to cooperate and achieve the pest-free aspiration together.” More information on the KCCT initiative: www.kawauconservation.co.nz

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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Welcome to "The Portland Sweetappreciation

with chocolatebrown Congratulations to Snells Beach School associate principal Trent Morley, who is this week’s recipient of a gift box of chocolates from Chocolate Brown. Trent was nominated by Kathy Toon, who wrote:

Welcome to "The Portland”

Trent gives tirelessly to the kids and families at Snells Beach School, has been “a volunteer fireman for years and has his own kids to parent. He is certainly well loved and appreciated locally. ” Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@ localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

The Portland:

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7 apartments out of 13 are still for sale: we interviewed one of the Prim 6 purchasers, who is a Warkworth to give you anWorks idea ofheritage, what Drawing inspiration from thelocal, town's Cement Situ appealed to them about The Portland: this residence is not only a testament to architectural design stro Whatalso attracted youconvenience to The Portland?of modern living. but to the med I loved the locationwhere"The I can Portland", see life happening and walk to things. I also We are thrilled to introduce Warkworth's Key Features reac distinguished, first-of-it’s-kind, luxury apartment building. needconcept to downsize a big family home and gardens. I liverooted alone, and The offrom provincial New Zealand; is deeply in it feels safe and secure. I also like the layout, having generousPrime bedrooms, Location Warkworth's rich history. But "TheWorks Portland" about Drawing inspiration from the town's Cement heritage,isn't just bathrooms and decks. Situated in the heart ofPerf War this residence is notit's only a testament architecturaltoday's design luxuries looking back; also about to embracing andfrom popular stroll away sh Whe What are you looking forward to the living. most about living here? but also to the convenience of modern medical facilities; ensuring conveniences. retira reach. I’m excited about the location, looking forward to not using my car all the The concept of provincial deeply rooted and time. I am really happy New to beZealand; near myisdoctor, dentist,inchoice of cafes and Warkworth's rich history. But "The Portland" isn't just about This stand-out modern, 13 unit, complex sits elevated looking Perfect Lockofup, and leave opti supermarkets, my little church, and being so close to the action and vibe looking back; it's also about embracing today's luxuries and 2 bedrooms, Whether you2are looking for over Warkworth Township. Each unit offering: the Village. you! conveniences. retirement stage but not rea bathrooms (1 of which is an ensuite), open plan living with Who would be your ideal neighbours? and the costs associated wi This stand-out modern, 13 unit, complex sits elevated looking great indoor/outdoor flow to private patios. A highlight for option for lock up & leave Petor It would be niceTownship. to have others who are cheerful like me; interested in over Warkworth Each unit offering: 2 bedrooms, 2 you! Warkworth: this complex comes complete with a parking Mahjong, travel, and isbeing active,open but at theliving samewith time enjoy their own Brin bathrooms (1 of which an ensuite), plan garage: along with EV car and bike hook-ups. space and privacy. great indoor/outdoor flow to private patios. A highlight for Pet Friendly Warkworth: comes complete with a parking Bring your fur baby with you What aboutthis thecomplex developer appealed to you? Easy garage: along with EV car and bike hook-ups. The was very reassuring learn that the developers were Warkworth locals Easy Commute 8It Morpeth Street,toWarkworth that I knew, and that they would also be living here. I am comfortable that acce The new motorway brings c 8they Morpeth Street, Warkworth will provide a good attention to detail, and I liked that they were open accessibility to the Hibiscus CBD to working with from: me to make this a place for me too. Units priced CBD to your doorstep. Units priced from: $999,000 to $1,395,000 If you aretointerested in learning even more about The PortlandLiving and having Livin $999,000 $1,395,000 at "The Portland" wil cheerful neighbours - contact me today! also living in Warkworth butlivin beautiful Matakana Coast B beau Amy Wagstaff Tāwharanui. Plus, a fun wee Amy Wagstaff Tāw Matakana Markets, Matakan M 021 731Wagstaff 599 Amy popular local eateries and Matw M021 021 731 E amy.wagstaff@harcourts.co.nz M 731 599599 adventure, relaxation, pop or a t EEamy.wagstaff@harcourts.co.nz amy.wagstaff@harcourts.co.nzhas it all. adve It's a lifestyle that combines has Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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We are thrilled to introduce "The Portland", Warkworth's boutique apartments coming to Warkworth distinguished, first-of-it’s-kind, luxury apartment building.

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February 2024 | Mahurangimatters | Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA19, 2008

invit secu they

Science Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney ONZM, FRSNZ

r.cooney@auckland.ac.nz

Re-valuing non-recyclable plastic The global plan to minimise the accumulation of plastics in landfills is called the Circular Economy. This strategy treats plastics waste as a valuable manufactured resource to be reused again and again via recycling. In her column on the following page, Trish Allen has laid out very clearly the requirements of the new Auckland Council waste management system. The plastics that can be recycled are Type 1 (PET), Type 2 (HDPE) and Type 5 (PP). In future, packaging or other materials made from these recyclable plastics will have to be clearly identified as one of 1,2 or 5 to be included in the mainstream recycling process. As an example, the massive numbers of water and soft drink bottles that litter our landscape are made from fully recyclable Type 1 (PET) so can be readily recycled and reused through several cycles. What happens, then, to non-recyclable plastic types? Perhaps the most puzzling non-recyclable plastic for consumers are the flexible films and bags commonly used for vegetable and fruit packaging. This is Type 4 (LDPE or low-density polyethylene), which causes flexibility tangles in the mainstream recycling process. In due course, Type 4 is likely to be recycled in NZ. Until this recycling is provided, Kiwis should not include Type 4 plastics in their recyclables bin. How then does Type 4 get recycled in other countries? After being separated

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from the three recyclable plastics (Types 1, 2 and 5), LDPE film gets shredded into flakes with grinders. It then gets cleaned to remove contaminants and then dried, melted and turned into pellets for ease of handling. Recycled LDPE is often used in piping, sheeting, films and trash bags for composite lumber, as well as building and agricultural applications. One current use for Type 4 (LDPE) has been developed by the company, Future Post. In this process, the soft plastic is incorporated in farm fence posts used in agriculture, viticulture, horticulture and equine settings. Also, the fact that these fence posts can last for hundreds of years, make it a much more sustainable proposition than treating LDPE as a single-use plastic. The short-term challenge for suppliers and consumers of all recyclable plastics is to ensure that every plastic product is clearly identified by its number such as Type 5 (PP or polypropylene). If a plastic object is not identified, it is likely to be consigned to landfills rather than recycled and used again in secondary applications. Several years ago, the NZ waste management sector reported that only about 60% of plastics were being recycled by New Zealand consumers. The most important task now for the NZ consumer is to raise this recycling figure to close to 100%. That would be a great environmental achievement by Kiwis.

Bluegrass treat in Leigh

NZ-born fiddler George Jackson, now based in Nashville, and Baltimore-based clawhammer banjoist Brad Kolodner will be guests of the Whangateau Folk Club on Tuesday, February 20. The show will be held at the Leigh Hall, Live your life in motion, not the Whangateau Hall as usual, as Don't bras from Live it in the comfort of the perfect pair of tights & sports your favourite brands Whangateau is closed for refurbishment. Archies Arch Support Flip Flops forget Jackson was awarded Instrumentalist of Aim’n & Lorna Jane. look just like ‘normal’ flip flops, your the Year by the International Bluegrass yet provide same amount of Music Association in 2022 and has support of a typical orthotic, been playing with Kolodner for the Come & see us to find your perfect fit! providing comfort never before Available in store now! past couple of years. The duo met at an seen in a regular pair of flip Appalachian String Band Music Festival flops. By addressing many of the in West Virginia and have formed a issues associated with ‘regular’ musical bond, which has led to a number WARKWORTH flop flops we have redefined of recorded projects. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved by what pair of flip flops and 09 425 7077 | 72 Queen Street emailing whangateaufolk@gmail.com, Open: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-3, Sun10-2 Summer out to be. with the subject line ‘George and Brad’.

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Less.waste Trish Allen, Mahurangi Wastebusters

https://www.mahurangiwastebusters.co.nz/

New recycling rules Standardising across New Zealand what can be put into our household kerbside recycling bins is a no-brainer. And the new rules came in on February 1. Probably not many people realise that, up until now, different councils collected different things at kerbside. That means when Aucklanders spent a weekend in Mangawhai, for example, they were very likely to put wrong things in the recycle bins, contaminating Kaipara’s recyclables. So what do the changes mean for us? It’s very simple. Think grocery packaging. These are the only things to put in your bin: • Plastic bottles and containers numbers 1,2 and 5 from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Make sure they are empty and rinsed out. If they are not 1, 2 or 5 throw them in the rubbish. • Cans – tin, steel and aluminium, empty and clean • Glass bottles and jars, empty and clean • Newspaper, magazines (including glossy ones), paper, cardboard, egg cartons and even pizza boxes, as long as there is no pizza left inside. Remove bubble wrap or polystyrene from cardboard boxes. That’s it. Nothing else. Easy to remember. What we can no longer put in our bins that we used to be able to: • no Tetra Pak (commonly used for milk and juice cartons) • no lids or caps, so make sure you take the lids off everything – wine bottles, milk bottles and all containers, except if lids are still attached, such as steel can lids. • no aerosol cans • nothing smaller than 50mm x 50mm • nothing larger than four litres And, of course, there is a long list of things

that we never should have been putting in our recycling anyway such as batteries, broken plates, light bulbs and plastic bags. Don’t be a wish cycler! If in doubt, throw it out. Alternatively, there are places you can take them. For example, plastic bags can be dropped off at supermarkets to be sent down to Future Post in Waiuku to be made into fence posts; Tetra Pak can be dropped off for free at Mahurangi Wastebusters site in Snells Beach, now called Less. waste, from where it will be sent down to Saveboard in Hamilton, who make a type of plywood out of it. So what happens to the other things we have put in our kerbside recycling bin? Once it has been sorted at Visy in Onehunga by a MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) some is exported, but a lot of it is made into new products right here in NZ – glass is processed into new glass containers by O-I Glass in Penrose or made into roading material; plastics no. 1 are made into new food containers by Pact Packaging in Lower Hutt; plastics 2 and 5 are re-manufactured into all kinds of tools, containers and garden products; cardboard and paper are processed into packaging material in Penrose. There are many more things that can be recycled at Less.waste community recycling centres in Snells Beach and Wellsford including batteries, polystyrene, e-waste and much more. Of course, the best thing we can do is to reduce the amount of plastic we use altogether and the next best is to use our spending power to buy products in recyclable containers, so the circle is complete.

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Paint pot campaign for food

As foodbank shelves run low on stock after Christmas and amid rising demand, Salvation Army is holding its annual Resene Hunger for Colour fundraising campaign, which sees Kiwis donate cans of food in exchange for paint test pots. Until February 29, visitors to Resene stores can swap two cans of food for a test pot. The food goes to local Salvation Army foodbanks. “Being able to rely on Resene each year really makes a difference in helping ensure families don’t go hungry,” territorial director of community ministries Jono Bell says. “Knowing that we can restock our shelves with food to share with those in need is wonderful and an amazing way to start the year.” Over nine years, the fundraiser has helped put more than 300,000 cans on foodbank shelves. Resene has donated paint worth more than $1.5 million.

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Cuisine Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Cool as a cucumber Salads have been popular for both lunch, light dinners and to accompany the endless summer barbecues this year. Hot days and nights demand cool food, and by preparing a tasty salad ahead, it’s great to know you can relax and eat any time you’re hungry. This spring, I planted a Lebanese cucumber in my garden and have been delighted by the sweet crunchy texture and taste. When fresh, they are superior in every way to the long plastic wrapped cucumbers we’re more used to that can often sit for days in the stores, are far more bland and hold more moisture. I noticed some of the excellent Lebanese variety in the Farmers Market, bundled up in groups of three and pounced on those, too. It’s important to refrigerate cucumbers to keep them crisp, and apart from icy cold watermelon, they top the list of refreshing summer vegetables for me. One of my favourite ways to eat cucumber is to make it into a salad by cutting it lengthwise and chopping it into thick crunchy slices, then tossing it with lime juice, salt or fish sauce, a few toasted cumin seeds and a chopped chilli pepper. It is the perfect little side dish if you’re barbecuing lamb. Even better is to make a bowl of cucumber raita (Indian) or tzatziki (Greek), which are quite similar. For both of these, grate the cucumber and place it in a sieve or colander to drain excess water. Take a cup of good thick Greek yogurt (try to find one without added sugar) and stir the cucumber through with salt, crushed garlic and plenty of chopped mint. The raita can be elevated with spices like cumin or a garam masala. Both are ideal when served cold as a side dish or a dip. For this cucumber recipe, I used soba noodles, a very popular noodle in Japanese kitchens. They can be found in most supermarkets, are very easy to cook and excellent in cold dishes for summer, as they make a base for the flavours and tastes of whatever you choose to toss with them. You could also use rice stick noodles or very fine spaghetti noodles for this dish. Take care always to read the packet cooking instructions as you certainly do not want soggy, soft noodles. And do try to find ponzu sauce in the Japanese section of the supermarket. It is a citrus-based sauce, a little thinner than soy sauce and can be used in place of soy or mixed with it to make it darker. I also like to serve it with my sashimi and sushi as it is light and delicious.

Cucumber & Prawn Salad with Soba Noodles 8 shelled and cooked prawns, dressed with 2 tsp olive oil, salt and a little chopped dill. 180g (2 bunches) soba noodles 1 small cos lettuce 1 small Lebanese cucumber 1 small tomato 100g feta cheese A sprig fresh dill a few mint leaves Dressing: 2 tbsp soy sauce or ponzu sauce 3 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp fish sauce Grated rind of lime or lemon

Thaw the prawns and then toss them with a little salt, chopped dill and 2 tsp of olive oil. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and plunge the noodles in. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, then drain and plunge into cold water to cool. Meanwhile, wash the lettuce and dry the leaves. Chop the cucumber and tomato into 2cm cubes. Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together. If using soy sauce it would be best to add a couple of tablespoons of lemon or lime. Drain and toss the noodles, cucumber and the tomato in half the dressing. Spread the cos leaves on a platter, and pile the noodles, cucumber and tomato on top. Crumble the feta over everything, add the prawns and mint leaves and sprinkle the rest of the dressing over everything. Season with freshly ground black pepper and add a little extra salt to taste. Serve chilled. Two serves, but this can be scaled up.

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Health Rachael Wilson, The Food Tree rachael@thefoodtree.co

Navigating intermittent fasting In the dynamic realm of dietary trends, Intermittent Fasting (IF) has emerged as a focal point, promising an array of health benefits. This article delves into the nuanced perspective of a dietitian specialising in intuitive eating, unravelling the potential advantages and pitfalls associated with IF.

Exploring the upsides Brief benefits: Preliminary studies, predominantly conducted on animals like rats, indicate potential short-term gains from IF, showcasing reductions in inflammation and improved glucose levels. Metabolic reset notion: IF’s practice of providing the digestive system intermittent breaks is posited to contribute to a metabolic reset, offering prospective longterm advantages. Structured simplicity: The appeal of IF lies in its structured eating windows, offering simplicity for those seeking a clear-cut approach to daily meal planning.

Unpacking the downsides Elusive long-term data: The majority of IF research lacks conclusive evidence on sustained human health outcomes, primarily due to a dearth of comprehensive long-term studies. Concerns of disordered eating: The allor-nothing mindset induced by IF raises concerns about triggering disordered eating patterns, necessitating caution and heightened awareness. Challenges in sustainability: Prolonged fasting periods may pose obstacles for individuals, potentially resulting in nutrient deficiencies, fatigue and disruptions to mood and concentration.

So, despite positive indications in animal studies, translating these findings to diverse human experiences remains intricate. Many human studies involve concurrent calorie restriction, complicating the isolation of IF’s specific effects. Additionally, the prevalence of short-term studies limits our understanding of potential long-term implications. The media’s role in shaping public perception of IF is under scrutiny, with concerns about the lack of critical analysis and the amplification of positive aspects while downplaying drawbacks.

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Call for pandemic stories The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 is inviting people to share their experiences of the pandemic. The inquiry is looking at a wide range of covid-related topics such as mandates and other public health measures, and a variety of social and economic issues. However, commission chair Professor Tony Blakely says there will be additional topics that people might like the inquiry to consider, and people are likely to have useful clarifications to make on matters such as the scope and depth of inquiry into vaccine effectiveness. He says the commissioners want to hear about the wide range of experiences

people had, and their observations of the pandemic, whatever they might be. “It is important that we hear these stories,” Blakely says. “The unfortunate reality is that there will be another pandemic, and we need to take this opportunity to learn the lessons, both from our own experiences and from those overseas, so that we’re as prepared as possible. “While changes to our terms of reference will likely alter how we analyse what we are told, everyone should feel free to make submissions on any aspects of the pandemic.”

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Citroën celebrations

M a r c h 5 - 7, Wa r k w o r t h Citroen National Rally

Jenny Price and Pete Sinton with Jenny’s striking purple and yellow 2CV, Joujou (French for toy or plaything). It was built in 1987, among the last 2CVs produced. Pete had it brought up from Arrowtown, where it had been used as a mobile billboard for a French café that went bust.

Marque of pride Warkworth will be graced with the presence of up to 100 vehicles sporting the iconic double chevron badge early next month, as the Auckland Citroën Club hosts a national rally of enthusiasts of the endearing French voiture. At the request of the Citroën Car Club of NZ (CCCNZ), the Auckland club will gather around 140 guests from March 5-7 for a programme of social and car-centred events, including a ‘pride of ownership’ display at Point Wells Reserve on Wednesday from 10am to 12pm – open to the public – and the CCCNZ’s annual meeting, at the Vintage Car Club clubrooms on Satellite Station Road the following day. Also on the Thursday, a prizegiving will be

AUTOMOTIVE

held at the Bridgehouse Restaurant. On the Wednesday and Thursday nights, Citroëns of all models and ages will be parked at the Warkworth Wharf where locals are encouraged to visit and admire them, under the watchful eye of the Warkworth Lions. Attendees at the “Réunir à Mahurangi” are expected from all six Citroën clubs across New Zealand – Auckland, Taranaki, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and

Canterbury. The organisers deliberately planned a midweek rally to avoid weekend traffic. The timeslot also falls shortly after the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show in Pakuranga on Sunday, March 3, allowing visiting participants to attend both. As an added bonus, immediately after the rally, an optional “Further North Tour” will begin in Matakana on Friday, a six-day, five-night jaunt to Whangārei, Russell, Karikari peninsula and back down along the Kauri Coast. Warkworth, with its heritage buildings

and scenic wharf, is an ideal setting for the historical cars. Citroën enthusiast Pete Sinton, one of the organisers, voiced confidence that people in Warkworth and the surrounding area would take the opportunity to see the models parked near the river. “It’s a great opportunity for Warkworth – come out in the evening, take a stroll and view these amazing, quirky cars,” he said. Pete also expressed the hope that a successful rally would pave the way for other car clubs to follow suit, making Warkworth a destination of choice for future events celebrating notable marques.

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vintage cars expected

The 1940 Light 15 was shipped to New Zealand during World War II.

Proud survivor Of the five Citroëns they own, Pete Sinton and Jenny Price of Sandspit are particularly proud of their 1940 Light 15. BJ 7390 was built in the early stages of World War II, coming off the assembly line in Slough, England shortly before the factory converted to war production. The chassis number indicates that it was probably the last run of this particular model. Pete says the war in the Atlantic was raging, so it was fortunate that the ship transporting it managed to evade German U-boats and Japanese submarines and reached New Zealand at all. The first registered owner of the new car – then painted burgundy inside and out – was Annie Hook of Shortland Street, who owned it from 1941 to 1966, during which time it covered 78,000 kms. Among its subsequent owners was Jim Crook of Hawkes Bay, who began restoring the car, and repainted it black. Due to illhealth he couldn’t finish the restoration,

but with the help of the Citroën Club of Auckland, Dave Jones of Clarks Beach and Phil Cotter of Pūhoi, the work was completed. “The car was driveable when it was transported to Auckland, but only just,” Pete says. Over the next 15 months, work was done on the gearbox, brakes, wheel bearings, universal joints, radiator, petrol tank and gear linkage. New Michelin tyres and repainted rims completed the transformation. Pete’s first long trip in the car was to the Hundertwasser Arts Centre in Whangārei. “The car handled it easily at 90-100 km/h. The quirky Citroën gear change through the dash is tricky and slow. I am still getting used to it, but for an 83-year-old car, it is a great cruiser. “It’s a rare and special car – a real survivor,” Pete says. “The elegant French design still turns heads today.”

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feature citroën celebrations

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The much-loved Citroën has always been a bit quirky, as its colourful history attests. Within two years of the launch of the first model in the immediate aftermath of World War I, the four-cylinder Type A began to appear on the streets of Paris as a popular option for taxi drivers. In its second year of production, 20,000 Type As were built. The Type C2 arrived in 1922 – a twoseater Torpedo with top speed of 60 km/h, available in a choice of one colour, lemon yellow. There’s talk that two students travelled 17,000 kms around Australia over a period of five months in one, reporting not a single engine problem. The Type C3 in 1923 featured a longer wheelbase, allowing for a third occupant – a passenger seated in the rear middle who had to put his or her feet between the two front seats. It was named the Trèfle (“clover leaf ”), although due to the shape of its rear, it also rejoiced in the name Cul de Poule, which means hen’s bottom. Some progressive crash test advertising featured at the Paris Auto Show in 1934, this time courtesy of the groundbreaking front-wheel drive Traction Avant, an early adopter of rack and pinion steering. Citroën screened a publicity film showing a Traction Avant being pushed over the edge of an eight-metre high cliff, landing on its nose, bouncing, and then settling on its wheels. Two men examined the doors – all opened and closed without problem – before jumping in and driving it away. During World War II, auto production largely stopped. But Citroëns did not disappear, with both Nazi occupiers and their foes in the French resistance putting them to use during the war years. Following the war, Citroën unveiled the beloved 2CV, or Deux Chevaux (“two horses”, signifying two taxable horsepower). It quickly became a bestselling “people’s car” – the French equivalent of the German Volkswagen, but without the early Nazi taint. The 2CV featured in the 1975 film The Return Of The Pink Panther, in which Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau drives a van model which crashes into a swimming pool when its brakes fail. Six years later, the 2CV had a more

promising movie outing, in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Roger Moore borrows a ride in a bright yellow model from Bond girl Carole Bouquet after his Lotus Esprit blows itself up. In the ensuing car chase – by gun-toting villains driving Peugeots – the 2CV rolls more than once but survives, outsmarts the bad guys, and emerges, crumpled but victorious. In a franchise renowned for spectacular, highend autos, the 2CV remains the unlikeliest 007 car ever. Around nine million 2CVs and derivative models were produced between 1948 and 1990, when the last one rolled off the assembly line. Citroën bettered even the 2CV – in the eyes of some enthusiasts, at least – with the unveiling in 1955 of the DS, distinctivelyshaped and famous for its hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension system. With a French pronunciation that approximates déesse, which means “goddess”, the DS was the first production car to sport modern disc brakes. After Charles de Gaulle became president in 1959, he chose the DS as his state car. In one of numerous failed assassination attempts, le Général and his wife were ambushed in 1962 by machineguntoting assailants, who opened fire on his chauffeur-driven DS. Some commentators attributed their survival to the DS’ unique suspension system, which enabled it to adapt to changing surface conditions and remain level. In 1999, the DS was placed third in the Car of the Century awards, which honoured the most influential cars of the 20th century, from an initial list of 700 candidates. (The first two places went to the Model T Ford and the Mini.) Alongside de Gaulle, other famous and infamous personalities who favoured the DS and later Citroën models (such as the SM and CX Prestige) included English author Graham Greene, Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts and musician Carlos Santana. For some reason, they also appealed to a clutch of dictators, among them Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, East Germany’s Erich Honecker and Ugandan despot Idi Amin.

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The village is expected to feature 160 villas and a 45-bed care home. The image is an artist’s impression and subject to change.

Plans for Mangawhai’s first retirement village are moving ahead, with site works due to begin on a 13-hectare greenfield site north of the golf club in Mangawhai Heads “in the next couple of months”, a Metlifecare spokesperson confirms. The site is located north of Mangawhai Golf Course and west of Molesworth Drive, off Sailrock Drive. Kaipara District Council and Northland Regional Council gave resource consent approval last spring for the planned development, comprising some 160 singlelevel two-and three-bedroom villas and a 45-bed, hospital-level care home. Metlifecare development manager Tim Graham said then that, since buying the land in December 2021, the company had been engaging with “incredibly supportive” iwi and other members of the community, which was essential to helping it obtain the resource consent. Graham says the Mangawhai Village project could create up to 140 construction jobs in the community, and that once fully operational, the village and care home will employ around 50 people. Metlifecare says it will adopt sustainable

principles throughout construction, in line with its focus on reducing the environmental footprint when building new villages. The village will blend modern living with an appreciation for the native kanuka bush, and the company aims to achieve the New Zealand Green Business Council’s Homestar 7 rating for its villas. Other environmentally-friendly features are expected to include solar power generation, composting and recycling systems, and fixtures to reduce water use, such as harvesting rainwater from building roofs. Graham says the village will appeal to a broad range of retirees, including locals and those from further afield, including Auckland. Plans announced earlier include a café and bar, heated indoor swimming pool and spa, a gym, communal area, landscaping, and walking and cycling connections to connect residents to nearby amenities including the Wood Street shops, medical centre, cafes and the golf course. Metlifecare says it expects to welcome its first residents to Mangawhai Village in mid-2026.

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feature rural vibe The A&P Show will again give people the chance to meet a variety of animals, including George the goat, who is bringing his mate Arnold along this year.

Ya-hoo

This year’s Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show will wind-up with a good oldfashioned Hoedown with country music, line-dancing, food and a bar. People attending are being encouraged to come along in their best western shirt, denims, cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Tickets cost $20 and the Hoedown will be held at the grounds from 4.30pm to 10pm.

Show presents everything from hoedowns to handicrafts The Mahurangi district will celebrate its rural heritage with the staging of the annual Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show at the Warkworth Showgrounds on State Highway One on Saturday, March 16. Visitors can expect all the regular favourites, as well as a few surprises. Show president Carl King says last year’s show was a big success and everyone was looking forward to staging this year’s event. He says the layout of the show has had to be reconfigured slightly to accommodate work Auckland Council is doing at the showgrounds, but otherwise it will be business as usual. He particularly thanked Wharehine for once again stepping up as the major sponsor. “Thanks to their support, and the support of other sponsors, we’ve been able to keep the ticket price the same as last year – $10 for an adult, $5 for a child (5-12), under

fives free and a family pass $30 (two adults and up to four children),” King says. This year’s show will be compared by radio personality Estelle Clifford and one of the new events will be a fundraising auction, with a range of items going under the hammer including truckloads of metal, sets of car or 4WD tyres, jackets, umbrellas and cooking materials. Regular show-goers won’t be disappointed. There will be plenty of animals for children to meet and greet, and opportunities to feed the calves. The Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary will also have animals on show and for adoption. The Puhoi Axemen will be sending the chips flying and the shearing shed will be the place to watch skilled professionals strip the fleece off the sheep. For more sedate viewing, the indoor exhibits will be displayed in a shed on site, rather than the usual marquee.

The giant puzzles are back, as well as the Billy Black Kiwi Culture Show on the entertainment stage and kapa haka performances. There will be a vintage car display and a special working display by the Warkworth Museum. The Kids Zone with children’s rides and activities will again be free, thanks to the sponsorship of Mason Containers and Northland Waste. The Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade will also be running fire-themed training games for children. Springboard will be offering driver experience opportunities at the netball courts and the Warkworth Dog Club will be putting on an agility show in the arena. There will be a number of horse events throughout the day, including the cowboy challenge and mounted games. King says last year’s show was a little light on food vendors, so their numbers have

Estelle Clifford will be the MC.

been bumped up this year. He is also expecting the trade exhibit area to be busy. “There has been good interest in the trade sites. Last year’s exhibitors had a good show and I think that by word-of-mouth others have been encouraged to get involved, which is great.” Now in its 157th year, the Warkworth Show is one the area’s much-loved family entertainment days.

Warkworth A&P lifestyle show SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

WARKWORTH SHOWGROUNDS SH1, JUST NORTH OF WARKWORTH A great day out for the whole family. Centre stage band “The Billy Black Show”, with sheep shearing, wood chopping, free family fun zone, entertainment, miniature horses, cattle, donkeys, mules and much more.

Check out the website for info on the Hoedown following the show 4.30pm to 10pm

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR TRADE SITE YET?

www.warkworthshow.co.nz 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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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

feature rural vibe The Northland Field Days moved to its permanent home almost two decades ago.

Field Days showcase all things rural As it celebrates its 38th year, Northland Field Days (NFD) is promising a three-day programme crammed with demonstrations, exhibitions and fun events. Already the largest annual agricultural event in Northland, “The Friendly Field Days” has grown significantly since its 1985 debut – a project of the Dargaville Jaycees which attracted 80 exhibitors to Dargaville racecourse despite heavy rain. Its mission: “to become the leading regional field days in New Zealand and to host a world class agricultural event each year”. NFD event administrator Luciana Schwarz says more than 300 exhibitors will take part in this year’s event near Dargaville, which runs from February 29 to March 2. Between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors are expected to go through the gates. Among the most popular attractions and activities this year, Schwarz points to agricultural drone demonstrations and Mini Mack rides “for truck fanatics of all

ages”, and says lawnmower racing and the tractor pull and are always great hits. Held for more than 25 years, the tractor pull on a 100-metre track is open to novices and experienced drivers, allowing them and spectators to experience the fun and thrill of rural racing that tests brute strength, skill and technique. Also expected to be popular are the maze in the maize, Doug the Digger (with the chance for youngsters to drive a digger), laser clay shooting, Northland sheep dog trials, fencing demonstrations and the Best Practice and Young Farmers competitions. Exhibitors from across the country and abroad will showcase the latest in farming technology, machinery and innovations. Lifestyle pavilions and outdoor lifestyle sites will feature a range of products and services, from home and garden to leisure, food and wine to gadgets. Family entertainment will include bouncy

The tractor pull is a crowd favourite.

castles, water slides and rides. Caro’s Crazy Critters mobile farm will enable children of all ages to experience hands-on interaction with a range of friendly farm and domestic animals. Dargaville Fire Brigade volunteers will also be on hand with equipment, displays and information. And of course, there’ll be three food courts and – a particular boon for pooped-out parents – a rest area with sunflowers. Luciana said she and NFD President John Phillips and the rest of the organising committee were looking forward to welcoming visitors and exhibitors back to the site, on the corner of State Highway 14 and Awakino Point East Road. “Last year was a very successful event after a two-year break because of covid and only a couple weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed our region. So, we’re looking forward to some good weather and great three days.” Luciana said the organisers’ biggest concern

would be if any weather-related emergency occurred. Still, other than in 2021 and 2022, no Field Days has ever been cancelled – despite some wind problems in the early days, when the event was held at its previous venue, Dargaville racecourse. After its debut in 1985, the NFD stayed at the racecourse through the 1990s and early 2000s, until the property that the show now calls home was bought in 2006. Through grant funding and other financial assistance, organisers have been able to maintain and steadily upgrade facilities since 2009, including installing a permanent toilet block and moving from a 6x4 metre office into a new and much larger office building, built mostly by committee members. The NFD committee says it aims to retain the authentic field days atmosphere, while also ensuring exhibitors and visitors have a safe and comfortable experience.

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

OneMahurangi Murray Chapman, Manager https://onemahurangi.co.nz

European inspiration We’ve made it through a couple of challenging years with lockdowns, endless rain and a barrage of gloomy news, but here we are, at the start of a brand-new year. So, what does 2024 hold for you? Well, it seems like we’ve finally bid farewell to the perpetual rain, with the sun shining bright. Tourists are flocking to our little slice of paradise and, hopefully, they’re leaving a bit of their holiday cash in our town. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend two months overseas in Europe, soaking in the sights and sounds of countries like the UK, France, Germany and the Czech Republic. While there, I made it a point to chat with local retailers and, interestingly, their experiences weren’t all that different from ours. Many mentioned how the lead-up to Christmas was bustling but quieter than usual, with folks tightening their purse strings. And post-Christmas, business tapered off even more than in previous years. Of course, winter brings its own lull, but 2023/24 seemed particularly subdued. However, one thing that really struck me was the festive spirit radiating from every corner. It was truly magical to see streets adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, transforming even the smallest villages into enchanting wonderlands. While

I understand that replicating this in Warkworth during our summer Christmas might be a bit of a challenge due to the late dusk, just imagine the spectacle if every shop and business in town lit up for the Winter Festival – pure magic! During my travels, I also visited several Christmas markets and, again, duplicating them here might be a stretch, but I believe we can create our own unique charm. How about organising some night markets right in the heart of Warkworth? Picture this: closing off the main street, lining it with tables from our local cafes and restaurants, adding some live music, a few select stalls, and voila! A vibrant, buzzing hub that draws in the crowds. I am looking forward to what lies ahead. One Mahurangi has workshops and networking events lined up and, as always, we’ll be championing the community’s interests with Auckland Council and government, ensuring that your voices are heard loud and clear in all infrastructure planning discussions. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead – I again look forward to working with you all to ensure our local, business community goes from strength to strength. As we have always said, we are Stronger Together.

BEAT THE FEBRUARY PRICE RISE!

Animals of war

The Warkworth RSA is reminding people that as well as the commemorative red poppy, there is also the purple poppy. It symbolises all the animals who have served and/or died during conflict. It is estimated that more than eight million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone – mainly horses, dogs, camels, donkeys and pigeons The purple poppy is a way to commemorate the animals that have served and those that continue to serve. Purple Poppy Day is held on February 24 and is an opportunity to remember brave animals, their deeds and their sacrifices.

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www.keithhayhomes.co.nz February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

feature rural vibe

p up ill herd shee Huntaways w

Sheep for the trial

ed mount.

this steep-sid

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One man and his dogs – Rodney Sheep

Dog Trial Club president Josh Jackson and

his pack.

Sheep dog club has grounds to celebrate after cyclone trial slips After more than a century of existence, it takes a lot to unsettle the Rodney Sheep Dog Trial Club, but the combined force of last year’s Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle managed to do just that. Following many years of the club using Danny and Charmaine Lewis’ property in the hills between Kaipara Flats and Tauhoa for its annual shepherding trial, major slips washed out the two established courses and the 2023 event had to be cancelled. It was a big blow for the club, which is part of the Northland Sheep Dog Trial Association that stages a dozen trials on farms between Helensville and Kaitaia on most weekends every late summer and autumn. However, shepherds are nothing if not stoic and resourceful, so Rodney regrouped, reconsidered things and are back this year with new grounds at Kaipara Flats and two days marked in the diary for their 2024 trial – Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. Club president Josh Jackson is more

familiar than most with the new courses, since they are situated on, or within sight of, where he lives and works as farm manager, on the Withers Trust Farm at 324 Old Woodcocks Road. There will be two courses for heading dogs, which herd the sheep back to the farmer, on a low hill just behind the Withers Farm buildings, while the huntaway course will have dogs driving sheep up the side of a steep, conical hill opposite the property, just across Old Woodcocks Road. “You always have a huntaway course on the side of a steep hill, because going up slows the sheep down and lets the dog handle the sheep,” Jackson explains. “On the heading courses, the sheep start on the side of a lower hill and you pull them back down to the flat.” He says that while there are challenges in setting up a new venue after so many years in the same spot, he is already seeing some advantages.

“At the last grounds, the courses were really far apart and people had to hop in their cars and drive down the road to get from one to the other,” he says. “Here, they’re really close and it should be much easier for people.” He says the farm’s proximity to the new motorway extension will also be a bonus – “we’ll get people coming up from Waikato”. The trial usually attracts around 50 competitors and well over 100 dogs, and the public is more than welcome to come and watch the magical relationship between shepherds and their dogs. “It’s going to be our first trial here, thanks to the grace of Simon Withers, so it’s all a bit new to us and how it’s going to work, but we’re feeling really positive about it,” Jackson says. “Everyone has that feeling of excitement that we’re on new grounds – it’s a new opportunity.” He will use around 350 sheep from his 2500-strong flock for the Rodney club trial

– lambs for the heading dogs and two-year ewes for the huntaways. Jackson has been president of the club for around four years, after moving to Kaipara Flats from Helensville. He says while the group is going well, with a few younger farm folk coming in, they are always looking for new members keen to develop their dogs and trialling skills. Info: Contact Josh Jackson on 027 203 2062

Local trials –

where to see working dogs in action Otamatea Dog Trial Club March 22 & 23, 104 Marohemo Road, Marohemo Rodney Sheep Dog Trial Club March 29 & 30, 324 Old Woodcocks Road, Kaipara Flats, Warkworth Molesworth Sheep Dog Trial Club April 12 & 13, 616 Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka

SEE US AT THE WARKWORTH A&P LIFESTYLE SHOW, 16th MARCH 2024

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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shelter, shade, good soil for bugs, and absorbing rainfall to slow water entering the streams too fast. So, if we get a bit despondent in the fight, just think, taking out even some of the invaders makes a bigger difference than we can imagine. There is an extensive trapping system at Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary supported by a dedicated ranger, contactors and volunteers. Outside the park, Takatu F2.3 LandcareBlandowners and communities 20” LO NG SH AF T have traplines, and The Forest Bridge Trust supports landowners across the ‘bridge’ from Kaipara Harbour to Tāwharanui. Omaha has teams of volunteer trappers to protect the shorebirds and then we have INC Matakana and Pest Free NO Warkworth, Leigh, W$ GST INC ONLY Tamahunga Trappers secured Point Wells. T GS a kiwi release through years of dedicated trapping on the maunga. If you have not yet joined a community in the Predator Free NZ cause, and think F6 group, you can contribute to aBlocal get SH OR T SH AF T in touch. Or, if you want15”to volunteer at Tāwharanui, also get in touch. One last thought, many of the trapping community hope that their work will leave a legacy of a better place for the next INC generation and beyond. NOW $ GST SAVE

When asked the question, “Why trap for predators?”, most trappers say it is to save the birds or protect the birds, or bring birds back into our backyards. And quite rightly, these are some of the benefits of reducing the number of predators in the environment. But our work goes way beyond that. For our birds to thrive, we need diverse ecosystems, from the stream beds to the mountain tops, which support all life. 3 T BF2. AF Let’s start with the streams. They OR T SHto 15” SHneed have their own biodiversity to support the land and animals around it. So apart from needing clean healthy water, a variety of fish and invertebrates need to be present. Rats and mice predate on fish eggs during W$ NOfreshwater the spawning season of ourON LY native fish, including the whitebait species such as inanga and kōkopu. Stoats and rats predate on the kākahi (freshwater mussels). Moving onto the land, stoats, weasels, rats, possums and feral cats predate on the native gecko, skinks, wētā and the giant land snail. Stoats are also partial to a bit of bat. Then we get to the birds. Ground birds such as kiwi, takahē, dotterel, oystercatchers and fairy tern, and their eggs and chicks, are very vulnerable to these apex predators. Rats, possums and stoats can also reach birds such as kaka, mohua and kakariki that nest in trees, also taking their eggs and chicks. Then look to the sky, or the tree canopy to be more precise. Possums and rats enjoy seeds, leaves, flowers, berries, buds and nectar, which directly competes with our native species, depriving them of their food source. In addition, a native bush habitat is vital to a healthy ecosystem, providing

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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

feature rural vibe

Communication helps ease pet owners through last farewells

Wine James Graham, Matakana Winegrowers james@takatuwine.co.nz

Horses in the vineyard New Zealanders are world leaders in efficiently and cost-effectively creating commodity products in the dairy, pastoral farming, horticulture and viticulture sectors. We have been driven by technological improvements in equipment and scientific improvements in measurement, analysis and treatment of issues that may have otherwise restricted production. In many ways, we have used our scientific knowledge to impose ourselves on the land and have largely been rewarded for doing so. With specific reference to vineyards, and the modern reliance on mechanisation, it is easy to overlook the historical synergies that existed between the vines and the animals that traditionally lived among them. Prior to the 1940/50s, there were no tractors in vineyards. From Roman times, horses (and oxen) were used to cultivate soils and do the heavy work in the vines. Labour intensive to manage and limited in speed, these animals were replaced by the tractor, which allowed easier cultivation of larger areas, revolutionising grape and wine production in both traditional European regions and the “new world”. This increased production, reduced costs and brought wine to a much wider and diverse global audience. However, for all their benefits, the use of tractors does have issues, and there is a gentle creep in some viticultural regions away from their use. Compared to horses, tractors are heavy and drive repeatedly over the same lines in a vineyard – causing soil compaction, which limits oxygen and water availability for the roots. They also negatively impact the activity of invertebrates in the soil so, essentially, the soil ecology is damaged.

Horses can work on land that is too steep, or narrowly terraced, to support large machinery, and a horse can work in a vineyard row less than a metre wide allowing much more intensive planting than even the narrowest vineyard tractors, which require at least two metres. Their manure is rich in nutrients and helps support an active micro-flora in the soil. Now, some of the most revered vineyards in the world have returned to using horses to maintain the pinnacle of quality. Their empirical understanding of the greater wine quality achieved and an increasing scientific understanding of the vastly complex nature of soil ecology, is encouraging them to do so. In New Zealand, only one vineyard – Churton in Marlborough – uses horses rather than tractors in their vineyards, but many are moving to smaller, lighter tractors to minimise compaction. The use of animals, such as sheep to graze vineyard grass in winter, reducing tractor use and providing manure as part of organic fertilisation within a property, is also increasing. Technology and innovation will continue to be key contributors to New Zealand’s vineyard and wine successes. But in some cases, that may mean a return to horses tilling the soil or, in many other cases, it will involve taking a better look at what positives have been lost and rectifying those mistakes.

| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

Domaine de la Romanee Conti, in France, where the benefits of using horses have been rediscovered.

As anyone who has ever had a pet, companion animal or even a favourite farm animal will know, the hardest issue to deal with is when their lives draw to a close. While we hope our old friends will just slip quietly away in their sleep one day, the reality is that many will become ill and infirm to the point where pain, mobility and general discomfort gets beyond help, and it’s kinder to help them on their way. Vets understand that the decision to euthanise a pet is far from easy and that even discussing the subject is difficult for many. However, they emphasise that, as with so many other important issues in life, communication is key, together with as much preparation as possible, whether mental, physical or even financial. Warkworth Vets’ Jon Makin says vets will do all they can to ease owners through the process. “Often it’s the decison-making that’s the difficult thing for owners – when is the time right?” he says. “Generally, it’s largely down to the owner’s perception of the animal’s quality of life, but sometimes we have to advise.” Stephen McAulay at Wellsford Vets agrees, saying while vets are not encouraged to tell owners that it’s time for the animal to be euthanised, every situation is different “Sometimes clients do benefit from being told,” he says. “When end of days is approaching, we always talk with clients about that. Discussion about what’s going to happen is good – it’s better to talk and to plan in advance.” Both vets stress that with sedation and modern anaesthetics, animal euthanasia is pain-free and swift. “The animal is very calm – in fact, it’s quite pleasant for it to just fall asleep,” Makin says. And while both vets actively encourage owners to be with their animals at the end, for both the animal’s and owner’s benefit, it varies from case to case.

“Sometimes owners get so upset, you do wonder whether they are doing the right thing,” Makin says. “The best thing can be for them to have a hug and a kiss with their pet and then leave them with us, but others prefer to be there.” “In the middle of that emotional dynamic, it can be difficult and some animals are difficult to euthanise – I’m mindful of what people are comfortable with,” McAulay adds. “It’s a significant emotional experience and it needs careful management before, during and after.” And not only for animals’ owners – the vets themselves are also affected. “For new vets, it’s one of the hardest things to manage – their own emotions and clients’ emotions,” he says. Makin agrees. “Every animal is going to reach its end of life, so it’s an unpleasant but necessary job,” he says. “We always try to remain professional when we do it – you’re dealing with raw emotions, so you just try to get it done quietly, but it does affect you, especially the younger vets and as you get older, too.” As for the cost, that also varies, according to circumstance and the size of the animal, but you’re looking at least $100 as a bare minimum. McAulay says euthanasia is billed on medicine costs based on body weight, “so a 60kg rottweiler is going to be a lot more than a 2kg cat”. Cost also depends on whether the vet is performing simple euthanasia or there are added fees, such as cremation. He advises owners to build a good relationship with their vet and try to avoid after-hours callouts to keep costs to a minimum. “Most clinics will have different arrangements for different people – if you have a significant relationship with your vet, they can be part of the process. It’s all about communication.”

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Managing heat stress in animals Safeguarding animals against heat stress becomes paramount during summer, particularly when travelling or if the animals are being taken to shows. Heat stress occurs when animals struggle to dissipate heat, leading to dehydration, heat stroke and other health issues. Here’s some tips on how to help avoid heat stress: • Consider electrolyte supplements, starting the night before travel, twice daily, for animals prone to sweating heavily, and provide constant access to fresh water. Another thing that can help is providing the animals with a good source of fibre, prebiotics and probiotics so that any stressors on digestive tracts are minimised. This, in turn, prevents further fluid losses. Also low protein feeds help decrease internal body heat from digestion. • Shade and shelter: Provide ample shade and shelter to shield animals from direct sunlight, using tents, umbrellas, or solar fan systems to cool the area. • Scheduling: Avoid competing during peak heat, reducing the risk of overheating during strenuous activities. If this is unavoidable, ensure the animals are acclimatised to workouts and so on

at those peak times. Afterwards, repeat shower then scrape, soak then scrape, until respiration rate is down. • Temperature monitoring: Stay updated on weather forecasts and monitor temperature and humidity levels throughout the day, adjusting travel and management accordingly. • Learn to recognise the signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness and rapid heartbeat, and take immediate action if observed. • Keep a well-equipped first aid kit on hand with essential supplies such as cold packs, electrolyte solutions, water containers and thermometers. Remember that at some shows there are taps but no way to attach your hose to them, so take some adapters. • Spread awareness about heat stress management emphasising the importance of proactive measures. By implementing these strategies, we can ensure the wellbeing of our animals during hot days at shows or during journeys. Prevention and preparedness are key to minimising the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

New home consents down

A total of 37,239 new homes were consented in New Zealand last year, down 25 per cent on the previous year. Stats NZ figures show that in Auckland, new dwellings consented in 2023 were down 27 per cent –15,488 compared to 21,301 in 2022. In Northland, the drop was even bigger, 33 per cent – 1036 consents compared to 1548 in 2022. “The number of homes consented [nationally] last year was down from 49,538 in 2022, which was the highest number in a calendar year since records began,” construction and property statistics manager Michael Heslop said. Auckland recorded 8.9 new consents for every 1000 residents, down from 12.6 the previous year.

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Experience, Quality and Service Malcolm Webster – ph: 027 4477 062 February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

feature rural vibe

Ready to Autumn Sow? Top quality mixes and ryegrass delivered nationwide at competitive prices and high priority customer service We make it easy to order! Ph: 0800 4 seeds (473 337) M: Julie 027 324 4431, Nick 022 083 3579 or O: 03 324 3951 Visit website for information www.cridgeseeds.co.nz

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

Financial pressures impact parvo vaccination rates The SPCA is issuing an urgent plea to dog and puppy owners to vaccinate their pets against the deadly canine parvovirus, as the charity battles a major outbreak across the Auckland region. Canine parvovirus, often referred to as parvo, is an extremely contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs and puppies. Symptoms include lethargy, severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, leading to life-threatening dehydration. Parvo can survive in certain environments for up to a year, making it easy for unvaccinated dogs to become infected. While it’s common to see an increase in cases during the summer months, this season has been particularly bad. The SPCA’s Auckland Centre is seeing an average of almost 40 cases a week. General manager for animal services Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell says one of the major trends the charity is seeing is dog owners who are unable to afford vaccinations or treatment for their sick pets. “This is one of the worst outbreaks some

of our Auckland inspectors have seen to date, and our resources are currently being stretched by this vicious disease,” Dr Regnerus-Kell says. “The majority of the calls we’re receiving are for financial assistance to help treat dogs or puppies infected with parvo, which can be costly. We are also seeing an alarming number of cases where dogs are being left untreated and are suffering dearly as a result.” The virus is shed in a dog’s faeces and vomit, and is transmitted by direct contact or through surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as bedding, cages, food dishes, or the hands or clothing and footwear of people who come into contact with the infected dog, their faeces or vomit. The only way to prevent parvo is through vaccination; puppies require a series of vaccinations before they are fully protected, and adult dogs must receive a regular booster vaccination. Dr Regnerus-Kell says puppy owners should speak to their vet for advice, and make contact early to ensure their dog is vaccinated as appropriate.

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Come see us at the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show on 16th March 2024

Students enjoyed shooting the rapids at Wero Whitewater Park.

From left, Blue Light mentor and programme coordinator Stefanie McGregor, Felix Le Mesurier-Cowbourne, Petty Officer James Pickstone, Shane Gould from North Rodney Blue Light, and Blue Light mentor and youth worker Nik Kosenko.

student Felix Le Mesurier-Cowbourne received two awards, for excellence and the Peer Award. The Lifeskills course was organised and staffed by the NZ Defence Force Youth Development Unit, Blue Light staff and NZ Police. North Rodney community youth coordinator Shane Gould said he believed the course was one of the most productive relationships Blue Light had with the NZ Defence Force for developing self confidence in youth. He added he was “very appreciative” of the sponsorship given by the Oxford Sports Community Trust to enable youth to participate in such opportunities. The next Lifeskills course will be held in July.

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Contact: simon.townsend@promed.ac.nz 021 478 655 | www.promed.ac.nz February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Farmers reflect one year on from the floods By Allan Barber allan@barberstrategic.co.nz

A year on from the catastrophic Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, those who bore the full force of nature over that three-week period are still coping with the after effects and can remember it as though it was yesterday. I caught up with several farmers in the Kaipara Hills and Puhoi area recently to find out how well the recovery process has gone and how much still remains to be done. It is something of a platitude to assume farmers are stoic and resilient and therefore able to handle the enormous levels of stress such events cause, both mental and financial, or the sheer amount of energy and resources necessary to carry out the work to repair the damage. A common theme is gratitude for the amount of community support and assistance they have received, notably from the Rural Support Trust (RST), Taskforce Green and sponsors such as Beef + Lamb NZ and FMG for community events held at the Kaipara Flats Sports Club, as well as more local groups, such as the Araparera Community Catchment Group. Kaipara farmer Andrew Maclean, whose property was in the direct firing line, is heavily involved in coordinating the work of the Rural Support Trust and Taskforce Green, keeping in touch with farms in the area about the damage they incurred and arranging for a crew to visit them.

The RST liaises with the Ministries of Primary Industry Industries and Social Development, as well as regional councils, and identifies the worst affected farms to coordinate the recovery programme. There is a six-man crew from Dargaville, which spends every third week in the Kaipara, clearing trees from streams, fence lines, drains and culverts. Unfortunately, funding is too short to engage a crew to work full time in this area. Maclean says the restoration work will take years to fix because steep hill country access is very challenging and costly, while inflation has dramatically increased costs. On his own property, as on all the others, there were many slips, and fences and tracks taken out, but he has converted from livestock to native trees and bush, which means the absence of fencing is not such a problem. Scott Innes, his parents and brother Brett own three farms near Tauhoa, and all were badly damaged – one slip on his parents’ farm measured 300 x 60 metres, while he calculates his farm alone suffered from nearly 2000 slips. The third major downpour washed out a culvert he had already spent $1000 on repairing and his advice is to wait and see what happens instead of rushing to repair things immediately. With Forest Bridge Trust funding, he fenced off an area of native bush two years ago, but the original 100 metres of fencing was flattened in the storm and would now need 400 metres to replace because of the

damage to the land. Scott reckons he has already spent $40,000 on diggers to repair damaged or destroyed tracks, but only a fraction of the work needed has yet been done. He has decided to simplify his farming operation by increasing the size of the paddocks, which reduces the amount of fencing required. He plans to run fewer mobs of livestock, cut out one and two-year old heifers and breeding ewes, but buy store stock instead, and transition over several years from Romneys to Wiltshire sheep, which don’t need shearing. High interest rates and the lamb price crashing have compounded the problems of the past year and Innes is still worried about how the land will behave if we get another wet winter. He reckons most farmers are still traumatised and only just coping, but is incredibly grateful for the help received from the RST and Taskforce Green, who sawed up a whole row of poplars, planted to protect fencing and prevent erosion of the riverbank, which had been uprooted and had fallen into the Hoteo River. Steven Dill, whose farm borders the Innes property, says he has been humbled by the support he has received from community organisations. He, too, is looking to change his farming system and plans to retire 52 hectares of marginal hill country from pasture, where he will plant manuka, kanuka and cabbage trees, which he will put into the Emissions Trading Scheme. He says, regretfully, sheep and beef farming

Steven Dill with Daz on one of the many slips still clearly evident on his farm one year on.

on marginal land is higher risk and less profitable than planting trees for the emissions rebate. However he is still confident most of the hill country is suitable for sheep and beef, especially sheep, but he has come to the conclusion last year’s weather events mean the farm, which has been in the family since 1889, has now effectively become a one rather than two labour unit farm and he will reduce stock numbers accordingly. Farmers in the area still need plenty of support to repair the damage on their farms, but an improvement in the lamb price would go a long way to lifting their spirits.

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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FROM CONCEPT FROM TO COMPLETION, TO WE DO CONCEPT IT ALL COMPLETION, Free workshops for farmers WE DO IT ALL Farmland was extensively damaged during last year’s floods and cyclones.

Free advice on how to be better prepared for emergencies like floods or cyclones is being offered to farmers and landowners at a workshop in Wellsford next month. Business Continuity in Emergencies will look at improving resiliency and how to carry on when infrastructure fails or properties are damaged or cut off. Northland Civil Defence emergency management recovery support advisor Kylie Cox says in the wake of last year’s floods and cyclone, it is more important than ever for farmers to have a Plan B, C and D in place. “Being prepared for emergencies on your farm means you’re less likely to suffer stock and crop loss, injury or worse,” she says. “These workshops have been designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate uncertainties and safeguard your farm.” The Wellsford workshop will be held at Wellsford Golf Club on SH1 on Wednesday, March 6 from 10.30am to

1pm, and lunch is included. Topics covered will include how to prepare an emergency plan for your house and property, planning for animal welfare before emergencies, tips for working with insurers and back-up energy systems to keep the power on. Speakers will include industry experts and local farmers, and the workshop is being organised by Civil Defence Northland with support and collaboration from AgFirst, Beef+Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, Fonterra, Federated Farmers, FMG Insurance, Horticulture NZ, MPI, Northland Inc and the Rural Support Trust. As well as free advice and lunch, the workshop will also have a door prize of emergency grab and go bags, valued at more than $400.

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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

TYREPOWER WARKWORTH PROUD SPONSORS OF

SCOREBOARD SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT

A round-up of sports activities and events in the district Warkworth Football Club registrations Registrations for the 2024 season are open now. Junior/youth and senior registrations close on March 10. Registrations for First Kicks and Fun Footballers are open until the start of the season on Saturday, April 27. To avoid disappointment of missing out on a team, please ensure registrations are submitted on time. Fees are as follows: First Kicks/Fun Football (4-8 year olds) $99, Juniors (9-12 year olds) $165, Youth (13-19 year olds) $165, and Seniors $150. An additional $25 will be charged for compulsory club-selected Adidas playing shorts and socks. Info: https://warkworthfc.org/ Mahu junior rugby registrations Registrations for the 2024 junior rugby season are open now. Players need to register online and then attend one of three weigh-in days at the club at Warkworth Showgrounds. Weigh-in days will be held on Thursday, February 22 and 29, from 4.30-6pm, or Saturday, March 2, from 10-11.30am. Pay registration fees of $100 per child at the weigh-in days and receive a Mahu Junior Rugby boot bag. Info: https://www.mahurangirugbyclub.co.nz/ Warkworth senior netball Interested in playing senior netball with Warkworth Netball Club? The club is seeking expressions of interest for a senior women’s team. The new senior division offers a chance for players of all levels to come together and have a blast on the court. Games are played every Friday night at the Netball Rodney Centre in Wellsford. Season runs from May to August. If you are interested, let the club know. It is currently gauging the level of interest before registrations open later this month. Contact warkworthnetballclub@gmail.com Netball AGM The Kaipara Flats Netball Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 27 at the Kaipara Flats Sports Club at 7pm. All welcome, including new members. For anyone thinking about joining the committee, please get in touch if you have any questions. Info: kfnetball@gmail.com Darts club The Warkworth RSA Darts Club welcomes new members. The club meets on Thursday nights at 7pm at the Warkworth RSA. Games start at 7.30pm. Four dartboards are in play with an online scoring system; $5 entry. The RSA bar will be open.

List sports news FREE by emailing editor@localmatters.co.nz

There is always a good turnout for the Kaiwaka event.

Fun challenge returns to Kaiwaka The popular Top of the Rock challenge on Sunday, March 17 is offering participants options for walking or running five or 10 kilometres, plus a free children’s bike event. The long run/walk fundraiser is organised by the Kaiwaka Sports Association. Now in its 23rd year (minus a couple of years due to covid), it was named Top of the Rock when the original route included the top of Baldrock mountain. However, access to the summit is no longer permitted after a change of ownership. These days, the route travels through some of Kaiwaka’s most scenic countryside around two lakes and across farmland to the summit of the highest hill on Anderson’s farm, off Baldrock Road. Association president Alicia Reynolds says the event attracts participants of all ages, from pre-schoolers upwards, and there is a prize for the oldest person taking part. “Run/walk participants don’t need to be concerned about fitness levels as there is no time limit on completing the events and we have marshals in vehicles following the tail-enders who will give tired folk a ride back,” she says. There will also be a fun bike ride for children aged under 11, at 11.30am, which is free to enter. This is a short, flat course going around the sportsfields, school grounds and a neighbouring farm,

and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Children will need a bike, helmet and closed-in footwear. All children who enter will go in the draw for a prize pack. Reynolds says that this year’s challenge will be a more festive event, with free overnight camping at the venue, swimming at the pool, music, food and drink stalls. There will also be lots of spot prizes. “Top of the Rock is a true community event – as well as many locals entering, over 60 volunteers give their time as marshals, registration officials and organisers. It is a fun, healthy event that brings the community together, which also provides local groups fundraising opportunities.” Funds raised this year will go towards replacing the gymnasium and fitness centre roofs and upgrading security. The small entry fee and business sponsorship, either monetary or product, for the event will go towards providing sporting and recreational opportunities for the Kaiwaka community. The Kaiwaka Sports Association was established in 1977 and has 11 indoor and outdoor sports clubs or groups affiliated, and offers a range of free physical recreation activities on site.

Entry is $25 for adults, $10 for children aged under 15. Preschoolers free. Registrations will also be accepted on the day. To register, go to: www.kaiwakasport.co.nz

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

LOOK OUT FOR US AROUND TOWN!

More than 140 volunteers from all over New Zealand and Australia have spent the past four months renovating the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 32 Rodney Street, Wellsford. The project included building a car park, replacing the roof, lowering the ceiling, adjusting the internal layout within the hall, installing double glazing, air-conditioning and new carpet. The construction volunteers handled every aspect of the project, from laying the foundations to applying the final touches to the building, and balancing their time with their other commitments such as work, studies and family. Site coordinator Marlena McDonald said despite challenges, everyone was excited to be part of the project. “It’s been about two years in the planning with the design team,” Macdonald said. “We also arranged accommodation for

volunteers where needed.” Local electrician Lauren Taling commented on the importance of involving skilled tradespeople in the project. “One of the inspectors appreciated having qualified trades on the job and mentioned how conscientious we all are,” Taling said. Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesperson Victor Ioramo said while the majority of volunteers were qualified tradespeople, many had less experience and were willing to learn a new skill on site. “Some helped with painting the hall and installing carpet, while others were even able to help with demolition. It’s amazing to see a group of people show an overwhelming willingness to assist.” Weekly meetings at the Kingdom Hall focus on Bible-based themes of interest to regular members of the congregation and visitors. Meetings are open to the public, free of charge.

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PUBLIC NOTICES WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA (INC) Notice of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Please take note that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at the Clubrooms, 28 Neville Street, Warkworth, at 10am Sunday 24th March 2024. BUSINESS: 1. Receive Apologies 2. Confirm Minutes of AGM 26th March 2023 3. Presentation of Annual Reports and Accounts 4. Election of Officers 5. Election of Executive Committee 6. Notices of Motion Nominations for Officers and Committee as well as written Notices of Motion, are to be lodged with the Secretary no later than 9am Friday 1st March 2024.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Librarian - Children and Youth Services He angitutanga: The opportunity An opportunity has arisen for a Librarian - Children and Youth Services role in the Rodney Local Board, based at Mahurangi East Community Library. We are looking for a new team member who has the confidence and creativity to engage with children and youth and their whanau. In this role you will develop, deliver and promote library services for children and youth. - About you He korero mou: We are looking for a person who displays positivity, warmth and is fun-loving, someone who knows how to engage with children and youth and has a lifelong love of books and reading. Your previous experience means that you will understand or have a growing knowledge of child development across age ranges. You may already be working in child or youth centered learning or have skills in developing programmes and activities for children and/or youth. Nga- ahuatanga kei a matou: What we offer Mahurangi East Library is situated in a larger community centre building well used by many throughout the week. In a beautiful setting, it is adjacent to a large public reserve and is central to the Mahurangi East (Snells Beach) village. This is a permanent opportunity working 38 hours per week on a variable schedule. You will need to be available for weekend work on Saturday mornings which is shared between team members on a rostered basis.

ganized Simply Or

The deadline for classified advertising for our March 4 paper is Feb 28. Send classified advertising enquiries to design@ localmatters. co.nz

Applications close Tuesday 27th February. To apply, go to careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and search for ‘Librarian Children and Youth Services’ or go to https://bit.ly/3HKCuCj

Bob Harrison. President Warkworth & Districts RSA (INC)

SITUATIONS VACANT

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www.localmatters.co.nz February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

School’s back, and the weather is easy! Students have returned in droves (our roll is now over 1600) full of positivity and excitement following the best summer in a long time. Examination results were very good, with record pass rates in University Entrance, and NCEA pass rates well above National levels. Well done to all our scholars. Special congratulations to our two scholarship winners: Hannah Bremner achieved a scholarship in biology, and Thomas Vegar picked up scholarships in both biology and chemistry. Our new Year 7’s have embraced the start of the year, adapting quickly to high school and all it brings: new buses, timetables, teachers and routines. We welcomed them formally with a lovely student-led powhiri, with our tamariki impressing all with the fluency in Te Reo. As I write, it’s EOTC week, a lovely way for our new whānau to feel part of ‘our place’. On Wednesday 21 February we are also having a Year 7 and 8 staff and family picnic to give everyone the opportunity to get to know each other a little better. There will be music; food trucks selling ice cream, loaded fries and pizza from our local Italian in the

| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

Village; and a giant bouncy castle with thanks to Blast Entertainment. We look forward to seeing our Year 7 and 8 families there. For more information see our school website or Facebook page. Many of our Year 13’s spent the week before school started, camping and trekking on Aotea Great Barrier; bonding, making memories and enjoying each other’s company. It was our first return for a number of years, after cyclones and the pandemic, so it was wonderful to be back. The students, under the guidance of Director of EOTC, Mr Mike Burton, absolutely loved the experience, highlighted perhaps by the hearty singing on the top deck as we bounced through the waves on our return. Apart from a few blisters and a bit of seasickness, and one slightly dramatic helicopter ride, the students returned brimming with ideas for the year ahead. The new phone rules came into effect, and despite some expected teenage grumbles, students have quickly adapted to the ‘away for the day’ mantra. It is

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lovely to see students sitting around chatting and engaging with one-another, shooting hoops, playing handball and all those good things. The equipment has arrived for the new fitness suite, so students are looking forward to gaining access and improving their strength and fitness. We also opened the longawaited pirate-ship playground with a red-ribbon ceremony, led by our wonderful Te Korowai staff. Students have been enjoying the new playground, which includes a number of musical and puzzle stations. Mahurangi College is running a golf day to raise money for our Make It Happen fund. The funds raised support our struggling families to help pay for uniform, sports, camp and other fees. We’re inviting our community to get behind this event by entering a team, sponsoring a hole, providing prizes or by making a donation. We are also looking for a main sponsor of the day. For more

information contact Mark Neville, our Head of Year 12, or feel free to give our office a call. At the end of last year we held our Board of Trustees By-election. We would like to congratulate and warmly welcome Mathew Raffills to our team. Thank you to those who put their name forward to stand and to those who took the time to vote. Tony Giles, Principal

MITRE 10 ACHIEVER OF THE MONTH

Sienna Innes HEAD GIRL Academic Blue for Excellence L1 Academic Blue for Excellence L2 Sport Blue Merit Achiever 2023 Senior Mixed Touch Team Hockey Girls 1st XI 2023

Pictured with Russ Vernon Store Manager Proudly Supporting Mahurangi College

Cnr Woodcocks Rd & Mansel Drive WARKWORTH Phone 425 8119

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February 19, 2024 | Mahurangimatters |

Marine Sam Woolford, LegaSea Project Lead sam@legasea.co.nz

Thriving fishery benefits local economies Our oceans serve a much greater purpose than just being a source of kai moana. The value of spending time with whanau, fishing off your local wharf or on Grandad’s dinghy, is priceless. Exchanging stories at the end of a long day is what makes lasting memories. What might go unnoticed is the contribution such experiences provide to local economies. As many of us flock to our seaside escapes, it’s the money we spend while there that small coastal towns depend on to make ends meet for the remainder of the year. A 2016 study found that recreational fishers spend $946 million per annum on their fishing adventures, which generates about $1.7 billion in economic activity nationwide. If we factor in the social and cultural benefits, it is a big return from a day out on the ocean for around 700,000 of us. The Covid-19 pandemic showed the vulnerability of our small coastal towns. Countless stores and motels closed because, without tourists, there was no income. A similar scenario could repeat itself if our fisheries collapse. Charter operations and tackle shops would go out of business. Fishing clubs and events would disappear. For example, the collapse of the Coromandel scallop beds meant Whitianga faced the prospect of losing over a million dollars generated from the annual Whitianga Scallop Festival. This income included ticket sales and the indirect spending on local motels and restaurants – that’s a lot of money for a small town. Faced with no scallops, the organisers

developed a new concept – the Whitianga Oceans Festival. One of the country’s first sustainability-sourced seafood festivals. The event organisers acknowledged the importance of protecting the remaining scallop beds and supported Ngāti Hei when they laid the rāhui to protect local scallops from harvest. This situation highlights how easily small towns and businesses can lose income if our oceans are not healthy and productive. Charter operators are another threatened species if there are no fish to catch – they go out of business, leaving a domino effect in their wake. This cripples other businesses reliant on the tourists who travel the country to enjoy an unforgettable charter experience. We need to find a balance between utilisation and restoration of our fish, where communities and businesses can benefit from non-commercial fishing, but not at the expense of our marine environment. Some fishing event organisers have caught onto this concept, adopting a catch-andrelease approach instead of the traditional weigh-in. These days, participants only need to provide a photo of their prized catch against a measuring mat. Fishers value the experience of fishing with friends, enjoying the ocean and the whole range of marine life it supports. It’s not just about what they can catch. If we don’t prioritise rebuilding fish populations and restoring balance back to our marine ecosystems, we can never hope to generate a meaningful, reliable income stream for our regions.

Mahurangi Cruising Club Rear Commodore Victor Hopwood, left, presenting the Te Haupa Trophy to Dave Jackson.

Age no barrier to sailing win Retired boatbuilder Dave Jackson is living proof that age is no barrier, having recently single-handedly won one of the races in this year’s Mahurangi Regatta at the age of 91. He was presented with the Te Haupa Trophy and a bottle of rum at his Kaipara Flats home recently by Mahurangi Cruising Club Rear Commodore Victor Hopwood, having opted to sail his 16-footer Rose back to Sandspit Wharf instead of attending the official prizegiving at Scotts Landing on race day. Club captain Martin Howson also attended the presentation and said he and other club members were in awe of Jackson’s achievement. “On the day of the regatta, he picks the boat up out of storage, drives it to Sandspit Yacht Club, launches it all on his own, sails round to Scotts Landing, enters into the race and not only wins it, but wins it by a clear eight minutes!” he said. “He’s

incredible. He’s been a boatbuilder all his life and he still can’t stop.” The Te Haupa Trophy class is for traditional small sailboats under 20 feet in length. Rose, Jackson’s winning boat, was inspired by historic US naval architect and yacht designer Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, one of whose boats he was once asked to repair. Jackson was so impressed by the design that he took measurements and built his own version. Jackson has built countless wooden launches, sailboats, dinghies and more over his many decades and is an acknowledged and respected expert on traditional and classic boats. He was slip master at Sandspit Yacht Club for many years and his maritime adventures include competing in mullet boats in the Lipton Cup during the 1970s and circumnavigating New Zealand in 1985 in a 42-foot launch he had built himself.

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Sun Sun Fishing Fishing Guide Guide

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| Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

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

February 20

Whangateau Folk Club presents George Jackson and Brad Kolodner, Leigh Hall, 7.30pm (see brief p16)

Regional Land Transport Plan public meeting, Domain Hall, 75 Moir St, 11.30am-1.30pm

Warkworth Garden Club Flower Show, Warkworth Town Hall, midday-5pm. Prizegiving 1pm. Admission $2, under 16s free. Plant sales and raffles.

Silver Oaks Scottish Country Dancing Club, Shoesmith Hall, 10am-12pm. Wear soft-soled shoes. BYO water bottle. Club meets every Friday. Registered with “Live longer, Live stronger” so you can attend via a green prescription.

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

Brunch, Horizon Create Campus Cafe, Snells Beach, 11am-1pm. Guest speaker Matt Hagen. Entry $20. Freewill offering. Info: Craig 021 0222 1121

Takatu LandCare community working bee, Buckleton Beach, 9am. Meet at the notice board.

Wellsford/Warkworth Vintage Car Club Swap Meet, Satellite Station Road, Warkworth, 7am-2pm. Stalls, refreshments and vintage vehicle display.

24-25

Mangawhai Art Trail, 10am onwards. More than 40 artists opening their studios. Map and info: https://www.mangawhaiartists.co.nz/art-trail-2024.html

Puhoi Village Market, Puhoi Sports Club carpark, 9am-1pm.

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, Gumfield Drive Warkworth, 10am. Meetings held fourth Tuesday of every month. Info: Beryl 027 494 3387.

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

29, Mar1&2 Northland Field Days, Awakino Point East Road, Dargaville. Tickets: https://northlandfielddays.co.nz (see story p26)

March 1

World Day of Prayer Service, Mahurangi Hope Church (formally Presbyterian), Mansel Drive behind The Warehouse, 1.30pm. Service prepared by the Women of Palestine “I beg you … bear with one another in love”. All welcome.

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

Matakana Wellness open morning, Matakana Hall, 10am-1pm. Try a free minisession and get health information. Info: www.wellnesshub.nz

Mullets for Mental Health, Betty Paxton Room, Mahurangi East Community Centre, 10am-12 noon. Free mullet cuts from two hairdressers and a barber. Mental health fundraiser.

Hope Church official opening, Mansel Drive, from 9am (see story p7)

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

Retired Men’s coffee morning, Crimson Cafe, Snells Beach, 10.30am. Camaraderie and Chat with Men’s Rebus. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

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

6-8

NZ Citroen Rally, Warkworth; displays and events (see feature pgs 20-22)

Donkey Fun Day, Highfield Reserve, Algies Bay, 11am-1pm.

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

Tea & Talk - the Warkworth and District Library, bringing tradition and innovation, Warkworth Museum, 10am. Speaker Carolyn Cooper, $10pp. Bookings essential. Email: warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz

Paddy’s Twilight Market, Puhoi Sports Ground, 4-8pm. Preloved goods plus local food and craft stalls, live music. Info: Pip puhoivillagemarket@gmail.com

Warkworth A&P Show, Warkworth Showgrounds, all day. Info: https://www.warkworthshow.co.nz (see story p25)

Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade Raft Race, Whangateau Harbour Reserve, 12 noon. $10 per raft, sausage sizzle

Top of the Rock challenge, Kaiwaka (see story p36)

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

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A contingent of eight Fijian rugby players are expected to make an impact on the Mahurangi Rugby Club’s performance this season.

Mahurangi Rugby harnesses some Fijian flair Training for the upcoming North Harbour competition has started at the Mahurangi Rugby Club grounds with some new faces joining the senior squad. Eight players from Fiji, selected by premiers coach Amasio Valence, are expected to bring some of the creative play which is the hallmark of Fiji’s style of rugby, to the Warkworth field this year. Originally from Fiji, Valence played for NZ Sevens for 10 years, as well as the Blues, and is the only New Zealander to have won three gold medals in Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth Games. This is his second consecutive year as Mahurangi’s prems coach and he is excited about the club’s prospects this season. “We had a good result last year and just missed being in the playoffs,” he says. “We can build on that and we have a bigger squad to choose from this year.” The club plays a big part in supporting the Fijian players to settle into life in NZ. Absolute Scaffolding has provided jobs for five of the group, with the remaining three working for BBMK Builders. Prior to arriving in New Zealand, several worked for the Fijian police force, while others were farmers. Valence says several of the players have left family in Fiji and the club hopes to be able to facilitate their move to New Zealand soon.

Mahurangi Premiers coach Amasio Valence (centre) flanked by assistant coaches Akuila Matanibukaca (left) and Lyall Robertson.

“They come here for the opportunities – to build a life work-wise, with better education for their children and better health facilities.” Valence says the new players will fill gaps in both the backs and forwards, and will bring some additional speed to the wing. “The players are coming together well. We played in a sevens tournament in Hamilton last week and lost in the semi-finals to the NZ development side, so we were pretty happy with that.” Valence says training started a couple of weeks earlier this year to get the players in shape.

44 | Mahurangimatters | February 19, 2024

He and assistant coach Lyall Robertson agree that there is some natural talent in the team, alongside a lot of undeveloped potential. Robertson, who played 100 games for Mahurangi, says he believes this will be a special year for the club. “Building the bond and unity in the team is something that we’re all looking forward to,” he says. Anyone interested in playing at any level is welcome to join the training sessions at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting at 6pm.

U21 takes the field, again

For the first time in around five years, the Mahurangi Rugby Club will field an Under 21 side this season. Club chairperson Patrick Sullivan says new players coming into the area and the club’s strong international base have made this possible. “We have players not only from Fiji, but also England, Ireland and America,” Sullivan says. “This has bolstered the local player numbers across all three senior teams.” The U21s will play in the North Harbour comp, under coaches Justin Capitao and Luke Davids. “Both these local guys have a heap of experience and knowledge with both playing representative rugby in their younger years.” The club is still keen to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the team. “We are also always on the lookout for new volunteers to help run the club. It doesn’t matter what experience you have, come along and find out first-hand why Mahurangi is the best club to play for, at and against.” Info: admin@mahurangirugbyclub.co.nz