Mahurangi Matters_Issue 425_14 March 2022 by Localmatters

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Businesses challenged on many fronts Business owners, weary from two years of pivoting to meet constantly changing Covid protocols, are now struggling to manage staff absences due to self-isolation rules and shaky supply lines. Many cafes and restaurants around the district have reduced their opening hours or are closing on set days, while some large operators such as Wharehine have plant sitting idle. In some cases, it means smaller workforces are working harder, but in the case of retail and hospitality, the increase in the number of people self-isolating has meant fewer customers. Wharehine managing director Rob Gibson says the Covid fallout is also coming on top of the current energy crisis. “Power and fuel costs are going through the roof and our suppliers are saying further increases are likely at levels we’ve never seen before, so there are some very tough times ahead,” he says. As of last week, the company had 15 per cent of its team isolating at home, and a further five to 10 per cent who were close household contacts who were being RAT tested daily and continuing to work. “It has been very tough on the business as we have skilled engineers and operators, and can’t just pop anyone into a role or machine. Consequently, we have expensive machines and crushing plant sitting idle. “As approved critical workers, we have been able to get exemptions to keep staff working as long as they test each day. The introduction of RATs has been great, but actually getting the RATs has proven to be difficult. Pick up has been in Orewa with long lines, with individual staff members being paid to drive and wait, and the online website crashing. This should have been better streamlined for critical worker employees.”

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This whale tail will surface at Matakana Cinemas this week as part of an Auckland-wide public art trail. The Matakana tail was decorated by Matakana Primary School students and sponsored by Plume. It is one of 80 Pēpi (mini tail sculptures), as well as 80 Big Broos (large tail sculptures), being displayed in streets, parks and open spaces around Auckland. The project is to raise awareness of the vital work World Wildlife Fund-NZ does looking after Aotearoa’s ocean, including the Hauraki Gulf and its endangered resident, the Bryde’s whale. The tail above will be at the cinema until the end of next month. To find the trail map, go to: https://whaletales2022.org/event/whale-tales-art-trail/

Contact us March 14, 2022 – Issue 425 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 ph 09 425 9068 mahurangimatters

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www.localmatters.co.nz Next issue: March 28 Book your advertising now News: Jannette Thompsonph 021 263 4423 gm@localmatters.co.nz Sally Marden ph 022 478 1619 reporter@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Ken Lawson ph 022 029 1899 advertising@localmatters.co.nz Marc Milford ph 022 029 1897 local@localmatters.co.nz Online: Alysha Dudley ph 022 544 0249 online@localmatters.co.nz Accounts: Angela Thomas ph 425 9068 admin@localmatters.co.nz Graphic designer: Heather Arnold design@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 14,750 homes and businesses two weekly from Puhoi to Waipu. Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

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Mapping error to be mended There has been a swift and promising response from Auckland Council to a heritage overlay mistake on Matakana pensioner Brian Leach’s property, as featured in the last issue of Mahurangi Matters (Feb 28). Following publication of the story, Brian received confirmation that the Historic Heritage Overlay on his property at 2 Ward Road, Matakana is a mapping error. In an email from Council, a heritage team leader says that Council will undertake to correct this error, pursuant to Clause 20A

of the Resource Management Act. “The Planning Department has confirmed that the Auckland Unitary Plan will be updated, with the correction, on April 8,” the email says. “In the meantime, I hope this email goes some way towards reassuring yourself and any potential purchasers that there is no protected or scheduled historic heritage place located at 2 Ward Road, Matakana.” Brian says he is grateful for the email particularly since it says that the work will be done at no cost to him.

Businesses facing challenges on many fronts Reduced stock on supermarket shelves is also a sign of the times. New World Warkworth owner Anna Carmichael says the impact of the selfisolation rules on their immediate team was minimal so far. “We are using RAT tests when required and while the supply of them was a little patchy three weeks ago, it’s okay for our needs now,” she says. Carmichael says the majority of the issues with stock availability that customers will notice is happening well away from Warkworth’s door, often right at the start of the supply chain. “We would certainly like to be back to a preCovid way of life, but the reality of the current environment is that despite our best efforts, it’s just not possible right at this moment. I’ve been asked how long we see the current state lasting and I simply do not know – I wouldn’t want to guess at something even the experts appear to be hesitant to predict. It’ll last as long as it does and we will keep on endeavouring to get back to some sort of normal as soon as we can.” Chocolate Brown, like many cafes, has reduced its opening hours, but is also noticing a drop in orders through its chocolate shop and fewer customers through the door. “This is lockdown in all but name,” owner Susan Vize says. Between 20 and 30 per cent of staff at the café and Bayside Restaurant are self-isolating without testing positive. Susan is concerned about how staff are managing financially.

“For staff who test positive or who are isolating due to a household member, the compensation is equivalent to the wage subsidy. But it’s not so good for staff who are self-isolating waiting for a test that turns out to be negative. “We used to top up the wage subsidy, but we can’t afford to do that now.” She says the business support payment is also totally inadequate. “A better solution would have been to provide a wage subsidy to those who can prove a drop in revenue and a more comprehensive business support scheme.” ITSS Engineering general manager Graham Buchs says about 10 per cent of his workforce is self-isolating. “We’re already busy, so having a large percentage of our workforce off does not help,” he says. “As yet, we haven’t had any cases in upper management. All I can say is bring on life after Covid!” One business that hopes it has crossed the Omicron peak is Southern Paprika, which employs about 160 staff. Manager Blair Morris says that at one stage, they had 40 to 45 staff self-isolating, which had an impact. “There’s no doubt that crop health is not as good as normal and production is slightly down, but we have been getting produce out every day,” Blair says. “Normally produce is sent to supermarket distribution centres and then distributed to stores, but in order to keep produce on the shelves we’ve arranged direct deliveries to stores.” He credits the company’s ability to

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maintain supplies to the willingness of staff to pitch in and take on jobs outside their normal duties. On site testing in line with critical worker guidelines has ensured that any workers who are deemed a potential close contact have been able to work if they have returned a negative test.

School’s in Meanwhile, both Mahurangi College and Rodney College are coping with fluctuating numbers of staff and students on a daily basis. As of last week, Mahurangi College had about five per cent of staff self-isolating, less than expected. The number of student absences due to Covid was around 10 per cent. Principal Tony Giles says he had no intention of closing the school at this stage, but it will depend on the ability to staff the school. “If staff numbers drop we have plans for rostering home year groups (Years 9 to 13) on a daily basis. We’ll pull that trigger if numbers dictate,” he says. “Most students continue to attend on site, and learning continues. This is becoming the ‘new normal’ and likely to continue with fluctuating numbers for some time.” At Rodney College last week, one teacher was self-isolating after a positive test and one support staff was self-isolating, but testing negative. Both were expected back at school this week. About 20 per cent of students were selfisolating, of which about 12 to 15 per cent had tested positive.

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Board funding study into new bus services Rodney Local Board is paying $31,000 to a New York-based public transport, logistics and technology consultancy to look into the viability of potential new bus and shuttle services, including three for Warkworth, Leigh and Sandspit. The study and any subsequent new services will be funded by the Board’s transport targeted rate (TTR), which will have up to an extra $1.5million per year to spend from May, when Auckland Transport (AT) takes over the running of two previously TTR-funded bus routes, the 998 from Wellsford to Warkworth and the 126 between Westgate and Albany. A list of potential new routes and services was discussed with AT during a Board workshop in November and a shortlist drawn up for further investigation. This workshop, as with all Rodney Local Board workshops, was not open to the public or the press. The shortlist included a local shuttle loop for Warkworth on weekdays between the town centre and the new park and ride transport hub being built next to the Warkworth Showgrounds, shuttle runs to Leigh and Sandspit from Warkworth at weekends, and an on-demand shuttle service between Te Hana and Wellsford. However, an initial review by AT found the

concerned that “theI’mdon’t Warkworth routes connect the industrial area with the rest of the community ...

”

Te Hana to Wellsford shuttle was unlikely to be suitable for an on-demand service, as there were “minimal customer and operational benefits to be achieved due to the small customer base and distance involved”. As some of the other potential new services in Kumeu and Dairy Flat may be ondemand, AT recommended the use of a

Luxury in Leigh

A resource consent for a luxury lodge on the promontory at Cape Rodney, near Leigh, has been lodged with Auckland Council. The applicant is Panetiki Ltd, which is 100 per cent owned by multimillionaires, Carmel and Hugh Fisher. The Fishers bought the nine-hectare property in 2019 for a reported $12 million. The site plans propose three accommodation buildings, tennis court, swimming pools and manager’s accommodation. The application also shows an amendment removing the controversial helipad, which was vehemently opposed by residents of Leigh last year. Submissions close on March 21.

Puhoi heritage supported AT taking over the Wellsford to Warkworth bus service has freed up funds.

specialist consultant, Via Mobility, which has already worked with AT on ride-share trials in Devonport and Takanini. “Via Mobility is a US-based organisation, but with an Australian office and staff in New Zealand,” AT said in its report to Board’s February meeting. “Via Mobility has had the most experience running projects in New Zealand.” Warkworth member Steven Garner pointed out that no current bus services connected to the town’s industrial areas in and around Woodcocks and Hudson Roads. “I’m concerned that the Warkworth routes don’t connect the industrial area with the rest of the community,” he said. “Services appear to be put on for tourists and shoppers, not the majority of people going to work. There are several thousand people a day going in there, plus the schools.” AT senior network planner Dave Hilson said the proposed shuttle loop took in some of that area, near Hudson Road. “It could be adaptable. That’s all part of the

study,” he said. He added that the investigation would also look at times and connectivity between all local bus services. Another Warkworth member, Tim Holdgate, said he had read a news story in January that cited Warkworth bus services as a possible victim of Council spending cuts. However, this was refuted by Hilson. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Regardless of what the NZ Herald says, Warkworth is one of the last places we’d be cutting. We’re not cutting low frequency services in rural areas,” he said. “It’s more likely to be where there’s a bus every five minutes.” Members voted to approve funding of $31,000 to investigate the viability of the new Warkworth, Leigh and Sandspit services, as well as an on-demand shuttle from Muriwai Beach to Riverhead and a new bus or shuttle service between Milldale and Hibiscus Coast bus station. Members Tim Holdgate and Colin Smith voted against.

Leigh at forefront of AT’s latest speed limit cuts Speed limits are set to drop on selected roads in and around Warkworth, Matakana, Leigh and Pakiri in the latest phase of Auckland Transport’s (AT) Safe Speeds programme. The moves include a wholesale change down from 50km/h to 30km/h on virtually every street in Leigh as part of a move to increase safety around schools. AT says most of the new permanent local changes will predominantly be on highrisk rural roads, and it is asking for public feedback on the proposals from now until April 3. In Warkworth, the speed limit on an almost three kilometre stretch of Woodcocks Road is set to drop from 100km/h to 60km/h.

In brief

The new limit will apply from just west of Falls Road along to the junction with Old Kaipara Road. Between Warkworth and Matakana, the speed limit on Anderson and Rosedale Roads will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h, and down to 40km/h on a short section of Anderson Road approaching Westminster Glen. Meanwhile in Leigh, practically the whole town is set to have its speed limit reduced to 30km/h – the affected streets are Albert Street, Barrier View Road, Cotterell Street, Cumberland Street, Ferndale Avenue, Harbour View Road, Hauraki Road, Hill Street, Kowhai Terrace, Kyle Street, Lax Crescent, part of Pakiri Road (from Seatoun Avenue to just past Lee Fish),

Penguin Street, Puriri Avenue, Sea View Road, Seatoun Avenue, Totara Road and Wonderview Road. In Pakiri, the whole of Witten Road will drop from 100km/h to 60km/h and Pakiri River Road will drop from 60km/h to 40km/h, from Pakiri Beach holiday park down to the end of the road at the beach. If approved, these changes will come into force in November or December, depending on public feedback, AT board approval and “implementation considerations”.

For full details, including an interactive map, webinar dates and a feedback form, go to https://at.govt.nz/about-us/haveyour-say/proposed-speed-limit-changesphase-three or email ATSpeedProgramme@ at.govt.nz.

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The Puhoi Hotel & Stables and Puhoi Centennial Hall have each received funding from the the Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme. The hotel will receive $30,000 towards repainting and the hall will receive $17,922 for exterior painting. In total, Auckland Council received 38 applications, requesting just over $1.2 million. Altogether, 20 applications were supported with grants totalling $435,377, ranging in value from $6500 to $57,000. Successful grant recipients have a year to complete the project work. The heritage grants were set up five years ago to encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant heritage sites and places.

Catwalk delay

The ever-popular Catwalk Arts, a wearable arts fundraiser for Harbour Hospice, has been postponed due to uncertainties around Covid restrictions. The event, which was to have been held in May, normally attracts upwards of 250 people. Hospice hopes it will be free to hold the event at Mahurangi College on August 27. Tickets that have already been purchased will automatically transfer to the new date. Hospice is encouraging creatives to use the additional time to work on an entry. For details of categories and timelines, go to: events@harbourhospice.org.nz Tickets can be purchased at: www.harbourhospice. org.nz/our-events

Food for isolaters

Te Whai Community Trust is providing Aroha Food Basket contactless pick up every Friday morning, between 10am and noon. Demand has risen by about 40 per cent and the service doesn’t yet think it has reached a peak. Volunteers have also come forward to provide a delivery service to anyone who is isolating and in need of food in Mangawhai. Contact the Aroha Food Basket line: 027 220 0889 or fill out a referral at https://bit.ly/ArohaBasket

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Warkworth carpark sale averted again Rodney property values above average Rodney property valuations have jumped on average by 37 per cent, slightly higher than the Auckland average of 34 per cent. The updated values were released on March 8 and reflect the likely price a property would have sold for as at June 1 last year. The new valuations will be used to determine rates for the next rating year starting July 1. The local board with the largest increase was Aotea Great Barrier, showing a 59 per cent average increase. The other local board areas with the largest movements were in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Henderson-Massey and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, all of which have seen average increases between 41 and 49 per cent. These increases reflect the intensification in these areas in recent years. In comparison, the Waitematā area, which has a large share of apartments, has a lower average increase – 15 per cent. The CV values in Hibiscus and Bays increased 25 per cent. Auckland Council chief economist Gary Blick says the effects of the Unitary Plan implemented in 2016 can be seen in the valuations. “We started to see these impacts in the 2017 revaluation, but realistically the effect is showing now. The value increases have moved out from the city centre, which is what we would expect as housing in those areas becomes more desirable,” Blick says.

Standalone dwellings have increased by 34 per cent while increases for already intensified housing types like apartments (eight per cent) and flats (27 per cent) are slightly lower. Individual property data is available for the more than 590,000 properties in Auckland at www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/revaluation. Property owners will receive valuation notices in the mail, including information on how to object, from this week. Objections must be entered online or received in writing before 5pm on April 22.

Average value by property type Capital Value change 2017

Capital Value change 2021

Land value change

Residential

46%

33%

43%

Commercial

43%

29%

37%

Industrial

47%

53%

66%

Lifestyle

58%

29%

27%

Rural

35%

24%

22%

Property type

Capital value comparisons from randomly selected residential properties: Location

2021 valuation $

2017 valuation $

% increase

Wellsford

610,000

450,000

35.5

Warkworth

1,175,000

800,000

46.8

Puhoi

1,525,000

1,250,000

Snells Beach

1,325,000

930,000

42.4

Algies Bay

1,475,000

1,100,000

Sandspit

2,075,000

1,975,000

Matakana

1,475,000

1,025,000

43.9

Point Wells

3,250,000

2,325,000

39.7

Omaha Beach

6,500,000

4,200,000

54.7

Campbells Beach

1,250,000

890,000

40.4

Leigh

1,025,000

700,000

46.4

The Baxter Street carpark, Warkworth’s only free all-day parking option, has had yet another 11th hour reprieve. The 116-space parking area above the New World carpark has long been slated for sale by Auckland Council. It was last brought to the table in March 2017 as part of Council’s financial strategy to meet its revenue targets, but was vigorously opposed by Councillor Greg Sayers and the Rodney Local Board. Cr Sayers says he learned recently that despite this local opposition, Council was still preparing to sell the building for a zero net dollar gain just to avoid the liability of having to repair the building, estimated to cost $1.7 million. “Auckland Transport has also failed to carry out any future parking needs analysis as was promised in 2017,” Cr Sayers says. “It’s a disgrace. Parking is essential for Warkworth and, with the inevitable quadrupling of the population over the next two decades, demand for parking will inevitably increase. “Spending money wisely now to strengthen the Baxter Street carpark to be compliant with the new building codes would be far more sensible than purchasing any new land in the future and building a new carpark from scratch.” Cr Sayers says his research on the title uncovered a number of restrictive easements and encumbrances, which Council staff had failed to disclose. He alerted Council’s finance department to his findings, as well as seeking independent legal advice to study the complex title. “It turns out that selling the building would be extremely difficult without agreement from a number of adjoining property owners. Council would effectively have to give the building away and there is no way I am ever going to let that happen to our community.” Cr Sayers says he wants the building transferred to the Rodney Local Board, together with adequate budgets to repair and maintain the building, to meet Warkworth’s current and future parking needs. A Council spokesperson says the carpark was identified as a potential disposal opportunity as part of the Emergency Budget. However, further investigation is required prior to any consideration by the Finance and Performance Committee if the property should be sold.

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Hauraki Gulf Forum reform report causes division By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by NZ On Air

The Hauraki Gulf Forum has agreed to lobby for a change in the legislation that governs it, but the decision was far from unanimous. The forum was told at its meeting on February 28 that legislative change was needed to deliver two outcomes – a longterm statutory vision and strategy, which would have greater influence on decisionmakers, and a revamped composition of the forum, with refreshed functions, powers and budget. The vote to support the proposal was split – 11 members voted for, seven voted against and three abstained. A report titled Proposed Advocacy Position stated that the forum was operating on a shoestring budget and described the functions of the forum as “broad and overly prescriptive”. In the 22 years since it was set up, it was fair to say the original design of the forum had been found wanting, particularly in respect of the Marine Park itself, it said. The proposal went on to say the forum’s ability to engage in statutory decisionmaking processes, unless requested, had rendered it absent at key moments. Author of the proposal and executive officer of the Hauraki Gulf Forum Alex Rogers told the forum that the change proposed was a “once in a generation” shot. He said an update to the Act had been discussed by the forum for the better part of a decade, with three external reviews in the past seven years. The Act had been repeatedly called ineffective and internally inconsistent. However, the debate largely focused on the issue of co-governance with mana whenua. The forum currently has 12 elected representatives of local councils, three Government representatives and six tangata whenua. Under the proposal, this would change to an equal number of mana whenua and council/government representatives. Some forum members felt the forum needed elected members “for accountability and democracy’s sake”.

Waikato District Council’s Cr Rob McGuire was concerned by the lack of representation from around the gulf. “My council won’t be there in the new scenario; I’m very concerned where we’re heading with this,” McGuire said. In response, Rogers said that the proposal was not that specific. “We want to leave that flexibility to ministers. I wouldn’t want you to feel like your representation is gone,” Rogers said. He did not detail the composition of the forum, aside from the equal partnership between officials and mana whenua. Cr Wayne Walker feared the forum’s new position could result in the Government taking over the forum. “When the forum was created, it was done with the idea of having decision-makers on the forum,” Walker said. Rogers said that the forum was not an elected body. “It’s an appointed body,” he said. Co-chair Pippa Coom said the proposal had been the subject of a deliberate misinformation campaign, which she hoped members could see through. Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie said leadership by the co-chairs – Coom and Nicola MacDonald – had been ineffective and she was concerned with the lack of action from the forum. Tangata whenua Mook Hohneck defended the co-chairs. “How dare you run them down?” he said. “Two years ago, you couldn’t get tangata whenua to come to the table. “There is a definite undercurrent that you do not want Māori to be an equal partner. “Māori have been advocates of conservation long before the forum came along.” Tangata whenua Charmaine Bailie acknowledged the work the forum had achieved, but said change was necessary. “Mana whenua is well aware of what it is to have a diminished voice,” she said. The controversial nature of the proposal means any amendments to the Act by Central Government will involve public submissions.

Unlocking improved customer journeys Safer journeys and more reliable travel times are a step closer following a breakthrough at the northern end of the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth project. Earlier this month, the team completed major works with the installation of a large culvert as part of the widening of State Highway 1 (SH1) between Hudson Road and Pukerito (Northern Connection). This culvert is special because instead of digging up the road in two halves, building the culvert and then burying it again, it was hydraulically pushed under SH1. This is called pipe jacking, and it is classed as a tunnelling operation. We know that SH1 is a critical route for our community and using this method meant the road always remained open. Completing the culvert unlocks a series of activities to widen the existing state highway which will help people get where they’re going safely as they enter or exit the new motorway. The culvert crosses underneath SH1, parallel to the future intersection of Matakana Link Road. The new culvert replaces an existing undersize culvert, and provides for future land development in this area. The team kicked of the tunnelling in early November, and they use a semimechanised form of tunnelling using a shield, mechanical and hand excavation to deal with a wide variety of ground conditions and obstacles which were encountered. The tunnelling industry carries on a long-standing tradition of placing a small statue/shrine to Saint Barbara at the tunnel portal to provide protection to all those who work on the project. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of mining, tunnelling and underground workers. Can you spot her in the photo below? Ngā mihi Robert Jones – Project Director Project Director

Carbon opportunity for farmers

The Government has announced it will soon consult on changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), in response to concerns about carbon farming, that could affect future exotic planting. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s environmental policy analyst, Madeline Hall, says significant areas of ETS-eligible vegetation sit on farms and through the ETS, these could be generating significant returns for the landowners. “This is not just about pine trees; the ETS incorporates a range of eligible trees and vegetation,” Hall says. “This includes trees that have been planted for soil conservation, shelter, riparian management and biodiversity support. “Trees like kanuka and manuka can generate around $700-$900/ha under the ETS (based on current carbon prices), while the area can still be grazed.” Info: https://beeflambnz.com/

your-levies-at-work/blnz-farms-trees-and-carbon-workshop-resources

Marja Lubeck Labour List MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi 0800 582 325 (0800 LUBECK) marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz 5/62-64 Queen Street, Warkworth

For more information, call the NX2 team on: 24/7 Freephone: 0508 P2WK INFO (0508 7295 4636) Email: info@nx2group.com Facebook: Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth Web: nx2group.com

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March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

Beach bus service booms

The path will create a more direct pedestrian route into Warkworth town centre.

Perimeter path to improve Shoesmith access A new footpath is being installed around Shoesmith Recreation Reserve in Warkworth as part of Rodney Local Board’s ongoing play space renewal project. The perimeter path goes right around the domain and playground, giving increased all-weather access to Warkworth School students and all other users of the recreation fields between Hill and Shoesmith Streets. Auckland Council’s community facilities area operations manager, Geoff Pitman, said the path would tie in with a new playground being installed at the reserve and was being developed in collaboration

with the school and Ngati Manuhiri. “In winter, the ground is wet and boggy which makes access difficult. When complete, there will be year-round access to the playground and carpark,” he said. “The path also creates a safe link from Hill Street into Warkworth town centre via the Sesquicentennial Walkway, taking pedestrians away from a busy road and intersection.” The Sesquicentennial Walkway runs along the bank of the Mahurangi River south from The Bridgehouse bar and restaurant and passes under State Highway 1, where it can be accessed from Shoesmith Street.

The perimeter path is due to be completed in mid-April and the new play space by the end of May, subject to weather conditions and staff availability due to Covid-19.

Mangawhai’s free summer bus service has been a big hit. Locals and visitors, accompanied by boogie boards, beach bags, skateboards and shopping bags, piled on board in even greater numbers this summer than in previous years. Close to 3000 trips were taken on the bus, which ran between Mangawhai Village and the beach daily from December 27 to January 17, and then every weekend and public holiday through to February 8. This is the third year the trial has been run, supported by Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional Council, and Waka Kotahi NZTA. The increase in patronage amounted to a 17 per cent rise compared to the same period last year. Improvements were made following community feedback, including adding an extra stop at the backpackers and installing specific signage so the stops were more easily identified. Kaipara community advisor Gail Fotheringham says despite Covid restrictions, Mangawhai has still hosted lots of visitors and been incredibly busy over the summer months. “The bus eases some of the congestion created between the village and the heads, and alleviates pressure on the carpark at the beach and other places like the Mangawhai Activity Zone,” she says. “The service also supports community members who don’t drive or own a vehicle.” The project team will now look at future feasibility and funding options.

Wards finalised

Representational arrangements for Kaipara District Council’s local government election this year have been finalised. The Council will comprise the mayor elected at-large and nine councillors elected under the ward system, specifically eight general ward councillors and one Māori ward councillor. There will be four wards – KaiwakaMangawhai General Ward (represented by three councillors) Otamatea General Ward (two councillors), Wairoa General Ward (three councillors) and Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward (one Māori councillor) covering the entire district.

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Sediment control criticised By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by NZ On Air

Auckland Council’s sediment controls for building sites are non-compliant and ineffective, according to activists. And as a result, sediment is smothering shellfish beds. A report by Keep Okura Green Incorporated surveyed Long Bay building sites and found 97 per cent were non-compliant and ineffective as a result. Sediment controls are designed to keep sediment from running into waterways. The survey focused on Long Bay, but also found non-compliant sites in Silverdale and the group believes the issue is the same city-wide. Keep Okura Green chair Peter Townend stood in the Okura River while presenting to the Hauraki Gulf Forum on February 28. “We’re asking for are some simple steps,” Townend said. He wants to see builders cover their work sites, divert water and put up good sediment fences. “You know you don’t have a good fishbowl

if the water is green and murky,” he said. Forum co-chair Pippa Coom said the report was confronting and she could understand Townsend’s frustration. “Council recruited seven new compliance staff recently, which is just one example of your advocacy working,” she said. But Townend was not satisfied with the changes. “The reality is even with those seven people, only 20 per cent of the 24-hour working week can be monitored,” he said. Cr Wayne Walker was concerned by the lack of compliance from construction sites. “There’s an unwillingness (by Council) to prosecute. The fines aren’t particularly significant,” Walker said. “We have a major problem with compliance and enforcement with high staff turnover. That’s not what you want to hear and it’s not good enough.” At the end of his presentation, Townend dumped a wheelbarrow of dirt into the river to demonstrate what a wheelbarrow load looked like. He said the group had recorded 50 wheelbarrow loads dumped from one building site alone.

Fur seal deaths a mystery By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by NZ On Air

Reports of unexplained fur seal deaths in the Hauraki Gulf have prompted a call for more funding to investigate. Research into 57 fur seal (kekeno) deaths has led to unanswered questions on what is causing the deaths. Environmental advocate Shaun Lee compiled the report in conjunction with the Department of Conservation. They found that for 32 kekeno, it was unclear what had caused their deaths. Lee presented his recent findings to the Hauraki Gulf Forum on February 28 and asked for funding to undertake further study. Deaths were concentrated around September, leading Lee to believe the

deaths were driven by seasonal conditions. His report proposed disease, toxins or drownings as possible causes, but no definite cause would be clear until more research was done. He asked for $10,000 to undertake necropsies on recovered seal. He said kekeno were an important species in the gulf. Hauraki Gulf Forum executive director Alex Rogers said he would develop a funding proposal in the next financial year. Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie was concerned by the added cost. “We’re already very stretched as it is,” Goudie said. She wanted the forum to approach the Department of Conservation for funding instead.

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WeSay Poor sports

Is anyone else getting tired of Council rhetoric? They spend a fortune on developing a Climate Action Plan, but let developers build in low-lying areas that are already flood-prone. They talk about their leading waste minimisation strategies, but condone the building of a massive landfill in a pristine environment that will pollute waterways all the way to the Kaipara Harbour. And, they tell us how important it is to get Aucklanders physically active, but neglect the very facilities that allow this to happen. This thought came to mind when we learned that Centennial Park in Wellsford was the subject of yet another plan. Oh, sorry, this time it is a ‘Master Plan’. The current plan is being funded by the Rodney Local Board and we commend the Board for this initiative. But, honestly, how many opinions from consultants, stakeholders, mana whenua and the community do we really need to realise the bleeding obvious – the netball courts need to be ripped up, proper drainage put down and then a safe playing surface laid on top. Last year, despite all the toing and froing around Covid, the Rodney Netball Centre catered for 49 junior teams and 26 senior teams. Multiply that by seven players, a few reserves, coaches and organisers, and you are talking about hundreds of young people enjoying a significant sporting activity in a town which doesn’t have much else in the way of recreational facilities. Now the bureaucrats will tell you that nothing is this simple. The centre has a lease on the grounds, which means the centre is responsible for the maintenance. But this is only splitting hairs. The drainage under the courts is the problem and as far as we can see, that’s a Council issue. We also understand that the Master Plan is looking at the whole park, not just the netball courts. But the fact is that this ‘whole park’ vision has been on a council drawing board since the time of Rodney District Council, maybe even longer. The kids who would have benefited from something being done back then are now having kids of their own! The grossly under-par performance of Council in the upkeep of sports grounds in our area seems to be getting worse, not better. Just think back to the Blues preseason game that went south because the Mahurangi Rugby grounds hadn’t been properly maintained, and don’t get us started on the state of Shoesmith Domain where sports injuries include broken ankles from the holes in the ground. All we can say is, “Lift your game, Council.”

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YouSay

Contributions to Your opinion and Off the record are welcome, to submit email: editor@localmatters.co.nz

Getting Rodney’s share

maintain sea walls, better protect our river banks from erosion, upgrade the stormwater pipes to deal with increasingly severe weather events and flooding, stop gravel from the unsealed roads washing into our harbours, sourcing reliable fresh water supplies for households reliant upon tank water during droughts, building intended public trail networks as alternatives to driving, and fixing our local roading congestion issues which are causing increased carbon emissions from idling cars. The public has until March 28 to make a Council submission about whether or not they support the new tax and, equally importantly, where they feel the focus of the spending should be directed. Greg Sayers, Rodney ward Councillor

I am responding to a letter in the last paper (MM Feb 28) concerned about my criticism of the Mayor’s proposed climate change tax. The new tax would raise another $574 million from ratepayer’s pockets. My criticism is that the only confirmed local benefit will be diesel buses leaving from Warkworth for Silverdale 10 minutes earlier. The money raised is intended to be spent on electrifying ferries and city buses, building more cycleways in the CBD, and planting trees in South Auckland. Locally we have the need to combat sea level rise, build and

Greens fall short on waterways protection

Fight The Tip, Save the Dome has accused Green Party MP Eugenie Sage of hypocrisy and inconsistency over waterways protection. Fight the Tip spokesperson Michele Carmichael says an Environment Select Committee, chaired by Sage, has decided not to support Fight The Tip’s nationwide petition to ban landfills near waterways. “In the final report it states, ‘We agree with the ministry and the council that a total ban on landfills near waterways would make the siting of landfills challenging’,” Carmichael says. “This is incredibly disappointing and astounding, considering the importance being placed on protecting New Zealand’s important water resources. “Only two days prior I received an email from Sage headed ‘Oceans urgently need our help’, which included the statement that Green MPs will be pushing for the Government to do much more to protect our precious oceans and marine life. “So to then to receive this decision about our petition, which had the goal to do just that, is total hypocrisy.” However, Sage countered by saying that it was very clear from the title, the recommendation, the content and the appendix that the report was the work of the

Michele Carmichael

committee as a whole, not a single member. “It is misleading to suggest otherwise,” she said. Carmichael says she raised another example of inconsistent water protection during her presentation to the committee. “I referred to Council experts at the consent

hearings for the Dome Valley Landfill who stated it (the landfill) posed little threat to the Kaipara Harbour because it is 35km away. Sage states, ‘In contrast, Ms Carmichael pointed out, farmers are required to protect all waterways, regardless of their distance from the sea’. “How can the committee support these inconsistencies by deciding ‘we do not agree that landfills should be required to be built away from any waterway, but acknowledge the importance of protecting waterways from contamination?’ That statement in itself is contradictory because even the best landfill technology and mitigation strategies cannot guarantee 100 per cent protection.” Carmichael says that even though Central Government says it is committed to reducing waste, it seems that being able to site new landfills around New Zealand is still more important than protecting the country’s water. “We hope the Environment Court will better understand the importance of waste minimisation and water protection when we appeal the Dome Valley landfill project later this year.”

A full copy of the report can be viewed via the following link www.parliament.nz/ resource/en-NZ/SCR_120001/752f49c9bd1e14e00439ce5e1bf75864e08d2d9f

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Steer for the next Mayor in the CBD. In particular, we need to catch In just seven months, time, the postal voting papers will be delivered for up on the under-investment in our area, Aucklanders to decide who will be their poor road maintenance and the building of next Mayor. Political jockeying has already the required infrastructure needed ahead of begun, however, any clear favourite has not the impending local housing boom. yet crystalised. The next Mayor would be wise to reposition With approximately 80 per cent of the Council as a servant to the public, rather Aucklanders not convinced Auckland than a faceless mega-corporation. People Council is performing as it should be, the are frustrated with decisions being made next Mayor faces a huge task in winning centrally by a disconnected “one-size-fitsover the trust and confidence of the general all” mentality. Having a clerk-of-works to public. The next leader can waste no time check the quality of work before contractors and will need to act with decisiveness get paid would please many voters. to build credibility around Auckland Having rates spent locally could include the Council’s decision-making priorities. greater empowerment of local boards with To positively reposition Auckland Council, significantly increased spending budgets. here are my five suggested top priorities the The 21 local boards across Auckland cover next Mayor of Auckland needs to focus on. every Aucklander, yet they get less than 10 These are: per cent of Council’s operational funding and even less for delivering capital works. • Stop the wastage and overspending Council needs to devolve local decision • Get Council back to core business making back into local communities. • Spend local rates locally Unnecessary Council regulations and red • Reduce the regulations and red tape tape also needs to be removed. The time • Fix the traffic congestion. delays and cost to do business with Council is out of control. Licence costs, user charges, We have all witnessed examples of low compliance costs and consent costs have quality, non-priority spending by Council all skyrocketed. Removing red tape and and Auckland Transport. The next Mayor allowing local contractors, community needs to get Council back to delivering volunteers and other community groups core business. If Auckland is really about to deliver community projects, events and equality across the Super City, then let’s services is essential from any new Mayor have our roads, footpaths, road sealing, to create a more inclusive and connected walkways and public transport comparable Auckland. with the rest of Auckland. If the trust and confidence in Auckland At a time when its budgets are stretched Council is to dramatically improve, the due to Covid, the Council must get back next Mayor will need to lead strongly to the “need to haves” rather than the “nice | FRIENDLY by PRESSURE establishing priorities, which are to have” things like pink cycle-ways, white-NO significantly different. water rafting parks or giant hanging mirrors

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Brenda Rawlings

arkworth Counselling Centre co-founder Brenda Rawlings was remembered at a service at Ascension last month as someone who devoted her life to her family and her work. She was described as a person who had extraordinary gifts of wisdom, insight, intuition, graciousness, kindness and, especially, love. And over the course of nearly 40 years as a counsellor, psychotherapist and trainer, had touched the lives of thousands of people who had been helped by her compassion and ability to “listen without judging”. Brenda and her sister Judy grew up on the Tamaki estuary, which may have explained Brenda’s love of the sea. The family had regular holidays at Orua Bay, on Manukau Harbour, where the girls learned to water ski. She did a social work degree at Massey University in Palmerston North and worked for several years with the Department of Social Welfare, before being bitten by the travel bug. As in most pursuits in her life, Brenda was not content to just take a Contiki tour. She cycled through the United Kingdom and travelled alone through north Africa. Several years later, Brenda and husband Harry, who she had met at university, worked on grass roots projects alongside the most disadvantaged in Central America. On their way back to NZ, they spent three months in an ashram in India. Back in NZ in 1987, the couple took on new positions as community social workers for Warkworth and Wellsford, collaborating with a group of other young and passionate health professionals. But tragedy struck when Harry was killed in an accident at Orua Bay. Brenda was eight months pregnant at the time. More than one speaker at the ceremony described her courage and resilience at this time of heartbreaking grief. But she stayed in Warkworth and went on to buy a house in Kasper Street, creating friendships, building a community around herself and her young son, and beginning the work that would see her undertake further training in counselling/therapy.

23 February 1959 - 11 February 2022 She eventually met Peter McMillan, who she later married and together they enlarged their family with two more sons. Brenda always put her hand up for any activities that involved the boys including roles at Play Centre, serving on the Board of Trustees at Kaipara Flats Primary and Mahurangi College. Together, Brenda and Peter founded the Warkworth Counselling Centre in 1995, now located in Bertram House. She was credited with supporting many Mahurangi initiatives, including the Women’s Resource Centre, Family/Whanau Support Services, Stopping Violence Services, a Youth Centre, Homebuilders and the Rodney Charitable Trust, which was the first home care service in NZ. In 2013, she was the recipient of the Harville Hendrix Award for Clinical Excellence. Peter and Brenda started the Imago Institute for Relationships in 1999, which became Brenda’s passion for the next 20 years. She became a soughtafter relationship therapist and she and Peter presented weekend workshops for couples about 150 times over the next 20 years, around NZ and in Australia. Brenda was also training counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists in NZ and Australia during this time. She was co-dean of the Imago International Training Institute, based in the US, from 2011 to 2016, during which time she led a team of 30 relationship therapy trainers from throughout the world. Brenda was diagnosed with a brain tumour two-and-a-half years ago. Despite two successful operations, she sadly succumbed to the illness. She is survived by her husband Peter, and sons Zachary, Michael and Liam.

AK HAVE YOUR SAY

‘We want more focus on climate action’ Have your say on how we can speed up our climate response in Auckland Council’s Annual Budget 2022/2023. Go to akhaveyoursay.nz/budget

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Tree protection falls short Auckland Council is assessing 610 tree nominations for inclusion in the Notable Tree Schedule. It follows a Planning Committee decision in November 2020 to schedule the trees when resources permit, with a longer-term focus on seeking the reinstatement by the Government of general tree protections. Mayor Phil Goff says while the process will help protect the nominated trees that meet the criteria, this does not stop widespread and sometimes arbitrary removal of significant mature trees outside those which are specifically listed. “Council continues to push for the Government to implement a better solution through resource management reforms that will enable general protection of Auckland’s significant trees,” he says. Council has been advocating for the restoration of some of the general tree protections removed by the previous National Government in 2013 as part of changes to the Resource Management Act. “The removal of these protections means councils must rely on listing individual trees at significant cost, and this has resulted in a lack of protection for large numbers of trees of notable size and character across Auckland. “Although we are able to schedule specifically identified notable trees, doing so tree by tree is costly and time consuming and will only protect a small minority of Auckland’s important trees. “While council officers have secured the resources needed to progress the scheduling process in this instance, the costs mean that this is not an adequate long-term solution.” A list of the trees nominated in Mahurangi are: Pohutukawa, 15 Charles Street, Scotts Landing Pohutukawa, Ariki Reserve, Snells Beach Totara, 65 Alnwick Street, Warkworth Kahikatea, 10 Martin Road, Warkworth, Oak, 360 Sandspit Road, Warkworth Totara, 55 Alnwick Street, Warkworth Macrocarpa, 1136 Takatu Road, Tawharanui Pohutukawa, 21 Lysnar Road, Warkworth Norfolk Island Pine, 58 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach

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Bylaws failing residents By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by NZ On Air

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Three local boards have called for better enforcement of bylaws after low compliance in their communities. The Hibiscus and Bays, TakapunaDevonport and Kaipātiki Local Boards presented the effects of non-compliance and enforcement of bylaws on their communities to the Regulatory Committee meeting on March 8. The boards detailed how fly-tipping, dog control, illegal camping, driving on beaches, sedimentation and noise complaints to Auckland Council had fallen on deaf ears. Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Ruth Jackson said there was a backlog of 1700 complaints from her area alone. “The most common complaint we all get is frustration about Council being unable to effectively enforce bylaws,” Jackson said. She said residents had been told, “We can’t help you” when they complained. Jackson pointed to staff shortages and sheer travel time as obstacles. She said it was an organisational issue and not a criticism of staff. Hibiscus and Bays Local Board member Alexis Poppelbaum said the bylaw system was immensely complicated and broken. “People see this as a core function of Council. People are dejected and frustrated,” Popplebaum said. She said Council and Auckland Transport were battling over who should enforce bylaws for people driving on beaches. “We don’t care; just enforce it,” she said. Popplebaum wanted to see a comprehensive review of bylaw enforcement across Council and its organisations. Kaipātiki Local Board chair John Gillon said non-compliance that should take a few

weeks to enforce had taken years. Gillion said that one family was driven out of their home when illegal camping at Hinemoa Reserve kept their kids up all night. Committee chair Linda Cooper said enforcement often meant having to take people to court. “Quite often the burden of proof is huge on Council,” Cooper said. Independent Māori Statutory Board member Glenn Wilcox said police or the Department of Conservation should also be able to enforce. “It seems to me that we’re overloaded with people to do compliance,” Wilcox said. Board member Ruth Jackson said police can’t act unless they have a warranted officer of Council. “They can’t enforce our bylaws.” Regulatory Services director Craig Hobbs said Council opted for a graduated approach: a conversation, a warning and further enforcement. “We don’t have fining powers in the bylaws so we have to prosecute and the returns are minimal,” Hobbs said. Licensing and Regulatory Compliance general manager James Hassall said the violence enforcement staff experienced was disturbing. “We have had a huge increase in aggression. In many animal management cases we have to send two officers. It has halved my compliance staff,” Hassall said. Hassall wanted the Local Government Act to change and allow infringement when bylaws were broken. “Without a change, Council has to continue using a lengthy prosecution process.” Board members were invited for further talks on the issue with Central Government MPs and police officials by Cr Sharon Stewart.

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At your locally-owned Guthrie Bowron we love houses from top to bottom, but what we love most is turning those houses into homes you’ll love too. That’s why we’ve taken the opportunity to expand. Over the last year we’ve spread our wings and doubled in size so now we can offer you the very best solutions for that new build, renovation or spruce-up. We’ve brought on board new dedicated experts in flooring and design with a flair for a classic contemporary interiors and a passion for colour and style. They join our long term team of Pete – our paint guru - who now prevails over a larger dedicated space in the former, adjacent,6 Beau Repairs building, and Julia and Donna on window treatments who, between them, boast over fifty years of experience in textiles. At GB Warkworth we believe the most welcoming homes reflect its owner’s personality. That’s why we take the time to listen to what you want and truly understand your vision before guiding you through the best options in colour, textiles and finishing touches. Above all, we care about your home as though it were our own and we go the extra mile to translate your wish list into a functional design that perfectly expresses your style. Although a one-stop shop for the home is not complete without expertise in drapery, blinds, shutters, flooring and paint, we’re also passionate about those extra touches that elevate a space. With that in mind, we’re delighted to have the widest range of contemporary wallpapers, cushions, throws, and giftware in town. We are also proud to supply some of the most luxurious textiles in the industry from Catherine Mokum to Carlucci and to represent New Zealand-designed and manufactured fabrics like Hemptech textiles and Bremworth carpets. If you’re searching for the sustainable option look no further than our drapery made from recycled plastic, our 100% NZ wool carpets, our zero VOC Porter’s paints, and our new range of Dulux Ultra Air. So, if you’re planning on building or renovating or simply searching for inspiration pop in to our Mill Lane store for a complimentary coffee and a chat.

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Phone 09 425 8187 | 12 Mill Lane, Warkworth opposite COUNTDOWN.

| Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022

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Saying thanks to emergency services One Mahurangi Business Association is organising a special dinner in May to say thank you to the local emergency services for all their hard work. Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and surf lifesaving staff and volunteers will all be invited to the event, which is scheduled to take place at Warkworth Town Hall on Wednesday, May 11. The idea for the dinner came from One Mahurangi manager Murray Chapman, who says he wants local service personnel to know how much they are appreciated. “I sat at home during the summer and heard those sirens go off time after time after time and thought it was about time we did something,” he says. He is looking for local businesses, organisations and individuals to donate their time, services or products to make the event a night to remember, from quality food, wine, music and entertainment to setup, serving and clearing. Murray says he has already had wine donated by Mahurangi River, Runner Duck and Heron’s Flight, any equipment needed from Carlton Party Hire, cash donations from several local businesses and

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free hire of the town hall. “It’s starting to come together,” he says. However, he accepts that with current Covid restrictions and the spread of new cases, the date may well need to be changed. “We need to be at a level where we can accommodate 100 to 150 people.” Anyone who would like to help out should contact Murray Chapman on 027 496 6550 or email murray@onemahurangi.co.nz or Alex Hayward on 027 527 8869 or email alex@warkworthtownhall.nz

Heart Kids needs help

Heart Kids NZ needs to raise $100,000 to continue providing crucial support for heart kids and their whanau, but this year they have had to cancel their annual street collection normally held on March 18. Little Heart Day is an annual fundraiser for the organisation, raising both funds and awareness for the hundreds of children living in Aotearoa with a childhood heart condition. Early childhood centres, schools, workplaces, organisations and individuals are being asked to set up and hold fun Little Heart Day events to raise money. Events can include things such as red mufti day, bake sales, coin trails, crazy hair days, shaking an online bucket or doing something completely different. Info: https://

Save yourself a trip to the tip. Prices from $195 includes collection and disposal. Flexibility to fill in your own time.

heartkids.org.nz/get-involved/event/little-heart-day

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March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

Trail trust drives forward on pathway expansion Public support for Auckland Council’s proposed climate action targeted rate could be crucial to the development of a 117km trail from Mangawhai to Puhoi. The rate is part of Council’s proposed budget for the 2022/23 financial year, which is out for public comment until March 28. Matakana Coast Trail Trust chairs Aidan Bennett and Craig Donaldson say that if the rate is adopted, along with a $228 million commitment for walking and cycling, they are optimistic that the trail will receive funding as a ‘climate friendly’ project. They are encouraging people to support the targeted rate in feedback. Council says the rate will be based on property values, with the median rural residential property paying $45.70 per annum, farm and lifestyle blocks around $67.70 and businesses $95.10. “This is a real opportunity for us to get funding for stage one of the trail,” Bennett and Donaldson say. The project is planned in three stages and will cost an estimated $50 million. When finished, it is forecast to handle some 410,000 individual trips annually, which in turn will generate an estimated $161 million a year, primarily through visitor expenditure, health benefits and job creation. The pathway will be a chip seal surface, ranging from grades four to six, and will be suitable for cycling, walking and buggies. Stage one will connect Warkworth, Snells Beach, Matakana, Omaha and Point Wells. Public access is still being negotiated along the route, with two local farmers granting sizeable access easements. A further two landowners have agreed, in principle, and another landowner recently indicated they were open to an access easement. As well as private landholders, the route also involves the Department of Conservation, Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. The total length of stage one, including the existing Matakana to Point Wells trail, is

Trail trust co-chairs Aidan Bennett (left) and Craig Donaldson say their focus this year is on raising funds to get spades in the ground.

30 kilometres, with sections of this route already in use. These include 1.2km of trail running off Sandspit Road along Duck Creek through to Hamilton Road and a 400m section of trail developed by the Mahurangi Trail Society, connecting Hamatana Road and Grange Street in Snells Beach. The trust is also working to complete a 2.1km section from Point Wells to the Matakana Country Park, which is effectively ready for construction, subject to funding and final community engagement steps. The co-chairs say funding will need to come from both the private and public sector, so they are working closely with local MPs, ministers and entities such as Waka Kotahi NZTA. “The trust also has an excellent Trail Working Group, which we oversee,” Donaldson says. “Their goal is for the us to finalise private landowner access discussions around October, which will inform the final location of the stage one route. “We are also engaging with mana whenua on approvals and guidance on suitable route options. Around June, we plan to hold community engagement events and visits with residents/landowners living on the proposed stage one route to obtain feedback.” Bennett says the trail is truly a community driven project. “We take our hats off to the work that has already been done over the past 10 to 12

years by hard working community groups and the founding trustees, as well as the six current trustees who are also doing it for love. “There are also lots of local individuals and businesses who are either putting their hands in their pockets or supporting us with pro-bono services. Hutchinson Engineering is a prime example. They have

been a cornerstone supporter providing pro-bono engineering advice. We also have broad support from a range of resident and ratepayer associations, sports groups, trail groups, business associations and so on. It’s a great project because the ultimate winner is the community.” To follow the progress of the trail, go to: www.mctt.org.nz

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Sweetappreciation

with chocolatebrown Congratulations to Jo and Cherry, at Revision Sewing, who are this month’s recipients of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. They were nominated by Allie Haycock, who wrote …

“

I’d like to nominate Jo and Cherry from Revision Sewing Services for their kind act of providing sun umbrellas on the seating at the Riverview Plaza. They did this at their own expense at a time when people could only click and collect their coffee. The umbrellas provided somewhere for people to sit and enjoy the view of the river and, of course, have their coffee. The umbrellas are very cheerful looking and I’m sure have been much appreciated and admired. 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, PO Box 701, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

Your local Beaurepaires has REBRANDED to a Goodyear Auto Care store! Still the same quality service from the same friendly team.

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March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

FOOD RESCUE Baxter Street, Warkworth 0910 warkworthfoodrescue@gmail.com

How are we making a difference? Lions and Rotary clubs exist to serve the community. Many people struggle to meet the necessities of life yet so much food goes to waste due to the lack of facilities to save the food and get it into the hands of those needing it. To meet this gap five years ago, Lions and Rotary set up the Warkworth Rotary/Lions Food Rescue operation. We operated from the old courthouse rent free for about three years, and now from the Warkworth Museum Op-shop in Baxter Street. New World and Countdown most helpfully supply food on a daily basis. The food is delivered to the Christian Food Link facility at the Presbyterian Church and to the Loaves and Fishes food bank in Wellsford, as well as various other community outlets. To date, we have “rescued” over 90 tonnes of food. The Christian Foodlink supports on average, per week, some 40 adults and a similar number of children, and the Wellsford food bank a similar number. Covid has brought additional needs. Categories of those needing help are limitless, and often are the working poor. They include children whose parents cannot cope often with mental issues, and those caring for children of others who are perhaps homeless or severely stressed for other reasons. It is never the fault of the children that they are hungry.

How you can help? • You might volunteer to become involved. • Do you have an orchard or back yard with fruit or vegetables going spare? We have on occasions received trailer loads of pumpkins shipped up from a Hawkes Bay producer.

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

Being thankful for what we have Along with everyone else, I have been watching the news both from around our beautiful country and from overseas. It’s struck me that while things are not perfect here, we still have it pretty darn good compared to elsewhere. The pictures from the Ukraine and from Wellington have filled me with sadness, and we can only hope that there is a chance for peace and conciliation in both places, and that people can heal and move on with their lives. You might ask, what does this have to do with business? I believe it has everything to do with business and its impacts. These societal divisions can create unrest among staff, businesses may not be able to operate because of disturbances outside their premises, and people may stop supporting businesses because they perceive a different opinion or value, even if a business is just following government guidelines. We all need to take a deep breath and remember the old days when you could have a different opinion to someone else without being considered an enemy. I know that people say the word kind and kindness has been over-used, but to me it is time for us to move on and treat each other as we would like to be treated ourselves. This brings me to a group of people who every day put themselves out there for their communities and this is our local emergency services personnel. We are putting on a dinner to thank these amazing people on the May 11 (the date is subject to

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• Perhaps a farm or lifestyle block owner could provide an animal for slaughter with meat going to the food banks. • Donations are always gratefully received as well and enable us to meet the occasional desperate need.

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| Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022

change depending on Covid restrictions). I want this to be a dinner where our fire services from Warkworth, Snells Beach, Matakana and Leigh, along with our local police, St Johns, coastguard and surf lifesaving will be served by members of our community as a gesture of gratitude and thanks. A number of our businesses have already donated products and money to help run the dinner and any funds left over will be distributed between the services. This is a chance for you to show your appreciation, either by donating to the dinner or putting up your hand to help. We will need people to set up, food prep, serve food and drinks, and to help with the clean-up and pack down afterwards. If you would like to be involved in making this a great night, you can email either myself or Alex Heyward at the Town Hall: murray@onemahurangi. co.nz or alex@warkworthtownhall.nz We live in paradise and we have so much to be thankful, for so let’s make a real effort to be kind to everyone. Allow people to have a different opinion and be thankful that we have people in our community who are members of the emergency services – heroes who are out there in all weather, giving their time often in terrible circumstances to help us. Stay kind, Buy local, Support local, Employ local and Love local. We are Stronger Together!

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Re-thinking exports earns major award for Matakana start-up What started as two mates mulling over a problem on a family camping holiday has grown into a global export platform that has just won a major prize at the New Zealand International Business Awards. Matakana-based Moa Holdings & Friends won a special award for Extraordinary Growth in Emerging Business at the NZ Trade & Enterprise ceremony that was held online last month. Judges described the development of Moa’s simplified manufacturing, marketing and global distribution system for Kiwi products as a phenomenal success story, with “impressive export growth over the last 18 months achieved through operational excellence, a team culture that ties their global model together, and a wider vision of helping brands from Aotearoa to find lasting success internationally”. Chair and co-founder Jason Neely said it was pretty cool to get recognition for his and co-founder Phil Walters’ efforts to make exporting goods from New Zealand a much easier process. “Selling on the internet is supposed to be easy, but selling stuff online from NZ is actually really hard,” he said. “Technically, you can do it. But the US alone has 10,500 different sales taxes; no two jurisdictions are the same. And sending stuff from here costs too much, takes too long and is bad for the environment. “The old system is find a local distributor and give them the job of sorting all that out. But we thought there must be a way to do it ourselves.” With Jason’s extensive background in retail and Phil as an industrial designer interested in getting products to market, the pair chewed the whole online export issue over while camping at Whananaki in 2019. “The issue was that the internet is such a dynamic space, it’s always changing so quickly, so we needed somehow to be very agile,” Phil said. “So we looked at how

Co-founders Phil Walters, left, and Jason Neely celebrate their win.

we maintain control and visibility, while also being agile enough in different global markets, and then how do we allow other Kiwi brands into that space, too?” They decided to have a crack at it using Metalbird, which Phil started as a street art project in 2009, making decorative metal bird silhouettes and installing them around his Auckland neighbourhood. People quickly wanted their own metal birds,

so the project became a side-hustle that subsequently grew into a sizable business with huge export potential. Phil said the key was ensuring the business could be scaled up and specialised for each export market, so he and Jason focused on establishing pay gateways, manufacturing facilities and distribution warehouses in each country.

“We’re trying to work with products we can make in each country,” he said. “So, New Zealand-founded, but brands that are proudly made in local markets – localised global retail – and we have local websites and product in each market.” Metalbird also supports bird conservation groups in each of its markets, such as Forest & Bird in NZ. Moa Holdings is now at the point where it’s almost ready to roll with two further NZ products that have potential to succeed using their export platform – a health supplement range and an artificial intelligence training system for dogs – and they have a staff of 10 based in Matakana and Auckland. But the entire premise of the business remains its simplicity, its ease of use and the ability for its founders to run the whole thing from home if necessary. “We just built it as we went. There’s a complex amount of knowledge built in, and we made a lot of mistakes along the way, but it’s easy to run now and in years to come I can’t see why we can’t replicate it and provide it for others,” Jason said.

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Donna Wyllie Real Estate

Donna Wyllie 021 827 932

I have been marketing Real estate for the last 10 1/2 years in Warkworth. I grew up in Warkworth and have lived here most of my life, all except a time living overseas. I am truly a local and know the Rodney area well. I have a Diploma in Real Estate and I’m a Licensed Agent. I love being in Real Estate and look forward to this new direction.

Katie Boyle Real Estate

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Debbie Aldred Real Estate

Debbie Aldred 021 406 967

Selling in Rodney, Matakana Coast and Kawau Island, Debbie has a “100%, sleeves rolled up, I’m in” attitude while giving careful consideration for her client’s individual needs, wants and desires. Energetic in all aspects of her life, Debbie’s enthusiasm and focus extends to the smallest detail. She is able to think quickly on her feet, is creative, and a sharp, highly experienced negotiator.

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

debbie.aldred@independentagent.co.nz If you are seeking a friendly, caring, experienced agent with a ton of energy, call today!

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March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

Road closure Pohuehue Viaduct Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is resurfacing State Highway 1 at nights around the Pohuehue Viaduct north of Puhoi from Sunday 13th to Friday 18th March under stop/go traffic controls. The highway will be closed between 10pm Sunday 20th and 5am Monday, 21st March to complete work on the viaduct. A posted detour will be in place between Silverdale and Warkworth via State Highway 16 and is expected to add up to 60 minutes to your travel time. Road users travelling between Wellsford and Auckland are encouraged to use SH16 via Wellsford and Auckland’s central motorway junction. Work is weather and other disruptions dependent. Thank you for your patience as we complete this necessary work. Scan this QR code on the day of the planned closure for more information. SCAN ME

You can also check your journey by visiting www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Trainee Line Mechanic Start your career in Electrical Distribution industry with Northpower as a Trainee Line Mechanic in Warkworth. Earn while you gain your trade qualification! This two-year program will provide you on-the job training and support to fully qualify as a Line Mechanic by working alongside experienced Line Mechanics across various teams. Requirements: • Physically fit • Commitment to health and safety • Great attitude and passion to start a career within electrical space • Current NZ driver’s licence

The Law David Stone

davidandjill@stone.org.nz

Avoiding Will disputes So, you think your last Will is binding and all will be happiness between your beneficiaries after you die? But the reality is that disputes can and do arise from wills which don’t meet the expectations of some or all beneficiaries. This can cause divisiveness or exacerbate existing differences. Can this be avoided and the possibility of court action as well? The answer is ‘yes’ in some instances and, hopefully, in many. However, in some families, deep-rooted differences preclude any solution other than one imposed by the High Court or an agreed settlement when the costs of a court battle are fully understood. How then, can lengthy and costly disputes be avoided? Cynically, you can spend all or most of what you have so there is nothing to be divided when you die. Strangely, though, that can be harder to do than it sounds. It would be unwise to divest yourself of most of your assets while alive. Who knows what and how much you will need to comfortably sustain yourself for the remainder of your life? One method to remain in your current home and have funds to do as you wish is a reverse mortgage, but committing to one should be considered carefully and only after independent legal advice. They are not for all. In brief, they allow you to borrow against the equity in your home without having to fund interest and principal while alive, which gives you cash to use as you choose. Alternatively, you can assist family members during your lifetime with gifts of money or loans that are forgiven in your Will or earlier or set-off against a share in your estate after death. “Give with a warm hand not a cold one” was what one memorable client told me and lived by. Keep a detailed record of how much was given and to whom, why and when. However, great care should be exercised with either of these two possibilities, especially if residential care is

RSA shuttle increase

Warkworth RSA has had to increase the suggested donation for its courtesy vehicles due to increases in petrol prices and other costs. The door-to-door shuttle is available to ferry people to hospital and doctors appointments. The costs are now $15 within Warkworth; $35 to North Shore, Waitakere or Auckland; and $45 to Greenlane, Middlemore and the Manukau Super Clinic. Meanwhile, the Warkworth RSA will hold its annual meeting at its clubrooms in Neville Street on Sunday March 27, starting at 10am.

Benefits: • Competitive remuneration, overtime allowance and discounted medical insurance • Gain a recognised trade qualification and earn from day one

To apply, send your CV to career@northpower.com or call 021 501 290.

| Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022

needed later in life. A third possibility is to leave precise reasons why you have divided your estate as you have in your Will in an accompanying Statement. A lawyer can help draft that statement. Remember, if circumstances change, you should change your Will. This might happen, for instance, if you were reconciled with a child or helped a child whose situation had through suffered a crisis A fourth option, though there can never be certainty it will be honoured, and circumstances can change for any involved, including yourself, is to hold a family conference to explain your intentions and your reasoning, and to get feedback. If you are wealthy, having your lawyer chair the meeting would be wise. A further and more certain possibility is to use a trust. Much is said about family trusts, and there is a degree of misunderstanding, too. They are certainly not for everyone, and you need to be moderately wealthy to justify the costs, though the costs most likely will pale compared to the costs of court action after your death. Get advice from an experienced trust and estate lawyer only. Finally, at any time during your life, you can make a gift to a charity of your choice. However, if a gift or gifts are made in your Will they could be contested by family. Complicated? Yes, a bit. But competent and experienced legal advice will assist you to make an informed decision, and one you can rest in peace with. These comments are intended as a “once over lightly” to raise awareness of pitfalls and of options that can be considered to avoid costly and damaging disputes. This column is provided for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. David is a Notary Public and formerly a lawyer in private practice for 43 years. He lives in Omaha is involved with several environmental groups.

Is there more to Life...?

Ask. Learn. Discuss.

Starting Week of 2 May! Alpha is a free course that provides anyone to participate in conversations about life, faith and God. Each session will involve watching video clips followed by a small group discussion. There will be more details to come, but in the meantime contact David for questions and info david@mahu.org.nz

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Reimaging a postpandemic world Unravelling the complexities of global issues and mapping a path towards a more just and equitable world for everyone is the subject of a book published by part-time Omaha resident Clive Elliott. The Auckland QC started writing The Power of Wellbeing in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings and Donald Trump’s presidency. “Like the rest of NZ, I think, I was deeply shocked by events in Christchurch,” he says. “I started to question whether NZ actually was the peaceful and inclusive country that I had always thought it was. “At the same time, Trump’s presidency was highlighting some major internal problems and divisions in the US.” Elliott describes the US as the standard bearer for liberal democracies everywhere – “if the US goes, we go with it” – and uses the book to compare how both countries, NZ and the US, are responding to some of the world’s most pressing problems. “We seem to be beset with intractable problems – growing inequality, polarisation, extremism, global warming and, of course, the severe disruption caused by Covid 19. And, that was before Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, casting further doubt on the viability of the current world order,” Elliott says. “I accept that this is all uncomfortable and unsettling. Even so, I try to join the dots and make sense of what is happening around the world and at home. I argue that we need to take a deep breath and reassess our institutions, systems and values, and re-purpose them in an uncertain postpandemic world. We can engineer positive change and build a better world where most of the population can thrive and prosper, while preserving and enhancing the core values of equality, trust and empathy.” Elliott says the book is apolitical, although the views of politicians of all stripes, retired and current, are distilled into the story. He also employed a researcher for two years to provide the data needed to understand some of the issues discussed. He believes his years as a lawyer have given him the capacity to understand complex factual issues, digest information and

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present it in a coherent way. “We are bombarded with so much information these days that sometimes it can be difficult to make sense of it all. I hope The Power of Wellbeing will help thinking readers navigate these issues and encourage further debate.” Elliott has had a house at Omaha for 24 years and describes Omaha and Matakana as his second home. Originally from South Africa, he moved to NZ 40 years ago to escape apartheid. The Power of Wellbeing is Elliott’s first non-legal book and is available the Village Bookshop in Matakana and online at https://cliveelliott.com/the-power-ofwellbeing

Book giveaway Mahurangi Matters has a copy of The Power of Wellbeing to give away to one lucky reader. To go into the draw, email: gm@localmatters. co.nz with Wellbeing in the subject line. Entries close March 21.

Senior surfers still keen Warkworth’s SeniorNet is reminding people that it is operating as usual from its base downstairs at the Warkworth RSA with Covid protocols in place. Help days are held on Fridays, from noon to 1.30pm, while presentations and workshops on various topics are held on Monday afternoons. Group spokesperson Penny Webster says both the group and the one-on-one sessions are kept casual and friendly, and are tailored to a person’s learning experience, whether they are a beginner or someone wishing to extend their knowledge. “Use of technology has become the norm,” Penny says. “It’s not just kids wandering round with their cell phone in their hands

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checking emails, Facebook and Instagram. Many of us have learned the basics of computer use and, of course, in the last couple of years Covid has meant more meetings online. “Also with banks doing away with cheques, internet banking and paying online have become the normal way of life.” She says the key to SeniorNet’s success is the peer tutoring where volunteers share their experience. Help is available for everything from sorting computer files to downloading photos from a phone. Membership costs $35 per annum for an individual or $50 per couple. Each Friday an email newsletter is sent out outlining what is on the following week.

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March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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Kowhai House Level 1 4 Warkworth St, Warkworth P (09) 320 3086 Referrals@psyched.org.nz

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Sarah Watson

Totally Psyched

lack of specialist mental health support for young people north of Auckland has led North Shore clinic Totally Psyched to open a branch in Warkworth. Clinic director and senior child and adolescent clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Watson says the growing demand and booming population made the Kowhai Medical Centre a natural choice for the multi-disciplinary practice. “My husband and I just recently moved to the area and I noticed there really isn’t anything like Totally Psyched up here. Demand is so high now, and so many people come down to see us in Takapuna from here, as it’s their closest option,” she says. “We needed to find a way to meet that demand more effectively – families don’t need the hassle and extra expense of travelling to the city. And Warkworth is a

beautiful spot.” Totally Psyched offers psychiatry, psychology (clinical and behavioural), counselling, occupational therapy and educational assessments for families, children, teens and young adults. “I opened Totally Psyched six years ago to create a relaxed and welcoming space for children and adolescents where they could have the majority of their mental health needs met in the one place,” Watson says. “The reason we have so many different people is because at different times in children’s development, and depending on their needs, they might need different things.” The clinic can treat a host of different issues, such as learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, OCD and attention deficit disorders, and it welcomes referrals from GPs, school staff or directly from families.

Candidate makes road promise

Auckland Mayoral candidate Craig Lord is vowing to reinstate a $124 million budgetary allocation, that he says was previously promised for roading upgrades and maintenance, but removed from the budget at the 11th hour. Lord says this in recognition of rural Rodney’s contribution of both property rates and the regional fuel tax. “This is a direct result of the disturbing practice of foisting urban development on communities with no infrastructural backing,” he says. “Rodney is the largest and most geographically diverse ward in Auckland, from the highly urbanised areas of Warkworth and Kumeu to remote farming communities. The centralised governance structure of Auckland and inequitable rates return has done little to abate the historic fears these communities had during the Super City formation – I intend to change that. “Under my leadership our biggest city will no longer turn a blind eye to the infrastructure woes of the Rodney communities who are paying their way, but suffering the hand of unfair rates return and unprecedented growth without fair budget allocation”The local government election will be held on October 8.

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March/April 2022 – Your essential property guide from Dairy Flat to Waipu

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Retire to the centre of this delightful town, and experience the convenience, comfort and security of Warkworth Oaks. Our spacious, beautifully appointed apartments have direct access to everything the community has to offer. The last few brand new apartments are available now, but you’ll have to be quick! Call Sylvie on 027 314 5767 or (09) 425 8766 now and find out what Real Living is all about.

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| Mahurangimatters www.localmatters.co.nz March A Local Matters publication. Distribution - 39,750 copies. Advertising enquiries: Mahurangi 09 425 906814,or2022 Hibiscus 09 427 8188 |

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

snells beach 5 woodlands place

peace, privacy views! Glorious and elevated North facing views from this hillside property are enough to take your breath away! Renovated throughout, this sun-soaked abode offers the great kiwi coastal lifestyle, spectacular sunrises, excellent indoor/outdoor flow, solar panels, a wood burner, lovely conservatory and a butlers pantry. A sheltered and idyllic setting, the entertainment areas, both inside and out, offer privacy and an incredible uninterrupted outlook down over the coast. Call for your opportunity to enjoy this lofty perch!

140sqm

steffan meyer | 0800 877 653 for sale : by negotiation Phone for viewing options

steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

algies bay 57a mera road

classic summer vibes! Magnificent views across Algies Bay and Kawau Island are just the beginning of everything this cute, coastal home has to offer. It’s a perfect kiwi bach or home, designed in a casual coastal style, with unmissable sea views. The functionality is evident with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 lounge on each floor, with full kitchen upstairs and kitchenette downstairs and parking aplenty. When there is a gentle breeze you can hear and smell ocean, the way every great kiwi summer starts. Reach out immediately for Classic Summer Vibes.

133sqm

steffan meyer | 0800 877 653 asking price : $1,149,000 phone for viewing options

steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

22 | Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022 22 WelcomeHome

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Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

snells beach 275 mahurangi east road

the complete package! This much-loved home is as functional as it is inviting. Cooking and relaxing is a breeze in the open plan living and modern kitchen, with views over Snells Beach and Kawau Bay. What was once a garage has been converted into a fantastic office/rumpus room with stunning views. Outside is perfect to unwind with family and friends, with sprawling grounds to allow for the kids and pets to stretch their legs. Plant vegie gardens, fruit trees or extend - there is so much potential! Reach out today.

90sqm

steffan meyer | 0800 877 653 for sale : by negotiation Phone for viewing options

steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

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meyer real estate is growing! Introducing Yvette Davies:

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When you choose to work with Yvette you get natural talent along with upbeat energy, boundless enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge. You can rely on Yvette’s tenacity and ability to think outside the square to deliver win-win outcomes, time after time. With almost a decade in the police force and 15 years tourism and hospitality management (all while raising 4 kids on her own), Yvette’s listening skills are second to none. She gets straight to the point and works hard to achieve the best outcome for her vendor. If you are thinking of selling or buying and want a hardworking honest agent on your side, call Yvette today.

yvette davies 027 3579 620 yvette@meyerrealestate.co.nz

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

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www.localmatters.co.nz March/April 2022

| 23 March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters 23 WelcomeHome

NEW LISTING

Sandspit 81 Brick Bay Drive

Bohemian Rhapsody

8,625sqm

Wake every day to the sun rising over Little Barrier, and follow the warmth and light on wrap-around decks from east to west to sundown under the branches. Freehold title and located in trendy Sandspit, a niche area filled with plenty of character with Sandspit Marina right on your doorstep. Families, holidays, boaties!

Auction (unless sold prior) 10am, Thu 14 Apr 2022 41 Queen Street, Warkworth Phone for viewing times James Sanders 021 135 0740 james.sanders@bayleys.co.nz Avalon Sanders 021 230 9515 avalon.sanders@bayleys.co.nz

‘Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see’…soaring above native treetop canopy alive with birdsong, sweeping out-to-sea views, utterly private and set amongst a magnificent stand of kauri; taonga. Owners downsizing with high motivation and invite early offers.

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

MOTIVATED VENDOR

Boundary lines are indicative only

Sandspit 1060 Sandspit Road

Solid starter in Sandspit

2,033sqm

Utterly private, with convenient proximity to Snells Beach, Warkworth and Matakana, this 2,033sqm freehold property is surrounded by native bush and birdlife. Near-new roof, insulation and heatpump.

Auction (unless sold prior) 10am, Thu 24 Mar 2022 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 11am-12pm or by appointment Avalon Sanders 021 230 9515 avalon.sanders@bayleys.co.nz James Sanders 021 135 0740 james.sanders@bayleys.co.nz

A blank canvas for those looking to realize full potential and value, the 1960's home has plenty of scope for a simple cosmetic refurbishment or redesign and build your 'forever retreat'. Currently rented, family looking to stay. Moments down the road to Sandspit Marina. Owners highly motivated by commitment to purchase property South, early offers invited!

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

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Warkworth 59 Guy Road

Take me home, country roads

Private and tranquil, this lovely country-style home could be the haven you have been searching for. Set on a gently contoured, 4-acre block with five stock safe fenced paddocks with facilities for sheep, beefies, or horses, as well as a large chicken run and plenty of varying seasonal fruit trees and vege plots. The home itself features a generous wraparound covered deck, and a large open-plan kitchen and living space connected to the outdoors by two ranch sliders. Spacious lounge with wood-burner and heat transfer system. Recent renovations include new bathrooms, lighting, paint, and carpets in bedrooms and hallway. Many extras include a tiled laundry room, double garage with separate sleepout (great for working from home), a float shed, pony stables and more.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 23 Mar 2022 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View by appointment Anthony Shaw 021 234 9797 anthony.shaw@bayleys.co.nz

Over

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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Dahnie Burton

& Jenni Marsh

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Dahnie Jenni

021 628 327 021 717 719

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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www.localmatters.co.nz March/April 2022

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INDEPENDENTAGENT.CO.NZ

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WAKE “N” SEA

The Warkworth Hotel Conference Suite

3 STEPS TO RETIREMENT

Thursday 24th March

5.30pm Refreshments 6pm Start

Spaces limited

Please register by contacting: warkworth@barfoot.co.nz www.localmatters.co.nz March/April 2022

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Fundraiser organisers, from left, Siobhan Murphy, James Webb, Joella Tomkins, Amelia Burton, Zoe Knapp Spens-Black and Lucy Butler. Maddi Brooker was absent on the day, but was also heavily involved.

Mahurangi students rally to help classmate

Mahurangi College student John Taylor has a tough road ahead, but is buoyed by the support he is receiving from fellow students.

Mahurangi College senior students held a fundraising Funky Shirt Friday and bake off on March 4 that they wish hadn’t been necessary. The funds are being donated to fellow Year 12 student John Taylor, 16, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of melanoma on January 14. “Sometimes when bad things happen, it brings out the best in people,” John says philosophically. “I’m very grateful, and a bit overwhelmed, by the effort everyone is making on my behalf. “It also makes me feel really happy to know I live in a community that is so quick to help one another, even me!” John is currently learning from home so wasn’t able to participate in the day. As his mother Carla says, “the last thing John needs at the moment is Covid”. But Covid has, at least, meant that home schooling hasn’t been a drama. “There are other students learning from

In the interim, a friend has set up a GiveA-Little page to help pay for John’s initial surgery and testing, and to raise money towards the cost of future treatment and care. Carla says the decision to do this was a difficult one as there are three other children (all teenagers) in the family. “We knew it would put the entire family in the spotlight very quickly. However, we decided that we couldn’t risk not being able to pay for John’s treatment immediately if immunotherapy is recommended so agreed to the page being set up,” she says. “So far, just over $33,000 has been donated, but that amount was raised in the first week or so and contributions have slowed considerably since then, leaving us concerned that we won’t be able to afford the treatment if it is recommended.”

Ben Carmichael Warkworth resident

home so I’m not feeling left out at all,” John says. “The teachers are making it very easy to access the work and, at least at home, I’m not being treated any different than any other student.” Carla explains that John found it tough being at school in a wheelchair after having surgery on his lower leg at the start of the year. The Warkworth family has been on a rollercoaster ride since a small spot was first noticed on John’s right shin last August. Covid alert levels meant that getting medical appointments and test results were constantly delayed. When the melanoma was finally diagnosed, the specialist recommended surgery to remove the wider margins around the original site as soon as possible. Knowing that waiting to go through the public system could take weeks, John’s uncle loaned the family the $13,000 needed for the surgery and testing. The surgery revealed that the cancer had

spread beyond the initial site to lymph nodes in the groin and a PET scan was recommended. Again, John’s uncle agreed to loan the family the $3000 to pay for this to be done privately, because time was of an essence, but added that he had reached the limit of his ability to borrow against his mortgage. The scan revealed that there were no tumours over four millimetres anywhere else in John’s body and various treatment options were discussed. He was referred to a paediatric oncologist at Starship who has since sought advice from St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, in the United States, because of the rarity of John’s type of melanoma. The family is now waiting for the phone call that will tell them what treatment options the doctors will recommend. But a critical question at this stage will be John’s age. He turns 17 in July, which means the family could be facing a treatment bill of around $120,000 if he is no longer covered by Starship.

To help John’s family, the Givealittle page can be found here: https://givealittle.co.nz/ cause/john-taylor-16yo-has-cancer-andneeds-your-help

After experiencing the first class facilities and care at Rodney Surgical, I wouldn’t have day surgery done anywhere else. Having my gastroscopy done in Warkworth meant not having to deal with traffic and disruption, while still having access to the region’s best doctors. The staff were a pleasure to deal with and provided some of the best care I’ve experienced. My advice is to ask your GP if you can have it done locally. Or ring Rodney Surgical direct.

The best surgeons offering you day care surgeries right here in Warkworth. Ask your GP if your day care surgery can be done at Rodney Surgical.

w w w. r o d n e y s u r g i c a l c e n t r e . c o . n z • 0 9 4 2 5 1 1 9 0 www.localmatters.co.nz

MODERN

• PROFESSIONAL• LOCAL March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

Nutrition Nicole Wilson, Registered nutritionist www.nutritionkitchen.co.nz

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A two-week long World of Cultures festival, celebrating the cultural diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau, starts on March 18. It will include exhibitions, dance classes, workshops and food events. Many of the events are being held online. For the full programme, visit: www.worldofcultures.co.nz/events/default.asp

Contact: simon.townsend@promed.ac.nz 021 478 655 | www.facebook.com/Akiwimedic

Culture celebrated

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stomach. When it comes to digestion, your body has no idea where the sugar came from, it will simply break them all down and use them in the same way. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat those other varieties of sugar, if you enjoy them. It just isn’t worth the extra money thinking that they are somehow superior to white sugar. Healthy eating guidelines recommend that teens and adults should consume no more than 30g (7 tsp) of added sugar each day; 7-10 year olds less than 24g (6 tsp) and 4-6 year olds a 19g (5 tsp) maximum. On average, adults are consuming double and teenagers three times the recommended amount. As you can see from the recommendations, you don’t need to quit sugar completely. However, with most teenagers and adults consuming more that the recommended amount, we do need to look at reducing the amounts we are having. The trick is not to completely restrict sugar, or anything else you enjoy. Often when we do this we start off quitting it, before eating too much and feeling ill and guilty, so we quit it again. And then eat too much, feel bad, quit, and on it goes. This is not healthy – physically or mentally! Instead, focus on your overall dietary pattern. Eat a widely varied diet, include nutrient-dense foods as well as foods that bring you joy. So, go ahead and enjoy that sweet temptation, without a side of guilt.

I think we can all agree that sugar isn’t a health food. However, there is a lot of misinformation about sugar. Is it really as bad as it is made out to be? Are some types of sugar healthier than others? Will quitting it really save you from a swathe of health problems? Turns out, the answers aren’t that simple. Sugar occurs naturally in any foods that contain carbohydrates – all fruits and vegetables, grains and dairy. These foods also contain high amounts of either fibre and/or protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The problems with sugar occur when you consume too much ‘added’ or ‘free’ sugar – the sugar that is added to make foods and beverages taste sweet. Overall, the evidence that added sugar directly causes Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancer is not strong. There is an association between sugar and these health conditions, but more research is needed to tease out the details. The only thing that scientists are sure of is that high added sugar intake is the main cause of tooth decay. When it comes to added sugar, refined sugar is not the only source. Sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup, used in ‘refined sugar free’ recipes are not ‘healthy sugars.’ Yes, they contain more nutrients than white sugar, but in negligible amounts that will have no benefit to your health. Also, they don’t get any special treatment once they reach your

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History Judith Williams, Puhoi historian bohemia1863@gmail.com

Two pandemics

Crisis fund needs helping hand A fund that helps women experiencing family violence or abuse with unexpected expenses has virtually run dry. As a result, Hestia Women’s Refuge is appealing for donations from the local community to give its Helping Hands fund a boost, so that it can continue to help families at a time when demand and costs are soaring. Operations coordinator Marlene Walker says she realises more people than ever are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, but Helping Hands is an important safety net for Hestia clients that many people might not know about. “Any unexpected donations we get in go to this fund, which is used for anything we can’t get money for from elsewhere,” she says. “But we’ve gone through that fund. “We have a very supportive community that provides plenty of donations of goods to our op shop in Silverdale, The Kowhai Tree, and we’re thankful for that, but cash donations are not so common. “There has been a drop off, which is understandable at the moment, people need to look after their own families.”

Helping Hands helps women with a wide range of expenses, from changing locks and installing security cameras to car repairs and paying for children’s school needs. They are often sudden costs that a woman cannot afford and that aren’t covered by WINZ or any other agencies, but they can be life changing, Marlene says. “It’s also for when families are really doing it tough and they need a bit extra for things like school uniforms or for a child to attend something that all the other children are going to, but the family can’t afford,” she says. “Or it might even be just a mobile phone top-up – you can always call 111, but you might just need a neighbour or friend, not the police or fire brigade to turn up.” Hestia helps women and families from a wide geographical area, from the North Shore right up the Brynderwyn Hills and everywhere in between. The refuge provides a confidential and safe service for women in abusive domestic situations who are looking for help and support.

To donate to Hestia’s Helping Hands fund, email admin@hestia.org.nz or visit https:// givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia

An early autumn morning and friends call to each other across the Puhoi River. “How was your cataract operation? Are the peaches ripening over there?” Sounds normal, in these early weeks of Omicron 2022. Puhoi people are cautiously enjoying their freedoms again – gentle music on the hotel lawn, visiting relatives, harvesting buckets of quinces and picking Granny Smith apples. There are also lots of locals putting their skills to use working from home – children’s books, gourmet cooks, freezers for sale, art classes, produce swaps, junior football, tea rooms reopening – signs of a community in fairly positive spirits. Here may not be the place to compare Covid 19 with what the world went through in the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic but, its impact on our Bohemian ancestors was just as profound. Peter Straka points to these words on the underside of a 100-year-old piece of furniture: “Peace declared Tuesday, November 12, 1918. Annie Straka (his aunt) had the influenza.” And his cousin, Isabel, nee Titford, recalled that during the Great Flu, Granny Titford, born 1863, put lots of crushed garlic in the Puhoi Hotel’s broom cupboard. The crushed garlic then got into the broom bristles and so got distributed throughout the hotel during cleaning. “Lots of people – travellers and

teachers, for example – stayed at the Hotel and none of them caught the flu!” My mother, Gretchen Elizabeth, born 1910, was the granddaughter of Puhoi pioneer Elizabeth Pittner and was later adopted by her aunt, Margaret, nee Christmann, who, with her husband, Alfred Williams, owned the Mangawhai Hotel. In a 2006 interview, Gretchen told the following story: “The flu epidemic after the First World War didn’t hit Mangawhai very much that I can remember, but there was a group of Maori living at Coal Hill. They didn’t live together as a pa and they didn’t call it a marae in those days, but they were a group of families living together. “Because the flu was on, and everyone knew how serious it was, the policeman asked the Maoris to stay in their own community and not to come down to the village for supplies. They arranged for one man – and I can still see him arriving on horseback – to get any supplies that were necessary. At the hotel they would make a large container of soup. I don’t know how he managed to get it back on horseback. “They asked the Maori to isolate themselves for their own good, because it was known that Maori were prone to chest diseases and they thought they might be easy victims of the flu.”

Music online

Auckland Council is presenting free online performances in place of Music in the Parks every Thursday from 8pm. The concerts will be spread over eight weeks and are delivered in partnership with E Noho and Money for Jam. The Facebook episodes will run for 12 to 30 minutes featuring performances and interviews with a musician or band from the this year’s Music in Parks line-up. There will be performances from Kendall Elise, Latinaotearoa, The Rvmes and Mema Wilda, plus more to be announced. Info: https://musicinparks.co.nz/

Dr Elspeth Dickson

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March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

Cuisine Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Autumnal aubergines With these lovely cooler nights I have found it easy to move away from salads and barbecues and am getting back into the kitchen to prepare a few slow-cooked dishes. There’s plenty of inspiration as aubergines (eggplants) are at their best through March and I am incorporating them into lovely stewed dishes where I can combine them with ripe capsicums and tomatoes. My ultimate aubergine dishes have their origins around the Mediterranean – Greek moussaka, Italian lasagne and aubergine parmigiana, the French ratatouille and, of course, myriad dishes from the Middle East. I have fond memories of youthful travels in the Greek islands and eating in inexpensive restaurants where no English was spoken. We would accompany the chef (always an older woman who was rather grandma-like) into the kitchen. There would be two or three pots bubbling away on the burner and we’d peek into them, absorb the fragrance and decide just which we’d eat that evening. I suspect those dishes became part of my DNA as I always think about those wonderful flavours when I am cooking that style of food. More recently, with the influence of so many good cooks from Asia taking up the pans in our country, we have been able to find the smaller elongated aubergines that are known as Japanese or Asian eggplants. But both large purple European globes and these smaller Asian varieties require cooking for a long enough time to render them soft and silken. An undercooked aubergine is not tasty or nice! One of the features of aubergine flesh is that it really soaks up oil and yet too much oil will make it greasy and not at all tempting. If you want to grill or roast it, brush with

oil and cook at quite a high temperature. It is easy to roast the aubergine whole but ensure you prick the skin all over. A couple of weeks ago, I left an aubergine roasting in the oven and had forgotten to prick it. There was an almighty explosion and I thought the oven door had shattered – but no it was just the aubergine exploding, making one hell of a mess of my oven! Salt is very necessary when cooking aubergines as alone they can lack flavour. Many food writers suggest you salt the aubergine before cooking it, leaving the salt to draw out any bitterness, but seriously you do not need to do this at this time of year when this wonderful vegetable has grown in the earth and ripened in the sun. This recipe is made really tasty by the added spices and garlic. Be sure to taste and do not be afraid to add extra salt!

Tasty Stuffed Aubergines 1 large or 2 small aubergines ½ cup water 4 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs 3 tbsp milk 2 shallots or 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped 250g minced meat (pork, beef, lamb or chicken) ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper 1 egg, beaten Chunk of cheddar or manchego cheese for grating

Slice the aubergine lengthwise and place in a pan with the water and one tablespoon of the oil. Bring the water to a simmer and place a tight fitting lid on the pan. Allow the aubergine to soften in the steam for about 8 minutes. Leave aside to cool. Meanwhile soak the crumbs in the milk and start to make the stuffing. Put the remaining oil in a wide frying pan and add the onion with the crushed garlic. Gently fry until turning golden then add the tomato and continue to gently fry for five minutes, stirring often. Add the minced meat with the spices, turn the heat up slightly and stir for about 5 minutes. Scoop the flesh out carefully from the aubergine shell and chop this up before adding to the cooked mince, with the crumbs and milk and plenty of salt and pepper to taste. Cook a little longer, remove from the heat and stir in the egg. Spoon this mixture back into the aubergine shells, sprinkle with plenty of grated cheese and place in a preheated oven 180°C for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve hot with a leafy green salad. Serves 2

Note: The recipe can be doubled for four. This can also be made ahead and reheated.

THE HAPPIEST OF HOURS Any Sawmill jug and a plate of fried chicken for only $35 at The Smoko Room. Every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 3pm - 6pm. A tap line up of 15 beers (including our non-alcoholic Bare Beer), New Zealand wines and locally sourced ingredients on our menu.

WED.THU.FRI. 3pm - 6pm | $35 jugs + fried chicken

Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room | 1004 Leigh Road, Matakana | Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12pm - late | Sunday 12pm - 5pm 32

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Planning a party

The large celebration being planned for Sculptureum’s fifth birthday has been postponed due to the spread of Omicron. But the owners are committed to putting on a spectacular birthday bash for the whole family, celebrating “the art in all things” later in the year when it is safe to do so. In the interim, Sculptureum will host an Art of Degustation evening next month – an event that will see five talented Auckland’s chefs take inspiration from an artwork from the galleries and gardens to create a special dish each, offering a five-course degustation. The giant pink snails are instantly recognisable as a Scuptureum installation.

One-of-a-kind attraction turns five One of Matakana’s most original attractions, Sculptureum, on Omaha Flats Road, turns five this month. Part-museum and part-sculpture garden with several different dining options, and even an opportunity to interact with small animals, the attraction has hosted an estimated 300,000 visitors since the gates opened in April 2017. Owners Anthony and Sandra Grant spent 10 years developing Sculptureum – a name they coined themselves – before opening to the public. The grounds cover 10 hectares and provides employment for 32 to 40 staff depending on the season. Anthony says the fact that the park is an original has been one of its greatest challenges. “Sculptureum is not a sculpture park, a sculpture walk, an art gallery, a zoo, a restaurant or a garden, but it has elements of all of these things,” he says. “As the project has evolved, the galleries have been improved substantially and contain two to three times as many works as when we opened. “In general, I like to have new works installed every two to three months.

We have also replaced some works with superior ones and behind the scenes, new works are being acquired from all around the world almost every week.” About 17 new works will be installed in the next few weeks including some frog sculptures from the person who Anthony considers to be the best sculptor in the world of humorous frogs, Beau Smith, from South Carolina. Rabbiton – the area where the rabbits are on display – has changed and is home to about 12 baby Flemish giant rabbits, a couple of loved-up lop-eared rabbits and six red-eared slider turtles. The animal enclosure allows visitors to feed and cuddle the rabbits, feed the Kune Kune pigs, and brush the miniature ponies. Anthony says that given the unique nature of the business, it was hard to plan from the start. “We made the right choices with the core aspects of a great restaurant, and a joyful art and garden experience, but we have had to learn a lot about getting the right people in the right positions, building up our infrastructure, and giving our guests a great destination experience. It would have been

Auckland barristers Anthony and Sandra Grant are continuing to expand the number of attractions and activities at Sculptureum.

great to have had the knowledge we now have at the start. Unfortunately, just like a newborn, it didn’t come with a manual!” Siting Sculptureum in Matakana, however, was the right decision.

“The extension of the motorway to Warkworth and the huge expansion in population north of Auckland is attracting a lot more visitors.” Sculptureum has had some glowing reviews over the years and Rothko was ranked by Metro in the top 50 Auckland restaurants and by Cuisine as one of the top 100 restaurants in New Zealand. “Rothko has been a great hit with guests, but there has also been a demand for something more relaxed. As a result we now have four food offerings – Rothko, Freddie’s bar and grill, The Terrace with the winetasting caravan and platters, and a mobile food truck, which has been in hot demand.” Anthony says the Covid lockdowns have been tough both financially and emotionally for everyone. “Fortunately we have a wonderful team, and when we have been able to open we have been well supported by both Aucklanders and people from all over New Zealand. The fact that we are primarily an open air venue has made us a safe place for visitors to escape to, and savour some family and friend time in an uplifting and whimsical environment.”

J O I N U S F O R A S P E C I A L E V E N T AT R OT H KO T H I S A P R I L

The Art of Degustation Five talented chefs take inspiration from Sculptureum art to create five unique courses A stellar lineup including: Uelese “Wallace” Mua from Kingi, Alfie Ingham from Hugo’s Bistro, Zennon Wijlen from Paris Butter, Nico Bonnaud from Honest Chocolat and Rothko’s, Josh Hazel.

Discover Sculptureum’s Galleries and Gardens followed by an evening of incredible culinary talent. www.localmatters.co.nz

Tickets are limited and bookings are essential. Book now: www.sculptureum.nz/whatson 40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana | www.sculptureum.nz March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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Young fans of the Easter Bunny and chocolate should head to Wellsford on Saturday, April 16 for a massive Easter Egg Hunt at the town’s War Memorial Park. Hundreds of coloured tokens will be hidden in the trees, playground and skate park between Rodney Street and the library, which children can exchange for eggs when they find them. The hunt will feature separate sessions for different age groups, starting at 9am for the youngest little hunters, with a maximum of five eggs for each child. While the hunt is going on, there will be live music from Jon E Clist, plus subsidised coffee and food from Surf ’s Up Burger & Grill. A fire truck and police officers will also attend, as well as a tractor, concrete truck and a digger, plus there will be bouncy castles, a kapa haka group teaching poi skills and other activities. In addition, the neighbouring Albertland Heritage Museum will allow free entry for all attendees on the day, the library will have badge-making and bubbles, and Wellsford Toy Library will have a fenced off zone for

Be impressed

littlies to try out its ride-on toys. There is also a raffle for a trailer-load of aggregate from Rodney Aggregates and there will be spot prizes on the day. The event is being organised by Northern Helping Hands, a charitable trust and Facebook group that primarily gifts unwanted items between members, but also organises a range of gifts and activities including food parcels, meals and clothing for families, a book train and a Christmas Trail. Founder and organiser Libby Clews says the aim is to have a fun day for families with lots of free activities, where children are welcome. She says it is not just from Wellsford, but for anyone from Warkworth up to Maungaturoto. Anyone who can offer sponsorship to help with event costs can contact Libby on the number below. Families attending between 9am and 11am will need to show Covid vaccine passes and scan in, with 11am to noon set aside for anyone who is not vaccinated.

Info: Contact Libby Clews on 021 797 712 or email libbyclews@gmail.com

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In her Accession Day message, the Queen said she hoped her Jubilee would bring together family, friends, neighbours and communities.

Deborah Moon

A right royal engagement Warkworth will show its allegiance to the Commonwealth in June with a Royal Garden Party in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. On February 6, Her Majesty became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. The milestone will be marked in Britain with four days of celebrations in June. Heritage Warkworth has decided to join in the celebrations with a garden party of its own on Queen’s Birthday weekend, June 6. However, as it will be midwinter, the venue has been switched from a garden to the Warkworth Town Hall. The event will be a fundraiser for the group, which formed last year to conserve and promote the area’s heritage and culture. Chair Dave Parker says the funds will be

used to support various activities including the preservation of the town weir over the Mahurangi River and a Heritage Festival in October. “We’re planning a fun and relaxed afternoon with tea, sandwiches, cakes, music and a couple of Royal Toasts,” Parker says. Royal Garden Party attire is suggested which means morning dress or lounge suits for gentlemen, while day dress, usually with hats or fascinators, are recommended for the ladies. National dress and uniforms are also often worn. Anyone interested in attending the celebration is asked to register by contacting Dave Parker at dh.parker@xtra. co.nz or sara14@xtra.co.nz. Ticket sales and further information will be issued in due course to those who register. All arrangements are subject to any Covid restrictions.

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The Jade River Ukes always bring colour and fun to their performances.

All aboard for Ukulele Festival The popular uke/folk band The Nukes will headline this year’s Mahurangi Ukulele Festival at the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, April 2. The day of workshops will be for ukulele players, singers, songwriters and lovers of music. It will run from 10am to 4pm, with registration at 9.30am. Ukulele teacher Dianne Morgan, from the Jade River Ukes, will take a workshop on sea shanties featuring The Wellerman and an original Riff Queen Sea Shanty. This will be followed by NZ blues legend, Paul Jonson, who will lead a new workshop called Blues, Boogie and Ragtime. All workshops are suitable for beginners and advanced. Paul will also have his trade table with up to 30 ukes, tune up tools and uke accessories. The Nukes will teach a free workshop for school children at 1pm, followed by a workshop introducing a new book of original material with lyrics and tablature to two new recordings – Henry’s Waltz and a piece based on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Promoter Simon Vare says all workshops will be fun and engaging, and participants will take away workshop resources to help them apply their new knowledge to their playing. The day will wind-up with a public concert by The Nukes starting at 4pm. Vare describes The Nukes as part vaudeville,

The Nukes

part rat-pack, part musical car crash. “They are a talented trio that never fails to deliver an engaging mix of humour and originality that audiences of all ages will love,” he says. The band says it has been a while since they visited Warkworth and they are looking forward to the show. All day passes and separate Nukes concert tickets are available from Eventfinda, the Mahurangi Matters office at 17 Neville Street, the Nukes website and jaderiverukes@gmail.com

CD & ticket giveaway Mahurangi Matters has a signed The Nukes CD and double ticket to the show at 4pm to give away. To be in the draw, email editor@ localmatters.co.nz with The Nukes in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your name and contact phone number. Competition closes on March 24 at 9am.

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Fun in Tomarata

Zarnie Fergusson

Young Kaipara farmer heading for finals A member of Kaipara Young Farmers has made it through to next month’s northern regional finals of the 2022 FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. Zarnie Fergusson, who is 28, breeds pure Angus cattle on a 50 hectare block in Waitoki, as well as finishing Hereford cross steers on a 95ha lease block and working on the family dairy farm, both of which are near Kaukapakapa. She and seven other finalists were chosen after a district contest that was held virtually, due to Covid-19 restrictions, and they will go head to head at the northern final on Saturday, April 2 at Mt Albert Grammar School Farm in central Auckland. Zarnie came to farming relatively late, having grown up in central Auckland, where she was planning to study and work in the health sector. However, that all changed when she moved to the family dairy farm to help take care of her grandmother. “While I was living there, I figured I should find something

to do with the time I wasn’t spending with my grandmother, so I bought a line of 20 weaners,” she said. “The farming life took hold of me rather aggressively and I’m still well and truly entrenched. Those 20 weaners turned into more than 1900 stock units and I have no intention of returning to anything else. Farming is in the blood for me.” As well as the Young Farmers’ regional final, two other events will be held on the same day for even younger farming folk – the northern regional finals of both the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contest and AgriKidsNZ. The Junior Young Farmer of the Year is open to teams of two high school students aged 13 to 18, while AgriKidsNZ is open to teams of three primary school children aged eight to 12. Entries for both are open now and close two weeks before the event on April 2. Info and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/ agrikidsnzregionalfinals and https://events.humanitix.com/ regionalfinalsjunior

Mysterious squeals, shouts, laughter and chatter were heard coming out of Tomarata School on the evening of February 24. There was also the distinct smell of smoke and a lot of loud splashing. Our junior correspondents, Cole Costello and Willow Mitchell, sent in this report of what was going on:

“There were loads of families at the Tomarata School Whanau Fun night on Thursday the 24th of February. All the teachers were there and Mrs Neels put some time out of her busy day to come to the whanau fun night. We had a pizza oven and a barbeque the families could use. Games were provided by Patricia Green from Harbour Sport. We did it under the beautiful magnolia tree in the Tomarata school grounds and we were swimming in the school pool. “We had many games and delicious food. The pool was very refreshing, everyone enjoyed it. The tug of war was really challenging and a lot of people were getting dragged on the ground. We had hot wood fired pizza, nice chilling juices and ripe plums. We also sold plums and chutney made by our school. Lucky people won quick fire raffles too. “It was cool how Mrs Neels organised it so all the families came together. Whanau Fun Night was really fun for all families to start the year.”

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Gardening Andrew Steens

Structure added with lateral thinking For most gardeners, structures are important to give options for growing all sorts of crops and ornamental plants. Structures need not cost a fortune to build, in fact many can be built for free! The simplest structure, of course, is the raised bed. In my ornamental gardens these just consist of lengths of 4x2 (in metric 100x50mm) placed on the ground and fastened with wooden stakes. Most of these came from recycled building materials (decks, etc). These simple raised beds help elevate the root systems above our winter bog conditions, leading to healthier plants and less losses to root rot. Gardening is a little easier too, with the edges being for kneeling while weeding. In the vegetable garden, an extra layer of timber enables even better drainage and more soil depth to incorporate compost, mulch and fertilisers. I’ve screwed one metre high wooden uprights into each corner. These are used to drape bird mesh, hang hoses and tools (with the help of hooks and adjustable hose clamps) and attach climbing frames. The climbing frames themselves are easily made from medium sized bamboo, which grows prolifically in this area. Crisscross them for a mesh frame or join several together at the top to form a tepee, using natural twine to fasten. Over time the stakes and the twine will break down and they can then be smashed up and added to the compost heap as valuable carboniferous material. A cheap marquee frame left over from a family event has been installed over the tomato beds, encased with bird mesh rather than the marquee cover supplied with it. At

the end of the season we’ll dismantle and stow it for next year; we should get several seasons out of it before the thin metal rusts. Simple and very effective cloches can be made by cutting out the bottom of the large water bottles used for office drinking stations. With the top also removed, the cloche doesn’t get too hot, but the extra warmth and protection provided is ideal for new plants in spring. I’m currently eyeing up an old extendable umbrella that we have had for some years. The fabric is starting to tear, but the metal frame is still good for many years yet. Rather than discard it, I might cover it in plastic or dense mesh and use it for frost/rain protection for some of my more sensitive plants that don’t cope well in our cold wet winter and spring. An old glasshouse that was reclad with plastic panels some years ago to make an insect-proof enclosure has served very well as the all-year-round tomato house and spring seedling area. Old polystyrene slabs have been laid on the floor and covered in weedmat to help keep the warmth in, with a path of recycled pavers down the middle. Wooden transport pallets have also found a second life. I’ve seen these used as compost bin sides, but we already have a set of three compost bins so, instead, the pallets are set up against the side of the compost bin, with extra planks added to form U-shaped planters. Hey presto, a vertical garden, perfect to harden off seedlings, grow herbs in pots and storage for small pots and other useful bits and pieces most gardeners accumulate. With a scavenger’s eye and a bit of lateral thinking, any garden can be transformed!

The need to find homes for the Kaimanawa horses is getting desperate.

Horse homes needed urgently Organisers of the annual wild kaimanawa horse muster are worried that they won’t be able to find enough homes for the horses. The muster is scheduled to happen late next month and will see a minimum of 150 horses needing homes. Only 130 homes were found for the targeted 206 horses last year, which means the un-homed horses will be added to this year’s target. Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Welfare Society chair Sue Rivers says alternative options will need to be explored if homes cannot be found. “Maintaining a total number of 300 allows for the horses in the herd to maintain the best condition and also protects the fragile ecosystems, unique to the Moawhango

Ecological Zone,” Rivers says. She is urging anyone who might be interested in taking a horse to get in touch as soon as possible. “While robust investigations and international consultation with experts remains rigorously in place for contraception options for the near future, we must rely on the public for yet another year to help us save these horses from an unwanted fate,” she added. With only two applications for horses received to date, time is fast running out for interested parties to apply before the application deadline on April 3. Information and applications on rehoming a Kaimanawa wild horse can be found at: www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org

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Wellsford

Animals Olaf Klein, Wellsford Vet Clinic https://wellsfordvet.com/

Falling fowl of botulism Botulism is a disease that presents as a flaccid paralysis of muscle groups in affected animals or persons. The disease is caused by the ingestion of the botulinum toxin which, in turn, is produced by a bacillus called Clostridium botulinum. This is a common bacterium in wetland ground and only grows in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic) and produces spores. The spores need warm water temperatures (25C to 45C), a protein source and anaerobic environment to produce the toxin. This environment is present in many wetlands with shallow stagnant ponds, with water fowl concentrated in smaller areas because of rapid evaporation of pond surfaces due to hot summer weather like we have now. The birds defecate in the water and provide a protein source for bacteria and spores at the bottom of warm shallow ponds. The aeration in the sludge at the bottom is minimal and high temperatures further reduce the oxygen carrying capacity of the water. Dabbling water fowl have easy access to the toxin produced at the floor of the pond. Affected birds often have their wings spread flat on the water and are unable to fly. On land the birds stagger and use their wings for support like crutches spread out sideways. The bird’s call is quite often affected as well. The toxin works by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine from the nerve endings (motor neurons) that lead to the muscle.

Acetylcholine is the chemical that gives the muscle cell the impulse to contract. In the absence of this chemical the muscle stays flaccid. This applies to all muscles of the body, respiratory muscles and the muscle groups of the heart included. Once the toxin has connected with the receptors at the motor neuron this will permanently inhibit the nerve endings from releasing Acetylcholine. The clinical effect is directly proportional to the number of motor neurons permanently blocked. Recovery from this dilemma comes from the body’s ability to grow new motor neurons, a process that takes weeks to months. Laboratory diagnosis is tricky because confirmation of toxin presence in serum or tissue by ELISA or PCR tests is strongly influenced by sample quality and the gold standard of a mice inoculation test is not on offer in New Zealand laboratories. Therapy largely relies on taking the birds away from the pond to prevent drowning, to supply clean fresh water in shallow containers and to provide food and shelter from predation until symptoms subside. Note: Botox is a very purified version of the botulinum toxin. The way it is used in cosmetic medicine relies on the very fact that it paralyses the muscle connected to the skin in order to reduce wrinkle formation. This effect is maintained until new motor neurons restore the function of the underlying muscle.

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Stan and Gilly Smith of Stanmore Bay are custodians of several special and rare aircraft (including this ex-RNZAF Auster), painstakingly restored by Stan in a hanger at Dairy Flat airfield.

RSA veterans given flying treat Around 50 veterans and members of RSAs on the North Shore and Warkworth were special guests at North Shore Aero Club in Dairy Flat recently. They were given the opportunity to see vintage aircraft up close before going up in the planes owned by club members. Details such as the engine types, the rivets and the beautiful condition of the nine classic planes on show were a cause for much discussion during the inspection. The RSA visitors were then flown to Ardmore where they toured the Warbirds Museum and then returned the Dairy Flat airport for lunch. This is the second time that the club has invited veterans for an RSA Day. Event organiser Anton Ramenskiy says the original number of veterans halved because of the Covid-19 outbreak, but the aero

club was pleased to still be able to put on its event, held on Saturday, February 26. He says many commented that the flight was a highlight, along with being able to inspect the planes and talk with their owners about each aircraft’s unique history and stories. Among the owners were Gilly and Stan Smith, of Stanmore Bay, who own and care for several rare aircraft. Stan uses his skills as an engineer to spend thousands of hours restoring and rebuilding the planes, including making any parts needed. The former TEAL pilot also teaches flying at the aero club, where they have been members 1970. Gilly also has her pilot’s licence. Anton says the club will make the RSA Day a regular event – “we want to bring as many veterans here as possible.”

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A roundup of sports activities and events in the district

Jess Marinovich delivering data sheets to Hunting & Fishing in Warkworth.

Snapper guts needed for kina barren study Calling all boaties and recreational fishers – a Leigh Marine Laboratory student wants your snapper guts for a new research project. Jess Marinovich is studying the importance of snapper in controlling kina populations in local waters for her University of Auckland Masters degree and is appealing to anglers to keep and freeze the guts from any snapper they catch, so she can collect and study them. She is looking for whole snapper gastrointestinal tracts from fish caught over shallow rocky reef areas off Leigh, Ti Point, Tawharanui, eastern Kawau, Flat Rock, Scandretts Bay, Martins Bay and south to Big Bay. Jess will supply freezer bags and labels, or she says any zip-lock plastic bag will do. Labels need to show the length of each fish, where it was caught and by what method, though she doesn’t want any that were caught using kina berley. She also has illustrated data sheets with full instructions on how to remove a gut sample and a map, which are available from local fishing retailers. “Kina get eaten by snapper and crayfish and if you don’t have enough of them, the kina get out of control,” she says. “Uncontrolled

Recreational Fishing Areas of Interest

Marine Reserves

Junior football registrations Registrations for the 2022 season at Warkworth Football Club close on March 31 for all junior and youth players. To register visit https://www.sporty.co.nz/warkworthfc/ Junior hockey registrations Registrations are open at Mahurangi Junior Hockey Club for both junior hockey and Funsticks. Funsticks is an introduction to hockey for kids in Years 0-2. Junior hockey is competitive hockey for kids in Years 2-6. Beginners welcome. All games are played on the Warkworth Hockey Turf, located at the Warkworth Showgrounds. To register visit: www.mahujuniorhockey.co.nz/ Warkworth Netball Club AGM The Warkworth Netball Club annual general meeting will be held at the Warkworth Netball Courts on March 16. Meeting starts at 6pm. All welcome. Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/650155981707287

The study will look at snapper caught off shallow, rocky reef areas.

kina populations overgraze seaweed species and cause a shift from healthy reef habitat to kina barrens, which negatively affect the entire reef community.” Jess is working on the project with Leigh senior lecturer Dr Nick Shears and NIWA’s Dr Darren Parsons and she will be carrying out her studies in Leigh for up to seven months. Anyone who can help Jess should contact her on 022 089 8232 or email jmar973@aucklanduni.ac/nz

Regional Covid Hardship Fund Applications are open for the Regional Covid Hardship Fund. The fund aims to assist sport and recreation organisations in Northland and Auckland that have been financially affected by Covid related restrictions between August and December 2021. For more info and to apply visit: https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/regional-covid-hardship-fund/ Club administrator wanted Warkworth Football Club is looking for a tech savvy administrator to fill a paid casual role at the club. You will have strong communication skills, a good understanding of Office 365, Xero, and CRM databases. Please email your cv to admin@warkworthfc.org

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WRIGHT DESIGN L.B.P 117345 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER - N.Z.C.A.D brianwright@xtra.co.nz

3 JOHN SINCLAIR AVENUE, WELLSFORD 0900

09 423 8092

Phone: 09 425 0563 • Mobile: 021 987 616

W.D.S.

021 276 7389

Drive on Car Licence

Warkworth Car & Truck

Rentals

27 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth www.strautomotive.co.nz

New Zealand Certified Builders Association

www.matakanamobile.co.nz

L.B.P 117.345

3 x Moving Trucks now available from $85 per day + 48c per Km

EUROPEAN CAR SPECIALISTS BATTERIES | DIAGNOSTICS 09 422 3222

High quality valet services at a site of your choosing from Wellsford to Warkworth and surrounding areas

WRIGHT DESIGN

AUTOMOTIVE & AUTOELECTRICAL

09 425 7599 | 0274 836 660 info@warkworthcarrentals.co.nz www.warkworthcarrentals.co.nz 41 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

Over 30 years experience Quotes given

· · · · ·

Geotechnical Structural Roading, Stormwater, Wastewater Resource Consents Building Consents

Structural, Civil and Geotechnical Consulting Engineers

P: 09 425 9422 • warkworth@haighworkman.co.nz www.haighworkman.co.nz

Concrete Driveways

NZ CB

Ryan Bridgens 021 560 889 info@bridgens.nz www.bridgens.nz

D I G G E R

S E R V I C E S

• Farm Dams & Drainage • House Sites • Driveways • Pole Drilling • Mulching • Bulldozer & Scoop Services • Transport up to 18 Tonne • Truck Hire • Metal Supply

Specialists in residential construction

Phone Wayne 021 953 527

MICK BERGER CONTRACTORS Phone: 09 422 0688 • Mobile: 0274 930 806

“Totally Dependable”

50 years experience

Domestic | Commercial | Industrial 24-Hour Call Outs | Maintenance & Servicing Heating | Air Conditioning & Ventilation

10% discount available to Gold Card holders (proof to be shown to the electrician while on site)

Dams ● Winching ● Bulldozing ● Driveways House Sites ● Landscaping ● Earthmoving ● Sub Divisions

For expert advice on Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and all your Electrical needs.

| Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022

09 422 3226 | Unit 1, 3 Morrision Drive, Warkworth warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | www.laserelectrical.co.nz

Ian D’Ath 0800 QUOTME FARMYARD • BACKYARD • PET SUPPLIES • STOCK FOOD • WATER TANKS • WORK GEAR AND MORE...

Farm & Lifestyle Centre 2-4 Morrison Drive Warkworth

09 425 7754 www.farmandlifestyle.co.nz info@farmandlifestyle.co.nz

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

OUTDOOR FURNITURE Tables to order Chairs • Swingseats Benches • Umbrellas New Zealand made quality built to last 25 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Silverdale (next to BP) Ph 09 426 9660 • em clipper.furniture@xtra.co.nz www.clipperfurniture.co.nz

ARE YOUR WINDOWS CHILD SAFE? we fix windows and doors

www.MatakanaGlass.nz

Wellsford

ALUMINIUM & GLASS GLASS & ALUMINIUM

FOR ALL YOUR GLASS, GLAZING, AND ALUMINIUM NEEDS

• Window handles, seals, hinges & stays • Security locks for windows & doors • Sliding and bi-fold door rollers, locks & handles • Retractable insect screens

Local family business servicing Rodney & Hibiscus Coast

Call free anytime 0800 37 37 10 www.exceed.co.nz

53 Station Road, Wellsford • Phone (09) 423 7358 Email: wellsfordglass@xtra.co.nz

Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

1 STOP SHOP FOR HANDYMAN SERVICES Building

Peter 021 912 805 tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz

Maintenance Repairs

Local and Reliable

Cleaning

w o H do your customers find you?

1 STOP SHOP FOR RURAL MOWING Peter 021 912 805 tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz

Mowing for you!

Ride-on Mowing Large Lawns Lifestyle Blocks Orchards & Vineyards

Enhance your online profile at

www.localmatters.co.nz/business-directory/

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • Bi Folds, Sliders, Entrance Doors • Thermally Efficient options 0800 638 254 www.wyatts.net.nz

• Retaining Walls/Decks • Fences • Paving/Concreting • Planting • 1.7 tonne digger and operator hire

09 425 7510

7 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

sales@compositejoinery.co.nz • www.compositejoinery.co.nz

Ph Jeff - 021 368 552 | warkworthlandscaping@gmail.com www.warkworthlandscaping.co.nz

WE CAN •Sand•Metal•Shell•Pebble•Scoria •Mulch•Garden Mix•Topsoil•Compost

DELIVER! •Tirau Gold•Pine Chip•Cambian Bark

371 Woodcocks Road, WARKWORTH • OPEN 7 DAYS! Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 8am-4pm Sun: 9am-3pm

SELF-STORAGE WARKWORTH 0800 833 323

0800 334 122 info@locksmart.co.nz www.locksmart.co.nz

Safe Storage - 24/7 CCTV - Drive Up Unit Access Handy Location - Automated Secure Entry Visit us at Unit 1, 12 Gumfield Drive, Warkworth www.masoncontainers.co.nz

+ Container Sales + On Site Hire

Exterior/Interior/Roofs/Staining

Craig Painter the

Since 1997

• Residential Specialists • Interior | Exterior • Plus Stopping & Skim Plastering

021-858 524 | 09-423 After 8521 Hours Email: craigthepainter@xtra.co.nz

www.localmatters.co.nz

A quality touch Painting and Decorating. Interior 8' Exterior House Washing

luke.raphaella@gmail.com Ph: Luke 021 507 463

• Repaints & Restoration • Interior Lockwood home painting • Villa and Bungalow • Cedar restoration • Re-staining • Re-oiling • Roof Painting & Coatings • Deck & Fence • Plastering repairs • House wash and more ... Husband & Wife team • harley.mcvay@xtra.co.nz

Harley 021 0220 8727 March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

TRUE BLUE

Certified Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers

www.trueblueplumber.co.nz

Making your special memories last a lifetime. Paul Leggett 021-053 2896 timelessframingnz@gmail.com www.timelesscreationsnz.com Jade River Place, Warkworth

Plumbing drainage septic systems water tanks pumps & water filters jetting machine drain camera

GAS & PLUMBING LTD

CUSTOM FRAMING

Framing all things you love.

We offer the following services:

021 102 4561

021 446 064

www.positiveimage.co.nz

A great team you can trust

For any queries, please contact diane@positiveimage.co.nz

P: 0272 761 761 E: info@wellsfordgas.co.nz

For a fresh approach in Property Management, with proven results. Serving Puhoi to Ruakaka.

Sam 021 1966 391 / Shona 021 539 391 rentalsitn@bayleys.co.nz

16A Flexman Place, Silverdale

SECURITY & INVESTIGATION

Your Local Trusted Security Service 09 425 7113 www.insitesecurity.co.nz admin@insitesecurity.co.nz 24/7 Patrols

24/7 Monitoring

Alarm/CCTV

LIBERTY SHUTTLES TOURS NZ & AIRPORT DIRECT

MATAKANA TANK CLEANING the tank cleaning specialists

• Events - golf, fishing and more • Other options on request • Discount for group bookings

Time for your water tank to get a clean?

Neale Stevens (owner operator) 0800 99 55 11 | 09 420 5366 or 021 447 455 libertyshuttles@gmail.com | libertyshuttles.co.nz

Phone Brett today, 021 169 4479

info@matakanatankcleaning.co.nz | www.matakanatankcleaning.co.nz

Household Water Deliveries

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE Moosome Concrete Troughs!

09 431 2211

Classifieds

w o H do your customers find you? Enhance your online profile at

www.localmatters.co.nz/business-directory/

| Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022

DVDS & VIDEOS

HOME & MAINTENANCE

V I D E O S TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone or txt Tetotara Video 021 777 385.

COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME?

AERIALS

REDDING ELECTRONICS

www.localmatters.co.nz

Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

mobile: 027 556 6111

0800 278 288 | www.aquaworks.co.nz

Pumps & Filters Water Treatment Spa & Pool Shop Water Testing Valet Service Water Blasters Tanks & Sprayers 24 Hour Mobile & Workshop Service Shop hours Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12pm

0800 747 928

Call Steve today 021 278 7427

sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

tttplumber@gmail.com

Freeview Installs, Satellite Dish, UHF Aerial. Installation & Repairs. Ph Dave 09 422 7227 or 027 458 5457 APPLIANCE REPAIRS A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/ Simpson dryers. Prompt service 021 168 7349. DRIVEWAYS MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Ph Trevor 021 0225 5606 The deadline for classified advertising for our March 28 paper is March 23. Send classified advertising enquiries to design@localmatters.co.nz

DVD

HAIRDRESSING

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER Working around the greater Warkworth Region. Enjoy getting your haircut in the comfort of your home. Call Rebecca 021 0825 8242 HOME & MAINTENANCE

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

Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations. Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04

KIWI ROOTS Palm & Tree Maintenance, Removal,

Mulching, Stump Grinding and Hedge work. Free quotes. Phone 020 4027 6200. www.kiwiroots.co.nz WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@ aquaworks.co.nz WINDOW CLEANING/ HOUSEWASH/GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

Classifieds HOME & MAINTENANCE

SITUATIONS VACANT

WATER PUMPS - No water? Old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@aquaworks.co.nz

LIBRARIAN POSITION

HOME WORKSHOP TOOLS WANTED

Our vision for the Library: Our library will be a warm and welcoming environment fostering a love of books.

HOME WORKSHOP TOOLS WANTED What have you? Phone 09 422 6075

‘You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back, relax, all you need is a book’ - Dr Seuss

HORSE TRUCKS & FLOATS REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

We are looking for a vibrant, motivated and passionate person who wishes to work with our school to create readers and manage the organisation and administration of the library. Experience in libraries is essential and working within schools would be an advantage. At Wellsford Accessit is our library management system.

PERSONAL COMPANION WANTED Gentleman in mid 50's, NZ European, self employed, no dependants, sense of humour who enjoys good conversation, good food and a few drinks. Seeking down to earth, easy going like minded lady for companionship. Phone 021 0858 3768.

To be successful in this position, you will need to relate well to students, staff and whanau with strong communication and interpersonal skills. A current working knowledge and integration of technology will be critical in developing the library as a learning hub within the school.

Not getting your paper?

Full time during term time, 20 hours per week. Wages will be dependent on skills and experience.

Come and pick up our sticker for your mailbox to ensure delivery.

Sudoku

PRODUCTION & DISPATCH SUPPORT

The role starts in Term 2 2022 and is a permanent position. Apply in writing with a covering letter and short CV plus the contact details of two professional referees to info@wellsford.school.nz by 1 April 2022.

Solution

SHEETMETAL/STAINLESS FABRICATOR WARKWORTH SHEETMETALS Ltd has a vacancy for an experienced Sheetmetal Fabricator skilled in all aspects of the trade, who takes pride in producing quality workmanship. The work is varied and interesting. Excellent rates and prospects apply for suitable candidate. Phone Malcolm 09 425 7366 (work hours), email: wsm@helix.net.nz or call in 27 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

Responsible for high quality control to finish & dispatch manufactured metal products. Liaise with Production Manager & Controller to ensure all components available for jobs. Good basic maths & computer skills. Able to work unsupervised and have good organisation skills. Ability to use small power tools, polishers etc. Interest or training in H&S to be H&S representative. Flexibility and great work ethic a must. To apply send CV to Jane at 09 422 3595 or dixon@pl.net WANTED TO LEASE Want to lease a small plot of land in or around Matakana eg Greens Rd say 200m2 to 400m2 to put 2 new smart tiny homes on; want rural or perhaps sea views; Tiny Homes do not need Resource Consent please note. For family use only - offers to Max Purdy 021 928 050 or maxepurdy@gmail.com if sending photos.

SANDSPIT MARINA PART-TIME MARINA ADMINISTRATOR / JOB SHARE ROLE

We are looking for a part-time Marina Administrator. The number of hours will depend on your skills, experience and flexibility but will be in the range of 15-24 hours per week. The right person will be a people person, be proficient in MS Office and Xero, will have had at least 5 years previous administration experience and excellent communication skills. Some boating experience would be an advantage and ideally you would live locally. You will be accurate and reliable. If you have the skills and experience required, please go to https://www.seek. co.nz/job/56047580 for more information and to apply.

www.localmatters.co.nz

Get your local news first

Mahurangi Matters is offering readers the opportunity to subscribe and get both the Mahurangi Matters and Hibiscus Matters for the price of one. Subscribers receive an email alert when the papers go to print, providing you with the most up-to-date news even before it is “hot off the press”. An annual subscription costs just NZ$54.20* The one-off price is NZ$1.61* To find out more, go to: www.localmatters.co.nz/digital-editions/ Please note: The papers revert to being free online after seven days. *The overseas software used to host the e-editions only uses Australian dollars, therefore the prices displayed will be AU$1.50 for a one-off purchase or AU$50.40 for the subscription. The fee automatically converts to NZ dollars when you make a purchase. Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

SITUATIONS VACANT

You can make a difference

RODNEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

PHONE 09 422 7166 OR 027 494 6370

Selwyn Centre Coordinator Opportunity Warkworth Anglican Parish is seeking an engaging Coordinator to create and supervise our Selwyn Centre programme. Selwyn Centres offer a varied programme of activities that provide companionship, fun, information and support for older people living in the community. As a Selwyn Centre Community Coordinator you will create and supervise our Monday morning programme, ensuring our guests enjoy themselves in a safe and caring environment. A background of community involvement, and/or experience in education or social work is preferred, as is a clean NZ Driving licence and first aid training (which can be arranged). A demonstration of your empathy and understanding of older people living in the community is essential. This role based at the Anglican Parish of Warkworth is a part-time position working 6 hours per week. For full details of the role, or to apply, call the Parish Office on 09 425 8054 or email office@warkworthanglican.nz

DOES MY SEPTIC TANK NEED CLEANING? Yes, every 2-3 years. Why? Because septic tanks are a filter. You clean your car filter and your water filters regularly and yet one of the most important filtersgets forgotten - your septic tank. Keep your environment clean and green.

www.localmatters.co.nz

LOOK OUT FOR US AROUND TOWN!

March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

RAINCLOUD TRUSTED WATER DELIVERY EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FAST RELIABLE DELIVERY

WE’RE THE FIRST TO BRING YOU

+ Rainfall figures for February 136.5mm Leigh

117mm Mangawhai

48mm Wellsford

4mm

Whangateau

173.5mm

Topuni

Matakana Dome Valley

94.5mm

111.8mm

Warkworth

Sandspit

Drumex’s support has uncovered the former cross country course.

89.9mm

Kaipara Flats

127mm

Takatu

96.5mm

Cross country course reclaimed

Snells Beach

54.1mm

75mm

A steep piece of ground adjacent to the Warkworth Showgrounds has been reclaimed, thanks to the efforts of a local contractor who offered to do the work for free. The Warkworth Pony Club asked Jethro Drum, of Drumex Earthmoving and Cartage, to quote on clearing the gorse-infested paddock so it could once again offer club riders a cross country course. However, when Drum saw the job, he offered to do it for free. “I like to do things for local clubs when I can,” he said. The job took about two days, with some of the gorse being over four metres high.

Algies Bay

Spotlight on Warkworth Fact: A huge variation in rainfall totals this month, with northern areas receiving scant rain while Whangateau and Leigh managed to fill their tanks. At Sandpit, 80.5mm fell in the 24 hours from 9am Feb 6 to 9am Feb 7. Altogether, Sandspit recorded 10 rain days. * All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.

www.Raincloud.co.nz | 0800 50 44 50

Want Your D L House O

Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today! 021 544 769

Wed Fri

Mar Aug18 4

2:04am 3:41am 8:25am 9:51am 4:21pm Tide Tide 2:29pm 8:53pm Times Times 10:24pm

Moon Moon

1:00am 8:36am 1:23pm 9:01pm

1:46am 9:26am 2:09pm 9:52pm

Mar Aug22 8

4:56am 0.6 1.1 12:45am 7:06am 3.4 2.8 11:20am 1:05pm 0.5 0.8 5:23pm 7:29pm 3.4 3.0 11:48pm

11:11am 3:20am 11:38pm 3:45pm

Mar Aug23 9

1:29am 0.6 1.0 5:43am 7:51am 3.4 2.9 12:07pm 1:47pm 0.5 0.7 6:10pm 3.4 3.1 8:11pm

7:25am 7:12am 7:30pm 5:42pm

Best Best At At

Wed Mon

12:04pm 4:10am 4:37pm

Mar Aug 24 10

2:12am 0.6 0.9 12:36am 8:35am 3.3 3.0 6:35am 2:29pm 0.6 0.6 12:57pm 8:53pm 3.2 6:59pm

7:26am 7:11am 7:29pm 5:43pm

Best Best At At

Thu Tue

12:29am 5:04am 12:55pm 5:32pm

Mar Aug 25 11

1:29am 2:56am 7:31am 9:18am 1:50pm 3:11pm 7:54pm 9:36pm

7:27am 7:10am 7:27pm 5:44pm

Best Best At At

3.3 0.8 0.7 3.1 3.2 0.6 0.6 3.3

Wed Fri

6:01am 1:20am 6:31pm 1:44pm

Mar Aug 26 12

3:40am 3.2 0.7 2:29am 8:33am 0.8 3.2 10:02am 3:54pm 3.1 0.5 2:49pm 8:56pm 0.7 3.3 10:21pm

7:28am 7:09am 7:26pm 5:44pm

Best Best At At

Thu Sat

7:02am 2:09am 7:33pm 2:32pm

Mar Aug 27 13

4:26am 3.1 0.6 3:34am 9:38am 0.9 3.2 10:47am 4:40pm 3.0 0.5 3:53pm 11:07pm 0.8 3.3 10:04pm

7:29am 7:08am 7:24pm 5:45pm

Best Best At At

Sun Fri

8:04am 2:56am 8:34pm 3:20pm

Mar Aug 28 14

5:12am 3.1 0.6 4:40am 11:34am 1.0 3.2 10:44am 5:29pm 3.0 0.5 5:01pm 11:56pm 0.9 3.3 11:13pm

7:30am 7:07am 7:23pm 5:46pm

Best Best At At

Mon Sat

9:04am 3:43am 9:34pm 4:07pm

Mar Aug 29 15

Mar Aug 30 16

7:31am 7:04am 7:20pm 5:48pm

Best Best At At

Wed Mon

Thu Tue

10:02am 4:31am 10:30pm 4:56pm

7:32am 7:03am 7:19pm 5:48pm

Best Best At At

10:57am 5:21am 11:22pm 5:47pm

11:47am 6:14am 6:41pm

0.7 3.1 3.3 0.7 0.7 3.0 3.2 0.8

Aug Apr 18 1

2:01am 2:41am 8:23am 8:53am 2:25pm 3:28pm 8:50pm 9:30pm

7:33am 7:02am 7:17pm 5:49pm

Best Best At At

Wed Fri

Mar Aug 31 17

1:42am 12:47am 0.8 3.2 1:11am 6:01am 3.1 0.6 12:15am 3.1 0.6 5:43am 7:50am 6:53am 3.2 0.6 7:34am 12:24pm 0.9 3.1 6:41am 0.9 3.2 11:46am 2:22pm 1:20pm 0.8 3.1 1:36pm 6:22pm 3.0 0.7 12:43pm 3.0 0.6 6:06pm 8:25pm 7:07pm 7:21pm 3.1 0.8 8:01pm 0.9 3.3

7:31am 7:05am 7:22pm 5:47pm

Best Best At At

Tue Sun

12:11am 7:10am 12:34pm 7:39pm

Aug Apr 19 2

3:45am 0.7 3.0 2:47am 9:58am 3.3 0.7 9:10am 4:33pm 0.6 3.0 3:11pm 9:35pm 3.3 0.9 10:33pm

7:34am 7:01am 7:16pm 5:50pm

Best Best At At

Thu Sat

12:57am 8:09am 1:19pm 8:40pm

Sun Fri

Aug Apr 20 3

4:50am 0.6 3.0 2:30am 3.4 0.7 11:02am 8:54am 5:34pm 0.6 3.1 2:54pm 3.3 0.8 11:32pm 9:17pm

7:35am 6:59am 7:14pm 5:51pm

Best Best At At

1:41am 9:11am 2:03pm 9:42pm

3.0 0.7 0.7 3.3 3.2 0.6 0.7 3.3

6:36am 6:58am 6:13pm 5:52pm

Best Best At At

10:12am 2:25am 10:42pm 1:47pm

Full New Last First New Moon Moon Quarter Quarter Moon Set Rise 6:46am 3:42am Set Rise 7:51am 4:39am Set Rise 8:58am 5:33am Set Rise10:06am 6:23am Set Rise11:16am 7:07am Set Rise12:28pm 7:47am Set Rise 1:40pm 8:21am Set Rise 2:48pm 8:52am Rise Rise12:18am 9:21am Rise Rise 1:23am 9:50am Rise Rise 10:20am 2:33am Rise Rise 10:52am 3:43am Rise Set 12:54am 4:52am Rise Set 5:59am 2:05am Rise Set 7:04am 3:16am Rise Set 8:07am 4:22am Rise Set 8:09am 5:22am 1:28pm Rise 2:13pm Rise 3:05pm Rise 4:03pm Rise 5:05pm Rise 6:10pm Rise 7:16pm Set 8:23pm Set 9:29pm Set 4:41pm Set 5:24pm Set 6:01pm Set 6:32pm Set 6:59pm Set 1:01pm Set 2:00pm Set 3:06pm Rise Set 7:50pm Set 8:18pm Set 8:46pm Set 9:16pm Set 9:51pm Set 10:31pm Set 11:20pm Set 3:49pm Set 10:36pm Set 11:44pm Rise 11:28am Rise 12:11pm Rise 7:26pm Rise 7:52pm Rise 7:19pm *Not *Not for for navigational navigational purposes. purposes.

Mick Fay 46

10:18am 2:32am 10:45pm 2:56pm

Tue Sun

7:25am 7:13am 7:32pm 5:41pm

Best Best At At

RayWhite

Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Watch

Mar Aug21 7

4:11am 0.6 2.7 12:01am 6:18am 3.3 0.9 10:34am 4:38pm 0.6 2.9 12:21pm 6:47pm 3.3 11:02pm

7:24am 7:14am 7:33pm 5:40pm

Best Best At At

Mon Sat

Mar Aug20 6

5:28am 0.7 2.7 3:28am 9:50am 3.3 1.0 11:35am 6:03pm 0.7 2.8 3:55pm 3.3 1.1 10:18pm

7:23am 7:15am 7:35pm 5:40pm

Best Best At At

Sun Fri

Mar Aug19 5

4:35am 0.8 2.7 2:46am 9:07am 3.2 1.0 10:45am 5:14pm 0.8 2.7 3:12pm 9:35pm 3.1 1.2 11:14pm

7:22am 7:16am 7:36pm 5:39pm

Sun Sun Fishing Fishing Guide Guide

Thu Sat

Ongoing maintenance, including spraying and mowing, will be the responsibility of the club. The gorse-clearing uncovered rustic style cross country fences which had been buried under the scrub for years. Club president Katherine MacDonald says the work removes an eyesore and will benefit not only club members, but dog walkers as well. “Thank goodness there are people like Jethro in our community,” MacDonald says. “We very grateful for his generosity, which means we can now use now this area for events and rallies.”

Good Good Fishing Fishing

Fair Fair Fishing Fishing

Not Not So So Good Good

www.tidewiz.com www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic Graphic supplied supplied by by OceanFun OceanFun Publishing Publishing Ltd. Ltd.

Licensee Agent Snells Beach 021 544 769 E. mick.fay@raywhite.com W. https://mickfay.raywhite.com/

| Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

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

March 10-27

Auckland Arts Festival, various venues and online. Info and bookings: www.aaf.co.nz

Kaukapakapa Village Market, 947 Kaipara Coast Highway Kaukapakapa, 8.30am-1pm.

Kiwi Aversion Training, Diamond Jubilee Park, Matakana. Dog owners living near Mt Tamahunga on Govan Wilson Road, Matakana Valley Road and Omaha Valley Road are encouraged to book their dogs in. Spaces limited. Info & booking: tamahungatrappers@hotmail.co.nz or ph Trish 027 585 035.

Outdoor Art Adventure, Women’s Centre Rodney, 9.30am-2.30pm. Take a leisurely walk on the Matakana Cycle trail and do some drawing and geli printing as you go. Info & registration: www.womenscentrerodney.org.nz/events/ outdoor-art-adventure

Friends of Mahurangi East Library AGM, Mahurangi East Community Centre, 5.15pm. Info & correspondence: Email Tania mahueastfriends@gmail.com

CANCELLED Mangawhai Food & Wine Festival, The Olive Grove, Insley Street Mangawhai, 3-7pm.

Puhoi Market, Puhoi River Park, 9am-1pm.

Warkworth Country Market, Warkworth Showgrounds, 9.30am-2pm.

April 2

Mahurangi Ukulele Festival, Warkworth Town Hall, 10am-6pm. The Nukes concert at 4pm. All day ticket $45. The Nukes concert ticket $25. Vaccine pass required. Tickets available from Mahurangi Matters office or www.thenukes.co.nz/ (see story p36)

Easter Egg Hunt, Wellsford War Memorial Park, 9am-12pm. Music, coffee, food, free museum entry, museum activities, bouncy castles, spot prizes & more. BYO picnic blanket. (see story p34 )

Matakana Beer & Food Festival, Matakana Country Park, 2-9pm. More than a dozen breweries, food trucks and live music. Info and tickets: www.matakanafoodbeerfest.com

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

SUPER SAUSAGE SIZZLE IF YOU WAN T TO SUPPOR T M ORE LOCAL, THEN WHY NOT JOIN US !

Saturday 26th March, 10am - 2pm

next to Warkworth Butchery. On the last Saturday of every month, we’re raising much needed funds for local charities and organisations—perhaps groups that would not normally get the exposure within the local community. Over $6,000 raised so far!

Fur Friend Fund Raising Event Professional photo show with your bestie

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED SCRAP METAL & DEMOLITION COMPANY

We collect all types of scrap metal products – steel, roofing iron, white wear, copper, lead, batteries and much more. We also do demolition and asbestos removal.

Come and join us to help raise funds.

Bernie

All donations for Photos and Sausage Sizzle will go to the SPCA

Visit our website www.tinmen.co.nz for a list of all products we recycle Scrap can be brought to our new yard at 63 Foundry Road, Silverdale. The yard has easy access. Friendly staff will unload, weigh and pay for scrap products.

Call 0800 846 636 or visit www.tinmen.co.nz for enquiries

www.localmatters.co.nz

Coast & Country March 14, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

We are struggling to find people to help and the existing volunteers just can’t do everything.

Singles winner Matthieu Lennan.

Leigh bowls on

The Leigh Bowling Club, like many other clubs and events, has been adversely affected by the Covid lockdowns. However, several club events have been held, including the club championship singles, pairs, triples and fours. Club secretary Ian Bradnam says the club has a good mixture of old and new players. “An interesting feature of the competition results is that no one’s name appears more than once,” he says. “It’s an indication of the depth that is developing at the club.” The winners will now play in the Bowls Northland Champion of Champions, which will be held over the next couple of months. This is where the winners from each Northland club compete. Leigh has a number of events on its calendar including handicap pairs on March 19, the Life Members Trophy on April 2, and the Lead and Twos Singles on April 3. Ian says spectators are welcome at all these events, providing they are doublevaccinated and able to produce a vaccine pass. Results: Singles – Matthieu Lennan; Pairs – Scott Wilson and Dave Johnson; Triples – Logan Campbell, Geoff Cavanough and Steve Wallace; Fours – Lance Michell, Arthur Gundy, Ian Bradnam and George Brooks.

The damage on the courts means they are unsafe to play on.

Netball season faces challenges Rodney Netball is preparing for the winter season with only half its courts in a usable condition and uncertainty over how Covid protocols will affect participation. Only four of the centre’s six courts were available last season and this is likely to shrink to three this year. The problems stem from long-term neglect, both in terms of drainage and maintenance. Improvements have been promised on paper, but nothing has so far materialised. An Auckland Council needs assessment of Wellsford’s Centennial Park was done in December 2020. It looked at future community sport and recreation needs, ahead of the start of the development of a new master plan for the 16-hectare sports park and courts – netball and tennis. The plan, which will guide future decision-making on investment for the park by providing general design direction, including the location of facilities and improvements, was due to start in March last year. Council says a draft master plan, funded by the Rodney Local Board, will be presented

to the Board around mid-year for release for consultation. The master plan will guide future decision making on investment for the park by providing direction on what facilities and improvements are required and where they should be located. The first step will be to identify what the future priority uses for the park are, building on the research that has been undertaken by Council and the Wellsford Sport Collective. Meanwhile, Rodney Netball is optimistic it will be able to run full junior and senior competitions this winter. President Kelly Ayres says normally, the centre would have an indication of numbers by now, but everything was still “a bit up in the air”. Forty-nine junior teams and 26 senior teams played in the comp last year. The juniors completed their season, but the seniors lost one day at the end of the competition because of the lockdown.

Kelly says the centre is facing two challenges – a lack of volunteers and Covid. “Operating in the Covid environment means more sanitising of equipment between games and spacing people out,” she says. “We are struggling to find people to help and the existing volunteers just can’t do everything. “We also want to do the best by everyone in terms of being inclusive. We have sent out a survey to gauge how people feel about being a My Vaccine Pass competition. If we open up to everyone, regardless of their vaccine status, there are rules to follow such as limiting numbers. “I know some sports have given up, but we feel our netball competition is just too important for our juniors and seniors, and their families, to do this. At a time like this, people need an recreational outlet more than ever.”

If anyone is willing to help with either the juniors or seniors, email: rodneynetballcenter@xtra.co.nz or phone Kelly on 021 072 4015

For a full range of family medical care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours a day, across our region, including public holidays For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics

Wellsford Medical

Urgent Accident + Medical Care + Lab Test + Radiology Xray

OPEN 8am - 8pm • 7 days

09 423 8086

220 Rodney Street, Wellsford

Mangawhai

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

Matakana

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

Maungaturoto

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

Paparoa

1978 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222 Open 8am-5pm, Tuesday & Thursday

Snells Beach

145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Waipu

11/7 Nova Scotia Drive 09 432 1190 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Health Hub Warkworth

Urgent Accident + Medical Care + Pharmacy

OPEN 8am - 8pm • 7 days HEALTH HUB

WARKWORTH

09 425 8585

77 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

Call 09 423 8086 for 8pm to 8am • 7 days URGENT DOCTOR SERVICE - WELLSFORD 48 | Mahurangimatters | March 14, 2022