Mahurangi Matters_Issue 476_1 April 2024

Frustrated Wellsford residents are again calling for urgent action to replace slippery and uneven pavers that line the town’s main street, after an elderly man was injured in a recent fall.

Owen Treadwell, who has lived in Wellsford all his life, was badly bruised when he tripped and fell outside Caffé Cozy and he’s been confined to his home ever since (see story page 2)

When his daughter, Lisa Crisp, posted photos of his injuries on social media, there was a flood of replies from people who had also suffered slips, trips and falls on the yellow brick surface.

Injuries included a broken hip, broken foot, cracked ribs, damaged knees and severe bruising, while many people reported slipping and being scared to walk on the path when it was wet, with some resorting to walking in the road, hanging onto walls or even avoiding the town altogether.

Coast to Coast medical centre confirmed that it regularly saw patients with injuries caused by people falling on the paths.

The chevron-patterned pavers were laid in the latter years of Rodney District Council, before Wellsford became part of Auckland in 2010. They have caused nothing but trouble ever since, according to Rodney Local Board member Colin Smith.

“They came from a flat surface in Ōrewa and were put on a hill in Wellsford,” he said.

“It’s been an absolute disaster. They’re on a clay base, so they’re all out of kilter, and they’re ‘slippery as’ when it rains.”

Smith said the pavers were not made for public use, and nothing could be done except replace them with concrete.

“They’ve tried every treatment there is –

continued page 2

Owen Treadwell hasn’t been able to leave the house since his fall six weeks ago. Full story, page 2

The pavers are uneven, break easily and are like a skating rink when wet, residents say.

17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 ph 09 425 9068

cycleways in Auckland, how about they spend a few bob in Wellsford?”

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April 1, 2024 – Issue 476 Phone

sanding them, skimming them off – but they’re just a house block, they’re not a rough block that has some grip on it. They’ve got to come out, there’s no way they can leave them there.

“It’s just ridiculous, there’s an accident happening almost every day.”

Smith said it had become a health and safety or WorkSafe issue.

“It should be a safety thing – Auckland Transport (AT) should be using its emergency budget, or council, to replace them with concrete, because there are broken bones and bruises on a daily basis.

“Instead of spending $10 million on

It’s not just Smith who has been pushing for the pavers to be replaced – in 2021, a petition was presented to the local board and, more recently, community volunteer Melissa Wallace has been lobbying council and AT to get something done. She recently submitted a file of 35 photos of pavers that need attention to AT, but says it shouldn’t be down to residents and volunteers to get them fixed.

However, while AT acknowledges that the pavers need to be replaced, the cost of doing so means that nothing has happened apart from spot repairs and maintenance.

Wellsford businesses and residents have been trying to get the pavers that line Rodney Street replaced with something more level and less slippery for years, but to no avail. Mahurangi Matters spoke to one of the latest victims, 85-yearold Owen Treadwell, whose recent fall has prompted a doubling down in local efforts to get something done.

Until six weeks ago, Wellsford’s Owen Treadwell was an active retiree, walking with a stick or driving his car or mobility scooter into town every day to catch up with friends.

However, on February 21, as he approached Caffé Cozy for lunch, he tripped on uneven pavers and fell heavily onto a seat outside, injuring his thigh, arm and hand.

Although no bones were broken, there was heavy bruising and swelling, which intensified and spread over the following days to the point where he couldn’t use his leg at all.

“I couldn’t even lift my leg or get out of the chair. My son has had to lift me in and out of the chair, my bed and the toilet,” he said. “The worst thing is the pain – it feels like a knife stabbing my leg.”

Wife Trish said if someone sitting on the seat hadn’t partially broken his fall, things could have been much worse.

“He could have gone through the window and he’s lucky he didn’t hit his head – that would have been it,” she said. “His age is a worry. Some people can fall at that age and a few days later, they die from shock.”

Four weeks after the fall, Owen still hadn’t been able to leave the house and, according

“Where every farewell tells a beautiful story.”

A proposal to replace the pavers was put forward as a potential project for funding from Rodney Local Board’s Transport Capital Fund in February last year, but it wasn’t selected as a priority due to the high cost – an estimated $3 million.

At last month’s board meeting, members again voted to request AT to consider including replacing the pavers with concrete in future work programmes. An AT spokesperson said its maintenance team was aware of the pavers and that they would need to be replaced, as other options weren’t viable, but said work to do that was neither confirmed nor planned at this stage.

to daughter Lisa Crisp, was a changed man.

“He’s gone from being an able man who drives and walks and ventures into town on his mobility scooter to needing help getting out of bed, getting into bed, getting off and on his recliner and to and from the bathroom,” she said.

“He’s not a happy guy; he’s feeling isolated and sore. He doesn’t like feeling this way.” Although she was pleased Auckland Transport (AT) responded to her complaint and fixed the uneven pavers in question within a few days, she and her parents said it was high time the paths were replaced before more people were injured.

“Dad would like the whole street fixed,” Lisa said. “He was born here, lived here all his life, worked in the community, paid his taxes, raised a family and now he’s an old man, frustrated that the issue of these pavers still goes on. So many people have fallen and been hurt.”

Trish agreed, saying Auckland Council and AT weren’t being fair “They put us in Auckland just to make money,” she said. “They can find millions of dollars for cycleways in Auckland. It’s not right and they shouldn’t be able to do it – it’s stealing from us. We should withhold our rates.”

Local youth could soon have more activities to keep them occupied, thanks to a new initiative being trialled by Rodney Local Board this year.

A twice weekly drop-in space in Warkworth and a music and performance programme in Wellsford are two ideas being considered, and a youth development coordinator is in the process of being appointed.

Community broker for Rodney Sue Dodds says Auckland Council is keen to provide a better range of activities for young people in Rodney and the local board has combined its $60,000 youth budget with a one-off regional crime prevention fund of $67,591 to set up a year-long trial.

“As there is very little happening in Rodney in the youth development space, this was seen as a good opportunity to test and try a range of new programmes and activities, as well as support and encourage new groups and potential providers,” she told a local board workshop last month.

“The intention is to use this as a 12-month trial period to understand what works, what can be delivered and what young people want.”

The proposed programme is intended to offer “a smorgasbord of activities” that could be delivered in various communities across Rodney.

Anyone with ideas can email Sue Dodds on sue.dodds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Helping

Lily Watson

Pete Sharp Raoul Robertson

Police redeployment hurts youth programme

A police-run programme promoting healthy relationships among senior school students, often timed to coincide with ball season, won’t be held at either Mahurangi College or Rodney College in the foreseeable future.

Waitematā north area prevention manager

Senior Sergeant Roger Small says staff who deliver the programme have been redeployed to other duties for three months from April 8.

He did not say what the other duties were and denied that the programme had been cancelled.

“The programme has not been cancelled, but some delivery will be delayed during this temporary redeployment,” Small says. Mahurangi College senior school deputy principal Catherine Hutton says the college has run the Loves-Me-Not day for many years.

“We are gutted that the police have been reassigned and are unable to join us for the day,” she says. “As yet, we are unsure of our next steps, and how we could run this without them. They have been essential to the success of the day.”

The Loves-Me-Not programme was developed by the Sophie Elliott Foundation* to help young people keep themselves safe. It was piloted in schools

in 2013, then formally launched in 2014. It includes a one-day workshop facilitated by police, school staff and some nongovernmental organisations, where students discuss how to take action –personal action, effective bystander action and community action – to prevent harm from relationship abuse.

Hutton says Mahurangi runs the programme with its Year 12 students.

“The students, in mufti for the day, are placed in groups and each group has a teacher, a police officer and a relevant nongovernment representative leading them. This way they get insights from multiperspectives, real life stories and are able to engage in a more adult manner, which has worked really well,” she says.

“We cover consent, alcohol consumption, influence of social media/porn, what a healthy relationship looks like and much more.

“These students are 16 and 17 years old so it is very relevant to their lives. Our students have always found a lot to engage in from this day, and one really good side benefit is being with police and experiencing them as knowledgeable, caring and warm. It is worthwhile building that connection to encourage positive relationships

with our police.”

Rodney College deputy principal Alison Middleton said the programme had been held at the school for the past six or seven years. “It will be very disappointing if it doesn’t continue,” she says. “I’m very disappointed for the students. It’s a day to share really important messages in a positive and engaging way.”

*Sophie Elliott was murdered in 2008 by her former boyfriend and university lecturer, Clayton Weatherston. During the police investigation, it became clear Sophie’s murderer was a typical abuser who had a track record of treating partners badly. The foundation was set up by Sophie’s mother Lesley to raise awareness among all young women, their friends and families of the signs of partner abuse.

Plan change premature, board says

Concerns that plans to develop 159 hectares of land south of Warkworth are premature and pose a flood risk have been raised by Rodney Local Board.

Members were asked to provide their views on proposals to rezone the land near Valerie Close, which includes upper reaches of the Mahurangi River and could result in 1600 new homes, a retail and business centre, and public transport interchange (MM, Mar 11). The applicants are KA Waimanawa Limited – a partnership of Classic Group and the New Zealand Super Fund – and Stepping Towards Far Limited.

Consultant planner for Auckland Council David Wren told last month’s local board meeting that the land had originally been scheduled for redevelopment between 2028 and 2032, but in council’s new Future Development Strategy (FDS) that had been pushed back to 2040-45-plus.

“If this goes ahead now, it will be way in front of what the FDS is saying in terms of timing,” he said.

“The main issues are around infrastructure provision. Watercare is saying that if all the development in the north occurred, there would be shortfalls in terms of the wastewater upgrade being able to handle this, as well as water supply, water rights and so on.”

Board members approved a lengthy 25-point submission that included concerns that the development posed an increased flood risk,

would cause stream habitat loss, included a Special Ecological Area, threatened a longtailed bat colony, and said current roading, public transport and water/wastewater provision would be inadequate.

“Watercare says that future upgrades already planned are needed for other developments already planned in the area and, therefore, will not have the capacity to service the Warkworth South area,” they said.

However, members supported some aspects of the plan change, including proposed footpaths and cycleways, and the provision of open space, conservation, sports, active and recreation zones.

They also supported the inclusion of a retail and business centre, though expressed concern that the development

would be separated from Warkworth itself by a future urban zone, rather than an already developed area, which members thought would reduce “opportunities to make connections with other developed parts of Warkworth”.

“The timing of the proposed plan change seems premature in comparison to areas closer to the current developed areas.”

They said there was already insufficient council and government infrastructure funding for land already live-zoned, and there was a danger that out-of-sequence, ad hoc developments would lead to urban sprawl and “poor outcomes”.

The board’s views will form part of the planning report for a public hearing later this year.

Hey council, there’s a problem!

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland

Council reporter. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Auckland Council is reporting a problem with its own Report a Problem interface with the public.

Report a Problem is an online portal where Aucklanders can report a range of issues from illegal dumping to dogs roaming and graffiti. At council’s revenue, expenditure and

value committee on March 19, staff said if multiple people reported an issue, then they might receive the response that their report had been closed. Parks and community facilities general manager Taryn Crewe said this had created some negative feedback.

Cr Chris Darby said he had been one of the people confused by the Report a Problem response.

“It’s not that personal,” he said. “It doesn’t say ‘thank you for your inquiry” – you just

In brief

Bowls club lease granted

More than two years after unveiling plans to sell its town centre greens and build a new world class multi-million dollar bowling and social club, Bowls Warkworth is a step closer to realising its dream. Rodney Local Board members voted last month to grant the club a community lease for 25 years, with subsequent right to reapply, for 1.2 hectares of Auckland Council-owned reserve land in Glenmore Drive. The lease includes an initial five year term for planning and construction, then two 10year terms, as per council guidelines. The club will soon hold a special meeting for members to vote on the proposal and how to proceed.

Highland fling-back

Organisers of one of the longest running Scottish gatherings in the Southern Hemisphere, Waipu’s Highland Games, are changing its traditional date from New Year’s Day to December 31. Waipu Caledonian Society said the struggle to find helpers and the increasing difficulties of running a major event on a public holiday had forced their hands. “The decision to change the date was hard for the members to make,” life member and former games chief Donald Ewen said. “The rationale is the increasing difficulty of being able to secure caterers, vendors and volunteers on a public holiday.” He added that any criticism of the decision was mostly coming from non-members and “those who have not been involved in the New Year’s Day preparation, running and clean-up after”, and said the advantages outweighed the disadvantages.

Refinery revisited

NZ First is investigating the feasibility of reopening the Marsden Point oil refinery as part of its coalition commitment. The party says that the refinery’s closure in 2022 robbed Northland of a major employer and put New Zealand’s fuel security at risk. Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones says the study will also include planning for transitioning to low carbon fuels and consideration of the infrastructure needed to increase the use of methanol and hydrogen. A Request for Proposals is being developed and the study is expected to start later this year.

get a number. It’s just a code and then it’s from a ‘no reply’ email.”

He said it was not a customer friendly tool and that it would be frustrating for Aucklanders to go through the process repeatedly.

Crewe added that when customers didn’t get the right response, it resulted in a phone call through the call centre, which council was trying to minimise. “We’re re-wording the message and will do some analysis to see whether feedback starts to improve.”

WARKWORTH OFFICE

SILVERDALE

Select committee hears gulf protection concerns

At least 20 fishing, environmental and community groups, many of them local, were in Auckland last month to make submissions to a parliamentary environment select committee on the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.

The Bill’s proposals include extending the marine reserve at Cape Rodney – Okakari Point (Goat Island), bringing in five new seafloor protection areas where trawling would be banned and 12 new high protection areas, which include parts of the ocean at Te Hauturu-o-Toi - Little Barrier Island, Kawau Bay, Tiritiri Matangi and the Mokohīnau Islands.

However, many people believe the protection proposals do not go far enough, since they would still allow commercial fishing in special ‘trawl corridors’ designated by Fisheries NZ, including unpopular and destructive methods such as bottom trawling and dredging.

One such speaker was Terry Creagh, of Ōrewa, who addressed the select committee twice as representative of several organisations, including the NZ Sport Fishing Council, the NZ Marine Research Foundation and the Warkworth Game Fishing Club.

“Our concern is that the proposed Hauraki Gulf Marine Bill does not go far enough, as 100 percent of the Hauraki Gulf should be designated a sea floor protection area,” he said.

“Mobile bottom contact fishing is the primary culprit in the decline of biodiversity, productivity and health of the marine park, yet the Bill still allows such destructive methods to continue.”

Creagh said the proposed high protection areas did not address the underlying causes of depletion and loss of biodiversity, and those proposed for Kawau Bay and Tiritiri Matangi in particular would lead to little discernible drop in commercial fishing, while forcing recreational fishers out into more open water, causing safety concerns.

Creagh said there should be a special management area for these two locations instead, and said a community-led, holistic

Many groups want wider protection for the Hauraki Gulf than is proposed.

approach should be pursued, such as Ahu Moana, which combines mātauranga Māori and local knowledge with scientific data.

“Officials proposing tools that permit Māori customary fishing, while prohibiting all other sections of the community from fishing, will cause major friction and incidents, which need not happen, as we are all New Zealanders wanting to fish to feed our families,” he said.

“Ahu Moana is a viable alternative that promotes community-based solutions to

address protection and enhance marine life, encouraging mana whenua and local communities to work together, instead of dividing them.”

Other submitters included the Kawau Island Residents and Ratepayers Association, which said the Kawau Bay high protection area should exclude South Cove or, at least, give its residents permissions “for continued access and safe sustainable fishing close to home”. The Bill will have its second reading later this year.

Reptile park break-in

The Ti Point Reptile Park is mourning the loss of a tortoise and an iguana, which were stolen from the park on the night of Tuesday, March 19.

Thieves broke into the property through a fence and stole one large 18-year-old leopard tortoise and a green iguana. The tortoise has been at the park since he was around two, and the iguana was hatched there.

Park manager Mike Chillingworth says both animals require specific care and are not suitable as pets.

“Events like this are frustrating and disappointing, but our main concern is for the welfare of the animals. You can’t just put them in a terrarium – they need space,” he says.

While it is legal to keep a tortoise, it is illegal to have a green iguana in New Zealand outside a zoo.

Chillingworth says although the animals would be worth thousands of dollars, they would be difficult to sell except on the black market.

“We’re presuming they were taken by an enthusiast.”

The park was last broken into in 2010. Security will again be beefed up as a result of this latest theft.

Warkworth Police Station officer-in-charge Sgt Dan McDermott says enquiries into the burglary are ongoing.

“We are concerned that these animals aren’t getting the appropriate care and there may be attempts to sell them on the black market. The best thing anyone involved can do is return the animals immediately to the reptile park.”

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The reference file number is 240320/8108.

Timing is everything on plan change, board says

Plans to build up to 800 new homes on 72 hectares of land north-east of Wellsford could bring some benefits to the town, but only if the development didn’t happen until all the necessary infrastructure was in place.

That was the key feedback from Rodney Local Board members on a private plan change application by Wellsford Welding Club (WWC) for Wellsford North – land bordered by State Highway 1, Bosher Road and the railway line.

In a lengthy submission, members expressed their concerns over whether sufficient funding would be available to provide adequate wastewater treatment, roads and green spaces.

“There is already insufficient council and central government funding for the infrastructure required for live-zoned greenfield areas in Auckland, and out-ofsequence development will only worsen this funding gap, and ultimately result in overcrowded schools, parks with no facilities, traffic congestion and temporary waste and water solutions,” they said.

“Council needs to ensure that there is a planned approach to delivering infrastructure as detailed in the Future Development Strategy, not ad hoc developments that ultimately lead to urban sprawl and poor outcomes.”

They said any development should be timed so it didn’t put unmanageable pressure on Wellsford’s existing wastewater and water treatment plants, and integrated stormwater planning for all drainage subcatchments needed to be put in place.

Board members also expressed concern that the development area included regenerating native forest and streams with high ecological values.

However, they supported the fact that the development would provide mixed housing

within walking distance of the town centre and said it would have economic benefits for local businesses.

There was also support for planned walking and cycling routes in and around the development, as well as open spaces in ecological areas, children’s playgrounds and a village centre.

WWC wants the 72 hectares, most of which it already owns, rezoned from its current mix of future urban, single house, rural countryside living and rural production land to residential large lot, single house and mixed housing suburban zones. There would also be a small business neighbourhood centre, plus an area of rural countryside living at the northern end.

A hearing into the proposals will be held later this year, with the local board’s views included in the Auckland Council planner’s report.

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The Wellsford North development would almost double the size of the town.

Home offers youth independence

Parents and disability support provider

Spectrum Care officially blessed and opened a home for three disabled young people in Warkworth last week.

Around 25 people attended and, following introductions, toured the home with its personalised rooms and homely atmosphere.

Home owner Bill Davey related how he sadly had to leave his home due to medical reasons and wanted it utilised by people who would appreciate and enjoy it. His daughter Karen Allen, who is also behaviour support practice lead for Spectrum, had spoken to him many times about the work she did with disabled people, and this inspired Bill to make his home available for disabled young people in his local area.

Parents delivered emotional speeches saying how happy they were that their family members could live close by, while also increasing their independence.

Spectrum Foundation chief executive Sean Stowers said wholehearted optimism and cooperation were the key attributes that had led to a group of young adults being empowered to live more independently in their local community.

“We understand the need for more support options in the wider Warkworth region and look forward to working with funders and stakeholders to meet these needs,” he said. Spectrum Foundation is a philanthropic charity, which seeks to break the barriers disabled people face in having equal opportunity to live good lives.

East Coast-centric

You are completely wrong in your editorial (MM Mar 18) to state that Mangawhai Beach is Kaipara’s premier surf beach. Dargaville’s Ripiro Beach – at 66 miles, the longest beach in New Zealand – is Kaipara’s premier surf beach. Mangawhai Beach is small and insignificant in comparison.

Once again, your reporter is doing the NZ blinkered East Coast-centric media’s trick of totally ignoring the West Coast.

People from the Hobson and the west Otamatea areas of Kaipara are completely sick to the back teeth of always having to financially bail out Mangawhai, whether it is over their prolific wastewater scheme or now, over funding the slip behind their surf club.

Mangawhai residents should be charged a dedicated specific rate to fund this repair. Visitors there, should have to cough up as well.

The rest of Kaipara – west of SH1, where 85 percent of the roads are gravel – should not be lumbered with these costs. Perhaps a solution to raise funds would be for Kaipara District Council to toll Cove Road – make the Aucklanders going north pay something to Northland.

Derek Smith, ex-Dargaville

CLARIFICATION

The story on the Tamahunga kiwi release (MM Mar 18) featured a list of the organisations credited with involvement in the project, but failed to include perhaps one of the most important groups, the Tamahunga Trappers. As Stewart Halliwell points out, it is the Trappers’ success in reducing pest numbers that has been the basis for adult kiwi being released and their chicks having better survival rates.

To all those naysayers who said Auckland Transport was wasting money putting in the seats at the end of Te Honohono ki Tai Road, eat your words! As readers can plainly see, the seats are being very wellused indeed.

Rocks in their head

Auckland Council has splashed out $730,000 on eight large rocks, which have been rehomed in downtown Federal Street. The artwork called Lost & Found has everyday objects carved on the upper surfaces of the rocks – the woven thread of shoelaces in a pair of sneakers, a baseball cap, puffer jacket, sunglasses, gloves and a backpack. So good to see council taking seriously the cost of living crisis and only spending hard earned ratepayer money on the essentials.

Community-created art

A mural created at the Warkworth Town Hall during the recent Mahurangi Artist Trail

Mural curator Noila Souza said people from all walks of life participated in the painting, offering their support and encouragement. “It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and excitement as they watched the mural come to life,” she said. “Art has the power to inspire, ignite imagination and foster a sense of community. I was grateful to be able to share my colours with the world in this way.” The mural project was funded by the Creative Community Scheme. The annual art trail, which showcased the work of nearly 40 artists at 23 venues including numerous art studios, was once again a resounding success. For information regarding the acquisition of the mural, contact mahurangiartistnetwork@gmail.com

One of the three residents, Ashton Wright (front, second from right) with his family at the opening.

Viewpoint

Wayne Brown, Mayor of Auckland wayne.brown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Why Auckland needs a future fund

Auckland Council must secure its longterm financial position. Local boards are having to compete for funding with whatever financial crisis the council happens to be facing, year after year. The proposed Auckland Future Fund (AFF) is part of a long-term plan to help tackle the problem of chronic underinvestment in our region and communities once and for all.

Council’s financial position was already weak, before the enormous cost of last year’s catastrophic weather events, as it struggled to keep up with the costs of population growth. The underlying problem is that council borrowed too much, too fast, and invested poorly. Now, debt is more expensive with higher interest rates, and operating costs have risen significantly in consecutive years.

Council’s debt is projected to reach $15 billion in 2025/26, with almost $700 million in interest owing for the year. It is estimated that council will spend the equivalent of $12.9 million a week, or $1.8 million a day, on interest payments.

At almost $700 million, the interest on debt is comparable to $1000 for each rateable household and business in the region, or around a quarter of the average Auckland household rates bill of $4000 in 2025/26.

Auckland Council has used debt to cover budget deficits and fund major projects, mostly headline-grabbing central government mandates. Upfront costs have been given far greater consideration than the total cost of ownership over the life of the asset.

The City Rail Link (CRL), which will cost an estimated $5.5 billion to complete, is a prime example. What wasn’t made clear upfront is that it will cost Auckland ratepayers around $220 million a year to

Free travel finishes

keep the network running. Now, council cannot afford to own, operate and maintain all of its existing assets, including the region’s transport and water networks, stadiums and community assets.

The message is clear: we have to get a grip on the long-term drivers of expenditure, and make public assets work harder and smarter for all Aucklanders. With a focused and disciplined regional wealth fund that yields higher returns, council would be less reliant on borrowing and rates, thereby reducing the tremendous burden on Auckland ratepayers.

As part of Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan (LTP) (10-year Budget) 2024/34, I am proposing to establish an Auckland Future Fund by unlocking $3-4 billion from council’s airport shares and port operations. With higher returns around 7.5%, council would receive a net 5.5% return to fund its operations and provide for self-insurance,

It is estimated that council will spend the equivalent of $12.9 million a week, or $1.8 million a day, on interest payments.

with the remaining 2% reinvested in the fund to ensure its value increases over time. In year-one of the LTP, council could be $79 million better off under a well-capitalised fund, compared to the ‘enhanced status quo’ with dividends from the airport and port. Over 10 years, council could be $627 million better off.

I have also proposed the lowest rates rise for any city in New Zealand at 7.5%. With a well-capitalised fund, council could keep rates rises at 3.5% from year-four of the LTP.

Free travel on Auckland Transport (AT) services for five to 12 year olds and halfprice travel for 13 to 24 year olds will end on April 30, in line with the government’s decision to withdraw funding for these concessions. AT says these changes will impact around 200,000 registered HOP card users. However, many under 25s will qualify for alternative concessions such as child, secondary, tertiary and Community Connect, and some customers will automatically transition to the most beneficial concession where AT has the necessary data. However, there will still be customers who need to reapply, especially those in tertiary education.

Vision of a pest-free peninsula takes shape

An initiative to advance the goal of a pestfree Mahurangi East peninsula took a step forward last week, when a forum of people active in local conservation efforts voiced broad support for a collaborative approach focused on suppression and phased elimination of predators.

Hosted by Restore Rodney East (RRE) following 18 months of discussions, the meeting in Sandspit discussed a Pest Free Mahurangi East Peninsula (PFMEP) proposal, designed to target animal pests from Matakana Road down to the southern tip of the peninsula – an area of 4170 hectares.

After islands, peninsulas are seen to offer the next major opportunity for pest-free initiatives, with coastline boundaries facilitating the task of preventing reinvasion. The growing population of Mahurangi East – currently some 6000 permanent residents – and rapid urbanisation provide both challenges and opportunities for pest-free actions.

An operating proposal prepared by RRE ahead of the hui identified four options, with two of them – retaining the status quo and seeking the full elimination of all pest species – effectively ruled out.

While existing volunteer predator-controls efforts were acknowledged and praised, the report contended that the status quo would not achieve the goal of peninsulawide suppression of pests. On the other hand, a drive to eliminate all pest species was also viewed as unrealistic, hugely costly and unlikely to succeed.

This left the options of widespread and coordinated suppression of target species, and a phased elimination programme, focusing on possums, then stoats and a more challenging rat phase.

RRE chair Tim Armitage outlined a proposal dividing the target area into four zones or operational hubs – south, north, central and a key buffer zone between the central and south zones.

With “virtual fences” cutting across the peninsula at existing pinch points north and south of Snells Beach, this buffer zone would be critical to the success of the project, since it would prevent the passage of pests down the peninsula and further protect the southern portion from reinvasion.

Armitage presented maps produced by consultants Boffa Miskell, showing where

pests were currently being controlled and where coverage was non-existent, inadequate, or not known. More populated areas were found to have higher concentrations of trapping and control capabilities, while DOC reserve areas of remnant bush – in the central zone – were identified as potential reservoirs for pests, again highlighting the importance of the buffer zone.

Participants discussed the need to establish a governance structure and to secure funding for a paid coordinator – and possibly a part-time paid trapper as well. Also raised were the importance of mana whenua and cultural guidance, using high tech modern trapping methods, communicating with residents, tapping into existing enthusiasm and securing community buy-in.

Armitage said there was evidently support in the room for a minimum of suppression and some phased elimination of pests on the peninsula.

The operating proposal would be refined, taking into account points raised at the meeting, he said, stressing that the approach must be dynamic, not one based on “fixed thinking”.

Groups crystallise vision for town

Three community organisations have drafted a wish list for Warkworth as part of their submission on Auckland’s Longterm Plan (2024-2034), which closed for feedback on March 28.

The Warkworth Liaison Group, One Mahurangi and Forest and Bird listed their priorities for the next decade under the headings of tourism, Hill Street, schools, Warkworth Centre Plan, urban growth, public transport, environment, road safety, unsealed roads, emergency management and libraries. In presenting their submission to the Rodney Local Board, they said Warkworth needed to be proactive in promoting the town and district as “a great place to visit”.

“Small businesses need to be encouraged to provide activities and attractions, with packages for tourists in the same way as Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island does,” the submission said. “Restaurants and cafes need to open seven days.”

They suggested that an avenue of trees should line both approaches to the town, and the Hill Street intersection would benefit from perhaps a sculpture at its centre. The submission called for better walking and cycling options, particularly for school students.

“We need to develop better use of the river and develop the Heritage Warkworth Cement works as a heritage and archaeological destination with an information centre.”

Citing the Warkworth Centre Plan, the groups called for the development of a village green, wharf improvements, a raised walkway behind shops and laneways through the shopping precinct, and the re-purposing of the wastewater treatment plant [when decommissioned], at the end of Alnwick Street, for boat launching and parking. The submission also called for the Falls Road Reserve to be developed as the new centre of the Warkworth growth plan, starting with a lookout at the confluence of the two branches of the Mahurangi River, “adding new parks areas so that it rivals Lucy Moore Park”.

Restore Rodney East chair Tim Armitage outlines proposals at the meeting.

Police

Introducing new faces

Warkworth Police impounded a further three vehicle last week for sustained loss of traction (wheel spinning). We ask parents to speak to their teenage drivers around the risk involved in such behaviour – the risk to themselves and other road users. We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour and won’t hesitate to impound vehicles involved in type of behaviour for 28 days.

Community meetings

Over the last two weeks, Warkworth Police, in conjunction with One Mahurangi, has held community meetings with local business owners in both our CBD and industrial areas. It’s been great to connect with business owners in such a setting and hear their feedback on how we can best serve them. Talks have already started regarding further meetings so keep an eye out on One Mahurangi social media pages for dates. New staff

I want to take the time to introduce some of our newer names to Warkworth Police who have arrived over the past year or so. These staff are well supported by the more familiar police officers including Senior Constables Hamish Buick, Katie Hawkins, Chris Martin, Simon Cleland, Jeremy Ivil, Rebecca McEnaney, Ryan Hoogenberg and Neil Winterbottom, and Constables Jake Revell, Dan Pritchard and Andrea Andrenacci.

Brace of awards for Wech

School Holiday Fun!

Pohuehue farmer Matt Wech won two awards at last week’s Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards – the NZ Farm Environment Trust Biodiversity Award and the Auckland Council Water Quality Enhancement Award. He and his partner, Ana Sevilla, farm 33 hectares of hill country off Cowan Bay Road, growing native trees and producing honey, as well as raising sheep and beef (MM, Mar 18). The Auckland Regional Supreme Award went to Utopia Nurseries in Pukekohe.

NEW

Sergeant Daniel McDermott,

2016

2021

2023

2020

2021

2015

Council cops flak over bin removals

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

The removal of thousands of rubbish bins from public spaces, as part of Auckland Council’s cost-cutting measures, has prompted some councillors to question whether some of the bins should be reinstated.

At a planning, environment and parks committee on March 14, councillors said they were getting heat from ratepayers about the bin removals and questioned staff on whether the savings from the project were truly worth it.

Hibiscus Coast’s Cr John Watson said he was getting a lot of complaints.

“This is the one issue that is disturbing people at the moment,” Watson said. “It’s getting bigger – one of the undesirable outcomes is that in some places, rubbish has just been dropped or piled up or mixed in with other stuff and we have a hygiene issue.”

Council estimates it has around 10,000 bins and describes this project as “bin optimisation”. It plans to eventually remove just over 30 percent of the region’s public rubbish bins, which it says will save ratepayers at least $1.4 million annually.

Customer and community services director Dr Claudia Wyss, who asked unsuccessfully for the discussion at the meeting to be held “offline”, said there had been a notable change in community behaviour.

“There’s increasing littering and sometimes it is right next to the bin,” Wyss said.

“The teams have absolutely the best intent where they have removed the bins. They have tried to use data and information and

Bins stay in Rodney

Rodney has escaped council’s great rubbish bin controversy after the Rodney Local Board chose to fund the retention of all public rubbish bins, at least in the short term. Rodney area manager for parks and community facilities Geoff Pitman says the board allocated $60,000 to retain the 30 percent of rubbish bins that were proposed to be removed in Rodney. That decision will be reviewed in June. Pitman says retention of all existing public rubbish bins in the Rodney area will be dependent on the local board continuing to fund this.

community insights as much as possible –there will be some instances where a bin has accidentally been removed when it perhaps shouldn’t have been.”

She encouraged Aucklanders to raise concerns about litter through council’s online ‘Report a Problem’ tool.

Wyss said the factors that were taken into account when recommending that a bin be removed included how often it needed to be emptied, the proximity to another bin, whether or not a park was well used or whether it only had peak periods, such as during summer.

Cr Shane Henderson asked if council could

action ninja

return some bins.

“The community is really upset. If we want to put some back, can we easily do that? Are they sitting in a warehouse somewhere?”

Henderson asked.

Wyss said putting bins back would come with a multi-million dollar price tag.

“That was the reason why it was put forward as part of the annual budget for cost saving. However, there are opportunities to put bins back,” Wyss said.

Chair Richard Hills said he was worried that staff were spending more time and money on this issue than the savings warranted.

Local board says it’s a full-time job

The Auckland Mayor’s call for more empowered local boards would only work if they received adequate staff support and funding, according to Rodney elected members. Speaking at their meeting on March 20, they said current systems were complex, impractical and needed to be made easier, such as giving members more time to review policy and plan proposals.

As an example, Warkworth member Michelle Carmichael said reading and coming up with feedback recommendations on just two private plan change proposals had used up the same hours as a full-time job, when board membership was only supposed to be a part-time role.

In feedback to Auckland Council, members said they needed sufficient staff and strategic advice to help with this and called for a pay review for board members.

“Current demands on members who have delegations such as resource consent feedback put too much strain on our current role paid as ‘part-time’.  This type of additional demand means that board members may not be as effective in all aspects of their role on behalf of their communities, due to time constraints from needing other employment for income,” they said.

“The geographical size of our board area also increases the time it takes to fulfil our role, due to longer travel times to attend meetings, community events or visit areas with community concerns.

“If total members were increased, or all board positions were full-time, then fairer representation may be achieved.”

Members said they supported sufficient resourcing and greater decision making and/or accountability over local board funding, but only if a reasonable budget was made available to maintain current assets and services. They added that they had already experienced lower staffing levels, which put undue strain on local board staff and hindered them getting timely access to information.

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Mangawhai developments

The population of Mangawhai, one of the fastest growing areas in the country, is projected to grow to about 14,500 by 2043, and a number of proposed developments are at various stages of advancement. They include:

Mangawhai Hills

Mangawhai Hills, an extensive proposed residential development on 2.2 square kilometres of rural land west of the village, is the subject of an application for a private plan change to the Kaipara District Plan (PPC 84).

Located between Tara Road, Cove Road, Old Waipu Road and Moir Street, it would entail up to 600 large-lot residential sites, among wetlands, streams, native bush and around 15 kilometres of walking and bike trails.

Kaipara District Council (KDC) notified the application for public input last August, receiving 76 submissions. Twelve more were lodged during a further submissions period that ended in mid-December.

Supporters of the plan change cited the developer’s commitment to protect the ecology, create recreation opportunities and provide open public spaces, together with housing in the growing town. Opponents raised concerns about a worsening of traffic congestion, potential flooding, loss of productive farmland, and adverse effects on the environment. Some also pointed to infrastructure limitations, especially wastewater services.

Public hearings will be held from May 28 to 30.

https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/ mangawhaihills

The Rise

A step further down the track is a private plan change application (PPC83) to rezone 56.9 hectares of rural land east of Cove Road and north of Mangawhai Heads Road for residential development.

Public hearings on the proposed development were held at the Mangawhai Bowling Club from March 26 to 28.

PPC 83 seeks to rezone the site from rural to residential zone and create a bespoke precinct.

The owners of the site, The Rise Limited, are proposing a development of around 380 sections, with an average lot size of 600 square metres.

Public submissions were invited in August and further submissions in October, and a total of 72 were received, with some raising concerns about wastewater treatment, increased traffic congestion, ecological impact and potential flooding risk.

Others offered support, in some cases conditional on amendments regarding lot sizes, traffic management, predator controls and other issues.

https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/the-rise

continued next page

Lee-Anne Scarth Financial Adviser

works

from previous page

Lake View Estate Stage Two

The proposed 135 hectare development on Devich Road entails 67 rural residential lots, ranging in size from 4000sqm to 3.5 hectares.

KDC in June 2022 granted resource consent for the Vermont Street Partners (VSP) project, but progress stalled with an Environment Court appeal.

“We eagerly await the court’s decision,” VSP managing director Edward Sundstrum said.

He added that the company remained committed to delivering the project.

“We anticipate relaunching the project in early 2025 with a view to commencing construction of Lake View Estate Stage Two in October 2025,” he said.

Mangawhai Village

KDC and Northland Regional Council gave resource consent last year to a Metlifecare’s retirement village, comprising 160 single-level two-and three-bedroom villas and a 45-bed, hospital-level care home.

Site works on the 13-hectare greenfield site off Sailrock Drive, north of the golf club in Mangawhai Heads, is due to begin within months.

Metlifecare said it expects the first residents will move into Mangawhai Village in mid2026.

Mangawhai Central

This large-scale retail, commercial and residential development linking the village and the Heads was the subject of the biggest private plan change application ever to come before KDC. PPC 78 was notified in 2020 and went through the full process, including an appeal to the Environment Court, with the parties settling out of court in 2022.

The 116 hectare property off Molesworth Drive, advertised as having the capacity for up to 1200 residential units, has been on the market since last spring. Colliers director Blair Peterken said in mid-March he had no update on the campaign.

The Gateway (corner of Molesworth Drive and Estuary Drive)

KEA Property Group plans a mixed-use business hub, including office suites, on the corner of Molesworth and Estuary Drive, opposite the Mangawhai Museum.

An independent commissioner last August approved Gull’s application for resource consent to operate an unmanned petrol station there. But in a separate decision, council declined a request by Gull to grant an easement to improve access to the corner site.

A Gull spokesperson said the company was currently reviewing the feasibility of the site in conjunction with the landlord, and hoped to have a resolution soon.

SHOWER

A view of some of the rural land proposed for the Mangawhai Hills residential development. Photo, Mangawhai Hills

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

A&P Show thanks supporters

Two Warkworth A&P stalwarts were recognised at this year’s show held on March 16.

Medals were presented to Karen Woolley and Doug Poland.

Woolley received the medal from the NZ Salers Society and the Royal Agricultural Society, on behalf of her family. It recognised their committed promotion of the salers cattle breed through their stud and participation in A&P shows around the country.

The medal awarded to Doug Poland, of Poland Motors in Wellsford, was from the Royal Agricultural Society. It was given to the Warkworth A&P Show to present to whomever they felt deserved it.

Poland was chosen as the recipient in recognition of his commitment to the show’s trade section for 30 years straight. He also lends a hand on show day, making vehicles available for show organisers.

Doug Poland

Karen Woolley

Photos, Anna Thoroughgood.

Lessons to be learned from Mahurangi River tragedy

The death of Christian Herbulot, in Warkworth in November 2020, has prompted the coroner to recommend that it should be mandatory for health practitioners to report to Waka Kotahi NZTA any patient deemed unfit to drive, if the unfitness will endure for more than 60 days.

Associate coroner Jennifer Smith, who apologised for the lengthy delay in releasing a decision, found that Herbulot, 55, drowned secondary to a car crash. On November 22, his car travelled at high speed down Neville Street, went over the roundabout at the end of Baxter Street and through the children’s playground before finally coming to rest upside down, fully submerged, in the Mahurangi River.

“It is not possible to ever be 100 percent sure of the precise cause of the crash, which ultimately resulted in Christian’s death,” Smith said. “However, the evidence suggests that he was not in control of the vehicle prior to it entering the water. In light of all of the evidence available to me, it is likely that Christian suffered a seizure or sleep event that rendered him unconscious prior to the crash.”

Noting the medical evidence and the

opinion of his general practitioner, Smith said it seemed clear that Herbulot ought not to have been driving.

“Despite the recorded history of Christian having an accident after falling asleep while driving and a neurologist apparently determining he should not be driving, the only record of discussions between the GP and Christian was in 2019, when he was “advised not to drive if feeling at all tired” and later, “concerned re driving safety”. It is, therefore, not clear that Christian was clearly told by either his neurologist or his GP that he must not drive until he was symptom-free for a stated period of time.”

Smith called for a legislative change, requiring health practitioners to record in writing any advice given to a patient regarding their fitness to drive, if they had an ‘at risk’ condition. The advice should include a record of the timeframe the patient was told not to drive and a copy of this advice should also be given to the patient.

“If drawn to the public attention, [these recommendations] could reduce the chances of the occurrence of other deaths in circumstances similar to those in which the death occurred,” she said.

School holiday art in Ōrewa

The Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa is inviting children aged 11 and over to join new classes it is offering over the school holidays (April 13 to 28). The centre’s new youth activator/coordinator, Nico Benella, will be teaching digital illustration, photo illustration and gif animation basics. There will also be clay classes – either handbuilding/sculpting techniques or pottery wheelbased, including fun clay mug making with tutor Sandra Mather and Your Pet as a Pot clay class with Michelle O’Laughlin. Nico says classes will be limited to around eight to 10 students, and they will be able to grow that number over time. “There is a lot of interest in the programme, because it’s a bit different from more traditional art or painting,” she says. The school holiday classes are also a taster, and keen students may be able to continue with a course in term-time. Info: www.estuaryarts.org

April Sale

Chamaredorea Costaricana

Bamboo Palm 17/25/35

Pitt/Chatham Island Nikau

Rhopalostylis

Dypsis Baronii

Sugar Cane Palm

3.5Litre, 80cm

Normally $20 $15

Seconds Clivia

Assorted Colours

3.5 Litre, 30-45cm

Normally $30 $10

Heights

Bitches back and out of the box

A fast-paced comedy show starring a pack of hilarious farm dog characters is coming to Port Albert and Matakohe this month, as part of a 12-date tour of rural areas impacted by last year’s floods and cyclone.

Organised by wellness initiative Farmstrong and the Rural Support Trust, The Bitches’ Box: Episode 4 stars actors and writers Emma Newborn and Amelia Dunbar as a range of different farm dog characters –and maybe a couple of old ewes – during a sheep muster off the back blocks of a High Country station.

The pair have been playing their rural hound roles for more than a decade, after coming up with the idea of playing a couple of farm dogs on heat when they were thrown together as strangers at an actors’ workshop in 2012.

Since then, their chaotic canine view of farm life from the bitches’ kennel has become a huge hit, with three separate shows playing everywhere from rural woolsheds and community halls to city theatres and comedy festivals in NZ, Australia and the UK.

Newborn said they had played Wellsford last year and were keen to return to

Northland.

“Last year, we did Life’s a Bitch, which we’d done for three or four years, but this is a new show that’s having its debut at Helensville the night before we come to Port Albert,” she said. “We’re really looking forward to coming back, we love it up there.”

She added that choosing small, remote halls for the tour was entirely in keeping with the rural vibe of the show.

“We like to go down the path a little less trod,” she said.

The Bitches’ Box: Episode 4 will be at Port Albert Hall on Wednesday, April 10 and Matakohe War Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 11, with a barbecue dinner at 6.30pm before the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $15, which includes food – BYO drinks and bear in mind the humour features adult themes. All proceeds will go to community organisations running the pre-show barbecues – the Port Albert Hall committee and Matakohe School.

Info and tickets: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/RFA

years ago.

Model boat spectacular returns

A huge flotilla of up to 300 boats will sail into Matakana on Friday, April 19, but won’t clog up the wharf or river.

That’s because the craft in question are all scaled-down vessels, in town for the second Matakana Model Boat Show.

For three days, every type of miniature marine masterpiece will be on show inside and out at Matakana School, from basic row boats and dinghies, through sailing yachts, ferries and scows, up to mighty naval warships and modern racing hydrofoils. The school hall and new shade shelter outside will be packed with static displays of meticulous models built by more than a dozen craftspeople, including a display by modellers from the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland on Saturday, April 20.

There will also be exhibits devoted to diverse nautical subjects, such as a history of local boatbuilding, NZ yacht racing and ships, and a display of boats devised and

decorated by Matakana School students.

Meanwhile, the school pool will once again be transformed into a mini-sailing course for yacht racing, complete with a little lighthouse and cute copies of local wharves, boat ramps, jetties and pontoons fashioned by Allan Harkin, the Matakana mariner who first dreamt up the idea for a model boat show.

He says although similar to the previous show, the eight-strong organising committee had scaled everything up slightly this year, with more boats and model-makers and a three-day show instead of two. There will be food vendors on-site and any children visiting on the opening Friday will get a free ice cream. The show is open from 10am to 4pm each day and entry is by donation, with EFTPOS available, and all proceeds will go towards buying a new heating system for the Matakana School pool.

Guaranteed to have audiences howling with laughter – Amelia Dunbar, left, and Emma Newborn in The Bitches’ Box.

The first model boat show was a great success when it was held two

Sweetappreciation with chocolatebrown

Congratulations to Les Hatfull, who is this week’s recipient of a gift box from Chocolate Brown. Les was nominated by Maureen Young, who wrote ....

“

Les, who will turn 98 this month, is frequently seen on and around Woodcocks Road, with his orange high-vis vest and litter-picker-upper, keeping the streets free of rubbish. The amount of litter that he removes highlights the lack of street rubbish bins in this part of town. Les says picking up the rubbish gives him a reason to go for a walk.

Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz ”

Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@ localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

Plus, lots of options to feed hungry explorers!

Adults: $22

School

GOLF FUNDRAISER

Special

HARBOUR MASTERS GOLF

FUNDRAISER

Special event to raise funds for our replacement rescue boat*

GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON!

Contact Paul: kawauvolunteers@gmail.com | 027 233 2655

*

History

Saving Mahurangi’s past

An exciting project underway at Warkworth Museum is preserving the region’s past, including fire-damaged legal documents so old that they are written on parchment. Thanks to a team of experts, and funding from the NZ Lotteries Commission, many of our archival records are being digitised as part of a project with the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa (NZMM)

GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON!

the son of John Southgate, who was dubbed the father of Warkworth. William was born in 1848, the same year his parents moved to Warkworth. He later became a shipwright, marrying Alma in 1872. Daniel Grant, who purchased Section G from Alma Southgate, died in 1918. We have a bereavement card from his family with Lilburn Street as the address, so presumably he remained there until his death.

The museum has a map on display of the above subdivision of Warkworth property by John Anderson Brown: “The Village of Warkworth containing 89 village allotments, advertised for sale on Monday 6 June 1864 at twelve o’clock.” This map also shows the plot of land with the letter G on it, presumably the Section G referred to above.

Some of the documents the team is looking at are boxes of old records from the offices of Elliott and Holden solicitors. The document were saved after a devastating fire destroyed five business premises in Queen Street, Warkworth in July 1931, including the solicitors and the well-known Stubbs butchers. The surviving documents were inside three vaults that were pulled redhot from the embers by a wire rope tied to a truck, once the flames had died down. Some of the papers including documents and deeds were intact, but others had more severe damage and cannot be opened. We are applying for funding from Te Papa for a conservator to assess the best way to look after them.

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard’s rescue boat, Kawau Rescue, has worked tirelessly for the past 15 yearsperforming thousands of missions. To maintain safety and service standards she will soon need to be replaced so her crew can continue Saving Lives at Sea. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ kawaucoastguard

• Join us on Friday

• Join us on Friday 12th April at Omaha Beach Golf Club

FOUR PLAYER TEAM AMBROSE - 9 HOLES

(Maximum 9 hole handicaps Women 30/Men 22)

• 2.30pm Shotgun Tee O

• Bu et dinner included at 6.15pm with fundraising auction & ra es

TEAM OF 4 PEOPLE $495

INDIVIDUALS $125

A great opportunity for networking with key clients and contacts or to spoil someone with a leisurely afternoon on the course at Omaha Beach

BUY TICKETS ONLINE: kawaucoastguardgolf.lilregie.com

Contact Paul: kawauvolunteers@gmail.com | 027 233 2655

*

Kawau

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard’s rescue boat, Kawau Rescue, has worked tirelessly for the past 15 yearsperforming thousands of missions. To maintain safety and service standards she will soon need to be replaced so her crew can continue Saving Lives at Sea.

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ kawaucoastguard

Would you like to volunteer?

Contact us on emailkawauvolunteers@gmail.com

Or phone 027 233 2655 and talk to Paul about the Coastguard unit and he will send out some information.

These fire-damaged deeds are all kept in the Warkworth Museum archives. The oldest documents are written on parchment and represent a “who’s who” of early Warkworth. They record land sales between John Anderson Brown and various purchasers, and provide details of mortgage arrangements of the first European settlers. The deeds are valuable for research, as they define old boundaries and provide an exact location for properties, as well as the date of a sale or purchase. Some go further and describe assets such as cows, listed by name, and whether the family owned a horse-drawn vehicle or a boat.

One of the saved documents (see picture) reflects a land sale agreement between Alma Victoria Southgate dated 17 May, 1909 and Daniel Angus Grant. It involves a piece of land that is described as Section G of the subdivision into lots and sections of part of an allotment of land containing 150 acres, situated in the Parish of Mahurangi in the County of Marsden, granted to one John Anderson Brown by Crown Grant bearing the date 5 November, 1853. The land is bound towards the north by Warkworth Street, towards the East by Lilburn Street towards the south by Alnwick Street and towards the west by Bertram Street.

Alma was the wife of William Southgate,

Tickets

Members $30

Non-members $40

Tertiary students $10

School-age students Free

Purchase tickets online at warkworthmusic.org.nz

Door Sales

Cash only, no EFTPOS

As well as the fire-damaged documents in archives, we have several items on display from Elliott and Holden’s premises, such as a framed window with the name etched on the glass, and Mr Holden’s name plate for his office door.

Morton Trio & Friends

This is chamber music with orchestral scope, riveting from the opening notes with Dohnányi’s rich and exhilarating Sextet for piano, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, and horn, followed by what is considered Penderecki’s finest chamber achievement— two majestic works that allow the six performers to showcase their virtuosic brilliance and musicality.

Sun 7 April, 4pm Warkworth Town Hall

KAWAU

Victoria Joule, Warkworth & District Museum www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

Anne and Eddie Edwards have shared 70 happy years together.

Marriage milestone celebrated

Eddie and Anne Edwards met when they were 16, married when they were 21 and last week (March 21) they celebrated their 70th, or platinum, wedding anniversary.

Originally from Woking in Surrey, and now living at Summerset Village in Warkworth, the couple believe they first met at a YMCA dance. Anne was working at an orphanage at the time and Eddie was about to sign up for the army.

“She was very lucky to catch me,” he laughs.

After spending two years in Italy, where he was in charge of the cookhouse catering for 140 servicemen, Eddie returned to England and the couple married soon after in St Peters Church in Old Woking. Eddie spent most of his working life as a

Librarian thanked

The Point Wells Library committee recently held a farewell afternoon tea for Margaret Whitmore to thank her for her hard work over 25 years. Margaret and husband Brett were also thanked for choosing the library as the beneficiary of Bayleys’ agent Jodie Sterling’s $1000 donation from the sale of their house. The couple returned to the area in 1996 after Brett’s retirement, while Margaret continued to work for Westpac in Wellsford before her retirement in 1998. She became a volunteer at the Point Wells library, which had 43 members at the time, and was instrumental in introducing the Dewey Decimal book classification system. She formed the committee which ensured the retention of the library as a community asset, enjoyed today by almost 900 individual members. After 28 years living in Point Wells and contributing invaluable hard work on behalf of the Point Wells community, Margaret and Brett are returning to Hamilton.

painter and decorator, although he was also involved in the manufacture of flyscreens and surfboards at one time. Meanwhile,

Anne worked mainly in retail and administration, although she did a stint as a postie when they emigrated to New Zealand about 40 years ago.

The couple say their decision not to have children was the right one for them and they don’t regret it.

“We’ve had such a good life,” they agree.

They say honesty has been the foundation of their marriage, plus the ritual of Eddie bringing Anne “a cuppa” in bed every morning.

Eddie and Anne celebrated their wedding anniversary at a dinner with friends at the Warkworth RSA.

Did you know?

We actively preserve our communities’ treasures and educate visitors on our communities’ history

We regularly support our community, community groups and events We depend on volunteers who contribute their time and skills to a range of tasks, including caring for collections, curating exhibitions, and welcoming visitors. We receive no council or government funding

Our fundraising volunteers work tirelessly to keep the museum doors open for all to enjoy!

Whats On

You will find us in the stunning Parry Kauri Park, which is home to the McKinney Kauri, one of the largest Kauri trees on the north east coast. After walking through the park, come and visit the Museum

Monday 15th – Friday 19th April.  10am – 2.30pm. Textiles Digitisation Week. Have you ever wondered how a museum digitises its collections ? Here’s your chance to find out!  Meet the digitisation team from the Maritime Museum who will be capturing stunning photographs of items from our incredible textiles collection.

NORMAL MUSEUM ENTRY.

Saturday 27th April. 10am – 2pm.

Remembering the Americans in Warkworth. Step back in time and witness the history of the United States Marine Corps in Warkworth as the Military Reenactment Society of New Zealand brings history to life at the Warkworth Museum.

MUSEUM ENTRY BY DONATION.

Friday 14th June. 10am.

Tea & Talk: Pioneers of the Mahurangi.  Dive into the captivating history of the early European settlers along the enchanting Mahurangi River.

ENTRY $10.  BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz

Friday 6th September.  10am.

Tea & Talk: The Girls Mutual Improvement Society of Warkworth.

ENTRY $10.  BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz

What we do

We tell the stories of early European settlement, timber felling, gum digging and boat building.

The growth of the Warkworth district is showcased through displays containing many heritage items, photographs and textiles of the era.

ON NOW is our exhibition, featuring stories, photographs and artefacts relating to Wilsons Cement Works.

Gold, gold, gold for innovative Mahurangi food producers

Mahurangi food producers were punching above their weight in the recent Outstanding Food Producer Awards, judged by Mahurangi Matters’ own cuisine columnist Lauraine Jacobs.

Charlies Gelato in Sharp Road, and the Matakana-based Honest Chocolat and Daily Organics all collected multiple gold medals.

Jacobs, who led 23 judges in assessing the products, said the medals were a morale boost for producers affirming their hard work. They also gave consumers a guide to locally made products that they could purchase with confidence.

“After eight years, we’re seeing more new products entered each year, and producers are showing more imagination

and innovation in presentation and taste, as they develop new food ideas,” Jacobs says.

“There’s always a danger that new ideas can be over the top, but this year there was plenty to stimulate the palate. The entries also allowed the natural flavour to shine without being over-processed.”

A judging highlight was a dedicated chocolate category, merging the NZ Chocolate Awards into the Outstanding Food Producer Awards. Sixty chocolate products were assessed with 18 receiving gold medals, including Honest Chocolat, which picked up two gold medals – one for its tea and biscuit milk chocolate and the other for its orange and macadamia 64% dark chocolate. It was also awarded a

silver medal for its pineapple and almonds dark chocolate. Charlies Gelato also won two gold medals – one for its lemon gelato and the other for its feijoa sorbetto.

Daily Organics won gold medals for its 0% blanc, peach thyme and its 0% rosé, strawberry rhubarb; and a silver medal for its botanical rose lemonade.

Former Mahurangi West chocolate makers Foundry Chocolate, now based in Silverdale, won four gold medals, two silver and four bronze.

High-scoring gold medal winners are in contention for the Category Champion Awards, which will be announced at the annual Champions Party on April 18.

Emily and Nico Bonnaud, of Honest Chocolat.

Tania Nevill and Andrew Cole, of Charlies Gelato. Brad Gwynne and Delwyn Ward, of Daily Organics.

A parent-child relationship can be a very complex thing, fluctuating between good places and occasionally more challenging ones. Becoming a parent can often lead to reflecting on the relationships we had with our own parents when growing up. While there is, of course, no one size fits all method to getting it right, healthy communication will go a long way to creating a healthy relationship. It better equips us to navigate the tough times when they inevitably come around, whether it be in the form of bullying, relationship dynamics, parents separating, health issues, vaping, smoking, drug use, device misuse, or poor mental health.

Communicating with sullen, moody teenagers has been a minefield for generations, which for this generation of parents has only been complicated by the digital revolution. But there are some key communication techniques you can implement to give yourself a fighting chance of being a go-to person in your child’s life. Pay attention to how your child communicates: This will help you to understand how to best communicate with them. Some children will chat about anything, while others are more reserved. Either way, they need to know that they can come to you about anything. If they don’t speak so much, spending quiet time with them can help encourage them to

Partnership being formalised

open up when they need to.

Try to avoid lectures: There will often be moments when you really want to get your point across, especially if it’s for their wellbeing, and for that you need their attention. Lecturing and nagging will likely prove unsuccessful. Try to identify when you have hit a brick wall and revisit it at a better time. Thinking about what you really want to say and keeping it concise and to the point will help prevent them from zoning out.

Listen up: When they do choose to speak you have to be engaged, giving your full attention. Show a genuine interest in what they have to say. Active listening is a skill. Eye contact, phone down, thoughtful responses. Maybe later on bring up parts of the conversation to show you were listening. This will demonstrate to your child you are engaged and interested in what they have to say. Showing this level of engagement will give you the opportunity to pick up on other cues in their behaviour which may indicate how they are truly feeling.

Find time to talk every day: With busy days, time often feels like something we don’t have much of, but we don’t need big blocks of time set aside to talk. Try to take advantage of trivial, small moments such as the school run, mealtimes or just before bed. A few minutes can make a big difference improving parent-child communication.

The Kaipara Moana Remediation programme and Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust’s Wai Connection programme are finalising a partnership to better nurture the health of water in the Kaipara Moana catchment. Both programmes have already worked together on community planting days alongside waterways in Paparoa and Parakai, and a soon to be signed Memorandum of Understanding will formalise efforts towards more collaborations.

We

Pūhoi sportsfield became a silt-filled lagoon during last year’s floods and saw no football last season.

Council pitches in with funds a year after floods

More than a year after the first of three major flood events swamped Pūhoi, Auckland Council is ripping up and replacing the town’s damaged football pitch and sportsfield.

The sports club and grounds first went underwater during the devastating Auckland Anniversary Weekend storm, when the entire community was inundated during the worst floods in living memory, followed by Cyclone Gabrielle and another huge storm over subsequent weeks.

When the waters receded, the sportsfield playing surface, like so much of the town, was left covered in a thick layer of stinking silt and couldn’t be used for fear of contamination.

Pūhoi Football Club was forced to move its training and matches to Victor Eaves Park in Ōrewa and the sports club building remained yellow-stickered and out of action for a year.

However, thanks to a funding boost specifically for storm damage from Auckland Council, the football turf is now being removed, replaced and reseeded at a cost of $130,000.

Pūhoi Football Club manager Troy Connolly said it had been a long wait for something to happen, but he was hopeful players could be on the new pitch by June this season.

“Which is good, because we’ve got more players than ever – we have four senior men’s and one senior women’s team this year,” he said.

More than $1.5 million has been allocated to Rodney Local Board out of a total of $12 million for sites with significant storm damage.

Another $100,000 from the funding is being used to replace a pedestrian bridge leading to the riverside reserve along Pūhoi River, which was swept away in the floods. Residents of Slowater Lane and Pūhoi Close, whose homes back onto the reserve, have been asking for the bridge to be replaced, since it was the only way council contractors could access riverside path to mow it.

“It’s been 12 months since the reserve was mowed and it really needs cutting,” said one. “It’s a fire risk in summer.

“And if they build a half-decent bridge, they might be able to get a work truck in to clear debris still there from the storms. You used to be able to walk much further round the reserve towards the football field, but there are logs and all sorts of stuff jammed up against bamboo growing there.”

Other Rodney recipients include Kowhai Park in Warkworth, Scotts Landing and Leigh, all of which will get money to fix and restore storm-damaged tracks, paths and walkways, with Leigh getting the

biggest chunk of $550,000.

There will also be $300,000 spent on coastal seawalls and structures throughout Rodney affected by storms.

All projects are due to be carried out in this current financial year.

A Rodney Local Board workshop last month also heard that the development of a district Readiness Dashboard to assess preparedness for future disasters was progressing well.

Council community broker for Rodney Sue Dodds said the new tool would provide a simple, practical framework for community emergency groups to assess their readiness for an emergency.

“It will also provide invaluable baseline information for Auckland Emergency Management and the Rodney Local Board on where Rodney groups sit and what the priorities for resourcing and support in Rodney are,” she said.

“I think we’ll end up with about 20 ‘miniplans’, so we’ll have a good idea of what each area needs. They will be tailored to different groups and communities, and will join up all the people from the outset.

“It’s surprisingly good. Rodney is nearly half of Auckland’s land area, therefore resources need to be beefed up for any damage,” Dodds added.

Storm funding projects

Leigh

Remediate tracks and walkways in Leigh area

$550,000

Kowhai Park, Warkworth

Reroute damaged track $150,000

Pūhoi Pioneers Memorial Park

Renew soil field that was repeatedly underwater $130,000

Puhoi Esplanade

Renew pedestrian bridge at rear of 26 Slowater Lane backing onto riverside reserve $100,000

Scotts Landing Walkway

Renew damaged steps, drainage and track in Reef Street $18,674

Rodney-wide

Renew coastal seawalls and structures $300,000

Gravel roads set for sealing – funding permitting

Auckland Transport (AT) has revised its draft Unsealed Road Improvement Programme (URIP) for the next three years as a result of feedback from Rodney Local Board members in February.

AT road corridor asset manager Peter Scott told a board workshop on March 13 that several changes had been made to the almost $26 million draft programme for 2024-27, including the inclusion of Pakiri Road and the updating of some traffic counts or road classifications.

The draft URIP is the first chunk of a proposed $124.6 million 10-year spend to seal and improve unsealed roads in the region.

Scott said of the 64km of unsealed roads in the draft programme, most of which were in Rodney (80 percent or 57km), would result in a sealed surface, though most of that would be what’s known as ‘maintenance sealed’, rather than a fullblown seal extension.

Scott explained that this was because AT and the local board were trying to maximise the number of roads being sealed for the funding available. According to AT’s Seal Extension Guidelines, published 10 years ago, maintenance seal is “the lowest-cost seal applied to an unsealed road where expensive on-going maintenance has been required”.

“It’s not a full seal extension, because that’s over $1 million a kilometre,” he said. “If we cut it back to a maintenance

next three years.

Scott said the bulk of roads in the revised draft URIP had an average of more than 200 vehicles a day using them.

Warkworth board member Ivan Wagstaff asked if roads that were used as detour routes when highways were closed, which suddenly had unusually high volumes of cars and trucks using them, could be reprioritised to get better surfaces and/or maintenance.

Scott said detour routes were a separate case and he would raise that with both NZTA and the AT maintenance team.

Wellsford member Colin Smith again questioned why Govan Wilson Road, a narrow, dead-end road at the top of Matakana Valley Road, was being sealed along its length.

“There’s 111 vehicles a day and only 30 people living up there. We’re spending over a million bucks in there over three sections – it’s just completely ridiculous,” he said.

Scott said that the improvements had been designed and put in place before 2020 and still qualified in terms of all the various classification criteria and priorities.

There are 25 roads in the draft URIP for 2024-2027, all of them in Rodney except for three in the Waitakere Ranges and on Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Islands.

The north Rodney roads on the list are Ocean View Road, Te Arai; Te Arai Point

Are you getting a fair deal on solar buyback? Household solar take-up rising

Householders considering switching to home solar and battery storage combinations may be motivated by environmental concerns, but economic factors are important, too, including the prospect of being able to sell back excess power to energy suppliers

Homes typically use most power between 7 and 9 am and then again from early evening until bedtime, with little consumption through most of the daylight hours. Exporting excess power is, therefore, particularly worthwhile in the case of homes whose occupants are out during the daytime – the time when the most power will be generated by the sun.

There are no regulations in NZ setting “buy-back rates” – the amount an energy company will pay for each unit of solar electricity going into the grid. They can vary widely depending on the company and conditions. Additional costs may apply for equipment and import-export meters.

Recently, Powershop was offering 13 cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh), on a plan with no fixed term. Meridian was offering 17c/ kWh, but with a five-year contract (and 12 cents for other plans, with terms ranging from none to two years).

Electric Kiwi buy-back rates ranged from 8-12.5 cents, depending on plan, Genesis was offering 12.5 cents, Octopus Energy 13 cents and Contact Energy 8 cents on most residential plans. Mercury/Harrison Solar had a standard buy-back rate of 8.5 cents but was offering 18 cents to customers whose solar is installed by Harrisons Solar and sign up to a two-year contract.

There is evidently a gap between buy-back rates and the cost of power charged by

suppliers – usually around 22-24 c/kWh (depending on company, customer plan, location and other factors).

Power companies say what they charge customers includes network charges, levies and the costs of installing and reading meters. Buy-back rates, by contrast, include just the wholesale cost of energy.

“Consumer electricity prices include the cost of generating electricity, getting it to customers and other costs such as metering and government levies,” a Genesis spokesperson says. “Solar buy-back rates reflect only the cost of the energy that is being sent into the grid.”

“Each electricity retailer considers a range of factors when calculating their solar buyback rates,” Contact’s chief retail officer Matt Bolton says. “Timing is particularly important because when solar energy is available in the summertime or during offpeak periods, prices will be low because there’s less demand.

“Home solar generation can be a great option for some of our customers, so we believe it is important to offer a range of options to suit different customers’ needs and lifestyles,” he says.

Meridian chief customer officer Lisa Hannifin explains that most people who have solar still need to access power from the main electricity grid when their panels don’t produce enough. They also need to be able to export electricity back to the grid when the panels generate more than needed.

“Because of this, the cost of using the grid needs to be covered as part of the solar

tariff, in the same way that a tariff for nonsolar customers reflects the costs of getting electricity to their home.”

Hannifin says while many people think there’s a big difference between buy-back rates and how much electricity companies pay for power, Meridian pays customers more than it costs the company to buy off the market. The aim is to actively encourage solar uptake.

“Comparing household electricity charges and solar buyback rates isn’t apples to apples,” a Mercury spokesperson says. “The charges you see on your household power bill cover multiple costs such as generation, distribution, transmission, metering and the retailer’s charges. Solar buyback rates, on the other hand, simply cover paying for any surplus solar electricity generated that goes into the electricity network, so retailers set their rates based on things such as the long term average price of solar electricity and the competitive market.”

The price of household rooftop solar systems has dropped dramatically over the past decade, and adoption rates in New Zealand – while still low compared to Australia – are rising.

The Electricity Authority (EA) reported last May that rooftop solar on residential buildings in NZ accounted for around 200 megawatts (MW). Transpower forecasts that this will rise to 300 MW by 2025 and to 535 MW by 2030.

(This figure refers to “distributed” solar –power that feeds into networks near where it is produced, rather than connecting directly to the national grid. Transpower predicts the take-up of grid-scale solar will rise much more significantly, to 7360 MW by 2030.)

EA Electricity Market Information figures for February 2024 show that the Northland

continued next page

Although solar take-up lags behind Australia’s, just over 80 percent of New Zealand’s electricity comes from renewable sources, mostly hydroelectric and geothermal. Photo, Raze Solar/Unsplash

region has one of the highest percentage residential adoption rates for solar in the country – 4.9 percent (behind only Nelson and Tasman regions), up from 2.4 percent four years earlier.

The Auckland region on the other hand has one of the lowest, at 1.9 percent (only Southland and West Coast are lower). the Auckland rate is up from 1.03 percent four years ago.

Taken by network reporting region, Kaipara and Whangārei (Northpower) reports a 4.3 percent residential solar uptake rate, while Auckland (Vector) reports a 1.5 percent residential solar uptake rate.

EA data showed by the end of 2022 the number of solar installations had reached 42,793, equating to roughly 2.3 percent of all Kiwi households. New Zealand has a long

way to go to catch up with Australia where 33 percent of homes have rooftop, with some communities exceeding 50 percent.

Despite this, New Zealand ranks well internationally for the proportion of its energy generated from renewable sources, driven mainly by hydroelectric and geothermal.

According to a 2023 MBIE energy report, a little over 80 percent of New Zealand’s electricity comes from renewable sources and around 30 percent of its total energy consumption is renewable.

NZ has an aspirational target of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and aims for 50 percent of total energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2035.

Northland has one of the fastest-growing residential solar take-up rates in the country.

Photo, Watt A Lot/Unsplash

“Totally Dependable”

But Don’t Take Our Word For It!

10%

NZ electricity demand during a typical day in June 2023 shows the morning and evening spikes.

Electricity use through the day, and across the seasons

On a typical day, power demand in New Zealand generally follows a familiar pattern, with curves on a graph looking like the humps of a camel.

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

P: 09 422 3226

We consider ourselves very lucky to have had Ruben fix a broken changeover switch for a complex Solar system that operates as a 5-7kw power failure generator that keeps our essential services and security systems working at all times. Another layer of complexity is a minor dwelling on the same grid supply but not sharing generator output in a power failure. Ruben grasped the complexity immediately and fixed it surprisingly quickly. He is highly intelligent, charming, courteous and ensured that both safety and best practice was first and foremost. Laser Electrical are fortunate to have a technical expert of his rare calibre.

Chris

Devereaux

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

available to gold card holders (proof to be shown to the electrician while on site)

P: 09

P: 09 422 3226

3226

In the morning, when people are making breakfast and having showers before work or school, demand rises after lows overnight, and then sinks during the day before rising again in the evening, due to cooking, heating, lighting and bathing. Patterns tend to change during school holidays, and on weekend and public holidays.

Demand for electricity rises considerably in winter, although there are also variations depending on which part of the country you are in and your choice of heating, cooking and hot water heating options.

In parts of the country where more homes are heated using electricity in winter consumption could be more than 20 percent higher than the average, while homes using wood burning fireplaces for heating could be 16 percent or more lower.

As expected, power consumption tends to be highest on cold winter nights, when people are heating their homes and cooking dinner. But there can also be cases when summer consumption surges, for example during hot and dry weather, when many people are using air conditioners at home and farmers are irrigating more than usual.

Transpower notes that in the decade from 2012 to 2022, demand for electricity in winter increased by 0.4 percent, or four times the average summer growth.

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

Unit

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

The average medium-sized home in NZ uses almost 8000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity a year (Auckland 7576 kWh, Wellington 7972 kWh, Christchurch 8131 kWh, Dunedin 8210 kWh).

It attributes the difference in growth between the two seasons mostly to the increasing electrification of heating, and says this will likely continue as carbon prices push up the cost of fossil fuels.

Storyteller joins museum

When Angela Cook heard of an opening at the helm of Mangawhai Museum, the former teacher, art gallery owner, tourism ranger, council event coordinator and consultant for an iwi in Otago (among other things) found the idea alluring.

Angela says she had long cherished the idea of museums being a “third place” – after home and school/work – for bringing people together. It’s something she lived out while homeschooling her daughters in Dunedin, where Toitū Otago Settlers Museum was a favourite destination.

After the family moved to Northland in 2020, visits to Mangawhai Museum left her impressed.

“For a regional museum it really is bursting with stories and magic,” she says.

“When a position at the museum came up, part of what attracted me was the ‘wow’ factor I’d experienced when I’d visited. It exceeded my expectations, and I wanted to be a part of that story.”

Now she is. Appointed late last year, Angela is the museum’s new manager and enthusiastic advocate.

“It’s an excellent museum for families. Kids love it – there are so many things to engage and humour children, and we’re adding to them all the time.”

Popular attractions for children include the tram playhouse. Decommissioned trams were repurposed as baches around Mangawhai, and the museum has one fitted stocked with vintage items, a magnet for kids who love ‘playing house’ inside.

Leading up to the museum’s 10th anniversary in December, Angela says events to mark the occasion and honour those who have poured so much time into it will include a special photo exhibition and publication of a book.

Another priority relates to the Daring, the salvaged kauri schooner that was brought to the museum three years ago and has been situated on site on a temporary storage license.

(Built in Mangawhai in 1863, the Daring was grounded near Muriwai just two years later and remained buried there until uncovered by shifting sands in 2018, and transported by volunteers back to Mangawhai.)

Together with the Daring Trust, feasibility studies are underway on the possibility of adding an extension to the museum to make the boat an official exhibit.

“Walking through stories is one of the best ways to engage with them,” says Mangawhai Museum’s new manager.

Managing the museum and telling the stories of Mangawhai align well with another string in Angela’s bow – author of young adult and middle grade fiction published under the pen name Angela Armstrong. Her 2021 fantasy The Unflinching Ash did especially well, given a boost after children’s entertainer Suzy Cato read the early chapters aloud on her Treehut TV channel during the pandemic lockdown.

Angela doesn’t have much time to write now – “the museum is soaking up all of my creative energy, in a great way” – but tries to squeeze some in during the odd weekend away. She also enjoys attending book expos, such as the upcoming Ages of Pages event in Hamilton, featuring more than 60 authors.

Museum board chair Jill Corkin says the board feels fortunate to have secured its new manager.

“She is an accomplished, published author, so brings research, writing and storytelling skills to the role,” Corkin says. “She has also worked in gallery roles, has strong IT skills and her teaching background means she has a strong interest in developing the education side of what Mangawhai Museum offers.”

Angela says she fell in love with Mangawhai during three years of housesitting across Northland. She loves the ocean and has learned to surf since coming to waters more forgiving than Dunedin’s, where she describes the experience of frigid seas as “a sensory overload of affliction”.

Meanwhile, museum admissions are steadily growing. The arrival of a new café late last year after the departure of the previous café operator has brought new opportunities: The museum is exhibiting items from its collection that don’t require climate control in Kōtare café.

Angela Cook with Mangawhai Museum board chair Jill Corkin.

New Patients

Welcome

· Urgent same-day/ next-day care.

· Short waiting times for bookings.

· Low-cost appointments for Community Services Card holders.

· Continuity of care.

· Acute Accident care.

· Travel consultations including Yellow Fever vaccines.

· Free Long-Acting Contraception insertion [conditions apply] enrolled and casual patients.

· Women’s health.

Dr

Dr

Dr

MBChB, FRNZCGP

Krueger

Dr

Dr

Dr

Museum enters digital age

Work has started on digitising precious archival documents held at the Warkworth Museum.

Under the guidance of NZ Maritime Museum staff, 11 volunteers are spending the next 12 weeks learning record management processes and how to photograph and uniquely code each item. The documents range from Minute books to certificates, wills, maps, plans, diaries and letters. Some of the Minute books date from the 1850s. Museum manager Victoria Joule says that in many cases, it is the first time the documents have been seen since they were first filed. “We’re learning more about our collection through this process and it will mean that in future, information will be easier to find,” Joule says. “It’s all about preservation and access.

“An increasing number of researchers and members of the public want access to this material and while visitors can view them at the museum, we are conscious that we are putting these unique treasures at risk of quicker degradation through handling them and exposing them to light.

“By creating digital images of the material, we can better preserve the originals while still providing access to the public. We’ve known this for some time, but lacked the funding, skills, knowledge and people to actually do it. “So, we are very excited to be able to work with the Maritime Museum on the creation of a digi-hub. It’s a fantastic opportunity.” Joules estimates it could take volunteers at least a decade to complete the digitisation all the paper records.

While the project is concentrating on archival material, photographic records are also being made of some of the objects in

Invitation

Members of the public are invited to visit the museum this month to see the digitisation project at work. A special public display will be available to view in the week April 15 to 19, from 10am to 2.30pm.

the wider museum collection.

Warkworth is the first museum in Auckland to benefit from the project, which the Maritime Museum plans to extend to all of Auckland’s 75 small to medium-sized heritage organisations. Warkworth was chosen to be first because its collection management system was well set up and the town has a strong maritime link.

Lead photographer Andrew Hales says it is important to understand each museum’s strengths and capabilities so the digi-hubs can be sustained.

One of the volunteers learning the digitisation process is Clare Dill, whose family has farmed in the Kaipara district for generations. She said it was interesting to be digitising minute books from the Kaipara Flats Federated Farmers because it included many familiar names.

“It felt quite personal,” she said. “It also made me realise that farmers back then were facing the same issues – roading, rail lines, working with the local community –that we’re still discussing today.”

The collaborative project is funded largely by Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board and Pub Charity.

Museum manager Victoria Joule and Andrew Hales with one of the textile garments that will be photographed as part of the project.

Two volunteers working on the digitisation project are Hayley Sutton (left) and Clare Dill. Both women said they were enjoying learning the archival and photographic skills involved in creating the digital images.

Maritime Museum lead photographer Andrew Hales working with museum volunteer Joan Willis.

Book Reviews

Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie

Tipping Point is the third book, and most recent, in a series about Detective Kate Miles. It is a blend of family life, police work and community, and the unenviable position Miles finds herself in when trying to navigate all three. Where do her loyalties lie? Having an unemployed husband and two young children doesn’t help her situation.

The novel is set in a fictional mid-sized town in New South Wales and, ultimately, unearths long hidden horrors and alliances. It is a story that is not for the faint-hearted as there is plenty of bad language, substance abuse, mental health issues and violence, but I suggest judge it on its memorable literary merits.

McKenzie’s strengths are in character development, moving the narrative along at pace and refreshingly engaging encounters – in essence, an all-round easy to follow read, and like many top notch crime fiction, ends with unexpected twists and turns.

While it appears more than possible to read as a standalone work, I’m sure reading in sequence would be advantageous, as they are written in chronological order. I, for one, will look out for the prequels. Reviewed by Barbara Leslie

Rush by Saskia Roy

This debut novel unfolds with a dark romance set in the glamorous world of Formula 1. Lena gave herself an ultimatum when she left the UK to make her way in Los Angeles – she would be a successful writer within five years. With her approaching 30th birthday and the deadline for her ultimatum, she is at a crossroads and wondering whether it is time to give up on her dreams. But then an unexpected passionate encounter at a party, with the reigning Formula 1 world champion Nico Laurent, opens her eyes to a whole different lifestyle. A world full of luxury, parties, obsession, sex and no rules. Nico is a badly damaged soul, but as the story unfolds, readers start to wonder if Lena will be able to hold onto herself in the quest to save him, or will the fire they create destroy them both.

This is a great book for those who like a gritty read with a high spice factor.

A realistic portrayal of toxic, obsessive love and what we are willing to overlook for this. The author has a good knowledge of Formula 1 with believable race descriptions. I got swept up into the world where fast cars are only just the beginning.

Trigger warning: The story includes explicit scenes bordering on non-consensual.

Reviewed

by

Abby Soffe

Auckland Transport’s proposals for future transport projects around Warkworth

Recommendations on Warkworth route protection proposals expected soon

An independent panel considering Auckland Transport’s proposals to protect routes for future transport projects around Warkworth is expected to issue its recommendations later this month, after formally closing the hearing process last month.

At hearings in Warkworth last November, the panel comprising Richard Blakey, Mark Farnsworth and Vaughan Smith heard from representatives of AT and other parties, as well as property owners affected by eight notices of requirement (NoRs), relating to land that may be needed in the future for new roads – or upgrades to existing ones.

The eight projects proposed by Supporting Growth, a collaboration of AT and NZTA Waka Kotahi, were:

NoR1: A public transport hub in north Warkworth and the northern end of a Western Link Road (WLR)

NoR2: Upgrading of a western section of Woodcocks Road, extending from Evelyn Street to near the new motorway

NoR 3: Upgrading of the southern portion of Old SH1, roughly from The Grange to just south of Valerie Close

NoR4: Upgrading of Matakana Road, from the Hill Street intersection to the rural-urban boundary (a short way past the new roundabout near Clayden Road)

NoR5: Upgrading of Sandspit Road, from the Hill Street intersection to the eastern rural-urban boundary

NoR6: The southern portion of the WLR,

from Evelyn Street looping round to the Old SH1’s intersection with McKinney Road

NoR7: A new road linking Matakana Road (at the roundabout where Matakana Road meets the new Matakana link road) and Sandspit Road, with separated cycle lanes and footpaths

NoR8: The northern portion of an envisaged wider Western Link, running south of Woodcocks Road (near the new motorway) to the Mahurangi River

After the hearings, AT provided its closing submissions in writing ahead of the Christmas break, an Auckland Council spokesperson said. The panel in late January requested further information which AT provided in February, and then formally closed the hearing on March 5. Once council makes its recommendation, AT/Waka Kotahi will issue a decision, either accepting the recommendation wholly or in part, or rejecting it. Council will then notify the AT/Waka Kotahi decision to submitters and affected landowners and occupiers.

Before any designations become operative in the Auckland Unitary Plan, submitters can appeal to the Environment Court, which will hold a hearing and then issue a decision.

Most of the projects have yet to be funded. Council said it anticipated they will be considered for funding in line with longterm timeframes for council’s rezoning and releasing of land.

Environment

Christine Rose christine.rose25@gmail.com

Speckle the golden hen

Why did the chicken cross the road? Did she even cross the road? Was she just grazing the long acre and was too close to the edge? Whatever happened, her name was Speckle, she was our old golden hen, and on Sunday night she was found in the middle of the road down the hill. There were no visible injuries, but she was in a pile of feathers no chook could survive, an obvious victim of a high-speed car. Most rural, as well as some urban, homes have a chook or two or few. Speckle and her sister Shy are brown shavers, good solid and easy to care for hens who have always been free range. They were both confident and sassy, beautiful to look at and in good health. They’ve been a constant feature of our garden, and regular characters in this column. Their destruction of vege and flower beds whenever they got beyond my defences was impressive. Their claws could do the damage of any hoe. They’ve long since eradicated weeds like tradescantia, and many more precious specimens besides. They’ve been great bug controllers and soil aerators in the garden, and fun company, always keen to help with the weeding by getting underfoot. They are alarm clocks and food providers. They have been frustrating with their squawks, occasionally coming inside the house, pooping on the path. But now with Speckle gone, it’s like the character

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in the garden has reduced by half. Shy has never been apart from her sister, and she seems bereft. Shy has always been the noisiest of the two. Dare I say it, but I preferred Speckle, who was gentler, and would squat down for a stroke on her golden back. But now Shy is walking backwards and forwards between the front door, looking in, and the back step, gently trilling and uttering muted little clucks. Squawks that were obnoxious now sound pitiful.

Some people don’t love chooks except to eat. Not many hens are free range like ours are (were?) and the risks of caged hens being hit by a car are certainly reduced in favour of limited freedom. About 120 million chooks are killed for their meat in industrial food production in New Zealand every year. Millions more are used for their eggs and may never see the light of day unless they are some of the few lucky ones who get rehomed after they’ve outlived their maximum egg laying capacity. Speckle died as she lived, free, with her sister by her side, in the garden she’d always known. We vowed to not get any more chooks when these two went. They are a big responsibility, and maybe it’s wrong to allow them to graze the front berm, even while I feel it’s wrong to keep them confined. But it seems like Shy needs a friend. And there are millions of needy hens who might like a home.

lawrence.pacey@woods.co.nz

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School Bus Drivers Needed

School Bus Drivers NeededWarkworth

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Get on Board with Go Bus Transport and come join our great team in Warkworth.

Our recruitment process includes a Drug and Alcohol Test and Police Vetting check.

This is an ideal chance to make a change in your life and try something different with a great company. If you are thinking of re-joining the workforce or looking for extra hours this role may well suit you.

Get on Board with Go Bus Transport and on Bus come join our great team in Warkworth. join

We are looking for permanent Part-Time and Casual On-Call School Bus Drivers.

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Apply now and email Carol now onon carol.monteith@gobus.co.nz

If you want to be part of a business that is making a difference in your community then we want to hear from you!

Our recruitment process includes a Drug and Alcohol Test and Police Vetting check.

This is an ideal chance to make a change in your life and try something different with a great company. If you are thinking of re- joining the workforce or looking for extra hours this role may well suit you.

Don’t let this role drive by!

Apply now and email Carol on carol.monteith@gobus.co.nz

We are looking for permanent PartPart Time and Casual On CallCall School Bus Drivers.

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Lawrence Pacey Principal Engineer 021 242 0722

WE ARE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US

For free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support, come in and talk to us.

WE ARE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US

For free confidential and impartial information, advice, advocacy and support, come in and talk to us. Our services cover from Puhoi to the Brynderwyns and Coast to Coast and include a Justice of The Peace Clinic, Free Legal Clinic and Budgeting Clinic.

For free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support, come in and talk to us.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU WELLSFORD

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Gardening

Andrew Steens

Wellsford Community Centre, 1 Matheson Rd

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU WELLSFORD

Wellsford Community Centre, 1 Matheson Rd

09 423 7333 or 0800 367 222 | 1 Matheson Road

Ph: 09 4237333 or 0800 367 222

Wellsford Community Centre: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm

Ph: 09 4237333 or 0800 367 222

email: wellsford@cab.org.nz www.cab.org.nz

email: wellsford@cab.org.nz www.cab.org.nz

Warkworth Town Hall: Friday 10am-1pm

So much more than parsley

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm

wellsford@cab.org.nz | www.cab.org.nz

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

I’ve grown some herbs for as long as I can remember, but they have generally been forgotten in some corner of the garden, occasionally being dug out to separate from the weeds that have infested them over time and to save them from eventually expiring. The standard European classics of thyme, rosemary, mint, coriander, oregano and marjoram are probably in most gardens. However, over the last few years, I have been increasing my herb collection substantially and my knowledge of them as nutritional powerhouses has increased alongside this.

Herbs are full of beneficial compounds such as vitamins, minerals, phenols, terpenes and many other components that have numerous health benefits, such as antitumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-biotic and anti-parasitic actions. The subject of herbal medicine is vast, and a lifetime of learning for herbalists, but even the new gardener can benefit from their health-giving properties by using them in cooking, as herbal teas and in tinctures made with alcohol or glycerin.

Aside from the classic herbs, I grow many that originate from South East Asia, such as turmeric, ginger, kra chai, galangal, Vietnamese coriander and lemongrass. All are easy to grow in our climate, any cold sensitivity being overcome by either dormancy over winter or by growing in a nice warm spot in the garden. Most of the South East Asian (and any of the mint family) I grow in large pots or tree planter bags, for

two simple reasons – firstly, to prevent them from spreading through the rest of the garden and secondly, to make them easier to harvest. All these plants need plenty of warmth, water and nutrients to grow to their best, so each time they are replanted, new soil and lots of manure are incorporated.

Many of the European herbs such as rosemary, thyme and marjoram, on the other hand, come from dry, bony soils such as those found around the Mediterranean, so excessive feeding and watering will produce more growth, but at the expense of flavour and quality. These herbs will also be more prone to root disease and stem rots if grown too lush. As my sandy peat soil is on the wet side for these herbs, I usually grow them in raised beds or pots.

Some herbs, though, I let have free run of my orchard area. These are often, but not always annuals, that once established will self-seed happily and find their preferred environment to flourish. A classic for this is borage, which comes up every year under the apple trees, with the blue flowers proving a hit for the bees. Parsley and coriander prefer the shadier spots with more soil moisture, as does lemon balm, one of my favourite herbs for making a herbal tea. I’m growing German chamomile for the first time this year and hoping that this will also set seed and become a wild inhabitant in the orchard.

The world of herbs is endlessly fascinating, both as plants to grow and as hugely beneficial additions to our daily diet.

Bull leads rock runners home

Organisers of the Top of the Rock run/walk in Kaiwaka on March 17 are celebrating a successful event, which has raised funds for the Kaiwaka Sports Association (KSA). Cool weather provided ideal conditions for the more than 200 people who took part.

First home in the 10km run was Morgan Bull, leading a group of 126, followed by Michiko Cooper. Morgan Black (male) and Bridgette Sampson (female) were second, and Caleb Rennie (m) and Erin Tindell (f) were third.

Casey Wright was first male home in the 5km run/walk, while Pamela Minnet was first female home. Second were George Innes and Millie Briely, and third were Neil Hampshire and Charlie Wright. The oldest competitor was a determined Jewell Mills who, at 82, completed the full 10km course, winning a $50 prize donated by Mangawhai Tyres.

Event coordinator and KSA patron Evan Wright thanked the team who organised the event, the sponsors who provided an abundant prize table and generous financial donations, landowners Innes Anderson and Tania Dropulich, and the many volunteers who helped on the day.

All competitors went in a draw for one of more than 90 spot prizes, and a separate draw for one of two major prizes of sporting goods sponsored by Ace Em, Kookaburra, Gray-Nicolls Sports, and Sporting Goods Specialists. Lee Gautier and Riley Kemp were the lucky winners of these top quality valuable packs.

Second placegetter Michiko Cooper.

Items auctioned at prizegiving were meat packs donated by Silver Fern Farms, a water pump and voucher donated by Pumps & Plumbing, a weedeater and supplies donated by Kaiwaka Motorcycles, and a dog kennel donated by Ron Reid Equestrian Engineer, including a gift box from The Vet Centre.

The day wrapped up with gala-like entertainment for families Funds raised from this year’s event will go towards replacing the gymnasium and fitness centre roofs and upgrading security.

Skateboarding school Young Guns Skate School is hosting a free introductory session on Sunday, April 21, at Warkworth Showgrounds. Ages 5-10 from 10-11am, and ages 11-16 from 11am12pm. Helmets compulsory. Info: Mahu Bike and Skate on Facebook

Netball coaching courses Netball North Harbour is running Practical Coaching for Coaches workshops for coaches of years 4-6 and 7-9. Both courses are being held at the Barfoot and Thompson Netball Centre, from 6.30-8pm. The year 4-6 course is on Thursday, April 11, and the year 7-9 on Wednesday, April 10. $30pp. Info: https://www.sporty.co.nz/netballnorthharbour/ programmes-1/coaching-courses

Take a Kid Fishing The Warkworth Lions Club annual Take a Kid Fishing Day will be held at Sandspit Wharf on Sunday, April 14, from 10am-1pm. Registrations compulsory and close on Thursday, April 11. Registration forms available from Hunting & Fishing Warkworth. Limited numbers. Prizes and sausage sizzle on the day. Info: takeakidfishingwarkworth@gmail.com

Scrabble Rodney Scrabble meets at the Warkworth Community Rooms, next to Warkworth Town Hall, every Monday afternoon, from 12.50 to 4pm. Anyone interested in the game is welcome to join. Small friendly group, who are willing to support and mentor new members.

Swimming Kowhai Swimming Club runs adult lane swimming (16 years and over) from 6 to 7pm, Monday to Friday, at the Mahurangi College pool. Sessions cost $7 per for an adult, or $4 per session for students. Concession cards are available; bring the correct change. All welcome.

Social tennis Social tennis is played at Matakana Tennis Club every Wednesday evening, from 6pm.

Netball scouts Netball Northern is searching for representatives who would like to be part of the Northern Zone Scouting Group. The group’s objective is to identify players with the potential to play performance and high-performance netball in the future. Scouts will attend tournaments and competitions within the Northern Zone region. Register by Friday, April 19.

Info: www.netballnorthharbour.co.nz/programmes-1/coaching-courses

Morgan Bull led the 10km race field home.

Government told to cough up on Auckland Council rates

Auckland ratepayers could be paying less in rates if central government paid its fair share “like everyone else” and returned the GST on rates, according to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

He says if the government did this, ratepayers would be looking at a 15% decrease in their rates bill in the next financial year, instead of potentially a 7.5% increase. That would be an average savings per household of $506.40.

“Why should central Government get a free ride?” Brown asked “They use our infrastructure but don’t pay the bill.”

In 2023/24 values, the total value of rates that central government is exempt from was estimated at just over $36.3 million and its GST take on rates was estimated at just over $415 million.

“That is a lot of money that should be returned to council for the upkeep of services to these properties. This is already a key ask in my manifesto for an Auckland Deal. I know there is appetite for it,

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politically and publicly.”

Following adoptions of recommendations from both the Auckland Council Governing Body and the Houkura Independent Māori Statutory Board, the Mayor has formally requested the government:

• Pay rates on its own buildings in Auckland

• Reform laws around non-rateable land

• Transfer revenue equivalent to the GST charged on rates to Auckland Council

• Provide a share of the portion of GST collected on new residential builds

He says there are also properties such as airports, port land, other transport use land, wharves, jetties and churches, which are non-rateable under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

“It’s old government laws like this that are allowing private enterprises to get a free ride when Aucklanders are struggling to make ends meet.”

Law reform would be required to bring the

real world application up to date.

“It seems odd to me that a multi-billion dollar listed company such as Auckland International Airport Limited is sitting on hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of non-rateable land, when everyday Aucklanders are doing it tough. Aucklanders are being short-changed. “We put more into Treasury’s coffers than we get in return. We want a fair share of the revenue Auckland generates and, in this instance, the government is smart enough to recognise this. I’m looking forward to the discussions here.”

Brown says there is no other local authority in Australasia responsible for governing a third of the national population, yet revenue gained from government transfers in comparable regions shows Auckland isn’t getting a fair deal.

He says it would bring Auckland in better alignment with its overseas counterparts. “In size and scope, we are more akin to a

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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SITUATIONS VACANT

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR – RODNEY YOUTH PROJECT

We are looking for a passionate Youth Development Coordinator to develop, support and run youth programmes across Rodney. This exciting new project will involve establishing youth drop in spaces, developing activities in community centres and libraries as well as events in outdoor spaces.

This is a new role where you will need to be confident starting things from scratch and able to work on your own. We are looking for someone who has

• Substantial experience of working within a youth development context

Substantial experience in programme and event management

Excellent relationship building skills

• Project management experience

state government in Australia. Australian states receive 45% of their revenue through transfers from the federal government; Auckland Council receives a paltry 12%. No wonder we can’t keep up.”

He says Auckland is straining under the cost of residential growth and receiving a share of GST collected on new builds would be fitting.

“It also doesn’t make sense that council doesn’t receive a share of GST collected on new builds; we have to foot the bill for the infrastructure and other amenities needed for new builds, yet the money goes to Wellington. I’m also looking forward to the conversations here.”

A return of GST on rates, and additionally that the government pays rates on its own property, were recommendations from the 2023 Future for Local Government review. The review also recognised that the current local government funding and finance system was already under pressure and was not sustainable.

CHURCH NOTICES

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Holy Mass Timetable: Phone 425 8545

WARKWORTH

Holy Name Church, 6 Alnwick Street

Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm

Sunday: 10.30am

PUHOI

SS. Peter & Paul Church Sunday: 8.30am www.holyname.org.nz

Church Service

REDDING ELECTRONICS

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

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VIDEOS TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone or txt Tetotara Video 021 777 385

Al-Anon Family Groups can help.

We welcome you to the Warkworth Family Recovery group confidential meeting. We meet at Vineyard Church Hall, 5 Pulham Road, Warkworth, every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. This meeting can also be attended on Zoom.

Please contact warkworthafg@gmail.com for more details or visit Al-anon.org.nz

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Christian School, 410 Mahurangi East Rd, Snells Beach; Open to Visitors.

If you want to drink, that is your business, if you want to stop, we can help. Phone/text 0275 773 689

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Supported by Mahurangi Matters

• Skills and experience in developing and running programmes and activities for youth

This is a fixed term 12 month contract working an average of 20 hours a week on a variable schedule. You will be an independent contractor supported by a small stakeholder steering group.

Applications close

Friday 12 April.

For further information and to apply contact Sue Dodds ph. 021 863 326 or sue.dodds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

FABRICATOR LIGHT METALS

WARKWORTH SHEETMETALS

Ltd has a vacancy for an experienced Fabricator skilled in light metals who takes pride in producing quality workmanship. The work is varied and interesting with excellent rates and prospects.

Apply: Malcolm 09 425 7366 (work hrs) email wsm@helix.net.nz or call in to 27 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth.

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HOUSE OR UNIT

Looking for a house or unit to rent for one mature lady and two small dogs. Wanting to relocate to Warkworth / Matakana areas. Please phone or message Debbie 027 426 5995

THANK YOU

RICHARD FISHER

Sunrise - 12th August 1950

Sunset - 26 January 2024

Robyn, Sarah, Charlotte and families would like to thank everyone that joined us to celebrate Richard's life. We were humbled by the numbers who came to honour Richard and support us as a family. Thank you to all those who sent cards, baked, cooked meals, visited Richard in hospital and offered our family so much love, prayers and support. We certainly appreciate the caring community of Warkworth, who stood beside us.

10am Sunday, Wellsford Community Centre, 1 Matheson Road.

Bible study

Most Wednesday evenings, call for schedule.

Pastor David, 021 252 5331

Friendly, warm fellowship and Bible-based preaching

22 Mansel Drive, Warkworth Phone 425 8861

www.hopehq.nz

Sunday Services 10.00am

Sudoku Solution

Karate exponents Jasper Ashford and Leroy Eru recently became the fourth and fifth practising black belts in the Warkworthbased Red Scorpion Martial Arts Club. They were awarded their black belts at a grading in Auckland earlier this month.

Club instructor Senpai Becky Varty says their achievement recognises years of dedication to reach the required level of proficiency and expertise, involving extensive training, mastery of various techniques, forms and principles, and a high level of dedication, discipline and perseverance.

Varty says few people reach the level of black belt because it is so difficult.

“The ones that get this far have devoted their lives, schedules and social lives to their goal, and their family has also committed to support them. It is a huge achievement. Each individual black belt has their own challenges to defeat.”

Ashford and Eru are now qualified to progress through the ‘dan’ levels of karate, which involves additional training, study and examination to demonstrate proficiency.

Red Scorpion Martial Arts meets at the

dojo at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Monday and Thursday evenings, from 6.30 to 8.30pm, and runs children’s (Little Stingers) classes on Tuesdays from 5.45pm.

Varty says karate involves fitness, discipline, family, commitment, confidence, selfsecurity, and mental and physical challenges.

“We work with people who have many personal challenges including ADHD and autism, and club members range in age from five to 65.

“Our dojo is unique in that our instructor teaches Shotokan Karate, but also has integrated many different skills such as throwing, grappling, self-defence, ground work and fending off knife attacks, to name a few.

“He is ex-police and a former paratrooper in the British Army, so has a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Varty says karate is not just a fitness martial art, it is a lifestyle and a family.

“We care for each other and we like to see one another succeed. Seeing how hard Jasper and Leroy trained for these black belts was impressive. There literally was blood, sweat and tears shed!”

Kowhai Swimming Club’s Sienna Morrison has qualified for the fastest open swim meet in New Zealand.

Coach Jill Fayerman says it is quite a feat for a swimmer who is just 14 years old. Morrison, who is a Mahurangi College student, competed at the recent Auckland Age Group Championships, winning not just her age group final in the 50-metre breaststroke event, but also qualifying for the prestigious Open NZ long course national championship, which will be held in Hawkes Bay, starting on April 9.

Fayerman says the club clocked up some excellent results in other Auckland Championship events, with Troy Hewertson also winning his age group final in the 50-metre backstroke.

“Fellow swimmers Fergus Charlton, Mia Morrison and Ryan Hewertson contested several finals, gaining personal best times and qualified for the upcoming age group nationals.”

Recently graded black belts Jasper Ashford, left, and Leroy Eru.

Back, from left, Ryan Hewertson, Fergus Charlton and Toby Hewertson. Front, Sienna and Mia Morrison.

Sienna Morrison

See

April

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

3 Retired Men’s Coffee Morning, Goose Bakery Matakana, 10.30am. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111.

4 Back Bar Jazz, The Bridgehouse, Warkworth, 6.30pm. Free, all welcome

5 Nathan Haines Solo DJ Set with support from Jamie Webster Haines, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 6pm-12am. Tickets from Under The Radar.

6 Warkworth Wellness Open Morning, Warkworth Bridge Club Clubrooms, 2 Alnwick Street, 10am-1pm. Free mini-sessions and information from local wellness providers. Info: www.wellnesshub.nz

6 Cat Adoption Day, Helping Paws Adult Cats, 92 Pebblebrooke Road, Mangawhai, 2-4pm

6-14 Ruru/morepork Survey, record your findings here

7 Connect & Inspire 2024 - Environmental Hui, Mahurangi College Hall, 9.30am-3pm. Prof. Andrew Jeffs, Ben Paris, Dr Cheryl Krull, Delma O’Kane and Alex Flavell-Johnson. Info & register: https://events. humanitix.com/connect-and-inspire-2024

7 Morton Trio & Friends, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm. Presented by Warkworth Music. Members $30, non-members $40, tertiary students $10, school students free. Info: www.warkworthmusic.org.nz

7 Women’s Trapping Workshop, 505 Rodney Road, Big Omaha, 10am-12pm. Become more confident with predator control and trapping. Hands on training in a fun and positive environment. Info: www.theforestbridgetrust.org.nz

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

7 Daylight saving ends

7 Tossi working bee, Tawharanui Regional Park, 9am sharp. Lunch provided, all welcome

10&11 Bitches Box, Port Albert Hall (10th) and Matakohe War Memorial Hall (11th), BBQ at 6.30pm, show starts at 7.30pm (see story p16)

12&13 Molesworth Sheep Dog Trial Club annual trial, 616 Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka

13 Seniors Expo, Wellsford Community Centre, 10am-2pm. Organisations and groups of interest to seniors. Refreshments available.

13 Genealogy Lock In, Wellsford Library, 1-4pm. Fun afternoon learning about & doing genealogy research. Coffee provided. Free. Info: Wellsford.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or warklib@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

13 How to Trap – Predator control tips and tricks, Puhoi Hall, 1-2pm. Learn how to set traps correctly. Free traps available, all welcome.

13 Predator Free 2050 – What’s on the horizon, Puhoi Hall, 10am-12pm. Talk with Prof Dan Tompkins. Info & register: https://events.humanitix.com/predator-free2050-what-s-on-the-horizon-talk-with-prof-dan-tompkins

14 Warkworth Lions Club Take a Kid Fishing Day, Sandspit Wharf, 10am-1pm. For kids aged 5-12 years. Must be accompanied by an adult. Registrations close Thursday, April 11 at 5pm. Registration forms available at Hunting & Fishing Warkworth. Prizes & sausage sizzle. Info: takeakidfishingwarkworth@gmail.com

15 Warkworth Men’s Rebus General Meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 10am. Guest speaker. Retired and missing your mates, or feeling isolated? Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

15-24&26 Stencil, Silkscreen, Stitch Creative Workshops, Charlies Gelato. School holiday workshops for children over seven. Two workshops per day 10.30am12pm and 1.30-4pm. Info & tickets: https://ingrid-anderson-textile-design. pembee.app

19-21 Matakana Model Boat Show, Matakana School, 10am-4pm. Over 200 model boats on show on the water featuring handcrafted replicas of local wharves. Entry by donation (see story p16)

26-28, 1-4 May Calendar Girls, Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm. April 28 2pm only. May 4 2pm & 7pm. Production by Warkworth Theatre Group. Adults $25, seniors $20, students $2. Tickets from the Mahurangi Matters office, on the door, or https://wwtheatre.co.nz/

27 Smoke on the Coast, Whangateau Holiday Park, 11am. Spaces available for contestants. Contact: sotcbbq@gmail.com

27 Remembering the Americans in Warkworth, Warkworth Museum, 10am-2pm. Re-enactment, military vehicle and equipment display.

29 Big Bike Film Night, Matakana Cinema, 7.30-10pm. Cycling short films from around the world. Tickets & Info: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/ landing/11075

Principal Sponsor

The Warkworth A&P Society wish to thank all the sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for making this year’s Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show a huge success. It was an amazing day and it could not have happened without the help of those involved.

Anne Scott, Apollo Auctions, Autoflow, Brick Bay Equine, Carrfields (Robbie McLean), Central Landscape Supplies, Chamberlain Group, Charlies Gelato, Cowboy Challenge, Craig McNaught, Dean & Marjorie Blythen, Dulux, Farm & Lifestyle Centre Warkworth, Farmlands, Gold Coin, Goodyear Autocare Warkworth, Guthrie Bowron, InSite Security, Intimate Apparel, JB Wech Plumbing & Drainlayers, Katie Boyle Real Estate, KCM Automotive, Laser Plumbing Warkworth, Linda Macdonald, LJ Hooker - Warkworth, Mahurangi College Kapa Haka, Matakana Cinemas, Mauri, Menz Shed, Mounted Games Teams, Pak n Save Warkworth, Paper Plus, PD Insurance, Poland Motors, Puhoi Axemens Club, Rococo Hairdressers, Rodney Lime, Sceats Earthmovers, Southern Paprika, Springboard, Stargate Forest Retreat, Stihl Warkworth, STR Automotive, Streamlands Art, The Graham Family, The Photo Store, The Saloon Wellsford, The Tahi, The Vintage Car Club Warkworth-Wellsford, Topuni Timber, TransCon, Warkworth Butchery, Warkworth Community Shop, Warkworth Menswear, Warkworth Motorcycles, Warkworth Pony Club, Warkworth Rodeo Group, Warkworth Scouts, Wyatt Landscape Supplies, 8 Wired, 8.55 to Cairo.

All our volunteers and our fabulous committee – many thanks

Matakana McLaren racer crowned GT4 champion

inaugural Giltrap Motorsport

After 15 races in five rounds around the country from November to mid-March, the 20 yearold McLaren 570S driver was named winner in the popular GT4 category. Behind him on the points table were James Sax in a MercedesAMG, with Garth Piesse in a BMW M4 in third place.

Rick Armstrong won an Open class in the same field, with Sam Filmore second and Luke Manson third. Each round of the championship featured two 30-minute races and one 60-minute race with a compulsory pit stop.

Brock beat almost 40 other young drivers to be chosen for the first Giltrap Motorsport junior scholarship last spring, setting him up for the championship season in a $375,000 McLaren race car, with running costs sponsored by SMEG and SP Tools.

“It’s been an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said last week. “Car racing is really expensive and this scholarship covers a full season – driving a McLaren, of course. For me it’s a dream come true to be able to race such a cool car and represent such a prestigious brand, with so much history.”

Brock said he felt himself very fortunate to get the scholarship, “and to win the championship in the first year after getting it – it couldn’t have

started in a better way”.

“I look forward to seeing who gets it next year, and see how they go.”

Brock said he learned a great deal from other members of the team, including mechanics, an engineer and mentors.

“It’s not just the driving – you’ve got all the behind-the-scenes stuff that people don’t see, but is obviously a big part of any success.”

Brock has little time to rest on his laurels. Having also won a Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship late last year, he’ll be racing a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car in the upcoming six-round Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge in Australia. He has a test day lined up on Thursday, ahead of round one in Phillip Island, Victoria beginning on April 12.

Brock, who’s undertaking an apprenticeship with Laser Plumbing Silverdale, will be flying back and forth from Australia to race over the months ahead, “which will be really cool”.

“The people at work are really good, really supportive. I’m lucky that I get to do both.”

Brock noted that two previous Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship holders, Matthew Payne and Ryan Wood, were now racing in the Supercars Championship.

“You can’t guarantee anything, but that’s obviously what I’d like to head towards,” he said. “That’s the plan and the goal.”

Brock in action at Mike Pero Motorsport Park in Ruapuna, Christchurch in February. Photo, Tayler Burke

Jesse Leet/Giltrap Group