Mahurangi Matters_Issue 478_29 April 2024

The

Growth outpaces wastewater capacity

Auckland Council is slamming the brakes on any further new development in Warkworth because its wastewater treatment plant on the Mahurangi River has reached capacity.

Watercare last week announced that it has asked council to add a condition to all future new residential and commercial resource consents in Warkworth, stipulating that no wastewater connection can be made until the Snells Beach treatment plant is operational. The new facility is expected to be operating by mid to late next year. Essentially, people can be granted a consent

to move forward with their project, but they cannot connect to the wastewater network.

Watercare conservatively estimates its decision will affect about 50 dwellings, who may now have to wait 18 months to have their resource consent approved.

Chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera says that given timeframes for resource and building consent applications and approvals, especially for larger developments and those applications which come in closer to mid-2025, it is not anticipated that there will be a material

delay for every project.

“It’s important to note that this restriction on a connection to Watercare’s system will not affect private renovations for existing customers,” Perera says.

He adds that existing consents will not be affected. This means anyone who has an existing resource consent or building consent – with a current commitment of a public wastewater connection – will still be able to connect when they’re ready, provided all relevant consent conditions have been met.

Watercare urges anyone seeking to build in or near Warkworth to get in touch with them to discuss their plans before investing in the resource consent process.

“We have a $300 million infrastructure programme underway that will replace the existing Warkworth treatment plant, built in 1955, with a state-of-the-art facility at Snells Beach. Construction is progressing well and we’ve already built the ocean outfall that will be used to discharge treated wastewater.

new Less.Waste recycling facility at Snells Beach reopened with great fanfare last week. The site, which covers just over one-hectare, includes a spacious shop packed full of secondhand goods. Pictured at the official reopening are Auckland Council waste solutions general manager Parul Sood (left) and Mahurangi Wastebusters Trust board member Trish Allen. When fully operational, Less.Waste hopes to divert at least 75 percent of waste coming through the centre away from landfill. Full story page 9.

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April 29, 2024 – Issue 478

17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 ph 09 425 9068

Watercare projects enabling growth in Warkworth

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Warkworth growth outpaces wastewater network

“We’re close to completing the Lucy Moore wastewater pump station and are currently tunnelling a transfer pipeline that will take Warkworth’s wastewater from the new pump station to Snells Beach.”

Perera says Watercare is taking steps to ensure the existing plant continues to meet its resource consent conditions, which are designed to protect the environment.

Meanwhile, the area north of the river including the Warkworth Ridge development, will be subject to further delays due to other limiting factors in the local wastewater network.

Perera says this is separate to the capacity

issue at the wastewater treatment plant, and won’t be resolved when the Snells Beach plant opens.

A new pipeline that is currently in the planning phase will ease the restrictions in north Warkworth, but there is no firm completion date for this project.

Watercare hopes to announce a final route for the pipeline late next month.

Seven options have been evaluated over the past year, based on environmental impact, community impact, ease of construction, ease of operation, land and property access, and lifetime cost of operation.

One Mahurangi has vigorously opposed

one option, which was to route the pipeline along Queen Street. The organisation fears businesses will close if the street becomes a construction site.

Watercare says council may still grant resource consents for developments north of the river, but with conditions that mean the developments cannot connect to the wastewater network until both the new treatment plant is open and the new pipeline is finished.

If anyone has questions about what this may mean for them or their development, they should email warkworth@water.co.nz. If the query relates to an existing consent, include the consent number in the subject line.

Warkworth

Sandspit

Snells Beach

Mahurangi East

Anti-sand mining groups awaiting McCallum Bros’ next move

After initial elation at their Environment Court win (MM, Apr 15), opponents of sand mining off Pākiri and Mangawhai are now anxiously waiting to see what McCallum Bros Ltd’s (MBL) next move will be.

Although the court threw out MBL’s appeal to carry on dredging sand after a lengthy court case last year, the company has a right to appeal to the High Court, which would mean it could keep taking sand until that case was resolved.

Environmental groups, iwi and local residents are also concerned that MBL could apply to mine under the government’s controversial new fast-track legislation, although there was some relief when MBL’s name did not appear on the list of 200 organisations already approached by government, released on April 12.

MBL said then it needed more time to understand the findings and get legal

advice before it could comment on its next steps, and did not respond to a further approach for comment from Mahurangi Matters last week.

After a rush of last-minute submissions to government aimed at thwarting any potential fast-track application by MBL, opponents are hoping that Judges Jeff Smith and Aidan Warren’s 160-page decision will prove legally water-tight.

Friends of Pākiri Beach’s Damon Clapshaw, who has a law degree from Cambridge University said MBL had “a real conundrum” in deciding what to do next.

“Having read the judgement very carefully, I think the court has cleverly drafted its judgement and I can’t see an appeal on a point of law being possible,” he said.

“It is a well-rounded judgement with a number of different inputs accounting for

its final decision.”

Save Our Sands spokesperson Ken Rayward agreed, saying the two core reasons for the appeal being refused – the established cultural impact and environmental impact on land and sea – were irrefutable.

“An application to the High Court would have to identify a technical or legal issue coming from the Environment Court process and that, clearly, there is no evidence of,” he said.

Rayward added that as the Environmental Court hearing result finished the resource consent application, it should not be included in any future fast-track considerations.

Te Whanau o Pākiri’s Olivia Haddon agreed.

“Projects rejected by the Environment Court for sound reasons should not be allowed use the fast track process to get

Aucklanders favour council’s ‘do less’ option

Nearly 28,000 pieces of public feedback have been received on Auckland’s Longterm Plan, which closed for consultation on March 28.

Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson said feedback came from a crosssection of Aucklanders representing a wide range of communities.

The Long-term Plan consultation document set out a central proposal that covered topics such as transport, drinking water and stormwater, parks and community, city and local development, environmental management and economic development.

The draft plan’s central proposal included a proposed rates increase for the average value residential property of 7.5 percent

in year one (2024-25); 3.5 percent in year two (2025-26) and 8 percent in year three (2026-27). It also presented alternative options to ‘pay more, get more’ or to ‘pay less, get less’ than the central proposal.

Of the individual submissions, 37 percent supported a ‘do less’ approach, 34 percent supported the central proposal and 20 percent favoured ‘do more’. The remainder submitted ‘other’ or didn’t know.

Organisations were 21 percent in favour of ‘do less’, 36 percent supported the central proposal, 24 percent preferred ‘do more’. The remainder submitted ‘other’ or didn’t know.

Feedback from mana whenua and Māori organisations saw one mana whenua organisation in favour of ‘do less’, three supported the central proposal (one

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mana whenua organisation and two Māori organisations), two mana whenua organisations preferred ‘do more’ and seven submitted ‘other’ (three mana whenua and four Māori organisations).

The pro-forma feedback saw 99 percent in favour of a ‘do less’ approach.

Transport and water were identified as being of highest priority for a ‘do more’ investment. City and local development, and economic and cultural development, attracted higher numbers of ‘do less’ submissions.

The Auckland Future Fund proposal saw 43 percent of individual submitters on this question in favour, along with 37 percent of organisations’ responses being in support.

Public feedback will be considered by Auckland Council’s Governing Body and

• Consents

• Hearings & mediation

• Expert evidence

• Plan changes

• Planning advice, due diligence

around their own failures,” she said. Haddon and Clapshaw both predicted that MBL would probably appeal to the High Court, even if only to be able to carry on dredging the coastline for as long as possible.

“Not being on the list of fast-track invitees may have made MBL think that it may take a while for things to work their way through,” Clapshaw said. “In which case, they will surely want to continue to operate and bring in cashflow.

“Saying that, I can’t see an appeal on a point of law being possible.”

Although the fast-track legislation has yet to be passed, let alone tested, sand mining opposition parties have been advised that MBL would likely not be able to continue with any High Court appeal should it wish to apply via the new bill.

local boards next month. The Governing Body will adopt the final plan on June 27. Wilson says councillors will consider other factors in their decision-making, such as any new information and advice on the advantages, disadvantages and impacts of proposals and options, along with the council’s role in representing communities whose views might not have been expressed through the public consultation process. The Summary of Feedback and the Summary of Consultation Feedback reports can be read with this story at localmatters.co.nz

To view the Long-term Plan consultation proposal and all community, local board and interest group feedback, go to akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

• Land development & consenting strategy

Olivia Haddon

There are still legal avenues MBL can explore in its bid to keep dredging at Pākiri Beach.

Ken Rayward Damon Clapshaw

Mangawhai library upgrade booked in

Mangawhai book-lovers, rejoice! There are big changes ahead for the town’s community library, with plans to hire paid staff for the first time in its 130-year history, and to significantly extend the opening hours.

Kaipara District Council (KDC) is recruiting for a full-time lead librarian and two part-time assistant librarians, after elected members approved funding last December. The library in the historic Mangawhai Library Hall on Moir Street is currently solely volunteer-run and is open for less than 15 hours a week. With paid staff in place, the library will be open 32 hours a week, and expand services for the growing community.

Currently, Dargaville is Kaipara’s only

library with paid employees. Community libraries in Mangawhai, Kaiwaka, Paparoa and Maungaturoto are all run by volunteers.

Mangawhai is by far the busiest, issuing 24,398 items last financial year. With the changes in place by August, it will be known as the Mangawhai branch library.

KDC said it would offer the same professional, modern standard of services as Dargaville, including digital support, programmes and events, embracing te ao Māori, and connecting with the community via outreach and social media. Judy Langmuir, who has been managing the Mangawhai community library for 20 years, said volunteers were very happy to

hear the news.

Langmuir said membership was 1017, up from around 400 when she started.

Although volunteering could “become a grind at times”, she said some volunteers –there are 28 at the moment – would want to continue after the changes. Her own favourite part of the job was buying and covering books.

“I want to acknowledge the volunteers who have worked tirelessly for decades to run the library in Mangawhai,” Kaipara libraries manager Lisa Salter said. “However, the workload to service the library’s growth now exceeds what can reasonably be expected of a volunteer.”

was budgeted in the Long Term Plan for 2024-2027.

The need for a new and larger library in Mangawhai has been under discussion for several years, although a council spokesperson said that when the branch library opened later this year it would retain its present location.

“There are plans for a future community hub in Mangawhai, which will include a library, but this project is in its early stages and a location for the hub has not been confirmed.”

Council is currently seeking public input on a draft masterplan for the 34-hectare Mangawhai Community Park on Molesworth Drive which, among other things, identifies an area below the Mangawhai Club as a potential location for a future library, community hub or similar civic building. The consultation period ends on May 6 at 5pm.

Initial funding would come from existing budgets, and further operational funding

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The Mangawhai library started operating in the foyer of the Mangawhai Library Hall in 1893.

KDC says the Mangawhai branch library will offer the same standard of services as Dargaville Library, pictured here. Photo, KDC

Puhoi Library renewal confirmed

Well over a year after being inundated during the 2023 floods, Puhoi’s historic riverside library is on the road to being restored, repaired and reopened. The tiny stone building was almost completely submerged by floodwater during three successive storms, with water going over the top of the door and ruining more than 6000 books, documents and photographs. The library, which is run by volunteers, remained full of silt and yellow-stickered for months, while Auckland Council dealt with the wider aftermath of the storms across the region

There were fears that the library, which was built in 1924 and is one of the smallest in New Zealand, may have to be moved or closed altogether. However, council’s parks and community facilities department now has a plan in place for its full repair and restoration, and work is scheduled to start in spring.

Senior project manager for Rodney Aaron Pickering said the library’s flooring and shelving had been removed and put into storage, and architects and engineers had been working on a redesign.

“A number of professionals have been working on a seismic strengthened renewal design that tries to incorporate the building’s heritage values,” he said. “Additional challenges include the desire to include features that reduce the impact of future flooding events.”

Pickering said resource, building and heritage consents were about to be sought, with work due to start in November that would take a year to complete.

He added that design and consent costs would likely run to around $70,000, but there was not a good estimate of the full renewal costs at this point. The project is proposed to be funded by Rodney Local Board’s renewal capital expenditure budget.

Virtually everything in the library was ruined in last year’s floods.

Anniversary floods 2023.

Blast from the past

One of our team was surprised to receive a long-forgotten relic in the post last week. Having opted out of receiving the Yellow Pages years ago, and assuming it had since died a natural death, suddenly there was a bright, brand-new copy in their letterbox. Before transferring it straight to the recycling bin, they thought they’d try an experiment and showed it to their 17-year-old son ... who had absolutely no clue at all of what it was and what it was for. Does anyone really still have a need for this, we wonder?

Ticket and book winners

Congratulations to Derrick and Theresa Jepsen, who were the winners of the double pass to see Noise Play at The Tahi Bar; and Carol Langer who won a copy of A Pictorial History of Warkworth.

Response on police

Neil Anderson’s letter Police Presence (MM, Apr 15) accusing me of “rhetoric triumphing over facts” made it into print twice – the NZ Herald and Mahurangi Matters – and he got his facts wrong on both occasions. In my letter. I made a sarcastic comment on real crime (Baby Ru ) remaining unsolved for months while the painting over of a rainbow crossing attracted an immediate police response, including “an increased (police) presence” in the area. My question, “Can I also have an increased presence where I live?” was but a sarcastic request to receive the same treatment.

My second reference to the police was a rhetorical question, “What if I live in …” I did not say that I actually lived in an area that had no police presence, I was merely enquiring if Commander Kirk’s influence would extend to areas that had no police presence.

Johan Slabbert, Warkworth

Breakfast invitation

Unsealed road list

It was interesting to read of the Unsealed Road Improvement Programme for the next three years. I am at a loss to understand how Govan Wilson Road could be on the list.

Colin Smith was quoted as saying there were only 30 residents living there and that there were only 11 vehicles a day using it. Old Kaipara Road has far more residents, is a school bus route and a milk tanker route, as well as a through route from Woodcocks Road to Old Woodcocks Road.

I would be very interested to know what the criteria for sealing roads is because it doesn’t seem to relate to residents or vehicle movements. Are the criteria public information or is that kept solely as council information? I’m sure there are a lot of other people who would like to know what it is and I would like to see it published.

Brenda Salt, Wellsford

RIP – Ken Lawson

Mahurangi Matters sales consultant Ken Lawson was farewelled at a service at the Baptist Church in Snells Beach last Wednesday April 24. Ken passed away on April 19 after a long battle with cancer, although the end came suddenly and was a shock to many.

Ken worked for this paper for nearly eight years and during that time, made many friends in the business communities of Warkworth, Wellsford and Mangawhai. He was a very supportive, friendly and hardworking member of the Local Matters team, and will be truly missed by all his colleagues.

Two Raw Sisters have teamed up with Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to urge people to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. The best-selling cookbook authors, Margo and Rosa Flanagan, are using their passion for tasty and nutritious food to inspire Kiwis to tuck in for a good cause. “We often have the mindset that ‘it will never happen to me’, but breast cancer is a lot more common than we think,” Margo says. “For us, hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast is more than sitting round a table with a bunch of women eating delicious food. Without the funds raised, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ can’t continue their amazing job of breast cancer education and helping those affected by the illness.” Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women, with around 1030 diagnosed in the Auckland region every year. The money raised goes towards the charity’s life-saving work in education, research, advocacy and patient support. Registrations are now open at pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Nesa and family.

Community garden

A meeting will be held in Warkworth this Wednesday May 1 to discuss the pros and cons of establishing a local community garden. The meeting is being convened by the Warkworth Library Garden Club and will be held in the old council office, next to the library, starting at 6.30pm. Organisers are inviting anyone interested to attend. They hope people will bring along their ideas and suggestions, and discussion will also cover where the group might find an appropriate site, where there is a reliable water supply.

Water Spotting Issues? Chlorine? Heavy Metals?

This is one way of watering the trees on the roadside in Matakana!

Viewpoint

Michelle Carmichael, Rodney Local Board michelle.carmichael@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Fast-tracked feedback

I’m cautious when I hear the word ‘fast’ in front of another. For example, fast food, fast cars, fast women or fast men, for that matter. Not judging, but they are common phrases to highlight my point that this added word can result in something good on one hand, but with unwanted aftereffects on the other.

How does this relate to the local board? Quite topical is the Fast-Track Approvals Bill. Ironically, as usual, the feedback itself was also ‘fast-tracked’. Two days for the local board to review the council report on it along with the bill, collaborate as a board and submit our formal feedback. Combine that with our other workload requirements for our ‘part-time’ role, then it is fasttracked feedback, which is, in my opinion, dangerous for democracy.

Another prime example was our March business meeting. A packed agenda including 700-plus pages of reading material and preparation of feedback for two policy reviews, two private plan change applications (including additional expert reports to read) and Notice of Requirement roading proposals. The local board members received this agenda information the Friday before our Wednesday meeting, roughly the same time it was available to public.

A risk to democracy? If not all elected members have read this huge amount of information within tight deadlines, then decisions could be made by relying on the interpretations of other members. The time

this meeting preparation takes also detracts from other aspects of our role, which may not get as well attended to.

The amount of material to digest is often due to legislative requirements. Timelines on policy reviews are usually set by central government, with significantly more to complete leading up to and after elections.

The local board is often the last to receive the complete information, rightly so when community consultation feedback and expert staff advice are part of what we consider. Some of the material we cover in workshops, but not all. Either way, we are a link in the chain of events that includes staff busting their guts to get reports finalised for us. These internal department processes end up creating a domino effect until final deadlines are just unreasonable. A definite reason we should advocate for simplicity in reports and an extension of the time allowed for reviewing material ready for decisions or feedback. Hopefully, making this process more efficient and effective.

So, I am curious whenever anything is fasttracked in our process. Which gets us back to the Fast-Track Approvals Bill. When you have a bill that is set to over-rule legislation such as the Resource Management Act, which has taken significant time and consideration to evolve, let’s just say I’m cautious and concerned about the long-term effects that infrastructure and development approved in a ‘fast’ way could have.

Seawall hearings start

The first of three independent resource consent hearings into unauthorised seawalls built along the esplanade reserve at four neighbouring properties in Point Wells Road was held in Albany on Tuesday, April 23.

Paul Stacey and Dale Smith were applying to demolish an existing unauthorised seawall and replace it with a new seawall, and gain retrospective consent for a boat ramp and groyne structure, at 250A and 250B Point Wells Road.

A second hearing into an application for retrospective consent for an existing seawall and works at 252 Point Wells Road, by Warwick and Erin Mortimer, is due to be

heard at the Rodney Local Board offices in Elizabeth Street, Warkworth today, Monday, April 29, while a third, also seeking retrospective consent for a seawall and works, at 284 Point Wells Road, by Paul Dale, is scheduled to be heard in Albany on May 6.

The same three commissioners are sitting at each hearing – Karyn Kurzeja in the chair, with Hugh Leersnyder and Gavin Lister – and in each case, Auckland Council is recommending that consent be refused.

Council experts maintain that any concerns around coastal erosion could be better addressed by more natural means, such as planting within the coastal marine area, and on the foreshore and esplanade reserve.

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Police

Navigating the virtual world

Phones are often a parent’s bugbear. I know it is easy for people of our generation to say, ‘don’t go online, don’t go into chat rooms’, but many kids today live their lives in a virtual world. They are natives of that virtual world where we are just visitors. They are more judged than we ever were, largely because people feel free to comment online. Youth today often feel pressure that we never felt – we only had to deal with an immediate peer group, not a whole world judging us. We used to leave school on a Friday for the holiday break and couldn’t wait to return to school and update friends with what we had done in the holidays. Now with regular posts, it’s instant updates. It’s all very well saying “well, don’t post anything”, but a lot can’t do that either.

We would love to be able to trust our kids to never get into trouble in the virtual world, but the simple fact is most children make mistakes, they will go places and do things that we didn’t anticipate. Our advice is to have an open and honest conversations with your child before they are exposed to this world or before they get a phone. Have a chat with your child, let them

Introducing the newest member of the team

Insight Legal is excited to welcome Julia Ingham to the firm as a Principal. Julia is a local who brings with her over a decade of experience in the area and will be based in both our Warkworth and Mangawhai offices. She is looking forward to continuing to be a trusted advisor for many in the community and is available to assist clients with property, commercial, trust and estate planning matters.

Insight Legal has been supporting our local communities since 2004 and we care about delivering the best outcomes for you. It’s a privilege to act as trusted advisers to our neighbours, friends and local businesses, and we don’t take that lightly. We’re here to support you for the long term, so when you work with us, confidentiality and privacy is assured.

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come up with some rules and boundaries to make them feel empowered that they are making the decisions (maybe with subtle guidance).

Discuss what they are looking at online and who they are looking at it with. Have a list of the family device rules on the fridge. Here are a few examples for further ideas:

• Open pass codes so you can go on their devices anytime to check in

• No devices in the bedroom

• Ask before downloading an app

• Only have online friends that you know and would stop and chat to on the street

• Try having a device-free day once a week

• Make family mealtimes device-free

For further advice and guidance on the online world and digital matters, Netsafe offer some comprehensive information for parents, as well as The Parenting Place. Taking an interest and having honest conversations with your children about their use of technology will help build trust and better understanding in your relationships, and can often be the key to them coming to you for advice when they are exposed to negative influences online.

Grant transparency questioned

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

Concerns about the process of approving grants were raised at an Auckland Council Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on April 11.

Although the Regional Arts and Culture grants and the Ngā Hapori Momoho Thriving Communities grants were approved, several councillors expressed concerns at the way the grants were being allocated.

The grants totalled $1,034,551 and $318,863 respectively, and are normally approved without much debate.

However, Cr Andy Baker said there was an accountability issue with the way grants were allocated and approved at council.

“It is a reasonable chunk of money and we are throwing all of the accountability back to staff. All we are doing is saying, ‘Yeah we

are trusting exactly what you say’,” Baker said.

He said he struggled to understand why some grant applications were approved and others were not.

Cr Chris Darby said approving the grants at a committee level was not a good use of time.

Chair Richard Hills said other councillors had given similar feedback that the process could be improved, streamlined and not come back to councillors for approval.

“Last year, these grants were wiped out and then the Mayor put them back in. We have not had a chance to refocus yet,” Hills said. He said other grants did not come back to councillors for approval and it was a policy anomaly that these particular grants needed to get councillors’ stamp of approval. He added that there was policy work underway to change the way council navigated grants.

Senior Constable Katie Hawkins,

Recycling choices expand with Snells centre reopening

A new era in waste management in the Mahurangi area was celebrated on Earth Day, April 22, when the Less.Waste resource recovery centre at 55 Lawrie Road Snells Beach officially reopened.

A partnership between Mahurangi Wastebusters and Auckland Council has transformed the former landfill into a clean and efficient drop off point for household waste, which also accommodates an education centre, compost area and spacious and rustically attractive shop for secondhand goods.

It’s been a project dogged by delays, but Wastebusters Trust Board member Trish Allen said the wait was worth it.

“There were a lot of challenges, with the remedial work taking a lot longer than expected, but we’re so delighted to finally be here to welcome the community back,” she said.

Director Matthew Luxon said the reopening marked a milestone for the site and the community.

He said it had been the ‘why’ rather than the ‘what’ that had kept the team of staff and volunteers motivated during the twoand-a-half-year closure.

“Providing the community with a comprehensive range of services is vital to building a circular economy,” he said. “Being able to reuse and repurpose products provides people and communities with more choice and greater power to make a difference. Community-led resource recovery enterprises are the foundation of a zero-waste future.

“Waste was buried at this site and then it was exported off-site, but now it is time for us to get back in the game and take responsibility for disposing of our own waste. Commercial waste facilities and community shops are not our competitors – our competitors are the big box stores. Shop ‘less’ is the message and the solution.” Access through the new site, which covers just over one hectare, is one-way, with a paved road connecting the recycling area to

the education centre and shop at the top of the site.

The education centre will host school visits where children will learn how to reduce waste, reuse valuable resources and protect the environment, while the shop stocks items recovered from the waste left by householders. There is also a dedicated area for construction and building materials, perfect for anyone renovating on a budget.

Planning, Environment and Parks Committee chair Richard Hills, who attended the opening, said the focus on diverting construction and demolition waste from landfill was great news for everyone.

“Construction and demolition waste accounts for up to half of waste sent to landfill,” he said. “We know communitybased organisations and social enterprises like Less are highly successful in diverting construction and demolition waste. In doing so, they support both the local environment and economy.”

Auckland Council waste solutions general

manager Parul Sood, who also attended the opening, said the Snells Beach centre was one of 21 similar enterprises across Auckland supported by council.

“The connections these groups have to their communities play an extremely important role in their success,” she said.

Commenting on Auckland’s goal to be waste free by 2040, Sood said it would need government action to become a reality.

“There needs to be systematic change,” she said. “Stewardship schemes like the one introduced to manage the disposal of tyres, need to be more widespread.”

Sood identified the need for a beverage container return scheme, in particular, which was deferred by the government in March last year.

The Lawrie Road centre is open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Additionally, the Less. Community Recycling Centre at 47 Station Rd, Wellsford, opens on Tuesdays, from 9am to 3pm, and on Saturdays, from 9am to 1pm.

DIYers in the Mahurangi district have a new one-stop shop to find the perfect materials at affordable prices.

Mahurangi Wastebusters trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters gathered on Earth Day to celebrate the reopening of the redeveloped Less.Waste site.

Artesian Solway Water

Ordering a tank full of water will be easier next summer when the new owner of Artesian Solway Water, on Sandspit Road, Aaron Barneveld, introduces new online services.

He also wants to give customers more payment options including ‘buy now, pay later’.

As a man with a young family, he says he understands how inconvenient it can be to run out of water unexpectedly.

“The technology we will be using will be very customer-focused,” he says.

“This will involve the use of dispatching software to provide clear communication when deliveries will be made, as well as opportunity to have Artesian Water monitor a customer’s tank levels, so water can be delivered before the tank runs dry.

“It gives the customer peace of mind and

makes it easier for us to plan deliveries.”

Barneveld is no stranger to the water business.

He worked for Artesian Water when it was owned by Dave Wyatt more than 10 years ago and, more recently, has been the operations manager for a large water delivery company based in Auckland. He is also a licensed builder, specialising in renovations.

Barneveld says he bought Solway because he believes the water it distributes is as good as anything found anywhere in NZ.

“Because the water comes from a few deep natural artesian aquifers, it is tested every month to ensure the quality. It is always so clear and clean.

“And, the water is delivered in one of two stainless steel food-grade tankers to ensure it arrives in the best possible condition.”

AHaving recently become an accredited member with Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of NZ, Stephanie says she is looking forward to providing alternative dispute resolution services to the community.

“The underlying ethos of empowerment will be something I will bring to the mediation arm of the business – resolve, empower, mana,” she says.

“My goal when facilitating mediation will be to encourage and allow people to determine their own outcomes and resolve their own disputes in a way where they are empowered, and their mana is respected.

“Mediation/alternative dispute resolution is the way of the future – it is more costeffective, more efficient and more assessable than court. It allows people flexibility to get an outcome that suits them – not one that is imposed on them by a stranger, sitting at

a bench and forming an opinion based on what is a typically scripted narrative.”

Last month, the Paxton Penman offices moved around the corner from Neville Street to Kowhai House in Warkworth Street. Stephanie says that the business has outgrown its existing premises and is excited to move into a larger space, which has been fitted out specifically for the firm and includes a dedicated space for her mediation services. Her son Caleb Paxton-Penman, who has recently qualified, has joined the team practicing mainly in the areas of property, wills and estates. Caleb works closely with Jen Morgan, who has decades of experience working for law firms, specialising in property transactions.

Paxton-Penman are experienced general practitioners.

“We are committed to providing clear, transparent and exceptional legal services focused on reaching pragmatic solutions, where their clients are guided, supported and empowered from beginning to end.”

Stephanie Paxton-Penman

Aaron Barneveld

Carbon Emissions 121 grams.km

2016 TOYOTA CAMRY Atara S 2.5PH/CVT/SL Sedan, 5.8L / 100KM Carbon Emissions 134 grams/km

2019 TOYOTA FORTUNER

9.8L / 100km

Be better prepared, board members urge new-look emergency response team

Auckland Council’s Emergency Management department (AEM) is trying to ensure Rodney communities are better supported and not left stranded when weather events and other hazards strike in future.

Following reviews into its response to last year’s floods and cyclone, a senior community advisor for Rodney has been appointed and a new public Emergency Readiness and Response Plan is being drawn up.

A Rodney Local Board workshop heard on April 10 that the aim was to provide comprehensive information on how people could prepare for emergencies, coordinate and understand local procedures, and know what to do and where to go if and when disaster struck.

Former park ranger Glenn Browne said he had spent the aftermath of the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle at the coal face of civil defence and recovery in West Auckland, and he was keen to help local communities prepare for future events.

As Rodney’s new senior community planning and readiness advisor, as well as for the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus & Bays local board areas, he is now the main link between communities, board members and AEM.

Browne said he was spending much of his time at present meeting and building relationships with community groups, of which Rodney was particularly well served. “This is the most resilient board we’ve got, there are 27 amazing groups out there, so part of my job is leveraging off those existing groups and really supporting them to help them grow,” he said, before acknowledging Rodney Neighbourhood Support’s Sue Robertson, in particular, for her “incredible work”.

Warkworth member Ivan Wagstaff, who played a key role with Robertson in helping stranded drivers when floods closed SH1 last year, said though Browne and six other advisors each had three board areas to look after, his job was harder due to the sheer size of Rodney.

“I wonder if the resourcing is correct, in that the amount of work and scope of what you have to do is much greater than everybody else?” he said.

Chair Brent Bailey agreed.

“You’ve got a big job. The hazards are largely due to geography, not population, and what you have is half the physical size of Auckland.”

Bailey also reminded Brown and his copresenter, AEM head of planning Anna Wallace, that the resilience and local knowledge of isolated rural communities had been compromised by council policy in the past

“In the previous decade, we shrank civil defence away from those physical locations into a job of planning and communication coordination, and it didn’t work. So how are we going to deal with that?” he asked.

“The key thing from the last time is we didn’t tell people to stay in place and we didn’t stop people driving, travelling, or trying to continue on their trip north or south for the long weekend, so I hope that we are more cognisant of the hazards, and we’ve figured out how we can act early, to prevent some of the worst of what happened last time.”

Wellsford member Colin Smith agreed.

“We have to be ready ourselves and you need to be in communication with us so we know what we’re doing. Last time it was just a mess. We were cut off for days,” he said.

Wallace said AEM was taking a much more proactive stance since last year’s events to

make sure they weren’t on the back foot in future.

“I understand in the past, before Cyclone Gabrielle and the flood events, there was a reluctance to stand-up the control centre unless there was something really urgent happening, but we’re taking a much more proactive response now,” she said.

The draft Rodney Emergency Readiness and Response Plan will be brought to a local board workshop for feedback in August.

Info: Email aeminfo@aucklandcouncil. co.nz or visit https://www. aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/

Seismic strengthening delay supported

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

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is supporting a government decision to prioritise a review of earthquake-prone buildings.

Deadlines to strengthen buildings against earthquakes have been extended by four years.

Last year, during discussions on capital works on community assets, Brown made it clear his position on seismic strengthening was a cynical one.

He questioned staff about the millions of dollars being put towards seismic strengthening for council buildings citing the $10 million being spent on the Ponsonby based library and gym, and the Leys Institute, which had been closed since 2019 while remediation work took place. Brown said seismic strengthening risked breaking the bank for some building owners.

“I’ve been calling for the government to review earthquake-strengthening rules, because they make no sense for Auckland where our greatest risks are volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. I’m not really convinced yet that this should apply in Auckland at all,” Brown said.

New Rodney lynch-pin and former park ranger Glenn Browne.

Enjoy retirement living in the Warkworth countryside. Situated in a beautiful environment alongside the tranquil Mahurangi River, Summerset Falls is a vibrant modern village that offers the ultimate sun soaked, peaceful rural lifestyle.

It is not often we have a variety of homes available* in this thriving village. So come along to our Open Day and enjoy some treats and view the beautiful homes. You could be enjoying the Summerset life sooner than you think.

Love the life you choose.

Open Day

Thursday 9 May, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Falls

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

*All Summerset homes are sold under a licence to occupy and are subject to availability. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation.

NZTA funding bid for Wellsford crossings

many parking places or driveways, such as around the Caltex petrol station, but showed five potential site options to members.

Residents and Rodney Local Board members have been advocating for a safer way to cross both State Highway 1 and 16, to the south of Harrison Street and Worker Road, for several years, but with little success so far. However, a local board workshop heard last month that the national transport agency was now on board with the project and looking at several site options for a crossing on each highway.

Waka Kotahi communication and engagement advisor Chibinda Mwaijumba said there were several options at this stage, nothing was set in stone and community and local board feedback was being sought. He said it was quite a challenge to fit in crossings in the area without affecting the

These comprised two possible spots between Caltex and the public toilets, or one near the police station, on SH1, and one either near the library, or between PGG Wrightson and Caltex, on SH16.

As for the type of crossings, Mwaijumba said they could be anything from a fully signalised zebra crossing to median refuges or kerb extensions, but were unlikely to incorporate raised platforms, or speed bump, due to a “pause” on their construction by government.

Members debated the pros and cons of a range of crossing types and sites, but agreed that a proper zebra crossing for SH1 was the priority, possibly even with a refuge in the middle, and that median refuges may suffice for SH16.

Mwaijumba said his team would investigate points and options raised at the workshop before submitting a funding request for the project in the next National Land Transport Programme period.

“If it gets funding, we can proceed with design and construction in the next three year period, which is June 2024 to 2027,” he said.

Any proposal adopted as part of the transport plan would go out for public consultation, he added.

Wellsford member Colin Smith, who was away for the workshop, said at a board meeting this month that most people would prefer an SH1 crossing near the police station, since it would connect the Memorial Park with the toilets, and also with the new footpath on the eastern side of Rodney Street going down to Centennial Park Road.

Climate’s coastal impacts examined

Public feedback is being sought by Auckland Council on how it should best respond to coastal challenges such as flooding, erosion and climate change over the next 100 years. Specialists are currently developing a series of Shoreline Adaptation Programmes (SAPs) to guide how council should manage its land and assets, such as footpaths, sportsfields and carparks, on beaches, cliffs, harbours and estuaries from Pakiri to Orewa and around the Kaipara Harbour.

Each SAP will look at how land and assets can (or can’t) be adapted in response to coastal hazards and climate change, while promoting the preservation and restoration of the shoreline environment for future generations. The plans utilise four strategies – ‘no active intervention’, or letting nature take its course; ‘limited intervention’, allowing some maintenance, while accepting that coastal realignment is inevitable; ‘hold the line’, or actively defending assets and land from erosion and flooding; and ‘managed realignment’, where assets, uses and infrastructure are moved away from the coast. Each SAP is being developed in partnership with mana whenua and with guidance from infrastructure providers, technical experts and coastal communities.

Council wants to hear how people use, and what they value about, local beaches and coastal areas from Pākiri to Mathesons Bay, Ti Point to Sandspit and Snells Beach to Ōrewa on the east coast, and from Kaukapakapa up to Port Albert and Te Hana on the Kaipara.

All feedback will be reviewed and included in a final report that will go to Rodney Local Board for approval later this year. Submissions can be made until May 31 using online feedback forms.

Info: https://akhaveyoursay.

aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/shorelineadaptation-plans

https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/shoreline-adaptation-planskaipara-harbour

Waka Kotahi map showing all the driveways, business accesses and parking in the area where any new crossings would be located.

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But Don’t Take Our Word For It!

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.

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

Rose christine.rose25@gmail.com

The twilight zone has a bad reputation as a backdrop to science fiction. Mysterious, other-worldly and ominous, it is full of suspense and potential danger. The twilight zone takes us out of our comfort zone. But beyond the supernatural, there’s another twilight zone that has real super-nature – it’s the time of actual twilight, dawn and dusk.

Creatures that live in the twilight zone are crepuscular. If they’re most active in the dawn, they’re matutinal. If they’re dusk dwellers, they’re vespertine. Some crepuscular creatures might also be active on a moonlit night or overcast day. Light pollution can affect crepuscular animals. Familiar crepuscular animals are cats, rabbits, possums and mice. Also, the grey heron, Mandarin duck, fallow deer, sei whale, brown trout and mako shark. Other crepuscular critters, particular to New Zealand, are spotless crake, whio/ blue duck, the light-mantled albatross, the South Island kokako (if it still exists; I hope it does) and the Auckland (Island) teal. The list of exotic crepuscular animals is long – lions and lemurs, snow hares and rattlesnakes, echidna, wombats and wallabies, mink and otters, egrets, barbary sheep, various lemurs, civets and voles. Many moths and flies are vespertine. The twilight zone is special, but not just for its wildlife. It is also a magical hour for crepuscular sun rays, which are also known as Māui’s ropes or Buddha rays, a stairway to heaven. Ian Griffin, from Tūhura Otago Museum, describes them as “shafts of sunlight that seemingly radiate from the sun, extending across the sky like celestial fingers.” They occur when

bright rays of sunlight are offset by clouds, casting shadows in the air, and can extend hundreds of kilometres. Anti-crepuscular rays are seen in the opposite direction, “Crepuscular rays’ lesser-known siblings,” according to Griffin. Anti-crepuscular rays “appear to converge towards a point in the sky directly opposite the sun.” They can be “subtle but incredibly beautiful, glowing with a lovely contrast between dark blue anti-crepuscular shadows and the pink twilight sky.”

At dusk, my garden flowers seem more vibrant, luminous. Among the twilight magic, I’ve admired three silvereye/tauhau whanau tucked up sleeping on a branch, tui challenging a ruru, and the starling flock singing a lullaby to the day. When camping, I’ve seen enigmatic spotless crakes, the last day’s light illuminating V’s from ducks paddling across the lake, sleeping whales, and a mother southern right whale nursing her calf. There’s a rich active wildlife going on out there for those who like the gloom. With the long summer daylight hours behind us, and camping a delightful memory, the twilight zone is upon us earlier. That makes it even easier (though cooler) to experience the twilight wonders of the world. So tonight, instead of reading a book or watching tv, take a walk on the wild side and get into the zone; the twilight zone, and let me know what you find.

Postscript: After last month’s column about the loss of my chicken, Speckle, I was touched by the words of sympathy and even the offer of a replacement chicken. Thank you.

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

Chris Devereaux

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

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

P: 09 422 3226

P: 09 422 3226

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz |

E: warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz |

W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

W: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

Unit 1, 3 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

Did you know?

Hospice care is provided wherever a person is in our community. It is free to anyone who needs specialist support, at any stage of a serious illness, which has little or no chance of a cure.

Week focuses on hospice care

It’s Hospice Awareness Week from May 13 to 19, and Harbour Hospice is asking the community to get behind the campaign to help make life better for patients in hospice care.

“Everyone deserves access to a good endof-life experience, but many people reach us too late or not at all – and we need this to change,” Harbour Hospice chief executive Jan Nichols says.

“Throughout the week we’re highlighting the importance of reaching those with a life-limiting illness earlier in their journey, so we can do more to support them to live well, in the place they call home with the people they love.”

Lots of local businesses will be showing their support across the week. Some supermarkets will be asking customers to add $1 to their shop for the charity, with other businesses supporting the campaign in different ways.

Harbour Hospice shops in Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana will be inviting customers to add an extra dollar to their purchases. If a donation is made online at harbourhospice.org.nz construction company Youngman Richardson will match the donation, up to $10,000. “Harbour Hospice cares for one in three people in the community. But what few people realise is that the earlier hospice can be involved a person’s care, the more we can do to help them,” Nichols says.

Grandfather and great grandfather Brian Evans, 86, began receiving Harbour Hospice care six months ago and says having that

support has helped him relax more and enjoy every day. “I don’t have to worry about my illness because I know hospice is taking care of me. I feel more relaxed, and my breathing has improved,” he says.

Brian receives regular visits from the hospice community nursing team and attends the service’s Open Doors day programme at Tui House, which provides lunch and an informative talk. Brian says he enjoys the talks and he loves the social contact with the others in the group.

“We don’t talk about our ailments, we talk about the day-to-day but we know what each of us are going through and that’s what makes it so good.”

Brian used to be a keen hunter but had to give that up. Hospice has helped him find new ways to enjoy his days, he says. He has reignited his passion for gardening and taken up walking. Hospice was even there for Brian and his wife Gayle when they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this month, putting on a lunch and a party for them.

“It has been absolutely marvellous,” He says.

Nichols says hospice is not just about dying.

“It’s about being there for patients like Brian, families and whānau to make those final years, months or weeks more joyful, not just less awful.”

To find out how you can support Harbour Hospice during Hospice Awareness Week go to https://harbourhospice.org.nz/event/ hospice-awareness-week

Hospice care is helping Brian Evans relax and enjoy life, one day at a time.

How you can help?

• We are always keen to recruit new volunteers.

• Do you have fruit or vegetables going spare? We are able to distribute these very quickly.

• Perhaps a farm or lifestyle block owner could provide an animal, to supply meat for the food bank groups. Join us in supporting our community. Find

Most riders put a lot of effort into pimping their scooters and creating elaborate costumes.

Scooters rev up for Southern Alps crossing

Warkworth father and daughter team

Justin and Anna Sollitt will take on the challenges of the Tranz-Alpine Scooter Safari on May 18 to raise money for the Cancer Society.

The Scooter Safari is an endurance charity fundraiser held every two years and involves around 250 scooters riding 250km from Christchurch to Hokitika, across the Southern Alps.

Since the inaugural ride in 2009, nearly $1.8 million has been raised for the Cancer Society.

This will be Justin’s third safari and Anna’s first.

WARKWORTH

SNELLS BEACH

WE PROVIDE

Flu and Covid Vaccinations Available

Justin says that riding 250km across the Southern Alps on a city scooter in the middle of winter is not for the fainthearted.

“It’s much harder than it looks,” he says.

“It is the endless drone of a scooter and the bitter cold that gets to you, plus the fact that by the very nature of the Southern Alps, there will always be rain somewhere along the journey. The hardest leg is ascending Porters Pass, that’s the bit that really tests every scooter.”

Justin and Anna are encouraging locals to support their team.

“There is a long list of people I know that have been affected by cancer so we are

doing our bit, because we can, and you just never know – one day we could be relying on our own fundraising.”

The scooters will leave Christchurch at 9am and should arrive in Hokitika around 4.30pm with four pit stops at Sheffield, Lake Lyndon, Arthur’s Pass and Kumara Junction.

Justin’s scooter resembles an aircraft, reflecting his enthusiasm for all things aviation, while Anna has taken a student transport theme, as she is currently studying at Otago University.

To donate to Team Justin & Anna Sollitt, go to: https://scootersafari.org.nz/t/justinsollitt-team

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Surgery at 11 Alnwick Street

• Wide range of doctor and nurse led services including accident and medical services, immunisation, minor surgery, vasectomies, immigration, dive and insurance medicals.

• Wide range of visiting specialists.

• Warkworth is open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12 noon.

• Snells Beach is open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm

• Low Cost access for enrolled patients under 14 free, young people $13, adults $19.50 (ACC costs differ).

• Pharmacy, Labtest, Physio on site.

• Flu and Covid -19 vaccinations available.

Father and daughter team Justin and Anna Sollitt are joining the great Scooter Safari next month to help raise money for the Cancer Society.

Homebuilders

Jazz Bishop, Family Support Worker

www.homebuildersfs.org

Equitably dividing household chores

In many households, the burden of chores and childcare often falls disproportionately on women. A 2020 Gallup Poll highlighted this disparity, showing that women often handle the majority of domestic tasks. When the emotional and mental load of domestic labour falls more heavily on one person, it can take a toll on their wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of the relationship. Often this division of labour can happen unconsciously, so bringing awareness to this situation is the first step to making mindful adjustments. In her book Fairplay, attorney and author Eve Rodsky advocates for fair division of this work, aiming to alleviate stress and reclaim time for every household member through conversations and a reevaluation of domestic contributions.

Below are some practical steps to help rebalance how the domestic labour is divided in your household:

• List every chore and errand: Begin by cataloguing all household tasks, including essential chores and errands. Making a comprehensive list fosters awareness and encourages accountability among all household members. Put aside a decent amount of time for this, you could use the digital cards found at https://www. fairplaylife.com/the-cards for prompts. Discuss each task, noting who typically handles them.

• Narrow down the list: Prioritise essential

In brief

Local sweet treats win big

duties and eliminate unnecessary ones. See if there are things that could be outsourced, simplified, done less regularly or are not actually necessary. Establish clear expectations for each task to prevent future conflicts.

• Assign tasks: While achieving a perfectly equal division may be challenging, aim for fairness. Consider each member’s preferences and circumstances, redistributing burdensome tasks and accommodating changing schedules.

• Be fully responsible: Take ownership of assigned tasks and avoid burdening others with unaccounted-for duties. Respect your partner’s responsibilities and resist the urge to micromanage tasks.

Equitably dividing household chores not only reduces stress but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect within the household. By valuing each member’s contributions and actively working towards balance, households can reclaim time for personal pursuits and strengthen their relationships. For more information about this process and supporting resources, check out www.fairplaylife.com

Here at Homebuilders we can provide support to strengthen relationships and navigate challenges that family life can bring. Contact us through our website https://www.homebuildersfs.org or give us a call on 0800 100 037

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

Auckland’s Jade String Quartet returns with a programme of sweet Mozart, stunning Schumann plus an exciting new work by NZ composer Janet Jennings based on the birdsong of extinct NZ birds. The quartet is comprised of Miranda Adams and Charmian Keay (violins), Robert Ashworth (viola) and James Yoo (cello).

Sat 18 May, 4pm

Warkworth Town Hall

First Aid Courses

First Aid

Need a refresher?

Has it been more than two years?

Are you aware of your Health & Safety obligations?

Two local food producers have been named category champions at this year’s Outstanding Food Producer Awards in Auckland earlier this month. Charlies Gelato jointly won the dairy award with its Lemon Gelato, an prize it shared with Auckland chain Island Gelato Co. The other winner was Foundry Chocolate, which was named chocolate bean to bar champion for its newly released Ea Kar, Đăk Lăk Vietnamese 70% chocolate. Foundry was established at Mahurangi West at the home of David and Jannelle Herrick, but recently moved production to new premises in Silverdale. Head judge and Mahurangi Matters food columnist Lauraine Jacobs said the Ea Kar bar was a fabulous new chocolate, while the balance of sweet and tart in Charlies’ lemon gelato set it apart from the competition.

Eat Me First!

Love Food Hate Waste NZ has launched a sticky solution to help householders save money and food – Reusable Eat Me First Stickers. It is estimated that Kiwis throw away $290 million worth of fruit and vegetables, bread and meat every year because it has “gone off”. Love Food Hate Waste NZ’s Juno Scott-Kelly says that the reusable Eat Me First stickers are a simple and effective product that acts as a visual prompt to remind people about food that needs to be used up. Find out more here: www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz/eat-me-first

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3 May, 8 Jun, 2 July

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Dargaville, 9 May

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Haydn mass in Warkworth

Classical music lovers in the Mahurangi area are in for a treat next month when the Kowhai Choir, under the direction of Ken Leech, presents Theresienmesse, a mass in B-flat major written by Joseph Haydn.

The Theresa mass is named after Maria Theresa of the Two Sicilies, empress consort of Francis II, of Austria. The empress herself was a soprano soloist at private performances.

Leech describes the mass as an extraordinarily beautiful work with fugues, arias, florid bel canto lines, and dramatic contrasts.

“It is one of my favourite pieces of choral music,” he says. “It is scored for choir, four soloists and orchestra although the ‘orchestra’ will be the world-renowned Dr John Wells, a local resident of Mahurangi, on digital organ.”

The soloists will be soprano Elizabeth Mandeno, who has sung with Dame Kiri

Te Kanawa, and alto Alanah Jones, who is currently a member of the Auckland Chamber Choir and sings professionally with St Matthew’s Voices and Auckland Choral.

Joining them will be the youngest of the famous Fonoti-Fuiamaono brothers, tenor Jordan, who is currently studying at the University of Waikato’s Conservatorium of Music, and rising bass singer Miles Timmis, a recent graduate of the Auckland University majoring in classical voice.

“This is going to be a great concert, so don’t delay in securing your ticket,” Leech says.

The concert will be held in the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, May 11, starting at 7.30pm.

Pre-concert tickets are available from Eventbrite, Briar Rose Flowers in Warkworth and from choir members for $25. Tickets on the door will be $30 (cash only)

Info: m_rjones@xtra.co.nz

All five members of Hot Diggity are veteran musicians, who bring a lot of warmth, humour and energy to their performances.

Turkey The Bird are regulars on the small town tour circuit.

Leigh line-up ready to raise the roof

Bluegrass fans won’t want to miss a double bill at the Leigh Hall on Saturday, May 11. The Whangateau Folk Club is hosting a show featuring two top New Zealand acts – the all-female bluegrass band Hot Diggity and folk trio Turkey The Bird, who hail from Taranaki. Hot Diggity play original songs by Heather Carrigan (mandolin, guitar and vocals) and Deborah Mackenzie (guitar and vocals), along with plenty of bluegrass favourites. The band also includes Ti Point local Jenine Abarbanel on bass and vocals, Sue Drake on banjo and vocals, and Louise Evans on fiddle and vocals. Together, they produce a powerful and

lively sound with hot instrumentation and tight harmonies.

Turkey The Bird – Adrian Whelan on guitar, mandolin and bass; Andre Manella on guitar and bass; and Sol Bear Coulton on banjo – play a mix original and classic folk songs, showcasing three part harmonies and toe-tapping rhythms. They’ve put out two albums and are working on a third, recording their own music and making their own videos. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets $30 (bank transfer or cash only at the door). For pre-show bookings, email whangateaufolk@gmail.com

Composed in 1799, the Theresienmesse (Therese Mass) is the fourth of the six great masses that Haydn composed toward the end of his career, and will be performed in Warkworth on May 11.

Give A Kid a Blanket

The drop-off contacts in the area are:

Sawmill Brewery & Smoko Room, 1004 Leigh Road Matakana; Kay at Snells Beach 021 106 9927; and Lorna at Warkworth on 0210 37 67 88. Alternatively, contact the charity directly at https://giveakidablanket.co.nz/donate/#drop-off

As the weather turns cooler, the Women’s Centre Rodney is putting the call out for donations of winter warmers. Centre manager Jo Nicholson says volunteers are keen to start putting the winter warmer packs together to distribute to families who are feeling the financial pinch.

Community appeal before winter bites

Rising living costs, job insecurity and relationship issues are just some of the pressures facing families in the Mahurangi area this winter, forcing them to turn to services such as the Women’s Centre Rodney for support.

Centre manager Jo Nicholson says many of the families in need have, in the past, been “the givers” – the ones who have donated food and items to help others.

She says the centre is helping a lot of people who have good, full-time work, but who are still struggling to meet rental or mortgage payments, insurance and other household expenses.

“People across the board are tightening their belts and for many, they have never been in this position before,” she says.

As part of its annual Winter Warmer Appeal, the centre is accepting donations of winter pyjamas for adults and children, thermals, dressing gowns, socks, slippers, beanies,

gloves, new hot water bottles, quilts and woollen blankets.

Because of the intimacy of the items, the centre asks that the donations be new or in excellent condition. They are also asking people not to donate bedding, which is better directed to the Give A Kid a Blanket charity (local contacts listed above).

Last year, the Women’s Centre appeal helped around 50 local families.

Donations can be left at Harcourts in Warkworth or the Women’s Centre at 10 Morpeth Street, on weekdays between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

Nicholson says the centre welcomes enquiries from any women who are feeling a little uncertain or anxious about their future.

“We love having visitors pop in for a ‘cuppa and a chat’ even if they don’t need anything in particular. We are here if anyone feels lonely, anxious or isolated.”

mum’s the word feature

Loren Tomlinson

Conference to inspire business owners

Two enterprising young businesswomen are holding a conference in the Warkworth Town Hall on May 17 designed specifically for small to medium business owners, and aspiring owners.

Vicky Santiago and Tiffany Hubbard say the E4 Conference will bring together local businesses eager to learn, grow and form valuable connections.

“The vision is to create an inclusive and diverse platform that caters to anyone looking to take their business to the next level or seeking the inspiration to embark on their entrepreneurial journey,” they say.

Speakers will include Martyn Ecroyd from Aspire Accounting, Loren Tomlinson from The Social Collective, Henry Russell from ANZ, and Tara McGowan from 5 Star Admin.

The programme also includes panel discussions and plenty of time for networking.

“There will be interactive workshops and presentations with actionable content, that delves deeper into specific business areas, offering practical takeaways to implement in participants’ ventures.”

The conference will run from 9am to 7.30pm, with a full day pass costing $297. Single session and combo passes will also be available.

Info: hello@e4.nz

It

not

Photo Store celebrates business milestone

At a time when the average lifespan of a small business is just over eight years, celebrating 25 years in business is a mark of both tenacity and commitment.

And the accomplishment is even more remarkable when you realise that Colin Stables, the owner of The Photo Store in Warkworth, is still just as passionate about printing photos today as he was when he started in May 1999.

“Every job we do matters so much to the customer, so it is very rewarding to be able to use the tools and skills we have at our disposal to preserve their precious memories,” he says. “I just love it.

“I grew up in this town and want to be here doing this forever.”

Stables puts his success in the store down to excellent staff, as well as an attitude that ‘anything is possible’.

“The answer to any request is ‘yes’.

Whatever crazy idea a customer walks through the door with, we will make it happen.

“We hand-print every single photo and we use the best available equipment and software to deliver the best results you would get anywhere.”

Stables says photo development has changed profoundly over the past 25 years, primarily due to the advent of digital

technology. Artificial intelligence-driven editing tools are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both image capture and processing. Photo development is now faster, more convenient and more versatile than ever before.

Stables says that at any one time in the store, there will be a video converting, a scanner scanning and photoshop running an AI edit.

“What we can do now is just amazing.” Not that life in business has been all plain sailing. The Global Financial Crisis of 2007-08 tested the store’s resilience and, more recently, the covid pandemic.

“I think you survive hard times by continuing to do the best job you possibly can. It has also taught me to take one day at a time and not to get stressed, but to deal with issues as they arise.”

Innovation has also been a key element of the business. At present, Stables and his team are moving towards more sustainable stock, locally produced wherever possible, including wooden frames, photo gifts and fridge magnets.

“If I had one word of advice for people about their photos, I would say print one photo of everyone who matters to you and put it in a real wooden frame. We are not in this world forever, but the people we love, and who love us, matter.”

Under the ownership of Colin Stables, the Photo Store has re-invented itself many times to meet the challenges presented by a constantly changing industry.

is

unusual for people to be in tears when a damaged photograph has been through the restoration process.

Any excuse to dress up and have a bit of fun! Stables during the 2017 Kowhai Festival.

Original Edited

Floral theme for fashion show

A combination of beautiful flowers and a range of autumn/winter fashions will be presented at the Matakana Hall on Friday, May 17.

The Warkworth Floral Art Club is hosting a Flowers & Fashion event, which will include raffles, a trading table and afternoon tea.

Six top floral designers will work on their designs in the hall during the show, while club members Diedra Anderson, Frances Moors and Janice Chambers model 18 garments from Matakana boutique De Lovely.

The fashions will range from casual to cocktail and evening wear.

Visitors

Organiser Helen Potter, who moved to Warkworth four years ago, says she organised a similar event in Wellington several years ago, which proved to be a great success.

“Flowers and fashion make a lovely combination,” Potter says.

The event is a major fundraiser for the club, which uses the proceeds to bring outside judges and tutors in for workshops where members have the opportunity to learn new techniques and expand their floral art knowledge.

Doors open for Flowers & Fashion at 1.30pm, for a 2pm start. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Three-day boat show gives school pool heat fund a boost

A steady stream of visitors sailed into Matakana School between April 19 and 21 for the second Matakana Model Boat Show.

Well over 260 miniature maritime masterpieces were on display in the school hall and swimming pool, with hand-crafted vessels ranging from the tiniest wooden rowing boats up to giant Navy destroyers. There was yacht racing on the pool and several food trucks and Mr Whippy were on hand to provide sustenance to hungry visitors.

The show was the brainchild of model boatbuilders Allan Harkin and Geoff Hoyle, who between them were responsible for many of the wooden vessels on show, and who made the first model boat show happen in 2022.

Show committee member Kim Scott said this year’s event had been even more of a

hit with the public than the first.

“The show was a great success, and doing it over three days instead of two worked well,” she said. “Numbers were up on last time, with approximately $6200 being raised to go towards a new heating system for the Matakana School pool.”

Scott said the Saturday of the show was still busy, despite heavy rain all day, although it did hamper racing at the pool.

“It was so lovely to see people really enjoying the boats and appreciating the amount of work that goes into creating them,” she said.

The committee expressed their thanks to everyone who went along and also to sponsors Armacup Maritime Services, Pak’nSave Warkworth, Matakana Market Kitchen, Matakana Kitchens & Joinery, Matakana ITM, Happy Printing and Matakana Coast App.

Helen Potter (left) with De Lovely boutique owner Wendy Adams.

marvelled at the skill involved in the craft on display.

There is nothing particularly unusual about the 1960s transistor radio, which has recently found a new home on a shelf in Jill McClean’s lounge in Warkworth.

Typical of its era, it runs on batteries and only receives the AM frequency, plus two shortwave radio bands. But to Jill, it is as precious a memento as she could wish for.

Along with a few photos, letters and a wooden tray made in a school woodwork class, it is all she has to remember her twin brother Jack Williams, who was killed in action in Vietnam in June 1969.

“I remember celebrating my 21st birthday by myself,” Jill recalls. “It was an eerie feeling. Thank goodness I had my close friends from training college to support me.”

The return of the radio to Jack’s family started with a chance meeting at an Anzac service in Timaru in 2019, which Jill’s older brother Grant, who was travelling around the South Island, attended with his son. Vietnam veteran Peter Anderson was also at the service and noted that Grant was wearing Vietnam medals on the right side of his chest, alongside medals on the left side which were obviously his own. Later, at the South Canterbury RSA, Grant asked if there was anyone from Victor Four Company there.

“We asked him if he was looking for anyone in particular, and he said his brother had been in Victor Four,” Anderson recalled. It was then that Anderson made the connection that Grant’s brother Jack was the soldier who had sold him a radio when their paths crossed at the Burnham Military Camp in late 1968.

Williams was about to ship out to the 1st Battalion RNZIR, 28th Commonwealth Brigade in Terendak Camp, just north of Malacca, in Malaysia.

“He must have been a bit short of money and decided to sell his transistor radio,” Anderson told the Timaru Courier. “He wanted $20 for it – quite a lot of

money in 1968. That explains why my name and regimental number are printed on the inside back flap.”

On a trip home to NZ from Vietnam, Anderson sold the radio to his sister. Just over 50 years later, she returned it to Anderson in good working order so he could pass it on to Jack’s family.

Jill says Grant carried the radio with him while he toured the South Island and then recently decided it was her turn to have it.

“I use the tray Jack made in woodwork nearly every night and now I have his radio, just another little reminder every time I see it.

“Jack was an outdoors sort of boy –always fishing, camping and swimming in the river – and joined the Regular Force Cadets straight out of the 4th Form.”

He was just 20 when he was killed on his first operation on June 17, 1969, shortly after arriving in Vietnam.

He was buried in the military cemetery in Terendak Camp. His body was repatriated to New Zealand in 2018 as part of the Te Auraki return of NZ service personnel who were buried in South-east Asia, and is now buried in Waipukurau Cemetery in Hawke’s Bay.

The return of a radio that once belonged to Jill McClean’s twin brother is a poignant reminder of the toll war takes on the ones left behind.

Jill McClean with her older brother Grant, whose trip to Timaru led to the radio’s return.

of Jack Williams before he was sent to Vietnam.

Book Reviews

Black Silk & Sympathy by Deborah Challinor

It’s 1865 when Tatiana/Tatty at just 17, departs London to start afresh in Sydney. With dreams of self-sufficiency, she accepts an assistant position with Crowe Funeral Services and finds a passion for the industry of death. A series of events leave Tatty with the challenging role of sole female undertaker in Sydney. As her success grows, accusations of murder from a rival business owner threaten everything. With the help of some diverse comrades, the fight is on to save her name and business by any means necessary. Midnight excursion to the cemetery with a shovel anyone? I have always been a fan of Deborah Challinor’s works. With her PhD in history and meticulous research, I find her novels some of the most realistic portrayals of historical life that I’ve come across in a modern author, filled with characters that are oh-so-human. Hence my excitement to hear she had started a new series. My anticipation was well-founded – I was hooked into Tatty Crowe’s world from the very first page. While the old adage may mark this as inconsequential, even the cover of this book is fittingly beautiful. Worthy of the words within. If you have read Challinor’s previous books, you will get the perk of a reunion with some familiar faces, but it is also a stand-alone novel. It is the start of a series that bypasses the dreaded cliff-hanger and, instead, gives a satisfactory conclusion for the first instalment. I can’t wait for the next Tatty Crowe novel and highly recommend this book. (Trigger warnings: Domestic abuse and descriptions of cadavers and embalming)

Reviewed by Abby Soffe.

The Space Between by Lauren Keenan

This is a refreshing offering of New Zealand historical fiction. It’s the story of two women, one Māori and one English, who love the same man. By an unusual set of circumstances, they all find themselves in New Plymouth, a town about to be heavily involved in the Taranaki land wars. I say “refreshing” because we hear loud and clear from both the main characters’ perspectives. I admire Keenan for navigating her novel with sympathy and understanding, demonstrating empathy in explaining how the recently arrived settlers thought, and how the local iwi felt. Keenan doesn’t hold back – the way people, particularly women, in the 1860s were treated is explored through the experiences of Frances, the newly-arrived Englishwoman, and Matāria, a former slave who has been semi-ostracised by her own people, partly due to her marriage to a settler. Both women have difficult lives, but as their worlds intertwine, they find commonalities that lead to an unlikely alliance. The writer is of mixed European and Māori ancestry, and she demonstrates sensitivity and panache as the story moves along. I enjoyed this different approach to the telling of New Zealand’s history.

Reviewed by Barbara Leslie

The Women’s Centre is here to help and support all women in our community. We know there are unique challenges for everyone and we are here to help navigate them. We will be open every day 9.30 – 2.30 so please feel free to pop in for a chat or just to ‘take a moment’ in our safe space. We also have online support options for anyone who would prefer this. Give us a call and we will find an option that works for you.

History

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Bev Ross, Mangawhai Museum www.mangawhai-museum.org.nz

Soldiers linked by Kaiwaka connection

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Two heroes from our district who knew the same home – a Dr Barnardo Centre in Kaiwaka (now the Apple Basket) – were Charles Edward Sutherland and Keith Reynold Marshall. Charles’ Irish mother named him William Waters Sheehan, then adopted him out to a soldier, Charles Sutherland, and his wife Elsie. When they divorced, they left five-year-old Charles with a soldier friend and never returned to collect him. After a year, the friend contacted authorities and Charles was taken to an industrial school for abandoned children. Then, in 1902, Mr and Mrs Ross, from Kaiwaka, came to his rescue and took him home as a foster son. Mary Ross was an agent with the Dr Barnardo charity. Charles went to the Kaiwaka School until he was 12 and then attended a training school for two years. At the time, all males had to register for compulsory military training when they turned 14.

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By 1914, Charles had joined the Ruahini 17th Regiment National Reserve, Army Corp, in Wellington. When filling out his military registration, he named Mary Ross, as his next of kin. She was a kind and motherly woman who had shown him love for the first time in his life.

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With the war raging in Europe, he embarked for Egypt on the steamship Tofua in November 1915. He wrote to his foster parents and brother Stanley from Turkey, one time telling them a humorous story about shooting at some Turks attempting to get water from a source that his regiment was guarding. He had aimed at their jerry cans, which caused such a noise that they disappeared running for their lives, without water. One year later, during the battle of the Somme, on 16 November 1916, Charles was killed in action, aged 21. He is buried at Rue David Military Cemetery Fleurbaix, France.

The other soldier in our story, Keith Marshall, lived at the Dr Barnardo house in Kaiwaka after his parents, Hugh and Elizabeth Marshall, bought the Ross family home around 1920. Keith’s desire to fly saw him going to Canada to train as a pilot, where he graduated in 1941. He trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force No.1 Wireless School, in Montreal, Quebec; the Royal Canadian Air Force No.1 Bombing and Gunnery School at Jarvis, Ontario; and the Royal Canadian Air Force No. 1 Air Navigation School, in Rivers, Manitoba.

On 20 February 1943, Marshall was aboard one of the 14 aircraft from 295 Squadron when they made a raid on three transformers in north-west France. Keith’s aircraft was one of two brought down by anti-aircraft fire. He was killed, aged 35, and lies in the Saumur Communal Cemetery, France.

Both these young men, who had lived in the same house at different times, experienced the horrors of war – one in World War I and one in World War II – and lie in peace in the same country. Their home community still honours their memory and remembers their service and sacrifice with gratitude.

Emissions feedback sought from farmers

The Climate Change Commission is coming to Wellsford next week for one of nine national consultation events for farmers, growers and rural residents.

The agriculture hui are designed to provide information and get feedback on the best ways for government to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in the coming decades.

The commission says it wants to hear from rural communities as they are an important part of the process.

“Our role is to provide independent, impartial advice to the government about choices they can make – and the pros and cons of different options.

“At the hui, we will provide an overview of the three pieces of work we are consulting

on regarding Aotearoa New Zealand’s emissions reduction target and emissions budgets. There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and discuss ideas.”

The Climate Change Commission is an independent Crown entity that advises the government on climate change policy and monitors its progress towards emission reduction goals.

The Wellsford meeting will be held at the town’s Community Centre on Thursday, May 2, from 10am to 11am.

Feedback can be sent to the Climate Commission until May 31.

Info and submissions: https://www. climatecommission.govt.nz/news/haveyour-say-how-can-aotearoa-new-zealandbest-tackle-greenhouse-gases/

Flight Sgt Keith R. Marshall

Corporal Charles Sutherland

Rail history uncovered

At a minor-moderate slip repair site north of Topuni, KiwiRail teams found a slab of grout in the grass at the side of the track. It appears to date from 1972 and has the names of members of a track crew inscribed on it. Grout was historically pumped into cracks under the tracks. Rail has been a part of New Zealand for more than 150 years. The area was cordoned off while crews worked around the area, and they have left the slab of grout in situ as a tribute to those who helped build the network.

Rail reopening on track

KiwiRail plans to reopen its northern line between Auckland and Whangārei in July. The line has been closed for more than a year after last year’s severe weather events caused damage to more than 200 sites along the network including overslips, slumps, washouts and underslips.

Northland Rail upgrade programme director Eric Hennephof says repairs are finished on about 80 percent of the minor to moderate damage sites.

“We’ve also completed repairs on about a quarter of the 36 major damage sites, with work on the rest well underway,” he says. “We expect to complete the majority of the physical repair work in the next few months, and will then be able to focus on re-commissioning the track. Some tidy up work will continue around the tracks into July.”

Before heavy freight trains can run on the North Auckland Line, the track will be inspected and tested, and a detailed assessment made of track geometry, as well as bridges, signals and other infrastructure.

“Given the line has been closed for so long, and these checks have to be done along 180km of rail line, this process will take time. But it has to be done to ensure safety,” Hennephof says.

The massive Tahekeroa slip, south-west of Warkworth, where 35,000 cubic metres of earth fell close to 400 metres across the road and rail line, was completed in September. Two other large slips in the area were also remediated.

“We continue to engage with ecologists, erosion/sediment control specialists and the Department of Conservation, to ensure native flora and fauna is protected as we progress repairs.”

Meanwhile, the track north of Whangārei to Kauri has been upgraded to take heavier trains and changes to the Whangārei rail yard are almost finished. These have predominantly been track layout improvements, which will support carrying greater freight volumes, and drainage improvements to better manage flood risks at the yard.

Duck shooters need dog treatment evidence

Farmers are being encouraged to remind duck shooters coming onto their property to check the worming status of their dogs. Untreated dogs carry the risk of spreading sheep measles. Ovis Management, a non-profit organisation promoting control of sheep measles, says that if a dog is not treated, it can defecate on pasture, and pass on thousands of eggs to sheep or lambs. “It is the farmer’s livelihood so if shooters can prove they are dosing appropriately, he is more likely to allow you access to his land,” a spokesperson said.

Rules for hunting with dogs in the country:

• If going on private land, always ask permission from landholder

• Dose all dogs with a Praziquantel drug at least 48 hours or within one month prior to going

• Carry some evidence of treatment such as a treatment certificate or receipt from vet. Any decision to allow entry to a dog rests with landowner

• Carry enough bags to pick up and remove dog faeces should your dog defecate

Duck season opens on May 4.

Residents win tree protection approval despite council doubts

Whangateau residents fighting to protect and save six pohutukawa trees along the domain reserve beachfront have won a small victory in a long-running dispute with Auckland Council.

Three hundred locals signed a petition to save the trees, whose roots are being exposed and damaged by coastal erosion, and the Whangateau Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA) drew up a detailed plan to protect them with stabilising beams.

However, council parks and community facilities staff have always maintained it would be better to let nature take its course and, if and when the 50 to 60-year-old trees die, replace them with younger specimens planted further back from the beach.

That stance dates from when a stone seawall along the length of the domain was removed 12 years ago and replaced with a new solid wall, submerged in the grass and set back from the newly exposed beach, and forming a pathway along its length.

Council’s Rodney area manager for parks and community facilities, Geoff Pitman, told Rodney Local Board members on April 17 that when the new seawall was consented, it was always envisioned that the pohutukawa would eventually die, and then be replaced by new trees.

“The community at that time was quite keen to keep the trees, but understood they were in the erosion zone and almost certainly would fail at some point,” he said. Members heard that council staff did not support an application by WRRA for landowner approval to build stabilised sediment beams around the six trees, and they recommended the board decline the proposal. This was due to concerns about their effectiveness, not least since similar beams built around two pohutukawa near the boat ramp were not preventing erosion and their roots were being exposed even with protection.

not align with current council coastal specialist advice, which favours managed retreat at Whangateau Reserve,” they said. “Staff support the alternative option of planting replacement trees on the landward side of the foreshore pathway.”

They added that if board members voted in favour of landowner approval, resource consent would need to be obtained before the beams could be built, something which council staff would be unlikely to support for the same reasons.

However, Warkworth member Ivan Wagstaff said there was no suggestion that the work would make the situation any worse or put the environment at any more risk.

“The community is bringing money forward and is passionate about this, and it’s following the correct process,” he said. “I feel like it’s not costing us any money and it’s not any worse risk to the environment, so I’m suggesting we approve this, subject to consents and so on.”

A Whangateau resident present confirmed they were following due process, and stressed they were determined to protect the trees.

Since the old rock seawall was removed 12 years ago, the beach has steadily eroded, exposing the pohutukawa trees’ roots.

“We started this process as residents and ratepayers in June 2022. Since then, we have done everything right – we have come here, we’ve done a deputation, you encouraged us to put forward for landowner approval and here we are, six months on, and we have a complete stalemate,” she said.

“I need to help you understand that council’s behaviour and approach to this issue is archaic. If we can’t get agreement on the best way forward to save these trees, the community will revert to guerilla action and that’s not a threat, it’s fact.”

“The proposal will also require further modification of the coastline, which does

Members voted to approve the landowner approval application, subject to WRRA meeting all regulatory requirements and maintenance of the seawall.

Mahurangi Rugby van retires

The Mahurangi Rugby Club’s ‘Yellow Van’ has made its last trip. Gifted to the Rugby Club 15 years ago by long term sponsors, Warwick and Katie Rhodes, of Rhodes for Roads, the distinctive yellow Ford Transit was recognised throughout the North Shore and Rodney. “It’s definitely sad to see her go,” club chairperson Patrick Sullivan said. “So many great trips to and from games, it was a good way to build camaraderie among the players heading to the games, and also to make sure they arrived home safely afterwards.” In its heyday, the van was used not only by the rugby club, but also by other sports clubs including woodchopping, netball and hockey, as well as taking school groups on camps, and being a courtesy vehicle after weddings, funerals and private parties. Sullivan says the van itself has had some memorable experiences, and its logbook makes interesting reading, including speeding tickets in Wellington, lost keys in New Plymouth and a blown head gasket in Mount Maunganui. The Mahurangi Rugby Club, with more than 300 registered juniors and a further 100 seniors this season, is looking at fundraising for a new van, something a bit more modern to help take teams to away games and getting club members home again.

Wharf house feedback sought

Anyone wanting to provide feedback on a proposal to lease a vacant Auckland Council-owned house on Sandspit Wharf to Ngāti Manuhiri’s Kaitiaki Charitable Trust has until the end of the month to make a submission.

The trust wants to use the former wharf manager’s house next to Sandspit carpark as a marine hub “for the purposes of maritime safety, protection , education and enhancement”, such as work to remove marine seaweed pest caulerpa.

Rodney Local Board voted last September to approve public notification of the intention to grant Ngāti Manuhiri a new community lease, subject to engaging with other mana whenua, and building and resource consents for refurbishment and change of use. The decision was not straightforward, however, with several members querying

the leasing process, the trust’s intentions and why other community groups had not been offered a chance to lease the house.

After hearing that Ngāti Manuhiri was the only group to apply for a lease and they were open to conversation on how the space could be used with the community, there was a split decision that passed with chair Brent Bailey’s casting vote.

The proposed lease would be a five-year term, with five year right of renewal, with a rent of $1300 plus GST per annum and an annual maintenance fee of $5000 plus GST. Submissions should be emailed to Karen. Walby@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or posted to Karen Walby, Community Lease Specialist, Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 by 5pm on Friday, May 31.

AK HAVE YOUR SAY

Football coach

The Warkworth Men’s first football team is searching for a coach for the upcoming season. Training is held on Wednesday nights at Shoesmith Domain from 6.30pm. Games are played on Saturdays across Auckland. The team is in Division 6 Harbour of the Northern Region Football competition. Interested? Contact admin@warkworthfc.org

Indoor bowls Due to renovations at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, indoor bowls will now be held at the Snells Beach Community Church, opposite the Mahurangi East Fire Station, every Monday from 12.30pm. Visitors and new members are encouraged to come along.

Info: Pam 425 6405.

Social tennis Social tennis takes place at Warkworth Rackets (formerly Warkworth Tennis & Squash Club) every Thursday from 6-8.30pm.

Netball fundraiser The Mahurangi College Year 8 AIMS netball team is running a netball tournament fundraiser on Saturday, July 20 to raise money to travel to the AIMS Games in Tauranga in September. The tournament is for players in Years 5 or 6 and will be held at Warkworth Showgrounds from 9am-2pm. Minimum of 3-4 games per team. $70 per team.

Info & register: https://www.facebook.com/events/768050372127964

Badminton The Mahurangi Badminton Club Open Day will be held on Wednesday May 1, at Mahurangi Hope Church from 7-9pm. Free entry. Winter season begins on Wednesday May 8 and will run every Wednesday night from 6-7pm for juniors and 7-9pm for seniors. All levels and abilities are welcome. Info: 021 1555 862.

Goalkeeper needed

The Puhoi Bulls men’s over 35s football team is in need of a goalkeeper. If you are interested in signing up, please get in touch with Simon on 022 604 0969.

Darts The RSA Darts Club meets on Thursday nights at the Warkworth RSA. Register by 7.20pm, play starts 7.30pm. Approx 10pm finish. All welcome.

Pony club coach The Matakana Branch Pony Club has an open position for a head coach. This is a paid position. Info: Visit Matakana Branch Pony Club on Facebook.

ACCOMMODATION

ACCOMMODATION

AVAILABLE WELLSFORD

Quiet tidy working person. Peaceful surroundings. Phone or email in evenings. 021 076 3119 or stagbass@gmail.com

AERIALS

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.

3.1 as new. New Suzuki 4 stroke 6hp outboard motor. New road trailer, many extras. $9600. Ph 027 255 2206 (no txts) BOAT FOR SALE

INFLATABLE RIB

DRIVEWAYS

MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Contact Trevor tlc.trev@hotmail.com

DVD

DVDS & VIDEOS VIDEOS

TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone or txt

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DEATH NOTICE

TONI SANDERSON nee Beck

Aged 77 years, passed away on Saturday 20th April, in Dargaville. Beloved wife of Noel Sanderson. A caring mother to Shelly, and stepmother to Michael, Stephen, and Sharon. Mother-in-law to Allan, Elaine, Jo and Andy. Special Nana to Dani and Felix. Sister to Jan (deceased), Wendy, and Graham. Sister-in-law to Barry (deceased) and Doug. Aunty to Diana, Michael, Kelly and Nadine.

According to Toni’s wishes a private cremation will be held. A big thank you to all those who cared for her while she was unwell. Her family are very grateful for all the support they have received over this time. Into the sunset, Toni rides once more. Embarking on her final journey with courage and strength.

A Graceful Undertaking Ph 09 988 9503

COLLINS ELECTRONICS

HAVE YOU LOST PRIME? Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations.

Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04

WINDOW CLEANING/ HOUSEWASH/GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

PEST CONTROL

PEST CONTROL Eradication of rats & mice. Competitive Rates. Ph 426 2253 Ph 027 286 7321, www.noratsandmice.nz

TAXI

RJK TAXI SERVICES Airport transfers. FB and Google - RJk Services. Ph: 021 466 953, rjkhbsc@yahoo.com

CHURCH NOTICES

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Proposal to grant a community lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust at Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Recreation Reserve

Pursuant to section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, the Rodney Local Board proposes to grant a community lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the council-owned former wharf manager’s dwelling (the building) and associated area comprising 380 square metres (more or less) located at Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Recreation Reserve, Sandspit, legally described as Allotment 340, Parish of Mahurangi, Survey Office Plan 43479. The land is held by the council under the Reserves Act.

Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust proposes to use the building as a marine hub for the purposes of maritime safety, protection, education and enhancement.

The proposed community lease will be subject to the following terms and conditions:

• Term –five years, with one, five year right of renewal

• Rent - $1,300 plus GST per annum

WARKWORTH

Holy Mass Timetable: Phone 425 8545 PUHOI

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

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

Church Service

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

• Maintenance fee - $5,000 plus GST per annum.

Any person wishing to make a submission in respect of the above proposal is required to lodge this in writing to Karen Walby, Community Lease Specialist, Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 no later than Friday 31 May, 5pm. Alternatively, submissions may be emailed to Karen.Walby@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Please state in your submission if you wish to be heard in person. Any information provided to the council will become subject to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and may be released by council under that Act unless a withholding ground under that Act applies. Submitters details may be provided to elected members for decision making purposes and may be included in meeting agendas that will be published on council’s website.

Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Have you been affected by someone's drinking? 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

The

Gardening

Fantastic feijoa

We’re currently in a feijoa frenzy. Not that I’m complaining, as this happens to be one of my favourite fruits. Feijoas are somewhat unique to NZ. Even though they hail from South America, it is Kiwis who have taken them to heart like nowhere else. Indeed, foreigners first introduced to them here sometimes liken the taste to kerosene!

Growing up in the 1970s, nearly every backyard had a few trees or a hedge of feijoa, mostly seedling grown and of varying taste and size, from hard little pebbles to juicy fist-sized whoppers and mildly sweet through to highly aromatic and even pungent fruit. Now a range of named varieties, mostly bred in NZ, extend the season from March to June and produce reliable crops of medium to large fruit with great taste and sweetness.

Early croppers include Anatoki with round-shaped fruit, Kaiteri with sweet large fruit, Kakariki also with sweet and even larger fruit, plus Unique, which is the only self-fertile feijoa (all the other varieties need another variety nearby to reliably set fruit), which produces medium-size fruit. Midseason, we have the mild Kakapo, and the Apollo, Pounamu and Wiki Tu, which is a dwarf tree that produces huge fleshy fruit.

Late croppers include Antoinette with large aromatic fruit, also Den’s Choice with good flavour and lots of pulp, Mammoth with juicy but slightly grainier fruit, Opal Star which is one of the best for hedging and produces richly flavoured fruit, Triumph which is another slightly grainy fruit but a good producer, White Goose with large juicy fruit, and Bambina, another dwarf type.

Feijoas are a tough tree, which can be grown throughout most of NZ, including coastal areas and in a wide range of soil types, with low nutrient requirements, although feeding with a general fertiliser in spring will increase growth and fruit size. They also require little pruning. Resist the temptation to shape the shrub by pruning off the outer growth as feijoa flowers are borne on second year wood, so pruning the younger growth will lead to very little fruit production. However, if you want bigger fruit, then thinning out some of the older branches from nearer the trunk is recommended and this also assists with pollination

from blackbirds and thrushes. Lifting the skirt with regular pruning is also recommended to make picking up the fruit easier at harvest time.

Feijoas are also resistant to most pests and diseases. Although susceptible to myrtle rust, it seems that this disease has little effect. Of greater concern is guava moth larvae, which affect the crop by burrowing into the fruit, causing it to spoil. A couple of sprays of neem, insecticidal soap or Success over February and March is usually enough to keep the population down.

Aside from scoffing feijoas fresh by the bucketful, afficionados have created an almost endless list of recipes for using the inevitable excess of this luscious fruit. All parts of the feijoa can be used, including the flowers (for candying or adding to cocktails or cordials), the leaves and wood (for smoking other foods), and even the skins (perfect for making fizzy alcoholic drinks). This year, I’ve made feijoa wine (delicious) and bottled feijoas (no sugar needed), while Angela has made a scrumptiously moist feijoa loaf and a tasty feijoa chutney. Before the season ends a feijoa vodka, dried feijoa slices and feijoa ice cream are on the list.

Bowlers wind-up season

Leigh Bowling Club’s 2023/24 season has come to an end and on March 27, The Bridgehouse-sponsored Business House Prizegiving was held. The prizegiving was preceded by a fun corner-to-corner competition. This involved bowling bowls from one corner of the green diagonally to the opposite corner. The winner was the bowl that stayed on the green and was closest to the corner. On the last bowl, greenkeeper and bar manager Lance Michell took out the prize. We look forward to next season’s business house competition as it drags lots of people into the club and is very social.

The last two tournaments of the season were held on April 6 and April 13. The Cameron/Penney Tournament had been postponed due to bad weather and was held on April 6. Ten teams competed and a top day of bowling was enjoyed by all. The first prize went to a Mahurangi East team, second was the local Leigh team, comprising Pedro Manuell, club president Keith Greenwood and sponsor Steve Cameron, with third place going to a team comprising two of Leigh’s younger players, Matt Lennan and Lindsay Duncan, with the third player, Dippy, from Mangawhai.

The final tournament was the Life Members Tournament held the 13th. The tournament had bowling and raffle prizes sponsored by Life Members Logan Campbell, Bill Eyton, Keith Greenwood and Ron Perry. It was good to have a reasonably fine day even if a bit windy. Locals Stu McDonald and Staun Popham and Steve from Warkworth Bowls, took out the first prize. Second went to a team with two of our Life Members, Campbell and Greenwood, along with Geoff Cavanough. Kevin Robinson, John Smith and Willie Sellars were third. Thanks must go to Duncan and Manuell for organising these tournaments and also to the Pakiri ladies for their excellent catering of morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Thanks also Michell for making things work so well on and off the green. Every season, each of the Northland Bowling Clubs holds its own club champs in singles, pairs, triples and fours. Towards the end of the season, the champions in each of these divisions from each club then play in a Champ of Champs competition. This year, we have had entries in each of the four divisions. They work on a one life system, which means as soon as you lose a game you are knocked out. So far, Scott Wilson in the singles and Stu McDonald and Staun Popham in the pairs have competed. Both lost narrowly in their first game to the eventual winners in each divisions, showing that they are right up there. We have a working bee on the green coming up to ready it for the off season and then on June 23, the Club AGM. The club and bar continue to remain open from 4pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The club membership draw is on Wednesday nights and winners must be present to claim the prize. All welcome to mix and socialise.

Contributed by Ian Bradnam.

Andrew Steens

What’s on

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

1 Knit & Chat, Wellsford, 10am-12 noon. New social knitting group, meets first Wednesday of each month. Address and info: contact Anne Inger on 021 252 1819

1 Retired Men’s Coffee Morning, The Coffee Club at The Grange Warkworth, 10.30am. Camaraderie and chat with Men’s Rebus. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

1 Warkworth Liaison Group meeting, Warkworth RSA downstairs, 7pm. All welcome.

1 Warkworth Community Garden meeting, Warkworth Library, 6.30pm (see brief p6)

2 Forest and Bird Winter Talk, Warkworth RSA downstairs, 7.30pm. Talk by Maureen Young about local native orchids.

2 Mystery in The Library Series – Wrongdoings By The River, Warkworth Masonic Hall, 6.30pm. Doors open 5.30pm. Free entry. Bookings essential. Info & bookings: warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

4 Matakana Wellness Open Morning, Matakana Hall, 10am-1pm. Free minisessions and information from local wellness practitioners. Info: www.wellnesshub.nz

5 Sunday in the Park – A TOSSI workday, Tawharanui Regional Park, 9am-12pm. Meet at the woolshed. Supervised children welcome. Wear suitable clothing for outdoor work and have clean boots. Lunch provided at midday

5 Community Market, Leigh Community Hall, 10am-1pm. Stall spaces available. $10 adults or $5 kids. Info: leighhallauckland@gmail.com

7 Heartbeats Seminar on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for long term heart health, Hibiscus Coast Community House, 10-11am. Presentation by Matthew Wood, M.Sc. Clinical exercise physiologist, senior lecturer and manager of the Human Potential Centre, AUT Millennium. Info: https://www.heartbeats.org.nz/

10 English Conversation Group, Warkworth Library, 2-3pm. For speakers with English as their second language. Practice speaking English. Every second Friday of the month. Term time only

11 Wellsford’s Got Talent auditions, Wellsford Community Centre, 1pm. Open to anyone aged 12 and above. Info: Email wellsfordsgottalent@gmail.com

11 Kowhai Singers presents Joseph Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass, Warkworth Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets $25 from Briar Rose Flowers or online at Trybooking NZ. Door sales $30 (see story p20)

11 Whangateau Folk Club presents a double bill, Hot Diggity and Turkey the Bird, Leigh Hall, 7pm. Entry $30, cash or bank transfer (see story p20)

12 Wellsford Variety Music Club Day, Wellsford Community Centre, 1-4pm. Light afternoon tea. Bring a plate if you wish. $5pp or $15 for two adults and two children. Performers encouraged. Info: Andrew 422 3424.

16 Diabetes self-management education, Totara Park Retirement Village, 9.30am3.30pm. Free information day for pre- and Type 2 diabetes. Family and friends welcome. Kai/refreshments provided. Info and registration: Margot McDonald on 09 448 0019, 021 818 568 or email dsme@comprehensivecare.co.nz

17 Flowers & Fashion, Matakana Hall, 2pm (doors open 1.30pm). An afternoon of flower design, fashion, raffles, trading table and afternoon tea. Entry $25 (see story p23)

17 E4 Conference: For Small Business Owners in Mahurangi, Warkworth Town Hall, 9am-6pm. Info & tickets: https://www.e4.nz/e4-conference-2024/

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

18 Jade String Quartet, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm; presented by Warkworth Music. Members $30, non-members $40. Info: www.warkworthmusic.org.nz

19 Mary Poppins Movie Fundraiser, Matakana Cinema, 2.20pm. Fundraising for Glass Ceiling Arts Collective Rodney (Warkworth) class.

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