Mahurangi Matters_Issuu 479_13 May 2024

12 months hard labour

Retailers in Warkworth’s central business area could face more than a year of construction work in the streets outside their businesses if Watercare pursues an option to pipe wastewater from the showgrounds to Lucy Moore Park via Elizabeth, Queen and Baxter Streets.

After nearly two years of investigation, an announcement on the preferred route for the new wastewater pipeline is expected within the next few weeks. Although five routes were originally under consideration, the Elizabeth, Queen and Baxter Streets option is emerging as Watercare’s preferred option.

The pipeline will transport wastewater from new development on the northwestern side of town to a pump station in Lucy Moore Park, on the southern side.

Watercare’s chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera told Mahurangi Matters last week that all options were still on the table. He would not be drawn to give a guarantee that the Queen Street option would not proceed, despite strong opposition from One Mahurangi Business Association. If it does go ahead, businesses in Queen Street alone are facing at least 12 months of disruptions.

“No matter where the pipeline goes, there will be some impact in Warkworth, whether that’s in the residential or commercial area,” Perera said.

“Either way, we will sit down with affected parties and try to work out how we manage any adverse impacts.”

Tapora School students and local residents dug deep and planted 1350 native trees and plants in wetland on the Taporapora Peninsula on Friday, May 3. The planting session was a collaboration between the Tapora Land & Coast Care group and Trees for Survival, an environmental education programme that’s been running since 1991. Tree planting is one of a range of community conservation activities carried out on the peninsula to control pests, improve biodiversity and restore the environment. Pictured, from left, are students Melody and Adeline and Tim and Rosalie getting the hard mahi done right, with the full land and coast care crew in the main shot. Photos, Michelle Carmichael.

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Dredging continues as McCallums lodge appeal

Sand mining opponents were saddened, if not surprised when McCallum Bros Ltd (MBL) lodged an appeal with the High Court on May 3 against the Environment Court’s decision to refuse its appeal to carry on dredging hundreds of thousands of tonnes of sand from the Pakiri-Mangawhai coast.

The move means that MBL can continue to mine sand offshore until the final determination of that and subsequent appeals, thanks to a temporary consent granted by the Environment Court in July last year, a compromise that saw an end to inshore dredging.

The temporary consent would also expire if MBL removed 230,000 cubic metres of sand, at a maximum rate of 76,000 cubic metres in any 12-month period, and 7500 cubic metres in any month.

Appeals to the High Court can only be made on legal grounds and MBL is claiming that the Environment Court made eight ‘errors of law’ in its decision. These include that it erred in its interpretation of relevant aspects of the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) and was wrong in concluding that the need for high quality sand could never be outweighed by “the impact of the continued extraction on mana whenua”.

MBL also claims the court didn’t properly consider the NZ Coastal Policy Statement, wrongly applied section 104 of the Resource Management Act and that its concluding view that “the imposition on Ngāti Manuhiri in this area has been

ongoing” was irrelevant or “not supported by reasons”.

MBL is also appealing the Environment Court’s decision to refuse its application to strike out the evidence of Ngāti Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust from last year’s court hearing. MBL made a surprise lastminute claim that the trust was a trade competitor, due to the trust’s ownership of land with a sand mining consent south of Te Arai.

However, Judges Jeff Smith and Aidan Warren concluded “quite simply” that the trust was not in trade competition with MBL and, even if it were, there was nothing to stop it objecting to offshore sand mining on the basis of adverse environmental impacts.

Wayne Greenwood, who chairs the Pakiri G Block Ahu Whenua Trust that represents more than 200 Maori freehold landowners, said MBL’s High Court appeals were sad and cynical.

“They front up at the marae and tell everyone they care, but the only thing they care about is the jingle-jangle in their pockets,” he said.

“It’s like the wild west – the man with the biggest gun wins.”

Greenwood said MBL had openly told him if they didn’t win in the Environment Court, they would go to the High Court and if they didn’t win there, they would go to the Supreme Court.

“Why should they just be able to keep applying and overturn decisions? The worst part of it is that they’ll just try to

keep that temporary consent going.

“If there’s one grain of sand left, they’ll try to mine it.”

He said local residents remained resolved to fighting MBL, but they were weary.

“We’ll continue on until we can’t continue on, but after 80 years of mining, we all need a break. It’s just another drawn-out process.”

Forest & Bird’s senior environmental lawyer, May Downing, said parties had until Friday, May 17 to file notice of intention to appear at the High Court appeal.

“The Environment Court decision was welcome and it signalled that it’s a defendable decision,” she said. “We’re still seeking instruction on that and carefully considering it, but acknowledge that it’s raising some really important issues.” It could take several months before any case comes to court, due to a backlog and the number of parties involved, which in the Environment Court included Auckland Council, the Environmental Defence Society, Pakiri G Ahu Whenua Trust, Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, Director-General of Conservation, Friends of Pakiri Beach, Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, Forest & Bird, Te Whanau o Pakiri and the NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust.

MBL did not respond to a request for comment, but in the past it has said that it will not comment while appeals are being prepared and until a decision has been released.

12 months’ hard labour

Briar Rose Flowers owner Briony Finlayson said if Queen Street was closed, her business would close.

“It would ruin us,” she said. “We need foot traffic and we need to be able to do deliveries to survive. After the covid lockdowns, closure of the street for any length of time would be the nail in the coffin for us.

“Perhaps if it was done in sections, or if only half the street was closed, maybe it would work. But only if it was for a short length of time.”

Business owners were disappointed that they had received no formal notification from either Watercare or One Mahurangi that a pipeline through the main street was even a possibility. Many said that if the work happened during summer, traditionally the town’s highest trading time, it would be disastrous. One business said it would seriously look at relocating.

In One Mahurangi’s defence, co-chair Dave Stott said it had not informed Queen Street businesses because “up until last Thursday, we still had hope of persuading Watercare to adopt an alternative route”.

“Also, Watercare has asked us to hold off until a final decision is made by the executive and also, we have no idea what the timeframe will be – [construction] is probably two to four years from now.”

Stott said One Mahurangi had a long discussion about the assessment criteria of each proposal and was “flabbergasted to learn that ‘effect on community’ only had an eight percent rating, thus minimising any consideration of the damage that would occur to the community and businesses”.

Pete & Mary’s Eatery co-owner Tim Uhlworm said the lack of information was concerning.

He said that as a café, even partial closure of the street would still deter customers.

“No-one wants to sit outside and look at a construction site,” he said.

“I guess it has to be done for the town to develop and grow, but it will have a big impact on businesses along the route. Our fixed costs won’t change – we will still have to pay the rent and other bills.”

Prashant Darji, the owner of Paper Plus, which includes the town’s postal service, said any closure of the street would create a difficult situation for customers.

“You just have to look at what’s happened in Auckland’s CBD to see the impact longterm construction has on surrounding businesses,” he said.

“Parking is already an issue in Warkworth so even if it was done in portions, it would still leave businesses in a terrible situation. It would impact employees as well.”

Warkworth Butchery owner Rob Lees said he had heard from One Mahurangi about the possibility that Queen Street could be

Compensation

On the question of compensation for businesses affected by the pipeline, Watercare says pedestrian access will be retained all times. “Rather than providing compensation, we will be working with businesses and One Mahurangi to find practical ways to reduce or mitigate our impact, and to support the community through a range of initiatives.” One Mahurangi says it has been told by Watercare that legislation prevents it from offering compensation. “We are in the process of checking out whether this is, in fact, the case,” co-chair Dave Stott says. “We also discussed other ways in which they could help promote the town if direct compensation was not possible, and we suggested a sum of $200,000.”

dug up for a wastewater pipeline, but with “no dates or details”.

He had heard nothing from Watercare, either.

Lees said his business had been through significant disruption before, during the work on the Warkworth Hotel and The Oaks.

For 18 months, the street was lined with trade vans through the entire work day, he recalled.

Development implications

Until the new pipeline is commissioned, developments such as Warkworth Ridge face years of tankering wastewater from Warkworth to Rosedale, on the North Shore. Watercare confirms that a tankering agreement is in place with Warkworth Ridge, but disposal will be at the developer’s cost and will not be borne by ratepayers. Watercare says until it lands on a firm pipeline route, it won’t speculate on how long tankering will be required, but “it won’t be any less than a couple of years”. Meanwhile, Watercare says there are significant environmental risks for any developers who might be considering building their own on-site wastewater treatment systems. “Disposal involves a liquid stream and a solid stream. The solid waste is a difficult product to navigate the disposal of and needs to be closely managed.”

“It would be very disruptive,” he said of the pipeline prospect. “I can’t see it working out well for many people.”

Susan Lo of Golden Boat takeaways agreed. She said business had been badly affected by the opening of the new motorway bypassing Warkworth and customers would not visit if they struggled to find parking.

“Another route for the pipeline would be better,” she said.

Savan’s Bakery owner Bros Ly also hoped Watercare would not choose the Queen Street option, but conceded that if it did, there would be little anyone could do about it.

He, too, recalled how quiet business had been in previous years when work had been underway along the road.

Parking in the area was already a problem, he said. Workers who had just 30 minutes for lunch wanted to run in, grab a pie and go – and would not want to waste time looking for a parking place.

Ly also worried that any timeframe given for the work to be completed would likely end up being doubled.

“It’s never done as quickly as they say.”

Mark Watson, at Watson’s Shoe Repairs, said that as his shop was a destination, people who needed shoes or bags fixed or

LOW CARBON CONCRETE

keys cut would probably come regardless.

“It would likely be bad for cafés though,” he said.

“It’s a hard economy for everybody at the moment,” a salesperson at a nearby clothing business said. “Another added thing on top of that would not be appreciated.”

Another said that while Watercare had to sort out the wastewater issue, it could surely pick a route option “that wouldn’t affect businesses so drastically”.

A common theme among those surveyed was that parking around Queen Street was already dire, particularly impacting businesses where customers wanted to pop in and out quickly.

One store manager said her personal view was that, “Watercare sits in their ivory tower in the city and makes decisions without knowing the actual situation here”.

The proposed pipeline is part of a $300 million wastewater network upgrade, which includes the new treatment plant at Snells Beach. Wastewater from Warkworth will be pumped to Snells Beach for treatment and then piped to an outfall, off Martins Bay. The new system, minus the northern pipeline connection, is expected to be operating later next year.

Mangawhai Hills plan change hearings set

Hearings have been scheduled for three days this month on a private plan change application to rezone 2.2 square kilometres of rural land, west of Mangawhai village, for residential development.

The Mangawhai Hills consortium wants to develop an area some of which was formerly known as Frecklington Farm –218.3 hectares bounded by Tara Road, Cove Road, Old Waipu Road and Moir Street – to create around 600 large-lot residential sites amid wetlands, native bush and walking and bike trails.

Private plan change 84, notified by Kaipara District Council last summer, seeks to rezone the site from rural zoning to the Mangawhai Hills Development Area, to enable residential activities.

KDC received 76 submissions during the notification period, and 12 more during a further submission period in December. The hearings panel comprises independent commissioners Greg Hill (chair) and Barry Moseley and Cr Gordon Lambeth, and will convene at the Mangawhai Bowling Club at 219 Molesworth Drive from May 28 to 30.

Private college for Mangawhai moving forward

Plans to establish an independent secondary school in Mangawhai are moving ahead, with the not-for-profit trust behind the initiative opening applications for enrolment in 2025.

Following a first information evening attended by about 100 people last month, the Mangawhai Education Trust has scheduled a second one, at the Mangawhai Tavern Market on May 25, to answer questions and provide further information on the plans for “Mangawhai Hills College”.

The trust says it is finalising lease agreements for a block of land in the proposed Mangawhai Hills development on lower Tara Road. Hearings on a rezoning application for that project are being held late this month. (See story above)

Enrolments are now open for Year 7, 8 and 9 students in 2025, with interviews expected to be held next month and confirmation of places by early July.

The plan is to open with 40 Year 7-9 students next February, using prefabricated buildings, then over the following two years to secure more buildings and expand the roll to up to 100 students in Years 7-11. The trust has set tuition fees of $16,000 a year.

slip delays SH1 reopening

Wastewater capacity fine, says Watercare

Watercare maintains that its new wastewater treatment plant in Snells Beach will have the capacity to meet the area’s needs for at least the next 15 years.

The plant will be able to treat wastewater from about 18,000 people and is expected to be commissioned late next year.

However, conservative figures that show that just four new developments – Warkworth Ridge, Waimanawa (Warkworth South), Arvida (off Matakana Road) and the former Stubbs Farm project– could boost Warkworth, Snells Beach and Algies Bay’s existing population of 14,000 to nearly 30,000 over the next six years.

This does not include infill development and single lot and small subdivisions.

Watercare’s chief strategy and planning officer, Priyan Perera, says Watercare works closely with Auckland Council and developers, and has good insight into build-out rates.

The late-April slip above State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyn Hills that has delayed reopening the vital route was so large that it will require roadworkers to move the equivalent of more than a quarter of the total amount of earth shifted during the project since February.

Due to the size of the slip, and the need for geotechnical assessments to determine the best approach to stabilise the hillside and ensure crew safety, Waka Kotahi NZTA says it cannot yet provide a reopening timeline. The road was due to have reopened fully today, May 13, until an April 26 initial slip on a slope that teams were working to stabilise, followed by a larger one on April 30. The slips occurred on the hillside above the road at Kauri Tree Corner, about six kilometres south of the scenic lookout, bringing down thousands of tons of earth and trees.

NZTA project director Brynderwyn Hills

Mark Ware says an additional 45,000 –55,000 cubic metres of soil came down and now needs to be removed. To put that into perspective, the whole project thus far has entailed moving 180,000 cubic metres of soil.

Ware says that before the slip occurred, site monitors and geotechnical specialists had identified early ground movement, which enabled that section of hill and road to be cordoned off.

“We also have ground sensors throughout the area that provide early warning. This equipment is in place because we know that this area is susceptible to slips while the stabilisation work is ongoing.”

NZTA is now working with geotechnical experts to determine a safe solution.

“As a matter of course, our contractors undertake a review to see if there are lessons to be learned,” he says. “We have also brought in an independent geotech

expert to support the team in evaluating our design and approach.”

As the review is ongoing, it’s too early to report results.

NZTA acknowledges that the setback has been disheartening – for its team as well as for road users eagerly awaiting the reopening of the road, which typically carries up to 15,000 vehicles daily. The stretch of SH1 has been closed since February 26 – excluding Easter – and traffic has been diverted to detour routes via Cove Road, the Paparoa Oakleigh Road, and SH12/SH14.

“Our crews have worked incredibly hard over the past eight weeks to keep the project on schedule and we were on track to open on May 13 until the recent slips,” Ware says.

“The recent slips show just how vital the recovery work is, so we can have a safe reliable route for Northland.”

“We compare this information to the Auckland Growth Strategy, which is where we get our forecasting and is what drives our planning,” Perera says.

“We’re confident that there won’t be any service shortfall when the new facility is commissioned.”

The plant will reach a 30,000 capacity in stage two, but this is not forecasted to happen until the late 2030s.

“Timing for upgrades is something we are constantly looking at and there is some flexibility as some of the infrastructure for future upgrades has been installed as part of stage one,” Perera says.

“We recognise that there are proposed plan changes, but what we’re doing is balancing our efforts between what developers are saying and what council and central government instructions and delivery expectations are.”

An aerial photo shows the extent of the slip at Kauri Tree Corner. Photo, NZTA

Brynderwyn’s

All-woman win for Brick Bay folly

A brightly-coloured three-piece structure “woven” in wood, wire and canvas was unveiled as the 2024 Brick Bay Folly on Saturday, May 4.

Femme-ly Velues was created by Claire Ford, Elise Cautley and Jennifer Gao as a bold expression of femininity and feminism with allusions to the crafts of sewing and weaving combined in a structural marriage of textile and construction.

Described by the team as ‘a small family of looms’, Femme-ly Velues incorporates 272 metres (in 626 separate pieces) of reused timber, nearly nine square metres of canvas and 65 metres of steel cable, all anchored by more than 11 cubic metres of compacted gravel foundations.

Architect and chair of the folly judging panel Pip Cheshire said the project was an exciting proposition for everyone involved right from the start.

“The combination of rigid and flexible materials, the importance of the loomed fabrics’ curve, the flamboyant colouring and a design team split between cities all gave pause for reflection,” she said, before congratulating the team on overcoming all challenges with bravado.

This is the first time an all-woman team has designed and built the winning brick Bay Folly since the project began nine years ago, which organisers said was a fitting celebration of the growing presence of women in architecture and construction.

Golden Syrup Dumpling Dish

Smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced 160ml (2/3 cup) golden syrup

55g (1/4 cup) brown sugar 1 tbsp cornflour

2 tsp cold water 1 tsp ground cinnamon custard, to serve

Dumplings

190g (1 1/4 cups) self-raising flour

55g (1/4 cup) brown sugar

60ml (1/4 cup) milk 50g unsalted butter, melted, cooled 1 egg, lightly whisked

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Melt 25g butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium

heat. Add the 6-7 large (1kg) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced, 160ml (2/3 cup) golden syrup, 1 tbsp of 55g (1/4 cup) brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until apples are just tender. Place the 1 tbsp cornflour in a small jug. Add 2 tsp cold water and stir until smooth. Add cornflour mixture and 1 tsp ground cinnamon to apple mixture. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute or until mixture thickens and coats the apples. Spoon into a 4.5cm-deep, 24cm round ovenproof dish.

To make the dumplings, combine 190g (1 1/4 cups) self-raising flour, 55g (1/4 cup) brown sugar and a

pinch of salt in a

Winning team, from left, Jennifer Gao, Claire Ford and Elise Cautley. Photo, Sam Hartnett.

Bowling blunders payoff

Warkworth Bowls recently handed over a donation of $215 to Harbour Hospice, raised from bowlers bowling a wrong bias. Although the tradition is normally to shout the rums when this happens, Warkworth Bowls members have chosen instead to put $1 in a jar for Harbour Hospice. Since 2010 this has raised a staggering $10,000. Pictured accepting the latest donation from bowling club tournament director Dave Roach is hospice community and events fundraiser Emily Thomas

Motorway night closures

The Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will be closed overnight tonight (May 13) and for at least three more nights this week, for finishing work on the road. The five days of work were due to have begun last night (May 12). Between 9pm and 5am, no traffic can use the motorway, in either direction, between the Ōrewa Grand Drive interchange and the Pukerito roundabout just north of Warkworth. The finishing works were previously delayed due to the closure of SH1 at Brynderwyn, to reduce disruption to road users, but NZTA said that since a recent slip extended that closure for several weeks, it was unable to continue postponing the work. During the overnight closures drivers in both directions can use the old State Highway 1 and Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Southbound traffic will be unable to join the motorway north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, so will need to travel via Waiwera into Ōrewa before rejoining the motorway at the Grand Drive southbound on-ramp. NZTA is also allowing a contingency of five further nights from Sunday, May 19, in the event that poor weather conditions, such as high winds or lightning storms, require rescheduling.

CORRECTION

Identity crisis

In our last issue (MM Apr 29) a photo was printed with the incorrect caption. Jill McClean was seated with Peter Anderson, who originally had the radio, not her brother Grant. Apologies for the error.

YouSay

Road discrepancies

In the April 29 edition, Brenda Salt parroted Colin Smith in his nonsense assertion that “only 30 residents live on Govan Wilson Road and 11 vehicles a day use it”. Who makes this stuff up – the flat earth society perhaps?

To set the record straight, approximately 70 households exist on Govan Wilson Road, almost all of them permanently occupied.

Apparently 0.42 people live in each of these houses, and only 1 in 6 actually own a car. Quite a unique road it would seem ...

Michael Dixon, Matakana

Horses that served

I read Marion Walsh’s contribution Horses go to War (MM Apr 15). It was an interesting two column excursion through the North Auckland/Northland history of the mounted rifles militias of the late 19th

century-early 20th century that formed an important part of our early civil defence and a significant division of the NZEF sent to WWI.

The last four sentences of the final paragraph carried a most chillingly stunning reminder of the huge part equine support has played in the history of internal and trans-national wars, the manned armed conflicts over the millennia until it ended around the second decade of the 20th century and the splurge of mechanisation that has since replaced horse power.

Notwithstanding the efforts of writers of all genres to bring the role of horses to peacetime attention – not least Michael Morpurgo’s gigantic literary effort – the drafting, training and dispatch of horses to theatres of action was a monumental exercise undertaken by all sides engaged in fighting.

Around 10,000 horses are thought to have

River cleared

resident was worried that if it started to

and

been NZ’s contribution (aside from our men and women) to serve in contingents overseas. That only four horses are documented to have returned is an awful indictment, a surviving testament to the ultimate disposability of life, whether on two or four legs, surrendered to war service and endured and condoned by civil societies everywhere at the time and long after.

That in the end, some of the huge cavalcade of horses were sold at the close of hostilities and never repatriated does not excuse the more repellent fact that the vast majority of war horses, once the need for their multilevel contributions was deemed past, were conveniently and quickly destroyed. Take a moment to pause longer during this annual season of remembrance for the fallen and consider man’s second-best friend … who else shall remember them?

Gerald Turnbull, Warkworth

it

Council contractors were busy earlier this month removing a totara tree that had fallen across the Mahurangi River, behind Warkworth Motorcycles. The tree was blocking the entire width of the river, causing concern that it could become a hazard in heavy rain. A nearby

move,

could take out the bridge in Elizabeth Street. Contractors said the wood was too rotten to salvage so was chipped

spread on vegetation along the Sesquicentennial Walkway.

Viewpoint

Jonathan Larsen, Acting Mayor of Kaipara mayor@kaipara.govt.nz

Testing the climate on rates

Every three years, Kaipara District Council consults with the community on its Long Term Plan (LTP), which is council’s 10year budget and works programme. Due to the demands of the adverse weather events, this year government has allowed council to produce an ‘LTP lite’, focusing on just the next three years.

Following months of work to get costs down, council has proposed a programme of works resulting in average consecutive rates increases for the next three years of 15.1%, 8.4% and 3.4%. I am sure I am not alone in thinking that 15.1% is unacceptably high and will be looking to have this reduced through the submissions and deliberations process.

With fewer than 17,000 ratepayers, and yet 1574 kilometres of roads to maintain (1109 km unsealed), we need to be very careful how ratepayers’ precious dollars are spent. With high inflation, economic uncertainty and cost of living pressures, any increase in rates needs to be balanced against ratepayers’ ability to pay. At present, a 1% rates increase is about $460,000.

One of the topics being consulted on is whether council has a dedicated climate change policy development programme. The options presented are no budget, $500,000 or $700,000. Including either of the suggested budgets would further add to the proposed rates increases. The proposed option of not providing budget for this work has raised a level of opposition. This opposition may arise partly from a misunderstanding of what council already does in this space.

Council is committed to a considerable programme of work relating to climate mitigation and adaptation. We coordinate land drainage works in 30 land drainage schemes with the largest of these being the Raupo drainage district. Raupo is a testament to the farmers of the Ruawai area, descendants of pioneers who know their land better than anyone. During Cyclone Gabrielle, the worst weather event in recent history, the Raupo drainage area

Event funding available

stood up extremely well.

Council is undertaking reviews of both its district plan and its engineering standards. In all matters relating to zoning, land use and engineering, climate is a key consideration during these processes.

Modelling and design help to determine the size of pipes, culverts, drains and bridges.

All Activity Management Plans (source documents for the LTP) have as a key driver, the question, “How is climate resilience being considered?” The Northland Regional Council, including the Kaipara District area, funded by our ratepayers, also has considerable climate-related policy and work programmes including modelling of flooding and coastal inundation.

It is important that council has fit-forpurpose infrastructure that can cope with anticipated events. In order for these requirements to be reliably predicted, the veracity of the underlying modelling needs to be robust. In 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change conceded that its RCP8.5 modelling was implausible and its predicted outcomes in terms of temperature increase and sea level rise were exaggerated. However, 18 months later, both national and regional policy settings in New Zealand have still not been changed.

If the metrics for our infrastructure are based on flawed modelling, this will result in unnecessary additional costs to ratepayers through over-engineering. It can also result in unnecessary restrictions being placed on the use of land and the development of businesses.

These are all matters that need to be considered as we plan a safe, functional and affordable future for our ratepayers.

Views expressed in this column are my own and do not necessarily represent a consensus position of Kaipara District Council.

Anyone thinking of holding a community event should check in with Auckland Council to see if it qualifies for a grant in the latest round of regional events funding. Events that showcase the region, build regional pride and identity, inspire a sense of community belonging and stimulate economic activity are eligible. Application must be submitted by Sunday, June 30. For information on events that would qualify and how to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/event-fund

After the flood: A call to identify ‘weak spots’

Amid warnings that extreme weather events are the “new normal”, a Warkworth expert whose field bisects ecology, economics and ethics is stressing the importance of better preparedness, including identifying vulnerabilities in supply chains.

Dr Robert Howell told Mahurangi Matters that while supply chain problems were global and national issues, local communities like Warkworth could and should also pinpoint “weak spots” in supplies of goods and services – things that could fail in future emergencies.

“If there was a repeat of the Auckland floods, what would the emergency management services do differently? Could people in Warkworth be assured that civil defence has started to get its act together? What has been done to assure us that we can have confidence in the system?” he asks.

Howell has an MA in philosophy and a PhD in community health planning and management. He co-founded the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility and is former chair of the NZ think tank, Council for Socially Responsible Investment.

As city manager of Napier in the 1980s, his role included that of civil defence controller. He said he established annual exercises

there that were useful in identifying risks and practicing responses.

After moving to the Mahurangi area about eight years ago, Howell said he got the impression that civil defence in this part of the country was “poorly organised”.

Reviews into the civil defence response to last year’s flooding identified deficiencies in national emergency preparedness. Former police commissioner Mike Bush, who led separate reviews relating to Auckland and Hawkes Bay, found that civil defence was ill-prepared, over-confident and needed an overhaul.

His Auckland review also concluded that senior leaders didn’t grasp the importance of communicating with the public during the crisis.

In a briefing to incoming ministers late last year, officials advised Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell that “severe weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are the new normal”.

“The Ministry of the Environment says we’re going to continue to get extreme weather events, increasing in intensity,” Howell said. “There’s broad scientific agreement about that.”

While government gets its act together, he said, “the question is, what do we do in the

meantime?”

Howell said he raised questions on these issues during a Warkworth Area Liaison Group meeting in April, and from responses received he understood that Auckland has put in some resources to identify risk, especially relating to flooding.

But important questions still remain.

Instead of focusing narrowly on flooding, he said, communities should be looking more broadly at climate change threats, and their impact – both in New Zealand and overseas – including on supply chains.

“How resilient are our companies to ongoing impacts of extreme weather events – overseas and at home?”

In 2019, the Australian Defence Department’s director of preparedness drew up a report in conjunction with 17 engineers from key industries, examining how that country would weather a crisis that severely disrupted global supply chains.

Among the sobering predictions: Australia would, in that scenario, face a shortage of specialist medicines within days, and water treatment plants could run out of imported chemicals crucial for purifying water within one week.

Fuel, food supplies, imported medical

equipment, and spare parts needed by the electricity and telecommunications sectors would also be hit. Job losses, hoarding and social unease were foreseen as likely to occur within one week.

Drawing attention to that war-gaming exercise, Howell said that key industries and services in the Warkworth area should similarly start to identify “weak spots”, such as its reliance on a Transpower substation in Wellsford for power supply.

“In the next decade we can expect three or four – maybe more – serious weather events each year, including one really severe one,” he said. “Those are the type of scenarios we need to face up to.”

Les Miller & Jackie Woolerton - Webster Malcolm Law

Dr Robert Howell wants to know if the lessons of the 2023 floods have been learned.

The aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawkes Bay, February 2023. Photo, Leonie Clough / Unsplash

Board boundaries under spotlight, again

Rodney Local Board is once again looking at where its subdivision boundaries should lie in a bid to give fairer representation to rural residents and ratepayers.

Members already voted to support in principle bringing in new North and South Rural subdivisions at their March meeting, with minor changes to Warkworth, Kumeu and Dairy Flat (MM, Apr 15).

In that scenario, there would be one local board member for North Rural, three for South Rural, two for Warkworth, two for Kumeu and one for Dairy Flat.

However, following concerns over the issue being rushed at the time, Warkworth member Michelle Carmichael asked for another session with Auckland Council principal governance advisor Warwick McNaughton, who is heading up the current representation review.

She said the March decision was more of a starting point and a further workshop was needed to look in more detail at how the population and voting rates were spread.

That was agreed by members and McNaughton attended a board workshop to revisit Rodney issues on Wednesday, May 8.

He once again pointed out that subdivision boundaries needed to be entirely based on population to comply with local government legislation.

Wellsford member Colin Smith said that was why he favoured the option put forward by rural advocacy groups Northern Action Group, Rodney Community Voices and the Landowners and Contractors Association for one large rural subdivision with four members.

“If we have four members for the whole rural area, that’s democracy working,” he said. “The land use has changed and a lot of our rates now are funding stuff in Remuera and all over Auckland, it’s not just going to our community like it used

to. Farmers need to be represented at council and at the moment we’ve got just one (representative).”

Warkworth member Tim Holdgate agreed, saying all rural people should be grouped together and he was unhappy with the potential division caused by the creation of new North and South subdivisions.

Carmichael voiced her concerns that all four rural members could come from the more heavily populated south end of Rodney, leaving inadequate representation in the north.

Guy Wishart asked if there was any way that a North Rural subdivision could have two members instead of one, but McNaughton said because of the sparsity of population in the north, the boundary would have to be dropped down to Helensville for that to work.

He added that there would be several opportunities for the public to submit their views and be heard before the Local Government Commission made any final decisions.

Local board members will decide on their final recommendation at their meeting this Wednesday, May 15.

FOOD RESCUE

How

Our efforts at Rotary Lions Food Rescue have been running now for several years, over which period we have “rescued” over 130 tonnes of food. Much of this has been fresh bread – soon to become stale had we not rescued it. Much has been food close to “best before” so still good for consumption but not so good for putting on the supermarket shelf.

Our ongoing thanks to the local supermarkets, which make such an effort to ensure the food comes to us and not to landfill.

So many families, indeed it seems more and more in these difficult times, struggle to feed themselves. There are multiple families in one home, families with sick members unable to work, one income families with several children and high rents to pay, families with job losses, and so the list goes on.

While the numbers of those needing help is increasing, some of our sources of food are decreasing. Rotary had contacts in Hawkes Bay able to supply pumpkins, but this source has dried up.

On the positive side, a local resident gave us free rein to dig up his potatoes, and sacks of these went to the food banks. A local orchardist supplies apples. We are in touch through Dargaville Rotary Club with a possible source of pumpkin and kumara, which would be a godsend to those we help.

The food we are able to provide goes to food banks and directly to identified groups of people. In short, please consider any source of food you may be aware of which could go to us. We will collect. Money donations are also welcome to enable us to step in with food when supply is not available in times of desperation. One local benevolent individual frequently donates to the cause.

Our efforts do not meet all the need out there – but we do make a difference.

• We are always keen to recruit new volunteers.

• Do you have an orchard or backyard with fruit or vegetables going spare? We have, on occasions, received trailer loads of fruit and vegetables, which we are able to distribute very quickly.

• Perhaps a farm or lifestyle block owner could provide an animal, which would allow us to supply meat for the food bank groups.

Matakana

Colin Smith

Mahurangi Heights 18 Kia Kaha Drive Rodney District

Snells Beach

Stepping up for Skytower Challenge

Volunteer firefighters from around the Mahurangi and Kaipara districts will converge on Auckland this Saturday, May 18, for the annual Skytower Challenge, raising funds to fight Leukaemia and Blood Cancer. The challenge involves the firefighters wearing 25kg of uniform and equipment, and negotiating 51 flights/1103 stairs.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event and around 1000 firefighters are expected to participate on the day. Already the event has raised more than $1.1 million. Warkworth is fielding one of the largest teams, with eight firefighters spending several months preparing for the event. Taking part will be Holly Woodall, John Haurua, Owen Mörning, Quinton Grindle, Simon Manawaiti, Simon Morris, Dan Auber and Bros Ly.

The event is of particular significance to the Warkworth brigade having lost one of their own, Gavin Noyer, to leukaemia in August 2022.

The Warkworth sponsorship site can be found here:

https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/ warkworth-volunteer-fire-brigade

• A team of six will compete from the Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade – Martin Lefley (captain), Campbell Aley, Carmel and Mark Simmonds, Leandro D’Andrea and Malcolm Allen. The Leigh fundraising page can be found at: https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/leighvolunteer-fire-brigade.

• The Wellsford team of five will be led by Trent Jones. The team includes Caleb Gamble, Dani Marshall, Martyn Ecroyd and Mitch Ken; and their fundraising page can be found at: https:// firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/wellsfordvolunteer-fire-brigade

• Puhoi will be represented by Jared Rehm

Dan Auber, left, and Bros Ly are among the eight Warkworth firefighters who will be doing the Skytower Challenge this Saturday, May 18.

(captain), Celeste Koch, Liam Wilson, Malec Odendall, Noe Santiago and Tony Cook. Support them here: https:// firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/puhoivolunteer-fire-brigade

• The Mangawhai team will be led by Michael Hayward, and includes Aiden Cameron, Ben Walker, Graham Kerrigan, Hamish Townshend and Kyle McLeod. Their fundraising page can be found here: https://firefighterschallenge. org.nz/t/mangawhai-volunteer-firebrigade

• Lish Reynolds will lead the Kaiwaka Volunteer Fire Brigade team, alongside teammates Keith Mills, Kraig Steiner, Richard Godsmith and Tim Brown. To donate go to: https://firefighterschallenge. org.nz/t/kaiwaka-volunteer-fire-brigade

• Maungaturoto firefighter Glen Orford’s fundraising page can be found here: https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/ maungaturoto-volunteer-fire-brigade

Also participating will be Matakana firefighter Ben Pringle.

Kowhai Coast Dental

People should limit their intake of fizzy drinks and ensure teeth are brushed twice a day – for at least two minutes – morning and night.

That’s the advice from Mahurangi dentists, Yogi Singh and Les Chan, who recently opened Kowhai Coast Dental in Warkworth.

The new practice has a strong family friendly focus, offering unhurried consultations and utilising modern equipment to give patients the best treatment plans possible.

“There are always options,” Les says, adding that regular visits to the dentist will always mean a patient will have better dental outcomes.

“Seeing a patient regularly – say every six to 12 months – means that we can monitor any risk factors and take steps before issues get complicated and expensive.”

The practice has invested in modern equipment that can identify issues with more precision, and aid in fast and effective treatment.

This includes a panoramic x-ray machine that gives both 2D and 3D pictures of teeth, bone and roots. Yogi says this is particularly useful when surgery is required or for complex root canals.

He says one piece of equipment, the CEREC®, provides more opportunities to save and rebuild teeth faster and more efficiently.

CEREC® can be used to fabricate crowns, inlays and onlays, fixed bridges, veneers, implant-crowns.

“Treatments that were once done in stages over weeks can now be done in a few hours,” Les says.

Dentists Les Chan (left) and Yogi Singh.

Rodney community planting days coming soon

Winter is just around the corner and with it comes a plea for locals to help plant thousands of native plants in parks across the Rodney Local Board area.

Board chair Brent Bailey says volunteers are gearing up to plant over 10,000 shrubs and trees in 21 local parks and sites over the next four months.

“The winter season is ideal for planting, and our council parks’ staff and volunteers are geared up for the challenge.

“Many hands make light work and that’s especially true when it comes to planting out large areas of our parks in a very short time. Getting that extra help can make all the difference.

“Planting days are such a fun activity for families and a very special way of giving back to our community.”

Planting areas and planting dates are:

• Helensville River Walkway – 16 May, 9am, meet at 106 Commercial Road, Helensville.

• Te Whau Walkway – 19 May, 10am at site 5a and 25 May, 10am at site 7, meet at end of Dawson Road, Snells Beach.

• Matheson Bay – 8 June, 10am, meet at Grand View Road car park.

• Jamieson Bay Esplanade Reserve – 9 June, time to be confirmed, meet at the council car park.

• Goodall Reserve – 13 June, 9.30am, meet at end of Hamatana Road, Snells Beach.

• Wellsford – 16 June, 10am, meet at 30 Worker Road, Wellsford.

• Rotary Grove – 9 July, 9.30am, meet corner of Shoesmith and Mahurangi Street.

• Sesquicentennial Walkway – 14 July, 9.30am, meet next to Bridgehouse, Elizabeth Street, Warkworth.

• Puhoi River – 21 July, 10am, meet at Domain Road car park.

• Omaha/ Mangatawhiri – 21 July, time to be confirmed, meet at 198 Mangatawhiri Road.

• Glen Eden Riparian FOAM – 28 July, time to be confirmed, meet at 607 Matakana Road, private access.

• Whisper Cove – 11 August, 10am, meet end of Kokihi Lane, Snells Beach.

Bayley says that students are leading the way with over 30 per cent of planting events involving schools.

“Students are eager to help out and many have signed up to plant trees in parks near their schools.”

Other planting areas across Rodney, including school planting sites, are Cabeleigh Drive Reserve, Goodall Reserve, Kowhai Park, Kumeū River, Matheson Bay, Rautawhiri Park, Te Whau Walkway and Warkworth Showgrounds.

Bayley say, “All it takes is a few hours of hard work and effort to make a lasting contribution to your local park.”

Some planting sites, dates and times are still being confirmed. Every effort is made to ensure planting event information is correct.

For the most up to date information and before attending an event, check facebook.com/aucklandparks.

Less

Renovating and looking for something special?

DIYers in Warkworth and surrounds have a new one-stop-shop to find the perfect materials at affordable prices.

Less. Waste Warkworth (Less), which operates the newly upgraded community recycling centre (CRC) at Lawrie Road, Snells Beach is adding resource recovery for construction and demolition waste to its list of recycling and reuse services.

The newly upgraded CRC had its official opening on Earth Day, Monday 22 April. Earth Day is an international day to raise awareness for environmental protection, a cause in keeping with the philosophy of the CRC.

Less Manager Mark Gane says the three-level site caters for the whole community having grown from a convenient recycling drop-off point into a resource recovery site with multiple services.

“Our newly built reuse shop stocks a wide range of household items and has a special area for construction and building materials, perfect for anyone wanting to renovate without blowing the budget.

“With a lot of material salvaged from older buildings, you may even find special items or styles that are out of production. And if you’re renovating or decluttering, give us a call as we have a collection service for materials and household items that can be reused.

“We have also created a new education hub for children of all ages to learn how to reduce waste, reuse valuable resources and protect our environment.”

Residents can continue to drop off reusable and recyclable items at the Lawrie Road CRC and can now browse the shop for bargains or learn more about waste minimisation.

The top level is used for compost, and it has room to expand into other services.

Less. Waste Warkworth, 55 Lawrie Road, Snells Beach www.less.org.nz

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

waste and more resources for DIYers

The newly built reuse shop stocks a wide range of household items and has a special area for construction and building materials.

Volunteers are gearing up to plant over 10,000 shrubs and trees over four months.

Working with Matakana waterways

Floods and the effects on land, waterways and property are the driving forces behind a seminar for farmers, horticulturalists and lifestyle block owners in and around Matakana, which will be held next month.

Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FOAM) and Auckland Council want people to share ideas about creating more flood resilient land and improving the water quality of streams and rivers.

FOAM spokesperson Martin Evans says river monitoring is in place and participants will be shown the information collected to date about storms and their impact.

“There are records of storm peaks throughout the last 45 years and in comparison, the January 2023 event was not bad,” Evans says. “Based on the records, there will be worse, so we need to prepare.”

Stream management, good and bad, has an impact on farmers, businesses and communities downstream, and the seminar is a time for people to discuss issues of mutual concerns.

“It is an opportunity to develop a catchment-wide approach that mitigates flood risk for everyone.”

Danny Klimetz, a geomorphologist and stream restoration and environmental research scientist, will talk about natural waterway behaviour, how it affects rivers and streams, and what catchment-wide actions can be implemented to retain land and minimise property loss and damage.

Understanding what determines good or bad logs in a waterway will be covered, with a focus on what should be considered when clearing debris dams.

There will also be an onsite visit for field assessments of stream stages.

The free event will be held in the Meeting Room, Matakana Hall, 43 Matakana Valley Road, on Friday June 7, from 9.30am to 3pm.

There are limited seats and registration is essential. To book, email: foamfacilitator@ gmail.com

The seminar will look at catchment-wide actions that landholders can take to minimise the damage from future storms.

New dwelling consents drop sharply

The number of new homes consented across New Zealand in the year ended March 2024 dropped by 25 percent compared with the year ended March 2023 – 35,236 compared to 46,925.

Figures released by Stats NZ last week showed that all regions consented fewer new homes.

In Auckland’s Rodney district, new dwellings consented in the 12-month period were down 33.6 percent from the previous year (878 compared to 1323), while in Kaipara district the drop was even bigger, at 40.7 percent (96 compared to 162).

The figures relate to consents for new houses, apartments, retirement village units, townhouses, flats and units.

“The annual number of new homes consented has continued to decrease from its peak of 51,015 in the year ended May 2022,” construction and property statistics manager Michael Heslop said.

Nationwide, the number of consents for townhouses, flats and units were down 18 percent compared with the year ended March 2023. For apartments they were down 48 percent, and for retirement village units down 48 percent.

The number of new dwellings consented per 1000 residents in the year ended March

New home consents: Rodney down 33.6 percent, Kaipara 40.7 percent 2024 was 6.7, compared with 9.1 in the previous year.

Going back in the records, the highest number of new dwellings consented per 1000 residents was 13.4, in the year ended December 1973.

Building and construction Minister Chris Penk announced early this month that the government was making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent, and that unclear and inflexible regulations were adding unnecessary time and delays to the build process.

As an example, he said, “Kiwis who need to swap out comparable building products

in the event of a shortage must submit a completely new building consent or wait until that specific product becomes available, adding delays and costs onto the build.”

The government was therefore clarifying the definition of a ‘minor variation’ and introducing ‘minor customisations’ to the Building Act, Penk said, adding that this would provide more flexibility, help reduce delays and lower building costs.

“Building consent authorities will still need to assess building work to ensure it complies with the Building Code, but Kiwis won’t need to submit a new consent for minor product or design changes.”

No more names or paper slips for library pick-ups

Readers going to pick up pre-ordered books from local libraries will need to get used to a new system from the end of the month.

The current paper slips bearing people’s names and placed inside each requested title are being phased out in favour of an anonymous, paperless pick-up regime.

Starting Tuesday, May 28, all pre-ordered books and other items will still be in the same pick-up area, but on numbered shelves instead of in named alphabetical order.

Auckland Libraries says anyone who orders a book will receive an email letting them know it’s ready to be picked up and which numbered shelf it will be on, information that will also be available on the Auckland Libraries app.

A spokesperson says the only real change people will notice is if they want more than one item, they may need to be collected from more than one shelf, but the benefits will outweigh any minor inconvenience.

“We’re introducing an innovative technology that will automate some of the manual tasks involved in moving and managing our collections around our libraries,” they say. “We value customers’ privacy, and moving to an anonymised system will mean names will no longer be visible on a paper slip in a public space in the library. “In addition, by removing the paper slips, we’ll be playing our part to reduce the amount of paper waste and our environmental impact.”

Any library items on hold shelves before

May 28 will still be arranged alphabetically by surname until they are picked up or expire. Items placed on the hold shelves on or after May 28 will be placed on the new, numbered shelves.

“We understand that learning this new system may take time to get used to, especially for those who have used our current library holds system for a long time,” the spokesperson added.

“Please be reassured that our staff will be available to help if you need support or don’t have access to a personal device. We ask you to be kind to our staff and patient while we all adapt to this new system.”

Info: https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt. nz/Pages/holds-pick-up-change.aspx

In brief

Emergency planning day

Effective planning for emergencies and natural disasters is being tackled at a community event being organised by the Araparera Community Catchment Group on Sunday, May 19. The recently formed group is joining forces with Rodney Neighbourhood Support to run the event at the Ahuroa Fire Station between 1pm and 3.30pm. Information about emergency resources and support available will be provided, as well as a free barbecue lunch. Organisers say that in the wake of the 2023 floods and storms, it is important for the community to know what to do for their families, livestock, property and neighbours, if and when disaster strikes.

Harbour hui

A community hui will be held at the Goat Island Discovery Centre this Wednesday, May 15, to talk about ways to monitor and manage environmental changes in the Whangateau Harbour. Sustainable Seas has pulled together a toolbox of possible approaches based on its meeting with Whangateau Harbourcare members last year, and other community and iwi engagement. The project team will present and discuss a tailored toolkit and answer questions. Anyone with an interest in the Whangateau Harbour is welcome to attend. The hui starts at 5.30pm.

Light volunteer duties

Organisers of the popular Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights are looking for volunteers to help out at this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, July 6. An information evening is being held for anyone interested this coming Wednesday, May 15, in the upstairs room at Warkworth Town Hall at 6.30pm. Organiser Murray Chapman said without volunteers, the community event wouldn’t happen. “We are seeking volunteers that are keen to help out for a few hours, across our activities on the day,” he says. Info: https://www. facebook.com/mahulightfestival

Nutrition

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

More than nutrition

In our pursuit of health and wellbeing, the role of nutrition often takes centre stage. While a balanced diet is undeniably important, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Good health encompasses a number of factors beyond nutrition, including physical activity, mental health, sleep, and social connections.

One common misconception with nutrition is the idea that “food is medicine”. While it is true that food can support our health and that certain foods contain healing properties, it is important to recognise the limitations of this concept. Food cannot cure all ailments, nor can it replace the need for medical treatment when necessary. While a healthy diet can certainly contribute to overall wellbeing, it is not a panacea for all health issues.

One of the pillars of good health is physical activity. Regular exercise strengthens our muscles and bones, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts our mood. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a game of tennis, find what you enjoy doing. Research shows time and again, that staying active is essential for overall health and guidelines are a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week – around 20 minutes a day. Equally important is mental wellbeing. Stress, anxiety and depression can take a toll on both our physical and mental health. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress such as meditation, mindfulness or talking to a counsellor, can greatly improve

our overall wellbeing.

An often overlooked aspect of good health is sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for our bodies to repair and regenerate. Poor sleep can lead to a host of health problems, including impaired cognitive function and a weakened immune system. Developing good sleep habits such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can significantly improve our sleep quality.

Social connections are also a vital component of good health. We humans are social creatures, and having strong social ties can have a profound impact on our health and longevity. Research shows that people with strong social support networks tend to live longer, healthier lives. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family or participating in group activities, nurturing our social connections is crucial for our wellbeing.

In addition to these factors, environmental issues also play a role in our health. Exposure to pollution, toxins and other environmental hazards can have a negative impact on our health. Taking steps to minimise our exposure to pollutants, such as using air purifiers and avoiding smoking, can help protect our health.

Good health is about more than just good nutrition, it encompasses a wide range of factors. By paying attention to all aspects of our health and making positive lifestyle choices, we can support our overall wellbeing and live healthier, happier lives.

Prizes galore at Pink Ribbon brunch

A pink food processor, handbags, hats and a signed photo of Hilary Barry are among a raft of raffle prizes and auction items that can be won at a Pink Ribbon Brunch being held at the old Warkworth Masonic Hall in Baxter Street on Thursday, May 23. The event kicks off at 10.30am with music from The Mob, after which brunch will be served and a morning of entertainment MCd by Warkworth Lions’ Peter Henderson.

Guest speakers will be Leigh Library volunteer librarian and former Matakana bookshop owner Tracey Lawton and her husband Kevin, Leigh’s chief fire officer, who will talk about their journey from

when she was diagnosed with breast cancer some years ago.

There will also be raffles, an auction and spot prizes for best dressed guests.

One of the organisers, senior community engagement library assistant Katie Mitchell, says there has been a wonderful response from local businesses.

“I really want to acknowledge the support we are getting from Andrea Hinchco, Pat Habrle, Diane Bevan and the wonderful Pink Ladies that are Kowhai Lions. Without their support, our librarian Ali and I would not have been able to organise this event.”

Tickets cost $20, cash only, from Warkworth Library.

Family Support | Youth Counselling | Chrysalis children’s Programme | Help Desk | Courses

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

The Forest Bridge Trust

Nikki Morgan, Marketing and Comms www.theforestbridgetrust.org.nz

Dog avoidance training

Dogs, whether they are family pets or work companions, play a significant role in our lives. With the expansion of subdivisions in our area, the presence of dogs in our community is increasing. At The Forest Bridge Trust, we ask all dog owners to be mindful of the rich native wildlife in our area, including a growing population of kiwi at places such as Tamahunga, Tāwharanui and Mataia.

We urge dog owners to avoid taking their dogs into known kiwi zones whenever possible. Keeping dogs under control and on leashes, especially at night, can significantly reduce the risk of encounters between dogs and kiwi. Another measure is to enrol your dog for kiwi dog avoidance training.

Established in 1996, kiwi avoidance training is a collaborative effort coordinated by Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. It teaches dogs the skills to avoid and steer clear of kiwi habitats, aimed at reducing the risk harm to these vulnerable birds.

Local kiwi are expanding their territories beyond their protected hubs to places where they may encounter dogs. The consequences of these encounters can be devastating. Kiwi are vulnerable due to their lack of wings and ability to fly. They also don’t have breastplates and chest muscles to protect their internal organs like other birds do. The death of a kiwi by a dog may occur from crushing, causing internal bleeding, rather than visible injuries from mauling or deep bites.

The Forest Bridge Trust recognised the need for a dedicated kiwi avoidance dog trainer and Steve Rigby, from our predator control team, was keen to take on the challenge. Steve’s journey to becoming a certified kiwi avoidance dog trainer was no small feat. After attending a Save the Kiwi

Scan the QR code to learn more about kiwi dog avoidance training and book a training session.

hui and completing the kiwi avoidance dog training modules, he shadowed a qualified trainer several times before passing his final assessment with flying colours. Equipped with the necessary skills and expertise, he ran his first training session at Matakana Pony Club last month, which attracted 15 dogs and their owners. Since then, demand for the training sessions has grown. During the training, which lasts just 15 minutes, Steve guides the dogs and their owners through a pre-set course where a kiwi decoy laced with the pungent scent of kiwi is strategically placed. If a dog shows interest in the decoy, Steve administers a light correction via an E-collar. Remarkably, one correction is often all it takes, with most dogs giving the decoy a wide berth on their second trip through the course. Steve recommends a refresher session every six to 12 months to ensure continued avoidance. By raising awareness and implementing proactive measures, we can help mitigate the risks. However, it’s important to note that even trained dogs are not “kiwi safe” – all dogs should be kept out of kiwi areas to prevent potential harm. Through responsible pet ownership, we can all help ensure the survival and wellbeing of kiwi for generations to come.

Helpful links:

• Save the Kiwi https://savethekiwi.nz

• DOC https://www.doc.govt.nz

• Kiwi Dog Avoidance Training https://www.kiwiavoidancetraining.nz

Pete Sharp Raoul Robertson

Fabric rescue returns to Matakana

Calling all creative crafters and supersewers – it’s nearly time for the fourth annual Fabric Rescue Market at Matakana Hall.

This year’s massive material sale takes place on Sunday, June 9 from 10am to 2pm and organisers are currently collecting donations of all sorts of unwanted fabric and haberdashery items from throughout the district.

The fabric rescue market was founded during lockdown in 2020 by Sue Monk, who was thinking about how waste fabric could be saved from landfill and redistributed in the community “where it could be upcycled into all kinds of amazing things, from clothing to crafting to upholstering to quilting, and anything else you can think of”.

The idea quickly took off and now many volunteers help with collecting, sorting, labelling and packing the thousands of metres of fabric and hundreds of sewing accessories donated every year.

Donations range from one-metre remnants up to whole bolts of fabric, or even entire sewing rooms full of material and craft items, together with wool, thread, needles, pins, patterns, zips, buttons, batting and more.

Organisers say all donations are handled with respect and it is a privilege to save

them from landfill and give them new life. Items are not priced – instead, fabric fans are asked to make a donation at the door, with proceeds used by the fabric rescue community to run classes, workshops and other sewing projects designed to share knowledge and keep sewing and related crafts alive and thriving.

Donations, which must be clean, undamaged and, if fabric, at least onemetre long, for this year’s market can be left at the following venues:

Warkworth – Warkworth Library; Coquette Street – contact Julie Tuck on 027 570 8151 for address.

Matakana – Matakana Cinemas foyer; Charlies Gelato Garden, Sharp Road. Point Wells – Point Wells Hall.

Omaha – Omaha Beach Golf Club & Community Centre.

Leigh – back of Leigh Hall, Cumberland Street, Mondays and Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Wellsford – Wellsford Library. Snells Beach – The Food Market.

Sandspit – Beach Road – contact Sally Smith on 021 425 407 for address.

Info: Email fabricrescuemk@gmail.com or fabricrescuesewing@gmail.com, text Julie on 027 570 8151 or Sally 021 425 407 or Fabric Rescue on Facebook

Working with our waterways

Farmers, horticulturalists, and lifestyle block owners – share your ideas about creating more flood resilient land and improving the water quality of the streams and rivers.

Find out more about our river catchments and discuss the impact of stream management, good and bad, on farmers, businesses, and communities downstream.

Topics covered:

• Our catchment and our storm frequency.

• Natural waterway processes.

• How rivers and streams respond to flooding and long-term changes in flows.

• Stages of waterway channel formation and what to consider on your property.

• Reducing flood and channel instability risks in your reach of stream and for your neighbours.

Network with others to be better prepared for large storm events.

Presenter, Danny Klimetz – geomorphologist, and stream restoration and environmental research scientist. Clearing debris dams and what landowners should consider.

Onsite assessment of stream stages and management.

Light lunch provided.

WHEN: 9.30am-3pm, Friday 7 June 2024

WHERE: The Meeting Room, Matakana Hall, 43 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana

Book you spot, now!

Limited spaces and registration essential.

RSVP: foamfacilitator@gmail.com

More information at www.awamatakanakana.home.blog

The annual rescue market has quickly grown into a treasure trove for fabric fans.

Cuisine

Lauraine Jacobs www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Gentle autumn stews

The thrill of a gentle stew simmering away on the stovetop, with sweet and savoury aromas wafting around the kitchen, is one of the joys of cooking as the cooler weather sets in. The vegetables of the late summer harvest have some of the best flavours of the year, as growth has slowed down with the last of the sun ripening them at a pace that’s far easier to keep up with than the prolific crops grown in the heat of February and March.

I am writing this after picking some of the final crop of tomatoes in my garden and observing that I may have only a couple of weeks left for fresh basil until the plant gives up to the cold. Good things always come to an end, but even though I am always writing in praise of eating seasonally, we have a whole army of food producers out there growing crops under glass, and even heating their hydroponic sheds, so we can enjoy fresh produce year-round. But I will miss the summery flavours and will be shopping carefully so that I don’t pay horrendous prices that are sometimes attached to out of season vegies.

Recently, in the NZ Cheese Awards, local producer Massimo’s of Silverdale won medals for his freshly made cheeses. As an Italian, he loves authentic mozzarella cheese – not the grated yellow stuff that is sold in handy plastic packs in the supermarket for topping kid’s pizzas. Real mozzarella is freshly made, comes in a large white ball and is presented in a plastic pottle of liquid to keep it as moist as it should be. It also can be marketed in smaller balls when it is known is bocconcini. Keep it refrigerated, tipping the liquid away and use it any recipe that calls for mozzarella and you won’t believe the difference or, hopefully, ever return to that artificial yellow cheese. Massimo has begun producing burrata cheese on a commercial scale. Almost all his stock was snapped up by good Italian chefs and top restaurants. Now we can buy it in some supermarkets and local stores. Burrata is a version of mozzarella that has an almost liquid creamy centre, which oozes out when you cut into it. I loved it in summer in the centre of a fresh tomato and basil salad, with olive oil drizzled over, but now I am very happy to plonk it in the middle of a vegetable stew and make it into a complete meal. This recipe will only be a true success if you take time to ensure the aubergine is cooked through. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegetable stews. You can add chunks of pumpkin, potato, carrot or kumara, but make sure they’re cooked until soft. Even a few green vegetables like a handful of spinach or green beans can add to the colour.

4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 medium aubergine, cut into

6cm chunks

2 red capsicums, sliced

1 large onion, finely sliced

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1 can chopped tomatoes in juice

1 teaspoon salt

small pinch sugar

10cm strip lemon rind

2 fresh bay leaves

½ cup water

Handful of fresh basil leaves

1 burrata cheese, drained

Heat the olive oil in a heavy frying pan until medium hot. Add the aubergines chunks and sauté until golden, turning frequently. Remove the aubergines to drain on paper towels. Add more olive oil to the pan if necessary and add the sliced peppers and onions with the whole garlic cloves. Cook gently over a very low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture softens. Add the canned tomatoes, salt, sugar, lemon rind. Return the aubergines to the mixture with the water. Simmer together for 15 minutes until soft and aromatic, checking it cooks on a slow heat so that it doesn’t catch on the bottom. Add extra water if you need to.

To serve, turn the mixture out onto a serving bowl and add the drained ball of burrata and strew the basil leaves over the top and some extra olive oil if you wish.

Serves 4

Aubergine, peppers, onion and tomato stew with burrata and basil

Musical virtuosity on show

Music lovers will hear chamber music masterpieces alongside the best of New Zealand composers when the Jade String Quartet performs at the Warkworth Town Hall this weekend.

Since forming in 2003, Jade has recorded three albums of New Zealand music and performed nationally.

The group is recognised as one of New Zealand’s most established ensembles delivering exhilarating performances with musical artistry. All four members are highly accomplished players in Auckland’s Philharmonia Orchestra, and make an ideal chamber music combination. They play the best and latest of New Zealand’s compositions, as well as a selection of music from the world’s master composers.

The Warkworth Music performance will open with Mozart’s String Quartet in B flat major, K.589, one of the Prussian Quartets, which reveals the depth and complexity of Mozart’s musical imagination.

This will be followed by Robert Schumann’s vibrant and engaging String Quartet in A

minor, opus 41 no.1.

The concert will also include the world premiere of NZ composer Janet Jennings’

The Lost Birds of Aotearoa, a lament for New Zealand’s extinct birds and a wakeup call to protect more than 70 other species that are currently threatened or endangered.

Members of the Auckland-based quartet are Miranda Adams (violin), who has played with the NZ Symphony Orchestra and is currently assistant concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra; Robert Ashworth (viola), who has played with orchestras in NZ, Australia and Canada; Charmian Keay (violin), who is currently leader of the Auckland String Group; and James Yoo (cello), who teaches cello and chamber music at the University of Auckland.

The concert will be held in the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday May 18, starting at 4pm. Tickets $40 (non-members), $30 (members), $10 tertiary students and school students free.

Classic magical fundraiser

The Glass Ceiling Arts Collective Rodney (Warkworth) is inviting the public to join it for a screening of the timeless classic Mary Poppins at Matakana Cinemas on Sunday, May 19, at 2.30pm.

The afternoon screening is a fundraiser for the upcoming production of Mary Poppins JR, which will be on stage at the Warkworth Town Hall from May 24 to 26.

Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is a charity that gives young people with disabilities

Tickets

Members $30

Non-members $40

Tertiary students $10

School-age

the opportunity to enjoy performing arts alongside their non-disabled peers.

An organiser says it will be an evening of laughter, music and nostalgia, all for a wonderful cause.

There will be four performances of Mary Poppins JR at the town hall, presented by a new generation of young kiwi performers. For show times and bookings, go to: https:// www.glassceilingartscollective.com/events/ mary-poppins-jr-in-warkworth-in-may

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).

18 May, 4pm Warkworth Town Hall

May - 3 June

The Jade String Quartet will present some of New Zealand’s latest musical compositions.

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History

Rose Reid, Albertland Museum

www.albertland.co.nz

Arch of Remembrance forgotten

In the solemn stillness of this year’s Anzac Service, held at Wellsford’s Memorial Gates, a diverse assembly of young and old braved the crisp, wintry dawn to honour our brave soldiers. Amidst the solemnity, my own thoughts were drawn to a memory – a photograph taken at the grand inauguration of the original Wellsford Memorial Gates, known then as the Arch of Remembrance, back in 1937.

In that distant era, the arch stood tall and proud, its stature commanding respect and remembrance. Now, amidst the echoes of history, I found myself contemplating the fate that befell our beloved arch. What forces conspired to reduce this symbol of sacrifice to a mere fragment of what it once was? What untold tales lie within its weathered stones, murmuring of days long gone and the valor of those who once marched beneath its shadow?

In December 1935, the Wellsford War Memorial Committee began their mission to honour the fallen, rallying locals to donate livestock – cattle and pigs – which were sold at the nearby saleyards. By August the following year, the committee was granted permission from the Wellsford Agricultural and Pastoral Society to build the arch at the showgrounds entrance.

As the project progressed and earthworks shaped the land, excitement rose culminating in a bustling working bee to pave the entranceway with metal in readiness for the unveiling and Anzac Day service on Sunday, 25 April, 1937.

In the presence of 70 members of the Rodney Returned Soldiers Association, J. G. Coates, Member of Parliament for Kaipara, commended the committee and

What do you think?

the people of Wellsford for their enduring tribute. He emphasised that their efforts served as a timeless reminder that the fallen heroes of the Great War would never be forgotten. The Memorial Committee chairman, R. H. Culpan, also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the construction of the arch, hoping also that it would be an everlasting monument, and a record to future generations of the sacrifice of those who died.

For two decades, returned soldiers and their families gathered at the arch to pay homage to the fallen until in 1957, the monument’s foundation, crafted from the finest blue stone sourced from an Auckland quarry, began to sink and lean toward the roadway, due to lack of reinforcement. Faced with no other option, a working bee was organised and the gates were dismantled under the direction of Rodney County Council engineer H. W. Elliffe. The estimated £200 needed for reconstruction posed a challenge. Despite having £80 on hand, the War Memorial Committee vowed to secure the remaining £70, with council also pledging to seek a £50 grant for the endeavour. By 1958, the memorial was reconstructed in a different location, but without the iconic arch, marking a significant transformation in its legacy.

In 2013, many of our community were present at the unveiling of our new Wellsford Memorial Library located in Memorial Park. As part of the library project, changes to the entranceway saw the memorial moved once again to its present location and the construction of two smaller pillars, made from the original blue stone.

Do these two pillars adequately pay tribute to the brave men who fought and sacrificed for our country, or is it time to restore this memorial to its former grandeur, ensuring their sacrifice is properly commemorated?

NZ Post is asking the public to vote for one of 13 charities to receive free domestic courier services as part of its annual Delivering for Good programme. The groups have already won one fee-free year, but the winner of the People’s Choice vote will receive a second year of money-saving deliveries. NZ Post says more than 87,000 parcels have been sent by Delivering for Good winners in the past. This year’s winners are Blue Light Ventures, Abilities Group, Southern Cochlear Implant Programme, Blind Low Vision NZ, The Nest Collective, Dignity NZ, Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ, Foster Hope, NZ Land Search & Rescue, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, Anxiety NZ Trust, Live for More and The Mental Health Foundation of NZ. Voting is open until Sunday, May 19. Info and voting forms: https://deliveringforgood.nzpost.co.nz/

Book Reviews

Oscar Piastri: The Rookie by Andrew Van Leeuwen

The deafening engine roar, tension-filled passes and incomprehensible speed is the world of Formula One. I was lucky enough to have this unforgettable experience at the Melbourne Grand Prix in my teens and for years, my family would set our alarms for the middle of the night, get up and put on our respective team shirts, and watch F1 wherever it was in the world. After the race, we would return to bed either elated or mad at the world. But that was many years ago.

I was only a few pages into this book when I felt myself being pulled back into the Formula One world. Andrew Van Leeuwen has been a motorsport journalist for nearly two decades and knows the sport inside-out. He follows promising young Australian driver Oscar Piastri’s racing career to date, mainly focusing on his 2023 debut Formula One season with McLaren. Vivid accounts of each race kept me hooked, while some of the history and stories from each track had me laughing out loud. The infamous Alpine tweet and other behind-the-scenes politics add just the right amount of spice.

Oscar Piastri seems to have all the makings of a legend and is extremely likable to boot. I may not have started setting my alarm for midnight again, but suddenly my internet searches for F1 results are rather high. I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in motorsport. Reviewed by Abby Soffe

Breaking Silence By Linda Castillo

Castillo is a prize-winning American author well known for her crime thrillers featuring Police Chief Kate Burkholder. Burkholder was brought up Amish so it seems a no-brainer to get her to investigate a local hate crime against an elderly woman’s farm animals, and what appears to be a tragic accident. Are they separate, or related events?

The incidents ramp up, local Amish close ranks, and Burkholder is getting nowhere.

She also realises the three adults found in the farm manure pit are a wife, her husband and his brother. Four children are left orphans, with no Amish relatives. What will become of them?

It becomes apparent it wasn’t just a tragic accident that killed the youngster’s family, so what was the cause? Perhaps the mother was trying to save her husband who’d fallen in, or was it something much more sinister? Was it possibly even murder?

What follows is a gripping tale of fast-moving police work to get to the bottom of these events. There are many twists and turns, and the ending is both shocking and distressing, and puts paid to any thoughts the reader may have had about the Amish all being model, God-fearing citizens. Reviewed by Barbara Leslie

Offering a prime, unencumbered, freehold

at the heart of Wellsford. Its elevated

Open day for bay restoration plan

A new conservation project to restore the marine ecosystem at Matheson Bay, or Te Kohuroa, will be the subject of a community consultation day at Leigh Hall on Saturday, May 25.

Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative was set up by underwater photographer and Leigh local Frances Dickinson in a bid to help the popular bay, beach and surrounding area cope with increasing pressures from human activity and climate change, such as pollution and sediment build-up.

The aim is to work together with local iwi, organisations, businesses and individuals to find a way to restore the environment using a ground-up, holistic approach.

The community consultation day will include short presentations from some of the initiative’s experts and founders on the project’s goals, a Q&A session and a workshop session to get community feedback on the work needed and how it can best be done.

There will also be a project display, and local conservation groups and other stakeholders involved with the initiative will be present.

Speakers will include Auckland University marine research scientist Dr Kelsey Miller, Helayna Tane of the Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust and Dickinson herself.

“We want people to come along and have their say on the proposed plans for Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay and share their views about the future changes they’d like to see in and around the moana,” she said.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in having a say about the future outcomes for Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay to come along and input on the planning.”

The free event will run from 11am to 2pm and light lunch is included. Please register for catering purposes at the link below. Info and registration: https://tekohuroarewilding.org/

overlooks the

SH 1 & SH 16

with Caltex and McDonalds. The 2011 steel portal and tilt slab warehouse and the original office building have a secure seismic rating of 85%NBS. Since the vendors’ purchase in 1991, the property has been a Farm Supply Centre and is currently tenanted by PGG Wrightson's Real Estate office & Farm Supplies warehouse.

All in all, providing for a well maintained, secure investment. Contact us today for more information and to secure this great opportunity!

(unless

prior) Friday 31st May 2024 at 2.00pm View By Appointment naiharcourts.co.nz/WR45548

Peter Peeters M 027 487 6349 peter.peeters@naiharcourts.co.nz

Dan Lemkus M 022 525 9220 dan.lemkus@naiharcourts.co.nz

Paul van den Berg M 021 183 5165 paul.vandenberg@naiharcourts.co.nz

Speakers include, from left, Dr Kelsey Miller, Helayna Tane, and Frances Dickinson.

Commercial comings and goings around Warkworth

The New Zealand commercial property market has been on the back foot over the last couple of years as investors grapple with high inflation and interest rates, increased operating expenses and subdued rental growth. Winter is also typically characterised by a cooling property market.

Despite this, there are glimmers of optimism and opportunity in Warkworth and surrounding areas, where a range of commercial offerings – from established character sites to brand new developments and well-located bare land – is available to investors and owner operators alike. A brief selection follows.

The Grange

Two properties in The Grange are up for auction, presenting potential buyers with a choice of a fully leased investment eight years into a 20-year lease, or premises currently leased on a month-bymonth basis, suitable for a wide range of professional users.

The 830 sqm property at 8 Fairwater Road has housed the Educare childcare centre since 2016, and brings in net rental income of just under $221,000 a year, plus GST, with annual fixed rent reviews.

With 12 years of the lease to run, and fixed annual rental growth of three percent, it’s described by Bayleys Ōrewa salesperson Kate Kirby as a solid bottom draw investment opportunity.

Nearby, 3/6 Fairwater Road is a 389.2 sqm freehold unit, currently leased

REST ASSURED

to Warkworth Performing Arts on a monthly basis. Boasting good natural light throughout, it would be an ideal site for owner occupiers to operate their business, or as a passive investment, she says.

Both properties were listed on April 24 and will be auctioned on June 5. The vendors are a family trust that is winding down, and so wants the properties sold.

The Grange is centrally located off Old State Highway 1, a short drive from Warkworth Town Centre. It enjoys plentiful off-road parking, and close proximity to established major tenants including BP and McDonald’s.

Wharf Street

Also on the market and being advertised by negotiation is 2-6 Wharf Street in the heart of Warkworth, comprising three commercial spaces downstairs and

a residential apartment and office space upstairs, over around 340 sqm of floor area.

The property, which was built in the 1980s, enjoys striking views overlooking the river and wharf – including from the balcony of the two-bedroom apartment.

Premium Real Estate Matakana Coast and Omaha agent Gail Van Reemst says it would be attractive to investors, but is also unique in that it offers potential as a home and income opportunity.

The three spaces downstairs are leased to Bam Boo restaurant, Hush Hair, and coffee shop Mr Grind Espresso, and the upstairs apartment is let. The upstairs office space is vacant, but the owners would consider negotiating a sale and leaseback option, with a guaranteed rental, to the right buyer. Van Reemst says that several interested continued next page

The centrally-located 2-6 Wharf Street property was built in the 1980s.

The unit at 3/6 Fairwater Road would suit a wide range of professional users.

The Educare early childhood education centre leases the 830 sqm property at 8 Fairwater Road in The Grange.

The upstairs apartment at 2-6 Wharf Street enjoys views of the river and wharf.

from previous page

parties are currently conducting due diligence – “so watch this space”.

Queen Street

Right across the road on a strategic corner site, 10 Queen Street offers investors a rare opportunity to secure a piece of Warkworth’s history.

The landmark 165 sqm building on a 253 sqm freehold title was where Stubbs Family Butcher was established in 1922, operating for the next 77 years. Since 2014, it has housed Warkworth Butchery, a multiple award-winning business, which Bayleys in the North agent Chris Blair says has benefited from the property’s iconic status and design in its prime location.

Blair describes the property as a longterm investment opportunity in a tightlyheld commercial market. He says the expectation is that Warkworth Butchery

will remain there for a long time to come –a position which owner Rob Lees reaffirms.

The Workshops Matakana

Selling well in Matakana are the units in the development under construction on Matakana Valley Road known as The Workshops.

The freehold strata title units, more than 60 percent of which have been presold, offer owner occupiers and investors a range of potential uses, including light industry, manufacturing, e-commerce, storage, distribution, trade showrooms and retail.

“It’s a great, high-quality development, very much in keeping with the look and feel of Matakana village,” Blair says.

The units come in various sizes and shapes. Various features available include kitchenettes, bathrooms, mezzanines, continued page 24

The character building that was home to Stubbs Family Butcher for 77 years is on the market.

from page 23

courtyards and decks. There will be plenty of car parking and visitor carparks, 24-hour CCTV security, and facilities for container drop off and loading and a boat wash area.

The developer is Conrad Properties, whose marketing director Hannah Wilkinson says work is going extremely well, and running ahead of schedule. With completion scheduled for next April, buyer interest is on the increase and sales rekindled during the first quarter.

“The development is being well received from those who want a base in Matakana where options are limited, and the offering is unique. We anticipate its delivery will change the landscape of commercial activity in the village.”

Snells Beach opportunity

Also being marketed by Bayleys in the

North is a 1518 sqm fee simple landholding on Mahurangi East Road in Snells Beach, located between Liquorland and Hire Works, and not far from the petrol station, food options and the incoming Four Square supermarket.

Blair says the flat, regularly-shaped site, underpinned by business town centre zoning, would be suitable for a range of uses. The closure of The Warehouse has provided the opportunity for a reimagining of Snells Beach retail zone, he says.

Champion brewery for sale

Warkworth’s award-winning brewery 8 Wired is on the market, an offering that includes its premises in Warkworth, a taproom and barrel ageing facility in Matakana – and the brand that was named continued next page

An artist’s impression of The Workshop Matakana.

the overall champion brewery in New Zealand last year, the second time it had taken the top title.

Laurie Hatton of LINK Business Brokers describes the business as “a renowned, thriving, and iconic piece of New Zealand’s – and the world’s – bustling brewery landscape”.

He’s received a number of strong inquiries, including from outside the area, and says he is dealing with groups of well-qualified, well-resourced potential purchasers.

“There’s a significant number of people looking to buy good businesses now, especially businesses with opportunities for growth,” he says. “8 Wired is the best New Zealand beer brand platform to build upon.”

Hatton says current owners Søren and Monique Eriksen are determined to see the brewery flourish “and are prepared to

support by working in the business while a new owner adjusts if required”.

8 Wired was born when Søren Eriksen was working for Renaissance Brewing Company in Blenheim and was able to use their equipment and tanks to produce his first two beers in 2009. Two years later, 8 Wired was crowned New Zealand’s champion brewery at the Brewers Guild Awards, an accolade it took again in 2023.

The Eriksons later moved the company to Warkworth and in 2019 opened its Barrelworks and Tap Room in Matakana.

Hatton lists business highlights of the offering including profitability, skilled staff, sought-after location, diverse customer base, award-winning product range, international brand awareness, reputation for quality and creativity and excellent production facilities.

Business park boosts growth, but more land needed

Warkworth’s ability to cater for business growth may be alleviated in the shortterm with the sale of a 52-hectare light industry business park, on the north side of Warkworth.

The consented park, between Goatley Road and Te Honohono Ki Tai Road, owned by the Stevenson family, went on the market in August last year after years of council machinations.

Bayleys in the North confirmed last week that the park is under contract, and buyers and tenants are being invited to submit expressions of interest to purchase or lease titles.

Agent Chris Blair says the initial response from prospective occupiers has been positive.

The 93-lot subdivision includes lots ranging from 1400sqm to one hectare, which Bayleys says has been masterplanned to support warehousing, office, bulk retail and micro-industry premises.

But One Mahurangi says in general, the area is being hamstrung by the lack of land for business expansion, particularly large sites over one hectare.

Co-chair Bevan Morrison says while he welcomes progress on Goatley Road, the land available there is not flat, which adds to overall development costs.

“This is on top of the huge costs imposed by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport (AT) and Watercare,” he says.

“If we want businesses to set up and expand here in Warkworth, so future residents can work locally, we need council to stop strangling growth by poor forward planning. Council needs to be a lot more receptive to input from local developers.

“The last thing we want is to become a commuter town – we want new residents to become part of our community.”

Morrison, who represents family landholdings in Morrison Drive and the future Morrison Heritage Orchard development, says the roading plans notified last year by Auckland Transport

aren’t helping the situation.

He cites the inner western link road, which cuts through the only live-zoned industrial land available for immediate development in Warkworth, as an example.

“Effectively, the Notice of Requirement means the land can’t be developed until the link road is in place, but AT says that might

not happen for the next 20 to 30 years.”

He adds that AT is relying on outdated information collated prior to the opening of the new motorway.

The Indicative Business Case (August 2019) had 27,000 vehicle movements per day. Although the detailed business case from October last year reduced this to

9400, the old SH1 is recording just 1000 vehicles a day.

Morrison says the question needs to be raised as to where these additional cars forecast for the link road are physically coming from to justify the need for the road at all, and the disruption to the live-zoned industrial land that is in dire short supply.

Dobbyn Builders is expected to be start construction on stage two of the Kowhai Falls Shopping Centre this week, with seven retail stores set to open before Christmas.

The new building, known as Building B, will cover 5000sqm along the eastern side of the 4.2 hectare site.

It will be built in a similar style to The Warehouse, as a low energy building with the same NZ timber structure and Metalcraft insulated panels.

While the store leases are still being finalised, it’s understood the centre will

predominantly include a mix of national tenants.

When Building B is finished, work will start on a third building – between Building B and Mitre 10 – which will include a café and restaurant complex. This is likely to be delivered later next year.

Developer Glen Inger told Mahurangi Matters last year that he was keen to see a rustic open-plan restaurant, perhaps in conjunction with a local brewery. The idea was to have a shared kitchen between the café and restaurant, so meals could be served

across the day from breakfast to dinner.

The building would also accommodate public toilets and some smaller 100 to 200 sqm tenancies for businesses such as florists, hairdressers and opticians.

The final build would be Building D, by the roundabout, which was earmarked for a 2500sqm Crackerjack store.

The builders are currently looking at including underground parking for possibly 60 vehicles as part of Building D to cater mainly for staff from the surrounding businesses.

By applying a high level of detailed attention, usually reserved for the residential space, to the commercial sector, we deliver projects of all sizes to the highest standard. We understand and can achieve your vision from initial planning and completing the build to the final landscaping touches.

Seven new retail outlets are expected to open before Christmas.

Kowhai Falls stage two underway

Snells Beach supermarket takes shape

The opening of an eagerly-anticipated supermarket in Snells Beach is drawing nearer, as the work to transform part of the old Warehouse building on Mahurangi East Road into a gleaming new large format Four Square moves ahead.

It’s been a long wait for the community since the shutdown of its only small supermarket more than three years ago, but the building’s owner, Denis Horner, confirms it could be over by as soon as next spring.

“The local community, which I gather has a catchment close to 8000, has been desperate for an established supermarket operator in the area for some years,” Horner says. “We commenced the fitout for the large-format Four Square in February and hope to complete the work –which includes the tenant fit-out – by late September, early October.”

Horner says the fit-out is going well, and that work on the site before the Four Square opening will include a repaint and garden landscaping.

The operators of the new supermarket will be David and Helen Whyman, the owneroperators of the Four Square in Matakana.

The Whymans moved to Matakana in 2021 after owning the Four Square in Waipapa, north of Kerikeri, for five years.

Wingates are the architects for both the landlord and tenants, with Bigwood Builders doing the fit-out.

Lead builder and director Mike Bigwood says the work is progressing well. In the first phase, the expansive former Warehouse building has been split into multiple tenancies, and consent has been submitted for the supermarket fit-out. If all continues to go smoothly, work on a second stage will begin next month, with the construction of the shopfront – where the Warehouse garden centre was formerly located.

“We have a great team effort with Denis Horner, David Whyman and the Bigwood Builders crew working well together, and

happy to see the pieces are rapidly falling into place,” he says. “We look forward to engaging  with the local community as the new shopfront takes shape, so feel free to drop by and say hello.”

A Foodstuffs spokesperson says the company is excited to be bringing a brand-new Four Square to Snells Beach, and confirms that it “will be open to serve the community in time for the busy summer season”.

“We’ll be sure to keep readers updated with how we’re getting on over the coming months.”

The Warehouse closed early last year, leaving the building of just over 4600 sqm vacant. Bigwood Builders later refitted the upstairs mezzanine office area, converting it into a gym. Fitness Hub moved in in December.

The retail section of the new Four Square

will occupy around 800 sqm – the entire right hand side of the building – with additional space for back-of-house facilities.

The remainder of the structure, 2360 sqm in size, is being advertised for lease.

Bayleys in the North agent Chris Blair describes it as versatile retail or industrial space, positioned in a high-profile location, amid a commercial hub and fast growing residential area.

Potential lessees could secure the entire floor area or – given the extent of the property – would have the flexibility to tailor the size of the leased area to meet their requirements, he says.

Also available to lease is a 1400 sqm covered and uncovered parking area, again customisable to meet a lessee’s exact requirements.

Design | Manufacture | Installation

An architect’s impression of the new Four Square, which will be located in part of the former Warehouse building. Image, Wingates

Bigwood Builders lead builder and director Mike Bigwood says work is progressing well.

Businesses encouraged to plan and stay focused

As the economy contracts and households tighten their belts, what is the outlook for small business? We posed that question to two local professionals and here’s what they said:

director Jen Smith

There

and being quoted,

RMA Financial senior adviser Dave Managh

Businesses in the wider Rodney area are feeling stressed as inflation and price increases across the board put pressure on both supplier prices and household cashflows. This is being seen most heavily in the construction industry, but is present everywhere. Mums and Dads are making financial decisions to tighten their belts, which is reflected in reduced expenditure at hairdressers and motor mechanics, to

it’s taking longer to get these approved and off the ground.

What concerns are businesses raising?

There’s less work available and tradies are quoting for work and missing out on jobs they would normally expect to get. The market is especially flooded with good builders, so clients can take their pick and obtain multiple quotes more easily than they could a year ago.

In terms of weathering a recession, what’s your advice?

Everyone needs to understand their numbers, and especially their cashflow. Larger companies need to plan further in advance, as they tend to be less adaptable and take longer to cut costs if necessary. But in general, the same principles apply

cancelled streaming for media subscriptions. Rodney is generally better placed to weather this recession than other regions and we should try to keep our eyes focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.

What are some of the key concerns businesses are raising?

• The impacts of inflation presently are two-fold, increased supplier costs and reduced domestic spending, as affordability is hitting household expenditure. So we are seeing increasing costs in business and, at the same time, revenue pressure is putting a squeeze on profitability.

• The impact of raised interest rates if they have business debt.

• The importance of staff and their productivity.

• Struggles with increasing levels of regulation. On one hand regulation can bring improved outcomes, but it can also lead to bureaucracy and lost productivity.

Both small and medium-sized businesses have the same priorities – secure sales, managing

to businesses of all sizes.

Business owners should be monitoring their profit and loss monthly, planning ahead for ‘what if’ scenarios, and especially cashflow forecasting. Even if it is just a pen and paper list of money coming in and going out, knowing when things are going to get tight, and having a plan for what to do if that happens is key. It will also help you sleep at night.

Is it possible to recession-proof a business and if so, how?

The best advice is to be proactive. While strong reserves will always help, the ability to quickly cut costs will be invaluable, as will having a plan of what to do if work dries up. Staying on top of cashflow and, in particular, slow paying debtors will be

costs to deliver profitability – while also delivering good client outcomes that generate repeat or referral business. Small businesses and sole traders have an ability to be ultranimble and seize opportunities, but tend to be less financially resilient. In comparison, a medium-sized business (say 20 people) will have less flexibility and needs to make decisions with a longer term outlook and consider their staff needs, but typically has the advantage of an established customer base or brand to lean on in times of a recession.

How can owners recession-proof their business?

Have a network of people to call on. We need access to business knowledge, sales, operational and financial expertise and, more than ever, leadership and people skills to lead the team through the recession and back into calmer waters when profitability is easier.

A key factor to running a successful business is the concept of many incremental improvements making a significant difference. This is especially true in times of a recession, when availability of finances may restrict a bold large step. Look for small

crucial to weathering the storm. Overall, business owners shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand. Come up with a budget so you know exactly what your sales need to be to cover expenses and meet debt obligations. Then monitor actual results consistently and have a plan ready for if sales drop. Ask yourself, “Can we pivot and sell into another area, or another service? What costs can we cut?” Note that while it is tempting to cut marketing, this can be counter-intuitive, as this could lead to a further decrease in sales. Monitor both profits and cashflow to make sure both are on track and make sure you have a plan if these drop significantly. Be very proactive with debtors, and consider asking for deposits upfront, so you’re not carrying the cost of the whole job until you get paid.

improvements in customer service and outcomes, staff and operational productivity, cost management and, of course, sales activity. Often we just need a little time and focus to make a proactive process change to what we do on a daily basis. Be open with your team about what is and isn’t working, and get them to help contribute to develop the list of incremental improvements. The bigger the team, the more important this is as the team can achieve more than the business leader/owner can alone, and it is a great way to focus the team.

In general, be focused on good customer outcomes, whether you are providing a service or a product. Make business decisions based on logic, and sometimes instinct, but certainly not out of fear. This recession will end and there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you are doing it tough today, know there will be a better day than this one. Have hope and give your team at work encouragement –we are people and we all need more of that. This content is for general information and does not constitute financial advice.

KGA

Kai time for construction team

The Wharehine team working on the construction of the long-awaited eastern footpath link, between Rodney Street and Centennial Park Road in Wellsford, was treated to morning tea by Wellsford Four Square recently.

The new path will mean people can walk easily from Wellsford town centre down to businesses, a preschool and Centennial Park without having to cross the busy State Highway 1 to go over the railway.

Four Square owner Ollie Johnson said the morning tea was in appreciation of the work the team was doing.

“It’s all about local businesses supporting one another,” Johnson said. “The new path will be great for the town and everyone in Wellsford is so glad to see it finally being built.”

Project manager Sam Downing said the food and gesture was much appreciated by the team.

“We’ve actually been receiving a lot of food from locals, everything from homemade apple pies with cream to hand-baked savoury pies and sausage rolls,” Downing said.

“It’s so nice to be working on a project that the community so obviously is behind.”

The path extension, which has been dogged be bureaucratic delays over the past three years, will include a new footbridge over the railway line. The reinforced concrete bridge girder is being manufactured in Tauranga and is expected to arrive in about a month’s time.

It will be lifted into position using two cranes and will involve closing State Highway 1 overnight, as well as some disruption to power supplies.

The estimated cost of the project is just over $4 million, which includes investigation, design and construction. It is expected be finished around August/September, weather permitting.

Pictured at the morning tea, from left, are Wharehine project manager Sam Downing, with Wellsford Four Square store manager Antony Thornton and store owner Ollie Johnson.

Northland business interests are welcoming the government’s commitments on upgrading State Highway 1 north of Auckland, but want it to expand their scope – and to use its fast-track consenting plans to speed up the process.

The coalition government has committed to develop a new four-lane route bypassing the Brynderwyn Hills, and to four-lane stretches of highway between Warkworth and Wellsford and between Whangārei and Port Marsden.

Northland businesses, backed by industry groups, want government to go further – to upgrade the road to a high-quality, four-lane expressway all the way from Warkworth to Whangārei, and then on to Kaikohe.

The government says the Fast-track Approvals Bill, now at select committee stage, aims to reduce costs and time needed for consenting large-scale projects “with significant regional or national benefits”.

Currently, its position is that construction of the highway alternative for the Brynderwyns will begin within 10 years – although Transport Minister Simeon Brown said during a visit to the area in March that it was “the number one priority going forward”.

At a mid-April event in Whangārei, the Northland Corporate Group (NCG), a consortium of five major businesses, presented a report on the economic advantages of a comprehensive upgrading of the highway between Auckland and Northland.

Compiled by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research think tank, the “Te Tai Tokerau Northland Expressway” report found that extending a four-lane expressway along the entire route could boost national GDP by $1.2 billion per year by 2050, or $23.8 billion in total from 2040-2060.

It highlighted the potential for significant economic growth, reduced travel times, lowered operating costs and enhanced safety.

The report’s authors said a four-lane

Northland businesses, industry groups on SH1 upgrading: Fast-track it

expressway would also stimulate population growth and migration to Northland, with significant economic benefits.

“If better transport links caused the rate of population growth to increase by 50 percent, and if every new person moving to Northland makes the same contribution to economic activity as the average New Zealander in 2022, Te Tai Tokerau Northland’s annual regional GDP would grow by $2,108.8 million by 2048.”

Armed with the data, the NCG called on the government to fast-track its Northland roading commitments and to expand their scope to include extending the expressway from Warkworth to Whangārei, and then beyond.

“It’s the only solution that will truly connect our region, and fully unlock our economic contribution,” it said.

The report said government should prioritise the road and immediately begin work on the required detailed options for appraisal, design and costing activities. It should also investigate the use of private financing to accelerate delivery.

The NCG comprises McKay, Northpower,

Channel Infrastructure NZ, Culham Engineering and Marsden Maritime Holdings, which together account for an annual turnover exceeding $1 billion and employ more than 3500 people.

Two national industry bodies, Transporting New Zealand and Infrastructure New Zealand, have thrown their support behind the NCG drive.

“The current state of Northland’s highway network acts as a significant barrier to economic growth in the region,” said Transporting NZ interim chief executive Dom Kalasih, whose association represents 1200 road freight transport companies with a combined fleet of 14,000 vehicles.

“Transporting heavy freight through Northland can be perilous and this inhibits Northport’s ability to service Auckland,” Kalasih said. “However, with strategic infrastructure investments, billions of dollars in economic potential could be unlocked, benefiting not only Northland but also the wider country.”

Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett said the case for a Northland Expressway was about backing Northland to succeed – but

also about resilience and the growth of Auckland.

“Our regions can’t sit in splendid isolation, they need resilient 21st century connections to our major centres,” he said. “We believe the government should fasttrack the commitments they have already made for SH1 through Northland.” Kalasih and Leggett said government should push hard to deliver a comprehensive expressway through publicprivate partnerships, to get the entire route completed faster and to a high standard. Meanwhile, the $61 million “resilience” project on the Brynderwyns – ensuring the existing road lasts until an alternative is built – has kept that section of SH1 closed since February 26, excluding Easter. The route, which usually carries up to 15,000 vehicles daily, was to have reopened today, May 15, but a slip in late April threw out the timeline. Waka Kotahi NZTA can’t yet say exactly when it will reopen. (see story p5) During the closure, vehicles have been directed to use detour routes – Cove Road, the Paparoa Oakleigh Road, and SH12/ SH14 to the west.

An aerial view of SHI through the Brynderwyn Hills. Photo, NZTA Waka Kotahi

Glenmore congestion dilemma

One Mahurangi Business Association has held several meetings with Auckland Transport (AT) over the past year to try to address traffic and parking concerns in Warkworth’s industrial area.

With improvements to the raised pedestrian crossing in Woodcocks Road completed, the organisation has turned its attention back to the long-standing parking issues in Glenmore Drive.

Co-chair Dave Stott says the lack of parking and safe pedestrian access has been exacerbated by the limited parking times imposed in Campbell Drive.

“More college students are now using Glenmore – they arrive early, so there’s even less parking for workers and customers,” he says.

Stott says AT is looking at installing bollards on verges outside some businesses to stop them using these areas for their own purposes.

“But overall, the problem is there is a shortfall of available parking. At times you have forklifts working on the road and the sight distance on the road at times is appalling. You even get trucking companies uncoupling trailers and leaving them parked on the side of the road.”

However, finding a solution isn’t easy.

Stott says although AT is keen on timed parking, he doesn’t believe this will help.

“A permit system for workers might work, but would have to be regularly policed, and it would be a challenge to determine exactly who is entitled to a park and who isn’t.”

The scarcity of parking in Glenmore Drive is getting worse.

&

Pets Vets Corner

Duo spreads musical wings

Two Kaipara-based musicians will release their debut album, Songs from an Endless Night, this week.

Leroy Brown and Mark Bruce, The Advocators, were raised in Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto, and have been writing and performing sporadically throughout their lives.

Mark will be known to some in the district through his work as an arborist, and for his support of Sustainable Kaipara helping with its food waste collection and composting scheme.

Although they attended the same high school, Mark and Leroy only started playing music together in 2019, after Leroy recruited Mark for an ambitious wedding band project.

Brown says Songs From An Endless Night is the result of their collaboration.

Pet of the Month

Hooch has been a frequent flyer here at Warkworth Vets since she was diagnosed with T-Zone Lymphoma. Hooch was brought in for enlarged lymph nodes in early 2021. When she was sedated we took samples of her lymph nodes and they were sent to the lab. These results along with running blood tests confirmed that Hooch had T-Zone Lymphoma. She started her chemotherapy medication mid-2021. She has been on her chemotherapy ever since, she gets regular blood tests and checkups to ensure she’s doing well.

T-Zone Lymphoma is a slowly progressive cancer. Her medication works by stopping the cell production by damaging the cancers cell DNA.

When Hooch first came in she would get very anxious and stressed now due to her coming in often she is doing really well and (sometimes) enjoys coming here.

Vets: Jon Makin BVSc, Danny Cash BVSc and Associates

WARKWORTH VETS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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Phone 09 425 8244 (Warkworth)

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Now open 8 am until 2pm Saturdays

The album oscillates between bluegrass country ballads and gospel stomp rock, and features mainly original singles, including Dreams, Bad Girls and Elijah, as well as covers of Neil Diamond’s Solitary Man and Waitin’ Round to Die, a classic

Townes Van Zandt song.

Leroy plays guitar, banjo, harmonica and lead vocals, while Mark is on guitar, backing vocals and melodica. In support are producer and drummer William Jackson and renowned violinist Anita Clark.

“We used Jackson’s shed/studio, situated in rolling Tomarata farmland, and recorded the album between wintry sou’westerly squalls and cups of tea,” Leroy says.

“We spent about 18 months working with the concept of the album and writing songs and removing those that weren’t the right fit for the vision that we had. We then went into the studio and recorded and produced the album from start to finish in five days. A lot of the songs we got the foundations of in just a couple of takes. It was very exciting to work in such a free way in the studio and to realise the album after such a long incubation.”

The Advocators will be independently releasing the album on May 15, with tour dates set to be announced for later this year. Info: https://theadvocatorsmusic.com

Sawmill hosts Carnivorous Plants

After an absence of several years, the Carnivorous Plant Society will return to the stage at the Leigh Sawmill, on Pakiri Road, on Sunday, June 16.

The group is promising an immersive fusion of “music, psychedelic animations and captivating narratives that will captivate both adults and children”.

The four-member band consists of Cass Basil on bass, Alistair Deverick on drums, Tam Scholes on guitar, and Finn Scholes on trumpet, keyboard and vibraphone.

All four musicians have credits to their

names in their own right – Basil has worked with Tiny Ruins and The Veils, Deverick has drummed for Neil Finn, and Finn Scholes is known for his performances with Dave Dobbyn and Neil Finn.

The band is known for its harmonious blend of hypnotic drum rhythms, the soulful strains of the trumpet, and the ethereal sounds of the vibraphone.

Accompanying the music will be psychedelic animations that dance across the stage backdrop, adding a visual dimension to the show, which starts at 4.30pm.

The Advocators, Mark Bruce, left, and Leroy Brown, will release their debut album this week.

Members of the Carnivorous Plant Society were once regular performers in Leigh.

Hooch

Science Waste to Energy: Fonterra’s opposition

Emeritus Professor

Headlines in the Waikato Herald last November read “Fonterra opposes Te Awamutu waste to energy plant proposal”. This is a clear message to other waste to energy (WTE) plant proposals being considered across New Zealand. An article in the last issue of Mahurangi Matters (Apr 15) was headlined, “Kaipara Mayor promotes waste-to energy for fast tracking”. Given the importance of Fonterra to the NZ economy, this divergence is worth exploring.

In its submission, Fonterra opposed the Te Awamutu WTE proposal in its entirety. It stated that as a food manufacturer, it had concerns about potential impacts of a WTE plant on food safety. It said the risk of contaminants entering the dairy manufacturing facilities was a risk to Fonterra’s food safety certification and to the health and safety of 330 staff and contractors who work at the Te Awamutu site. Fonterra said that, as it had clients overseas, it was also concerned about the impact a WTE proposal would have on its reputation. Importantly for the Kaipara WTE proposal, Fonterra also noted that its experience with other WTE facilities was that they had not been established near food processing operations.

The risks to human health from WTE facilities arise from the dispersal of toxic dioxin, furan and related emissions onto

products. This applies to both NZ and international consumers.

There are other risks including to children and schools in the Kaipara region. The World Health Organisation states that dioxins can cause reproductive and development problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and cause cancer. The USA Communicable Diseases Centre has described dioxins and furans as affecting people’s health from even low environmental exposures. People who have been unintentionally exposed to substantial amounts of these chemicals have developed a skin condition called chloracne, liver problems and elevated blood lipids.

Fonterra’s 2022 revenue was $23 billion, and the number of employees is 19,608.

The importance of Fonterra to the NZ balance of trade is clear in the fact that the company is responsible for approximately 30 percent of the world’s dairy exports.

The food health risk that arises from WTE contaminants and emissions could place Fonterra’s international market at risk.

The recently improved Auckland waste recycling system makes the case for a WTE facility even less persuasive. Globally, the Circular Economy, which is based on recycling waste, is now adopted by many global companies including Coca Cola, Pepsi, M&S, Unilever, and others. The hundreds of NZ companies committed to sustainability and recycling are listed in www.greendirectory.co.nz

Call for better camera surveillance

One Mahurangi is working with business owners in the industrial area to beef up security camera surveillance. Although police aren’t seeing an increase in burglaries or thefts in the industrial area, they say that this could be because small incidents are often not reported. One Mahurangi co-chair Dave Stott says there is a real need for a coordinated approach to camera surveillance across Warkworth, and the installation of plate recognition cameras is being considered for the bottom of Glenmore and Morrison Drives. Waitematā North area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Roger Small says that in the last three months there were seven reports of burglary or theft near the industrial zone, or reported from homes that border it. “We undertake prevention messaging with any affected business and implore owners to make sure all property and vehicles are securely locked, and CCTV cameras are in use where appropriate,” he says. “If there has been a recent spike in incidents of theft or burglary, they are not being reported. We encourage victims to contact us as soon as possible.”

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Wellsford CLINIC VET

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• Care for all your veterinary needs.

• Four dedicated Vets and friendly office staff, who deliver a comprehensive service.

• An after hours emergency service in Wellsford.

Animals

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.

Warkworth: 17A Neville Street, Warkworth Mangawhai: 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai

Direct Dial: 09 601 6049

Email: jingham@insightlegal.co.nz

Rachel Blackie, Wellsford Vet Clinic https://wellsfordvet.com/

Snip’n’Chip your cats

Desexing, also known as speying (for females) or neutering (for males), is a common veterinary procedure with numerous benefits for your cat and the community. Here are some key reasons why desexing your cat is important: Prevents unwanted litters: One of the most significant benefits of desexing is decreasing the number of kittens in our environment. Each year, thousands of cats end up in foster homes and shelters waiting for permanent families, and many are euthanised. By desexing your cat, you can help reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens in New Zealand.

Behavioural benefits: Desexing can help reduce or eliminate certain undesirable behaviours in cats. Male cats are less likely to roam, fight with other cats, and mark their territory with urine after being neutered. Female cats are less likely to yowl and exhibit restlessness during heat cycles.

Promotes longevity: Desexed cats live longer, healthier lives. They are at a lower risk of being injured or contracting diseases through mating, fighting and roaming. The average life expectancy of an entire tomcat in New Zealand is less than four years old.

Community benefits: Desexing your cat helps reduce the number of stray and feral cats in our community. Stray and feral cats can be a nuisance, and they may also spread diseases to pet cats. By desexing your cat, you’re helping to control the cat

population and improve the overall wellbeing of cats in your community.

Cost-effective: While there is a cost associated with desexing, it is often more cost-effective in the long run, compared to caring for litters of kittens or treating health issues related to not being desexed. We are excited to be able to again offer the SPCAsponsored desexing via their Snip’n’Chip campaign, where the cost to pet owners is $30, or less in some circumstances. This is applied for online, is very easy to do and a great opportunity to get your cat microchipped and registered on the NZ Companion Animal Register also!

Environmental benefits: Cats are highly skilled hunters, and larger numbers of cats within rural and environmentally sensitive areas means native wildlife will suffer. Another consequence is spreading certain diseases that affect stock such as toxoplasmosis. In the area north of Auckland, cats tend to be able to breed all year round, as compared with southern regions where they stop being fertile during the winter. As such, an unspeyed female may be able to produce a litter of three to six kittens, from six months of age, two or three times a year; and her kittens do the same. The numbers have thus exploded within the Northland environment.

In conclusion, desexing your cat before it is six months old is a great choice that can benefit your cat, your community, and you as a pet owner.

Worm workshop for cattle farmers

Beef and dairy farmers are being encouraged to attend a workshop on worm management in cattle being held in Helensville this month.

The Beef + LambNZ Wormwise session will cover the latest in worm management strategies for cattle grazing systems, including practical examples of changes other farmers are making.  Topics covered will include:

• Internal parasites being an unseen thief of weight gain in dairy heifer and beef grazing;

• How farmers can ensure young cattle grow to their potential with less of a handbrake from worm challenges;

• The fact that resistance to commonly

used drenches is on the rise on New Zealand cattle farms;

• What can be done to avoid cases of double and triple-drench resistant gut worms backing young cattle systems into a corner.

Local expertise will come from workshop facilitator and Northland farm vet Garth Riddle, who is director at Bay of Island Veterinary Services in Waipapa.

The Wormwise for Cattle workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at the A&P Showgrounds in Helensville between 10am and 2pm. Lunch will be provided –email  kayla.tattley@beeflambnz.com with any dietary requirements.

Info and registration: https://events.beeflambnz.com/home

Northland farm vet Garth Riddle will lead the event.

Women motorcyclists hit Leigh

All roads led to Leigh on Saturday, May 3, or at least they did for a group of more than 25 motorcylists who made their way up from Auckland to the Sawmill Café for a special lunchtime rendezvous.

However, this wasn’t just another bunch of biker blokes out for the day, but members of The Litas Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest female motorcycle collective.

They headed north en masse to mark International Female Ride Day, an annual event designed to foster unity and support among women riders globally, and encourage others to join the movement.

Litas Auckland founder Alley Miller said the Leigh Sawmill was a favourite ride destination for the group and this year’s international ride day had been “supersuccessful”.

The group drove up via designated meeting points, including Orewa, where they stopped for some photos, before heading north on the old state highway and out to Leigh.

“These were just some of our Litas members attending International Female Ride Day, which was open to all women riders and riding levels,” she said.

“We have over 300 members and had rides all over Auckland. Some did solo rides, track days, group rides or dirt rides – as the global saying goes, we #justride.”

The Litas was started in the US nearly 10 years ago for female bikers to share their passion for motorcycling, support each other and empower women in the riding community.

Miller says the Auckland group was one of the first to be set up outside the US and is open to anyone, with regular meet-ups, rides out and information sharing sessions.

“We’re a collective of badass women who share a love for the open road and twowheeled machines. We have branches in Wellington City, Hamilton, Whangarei, Rotorua and are really keen to get one started in the South Island again,” she says.

Miller says the Litas movement is a global community with a local focus, bringing together all ages of women, at all riding levels, and on all types of motorcycles.

“We foster an environment where all riders are greeted with open arms,” she adds.

The name The Litas comes from the group’s founders, who simply liked the sound of it.

“The name came from a drunken bar night between two best friends who dreamed of starting an all-female motorcycle group … it doesn’t have any alternative meaning besides moto-obsessed women who call themselves The Litas.”

Info: Go to https://thelitas.co/auckland or thelitasAKL on Facebook

Senior exercise Senior Fit exercise classes are held at the Maungaturoto Country Club every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am. These are physio-led exercise classes aimed at people aged 60 and over. $10 per class or 10 classes for $80. Info: admin@maungaturotophysio.co.nz

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

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

Equine evening Warkworth Farm and Lifestyle Centre, with the support of FMG and Farmlands, is hosting an Equine Evening on Thursday, May 30, from 6-8pm. There will be guest speakers from Vet Associates and NRM, as well as a grazing table and spot prizes. RSVP to 09 425 7754 by May 23.

Super 12 Omaha Golf Club’s popular Super 12 event will take place on Friday, May 17 from 11am. Super 12 is a monthly competition where winning scores earn you credits to spend as you please. Members $30, visitors $85. Spaces are filling rapidly. Book at the Golf Shop or email golf@omahagolf.co.nz

Volunteer of the month Nominations for the Harbour Sport and One NZ Volunteer of the Month award are open now. If you know a volunteer who goes above and beyond for their community you can nominate them at https://aktiveauckland.typeform.com/to/V9JaH2od

Tennis tournament The Lower Northland Masters Open Tennis Tournament will be held at Warkworth Rackets (formerly Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club) on Saturday, May 18. Info: Warkworth Rackets on Facebook.

Fishing comp Warkworth Gamefish Club’s 10kg Fishing Comp will take place over King’s Birthday weekend, June 1 & 2. Tickets from Hunting & Fishing Warkworth, Matakana Marine, Mahurangi Marine or Sandspit Yacht Club Kitchen & Bar. Info: https://warkworthgamefish.co.nz/

Litas Auckland members on their way to Leigh.

Founder Alley Miller, left, with co-founder Tania Lewis.

Classifieds cont

CLEARANCE SALE

MATAKANA SAWMILL MACHINERY CLEARING SALE

Friday 24th May 2024 11am

Viewing from 9.00am on the day or by appointment

Address: 362 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana

Contact: Trevor (Stretch) Penney 021 038 9337 or the owner Dean 027 283 6448 Eftpos available.

Items include a 5T Hitachi Digger, horizontal bandsaw, log loader, breakdown saw, chainsaws, tanks, water pumps, sundry tools etc. Macrocarpa logs and other timbers including Swamp Kauri, Redwood, Gum, Old Man Pine, Totara, Rimu and Tasmanian Blackwood.

All items are sold exclusive of GST plus 5% buyers fee. Terms are strictly cash unless you are a PGG Wrightson monthly trade account holder or prior arrangements have been made.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NANETTE BLAIR

Pursuant to section 79 of the Trusts Act 2019, all creditors and other persons having claims to which that section applies in connection with the estate of the late Nanette Blair of Auckland, who died on 17 December 2023, must send to the executors Lois and Clive Burton at the address specified below before 30 days from the date on which this notice is given, particulars of their claim. They are warned that after that date, the estate may be administered or distributed having regard only to the claims of which the executors have notice without being liable to persons of whose claims the executors have not received notice.

Enquiries to: Stephanie Paxton-Penman at PaxtonPenman et al, Solicitors, Level 3/Kowhai House, 7 Alnwick Street, Warkworth Auckland. Telephone: (09) 425 7701 Email: stephanie@ppetal.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICES

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS

Warkworth, at the Library

Monday 10am – 2pm

Matakana, Cinema Complex

Tuesday 11am-1pm

Snells Beach, at the Library Friday 10am – noon

Warkworth RSA Fridays 3.30pm to 5pm No appointment is needed. There is no cost. Supported by Mahurangi Matters

WARKWORTH MEN'S SHED INC

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Thursday 23rd May 2024, 1 - 4pm at The Warkworth Men’s Shed, Warkworth Showgrounds, 2 Old State Highway North, Warkworth. ALL WELCOME

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May 21st, 2024, 6.30pm Wellsford Community Centre, 1 Matheson Road, Wellsford. Any queries contact secretary@wellsfordplus.nz

New improved workboat blessed

Northland Regional Council’s new $3.2 million workboat was blessed and officially named Waikare II in the Bay of Islands on April 30.

The 17.5-metre catamaran replaces the 20-year-old Waikare and will be used for maintenance on buoys and beacons, responding to oil spills, acting as a pilot vessel, and for salvage and dive operations from Mangawhai north and down the Kaipara coast.

The new vessel, which was built in Whangarei by Circa Marine, has a top speed of 20 knots and is powered by two fuel-efficient diesel engines compliant with international emission standards.

Regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle said council had been keen on electric power options, but given the workboat’s size and required range, it unfortunately wasn’t an option.

Instead, a lot of time was spent optimising the hull form for fuel efficiency and the boat has improved buoyancy in its upper hulls to prevent slamming in heavy seas.

“It has also been wrapped in a special environmentally-

friendly silicon wrap antifoul, which will save on haul-outs, annual antifoul and loss of performance due to fouling,” Lyle said.

The cost of building Waikare II more than doubled since it was commissioned, due to covid affecting the price of materials, transport and labour. That caused council to borrow the full cost through the Local Government Funding Agency and repay it over 15 years, which has put around 80 cents on the average rates bill this year.

The name Waikare, which means rippling waters, was gifted by Te Kapotai hapu, who blessed the Waikare II at the launch ceremony at Opua.

Council chair Geoff Crawford said the new vessel was a necessary asset that ratepayers could be proud of.

“Circa has delivered the vessel on time and on budget, in very trying financial times. Council is extremely satisfied and pleased with the build quality, layout and finish,” he said.

The old Waikare workboat will be sold by council.

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A day-long fishing charter was a highlight of the programme.

Fishing focus for Blue Light holiday programme

A group of young people from the Mangawhai area were all at sea over the recent school holidays, but only in the best of ways.

Eighteen youths aged between 12 and 15 took part in a two-day fishing training programme organised by North Rodney Blue Light that involved exploring boats, water safety, rod skills and a day at sea.

On day one, Northland Coastguard were first on the scene, bringing their boat down from Whangarei and across the Mangawhai Heads bar to show the group around the vessel and demonstrate the importance of safety on the water. Next, Fisheries Compliance arrived to talk about the department’s work inshore and offshore with recreational and commercial fishers, as well as its work with organisations such as NZ Customs and the NZ Defence Force.

Once safety and regulations had been tackled, it was time for the Mangawhai Beach and Otamatea High School students to try their practical fishing skills, with practice tying lines, putting reels on rods and casting into the estuary, with the help of the Mangawhai Fishing and Boating Club.

The second day was a day’s fishing charter from Marsden Bay out to the Hen & Chicken Islands in perfect conditions, where the students caught plenty of snapper and saw plenty of other marine species as well.

A spot prize sponsored by Dave Gurr from Fish & Dive Mangawhai was awarded to Otamatea student Heath Lineham, who best demonstrated the ‘respect’ theme that ran across the two days.

Programme coordinator Shane Gould said it was a great couple of days for everyone and expressed his thanks and appreciation to volunteers and supporters who made the event possible, not least main sponsor the Mangawhai Community Opportunity Factory.

Info on future courses and programmes: https://www.nrbl.org.nz/

Waikare II has its own crane, a bigger working deck and better access around the sides.

I was enjoying strolling around the grounds this week, catching up with the kids after their holidays and enjoying the pleasant weather, the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ as Keats called it, when I was jolted by some shrieking. Normally this means a drama of some sort or another, requiring a resolution or perhaps a stern word. Further investigation however found just a group of friends, rolling down the bank by the tennis courts, covered in leaves, making angels and goofing around. They were having the time of their lives.

The ban on phones at school is great, and necessary.

Our kids have been really good, following the ‘away for the day’ mantra with barely a grumble. As expected, one or two have had to meet with Mr Tennant and have lost their phone for a couple of hours, but I’m confident they’ll live, although some didn’t seem to be quite so sure.

Of course students fight cell phone bans. Young people are not especially good judges of what will make them happy, doubly so when they don’t know anything else. But this narrative repeats over and over. “I thought I would hate it but I am in fact happier.”

But here’s the thing. Phones in schools is not the issue, or at least it’s not the whole issue. It’s the phones per se; the apps and social media and the associated dramas and manipulation; the concerning pattern of young people absenting themselves not just from school, but from life. There’s little point banning cellphones for six hours a day at school if students are then on them for hours and hours when they’re not at school.

Jonathan Haidt, the social psychologist, worries about “the radical transformation of childhood into a phone-based existence.” It’s a concern I share. Google him, and read the articles online, or get yourself a copy of his book, The Anxious Generation, where he argues that we’ve overprotected kids in real life, and underprotected them online. You’ll be a convert, or at least challenged in your thinking.

We adults haven’t been the best example, spending our evenings noses stuck in phones, arguing with strangers online, shouting at clouds, moaning about this or that. It’s done us no good; we’ve become a fractious and polarised society, convinced of our own righteousness and that of our tribe, pushed ever further apart by advertising algorithms and click-bait rabbit holes. As parents, we need to be highly invested in this issue. We can talk mental health until the cows come home, prattle on about emotions and wellbeing, but if we’re not setting

Mr Giles writes...

tight boundaries and actively limiting the exposure of our kids to cell phones, then we’re fooling ourselves. Many of our students are simply not managing their on-line lives. The dramas, the gossip, the nastiness and bullying, the social exclusion, the need for validation and approval, the performance, the brand management. And then the secondary consequences: sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, anxiety, depression, loneliness. They need our guidance, and they need tight boundaries. It’s the cellphone.

They need us to be the parent. Talk to other parents, research and read, make some decisions. Phone-free childhood (or at least vastly reduced exposure) is, as Haidt points out, a collective action problem. Parents, communities and schools need to come together on this. We need to be aligned and intentional in order to shift the needle in favour of the health of our kids.

Meanwhile, it’s lunchtime and the showers have cleared. A rowdy game of four-square is underway, boys and girls, seniors and juniors, the rules complex, yet somehow clearly understood by all; while above ‘barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day, and touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue’.

Welcome to Term 2.

Tony Giles, Principal

Proudly Supporting Mahurangi College

Pictured with Chloe Waugh Retail Manager

Marine

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

Facts must be part of caulerpa solution

You would consider yourself lucky if you were found alive 24 hours after falling overboard from a boat. In January, a man was fishing solo out behind the Alderman Islands. Somehow he fell overboard and in little over 24 hours drifted in the currents to Mayor Island, over 55km away from the Aldermans. Incredibly for him and his family, he was found alive.

If the currents and tides can carry a human this far, imagine the distance a small fragment of invasive seaweed can spread on the same currents. Particularly because the tides and currents flow day in and day out.

It may be easy to point the finger at boaties, and blame vessels and marine equipment for caulerpa’s rapid infestation across the Hauraki Gulf, but we need to take a holistic look at the issue. While human behaviour undoubtedly makes a difference, our impact pales in comparison to the impact that billions of gallons of water travelling up and down the coast have on the spread of caulerpa.

The sneaky, green exotic weed was first discovered at Aotea in 2021, covering over 16 hectares of seafloor. Now it has taken over Great Mercury Island, been found at Te Rawhiti Inlet in the Bay of Islands, and in the Hauraki Gulf around Waiheke Island, Kawau Island and more recently, Mokohinau and Rakino Islands.

The secret to caulerpa’s ability to spread over such vast distances is pretty simple. Caulerpa relies on the currents and tides to determine where it settles. In suitable conditions, wave action breaks off small fragments which are deposited in new areas where it then establishes. This natural reproduction process is called fragmentation. Interestingly, it is nearly identical to how juvenile scallop spat disperses.

In areas once occupied by scallop beds, caulerpa can now be found as it benefits from the same currents for dispersal. Consider Iris Shoal near Kawau, where the vigorous currents of the North Channel once facilitated the settlement of scallop spat. Today, these historic scallop beds are home to caulerpa. Thankfully, Ngāti Manuhiri have been leading the charge and are actively working to eradicate caulerpa from Iris Shoal. Craig Thorburn, a member of the Waiheke Marine Project Steering Committee and a trustee of Kelly Tarlton’s Marine Wildlife Trust, has been actively involved in the caulerpa scene. He was one of the first people to notice that the facts were not adding up.

“After frequently surveying the main anchorages at Waiheke and not finding caulerpa, we researched its [caulerpa] natural dispersal processes. Realising that the weed spreads along the currents similar to scallop spat, applying this logic, we dove a historic scallop bed at Waiheke and found caulerpa immediately.”

Continuing to present incomplete or misinformation is frustrating the community’s valiant efforts. MPIs’ lack of public acknowledgement on the impact of natural processes means that they have made little progress to combat or even appropriately monitor the spread of caulerpa. Monitoring efforts need to be refined and the main currents and tides need to be a bigger part of the consideration. Where do we start? Easy – with historic scallop bed sites. Finally, it is still important that we all play our part in preventing further spread and respect restrictions on anchoring and fishing in areas infested with caulerpa. If you find yourself out diving, fishing, or walking along the beach and spot caulerpa, please bag it up and report it to 0800 80 99 66.

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

15 Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights Volunteer Information Evening, Warkworth Town Hall (upstairs), 6.30pm.

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

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 (see story p19)

19 Mary Poppins Movie Fundraiser, Matakana Cinema, 2.20pm. Fundraising for Glass Ceiling Arts Collective Rodney (Warkworth) class. Tickets: https://events. humanitix.com/mary-poppins-film-fundraiser-at-matakana-cinema (see story p19)

19 Community Emergency Planning Event, Ahuroa Fire Station, West Coast Road, 1-3.30pm. Information, resources, barbecue lunch. (see brief p14)

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.

21 Warkworth Quilters Club Meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 9.30am for 10am meeting. Guest speaker and demonstration. Visitors and new members are welcome. Info: Glenys 0274 803 788.

23 Pink Ribbon Brunch, Warkworth Masonic Hall, 10.30am. Auction, cash raffles, morning tea, local speakers and musicians. Tickets $20 cash only from Warkworth Library.

24-26 Glass Ceiling Arts Collective Warkworth presents Mary Poppins Jr, Warkworth Town Hall. May 24 7-8pm, May 25 11-12.30pm & 4-5.30pm, May 26 11-12.30pm. Tickets $15 adult or $10 child/senior from Humanitix (see story p19)

25 Wellsford’s Got Talent 2024, Wellsford Community Centre, 7-10pm. Tickets: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2024/may/wellsfords-got-talent

25 Warkworth Wharf Market, 9am-1pm. Last Sunday of every month. Stalls available, email contact@mdcnz.org

25 Te Kohuroa (Matheson Bay) Rewilding Project Community Consultation Day, Leigh Hall, 11am-2pm. Expert speakers, Q+A session, displays and an informal workshop. Free. Registrations essential. Visit www.tekohuroarewilding.org

26 Puhoi Village Market, Puhoi Sports Ground, 9am-1pm. 50+ stalls. Variety of local food, craft stalls and live music. Info: Pip at puhoivillagemarket@gmail.com

27 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

28 Warkworth Ladies Rebus general meeting, Besoul, 3/12 Gumfield Drive, 10am. Club & guest speaker. New members welcome. Info: Pam Chapman on 09 945 3316.

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

5 Retired Men’s Coffee Morning, Euro Patisserie, 70 Matakana Valley Road,  10.30am. Camaraderie and chat with Men’s Rebus. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

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

7 Land and water resilience seminar, Matakana Hall, 9.30am-3pm. Free, but bookings essential: foamfacilitator@gmail.com (see story p13)

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

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

Winter Series 2024

Winter Solstice Celebration

2 21 June, 6

Jade String Quartet

Environmental message part of harbour clean-up

Skateboards, a bird bath, chairs, fishing rods, batteries, car and truck tyres, an oven, a surfboard, fishing knives and lures, and a dingy were just some of the items of rubbish fished out of Leigh Harbour on May 5. There was also plenty of glass, beer cans and fishing line, general plastic and plastic bottles.

A team of volunteers, including 27 divers, 15 snorkellers/free divers and about 30 people on land, filled two packed cage trailers, plus a boat-load. The rubbish was delivered to Less Waste to sort and recycle.

“I think people were shocked about how much rubbish we found,” an organiser Tine Roland, of Goat Island Dive and Snorkel, said.

“Our aim was to clean up the coastal areas

and underwater environments from the wharf and harbour, removing debris and waste that posed a threat to marine life and ecosystems,” she said.

“We wanted to change people’s minds about how we think of rubbish, so instead of loading it all on a truck and putting it all in landfill, Less Waste in Snells Beach donated a lot of bins so we could sort all the rubbish and recycle as much as possible.

“This also meant that the rubbish that we pulled out had to be washed before sorting.

“It was a big team effort, but it showed how much goes into recycling and how hard it is. Hopefully, people walked away thinking more about what they throw away and long it stays around.”

Goat Island Dive provided safety divers,

and all equipment including scuba and snorkel gear, and skip bins.

Other local business were thanked for donating prizes that were awarded in various categories including largest piece of rubbish found (the dinghy), dirtiest child, youngest participant and weirdest piece of rubbish. The sponsors included Mares, SSI, Blue Ocean, Less Waste, Sculptureum, Glass Bottom Boat, Leigh Eats, Ti Point Reptile Park, Marine Deals, Sawmill Brewery, Whangateau Holiday Park, Clearyak and Warkworth New World.

Leigh Preschool also ran a fundraising sausage sizzle.

Roland said similar clean-ups were likely to be organised in future, targeting other wharves such as Ti Point.