Mahurangi Matters_Issue 408_2 June 2021

June 2, 2021

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Covid vaccination starts in Mahurangi Mahurangi’s first Covid-19 vaccination centre opened last week and retired resident Morris Hodges was the first to get the jab on the first official day of operation.

“It was available. It was offered to me and I think everybody should get vaccinated. I think it’s a duty to get vaccinated,” he said afterwards.

Morris was closely followed by retired bank manager Brian Cave, 87, who said he had no apprehensions about the vaccination and decided to get the injection as a precaution.

“I feel as good as gold now I have had it done,” he said.

Both men will need to return for a second shot in about 3 weeks.

The vaccination centre is operated

by Coast to Coast Health Care, at 72 School Road in Wellsford.

Any Mahurangi resident who is eligible for vaccination can phone any Coast to Coast health clinic to make an appointment. Those currently eligible are those aged 65 or over, Maori, Pacific Islanders, frontline health workers, managed isolation and quarantine workers, and people with high health needs.

Midwife Rebecca Hay administers the first vaccination of the day to Morris Hodges.

The rest of the population will start being vaccinated from next month.

Getting the vaccination takes about 30 minutes, which includes a 20-minute observation period following the injection.

Coast to Coast director Dr Tim Malloy said it was great to be able to open the centre, but added that it was ridiculous that previously Mahurangi residents had to travel to Auckland to be vaccinated.

“Yet again we were being disadvantaged because we live in the country,” he said.

“It was always from my perspective inevitable that somehow the system would have to bring the vaccine to the people and not the other way around. Seeing this eventuate is very satisfying.”

Dr Malloy said it took about three weeks to modify the Hauroa Trust building to create the vaccination

centre and local tradies had been “outstanding”.

He also praised local health workers who had trained to be vaccinators and stepped up to staff the centre. They include off-duty nurses, a pharmacist, a midwife and a physiotherapist.

Initially, the centre will be open five days a week, but this will likely expand to seven days. When running at full capacity, the centre is expected to perform around 70 vaccinations a day.

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Issue 408

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Mystery medals found in Matheson Bay A set of medals belonging to a World War II veteran has mysteriously turned up in a Matheson Bay home, but the homeowner has no idea where they came from and who they belong to.

The five medals have been mounted in a photo frame and include the 193945 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and NZ War Service Medal The 1939-45 Star suggests the owner may have served in the Battle of Britain and the Pacific Star indicates he may have fought in Burma.

Also in the photo frame is a black and white photograph of a man in civilian dress but nothing is written on the back of the photo to indicate who he is.

The medals were found in the basement of Dean and Jacqui Bell’s former home at 29 Kendale Drive.

The couple moved out of the house about a month ago. After all their possessions had been removed, Dean toured the house one last time to ensure nothing had been left behind.

He found the medals in the basement.

They were in a drawer underneath one of two built-in bunk beds.

As they were about to leave the area, Dean and Jacqui entrusted the medals to neighbours Tony and Suzi Scott.

Suzi says over the last seven years the house has frequently been let out as a holiday rental and it’s assumed that somebody The medals are attractively displayed but the man in who stayed in the home the photograph is not identified. left the medals behind.

Suzi wonders if it could be someone pictures of veterans there. However, who came to Matheson Bay to attend this was also unsuccessful. a funeral or perhaps an Anzac Day Suzi is eager to connect with anyone service. who might know anything about the However, Suzi says extensive checks medals or who the owner is, so they on former tenants who rented the might be returned. house, including some now living in If nobody can be found, she suspects the UK, have turned up nothing. she may hand them over to the She says she and her husband have Waiouru Army Museum. even walked around the Matakana Anyone with information on the War Memorial to see if they can medals should contact Suzi on 021 match the photo in the frame with 247 2434.

Keep Wellsford Beautiful founder Jerusha Tucker has been appointed as a zero waste facilitator for Wellsford Wastebusters, which runs the community refuse and recycling centre. Jerusha wants to see more residents using the Rustybrook Road site and a significant reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill.

“I would love to see the community using the secondhand shop at Rustybrook Road more,” she says. “By reusing things, we can create a wonderful sense of community and help those in need at the same time. After all, one person’s trash, is another’s treasure.”

Wellsford Wastebusters is currently open from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, though it is hoped to increase those hours as demand increases. Info: www.mahurangiwastebusters.nz

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Heather Arnold design@localmatters.co.nz Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated twice a month to 14,750 homes and businesses.

Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the editor is prohibited. ©

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New southern plan change proposal raises traffic concerns A private plan change being proposed for future urban land south of Warkworth could cause traffic gridlock if it goes ahead, the Rodney Local Board has warned.

Bill and Christine Endean, who own the land including the former Ransom Wines property west of State Highway 1, and Cindy Hao, who owns a property on the eastern side of SH1, are working to produce a Warkworth South plan change for urban zoning that could see up to 1200 new homes and a series of parks along the Mahurangi River corridor, near Morrisons Heritage Orchard.

Planning consultant David Hay of Osbornehay, told the Local Board meeting on May 19 that his clients hoped to lodge the proposed plan change later this year and, if approved, it could be development ready in about three years.

Mr Hay said the Waimanawa zoning concept would involve a mix of terraced/apartment housing, mixed housing, large lots, open spaces, a sportsground, a local shopping centre, parks and reserves, with extensive walking and cycling networks.

Initial designs also show an area for a public transport interchange connected to a western collector road and southern motorway interchange.

Both appear as potential transport projects in the Warkworth Structure Plan, but are yet to be prioritised for funding and delivery.

Local Board chair Phelan Pirrie said the land in question was not scheduled to be released for development for at least seven years and there was good reason for that.

“The reason this is not planned until 2028 to 2032 is because there’s no budget for an interchange in the RLTP (Regional Land Transport Plan),” he said. “The purpose of leaving it till then is because it allows budgets to be put in place, it allows time for that to happen.

“We hear from the community ‘why are we allowing housing ahead of infrastructure’. What you’re proposing is plainly that. We simply don’t have

WARKWORTH

Residential

Mixed Housing Urban

Residential Large Lot

Bush Reserves Residential Bush Reserves Residential

Large Lot

Morrison’s Heritage Orchard

Major Park

Mixed Housing Urban

Residential THAB

Residential THAB

Residential

Mixed Housing Urban

Residential

Mixed Housing Urban

Residential

Residential

THAB

Mixed Housing Urban

Residential Large Lot

Residential

Mixed Housing Urban

Bush Reserves

ial nt ot e L d

si arge

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PUHOI The Waimanawa concept plan for land south of Warkworth. (THAB: Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings)

budgets available to do this work.”

Mr Pirrie cited Huapai, where he said traffic was regularly at a standstill because development had been allowed ahead of schedule.

“The consequences of bringing forward housing where there are no budgets for transport are actually considerable,” he said.

Mr Hay said traffic on SH1 would drop significantly next year when the new motorway opened, and the proposed plan change would provide an argument for bringing the southern interchange forward. It would also provide much-needed housing.

“We know Auckland lags behind with infrastructure but our traffic work so far says we need the southern interchange to serve this development,” he said.

Mr Pirrie again emphasised the

dangers of bringing development forward before traffic infrastructure funding was available .

“There are other plan changes being done, more housing is coming onstream. There’s already land in Warkworth North that’s zonable, there’s not a shortage of land zoned for housing,” he said. “If this is allowed to go ahead of the planned land release, it’s potentially putting in thousands of people going through Hill Street to get up to the new motorway and back again.”

Mr Pirrie said that if funding towards roading infrastructure could be contributed by developers, such as was happening at Milldale, it might make the proposal more attractive.

Mr Hay said he would return to update the board on progress in a couple of months.

Landfill decision delayed, yet again The decision on a massive landfill proposed for the Dome Valley has again been delayed. Commissioners were originally due to make their announcement on May 12, itself an extension to the usual timeframe, but Auckland Council said that was delayed to later that same week “or the following week”. On Monday, May 24, Council said a final decision would be ready last week, but on Wednesday said it appeared likely to be released early this week.

Meeting addresses town heritage A public meeting will be held next Wednesday, June 9 to get the ball rolling on forming a new Warkworth Heritage and Culture Group.

Organiser Dave Parker says the meeting is open to anyone interested in local history, heritage and culture in Warkworth and the surrounding areas, with a view to forming a working committee and list of supporters.

“There are concerns that we as a community are losing a grip on varying aspects pertaining to our valued historic assets and history,” Mr Parker said during a deputation to May’s Rodney Local Board meeting. “It’s not only about our buildings of historic and architectural significance, but also about the educational values of our town’s history and the community’s association with established groups.”

He said one of the new group’s first aims would be to give the support needed to protect and preserve Warkworth’s historic weir.

The public meeting will be held at The Bridgehouse Bar at 5.30pm.

THE

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OFF THE RECORD Off the record contributions welcome.

Email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Young at heart Mahurangi Matters loved this mobility scooter often seen parked outside the Warkworth RSA. It just goes to show that although growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

Phone interrogation Is the KGB now training phone company representatives? Mahurangi Matters recently made what we thought was a relatively simple request – we wanted a phone re-direction to be removed from one of the work phones. We were told that to do this, we needed answer to the following security questions: 1. What is your full legal name? 2. What was the content of the last notification text you received from us? 3. What was the amount that you paid on your account and what method of payment did you use? 4. What packs have you added in the last month and what is the price?

Correction A story in our last issue, “Farmhouse renovation delivers dream home”(MM May 19), incorrectly identified the company of builder Kyle Brown. Mr Brown’s company is Warkworth Construction Ltd. Mahurangi Matters regrets and apologises for the error.

YO U S AY

We welcome your feedback but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at localmatters.co.nz/opinion.

Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

Put plaques back

Belittling and diminishing

Auckland Transport has lifted the level of service on our unsealed roads, I have lived in Snells Beach for about however within weeks they immediately 10 years, but apart from that I have start to deteriorate. These unsealed roads no real connection to Warkworth, have delivered hundreds of thousands of historical or otherwise. But I was tons of metal and silt into our drains disgusted at the response to people’s and harbours, which has to stop. This concerns regarding the removal of the is why we are spending millions of name plaques from the wharf by Paul dollars dredging metal and silt out of the Amaral of Auckland Council (MM May19). “After careful consideration?” Mahurangi River.

“If possible?” Then to say people Colin Smith, Rodney Local Board (abridged) could have their plaques back if they wanted them. Why would they want Insulting commendation them back? They were made to go on I take exception to comments in the the wharf. Put them on the bl**dy previous edition by Brent Morrissey restored wharf.

(MM May 19) claiming Rodney’s rural roads have significantly improved Rob Paton, Snells Beach since Auckland Council has managed them. Being of the fifth generation of Rotten roads my family to live in Tomarata, and In reply to Brent Morrissey (MM May knowing the background of legacy 19), thank you for pointing out that councils, I find it insulting to witness the motorway is a national road that is commendation of road maintenance. funded by our taxes. This has nothing to do with Mayor Goff or Greg Sayers. In several places of our district we can Our local roads are funded by a targeted sight the cobblestones laid by pick and rate, fuel taxes and general rates. The shovel by the hands of our forebears $121 million we were promised has all now classed as “historic property”. but disappeared and we are left with $4 Where else in a developed nation do million for road sealing from the general you travel an hour from its largest rate. This is what we were getting city to reach such disgusting metal before we went into the Supercity. I roads? After years of advocacy along am a former roading contractor who with my many rural counterparts, it has worked with various iterations of is infuriating to hear applause for the the local government. The roads in our “improved” roads. I suggest the writer area have been metal and mud for over takes a more extensive drive around 150 years and there were no sealed roads his rural roads or willingly shares his when I was born in this area. The sealed recipe for contentment, many would roads we do have are over 60 years old be greatly interested. and have had very little maintenance. Brian Mason, Tomarata

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Please forgive my scepticism when a former local government councillor bestows a flurry of accolades on Auckland Council for its “significant improvement” at managing our appalling rural roads (MM May 19). His comments succeed only in belittling and diminishing the courageous, decades-long battle our rural communities have had to seek rates return parity for decent improvement in our roading network, and a desperate plea to help mitigate the tidal wave of roading sediment flowing into our waterways. Aggressive budgetary cuts see our rates return furnish the infrastructure and roads of all others, but our own. Since when did roading infrastructure improvement become the exclusive right of others?

Rates are a community tax and as such their overarching purpose should be to provide basic and safe infrastructure for all. Recognition of this and fairness of community rates return should be a core moral driver for those who govern us. Regrettably, it is not. Mr Morrissey sounds like he is living in a blissful roading utopia that is as pure as the driven snow. Sadly, however, I feel the rest of us are living in a potholed and muddy dystopia Julie Cotton, Tapora

Community input vital A critical element to maintain community participation is public continued next page

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YO U S AY

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 5

O N L I N E

We asked our Facebook followers if they agree with the decision to lower the speed limit to 80km/h on SH1 between Warkworth and Puhoi on June 14.

Stacey Lemmen I travel that road

daily to work. Every day I get stuck behind someone doing 80-90. If the limit gets lowered these people will drop down to 60-70. I followed someone the other night doing 50 and hard braking on every corner. Cars are safer than ever. Time to fix the road back up to standard and create more compulsory driver training. If you are unable to drive within 10kms of the speed limit in good, dry, clear conditions, should you be driving at all?

Gemma Watson Excellent idea.

Hopefully everyone will slow down.

The number of accidents on that stretch of road is excessive. I’d be happy to see this monitored also.

Yes 7%

No 93%

See Mahurangi Matters Facebook for more comments and debate.

Winter is officially upon us and for the project team this means we are entering our slower season – although there is still plenty to get on with.

Gracie May Not until the new

In winter the weather can be disruptive and the work we can carry out is more limited than in the drier summer months.

Jeremey Holman Those that are

We can only work in certain areas of the project at one time, and many areas will be closed out and stabilised to prepare them for the wet winter weather. The ground is stabilised in a number of ways including applying topsoil and then mulch or hydroseeding, with subsequent grass cover.

motorway has been opened!

traveling at 80 now will slow down to 60 once the speed limit changes, frustrating other drivers, and there will be more stupid passing.

As planned, we have substantially completed the bulk earthworks on the project ahead of the arrival of the wet weather.

from previous page

confidence in open and democratic processes. Basic ethical standards are sadly lacking and condoned in many of our community organisations, and it is creating a cynical apathy.

With so much Millwater-like “revitalisation” proposed over the next decade, increased community input and scrutiny is vital. It is not okay for a community leader to lodge a submission on behalf of their organisation without informing its members. It is not okay to put selfinterest ahead of those they are meant to represent. When fronting a public meeting to push for particular changes to a public project, that person should declare whether they or their clients will financially benefit. When a class of people profit from receiving official information first, all the liaison groups, forums and public consultation looks like window dressing. Despite how much good work someone might do, it is the unethical conduct that should make anyone unfit for office. Public vigilance is important to maintain a spotlight on shadowy behaviour.

Over the next few months we will be pushing on with road construction and asphalt surfacing where possible, and our structures team will be putting the finishing touches on our viaducts and bridges. You will also see a lot of work happening at the connections at either end of the motorway and the on- and off-ramps at Pūhoi.

The arrival of cooler wetter months means it’s also the prime time for landscaping.

Lions Warkworth treasurer Murray Picot popped into the Mahurangi Matters office last week and said the fundraising effort on behalf of Debbie Barber had reached almost $1000.

Lions and Mahurangi Matters launched an appeal to assist Debbie after fire gutted her Warkworth home last month (MM May 19). Generous donors can still help Debbie by depositing cash at the Mahurangi Matters office, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth. Alternatively, they can deposit money into the Lions Club account 02-0480-0015374-97, reference “Fire”. The appeal closes on June 14. Meanwhile, Debbie, who has been staying with family, was hoping to move into a rental property last weekend. She said she would like to thank the community for their support and the donation of items to help her get back on her feet. “I’ve been touched by the generosity of the local population. Thank you,” she said.

This season we are planning on putting 650,000 plants into the ground. This will include species such as Manuka, Kanuaka, Karamu and Mapou. These will be installed on the motorway batters and the areas between the road and designation boundary.

Ngā mihi, Robert Jones Project Director

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

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Our winter work plans as wet weather sets in

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Viewpoint Greg Sayers, Rodney Councillor greg.sayers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Rodney to Mayor: No to five per cent rate rise Update:

Since Cr Sayers penned this column, Auckland Council has ratified a five per cent rate increase. Cr Sayers was one of five councillors who voted against.

Auckland’s councillors are currently deciding whether to support a mayoral proposal to increase rates next year by an average of five per cent, or alternatively by 3.5 per cent. Importantly, that process included asking Aucklanders which option they supported.

Council provided written consultation material, online information sessions, face-to-face public meetings and social media videos to explain the different impacts between a five and a 3.5 per cent average rates increase.

Overwhelmingly, very well-informed Aucklanders rejected the Mayor’s budget. Public feedback also included a need to find revenue and savings, internal cost reductions rather than just efficiency gains. Many people commented about the financial hardship they were under and having to make cost reductions, so why wasn’t Council doing the same?

True cost reductions will be impossible without Council defining what its core business is. I will continue to push to

Auckland-wide ratepayer feedback

Rodney ratepayer feedback

ensure this happens.

Rejection of the five per cent rates increase was even more pronounced from Rodney’s residents, with a massive 70 per cent of people not supporting the Mayoral proposal. Most people’s feedback explained they supported the 3.5 per cent rates increase, with many wanting even lower rate increases.

Feedback from Rodney’s residents included wanting Council to get back to core business, stopping wastage and overspending, a reduction in regulations and compliance costs and a reduction in senior executive salaries.

Ratepayers disapproved of Council planning to spend more than ever, yet Rodney was being marginalised from

that spending.

This has proven inconvenient for the Mayor, forcing him to promote a smaller Colmar Brunton poll, ahead of the official public feedback results, as the new source of truth. This poll cost ratepayers $110,000 and showed nine per cent more people supporting the Mayor’s budget than rejecting it.

I believe the poll was fundamentally flawed because it only had the five per cent option, and failed to mention the cumulative effect of seven per cent water rate increases, the Rodney Local Board transport rate, or the regional fuel tax – all of which was outlined in the Council’s official consultation documentation.

Regardless, the

people have spoken and have sent a clear message. They want their elected Supercity representatives to uphold their democratic wishes. However, I am doubtful that this will happen.

Although the pros and cons around the rate increase options were clearly laid out in Council’s comprehensive consultation documents, many elected members have signalled they will support the Mayor’s proposal.

Increasing rates is an easy fix for Council. Digging deep and making cuts back to core business, as most businesses have to do in hard times, requires tougher calls to be made.

However, it will be with a clear sense of duty that I will be representing the people of Rodney when the rate increase decision must be made.

Another feeling that came through in the public feedback was a continued lack of trust in the Council. Well, maybe taxing by stealth and riding roughshod over the people paying the politicians wages is the exact conduct the public don’t trust.

My prediction is in future years Council will be seeking from you even greater rate increases because of its increasing spending, spiralling debt and failure to peel back to core services.

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Liam Whittle, Marja Lubeck MP, Utu Cotton, Tapora principal Keryl Lee and Connell Mackay at Parliament.

Rural kids get a taste of the city Students from Tapora School met Parliamentary Speaker Trevor Mallard and were given a tour of the Beehive by local MPs Chris Penk and Marja Lubeck when they visited Wellington for a special school camp last month.

They were in the capital for the biennial Rural and Remote camp for Year 7 and 8 students, which brings together intermediate students from small schools to connect and learn online together and to reduce social isolation.

As well as the Parliamentary tour, students from four rural schools – Tapora, Great Barrier Island, Manawatu and Stewart Island – were in the gallery when Maori Party coleader Rawiri Waititi was ejected from the house.

Other activities during the fiveday camp included a visit to Weta Workshop, the National Library, go-karting and a trip on the Police Maritime Unit boat.

Tapora principal Keryl Lee said this was the third such trip to Wellington for the school since the Rural and Remote group was formed 10 years ago, and it formed an important step in preparation for students moving on to secondary schools.

“The rural kids camp is a significant event for the schools and whānau involved, with siblings of previous students eager to take their turn on camp, and a big effort from our communities to fundraise to get our children to Wellington,” she said.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 9

localfolk Peter Young, filmmaker

Filmmaker Peter Young has been in the film and television industry for 30 years. He has credits for more than a hundred documentaries for networks such as BBC, Discovery and TVNZ. In 2012, he was named New Zealand Independent Screen Producer of the Year and, in 2020, he received the NZTV Awards’ Best Camerawork award for documentaries. His film ‘Last Ocean’ sparked an international movement and was instrumental in creating the world’s largest marine reserve. Jonathan Killick spoke to Peter at his home in Point Wells about his travels as a documentary maker…

I

’m a Taranaki boy from a family with nine brothers and sisters. Growing up, I always wanted to be a farmer so I left school at 17 and travelled to the South Island to work on Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest cattle station. For the first year, I learnt the ropes – I milked the house cow every morning, fenced, drove trucks, killed sheep and shod a horse – all those essential things in life. During that year I slowly built up a team of dogs and became a stockman. We were stationed out the back and lived in a historic accommodation house made of mud.

I rode a horse pretty well all day, every day. We cooked all our meals on an open fire and our only contact with the outside world was through the weekly mail run. Letters were a real highlight and I wrote regularly to all my friends up north. We spent most nights in front of the fire, drinking beer, talking and writing to our friends. In hindsight, each of those letters were little stories, and maybe that’s where the seed was planted for my later change in career.

Molesworth was a simple but very rewarding life and an experience I draw from often. When I look at life for a 17-year-old today I feel for them and the complexity they have to navigate.

I’m sure my parents thought the same – but it’s just getting a little more intense. fter Molesworth, I spent the next seven years shepherding, shearing and contract fencing, and then got a job as a dishwasher at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. I had four months in the beautiful Ross Sea region and made a lot of American friends, so when it came time to do my OE, instead of taking the Aussie to England route, I turned right and headed to North America. Through friends of friends I got a job on a small family-run commercial fishing boat. We were long-lining for halibut and black cod in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

That was 1986 and the skipper had just bought a video camera. It was one of the very first to come out and I picked it up and made a home movie of our trip to Alaska. That’s when I thought, “This is what I want to do.” hen I returned to New Zealand, I put myself through

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broadcasting school and then got a job as a trainee director at the Natural History Unit in Dunedin. I worked for a show called Wildtrack and started telling stories about the plight of our native wildlife. After a few years directing I wanted to learn camera so I left the unit and got a job shooting for TV3 national news. Richard Langston and I spent two years doing the Otago and Southland round, and then I moved to Christchurch where I stayed for the next 25years. ne of the biggest decisions I ever made was to leave full-time employment at TV3 and start my own company, Fisheye Films. I was about 36, I had a young family and needed to borrow large amounts of money to buy my first camera. It was terrifying but I never looked back. Freelancing gave me all sorts of new opportunities. I loved the fact that you were only as good as your last job – it kept you on track and honest, and not long after I started Fisheye I was working on natural history documentaries around the world. filmed an episode for the BBC’s Blue Planet Series 1, which looked at the state of the world’s oceans, and worked on two giant squid films. At the time, the giant squid had never been captured on film and there was a race between Discovery and National Geographic to be the first to film it. A Kiwi marine scientist Dr Steve O’Shea, who was one of the world’s leading giant squid experts, said the only way we would ever be able to film an adult giant squid was to catch a small one and grow it in captivity. Discovery backed that idea and I was asked to film it. Steve had figured out where Architeuthis (giant squid) bred and where to find the larvae in the ocean (off the South Island’s West Coast and the Chatham Rise).

He found the larvae but wasn’t able to keep them alive, so I am actually the first person in the world to film a live giant squid, but the fact that it was only one-centimetre shouldn’t diminish the accomplishment! y partner Tracy and I met at the Natural History Unit when she was researching for a series called Wild Asia. They hired me to go to Siberia

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to film the salmon runs.

We were based in Magadan, a city built to service the gulags of World War II. It was the early 2000s, the Russian ruble was very unstable and things were generally a little dodgy. A vessel was chartered to take us to the rivers where the salmon were running, but two days before departure, we found that it was actually a mail boat. The skipper, who looked very much like Russian mafia, said we could stop wherever we wanted as long as it was on the mail run. We didn’t have much of a choice so handed over large amounts of cash for a gold-toothed smile and a couple of glasses of vodka. To add insult to injury, we were asked to stay beneath decks when we left port. This very expensive mail delivery was saved by the fact that we found one river where salmon were running and bears were feeding. It was so close to being a massive disaster, though. racy and I crossed paths again a few years after, joined forces and have been working for Fisheye ever since. Our first series together was the popular food/adventure show, ‘Hunger for the Wild’, which we made with our friends Al Brown and Steve Logan. We spent the next seven years on various series roaming the country hunting, gathering and cooking the best produce in the country. Those guys remain good friends. The characters we met, like so many in hospitality, were fun, warm and generous – it was tele making at its best really. Throughout my career, I have filmed for Country Calendar.

I started 23 years ago with a story in the Hakataramea Valley and I have loved every shoot since – I’ve done over a hundred. It’s a nod to my farming aspirations without doing the hard yards. he greatest achievement for me personally would be the Last Ocean, an environmental campaign and a documentary, that centred around protecting the Ross Sea. It was a seven

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year project and began with three of us – a Colorado wildlife photographer, US ecologist and I agreeing to work together to try and protect the Ross Sea from commercial fishing. We had no idea where the project would go, but we felt compelled to do it. Filming wildlife in the Ross Sea was the easy part. The challenge was travelling the world trying to film a story that many didn’t want to be told. We were up against the might of the fishing industry and nations with no interest in protecting the marine environment. y latest project is Fight for the Wild, a four-part documentary series screening concurrently on RNZ and TVNZ. It looks at the predatorfree initiative – why we needed something as big and bold as that, whether we will get there and if so, how? Essentially it’s about protecting our taonga species – and painting a picture of what it is really like for them out in the wild (not very good).

I never know what project I will work on next – I don’t go searching for them, they seem to find me. But what I have noticed is that each of them will close chapters in my life that were opened decades before. feel privileged to have found a career that keeps me engaged all these years later. My life has been full and interesting, but most of my joy these days comes from simply being part of a community. Adventure doesn’t need to be climbing the highest mountain – it’s anything that takes you out of your comfort zone and puts you on edge.

When you’re there, you’re learning and life gets interesting. I think the most interesting stories are the simplest ones – a guitar and a voice, a heart-felt card or letter, a fire and a yarn.

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Fight for the Wild episodes are released on Mondays on Radio New Zealand’s website and aired on TVNZ 1 the following Saturday.

environment

10 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

thinkglobal

AC T LO C A L

Tapora Māori take charge of Manukapua restoration The handover of Manukapua (Big Sand Island), in the Kaipara Harbour, to Maori is before the Crown.

The Taumata Council of Elders of hapu Te Uri o Hau, the Tapora Landcare Group, the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group (IKHMG) and children of Tapora School gathered at Manukapua Reserve for an update on its restoration last month.

It is hoped that transferring the island’s ownership to iwi will invigorate the restoration project by providing access to Maori-based funding and creating a groundswell of public support.

Tapora farmer Earle Wright says the restoration is a personal issue for him because he and his brother are among the last remaining Maori on the Okahukura Peninsula.

“As the island continued to degrade and land use changed in the area, we were concerned that we would lose our identity as Maori,” he says.

But he says the Crown has recognised its mahi has been lacking on the spiritually significant site, and that community groups and hapu can take charge of the restoration.

Since receiving $100,000 from the Department of Conservation two years ago, the community has cleared

More photos online at www.localmatters.co.nz

Tapora School children, representatives of the IKHMG and Tapora Landcare Group, and the Taumata Council of Elders gathered for a planting day at Manukapua.

Young and old worked together.

five hectares of dense gorse and pampas and planted 13,000 native trees.

Signs have been erected stopping people from lighting fires in the reserve or driving four-wheel-drive vehicles over the island, which is monitored by resident kaitiaki (guardians).

For Ngati Whatua iwi and Te Uri o Hau hapu it is the start of a reversal of more than 100 years of degradation of a site of immense spiritual significance.

The island was the landing site of a waka named Mahuhu-ki-te-rangi in 1350 and is considered the birthplace of the iwi and hapu.

The island once extended all the way to the mouth of the harbour,

Teacher Michelle Carmichael says the trees planted in the first planting days on other sites are now taller than the children who planted them.

Meanwhile, IKHMG lead field adviser Kathryne Easton says pilot projects are underway for the $100 million government-funded Kaipara cleanup programme aimed at reducing sediment in waterways that feed into the harbour.

She says the IKHMG has been working to understand how it can get the best value for money and that details on how landowners can apply for grants should be made available in coming months.

providing a safe landing spot, but was significantly eroded by a tsunami.

In 2013, it was ravaged by fire, which removed all the vegetation and allowed it to be taken over by pampas and gorse.

Tapora School students have got behind the restoration project after successfully planting wetlands on the Okahukura Peninsula, resulting in the return of endangered bittern.

At the meeting last month, they planted 950 native seedlings at Manukapua. The oldest and the youngest students were paired up to allow their knowledge to be passed down.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 11

Environment Christine Rose christine.rose25@gmail.com

Philosophy from the sea In an island nation like ours, it’s pretty easy to access the ocean. And in Mahurangi waters, the sea is warm and protected – a special kind of green. It’s rich in life, breathtakingly beautiful, as lovely as anywhere in the country or the world.

As well as giving us life, the ocean gives us lessons in life too, a philosophy from the sea. The ocean can teach us so much, including respect, courage and care.

But you sometimes have to learn to love the sea in order to learn and live with her lessons. And to love the sea, you also have to live with fear of it. After all, fear is the beginning of wisdom.

So it was for me. In order to follow my heart and encounter “maximum marine environment”, I had to overcome fear of drowning, and indeed fear of fear itself.

You feel pretty small and vulnerable out there afloat in a kayak – a self-propelled plastic pod – where you are reliant on yourself for safety.

But after about 25 years of kayaking, much of it in Mahurangi’s charmed waters, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve encountered leaping sharks and frolicking dolphins. They taught me not to discriminate, to love all species, including those with sharp teeth and those with smiling eyes. I’ve been overtaken and literally immersed in fluttering shearwaters by the thousand, as they leap-frogged across a harbour. I’ve seen beaches littered with fishing line, empty bait bags and soft drink bottles.

That showed me that humans are the dirtiest animals. I’ve kayaked to islands of hope – Motutapu, Motuora, Tiritiri Matangi and Urupukapuka. These are refuges where people restore not just habitats and ecosystems, but are models of the good we can be in the world – our better selves.

This summer, at those nature reserves though, I also saw people taking their dogs ashore to follow their own calls of nature. A man from a yacht taking his fluffy small pooch to poo. A group on a launch with their large mixed dogs at Te Haupa-Saddle Island among the dotterels and moulting penguins. The guy who turned up in his tinny to play fetch with Fido on the beach at Tiri. That taught me that sometimes dogs are less stupid than people, but it’s often the dogs that get the blame.

The sea has taught me to live like life’s a beach, to take the plunge, to “sea’s” the day.

So if you can’t get hold of me, you know where I’ll be – immersed in philosophy.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 13

Unwelcome bus angers Puhoi residents Writers wanted A bus that has been parked in the Puhoi Pioneers Memorial Park for months has attracted the ire of residents who insist it must go.

Puhoi Community Forum chair Paul Manton says residents have made numerous complaints to Auckland Council about the 70s-era Bedford bus, but to no avail.

Mr Manton says the problem started around November last year, when the bus appeared with a man living in it.

Along with the bus there was a car, a boat and barbecue all parked in Memorial Park near the community orchard.

Residents resented the fact that the bus and associated paraphernalia was taking up a community space that was used for farmers’ markets, sports events and horse riding.

“We don’t mind the odd freedom camper staying one or two nights, but this was taking the mickey a bit,” Mr Manton says.

Residents eventually asked the man to leave. He did so, taking the boat and the car, but the bus remained, doing little to improve local tempers.

“What gives him the right to park there for free and store his bus? Memorial Park is a community park for the community, not for the benefit of individuals who should know better,” Mr Manton says.

He worries that the bus will set a precedent, encouraging others to bring their caravans and their boats and “everything else” and park them in Memorial Park.

The bus has been parked at Puhoi Memorial Park for months.

He fears the park could be turned into a campground that would quickly overburden the public toilets.

Mr Manton says Council must know who the owner is because he understands the owner promised a Council officer to move the bus “imminently”, but that was more than two months ago.

He says he has been told that Council has no money to move the bus itself. He offered to have the vehicle towed away at residents’ expense, but Council “were not keen on that idea”.

Meanwhile, Auckland Council team leader for compliance investigations David Pawson confirmed that Council was aware of the bus, but did not respond when asked if Council knew who the owner of the bus was and

whether a Council officer had spoken to him or her.

He did say Council officers visited the site on May 21, but the owner of the bus was not present.

Mr Pawson says Council’s enforcement policy was first to warn those of the no camping rule and use a Councilsponsored housing trust to provide help to the homeless.

“In this instance, the next steps will be for us to connect the bus owner with the relevant social services, before we taken enforcement action,” he says.

When Mahurangi Matters visited last week, it noted a barbecue, camping equipment and various stored items under tarpaulins next to the bus. The bus’s registration card expired in 2008.

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The Wellsford Library is calling on budding writers to re-imagine Port Albert as a bustling metropolis for a writing competition.

In the 1860s, Albertland was founded by settlers who planned to make use of the Kaipara Harbour to create a city to rival Auckland. Writers are invited to create a short story on the basis that the plan succeeded.

Librarian Jamie Robertson says writers have free licence with their imagination: perhaps the Kaipara Harbour was safer or maybe it was besieged with piracy?

“The story could be set in the future with bullet trains and hover cars, or it could imagine a pre-European Pacific city.”

The competition is open to all genres, from crime and thriller to science fiction and fantasy.

There is an adult category, and a teenage category for writers aged 13 to 19.

It is the first time the Wellsford Library has organised a competition of this nature.

Auckland Libraries is holding a region-wide “We Read Auckland” programme and individual libraries have been encouraged to hold their own events and competitions.

The winning story will be displayed at the Wellsford Library and published online at localmatters.co.nz.

Writers are invited to send stories of 2000 words or less, to wellslib@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with “Albertlander Short Story Competition” in the subject line.

Deadline is Wednesday, June 30.

14 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

We are moving to Town River Nile Linens, the Made-in-Mahurangi Bed Linen manufacturer is moving onwards and upwards. After being based in Matakana for the past 15 years, new ownership and new markets have both the manufacturing and retail outlet moving into larger premises in Warkworth’s Mill Lane.

As well as manufacturing quality high threadcount sheets crafted from cotton sourced in the Mediterranean area, River Nile Linens also stocks luxurious Portuguese and Turkish towels, cushions, throws, tea towels and more.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 15

Cash in trash finds way back to owner Bylaw makes ripple Kirsty Williams, of Snells Beach, was last week reunited with $700 that belonged to her mother, who recently passed away. It was all thanks to the honesty and efforts of a Mahurangi Wastebusters employee.

Andrew Johnson was about to empty a box of paper products for recycling at the transfer station on Lawrie Road when he noticed the glint of a $50 note in a birthday card.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be much more.

Andrew immediately collected the cash and brought it to his supervisor to report what he had found.

Wastebusters staff found themselves taking on the role of detectives, searching through the collection box for any evidence that might help to reunite the cash with its rightful owner.

The birthday card provided a clue with a first name, and after a careful search a bill was found with a last name and an address.

This information was passed on to Warkworth Police Sergeant Mark Stallworthy.

Sgt Stallworthy visited the address, but found it unoccupied and half empty.

However, a search of the police database revealed a phone number contact for the household, which turned out to be Kirsty.

Kirsty wasn’t sure what to expect when she received a message from the Warkworth Sergeant, but was overwhelmed when she learned of the cash.

She said it was particularly sentimental because the birthday card from 2012 revealed that it had been a gift from her late father to her mother.

“They always got each other gifts, even in their later years. This was probably for jewellery,” she said.

“We knew that Dad believed in keeping cash around, and we had gone through the boxes and thought it

Kirsty Williams receives the returned cash from Andrew Johnson.

was all accounted for.”

Kirsty said the family would set aside the recovered money and spend it on something special.

She tried to offer Andrew a reward, but he turned it down, saying it was enough to have managed to return the money.

Wastebusters supervisor Kath Callender said she was incredibly proud of Andrew.

“This is why we try to hire good staff. The aim is for Wastebusters to be a community facility, so it’s great to have been able to take care of one of our customers like this,” Kath said.

Sgt Stallworthy said it warmed his heart to see such honesty and integrity in the community.

He said he has also known people to come into the Warkworth station with small sums of cash found on the street.

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Only 11 people in the Rodney Local Board area submitted views on an Auckland Council proposal for a new navigational safety bylaw, a board meeting heard recently.

The plans were publicly notified for feedback from mid-November to February 14 and included proposals to make all boaties carry at least two independent forms of communication and to increase the speed limit from 12 knots to 18 knots in Waitemata Harbour.

Board members said the small proportion of feedback from the Rodney area, despite it having the largest area of coastline in Auckland, could be down to three things – inadequate promotion of the feedback period by Council, contentment with the status quo or apathy.

They voted to express concern over the plan to make boat owners carry two methods of communication, saying it would be practically unenforceable by Council. Members also said it could cause financial hardship to people who used boats to gather kaimoana for the table, because items such as handheld VHF radios could be prohibitively expensive.

Members also said the new bylaw was too restrictive, particularly for small boats.

They also expressed concern that there was no differentiation in some clauses between different types of craft, such as between a kayak and a launch, and said that a one-size-fits-all policy would not always be appropriate or applicable to every craft.

Deputy chair Beth Houlbrooke presented the Board’s feedback to Council’s bylaw panel last month, stressing that education may be better than regulation and “bylaws are not worth the paper they’re written on if they cannot be practically enforced”. She said the compliance team was already woefully under-resourced and without a harbourmaster based locally, there was little chance that the bylaw could be monitored or enforced.

16 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

localmatters.co.nz

Little Leigh Library celebrates 150th anniversary in style Some of Leigh’s founding families shared stories from their family histories at celebrations marking Leigh Library’s 150th anniversary on May 22.

The event drew more than 200 people with many coming from as far away as Canterbury and Wellington.

The library is understood to be the second oldest* community library in New Zealand and has been run by volunteers since it opened in 1871.

The morning’s events paid tribute to library founder Charles Septimus Clarke, who surprisingly made an appearance in person and gave a firsthand account of his life in Leigh.

Descendants Vern Smith (Clarke family), Jackie Atkins (Wyatt), Val Stern (Matheson), Julie Greenwood (Greenwood) and Ian Bradman (Witten) also spoke.

Library president Sheryl Corbett recounted the library’s beginnings and thanked the legion of volunteers who had supported the library over the decades.

Organisers were overwhelmed by the response from the large number of family descendants who attended, as well as the Leigh community.

Library secretary Wendy Brown said the occasion had also drawn praise from new residents in Leigh, who had appreciated learning something about the village’s history.

A special thanks was reserved for the Mahurangi Community Trading Post

Descendants of the library founders. Photo, Jenny Enderby.

Leigh resident Jo Evans made a convincing Charles Septimus Clarke, regarded as the library’s founder.

Library volunteer Averil Lovegrove and Clarke family descendant Val Stern at the commemorative board.

for its generous donation, which had made the celebrations possible.

The anniversary concluded with lunch at the Leigh Hall, where a local history

display generated many memories for those who grew up in the area.

The library today houses around 4000 books and has 565 adult and 187

child members. The librarian is Tracey Lawton. *The oldest is Leithfield Library in the South Island.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 17

INTR ODUCING n

Glenrose Friesians After growing up in the Dutch province of Friesland, it’s unsurprising that Louis and Marianne Weitenberg have a strong affection for the horses for which the region is famed.

When they came to New Zealand about 30 years ago, they began working in the dairy industry, but the passion for Friesians never died.

Louis ended up working for Landcorp, responsible for the management of numerous dairy farms. His special interest was in genetics and the breeding of top dairy cows.

After a while, his passion for studying the genetics of Friesian cows carried over into studying the genetics of Friesian horses, and he started looking up the stud records of the top Friesians from his native Holland.

About 15 years ago, the Weitenbergs imported two mares and a stallion of impeccable pedigree and started a boutique Friesian stud, providing a complete professional Friesian breeding programme in New Zealand.

Originally, the couple ran the Friesian business as a sideline, but last December they had the opportunity to move to Pakiri to establish Glenrose Friesians there, and devote themselves to working with and breeding horses full-time.

The couple do all the work themselves,

Marianne Weitenberg

including artificial insemination, scanning of mares during pregnancy, foaling and breaking in young stock.

Marianne says Louis’ expertise plus the couples’ contacts in the Netherlands where they source frozen semen, allows them to put together top breeding combinations. They supply the highest quality studs and pure bred foals.

Marianne says Glenrose prides itself on matching the right horse to the right person. Before making a sale, the couple like prospective owners to visit Glenrose so they can guide them on how to handle a young horse and establish which horse they relate to best.

She says Friesians are appreciated for their beauty, friendliness and loyalty. Selective breeding has also ensured they have become highly competitive in dressage.

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

The versatile carrot The chilly winter temperatures mean two things in the culinary world – it’s time for heartwarming soups and stews. Root vegetables are the base of so many good soups, and they are now, having endured a frost or two, juicier, sweeter and more flavourful than at any other time of the year. One of the most versatile and yet overlooked veggies of this group is the carrot.

When cooking carrots, make sure they are exposed to heat long enough to soften and develop their full sweetness without becoming mushy. In a stew or casserole, carrots develop flavour and complexity with the long slow cooking in a tasty liquid.

It’s surprising to learn that nutritional benefits from things such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are better accessed when carrots are cooked, rather than when consumed raw. It’s harder for the body to break the carrot down its raw state, although happily carrot juice is the exception to this rule. Be sure to store your carrots in the refrigerator, as they wilt quickly and lose their crispness when not well chilled.

Carrots are a relatively inexpensive vegetable and their versatility is unbounded. One of my favourite

Carrot and Orange Soup with Prawns 1 tbsp sesame or coconut oil 3 shallots, thinly sliced 1 kg carrots, peeled and sliced 1 tbsp grated ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 800 mls vegetable or chicken stock

1 orange, zest and juice Flaky sea salt 8 prawns, peeled and steamed (try to find wild caught Australian prawns) 3 tbsp fresh dill

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the shallots, carrots, ginger and cumin. Cook gently over low heat until the shallots and carrots begin to soften. Add the stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow the carrots to simmer for 20 minutes, until fragrant.

Remove the pan from the heat and puree with a blending stick or process in a blender. If the soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra water.

To serve, reheat gently, add the orange juice and zest, and taste. Add salt as needed.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with a couple of warm prawns and some snipped dill. Serves 4 to 6. ways to serve carrots is to peel and cut them lengthwise and toss them into a frying pan over low heat with butter, good olive oil or coconut oil. Slowly cook them with a little salt until they are tender and have lost their crunch.

It’s important to keep the cooking temperature low as the sugar content in carrots is high and can burn quickly at high temperatures. The carrots

Taste of Brick Bay

will need tossing occasionally while cooking. Once ready, they can be showered with freshly chopped herbs or a few seeds.

This soup recipe is inspired by an unusual dish I ate in a New York restaurant, Jojo’s, many years ago.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has set up a succession of great restaurants in a long and successful career. His

recipe was for shrimp in a carrot and orange juice. I have taken his concept and reworked it to make a wonderfully easy smooth-blended soup. The prawns are optional, as it is not easy to find a good Aussie prawn. Substitutes to finish the soup might be a spoonful of coconut cream, some Greek yogurt or a large garnish of fresh herbs and black pepper.

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OASIS for a great nights sleep!

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

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Memories of black billy tea Bev Ross recalls haymaking during her childhood ...

I watched, fascinated, as the man cut two forked branches from a nearby ti-tree. He knocked them into the ground, forks up, and set them about one metre apart. A blackened billy, part filled with water, was then threaded by its handle on to a straight stick, which was rested into the forks of the stakes. The billy hung over the fire.

In no time, steam was lifting the blackened lid, announcing boiling point. The man called out, “Where’s the tea leaf, Mum?” She pointed to a tin by the linen covered basket. He tipped a handful of the leaf into the boiling water, followed by another. He watched for a short time until the boil resumed, then closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “Ahhh!” he sighed in a moment of true pleasure.

“Black billy tea, Binky. There’s nothing quite like it!”

I remember thinking the smell was rather wonderful, and I was eager to sample some, but when the ritual of tea making was accomplished, and served in enamel mugs, then milk and sugar were added, I decided that I’d rather drink milk on its own. The taste was very different to tea made indoors and brewed in a teapot.

Black billy tea had a smoke content and a stewed effect which only occurred in the outdoor variety. It was not to this child’s taste at all. “It was so strong you could stand your teaspoon up in it!” some were heard to say.

It was hay making time – a time when friends and neighbours pitched in to help each other in turn. I saw sweat pouring from the men as they sank to the ground for the few minutes rest, when food and tea was offered at 10am smoko. They gathered again at lunchtime, then again at 3pm smoko. Most of them took those times to roll their tobacco from a tin held in their back pockets into cigarettes, while a cloth was pulled from the basket and laid it out on the grass. The hostess had chosen a shaded spot under a nearby tree.

Food was extracted from tins and placed on plates upon the cloth. There were sandwiches of tomato and cucumber, and some with roast mutton or beef with pickle. They had made scones, buttered, with jam or ‘cockey’s joy’ (golden syrup) added. There were tarts and cake also. A bounty of food, delicious food, which disappeared quickly by those acquainted with healthy fare. They appreciated it, but weren’t in the habit of saying so.

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Grease a 3cm-deep, 16.5cm x 26cm (base) slab pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang at both long ends. Place 12 biscuits, in a single layer, in pan to cover base.

Combine custard powder and 1/4 cup milk in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk. Add sugar and place pan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until custard comes to the boil.

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Pets Vets Corner

Pet of the Month Remi, a 10 week old Rottie Pup Remi was presented to one of our vets on a Monday morning and she was looking very sorry for herself. Along with frequent vomiting and a strange chatter of her jaws, she had a very stiff, almost wooden look to her body. The significance of this wouldn’t become apparent until the next morning. She was given IV fluids and drugs to help reduce her nausea but showed no signs of improvement during her overnight stay at Warkworth Vets Veterinary Hospital. A decision was made on Tuesday that she needed an exploratory laparotomy, a procedure where we surgically open up her abdomen to try to determine the cause of her illness. Not since Harvey the Dalmation has our vet seen anything quite so remarkable. (Harvey had swallowed an entire baconfat-laden tea towel). Remi had managed to swallow a long stick, which was in fact nearly as long as Remi herself! It traversed her oesophagus and was pushing her stomach right back into the depths of her abdomen.

Remi bounced right back after the stick was removed. She curled into a tight little ball immediately after she woke up from the anaesthetic pleased she was no longer splinted out straight like a sawhorse.

Vets: Roger Dunn BVSc, Jon Makin BVSc, Danny Cash BVSc, Justine Miller BVSc, Chelsea Gill BVSc, Sam Eaton BVSc, Jackie Nicholls BVSc, Neil Warnock BVM&S

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r.cooney@auckland.ac.nz

Covid complacency Perhaps the greatest current pandemic risk to New Zealand arises from a growing complacency that we have suppressed Covid 19 and therefore have defeated the pandemic. At some stage in the future, we will open our borders and will seek to travel again. At that point, we will confront Covid in its various international genetic variants. There are three variants of concern identified at present: South Africa (B.1.351), UK (B.1.1.7) and Japan/Brazil (P.1). The catastrophic situation in India is likely to provide the time and the environment for more contagious deadly variants to evolve. Even before the re-engagement with the rest of the world occurs, it is predictable that at least some occasional mishaps will occur, despite our generally effective managed isolation and quarantine systems. Such mishaps, when combined with the arrival of one of the more deadly and contagious variants, could initiate a new cluster, or even launch a fresh pandemic wave.

These and other concerns have been highlighted in a recent authoritative report from the Lancet Covid 19 Commission Taskforce on Public Health. This report calls for a strategy of “maximum suppression” to deal with a situation where vaccines per se are not enough.

How can we achieve maximum suppression? The most important step will be to achieve a high level of vaccination. Vaccination will certainly minimise the impact, but this must be coupled, when required, with a rapid comprehensive re-adoption of familiar community health precautions, including hand washing, distancing and wearing of masks. The Lancet Commission has made recommendations calling for increased capacity in studies of vaccine effectiveness against new variants and the adoption of improved public health measures. It also proposes an improved range of interventions, including ventilation and tracing. Its main conclusion is that no single action is sufficient to prevent the spread of Covid.

At present, the evidence suggests that the Pfizer vaccine remains effective against variants. However, the South Africa variant seems to reduce the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine against mild to moderate illness.

Reluctance to accept vaccination or the avoidance of second jabs are major obstacles to achieving global immunity and so defeating the pandemic. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that a vaccination threshold of 70 per cent is required before general immunity can be established. Gallup has recently surveyed the international level of public reluctance to accept vaccination. This survey reveals that only in Asia and Africa are vaccination acceptance levels above the 70 per cent immunity threshold. The anxieties regarding vaccinations are difficult to comprehend, given that 1.3 billion people have already satisfactorily received the Pfizer and related vaccines.

Covid will not be defeated until it is defeated everywhere, so the emergence of “vaccination nationalism” among some wealthy countries is of great concern.

COVAX, the international organisation that is committed to equity of access to vaccination in poorer countries, has acknowledged that vaccine distribution at present is vastly uneven. It is extraordinary that human self-interest may yet represent the greatest barrier to defeating the pandemic.

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Marilyn Goodwin says joining SeniorNet has led to a continuing learning process.

Changes to Auckland’s water and wastewater charges We’d like to let you know that the amount you pay for water and wastewater services will change from 1 July 2021.

Enthusiast to lead SeniorNet Warkworth technology enthusiast other seniors experience because we Marilyn Goodwin, 78, was elected chairperson of the national SeniorNet Federation last month.

The federation aims to teach computer and other technological skills to over 50s. It comprises 58 individual learning centres around the country and has about 7000 members.

Marilyn says she is passionate about SeniorNet, both locally and nationally.

“When I was asked to become chair I gave it some considerable thought before agreeing to do the job. I decided I wanted to be part of the team that leads SeniorNet into the future,” she says.

Marilyn has been the regional representative for the northern area of SeniorNet for the last two years and has helped compile resources based on notes from other SeniorNet tutors so they can be widely shared. She says one of the benefits of SeniorNet is that it is about seniors teaching seniors.

“We understand the problems

experience them ourselves,” she says.

She adds that SeniorNet is also a means of social connection – allowing seniors, who may well live alone, to meet and chat with like-minded people about their technology issues and get help.

Marilyn started with SeniorNet about 10 years ago. She first went along to accompany her husband, who found he needed to know more about computers to continue his work as a mechanic.

“At the time I thought I knew it all. But I was only 15 minutes into a ‘getting started’ course and I suddenly realised I actually knew very little. It’s just been a learning process ever since,” she says.

Marilyn now specialises in teaching the Microsoft Office suite of programmes.

In addition to computers, members can also boost their skills in handling such things as smartphones, tablets, drones and digital cameras.

Info: https://seniornetwarkworth.org.nz/

The price rises are necessary to ensure you continue to receive safe and reliable water and wastewater services, both now and in the future as the climate changes.

All of the money we receive from our customers goes into operating, maintaining and expanding our infrastructure. We do not set out to make a profit or to pay a dividend to our shareholder, Auckland Council.

New charges Domestic customers

Commercial customers

Water Volumetric charge: Increases from $1.594 to $1.706 per 1,000 litres.

Water Volumetric charge: Increases from $1.594 to $1.706 ($1.386 to $1.483 excluding GST) per 1,000 litres.

Wastewater If you have a water meter: • The fixed charge per meter will increase from $231 to $247 per year.

•

If you do not have a metered water supply but are connected to the wastewater network: •

• Tax Compliance • Business Advisory • Business Coaching • Business Structure • Specialised Tax Advice

The volumetric charge will increase from $2.772 to $2.966 per 1,000 litres of wastewater discharged.

You can view the pricing plans at www.watercare.co.nz and search for ‘pricing plans’.

The fixed charge will increase from $708 to $757 per year.

The infrastructure growth charge is a one-off fee paid by any customer requiring a new connection or by commercial customers increasing a property’s demand for water or wastewater services. This will increase from $12,320 to $13,798 excluding GST for metropolitan customers.

For information on changes to our range of non-metropolitan IGCs, visit www.watercare.co.nz and search for ‘IGC’.

All prices are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise stated, and are effective from 1 July 2021.

Our charges are part of our customer contract, which will be updated with the new pricing plan on 1 July 2021. To find out more about these charges, visit our website www.watercare.co.nz (Manage account > Our charges).

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Wastewater Fixed and volumetric wastewater charges will increase by an average of 7 per cent. The actual price changes will depend on your selected pricing plan.

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22 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

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

Taking a stand against bullying Kitchens | Bathrooms | Vanities Bookcases | Custom Cabinetry ...

Design | Manufacture | Installation

For all your cabinetry requirements call Peter 021 0267 5758 peter@citywidekitchens.co.nz or Rachael 021 0267 5757 rachael@citywidekitchens.co.nz 19 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

It was gratifying to see so many people wearing pink to take a public stand against bullying recently, and it made me think how far we have come since I was an apprentice.

The day I started I was introduced to the tradesman who I would be working with.

After saying “hello”, he asked me where my tool bag was and to go and get it. As I turned away, he kicked me quite hard in the rear. I turned around and asked, “What was that for?” His reply was: “That’s for what you are going to do wrong today, boy,” and for the next three months I either got a clip around the ears or a kick in the backside. It only stopped when I got the courage to threaten to hit him back.

Unfortunately, it was accepted practice back then to bully apprentices and that went from belittling them in front of other tradies or clients to physical attacks.

Nothing was ever said about it, as they genuinely believed it would harden a young bloke up. I know for me there were times I had to force myself to go to work.

Times have changed, but sadly bullying is still far too common.

How do we as employers, parents or friends stop this type of thing? If your employer is constantly putting you down or yelling at you it can be difficult – there are still too many toxic workplaces out there. If it is school mates or university colleagues who make snide and hurtful remarks about you and your appearance online, it needs to be dealt with and quickly.

Social media has a lot to answer for when it comes to bullying, giving people the opportunity to say things online that they would not have the courage to say to anyone’s face. I am constantly amazed at the Facebook trolls who attack people without any thought to the harm their online posts can do.

Fortunately, Pink Shirt Day has raised awareness about bullying and their website has some great resources for workplaces, schools, individuals and communities to work together to stop bullying.

Bullies may think it is just a bit of harmless fun, but remember it is about treating people how you would like to be treated. Collectively, we need to celebrate diversity and promote kindness and inclusiveness.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 23 •

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ELECTRIC FIRES ARE HERE!

Congratulations to Irene Rockell, of Wellsford, who is a recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Irene was nominated by Tania Hamilton, who wrote:

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Irene is a tireless supporter of our families going through a rough patch in the Wellsford area.

She is always there for them with a listening ear and always helps to put them in touch with the right organisation to offer them the support they deserve. She also runs the Loaves & Fishes Wellsford Foodbank with her team of volunteers. She does it with pride and passion to make sure that no family in the Wellsford area goes without food. This role has increased substantially since Covid. We salute you, Irene.

Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit?

Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701, Warkworth.

Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 25

E NT E R TA I NM E NT

Top writers in town for library lit-fest Leading New Zealand writers will visit Mahurangi this month for two major author events in Matakana and Warkworth as part of Auckland Libraries’ We Read Auckland winter literary festival.

The first, A Clear Dawn Meets Robin Hyde, is hosted

by Mahurangi East Library at the Art Matakana Gallery, at Matakana Country Park on the Sunday June 6.

The afternoon will open with the award-winning writer and professor of creative writing at Auckland University, Dr Paula Morris (Ngāti Wai and Ngāti Whatua), interviewing a panel of contributors to a new anthology, A Clear Dawn, which explores a variety of journeys from Asia to Aotearoa. Then the tables will be turned as former BBC journalist Juliet Robieson interviews Paula Morris about her new illustrated book, Shining Land – Looking for Robin Hyde, which traces the footsteps of the crusading NZ journalist and poet who lived an extraordinary, if tragically short life between 1906 and 1939.

The event starts at 2.30pm and runs until 5pm on the Sunday, with a half hour break for nibbles.

Then, on Wednesday, June 9, thriller fans are in for a treat when Warkworth Library hosts a Coastal Crime panel at the Town Hall from 7pm.

Three Auckland authors – Rose Carlyle, Madeleine Eskedahl and Nalini Singh – will discuss all the gory details of writing about crime and mystery with local writer and facilitator Kathy Hunter, who says she is looking forward to talking to all three women about their lives, inspiration and motivation to write what they do.

Rose Carlyle shot to fame last year when her first

Award-winning novelists and writers are heading to Matakana and Warkworth for two free events this month.

Bookings: www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/a-clear-dawnmeets-robin-hyde-registration-153251221529;

thriller, The Girl in the Mirror, was snapped up by NZ and international publishers and Hollywood bought the film rights. Nalini Singh is best known for writing a raft of fantasy romance books, but has recently switched to crime, while Madeleine Eskedahl has brought gore to Mahurangi with Blood on Vines, the first in a series of grisly crime novels set in and around Matakana.

Warkworth library manager Lisa Outwin says the panel is a big event that will be popular with a lot of people, whether they enjoy reading crime books or are interested in writing.

“We came up with a crime panel because we know that’s what lots of people really enjoy,” Lisa says.

“Crime is by far the most popular genre, we can’t keep them on the shelves. We wanted something to really bring people together and focus on the pleasure of reading and the joy books and libraries can bring into people’s lives.”

Winter High Tea

Bookings for online event: www.eventbrite. co.nz/e/coastal-crime-auckland-author-panellivestream-registration-153588149289 Bookings to attend in person: www.eventbrite. co.nz/e/coastal-crime-auckland-author-paneltickets-153587184403;

Warkworth Town Hall can seat 270 people, but the event will be accessible to far more than that, as it will also be live-streamed. Paper Plus Warkworth will be there selling books by all three authors, and they will be signing books on request.

Both events are free, but bookings are essential. This can be done online via the links above, by phoning 09 377 7795, or staff in any library will be happy to help anyone without computer access or who needs assistance.

Winter certainly is starting to settle in. These cooler months can make it just that little bit harder to get out and about.

So here at Summerset Falls we’re planning a month of warm Winter High Teas and you’re invited.

Just pop along to the village any time between 10am and 2pm, on any Thursday in June, and enjoy a range of delicious Winter treats and hot drinks on us.

Whilst you’re here, why not also get a taste of the Summerset life that our residents love so much. We’d love to show you around our stunning range of homes and facilities.

10am - 2pm Every Thursday in June

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26 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

Quartet plays eclectic mix of classical and New Zealand works 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 month.

The programme opens with selections from Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ, recognised as one of the composer’s most profound works.

Later, the audience will hear Schubert’s Death and the Maiden, which has been described as “one of the pillars of the chamber music repertoire”.

The quartet is also known for its interpretation of New Zealand music.

Hence, the programme includes Peter Adams’ Proclamations, Canons and Dances and the world premiere of a new work by David Hamilton.

Members of the Auckland-based quartet have individually notched up an impressive record.

Miranda Adams (violin) has played with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and many regional orchestras. She is currently assistant concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Robert Ashworth (viola) has played with the Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Symphony, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He is currently principal viola for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Close up of ‘Two heads one thought’

by Tanya McCabe.

Network seeks artists for trail Jade String Quartet

In high demand internationally as a teacher, soloist, and chamber musician, German cellist Edith Salzmann is a senior lecturer in music at the Auckland University and artistic director of the Pettman National Junior Academy.

Charmian Keay (violin) has played with chamber music groups such as the Southbank Sinfonia in London,

the Moonshine Quartet and Korutet.

She is currently violinist for the Wellington string trio, Quantum Femmes.

The concert begins at 4pm on Saturday, June 19. Tickets $35 at the door, school students free.

This concert is presented in association with Chamber Music New Zealand.

Info: www.warkworthmusic.org.nz

Winter warmer in Kaiwaka Kaiwaka Can is hosting “choc-tail hour” at the Kaiwaka Sports Association on Wednesday, June 23 at 5.30pm. It is calling on local businesses, community groups and interested citizens to join them for a catch up and a hot beverage.

Kaiwaka Can will also be displaying its concept drawings and grand plans for walking tracks, a kayak pontoon, light installations, visual storyboards and more. RSVP by June 16 to pukepunga@xtra.co.nz.

Mahurangi Artist Network is looking for artists to join the annual Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail.

The event invites artists to open their studios, homes or collective spaces to visitors over one or two consecutive weekends in October. The studios and open homes form an art trail, which visitors follow on a downloadable map.

Network spokesperson Alysn Midgelow–Marsden says it’s a great opportunity for artists to meet the public directly and explain how they make their art.

“After the huge success of last year’s Mahurangi Artists Studio Trail, we are seeking more artists and creatives to open their studios to the public and make the trail bigger and better,” she says.

This year the event will take place over Labour weekend (October 23-25) and the following weekend (October 30-31).

Info: Email, mahurangiartistnetwork@ gmail.com

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 27

Wellsford hosts one-act play festival Wellsford Drama Club will stage a one-act play festival at the Wellsford Community Centre later this month.

Drama club spokesperson Carolynne Andrew says there will be six plays in all, ranging from comedy to family drama.

Two of the plays – Fair Shares, by Pam Ellender, and Shoot Out at the Diamond Lil Saloon, by Joanna Pearce, are written by Mahurangi locals.

Other plays will be performed by students from Wellsford School and Rodney College.

Carolynne says it will be the first performance for a number of the plays.

She says the plays are aimed at a family audience and there is nothing tacky or profane. Those participating are aged between 12 and 74.

The festival runs from June 18 to 20.

There are performances at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights and a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Sunday.

Tickets are available from Woodys Winners or at the door. Eftpos will be available.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $2 for students.

As well as coming to the festival, Carolynne hopes interested members of the community will turn up to the drama club’s annual meeting at the community centre on Sunday, June 27 at 2.30pm.

There will be an open mic session where attendees can sing, read a poem or tell a funny story.

Attendees can also learn how they can get more involved with the drama club.

“One of my belief systems is that theatre gives people opportunities.

We have opportunities for people who have never been on stage before and opportunities for plays that have never been performed before,” Carolynne says.

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Swimmers wanted for chilly dip Brave swimmers are invited to take the plunge in the annual Leigh Community Mid-Winter Swim. Swimmers will head into the surf at Matheson Bay on Sunday, June 20, at 10.15am. Leigh School will provide soup and baking and Leigh Central will offer tea and coffee. It’s anticipated the oldest swimmer will be in her nineties. Waste Free Leigh will have a stall selling items made from recycled materials.

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RAFFLES

countrylife

28 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

countrylife

FE ATU R E

Migrant dairy worker shortage exposes Kiwi failings A government decision to deny 500 skilled migrant dairy workers entry into the country has exposed the growing reliance on migrant labour for Mahurangi farmers, who say they can’t find Kiwis who are fit to fill the jobs.

Last month, the Government announced that there was no space in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities for the dairy workers over the next 10 months, but it would make room for shearers and agricultural contractors.

Te Arai dairy farmer Andrew Fleming says four farms in his neighbourhood typically employ about three migrant workers each – usually Filipinos, Indians and Sri Lankans – whereas they would have had no migrants at all about 15 years ago.

Mr Fleming normally employs three migrants himself, but says currently they have proved impossible to find.

He says advertising for Kiwi workers often proves a challenge, particularly if the ad specifies that the applicant has no issues with drugs or alcohol.

“If the ad says ‘clean and sober’, it’s not hard to have no one apply,” he says.

He says Kiwis that are employed sometimes consider themselves to be at management level, but they have not done the required hard work to

achieve that status and are unwilling to do more menial work.

He says by contrast the majority of migrant workers are clean and sober, are keen to work and always turn up.

“That makes it so much easier for an employer. You are not worried about where your staff are or if they are sick or any other issues like that,” he says.

Mr Fleming says migrant dedication is reflected in the dairy industry awards.

“Over all the provinces this year just about all the awards were won by females and migrant staff – at every level,” he says.

Because of an inability to find migrant workers, Mr Fleming

recently employed a young man from Maungaturoto, but says it’s the first time he had employed a person from within the region for the last five or six years.

He says migrants who do make it over here and become more skilled are soon tempted to move to other countries such as Australia, where it is easier for them to get permanent residency.

He says an Indian worker he formerly employed was in New Zealand for more than eight years, but still found it impossible to become a permanent resident. He has since moved to Canada.

Tapora dairy farmer Earle Wright, who employs one Filipino worker in a managerial role, agrees that Kiwis

often lack commitment to dairying – saying the early starts and long hours put many off. On the other hand, he says migrants are reliable, often come with relevant skills and are thankful for the opportunity to work in New Zealand.

But he says the complications created

by Covid has meant migrant workers are increasingly difficult to find, in an industry desperate for skilled people.

He says the Government appears to be more interested in allowing people into the country with money, but does not appear to recognise the need to allow in skilled dairy workers who are critical for New Zealand’s economy.

His concerns are echoed by DairyNZ, which says the Government decision not to allow migrant dairy workers into the country lets farmers down, especially as the industry moves into the busy calving season.

Chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says DairyNZ has real concerns for this season in relation to animal welfare, farmers working longer hours, increased stress and mental wellbeing issues.

A recent DairyNZ-Federated Farmers labour survey found that 49 per cent of respondents were short staffed and 58 per cent were experiencing increased stress levels.

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countrylife

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 29

Farmer welcomes share shake-up The Fonterra Co-operative is consulting farmers on a capital structure “shakeup” it says will make it easier for young farmers to enter the industry.

Its preferred option would reduce the minimum requirement for farmers to own one share in the co-op per kilogram of milk solids they supply down to one share per four kilograms.

Kaipara Young Farmers vice-chair Zarnie Fergusson is welcoming the move and says it has been extremely difficult for young sharemilkers to buy into the cooperative.

She says the first few years as a sharemilker can be overwhelming due to the upfront costs of buying a herd and equipment, let alone attempting to buy shares or land.

Furthermore, because the number of shares required is pegged to the amount of milk solids a farm produces, if a farm manages to become more productive, it is stung with further costs.

“We have had our production increase this season and have received a bill from Fonterra as a result,” she says.

Zarnie manages a dairy farm in Kaukapakapa alongside sharemilkers and hopes to ultimately become a sharemilker herself.

She believes the change in rules could make it easier to do so, but she is waiting to see how easily young farmers might be able to buy shares from established owners.

“Unfortunately, it may drive a wedge between new and old farmers.

Established farmers may be resentful that they have had to pay more all these years.

How are they going to be reimbursed for that investment?” she says.

But Zarnie says market conditions are favourable, with forecasted milk payouts high enough to make purchasing shares a realistic option for young farmers.

The current share price is $3.42 while Fonterra’s latest Farmgate milk price forecast is between $7.30 and $7.90.

A sharemilker might receive anywhere between 40 to 60 per cent of a pay-out.

Fonterra says the current model was put in place 10 years ago when milk supply was growing rapidly, but now it is having to respond to flat or potentially declining milk supply.

It blames the impact of climate change, government regulations and changing land use.

Zarnie says she advocates for what Fonterra does and believes it is heading in the right direction.

“But, it needs to do something to lift barriers. It’s a lot of costs and a lot of pressure. Sharemilkers are lucky to break even for the first few years.”

She says if the industry continues the way it is, farms will increasingly be owned by large companies instead of individual farmers.

“Unfortunately, that usually means environmental and animal welfare concerns fall by the wayside.”

Zarnie says that the advantage of Fonterra is its international marketing which has established a brand presence

Fonterra has no competitors north of Auckland, leaving dairy farmers with no choice but to join the cooperative.

globally despite producing a “drop in the bucket” of global supply.

“New Zealand exports 95 per cent of its milk, so we need a large company selling our milk overseas.”

Over the coming months, farmers in the co-operative will have the chance to share their views through meetings

and webinars hosted by Fonterra.

If the Fonterra board decides to change the capital structure, it would be put to a vote in November and would require 75 per cent approval.

An option whether to buy back nonfarmer shares in Fonterra from the market may also be put to a vote.

Future planning workshop for farmers A free financial planning workshop for Northland farmers that was postponed in February due to Covid lockdown levels has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 8.

Your Farm Business Future, organised by the Dairy Women’s Network, will take place at Farm Source at 18 Kioreroa Road, Whangarei from 10am to 1pm, followed by a light lunch.

Leading the event will be award-winning dairy farmer and chartered accountant Charmaine O’Shea and specialists from ASB Bank, who will provide guidance on succession planning and preparing

the next generation for farming and farm ownership.

Dairy Women’s Network Northland hub leader Sue Skelton says that by the time the workshop is over, attendees will have the knowledge and tools to get their farming and financial houses in order. Succession options and common challenges will be tackled, as well as the strategic planning and range of topics needed when going through the process.

Info: Email events@dwn.org.nz or visit www.dwn.co.nz/events/your-farmbusiness-future-whangarei/

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Matakana winemaker seeks Viticulturist of the Year title Matakana winemaker and grape grower Leon Henson, 21, will this week take on top viticulturists from around the region in the Young Viticulturist of the Year competition, organised by New Zealand Winegrowers.

It’s the first time there has been an entrant from the Matakana wine region.

Leon, who works for Heron’s Flight vineyard, says he is unsure why he is the first to enter from Matakana, but suspects he may be the only viticulturist under 30 in the area.

Leon has entered the Auckland/ Northland section of the competition, which will see him pitched against viticulturists from Soljan, Cable Bay, Obsidian, Te Motu and Man O War vineyards.

Contestants will undertake a battery of practical and theoretical tests, which will probe their knowledge on pruning, netting, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, wine knowledge and trellising.

They will also be interviewed, take part in a quickfire quiz and give a speech at an awards dinner.

The winning entrant will take home $1500 and go on to the national competition, featuring all the regional winners, in Marlborough.

Leon joined Heron’s Flight straight from school four years ago and says

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winemaking has an appeal for him unmatched by any other industry.

“There is the whole aesthetic of vineyards. I get to work outside, which is awesome, and you meet a lot of cool people,” he says.

He adds that at some point he is keen to travel, and winemaking countries such as France, Italy and Spain are the ones he would most like to visit one day.

Leon says being a good winemaker requires a high level of respect for the craft, making sure you care about making a quality product and looking after your vines.

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countrylife

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 31

Central’s Tips June 2021 Familiarity breeds contempt for many agricultural folk when it comes to putting on a seatbelt in a farm vehicle – something that is causing too many deaths.

Farmers urged to buckle up

Almost half of vehicle-related deaths on farms could be avoided if only seatbelts were worn. That was the finding of WorkSafe New Zealand after a recent analysis of farming fatalities involving vehicles. The health and safety regulator found that not wearing seatbelts was the largest single factor contributing to fatal, work-related accidents.

Complacency and the age of the farmer or agricultural worker also played a big part. WorkSafe engagement lead for agriculture Al McCone said the older someone was, the more likely they were to injure themselves from not wearing a seatbelt in an on-farm incident.

“Farm vehicles are versatile and many fatalities reported to WorkSafe involve older experienced farmers doing tasks on terrain they have worked on many times before,” he said.

Mr McCone said more than 75 per cent of all deaths on farms involved a vehicle, and non-seatbelt use was relevant in 40 per cent of vehiclerelated fatalities and 27 per cent of all fatalities on farms.

“And of every 10 fatalities where seatbelt use may have been relevant, nine people were not wearing them,” he said.

“Putting on your seatbelt is the simplest task and one we practice

easily when driving on the open road.

If we can get people doing this on the farm as well, we will see lives saved.”

It would also save taxpayer money – Mr McCone said if all agricultural workers wore seatbelts, claim costs to ACC could be reduced by almost $2 million a year.

WorkSafe NZ has developed a new side-by-side vehicle simulator to demonstrate a series of farm safety tasks while driving on an off-road course through rough farm terrain.

The retired and converted side-by-side vehicle is touring the country, visiting major agricultural events including the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition and it will be at Fieldays in Mystery Creek later this month.

Mr McCone said the first task for anyone trying it out was “put on your seatbelt”.

“The simulator shows people how making decisions about where and what you’re driving is an important part of staying safe,” he said. “This simulator is designed to highlight the challenges of farming in New Zealand and brings really important health and safety messages to the forefront of users’ minds.”

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• In go the strawberry plants. If you have runners coming off last year’s strawberry plants, snip them and plant into fresh soil. Add plenty of compost and sheep pellets

• Stake or build supports around broad beans • In frosty areas, build shelters for Citrus, tamarillo and avocado trees and cover passionfuit vines.

• For eye-catching colour in the vegetable garden plant

rainbow stemmed chard and beetroot. Structural plants for vegetable gardens include artichokes, cavolo nero and kale

• Garlic and shallots should be planted now

The rest of the Garden • Plant any tulip bulbs • Winter scent in the garden: plant daphne, wintersweet, boronia and the Burkwood viburnum

• Plant winter roses (hellebores) • Liquid frost protection oil can be sprayed on susceptible

plants, to provide a protective coating on the outer leaves

• A good way of encouraging new plants is to liquid feed them. Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster is ideal.

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countrylife

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 33

Lifestyle blocks – are they worth the work? ...

Lifestyle blocks are becoming more common in Mahurangi.

What is their appeal? And is it all worth it? Communications student Alisha McLennan talks to lifestyle blockers old and new to find out …

A haven for missionaries

Jenny and Bruce, Kaipara Flats Jenny and Bruce Eirena recently moved onto some land in the Kaipara Flats area. They work for a non-profit organisation, so they were wanting to harness a more reliable income stream from the land long-term.

“We value simplicity and we value debt-free,” Jenny says.

Their family moved back to New Zealand last year after working as missionaries in Papua New Guinea.

“Living in a third world country was really hard and really stressful. Our plans for the land are tied in with creating an environment and a place where people can come. It can be a sanctuary for other missionaries in transition.”

Jenny says that they see themselves more as caretakers of the land than landowners.

Temporary accommodation is currently housing the family. They want to live on the land before committing to a permanent house and secondary dwelling.

“It’s kind of a 20-year plan. I believe slow is good,” Jenny says.

She says she understands there are

Jenny and Bruce Eirena in front of their temporary accommodation on their lifestyle block. They value simplicity and being debt free.

complex issues around lifestyle blocks.

“I am aware that I am costing New Zealand in farmland, so I need to use this land that belongs to New Zealand and God really well,” she says.

is going to set up an archery range for training purposes.

The couple also want to plant an orchard before spring.

A chance to shoot some arrows

Stephen and Nikki, Tauhoa Stephen and Nikki Dunn are in their 15th year on their lifestyle block in Tauhoa. They decided to move there for financial reasons, finding they could not afford a home in the city.

“With two kids and on one income, we were just hard-up. We wanted to keep the mortgage as low as possible.”

Stephen says.

After buying the land, the family would travel up on weekends and stay in a tent while Stephen worked on a driveway. In 2006, the couple and their two young children moved in – living in a bus for the next four and a half years while building a house.

Gerald and Sharon, Wellsford Gerald and Sharon North have recently moved from Warkworth into a house with a 10-acre section in the Wellsford area. With three of their children having moved out of home, this new land was more appealing than their five-bedroom Warkworth property. It was also a cheaper option for the couple than living in town.

“We wanted to move into an area where there was some native bush land. I enjoy the outdoors,” Gerald says.

Gerald competes in New Zealand Field Archery Association competitions and

Four years living in a bus

Nikki says there are a lot of companies that, if you tell them you are building a house, they will give you a trade account because you are going to be a regular customer.

These trade accounts got them savings from places like Mitre 10, Carters and Bunnings.

They also saved money by getting friends and family to help. In 2011, the family moved into their new home.

The negatives so far include living 30 minutes from any town, a lack of cell phone coverage and a metal road.

This does not bother Stephen or Nikki though.

“It’s absolutely quiet, it’s really nice,” Stephen says.

Nikki enjoys the quiet too. “When you’re going home, you really do go home,” she says.

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countrylife

34 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

Angora goats are shorn twice a year.

Bucks can grow magnificent horns.

Dave Brown

Surge in demand for mohair a boon for angora farmers People say it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good and that’s certainly the case when it comes to Covid-19 and angora goat farmers. Last year’s lockdown levels led to a revival in crafts generally, knitting in particular, and consequently the demand for mohair, the whisper-soft fleece of the angora goats, has shot up.

So have prices. The past six months have seen increases of 30 per cent to around $40-plus per kg for top quality fibre.

Two of the key players in the NZ angora goat sector live and farm locally – industry veteran and respected breeder Dave Brown is based off Cove Road, south of Waipu, and Mohair Producers NZ chair Carl King has a flock off Wyllie Road, south of Warkworth.

They are both keen to point out that while the recent increase in prices is at

least partly due to the pandemic, it’s not the whole story.

“World production has diminished dramatically in the last 10 to 15 years, from 24 million kilogrammes a year to three million now,” Dave says.

Angora goat numbers have also dropped sharply, from around four million worldwide to fewer than 100,000 now. Even industry leader South Africa, supplying more than half the world’s mohair, has seen severe cutbacks in mohair production.

“Globally, production has declined, but the demand has remained very strong, especially for top-end quality fibre,” Dave says.

This long, fine mohair is called weaving-quality fibre and is in high demand for high-end tailoring and fashion – think Italian suits and designer dresses. Although the very

finest mohair has only ever made up a tiny percentage of the overall yield, there was usually enough to meet demand in the past due to the sheer number of animals in production.

Now, however, with goat numbers slashed and the demand maintained, there is great potential for farmers who can provide quality mohair.

“Farmers are not going for volume so much now, they’re going for quality,” Dave says. “There’s been a big swing for goats with finer, longer fleece because it fetches more dollars per kg. Some are selling for up to $100 per kilo.”

Carl King says increased demand from Asia is also contributing to the rise in prices.

“China has come back into the market in a big way,” he says. “It wants high end stuff, so is one of the regions that’s really forcing it up.”

The New Zealand mohair market is tiny, accounting for just 1 per cent of world production – or around 30 tonnes a year. Of that, six or seven tonnes stays in NZ for the home knitting market. The rest is exported via South Africa.

Both Dave Brown and Carl King believe the timing is right for Kiwis to increase the size of their flocks and up production, not only to make the most of rising mohair prices, but because the industry is mature enough to supply the right animals to meet market demands and suit New Zealand conditions.

Dave knows more than most about angora goats, having been in the game since the very early days, when he kept fit by chasing and grabbing the odd wild Waipu angora goat from the Bryderwyn hills in the early 1970s. continued next page

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Mohair is soft and versatile. from previous page

These animals were descendants of a failed attempt to farm them locally in the late 1800s and, while they were only average fleece producers, they made great base stock, as they were so hardy. Keen to learn more, Dave visited South Africa and began to import goats to improve local genetics. The market then boomed in the 1980s – the best bucks could attract well over $100,000 – largely due to tax incentives, but promptly crashed when they were brought to an end. Although angoras “went on the back burner” for Dave in the 1990s and early 2000s, he is now fully back in business, with 500 goats and a keen interest in importing quality stock from Australia, where a good deal of goat trading goes on these days.

“In the last six to eight years, I’ve gone to Australia three or four times and brought back decent angoras, bucks

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 35 and does,” he says. “Over the last five or six years I’ve been supplying progeny out to the New Zealand industry.”

He says that while angoras can be “tricky little beasts” to farm, and more complex than sheep, people should not be put off, Carl King agrees. His wife Kimberly manages their 140-goat flock and despite being born a townie “she’s all over it”.

“Angora farmers are very friendly, helpful and supportive, it’s great for new people to come into,” he says.

“The future looks really strong.

There’s really good demand and the future is very bright. But the industry wouldn’t have survived without the likes of Dave Brown and others who helped us through.”

I kid you not – angora fleece facts • Angora goats produce mohair – not angora wool, which comes from rabbits.

• The goats’ name comes from the Angora region in Turkey, now known as Ankara, where the animals originated.

• Angoras enjoy pest plants – they thrive on kikuyu and are partial to brambles, thistles, wild ginger and moth weed, too.

• Mohair grows at around 2.5cm a month and angoras are shorn twice a year.

• The average mohair yield per year is around five kg per goat.

Bring a spade and join the Mahurangi East Land Restoration project team for a planting day in Te Muri Regional Park.

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36 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

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Warkworth A&P Show seeks fresh faces Warkworth A&P Show chair Allan Barber says the show urgently needs younger people with fresh energy, ideas and enthusiasm if the event is to have a future in the life of the local community.

Mr Barber will step down as chair at the annual meeting later this month.

Also stepping down is secretary Penny Webster and treasurer Vanessa Barber.

Those likely to be nominated for senior positions on the committee at the meeting include Carl King as chair and Karen Black as secretary/treasurer.

Mr King is a manager at EnviroNZ and goat farmer and Karen Black is a former secretary/treasurer of the Kumeu Show.

Mr Barber says both came onto the committee last year with a view to learning the ropes.

“I was keen to see a seamless succession so the society was not left in the lurch,” Mr Barber says.

Meanwhile, Mr Barber plans to stand for A&P Show president. If successful, he will replace Warren Churches, who also steps down this year.

But while Mr Barber hopes to continue serving in the background, he says it’s “high time for a change of energy and a change of age bracket”.

He hopes younger people will come forward to serve on the committee and volunteer.

“Sometimes the A&P Show is viewed as a closed shop, but we’re keen to see

Meryl Cassie was MC for the 2021 show.

new people,” he says.

Mr Barber says upcoming challenges for the new committee will be to negotiate a lease with Auckland Council for the use of the Showgrounds and bring back the animal events.

Currently, the A&P Show owns buildings at the Showgrounds but has no rights over the use of the land, except during show days. By securing land rights it could sublet use of the land to community groups, which would help raise money to sustain the show.

Mr Barber also noted that horses and cattle had been absent from recent shows due to a timing clash with the Horse of the Year Show and M. bovis disease. He says these problems are not insurmountable, but it would require sponsorship and younger people to step forward to take responsibility for them to see these animals return.

The Warkworth A&P Show annual meeting will be held at the A&P office at Warkworth Showgrounds on June 28 at 7pm.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 37

Matakana Palms and landscape supplies.

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Plus many more varieties of palms. Mexican and Australian Grass trees and Cycads

Thousands are expected back at Mystery Creek for Fieldays this year.

More than 1000 exhibitors $120Fieldays per tonne return to revived Fieldays returns to Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, from June 16 to 19, following the switch to an online only event last year due to a Covid-19 lockdown.

More than 1000 exhibitors will showcase their wares in the following categories: agribusiness, motor vehicle, dairy, agri-machinery, rural living, and heavy equipment. It is the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere.

Fieldays spokesperson Shannon Barclay says with a huge range of new products in areas such as cattle management, fencing, forklifts, excavators and tractors, getting back to the farm after Fieldays will be the “equivalent of a kid playing with their toys on Christmas Day”.

Highlights include an enhanced Innovation Hub, where some of the brightest minds in farming showcase their ideas for transforming agriculture and receive feedback from potential customers about further development.

Visitors will see innovations in various stages of growth, from prototype, through to early and later refinements.

The dairy precinct features innovative systems for milk cooling, water filtration and effluent management, and a Health and Wellbeing hub brings together a range of health organisations to educate visitors on physical and mental health. Visitors will have the chance to get various health check-ups as they wander through interactive displays.

“Gone are the days out where the doctors were on one side of town, and your day out was inconveniently on

the other,” Ms Barclay says.

Farmers seeking to get away from it all with a spot of hunting or fishing can check out the Rural Living Precinct with a selection of equipment and other durable gear designed to withstand the elements.

New this year is an Amazing Spaces exhibition, which features tiny homes suitable for guest sleepouts or farm rental accommodation. Some of the biggest feature a full-size kitchen, bedroom and lounge.

Those tiring of wandering about the displays can pop along to the Fieldays TV studio and watch a mix of content on the big screen, including guest speakers, primary sector career insights and cooking demonstrations.

Fieldays TV will be complemented by Fieldays online, where visitors to the website can watch agri-business leaders address the major issues in the industry.

There will also be a feast of demonstrations and competitions.

In the tractor pull, the boy racers of the farming world go head-to-head in demonstrations both of tractor speed and pulling power.

In the excavator competition, the country’s top digger operators complete a demanding course testing their skill and precision.

In the fencing demonstration, professional fencers showcase their latest techniques and offer free advice.

Fieldays 2019 saw 128,747 people visit the event, generating $549 million in sales revenue for New Zealand businesses.

Info: https://www.fieldays.co.nz/

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38 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

On the farm

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I expect that like me, you have been enjoying the enhanced kaleidoscope of colours on our trees this autumn, brought about by unusually warm days and cooler nights. This has led me to reflect on trees in our countryside. When you really look, you will notice that they are all of a similar age cohort – they are elderly, and they are disappearing.

There was obviously a bit of a flurry of tree planting to ameliorate the early depredations of bush clearances and to bring a bit of colour into the landscape using deciduous trees and shrubs, but not much since. Hence our landscape and farmland trees, some of which may have survived the bush clearances, are now reaching senescence (deterioration) and are being inexorably removed from the landscape. This also This continued applies to the big macrocarpas and eucalypts that loss of shade and were popular countryside trees of early settler days. shelter for livestock This continued loss of shade and shelter for livestock on our rural lands is of concern, especially on our rural lands is at a time when the climate is becoming more of concern. intemperate, with wider temperature ranges, more unpredictability and volatility, meaning hotter and stormier. It is well documented that livestock require a moderate temperate range for animal welfare and productivity and that outside of these ranges, thermal stress has major impacts on their health and wellbeing. Anyone who works with livestock, or who is observant, will notice that on hot sunny days, stock will already be under the shade by early morning, and only choose to come out to graze during cooler times of the day, or often at night. Both Beef+Lamb NZ and DairyNZ have excellent factsheets available on their websites about trees for shade and other uses, and about the why, what and how of planting.

Certainly as farmers we’re all flat out doing our long daily routines to just keep afloat and keep everything ticking over. But we do need to try to find the headspace to also keep an eye to the future for infrastructure like our trees, which are equally important for productivity, but which require some planning and forward thinking to make sure they’re not lost as crucial landscape elements before we’ve even noticed. They take a while to grow to contribute to the pastoral programme, so a rolling planting plan is a great way to make sure they’re still there when we need them. With winter coming on, now is a great time to start and doing a little bit each year won’t break the bank. One useful tip to maximise the effectiveness of your planting is to target the north-western boundaries of your paddocks, especially corners and areas easier to fence off. This means shade and shelter will become available to stock for the hottest parts of the day as the sun circles east to west in a northerly arc.

A recent study has shown that because sheep and beef farms contain about 25 per cent of the remaining native vegetation in New Zealand, and cover 40 per cent of our land area, they make a major contribution to our remaining natural biodiversity. Therefore, all of our contributions have an important role to play.

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A Government announcement last month that will establish a workforce development council is a positive step for the dairy sector, says DairyNZ. The council will aim to ensure people graduate with the right skills at the right time to address labour shortages. “This is a positive step – we all need to work together to resolve long-term workforce issues to support our sector’s ongoing success,” said DairyNZ general manager Jenny Cameron.

“We have real concerns for the current situation where many dairy farmers are struggling to employ the staff they need on farms.” DairyNZ wants the council to take on an industry promotion role to make sure people are aware of the dairy sector and the opportunities it affords. “As a sector, we strive to offer competitive employment packages and value the importance of having a positive workplace culture,” Ms Cameron said. “We want to attract more Kiwi workers to the dairy sector, where we offer great jobs and lifestyles. We also need our valued migrant workers.”

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health&family

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 39

L I V I NG W E LL

A Zumba dance class got a little pinker than usual.

The College’s peer mediation team helps students resolve issues related to bullying.

Mahurangi College staff made a special effort for Pink Shirt Day this year.

Mahurangi College turns out in force for Pink Shirt Day Strong support from staff and better promotion saw hundreds of students get behind the Pink Shirt Day antibullying campaign at Mahurangi College on May 21.

Prefect organisers Sage Lee, 17, and Alex Paule, 17, say students were encouraged to wear pink and could participate in a number of fun activities to celebrate the ongoing effort to combat bullying.

These included a pink bake sale – raising funds for the Pink Shirt Day

organisation, a Zumba dance class, and games in the library.

The library games were organised by the school’s Solace club, set up for students who sometimes feel they don’t fit in anywhere else.

Sage says there was especially strong support from younger and older students.

She says there is a small group between these ages that often feel “I’m too cool for that”, but overall the response was encouraging.

She says older students often get involved because they want to be a good role model for younger ones.

Sage says while bullying is not a huge problem at Mahurangi College, it exists everywhere.

“There’s always going to be people who feel the need to put other people down to make themselves feel better or for whatever other reason,” she says.

Alex says a lot of bullying that does occur centres around race and sexual orientation.

“As soon as they express that orientation to other people, they get knocked down,” she says.

The prefects say most forms of bullying at the school consist of verbal put-downs, insulting behaviour and talking behind a student’s back.

Alex leads a student peer mediation team at the College, which helps students understand the root causes of bullying and gives them help to find a resolution when it occurs.

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40 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

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About the time that this column is due to be published, I will be a couple of days from having knee surgery. Thankfully it is only a minor procedure, but even so, any surgery causes trauma to the body. To aid recovery from that trauma, and to get you back to life as quickly as possible, good nutrition can play a key role in helping you to heal and regain strength.

There are certain foods that provide specific nutrients to aid recovery and repair, but firstly we need to ensure that we are eating enough calories to fuel the recovery. Not eating enough after surgery can slow the healing process. However, sometimes appetite can be reduced or you could be feeling nauseous after surgery due to pain or the effects of medications. This usually passes a few days after surgery, but it is important to try to eat something to keep your strength up. You could try eating small amounts of bland foods, such as chicken broth, crackers, plain toast and bananas. My go-to is boiled rice with peas and corn.

As soon as you can, start adding in foods that are high in nutrients that promote healing, such as: • Protein. This plays a major role in building, repairing, and maintaining muscle and bone, and helps your immune system stay strong. Examples include soy, dairy products, legumes, eggs, poultry, fish, meat and nuts.

• Vitamin C. This helps to support the repair of tendons, ligaments and wounds.

Examples include, citrus fruits, kiwifruit, capsicum, berries and broccoli.

• Calcium and vitamin D. We need vitamin D to help absorb calcium and to build and maintain strong and healthy bones. Examples include dairy foods, kale, almonds and chia seeds for calcium; sunlight and dairy foods for vitamin D. • Fibre. Constipation is a common side-effect of surgery and fibre feeds our gut bacteria which helps keep our immune system strong. Examples include dried figs, oats and legumes.

• Water. This helps to keep blood flowing to carry nutrients and oxygen to the wound site, and can help reduce constipation. Plain water is best, but flavoured waters are good, too.

While these nutrients help with recovery, some foods can slow recovery down.

Look to reduce or avoid caffeine, excessive sugar and salt; as well as cutting out alcohol and cigarettes, as they can impair wound healing and suppress your immune system.

However, there is more to helping your body heal than just eating well. Rest is essential to aid your body’s repair process. Listen to your body, and if you feel tired, then take a break. Also, follow the instructions of your surgeon, take your prescribed medications and talk about any concerns at your follow-up visits. As soon as your surgeon allows, start moving your body to increase blood flow and regain muscle strength.

Recovery times vary so much from person to person and depend on the type of surgery, but hopefully these suggestions will have you back on your feet and resuming normal activities sooner rather than later.

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health&family

June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 41

HOW THEOUT MARVEL HELPS FIND THE HEALTH HIDDENSCAN CAUSES WITH FOODGUT ALLERGIES, BACTERIAL OF YOUR PROBLEMS WITH A MARVELAND HEALTH SCAN. OVERGROWTH GUT PROBLEMS

The Trading Post donated $5000.

Grief support organisation increases support sessions Seasons for Growth is putting more resources into its grief support sessions for adults, due to an increase in demand for its services.

It has been aided by a $5000 donation by the Mahurangi Community Trading Post, awarded last month.

The next intake for group meetings for adults begins on June 22 and there are still spaces remaining.

Heather Free and Teresa Smyth say Seasons for Growth teaches techniques and skills to allow people to adapt to significant changes or loss in their life.

This could include an illness, a death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship or any other kind of major loss.

“The small groups are a safe place to explore grief. It can be a benefit to hear what other people are going through in their lives,” Heather says.

The groups are run by trained volunteer “companions”, who come from a variety of backgrounds, from counsellors to teachers. Heather says Seasons for Growth is always looking for new volunteers and the only firm criteria is that companions must have experienced grief or loss themselves.

Meetings are held at the Anglican Churches in Warkworth and Wellsford, however, it is not a religious programme.

Seasons for Growth has been in Mahurangi since 2011, and has mostly concentrated on providing support for children in schools.

Teresa Smyth and Heather Free.

Heather and Teresa say many of the children in the programme are coming to terms with the separation of their parents. Some have parents who have recently been put in prison.

Others have had to come to terms with a parent having a terminal illness.

“One woman who was in the process of passing away was able to sit with her daughter. They were able to talk to each other about how they were feeling.”

Heather says one of the aims with young people is to “build resilience” so that when they encounter big changes or loss they have more tools to deal with that experience.

“The changing seasons metaphor speaks to the fact that in the winter it can seem dark and lonely, but spring arrives and it is a time for new growth and opportunities,” she says.

Contact Heather Free at seasonswarkworth@gmail.com

Fire brigade hosts open day Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade will host an open day this weekend featuring a variety of fire-fighting equipment and demonstrations. The event takes place on Saturday, June 5 from 10am to 2pm. A kitchen fire demonstration will run every hour and cutting loose a person from a vehicle at noon. Attendees can have their photo taken in the fire truck photo booth, have a go at wearing breathing apparatus and try their chances in the escape tunnel. In addition, there will be an opportunity to look around the Warkworth fire station and check out the recruitment and fire safety information. There will also be a coffee cart and a free sausage sizzle.

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42 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

Lonely times for foreign students ...

Border closures in the wake of Covid-19 have left Mahurangi Colleges’ cohort of international students separated from their homes and families – in some cases for two years. Communications student Alisha McLennan asked how they were getting along …

Lincoln Song is in Year 13 at Mahurangi College. He has been studying in New Zealand for five years, and for the last two he has not been able to return to China.

“I haven’t seen my family in two years, it’s quite a strange feeling. I feel nervous about seeing them again. It’s like they’re strangers,” he says.

He is also anxious for his family and grandparents back home and says he checks the number of coronavirus cases in China every day.

Fortunately, he has been able to keep in touch with his family via social media.

Visiting the airport is among the things he misses experiencing over the past two years. He says the smells there would remind him of going home “I think if I could go to the airport again, I’d actually cry,” he says.

On a brighter note, his mum has promised to visit him next year if the borders re-open.

Such stories are common among the 18 international students who remain at Mahurangi College this year.

Studying at Mahurangi College’s International department, from left Angelina Yu, William Yu and Marin Nakaura.

His friend, William Yu, another Year 13 from China, says that locating specific items, such as food types and the skincare he is used to, have been a challenge from where he is staying in Warkworth.

“Living here, if you can’t drive it’s quite difficult. You have to spend a lot of time planning,” he says.

The students often band together for travelling by public transport into Albany for shopping trips. William says he is lucky that the popular Chinese beverage brand CoCo is available in Albany.

Students Naoto Onishi and Marin Nakaura have to return to Japan in August for national university entrance exams.

“I’m looking forward to seeing people,

but stressed for exams,” Naoto says.

Tania Steen, a homestay mother of another student affected by these exams, and Mahurangi College’s Sports Coordinator says that usually students would have gone home, done the exams and come back to New Zealand to finish the school year.

“But I don’t think that’s really an option any more,” she says.

Before the pandemic hit, Marin says she was intending to return to Japan last December for Christmas, but instead she spent her summer at an English School in Takapuna.

Not all the students have been struggling without their families.

Year 13 student Yusuke Maeda, from Japan, says she misses the food but not so much her parents.

Other students have had to make tough decisions. Angelina Yu is in Year 12 and has had to choose between returning to her family in China or continuing her studies.

“They really want me to go back, but I can’t,” she says.

She says staff and students at the college have helped improve her English, and that she video calls her family every week.

Mahurangi College’s international director, Alistair Elder, says on the whole international students have done surprisingly well, which he feels is a tribute to to the homes where they board.

But he says College staff are all conscious that for these students, it is not home.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 43

Taranaki

Garden Festival

1st to 5th November 2021 Mahurangi College’s International Department staff, from left, Sarah Dodds, Lisa Cardno and Alistair Elder. Staff have had to pick up extra hours in other areas of the school to make up for those lost in the international department.

8 beautiful gardens & more!!

Phone us for a copy of the itinerary

Covid shakes up Mahurangi College’s international department Mahurangi College had 43 full-time equivalent fee-paying students in 2019. This year they have 18.

Once a profitable business within the school, the College’s international department has had to adapt and redesign in the wake of border closures and international director Alistair Elder says there is no end in sight.

Now, the school concentrates on developing strategies just to break even.

The college’s international student accounts director Sarah Dodds says income has dropped by at least 50 per cent.

The school expects to lose a further nine students this year, which will halve its income yet again. Some staff have lost their jobs, others are working reduced hours.

The English as a Second Language (ESOL) department has been effectively cut in half, in terms of students, classes and staff.

Lead ESOL teacher Tanya Jensen has

lost one of her classes entirely . She has had to pick up extra hours in the English department, which she says the school has been accommodating to offer.

“Nobody’s offering permanent ESOL jobs in this climate. For me, it’s coming down to a choice of changing subject or changing country. That’s that,” she says.

With no news of when borders might reopen, the staff remain uncertain of their futures.

“It’s not looking good for any of us,” Alistair says.

The Ministry of Education provided $20 million in transition funding to support state-integrated schools that have lost international students.

However, that fund was limited to the 2020 school year.

According to the Ministry of Education, the total number of international students in secondary schools was 10,115 in 2019. The number is now down to 4796.

Wellsford CAB extends hours Wellsford Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) this month extended its opening hours to include Saturdays from 10am to noon.

CAB manager Callum Leifting says the service has proven invaluable during the Covid-19 crisis, helping people navigate new rules and regulations.

In particular, it has worked with people to help them understand their rights and responsibilities regarding Government wage subsidies and unforeseeable circumstances clauses in employment contracts.

In addition, CAB provides a range

of advice on a wide variety of problems from tenancy issues and to employment, to filling out forms. If CAB cannot help with a question, it will recommend an organisation that can.

CAB is also eager to hear from potential volunteers willing to help people with advice.

CAB is located at the Wellsford Community Centre and is open from 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to noon on Saturday.

Book your seat today!

09 423 7416 www.leabourn.co.nz

Age Concern Rodney Health Expo for Seniors Warkworth Town Hall Friday 18th June 10am - 2pm Orewa Evelyn Page Retirement Village Friday 16th July 10am - 2pm Featuring exhibitors displaying health and lifestyle services available within the Rodney district.

Light refreshments available All welcome call in any time

Info: Email, wellsford@cab.org.nz or phone 423 7333.

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Phone 425 9068 or email advertising@localmatters.co.nz

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44 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

TRADE & SERVICE DIRECTORY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE ONLY $61+GST* PER INSERTION

Phone 425 9068 for more information or email your advertisement to design@localmatters.co.nz *for a three insertion contract.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 45

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Architectural Designer NEED TO UPGRADE TO A E Inger Electrical O Box 83 New structures, Restora NEW LED LIGHT FITTINGS? Warkworth h 09 425 0512 ax 09 425 0514 Mob 0274 532 495 Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

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115

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arkworth lass & lazing

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46 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021 GLAZING - WINDOWS & DOORS | HAIR/BEAUTY | HANDYMAN | HOUSE MOVERS | JOINERY | LANDSCAPING & SUPPLIES | LAWYERS | LOCKSMITH | MARINE

BROKEN WINDOW HANDLE?

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Beauty Therapy & Nail Creations for head to toe pampering

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Providing legal advice and services to local families and businesses in the Rodney district.

Ph. 09 969 0126

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 47 MOVING & STORAGE | PAINTERS & PLASTERERS | PLUMBING | PRINTING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | ROOFING | SCAFFOLDING | SECURITY | SEPTIC TANKS

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11

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ROOF AND CLADDING SPECIALISTS NEW LONG-RUN IRON For your safety we have: • Experienced Qualified Scaffolders • Full range of Equipment • Including Alloy Mobile & Builder’s Props

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PHONE 0800 622 7929 MacJimray Septic Cleaning Services are the

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127

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48 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021 SURVEYORS | TILING | TV AERIAL & DIGITAL | WATER

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

Rupert Mather 021 425 837 Graeme Smith 021 422 983 09 425 7393 admin@wwsurveyors.co.nz

(2007) Ltd

• Water treatment & Filtration • Pumps • Pool & Spas • Waterblasters 7days / 24hours Paul Harris

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Household Water Deliveries 0800 747 928 mobile: 027 556 6111

MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Ph Trevor 021 0225 5606

FOR SALE

FIREWOOD - HOTMIX $100/m3. Free delivery Warkworth area. Ph 021 120 3970.

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

HAIRDRESSING MOBILE HAIRDRESSER Working around the greater Warkworth Region. Enjoy getting your haircut in the comfort of your home.

Call Rebecca 021 0825 8242

HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT

Blue Skies Cleaning Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service.

Ph Pat 022-646-5849

M: 021 425 887 T: 09 425 0075 E: pumps4u@live.com

Pumps & Filters Water Treatment Spa & Pool Shop Water Testing Valet Service Water Blasters Tanks & Sprayers 24 Hour Mobile & Workshop Service 31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Installation & Repairs

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

23 Bertram Street, Warkworth

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Prompt service 021 168 7349.

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HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME? Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations.

Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04

Shop hours Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12pm

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only $4.55 inc GST per line or $11.60 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO! Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of month, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth, 7pm.

Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Have you been affected by someone's drinking?

Al-Anon Family Groups can help.

We welcome you to the 'Warkworth Family Recovery' group confidential meeting. We meet at 30 View Rd, Warkworth every Wednesday from 7.30pm till 8.30pm. Info: www.al-anon.org.nz Supported by Mahurangi Matters

SITUATIONS VACANT

MATURE CLEANER Reliable - Enthusiastic efficient.

No agents. 2-3hrs fortnight. Algies Bay Area. Vacuuming/shower/bathroom cleaning/polishing/dusting/ledges etc. Wage negotiable.

Phone Lorraine 021 039 7500

KIWI ROOTS PALM & TREE MAINTENANCE, REMOVAL

and hedge work. Free quotes. Phone 020 4027 6200. www.kiwiroots.co.nz WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@aquaworks.co.nz WATER PUMPS - No water? Old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@aquaworks.co.nz WINDOW CLEANING/HOUSEWASH/ GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

CANCER SUPPORT Warkworth /Wellsford.

2nd Thursday, monthly, Tui House Hospice.

Lyn Wade 021 111 3849, Terry Nuthall 422 3237. Supported by Mahurangi Matters

PART TIME FRONT OF HOUSE Experience relaxing kirtan - mantra meditation with music - supper included 6pm Saturdays at Matakana Hall, meeting room on the left, around the back.

All welcome!!

For more information call Dave 021 396 621 Free program - Koha/donation appreciated but not required.

Mantras at Matakana WARKWORTH A&P SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday 28 June, Warkworth Showgrounds, 7pm.

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters.

Hive Cafe (Honey Centre) Sat & Sun,10am - 2pm email CV to info@honeycentre.com

Sudoku

Solution

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 49

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CHURCH NOTICES

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Phone 425 8545

www.holyname.org.nz

Holy Mass Timetable:

WELLSFORD CHURCHES invite you to join with them for Sunday worship

WARKWORTH

Christian Fellowship Wellsford “The Station”, 18 Station Road, Wellsford. Sunday Service 10.15am.

Contact Geoff 423 7789

PUHOI

Wellsford Church of Christ 269 Rodney Street, Wellsford.

Sunday Service 10am.

Contact Dennis 423 8640

Holy Name Church, 6 Alnwick Street Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday: 10.30am SS. Peter & Paul Church Sunday: 8.30am

Wellsford Co-operating Parish 253 Rodney Street, Wellsford. Sunday Service 9.45am. Contact David 423 7150

Sunday Services 9am & 10.30am

Warkworth Anglican Parish Church Services Christ Church, Warkworth

Every Sunday 8am and 9.30am, 43 Percy St, Warkworth St. Leonard's, Matakana

Every Sunday at 9.30am, Matakana Valley Road, Matakana For details of our services at Leigh & Kaipara Flats, and other Parish activities see our website.

Phone 425 8054 www.warkworthanglican.nz

Sudoku 6

Wellsford Catholic Parish 6 Matheson Road, Wellsford.

Sunday Service 10am.

Contact Father Bill 423 8170 All Saint’s Anglican Church 17 Port Albert Road, Wellsford. Sunday Service 11am. Contact 423 8250 Combined Churches June 27th, 7pm. Hosted by Wellsford Co-operating Parish The deadline for classified advertising for our June 16 paper is June 9.

Send classified advertising enquiries to design@localmatters.co.nz

Not getting your paper?

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

er munity Newspap Your LOCAL Com

Ladies’ Rebus celebrates 21 years The Ladies’ Rebus Club of Warkworth celebrated 21 years last week.

To mark the occasion, chair of Rebus New Zealand Graeme McIntosh presented a certificate to Ladies’ Rebus Club of Warkworth president Jenny Angel, during a morning tea event at the Totara Park meeting rooms.

Jenny says the Rebus philosophy is friendship, fellowship and fun.

“There’s a good spirit among the members. They are a very friendly and open bunch of people who are so supportive of one another,” she says.

the numbers game

21

6 3 6 3 82 15 6 3 7 6 1

The nine foundation members who started the club in May 2000 are still part of the club today. They are Irene Andrew, Val Aston, Evelyn Brown, Ngaire Colville, Ruth Harvey, Joy Leenders, Tui Mason, Gloria Swanson and Betty Trewin.

The club is for retired and semi-retired women and organises regular social outings, lunches and guest speakers.

The club has around 70 members and new members are welcome.

Info: Phone Jenny on 022 151 2022.

L Phillips Road (near Sheepworld) to Pūhoi New speed limits from 14 June 2021 Speed limit changes will be implemented in two phases to align with the expected completion of the roundabout and link road to the new Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway in mid-2022.

Phase one changes

8 4 71 3 5 7 8 14 5 7 8 3 2 9 7 3 2 5 5 8 9 12 6 98 3 2 8 74 7

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The following new speed limits will apply from 14 June 2021

Phase One changes SH1 north ofnew Warkworth the following speed limits will apply from 7 June 2021: An extension of the 80km/h speed zone (that begins at Wayby Valley Road) from 180m south of L Phillips Road to 365m north of Hudson Road.

SH1 south of Warkworth An extension of the 80km/h speed zone (that begins at the southern end of Johnstone’s Hill Tunnel) from 350m north of Pūhoi Road to 60m south of McKinney Road.

SH1 south of Warkworth From 285m south of Perry Road to 715m south of Perry Road.

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5 Pulham Road, Warkworth Phone 425 8861 www.mahu.org.nz

Graeme McIntosh presents a certificate to Ladies’ Rebus Club of Warkworth president Jenny Angel.

Variable when a vehicle is turning at the construction site

At all other times

The setting of the new speed limits follows public consultation. We thank everyone who provided feedback.

Note: Temporary speed limits in place on sections of this route will still apply.

For more information, visit nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-l-phillips-road-to-puhoi

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50 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

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Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Term two is always ‘the money term’ for Kam na bane ni mauri. Warm greetings to you all. seniors, with the bulk of internal assessment Mahurangi College has been a hive of activity, with occurring, and a fair bit of midnight oil being burned dozens of activities complimenting classroom learning. as students strive to present their very best work.

However it’s not all work and no play, with students participating in all manner of co-curricular activities. That’s exactly how a school should be; a balance between rich academic endeavours, alongside plenty of opportunities to be creative, hang out with friends, blow off some steam in sport, or learn a new skill. When we get that balance right, student well-being is much more likely.

spectacle, full of colour and comedy and wit. My favourite line from the production is the Scarecrow’s response to Dorothy’s question “But how can you talk if you haven’t got a brain?” He replies “I don’t know but some people without brains do an awful lot of talking don’t they?”

Tickets are available now via iTicket.

well. Our huge thanks to those staff, parents and friends who are helping with coaching or managing teams, and all the administration that sits in behind. Participation in sport is vital for our kids, so we do really appreciate your support in enabling us to run such an extensive sports program.

In the performing arts space, rehearsals for this year’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ are in full swing, with performances scheduled for the end of the term. It promises to be, as always, a wonderful

Winter sport is also well underway, with students participating in all manner of sports, both traditional and contemporary. One to keep an eye on is sport climbing which is scheduled to make its debut at this years’ Tokyo Olympics. We have a group of keen and talented climbers who are progressing extremely

Last Friday saw students and staff whole-heartedly participating in ‘Pink Shirt Day’, led by our own Mr Bostock whose pink fur-trimmed jacket would have had Elton John squirming in envy! The kids really got into the spirit of the day, culminating in a mass participation of jump-jam at lunchtime. Celebrated each year

Issue 03 2021

MAHUHUKITERANGI CHALLENGING. EXCELLING. BELONGING. OUR PLACE

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globally, Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In Aotearoa, Pink Shirt Day works to create schools, workplaces, communities and whānau where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. Here at Mahu we are resolute that our focus on a safe and inclusive school is not something we do just once a year.

Rather, it is a continual focus of staff to ensure our culture is tolerant and accepting and that any issues that arise are resolved quickly and effecti ely.

Tony Giles - PRINCIPAL

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 51

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE: YEAR 9 CAMP ADAIR HIGHLIGHTS

Katie O’Higgins-Thomass

The bus ride home was a lot quieter than the trip to Camp Adair had been. There was less shouting and chattering. I guessed everyone was just as tired as I was. I lent back on my seat and remembered some of the highlights from our Year 9 Camp. One hold after another I pulled myself up the climbing wall, refusing to touch any colour other than the green path I had challenged myself to climb up. My muscles seemed to be rebelling against the sudden work they were not used to.

Finally I reached the top. Now my

only problem was getting down to go to my next activity. Next up was archery. On the third or fourth time of aiming my arrow I tried to imagine myself as a skilled archer with little chance of missing the target in front of me. I concentrated and fi ed. Okay, so I didn’t hit a bullseye, but honestly, I was just impressed the arrow hit the board. I was hoping I would do better on the confidence course.

At the confidence course, I jumped into the muddy water, rushing to beat the other team. Ducking and clambering over slippery logs. I

thought I wouldn’t be able to clear one of them but I managed to get my legs over. My victory was short lived because a second later I fell from the log and face planted into the mud. Ugh... it tasted just as good as it smelt. I heard my team cheering me on and I kept going. I must have looked ridiculous covered in mud and smiling like an idiot. Overall I had an amazing time and did so many things I’ve never done before.

Kia Ora Camp Adair and thanks to all the teachers and parents who made it happen. - Isabel Free, Year 9

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52 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

A 10kg line requires more careful controlled reeling, preferably with a forgiving rod. Pictured, Oliver and Dave Adams.

10kg tournament returns for Queen’s Birthday Peter Hooper and Jono Boundy.

Leonie Meredith and Keiko Pogoni.

Tennis tournament returns to Mahurangi After being cancelled due to Covid-19 last year, an over-35s tennis tournament was “resurrected”, with 80 players from Northland, Auckland, North Shore and Mahurangi competing.

The 36th annual Lower Northland Seniors Tennis Tournament was held at both the Warkworth Tennis Club and Mahurangi East Tennis Club in order to cope with bumper numbers.

Lower Northland Seniors Tennis secretary Bev Billington said it was a case of “two out of three ain’t bad” for Warkworth Tennis Club members in the premier division.

“Both the Warkworth men’s and women’s pairings reached their finals after two good wins, but crashed out in their third and final match,” she said.

Warkworth Tennis Club captain Jono Boundy and his doubles partner, Peter Hooper, couldn’t quite match the Auckland pairing of Peter Stokes and

Grant Waller in a fierce final.

Meanwhile, after surviving two thrilling tie-breakers in earlier rounds, Keiko Pogoni and Leonie Meredith found that their luck had run out.

They conceded defeat in an amazing third round tiebreaker final against Northland’s veteran six-timewinners Raewyn Heywood and Maryanne Rogers.

However, Billington said Warkworth players in other divisions “balanced the books” with wins in the Men’s A division and Women’s B Division.

“The experienced old heads of David Theyers and Blair Martin were too canny for the rest of the field and were never really pushed, even in their final.

“Anette Goetter and Pam Cartmell became increasingly confident as they worked their way through the field, winning their final match comfortably.”

The annual Warkworth Gamefish Club 10kg tournament returns on Queen’s Birthday weekend (June 5 and 6).

The competition is open to fish caught on 10kg rated mono line. All fish are measured and photographed with the option to release.

There will be categories for snapper, kingfish, kahawai and trevally.

The event is based at the Sandspit Yacht Club. Entry is $70 and $25 for juniors, including dinner.

Tickets can be purchased from Hunting & Fishing Warkworth, Tackle & Outdoor Warkworth, Mahurangi Marine, Matakana Marine and at www.wwgfc.co.nz.

The 10kg tournament is the longest-running weight-restricted competition in the Hauraki Gulf, having run for more than 30 years.

Organiser Dave Adams says it provides an excellent opportunity for winter fishing when there are fewer boats around.

“Participants often remark on how much they enjoy fishing on a mono line after a season of fishing braid lines,” Adams says.

The competition usually attracts 60 to 100 entrants.

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 53

Fishing

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Charles had great success straylining on the incoming tide.

June brings us to the shortest day and the longest night. The good news is the days get longer from the June 22, so keep your heads up and keep on fishing. For those who are interested in the bluefin tuna run, June normally produces sporadic schools of them as they migrate up the East Coast.

These fish can live up to 40 years and are known to dive in excess of 3000 feet. Hence when catching them they tend to dive down to almighty depths, making sure you have a fight on your hands. Although at the time of writing none of these beasts have turned up off the East Cape yet, keep a look out for the first signs of action. This normally starts from the waters off Napier, where commercial fishermen target them at this time of year. It could be all go any day now. Meanwhile, what has been good to see is the increase in the other species of tuna, namely yellowfin. It has been a few lean years for catching them, but they are ever on the increase and are currently still being pulled out of the waters off Waihau Bay. The weather hasn’t been too kind this autumn and there have not been many opportunities for boats to target broadbill. The calm nights have been few and far between. But there has been more action on the marlin front as large schools of bait fish have been lurking around Ocean Beach between the Hen & Chicks, Mokes and the Poor Knight Islands. Where there are bait fish, there are predators, and for those who have trolled using live bait there has been success.

Snapper have been pulled out on both the East Coast as well as the Kaipara Harbour.

Here is a great photo of a snapper caught by Charles whilst straylining on the incoming tide in the shallows of the Kaipara. Most of the fishing has been more productive in the shallower water as the snapper feed up for the colder winter months.

Gurnard will start coming on the bite over the next two or three months. The Kaipara always produces good-sized gurnard, so do give it a try if you haven’t already. It makes a welcome change from snapper. They taste good, too.

A roundupof of sports activities and eventsin in THe the district a Roundup spoRTs acTiviTies disTRicT Indoor bowls The Snells Beach Indoor Bowling Club is welcoming visitors and new members. The club meets 12.30pm every Monday at the Mahurangi East Community Centre. Info, Pam 425 6405 or Neil 425 5371.

Hockey trivia night The Mahurangi College hockey team is hosting a trivia night to raise funds to attend the 2021 Secondary School Tournaments. The trivia night will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 7pm in the Mahurangi College Hall. Tickets are $15.

Contact Angela 021 274 3853. BYO nibbles.

10kg fishing The Warkworth Gamefish Club annual 10kg competition will be held June 5-6, closing at 5pm (Queen’s Birthday Weekend). Catches must be made on a 10kg or less rated line. $1000 for longest snapper and loads of other prizes. Tickets at Warkworth Hunting & Fishing, Matakana Marine, Mahurangi Marine and Tackle & Outdoor.

Mangawhai mixed open The Mangawhai Golf Club 2021 Mixed Open is on Sunday, June 6. There are two men’s divisions and a women’s division.

Each features gross, nett and stableford. $30 for members and $45 for visitors. Entry forms at the golf shop or call 431 4807.

Tennis coaching in Snells Coach Hugo Santos of Seed Tennis is offering introductory lessons for players who want to give tennis a try. Sessions are 9am Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10.15am on Thursdays. Sessions are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. www.seedtennis.co.nz

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54 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

13-year-old fighter making an impression Snells Beach’s Georgia Benest recently won a national title at the NZ Grappler Oceania Open Jiu-jitsu Championship and has begun training in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Last month, she won her fight in the Brazillian jiu-jitsu category at the Battle on the Coast competition hosted by Hibiscus Coast MMA in Whangaparaoa.

The competitions comprise true physical combat and can be demanding on young fighters.

Her father Tim admits that some are surprised to learn that his 13-year-old daughter is a champion fighter, but he says Georgia is “no ordinary girl”.

She trains up to four nights a week at the Coast Academy on Morrison Drive and works with a personal trainer at weekends leading up to a competition fight.

She has been fighting for four years after she joined a jiu-jitsu academy in Te Atatu, West Auckland.

When Benest isn’t training, her hobbies include horseback riding, archery, riding unicycles and medieval weaponry exhibitions.

Her dream is to own her own jiu-jitsu school and perform as a stunt artist in movies. She recently did a workshop with stunt artist Dayna Grant learning to perform stunts on wires.

Benest also recently took gold in the Auckland Summer Slam in the youth under 55kg “grey belt” category.

It was one of her first gold medals without wearing a “Gi” bodysuit.

The suits are the traditional uniform for training in jiu-jitsu and have grips which help fighters gain control of their opponents.

Tim says that as she gets older, Benest is getting more interested in the striking element of fighting. Up until now she has focused on ground-based fighting.

Ground-based fighting is less “explosive” and is suited to younger athletes because it reduces the chance of injury.

Benest won her fight at Battle of the Coast 9 last month. Photo, Chenay Collett of Ti Tree Photography.

Warkworth Football Club back in the game in wake of last season setbacks After being knocked down six divisions last season, Warkworth Football Club’s fortunes have seen a complete turnaround. It now has a healthy squad and wins under its belt.

The club had been struggling to play at the highest division, the Conference League. Then, when Covid-19 hit, the club was unable to field the required number of players and was forced to exit the league.

This season, the club started with a loss, then achieved a draw, and followed it up with a stunning 10-0 victory against the Te Atatu Wild Stallions.

It has placed Warkworth right in the middle of the standings table of the Northern Region Football (NRF) men’s Harbour Waitakere division six.

Coach Jacob Paul says the club has benefited from new players who have moved to Warkworth and wanted to get involved with a football team. The squad has 16 players and nine of them are new.

He says it took a couple of matches to become accustomed to one another, but the team has found its momentum.

“Everyone is working hard for each other and backing each other up.

There is a balance of accountability and support,” he said.

At the time of writing, Warkworth’s most recent game was a 5-2 victory against the Northern Rovers – a team two divisions above Warkworth. In that match, new player Mike Jackson scored a hat trick.

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It was part of the NRF Men’s Knockout Cup, which includes all registered teams in the Auckland region.

Paul concedes that dropping divisions has proven beneficial for rebuilding the club.

“Since we are not focusing on just staying in the competition, we are able to focus on who we want to be as a team,” he says.

“Being smoked every week is not beneficial to anyone.”

However, Paul says the club is still eyeing a return to the top level of play.

He says the hope is to build a pipeline from Mahurangi College into the club’s first team. There is an under-17s team at the college, which is showing a lot of promise.

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021 544 769

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Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Watch Sun

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Good Fishing Fair Fishing Not So Good www.tidewiz.com www.tidespy.com www.ofu.co.nz Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd. Set

Mick Fay

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June 2, 2021 Mahurangimatters 55

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

June 2

Warkworth Area Liaison Group meeting, RSA basement meeting rooms, 7pm. For all interested in Warkworth community issues. All welcome.

5 Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade Open Day, Warkworth Fire Station, 10am-2pm. Fire trucks on display, look around the station, dummy drag race, sausage sizzle, demonstrations & more. Info: www.facebook.com/events/291537399167333. (see brief p41) 6 A Clear Dawn Meets Robin Hyde, Art Matakana Gallery, Matakana Country Park, 2.30-5pm. Author panel with Dr Paula Morris. Free, but bookings essential: www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/aclear-dawn-meets-robin-hyde-tickets-153583575609 or from Mahurangi East Library (see story p 25) 7 Bingo, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth, 7pm.

Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

8 Warkworth Women’s Institute meeting, Warkworth Anglican Church, 1.30pm. Meet every second Tuesday of the month.

New members welcome. Info: Moira 425 0089 9 Meeting to establish new Warkworth Heritage & Culture Group, The Bridgehouse, 5.30pm. All welcome. Info: Email Dave Parker at dh.parker@xtra.co.nz (see story p3) 9 Coastal Crime, Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm. Author panel with Rose Carlyle, Madeleine Eskedahl and Nalini Singh. Free, but bookings essential from www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/coastalcrime-auckland-author-panel-tickets-153587184403 to attend, www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/coastal-crime-auckland-author-panellivestream-registration-153588149289 to register for livestream, or contact Warkworth Library (see story p 25) 12 Sing the Seasons, Local Vocals choir performs in Wellsford (see ad p27).

13 Fabric Rescue, Matakana Hall, 10am-2pm. Info: fabricrescuemk@gmail.com 16 Rodney Local Board meeting, Te Whare o Oranga Parakai, 5 Rere Place, Parakai, 3pm. Info: search for Rodney Local Board at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 17 Forest & Bird Warkworth, Totara Park Retirement Village Hall, 7.30pm. Talk by Shaun Lee, “What should be done to improve the wellbeing of the Hauraki Gulf?”

18-20 One-act Play Festival, Wellsford Community Centre. Six oneact plays presented by Wellsford Drama Club. Tickets at the door or at Woodys Winners (see story p27) 19 Jade String Quartet, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm.

International chamber music masterpieces alongside the best of New Zealand works. (see story p26) 20 Sing the Seasons, Local Vocals choir performs in Warkworth (see ad p27).

20 Kaukapakapa Village Market, 947 Kaipara Coast Highway SH16, 8.30am-1pm. Great stalls, fresh coffee, food, local produce, live music, free face painting & more. Info & stall booking: Sarah 0274 831542 or sarah1@maxnet.co.nz 20 Leigh Community Mid-Winter Swim, Matheson Bay, 10.15am. (see brief p27) 23 The Pollinators, Matakana Cinemas, 6pm. A film explaining why bees struggle to survive around the world and what can be done about it. Tickets $12 at the cinema.

23 Kaiwaka Can “choc-tail hour”, Kaiwaka Sports Association, 5.30pm. Kaiwaka Can unveils plans for walking tracks and more.

RSVP by June 16 to pukepunga@xtra.co.nz (see brief p26) 24 The Three Tenors, Warkworth Town Hall, 11am. (see ad p27)

SUPER SAUSAGE SIZZLE

T TO IF YOU WAN ORE SUPPOR T M N WHY LOCAL, THE !

NOT JOIN US

Snells Beach Fire Dept The Animal Sanctuary

The NZ

St Johns

 Coastguard  Ambulance  Adults in Jane Gifford  Motion  Society !

On the last Saturday of every month, we’re raising much needed funds for local charities and organisations — perhaps groups that would not normally get the exposure within the local community.

June’s Super Sausage Sizzle supports: The Jane Gifford Society, June 26th, 10am - 2pm, next to Warkworth Butchery.

Sausages supplied by Rob Lees, Warkworth Butchery, who is the “Best Master Butcher” in the country!

Mehran Zareian Branch Manager

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56 Mahurangimatters June 2, 2021

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Brandon was bullied at school, but now he’s a professional dancer.

Brandon spoke at Warkworth School about dancing.

Plenty of enthused students came up to Brandon after his performance.

It’s okay for boys to dance. That’s the message that Sandspit’s Brandon Lewis, 17, wants young men to hear. He should know. He now has a successful career in dance despite being harassed by bullies at school.

“I was beaten up at school, just because I danced and people had a problem with it,” he says.

Brandon recalls that when he was nine years old a lot of his male friends danced, but one by one they gave it up due to bullying.

He says everyone inherently has a love of dance, but for some reason at college-age young men are told that “popular kids” play rugby or football and that dancing is for girls.

Nevertheless Brandon persevered with his dancing and has landed his dream

job with the Identity Dance Company in Kingsland, Auckland.

He practices with a dance crew three nights a week, which performs at events and in guest appearances at competitions.

“We’re not as big as Parris Goebel, but we’re the next best thing,” he says.

Brandon is also studying with the Royal Academy of Dance to become qualified as a classical ballet teacher.

Due to the fact that there are very few opportunities for boys to learn dance in northern communities, Brandon’s instruction has already been in high demand.

He is running two boy’s hip hop classes in Silverdale, two in Warkworth and has some individual students

in Ruakaka.

Brandon says dancing is great for fitness and builds confidence, especially among boys who might not consider themselves as natural performers or public speakers.

Yet Brandon hears from mothers of his students that bullying continues to be a problem – something that Brandon says has to stop.

“I was bullied, but once I reached a certain point people started to build me up, and I realised it could be a career. Now when I’m on stage everyone is screaming ‘yo, this is awesome’.”

He says that when hip hop dancing originated in the United States, it was popular among men who would dance on concrete with a cardboard mat

Hip hop dance class challenges stereotypes in the street.

“Guys can just hang out in the garage and dance if they want to.”

Last month, Brandon performed for an assembly at Warkworth School and got an enthusiastic reception.

Many boys gathered around Brandon afterwards to find out more.

Brandon hopes that the next generation of boys will encourage their peers to dance and that perceptions will change.

Brandon teaches hip hop dancing for boys in the Warkworth Methodist Church on Wednesdays. Junior classes ages (5-8) are at 3.30pm and intermediates (9-13) at 4.15pm.

Info: 021 061 2270.

The medical professionals were all courteous, polite, patient and had a good sense of humour.

The service from the time I booked to going home was excellent. I felt I had their absolute attention. There was no obvious wait time and the documentation process was easy to follow.

To have a facility like this so close to home is fantastic!

Greg Allen-Baines Warkworth resident

My advice is to ask your GP if you can have it done locally.

Or ring Rodney Surgical direct.

The best surgeons offering you day care surgeries right here in Warkworth.

Ask your GP if your day care surgery can be done at Rodney Surgical.

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• PROFESSIONAL• LOCAL