Mahurangi Matters_Issue 482_24 June 2024

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Road closed to bring in footbridge

A 30-metre long footbridge weighing 76 tonnes was craned into place over the railway line in Rodney Street, Wellsford last week. The midnight manoeuvre required a tandem crane operation to lift it into place during a full overnight road closure. Contractors Wharehine Group says work will now continue to install the footbridge handrails, bridge deck and final section of footpath. Funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate, the bridge will provide a pedestrian link to Centennial Park and will open later this year.

Epic landfill battle moving to High Court

This battle is not over yet – that was the resolute message from landfill opposition group Fight the Tip (FTT) at a public meeting on Sunday, June 9.

More than 50 people were at the Wellsford Community Centre to hear an update on Waste Management NZ’s (WM) attempt to develop a new regional rubbish dump on 1000 hectares south of Wayby Valley.

FTT chair Sue Crockett said that despite a funding shortfall, the group was determined to keep going, following the Environment Court’s interim decision in December giving WM a chance to meet more conditions in its bid for resource consent.

“I suspected this was not the last battle and, unfortunately, I was correct,” she said.

“We will take it as far as we can to protect the Dome Valley, the Hoteo River and the Kaipara Harbour.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua and Forest & Bird are appealing against the Environment Court decision in the High Court next month. FTT lawyer Andrew Braggins said the Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust (Ngāti Manuhiri) had filed an application

to strike out Ngāti Whātua’s case before the appeals were heard on July 29.

When asked how the proposed Fasttrack Approvals Bill might affect any court result, Braggins admitted there was a high likelihood WM would like to use that process, but felt it would still struggle because of the findings of the

Photos, Anna Thoroughgood.

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Epic landfill battle moving to High Court

Environment Court.

Ngāti Whātua chief executive Alan Riwaka said one of the most disappointing things about the interim decision was the recognition by the judges that, had it not been for Ngāti Manuhiri switching its allegiance to WM, the landfill would have been turned down.

However, he said that was as much a fault of the resource consenting and court processes as anything, as they had not been designed with Māori in mind and tore iwi and hapu apart. He said it was important in the long term to heal the damage caused. But he stressed that Ngāti Whātua would be fighting Ngāti Manuhiri’s strike out application regardless.

“We’re going to continue to fight this and fight it hard,” he said. “The lawyers of Ngāti Manuhiri are still trying to push this thing through, but we’re pretty confident we’re going to knock them over.”

Riwaka also revealed that WM had also approached Ngāti Whātua.

“Waste Management are handing out an olive branch and want to put an offer on the table to try to get their application

through,” he told the meeting. “Whether we take it or not, that’s a totally different question.”

Riwaka stressed any offer didn’t mean they were going to “roll over”, but said it was important to update their community and hear their views.

“Our marae and uri have been pretty unanimous through all of this in terms of the opposition and as we all know it’s been a four or five year grind already. I don’t know why anybody would want to turn; I don’t think anyone’s going to change.”

He added that the Fast-track Bill had been mentioned to him, as well.

“We’ve had everything thrown at us to try and scare us off, but we don’t scare easily, if at all,” he said. “Those sort of things, all they do is get us even more revved up.

“I think we all know what we’re up against and all I can say right now is good luck to all of us.”

WM said after the meeting that it would not be commenting publicly until the legal process had concluded, as it could impact ongoing court proceedings.

Bowls masterplan ‘a

bridge too far’

An ambitious plan to build a multi-million dollar world-class bowling club, on a reserve in Glenmore Drive in Warkworth, has been abandoned.

Warkworth Bowls unveiled the plan in 2021, which involved selling its present site in Mill Lane to help finance a large social club, two fully covered greens, parking for 100 cars and a “sky bar” – a raised viewing platform with a bar area.

A lease on the Glenmore reserve was secured from Rodney Local Board earlier this year.

However, at the club’s annual meeting on June 16, a vote to sign the lease and proceed with the build was defeated.

Club president John Hurdley says around 60 members attended and the motion was lost “by a large majority vote”.

“I won’t go into all the reasons for this, suffice to say it was a huge project to undertake and, as most of us are not getting any younger, it was just a bridge too far,” he said.

He added that the main issue was the length of time it had taken to secure the lease agreement.

“It was a very long-winded affair during which time many club members went right off the idea, as they were worried about who and how the work would be done if we did move to Glenmore Reserve.

“The location didn’t sit well with many either and there were also concerns about whether we would attract sufficient new members, given that many sports clubs are suffering from lack of members and, therefore, volunteers to run them.’

Hurdley says the club will remain where it is in the meantime, while a new executive investigates other options.

The bowls club has been on its current site for just over a century.

When first exploring the possible move, club representatives said the site was long past its use-by date, and the bowling club was not the best use for the 4500 square metres of land that had become prime real estate.

From left, Fight the Tip’s Sue Crockett, Michelle Carmichael and Mikaera Miru, with Alan Riwaka of Ngāti Whātua. A fundraising auction raised $2300 after the meeting.

Watercare slammed over proposed Warkworth pipeline route

There was no mercy for Watercare at a public meeting in the Warkworth Town Hall on June 19, when nearly 200 businesspeople and residents gathered to discuss a proposed sewer main through the CBD.

Arrogant and incompetent were just two of the adjectives used to describe the way Watercare had gone about choosing its preferred pipeline route. Several people said trying to reason with them was “like banging your head up against a brick wall”.

The meeting was told that five options had originally been on the table when discussions started three years ago with One Mahurangi Business Association.

Association co-chair Dave Stott said they were led to believe that there was only a very small chance that the Elizabeth/ Queen Street option would be chosen.

Asked why businesspeople were not informed earlier about the plan, Stott said the meetings with Watercare were on condition that they remain confidential.

“How naïve is that!” was the reply.

Stott explained that it wasn’t until March this year, after nearly two years of silence, that the association realised that Watercare’s preferred option had shifted to the CBD.

Staged development

The pipeline project will be done in two stages – stage 1, from the showgrounds to Hill Street, is expected to start later this year. It will possibly be done in conjunction with the Hill Street intersection upgrade and if so, is likely to result in significant congestion.

Stott believed a start on stage 2, Hill Street to the Lucy Moore Park pump station, which Watercare wants to take through the town’s CBD, could be several years away, but would cause major disruptions to traffic and parking for 12 to 18 months. Some businesses along Queen Street have already stated that this could see them close their doors or relocate.

Watercare had originally said it would confirm the route in May, but has since pushed this out to August. Cr Greg Sayers said this meant there was only a very small window of opportunity to lobby for an alternative. He said if the community could present Wayne Brown with a feasible alternative route, the Mayor was prepared to “go into bat for us”.

The majority of those present supported an alternative route down the Mahurangi River, but One Mahurangi said this would require a pump, which Watercare had ruled out in favour of a gravity system.

Stott said the most feasible route, given the time constraints, was one that went from Hill Street to Bank Street, behind the Bridgehouse to Mill Lane, under the bowls club to Neville Street, along Alnwick Street

to Bertram and then down to Lucy Moore Park.

Oyster farmer Bill Morris said while he sympathised with business owners, worried about the impact on their business in two or three years’ time, oyster farmers were on their knees now because the existing sewerage infrastructure was not coping.

He said oyster farmers were constantly being shut down because Watercare, with Auckland Council consent, was emptying raw sewage into the river every time it rained.

“We need that pipeline in as soon as possible,” he said.

Morris claimed that on the previous weekend, 100 cubic metres of raw sewage flowed straight into the river after Sunday’s heavy rain.

“It’s happening on a weekly basis, and we can’t operate our businesses because of it.”

The new pipeline will serve the northern development areas such as Warkworth

A hub of planning excellence

Ridge and Stubbs Farm, and a question was asked why these developers, who stood to make “big profits” from their developments, weren’t paying for the sewerage upgrade.

Stott said One Mahurangi was meeting developers almost on a weekly basis and they were prepared to make a contribution, but were facing the same intransigence from Watercare that the association was dealing with.

Other suggestions included a legal approach and ratcheting up the town’s opposition to higher levels of government.

One Mahurangi is expected to present its alternative route to Mayor Wayne Brown this week. It is also considering a national media campaign and is hoping to meet with the Minister for Local Government, Simeon Brown.

Watercare has so far refused to release to either Mahurangi Matters or One Mahurangi the methodology it used to rank the five routes.

Want to help?

One Mahurangi is asking anyone who wants to support the alternative pipeline route to sign a petition, which is available at most shops in the CBD. More than 1000 signatures have already been collected and OM would like to at least double that number before it presents the petition to Watercare in about fortnight’s time. Supporters are also being encouraged to write letters directly to Watercare’s chief executive Dave Chambers and board chair Margaret Devlin at the following address: Watercare Services, Private Bag 94010, Manukau City, Auckland 2241; as well as Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown (mayor.wayne.brown@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz) and local MPs.

A lot of people at the meeting supported the idea of the pipeline going down the river and avoiding the town centre.

One Mahurangi will meet Mayor Wayne Brown this week to advocate for this alternative route for the pipeline.

One Mahurangi co-chairs Dave Stott, left, and Bevan Morrison fielded a range of questions from the floor.

Path’s new pole position not a winner for Te Hana

Two new footpaths in Te Hana have left locals frustrated, after contractors finished the job leaving a power pole in the middle of a path, as well as other issues.

Auckland Transport (AT) has carried out what it calls a ‘like for like’ path renewal along one side of Coronation Street and Whakapirau Road, replacing an old bitumen path with a slightly wider concrete version.

Local board member Colin Smith says while the path itself is great, it beggared belief that contractors didn’t avoid a power pole that was on the edge of the previous path.

Smith also said drains and driveways should have been better reinstated, and open drains should be filled in.

“It should all be kerbed and channelled. It’s totally dangerous. You can’t have people hopping out of cars and falling into drains,” he said.

“I don’t think this is acceptable around the township. There are new paths in Wellsford and Kaipara Flats and they’ve all been kerbed and channelled.”

Smith was also critical of the use of rocks that had been put into open roadside drains in Te Hana and Port Albert, saying they were even more hazardous for anyone parking on the road and that they would block culverts.

“I’m over these rocks. The water has got nowhere to go, and there’s no support there for the road,” he said.

“No other community has rocks in their drains like this. Te Hana residents pay rates like everybody else and this is the best they can do for them?”

Coronation Street residents Thomas de Thierry and Wayne Murphy, who both work for a local concrete manufacturer, are also unhappy.

De Thierry said the corner of his street and Whakapirau Road collapsed when contractors dug into it to replace the footpath and stormwater was now running under drainage pipes instead of through them.

“When it rains, water runs under pipe and rocks down to the park, and floods.

“Why didn’t they do a pipeline and kerb

“We are looking at possible interim solutions, as we recognised we had a problem with the power pole when carrying out our renewal programme,” she said.

However, she maintained there was still as much room to pass the pole as when it was on the edge of the previous, narrower path.

“Clearance is 800mm from the edge of the path to the pole – not less than the footpath width prior to the renewal.”

pole’s prior position.

and channel?” he said.

The new path, edged with soft topsoil and grass seed, had also made access to his driveway uneven and difficult.

Murphy said the power pole in the path would be laughable, if it wasn’t so dangerous.

“If you get a kid on a bike coming down there, he’ll T-bone himself – it’s right smack in the middle,” he said.

He maintained that the money it cost to renew the footpaths would have been better spent on clearing and covering the drains.

“If you go to other areas, they keep towns tidy, but not over here. The drains are all overgrown and culverts are blocked,” he said. “If we were in Matakana or Warkworth, we wouldn’t have this complaint, it’s just because of the area we live in.”

De Thierry agreed, pointing out that Te Hana was the gateway to Auckland, with more than four million vehicles passing through it every year, and it deserved better.

An AT spokesperson said the power pole issue was being currently considered.

AT also said Whakapirau Road water tables had been cleared, with no rocks placed back, while rocks in Coronation Street drains “were not touched during the footpath works”.

The soil and grass either side of the new path would “be monitored until the grass has been established”, the spokesperson added, while kerbing and channelling came under a different remit.

“This is outside the scope of renewal contract operating work,” she said. “New kerbing and channelling would be under capital works.”

Smith said that was half the problem –“none of the buggers talk to each other.”

Residents want blocked and dangerous culverts cleared and covered.

Watch your step – Wayne Murphy, left, and Thomas de Thierry with the leaning power pole that is now slap bang in the middle of a new footpath. Inset: Google Maps shows the

Smith wants to see drains like this filled in.

Seawalls can stay, panel says

The owners of four neighbouring waterfront properties in Point Wells were celebrating a win last week, after an independent hearing granted them all retrospective resource consent for seawalls they had built without permission.

Auckland Council wanted the walls built on the public esplanade reserve removed, but commissioners Karyn Kurzeja, Hugh Leersnyder and Gavin Lister said the effects of the low-profile structures were less than minor and did not impede public access. However, council resource consents manager Ian Dobson said afterwards, the decision shouldn’t encourage other property owners to disregard due process. “It is certainly not the case that homeowners with coastal properties should expect to be able to build seawalls without resource or building consents and achieve the same outcome,” he warned. “It is not uncommon for the council to require the removal of unconsented seawalls or similar works, and in some cases, the council may prosecute homeowners who have flouted these rules.” He cited an example from 2021, when a property owner was fined more than $41,000 for building two large retaining walls at Beachlands.

“While we understand the desire of homeowners to protect their properties from erosion, the regulations are in place for a good reason. Unlawful seawalls can pose risks to both people and the coastal environment, including exacerbation of coastal erosion processes on adjacent land,

as well as impact ecology and the natural character of the coast,” Dobson added.

He urged anyone thinking of carrying out coastal stabilisation works to work with council to ensure structures were not only compliant with the Resource Management Act, Auckland Unitary Plan and Building Code, but were also the most appropriate means of mitigating coastal hazard and climate change impacts.

The Point Wells property owners still have to obtain landowner consent for their walls from Rodney Local Board, which owns the esplanade reserve.

Accounting

That’s

advise

One of the property owners, Warwick Mortimer, said the consenting process had cost him more than $280,000.

One of the Point Wells seawalls.

YouSay

Water (don’t) Care

You would expect better from an Auckland Council appointed organisation, but what do we get. A halt to new wastewater connections in and around Warkworth without a clearly defined timeline. Then a proposal to severely disrupt the heart of the town which, if carried out, would be a disaster for many businesses. There is a solution and it’s staring us in the face –route the pipeline down the Mahurangi River. Either along the bank, under a walkway, or sunk into the river bed. The only problem with this is that they would have to invent floating orange cones and an underwater traffic management system!

Tim Harrison, Wellsford Park disruptions

Nobody has mentioned before that there will be a works depot at Kowhai Park, where the toilets and caravan/motorhome dump station is located (MM, Jun 10). So what will happen to the thousands of users? There is no other facility anywhere. There are hundreds of locals who live permanently in motorhomes and caravans some 10 metres long, and thousands of seasonal visitors who make a big contribution to the local economy who rely on this facility. What’s the alternative ... fly dumping?

Watercare’s chief spin doctor (acting) Brett Evans glib response of, “this is not our first

rodeo”, implying “trust us, we know what we’re doing” is chilling when, as usual, no detail of amelioration or plan of how such things are dealt with are revealed by Watercare.

Sven Andersen, Point Wells

Watercare replied: Since we met with the Rodney Local Board in May to seek the board’s feedback, we have identified an alternative site for a proposed ‘laydown’ area during construction of the North-West Growth Pipeline. This alternative site would mean we would no longer need to use Shoesmith Reserve or the Kowhai Park carpark as laydown areas during construction.

However, the public toilet and motorhome dump station would need to be connected to the new wastewater network. There may be a short period of time when they are unavailable to allow us to carry out these connections. We would consider alternative solutions, such as portaloos and a temporary dump station, during this time.

Progress at any cost

Watercare’s plan to tunnel under the main street of Warkworth has serious implications for Warkworth. In the future, who will want to set up a new shop in the main street knowing of Watercare’s plans. The value of current businesses are already compromised. No wonder businesses are so concerned.

Infrastructure projects in NZ have a bad history of taking longer than planned, and there will be no compensation offered from Watercare.

Kaipara rates for 2024-25 are set to rise by a lower than initially projected amount, following council’s Long-term Plan deliberations this month. Rather than the envisaged 15.1 per cent average increase, council expects rates will ultimately rise by about nine per cent. “Council and staff have done a lot of work since formal consultation to make further savings and efficiencies in our work programmes and budgets,” Mayor Craig Jepson said. Among further reductions agreed upon at the meeting, council decided to reallocate some capital and operational roading works

The planned proposal is a bad news story for Warkworth but just like the Dome Valley landfill, they will both go ahead in the name of progress.

Neil Hatfull, Warkworth

Don’t rip up the

town

I write in regards to Watercare, and Auckland Council’s, plans to rip up the town to solve the fact that they have been late in providing the infrastructure needed for growth.

They say they will sit down with the affected parties, but there are other Warkworth residents who enjoy our peaceful and historic town on the Mahurangi River, who may not be consulted, but nonetheless are alive and well.

We don’t want to lose the town parking to the orange cone brigade. We like to shop in the town where we receive friendly service and have done for many years.

If you raise your noses above the projected rate income you see yourselves receiving from the growth, you will see people already here who have an expected lifestyle and income.

Personally, I am not buying into Watercare’s “poor us, we’ve considered all options” explanation.

It seems obvious to me that in their eyes we do not exist and are about to be walked over.

Mary Daynes, Warkworth

to later years. “Every bit counts,” Jepson said. “We are still working through final numbers, but I’m pleased to say that with these decisions, we expect the final figures landed on will result in a rates rise of around nine per cent.” Meanwhile, Auckland Council voted last month on a general rates increase of 6.8 per cent this year, and Far North District Council plans to increase rates by 5.1 per cent – down significantly from the 16.5 per cent initially proposed. On the other hand, Whangārei District Council is proposing a record high 17.2 per cent rates increase.

Who’s in charge here?

At the wastewater meeting in Warkworth last week, one member of the audience wanted One Mahurangi to go right to the top of Watercare. “Everyone is accountable to someone,” he stated confidently. “Who is the CEO accountable to?” he asked. “The chair of the board,” Dave Stott replied. “And who is chair accountable to?” After a short pause, Stott’s only suggestion was “God”. “Hmm, that might be difficult then,” the interrogator conceded.

Members host groups

The three Warkworth Rodney Local Board members have started hosting bi-monthly meetings for community group representatives, with the first one held on June 12. The idea came about because the sheer number or ratepayer, resident and environmental groups in the subdivision was making it impossible for Michelle Carmichael, Tim Holdgate and Ivan Wagstaff to attend all meetings. Representatives from 15 diverse groups attended the first session, ranging from community advocacy and ratepayer associations to conservation and heritage groups. Topics covered included the need for better regional planning, reduced funding for community environment coordinators, Watercare’s new sewer pipeline and the need for water catchment management plans and flood resilience. The next meeting is scheduled for August 14. Any community group is welcome to attend. Info: Email michelle.carmichael@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz tim.holdgate@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or ivan.wagstaff@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Push for repairable products

Consumer NZ is urging the public and politicians to use their power and give New Zealanders a right to repair. Each year Kiwis throw away 97,000 tonnes of e-waste. Consumer campaigns adviser Abby Damen says although New Zealand’s e-waste volume is shameful, it’s not entirely our fault because NZ laws allow the sale of products that can’t be repaired.

Consumer wants the government to introduce a repairability label so purchasers will know how long a product will last, and how repairable it is.

“In the same way that Energy Ratings tell people how efficient a product is to use, a repairability label would tell you how easy it is to repair.”

Consumer is asking people to sign an online petition.

“When we hit 20,000 signatures, we are going to head to Parliament to hand our petition over to MPs. The more people who join our call, the harder it will be to ignore,” Damen says.

To sign the petition, go to: https://tinyurl. com/57hmtfdd

Kaipara rates rise less than projected

Viewpoint

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

Big wins for Rodney

This month, I invited Mayor Wayne Brown to visit Warkworth to view first-hand the roading and water infrastructure challenges our area is facing. More than $249 million is to be spent in Warkworth and Snells Beach to build the required fresh water and sewage infrastructure ahead of housing growth.

Accordingly, the Mayor was keen to meet with retailers on Queen and Elizabeth Streets to hear their concerns regarding the disruption the Watercare proposal to install required sewage pipes along these streets will cause. Their message was clear. They feel too much is at stake, including the loss of jobs and livelihoods, by digging along these street routes. There is also the disruption to the wider community if these roads are partially closed for a year, or longer.

The Mayor agreed to support the community and is challenging Watercare to find an alternative route. This is good news. However, due to the way the Supercity is set up, the Mayor cannot directly instruct Watercare what to do, but he is trying to help the retailers.

What Mayor Wayne Brown can control is Auckland Council’s 10 Year Budget, which sets the future direction for Auckland.

Last month, this budget was successfully voted through and it included a number of major wins for Rodney residents and ratepayers. For example, there has been a massive win for rural ratepayers. Approved in the budget was $124.6 million for the long overdue fixes for unsealed roads, including sealing. As well as this, additional

money has been allocated by Auckland Transport to improve the ongoing maintenance service levels. Instead of just the one grading crew to cover the entire Rodney area, there will now be five grading crews.

This means we should soon start to see a dramatic boost to the quality and safety of our unsealed roads. Remember to still log a job request with Auckland Transport if there is an urgent repair required on your unsealed or sealed road.

Our local townships have also been pushing hard to have more of our rates spent back locally. So in addition to the increase in the spending of rates back into improving local roading, the Rodney Local Board has received a massive funding increase of $48.5 million for the next three years to further support important community programmes. This is a win for our local communities and volunteers across Mahurangi, Wellsford and Puhoi. Plus on top of that, an additional increase of $102.7 million for building new, and restoring old, council facilities such as toilets and community halls.

No other local board across Auckland received such a dramatic increase in funding. The final fixing of the Hill Street intersection is fully funded with $19.7 million approved as part of the overall transport portion of the approved budget. Concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, I was the only councillor to vote against increasing any of the fees Auckland Council can charge, including those for dairy farm inspections.

New loop bus hits safety snag

The new Warkworth loop bus may not be stopping anywhere near the primary school, after safety fears forced Auckland Transport (AT) to reconsider its route. The trial service is ready to launch on July 21, and one of the six new stops was due to be sited at the top of Falls Road/Hill Street. Buses would have then continued via Albert Road to Hudson Road.

However, a Rodney Local Board meeting heard last week that complaints from an Albert Road resident about parked cars, a sharp corner and limited visibility turning into Hudson Road had led them to reconsider the route.

AT senior service network planner Dave

Hilson proposed that buses should instead now turn from Falls Road straight onto Hudson Road, meaning there would be no stop between Summerset Falls in Mansel Road and the community transport hub.

Warkworth members said not having a stop near Warkworth Primary would be a real missed opportunity and suggested the bus either turn around at the school itself, or carry on straight down Hill Street, turn left at the traffic lights up Great North Road and turn around at the community transport hub.

“I think we should do everything we can to put it past the school,” Ivan Wagstaff said.

Hilson said AT would look at both options and come back to the board.

Multi-sport takes slow, but steady steps forward

Plans to build a multi-sport centre at the Warkworth Showgrounds have been revised, yet again, to try to build the complex within a realistic budget.

Mahurangi Community Sport & Recreation chair Graham Buchs told the collective’s annual meeting on June 10 that at $18 to $20 million, the original floor plans were deemed too expensive, so the committee had returned to the drawing board.

An opportunity to utilise the former Warehouse building in Snells Beach was explored last year, but eventually abandoned.

“We were very grateful to the building owner, Denis Horner, for the opportunity but ultimately we couldn’t make it work,” Buchs said.

The group is now pursuing an option with

Coresteel in Warkworth after the company stepped forward with an alternative plan.

“Essentially, we are now talking about two large sheds, connected by offices and services,” Buchs said.

“We are still to complete finalised costing, but costing to date looks to be much less than the building originally designed. It does follow a similar floor plan to what we presented last year.”

Stage 1 of the project will cater for gym sports and indoor courts, with Stage 2 providing clubrooms and amenities.

Buchs highlighted the need for a long-term vision for the Warkworth Showgrounds and surrounding fields. The next step would be to engage with the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust.

“Our hope is to finalise our draft plan and apply for a revised landowner approval, agreement to lease and resource consent simultaneously, and as soon as possible.

“Once we know the firm costs of what this revised building will cost, we will action a fundraising sub-committee to start the process of getting the funding required to actually build this thing.

“Obviously, this is going to need more volunteers to join the project. It would be great if member clubs could look within their ranks and ask the question if there are people keen to be involved.”

The collective gave the Rodney Local Board an update on the project last week.

Meanwhile, a reinvigorated committee is pushing ahead with the development of a

Good with numbers?

The Mahurangi Community Sport & Recreation collective is desperately seeking a treasurer. This is not an overly onerous role, and member clubs have been asked to look within their own ranks to see if there is someone who could be shoulder-tapped. However, the collective would welcome enquiries from anyone prepared to assist.

Info: Graham Buchs on 027 840 7592

bike and skate park at the showgrounds. The committee is looking at a redesign for an alternative type of park to differentiate it from others in the district.

A one-year use of a pump track, located at the netball courts, was secured along with donations of ramps and rails

A Learn to Skate session attracted a large turn out and Omaha Holiday Houses was thanked for its sponsorship of the event. A local skater was also holding regular lessons at the track.

Buchs thanked Coresteel, Hutchinson Consulting Engineers, The Planning Collective and Koen McGee and Andrew Boyd for their support over the past year, and particularly thanked the hardworking collective committee.

Artist’s impressions of what the complex might look like.

Mel Colthurst in her Wellsford gym with three-month-old Rome.

Mad Mel Movement

Anyone who wants to get fitter, stronger and healthier, no matter what condition they may be in at the moment, will find a ready welcome at a new gym in Warkworth called Mad Mel Movement.

Already well established in Wellsford, gym owner and trainer Mel Colthurst promises a fitness programme to suit everyone, no matter where they might be on their health journey.

“Just come as you are and we will support you to get to where you want to be,” she says. The gym offers nine programmes catering for a range of ages and fitness goals. Classes are limited to 10, with up to six classes a day starting at 5am. There are no upfront joining fees and a person’s first class is free.

“There’s a very social element to the gym, as class participants get to know one another, which in turn builds a supportive community.”

Mel’s working life started a long way from boot camps and CrossFitness. After leaving high school at Otamatea, she graduated

from Waikato University with a BA in screen and media and communications, and then spent many years working in business development in the construction and infrastructure sectors, both in Auckland and London.

“I started training and competing in CrossFit events about 10 years ago and then qualified as a personal trainer while still working for Wharehine. I was running boot camps for women on weekends when covid struck, so took the training online with a daily workout.

“One of the women who did those workouts suggested I look at a space that might be suitable for a gym. It sort of snowballed from there.”

Mel describes navigating covid lockdowns with a new business as “a bit of a rollercoaster ride”, but feels that it taught her valuable lessons on how to navigate through adversity.

An open day will be held at the gym at 4/37 Woodcocks Road on Saturday, July 6, from 9am to 11am. All welcome.

Backing sought for benches

Can you sponsor a seat? Support Your Local Wellsford is looking for a financial boost to help provide three more benches with planter boxes in Rodney Street.

The colourful benches are made by Warkworth Men’s Shed and there are already seven dotted throughout the town centre. Similar benches can also be found in the main street of Warkworth.

Support Your Local member Tania Bishop said a number of businesses, community groups and local families had already generously sponsored the $400 seats and now three more were being planned for outside the Meat Shop, The Wellsford Inn and near the Super Liquor sign, opposite the top of El Hama Road.

Appliances (Wellsford Horticultural Club), Shelly’s Barbershop (New Dimensions Hair Studio), Rodney Four Square (Hamilton and Bishop families) and Ready Roast (Support Your Local Wellsford).

“We are asking if any family or organisation or church group might want to sponsor three more seats with planter boxes to complete the seating upgrades in our main street,” she said.

The existing benches are outside Caffe Cozy (donated by Croul Farm), Wellsford Pharmacy (Wellsford Pharmacy), the former pharmacy (Warkworth Lions), United

Butterfly hunt

Support Your Local Wellsford expressed its gratitude to Warkworth Men’s Shed, Warkworth ITM, Dulux, Guthrie Bowron Warkworth, Wharehine Group, Rhonda and the team at Farmlands Wellsford and Warkworth Engraving for their contributions towards making the bench project possible.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a seat should contact Tania Bishop on 021 264 0424.

The Butterfly Trust is looking for a site to build a butterfly sanctuary and has asked Auckland Council to help in its search. Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust founding trustee Jacqui Knight told council a sanctuary could look after native species, be a tourist destination and an educational facility. Cr Richard Hills encouraged the organisation to speak to local boards about possible opportunities.

Three more benches, like this one donated by Wellsford Horticultural Club, are needed.

Senior Constable Katie Hawkins,

Police Is blue your colour?

Have you ever watched Hawaii Five-O or CSI New York and thought to yourself, ‘That looks like fun. I could definitely do that’. If you’re that person, have I got news for you!

New Zealand Police is hard-out recruiting. We want people of sound character who want to have fun, have something to give to their communities, who have a ‘can do’ attitude and, perhaps most importantly, have a solid dose of old-fashioned common sense. That last one is particularly important, because I might have to work with you. If you have previously toyed with the idea of joining the New Zealand Police, there has never been a better time to throw your hat in the ring. Why? Because promises have been made. The Police Minister has announced an additional 500 frontline police and those of us already on the thin blue line are trying to find people with the right stuff to join us.

First and foremost, we are looking for people with outstanding communication skills. Empathy, integrity and problem-solving abilities are also prerequisites. You also need to be comfortable making tough calls. You’ll be the person who can instil confidence in the people around you. Most importantly, you will be someone who genuinely wants to help other people, often at the worst moments of their lives. You don’t know how rewarding it is to make a real difference to someone who is struggling. Now, I know this job is not for everyone. For a start, not everyone has the qualities I’ve just outlined. The fashion conscious

among you might be unable to face wearing blue polyester every day and while armourplating is hard wearing, it can certainly be very hot in summer. On the up side, with all those pockets there is always room for your lippy. For other people who would otherwise make fine police officers, the prospect of potential violence is too daunting. I’m not going to mislead anyone because that is always a possibility in this job.

But bear in mind, the person reading this column is not the person who will be pulling on a uniform and heading out onto the street. There is six months intensive training in front of every potential recruit. But it comes with the support of an organisation that knows its business. Most importantly, there’s a diverse group of experienced co-workers always willing to lend a hand with whatever problem is in front of you. I’ve spent over 22 years in this job – the work is varied, with no two days the same. Most importantly, what the police do is genuinely meaningful and makes a difference in the lives of local folk. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, go to https://www.newcops. govt.nz and check it out. After you’ve done that, call in at the station and tell me that this column pushed you to do it. I love positive feedback!

And finally, working for the police in Warkworth is exciting, rewarding and interesting, but to be completely honest, it’s not much like Hawaii Five-O or CSI New York.

Note to editor: I owed you 51 words for the last column, so now I’m in credit!

Zero funding for Kaipara climate resilience

Kaipara District Council (KDC) has voted not to fund a dedicated climate resilience programme over the next three years, despite strong opposition from some elected members.

According to advocacy group Kaipara Climate Action Inc (KCAI), the decision “blatantly disregards community input”.

KDC received a record number of submissions on its Long-term Plan (LTP) for the 2024-2027 period, and almost half related to the climate issue – more than any other issue or theme.

Council offered three options – provide zero funding and no dedicated climate adaptation, action or resilience work (option 1); spend $500,000 across three years for climate adaptation – but not mitigation (option 2); and direct $700,000 over three years for climate adaptation and mitigation services (option 3).

A total of 91 submissions from Kaipara ratepayers and residents supported zero funding, 59 preferred option 2, and 192 favoured option 3.

Nonetheless, a council staff document recommended adopting option 1, which it said would “assist with keeping the rates rise as low as possible”.

It argued that council already carried out work in the climate field such as land drainage schemes in Ruawai and Raupō and was “committed to a considerable programme of work relating to climate adaptation and resilience”. Implicitly justifying the recommendation to adopt an option not favoured by a majority of submissions, the document noted that 149 of the 192 responses supporting option 3 had come from KCAI.

That left just 43 other resident and ratepayer respondents who preferred option 3, which it pointed out was a smaller number than the 91 individual responses favouring option 1.

During a discussion on June 6 that became heated at times, Mayor Craig Jepson offered

a motion supporting adopting option 1.

He stressed that the three-year LTP was a recovery budget, focusing on helping the district to recover after last year’s floods.

“Everything I’m doing is to drive down rates,” Jepson said.

Councillor Eryn Wilson-Collins said she could not recall ever reading a staff recommendation that was so against what the community was asking for, without laying out good arguments for doing so.

Cr Ihapera Paniora said “the community has spoken”, yet it seemed that council’s decision had been predetermined.

“It’s not about money at all,” she said, adding that option 3 would cost each Kaipara household around $11 a year.

Wilson-Collins rejected the effective sidelining of the KCAI submissions, saying that duplicate submissions did not appear to be an issue when it came to feedback on other issues before council. Jepson rejected accusations that the decision had been predetermined.

“I certainly take all submissions seriously,

and make my own mind up as to their weight in this matter,” he said.

KCAI spokesperson Aprilanne Bonar said after the vote that her group was appalled by KDC’s decision, describing it as short-sighted and irresponsible. Bonar said council’s suggestion that the views of the 149 people who made submissions through KCAI should be treated as a single viewpoint was fundamentally flawed and dismissive of the community’s voice.

KCAI described as “woefully inadequate” council’s claim that it does fund climate work, such as drainage maintenance.

“With a strong community mandate for a dedicated climate programme, and the programme’s minimal cost to ratepayers, council’s choice to ignore this support and proceed with a substandard proposal is unacceptable,” Bonar said.

“Kaipara deserves leadership that listens to its community and takes decisive action to safeguard our future. This decision is a stark reminder of the council’s failure to fulfil its responsibilities to the people it serves.”

Got a story to tell? Let us know. Phone 425 9068 Email editor@localmatters.co.nz

Free desexing

Cat owners can get their furry feline friends desexed for free this winter as part of a campaign to protect seabirds and other wildlife on the Mahurangi East peninsula. The offer comes from conservation support group Restore Rodney East (RRE) and covers the entire peninsula, from Sandspit and Snells Beach through to Algies Bay, Scotts Landing and Martins Bay. RRE facilitator Sarah Churchouse said the free desexing was being made possible thanks to support from the Companion Animals Trust, SPCA Snip ’n’ Chip campaign and Coast Pet Care in Silverdale. “This is part of a wider campaign to protect seabirds and other wildlife on the peninsula,” she said. “This gives us a chance to promote responsible cat ownership, help owners and cats prepare for a National Cat Act, and reduce unwanted litters and the number of feral cats.”

An Environment Select Committee report last year recommended a national law requiring cats to be registered, desexed and microchipped, similar to that for dogs. Although Mahurangi East is the main priority for the campaign, Churchouse added that there may be scope to include some cats from the wider Mahurangi area. Info: Sarah Churchouse facilitator@rre.org.nz

Wellsford

farm seminar

The challenges faced when a farm changes hands will be addressed at a seminar in Wellsford this Wednesday, June 26. Pathways to Progression & Succession will feature experts from DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, AgFirst, Northland Inc, and COS Chartered Accountants, as well as farmers sharing their own experiences and strategies. “Farm progression or succession isn’t a one-off event, it’s a process, and successful farm ownership and transition starts with careful planning,” an organiser said. The workshop will be held at the Wellsford Memorial RSA and run from 10.30am until 1pm. Registration: https://events. beeflambnz.com/home

Environment

Christine Rose christine.rose25@gmail.com

The Canada goose problem

Branta Canadensis, Canada goose. I saw them flying low overhead, so close that I could see their stocky golden bodies and black heads. They were stunning, and an inspiration for an experimental lino-print artwork (pictured) later that night.

Canada geese are native to the Arctic and temperate regions of North America and sometimes, during their migration, are also found across Northern Europe. Overhunting and habitat loss meant some subspecies were thought to be extinct, and others were decimated in their native range by the early 20th century. Recovery efforts saw numbers recover, though some subspecies are still in decline.

pollution and waterborne disease. There are also fears that they crowd out and displace native species.

Canada geese are mostly migratory, so those I saw flying in a V were off to congregate and moult near some freshwater source. There, they are public enemy number one because of their large numbers on golf courses, playgrounds and river edges.

it always seems impossible until it’s done.

They were introduced widely across the world, including New Zealand in 1905, and also to Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, France, Sweden, Denmark, Chile, Argentina and Japan. They’ve readily adapted to human-modified environments so proliferate on pasture and parkland, in rural and urban areas, as well as in swamps and estuaries. Like most geese, they are mainly herbivorous, and with few natural predators, especially in places like New Zealand, they have grown to numbers considered problematic for people wanting to picnic or play sports, or graze animals where there’s competition between geese and grazers for grass.

Nelson Mandela

Every year around the country there are ‘culling’ programmes to shoot large numbers of birds. That management approach disturbs many people, including me, as the geese are killed for being successful adapters to highly modified human environments. Humans brought them here, almost wiped them out in their natural habitats and now kill them in volumes for simply being geese.

More creative management responses have included installing coyote or wolfshaped silhouettes that are moved around the fields where the geese are considered a pest. Non-lethal approaches are definitely more humane. But there are concerns that the geese will just go elsewhere, perhaps in even more concentrated numbers, and moving them on doesn’t solve the problem of too many geese.

They’ve become considered a pest for their large volumes of poo, and because they are territorial and defensive, they can hassle people for food, especially where people have been feeding them in the past, and because of their crop damage, their noise and their very successful presence. In high numbers, their poo can cause water

Just killing geese for eating and pooping in the wrong places, for being successful adapters to a human-modified world, is the least acceptable response. It’s inappropriate to just kill what annoys us. The real problem with Canada geese is us.

Stephanie Paxton-Penman LLB (Hons) stephanie@ppetal.co.nz 17 Neville Street, Warkworth DDI: 09 425 0968 | Phone: 09 425 7701

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Donation supports local Blue Light

A $4000 donation to North Rodney Blue Light, from Warkworth’s Community Shop, will fund a wide variety of youth focused initiatives such as new joint coastguard, fisheries and local angler twoday fishing training programme.

Blue Light secretary Senior Constable Katie Hawkins says the programme will introduce local youth to sustainable fishing practices while getting kids out onto the water.

Teachers stepping down from Tapora

Matariki celebrations at Tapora will be tinged with sadness this year, as the community bonfire and potluck dinner on June 28 coincides with the departure of school principal Keryl Lee and relief teacher Jill Jackson.

had nearly $400,000 spent on capital works five years ago and a current project to modernise the front of the main school building, with new windows and doors opening out onto a deck.

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“It’s wonderful to see a local charity supporting local youth,” Sen. Cons. Hawkins said.

The community shop moved to the former Noel Leeming premises in Queen Street about a month ago and business has been picking up ever since. Shop managers John McEwing and Christine Hannah say the larger premises have more natural light and have allowed for a more spacious display of the shop’s eclectic collection of everything from clothing and kitchenware to fresh seasonal fruit and furniture.

Parking at the rear of the building has also made it easier for people to leave donations. Since opening six years ago, McEwing estimates the shop has donated around $100,000 to support local community initiatives.

“And this is despite the two-and-a-half years virtually lost to covid disruptions,” he said.

For more information on Blue Light, visit https://www.nrbl.org.nz/

Warkworth Medical Centre 11 Alnwick Street

Warkworth

Phone: 09 425 1199

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After 25 years heading small rural schools, and nearly 10 years at Tapora, Lee is moving south to Masterton to be closer to her youngest daughter and a growing brood of grandchildren.

She says she is not quite ready for full-time retirement yet, however.

“I will continue to teach in a relieving capacity where I can,” she says. “It will be much more enjoyable without the responsibility and huge workload of being a teaching principal.”

She says there have been many changes in and around Tapora since she arrived from Tararua a decade ago, with extensive avocado orchards overtaking the traditional sheep, beef and dairy farms on the peninsula.

“Our school roll has dropped and consists of fewer students within the catchment area and more from Wellsford and the road out to Tapora,” she says.

However, she hopes a new 12-section subdivision opposite the school will provide a boost to numbers.

“It would be great to see those filled up with families supplying the school with more students,” she says.

The school itself is in good shape, having

Lee added that Jill Jackson’s departure would also be felt, as she had been an invaluable relief teacher since she arrived in November 2017.

“She has tried to get away from us and left that position in December 2019, but we wouldn’t let her go,” she said. “She became a day reliever on a regular basis for one day a week and this year I told her she had to stay until I left.

“She has been a fantastic resource as a music and drama teacher, producing some wonderful end of year performances, as well as her involvement with gardening.” Both teachers’ farewell will take place from 5pm at Tapora Community Hall to coincide with a Matariki bonfire and potluck dinner. There will be a tree planting, waiata and speeches.

Lee’s position as principal will be filled temporarily by a former colleague of hers, Leo de Beurs, whose last position was as principal of a school on Aotea Great Barrier Island, while a new permanent principal is appointed. His wife, Elizabeth, will help to fill the vacant relief teacher role until a replacement for Jackson is found.

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Keryl Lee at the mercy of her students during an arts project called The Rat Feast.

At the handover of the donation are North Rodney Blue Light secretary Senior Constable Katie Hawkins with store managers John McEwing and Christine Hannah.

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Homebuilders

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Why personal values are important

Our personal values are central in defining our identities, they drive our behaviours and affect our quality of life. Personal values are the strongly held beliefs and standards that shape who we are. They frequently operate subconsciously, but influence our decisions and actions and affect our relationships. Overall, our dayto-day decisions are a reflection of our personal values.

Our values are often greatly influenced by external factors such as family, the media and society at large. Therefore, it is worthwhile checking in with ourselves to see whether we are actually living by what is really important to us and not by what we have been fed over the years by others. The reason it is so important to know your values is that they create your sense of self and identity. If you’re living according to someone else’s values, you can lose big parts of who you are. Fundamentally, true happiness is a product of authenticity, and we can’t live an authentic life if we live by other peoples’ values.

Additionally, our interactions and relationships with others are shaped by our personal values. They affect how we connect, communicate and work together. We are more likely to build deep, lasting relationships when our values align with those around us. Conversely, disputes can occur when our values differ, emphasising how important it is to recognise that others may hold different personal values, and that’s okay.

Furthermore, personal values function as a moral compass that directs our behaviours and judgements. They assist us in defining right from wrong and guide our actions. When our behaviour is more in line with our beliefs, this improves our general wellbeing. How then, can we fully come to know what our personal values are?

Discovering what our personal values are takes thought and some contemplation to help us decide what matters to us and what our priorities are in life. You could start by asking yourself questions such as, “What do I value in relationships?” and “What makes me happy in life?”, as well as “What irritates or angers me?” It’s by asking yourself these sorts of questions that you will increase your awareness of what matters to you.

However, you will need to come up with a language for those responses to strengthen your connection to your values. The internet has many examples of what is called “values lists”, which may be a great place to start. Simply print the list and begin by highlighting words that you agree and identify with. Another option is to read some articles or books on personal values. One good example is Brene Browns’ resource titled “Living Into Our Values”, which can be downloaded online. All in all, developing a clear sense of your values can be a powerful way of really getting to know yourself and this will have many benefits for your overall wellbeing and sense of who you are.

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Matariki magic at Matakana

Matakana Village is holding its second annual Matariki Market on June 28 – four hours of fun, kai, crafts, entertainment and community spirit celebrating the Māori new year.

The event, designed to embrace and honour Aotearoa’s unique cultural heritage, is a collaboration of Matakana Village & Farmers’ Market, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and Unity Collection, a Māori contemporary art, design and fashion gallery in the village.

Students from Mahurangi College, Matakana School and Snells Beach School will perform kapa haka, using the opposite bank of the Matakana River as a natural stage, with their performances viewed from the market.

The programme includes live performances by Māori musician and bass player Richard Murray, hands-on weaving workshops with weavers Anastasia from Naturaura and Cherie (Ngāti Wai / Ngāti Manuhiri) from Unity Collection, Matariki-inspired face painting for little ones, Māori artists’ crafts on sale, and traditional food offerings such as whitebait and pāua fritters,

opening address (tīmatanga) and guest speakers will share insights on Matariki’s cultural significance.

Earlier in the day, Matakana Cinema will screen Whetū Mārama – Bright Star, the 2021 story of traditional navigator and waka builder Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi (Hek Busby). Although entry is free, booking of tickets is essential.

Village shops will join the celebrations too, with Matakana Bookshop highlighting Māori authors, Tea & Tonic offering a kawakawa tea station and in-store poetry reading, and Unity Collection featuring an exhibition of works by surfboard sculptor Aaron Kereopa (Ngāti Tahinga / Ngāti Hine / Ngāti Porou).

Edible treats on sale will include freshly-baked rēwena (sourdough Māori bread) from Ringawera Baker, and Matariki Bon Bons from Honest Chocolat.

The market will run from 11am to 3pm, and all koha raised on the day will be donated to the Mahurangi College kapa haka group, to support its fundraising for a school

In brief

Bohemians remembered

Puhoi will celebrate its pioneering heritage on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, when the village marks 161 years since the first 83 Bohemian settlers arrived on the upper reaches of the Puhoi River. The pioneers were shocked when they found their new home had little flat land and was hemmed in by thickly forested slopes. Their story is vividly told in the Puhoi Heritage Museum, which will be open during the weekend celebrations. The programme will start on Saturday with a Saints Peter & Paul Church Feast day mass at 11am. There will be a rock ‘n roll dance in the hall on Saturday night, and Sunday’s events will include a morning mass, market day and lunch in the Puhoi Hall at midday, which will followed by entertainment, dancing, raffles and a silent auction. Registration and prepayment for lunch ($15) is required.

Info: puhoibohemianmuseum@gmail.com

Matariki

wetland planting

Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FOAM) is holding a special tree planting morning on the Sunday of the Matariki holiday weekend, high in the hills between Warkworth and Matakana. FOAM spokesperson John Collins says the group has collaborated with a farmer to transform a retired farm valley into a wetland, and will need the community’s help to get nearly 4500 plants into the ground. The planting day, which is supported by Auckland Council, will be held at 126C Clayden Road from 9am-1pm on Sunday, June 30. Register (free) at: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/ planting-new-wetland-for-matariki/auckland

Mahurangi College kapa haka

The Mahurangi College kapa haka Te Whānau o Mahurangi and Pasifika Fusion groups will be taking part in a Matariki festival at Whangaparāoa College on June 27. Other schools participating in the festival include Ōrewa College, Whangaparāoa College, Kaipara College and Dilworth School.

Deputy principal Liana Schischka says about 20 students will be performing kapa haka, using both short and long poi, and about 50 students will take part in the Pasifika group. After the Matariki weekend, Mahurangi College is planning a school celebration on the morning of July 1, comprising hangi, kapa haka, “and a chance to reflect on those gone before and to look ahead”, she says.

The event will be held in the B Block Quad at 7am, and family, whānau and friends are welcome to attend.

Matariki at Matakana Village

FRIDAY JUNE 28, 11AM–3PM

Join us for an exciting 4-hour programme packed with delicious kai, live music, kapa haka performances, cultural activities, and community spirit

Event details: matakanavillage co nz/whats-new

Special moments during last year’s inaugural Matariki Market at Matakana.

Scottish dancing invitation

The Silver Oaks Scottish Dancing Club (Warkworth) is inviting families to join a special Matariki holiday session on Friday, June 28.

The club meets at the Shoesmith Hall, from 10am to midday.

Teacher Elaine Goldthorpe says Scottish country dancing is a fun way of getting and staying fit without knowing it, and she hopes the Matariki session will encourage families to dance together for fun.

The club celebrated its second birthday on June 14 by inviting the Greenwich Gardens (Albany) Scottish Country dancing group to Warkworth, along with friends from Kaiwaka, Hibiscus Coast, Ranfurly and North Shore clubs.

“Our good friend Sharlene Penman came up to join in the fun and, more importantly, provide live music for us to dance to,” Goldthorpe said.

The birthdays of several regular dancers were also celebrated on the day with one 70th, two 80th and one 90th birthday.

“We thought this was quite an achievement until we asked those over 80 to stand together.

“The party participants included two under 70 years, 25 dancers aged 70 to 79 years, 12 who were in their 80s and the star of the show, Ann Edwards, who celebrated her 90th birthday at the start of June and cut the birthday cake.”

The morning dance programme included a variety of jigs, reels and Strathspeys, followed by a shared lunch.

“It was a truly a memorable occasion.”

Silver Oaks meet at Shoesmith Hall every Friday, from 10am to midday. All young or young-at-heart are welcome to join, whether they have danced before or not.

Info: Elaine on 027 432 0032

The best things in life start with“B”...

Dancing at the Warkworth club is social affair and a partner is not needed.

There were birthdays of all ages celebrated when the club marked its second anniversary.

The Everything Guide By Niki Bezzant

Hormones, health and happiness in menopause, midlife and beyond is what this book is all about. It is a fantastic read for all women heading towards middle age or already there, and I have my own list of ladies I’m sharing it with.

Author Niki Bezzant is a kiwi health writer so this guide is relevant and has the practical, down to earth feel that readers will be able to relate to. The delivery is non-judgemental, truly written to uplift the reader. No matter what your circumstances might be, there is wisdom here for everyone.

The title doesn’t lie, with topics covering a bit of everything affecting women in this next stage of life. Health, exercise, food, mental wellbeing, sex, skincare and sleep, the list goes on, all explained in a simple way. Therefore, everyone can better understand what is happening within their bodies and make the right choices to live their best life.

While I would recommend reading the book cover to cover, every chapter is clearly marked with a green page, which makes it easy to refer to the parts you are most drawn to.

Menopause and life after it is no longer a taboo subject. This guide is a great tool to help every woman make it the best stage of their life.

Reviewed by Abby Soffe

Death in a Lonely Place By Stig Abell

Lee Child, the author who has sold more than 100 million books, says of Abell’s second offering, “Loved this. Multiple layers of delight”, so who am I to disagree. Without reading the first novel, it is initially a bit of a challenge to get a comprehensive understanding of retired Detective Jake Jackson’s rationale for accepting the case, or cases, of a multiple-layered crime wave, possibly all connected to an especially cruel syndicate, potentially almost on his doorstep. He is enjoying life at the rural retreat he recently inherited and doesn’t want to risk his new relationship, which also involves a young child. However, somehow he just can’t resist, especially as it may involve cold cases, active cases, abuse, kidnapping and possibly murder.

After setting the scene, the story moves along at a fast pace, becoming darker and scarier. Jackson is determined to bring the secretive group to its knees, but does someone he trust have a foot in both camps? Who is loyal to his cause, and who can he trust? Abell’s second crime fiction offering is an ultimately satisfying read.

Reviewed by Barbara Leslie

A Hidden Taonga in the Hauraki Gulf.

Shipwrecks

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Sandspit, Warkworth

History

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

Hopping on a hobby horse

Hobbies have possibly been a human pastime since time immemorial, but they are certainly known to have been practiced since the 15th and 16th centuries. At that time, a payment was made for a wooden horse, which was receipted as a “hobby horse”, designed for a child to imitate the riding of a real horse.

There was a cultural shift toward the acceptance of hobbies during the 18th century, evolving from a pastime mainly for children to its wider enjoyment by people of all ages. This was due mainly to the fact that more people had regular work hours and more leisure time to indulge a hobby horse, which they could hold with pride. Over the centuries, the word has filtered down to be associated with recreation and leisure. It increasingly became a social activity, with people building collections of their passion by exchanging items with other enthusiasts.

Long remembered are the days of our youth when we pursued the signature of friends, family and VIPs to insert their quips and names in our autograph books. A favourite with country boys was hunting for wild bird’s eggs. These were often taken to school where the teacher would help by researching each egg to find the names of those not known by the children, who were encouraged to take only one egg from the nest they were robbing! However, some did take more than one of a kind from the nest in order to swap with others and so build up their own collection.

Other real favourites were the collecting of coins and postage stamps. These pursuits

were often sorted and reviewed in the evenings before cell phones, tablets and other electronic distractions took over the minds of our youth. Many hobbies have resulted in valuable collections that were never started with a thought for financial gain, but just for the sense of achievement they delivered.

The Mangawhai Museum currently has a special exhibition featuring hobbies and collections. The major display highlights kauri gum polishing, a pastime of farmers and gum diggers, who picked up pieces of kauri gum during cultivation of land or while employed in the task of digging the gum to sell. The exhibition also includes collections of seashells, birds eggs, coins, stamps, Boy Scout and Girl Guide badges, and handcrafts such as tatting, knitting, crochet, embroidery and tapestry. Model making is also exhibited.

What a wonderful pastime hobbies were, especially when they led the collector on a lifetime of discovery and achievement.

Editor’s note: My autograph book is one of my treasured keepsakes, full of little handwritten rhymes and poems, many penned by family and friends who are no longer here. What a shame they went out of fashion.

Two homes off coastal path win architect awards

Not one, but two clifftop homes in Leigh have been named as winners in this year’s NZ Institute of Architects Local Architecture Awards, announced in Auckland last month.

The houses, Daniels Reef Lookout and Kororā Retreat, sit less than 400 metres from each other as the crow flies, with both overlooking the ocean and looking mainly southwards towards Ti Point and Tawharanui.

The Daniels Reef home was a new-build designed by Matter Architects, while Kororā is an extension and improvement project by Strachan Group Architects. Judges said the angled, two-wing house by Matter embraced its dense bush setting and was fully integrated with the steep native landscape, with each wing enjoying magnificent coastal views.

The home is long, low-slung and stepped with the land, an irregular-shaped site that leads down to the Leigh Coastal Walkway and Daniels Reef itself.

Kororā Retreat started life as a kitset bach that has gradually been remodelled since 1990. SGA’s brief was for a contemporary extension that maximised the ocean views and settled into the natural environment. The result, according to award judges, is an elegant, warm and inviting home that provides a relaxed, adaptable coastal retreat for the owners, their family and friends.

“The sea vista is now enjoyed from within the house while maintaining privacy from the coastal walk,” they said. “Materials sympathetic to the context have been used for the exterior, while being contemporary in their use.”

Other local winners were Ken Crosson’s Boathouse Bay development at the southern end of Snells Beach, which won the multi-unit category, and Glider, a splayed A-frame house in dunes at Te Arai Links golf course by Studio John Irving. This was the second win for Boathouse Bay, which also became the first multi-unit project to win Home magazine’s Home of the Year award in March.

Daniels Reef Lookout. Photo, Simon Devitt

Kororā Retreat. Photo, Ross Keane

Boathouse Bay. Photo, Samuel Hartnett

Community hubs and libraries pay price for new water policy

Changes in national government water policy have prompted a funding shift in Kaipara that will benefit water projects, but stall progress on proposed community hubs and libraries in Mangawhai and Dargaville.

Kaipara District Council (KDC) has reallocated more than $3.2 million of external funding to the district’s water infrastructure budget. The move came after Local Government Minister Simeon Brown directed councils to move uncommitted externally-funded Better Off and Transition Support funds towards water infrastructure, supporting the government’s Local Water Done Well (LWDW) initiative.

KDC said $500,000 was being set aside from the external funding to support transition to the LWDW delivery model, and just over $3.2 million was being redirected to waters projects across Kaipara district.

The Maungaturoto treatment plant upgrade will receive $1.6 million, $600,000 will go towards renewing water systems across the district, and a further $248,500 towards renewing wastewater systems, also district-wide.

The remaining $800,000 will be allocated to the design, consent and construction of a subsurface irrigation system at the Mangawhai Golf Course, part of the effort to ensure Mangawhai’s wastewater system can cope with envisaged growth (see story p34).

Mayor Craig Jepson said he was pleased that the funding could go towards essential waters projects, and lessen the impact on residents’ water bills.

The redirection of the funding to water projects comes at a cost, however. Although council has already consulted on the two proposed community hubs, it will no longer be able to achieve consenting and

initial site works.

However, it will be able to carry out further community engagement, conceptual designs and land feasibility studies for the hubs, using $404,000 of Better Off funding that it had previously approved.

KDC said it was looking to fund the building of a Mangawhai community hub using future development contributions and debt. It was looking into establishing a trust to help support the building of a hub in Dargaville.

In Mangawhai, the Mangawhai Community Park on Molesworth Drive had been under consideration as a location for a future hub. In Dargaville, council already owns land for a hub site, on Hokianga Road.

In both cases the proposal had envisaged the inclusion of a library, digital facilities, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose space for activities and events.

At a June 5 meeting, where council’s longterm plan for 2024-2027 was discussed, Jepson expressed frustration that council time and money had been spent on developing community hub proposals.

“This council has spent considerable resources and time being led from one scenario to the next,” he said. “Both communities [Mangawhai and Dargaville] actually were given options of hubs and libraries and both communities will no longer have the option through this funding.”

Jepson said the Department of Internal Affairs had “once again made us change our focus”, although he added that council had “wisely” reallocated the money to projects that it could complete. He added that the decisions taken on funding water infrastructure would reduce the rates burden by one per cent, “which is a good thing”.

Building costs still climbing, but rate is slowing

The average cost of building a standard three-bedroom home in New Zealand’s main centres has increased by 1.8% annually, but by just 0.3% this quarter.

This compares to an average increase of 4.9% in the year ending December 2023, and 9.5% in the year to the end of June 2023.

“The rate of building cost inflation is certainly on the wane,” QV CostBuilder spokesperson Martin Bisset says.

“This will be welcome news to all those who are currently contemplating or pricing up new building projects, especially at a time of such economic uncertainty.”

Bisset says significant economic headwinds continue to blow, which have drastically reduced activity across the wider construction sector. For consumers, the upside of that is there are fewer capacity constraints and, therefore, less upward pressure on pricing.

“Contractors are having to put their best

price forward in order to win work,” he said.

“We’re also seeing that many of the supply chain issues that arose as a result of Covid-19 have been rectified, with fuel costs and interest rates also sitting relatively steady for the time being. Inflationary pressures remain stubbornly high generally – both at home and abroad – but this is also firmly on a downward track.”

It comes after the Government recently proposed changes to the Building Act that are intended to make it simpler and cheaper to build (see story p25). This includes requiring building consent authorities to accept products that comply with specific overseas standards that are equivalent to, or higher than, those in New Zealand.

“Anything that makes the cost of building cheaper will be a good thing, provided we also ensure the quality and reliability of the products and materials being used. However, due to the timeframe it will take to implement the changes to the Act, and

then obtain approval for the products, there is unlikely to be a reduction in building costs in the near future,” Bisset says.

According to CostBuilder, the biggest elemental price increases since the last update in February related to exterior walls/finish, which increased by an average of 0.8%. Frame costs reduced by 0.7%, due to a reduction in the price of structural steel, with site preparation costs also falling 1.6%, due to a decrease in the sheet piling rate.

On average, each trade rate increased by just 0.1% since February. Most notably, the cost of suspended ceilings increased by 2.5%, the cost of fire-proofing went up by 2.2%, and carpentry costs climbed 1.6%. At the same time, structural steel reduced by 1.4% and metal framing dropped 2.3%.

“It’s important to remember these figures are only averages and the true cost of building will always be dependent on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements,” Bisset says.

Construction innovation showcased

Some of the biggest names in construction will gather at the Auckland Showgrounds this week for the two-day BuildNZ event. Xpo head of sales (trade) Lorraine Smith says the construction industry is facing a perfect storm of high interest rates, continued inflationary pressures and a costof-living crisis. But amidst these everyday struggles, there’s also a critical shortage of skilled workers and a wave of imminent government changes impacting the sector.

“Navigating this storm is no easy feat, but BuildNZ will offer an opportunity to discover how to weather these challenges and seize new opportunities,” she says.

Smith says the event serves as a hub for major deals and partnerships, further solidifying the importance of exhibitions in facilitating strong business relations. She says there will be knowledge leaders and the latest products from more than 200 local and international suppliers.

“In an increasingly digital world, the importance of face-to-face interaction remains paramount. BuildNZ, as it has done so for over 30 years, provides the ideal space to get hands-on with product advancements and forge invaluable industry connections.”

The speaker series will include an architectural keynote panel session, as well as industry leaders from some of New Zealand’s top construction firms who will offer insights into market challenges and opportunities, anticipated development changes, the role of emerging technologies and key business priorities for the coming year.

Build NZ is being presented in conjunction with Facilities Integrate and The National Safety Show, and will be held over two days, June 25 and 26, For more information and to register visit www.buildnz.com

The supply chain issues that arose from covid have largely been rectified, but the cost of building a new home is still on the rise.

Visit us at The Oaks on Neville, 9 Queen Street, Warkworth

Unlocking property potential

By Rebecca Pavis WRMK Lawyers

Whether you want Mum and Dad a bit closer to the grandkids, or are looking to unlock some cash or create a new income stream, developing your existing home property is a common journey for those who have some land. There are many options from adding a tiny house or a granny flat to undertaking a full subdivision. Each option has pros and cons to consider as you start your development journey.

Tiny house

Tiny houses range in size, depending on whether or not they are designed to be transported. A tiny house is relatively simple to acquire, easy to maintain and can be efficient to run, especially if you make use of off-the-grid technology. Tiny houses provide a flexible space that can be used as extra living space, work-from-home office space or a consultation room for a business. There are several factors that will impact on the regulations that you may need to comply with when adding a tiny house to your property, such as:

on tiny home regulations, which is a good starting point in your planning. Go to: https://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/ getting-started/tiny-houses/tiny-housesguidance-mbie

While compliance for a tiny home might seem a burden, it’s crucial if you have or will have a mortgage over the property, and for insurance purposes.

Granny flat/minor dwelling

If you have a large enough section, you might consider putting a minor dwelling on your property. A minor dwelling (or granny flat) is a second house on a section, not larger than 60 or 65 sqm depending on the site. It can allow extended families to live together on one property, or become a source of rental income.

You will need council consent to construct a minor dwelling, and it pays to check with an urban/town planner and a surveyor to see whether your site is suitable. In the Auckland region, the Unitary Plan sets out the requirements that apply regarding urban planning rules. A real estate agent can also give you an idea about the possible rental income you might expect if you choose to rent the dwelling.

Subdivision

• Will the tiny house be permanently on site?

• Will the tiny house be on skids or wheels, and will it actually be possible to move it once it is in position?

• Will it be connected to services, such as water, plumbing and electricity?

• Will you need resource consent?

Your answers to these questions will determine which regulations under the Building Act and your local council will apply, and what planning/building consents are required. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has published helpful guidance

If your section size and local council allow it, a full subdivision has the advantage of giving you a saleable asset at the end of the project. However, it is a complex process, involving at least a surveyor, planner and lawyer, and potentially an engineer and ecologist, in the first instance. Council may impose certain conditions, along with urban planning requirements. Common issues to consider are sufficient access to utilities, boundary rules and flooding risk.

A chat with your lawyer, planner and real estate agent, in the first instance, can help you begin to assess which development option may be right for you, and how to begin.

Left, the study underscored the importance of rock, sand and aggregate resources being located as close as possible to construction centres.

Aggregate mapping takes long-term view

Auckland should be nice to its local authority neighbours if it wants to secure long-term rock and sand resources for future growth.

That’s the opinion of GNS Science geologist Matthew Hill who has been involved in a GNS science study to identify where rock and sand resources exist in five major centres.

He hopes the study will lead to a nationalscale model of aggregate opportunities, which can be investigated before being allocated to other land uses.

Auckland was one of the five centres included in the study, which showed that the northern area has large areas of hard rock, much of it at or near the surface, providing access to good-quality resources.

Hard rock aggregate opportunities were identified west of Matakana, east and north-east of the Brynderwyns, and east and west of Whangārei.

There were also excellent sand opportunities with extensive sand dune complexes along the west coast and some coastal deposits on the east, which might provide good resources of sand for concrete. On the other hand, gravel opportunities were limited.

Growing need

Each year, Aotearoa New Zealand consumes the equivalent of eight tonnes of aggregate per person across roading, construction and other infrastructure projects, and the need for aggregate is increasing, particularly in high-growth areas such as Auckland.

About 70 per cent of the conservatively estimated 41 million tonnes of rock, sand

and gravel produced annually at domestic quarries is used in the North Island.

Roading takes about 62 per cent of the quarried material, 27 per cent is used for building, one per cent for reclamation and protection, and 10 per cent for fill.

Hill says efficient use of our aggregate resources is critical to reducing costs and transport emissions.

“A truckload of aggregate roughly doubles in price after 30km, and the further it has to be carted, the greater the road wear costs and carbon emissions. So, the closer that aggregate sources are to where they’ll be used, the better.

“Managing the future demand requirements and planning for aggregate supply is essential,” he says.

Range of factors

When launching the study, Infrastructure Commission chief executive Ross Copland said the maps didn’t just identify quarry resources but looked at a whole range of factors, including an area’s conservation values, biodiversity impacts, local demand, proximity to existing housing, iwi and community concerns, and land with high farming value, before identifying where a rock or sand resource is worth confirming for future use.

“As an industry, we want to identify and secure future potential pockets of highvalue quarry resources and secure them, so they aren’t over-taken by urban sprawl.”

Hill believes the study will help councils, iwi and landholders to see what opportunities are one their land.

The map identifies some of the aggregate opportunities north of Auckland.

It can take 10 to 15 years after identifying a quarry site to see it operational, so Hill says there has to be some long-term thinking.

He stresses the study only shows potential opportunities for quarries.

“A lot of additional testing and community engagement is required for any site to be considered a resource and for quarrying to start. Certain geotechnical, regulatory and cultural influences are not included in the

modelling so need to be considered as part of follow-up investigation.”

The study sourced data from Land Information NZ, the Department of Conservation, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, GNS Science, the Ministry for the Environment, and Statistics NZ.

To view a web map of the results, go to: https://data.gns.cri.nz/tez/index. html?map=Aggregate%20Opportunity

Whangārei

Wellsford

Warkworth

Ōrewa

Helensville

Whangaparāoa

Photo, M. Hill, GNS Science.

Minor changes streamlined in building consent process

The government is proposing changes to the Building Act to make it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent.

New construction data from Stats NZ released in April shows that it takes around 569 days on average for a home to be built after it receives a building consent.

“This means that once you account for the time it takes to issue a consent, it takes nearly 600 days to build a house in New Zealand,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“In the face of a housing and cost of living crisis, this is simply too long. Unclear and inflexible regulations add unnecessary time and delays to the build process.”

The changes proposed will allow builders to swap out comparable building products, in the event of a shortage, without having to submit a completely new building consent or wait until that specific product becomes available.

For instance, replacing one brand of a product such as plasterboard with a comparable product from a different brand, or putting a window where a door was initially planned.

Penk says this involves clarifying the definition of a ‘minor variation’ and introducing ‘minor customisations’ to the Building Act. This will provide more flexibility, which will help reduce delays and lower the cost of building and renovating.

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

“This will also help increase competition for building products and give effect to the Commerce Commission’s recommendation from its market study into residential building supplies to remove impediments to product substitution and variations.”

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is working to prepare draft regulations to give effect to these changes before the end of this year. In the interim, MBIE is creating guidance material to support the understanding of the changes and how to use them once they are in force.

The changes are the latest in a package of initiatives designed to streamline the building process, which include moves to:

• Remove barriers for the use of overseas building products and require councils to accept products that meet international standards, which are the same as or higher than those in New Zealand.

• Bring forward a review of the earthquake prone building legislation and extend remediation deadlines by four years while the review is underway.

• Exempt small building projects under $65,000 from paying the building levy.

• Require councils to submit timeframes for building consents applications.

• Raise the height threshold for farm dam safety regulations from one to four metres.

An estimated 43,160 dwellings received a code compliance certificate last year, up 20 per cent on the year ended December 2022.

Transforming dreams into reality

We’re excited to share our passion for building sustainable dream homes.

At Stonewood Homes, we believe that your dream home should begin with a vision brought to life through innovative technology, expert craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability. Our Design Studio, combined with state-of-the-art HOMEi software, offers a seamless, efficient and environmentally conscious way to transform your ideas into a tangible 3D model, helping to bring to life your dream home before construction even begins.

Why choose

STONEWOOD HOMES design studio?

Cutting-edge technology

HOMEi software is a powerful tool that allows us to create detailed 3D models of your home design, allowing you to visualise different layouts, materials and finishes. This technology ensures that every aspect of your plan is accurately represented, giving you a realistic preview of your future home. This can significantly reduce the costs and time spent during the planning phase. This proactive approach also ensures that your project stays within budget, and enables an interactive fully transparent process.

Expert and eco-conscious guidance

As owner-operators, we personally guide you through the design process with sustainability in mind, whether that be wool insulation, solar panels or simply a suggestion to adjust the measurement of a room to minimise the wastage in excess materials. With HOMEi software, we can explore many different ecofriendly and cost-effective designs and make realtime adjustments to meet your specific needs and preferences, while minimising environmental impact.

Five easy steps and you are on your way to building a home to be proud of:

Introducing John and Liz Mole, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Stonewood Homes Rodney.

Family home is a complete

There are two slightly odd things you notice when driving up Phil Armstrong and Annie Wills’ rural farm driveway.

First, that’s not a herd of dairy cows grazing their paddocks, but around 40 huge black buffalo. And second, what appears to be an old wooden farmhouse turns out to be a brand new build, still under construction.

As well as its traditional shape and long covered front verandah, what gives it the air of having been there for ever is what it’s built from – the honey-coloured cladding is not wood, or ply, but cork. Hundreds of sheets of it, all shipped from Portugal, where it is harvested as bark from cork oak trees.

Best known for its use as wine bottle stoppers, pinboards and floor tiles, cork also makes an ideal building material. It’s light, waterproof and has incredible insulation properties.

Inveterate traveller Annie had spotted it being used for houses in Portugal and Spain, so suggested using it to Phil, who happens to be a builder, when it came to constructing their dream home in Whangaripo.

Never ones to do anything by halves, though, the couple have not only covered the outside of the house with amber-coloured cork sheets, the inside is completely clad as well – both walls and ceilings are coated with deep, dark Van Dyke brown cork.

The effect is to provide warmth and intimacy in a surprisingly huge interior –two double-storey wings sit either side of a vast 10-metre long open living, dining and kitchen space, with a pitched seven-metre high ceiling.

“It’s more cave than cavernous,” Annie continued next page

Phil Armstrong and Annie Wills with Bam-Bam.

says. “They do this in Europe, but they often lime-wash theirs white.”

She has tried that in just one small entrance hall at the far side of the house, but much prefers the bitter chocolate brown as a backdrop for their eclectic collection of vintage and retro furniture, artworks and keepsakes from overseas adventures.

The addition of regular pops of colours –fuchsia pink rugs and chairs, tribal masks, paintings – glass doors inside and out, plus a giant crystal chandelier in the living area provide literal light relief from the brown, making it more backdrop than main focus.

The couple started the build in 2020, just before covid struck.

“We got a 40ft container-load of 1-metre x 500mm panels from Portugal when it was most expensive to bring anything in, but it was still a lot cheaper than if we’d done

GIB and another cladding,” Phil says.

Different thicknesses of cork have been used throughout – 65mm outside, with striped ‘bar code’ 75mm sheets on the sides; 10mm over ply on the inside and 25mm ceiling sheets – and all were easy to work with.

“You put the ply up, spray it, spray the back of the cork and put it up, and that’s all,” Phil says. “Once a room is finished, it’s finished.”

Phil, Annie and their two teenage sons moved into the house before Christmas, having had more than enough of staying in a nearby one-bedroom cottage. Annie’s parents, Chris and Pam Wills, will be joining them as soon as building works in their wing of the house are complete.

The boys will be upstairs, once a spiral staircase has been cut from a massive metal pipe and joined to a metal gantry that spans the central living area.

The stair pipe, as with so much in the house, has been sourced by Annie, who is something of a doyenne when it comes to architectural and industrial salvage. Huge French doors from an old school, massive rimu beams, terracotta tiles, even an old safe are among the many items she has rescued and incorporated into the build.

“You can find anything you want, if you don’t mind waiting,” she says.

Her acquisitions and ideas can sometimes prove challenging for Phil, however, such as when she bought 3000 tiny wall tiles from overseas that needed placing individually.

“He’s already told me if I was his client, he would have fired me by now,” she says.

All the building has been done by Phil, together with son Marin, who is doing an apprenticeship with his Dad. His help has been invaluable, not least since Phil broke

his arm badly in November and is only just getting back to full strength.

Meanwhile, as the work continues, Phil and Annie’s other enterprise, the Whangaripo Buffalo Cheese Company, is having a bit of a break – not deliberate, but quite well timed after Phil’s injury.

“The buffalo are having a 12-month sabbatical from milk production – they were obviously not fans of the bull we brought in and they’ve dried off, but we can work around it,” Annie says. “But it does mean there’ll be no cheese for a while.”

She has also just started a post-graduate degree in psychology, while Phil is constructing small portable buildings aimed at people working from home. But their principal focus remains on completing their unique family home made from Portuguese tree bark.

MANUFACTURERS OF

from previous page Lime wash can be used to lighten cork.

A giant chandelier commands attention in the living area, while Billy, a former member of the Whangaripo family’s buffalo herd, looks on.

Ridged cork panels on the side of the house are called ‘bar code’.

ainlaying + Earthworks

Drainlaying + Earthworks

Drainlaying + Earthworks

Drainlaying + Earthworks

Drainlaying + Earthworks

Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745 tt@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745 cott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745 scott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

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Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745 scott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745 scott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

By December next year, BCITO hopes that 10 per cent of new apprentices will be women.

Workplace diversity pays

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has launched a new ‘Hire Boldly’ campaign to help boost the number of women entering the industry.

In 2015, women made up just one per cent of the number of people in BCITO apprenticeships. Although this has grown to just over six per cent, BCITO’s goal is to raise this to 10 per cent over the next 18 months. They plan to achieve this by focusing on addressing ongoing misperceptions about women’s ability to take on physical jobs.

BCITO director Greg Durkin says that reaching this goal will clearly signal the industry is moving forward and considering people based on skills and ability for the role, not gender.

“In the painting industry, where 24 per cent of BCITO apprentices are female, it is no longer unusual to see a woman at

the business end of a spray gun, brush or roller,” Durkin says.

“Despite the recent slowdown in resource consents and the pipeline of work for New Zealand’s building industry, it’s vital to ensure we have healthy numbers of new people entering the construction industry and building skills for the future.

“Encouraging more women into the workforce is not only a matter of equality, but a strategic move to strengthen our industry’s resilience. Employers play a critical role in shaping the future of construction.”

In a 2021 report for the Women in Trades Collective, almost half of respondents to the employer survey (48 per cent) agreed that hiring and supporting women tradespeople was a challenge because it would be hard to accommodate pregnant women in the workplace.

continued next page

Forty-six per cent also said they would find it difficult to hire women because the workplace can be physically challenging.

Women looking for work cited receiving questions from potential employers such as, “You realise there is dirt involved in this job?” or the outright statement, “We’re looking for a male.”

“When we have examples such as the BuildHERS project in Whenuapai, a fourbedroom home project-managed and built entirely by a female crew, it demonstrates how outdated or misinformed these perceptions are,” Durkin says.

“Women can do anything their male colleagues can do, and that’s what we hope to educate more employers about, to help the whole sector reach a goal of 30 per cent female representation by 2040.”

How employers can make a difference

Review hiring practices

Ensure that job advertisements and recruitment processes are inclusive and free from gender bias. Consider implementing blind recruitment practices to focus on skills and experience.

Create supportive work environments

Develop policies and practices that support work-life balance and provide a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. Consider flexible working arrangements and mentorship programmes.

Promote training and development

Encourage and support female employees to pursue training and career development opportunities. This not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the overall skill set of the workforce.

Lead by example

Senior leaders and managers should actively promote diversity and inclusion within their teams. This includes addressing any unconscious biases and championing the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Durkin adds that employing more women in construction brings numerous benefits.

By encouraging more women to join the workforce, employers can tap into a broader talent pool. A diverse workforce also brings varied perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and improved problem-solving.

“Women can offer new ideas and approaches that benefit the entire industry. Companies known for their commitment to diversity and inclusion often enjoy a better reputation, which can attract top talent and improve relationships with clients and partners.”

Meanwhile, more inclusive workplaces also tend to have higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.

For more information, visit www.buildingwomen.nz

Here are four essential things to consider.

Whether you’re planning to build your dream home, develop your back lot, or embark on a large-scale residential or commercial project, land development involves many complex steps.

1) Strong project management is crucial. At Cato Bolam, our experienced directors and project managers are here to guide you through every step, from our initial meeting to managing the resource consent process. We handle the details so you can focus on your vision.

2) Thorough due diligence is essential. You must understand all aspects of your property, including the rules and regulations, site constraints, potential flood hazards, and soil contamination. Our experts at Cato Bolam will help with comprehensive due diligence checks, giving you the information needed to make informed decisions.

3) Expertise in resource consenting is a must. The process can be complex and time-consuming, but

our planners are skilled at navigating it efficiently. We expedite paperwork, reduce delays, and keep your project on track.

4) The benefits of a multidisciplinary team can’t be overstated. Our team at Cato Bolam includes project managers, engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, and environmental specialists. This collaborative approach ensures all project aspects are aligned from the start, leading to smoother progress and fewer delays.

Cato Bolam’s integrated approach and comprehensive project management alleviate client stress from concept to completion. With our extensive expertise in land development, we will partner with you to bring your vision to life.

Contact your local land development experts, Myles Goodwin and Michelle Bain, for an obligation-free discussion.

Council debate on coal heats up

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

Coal became the subject of debate at Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on June 13.

Up for discussion was council’s submission on the government’s Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

Part of council’s submission opposed any consents for the establishment of new coal mines in natural inland wetlands and significant natural areas, and the removal of sunset clauses on existing mines in those areas.

Cr Andy Baker asked why the submission had included a stance against coal mining when there were no coal mines in Auckland.

“It doesn’t actually impact us, yet we are taking opposition to it,” Baker said.

Natural Environment Strategy analyst Brendan Judd said the submission aligned with council’s current policies.

“The pathways for coal mining will impact carbon emissions, so even though we don’t extract coal, we do use coal,” Judd said.

“We have de-carbonisation pathways we are committed to.”

Cr Ken Turner said he could not support a submission opposing coal when Auckland was clearly still reliant on it.

“Auckland uses 20 per cent of the country’s power. Huntly produces 17 per cent of it and we have got some of the best quality coal in the world,” Turner said.

Cr Angela Dalton asked for councillors to get back to the facts on energy.

“Instead of throwing up the whole coal argument, the rainbows and the unicorns, let’s get some facts around the place,” Dalton said.

She said 80 per cent of Auckland’s energy use was renewable.

Cr Daniel Newman said the submission felt “very political” and it appeared people were unhappy with the “flavour” of the government.

“Set the politics to one side,” he said. “This bill will pass. We might not have coal mines here, but this region is a very significant user of coal and that will not change.”

Cr Julie Fairey said it was a healthy process to debate an issue and vote.

Chair Richard Hills said the submission was based around council’s current policies and if councillors wanted to change those policies, they would have to be brought back to committee.

“If there are members of this council who want to remove the climate plan, the water strategy or other things, then they have to put up a notice of motion and get the votes to remove that,” Hills said.

Votes for the submission were divided, with eight votes in favour, eight votes against and two abstentions. Chair Hills had the casting vote, so endorsement for council’s approach was passed.

Cr Greg Sayers, Cr Andy Baker, Cr Sharon Stewart and Cr Maurice Williamson voted against.

Michelle Bain and Myles Goodwin.

Huntly Power Station. Photo, Genesis Energy.

Fees hike hits community housing in Mangawhai

Kaipara District Council has approved new fees and charges for services for the 20242025 year, most of them up by an average of 3.5 per cent, to account for current inflation. The new charges take effect from July 1. One important change this year relates to fines for littering. In the past, fines ranged from $120, if the littering entailed less than one litre in volume, to $400 for littering more than 120 litres, with intermediatelevel fines of $200 and $300.

From July 1, the fine for any littering will be $400, irrespective of the amount.

In case a definition of the offence is required, council says it’s the act of “depositing litter or having deposited litter, and leaving it in or on a public place, or in or on private land without the consent of its occupier”.

Council says fees and charges are set on a user-pays basis, to ensure that rate increases are kept to a minimum, where possible. Among the biggest rises this year is a 5.9 per cent increase in the weekly fee for existing tenants at the community housing in Fagan Place, Mangawhai – from $170 a week to $180.

Other fees and charges that are increasing by 4 per cent or more include the weekly fee for improved units at the community

housing in Fagan Place (from $245 to $255, or 4.1 per cent), fees for working dog registration (from $48 to $50 per dog, or 4.2 per cent), and fees for non-working dog registration (from $73 to $76 per dog, or 4.1 per cent).

There are no increases this year for parking offences, however. The unchanged fines range from $40 for most parking offences to $150 for unlawfully parking in a mobility parking space.

Also unchanged are fines for vehicle registration and warrant of fitness infringements – $200 for a private vehicle driven while not registered, not licenced or without a current WOF. Driving a commercial vehicles without a current WOF attracts a $600 fine.

Builders will welcome one big change, to the building levy set by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Council noted that, previously, a levy of $1.75 per $1,000 of building work was payable for work valued at $20,444 (including GST) and over. As announced by the government in March, the building levy threshold is increasing to $65,000 (including GST).

The full list of fees and charges:  www.kaipara.govt.nz/fees-charges

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AT promises action on damage

Relief may be in sight for long-suffering drivers who have to use a rough, potholeridden road which runs between Te Hana and Wellsford Valley Road. Although the three-kilometre Whakapirau Road is officially tar-sealed, large sections are now reduced to patches of bare metal and the surface is pock-marked with holes along its length.

Temporary speed signs have been installed, reducing the limit to 50 or even 30km/h in places, and there are also ‘uneven surface’ warnings, but those uneven surfaces can still come as a nasty shock to motorists unfamiliar with the road.

Auckland Transport said logging trucks coming out to SH1 from the west coast

were causing the problems, to the extent that staff had opted to ‘unseal’ stretches, rather than keep trying to patch them unsuccessfully.

“It was a challenge to keep patching the roads with limited success, and this led to the decision to revert several sections to unsealed,” a spokesperson said.

“We are working with our contractor to sort out the unsealed potholes as soon as possible.

“This road is listed as one of 10 roads we prioritised for rehabilitation for the coming financial year. We are still waiting for a decision on what is approved for the 2024-2025 rehab programme.”

Whole sections are now unsealed.

The southern end of the road is riddled with potholes.

Rural road inspections

Transport’s north rural road maintenance contract.

The contract covers general road maintenance, as well as road repairs from last year’s extreme weather events.

There were 326 major and minor slips in the north rural area.

Of these, 292 slips have been repaired and 11 are currently being worked on, as of the end of last month. This is over and above the thousands of emergency storm recovery jobs attended.

Some repairs have been more significant and complex than others.

The Mayor was told that Ahuroa Road was severely damaged during the storm events and closed at the top of Ahuroa Hill by J Tolhopf Road, effectively splitting the Ahuroa community in half.

Eight under-slips were identified, and major geotechnical investigations were done to inform the rebuild.

Four of eight underslip repairs have now been completed.

The main slip at the top of the road is largely complete and work is continuing in parallel at several sites further down

the road under Stop/Go management.

The large slip that closed the road near 900 Ahuroa Road is largely complete, and access reopened to residents on May 8.

“This complex repair involved installing 150 piles, some up to 17 metres deep,” a Downer’s spokesperson said. “There are still some minor works such as barrier installations to be completed on this slip at a later date, but this will only require a lane closure and Stop/Go.”

Road maintenance

Brown was told that the team has improved the way the unsealed network is maintained – to minimise potholes, reduce cost to ratepayers and provide a better unsealed network.

On a site visit, the Mayor, accompanied by Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers, was able to see work being done on roadside drainage, reusing fine materials to stabilise and compact, and achieving the allimportant ‘crown’ of the road to ensure drainage and reduce the risk of potholes.

“More than 70kms of the unsealed network in Rodney have now benefited from the improved maintenance strategy and feedback from residents has been positive,” the Downers’ spokesperson said.

The roading team is also exploring and trialling the use of different stabilisation agents in an effort to increase the strength and binding of existing pavement materials, deliver better value for ratepayers, and reduce the use of virgin materials and grading frequency.

As part of unsealed roads strategy, Downer has trained six new grader drivers and has focused on technique.

“Downer’s workforce is largely local, so they are keen to deliver for their community.”

Architectural and Solid Timber Construction

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown visited the Downer Rodney depot this month to get a first-hand update on Auckland

The Downer’s crew welcomed Mayor Wayne Brown and Cr Greg Sayers to its Rodney depot recently, where they were given an update on the work the team has been doing across north Rodney.

Mayor Brown was impressed with the approach being taken to maintain unsealed roads. He said the new unsealed road maintenance techniques would improve the performance of rural roads. “You can drive 100km on them with no chipped windscreens, and they are completed at very low cost.”

Cr Sayers said that he used to receive a lot of calls from ratepayers concerned about the condition of the unsealed network, but now received far less.

Examining a sample while visiting the MWWS plant are, from left, KDC general manager of infrastructure services, Anin Nama, treatment operator Aidan van Rysewyk, Mayor Craig Jepson and Councillor Mike Howard.

Mangawhai wastewater system expansion progresses

Kaipara District Council (KDC) says its efforts to expand Mangawhai’s wastewater capacity to cater for projected community growth until at least 2030 is making steady progress.

Council reports that it has completed work on designing, commissioning and implementing an “inDENSE” system –patented technology for separating sludge – to increase the capacity of the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme (MWWS) by 550 connections, to a new total of 3550.

The system sees waste sludge from the treatment plant pass through a series of hydro-cyclones, with the denser bacteria separated and sent back to the plant, while lighter material is discarded via the current de-watering system.

With denser and faster settling of sludge at the plant, its hydraulic throughput is increased. The lighter fraction of biomass goes into a sludge waste holding tank, where it is then de-watered and sent to landfill for disposal.

KDC general manager of infrastructure services Anin Nama says the work puts council’s wastewater infrastructure in a good position to meet the needs of the growing community.

The new system, combined with a new balance tank that was completed last year, also improves the system’s resilience during peak flows, he says.

“The balance tank is essentially a holding tank for periods when there is increased flow. That prevents the plant from becoming overloaded during heavy rain.

The balance tank can be repurposed as a bioreactor tank, to treat inflows in future when connections increase beyond 2030.”

With stage one of the multi-year project now completed, council is moving ahead with stage two – concept design and consent plan development of irrigation systems at the Mangawhai Golf Course and KDC’s Brown Road farm.

Currently, treated wastewater from the MWWS plant on Thelma Road South flows about 13 kilometres to Brown Road farm, where it is dispersed over paddocks.

The plan is to discharge most of the treated effluent in the future onto the golf course, via a subsurface irrigation system.

Future stages could include further expansion to the MWWS plant.

Elected members agreed in October to the first two stages of what it calls its “revised masterplan strategy”. The aim is to provide for 550 additional connections to the MWWS plant, which otherwise was on track to reach its 3000-connection capacity during the course of 2024.

As of October, there were 2700 connections.

According to a council spokesperson that number has ticked up slightly since then, to 2709.

WINDOW

The Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme is rapidly approaching its 3000-connection capacity. Photo, KDC

Board begged for help to get problem pavers fixed at last

Yet another plea for someone to fix Wellsford’s hazardous herringbone pavers has been made, this time by the local business association to Rodney Local Board. Wellsford Plus chair Mitch Martin told members on June 19 the town was desperate, as no matter what they did, no one took any notice.

A petition and previous deputation had resulted in no action, nor had reports of serious falls (MM, Apr 1), emails to Auckland Transport’s (AT) chief executive and meeting with AT engineers to show them the problem.

“In July last year, I met with some AT engineers in town and they were quite shocked. They said if this were in urban Auckland, it would have been done yesterday,” Martin said.

“It’s almost like sometimes Wellsford is the forgotten stepchild of the large Supercity.” Martin said it was a health and safety issue,

but everyone kept passing the buck.

“We still have no direction, we’re not part of any plan,” he said. “What steps do we need to take?”

He added that he was sure the $3 million cost quoted by AT to remove the pavers and replace them with concrete could be bettered by using local contractors.

“We all know there are local suppliers who could do it. We’ve had concrete layers offering to lay it for free because of their concern for the town,” he said. “Even if we could get a design done ... at the moment we have nothing.”

Michelle Carmichael suggested Wellsford Plus discuss the issue with neighbouring business association One Mahurangi, as it had a number of roading and engineering experts on board.

She also said Martin should get a quote from a local contractor to compare with the AT figures.

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The problem that won’t go away – Wellsford’s wonky pavers.

Men find space to share skills and socialise

Since opening five years ago, the Men’s Shed Warkworth has provided retirees with a place to share their skills, “have a cuppa and a laugh”, and work on practical projects, many of which are benefiting the community.

Their projects have included the colourful seats and planter boxes in Warkworth and Wellsford town centres, playground equipment at early childhood centres and the Warkworth Birthing Centre, and free community book stands. They are also heavily involved in building predator traps and working with Less Waste on recycling and re-purposing projects.

Current chair David Little says the shed has around 40 members who are mostly retired, although that is not a prerequisite.

“The shed is a great place for blokes to learn new skills,” he says. “We see builders teaching engineers their skills and vice versa, and we see accountants being shown

a plethora of skills they did not have the opportunity to learn in their working life.

“There is also a strong social component –we’ve normally solved the problems of the world by the time we’ve finished morning tea.”

Based at the Warkworth Showgrounds, Little says the organisation is extremely grateful for the support of the A&P Society in providing a venue, as well as the community at large, who have generously supported the shed with donations of tools, materials and labour.

He says many couples find that after retirement, the shock of suddenly being with each other 24/7 can cause friction so, unsurprisingly, women are among the shed’s most ardent supporters.

“Men are known to have smaller circles of friends than women, so our shed offers new opportunities to foster friendships outside the social circles that partners establish.”

The shed is open Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 1pm. New members are very welcome.

Annual membership costs $50, with a one-off joining fee of $50. Little says the funds are used to purchase supplies and equipment.

Patrick Henchie working on a compass.

There are no hard and fast rules at the Men’s Shed. Members can work collaboratively on projects or spend their time on individual work.

From left, John Tate, David Tomes, David Little and David Johnson.

Don Alford (left) and Ross Stewart in the machine room.

Gardening

Andrew Steens

In praise of the humble spud

One crop our garden is almost never without is the humble spud. Even in winter we have potatoes growing in large planter bags leaning up against the greenhouse. Although potatoes have had a bad rap over the years, as the carbohydrate-rich tubers don’t mash well with current food fads, in fact, they are a powerhouse of nutrients, particularly with the skins left on, and are an exceptionally economical food source. There are many varieties of potato and just as many ways of growing them, but irrespective of which variety you plant and what growing technique you use, there are some basic rules of growing to achieve a productive crop.

Firstly, potatoes need to be grown in full sun. Any shade will result in smaller tubers and less of them, plus an increase in diseases. Secondly, in our region, the growing season is pretty much year-round, as the growing tops of late planted crops can tolerate a light frost. It’s best to plant after the coldest part of the winter is over, though as you won’t get any growth until the soil temperature has reached 7.5°C. A good indicator is when weeds start to grow! Most roots form near the base of the stem above the seed potato and push downwards into the soil. The roots need to grow down into a light, well-drained but moistureretentive soil that is slightly acid (pH 5.86.5). Potatoes grown in soils with higher pH are more prone to the bacterial disease potato scab. Potatoes love compost, but too much organic material around the newly forming tubers can increase the chances of potato scab, so make sure to mix the organic matter into the soil below the seed potato, where it will feed the roots.

The new tubers will form on the stem between the seed potato and the soil surface. This upper part of the plant can grow in just about anything; the important point is to mound extra soil or other material, such as straw, around the plants as they grow every 2-3 weeks until the plants begin to flower, to increase the length of the stem and therefore the number of tubers that develop.

Potatoes produce their best crops when they are kept well-watered throughout the growing season, but especially during and immediately after flowering, when the plant is creating new tubers. Water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry completely before evening to avoid diseases. When the leaves turn yellow, stop watering to allow the tubers to mature before harvesting.

Harvesting for new baby potatoes can start two to three weeks after the plants have finished flowering, but for larger tubers, wait until all the foliage has died off. If you’re a little impatient, tubers can be “tickled” (or “bandicooted” if you’re an Aussie) by gently loosening the soil, reaching under the plant, and removing the largest tubers, leaving the smaller ones to continue growing. Happy days!

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MAHURANGI COLLEGE CLOSING

DATE

for

2025 ENROLMENTS

The deadline for receipt of all in-zone and out-of-zone enrolments is Friday 30 August 2024. Applications can be submitted online via our school website www.mahurangi. school.nz/enrolment or visit the school office for an enrolment pack.

HERITAGE MAHURANGI INC

Wednesday 31st July, 5.30pm Gallipoli Room, Warkworth RSA. Welcome, Apologies, Minutes of previous meeting, Matters Arising, Chair's Report, Financial Report, Election of Executive & Ordinary members, Guest Speaker. ALL WELCOME

WARKWORTH HOCKEY CLUB

ITSS Engineering, 24 Morrison Drive, 6.30pm, Monday, 1st July 2024

SITUATIONS VACANT

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The Warkworth Wellsford Budget Service is looking for an experienced Financial Mentor to join our team. This is a newly created paid position working from Warkworth, Wellsford or visiting clients on agreed set days, up to 16 hours per week. This may suit 2 people job sharing 8 hours each per week.

If this sounds like you, please send your CV to Jo Walker, Service Manager by email admin@wwbudgetservice.co.nz

Applications close on 26 July 2024.

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

Masters

Lower Northland Masters Tennis division 1 champions Jeff Crichton and Craig McFall, successfully defended their title when the tournament was played in Warkworth and Snells Beach last month.

Crichton and McFall, from Auckland, defeated Lower Northland duo Michael Cosier and Jarryd Brits.

The one-day event attracted players from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Waikato, and plenty of local talent featured in the finals.

A total of 96 players competed across three men’s and ladies’ doubles divisions, utilising 12 courts at both Warkworth Rackets and Mahurangi East Tennis Club. Organiser Rob Robertson said the tournament was played in beautiful weather, with enthusiastic crowds and numerous thrilling matches, all played in a great spirit of sportsmanship.

Last year’s women’s defending champions, Craigie McCulloch (Lower Northland) and Fionia Wikaira (Auckland) were unable to repeat their victory, falling to Wendy Jambor (Northland) and Jane Ioaba (Auckland) in the division 1 final.

Numerous local players enjoyed success, with Kat Kayll and Robin Denton clinching the ladies’ division 1 plate, Rachel Iversen and Jodie Hanna taking out the division 2 plate, and Pam Cartmell and Dawn Rogers winning the division 3 plate.

In the men’s division, David Leon and Jonny St George captured the division 2 plate, while Oliver Zabala and Alastair Lane secured the division 3 plate.

Robertson said the success of this event relied heavily on the generous support of all the sponsors, particularly main sponsors Pascoes The Jewellers, Harts Pharmacy, Pizza Hut, New World and Warkworth Glass and Glazing.

Snells Beach indoor bowls The Snells Beach Indoor Bowls Club meets in the Snells Beach Community Church at 325 Mahurangi East Rd on Mondays from 12.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome. Info: Pam 027 458 0145.

Netball holiday programme Netball North Harbour is hosting a school holiday programme for children in Years 1-7 on July 8, 9, 15 and 16 at the Barfoot & Thompson Netball Centre. Sessions run from 9.30am until 1pm each day. Tickets are $60 for a casual day or $110 for two days. Players must wear sports-specific clothing and sports shoes and bring their own morning snack, lunch and drink bottle. Info & bookings: https://www.sporty.co.nz/netballnorthharbour/home

Tomarata indoor bowls The Tomarata Indoor Bowls Club meets in the Tomarata Hall on Mangawhai Road every Wednesday at 7pm. Visitors and new members welcome.

Info: Eryl 09 431 4965

Football festival Wellsford Athletic Football Club will host the Port Albert Football Festival at the Port Albert football grounds on Sunday, July 7. Kick off 9am. Teams in grades 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 are welcome to play. Each grade can be made up of a mix of both year levels that are included in the grade, for example, an 8th grade team can have both 7th and 8th grade players. $100 entry fee per team for non-ROSA teams. Round-robin format with no playoffs. Teams will play 3-4 games each. Info & register: Cushla wellsfordafc@gmail.com or 021 324 965

Tennis court hire Tennis courts at the Mahurangi East Tennis Club are available for casual hire outside of club days from 7am-8pm. The cost is $20 per hour. Info & bookings: https://clubspark.kiwi/mahurangieasttennisclub

Squash tournament Warkworth Rackets will host the Drinnan Contractors Squash Tournament from Friday, July 19 until Sunday, July 21. This is a weekend tournament open to all B Grade and below senior players. If enough entries are received, there will also be a separate Masters competition. For info & bookings visit: https://warkworthrackets.co.nz/event/squashdrinnan-contractors-tournament-b-grade-masters/

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

Men’s division 2 plate winners David Leon and Jonny St George.

Women’s division 1 plate winners Kat Kayll and Robin Denton.

turn on thrilling tennis

Mahu girls diving for gold in Malaysia

Two students from Mahurangi College will be heading to Malaysia next month to compete for New Zealand in the 6th Underwater Hockey Age Group World Championships.

Charlie Blampied, from Matakana, and Warkworth’s Thea Buick will be two of the youngest players in the Under 19 women’s team, aged 16 and 15 respectively.

Joining them in the NZ squad are four other ex-Mahu players – Thea’s sister Mackenzie Buick and Charlotte O’Connor in the Under 24 women’s team, Izaak Lees in Under 19 men’s and Sam Thwigg for Under 24 men’s.

All the players have been through an gruelling training and selection process over the past 18 months, with the final squads only announced last month. Now the race is on to raise the $8000 per player needed to get them on the team plane to Kuala Lumpur in mid-July.

Although a relatively obscure sport, underwater hockey has long been popular at Mahurangi College and its students punch well above their weight on the national and international stage. Most recently, the school took out the 2023 national championships in both the junior and senior girls team event in Wellington.

Blampied and Buick followed that with their first taste of international success, winning against Australia during a transTasman tournament in September.

Blampied says, while that was good experience, the prospect of the world champs in Malaysia is on a whole other level.

“I’m just so excited, I can’t wait,” she says.

“Thea and I are just wanting to organise something to raise funds now.”

There are also training camps and many sessions in the pool and gym, not to mention school work, to fit in before the championships take place from July 16 to 27.

While Thea, Mackenzie and third sister Rowan Buick all come from a solid underwater hockey household – even Mum Amy Oberkircher is a renowned player – Blampied is a relative newcomer to the sport.

She only started because she went to watch a friend practice playing after a sleepover.

“Somehow I wound up getting in the pool, started playing and I fell in love with it.

That was the end of Year 9,” she says. “It’s just so random and such fun.”

The four NZ teams will be up against players from 11 other countries, starting with five ‘round robin’ days, where all teams

play each other at least twice, followed by quarter finals and playoffs, semi-finals and playoffs, and the final.

Doubtless the local contingent will be feeling a little pressure to perform well –the last age group World Champs were held in the UK in 2019, where NZ won three of the four titles and came third in the Under 24 men’s.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the Mahu girls’ fundraising efforts can email Katherine Norman at katherine@ resourceplanninginc.com

Hockey history

Underwater hockey was invented in 1954 in England and was initially called Octopush, since it involved two teams of eight divers pushing a puck around the bottom of a swimming pool with a short stick to score goals. Players wear a mask, snorkel, fins and a swim hat with ear guards. Underwater hockey has been played in NZ since 1964 and is now played globally by at least 30 countries. There are hopes it might become an Olympic sport before too long – it debuted at the Southeast Asia mini-Olympics in 2019.

Footy festival for kids

The winter school holidays are being kicked off in style for soccer fans, with a youth football festival at the Port Albert recreation reserve.

Wellsford Athletic Football Club is hosting the one-day event on Sunday, July 7 and it is open to any teams in 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th grades.

Festival matches will be played in a round robin format, with no play-offs, and each team is expected to play three or four games each.

Each grade team can be made up of a mix of both year levels that are included in each grade so, for example, 8th grade teams can include players from both 7th and 8th grades.

Clubs should also note that 6th and 8th grade teams should have six members with no goalie, 10th grade teams, seven members including a keeper, and 12th and 14th grade should have eight in the squad including goalie.

There is a $100 entry fee per non-Rodney & Otamatea Soccer Association team, and refreshments will be available at the sportsground in Wellsford Valley Road. For more information and to register for the festival, contact Cushla Smith on 021 324 965 or email wellsfordafc@gmail.com

Auckland Area Sea Watch

5:58am0.7 12:14pm3.2 6:12pm0.7 12:46am3.3 6:52am0.7 1:08pm3.1 7:11pm0.8 1:41am3.2 7:47am0.7 2:07pm3.1 8:13pm0.9 2:37am3.2 8:44am0.7 3:08pm3.1 9:15pm0.9 3:34am3.2 9:42am0.7 4:11pm3.1 10:16pm0.9 4:32am3.1 10:41am0.7 5:12pm3.1 11:13pm0.9 5:30am3.1 11:37am0.7 6:08pm3.2 12:08am0.8 6:27am3.1 12:31pm0.6 7:01pm3.2 1:01am0.8 7:21am3.1 1:21pm0.6 7:50pm3.3 1:51am0.8 8:12am3.1 2:08pm0.6 8:37pm3.3 2:39am0.8 9:00am3.1 2:52pm0.6 9:21pm3.2 3:25am0.8 9:45am3.0 3:35pm0.7 10:04pm3.2 4:09am0.9 10:28am3.0 4:16pm0.8 10:45pm3.1 4:51am0.9 11:08am3.0 4:57pm0.9 11:26pm3.1 5:33am0.9 11:49am2.9 5:39pm0.9 12:07am3.0 6:15am1.0 12:31pm2.8 6:25pm1.0 12:50am2.9 6:58am1.0 1:16pm2.8 7:14pm1.1 7:34am 5:15pm 7:34am 5:15pm 7:34am

5:14pm2.8 11:14pm1.1 5:28am2.7 11:35am0.9 6:03pm2.9 12:01am1.1 6:18am2.8 12:21pm0.8 6:47pm3.0 12:45am1.0 7:06am2.9 1:05pm0.7 7:29pm3.1 1:29am0.9 7:51am3.0 1:47pm0.6 8:11pm3.2 2:12am0.8 8:35am3.1 2:29pm0.6 8:53pm3.3 2:56am0.7 9:18am3.2 3:11pm0.5 9:36pm3.3 3:40am0.6 10:02am3.2 3:54pm0.5 10:21pm3.3 4:26am0.6 10:47am3.2 4:40pm0.5 11:07pm3.3 5:12am0.6 11:34am3.2 5:29pm0.6 11:56pm3.3 6:01am0.6 12:24pm3.1 6:22pm0.7 12:47am3.2 6:53am0.6 1:20pm3.1 7:21pm0.8 1:42am3.1 7:50am0.7 2:22pm3.0 8:25pm0.8 2:41am3.0 8:53am0.7 3:28pm3.0 9:30pm0.9 3:45am3.0 9:58am0.7 4:33pm3.1 10:33pm0.8 4:50am3.0 11:02am0.7 5:34pm3.2 11:32pm0.7 7:16am 5:39pm 7:15am 5:40pm 7:14am

Thea Buick, circled left, and Charlie Blampied, circled right, won gold in the regionals last year.

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

26 Reading Revolution, Warkworth Library, 10am-12pm. Short story & poem read aloud. Free.

28 Matariki (see feature pgs16-18)

28&29 Kawau Bay Artists Exhibition, old Masonic Hall, 10am-3pm

29 Matariki at Matakana Village, 11am3pm. Music, kai, kapa haka and more (see story p16)

29 Bullrush & Mudpies, Warkworth Town Hall, 2pm & 7pm. This 90-minute documentary on the history of Warkworth School is a fundraiser for the school. Tickets $25, available from the school or email: bullrushandmudpies@gmail.com

29 Celebrating Puhoi 161 years, Sts Peter & Paul Church Feast day Mass, 11am (see brief p16)

29 Celebrating Puhoi 161 years, rock ‘n roll dance with Shane and the Shazam band, Puhoi Hall, 7.30-10.30pm. BYO refreshments (see brief p16)

30 Celebrating Puhoi 161 years, mass Puhoi Church, 8.30am; lunch midday, Puhoi Hall followed by entertainment, raffles, dancing and silent auction. All welcome (see brief p16)

30 Puhoi Village Market, Puhoi Sports Club carpark, 9am-1pm

30 Snells Beach Community Market, Snells Beach School, 10am-2pm

30 Matariki planting day, Clayden Road, between Warkworth and Matakana, 9am-1pm (see brief p16)

30 Community Planting Day, Streamland Suffolks, 903 West Coast Road Ahuroa, 10am-2pm. BYO spade and gardening gloves. Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing suitable for planting and the weather. BBQ lunch & refreshments provided. Info & RSVP: katie@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz

2 Highfield Garden Reserve working bee, 9am. All newcomers welcome. Info: Ox Wightman 027 498 7214 or visit ‘Donkeys at Highfield’ on Facebook

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

3 Retired Men’s Rebus Mid-Year Lunch, Warkworth RSA, 11.30am. $35pp. This replaces the monthly coffee morning. RSVP: Ron 422 3111

4 Forest & Bird Winter Talk: Kelsey Miller talks Kina Barrens, Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room, 7.30pm

5 Warkworth Library Garden Group, Warkworth Library, 6.30pm. Local speakers, plant trading, advice, & develop your garden skills. Gold coin donation. All welcome.

6 Tapora Golf Club 60 Year Celebration, 10am. Former members & supporters welcome. Golf tournament 10am and meal at 3pm. Info: Andrew 021 1206 160

6 Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights, Warkworth Town Centre, 11am-9.30pm. Amusement rides, food trucks, live music, tunnel of lights, disco dance floor, face painting & more. ITM Parade of Lights 6-6.45pm and Laser Light Show 8-9.30pm

7 Tāwharanui Planting Day, 9am-12.30pm. Follow the signs for parking. Volunteers must sign in and read a safety briefing. Wear suitable clothing and very clean, sturdy footwear. Gloves and spades provided. Kauri dieback free zone

8-13 Stencil Silkscreen Stitch - School holiday workshop for kids, Charlie’s Gelato. Two sessions per day, 10.30am-12.30pm, or 1.30-3.30pm. Screen print your own designer t-shirt. Suitable for ages 9-14yrs. $49pp. Info & bookings: https://www.iatextiledesign.co.nz/

9 Highfield Garden Reserve working bee, 9am. All newcomers welcome. Info: Ox Wightman 027 498 7214 or visit ‘Donkeys at Highfield’ on FB

13 Midwinter Christmas Charity Dinner, Wellsford Memorial RSA, 6.30pm. Wellsford Plus fundraiser with entertainment, auction, raffles, spot prizes and courtesy coach home. Tickets $60 from https://events.humanitix.com/wellsfordplus-charity-dinner

13 Rotary Grove (Shoesmith St) Planting Day, 9am-12pm. Meet behind the Warkworth tennis courts. 500 plants to be planted. Wear good footwear. BYO spades & gloves if you have them. BBQ to follow. Info: Roger 021 153 0052

14 Sesquicentennial Walkway Planting Day, 9am-12pm. Meet at the end of Pound Street. Good footwear required, please bring gloves, spades provided.

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

Bring the whānau to the Albertland Museum for a fun and cozy visit during the school holidays and be inspired by our local history.

The new exhibition explores the stories of Reverend Gittos, his wife Marianne (nee Hobbs), and their work with the Māori mission around the Kaipara. Fun and easy activity sheets for kids will be available for gold coin donation too!

Albertland Heritage Centre

423 8181 | 15 Port Albert Road, Wellsford museum@albertland.co.nz | albertland.co.nz

OPEN DAY

GUIDED TOUR

MEET SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND TEACHERS

Friday 2 August 9:30-11:30am

Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. Children are welcome, (however, they will have an opportunity to visit the school once enrolled at the November Orientation Day).

To enrol your child at Mahurangi College for 2025, please submit your pre-enrolment application online via our school website: www.mahurangi.school.nz/enrolment

The closing date for enrolment applications is Friday, 30 August This is for in zone and out of zone applications. If you have any queries please email: enrolment@mahurangi.school.nz mahurangi.school.nz

See Public Notices at the back of paper for out-of-zone

Te Haara tackles new management role

When the Māori All Blacks head to Japan this Wednesday, June 26, former Rodney College student Brad Te Haara (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rangi) will be aboard as the recently appointed team manager.

The team is scheduled to play two matches against the Japan XV, on June 29 and July 6.

Te Haara is looking forward to the challenges that will come with his new role, as well as the people it will bring him into contact with, both nationally and internationally.

“If you’d asked me six years ago if I was the right person for this job I’d have probably said maybe not,” he said. “But the experience I’ve gained in the interim has made me absolutely confident that this is where I now want to be.”

Te Haara started playing rugby as a junior in Wellsford and then joined the Port Albert seniors, before shifting back to Wellsford. He played mainly on the wing or fullback, but injury ended his playing career, which he stresses was strictly social anyway.

On leaving school, he worked at Irwin Industrial Tools for 10 years, progressing from the floor to middle management.

About the same time, he started coaching the Wellsford Premier Reserves and both the 2005 and 2007 teams brought home the championship cup.

He had started doing some coaching certificates and in 2008, joined Northland Rugby as a community development officer.

In 2010, he moved on to a performance and analysis role with Northland NBC Taniwha, stepping into the role of the men’s high performance manager in 2013.

He says his appointment to the Māori All Blacks has been about 16 years in the making.

As team manager, he will be responsible for the team’s travel logistics, as well as working with the squad’s coaching and management staff on team culture.

“I’ve been on a journey to learn te reo Maori and it seems like my two worlds – rugby and te reo – have intertwined.”

Asked if he had ambitions to one day manage the All Blacks, Te Haara said he wasn’t thinking that far ahead.

“I believe if you focus on where you are and do a good job, then opportunities will present themselves.”

Te Haara’s appointment has special significance for him.

“My grandfather, Jerry Te Haara, played for the Maori All Blacks in the 1940s, so it feels like there is a personal connection to the team.”

He says he wouldn’t be where is he is now if it hadn’t been for the support of his family – wife Viv, and children Kyra-Nova, Stella, Indie and Wolfe, as well as the extended whanau.

Wellsford’s Brad Te Haara will fly to Japan this week in his first undertaking as manager of the Māori All Blacks.

Watch it live

Whakaata Māori is partnering with Rangiata Sky to broadcast the two Māori All Blacks versus Japan XV rugby test matches, to be played at Tokyo’s Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on June 29 at 10pm NZST ,and Toyota Stadium on July 6 at 9pm NZST. Both matches will be simulcast live across Whakaata Māori, Māori+ and Sky. For the June 29 match there will be te reo Māori commentary, and English commentary on Sky Sport 1. For the July 6 match, there will te reo Māori commentary on Whakaata Māori, Māori+ and Sky Sport 3 and English commentary on Sky Sport 2. Sky Open will have freeto-air delayed coverage of both matches.