Mahurangi Matters_Issue 484_22 July 2024

Shaken residents clean-up after

power surge

Fourteen residents in David Williams Place in Warkworth were given a rude awakening in the early hours of Friday, July 5, when a power surge flashed through their homes, frying home appliances, hot water cylinders and other electrical gear. One resident woke to find her television on fire (see separate story page 2).

The trouble started on July 4 when an underground cable fault caused a localised power outage. Vector crews set up generators to supply power to the affected properties while the fault was located and repaired.

The power surge happened sometime between 2am and 3am on the following day.

Vector says the cause is still being investigated.

“We want to reassure residents that they shouldn’t be concerned about the transformer supplying David Williams Place,” a spokesperson said. “It was last inspected during routine maintenance two months ago and is part of a regular ongoing maintenance programme.

“We understand how upsetting this has been for them, and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

However, its apology has not gone so far as to promise any compensation other than the standard $50 offered per outage. Vector also did not respond to a specific request from Mahurangi Matters regarding how affected residents would be assisted.

“It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth, to be honest,” resident Sue Robertson says.

“Some of the insurance excesses are $1000.

“However, we understand Vector will meet with each resident individually to talk

through their circumstances, which is a start.”

Residents met on July 14 to collate evidence and assess what had been lost.

Robertson described the meeting as emotional and “hot on Vector”.

“We are all dealing with our insurers individually and getting mixed results,” Robertson said. “Some companies have been quick to offer replacement appliances, while other people are still waiting just to get assessed.

“What we really want to know is whether or not Vector will pay the excess charges, but we haven’t heard a word from them on this.

“I don’t think they appreciate the amount of damage that has occurred.”

The list of damaged items included fridges and freezers along with hundreds of dollars worth of spoiled food, microwaves, heat pumps, coffee machines, garage door motors, burglar alarms and computer equipment.

Robertson said she had been making a cup of tea when the power surge hit.

“I couldn’t sleep because the three generators were making so much noise.

“I’d just unplugged the kettle when I heard a series of bangs behind the wall. It was pretty frightening.”

Jan Cranwell, who is the primary carer for her 86-year-old husband, with the damaged TV that caught fire in her bedroom. She says it took seven cleaners five hours to make her house liveable again.

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Power surge: Lucky to be alive after blaze

A David Williams Place resident believes she is lucky to be alive after her bedroom TV burst into flames when the power surge struck in the early hours of Friday, July 5.

Jan Cranwell, who had celebrated her 80th birthday the previous day, was fast asleep when she was woken by her cat Kimba yowling in the garage.

The next thing she knew, there was a huge bang and the TV in her bedroom was on fire with flames reaching up to the ceiling. She called her son Greg, who managed to wrestle the flaming unit off the wall and out through the window.

Days later, she still couldn’t believe that he’d been able to help and the fire hadn’t spread to the rest of the house

“I don’t think I’d have been able to lift the TV on my own, so I’m lucky,” she said. “And it’s lucky it didn’t set fire to the curtains or the whole house would have been alight.

“When it happened, I was so stunned I couldn’t even talk. I was speechless.”

Apart from singed hair, Greg was miraculously unscathed by the ordeal.

After calling the fire brigade and hosing down the burning TV, Greg and Jan spent several hours outside and at a neighbour’s house, while firefighters set up fans to try

Speed cameras on go-slow

Waka Kotahi/NZTA expects to switch on its fixed speed cameras on Matakana Road early next year. Testing is still underway to ensure that when they go live, they are accurate and working as they should. An NZTA spokesperson says some driver behaviour change has already been noted. “Our current focus is on transferring existing cameras from NZ Police and preparing to start operating mobile cameras,” the spokesperson said. “It’s an integrated system that will allow us to operate existing and new camera types like the ones we’ve installed on Matakana Road.”

Permanent ‘safety camera area’ signs will be installed when the cameras are switched on, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed. Transport Minister, Simeon Brown says speed cameras are about improving safety, not raising revenue.

to clear the acrid black smoke and fumes from burning plastic.

Once back inside, Jan was confronted with smoke-stained walls and sticky soot covering every surface, plus a blown-out hot water cylinder, heat pump, lights, fridge and ventilation system.

“We’ve had so many people through the house – seven firemen, seven from Vector, insurance assessors – and there’s been so much paperwork, it’s unbelievable,” she said.

“We were okay Friday, but just sat there shaking all day Saturday. My brain’s still not functioning right. I start talking to people and forget what I’m saying.”

Neighbour Lynette Beale, who also lost thousands of dollars’ worth of electrical appliances in the surge, said the incident had been traumatic for everyone.

“It was dangerous and life-threatening,” she said. “It could have killed Jan. “Vector have gone and no one is helping.”

Ministry refuses fast-track list

The Ministry of the Environment has declined to release the list of projects it received for inclusion in the government’s controversial Fast Track Approvals Bill.

Mahurangi Matters lodged an Official Information Act request for the information in mid-May.

After extending the response timeframe beyond the standard 20 working days, the ministry last week informed the paper of its decision.

Ilana Miller, programme director for fast track approvals at the ministry, said she was withholding the list “at this stage”.

“I make this decision to maintain the constitutional conventions for the time being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by ministers of the Crown and officials.”

Miller said that ministers had yet to make decisions on applications for inclusion in the bill, and that releasing the list now “would impact the orderly and effective conduct of executive government decisionmaking processes”.

It would also result in “extensive lobbying, even campaigning, both for and against applications ahead of Cabinet consideration”.

“Attempts would likely be made to influence cabinet ministers outside of the prescribed process and without the benefit of the full information and advice that ministers will receive.”

Miller said that while there had been significant public interest in the project applications, she was satisfied that, under the circumstances, the withholding of the information was “not outweighed by other

considerations that render it desirable to make the information available in the public interest”.

Local projects that could be advanced through the fast-track process include a proposed solar farm near Wellsford. Energy Farms confirmed earlier that it was seeking to be included on the list of fast-track hopefuls (Mahurangi Matters, May 27). The bill as drafted would introduce an accelerated decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects that are considered to have significant regional or national benefits. It is currently before select committee, which received submissions from nearly 27,000 individuals and organisations. It is due to produce a report in September.

During a month-long period that ended on May 3, a range of private and public sector applicants submitted projects to the ministry. A six-person advisory group will advise a trio of ministers on which of them to include in the bill.

Projects accepted would be inserted into one of two schedules to the bill. Those in schedule 2A would automatically proceed down an expedited pathway, going directly to an expert panel which will apply relevant consent and permit conditions before referring them back to ministers, for a final decision.

Projects listed in schedule 2B would require an application to the ministers, who would consider comment from affected parties before considering each project against eligibility criteria. Those deemed eligible would then go to the expert panel which would set conditions and seek comment from applicants and affected parties, before being referred to the ministers for final approval.

Stay of execution on Warkworth sewer pipeline route

A decision on the route of a sewer pipeline, connecting northern development in Warkworth with a pump station in Lucy Moore Park, has been deferred to December.

The decision was due to have been released next month.

The deferral follows a delegation by One Mahurangi to the board of Watercare earlier this month, impressing on it the business carnage that would result from the route if it went through the middle of town.

Business association co-chairs Dave Stott and Bevan Morrison told the board that the proposed works, estimated to take a minimum of a year to complete, threatened the vibrancy and accessibility of the town’s heart.

“It would most definitely lead to a decline in foot traffic, disrupt local businesses, and would cause unquantified collateral damage to businesses, families and the wider community,” they said.

After the meeting, both Stott and Morrison agreed it was good to have some breathing space to further investigate alternative routes. However, they said the fight was far from over.

Morrison said that while the presentation appeared to be “well received” with plenty of nodding heads and a lengthy thank you, he said it felt like they [Watercare] were so far down the track, they wouldn’t change their mind.

Stott said One Mahurangi remained committed to the alternative route via Shoesmith, Mill Lane, Neville and Percy Streets, but they had a responsibility to plan for the worst.

“Cost seems to be the main driver for the Queen Street route, but Watercare won’t give us the figures, and they have been quite blatant in preventing us from getting information.

“We have to make sure contingency plans are in place to minimise disruptions, as much as possible, if their preferred route proceeds.”

One option being looked at is the possibility of going deeper under existing services.

Stott believed the presentation of a petition containing 3033 signatures carried weight with the board and strengthened Warkworth’s case for a review of the preferred route.

He said the board had effectively directed Watercare staff to work collaboratively with the community on a solution, which he hoped would lead to a better solution than what was currently on the table.

An estimated 126 businesses will be affected if the Elizabeth, Queen and Baxter Streets option goes ahead.

Meanwhile, Watercare has released the criteria it used to evaluate the five shortlisted options (see panel).

A Watercare spokesperson says the options have also been assessed based on

construction cost estimates, operational expenses and quantitative risk analysis.

“Weighting for the social category has been updated to include construction disruption, which was previously in the construction category, as it primarily covers disruption to the community,” the spokesperson said.

“We have made this modification to provide greater clarity as to how we recognise the impact that any option may have on the community during the construction phase.

“It’s important to note that of the five shortlisted options taken through the multi-criteria analysis, three would impact Queen Street.

“The Shoesmith, Mill Lane, Alnwick Street option did not progress past the long list as it was deemed not viable for a number of reasons. These include the need for land access/acquisition, constructability, health and safety risks, and operability.”

Council turns blind eye on raw sewage in river

A claim that raw sewage was pouring into Millstream, behind shops in Elizabeth Street Warkworth, during heavy rain last week, has been confirmed by Watercare.

According to information provided to Mahurangi Matters, raw sewage discharges into the creek are now a regular occurrence and have happened at least nine times since May 21. The largest volume was on July 15 when 225 cubic metres (22,500 litres) went into the stream.

Watercare wastewater planning manager Andrew Deutschle says Warkworth’s wastewater network currently has a ‘bottleneck’ in Elizabeth Street – a low point in the network – and the pipes in this area are nearing capacity.

“When it rains, stormwater can enter the wastewater network and exceed the capacity of the system, causing it to overflow,” he says.

He says engineered overflow points in the network are there to minimise public health risks by reducing the likelihood of overflows of sewage onto private property.

As a result, the untreated sewage is going straight into the river with no public health warnings or water testing. Watercare says testing and signage are an Auckland Council responsibility.

Council’s environmental health response team leader Alan Ahmu says council has not carried out testing or erected signage along the Mahurangi River in response to this week’s overflow as it is not considered “an immediate risk to public health”, especially outside of the recreational bathing season. Ahmu says long term water quality monitoring is done monthly in the freshwater section of Mahurangi River but is not designed to specifically detect

A hub of planning excellence

events such as overflows nor is it suitable as surveillance testing for human health risks.

Watercare was asked why it did not install a holding tank at the Elizabeth Street discharge point, which could then be pumped into a tanker and properly disposed of at a treatment plant. It responded that it wasn’t feasible to build a tank in this location big enough to collect the combined sewage and stormwater

during heavy rain.

“The long-term solution to these overflows at Elizabeth Street is the north-west growth servicing pipeline,” Deutschle says.

The raw sewage flows into the river are also threatening the long-term viability of oyster growers on the river, with some saying their businesses will close before the new pipeline is even operational.

No testing is being done, despite raw sewage regularly going into the Mahurangi River. Inset, the discharge pipe in Elizabeth Street. Photos supplied.

Airman’s birthday centenary celebrated

Family and friends joined other distinguished guests at Warkworth on July 14 to celebrate the life and service of 100 year-old RNZAF veteran Peter Lindsay.

Among the 80 or so guests were RSA national president Sir Buck Shelford and NZRAF squadron leader Garrick Anderson.

Born in 1924 in Putāruru, Waikato, Peter Lindsay completed schooling in Auckland. In 1942 he enlisted in the Air Force, training in Linton and serving in Wigram and Rongotai before sailing for the Pacific theatre in 1943.

Serving in New Caledonia, Bougainville and elsewhere, his duties focused on maintenance of airstrips and facilities, including after enemy action. He also operated desalination plants and was seconded for a time to US forces.

After returning to New Zealand when the war ended, his disembarkation leave was abruptly cancelled when he was deployed to Norfolk Island for maintenance work on generators powering radar and navigation equipment. There were 92 miles of road on the island at the time, and he recalls being familiar with every foot of it.

Peter left the RNZAF in 1947 with the rank of leading aircraftman (LAC) but remained on Norfolk Island where he was employed by civilian authorities to continue the work he’d been doing with the military. He married Nancy Christian, a direct descendant of the 18th century Bounty mutineer, Fletcher Christian.

The couple moved to NZ in 1950 and Peter worked as a fitter, engineer and in joinery manufacturing before retiring aged 80. After returning from the Pacific, he was an active member of the RSA, holding senior positions in the Avondale branch.

Peter and Nancy later moved to Algies Bay. He became a member of the local RNZAF Association branch and enjoys retirement in the area, with gardening and the occasional fishing trip among his favourite pastimes.

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Warkworth’s route 999 is a goer

Auckland Transport’s new Warkworth loop bus service launched on July 21.

Route 999, an initiative developed in partnership with the Rodney Local Board, will run in a clockwise direction around Warkworth, about every 30 minutes.

Bus stops serving the route are at 21 Percy Street (outside the medical centre), 25

Lilburn Street, opposite 7 Pulham Road, 15 Woodcocks Road (outside Mahurangi College), opposite 20 Mansel Drive (outside Summerset Falls Retirement Village) and 62 Hill Street.

“These bus stops aim to provide residents with convenient access to the bus route, improving public transport connectivity within the community and safety for

buses, bus users, pedestrians and other road users,” AT says.

“To allow buses to pull into and out of the proposed bus stops safely, some parking will be removed as part of this proposal. We understand that the removal of parking can be inconvenient, so we’ve minimised it as much as possible.”

From Sunday 21 July 2024, buses run every 30 mins, from 6am until 7:30pm, 7 days a week.

The 999 will run in a one-way loop from Warkworth town centre to Mahurangi College, Woodcocks Road, Warkworth Show Grounds, Warkworth Community Transport Hub and back to the town centre. At Warkworth town centre you can change buses to reach Hibiscus Coast Station, Wellsford, Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Matakana, Point Wells and Omaha.

The 999 is funded by the Rodney Local Board’s Transport Targeted Rate.

Use our online Journey Planner or AT Mobile app to plan your journey.

Sir Buck Shelford congratulating Peter Lindsay on his 100th birthday.

Bid to beautify town entrance

Community groups are calling for avenues of trees to be planted to make the northern approach into Warkworth more attractive. Warkworth Area Liaison Group (WALG), One Mahurangi and Forest & Bird say there is a serious need for good urban design at both main approaches to the town, but particularly to the north from the motorway to the showgrounds.

In a joint submission to the Rodney Local Board 10-year plan, the groups said the new multi-lane section of road looked like the “totally auto-centric” approach to

“Is it inviting? Is this the future for Warkworth? We must do better than this,” they said. “Maybe we could at least start with an avenue of trees at this site and later add another avenue at the Warkworth

Native titoki, commonly used for berm planting and already doing well in Kowhai Park, was suggested for the proposed scheme.

They made the point that urban design needed to be a consideration for all consents for development on the approaches to Warkworth, both north and south, as the town continued to expand.

WALG member Roger Williams said there was a serious need for good urban design to create a people-friendly environment.

“We ask that Rodney Local Board actions the need for quality urban design and landscaping in the approaches to Warkworth,” he said. “And that the local board considers avenue planting such as titoki trees, along the north and south approaches to Warkworth.

“Your support would be appreciated.”

Welcome to Warkworth – which is the first impression we want visitors to see?

Watercare obligations

Watercare, by its actions to date, claims it has the right to install a pipeline transporting wastewater through the middle of the Warkworth business district. It also claims it is not liable for any of the financial and social damage to local businesses and families the pipeline’s construction will cause.

Watercare proposes to construct the pipeline by open cut method essentially closing down the centre of Warkworth (Elizabeth and Queen Streets) for vehicle traffic for eight to 12 months. Its proposal will also have a devastating effect on pedestrian traffic over the same time period.

The wastewater pipeline is of no benefit whatsoever to those businesses adjacent to Elizabeth and Queen St Warkworth, which will be severely damaged and possibly destroyed by the pipeline construction. Any calculation by Watercare saying the cost of pipeline should be weighed against the benefit to those affected businesses is baseless. How can a business get any benefit when Watercare’s actions have destroyed it?

But are Watercare’s claims correct as to what the law entitles them to do?

Watercare is a legal identity created principally by statute and company law. Auckland Council solely owns Watercare as a council-controlled organisation (CCO).

As a CCO Watercare has legal and social obligations including to:

• ‘exhibit a sense of society and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates and be endeavouring to accommodate or encourage these where able to do so’ [Section 59 (1) (e) Local Government Act 2002];

• ‘be trusted by our customers and communities for exceptional service [and] to gain and maintain the trust of the communities we serve’ [Watercare Statement of Intent 2022 to 2025]; and

• ‘give effect to the relevant aspects of the Auckland Council long-term plan’ [clause 5.1 Watercare Services Ltd Constitution].

Watercare is clearly in breach of the above noted obligations in progressing its current pipeline proposal. Council’s long-term plan envisages a thriving and sustainable Warkworth town centre.

Further, Mayor Brown’s email to Watercare entitled, ‘Letter of Expectation for Statement of Intent 2024-2027’ sets out, among other matters, that Watercare must ‘fully recover growth costs from developers.’

All power to One Mahurangi for publishing the disastrous impact Watercare’s proposed pipeline will have on our small community. With extensive input from our community

One Mahurangi has developed viable alternatives with considerably less detrimental impact on businesses and families compared to the devastation of Watercare’s current proposal.

If Watercare collaborates constructively with One Mahurangi to incorporate one of the viable alternatives then surely Watercare will comply with their legal, social, environmental and political obligations.

One Mahurangi (on our behalf) has a number of possible legal solutions concerning Watercare’s high handed attitude and actions including:

• lodging a complaint with the Ombudsman;

• asking Auckland Council to direct Watercare to give effect to Council’s LTP and act consistently with other plans and Council strategy; and

• applying to the High Court for judicial review of any Watercare decision.

Colin Binsted, Matakana

United rural voice

In response to Ivan Wagstaff Viewpoint (MM July 8), Rodney is 95% rural by land area – bush, production farming and lifestyle.

More than half of Rodney’s ratepayers live rurally and they contribute more than half the annual rate take ($50 million).

Under the present subdivision boundaries, the Wellsford area is the only rural subdivision

with the rest of rural representation fragmented as minorities within Warkworth and Kumeu subdivisions. Rural get few Auckland Council services and many feel disenfranchised by the deterioration of roads and waterways, and see little return for rates. At present, the town centred boundaries deny true rural representation because they marginalise rural people. The new proposed boundaries are formed by groups of common interests, where populations are put together by their commonality e.g. identifying as either rural or urban. This unites all rural yet protects the main town interests.

Being such a large area, the rural area of Rodney is further split into North and South Rural to recognise more localised representation. And remember, boundaries determine who can vote – not who can stand.

We believe this to bring a fairer and more balanced effective representation across all communities within Rodney.

Also remember that all Rodney Local Board members (wherever elected) must act in the interests of all Rodney ratepayers and residents.

The north of Rodney will still have four members – 2 North Rural, 2 Warkworth. The south of Rodney will have five members – 2 South Rural, 2 Kumeu, 1 Dairy Flat. Fairly distributed by population.

North Rural will include Wellsford as the largest rural service town, smaller rural villages of Te Hana, Puhoi and Kaukapakapa, and surrounding production and lifestyle blocks. Wellsford will gain one extra rural member and Rodney’s rural folk will continue support for service towns and hubs like Wellsford and Warkworth for their valued commerce, facilities and services.

Rural has long wanted a united voice with representation on the local board. The Rodney Local Board, including Wellsford member Colin Smith, have voted in support of the new proposal. You should too.

https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/auckland-council-representationproject

Bill Foster, Northern Action Group

Brian Mason, Landowners and Contractors Association

Glen Ashton, Rodney Community Voices

Editor’s note: Consultation on the proposed Auckland Council representational changes closes on Thursday, August 8. For more information, go to: https://shorturl.at/fVzr2 Seawall defence

At the risk of further identifying myself as the one responsible for “environmental vandalism,” I wish to respond to Elizabeth Foster’s letter (MM July 8).

The suggestion that we have been responsible for erosion by removing natural vegetation is not only absurd, but demonstrably so. It is only necessary to look at the property to the south

continued page 9

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Proposed new boundaries.

Current boundaries.

Viewpoint

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

Future Fund a step forward

I’m pleased to say we have a solution to ease shock rates increases and build up Auckland’s financial resilience for the future. Last month, council’s Governing Body gave the Auckland Future Fund the go-ahead, which will solve several solutions for Aucklanders.

Latest figures show that it should generate about $700 million over the next 10 years. If we held onto the Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) shares, we’d only get back about $287 million. You don’t have to be good at math to see one of those numbers is bigger than the other. But despite all but one councillor voting for it, there was a fair bit of hysteria surrounding its creation. I was amazed by the sheer amount of ideological myth-making that drove a conversation desperately in need of rational thinking. The notion that we were losing control of the airport was probably the most misplaced. We don’t control the airport as it stands now. You need at least 52% to have control and 20% to get a director appointed. We had 11%.

The belief that we’re selling the family silver was also moronic. Isn’t silver meant to go up in value? If we’d sold the shares a year ago, we’d be $100 million richer! Great for owners who have got 30 years to wait for a return, but we don’t. If the airport shares are the family silver, then we’re selling them to buy gold. Some commentators with vested interests tried to argue that we needed the cashflow from the airport shares. But we’re only getting a 1.4% dividend return from the shares. This isn’t enough to cover the 5.5% interest we’re paying on $12 billion of debt. Holding onto these under-performing shares is costing us dearly. We’d get better returns from a savings bank account. It’s a slush fund that’ll get raided for other purposes, they said. So, I’ve made sure

Railway opening delayed

there will be protections to prevent this. It will require 75% agreement from council if we need to gain access in the future. It will be established as a trust, which can provide a very high level of protection against raids. We will also be seeking the added protection of legislation.

There was also distrust that council had the expertise to manage the fund well enough. Council won’t be managing the fund. We’ll get people in who do that for a living. It’s the same as when you put your money into a retirement fund – somebody else manages that for you.

Based on independent advice, the Auckland Future Fund’s cash contribution to Auckland Council is expected to be $400 million more than its projected dividends from AIAL shares over the next 10 years. This will be a $40 million saving in rates each year. Establishing the fund enables us to swap a single asset – the shares in the airport – for a diversified asset portfolio that can be expected to provide a higher and steadier rate of return, as well as being more resilient to shocks that impact the council’s other assets.

The fund will be well capitalised with the airport shares alone, valued at around $1.3 billion. It will now be established faster without the port lease, creating a potential windfall gain of around $20 million next year. And this money will be channelled into a reserve fund to fix and finish community projects for legacy councils that didn’t sell their airport shares before merging into a single Super City. So, everyone’s happy.

Thank you to all the councillors who were supportive of the Auckland Future Fund. With that now a reality, the conversation can turn to wealth creation, rather than just budget holes and debt.

Plans to reopen the North Auckland railway line (NAL) are being delayed after problems were found on some bridges. The line was due to reopen later this month after repairs on more than 200 sites damaged by the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle last year. KiwiRail’s Northland rail upgrade programme director, Eric Hennephof, said during final safety tests and inspections, issues were found with the piles on a number of bridges. “These are not at sites damaged by weather and were not part of the line upgrade work we have carried out over the last few years, but with the NAL already closed, we are taking the opportunity to repair these bridges now,” he said. The 180km track between Swanson and Whangārei is now expected to open in late August or later. KiwiRail said people should continue to be extra cautious when approaching level crossings, as test trains could appear at any time.

YouSay

of ours, which shows that, in spite of native vegetation, there is extensive and continuing erosion. As a result substantial trees have already fallen. There are exposed roots creating further risk to those walking on the foreshore or reserve land.

Conversely, our wall, which has been in place since 2011, has been entirely successful in preventing any further land loss and erosion.

It is also appropriate to point out that the wall was built not just to protect our property and where we have built both up and well back, but to save the reserve land being eroded away. We did not create a beach, “sterile” or otherwise. We did, however, save two pohutukawa trees, but we lost one because the land was being eroded. The land is grassed, but is that a bad thing? And we have agreed from the outset to maintain the wall in perpetuity.

Furthermore, Ms Foster must know that the independent environmental commissioners in their decision comprehensively rejected the various arguments advanced by Auckland Council in resisting our application for a resource consent.

None of council’s arguments were supported by expert evidence and no one from the council or [Rodney] Local Board has been able to explain why there was such a difference between the state of our land and that of our neighbour discussed above. There are, however, ironies arising out of what has occurred, most notably that despite the independent commissioners having determined that the retention of the sea walls best promotes the sustainable management purpose of the RMA, we are still subject to the kind of random criticisms made by Ms Foster.

In addition, as everybody knows, council itself built a sea wall right around the village of Point Wells and on the other side of the Whangateau Harbour. The land there is identical to ours i.e. grassed, well maintained and accessible by the public. Why we, and the other three owners who built sea walls, should be treated differently has never been explained.

While serious resource has been committed to the resource consent processes, in the meantime there are very serious and unchecked erosion problems occurring on Riverside Drive in Point Wells.

The land there has fallen away so much that the adjoining road is in danger and ultimately the properties on the other side of the road will also be at risk. Council seems to be content to leave that hazard as it is.

Finally, these issues have much wider ramifications than just for our properties. Since our decision was granted, I have been contacted by numerous owners facing a

We welcome your feedback but letters under 250 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at www.localmatters.co.nz/opinion Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or 17 Neville Street, Warkworth 0910

similar predicament. The problem is that council does not have the resource to build or repair existing sea walls, so is adopting a policy of either letting the erosion continue, or “managed retreat”, whatever that means in an urban context.

Council’s problems with funding repairs to sea walls are obvious, but it is difficult to see why in those circumstances council does not allow or even encourage owners to build or repair sea walls themselves, provided they do so responsibly and with engineering advice.

It seems to me this is going to be a very serious issue going forward and something that ought to be at the forefront of discussions in the next round of local body elections. There are many other people affected and valuable properties potentially at risk.

Paul Dale, Point Wells

Charter checks

Alwyn Poole says he is planning on starting a new Charter School in Warkworth claiming he will be using his knowledge from previous charter schools he ran (MM Jul 8).

He says there will be no fees and that the schools will be fully funded from his and government sources.

One would hope, therefore, that his operation doesn’t once again become the subject of criticism by the Auditor General, which occurred with previous school operations he was involved with (South Auckland Middle School and Middle School West). These operations were subject to scrutiny by a Parliamentary Select Committee in August 2022 after a report by the Auditor General concerning conflict of interest and failure to properly manage Government funding.

The Auditor General’s report can be read here: https://shorturl.at/VyswW

Neil Anderson, Algies Bay Crew commute

Warkworth is going green-er!

The new circular bus route 999 goes up our street. Yes!

The boys at Agile contracting have done a good job, blessed with fine weather. Who are Agile? According to their crew boss, they come up from Manurewa. What! They leave their depot at 5.30am and drive almost two hours to get to site. What a waste of time and resources. So what happens to family life, to seeing the kids in the morning, arriving too late to put them to bed with a story.

What about using local contractors? Reducing the impact on so many things, travel and emissions, keeping the cash flow

local and enhancing family life, too. I’m afraid that in an effort to reduce costs there is a rush to the bottom. I should have asked the boys what their wage rate was. From Manurewa! For heaven’s sake. Michael Dymond, Warkworth Lumped together

I was interested to read Merv Bayer’s letter (MM, Jul 8) on the link between Ahuroa and Makarau. I fully agree with his views. There is no association or any other link between the two districts. The Makarau River is on the West Coast and the area leans towards Kaukapakapa.

Ahuroa is on the Araparera River and in 1962, when I came to Rodney, was a thriving inland village on the Northern Railway line, with its own railway station, fire brigade, school, general store, church and thriving farming and social life.

Its social and business leanings were, and are, towards Warkworth. But of course, its true associations are over the hill, south to Puhoi and the early settlers (Merv’s name gives that away).

Ahuroa is still there, sans most of the above services. It may come into its own again if the proposed land sales by Joey Tolhopf’s Road are an indication of where we are going (MM, Jul 8)!

The seemingly gratuitous lumping together of small communities under one banner is not always beneficial to all. The best local example of this is the absorption of the District of Rodney into the Auckland Council in 2010. The spinoff from which, both beneficial and not so beneficial, are now being felt by all Rodney residents and ratepayers.

Geoff Ward, Snells Beach

Kowhai Park trees

Kowhai Park is a large and impressive area that consists of mature native trees such as totara, matai, kauri and titoki, not just the pretty trees around the carpark and the historic kilns.

There is also a rimu planted by Lord Bledisloe in 1934.

These treasures are between the proposed start of Watercare’s sewerage project and the route through town. I would like to know if Auckland Council is aware of how irreplaceable these native trees are, as Watercare plans for this area are unclear. The park, especially the large natives, must be protected.

Our town has only just got back on its feet after covid and the bypass of traffic, and the removal of all the orange cones blocking parking.

Mary Daynes, Warkworth

New teamwork at Leigh church

A small management team is being established to help coordinate operations at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Leigh, at a time when dwindling attendance has made it difficult for the congregation to manage the heritage building on their own. In a display of ecumenical cooperation, Anglicans are joining Presbyterians and others in helping to ensure needed maintenance takes place and services run smoothly.

The move brings no change to the status of the Anglican church, where different denominations have taken services for years, but is seen by those involved as a positive one for Christians in the area and the broader Leigh community.

“We are looking to more formally include the local Leigh congregation by giving them a role in the care of the site,” Anglican Vicar Peter Jenkins says. “More importantly, we want to make sure that the church community is supported and that we can find new opportunities to grow the ministry of St Michaels.”

Neville Johnson, a Presbyterian who was principal of Leigh Primary School in the 1980s before 23 years at the helm of Matakana School, is among those involved. With understandably “sporadic” maintenance over the years, St Michaels – which marked its centenary in 2015 –has issues including borer and a leak in the belfry area. It’s a lot to handle for a congregation that was drawing perhaps 10 people to a Sunday morning service.

The cross-denominational team hopes to help with maintenance, and in facilitating the church calendar, arranging a roster of speakers for Sunday services.

Crucially, Johnson believes the wider community shares an interest in a building seen as an iconic part of the village and people will step up to help, if needed – “not because they are necessarily committed to Christian belief or values, but because the church is part of the Leigh identity”.

Johnson says the management group is discussing the possibilities of enhancing landscaping around the church.

Meanwhile there are signs of “gradual, sustainable growth”. Wednesday night services are drawing promising attendance, and 11-week foundational Alpha courses are being run, drawing 15 to 20 people, including some teenagers.

Bid to solve pump track stand-off

Matakana Community Group (MCG) and Matakana Pony Club plan to work together in a bid to solve a standoff over the siting of a new pump track at Diamond Jubilee Park.

MCG has been planning to develop a wheeled play track at the park for at least six years and has Auckland Council backing for the project. However, the pony club remains opposed, as it says it would lead to a loss of vehicle parking for its fundraising events.

At an MCG meeting on Monday, July 8, chair Simon Barclay said the group was on track to seek landowner approval from Rodney Local Board and construction was scheduled to start on November 1.

However, pony club president Andrea Moore claimed there had been no consultation with them over the plans, which Barclay refuted.

“I find it quite surprising that you feel you haven’t been consulted because I’ve been involved with this particular project now for probably 12 years,” he said. “I’ve met with Alexander Longuet-Higgins several times when he was president and we worked together, then I met with Angela, had two meetings with her, and then we had a meeting with her and somebody else.”

Moore said parking remained the crucial issue.

“We don’t mind it being there per se, but it impinges on our parking area,” she said.

Barclay said the parking should actually improve, due to planned drainage improvements, and pointed out that the track would only take around a third of the community area behind the tennis courts.

“I’m more than happy to sit down and talk with you, but we’ve spent a lot of money already planning this, the builder’s been up and visited, and your parking will actually improve,” he said. “I don’t think there’ll be much of an issue with the events I’ve seen.”

He confirmed after the meeting that MCG would work with the pony club to find a compromise.

“I believe Jubilee Park is big enough for everyone,” Barclay added.

Car parking confusion in Matakana

Frustration over the appearance of dotted yellow lines near Matakana School were voiced at a Matakana Community Group (MCG) meeting on Monday, July 8.

Chair Simon Barclay said the group had asked Auckland Transport (AT) several times if it could provide a central lane to allow traffic to turn right into the school carpark and no parking in the left-hand lane, so other traffic could continue on its way into Matakana.

A dropped kerb at the southern end of the carpark nearest the school was also requested, to allow departing traffic an easy left turn onto Matakana Road.

Two meetings had been held on site since October, with AT telling Barclay it would be in touch over what could be done.

However, on returning from overseas last week, he found that broken yellow lines had been painted along both sides of the road, though no central turning lane, without any update or consultation.

“There are now yellow lines that stretch way back down Matakana Road, and rather surprisingly, into the new subdivision,” he said. “But there are no yellow lines outside the car park.

“The end result is that parents can no longer drop kids off along a stretch of road that was previously used with no problems, but cars can continue to park in the one area that causes congestion and makes turning right into the car park difficult and blocks the through traffic.”

AT told Barclay that the yellow lines would allow traffic to pass vehicles turning right into the carpark and the dropped kerb would need to be applied for by the owner of the carpark land, Logan Campbell, who leases the land to MCG.

Barclay said it was frustrating.

“This is the third lot of people we’ve dealt with in eight months, we’ve had meetings on site with two of them, then somebody else takes over and they have no consultation with anybody,” he said.

“This was, at the outset, a pretty straightforward fix. Instead, a whole new set of problems has arisen.”

The meeting heard that Barclay would be contacting AT elected member relationship partner and former Rodney Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke to see if she could help in any way.

Community Support Worker

Full Time, 40hrs | $23.38 - $29.10p/h | Snells Beach location

At Spectrum Care, we provide support for adults and children with intellectual and/or physical disabilities to live great lives.

We are looking for people to support a young man living in one of our homes at Snells Beach

. He is very keen to go on community outings to interact with the locals, make new friends and doing well, “blokey stuff”. He enjoys coffee time, music and being out and about. Your role will be to support him to extend his social networks and skills, develop relationships and explore what the world has to offer.

He is in his early 20’s and therefore the ideal support person will be vibrant, fun, selfmotivated, innovative and a good listener. He needs someone he can connect with, someone who wants to help him grow, make informed decisions and sometimes take considered risks as he develops his independence.

You will ideally have:

• Experience supporting people with disabilities, mental health issues, and/or behaviours that can be challenging is desirable but not necessary

• Reliability, commitment, and passion for working with people with disabilities

• A full New Zealand driver’s licence

• Able to pass a NZ police check

• The ability to use a computer effectively, including programs such as Word, Internet Explorer, and email

Make a difference to the people in your local community and get paid for your time. Apply today! Your Community needs you!!

Please visit us at: https://careers.spectrumcare.org.nz/jobdetails?ajid=MsAY8&previe w=m-EXTERNAL_ajid-MsAY8 Job Reference: 31913. For more information please email rebecca.lee@spectrumfoundation.org.nz mentioning the Job Reference 31913.

NZ Tech Repairs

In an increasingly digital world, fast and efficient tech repairs, maintenance and security are an essential part of people’s lives, both personally and professionally.

With this in mind, business owner Vimal Bhutta has opened NZ Tech Repairs at the Grange in Warkworth specialising in iPhone, iPads, MacBook, iWatch, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, TV repair and data recovery. He says skilled technicians can quickly diagnose and fix issues, minimising disruptions and inconvenience.

“We can help with everything from replacing a phone screen to solving top grade software and hardware problems,” Bhutta says.

“Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of devices, preventing the need for costly replacements. This not only saves money but also reduces electronic waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.”

Bhutta says his focus is on providing top customer service, with set prices for most of the services. He adds that prices are also very affordable.

Security is another critical aspect that NZ Tech Repairs takes seriously.

He says devices often store sensitive information, and malfunctioning or compromised devices can be vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks.

“Professional repairs ensure that devices are secure and that any vulnerabilities are addressed. We go to great lengths to ensure that customers know that while their device is in our hands, their information is safe. If this means the customer waits while the repairs are made, that is totally fine by us.”

Formerly based in the Hawkes Bay, Bhutta and his young family recently moved to Orewa.

“We love it up here.”

iPhone repair

iPad repair

Macbook repair

iWatch repair

iMac repair

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Samsung phone repair

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Mobile phone accessories YES

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• Brick & Tile

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Mahurangi Land Restoration Programme

Don’t miss out!

Limited-time funding available now.

Attention rural landowners and groups in the Mahurangi catchment! Time is running out to apply for funding that covers up to 60 percent of costs for activities that help reduce sediment run-off to the harbour.

Funding is available for: buying native plants & labour fencing materials & labour site preparation & maintenance alternative water supply stream bank erosion mitigation fish passage improvements (fully funded)

An applicant's contribution can include in-kind / voluntary labour, cash, or funding acquired from another source.

Winter 2025 will be the last planting season for the Mahurangi Land Restoration Programme (MLRP).

Please contact Holly Fleming as soon as possible to secure funding through our programme!

Mob: 021 548 818

Email: hollyfleming@terrapura.co.nz

She will arrange to meet you on-site, help you scope the project, and compile the information you'll need for your funding application. See our funding guide at www.ngatimanuhiri.iwi.nz/mlrp

Vimal Bhutta

Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

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Commissioners torpedo Northport terminal plans

Northport’s bid for a multimillion dollar container terminal at Marsden Point hit a roadblock when independent commissioners turned down the application this month.

The company applied to the Northland Regional Council and Whangārei District Council in 2022 for resource consents for a 11.7 hectare reclamation, 250 metre wharf extension and 1.7 million cubic metres of dredging.

In their 96-page ruling, commissioners weighed up the employment and economic benefits against environmental and cultural

concerns, and ruled in favour of the latter.

An earlier Northland Inc study found the project would create 1500 new jobs and a $160 million GDP boost.

Northport’s development as a major container port would increase its freight storage and handling capacity, and take pressure off the congested Ports of Auckland.

The commissioners noted that a dedicated container terminal at Whangārei could form an integral part of an efficient national network of safe ports.

But they refused consents because of

the scale and extent of the proposed reclamation, and the effects of severing the physical relationship to the cultural landscape, the beach, the dunes and the marine and coastal area – effects which they said would not be mitigated by Northport’s proposed conditions.

Northport said earlier it was committed to the resource consent process, but it also applied to be included in a schedule of the government’s pending fast-track legislation.

The decision can be found at: www.nrc.govt.nz/Northportconsent

Different seawall, different decision

While some land owners on the Whangateau Harbour had a big win in the courts after being granted retrospective resource consent for seawalls they had built without permission (MM June 24), this wasn’t the case for everyone. The owner of this property on Leigh Road was issued with an abatement notice requiring him to remove the timber seawall he had built without consent in 2022. The original rock wall was reinstated earlier this year, which Auckland Council says is now compliant. The rock wall had been in place for decades, a council spokesperson said.

Zero waste awards

Do you know someone who puts their heart and soul into sustainability? If so, nominations are open this month for the EcoMatters Environment Trust 2024 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards. Individuals, groups, schools, businesses and organisations can nominate themselves or make a nomination in six categories – Rangatahi Leadership; Growing the Movement; Community Collaboration; Cultural Connection; Innovation; and Community Engagement for the Auckland Council Food Scraps service rollout. Info: ecomatters.org.nz/zerowasteawards before July 31. If online voting isn’t an option, contact Ana on 021 394 447 or email at ana@ecomatters.org.nz. Award winners will be announced in October.

Postal voting stays

Auckland Council will continue to use postal voting for next year’s local election after a proposal for booth voting was not endorsed. A range of options were put before the governing body, which included postal voting with special voting centres, exclusively booth voting or a combination of postal and booth voting. Governance Services manager Rose Leonard strongly discouraged using booth voting as it could lead to fewer people voting. She noted that general election voting took an average of five minutes with two ticks while local elections took about 30 minutes in comparison.

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Island predator eradication gears-up

Community preparations are gearing up for a concerted campaign, due to begin next March, to eradicate wallabies and possums on Kawau Island.

It’s the first of a two-stage plan coordinated by Auckland Council to rid the island of all pests – wallabies, possums, rats and stoats – in a bid to restore and boost native fauna and flora. A parallel island-led effort is focusing on rats (see story below).

After a consultation process, council earlier this year recommended that islanders establish a community forum. The new body’s chair is Jon Bilger, an Olympic yachtsman and two-time America’s Cup winner, whose family property comprises 900 of the island’s approximately 2023 hectares.

The forum’s first meeting attracted about 30 residents, and was a good opportunity for people to discuss the plans and ask questions, Bilger said.

A draft plan to eradicate wallabies and possums was presented by representatives of Island Conservation – the NGO which council had commissioned earlier to produce a feasibility report on achieving a pest-free Kawau.

“It’s very much a draft,” Bilger said. “The thing with pest eradication is that you need

to evolve and change, see what is and isn’t working, rather than have a rigid plan.”

Preparations now underway include securing approval from landowners to access their properties.

Wallabies will be killed off primarily by a team of professional hunters, assisted by pointer dogs to track them down and ensure that areas have been successfully cleared.

The island has been divided into zones, and the campaign will begin in the north, working southwards, he said. Temporary fencing will be used to close off areas once cleared of wallabies and possums.

Drone-mounted thermal cameras will be used to monitor those areas that aren’t covered in dense bush.

The cameras won’t have traditional SD cards, but will use cell phone and satellite technology and AI to detect wallabies –differentiating them from other creatures such as weka. Information will be sent to the hunters, reducing the need for manual searching.

The feasibility study and consultation process found that the goal of a pest-free Kawau enjoyed broad support. There was, however, minority opposition to certain elements of the proposal. Some

in the community objected to including wallabies in the eradication plans, citing their uniqueness and colonial heritage (MM, September 11, 2023).

In earlier consultations by Island Conservation, 12 per cent of those landowners who were able to be contacted said they opposed killing the wallabies. By contrast, just four per cent did not support eradicating rats, stoats and possums.

Bilger acknowledged that some islanders were “pro-wallaby” and would not want hunters to access their land for the purpose of killing them. But he said the planners were fairly confident that wallabies could be lured away from those properties, using non-toxic carrot drops.

100 Kawau ‘rat packers’ win council support

Six months after its establishment, the Kawau Community Conservation Trust has successfully gained funding and practical support for the island’s “rat pack” eradication team.

More than 100 households have registered, and Auckland Council and the Rodney Local Board have shown their support for the island-led initiative.

“Kawau’s neighbourhoods are naturally resilient and love the independence and isolation they enjoy from mainland life,” trust chair Caroline Boot and rat pack manager Sharon Harper said.

“Communities in Kawau’s bays are well connected with each other, socialising and providing strong support for each other.

The rat pack is a natural extension of that community spirit – a way to tap into the passion that Kawau people share for preserving and enhancing the stunning natural environment on Kawau, through island-led coordination of rat control programmes.”

Because many properties on Kawau are isolated, some owners will use support from the trust to only manage controls on their own properties. In more populated areas, neighbourhood groups are already set up to maximise coverage of rat controls through neighbours installing and monitoring traps or bait stations so that recommended coverage levels, pulses and toxins are used. Results can be tracked using TrapNZ’s smartphone app. With funding agreements signed, funds

soon to be deposited, and the majority of residents keen to move forward, the trust is organising training from experts over the next few weeks.

To enhance rat control on their properties, residents can choose from a few types of traps or bait stations, including traditional Victor or T-Rex traps and more sophisticated Good Nature traps, which are powered with CO2 cylinders and don’t need to be reset each time a rat is trapped.

NZ Autotraps’ AT220 trap is a pricier option but has the benefit of self-resetting as well as auto-refreshing the lure, and so may suit those who seldom visit their properties. They can work with rats and possums – a benefit for those in the areas

While hunting would be the primary means of dealing with wallabies, the use of approved toxins would also be “in the toolkit” – although they would not be used in residential areas, Bilger said.

Regarding toxins, he said the biggest concern was probably around potential harm to dogs as a result of scavenging carcasses.

But a communication team would ensure that everyone on the island was aware of the location of the bait stations, and when they would be set up – “so there will be no excuse to not know about it”.

Council has said that, in addition to funding from Predator Free 2050 and in-kind support from the Department of Conservation (DOC), third-party funding will be needed. Bilger said some Kawau residents would be making donations, channelled through the New Zealand Nature Fund, to the tune of $750,000.

“There is significant weight behind this”. As chair of the community forum, Bilger has also taken part in a first meeting of a six-person steering committee, established by council to drive the project.

The other steering committee members are the chair of the Kawau Island Residents and Ratepayers Association (KIRRA), the chair of the Pohutukawa Trust, and representatives of council, DOC and Ngāti Manuhiri.

where possums are still prevalent. Resources will be heavily subsidised for members Most islanders surveyed indicated a preference for enclosed bait stations, which minimise the chance of toxins being taken by native birds, pets or children. Islanders also showed majority support for the use of toxins that do not cause secondary poisoning in non-target species.

Boot and Harper said the programme built on the commitment that islanders had always had for protecting the flora and fauna on their island, and the trust did not foresee the need for intervention from outside contractors or field staff.

More info: www.kawauconservation.co.nz or contact Sharon Harper on 027 848 4845

Jon Bilger and friend Vincent Mullins prepare to do weed control at Sandy Bay, Kawau.

Education delivers waste gains

An education programme at Warkworth School, based on waste reduction, has resulted in a staggering 72 per cent reduction in waste going to landfill.

The school joined the Mahurangi Wastebusters coordinate programme in May last year, which works alongside students and staff to identify areas of improvement in the management of waste. The programme is designed to build confidence and skills to create ongoing positive change.

The students undertook waste audits, which

lead to the introduction of in-class and staff room pare kai/food scrap collection caddies. This meant that composting could be done on site. It also lead to the introduction of in-class recycling bins.

“The students take great pride in being Food Scrap Monitors, and love emptying the scraps into the compost bins,” a school spokesperson said. “This helps them to show kaitiakitanga towards their school.”

Sessions based around ‘rethink, reduce, reuse+repair, rot and recycle’ were run by Wastebusters educators, led by Rachel

Warkworth

425 1199

Lampen, supporting the initiatives of the students and staff.

“The sessions that Mahurangi Wastebusters provided to our students were insightful, interesting and very hands-on for the students. Rachel helped to break down important sustainability issues and made them easily accessible for students.

“A favourite activity among students was placing correct items in the landfill, compost or recycling bins, as well as visibly seeing the benefits of buying in bulk rather than buying single use.”

Snells Beach principal hunt on

Horizon School is looking for a new principal, at a time of significant growth for the Snells Beach institution.

Kingsway Trust is advertising for “an experienced passionate leader with an active Christian faith and professional education expertise”.

“You will be relational and motivated to work collaboratively with all those in our community to continue the ongoing academic development of Horizon School.”

Principal Tina Utting-Johnson, who took the helm at the beginning of last year, notes that the integrated school “has been on a significant growth curve” over the past five years, progressively rolling out years 9-13 and growing from 80 students to around 240.

Tina, who has worked at Macleans College, Marlborough Girls and Catholic Cathedral College in Christchurch, says the board brought her in to strategically help develop new systems and growth across the school, but particularly help support the senior years of the College being rolled out and the appointment of a new leadership team.

“Horizon is a unique school,” she says. “Its pedagogy and Christian special character offers a very loving and supportive learning environment with a strong focus on individualised learning.

“Witnessing the care our teachers give each student has been a real highlight for me to experience. Mahurangi is a very beautiful area, and I will certainly miss the amazing students and the opportunity to work with primary students for the first time in my career.”

Tina and her teacher husband Roushan moved to New Zealand from their native Wales seven years ago.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

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

• Wide range of visiting specialists.

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

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

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

Warkworth 09 425 1199 or Snells Beach 09 425 5055 for direct connection to the surgery or our after hours service.

Snells Beach

Phone: 09 425 5055

• Pharmacy, Labtest, Physio on site.

• Flu and Covid -19 vaccinations available.

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Warkworth School students have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn how to manage waste as a resource rather than “just rubbish” to throw away.

Police

Mental health response

This week I’m talking about mental health. I know what you’re thinking, “Stay in your lane Katie! What are your qualifications for having an opinion about mental health?” Of course, the answer to that question is ‘no qualifications at all’, but the luxury of writing an opinion column is that I can come straight out and tell you that while I absolutely recognise my lack of technical expertise on the topic, I still have an opinion on the issue. The reason I feel able to hold views on the topic is simply because of the massive amount of police energy, time and resourcing currently going into responding to people in mental crisis. I would estimate that somewhere around one call in every four to our police station in the last week has been from a person in mental distress, at the core of the issue. It’s simply heart-breaking. What’s worse is the fact that there is no quick fix. I know, through my work, that mental health services are doing the mahi, but the current need seems to be greater than the resourcing they have. We are extremely fortunate in this area to have Te Whatu Ora-Health New Zealand operate an adult mental health service in Warkworth. Local police staff have a great relationship with the hard-working folk at the service and we are grateful to have them. While the police will always attend

Farm finance workshop

to people in crisis, intervening to help those in danger of harm, mental health services are the lead agency in these instances.

So, what are the police doing to address their share of the workload. Waitemata Police District is among the first to assign staff to a dedicated unit to address the needs of people in mental health crisis. The newly formed Co-Response Team is headed up by our own Sergeant Mark Stallworthy. (Mark is on a temporary secondment to the team from his usual role as the Officer in Charge of Warkworth Police Station). Based at North Shore, the team is a combined police/mental health staff unit providing expertise and attendance at the most serious of the mental health calls for service. It is already lifting a portion of the workload from front-line police units. Mental wellbeing is best looked at and treated earlier than later. Don’t wait for the wheels to fall off. If you’re feeling out of sorts, or if you think that someone you care about is struggling, reach out. Talk to a trusted friend, a medical professional or someone you’re comfortable with. Absolutely don’t struggle alone. I’m not an expert, but that’s my opinion.

Further information: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz

Beef + Lamb NZ is holding a special Farm Financials workshop in Wellsford on July 30. The Farm Focus team will show how to optimise farm accounting software and provide attendees with tools to complete a ‘health check’ for their businesses. There will also be advice on effective budgeting, assessing financial reports and identifying key performance indicators. It will be held at the Wellsford Community Centre, from 10am to 3pm. Registration essential at https://events.beeflambnz.com/home

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Why connection matters Homebuilders

From the moment we are born, we seek connection to others – to our mothers, fathers and caregivers – to feel safe and loved. It has been said that this is a primal tool used by humans to survive, and while this is true, if we dig a little deeper, we see that this need to connect to others is complex and nuanced. As we age, it is also driven by the need to be seen, the need to belong, the need to be accepted and the need to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

The health benefits of being connected to and in relationships with others are well documented. So, what happens when those connections are lost, and why is this lack of connection so prevalent in our world today? So commonplace, in fact, that in some countries governments are putting money into researching something called the Loneliness Pandemic.

In broad terms, loneliness is a subjective feeling of social isolation or the perception of being alone and lacking meaningful relationships. It is my guess that humans have felt loneliness since the beginning of time, due to the need for connection being so deeply rooted in our survival system within the brain. Why, then, is there such a stigma attached to it? It’s seldom mentioned openly due to this idea that loneliness is a sign of weakness or personal failure. Conversely, I can imagine that most of us have felt lonely at some point but held off telling people due to a feeling of shame. The problem with this is that while loneliness

is hidden, we will continue to experience many of its negative impacts, both on physical and mental health. These include weakened immune systems, reduced sleep quality, reduced physical activity, anxiety, cognitive decline and increased use of substances, to name but a few.

So how do we push through these stereotypes and work towards creating better connections? Firstly, we need to raise awareness about loneliness and its negative impacts. Changes to the way people live and work has crept in without us even realising, partly caused by living through a world pandemic. Working from home was a necessity for safety but has become, in some ways, more comfortable than getting out and reaching out to others.

Secondly, admitting to ourselves that we are lonely is important. Thirdly, we need to step out of that comfort zone that the longgone lockdowns created – join a group, seek out activities in your community, and even when you’d rather curl up on the sofa, alone with a bar of chocolate and binge on Netflix, push yourself to get out and connect. Fourthly, if you are aware that you are lonely and feel stuck, you need to be active in seeking connection. So seek, schedule and act, even when it’s tough to do so. Simply be the friend you seek, reach out to others and be what you’d love to have. This attitude may help grow longlasting connections, and you never know who else is feeling as you do, but is too scared to reach out.

Council opens workshops to the public

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

Auckland Council is set to open its workshops to the public this September in the interests of transparency.

Starting September 1, recordings will also be available online, following the workshops, for the public to view.

The decision comes after an investigation by Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier into the workshop practices of eight councils around New Zealand. Auckland Council was not one of the eight. One of the concerns the ombudsman investigated was

whether councils were making decisions behind closed doors.

Boshier found no evidence that decision making was happening in workshops but reported that closed workshops were “counter to the principles of openness”.

Governance support manager Andrew Pickering said the decision to open workshops was part of ongoing work to increase the transparency of council business. Workshops can still be closed to the public, but there are rules around what can be discussed in confidential sessions.

The Rodney Local Board opened its workshops to the public earlier this year.

Get ready to Tango

Warkworth theatre audiences will have the opportunity to see one of the most successful short comedies ever produced for the amateur stage when Warkworth Theatre presents David Tristram’s Last Tango in Little Warkworth.

Originally titled Last Tango in Little Grimly, the play has been adapted to include local references, recognisable local identities and current topics.

Director Dianne Morgan says “Little Warkworth” is a village with a dysfunctional local theatre group struggling to get bums on seats and pay the bills.

“The question is will they survive and will the chairman’s saucy plan save the day?” Morgan says.

Last Tango will be one of two one-act plays on stage from August 9 to 17.

The second play is The Worst Day of My Life, by Alan Richardson, directed by Cathy Phelps.

Charlie Brown, played by Dave Morgan of ‘Allo ‘Allo, is in hospital, his wife at his bedside, when the ‘other woman’ shows up. And then, yet another ‘other woman’. Charlie Brown suddenly finds himself having the worst day of his life.

Morgan says both plays promise a night of hilarity and fun.

They come on the heels of the sellout season of Calendar Girls in April, which raised $10,600 for hospice activities in Warkworth and Wellsford.

Tickets available from Mahurangi Matters office or online at wwtheatre.co.nz ($2 a student, senior citizens $20 and adults $25; table eight $160).

Weather clean-up continues

Auckland Transport has provided a list of the slips repaired across the north rural area since last year’s weather events.

A spokesperson says that of the 826 minor and major repairs needed across Auckland, 548 have been completed to date (66%). This is made up of 36% of major sites and 79% of minor sites.

In north rural, there were 326 sites, with 11 currently in construction. A total of 292 (90%) have been completed.

The list includes: Ahuroa Rd x6 (plus three remaining in construction), Anderson Rd, Ashton Rd x5, Barrier View Rd, Bayer Rd x6, Becroft Rd, Biddle Rd, Birdsall Rd, Broadlands Dr x3, Burma Rd x2, Burnside Rd (Makarau) x10, Cowan Bay Rd, Dennis Rd (Kourawhero), Factory Rd, Fowler Access Rd, Goat Island Rd, Goatley Rd x2, Green Hollows Rd, Haruru Rd x5, Hepburn Creek Rd x2, Horseshoe Bush Rd X 2, Hungry Creek Rd X 2, Inland Rd x2, Jordan Rd (Makarau), JV Grant Rd, Kaipara Hills Rd, Komokoriki Hill Rd

x3, Krippner Rd x22, Lawrie Rd, Leigh Rd (plus one remaining), Mahurangi East Rd, Mahurangi West Rd x4, Makarau Rd x7, Mangawhai Rd x2, Martins Bay Rd, Matakana Valley Rd x10 (plus two remaining), Moir Hill Rd x11, Monowai Rd x11, Ngarewa Dr x2, Noakes Hill Rd, Omaha Valley Rd, Pakiri Block Rd x3, Pakiri Rd x8, Pebble Brook Rd, Pinchgut Rd x2 (plus four remaining), Pukapuka Rd, Rapson Rd (Kaukapakapa) x5, Ridge Rd (Mahurangi East) x2, Rimmer Rd, Run Rd x7, Scandrett Rd, Smyth Rd x5 (plus one remaining), Tahekeroa Rd x6, Takatu Rd x5 (plus five in construction), Tauhoa Rd x6, Tongue Farm Rd x2, Tunnel Rd, Upper Waiwera Rd x5, Waiteitei Rd, Waiwhiu Rd x3, Wayby Station Rd, Wech Access, Wellsford Valley Rd x3, Wenz Bayer Rd, Weranui Rd x10 (plus three remaining), West Coast Rd x9, Whakapirau Rd, Whangaripo Valley Rd x4, Wharehine Rd x2, Woodcocks Rd, Worthington Rd, Wright Rd (Matakana).

Chinese Medicine for Your Health

The cast of Last Tango in Little Warkworth are promising a night of fun and frivolity.

August dates for Albi & The Wolves

There are two local chances to catch indie folk favourites Albi & The Wolves next month, when they play Warkworth and Maungaturoto as part of a 13-date tour of New Zealand and Australia.

The Auckland-based trio have been regular visitors to the Whangateau Folk Club and Leigh Sawmill since they formed in 2014, but for the Long Way Round tour, they are playing an afternoon gig at Warkworth’s Tahi Bar, on Sunday, August 18.

The night before, on Saturday, August 17, they will be at the Centennial Hall in Maungaturoto, which is where the band’s proud albino front man Albi, aka Chris Dent, hails from.

As well as Dent on acoustic guitar, Albi & The Wolves comprises Pascal Roggen playing electric violin and Micheal Young on double bass, with all three contributing vocals and percussive stomp.

They pride themselves on creating a huge sound and high energy show that packs a punch by pushing the limits of what can be done with just their voices and string band format.

Their songs and performance have been described as compelling, dynamic and with “drive and passion in spades”, forging a sound that is emotive, uplifting, joyful and captivating.

Albi & The Wolves have toured extensively, playing more than 1000 shows and festivals around NZ and Australia, and were named Best Folk Artist at the NZ Music Awards in 2018.

For the Long Way Round tour, they are taking their newest album, Light After The Dark, to “towns they love” all over the country, playing a mix of intimate and larger venues with “songs old and new and stories from the road”.

Tickets cost $25 for the Maungaturoto show, which starts at 7pm on August 17, and $20 for the Tahi Bar gig, which runs from 3.30pm on August 18.

Info and tickets: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/

“harmony,

Comedy Night returns to Snells Beach

Get ready for a laugh at Snells Beach next month when some of NZ’s top comedians will be on stage at the Salty Dog Inn to raise money for the Snells Beach Kindergarten. Now in its seventh year, the Comedy Night is always a sell-out success.

Once again, it will be hosted by a familiar face on television screens, Steven Lyons.

Joining him will be Paul Douglas (7 Days, Best Foods Comedy Gala, Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee), Bridget Davies (7 Days, NZ Comedy Guild Breakout Comedian 2017), Bailey Poching (My Favourite Dead Person, 7 Days, The Comedy Mixtape,) and Anthony Crum (last year’s winner of the

NZ International Comedy Festival Best Debut).

There will also be silent auctions and a raffle. The evening will be held on Saturday August 3 and this year, due to demand, there are no door sales.

Tickets costs $25 and are available via email: snellsbeach.kindyparents@yahoo.com

Last Tango In Little Warkworth

Comedy Short Play - Written by David Tristram

Albi & The Wolves promise

heart, and sizzling electric violin” at their upcoming shows.

Renowned classical pianist playing in Warkworth

After 15 years making a name for himself overseas, Auckland-born pianist Henry Wong Doe is back in his homeland for a brief three-concert tour that includes a performance in Warkworth on Saturday, August 3.

Currently based in New York, Wong Doe has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, St.Martin-in-the-Fields in London, the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv and the Sydney Opera House.

He received his early training at the University of Auckland. After moving to the United States, he received a Master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from The Juilliard School in New York, studying with Joseph Kalichstein.

A passionate educator as well as performer, Wong Doe is professor of piano and keyboard area chair at Indiana University

Tickets

Members $30

Non-members $40

Tertiary students $10

School-age students Free

Purchase tickets online at warkworthmusic.org.nz

Door Sales

Cash only, no EFTPOS

in Pennsylvania.

New York critics have described his playing as brilliant and gestural, with “great vitality and engaging thrust and characterisation”.

For his Warkworth Music recital, he will perform a programme of new and celebrated works, including Haydn’s Sonata in E minor, Chopin’s Nocturne in D flat major, the Sonata No.1 by Ginastera and Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky.

Wong Doe will also play NZ composer Gemma Peacocke’s Redshift, one of six new works he commissioned for his latest album, Perspectives, which was nominated for the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards.

The concert takes place in Warkworth Town Hall at 4pm on Saturday, August 3.

Tickets cost $40, or $30 for Warkworth Music members, $10 for tertiary students and school students are free.

Info and bookings: warkworthmusic.org.nz or cash only door sales.

Henry Wong Doe

After 15 years making a name for himself abroad, concert pianist Henry Wong Doe undertakes a rare return to his homeland in 2024. He will perform a compelling programme of some of the great masterworks by Haydn, Chopin, Ginastera, and Mussorgsky, as well as a newly commissioned work by a New Zealand composer.

Sat 3 August, 4pm Warkworth Town Hall

Winter Series

Join us for magical winter evenings, celebrating food and wine in a beautiful setting with great company *

Events:

Winter Solstice Celebration

Celebrate the start of longer days ahead in the glow of the Glass House with live music and a 4-course menu.

21 June, 6 PM

Truffle & Wine

Fresh truffle from TePuke Truffles

26 July, 6 PM

Pharos 2020 Wine Release

Experience an exclusive evening with our exceptional 2020 vintage Pharos, paired with a delectable menu designed to complement this special release.

30 August, 6 PM

Fire and Feast Dinner

A flame-lit evening with a menu that pays homage to the art of smoke and fire cooking.

27 September, 6 PM

Tickets & info:

www brickbay co nz/winter-series *BYO great company.

Wong Doe has performed in top concert halls all over the world.

Adversity provides community opportunity at Snells Beach

Two years ago, Sarah Thompson was troubled by what she was seeing in the local community. The pandemic and lockdowns had led to a disturbing increase in hardship, mental illness and division.

“I was quite frustrated with where things were at,” she says. “There were some people who were really suffering and, as a Christian, I wanted to help people and wondered what I could do to create some unity in the community.”

The result, after much contemplation, soul-searching and organisation, was Salt & Light – a fortnightly community dinner at Horizon School’s café in Goodall Road, Snells Beach that served its first free meal a year ago.

Thompson says the support she and husband Stuart have received from everyone has been amazing, from the venue

itself to key supplier Kiwi Harvest food rescue service and the many volunteers, who help with meal prep, cooking and serving, as well as making up food parcels.

“It’s all fallen into place,” she says. “We have had so many people volunteer – it’s been 12 months and I haven’t had to organise a roster yet.”

The dinners have been a success with the guests, too, with individuals and families flocking to enjoy hearty homecooked meals such as corned beef, coleslaw and roast potatoes or warming soups.

“For the first one I thought one person might come and we had 30! Now it’s more like 40 to 45 people for every meal.”

Thompson says those coming along are making friends and building new social relationships.

“To get to know so many special people has been a real privilege and to work alongside such an epic team has been amazing,” Thompson says.

“It’s definitely been a journey and a real light in the dark.” She adds that though she is open about her religion and grace is said before eating, the most important thing is providing a space and meal where everyone is welcome.

“Ultimately it’s about making people feel welcome, wellfed and loved – there are no criteria,” she says.

In future, Sarah and Stuart would like to provide a dropin centre for youth, increase the frequency of the dinner nights and be able to purchase more food parcel staples, if donations and funding allow.

Info: Email sarah@saltandlight.co.nz

Let them choose what they really want.

Sarah and Stuart Thompson have been providing free community suppers and food parcels for more than a year.

Alfred Hita, Rose Hita and George Odhiambo at Salt & Light’s first birthday dinner.

The free dinners attract up to 45 people every fortnight.

Strong Mahurangi contingent in annual art exhibition

Several Mahurangi artists will feature in the annual Art in August exhibition in the Southgate Room at Oaks on Neville next month.

In a change from previous years, next month’s exhibition will not include Mahurangi College students.

Organiser Jan McKerrow says that due to recent changes in the school’s curriculum, focussing towards workbook learning and idea development, participation was regrettably not feasible.

“While the students won’t be participating, the artists will still contribute a 10 per cent commission from all sale proceeds to the college art department,” McKerrow says.

The college is planning to run its own exhibition in October, featuring senior folio boards alongside a curated selection of junior/middle school artwork.

“This event will be a celebration of

creativity, inviting parents and the community to witness the remarkable talents of the students. We look forward to the college students returning to the exhibition next year.”

Next month’s exhibition will feature the work of local artists Claire Erica, Sonia and Blair Fraser, Simon Payton and Maggie Matheson. Also exhibiting will be Nikki Roberton, Arlin Sukarlin and Julianna Trolove, all from Marlborough, Fiona Ehn from Dairy Flat and Mosh Azizou from Auckland.

There will be a range of art forms and subjects, from landscapes and seascapes to abstract and mixed media.

Payton says he has been doing a lot of sketching of musicians and people around Warkworth over the past year, which will provide some local interest.

The exhibition will be open to the public from August 9 to 11, from 10am onwards.

New book given official woof of approval

When Helen and Gavin Cook started rescuing dogs many years ago, they never envisaged that it would lead to starring in a national TV series and writing a book, but that’s exactly where they find themselves.

After making their screen debut in TVNZ’s The Dog House NZ in February last year, the owners of Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary at Pohuehue have now published Good Dogs, which combines touching stories from the show with practical advice on everything about owning a dog and keeping it healthy and happy.

Helen admits the TV show experience and then putting together Good Dogs has put them a little out of their comfort zone.

“It’s very weird, I normally just want to be in the background,” she says. “But the TV people were amazing. And when it came to the book, I had a ghost writer to help me, as I’m working here seven days a week.

“It took quite a few months and was a big learning curve.”

Initially, the book was going to be a glossy coffee table affair, featuring some

of The Dog House rescue stars that had been matched to new owners by the Cooks and found happy, forever homes.

However, with Helen and Gavin’s extensive experience with literally thousands of dogs and puppies, it made sense to expand it into a more practical guide to responsible dog ownership.

“I’m not a dog trainer, I’m not a vet, this is just my opinion,” Helen stresses. “A lot of it is common sense.”

Unfortunately, when it comes to abandoned and stray dogs, there’s not a lot of that around at the moment. The number of dogs needing to be rescued and re-homed has snowballed in recent years and there is no way that rescue services like the Cooks can keep up with demand.

“In the last week of June, we took on 17 more dogs, but we had to turn away 74,” Helen says. “It’s never-ending. And legislation wouldn’t make a blind bit of difference, because there’s no one to enforce it.”

The situation was made worse during covid,

when most vets deemed desexing and even vaccinating as non-essential procedures. That has lately been compounded by the cost of living crisis, with far more people unable to afford dog ownership.

“People are struggling. We really feel for people out there,” Helen says. “We’re getting a lot of purebreds in now –retrievers, spaniels, great danes.”

The Cooks run boarding kennels to help fund the rescue work and rely on donations and help from volunteers to care for their many residents. The workload – and vets’ bills – are constant.

“Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do this,” Helen says. “Gavin is up making food from 5.30 every morning and we don’t finish until 7pm, and if we have puppies, I have to do night shifts, as they need feeding every couple of hours.”

It costs thousands of dollars every month for flea and worming treatments, vaccinations, desexing and food – puppy milk alone costs $70 for 250g.

It’s no surprise to hear that many rescue

Mahurangi Matters has two copies of Good Dogs to give away. To be in to win, simply send an email with your name and contact number to editor@localmatters.co.nz and put ‘Good Dogs’ in the subject line. Entries can also be posted or dropped in to our office at 17 Neville Street, Warkworth. Deadline is 5pm, July 30.

services are forced to close due to owner burnout. But while they can, Helen and Gavin are determined to help as many dogs and puppies at their idyllic nine hectare rural property as possible.

“My ideal situation would be that we’re not needed. I would love it if we didn’t have to do what we do and get home from a rescue crying my eyes out,” Helen says.

“But in the meantime, every dog should be desexed by six months, unless it’s at a properly registered breeder.

“For now, we’re in a position to help, so we do. It’s as simple as that.”

To donate or find out more about adopting a rescue dog, visit https://countryretreatanimalsanctuary.org/

Helen and Gavin Cook have written a practical guide to owning a happy dog.

Mahurangi Matters asked NZ author Kayleen Hazlehurst, who grew up in Warkworth and now divides her time between Queensland and Mahurangi, to list some of her favourite reads for children and young adults.

Creating a love of reading

I have always loved animal stories, especially when the animal characters seem real. A true story that interested me recently appeared in the June edition of the Hinterland Times, in Queensland. The article Unleashing Literacy with Story Dogs discussed a programme that paired assistance dogs with children to help improve their reading skills.

The dogs created a calm space while the children worked for 20 minutes on a new story with the help of a volunteer. About 2800 Australian children in 400 schools were involved in the Story Dog Programme and the results have been astonishing. Children, who might not look forward to going to school, were excited about having some time with their story dogs. There is a kernel of a good idea here. Reading should be fun. When the child ran into a hard section, the volunteer would say, ‘Poppy doesn’t understand that piece. Can we read it to her again.’ Imagine the child’s delight to discover that someone else in the room needed their help to read. When a child struggles with literacy, it takes time for the penny to drop that those black squiggly things on the page represent familiar ideas and thoughts.

I remember feeling ashamed because I had difficulty reading at school and had to attend special lessons in a cold, dark room at the end of the hall. The nice pictures, I could understand. But, even though Chicken Licken thought the sky was falling because an acorn hit him on the head, all those hieroglyphics called words were much more scary.

The message behind the Story Dogs programme is that creating a reassuring and happy environment while learning to read will create a love of reading. The first book I thought was hilarious as a kid was

Kayleen Hazlehurst

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss. Another favourite is You’re Only Old Once! A book for Obsolete Children (7 years and older).

These Dr Seuss books are great fun, even for parents.

Some award-winning books to look out for in local libraries are:

The Wonderful Things You Will Be, by Emily Winfield Martin (baby-3 years)

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak (1-5 years). Adapted to film.

Maybe, by Kobi Yamada (2 years).

Strictly No Elephants, by Lisa Mantchev (2-5 years).

The Little Prince, by Antoine de SaintExupery (4 years and over).

Books for older children, or to read together as a family are:

Whale Rider, by Witi Ihimaera (10 yearsadult), and his Te Reo stories.

This Farming Life and Under a Big Sky, by Tim Saunders, NZ farmer.

The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, an engrossing series by Alexander McCall Smith.

2024 TERM 3

#Inspiring Abundance

Thriving through resourcefulness

Welcome to Term 3! Despite life’s curveballs, our programs are designed to brighten your days, ignite hope and help you make the most of your resources. Stay updated and connected to us on Facebook (womenscentrerodney) and Instagram (womenscentre_rodney). See you there!

SUPPORT Counselling – by appointment

Counselling provides a safe space to explore and address personal challenges, fostering growth and well-being. Fully funded** and subsidised sessions available for women. (**eligibility criteria) Call to discuss eligibility.

Drop In Mon-Fri 9.30am - 2.30pm

We understand that everyone faces unique challenges, and we’re here to support you with compassion and understanding. Whether you’re seeking guidance, a coffee and chat, or simply a moment in a safe environment, you’re always welcome. Feel free to visit us whenever you need a listening ear or a moment of peace.

COURSES

Somatic Art Exploration

Mon 5 Aug - 2 Sept, 10am - 12.00pm $70

Designed to help you break free from overthinking and embrace a playful, enriching adventure through mixed media. No prior artistic skills needed – just bring your curiosity and desire to be gentle with yourself. Facilitator: Heidi Downey WOW Move Up Programme

Tues 23 July - 10 Sept, 10am - 12pm FREE

Discover practical strategies for boosting self-worth and well-being, navigating challenges, fostering personal growth and achieving lasting change. Perfect for enhancing confidence, career prospects, and connecting with a supportive community of like-minded women. Facilitators: Jo Nicholson and Bridget Farmiloe  Young Mum’s Group

Every Thurs from 25 July, 10am - 12.30pm FREE

For mothers up to 24 yrs. Make friends and explore strategies for raising healthy, happy children. Some childminding & morning tea provided. Facilitator: Sarah Woolford

You Have - featuring guest facilitators & cuisines Wed, 21 Aug - Gnocchi with Matilde Wed, 28 Aug - Pizza fun with guests Wellsford Budgeting

NURTURE & THRIVE

Nurturing wellbeing and sustainable living. Wed, 24 July – Toxin-Free Shopping: Healthy Living with Jenny Scholz Fri, 2 Aug - Green & Affordable: DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaners with Jenny Scholz Fri, 30 & 20 Sept - Sewing: Repair & Renew -Learn to mend/sew by hand or machine. Bring your item needing repair and let’s fix it together! Wed, 7 Aug & 18 Sept - Gardening: Dig in and GrowCentre Garden maintenance and planning CHATTER & WORD PLAY

Every Tues from 23 July, 11.30am FREE

Our Stroll & Chat has evolved for winter – join them for a fun hour of word play over a cuppa and good conversation, with Deirdre & Sandra EVENING PERSONAL GROWTH SEMINARS

6pm - 7.30pm FREE

Thurs, 1 Aug – Develop your growth mindset with Amy Prebble

Wed, 21 Aug - Don’t Pause for Menopause – Nutrition – with Shannon Hansen Thur, 5 Sept - Navigating Change – Safe Transitions with Amy Prebble

Crafty Conversations

Fridays from 26 July, 10am - 12pm FREE

Discover your creative spark and dive into engaging sessions with guest facilitators. No prior experience needed 26 July – Stencils & Craft: Fun stencil decorating wooden carriers with Desiree Alexandre

&

9 Aug - Candlelit Creations: Crafting Wooden Candle Holders with Jackie Veenstra

A Caramel Sky

‘A heart-breaking love story set in wartime New Zealand…of chance encounters, missed opportunities, lost connections, thwarted hopes and enduring love—both between two young lovers and the more fraught, conflicted love between mothers and their children. Hazlehurst’s prose is a love letter to this beautiful country.’ Maggie Trapp

Who Disturbs the Kukupa?

‘The adventures of Sonny Wirima, a Māori soldier on the run in German-occupied Greece, longing to be reunited with his great love, Atarangi Tahiri, are evocatively rendered… A great read.’ Peter Ewer

‘A story of the love and loss of war…an engrossing saga. Read it and be richly rewarded.’ Jill Nicholas

‘Deserves a wide readership.’ Nicholas Reid

The Antique Chef

‘A light, easy, and undemanding read which does not speak down to the reader, and yet which covers some fairly hefty topics…I really did love the characters, and I loved the underlying theme of this book which is more current than ever: we are all gloriously different and we all deserve to live the lives we choose without fear or prejudice.’ Peta Stavelli

Songs to the Unsung

‘Songs to the Unsung sparkles with humanity and compassion. Kayleen Hazlehurst has woven together a lifetime of intimate writing that is lyrical, poignant and thoughtful… Kayleen writes with wisdom and beauty, and takes you on a journey of the heart.’ Tim Saunders

About the author

Kayleen draws inspiration for her poetry and prose from threads of family life in New Zealand and her own international travel. https://rb.gy/tdwsug

FitSteps - Ballroom Dance Fitness Thurs 22 Aug - 12 Sept, 5.30 - 6.30pm, Warkworth Town Hall FREE Dance Fitness that doesn’t feel like a workout. Where fitness and fun collide! All ages welcome. No partner or experience necessary. Join in and shake off winter blues! Facilitator: Helena Morgan We’re Hosting 12 Creative Steps to a Fulfilling Life Mon 22 July - 30 Sept, 6.30 - 8pm, 12 weeks. $20 per session

Transformative journey of self-discovery and growth exploring what is holding you back and unleashing your true potential through writing, drawing and imaginative exercises. Facilitator: Emily PattulloCertified Life Coach and Published Author.

Mentoring

Info and Volunteers Mentor Sessions

2nd Tues of every month starting 13 Aug, 1.30pm - 2.30pm FREE

Our volunteer mentors lead and host events that connect people, renew energy, and inspire purpose, offering opportunities to learn new skills. Ongoing training and support ensure our mentors thrive. Whether you’re interested in joining as a new mentor or participating in our events, there’s something for everyone. Elaine oversees this dynamic program, fostering a supportive community eager to grow together. Coordinator: Elaine Donaldson

Events

10am - 12pm FREE (Child friendly)

COOK AND CHAT

Cook, Chat and Eat!

Wed, 31 July, 14 Aug, 4, 11, 18, 25 Sept -

Budget Bites: Whip up Wonderful Meals From What

16 Aug - Dot It Up: Creative Dot Art with Desiree 23 Aug- Beads & Bling: Creative Jewellery & Ornament with Sue Askham

Fri 6 Sept – Paint and Sip with Nina Lorigan

Fri 13 & 27 Sept – Upcycle & Crochet: From scraps to bags with Heidi Downey

Slip Play Clay Workshop Sun, 15 Sept 10am - 2.30pm at Kowhai Arts Centre $70

Learn the art of slip play clay from scratch, where you’ll craft, decorate, and texture your own unique sculpture. Discover your creative potential and leave with a beautiful masterpiece to adorn your home.

Facilitator: Emma Zhang

Screen Printing Workshop Sat, 31 Aug 10am - 3pm $75

Design and print onto a piece of fabric for a cushion, wall art or a personalized patch or bring along your own T-Shirt. Learn stenciling, registration, colour merging, layering and lots more. All material provided.

Facilitator: Ingrid Anderson

Holistic Pulsing Massage Every Monday from 5 Aug. $65 per hour. Bookings essential Practitioner: Heidi Downey

SELFCARE

FREE Legal Clinic

9.30am– 10.30am 4 x 15 min appointments

Monthly on a Fri, 9 Aug, 13 Sept. Bookings essential. Phone and in person appointments are available.

FREE Cervical Screening

Date TBC Part of the national cervical screening programme and run in conjunction with the Well Women and Family Trust.

Contact us on 09 425 7261 or 0800 2DROPIN (0800 237 674) Email: info@womenscentrerodney.org.nz or scan the QR code to book online: www.womenscentrerodney.org.nz 10 Morpeth Street, Warkworth

Environment

New Patients Welcome

· Urgent same-day/ next-day care.

· Short waiting times for bookings.

· Low-cost appointments for Community Services Card holders.

· Continuity of care.

· Acute Accident care.

· Travel consultations including Yellow Fever vaccines.

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

· Women’s health.

Dr Elspeth Dickson

MBChB(Hons), MRCP(UK), Dip Obst, FRNZCGP

Dr Steve Maric

MBChB, MRCGP(UK), Dip Obst, FRNZCGP

Dr Susanne Krueger

MBChB, FRNZCGP

Dr Nicolas Thorburn

BSC Hons, MBChB, DCH

Dr Daniela Fernandes

MBChB

Dr Sophie Lines

MBChB, DCH, FRNZCGP, FARGP MPHTM

Ghosts of the Hauraki Gulf

In the early 20th century there were so many spotted shags in the Hauraki Gulf that they could “fly in a constant stream all afternoon”. People sometimes amused themselves with shotguns for hours, using spotted shags for target practice, “Shooting went on till all cartridges were expended and probably a hundred or more dead or dying birds were lying in the water.” Apparently it was a common ‘sport’ to just lay whole colonies to waste, eradicating them from areas where once they were abundant.

Spotted shags, kawau tikitiki or parekareka, are beautiful. They are grey-blue and, in the breeding season, adults have bright greenblue facial skin and blue eye rings, a double crest of upsticking feathers on their heads, and small black spots on their feathers and back. They have a long hooked beak and orange feet. They are a marine shag that fly low over the water, often in a V, and feed out to 16 kilometres off land.

The NZ Geographic article, ‘Where are all the spotted shags?’ states that by the 1930s there were only a few hundred birds left in the Auckland region, in two colonies. In 1931, shooting them was banned, and the population recovered over the next 50 years or so. By the 1970s and 80s, there were around 2000 breeding pairs on the Thames-Coromandel coastline. There were colonies off Waiheke, the Noises, Te Henga/Bethells and near Port Waikato. But now they’re in trouble again. The only colony left is at Tarahiki ‘Shag Rock’, near Waiheke, home to maybe 300 pairs.

Auckland Museum and Auckland Council, and landowners in the Noises, have tried to support recovery with predator control and the creation of shag colonies. They’ve bounced back before, but can they do it again? The odds are against them.

Many of their food sources are gone. Abundant pilchards and anchovy schools are a memory. In 1995, a ‘bushfire’ pilchard infection from Australia was brought in as bait, causing the “largest known fish mortality event in recorded history”. The Hauraki Gulf pilchards have never recovered.

Shags are an indicator of ocean health and scientists have been tracking spotted shags to see what they’re telling us. Ten shags were tagged last September. The tags show that the shags work really hard for their food, diving up to 400 times a day, deeper and flying longer, than most shags around the world. There’s little food left, the water’s too warm and too polluted with nutrients. There’s nowhere else for them to go.

One day, shag 2247696 was tracked underwater for five minutes, then it went up a boat ramp, four kilometres inland and was, eventually, dumped in a farm ditch. She, and at least one of the other shags in the study, were drowned in set nets. Shags really are an indicator. An indicator of how we disregard life and nature in its wonderful, colourful and quirky diversity. Diversity we may never see again. The skies and seas are desperately empty, but for the ghosts of their ancestors.

A Hauraki Gulg spotted shag with a GPS tag on its back. Photo, Tony Whitehead.

Budget service cuts will hit those in need hardest

Government funding cuts to budgeting services and financial mentors couldn’t have come at a worse time, according to a national debt solution charity based in Warkworth. Debtfix Foundation chief executive Christine Liggins says the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) cuts that came in on July 1 will not only hit the worst-off hardest, but will also have far wider implications.

“By helping people with their finances, you reduce mental health issues, crime, stress, increase productivity – we’re the starting point,” she says. “I agree with some of the cuts, but in a cost-of-living crisis, this seems the wrong area to be cutting back. This will have a ripple effect.”

MSD has cut funding from 44 budget services – around a third of them – across the country, as well as stopping funding for debt solution organisations such as Debtfix. Liggins says this is a hard hit for the service, which employs 16 people.

“We only got the funding through covid for four years, but they haven’t thought to replace it with anything. It leaves us out of pocket by a lot of money,” she says.

“We’ve had to give notice on our office and we’re going to have to look at staff levels and service levels.”

But it’s the knock-on effect on clients that

Help at hand

is the bigger issue, Liggins says.

“We worked with 3000 clients last year and have so many waiting and wanting our help. It’s really hard, we’re going to have to turn people away, and waiting times for budget services are just going to increase.”

Liggins is one of more than 50 financial mentors and budget service operators who have sent a joint letter to government ministers, urging them to review and reconsider funding for the sector.

“Food, housing and other essentials have become increasingly unaffordable. Many whānau are not able to put food on the table or a roof over their heads,” they say.

“Financial hardship, stress and mental health issues are inextricably linked, and the link between family violence and economic stress is well documented. The fear is that without the vital support of a financial mentor, these issues will be exacerbated.”

They add that the impact of the cuts will likely not be reported by clients.

“They already feel shame asking for help, and are not likely to complain or report that no one is there to help them. But it will show in the statistics, more mental health issues and other negative outcomes,” they warn. They urged the government to restore funding so they can help whanau in need.

Limited memberships available for a limited time only! Put the winter blues aside and start feeling amazing now!

The Waitakere Family Start is a support service which helps parents meet basic needs, working with families from pregnancy through to their child’s first three years of life. This includes families in poor living situations and women leaving family violence situations. Family Start team leader Rebecca Gross says many of the service’s families have limited family support and find it helpful to have a listening ear. “They also like that we’re a home-visiting service which makes life simpler,” she says. Its service offers counselling and budgeting services, parenting programmes and legal advice around issues such as protection orders. Qualified social workers also offer parenting support and assistance with accessing daycare to ensure parents get some time out from their children. The service is available to families in Warkworth and Wellsford. All parents or caregivers need is a referral from their doctor or hospital, midwife, Plunket nurse, Well Child provider or other agency like Maternity Mental Health or Oranga Tamariki. Info: Waitakere Family Start 09 835 1288 or email admin.waitakere@fwn.org.nz

Meet Suzanne Zaisluik, a devoted educator at Kip McGrath Learning Centre, Warkworth. With 20 years of expertise in Maths and English, she fosters confidence and essential skills in children age 5+.

“Opening this centre has been a culmination of my passion for education and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity

to work with local children to improve their English and mathematic skills and can’t wait to see the transformative impact we’ll make together.”

In its inaugural year, the centre has proudly celebrated achievements, learning milestones, and fostered growth effectively.

So if you think your child may need some help book a FREE assessment to unlock academic success and personal growth with Suzanne today.

warkworth@kipmcgrath.co.nz | 021 483 339 www.kipmcgrath.co.nz/warkworth

Book Reviews

The North Wind By Alexandria Warwick

Lethal with a bow, Wren has spilled her share of Darkwalker blood and has the physical and mental scars to prove it. Her skills are needed with the protective barrier called the Shade, weakening every day. Only Boreas, God of The North Wind, can strengthen this barrier by spilling the blood of a mortal woman he weds. With the legendary omens appearing, it is time for the ice cold god to select his next young woman from the village. To save her twin sister, Wren sacrifices herself and is taken to the North Wind’s realm in the Deadlands.

The North Wind had me enthralled from the first page. It is the first instalment in the Four Winds fantasy/ romance series, where every book is also a standalone novel. The author draws inspiration from the Hades and Persephone myth, as well as my childhood favourite, Beauty and the Beast.

While there are definitely similarities, Wren and Boreas’s slow burn romance still feels fresh – a beautiful, dark love story in its own right.

Just a note this book is aimed for adult readers only. The sexual content and fantasy violence is in keeping with this intention.

Reviewed by Abby Soffe

Anna O by Blake Matthew

This is a complex and intriguing psychological thriller with a plot that will keep you enthralled. Written from the perspective of a recently divorced father, Dr Benedict Prince is a forensic psychologist trying to balance the difficulty of his profession with the emotional complications of co-parenting and his divorce. Being an expert in the science behind sleep, Ben is given the task of waking Anna Oglivy, a young woman who hasn’t woken in the four years since she murdered her two best friends while sleepwalking. The world and the internet are still divided on whether Anna is a victim or a monster. Throughout his investigation, Ben is confronted with Anna’s history and has to decide whether he’s fighting for her innocence or praying for her downfall.

Blake Matthew’s debut novel combines the complexity of psychology with the excitement of mystery with ease, creating a thoughtprovoking story that discusses themes of guilt, innocence and morals. With layers of mystery and motive that will keep you captivated, and an ending that will blindside you, Anna O is a lengthy but thrilling read that I would recommend to fans of A.J Finn and readers of the psychological thriller and suspense genre, in general.

Reviewed by Juniper

The Life of Dai Dai Henwood (with Jaquie Brown)

This is such an inspirational book, embroidered with wisdom that I find I am adopting on my own life’s journey. Most Kiwis will be familiar with Dai Henwood, either as a comedian or on our TV screens with shows such as Lego Masters NZ, Family Feud, 7 Days and the list goes on. I was always a fan of his work and felt the shock when he announced his cancer diagnosis, yet knew nothing about him beyond his entertainment facade.

This book changes that, written as it is with the sort of honesty that makes you feel you could be chatting with the man himself. Dai has shared highlights from his childhood, impressive career and a raw account of living with the big C. His trademark humour is evident throughout the story, which is, ultimately, despite the subject matter, an uplifting read. My admiration for Dai Henwood has grown a lot since reading this book. I hope he realises what a positive impact he is having on so many people with just this work alone. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Abby Soffe

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Museum improvements start

A $400,000 upgrade of the Warkworth Museum has started.

Lions help fundraise

The project will bring the museum up to current building and fire compliance and, in the long term, will address accessibility issues to the upper level with the installation of a lift. Stage one will focus on compliance issues, which have to be addressed before the lift can be installed. The work is being funded through a grant and a significant contribution by the museum.

Museum vice president Jo Haswell says the installation of a lift will allow internal access to upstairs displays, facilities and resources, including the archive and research centre and textiles department, to a wider demographic.

“At present, a number of our older visitors and those with mobility issues have difficulty accessing this part of the museum by the current steep and narrow staircase,” Haswell says.

“These visitors are missing out on seeing the displays in that area and having access to the many documents, records, artifacts and textile items on our upper floor.”

An analysis of 2022 visitor feedback showed that the upstairs displays were the most popular part of the museum.

Haswell says the lift will also benefit

The Lions Club of the Kowhai Coast is organising a fundraiser to help the museum meet some of the costs involved in the upgrade. Members have organised a Wardrobe Revival fun fashion afternoon, which will be held at the Warkworth Bowls Club, Mill Lane, on Tuesday August 6. As well as a homemade afternoon tea, outfits from op shops will be modelled for both men and women. Tickets are $20 (cash only). Doors will open at 1.30pm for a 2pm start.

volunteers when moving displays, artifacts and records around the museum.

“This happens on a regular basis and using appropriate trolleys to move documents and artifacts is considered museum best practice.

“But, at present, this is done manually using the existing staircase, which can be challenging for our older volunteers. Access to a lift will make this process much easier and safer.

“We understand that it is a difficult fiscal environment to be raising funds in, so realistically it may be 2026 before the lift is installed. It will happen when funds are raised, but we are pleased that the total project has started.”

History

The original domestic goddess

It’s astonishing how fast the internet has become the first place we turn to for everyday life hacks. In fact, it’s hard to imagine being without Google providing an instant source of information on just about everything. So where did our forebears turn when they needed advice, particularly on domestic matters when the preparation of food and the running of households was much more labour intensive, requiring things to be made from scratch, with great care and attention given to a ‘waste not want not’ approach?

For almost half a century, the star of the show was the weighty Mrs Beeton’s Guide to Household Management. In 1856, Isabella Beeton married her publisher husband and started writing articles for his monthly publication – The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine, on topics including housekeeping tips, cookery items, and fashion. The popularity of the articles led to her first book, Beeton’s Guide to Household Management, published in 1861. It sold 60,000 copies in its first year and turned Mrs Beeton into the original ‘domestic goddess’.

The guide was published during a time when newly-wed middle-class women were often separated from their mothers by great distance. As the new mistress of a house, and in need of direction, droves of ladies called on her guide for help and advice. It covered everything from hospitality, ‘good temper’ and dress to fashion, wages of servants and parties. It was part culinary reference book, part encyclopaedia and part bible.

While Mrs Beeton was undoubtedly a key source of information for so many, there were other books that people found equally

useful.

For instance, when Charles Thomson arrived in Warkworth, from Scotland in the 1850s, along with his three brothers, he brought Frangatella’s Modern Cookbook. Family papers record that Charles was a baker on the troopships, transporting soldiers to the Crimean War. Two of Warkworth’s oldest surviving buildings were built by Charles, around 1870. Located in the lower end of Neville Street, they were formally the Thomson home and housed a bakery and Temperance Hotel. No wonder visitors to the hotel were well pleased with the fare as the Frangatella Modern Cookbook contained recipes such as saddle of lamb a la Macedoine and scallops of partridge.

Other well-thumbed reference books in the Warkworth Museum’s archives include a Ladies Guide in Health and Disease, The High-Class Cookery Book, Housewifery and Laundry Work, and intriguingly, What a Woman of 45 Ought to Know. These books must have been a valued source of information, as they contain a high level of detail, some illustrations and surprisingly frank and explicit answers.

In the High-Class Cookery Book, for instance, the functions of the mistress of the house are said to “resemble those of the general of an army or the manager of a great business concern. Her spirit will be seen in the whole establishment, and if she performs her duties well and intelligently, her domestics will usually follow her path.”

Copies of these books can be viewed at Warkworth Museum’s archive department by prior arrangement.

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DRIVEWAYS

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

HOUSE WASHING - Soft Wash / Low Pressure / Chemical Wash Also Window Cleaning / Gutter Clearing / Decks / Concrete. Careful service, reasonable rates. qualitywash.co.nz 021 057 9743

SECTION SERVICES

Trees: BIG, small, difficult. Pruned. Removed. One off section tidy-ups. Hedge reductions. Insured. Experienced. Ph or text for a quote. Dom 027 222 1223 HOME

Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849

CARE

Tree-work, Hedges, Mulch Application, Garden & Section Tidy ups, & Greenwaste removal. Call Mahurangi Groundcare 021 133 8884

& GARDENING

Small local business Lawns, weed-eating, hedges, chainsawing, weed-spraying, water blasting, green-waste / rubbish removal, small digger work, anything considered no job too big or too small. Ph Jay 021 0887 8995 Email asap.lawnsandoutdoor. maintenance@gmail.com

DOROTHY (DOT)

ROSE GOUDIE

Passed away peacefully on Friday 31st May, aged 84, at Waikanae Lodge, in Waikanae. She was a long standing local from the Warkworth region having moved to Kaipara Flats from Whakatane in 1964. She moved into Warkworth in 1976. Dot, was best known for her women’s wear shop called Dorothy’s, in Neville St, Warkworth, which she ran from 1984 to 2017. She will be missed by her family and remembered by many people. The memorial will be held at the Warkworth Bowling Club, on Mill Lane, in Warkworth, on Saturday 3rd August at 2pm.”

Please join us to remember an amazing Mum, Nana, Aunt, friend, and business woman.

Have you been affected by someone's drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups can help.

We welcome you to the Warkworth Family Recovery group confidential meeting. We meet at Vineyard Church Hall, 5 Pulham Road, Warkworth, every Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm. This meeting can also be attended on Zoom.

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

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS

Warkworth, at the Library Monday 10am – 2pm Matakana, Cinema Complex Tuesday 11am-1pm

Snells Beach Community Church 325 Mahurangi East Road Friday 10am – noon

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

Sudoku Solution

Thursday 25th July 2024, 7pm at the Wellsford Memorial RSA, 1 Olympus Road, Wellsford. All welcome.

Secretary 021 388 527

AGM

Thursday 15 August 2024, 7pm, St Chad's Anglican Church, 117 Centreway Road, Orewa. Guest speakers. All welcome. Contact 027 200 3413 rns.coordinator1@gmail.com

TĀWHARANUI

SANCTUARY SOCIETY INC (TOSSI)

Sunday 1 September 2024 at 1pm, The Woolshed, Tāwharanui Regional Park. All members welcome. www.tossi.org.nz

Classifieds

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Holy Name Church, 6 Alnwick Street

Vigil: 6.00pm

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Warkworth Notices of Requirements notified

Auckland Transport has accepted recommendations by independent commissioners to move ahead with eight notices of requirement (NoRs) designed to safeguard routes for prospective new transport corridors around Warkworth. It accepted some of the commissioners’ recommendations on conditions, while rejecting others.

The decision on the eight NoRs, which potentially impact hundreds of properties, was notified on July 12.

A spokesperson said Auckland Council would inform submitters and other interested parties of the decision and the 15-day appeal period and process for submitters.

The designations are expected to be finalised by the end of this year, subject to resolution of any appeals that may be filed.

The eight are:

NOR1: A public transport hub in north Warkworth and the northern end of the Western Link, including a proposed bridge crossing

NOR2: Upgrading of a western section of Woodcocks Road, from Evelyn Street to

the new Puhoi-Warkworth motorway

NOR 3: Upgrading of the southern portion of Old SH1, roughly from The Grange to just south of Valerie Close

NOR4: Upgrading of Matakana Road, from the Hill Street intersection to the rural-urban boundary, a short way past the new roundabout near Clayden Road

NOR5: Upgrading of Sandspit Road, from the Hill Street intersection to the eastern rural-urban boundary

NOR6: The southern portion of a Western Link, from Evelyn Street, skirting the light industrial area and meeting up with the Old SH1 where it intersects McKinney Road

NOR7: A new road linking Matakana Road (at the roundabout where Matakana Road meets the new Matakana Link Road) and Sandspit Road, with separated cycle lanes and footpaths

NOR8: The northern portion of an envisaged wider Western Link, running south of Woodcocks Road (near the new motorway) to the Mahurangi River

“These long-term projects are part of a well-designed, integrated transport

network being planned now to transform how people move around Warkworth in the future,” an Auckland Transport spokesperson said.

The decision is the culmination of several years of business case development leading to the lodging of the NoRs in May last year

and an independent hearing in Warkworth last November.

“The projects are not currently funded for construction or implementation, which we anticipate will be secured in the coming decades with the rezoning and release of land by Auckland Council.”

Previous stories on the NoRs can be found here:

Warkworth route protection proposals: Hearings planned (Sept 11)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/environment/warkworth-route-protection-proposalshearings-planned/

Transport hub near Pak’n Save disputed (Sept 25)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/mahurangi-news/transport-hub-near-pakn-save-disputed/

Land owners contemplate personal cost of road plan (Oct 9)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/environment/land-owners-contemplate-personal-cost-ofroad-plan/

Roading impacts on family land causing frustration, trepidation (Oct 23)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/mahurangi-news/roading-impacts-on-family-land-causingfrustration-trepidation/

Proposed Matakana Road upgrade impacts dozens of properties (Nov 6)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/environment/proposed-matakana-road-upgrade-impactsdozens-of-properties/

Route protection proposals affect scores of properties (Nov 20)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/environment/route-protection-proposals-affect-scores-ofproperties/

Route protection public hearings close (Dec 4)

https://www.localmatters.co.nz/mahurangi-news/route-protection-public-hearings-close/

Warkworth Civil & Truck Hire

Winter pruning Gardening

• live with a disability?

• have ongoing or age-related health problems?

• have an injury or disability as a result of an accident?

• know someone who has health issues and gets WINZ support?

Andrew Steens

Winter pruning is, unfortunately, one of the most neglected of tasks in the garden. It seems that many gardeners are just too apprehensive about getting it wrong to have a go. Pruning is actually quite easy, and quite enjoyable once you get started. The key is to take your time – approach each tree as an individual and have a good look before you start cutting.

Think about what you are trying to achieve – is it height control or tree shape; generating more fruiting wood or removing vigorous growth; taking out diseased, dead or crossed over limbs; reducing density to improve airflow, reduce disease and improve pollination? And will it take more than one pruning season to achieve some of these goals?

Take out the biggest branch first, then have another look – are your previous decisions still going to work? Then do the remaining big cuts. Now do the detailed cuts – these are the smaller cuts with loppers or secateurs rather than a pruning saw or chainsaw. Typically, they involve heading back shoots to generate more fruiting wood, or thinning cuts to reduce the density. Guess what? You’re done, onto the next tree!

For grapevines, just head everything back to two to three buds from the leader (cordon). Most grapes will have two to four leaders coming off each trunk, any more than this should be removed. If the leader is getting too old and big gaps are appearing between buds, just choose another strong new cane that originates from near the trunk to replace it, cut the old leader out and tie the new one to the wire.

Apples are either spur bearing or branch bearing types. Persimmons are tip bearers, while pears, quince and nashi fruit mainly

from spurs, but also from lateral branches. On spur bearers, as the name indicates, the tree will produce many thick, short spurs which remain productive for several years. On spur bearers head back vigorous shoots to encourage more spur growth and occasionally remove older spurs.

On branch bearing apples and tip bearing persimmons there will be fewer or no spurs and fruit is mostly produced on younger wood, so pruning should concentrate on removing older fruiting branches to encourage new shoots to develop. In most cases, it’s easiest for home gardeners to prune apples to form a vase shape. Pears and nashi are more vigorous than apples, so instead of the normal three to five main branches used to form a vase, between six to eight branches are left to form the framework.

Plums bear fruit on shoots from the previous season’s branches and from short spurs. Head back any branches that get too long as these can break from the weight of crop. To encourage more spurs, head back any vigorous water shoots to three to four buds. On peaches and nectarines, which fruit only from new shoots, remove any that are less than pencil thickness, as these are too weak to support fruit. Remove older branches that are getting too large and woody if there is a nearby well-placed younger branch to replace them with.

Leptospirosis research funded

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has once again joined forces with Massey University to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis. Professor of Veterinary Public Health Jackie Benschop says funds raised will help further research with the aim of better understanding leptospirosis in humans, animals and the environment. Last year there were 170 cases notified, nearly all in people living rurally. “Leptospirosis is a nasty flu-like illness which can be spread through contaminated water,” RWNZ president Gill Naylor says. “By making leptospirosis our national project until June 2025 we can again mobilise our members across the country. This is especially important as New Zealand has one of the highest rates of leptospirosis in countries with temperate climates in the world.” More information at www.ruralwomennz.nz/lepto

Waipu and Mahurangi went head-to-head.

Pickleball hotly contested

The Waipu Pickleballers ventured down from the north through the newlyopened Brynderwyns to take on a fired up Mahurangi Pickleball team at Mahurangi College recently.

Home advantage paid off big time with Mahurangi scoring a comfortable win. This was the first challenge between these two clubs. Mahurangi is one of the earliest formed clubs in NZ – one of its original members, Matt Tawhio, played in the

team – and this experience shone through against the newly-formed 18-month-old Waipu club. They will surely be a force in the future.

Congratulations to the two winners of the impressive Shot of the Day trophies, Mahurangi’s Kevin Smith and Waipu’s Moira Patterson, who executed two amazing shots.

A most enjoyable day’s pickleball. Contributed by Beverley Billington

Attention sports clubs

Want more coverage of your sports club’s activities? Mahurangi Matters is inviting sports clubs to contribute write-ups about their games, fundraising events and other activities. Just email it to: editor@localmatters.co.nz

The write-up should be no longer than 300 words and must include the author’s name. Photos welcome, but must be high resolution for print purposes.

Give bowls a go

Bowls Warkworth will host two Have a Go Days on Sunday, August 4 and Sunday, September 1 from 2-3.30pm. People of all ages and abilities are

Wear flat-soled shoes. To book phone or text Julie on 021 827 855.

Free coaching workshop

Harbour Sport is hosting a free Coach Emerge workshop on Wednesday, July 24 from 6-8pm. The workshop will be held at the Harbour Sport House on Stadium Drive, Albany. Coach Emerge will help new coaches learn about the coaching process, experience fun sports activities, and learn new techniques to provide a foundation to run their own coaching sessions. Register: https://forms.office.com/r/r9GQ1ejwjM

Quiz night

The Mahurangi East Tennis Club (METC) Quiz Night will be held on Saturday, August 17 from 6.30pm onwards at the METC Clubrooms at Goodall Reserve. Enter a team or join as a single. $5 per player. BYO refreshments. Book a spot by emailing Louise Sinclair at louisesodl@gmail.com

Ball kids

Northland Rugby Union is searching for ball kids to represent Northland at home games this season. One boy and one girl aged between 11 and 14 will be selected. Ball kids must be available for all Kauri and/or Taniwha home games as well as specific warm-up games or other representative fixtures in Northland. They also need to play rugby in Northland and be a reliable team player. To enter, send a video outlining why you believe you should represent Northland as a ball kid. Entries close on Sunday, July 28. Winners announced on Wednesday, July 31. Entries: https://hubs.la/Q02Fx-rG0

Beginners basketball

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List sports news FREE by emailing online@localmatters.co.nz

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Kaipara Basketball Association is hosting a 9-week Miniball programme for kids in years 2-4 who are new to playing basketball. The programme runs every Tuesday afternoon at the Mangawhai Beach School gym. Sessions begin on Tuesday, July 30. There are two sessions per day, 3.30-4.15pm or 4.155pm. Cost of $50 per player. Second family member free. Info: info@kaiparabasketball. com Register: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdvwaPQ9hIA4a.../viewform

Kawau’s coastguard needs volunteers – now

Coastguard’s national volunteer recruitment campaign is underway, and the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard is among the units needing help.

The national organisation has more than 2000 skilled volunteers ready to respond to calls for help day or night, but more are needed.

“With more Kiwis than ever enjoying life on the water, we’re on the search for new talent to ensure we can continue our lifesaving mahi long into the future,” Coastguard says.

Volunteer manager Jacqui Arnold says it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned boatie who ventures out every weekend or someone who wants to stick closer to shore – there is a role available with Coastguard.

Across Auckland, Coastguard volunteers over the last year contributed 53,137 hours, responded to 1117 incidents and helped 3032 people get back home safely.

“Our volunteers embody compassion and camaraderie, willingly exchanging the comfort of home or paid jobs to lend a helping hand when it’s needed most,” Jacqui says.

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard has around 30 volunteers, with vessel crew the most visible.

“If you are living within 20 minutes of Sandspit and are happy to be on call –which is one week in three during your duty week – this could be something you can do,” president Paul Steinkamp says, adding that a volunteer’s work commitments are taken into account.

Full training is provided.

“It does take up a lot of your time during summer and being ‘on call’ means staying in the area ready for callouts during your duty week. We do organise cover between ourselves and people often swap so that there are sufficient people available.”

Just as important are shore-based crew, which currently includes a treasurer, fundraiser and secretary, as well as a tractor driver who helps launch and retrieve the boat.

“The advantage of being shore-based is that you don’t have to be on call and there is not the same pressure to be available for emergencies,” Paul says. “The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to understand the jargon and processes that occur on the boat. However, we will ensure you come out on the water once or twice for training sessions, to meet the rescue crew and become familiar with what happens.”

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard is fundraising for a new boat to replace its 16-year-old vessel, and would welcome volunteers willing to approach businesses

and potential sponsors and donors.

“We do have a maintenance officer –however, he is also on a boat crew so has to cover two jobs. We are looking for someone who could help with boat maintenance and ensuring that all runs smoothly.”

Also helpful would be administrative support for the secretary, especially with organising and keeping records and photos and maintaining processes. A safety officer could also use help in a critical role.

Contact Paul on 027 233 2655 or Jane on 027 626 5257, and see: https://www. facebook.com/kawaucoastguard/

The Leigh Bowling Club held its annual general meeting recently and the following officers were elected: Patron, Ron Perry, president; Keith Greenwood, senior vice president; Willie Sellars; junior vice president, Symon Morrice; secretary, Ian Bradnam; treasurer, Robert McLean; greenkeeper, Lance Michell; house manager, Lance Michell; match committee, Peter Manuell; tournament director, Robert McLean; northland delegate, Robert McLean; health & safety officer, John Brooks.

Three changes to the club’s constitution were also confirmed :

1. Member categories will include playing, non-playing, casual.

2. There will now be no limit on the number of Life Members.

3. Complaints will go directly to Bowls NZ, rather than to the club first.

Prizegiving will be held at the club on Sunday August 18, at 1pm, followed by a social night on Friday August 23.

There will also be a working bee on Sunday July 28, starting at 10am. All club members are asked to attend as there are lots of jobs to be done.

The opening day for the new season is expected to be held in September. Contributed by Ian Bradnam.

Bowls invitation

Warkworth Bowls is inviting anyone interested in bowls to attend a couple of ‘have a go’ days. The social days will be an opportunity for anyone of any age or ability to learn a little more about the game. “It is easy to learn and great fun to play,” a club spokesperson said. The two days will be held on Sunday August 4 and Sunday September 1, from 2pm to 3.30pm. All equipment will be supplied, visitors just need to wear flat soled shoes. Info: Julie 021 827 855

Auckland Area Sea Watch

26Jul 27Jul 28Jul

11:14pm1.1

6:03pm2.9

8Aug 9Aug

4:45am0.5 11:03am3.3 5:00pm0.5 11:32pm3.4 5:36am0.5 11:55am3.3 5:54pm0.6 12:24am3.3 6:29am0.5 12:48pm3.2 6:51pm0.7 1:18am3.2 7:23am0.6 1:46pm3.1 7:52pm0.9 2:14am3.1 8:20am0.7 2:48pm3.0 8:56pm0.9 3:13am3.0 9:21am0.8 3:53pm3.0 9:59pm1.0 4:13am3.0 10:22am0.8 4:55pm3.0 10:58pm1.0 5:14am2.9 11:21am0.8 5:52pm3.1 11:54pm0.9 6:12am2.9 12:15pm0.7 6:44pm3.1 12:46am0.9 7:05am3.0 1:04pm0.7 7:31pm3.2 1:34am0.9 7:54am3.0 1:49pm0.7 8:15pm3.2 2:18am0.8 8:39am3.0 2:30pm0.7 8:56pm3.2 3:00am0.8 9:20am3.0 3:09pm0.7 9:35pm3.1 3:39am0.8 9:58am3.0 3:46pm0.7 10:13pm3.1 4:17am0.8 10:35am3.0 4:24pm0.8 10:50pm3.0 4:54am0.8 11:12am2.9 5:03pm0.9 11:28pm3.0 5:32am0.9 11:51am2.9 5:45pm1.0 7:24am 5:32pm 7:23am 5:33pm 7:22am

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

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

July

23 Warkworth Ladies Rebus Club Meeting, Besoul, 3/12 Gumfield Drive, Warkworth, 10am. Club & guest speakers. New members welcome. Fourth Tuesday of every month. Info: Pam 09 945 3316.

27 Warkworth Rotary Sausage Sizzle, New World Warkworth, 9.30am. Fundraising for the Warkworth St John Ambulance Service.

28 Puhoi Village Market, Puhoi Sports Club, 9am-1pm

28 Snells Beach Community Market, Snells Beach School Hall, 10am-2pm.

August

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

1 Forest & Bird Winter Talk, with author Annette Lees, who will discuss her new book After Dark. The group meets in the Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room, 7.30pm

2 Mahurangi College Open Day, 9.30-11.30am. Parents, caregivers and children welcome. Info: https://www.mahurangi.school.nz/enrolment

3 Henry Wong Doe, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm; presented by Warkworth Music. Members $30, non-members $40. Info: www.warkworthmusic. org.nz (see story p21)

3 Comedy Night, Salty Dog Inn Snells Beach, 7.30pm. Fundraiser for Snells Beach Kindergarten. Tickets $25, to purchase email snellsbeach.kindyparents@yahoo.com. No door sales (see story p20)

4 Tāwharanui Planting Day, 9am-12.30pm. Follow the signs for parking. Wear suitable clothing and very clean, sturdy footwear. Gloves and spades provided. Kauri dieback free zone. BYO waterproof jacket, drink bottle & snacks. Lunch provided at 12.30pm.

6 Wardrobe Revival fundraiser for Warkworth Museum, Warkworth Bowls Club, Mill Lane, 1.30pm for 2pm start. Tickets $20pp, cash only (see story p30)

7 ANZ Daffodil Day Bingo Night, Warkworth Bowling Club, 5.30pm for 6pm start. $10 per ticket goes to The Cancer Society. Tickets $25pp including nibbles and dinner, available from ANZ Warkworth branch or phone Charlene Morrison on 021 831488.

7 Retired Men’s Coffee Morning, So French Cafe Warkworth, 10.30am. Camaraderie and chat with Men’s Rebus. You don’t have to be a member, visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

7 Wellsford Knitting Group, 1 Worker Road, 10am-12pm. First Wednesday of every month. Meet like-minded people who enjoy to knit and chat. Tea & coffee available. Koha donation. Info: Anne 021 252 1819

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

9-11 Art in August, Oaks on Neville, from 10am daily (see story p23) 9&10, 14-17 Warkworth Theatre Presents Two For One Plays: Last Tango in Little Warkworth and The Worst Day of My Life, Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm (see story p19)

11 & 17 Warkworth Theatre Presents Two For One Plays: Last Tango in Little Warkworth and The Worst Day of My Life, Warkworth Town Hall, 2pm.

11 Whisper Cove Planting Day, 10am. Meet at end of Kokihi Lane, Snells Beach.

11 Puhoi River Walkway Planting Day, Puhoi Domain, 10am. BYO clean, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, clean gloves and spade (if you have them) & a drink bottle.

18 Kaipara Wool and Fibre Festival, Maungaturoto Country Club, 10am-3pm. Free entry. Gold coin for the carpark. Info & tickets: https://www.eventbrite. co.nz/e/kaipara-wool-and-fibre-festival-tickets-940118007267

18 Albi & The Wolves, Tahi Bar Warkworth (see story p20)

19 Warkworth Men’s Rebus Meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 10am. Guest speaker. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

23 Rodney College Open Evening, 5.30pm. Meet teachers & guided tour.

30 Pharos 2020 Launch, Brick Bay Restaurant, 6pm. An evening of fine wine, food and conversation. Info: https://www.brickbay.co.nz/winter-series

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

Swimming for a cause

Every morning this mid-winter month,

has pulled on her togs, shed her

at Matheson Bay and ventured just after sunrise into the frigid waters of the Hauraki Gulf to swim for more than a kilometre.

Helen, 70, is participating in an event called The Big Swim, to raise awareness and funds for Coastguard NZ and last week she hit her target of 25km. It’s a mission inspired by Helen’s journey of overcoming illness, and deep gratitude for the volunteers’ lifesaving efforts.

In 2021, she suffered from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and post-viral syndrome, struggling with chronic asthma and high blood pressure. Casting around for a solution, she discovered cold water immersion, and on February 6, 2022, took her first dip in the ocean, a moment that marked the beginning of her recovery.

“At first, I could barely swim 20 metres because I was so fatigued,” Helen recalls.

“But I kept at it, swimming every day, and within weeks, I managed to swim 300 metres. It took six months to come off all the medication, and I haven’t had any since then.”  That first swim was in summer. Swimming for 35-40 minutes in July is a very different proposition, with the air temperature as low as five degrees and the water temperature around 13 degrees.

It’s not stopping her though, helped by beautiful sunrises, supportive swimmers joining her – including “lovely local Alice, a real mermaid” – and the unexpected treat of seeing a turtle in the wild for the first time.

“I love this place. It makes me feel alive,” she wrote in one of her daily updates. “The swim was beautiful, mirror calm water,

I feel privileged every day I can swim

“ ”

Helen Parkes

very clear, and joyous to be in there. I feel privileged every day I can swim.”

As of last week Helen had raised more than $3000, well over her initial goal of $2500. She has another goal in mind: By the end of July, Helen expects to have swam 365kms over the past 12 months.

As a resident of Leigh, she has witnessed firsthand the vital work of Coastguard volunteers bringing people home safely. She has donated monthly for the last nine years, and after reading about The Big Swim, “it was a no-brainer for me to take part”.

Coastguard says the initiative celebrates the joy of swimming while raising funds to support the volunteers who dedicate countless hours to keeping Kiwis

safe on the water.

More than 1200 participants across the country are taking part.

To support Helen go to: https://bigswim.org.nz/h-parkes

Helen Parkes

towel

Helen Parkes

Photo,