Mahurangi Matters_Issue 461_14 August 2023

Best brewer in NZ

Years of experimentation and innovation have paid off for Warkworth brewer Søren Eriksen (pictured), wife Monique and the 8 Wired team, who were crowned NZ’s Champion Brewery at the recent New Zealand Beer Awards held in Christchurch. It was a big night for the craft brewery, which also picked up the title of Champion Beer for its barrel aged Wild Feijoa 2022, as well as a gold medal for its Oude Imperial, silver for Baltic Smoke and iStout, and bronze for its Brave Old World – Scotch Ale. The awards attracted 825 entries across 15 classes, from 80 entrants. Eriksen said he and Monique were immensely proud of the 8 Wired team. Full story, including other local winners, page 20.

Huge Mangawhai development promotes its green

credentials

One of the largest development proposals to have ever crossed Kaipara District Council’s desk will be released for public consultation later this month.

A consortium, known as Mangawhai Hills, wants to develop an area formerly known as Frecklington Farm, encompassing nearly 220 hectares bounded by Tara Road, Cove Road, Old Waipu Road, and stretching south as far as Moir Street.

The proposal will carve up 2.2 square kilometres of rural land, west of the town, to develop 600 residential lots and some 15kms of walking and bike trails.

Around 500 of the proposed large-lot residential sites will be serviced by an on-site wastewater treatment plant built as part of the project, while the remainder – those closer to the village – will eventually be serviced by the Mangawhai wastewater scheme.

Patrick Fontein, the developer who leads the Mangawhai Hills initiative, says that is only one of the environmental elements in what he calls the conservation

continued page 2

design approach being taken – “a more harmonious way of land development”.

He says that at least half of the overall site will be devoted to conservation in perpetuity.

The aim is to build twice as many kilometres of walkway as road – about 15 kms of walking trails, including a wide shared paved pathway, areas running through re-wilded natural areas, and about 3.6 km of tracks through native bush. The tracks will be open for public use.

“This is totally the opposite of a gated community,” he says. “We are very encouraging of people to come through and use the walking trails.”

Fontein said the proposed development would largely involve “looking after our own” with regard to water and sewerage systems, and included solar panelling that would not only power the site, but generate more electricity than needed, feeding excess back into the grid. With stringent house design guidelines, and clean building concepts, the goal would be to achieve a carbon zero situation on-site.

“The main thing I’m focused on is regenerative design – leaving the site in a better condition after development than pre-development.”

He concedes there will be additional costs to achieve that vision.

“Our thought pattern is that if people like living next to nature, which they do, then they’ll want to buy those sections. The sales pitch will be targeting the environmentallyconscious customer.”

from page 1

Mangawhai Hills has an information office, run by Steve Brebner, who is talking to people in the neighbourhood and wider community, answering questions about the proposal.

Brebner says the response has been largely positive and supportive, while other reaction has been neutral. Some people having questions pertaining to where they live.

“It will be a changed land form, but that’s what the [Mangawhai] Spatial Plan envisages,” Fontein says, referring to the 2020 planning document that projects the population will grow to about 14,500 by 2043.

On July 26, the Kaipara District Council voted to accept Mangawhai Hills’ application for a private plan change to rezone the rural land for residential development. It instructed the chief executive to publicly notify the change, and for a public consultation process to begin on August 28 and run until September 26.

Council staff stressed that “accepting” did not amount to “adopting”. While adopting means the council would itself take the application forward, at ratepayers’ expense, accepting merely moves the process along towards notification.

They said council would later appoint commissioners to investigate the proposal, and, in most cases, council had the final say, once the commissioners had made recommendations.

Consultation documents will be available on the council website as well as council offices in Mangawhai and Dargaville. Info: www.kaipara.govt.nz

Mangawhai Hills consortium lead Patrick Fontein’s background includes property development and consultancy. He provided consulting to Auckland Council on its Auckland Plan for six years, and is a member of the Property Council New Zealand’s Auckland regional committee.

Thirteen years ago, he was declared bankrupt over debt owed to BNZ and other creditors involved in the Kensington Park housing development in Ōrewa. Asked about that episode, Fontein says that a number of New Zealand developers with big projects underway at the time of the global financial crisis in 2007-2008 “went kaput”.

In his case, BNZ’s Australian owners decided to recall loans, and there was “nothing I could do about it, no way I could repay it”.

He says the difference with the proposed Mangawhai development is that it will be equity funded with no bank debt. Asked if he is worried about the bankruptcy question being raised as he seeks community support for the project, he says he is happy to discuss it with anyone.

“In terms of trust, I don’t have any debt so I don’t have anyone who’s going to change what we do,” he says.

“It’s made me a lot more resilient.” Fontein says that he is happy to stand behind the dozens of projects he has been involved in, including Kensington Park, where he says the sales values and conservation design elements have all stood up very well.

Developer Patrick Fontein says his bankruptcy episode during the great financial crisis left him “a lot more resilient”.

Photo, Property Council New Zealand Chequered career

Aerial photo of proposed development site. Image, Kaipara District Council/Emaps

Wastewater fill lands local companies in hot water

Two Warkworth companies and one individual are being prosecuted under the Resource Management Act, for allegedly dumping fill from a Watercare construction site in Snells Beach onto a property in Kaipara Flats.

The defendants, who have not been named, are due to make their first appearance in the Auckland District Court later this month.

The issue was first raised with Watercare in June last year by Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers, who noticed heavy sedimentation

in a stream that ran under the road bridge in Old Woodcocks Road, Kaipara Flats, and eventually into the Mahurangi River. Investigating further, Sayers said he observed multiple truck and trailer movements to a nearby property in Davie Martin Road at Kaipara Flats.

“I was very concerned that the fill appeared to have completely covered an overland flow point, and a gully line or tributary,” Sayers said.

He believed that this must have been the source of the sedimentation he had seen in the nearby stream.

“There was considerable dirt on the road, which indicated many weeks of activity.”

By following the trucks, Sayers established that the fill was coming from Watercare’s Snells Beach wastewater plant, which is currently under construction. He sent an email to the regulatory engineer for Northern Rodney, advising him of the situation.

Auckland Council said it would not comment or provide additional detail prior to the charges being presented in court. Meanwhile, Cr Sayers reminded landowners that allowing soil to be dumped on their land without the proper consents could make them liable to prosecution by council.

“Prosecution can include fines, as well as the additional costs of removing contaminated soil and having it disposed of correctly,” he said.

Major development could double Wellsford’s size What’s proposed for Wellsford North

By Laura Kvigstad,

A massive development that would effectively double the size of Wellsford could be on the cards if a private plan change application is approved.

Wellsford Welding Club Ltd wants to develop at least 800 new homes and a neighbourhood retail centre on 72 hectares of land north-east of the town, bordered by the railway line and Bosher Road.

Auckland Councillors voted to accept the application at its Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on August 3, kickstarting the process for public notification, where individuals and interested parties, including council itself, will be able to make submissions on the proposal.

All private plan change applications go to the committee in the first instance, where staff recommend whether they should be adopted, accepted, rejected, or processed as a resource consent. ‘Accepting’ sits between rejecting and adopting, simply meaning it can proceed with the public notification process.

Senior policy planner Ryan Bradley said council did not have any grounds to reject the plan change, but nor was it appropriate for it to be adopted by council.

“That leaves accepting it,” Bradley said. He said after the plan change went through a hearings process, councillors could approve or decline it, based on its merits.

Mayor Wayne Brown asked what the impact of such a big change would have on council’s planning department.

“The piece of land is in fact slightly bigger than all of Wellsford. In context, it’s a pretty big thing – I mean, it’s taken Wellsford 130 years to get to that size,” Brown said.

Chief of strategy Megan Tyler said the land had already been identified as possible development land for the future.

“It is a more reasonable density for Wellsford, as opposed to urban Auckland,” Tyler said.

Rodney Cr Greg Sayers said the developers had already begun engaging with the community, referring to a public information evening held in Wellsford in

The land in question is bordered by the railway, Bosher Road and SH1.

April last year.

“They have conducted some community engagement of their own volition and it has been warmly received by the community members who have attended those meetings,” Sayers said.

Cr Chris Darby asked for council staff to develop a submission on the plan change and added it should be standard practice for private plan changes.

“I think we need to send a signal to our staff to undertake the next stage,” Darby said.

He said private plan changes often had a hefty price for council, however.

“Other developments coat-tail and next thing you know, your sprawl spend is happening. It has happened for decades and it’s allowed by law. I am not saying it’s all bad, but it is very costly if you look at it,” Darby said. Chair Richard Hills agreed to develop a submission, the content of which has yet to be decided.

The private plan change will be publicly notified within the next four months.

Auckland-based developer Wellsford Welding Club Limited (WWC) wants to rezone 72 hectares of farmland – known as Wellsford North – from its current combination of future urban, single house residential, rural countryside living and rural production land to a mix of residential large lot, single house and mixed housing suburban zones. There would also be a small business neighbourhood centre, plus an area of rural countryside living to the north, along Bosher Road.

The Auckland Future Urban Land Supply Strategy identifies the future urban-zoned land as being development ready from 2023-27, with potential to accommodate 832 dwellings.

WWC says its proposal avoids urbanisation of land that is subject to significant natural hazards or contains elite and prime soils.

“The private plan change provides for urbanisation that is consistent with the existing low density built character of Wellsford, while providing opportunity for increased housing capacity and choice, and hence efficient use of greenfield land,” the developer says in its application.

“The plan change area is able to be serviced by infrastructure, with appropriate upgrades in place.”

A variety of different sized residential blocks is proposed, depending on location and land topography, and pedestrian and cycleways are planned to connect the site to Wellsford town centre and the wider area.

The neighbourhood centre would be in walking distance of housing and would provide for the day-to-day needs of the local community, WWC says.

“The proposed centre is small in scale to ensure that there will be no adverse effects arising with respect to the functioning and vitality of the existing Wellsford town centre.” WWC has drawn up a structure plan for the land, which it says would allow Wellsford North to be comprehensively developed over the next 20 years to integrate with the existing Wellsford settlement.

WWC already owns the bulk of the land affected by the proposed plan change.

Auckland Council reporter. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Board signs off on funding priorities

Rodney Local Board has signed off on its customer and community services work programme and budget for 2023/24, its annual core to-do spending list of priorities and projects.

The multi-million dollar schedule includes ongoing repairs, maintenance, facility upgrades, running costs, refurbishment and leases, plus future projects and, this year, responding to storm damage.

This unexpected drain on resources includes damaged toilets, tracks, pathways and assets such as drains, fencing and pontoons, with $55,000 earmarked for this financial year, but has an estimated total of $820,000 needed by mid-2027.

Storm damage assessments also revealed the need to replace the footbridge and walkway along the Mahurangi River in Warkworth, where it goes under the road bridge between Queen Street and the Bridgehouse.

Some of the other major projects listed in this year’s work programme include the development of a new local park for Leigh, where play equipment and the skate park will be relocated from the school field, off Cumberland Street, to the reserve on the corner of Puriri and Ferndale Avenues.

Council said the new park project, which has an estimated total cost of nearly $995,000, would include installation of furniture, pathways and landscaping, and development of a concept plan and design is due by the end of this financial year.

Play equipment will also be on the move in Te Hana, where the board wants to relocate the existing playground into Te Hana reserve, close to the hall and toilets. There are also plans to install a half pipe skate ramp and furniture, and re-mark the basketball court for older kids. The project could cost almost $650,000 and will be out for design this year.

Wellsford has managed to account for both the priciest and cheapest projects in the

board’s north Rodney capital expenditure for the next three years, with almost $2,587,975 slated for improvements at Centennial Park, including renewing the carpark, lighting, toilet and changing room block, tennis courts, cricket nets, pitches, storage and play equipment, and relocating the netball courts and lighting. At the other end of the scale, just over $5,600 has been allocated for improving the southern entrance to the skate park off Hazelmere Street, to allow easier maintenance.

And there are big plans for Bourne Dean Recreation Reserve at Kaipara Flats over the next few years, with a scheme to renew the play space, including investigation of wheel play and fitness station options, renewal of the petanque court, carpark and furniture. There are also plans to look at providing external access to the Ranfurly Hall toilets, plus a perimeter pathway network. The works could cost more than $900,000 if they go ahead, with the local board expected to consider a concept plan this year.

Funding for the work programme comes mainly from the board’s almost $25 million annual budget, plus a number of specialist council funds, developer contributions and outside sources.

Speaking at the board’s monthly meeting on July 19, Auckland Council work

work programme highlights:

Leigh skate park looks set to move around the corner to Puriri Avenue, with plans for a new purpose-built park for the community.

Rodney’s 2023/24 Capex

Divisions surface over Hōteo

A legal case to determine who owns the Hōteo River riverbed got off to a shaky start in the Maori Land Court in Whangarei on August 7.

The court is being asked to determine whether the riverbed is Māori customary land and, if it is, whose customary land it is – Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is seeking an order that they are the guardians of the bed upstream of the Tarakihi Falls, while iwi Te Runanga Ngāti Whatua are claiming customary ownership over the entire length of the river.

During a teleconference with Judge Miharo Armstrong, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, lawyers for the two parties disagreed over whether the case should proceed in one stage or two – stage one, to determine that the riverbed was Māori customary land and stage two, to determine ownership.

Lawyer Mai Chen, for Ngati Whatua, argued that a single stage approach would be more efficient and cost-effective. This was supported by the Attorney General’s office. “If there is a conversation needed, so we are clear about which parts of the Hōteo River that Ngati Whatua has whenua over as opposed to Manuhiri, then that needs to be done up-front because of the ongoing queries by the Crown,” she said.

She asked the court to adjourn proceedings so that the two applicants could engage in a tikanga [customary practices] process to resolve issues concerning ownership. “This has to do with pragmatism, efficiency and effectiveness in terms of the use of court time,” Chen said.

Chen feared that because there was so much crossover between the two stages, too much time would be wasted determining whether something should be discussed in stage one or stage two.

Crown Law counsel Damen Ward said the Attorney General’s concern was that in the Statement of Claim, there were various statements about tikanga and about the nature of the application that were framed in a “very general and high level way”.

“The Attorney is entitled to know the

material elements of the claim,” he said.

“Where it says that the land is held in accordance with tikanga Māori, we say the application should set out the material elements of that tikanga.”

He said the very stark distinction between stage one and stage two wasn’t going to be a viable basis for the proceedings. If the court had to consider whether particular transactions had had an extinguishing effect, then it might well be that tikanga points would be relevant.

However, Ngati Manuhiri counsel Jason Pou said the approach proposed by Ngati Whatua and the Crown was opposed “absolutely” by Ngati Manuhiri.

“Their approach starts from a position of terra nullius, which requires Ngati Manuhiri to forensically prove and identify all the tikanga associated with the river,” Pou said.

“The start point for Ngati Manuhiri, if I can say it in a somewhat flippant way, if there is one way that Aotearoa was described by all Māori prior to colonisation, that one word would have been ‘ours’,” Pou said.

“It is axiomatic that the river, its bed and the surrounds, prior to the signing of the treaty, were customary land.”

The court acknowledged that several landholders along the river were present at the teleconference and they were provided with the opportunity to speak.

One landholder said existing landowners did not want to be left out in the cold.

“We’ve bought land through the only process available, through the Crown,” he said. “We feel we have ownership of what we’ve purchased.”

In response, Pou assured them that the application was about the bed of the river and there was no intention to dispossess adjacent landowners.

The 28-kilometre river forms at the confluence of the Whangaripo and Waiwhiu streams, north-east of Wellsford, and is a tributary of the Kaipara Harbour.

The judge’s decision on how the case will proceed had not been released when Mahurangi Matters went to press.

Opportunity Community Places Coordinator – East Rodney

• Do you enjoy activating and promoting community spaces?

• Are you passionate about working with the community?

• Do you have substantial community development experience?

• Do you live locally?

The opportunity

We are looking for a passionate person to promote and activate the three Auckland Council community centres in East Rodney so that they are vibrant well used community spaces and outstanding venues for the district. You will also provide high level support and guidance to rural halls across the Rodney Local Board area.

About you

You will have a wealth of experience and understanding of community development practice and activating community spaces. You will be organised, enjoy building relationships and co-ordinating a range of community activities and programmes.

What we need

You will be working as an independent contractor 40 hours a week in a variety of locations across East Rodney. You must be able to work autonomously and have access to your own transport. There is some flexibility with the hours but weekend and after hours work may be required on occasion.

To apply send us a letter along with your CV by 22 August 2023.

For a role description and any other information contact Sue Dodds sue.dodds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (ph 021 863 326)

Queen Mattress $1699

Barbecued ribs of beef with béarnaise sauce

2 separate rib steaks on the bone about 600g each roast potatoes glazed carrots with tarragon & chives and runner beans.

Bernaise Sauce

225g Butter

1 tbsp chopped Tarragon

2 Shallots finely chopped

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 egg yolks, freeze the whites for future use

To Make the Béarnaise Sauce, put the butter in a small pan over a very low heat and leave to melt. Skim off any scum from the surface and pour the clear (clarified) butter into a bowl, leaving behind the milky white solids that settle at the bottom. Tip the tarragon, shallots, vinegar, 1 tbsp water and ½ tsp black pepper into another small pan and boil rapidly until the liquid has reduced to 1 tbsp. Put the egg yolks and 1 tbsp water in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl isn’t touching the water, and whisk vigorously until voluminous and creamy. Remove the bowl from the pan and gradually whisk in the clarified butter until you have a thick, creamy sauce. Stir in the tarragon and shallot reduction and season with salt. Scrape into a serving bowl and keep warm in the oven on a low heat. Season the ribs well on both sides with Salt and Pepper. On a hot Barbecue cook the meat for 9-10 mins on each side for rare (it should read about 55C on a meat thermometer) or 11-13 mins each side for medium-rare (60-65C). Remove and leave to rest for 10 mins. To serve, cut off the bone and carve the meat into long, thin slices. Serve with the béarnaise sauce, potatoes, carrots and runner beans. Enjoy

YouSay

Chambers closed

This is an ex-pigeon ...

Tomarata damage

Not content with damaging the Tomarata Lakes unique beauty with the roaring engines of jet skis in summer, four wheel drive petrolheads also like to have their “fun” in winter by churning the picnic areas into mud wallows.

I have long given up trying to analyse the behaviours of many of my fellow New Zealanders, who see public spaces as destinations for vandalism and locations where dangerous dogs have the same right to roam around small children.

All of these behaviours have been commonplace at Tomarata Lake reserve as they have in other Rodney locations for many years.

My solution is to prohibit motor vehicles from entering reserves such as Tomarata Lake.

With the exception, as is the case elsewhere, for boat owners to launch and then park in an authorised carpark, off the reserve. People who behave toward the scant public facilities available to us in this way are an embarrassment both to our community and, as New Zealanders, to us all.

Brent Morrissey, Te Arai

The door has closed on an era of local government in Rodney. A meeting of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board last month marked the final day for the council chambers in Orewa. The complex was built in 1977 by Rodney County Council, when Sir Gordon Mason was mayor. The county merged with the Helensville Borough Council in 1989 to become Rodney District Council, which was subsequently amalgamated into Auckland Council in November 2010. The building, which hosted countless debates, protests and community presentations, is destined to become a business park.

therecord Off

Take cover

Warkworth residents are well-used to hearing the fire siren sound when calling the volunteers to duty. But a recent Facebook posted reminded us that it is a novelty for new residents.

There was much scorn and ridicule voiced online recently, when Vector blamed the major power failure on July 31 on a wood pigeon colliding with a power pole. Sceptics (including, it has to be said, some Mahu Matters staffers) pooh-poohed the idea that a mere bird could wreak such havoc across the region. However, it seems the doubters may well have been too hasty – a trusted contact, whose friend works for the lines company, sent in photographic evidence from his pal of the pole in question ... not to mention the poor, departed kereru.

That’s the spirit

It takes more than a major power cut to faze the Matakana Community Group, as members proved on July 31. Just minutes before its annual general meeting was due to start, the community hall was thrown into darkness when the now infamous pigeon struck a power pole in the Dome Valley. Undeterred, the 11 people who had turned up carried on regardless, even though they couldn’t see each other and had only phones for light.

Viewpoint

Colin Smith, Rodney Local Board colin.smith@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Time is running out

The local board has nine focused and passionate board members who are prepared to listen to the people. They are committed to their communities and put in long hours on the communities’ behalf. As one of the longest serving members of the board, it is heartening to see the end of the Rodney First coalition’s stranglehold and see these members working as independents, achieving better outcomes for all constituents.

After 13 years in the Supercity, Auckland Council still doesn’t understand the two most important requirements of the rural communities – safer roads and drainage. It shouldn’t take a weather event like Cyclone Gabrielle or Bola to address our already under-resourced infrastructure. Auckland Transport does, however, need to be acknowledged for the clean-up effort during Cyclone Gabrielle, bringing in extra grading teams. This needs to be the norm and not a short-term fix.

After seven years, the Te Arai and Okahukura drainage boards have been reinstated. Auckland Council discontinued them when they joined the Supercity. Drainage boards provide these communities with a management role to conduct the drainage requirements pursuant to the Drainage Act 1908. I appreciate the support of the Healthy Waters team and the drainage

In brief

Bus trial back on the cards

communities to finally get this resolved. I would like to thank the efforts of Marja Lubeck and Tania Hamilton in arranging the visit of the Minister of Transport to assess our local roading network. After a tour of the area, he was not impressed with the roads. He experienced first-hand, the potholes, poor road surface, lack of drainage and the reduction in legal width of the roads.

The Katoa, Ka Ora three-year speed management plan aims to meet Waka Kotahi’s requirement for safe and appropriate speeds outside all schools by December 2027. Speeds on many rural roads in Rodney that are currently 100km/h will see reductions to 80, 60, 40 or even 30km/h. The community can have their say through the submissions process which closes on August 28. Further information is available online or at your local library.

Speed reductions aside, Auckland Council is focused on urban areas, while rural road maintenance and drainage get neglected. Rural people are fed up with the lack of service after numerous complaints about roading. Rural communities pay hundreds of thousands of dollars on rates that are intended for our roads, but get reallocated to Auckland urban projects.

When do rural communities get their share?

LEGAL MATTERS

Do I need to update my will?

By Courtney Clarke, & Patrick Steuart, WRMK Lawyers

As life changes, so do your circumstances, assets and wishes. A thorough and up to date Will ensures your wishes are respected when you die, and simplifies the administration of your estate for your grieving loved ones.

Having children, getting married, or separating from your partner all have an impact on your will. Getting married automatically renders your Will invalid, but separating from your partner does not. If you had previously included your ex in your Will, they will be entitled to receive that gift from you, unless you update your will. Acquiring significant assets, such as a new property or an inheritance should also prompt you to think about your will.

These days families can be complex, meaning previous relationships, children, multiple properties or family trusts all need to be considered when making your will (or else may leave your will wide open to be challenged – a stressful process for all involved).

It’s also useful to consider nonfinancial matters, such as who will look after your children and pets, what happens to your treasured personal effects, and your funeral arrangements.

distributed in accordance with your will to the beneficiaries. Usually, the same person or people will be both executor and trustee.

You can appoint anyone as your executor/trustee, and you can appoint more than one, but it’s important to consider your choice carefully. The person/people you trust to carry out this important role may change over the years. When someone dies without a will, it often takes significant time, effort, and cost to deal with their estate.

As a reminder, to be valid, your will must be:

• in writing

• signed and witnessed correctly

• intended by you to take effect as a will, and completed when you have legal capacity.

Auckland Transport (AT) planners have been asked to fine-tune how existing bus routes and a new on-demand trial service can work best in Warkworth and the surrounding areas. Rodney Local Board members made the call at a workshop where a $2,550,000 threeyear on-demand bus service trial for Warkworth, Leigh and Sandspit was being discussed. The trial was originally approved in September, but was paused in May, when members voted to investigate whether the money could be better spent on improving the local road network, in light of extreme floods and storms. Following a boost for road maintenance in Auckland Council’s recent budget, however, local members have been looking again at the bus trial. At the workshop on August 2, Warkworth members Michelle Carmichael and Ivan Wagstaff asked senior service network planner Dave Hilson to look into extending the 997 Matakana and 998 Wellsford service to include a new loop west of Warkworth town centre, via Woodcocks Road, and using the smaller on-demand trial buses to serve Leigh, Point Wells and Omaha. Hilson said he would report back at the next workshop, on November 1.

Council accountability

Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers has been appointed deputy chair of a new budget committee, which will oversee the 10-Year Budget (Long Term Plan), as well as annual budgets. “The Mayor, who chairs the committee, has created this committee in order to gain tighter control over council’s budget-setting processes,” Cr Sayers says. Sayers was previously deputy chair of the Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, chaired by Maurice Williamson. That committee has been given a mandate to review the service and financial performance of individual council and council controlled organisation. Sayers says this will enhance the scrutiny and accountability of spending.

You Will also helps to facilitate the “estate administration” process when you die, by requiring you to appoint an executor(s) and trustee(s). The executor’s job is to administer the estate (e.g. act as a contact person, apply for probate).

Once all of your assets have been realised and the discretionary role of the executor has finished, the trustee(s) hold the assets on Trust until such time as the assets are

Working with a lawyer experienced in life planning is the most efficient way to create a comprehensive, valid will that achieves your intentions and gives you peace of mind that your loved ones will be able focus on celebrating your life, not dealing with your life admin, when you pass away.

If you need assistance updating or preparing your Will, our friendly team of experienced local lawyers are happy to help.

AK HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what’s needed council asks

to cope with storms, resilience on the map

Auckland Council wants to hear from people affected by this year’s floods and storms to help it to prepare better and cope with future extreme weather events.

Two long-term recovery plans are being drawn up – the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Plan, to prioritise recovery from this year’s events, and Making Space for Water, a scheme to reduce flood risk and improve the stormwater network – and council is seeking public feedback on both.

Council group recovery manager Mat Tucker said thousands of people had been affected by the extreme weather in recent months, with homes, businesses and entire communities suffering long-term impacts.

“We want to hear more about how the storms this year affected homes and communities, so we can consider what’s needed to achieve more resilience for our city,” he said. “Climate change means we can expect to see more frequent extreme weather events, and we have a responsibility now to change the way we work with nature to soften the blow when storms come.

“This consultation provides an opportunity for all Aucklanders to have their say and shape how we recover together.”

Council wants to know how the storms affected individuals and families, what’s most important for recovery and how it can better prepare for future storms and floods. It also wants to hear views on proposed stormwater improvements, including culvert and bridge upgrades, more maintenance, allowing communities to prepare for and increase their resilience to flooding, and the creation of “blue-green networks” – new waterways and parks that would allow stormwater to safely pass through urban areas.

Tucker said council had a role in ensuring Aucklanders knew what to do before, during and after a flood.

“We want to empower communities to mitigate flood risks before a flood happens,” he said. “Knowing more about how floods happen and being prepared is part of the challenge of learning to live in our new environmental reality.”

Healthy Waters’ head of planning, Nick Vigar, said a change in thinking was needed around the traditional approach to stormwater management.

“It’s not practical to build pipes big enough to take all stormwater from every conceivable event, so we need to make space for water to flow safely through communities without causing damage to people and properties,” he said. People are encouraged to read council’s storm recovery and resilience consultation document, available to read online at www.akhaveyoursay.nz/stormrecovery, before providing feedback.

A public information and Have Your Say session will be held in Puhoi, one of the worst affected communities locally, this Wednesday, August 16, at the Centennial Hall, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

There is also a chance for community groups and organisations to have their say at a special online session being run from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, August 31 –register here: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ embeds/projects/87283/survey-tools/95981

Otherwise, feedback can be submitted online at www. akhaveyoursay.nz/stormrecovery, or in person at Warkworth, Wellsford and Mahurangi East libraries, until Thursday, August 31.

Council is also currently consulting on its overall strategy for dealing with such events, the Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan, details of which can be found at https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ cdem-group-plan

Bid to put emergency

Rodney Local Board is looking at drawing up a comprehensive regional map to show how “emergencyready” local communities are in the case of future extreme weather events.

The idea came from Warkworth member Ivan Wagstaff during a board workshop on August 2, when emergency management and resilience was under discussion with Auckland Council’s community broker for Rodney, Sue Dodds.

Wagstaff said a central map showing known levels of potential hazard or preparedness would be helpful for staff and the wider community.

“I think it would mean a lot to the community if they could walk into the local board offices and see a map that recognises their community and their current level of preparedness,” he said.

“If there were another emergency this afternoon, we could see straight away ‘these are the areas that will need help’.”

Dodds said that although council had set up a recovery office and such activity was the responsibility of Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), neither had the scope or resources to carry it out at present, whereas the local board had budgeted $25,000 for emergency response, so it was something that it could do, and she would set the process in motion.

She added that the eastern Rodney area already had an advantage, in the form of Neighbourhood Support coordinator Sue Robertson, who had a comprehensive network of local emergency response contacts and groups, and who worked closely with AEM.

A Have Your Say session will be held in Puhoi, one of the worst affected communities, on August 16, 4.30pm.

Birdlife concerns: store acts

Concern about the potential impact of bright shop lighting on nocturnal birdlife prompted a local Forest & Bird member to approach a major Warkworth business –and she was delighted by its quick response.

Just one day after Sally Richardson wrote to Mitre 10 Mega Warkworth in mid-July, store manager Russ Vernon called her up, and within about a week, she says, the problem had been resolved.

Richardson said she had been troubled when looking from her home at the top of Percy Street across at bright lighting in the Woodcocks Road area, noticing in particular five lights at Mitre 10, burning all night.

“I wondered why they were using far more electricity than needed,” she said. “Maybe they didn’t understand the effects they might be having on night-flying birds; maybe they just didn’t know about those birds.”

Richardson said Cook’s petrels (tītī) cross over the Auckland isthmus in sizeable numbers at night in summer, flying between Kaipara Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf islands.

“You hear them every night, calling to one another to maintain contact in the dark. But unless you know what you’re listening to, you don’t know what’s happening, because you can’t see them.”

In her letter to Mitre 10, she cited data collected by Birdcare Aotearoa – a charity that provides care for injured and sick birds – finding that over a four-year period, nearly 400 birds across the Auckland region had crash-landed after becoming disoriented by light.

“I’m sure that by giving some serious thought to a more sustainable approach to your lighting that you would save a considerable amount of money and, in addition, you could be seen to be setting an industry precedent by being more environmentally and ecologically friendly,” she wrote.

Richardson said it was around a week later that she saw a significant difference.

“The next thing I noticed was that a nice

A foraging Cook’s petrel. Photo, Oscar Thomas warm glow was coming from downward facing lights on their building. Not only were the lights far less glaring, they also appeared to have a different hue, less bright white than a warm golden colour.”

Impressed by the quick response, she wrote back, thanking Mitre 10 for the prompt reaction.

Operations standards manager Charlie Humphries told the paper that as “a very community-driven store”, Mitre 10 Mega had been happy to respond when the matter was brought to its attention.

“We got the electricians in and we had a quick look at what we could do and we got them angled differently,” he said.

“Obviously they are for the security of the store so we do need them, but we just tried to see what we could do to make a bit of a difference.”

Despite the different hue observed by Richardson, Humphries said the bulbs had not been changed.

“Because of the angle the lights were on, it was more the glare coming off them in the distance. So when we re-angled them it reduced that glare drastically.

“I’m really glad something positive came out of it,” Richardson said. “Now we just need to try get some of the others to follow. It’s to their advantage, too – they must be spending a heap more on electricity than they need to.

“It would be great if other businesses followed Mitre 10’s lead and took an environmental approach to their thinking.”

Buying and selling your home can be quite the rollercoaster ride, filled with some nail-biting moments Pondering questions like, "How much will we sell for?" or "How long will it take?" and "How much will it cost" can take its toll

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We're bringing together a carefully selected panel of professionals to help you prepare for your next steps Whether you are moving soon or it's just on your radar - information is power Start early, consider all the necessary aspects, and lean on your support system when needed Remember, a wellorganized move is the first step towards creating wonderful memories in your new home

Join us this Spring and hear from some great speakers to help simplify your move:

Clare Gregory-Jones from Moving by Design, Leanne Gabriel from Summerset Falls, Nicola Shirley from VegaLend

Please

Sally Richardson with Mitre 10 operations standards manager Charlie Humphries.

any time after 9am.

Snells Beach pohutukawa planting plan angers residents

A street tree planting project in Snells Beach has stirred up a hornet’s nest of opposition.

Auckland Council is proposing to plant more than 100 pohutukawa and titoki on berms along Tamariki Drive, Ariki Drive, Snells Beach Road and Dalton Road later this year.

A second stage will address Mahurangi East Road and the commercial areas of Snells Beach.

The Snells Beach Residents & Ratepayers Association was notified of the plan on July 20, when it was advised that any public feedback would need to be submitted by August 11.

In a confusing note, the consultant’s email said:

“We note your next meeting is scheduled for the 4th September. It would be great if you could discuss this with your members and provide any feedback to us by close of business 11th August 2023.”

Group chair Peter Beekman says the association questioned the confusing dates and was told, “I can confirm the COB 11th August. A three-week period is very common for this form of engagement. We are looking to get the trees planted this spring, so timing is important to ensure plant health.”

The association was advised that the budget available for the tree/garden upgrade projects within the various Rodney town centres could not be shifted to other work programmes, or projects such as repairing the slip on Mahurangi East Road.

At a Rodney Local Board workshop on August 2, Warkworth member Michelle Carmichael voiced Snells Beach residents’ concerns over the trees. She said the planting plan for Snells Beach Road was not proving popular.

“I just wanted to raise with you [works programme lead Angie Bennett] and find out how specific will the consultation be? Will we definitely be going to each landowner that has a tree proposed on their berm that they currently mow?”

Bennett responded, “For those particular areas, I think that would be the way to go.” Residents are upset on many fronts, but

The possible loss of parking for tractors and boat trailers at the boat ramp is just one issue upsetting residents.

particularly about the poor approach to rushed consultation and notification. Some point out that not everyone belongs to the residents association, so affected households should have been notified individually. Others say the pohutukawa, with its extensive roots systems, is a totally inappropriate tree to plant over services such as water mains and fibre optic cables, and will undermine pavements and lawns. There is also concern that it will prohibit parking for tractors and boat trailers near the boat

Dunes ‘deflating’, court hears

The dune system between Mangawhai and Pakiri has ‘deflated’ over the past 50 years, a long-time resident told the sand mining appeals hearing in the Environment Court on August 3.

Former Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society chair Richard Bull said he had lived in the area for 82 years and witnessed a gradual deflation of the sand dunes right down the coast, especially in recent years. “We live right behind the sand dune and in 2001, we put in a new window that looks north-east,” he told the court. “You could see glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. Today, I can stand in the same place and see large areas of ocean with no trouble at all. My house hasn’t moved, I’ve only shrunk ... I’m only a layman, but I’ve watched this happen all my life.”

He said entire dune system had disappeared. Bull was speaking at the appeal by McCallum Brothers Ltd (MBL) against the refusal last year to allow it to continue to dredge sand in the offshore coastal marine area off Pakiri and Mangawhai.

The plight and future of the critically endangered fairy tern, or tara iti, which breeds in the area, is central to the case of the 16 groups and individuals opposing the continuation of sand mining.

The court heard that the bird’s future was even more in danger now, following the extreme storms earlier this year, which led to the loss of five fairy terns, taking the total number of birds left to no more than 35.

The case was adjourned on August 3 and will resume at the Omaha Marae in Leigh for cultural evidence on August 21.

Before the adjournment, MBL’s consultant planner David Hay was criticised by Judges Jeff Smith and Aidan Warren for relying only on the assessment of MBL’s own cultural consultant, Tame Te Rangi, to decide that cultural effects wouldn’t be significant. Smith said Hay was obliged to consider all material facts, not least the concerns of Ngati Manuhiri. Hay said it had been a challenging application and he he had thought he could rely fully on Te Rangi’s assessment.

ramp, and block views and sunlight. Sunrise Boulevard resident Tracey Brown says she is horrified by the plan, which shows two trees outside her property, near water main pipes and recently installed fibre optic cables.

“The water main piping system in that spot has burst at least three times in the last five years,” she says. “We are concerned that the root system of any trees planted in this location will further damage an already extremely compromised and dated water main pipe system.

“The plans show that a plastic membrane will be installed to try and contain the root system. Tree roots can easily penetrate such a thin membrane and seek water, sending roots directly toward water pipes. Pohutukawa trees grow very large, their root systems are likely to damage water pipes, not only in front of our property, but all over the Snells Beach community. How is this a good plan?

“We pay huge amounts in rates and it is

devastating to learn that the council is bullying the community into their decision without hearing what ratepayers actually want in their community.”

Snells resident Professor Simon J Owens FLS (Fellow of the Linnaen Society, the world’s oldest natural history society) is urging council to consider a more diverse range of trees.

“Planting a selection of natives would make for a more interesting landscape for residents such as differing winter shapes of trees and differing flowering and fruiting times,” he says.

“Planting one species will increase the likelihood of disease spread in what may well be a single genotype population, which would then kill other existing trees on the beach front.

“Surely this is an opportunity to plant a diverse group of species which will attract a greater diversity of birds, insects and other animals?”

Planting programme – council comments

Auckland Council area operations manager Geoff Pitman says the proposed work is part of a project approved and funded by the Rodney Local Board to deliver open space, streetscape and township improvements across Rodney. He says tree varieties have been selected with consideration of the streetscape they are going into, and with a view to enhance the environment without damaging pavements and lawns. “There is no firm date for the planting to occur,” he says. “We are currently engaging with key stakeholders on the proposed plan and feedback from the community will dictate if the plantings go ahead.” The total cost of the project for this year is $315,000, which will cover works in several townships across Rodney.

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2019-2023 AgedCare & RetirementVillages AgedCare

Duelling Brynderwyns priorities as

election looms

What to do about the Brynderwyn Hills roading challenges may become a political football, as the two major parties put up competing transport proposals and pledges ahead of the general election.

In its $24.8 billion transport package unveiled at the end of July, National identified the need for a new road bypassing the Brynderwyns as one of four priorities for funding already allocated in the 2023 Budget to the National Resilience Fund – a total of $6 billion over 10 years, to enhance long-term resilience in floodaffected regions.

The document noted intermittent closures of that stretch of State Highway 1 – including a flooding-induced closure in early February that lasted 83 days –and said that a bypass should be a priority to improve efficiency and resilience, supporting economic growth.

“This route is vital for communities and freight, connecting Whangārei and Auckland,” it said.

In a written response to a parliamentary question from National’s transport spokesperson, Simeon Brown, shortly after the February closure, then-Transport Minister Michael Wood said a 2018 Waka Kotahi business case for the Whangarei to Auckland corridor identified a longterm investment programme that included identifying and route-protecting a Brynderwyn bypass road.

Wood said further that a business case for the corridor between Port Marsden Highway and Te Hana, “including the long-term solution of bypassing the

Brynderwyn Hills”, would be considered for inclusion in Waka Kotahi’s 2024-2027 national land transport programme.

Labour has yet to unveil its transport policy, but on the same day as National’s Transport for the Future document was released, Woods’ successor David Parker and Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced $567 million in funding to Waka Kotahi for “immediate” remedial work on flood-affected highways in several parts of the country, including $14 million for work on SH1 through the Brynderwyns.

Their statement said the funding would come from the $6 billion National Resilience Plan announced in May’s Budget. Work on that stretch of road would include over-slip clearing and stabilisation, tree removal, rockfall and slip protection (walls and mesh), under-slip repairs, retaining wall building and repair, river and road edge scour repairs and rockfill, drainage clearing due to silt inundation, drainage repair and replacement, secondary flow-path repair and installation, pavement and seal repairs and replacement, silt and slash removal, and guard rail and barrier replacement.

Roads of national significance

The National Party’s document outlines plans to build 12 more “roads of national significance”, and its Brynderwyns bypass proposal forms part of a broader long-term vision of four-lane highways linking the major cities of the upper North Island, from Whangārei to Tauranga.

The first four stages of the plan include the

THE GARDENS APARTMENTS

TwinCoast Discovery Highway

building of a 26km four-lane expressway from Te Hana, north of Wellsford, to the newly-opened Puhoi to Warkworth SH1 motorway.

“This will see a continuous four-lane state highway with separation between traffic travelling in opposite directions,” the document states. “It will include wide lanes and sealed shoulders and will provide safe roadsides clear of obstacles.”

Benefits of the plan, National says, include improved resilience through a reliable alternative route between Warkworth and Wellsford, and an approximately seven-minute reduction in travel time for the 11,300 vehicles travelling between Warkworth and Wellsford each day.

It will also remove the need for vehicles to travel through the Dome Valley, “a dangerous and unreliable stretch of road which is often closed due to landslides and slippages”.

HoteoRiver

National says the project is expected to begin in four to10 years’ time, and to cost $2.2 billion – the most expensive of the four stages outlined for its Whangārei to Tauranga four-lane proposal. The other three are the Whangārei to Port Marsden highway ($1.3 billion), Cambridge to Piarere expressway ($721 million) and the Tauriko West SH 29 in western Tauranga ($1.9 billion).

Parker immediately called Nationals’ numbers into question, saying they were outdated and didn’t take into account hikes in road building costs in the past two years. He said National’s $2.2 billion estimate for the Warkworth to Wellsford expressway was as much as $1.8 billion below that of the latest Waka Kotahi estimate of $3.5-$4 billion.

The National document did include in its costing summary a $1.4 billion contingency for any overruns in costs.

Your New Lifestyle Awaits you at Kensington Park!

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Regardless of your age or lifestyle, The Gardens Apartments cater to every discerning buyer. Secure entry through elegant lobbies, single-level living via elevator access from the basement garages to your private, elevated home. Open plan and light filled with floor to ceiling windows and stacker doors to generous outdoor living spaces. Premium specification with luxury touches including Miele kitchen appliances, Grohe European tapware, composite benchtops, StoneCast basins, carpets, oak flooring, fully tiled showers and more.

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The indicative route of the proposed new motorway between Warkworth and Te Hana.

Wellsford

Warkworth

Wayby

Te Hana

Dome Valley Tauhoa Kaipara Flats

Wharehine

Port Albert

Former Warehouse fun night

The old Warehouse building in Snells Beach will be transformed into party central for one night only this Friday, August 18, when a special community event is held. Live music, DJs, food stalls, games and entertainment will fill the former store off Mahurangi East Road between 4.30pm and 8.30pm, with displays by local groups, clubs and schools as well.

One of the organisers, Elodie Blanc, said the Snells Beach Community Night was the brainchild of local volunteers and members of the Snells Beach Ratepayers

and Residents group, who wanted to bring the community together for a night of fun and positivity to celebrate all that is good in the area.

“Lots of businesses have closed in Snells Beach recently, so we wanted to get everyone together for a bit of action, to showcase all the good things we have here,” she said. There will be bouncy castles, lawn games, a rock climbing wall, face painting and music. Entry is free, with food and drink to purchase.

Info: https://snellsbeach.co.nz

Catwalk Arts given rethink

Fewer entries than normal have prompted Harbour Hospice to rethink the format and timing for its annual Catwalk Arts fundraiser.

The event was due to be held on August 26, but the decision has been made to cancel this year’s show and hold it biennially from now on. It’s understood that only about 20 entries were received, when normally there would be upwards of 30. Fundraising manager Amber West says a new date and theme for next year will be announced soon.

“We’ve done this to ensure that we can continue to deliver the high calibre event our community has come to expect, and

we’re really excited about some of the ideas we have to refresh the show, making it bigger and better than ever,” she says.

“Catwalk Arts usually raises around $30,000 for Harbour Hospice and we’re incredibly grateful to the community, sponsors and all of those involved in putting the show together, for the fantastic and ongoing support they have shown over the years.”

West says all entrants have been advised and refunds to ticket holders are currently being arranged.

“We look forward to welcoming audiences and designers back to Catwalk Arts in 2024.”

Leigh crossing may be moved

Flat zebra crossings that are flush with the road surface are a thing of the past. That was the message from Auckland Transport (AT) to a Rodney Local Board workshop during a discussion on a proposed pedestrian crossing in Leigh on August 2. Project manager Rahul Gowtham said due to community objections (MM, Jul 17), AT was looking at moving the crossing from its proposed site outside Leigh General Store to nearer the school.

He said, ideally, it would be a raised zebra crossing with extra signage and road

markings to improve poor visibility there, or if people didn’t want a raised crossing, pedestrian refuges in the middle of the road could be considered, though not with a striped crossing.

“Flush crossings are a thing of the past, we can’t be doing that, it doesn’t align with Waka Kotahi and AT safe system guidelines,” he said.

Gowtham said he would share AT’s revised suggestions with the local board and Leigh community in the next three to four weeks.

for the Active Retiree

Rhona’s century of stories

Keeping busy, a happy family life and home-grown vegetables are a recipe for a long and contented life, according to Wellsford resident Rhona Olesen QSM. And Rhona should know, as she will turn 100 on August 16.

Still sprightly and engaging, “keeping busy” is a phrase she takes literally. Her volunteering around the Wellsford area is legendary. Prior to covid, Rhona would pay weekly visits to the residents of the Heritage Rest Home and she helped at the Anglican Op Shop for decades until it closed earlier this year.

She continues to be a long-standing volunteer at CMA (Citizens for Mutual Aid), a weekly get-together for the elderly where she helps prepare the lunch, and she also volunteers at Wellsford’s community garden. She still drives and once a month she attends church at Port Albert. At home, she knits for her family and others in the community, reads and plays the piano. She still cooks her own meals, although there is normally someone from her family to delegate this chore to these days. She admits her passion is her garden, which she tends to rain or shine, and often barefooted as she doesn’t like gumboots.

Rhona grew up on a dairy farm in Wharepoa, between Thames and Paeroa, the second eldest of 13 children. Her father was recently returned from the war, a veteran of Gallipoli. She was in the shed milking cows with her mother from an early age, a task that was done by hand in those days. When old enough, she would join her father in the paddocks fencing, draining, and scrubbing blackberries and ragwort.

“He’d talk about the years he spent overseas during the war, but he only ever told us the good bits,” she says. “His stories were mostly about the other fellas he was over there with.”

Rhona found school challenging. She had a stutter and couldn’t retain what she was being taught. Consequently, she left school barely able to read. This was eventually remedied when she learned to read alongside her daughters when they went to school.

“My sisters were the clever ones, but I was a first-class horse rider and shepherdess!” She worked full-time with her father on the farm until she was 21. War had broken

Wharepoa a few years earlier. The couple had kept in touch and exchanged letters for seven years, including while he was fighting overseas. They were married shortly after his return to NZ, and started married life as sharemilkers, first at Waiuku and then Aka Aka, near Pukekohe. By the early1950s they had saved enough to buy 300 acres in Ryans Road, Tomarata, where they raised their four children –Dawn, Dale, Andrew and Anders.

At the time of the 2018 census, there were 648 Kiwis aged over 100 years –111 males and 537 females.

The couple eventually retired and moved to Wellsford, to a house that still had a view of open paddocks. Ray died of cancer 16 years ago, but not before the couple enjoyed many trips overseas. Amazingly, Rhona and her older sister Gladys walked the length of New Zealand when they were both in their 70s. “People kept stopping and wanting to give a ride,” she laughs.

Authorised by H. Howard, 3/33 Pahiatua St, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North.

Proudly receiving the QSM, flanked by her children

Holding on tight to sister Gladys Wedding bells

Rhona with her youngest great great grandchild, four-monthold Nina Kate Olesen.

Rhona still has a view of farmland from her home in Wellsford.

Warkworth Walks

Health

Decoding nutrition research

In today’s health-conscious world, nutrition plays a crucial role in shaping our lifestyle choices, yet finding the elusive “best diet” can be a perplexing journey. As a dietitian specialising in promoting intuitive eating and fostering a healthy relationship with food, I delve into the intricacies of nutrition science, exploring the reasons behind conflicting advice and advocating for evidence-based nutrition practices.

www.warkworthwalks.co.nz

11

Nicolas [Nico] graduated from the University of Auckland in 2016. Initially worked in Tauranga Hospital for four years before starting his career in General Practice in 2021 commencing his training in the North Auckland area and then consolidating skills in the Central Otago district.

He enjoys all aspects of primary care, but has a special interest in child and youth health, having completed the Diploma of Child Health through the University of Otago.

He has recently moved back to the area with his young family and to be closer to extended family. In his spare time, he enjoys trail running and mountain biking.

Deciphering nutrition research can feel like navigating a labyrinth, with largescale studies offering correlations between dietary patterns and health outcomes yet struggling to pinpoint direct causation. For instance, the link between red meat consumption and cancer remains uncertain. While some studies show an association, it’s essential to understand that correlation does not imply causation. A fun fact that illustrates this is an increase in shark attacks correlated with ice cream consumption. However, we know that it’s not the ice cream eating that is causing shark attacks – it’s simply that more people are in the water and enjoying ice cream during the summer months. One-size-fits-all dietary solutions prove elusive due to our individuality. Genetics, food preferences, gut microbiomes and personal relationships with food all contribute to unique dietary needs. While some may thrive on a vegan diet, others may find success with a protein-rich plan. Embracing individuality in nutrition is the key to discovering the ideal eating pattern that works best for you.

While this field has made significant strides, it is still in its infancy compared to more established disciplines like chemistry. One of the key hurdles nutrition science faces is the limitation in funding, which

can impact the direction of research. As a result, studies tend to focus on the connection between nutrition and specific diseases, rather than delving into the broader realm of overall optimal nutrition. Moreover, the influence of vested interests (by food companies and corporations) in the nutrition landscape can sometimes cast a shadow on the validity of research outcomes. This may lead to biased results and further contribute to the confusion surrounding nutrition recommendations. Amidst the whirlwind of conflicting advice, evidence-based nutrition practices serve as guiding beacons. While nutrition research may have nuances, certain dietary guidelines boast solid scientific backing. Emphasising the consumption of vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while moderating sugar and salt intake offers a path to wellness.

Unraveling the enigma of nutrition also entails embracing intuitive eating – an empowering approach that encourages us to listen to our body’s hunger and fullness cues. Intuitive eating isn’t a diet; rather, it fosters a healthy relationship with food, alleviating stress and anxiety surrounding mealtime.

To make informed dietary decisions, consider adopting the principles of intuitive eating. By tuning inward and listening to your body’s signals, you can discover an eating pattern that leaves you feeling better both physically and mentally after a meal. In conclusion, while nutrition research may be challenging to decipher, there are concrete steps you can take to navigate this field successfully. Embrace your individuality, seek expert advice, and practice intuitive eating to find a diet that resonates with you and supports your overall wellbeing.

One Mahurangi and the Untidy Podcast will host a Warkworth Women’s Event on Friday, September 1. The event will be a live interview with Hayley Holt (pictured), which will later be released on the Untidy Podcast, which is hosted by Matilda Green and Hannah Davison. Green says the interview will cover a number of topics, including Holt’s recent book Second Chances, which tells the story of some of the challenges she has faced personally and as someone in the public eye, how she has found the transition to motherhood and what she loves about living in Warkworth. There will be plenty of time for a Q&A session as well. The event will be held at the Bridgehouse, starting at 5.30pm. Tickets $30.

fascinating guided trails through the unique & beautiful surrounds of Mahurangi, Kaipara, Warkworth & Matakana, including otherwise inaccessible areas & local hospitality. Featuring new & updated walks.

Introducing Dr. Nicolas Thorburn, our newest associate at Kowhai Surgery. He will be taking new enrolments.

Rachael Wilson, The Food Tree rachael@thefoodtree.co

Hayley Holt up close

Course focuses on diabetes

A free diabetes self-management education programme will be held in Warkworth on September 9.

The one-day course will be led by a registered nurse and a dietitian, and is designed specifically for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

A spokesperson says the course will help participants better understand their condition and provide ideas on how to selfmanage their health.

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed initially through lifestyle modification including a healthy diet, weight management and regular exercise.

“We teach people how to live well with type 2 diabetes through medication management, diet, exercise, avoiding complications from diabetes and managing stress,” the spokesperson says. Participants are encouraged take along a

support person, particularly if that person does most of the cooking in the house.

Lunch will be provided.

The day is run in small groups and will cover:

• Healthy eating: label reading, good and bad fats, food choices

• How to stop/control effects of diabetes on the body (eyes, kidney, heart, nerves, feet)

• Medications - how do they work and new choices available

• Blood test results and what do they mean

• Goal setting

• How to be the best with your health team

The course will be held at the Totara Park Village, Melwood Drive. Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing dsme@comprehensivecare.co.nz or phone 09 448 0019 or 09 415 1091 during normal office hours.

Model Warkworth Lions Club honoured

The Lions Club of Warkworth has been honoured with recognition by the Lions Clubs International Foundation as a Model Club. A Model Club is a leader among clubs, and recognises the club’s efforts to raise the profile of Lions, raise awareness of important issues and fundraise. By doing so, they expand all Lions’ capacity to bring about positive change. The plaque was presented to Warkworth Lions president David Little by past president Peter Henderson at the club’s July dinner. Warkworth, Kowhai Coast and Wellsford Lions clubs are hosting the Lions District 202K convention in Warkworth during October, which will bring Lions members from across the country to the Mahurangi district.

Council invites applications for sports travel funding

Kaipara District Council is inviting schools and sports clubs to apply for funding from its Rural Travel Fund, an initiative designed to help junior sports teams overcome barriers to travelling to fixtures or training events. Applications are open until August 31, and are for primary or secondary school-aged students, for travel during or after school hours, in partnership with a school or club. Applicants must show that the funding will be used either for more students to access current opportunities, or for students who currently participate to access new opportunities. Approximately $10,000 in total is available for distribution in this funding round. In the 2020-2021 funding round, recipients included primary and secondary schools, as well as rugby, netball and soccer clubs, with awards ranging from $350 to $4000. Application forms can be found on the KDC website: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/ residents/funding-for-Kaipara-communities/funding

Tui Na & Chinese Massage

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CONTAMINATED HEAT

Environment

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Acceleration and unravelling

The ‘great acceleration’ from the midtwentieth century saw rapid, sustained and roughly simultaneous expansion of human population, economic growth, food production, transportation, technology, greenhouse gases, surface temperature, and water and natural resource use. It was underpinned by fossil fuels and their embodied energy stored over millennia. But in the report ‘Welcome to the Great Unraveling [sic]: Navigating the Polycrisis Of Environmental and Social Breakdown’, the Post Carbon Institute warns that we have passed the world’s peak capacity to maintain current rates of acceleration and growth. The polycrises of ‘the great unraveling’ are ‘cascading, systemic environmental and social crises’. This is just because the fact that the cheap and easy oil has already been extracted, the easiest resources have been mined, most of the world’s forests have been felled, the good clean water has been used or polluted, and there are now more farmed animals than wild ones. The ecological impacts of that acceleration now prove the limits to growth. Those limits were publicly foreshadowed as early as the 1970s. But the acceleration continued and outstripped the capacity of this little planet. We may have pushed the finite Earth’s limits beyond the point of no return. From here on, things are likely to get a whole lot worse, as climate change and resource scarcity lead to social instability, conflict and further decline.

So, in a recent podcast, energy expert Nate Hagens talked about the things that scare him most. They were, in no particular

order, nuclear war, the impacts of climate change, AI, animals’ suffering, the fact that no one is in control of the wildly careering bus, that it’s too late already, and that no one even cares. As if that list of apocalyptic horsemen wasn’t enough, I’d add plastics and forever chemicals like PFAS.

Maybe we’ve had the best of times and hard times are to come. Many in the world have never even had their chance at the good. This year’s cyclones and disasters brought environmental fragility back home, but little real political action is taken to avoid worse biodiversity loss and climate chaos. Destructive capitalism will eat the world and prevail at all costs. Some say it’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.

But another podcast from Nate Hagens talks about the things that give him joy. And the Post Carbon Institute talks about how it’s essential to nurture the little things that make life worth living and give us resilience and skills to navigate the uncertain and unstable future. The things that give me joy are my vege garden and harvesting my own kai, my community connections in the environment and arts, and my efficacy as an activist trying to change the systems that pollute our world. And then there is sitting on and in the water in my beloved Mahurangi, jumping off jetties, cuddling rabbits, making art, tramping in forests, making time for fun and playing with the babies in my whanau. These acts of resistance against capitalism and its carnage give me resilience, love, happiness and hope; and they don’t cost the Earth.

Mangawhai school eyes bilingual option for 2024

Mangawhai Beach School is inviting expressions of interest on a proposed bilingual programme for next year based on a 50 per cent English and 50 per cent Te Reo Māori curriculum. The school is considering establishing a year 1-3 class of up to 23 students, and a year 4-6 class with a maximum of 26. “Students will continue to learn literacy and mathematics following the NZ curriculum within a Mātauranga Māori framework,” the school says. Once the school has determined the level of interest, it will provide more details about teachers, timetables and instruction styles. In its 2020 report on the school, the Education Review Office said its staff were highly committed to improving the extent to which te ao Māori is woven throughout the curriculum and reflected in the school environment. ERO said 17 per cent of the roll were Māori, 77 per cent Pākehā, with “other ethnic groups” making up the rest.

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

Gym works for all generations

It’s not all that common these days to see a Dad and son working out together at a gym, but as Father’s Day approaches, Mahurangi Matters sat down with one such combination, and heard a story of struggle, aroha and hope …

Some months ago, former chef Chase Ruwhiu was battling with addiction and moved back home with his parents in Warkworth after a relationship breakup. He was determined to make a new start and be a good Dad to his own son, fiveyear-old Te Aorere.

Among the things Chase wanted to focus on was his health, particularly after significant weight gain that often accompanies getting clean. But the road to the gym proved to be a rocky one.

“I didn’t have super motivation to go,” the 33-year-old says. “Struggling with social anxiety and depression made it hard to go to the gym and be around other people.”

There were days when he’d get into his kit and arrive, but then sit outside grappling with anxiety, before simply going back home.

Joe Reihana, 52, recalls his son talking to him about his mostly unused gym membership, and suggested going together.

“So I joined up, too,” Joe says. And so the two began working out together at Creo Fitness Warkworth Gym, early in the day, about three times a week.

“Joe was there to encourage me,” Chase says. “We also got into eating right, doing all those good things that go with the gym as well.”

Chase says they aren’t overly competitive, “but I definitely do have a look over and see, oh, he’s got two [weight] plates on

there. I’m going to have to get two plates on, next time I’m on that one.”

“He’s an amazing role model, just being there and being the voice of reason,” he says. “I’m drawing from his calm nature, learning to have patience with my own boy. My boy’s quite crazy,” he laughs, before adding, “I was pretty crazy, too.”

Joe says he’s benefiting, too.

“It was to help Chase along [that I first went], not for my own gains. But I guess

celebrating dads feature

that after a while I started feeling better about myself as well. I thank my boy for that.”

Joe said he and Chase’s Mum were there to help their son, all the way.

“As parents, that’s what we do. Even though they fall off the rails, we’re there to pick them back up.”

Meanwhile, Chase says those anxiety issues are waning, helped by going with Joe, but also by the supportive staff at Creo Fitness.

“I go inside and everyone’s saying hello. It’s welcoming. I can’t wait to go. If there’s people in there it doesn’t really faze me now. I may have had a hard day, but when I get into the gym, all I want to do is start tuning in.

“It may just be the gym to some people, but for me it’s really helped in so many aspects of my life – to learn about myself, to eat properly and to cook good meals for my own son.”

Chase, left, and his Dad, Joe.

Brewed to perfection

When 8 Wired picked up the unprecedented double win for both Champion Brewery and Champion Beer at the recent NZ Beer Awards, they weren’t the only local brewery receiving accolades.

The Sawmill Brewery at Matakana won the Brewing Sustainability Award for the fourth year in a row, as well as winning a number of gold, silver and bronze medals including Champion International Pale Ale for its Sawmill XPA. McLeod’s Brewery in Waipu also bagged a swag of gold, silver and bronze medals, and its Longboarder Lager won Champion International lager.

Newer brewers on the local scene also did well – Puhoi Beer’s Rudi’s Lager won bronze and Colab Brewing, north of Warkworth, won gold for its US Lager, as well as bronze for three of its other beers.

For 8 Wired owners, Søren and Monique Eriksen, it was the second time they had been named Champion Brewery. They first collected the award in 2011 while still based in Blenheim and just two years after launching 8 Wired with two beers – the brown ale Rewired and IPA Hot Wired, which is still the company’s flagship beer. In the intervening years, they shifted to Warkworth to be closer to family and have since created a vast range of award-winning brews.

Søren, who has a masters degree in biochemistry, says his interest in beer making, which started as a bit of fun with a home brew kit in Perth, is a hobby that “sort of took over”. As the name 8 Wired suggests, there has been a hands-on DIY approach from the outset.

“We had limited resources and skills when we started, so we had to learn to fix problems and make do with what we had,” Søren says.

8 Wired beer is exported all over the world, with about one-quarter of its annual production of around half a million litres going mainly to Australia and Asia, but also Europe and the US.

“Beer, by its very nature, will always be more of a local product because it is best drunk fresh. The exceptions are the barrel aged beers, or sour beers, which are more akin to wine.”

Experimentation is a fundamental part of business. 8 Wired has a core range of about 10 beers, but can produce up to 25 seasonal beers, mostly IPAs and pale ales, that are one-offs and “a bit more fun”.

Half the hops used in the brews are from Nelson, while the rest are sourced from the US, Europe and Australia. Different hops add different flavours.

“The American hops are good for American IPAs because they are more citrussy and piney, NZ hops are more fruity and European hops are better for classic German style beers, as they are more spicy and earthy.”

Søren says although he has a good idea of what a beer will turn out like when they are experimenting, it is not possible to control the process completely and that’s what makes it fun. Looking to the future, he sees craft beer becoming more mainstream, with Kiwis drinking less beer, but being more discerning about what they drink. Going forward, he sees non-alcoholic and low alcohol beers being a big focus.

“The current challenge for us, like a lot of businesses, is rising costs with everything from ingredients to packaging getting significantly more expensive. Even the war in the Ukraine is affecting us, with more farmers growing wheat instead of barley. The margins are very small with the price of making beer going up by about 40 per cent, but we can’t just pass that on to the consumer. If we started selling six-packs for $35 I don’t think we would sell many six-packs.”

8 Wired’s Wild Feijoa won the Champion Beer award. Søren describes the beer as a labour of love as a batch takes three years to produce – it’s aged for two years before one metric tonne of the fruit is added, and then it sits for another year before it is bottled. The feijoa, which are supplied by Peter and Helen Lowry, from the organic Quinta Feijoa Orchard in Omaha, are sliced by hand.

He is also disappointed the government has resisted any reform of the excise tax.

“The excise is a blunt tool that the government basically uses to incentivise the big producers of cheap alcohol to increase their prices so people drink less. They give no real consideration to the fact that it hurts small producers like us. It’s very frustrating.

“In most other countries there’s an excise rebate for small producers. In Australia, for instance, I believe it’s something like the first $350,000 of excise you don’t pay. Something like that would help us tremendously.”

Søren says he and Monique were honoured to receive their awards on behalf of their team, but for him, the reward remains the fun of seeing consumers surprised that a beer can taste “so good”.

on their social responsibility programme, in particular the wastewater project to reinstate a wetland.

Representing the Sawmill Brewery at the awards were, from left, Rory Taylor, James Sutherland, Tom Fleming and Mike Sutherland. The judges congratulated Sawmill on its approach to managing the brewery’s impact on water, wastewater, energy efficiency, packaging, waste and carbon reduction. They also acknowledged the brewery’s focus

Members of the 8 Wired team include, from left, Zach McClintock, Dan Rowntree, brewer Russell Erskine and Clare MacGregor.

Good on ya, Dad

That special day for Dads is coming up on September 3 and Mahurangi Matters, with the support of some amazing local businesses, has a truckload of goodies to give away to help families celebrate.

Father’s Day provides an opportunity to honour fathers, grandfathers and father figures by acknowledging their invaluable contributions to families and the community at large.

Fathers are vital pillars of a family, with their significance reaching far beyond their mere biological roles. Involved fathers give their children emotional stability and their presence helps instil confidence and security, influencing positive relationships and communication skills. They offer guidance and support, helping to shape their children’s character and values.

Father’s Day is a time to recognise the efforts made by Dads, underscoring the essential role they play in shaping present and future generations.

So, tell us (in around 120 words or less) why your Dad, or a male father

figure in your life, is special, and you could be in to win some great prizes, including:

A $350 chainsaw from Stihl Warkworth, a $250 voucher from Camerons Autos, a $160 voucher from Omaha Beach Golf Club, a wallet valued at $150 from Warkworth Menswear, one of two $150 vouchers from Matakana Village Butchery or Sculptureum. Plus, one of seven $100 vouchers, which can be spent at Smiths Sports Shoes, Hammer Hardware Wellsford, ITM Warkworth, Aqua Works, The Photo Store, Wyatts Landscaping or Herons Flight; or a family pass to the Warkworth Museum valued at $50. Entries close and winners drawn on Friday, September 1, at 10am.

How to enter

Post entries to 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, or email them to online@ localmatters.co.nz. Entries are also being accepted via the Mahurangi Matters Facebook page.

Winners will be published in the September 11 paper.

Barclay back in the saddle at MCG

Matakana Community Group (MCG) chair Rachel Demler is stepping down after four years, and former chair Simon Barclay has volunteered to replace her. Although Demler was officially re-elected at the group’s annual meeting on July 31, she said she would like to stand down due, at least in part, to suffering from long covid in recent months, and Barclay later put his hand up to take over the role. The meeting itself was shorter than planned, thanks to the region-wide power cut that plunged the hall into darkness just before it began. Fiona Strathern was re-elected treasurer and the secretary’s role remains vacant. It was agreed to schedule the next MCG meeting within two months. Info: www.matakanacommunitygroup.org or Matakana Community Group on Facebook

HOW

Sweetappreciation with chocolatebrown

Congratulations to Warkworth Library’s volunteers, who are this week’s recipients of chocolates from Chocolate Brown. The volunteers were nominated by community engagement librarian Katie Mitchell, who wrote …

I recruited a group of library customers to help us as shelving and home delivery volunteers. During power cuts, cyclones, staff sickness, staff holidays and the Auckland Council integration changes, we have come to rely on our volunteers to help us out at short notice and save our bacon on many occasions. There are between eight and 10 people who help on a regular basis.

Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@ localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

Accepting the chocolates on behalf of the team are, from left, Lynley Dill, Margaret Wright and Paul Jamieson.

Attention:

Warkworth goes on parade

A display of military vehicles, a flypast of vintage planes and a military parade through Warkworth’s main street promise to make this year’s Armistice Day commemoration one of the most memorable of recent times.

The event, on Saturday, November 11, is being organised by Heritage Mahurangi as part of celebrations marking 170 years of European settlement in the district. The festival will run from November 11 to 20.

Heritage chair Dave Parker says the street march will commemorate the US Marines presence in the area during World War II. “It’s shaping up to be an exciting day, which is being organised in conjunction with the NZ Defence Force,” he says. Representatives of all three forces will be present, as well as the Royal NZ Navy Band.

“There will be representatives of the US Embassy, other VIPs and there has been strong interest from US veterans and their families.”

Events will take place following Warkworth RSA’s normal Armistice Day service, which starts at the Cenotaph at 10.30am.

The evening will conclude with a jazz and big bad party by the Warkworth Brass Band, which is celebrating its 140th year, in the Warkworth Town Hall.

“The US Marines are remembered with great fondness,” Parker says. “They were willing workers on local farms and not afraid to try to drink the pub dry. Their only misdemeanour that I am aware of was when they decided to use the Wilson Cement Works for target practice!”

Sister towns show interest

At least one of Warkworth’s sister-towns will visit Warkworth during November’s Heritage Festival.

“Mr Okabe, who is the Mayor of Furudono Town in Japan, which twinned with Warkworth in 1999, will visit with a small group of town representatives,” Heritage Mahurangi chair Dave Parker says. “They will arrive on November 17 and stay until November 20.”

The group will be billeted locally, so Heritage Mahurangi hopes local families will put their hand up to host members of the tour party for three nights.

“Mr Okabe is fondly remembered by a number of Warkworth citizens who have been part of delegations to Furudono in past years.”

Invitations have also been sent to

Warkworth, Northumberland, twinned in 1992, Warkworth, Ontario Canada, twinned in 2003, and Warkworth/ Singleton in New South Wales.

A full programme has been planned for their visit including a River Pageant, receptions and local sightseeing.

“I have been really keen on the concept of Sister-Towns International ever since the early 90s. Now part of Global NZ, sistercities/towns foster the growth of mutual understanding and long term friendships between countries and regions.

“This bond allows for a continuous exchange of ideas and culture and even facilitates development within areas of trade and tourism, and that’s why it is important to foster such friendships.”

Anyone interested in assisting should email: jim.jenni@xtra.co.nz

When did you realise you wanted to be your own boss?

It was always in the back of my mind that I would have my own company one day, a natural progression I guess you could say.

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own?

I took a bit of a leap of faith buying our first concrete pump having never used one before. I was supported by good friends that allowed me to learn on the job. I then purchased our first digger and was back in my element building retaining walls.

What are some of the struggles you’ve faced?

Weather and machinery downtime are always costly and stressful, but unfortunately unavoidable. Otherwise, just building confidence to back myself and my decisions.

What makes your business unique?

Maybe not unique, but I’m most proud of the culture of our business. Our staff are incredible, they’re supportive, helpful, always laughing and our customers love to have us on site with this kind of attitude. Call Ben 027 578 6733 newcopumping@gmail.com

First Aid

What advice would you give to a young man setting up his own business.

“Fake it until you make it, then believe in yourself 100%”. Look after your people and they’ll look after you.

Do you think there are advantages of being in business and if so what these are.

“Absolutely! Be your own boss, work when you like, where you like. Total autonomy.”

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own.

“Seeing that other providers were not even close to the experience level required”. Most first aid providers are first aid trained. There are some tricks only a Paramedic can teach. When a restaurant is fully booked out months in advance you know they have a great product. Our last four courses in Warkworth we’re sold out. We currently only have a few spaces left before November.”

What do you wish to achieve most in your business and where would you like your business to be in 10 years.

“To be there for the customer when they need it. It’s very hard to say no. But for self-preservation you have to sometimes. That primal drive to help and succeed can be very hard to override. In 10 years, I hope to still be doing what we are doing, that is providing quality First aid and emergency management training. I have also retained my Paramedic registration, so really enjoy being on-call at events e.g. Kowhai Festival, Motocross, A&P shows ... It is so great when people support local. In the current climate many people are struggling. By supporting local providers instead of big corporates in the city truly does make a difference! Keep it local folks and support the smaller providers.

What advice would you give to a young man setting up his own business.

It’s not going to be easy so be prepared to do the hard yards – you only get out what you put in!

Do you think there are advantages of being in business and if so what these are.

The advantages are work life balance and gaining a better financial position, it won’t happen overnight but more of a long game.

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own

You don’t know if you don’t try, If your not moving forward your going backwards

What do you wish to achieve most in your business and where would you like your business to be in 10 years .

I hope to achieve a wide base of satisfied customers by providing quality products to them.

Browne

10 Years haha I would like to think I won’t be doing 60+ hour weeks more family time.

Ph 09 945 3989 | sales@rodneyhonda.co.nz

74 Hudson Rd, Warkworth | www.rodneyhonda.co.nz

When did you realise you wanted to be your own boss?

I knew right from when I left school and began my apprenticeship, being in charge of what jobs I choose to do…when and how I worked and the potential freedom it allowed. I knew it would require a lot of hard work but I was young and up to the challenge.

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own?

During my apprenticeship and for a couple of years after I became a qualified plumber, gasfitter and drain

layer I had a number of supportive employers and mentors that were willing to share their knowledge and guide me on the path to becoming self-employed.

What are some of the struggles you’ve faced?

Dealing with Covid and staff recruitment/retention has been tough. Staff wellbeing and mental health has been a huge learning curve, and the balance with looking after team and our customers can be a juggle. Taking on apprentices can be

costly when once training is complete the employee decides to leave to do something totally different!

What makes your business unique?

We are a locally owned and operated one-stop-shop for plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting. I was

born and raised in Warkworth, am fourth generation and have a vast knowledge of the area. Using this knowledge we’ve added site works to our business which can be an advantage with new builds occurring in the area.

• Retaining Walls • Small Earthworks • Concrete Pumping • Fishing

Ben Newson

Brendon

Simon Townsend

Greg Jones

AUTO REFINISHERS LTD

Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

Contact Andrew 021 425 928

Opening

MEN IN BUSINESS

When did you realise you wanted to be your own boss?

When did you realise you wanted to be your own boss?

Steve Reynolds

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own?

I knew quite a few people from different car clubs who could be potential clients and when this business originally came up for sale I knew that the panel-beater next door would be needing a painter meaning guaranteed work each month.

What are some of the struggles you have faced?

The first economic downturn was difficult and then, of course, came Covid with its lock downs. Also the constant inflation of materials and having to keep rising overheads down while trying to give the best price possible to my customers is challenging.

What makes your business unique?

Working on my own means I am the first and last person a customer has to deal with and they don’t have to explain their vehicle to countless people which can cause frustration. It’s that personal touch. I can also be available anytime to open up my shop for deliveries and pick-up of vehicles outside or normal working hours. Customers are welcome to have a good look through the shop and I communicate openly about the process. It’s also not uncommon for me to photograph the whole painting process so they can have a whole record of the job to keep.

When did you realise you wanted to be your own boss?

Quite simply I wanted to design and manufacture one off custom made Jewellery under my own name. In order to do that and have my own Creative outlet I had to start my own Company.

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own?

My confidence came from having 20 years of experience in Jewellery design and manufacturing coupled with incredible support from my mentors. What are some of the struggles you’ve faced? One of the challenges of running your own business is juggling the many hats you have to wear to run a successful business.

What makes your business unique?

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own?

I have managed SME companies for other people and so was confident that I could grow what I could see was a great local business. My plan was to set the business up to sell franchises across NZ. We sold our first franchise shortly before Covid hit and are now starting to take enquiries about selling further franchise areas.

What are some of the struggles you’ve faced?

I suppose the biggest struggle was Covid, with lockdowns and not being able to work for prolonged periods this hit us hard like other businesses. I had to downsize from being the manager of skilled guys working on site to being an owner operator on the tools. But to be honest this is the best thing that could have happened as I love being on site meeting clients and exceeding their expectations.

What makes your business unique?

Greenwash as you can infer from the name is an eco-friendly business. We only use non bleach derived detergents. Ours are made in NZ from extracts of citrus, vinegars and plant oils. They are safe on our environment, the people in the houses and me.

What advice would you give to a young man setting up his own business.

First and foremost be a “good man” as then that flows into being a good “business man”. If your core values and ethics are good this will shine through and others will want to be involved in your business.

Secondly, get someone to help you you with your book keeping, it’s unsustainable and false economy to think that you can work all day on the tools (or whatever you do) then come home and send invoices, do GST. It may be seem doable for years however your relationships and mental health will suffer ultimately leading to your business suffering.

Do you think there are advantages of being in business and if so what these are. Yes definitely, the biggest advantage in my opinion is being able to be the master of your own destiny, if you own your own business there doesn’t need to be a imposed cap on your earning or work conditions or basically anything, you are only limited by your own drive and ambition, if either of these are waning you have the ability to do something about. If you are working for someone else and they impose any form of cap on you it can be out of your control to change it.

Todd Rochford

022 EXTERIOR CLEANING & WATERBLASTING

Andy Edmunds

andy@greenwash.co.nz

What gave you the confidence to go out on your own.

For me, I had a question I needed to answer - ‘Do I have what it takes to run a business’? Over time the question morphed into “Do I have what it takes to run a successful business” - because that is another thing entirely. What do you wish to achieve most in your

What do you wish to achieve most in your business and where would you like your business to be in 10 years.

Basically I would like us to be recognised as the largest and most trusted landscaping firm north of the bridge. Within 10 years time I would like the day to day running business to be run by a board of directors (all of whom have a stake in the business), I would like the business to maintain and grow the ability to employ and train staff offering real opportunities to young people wanting to build there skills and experience in our trade. Ultimately I am aiming to set the business up as a self sustaining entity which will give me the ability to let go of the reigns a bit and let me smell the roses .

Corner Whitaker Road & Mill Lane, Warkworth Call Steve today 0212 787 427 0800 278 288 www.aquaworks.co.nz

ADVANCED

Necessity! My partner became pregnant when I was 19 and I had no trade, basically I had to earn as much as possible to ensure we could get by, at the time working for myself was the best way to achieve this, basically things just slowly grew from there. Although there were a lot of very hard learning curves, I think the fact that I never really knew anything different from being out on my own was a advantage for me. Other guys who come from the safety net of someone else’s established business need a lot of confidence to make the leap into the unknown of starting up on there own.

&Section Maintenance

Small Tree Services Hedge trimming

GRAHAM RAUNER

Mob: 021 225 9885

Quartet plays debut concerts

The Ākarana Piano Quartet will make its debut at the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, August 26.

The quartet consists of award-winning musicians Andrew Beer (violin), Robert Ashworth (viola), Chen Cao (cello) and Sarah Watkins (piano).

The Auckland-based quartet is promising to deliver an overall experience of rich, vibrant storytelling, connecting the key figures of European music with Aotearoa.

“The concert will be an opportunity to celebrate intimate music-making of the highest quality from internationallyacclaimed performers,” a Warkworth Music spokesperson said.

“These world-class musicians will bring a colourful offering of piano quartets, including Mozart’s charming Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor and Englishman Frank

Bridge’s passionate Phantasy Quartet. “A sublime, large-scale chamber work by Dvořák, full of rich lyricism and romantic sweep, also hints at the composer’s Bohemian roots with dazzling folk-like material.”

The programme will also feature a new commission from New Zealander Janet Jennings called Twelve Colours: Homage to Paul Klee, a piano quartet inspired by the artist’s abstract oil on canvas, New Harmony.

Ākarana Piano Quartet encompasses four distinct solo performers who will undoubtedly keep audiences on the edge of their seat.

The concert is part of Warkworth Music’s winter programme and is presented in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand.

It starts at 4pm. Cash sales only at the door.

The Ākarana Piano Quartet is promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Authors share inspiration in Point Wells

A packed programme of author’s talks and discussion for children and adults will be held at the inaugural Point Wells Literary Festival, in the Point Wells Hall, on September 16.

The event is being organised by Point Wells Library volunteers Vanessa Barber and Julie Snowsill, along with children’s author and Point Wells resident Maria Gill. The morning will be devoted to children’s literature with authors Gill, Chris Gurney, Tania Sickling and Janine Williams introducing their latest works. Williams, from Hukerenui, was recently short-listed for this year’s Children’s Book Awards for her book, Holding the Horse. Gill, who has written more than 60 books over the last 20 years, is the chair of the Auckland branch of the NZ Society of

Street art for Snells Beach

Authors. Her latest book, Epic New Zealand Adventures, has just been released and captures the stories of 10 NZ adventurers.

“I’ve organised a number of literary events over the past 10 years and have access to a lot of contacts, so was only too happy to get involved when I was approached by Vanessa and Julie,” she says.

“There’s a wealth of talent in our area to draw from and I’ve already started a list for next year, as we hope the festival will become an annual event.”

Appearing in the afternoon will be crime writers Madeleine Eskedahl and Sherryl Clark, non-fiction writer Debbie Aldred who will talk about her sailing adventures, cookbook writer Brigid DiMattina who will give a cooking demonstration, and Auckland-based poet Kit Willett.

The morning session starts at 9am and is designed for young readers. Entry will be by koha, with all proceeds donated to the Matakana School dyslexia programme.

The afternoon session runs from midday to 7pm. The $50 entry fee includes the authors’ talks, plus a social event from 5.30pm onwards, with new Orleans style music by Milly Tabak and wine and cheese. Major sponsors of the literary festival are OBV Wines, Pak’nSave, Benefitz, Creative Communities NZ and the Point Wells Store.

Two signed copies of Al Brown’s cook books will be raffled as part of the ticket price towards the end of the event. Info and tickets: www.trybooking.com/nz/ events/landing/9636

Calling all artists – fibre company Chorus is looking for local talent to decorate one of its telecoms cabinets in Snells Beach. The winning artist will be paid up to $1700 for their work, which can be any design so long as it is meaningful, and promotes diversity and inclusion. There is already one decorated Chorus cabinet locally, a colourful bee and sunflower design that was painted on a box in February, in Matakana Road opposite Green Road. The Chorus cabinet art initiative began in 2010 in a bid to reduce the amount of vandalism to telecoms cabinets. It proved so successful that it has been extended throughout the country and around 170 murals are decorated each year. Applications to paint the Snells box are open until August 31. Info: www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme

Library hosts author

Snells Beach children’s writer Eleanor Neil will appear at the Mahurangi East Library on August 26 for the launch of her debut book, Shoe Trouble, illustrated by Lisa Allen. The story, about several pairs of lost shoes deals with a scenario that parents of schoolaged children will be all too familiar with. Neil will be at the library from 2pm.

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One of the festival organisers, Maria Gill. Kit Willett

Debbie Aldred Madeleine Eskedahl

AKARANA PIANO QUARTET

Piano, Violin, Viola & Cello

Four award-winning, world-class musicians come together to perform works by Mozart, Dvorak, Frank Bridge and Janet Jennings.

Saturday, 26 August 2023 at 4pm Warkworth Town Hall

Wellsford arrival for

ABBA tribute act

It’s time to dust off those sparkly bell-bottom pants and platform boots and practice your best disco moves for a night of all-out ABBA excess in Wellsford next month.

Auckland-based tribute band ABBA Heaven! is coming to the Wellsford Community Centre on Saturday, September 23 and is promising to play all the Swedish supergroup’s best-loved hits. ABBA Heaven! is made up of Ness Abernethy as Agnetha and Pauline Berry as Frida on vocals, with singer Shaun Petterson as Bjorn and John Gorbey on keyboards and guitar as Benny.

Take a chance on them – the ABBA Heaven! super-troupers promise a night to remember.

Dressed in replica ABBA costumes and singing in three and four-part harmony, the band’s playlist will feature more than 30 hits, from such singalong anthems as Waterloo, S.O.S., Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen to slower melodies like Chiquitita, Angeleyes and I Have A Dream. The show starts at 8pm and will be split into two sets, and the band says dressing up in flamboyant gear is actively encouraged. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $20 for under 18s, available from Woody’s Winners Lotto store in Wellsford or from www.eventfinda.co.nz. Online purchases also incur a booking fee.

Cuisine

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

Sensational starter

One of the most popular starters you will find on the menus of modern New Zealand restaurants is ceviche. It’s a dish prepared with the freshest of fish, dressed with salt and lemon and garnished with thoughtfully added herbs, vegetables and spices. For years, many diners have shunned raw fish dishes, but like many food trends, chefs have taken to the idea and produce some stunning combinations. And, as with most trends, it’s not taken long for the idea to catch on and find its way into our own kitchens.

I grew up with a mother of Tongan descent, frequently eating a truly delicious traditional Pacific Island style raw fish dish, where Mum marinated very fresh fish in plenty of lemon juice and salt for an hour or two and then discarded most of the liquid and generously coated it all in freshly grated coconut milk, adding finely chopped parsley and black pepper. My father would scrape the coconuts and the milk was wrung out from this grated coconut, through fine muslin, into a bowl. That dish remains a favourite, always appearing at any family gathering. Other cultures around the world use the seafood found on their coastlines to make similar dishes, although the popular variations of South American ceviche are what diners are most likely to spot in good restaurants here. The acid of lemons and limes reacts with the fish to almost ‘cook’ it, to appease those who are a bit squeamish about eating raw fish. Ceviche can also go under the guise of crudo, sashimi, carpaccio, gravlax, kokoda and tartare, and is the main ingredient of the growing popular

Hawaiian poke bowls. Two of the golden rules for making ceviche at home are to use the very freshest of fish, and to have a super sharp knife so you cut very even thin slices. To do this, it’s essential the fish is ice-cold from the fridge so it holds up as you cut, rather than turning into ragged mushy slices. Anyone who is lucky enough to get out and catch fish should give this a go. We find the best species to use of fish caught in the gulf are trevally, kahawai and kingfish, as their firmer texture is perfect. Snapper is the most commonly caught fish in our region and it also makes for great ceviche although as a softer fish, it is quite hard to make perfect slices. For the shopper, look for thicker fillets, and make sure they are really glistening, as fish tends to become dull and flabby as it ages. You don’t really need a lot of fish to serve up, as a little goes a long way. And if you’re a salmon lover you will find that makes colourful tasty ceviche. It’s no accident that the masters of fish, the Japanese chefs always have slices of salmon, dressed with a little soy sauce on their sashimi menus.

I whipped up today’s recipe in about 15 minutes. It was local-caught kingfish but any really fresh fish can be substituted. Some other ideas for garnish include finely grated raw vegetables like carrot or beetroot, thin slices of onion or shallot, diced fruit like orange or apple, favourite spice mixes and soft herbs like chives or fennel and dill fresh from the garden. But don’t get carried away and over-garnish, as the fresh fish must always be the star feature of the dish.

Kingfish ceviche with lemon, shaved fennel and dill

300g fresh kingfish (or any other fresh fish)

1-2 lemons, juice and finely grated zest

1 tsp flaky sea salt crystals

2 tbsp lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil

Half a small fennel bulb

1 tbsp finely chopped dill

1 tsp pink peppercorns

Slice the cold fish thinly and evenly with a very sharp knife and lay the slices on a serving plate, slightly overlapping as you work. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish and scatter the salt over. Grate the lemon and add this zest to the dish.

Use a mandolin if you have one to shave the fennel very thinly, and place this evenly on top of the fish. (Otherwise try to cut the fennel paper thin for the best effect.)

Drizzle the olive oil over and sprinkle a few peppercorns and the chopped dill to finish.

You can also add finely grated black pepper or use a scattering of Japanese shichimi togarashi pepper to spice the dish up a little.

Refrigerate until needed and serve with thin slices of fresh baguette. Serves 4 with drinks, or can be scaled up easily.

Taste of Brick Bay

We

•

Animals

Nena Nepia, Wellsford Vet Clinic https://wellsfordvet.com/

• Four

What to do with wildlife

•

New Zealand is a land teeming with unique and diverse wildlife, and while encountering these incredible creatures in their natural habitats can be a breathtaking experience, it is helpful to know how to respond when you come across injured wildlife. In the first instance, get only close enough to observe if the animal is truly injured – it might be just minding its own business. Act to help if you note any bleeding or obvious injury. Little blue penguins frequent our shorelines and, unfortunately, if you encounter them during the day and they don’t actively try to get away, it is usually because they are ill, exhausted and at the end of their life. You can move them up into the long grass and keep predators away, but make sure you carry them in a towel or shirt and don’t touch them directly – they have some transmittable diseases. Scruffy-looking penguins at the end of summer are likely just moulting, so please leave them alone. Kereru, the NZ wood pigeon, can consume an overabundance of fermenting fruit in summer and will occasionally be found lolling about on the ground. Just like humans, this excessive alcohol consumption impairs the kereru’s ability to fly and balance properly, and they may collide with objects or crash into trees. Should you come across a ‘drunk’ kereru, give the bird space and observe from a distance to check it is not injured. The best

Local speed limits cut

Feedback is being sought on planned speed cuts that could see a 30km/h limit in Warkworth and Matakana town centres, as well as much lower speeds on many rural roads. Auckland Transport’s (AT) Katoa, Ka Ora three-year speed management plan focuses on bringing speeds outside all schools to 30km/h at key times, but will also see limits on many rural Rodney roads that are currently 100km/h cut to 80, 60, 40 or even 30km/h. The plan is the latest in a series of speed plans and changes that have been made, this time focusing on rural roads out to the west coast and around the Wellsford, Te Hana, Tomarata and Mangawhai areas. AT said in June implementation of the plan could cost between $40 million and $70 million over three years.

Info and submissions: Visit https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/kko

course of action then is to allow it time to recover on its own, away from any potential hazards. They sober up eventually. If you find an injured native bird such as a kereru, harrier, tui or blue penguin, approach the bird calmly and gently, using a towel or cloth to handle it to avoid causing further stress. Carefully place the bird in a dark, ventilated cardboard box, ensuring it is not cramped. You can put a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth inside the box to help maintain its body temperature. Keep the box in a quiet and warm place away from pets and children until you can transport the bird to the vet or local bird rescue centre. At Wellsford Vets, we will examine the bird’s injuries and if it has a chance of recovery, arrange transport to Whangarei Bird Rescue for specialised rehabilitation and release back into their natural habitat.

Seals are common along the New Zealand coastline. If you encounter an injured seal, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance, as they are unpredictable and may become defensive when feeling threatened. Keep all pets away and resist the temptation to touch or approach the animal. Take note of the location and appearance of the animal, as well as the visible injuries and call the Department of Conservation Hotline on 0800 HOT DOC. They will send rangers to assess the situation and provide the appropriate care.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Climate scientist shares perspectives on extreme weather

As New Zealand lurches its way through winter amid record-breaking rainfall in parts of the North Island, a leading climate scientist will be sharing his insights at a meeting in Warkworth this week.

Kevin Trenberth, whose talk is entitled “Climate change and extreme weather: a New Zealand perspective”, was a lead author of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scientific assessments in 1995, 2001 and 2007.

In 2007, the IPCC and climate change advocate Al Gore shared the Nobel peace prize, “for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change”.

According to NIWA, 11 locations in New Zealand recorded more than a year’s worth of rain in the first six months of 2023, six of them in the northern part of the North Island – Kaikohe, Whangārei, Warkworth, Leigh, Whangaparāoa, and Albany/North Shore. Kaikohe topped the record-breakers, recording more than 130 per cent of its normal annual rainfall between January and June.

Christchurch-born Trenberth, 78, is an honorary fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, the American Association for Advancement of Science and the American Geophysical Union.

He will be speaking at Besoul, 12 Gumfield Drive at 2pm on August 18. RSVP: Professor Ralph Cooney at ralphpcooney1@gmail.com

History

Marion Walsh, Volunteer Coordinator, Kauri Museum www.kaurimuseum.com

Qualities demanded of a field-marshal…

A weighty, donkey-brown tome of 734 pages, bearing the title The Woman’s Book: Contains Everything a Woman Ought to Know is held in the reference section of the Matakohe Kauri Museum’s library. It is a compendium of advice and information, submitted by “expert contributors” and edited by Florence Jack and Rita Strauss.

The 1911, London and Edinburgh publication, comprises 34 chapters. The subject matter covers the usual domestic topics but also extends to such topics as civil service, philanthropy, recreation, bee-keeping, advice on sanitary regulations, infectious diseases, signing a contract, laying linoleum, women’s careers, and where to undertake Colonial Housekeeping courses for those wishing to emigrate.

I admit, I was anticipating reading lengthy lectures dictating how women should subordinate themselves to their husbands. I was disappointed. The book fails to even comment upon marital affairs or the gender power balance of spousal relationships. It is, in fact, a practical, comprehensive collection of information aimed at encouraging and assisting women to perform a wide range of tasks diligently. The editors liken the breadth of knowledge and skills required to run a household and servants, as similar to “the qualities demanded of a field-marshal”. It strongly advocates for an expansion of opportunities for women.

Certainly the book focuses a lot on domestic matters. But, in truth, this was the realm allotted to women at that time. It was only 29 years since British women were allowed to retain and manage their own property, wages, income and finances, independent of their husbands. They still did not have the right to vote and were barred from entering Parliament. While they had been able to attend Cambridge University since 1896, the university did not confer degrees on women until 1948.

Chapters on money management, banking, and ‘Women in Business’ provide solid advice on a subject women had, generally, been excluded from. But in this delightful book, they sit happily alongside suggestions on how to combat feather-eating in parrots, prepare and administer

Praise for the Patent “Sunrise” washing machine sits alongside information on the use and maintenance of a mangle and wringer.

nutritional enemas, clean furs, and how long the period of mourning should last for a nephew.

On page 697, the last word is given in strong support of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. “Women, like men, have the desire to expand their realm of intelligence, to take part in the affairs of the world, which bear upon our lives, and the restraint and force of mere tradition, prejudice, or caste, have become intolerable to them. Women want freer lives because they want freer development; they want more capable minds and increased capacities for grappling with the increasing difficulties of modern civilisation.” A good read.

Members of the public are welcome to view all reference books at the Kauri Museum during opening hours. We are also looking for volunteers to help operate our library. If you are interested, please contact Marion Walsh, volunteer coordinator on 021 823 944 or email marion.walsh@ kaurimuseum.com

Ph Pat 022-646-5849

MATAKANA HALL COMMITTEE

AGM

Monday, 11 September, 6pm. All welcome.

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

WOMEN'S CENTRE RODNEY

AGM

Held at the Women's Centre Rodney 10 Morpeth Street, Warkworth, on Monday 28 August 2023 4-5.30pm

Please email to register attendance and for a copy of the Agenda. info@womenscentrerodney.org.nz

We look forward to welcoming you.

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

VACANT TAKATU LANDCARE (TLC)

SITUATIONS

Looking to work locally, meet your neighbours, TLC is looking to recruit two people with good communication and creative writing skills and a passion for conservation to assist with our engagement with landowners and community groups involved with animal and plant pest control and ecological restoration activities on the Tāwharanui Peninsula. The two positions we are looking to fill are;

• Community Coordinator

• Communications & Media Coordinator

Working autonomously, both positions are 10-month part time contracts requiring a work commitment of 16 hours’, and 4 hours’, per week respectively and provide crucial support for TLC’s operations. The hourly rate will depend on experience.

If

interested and would like to hear more about what the

entail, please contact John McIntyre at takatulandcare.chairperson@ gmail.com or mobile: 027 338 2898 for a confidential chat. Applications for the positions close by 22nd August 2023.

WANTED TO BUY

The deadline for classified advertising for our August 28 paper is August 23. Send classified advertising enquiries to design@localmatters.co.nz

Classifieds

WALKERS WANTED!

KDC co-governance clash

The debate over co-governance reared its head at a Kaipara District Council meeting in late July, with an activist charging that Julian Batchelor’s ‘Stop Co-Governance’ roadshow was instilling fear. Batchelor, taking part by video link, rejected the allegations.

“I am fearful that it is tours like this that are emboldening potentially the next terrorist, who may choose a marae rather than a mosque for his next target,” Pere Huriwai-Seger, of the Aotearoa Liberation League, told the meeting. He said objectors at some Batchelor meetings had been heckled or manhandled, and voiced concern that the tour was returning to the region, with events planned in Whangārei.

“I would implore you, our mayor, councillors, to please not use your public profile and your position in our community to promote this tour,” he said. “While you did campaign against co-governance, Mr Mayor, I expect you to seek what is best for our entire community, not simply the minority that voted you in.”

(Mayor Craig Jepson campaigned against the introduction of Māori wards without the wider community’s opinion being sought.)

Huriwai-Seger argued that opposition to anti-co-governance was in fact “a movement against Māori, full-stop”.

Mahurangi Matters can be picked up from the following businesses:

WARKWORTH: Mahurangi Matters, Paper Plus, Warkworth Information Centre, Countdown, New World, Z • PUHOI: Puhoi Pub, Puhoi Store • SNELLS BEACH: Snells Beach Dairy, The Food Market, Gull • MATAKANA: Matakana Four Square, Gull, Matakana Information Centre • Point Wells Store • OMAHA: Omaha Superette

• LEIGH General Store • WELLSFORD: Caltex, Top Shop 4 Square, Port Albert Store • KAIWAKA: Jacques 4 Square, Caltex • MANGAWHAI: Mangawhai Village Supervalue, Mangawhai Club

Batchelor disputed his suggestions that Māori were unwelcome at his events, saying Māori not only took part, but had offered premises for meetings.

It was “completely untrue” that the meetings instilled fear, he said. There was “no evidence” to back up claims that they were emboldening terrorists.

Batchelor said he had always encouraged supporters of co-governance to hold meetings and explain their positions. He denied encouraging violence, alleging that

it was those opposing his views who were responsible for bad behaviour.

“I’ve always said that the only weapons I will use are my pen, my brain, and my mouth,” he said, dismissing Huriwai-Seger as “a master spin doctor”.

Some councillors complained that Batchelor’s presentation hadn’t appeared on the agenda, and said Jepson allowed him to speak for too long. HuriwaiSeger spoke for about seven minutes and Batchelor for about nine. Neither of their presentations appeared on the agenda released beforehand.

Karakia row

Huriwai-Seger’s presentation began with wrangling over a Māori karakia, an issue that has dogged KDC meetings since Jepson banned the practice, arguing that meetings should be multicultural and secular.

As Huriwai-Seger signalled he was about to offer one, Jepson interjected, “You’re not here to do a karakia. You’re here to present regarding co-governance. That’s your subject.”

Huriwai-Seger said presenting a karakia was “definitely an aspect of co-governance”, but Jepson repeated his objection.

“We can argue this fact if you like, or I could spend 15 seconds to give the council’s opening karakia,” Huriwai-Seger said. Several councillors supported him. Jepson refused again, but Huriwai-Seger went ahead, and the mayor let it go.

Pere Huriwai-Seger Julian Batchelor

Mahurangi COLLEGE

The weeks continue to fly by here at Mahurangi - we can’t believe that it’s August already. Students are super busy juggling assignments and classwork while preparing for winter sport finals, dance showcases, zone days, AIMS, speeches and everything in between.

The third annual Art in August was another success, as students proudly displayed their artistic talents alongside local artists. The exhibition featured a selection of artworks from all year levels, showcasing painting, photography, sculpture, pottery and design. All student work that was available for purchase sold out quickly. We would like to thank Warkworth Oaks, One Mahurangi Business Association and the exhibiting artists for providing this space for us. Congratulations to National Art Supplies People’s Choice award winner, Jacob McFarlane. For more follow @mahuartdept on Instagram.

Our Community Future Pathways Evening was well represented this year. With a total of 44 exhibitors, students, parents and whānau were able to investigate

an array of opportunities and career pathways. This year we had record numbers of our community in attendance and we would like to extend our thanks to all those who supported the evening.

Footballers were excited this week to receive a visit and coaching session from the Tottenham Hotspurs development coaches, who are here as part of the FIFA World Cup. The session was both informative and inspiring, with our players impressing with their skill level and passion for the game. Thanks to Alex Paul who helped arrange this fantastic opportunity.

Our ‘Mahurangi Young Navigators of the Pacific’ celebration was an evening full of energy, beautiful costumes, singing and dancing. Featuring Kiribati, Tongan, Samoan and combined group dances from our students, the celebration also included guest performances from Warkworth Primary and the Pukekohe High School Pacific group. Ending with a shared meal, it was wonderful way to connect with and celebrate all our ‘Young Navigators of the Pacific’.

Nick Humphrey’s from Underground Skate Orewa kindly offered his time to visit our Year 11 Technology students who have been busy making skateboards. As well as generously providing prizes to award students for their outstanding boards, Underground Skate also provided all the components for all 100 skateboards made by our Year 11 students this year. Congratulations to Faye Dobson for winning the award for Overall best work.

Forty of our Year 10 students braved cold and muddy conditions in Kumeu to participate in the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge. Students completed two laps of the 3km cross-country course, successfully navigating steeplechase hurdles, muddy ponds, equestrian barriers, tunnels, cargo nets and the muddy terrain. A big thank you to Mr McLagan and Mr Tennant for organising the trip for the keen students as part of their Year 10 “Rite Stuff ” programme.

A thank you also to Pub Charity Ltd for their grant to purchase a sensory chair to support our Special Learning Centre students. Our present funding project is fitting out our new weights room, with Blue Sky Community Trust kicking us off with a $1,000 donation. Meanwhile, we’re all looking forward to the busy term ahead - and hopefully with it some better weather

Academic Blue for Excellence

L1 & L2 NCEA

Prefect 2023

Peer Support School Production 2023

Cultural Blue 2022

Pictured with Sarah Jenkins Operations Standards Manager

Alex

Tony Giles, Principal

Golf fundraiser supports brigade

A golf tournament at Omaha Beach next month will raise money for both the club and the Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The 50/50 share event will be held on Friday, September 29.

Holes are being sold for $1000 each and the day will conclude with an evening auction and raffles.

The club is raising money for a resource consent to undertake further improvement on the course, particularly around drainage, while the fire brigade will put its share of the proceeds towards the purchase of a new first responder vehicle.

Fire chief Jeremy Gibbons says Matakana volunteers attend around 200-plus calls a year. About half are medical responses where the first response vehicle is dispatched first.

“The existing vehicle is still fit for purpose but we were thinking that it might take us two or three years to raise the funds to replace it,” Gibbons says. “A new 4WD SUV is in the range of $75,000.

“The emissions standards on a new vehicle will be better than our current 2011

Mangawhai golf invitation

Hyundai Santa Fe and the safety standards will be improved, as well as the reliability as the current vehicle ages.”

The brigade currently has 22 volunteers, with the addition of four new recruits in recent months.

Collectively, the team spend more than 4000 hours a year training.

“Our volunteers give up their time and leave their family and friends at all hours or the day and night to help the community in times of need.

“I would like to thank the community for the support they have shown the brigade over the last year and the employers of our volunteers – who are recognised on a board at the Matakana Gull petrol station – for allowing us the time off work to help.”

The golf tournament will be a nine hole Ambrose, with a team entry costing $500, which includes a buffet dinner.

Info: support@omahagolf.co.nz

If anyone wishes to donate outside of the golf fundraiser, they should contact Jeremy at jeremy.gibbons@fireandemergency.nz

Mangawhai Golf Club is hosting a 9-hole golf tournament that will be a mixed men’s and ladies event on Thursday, August 17. Following the success of the inaugural tournament last year, organisers are preparing for another sell-out event with a range of prizes and raffle tables. Barfoot and Thompson salesperson Craig Matheson is sponsoring the main prize table and will play on the day. Players of all are encouraged to enter online or at the golf shop. Entry fee is $20 and lunch is available. Book online at https://www.mangawhaigolf.co.nz/events

The golf day will raise funds for the Matakana brigade.

16 Storm recovery meeting, Puhoi Centennial Hall, 4.30pm (see story p8)

16 Daffodil Day bingo night, Warkworth Bowling Club, Mill Lane, 6pm (nibbles from 5.30pm). $25pp, raising money for The Cancer Society. Book a seat at the ANZ or phone Charlene on 021 831 488

18 Climate change and extreme weather: a New Zealand perspective, BeSoul Magnolia Room, 12 Gumfield Drive, Warkworth, 2-4pm. Speaker Dr Kevin E. Trenberth, co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with other members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). RSVP: Email ralphpcooney1@gmail.com (see story p31)

18 Community Night, the Warehouse building, Snells Beach, 4.30-8.30pm. Live music, climbing wall, skate park, bouncy castles, lawn games, food trucks, etc. Info: https://snellsbeach.co.nz (see story p14)

19 Seniors Expo, Wellsford Community Centre, 10am-2pm. One-stop shop for groups, services and facilities for older people. Entertainment, teas and giveaways.

20 Wellsford Warkworth Vintage Car Club Daffodil Day Rally for Cancer, 10.30am start from North Shore Aero Club, Dairy Flat, arriving in Matakana from around 11.30am. Vehicles on display at carpark next to Matakana School. Info: Leon Salt on 027 423 8122

21 Low Vision Support Group, Summerset Falls Village, Warkworth, 1.30pm. All welcome. Info: enquiries@mcdonaldadams.co.nz

26 Ākarana Piano Quartet, presented by Warkworth Music in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand, Warkworth Town Hall, 4-6pm (see story p26)

26 Children’s book launch, Mahurangi East Library, Snells Beach, 2pm. Eleanor Neil’s debut book, Shoe Trouble (see brief p27)

Hot Shots tennis fun day AceEm Tennis is bringing its 2023 Coastal Tour to Warkworth and is inviting Hot Shots tennis players to join in a fun afternoon of competition at Warkworth Tennis Club on Sunday, August 20. The aim of the tour is to introduce Hot Shots players to competition and match play on their journey of development, in a fun enjoyable way. So, if you are a tennis Hot Shots player, join in. Enter here: https://aceem.helloclub.com

Scholarship applications open Applications are now open for the Kaipara Flats Sports Club Young Person’s Scholarship. The scholarship was created by the committee to assist a young person in the pursuit of excellence in sports. Applicants must be between 15 and 25 years old and be a member of the sports club, have a family member who is a member, or live in the Kaipara Flats area. Scholarship money can be spent on travel, equipment or education to further their sporting endeavours. All applicants must apply on or before 5pm, Friday, August 25, 2023. Email kfscsportsscholarship@gmail.com for an application form.

Social tennis Interested in playing tennis? Social tennis runs at Matakana Tennis Club, on Matakana Valley Road, every Wednesday evening from 6pm onwards. All welcome.

Wellsford junior golf champs The Wellsford Golf Club Junior Club Championship will take place on Saturday, August 26, September 16 and September 23. The competition is open to all Wellsford Golf Club junior boys and girls. Nett competition is judged on the best two rounds. To register contact Martin on 021 0273 1704 or email wgcwellsford@xtra.co.nz

Active recreation survey In order to gain insights into the current landscape of facilitators and providers of active recreation in Auckland’s north, Harbour Sport is running an active recreation survey. Active recreation is non-competitive physical activity for the purpose of wellbeing and enjoyment. This includes activities like walking, swimming, cycling, equipment-based exercise, fishing, running and yoga which can occur independently or with the involvement of a ‘provider’ group or organisation. The survey will be used to help connect schools and communities to providers and facilitators of active recreation. Fill out the survey here: https://harboursport.co.nz/sports/active-recreation-survey/

1 Warkworth Women’s Event, the Bridgehouse, 5.30pm (see story p16)

2 Snells Beach Garden Circle Spring Flower Show, Mahurangi East Community Centre, 1-3.30pm. Free admission, plant stall, raffles, afternoon teas. Cash only. Enquiries and info: Barbara Carpenter on 027 294 1780

3 Father’s Day celebration, Sculptureum (see ad p19)

6 Warkworth Liaison Group meeting, downstairs meeting room at Warkworth RSA, Mill Lane, 7pm

7 Communicating with People with Dementia, Wellsford RSA, 11am. Talk by Paddy Sullivan from Age Concern Rodney

9 Free one-day diabetes (type 2) management course, Totara Park retirement Village (see story p17)

10 Heritage River Cruise, departs Warkworth Town Wharf, 1.30-2.30pm. Scenic river cruise aboard the Jane Gifford. Arrive 15 minutes early. Cash payments only. No need to book. In case of bad weather, check the Jane Gifford Facebook page for info. Info: www.janegifford.org.nz

13 Meet the Candidates election meeting, organised by One Mahurangi, Warkworth Town Hall, 6pm

15 Rotary Fashion Show, Warkworth Town Hall

15 Tea & Talk: Stories of the Mahurangi River, Warkworth Museum, 10-11am. A collection of Mahurangi River tales, inspired by photographs in the museum’s 2024 calendar. Entry $5, bookings essential. Info: Email warkworthmuseum@xtra. co.nz

16 Point Wells Village Literary Festival, Point Wells Hall, 9am-7pm. Author presentations (children’s in the morning, adults in the afternoon), book signings, live music, raffles, wine and cheese, etc. Day tickets $50, $25 for music and drinks, from www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/9636 (see story p27)

18 Low Vision Support Group, Summerset Falls Village, Warkworth, 1.30pm. All welcome. Info: enquiries@mcdonaldadams.co.nz

23 ABBA Heaven! tribute show, Wellsford Community Centre, 8-11pm. Wear disco glam from the 70s and 80s, prizes for best dressed. BYO snacks. Tickets $40 for adults, $20 for under 18s. Tickets from Woody’s Winners or www.eventfinda.co.nz (see story p28)

23 Oktoberfest, Sawmill Brewery (see ad p21)

29 Omaha Golf/Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade fundraiser (see story p 38)

30 Calathea Quartet, presented by Warkworth Music in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand, Warkworth Town Hall, 4-6pm

Mahu students earn their spurs from top coaches

Young football players at Mahurangi College were put through their paces by professional coaches from top flight UK team Tottenham Hotspur when they visited the Warkworth school on Thursday, August 3.

Spurs’ senior global football development coach Shannon Moloney, who played for Tottenham women’s side from 2013 to 2019, and programme coach and former player Tegan Burling, ran three intensive coaching sessions for students from all college teams.

Moloney also spoke to them about her journey to becoming a pro-footballer and the challenges she had faced, encouraging them with humour and passion to pursue their dreams, whether football-related or otherwise.

Mahurangi was one of just 12 schools and seven football clubs across New Zealand to win a visit from the pair, out of 300 that applied to host them on their 10-day national tour. The college was nominated by Alex Paul, whose two sons attend Mahurangi, and sports coordinator Adele Ball, who had to submit a letter to Tottenham sponsor AIA outlining why the sports department believed the school deserved the sessions.

Moloney and Burling are currently based in Hong Kong, where they travel to AIA’s 18 national markets throughout Australasia to motivate young players to pursue active lifestyles and habits, incorporating regular sport, exercise and nutrition. Moloney told the Mahurangi students that if they wanted to be a footballer, they should go for it, regardless of how unlikely it might seem.

“When I was at school, I said I wanted to be a footballer and my careers teacher said how about a hairdresser – she said it wasn’t possible,” she said.

“If any of you want to be professional footballers, guess what, you can do it. Anything’s possible – there are 16-yearolds playing in the women’s World Cup right now.”

But she warned it wouldn’t be easy, highlighting the importance of such things as determination, persistence, training, sacrifice and never giving up.

Ball said afterwards the students had loved meeting Moloney and Burling and gained a lot from the day. They were also each given a Tottenham gift-pack, including a shirt, shorts, socks, shin pads and bag.

“They were absolutely buzzing from the experience,” she said. “The knowledge that they received regarding Shannon’s experience as a professional player, alongside the skills and drills sessions, had them wanting to learn more.

“The kids believed they were amongst football royalty and had their new Tottenham shirts signed by both coaches.”

Shannon Moloney, left, with Mahu’s Adele Ball.

Tegan Burling kept the boys on their toes.

Shannon Moloney training with Mahu girls.